family – Page 57 – Karla's Cottage

A Good bye

By Karla Nathan / January 12, 2011

Yesterday, my father-in-law died suddenly.

Today, family from all over the country is flying in. My husband has the best family, and we will have a wonderful gathering, all 7 of the kids, plus most of the spouses, together- talking, laughing, sharing memories.

The group is quite varied. About as many different religions as people. And as many different outlooks on life. But one thing they all have in common is a deep love for each other.

I'll be away from my blog for a few days, and won't be opening up the Bird Song event on May Day weekend for sale till after things get settled. Because I'll be busy enjoying the blessing of this close group of people coming from far away to be be together for this farewell.

Now, I'm off to freshen up beds and do some baking with Sugarwings to make our house welcoming before we start airport runs.

At the Gunkles/ 40% off in the Boutique/ and a May Day announcement

celebrations, family, Food and Drink, holiday decor, Sugarwings, Travel

By Karla Nathan / January 7, 2011

Any trip we make to Florida has to include a visit to the Gunkles. (Gay Uncles) They have a home filled with magical decor, vintage treasures, sweet puppies, and lots of love.

Plus great food and laughter!

The guys are such good cooks, we never take them out to dinner as a thanks for having us stay with them. Instead we get fresh seafood for them to fix for us. This time lobster! Last time we were there, we had lobster tail on the grill with some fish too. When Sugarwings saw it cooking, she asked what the fish was and Gunkle Kevin told her it was flounder. So, she looked at the lobster tail and asked if that was Ariel.

Gunkle Randy sets up elegant dining in the back garden. This year, they'd had a freeze and told us that it looked awful. To me, they were wrong, any time there is something blooming and some green left in January, its quite beautiful to me! Plus the layout and design of the yard is so interesting and full of little surprises stashed amidst the plants. Its always a treat to sit out in the gunkle's garden.

Even better when there is a big plate of fresh seafood in front of me.

He makes a mean mac and cheese too. With chopped peppers, onions, white wine and dijon.

This little guy didn't care for Sugarwings, but the other dogs cuddled up to her. Bella, the Bichon especially took a liking to her.

So much so, that the two girls decided to draw with markers on each other's heads. Well, at least that was Sugarwing's story. That Bella drew on her head too. They both did it to each other.

We'd brought WASHABLE markers that were supposed to be invisible unless used on the special Color Wonder paper that came with them, but the Crayola company needs to change the label to say that the colors will show up on dog fur too. And that they don't wash out. At least not all the way.

Just ask Yella Bella.

Ollie managed to avoid any of the marker play. He's not a puppy like Bella, he was interested but kept his distance while the two girls drew on each other.

One of the best things about the garden was the fruit trees.

Nothing tastes better than fresh orange juice and lemon-aide that you get to make yourself.

I ate way too much good stuff while staying there. After the holiday treats and the vacation food, I'm afraid to wash my jeans. You know, how you wear them a couple days and they stretch out to fit nice and comfy, but if you wash them, they shrink up and become way, way too tight? It might be a while before I can wash mine again, if I want them to zip.

Christmas goodies were everywhere we went on the trip. And decorations were still up all over. I was so glad that Randy and Kevin still had theirs up, they have such a flair with decorating, and their house is so festive.

Its extra special to get to be at a family member's home while it is all decked for the season.

Although, I am sick of my own holiday foof and ready to see it go, I loved being at my bro's home and seeing his.

When I got home from the trip, I walked into a house still overflowing with not only my Christmas decor, but the holiday mess from opening gifts and having lots of company. I didn't have a chance to clean before I left, and it was a shock to come home to such clutter after staying at Randy and Kevin's perfectly clean and decorated house.

(all of these photos are from their lovely home)

Not only was my house messy, it was dusty and just felt deserted. I vowed to never go out of town and leave a dirty house behind again. Its worth the extra effort to pick up and spiff a bit before leaving. The end of a vacation is sad enough without being depressed about coming back to an unwelcoming house.

And it hasn't helped that my furnace bit the dust while I was gone. The house was freezing cold too. There is a repairman here now, and I've got my fingers crossed that its a simple repair and that we'll have some heat soon.

