Sunday 9/22/19
A quick post of the pumpkin given to me by a friend. This little guy starts my day with a smile. Thank you, Melanie.

3/9/2018 - Necklaces

Necklaces - These 3 necklaces were laying on my desk waiting to be put away.  I began thinking how all of our possessions have a story; i.e., where they came from, why we ended up with them, their value to us, etc.  And, yes, each of these have a story. 
  The first necklace on the left is special to me because a friend gave it to me.  The little hang tag says: Raku Medallions, made by hand with love. Additional information about the process tells how the medallion is fired in an outdoor kiln and left to smolder in a pit with wood shavings.  Not everyone survives their trial by fire.  The ones that do cultivate strength & beauty. 
  This necklace was mailed to me by a  friend who knew I was undergoing treatment for cancer and now lives in Arizona (how we met is another story).  So, the butterfly necklace which is engraved on the back with the words "I am Renewed", represents how I hope to be renewed and transformed into healthy.  Transformed like the butterfly spirit animal who goes from a caterpillar that is only capable of crawling to becoming a butterfly that is capable of taking
flight across seas and continents.
  The middle necklace doesn't have a lot of significance other than I liked the charms and turquoise.  I had some points to spend at the casino gift shop and this is what I chose.
  I made the last necklace at the local library during a workshop where the group made necklaces from polymer clay. Billed as a Diffuser Necklace, these were crafted with the intention of rubbing essential oils on them for aromatherapy enjoyment. A speaker from Young Living Essential Oils was also present to give some basic information on essential oils.
  

Savory Blend

March 5, 2018

I visited with some friends 3/3/18.  We discussed essential oils and spices.  One friend had found a recipe for a seasoning blend in a recent Woman's Day magazine.  We each made a little sample to take home.  I've tried it on a few things and really like it.  Here it is:

Mix together in equal parts:

Dried Oregano               Ground Black Pepper
Onion Powder                Ground Cayenne Pepper
Garlic Powder                Salt
Ground Coriander          Rosemary
Ground Sage                  Ground Turmeric

I plan to look for the article on my next trip to the library.  She mentioned something about a lady saying this blend had helped her loose 60 pounds without making any other changes to her diet.  Sounds pretty "magical" to me and it tastes good, too!

Windmill Bag - 7/17/17

Windmill Bag - Crochet Version
I have knitted a couple Windmill Bags but recently ran across this crocheted version (shown in blue on the right.)  I am using my blog to link to the pattern so I will have it available. My attempts to copy and paste the pattern to a document was not working for me.  Shown on the left is a knitted version of the Windmill bag that I did earlier.  The smaller Windmill bag below is another bag that I knitted.   The pattern for the crocheted version  was found on a Blog entitled " Tales and Yarn"  ......    http://laurielaliberte.blogspot.com/2013/05/don-quixote-eat-your-heart-out-free.html   

4/30/2017 - Profile pictures............Ebay, Artfire, Etsy

4/30/2017 -  I found this picture in an old car magazine and thought it was kind of cool.  I wonder if there is some kind of law prohibiting me from using this as my profile picture?  I see people posting and selling patterns from old magazines (crochet and knit).  There is probably some time restriction.  I tried to research it but the actual law, etc is a little cloudy to me. Since I find myself listing old stuff and a lot of it automobile related, to the left is what may be my new EBay profile pic:  Mona Lisa in auto goggles, driving cap and holding a wrench.

The photo I use for my Atfire site is a picture of my paternal grandmother.  It makes me smile every time I think of her.  I am a charter member of Artfire but thinking of dropping my account ----- nothing ever shows in searches other than if you are already on and using Artfire (most people are not aware of it --- all know about Etsy).  That means I don't sell much there because no one sees it.  Of course, Artfire has options available, if you are willing to PAY MORE, that will put your shop in the search listings more prominently.  My solution ---- I may soon be switching to Etsy.......haven't gotten that done yet. 

I am spending a lot of time recently trying to sell things from the barn........If I made it to 150 years old, it wouldn't be long enough to online sell that stuff!  I have realized Ebay is kind of a hard sell, too.  For example, if you do a search for a vintage dress, Ebay says there are 725,000 listed!  It could be awhile before anyone sees mine!  But, I am learning some tricks to getting your things seen.  Also how important it is not to give up!

