keely bush

The Black Cat - part 3

2011-10-30T13:43:00.000-04:00

The Black Cat - part 2

2011-10-29T13:41:00.000-04:00

The Black Cat - Part 1

2011-10-28T13:31:00.000-04:00

Because It's Christmas

2010-12-24T12:01:00.000-05:00

Black Water Haddie

2010-10-03T18:40:00.000-04:00

I have always loved this song by Jim Stafford. It seems just the ticket to get us in the Halloween mood!!!

Groundhog's Day

2010-02-02T11:24:00.004-05:00

You know ... there has been a lot of talk from PETA saying how cruel it is to "cage" a groundhog and parade him around in front of thousands of people every February 2nd. They were specifically referring to Punxsutawney Phil in their tyraid. It is PETA's belief that Phil should be replaced by a robotic facsimile. *sigh*

Now I can't speak for any of those other rodent weather prognosticators, but have you ever seen Phil's "cage"? He has a very large climate controlled room with both a public sun room where he can lounge with his family and make fun of his adoring fans and a private area, complete with "underground" digs. That "Whistle Pig" has got it made in the shade!

Yes ... it is true that he is carted up to Gobbler's Knob once a year to make his prediction. The fact is that this groundhog has never run wild and is totally comfortable being cuddled by his handlers. As the local celebrity, he lives a life of luxury and really soaks up the attention. As a domesticated groundhog, he will far outlive his wild brethren. And despite the fact that he only has a 39% accuracy record when it comes to his weather predictions, he is adored by all.

Particularly since he generally predicts 6 more weeks of winter and everyone is happy when he IS wrong! *grin*

6 Week Deep Tissue Detox

2009-04-11T18:59:00.002-04:00

Spring has sprung!

Time to get those lingering toxins from winter, bad eating habits, pollution and stress OUT of your body to
make room for more energy and vitality!

This is Dedicated to the One I Love!

2009-02-14T23:39:00.009-05:00

I've been holding on to this video for a while now. I mean ... could anything be more perfect for Valentine's Day? I don't think so! In fact, I feel compelled to go snuggle with my honey right now!!! [grin]

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Hamster on a Piano

2008-11-19T12:31:00.005-05:00

Okay ... I admit it, I have no ground breaking news and I have been too busy with work to do anything TOO exciting! (Though Bob and I did get to meet up with a couple of friends for dinner a few nights ago and a week earlier a woman was licking my ear in a local gay bar ... and yes ... Bob did take a photo. *sigh*)

However, I ran across this cute little fellow today and it brought a big smile to my face. I hope it does the same for you!

VOTE for HOPE

2008-11-04T18:57:00.000-05:00

Need I say more?!?!?

Welcome Back to the Night!

2008-10-07T22:55:00.006-04:00

This is my new wallpaper for my computer. I have decided that I am not going to decorate the whole house for Halloween, this year. Just the outside. (I know ... I know ... I'm just too worn out this year!) So even though I am not decorating the entire house, I am still decorating my computer!!! [grin]

It's a Half Full Kinda Thing!

2008-09-11T11:48:00.003-04:00

Your result for The Perception Personality Image Test...

HBPS - The Optimist

Humanity, Background, Big Picture, and Shape

You perceive the world with particular attention to humanity. You focus on the hidden treasures of life (the background) and how that fits into the larger picture. You are also particularly drawn towards the shapes around you. Because of the value you place on humanity, you tend to seek out other people and get energized by being around others. You like to ponder ideas and imagine the many possibilities of your life without worrying about the details or specifics. You are in tune with all that is around you and understand your life as part of a larger whole. You prefer a structured environment within which to live and you like things to be predictable.

The Perception Personality Types:

Take The Perception Personality Image Test at HelloQuizzy

HOPE

2008-07-29T13:00:00.002-04:00

Spring White Sale

2008-05-05T20:35:00.005-04:00

Keely Bush

2008-04-05T14:39:00.000-04:00

HowManyOfMe.com

There are
2
people with my name
in the U.S.A.

How many have your name?

There are 2 people in the U.S.A. with the name of Keely Bush.

Yeah... I know what you're thinking. One was enough!!! [grin]

Spring, Sprang, Sprung!

2008-04-04T12:24:00.005-04:00

Wednesday was a near perfect day here in central Ohio. The sun was shining brightly in a vivid blue sky, interrupted only slightly by wispy white clouds. It was around 50 degrees out, so you could run around in just a sweatshirt, or a light jacket. The birds were sweetly singing their spring songs in the fresh scented air.

To prove it's point, when I arrived for my massage therapy session at 1:00, I was greeted by this beauty, just bursting at the seams. My therapist did not know what it was called, but after a quick e-mail to my friend Dawn, I now agree that it is some variety of hellebore.

After my massage I was in a state of relaxed bliss. Just the way my chiropractor wanted me! So I headed straight over to her office to get adjusted. After the adjustment, I was feeling that all was right with the world, and sure enough... right there in front of my car was a small patch of four or five crocus, saying hello to the sun!

I was so relaxed after all of this that I had to stop in a parking lot on my way home because I was afraid that I would fall asleep while driving. (Of course, it was a Michael's store parking lot, so I had to go in!!!) I did end up taking a three hour "nap" after I got home. I had only intended a short nap, and then I had planned on taking a nice little walk in the sun.

By the time I got up, the sun was almost down... and it has rained every day since. [sigh]

Where's the Passion?

2008-04-01T23:50:00.005-04:00

Doesn't that just make your mouth water? It is called Pineapple Passion Fruit Salad, but alas... I could find no passion fruits to lend their seeds to this wonderful dish!

I thought it was about time to wake up our tastebuds for spring. This is a very refreshing and light dessert, or appetiser! Plus... The photo above makes a delicious wallpaper for your computer! Go ahead and download it... you know you want to!

Patches the Horse

2008-03-13T19:45:00.005-04:00

Just when you thought you had seen everything!!!

Update: I just found an article that tells a little more about this horse before his passing on September 1, 2006. (I'm guessing it was clogged arteries from all those cheeseburgers!!!)

