tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51499432976746974482024-03-05T03:41:53.404-08:00An Artist's LegacyAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03274493238689132223noreply@blogger.comBlogger581125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149943297674697448.post-3014498189791086472013-12-27T17:17:00.000-08:002013-12-27T17:21:53.291-08:00How to Display Bottles of Treasure<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb2LGDc5mpeS5TVWeojPy0cUFsxNZujW34oYeeRkU9oIESzVgUK6VNtwZ3bq0ctfOugMtKIhM8XUXhQnAtSrcUqmypgllx8vQT6gnxlA3LxrAXN_3U4ho5fOIqZhku05gYyK8ULTfAurEs/s1600/IMG-20131223-00321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb2LGDc5mpeS5TVWeojPy0cUFsxNZujW34oYeeRkU9oIESzVgUK6VNtwZ3bq0ctfOugMtKIhM8XUXhQnAtSrcUqmypgllx8vQT6gnxlA3LxrAXN_3U4ho5fOIqZhku05gYyK8ULTfAurEs/s400/IMG-20131223-00321.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">E</span>ver since I found</span> these glass spice bottles at a thrift store, I knew I wanted to fill and display them in my bathroom as if they were lotions and ointments to dab on to promote beauty, grace, patience, kindness, etc.</div>
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But I lacked the <em>perfect</em> shelf.</div>
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I could <em>see</em> it, but I didn't own it--- <em>yet</em>.</div>
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The (empty) bottles collected dust for hmmm, 4 months(?) </div>
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awaiting the appearance of the perfect shelf.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi3cTkn3ezJAJDC2JqKJjJ6-8318UmXFmcweDpKhapuB0mWqPmwXxzkDKPbUrwg1YQOdSMAnOy8AleeuWGH822mEGq5t0nOEESf3zCuMu-C4Fj56z7ZHpYgdOU_vRZ9eilO7oodBdYkBz5/s1600/IMG-20131222-00318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi3cTkn3ezJAJDC2JqKJjJ6-8318UmXFmcweDpKhapuB0mWqPmwXxzkDKPbUrwg1YQOdSMAnOy8AleeuWGH822mEGq5t0nOEESf3zCuMu-C4Fj56z7ZHpYgdOU_vRZ9eilO7oodBdYkBz5/s320/IMG-20131222-00318.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Two weeks ago<em> I found the perfect shelf!</em></div>
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It was ugly, but only 10 cents.</div>
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Then last week I stumbled upon the <em>perfect</em> wooden architectural element at Hobby Lobby</div>
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(to make the perfect shelf more perfect).</div>
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Over the weekend I got socked in by the weather and in a fit of cabin fever, </div>
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tackled The Shelf Re-do Project.</div>
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<em>Perfect</em> timing, you might say.</div>
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I just lacked certain tools, (a saw!), but improvised with an old kitchen knife and hammer.</div>
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Necessity is definitely the mother of invention.</div>
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The knife idea worked <em>perfect</em>ly!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9UYRmmfJ38Vf3251RfnqT77QFZbUJKCIhJJMl-wni382xcpG05Ys44dYkmJauBCt549h-tE4v1_rddDoPDEmjTaG6I3xwcd0yEY3EZcPMJmsVLIlh61hjUSF4waE3z3bK8p8U-24jlLLd/s1600/IMG-20131222-00319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9UYRmmfJ38Vf3251RfnqT77QFZbUJKCIhJJMl-wni382xcpG05Ys44dYkmJauBCt549h-tE4v1_rddDoPDEmjTaG6I3xwcd0yEY3EZcPMJmsVLIlh61hjUSF4waE3z3bK8p8U-24jlLLd/s320/IMG-20131222-00319.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Ready for paint.</div>
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I painted the ornamentation and edges of the shelf with a yellow ochre base and let it dry, </div>
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so when I applied the white top coat and wiped it away in places, the base color showed through.</div>
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It looked just as I had hoped-- <em>perfect</em>!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIBXR8XHgXL9JybY35oZiQ6TPE7D2MXV7JaJxIFHFRZlamBi_fvSUGOF65br1CkSls1PYxiGPm9cfyn_AC4ItaEp73Ms5-w62DVTW_G7Pc24PSk8EzK8jmEvfZs5eEE3o1R6sYtsRIWS2f/s1600/IMG-20131223-00323.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIBXR8XHgXL9JybY35oZiQ6TPE7D2MXV7JaJxIFHFRZlamBi_fvSUGOF65br1CkSls1PYxiGPm9cfyn_AC4ItaEp73Ms5-w62DVTW_G7Pc24PSk8EzK8jmEvfZs5eEE3o1R6sYtsRIWS2f/s320/IMG-20131223-00323.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The finished wall arrangement in my bathroom---</div>
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just as I envisioned it.</div>
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Yes, I think it's <em>perfect</em>.</div>
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I love it when a plan comes together!</div>
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The square architectural piece was another thrift store find--</div>
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cost me just one dollar.</div>
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You have to know that the things I envision don't always happen or go as planned.</div>
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So I'm giddy that this project did!</div>
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Now go make something!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03274493238689132223noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149943297674697448.post-72596229411382928442013-12-17T08:33:00.002-08:002013-12-17T08:33:16.105-08:00Christmas Breakfast Party<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiViLq0Iesjk56lBVq-cwI-uZnLWRr0N-Ixv3uj-lzZaHBhZ1R9ZVlBV5VVvMplE6l6R0zGZmCS7OQYDfZQdumHnqphM24-B0A6vb5XndF3v-RtLaxKuR-fSYMBVZy1VyJZnUi5ywb87hxZ/s1600/IMG-20131214-00282.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiViLq0Iesjk56lBVq-cwI-uZnLWRr0N-Ixv3uj-lzZaHBhZ1R9ZVlBV5VVvMplE6l6R0zGZmCS7OQYDfZQdumHnqphM24-B0A6vb5XndF3v-RtLaxKuR-fSYMBVZy1VyJZnUi5ywb87hxZ/s400/IMG-20131214-00282.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">W</span>hen I told an acquaintance that I was going to a Christmas party</span> at 9 in the morning, she was surprised, but the Corder Home and Community Club has always had their Christmas get together as a Saturday potluck brunch.</div>
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Really a very good idea when you think of how busy the holidays get with evening events.</div>
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And who doesn't like breakfast food?</div>
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(Sausage and egg casseroles, stuffed French toast, cranberry nut bread, blueberry muffins, apple cinnamon muffins and fresh fruit!)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ2ksllh1sHyG46LemiY5q_H17QYQXFOqTGiHNdDRMI5xZa-GqX5mNhmDjFqPec2Q0KottOA2gyTmfx4IrnsmdcKzhX9uJZHLM9gkzUCwW75q6dPMAy4wG9varkP4EMtMf_uXAxRJjF6f4/s1600/IMG-20131214-00284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ2ksllh1sHyG46LemiY5q_H17QYQXFOqTGiHNdDRMI5xZa-GqX5mNhmDjFqPec2Q0KottOA2gyTmfx4IrnsmdcKzhX9uJZHLM9gkzUCwW75q6dPMAy4wG9varkP4EMtMf_uXAxRJjF6f4/s400/IMG-20131214-00284.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This year, Dana Lineback, opened her gorgeous home</span> </div>
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to us and lavished us with her skills as a decorator and impeccable hostess.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF-DXwhbmJ9RImegL2z8KSE2YQr8qkjClxzx5wmsQMQWr_yl7walBKITX4FeJtYEzeUSIxSSYTSf0N7mdlHCMxHVK-1_caBRKHNmjmkS8YXCZRFlEEAaNRcAy1WRuqcFGbK46FFyOhEU-C/s1600/IMG-20131214-00287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF-DXwhbmJ9RImegL2z8KSE2YQr8qkjClxzx5wmsQMQWr_yl7walBKITX4FeJtYEzeUSIxSSYTSf0N7mdlHCMxHVK-1_caBRKHNmjmkS8YXCZRFlEEAaNRcAy1WRuqcFGbK46FFyOhEU-C/s320/IMG-20131214-00287.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Every table had a sumptuous display</span> </div>
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to tantalize the eye and feed the spirit.</div>
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(yum!)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbn5N2FadNxWDHPUwHW3z19-XhpxZsoS8ieg2IsTDoj-6eHrfvWcxy0vHKnBuXEOqPpjYGEogb5b5XHHHJMblYxKXCWPs1FiiXqMYJqrQoZ99-a5v5RDAVIq9M50rLZatWxztFSHxUnUFg/s1600/IMG-20131214-00288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbn5N2FadNxWDHPUwHW3z19-XhpxZsoS8ieg2IsTDoj-6eHrfvWcxy0vHKnBuXEOqPpjYGEogb5b5XHHHJMblYxKXCWPs1FiiXqMYJqrQoZ99-a5v5RDAVIq9M50rLZatWxztFSHxUnUFg/s320/IMG-20131214-00288.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You will find it no surprise to learn</span> </div>
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that Dana used to own a floral shop and retail boutique. </div>
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Her skills as an "arranger" are evident everywhere in her house.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxr4X1qsvi2dzfVWGgI2hHsCxYJvD39K9GGhcallwYjaAQGDV4tfTdZsnXlE2W1OfzDNL7Ipk0xraZVYn1dg0EruKsjr-KONCClqeYYY4bg0FGShSPX77Y60BTBTnGeHL91G24EabSiL6Q/s1600/IMG-20131214-00285.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxr4X1qsvi2dzfVWGgI2hHsCxYJvD39K9GGhcallwYjaAQGDV4tfTdZsnXlE2W1OfzDNL7Ipk0xraZVYn1dg0EruKsjr-KONCClqeYYY4bg0FGShSPX77Y60BTBTnGeHL91G24EabSiL6Q/s1600/IMG-20131214-00285.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxr4X1qsvi2dzfVWGgI2hHsCxYJvD39K9GGhcallwYjaAQGDV4tfTdZsnXlE2W1OfzDNL7Ipk0xraZVYn1dg0EruKsjr-KONCClqeYYY4bg0FGShSPX77Y60BTBTnGeHL91G24EabSiL6Q/s1600/IMG-20131214-00285.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxr4X1qsvi2dzfVWGgI2hHsCxYJvD39K9GGhcallwYjaAQGDV4tfTdZsnXlE2W1OfzDNL7Ipk0xraZVYn1dg0EruKsjr-KONCClqeYYY4bg0FGShSPX77Y60BTBTnGeHL91G24EabSiL6Q/s320/IMG-20131214-00285.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It is a gift to enjoy a home</span> </div>
