Journalist faces fire, walks away with understanding, gratitude

Editor's note: Last week I posted an article I had written for our local paper about a fire school held here on the military installation.This week I followed it up with a commentary, personal reflections from my time in "their shoes." It was an eye opening experience, even for me a former volunteer. I hope you get as much from it as I did.

-- Published in Fort Polk Guardian (March 30, 2007) --
By: MICHELLE LINDSEY, Guardian staff writer

Smoke fills the room as I crouch low trying to find relief from the thick vapors that seem to have a life of their own. My chest tightens as I try to take small, shallow breaths, my eyes tearing. On either side of me, firefighters clad in heavy yellow suits and airpacks line the walls. Then I remember the camera.
I lift it to my eye and watch through the viewfinder as a fire instructor from the Louisiana State University Fire and Emergency Training Institute sets ablaze the left side of the wall in front of me. Smoke billows across the ceiling, forming small spirals and circles that are as beautiful as they are dangerous. I feel the gloved hand of another instructor on my belt loop as he pulls me away from the fiery beast. I can feel the heat build as I document the flames leaping through the air, licking at the walls above the firefighters.
Working as a staff writer for the Guardian has led me to some unusual experiences –– from military training exercises to infant massage classes. I often dismiss my fears in exchange for satisfying my curiosities when asked to participate in what I am covering for the Guardian. This was no different.
Fort Polk firefighters joined with fire departments from Sabine, Rapides and Beauregard parishes for the second annual Louisiana State University Regional Firefighters Mini School March 17-18.
“Are you enjoying yourself?” Greg Self, Fort Polk Fire and Emergency Services, asked with a laugh. “You know I am,” I replied.
Having worked with Fort Polk’s Department of Emergency Services personnel before, he knew I wouldn’t be shy about getting involved.
“Wait until they start exiting the simulator (where firefighters experience the characteristics and mannerisms of a flashover fire),” Self said. “It gets pretty hot, so you have to crawl on the floor to get to the door. Sometimes they stumble a little, so be careful,” he advises.
I watch in awe as smoke billows out from even the smallest openings of the mobile building. “I can’t imagine what 1,100 degrees feels like,” I comment.
As Self explained the gear and safety equipment I was reminded of a close call my uncle, a Houston firefighter, had a few years ago and how these items saved his life. For me, being around emergency personnel is nothing new. My mother was a police officer, my brother a volunteer firefighter and emergency medical technician. I even volunteered for a while, but I am still amazed at the risks these people willingly take to help others.
A few minutes later, David Manning, LSU instructor, exits the simulator. Self points to his helmet.
“It melted,” I exclaim, trying to get a closer look. The front bubbles where the heat won the battle against the plastic.
“That’s why the students put aluminum on their helmets,” Self said.
“Would you like to suit up?” Jack Canton, LSU instructor, asks.
“Are you kidding?” I ask. A few minutes later I was “suited up.” From boots to bunker gear, I even had a helmet and gloves though I did not wear them for long.
“Looks like you’re ready,” said Michael Kuk, chief, Fort Polk FES.
“Bring it on,” I said with a laugh.
For the next few hours I walk around in the gear. It is heavy and cumbersome and I feel like a klutz as I try to maneuver through the different training exercises, photographing the activity.
In one of the exercises, fire instructors use a controlled propane leak to help students learn to work as a team.
“If you stand here you can get a great photo of (the instructor) lighting the tank,” another instructor advises as Self and I move to stand behind him.
I hold my breath as he opens the valve on the tank at his feet and vapors hiss through the larger training tank a few yards away. Seconds later a torch is lowered to the “leak” in the tank and with a “whoosh” the fire grows to a glowing five-foot ball of fiery reds and oranges.
Excited, I walk around in a wide arc snapping photographs as the firefighters work to control the flames. The heat of the fire mixes with the spray from the water hoses, creating a beautiful rainbow contrasting against the angry flames and heavy smoke.
I talk to many of the firefighters, watch them joking with each other, listen to their stories. A few ask if I want to join their departments. I admit for a minute I am tempted, but I realize their job is more than parades and Dalmatians. It goes beyond sliding down poles and rescuing kittens in trees. I may not have walked a mile in their shoes, but I did spend a few hours in them and realize that this is a unique group of people. They are true heroes. I’ve spent my life surrounded by firefighters in three states and realize they have one thing in common. They see each other as family and treat outsiders as lifelong friends. In their world there is no room for error, but there is plenty for family and laughter. Their job is dangerous, but they don’t do it for the glory or attention. They do it because they are needed. They run to danger when others run away from it. It is something that cannot be explained.
After spending a day in their shoes, seeing the dangers they face in training as well as on the job, there is only one thing I can say ... thank you. You are truly America’s homefront guardians.

