{studio d}

A little plate of thanks..

2012-02-11T05:59:00.001-08:00

Just a few brownies and some coffee beans { from Panama } to say

Thank You

to neighbors who looked after our home

while we were away.

Jim was glad I baked enough for him to have one or two!

Latitude & Longitude...

2012-02-10T05:42:00.003-08:00

Having fun with all the shells and sand I have collected on our travels...recycle and re-use.

I got all the longitudes and latitudes of the where we found the shells,

ripped an old blank page from a book and printed on it.

I aged the tags with an ink pad and wiped it off

until I got the color I wanted..

glued them on, added bakers twine and a shell..

This is a very special sand dollar..

When we were in Panama we were invited over to see this amazing condo just down on

the beach from us.

I commented on my love for shells when I saw this

sand dollar on Barb's counter in a lovely bowl.

Next thing I knew..it was mine.. thanks so much Barb and Tim,

we will see you in Kelowna.

I found that I had a small canvas, a map of South America,

which included Panama and my

idea for this display was born.

Sea Shells from Panama.

I just had to make a little banner to

complete my

display.

Aged label to perfection.

{at least in my mind}

Thinking of Spring

2012-02-09T05:43:00.003-08:00

A little bit of spring in my craft room.

Get a small canvas,...cut out & glue 2 fabric birds, a felt heart {add a little embroidery},

color in some scallops on the top..outline with ink...

have fun..make it yours..

Headboards

2012-02-08T07:22:00.001-08:00

I saw this headboard on the BHG website..how easy would this be to make?
When Cindy and I were at the Farm Chicks Show last year...we each bought an old linen grain sack...I think we both are using them on our ottomans or coffee table...if you had a King sized bed..you could buy linen, painters tape and create your own stripes for this look....this might be a project in my future...

Being Retired...and not just tired..

2012-02-07T08:05:00.001-08:00

We are so blessed...being healthy, happy and retired..we all have 24 hours in our day..we all have different demands on our days and choices we make on how to spend those 24 hours...I believe that being retired gives you more choices on what you spend your time on...for me it is my family, friends and my crafting time...reading in all the formats available to me..Here are a few ways I keep busy...my magazines that I buy or subscribe to as well as my new Kindle..oh, am I going to enjoy this..I either buy or download books from our library in the Okanagan..these books are currently on my kindle (this will make it easier for me to read outside!
Population 485 by Michael Perry..
what a good read..(we met Mike and his family in Panama)
Island beneath the Sea.. Isabel Allende
Beyond Religion...Dalai Lama

are you a busy working mom...or somewhere in between...how do you spend your 24 hours?

Sea shells and burlap..

2012-02-06T08:30:00.002-08:00

Bringing home the shells, sea glass and coffee from Panama

was one way to keep

the memories of our trip fresh..

Playing around with them....delightful!

I hope you have time to try something new and fun today!

Love for color continues...

2012-02-05T05:22:00.001-08:00

Ever since I found design-seeds.com..I have been hooked trying to figure out to how recreate some of my photos, as well as picking colors from the photo to make them in a similiar design....with the help of my trusty side kick and dear friend Christa,...she figured it out, skyped me..walked me thru Picasa, Picnik, Flickr....and I showed her the eyedropper and how it relates to capturing these colors in this format.

Here is our collaboration!

{still needs tweaking within the margins}

World Cancer Day

2012-02-04T10:39:00.001-08:00

Today is World Cancer Day...let's celebrate all the Survivors and remember all those we have lost!
Happy to report that Harry is making wonderful progress.
Update next week!

photo: Martha Stewart

Crazy for Color

2012-02-03T06:30:00.001-08:00

If you read my blog..you know how much I love color..it just makes me so happy...I think color does that for me...Here are a few color palattes from Design Seeds..I just downloaded their book...the photography and color combinations are amazing..see for yourself Here

Back home to AZ..

2012-02-02T15:57:00.001-08:00

I really like to hang our clothes outside after doing the laundry..this is one of my favorite ways to dry them..just hanging in the breeze from our trees...as we have an enclosed garden...no one gets to see my dresses dancing in the breeze...

The cacti are growing really well...the light was just right as I shot this cactus and ice plant

Goodbye Panama

2012-02-01T11:48:00.001-08:00

The drive to the airport..with all the building in view...this Iconic Revolution tower will be open this year...what an engineering feat.

It was a great holiday. Az. Here we come.

Happy birthday, Mayachel

2012-01-31T03:04:00.001-08:00

We sang Happy Birthday to Mayachel in 4 languages at the potluck supper we shared on Saturday night. This is what makes a holiday so special..the people you get to meet!

Juana, myself, Mayachel and her little sister..Thanks Carol for taking this photo and sharing it with me.

I crocheted this little necklace for her...we all agreed that she is adorable!
Heading out this morning to return our rental car, staying in a hotel close to the airport before flying back to Az. tomorrow....a part of my heart will be left here in Panama.

Panama City...old and new...

2012-01-30T02:08:00.000-08:00

With 200 new buildings under construction, a subway underway, upgraded sewage treatment plant to safeguard the shoreline in Panama City, this is a world class city...There is an elegance about it...there is charm..there is history and most importantly, there are the people...In the month we have spent here and travelled much of the country, the most outstanding thing that I am going to take home with me is how warm and friendly the people are...This is just a few of the photos I wanted to share with you today.

The old and the new residing together...we took the bus into town..1 hr 15 mins... $2.50 each. We met up with our wonderful guide Miguel..we had met him on the Panama Canal tour and he was so knowledgeable....what a joy it was to have him drive us around as well explain the history of this vibrant city.

The amazing skyline.......

The Trump Tower...

The churches...the wonderful restored facades!

The colors are still pretty spectacular....