Sea-Salted Smokey Almond Chocolate Bark

2008-02-14T21:42:00.002-05:00

Here is a guilty pleasure for you for Valentine's Day!!! You can use any kind of good quality dark chocolate to make these. (Godiva would have been ideal!) I used Dove brand because it was easy to get, and I got to read all of the little verses inside the wrappers!!! [grin]

Sea-Salted Smokey Almond Chocolate Bark
(preparation - 10 min. / cooling time - 1 hr. / makes 12 pieces)

8 oz. Dark Chocolate, broken into small pieces
1/2 cup smoked-flavor almonds, coarsely chopped,
1/8 tsp. sea salt* (preferably coarsely ground)

Line 8-inch baking pan with wax paper.

Microwave small chocolate pieces in a small, uncovered, microwave-safe bowl on HIGH (100%) power for 45 seconds. STIR. If pieces retain some of their original shape, microwave at additional 10 to 15 second intervals, stirring just until melted. Stir in 1/4 cup almonds.

Pour into prepared baking pan. Sprinkle with remaining almonds. Tap pan several times to spread chocolate and settle nuts. Sprinkle with sea salt. Refrigerate for about 1 hour or until firm. Break into pieces**. Store in airtight container at room temperature.

* I like to use Himalayan Pink Crystal Salt
** I prescore when chocolate has started to set to make breaking when totally set easier.

A Place to Bark ... and meow

2008-01-31T15:30:00.000-05:00

Bernie thanks you, I thank you... but most importantly, the dogs and cats that have been and will be saved by A Place to Bark thank you!

Did they win the $50,000 grant? It doesn't look like it. But the official counting must be done to make sure that there are no duplicate donors. So in theory, if one of the other badges had a lot of duplicates that dropped them down, Bernie could move up! We won't know for sure for about 30 days. You will be able to check the status HERE.

The wonderful thing is that a shelter will still be built! It will not be as large as it would have been with the additional grant money, but we raised $42,149 and the Zoline Foundation matched it up to $25,000. They will also receive $1,000 from Network for Good for being one of the 50 charities in the U.S.A. that raised the most donations. That's over $77,000!!!

See what happens when we all band together for a worthy cause!!! Thank You!!!

A Place to Bark ... and meow

2008-01-31T02:45:00.000-05:00

I want to really thank you if you have already donated $10 to A Place to Bark. The money will make a huge difference to the day to day operations of the shelter and help Bernie save more animals.

If you have not donated yet, won't you please take a moment to do so? In order to win the $50,000 so that she can build a new shelter... Bernie must be one of the top four charities. Just yesterday she was in second place, where she had been for quite a while. Unfortunatly, the other charities have stepped up to the plate and she is currently down in fifth place. We need to get her back up at least to number four before 3 PM EST on January 31st!!! And if you have already donated, please spread the word. Every little bit helps!!!

You can check to see how Bernie is doing by clicking HERE.

The badge to donate is in the sidebar, or you can do it right from the link directly above!

And if a little bribery is needed... well, we're not above that!!! Several artists have now stepped up and are offering original pieces of artwork as prizes to those who donate to A Place to Bark!!! Nudge - Nudge!!!

2008-01-14T14:14:00.000-05:00

You may have heard of Bernie Berlin. She is a mixed media artist that specializes in Fabrege style eggs and teaches classes in Altered Books and Creating Artist Trading Cards among others. She also has written the wonderful book, Artist Trading Card Workshop Book.

But... did you also know that she has a heart of gold? She runs a full-time, no-kill dog (and cat) rescue shelter. It is called A Place to Bark, and she needs our help!

Here is How It Works:

* The four charity badges with the most unique donations through America's Giving Challenge will get $50,000 for their cause.

* Only donations of $10 or more will count towards the challenge.

* America's Giving Challenge runs only until January 31st.

Donate:

*If you are able donate , please donate via the badge a $10 tax deductible donation. We need the most people possible to each donate $10 to A Place to Bark. In order to win the grant we need to have the most amount of donors, not necessarily the amount of money donated.

* If you enter the name "cooper" on the line that says dedication or gift, you will be entered into a drawing to recieve a beautiful piece of artwork by Tim Holtz!!! Please visit his BLOG to see it!!!

* In addition, you will also be put in a drawing to win one of five autographed copies of Bernie's book, Artist Trading Card Workshop Book plus one of her original ATCs that was published in the book!!!

* All donations made to A Place to Bark's Six Degrees Badge, will be matched by the "Zoline Foundation" up to $25,000.00!!! All donations up to June 1st will be counted for the matching donation from the Zoline Foundation, but to help her win the challenge, and be entered in the drawing, you must donate before January 31st.

Please take the time to check out Bernie's BLOG to get more detailed information on this challenge. And after you do, give your pet a hug!!! [grin]

Take a Break

2008-01-08T21:41:00.000-05:00

Half Dome Mountain in Yosemite National Park

Sometimes we all need to just sit back and relax. Take your mind off of your worries, and look at a pretty picture or two. These pictures were taken while Bob and I were in California in 2003. They are some of my favorite shots from that trip. If you enjoy them, I'll post a few more at a later time.

Yosemite Falls

Yosemite Falls (Upper, 1,430 ft.; Middle, 675 ft.; Lower, 320 ft.) is the tallest waterfall in North America and fifth tallest in the world with a total drop of 2,425 feet.

One of my favorite shots for my desktop!

Okay, there is nothing really special about this shot, other than the fact that I made Bob pull over along the side of the road just before or soon after we got inside of Yosemite National Park, just so I could take this picture. He was freaking out because I was leaning way out over the edge of the embankment so that I could get a good angle. Although the site paled in comparisan to the sites we would soon see... it is still one of my favorite pictures taken that day!

What Time of Day Are You?

2008-01-05T20:20:00.000-05:00

You Are Midnight

You are more than a little eccentric, and you're apt to keep very unusual habits. Whether you're a nightowl, living in a commune, or taking a vow of silence - you like to experiment with your lifestyle. Expressing your individuality is important to you, and you often lie awake in bed thinking about the world and your place in it. You enjoy staying home, but that doesn't mean you're a hermit. You also appreciate quality time with family and close friends.

