by 6 people |
This site will be about crafting, sewing, quilting, writing, taking digital pictures, geneology, gardening, contesting, and any other fun things I find along the way.
When I retired, I decided that it was time to do all the things I've wanted to do over the years, but didn't have time for.
Here are some examples -- with more to follow.
Be sure to rate my lens at the top and if you have any suggestions, let me know at "Contact the Lensmaster". Also, be sure to check out my other "Lens" at www.squidoo.com/seniormari for Retirement Tips for Seniors.
WRITING YOUR LIFE STORY
Memories
I also carry a small notebook in my purse, because invariably I'll be in the car when a memory comes back and this way I can write a note to job my memory when i get home.
I attended a "writing your life story" class and the instructor said to write only the good things -- I disagree-- I think that everything that you think of is important (including the bad things, as long as they don't hurt other people). These are all the things that made you what you are today, so include them.
Writer's Digest (1-year)
I subscribe to Writer's Digest and enjoy the articles and hopefully, it will make me a better writer.
Amazon Price: $19.96 (as of 01/08/2010) 
2006 Writers Market (Writer's Market)
Amazon Price: (as of 01/08/2010)
The Best of the Magazine Markets for Writers 2006
This is very handy if you want to write for magazines. Many magazines want short fill-ins. You can do it.
Amazon Price: (as of 01/08/2010)
SEWING
Home Sewing and Crafting
Fabric Mart has more fabric than I have ever seen in one place. Go to www.Fmart.com to order online.
A Quilter's Holiday: An Elm Creek Quilts Novel
Amazon Price: $13.59 (as of 01/08/2010)
The Quilter's Album of Patchwork Patterns: 4050 Pieced Blocks for Quilters
Amazon Price: $32.97 (as of 01/08/2010)
Layer Cake, Jelly Roll & Charm Quilts
Amazon Price: $16.49 (as of 01/08/2010)
Purses
This is one of the purses I made with the Hawaiian fabric I found in Maui at Fabric Mart. I just love it.I used Simplicity Pattern #4625 "It's So Easy". This pattern would make a great reversible purse.
GARDENING
The Conscious Cook: Delicious Meatless Recipes That Will Change the Way You Eat
Amazon Price: $17.54 (as of 01/08/2010)
Healthy Bread in Five Minutes a Day: 100 New Recipes Featuring Whole Grains, Fruits, Vegetables, and Gluten-Free Ingredients
Amazon Price: $18.47 (as of 01/08/2010)
Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life (P.S.)
Amazon Price: $10.87 (as of 01/08/2010)
Tulips
The tulips this year were exceptionally beautiful. Cherry Trees
Although the birds usually get the cherries from the trees, the flowering cherry trees are always lovely especially on an overcast day. It signals that Spring is here! DIGITAL CAMERA
Taking Pictures of Everything
I have a lot of fun with my camera. Recently, when the banks of our river overflowed, my husband and I drove to the park and I took a picture and sent it in to our local paper, and they published it!! That was very exciting to see my name in print. They presently have a contest called "Real Living's Spring Garden Photography Contest" -- I'll be entering that one, too.
I've also used the camera to take pictures of my crafts and tips (or to enter contests) that I send in to my favorite craft magazine, Creative Home Arts.
There's also a digital photo contest at www.gardeningclub.com Go to the site for guidelines and official contest rules.
Understanding Exposure: How to Shoot Great Photographs with a Film or Digital Camera (Updated Edition)
Amazon Price: $17.13 (as of 01/08/2010)
The Digital Photography Book
Amazon Price: $16.49 (as of 01/08/2010)
Scott Kelby's Digital Photography Boxed Set, Volumes 1, 2, and 3
Amazon Price: $44.09 (as of 01/08/2010)
COLLECTIBLES
When more than one is not enough
AND, don't forget to keep the box that the ornament comes in. A lot of the value is in the box!
In July, when the new ornaments for the year come to the stores, I go check and see if there is anything special that I like and add that to my collection.
AND, don't forget the new baby in the house. A nice gift would be to start a collection for them.
The Lladro Authorized Reference Guide 2006 Edition
Amazon Price: (as of 01/08/2010)
Collecting Lladro: Identification & Price Guide
Amazon Price: (as of 01/08/2010)
The Lladro Authorized Reference Guide
Amazon Price: (as of 01/08/2010)
QUILTING
Can't Have Enough Fabric
You must visit all ten shops and have your "passport" stamped at each one -- making you eligible for a great prize drawing at the end of the Safari. Each store gives you a piece of the pattern to make the entire quilt and also a small gift of a fat-quarter (more fabric for my collection).
I found an article in our newspaper about a local woman, Darcy Toronto, who makes quilts for dogs and cats. She makes some with "piddle pads" for those that have a problem. The quilts can also be personalized for an additional charge. Go to www.Bluedogquilts.com for more information.
Quilts I've Finished
This is my first quilt. I made 6 of them the first year I started quilting (in all different colors). I didn't know any better at the time and planned to be able to finish all my quilt tops each year. I now have about 12 tops to be finished. Alphabet Quilt
This was my first "paper piecing" baby quilt. Pinwheel Quilt
I tried to get creative with this pinwheel quilt. I still have a lot of small scraps because I tried to make the pinwheels too small. Girlfriends Quilt
I have to say that this is one of my favorite quilt pieces. I made it for my girlfriend. The pattern idea came from American Greetings.com. It was a greeting card. Some Great Quilting Books
Machine Quilting Made Easy
Amazon Price: $9.32 (as of 01/08/2010)
The Quilting Answer Book: Solutions to Every Problem You'll Ever Face; Answers to Every Question You'll Ever Ask
Amazon Price: $10.17 (as of 01/08/2010)
Quilting For Dummies (For Dummies (Sports & Hobbies))
Amazon Price: $14.95 (as of 01/08/2010)
by marikraft
My husband and I retired to a small town in Oregon in 2001. My hobbies are Quilting, Sewing, Crafts, Contesting, Gardening, Genealogy, Healthy Living,...
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