The Life I Built From Broken Things - A Song Review

 

When You're Done Trying to Put Your Name in the Sand

Have you ever had one of those days, or years, where it felt like you were trying to write your name in the sand while the tide was coming in at full speed? 

You keep smoothing it out, trying to make it stay, but the water just wipes it away again and again.

Although I'm a positive person, I do feel this way at times. I spent a long time thinking that if I could keep everything neat and predictable, I was winning. Not anymore. Life has a way of showing us that some things are out of our control. 

I poured these thoughts into a new song called "The Life I Built From Broken Things". It has become my own little anthem, and I wanted to share it with you because we all need the reminder that we are tougher than we give ourselves credit for.

Building Something Real When You Are in a Crunch

When things fall apart, our first instinct is often to worry. We look at the mess and think, "Well, that is it. I am done." I have been there. You look at your life and see the broken floorboards and the leaks, and you feel like the whole thing is coming down.

But we don't have to fix the whole house in a single day. Recovery is often quiet and slow. It is just one band-aid at a time, as I wrote in the song. It's deciding that even though the floor has holes in it, we will still sweep up the sand. There's something beautiful about building a life out of our broken things. 

It means the foundation is not just some perfect, sterile thing. It is made of experience. It is made of the times we fell down and got back up anyway.

Why a Little Stubbornness Is Actually a Good Thing

If anyone tells you that you are being too stubborn, take it as a compliment. There is a specific kind of stubbornness that I think is a superpower. It is that quiet, deep-down refusal to let the storm win.

In my song, I wrote, "I'm just too stubborn to know how to fail." People might look at your life and see the rain or the struggle. But they don't see the work you are doing when you hide your wings. They can't see the way you are reinforcing the walls in the dark, preparing for the moment you're ready to fly again.

I've learned that the one thing nobody can take away from me is me.

You're the only person who can decide when you're done. If you haven't decided you're done, then you're not failing. You're still in the middle of the project.

We Don't Have to Be Perfect to Be Strong

It is perfectly okay to have weak days. We're human. It's going to happen. We don't have to be a superhero every single day. It's okay to be tired or frustrated. It's only part of your story, not the whole story.

I believe that every tiny, incremental inch we move forward counts. Even if it is just one nail you hammer in, it's progress. The life you are building might look different than the one you started with, but it is yours. 

Thanks for letting me share this with you. I hope that if you are going through a storm right now, these words give you a little bit of shelter. You've got this.

*********

"Drageda Lyrics" on all Platforms, including Streaming Platforms**

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**I write and produce story-driven lyrics. ** ** ** ** Vocals and music are digitally produced (I am not the singer). I digitally direct and arrange the video and recording. ©2026 DragedaPoemsLyrics (B.T.C) - All Rights Reserved. Licensed Digital Composition (Commercial Rights Held). I wrote, created, and produced this piece on June 21st, 2026 - Member of SOCAN (Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada)**

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Sewing Stories from the Crafting Journey of Wednesday Elf

A Craft Review

Let Me 'Sew you a Stitch' About My Crafting Adventures 

My hobby of choice is fiber crafting and has been since I was a youngster. My crafting journey has led me through the field of fiber arts in many different areas.

As a child I began with embroidery. I also learned the basics of knitting and enough about sewing to sew simple things, but never became an expert. As the years went by, my primary focus became working with yarn, primarily in crochet and needlework.

Sewing - The First Hobby of my Fiber Arts Journey

My wonderful grandmother, who was an expert seamstress and quilter, taught me to sew. She made most of our clothes when we were children, but I never acquired sewing skills even close to hers. I did manage to make quite a few simple dresses and such for myself, and later dozens of outfits for my children when they were very small.

The summer before my daughter started kindergarten, I found a bunch of one yard/one-half yard pieces of fabric on sale (it doesn't take a lot of fabric for a tiny 5-year-old) and she was the 'best-dressed' little girl in school, with about 3 dozen outfits to choose from. Since I ended up with 2 boys and only one girl, it was great fun sewing for her.