Luckily, the studio has a separate furnace, so I'm staying out here till the main part of the house warms up. Its a good excuse to avoid cleaning it or taking down the Christmas decorations too. I'm not ready to face all of that yet.

So,I'm hanign out in the warm and toasty studio and I'm slowly but surely packing up all the purchases made during my BIG clearance sale. Thanks so much for shopping with me!

I'm going to extend the sale for a few more days. If you want anything for 40% off in the Boutique, please use this link to go there to shop.

There are big plans for redoing my Boutique and the less I have in it, the easier it will be to redo. I'll be making new labels and categories, so will be starting from scratch.

I'm also working on setting up the sale site for my "Bird Song" art gathering on May Day weekend. I've had lots of inquiries and promise to have the sign ups ready soon. Sadly, we've lost Dawn of the Feathered Nest, she had to drop out as a teacher.

But, the timing was good for asking my friend, Debbie Dusenberry to join in her place. Her fabulous store, Curious Sofa, is closing this weekend, and she will be branching out into different ventures (and you can still shop online with her). I'm so thrilled that she agreed to do a class at my workshop!!!!

Things are really hectic for her at the moment, so I told her not to worry about photos of her project yet, just a YES was all I needed from her. I have a feeling that anyone who signs up for the classes will agree with me. We'll all be happy to learn from her, no matter what she teaches!

Thanks for all of your interest. Its going to be the BEST, with Lisa and Carol as teachers too, I'm feeling pumped about the weekend!! Plus, Beth and Mary Green will be setting up vintage goodies for sale.

As soon as I get project ideas settled and menus priced, I'll open it up for enrollment.

Hiccups, glitches, and bumps in the road on the way

family, Sugarwings, Travel

By Karla Nathan / January 6, 2011

We're back! What a trip. Not everything went as planned, but all was good. Sometimes you just have to roll with it and let it all turn out which every topsy turvey way it will.

No matter how carefully you plan the details, life happens and changes develop. There is no use pouting or being sad. Instead we looked for the good parts and made the most of them.

On the first leg of our journey, our free hotel room disappeared and we had to stay elsewhere. We found a room nearby at a good price, and it was fine, just not the freebie, 4 bedroom guest house at the ritzy country club we thought we'd have. But the friends we met up with and the fun we had made up for any inconveniences along the way.

Then, in Hilton Head, where these shots were taken, our ocean view room disappeared too. We stayed at a great resort and were able to get a half price room, but we had a roof top view instead. Our plans of tucking the fairy in early and toasting the New Year while sitting on the patio,sipping wine, and watching the ocean didn't happen.

But Sugarwing's comment about the ugly view of hotel roof tops and parking lots as far as the eye could see- "Why would anyone do this to our world??" was so funny and heartfelt that it will be 1,000,000 times more memorable than any glimpse of the ocean that we could have had.

And the hotel was still on the beach. The weather was chilly, but that didn't stop Sugarwings from running headlong right to the waves as soon as she saw the water.

If we'd stayed in a room facing the water instead, I might have missed that awed look on her face as she walked over the hill toward the beach and saw the Atlantic waiting for her.

While the weather wasn't perfect, it was plenty good for a Kansan, and good enough for me to decide that there is no place better to be on New Years Day than a misty beach with my fairy grand baby!

I think this little sprite agreed with me.

We'd packed a portable DVD player and a stack of movies for her to watch during the driving parts of the trip, and it stopped working as soon as we turned it on. So, I pulled out my magic phone, looked up children's DVD players online, and then found the closest place was to buy one, and 15 minutes later, she was engrossed in the adventures of Pooh and Piglet, and we were only out $99.

Which, if you've ever travelled with a 4 year old drama princess, you will understand that is a small price to pay for her entertainment. And the sanity of the adults in the car.

Her only souvenir from Disney World was a balloon, she isn't a child who demands anything or needs to shop. When we took her to the Disney store in our Orlando hotel, she ran straight to the coloring books and crayons set out for kids to play with and was content to make pictures. No thought at all about the merchandise around her.

