Vintage Portfolio

Posting Pictures

Testing Windows Live Writer

I just found out about a new way to manage and post on your blog! So I am testing it out on this blog to see if it works. It is called Windows Live Writer.

A New Life Chapter

I have a "Big Girl" job-I am a Registered Nurse and have worked at a local hospital for the last 25 years of my life.  Since July 2006, my Mother and two older brothers have had several health problems that have brought considerable change to my life not to mention theirs. My Nursing focus has been directed toward them as I help coordinate their care. One of my brothers had polio as a child and is now suffering post-polio syndrome from the gradual wear down of his body. He has been in the hospital for the last 12 weeks mainly because of respiratory problems. I am planning for his eventual discharge back home. He is not married and will not be able to live alone because of ventilatory equipment that helps him breath. Today, I contacted a private duty home health agency to arrange nursing care. Very expensive to say the least and no coverage for private duty care from his insurance. Because of the considerable expense to my brother, I have decided to resign from my Nursing position and help care for him at his home. I plan on working during the day about 3-4 times per week and having the private duty Nurses stay with him on the nights and weekends. As I was discussing this with my brother it occured to me that I did not become a Nurse for all the thousands of patients I have met and cared for over the years but to help my family. I think God has a plan for me and this is the best path. I have worked in the same Nursing position for 25+ years ever since I graduated from Nursing School and it has been a big part of my life. I don't think it defines my life but Nursing has taught me some wonderful skills that I plan using in my new life chapter.

Fresh New Year

Starting a fresh year is always exciting for me. Buying a new calendar and filling in future goals and events in my life is like a breath of crisp air that fills me with promise. I also look back at the previous year and reflect on everything that happened in my life. 2006 was especially hard, good and bad things happened to me-the death of my brother-in-law, placing my Mom in a Nursing Home and the ongoing illness that has plagued both of my older brothers filled most of last year. But, I had great things that took place that were wonderful~my two sons heading off to College, my daughter starting a new job and using her College degree and getting my business off of the ground. Listing my hopes and dreams on a new calendar is great therapy for me and so much more easier then taking anti-depressants!

Here are some things that I just love!

 

Snow Boy

When I came across this old photo, I knew I had to share my " Snow Boy" I love vintage photo's and paper so I will add this to a future project, but for now I hope you enjoy him as I do.

~Ok, I Will~

Ok, I will promise to update my blog! It has been too long I know, but the last few months have been very difficult with family health issues. It seems everyone around me is sick and at times very sick. I have been on a emotional rollercoaster ride that I wish would just slow down and let me get off. I know God only puts on your plate what he thinks you can handle, but I really am closer to the buffet line at this point. It seems the only thing that brings me comfort is creating and crafting. Working at the shop has also helped me I am able to sell my projects! I only wish I could create more, but like updating my blog I will try to do both!

Chocolate

Oh my, just how wonderful is this time of the year? I really consider myself a visual person and am drawn to the rich colors that the Fall season offers. I simply adore any shade of Chocolate~calling it "brown" does not seem fitting to a color with such glorious flavor! I even tried to do the "shabby chic" look with the pastels and whites but I always gravitate back to my amber palette. Is it because I was born in October? Maybe, but for me fabrics and textures with a sepia undertone make my heart leap. Speaking of beautiful eye candy, have you checked out the latest sister business from Renovation Hardware? Brocade Home I finally have found a business that truly is "my style." Simple, beautiful with a romantic touch.

**Embellish Your Life**

Vintage Portfolio is my little collection of random thoughts and ideas that bring happiness to my life.  There are certain things I love to do and be around that just gives me joy.  For as long as I can remember I have always created and crafted things.  I never was one to follow a certain "pattern" it was more fun to create my own style.  Anything I could do with my hands was good enough for me to try as long as it curbed my visual creative thirst.  Painting, sewing, decoupaging, mosaic, flower arranging, rubber stamping and digital scrapbooking are just a few of my favorite pastimes. I especially am drawn to anything with a vintage feel that I can restyle. Currently, I am working on and old shabby, peely painted white dresser.  I am going to mosaic the top and sides with some cool old china plates.

Embellishing my life with things I love to do is such bliss and wonderful therapy. I hope to post some of my creative projects in the future.