What Time Of Day Are You?

Happy New Year!

2007-12-31T23:59:00.000-05:00

In America, THE place to be on New Year's Eve is New York City. I've never been there in person, but I always watch the ball drop on TV. Here in Columbus, Ohio they call the celebration party "First Night". I've never been to that either. I just sit at home, nibble on some crackers and cheese and have a glass of Martini and Rossi Asti Spumante. I may watch a DVD and then switch over to Dick Clark's Rockin' New Years Eve to see the ball drop in New York at midnight. IF I have any energy at that hour, I may go outside and burn a sparkler to add light to the new year. Bob will have gone to bed hours earlier!!! [grin]

When I was growing up my mother would get a couple of different chips and dips (potato chips and french onion dip, and Frito-Lay corn chips and salsa), a bag of pretzels (or she would pop popcorn), and a six-pack of pop (soda) for each of us. (This is back when it was still in glass bottles) This was a real treat because we were not allowed to have chips and dip usually, and the only time we got pop was on Sunday, and then just one bottle. On New Year's Eve, Mom would let us each drink all six, if we wanted!!! (I bet we were bouncing off the walls!!!) I should have mentioned that we usually started off the evening with pizza for our dinner... so it was a true gastronomical catastrophe!!! [wink-wink]

We would all get snuggley in our flannel nighties or pajamas and Mom would set up a card table in the living room and we would all work on a big jigsaw puzzle while watching a monster movie(and munching and slurping pop). Yeah... great thinking on their part. Hype the kids up on sugary drinks and junk food and then let them watch monster movies before going to sleep! [grin]

Then at some point later in the evening, Dad would turn on Guy Lombardo's New Year's special, and we would watch that until the ball dropped in New York at midnight. As soon as it dropped, we would grab our flashlights, bell and whistle and run outside, while "Auld Lang Syne" was playing. We would look through the bare trees to our neighbor's house on the hill.

First Doctor Jose (in HIS pajamas) would turn on his floodlight to his back yard, then he would trudge through the snow to his dinner bell which was on the edge of the woods. As soon as he started "ringing in the New Year", Chana and I would start up our noise... Chana on the hand bell, and me on a loud whistle and we would wave our flashlights in the air. (At least one year we had sparklers, which is what prompts me to light one on New Year's Eve, now.) When Dr. Jose was done ringing the bell, he would wave at our family and we would call out a New Year's greeting to each other. The night was cold, and our voices carried quite well through the woods. We would go back in the house and either stay up and finish the puzzle (if it was still not done) or go to bed with a stomach ache!!!

Ahhh... memories! I don't think that the neighbors here in the suburbs would appreciate me ringing a bell and blowing a whistle. [sigh]

May the New Year bring you peace, prosperity, health, and happiness... and a good puzzle or two!!!

Merry Aaa-CHoo and a Happy Hack-Hack

2007-12-29T12:25:00.000-05:00

It never fails. I get a few days off for fun and frolic with Bob... and I catch a cold.

Bob has been off work for over a week now, and I swear... within a couple of days I was already starting to show signs of a cold coming on. I'd get to feeling better and the next day I would be out for the count. I made it through to Boxing Day (Dec. 26th) but by that evening, I could feel it coming on again. The next day I was a sniffling, snorting mess!

That is why no one has heard from me. I have been hibernating since then. I am now starting to show signs of life. Of course that means step two is about to start... Bob is showing the first signs of a cold! [sigh]

Ha Long Bay... The Party!

2007-12-21T11:38:00.000-05:00

The owners of Ha Long Bay Asian Kitchen threw an appreciation party for their favorite customers and the staff on December 20th. Bob and I felt very honored to be among those asked to attend!

PA cooked up a whole bunch of delicious Vietnamese dishes, some of which are not on the restaurant's menu, and served them up buffet style so that the servers could enjoy the party, too! It was really great to be able to just sit and visit with some of our favorite people!!!

Here are just a few pictures from that evening...

This was my plate. We honored the cooks by tasting a bit of everything that they made... and yes, that included dishes with meat. Although we would never order or eat meat normally, we both felt strongly that this should be an exception to our strict vegetarian rule.

Oh... I don't think they come any cuter than this!!! I'm talking about the baby, folks... not me! [grin] Isn't she a sweetie!!!

Here are three of our favorite waitresses... Annie, Beth and Kim. Two others, Sera and Christine, were out of the state at the time of the party. I missed the opportunity to take pictures of the two waiters, Khan and An. They are all great, and always make us feel right at home!!!

Bob poses with Christina and the wee one. Christina asked Bob if it would be okay for them to call him Uncle!!!

The people seated at the table were other guests of the evening. Standing behind the table is the head chef, PA, his mother, and his wife, Christina. PA and Christina are the proud owners of Ha Long Bay Asian Kitchen, and the hosts of the evening.

If you would like to see more pictures from that night, just click this link!!!

Straight No Chaser - 12 Days

2007-12-19T19:38:00.000-05:00

Don't Judge a Blog...

2007-12-14T09:57:00.000-05:00

I had a good laugh today!

I opened up my blog and checked to see what was going on. I have this little program that runs on my sidebar that lets me see approximately what cities, states and countries that my visitors are coming from. Doesn't tell me who the visitor is, just their location. It also tells me what site they arrived from (if they arrived via a link on that site) and gives me the option of clicking on it to visit that location. Now occasionally someone will arrive there via a search. Once in a while, I will click on searches to go back and see just what they were searching for that lead them to my site.