Daughter Kimberly Modeling Raggedy Ann Dress

The sewn outfit I was proudest of was a dress with pinafore decorated with a Raggedy Ann applique (shown in this picture of Kimberly when she was 6), as well as a duplicate dress for her 6-year-old cousin as a Christmas gift that year. 

I saved that dress for years, hoping to pass it on to a granddaughter, but I ended up with 5 grandsons instead. :-)

Buttons and patches and the cold wind blowing,

The days pass quickly when I am sewing.

~Author Unknown

You, Too, Can Learn to Sew

If you don't have a talented grandmother or other relative to teach you to sew, a beginner's guide to the basics of sewing can be a tremendous help. To begin learning the art of sewing, start with the basics.

Sew Everything Workshop: The Complete Step-by-Step Beginner's Guide with 25 Fabulous Original Designs, Including 10 PatternsCheck Price

 

Sew Everything Workshop: The Complete Step-by-Step Beginner's Guide with 25 Fabulous Original Designs, including 10 Patterns.

Written in the language of today's creators, this hold-your-hand beginners sewing guide teaches you everything you need to know from winding a bobbin to sewing a dart to customizing a pattern. Currently in the top 10 in beginner sewing books.

 

First Step to Sewing.... - You Need a Sewing Machine

My sewing machine is a Brother I have had for more than 40 years. This new model has so much more than my old 'basic' sewing machine, and is currently on a terrific sale!

Brother CS7000X Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine, 70 Built-in Stitches, LCD DisplayCheck Price

 

The Brother CS7000X Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine comes with 10 sewing feet plus a quilt guide. It includes a wide table for larger projects such as quilts. 

Summary

If you love to sew as your craft of choice, come tell me your stories in the comments. I love hearing from fellow crafters. 

Related Sewing Reviews:

• Summertime Stitching Craft Review by Wednesday Elf
• When is the Best Time to Learn Something New - September Sewing Month by Olivia Morris
• Let's Sew Together and Build Lasting Memories by Coletta Teske

*My Sewing Journey Story was written by (c) Wednesday-Elf

**This post was originally published on November 1, 2014 on another site no longer in existence.

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The Sheep Detectives Movie Review

For those who enjoy a cozy mystery, The Sheep Detectives movie is for you!

Our family sat down together to watch The Sheep Detectives and we all loved it.  Even Watson, our Labrador retriever was captivated by the big talking sheep.  

Hugh Jackman is, of course, perfect in the part of the shepherd.  He really does exude a caring personality.  I couldn't help but think how ironic it was that Wolverine (a Norwegian word that means "little wolf") would be a sheep shepherd.  I had to remind myself that a wolverine is really a part of the weasel & ferret family, not the canine wolf family, but the wordplay was mentally just too much fun to ignore. 

I will warn you in advance, there are a few parts that are very sad.  I guess that is to be expected in a murder mystery, but I was still touched by the sense of loss.  The film does an excellent job of portraying the sheep with sensibilities.  We all know there are "pets" that form a special bond with their people.

In addition to Hugh Jackman, Emma Thompson is in the movie.  She plays the part of the attorney.  As always, she is exceptional.  There are several other actors in the movie that I liked and will be watching for in the future.  It really is a great cast of characters! 

In the last few years, there haven't been very many movies in the theaters that made me want to get out and go see them.  The Sheep Detectives was one that would have been worth venturing out to see.  However, it wasn't necessary to leave home since the movie is currently being streamed on Amazon Prime.

 

The Sheep Detectives

 The Sheep DetectivesCheck PriceGeorge Hardy is a shepherd that is loved by his flock.  Not only does he feed them, provide them with a safe home, and give them medicine as needed, he has given them all names.  He also reads to them every night, like many of us do for our own children. It is clear he loves his sheep.  

When George is murdered, there are a few people in town who are suspects, but he also has two children (twins) who are named in his will.  Because he gave his children up for adoption when his wife died in childbirth, he doesn't know them and neither does anyone else.  Only the attorney, Lydia Harbottle (Emma Thompson), has been in contact with them.

The one police officer in town has never investigated a murder and clearly has no idea how to even begin.  That is where the sheep detectives must get involved.  Thanks to the books that George has read to them, they do know a lot about investigating a murder, but first they must get up the courage to venture into town to help.