Editor’s note: This was a controlled exercise. At no time was the reporter in any danger.

For more articles in the Fort Polk Guardian, visit our web page.

Educational fun!

Don't laugh at me, at least I am not ashamed of my education! I joined a fellow staff writer in a trip to the Lake Charles Children's museum March 9 for an entertainment piece she was doing. Since I had done a piece on them last year, I knew it would be great fun. This time I didn't have to work, on drive her around since she was near her due date and it was an hour-long trip, so I got to play! Yeah!

This manget man was not as easy as he looked considering that I had limited supplies, but it worked! There was a little boy who stood to the side and watched awhile, but then he joined in the fun too, until I was pulled away for more grown up activities ... playing in the bubble room. I learned to envelop myself completely in a soap bubble. Something everyone should learn because, like calculus, you never know when you will need it! (Hint: The trick is to go fast, not slow!)

Firefighters face flame, further fundamentals of fighting fiery fiend

Firefighters face this fiery fiend March 17 at the annual Fort Polk-sponsored Louisiana State University Regional Firefighter’s Mini School. With nothing between them and danger except water and training, they form two lines bound together by trust and determination, battling a propane tank leak. Fort Polk firefighters joined forces with others from Vernon, Sabine, Rapides and Beauregard parishes to enhance their training.



Editor's note: I rencetly had the chance to cover the annual fire school they held here on post. I have worked the the Fire and Emergency Services personnel for 3 years now and have a special place for them in my heart, so when they offered to let me don gear and "get involved" in the story, I was excited. Below is the story publiished in today's paper. I hope to write a commentary about it for next week's paper, so check back next week ...

-- Published in Fort Polk Guardian (March 23, 2007) --
By: MICHELLE LINDSEY, Guardian staff writer

Twelve firefighters crouched low to the ground, watching the fire creep up the walls. The fire, like a beast, seemed to devour everything in its path while thick, gray smoke rolled along the ceiling in slow, swirling patterns. Their breaths were heavy, the intensity of the heat seemed to reach the core of their beings. Fighting human nature to escape this hell, they sat mesmerized by the lifelike form of the monster. Meanwhile, a few yards away, more firefighters were entangled in a heated battle with another fiery fiend, its hunger fed by the steady flow of a propane leak. This team of five, determined to be victorious, worked as one, their movements and skills united as they moved closer.

Though this may seem like the scene of Hollywood's latest movie, it isn't. Fort Polk's Directorate of Emergency Services firefighters joined with local fire departments for the Louisiana State University Regional Firefighters Mini School March 16-17.

“The fire school's goal is to get as many firefighters trained in the skills that we are teaching, so they will know how to perform (in these situations),” said Jack Canton, LSU Fire and Emergency Training Institute.

This is the second mini school held at Fort Polk.

“(LSU Fire and Emergency Training Institute) has been in Vernon Parish for training before, but the school at Fort Polk was a joint effort between Fort Polk Fire and Emergency Services and (LSU),” Canton added.

Michael Kuk, chief of Fort Polk's F&ES, said the school was inspired by his experiences as an LSU fire instructor at Fort Polk from 1979 to 1985. Kuk taught fire science courses and promised that if he returned as fire chief, he would institute a fire school to foster the camaraderie and teamwork of area fire departments. That promise was fulfilled when the program started last year.

“I liked the harmony and interfacing of area firefighters. It was a time for us not only to improve our skills, but also to network and get to know each other rather than wait for an (emergency),” said Kuk. “This year, not only did we have Vernon Parish firefighters, but those from Sabine, Rapides and Beauregard parishes.

“Not only does the school benefit us and the local firefighters, but it is also good for Fort Polk's reputation as a partner with local communities,” he said.

The school included 12 hours of classroom and field or interactive training.

Most students' field training “heated up” with time in the flashover simulator.



