MountainBlessings

You Will Need to Get Closer to the Monitor!!

2011-08-30T23:08:00.000-07:00

CLOSER!

Smell Anything?????

NO???

DID YOU SCRATCH YOUR SCREEN?

HMMMMMMMMMMMMM

WELL JUST SO YOU KNOW

THIS

SWEET FACE

GOT SPRAYED BY A

SKUNK

LAST NITE!!!

I tried to tell her not to go under the shed but did she listen.....

NOPE!

Thankfully it was a baby skunk,

PHEW!!

Mini Acupressure Facial That You Can Do!

2011-07-31T23:36:00.003-07:00

I haven't talked much about my studies in complementary therapies on my blog, and why I don't really know. But today I was giving myself a mini acupressure facial and thought why not share something so simple with

my bloggy buddies!

You do not need to know acupressure theory, the meridians or potent points, seriously it's so easy and the benefits are awesome! All you do is apply pressure with your fingers or thumbs to specific points, hold for a moment then release, HOW HARD CAN THAT BE?

Chi, you have heard of Chi, right?

that’s the life energy that flows through us and when we have a blockage that means your Chi is stuck, toxins build up and points become stagnant. The purpose of an acupressure treatment is not only because something is wrong, It should be a lifestyle of constant therapy in good health as well

to keep our bodies in harmony.

This little treatment you can do on yourself, it just takes minutes and will improve blood circulation and supply your skin with rich oxygen.

Here is a finger and thumb placement picture I found on the web. One of these days perhaps I will get the nerve to do a video for you but for now this should give you the general idea.

I hope these photos don't freak you out, they are kinda weird.

Each of the little black dots on the face are the points that you will apply pressure to.

The first point is right between your eyebrows,

feel for the spot where your nose meets with your forehead.

There is only one finger placement for this point

(In this pic it is GV 24.5

just for the sake of placement...)

You simply with finger or thumb

whichever is more comfortable for you

apply moderate pressure, holding perhaps 10 to 15 seconds.

You never want to cause any discomfort or bruise yourself,

the idea is to apply pressure to warm up the point and then release.

then

move on to the next set of points

(You will start at the point between the eyebrows working

to the points behind each ear lobe.)

The next set will be in the same position on both sides of the face...

the inner corner of your eyebrows

feel for the your eye/orbit socket and in the corner you will feel

an indentation...thats the spot

(point B2 in this photo)

do the same

apply moderate (comfortable) pressure and hold.

Your next set of points will be (in line) directly below your pupil

(ST 2 in this photo)

take your finger and feel for the top of your cheek bone

pressing onto the ridge of your cheekbone,

do this on both sides of the face for the same amount of time

with thumb or finger.

The next (St 3) in the photo

take your finger and push upward underneath your cheekbone

and as you can see it is in line still with the pupil.

(SI 17)

You will find this point by feeling on the side

of your cheek where your jaw connects with the

top of your skull.

By opening and shutting your mouth this will help you find the spot.

Do the same here, applying pressure with finger or thumb.

(TW 17)

To find this point go behind your earlobe

feel where your ear meets with your skull and move down to the

soft spot, feels like a corner

just underneath where you feel your skull

meet with your lower jaw

apply the same pressure.

You see, it is not complicated at all!

Starting out your comfort level is what is important

apply little bits of pressure by just placing your finger or thumb and

holding for what feels good to you.

What you are doing when applying pressure is

stimulating your bodies own natural healing process.

The pressure promotes your blood circulation which will increase

rich oxygen to start flowing again releasing toxins.

Toxins are those nasty little buggers that create all kinds of havoc.

This is just a little self treatment you can add to your regimen.

You can do it daily before washing your face and getting ready for the day.

Just a note here

in acupressure therapy it is important to wash the area of treatment

like your face

after the treatment, it is the ridding of the toxins.

But you can do it daily, weekly or whatever tickles your fancy.

I like to give myself a treatment then leave a really warm rag on my face

for a few minutes, like a little steam bath.

Probably

right away you will notice your face will have

a glow.

That's from you stimulating the blood and getting

it to move

and your face will be so happy to have oxygen flowing!

GIVE IT A TRY!!

HAVE FUN!!

HAVE A FACIAL PARTY

DO IT WITH FRIENDS!

PEACE!

OH, BTW

Thank you to whoever owns the photos I used.

THESE ARE SO CUTE!

2011-07-17T00:28:00.000-07:00

You guys know how

I LOVE

Gooseberry Patch

I saw these and fell in love.

Paper Clips

with

Vintage Buttons!

so now my crafty wheels are turnin'

(me deep in thought)

HMMMMMM

I have my great-grandmas

Singer Sewing Machine

and the drawers are full of

buttons!

Old buttons are so cool and

I had been tossing around the idea of

making some decorative pillows with some old lace

and attaching a couple of my grandmas buttons on each

for Christmas

as a keepsake for my DIL and my COUSINS.

I think they would love a

special memory of our Great Grandma

and I know they will remember the buttons

because we used to play with them when we were kids.

The Paper Clips such a

NEAT IDEA

who would have though??

now I have another project...

THANKS

GOOSEBERRY PATCH!

Peace and Love

Always.

Denise’s 3 Meals From One Roast Chicken

2011-07-16T00:13:00.000-07:00

Ok, you have to check out Denise's $5.00 Meals

Who wants to spent time in the kitchen when it's

so hot right now??

Take a look at what Denise does with

Rotisserie Chicken

left overs.

I love to pick up a Rotisserie Chicken

on a Friday nite

for the weekend.

DH and I usually get a couple of meals out of one chicken

I make green chile chimi's

do the recipe on the back of the box of

Stove Top Stuffing.

I needed new ideas!!

Denise's pizza looks so yummy

and simple

WHOO HOOO!

who doesn't

LUV, LUV

simple and yummy?

Check Denise out if you have not been to her website.

lots of ideas to make your life easy

and

budget friendly!

A Taste of the Wild

2011-07-10T02:05:00.000-07:00

When something is good I want to share it!

My pups Sage who is 12 years old

Rocky who is 11 years

my precious Scotty Terriers

have suffered with skin allergies since they were

2 and 3yrs old.

I could not tell you how much money we have spent each year on medications,

vet visits, medicated baths and expensive shampoos.

Not to mention cooking special foods just for them.

Sage

We have found out through lots of trial and error that corn, corn gluten & wheat was the culprit.

So you can see how hard finding foods for them would be. Even if the product said corn free

that didn't mean it is corn free.

Almost all pet foods use corn as a filler and it's dang hard to find pet food without corn.

