Simply Peg's Place

L 'ame de la vie... 'The beautiful soul of life'

Sunday, November 24, 2013

A Wonderful Book!

This morning I received a tex from My Best Friend growing up...it simply said,

"The Noticer" has returned!!! I was all excited and replied...oh good, what is

 the name of the book?  and she texed back... "The Noticer returns".

OH OH! I got it Now!

If you have never heard of this book...you will LOVE it...because 

 Sometimes, all a person needs is a little perspective!!!



This is this first book :)

 
And this is the one...we are so excited about!
Go to amazon, or get your kindle. Then curl up in your favorite cozy place..and get ready to grin and read a wonderful story :)

Happy Sunday to you all!  

Friday, November 22, 2013

To Be a Christmas Doll once again! ( A Vintage gift idea and story :)


Dottie's ears perked up, was that the creaking on the attic steps she heard? how could it be? She had been in the attic so long...months, perhaps years, she couldn't remember anymore. She only new she was on a old Trunk. Next to her were some dishes, and clothes and linens. All dusty and forgotten. She was half covered with Newspapers and had been in this position for so long now... Her mind drifted back. In the corner of her mind she remembered a time when she had come out of a box, to a child's delighted laughter and hugs and kisses. She remembered the air smelled of pine and Ham and the lights on a tree that were candles... She remembered Hearing the little girl squeal with delight and say, "Your my Christmas doll, and your beautiful." she loved being tucked into bed at night with the little girl who was hers, and the hot water bottle snuggled between them, to warm the bed sheets and them at night. Her heart did a flip flop. Oh how she remembered... that is what she did most day's. Was remember a time, when she was important, when she was loved, when she was everything. Then came the years she lay on the bed, those years were great too. Maybe she wasn't played with as much, but she was confided in. and she was still such a huge part of her not so little girls world. This went on for a long time..but somehow, without knowing how... she ended up here. In the attic, dusty and forgotten and alone...
 
Dottie, sighed..the kind of sigh that comes from a doll, that once was loved. Then she heard it again, the creaking of the attic steps...could it be? would someone be finally coming up there to visit her?


It seemed impossible that after all these years, someone would. Then she heard the attic door open. She was to excited to do anything but listen.


She heard a gruff male voice say, "oh there's nothing up here but junk, lots of it. we will have to just throw it all away". Dottie's heart started pounding, throw it away? what does that mean? It sure didn't sound good, and it sure didn't remind her of the voices she remembered from her past... "Throw it away? does that mean me? Dottie's mind was in a whirl.

 
Then she heard a softer, kinder, gentler voice say, "Oh Dan, we need to see what is here first. Grandma had these things put here for a reason".


The next few days, the attic was filled with activity... she heard words like, Estate sale? to be thrown away? She wondered why no one had seen her yet. But everything bustled around her in a whirl.  Then came that moment...the moment the newspapers were 'thrown away' and Dottie felt for sure she would be next! But the gentle women's voice said, "Dan, I found a doll. A very old doll". She heard the gruff voice say, "well if it's old just throw her away". Dottie's eyes were trying to focus...her heart beating... The gentle women's voice said, "Dan, there are people who love old doll's. I think I will try to sell her". Dottie panicked again... "sell her" what does that mean?

 
The women with the gentle voice brought Dottie home to her house. Dottie was feeling a bit better, someone was holding her, someone seemed interested in her.

 
Then the woman with the gentle voice, snapped a picture of her. Dottie felt horrible...she had no clothes on!!! and she new, she just didn't look, like she use to. Her head she new was cracked. She was a composition doll from the 1900's. 1920's max! and she new her face had tiny little cracks, wrinkles...from time. If you looked to close you would see them. Who would want her from a picture? Dottie fretted again.


The next thing Dottie new. She was in a box...but she had no clothes and this wasn't like the box she remembered from long ago. She traveled in the box for 4 days.  Dottie, didn't know were she was going. She was nervous and a bit upset. how could she be in a box, without clothes? who would want to keep her?