Last but not least, the balconies..wrought iron, flowers and as always....colors

Natá de los Caballeros

2012-01-29T04:15:00.001-08:00

It is hard to believe that the sleepy town of Natá de los Caballeros, in the province of Coclé, was once more important than Panama City. As a matter of fact, when the old city of Panama was sacked and plundered by English pirate Sir Henry Morgan in 1671, this small community briefly shared duties as the country's colonial capital with Penonomé, 20 miles to the northeast, until the relocation of Panama City two years later.

Natá was founded early in the colonial period, in 1522. Its name ("de los Caballeros" is Spanish for "of the gentlemen") comes from the fact that the community's first European inhabitants were Spanish noblemen, sent to conquer a rich plain settled by a progressive, Native American nation. It is said that when the first Spanish came they found enough food in town to feed an army. The Spanish devoured a year's worth of supplies in only three months, married local princesses and blended their culture with that of their hosts to form the Mestizo population of Panama's interior provinces.

The main legacy of those times is the town's church, the Santiago Apostol Minor Basilica, the oldest in the entire Western Hemisphere and declared a National Monument in 1941.source

How it look long ago....how it looks today...

This is such a beautiful old historic church...one of the treasures of Panama..so glad that Jim and I were able to see it on the way back from Boquete this week.

They had to replace the four bells as they were made out of solid gold and sacked by the Spanish...can you imagine how much those bells would be worth today and how they would of helped pay for the restoration of this church! Amazing!

seashells, sea glass and crochet thread

2012-01-28T04:59:00.001-08:00

When we are not travelling around Panama seeing the countryside, we can be found walking the beach, sitting around the pool or under the shade Palapas keeping busy making little gifts...my friendship bracelets are a big hit...I thought adding some shells would be fun...and here are a few I made...

this is my necklace..the prototype....I am so happy wearing these colors...good thing I have found a lot of shells with small holes in the top of them..makes it easy to thread them thru the crochet thread.

Artworks in Boquete

2012-01-27T03:38:00.001-08:00

This painting was in the common area at Villa Marita..along with their tame white pigeons..it was a colorful place to have breakfast as well as use their wifi.

There were a few of these statues scattered around the grounds..they looked old and perfectly placed to give a sense of history of how old this country is.

These charming painting were in a real estate office..I find if I ask if I may take a picture, most are happy you have shown an interest. Lovely aren't they?

I bought a small handmade tile from this shop...but I would of loved to buy this one that was framed..$320.00 would of been worth that price as I know the hours that would of taken to make this!

These two sisters were the artists as well as the wrappers and cashiers...on the right side you can see the tiles they are working on..They never spoke any English but their sweetness was evident.

The young girl in the pink was working on these tiles as I was admiring her work.

Wish I would of bought this one as well..These are the houses on stilts over the water in Bocas del Toro..we never made it up that far, another time perhaps.

Coffee and Flowers

2012-01-26T02:30:00.000-08:00

This coffee company is owned by Mireya Moscoso the former Panamanian President..All of their coffee is exported to Europe, except for what they sell to tourists like us in their coffee shop...freshly roasted and finely ground...it was delightful....

After enjoying this very fine cup of Joe..we headed into the hills on to the back roads and looked around...the flowers are amazing..the air plants that just grow on all these trees are so interesting......a photo opportunity around every corner!

Boquete

2012-01-25T06:52:00.001-08:00

We have a little cabana here @ Villa Marita....overlooking the coffee plantation....yesterday it was very cool with a misty rain..today is beautiful..the flowers are stunning..the people friendly and they look more prosperous here in this mountain town...more photos later...

Our cabanas with a view over the valley

Our view...coffee plantation below us....

Love these color combinations......

The village of Boquete...

On the way to Boquete...

2012-01-24T03:38:00.001-08:00

Our current location (Gorgano) is the green dot on the right side and the red dot shows Boquete..Costa Rica is just off the map to the left.... this is where we are heading today and staying 2 nights.......Boquete is surrounded by spectacular mountains at 4000'...renown for its flower festivals, coffee, and handicrafts...So we are out the door and off to see this charming town.

btw...if you have an iPad and want to take a photo of what you have on your screen..just hit the home button and toggle the off/switch at the same time..you should here a click..photo taken and sent to your photo stream..cool eh..?

Panama Canal...

2012-01-23T02:30:00.001-08:00

The history of the canal is intriguing and complex...this is a really good read if you are interested.. HERE
Last week we went to the Panama Canal Museum in Casco Vijeo...to learn about of the history that went into building it before going on a canal tour! On Saturday we travelled 72km...(45 miles)...from Pacific to Atlantic in 10 hours by boat... to think this was built almost 100 years ago....simply amazing and awe inspiring..On our bucket list..checked off! ❤
Here are a few of 155 photos that made the cut!

The Pacific Queen...our tour boat holding 300 passengers.

Early morning Panama City Skyline..it was a little humid already at 7:00 am..

Amazing ship in harbor...wouldn't this be a dream sail?

Almost 100 years old...what an engineering feat...still going strong and to be expanded for the super-super tankers...

The walls of the canal behind us..the water rose or deleted in the locks in 8 minutes..what a feeling it was to have the water rise under the boat so quickly...42 tankers, ships, cruise ships, boats go thru the canal in a 24 hour period...50 or 60 boats were waiting on the Pacific.... The Panama Canal Authority sees gross income of more than $3 billion dollars per year, and about two thirds of that is spend on manpower, maintenance, and the logistics required to keep the canal operating. Add on top of that the ongoing project to expand the Panama Canal (with a budget of $5.25 billion dollars).It makes money, cuts down traveling time by 22 days that it used to take going around Cape Horn ,Tierra Del Fuego and Straits of Magellen....The Panamanian people are hopeful that their standard of living will improve.

Virgen del Carmen....

