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Deviled Egg Recipes

2011-05-27T12:01:00.002-04:00

For your holiday dining pleasure, I am posting some deviled egg recipes for you try. I collected these from the new June issue of "Country Living" magazine. Cook, taste, enjoy...happy Memorial Day!
Double *click* on the recipe page below to enlarge image.

Peace and blessings to you,

CDs...Most Recent Best & Worst

2011-05-26T00:01:00.006-04:00

Okay, I am admittedly a music fanatic...I love music of all genres, saving country music, I just cannot make myself enjoy it! I am sharing with you today, some of my favorites, and one which was a HUGE disappointment to me, and well as a "new" talented young man which I recently discovered.

These are some musicians and bands which I truly enjoy; some of the bands have been around for quite awhile, but they recently have new CDs on the market.

The first is Maroon 5, whose neo-jazz, pop sound is awesome. For the most part, I think Adam Levine (who you can catch on the new show "The Voice") is an incredible writer. Adam really reaches down and writes lyrics which express the heartache and the best of love. Maroon 5's new album is called Hands All Over. Here is a taste of Maroon 5...

"Misery"

The second artist I want to share with you is an awesome singer, who gives me chills when I hear her voice, Adele. Adele not only looks like a "retro diva" her voice is incredible! Adele has smokey, soulful voice, who writes and sings about the pain of love with a certain "edge." Her album, 21 is fabulous, I have found the entire album to well worth the purchase, and the listen. Here is Adele...

"Rolling in the Deep"

My third choice is a young man, whom I met on Facebook, who is an extremely talented musician, singer, and song writer, by the name of Mikey Wax. I really think you will enjoy his mellow sound; I am really trying to get Mikey' name out there, because he truly deserves recognition for his talent. Here is Mikey Wax...

"In Case I Go Away Again"

And finally, this album was an incredible disappointment to me. I have loved Fleetwood Mac for years, it seemed every album over the decades was great. When Stevie Nicks went solo, I enjoyed her albums as well. However, Stevie's new album, In Your Dreams is a major let down. There are only two songs on the entire album I like, the rest need to be thrown in the dust bin. Here is one of the two songs I like (I find this video a bit out-there, but then)...

"Secret Love"

I hope you found this little run-down of recent music releases helpful. You can find these, except for Mikey Wax, at your local music store, or Walmart, or Target retailers. Mikey Wax can be downloaded on I-Tunes.

Peace to you,

It's Spring...Go Sleeveless!

2011-05-25T00:01:00.006-04:00

I'm going through a stint of tank tops and sleeveless blouses right now; I live in Florida, where it becomes miserably hot and humid during the Spring and Summer months. I have never done this before, but I am really feeling like I can get away with wearing some of the cute tops that on the market right now. Although some are a bit pricey, I will more than likely opt to make my own. Here are a few really cute tops which I found online, and I feel are inspiration if not to purchase, to make!

French Connection, http://www.frenchconnection.com/

I just like the color of this one, and the "frillies" on it.

French Connection, http://www.frenchconnection.com/

This top says, "I'm happy today," to me.

Neiman Marcus, http://www.neimanmarcus.com/

A bit of glam.

Old Navy, http://www.oldnavy.com/

I like the color, as well as the placement of the rouching on this top.

Victoria's Secret, http://www.victoriassecret.com/

On my VS "wishlist."

Victoria's Secret, http://www.victoriassecret.com/

I bought this top, and I love it! It is cool to wear, however, I must warn you, this top is a cotton knit which is thin, and the back has a tendency to dip down, exposing your bra. But, I do really enjoy wearing this top...it hides the tummy area well if that is a trouble spot for you.

Victoria's Secret, http://www.victoriassecret.com/

I have this top on order. I love the color, and the design! As I stated in a previous post on corsets, I love the look of corsets, and this is just the style I like! I'll let you know what it like on me, once it arrives.

Ladies, be cool, be fashionable and enjoy the really cute tops which are "out there" now!

Peace to you,

In "...That Loving Feeling"

2011-05-24T00:01:00.012-04:00

William Shakespeare

Although it is not February, and although I am currently married, I felt like posting some quotations about love. I think William Shakespeare had an uncanny insight into human behavior--good and bad--but, of all of human behavior which I think he had a true awareness of, it was that of love. In my book, Shakespeare ranks third in conveying our deepest most intimate feelings. (Jesus first, and poet John Donne second.)

Here for you are some beautiful Shakespearian verses...think on them, and share them if you like. I think they make great quotes for love notes! ; )

"They do not love that do not show their love."

"The course of true love never did run smooth.

Love is a familiar. Love is a devil. There is no evil angel but Love."

"For thy sweet love remember'd such wealth brings,

That then I scorn to change my state with kings."

"I'll follow you and make a heaven out of hell, and I'll die by your hand which I love so well."

"Love goes toward love."

"...Love is not love

Which alters when it alteration finds,

Or Bends with the remover to remove.

O, no! It is an ever-fixed mark,

That looks on tempests and is never shaken.

It is the star to every wandering bark,

Whose worth's unknown, although his height be taken."

"Love is a smoke raised with the fume of sighs,

Being purged, a fire sparkling in lovers' eyes,

Being vexed, a sea nourished with lovers' tears.

What is it else? A madness most discreet,

A choking gall and a preserving sweet."

"A woman would run through fire and water for such a kind heart."

"It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves."

"Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind;

And therefore is winged Cupid painted blind."

"When I saw you I fell in love, and you smiled because you knew."

"Journey's end in lovers meeting."

"Doubt thou the stars are fire,

Doubt the sun doth move,

Doubt truth to be a liar

But never doubt thy love."

~ "Hamlet", Act II, Scene II

A Well Born Lady

2011-05-23T00:01:00.004-04:00

When I was growing-up I was allowed to be "a kid" to play outside until the street lights came on, ride my bike with a banana seat, and play kick ball with the neighborhood kids in the street. But, as I grew older, about 12-13 years old, my stepmother began to instruct me in the ways of being a lady. Now, I have found this to be a traditionally Southern ritual, wherein a mother guides a young woman in the rules of dress (such as not wearing white after Labor Day), which eating utensil is used during a meal for which course, and the proper way to stand, sit, show graciousness, and all-important correct use of the English language and proper grammar.

I am so grateful my stepmother instructed me in the rules of etiquette, for it seems to be a dying tradition, but I feel it is important for ladies to behave as ladies and gentlemen to behave as gentlemen. I have taught my two daughters, just as I was taught, and the compliments they receive are remarkable.

Today, however, I am going to share with not what I was taught, but rather rules of lady-like behavior for the 13th century lady. I hope you enjoy them; some are a bit comical by our rather modern standards, others are I find are simply "good taste."

A Well Born Lady

1. A lady should walk with a measured pace on her way to church, offering friendly greetings to passersby and giving alms to the poor and sick.

2. "Beware, and let no man touch your breast, except for the one who has a right to [her husband].

3. A lady should allow no one but her husband to kiss her on the mouth.

4. A lady should not stare at men, otherwise they might think it done "out of love".

5. A lady should not boast that someone has asked her for her love.

6. A lady should not bear any skin but for her throat, hands and her face.

7. A lady should not accept gifts from men who are not her relatives.

8. A lady should not quarrel.

9. A lady should not curse, nor drink or eat too much.

10. A lady should lift her veil when greeted by a great lord and return the greetings. Ladies need only be veiled at church or in the streets, but an ugly lady should be veiled often, and beautiful ones not at all.

11. A lady should drink wine to give herself good color, and eat cumin, anise and fennel in the morning to cure bad breath.

12. A lady should be mindful of her behavior in church and not talk or laugh.

13. A lady should cross herself at the beginning and end of church.

14. A lady should let others leave church before herself when the service is over.

15. A lady should sing often if she has a beautiful voice.

16. A lady should keep her fingernails neat and trim.

17. A lady should not laugh or talk too much at meals. If she is eating with a man, she should cut the best bits for him. She should wipe her nose or eyes on the tablecloth. If she is a guest she should not eat too much.

18. "Nobody will love or serve a lady who lies often."

19. If a man confesses his love to her, the lady should answer seriously and remain faithful to her lord.

Originally taken from, Chastoiement de Dames, a mid-13th century etiquette book by Robert de Blois, in "Courtly Culture: Literature and Society in the High Middle Ages," by Joachim Bumke.

Peace be to you this day,

"Quitter" Be Who You Dream of Being!

2011-05-20T00:00:00.002-04:00

I saw author, Jon Acuff, this morning on a local news program and wanted the share his philosophy of becoming what you dream of---to quote him, "...dreaming is act of recovery, not discovery." I am posting the link to his video and a link to buying his book below. I am ordering the book for myself and to share with others...very inspiring! My hope is that you find some value in what he says, and apply it to your life, your dreams.

Video Link:

http://youtu.be/qlVyydTKZFA

Book Link:

http://www.daveramsey.com/store/prodquitter.html

Become what you dream,

Make a Magnetic Sewing Pin Dish

2011-05-19T00:01:00.001-04:00

I saw this cute idea for a vintage dish you may have lying around the house, or if you don't have one, you can pick one up from your local thrift store. But, to make a magnetic dish for your sewing pins, simply affix using an adhesive, such as Gorilla Glue or E6000, to two heavy magnets from your local craft store. Add your straight pins and you are set. Oh, by the way, I have seen these online selling for $8.00, and the dish as not as nearly as pretty as one you could make. Easy peasy!!

Peace be with you and yours,

How to Make a Corset (and Boxers)

2011-05-18T00:01:00.026-04:00

Honestly, I did not intend this to be "fashion week" at All Things Wonderful. Rather, I have been doing quite a bit of sewing lately, and have stumbled upon articles and fun things I wanted to share with you.

I absolutely love the look of corsets, I suppose because they were such an old world staple in a woman's wardrobe for centuries, and they look so feminine. Anyway, I found this great site, for those of us who really enjoy sewing called Thread Banger, where you can find all things fashion, and fashion DYI.

I found this tutorial, from Thread Banger, on the easy way to make a corset (and a pair of boxers for either your man, or a pair of PJ bottoms for yourself). Here is the link to the tutorial, Corset Tutorial and remember you can make your corset as plain or embellished as you like. If you would rather make a hard copy on paper of the tutorial, go here and then for the instructions on how to make your actual corset pattern, go here.

Personally, I don't think I would use an old t-shirt as my corset liner as they did in the tutorial video, but you can if you like. I think a lighter fabric, like muslin (which I have tons of) would suit me better, and I think some vintage lace would be tres chic!

Hope you enjoy--and if you make a corset, I would love to see it!

Peace and Cheers,

Silhouette SD Machine Give-a-way

2011-05-17T21:19:00.001-04:00

Grosgrainfabulous is giving away a Silhouette SD, which I would love to have for art and crafting, and I am certain you would too. What is a Silhouette SD, well, according to their own website it is:

"...an electronic cutting tool that connects to your computer allowing you to cut fonts and images in cardstock, vinyl, heat transfer material, etc. The Silhouette can be used to create scrapbooks, cards, home decor, custom apparel, school projects, glass etched projects, stencils, etc."

To win this wonderful product go to the link below, and good luck! :)

SILHOUETTE MACHINE GIVEAWAY!!!!

Have You Given Thought to Custom-Made Jeans?

2011-05-17T00:01:00.001-04:00

I have a TERRIBLE time finding jeans to fit me properly! And truth be told, probably most women like me who buy jeans off the rack will admit there is always something wrong about the pair of jeans they feel forced to buy, because there is nothing else on the rack, or that is the pair that fits "the best" of the pairs we have tried on. The problem we contend with most are sizing in the seat, hips, thighs and/or waist.
My point of contention with jeans buying stem from these issues:

1. I am 5'4"-5'5" tall (I say that height because I am in the middle of that height range). Petite sizes run too short, and obviously tall is out of the question, so I am average.
2. I am straight up and down, with NO hips.
3. I am thick-waisted, having virtually NO WAIST--even at my thinnest, BC (Before Children), I have no waist.
4. I have skinny legs, hardly any thighs.
5. And finally, I have NO BEHIND--never had, never will. All of my weight goes to my torso.

Your "Unhappiness List With Jeans" may look like this or something similar. If I get a fit in one of these areas, you can bet, there is another fit issue in one of the other areas. I come away from the store frustrated and ready to tackel the next girl I walk by, with a little figure and "perfect fit" pair of jeans on her body!

It's not that I am complaining about my body, which admittedly, I do need to lose about 20 pounds or so; but honestly, why can't jeans be made that fit ME, that fit YOU, the way we need them to? Why can't we just have a pair of jeans that fit us so well, we are confident we look nice, when we walk out the door in the morning?

My biggest problem with the jeans I have bought lately, is that if the jeans fit me everyplace when I put them on in the morning, within about 3 hours after I have them on, the waist gaps, and I end-up with my jeans literally falling off of me! (And what's worse, is they end-up somehow, taking my panties with them.) Umm, I don't think they are supposed to do that, and I don't think that qualifies as a "good fit."

I have tried "cheap" jeans, I have tried expensive jeans, and I end-up with the same results. So, in the interest of helping myself and your ladies who identify with me, I have checked some websites which offer custom-made jeans. Now, the ranges in price go from reasonable to the "I'll think about that price," to the "are you crazy?"

Custom-fit is my last ditch effort, before going to the Men's Department or begin wearing dresses and skirts all of the time. Here is an article about custom-made jeans, which offer some sites for you to look at, and finally, below that, I have found what I think is a reasonably price company with a link for you. I am going to give this company a try and see how they do...why not try the most reasonably priced first (they are "Make Your Own Jeans").

Ordering Straight, With a Touch of Stretch

and

Make Your Own Jeans

Should you decide to order custom-made jeans, or if you have already done so, I would love to hear from you and hear of your experience, so please email me, or leave me a post.