Finally she seemed not to be tousled and turned so much. She heard a voice that said, "Good day, you have a package" and another softer voice saying, "oh my, thank you".  Dottie squeezed her eyes tight shut. she was plum scared of what would happen next. she felt the box being open, she heard the delighted laughter as she was pulled out of the box. She felt the gentle arms cradling her and heard the words, "Oh my, she's perfect" and "She is so much bigger then I thought". these gentle arms, cleaned her up. she heard music, music that reminded her of that day so very long ago. She got a new dress, and bloomers, and shoes and the best of all was the bonnet..the bonnet that covered the crack in her head. She had no clue what she looked like..but the smile and happy look on this gentle face. Made her heart smile right back.


She was put in a beautiful basket, with all her new clothes on.  With a Blanket and a bow. A letter was attached to the basket. She heard the gentle women say, "You are going to be the best gift, and so loved". Dottie's, mind was content but still a bit unsure...she new she was old.

 The next day the basket was delivered. As the bow came off...and the letter was read... Dottie heard a older voice, a more tired voice but a kind and gentle voice...sigh with pleasure and heard her say, "oh well look at you". She felt old hands that were bent lifting her up...and then she heard it...laughter...the laughter of a young girl. Her eyes opened as she was cradled in the arms of this 93yr old lady.
the laughter was young, the lady had wrinkles, "Wow" Dottie thought "just like me" Yet the woman's eyes  sparkled just like the little tree next to her with sparkling light's. The women cradled her and checked her out. And then Dottie heard the word's she never thought she would hear again.
"Your my Christmas doll, and your beautiful" 
Dottie's heart melted. She was home, in the arms of the perfect someone, just her age!
it was the best place to be, the perfect place...and Dottie's heart sighed with the happiness
only a old doll can feel...when being allowed to be a Christmas doll...once more :)


10 years ago. I was wondering what to give the women in my life. My mom, mother in-law, sister, GF and a wonderful old neighbor in her 90's. Dottie was the first doll I found on Ebay. You see our older neighbor shared with me when she was in her 80's and I had just hit 30...that the thing about growing old, was outliving everyone you loved. I have never forgotten that moment..because I had NEVER thought about that before.
By the time our older neighbor was 93 she had also lost her one and only son. I wanted to give her something that was 'HER AGE'. And on Ebay I found a doll  from early 1900's. I had no clue the doll was like a life size baby...and her face was like the Gerber baby..I fell in love with her, when I got her in the mail. we washed her and made new clothes..and she became a Christmas doll that year...it was wonderful to see the joy in our neighbors eyes.
Our neighbor just passed away Oct 4. at age 103!!!
Dottie was donated to a museum, along with the Christmas letter I wrote 10 years ago. Today I called the museum to ask if they would take pic's of her for me..and send them. They said they would!!!
Yippee. If I get them..I will post the real pic's of Dottie!

It was after Dottie that I decided to give all the women in my life...a doll from there Era! It was so fun!
even if you don't collect doll's. In each of us, is a little girl..who remembers...and there are doll's out there with no homes! the dolls above are last years dolls.
the first one is from the 1940's (in red) she went to a women from that Era. she cost me only $10
the second (In pink) is also from the 1940's she went to my best friends mom. she was only $7 and a Madam Alexander doll. the 3rd doll I just found..she is Also madam Alexander and I found her for only $5 (she is the one in yellow)
I don't sew or crochet well..but once you have the basics..you can design about anything.
I don't follow a pattern..I just make things up as I go.

Now for a few more picks


This is Fancy Nancy. I found her at goodwill for $3.00 and she is a doll that goes for $69 plus..I washed her up and clothed her and gave her to...


This little Granddaughter of ours..last year. And made a Matching hat for our Granddaughter! 


My nickname for this Granddaughter is 'Poppie' a version of the Dutch word that means 'Dolly'
This was our last Christmas with my mom...a 4 generation pic. taken last December..when I gave our 'Poppie' her doll.
L-R Our daughter, my mom, me and Yes..our little Poppie in the sack 
(I love you Mom and I am missing you)

I challenge you all to find the prefect doll...(the hunt is fun in itself) for someone...
a mother, friend or a older women alone, that you see in church...you will know who!
then please share those dolls with us all if you can.
It's the Holidays..things don't have to be new to be beautiful...
for me...age and time holds true beauty :)
Have a wonderful  wonderful weekend! 


