Remembering Ren

Exactly 1 year ago, my little Ren, who was 17 years old when he passed away on July 7th, 2010, still carries a place in my heart and will always. Abbie knew Ren 7 months and I wonder how much puppies remember? I know that's silly but for newcomers who didn't know him, just want to tell you he was a unique and special dog for our family.

For the past couple of years prior to his death, he was totally blind and partially deaf. He still knew our touch and love, and ate food with passion! He had many good caregivers and friends at the local vet office and they actually made a generous donation to the University of Georgia, School of Medicine in his honor.

I try to remember the good times and the fun laughter he brought to us.

he liked to nap in various ways.

even without vision and very little hearing by the end, he was always finding me, especially when the oven came home for dinner! ;)

And I loved him since he was 8 weeks old.

Ren was a special rose in my life. It's amazing how our furbabies give us unconditional love, such a rare find in life, otherwise.

'Tis better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all

~~Alfred Lord Tennyson

Feathers in the Nest publishes next volumes from Cutest Blog on the Block Books

I have to say that the idea to publish your blog/ your interests, pictures, memories, stitching progress, and all the things you write about is a brilliant one!  I started doing this about 2 years ago through The Cutest Blog on the Block website. I have a few gaps in time. The comments are left out as the default. My first book, I did publish everything but they do charge by the page, so eliminating comment pages just shows your post writings.

 The volumes to my writing are kept in my home office together on my desk. Yes, you can store it on the computer but I am keeping a written copy for personal use. If you have a family that cares about your life, it is a great way to keep memories alive to the next generation, or if not, donate to a charity or a home.

SO, with that being said, got another volume which covers Jan1-July1, 2011. You can choose what you want for the front and back. It's just so cool to add to your personal library.

Here are a few pics of this volume.

my own design of the Royal Wedding on the front.

The back has a picture of an antique sampler find I have hanging in our home. A very sweet stitching phrase.

a great way to remember your trips.

special samplers and designs

Stash shopping and stitching progress

And even Abbie sneaks in every now and again. ;)

dedication page which differs with each volume

Each one I publish is about 200 pages, so this was right on target. I need to go back and fill in some publishing gaps in time. This is the third volume I've published so far. Of course, this is for personal use only, no to sell. I took advantage of a 15% off sale they were having a couple of weeks ago.

The beginning has a directory page for the topics you write about

And of course the pages are glossy and thick. Very good quality.

You can option to order it in hardback form but I always got softcover.

You have several options for the color of your book. The two previous ones were in antique brown.

This one I chose blue because I knew I wanted to put this sampler on the front.

So, this morning, adding another volume to the office as I dust.

For more information on how you can turn your blog into a personal book click

HERE

A pic of Abigail this morning. She is just about to nod off for a nap. She is not happy that the laundry basket is empty in the closet. But I am! : P

Until later, make memories!

A Gingher scissor giveaway in honor of Caylee Anthony

After being drawn in the drama of the Casey Anthony trial for way too long now, my staycation is going to dedicate this pair of Ginghers in her memory. I've always loved "Ella" and this is the last pair, that is new and packaged for your opportunity to win and add to your collection. A leather sheath is accompaning this pair.

With the winner of this pair of Gingher's will be a designed sampler tucked in your package to stitch into a nice huswife, needlebook, or just for a pillowkeep sitting right besides your precious scissors.

You know the rules.......

1) must be a follower of this blog
2) international is welcome
3) one posting for one chance
4) a second posting for posting on your blog if you have one
5) and even a third chance for posting one blessing you can count in your life.

Simple.

Included will be my design for your new Ginghers. I will be stitching it soon for a model.

Good luck!!
All postings go here.

Such an emotional day, but something bright to add to your collection.

I love the Ella rotary as well.

The beginning starts now and ends in one month on Caylee's birthday, August 6th. at midnight.

Enjoy and good luck!!!

Jennifer

Happy Independence Day!

Just want to check in and say I hope that each and every one that reads this blog, is having a great 4th! ;)

This weekend has been full of fun, relaxation and meditation, TV watching on the Anthony trial, cozy time with hubbie, cooking for our holiday meal, and at opening day of Larry Crowne Friday night, excited to see the first showing local. I have looked forward to this movie for a long time. I love both Julia and Tom and when they are in a movie together...........wonderful! If you haven't seen it, it's a must-see. Julia is soooooo good in this movie.

We waited in line and with my free spirit, ready for popcorn and the movie! We went after a long day of work Friday night. Got pulled over by the cops for having my bright lights on too much after the movie......that was new one for me. Anyway, I guess I've resigned to driving at night unless it's an emergency as it's very hard to see at night for me.

Ann Hill progess. Right at the round border at the right.

Borders.

I always feel better when borders are done. ;)

Kind of like boundaries. We all have them. Hopefully.

I'm so enjoying my Gingher scissors with this piece.

As with alot of people in America, just waiting on the verdict from the Anthony trial.

We had an invite to watch fireworks tonight at a local Jewish camp for boys; however, it's thundering and pouring rain right now, so much as the electricity is going off and on.

Bodyguard and I cooked a DELISH meal for the two of us tonight.

Grilled filet mignon, marinaded in his famous, secret marinade,

Fresh potato salad I made with some red potatoes.

Fresh, shucked corn on the cob, boiled with butter and salt

cooked carrots

and

deviled eggs.

I've gotten alot more work done in the basement (an ever ending task) with donating piles, and to do piles

and plan on several things to do this week on my staycation.

Well, ready for the fireworks....whether through this lightening storm or the official ones in town.

Hope you had a great holiday. It's a great week for meditating on the positive.

And one of those positives is freedom, which is a true blessing but comes at a cost to so many families.

Happy Birthday, America.

My home, sweet, home.

Stay safe on this holiday,

Jennifer