WIP aka Work in Progress....

If you do a search on Etsy using the key words

succulent wreath, you will come up with a plethora of images depicting live succulent wreaths.

Trust me,

they are beautiful, too, and well worth the money.

I'd love one, but in my house, if plants want to live, they have to adjust to little water quickly.

I'd show you some of them, but there aren't many left. 

I decided that live succulent wreaths were probably not for me.

However, a polymer clay succulent wreath, might be workable for me.

So now, I have a WIP.

It's almost finished, and here's how I made it.

I started out with a very thick, cardboard frame.

It's 12 inches and I purchased it at Hobby Lobby. 

Then I began to fill it up with polymer clay succulents.

I made the succulents first, drawing from photos on the internet for different types of succulents. 

I made the succulents, then I baked them in my toaster oven.

When they cooled, I used E-6000 to glue them on the frame.

I added different colors to the gray greens of the natural succulents,

and, I really liked the blend of colors.

I just kept working and working, and now,

my wreath is almost finished.

It might look complete, but it's not.

There are a few spaces that need to be filled in, but that won't take long.

Then I wondered,

would these look great as pendants?

What did I have to loose?

Nothing but time.

Here's the result of that time.

I didn't realize how much harder it would be to make the succulents in miniature form.

These pendants took a long time to make.

Then, I thought, I love roses.

How about some roses on the pendants?

I hope to get these into my store after Easter.

Making things small is a challenge.

I plan to add a cross shape soon.

I think I'd like to wear that.

What do you think?

Guest Blogger: Miss Pixie Marie

To all my fans,

Good Morning!

It's so hard to take a good selfie!

My paws are too big,

although they are delicate,

for the buttons on that phone.

Did you notice,

it's starting to get warmer outside.

Yesterday,

I chased a squirrel out of my yard.

That squirrel was really mad at me.  

He climbed up in the tree and

chattered.

I missed his tail by less than an inch!

I was very proud of myself.

I haven't chased an animal like that since my racing days!

It was fun!

My human continues to feed me,

so,

we're good.

The only problem I have with her right now is that she insists on taking naps on 

MY

loveseat.

I know she doesn't quite fit on it, but that's not my problem.

Her legs hang over the edge.

When she takes a nap there,

I sigh.

I wish I could fit on both the love seat and the couch.

It's just not fair that she wants my love seat.

I guess, we have to work that out.

Sigh.

There is another problem, 

and I do hesitate to mention it,

but,

my human wants to take my picture

All

The

Time!

She said that "her" friends on 

Facebook

want to see me.

Sigh!

What she doesn't know is that they aren't her friends,

they are
MY 

friends!

(She calls ME a diva!)

To her credit,

she handles my fame very well.

I just don't like that camera!

Now, kitties don't care.

They let her take pictures of them whenever she wants.

I will hide my face. 

I will walk away.

I will move my head just as she clicks that button.

Sigh.

She just told me that kitties are coming to My house this week.

I don't like kitties,

especially that 

Fred.

He goes to the top of MY stairs,

and he won't let me go up or down the stairs.

My human has to walk me up or down the stairs or 

Fred will

hiss at me.

I guess Fred doesn't know I'm famous.

Sigh.

Oh, I know it's been in the tabloids, but

I am not afraid of kitties.

I stay away from them because I don't like them.

Well, it's time for my nap.

The sunbeam is in the perfect spot. 

I will say goodbye for now.

Thanks to all of my fans!

I'll be a guest blogger again.

Bye!

Sigh!

Pixie Speaks, too

She was laying on their bed!

She showed them!

Pixie Speaks

She really means it, too!

Three Beautiful Things This Week

Three Beautiful Things This Week was inspired by a wonderful blog that Three Beautiful Things. Everyday, Clare writes about 3 Beautiful Things that happen each day in her life. It's a wonderful blog! I can only hope to imitate her in a very small way.

1) We welcomed spring in this week!

It was a wonderful day, too!

I was surprised that there was no snow that day.

2) Two days later, we received

4 inches of the cold, wet snow.

The next day, we received another 2 inches of the cold, wet snow.

This really is spring in Minnesota!

3) Last night, I bought and enjoyed some Coldstone ice cream.

I didn't eat all of it, but what I did eat, I truly enjoyed!

30 Words Thursday:: Pixie- It's almost Easter

She knows she's beautiful!

She's such a diva!

But she's ready for the Easter Bunny.

It was a very good day

since she was willing to pose.

Easter comes soon!

