Thank you for Thinking of ME!

 Hey guys.   

I just had to take a few minutes to post because I just cannot let what happened today go by without sharing.   Sometimes the gardening community shows how loving and kind it can really be.  

As you read in my last post, our family suffered a tremendous loss recently.   Both of my parents (who, if you follow me regularly, were featured here several times)  lost the fight with covid in December and it has been challenging to come to terms with for our family.   

A couple of weeks ago I received an email from a gentleman named Mark.   He is from England, but Tootsie Time was recently recommended to him to help him understand gardening in Canada.   

Mark was touched by my post, and asked if he along with his Canadian counterparts could put together a box of seed packets for me to plant in honour of my mom and dad.  

FIRST of all...I am HONORED that people in the UK even know I exist...much less that they consider me a good source of information!!!   That is the highest flattery I could ever ask for!  

SECOND of all...I am touched that he reached out to me and even offered such a beautiful gesture!

THIRD...The box of seeds that Mark and his colleagues here in Canada put together arrived today.  I had just arrived home from checking on mom and dad's business and home.   I was feeling a little down and this absolutely cheered me up.

Guys, I cannot even tell you how amazed I was when I opened this package.   

My heart is SO full!   There is a mix of herb, flower and vegetable seeds in this box...and it is FULL of all kinds of wonderful things! 

 

I am just so touched that members of the garden community have reached out to me in such a generous and thoughtful way...THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart Mark and all the thoughtful people at Mr Fothergills  in Canada and the UK!

I usually purchase many of my seeds from Mr Fothergills as they are very good quality, and have a huge selection to choose from in veggies, herbs and flowers.   

 I always have good results from their products.   Knowing that the folks there are so kind makes this brand that much more of a favourite for me.

I look forward to finding the perfect spot, and planting something special in memory of my parents.

 I don't know how to express what Mark's gesture meant to me, but I hope he can see how he touched my heart with his thoughtful gesture.   

Until next time...Happy seed shopping!

Lead with a gentle heart...you never know the impact you might make.

(¯`v´¯)
`*.¸.*´Glenda/Tootsie
¸.•´¸.•*¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´ .•´ ¸¸.•¨¯`•.

www.tootsietime.com

 

 

This post has been proudly sponsored by 

19 8ighty 9ine Clothing House 

and

HCG Warrior Diet  

(it actually works great!   We tried it!)

 

 

RIP Mom and Dad

Friends, I'm struggling to find my way through grief while trying to hang onto hope.

On December 7th 2021 our lives were forever changed.

My little household had, until then, eluded Covid. 

 

We were happy and doing what we needed to do to get by in the world the way it is.  

I had actually commented at how happy we were and how much I loved my life. 

 

And then everything changed. 

 

Not one, but both of my parents became seriously ill with the deadly covid virus and needed to be hospitalized.

We lost Mom on the 17th. 

My sister and I were there with her as she took her last breaths and made sure she knew how much we love her.

On December 30th, again with me and my sister by his side, we also lost Dad. 

 

The damage caused by covid was too great and we were forced to made the decision to say goodbye to them both. 

 

There is some comfort in knowing that they are together forever in heaven, but their deaths have left a hole in our hearts.

 

My parents did everything together. They were rarely apart for more than a few hours. They were soulmates. 

 

Our family has been devastated. 

Their community is in a state of shock. 

 

My dad was a very gifted mechanic. He was creative and fun loving and could fix almost anything. He loved nature, junkin, music and being silly. He and my mom were active in their community. 

 

My Mom was so many things, a mother, daughter, sister, friend, grandmother…but what she was best know for was being an incredible business woman. She took a store that many would have walked away from and built it into a very successful enterprise. 

 

Her business sense was inspiring to so many. Her store is known near and far and her contribution to the community will never be forgotten.

 

We will be holding onto all of the good memories of both mom and dad as we learn to live in a world without them in it.

 

This has been such a challenging time. Trying to balance grief and hope while going into autopilot to do things that need to be done regarding their home, and business.

So, needless to say, We have not made any new progress on the old house, and are waiting until things settle down to get started.

If there’s anything I have learned from all of this, it’s not to take anything for granted. 

Tomorrow is not promised. 

Be careful to always make sure your words are kind and that a person’s true character is revealed during times of crisis.  There is NEVER an excuse for abuse.

 

 Rest In Peace mom and dad. We love you and will miss you both.

Friends… I hope your family’s are safe and healthy. That you enjoy time together and appreciate every minute.  Stay close to the ones who love you and love them back.

Life is incredibly short. Live your best life and lead with a gentle heart. 

 

(¯`v´¯)
`*.¸.*´Glenda/Tootsie
¸.•´¸.•*¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´ .•´ ¸¸.•¨¯`•.

www.tootsietime.com

 

 

This post has been proudly sponsored by 

19 8ighty 9ine Clothing House 

and

HCG Warrior Diet  

(it actually works great!   We tried it!)

