Snow for my buddy Bruce!!!!

Hey Bruce, keep scrolling, theres some snow somewhere round this joint!

I wanted to post this picture for proof that real men bake!!!

I wanted to show you a primitive friend that I had the pleasure of surprizing my friend Jody with in California. Shed been needing a smile and a warm fuzzy and so did I...aint nuttin more warming than pulling a fast one on someone ya love dearly.

She special ordered a large doll for a Christmas present & upon delivery, Jody went bonkers over her, and promised as soon as Christmas was over, shed be ordering one for herself....she was funny, she took the doll to work, a meeting, and told me how difficult it was going to be mailing her off to her new home...So I went to work at the elf station and birthed this "Scaredy Kat FolkHeart"original. This photo wasnt taken on completion so the wings, halo and some embellishments like a red stuffed stitched heart with one of Jodys favorite inspirational quotes were added as well. Oh did she love it, she called squealing with delight.

What a great reminder about how much fun it is having dear friends to love. Jodys so easy to love, she spoils me something wicked! She is one of my BFF&E! Yup got one at the ripe ole age of... um.....well nones yer business!

This wonderful woodburnt very large sign was made special by Ronnie for the cafeteria at the school I work at. The Tiger is their school mascot, so tomorrow when I bring it in, they are gonna love it! He woodburnt the entire piece & used slightly greased pencils for color. Then he stained it a light walnut and protected it with a satin sealer.

If you look closely at these snowy trees, or click on the picture, you can see some of the HUGE crows sitting in the branches waiting to dive bomb the bread, seeds and nuts Ronnie provides them with each morning. Im not kidding, these guys are like the size of flying monkeys in OZ...and theyre BOLD! CAW CAW......BREAKFAST FOR 18 CAW CAW!!!!! I freaked Ronnie out cuz I asked him to listen closely, it actually sound like their calling him. RAWN, RAWN....LOL

Then this large and looong driveway we shovel, well, maybe not "we" but rather "he" shovels!

And theres the lunatic shoveling a path for our resident squirrels...

Hey Bruce and Blogging Buddies......

Well my friend from Texas asked me to PLEASE post him a piture of the recent snow we had, but in our "special forum" I cant post cuz my pics are too big & I havent yet learned how to minimize them...jeesh, diets, diets everywhere! SO here ya go Bruce!!!! and this stuff is ccccccold! I was warm and toasty but made sure I came out to yuk it up for the camera for my Texas snow deprived friend.

Im asking for my prayer warriors to keep me in prayers for the next couple of weeks, Im starting work tomorrow after some intensive training, and theres much paperwork, important responsibilities, working with large cash deposits, inspections, and Im also studying for the big state test Im taking on January 19th. All while prepping, cooking, serving, and training someone new for my cafeteria partner... While I try to retain everything I learned in my recent training. I am learning how to remain grateful, maintain peace, and keeping my eyes on the prize.

I am not facing anything i havent prayed for...but Im learning how when overwhelmed or lacking confidence for serious responsibilites (in a short period of time) that blessings can feel like burdens.

I know I cannot possibly do any of this alone. So I thank you in advance for those of you who have been in my corner.

Also, I would be honored if anyone needs prayers to please leave a comment. We all know the power in prayers.

Im keeping my friend Thomas in my prayers as he prepars to say goodbye to his precious Mom soon.

Ive got to get back to studying and preparring a wonderful Sunday dinner. Please know how special I feel since my blogging absence, that folks have been getting the word out that Im back as promised....Winter Hugs, Toodles, (((((Kat)))))))

2009 I CLAIM TO BE MINE!!!!

I found this old window pane on the side of the road 2 years ago....and only last week, cleaned it up, treated it, made a winter primitive wreath for it and I LOVE iT!

I painted the pillow. Thank You (Terrye French) for the great pattern.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!

I AM BACK!!!!

Did I not promise Id be back with a vengence????

That said...I want to thank so many of you who have kept me, and my family in your daily prayers.

I believe those positive thoughts and the power of prayers and friendship, are why Im here.....with blessings GALORE!

