10 Lessons from the Many Seasons of Downton Abbey

Posted on December 20, 2021 by Cindi Pete

Christmas specials and episodes are plentiful and add great entertainment this time of year. I still recall how much I enjoyed the Downton Abbey, Season 2, Episode 9, “Christmas at Downton Abbey.”

Of course, there is a Christmas music album. Who knew? I did not. This is the album sampler.

If you are unfamiliar with the PBS program, you have time to give it a go before the movie is released. So many of us enjoyed each season to the point of getting attached to characters and storylines. Is there a dowager countess in your family history?

Downton Abbey announce major update on sequel - release date, title and more | HELLO! — Credit: Hello Magazine

While we wait, it seems only proper to reflect on lessons learned at Downton Abbey. Here are 10 lessons learned over time through the seasons. How many of these that reflect plot points can you still recall? I may in fact need a refresher myself.

If you are sinister, suspicious, and snarky every season, don’t expect to end with much sympathy, support, or friendships. But we can hold on to hope.
If you are the eldest matriarch in your family, understand your words, though witty and often wise, may be off-putting to those close to you. And yet delight your veiwing audience.
As we age, new technology can startle and cause distrust when introduced. Embrace it.
Women evolve. Stand back, observe, and honor.
Avoid an ulcer at all costs.
Marigolds and daisies can grow together.
If you cannot find the love of your life through many seasons, hold on. At least millions of people will be pulling for you.
If you marry a head butler, be sure you love to run your home the same way he expects the manor to be run.
Family pets, especially a Labrador Retriever, will win your heart. When they leave you, it is painful. But we can learn to love again.
Hope and love will survive, when ways of life must change with the times. Stay optimistic.

Thank you, Downton Abbey, for seasons of wisdom, joy, and viewing happiness.

Join me in eager anticipation for the next movie! Even the sound of the theme music gets me to the edge of my emotional seat. What about you?

Stay charming, my friends!

Create a Fall Wreath with Tombow Markers

Posted on November 1, 2021 by Cindi Pete

You never know until you try. Still true.

Here is a free online video from the Michael’s YouTube page (below) that you might enjoy. I participated at home by following the step-by-step directions. That made it feel easier to do. Otherwise, I may have looked at the finished image and decided I could never do that!

Perhaps you, too, talk yourself out of trying something new by looking at the perfect example given and comparing yourself to others. This time I decided to simply follow along for the fun of it, and see how it turned out. You could say I copied along, which made the project bite-sized. That seemed more manageable.

I had a relaxing time and was happy with how it worked out. I did not have the Tombow Dual Brush Pens, Cottage Palette, at the time. I ordered them later to color in the wreath I’d sketched out. This was a fun way to do something new and see what became of it.

I like these sorts of creative projects, and you might be interested as well. I love to doodle, draw, and color, as long as it feels like play and not an assignment. I also love to use art like this to pull my head out of the day-to-day adult life drama and demands. This was a risk, but a harmless one. I encourage us all who feel “craft shy” to try new things, too.

Practice imperfection. I believe helps us grow and engage in good ways.

I learned to draw the four styles of leaves.
I learned to add big flowers, berries, and little flowers to fill in.
I love the color palette.

(I apologize for the blurry screenshots below.)

Screenshot from video: Close-up of styles and colors of leaves and flowers creating the fullness.

Screenshot from video: All done! “Thankful” is written in the center. Flowers and leaves are outlined in black.

Here’s my finished wreath. It’s close but not exactly the same. And that’s why we call it creative.

My goal was to see what I could do, and that was relaxing and fun. We have a society that pushes for perfection and we lose the freedom to learn along the way. Our world’s kids need to see us grow, too.

Have fun creating just to see what you can do. And be satisfied with the process. Good for you for doing creative things along the way!

Stay creative, my friends!

Create Cards and Send Some Love

Posted on March 29, 2021 by Cindi Pete

I recently purchased a card-making kit and found it to be easy and fun.