I hope this helped those of you, who like me, love and live in jeans, but are tired of having "The Denim Blues."

Peace to you,

Slow-Cooker Chicken Recipe

2011-05-16T10:19:00.000-04:00

I discovered this recipe in a magazine ("All You") I receive, and it looked simple enough so I tried it last night for dinner. It was delicious, and loved by the family, so I decided to share it with you. I accompanied this meal with baked potatoes, fresh squash and onions and croissants.

Slow-Cooker BBQ Chicken

24 oz. (about 3 medium) chicken breast, deboned & skinless

3/4 c. bottled bbq sauce, of your choice

1/4 c. reduced fat Italian salad dressing

2 T. packed brown sugar

1 T. Worcestershire sauce

2 T. cornstarch

*2 T. low-sodium chicken

1. Place rinsed chicken breasts in slow cooker. In a medium sized bowl, combine bbq sauce, salad dressing,brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce. Pour over chicken and cook on high for 5 hours.

2. Remove chicken and shred with 2 forks. In a small bowl, mix chicken broth and cornstarch. Stir into sauce which is in your slow-cooker, cover and cook until sauce is hot and thicken (about 5 to 10 minutes). Return chicken to cooker, stir covering the meat with the sauce and continue cooking on low heat for 45 minutes. You may serve the on buns, over rice or noodles, but my family enjoyed the chicken straight from the cooker.

Nutrition Facts: 116 calories, 3 g. fat (1g. saturated), 47 mg. chol., 0 g. fiber, 17 g. protein, 15 g. carb., 463 mg. sodium

*I used chicken broth in the packets, it saves wasting an entire can of chicken broth.

This recipe does not call for seasonings for the chicken , but I suggest adding salt, pepper and garlic powder or any other you may prefer to taste during the cooking process, if you desire.
You will have plenty of left-overs if you are feeding this meal to a family of four--tomorrow I will give you my recipe for BBQ Chicken Quesadillas, in which I am using my left over chicken from this meal!

Have a wonderful day and God bless!

"My Kingdom for a...Lace Necklace!"

2011-05-13T21:11:00.000-04:00

I know you have been seeing these all over Creation, from fashion magazines to the Internet, and the prices range from relatively decent to the extremely obscene. I have found for you some great sites, which provide you with easy tutorials for making your custom-made lace necklace. And by the way, creating one of your own will cost little in the way of time and materials...which is even better! (I will show you my necklace, once I have completed it!) And away we go!

Over at Ruffles and Stuff you will find this sweet little sensation, which I particularly like. This piece is classic, feminine and not too over the top. A supply list and full instructions for this tutorial are provided. I really like the idea of painting the lace to a custom color; the lace of this piece was once pale pink!

The next little lovely I found is located at Grosgrain. This piece according to its creator is a bit "askew" which I think adds interests to the piece. This necklace is sophisticated and with the little twist of it being a bit off-centered, makes it visually interesting. Once again, you will find a supply list and full instructions on the site.

Last, but not least, we have a necklace a bit different from the other two, which I find simply cute. This lovely "dangler" can be found at My Vintage Secret. Com. I find this necklace fun, and one which would make a great gift for that teen in your life (hmm, I think my 18 year-old daughter may like this, "just because"). You will also find a supply list and complete instructions on the site. You know, you could paint any of the lace pieces you incorporate in your necklace, any color you chose, and you could always make more than one!

I could literally go on and on with the great tutorials I have found, but you get the idea, and hopefully this will spark some of your own creativity. Below are some other necklaces I found (nice and pricey), which have inspired me to create my own.

Nordstrom

How about a bit of ribbon, and faux pearl bracelets or a necklace, and great pin?

Nordstrom

For this one, a gold-toned bracelet, and a faux flower.

French Connection

Finally, a faux pearl necklace and some wonderful vintage, thrift stone brooches in complementary metallic tones.

I certainly hope you enjoyed today's post, and are more than inspired to make your own lovely bits! Have a wonderful weekend.

May the peace of God be with you,

How to Make Pom Poms

2011-05-12T00:01:00.000-04:00

Earlier this year I shared a cute little article on making "flowers" from pom poms, and in the article a little pom pom making gadget was mentioned which you could order. However, here is a little tutorial which will show how I made them years ago as a child, and they come out just lovely, simply go to Made for the quick and easy instructions!

Just as yesterday's post introduced you to Lex, you will find plenty of wonderful tutorials, recipes and tips at Made. So, while you are there getting your pom pom tutorial, browse around, I promise you won't be disappointed.

Peace to you and yours,

Wonderful Print for You

2011-05-11T09:48:00.000-04:00

Sometimes we can be our own worst enemy when comes to living life in general. Today, I have a great saying or verse for you to print, frame and hang in your home or office which is a reminder not to be hard on yourself. I am printing this on watercolor paper and framing it myself to hang beside my bed. I discovered it through a wonderful blog called "Shabby Blogs" where I found the link to the piece here, at My Concrete Sky. The title is "Embrace Your Humanity," I hope you enjoy it, even if you only read it. Remember to "embrace your humanity," and be kind to yourself--God made only one you, and you are precious to Him, and those whose lives you touch.

A Well-Deserved Hello to You

2011-05-11T00:00:00.001-04:00

Yes, my dear friends, it has been several months since my last post; to quote one of my favorite song writers, John Lennon, "Life happens when you are busy making other plans." These last several months have been rough, rocky and filled with ups and downs, unexpected situations. I have been near divorce, my younger daughter is ill with hypertension, and I have had some severe (although not critical) health issues of my own.
However, in the midst of all of this life's events, I have made a definitive decision, and I want to share it with you.

I have always had a deep passion for writing. I write poetry, perhaps not as often as I should, but I do none the less. I am avid reader of all things history, and I have an abiding love for historical fiction genre. With that said, I have made the decision to write an historical fiction novel based upon the lives and love of two of my ancestors, who once ruled England. And I will give you one hint: they were "pre-Tutor" rulers : )

My aim is not to make a fortune, although that would be most welcomed, but write about this couple whom history, and the couple's adversaries have not exactly been kind to. I am in the process of research at this point, and am discovering some wonderful things about their characters and their personalities. This particular king, was ruthless in ruling and on the battle field, however, at home with his wife and family, he was a most loving individual. Well, enough said...I suppose you will have to wait to discover of whom I speak!

God willing, I will be back, and writing to you and for on a more consistent basis. But, for those of you who enjoy sewing, I found a wonderful blog I want to share with you, Made by Lex. Lex's tutorials are simple, and just plan fun...I have enjoyed making a project or two, from her site, myself.

Peace be to you,

Are You Taking Time for Yourself?

2011-01-07T00:01:00.001-05:00

I know I have posted about this topic in the past, but I think as we are approaching a new year, it worth the reminder. Although we all have stressful and busy lives with children, husbands, and work, we must remember to take some time out of our hectic day for ourselves---we must do something which relaxes us, gives us a fresh perspective on life, and gives us pleasure. For everyone that certain "time out" may take take different forms; for some it may be exercise, others art work, or simply sitting in quiet reflection.

My special time for myself is reading. Normally, with the time schedule I run against, this time is taken in the evening, after my younger daughter is bed, and my house is tidied for the following day, and my husband is watching the television in the living room. I curl up in my bed, and pull out the current book I am reading. Not only do I find reading a pleasure, I find it relaxing and I have been able to fall asleep more easily since I have been practicing this ritual. I know, reading is not an enjoyable past-time for everyone, but for those of us who enjoy it, the time we take to read, certainly can bring a sense of relaxation we otherwise may not have.

Really, it does not matter which activity you choose to take that special time for you, as long as you do it. I have a dear friend I have known for years who is a psychologist, and he reminded me of this the other day..."You should, in order to have a balance in your life, include a regime of spending at least 15-30 minutes daily, doing something you enjoy doing, that is only for yourself." If you think about it, that is not really a lot of time, but well worth it--you are your best investment.

So, ask yourself, "What do I enjoy doing for me, that makes me happy?" I promise, you will be greatly rewarded for your special time with you!

Hugs and Peace,

Two Art Projects from "Country Living"

2011-01-06T00:01:00.001-05:00

Today, I thought I would share two really neat projects with you from the February 2011 edition of "County Living!"

The first project involves making these really cute "pom-pom" flowers and attaching a stem with glue; you add them to a vase or a bottle (as shown below), or create a bouquet using your preferred shades of yarn.

The article suggests buying a device with which to make the pom-poms, but as a kid, we used to make them using our hands. We wound the yarn around one hand and once we got the thickness we desired (the more yarn you wind around your hand, the larger and thicker the pom-pom will be), we took the yarn "circle" off our hand, tied it in the center, and cut the ends where they curved. We then fluffed it out, and we had a pom-pom.

Yarn Flowers- page 64

The next project involves a copy of a photo of your choice, black thread, watercolor paper, a frame, tape, and a needle. The detailed instructions are found below, on the photograph.

Stitch Artwork from Photos- page 65

Remember to double-click on the photos to make them larger, for easier reading. I hope these two projects inspire you...I know they did me!

Peace and Hugs,

My Better Life Resolutions

2011-01-05T09:18:00.000-05:00

It seems like humanity has been doing this forever...each year we make New Year's resolutions, in an effort to improve the quality of lives. Sometimes, the resolutions are attainable and sensible, and we are able to attain our goals; however, other times we make resolutions which are simply not within a realistic reach.

Personally, I am one of the latter. In the past, I never made practical goals which I could attain, thus "shooting" myself in the proverbial foot. The result was, I quit making resolutions a long time ago...why resolve to do something, I either knew I wouldn't do, or convinced myself I could not do?

But this year, I want it to be different. Perhaps, it is my age, maturity, the fact my daughters are growing-up, or I am just attempting to change my lifestyle. As I see it, these are not necessarily "New Year's Resolutions" but rather "Lisa's Resolutions for a Better Life" (and it happens to be a new year).

There are four areas in which I am endeavoring to improve myself, and this is where I get truly honest. And you know, should I not reach some of these goals, there is always, as the infamous Scarlett O'Hara aptly said, "...tomorrow."

Here I go.
1. I wish to lose a total of 20 pounds this year, but tackling the 20 pounds, 5 pounds at a time--not to overwhelm myself.
2. I wish to begin taking the writer within me seriously and get the historical-fiction novel down on paper, and have it to a publisher within a 15 to 18 month time period.
3. I wish to read 50 books this calendar year, and write reviews for each.
4. I intend to procrastinate less; and tackle each situation as it arises, not waiting until the last minute. I can always make the excuse of being too tired at the moment, or too stressed, but who isn't these days?

Well, there they are, my desires for the coming year to improve the quality of my life. Do you have any? You don't have to share them with anyone, unless you choose, but I thought this may get others of you simply thinking about how you would like to make your life better, for you.

Happy New Year...2011!

2011-01-04T18:32:00.000-05:00

Just a few words today, to tell you all I wish you the best 2011 you can possibly have; I think we all hope the current year will be better than previous year on some level, and my hopes are you needs will be met and you will find peace, healthy and stability in this new year.

God willing, I will back to posting on my blog each day, and getting to know you better than ever.

May God bless each of you,

My Advent Wreath

2010-12-03T17:28:00.000-05:00

I bought my supplies and put my Advent wreath together today...and here it is...

The wreath itself, I purchased from Joann; the candle holders are some old, glass spice bottles in which I poured some loose crystal beads and pearls (to give the candles some stability). I decoupaged some clip art pictures of angels, which I found from the "Graphics Fairy".

The 3 red candles will be lit on the each of the three Sundays before Christmas, and the green candle will be lit on Christmas, as will the white. The white candle represents Christ as the light of the world.

Have a wonderful evening!

Peace to you,

The Advent Wreath

2010-12-02T16:41:00.001-05:00

It is the time of the year, when we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ; and within this season of celebration, there is a tradition amongst several Christian denominations which I would like to share with you, if you are not aware of this one in particular. The tradition to which I refer is the lighting of the Advent Wreath. Below are some articles I have gathered for your reading, and hope you find them informative and "enlightening!" : )

"The Advent wreath, or Advent crown, is a Christian tradition that symbolizes the passage of the four weeks of Advent in the liturgical calendar of the Western church. It is usually a horizontal evergreen wreath with four candles. Beginning with the First Sunday of Advent, the lighting of a candle can be accompanied by a Bible reading and prayers. An additional candle is lit during each subsequent week until, by the last Sunday before Christmas, all four candles are lit. Some Advent wreaths include a fifth, "Christ" candle which can be lit at Christmas. The custom is observed both in family settings and at public church services.

History

The ring or wheel of the Advent wreath of evergreens decorated with candles was a symbol in northern Europe long before the arrival of Christianity. The circle symbolized the eternal cycle of the seasons while the evergreens and lighted candles signified the persistence of life in the midst of winter. Some sources suggest the wreath—now reinterpreted as a Christian symbol—was in common use in the Middle Ages, others that it was established in Germany as a Christian custom only in the 16th century. Other evidence suggests that the Advent wreath was not invented until the 19th century. Research by Prof. Haemig of Luther Seminary, St. Paul, points to Johann Hinrich Wichern (1808–1881), a Protestant pastor in Germany and a pioneer in urban mission work among the poor as the inventor of the modern Advent wreath. During Advent, children at a mission school founded by Wichern would ask daily if Christmas had arrived. In 1839, he built a large wooden ring (made out of an old cartwheel) with 19 small red and 4 large white candles. A small candle was lit successively every weekday during Advent. On Sundays, a large white candle was lit. The custom gained ground among Protestant churches in Germany and evolved into the smaller wreath with four or five candles known today. Roman Catholics in Germany began to adopt the custom in the 1920s, and in the 1930s it spread to North America. Professor Haemig's research also indicates that the custom did not reach the United States until the 1930s, even among German Lutheran immigrants.