A flashover occurs when intense gas layers heat objects in the room to the point of combustion, said David Manning, LSU Fire and Emergency Training Institute instructor. The fire in the room may not need to reach the object, as the heat of it can cause ignition in a confined room or building.

Students, dressed in fire gear with aluminum foil covering their helmets to deflect heat and deter melting, sat inside the LSU flashover simulator where temperatures at ceiling level reach between 900 and 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit, Manning said. “Floor temperature is only about 300 degrees which teaches them quickly to stay low to the ground.”

The simulator recreates these conditions in a controlled environment through a small, portable metal building. Lumber was lit at one side of the building as firefighters on the other side witnessed first hand the charactistics of the fire's burn pattern.

Instructors and students agreed that continual training is valuable in saving the lives of firefighters and those they rescue.

“Training changes so much. No two fires are alike, so training helps firefighters learn to adjust. Fires don't happen every day at every fire department. Continuous training helps keep them on their toes,” said Canton. “Technology is also changing. When firefighters attend schools, like Fort Polk, they learn by training on this equipment.”

An example of the new technology is the locating devices firefighters attached to their gear at the training.

“The devices are instrumental in finding fallen firefighters,” said Greg Self, Fort Polk F&ES. “If the device is stationary for a certain time, then it starts to beep, slowly at first, then faster. The firefighter must start moving again or press a button (on the locator) to reset it. This can help rescuers find injured firefighters who may not be able to call out.”

Canton said the overall goal of fire training is safety and knowledge.

“Our number one goal is saving lives. If I can't save my own life, how can I save someone else's? This training helps firefighters save their lives and those of others,” Canton said.

Each year the school changes, offering students the newest training.

“We also host different classes, scenarios and specialties. Whatever the fire departments needs we try to provide,” said Canton.

The mini school offered two training programs this year. “The basic firefighter class taught the principles of why you attack a fire in a certain way, whether it is a building fire or a pressurized gas fire. They review case histories and learn the approach of fighting fires,” said Kuk. “The officer strategy and tactics class teaches overall firefighting movement as a commander as well as how to work with personnel. As leaders, they have to develop themselves because they must address a variety of management issues.”

LSU Fire and Emergency Training Institute provided a flashover simulator, portable cascade system, LPG (propane) prop and a maze trailer for training as well as six LSU instructors and three guest instructors from local fire departments.

“The school is essential training for new recruits and a much-needed refresher for seasoned firefighters, “ said Eric Stracener, guest instructor who works for the DeRidder Fire Department and volunteers at Rosepine Fire Department. “By working with other fire departments we become familiar with each other's equipment and personnel. It builds teamwork. We don't operate without teamwork. It is part of our life. This feels like a family reunion,” he said of the two-day school. “Firefighters are essentially one big family whether we know each other or not.”

Students included Soldiers as well. While Soldier firefighters are used in the Army, Fort Polk has not housed a unit until recently.

“I think the last military firefighter that might have been here was me in 1969,” said Kuk, referring to his prior service with the Army.

“That military occupational specialty was a very small one and now, because of the war and the critical depots and supply points that need to be protected in Iraq and Afghanistan, Army leadership realized there needs to be a stand up and enhancement of the MOS in general.

“They (Soldiers) work with us, learn the same skills and get the same certifications as (civilian firefighters). They receive real on-the-job training by working with (civilian personnel). They are a valuable part of our (team).”

More than 80 firefighters participated in the school.

“It was a great training experience. I practiced some needed skills. It was a good simulation of the real thing,” said Spc. Diego Rincon, 524th Engineer Detachment, 46th Engineer Battalion, 1st Combat Support Brigade. The 524th Soldiers are Army firefighters operationally assigned to the Fort Polk Fire and Emergency Services. The unit arrived at Fort Polk in November, 2005.

“Working with others helps you learn how people do things. You learn how a volunteer or community department works versus an Army fire department,” he added. “It helps build teamwork.”

“We want to keep this as a Fort Polk tradition, hosting annual training schools for local fire departments,” said Kuk. “I would like to host night sessions in the future. Night gives a whole new dimension and perception to fighting fires. It's something I look forward to.”



For more articles in the Fort Polk Guardian, visit our web page.

Craft Corner: Newest acquisitions, finishes

First of all, let me start with the newest WIP to reach completion and exit my basket of working projects. As I posted eariler (in Feburary) this was not origonally on my WIPs list, but was a "quickie" project that took a little break because I needed to get some specialty threads, but then I figured that since I was going to diplay it in the kitchen (with multiple prayers that it doesn't get ruined) so I found the DMC equivilents and finished it up.