And when you find ones that claim to be "corn free" that just means they do not use corn as a filler.

The problem is the chicken, lamb and beef which

is the main ingrediant, those animals were fed corn and other grains before they became pet food

which still result in corn being in dog food.

Rocky

Recently near my home a new pet food store opened up so I stopped in to see what they have,

the store owners were pretty educated on corn and grain free foods

and they gave me some samples.

I gave my puppies the samples and they seemed to like it right away.

Which you know is not easy when they have been used to having cooked foods.

So then I went back to the new store and bought

A Taste of the Wild

That was last fall and we seemed to notice an improvement pretty quickly. When I

combed them their hair was no longer stiff with flecks of dandruff. And they had stopped

scratching themselves making red and raw spots.

This spring when allergy season reaved up this was the first year they were not writhering

all over the place itching and their skin was not scaly!

This is the first year that they didn't have to have steriods and other meds!

So I just had to tell ya'll about "A Taste of the Wild".

It is more expensive then the more popular brands like Pedigree, but it still reasonable.

Not having to take Sage & Rocky to the vet several times a year and buying lots of expensive foods

I am saving money!

They have a nice variety and Sage and Rocky like all that we have tried.

They also have grain free for cats too.

I just wanted to share this product with you all. It is my own opinion and the company

has not asked me to do this, I have no affiliation with them. After years of worrying about

my precious fur babies finding this food has helped them and made such a difference in their quality of life. They are now seniors, well thats what the doc says, they are still babies to me,

it is a relief to me that their suffering has deminished to almost nothing.

Thanks for listening to me!!!

BLT Pasta Salad

2011-07-04T12:20:00.001-07:00

from

Gooseberry Patch

Well I meant to post this yesterday but time got away from me!

A yummy 4th of July salad

BLT Pasta Salad

8-oz. pkg. elbow macaroni, cooked

4 c. tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped

4 slices bacon, crisply cooked and crumbled

3 c. shredded lettuce

1/2 c. mayonnaise

1/3 c. sour cream

1 T. Dijon mustard

1 t. sugar

2 t. cider vinegar

1/2 t. salt

1/2 t. pepper

Rinse macaroni in cold water; drain and pour into a serving bowl. Add next 3 ingredients; toss gently and set aside. Mix remaining ingredients together in a mixing bowl; stir well. Pour over macaroni mixture; gently toss until well coated. Serve immediately. Makes 10 servings

Have a Wonderful 4th of July, Yall!

Update on Arizona Wildfires

2011-06-11T16:32:00.000-07:00

Just a note to let everyone know

we are still here!

Nurtioso, Arizona

Our country is so blessed to have such wonderful

First Responders

Firemen

Policemen

Highway Workers

Volunteers.......

there are so many agencies, I could never list them all here, of these highly trained professionals

that do their job unselfishly

for any reason or person no matter how great or how small.

This is my friend Danny's truck from the

Lakeside, Arizona Station.

It's just so amazing how he loves his job

and does it with such enthusiasm.

On Thursday the smoke and wind was so bad they moved all the

heli's and water tankers to ShowLow

(that's where I live)

Later they evacuated Eagar and Springerville.

It's a little hard to tell, but behind the cinder pit

is a large smoke plume. This pic was taken from the

Show Low Airport.

approx 50 miles from the fire.

Blogging friends for all you kind thoughts and prayers

With all the tornadoes, floods, wildfires and heat

this is gonna be a wild summer!

Take care everyone!

Hummel

2011-06-10T21:29:00.003-07:00

matted hummel charcoal drawings

Each drawing has

Hummel

as the signature.

The bottom left is the best

I could get with my camera

of the signature.

Our Blogger Friend SherryBee

2011-06-06T00:48:00.000-07:00

Many of you may follow

SherryBee

she lives very near the

Wallow Fire!

Take a look at her blog,

she has posted some pics of the brown and very scary sky

near her home.

I can imagine how helpless she probably feels not knowing what may happen.

Please

remember SherryBee in your prayers and send

her a note so she knows we are all thinking of her!

I just recently met SherryBee in the weirdest way!

I was blog surfing and happened onto a blog written by a lady from New Zealand

and come to find out SherryBee and I are practically neighbors

as well as she knows my bro, SIL and nephews!

p.s. blogger friends, you guys are awesome, thank you for your kind words on my previous post about the fire. It really does seem like this year to be so much devastation with the tornadoes, earthquakes, wildfires, not to mention the smaller devastions on perhaps a personal level.

I am a believer that prayers and our collective thoughts for healing and protection

will prevail.

Arizona Wildfire!

2011-06-05T01:18:00.000-07:00

If you have been following the news

we have a major wildfire

"The Wallow Fire"

not far from my home in Arizona.

I say it's not far, in the pic above

that is what it looks like from approx

70 miles away.

70 miles may not seem close

BUT

Here in the White Mountains we tend to get

a little nervous about any fire!

Back in 2002, and it still seems like yesterday

we had one of the largest wildfires in our history

the

Rodeo - Chediski Fire

our town and several nearby towns were evacuated for a week.

Fox News

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

If I may....

I would like to request

for us all

Prayers

with all the

Tornadoes

Wildfires

and other things we have going on in our lives

and across the nation,

just for a few moments each day

stop, say a prayer, and remember our

friends and families and whomever we may know,

Gracious Father

watch over us & protect us

during these times.

And

of course offer

Thanks

for his divine & endless love.

Memorial Day

2011-05-29T00:08:00.000-07:00

Prayer for Peace, Memorial Day, 2011

For over two centuries, brave men and women have laid down their lives in defense of our great Nation. These heroes have made the ultimate sacrifice so we may uphold the ideals we all cherish. On this
Memorial Day
we honor the generations of Americans who have fought and died to defend our freedom.

That's Why We Don't Plant Until mid-June!

2011-05-20T15:26:00.000-07:00

This happens every year,

you think there won't be anymore freezes.

SURPRISE!

Whatcha gonna do?

Getting To Know You Sunday, it's a linky thing.....

2011-05-15T23:59:00.001-07:00

Being a new blogger

I have found so many interesting ideas out there

to meet new people.

I found this Sunday linky

Kimberlys Korner

after she visited me.

You can link up at Keely's

Answer these questions then link up!

the q's.

1. have you ever gone to see a movie by yourself? Yes

2. would you rather go through a tornado or a hurricane? Tornado

3. have you made summer vacation plans? No

4. what's your favorite accessory? Purse

5. have you ever been thrown a surprise party? Yes

6. are you friends with your neighbors? Yes

7. what's the last movie you saw in the theater? Avatar

8 what's your favorite food network show? Paula Deen

Well that was pretty simple!