In Medieval times advent was a fast during which people's thoughts were directed to the expected second coming of Christ; but in modern times it has been seen as the lead up to Christmas, and in that context Advent Wreath serves as a reminder of the approach of the feast.

More recently, some Eastern Orthodox families have adopted an Advent wreath with six candles symbolizing the longer Christmas fast in Orthodox tradition, which corresponds to Advent in Western Christianity.

Symbolism

There are several interpretations of the symbolism of the Advent wreath. Advent is four weeks The accumulation of light is an expression of the growing anticipation of the birth of Jesus Christ, who in Christian faith is seen as the light of the world. The circular wreath represents God's eternity and unity. Evergreens are a symbol of enduring life."

Excerpt taken from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advent_wreath

How to make and use an Advent Wreath, as well as Scripture reading: http://www.kencollins.com/question-10.htm

I hope you enjoyed this article concerning our Christian tradition, and remember you do not have to be a particular denomination to participate in the use of an Advent Wreath. Our purpose for the wreath is to focus on the coming of Jesus, which all Christians share.
Peace to you and yours,

Web Site for Upcoming Books

2010-11-14T00:01:00.001-05:00

Surfing the web last night, I came up this site which lists the upcoming, yet to be published historical fiction books for 2011; the name of the site is "Historical Novel Society." The lists found here are shown by release, and give the author, title and a one sentence brief on what the book is about. The lists include books written about royalty, detectives, and run the gamete of time periods. So, for a look, go HERE.

Have a super day...hugs,

Antique Photos from My Collection

2010-11-13T00:01:00.000-05:00

I decided today to give you some of images from personal antique photo collection for your use, as you like. Please enjoy...be creative and have fun with them! Please don't forget to *click* on each image to get the enlarged version to download to your computer.

Back of photo reads: "Here is some Ida corn."

Back of photo reads: "Kodak Finishing, Cook's Camera Shot, St. Joseph, Mo. [St. Joe, Mo. is, coincidentally where my father is from!]

Back of this sweet little guy is blank.

Back of photo reads: "Eliz's kids"

Have a super weekend,

Pillow Talk

2010-11-12T09:36:00.002-05:00

These past few days I have been working on some pillows, and thought I would share what I made with you. I want to give a "shout out" and "thank you" to Karen Watson for sharing all of her fantastic clip art; Karen works so hard to give all of us FABULOUS images for our sewing and art work! YOU ROCK, KAREN!!

The first pillow is the larger one, which I bought at a thrift store, for $1.75. I brought it home, laundered it, and made the cover which can be removed and laundered. I transferred the image using the method I shared on a previous post, you may find HERE, at "My Repurposed Life." [By the way this is a great site for DYI home improvement projects, and art / craft projects.] The only fabric I have used so far for my transfers is muslin; you may bleached or unbleached or whatever type you like--I was surprised at the many types of muslin I found at the fabric store.

I then made my removable pillow cover, after measuring the dimensions of my pillow, sewed on my image, and embellished it with ruffle I made from old, taffeta cocktail dress I wore in the late '80s. I then added some vintage looking buttons from Joann; but before I put them on the case, I threaded some hemp string through the button holes.

The clip art I used is originally a piece of sheet music, which is beautifully detailed, and is from The Graphics Fairy--see "Karen Watson" for the link above.

My smaller two pillows are simply my transferred images on my fabric, sewn and stuffed with fiber-fill. These naturally, will be spot cleaned, rather than fully laundered. The images I chose were of the Tower de Eiffel and an image of a hand-written letter written in French.

TIPS:

*Once your image is transferred to your muslin, should you need to iron the piece, you may do so with your iron on the "cotton" heat setting...I did this experimentally to see if there would be any damage to my image, and there was not!

*Use the product Fray Check to finish the edges of your muslin pieces or you will end-up with any excessive amount of fray and unraveling. I even Fray Checked the inner edges which would not be exposed to use.

I hope you have found this post inspiring and helpful. Have a wonderful day!
Peace to you,

Clip Art & Fabric Flowers

2010-11-10T09:41:00.000-05:00

Today, I a few holiday clip art pieces for you from Dover Publishing, which I think are precious. These Victorian Christmas pieces would be really cute to add to your holiday blog!

I have also supplied directions for fabric which are really easy to make and look too cute!

No matter the time of years, flowers are ALWAYS fun to make, and have around whether real or hand made. I hope you enjoy making and embellishing with these cute flowers! My source is Fave Crafts, (see photo illustrations of the flowers at the link) which has a multitude of various types of art and craft project directions. All you need to do is subscribe!

Four Step Fabric Flowers

Materials:

Synthetic satin/chiffon fabric that will melt
Candle
Sharp scissors
Needle and thread
Seed beads

Steps:
Begin by cutting several circles from your fabric; these will be your petals. It doesn't have to be perfect, just a general circular shape. The more layers, the fuller your flower! Make each circle a bit smaller than the last - and if you are planning on needing a pair, cut out two of each size at once by folding the fabric in half. This way, your flowers will match.

Hold each circle of fabric over the flame until it begins to melt the very edges. Keep it moving, do it quick! It takes a light touch but once you get the hang of it, it's like riding a bike.

Note: See how the melted edges cause the petal to cup? It's cool. It's nestable now! Do you have some stubborn edges that are hard to reach? Try using a hand held lighter like this to catch those trouble spots.

Now, nest your petals together. You can stick with one color and texture or mix it up! I got wild and crazy by mixing satin in brown and blue and some chiffon in black.

Now, with your needle and thread, sew up through the layers. String three seed beads onto the thread, then stitch back through the layers. You've just attached all your petals and gussied it up a bit. You can hit any odd edges with the hand held lighter after you've finished.

Peace to you,

Victorian Trading Company

2010-11-09T11:05:00.000-05:00

The new issue of the Victoria Trading Company catalog arrived yesterday! If you are searching for some great gift ideas for friends, family or yourself, and love all things Victorian or Nouveau, this catalog is for you!
Here are just a few of my favorites...[be sure to *click* on the photos to get a better look.]

A Book Lover's Diary

Victorian Snuggly Boots & Lacy Slouch Socks

Replica Wedding Rings, Fleur De Lis Brooch, & China Backstamp Bracelet

If you would like to view their inventory on the web go to Victorian Trading Company.

Hugs,

Common Place Book

2010-11-08T00:01:00.002-05:00

Example of a 17th century Common Place Book

Years ago I remember my grandmother having an old photo album in which she did not place photos, but where she placed quotations which meant a great deal to her. I have learned that book in which she placed her favorite thoughts and sayings was actually called a Common Place Book; which has been part of society for centuries. I sought out a more eloquent definition, than I could share, of a Common Place Book for you and here it is:

Commonplace Book

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This article is about the commonplace book.
Commonplace book-- mid 17th century Commonplace books (or commonplaces) were a way to compile knowledge, usually by writing information into books. They became significant in Early Modern Europe.

"Commonplace" is a translation of the Latin term locus communis (from Greek tópos koinós, see literary topos) which means "a theme or argument of general application", such as a statement of proverbial wisdom. In this original sense, commonplace books were collections of such sayings, such as John Milton's commonplace book. Scholars have expanded this usage to include any manuscript that collects material along a common theme by an individual.

Such books were essentially scrapbooks filled with items of every kind: medical recipes, quotes, letters, poems, tables of weights and measures, proverbs, prayers, legal formulas. Commonplaces were used by readers, writers, students, and humanists as an aid for remembering useful concepts or facts they had learned. Each commonplace book was unique to its creator's particular interests.

Other examples through the ages:

Cut pages

Basic writing and "cut outs."

Cut-out photos, articles from periodicals and mementos.

My own Common Place Book, is nothing fancy or elaborate and perhaps my next book will be made from my own hands reflecting my own artistic ability on its cover. I have created my own Common Place Book, but did not include photos here; my book was one I found on sale at Barnes and Noble, which is bound in a faux navy blue leather, and is lined as a journal would be. Your book may have lined pages, if you like to write as I do, or it may be of blank pages. In any case, you can add pictures and writing on the pages of any type of paper.The entire point of a CPB (Common Place Book) is to make personal, make it your own in every way. I have added pictures, quotations, as well as my own thoughts and creative words in my book, and I love it!

I hope you have found this a therapeutic, and creative suggestion.

Candied Walnut Recipe

2010-11-07T15:05:00.001-05:00

I stumbled upon this recipe via FB and CraziBeautiful, and thought I would share it with you. I love, love, love salads and am always looking for some way to give them a special "zip." Since I also love nuts and cinnamon, I thought the combination would be great, and what better way to dress-up my salads?! Here is the link to the recipe, as well as the recipe itself.

CANDIED WALNUTS

To a small bowl, add the following:
1 1/3 cup walnuts or pecans
1 1/2 tablespoons agave or honey
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt

Mix well with your hands so you can lick your fingers when you’re done. Eat up (or add to your favorite fruity green salad or atop homemade ice cream)!

Here is the LINK, and remember there is more to the CraziBeautiful blog than just recipes, cruise around and see what you think.

Hugs, Blessings and Peace,

The Forever Queen

2010-11-06T00:01:00.001-04:00

In the past three to four months I have been reading much ado about the book, The Forever Queen, by Helen Hollick. Finally, the book was released in the United States this past Monday, and evidently enough cannot be said about it. Since I have not purchased my own copy, I am directing you to one blog which has fabulous reviews and whose critiques I agree with much of the time, Passages to the Past. Here is a brief overview of The Forever Queen:

SYNOPSIS: What kind of woman becomes the wife of two kings, and the mother of two more?

Saxon England, 1002. Not only is Æthelred a failure as King, but his young bride, Emma of Normandy, soon discovers he is even worse as a husband. When the Danish Vikings, led by Swein Forkbeard and his son, Cnut, cause a maelstrom of chaos, Emma, as Queen, must take control if the Kingdom-and her crown-are to be salvaged. Smarter than history remembers, and stronger than the foreign invaders who threaten England's shores, Emma risks everything on a gamble that could either fulfill her ambitions and dreams or destroy her completely.

Emma, the Queen of Saxon England, comes to life through the exquisite writing of Helen Hollick, who shows in this epic tale how one of the most compelling and vivid heroines in English history stood tall through a turbulent fifty-year reign of proud determination, tragic despair, and triumph over treachery.

[Excerpt from Passages to the Past.]

I cannot wait to get my copy...I may venture out this evening and pay a visit to Barnes and Noble!

P. S. Sometimes when reading these books which contain character names which are "non-Anglo" I wish an "English to Whatever Language" pronunciation guide was provided! : )

Peace to you and happy reading,

Vintage Grocery Cart Repurpose

2010-11-05T08:54:00.001-04:00

Some time ago I came across a great, old grocery cart in a thrift store for the modest sum of $5.00. I have been looking at this thing sitting beside my work bench for months and finally decided yesterday, it would make a great laundry hamper.

I went to work, using a king-sized fitted sheet, whose elastic had lost it's "elastic-ness" and made a liner for the cart. [A flat king would have worked also with this project]. Anyway, after measuring the cart, doing some sewing--yes, there is sewing involved, I am sorry--and completing the structure of the liner itself, I added some ribbon to keep the liner in place. Finally, here I have this what I think is a great little laundry hamper!

When making your own liner, make certain you have enough fabric for some give, so when you add your clothes, you don't end-up with too tight a fit.

Now, if I can only keep the husband from relocating it, and thinking it is to be used for another purpose!

Just Lilla

Lilla from Just Lilla, has made a wonderful tutorial for making a gorgeous bell for your Christmas tree, to give as a gift or simply use as a lovely decoration. I love Lilla's work, it is unique and is such a visual treat! I frequent her blog often, and if you have not visited her, I encourage you to do so. Lilla uses gorgeous French laces, brocades, etc. Her work is what I would classic, old-world and just simply feminine. Check her previous posts for her other beautiful creations, you will truly be inspired.

Peace to you,

Catch-Up Time

2010-11-04T13:12:00.000-04:00

This is for our precious Chelsea.

You know sometimes, even when you have the best of intentions, life throws you a curve ball, and there you are...in the middle of a physically exhauting, and emotionally draining situation, you never saw coming. Well, that is where I have been for the past few weeks.

One of my precious relatives has been living with us, and things were not going well in her life. Consequently, I had to step-up to the plate and take charge and help her out. Although she has had her life back on track since living with us, she made choices, and the consequences of the past have be paid. So, I have (we) have a lost her for some time, but she will be home once she has paid her debt.

I have been exhausted both physically and emotionally, but God is in control and in charge of her life as well as ours.

Hugs and Peace,

Tip Time Tuesday Two-fer

2010-10-26T00:01:00.001-04:00

Since I missed last week's Tip Time Tuesday, today is a two-fer!

The first tip today, is about cleaning those lovely fine pieces of bone china or porcelain. Add lukewarm water to your kitchen sink and a squirt of dish soap, (I use Dawn, because it cleans everything!) Sprinkle your piece of china with baking soda and add just enough of the dish soap suds to make a paste. Gently wipe the entire piece and allow to dry briefly, about 2 minutes. Then wash the dish by hand in your dish water, rinse and drain to dry. You will find a new luster and some of those stubborn stains are gone!

Need to clean a grimy microwave? Use your oven mitt or fabric pot holder. Saturate the oven mitt in water, and place in the microwave for 2-3 minutes on high. After the timer goes off on the microwave, allow the mitt to sit in the oven for 10-20 minutes, depending upon how dirty the microwave is. Open the microwave, remove the mitt, and clean the microwave interior with a dish rag or sponge you have dampened in warm sudsy water. You will be amazed, and your microwave will glisten! This works SO well on the cooked-in spaghetti and tomato sauce splatters which become such a mess when you warm them.