Today I had to laugh. The search had been for "divas in girdles" and after reading the description of my site, who could blame them for checking it out!!! [grin] (Keep in mind also, that in addition to being women who eat raw foods, the phrase "Raw Diva" is used by some professional women wrestlers in this country!)

keely bush: I'm a Raw Diva!!!
I felt really good about the program, and loved the lovely Divas, Tera and Amy, ... Bras and Girdles - Sexed Up!!! Thong Bookinis - Look at ME!!! ...
keelybush.blogspot.com/2007/09/im-raw-diva.html - 70k - Similar pages

Can you imagine their dismay when they actually arrived at my site and saw to what those titles referred!!! "Bras and Girdles" is a picture of an amusing sign in Youngstown, Ohio and directs you to go to my hubbies blog for an amusing, yet thought provoking, post. "Sexed Up!!!" and "Look at ME!!!" are both posts about our bird Clyde. And "Thong Bookinis" is actually just a post about some bookmarks I made out of beads and a string!!! Oh... and the "I'm a Raw Diva" is the post about me adopting a raw vegan lifestyle!!! [ROTFL]

Sorry... just had to share!!! [grin]

Happy Birthday, Bob!!!

2007-12-04T00:00:00.000-05:00

Fifty-One years ago, a cute little baby was born. His proud parents named him Robert Scott Bush and he was a very good little baby. However, he grew up!!! [wicked grin] Oh... don't get me wrong, he is still a great guy. It's just that the years have turned him into an imp with a devilishly wicked sense of humor!!! [grin]

We went to our favorite restaurant, Ha Long Bay Asian Cuisine (Vietnamese food at it's finest) where he was showered with gifts and a card signed by the staff. The owner and head chef made him a special meal and then sent out a decadent slice of cake for us. The cake was not your typical cake. I'm not sure what it was called, but it was very good!!! We love them up at Ha Long Bay! They did the same thing for my birthday, and we often get e-mails from the waitresses!!! [grin] If you are ever in the neighborhood, let us know! We are always looking for an excuse to visit Ha Long Bay!!!

NOTE: Although I had the above post all cued up in my computer to be posted on Bob's birthday, we were running around in and out of town so much that I didn't realize that I had forgotten to publish it. It is actually being posted on Dec. 10th, but I kept it under the original date of his birthday.

Penny for your Thoughts

2007-11-29T14:42:00.000-05:00

My blog is worth $5,645.40.
How much is your blog worth?

And those pennies add up! So... where do I go to cash it all in??? [evil grin]

No Turkeys and a Ten

2007-11-22T22:44:00.000-05:00

This is a picture of our Raw Vegan Thanksgiving dinner. I dug out the antique china but was too lazy to drag out the box of sterling silverware. [grin] If you would like to see more of our dinner and find out just what is on those plates, please go to Dinner for Two!

Tera of The Raw Divas tagged me to post ten things I am thankful for this season. Here is my ten. And if you are reading this post, you have just been tagged!!!

1) Bob
2) my family and my in-laws
3) my wonderful friends
4) a roof over my head
5) raw food in my tummy
6) The Raw Divas
7) rubber stamps
8) luscious yarns
9) green smoothies
10) Ha Long Bay Restaurant

Weather in Ohio

2007-11-19T15:10:00.000-05:00

About a week ago, the temperature in the Columbus area was in the mid-70s and beautifully sunny. Two days later, it was snowing and pretty darn cold! The bottom picture was taken that morning from the hotel window where we were staying. Although we were in Youngstown at the time, our local friends assure us that it looked much the same here.

As for today... it almost made it to 50 degrees. The day started out quite pretty and I was admiring the fall foliage (the buckeye trees look great right now), but it is now just after 3 PM and it looks like it should be around 6:30, it is so dark out right now!!! [sigh]

I guess it just proves the old joke correct... You don't like the weather in Ohio? Wait a day (or hour, in some tellings), it will change!

I won!!!

2007-11-17T12:03:00.000-05:00

I was just notified that I won one of the Stitch Swag Bags in the giveaway from Funky Finds!!! I'm so excited!!!

I'll take a pic of my prize, when it gets here, to share with all of you!!!

Bras and Girdles

2007-11-13T09:24:00.000-05:00

If you guys would like a good giggle, head on over to Bob's blog and read his Bras and Girdles post! How he can combine a sign for bras & girdles, Muppets, the meaning of life and raw foods all in one post is truly amazing!!! [grin]

Sexed Up!!!

2007-11-12T22:19:00.002-05:00

WOW! That title got your attention, didn't it!!!

Bob and I have always referred to Clyde as a he, although we both suspect that he may be a she. However, without having a sex test done, it is impossible to know for sure.

Today I took Clyde to see Dr. Mohan, and he suggested that we have Clyde sexed. I told him that we really did not need to know, but he pointed out that we may want to consider it in the future. Certain medical questions would be answered by knowing which sex he was for sure. I told him I would consider it for a future visit.

However, one of those medical problems popped up. Dr. Mohan said that Clyde is in excellent health, but when I took him to see the doctor six month's ago, he had an elevated reading for something that started with an "L". (My memory is shot.) Anyhow, we treated Clyde with medications to clear it up, but he again tested high for it at this visit. Dr. Mohan said that we would check it again in six month's and if it was still elevated he would medicate him again. However, he said that if he is a she, and has "come of age" shall we say... well then, those elevated readings would be normal. So I bit the bullet and shelled out the cash to find out. I figured that if he is a she, then I wouldn't have to pay for the medication again... which costs just as much!

I told Bob that I really did not want to know, because for twenty-one years the bird has gone by the name Clyde, and I did not want to feel guilty for not changing it. Bob went online and looked up the name Clyde and found that it was of Welsh origin and could be used for a male or female. I asked him what the name meant and he said that it meant "hardy and fair", as well as "heard from afar". Well... we certainly named that bird right!!! [grin] Anyhow, it will be a couple of weeks before we get any news on that front, but we'll keep you posted!!!

UPDATE: He is a She!!! [grin]

Thong Bookinis

2007-11-11T21:55:00.000-05:00

Quite a while back I was browsing in a bookstore when I spied the coolest bookmarks. They were called "Book Thongs", and my first thought was... I can make those! The amazing thing is, I actually did make some!!!

The ones you see above were made as Christmas gifts for my coworkers at the time, about four years ago, I think. Of course, I couldn't call them by the same name! [grin] Mine are called "Thong Bookinis"!!!

The one on the left was made for one of Bob's coworkers just this past year to mark her pages as she recovered from surgery.

The last grouping was also made at the same time as the first group and went to family members and my buddies Sue and Valerie. All of the ones made as holiday gifts were boxed in a little red box with a green fabric ribbon with a little tag (shown temporarily attached to the bottom groupings thongs) identifying the recipient.