So I am off to link up....

I hope everyone has a wonderful and blessed week!!

And The Winner Is......

2011-05-13T22:38:00.001-07:00

First of all just let me say,

my blogging buddies are

AWESOME!!

As you know I am a blogging newbie,

I don't have a random generator,

but I do have a really cute and sweet volunteer,

my DH!

My Honey

I wrote the names on a piece of paper

Put the names, all 5 of them,

in a wooden bowl.

DH closed his eyes...

reached in to draw one name.....

DRUM ROLL

and the winner is

Country Dreaming!!!!

Congrats Country Dreaming!!

I really hope Country Dreaming enjoys the

goats milk soap

chai tea bath salts

trinket box

The Surprise ...

Lemon Silicon Tea Infuser
&
tea bag pad

This was fun!

And I most definately will do it again soon.

I have really enjoyed getting to know all of you

and appreciate that you take the time to stop by to see what goes on in my life

and for all the wonderful things that you post on your blogs,

sharing your families

and opening the doors to your home.

It's been a blast!

The Giveaway!

2011-05-08T19:15:00.004-07:00

For my loyal and wonderful

FOLLOWERS

Last month my DH surprised me with a anniversary trip to

Ruidoso, New Mexico

It's a cute and historic city and has a little
downtown area with all kinds of neat shops
to spend alot of money and time in.

I visited a little shop called

All Lathered Up

I could have stayed there all day, it smelled so good!
So with my followers in mind I purchased a bar of
Goats Milk Bath Soap
&
Chai Tea Bath Salts
they smell heavenly!
Also to the giveaway I am adding a little trinket box with a surprise inside.
So leave me a comment and let me know if
you
would like to be a part of the giveaway!
There will be only one winner, picked at random
on Thursday, May 12, 2011!

p.s. unfortunately this giveaway ifs for my current followers,
but if you want to follow you will be here for the next giveaway!

The Royal Kiss

2011-04-29T17:19:00.001-07:00

It was AWESOME!

I only fell asleep a couple of times

but not during the important parts.

Look at the little flower girl in the lower left corner of pic

isn't it hilliarious?

A beautiful ceremony,

but I love weddings.

Prince William has such a magical and beautiful aura,

so much of his mom's inner beauty.

It really took my breath away to witness history taking place.

I wonder how it will be told

a couple hundred years from now?

I wish them

forever

Happiness & Peace.

The Royal Wedding

2011-04-26T23:15:00.001-07:00

So are you going to stay up late

get up early depending where you live

to watch

The Royal Wedding?

It should start in my area, (Arizona),

1 a.m.

U. S. Pacific Time

I watched when Diana and Charles got married.

If you have read my bio, then you know I am an

Ordained Minister

Wedding Officiant

It is so much fun to work with a couple in love.

You can't help but get caught in their excitement

it is the happiest time of their lives!

Oh I am not forgetting the stress and drama that goes on in prep

of the dream day.

I have seen many on the verge of a nervous breakdown

and many no longer speaking.

But

when the day actually gets here everyone seems to come back together,

they pool all resources,

the riffs and tiffs are forgotten

and it is endless hugs and love.

From my experience

ANYTHING and I mean ANYTHING

can and will happen!

I work with the couples and go through the ceremony from start to finish

several times before the ceremony.

Why?

Many couples have the dream of doing their own personalized vows

and that is wonderful and so romantic.

But a lot of the time either because everyone is crying

because their nerves have gotten the better of them,

I will have to take over and get their vows out for them.

Many times I have had to ad~lib and make it seem as if that was the plan all along so that their ceremony goes without any embarrassing moments.

So when I prepare for the ceremony, I make sure I have the whole ceremony, if they have

prewritten their vows, if not they understand I will go with the ole standard ceremony.

My Point Is...

Can you imagine the pressure Kate and William are under?

The whole world will be watching, and yet it is their special moment.

They have such a great duty for history's sake,

and yet they are just two people in love

taking a major step in their lives.

My heart goes out to them on their wedding day!

Update #2 ~ Sweet Potato Vine

2011-04-26T01:23:00.001-07:00

Just thought I would give Ya'll another update on my Sweet Potato Project.

Last Monday I posted the new growth I found,

thats the vine starting on the left of the potato....

Below is what it looks like today!

ONLY

a week later!

Can you belive it???

I am now obsessed with this thang!

~~~

All the eyes are starting to have growths too!

See the tiny little leaves starting to grow?

Can you imagine what it will be like by the end of summer?

If you remember I have two potatoes going.

The other potato is a little slower and seems to be making more roots

instead of so many leaves.

~~~Below~~

This is a pic of one of the many "slips".

You can cut these off and plant to grow the

sweet potato.

In my obsession I have been searching the net cause I would love to grow these to eat.

Especially since it grows so easily and I haven't killed it yet!

This variety, the Centennial, does not have the best reputation for flavor

according to all I read.

So I went back to the store and bought another

sweet potato

and did my own taste test.

Hey you never know,

the difference in regions,

just maybe.....

Well they were right!

It is a gorgeous color and very meaty,

but

YUCK!

It had no taste at all! I doctored it up a little, but by the time you do all that

it's healthful benefits are pretty much gone

and there was no improvement in taste.

The two sweet potatoes I have will be vines only.

My next project will be cutting the slips to transplant

and make more vines.

I am thinking if they take

they will make awesome gifts!

HAVE * A * GREAT * WEEK * YA'LL

p.s. to all my followers...

in the next couple of days I will post a giveaway!

YAY!

Thanks to you I now have 60 followers...

XOXOXOX

you guys are awesome!!

Antique Bottle Wind Chimes

2011-04-21T12:30:00.001-07:00

Isn't this a neat idea?

As you can tell I have had these for awhile

by the dust on them.

I bought these at a craft fair probably

15yrs ago.

The idea is simple, but you would need to have a

drill bit for glass

a steady and gentle hand,

these bottles are old and fragile.

The string used is fishing line

on the top to create the holder

on the bottom to connect the beads

and glass.

These are wind chimes

but

I have never put them in the wind,

they are just too fragile.

I keep them in the kitchen window as sun catchers.

They are really cute and I always get comments on them when they are seen.

I didn't make them, but I have alot of old bottles and have thought about

making one just to see if I could do it.

Sooo, just thought I would share with you,

on the net I have seen the Ball mason jars that have been made

into hanging lites, using candles or those flameless flicker candles. And I have been wondering if

a small flicker lite would fit down in these.

Have a great day Ya'll!!