Im not even sure where to begin.

So Ill share that weve worked with the mortgage company that now owns the title to our home we rent, and have all agreed that this would be our home for at least another year.

Thank you Jesus.

Not having to live in a motel, try to find loving homes for our babies with fur, keeping our things in expensive storage, and although not my responsibility worry about the newlyweds, they can stay as well.!!!!

Weve been given a new oppertunity to make some serious financial changes. The hubs is still working for the same company, but now has a second part time job which has helped us tremendously.

Im not working as a substitute lunch lady but have recieved a huge promotion and am in a supervisors position which of course is better pay, bennies, etc...then the food service company, ( I shared with you my high risk kids I love) applied for and recieved a grant to begin a new program that I will be the first to be hired. IF I pass a huge Conn. State Board Food Service Ceritification test on this Jan.19th!!!

But after I work my new supervisors job with my favorite kids.

Ive been studying, cramming , obsessing and praying,about having to pass this bugger with at least or better than a 95%grade!

NO PRESSURE there!

I will be the companies ""In House" health inspector. Which ultimately provides me the education and tools to inspect the 30 schools in our town, & make sure they are up to standard and pass when the State Health Dept, inspects randomly!

So far all this studying has done is FREAK me out to not ever want to cook or use another dish towel in my own kitchen for the remaining time I have on this earth!

I am now aware of every pathogen, bacteria, virus, and yes, parasite.... just lurking around each nook and cranny just awaiting patiently for me to let my guard down, cross contaminate something, and infect our entire family with watery diarreah, fever, tingling, burning, retching and lets not forget coughing up worms...mmmmm ready for lunch anyone??????

However... not "if" but "when" I pass this test, I will be given a significant income increase in addition to my recent promotion and contract signing.

God is so good.

I am so freaked out and constantly battle the pressure and old tapes trying to make me think my way right out of this fabulous life change and blessings of abundance.

The newlyweds have moved to the upstairs finished 2 room attic-loft and painted it "Brothel Red" with white trim and black and white textiles, and bedding...actually quite cute...I "did" say paint it whatever youd like and they are paying regular weekly rent...

Then on Saturday, my adoreable 23 year old nephew has moved in to get back on his feet after moving out here a few months ago from my sisters home in Florida.

How could I ever say no to "family" when weve allowed people detoxing from a variety of alcohol and drugs in the past...Remeber my Matt??? still growing in his new life and career as a Court house Sherriff! ( as I am still puffed up with pride) I just melt each time Devon calls me "Auntie Kat" its the first time Ive ever been a real aunt.

Now I DO MISS sewing, painting, and creating. I have sold many pieces and made out well for the Holidays as I took and completed several private and custom orders for Christmas Presents...These teachers and staff in food service just LOVE spending....

Since we found out we could live here permanently for another year at least, we spent the last 3 weeks, scrubbing, washing nicotene off of all walls, scouring, carpet steaming, organizing, uncluttering, embracing everything I had in storage but are now back in our home...all of my "chatchkies" back in their places, all of my primitive dolls, crows, antiques, quilts, and baskets are all back up making me feel as warm and basking in the reality that there really is no place like home. What a cleansing and healing experience for all of us. its been 2 years since weve felt safe, secure and home.

I am coming back to "blog land" I have missed posting, being an active part in, and I so apologize, but losing my Mom rocked my world with all we had going on in addition to trying to get through the Holidays while still so deep in grief.

My life is back better than I could ever imagine in my wildest dreams. My sobriety was and continues to be strong and in tact. My love for the women in my life still amazes me. I will be back to creating, a wee bit of new designs, and beginning a new life after being in the dark for so long.

Thank you for the emails, posts, and never giving up on me. I sure would appreciate any and all continued support in letting this community that enveloped me and encouraged me as I share my love for creating. "Katerpillars No More" is back in service and looking forward in giving and recieving even more fiercly than before.

I thought Id post my "PUGSHOT" is this little 5 week old Pug too cute? There was a lot of face licking going on, but he was sleeping the entire time!!!!! I couldnt help myself, I wanted to "eat him"

So leaving you Beloveds....keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers and thank you so very much for praying for me. There is much to be thankful for.