His Favorite Word is “NO”

Here we are again.   Celebrating Father’s Day.
I can say that I honestly tried to take some serious photos of my Dad, (AKA Grampie)  but HE chose NOT to co-operate, so…I had to use what I could find.  Anyone who knows my Dad, will know that he is not known for his co-operative nature.   His favorite word is NO…no matter what the question.  He loves to be as difficult as he possibly can, to get under all of our skin!

Since he didn’t co-operate, I, as his daughter, was left with NO choice.   I had to take matters into my own hands and just simply work with what I could find.
If you are new to Tootsie Time, I would like to introduce you to my Dad.   There are many sides to Grampie…
S
…his public side…(during which you know he is probably thinking of something silly to do to Grammie or one of us.)

For as long as I can remember, I have always been a Daddy’s girl.  To me, my Dad could build, fix or do ANYTHING!    He was so many things to me, and now he is those things to my kids.

…he’s magical and imaginative …(love the bling)

…he’s serious, and sometimes a little cranky.

he’s a husband…

…who sometimes ends up in the dog house…

…he’s a jack of all trades…(I come by my love of tools honestly!)   This photo kind of makes me wonder what he was thinking…he almost looks surprised!

He’s a thorough mechanic…he gets right into his work…(literally)
He’s an outdoor-sy kind of guy.   He loves the farm…and has put his heart into making it a beautiful place to live.  

He has his Amish side…(I think maybe his hat is a little tight)….

…there!  That’s better!   hahahahaha!   He's sexy and he "gnomes" it!  hahaha

…there is some family resemblance.   uh huh!

He is the coolest Grampie any kid could ever want. 

My kids adore him…and my son wants to be like him when he grows up…I will say that kind of makes me nervous…hahaha!
 

My Daddy

© Danny Henry

A daddy is a special man
In which all things abound
Showing care and passion
And love to all around
I shall treasure all the sleepless nights
And sacrifices made
All because you loved me
Thru the problems that I gave
Doing little special things
Memories
All for me
Your eyes they tell the story
When you speak of me
Your hands that once were strong and firm
Now softened with the age
But you're still my daddy
And never would I trade
Smiles and hugs and kisses
As I sat there on your knee
From childhood to the woman
Who before you
Now you see
I have locked away those precious times
They are mine
For me to see
I keep them all within my heart
Take them everywhere with me
My love for you
Is just as strong
As the one when I was three
And I know this kind of special bond
Was meant for you and me
I hope that you will see it now
You're in my thoughts each day
I'm so glad you are my daddy

     We all love you so very much.  Thank you for all you do and have inspired me to become.
Love “Boog”

I hope you all have a great day honoring your Dads...

Until Next Time…
(¯`v´¯)
`*.¸.*´Glenda/Tootsie
¸.•´¸.•*¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´ .•´ ¸¸.•¨¯`•.

www.tootsietime.com

Happy Thanksgiving!

TWAS THE NIGHT OF THANKSGIVING,
BUT I JUST COULDN'T SLEEP.
I TRIED COUNTING BACKWARDS,
I TRIED COUNTING SHEEP.
THE LEFTOVERS BECKONED -
THE DARK MEAT AND WHITE,
BUT I FOUGHT THE TEMPTATION
WITH ALL OF MY MIGHT.
TOSSING AND TURNING WITH ANTICIPATION,
THE THOUGHT OF A SNACK BECAME INFATUATION.
SO, I RACED TO THE KITCHEN, FLUNG OPEN THE DOOR,
AND GAZED AT THE FRIDGE, FULL OF GOODIES GALORE.
GOBBLED UP TURKEY AND BUTTERED POTATOES,
PICKLES AND CARROTS, BEANS AND TOMATOES.
I FELT MYSELF SWELLING SO PLUMP AND SO ROUND,
'TIL ALL OF A SUDDEN, I ROSE OFF THE GROUND.
I CRASHED THROUGH THE CEILING, FLOATING INTO THE SKY,
WITH A MOUTHFUL OF PUDDING AND A HANDFUL OF PIE.
BUT, I MANAGED TO YELL AS I SOARED PAST THE TREES....
HAPPY EATING TO ALL - PASS THE CRANBERRIES, PLEASE.

MAY YOUR STUFFING BE TASTY,
MAY YOUR TURKEY BE PLUMP.
MAY YOUR POTATOES 'N GRAVY HAVE NARY A LUMP.
MAY YOUR YAMS BE DELICIOUS.
MAY YOUR PIES TAKE THE PRIZE,
MAY YOUR THANKSGIVING DINNER STAY OFF OF YOUR THIGHS!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING - we all have so much to be thankful for – and one of the best are those who you keep close to your heart.