Earth Day @ Starbucks, Free Drink

2011-04-20T22:12:00.000-07:00

Earth Day is April 22, this Friday!

It's also DH's birthday!

Update~Sweet Potato Vine

2011-04-17T14:45:00.000-07:00

Look at this!! I was going to change the water and when I got the cup out of the kitchen window this was growing out of the back of the sweet potato! It wasn't there last week. All of the growth until now has been below the water level.

It is amazing how fast these things grow once they take off.

When I was at the store I couldn't tell you my reason for buying two sweet potatoes,

I guess I was thinking better chances with two.

Then when both sweet potatoes began growing I thought I would experiment and put one in the garden.

So I did a little research about the sweet potato,

and from what I have read the variety I have chosen aren't the best taste wize.

The vines as they are developing are turning a pretty purplish and green and have a very nice shape.

This particular plant will be better for growing as decorative vines.

You can eat them, they just aren't the best or sweetest tasting.

I found good information at Ehow.com .

Really simple and easy explanations there.

So the plan is to grow one indoors

one as an outdoor vine.

At ehow.com it explains all this too.

I'll keep ya'll updated!

I can't wait to put one in a hanging basket now for the porch!

Ultimate Ooey-Gooey Chocolate Brownies

2011-04-16T01:33:00.000-07:00

DH is a chocoholic

but who isn't??

It has been awhile since I have made these

they are rich, but oooh so good!

It is a very easy recipe and worth it!

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups of flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups sugar

1/4 cup of water

2/3 cups butter or margarine soft but not melted

2 bags of Nestle Semisweet chocolate chips

(YES 2 BAGS!)

Put one bag of chocolate chips in freezer a few hours before making brownies

2 teaspoons vanilla

3 eggs

1 cup of chopped walnuts

Cooking Directions

Preheat oven to 325 degrees

Spray or oil 9x13 baking dish

In a separate bowl mix flour, baking soda, salt. Set aside.

IN MEDIUM SAUCE PAN

combine sugar, water and butter

Cook on medium heat until the butter is melted

and sugar is dissolved, stirring continously.

Remove from heat,

immediately pour in one bag of the

Chocolate Chips and the vanilla,

stirring until chocolate chips are melted.

Pour melted chocolate and sugar mixture

into a large mixing bowl.

Using hand mixer on low

or stir by hand

add eggs one at at time.

Don't beat the eggs, just incorporate well

then

Add the flour mixture, mix well.

Now add the bag of frozen chocolate chips and walnuts

it's ok to take chocolate chips out of freezer when starting

(the Walnuts are optional)

Put in preheated oven

they are done when you insert a toothpick in the middle

and it comes out clean

depending on altitude and oven differences

do the toothpick test at approx 25 mins

there will be a crusty firm chocolate layer on the top

so make sure you poke the toothpick all the way through.

Also the sides will appear to pull away from baking dish

After the first check, if not done, check in 10 minute intervals

be gentle.

Be sure and write down the time it takes to bake in your oven.

When my cousin makes this, it takes around 35 minutes,

she lives in Oklahoma

I am at a higher altitude and for some reason it doesn't take as long

about 25 minutes

Let cool completly before cutting.

ENJOY!

Give Away: WIRE BASKETS

2011-04-12T08:03:00.000-07:00

Don't you just love these wire baskets?

I just entered and you can too.

It's easy

all you have to do is visit

Amy

Homestead Revival

just follow her directions

to enter.

GOOD LUCK!!

Spring Sprung Back Into Winter!

2011-04-10T08:26:00.000-07:00

So this morning I had a little bone to pick with

Mother Nature.

I had so many plans for this weekend.

Planting hostas I have been pampering indoors,

Finish triming the Elm tree,

Raking up the winters pine cone sheds

and

pine needles

All of which are under the snow.

Rocky scottie says he is not going out there

the snow is 4 inches deep

his legs are 3 inches long

which means his woo hoo would be frozen to the ground

and thats not happening.

Sageji scottie wants me to give Mother Nature

her two cents worth,

she's just sayin'...

Tho I have to admit the crisp morning air with the

sun coming up over the neighbors house

making the trees glisten and glow

with a big mug of hot tea in hand

puts me in awe of Mother Nature

and her beauty

which makes me smile

and be thankful

and have faith

that She has her reasons for timing.

So I make peace

Give her honor

and

make plans for another day.

BUT! it was SPRING yesterday!!

2011-04-09T15:18:00.000-07:00

WHAT HAPPENED?

When I went to bed last night it was Spring!

I couldn't believe my eyes this morning!

I looked out front

then

out into the backyard

and

sure enough everywhere there was snow!

The daisy's and day lillies were covered with snow.

AND

The hostas that I planned on planting today looked like snowcones!

What a trick by Mother Nature!

I say that and wait for a clap of thunder, LOL.
Doesn't the saying go....

"it's not nice to fool mother nature"?

but

she can sure fool us!

Oh well, whatcha gonna do, right?

Have a great weekend YA'LL!

Contact, Jodie Foster, ET's

2011-04-09T02:46:00.001-07:00

Did you see the movie Contact?

March 31 was our anniversary. DH surprised me with a trip to Ruidoso, New Mexico.

On our way we passed by

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory

Parts of the movie Contact was filmed here.

It was really cool and interesting.

These radio dishes are huge and sit on railroad tracks.

There is a huge hanger that they are rolled into when repairs are needed,

it is the square building on the right in pic below.

The Astronomy Observatory is located just outside of

Magdelena, New Mexico

not far from the White Sands Testing Grounds.

From there we traveled on to Ruidoso

and checked into the hotel and had a romantic dinner.

And then he surprised me with tickets to

HEART!!!

OMG, they are one of my favorites!

The concert was awesome!

They sang all my favorites and

WOW

DH out did himself this time!

We had great seats.

My DH is so sweet and wonderful and made

our anniversary wonderful!

Have a great weekend, Ya'll!!

Sweet Potato Vines!

2011-04-05T12:21:00.001-07:00

You may have read a few posts back

"From My Kitchen Window Sill"

that I finally planted all those clippings I had floating in water?

It seems that I am always trying to revive something in my kitchen window ; - )

Well recently while visiting

Chickens In The Road

I decided I would also try getting a

Sweet Potato Vine

started.

My mom and grandma always had them growing in their kitchen windows,

bathrooms, laundry rooms, basically any room that had good sunlight.

On March 9th, I picked up two sweet potatoes while grocery shopping.

I did check to make sure the potatoes had plenty

of "eyes" on them.

I remember my mom and grandma saying that...

"they gotta have good eyes".

Makes sense now.