Too Whom much is Given, Much is Expected"

I have my work cut out for me.

blessings of peace, joy, creative energy, and abundance. and prayers that we seek His Sweet Face in all we do.

MISSING EVERYONE!!!!

Hi Everyone,
I am so very sorry I havent made an entry in so long....I have been so busy, not to mention still reeling, dealing and healing from losing Mom. This has shaken me and altered who I am.
I have so many blessings and miracles that have happened to me...I thank each of you who have prayed me thru this.
I am working at a job I ADORE! STINKIN ADORE!
I work for a school for troubled and high risk kids from kindergarten-high school seniors. They are what society considers hopeless. NONESENCE!!!!! I was considered hopeless not all that long ago...the devil is a liar... I was also considered an underdog, my odds werent high...I was labeled loser, dope fiend, junkie, thief, and then there were some real hateful names too! LOL but as Dr. Schuller (The Hour of Power) says...we all have the potential to turn our scars into stars! and thats exactly what God helped me to do.
I do love me my underdogs.... I cant keep what I have without giving it away!

Im being used by God and the system as a Lead/Supervisor in this facilities cafeteria...and although they can only enter 3 students at a time, and can only enter with an anger manager, behavioral security manager, I feed em...not just with food, but with hope, love, laughter, giggles and some even like me. They are so lost, some are so hard, some are so mean...but they all have in common... they are hurting and I know when I was hurting...hurt people hurt people.
Come on.....Im the coolest lunch lady they ever had! I was hired by God. The National security check, supervised drug screen, hair test, and6 hour food service certification test I took and passed!!!!! freaked me out and I almost ran from the fear, 3 interviews later, and a set of fingerprints...I was in!
Pay raise and one year contract! I have sweet hours and qualify to collect during school vacas after 5 days of being out.
Im still designing and creating and have been blessed to have several orders from all the great folks I met in the school system when I was being contracted out as a sub.
Im making dolls and creating work now for that wonderful prim shoppe I told ya all about. Im sooooo out of my comfort zone, but thats because of the support here, in my personal ftf meetings and one other source of online support that is mindblowing.
Im filled with Christmas spirit as never before. I am still trying to sort out the financial mess that we found ourselves in a few months ago...Christmas is going to be poor as it should be, but rich in spirit.

Now i am so sad to share that I can no longer post pics...I still have this huge virus from spyware/adware. so Im unable to download pics from my camera...I will try and pop in to pray, and let you know that I am still very involved and excited with all my fav blogs but for instance this virus allows me on every blog but Peanuts from CountryFolk Keepsake...KILL ME NOW!!!!! I can get to her website but not her blog...I have to go to the library to see her awesome blog..thank God for email. I love ya girl.

I am going to bring this sick putter somewhere when i have the cash to wipe it out and bring it back to factory mode. I have been able to download my pics and patterns to cd before she got really sick.
Please know Ill be back. I will continue reading your blogs, loving each of you and missing you wildly....
So I wish from that deep place in my heart where God resides that each of you celebrates this season with Jesus' birth, love and gifts right in the center of your hearts, lives and spirits. Prayers of health, peace and abundance. May you each live your lives with a spirit of expectancy and hope. As my dear friend Jennifer from Butt Uglee Prims says....PEACE OUT!!!!!!!!

Pumpkin, peaches, apple piiiiieeee....

BBBBRRRR.....This lil "Walnut Head" Primitive snowman is one of several in the workshop Im having a blast making. I think he came in for a piece of pie and to listen to some of my Christmas tunes Ive got crooning to me while I paint, sew...ohhh and (fake)bake! Ill introduce you to his brothers & sisters as they each come to life. They are adoreable placed around in a variety of special places in my home, peeking out here, & or there. Ive got a couple sitting on my all year around prim tree. Too cute.
Theyre each only 10 inches tall & all wear flannel, fleece, or wool sweaters with handsewn mittens, and smell so spicy good. These are also good sellers at craft fairs, great Secret Santa gifts & fit right in on any Holiday tree. These little snowmen are only $14.00 each before S&H.