Hope these tips help...peace to you above all,

Found: Book Review Site

2010-10-23T19:51:00.000-04:00

Sometimes, before I read a book, I like to read reviews others have written about a particular book. This evening a discovered a wonderful site, which you may find HERE; it is "Devourer of Books."
Below is a badge you may copy and paste.

Happy reading,

Vintage Floor Lamp Make-Over

2010-10-22T00:01:00.003-04:00

BEFORE

I bought this old floor lamp (I think it may be c1940) at a Goodwill store, when I was visiting my dad, several months ago. I thought it would be easy to find a lovely glass shade and a bulb and there I would have this great lamp to put next to my sewing machine so I could see better, while sewing.

Well, that was not to be; with the aid of different "home improvement experts" I discovered the bulbs for this size lamp socket are no longer made and there is no adapter made which could fit into the socket to accommodate a normal sized bulb.

Alas, I had an idea [a light bulb moment...lol...okay corny] anyway, I removed the wiring from the lamp, as well as the switches, cleaned and spray painted it white, added a candle and some crystals to a tulle wreath I made from shaped wire and here we now have what I would consider a fairly nice candelabra! I also added a small fleur-de-lis tack pin I found in discount bin at Joann Crafts ($1.75). The pin fit nicely into the hole where the lamp switch once was housed.

BEFORE:

Bulb socket

Rusty under base of lamp

Moldy, dirty outer base

AFTER:

Dare to see what is not there...yet!

Peace to you and yours,

Thanksgiving Season Wreath

2010-10-21T12:27:00.000-04:00

Please excuse my absence these past days, I have been busying myself with work, being creative and a mom! Phewww!!!! I did manage to make a great Thanksgiving wreath which I wanted to share with you.

This wreath was very simple to make using a 12" diameter embroidery hoop, fabric and tulle cut into strips and simply knotting them around the wreath. I made the "banner" using the method I shared with you in an earlier post, using adhesive backed sticker paper (from Staples) and muslin. I placed the paper-backed muslin in my printer, and printed the verse...it came out very well, I think. I glued the muslin strip to another strip of plaid fabric, added some buttons to the end of the banner and sewed to the base of wreath onto some of the fabric strips. I attached a little "thingy" at the top which really serves no function but to tie the color into the fabric banner background and there you have it. I also added a wire ribbon bow to the top.

"In All Things Give Thanks to God"

The most time consuming part of this project is cutting the fabric strips; and here I used my pinking shears so I would not end-up with a fraying issue. You will also notice not all of the strips are not the same size in length around the wreath...I wanted to add a bit of interest.

Tomorrow I will share my vintage lamp makeover.

Hugs and Peace,

Homemade Fabric Stiffener Recipe

2010-10-14T16:29:00.001-04:00

Here is a homemade fabric stiffener recipe I located on the web, which I will need in the next few days for one of my projects. I thought having this recipe would be easier than running out to the craft store and having a product I will not use that often, and I can make as much as I need at a time.

Homemade Fabric Stiffener
2 tablespoons white glue

1 tablespoon water

½ tablespoon alcohol

Combine the ingredients together, using immediately; this particular recipe cannot be stored to use later. So, make only the amount you will need, to stiffen your fabric. I recommend making the stiffen and then testing it on a scrap of fabric before using in your project.

P. S. There is a fabric stiffener recipe which calls for sugar and water; however, I live in "buggy Florida" and would think the roaches would enjoy my art project to snack on should I use that recipe...roaches living any place probably would!

Peace to you,

My Search for the Best Skin Care Product(s) Part II

2010-10-13T00:01:00.000-04:00

There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of the people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age.

~ Sophia Loren ~

Yesterday, I shared with you about my skin care journey [Please see yesterday's post.] Today, I am going to share with you which products I have tried, and what my results were.

1. Neutrogena Gentle Cleanser- Fragrance-free, and supposedly adds moisture each time you wash your face. This product performed well after the first month of use, then without getting the product in my eyes, my eyes began to burn, and my face felt tough, as in "shoe leather." Discontinued use, moved on to the following products, as I saw them and their promise on a TV ad.

2. Hydrolyze- Under eye treatment; a super product for under-eye dark circles. You will notice a difference in a week! The under eye area feels tight and moist and the crow's feet are less noticeable. I love this product, but after you place a first or initial order, YOU MUST CANCEL the product should you not want it billed and delivered any longer. I may continue to use this product. The price is not as expensive as the next product.

3. Dermitage- This is a series of products which promises to moisturize; a morning moisturizer and an evening moisturizer. The thinner moisturizer naturally, a bit thinner in consistency than the thicker evening moisturizer, and left my skin feeling very nice. However, after about a week and half of use, I noticed white heads and black heads appearing on my skin. By the way, these products are EXPENSIVE, and after you place a first or initial order, YOU MUST CANCEL the product should you not want it billed and delivered any longer.

4. Timeless Secret- This is a set consisting of cleanser (which bubbles on your face--feels great), a weekly "polishing" mask, wrinkle corrector, day moisturizer with SPF 20 and an evening moisturizer. As I said, I love the cleanser because your face does feel super clean once the bubbles have done the cleansing and it is rinsed off. I also like the weekly polishing mask which basically exfoliates the skin. The moisturizers, are okay, there is nothing really super about them, as a matter of fact I have found them to be a bit greasy, which would does not help my tendency for white heads, even though the area I applied it is from normal to dry. The wrinkle corrector is fine, but thick and I feel like my pores are being clogged. Again, you have this issue of automatic delivery: these products are EXPENSIVE, and after you place a first or initial order, YOU MUST CANCEL the product should you not want it billed and delivered any longer.

5. St. Ives- Apricot scrub, for "timeless skin" is a good, reliable product. I had to order this one on line, because it was not available in my drugstore, or "all purpose" store. Although, many of this company's products are found just about every place. This product is really super for weekly exfoliating, and down to the pore cleansing. Your skin feels soft and supple after use, and the cost is about $4.00...I love it!

6. Distinction Firmalift- I discovered this one today on QVC. It's claims are "all natural" ingredients--I like that--and it can be used every place on the face: under eyes, between the brows, lip and mouth area, as well as the neck and chest. This is a moisturizer only, but they do carry a cleanser which I did not order. This particular product is not automatic delivery, and it is fair in price. I have not received the products yet, as I ordered them today, but as soon as they arrive and I have used them, I will post my results.

Well, that about wraps things up here. I hope I was able to help you make some informed decisions about skin care as well as your budget!

Hugs and peace to you,

Tip Time Tuesday

2010-10-12T00:01:00.007-04:00

Today's tip is how to keep your dishwasher and your clothes washer hoses clean! Once a month, in your dishwasher pour straight white vinegar into the dish detergent compartment and run the cycle without dishes in it. You will be amazed how clean it gets your dishwasher and removes any odors lurking inside. I have heard that "Tang" powered drink is also a good for general cleaning, but I have not tried that tip as of yet.

For your clothes washer, pour about a cup of white vinegar in a regular wash cycle, running the cycle completely through. This will not clean the hoses, it will remove any greasy, dirty residue inside the tub.

As always, I am looking for your tips; just post under "comments" to share them with the rest of us!

Have a peace-filled day,

My Search for the Best Skin Care Product(s) Part I

2010-10-11T00:01:00.000-04:00

Some months ago, the thought occurred to me that my skin is changing as I age (oh, my stars...that's quite an admission for me). So, in the spirit of good intentions and "skin salvation" I set out on a search to find out what I could about cleansing and moisturizing products which would add more moisture and elasticity to my skin, cleanse it well and help fade the dark circles and puffiness I experience so often in the mornings.

I tried random cleansers and moisturizers from my local drug store, and none of them performed as I desired. As a matter of fact, one of them caused a reaction around my eyes after a month of use. So, I moved on and tried some of the well advertised products from the television and radio. I am going to hopefully save you some time and money, by revealing to you the results of my skin care journey.

I am going share those products with you, how they worked or did not work for me. Basically, I have become your guinea pig for skin care. I am not saying you should or should not try a particular product or products, I am merely sharing my experiences with you, and providing you with information.
My skin is combination; oily in the t-zone (fore head, nose and chin) and dry to normal every place else. I have the fine lines around my mouth, I believe they are called "smile lines," I also have a furrow of a deep line between my eye brows, dark circles under my eyes, and crow's feet which are not very visible. I am 47 years-old, so my skin is beginning to lose some of the firmness it once had when I was in my youth. I want to have clean, moisturized, firmed and toned skin, with little noticeable lines or wrinkles.

Now, both of my grandmothers never looked their age. But, I did notice before my father's mother passed-away, she had incredible wrinkling all over her cheek are, but I think that was due to her illness. I do know both of my grandmothers took great pains to take care of their skin, and I must admit they had really good genes! Wednesday (as tomorrow is "Tip Time Tuesday"), will be the reveal of my discoveries.

Hugs and peace to you,

My Dash & Canine Heartworms

2010-10-10T00:01:00.002-04:00

Dash, taking a rest Saturday, 10/9/2010

Tuesday I took my two Doxies, Tillie and Dash and our Peek-a-poo, Buddy to the vet for their routine exams and tests. When I picked them up that evening, our vet told us, our precious Dash has heart worms! You could have knocked me over with a feather! Our dogs are all on their monthly treatments for worms, fleas and other "icky" things---how did this happen?

I began to talk to the vet and I discovered a couple of issues which I must admit, I attribute to ignorance on my part. When I administered the heart worm medication, I cut it up and put it in the dogs' food because they simply wouldn't take it otherwise; this was a wrong move. You cannot cut-up the medication due to some sort of disbursement of the medication in the pill, it MUST be administered hole. And secondly, after Dash took ONE of his doses, he proceeded a few minutes later, to vomit it up...meaning the medication was not in his system. Can you believe, just ONE of these incidents could leave a dog unprotected against heart worms AND it takes just ONE carrier mosquito to infect a dog?

If you have a dog, or cat for that matter, who is on heart worm medication, please do not make the mistakes I have. If your pet gets sick after they have taken their heart worm medicine, please call your vet to find out if you should administer another pill or what you should do...it is not worth your pet getting heart worms.

Now our dear Dash must go through the heart worm treatment, which consists of 3 injections over a several weeks, one over-night stay with the vet, and our family attempting to keep him relatively still for up to three months! (Wish us luck, because Dash is not a dog to be kept down!) Dash's prognosis is good, because he is young, and the vet thinks we caught the problem early.

Another thing I did not know, apparently Dachshunds are susceptible to this kind of problem due to being "thin skinned". As a matter of fact, there was another Dachshund in the office at the same time as our dogs who tested positive for heart worms as well. There was no mix-up, they tested Dash twice, to make sure.

Tomorrow, Monday, Dash begins his heart worm treatments. I am nervous, but I know God will watch out for him. I will begin posting a journal, written by Dash to keep you informed of his progress; some days it may be just one line, other days it may be more, and I will attempt to post some photos of him as well.

Right now, he is on antibiotics, which he began yesterday (Friday); the antibiotic is doxyclycline, 100 mg., 1/2 a tablet twice a day, taken with food. I have put the pill in a "Pill Pocket" for him...thank God for "Pill Pockets"!

Have a super day, and love your pets well!

Hugs,

A Birthday Memorium for John Lennon

2010-10-09T00:01:00.000-04:00

If you don't already know already, I am a Beatles fanatic...I have been since as far back as I can remember. My father was a Beatles fan back "in the day" and my mother was an Elvis fan; for some reason though, the music of the Beatles is what I preferred. (Although I must admit I was smitten with the Monkees, too).

Anyway, today, had John Lennon not be murdered on that fateful day in 1980 (yes, I remember where I was when I heard the news), he would have been 70 years-old today. So, I dedicate my blog today to one of the most gifted musicians, song-writers, composers, and humanitarians our world has ever know, John Lennon.

I Introduce to You, Gianna Jessen

2010-10-08T00:01:00.008-04:00

My dear friend, Mary, posted the following clip on FB page today, and I had to share it with you. Please take a few minutes out of your day, watch this clip...it is the touching, true story of Gianna Jessen; survivor by extreme grace and love. I promise, it will touch your heart, and your life!

Gianna Jessen

Gianna's story may be viewed here, on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPF1FhCMPuQ

To read more about Gianna's story you may order her book, Gianna, but I must admit, it is a difficult book to find. I have located it on Alibris, however, and intend to order it and pass it on.

May God bless you and keep you,

How to Make a Great Header for Your Blog!

2010-10-07T00:01:00.002-04:00

I know this picture has nothing to do with my post today...I just thought it was pretty!

I came across directions today over at "The Blog Guidebook" on how to create your own, custom banner for your blog! Isn't this great? I have PSE 7 but it is not very user friendly, at least to me, and I wanted to try another method, and here it is. This method uses the Picnik program, which you use on line. If you go to "The Blog Guidebook" website, you will find the link to Picnik there. Follow this LINK, which will take you to "The Blog Guidebook" and you will be on your way!

Hugs,

Something to Think About

2010-10-06T00:01:00.002-04:00

I am sorry for being away so long; things have been piling up and I had to take some time away to make some decisions and tie up some loose ends with regard to family, business, etc. But, not to worry, God is in control and His timing is aways perfect even when we think it isn't.

I came across this just a while ago on another blog; you know on Blogger, at the top of your page it says, "Next Blog," well, I went to the next blog and found this most depressing blog, but I thought this quote, which came from an anonymous individual was thought provoking. Here it is:

"If you had a friend who spoke to you in the same way that you sometimes speak to yourself, how long would you allow that person to be your friend?"

Those were powerful words for me...I am going to really give that one some thought!

Hugs,

Lisa

Tip Time Tuesday, Etc.