I put four toothpicks in the upper 1/4 of the potato to keep the potato from touching bottom of cup.

Then filled the cup with water, and once a week poured old water out and filled with fresh.

Last week when changing the water all I saw was some hairy strands and thought I would give it one more week.

Today when I looked into the cup this is what I found!

I was so surprised!

I couldn't believe it!

Now I am so excited

I hope to have soon beautiful vines.

They grow really fast and have full beautiful leaves!

As I understand it, the new green growths are called "slips".

The slips can be clipped and planted to grow

sweet potatoes.

This was so easy!

It wasn't in the plan, all I wanted was to start a vine.

BUT

I may go ahead, since I have two sweet potatoes,

and plant some of the slips and see how they take off in my garden.

My mom and grandma did that all the time, but I have never given it a try.

Wish Me Luck!!

Gooseberry Patch Needs Your Recipes!

2011-04-03T16:49:00.002-07:00

GOOSEBERRY PATCH

CHECK IT OUT!

p.s. again, I am not affiliated with Gooseberry, I have just been a fan for years, they have no idea who I am!

".... If you have a favorite recipe that uses fresh fruit or veggies,
we'd love to include you in

Fresh from the Farmstand..."

p.s. I am not affiliated with Gooseberry, I just luv em!

For Those Who Like Sweet and Salty

2011-04-02T23:10:00.001-07:00

Okay, I will admit I am one who takes part in the endless cycle of eating something sweet then having to have something salty, you know back and forth, eat something salty then having to have something sweet. Drives me nuts!

And, I love to mix my sweets with salty, like chocolate covered rasins with my popcorn at the movies.
OH YUM ; - )

BUT YIKES!!!

Have you seen or tried Denny's new Maple Bacon Sundae? Friday was our anniversary, DH and I took a little trip (I will post pics tomorrow). Friday morning we stopped at Denny's for breakfast and it's newest theme has gone ga-ga over bacon. On the menu one of their newest items is the Maple Bacon Sundae. Maybe it's just me, but I am not feeling the excitement. We watched the waitress ask every customer and tried their best to make it sound so appealing, but during the time we were there, we saw no takers. We really wanted to see someone try it so we could ask them what they thought.

So my friends if you have tried

the Maple Bacon Sundae

post a comment, I would love to know what you thought!

Free Recipes from GooseBerry Patch!

2011-03-29T21:41:00.000-07:00

Another FREEBIE!! Don't you just love it?

If you can't tell I love GooseBerry Patch and they have some recipe tutorials.

Ideas for rotisserie chicken,

and a few holiday recipes.

p.s. I am in no way affiliated with Gooseberry Patch.

I just love collecting recipes

and LOVE, LOVE Free stuff!

Just wanted to share with my friends!

FREE! Fruit and Sunshine Recipe Book from Sunmaid!

2011-03-27T23:59:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't like something for FREE?!?!

Visit SUNMAID to request your free recipe book. You can download it from the Sunmaid website or have them mail it to you!

YUMMMM!

Have a wonderful Monday Ya'll!

Kitchen Window Sill

2011-03-25T23:37:00.000-07:00

Well, finally! The kitchen window plant project is done!

I just can't let a leaf that gets broken or falls off to be tossed out. I get this from my mom and grandma....

PUT IT IN SOME WATER!!

I am actually embarrassed at how long they have been in water. I have had plants in water for much longer, but the kitchen window was starting to look like a forest and the roots were well established. I have been such a slacker these last few months. Perhaps it is because I am chomping at the bit to get out into the yard so this was my kick start. In the mix is two Christmas Cactus, two Ivys, 1 Spider Plant and two I can't remember their name plants(sorry).

This picture was taken at night, but they are now in a south facing window to keep the soil warm. The plants I can't remember the names of are the second and third pots. If you know the name, give me a hollar, cause it just isn't coming to me...dang fibromyalgia!!

The weather guy is saying we will have a great weekend here in ARIZONA! YAHOOOOOO!

I know alot of you are already getting lettuce and other things planted, but in our region, the mountains, it still too early. I'm jealous ;-) But there is still plenty of raking and cleaning to do.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE!

Yahoooo! Signs of Spring!

2011-03-21T00:47:00.000-07:00

We had a gorgeous weekend! Finally the weather so nice and warm. We were able to be outside without jackets to rake up pine needles and pine cones. The hollyhocks and daylillies are already about 5 inches tall and the dafodills and tulips are starting to poke through the ground.

Daylillies!

Wow, just a little bit of sunshine makes me so happy!

Tomorrow is Monday, I hope you all have a great week!

Happy Saint Patricks Day!

2011-03-17T00:48:00.000-07:00

Saint Patricks Day was made an official feast day in the early 17th century, but has gradually become more of a secular celebration of Irish culture. According to Wickipedia, the patron saint Patrick was born in Wales and was kidnapped as a child and taken to Ireland. He escaped and returned to Wales and joined the church, then returned to Ireland as a Bishop. Irish folklore says he used the clover to explain the holy trinity. Boston brought the custom to America in 1737 where it is celebrated with parades, feasts and drinking green beer. Although typically an Irish day of honor, St. Patricks Day is celebrated world wide.

Check out Chickens In The Road for a yummy recipe of Irish Soda Bread.

2011-03-15T23:56:00.000-07:00

GAS PRICES! If you drive I don't have to tell you the price of gas is outrageous! Where I live today gas is $3.43 a gallon. On the news I heard yesterday that it should top out at $3.75 instead of the $5 or $6 bucks previously thought. I think they wanted to see if we were listening or make something sound better than the possible nuclear radiation the whole world may be facing.

I don't normally talk politics, it drives me nuts. And perhaps I am freakin' a bit because I just retired and funds are not as healthy as they used to be. The good part of that is that I no longer drive into work each day. So I guess I am saving somehow, somewhere.

I don't know about you but I am so tired of US the consumer, the ones with the pockets always gettin' kicked around. We foot the bill for everything, and who helps us out? The government claims to be out of money, well so are we, HELLO!!

Now I am no analyst wiz, it is just my opinion, but doesn't it seem a couple of years ago when the gas prices were up there, most of us only purchased what we needed. Last time I stopped filling my tank, I tried to do all my errands in one trip along with grocery shopping. We didn't take a vacation. We didn't drive into the big city just to go shopping. On our small individual family level we made conscious and smart decision to use fuel sparingly. We all did, and that is what got through to the powers that be.

You know we all had tons of email pleading that on certain days we were to boycott the gas stations. I don't think that strategy would have worked. What was effective, we as consumers became frugal in our purchase of gas and I really think that is what had the overall effect. That's easy and do-able!

