Fun Find

     Whilst visiting local Amelia Island antique shops, I came across this wonderful iron star.  A light spray of  coral paint and sealer against the weather, I added a bit of glitter, too. It now hangs on our front gate.  I love it!

Tree in a Book

 

      I saw this paper folding idea online at The Shabby Tree. Since I am an author, I just had to make my own version.  Being an evergreen, it not only works for Christmas, but year round.  And, of course, pearls, as books, go with everything! 

   P. S. Thank you, Shirlene Reeves, for the big bling tree topper!

Nativity Finger Puppets

           Felt, glue and trim combined = finger puppets!  Mine happen to be Christmas themed. With little effort, this family craft will be played with and treasured for a long time. 

  

 P. S.  I must make sure Miss Ella, the matriarch in my Goodbye Lie  series, set in the late 1800s, sees this posting. I know she and and the grands will have a wonderful time making these. Isn't it swell how some things never go out out style?

Paperback Pumpkin Plus The Goodbye Lie Diaries - Carolena Dunnigan

     I have discovered The Shabby Tree, online,  featuring Barb, the wonderfully energetic hostess and crafter there.  Here is another of her ideas:  It's a pumpkin made from an old paperback book.  Since I love books, and this novel was on its way to the trash because a few pages were missing, I saved it and turned it into this pretty pumpkin.  It isn't hard at all.  Scissors, hot glue, a light spray of orange paint and whatever trim you have will work.  The link to Barb's blog with instructions is below. Because Fall is in the air here in Florida, make one and keep it sitting out through Thanksgiving.  Have fun crafting!

/https://theshabbytree.com/diy-book-pumpkin/

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The Goodbye Lie Diaries

(Defined - Through the magic of electronics and a sprinkle of stardust, we are able to communicate with the Dunnigan family of The Goodbye Lie series, set in Fernandina on Amelia Island, Florida in the latter part of the 19th century.)

Late 1800s

Fernandina 

on Amelia Island, Florida

Carolena Dunnigan

*Carolena writes:  I certainly think your book pumpkin is lovely.  Should I find a terribly worn softback book on the shelf or elsewhere, I will attempt to create my own. From the photograph, the steps necessary seem to be to cut the pages in half-circles, paste  first page to last to form a circle, dash on a few strokes of paint and decorate.  Thank you to this Barb and her  Shabby Tree, as well.

*Carolena Dunnigan is a prime player in 

Amelia Island's Velvet Undertow, set in 1889 Fernandina on Amelia Island, Florida.  Judgemental, with a hasty temper, she is the interior designer for yachts and ships in the family's Aqua Verde Passenger Line.  Commissioned to build a yacht for a world famous conductor, deceit reigns, taking the family into the horrors of the great Johnstown, Pennsylvania flood.  One reader wrote: I can smell the flood waters! This is all part of Jane Marie Malcolm's Goodbye Lie historical mystery/romance series.

BUY

 The Goodbye Lie series of paperbacks and e-books novels

 HERE

💖 May sparkling hearts overflowing with love 

rain down on you forever! 💖

10 Books About Amelia Island Includes Our Goodbye Lie Series

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Amelia Island's GOODBYE LIE Series in paperbacks and E-books HERE

***

     I am so pleased to share this post from The Arbor Company Blog. Of the ten books featuring Amelia Island, Florida, there are six in the non-fiction genre, three mysteries and one romance.  That romance is my Goodbye Lie series!  The ever-unpredictable characters in the novels, our Critter Crew and I want to sincerely thank Melissa Sloper, Executive Director of The Lakeside at Amelia Island retirement community, for including us.  

The Lakeside at Amelia Island is a lovely retirement community operated by The Arbor Company.  Located at 649 Amelia Island Parkway, Fernandina Beach, Florida, 32034, call 904 274-4953 for information.

Happy Mother's Day!!!