Hey all! Look at what I got!
I got these in the mail last week from Meari and am totally excited to get to them, but I have to finish some of my WIPs first. We'll see how long I can last. I LOVE tea themes and roses as most of you know, so it'll be a bit of a gamble for me to finish some others things up first. Hmmm ... how long do you think I'll last?

Dedication, determination leads to team being inspiration

Editor's note: I love covering sports for the paper, but rarely to I get a chance to do the "commentary" style such as the one below. This championship series however, as a nail-biter to the end, so I though some of you sports fans might like to see what sports on a military installation is like.

-- Published in Fort Polk Guardian (March 9, 2007) --
By: MICHELLE LINDSEY, Guardian staff writer

It had come down to this night. Fourteen teams began the journey, but three teams would battle it out for the chance to be named the best. The victory would not be an easy one, but it would be a sweet reward.
The Fort Polk Morale, Welfare and Recreation Sports Division hosted the post basketball championship Feb. 27 - March 2 at 1st Combat Support Brigade Gym. The final three teams faced off March 2 to determine who would take home the title.
In the first game, 814th Engineer Company, 46th Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Combat Support Brigade, battled it out against Medical Department Activity to determine which team would compete against the undefeated G Company, 94th Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, for the title. Both teams came into the championship game with a loss. Another in this double elimination tournament would send them home.
The game started off at a fast pace, both teams eager to prove their skill. The 16-minute halves stretched to nearly an hour as players fought for supremacy. Players battled for victory amid minor injury, fatigue and technical fouls. The fast action was slowed only for time-outs and free throws as both teams gave it their all. Despite their efforts, MEDDAC fell behind and the game ended with a victory of 41-32 for the 814th.
After a brief break, 814th faced off against G Co. The engineers were the underdogs as they played with six players against G Co’s eight players. Not to be deterred, the engineers held strong against their opponents despite only a small break between games and one person for substitutes versus three.
In the first half, the two teams pitted their skills and team work against each other as the score leapfrogged from one to the other and the lead alternated. They kept the pace as airborne antics led to points and rebounds. As the buzzer signaled the half-time break, the 35-27 score placed the 814th in the lead. They didn’t get complacent though as they battled the undefeated team, climbing to a 13-point lead with 13 minutes left in the second half. Both teams fought viciously for rebounds, turnovers, steals and baskets, but with two minutes left, 814th had climbed to a 15-point lead. A free throw point and shot on rebound gave them three more points. Not ready to give in, G Co answered with a shot bringing the score to 59-44 in favor of the engineers.
After calling for a time-out with 21.6 seconds left, G Co scored again before the buzzer ended the game with a 59-46 victory for 814th.
Since both teams had each lost a game, they had to play another game to determine the winner. G Co started their second game with eight players, while the 814th was down to five after a player was injured in the second half of the previous game. The 814th would have to battle aggressiveness with control to stay in the game.
The third game started off with a clean tip from Jamorris Dickerson, 814th, to teammate Felix Macias. A fast break ended in a turnover to G Co, allowing Nick Phipps, G Co, to score putting the first points on the scoreboard. Not to be outdone, 814th answered with a three point shot putting them ahead.
The fast action under the basket and heavy defense by both teams continued and the tension remained high as players vied for open shots and rebounds. The first half of the game saw the lead score jump between teams as players raced up and down the court.
The crowd roared as players scored points and defended their basket. With 3:21 left in the first half, the score was even at 17 points each. Walter Major earned two points on a turnover, giving the 814th the lead.
G Co answered with two back-to-back shots, retaking the lead. The lead went back and forth as the two teams battled for supremacy. At the end of the first half, the score was 25-21, 814th Engineers.
The competition continued through the second half as players scored points and fought for rebounds. The stands shook with the excitement of the crowd as they cheered on their team. With two minutes left in the game, G Co led with a score of 41-39. Jamorris Dickerson, 814th, sank two free throws, tying the score with 1:34 left. Both teams scored, leaving the crowd in an uproar as the teams tied yet again with 1 minute left. Shawn Gibson, 814th scored two points from under a heavily guarded basket, followed by G Co’s Marcus Harper sinking a two-point shot, tying the score again with 6.7 seconds left.
The teams battled for one last shot and as the buzzer sounded, Larry Foster, G Co, shot from the top of the key. The shot bounced off the rim, signaling overtime, as the teams slumped in their chairs, tired and sweating. The score was tied at 43 points.
Five minutes later, the buzzer sounded again and the teams seemed to catch their second wind as they raced to the court.
Another tip-off gave 814th the first chance at scoring as G Co rushed to defend their basket. Defense was heavy as both teams fought to score. Time-outs and foul shots gave the players time for a few quick breaths, but their determination to win was evident. As teams scored, the crowds went wild, but neither team was willing to concede.
G Co –– then 814th –– took the lead, trying to run down the clock while their team was in control, but the determination of these players was equal as the final buzzer sounded with another tied score, 50 all.
Another small break gave the players time to rest, but the intense play was wearing on the smaller 814th team. Though defending their title was paramount, the team has already played three games and an overtime segment.
As the second overtime period started, they voiced that this would be the last one. They had to step it up and put their skills and hearts on the line.
The 814th gained possession yet again at the tip-off, but a turnover gave G Co the chance to score. Not to give up, Walter Major, 814th, answered with a score for his team.
After a time-out called by G Co, 814th stole the ball and earned two points giving them the lead at 52-50. The battle continued and with 1:45 left in the game. The score was tied yet again at 53.
Major put his team in the lead with a free throw point, giving them hope that they could win the game, but Nick Phipps, G Co, answered with a three point shot, retaking the lead with 56-54. After a free throw shot, G Co increased their lead by one point.
The 814th countered with a full court press, where Gentry Walker, G Co, fouled Major, earning the 814th two points. The score was 57-56 with 46.3 seconds left in the game.
G Co scored again bringing the score to 60-56. At 21 seconds remaining, 814th faced a decision as one of their five players reached his foul limits and left the game. Injured player Eric Nykowski removed the ice pack from his ankle and returned to assist his team, but it wasn’t enough as Phipps made two free throws bringing the score to 64-58. Jason Malek, 814th, attempted a shot at the buzzer, too late. G Co won, taking the title from the defending champs, but not without a valiant fight.
“Both teams played well, gave it their all,” said Robert Smith, Morale, Welfare and Recreation sports specialist.
He applauded the 814th Eng Co for not giving up. “You see their determination and dedication. They are definitely an inspiration.”