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that I did not have to decorate or clean.</div>
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And I treasure the knowledge that somebody somewhere has a baby grand</div>
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in their vestibule.</div>
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God bless gracious hostesses!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03274493238689132223noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149943297674697448.post-63816016903934559872013-12-09T14:03:00.000-08:002013-12-09T14:08:02.974-08:00Altered Mail Art From SANTA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOTC4BaHOnCMeCXoB-sc1QlHgLs3evimGPX7l6nshSvFTgjgJ_Zwk_rva0IGtTLdof1jGCNCD9Ei81nb7440hT6NyKfnWLgGfC-kI5Rq_Smn4H4l0i-qgKUYEsJ2fSBMIVZ4Hu489AhqQV/s1600/alteredSanta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOTC4BaHOnCMeCXoB-sc1QlHgLs3evimGPX7l6nshSvFTgjgJ_Zwk_rva0IGtTLdof1jGCNCD9Ei81nb7440hT6NyKfnWLgGfC-kI5Rq_Smn4H4l0i-qgKUYEsJ2fSBMIVZ4Hu489AhqQV/s400/alteredSanta.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>here are rare, but unique</span> opportunities to use my creative talents as a member of the Postal Service. Like impersonating Santa to a couple of little, letter writing, girls on the rural mail route! The route driver (Loucinda-- a good friend of mine) retrieved the letters, addressed "To: Santa" on her rounds one day and asked if I would write replies and create envelopes that looked like they traveled from halfway around the world. But, of course! Happy to help out! </div>
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I just left space for a real first class postage stamp in the upper right hand corner, because it needs postage to be delivered into a mail box.</div>
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The return address? "North Pole", (zipcode) "00001"</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A word of caution</span>--- if you "try this at home", don't stamp "Air Mail" on the envelope unless you know your post office won't charge you $1.10 (Airmail) to mail a First Class domestic letter (currently 46 cents). I thought about this <em>after</em> I took artistic license with the rubber stamp! Loucinda worked around that by having the envelope cancelled by her postmaster (boss) before delivering it herself (an official mail carrier).</div>
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It's good to be one of Santa's Helpers!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03274493238689132223noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149943297674697448.post-89607811868910257202013-11-19T07:17:00.000-08:002013-11-19T07:17:31.128-08:00My Beautiful Girls<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg62wr3KRwfnTUkkyud9S5QNdqmlrR9VbHv8ugHtSDBXMOjSJ0qObq_6CJSPNigC6DGfmL9vdmvRVVuRdMrNwm0ffMdVVBNe7-k-agd-F92R0T5jmqUzWiSz7aBeh0nDuTvb0LumV9U4WcG/s1600/RV3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg62wr3KRwfnTUkkyud9S5QNdqmlrR9VbHv8ugHtSDBXMOjSJ0qObq_6CJSPNigC6DGfmL9vdmvRVVuRdMrNwm0ffMdVVBNe7-k-agd-F92R0T5jmqUzWiSz7aBeh0nDuTvb0LumV9U4WcG/s320/RV3.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNa266h8BFQiHR9Ga0Fpai35bHHu4rDw4lYUSmcimD2uq8AwzzyqEx3F73eUYzoSYN4TVaksb_AnqGZZ9MmjI591_ilEu_Fjcd-hSd1x3tUBqA1Zr0_LLVFS_E2Xurzf43GNMQSvtwrIlr/s1600/RV.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNa266h8BFQiHR9Ga0Fpai35bHHu4rDw4lYUSmcimD2uq8AwzzyqEx3F73eUYzoSYN4TVaksb_AnqGZZ9MmjI591_ilEu_Fjcd-hSd1x3tUBqA1Zr0_LLVFS_E2Xurzf43GNMQSvtwrIlr/s320/RV.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQFtM1TM7Vhup7zsgBga91n9Yn-K4TlwHVtCgvKt0k_I13ur3XZHpeZMaldB4T_j1ClVU9ZsFacbiC-wBEofGhuP6GHhEHiHFah_G-93zpjJyrI6DLq7nca-Dz4f4OJGQ4HQXrq16dwtQa/s1600/RV2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQFtM1TM7Vhup7zsgBga91n9Yn-K4TlwHVtCgvKt0k_I13ur3XZHpeZMaldB4T_j1ClVU9ZsFacbiC-wBEofGhuP6GHhEHiHFah_G-93zpjJyrI6DLq7nca-Dz4f4OJGQ4HQXrq16dwtQa/s320/RV2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Rebecca (9), Victoria (17 yesterday!)</div>
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Victoria is very gifted with an iPhone camera!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03274493238689132223noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149943297674697448.post-75520852421250056152013-10-01T13:01:00.000-07:002013-10-01T13:02:01.995-07:00Pumpkin Patch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiR-VjeGzLbL4KiwG1KRGCrQDTk93U2P09wYob7hmvliNQ_0uXPhqCGWH6MMvXzBBQSVRaSltS90YFNXyCvPWDhpsA2o1uhvdcAkUrnFtdGKMRG_wYOURJdcnlJOI-Q93IpLxpALwLISlf/s1600/pumpkins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiR-VjeGzLbL4KiwG1KRGCrQDTk93U2P09wYob7hmvliNQ_0uXPhqCGWH6MMvXzBBQSVRaSltS90YFNXyCvPWDhpsA2o1uhvdcAkUrnFtdGKMRG_wYOURJdcnlJOI-Q93IpLxpALwLISlf/s640/pumpkins.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">M</span>y friend Kelly has</span> a sister and brother-in-law in the gourd business.</div>
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It's their first year and the selection is <em>amazing</em>!</div>
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The stacked pumpkins above are called </div>
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"Cinderella Pumpkins",</div>
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and a small "stripe" pumpkin tops them off.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjo4qFRASrjAY8fmdSVWfDIXJNsRBh70TKuSGIDUmBebtvS5vd8srAWWR4GyQ9dNWy26GrFLMd-pURnhu0CVKLtmCK_UX-OtPEhFl9pQTUFYxbUClVGeApm-jvlRU66wJ7QKtZpi6hDol5/s1600/pumpkins2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjo4qFRASrjAY8fmdSVWfDIXJNsRBh70TKuSGIDUmBebtvS5vd8srAWWR4GyQ9dNWy26GrFLMd-pURnhu0CVKLtmCK_UX-OtPEhFl9pQTUFYxbUClVGeApm-jvlRU66wJ7QKtZpi6hDol5/s400/pumpkins2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I helped haul some around and arrange them for retail presentation.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBdrp7yjQwYLa7oc9CtVRpifKbudVAI8w3LV7c6HY9oQ8yY8XJIMJv7_n49nXCvGfabHHNZLDYT02O0RenON_4Ko4xod0DHp4s2PfoP0_waUeHCxz4n7jkTc783Q2cz2R4HWIXFssoapKr/s1600/pumpkins3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBdrp7yjQwYLa7oc9CtVRpifKbudVAI8w3LV7c6HY9oQ8yY8XJIMJv7_n49nXCvGfabHHNZLDYT02O0RenON_4Ko4xod0DHp4s2PfoP0_waUeHCxz4n7jkTc783Q2cz2R4HWIXFssoapKr/s400/pumpkins3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Rebecca helped too.</div>
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Open Thursday- Sunday from now until Halloween.</div>
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On Hwy 13, North of Higginsville, MO.</div>
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Hay bales, corn shocks (stalks) and mums available for purchase too!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03274493238689132223noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149943297674697448.post-69163880859731669202013-09-24T16:24:00.000-07:002013-09-24T16:24:28.870-07:00Rockin' the (Denim) Apron<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKz7kkU7vHCy6jZsI2O9oI8iCMtFxmdVExUa6cSAJnw13xGObtsVziw52aHSgPE-WEJjt5yYIMGuZYaG0vK1RhpTz75HbDgr9Tw68IfCmsZj5crm-sAbsxweaVlH4hN6r7NAYJe4VwaBc4/s1600/apron1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKz7kkU7vHCy6jZsI2O9oI8iCMtFxmdVExUa6cSAJnw13xGObtsVziw52aHSgPE-WEJjt5yYIMGuZYaG0vK1RhpTz75HbDgr9Tw68IfCmsZj5crm-sAbsxweaVlH4hN6r7NAYJe4VwaBc4/s400/apron1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">S</span>o I got this idea</span> to take denim jeans, bought cheaply at the thrift store, trick them out with some western themed applique (a shirt bought at a resale boutique), added boullion fringe for a Dale-Evans-meets Mae-Wes look and made a rocked out apron.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyzImo07Yk2r3FMIEBkBqFO9RqQdlxr5hmawDLfFMe4We9XLkxtmeo__PrO8NYIViOjKjdw6CCpXkTwo5LswKYV5bPTL6KNG0gkUua43oyYciTpGCcFIZJFyeyX9g8cbMDxn-dye-rEods/s1600/apronwscrecrow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyzImo07Yk2r3FMIEBkBqFO9RqQdlxr5hmawDLfFMe4We9XLkxtmeo__PrO8NYIViOjKjdw6CCpXkTwo5LswKYV5bPTL6KNG0gkUua43oyYciTpGCcFIZJFyeyX9g8cbMDxn-dye-rEods/s400/apronwscrecrow.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I</span> wore it to </span><span style="font-size: small;">Higginsville's "Country Fair" </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">with a pair of skinny jeans (I've lost over 30 pounds this past summer);</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> "new" red cowgirl boots and a hat, both bought at a local flea market.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I'm rockin' the<em> red</em> these days.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"></span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjElx0TCbmdTqGdMBTvoDEXMBsUA1PBn1hAH-VJTheLwYd8_CypaCLddXCXhFUkKYiR8L3wmSlBjQBytB7h-WwM8jQlIxleEtj8wgcHbXBjKRK_gKX0rOCw1AbeukXHtrheUtfzGLMWdRj8/s1600/apronduo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjElx0TCbmdTqGdMBTvoDEXMBsUA1PBn1hAH-VJTheLwYd8_CypaCLddXCXhFUkKYiR8L3wmSlBjQBytB7h-WwM8jQlIxleEtj8wgcHbXBjKRK_gKX0rOCw1AbeukXHtrheUtfzGLMWdRj8/s400/apronduo.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I</span> made Rebecca a more "hip" apron</span> with flowers </div>
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cut from a 1960s fabric remnant and some fibery fringe </div>
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bought for a different a project (<em>years</em> ago) that I never completed.</div>
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Rebecca looks better in the cowgirl hat than I do!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPKN9nmmcXT6ka46TVPvoIeDb0QzlMbCYVsdW01cZvwo_Jj7DJeWuV3wddbwqyPtINCIJvNOW6uPnawksCCCUHiEYHukUQ2SB_HV_GCcwjkvOZC2JYM2Jjtu2srCTNDAxi0hl47iRhef8g/s1600/apron2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPKN9nmmcXT6ka46TVPvoIeDb0QzlMbCYVsdW01cZvwo_Jj7DJeWuV3wddbwqyPtINCIJvNOW6uPnawksCCCUHiEYHukUQ2SB_HV_GCcwjkvOZC2JYM2Jjtu2srCTNDAxi0hl47iRhef8g/s400/apron2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I</span> also made a "prairie" version</span> with appliques of </div>