I know..... I know....I changed the words of the song to introduce my apple pies....

Pumpkins, peaches, apple piiieeee.....can ya hear me hummin????

Can you smell the delicious aroma in my kitchen? mmmmmm.

These faux pot pourrie apple pies are always great sellers, especially during this time of year. Great gift idea to delight the lucky hostess with if your going to someones house for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.

They are an excellent addition to your country kitchen, primitive pie safe, sitting on your stove top, or resting on the dining room table. They sell so well because in addition to being so "primitive alluring", they are practical. Ive made them especially safe to put in a preheated warm or 200' (only) oven on those evenings when youve made a delicious but perhaps ( lingering evidence of a delicious but "stinky" fish, cabbage, or garlic, recipie) after baking in this very low temp oven for about 15 minutes (no more) you remove, & your entire kitchen smells of cinnamon & apples. Only minor disappointment when there isnt actually a warm apple pie to delve into.

They measure 9 inches by 9inches & sit about 4 1/2 inches tall. They are quite heavy since they are made in a clay bottom planter that I utilize as a pie dish.

They can be refreshed by adding a couple of drops of cinnamon or applespice oil directly in the center of the tulle, & pot pourrie, under the felt woven crust, you can purchase in some grocery stores and in all craft stores. I refresh mine about every 3d time I use it. These awesome pies are only $18.00 each before S&H. If anyones' interested in purchasing these... or any of my work, please feel free to email me at;

scaredykat449@yahoo.com

Well Ive got the day off since its such a pride filled day to remember.

Thank you all Veterans, past, present and future.

Thank you my son.

Well, Im off to see the wizard...no Im not!!!! Im off my rocker!!!! but yall knew that already so no complaints now!, but now its time to do what I love best.......can ya see the smoke from the east?

yup, its me & my sewing machine........ SA-MOKIN!!!!!

Thank you Lord, for all Ive been through, am going through & will continue to go through, and THATS where my appreciation for what I do, who I am, who I know, (all of you & my other s/heroes) and of course....Whos I am.

Thank you for all of your prayers, please keep em coming. I keep each of you tucked safely and closely right here....oooopppps sorry, ya cant see me but Im pointin to my heart.

EMBRACE YOUR GRACE...(Holly Hunter, & Kat)

IN THE ZONE....AGAIN

What do you think of my newest creations??? "Annettes Angel" is a special order for one of the wonderful teachers I met while working at one of the schools. She saw something I had made & delivered & asked me to come up with something for her Gramma "Annette" who needed a reminder that angles are with her after having some serious Heart surgeries. I hand stitched each of her 11 Grandchildren on the lil heart shes holding because as Ms. Liz shared with me, her grankids ARE her heart! well Im thrilled that Ms. Liz adored her outcome and blessed me with weepy hugs...right in the middle of her art class. Soo funny, the kids were looking at me wondering who the heck I was...without my attractive(heavy sarcasm) hairnet, clippies, sweaty face& apron...they didnt know it was me...Miss Kat!!!!

Then I made and sold this new design of mine with zebra stripped scarf and matching mittens...well I left it in the cafe to show one of the many teachers always asking me to bring my work in...and who bought this snowman??? Mr. Norman (his first name) the elderly man who works in the cafeteria with me, who BTW I was replacing while he was out with corrective retna surgery. He touched my heart, he wanted to surprize his wife with this adoreable snowman, so they can pass him down when the time comes...how sweet is that????

Well last night Ronnie and I had the nicest time at the Holiday Open House where I shared last week,that we were invited to. I was in a zone...every one of my senses were tweaked and I was in a wonderland of Primitive Heaven. This woman decorated her lovely shoppe with every imaginable and un-imaginable sweet delight. The ambeince was mind blowing. Little white faerie lights twinkling everywhere, soft muted candles teasing our senses with pine, vanilla, cinnamon, a variety of 5 seperate rooms, handmade prim furniture from a gentleman "Christopher" who gave up a multi million dollar corporate job somewhere so he can follow his passion of woodworking... and work he did... Then I saw snowmen, santas, crows, saltboxes, star, garland, candles, flax, soaps, OMgoodness, my eyes hurt from looking at so much.