And one of her favorite things at Disney was chasing bubbles in the dark.

I think she has her priorities straight in life. So, I don't think it hurts to spoil her a bit by treating her to a new pink princess DVD player.

My husband's vacation got cut short and at our Baltimore layover on the flight back, he rented a car to drive to VA to work. I flew the rest of the way with Sugarwings on my own and was so happy to have that "princess computer" as she called it. Although she was perfectly happy pretending that the seat belt was a snake and my fingers were baby snakes, I am old, tired and was ready for a break. The DVD player was much more important to me than to her.

Disney, and all of the rest of the trip was fun, but it was the little things that were the best about the trip. Laughing with family, visiting friends, watching the joy in Sugarwing's face as she fed the seagulls from this restaurant in St. Augustine.

Yep, feeding pigeons and seagulls meant as much or more to her than any ride at Disney. Here is a couple seconds long clip of her laughing at the birds. See what I mean? Kids know that its not what you spend, its what you do that counts.

Happiest of holidays!

celebrations, fairies, family, Sugarwings

By Karla Nathan / January 3, 2011

What happens when two little cousins get matching ballerina dresses for Christmas?

Well, they are asked to pose for a picture, of course.

But soon, they just can't contain their happiness about the new outfits…

And the dancing begins!

PS- to shop at 40% off in my Boutique, you need to use this link:

http://www.karlascottage.com?code=happynewyear

A year in pictures part two

Books, celebrations, family, Sugarwings

By Karla Nathan / January 1, 2011

This is the book that I made for our Hippy Chick from all of my favorite 2010 images of her and Sugarwings.

Before I wrapped it up, Sugarwings wanted me to "read" it to her over and over. Of course, being the drama queen that she is, she loves any story that she is the star of.

And if she is a princess in the story, even better!

And combining princess crowns with fairy clothes, just about makes her giddy with happiness.

Still, I think what she liked about this book was that it was a story of her and her mommy and things they had fun doing this year.

Happy New Year! I wish for you a year filled with hugs from people that you love!

PS- to shop at 40% off in my Boutique, you need to use this link:

http://www.karlascottage.com?code=happynewyear

A year in pictures part one

Books, family, vintage paper/collage art

By Karla Nathan / December 31, 2010

A couple of days before Christmas, I decided to make up photo albums as gifts. My husband came down with a horrid bug and I didn't feel like leaving the house to go over to the studio, so I worked with what I had with me in the dining room from my trip out shopping that day.

I had a stack of pictures, and a bit of sparkly glitter paper, along with a few colored pens, some Stickels glitter, and a fresh bottle of glue. So, I went through the recycling and found boxes to tear up to use as pages, and put together the base of the book from those.

I had to make a quick run to the studio to grab a stack of ephemera from my desk, but didn't take the time to go through any piles or make any plans. I gave myself a "Make it Work" challenge and went with what I had handy.

Since the albums were for my kids, I knew they'd love the idea that the books were made from trash and old things. All are big on recycling and appreciate a green project.

The main part of the books was made with what I grabbed, but the next day when my husband started to feel better, I went out to the studio to embellish some of the pages and make the cover for the book.

The dyed velvet for the cover was an old skirt that got torn up to make a purse. I saved all the scraps and used them for many different projects this season.

Like this little stuffed bird.

The bird was glued to a page with the new baby on it, since the fabric was from one of her mom's favorite skirts.

The butterfly is hand drawn in metallic inks on the white envelope the photos came in from Walgreens. I made it into a pocket to hold extra pictures.

I've added blue trim from my Great Aunt Caroline's estate to that page too. I like to mix sentimental things in with the trash as much as I can.

Not all of the pages are the same size, I think that adds a bit of interest to the book.

I like to use trim or ruffles or lace that hang down from the edge of the page, and got lucky on this one when I realized how pretty it looked on this side as well as on the other. After that, I paid more attention and did this with the ruffles on other pages on purpose. I'm glad I didn't have the boys' photos on the back of the ruffley page, it wouldn't have worked out so well when it peeked out and showed on this side!

The pictures I used were some of my favorite family photos from 2010.