On the subject of photos, I have one other photo that I use currently as my avatar on Ebay.   It is an old cabinet photo of a true gypsy, tambourine and all. 

Saturday April 29,2017 Gypsy Cupboard Doll

April 29,2017 - It is a rainy Saturday and I will be going to a crawfish (going, not eating) boil at Mudbugs (even the name is disgusting) this afternoon. They do have other good food so I am happy to go ------ I just don't like crawfish!  Then......

I think I will go to the library and make a copy of this pattern that is sold to someone on EBay.  I listed it because I figured I would never get around to making it but it is sooooo cool!  I can see it being made up as a goddess, a gypsy, or some other character and holding your prized possessions.  I have a couple days to get it done.  The listing (click on the link at left) doesn't go off for a couple more days. 

My last post was the day I went to the gyenocologist.....still no word from that test.  Then, my chemo/blood doctor sent me last SUNDAY (4/22/2017) for a renal Doppler test.  Like it was so urgent he had me go on a SUNDAY!  And.........been a week now and no info on those results.  

4/4/2017 - Tuesday down.....

Today started out with a trip to the Indy gynecologist.  I am still having to go every 3-4 months, ugh. Enough about that.......I was out of there and on my way to lunch at Mudbugs with Randy.   He loves seafood and although I am not much of seafood fan they had a wonderful Cajun flavored pulled pork dip sandwich that I would definitely order again.  And, will have that opportunity because later this month is some kind of a critter/crawdad boil that he has plans to attend.  On the way to the parked car we passed an antique store.  I did a little looking around and found this rather unique piece.  I like odd things but I do not see anything about this that would make me want to have it setting around my place, especially not at $245.  If someone wants buttons, they should buy my button embellished jean blazer below. It has been listed on Ebay, but no takers.  I think I will give it another try. 

So, I ended this day on a happy note.  Now, I just need to get through the long, costly process of having my taxes filed tomorrow.  I think I will end that day with a visit and some shopping at a thrift shop or flea market.

Recipe for Whipped Cream Icing

April 3, 2017 Recipe for Whipped Cream Icing:  This post is short and sweet.  Years ago I loved using this icing between a chocolate cake that had 4 layers.  I spent time yesterday and a good chunk of today looking for it.  Finally, I went to the barn and looked through my mom's neatly filed recipes and there it was........

Whipped Cream Icing

1/2 cup Crisco

1/2 Cup Margarine

1 cup granulated sugar

Put first 3 ingredients together and beat until creamy.

Cook 1 cup milk & 4 Tbsp flour till a thick paste, cool.  Beat into first ingredients and whip to whipped cream consistency.  Add Flavoring to taste.

The Tower - Whole New Ballgame.....................BUCKLE UP!

April 1, 2017 - I drug out the old Tarot Cards a couple of days ago:  Yesterday it was the DEATH card, and today I received the TOWER!   I know the Death card doesn't usually mean physical death but some type of transformation.  Not so bad.  However, my past experience with the Tower is another story.  I received this card repeatedly before my divorce back in 1995 so whenever it appears (especially if consistently), I know it is time to fasten your seatbelt for a rocky ride.

Shown at the left are two versions of the Tower card.  At left is from the Rider Waite Deck and on the right is from Bascball Tarot Cards.  I actually love the Baseball deck.  Now for the meaning:
According to the Baseball Deck:
Sometimes a bolt comes out of the blue and everything's changed.  Even in the worst cases, the lightning that brings destruction also brings illumination and a bracing demand for a fresh start.

When this card appears in a reading......Startling changes may be on their way.  Whole New Ballgame suggests various types of breakdowns and alterations, including endings, realignments, or disclosures of hidden aspects of well-established relationships, organizations or belief systems.  At these times, denial is counterproductive and resistance is futile.  You have no say in whether or not the change should happen; your only choice is how you deal with it.

Another interpretation from Seventy-eight Degrees of Wisdom: The universe and the human mind will not allow us to stay forever imprisoned in our towers of illusion and repression.  If we cannot free ourselves peacefully, then the forces of life will arrange an explosion!

If receiving this card isn't an April Fools Joke, all I can say is BUCKLE UP! 