What I did notice was a few types of Primitives that "I" offer that she didnt have...sooo maybe shed be interested in a few of those pieces of mine. I know my painted welcome slates are good sellers, and a variety of other delights that I am already busy designing this morning.

Well 12 years ago, Ronnie and I stood in front of about 65 of our closest family and friends and exchanged marriage vows! Yikes, after this year with such loss in our life... lessons of patience, sacrifice, unexpected financial ruin, and much acceptance, I have learned while trudging down this marital pike that "MARRIAGE AINT FOR WIMPS!!!!"

I also only know for sure, I would have NEVER gotten thru any of it without the girlfriends, and a few brothers in sobriety and Christ who have prayed without ceasing for us. I thank each of you. It feels so wonderful to feel excited about anything after battling potential depression, or giving up and losing my sobriety...but not once did that ever become an option. And only because I had my prayer soldiers doing what they do best which was praying, encouraging, emailing me, sending me cards, e-cards and special love that I will never ever forget.

I didnt know how to thank any of you, so I promised to come back with vengence...I knew I was on my way when I began to feel joy again. Still not yet out of the woods, but blessings, miracles and hope restored for sure.

Thank you Jesus!

I will continue my journey today, sewing, painting, creating and probably a run to the local drugstore and pick up an anniversery card for the wonderful man I married. Pain in the a$$ but wonderful. He asked me this morning "How much time "did" the judge give us?" OH HE GAVE US LIFE, COWBOY!!!!

Prayer Requests and Praises.....

My personal prayer requests today are for my friends MJ and Ruby, I ask for healing and peace that blows your minds. I will never give up praying for you my friends.

I ask that you bless my dear friend Thomas and His precious Mom for healing, peace, and solutions, that will relieve them of any and all worry, that their panic be turned into wonder and light.

I ask that you continue to restore me with physical healing, spiritual courage and streingth so I may better carry the message of miracles and live lives where we all dwell in possibility.

I pray for my "goober" My unborn Grandchild....I pray for the saftey of my son while he serves and protects the state of NJ, I pray that our family is restored to healing and forgiveness so we may all be a part of Goobers life. I pray that like my precious Mom, that I also be a better Gramma than I was a Mom...I praise Jesus for second chances. Thirds, forths, and...........

I thank Jesus for each and every friend Ive met in my personal life as well as online....These people have just lifted me up and loved me as I was a close family member. I couldnt possibly name them all. Yall know who you are.

I ask that you please continue blessing my sister "Ginny" I am so blessed to have been placed in her life after so many years never knowing we were sisters. Praise you Jesus!

Please feel free to leave any prayer requests, praises, or comments, I appreciate them all.

Love, peace, abundance prayed for you all.

Happy Belated Halloween

Look at these precious smiles!

It wasnt easy keeping this candy in tact and away from Ronnie but he was on notice...

we had quite a few visitors and I was so proud of them, being in a lower income area, sometimes the kids tend to be a bit wild but each & every trick or treater was grateful, festive, and extra polite.

I was so impressed with some of the Moms and Dads, working all day, coming home to cook a quickie dinner that no one was interested in eating, since they were focused and jazzed to put on their costumes and the door closing behind them...Gosh it brought back so many fond memories. But still the Moms and Dads were patiently and politely embracing the kids "Big Night Out".

I posted this witches hat that I am waiting to mail out to a customer, Im having difficulty finding a tall enough box for it. I finally found one but then the Post Office was closed, so its on my list of things to do in the morning.

As is making a promise to remain in the house sewing, painting, attatching body parts and making carrots for plenty of snowmen in the birthing process. I have thee best news. I met a woman who owns thee most delightful and facinating primitive shoppe a couple of towns away, and after chatting, well she was chatting, I was drooling...I left feeling nervous for agreeing to show her a few of my pieces, shes very interested. Then Saturday I got an invite to her huge Candlelit open house this Friday night. I am J-A-Z-Z-E-D.