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(tattered and stained) embroidered linens </div>
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and a crocheted lace edging for the bottom of the apron.</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I gave it to my antiques friend, Liz, whose shop we are photographed in (above)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">and I didn't get a photo of the apron before I gifted it to her!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">(bad blogger, bad blogger!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The theme and medium possibilities are just about endless for this basic denim apron.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I'm thinking of painting one with acrylics-- </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">denim is just unprimed canvas after all!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">You may take the idea and run with it---</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">just link back to my blog and let me know so I can see your creation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">:)</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03274493238689132223noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149943297674697448.post-53730112379154688822013-09-18T12:06:00.000-07:002013-09-18T12:06:56.769-07:00It's a New Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis8FmIkEB1rhIji7fqwFde6ghFgwpVzIBV2o2b-DV-BvsTtFdiNq0TOt4lCNA5Gj0Wqg66CXDqNAIeDbl2sQSBzZ-XVb6zre7x8N9hhyphenhyphen5gOsfS_1exdoYNJTNqaoNuU4Rzavsdc-yKKkUw/s1600/teacupptg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis8FmIkEB1rhIji7fqwFde6ghFgwpVzIBV2o2b-DV-BvsTtFdiNq0TOt4lCNA5Gj0Wqg66CXDqNAIeDbl2sQSBzZ-XVb6zre7x8N9hhyphenhyphen5gOsfS_1exdoYNJTNqaoNuU4Rzavsdc-yKKkUw/s640/teacupptg.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I</span> have taken a long hiatus</span> from making art (all summer!) but last night made an opportunity to pick up a paint brush. I had bought a (9) pack of 8x10 canvases at Walmart last week, with the thought that I would paint a visual quilt of them and include my kids in the project. Over the summer I painted the walls in my living room "lightening bug butt YELLOW" (a very cool yellow, not sunny warm), so I am purposely painting (and commissioning!) art that pops on that color.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivtpFlkNsRaofycpw5Wm9mCKbh30U_N82_oQey3_brIJsj-h3qRz4B8Trvu9T0ON_JS5GmzKSkqPKIGwQ_A5E7sScklnmB1IGHwq7FOc0mSl4tHyLgpgy9_4GY6X6916Ow6EjX1iSyJpDD/s1600/teacupcloseup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivtpFlkNsRaofycpw5Wm9mCKbh30U_N82_oQey3_brIJsj-h3qRz4B8Trvu9T0ON_JS5GmzKSkqPKIGwQ_A5E7sScklnmB1IGHwq7FOc0mSl4tHyLgpgy9_4GY6X6916Ow6EjX1iSyJpDD/s400/teacupcloseup.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I </span>wish you could see</span> the true colors of this first canvas-- the pinks are not lavender and red, but the color of cotton candy and salt water taffy. I can only do so much with color correction. ha!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvvRcF-wO8kytTAuGfJspiGjXwMv4t8I_XXhgRnj83y0hkBnZgPfKLeYU-ZMiLM3wfQhKsm5NpkfKQLNmnYIR5-mG1LgKPdjKPy1yRgh2j31INUQYcYr07uL735X8rdcVIx3nxDJZhrQIn/s1600/teacupvapor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvvRcF-wO8kytTAuGfJspiGjXwMv4t8I_XXhgRnj83y0hkBnZgPfKLeYU-ZMiLM3wfQhKsm5NpkfKQLNmnYIR5-mG1LgKPdjKPy1yRgh2j31INUQYcYr07uL735X8rdcVIx3nxDJZhrQIn/s400/teacupvapor.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">A</span>nd doesn't <em>everyone</em></span> have a jar of sequins in their paint box?</div>
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(Stuck onto the canvas while the paint was still wet.)</div>
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I have put away the browns and blacks and vow to paint in only<em> vibrant</em> colors.</div>
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My house is starting to reflect that and my life is also.</div>
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This is a new day and I'm dreaming in color!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03274493238689132223noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149943297674697448.post-47843530008756831782013-08-20T07:25:00.000-07:002013-08-20T07:25:03.589-07:00Morning, Glory!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUnqmrbPfqKU1glXmagB_izwQXuICG9Jhwxm07w1dpxGeiFrBX7vd9zRdwiKGxfH4HBXbVUQWKsFgGdVe2ay-KwbAtGFCvtveZgjDxf3G79cbHtQhxfp3LulnChaMXIuwc1XWHf6y0v2Qt/s1600/vineyglories.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUnqmrbPfqKU1glXmagB_izwQXuICG9Jhwxm07w1dpxGeiFrBX7vd9zRdwiKGxfH4HBXbVUQWKsFgGdVe2ay-KwbAtGFCvtveZgjDxf3G79cbHtQhxfp3LulnChaMXIuwc1XWHf6y0v2Qt/s400/vineyglories.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I</span> made the mistake of</span> <em>buying</em> morning glory seeds one year.</div>
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I mean, would you <em>pay</em> for dandelion seeds?</div>
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No you wouldn't.</div>
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I haven't had to seed them since, in fact I could sell the seeds now. Ha!</div>
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They have even hybridded themselves-- the deep purple and white plants </div>
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got together and made pinkish offspring. </div>
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They are very pretty, if you are up at the crack of dawn </div>
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and catch them in bloom before the heat of the day withers their faces.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSX8xRxKsfQZ974v4f4ZkHMa8ttoD4wtE8hbpvYx_-0unDjlrNSpba1IDFf0c1Va-csFBWRU5dCMv0BwNEpIoUc7h4gkGHdlhmBwkLO0AS4fIFeLTlxvN-b3ul195738AmQOQRUVjd6qVV/s1600/vineyporch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSX8xRxKsfQZ974v4f4ZkHMa8ttoD4wtE8hbpvYx_-0unDjlrNSpba1IDFf0c1Va-csFBWRU5dCMv0BwNEpIoUc7h4gkGHdlhmBwkLO0AS4fIFeLTlxvN-b3ul195738AmQOQRUVjd6qVV/s400/vineyporch.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>hey do a lovely job</span> of camoflaging my homely front porch.</div>
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But not for long!</div>
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The porch will soon be painted a clean, bright white,</div>
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so the vines have to go.</div>
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No need to be sad though.</div>
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The 'glories will be back next year!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Whether I like them or not!)</div>
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<em> </em></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03274493238689132223noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149943297674697448.post-32901357062981507232013-08-09T06:00:00.000-07:002013-08-09T06:00:08.813-07:00You Know Those Pottery Places...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyUFiw376S0_HGeHhOm1gXvDaCvS2t9oIJIEwts-8ZZlj6ZRB7C9mw0OUO768thEc3vk0F-y4p6rlQcDYWlVI6Q8ztBgQESpNjR940otumImCQwfzBWdObPgjQSLG7Qo4SiKKZNm4Jx7gi/s1600/plate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyUFiw376S0_HGeHhOm1gXvDaCvS2t9oIJIEwts-8ZZlj6ZRB7C9mw0OUO768thEc3vk0F-y4p6rlQcDYWlVI6Q8ztBgQESpNjR940otumImCQwfzBWdObPgjQSLG7Qo4SiKKZNm4Jx7gi/s400/plate.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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</div>
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</div>
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...<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">W</span>here you paint on</span> bisqueware and then they glaze and fire it for you?</div>
<div align="center">
I took my kids to the <a href="http://chartreusemoosepottery.com/">Chartreuse Moose</a> in Warrensburg and we had a blast!<br />
I have to give you a tip though.<br />
There are all kinds of figurines and lidded boxes and stuff that cost a small fortune to paint, <br />
but if you want value and usefulness, <strong>choose a plate</strong>!<br />
The plate above was about 8" in diameter and cost just $7.00, <br />
the same as a tiny 2" figurine that requires little imagination <br />
and will take you just 15 minutes to paint.<br />
Choose a plate and you have a blank canvas for a more personal design...<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFS-6pXOOAsJEOz2H4Bq5Tw3lY5arTWp-TBBy-lfhQFytU_UeT8qOqDbAmzyfStgrGIiIyotNNeSaWU-THrfb11K1B6fFXSSfRo5db_7gLoaETZHpgyTnrBsF_iYBbePQvIcUOgbVqpoSh/s1600/platereverse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFS-6pXOOAsJEOz2H4Bq5Tw3lY5arTWp-TBBy-lfhQFytU_UeT8qOqDbAmzyfStgrGIiIyotNNeSaWU-THrfb11K1B6fFXSSfRo5db_7gLoaETZHpgyTnrBsF_iYBbePQvIcUOgbVqpoSh/s400/platereverse.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I</span> took almost more time</span> decorating<em> the back</em> of the plate, </div>
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because it served a very special purpose.</div>
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A special message for my kids, whose names decorate the plate's front side.</div>
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I gave this plate away, but plan to return to the Moose to make another for myself.</div>