2012-01-22T04:39:00.003-08:00

Statues of Mary are everywhere here in this lovely country..in churches as well as in shrines along the roads...however, this country has a great love for the Virgen del Carmen. She has been adopted as their patron by sailors and fishermen in towns and villages....The Virgen del Carmen also battles pirates. According to Taboga lore, (a small series of islands off the coast of Panama) a pirate ship attempted an attack on the island. When the pirates reached the shores of Isla Taboga, they met an enormous army face to face that was headed by a beautiful woman. The pirates were terrorized by the vision and fled back to their boat. To this day, Taboganos are convinced that it was the Virgin del Carmen who saved them, and each year on July 16th the patron saint blesses the fleet in Taboga Bay.
These photos are taken as a tribute to our sweet daughter in-law, Carmen...I hope she will love the story behind her name!

bright and colorful houses..

2012-01-21T02:22:00.001-08:00

Yesterday we drove through a couple of little towns right off the Panamerican highway..Chame is about 5 minutes south of us..Here the streets were tidy, the houseS were painted in bright colors..reminded me of a California surfing town..little houses, well kept in tropical colors.

What a happy experience to see all theses colors in such a small little town.

Langostinos (aka shrimp but different)

2012-01-20T04:19:00.002-08:00

These were the boats coming in today..not sure which one held the Langostinos ...but which ever one they were, they were delicious! I steamed them and just added lemon! It was ❤ at first bite.
Our new friends from Grand Forks, BC. Carol and Len, from the condo upstairs gave me 4 {Jimmy does not do fish}...a trade for baggies..good deal, eh?.... they close that fishery here at the end of the month, so when the boats come in it is a big rush to get in line..they also were cleaned for me!

Knitting and crocheting...

2012-01-19T02:30:00.002-08:00

When we are enjoying our beach day..I swim in the ocean or I am lazy on the floaty thing in the pool....but most of the time I spend in the shade under the Bohino (big shade Palapas) knitting, crocheting or making friendship bracelets for the kids that are visiting here..I brought my needles and some wool with me, but picked up these little cotton crochet balls and a hook...keeps me totally happy......with my digital magazines, books and reading blogs..oh my gosh..what a lovely way to spend a month in the sun! I know some of you are in the snow, rain and cooler weather..so everyday, I enjoy a small part of my sunny holiday for you..hope you feel the sunshine and love❤

Faded Glory in Panama....

2012-01-18T02:33:00.002-08:00

These are a few of my favorite pictures to take..faded..I love the time worn elements that exposé the colors underneath...these old building and doors bring those layers to life....what do you think?

Churches....

2012-01-17T05:30:00.000-08:00

These three photos are all of the same church in Casco Vijeo..there is at least one Catholic Church in every small town....a place for worship...I stand in awe and marvel how these were built.....some are being restored..some are falling into decay...depending on where they are and if the population around them can support their containing restoration.

Colors of Panama...

2012-01-16T04:01:00.001-08:00

Morning sunrise...it is going to be another beautiful day....should be about 91 today's with a cooling off-shore breeze!

Hot and bright colors on the food labels!

Tomorrow we will be traveling to Boquete..@4000'.....400 km NE of here..we will be staying for 2 nights, see the coffee plantations, the volcano, the beautiful flowers in the valley....I am sure my camera will be busy taking photos to share.
Update..we will delay our trip by a week because of the large crowds that will be for the flower festival..no rooms to be had!

Handmade

2012-01-15T03:41:00.001-08:00

None of these lovely handmade items made it home with me...{yet}...I wish I would of taken more photos....but after walking thru blocks of churches, restored building, ruined buildings..I was so hot and hungry all Jim and I wanted was a cool air conditioned cafe to have a cool one and eat... here are a few that I feel in love with.......

I know now that my hat ( bought from the sweet little lady that made it in La Pintada) was a bargain...This one in Casco Vijeo was $85.00.....$40.00 more than I paid for mine! :) sweet!

(mine)

Casco Vijeo

2012-01-14T02:30:00.000-08:00

This old part of Panama is such a study in contrasts...very very old Spanish Colonial buildings being re-modeled....others left un touched..abandoned and littered with garbage as well as people living in slum conditions...
Here are some of the sights we saw yesterday.

Just one of the many building under restoration..check the angels at the top...

The wrought iron balconies and an electricians nightmare full of wires!

Plaza Bolivar...a courtyard filled with interesting vignettes..this a full height wooden statue of the priest was inside this huge church!

Just hanging out in the warm sun.....

The skyline in the background of the vibrant Panama City!

We had the help of a policeman on his bike who made sure tourists like us stayed safe and didn't go into the dangerous areas..he just lead us to the avenue that took us to the "Bridge of the Americas"....sometimes you just need to show that nothing is perfect anywhere...so we are careful..but not fearful and I feel because of that we have met so many delightful people who share their Panama stories with us!

My beach finds....

2012-01-13T02:45:00.000-08:00

My pile of shells grows daily! I just love shells..never get tired of finding new ones to add to my collection and ones I plan to give as gifts...this one is from Portebelo..it is really quite small.

Many of these pink ones are gifts for a special friend, Koralee....

Cindy loves sea glass. The group here at Sue a Mar are a good bunch..they all walk every morning and they look for sea glass for my Cindy..I wonder how many pieces I will have by the end of the month.

Today we are off to old Panama..our day to explore!

Portobelo

2012-01-12T02:45:00.000-08:00

Although today it is little more than a sleepy fishing village on the shores of the Caribbean, Portobelo was once the greatest Spanish port in Central America. Gold from Peru and treasures from the Orient entered Panama City and were carried overland by mule to the fortresses at Portobelo. During the annual trade fair, galleons laden with goods from Spain arrived to trade for gold and other products from the New World. However, much like Nombre de Dio, Panamá and Fuerte San Lorenzo, Portobelo was the target of constant attacks at the hands of English privateers. Considering that the city was destroyed several times throughout its history, it’s remarkable that so much of the colonial fortresses still stand.
Scattered around Portobelo there are several different sets of ruins, some in surprisingly good condition, complete with cannons pointing out to see, stone walls, etc. The first set is visible from the main road, on the left side, as you enter this beautiful bay that cuts deep inland. We never did see the other ones as we wanted to go to the end of the road and see what was there..the contrast is amazing..big boats in the harbor...but this part of Panama is very poor and it shows..there is garbage in heaps everywhere...sad and abandoned dogs..men without work...just hanging around.....all this set into this incredible bay..life is often very hard in a third world country! However..I still wanted to show you the incredible beauty experienced today.