While I adore digital photos to pieces, I don't like only having them stored on the computer. Its nice to have a pretty book to flip through, so that everyone can enjoy the pictures, not just me.

This album was a gift to my son, Mr. Zen and his Beloved. Its filled with all 7 kids, and photos of the two of them together too.

Plus myself, my husband and RyGuy.

I made this album and one for our little Hippy Chick as gifts this year, and I think they all liked the presents. But in a way, it was a gift to myself too. I loved taking time from all the hustle and bustle of the holidays and just look at pictures of the people I loved.

PS- to shop at 40% off in my Boutique, you need to use this link:

http://www.karlascottage.com?code=happynewyear

We believe!

celebrations, Dorkies (Yorkshire Terrriers), family, holiday decor, Sugarwings, Travel

By Karla Nathan / December 29, 2010

Was Santa good to you too?

We had the best Christmas morning ever, even though it was a couple of days after Christmas….

Sugarwings and her mommy stayed all night after the big family dinner on Sunday, and Santa came to see us that night. Apparently, he came by my house on Christmas Eve, but Sugarwings was not here, so he came back another day.

Kids are happy with any story that you tell them, as long as it ends in them getting presents.

He brought her a new art table, and lots of supplies. Plus, the little girl who sang "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas" a few hundred times a day, got the game, Hungry Hungry Hippos.

I had it when I was a kid, and it is every bit as much fun now as it was then. We sat on the floor and played it for quite a while before even opening the other gifts. She was so sweet and cute with her presents. Just one would have been plenty for her. She was happy to sit and play with the first thing she opened and seemed surprised that there was more.

I think she was more fascinated by Santa's empty cookie plate than by the gifts themselves.

She also got a fairydoll that lights up with a pretty rainbow glow. It will be just perfect to play with on the airplane when we go to DISNEY WORLD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yep, that gift is for me. I get to take my Sugarwings to Disney. She is the perfect age to go, she is in her princess prime. She believes.

Her parents are very anti-commercialism, but love me and indulged my whim to take her there. They know that I love princesses and fairies as much as their little girl does.

We are staying at the park itself for two nights, and I can hardly wait. I've told Sugarwings that we are going, but she doesn't really get it. She does like the idea of taking an airplane trip with us. When I went to DC, she was heartbroken to be left behind. And being 4 years old, plus very dramatic, when she says her heart is broken, she MEANS it.

So, this time, we are cashing in the Southwest airline points and taking her along. One of the great things about SW Airlines is that you can fly into one city, rent a car, travel around and fly home from another city for no extra cost. So, we are hop scotching our way across the South.

We're going to Atlanta first to meet up with friends, then driving to Savanah for cupcakes on our way to stay at Hilton Head for a night. Then on to my baby brother and his husband's house in Jacksonville before our couple of nights in Orlando. Lots of driving time for a 4 year old, but she travels well with us.

Sugarwings is not a low key type kid, but when she gets one on one time, she is a joy to be around. Now, if I try to do something that doesn't involve her, things can get complicated.

We are meeting up with Jenn and her fairy Vivie. I'm hoping that our little Tasmanian Devil won't scare that sweet little Southern Belle away…. We are having lunch with them and with my pal Suzanne who lives in Atlanta too. And my husband has given up a round of golf to come along and help with Sugarwings so I can chat with my friends who I rarely see.

She is a wonderful, sweet, loving, caring child, but she can be a handful. There is just way too much personality to fit in that tiny little body of hers, so sometimes we have to do tag team child care with her. One person can't always manage alone in public. She has a way of going off into a land that only she can see and doesn't hear anything that is said to her.

Sugarwings and I are so close because I understand her and can find her when she goes off into her make believe world. But if I am distracted, she has trouble dealing with it. So, bringing my husband along will help.

A week is a long time to be away from my other babies, all the grand kids and the dorkies. I have a feeling I'll be homesick about half way through the trip. But then, we'll hit Disney World and that will get me over it!

Not only did I get a trip to Disney for Christmas, I also got this pretty pillow/wall hanging.

Beth made it for me. Look at the detail in the embroidery!