Junking Finds. . . . . . . .3/31/17

March 31, 2017 - I was out and about last Wednesday when I ran across this artsy lamp.  He is ceramic and VERY heavy.  The bowl he is holding has holes and light bulbs so the light filters down on him.  I actually loved this guy!  However, I did not buy him. His price was only $49.99, less 30% senior discount + 7% tax  or approx. $38.  I am not sure he would have even fit in my car was reason #1 that I didn't buy him.  Reason #2 was I decided that it is time to stay out of my savings and adhere to a budget which in the very near future includes taxes and more taxes.
There is only one other time I remember really remember regretting not making a Goodwill-find purchase.  It was a really nice, large leather backpack - $4.99.  They are truly back in style now and I think about that every time I go into a Goodwill.  Of course, I have made a lot more purchases I regret than vice versa.

Also shopping the local Emporium Flea Market, I ran across this Oster "DoAll" mixer.  It is exactly like the one my mother left and I use now.  Mine is the great Harvest Gold color of the what...70,s?  This one was priced at $75.  Not all that bad of a price considering a new KitchenAid is +$300 now!  I think that is crazy!  Yesterday I ran across the manual for my mixer. 

In my quest to stay within budget, I applied for some jobs.  Yes, I think I am ready to return to work if someone will have me.  Last week I chopped, chopped, chopped my hair........a definite indication that I have too much time on my hands.

A little bird told me. . . . . .

March 28, 2017

Here is a little bird I knitted from the Ravelry Site, Bookmark Birds by Claire Garland.  Of Course, I received a good message from my random opening of the book:

Most of us believe that the freedom and power of adulthood is our due, but we have little taste for adult responsibility and self-discipline. 

I am certainly identifying with this as tax time approaches as well as the consequences I am now experiencing as a result of not practicing self-discipline.  Oh well, some of us work better under pressure.........................................  

Agenda - Mannequin Repair

March 22, 2017 - Plans for this year include refurbishing some mannequins from the barn.  I have been going around and gathering parts; i.e. fingers, arms, wigs.  This article from the Mannequin Queen has a lot of information and I think I will give it a try.  Also, all are in need of a little wig restyling. 

WHile researching this subject I ran across some other ideas of things to do with dress forms.  Such as the Christmas tree above. . . . and there are many more just a Google away!  I have a small dress form in my living room now.  I use it to hang some handmade jewelry, an old hat - and mostly top off the wooden piece my mother used as a stand for an Indian bust she had.  Mom did go through the Indian stage........I have lots of artifacts to show for that.   The amazing thing about those is that she found most of them right here on the farm!  In addition to finding them, she numbered, logged the date and field found, mounted them on poster board and displayed them !  I am still dealing with this 6 foot showcase in a tiny bedroom that I now use as my office.  One more note on the wooden stand - it is actually a part of the railing from the old Anderson, Indiana Court house that was torn down.  I am showing this dress form here and adding a note that a dear friend, Kenny Criswell, gave me this. 

Time for New Beginnings

3/20/2017 - I haven't been on blogger for a long time.  My internet through AT&T is working pretty good and I have been doing several listings on EBay.  Some of my latest sales included a Crow Loop Necklace I made when I lived in Friendship, Indiana. I think it was 1995 when I left there so it has been stuck in a drawer for around 20 years.  It certainly is time to start getting rid of things around here. 

I entitled this entry Time for New Beginnings.  I think it is also time to see about going back to work.  Several reasons for this....................... I believe there is some truth to the old Proverb The Devil finds work for idle hands to do"

I would love just to start working.  I hate the job application process.  I also still have this health thing where I need to go in for Kidney stents every 3 months.  That could be a problem.

 

January Happenings - "Go to the Light"

1/20/2017 - It has been a VERY rainy and overcast January here in Indiana.  They are talking about temperatures reaching 60 in the next couple of days.  I am in for that.  Although it has been a mild January, I have already used 400 gallon of propane since my 800 gallon fill was completed November 23.  Of course, now that the water is fixed to the apartment, I have been heating it too this winter. 