*)*)*)…the things you take for granted…someone else is praying for!

 
(¯`v´¯)
`*.¸.*´Glenda/Tootsie
¸.•´¸.•*¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´ .•´ ¸¸.•¨¯`•.
www.tootsietime.com

 

 

This post has been proudly sponsored by 

19 8ighty 9ine Clothing House 

and

HCG Warrior Diet  

(it actually works great!   We tried it!)

It's ALL About the SASS!

 Well HELLO THERE!   So glad you popped by today!   

I have something new to share with you...and it's super fun!  I have been one busy girl the last few weeks, and it doesn't seem to be slowing down AT ALL!   I am NOT complaining though...it's a VERY good thing.   Being this kind of busy means my little store is thriving!   Between all of you and my wholesale accounts, I am running!  

Before I get on with things, I want to address a few of the emails I have received since I got back to posting.   I had turned off commenting on this site a few years ago for several reasons.  1.  I don't like spam.   2.  I am not here for people to use my comments to advertise their own  businesses on.   3.  I am not interested in abuse, drama or nasty comments from those who are selfish, unhappy, hateful or over confident in their ability to spread negativity!   4.  I don't do politics, and don't appreciate those who try to make EVERYTHING political.  Yes, these things have been an issue at some point.     That said, because several of you have asked me to, I am turning on the comments, but having them moderated so I can spare you all from seeing things that don't belong.   SO...if you write to me, and it doesn't appear immediately, it is just waiting for me to approve it...don't panic!   I will publish them as soon as I get the chance!

Over the last several months, I have actually begun stocking 90% of the inventory in a very busy store in Saskatchewan Canada, and have lines in several others.   I am loving every second of my life and it is amazing.   Those of you who have followed for a while will remember a time where I thought I would never be happy again.   I am the perfect example of no matter how dark it is right now, there is always a bright light coming if you just keep going!

Let's get to the good stuff!

I have been tossing this next idea around in the back of my mind now for a few weeks, and decided that it was time I tried it, tested it and perfected it, so I did...and it worked!  So without further adieu...I'd like to introduce the newest line in my store!  You know...I never realized how sarcastic and silly I could be until I bought the equipment to expand my business...Ha Ha!   I am having SO much fun with it now!

Introducing....Vintage Sass With Class Glassware & China!

Yes...YES!   I did say Vintage.   What does that mean?   Well...many of the sayings are "recycled", "iconic" sayings.   Some of the dishes and glassware is also vintage.   Not all has been used, but much of it is.  Check it out:

This tea cup and saucer set is one I have had in my collection for a while.   It is about 14 years old, but it has never been used!  I decided that it was time to pull it out of the cabinet and share it with the world, so I added a couple decals.  

This set is in my store and is $25.99 CAD.

This one is MY favourite.   I love these plates...they are not your usual plate.   They have ridges and details, and are just so pretty!   These are available in my store for $19.99 each

 

Vintage China Dinner Plates...will be added to the site soon!

 

Vintage Platters...$32.99

 

What?...sometimes a girl has a bit of snark, but is too much a lady to say it out loud! This one is also  $24.99

These and several more...including a beautiful silver plated bone china tea pot with very cheeky saying ...and coordinating cup and saucer are available!   I am having a whole lot of fun mixing Sass and Class custom pieces and some for my store.   

So?   Do any of these suit your mood?  lol   What's your favourite catch phrase?   I'd love to hear about it...Just know, if it is fabulous I may put it on a plate... or two! (wink wink)

That's it for me today!   I'm off to get some work done!  Leave me a note and maybe even inspire me! If you should wish to purchase anything you see here today...hit me up!   leave a note, email me, visit my store...I'm not fussy. 

  Until Next Time...Stay Sassy but be Classy!

(¯`v´¯)
`*.¸.*´Glenda/Tootsie
¸.•´¸.•*¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´ .•´ ¸¸.•¨¯`•.
www.tootsietime.com

 

This post has been proudly sponsored by 

19 8ighty 9ine Clothing House 

and

HCG Warrior Diet  

(it actually works great!   We tried it!)

 

My Tribute To a Beautiful Woman. RIP Sweet Gloria.

 Hi guys.   It has taken me a while to write this post as I just don't know how to do it justice.    I'm not sure if you all know this or not but our online community has recently suffered a tremendous loss.   A loss that has affected so many of us who knew her, myself included.  

This is my tribute... One I was asked to write for her several years ago, and hoped I would not have to do for a long long time.   

I was contacted by one of Gloria's daughters a few weeks ago to let me know ....Our sweet Gloria (some may remember her from RMS or from her Blog as Happy To Be Gloria) passed away on May 12, 2021.   She was more than ready to go, as she suffered from a horrible lung disease that made just being alive difficult.   She had mentioned to me more than once that God just needs to take her home so she could reunite with her one true love Wally, her beloved mom and another blogger who passed not all that long ago...Picket.  

