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Monday, November 12, 2012

Night Owl

Hello there...It's the middle of the night as I am writing this. 
     Ever have one of those nights when your creative juices are flowing and you can't settle down and fall asleep? As the holidays approach I find that I am filled with so many new ideas for sewing, decorating and gift giving. 
I'm glad it's Veteran's Day. I will be able to sleep in.


"Night time is really the best time to work.
       All the ideas are there to be yours...
            because everyone else is asleep."
                           Catherine O'Hara

My husband's Grandmother hand carved this darling wide eyed owl.
When she was a young girl in Pleasant Hill, Tennessee, the children
were taught to handcarve at school.
My...How times have changed!

God's  Love  Forever  Shines


Beautifully handcarved by my husband's grandmother,
Annie Grant Keeling
1908-1982
  
There's nothing better at 2 am than an oatmeal chocolate chip cookie and a hot cuppa tea!
I designed this "Candy Corn" little quilt.
The buttons are made from Fimo clay. 
The quilting method I used is called
Foundation Piecing.
 

I captured this colorful display while driving home the other day.
Sadly, the leaves are all down after the strong winds we had last week.
I awakened to snow this morning.














Thank you for keeping me company...


my wonderful blogging pals.


I'm finally getting sleepy!

I hope you have a great day.
Be sure and thank a Veteran for his or her dedicated service to our nation.














God Bless You


and
May God continue to Bless America!

Carolynn  xoxo

"Give thanks to the Lord,
for He is good."
Psalm 106:1


Linking To
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Sue Loves Cherries
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Time Washed
Vintage On A Dime
A Delightsome Life
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Common Ground
Dandelion House
Charm of Home
Mockingbird Hill Cottage
Sunny Simple Life

56 comments:

Sylvia said...

The owl is just beautiful. She did a great job carving it. Hope you are rested this morning. Have a great blessed day!

debra said...

I don't know what is cuter....that owl or your little quilt! :) My son's a veteran and I am very proud of him :)

Sarah ~ Magnolias Attic said...

Hope you're getting a little nap time this morning! Love the little owl -- it would be wonderful if children were taught such crafts in school now, but we're lucky to at least have music and art. I have a little wooden shoe that my brother handcarved, but I don't know if it was in school or "just because"!

My Vintage Mending said...

That is an amazing heirloom. My husbands mother and grandmother stitched and I have many of their treasures. On my side we have heirlooms in the form of recipes....It appears the crafty gene has started with me....we are cold and windy and I am loving it. Many blessing my sweet friend...smiles..Renee

craftyles said...

Carolynn, the owl is such a treasure. Too bad that artform is lost today. Love all your fall pretties. We finally turned cool here-no snow for us though. Enjoy your Veterens Day and your creative flow!

Tammy said...

That carved owl is precious! It's a shame that schools don't teach such hands on skills like that anymore. Something different to break up the monotony of the day -- most kids think of school as a prison -- it shouldn't be that way. There's something to be said for the days of old. :) Your little candy corn quilt is adorable. Last time I put chocolate chips and dried cranberries in my oatmeal cookies, my boss bit into one and said "oatmeal cookies should always have raisins" -- so that's what I made yesterday -- and now he's doing South Beach so wouldn't eat any. :/ Have a great week. Tammy

Stephanie said...

I agree, night time is the best time for creativity :) Thanks for sharing the beautiful pictures and I love the verse Psalm 106:1 - thank you, friend! Enjoy your day!

Hug,
Stephanie

Manuela@A Cultivated Nest said...

I have to admit that there have been times when I've thought about a project and been so excited about it that I've had a hard time sleeping! Wonderful owl and to think she carved it so long ago and owls are such a hot decor item now!

Hope you were able to sleep in!

Paula said...

Dearest adopted momma, I am sorry you could not sleep, but I am so glad that your creative juices were flowing and you enjoyed some cookies! The owl your mother~in~law carved is beautiful! It is very sad things like that are not taught in school anymore. All of your vignettes and photos are so beautiful, cozy, warm and welcoming! Oh, how I would love to meet you in person, give you a big hug and see your gorgeous home! I love the quote you shared, the verse, all of your lovely photos and images too! Enjoy the snow dearest! Love you! Your girlie~Paula xoxo

GardenofDaisies said...

Yes, I do have many sleepless nights. One of the perks (LOL) of being a middle aged woman. The carved owl is such a treasure. I agree with the above poster... so many arts are dying out, it's a shame more of them aren't taught in schools these days.

Magnolia Cottage said...

I love the title of your post "Night Owl" and the cute owl your MIL hand carved. Everything looks fabulous! I hope you had the chance to rest after a late night. Thanks for sharing.
Blessings,
Lisa

Beth said...

The owl is darling, and so is your quilt. Happy Thanksgiving!

Snap said...