The canons guarding the bay......

I wonder if you could still find some Spanish doubloons?

Imagine how large the boat would of been that this anchor held fast in here in Portebelo?

"Regina Maris"..A three masted luxury schooner..isn't she a beauty!

The beach life....

2012-01-11T02:05:00.000-08:00

To the south of our beach.....we have the Rio Chame.....this river feeds fresh water into the sea..it is beautiful..lots of surfing just past the mouth of the river..It is about an hour walk from our beach..collecting lots of shells, seeing the birds fly overhead..seeing this weird jellyfish...just seeing...taking it all in...today we're headed to Portobelo on the Caribbean side of Panama..it is a World Unesco Heritage site..really looking forward to seeing this town.

My new Panamanian Hat

2012-01-10T02:40:00.000-08:00

La Pintada is a typical Panamanian style town that is based around a central church Plaza. The locals have a great sense of pride and like most towns in Panama's interior the towns people are very friendly, honest, and hardworking!La Pintada is located within the province of Cocle. Cocle is known for its bright colorful festivals and hand made local crafts which include the well known Typical Panamanian hats and other folkloric items.This small town is where we drove today..I met the lady that wove my hat..when you love hand made things as I do...meeting the maker of my hat was a thrill..she didn't speak a word of English...and I only a few words of Spanish..but it was a wonderful moment when she went back into her shop..got a hat, put it on and posed with me! What do you think..didn't she weave a great hat?

Sun and sand......

2012-01-09T02:10:00.001-08:00

most of the days when we are here at the beach..we are well covered up with 20/50/60 SPF.....or under the shade palapa.....Jim had a great ride on a very rough and tumble wave...trying to keep his swim trunks on..I wish I had a video for YouTube..it would of gone viral...so much sand everywhere...even the boats came close to shore to fish today....it was such a good day!

Flowers and trees

2012-01-08T02:34:00.000-08:00

There are many flowers and trees blooming here this time of the year...there will be upcoming festivals in small towns celebrating the different varieties...some I recognize, like these orchids but others look so different..I am off to buy a book that will help me identify some of them...the air is really fragrant around some of these flowers..makes going outside such a joy!

El Valle, Panama

2012-01-07T02:45:00.000-08:00

El Valle is one of the most special destinations in Panama. Only two hours away from Panama City, it is also a perfect weekend escape from Panama's lowland heat! El Valle is a fertile volcanic valley filled with bright flowers, square trees and golden frogs. Looking into El Valle it looks like a huge broccoli field – most of the houses are surrounded by trees that make for a green and unspoiled impression. The temperatures are moderate throughout the year and it cools down at night. This is part of the valley @3,000'

It has a very Tuscan feel about the buildings.

It is known for it's hand craft and farmers market..15 hours of hand work to sew this all together...amazing!

Love these sweet bananas....

fresh veggies..I will take more photos of the fruits and veggies I don't recognize next time and find out what they are and how to cook with them!

In the morning...

2012-01-06T02:21:00.000-08:00

Up early to enjoy the sunrise...take my coffee to the beach...take some photos..walk with Fiona and Quigley {gentle Irish Wolfhound giants}..listen and watch the waves roll in..add another few rows to my knitting..read for a while, catch up on emails......listen to some music..bliss. ❤

Panamanian color

2012-01-05T02:46:00.000-08:00

Shopping has been a really interesting and colorful experience..there are many brands we recognize..but none more colorful as some of the few I found here on the shelves...many people speak English here and there seem to be a lot of people from BC here...so asking where or what something has not been a problem yet..

These were a few of the colorful things on the beach...the coconut is for my dear BIL Larry who is always kidding me when I call and he tells me the monkeys are throwing coconuts at him...( in the wintertime in Bull River BC, no less)...the beaches quite empty except for weekends when the locals come out from the city. We are looking forward to everyday with great joy and anticipation..such is what this adventure represents to me....hoping you are finding joy in your day!

beach walk today..

2012-01-04T02:30:00.000-08:00

Here are a few of the beach walk photos..happy little Panamaian kids..rescued pup..fishing boats...our beach....warm weather, ocean sounds..it was a good day!

Black Sand beach

2012-01-03T06:32:00.001-08:00

This incredible fine black sand comes right up to the shade palapa and where the waves roll in to the edge of the beach..the sand is pale white in color..such a lovely contrast..lots of shells and sea glass {collecting some for you Cindy}...today when we walk on the beach we will take a plastic bag and pick up some litter...the beach is really quite clean but if all the tourists pick up a bit...then it will be cleaner...there is what I found yesterday and filled Jim's pockets with..nice aren't they?

morning view....Gorgona, Panama

2012-01-02T05:11:00.001-08:00

No time yet to start checking out the area we are staying in..but the first view this morning was lovely..it is already very warm {78}.....sunglasses, a hat and shorts day for sure...heading into the little town for groceries...it should be interesting day...I love the sound of the waves as they roll into the sandy beach just below our deck.

Books to travel with...

2012-01-01T05:27:00.003-08:00

Happy New Year

It was my good fortune to find out that my local library back in BC has ebooks in their lending library..

you can browse their selection, choose a book, download it and enjoy it for 21 days..

how sweet is that?..

.no need to carry those books when you can read them at your leisure...

does your local library have this ebook lending service?

Short Row Scarf....

2011-12-31T05:55:00.000-08:00

I finished the scarf just in time..ready to mail off to my dear friend Shannon...

It was a joy to knit knowing she will love the soft drape of

this scarf.

Moments in December

2011-12-31T05:49:00.001-08:00

Some sweet moments in December..

wishing you a happy New Years Eve..

