The Elf Caper!



This year, as I was dreaming of a white Christmas, my dreams came true!

I hope your holiday season has been beautiful and safe. As for me and my family, we've had a wonderful, snowy white Christmas.

 

Santa feeds candy canes to a small, innocent looking elf as he puts presents under the tree. Mozelle the dog does nothing, recognizing Santa as a regular guest.

Aside from the snow storm which had kept our family together this Christmas, the long awaited holiday had gone along as usual.

That is, until this morning, when we awoke at the crack of dawn to unfamiliar laughter coming from the living room. Alarmed, my husband and I lept from our bed to see what the disturbance was. I will allow the pictures and the accompanying captions to tell the story:




Drunk from too many candy canes, these two small elves were caught quite by surprise. They had been attempting to open the presents you see at their feet. Of course, they pled the fifth, as you would expect them to do.

 

Not realizing they'd been caught, a large elf (the obvious ringleader of the gang) entered boldly right through the front door. A sleigh was waiting outside, Rudolf ready and eager to lead the way home.





We managed to snap this photo as the big elf made a run for it, cowardly leaving his companions to face the Christmas music alone.




As you can imagine, these small fellows also tried to break out...







...because we'd been forced to lock up those slippery little elflings until the cops arrived.







As it was, the big elf wasn't cowardly after all. He returned to help the two little ones escape.

 




A very disappointed Santa was forced to return to pick up his wayward friends, posting bail with the local police. After talking further with Mr. Claus, we have decided not to press charges.



We took this picture of the X-culprits together before they left in Santa's sleigh with Rudolph at the rear this time. They almost seemed relieved to have been caught! The whole Elf Gang promises now to forever turn away from crime.







A Man's Home is His Castle, No Matter the Season



The earth is now covered with the colorful remains of Autumn's glory. And tiny birds, feathers ruffled by frigid, early winter winds, have packed their bags and headed for sunny islands beyond the coast of Florida.



Autumn leaves have fallen,
carpeting the grass with their glory.

Bill and I, along with our two little pups, are bundled up properly here in North Carolina. We're ready for the winter which has unofficially begun. The temperature at our house has been hovering under 35 degrees for three days now, and from the parking lot down the street, I can see snow on the mountain tops. Fortunately, we like the change of the seasons.

And meanwhile, like the changing seasons of the earth, the life my husband and I share is entering into a new season. A change that is overdue. We've found an apartment in Charlotte, just down the street from Bill's work; all bottom level, with a large kitchen, a nice master bedroom, a studio for moi, as well as a place for the doggies to lay in the sun. This will be our work-week abode, and we'll head home to Hickory for the weekends. Because Bill and I aren't yet ready to let go of our house of 22 years, with its memories, tradition, kid-friendly creek, and picket fenced garden of old roses and herbs. 

Castles are everwhere I look in Charlotte!
This one was across the street from the hotel we stayed in
when we went to a Panther's game a few weeks ago.



We've resisted any move to Charlotte for 20 years now, because of our large family. Housing for a family of ten is a costly persuit in Charlotte as compared to Hickory. As a result, Bill has driven back and forth for a total of 156 work weeks, 40 hours each. Yep, that's the equivalent of three years of driving with 40 hour weeks. (This is how Bill thinks!) Let's see on my little calculator here...that's 40 hours x 52 weeks x 3.  Have I figured that right? I can't look.

Now we're going to have two extra hours to spend together every single day. Let's see...that's 2 x 5 x 52 = 520 more hours in one year, or 13 work weeks more time togehter just in the first year alone! Something like that, anyway. Wow! 

Like life, the tides come and go,

one over another, never ceasing.



As they say, my friend, this is life; it's ebb and flow like waves in the ocean's surf. One wave recedes and another begins over the first. Then another and another and another.

We don't know how this new adventure is going to go, but we're looking forward to it. And we're taking it on together. As we promised we would do many years ago, in a little church in my home town.


It brings these three words to mind: God is good.

Write of Hand: Be True To Yourself

I remember the ads well.

I should. I filled them out every time I saw them, and pretended I was sending them in.

I would write the strange sentences, which twisted my little gray brain around the specified ball point pen at least twice, and I then signed my name with a flourish. I would fold it up and put it in my pocket, wishing I had ten dollars to send it off to the old guy with the ad in back of Parade Magazine. The Graphologist. The handwriting expert.

