Worth Repeating Wednesday: Inspiration

Look what I found for inspiration today! I was making supper when I spilled the BBQ sauce. This photo has not been modified. I mean, even if I could modify the photo. Oh well. The bottle spilled on my floor. Look at my bit of inspiration for the day! Isn't that fun?

Now, where did you find inspiration today?

And She Brought a Friend...

Throughout this summer, as Pixie and I walked, we would stop to take pictures of this small bird standing on a lawn.

I talked with the owner of the property,

and she told me that the bird started to come for her visits on Good Friday.

It took a while, but Robin began to leave some food and water on the lawn for the bird.

The little bird visited 3-4 times a week.

She'd sit under a tree on the ground, even if Robin was working outside.

The bird just sat and watched silently.

I took several pictures of this beautiful bird. 

She wasn't afraid, even with Pixie on a leash.

Then, the other day, as Pixie and I were walking, we noticed something new.  

She had brought a friend!

Today, as we walked by, 

her friend was visiting 

again!

Same behaviors.

No fear.

How cool is that?

Mushroom Monday

I have over 10,000 photos in my photo library.

Whenever Pixie and I are out walking, I always take my phone.

It's a rare day that I do not take pictures of something I see.

I do love mushroms.

I'm no expert, if some of these are toadstools, so be it.

I don't know the difference,

and

the only mushrooms I eat are the ones I buy at the grocery store.

I love the way mushrooms look.

They seem to have their own personalities.

Most of the mushrooms I've seen growing,

seem to grow in colonies.

I guess, even mushrooms need a village?

I love their shapes and textures.

Some do resemble fairy gardens.

Others remind me of rocks.

No matter,

a good mushroom is a good mushroom is a good mushroom.

I hope you enjoy these photos!

Hold on tight

Thoughts on a Saturday

The curtains don't let in the early light.

That's a time of day for which I am known for getting up.

I sneak into the living room and open the curtains,

and 

on the horizon,

I see that squeak of light.

The outdoor lights are dimming,

but the moon is still 

round and strong.

It's almost a full moon,

but not quite yet.

The cats blink their eyes as they see the light.

Fred moves over to the window where he finds 

peace.

He sits looking out at the early morning critters.

He simply rests.

He doesn't move.

I snuggle on the couch, but I don't turn on the TV.  I don't want to wake Pixie.

She'll want to walk right now,

and

I'm not ready to get dressed and go out.

Besides, it's raining a little.

Marvin has already managed to cover his eyes and shield them from the early morning sun.

He's going to sleep for a while yet.

Wait, I was wrong. 

Pixie heard me, but all she wants is for me to get off of the couch so she can sleep there.

I slip down to the floor with a warm blanket and pillow.

It's too late, and I know it.

I'm up for the day.

I hear Marvin snoring.

Fred is still watching the sun.

Pixie, well, she's up for a walk.

I throw on my jeans and a coat.

It's cool enough for a lightweight jacket.

Pixie and I walk and walk and walk.

Good thing the Pope will be on TV shortly.

When we get home, I give Pixie her treats and her food.

She's happy.

Her thirst is gone.

Her belly is full.

Fred is still relaxing and gazing outside.

He is looking for the sunbeam,

but so is Marvin,

and 

they both manage to fit into that little beam.

I moved onto the chair that Marvin vacated to find the sunbeam.

It's warm with my blanket.

I turn the TV on low to watch 

Pope Francis' visit in the US.

The commentators are talking.

They make no sense.

Suddenly, I wake up.

The Pope is speaking.

It's been a nice nap.

For a short time,

life was simple.

Problems were easily solved.

Now, Fred is hissing as Pixie goes by.

Marvin is sitting quietly waiting for his food.

The day has begun.

Happy Saturday!

Three Beautiful Things This Week

Three Beautiful Things This Week was inspired by a wonderful blog that Clare writes called 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) Pope Francis arrived in America, and, as I watching him on TV, I think he waved and winked at me!

Don't I wish!  I'm just glad he's here.

 

2) The weather has been warm, but cool.  Dry, but rainy.  Anyway, today was my first jeans day weather.

I had forgotten how much I enjoyed my jeans.