Panama

2011-12-30T05:36:00.005-08:00

When you travel...I feel you must always be aware that you are

a guest in a different country

and as a guest

you must show respect for their people and their cultures..

being respectful of how you dress, speak and take photos..

being polite, courteous, and respectful is all part of what

I believe you must have in your personal internal carry on...

it will bring you much happiness and unexpected joy!

Happy 1st Birthday, Claire❤

2011-12-29T04:09:00.000-08:00

What a pair..she has her Mom, Julie's beautiful big brown eyes, Jeremy's infectious smile but she is all her own little person...we are so unbelievably glad you are in our lives, Claire!

Travelling to Panama

2011-12-28T05:35:00.004-08:00

We are heading to Panama for the month of January 2012 ...we have rented a condo on the beach overlooking the Pacific Ocean..we will have a car and plan to explore the country in the month that we are there...it has always been one of the countries we had hoped to visit...

Both Jim and I we are really excited about this new adventure.

I am planning on continuing to blog and take lots of photos..

I am sure I will constantly be amazed by the country and its people.

Panama is the southernmost of the Central American nations, Panama is south of Costa Rica and north of Colombia. The Panama Canal bisects the isthmus at its narrowest and lowest point, allowing passage from the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific Ocean. Panama is slightly smaller than South Carolina. It is marked by a chain of mountains in the west, moderate hills in the interior, and a low range on the east coast. There are extensive forests in the fertile Caribbean area.

taking stock....

2011-12-27T07:06:00.002-08:00

A couple of colored pencils...an old ledger...a bit of bling just because...the start of a new journal...another year coming to a close...taking stock of what a wonderful year it is and was.....I hope you found joy in your life this year....

Such sweetness....

2011-12-26T07:24:00.001-08:00

Our little granddaughter, Claire, her first Christmas..She will be one on Thursday.
I love the look of amazement! I wonder if she is thinking " do you think these might all be for me?"

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T05:30:00.001-08:00

Happy Christmas Eve.....

2011-12-24T06:05:00.001-08:00

Oh happy day,

Christmas Eve

finally here!

joyfullness!

2011-12-23T05:22:00.009-08:00

Around the house, little spaces of joy and happiness..even more so this year as we are so grateful for Harry's

continued recovery.

mollie makes

2011-12-22T05:46:00.001-08:00

{you can buy it on-line today)

here

Finding the right tree.....

2011-12-21T05:48:00.001-08:00

Finding just the right tree can be tricky...so I decided to make a few little ones of my own..

just waiting for the snow to fall...

waterless snowglobes that can inspire your imagination!

A little holiday cheer...

2011-12-20T06:25:00.001-08:00

Out shopping/looking in Anthropology and Pottery Barn...nothing came home with me...but it is always fun to see the displays....I hope some of your gifts will be handmade....I often think I cherish those ones the most....

Wrap it up!

2011-12-19T05:52:00.008-08:00

This little package is heading out in the mail and another one on order..

if you like it..here is how you can get it..

Avery shipping labels #11005

Studio D {Joann's} Stamp

Ek Sucess Mason Jar Inkadinkado Stamp {Amazon.com}

wrap some Baker's twine around the the labels..

put in a pretty box and send it off in the mail!

Who wouldn't want a sweet gift like this!

Or...make one for yourself!

Lovely gifts

2011-12-18T06:12:00.001-08:00

These are a few of the special gifts that arrived by post from my sweet friend Cindy..

a handmade card,

a felted pillow she made from a wool blanket, then she sewed the trees as well as the beads on to it...

a thrifted Swiss tablecloth, matches and other mementos.

she wanted me to enjoy the gifts she made me as soon as I got it...

thanks to my darling Cindy for creating such treasured items for me to enjoy!

Knitting....

2011-12-17T06:32:00.008-08:00

I have been working on this little scarf for a couple of weeks.

As a beginner knitter, my confidence grows with each row...this is an easy scarf to knit.

I just had to learn to do a wrap and turn {w&t}....

once I completed 4 rows which is the pattern,
continue to the desired length,

this lovely scarf will become a gift.

Had you had time to knit or crochet?

Snowglobe...

2011-12-16T05:20:00.000-08:00

At the end of the last Christmas season,

I found 3 small Martha Stewart snowglobes..they are perfect in there sweetness.

Vintage....

2011-12-15T05:02:00.000-08:00

These are a few of my vintage Christmas balls I found last year at the thrift store.

I must admit they are getting harder to find. The gold one is broken on the other side,

but I know it still has some life left in it.

I adore this shape! have you found any great Christmas ornaments lately?

Christmas bling.....

2011-12-14T05:45:00.002-08:00

Just a little glass Christmas bracelet around a shiny ornament is enough to make me smile....sometimes it is the simplest things that cost nothing at all that are meaningful and fun!

How are your Christmas plans coming along?

Cookies to share...

2011-12-13T05:10:00.001-08:00

Ingredients 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
2 egg yolks
6 tablespoons butter, melted
1 1/2 teaspoons finely shredded orange or lemon peel (optional)
1 cup coarsely chopped almonds

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Lightly grease two cookie sheets; set aside. In a large bowl combine flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture. Place eggs and egg yolks in the well and stir into the flour mixture. Add butter and, if desired, orange peel; stir until dough starts to form a ball. Stir in almonds.

2. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface; divide into three equal portions. Shape each portion into a 14-inch-long log. Place logs about 3 inches apart on prepared cookie sheets; flatten logs slightly until about 1-1/2 inches wide. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until firm and light brown. Remove from oven and place cookie sheets on wire racks; cool 15 minutes.

3. Transfer logs to cutting board. Use a serrated knife to cut each roll diagonally into 1/2-inch slices. Place slices, cut sides down, on cookie sheets. Bake for 10 minutes. Turn cookies over; bake 10 to 15 minutes more or until crisp and golden brown. Transfer to a wire racks and let cool.