My oldest son gave me some candles, which is his standard gift. He keeps me supplied for every holiday and has it timed just right, so that I run out just as the next occasion arrives.

Mr. Zen, Sugarwing's Daddy, found me an old fashioned pop corn popper along with some organic coconut oil and local popcorn for it. I tried some of the corn he makes with his and have not had microwave popcorn once since then. YUM I was thrilled with his gift!

Yep, my family and friends know me well and spoiled me rotten. I know I say it a lot, but its true, I am very lucky!

My talented son, made wire wrapped charms for all the kids in the family, this one went to his brother RyGuy. There was a lot of hand made and heart felt gifting going on around here, the best kind of presents! I hope your Christmas was a jolly one too, with gifts from the heart and lots of family time.

Family time

celebrations, family, holiday decor, how to's

By Karla Nathan / December 28, 2010

Cute, huh? She is a serious one so far. She just watches and listens and takes all the commotion around her in with no fussing. On Christmas Day, she went with us to a movie (True Grit- REAL good!!) and dinner (sushi- really, really good!) and I don't think we heard a peep from her all day.

After so many parties this season, it was so pleasant to spend Christmas Day itself at the theater and out to eat while Sugarwings went with her Hippy Chick mommy to their family.Having a 'day off' to rest up got me ready to host the big dinner party on Sunday night. Both girls stayed all night with us after the party and had Santa visit lMonday morning, so we got to extend our celebrating even more.

Mayara's favorite Christmas present was a blanket that my grandma made for my son 31 years ago. It was a night of handmade goodness and thrift store finds. An excellent way to do gifts!

Christmas Eve was a quiet one around here. Just Sugarwings and her sister, Daddy, and his Beloved plus my husband and I. We had rainbow trout, fresh brussel sprouts, and garlic fingerling potatoes, and waited to open gifts when my oldest son, Ryan got off of work.

(by the way, the nickname for our littlest fairy didn't stick. No Star Brite for her. I found out that is Rainbow Brite's horse's name. Not that I am anti-pony, I love horses, but I'd rather not name my grand daughter after one)

Poor Ry Guy had to work till 9 or so on Christmas Eve, but we were happy to wait up for him for presents.

A couple of us had some last minute work to do to finish up gifts. I worked on things right up till dinner time, myself. I made so many last minute creations, that I didn't even have a chance to photograph any of them. I was whipping stuff up so fast, I was like all of Santa's elves bundled into one crazy, gluey, woman.

But I did manage to snap a picture of these headbands for the little girls. They are so easy to make! I simply took a plain, plastic headband, ran a bead of glue along each side, and wrapped cloth or ribbon around and around from one end to the other, pressing it into place.

Then, glued on a pretty. Each took a matter of moments. I'd say it took longer to pick out the pretty and ribbon than it did to actually finish the headbands.

I've got more Christmas photos to share in the next post. I hope Santa brought you all the joy and goodies you asked for from him!

Frazzled, but happy

celebrations, Dorkies (Yorkshire Terrriers), family, Food and Drink, holiday decor, Sugarwings

By Karla Nathan / December 26, 2010

Agnes Rosebud and I are almost worn to a frazzle by Christmas. But not quite yet, two parties left to go! We'll have to muster some cheer and hang on to that last frazzle of strength to get us through.

Looking at Sugarwings' happy little face is usually all it takes for me. Although a nap doesn't sound bad… I wouldn't mind curling up on the pillow with the pup.

Ever notice, that no matter how soft the surface is, whether it is a couch or a bed, or a chair- that a little dog will always climb up on a pillow or blanket that is lying there? Like the sofa itself isn't quite soft enough, they need a pillow too.

Tonight is our dinner for 21, which is a pitch in meal, so should be easy to make. I'm keeping it simple so I can relax and enjoy the company. I'm still making a few gifts in the studio, then need to re-fluff the space into a dining room. But I'll leave an area set aside for artwork, while dinner is cooking, we'll be making projects out there.

