Tuesday, September 2, 2008

I want to thank everyone who reads our blog and takes time to comment. Each one means so much to us and we feel like you are all such wonderful friends. We had Jordan, my Son pick the winner! We wish each one of you could win the giveaway, but it is time to announce the winner:


Congratulations! We’ll be contacting you!



Leslie of The Crazed Crocheter!


You know how I like to show you cute things at our house? Well, right now this is the cutest thing at our house! Muffin went for a grooming on Friday and came back about half the dog we left there, but he sure looks sweet. He got a new shirt to keep him warm.


Here is an unflattering look at me, but a precious picture because I love holding him on my lap while looking at my favorite blogs. Spencer has gotten so big I can hardly hold him anymore. We are starting to wonder if he’s going to be a standard poodle, ha.



One of my favorite things about this time of year are the magazines. Best issues of the year, I think. Lindsey and I picked up a few new ones today. These will set you back quite a bit!


There’s lots of lovely inspiration and artist appreciation. Speaking of artists, our blog sister MaryEllen of Artkissed is published in Somerset Holiday. So proud of you!



I love magazines. I picked up my first Country Living in October 1984 and it has been a 24 year love affair with that magazine. I used to read the articles over and over until I knew all the people and their collections. In a way it was sort of like blogging. I have magazines everywhere, on bookshelves, in cupboards, under beds, in boxes. I used to have a stack in a closet that was taller than I was! Once I buy a magazine it is mine. I don’t buy it to read and toss out. I believe that whoever dies with the most magazines wins! (So far, I think I’m in the lead!)



I received many sweet comments and emails from people concerning my decision to share my weight loss. I’m sharing another picture, more graphic than the last. (Isn’t Lindsey a cutie?!)



That shirt was a 3X. I was embarrassed to be seen and very unhappy with myself. Losing 100 lbs was a daunting task but it’s like the old question, “How do you eat an elephant?” One bite at a time! I could never go back to the way I used to feel and live. I guess what I’m saying is – no food tastes as good as a size 8 body feels!


This picture is for Heidi Ann of Gold Country Girls. She did a post on August 19 showing her collection of restaurant creamers. I loved how she had them displayed. I found this one in a flea market Sunday.



I also picked up these little bowls at the thrift store last week that I believe were also restaurant dishes.



I am so excited about the swaps that Lindsey and I are doing this fall. My partner for the Very Vintage Halloween Swap hosted by Foxgloves, Fabric and Folly is Kathy a very sweet lady that I have been enjoying emailing and getting acquainted with. She has a brand new blog called Kat Collects. Stop by and visit her and make her feel welcome to the blogging community. I know she is going to be a lot of fun.

My partner for the Sweet and Sinister Swap is Patricia of The Unfinished Flower. She is a very talented mixed media artist. The pressure is on I tell you! She has a very nice blog showing her creations and she also participates in Pink Saturdays.



It’s been great having some time off work. Reminds me of this quote by Diane Ackerman – Oh, the freedom of the day that yielded to no rule or time . . .

Wishing you much happiness! Twyla

16 comments:

Suzie Button said...

Hi Twyla, First, thanks for dropping by my blog! And second, congrats on such a successful weight loss. I've struggled all my life with my weight. Oh, and I also LOVE magazines to the point a little therapy is probably needed because I'm addicted to decorating, craft and holiday editions. Now I've found your blog, I'll stop by often too! Have a great week!

Heidi Ann said...

Hey, Twyla - loved this post. Yep - restaurant china! Isn't it great? The dishes are so practical for every day use, too.
I feel compelled to tell you that we are either tied for the most magazines, or I may even have a slight edge for the lead. Seriously - don't even get me started on my decades-long MAGAZINE ADDICTION. Is there a 12-step program for this? Because maybe there should be. I'm just sayin'...
(You'd have to ask my sisters about it, if you don't believe me!) I am completely serious about this.

Michele said...

Good morning Twyla...loved this post girlfriend! You're such an inspiration! I've been on the diet now for 2 weeks and it's coming off slowly!!

That little lamb that I found at the thrift store reminded me of you...I love your collection!

I just bought a couple of the Somerset magazines yesterday..yikes, $14.99 each!!! I don't throw my mags out either and Glenn keeps complaining that they're all over the house..lol!

Hugz,
Michele

GARAGE SALE GAL said...