From Erin's Blog::

Treasures Found: Inspiration is Everywhere

The premise of 30 Words Thursdays is simple...

Take an image (preferably one you shot, or have permission to use).

Write 30 Words about it. No more. No less.

Post it each Thursday.

Add your link to the InLinkz on my 30 Words Thursday post.

(InLinkz code will be open for one week.)

Enjoy seeing the verse and vision others have captured by visiting them and leaving a comment.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

They shall Remain nameless or I normally love church suppers, but this is rediculous, or technology at its finest!

My church is a very social church.  There always seems to be a pot luck dinner, a soup supper, or some other kind of celebration.  Rarely do we run short on food, or even suspect that we might be short of food, but that did happen last week.  As Shirley and I were setting up, we looked at the food tables ready for the feast.  "We don't have enough food," Shirley said.   The rest of the parishioners were still in church.  The table was sparse at best.  I had brought ice cream.  "Should I order some pizzas?" I asked, wondering where that came from.  "If they can have them here in half an hour,” she replied.

I found the number of a pizza place about five minutes away.  It's a nationally known chain. I called the local number.  I got a prerecorded announcement saying that I should hold for an agent.  Huh?  An agent came on the line.  I was told that the pizzas would be delivered at 6:36 pm.  Ok, only 6 minutes late.  I ordered.  Shortly, the crowd arrived.  People found their places at the tables.  The food was blessed.  The party began. The tables of food were still very sparse.   6:45, still no pizzas.  I made the first of 3 more calls.

I had to hold for an agent.  Huh?  I explained that the pizzas were late.  They asked for the address.  I didn't know the church's mailing address.  I said, "You can almost see it from your location."  Now, I'm stunned.  "Um, I'm in San Antonio.  I can't see your church."   "I'm in Minnesota, but I'm ordering from someone in Texas for a restaurant I can almost see from here?"  "Yes."

This company did not make me happy that night.  The pizzas arrived at 7:10. By this time, dinner was over, and people were going home.  Yes, people were leaving.  Luckily, a minor seminary for high school aged boys discerning a possible priestly vocation is attached to the church.  They were still hungry, as are all growing boys between the ages of 14 and 18.    It didn't take long for the pizzas to be devoured.  Maybe, that's what this situation was all about.  I won't name the company publicly, but I can assure you, I will not order from them again even on game night which almost requires pizza be served.

 

She's in a Mood...

I told you

she's a diva.

We had a photo shoot the other day.

I'll show you the results of that later.

She was in a mood.

Do you see her face?

She's in a mood, 

but 

I love my girl!

She's just a diva!

 

Spring

When You're Down, Do this!

Three Beautiful Things This Week

Three Beautiful Things This Week was inspired by a wonderful blog that Three Beautiful Things. Everyday, Clare writes about 3 Beautiful Things that happen each day in her life. It's a wonderful blog! I can only hope to imitate her in a very small way.



1) Well, the decision was made.  After a year with pink hair, my hair stylist suggested that I might want to consider the option of going back to my normal colored hair because, even though my hair was almost completely gray before I used the pink, dark hair is growing in, and two, my hair is getting FRIZZY!  Time to let go of the dye, at least for a while!  It was fun, and now I can enjoy the gray!


2) Although its still painful, my wrist is sort of starting to feel better.  I keep working it and working it.  Glad that it's so much better, and the scar is going to be barely seen.  The doc did a great job!


3) We're nearing the end of Lent.  So far, even though I have stumbled and fallen when it comes to my Lenten practices this year, I can dust myself off and start all over again.  That feels good.

30 Word Thursday: Roses Aren't Red, necessarily....

The Meatloaf is cooking.

I see roses,

but that's for later.

I love making roses,

and

mine aren't necessarily red.

I love all colors of roses!

They will bloom soon.

Taken from Erin's Blog:

Treasure's Found:: Inspiration is Everywhere

The premise of 30 Words Thursdays is simple...

Take an image (preferably one you shot, or have permission to use).

Write 30 Words about it. No more. No less.

Post it each Thursday.

Add your link to the InLinkz on my 30 Words Thursday post. 

(InLinkz code will be open for one week.) 

Enjoy seeing the verse and vision others have captured by visiting them and leaving a comment.

Hope to See you there!

 

Well, I messed Up!

I thought tomorrow was 

St. Patrick's Day!

Oooooooops!

Guess I was wrong.

Happy Belated 

St. Patrick's Day 

from

Miss Pixie Marie

and her

person.

How to Help Your Friends in the Various Facebook Groups Sell Their Beads.