2010-10-05T00:01:00.028-04:00

TIP TIME TUESDAY

Welcome! Thank you for stopping by my new installment of "Tip Time Tuesday"! Here is my contribution for today's tips:

WHITER LINENS

For brighter, whiter antique or vintage linens (including table clothes, crocheted items, doilies, etc.) add equal parts of your dishwasher powder and Biz laundry whitener or color safe bleach, to sink filled with hot water. I usually use about a quarter cup of each dishwasher powder and Biz. You can either boil the water or use the hottest tap water you get, and soak your items. A few hours of soaking will lead to gorgeous white and bright items. This is a quick method for whiting which I have used for a few years now, but should time permit, I prefer washing and hanging in direct sunlight, and allow the sun to do the work.

Once your linens are sufficiently clean, rinse them in clear water, then in white vinegar and rinse in clear water again to remove all soap residue. Lay your linen in a clean towel, roll the towel and squeeze. Remove your linen from the towel and hang dry! White vinegar is great for so very many uses...I share more with you another time, but particularly great for removing soap residue from fabrics and rugs.

I have used this method on colors, and it works fine, but I would not recommend using it on colored fabrics which have a red hue, you may end-up with bleeding.

NOTE: When in doubt, don't! If you feel this soak is too harsh, or may damage your linen, please err on the side of caution, and do not use this method.

FREE TRINKETS AND TREASURES GIVE-A-WAY!

Kym over at "Free Trinkets and Treasures" is having a give-a-way to celebrate her 100th post! I am certain there will be some great things you would love to win. I have provided the link below for you to read the instructions for several chances to win! I discovered some wonderful links there myself, and have added 3 more other blogs to follow in my Blog list. You will love this site, I promise!

http://freetrinketstreasures.blogspot.com/

Hugs,

Your Tips Requested

2010-10-04T00:01:00.019-04:00

Beginning tomorrow I am beginning a new blog participation feature, Tip Time Tuesday! I would like to invite all you to participate by adding any tip you have from housekeeping to beauty, and anything in between. I will start off, and then you may add your tips each Tuesday for everyone to see and try. I will probably be listing a few tomorrow, but you may add one or as many as you like each time. I will begin a page at the time of the top of this page "Tip Time Tuesday", where you can go and view them as you like, should you miss any. I will just keep adding your tips to the page with your great advice at the end of each Tuesday.

Okay, here is one I am sharing early, given by the actress Dawn Wells ("Mary Ann") of "Gilligan's Island" fame. This is a clip I posted on my FB page way back before I had this blog; and it is about peeling potatoes for potato salad and other recipes, I think you will like it! Now Ms. Wells, saying something about allowing your potatoes to boil for I think about 10 minutes, but you really should boil them the correct amount time based upon the size and amount of potatoes you are boiling. This method works for any type of potatoes, not just Idaho potatoes...I love my red potatoes, and it works just fine with those. [Something went hay-wire with Youtube and Blogger, so just had to place the link, stead of the view screen...I'm sorry].

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4W0qIPJmoo

Sound fun? Get ready for tomorrow!!

Hugs,

'Secretariat' Trailer HD

2010-10-02T21:31:00.000-04:00

Cannot wait for this movie to come out!

I Think it's...Inventory Time!

2010-09-26T00:01:00.002-04:00

"For everything you have missed, you have gained something else, and for everything you gain, you lose something else."

For the past month I have been struggling with deep issues in my life, and that of my family. To be honest, this week has been almost an awaking, a time of realization about some issues, more about myself than those I love.

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

To be honest, sometimes (especially those of us former addicts) relish in placing the blame of our failures on those around us, like our parents, our siblings, and our thinking goes something like this: "...if only she would have...I could have" or "...only he had not....I would not have had to..." I believe that is was the professional powers that be, call "shifting blame," which is actually a term for us not taking responsibility where responsibility should be laid, and that is with us.

This week, I had the opportunity on three different occasions to look outside of myself, and my immediate family. There are people in my life right now who are facing tremendous obstacles, and not that they even asked me for help (and this is key), I offered the help. These people were just sharing their hearts, some were crying, and I thought "what can I do?" I am doing what I can. One person is young man who faces losing his son to the child's mother because he lost his job this week...what can I do? Another is a gentleman who wants to realize his dream of opening a new business...what can I do? And the other person, well, she is a recovering addict as well, who just needed some cash for an arm brace for her fractured wrist...what can I do?

I am ready to make some positive changes in my life; but I have my baggage like everyone else which needs addressing. For instance, there are times I get upset about things I have no control over, and I need to stop taking things so personally. The world does not revolve around my emotions and feelings. So, I thought I would share my Inventory of changes I would like to make.

1. I am going to stop taking things so personally- remarks others make, looks I think are generated at me, etc.
2. Ask myself this: "Is it [whatever it is] really worth it? Is it really worth getting upset over?" Pick my battles!
3. Let some things go- if a remark someone makes has the potential to hurt me, am I going to let it hurt me and retaliate with an unkind remark, or am going to let it go and settle myself with peace?
4. Keep my focus on controlling my tongue. As I have taught my daughters, "If the issue or person you are about to discuss does not involve you, do not repeat it!" No gossip! For me that means not being around some people who are perpetually telling the tales of others, they have no business telling. Most of the time, Friends, that means sitting in silence while others around me wag their tongues, and that's okay, if I find myself in those situations.
5. When I find myself getting fearful ask: "What am I really afraid of? Why?" Sometimes those things I get worried about don't even happen, and I have wasted time and emotions, when I could be doing and thinking of more positive things.
6. Am I taking responsibility for the wrongs I have done today? and have I made amends? [This goes back to the opening of this blog post].
7. Have I looked out of myself today, to help someone in need? Have I encouraged someone, loved someone, smiled at someone? Is there something within my power I can do in a concrete way to help someone right now?

Well, that is all I have for now. This is by no means all of it, but it is a beginning, and since I have been doing these things this past week, I have felt so much better mentally, spiritually and emotionally. I just wanted to share this part of myself with you.

Hugs and Peace,

Clip Art Beauty & Fun

2010-09-25T00:01:00.003-04:00

Here are some nice pieces of clip art I gathered for my own collection and I thought I would share with you.

This came from old piece of sheet music, entitled "I Want to be Like Grandma."

This is another cover to piece of sheet music, which I just thought was lovely.

http://digitalgallery.nypl.org/nypldigital/index.cfm

I love horses, so I had to add this one.

http://digitalgallery.nypl.org/nypldigital/index.cfm

This one and the one which follow are copies of old French book covers, and I thought they were so pretty, I would use them in something.

http://digitalgallery.nypl.org/nypldigital/index.cfm

And finally, this one which is from Karen, The Graphics Fairy...

Aren't these great mini works of art!? Have a wonderful weekend!

Hugs and peace to you,

PRIVACY ALERT

2010-09-24T08:58:00.000-04:00

WARNING, ALERT! TAKE ACTION!

Our good friend Teri at "Blooming Where I'm Planted" has posted an alert in her blog today which I wanted to pass on to you. I am shocked...all of my personal info is out there for the world to view at this website: Spokeo. In order to remove yourself, you must enter your name, and locate yourself. You will be amazed at what is on this site...I found a photo of my home, my husband's income, my education, and even my astrological sign! The name of this should be Spookeo not Spokeo!

Once you have located yourself, go to the very bottom of the page and click "Privacy." The page will ask you for your URL, put in there the URL of the Spokeo page you are listed on, and your email. Enter your mate's name and you may even want to check to see if your children on listed.

I just had to warn you!

Hugs and BE SAFE,

A New Home for Lace

2010-09-24T00:01:00.003-04:00

I have been working on this box for about a week or better, and I finally finished it last night.With a box of this size, it just took more drying time than usual. This is my new home for my lace and doilies odds-and-ends. I am going to begin working on making fabric journals and I wanted something attractive to store them in. So, after a finding this old boot box with a "hinged" lid (which desperately needed a make-over), I decided it would suit my needs.

Basically, all I did using that fab product, "Mod Podge" (Matte) and an old dictionary, which was already torn a part, I tore pieces of the dictionary pages and covered the box.

Lid of the box.

I discovered something: YOU CAN MOD PODGE OVER DUCT TAPE! I was concerned about the back edges of the box and the fold between the lid and box becoming weakened with use. So, I covered those areas with black duct tape to reinforce them, and then continued decoupaging!

I added a little label, using a frame which I downloaded from The Graphics Fairy, and brushed a bit of "Distress Ink" in the Vintage Photo shade over the label so the color was more in keeping with the aged color of the dictionary bits. After I took this photo, I did trim off those jagged edges on the lid, and added another layer of my torn bits around the edge, so actually does look more finished.

The next shoe box I make-over, will be for fabric pieces! A simple and easy project; if I can do you can do it!

Hugs,

Shelf Makeover

2010-09-22T00:01:00.018-04:00

The other day, before my headache got unbearable, I went to my local thrift store and found this old, small shelf (about 2 feet wide) for $2.00 which I thought would be a great addition to my daughter Jillian's bedroom for her little nick-knacks.

The paint looks blue in this photo, but it was really off-white.

The paint on the shelf was chipped, so I got my trusty heat gun and got the worst of the chipped paint off, and cleaned it.

I repainted the shelf with white spray paint and allowed the paint to dry. I then added a rose which I got from the Graphics Fairy, decoupaged the rose on with Mod Podge (Matte), and added some vintage lace trim around the shelf edge, using tacky glue. I tried using my glue gun, however, the hot glue melted the paint!

I really like the lace for this project because it looks like lattice work which think goes nicely with the rose.

I allowed the shelf to dry over night.

Here is the finished product on the wall, which Jillian was naturally "tickled pink" about (everything in her room is pink). Jillie decided to leave her butterflies up the wall around the shelf. I think I may touch-up the screws on the shelf with some white paint.

I hope you enjoyed my little project, and have been inspired yourself!

Hugs and peace to you,

Thank You & Some Quotations for You

2010-09-21T08:48:00.003-04:00

THANK YOU FOR YOUR KINDNESS

Thank you to those of you wonderful friends who wished me well this weekend; your words are so kind and your thoughtfulness means so much to me...I am better, although weak, and a bit of the pain is still hanging on, but life requires I get up and get going! : ) God bless you all!

I found some quotations which I think are quite lovely and I wanted to share them with you. I have a book which I call a "Common Place Book," and in it I keep quotations I really like. When the mood strikes, I pull the book out and read some of the wisdom I have recorded there, and naturally I add to it frequently. One of my grandmothers did the same thing for years; she would cut the quotations she liked out of newspapers and magazines and put them in a scrapbook. (I wish I had that book now.) When I was younger, she would take her scrapbook out and we would share the quotations and talk about what each quotation meant to us.

On Creativity:

"Write only if you cannot live without writing. Write only what you alone can write."

~Elise Wiesel

"If a true artist were born in a pigpen and raised in a sty, he would still find plenty of inspiration for his work. The only need is the eye to see."

~Willa Cather

"My basic test for any story is: 'Would I want to meet these characters and observe these events in real life? Is this story an experience worth living through for its own sake?'"

~Ayn Rand

On Womanhood:

"There is in every true woman's heart, a spark of heavenly fire, which lies dormant in the broad daylight of prosperity, but which kindles up and beams and blazes in the dark hour of adversity."

~Washington Irving, from The Sketch Book

"I, Woman, am that wonder-breathing rose that blossoms in the garden of the King."

~Elsa Barker, from The Mystic Rose

"A woman's whole life is a history of the affections."

~Washington Irving, from The Sketch Book

Doesn't Washington Irving sound like he had an insight into a woman's heart? I won a copy of The Sketch Book on eBay last night, and cannot wait to get my hands on it. The book is basically a collection of stories and essays; it does have "Rip Van Winkle" and "The Ghost of Sleepy Hollow" included in this version, but what I am looking forward to reading are the others poems and essays. I will let you what I think once I have read it (or at least some of his writings).

On a different subject, Russell Crow's "Robin Hood" is out on DVD today--we are excited because although Robin Hood was probably a fictitious character in history, the supporting characters in the movie were not. We have several ancestors who were portrayed in the movie, and at the time I saw the movie, I was not aware they were our ancestors (Sir William Marshal--portrayed by actor William Hurt, and some of the Earls portrayed in the movie we are descended from). The movie itself is very action-packed, and I would not recommend it to very small children, but the history lesson is valid, and one gets the basic cause and reasoning for the need of the Magna Carta.

Hugs and blessings to you all,

A Few Brief Words

2010-09-18T19:30:00.000-04:00

I have been out of commission for a few days, due to coming down with a terrible migraine headache. I shared in a past post that I am a migraine sufferer. Anyway, I found some lovely words this evening and I hope they will tide you over until Monday when I am feeling better. This quote is taken from Amy Barickman's blog (Amy is the owner of Indygo Junction in my hometown of Kansas City).

I thought this is so appropriate for women of my age:

"Growing Old Graciously

Fashion Service, 1929

I wish that every woman, as she grows older, might sift her values and feel that she would not change places with younger women if she could. She’s come a long way since the days of pink-and-white youth. She ought to be just a little proud of all she’s lived and learned and just a little sorry for Youth, still struggling and striving and bruising itself."

I think those are quite lovely words, and I will just leave it at that.

Have a rest-filled weekend,

An Inspiring Read

2010-09-15T00:01:00.004-04:00

A few months ago, I went through this phase of buying books about creativity, and our creative spirits, and I purchased Kelly Rae Roberts' book Taking Flight, and at the time I shelved it because I was reading some other books on creativity.

Sunday evening, I was reading my email and I received an email from Kelly's blog which basically said she had replenished her supply of artwork and they were now up for purchase. I went to her site, and just looking at her work, reminded me of her book I had not yet read.