So far, its been the loveliest weekend, ever. Even if I am worn out by all of Sugarwing's excitment and energy. She has stayed all night with us a few nights this week, but tonight is the one when Santa is coming to our house. Her mommy is having a sleepover here too. We are making pancakes again in the morning, along with a salmon quiche after we see what Santa has brought.

Friday morning, we took our fairy grand baby to the restaurant that her Daddy cooks at part time while he is trying to build up his massage/energy work business. Since he had to work on Christmas Eve, we thought we'd come to see him and eat our breakfast there.

Sugarwings ordered a strawberry pancake and her father surprised her with a Santa face on it.

Its the happy little fun details that have made this Christmas so wonderful. Cuddling up to watch Rudolf, painting each other's noses red just like our favorite deer's nose, having a hot cocoa party every night before bed, drawing pictures with a pen shaped like Frosty. Nothing that costs much, but lots of happy Holiday things to do together.

The last few days, an elf has come in to our home and hidden her candy cane that she needs for stirring her hot chocolate. So, she has had to follow clues around the house to lead her to the treasure. After jumping up and down with glee a bit when finding the jackpot candy cane, we pull her table over in front of her pink lit Christmas tree, and have our party.

I hope your Christmas has been one to cherish too. Ours is full of good memories, and more to come. I'd better go color on my Rudolf nose and get busy before the guests arrive.

I've been reading my comments and emails on my magic phone, but haven't had a chance to answer any. Thanks for the Christmas wishes! And that I am wishing the Merriest of Christmas seasons right back at you!

Baby pictures!

family, holiday decor, parties

By Karla Nathan / December 22, 2010

Sunday was Girl's Night Out with the moms of my two grand fairies. We brought along this little sugarplum since she never leaves her momma's side.

There is something really nice about having daughters. Now, my sons are the best, and I love them to pieces. And Sugarwing's daddy is the most sensitive, caring man you'll ever meet. He is a good listener and a wonderful person to talk to. I'm always surprised at the wisdom that comes out of his mouth, but crazy boy grew up to be a thoughful man, with an amazing outlook on life.

We'll always have a special relationship and he and I best friends as well as mom and son.

But, I was raised with two sisters and we were always close with our mom. So, I'm used to girl time and missed it, raising two boys.

I am now doubly blessed that I have my boys as well as these girls! Also that my sassy Hippy Chick and my sweet Gypsy Beloved are friends and we can have a laughter filled evening out on the town as a group. We enjoyed it so much, we will make it a tradition and hit the town together again for Mother's Day.

We are all going to be together for Christmas Dinner along with Beth and her family, and my brother-in-law's family (with little Pixie Pie) here in the studio the day after Christmas.

We'll have 21 here for the day, so my table scape will get another workout! I'll be adjusting and squeezing in some tables to make us all fit, but basically, the center pieces will stay the same. They have sure gotten plenty of use this year!

I'm also hoping we can do a craft project while waiting for the meal to begin. Everyone is bringing a side dish, and a friend just sent us a Honey Baked Ham (we call those Pork Candy) so we'll be having an easy meal. And we will pretend that there is no such thing as cholesterol.

There should be time to play too! I bought paper clay and hope to make up some snow balls ahead of time, so we can transform them into snowmen ornaments.

Some of our guests for last Saturday's dinner party brought their pup, from Twinkle's previous litter. Funny to see her next to Agnes Rosebud, who is about a 1/3 her size! They hit it off, though and had a great time together.

(my husband said they look like Danny Devito and Arnold from the movie Twins)

They would have had even more fun, if BUTTON had come…. Beth seemed to think that I don't want dogs at my dinner parties. Like she has never been here before??? We teased her about it all night. I guess she thought it was going to be fancy and dogs weren't allowed. She knows better now and is bringing him for our Christmas dinner this weekend.

Aggie Rose can stop looking so sad when her best friend gets here to play.

Beth brought me this embellished burlap bag filled with Shiny Brite ornament box tags. She has a pdf on her blog for you to print some for yourself too. I've already tied a couple to gifts, they really add a nice touch!

Of course, I still dont' have all my shopping done, so there has not been much to wrap yet… hope you are all done and enjoying this last week festivities before the big day comes!