The interaction between the intelligent, "communicating" sheep and the people in this movie is quite precious.  I doubt I will ever look at sheep the same way again.

__________

I highly recommend this entertaining movie as a family movie.  We had 3 generations of people and a puppy watching.  We all loved it!  

 

More Great Movies Reviewed

Check Out More Movie Reviews at
ReviewThisMovies.com

  The Sheep Detectives Movie Review by:

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Restore Your Outdoor Furniture With Rust-Oleum Spray Paint

 In April this year, I reviewed our outdoor patio set. We've had this set for over 5 years now, and it has served us well. You can read that review here: Outdoor Patio Set-Reviewed.

This year, when I uncovered the table, I noticed that the tabletop had become dull and faded. I made several attempts to clean it to restore its original luster, but they all failed. There was no rust on the table; only the top had faded.

Outdoor furniture is expensive, and there was no way I was going to buy a new set just because the top was faded. So, I went to the hardware store and found a Rust-Oleum textured metallic spray paint to match our patio set.

We moved the table into the garage, and our grandson Bobby sprayed the top with two light coats of paint. We let the first coat dry overnight before we did the 2nd coat.

Here is the finished tabletop, looking brand new. If your patio chairs, tables, or benches are structurally sound and in good shape but simply look weathered, don't replace them just yet. A couple of cans of Rust-Oleum are all you need to bring them back to looking new.

Rust-Oleum offers a variety of colors and finishes to choose from.

Rust-Oleum 7578838-6PK Professional High Performance Enamel Spray Paint, 15 oz, Flat Black, 6 Pack

 

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Mattel's Sing-a-ma-jigs Dolls Reviewed

Mattel's Sing-a-ma-jigs are a small stuffed or plush toy that is battery-operated and designed to entertain. Once engaged, they chatter and they sing. Put them in a group and they even harmonize.  They are, as I believe the company said, a hoot! If you haven't seen them, make sure you take a moment to watch this short introductory video to see them in action.

Buy one or collect them all but the more you have, the more fun for all! Build your collection one by one or in multiples; in small groups or in whole choruses.

REVIEW

Sing-a-ma-jigs are a small but surprisingly cute and addictive musical plush toy. (Mattel calls them dolls.) Their ability to harmonize with other characters is fun and, as I said a moment ago, the more you have, the more fun you will have. They are designed for children aged three and up but they are highly entertaining for adults, too. They feature three ways to play: song, harmony and chatter and those functions are activated when you press their hands and tummies.

They were first released in 2010 and I believe they were discontinued as early as 2012. With the exception of some keychains, I believe they were all the same size, measuring 12 inches in height and they require two AA batteries. 

Not everyone thinks the Sing-a-ma-jigs are cute. Personally, I think they are at least when you consider their hidden talents but I am definitely not a fan of the Mickey and Minnie Mouse versions. I do find them creepy. How about you?

MODELS

There were numerous models released on various themes with each character having a unique song. Themes including Basic, Halloween, Christmas, Birthday, Easter, Valentine's Day, Independence Day, The Hits, Japanese Exclusives, Duets and mini Sing-a-ma-jigs on keychains. 

WHAT HAPPENED TO THE SING-A-MA-JIGS?

Anyway, this next video takes a deep dive into Sing-a-ma-jigs in which vlogger lulaloopsey shares her extensive knowledge and research on the toy line. She actually questions why Sing-a-ma-jigs were so quickly discontinued despite that fact that they achieved such huge popularity but was unable to find any discussion online about what happened to them. That is definitely something that would be interesting to learn more about. 

CURRENT VALUE

This page was originally written in 2010, when Sing-a-ma-jigs were released. Since then, as mentioned above, these dolls have gone out of production and I cannot find any of them on Amazon. However, when I turn to eBay, I find a host of new and used Sing-a-ma-jigs. A bit of value research on my part reveals that in the last three years, the prices on eBay have ranged from $15 to $350. The listings that command the higher prices are either a group of Sing-a-ma-jigs or a particularly rare one. New ones, of course, will always command a higher price than a used one.