Card Making Kit Fun

Last December, I participated in a card-making workshop on Zoom hosted by my friend, Marsha, on the East Coast. I met and worked with other women from all around the country in the Zoom room. It was like a quilting bee for 2020. All women were working on cards or scrapbooking while together in conversation. An enjoyable time during the pandemic. The card making workshop started at 10AM EST, before sunrise for me on the west coast. You’ll notice the darkness in my photos.

I ordered a card kit from Creative Memories. It came ready to go to make twelve cards for $20. I also purchased adhesive. I really enjoyed it, and plan to make another set of cards soon. Here are some photo details. This might be fun for you, too.

The card kit supplies came in a pretty box.

Within minutes, I was ready to go!

Kit supplies, adhesive roll and foam squares (sold separately), scissors (my own), and instructions were all set up. Plus, I prepared some snacks for while I work. My laptop was ready for the Zoom video call.

All the pieces are numbered by card and letter for easy identification.

Below you see the parts for Card #9.

I separated the parts into piles by number.

I placed all the parts of each card into one of the blank cards like a little folder. I put them back in the box in order. I tucked in the directions.

I pulled out one card at a time and just followed the instructions to assemble.

I finished the cards in less than two hours and had a good time.

Below are six of the finished cards. I did customize a couple with bonus pieces that came in the box.

I addressed, stamped, and sent each card on its way to friends and family.

Stay creative in 2021, my friends!

P.S. If you’d like a closer look at another Creative Memories Card Kit, watch this video:

To see all the card kits Creative Memories offers, click here: Card Kits.

Pandemic Tug Experiment

Posted on November 23, 2020 by Cindi Pete

What? No hugs? For months on end that has been a caution and a challenge for me and many others. I have devised a solution. Pandemic tugs.

It is recommended that we do not hug friends and family at this time. Nor strangers for that matter, but who wants to hug a stranger? That’s creepy. In the combat of the subversive spreading strategy of the current coronavirus, we stay distant. I pondered the fact that many remain without hugs and the deficit in our sense of connection that can create. There must be a short term better way.

There is beauty and purpose in a sweet, safe hug with a loved one or someone you simply want to encourage. I miss that. Maybe you do, too. What can we do instead to stay safe, respect others, and still sense a physical connection? This sent me on a quest. I came up with this idea.

Tugs! Isn’t that what you were thinking, too? No? Well, then, let me explain.

As I thought further, the idea came to me that maybe tugging on a rope would help. Crazy, right? Think about it. In a hug, you touch another person tenderly. You sense they are really out there and you are connected. The second best idea could be a tug when you cannot hug.

Tugs and hugs do have some similarities:

Two or more people are usually needed.
Some resistance is applied, so physically you know someone is out there for you.
There is a sense of connection.
Often people feel better afterwards.

So I began to explore with my theory and then found a few friends to experiment, I mean play, with the theory. Let’s see what happened. Here were my next steps.

Find something to tug. A rope came to mind. Knots would be helpful.
Get a rope with knots, or add your own to a plain rope.
Make sure the rope is long enough for social distancing.
Make sure the rope is washable for germ precautions. That, and dirt precautions.

Amazon, naturally, had a dog toy rope long enough for my purposes, and it was also washable. It is knotted and has a tassel, which adds a sense of play and silly. Now, we’re talking!

I ordered two for tugging with friends without passing them around. I don’t feel that is a high risk, but it is courteous.

The ropes arrived. I was very pleased. The experiment was underway, supplies in hand.

Each rope was long enough to provide a measured physical distance. Perfect!

I was prepared and ready to try my fresh idea.

Two friends came over for a physically distant outdoor visit. They were game to test my tug hypothesis which was: Tugging on a rope with a loved one would be fun and provide a sweet physical sense of connection.

Here goes! We all tried it and tugged together. My hypothesis proved true.

The resistance needed to tug on a rope provides a fun sense that someone is out there engaged with you. It worked!

We couldn’t help but smile, but you cannot tell because, well, masks.

This did not feel like a hug, obviously. Yet it did create a sense of connection and play, and that lightened our hearts.