 

3) I found my rock!!!! 

Blog to follow next week!!!!

Yes!

I couldn't Find My Rock, and I wanted to Blog about that, so, I'm showing you some of my most worthless pictures from the last two weeks!

If a picture is worth a thousand words, I've got a lot of words not said here.

1) I watched this big, fat squirrel take a nut, bury it, and dig it up again, only to start the process over again and again and again.  

2) Pope Francis is visiting our country now.  I won't get a chance to see him in person, so I made a mini Pope Francis out of polymer clay.

3) Pixie was sleeping on the floor.  She doesn't care that Pope Francis is in the US.

4) I was trying to get some cute shots of Marvin.  He would have nothing to do with it.  He refused to look at me no matter where I stood.  This was the best shot of the bunch.

5) Fred was guarding what he feels is his chair, however, it is my chair.  Once in it, I will not move.  The same goes for him.  The rule is first in.  Last out.

6) My feet were cold.  Fall is here.

7) Fall is here!  No more shaving legs for a long winter!

8) I washed my socks and they didn't dry completely.  They are hanging on the hangers to dry.

9) I bought new slippers tonight.  I bought some very warm mucklucs.  I love them!

10) I took a picture of a sink because we need a new one.  I have to take this with me to go pick out a new sink and faucet.

11) This is just a picture: Fake hands and an empty quarter pounder box.

12) These are eye shadows, both matte and glitter filled.  I'm going to experiment with them next week when I go back to clay.  My wrist is feeling much better.  I knew it needed a rest.

13) The camera slipped out of my hands as I was taking this picture.  It's really kind of cool!

14)  I didn't realize I had put this one into the collage again.  See #8 for a description.

I will continue my search for my rock.  I will blog about it next week.  

I guess you can see my life is very low keyed and uninteresting.  

Sigh!

Worth Repeating Wednesday: What Would Pixie Do? Why Dogs Can Be More Sneaky Than We Are...

You're at the vet with Pixie.  A person comes in with her dog, but you don't like the way this person is controlling her aggressive dog.  The dog just growled at Pixie.

What does Pixie do?

Pixie quickly sniffs the other dog's butt,  then, as she is walking away,

lifts the owner's coat and sniffs the owner's butt.

The owner thinking it is her dog who stuck her nose up her butt,  reprimands her dog whom she can't control.

Pixie, now at the other end of the room, just smiles her Pixie smile.

No one suspected her!

That's what Pixie would do.  

Where Are the Beads?

Sometimes, in the course of things called life,

events become bit overwhelming.  

Emotions whirl.

Relationships change.

Fatigue becomes your best friend.

It's not that I haven't been making beads.

I have.

I just haven't been happy with most of the beads I have been making.

I know that the time is coming when I will, once again, make some very lovely beads.

I know this for sure.

The problem is that right now,

I can't.

I've thrown away more beads than I have listed.

I guess, I just need a break. 

I'm taking a break this week.

My wrist is very sore. 

I'm focusing on making Rosary bracelets using my extra beads.

I want to use up all that I have,

and I have a lot of beads,

and start over.

I want to collect beautiful beads.

I want to make beautiful beads.

It's the bead addict in me,

the hoarder in me.

Beads are beautiful, but, I've learned that they are more beautiful when used or displayed.

I love what you can do with glass.

I love what you can do with polymer clay.

Soon.

Soon.

I'll be back,

and 

I'll be back strong!

It's just time for a bead break.

Soon.

Soon.

More beads!

I Heart Hearts

These are some hearts that I hope to get listed in my Esty Store soon.

I love the 

I Am Woman Series.

I'm also adding 

Word hearts to the line.

Last of all, I have about 3 flower hearts to add.

I'll get these done,

I hope.

If you want to see what else is there,

click

 go to

Rosebud's Lampwork Beads.

More later!

We are Family!

Three Beautiful Things This Week

Three Beautiful Things This Week was inspired by a wonderful blog that Clare writes called 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) Yes, that's me with my "Flat Francis."  I know this is my beads blog, but I am so happy to know that Pope Francis will be visiting our country, I had to share that news with you!  