There are a couple of websites that you can use to compare gas prices in your neighborhood Gas Price Watch and Gas Buddy. I live in a really small town so I can litteraly see from one end of town to the other, LOL. Well if your still reading, thanks for sticking it out through my rants. I'm thinking, you know that commercial that says "It's my money and I want it now!" I want to change it to say "Its my country and I want it back!!!!" Bless your heart for reading this! Love YA'LL

Happy Happy Happy!

2011-03-14T21:31:00.000-07:00

Aren't these just beautiful? Last saturday was our local Bridal Fair and Fashion Show. If you have read my profile I am a minister - officiant. I shared a table at the fair with my friend Anna who is also a minister. Our hunt for fresh flowers to adorn our table was for a couple of daffodil live plants but sadly they were no where to be found, well to fit our small budget. So I stopped at our local Safeway for one last look and these had just come off the truck! I instantly fell in love with these daisies! They just made me smile. They looked so beautiful on our table and were a BIG hit. I got two bundles, $5.99 a bundle. Everyone who passed our table made a comment on them and several of the brides-to-be wanted to know where we got them because they would be so perfect for their wedding themes. I think a few of the florist vendors were a little put out, we got the evil eye a couple of times. (hehehee) These are sitting on my kitchen counter and I just love them, they bring a smile everytime I walk by! I have to admit these combined with our warmer weather this week have greatly improved my attitude!

Happy Birthday Toby

2011-03-09T22:28:00.000-07:00

Toby 3/9/4 - 6/7/10

Happy Birthday sweet boy. Its hard to believe it was 7yrs ago today that I helped you come into this world. Your beautiful momma had such a hard time trying to deliver you and your brothers and little sister. You weren't breathing so I gave you mouth to mouth, it took a little bit, but soon you came right along. I know it was then our unbreakable bond started. Sadly you were born with Laryngeal Paralysis, a horrible and sad condition which on June 7, 2010 you lost the daily battle. The big picture of you still hangs on the fridge door, I stood in front of it and sang Happy Birthday to you, and I felt you here today. Happy Birthday precious baby!

Do You Like Hollyhocks?

2011-03-07T21:13:00.000-07:00

Does anyone like hollyhocks like I do? These pics are just some of the beautiful hollyhocks I have had in the past. These are biannual hollyhocks I just learned from friends at Chickens In The Road. btw, If you haven't been there you must stop in, the site has so much to read and learn.

So what happens, you plant the seeds the first year, but you only get leafy green foliage and a stalk about a foot tall. The next year and for years after you have tall beautiful hollyhocks. These grow around 6ft tall depending on your climate and soil, I have read that they can get 9ft tall! I live in Arizona and these are the easiest flowers I have ever grown. So they last in the drought and are very hearty.

Just wondering if anyone out there would like a few seeds or do you have some seeds you would like to trade? I would really love to find some cosmos seeds. If your interested in some seeds, send me your name and mailing address and I will send you some! I can't promise which blooms you will get because the container I stored the seeds in were mixed in a move. But each bloom is really pretty and each stalk will give you lots of seed pods so you can share and plant in other areas if you want.

My Grocery Getter

2011-03-05T01:23:00.000-07:00

Ok, yesterday I was complaining about the VW van, the new one. I am bummed that the new VW van has lost its hippie iconic symbol.

But after whimping and whinning around, I had to remember I am one lucky momma. My husband is a Chevy diehard, I have to admit I am too. We have had many cars, mostly muscle over the years and trailer them to car shows, which is a lot of fun.

This is a 1970 Chevelle wagon and is so much fun to drive around town. We get lots of looks and thumbs up where ever we go.

This 55 Chevy, was a hoot to drive and was one of my favorites. DH sold it!!

Of course the Monster truck was a little difficult to get the groceries up into. It had an 18inch lift on it.

Ok, I'm feeling much better! I can still be a hippie and wear my birkenstocks and granny dresses. Not to mention lookin cool in some beautiful cars! Have a great weekend Y'all!

Hippie Daze, Where did they Go??

2011-03-04T01:45:00.000-07:00

I am not liking the new Volkswagon Van. Maybe it's just me, I am just saying.... When I was a teen it was my dream when I graduated college, I was an art student, to buy a volkswagon van, gather all my art supplies and travel around the country being a free spirit, granola eating hippie and artist. When I was 12 my parents took the family to California to visit family and as a day outing we drove to San Francisco. That one day in San Francisco made a lasting impression on me. This would have been in 1968, we went to a fair on the beach and had our faces painted with flowers and peace signs. I made up my mind that day that was the life for me! I was an impressionable 12 yr old, but I held onto that dream for the next 10yrs! The reality came though when there was no income to make my dream come true. No one wanted to hire a free spirited hippie to drive around the USA to draw pictures. Not to mention when the time had come the country and the fads had changed to rock and roll and hatred for the government.

However, the self image I had of who I wanted to be never was far from my heart. The small pic of myself on the left corner of my blog, I know you can't tell but I am wearing Birkinstocks! My friends and family, if only you knew, has poked constant fun of me for wearing my granny dresses. I have never worn much makeup, preferring the natural look, and my hair is just like I wore it in school, down to my waist parted in the middle. I know you guys don't really care that I am such a creature of habit, but I'm trying to say I am bummed. The new VW van just does not represent the VW van of the 60's. For me and I am probably the only one who thinks this way (I really didn't think I had a problem with change) but the 60's version was and is an icon. I never did buy that VW van, but know they are still around, and thought...some day. This new van just does not say COOL or GROOVY, ya know?????

Maxine Monday, Anyone else ready for Spring??

2011-02-27T22:31:00.000-07:00

Ok, so it's Monday again. So what you say?? Well it's Monday again with SNOW!! The snow melted just enough last week that I got out and trimmed a couple bushes and some limbs off the big elm. You know every year it is so wonderful to get out into the yard and prep for spring and summer. Well it is still February, I guess I am getting a little ahead of myself, but is anyone else out there wanting Spring and Summer to hurry up and get here??

Be Thankful For The Guys Who Plow Your Highways!!

2011-02-22T11:47:00.000-07:00

Look close, see the big yellow snow plow truck just right of the center of the pic?? Thats my honey! He works for Arizona Dept of Transportation, and when I am home warm, fat and happy he is out making the roads safe for everyone! Yea, they are in heated trucks and get to listen to music, but hey they work 12 hour shifts, trying not to get hit by cars spinning out of control or getting stuck themselves! But look at that road see how clean it is, the snow was just getting started.

