SEWING

I sewed in high school.  I had some great outfits, some were actually modified patterns/original designs.  I love fabrics and textures.  I made the dress for my wedding reception (I wore Dawn’s for the ceremony).  I sewed a few Halloween costumes for the kids.  I learned that sewing was NOT less expensive than buying and I was busy.  I started buying and not sewing.  Oh, wait, Mattson was in scouts, so I sewed merit badges on his sash.  Then he became an Eagle Scout so I gave my sewing machine away.  My mom found out that I didn’t have a sewing machine, so one day I got a delivery.  That lady…. She said she just couldn’t imagine me not having one.  I am thankful for that. 

                         

Of course she was right.  Every grandma needs to sew for her grandchildren.  (we recently acquired the treadle machine that J-man’s Nana had used to mend their jeans).  I made the dress that Nora was blessed in… the fabric was the skirt of Kirstynn’s wedding dress.  I hope another baby girl that we love can wear it one day.  I made the white pants that Kyree wore for Matt and Alie’s wedding ceremony.  I sew for my grand children.  When Marley said she wants a blue princess dress, she got the best Cinderella dress a LuLu could make.   Nora has the idea that “LuLu can make it”.  With J-man’s help, we have not yet disappointed her.   Ummm, a Tinkerbell costume, a red dress…. She knows if she sends me a picture, I’ll make it.  Everyone needs an apron, my kids have one that I made for them.  

I took Nora to the fabric store and started teaching her.  “What do you think that fabric is for?”  “A blanket”.  Good.  “This is corduroy, this is pinwale corduroy, and this is wide wale corduroy, this is seersucker, and yes, you can have sparkle fabric, but it can be an accent, so let’s pick out the main fabric, then the secondary, the contrasting, and finally the sparkle.  Then we look for the pattern.   She chose 8, I narrowed it down to 3 and she made the final decision.  Of course that means 3 dresses, for my 3 little grandgirls.  Next time we’re in Marley’s neighborhood, she can pick out the fabrics and pattern, and 3 more dresses will be made. 

Here is one of the the new dresses, it's Nora's.  Marley's' will be the same, Ava's similar.  

 

I am glad that my mom sent me that sewing machine, because I am creating some fun dresses at LuLu’s Table.  

MY NAME IS DANA AND I’M A SPA JUNKIE

I’m not really addicted; my spa-going does not jeopardize my life (it enhances it), relationships(it prolongs them) or livelihood (I only go if all my bills are paid), but I think I “spa” more than many women I know.  Every woman (except those who are phobic) should go to the spa sometime, just to know that the experience is available. Price is a factor with me (always is) and I have learned to get the most for the least.  There are different types of spas, and I know many that are good for different things.  My favorite spa, for example, does not do a good couples massage. I think it was a mis-thought in construction, but I do know where to get the best couples massage.  The spa near my house has a very nice steam room for $10.  The best spa pedicure is in Northern Michigan (the room and the girls there make it extra nice.)  There is a whole magazine about spa-going!!  The top spa in the United States a few years ago was Mii Amo in Sonoma, AZ.   Funny, that February Brenda and Don were getting married in AZ. 

IT WAS FABULOUS!  No question.

    
I had just come out of an exceptionally difficult year and needed a physical/emotional experience (my spirit was flourishing).  I took a yoga class, learned to do some meditation in their grato.  I took full benefit of every square foot of that place… in door and out door pools, oh, and the massage I got was “Watsu”.   It was a life-changing experience (mostly because my life was needing to change).  I specifically relish the time I spent journaling.  I had a yellow legal pad and took a sofa with comfy pillows in the sun and began to write and cry and nap and cry and write.  Spa attendants checked on me and brought me a beverage, but let me feel totally comfortable in my space.  I went back a couple years later.  I was far-less pathetic, but I loved it just the same.  I will go there again.