While she was here with us Gloria was an angel on earth.   She was kind, generous and loving and ALWAYS had time for those she loved and who loved her.   No matter what I might have been going through, good or bad, she was there with love and encouragement.   Her family was her pride and joy and she spoke to me regularly about all of her daughters, grand and great grandchildren. 

I met Gloria (and so many other wonderful people that I am proud to call my friends, )  in 2008  on a site (that is now deleted)   called RMS.  She was always bouncing around from profile to profile spreading her special brand of sweet sentiments and "popping in for coffee"   Many of us got so that we looked forward to her visit and became friends outside of the group.  I am one of those people.   

 

I adored Gloria.   She and I would have long conversations on the phone and text back and forth regularly.   We became very close and she "adopted" me as her Canadian Daughter.   I called her and thought of her as my mom.   Oh I miss hearing her say "ya know Toots.... I love you girl..."    

I loved seeing her cheerful posts about antiques and her love for them.   I loved hearing her stories from her absolutely amazing life.   Gloria was an incredible woman who loved her life, her home, family and friends.   Her life was one that had so many amazing adventures...from being a single mom, to becoming a pastors wife, getting her pilots licence ... I admired her brave spirit and her loving heart, and I know she touched so many souls in her lifetime.   She was one of those people who could make another feel SO loved, just by being part of your life. 

Gloria will forever be in my heart and I will miss her more than I can express.   I just know she's an angel in heaven now,  having a wonderful reunion with Wally, her mom and Picket, and she's looking down on the ones she loved so dearly.   While the earth lost an angel, heaven gained one.   

Goodbye Mom.   I promised you I would write something when you left us, and I hope this does the job.  I love you now and forever...until we meet again..."hugs and love"

Love Toots.

 

Until next time my friends...

 
(¯`v´¯)
`*.¸.*´Glenda/Tootsie
¸.•´¸.•*¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´ .•´ ¸¸.•¨¯`•.
www.tootsietime.com

 

INVISIBLE MOTHER

I have wanted to share this for a long time.  I know some of us can relate.

It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way

one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone and ask to be

taken to the store. Inside I'm thinking, 'Can't you see I'm on the phone?'

Obviously not; no one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping

the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see

me at all. I'm invisible. The invisible Mom. Some days I am only a pair of

hands, nothing more! Can you fix this? Can you tie this? Can you open this??

Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being. I'm a clock

to ask, 'What time is it?' I'm a satellite guide to answer, 'What number is

the Disney Channel?' I'm a car to order, 'Right around 5:30, please.'

Some days I'm a crystal ball; 'Where's my other sock?, Where's my phone?,

What's for dinner?'

I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes

that studied history, music and literature -but now, they had disappeared

into the peanut butter, never to be seen again. She's going, she's

going, she's gone!

One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a

friend from England . She had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and she

was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was sitting there,

looking around at the others all put together so well. It was hard not to

compare and feel sorry for myself. I was feeling pretty pathetic, when she

turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, 'I brought you

this.' It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe . I wasn't exactly

sure why she'd given it to me until I read her inscription: 'With admiration

for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees.'

In the days ahead I would read - no, devour - the book. And I would discover

what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could

pattern my work:

1) No one can say who built the great cathedrals - we have no record

of their names.

2) These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never

see finished.

3) They made great sacrifices and expected no credit.

4) The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the

eyes of God saw everything.

A story of legend in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the

cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird

on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man,

'Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that

will be covered by

the roof.  No one will ever see it'

And the workman replied, 'Because God sees.'

I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was almost

as if I heard God whispering to me, 'I see you. I see the sacrifices you

make every day, even when no one around you does.

No act of kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcake you've

baked, no Cub Scout meeting, no last minute errand is too small for me to

notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can't see

right now what it will become.

I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder. As one of

the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work

on something that their name will never be on. The writer of the book went

so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime

because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree.

When I really think about it, I don't want my son to tell the friend he's

bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, 'My Mom gets up at 4 in the

morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey for 3

hours and presses all the linens for the table.' That would mean I'd built a

monument to myself. I just want him to want to come home. And then, if there

is anything more to say to his friend, he'd say, 'You're gonna love it

there...'

As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we're

doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel,

not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the

world by the sacrifices of invisible mothers.

 

➖Original author: Nicole Johnson

For all the new moms, the experienced moms and moms who've lost their babies. For the moms who step up for those who's mom isn't there and for the dads who do both jobs:

Wishing you all a safe and happy Mother's Day!

Until next time...be loved


(¯`v´¯)
`*.¸.*´Glenda/Tootsie
¸.•´¸.•*¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´ .•´ ¸¸.•¨¯`•.
www.tootsietime.com

This post has been proudly sponsored by 19 8ighty 9ine Clothing House