4. Makes about 84 cookies.

recipe from bhg.com

Frosting!

2011-12-12T05:05:00.003-08:00

I love using Picasa...then loading it up into Picnik (pro) and sometimes it is just fun to use all that they have to offer..many are free...I found this little Avon vintage dear last week..perfect for what I had in mind... I love the effect of the snow on the photo as well as the frost...Christa and I share and experiment lots together..and share whatever new things we have learned......have you tried anything new on your photos lately..

Gingerbread house

2011-12-11T06:23:00.000-08:00

This is just one of the amazing gingerbread houses that I took photos of at the Scottsdale Princess last weekend..The entire lobby was decked out....the smell of gingerbread filled the air, the fireplace was lit, it felt like Christmas here, even in the desert...hope where ever you are, you are are having a sweet day!

Cherished crafts..

2011-12-10T04:25:00.000-08:00

Cindy and I both had a kiln and did ceramics..Cindy still does and I been gifted many of her beautiful works..I especially cherish the Christmas ones I have of hers..happy and colorful, they are such a lovely reminder of our friendship....

adding touches of color throughout the house...vintage balls found while out thrifting!

making new little trees out of chenille stems and vintage spools wrapped in Christmas ribbon....with a cupcake topper......have you crafted anything new? what are some of your cherished Christmas treasures?

sweet needle case gift

2011-12-09T07:47:00.001-08:00

A few days ago I received this sweet gift in the mail from my talented quilting friend Alanna...I asked her if she thought she could make one for me...and a few days later I received this lovely gift...as well as some vintage spools...quilted all over in fine stitching as well as my name machine embroidered on the front..this little treasure will be cherished for many years....thanks so much Alanna.....

Raspberry Oatmeal Bars...

2011-12-08T04:49:00.001-08:00

I made these bars yesterday using the wonderful homemade jam from my Cindy...This is my styled photo shot on a christmas plate that Cindy made me..am I lucky or what! Jim has approved these bars as totally delicious!

These are the beautiful bars from Heather Bullard's blog found here

Raspberry & Almond Oatmeal Bars

1 1/4 c. flour
1 1/4 c. rolled oats
1/2 c. sugar
3/4 c. unsalted butter
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
2 tsp. vanilla
1/4 to 1/2 tsp almond extract
1 jar (13oz) best quality raspberry jam
1/2 c. sweetened coconut

Preheat oven to 350. Grease bottom and sides of a 9 x 13 baking pan.
Mix together flour, oats, sugar, baking soda and salt. Add vanilla and almond extract and mix until blended into dry ingredients. Cut butter into small pieces and using a pastry cutter or fork, mix in with the dry ingredients. Mixture will be very crumbly.
Reserve 1 cup of crumb mixture and add in 1/2 c. coconut. Set aside.

Press remaining mix into the bottom of the pan. Spread jam evenly over the crust. Then top with remaining coconut crumb mix.
Bake for 23-27 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool. Cut into bars.
Makes 18-24 bars. Enjoy!

A tree for Harry and Jill

2011-12-07T04:42:00.001-08:00

This tree represents so much love and hope.....after 2 weeks and 3 days after his stem cell transplant...and most of that time feeling like a freight train ran over him and might back up and get him again..Harry got the good news today that his numbers are steadily going up...he has been able to eat and drink on his own.......so today he got his pass to become an "Outpatient."..... he gets to spend most of his days as well as his nights at the condo that they rented in Calgary for 5 months! He has to go to the hospital every day for tests, etc., then every other day and so on...until mid March! In order to celebrate this wonderful day...our sister Caroline, had a friend deliver one of her Bull River Christmas trees to the condo..Jill plans to decorate it with all the cards they received filled with love, prayers and blessing...What a happy happy day for our entire family and friends!
We are so grateful for this moment!

photo from google..borders by photogene and I....:)

A gift of caring

2011-12-06T04:30:00.001-08:00

My friend Shannon gave me such an amazing gift this past weekend! A spa weekend at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Hotel..a jewel in the desert...bliss is the only way I can describe it...dinner out every night, room service breakfast...on demand movies..and the spa...just wonderful...I truly hope that each one of you have a chance to be spoilt or spoil someone with a spa day! Thank you Shannon!

Christmas at the Fairmont..absolutely beautiful! I wish I could of gotten better photos or more of them...but brr...it was so cold..not outside pools for us this weekend! The indoor spa was beautiful!
top 3 photos are the Fairmonts..last photo is mine.

Crafty friends!

2011-12-05T04:20:00.001-08:00

My sister Caroline opens up her Log Cabin Studio for 2 weekends a year in December..she encourages her crafty friends to sell their crafts as well..It showcases art, pottery, and all different kinds of handmade crafts..wish I was closer to be able to attend!

In the meantime...my dear buddy Cindy, has been felting blankets and sewing these amazing pillows...well done Cindy..love the trees!...does one have my name on it? :)

All that Glitters

2011-12-04T05:35:00.001-08:00

this is so easy..clear glass Christmas ball, fill with a bit of glue and glitter..glue caps on..

{ or if you want to use what is in the inside...just don't make it too heavy}

fill with pearls and pretty things.. dollar store bead garland..and voila...something easy peasy and sweet.

I strung a piece of fishing line between the beads when I hung it up and let the tails drape!

why not give it a try!

My crafts

2011-12-03T05:38:00.000-08:00

I made a few of these owls last year as well as the glove and sock dogs...

they look so good guarding my craft room and I wanted to show them off again...

such fun these little things are to hand craft!

I am working on felting some more brooches as well as another penguin or 2!

Please have yourself a happy crafting day!

Pom Pom Wreaths....

2011-12-02T05:00:00.001-08:00

Oh how happy I was when I found a great tutorial from Koralee on her blog...bluebirdnotes HERE Her wreath was my inspiration...her blog is filled with such joy...this is how I made mine.....

wrap a straw wreath with lace or fabric..then make about 50 pom poms or so...large, small, and in between.....use up all your little stash of wool!
Make something that makes you just smile when you look at it!
Thanks Koralee!