I just thought that if you were trying to think of stocking stuffers and had a bunch o' beads and some waxed linen...

Look at ME!!!

2007-11-10T22:38:00.000-05:00

Yeah... He's a ham!

Another Year Older...

2007-11-08T00:00:00.000-05:00

Yeah... I know that the picture quality is poor, but it is what it is! What is it, you say?!?!? Why this is a picture of a couple of young women in their senior year of high school in 1979. What does that have to do with me turning 47? Well, THAT is a convoluted story!!! [grin]

This photo is of my best friend, Holly Lisle, and I. I believe it was taken on or very close to her birthday as I remember buying her a hermit crab as a gift (and that would be what she is holding). Holly and I were born the same year, but Holly's birthday is exactly one month earlier than mine. She also gave birth to her last child, my godson, on MY birthday!

So happy birthday to me... and Happy Birthday Joe!!!

First Snow of the Season

2007-11-07T13:36:00.000-05:00

It's official!!! When Bob and I were piling into the car this morning, the first tentative flurries of the season were just starting to come down.

On The Road Again...

2007-11-06T23:07:00.000-05:00

Bob and I will be heading out the door bright and early in the morning. We will be staying at our home away from home, the Residence Inn in Youngstown. I will be spending my birthday on Thursday in the pool and Jacuzzi!!!

If you are at all interested, you can take a photo tour of the inn here.

The Root of the Problem

2007-11-05T20:28:00.000-05:00

I just love roots! There is so much to see in them. What do you see?

Back to the Light!

2007-11-03T23:22:00.000-04:00

A friend sent this to me and I thought that it would be appropriate for today's post since I am turning on the lights again here on the blog, so to speak.

NOTE: This is a hoax. For more info, see the comments to this post. [sigh] It would have been so cool if only...

Day of the Dead

2007-11-02T15:15:00.000-04:00

For those of you who celebrate Day of the Dead or All Soul's Day, have a happy!!!

The Day After

2007-11-01T22:22:00.001-04:00

This is the type of thing you have to "look forward to" when you decorate as extensively as I do for Halloween. Putting it all away can be a real pain!!! This year, at least, I don't have to contend with all of the Kitchen boxes as I didn't get out any of the specialty plates and such.

I forgot to mention before... feel free to enter the rooms for a closer look around at the stuff. Just click the picture to enlarge it and take a look at the details!!!

Halloween 2007

2007-10-31T23:59:00.000-04:00

I spent Beggar's Night in the company of the neighbors this year. We just hung out outside the digs and passed out candy! (Note to Self - four regular sized bags.) Where were my regular revellers, you ask? Bob is out of town through Friday. Carol no longer lets Bob drive at night, so they (my in-laws) stayed home. Katie and Kara spent their Halloween in their new home, and Laura (who may have missed one since I've known her) is hot and heavy into moving mode, so was unable to come over.

I did get a surprise visit from Jennifer and Jeff Baringhaus showing off their little bundle of joy in Brady's first Halloween costume, though! That was a real treat!!!

Because I have been out of town so much with Bob, and because I was not going to be making a fancy meal just for me, I only decorated the outside of the house and did nominal decorating in the front room. Mind you, it still was pretty impressive, but I know how many more boxes of stuff I have that never got put out!

Below are pictures from this year AND you can find the pictures of the 2007 pumpkin in the post You Don't Know Jack! Enjoy!!!

Although I like the fact that you can see everything to a much better degree in the "red" photos taken with my camera, the photo below, taken with Bob's camera, is actually much closer to the true color.

Halloween Haunting

2007-10-31T23:40:00.000-04:00

These are just a few pictures of Beggar's Nights in the past. These primarily focus on the kitchen as I did not decorate it this year so have no new pictures. (I did change the light bulbs and put sheets over the table and chairs, though.)

This is my typical spread for Beggar's Night! The menu features Pumpkin Burgers. We also have a variety of cheeses, whole cashews, Craisins, veggie platter with homemade spinach dip, Pringles chips, M&Ms and white chocolate covered pretzels. We either serve mulled cider, or I have a Halloween punch that I sometimes make.

I dearly love my Halloween cheese plate and my chip bowl and drink carafe with matching beaker glasses!!!

This is my antique cherry cupboard festooned for the season.

Top of the cookbook bookcase. I made the CD Eyeball Clock at one of my Stamp Club meetings.

This is my mini gothic church ruins and forsaken cemetery. I did not get them out this year, but wanted to share!

I think this picture is ingenious!!!

The painting resting against the wall was made by my sister, Chana, while she was still in high school. Although you can't tell it by looking at this picture, it is mostly done in vibrant colors. I had it framed, but the picture jumped off the wall, not long before this picture was taken and the frame broke in a couple of places.

And I just KNEW you had to see what was on my refrigerator!!! [grin] I made the stamped domino magnets.

Into the Night

2007-10-28T23:10:00.000-04:00

The children start Trick or Treating at about 6:00 PM on Beggars Night. The younger kids hit my house while there is still a bit of light so it is not so spooky. However, the older kids, and those looking for a thrill wait until the sun sets to get the full effect!

This picture was taken in 2002, before I had curtains. This isn't the best picture, but I liked the fact that you could get an idea of what it looks like looking into the house from the outside.

I made this wreath a very long time ago. I have yet to be able to take a good picture of it, and now it is getting to the point it needs some work done on it! [grin] Maybe this year!!!

See!!! I do have bats in my belfry!!!

Even the concrete goose gets into the act!!! I got this outfit in my little hometown about ten years ago, I think. Unfortunately the shop went out of business, and the lady who sewed the outfits retired.

This guy was my "ugly gift" one Christmas. I love him!!! He sits in the backyard and presides over the graveyard. Although, I'm thinking of moving the graveyard to the front yard where it can be seen easier. That would add smoke and strobe lights to the spook factor in the front!

These pictures were all taken in 2004. The year 2005 looked much the same but my hand was not as steady on the camera!