In the ad, one older man had written a testimonial for the expert. He said, "At last, I can tell my family that I am not who they say I am, but I am who I've always known myself to be; a good man. A sane man. A man of character and wisdom. A man whose pure heart is filled with goodness, and whose skull is brimful and flowing over with shiny thoughts and lovely dreams." That wasn't really what it said, but it was similar. I would have liked to hear those good things, had I sent my handwriting in. However, what I was afraid of hearing was this: "Here is your official certification. You are nuts. Absolutely."

Now fly over my crazy life to today. (Don't look down; it's sort of scary where you are right about now. Woops! How'd that get in there?)

For quite a while,  I've been following a graphologist named Bart Baggett online, checking in on his website http://www.handwritinguniversity.com/, and receiving weekly newsletters and videos about the curious subject of handwriting analysis. One day recently, I saw that I could sign up for Bart's exciting "Handwriting Analysis 101" course for a really great price, and also finally get a genuine, bonified handwriting analysis via telephone, from a real live professional. I didn't waste a minute. It was my birthday present to myself.

I got my materials from the university which included some videos and cd's, a starter book, access to lots of online "members only" information, and the prize I'd been longing for, the coveted Grapho-Deck, a deck of cards with handwriting traits on them for quick reference.

I sent in lots of handwriting samples and made my phone appointment for the analysis. Then I studied and waited.

I just got my analysis yesterday. From Bart Baggett, himself. Yep. After waiting for so many years, I got my handwriting analysis from the real expert, teacher and my handwriting hero, Bart Baggett. It was indeed a thrill for me. Now you want to know what the verdict is, don't you? (Especially after the little incident you saw while flying over my life...)

Well, the verdict was pretty good. First and foremost, though I am a moody sort, I am not crazy. I repeat. NOT crazy. (Okay. Just between you and me, a wee little bit "dramatic".) Next, I am a communicator, a lover of words. Also, I'm a nice person. Me and that old guy who wrote into the other old guy so many years ago.

Of course, Bart had more to say to me than just those things, but handwriting analysis is a personal thing, and aside from my husband and my very best friends, big sis, little sis's, and Molly, I'm going to keep it to myself.

I have a couple of bad habits that didn't show up in my handwriting. They're secrets, but since you just flew over my life, I might as well tell you about them:
One, I have unkind conversations with myself. I say things to poor Deber that I would never say to others. They aren't true, but I do it anyway. (Actually, I don't now. I quit yesterday, after talking to Bart.)
Two, I tend to believe what others think of me, or what I think they think of me. Even if I know better, I ponder over it. "It must be true. Otherwise, why would anyone think such things?"

Well, to be quite frank, little Sugar Cube, my dear old Mama taught me this: Some folks believe things that are not true. They think such things because people have to fill their brains up with something. If there's no information to put in there because they don't know you very well, they just might make something up to suit themselves. After all, no one likes an empty head bouncing around on top of their neck. Otherwise, everything is lose up there, and rattles and squeeks as they walk.

This is what I want you to remember, cutie-pie. Don't underestimate yourself or be afraid of the secrets that may be hidden in your script and in that wrinkled little thing called Brain. Everything may not be perfect in there, but you probably know yourself better than you think you do. People who don't know you may underestimate you and put you in a box that doesn't fit.

Don't let what others think of you, or what you perceive others think of you, define you. Don't let yourself be dragged into the trap of being less than you were created to be. You know who you are. You know in your heart that you are capable of wonderful things. Believe in yourself. Be nice to yourself. Be true to yourself and to others.

Then be the best that you can be. Doesn't matter where you are. Doesn't matter what limitations are in your world. Doesn't matter if you're just starting out or winding down after a long, hard race.

It will show when you write your name. You will know it in your heart.

Love,
Deber

Just Some Quick Pics

This pretty girl lives in Blowing Rock, with two or three sisters. I took about 20 pictures of her and her sisters, but I don't think you'd be interested in seeing all of those pics.

Rose hips on one of my Unidentified $3.00 Roses. I do love rose hips. The pink flowers were lovely, albeit only mildly scented.

PUMPKINS! Need I say more?

This is another one of my Notso Famous $3.00 Roses. This one is a Rugosa, and has bloomed in these clusters throughout the summer.

This is the prettiest donkey I've ever seen. Mule...donkey...whatever. I wish she lived in my back yard.

Bullet got a good Clean'N'Polish for my birthday. Just like new!