Love the owl and what a nice memory to have of your husband's grandmother. I do some of my best thinking in the wee hours of the morning! Happy Tea Day!

Angie said...

Oh my, that little Owl is such a treasure!! Yes, times have definitely changed---and in a lot of ways. :/ Your Candy Corn topper is adorable.

Lavender Cottage said...

The owl is so sweet, imagine a woman back when doing wood carvings! Your table looks lovely for autumn and thanksgiving.

kitty said...

Hi Carolyn, what a special treasure that owl is!!! Your quilt is also a special treasure...I love it!

vintage grey said...

Such a beautiful and special owl!! Thank you for sharing and happy creating sweet friend! xo Heather

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

Hello Carolynn,
The owl is as cute as can be and what a wonderful treasure to have! Something special that can be passed down; I love that! Your little candy corn quilt is adorable.
I also enjoy an oatmeal chocolate chip cookie with a cup of tea. Hope you got to sleep in. Thank you for for coming to tea and have a lovely week.

Blessings,
Sandi

Elena said...

I know how the middle of the night thing :) I have had many inspirations then but I don't get up because I don't want to wake up Mary. So I just lay there and think sometimes. I love the handcarved owl. She did a beautiful job and I also love your your candy corn quilt!

Shelia said...

HI Carolynn! Oh, what a great post. Love your night time snaps and knowing your creative juices get to flowing at that time. the little owl your grandma made is so cute! Yes, the times have certainly changed.
Thanks for popping in to see me.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

chateau chic said...

I know a lot about those sleepless nights! Your quilt is adorable. I would love to hang on to the beautiful colors of the trees a bit longer. Thanks for stopping by and your very sweet comments!
Happy Thanksgiving, Mary Alice

Yesteryear Embroideries said...

I think you are right. The night time is the best time to be creative and to have creative ideas. Maybe it's because all of the things we are required to do durning the day time have now settled and gone to sleep and our creative side has a chance to wake up!Just love that hand carved owl!

sandy said...

The little owl is a wonderful keepsake! Very special! I love your candy corn quilt. Wish I were just as talented!
I,too, find evening to be a great time to get creative! Sometimes regret it in the morning, though.

sandy :)

Tea in Texas said...

Wonderful Photos! Your autumn decorations are so beautiful. Your husband's grandmother was very talented and the carving is priceless. Schools certainly have changed their curriculum. The candy corn quilt is too cute and that is a great one to use this time of year. I can see your talent in the the pretty decor.

Thanks, Pam

chris mckinley said...

What a special treasure for you to have! Your owl is darling!!

chris

Anonymous said...

Miss you, hope to see you on flickr soon, although i am not there for awhile. Lovely autumn captures in your sewing and decoration..suek

Micupoftea~ said...

Hello Carolynn! Yep, I've had those nights. I actually feel relaxed late at night- no phones ringing, all quiet, family in bed- lol. What a little treasure the carved owl is, and so charming. Have a nice Wednesday. :)
Shawn

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

It's so nice to see that final burst of Autumn color! We spend Veteran's day without internet....which wasn't all that bad either! heehee!

✿Carol✿ said...

That sweet owl is such a wonderful family heirloom, and I'm just crazy about your candy corn quilt! Don't know what it is about this time of the year, but I too want to craft and bake and decorate 24/7!
Happy REDnesday,
Carol

The Farmer's Daughter said...

That little owl is precious! And, what a perfect way to display it! Hope you got some sleep!

Happier Than a Pig in Mud said...

The owl is amazing, what a great family heirloom-enjoy:@)

Carlene @ Organized Clutter said...

I love your special owl Carolyn. The candy corn quilt is really cool too.

Pam~ Virginia Retro said...

Carving in school, can you even imagine! Loved seeing your heirlooms, how special.

Happy Rednesday!

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Carolyn, Simply gorgeous. I love the sweet little owl. What a beautiful pic of Autumn and those cookies look so yummy. Now I am hungry. Hope you finally got to sleep. I do the same at times especially during this season with lots of creating going on.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful home and treasures.
Hugs, Celestina Marie

Kaye Swain - SandwichINK For the Sandwich Generation said...

Oh what a lovely visit for a happy Rednesday. Thank you.

Deb Hen said...

so cute!!!! Thanks for linkinup!!! Deb Vintage On A Dime

vivian said...

well, I'm glad you couldnt sleep as you gave me something sweet to wake up too! have a great day!!
xoxo
vivian

Ruthie Miller said...

Dear Carolynn,
How wonderful that they taught that in school! Extraordinary. I am so happy you have that sweet little owl to remember Annie Grant by. I love her name. Grant, I imagine, is a family name. Scottish, isn't it?
Great pix too-espeically the ones with the candlelight.
Come on over and visit: http://www.ladybstimefortea.blogspot.com
Ruthie

Sweet Cottage Dreams said...