A little sad note:  On January 12, 2017 my last Aunt passed away.  There were no services but I believe she was 95 years old.  I have curtains in the kitchen with wine bottles one of which has a 1921 label.  I remember her saying, "that is the year I was born." I was kind of shocked when I received the picture at right.  She had lost a lot of weight since I last spent time with her. But, as you can see, she was still smiling!  Bye Aunt Kathryn!    January 12, 1945 was the date my brother was born.  He is also gone.  Passed away in 2001 at the young age of 56 with throat cancer.    Hope they are all in the LIGHT!

I saw this article on White Light thru Phylameana lila Desy's newsletter.  For more on her Views on the Spiritual Realms and Holistic Healing, sign up for her newsletter thru the link above.

Basic Definition of White Light

White light is the space within the universe that houses positive energies. White light can be called upon by anyone (healers, empaths, the devout, and you too!) for assistance, healing, and protection from negative energies or wonky vibrations.

Spiritual Realms / States of Consciousness

Third Dimension - The physical plane. The earth, our home planet resides in the 3rd dimension. It is not our true home, often thought of as a melding pot of karmic balancing. An advanced school that allows acceleration of soul growth through the human experience.
Fourth Dimension - The astral plane. Playground of the astral travelers, this is the land of dreams and nightmares. The 4th dimension is also the address of the akashic library, where all of our actions and experiences (past, present, and future) are cataloged.
Fifth Dimension - The illusion of time does not exist in this plane. Whereas the 4th dimension is a place for discovery, sifting through all the clutter of your life lessons, karmic connections, etc. Inner knowing has been achieved, a place of extreme relaxation.
Sixth Dimension - A blending of spirits. Evolution of being One. The facade of being separate falls away in the 6th dimensions. The ideology of I AM GOD first emerges from this level of consciousness. Full of heart. Favorite hang out of the ascended masters, angels, and our higher selves.
Seven Dimension - Call it what you will: Heaven, Christ Consciousness, or The Awakening. The 7th dimension has no limitations. It's a pure state of being.

Christmas desserts 2016

December 25, 2016 - Here is my contribution to Christmas dinner at the Fesler's:  Butterscotch pie, Chocolate Pie and Cheesecake.  Not much else going on .  I haven't bought any gifts.  I just cannot get into this holiday.  That's all I have to say about it.

My last post mentioned listing a couple Pendleton Jackets on Ebay.  Well, the blue XL sold for $33 and is on its way to Washington DC. The red one did not sell but I will relist it after the holidays.

To the left is my office floor.  It is filled with packing material and various items waiting to be listed.  I am going to have to get a lot better at selling to make some of this mess worthwhile.  Shipping is like a big puzzle.  I try to find the cheapest and safest method of shipping.

Listing on Ebay

December 15, 2016: It is 5 degrees in Anderson, Indiana today.  I have been keeping myself busy on these cold days by listing things on EBay,  So far, I've had $80 in sales

Listing next are these Pendleton Wool Jackets found in the closet.  I drug out part of my massive button collection in an attempt to find a replacement leather button for one of the sleeve cuffs. Since the top red jacket is not in the best shape, I may list it with one of the others (one with missing button).   Won't that be a deal no one can refuse?

I noticed a vintage L.L. Bean jacket hanging in the barn storage.  I remember my mother wearing that one.  I never thought much of it then, but she always had a good eye for good labels and .......if I don't start wearing it myself, it may be the next item listed.

Ready for the Christmas party

 I'm going to an event on Friday in Indianapolis.  I needed something a little bit dressy.  I tried on a couple dresses and decided that with the weight I've gained I didn't need to be showing my legs. So, I ended up with this red sparkly top.  I'll wear my black skinny pants and wedge heel black suede boots.  I haven't bought a new winter dress coat in years! What I've got will have to do!