Mountains in the soft fall mist.

That's all for now. I love fall. You love fall. When you go out, don't miss anything. Don't forget to stop and smell the beautiful fall air.

Ah, September...You're Back!

(I just printed this article, (my annual celebratory contribution in support of autumn) on my http://cottageonthenew.com post, and thought my fellow September loving friends would enjoy it here, as well. Hope you do...)


All the world over, it's month number nine, September (which actually means seven, right?). Numerical placement aside, "September" is different in different places:

For instance, in Down Under Land, Australia, where they have lots of ancient rivers (see "An Ancient River Called the New", upper right on the cottage blog) it has been winter all summer, so September means that spring is springing for at least some of those friendly folks below the equator. And in India where it's still Monsoon Season, it's September, too. In Russia where they have frozen Siberia, its...you guessed it. September. (Yes, that's the best I could do. I know very little about Russia.) Last but not least, in South America and Africa, which both straddle the equator, it is also September, but with winter on one end and summer on the other.

Very interesting.

It's even September in Central Florida, where I was born and raised. And though my friend Molly tells me that "it's sort of cool here, too," I know that's not exactly true...at least not by my standards. I'm not calling my girlfriend a liar, mind you, because Molly never lies. (She doesn't. She is honest as the day is long!) But her idea of cool is "under 90 degrees". Dear sweet Molly, that's...*writer shakes her head sympathetically, "tisk, tisk, tisk"*...that's not cool.

Yep. September is not the same everywhere as it is in the Blue Ridge, where cool, crisp breezes whisper fall to you with the scent of ripened apples on their breath and the crunch of colorful leaves under your feet...

Obviously, I love the fall! Just the thought of it lifts my spirits and makes my heart beat faster. Just this morning, my son who lives in Boone, called and told me that he can "already smell fall in the air". He said that its cool, and that some of the leaves are even starting to change. So its officially unofficial.

Well, that does it. My sweet husband and I are driving up there tomorrow. We're gonna smell the air and pick up a couple of pretty red dogwood leaves off the ground below the trees. Maybe we'll mozy over to Todd General Store for one of their famous hamburgers. We've never had one before. I think a beautiful early, albeit unofficial, fall day is the perfect day for a hamburger aficionado, such as myself, to have her first ever "world's best burger" (according to the mountain bikers, who know their hamburgers...) in a little General Store along the old New River.

So maybe you're one of those folks who is saying, "It's just September 3rd, so it is still officially summer right now." I hear you; you tell me that every year. And I do not care...'cos I tell you. In North Carolina's mountains when that first sweet, cool breeze washes its breath across my face and catches my hair in gentle fingers, it whispers, "It's me again, your old friend, Autumn".

Welcome back, old friend.

Microfiction Monday Ketchup

My knight did come, and he swept me off my feet.
Alas, no horse, no armor...
corny jokes.
Small sacrifices for such a kind and comely king.

Susan from stonyriver.ie had the photo for this one. I'm still confused about who originates this Microfiction Monday. I pasted the picture from Sylvia Morice's website. If you know, please post it in the comments below.
Whatever, it's delightful! Thankyou.

Microfiction Ketchup...The Ever Popular House Vs Home Concept

My mother always said, "Love makes a house a home."
I think she'd agree, walls and a nice sturdy roof would add charm as well as security.

This is the second catch-up in my missed Microfiction Mondays.

Happy Belated Monday to You!

It is Monday, Isn't It? As a matter of fact, I do believe it is Microfiction Monday. I decided to catch up this morning on one of the pictures I had missed.

Hello, Mom, she said to me.
It was the silence which followed that told me what she really
wanted to say...I miss you, too, Sweet Girl.

My First, Personal Version of Microfiction Monday!

Stinky pillow, said I,

and put the cover in to wash.

Lovely scent, said he,

and dug a spot to lie.

O' dog of guilty bliss,

'tis life.

I found "Microfiction Monday" on Twitter today, and thought I'd give it a try. You write a micro-story in 140 characters or less. What a great, fun challenge! I realized after using this photo for my inspiration that the original writer meant for participants to use their photograph. So then I added the following one to go with the picture I found on this website (which wouldn't paste here):

It took years before she realized that the children in her dreams were her children yet unborn. From Milkyway to Earth, they came 1 by 1.