Hi Twlya and Lindsey :)
Where do I start. First congrat's to the winner and I think she'll love her treasures..I KNOW that I would :)
2nd, I'm with you on the magazines...my oldest issure is Country Living Dec 1986, so you bet me, Twyla and I know just keep a few special issues and All the Christmas magazines.
3rd Must go out and get the Holiday Somerset issue..did you get it at Michaels??
4th, very sweet pitcher and plates. Are they dessert size or butter dishes. Cute :)
I think I covered everything that I had to say...or I can always come back :)
Hugs :)
Deb

Knot Garden said...

I understand how you feel about collecting nice magazines. They are such a good source of visual inspiration, and they help you keep up with trends. I've got lots I could never throw out.
I love the kitten mittens from your last post - I bet you can't wait to make them.

KatCollects said...

Hi Twyla,
I absolutely adore Spencer and Muffin, how cute! Thank you so much for mentioning me and my new blog. It has been so great getting to know you. My friend just loaned me some Somerset magazines, they are amazing. I will be making a magazine run to the store tomorrow : ) I hope you are having a beauitful Tuesday!
Kathy

Happy@Home said...

Hi Twyla,
Congratulations to Leslie for being the lucky winner.

Love this post and the two things that impress me the most are size 3X to size 8 - I know I said it already, but that is so impressive!! I am so proud of you. That is really an awesome accomplishment. And the other thing I am impressed by is you sitting at the computer - indian style. I recently discovered that I can no longer sit like that without a great deal of pain.

You are an inspiration.

Hugs,
Kim

Linda Lou said...

I am magazine junkie too-I counted at least 10 magazines we get a month!!! Crazy...but love looking at them...You are so brave to show your before picture and have so much to be proud of with such an accomplishment.

Sherry said...

Hi Twyla,
I love your China. I "took", (I know I'm bad), but I took a plate of the old china that the hospital that I was born in used before they went to disposable and plastic. I was born their, all my siblings were born their, most of my nieces and nephews and 5 of my kids, so I think I "deserved" one little china plate. Did I justify myself for taking the plate?

Oh well, I don't feel to guilty!
Have a great week!
Sherry

Paris Rags Romance said...

Thank you so much for the sweet comment, I'm so sorry for you as well, 16 years is a long time, we only had our Smokey for 4 years, I only wish we had him his whole life, his life before us wasnt very pleasant. I had a Muffin too! She was a grey poodle. I'm very inspired by your weight loss, I'v been fighting my weight all my life, now I'm 41 and still havent been able to beat it, maybe you will share your secret! Thanks so much again, I'll add you to my blog roll, I didnt even know I was on yours! Thanks, Kimberly

Lisa & Alfie said...

Muffin looks quite debonair in that profile photo. It would be in great black and white. He looks so tiny in your lap. Alfie sends love to both.
Lisa & Alfie

Unknown said...

Wow Twla, I admire your weight loss! And I love your dishes.
By the way, I am a guest of Sherry's blogiversary. I look forward to "seeing" you at other party events. Cathy

leslie said...

Hi! I am so excited! I won I won! I did send you an e-mail yesterday but don't know if you received it as my computer is acting very nutty lately. Thank you so much for having this give-away. I so look forward to receiving your gift! Also.. on the weight thing... I am amazed... I have been big all of my life and need to lose 100 lbs. also... and am considering LapBad surgery. I dread it! But I must do something about my health! So congratulations on achieving such a wonderful goal for yourself.

Dawn said...

Hi there
Great blog you have here - just joined Sherry's party and thought I would stop on by. Muffin is adorable and Well done on loosing all that weight - I have struggled so much with mine over the years too.

Dawn

Ottilias Veranda said...

Hi Twyla,
Wow You really succeded in loosing weight! I´m also trying..slowly my weight is going down and I feel much more content with myself!..and prettier! After 3 children I would like my body back as it used to be. I´m also a magazine addict...husband complaints but I love to read and look at all the lovely photos...and I can´t get rid of the old magazines either so I collect them!
Have a great weekend!
Hugs
Liisa

Joyce's Journey said...

No food tastes as good as a size 8 feels. Mmmm. I like that. You should be very proud of yourself. No food tastes as good as a size 8 feels. I'm going to try to keep telling myself that. Thanks for the tip!