Viva, Pope Francis!

I wish I could be there, too!

2)  We had a rainy day yesterday.  I do love rainy days!  A little lake formed out back, but that made the day more beautiful!

3) Today marks the 6th anniversary of Pixie making me her human.  She came into my life 6 years ago, and has been the perfect dog for my life.  To celebrate, Pixie is going to get an entire hamburger today for herself!  I can't believe it's been 6 years!

What I did on My Summer Vacation

Fall officially starts 

next Wednesday,

September 23.

That means we have summer for 6 more days.

My summer flew by!

Between waiting for my daughter's stem cell transplant to start, and taking care of her post transplant,

my life has been

Busy,

Slow,

Busy.

So, here's what I did on my summer vacation.

1) I learned to like brussel sprouts.

When seasoned properly, they are very good, not delicious, but very good.

2) I spent way too much time on Facebook.  At times it was my outlet to the world.  At others, it was just a waste of time.

3) I blogged a lot, once I was able to get my mind in gear again.

4) Even though I knew this, my adult children are the best!  They grew up to be the kind of person I have always wanted to be.  They are so far ahead of me, I am in awe.

5) I learned that some friends forget you.  Some run away.  Some friends you can count on because they don't abandon you no matter what.  Some friends are there only for the drama.  Some friends don't understand what you deal with daily.  Some friends are friends for now.  Some friends you will never forget even in a state of dimentia, and they are few and far between.  

6) I didn't take a vacation this year.  That's okay.  I was where I needed to be, and for that I am so grateful!

7) I downgraded myself from artist to crafter.  I'm not sure if that's good or bad.

8) I learned that prayer, no matter what, is essential.

9) I learned that what matters is not you, but the other person.  What we can give counts more than what we can take.

10)  I learned that, no matter what, no matter where, family counts, and I am eternally grateful for my family!

That's what I did on my summer vacation.

What did you do on your summer vacation?

Happy Birthday to Jenny!

My daughter is one year older this year than last!

Happy Birthday, Jenny!

Nick and I love you!!!

Now, that's what I call Beautiful!

This would be a little bit late in New Mexico, 

but in Minnesota, 

it's just about right.

I'm roasting green chiles right now.

It's a tradition I brought with me from my homeland.

They used to be hard to find.

Relatives would send me gunny sacks of green chiles

so that I could roast and freeze.

My kids watched the process evolve.

I used to roast the chiles in my broiler.

I'd cover them with Crisco and let them blacked in the flames.

They'd cool in the sink, and when they were cooled, I would 

peel the skins off the chiles, place them in a freezer bag, and we would enjoy them for the rest of the year.

After that, because there was so much grime to clean off the oven,

I turned to the grill.

I'd use spray on the grill and then I'd cover the chiles in crisco and let them blacken. 

They'd go back in the sink, cool, be skinned and enjoyed in the Minnesota winters.

Now, I only have a few chiles to roast, but the smell is heavenly!

Yes, it's smoke, but it is wonderful!

These green chiles will be eaten in a day or two.

They won't last any longer than that.

It's a nice day, so I have the doors open to let out the smoke.

This smell takes me back,

and 

I like the trip of the memories.

I hope I can do this again next year!

I "HEART" these hearts!

I worked on hearts yesterday.

This one is 

HUGE.  

It's as big as the palm of my hand!

I decided this one is 

MINE! MINE! ALL MINE!

 The hearts aren't finished yet,

but 

I think you'll like them!

Anyway,

this post is short

because I want to work on those hearts.

See you tomorrow!

Real Friends

It's a nice Day!

Three Beautiful Things This Week

Three Beautiful Things This Week was inspired by a wonderful blog that Clare writes called 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) Yesterday was a day that was beautiful, cool, and every much like autumn.  The heat of the summer is gone.  I liked yesterday!

2) I'm enjoying Doc, not that Doc does anything or requires any attention.  I think that's why I'm enjoying Doc.

3) School started this week.  Second happiest day of my year!  I don't have to get up early.  retirement is wonderful!

In Loving Memory...

September 11, 2001

A day never to forget.

Massive casualties.

Trails of destruction.

Families separated forever.