For more information and links to other writer's microfictions, go to
http://wp.me/pDORj-VD
Or maybe this one:
http://petzoldspracticalprose.blogspot.com/  Monkey Man

Beyond Copperheads!

After a rough few weeks, the worst is over. Nate is almost completely recovered. He just has one bandage left over the bite finger. It's still black, and the nail looks kind of strange, but it's definitely healing.

His snake, Sassy, disappeared a while back, escaping in the house...
She obviously found the tiny hole in Nate's closet and managed to escape through there.

But last week Nate was visiting a friend's house, and they discovered...(surprise!)...another snake. Non-venomous, of course. As a matter of fact, this new snake is a rat snake like Sassy, but bigger. Nate thinks she may be another girl, because she doesn't seem to have those little hooks male snakes have for mating. She hasn't got a name yet, so for the sake of simplicity, we'll just call her "Sassy, Jr.".

Sassy Junior now resides in the large tank on Nate's bottom shelf. She likes to curl up under the bark hiding place. Nate picks her up in a clump and she slowly unwinds, crawling around in his hands.

Sassy Junior looked so docile, I wanted to pet her. Reaching forward, I lightly touched the back of her neck (do snakes have necks?) just below her head. Suddenly she flipped up and reared back, biting my finger. She didn't hurt me. No fangs. She does have tiny teeth, but I think she was just frightened and warning me. But poor little Nate's reaction surprised me a little bit, though it shouldn't have. He was really shook up by the brief encounter. His breathing quickened and his skin got pale. He was maybe even trembling a bit. He put her away immediately, saying over and over, "You okay, Nonnie? I can't believe she did that. You sure you're okay?"

I'm glad this experience hasn't dampened Nate's love for reptiles, because that is a healthy, normal boy thing. But I'm also glad that he has gained a healthy respect for the power behind a snake's bite. Since he was bitten over a month ago, several small Copperheads have been found and killed in their neighborhood. His mom, dad and sister have been keeping a close watch on him, and are obviously still a bit afraid to let him out of their site.

Nate and his sister, Mickie, were at my house the other day, and had five minutes to change their clothes and head for home. Their mom wondered what was taking Nate so long, and went to hunt for him. She finally discovered him in the front yard, catching the frogs in the pond, and making an official count of the froggie population explosion that has occurred this summer in the two tiny fish ponds. He was a little miffed at his mom as they left. She had disturbed him just as he was about to catch one of the little ones. That's not so bad, though. As you can see, he has one small toad, already.

Ah, boys! One of the mysteries of the universe.

See you next time,

deber

(and until then, be well, be wise, be curious and kind, and maybe just a little wacky.)

Nate and the Copperhead

I know. Nate looks like he's enjoying all this attention. But at the time of this photo, he was drugged for pain, and thoroughly enthralled by the many snake and reptile tales of the 15 visitors in his hospital room.

Everyone has a snake story. Everyone. It may actually be their neighbor's best friend's sister-in-law's boyfriend's little brother's story, but it is also their own. Being a Florida native with one big brother, and several sons and grandsons like Nate, I have more than my share of snake stories. Here's the latest:

If you read my blog or follow me on Twitter, you are aware that my eleven year old grandson, Nate, has been pictured in here more than once. That's because he likes to hang out at his grandmother's house. We have a creek and a pasture, two small fish ponds and a place for swimming. A Man Yard, you might call it.

Nate, like so many boys, is a snake hunter.

He loves them. (No, my friend. Love is not too strong a word...) Personally, I don't understand love for an legless slithering animal with a tiny, smooth brain that contains nothing more than instinct, and with no arms to hold you, therefore no way to show affection; not to mention, with jaws that come unhinged to enable them to swallow small innocent creatures. I simply know that Snake and Reptile Love is a "boy thing".

As you can see, Nate is going to be all right, but his finger is black where he was bitten on the tip, and his hand is swolen.

I, on the other hand, am a worrier. It's what mothers do. It's in the job description, right at the top of the page. Strangely, considering that fact, my husband and I and our large family have lived on this Horseford Creek for 20 years, and on two other creeks and  a lake before that. Creeks are wonderful environments for children to explore, but also great habitats for snakes and other biting critters to live and thrive. This makes them a hazard for ambitious snake hunting boys and their mothers and grandmothers.

As the instincts of motherhood would have it, I have always counted the miles to the hospital when purchasing a home on water. The closer the better. This house is 1.05 miles to the nearest hospital. Excellent. However, I am always a bit worried when kids are playing in my yard. I do a lot of praying.