She again invited me to come, make a date with her to introduce her to some of my work...eeeeekkk! Some of her extreme prim dolls sell for more than $100.00 each. Im not sure what to wear, & Id like to bring my camera to see if shes allow pics. Id also like to bring some pastries, maybe a ride into the Italian section of the big City of Hartford for some cannolis at any of their local bakeries...Im just so excited that she was so interested in seeing my work. She doesnt sell on a consignment basis either, she purchases outright. YIKES!!!!

Halloween is over but still " I do believe in spooks, I do... I do... I do...ohhh the bless-ed pressure!

I promise to come back & tell you all about it, Ill probably post a couple of pics of the dolls I select and make between now and then. Ill be extra busy since the schools are closed tomorrow for an in- service day & again on Tuesday for Election Day..I will however take a privilidged break to vote though..I hope you will too.

Seasons of Change

AYEEEEE Matey!!! is that Captain Morgan??????NO its Captain Opie! and what an unhappy pirate he is!!!!

Jordan and Noelia knew Ronnie & I were about a hair from losing our minds and after losing my Mom, and the downward spiral from a recent spiritual attack, still battling financial ruin, they thought we both hadnt smiled in a long time and blessed us.... and what a cure.....Im so sorry our belly laughter was at Opies expense...but wow did it feel good to feel something other than the morbid pain, panic, and fear, weve both been feeling. Thank you Opie, I promised that he only has to wear this outfit one more time this year for the young trick or treaters, and then well put it away in the closet, but promised Opie it would indeed be thrown off the plank...for good. Those dreadlocks just tickle me.

I want to thank everyone who has sent me e-cards, emails and made phone calls to me during this devestating time. Thank you especially for praying for us. Our sobriety is in tact, It is clearly a gift from God, Going through what were going through and not drinking or using, or being fooled, or tempted into believing we deserve to take the edge off would have only been another lie and form of betrayal from the dark side. Not an option. The evil one comes only to kill, mame, and destroy, and like Job in the bible, we worship, glorify and love only our precious Prince of Peace, Lord of all Lords and our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Period.

I havent been able to blog, journal, or communicate, since I was infected with a virus in my hard drive, and thousands of infections from spyware and adware. I was blessed with several friends who came over for several hours to try and wipe out and bring back my computer to the factory settings, but last night one of my sons best friends from childhood, thank you Adam...(so glad I never tried to collect child support from your Mom after threatening to, after you practically lived with us growing up) came over for a second time last night after putting in his own 10 hour work day AND having several kids at home including Alex a brand newborn coliky baby at home...thank you fiance "Jen" for loaning him to us.

So I come to you, recovery in tact, worn out, exhausted, overwhelmed but missing each of you, learning exactly how much I counted on you all for my love, encouragement and support. Im still not sure how Im going to get through this devestating financial crisis, but I do know Ive got all of you praying me through this difficult time. I know God is working out right now a solution for my highest good, I know that I must practice faith by taking first steps even when Im unable to see a staircase in front of me....

I have been busy working as a sub (lunch lady) for our town school system and put in yesterday for a full time permanent position that was posted for only 2 hours before I had my letter of interest and request for consideration on my bosses desk...I would appreciate prayers for this position if this is Gods will.

Ive also been busy creating and trying to sell my work at a couple of country primitive shoppes, and have been commisioned to do a couple of private custom orders. Id like to share a few pics of my recent work...I hope you enjoy them, I thank you all for never giving up on me. Some of you believed in me when I sure didnt believe in myself.

Im still in crisis and havent had much of a chance to begin to grieve losing my Mom with some other personal family chaos and drama that Ive gone through but I feel so close to Mom when I sew on her sewing machine that she left me. Id like to share some of my work. I hope you feel a smile when you see some of my designs....I ask and continue to thank you in advance for your prayers at this time. Hugs to each and every one of you. Tina,& Peanut, Ive missed you, and Cookie so much. I hope I didnt scare Cookie away with my crying and expressed childlike fear the last time we spoke...Big hugs, Kat