One minute checking email.

The next minute

seeing the face of God.

Today, I remember what I was doing when the first plane hit.

I'll never forget, and I was hundreds of miles of away.

Heroes, all of them, that tried to stop the insanity.

Condemned to death by a radical few.

God, forgive them.

God, help us to forgive.

We stop and remember for a moment, in silence, then reading the names of those who were lost.

Is that enough?

We think of those who worked in the sludge of destruction,

Seeing things they should never see.

Feeling their desperation, when they couldn't save the dead.

Give them strength, Lord.

There were those who went back in to help and never came out.

Give their families strength as they remember again and again.

Can we forget what happened on this day?

No, and we shouldn't.

Can we forgive?

Forgive, yes we should.

We have to forgive or it eats us up.

God Bless America!

We'll never forget!

God protect America!

Please.

 

 

Meet "Doc"

Doc came into our home on Tuesday,

and, as he should be treated, he was immersed in cool water and moved around a bit.

What is he?

Well, despite my best efforts to obtain one,

Doc is not a tribble.

He's a fuzzy ball of algae called a 

Marimo.

He's easy to grow, and, due to his size,

he must be around 2-3 years old.  

Marimo grow very slowly in the wild.

Doc, though, was farm raised and grown.

The Marimo are becoming scarce in the wild.

Too many poachers are taking them to be grown in the home.

I'm glad Doc was born on a farm and harvested from there.  

Those in the wild deserve to be free.

These Marimo are round because they are moved so much by the waves in the ocean.

The stream of waves keeps them moving.

I'm hoping Doc retains his shape.

He grows easily in tap water.

He only requires that his water be changed once a week.

He likes his water cool because the Marimo are found in the deeper, darker parts of the oceans

No need to feed him, he gets his food from the light that comes into his home.

He doesn't need bright light either.

Too much light will make Doc turn brown.  

Doc is in the middle of the dining room table where he has ample light.

I'm anxious to see him grow, but I might not live long enough to see him reach the 12 inch size that the older ones attain.

I just hope that Doc is happy in our home.

He's very happy so far.

 

Worth Revisiting Wednesday: I Want This Day to Stay!

I'm sitting outside on this wonderful day in Minnesota. I can't say that all days are wonderful days in Minnesota. There are so many bitter cold days, and this is what I tend to remember. I remember more days full of ice, show, and wind than I care to contain in my brain. 

I remember days of looking across the street and not being able to see my neighbor's house because there was so much snow blowing. 

In the spring and summer, I remember thunderstorms so strong, that they actually become frightening. I remember the sirens going off to let us know that somewhere within five miles of us, a tornado or funnel cloud has been spotted either by

doplar radar, law enforcement, or a trained weather spotter. 

I remember going to my hairdresser's shop, looking outside of her window, and seeing a large wall cloud with rotation. Through all this, though, we have been lucky. We have not been involved in a tornado, knock on wood. Nor has our home been damaged by straight line winds. No, thank God, the worst that could happen with weather, hasn't. Today, as these memories come back, and I find myself clinging to this day, I only know I want today to stay. The humidity is low. The breezes are gentle. The clouds are soft and whispy. I am grateful for today, and I want today to stay!

Cleaning Goop

I made some.

I like it.

Saves Money.

Takes about 10 minutes to Make.

It Works!

Click

HERE

for the recipe to make it!

Have fun!

Well, I Hit the Post Button, but I forgot to enter the Date and Time to Post, so, I'll Show You What I did This Weekend...

 I played with 

clay!
Yesterday, September 5, was the official feast day of
Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta.
She is my patron saint this year.
So,
I decided to make a small likeness of her in clay.

I love sculpture.
Faces are not the greatest, but I think I did a fairly good job on
Mother Teresa.
She was fun to do!

 I also had time to make a pendant,
and it's big!
I wore this to Mass on Sunday.
We had a visiting missionary priest who really liked it.
I was thrilled!
The words on the pendant say,
"Peace begins with a smile."
These words are Mother Teresa's words.

Peace begins with a smile.
Smile at someone today.
You might make them feel good!

Remember, it takes more muscles to frown than to smile.

Smile!