You are so cute! Your posts always make me laugh and smile!
If I ate a cookie at 2 AM, I'd never go back to sleep. LOL
LOVE that quilt you designed!!!!! You are so talented!! And talent
runs in your veins I see...that owl is precious! What a treasure to have and to be reminded of her.

Have a sweet day!

Becky

The Polka Dot Closet said...

Imagine, woodcarving in school! What a great treasure from grandma. I often craft late into the night, it seems like that is when my creative juices run. Sweet dreams!

Carol

Sally Annie Magundy said...

Oh Carolynn, how wonderful to have the owl your hubby's GM carved, so very precious and dear. Your candy corn quilt is the cutest! You are so very talented. Can't wait to see what you're up to next. :)

Happy Rednesday!

Connie said...

This is such a sweet post . . . I'm sorry that you couldn't sleep . . . I've had many of those nights too. It is much better to get up and get busy, than to lay in bed, wide awake.
Thank you for the sweet comment that you left on my Shabby French Market blog. Thanks you too, for following.
Have a fabulous day and God bless you,
Your blogging sister, Connie

P.S. check out, http://crafty-home-cottage.blogspot.com/
that's where I got started.

Little Susie Home Maker said...

I love the mini quilt and love the fimo buttons. Yes, I stay awake at night with my mind rushing at times, but I don't want to wake up my light sleeping husband. Unless he is busy sawing logs, haha!! Gals you have lots of wonderful ideas, and those cookies look yummy!
Susie

Vickie @ Ranger 911 said...

How lucky you are to be in possession of the sweet hand carved owl!

Home baked cookies are the best cure for insomnia. :@

Trisha said...

That little owl is just too cute-what a treasure! The cookies look scrumptious! Sweet dreams to you!

~Trisha

SwedishCorner ~ DownUnder...Pernilla said...

Such a cute little owl. So special. Thank you for stopping by my blog and taking the time to leave a sweet comment! Also, thanks for being my 220th follower :) Greetings from Australia ~Pernilla

Kathy A Delightsome Life said...

The hand-carved owl is precious - what a treasure - I've had those late night - wide awake moments - tea and a treat are marvelous at any time! I do appreciate you sharing with A Return to Loveliness,
Kathy

Ruby and Arthur said...

Cute owls and I love the pretty leaves. Your decorating is so pretty! Jean

The Shop Around the Corner said...

Totally familiar with those creative energy late nights. Your images are adorable as usual; however, the most impressive is your list of links. Oh my, I think I'd faint. ;)
Always good to stop by, Carolynn.
XOXO's,
Marcia

Jann Olson said...

Oh you little night owl you! I usually sleep great, but every now and then I have a thought running through my mind and I must get up and do something about it. lol! Your little hand carved heirloom is TOOOOO Cute! How precious. Sure wish I would have learned that in school. Wonder if granny knew owls would be so popular today? Thanks so much for sharing with Share Your Cup. Oh, forgot to mention, great job on the quilt design. You are talented my friend!
Hugs,
Jann

Stephanie said...

Hi, dear friend! I wanted to let you know that I nominated you for the LIEBSTER award :) I love your blog and I am thankful for your kindness and encouraging posts. Come check it out :)
Have a lovely day!

Hugs,
Stephanie

WendyBee said...

Hi Sweet Carolyn!
I love the owl. For sooooo many reasons. Not the least of which is the history attached: of schoolchildren learning to carve in school. I love the idea of teaching children handicrafts. It's good for creativity and fine-motor skills. I've heard accounts of learning to knit in school, and I beleive it was a fundamental part of an early American girl's home education to learn stitching (hence samplers), as well as cooking and other domestic arts. Sometimes I think I was born in the wrong century, except I wouldn't want to give up my right to vote.
Happy Thanksgiving,
Wendy

Claudia said...

That owl is priceless and adorable. How wonderful that you have it! Love your candy corn quilt - it is so charming and such a fun idea! Thanks so much for joining in this week.

xo
Claudia

My Little Home and Garden said...

Imagine learning to carve in school. I think I would have enjoyed that!

Kim@Snug Harbor said...

Love the owl - it's a shame they don't teach cool things like that in school anymore.

Marilyn Jo McLeod said...

Just found your blog through the Cozy Little House blog! I just love it and am a new follower now! I can totally relate to being a night owl. I'm retired now so stay up most nights until at least 2 a.m. That is the time I love the most, and when I feel most creative. It's hard to make myself go to bed sometimes, as all of a sudden, after a long day of a wandering and unfocused mind, the ideas finally come together and that is when I want to create!

I also love all of your photos with the little designs and borders. Are they mostly taken from your home? I notice you are close to Mt. Bachelor... so am I! I live south of it, in the little town of LP. I loved that foot of snow we got in early November! I need to take more time to read every post on your blog, as each one is wonderful! Marilyn