Spa-ing is like vacationing.  There is joy, anticipation and excitement in planning, and relief and sweet memory long after return.  When a friend is in a near-melt-down state, I suggest a spa day.  The best in Michigan is Immerse at the MGM in Detroit.  They really know how to do it right.  It doesn’t cost an arm and a leg but it is worth a million bux.  (I’ve never had a million bux, but I don’t imagine it would feel much better than the spa.)

Occasionally I plan a Girls’ Day at the spa.  One such day was 2 weeks ago.


  My sister and 15 wonderful women arrived as early as 8:30 and stayed as late as 6pm.  It was fun to jump in and out of the pool, whirlpool, steam room, nap, lunch and just “be” and be with people I enjoy.  We’ll do it about 3 times a year and we will be better wives, sisters and mothers for it.  It is a wonderful physical experience, appealing to all senses.  The staff is very helpful and the atmosphere is clean and calming; you know you are someone special. 

There is a day a year that is particularly difficult for me.  This year I am spending it at the spa.  I have my plans all made; I’m leaving the house at 6am to be there when they open.  I’ve the list of what I’m packing, my services are booked and I’ve even selected what I’m ordering for lunch.  This year it is a day I am actually looking forward to.  Maybe I’ll even take a batch homemade lemonade with me (future blog topic).

If you ever need any spa advice I am happy to give it to you.  If  you don’t want to go alone, I’d love to go with you.  When our last grandchild is 7 years old, I am taking Kirstynn and Alison away for a spa vacation.  I don’t know when that will be (if Miles is the last, that will be in 7 years).  I will carefully select the destination and time of year to enhance our experience.  I have a few ideas. 

But for now I’ll enjoy an occasional spa day and dream about it while I’m sitting at LuLu’s Table.  

New Beginnngs

I’m going to start blogging …. Again. It will cover my longings for my children and their families, cooking/baking, weight loss, spiritual growth/shortcomings, emotional struggles, things that bug me, people and things I adore, things I have done, hope for, remember and dream of, stuff that will be random and likely of no interest to anyone but me. I will learn how to be a better blogger and use what I learn. It will be my vent and give additional purpose to my Sabbath mornings.

So I’ll start with the end. Attending 4 funerals in the past month, makes me wonder about mine. They were each lovely ladies, who lived good lives and loved God. Did you ever attend a funeral of a total loser? Someone who caused family and friends all kinds of pain and agony? I guess at funerals they talk about the good things we’ve done and avoid bringing up the not-so-good. I think at mine they might say: “You never had to wonder what Dana was thinking because she just said it. She had plenty of fun and was consistently inconsistent except when it came to her efforts to obey God’s will and love her children.” I hope I die before my sister. She had my mom to herself for 4 years before I was born. I want mom to myself for a little while.

I hope I die like my mom. She was busy and nothing was left undone, no words unsaid, no loose ends. All of her stewardships were in shape. The friend who found her said she even had a smile on her face. She knew we were all busy, so I don’t even feel guilty that she was there for 30 some hours alone, while the UPS man left a package at the front door and my brother and my daughter left messages on her answering machine. There was no sign of her even reaching for help. Jan Shelton said “she is the best person who ever loved me”. I feel the same way. She was indeed, the most Christ-like.

I’d like to have the undertaker sew a smile on my face. I’ve thought of how he can do the stitching; knot the suture inside the corners of my lips and run it up just above my ear and tie it off. Wouldn’t that be great to have people take their last look at me, hopefully the way they would usually see me… smiling. Sound freaky? Nawh. I’m quite sure it could be done, I hope. Guess I’d better let the kids know this is what I want. Kids: take note. :D Hey, I’m not asking for my finger to be pointing or my brow to be furrowed, or a winking eye or my hand on my hip; just a sweet smile.

If I end up bedridden, my only requests are that my kids keep my feet slothered with cream; there is plenty in my bathroom closet, (I just hate the thought of cracked old lady feet rubbing on the sheets) and soft music playing and something nice to smell, candles or fragrant plants, nice massage oil, just something calming.

