Bad Weather

Hi, Everyone. I am stuck at home in this bad weather in Paulding County, GA. I had a rough time getting home which resulted in me spending the night at my oldest son's home with his family. My husband was stranded in Carrollton with no gas and a dead battery trying to find an access path for me to get home. For those who have never been in the military or have endured harsh weather conditions, please take this advice. Always be prepared for the unexpected.

I remember the conversations I had with my husband last year when the hurricane hit downtown Atlanta. We discussed any and everything regarding survival. We even talked about things that we had to do in the military that would be beneficial. I have been slowly, but surely, putting together a survival kit that would meet basic standards. This one has slowly evolved for home use. However, I do plan to work on two more, one for each car and a electrical kit for each car. Although, I almost got stranded, it never hurts anyone to be prepared.

With that said, here's my favorite website for starting your very own survival kit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Survival_kit. There is even a link at the bottom which will take you to a recipe for "Hardtack". For those of you who do not know what that is, just go back to the Wikipedia home page and type it in. You will be surprised. Another link: www.weather.com/ready.

Now I am not going overboard with this, but being without power and water (today's modern conveniences) will make you realize that these conveniences can easily disapper and then what would you do?

Here's my list of things that will go in the main box if I am at home and need to leave home: All vital records, current taxes, extra cash (plenty of coins just in case) will be stored in plastic freezer bags; home and car cell phone chargers, the basics for any survival kit, toiletries, and ladies don't forget your specialty items for your monthly friend.

My kits for the cars/trucks will include a multipurpose lantern (the kind that has the blinking light and a few more). The one I currently have for my car has a small tool kit which includes car fuses and the lights can be lit by using the cigarette car charger which is also included, blankets, survival kit that mimmicks the one in the house, and approximately 3 days worth of clothes, couple of gallons of water. My son uses those bags that remove the air which is what I plan to do with the clothes and blankets. Since we had so much water and it continued to rain off and on I also suggest that you get rubber boots.

These are just a few things to think about. Even though we are living in the last days, we should never go unprepared and don't forget to add a small Bible if you don't carry one with you. Let me know what you think or have any suggestions for me. Until the next time, Mimisatin

A Brief Hello!!!

Hi, Everyone. I just wanted to say that I had a little time to stop by and give you an update. I managed to get a new job, finished training last Friday, started a two week nesting period before I am placed on the production floor, finished my first quarter of school with a whopping 3.5 GPA.

I am so glad that it is over!!! But the fun part has still not started - I want to SEW, SEW, SEW. I promise, once I get a handle on this new job, I should be back at the machine whipping up something new to wear. I truly miss that. But for now, just keep me in your prayers that I have good success. Until the next time, Mimisatin.

Where Am I and What Am I Doing???

Hello, everyone. I just wanted to let you all know that I have not forgotten about my blog or any of my blog friends. It has been an urgent situation at my house and I thank God for keeping me and my family while we all endure.

First - my family ganged up on me and made me return to college to finish my degree. I started my Associates of Busines Administration degree through employee benefits and once I was laid off, all of that and professional certification was put on hold. So as of April 13, I have been attending college at my local university. The first two classes are online - Marketing and Sociology - and these classes are not nice. As a matter of fact my husband also returned to college and the children also. Weall attend at the same location.

Second - we opened a retail store that specializes in men's and boy's clothing. Our special interest is big and tall because those types can't always find clothing in their size which looks nice. The store is doing good after one month of business and we are glad that we were able to do it.

Third - We still needed an income to keep us going while the shop is getting on its feet. I am glad to say that as of today, I have returned to the working arena. I start Monday, May 4. YEAAAAAAAAA!!!

With all that said, please no that if you don't see a post, please don't forget about me. I am still here, just not as frequent. I promise to post as soon as I can as time allows. Until we blog again, Love Mimisatin.

Sassy Scrubs

Ms. Carrie decided she wanted to look sassy and cute in her next new set of scrubs. I told her not to worry. I had the perfect top and fabric waiting for her. We meet tomorrow but wanted you all to see them and send your feedback. Enjoy!!

My Piano Music Blahs...

For those of you who don't know, I started taking music lessons January 2008 and have been a faithful student for an entire year. However, I have the music BLAHS (emphasis) right now. So here's the skinny.

I arrived for class on time and informed my teacher that I have a real bad problem with recognizing my notes for the left hand (bass clef). She asked, what is the problem about recognizing my notes and I indicated that my real problem is knowing which note is which then moving my hand to "C" position. She indicated, the reason I have problems with the bass clef is because I am right-handed.

Now I ask, how am I to conquer this problem. I indicate my frustration and before you know it, my class mate Hannah (eighth grader) is also having the same problem. And Hannah already plays an instrument. So the teacher begins the class with our surprise from last week and she gives us more instruction on sight reading.