We all like to help our friends, or have our friends help us.  Many of us are selling our beads in different Facebook Groups.  You just have to follow the rules in each group in which you list.  Easy Peasy.

Some of the groups now are huge!  Your listing or listings can go to the bottom very quickly.  They might never see the light of day again.  There are a certain number of times that a seller can "bump" their beads.  Again, even with the allowed bumps, you can still find your listing at the bottom of the group in a matter of minutes.

So, how can we as sellers or buyers increase our views?  Many people will "like" our listings, which is very nice.  Don't get me wrong.  The only problem with a like is that it does not bring your listing to the top.  However, a COMMENT on the listing will do that!  Help your friends out by leaving a comment.  Examples would be: 1)This is a beautiful set!   2) I'm hoping this doesn't sell before I get home.  3) Love it!  4) Beautiful!  5) Nummy.  A comment will bring a listing to the top where it can be seen by more buyers.  The more buyers who see a listing  will increase the chances of that listing selling.
Make sense?  Good.

If a seller is smart, they will wait a while before they reply with a "Thank you" in the comment section.  This will again bring the listing to the top.

One word of caution, and I do agree with this, stay away from conversing with a seller.  In most groups, this is a direct violation of the rules.  Conversations are not allowed, but comments are.  Make sense?  Even when I am listing in groups, I try to leave a comment on a listing.  I don't comment on every listing, but I do leave comments for the seller. 

If you find your way to Facebook, and you see my items listed, feel free to leave a comment.  I wish PINS would work, but they would disappear when the item is taken down or sold.  I hope this helps you.  See you in the groups.

Running Behind Today! It's Pixie Cuteness Day!

Isn't my girl adorable!!!!

If you're Irish....

I believe in PINK!

Three Beautiful Things This Week

Three Beautiful Things This Week was inspired by a wonderful blog that Three Beautiful Things. Everyday, Clare writes about 3 Beautiful Things that happen each day in her life. It's a wonderful blog! I can only hope to imitate her in a very small way.


1) Pixie made me laugh when I was taking her picture for St. Patrick's Day.  She made it very clear to me that she didn't like the glass or her tiara!


2) We are enjoying spring like temperatures right now and for a few upcoming days.


3) Got to enjoy the company of an old friend.  He's a priest, can you believe that!  It was nice to see him when he was in town!  There's nothing like old friends no matter who or where they are!

30 Words Thursday: Thrift store Finds for Props

Went to the thrift store yesterday.

I found new props! 

A plaster plaque of sea props including sand,

and some beautiful lilacs for spring.

I like the results.  Do you?

Taken Directly from Erin's Blog

Treasures Found:: Inspiration is Everywhere

The premise of 30 Words Thursdays is simple...

Take an image (preferably one you shot, or have permission to use).

Write 30 Words about it. No more. No less.

Post it each Thursday.

Add your link to the InLinkz on my 30 Words Thursday post.

(InLinkz code will be open for one week.)

Enjoy seeing the verse and vision others have captured by visiting them and leaving a comment.

 

Join us!

It's fun!

I promised today I would show you my props. Are you ready?

Made this one from polymer clay.  I'm not sure I like it.  It makes me think of lava cooling in the center of a hardened rock.  What do you think?

I like this prop and I use it a lot.
I made it from polymer clay.  The grey helps with the colors.  I like it.

 This photo and the one underneath are the same prop.  I like to use it both ways.  I made them out of scrap clay.  I like the way this "dresses up" a background.

This is my favorite prop of all.  Usually, all you see is the legs of this guy.  I didn't make it.  It was a "prize" from somewhere.  The elephant makes each photo a little less formal. 
















What are your favorite props?

Two things: backgrounds, props, and a blog hop, well, I guess that's three things...

I will be taking part in a unique 

blog hop

called The Art of Awareness.

I'm not sure if there is still time to sign up for the 

blog hop, 

but you might want to contact

Lori Anderson,

if  you are interested. 

The idea of the blog hop is to make a piece of awareness

jewelry, key fob, etc.

Some object which calls awareness to a condition or illness.

You do need to buy one of Heather Millican's

bean beads.

She will create a special order just for you.

I will show mine later because, today, I realized that I need one more.

I want to wait until I receive the second one.

Here is the link for Heather's store

SWOONDIMPLES.

I love her beans, I mean, beads, but she does call this style

Beans!

As I looked through Heather's store, 

looking at her photos,

I realized how beautiful her photos were.

There are two things that struck me about her photos.

1) She uses backgrounds more frequently than actual props.