But I’m alive now, so I guess I’ll do my best to live happy and love lots at LuLu’s Table

MY VERY SPECIAL DAY

My February 18ths usually begin with a ringing phone, followed by my parents singing me a rousing rendition of some Happy Birthday Song. It is only appropriate that since they were the first to ever share my first Birthday moments with me, that each and every 2/18 begin with the 3 of us once again. Last year was a solo. This year a memory. I miss my mom. In the past several months people have asked what I was going to do for my 50th birthday, a significant landmark day for most who have experienced it. I had no plans, no cruise, no party, no vacation, no plastic surgery, no visit to a therapist. I wanted to just do what I wanted. No accountability to anyone but MYSELF. The week before J-man and I had shared a nice "couples massage", so unless I had a migraine on that day, massage would not be planned. Hmmm..... what shall I do?

I MADE A LIST (I AM A LIST GIRL):

(Actually, the celebrating began Weds with lunch with Robi and Cami, who showered me with gifts, then dinner with Beth (who has a very special day of her own on 2/19), who loaded me up with a "cupcake" themed gift.) J-man presented my gift before he left for work at 5:05am. Beautiful Patricia Locke earrings. I did not wear them until... I'll tell you later. BUT: I purchased some beautiful fabric a long time ago for drapes in my dining room. This was the day I was going to get that done. You will see that picture at the end, tho i did actually complete it that morning, because it was on the list :D. My super cool and adventerous brother called from the middle east. He's a retired Army Spy (I can only say that now because he's retired), but he is doing work for the government in Afghanistan. I didn't have him on the list, but he trumps ink. He'll be 59 this year so he's got some experience and I loved hearing from him on MY VERY SPECIAL DAY.

OK, so on with the list:

I took a private swim lesson. I could swim to save my life, but I want productive laps, so this was my first of 5 lessons. I'll be doin' underwater flips by the time I'm done. (I did have the coach take a full-on body shot of me OUT of the water, but I'll save that to look at on days when I think I'm lookin' good. I'm quite curvey still. ;D

I came out of my lesson to some messages on my phone: SEVERAL FB wishes, and I love that, which lasted all day long). I took my messages, a voice message from Ky saying: "Yer 50!!"
Nora and Smith: Ok, I couldn't copy the audio and video part, but Nora says: "happy birthday, LuLu" and blows a kiss and gives the Princess wave. Darling.

Stopped at Meijer to pick up a few things, 3 birthday cards for friends that share MY VERY SPECIAL DAY and some chips that you will hear about later, but for now, LUNCH with friends. LaNae called me on Monday and invited me to lunch, but this is MY VERY SPECIAL DAY. I told her I would be at Applebees eating a Quesadilla Burger and Fries. I had been planning this for several weeks. So, she rallied the troops and a bunch of fun frineds met me there, to share OUR VERY SPECIAL DAY, ME and Teresa Rowe:

We dressed the same: Black pants, white turtle neck and black leather jackets, not to mention the ever-so obvious "THIS IS MY VERY SPECIAL DAY" SMILE. Here's the rest of the crowd that had lunch:

Then just some quick stuff:

New shoes: I love them. I will wear them often. Black suede pumps with platforms. Kinda sexy for black suede pumps. Size 6-1/2 of course (you can refer to the previous blog posting for my shoe story).

PostOffice: Line too long.

Car wash.

Movie: This is where the chips come in. They say "no outside food or beverages" I think they say that so that we won't sneak liqour in and get too roudy during movies, but i stuck the chips under my shirt and got in without being frisked. Melinda and Debbie took the afternoon off too, and we saw the ever so cute Valentine's Day chick flick. It was a darling show, and still is. I think I'll watch it again on DVD when it comes out. It had something for everyone. I got a free Medium Diet Pop from my frequent watchers card, or maybe they knew it was MY VERY SPECIAL DAY. My list goes on...