Memories of Family Recipe Books

We all have them, or we used to have them, until we put them in the garage sale box or took them to the thrift store when they didn't sell.  

(Don't tell, but that's what I did!)

Now, I either cook what's left in my mind, or I go online and find something good to eat!

The other day, my favorite nephew, John messaged me on Facebook to ask what my middle name was.  Of course I told him, but the name to which he was referring was my maiden name.

After we figured that out, we made some progress.

John said, "I've got something to send you.  Check your email." 

So, I did.

What I found in my inbox was a recipe from an old family recipe book.

There are those who love to cook.

I'm not fond of it, but I will do what I have to do to survive. 

I remember the request for this book.

I don't think I was in a particularly good mood at the time.

I'm glad people laughed, though.

My recipe was unlike any other in the book.

I didn't add a sprinkle of laughter, to a pinch of joy.

No, not at all.

I added my favorite recipe ever,

and,

it is an original.

Tell me what you think.

I should have won the prize for the 

BEST

RECIPE

EVER!!!

Namaste:::

The Weekend

Three Beautiful Things This Week

Three Beautiful Things This Week was inspired by a wonderful blog that Clare writes called 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) I thought we had seen the last of the HOT weather, but, September is fickle.  I know this is a respite from the coming cold, and, for that I am grateful, but it would be nice for the weather just to be pleasant.

2) Walking Pixie at night has become a joy.  The temperatures are cooler.  The dark is surprisingly peaceful.  Our way is well lit.

3)  Sleep comes so easily.  I'm always ready for sleep now.  I sleep much later now.

What is She Doing with All that Garlic? I think I'll stay AWAY from her!

Yes, that's a lot of garlic, but that was only 1 of the 5 heads of garlic I bought.

Yes,

I said I bought

5

heads of garlic,

not cloves,

5 bulbs of garlic.

I do have a plan.

A friend of mine on 

Facebook

has become quite the person to know for her gift of fermenting.

I have watched her knowledge and experience grow in the last few months when she started to brew her own kombucha.

If you don't know what it is, simply put, kombucha is a fermented tea said to have probiotic qualities.  I love it, but it's very expensive to buy.  I hope to make some soon.

As I read Celine's page, I saw that she was going to start fermenting garlic in honey!

What?

There is no medical evidence to prove this, but there are claims of faster healings from viral infections since garlic has a great deal of vitamin C and honey has antibiotic properties.

There are some concerns about botulism with this fermenting, but from what I read, if it happens, it's very rare and usually related to improper fermenting practices.  It does happen.  I am making no claims about this as being good or bad.  I only know that I am going to try this.

When it comes to cold and flu season, I do have a mixture I use to help me at the first sign of a cold, and it does help.

I make a hot tea of lemon juice, raw garlic cloves (anywhere from 3-5 big cloves), and a teaspoon of honey.  I drink many glasses of this in the course of a day, and it helps.

So, what I am going to do is this because there really isn't a recipe per say.  It's just how much you want to make.

I thought I would have waaaaaaaay too many garlic cloves for the size of the jars I bought.  What you see in the picture is one bulb of garlic.  It filled my small jar.

I bought some local honey, because that was recommended in the posts I read.

I added the garlic and poured in some honey, and I sealed the jar.  You are supposed to leave about 2 inches of room for the fermenting to expand.  I don't think I did in this small jar.  I'm considering moving the contents to the larger jar I bought. 

Now, it will take one month for this to ferment.  On October 2nd, I can open the jar and use its contents.

I guess the color of both the garlic and the honey will change to a rich, nutmeg color.  

I'll keep you posted.

In the meantime,

I'm going to have garlic breath!

Worth Repeating Wednesday: A Love Story Worthy of the Mistake

Yes, I was grieving for Spike, my dobbie of 13 years, but I knew I needed another dog in my life. (I think he had something to do with this!)  The day Jenny and I took him in to the vet, I sobbed.  Even now, I sob for the loss of that dog.  He had been with me through some terrible times in my life, and he gave me his unconditional love.