We as the public think that would be an easy job, but its not. DH drives one of the plow trucks that not only has the snow plow on the front but also has a "wing" which is another plow on the right hand side that stands up at a slant. Can you imagine how limited his view is? And as he goes down the highway he has to, and remember the snow can get deep in the mountains, but he has to not run into the guardrails and delinators on the side of the road while watching for the traffic around him. And do you know as he goes down the center of the road pushing all the snow to the right hand side people will flip him off or yell obscenities because it sprayed snow ontop of their cars, like he was plowing down the center intentionally just get in their way and spray dirty snow all over their car. GEEE people it does not just snow on the shoulders. Oh my sorry folks, I got a little worked up, I just worry when he is out in the snow, but somebody has to do it! Have a great day everyone!

Dog-gone-it!

2011-02-20T23:21:00.000-07:00

Sorry bloggyland, its been one of those evenings......we got a lot of snow today, it's cold and my furbabies are looking at me like gee mom, is it ever gonna end??? The one good thing is we get to snuggle! They chose this joke to share with their furry friends. Keep warm y'all!

Bubble Gum Comics?

2011-02-19T23:13:00.000-07:00

As you can see by my earlier post I am in the process of redesigning my craft/grandkiddos room. And really I am working on it as I can! It is a fault of mine, you can ask anyone who knows me, that I always make a much bigger mess getting something done than probably the average person. What can I say?? Anyway I have a lot of my supplies stored in plastic totes in the garage since our move into this house. As I have gone through them to locate things I found some interesting items. Does anyone remember the Bazooka Bubble Gum that came with the little comic strips inside?

Well these are not the Bazooka brand, they are by Cosmic Club. Each little section is a ton of rolled up comic strips connected to make this bracelet. The larger comic in the background is a little envelope to keep the bracelet in. I had forgotten all about these. I had purchased them back in the 90's, thinking I would one day have grandkids. When I ran across these last night I squealed with excitement, I bought them cause I thought they were so cool. My delima is that my grandaughter is 5yrs old and I could just see within 5 minutes hundreds of little comic strips all over the house. But chances are if I was to put them up until she is older to appreciate them, with my old age sitting in, well I guess at the reading of my will she could have them then. Hmmm, should I just suck up whatever happens? What do you think? HELP

Calling ALL New Bloggers!

2011-01-18T23:33:00.006-07:00

Hey you gotta check out Debbiedoos Blogging and Blabbing! Click here or on my left side bar (Debbiedoos), however you do it just get there!! Debbie has been around for a long time, well in bloggy time that is, LOL! And she is giving all of us newbies the chance of a life time!

Debbiedoos says...."You know we all had to start somewhere. It's not easy, and it's not always fun when you do not know what to do or how to do it. I am no expert, however, I can speak from experience only.
First thing your blog needs is a bit of exposure. Sure you can join linky parties and hope you get a visit of two, or you can go around visiting and making comments, both are a great start. But the best way for exposure is word of mouth. And I have a big, loud, mouth! So let me know if you are interested in a feature, whether it be a shout out to your blog in general, or something special you are working on. Would love to have ya."

How gracious, sweet and generous is that? So head on over, check out her fab blog, follow her and give her your info and a giant hug. She can also be reached at micmanno@aol.com. THANKS DEBBIEDOOS!

Okay, Here We GO!!

2011-01-18T00:17:00.009-07:00

Wow! Blogger Friends you are so amazing. I have been reading about everyones projects and ideas and that has really helped me to decide on what I want to do. I think I have stated before I have a ton of projects, and I do, but I realized where I really need to start is to first organize my office/craft room/grandkids rompus room. We moved into this house 3yrs ago and I have never really gotten the room set up. I have my supplies and files in totes in the closet, the garage and the shed. Infact with it strung all over the place I really have no idea what I even have anymore. Also my gkiddos are 6 and 5yrs old and I know they would really dig doing some of the projects with me. This first pic is at the door way, c'mon in! As you can see its a mess. I am going to try to show you 360 view.

This is a close up of my make shift desk. Its a piece of plywood sitting ontop of a future furniture redo. Believe it or not that old radio by the back wall does still work. How do you like my lawn chair office chair? I gotta say though it is comfortable, but a little hard to move around in. That ply wood I actually picked up at home depot, it is cabinet finish grade maple. I have another piece in the garage that my DH is going to cut for me. All I have to do is draw up the plans for my new desk and he promises to make. DH is a chocoholic so he will be seeing some tasty treats in his future!

Please excuse the mess! The gkiddos came over and we got a little messy, but this is a pic continuing around the room. It's a pretty good size room!

This is the other side of the room.

Ok, we are back to the door. I have been looking at so many of your craft rooms and they are all to die for. I just can't decide if I want to go white like many of you. The white is just so crisp, clean and soft. But I also love color, so I have been tossing around staining my desk top since it is such a nice piece of wood and doing the bottom part in a faux denim paint?? What do you think? Hey guys wish me luck!!

A New Kind Of Normal

2011-01-08T01:02:00.003-07:00

A New Kind Of Normal ! You all just have to visit this blogging moms site. You or someone you know may suffer from fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue or chronic pain. As a suffer myself part of the frustration of this illness is trying to get a family member, a co worker and in most cases even your doctor to understand what you go through on a daily basis. Unknown to most is that a person with a chronic illness goes undiagnosed for years if not decades!! Also the amount of money and medicines, the countless doctors you are passed around to year after year is outright obscene, only for the suffer to walk away depressed, sometimes humiliated, dejected and in despair. "You Don't Look Sick", is what a chronic sufferer hears over and over, it is an invisible illness. And unfortunately once you are diagnosed, it is for the lack of a better word a domino effect, to have one diagnosis such as fibromyalgia comes with that will be restless leg syndrome, irritable bowel, celiac disease or any combination of "chronic" illnesses. So if you know of someone when they say their pain level is 12 now you will know how they really feel even if they "don't look sick". Thanks ALLIE for posting this!

One World One Heart

2011-01-03T18:41:00.008-07:00

One World One Heart , the 5th and final year for this world event. I am new to blogging and this sounds like fun!

"One World One Heart is a worldwide event for bloggers only. It gives all those who blog a chance to meet and mingle and form connections with those they may not have otherwise met from all over the world. In the past 4 years this event has grown to over 1,000 participants with lasting friendships (and even one love connection) formed along the way. Think of it as a GIGANTIC open house allowing you to travel without ever leaving your home........going from blog to blog(in various countries) seeing the wonder each one has created and meeting all the fabulous people behind those blogs. As a bonus each blogger participant will offer up a "door prize or prizes"....just for dropping by, saying hello and seeing their world. It's really that easy !!"