The experiment was a success! The tugs are a cute replacement for hugs while we are in this pandemic. I was so happy we each felt the physical presence of friends in this off-beat way, and that brought joy.

And then we tugged good-bye, with smiles on all faces.

Some of you will find this awesome, too, and may even need to invest in your tug of love rope. Or get a four way tug of love rope to extend to a group tug.

Desperate times call for creative solutions! Tug someone soon!

Stay connected, my friends, and may tugs of joy be yours this holiday season.

It’s Almost Halloween, So When Do You Start Christmas Fun?

Posted on October 26, 2020 by Cindi Pete

It is almost Halloween. Scary, isn’t it? Time still creeps by, even in a pandemic.

O.K. Corral Museum, Tombstone, Arizona – 2019

And if it’s Halloween with all the tricks and treats, you know that it’s almost Christmas somewhere.

Sugar Cookies from Alicia’s Cookery & Catering, Brea, CA

Now I know there are some strong opinions on Christmas and timing, too. Since everything seems controversial this year, let’s add this to the mix. We each probably land somewhere different on when is too soon for Christmas or not soon enough.

Some of you (us) are already turning our thoughts toward Christmas. You know who you are. This post is specifically for you, Christmas people. I am interested in your timeline and how you are doing in this pandemic year with setting your expectations accordingly.

First of all, how do you rate yourself as a Christmas fan? On a scale of 1-10. A “1” would be someone who appreciates usually getting the day off, but that’s about it. You might be a “10” if:

Your home, once decorated, looks like Hallmark used it as a set for one of their Christmas movies.
You go to Disneyland (if you are local) multiple times during the season (years when it is open – boo, hoo).
You have multiple Christmas items of clothing in your wardrobe.
You start listening to holiday music, well, already.
You are a professional when it comes to shopping for gifts and love it all – purchase to pretty packaging for delivery day. You may be done already. Or maybe you’re one who makes gifts for everyone on your list. I think that is meaningful, but definitely shows a higher level or ambition and organization.
You quite possibly stress out with all the demands and busy days of the season – on purpose, filling every free moment on your calendar, and then collapsing satisfied or let down shortly after the big day. And just before putting away the decorations.
Your expectations are high for the best Christmas ever – every year.
You send Christmas cards early and every year.
And what else?
- For any of you who qualifies as a “10,” you probably do not have time to read this post, even now.
- For those of us who observe, and love, the ambitious “10’s” around us, what did I forget that should be on the list?

Like I mentioned, I am interested in your traditions and how you are doing this year in light of the pandemic guidelines and how that impacts our mood. Hopefully, we can still enjoy the season in many ways. Please share!

When do you normally begin to honor Christmas? Does this year feel different?
Have you already begun to watch Hallmark’s Countdown to Christmas movie series? Or do you plan to wait on that?
Have you been to Home Depot to check out the tree display? Or other retail displays of decorations?
When do you usually start listening to holiday tunes? What do you think about this year?
When do you decorate? What are your traditions with decorating? Will this year be any different?

I’m not feeling the momentum yet that sweetly builds from Halloween through the next two months and settles back down quietly by New Year’s Day. I typically make myself wait until after Halloween to begin listening to Christmas holiday music. My parents laid down that law when I was growing up. This year I don’t think I’ll be in the mood for the music that early. I do have election fatigue, pandemic fatigue, and conspiracy theory fatigue. That can stifle the mood, but I predict I’ll bounce back, possible later than usual.

From Lindsay & Letters (no longer available)

I go back and forth as a mid-range fan of Christmas fun. Lately, I am a “5,” average fan of Christmas who loves it, enjoys it, but keeps the calendar as open as possible and has toned down the decorating to quite minimal. I’m not into the gift part. In the past, I was more of a “7” or “8.” Going to Disneyland, if it were open, is part of the holiday magic for me. I also plan to watch a Hallmark Christmas movie. Or many. But not yet.

I have another post on Christmas 2020 coming soon, but for now, if you are a Christmas enthusiast early bird, I hope you’ll share your perspective in a comment.

Stay cheerful, my friends.