COSTCO: Maybe that wasn't on the list, but I needed softner salt and roses and to renew membership, so I did those things.

Quinn was next... She was sick on her VERY SPECIAL DAY. Something I have never experienced and hope she never does again. But she is still darling, isn't she?

Then to Isaac's: He was happy to see me when he opened the bag full of

7 treats. (He and Quinn are both 7 years old.)

It was dark and I knew J-man was at a meeting, so I just went on home. I had more sewing to do, but did not. I just watched Survivor and had a nice quiet evening.

THEN FRIDAY CAME: J-man did plan a dinner party with some family and close friends. I wore beautiful earrings and broach that he gave me. We ate my favorite things with many of my favorite people in celebration of MY VERY SPECIAL DAY. (Andy and Christina, Jim and Ken were unable to make it) Steve and Melinda are sitting (hidden) on J-man's left. Del and Dawn arrived in time for dinner. We had homemade pasta, Linda brought my favorite salad, the bread was perfect, Debbie made her very yummy Heath Cheescake and Kathy reminded me thruout the night that we are now in different decades (she's still 49). I love her.

It swas a fun time and yummy dinner.

After everyone left, it was a beautiful

wind-down from MY VERY SPECIAL DAY.

I got more attention than I asked for and the

thoughtfulness of my family and friends was

beyond what I could dream of.

My children live very far away and I miss them terribly every day.

The past few years have been woven with tragedy and drama.

But I had MY VERY SPECIAL DAY and I'm glad to be 50.

SHOES, GLORIOUS SHOES

I love shoes. In Kindergarten my Gramma Mattson bought me 2 pair of school shoes. Saddle shoes (I hated them) and another navy that I loved.

I think part of the reason I love shoes so much is because they are loyal. I mean If my rear is a size 8, my shoes are 6-1/2 . If my rear is a 14, shoes, still 6-1/2. It's easy to buy shoes for me, not narrow, not wide, not hard to fit, no 6th toe.

I learned a few years ago, (and am still incorporating this into my life) that if you find a pair of shoes that you love, buy them. Then find the outfit to go with them later. If shoes fit and look good, you're all set. Kind of like good undies.

I like a bargain. I like to buy shoes on sale. J-man calls it cheap, but the hunt is worth it. I got married in a beautiful antiqued ecru lace tierd dress that I made. Lucky me, I found antiqued ecru lace shoes to go with it. They were even ON SALE. Ya know what I said as I paid the cashier the $3.12 ($2.99 plus tax)? "what is your return policy on sale shoes?" Did I really say that? They looked like they were made for the dress. I kept them. (No picture available)

So many shoes are made now in China, but shoes made in Brazil and France are the best.

I have a pair of ankle strap amethyst satin shoes that I got to go with a special ball gown. (They weren't $2.99) I think they look kinda sexy. Dawn calls them "hooker shoes". That's a little trashy for me. I like to think of them more as "baby, take-me-home-and-I'll-do-you-right-shoes".

DSW is a happy place. They have a rewards program. If you are ever there and they ask for your rewards card or number, just give them my home phone number. I'll thank you later. Well, they send coupons. I had one once, and it expired. Ratz. I hate when that happens. It's like free money. I vowed to never let one expire again. SOOO when I got another one, it was only for $10.00, but better my $10.00 than theirs, right? I walked in on expiration date, straight to the CLEARANCE ROOM, 6-1/2 rack and looked for the yellow or purple stickers (those are the ones with the best % off). Picked a pair, stuck my feet in them (of course using those not-really-hose) and knew they were mine. Proudly marched to the register, presented my coupon and the shoes and she kindly asked for FIFTY TWO CENTS. Now THATs my kind of deal. Green shoes, you'll see them below too. I wear them more often than I thought I would ever wear green shoes.