I pulled the book from the shelf and began reading it yesterday, and all I can say is "Wow, what a great book"! The crux of Taking Flight is for us to evaluate our dreams, whatever they are, and listen to that creative voice inside of each of us that says, "don't you just want to...?" Now, I don't know about you, but often times, I just need a little encouragement and a nudge to get me focused and going in the right direction, so I will pursue my dreams; if you are at all like me in that way, you will find Kelly's book not just inspiring, but "courage charging," your creative "battery" will become charged, and hopefully will inspire you with new ideas.

When I was young, due to the events of my life, I became very fearful--fearful of trying new things, fearful of failure, just basic fear in general. As I allowed God to begin to transform my thoughts about myself and my perceptions, I have found I simply don't have that general fear any longer, and I am free to pursue what He created me to accomplish. (Oh, sorry, that is another story.)

You may *click* HERE to find out more about Taking Flight, Kelly's artwork, her blog, etc.

Have a wonderfully peace-filled day,

Some Pictures to Make You Smile

2010-09-14T00:01:00.005-04:00

Since I was on the subject of drawing yesterday, I thought I would add a pair of my 6 year-old daughter, Jillian's pictures she drew for me this past weekend, in today's post. If you ask her what is one thing she would like to do when she grows-up, she will tell you she "...wants to be an artist like Mommy." Once in awhile when time permits, she and work together on our projects side-by-side, which are usually in the same medium; when I am painting or sketching, she is beside me painting or sketching...these are wonderful times we share together.

This is me (Mommy), with green eyes instead of my actual blue eyes; water color is her medium.

This is "a mouse with very soft, pink ears." Pastels are her medium here.

I have been getting interested in ATCs (Artist Trading Cards) lately, and the thought occurred to me today, to may be produce a series of "Just Jillian" ATCs...I think she would love the idea!

I hope you have a wonderful day, and Jillian's art brought a smile to your face!

So, You Think You Can't Draw?

2010-09-13T00:01:00.005-04:00

PLEASE NOTE: Once again, Blogger did not publish this post this morning as I scheduled, I apologize for this, and hope at some point, they can rectify their issue. :)

Years ago (I won't tell you how many) when I was in high school and took art, one of my teachers had us sketch, for several classes, objects upside-down. My teacher had decided most of us in order to either learn to draw or become more proficient artists, required exercising the right side of our brains, which is the creative side. Basing her premise on the book, by Betty Edwards, Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain, we worked on perfecting our talents, and you know, it worked! Most of us actually grew as artists, and I still like to use the exercise today. Here is an explanation of how and why it works:

"Drawing upside down is an easy exercise to help you develop your ability to recognize shapes and lines in a picture. Don’t worry – you don’t need to stand on your head for this one. Rather, you turn your reference picture upside down and draw; your completed drawing, then, will also be upside down.

This is a technique used when drawing with the right side of the brain. The left side of the brain processes visual cues, interpreting them as familiar patterns and symbols. By turning the reference picture upside down, it becomes unrecognizable, and the right side of the brain is forced to see the lines, shapes, and spaces, instead of the object as a whole."

Source:

http://www.art-made-easy.com/drawing-upside-down.html

You can find a great tutorial/slide show HERE, at "Why Upside-Down Drawing."

You can also give the technique a try by copying the sketch I have provided below. (This sketch was actually one we used in our textbook from high school!)

Should you want to read more I highly recommend, Betty Edward's book which has been updated, it is now, The New Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain, Putnam Publishing Group; Rev & Expand edition, 1999. ISBN: 0874774241. The book is packed with great exercises and examples for you to try.

So, you still think you can't draw...I know you can!

Hugs,

Popover Recipe

2010-09-11T00:01:00.005-04:00

I came across this recipe in October's Country Living Magazine, and I am planning on trying the recipe this weekend for the family. I thought you may want to try it as well. I think these would really be great with some real butter, and fruit preserves!

POPOVERS

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 teaspoon salt

3 large eggs

1 1/2 cups milk

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

1. In a large bowl, mix together flour and salt; make a well in the center. In another bowl, beat together eggs and milk, then pour into well. Gradually stir egg mixture into flour until batter is consistency of heavy cream yet slightly lumpy; do not over beat. Allow batter to rest for at least 30 minutes and up to 1 hour.

2. Preheat oven to 426 degrees. Place 1 teaspoon butter in each cup of a 12-cup muffin tin or two 6-cup popover tins. Heat in over until butter melts, about 1 minute. Divide batter among cups, filling each about three-quarters full. Bake until popovers are puffed and golden brown, about 20 minutes. Turn out popovers and serve warm.

Makes 12 popovers

Working time 10 minutes

Total time 1 hour 10 minutes

Source: Country Living Magazine, October 2010, page 118

Happy Eating,

Shoe Tree Note & Pen Holder

2010-09-10T00:01:00.002-04:00

I collect "things" I think I may need for art projects in the future, and I came across an old pair of wooden shoe trees at a thrift store months ago. I thought at the time I would eventually use them for something, and lo and behold, after leaving them outside in the Florida heat and rain, I got the brown varish off and decided to create a note holder out of one of them.

All I did was remove the little peg thing to make a place for a pen; painted it with a base coat of blue paint, and then a light coat antique white, which I quickly wiped-off (leaving some to show). I then sanded in some places, and added a "Notes" label which I made using the same technique I used to make the coasters (see previous post)...and here we are. As you can see I have a place for a pen, and I simply place my little scraps of paper between the two parts of the shoe tree.

I am typically an organized person, and I hated having a little stack of reminder slips hanging around my desk. So, I decided to make something which I would look at daily, for those little reminder slips. I think this will solve my problem. : )

Hugs,

JoyfulArts Studio

2010-09-09T00:01:00.004-04:00

I want to tell you about a great workshop you may attend on line...free of charge, the only thing you must do is register! The name of it is "Joyful Arts Studio," and it is conducted by Jeniffer Hutchins. Simply go to her website, sign-up for the class and get your password and direct link to the workshop emailed to you.

The workshop is all about beginning your creative journey through using basic supplies you probably already have at home: pens, pencils, crayons, markers, paint, your camera, etc. and learning to express yourself artistically. Everything is pretty basic, but sometimes even artists need to get back to basics once in a while. I thought I would participate in the workshop to try to regain some of the abilities I have not used in a long while, like basic sketching with pencil and charcoal, and maybe even some elements from outdoors (did you know you can use moist pieces of tree bark to shade with--it's true)!!

Anyway here is Jeniffer's link:

JOYFULARTS STUDIO

I hope you will be inspired and challenged!

Hugs,

The Greatest Knight

2010-09-08T00:01:00.015-04:00

I received Elizabeth Chadwick's novel, The Greatest Knight, in the mail last Thursday, and completed reading it last night. I chose the book because I really enjoy historical fiction, and as I was researching my genealogy, I noticed that the knight whom the book is about, was my 25th great-grandfather; so, I really wanted to read it. I have never read any of Ms. Chadwick's novels before, and I was pleasantly surprised...I truly enjoyed the novel! Ms. Chadwick is as adept in her story-telling as such Medieval fiction writers as Phillipa Gregory.

If you are at all interested in the Western European Medieval historical fiction, I think you will enjoy the book.

The story tells the tale of William Marshal who becomes the brave and fearless knight of Eleanor of Aquitaine [Queen of England], and eventually to two of her ruling sons. But, the most interesting aspect of the book for me was reading about the character, integrity, loyalty and bravery of William Marshal whom you grow to know and love throughout the book. There are twists and turns of royal familial betrayal, in which Marshal must choose with whom to side, without losing his life, for what was considered treason. There also exists throughout the plot strong tension between William and his brother John, but the reader is not clearly "clued-in" as to what the source of the tension was--although it could be stated the tension may have been due to the brothers being on opposing sides of the royal household, but the strain reached as far back as childhood, you will find.

A particularly interesting portion of the book is when Marshal marries his wife, Countess Isabelle De Clare, who was my 25th great-grandmother, and was much younger in age than Marshal. I find it remarkable how true love could be found between a couple who meet one day, are married to one another the next, and eventually have a martial love which is strong, true and enduring; this was the case of William Marshal and Countess Isabelle De Clare.

Subsequently, I have purchased the sequel, entitled The Scarlet Lion, which delves deeper into the lives of the William Marshal family. From my understanding, you can read either The Greatest Knight or The Scarlet Lion in any order, they are basically, "stand alone novels."

Should you decide to read either or both novels, I think you will truly have an enjoyable read!

Today I have added a new page, and you can find the link at the top with my other pages. I entitled the page, Life Source Links. The links on this page are intened to help you and or those you love cope with some of life's challenges. I decided to create this directory after reading a blog on violence again women, which I will discuss at another time. Please feel free to investigate the sources, and use them--they are merely here as an aid to direct you and others in the right direction.

Peace to you,

Tumbled Coaster Tutorial

2010-09-06T00:01:00.037-04:00

I MADE A BIG MISTAKE: WHEN I ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED THIS TUTORIAL, I LEFT OUT STEP 7...PLEASE SEE THIS AMENDED VERSION FOR COMPLETE INSTRUCTIONS BELOW; I AM SO SORRY!

Here is a great project which Karen over at "The Graphics Fairy" shared some months ago, and I decided to make my own. Before I get into the supply list, let me direct you over to Karen's site to download some of her wonderful clip art for your coasters. Now, I don't know if a color graphic can be used, I am only familiar with the black and white, but if you want to experiment with the color, feel free...I think I will do that at a later time.

Supplies:

4 tumbled tiles- mine are 4" x 4" in size, you can purchase these individually at your local home improvement store

Cork squares with adhesive backing- sized to fit your tiles, I had to order mine online from Joann, as the store did not have any in stock.

Omni-Gel- again I had to order from Joann, but Michael's and other craft stores may have it stock.

Paint Brush

Xacto knife

Brayer if you have one

1. Copy your images from your computer.

2. Take the images to a store which has a toner based ink copiers to make copies, such as Staples, your local grocery store, etc. [The ink jet ink from computers will not transfer properly].

3. Spread Omni-Gel using your paint brush horizontally across the entire page of images. Allow to thoroughly dry. Once that layer is dry, brush the gel vertically across the entire page of images. Allow to thoroughly dry; and finally brush another coat of gel on an angle across the images.

4. Once your sheet has dried, cut your images to fit completely on each of your tiles.

5. Place the images in a bowl of water, or in a sink filled with water, and allow to soak for about 20 minutes.

6. One by one remove from the water, and peel the back of the paper off by simply rubbing it with your finger. You will then be left with the image which is similar to plastic or rubber in consistency.

7. Allow your transfer to dry and coat the back of the transfer and the tile surface with Omni-gel,

8. Lay the transfer on to your tile, and using a brayer, roll out any bubbles and bumps, or if you don't have a brayer, just push out the bubbles and any bumps using your fingers. You may have some of the edges of your transfer hanging over the edges of your tile, but wait until the drying process is complete, then trim the excess off.

9. Allow to dry completely for about 2 days.

10. In the mean time, cut out your cork so that it completely covers the back of your tile. I used my Xacto knife after I marked out the size of the cork I wanted using one of the tiles as my template; I ran the Xacto knife along a ruler and the line.

11. After about 2 days, attach your cork squares to the back of your tiles, and you then will a nice set of tile coasters!

I hope you enjoyed the tutorial today, and have fun with it. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me.

Hugs,

2010-09-03T10:47:00.009-04:00

"Follow Along Friday"

Here we are at the Follow Along Friday page. To participate, go to the "Follow Along Friday" page at the top!

Announcing "Passages to the Past" five volume book Give-Away!

"Passage to the Past" a blog / historical-fiction site is generously giving away a five volume collection of Susan Holloway Scott's historical-fiction novels for you to enjoy! Simply *click* on the HTML below to enter.

(For some reason my computer is not wanting to link my htmls with illustrations today...sorry).

http://www.passagestothepast.com/2010/08/announcing-susan-holloway-scott.html

Until tomorrow,

Lisa

Some Great Works of Art

2010-09-02T00:01:00.004-04:00

I stumbled-upon some lovely works of art I wanted to share. Here are two artists I find amazingly talented, although they are out of my normal range of tastes (I refer French Impressionism), but these, particularly William-Adolphe Bouguereau, are among my new favorites.

First, I will begin with William-Adolphe Bourguereau (1825-1905), of the French Realist Movement. Although he was compared to his contemporary French Impressionist colleagues, there is a more "photographic" quality to his paintings, which I think you will agree. The details of each work, of which I only included a few, are astounding! The themes he used ranged from angelic beings to relationships, such as mother and child, sister and brother, and many single portraits.

The second artist is Realist Artist, Thomas Hart Benton (1889-1975), of whom I have know of for years; Mr. Benton was a Missouri native, and Kansas City, which is my hometown, has never been short of his works. My grandmother ever reminded me when we went to the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art to go by the Thomas Hart Benton collection! Mr. Benton painted many subjects which I feel really conveyed ideas and images of the average person; his themes included romance, love, commonality of the human race and blue-collar laborers. It seems I can always identify his work, even though many have attempted to duplicate his style and technique. Thomas Hart Benton was the creator of the gorgeous mural in the Truman Presidential Library in Independence, Missouri entitled, "Opening of the West." [I regret the photo I found is not the best--you really have to see it yourself, it is the last photo].

I certainly hope you have enjoyed these wonderful masterpieces! Have a wonderful day.

Peace to you,

Great Graphics, Easy Projects and Your Creative Hand

2010-09-01T00:01:00.007-04:00

Do you ever go to a blog or website just because you need to set your eyes on something pretty, and imaginative, or you want to take your artistic ability to a new level? That seems to be all of the time for me, and I have found a really great blog I want to direct your attention to today...Cathe Holden's"Just Something I Made."

