heat rises….

So what did I get myself into during one of those hot and humid days we had since I was here last ?? Nooooo..not hot water! Hey I heard you say that!! But almost as bad. Hot air! Not as in a balloon. When Mr. Red Door and I went to the Napa Valley 9 years ago for our 25th several anniversary, he wanted to take me up in one but I just couldn’t do it! Sorry honey, I am too chicken for that!! But I did climb to the top of a ladder last week~does that count? Now mind you, I was in the room with a 15,000 BTU window a/c running full blast and yet it was HOT on top of that ladder. So if you ever doubted the science lesson we all had in 5th grade that says ~hot air rises and cool air falls ~~~ DON’T ~ my sweaty brow was proof it is true!

So what was I doing with my head in the clouds heat? Why stenciling of course!! I told you I wanted to add more back to our home and I have been. Summer is not when I do my best work but telling you I am going to do it sure does motivate me. (note to self – keep your mouth shut) I did gather enough energy to add a new frieze. Loosely translated a frieze is a decorative design above doorways and windows. In this case, a stenciled design. I have had this colonial swag stencil for years but I never used it before. I don’t know what I was waiting for!

I think the new stencil helps to finish off the room nicely. I was considering a corner stencil and I still may add that at a later date.

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I have been asked about my stencils several times recently and almost all of them are18-20 years old and most were bought in a little store that no longer exists. BUT, I did some research just for all of you and came up with some online sources of stencils. I cannot personally vouch for any of these ~ they are simply sources for the colonial and historical style stencils I use.

http://www.libertydesign.com/

My dining room stencil was made by this company years ago and is one of the ones I bought locally. However it is now available online. It is listed under classic stencils. I also own their Hopkinton, Newington, and the Aaron’s border- again, all bought locally years ago.

http://www.stencils4u.com/index.html

http://stencilmein.com

http://www.americanhomestencils.com

http://www.gatheringroom.com/earlyamericanborderstencils.htm

I hope to do some additional stenciling in the coming weeks and months so stay tuned!!

Edited: I will do a mini tutorial on stenciling this weekend or next week!

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Thank you to everyone who asked about my sweet grand daughter ~ Liliana is growing like a weed! At her two month check up last week she was 23 inches long and 11pounds, 3 ounces ~ both in the 75 % for her age. She didn’t like her shots very much but who can blame her!

I love the time I spend watching her so that Angela and Jay can run errands, get to appointments, do yard work or have a date night. When I say hello and smile at her and she smiles right back and coos, there is nothing like it. I love how her little nostrils flare as she works hard to get the sounds out and it is the sweetest sound ever!!

And those eyelashes – I wish mine were half as long!

It amazes me that as this young age she enjoys being on the padded mat under her play gym and talking to the Octopus that hangs down and to the cute baby in the mirror.

I just have one question – how come the chubby cheeks, double chin, chunky belly and thighs look so darn cute on her ~ but on me ??

NOT SO MUCH??!!!!

Until next time – hugs, Linda