WHERE TO BUY SING-A-MA-JIGS?

There are definitely still enough Sing-a-ma-jigs available on eBay to allow you to create your own chorus or to simply expand your collection. Click here to see which ones are available today on eBay.

Wanna sing?

Brenda

Treasures By Brenda

QUICK LINKS

Click here to buy Sing-a-ma-jigs on eBay.

Discover the Christmas Sing-a-ma-jigs!

The Denver Post discusses the popularity of Sing-a-ma-jigs.

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Stone Print Business Set, Product Review

When I got to designing more products with this stone print design, I thought it was perfect for anyone who works with stone. I decided to focus on masons, though it can be anybody's focus if they have something else in mind that this can work for. The various text fields are template boxes and can be easily customized.

The mason, or whomever, can begin with customizing business cards to help promote their business. The stone pattern is in shades of orange and tan, and the print is written in white, which shows up nicely on the orange and tan background.

Stone Print, Custom Business Cards
by CherylsArt

A mug sitting front and near center on their desk or counter, is a perfect place for a reminder of the business name, and provides a quick opportunity for customers to jot down a phone number. Business cards also come in handy for this counter/desk as well.

Mason, Custom Stone Print Business Mugs
by CherylsArt

If you like a clean counter, a coaster can provide the perfect resting spot for the mug.

Orange and Tan Stone Print Coasters
by CherylsArt

Custom pens are a great way to promote your business. Customers can easily grab a pen to take notes about their favorite stones, stone color, etc., and they are more apt to keep the pen and other people may see it too.

Stone Print Pens, Custom, for personal or business
by CherylsArt

I hope these products are proving very helpful for any business that works with natural stones. Do let me know if you have any other product requests that you would like to help enhance your business promotion.

I am the artist/designer, and Zazzle.com is the company that does the printing and shipping. If you are going to make multiple orders throughout the year, then I recommend checking in to the shipping offer that Zazzle offers; it can help save quite a bit of money.

I have personaly purchased business cards, mugs, and pens, from Zazzle, and have been pleased with all of my purchases. One thing I will mention, personally I prefer PaperMate pens and will use those refills in my pens from Zazzle. If the pen cartridge is a little long, and hold it up to the cartridge that I'm removing, and trim the replacement off. Works like a charm. Then I can get my favorite ink.

All the best to you and your business.

Cheryl Paton

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Hallmark Christmas In July Review

 It wouldn't be a heatwave without the air conditioning and a good dose of Hallmark Christmas in July. This annual Hallmark event mixes new holiday programming with prior and vintage Hallmark holiday movies.

Four New Movies

July 4: Christmas Under Construction 

July 11: O Little Christmas Market

July 18: Snowbound for the Holidays 

July 25: Love Under the Mistletoe

Christmas Under Construction stars Daniel Lissing and Jessica Lowndes as they duel via the backdrop of Renovation Romance as renovator and cabin owner.

O Little Christmas Market is the save our town fair (market)  entry from the developer with Katherine Berrell and Stephen Huszar.

Snowbound For The Holidays pits the owner of the cute n cozy ski lodge vs the hotel manager and future "plans" starring Hallmark favorite Marcus Rosner and Vanessa Lengies.

Love Under The MistleToe  It's the former high school crushes finding themselves years later trying to save the charity fundraiser .... starring Hallmark vet Jen Lilley and Nick Bateman.

Schedule

Christmas In July movies begin at 10 a.m. daily. Of note catch all of the Three Wisest men movies throughout the month. The trilogy stars the favorite Hallmark stars Paul Campbell, Tyler Hynes and Andrew Walker and are a take off of the Three Men And A Baby movie. 

Hallmark.com has the full schedule for its' July Extravaganza of holiday fun.

 Hallmark Christmas 2025 

Top Ten Hallmark Christmas Movies 

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It Is a Cliche, Believe To Achieve, BUT...

It is a profound truth that what we believe to be possible shapes the very limits of our reality. 