However, this snake bite happened to Nate on his own neighborhood street in front of his own yard while both of his parents were home. His story is that he reached down to pick up a racket in the road, and wham! Copperhead tooth in the tip of left forefinger. Ouch. (According to his dad, Nate can spot a 7" snake in tall grass from over a hill 100 yards away, but he didn't see this one beside the racket.)

A quick call to 911 brought at least 8 volunteer rescue workers immediately. According to my granddaughter, they were a great help and comfort, God bless them! Then the ambulance arrived. They live about 12 minutes from the hospital, but got there in plenty of time to get Nate to the help he required.

The snake turned out to be a small 18" Copperhead who could only manage to get one little tiny fang into Nate's left forefinger. Contrary to what you might think, smaller snakes often carry a bigger whallop when it comes to snake bites. As a result, Nate has so far received 6 vials of anti-venom over a two day period. Hopefully, that may be all he needs. The doctor may let him go home tonight, but wants to see him a few more times before doing so.

I'm way too tired to dazzle you with brilliant writing after a weekend like this. It's been rough, but especially for Nate's parents; and especially for his darling mother, my oldest child. She is handling things bravely, wisely, and lovingly. What a mama she is, and I am proud of her.

Thank God Nate is okay.

Let me say that again. THANK GOD that Nate is okay, and recovering quickly. Thank God for the rescue workers, doctors, anti-venom, and the wonderful hospital staff who are taking such good care of him.

God is good. Hallelujah!

Random Garden Thoughts, Tips, and Photos

My most recent mystery roses have bloomed, at last. I must say, even the ones that I thought I knew turned out to be mysteries. But my favorite and most anticipated, the Rosa Rugosa, bloomed today. She has not disappointed me. She is pink and semi-double, with a fluffy yellow center. I'm very happy with her.

We've had a lot of rain this spring. I'm not complaining, mind you, because who in their right mind (and I always am) would complain about something as good as rain? But not only is this wonderful, abundant rain causing blackspot on most of my roses, it is also giving the weeds a strong foothold along the walk.

However, weeding can become a fun hunt for freebies.

For example, the Johnny Jump-ups that I planted in a pot last fall have gone to seed, and all kinds of Johnnies are coming up in the walkway.

I carefully dug these sweetie-pies up, making sure to keep the tender roots as safe and undamaged as possible. I kept a bit of dirt with each plant. There were probably 20 plants growing among the weeds! After digging them up, I added water. Later this week, I'm going to plant them in the new raised garden Bill is making for us. Useful plants are going to take up of the planting space, but I would like a few cutting flowers; these little Johnnies (named for my dear old daddy, no doubt) will be tucked in along the edges. Once planted, like their wild cousins, common violets, they will come up new from seed for several years.
Note: If I am not able to put them in the planting beds before a few days, I will put them in a large pot of potting soil, watering them well and keeping them in part shade until I am able to get them in the ground. They won't last long this way.

Our herbs are growing fabulously this year. I know what some of you are thinking. Herbs are weeds, so if the weeds are happy, the herbs are, too. Not necessarilary true, my friend. But for those of you who know how magnificent an herb plant can be in the garden, here are some easy to grow, useful and beautiful herbs:

Normally, Echinacea is a soft violet pink color, but I found these at Home Depot this weekend. I thought I'd died and gon to heaven, but thank goodness, it's just a new hybrid!

I'm going to plant them next to something blue that is also blooming this time of year, so the blooms will complement each other.

Echinacea is a medicinal herb used for asthma and other lung ailments. But it is known to raise bloodpressure. As an asthmatic (since I was four), I can assure you that the new medicines for asthma far exceed any benefits you can get from Echinacea. I grow it for it's beauty only.

Russian Comfrey has a gorgeous blue flower.

Most comfrey plants I've seen have a pink/purple flower. Comfrey makes a poltice to put on infection. Again, though I know people who use it, I never have. It's a beautiful plant. A friend gave me three tiny sprouts about 15 years ago, and they've tried to take over the garden ever sense. I just pull them up if they come up where I don't want them. Over and over and over and over, all summer. These gorgeous Periwinkle blooms are worth it, however.

Speaking of Periwinkle Blue blossoms, Borage is an herb with edible flowers. Not only are they pretty on a salad, they taste like cucumber. I have read that you can add the leaves to salad, but I've only eaten the flowers. You can toss them on your salad with Violets and Nasturtiums. Gorgeous, healthy, and delicious!