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Maybe a whole <em>set</em> of dishes!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03274493238689132223noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149943297674697448.post-3779871898734331552013-08-05T16:52:00.000-07:002013-08-05T16:52:06.215-07:00I'm Published!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLuyoiT_Egkbodqrg25IieglSi-jW6ftsBdHRKQnZrHCgxKQ-PkX-IkrIuu-mgB0Ze5CNEWYm_qQsfcJwVU08A-sQ3AqVHvx3Eh0iNdDQuaTfN4rQvTzD2KTQoxCKVh0PQud7Pq9YdKczF/s1600/alace1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLuyoiT_Egkbodqrg25IieglSi-jW6ftsBdHRKQnZrHCgxKQ-PkX-IkrIuu-mgB0Ze5CNEWYm_qQsfcJwVU08A-sQ3AqVHvx3Eh0iNdDQuaTfN4rQvTzD2KTQoxCKVh0PQud7Pq9YdKczF/s400/alace1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">F</span>or those of you who</span> follow me, you might remember </div>
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these <a href="http://nathaliethompson.blogspot.com/2013/02/cloth-napkins-that-serve-new-purpose.html">ditty bags I made from cloth napkins</a>.</div>
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</div>
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At the urging of my good friend <a href="http://lindajos.blogspot.com/">Linda</a>, I submitted them to GreenCraft (Somerset Publications) and not only did the editor accept my bags for publications, but also requested I write an article to accompany the photos!</div>
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I got a 5 page feature!!!!</div>
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When I got my comp issue, I discovered that my hanky bag had also been added to the Gallery section at the back of the magazine.</div>
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Bonus!</div>
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So to celebrate, I am offering 2 yard lots of lace snippets for embellishing your own bags and creations (samplers and small stitcheries).</div>
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You can find them in my etsy shop (sidebar).<br />
I am also working on offering ditty bag kits made from hankies and napkins.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03274493238689132223noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149943297674697448.post-66604376478432926872013-07-19T20:52:00.000-07:002013-07-19T20:52:30.531-07:00Bloomin'<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdcjQI2e5WrN4jLnx1dxthqDsD5p-ZOZPpbYe8FFPpHhoCmmovwNyxPhrnNMsO3Macw0VZgdk6FPavUkfKOqePRfi-bikSpT9wJ5QcQnBXPijl7C6YywT0r7CK7k7RtdgSjAln_Qv2knhb/s1600/aflowerpot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdcjQI2e5WrN4jLnx1dxthqDsD5p-ZOZPpbYe8FFPpHhoCmmovwNyxPhrnNMsO3Macw0VZgdk6FPavUkfKOqePRfi-bikSpT9wJ5QcQnBXPijl7C6YywT0r7CK7k7RtdgSjAln_Qv2knhb/s400/aflowerpot.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>his lovely pot was a gift from a friend</span> and soon after I got it,</div>
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looked like it was "done".</div>
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You know, the blooms looked like they were finished and there was only green plant left?</div>
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But I figured something green growing was better than a pink pot of dirt, so I kept watering it to keep the plant alive and whataya know-</div>
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the plant started blooming bigger than ever!</div>
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</div>
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So don't give up!</div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vf43LCtGrj4">What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger</a>.</div>
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*************</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03274493238689132223noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149943297674697448.post-21955145754797714402013-06-20T19:39:00.001-07:002013-06-20T19:39:43.636-07:00A Child's "First"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZKLYNRruv1tvBI0_PgUPRgA6pL8NiFpgNoEleufPI0LELNSH0su4JpZNWjFStkisnF3dX1SD5QUPihd-oqCJycaPM4GyoGd26d0s1TZxhRs_89cdqM4uYdw-FsoU8GKsXyrm4kMDJ8vIn/s1600/chicken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZKLYNRruv1tvBI0_PgUPRgA6pL8NiFpgNoEleufPI0LELNSH0su4JpZNWjFStkisnF3dX1SD5QUPihd-oqCJycaPM4GyoGd26d0s1TZxhRs_89cdqM4uYdw-FsoU8GKsXyrm4kMDJ8vIn/s400/chicken.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">A</span> child's "first"s...</span></div>
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First tooth.</div>
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First solid food.</div>
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First steps.</div>
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First haircut.</div>
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First bike ride without training wheels.</div>
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First day of school.</div>
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Here's Rebecca's most recent "first".</div>
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"Mom, look! </div>
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My First Time to pick up a chicken!"</div>
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(we were visiting with friends <a href="http://nathaliethompson.blogspot.com/2012/01/modern-day-pioneers.html">Robin and Amy</a> who have a unique collection of chickens-- </div>
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Rebecca is holding a Polish).</div>
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</div>
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Hurray for memory-making summer adventures!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03274493238689132223noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149943297674697448.post-25969246085816392562013-06-15T06:00:00.000-07:002013-06-15T06:00:00.405-07:00The Piano Project: Part1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aIrytuE0Z1M/UbudyMqOHqI/AAAAAAAAEDU/SqE71ap8vz0/s1600/piano1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aIrytuE0Z1M/UbudyMqOHqI/AAAAAAAAEDU/SqE71ap8vz0/s640/piano1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">C</span>ome September, </span>when my daughter Victoria may be asked,</div>
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</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjsrcOdy8tnqqVhqpzDHnuxb-GGhznQwYTtAB-H8vX824yglSQc_zsWtkYL2OUBsDmQYfyyqt2FT-9of9TeA8jw3a1ozCLz0s4eye1Jei6dtoxfEGkv-T2h-BkkDtJnzKX6cCakF0UIFe1/s1600/piano3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjsrcOdy8tnqqVhqpzDHnuxb-GGhznQwYTtAB-H8vX824yglSQc_zsWtkYL2OUBsDmQYfyyqt2FT-9of9TeA8jw3a1ozCLz0s4eye1Jei6dtoxfEGkv-T2h-BkkDtJnzKX6cCakF0UIFe1/s400/piano3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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</div>
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"What did you do on your summer vacation?"</div>
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</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyvNA3gTHvs9uQw2fL2ZhdzeAMMBHUDnSt651jMILKuLG4S4t-MDR-JGX0xS_06y2eyQdHbO6q8E_YyK8aDu4rN6MDxjt4hJerSA4IvW3XEjAsNCJSHkl2q3YWhl6vcftYmAam3r9KKx7q/s1600/piano2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyvNA3gTHvs9uQw2fL2ZhdzeAMMBHUDnSt651jMILKuLG4S4t-MDR-JGX0xS_06y2eyQdHbO6q8E_YyK8aDu4rN6MDxjt4hJerSA4IvW3XEjAsNCJSHkl2q3YWhl6vcftYmAam3r9KKx7q/s400/piano2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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</div>
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She can say,</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkVhRW91r8i2lYoET73RmJYGRAsIWPokDzXvTDNzEJ2rBmGJBri-g6QL4HpkWksWgStQOHxtC0B0JIamQe4IOlKHFB3fqnSDYPOk9fVvTzYRORB7s06pTTWLf2Y0rqQt7fPuYxtrHvlsv/s1600/piano4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkVhRW91r8i2lYoET73RmJYGRAsIWPokDzXvTDNzEJ2rBmGJBri-g6QL4HpkWksWgStQOHxtC0B0JIamQe4IOlKHFB3fqnSDYPOk9fVvTzYRORB7s06pTTWLf2Y0rqQt7fPuYxtrHvlsv/s400/piano4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"I painted a piano blue!"</div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(But there's more-- to be revealed in future posts!)</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03274493238689132223noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149943297674697448.post-45591469662919699802013-06-12T06:24:00.001-07:002013-06-12T06:41:58.440-07:00Dog Tattoo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwx3QRpsoOgDPgvx_js_Bd0pXT0f_gg-hWqFDXy093l3NtmhyvlUCkG5DmQd1s4zlhArTohFleJCtilPtYTe5YS-gkRBHBV5A7ddRJGONe0HQ-J2lAuWT5iXm62ZUhDH0HPQExvG29B2Eg/s1600/chalkart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwx3QRpsoOgDPgvx_js_Bd0pXT0f_gg-hWqFDXy093l3NtmhyvlUCkG5DmQd1s4zlhArTohFleJCtilPtYTe5YS-gkRBHBV5A7ddRJGONe0HQ-J2lAuWT5iXm62ZUhDH0HPQExvG29B2Eg/s400/chalkart.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">S</span>ummer is here</span> and the sidewalk chalk is out.</div>
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My <a href="http://nathaliethompson.blogspot.com/2013/03/im-proud-parent-of.html">talented daughter, Victoria</a>, did this grafitti on our back patio.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then our yellow lab, Lucy, took a lie-down to cool herself on the shady concrete...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUHVtQYJk4mhyphenhyphenkmJbVD3CI-oXpHLNUPpm7y71WmMnAIuFP4W0GdNkuHH8FBm76TMfpTTdMpSvof656psx8l2vmY_knxKyX28Oa5oFQ2d0IVm0MYmZxfYQlpOqAexJQ3FcwTxTec06sdq7i/s1600/dogtattoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUHVtQYJk4mhyphenhyphenkmJbVD3CI-oXpHLNUPpm7y71WmMnAIuFP4W0GdNkuHH8FBm76TMfpTTdMpSvof656psx8l2vmY_knxKyX28Oa5oFQ2d0IVm0MYmZxfYQlpOqAexJQ3FcwTxTec06sdq7i/s400/dogtattoo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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</div>
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...<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">A</span>nd monoprinted her backside!</span></div>