The words "it's impossible" caught my attention while I was watching television and immediately struck a deep chord. I felt an urgent, quiet compulsion to save that phrase in my collection of lyric ideas, knowing intuitively that if you truly believe in a vision, that conviction possesses the transformative power to manifest it into reality. 

It was this seed of thought, planted in the stillness of the moment, that led me to write and produce this latest song on July 10th and 11th, 2026.

My creative journey has always been guided by this principle of belief. When I encounter a concept that feels too large or too daunting, I do not see a wall; I see an invitation to expand my own boundaries. This song reflects that perspective, and I hope it invites you to view your own challenges as opportunities waiting to be unlocked.

A Lifelong Connection to the Impossible

The concept of the impossible has resonated with my spirit since I was just a young child, long before I understood the world's complexities. I still vividly remember being ten or eleven years old, standing on the ice, choosing "The Impossible Dream" as the musical accompaniment for my solo in an ice skating show. 

That early, crystalline memory established a lifelong and unbreakable connection to the theme of transcending human limitations. It was not just about the music; it was about the feeling of gliding over ice, testing the boundaries of what I could achieve with my own body and will. The best part of this story is that my father was in the audience, and my Mom informed me that, while he watched me skate to "The Impossible Dream", he cried (tears of happiness, that is!). That memory will stay with me forever. I'm grateful to have that memory.

Naturally, as I sat down to create these lyrics, I wanted to weave that thread into the fabric of the song. I wanted to express my personal philosophy regarding the fluid, often invisible boundary between what the world deems "impossible" and what the human heart deems "achievable." 

We are often told that certain things are beyond our reach, yet every great human accomplishment was once labeled impossible by those who lacked the vision to see it come to life. By drawing on that childhood memory, I wanted to bridge the gap between the young girl on the ice and the woman I am today, still chasing dreams that others might question but that I know are valid.

Transcending Doubt Through Internal Fire

My intent with these lyrics is to explore the major human milestones that were once dismissed as impossible, such as the breakthroughs in science, the arts, and personal growth, which were ultimately realized through sheer, stubborn persistence. I wanted to focus on the individual who quietly pursues a dream that others may doubt, but which they know, with absolute and unshakable certainty, is within their power to accomplish. These lyrics are a testament to that internal fire and the immense strength that comes from a conviction so deep that external skepticism holds no weight whatsoever. When you carry that kind of fire, the noise of the outside world simply fades away.

Ultimately, these lyrics reflect the power of true, unwavering belief. When your drive is rooted deep within your soul, it does not matter if the world around you calls your vision impossible; your faith can absolutely make it so. 

History is not just a record of events; it is a catalog of evidence showing what humans have achieved when they refused to accept "no" as an answer. I truly believe that it only takes one person, one vision, and one moment of radical belief to change the world. 

That concept serves as the foundation for the final message of this piece, one I hope resonates with you, reminding you that your dreams are not just fantasies but possibilities waiting for you to claim.

Reclaiming Your Own Vision

As you listen to this track and read these words, I invite you to look at the "impossible" things in your own life and ask yourself what would happen if you simply decided to believe. 

We are the architects of our own reality, and the blueprints are written in the ink of our convictions. I hope this song serves as a reminder that the power you are looking for has been within you all along, waiting for the moment you decide to break through the ceiling of your own limitations. 

Whether it is a professional goal, a personal transformation, or a creative endeavor, your belief is the key that opens the door. There is no limit to what you can achieve once you decide your vision is worth more than others' doubts.

********

"Drageda Lyrics" on all Platforms, including Streaming Platforms**

YouTube:  Follow Me on YouTube - @dragedapoemslyrics

Spotify:    Stream Drageda Lyrics on Spotify

Subscribe For A Free Short Guide on How to Convert Your Poems Into Lyrics

*********

**I write and produce story-driven lyrics. ** ** ** Vocals and music are digitally produced (I am not the singer). I digitally direct and arrange the video and recording. ©2026 DragedaPoemsLyrics (B.T.C) - All Rights Reserved. Licensed Digital Composition (Commercial Rights Held). I wrote, created, and produced this piece on June 21st, 2026 - Member of SOCAN (Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada)**

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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