P.S. For a quick look at Hallmark’s Countdown to Christmas: Are you a Hallmark fan at Christmas?

Are you a Hallmark fan at Christmas?

Back-to-School? Are You Kidding Me?

Posted on July 13, 2020 by Cindi Pete

I was an educator for twenty-seven years prior to retiring in 2017. With all the talk about reopening schools this fall, with the current pandemic not yet under control here in the United States, I have to say, it’s never as easy as they make it sound.

The executive branch is threatening to withhold funding, so it seems school bullying has begun at the top. Anyway, on behalf of my fellow educators still on the job, God bless you all. Here is my take on a quick look at the reality of classroom details and management that could be reality this fall. Enjoy!

Stay humorous in the chaos, my friends.

Life Can Be In Tents

Posted on March 30, 2020 by Cindi Pete

Here in Southern California, many of us are staying home in response to the “Safe at Home” order from California’s governor, Gavin Newsom, to battle the CoVid19 crisis. I’ve often wished for more time at home to get this project done or do that creative project. Now I do have extra time, and I struggle to figure out what to do next.

I watch the news. Although it is hard for me to conceive, experts say things will get harder in the next weeks. I can feel the anxiety that produces. Focus is fleeting in the midst of the uncertainty outside our front doors.

Last Saturday, I needed a break. I needed to do something for a few hours that could take me away from current reality with an engaging activity. It had to take place at home. I got a silly idea. I decided I was going to build a tent at home inside. I returned to a childhood activity that I loved.

I jumped on that idea, and it filled the afternoon with creative fun and sweet play. I found great joy in a stressful time. I feel a little vulnerable sharing this with you due to the high level of silly. This is not something one would typically do alone at my age.

But I really wanted to try. So I’ll share it with you and perhaps encourage you to play more, too. As a responsible 64-year old adult, I rarely take time to play. I had forgotten how great it can feel.

Here are the details of my unusual afternoon adventure. I was only limited by what I could find around the house, the size of the space selected, and my imagination. Every step was freeing and fun. Just plain fun. It also brought cheer by bringing to mind one of the reasons I loved working with fourth graders as a teacher. To play like a kid.

Step 1: Diagram the plan and make lists of things to include.

Step 2: Collect materials and supplies.

Crutches: Support beams
Pair of old windows: Small french doors for entrance
Sheets, quilt, blanket, and variety of pillows: Ceiling, floor, and supplies to get comfortable and cozy.
Things to do in tent: Book to read, craft book on lettering, bag of pens for lettering or writing, note writing bag (note cards), and headphones
Gauze curtain panel, shelf: Front entrance valence and snack shelf
Magazine: For reading and relaxing

Step 3: Construct the tent using the highly technical engineering skill of trial and error.

I cleared the land in between the bed and dresser.

I put down the foundation. The carpet isn’t that clean. My grandmother’s white quilt went in next. I placed it on top of a clean sheet.

Naturally, I went for the laundry basket lift technique and crutches cross bars. Who wouldn’t? As a graduate of Purdue University, an engineering school, some design sense had rubbed off on me, even though I was an Education major. This design made the ceiling high enough for me to be comfortable. Plus, it provided more natural light and air.

The gauze valance was secured to the crutch with clothespins.

Next, I propped the pair of charming old windows at the opening to simulate tiny French doors, to add class, whimsy, and for a creative touch.

Of course a door mat made the entrance more official. You can also see my grandmother’s quilt now in place on the floor for a soft surface.

Step 4: Prepare some snacks for sustenance.

I rummaged through the kitchen and packed up the kind of things a kid would find to eat. Cashews, mini-marshmallows, Trader Joe’s Baked Cheese Crunchies, pretzels, and a banana. For a beverage, I loaded my small pink canteen with ice and sparkling water. Plus, I took a paper straw for my drink to create more of a party feel, and perhaps save an ocean turtle.

Step 5: Get into the tent and enjoy the afternoon.

My view from the inside looking toward the entrance. Getting my chill on.

The snack shelf with all the random goodies within reach. I found a spare shelf and placed it in a pulled out drawer to create this.