   

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

A 3rd Memory Pillow :)

I was able to get this 3rd memory pillow done..and in the mail...just in the Nick of time!


With running back and forth to different states. Moving, and taking care of so many things...all while I am still homeless ( I have a 5th wheal:) ...and a warm dry place and wonderful bed) I have become amazed that I have been able to get these pillows done..in time, for the Birthdays of My siblings.

This Pillow is two shirts my mom wore a lot and went to sibling #4 My brother who held a huge soft spot in my mom's heart...


This will also be his 40th Birthday. This little brother (aaah sigh, not so little, is 10 years younger then me.) on the day he found out our Mom had Pancreatic cancer. He Left his business as a Estate attorney..to search for anything that would prolong her life, or cure her.  This Picture was taken by me, In the fall 2011 a few months after she was diagnosed with stage 4 Pancreatic cancer... and given only 3-10 months to live (yes, I agree...this does not LOOK like a woman who was given that prognosis!!!) She had the rarer slower growing pancreatic cancer.

This brother has never been married. So he and my mom had a very close relationship. They spoke on the phone alot, he got her a I-pad and service so she could research and look things up regarding what she was facing. He bought her a High dollar blender so she could eat all those nutritious nutrients that may help. And then this past May..he bought her a home! YES bought her a home!


Our mom was a perfectionist and had 3 gorgeous acres and gardens that you can wander and oooh and aaah at....As her health declined this past year, taking care of these gardens became to much...seeing them became to much, not being able to take care of them like always...and her dream in old age was to own a older home in town...because time was of the essence...My brother bought this home for her...so she could be peaceful and not have to worry about gardens and yards...and so she could experience that dream of a older home in town...


Many wonderful people..came to help us move...and so we made a huge summer Bar b Que for all of them! Complete with my mom's favorite recipes that I made for everyone. (Yes, this is my lil brother and I)


Yes, I added 'Schatje' to the pillow. This means sweetheart in Dutch and is what my mom called those she loved!


I wanted this pillow to be the essence of her... A lady, one who loved pink roses!...The buttons of the pink top worked well with the white top..this is also how you can take the pillow insert out and wash this if need be...


On this pillow, I used some of my own fabric as a backing...to bring in...the roses she loved... :)


This is a pic of her roses in her garden...she has to many to post...but during those days of Hospice..in the evening I would go to her old home, and roam her gardens..seeing what she had cultivated and grown, it gave me a smile through my tears. 

I wanted this Pillow to be...extra something...because of the bond between this brother and my mom. She loved us all. But this brother held a soft spot in her heart. And he fought so hard to keep her...and then finally...with the rest of us, said a prayer to let her go... Love does that. Love can let go, when you 
want that person you love whole again. when you want more for them, when you LOVE them enough, to let them go.....sigh....


  This Picture..of them (the last one of them alone) taken 3 weeks before my mom left to journey home...(this is only our temporary home). To me is beautiful...it shows there relationship..how he climbed in bed with her, there long chats...yes, it shows the face of cancer...but I debated on sharing this pic..and then new, it would be OK with our Mom...to me I see Great Love and Great beauty in this picture..and I am forever grateful I took it.

Happy Happy Birthday my Brother. I love you more then words can say. And I will always be here for you!   

Friday, November 8, 2013

Grace


When all is said and done... to find Grace among thing's, and the peacefulness Grace brings... is a gift of Grace in and off it's self...For Grace is a matter of motion, a way to walk through chaos and hurt's, holding oneself together in the light...not allowing the trouble or darkness, or painful things to intrude...Grace is sunshine through a storm, a light in the darkness, a hope when the skies are grey...a acceptance and fluid motion like a sigh from the heart...all is well, all is well....

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

That's what Faith can do....

There are moments in life...were music can touch us in a way nothing else can...several years ago on a personal journey this became 'My song' every morning and every night I listened and allowed the peace to fill me...