After Spike had been resting for about a week, I was talking to a friend about a new dog.  I told her, "I think I want a greyhound."  I was stunned.  Where had that come from?  I hadn't thought of a greyhound since we had our beautiful Bailey, who had died from lymphoma a year and  a half after we brought him home.  That was a wound that had not healed.  I had sworn no more hounds!  So, where did that come from?

I went online to look at greyhound rescue groups.  There are 3 in Minnesota.  I called one group.  I was told to download the application and send it in.  They would evaluate my application, and let me know.  They also said that they would have to do a home inspection.  Okay.  I remembered that from Bailey.   I went online, and to my delight, I found that I could submit the form online!  I filled it out, and waited until the end of the week.  I received a call from the Minnesota Greyhound Rescue.  Yes, they were glad I had submitted my application.  Could they come and do a home visit?  Had I looked at Pixie?  She was a dog that needed a special home, and they felt that mine might be the one.

Yes, I had seen her, but she looked a little strange.  Oh, don't worry about that, she just didn't want to have her picture taken that day.  Okay.   How about if we arrange a get together?  

Okay.

Better yet, how about if I bring her to Mankato, and if you like her, you can keep her.

Okay.

We are now into two weeks post Spike.  Kelley was coming to town the next week.  Would I be available?  Of course!

The van arrived and three dogs got out.  When they came in, two of the dogs jumped on the couch and love seat.  Kelley asked if that was all right.  Of course.  Are you sure?  Yes.  The third dog just looked at me and made herself comfortable on the floor.  In the meantime, Kelley and I talked a bit.  She said, "Do you want to keep her?"

Wow!  Of course!

So Kelley loaded up the other two hounds, and Pixie looked at me.  She was a big suspicious.  Kelley left, and I ran around getting out food and water dishes.  I had some left over food from Spike, so that was good.

I remembered what Ceasar Milan had said about welcoming a new dog into the home.  Take them for a walk.  Be calm and assertive.  I put a leash on Pixie, and she looked at me like, "What are we doing?"
I took her for our first walk together.  She had no idea of what to do, but she seemed to like it.  We came home.  I showed her the bed on which she would sleep.  She jumped on the bed and went to sleep.
The next morning, she woke me up.  I think she needed to go potty.  I woke up to a cold nose on my face and those beautiful eyes staring into mine, and she nipped my nose.  Whoa!!!  That wasn't supposed to happen.  Little did I know, she was a diva!  So, we began to learn about each other.  I never felt from her the affection I had felt from Spike.  Pixie was more aloof, but she loved a good ear rub.  She loved people!  She liked other dogs.  She loved to run.

About three weeks into our relationship, I received a call from the greyhound rescue.  They called to let me know that they hadn't received my application yet and wanted to know if I was still interested in a greyound?
What?  That's right.  I had applied to the wrong organization!  But things were so right, because, I had Pixie.
More on our love story later.  It's been almost 3 years now, and I have to admit, she does own my heart!!!

Chapter 2 will be coming up next week.  Pixie and I did become friends.

Dear September

Dear September,

I remember when I used to greet you with a bit of bitter and a bit of sweet.

The sweet was the fact that summer was over, and the kids were returning to school.

The bitter was the fact that summer was over and the kids were returning to school.

Being a mother and having been a teacher,

I felt the emotions on both sides.

It was a relief not to hear the drama of "I'm bored," but it was a fist clenching few days as we prepared to welcome our students into the classroom.

 September, I don't consider you a month of drama, but I do consider you a month of transition, a month of  

quiet change.

There will be a few warm days, truthfully, Hot days.  I remember when my kids would go without light jackets or sweaters and freeze on the way to school, or they would wear their jackets, jeans, and long sleeved shirts, only to find that they were a sweaty mess when they came home.

Now, September is just September. 

"It is what it is."

I am retired.

The kids are adults and have not lived at home in many years.

They like September since the cooler weather makes it easier to exercise outside and enjoy those last few friendly gatherings outside.

The state fair is going right now.

The weather is great for that.

September, sometimes, you fool me.

Sometimes, I come home a sweaty mess, and some days I trust you, and I freeze.

What to do?  What to do?

The air is cooler now.

I like that.

September, what have you got in store for us?

I guess we'll wait and see.