I enjoyed creating from my design, building a fun little tent, and relaxing inside for a few hours. “Safe at home” can be intense. Or…in tents.

I snacked, listened to music, read, and wrote a couple notes. I caught my breath. My body, mind, and emotions took a break from the CoVid19 weirdness.

Many of us are working hard to create interesting things to do at home. This was a big winner in my book. I had a blast in this silly seclusion.

At sunset, the globe lanterns came on and the entry way twinkle lights added a little magic, and signalling the end of a fun afternoon and my little tent.

Perhaps you’ve guessed by now that my inspiration tent was the one in the movie Holiday. If you’ve seen the movie, you know the tent. If you haven’t seen it, I won’t give it away.

Once upon a time, many of us had to stay at home for weeks. Many of us will do our best to make the most of it. Though an odd and difficult time, some memories we create will last far beyond this pandemic. I am grateful for these good moments.

Remember, you’re never too old to make the best of a tough time. Stay home. Stay patient. Stay creative. Stay playful.

And stay charming, my friends.

Bunches of Blossoms

Posted on February 17, 2020 by Cindi Pete

She made it look fun. She shared the ideas on Instragram. Then I wanted to see what I could do. Inspired and encouraged by my friend, Amy, at Tonality Designs, I took a chance and played with flowers this weekend.

We all know that Valentine’s Day was last Friday. We also know that flowers get overpriced, especially roses, at that time of year. Amy showed me a better way. She bought several bunches of flowers at Trader Joe’s and turned them into pretty arrangements to cheer up her home. She shared that the prices were reasonable.

I light heartedly challenged myself to a Valentine’s flower frenzy. I’ve learned that when I get tempted to compare myself to someone else’s creative ability, someone like Amy who does creative things really well, I tell myself, “Don’t miss out! At least try and see what you can do.” So that was my approach, following Amy’s lead and invitation to see what can happen.

I went to Trader Joe’s and bought five random bunches of flowers. Three at $3.99 each, and two at $2.99 each. I looked for the least expensive bunches, and whatever interested me. I don’t know the names of them, and that fits with my level of expertise and motivation to just try. I did get a burgundy bunch and a funky, pink, waxy, bubble bloom. I also got three bunches of white flowers.

And then things came to a screeching halt. At home, I put them in water, still in the packaging cellophane, and there they sat watching me for days. My schedule was busy and time went by. But tonight I got down to business.

I unwrapped the five bunches, gathered a variety of vases and containers on the table, and got going with a plant cutter and regular scissors. I trimmed them, separated them, and poked them into this vase and that glass. I ended up with about nine big and little bouquets of joy which are now scattered around the house. Those five bunches went a long way!

One big vase full, with a smaller jar in front

And I had a great evening! It didn’t take long. The arrangements came out good enough for me. I only spent about $18 for a house full of color and bloom. Awesome! This little adventure brought some playful creativity to my weekend and delight to our home for the week.

Thank you, Amy at Tonality Designs, for making it seem doable. To me, she is an expert on flowers and arranging bouquets, spending many Saturday mornings at the Los Angeles Flower Mart. Her posts on those outings and the results are enjoyable to read, too. So I finally took a chance on a bunch of blooms myself.

You can’t lose with pretty flowers. And like she says, it is always a good idea to buy yourself flowers! She was right. I am glad I tried. It was affordable and easy, when I viewed it as play and not something to enter at the state fair.

Stay charming, my friends! And remember to try something new soon and see how it goes. You might just be pleased. And so glad you did!

Collecting Small Plastic Art

Posted on January 1, 2019 by Cindi Pete

I love graphic art, fonts, design. And doodles. I know some of you do, too. I have collected Starbucks Gift Cards just for these elements in different designs. From about 2007 through 2018, I’ve collected gift cards at Starbucks just because I like looking at the designs. Some collect baseball cards. This is a variation on that.

As I continue to simplify my life and my stuff, this weekend I took pictures of my collection. Then I tossed out the cards out into the plastic recycling bin. My collection has ended, but I wanted to share the images. If you are interested in image and design, too, you might enjoy this post. The photos contain the cards that appealed to me. Starbucks produced many, many more cards than pictured here. I wonder how the design team dreams up the looks year after year.