I am from ...

I got this from Lime, and of course if Lime is doing it, then it must be cool. So I gave it a try. While it put my already overtaxed brain to the test, I think it turned out great.

I am from hand-me-down dresses, from silver needles and tiny thimbles.

I am from the rippling pond glistening in the summer wind with a colorful patchwork blanket of floral fantasy heavy with morning dew.

I am from the wild roses and the strong oak trees.

I am from farmers and carpenters, Soldiers and Sailors, from Marys, Marks and Gilberts.

I am from warm embraces and quick smiles.

From “love your sibling” and “help each other”.

I am from the devout Catholics, humble Christians and staunch Protestants.

I'm from creole country, with its majestic plantations and cajun charm, gumbo and crawfish.

From the father who unselfishly raised others as his own, the mother who fought to protect her community, and the grandfathers who sacrifices their innocence for America’s freedom.

I am from dusty cardboard boxes, the worn leather pages and faded frames holding pictures of my past, those whose strength and honor runs through my veins. I am the bearer of my family’s history, the hope for its future. I am the protector of precious treasures that I will one day pass to the next guardian.

If you'd like to try it, click here for the template. Enjoy!

I'm back ... I think

Hey all! I'm back. It's been a while, but not nearly as long as Tommy Gunn. (Welcome back, dude!)

There has been a lot going on here, much of which I am not at liberty to vent about via web (Army stuff). George has been away training for the past 2-plus weeks and I miss him terribly. You really learn after a deployment how precious time is.

I was sick all weekend and I guess it went around at the office, because we were at about 50% on Monday. I managed to make it through work and the unit Steering Committee meeeting (I am a family support volunteer.) Then at 8:30 p.m. Monday night, I went at the ER with a friend whose daughter (toddler) fell and hit her head, so we wanted to get it checked out to make sure she was o.k. All in all, I didn't get home until after 3 a.m. and then had to get up for work. Thankfully after a big assignment was complete my boss left me go home (I left at about 2 p.m.) However, Sgt. Major thought it was playtime so I didn't get to take a nap until about 4:30 p.m. So I am really tired. It'll probably take me a day or so to get caught up with my sleep.