2006 heralded in more strands of lights, but because of gusty winds and rain, I skipped the spider webbing and the cemetery "stones" were moved inside to the stairwell.

Okay... so here is how it works. Those brave enough start walking timidly up my drive. They see the bats in the upstairs windows. All those eyes glowing in the bushes beneath those spider webs filled with all manner of spiders. There is a great big "leaf sack" cat standing in front of those bushes. What is that fluttering above the garage! Oooo... it's a big scary bat beast. Should they go on? Look in the flower pot! It's a sign saying that the haunted house is for sale!!! There is a rock by the bushes with the glowing warning to "Go Back"!!! Now there are all those little blinking eyes in all of the windows. Look... there's even some blinking inside the car over there! Well... that doesn't look too scary. There are spooky sound effects being piped outside and it is very dark on the porch with all of the outside lights replaced with black lights. It is at this point that some freak out and refuse to go any further. Those who make enough noise will attract the attention of those dwelling inside, and their treat will be brought out to them. However, the fun continues for those brave enough to venture up to the porch. The pumpkin tins are giving off a little bit of light. The windsocks don't look too scary... unless the wind blows a bit and triggers them! And they are lit up a little bit by those glow sticks hooked inside them. The pumpkin looks a bit frightening, though. What are those things all around it? RATS!!! Oh my... but it is only a couple of feet to the door! Gulp. They steel their nerves and take a big step forward to ring the doorbell... and set off my trap! [evil grin] As they step on the doormat they trigger the mat hidden underneath it and the speaker concealed behind the pumpkin comes alive with a hideous cackling laugh. If I am lucky, this elicits shrieks or yelps from those who have made it this far. The added noise then triggers the sound activated devices I have hidden inside the windsocks. All three light up and start vibrating wildly while emitting spooky wails (in three different pitches). Yes... I do realize that it is the little beggars that are supposed to play the tricks if they don't get a treat, but it is so much fun!!! And just so you know, I am always willing to chase them down the drive to give them their treat if they bolt!!!

Blog Action Day

2007-10-15T09:48:00.000-04:00

So today is Blog Action Day, and I am a very staunch supporter of environmental issues and living green. I have been trying to make changes in my lifestyle so that I have a smaller footprint on Mother Earth. My dilemma was, that although I wanted to participate in blog action day and blog about environmental issues, I really wanted all of my posts this month to be about Halloween and all things spooky. What was I to do? And then I saw them on a shelf in a Halloween store... the answer to my dilemma!!!

We all know by now about how much energy you can save by using the CFL lightbulbs as opposed to the regular incandescent type. They use a fraction of the energy, they last for something like 9 years. So... although you spend a lot to get them initially, you save money in the long run. I invested in my first CFL bulbs earlier this year when a local hardware store was giving away a free bulb to the first 100 (or so... I can't remember) customers on Earth Day. I took the opportunity to buy a four pack of the very same bulbs which were on sale at a substantial savings at the time. That would give me 5 which would take care of all of the "normal" overhead lighting in my house. I also bought two of the globe shaped bulbs to put in the "bare bulb sockets" in the basement ceiling on the unfinished side. I had initially planned on getting the globe bulbs to replace the four in each of the two bathrooms upstairs, but the ones down in the basement take almost five minutes to get up to full strength, so I have to do some more research on that frontier.

What, pray tell, does ANY of this have to do with Halloween? Well, let me just tell you!!! You can now buy CFL party lights and black lights. Yup... put on your Halloween Haunted House AND save on your electric bill and energy footprint all at the same time!!! Now I have to admit that I have a box full of specialty lighting for Halloween up in the closet, and I am not about to chuck it all and buy the new CFL bulbs all at once. However, as my bulbs burn out, I will replace them with the CFL bulbs!!! You see... I replace every overhead light fixture in the house (except the basement) with red party lights for Halloween. The outside lighting on the porch and above the garage are black lights. The light by the back door is either an orange party light, or a black light, depending on my mood that year. I also put a lamp with a bare black light exposed behind the shades in the upstairs bedrooms so that those windows glow purple and you can see the bat silhouettes that are taped to each window. So that is a lot of bulbs to replace! But slowly, it will be done. This post is primarily for those of you who are just starting out to spookify your dwelling.

A few things to take into consideration. CFL bulbs do contain a small amount of mercury in the bulbs and require special disposal methods. You can't just chuck them in the trash. With any luck, your first bulb won't burn out for 9 years, though! The best solution I have read was a woman who bought a medium sized sturdy plastic box which she filled partially with sand (or clean kitty litter) and placed on a shelf in her garage. When a bulb burned out, she nestled it in the sand to protect it from breakage and when the box was full she contacted her local hazardous waste site for disposal options. I also remember reading that places that take batteries should also take the CFL bulbs, so you could put those used batteries in that box too, instead of chucking them in the landfill like you were doing. Yeah... I know you were!!! But you won't if you have a toxic waste box in your garage! (And just think of all the great decorations you could put on the outside of that box!!! [evil grin]) The other concern is that these bulbs are fragile, so if you are storing them from holiday to holiday, you have to be careful in your packing.

Another green solution to the party lights is the new LED party lights. They even have some that you can have changing from color to color, or set on one color. I have to look into those more before I make any final desicions, though. I'm not sure how much light they put out, and as I am lighting my entire house this way, I have to be careful!

Don't just listen to me, though. Get out there and do your own research. And keep in mind that the standard florescent tube black lights are also green! Pull them out of the kids rooms, or your box of childhood memories (yeah... right over there... beside the lava lamp), and use them to light up the night. At least, on Halloween!!!

You Don't Know Jack!

2007-10-13T22:47:00.000-04:00

Pumpkin 2000 (No time to carve...lots of compliments!)

Pumpkin 2001 A (Two got carved this year!!!)

Pumpkin 2001 B (I usually only carve one of the two I buy.)

Pumpkin 2002

Pumpkin 2004 (2003 never got carved, so I'm not posting it)

Pumpkin 2005 (Year of the Party!!!)

Pumpkin 2006 (Hey! I was pressed for time!!!)