Before you know it, she is writing the grand staff for us and tells us to practice it. I return home with this notion that I was going to complete this grand staff if it kills me. So while I cooked breakfast this morning, I decided to write my grand staff, just like in class. Wouldn't you know it, the blasted thing did not come out like it did for the teacher. I am so mad I could just SCREAM. The thought I had was, I am not turning this in until I get it right. Music BLAHS just are not going to get me down. Those notes are going to get on that staff NO MATTER WHAT!!! And quitting is not an option.

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I Am So Excited...

Why? Well my friend Faye has nominated me for the "Sisterhood Award." Thank you Faye. Awards are such fun and most of all they inspire and encourage a person. So do your part and give someone inspiration to do something they have not done but wanted to do. Encourage someone to continue with their dreams. Faye does not realize what she has really done for me. A testimonial will come in due time. So enough said and on with my selections for the newly created "Sisterhood Award."

The rules connected to the award are:

1. Put the logo on your blog or post - done

2. Nominate at least 10 blogs which show great Attitude and/or Gratitude! - done

3. Be sure to link to your nominees within your post. - done

4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog. - done

5. Share the love and link to the person from whom you received your award. - done

http://fayessewingadventure.blogspot.com/

http://www.thisiscrochet.com/

http://themahoganystylist.blogspot.com/

http://missceliespants.com/

http://gorgeousthings.blogspot.com/

http://knitters-delight.blogspot.com/

http://sewfit.blogspot.com/

http://learn2sewflorida.blogspot.com/

http://kumniaspurpose.blogspot.com/

http://sewonandsewon.blogspot.com/

Congratulations to all new recipients!!!!!

Finally Finished!!!

Hurray!!! I thought I had three UFOs, but I didn't. A mad search ensued this afternoon looking for them and I realized they had been sold on a whim. That left me with one and it was intended as a gift for a very special person.

Here's the last of my crochet (except for the bed - previous post that I will update later). I think he's quite cute.

What do you think?

What Have I Been Up To?

Well let's start by saying that my week started on the down side. I was not quite as perky and the week went downhill from there. So while I was in that "down mode" I took advantage of my pillows as much as possible and started reading.

Reading you ask? Yes, I started reading those sewing books I have. My most recent purchase was "Fast Fit" by Sandra Betzina. I was most enthused by this book and it now holds first place on my sewing table. The 2nd place holder is "The Complete Book of Sewing" and the 3rd place holder is "50 Ways To Master Your Sewing Machine."

The 2nd and 3rd place holders are great finds by my DH. He is always checking out the yard sales and that's how I got them, along with 11 other great sewing books on quilting. They are all hardbacks and I must add that DH is a great bargain hunter and all 13 books were purchased for a grand total of $1.

So my reading is done, my energy is returning, and I am looking forward to getting a muslin completed tomorrow. I even picked up a new pattern yesterday - A Project Runway - Simplicity #2671. I have a vision for two of the grandsons and hope to get the vision out soon. I will keep you all posted on that one.

I have some crochet that needs completed and hope to have all of my UFOs complete and posted by week's end. I also need to start working on writing that pattern for my first creation that was completed before Thanksgiving 2008. I want to have a few ready for the fall and need to get working on colors (it takes two colors). Watch for that as well.

So that's what I have been up to this past week. What did you do exciting?

And The Answer Is...

There are two sets of twins mentioned in the Bible and can be found in Genesis.

Melody is correct.

25:25-26
And the first came out red, all over like an hairy garment; and they called his name Esau.

And after that came his brother out, and his hand took hold on Esau's heel; and his name was called Jacob: and Isaac was threescore years old when she bare them.

38:29
And it came to pass, as he drew back his hand, that, behold, his brother came out: and she said, How hast thou broken forth? this breach be upon thee: therefore his name was called Pharez.

And afterward came out his brother, that had the scarlet thread upon his had: and his name was called Zarah.

NOTE: when you read Genesis there are two births which you can mistake as more sets of twins but they are not. They are Cain and Abel, Peleg and Joktan.

Next question should post soon.

My Quest For Knowledge!!!

As my DH and close friends know, I started a quest, a very serious quest on October 15, 2007. I had recently had a talk with my Uncle and he revealed something to me about my Grandmother. She read her Bible everyday, cover to cover and started again until the day she died. My Uncle did not know when she had actually started reading her Bible that way, but he made a very interesting comment - "She knew people." She had gained much knowledge about people over the years and she knew how people were just by speaking. In that light, I decided to do the same. Not to know people in that sense, but to KNOW about a lot of things. So my journey began on that day and I must say that knowledge has come my way.

My first A-ha moment was when I realized that Israel of today is just as stubborn as Israel of the Old Testament. We are a hard-headed people. The things you hear at church every Sunday started to meld together. I wanted to know what led up to some of those most quoted scriptures and I must say that I was very intrigued. My first cover to cover has spilled over into 2009. I start Romans tomorrow. And with that I will leave you with a trivia question. I will post these every so often with the answer to follow the following week. Here's the question:

How many sets of twins are mentioned in the Old Testament and where are they located?