Goodwill: Shop, Donate, Shop, Donate, Shop

I dropped off some things at the Goodwill a couple of days ago.  Of course, I thought I should go in to check selling prices so I could declare the right amount for tax purposes.  While there, I ran across a skirt exactly like this one, at right,  posted on Ebay for $45.00.  The one at the store was a medium, new with tags; the one on Ebay is small, new with tags.  I passed up buying the one at Goodwill.  I am "watching" the one on Ebay. . . so far no bids received.  Click here to view it. I was proud of myself for not buying something to post when I have so much at home,

  I  did purchase a set of 4 silicone lids and discovered that these were originally quite expensive.  They are Charles Viancin Hibiscus like the set shown below.  Mine were only  $3.50; these priced at $40.95.  Top Left is a Vintage Maid divided vegetable dish, brown drip pattern.  I needed that, too!   When I was married way back around 1975, Pflatzgraf Gourmet was the dish type we had.  I am still toting those around to this day and have a cabinet full as well as a lot of pieces in the barn.  Several other companies - Hull and Vintage Maid for two - have a similar brown drip pattern.  That's it a day of shop, donate, shop, donate.

Mom's Christmas Recipes - Homemade Soft Carmels, Cheesecake

I am going to try another of Mom’s recipes today.  This one is for CARMEL CANDY.  The soft ones.  I’ve been a little hesitant to try it because it is different than most I see on the internet.  This one calls for a whole pound of butter!  Most of the recipes I researched have a little less sugar and are asking for 1 CUP of butter.  However, I doubted her on the cheesecake recipe only to find out it was right on. That one follows this candy recipe:

Mom’s Homemade Soft Carmels

1 lb butter                     3 cups sugar

½ tsp salt                      1 can Eagle Brand Milk

1 pint Karo white syrup

Bring Karo to a boil, add butter bring to a boil again.  Add sugar and salt.  Add milk slowly.  Stirring constantly.  Cook 30 minutes.   Add nuts and pour on buttered candy sheet.  This made about 3-3/4 # of candy.  As you can see the 1# of butter came out fine.

Mom’s Cheesecake – New York Style

Cream well to soften.........3(8-oz) pkg of cream cheese. 

Beat until stiff...................4 egg whites.

Blend in. . . . 1 cup sugar + 2 Tbsp flour.  Combine with cheese mixture. Add 1 tsp vanilla.

Pour into *prepared 9” springform pan.  Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes or until knife inserted comes out clean.  Then proceed to add topping below.

* If graham crackers (about 15 squares): 1 ¼ cup crumbs, 2 Tbsp Sugar, 1/3 cup melted butter. 

I like to use other, sweeter cookies crumbled for the crust.  I omit the sugar in that case.

Topping: Mix together and spread over top:  2 cups thick sour cream, 2 Tbsp sugar, ½ tsp vanilla.  Bake 5 minutes longer at 475 degree (very hot oven). 

When removed from oven, I like to sprinkle the top with the lemon jello (pdw).

Notes on making Cheesecake:    Be sure to use a larger pan – a 9” instead of 8” springform.  Forget about making a perfect “no crack on top” cheesecake for two reasons.  First, in order to make sure it has cooked long enough - stick a knife in there and make sure it comes out clean!  Second, it won’t make any difference if there is a crack on top because this cheesecake has a wonderful sour cream/sugar topping that covers the top. Also, go ahead and splurge on some lemon jello.  Mom used to shake some of this straight from the package over the topping.  It gives just a hint of lemon flavor.  I think it is even better than lemon zest.

**********************************************************************************

I really did use all 4 sticks of butter!  This makes a FULL 9 X 13 pan.

Message from Emanuel

Yesterday when I went to the mailbox, I found this CD lying in the grass.  Since some friends and I recently attended a workshop on Angels at the Playful Soul in Indianapolis, I can only assume this Angel is sending me a message.  Here is what I found on EMMANUEL:

Emmanuel is loosely translated as "God is with us." He often carries a long sword that opens multidimensional windows through which magic and miracles can travel. He is often mistaken for Metatron. Emmanuel's name is also sometimes used to identify otherwise nameless angels.

Emmanuel loves the color orange as well as fresh flowers. Butterflies often appear when you call upon him. You will feel the gentle stirring of love, hope, and joy in your heart immediately. Emmanuel reminds us that God is within everyone and everything and that magic and miracles can become a part of everyday life if we are willing to allow them.

Emmanuel will remind you to celebrate every moment and to see the sacred in the mundane. Just as a caterpillar becomes a chrysalis and then transforms into a beautiful butterfly, he will help revamp your life in miraculous ways. When you call upon Emmanuel, expect to be asked to go within and to deepen your self-understanding.

More info on 7 Guardian Angels can be found HERE.