Pumpkin 2007

Do you know where the tradition of carving Jack-O'-Lanterns comes from? Well check it out... and then you WILL know Jack!

Note to Self: Do not carve designs with very narrow connecting pieces before Beggars Night. This year's pumpkin was carved two days before. This photo was taken the following day and it already had to be reinforced with toothpicks!!! Hopefully that will get it through October 31st, though.

New DIGS!

2007-10-08T16:42:00.000-04:00

Honest, officer... I did not bury Bob in the back yard!!! [evil grin]

Actually, this post has nothing to do with my seasonal display in the backyard. I just thought that it would go nicely with the title AND I could show off some of my Halloween decorations to boot!

The real meaning behind the "New Digs" title is simply... I have a new blog. I should say, a second blog! I decided to separate my raw food recipes to their own little home. So for those of you who only come here to see if I have any new living recipes up for your perusal, please redirect your attention to Raw Diva Keely. This site will go on as usual, so please feel free to hang out at either, or both, of my digs!!!

Gone to the Dark Side!

2007-10-01T10:13:00.000-04:00

Just for the month of October, I'm going to the dark side!!! In celebration of Halloween and all things mysterious, come join me as I turn up the spook factor and save a few watts of energy to boot!!! [grin] Ooops... make that [evil grin] Let me know what you think!!!

Blue Moon Fairies

2007-09-30T17:21:00.000-04:00

Many moons ago (but only two of them blue), I tried my hand at making art dolls. Some friends of mine decided to do an exchange, and I wanted to make fairies! I took my initial inspiration from the web comic, Pibgorn, which is one of my favorites!

I started out with a 14" bendi doll which I dyed a soft pink. Then I painted each of them with Lumiere paints in Halo Pink Gold, Halo Violet Gold, Metallic Olive Green and Metallic Bronze and I gave each of them a stylish little "skirt" of beaded ribbon which was just attached with fabric glue.

Then came the fun! Raiding my stash of fibers, I used an assortment of complimentary colors and types of yarn and hand sewed each one to the doll's heads.

Now everybody knows that a fairy can't fly without some wings. My first impulse was to try to fashion lovely long gossamer wings. (By the way... did I mention I don't sew???) [grin] Abandoning that, I utilized some filmy fabric petals off of flowers that I liberated from the trash at work a few months earlier. All I needed to do was cut a couple of very small slits in the back, stick a dab of glue in the slit, poke the wings in there and secure them with a few small stitches.

I finally finished the four little friends at about midnight on the night of the blue moon. I fashioned a little necklace out of little metal leaf beads (by Blue Moon Beads, no less!) for each doll, and as I fastened it around each neck I "breathed life into her" and christened her with a name.

Thus, the Blue Moon Fairies were born... Flora, Fawna, Terra and Pib.

Each has flown away to a new home, but someday I will make them a sister who will live with me. I just have to wait for the next blue moon!!!

Sweet Summer Smoothie

2007-09-28T21:20:00.000-04:00

Sweet Summer Smoothie
4 bananas
2 cups frozen strawberries
1 cup white seedless grapes
1/2 cup raw apple juice

Blend it all up and enjoy while sitting in the sun!

UPDATE: New comments have been disabled for this post on this blog. To leave a new comment click here to go to my Raw Diva Keely blog!

What Flower Are You?

2007-09-21T13:49:00.000-04:00

I am an
Echinacea

What Flower
Are You?

"You are a health conscious person, both your health and the health of others. You know all about the health benefits and dangers of the world around you."

WOOLY-WOOLY, wooly-wooly...

2007-09-11T21:38:00.000-04:00

Jeanne, you should be singing now!!! [grin]

For those of you who live vicariously through other people's
blogs... and in this case, mine... we took a walk in the woods today! (This will have to hold you over, because I will not be posting for a few days.)

The leaves are not changing yet, but the goldenrod is in full bloom! We had quite a bit of rain the last few days, and there were several downed trees. One of the trees that was down and already cut up and dragged off of the path was one that I walked under a week ago. I remember at the time looking up at it and thinking, "Now there is an accident waiting to happen". Evidently there were no actual witches harmed when it fell, as I saw no shriveling feet nor ruby slippers left behind!!! [grin]
I always like to take my camera when I walk, because you never know who you might meet. Last week, I had a pleasant conversation with Mr. Groundhog. Well, I talked, and he ate his dinner while nodding at some of my finer points. Then I moved on to have a chat with Ms. Squirrel, she too, was more interested in a particularly large nut than in me. (No. Bob was not with me. I walk too slow for him, so he takes a longer path. I am referring to a black walnut!) However, I forgot my camera that week.

This week, any encounters with friendly critters was thwarted by, what I believe to be high school boys training for cross country track. In my younger days, I would have blushed and pretended I was not looking at them as they bounced along with a pair of sneakers, some shorts and very little else. Alas... my thought at seeing them bounding through the woods was... "Well, there goes any chance of seeing animals this week!!!" [sigh]

I did, however, spy the local weather forecaster as he was out for a stroll and snapped a picture. I believe, judging from his coat, that the winter will be mild, overall. [grin]

Raw Corn & Tomato Jamboree

2007-09-10T20:20:00.000-04:00

Lately, every time I went past a display of corn on the cob in the market, I wanted to dive right in and make a meal of it right there! However, self composure and Bob restrained me from making a spectacle of myself. The urge persisted. Yesterday I ran across a recipe which I decided to RAWvolutionize. I decided to cut the recipe in half, which was good, because there were only four ears of corn left in the store! We made it last night, and it is a definite keeper! Bob and I each tasted it last night, but saved it for our lunch today. I personally think that it has better flavor right after you make it. The tomatoes tend to lose their juice which waters down the sauce, if made the day ahead. So if you want a refreshing late summer salad, give this a try!

Raw Corn & Tomato Jamboree
serves 4 as featured salad

8 ears of corn, husked and cut from cob
8 plum tomatoes, diced into 1/4" cubes
1 bunch scallions, thinly sliced white and tender green parts
1/4 cup packed chopped fresh herbs. I used basil, tarragon, and cilantro.
herb sprig (I used dill) for garnish
arugula

Mustard Vinaigrette:
3 tablespoons cold pressed extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard
3/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
freshly ground pepper, to taste

Make the mustard vinaigrette: In a jar, combine the oil, vinegar, mustard, salt and pepper. Cover and shake to blend well; set aside. (Or stick it all in a Magic Bullet and blend!)