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<strong>Can you say, "butt tattoo?!"</strong></div>
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hahahahahahaha</div>
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Okay, technically her thigh, but it's still funny!</div>
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ha!</div>
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</div>
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Hope your summer is full of serendipity!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03274493238689132223noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149943297674697448.post-60865979931537328292013-06-04T06:30:00.000-07:002013-06-04T06:30:03.480-07:00Toad in a Hole<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXLr8TATaDj9t0rxIZs6sguJqWAqbxAq5JrjYQB9-CElcNs1aqmP7kDMqw5e4GWZvBLnpSZq16-8ZL7WI9XEoc7yfm3gHwFaqXgFlALe_OTV-1kO0XGxCEndE5-zJzy-PflyM4iLFrLerf/s1600/toad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXLr8TATaDj9t0rxIZs6sguJqWAqbxAq5JrjYQB9-CElcNs1aqmP7kDMqw5e4GWZvBLnpSZq16-8ZL7WI9XEoc7yfm3gHwFaqXgFlALe_OTV-1kO0XGxCEndE5-zJzy-PflyM4iLFrLerf/s400/toad.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I</span>f you've been watching </span><span style="font-size: small;">the news, you might know </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">that the midwest has been getting a<em> little</em> bit of rain.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"></span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgngnGRsk3fQRThXhVEYh7SNXwTDtIfJ8f47bVKmw2FSojz6lIbB0-1W0PKpxzcjr_TxSrFsEgixPB478Ye5LzSJghWVzlkiakD0pPu4Ol7jM546xY62GYBERiiCnPGXCZRpvf6TmE3Aha4/s1600/toad2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgngnGRsk3fQRThXhVEYh7SNXwTDtIfJ8f47bVKmw2FSojz6lIbB0-1W0PKpxzcjr_TxSrFsEgixPB478Ye5LzSJghWVzlkiakD0pPu4Ol7jM546xY62GYBERiiCnPGXCZRpvf6TmE3Aha4/s400/toad2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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It's been puddling in some unusual places.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_tao824Krxm7xOzo5Cq7NR9Wb16jT1IBHu1BnYCmoqZhhe4iYj9r5D380b7ZMJb34Q15IUEVitqxuDYM-yf5_XJloeALlw3WlISZqJVdsSMYAtdGxB6lhV4OLLdPrpfOugrSuyyRBhYmU/s1600/toad3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_tao824Krxm7xOzo5Cq7NR9Wb16jT1IBHu1BnYCmoqZhhe4iYj9r5D380b7ZMJb34Q15IUEVitqxuDYM-yf5_XJloeALlw3WlISZqJVdsSMYAtdGxB6lhV4OLLdPrpfOugrSuyyRBhYmU/s400/toad3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Rebecca found this toad in the in the mini pond formed in the roots</div>
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of our ancient maple.</div>
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A very cool discovery!</div>
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Wish I had such a lovely grotto-like setting to bathe in!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03274493238689132223noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149943297674697448.post-54444409477474359912013-06-01T22:01:00.000-07:002013-06-01T22:01:06.910-07:00Stop and Smell the Flowers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt-NoRynniJrF-GThjZLO4Z9c2ZOz8zhdSNbT_o-W-4ikTAo7wDPoMf_m53YTeyZdLrRss1BkZ_nPPH35GPR16p7hxfhhsQ_PqYPWwCkRjABKUZDBlMzhKCDXwJFGCxCX_tZkAArfsZRXm/s1600/rebeccairises.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt-NoRynniJrF-GThjZLO4Z9c2ZOz8zhdSNbT_o-W-4ikTAo7wDPoMf_m53YTeyZdLrRss1BkZ_nPPH35GPR16p7hxfhhsQ_PqYPWwCkRjABKUZDBlMzhKCDXwJFGCxCX_tZkAArfsZRXm/s640/rebeccairises.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">R</span>ebecca had a tea party</span> on our back patio and she wanted a centerpiece for the table.</div>
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I helped her cut some irises and just put them into a coffee mug</div>
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(something that would not easily tip).</div>
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She proclaimed them the most beautiful flowers in the world</div>
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and instantly sensed a photo opportunity.</div>
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"Mom, take a picture of me!"</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03274493238689132223noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149943297674697448.post-19985957546871645492013-05-25T14:36:00.001-07:002013-05-25T14:36:30.800-07:00Irises<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFeoDP25Yj3kGXOqWg8LoWaMYotmpdALZs0NEAX5m03NfZRU7IR78IBiIY0UUIytZTgSxK45hmrfgQavcO0PwIAU6MCCmWm3sM-vyqFMtavihJqd115e7oNu_V3EMN1ud8MPOY1KY5PINe/s1600/irises.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFeoDP25Yj3kGXOqWg8LoWaMYotmpdALZs0NEAX5m03NfZRU7IR78IBiIY0UUIytZTgSxK45hmrfgQavcO0PwIAU6MCCmWm3sM-vyqFMtavihJqd115e7oNu_V3EMN1ud8MPOY1KY5PINe/s400/irises.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thank God irises bloom,</span> in spite of my lack of attention!</div>
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</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7pEu5pGPpac/UaErjCIaQII/AAAAAAAAEBE/ELsuM3WmajY/s1600/irises2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7pEu5pGPpac/UaErjCIaQII/AAAAAAAAEBE/ELsuM3WmajY/s400/irises2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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</div>
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A corner of our yard is an overgrown, abandoned garden.</div>
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It requires bulldozing to clear the area and start again </div>
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(no exaggeration)</div>
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and somehow we just don't get around to it.</div>
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I don't have the ability to operate heavy machinery</div>
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and my husband is never home long enough to get it done.</div>
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So again, thank God for irises.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHDtzY0EzYGMiO14S3pmljMyxMx_xm5c839wNl996grk2X67UG_XywmstQa4YWauQUfegtvx8AP6b40wqBy_btoQpEflY9bODB8_Kj43bdDp2d3l0mukA4nuJ5y3EIy2guHTxlmf2Nz10u/s1600/irises3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHDtzY0EzYGMiO14S3pmljMyxMx_xm5c839wNl996grk2X67UG_XywmstQa4YWauQUfegtvx8AP6b40wqBy_btoQpEflY9bODB8_Kj43bdDp2d3l0mukA4nuJ5y3EIy2guHTxlmf2Nz10u/s400/irises3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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</div>
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They add a refined beauty to our corner "wilderness".</div>
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**********</div>
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I hope you are enjoying your Memorial Day Weekend!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03274493238689132223noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149943297674697448.post-65404677208272703172013-05-23T06:30:00.000-07:002013-05-23T06:30:01.388-07:00The Cat Man: An On-line Collaboration<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitkcnlEHcU5hBETPAEXLdAplho8XtGUsHoCCSCTeC5XK6uBtGtjxf2cMmXQlLB-QzQq_W_2XOoqZcQzZoQ5X4snWBf9fDey6iGSiGOVTpg0ccj1FKF6fnWHRQYwVPsfisLesHKDTq6QEgR/s1600/Library_card3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitkcnlEHcU5hBETPAEXLdAplho8XtGUsHoCCSCTeC5XK6uBtGtjxf2cMmXQlLB-QzQq_W_2XOoqZcQzZoQ5X4snWBf9fDey6iGSiGOVTpg0ccj1FKF6fnWHRQYwVPsfisLesHKDTq6QEgR/s320/Library_card3.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">M</span>any years ago, I happily joined in</span> a "Library Card Project", </div>
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headed by <a href="http://femminismo.blogspot.com/">Femminismo</a>.</div>
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(If you click on her blog's name, you can see her wonderful journaling and Haikus.)</div>
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Each participant was sent a library book pocket and an excerpt from a story she had written </div>
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and were asked to illustrate that bit of her story.</div>
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She now has the story published on her blog, along with her collection of illustrations.</div>
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It's a very cool story that I am honored to be a part of.</div>
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You can see it all <a href="http://femminismo.blogspot.com/2013/03/the-cat-man-very-late-project.html">here</a>.</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03274493238689132223noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149943297674697448.post-79535612781620897682013-05-20T09:31:00.001-07:002013-05-20T09:59:31.748-07:00Remember Me 'Til Niagra Falls<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxr4tTs_fVqW6gRdZ3DytTGQluda34XXg7X87Rz6PEyHuR3d4U6rV-4HoVNSLCFnarNkwkIiWnDzmAkKZUR0mjd2TQYyb5-nivqGo4tCjrC_VA0SgEDSOTZ6MPrJUEZPBEzwoW0da79dUG/s1600/niagra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxr4tTs_fVqW6gRdZ3DytTGQluda34XXg7X87Rz6PEyHuR3d4U6rV-4HoVNSLCFnarNkwkIiWnDzmAkKZUR0mjd2TQYyb5-nivqGo4tCjrC_VA0SgEDSOTZ6MPrJUEZPBEzwoW0da79dUG/s400/niagra.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span id="goog_1485874793"></span><span id="goog_1485874794"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I</span> love tacky</span> vintage souvenirs.</div>
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I normally gravitate to souvenir plates, but when I saw this painted slice of wood, <br />
I couldn't resist!</div>
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I got it for next to nothing at my favorite little thrift store, <a href="http://nathaliethompson.blogspot.com/2007/09/classic-shop.html">The Classic Shop</a>.</div>