Last night my dad called and said my sister-in-law fell and possibly broke her hip. She's only 31, with MD and still has 3, o.k. one is a senior so 2.5 children at home. Thankfully they are old enough to care for themselves, but I'm sure this is very difficult for them. I called my brother today and said the orthopedic still had not seen her (it happened at lunch yesterday), so she is on some serious pain meds. She weights about 105, so I know they probably can't give her as much as she'd like because her body wouldn't be able to handle it. She'll be in the hospital for a few days I guess, so for now we can only wait and see what happens.

In general, I haven't done much else. Just home every night to watch TV and stitch or read. I have posts with some pics of the pup and some XS stash, so hopefully, those will be added soon. I'll try to stop by an visit blogs in the next day or so, so until I stop by ... don't be too crazy!

Only happens to me ...

Hello dear friends. I've been away a few days since my husband left last week for two months of training. *sigh* It seems like he just got home from Afghanistan (Dec.) and now he is gone again. 'Tis the life I guess!

On a different note ... There are some of you who have followed my blog since it's inception. You may recall the attack at the pumps, crazed neighbors and airport abuse stories I told you. Well here is the latest in my collection of "What were they thinking?" stories.

Friday night I had to cover the post basketball championships for the newspaper. Not a problem, but it didn't end until 9:30 p.m. and I was HUNGRY! I had some tuna salad at home so I decide to stop at the post 24-hour shoppette (convience store) for some crackers and juice.

As I pull in there is one parking space open at the front – SCORE! As I pulled forward (from the side) I see a lady standing in the spot. As she sees me approach, she moves (I drive a Tahoe so, like an airplane, I "appraoch" things). There is a slight blindspot on the side but as I straighten into the parking spot I see a 4 or 5 year-old- boy standing in the spot with his arm outstretched. I stop about three feet in front of him. Nothing. I put the truck in park. He is still standing there arm outstretched, but his mom appears to be calling him. I turn off the engine and get out. He runs to his mom.

"What was that about?" I ask.

"I'm sorry she relied. "His dad lets him do that in the garage at home, but he knows he can only do it there."

"What!?!" I ask in disbelief.

"Well, he likes Superman," she replied, thinking that that was obviously enough explaination.

"Well, that's just f@$#*%d up," I said, too tired to care what I was saying.

In all seriousness, she covered his ears and said, "Please don't say that in front of him."

I was too astonished to speak, but in my mind all I could think of when was the last time a child was killed by curse words? I mean, did her son really think he could stop a Tahoe? What kind of parent thinks that it is o.k. for their son to dodge moving vehicles?

No funeral I've ever been to had the words, "Here lies little Johnny. Killed by the word 'fuck'."

Craft Corner: Monthly Goals- March 2007

This is my stitching goal for March. I started it nearly four years ago. My mom bought this pattern, DMC varigated threads and aida fabric. While I thought the pattern itself was cute, I hate stitching on aida and prefer other, higher quality dyes threads (I think this one actually called for WDW). I have been putting it off because I actually loose my desire to stitch when I pick it up out of the basket. Hopefully, I can get motivated and finish this thing. I'd love to give it to my mom for Easter. Keep asking for updates and maybe I'll get it done.

My finishing goal for this month is to get these two machine embroidered pieces done. I got them at one of my mom's quilt shows when I was working for her quilting company. She doesn't sell her items through a store but instead attends quilt shows and has a website. Anyway, at most of the big shows you see the same vendors over and over. One machine embroidery vendor let me make some samples when I was taking abreak from my mom's booth (and walking around spending my paycheck before I even got it). At the end of the show, she gave them to me. I think they are beautiful, and at first wanted to make pillows of them, however I have a furbaby who loves to lay all over stuff and I'm sure they would be ruined in no time, so I am going to frame them. (Yeah, another day at the Arts and Crafts Center!)

This is a project that I have enjoyed working on the past few months. It is a springtime table topper with daisies flowering around the edges. I hope to do one for each season, but for now, this is my first. I ordered the kit from Herrschner's, which has aplethora of beautiful crafts stuff. This one will probably be the one I pick up for inspiration when the Easter Bunny get to be too much.