Cathe doesn't indulge in simple art, she really does creative and imaginative things with run-of-the-mill objects, and graphics. Here are a few samples, I chose for you:

I just LOVE these little envelopes. Cathe provides you with the graphics on her blog...yeah!

You can make another great little project, Youngster Yardstick, by going HERE, on Cathe's blog.

Cathe has so very much more, be sure and check out her blog--she is filled with a wealth of ideas, and graphics for you to copy and play with; she also has an Etsy, so be sure and stop by her store, I think you will like what you see!

I have more great ideas and places for you, but those will have to wait for another day!

Peace be to you,

Artists: Won't You Please, Please Help Me!?

2010-08-30T00:01:00.014-04:00

No this is not a Beatles post...although I love them!!!

For those of you who are artists, I need your recommendations; what editing, creating program do you use for your artwork? Do you ever use the online programs or do you have you have a purchased program which you use? Currently, I have PSE (Photoshop Elements) and I really think there may more user-friendly programs out there, but I am not certain which one to turn to. I purchased PSE because I had a few recommendations from mixed media artitsts, and honestly, I am not really happy with it. I don't want to use a program which requires I buy another program to learn how to use it; in addition, because I don't like using PSE, I have put my art projects on hold. Please advise...thank you SO very much!

What do you recommend?

Ironworkz

2010-08-29T00:01:00.002-04:00

Enough said! (Make sure you have your volume turned on.)

Your Captions

2010-08-28T00:01:00.002-04:00

I came up with something new, let's see if this works for you. I have posted four random, but unusual photos below; write a caption in the "Comment" box describing the photo. You will have a total of four captions, one for each photo. Be as silly or serious as you like. Here we go...I'll go first.

Photo 1

Photo 2

Photo 3

Photo 4

My captions:
1. Making the most of the Depression.
2.That's pretty neat the way the photographer put one lady's face on another lady's leg, you don't see that every day.
3. God bless them.

4. Run! There's a serial killer on the loose!

Have a super day,

"Follow Me Friday" & Need a New Craft Project?

2010-08-27T00:01:00.039-04:00

IT IS FRIDAY, AND THAT MEANS TIME FOR

"FOLLOW ME FRIDAY"!

TO FOLLOW,PLEASE *CLICK* THE LINK ABOVE AT THE TOP OF THIS PAGE (WHICH SAYS "FOLLOW ALONG FRIDAY"), FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS, AND HAVE A GREAT TIME!

I love just browsing through blogs: some are really weird, some are just pretty, some are thought provoking, some are topical, and some are just there when you need to do something with your hands, or you need to give a gift which doesn't go out of your budget, and you need inspiration.

I found this great blog which is filled with so many craft ideas, and their tutorials, I was really impressed! You have to go by and browse a bit. I think you will really enjoy it!

After you stop by there, let me know what you think!

Tie a Perfect Bow

2010-08-26T00:01:00.003-04:00

I have always had the most difficult time making a pretty bow for gifts, art pieces, or just to use as a decorative focal point, and I wonder how many of you have the same trouble. I did some research and found a great tutorial I think will work for us, it is located HERE at "Save on Crafts."

This article gives illustrated instructions for making each of these types of bows:

Floral Bow
Layered Bow
Pew Bow or Over Sized Bow
Basic Bow

There is even a chart provided for determining the correct yardage for the Pew or Over Sized Bow.

The next lesson which follows the page above, is all about making a Loopy Bow and a Graduated Loopy Bow, which can be found HERE.

I hope this information helps you as it helps me. Have a super day!

Hugs and Peace,

My Cluttered Cabinet & Collections

2010-08-25T08:48:00.000-04:00

Today I thought I would share with you some of what lurks in my cluttered cabinet and my collections. As I shared with you before, I am antique-aholic...the older the better. Here are just some of my collections which I have on display in my home; other of my collections are placed in strategic places like in my huge camel-back trunk which my six-year-old likes to go through on occasion (I can understand that because that is where my antique dolls are kept)!

Let me give you a bit of history on this cabinet. My mother-in-law gave my husband, Jim and myself, a rickety, old cabinet from about the 1940's years ago; it made it's home in our garage, for about 2 years when we decided the piece had some potential. Jim and I feverishly worked on this cabinet, rebuilding the frame, replacing the shelves, scraping the paint off of the doors and glass panes, replacing the back...well you get the picture. Anyway, with the two of us working together, what came out of a once dilapidated, very discard able cabinet, is what you see in the photos. I think we did a fair job, if I do say so myself. (Actually, Jim is the master craftsman, I just did as I was told). Here she is, actually a pale green color with an a white enamel top which surprising had no rust--I still cannot figure that one out! (The color does not show-up very well in the photos).

And the contents:

Vintage and antique linens with embroidery, as well as few forks monogrammed with "M" for Madden.

Antique prayer books--my mother's is the white one on left, one of my special things.

A rubber doll, c1940s and a celluloid doll, c1930s, and my little bunny, with a few out of print books on my ancestry.

Hurricane lamps which actually come in handy down here in Florida during hurricane season, and my antique pottery moon-shine jug (does this reveal my Southern roots?).

Miscellaneous treasures of porcelain, my little girl's hand print, and antique glass.

Rosina china cups & saucers, Beleek, and a child's prayer book, and Snow White from a trip to Disney World.

My favorite composition doll: I bought at auction, she had the original clothes she has on, but she was bald and a general mess. I retouched her face, bought her a wig, gently washed her clothes, cleaned her up...and I love the way she looks now!

And finally...

Two white ironstone pitchers, which I love, purchased at auction. This is the collection I am interested in adding to right now.

The good news about the cluttered cabinet, is we have inherited another cabinet, and it is in just as bad shape as this one once was. Jim and I have started repair, but it is going to take awhile to get it in this type of condition. But, eventually both of our daughters will each have a cabinet one day which both of their parents restored together, and that means a lot to me.

Hugs and peace,

Blog Guidebook

2010-08-24T21:14:00.000-04:00

If you have not discovered "The Blog Guidebook" you really should go by and see what they offer in the way of listings for great blogs ranging in a variety of topics. The categories range from "A Day in the Life" to "Writing." I find this blog a great tool when I am looking for specific blogs on the topics I am interested in reading about, and since I am listed, I have the potential to increase my blog traffic. In addition, the blog is user friendly.

Ready to give it a test drive? Simply *click* on the badge below, and you will be driver there! Once you are there, go to "Blog Listings" and select the category you are interested in, from the drop-down menu.

In addition, your blog can be listed in "The Blog Guidebook" by following the instructions provided. (Which don't forget will increase your blog traffic!)

Peace to you,

Blog Accessories, Builder Sites, Etc.

2010-08-24T00:01:00.002-04:00

I am sorry I have been away the past few days; I had some "fires to put out" here on the home front which consumed quite a bit of time and energy. But, God is good and working on my behalf--and yours too, always!

I really haven't been blogging consistently for very long, but I am beginning to get a feel for what I want on my blog rather than just random "stuff" to fill-in spaces and voids on the page. Basically, that means if I cannot find what I am looking for, I am going to have to create it. So, I have done a bit of browsing, and found a couple of "build 'em yourself" sites you may be interested in. If you already know about these sites, please excuse me, as I said I am still a relative novice at this sort of thing :)

WIDGET BOX- A place to create and download your own Widgets

ICON BAZAAR- Fonts, button pictures, bullets, etc.

LORELLE ON WORD PRESS- Directory page for everything bloggy

NAVE HUMOR- Add a joke to your blog using a daily feed

CLOCK WIDGETS- Beautiful clocks for your blog

Some of these sites, such as Lorelle on Word Press, direct you to others sites, which are filled with all sorts of tips, downloads, and instructions on how to create your own blog "whatever." If you know of a great site, please let me know and I will compile a separate page for everyone to view and use as a resource. Thank you for your help...it's great to be able to help others.

Peace be with you,

What is Your Birth Flower?

2010-08-21T00:01:00.004-04:00

Most of us know, well probably all of us know, what our birthstone is and most of us know what our "sign" is, but do you know what your birth flower is? You know, the flower of the month of which you were born, which has a specific meaning.

Here is some information for you concerning your birth flower; it's just something fun to know, and it could inspire you when it comes to birthday gift giving. A homemade fabric bouquet of your friend's birth flower would be a special gift, she would truly appreciate; and in case she doesn't know much about her birth flower, a lovely decorated tag with the meaning of her flower attached to the bouquet would be sweet.

JANUARY: CARNATION

Representing pride, beauty, admiration and gratitude, the carnation’s multilayered, feathery soft petals conceal a hardy core – an appropriate paradox for this first-month-of-the-year flower. Originally from Asia, where they’ve been cultivated for the last 2,000 years, today this winter birth flower is a richly colorful and fragrant gem.

FEBRUARY: IRIS

It should come as no surprise that the iris's three upright petals symbolize faith, valor and wisdom. With its majestic purple hues and soaring slender stem, this dignified and graceful February birth flower dates back to Ancient Greece, when Iris, the messenger of the gods and the personification of the rainbow (the Greek word for Iris), acted as the link between heaven and earth.

MARCH: DAFFODIL

When the bright yellow daffodil pokes through late winter's ground, it's like a long-awaited friend returning home and a birth flower anyone would be proud to call their own. Symbolizing rebirth and new beginnings, particularly when presented in an abundant bouquet, daffodils promise happiness and joy.

APRIL: DAISY

Legend has it that the daisy originated from a nymph who transformed herself into a charming but unassuming wildflower to escape unwanted attention. Epitomizing childlike joy and playfulness, this April birth flower captures the essence of spring’s happy-go-lucky, forever-young attitude.

MAY: LILY

Lilies were so revered by the ancient Greeks that they believed they sprouted from the milk of Hera, the queen of the gods. Long tied to the Virgin Mary, the white Madonna lily represents virtue, while the lily of the valley conveys sweetness and humility. In the language of flowers, this May birth flower expresses purity of heart, majesty and honor.

JUNE: ROSE

Long a symbol of love and passion, the rose is rich with history and meaning. Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, presented a rose to Eros, and Cleopatra lured Mark Antony with a room knee-deep in rose petals. Though each color offers a distinct meaning – and the number of stems offers a singular message – this June birth flower signifies beauty and perfection.

JULY: DELPHINIUM

With its lush, dolphin-shaped flowers, the aptly named delphinium – or larkspur – symbolizes an open heart and ardent attachment. Also signifying a feeling of lightness and levity, the gentle hues and refreshing fragrance of this summer birth flower give it a refreshing and distinctive natural beauty.

AUGUST: GLADIOLA

Gladiola, the August birth flower, represents strength and moral integrity – not surprising when you consider that its name comes from the Latin word for sword, “gladius.” But while its sword-shaped stems may imply Roman gladiators, its romantic flowers are capable of piercing a heart with their beauty – explaining why infatuation is another one of its meanings as well.

SEPTEMBER: ASTER

With their lush texture, rich hues and wildflower beauty, it's easy to see why asters have had a long association with magical powers. In ancient times, it was believed that when aster leaves burned, their perfume could drive away evil. Today, this autumn birth flower is known as a talisman of love and an enduring symbol of elegance.

OCTOBER: MARIGOLD

With their rich, autumn-colored hues, marigolds are the quintessential October birth flower. Early Christians called marigolds Mary’s Gold, and placed it by statues of the Virgin Mary. Brilliant and colorful, with a late-harvest warmth and a broad open bloom, marigolds signify affection and grace.

NOVEMBER: CHRYSANTHEMUM

Chrysanthemums, a symbol of the sun, have held many noble positions in ancient cultures. The Japanese consider the orderly unfolding of their petals to represent perfection, and Confucius suggested they be used as an object of meditation. Signifying optimism and happiness, it’s said that a single petal of this November birth flower placed at the bottom of a wine glass will encourage a long and healthy life.

DECEMBER: POINSETTIA

Also known as the Christmas flower, legend has it that poinsettias began as a humble weed. When a little girl – with no means for a grander gift – placed weeds on a church alter, they turned into brilliant red blooms. Symbolizing good cheer and merriment, this December birth flower is a fitting tribute to December’s joyful celebrations.

[Mine is the carnation, for the month of January!]

Source: http://www.teleflora.com/birthflowers.asp

I hope you found this little bit of information on birth flowers helpful and inspirational.

Peace and hope to you,

Answers to Yesterday's "Let's Play with Words"

2010-08-20T00:01:00.007-04:00

Here are your answers to yesterday's "Vocab Quiz".

1. [C] Plethora- condition of being over full
Used in a sentence: There was a plethora of baked goods at the fair.

2. [D] Expunge- mark for erasure
Used in a sentence: I will expunge your bad grade, once you have completed the report.

3. [A] Redact- to put in writing
Used in a sentence: Please redact your opinions at the closing of the seminar.

4. [C] Solipsism- theory which states, self is the only thing that exists
Used in a sentence: One of the theories of Scientology is solipsism.

5. [A] Obtuse- insensitive or stupid
Used in a sentence: My mother-in-law is consistently obtuse.

6. [D] Hepplewhite- style of furniture developed in England, under King George III
Used in a sentence: The museum had a lovely Hepplewhite desk.

Definitions provided by Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary, copyright 1961.

How did you do? Do you think you will remember these words?

Now for a great tutorial, I think you will really enjoy. I have made my copy and saved it in my computer for future use. Cassandra over at "My Artful Adventures" has an awesome "Tattered Lace Tutorial" for our creating pleasure. Cassandra does beautiful work and is extremely creative. Go by and check out her blog and this great tutorial!