The First Lady - Michelle Obama

Hi everyone. While breezing the BUZZ section of the AJC late last night, I noticed an article about our First Lady, Michelle Obama. She will be on the March 2009 cover of Vogue Magazine. Pictures were taken by famed photographer Annie Liebovitz and the interview by Andre Leon Talley.

If you have not seen the article here's a link to the AJC version.

http://www.ajc.com/news/content/shared-gen/ap/US_President_And_White_House_Advisers/Michelle_Obama_Vogue.html?cxntlid=thbz_hm

Kudos To...

Erica B. & Barnes & Noble (http://www.bn.com/). Recently, Erica B. @ D.I.Y. Style was questioned about her book resources. She so kindly listed her entire library with a photo of each book. I give her kudos for her willingness to share how she gets things done. She gives us an in-depth look at how to make sewing easier and I must say she did a very fine job. I took her choices and looked them up on BN.com and was very pleased that she had chosen books that are easy to read/understand and make you feel at ease about sewing. So with that said, I chose to add to my library a book that I most desparately needed. The very first chapter of this book is the most important to me. It describes how to obtain every measurement on your body. I am glad to say that I was able to pinpoint my trouble area instantly - the waist. Kudos is also given to BN since I was able to get the book used (and I must say, it had NEVER been used and I loved the price.) With that said, my choice from Erica's list is "Fast Fit" by Sandra Betzina. Enjoy!!!

Stash Contest #3

I purchased this fabric in 2004 from a discount store for a simple skirt project I had in mind. I did not realize at the time (on my lunch break) what I really had and what should be made from it. So now that the mystery is solved, I now offer scrubs in a variety of colors, generic and specialty prints.

Pix Request Updated

OK everyone. Here are the pictures for the Stash Contest posts #1 & #2. The first is a purple two piece double-knit ensemble and ready for my spring wardrobe. The second is a fushia/black three piece ensemble appropriate for any business day wardrobe. Both ensembles required all the basics. But what I am most proud of are the set sleeves. This is one technique that has been a trouble area. I am glad to say that this technique has been mastered using pin easing. Thanks again to Georgeous Things for your excellent tutorial.

REFLECTION - From Then to Now

As I commuted to work today on the train, my MP3 player started one of my oldies by Curtis Mayfield - New World Order. As some of you may know, Curtis and Marvin had a prolific vision regarding our people and what challenges we face on a day-to-day basis. These two men strongly emphasized the plight of a BLACK man. Let's take a look at some of the verses from that song:

Darkness no longer, a child is born
Mother shed tears of joy as baby test his lungs...
Another victim born out here in the hood
And based on statistics it really ain't all good...
The hunt is on and brother you're the prey
Serving time in jail, it just ain't the way...
Operation influx and it's on the way
We've just marched a million plus the other day...
O, what a fulfillment of prophecy...
It's okay to cry, go ahead and cry
'Cause Jesus wept but hope and faith he kept...
..."Cause people, the answer to your prayers are here...
There's no need to worry, the times dictate a plan
Mother Earth's given birth to a brand new man
Sister I know you're misunderstood
But hold on to your man, 'cause the future looks good
Beware of the lies and false prophecies...
You must be merciful my frien to obtain the same
So if you break the chain don't pass the blame
We should say unto all and I'll say it again
It's not just to win, shake a hand, make a friend...

Although this is just a sampling of the song itself, the words are very profound. The black man and the black family have been split way too long - it is time for a new day. The black family has been played on television in two very contrasting ways - Good Times and The Cosby show. Each show revealed the best and worst of circumstances that plague us. I say it is time for a new day.

The Obama family has moved into the White House and are front and center for all to see. They are a strong knit family and they bring the black family to the forefront as well. However, this time, it is LIVE, up close, personal. This is a real family with real issues, working them out as it should be. I say "a new day" has come.

In closing, the chorus line reads:
A new world order, a brand new day. A change of mind for the human race.
It's a new day, it's a new day.
Yes, Lord, it's a new day.

Request for Pix

OK, I will get my DH to take the pictures and post them as soon as I can. The new picture of me was done by him as well. R, I will give him your compliment.

The Stash Contest - Post #2

Hello, out there. The three piece suit is finished. The fabric is a poly mix; can't remember all the fibers since I have had it a while (2004 to be exact). The color/print is a fushia/black houndstooth. Pieces were jacket w/o the ties for closure, stand-up collar (my first and I am proud), sleeveless top (in black poly) and skirt. Pattern is Simplicity 5311. I must say, that I really surprised myself with the second try at pin-easing sleeves. In the words of the late, James Brown:

"I FEEL GOOD".

Can't stop me now ya'll. I am on a roll!!!

The Stash Contest by PR

OK everyone! I finished my first project on Wednesday night. Thursday I got up and traced the size I need for a three-piece. Last night the skirt was completed except for the finishing on the wasteband and the hem.

NOTE: All pictures will post at the end of the contest on February 28. All posts for the patterns will be on PR as part of the contest.

As for excitement. I am very excited. I found a tutorial on easing sleeves. I was so happy with the first sleeve that I couldn't wait to get the second one in. Set sleeves, here I come. No more puckers now.