Birthdays, congratulations, and a couple dancing gift cards

California, Los Angeles, and Seattle (home of the original Starbucks) cards

Christmas, Happy Holidays, and winter cards

Thank you cards…thanks for reading this post!

Stay charming, my friends! Happy 2019!

Who Loves Fall?

Posted on October 15, 2018 by Cindi Pete

Welcome Fall

I know I’m not alone when it comes to enjoying the season of autumn. Days become shorter. Sunsets seem more stunning. Temperatures start to cool off. Well, around here, there is no real guarantee of that, unless we are in the mountains. But you know what I mean. For me, fall means we are heading into some holidays that I really enjoy, too.

Fall Flavors & Cooking

2016-11-24p Ohio Visit - Thanksgiving Dinner - Dessert! copy

Pumpkin Pie with Peanut Brittle Topping

Do you have favorite recipes that come to mind and start your cravings when your calendar turns to October? Perhaps something with butternut squash or a pork loin roasted with sage? I have to give a nod to all things pumpkin, too. Although I’m not a pumpkin latte fan, I accept that many of you are. But slice up a homemade pumpkin pie, add a little fresh whip cream, and I’m ready with my fork. My mom always sprinkled the whip cream with small chunks of peanut brittle. Delicious! I continue that tradition in our home, though not everyone is as interested in that as I am.

Fall Color & Decor

I live in Southern California, so we have to create our own fall. Some trees near our home are changing color. Pink. They have large pink blossoms during this season. What? That always makes me laugh.

The trees along one street in our neighborhood all bloom in bright pink blossoms in the fall. I took this photo at sunset. Though they kind of look orange, I assure you they are pink! Not a fall color in my mind.

The Japanese maples in our town will turn to beautiful fall colors, more orange and red, but not until December. That’s OK. I still like to see the bright colors. This year, I purchased a maple leaf garland that reminds me of Midwest leaves floating in the breeze to the ground. It’s a colorful addition to our den.

Fall Leaves Garland

I recently purchased some table runners for our large dining table to set a fall mood. This is part of simplifying seasonal decorations, to have simpler storage when not in use. It is fun at add simple visual hints of the season or holiday. Table runners are perfect to fold and put away until next time.

In addition, I create some focal points, like many of you do as well, with tiny pumpkins from Trader Joe’s around the house for a pop of fall color. Those can be tossed at the end of the season. No storage needed. Sometimes I toss them in a field to feed some critters. I like to fill a small glass vase with candy corn. That decoration seems to disappear by the time trick-or-treating is over. And, of course, faux candles with timers warm the home with light. Candles can be used all year.

Entry Table Pumpkins - Welcome Fall 2018

Fall Books & Ideas

The beautiful books and magazines that feature fall photography, recipes, and decor ideas are fun to read. That helps get in the fall spirit out here in California. I grew up in the Midwest, so I’ve experienced the full fall tree colors, authentic hay rides, a reason to own sweaters, and chili suppers that do not include jalapenos. Here are two of my favorite seasonal books: Autumn, by Susan Branch, and Seasons of the Heartland, by Midwest Living.

Home for the Holiday

Although the leaves will have fallen to the ground by late November, I’m looking forward to a Thanksgiving visit to my hometown in northeastern Ohio to get a sense of autumn, similar to my growing up years. It will be cool weather, and we may even see some light snow.

Closing Thoughts

Two additional notes. Ironically, orange is my least favorite color. Unless it is September, October, and November. And, ironically, fall has other meanings, especially for me this year. I’m not sure any literal fall is happy, unless you fall in love, fall into bed, or fall into a big pile of leaves. See last week’s post for details on a recent fall that was NOT a favorite season. So, happy autumn and enjoy your fall…in the seasonal sense.

What are the ways you enjoy the fall season? I hope you, too, find joy in the season. Join family or friends for soup and apple crisp sometime soon, or your fall food of choice!