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Just as I thought, the Niagra Falls vista looks stunning hanging in my kitchen!</div>
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</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVP-YnI6qeCqykmu8yH9wa87LUGUaW43bEuThr6Qh9e17rkMLdAb5QueZqTBAxaWujA2TOwhyNxQIprmPWU8SBo6E-tt08L7DUZtwcu28gKUIq18srfkPJfLP-VxliQpyUpc-gJSNSfWtY/s1600/niagra2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVP-YnI6qeCqykmu8yH9wa87LUGUaW43bEuThr6Qh9e17rkMLdAb5QueZqTBAxaWujA2TOwhyNxQIprmPWU8SBo6E-tt08L7DUZtwcu28gKUIq18srfkPJfLP-VxliQpyUpc-gJSNSfWtY/s400/niagra2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I</span>t's right at home</span> with a Norman Rockwell calender</div>
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(compliments of my local bank),</div>
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The Last Supper (on a plate)</div>
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and a reproduction wall phone that really works.</div>
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I don't know why, but the slice of wood made me think of painted saw blades.</div>
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The germ of a new collection...</div>
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</div>
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</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03274493238689132223noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149943297674697448.post-40812219958428279792013-05-03T12:02:00.001-07:002013-05-03T12:12:14.987-07:00One For the Record Books<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGM-Ww33Fw5CjwUC1YtJ3dEFaaDhmT1-wussT-CgGzwhKS6K9WxW8oUyVd0pQFENakXDfQ99Cegfj6sex2MZ830XlJ5yFE6l9H-YhiMCNIv4bqQOihALQkm-28ECUX6UmbnYo2g5hyphenhyphenb36l/s1600/house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGM-Ww33Fw5CjwUC1YtJ3dEFaaDhmT1-wussT-CgGzwhKS6K9WxW8oUyVd0pQFENakXDfQ99Cegfj6sex2MZ830XlJ5yFE6l9H-YhiMCNIv4bqQOihALQkm-28ECUX6UmbnYo2g5hyphenhyphenb36l/s400/house.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">N</span>o, this is <em>not</em> a photo</span> taken during this past winter.</div>
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It was taken <em>this morning</em>.</div>
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May 3, 2013.</div>
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A record breaking May 3 snowfall not seen since 1905.</div>
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Normal for Canada, but not for Missouri.</div>
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It looks peaceful, serene, and even pretty.</div>
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<em>But</em> it's highly destructive!</div>
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(dramatic music- dum, dum, DUM!)</div>
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</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK7vgliXRy0eBEDqyKvDG8rp0AbtIHrmr5ITEJVaFHhFabY2qaiKG5lrRLKlmDR1Bif-7A0alRcQ96oXPG_mL9Qtx_pA1nAoOHMKXiy5I77fj7oilTy8r4j7BFVcgTQr9Q2VmbnxEMyl7w/s1600/treesdown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK7vgliXRy0eBEDqyKvDG8rp0AbtIHrmr5ITEJVaFHhFabY2qaiKG5lrRLKlmDR1Bif-7A0alRcQ96oXPG_mL9Qtx_pA1nAoOHMKXiy5I77fj7oilTy8r4j7BFVcgTQr9Q2VmbnxEMyl7w/s400/treesdown.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>he trees have all leafed out</span>, because it <em>is</em> <em>spring</em> (duh!) </div>
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so the heavy, wet snow had plenty to cling to.</div>
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This is our poor old maple littering our backyard, its crown splintered.</div>
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I hope we don't have to take it down-- <br />
it's the only thing between our house and the blistering summer sun <br />
and helps our air conditioning bill.</div>
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Although I'm not running the a/c today!</div>
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A lot of trees in the area suffered similar damage-- </div>
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the old hardwoods that can't bend much under extreme stress.<br />
What's sad is that in a day the pretty snow will all be melted (or washed away by rain)<br />
and only mud and the carnage will be left.<br />
All from a 24 hour freak blizzard.<br />
Life can change that fast.</div>
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</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0OALNoQfYicZ7RevuRvl4RZLVGCXJi46Te-eZ2Lc-hLOhiXtcPTpHO1paM74HFKzB6nnlGQ_FPb1T8l_o2yVVGAfaaFwhQQWjBVjXNhlrt_70ckyq5OdV03ItXIxjfB1ym_a9dWuNqv5A/s1600/tin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0OALNoQfYicZ7RevuRvl4RZLVGCXJi46Te-eZ2Lc-hLOhiXtcPTpHO1paM74HFKzB6nnlGQ_FPb1T8l_o2yVVGAfaaFwhQQWjBVjXNhlrt_70ckyq5OdV03ItXIxjfB1ym_a9dWuNqv5A/s400/tin.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">O</span>n a lighter note,</span> it's good to have a friend on a day like today.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I bought this tin of toxically bitter throat lozenges for the package.</div>
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Wouldn't you?</div>
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Just inhaling the vapors from the packet inside is enough to clear your sinuses!</div>
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Having the heat on in the house has made my throat dry (just like it's winter all over again)</div>
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and I tell ya, one of these babies numbs my throat and makes my sinuses feel like a wind tunnel!</div>
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If they didn't work so well, I'd have a hard time eating them.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They look like brown <a href="http://www.necco.com/candy/Wafers.aspx">Necco Wafers</a> and taste like <a href="http://www.vicks.com/products/vapo-family/vaporub-topical-ointment/">Vicks VapoRub</a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
laced with pure, <a href="http://www.alliedoldenglish.com/plantation.php">black strap molasses</a>.<br />
The actual ingredients are eucalyptus oil and licorice with just a trace of sugar<br />
(sugar is listed next to last)</div>
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How's that for a flavor sensation?</div>
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*********</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy Spring!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03274493238689132223noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149943297674697448.post-13766479854165625762013-05-01T11:40:00.002-07:002013-05-01T11:52:45.490-07:00Altered Books- My First Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijJvpYFPPXYS8EWmF7U1dJo2186XKspQBN9IccF57N5Qy3oWzIaEszr2Ket7eTa4HdDuUNbnaGMFE52OE6yjPSZOzSzJykEjzSd2eXf1MsX4BEQlyxX9pnjsjJyDPBHi1URjajPeKy9lOR/s1600/aBook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijJvpYFPPXYS8EWmF7U1dJo2186XKspQBN9IccF57N5Qy3oWzIaEszr2Ket7eTa4HdDuUNbnaGMFE52OE6yjPSZOzSzJykEjzSd2eXf1MsX4BEQlyxX9pnjsjJyDPBHi1URjajPeKy9lOR/s400/aBook.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">M</span>y first exposure to "altered" art</span> was altered books.</div>
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So when I'm in the mood to create, I often default to altering yet another book.</div>
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I have a <em>few</em> started. Very few (maybe one?) <em>completed</em>.<br />
(Can you relate? I hope I'm not alone in this.)</div>
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I started this book about two weeks ago.</div>
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It's a little hardbound, pocket sized, book of Christian devotionals, copyrighted 1948.</div>
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I found it, while putting away a box of books, left from our move last December.</div>
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I don't use Christian themed books <em>exclusively</em>, but, I <em>like</em> to use them because,</div>
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1. I love God.</div>
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2. I love encouraging words.</div>
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3. I like to allow printed words to show through my art so </div>
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the words <em>need</em> to have a positive message.<br />
4. A book with a positive message gives off a good vibe.<br />
5. A book with a good vibe will more likely get worked in-- and maybe, just maybe,<br />
I will complete it. Or I will just really enjoy working in it a lot.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK5HHbrfOy_NZ0RyPeHJOj14W6qV1P4r10RCP1XZXj3Q_M5F4u4s_IzdKzwSzsHNDvLU3_EQRFpVQFP_dFFQAm2CHtt2co8dQAay-1Ls-DSyBzU3xBz3LUxBInJWqawIEYAEyFD1H8s9wJ/s1600/aBook3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK5HHbrfOy_NZ0RyPeHJOj14W6qV1P4r10RCP1XZXj3Q_M5F4u4s_IzdKzwSzsHNDvLU3_EQRFpVQFP_dFFQAm2CHtt2co8dQAay-1Ls-DSyBzU3xBz3LUxBInJWqawIEYAEyFD1H8s9wJ/s400/aBook3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I</span> admire people who paint in their books </span>with wild abandon, but I am so uptight that I dislike wrinkled pages (and paint is so messy!) so in this book especially, I started with rubber stamped images (quick drying ink) and minimal collage (quick drying glue stick). I don't like to plan a whole lot and doing messy art means I have to cover my desk and worry about spatters and pages sticking together, etc, etc. I'm such a whiner, aren't I?</div>