Though it's not an herb, there are still a few stray blooms of Bleeding Heart peeking over the Peonies at the back of the border. This girl is over 4 feet tall. I planted her many years ago.

 

Pineapple Sage is a delightful smelling herb used for making teas. This one was planted this year and is already quite large. I usually grow Pineapple Sage as an annual in this climate, but many years it does survive the North Carolina Piedmont's winter. After buying a new one this year, I realized that last year's plant had shown her pretty head once again. (After all, we'd had snow all winter, which protects many plants from the bitter cold.) As you see, Pineapple Sage has red trumpet shaped blooms on spikes at the end of each branch. This is the first bloom this year.

I found the cat in the garden the other day, laying contentedly on his back. Actually, at first sight, I was afraid he was sick. Then I saw this Catnip had sprung up along the garden path...it came up from seed. So El Cat-o wasn't sick. He was just happy.

Catnip not only delights your kitten, it makes a relaxing tea, but it's good for respiratory infections and asthma, tummy troubles, and many other things. (read more about it here: http://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_catnip.htm)

Mr. and Mrs. Birdie have decided to build a next in the Brown Turkey Fig that grows well on the southeast side of the house. I hope that's a good idea. The hornets and bees love that fig tree come August. So do I, but I don't like the bees and the hornets, so I miss most of the fig season due to bugs. My sis Jeanie is taking allergy shots for stinging insects. I'm going to look into it.

Being allergic to bees is hard on a gardener.

The Kimberly Fern is, in my opinion, the best fern for the front porch pot. I prefer it over the Boston fern any time. Not only does it not drop its leaves like the Boston does, but it can handle the cold and the heat better. Let it dry out between waterings. If it likes where and how you keep it, it will get really large, with fronds that grow long and lush. If planted in the deep South, it may escape into the garden and become a pest (if you can consider ferns in the garden pesky...). Up here in North Carolina,

I don't think that's anything to worry about.

Last but not least, my darling, Rainy Spring days are perfect days for setting the

hanging orchids out on the stoop. I watered the ones in pots, but these Vandas can get messy when watered, because the Orchid Mix falls all over everything, and water can't be contained. I usually water them in a large bowl, but on this rainy day, I happily set them on the porch; and they were glad to be there.

That's it, honey-bun. Just some garden thoughts and pictures for you today. See ya' next time.

deber

Twelve Handmade Gifts for Mother's Day

We moms enjoy all kinds of wonderful gifts, but my Mom's favorite, and now my own, are the gifts made by the hands of our children.

Your mom might like this gift

if she has a garden with a pond...

but then again, maybe not...

If you'd like to make something for your mom this Mother's Day, I've got a dozen last minute gifts you can whip up before Sunday, guaranteed to please and delight your mom.

1. Memory Pages - This is one thing you can do alone or with your siblings. Buy a Memory Book or Photo Album, and make up a few pages for Mom with photos, sweet and funny comments and mementos.
   Note: You can even make a party of this gift, with your mom as the guest of honor. Bring the book, tape, glue, ribbon, ephemera ("junk to glue on", as some of us say in the art world), and photos, and do it together. That will add another layer to the wonderful memories.

Seasonings-in-a-pot

2. An Herb Garden - Everyone who cooks can appreciate a few basic potted herbs growing in a sunny window or on the back deck. You can find herbs at most hardware stores and nurseries. They can be potted in one big pot for a porch or deck, or individually in small pots for the kitchen window. Some good herbs are:
Basil - Go by smell. If you like the smell, it's a nice Basil. I like Purple Ruffle, Globe, and Lemon.
Rosemary - One of my favorites. Not only a good cullinary herb, Rosemary has beautiful little longlasting flowers when it's mature, and makes a pretty potted plant.
Thyme - Lemon Thyme is a must in my own kitchen, but French or English Thymes are good basics.
Chamomile - The flowers of Chamomile make a nice, relaxing tea. Roman Chamomile is a perennial, and German is an annual.
Oregano - Greek Oregano is easily found, but if you can find Cuban Oregano, it is delicious, and the large leaves can be fried as well as added to Mom's spaghetti.
Lavender - Lady Lavender is a pretty plant which blooms the first year and grows well in a pot. Flowers can be added to teas, or put under pillow cases for a good night's sleep.
Chives - The most popular chives are the Garlic Chives, with edible pink flowers and tubular leaves.

