My Rollercoaster Life

Isn't it funny the way life sorta carves its way and you are just going along for the ride? Back in May of this year my mom started having trouble with her hip dislocating. The several nights that we spent in the Emergency Room back then were just the beginning of a crazy rollercoaster ride.


Mom had surgery on that hip in early June. There were days spent running back and forth to the hospital, trying to keep up with the business, taking care of my family, my home, and the dogs. After mom came home and settled in came the business of healing. It was a crazy few weeks around here, but it was a good time. On the heels of that, my sister came up for a visit. Now THAT was a good time, because as many of you know, when we girls get together we end up laughing until we cry! It was so good to see her again and spend those few days together.


But as quickly as that visit was upon us, it was over and my dear sister made her way back to Tennessee. Fortunately she stayed long enough to celebrate my birthday with me, which was extra special. Fast forward 3 days. It's Father's Day and another celebration. But soon we settled back into a routine that would not last long because on June 29 my niece and her hubby came for a visit with their two boys, ages five and one. What a special time that was! By the way, these are my sister's oldest and second youngest grandsons.


Little children are such a blessing...but they sure do know how to exhaust an old gal like me. Now, before you get the wrong idea, I was merely WATCHING them. That's all it took for me to get tired. I do not know where they get such energy. But you know, you just don't mind it when they are good kids and these are two very good kids!


Well, my company left here on Thursday morning for the next leg of their trip. Meantime we are getting down to some serious Independence Day activities....NOT! This weekend was filled with activity alright...but not that kind. We have been catching up. My dear hubby spent a lot of time working around the house. My son spent his weekend working and doing schoolwork for his online college classes. Me? Well, I have been working on getting some special products on my site for your shopping pleasure! Of course, I have more coming! I am in the midst of creating two more pillow and plaque sets which will be coming shortly. And continue to stay tuned. I have lots more product that will be making its way to the pages of my site in the coming weeks.

So, you see...the roller coaster is finally slowing down this week and I will be enjoying a the slightly less wild ride of concentrating on my creative excursions and updating my website. But as I prepare for the fall and winter seasons, I know that it is only a matter of time before the rollercoaster begins to build up speed and I will be along there for the ride once again!

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This is a big time for this little Sparrow. As the company grows, I am advertising in some major publications such as Cottages and Bungalows and Romantic Homes among others. Please be sure to keep your eye on my blog, our website, and follow me on Twitter @TheOddSparrow and on Facebook as well.

Americana BLOWOUT!!!

In honor of the 4th of July holiday, I am celebrating our independence with a super sale on Americiana merchandise. Hurry on over to The Odd Sparrow and check it out in the "Specials" section. Hurry, though...selection is limited! Remember...the early bird gets the worm!

Hippo Birdie to ME!

Many of you know that last week was my birthday. It was an awesome day from the moment I woke in the morning to the moment I closed my eyes that evening. My sister was up visiting from her home in Tennessee, and we had such a fun day...almost wish I could go back and do it over. But lest I lose all that I have accomplished over the last few days, I will settle for an enjoyable memory.

Now you may be wondering why I have entitled my post with the words Hippo and Birdie, other than the obvious conclusion: I am a silly, silly woman. There is truly a bigger reason believe it or not! The reason I used the word hippo is actually a little known fact: I used to collect hippos when I was much younger. I had a LOT of little hippo figurines and statues all over my

bedroom. Quirky, I know, but after a trip to the zoo and a purchase of a very cute little hippo bank, I decided that would be the beginning of a collection. Little did I know that it would take on a life of its own once my very sweet uncle got wind of it.

But what of the word birdie and the picture? Well, many of you already know of my little escapade with a house finch fledgling I dubbed "Peep". Last evening this sweet little bird had tried to fly out of the nest on his own but couldn't go very far. In an effort to protect him from Ginny, our coonhound, I had to pick him up. Well, I couldn't resist and we cuddled for a while and he sat on my shoulder most of the evening. I returned him to his nest in the hopes that his mom would show up soon.

This morning I watched carefully and finally his bird momma came and fed him. She is a good mom, spending a lot of time at the nest. To my surprise, when I went out to take a picture of my little pal before he leaves for good), I saw that he has at least 3 more brothers and sisters in the nest with him. Here he is on the top of the shutter with his siblings in the nest behind it. Isn't he the sweetest???!!!!!

As I mentioned previously, I have accomplished much the past few days. I wanted also to share with you the newest items that I just added to my shop this evening. This great little set is being offered at the same price as the pillow alone would be. That means that you are getting the matching plaque for FREE!!!! Isn't that awesome? It is available at: The Odd Sparrow. I am so excited that I am able to offer this set at such a great price. There will be more coming...so stay tuned!