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But, in this book, there's no mistaking that it's an actual book (the lettering shows through everywhere) and I like that the words become part of the design.</div>
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They are encourging, so I don't know if I want to hide them anyway.</div>
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Also I like to do folds and pockets which work better when the pages aren't encrusted with gesso and paint. That's my story and I'm sticking with it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBOIDygZy065MKPVUYg804_Nk4a3wtpM5-ScF0N86j2sUJqjkeeM5JTsKMvMWDVyBJ2j_o5K5fpAgEZSZaeNOv6fiF-KYUucDckpMYlolBldV1quOko026XssLPTPElDzVVoHDjDjOuJi0/s1600/aBook2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBOIDygZy065MKPVUYg804_Nk4a3wtpM5-ScF0N86j2sUJqjkeeM5JTsKMvMWDVyBJ2j_o5K5fpAgEZSZaeNOv6fiF-KYUucDckpMYlolBldV1quOko026XssLPTPElDzVVoHDjDjOuJi0/s400/aBook2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>here is no particular theme</span> to this book, although I started with the vague idea of using some of my favorite rubber stamps-- ones that more often get used on a card or art that gets sent away for a swap or gift. I have a lot of Asian stamps which, of course led to an Asian themed page, which led to another, because I chose to wrap a page edge in origami paper. My apologies to China and Japan for mixing your images like I don't know that your cultures have distinctions-- I cry "artistic license".</div>
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Technical notes:</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">*</span>The best altered books start with a stitched, <em>not glued</em>, binding.</div>
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Peek into the spine and if you don't see clear signatures (folded groups of pages) or thread within the book, move on. Glue cracks over time and your hard worked pages will fall out.</div>
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Also if the pages are brittle (break instead of crease), reject that book also. Brittle pages work better as collage material than as foundations for art.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">*</span>There are no rules. <em>But, </em>you will thank yourself to prep your book a little. I went through this devotional and tore out 3 full sheets of folded paper from the center of each signature. The binding thread is relaxed, so the pages will open flat to be worked on, and the spine is relaxed so I can bulk up the pages with collaged elements and not have the book straining to close in the end.</div>
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Now go make something!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03274493238689132223noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149943297674697448.post-21366701357614786382013-04-24T15:39:00.002-07:002013-04-24T15:39:46.383-07:00All That Jazz at 18th & Vine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Rou3P1-bPF2lUJuhfCwwz4GO0boj-Uuj81JMyRHumiP04VqIHSPeNcb8mUxgrhO7wr0TVT1fTVQn2lroncB2SdPETXNjiOhrLBpkkkEeyUTbkV1_wsrPOCNFmIuUUejKJ3dX6fLrkiga/s1600/jazzmuseum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Rou3P1-bPF2lUJuhfCwwz4GO0boj-Uuj81JMyRHumiP04VqIHSPeNcb8mUxgrhO7wr0TVT1fTVQn2lroncB2SdPETXNjiOhrLBpkkkEeyUTbkV1_wsrPOCNFmIuUUejKJ3dX6fLrkiga/s400/jazzmuseum.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Y</span>esterday, I tagged along</span> with my friend Gretchen on a home school field trip.</div>
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Unlike my kids, who are stuck in a class room all day, </div>
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Gretchen's kids are exposed to a lot more "culture", </div>
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since their school schedule is <em>much</em> more flexible.</div>
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Yesterday's experience was the <a href="http://americanjazzmuseum.org/">American Jazz Museum</a> in Kansas City, Misssouri.</div>
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A small, but mighty museum in the 18th & Vine district where jazz evolved and grew in the first half of the 20th century.</div>
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Luckily we latched onto a larger group that was lead by a docent so we learned more about jazz, its stars and the 18th & Vine culture than if we had just read the exhibits.</div>
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There were segregation lessons to be learned too.</div>
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I highly recommend a visit.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9EOKjSSwZbNxJK8SLAcPlhwcql7CtAFJlmwOcL8s9hn9sct8zAMTrZ74EINZJ-kpAohMSwRt-lRSi9lZf1HvPWUurXa1lCVIkITaSK4Yva8mI_GeQXYAW5DWiuUix_GfVNoXbebz2Qf7Z/s1600/sax.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9EOKjSSwZbNxJK8SLAcPlhwcql7CtAFJlmwOcL8s9hn9sct8zAMTrZ74EINZJ-kpAohMSwRt-lRSi9lZf1HvPWUurXa1lCVIkITaSK4Yva8mI_GeQXYAW5DWiuUix_GfVNoXbebz2Qf7Z/s400/sax.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">E</span>lla Fitzgerald's favorite sequined gown</span> is on display as well as Charles Parker's brass and <em>plastic</em> sax. It's gorgeous!</div>
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Bill Clinton's all brass saxophone graces the lobby.</div>
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There were listening stations and viewing stations for music and early films. </div>
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(Duke Ellington made the first "music video"!)</div>
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Part of our tour included <a href="http://club.americanjazzmuseum.org/">The Blue Room</a>, </div>
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a working jazz club, within the museum, where local and not so local, </div>
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jazz musicians do their thing nightly.</div>
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They even have amateur night to encourage budding musicians.</div>
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I want to go!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjhu5J6AN2T0GDME4Qn-bF6ta9-cvKwKS5EeVWGxQrei2hg0-u4cWoXoAF9C27PZJu-PyTd5gWEKWTg03tjQ9UbzfVlDT4tQankdMv_NtZZ3tbkH6ZCbWawRsDCA-Cu9YXgzLK2Y5QZyqE/s1600/gemtheatre.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjhu5J6AN2T0GDME4Qn-bF6ta9-cvKwKS5EeVWGxQrei2hg0-u4cWoXoAF9C27PZJu-PyTd5gWEKWTg03tjQ9UbzfVlDT4tQankdMv_NtZZ3tbkH6ZCbWawRsDCA-Cu9YXgzLK2Y5QZyqE/s400/gemtheatre.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://discoverblackheritage.com/gem-theatre-kansas-city/"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>he Gem Theatre</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> is directly across the street</span> from the jazz museum.</div>
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(that's me standing under the sign)</div>
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It's a historical venue restored and updated to host jazz concerts and other performing arts events.</div>
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If you click on my link, you'll learn that The Gem was was a movie house in the early 1900s.</div>
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We didn't go inside (it was closed), but I can only imagine what its art deco interior must look like.</div>
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I'll just have to go see a show there sometime!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03274493238689132223noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149943297674697448.post-6199069688327664882013-04-02T10:56:00.001-07:002013-04-02T11:04:25.303-07:00My "New" Sewing Machine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhitQ0SDgbG9ufU-yWWJeBKYpRDv8KWZ3uIa5O_d2nz0wvUiMiHvCDiqBkSa_mtEO4N8qpRRDcLnxqmk8zFRzYMrEt9BRUHeZC5VbdRg_tyBvkjQgt5fRmpVXZ4RasqiKjoLQi0vS83OXMK/s1600/machine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhitQ0SDgbG9ufU-yWWJeBKYpRDv8KWZ3uIa5O_d2nz0wvUiMiHvCDiqBkSa_mtEO4N8qpRRDcLnxqmk8zFRzYMrEt9BRUHeZC5VbdRg_tyBvkjQgt5fRmpVXZ4RasqiKjoLQi0vS83OXMK/s400/machine.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">C</span>irca 1953</span> (the last copyright date in the manual that came with it).</div>
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My "old" Singer (circa 1980s) had stopped working just a couple weeks ago.</div>
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The needle stuck, the bobbin stitches tangled, there was a grinding sound coming from the bobbin compartment and finally the feed dogs stopped working.</div>
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I hand cranked the machine and manually moved the fabric, to finish a couple small stitching projects before I pronounced the machine "dead".</div>
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I'm sure it can be repaired, but the "Tropical Fish and Sewing Machine Repair" shop in the nearest small town had closed years ago, so it means searching for a place in The City and hauling the machine an hour or more somewhere to be left for a week to be repaired at great expense.</div>
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*sigh*</div>
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Then last week an older gentleman came into the post office and asked if I knew anyone who could use a sewing machine.</div>
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Really?!</div>
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Walter comes in often to say hello, but this day he was on a mission</div>
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to empty the back seat of his Crown Vic.</div>
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He had somehow bought the sewing machine at a silent auction, </div>