Necklace of glass and stone;

many bead stores offer assistance in making jewelry.

3. Jewelry - A lovely necklace or bracelet can be a speedy project for you to create. Some stores, like Bisque and Bead here in my town, can assist you with choosing the beads and putting them together from start to finish. But Michael's, AC Moore and Walmart have how-to books, beads, tools and "findings" (the clasps and other necessaries) for you if you want to start a new hobby.

4. Music CD - If you have a few cd's that your mom enjoys, you might want to record a collection of music for her from them. If you have the know-how, be sure to record a sweet or funny introduction to her in your own voice. Make it mushy so you can make her cry...happy tears. Then decorate the front of the CD with permanent markers.

5. Cards - A Mother's Day card may seem like a "given" to you, but there are many ways to make really special cards. Stamping is a fun project, and paper, stamps and stamp pads are easy to find at any craft store. Or you can glue or draw things. You can also make a photo card using a special photo. Most photo programs have a way to put your photos on card stock. Any adorable family picture can be made into a pack of 6 to 10 notecards, printing two cards per piece of card stock. Buy envelopes for notecards at an office store or Walmart.

An easy apron

6. Apron - If you sew and have a sewing machine, you can make an easy "half apron" from one yard of 36" (or wider) fabric without a pattern.
Cut a 22" x 36" strip of fabric for the skirt.
Trim side selvages, fold edges over and stitch.
Fold a 3" hem, iron and stitch.
Cut two 3" x 36" strips for a waist band.
Sew one end together, fold down the length, top of fabric together and iron.
Stitch ends, and stitch from each end toward the middle, leaving a 22 1/2" opening to insert the skirt.
Turn and iron so that the unsewn part is folded down the same as the sewn seams.
Gather the top of the hemmed piece, and pin to what will be the inside of the back of the waist band.
Machine sew.
Hand stitch the top of the waist band to the skirt, and topstitch if you prefer a more finished look.

Pick flowers fresh from your yard

7. Garden Flowers - If you have a yard, it's likely that you will have something nice blooming there. Pick a handful, and present them to your mom in a little vase (Dollar stores always have affordable vases) or even in a Mason Jar tied with a ribbon. If all you have are a handful of wild violets, don't despair. They are lovely in a shot glass or small bottle.

A "Mommy Vase" made from wire and an old bottle,

for tiny blooms

8. Recycle and Repurpose Bottles and Jars - I call these "Mommy Vases", because they're great for the tiny, short-stemmed blossoms picked for Mommie by the little ones. You can take a small bottle or jar, wrap it in wire (copper is nice and available at the hardware and craft stores), make a loop on top, and Voila. A great vase to hang in the kitchen window with violets.

My grandson hard at work making art

9. Children's Art - If you have some colorful children's art of your own or your children's, you can matt it and put it in a simple frame. It will make a treasured gift for Mom.

A water garden: pot, plant, small goldfish,

water conditioner, and fish food

10. A Water Garden - Buy a large non-toxic pot with a rubber plug or no hole (2 gallons or more), a miniature water lily (both are usually found at Lowes or Home Depot), and some water conditioner, two "feeder fish" and a tiny container of fish food from the pet store. Condition the water and add the plant according to directions, add the fish, and you have a pretty little miniature water garden for Mom's patio.
   Note: This gift will need part shade so it won't get too hot for the fish. Only one or two small fish would be recommended for this container; if you don't want fish, clean out the water weekly to avoid mosquitos.

11. Cook Something Yummy - If you bake a delicious cake, you can buy some frosting in a tube and write something on top. Or bake Mom's favorite cookies or a tart. You can even make dinner for her. She'll love that! Just don't forget to clean the kitchen when you're done.

12. Make a Book of Coupons for Helpful Chores - You can make up a little package of things you can do for her and tuck them into your card. She can redeem them as she needs them done. Weed the garden, clean the kitchen, do the dishes, mow the lawn, help clean out a room or closet, organize her studio... Anything you will actually be able and willing to do for her. She'll be so pleased with what a thoughtful person you have become, and will appreciate this more than you may ever know.

This is just a sample of wonderful things you can do for your mom. Depending on what she's interested in and your budget, this is a pretty fun selection.

Remember, the most important thing is to give your special gift with a note that expresses your grattitude and love...words that she'll treasure in her heart forever.