I found this picture on my cell phone last night..taken as I was running back and forth between properties and taking care of my mom....I had forgotten all about it...doesn't it make you want to reach higher? doesn't it fill you with a soul smile and peace?....

Today I wish everyone that peace, that love and that joy....enjoy this song, let it lift you up....and let it bring a smile to your soul.  Happy Tuesday everyone :)

 What Faith can do:   






Saturday, November 2, 2013

Sometimes the greatest gift...is soul laughter...

I came back to Montana because, we were expecting our 5th grandchild and 4th granddaughter...


 Her name??? well lets just say my husband is calling her 'Sweet baby Rae'.


This beautiful daughter...opted to NOT have her stretch marks removed..instead this is what she said...A quote she shared..(yes this made me smile with pride)

""A mark for every breath you took, every blink, every sleepy yawn. One for every time you sucked your thumb, waved hello, closed your eyes and slept in the most perfect darkness. One for every time you had the hiccups. One for every dream you dreamed within me. It isn't very pretty anymore. Some may even think it's ugly. That's OK. It was your home. It's where I first grew to love you, where I lay my hand as I dreamed about who you were and who you would be. It held you until my arms could, and for that, I will always find something beautiful in it." 


Grand baby #4 is so excited about her baby sister....But little sister was taking her time...Lot's of pre-labor and dilated 2 and then 3 cm...but so far no baby sister!!


And then....FINALLY on Oct 15th....at 1:15 p.m. she decided to make her appearance!!! 7lbs 14 ounces and 20 inches long!!! As she crowned..I see all the dark hair, just like her big sister...and in 3 brief pushes she came into this world...beautiful beautiful baby girl....the doc kept saying over and over...and THEN...oh well THEN... as the Doc is whipping her off...Nana (or yours truly) spots something...a 'Package' on what was suppose to be...a granddaughter!!! and I sit there in utter silence...knowing what I saw..and yet..not knowing what to say. You see, my daughter had felt it was a boy..but the ultra sound tech had said, "I have never been wrong yet" and well...she wanted another little girl...and so I sat there..and finally caught my breath and said, "OK, Doc you need to double check" and then, I looked strait in my daughters eye's and said, "remember those dreams and feelings you are having???? and then all of a sudden you hear from the doc...

"OH MY GOSH IT'S A BOY!!!"

 
And this Nana..who has had  many shocks this past year...well everything went away and I laughed and laughed...as my grandson came into this world!!!


He doesn't look like a girl. And big sister is so  fascinated with "baby sister" (9 months of baby sister will take some time to switch to baby brother!!!)   and Nana laughs...and laughs and laughs....
SOUL laughter...the healing kind!!!


 We have a lil man! and he makes me smile...and YES we had to run...everything was pink...even his crib sheets!.....


But as you can see...he doesn't look like a girl! to be in that moment (very rare now a days) is nothing like hearing about those moments...The parents were thrown for a loop..the Doc and Hospital had not had this happen in over 5 years.... And Nana Laughed!!!!


And there is NO way these parents would switch him for a girl! No way at all! And Nana laughed...some more...

  
And Big sister is becoming very comfortable with baby brother!!! and Nana still laughs...


And I became amazed at 'God's grace'!!! you see, I seem to know the sex of babies...why? I have no clue...but this one...nope..nothing...It was just a guess like everyone else's...and when the ultra sound said GIRL..well that is just what it was...and yet, I now know why i didn't know...the lord new..he new I needed this surprise...i needed the shock..the good kind with all the laughter...and that makes me above all...most humbly blessed...


Here is our only Bigger Grandson, holding his cousin..so now we are 2 and 3...Yeah!! maybe the boys will catch up! When he saw his favorite cousin with her new baby brother, he actually melted...wanting a baby brother himself. I sense more grand babies down the road.... would you agree? and meanwhile my soul is smiling...and laughing... is there anything more beautiful??? truly is there anything????

Thank you Lord..for the most wonderful surprise..the kind my soul needed...For it  brought me utter SOUL LAUGHTER!!!