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without meaning to, paid little for it, but now had to find a home for it.</div>
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His daughter already had<em> two</em> sewing machines</div>
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(I asked).</div>
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So, of course I said "yes", depending on how it looked and ran.</div>
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Walter assured me that the auction place had test driven the machine and said it ran great.</div>
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And yes, it was "free".</div>
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He didn't want money. He just didn't want to be stuck with it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2bXrQGtV0_oca5H4Lg8iHYlkuzCOqTWievaWVIlLrGXJLncFfMNJUMcfsreHVxplBAwEOd4g79oi5OBkILcBuEDAY1133RgvrBD38BvDsgk1-41lmK7SVddwo7bFkzBwu3vThzV8DI9zd/s1600/cabinet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2bXrQGtV0_oca5H4Lg8iHYlkuzCOqTWievaWVIlLrGXJLncFfMNJUMcfsreHVxplBAwEOd4g79oi5OBkILcBuEDAY1133RgvrBD38BvDsgk1-41lmK7SVddwo7bFkzBwu3vThzV8DI9zd/s400/cabinet.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">S</span>o I brought it home.</span> </div>
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My son helped me haul my old machine down from my studio and bring up the "new" one, grumbling the whole time.</div>
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Thirteen year olds have lots of more important things to do,</div>
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dontcha know!</div>
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But once we had the cabinet set in place and the machine flipped up in working position,</div>
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his eyes lit up.</div>
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The machine is a thing of beauty.</div>
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Sexy even.</div>
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Seth had recently made a pillowcase (with French seams!) in school </div>
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and has been itching to sew more since.</div>
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I threaded the machine easily and admired the pretty foot and how industrial the machine looks compared to its more modern sisters.</div>
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I got aquainted with the bobbin compartment and the bobbin thread winder and together Seth and I figured out how to back stitch, reading the manual.<br />
The machine is so old that the stich plate doesn't have markings for seam widths, so someone had carefully placed a length of cellophane tape at the half inch mark.<br />
Amazingly, the tape hasn't dried up and fallen off.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I</span> tried a few</span> stitches and then let my son have a go at it. We both grinnned at the dainty, "ince-ince-ince-ince" (rhymes with "since") sound the machine made as it ran. Beautiful!</div>
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I will just miss the zigzag feature on newer machines, but to be able to sew on something so old and elegant is a treat!</div>
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The machine came with a shoebox of attachments so at some point "we" (my son is fascinated too) will try out the ruffler and button hole maker.<br />
You can bet that there will be blog posts about those experiments!</div>
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***************</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I</span>n the same shoebox</span>, along with bobbins and other sewing machine bits and bobs, I found a pair of pinking shears, lovingly kept "nice" in their original box, and a lovely folio of sewing needles. The shears are razor sharp and cut fabric like paper while the card of needles is also in very nice condition. I will be listing both of those treasures for sale in my etsy shop... but the sewing machine is all mine!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">W</span>hy am I giving up</span> a perfectly good pair of pinking shears?</div>
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Because while cleaning out my old machine's storage compartment, </div>
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I found I had <strong>3</strong> pairs.</div>
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*blush*</div>
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I have a weakness for scissors and pick them up whenever I see a pair at a garage sale or thrift store.</div>
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Surely I can spare a pair, especially if they are kept nice in their original box!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03274493238689132223noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149943297674697448.post-46601707422217070822013-03-21T05:30:00.000-07:002013-03-21T05:30:03.752-07:00I'm the Proud Parent of...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhL58sFroMwZ0Ts66xr02DTtn9S7btWBFhVfi_H1qFoBQK6iIdF9IhgF-D8LIaOn5J7CEVOBcoMNzk-h8gKJflaKdhZn_ZJtVlWUCKDOMTYRG8Nvgmbq33p9BfDngB7OYjJmRqq2y_Odk6/s1600/V_award.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhL58sFroMwZ0Ts66xr02DTtn9S7btWBFhVfi_H1qFoBQK6iIdF9IhgF-D8LIaOn5J7CEVOBcoMNzk-h8gKJflaKdhZn_ZJtVlWUCKDOMTYRG8Nvgmbq33p9BfDngB7OYjJmRqq2y_Odk6/s400/V_award.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>he Most Creative student in Desktop Publishing!</span></div>
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Last night was CAP awards night (C-1 Academic Partners)</div>
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and my oldest, Victoria (now 16 and a sophomore in high school) </div>
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was recognized by her teacher, Mrs. Vanderhoff,</div>
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for having a unique eye and great design skills.</div>
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At her teacher's conference, Mrs. V. told me she had made an extra copy of</div>
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Victoria's calendar assignment to keep as a class example because it was so well done.</div>
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That's high praise!</div>
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Only 26 students were recognized with the academic award,</div>
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for their unique achievements, so it's a pretty big deal.</div>
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Even in a small high school.</div>
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I am one proud mom!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03274493238689132223noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149943297674697448.post-15177759232623964282013-03-20T08:38:00.000-07:002013-03-20T08:38:50.790-07:00Spring Everlasting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF1dkcsgaI2uxcb0B0BsMdwpuaKFQ9O8j6aj4rI_EmvA1IuTn-os7J0Nqy25wJVnCvRYH94YCXTo2SbRHg84yvrPtAI7xI6Er45SGL98qWFWqUo_dWvxrarsYtl6ymMSubvje_Lg-PqKie/s1600/flowerpens1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF1dkcsgaI2uxcb0B0BsMdwpuaKFQ9O8j6aj4rI_EmvA1IuTn-os7J0Nqy25wJVnCvRYH94YCXTo2SbRHg84yvrPtAI7xI6Er45SGL98qWFWqUo_dWvxrarsYtl6ymMSubvje_Lg-PqKie/s400/flowerpens1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">Happy First Day of Spring!</span></em></div>
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I haven't seen anything brave enough to start sprouting in my yard,</div>
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but I've always got spring time on my desk!</div>
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This is an everlasting bouquet of pens-- you know how some places of business gussy up their pens so no one walks off with them?</div>
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My daughter made a bunch of these as party gifts for my 50th birthday celebration last November</div>
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and happily there were plenty of extras leftover from the party.</div>
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Not only do I enjoy how they look, but I can always find a pen to write with.</div>
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Pens used to disappear in my house, but not anymore!</div>
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With a giant silk flower attached, my son is not likely to carry one off to school</div>
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and the pens won't roll off of a table, travel along the floor and disappear under the bookcase.</div>
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Nope.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5ItEfmheUjM/UUnS4s43iHI/AAAAAAAAD4c/iPiQwtIQTCs/s1600/flowerpens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5ItEfmheUjM/UUnS4s43iHI/AAAAAAAAD4c/iPiQwtIQTCs/s320/flowerpens.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">A</span>nd with so many great </span>duct tape patterns to choose from, </div>
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you can make them even more bodacious.</div>
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Because <em>more</em> is <strong>more</strong>.</div>
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Why just use a pen, when you can write with a flower?</div>
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And hey,--</div>
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They would also make a nice May Day offering.</div>
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I'm already thinking of a reason to make more!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03274493238689132223noreply@blogger.com2