Happy Birthday, Christa

2011-12-01T04:55:00.002-08:00

Words can not express this incredible friendship between us....formed out of love and immense respect for each other....you bring so much joy into the lives of your family and your friends. I am so proud to be one of those!

this little cupcake made of sprinkles has a candle lit for you to always have love and light in your sweet life!

this hand knit scarf is on it's way to you...could not wait until next spring for you to enjoy it.

come back and visit us here again...we had such fun my dear friend! this has always been one of my favorite photos of us!

Happy Birthday Harry

2011-11-30T04:30:00.001-08:00

Oh how happy we will all be when you are enjoying this kind of day again...

All of your family and friends have you and Jill in our hearts, thoughts and prayers.

Your courage, strength, as well as keeping your sense of humor through out your transplant is an inspiration to all of us! We know how much love and support you have in your constant companion by your side...your wife Jill....we are so grateful to you, Jill, for your unselfish love for our brother!

love and blessing to you both! xoxox

Pretty things...

2011-11-29T05:54:00.000-08:00

Pretty things to craft with, to create with, to have fun with.

Have fun today whatever you are creating!.

"Sunday Stylin"

2011-11-28T07:34:00.001-08:00

I have a big board of Homasate {ceiling tile} that is covered with quilt batting..it makes a great background to take photos on....I line up my pieces..try to find the best natural light and take a few photos..{lots never see the light of day :)}....I am constantly learning what makes a good styled photo...here is my take on that today..I made this little penguin last year and plan to make a couple more before Christmas..he is sitting in a couple of Anthro bowls, a few books, a tea towel, thread, a pot holder or two...some red dominos as well as a little tree.

Bought this jar stamp on line...added some buttons as well as the little heart...these will be my Christmas tags on gifts this year.
How do you style your photos?

Mollie Makes...

2011-11-27T04:23:00.002-08:00

The latest issue of Molly Makes is out..on line in Newstand....you can just browse when ever you have a spare minute......the bottom 3 photos are from Here......are you planning to make a few handmade gifts?

Gift Giving...

2011-11-26T05:36:00.001-08:00

My dear friend Cindy loves the work done by potter, Don Swanson, from Tuscon Arizona.

She has been collecting his work for many years. We have been to a few fairs and meet him several times...with great results...this is one of them...

To fragile to ship...this gift will be hand delivered next spring!

I already know she will love it!

Glittering....

2011-11-25T05:00:00.000-08:00

I had lots of fun today...glittering..all the bases of these little

bottle brush trees got a shiny coat of

glitter.

Such fun...I also used epson salts on the base of the trees..the glue held it in place fairly well..

Are you glittering anything this year?

gift giving

2011-11-24T05:34:00.006-08:00

this little gift is easy to make..buy seed pearls, clear glass ornaments,

fill balls 1/2 full...

wrap a piece of thread or ribbon around the top.

great for an ornament to hang in the tree..or for a budding jewelry designer...

Our gifts....

2011-11-23T05:24:00.004-08:00

If you have love in your life, perhaps a few little people and hope for the future.... to me, these are such wonderful gifts..being grateful becomes easier and much more meaningful as I age.

Anthropology

2011-11-22T05:06:00.014-08:00

First of all, Happy Happy Birthday Evelyne...I hope that you will be totally spoiled for the next few months in Cabo. How grateful we all are that you were able to be Harry's donor.. We love you and wish you a sweet birthday!
Secondly, to my dear friend Shannon, celebratng in style in Maui...Oh Happy day to you as well..See you next week here in AZ!
And last but not least, our Helicopter pilot buddy Leighton celebrating and sharing a birthday with these lovely ladies...we will share a pint together this summer for sure!

A little early shopping at Anthro to to check out what is cool...a few things might of hopped into my basket....

maybe, maybe not!...How are your elves making out?

In the craft room..

2011-11-21T05:00:00.001-08:00

Just having fun playing stylist in my craft room today!

Dinner tonight.....

2011-11-20T05:18:00.001-08:00

Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

12 boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 3 pounds)
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup soy sauce
6 tablespoons cider vinegar
3/4 teaspoon ground ginger
3/4 teaspoon minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon pepper
4 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
4 1/2 teaspoons cold water
Hot cooked long grain rice

Place chicken in a 4 qt. slow cooker. In a large bowl, combine the sugar, soy sauce, cider vinegar, ginger, garlic and pepper. Pour over chicken. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or until chicken in tender. Remove chicken to a serving platter; keep warm. Skim fat from cooking liquid. Place liquid in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Combine cornstarch and water until smooth. Gradually stir into liquid and stir until sauce is thickend. Serve with chicken and rice.
source

Snow Village....

2011-11-19T07:01:00.002-08:00

A thrift store plate, a thrifted vase turned over..dollar store flocked trees as well as my first effort glittering this little house...who knew that glitter can migrate everywhere!..... what fun this was to make..I even made little tree skirts to cover the base!.....what craftiness do you have up your sleeves?

For Harry....

2011-11-18T08:12:00.002-08:00

Today is Harry's big day..either this morning or at noon..Evelyne did her job yesterday producing 480,000,000 stem cells to be donated today..she did amazing well...the nurses tell Harry that this will be his new birthday! We have them both in our thoughts and prayers...Thank you to all of our friends, family and readers of my blog for all the emails expressing your concerns...it has meant so much to me and our family! xoxo

Source

Loving this Red...

2011-11-17T05:04:00.005-08:00

It has been unusual for me to have a lot of red in our home...except at Christmastime...somehow it just strikes the right cord in my heart!

What is your favorite Christmas color this year?

all images from Pinterest

source source source

red love...

2011-11-16T05:26:00.001-08:00

No calories in these little babies...make up a dozen or so and gift a friend....or make a wreath......or stack them on a cake plate and enjoy!