Sometimes no shoes is pretty darn good too, like when you're with your sister enjoying a fresh pedicure. :D

Make sure your shoes are comfey and smart. Check out the sales. Dress from the ground up. Find a good cobbler (that's old talk for shoe rapairman). If he's old with a couple warts and speaks broken English, he will be best, I think. Yes, I guess I am sterotyping. Get fresh heel plates so you don't go "click-click-click" when walking on tile. Clean them up nicely, tops and bottoms, in and outs.

If anyone thinks shoes never changed a girl's life never med Dorothy or Cinderella.

Lillian Ingabourg Jaakkola Mattson

That's a lotta long names for my

"Gramma Matt".

I love her.

She took me to Mackinac Island the summer I was 8. Here we are.... Great tennies, eh? and... Hey, Gramma, I love that hand bag. (Really, I do. I wish it was still around, I'd use it and be happy about it.)

If I'd had more kids I'd have named them Lilli and Jakk or Jaak. (not typo-s, pronounced yakolla, a Fin from the UP.) Guess I got the double consonent thing goin', nn, tt.

She was widowed in her early 30's with only 1 child, an adolescnet daughter (my mom), so when we grandkids came along, she was luuuuuvin' us up. She loved my dad too. She never re-married. That's a long time to be not married. I admire her for her integrity. She had that.

She died when I was only 10, but in those 10 years we got to know eachother quite well, and I don't feel jipped at all by losing her so young.

I think my mom looks much like her, and I like my mom. I miss them both. They were both fabulous Grammas. I'll see them again one day.

Ok, it’s Tuesday at LuLu’s and I’m all alone.

Two years ago “Olivia” told me there are 3 children around me. Yep, guess I don’t hide them well… that’s a good thing. And they make me sooo happy. Now there are 4. But they are NOT at LuLu’s. That makes me … uhmmmm, ok, I’ll say it, as selfish as it sounds… so sad.

When the Evans’ moved that was a change.

The timing was less painful, because about that time Marley started fearing me less… maybe even “liking” me. If it was all and only about LuLu, that would be great, but I love each of those kids, for any duration, combination and location, as long and as much as they will let me. I saw Nora every day.. she was a great neighbor. I miss her.

And now that I have met Smith, I miss him too.

TUESDAY THE WAY IT USED TO BE: Ky and Marley would arrive anywhere between 5:30 and 6:30pm. Dinner, usually Mac N Cheese, Mickey shaped chicken nuggets, chocolate milk, and/or what ever the heck else they wanted. They were at LuLu’s and they knew it was all about THEM! Guess we all felt like “it’s all about ME!!” and I think we’re right.

If there was something that HAD to be done, here were my choices: DON’T, or make it fun enough for Ky and Marley. If we were in the middle of doing one thing and an idea popped into Ky’s head, we’d stop, drop and shift.

If Marley wanted to (and she usually did want to)

watch Dora, of course Dora went on the DVD player.

A hat usually came in to play with Marley. We are alike that way: we love hats, and I think I am not lying

when I say we love each other.

Ky and I would do our thing in the TV room, or we’d run back and forth. Papa would arrive about 8:20 with Slurpees. One night he was running late. I hadn’t noticed, but the Slurpee alarm was sounding in Ky’s tummy or brain, or where ever the Slurpees hit. “Where’s Papa? Why’s he so late?” TaDah!!! The sound of the garage door

sent us all into a giddy, screechy, Slurpee dance. Up the stairs he’d appear, Ky was the first to take his part of Papa’s load. Mar toddled over with hands out (kind-a Frankenstein-esque style), grabbed the goods and gave the obligatory hug and cheek lend. Goofey, how Slurpees are even treats in December. Parents would arrive and bring us all back to reality. Jammies, prayer and a ride home to bed.

Many things they would say, do, put on, would be enough to make me laugh all week. Actually, I still laugh about things they did several weeks ago, and even longer ago.

Today at LuLu’s, fun? Not so much.

Memories of Tuesday’s at LuLu’s? PRICELESS