Oh...and a little post script here for you: I have joined Shabby Lane Shops as well. You can find me there on the front page! Please be sure to sign up for the newsletters on both Shabby Lane and also on Nashville Boutiques so that you can stay up to date on all of the latest information! Thanks for reading!

Just a quick one...

Just wanted to let y'all know that I am taking preorders on the Christmas pinecone sachets and on the fall pillow collection until the end of the month. The pinecones will be available in sets of 3 for $17.97 in either red (sugarplum), white (fresh winter pine), or green (pine/cranberry). The pillows retail for $18.97 each and the pictures of the fall ones are right here ...under my 2/15/09 post.

Please email me at oddsparrow@msn.com or send me a dm or twitter or a message on facebook and I will put you on the list. Remember, with the magazine ads coming up, there will be a glut of ordering coming up. I want you all to be sure you get yours first, as you are my customer base. So please get yours preordered now. They make great gifts or will spruce up your own holiday decor. These items are 100% handmade by me, right here in the USA.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Lots of Awesome News!

It has been an amazing week or so for The Odd Sparrow. I have some great news to share with you.

First of all, you may have noticed the icon to the right. That is just one more place you will find The Odd Sparrow online. Nashville Boutiques is a new little online shopping mall that will tickle you pink! You will find the most wonderful shops there and will enjoy every minute you spend there. Please join us at NashvilleBoutiques.com and shop your little heart out!

Secondly, I really must share some of the ads we have coming out. It has taken a very long time for me to get to the point where I can step out and advertise in national magazines. But the time has come, and I am jumping with joy at the possibilities! I will be included in the Nashville Boutiques debut ad, coming out July 26. This particular ad will be in the August/September issue of Cottages and Bungalows. Make sure you get your copy! For this ad, I have chosen the painted bee pillow. I hope you like it.

The next ad I have planned is one where I am again joining up with the owner of Nashville Boutiques and Shabby Lane Shops. This ad will be in the September issue of Romantic Homes. Be sure to check that one out as well. I have not yet decided what product to put into this ad. I think I will set up a poll. You can let me know what you think...just see the poll to the right of this post.

One other ad I have on the books is for a venue I am very excited about. I have placed an ad in the Christmas issue of Country Sampler magazine. I believe this issue will come out in September. Since this is the Christmas issue, I need to be getting the product I am advertising ready this summer, so it is ready to ship by then. As a result, I will be super busy for the next few months on that project alone. Guess I won't have too much time for trouble making...heehee! So what is the product? It is my Christmas scented pinecones. If you think you might be interested in purchasing these, contact me at OddSparrow@msn.com early...I want you to be on the top of the list!

Well...time for me to get busy here. I will check back soon for your opinions on what to submit for the RH ad...and I will announce the results next week. Stay tuned!!!

Introducing ...Andie! from Brown Bee Studios

Ok everyone...it's time for me to introduce to you one of my dear friends, Andie. She makes the most awesome li'l pinkeeps and has put together a sweet li'l deal for you. Please be sure to check out her blog and get ahold of some of her precious 'mater pinkeeps for yourself and those you love.
Blowout Sale!
'Sup kats and kittehs? Check it...I'm havin' a buy 2 get 1 free sale on all in stock tomatoes! Gotta make room for new crop, and this is my way of givin' y'all a lil' sumthin' sumthin' for helpin' a girl out on this. Just pop me a note with your selections and I'll get 'em right off to ya' lickety split...Thank y'all for shoppin' with me! xoxo Andi

YOU CAN FIND ANDIE AT: BROWN BEE STUDIOS

Such Amazing Blessings!

This Mother's Day I want to take time to share with you just a few of the many blessings in my life. I was born and raised in the city and lived there until just about 7 years ago. I am so grateful for the wonderful homes that we had there, both growing up and then later when my husband and I married. Now that I live in the country, I enjoy lots of greenery. This is a little picture I took from my deck, looking out at a portion of my backyard.

These are the seedlings we have started for the veggie garden we will have this summer. I hope it produces a great harvest. Need to get them in THIS WEEK as the rainy weather has delayed me far too long from planting. Those are tomatoes on the left, then peppers, then zucchini, and on the far right are spaghetti squash!

Below is a picture of our wonderful home. I am so grateful that my dear, sweet husband works so hard to give us such a beautiful life.

This is Bambi. She is one of our four dogs. She is 14 years old and still going strong, despite a heart condition and hearing impairment. I am so thankful for all of God's creatures. He has blessed us abundantly, hasn't He?

This last picture is of my garden in the front of my home. I am so thankful for the beautiful blooms on my irises. I am also enjoying the creativity the Lord has given me. My placement of the chair there is new and I just love how it looks.

Enjoy your creativity today and be blessed!