Crocheting and Knitting

2011-11-15T05:26:00.000-08:00

Have you been having any fun crafting today?

Tiny Tall cakes...

2011-11-14T04:35:00.000-08:00

Tiny Tall Cakes
Believe it or not, we baked these desserts in tin cans.

Prepare one box cake mix batter. Butter and flour three clean 4-inch diameter cans (we used 28-ounce tomato cans). Divide batter among cans, place on a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees F. until cake springs back when touched in the center, 30 to 35 minutes. Cool completely. Remove cakes from cans by running a knife around the edge and tapping gently. (You can cover them with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for 5 hours or up to 3 days for easier cutting.)

Cut cakes into layers about 1/2 inch thick, discarding the domed top. Spread each layer with jam, lemon curd, or Meringue Buttercream (recipe link below). Stack to make cakes of different heights. Smooth a thin layer (a "crumb" coating) of buttercream all over each cake and chill for 30 minutes. Frost again with desired color of buttercream, smoothing sides and top. Decorate with piped designs. Makes 3 cakes.

Buttercream Icing.

Yield: 10 cups
Prep: 15 mins
Start to Finish: 30 mins
Ingredients
10 large egg whites
2 1/2 cups sugar
4 cups unsalted butter, cut into pieces, softened
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Directions
1. Whisk together egg whites and sugar in a heatproof mixing bowl over a pan of simmering water until sugar has dissolved, about 5 min. Test by rubbing the mixture between your fingers -- you shouldn't feel any sugar crystals.

2. Transfer bowl to the mixer stand with whisk attachment or use a handheld mixer and beat on high until it cools and stiff peaks form, 10 to 12 min.

3. Reduce speed to medium high and add butter a little at a time. (Buttercream may curdle but will become smooth as you continue to beat it.) Add vanilla.

4. Use within a few hours or refrigerate up to a week. Before using, bring to room temperature and beat on low until smooth. Makes 10 cups.

from Ladies Home Journal..

Cupcakes...

2011-11-13T05:28:00.000-08:00

Gingerbread Cupcakes Here

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp. ground ginger
2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. allspice
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup canola oil
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup dark molasses (not blackstrap)
2 large eggs
2 tsp. baking soda

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

In a small bowl, stir together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, allspice and salt. In a large bowl beat together the butter, oil, and sugar until pale yellow and fluffy. Beat in the molasses and eggs until smooth. Put the baking soda into a small bowl or liquid (you’ll need extra room – it bubbles up) measuring cup, and add 3/4 cup boiling water.

Add a third of the dry ingredients to the butter-sugar mixture, beating on low speed just until blended. Add half the water mixture in the same way, then another third of the dry ingredients, the rest of the water mixture and the rest of the dry ingredients, blending just until combined. Fill paper-lined muffin tins 3/4 full and bake for 25 minutes, or until tops are springy to the touch. Makes 1 1/2 dozen cupcakes.

Pom Poms

2011-11-12T05:19:00.018-08:00

With my 2 new smaller pom pom makers that arrived yesterday...no stray wool is safe in my stash...now I know what to do with the little bits....now to buy a straw wreath form and put them all together.

Remembrance Day

2011-11-11T04:30:00.000-08:00

In remembrance to all those men and women who kept our country free...

by John McCrae, May 1915

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
*******************************************************************
Inspiration for “In Flanders Fields”
Lieutenant Alexis Helmer, 1st Brigade Canadian Field Artillery. (1)

During the early days of the Second Battle of Ypres a young Canadian artillery officer, Lieutenant Alexis Helmer, was killed on 2nd May, 1915 in the gun positions near Ypres. An exploding German artillery shell landed near him. He was serving in the same Canadian artillery unit as a friend of his, the Canadian military doctor and artillery commander Major John McCrae.

As the brigade doctor, John McCrae was asked to conduct the burial service for Alexis because the chaplain had been called away somewhere else on duty that evening. It is believed that later that evening, after the burial, John began the draft for his now famous poem “In Flanders Fields”.

cupcake liners....

2011-11-10T05:42:00.001-08:00

these make me happy..these colors as well as the thought that they might soon be filled with batter and made into cupcakes.....the right bite-size piece of goodness!

Little Pot Holders....

2011-11-09T08:52:00.001-08:00

These fat quarters became these potholders..3 made...7 more to be made.
I hope you have had time to craft today!

Pom Pom Love...

2011-11-08T04:29:00.001-08:00

It is very soothing sitting here wrapping thread around these Pom Pom circles..cutting, tying, trimming, fluffing and throwing them into a basket for some later use...I wonder what I will make with these ones...

will it look like this?

or just a single on as an embellishment in a gift? Have you made any Pom poms lately?

Wreaths

2011-11-07T07:14:00.001-08:00

Starting to plan some crafting projects...some of these wreaths would be fun to make..check them out...found on Pinterest and this blog..HERE.....how will your wreath look this year?

Crostini..a yummy appy!

2011-11-06T04:44:00.002-08:00

Caramelized Onion and Blue Cheese Crostini...from www.pinkbasil.com

I normally make caramelized onions with any onion I have on hand, but for this particular recipe I highly recommend using a sweet onion since it helps to contrast the sharp blue cheese.

Makes approx. 10 crostini

1 large sweet onion sliced or chopped (personal preference)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
1 baguette, sliced and toasted
1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles

In a large saute pan heat the olive oil on medium-low heat. Add the onions and sprinkle with a dash of salt. Cook, stirring often, for about 5 minutes or until they have softened and then add the thyme leaves. Cook the onions, stirring often, for another 20-25 minutes or until they have turned brown. Remove from heat.

Spoon the onions over the toasted bread and top with blue cheese crumbles.

Pot Holders...

2011-11-05T05:10:00.000-07:00

These potholders were another find on Pinterest...Today I gathered up some material...a couple of fat quarters..jumbo rickrack, quilting batting and matching thread...all ready for my project today! I hope they will look as lovely as these!