      

     Isn't this a beautiful wreath for all the mothers out there to see and enjoy? I know my mother in Heaven would love it.  To me, it represents the tender devotion mamas have for their children, no matter their baby's age.  My friend, Jolene Woods, was sweet enough to let me snap this treasure of hers.  Happy Mother's Day, Jolene, and Happy Mother's Day to ALL!

wreath hand crafted by Tammy Haya 

 Message Tammy on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/tammy.haya.1

 if you'd like her to make something special for you or yours. 

Grammy Camp Canvas Painting

   As part of our annual Grammy Camp, granddaughter Ava and I always draw, paint and create.  This time, per her request, we ordered canvas zippered bags online.  With permanent Sharpie markers, she fashioned these delights in which each of us can keep our drawing tools. 

After drawing the kitty, Ava covered her with glitter paint to bring her to enchanted life.  Note how one single glitter sparkle ended up smack-dab in the center of the sweet heart below.  Ava gave this canvas case to me.  Oh, she signed and dated it on the back.  I love it!  Thank you, dear girl! - Your Grammy

Easter Flowers plus Miss Ella and the Goodbye Lie Diaries

Apparently, angels can sleep anywhere ... 
note the angel above on the old rusty fireplace grate

    The Easter lilies are in bloom again.  

     That is a direct ripoff of the calla lilies are in bloom again, Katharine Hepburn's famous line from the 1937 movie, Stage Door.  It may be several weeks past the blessed holiday of Easter, but any time a flower blooms, it is miraculous! And these wonderful lilies bloom annually, with no effort on my part. This is another miracle! - jmm 

***

The Goodbye Lie Diaries
Late 1880s
Fernandina on Amelia Island, Florida

Miss Ella Dunnigan

Miss Ella writes: Oh, how lovely, Jane Marie.  In my time, my lilies have already bloomed. Ours are planted by the front steps to Dunnigan Manor.  They are so welcoming during the Easter holiday activities. Every other year, I lift some of the ever-increasing bulbs and give them to neighbors and friends. What a delight it is to take a slow buggy ride around town to witness so many of them in bloom. 
     Your sleeping angel is very precious, indeed.  She tells a tale of silent and safe contentment as she rests beneath the heralding flowers symbolizing purity, hope and the renewing life of spring.  Her placement is perfect.

*****

Miss Ella is matriarch in the Dunnigan family. Featured in each of the novels in Jane Marie Malcolm's  The Goodbye Lie series, she is the backbone of the clan, but don't tell her husband, Michael. 

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Look what I came across on the internet concerning this blog:

Google Safe Browsing

GraciousJaneMarie.blogspot.com

Website status	Safe
:-)  🙋	Jane Marie

Bible Plants plus Goodbye Lie Diaries - Peeper

Present Day

Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island, Florida

    My friend, Donna Lind, loves to garden. She

has shared her efforts with Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Fernandina on Amelia Island, Florida, with plantings mentioned in the Bible. Below, find a few of the photos I took to show you. Situated near the entrance, in a flower box, beneath a large wooden cross, each has a corresponding sign beside it, giving its name and the bible verse where the reference can be found.  Thank you, Donna. With the Internet, the whole world can enjoy this wonderful project of yours. -                                                                Jane Marie

***

Late 1800s

Fernandina on Amelia Island, Florida

Peeper

*(Grandmother) Peeper writes: Ooh, sowwie!  I will be adiggin' some holes and puttin' in some Bible plants, too, just ta remind me of the Good Book.  I will plant 'em near the path between our Dunnigan Manor and Duffy Pace sos every time that nasty Aunt Noreena walks over ta get some of  Miss Ella's treats or mine, she will see 'em. If we're lucky, just a mite, she will trip on a root and fall inta one a the prickiest ones. Alright, Lord.  I take that back. But maybe she might shut her mouth and not be so hateful, bein' reminded of the Word and all. 

*Peeper is heavily featured in the Southern Fiction series beginning with The Goodbye Lie, set on Amelia Island in Victorian times. She really doesn't like anyone referring to her as grandmother because she doesn't want to be treated in a delicate fashion.  Read all about the silly interaction between  Peeper and Aunt Noreen, next door.