This is a piece which Cassandra made, isn't it lovely?
http://myartfuladventures.blogspot.com/

Peace to you and yours,

Let's Play with Words

2010-08-19T00:01:00.000-04:00

Today I thought I would something different; I love words, and the stranger sounding the better, and longer they and their meanings stay with me. So, I have selected 6 words I think sound "neat" and we are going see if you know their definitions...this is multiple choice. Don't cheat, be honest! :) Tomorrow I will reveal the correct answers, so keep track to see how many you got correct.

1. Plethora
     a. condition of not having enough
     b. a fruit dish generally served with relish
     c. condition of being over full
     d. a large bird found only in the Nile River region

2. Expunge
     a. substance or liquid which oozes from a sponge
     b. a flower grown in the south of France
     c. the appendage of a queen bee
     d. mark for erasure

3. Redact
     a. to put in writing
     b. practice of recycling soap slivers
     c. to relocate from area to another
     d. portion of the tail of a pterodactyl dinosaur

4. Solipsism
     a. theory which states, "I'm okay, you're okay."
     b. disorder of the lips which cause them to droop
     c. theory which states, self is the only thing that exists
     d. a stage of a solar eclipse

5. Obtuse
     a. insensitive or stupid
     b. name given to the tall, fur hat worn by Russian men in the 1900s
     c. a large roll-top desk
     d. sensitive and caring

6. Hepplewhite
    a. a linen company founded in western Europe in 1856
    b. a large pink and white, apple-like fruit from India
    c. a skin disorder of the ear lobe
    d. style of furniture developed in England, under King George III

Let's see how many definitions we really know!

Antique Photos: Happy Babies & Two Questionables

2010-08-18T23:59:00.000-04:00

Here are two antique happy baby photos to make you smile...aren't they adorable?

"I'm always this shy!"

"I am just deliriously happy today!!"

Concerning the two photos which follow, let me begin by saying I just found the character in these two photos, well...interesting (not the baby, although sweet- but the adult.) I purchased these from Etsy. The reason I am posting these, is I find them a bit on the odd side, and I need some help. Is this a woman, or a man dressed as women, or is this just a masculine woman? Is this an early "house-husband" who feels he needs to dress like Mommy? or Is she hormonally deprived, due to the era she lived in?

I suppose it really doesn't matter what the gender is, only to the point that when I do collages, I like to know what and sometimes who I am adding to the collage. I really prefer women to look like women and men to look like men when I do a piece of work, and this one is kind-of middle of the road!

So, tell me, what do you think?

Hugs and peace to you,

It's a Hodge Podge Today

2010-08-17T00:01:00.029-04:00

After going through some blogs and leaving some comments, I found some things I thought you may find interesting, or would like to participate in or make. Here they are, and the links to the blogs are provided for each one.

Kari over at "A Load of Craft" created this great loop scarf that was oh so easy to make and very cute; the tutorial is provided so there is no guess work. This would be great to make as Christmas gifts for teens and little girls. (Yes, I am already thinking about Christmas!) I think this is sooo cute, but a bit warm for Florida heat, yet.

Karen over at "The Graphics Fairy" gave us this colorful artist palette clip art piece. I think the colors are superb, and this is just one of those pieces crying out for me to do something special with it. Last year for Christmas my elder daughter gave me a very unique Brighton silver necklace with a large artist palette charm and a paint brush charm which says, "Life is art," it is my favorite piece of jewelry.

Ella of "Ella's Edge" is giving away a $40.00 gift certificate to CSN Stores (which you may read about HERE.) I had never heard of a CSN store, so I had to do a bit of research. Visit "Ella's Edge" to read the details and requirements for the give-away.
A great sounding Homemade Praline Sauce recipe may be found at "Sweet Baking Supply." Yet, another great Christmas gift idea: pretty jar, pretty ribbon, etc.

Okay, I think my homemade gift-giving ideas have been covered, at least for now!

I hope your day is blessed and you walk in peace,

P. S. I try to time my blog page to go online at 12:01 a m the morning of the intended post, and for some reason, my blog posts are not publishing at the set time, so I am sorry for the posts being published later in the day, I am working on it! : )

Announcing...

2010-08-16T00:01:00.000-04:00

Maestro, if you please...trumpet....! Oh, I forgot, no trumpet sound here yet. I'll have to make do...Du-Du-Duh (okay pretend it's a trumpet sound)! Announcing "Follow Along Friday." I know it's only Monday, but I thought it would give us the opportunity to go a head and link-up, so maybe by this Friday, we will have some of you to follow.

Simply go to the "Follow Along Friday" page by clicking on the header above, and follow the directions on the page.

Ready? Set? Let's go! and have tons of fun!

Hugs and peace,

Sunday Sabbath

2010-08-15T19:57:00.000-04:00

Some days, do you just feel like doing nothing? For me, with rushing about 6 out of 7 days a week, I have to have some "do nothing time." That's not to say I get the opportunity every Sunday to do nothing, but today I kind-of took it. (I did cook dinner tonight due to having an out-of-town house guest).

The older I get more the more I realize why God commanded us to take time off for Sabbath; we all need some rest time, whether it is for napping, lying around watching television, reading a book, or creating something; and in His infinite wisdom He knew that. The point is to do something (or nothing) we normally would not do the other 6 days of the week. For instance, on Sunday normally, I don't cook, do laundry or regular household chores--I usually nap, read or work on an art project. And do try to take time to meditate on God's goodness, and how He has blessed me in the past week. Yes, I do attend church, but on Sundays I try to focus a bit more than usual on what I have to thankful for.

What can you do to one day week to rest?

Until tomorrow, peace be with you!

These are Frightening!

2010-08-14T00:01:00.003-04:00

I really make an effort to keep topics and whatnot on this blog happy and positive. But, last night when a friend of ours was visiting from Wisconsin, he told us about this most awful creature, called a Camel Spider, whose home in found in the regions of Iraq. I had never heard of them before, so our guest and my daughter's boyfriend decided regale me with horror stories of these animals.

Now after hearing the tales of what they look like and what they do, I was totally "gob-smacked" and had to see one for myself; these things look like aliens to me. They actually are not spiders, but from the same animal kingdom as the scorpion. I'm showing you two photos, one of which shows two of spiders joined together, and the other is a single spider, where you can actually what I think is the mouth, which moves in and out, from side to side rather than up and down. (In the second picture I think the mouth is those bright reddish-orange things).

Anyway, they do horrific things to the poor camels over there, by attaching themselves to the underside of the camel, injecting a numbing venom, and by the time the camel realizes he has become a victim, his internal organs...well...fall out!

I know our God is good and His creation is good, but honestly, these things are ranking right up there with snakes, to me, and I find no value in them whatsoever! Our poor soldiers!!!

Well, have a super weekend!

Peace to you,

A Sick, But Funny Joke

2010-08-13T00:01:00.008-04:00

Okay, here is one from my sister and I had to share with you...I hope you enjoy!

Dear Tide,

I am writing to say what an excellent product you have. I've used it all of my married life, as my mother always told me it was the best. Now that I am in my fifties, I find it even better! In fact, about a month ago, I spilled some red wine on my new white blouse. My inconsiderate and uncaring husband started to belittle me about how clumsy I was, and generally started becoming a pain in the neck.

One thing led to another and somehow I ended up with his blood on my new white blouse! I grabbed my bottle of Tide with Bleach Alternative, and to my surprise and satisfaction, all of the stains came out! In fact, the stains came out so well the detectives who came by yesterday told me that the DNA tests on my blouse were negative and then my attorney called and said that I was no longer considered a suspect in the disappearance of my husband.

What a relief! Going through menopause is bad enough without being a murder suspect! I thank you, once again, for having a great product.

Well, I must go, as I have to write to The Hefty bag people.

Sincerely.

Baked Potato Soup Recipe

2010-08-12T00:01:00.004-04:00

Fall will here before we know it (I am speaking that in faith), and it will time for those wonderful soup dishes, which are hardy and filling! I picked-up a magazine the other day in the grocery store (boy! they sure know where to put those things don't they?), and I found this great recipe. It is made in your slow-cooker which is great, and it just sounds yummy, so I thought I would share it with you.

Baked Potato Soup

Makes 8 servings, prep time 10 minutes, slow cook for 3 hours on "high" or 6 hours on "low"

3 1/2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cut into 3/4" pieces

1 small sweet red pepper, seeded and chopped

1 package (10 oz.) frozen chopped broccoli

4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1/3 cup half-and-half

1/3 cup reduced fat sour cream, plus additional for garnish

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

4 scallions, trimmed and thinly sliced

4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

1. Combine potatoes, red pepper and broccoli in slow cooker bowl. Pour broth over top; cover and cook 3 hours on HIGH or 6 hours on LOW or until potatoes are tender.

2. In a small bowl, stir together half-and-half, 1/3 cup sour cream, cornstarch, salt and pepper. Remove cover and mash potatoes slightly. Stir in half-and-half mixture and scallions. Spoon soup into bowls.

3. Divide bacon among bowls and dollop each with sour cream. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese, if desired.

Per serving: 195 calories; 4 g fat (2 g sat.); 9 g protein; 30 g carbohydrate; 5 g fiber; 764 mg sodium; 16 mg cholesterol

Recipe taken from Family Circle magazine, Sept 2010, pg. 228

This sounds like a winning soup to me!

Lettuce Leaf or Ruffled Pillow Tutorial

2010-08-11T00:01:00.002-04:00

Tricia, over at Oh So Crafty (click blog title for the link) was kind enough to share with the blogging world a very cute pillow she created out of a t-shirt. I usually toss my old t-shirt or make dust rags out of them when they get "pilly," but I like Tricia's idea much better!

Isn't this too cute?

Now I have a project and I have re purposed item to boot!

Be Blessed,

Background Ephemera and Children

2010-08-10T00:01:00.007-04:00

Today I have some great art nouveau backgrounds for your ephemera projects or any other project you would like to use them in; these are from Dover Publishing, created by William Morris, and are free for our use. As always please don’t forget to *click* on each picture before saving them to your computer, this will give you the picture in larger scale.

The last one is precious I think and it is provided by the Vintage Workshop for your use. This picture will be perfect for one of my forth coming projects.

I hope you enjoy these…peace to you,

My Favorite Childrens' Books

2010-08-09T03:01:00.002-04:00

When I was a little girl, about 3 years old, I can remember my mother going to the library and picking out books to read to me. My mother was an intelligent woman, and loved books as much as her elder daughter.

After Mama passed away, my memory of these favorite books went with her, and I never again saw the little series of books I loved so much, until many years later.

One evening I was looking at some antique dolls on a website (I love antique dolls) and I came across a familiar face on one of the dolls; it was Lenci doll and it looked so very familiar. I starred at the face on the doll, and looked around for more information on her. Low and behold, I found that little doll had a name, and many adventures written about her...her name was Edith, and she was known as "The Lonely Doll." I began to cry as memories flooded my mind of my precious mother reading me the adventures of Edith.

Although it seems like a little thing, I am grateful to God for allowing me to remember these books, so I could pass the stories down to my younger daughter at least. I began to buy the books, and read them to to Jillian, who loves them.

These books were written by a photographer by the name of Dare Wright who arranged the dolls and photographed them, and wrote stories along with the photographs. If you would like to know about Edith and Dare Wright, the website dedicated to them may be found HERE, as well as where you may purchase the books. (My local Barnes and Noble has order them for me, so I usually end up buying them on line myself.) The stories about Edith are wonderful, and they are great ways to create memories for you and daughter, by reading these wonderful little books!

I have launched another blog, entitled Doorways Through Time, in which I will discuss strictly historical topics, books, articles, and movies.

I hope you will stop by and take a look!

Peace to you,

Old Spice Guy

2010-08-08T03:01:00.000-04:00

These commercials crack-me-up...what do you think?

And here is another:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLTIowBF0kE

And here is Neil Patrick Harris' (Doogie Hauser) take on it:

Hope you had a few laughs!

THE RED QUEEN is on U. S. Shelves!

2010-08-07T00:08:00.001-04:00

Phillipa Gregory's new book, The Red Queen is now out on US bookstore shelves as of August 3rd! (And I am tickled pink...or should it be red?) This is the second installment of "The Cousin's War" series. The first being The White Queen. Which I thought was a fabulous book! You may view a written critique HERE, or you may hear the author speak about The Red Queen below. (You may recall Ms. Gregory from her wildly popular book which was made into a motion picture, The Other Boleyn Girl.)

See my Sidebar to the right, to enter to win your own free copy!

Peace to you,

Five Question Fun

2010-08-06T00:33:00.000-04:00

(Isn't she cute...she reminds me of my little Jillian, the million and one questions she asks of me daily!)

I've shared a bit of myself with you, now it's your turn, and please leave your responses in the comments section of today's post. I've seen this done on other blogs and it looks fun, but I am going to try to come up with my own questions. Here we go! My responses are posted below each question.

1. Are you comfortable with your height? Would you rather be taller or shorter or are you content?

I would rather be taller, then my body mass would be in more proportion and I would look thinner. LOL! No, I would like to be a few inches taller, I am in between petite and regular and often find a hard time finding good-fitting clothes.

2. Did you have a security blanket as a child? Do you still have it?

I did and when I reached a certain age, my grandparents felt I was too old for it, and threw it away...I wish I still had it!

3. Can your curl your tongue? This is a genetic thing, if you can do it, it means one of your parents can do it!

Yes, I can; and if I curl my tongue and I want to spit, I can spit pretty dog-gone far!

4. Do you take one of those "green bags" to the grocery store for a few items or do you still use the bags the grocery store provides?

I use the bags the grocery store provides, because I usually forget my bag at home and I like to use the plastic bags from the grocery store in my small trash cans as liners.

5. When you take time for yourself, what you like to do? (We should be doing this daily).

I enjoy blogging, reading or working on mixed media art.

There, that wasn't too painful was it?! I can't wait to read what you share.

Peace to you,