2) If she uses props, they are minimal.

Wow!

and 

her photos are excellent.

Take a look at her store.

You might even want to buy something!

Tomorrow, I'll show you some of my props.

They are quite different from Heather's.

I think I'll have to improve.

Now, I'm off to look for backgrounds!

Click

HERE

for 

Swoondimples.

She grabbed my phone, and, well, the rest is history! Pixie Selfies

But, isn't she sweet and innocent looking?

She's a selfie queen now!

Pixie Speaks!

She's the most beautiful girl in the whole wide world!

Reba McEntire

Three Beautiful Things This Week

Three Beautiful Things This Week was inspired by a wonderful blog that Three Beautiful Things. Everyday, Clare writes about 3 Beautiful Things that happen each day in her life. It's a wonderful blog! I can only hope to imitate her in a very small way.


1) Breakfast with a friend.  How much fun can you have?  It was great to connect after a long time!


2) Same day!  Lunch with a friend!
Even more fun!!!


3) Sunshine and much warmer air is on the way!!!  I can hardly wait!

30 Words Thursday: Marvin and Fred Learning to be Brothers

Not quite there yet,

but getting better.

Marvin is 10.

Fred is 3.

Marvin says, "Leave me alone you young whipersnaper."

Fred just wants to play.

Marvin just sighs.

From Erin's Blog

Treasures Found:: Inspiration is Everywhere

The premise of 30 Words Thursdays is simple...

Take an image (preferably one you shot, or have permission to use).

Write 30 Words about it. No more. No less.

Post it each Thursday.

Add your link to the InLinkz on my 30 Words Thursday post.

(InLinkz code will be open for one week.)

Enjoy seeing the verse and vision others have captured by visiting them and leaving a comment.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Come and Join the Fun!

Thoughts on Music

Pixie Undercover

I haven't told anyone this, except for my doctor and 1,000 of my close Facebook friends,

but I think Pixie saved my life one night last week.

If you don't know,

I am diabetic.

My doctor is trying a new way to treat the disease.  Rather than working with insulin at each meal, I take two insulin shots a day.

It's a lot of trial and error, and I have gotten some lows with which neither my doctor nor I am comfortable.

Normally, Pixie doesn't wake me up in the middle of the night.

One night, I woke to find her snuggling with me.

She wasn't on the bed, but she moved her head under the covers, in a position so that my hand was on her head, very near those ears that require so many ear rubs per day.  She was squirming.  I had to wake up and rub her ears.  I wasn't happy, but then, I knew she must have to go potty.  It was 3:33 AM.  

We went downstairs, and I let her out. 

She was so happy, she came in running, and I followed her upstairs to the kitchen.

Yes, she's the dominant one.

I gave her a treat, and as I was tossing treats to her, I realized I was awfully hungry for this time of night.  I went upstairs to test.  My sugars were at 70.  Not good. 
I keep small cans of pop on hand for times like this.  Usually, half a can will send my sugars up in the slightly high range.  So I drank what I thought was half a can.  I went back to bed, and fell asleep.

When I woke up the next morning, I tested again.

My sugars were at 75!

I checked the can of pop, and there was nothing left in it.  

I was low even with all that sugar in my system!

Of course, I was able to treat the morning low, and I was okay.

I soon realized that if Pixie had not wakened me up when she did,

I might not have wakened up the next morning.

My sugars, without that pop, would have gone to a very low and dangerous level.

So, I guess, Pixie did save my life.  

She's a good girl, and she got lots of ear rubs from me and lots of treats!

March

Dear March,

Last March, I did not consider you so dear.  You were cold and there was a lot of snow falling.  So far, this year, March, you have not disappointed when it comes to cold, but, at least, we know that if you are here, spring is not far behind. 

The snow will eventually change to ice to rain.  The grass will turn green, and we will begin to see small flowers peeking out of the ground
The air will become warmer.  There will be days that we will leave home wearing winter coats, but by afternoon, we'll be wearing short sleeves and sandals.

Many people consider you a fickle month because of the  weather.  I don't think you are fickle, I think you need special attention. 

The robins usually return towards the end of March, then we know that spring is really on the way.  When they land, the robins are greeted with brown lawns that are wet.  The robins seem to enjoy hunting worms.  Then, one day, there are smaller robins.  Life, as usual in March, has found a way.

Well, March, I think it's time for me to go.  I'll be wearing a light weight jacket tonight, but by the time I get home, I will need a coat.  Typical, March, but I do like you anyway.  So, until April, welcome March.  Welcome!

A Day