Lisa Swifka is the creator and host of this event, it sounds like a warm and friendly way to connect and make friends around the world. She asks that if you are wanting to participate to click on her links, she has provided several links to explain what is required and it is really simple and easy!

Lisa can also be reached by email at oneworldoneheart@comcast.net

Blessings my friends! Marla

Snow Daze

2011-01-03T00:42:00.006-07:00

Many people think that Arizona is all desert. Imagining Phoenix and Tucson you think sweltering heat, cactus and the occassionaly tumbleweed that blows across the road. I am so blessed to live in the beautiful White Mountains in the north eastern part of the state. We live on top of the Mogollon Rim surrounded by Ponderosa and Pinion Pine trees. Living at 6300 ft elevation we are lucky to have all four seasons and if you ever have had the chance to visit our state you surely noticed our awesome sunsets. It is so different than probably anything you have seen, the sitting sun reflects off the desert floor and there is such an array of magical colors. Most of the color pallettes that you see referred to as "southwest" are browns, rusts, yellows, purples, well those colors come from the colors seen in the evening sky as the sun sets on the horizon. Now I know the pic on this post is leaving you confused, but I was trying to explain that Arizona has a few things you may not be aware of such as the mountains, forests, streams and lakes. Also the author Zane Grey lived in a cabin about an hour and a half drive from where I live.

The pic on the left is of our house, all that fuzzy white stuff is snow! Over the last 3 days we have gotten about a foot. DH works for the state of AZ and has been working 12hr shifts driving the snow plow. On New Years eve at midnight I did not have the heart to wake him so I gave him a soft kiss on the forhead. He had not had time all day to eat his lunch, so I made him a warm dinner and he fell asleep in his work clothes. Then got up at 5am to start all over again.

I just wanted to share our latest snow. We are supposed to have a break for a couple of days and then it will start all over again on Tuesday and Wednesday. Also on the right side bar is a pic of Rocky and Sage, my scotties with their faces covered with snow. Perhaps it has to do with being from the Scottish Highlands but they run straight out and bury their face and roll in the snow! My silly guys! Rocky was 10yrs old on August 1st, his AKC name is Rockefeller McSnow. Sage was 11yrs old on December 2nd and her AKC name is Gabriella Sage. They are spoiled and I know it, they remind me every chance they get! Blessings all......................Marla

2011-01-02T00:00:00.002-07:00

I hope the first day of 2011 was a grand a special day for everyone. Again it is late and I am surfing the blogs and I found this quote on LadyBug Dreams blog, it is by Erma Bombeck, a well know and dearly missed Arizonan...

When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I do not have a single bit of talent left, and could say. "I have used everything YOU gave me". Erma Bombeck

Doesn't the words of Erma ring true to you? I am not a person who makes new years resolutions, I used to but I never accomplished them. But I can and will use the gifts and talents that the gracious Father blessed me with. So I will make this my mantra, it just feels sooo good and right.

Thanks LadyBug Dreams for sharing.

2010-12-31T21:05:00.003-07:00

Happy New Year! I hope this next year is healthy, happy and prosperous for all. 2010 was a year of many changes, ups and downs for my family and I. So I welcome the 2011 with open arms. I am looking forward to getting to know all you wonderful bloggers and new friends. Oh and a very thankful heart appreciates all you who sent well wishes for my mother. Hospice has been such a blessing, she is doing a little better, but cannot thrive on her own, please keep her in your prayers. In the wee hours of being up, your blogs, comments and email has gotten me through the nights.

Now this is going to sound really really weird...Having to retire early, a medical retirement, I really was not prepared for, (I admit, I'm weird) ever heard of such a thing? You know how we have had those days while shoveling the snow off the car to go to work your saying to yourself how you can't wait to retire so you never have to do that again?? Geeze if I had a nickel! I have always had a million plans and projects for when I reached retirement age. So when it came early for the first month I did the usual as if on vacation, but after a couple weeks when it sunk in, well I kinda freaked. My DH, friends and some of my former coworker would comment...well you have the rest of your life to work on it....huh? I have had a steady job since I was 12yrs old!

I already knew I wanted to get into blogging, my son has a website and blog and has friends all over the world. But where do you start? Well finally I have whittled it down and have set focus. And I have to say then I realized how intimidated I was after visiting your blogs, can I measure up? I love to paint, redo furniture and whatnots, decorate and create. But do I dare put a pic of my measly attempts? Now I am pretty sure I can hear a couple of you chuckling, what a bozo, nut & retard. Truth be known I do infact have many projects. The garage is full of projects and a couple of years ago I bought a tuff shed from Home Depot, yep full of projects too! So I decided before I talk myself out of even trying, I am holding all of you as my inspirations. One of my first projects is my bedroom, we moved into this house 3yrs ago, and I have never really done anything.

So I am looking forward to sharing what I do and getting to know you all! Happy New Years and I wish you many many blessings!

Ummm, I don't seem to be making any progress!

2010-12-09T23:45:00.003-07:00

Dear friends, I just gotta say I'm having a heck of a time, getting this thing off the ground. Just after making my very first post we found out my mother in Oklahoma is terminally ill and it's a 14 hour trip one way. So we are going to skip Christmas this year. When I have gotten the chance to check in on the computer I have taken a look at all you wonderful bloggers and your Christmas decor. And you know during this very difficult time the beauty you all share in your individual ways has lifted my spirits and touched my heart so much. So Thank YOU! I will check in when I can, blessings,Marla

Hi, I'm a newbie!

2010-11-26T21:21:00.004-07:00

HI!! I have been reading and following many blogs for awhile now, and there are so many fabulous ones out there. I tend to read and follow crafters, antiquers, women who are 40-50-60ish and I love how many have bared their soul and speak from the heart in sisterhood from around the world all the while sharing your passions and lives. I have spent hours giggling or in tears or my heart just smiling because we really are not alone. I want to join this huge family!

Well recently I retired so I will have time for this new hobby and I am excited to join you! I have a lot of interests as well as I am a non denominational minister. My focus is spiritual, I do spiritual counseling, and ceremonies such as weddings, adoptions, blessings, vow renewals, even pet ceremonies! I have always decorated in country fashion and you ladies have such wonderful ideas and I love your picture filled blogs, I have used so many ideas in my home.

At the moment I feel a little intimidated and very unorganized on how to get this thing started, but bare with me cause I really want to give it a try. And of course I want to meet so many of you! So come back soon to see if I am getting the hang of it and don't hesitate to give me suggestions!

Many Blessings to you all! Marla