In a large bowl, add the corn, tomatoes, scallions, and chopped herbs and toss to mix well. Add the dressing and toss again. Spoon mixture over a bed of arugula on individual plates and garnish with herb sprigs. Serve at room temperature.

UPDATE: New comments have been disabled for this post on this blog. To leave a new comment click here to go to my Raw Diva Keely blog!

I learned today...

2007-09-09T22:03:00.000-04:00

School seems to start earlier and let out later every year. I may be wrong because I have no children to truly judge this by, but when I was a "youngun" we did not start school until after Labor Day. Most of the schools around this area went back a week or two before the holiday weekend this year. Anyhow, in celebration of all of the hard working teachers out there... I present this card.

On white cardstock, I stamped the House Mouse design, HMPR1023 ABCD EEEEK FG, in black pigment ink and embossed with Black Detail embossing powder. I sponged black dye ink where the chalkboard should be after first masking the image and taping off a border. I cut the panel to size, leaving the white "photograph" border around the edges. Then I colored in the image using Le Plume markers. I stamped the House Mouse phrase, "I learned today...", in white pigment ink and embossed it in white on the chalkboard. The panel was then mounted on a piece of grey "stone" cardstock, which in turn was attached to a card made from white cardstock. You could write anything inside the card, but I wrote "... to buy more rubber stamps!" I made this card to be used as a display at Art on the Block.

I'm a Raw Diva!!!

2007-09-05T14:10:00.000-04:00

Oh dear gods... what is she up to NOW?!?!?

Well, my dears, for the last several weeks Bob and I have been eating nothing but fresh raw foods. First there was The 7 Day Diva Detox. I felt really good about the program, and I loved the lovely Divas, Tera and Amy, who put it all together. Bob and I were having fun (he was the only male diva... so yeah, he was lovin' it), so we decided to continue on with The Body Enlightenment System (BES) . The BES is a 30 day program meant to free you of cravings and break bad food habits. It works! I prefer fresh fruits and veggies to any processed foods, now!

Last night we graduated from BES. Turned our tassels and threw our mortarboards in the air!

So what did I have today, now that I don't have a menu guiding me? Pizza? Pasta? Chocolate? (Well, maybe if there had been some chocolate in the house, but no.) I had a green smoothie!!! And before I had hung up from my graduation call last night, I had signed up for The Sisterhood Gold program. I'll be getting monthly menus from The Raw Divas. Now we may not follow every menu to the letter. There will be days when we go out with friends and choose to eat cooked foods, but for the most part... we are now RAW!!! Okay, I still want chocolate once in a while, and I will eat chocolate once in a while. But... it is going to be good chocolate and not some dime store bar that has been on the shelf for six months. [grin]

Don't worry about me jumping up on a soapbox and sprouting (just a little raw humor there) off at the mouth that you need to eat raw if you want to have better health. I'll leave that all up to Bob on his blog!!! [grin] However, I may post a picture of something that I made, or a recipe I think you would enjoy once in a while on this blog. I will even post some old favorite cooked recipes that I feel are worth sharing from time to time. I just wanted to let you know where I am at. I still consider myself a strict vegetarian, but I will probably be about 80 to 90% raw. Bob will be closer to 100% and he will be strictly vegan, I believe. This is new to me, but not to him. I do feel better, and best of all... a fellow Tai Chi student said to one of the other students in class that Bob and my skin just glowed!!! I liked that!!!

Manana Smoothie
2 ripe mangoes
2 bananas
several handfuls of spinach (or you may prefer another salad green)

Mix these all up in the blender until dreamy creamy! If you prefer a thinner smoothie, just add some water to the desired thickness. You can chill this or drink it right down. I know some of you are thinking, "YUK! She put spinach in a perfectly good fruit smoothie". Trust me when I tell you... you will not taste the spinach!!! Now some of the other greens have very distinctive tastes, so go with what you like. I personally hate Kale and can not tolerate it in my smoothies, but there are those who will put the whole bunch in there. You can also just add a handful of greens, and gradually increase the amount you add. This is a great energy boosting smoothie for the first thing in the morning... or any time! Yeah, Baby!!!

UPDATE: I originally posted this recipe here with the name Manango. However, I posted it elsewhere as Manana. So as not to cause confusion (because I'm confused enough for all of us), I have corrected the name above. New comments have been disabled on this blog. To leave a comment click here to go to my Raw Diva Keely blog!

Goat Boy

2007-09-02T14:41:00.000-04:00

I found this photo mounted in my Grandma McBride's photo album, so we presume it was a relative. Whether it was from Grandma's or Grandpa's side, though, we do not know. My mother has no clue, and did not even know the photo existed until I found it while looking through Grandma's old albums which were on my mother's coffee table. The photo was made into a postcard, but it had never been used as such, so there are no markings, names or stamps to hint at the origins of the picture. All I know is that the picture was taken in 1925. Which means the child was probably born in 1923 or 1924. It is popular belief that the photographer was based in Alliance, which was a town near where I grew up in Damascus, OH. And although I named the photo "Goat Boy", I'm not even 100% positive that it is a boy!!! I know, I'm a lotta help! Anyhow, if anyone out there in blogland thinks this might be your long lost relative, let me know. If any of my artist friends would like to use the image in their artwork, please ask first. I'm sure I'll give you permission, I just want to know who uses it, and I'd like to see a scan or photo of your final creation!!! [grin]

Threads of Time

2007-08-31T23:18:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday, Valerie!!!

I think I made this card the same year that I made the Train Delayed card (see 8/12/2007). It was made for my friend Valerie's birthday that year.

Instead of using any of the pigment powders for this card, I rubbed a Colorbox Violet Inkpad directly onto the chipboard. You have to heatset the ink at that point to make sure you get a good impression when you add the stamps. The assorted images were all stamped in Memories Black (but it turned dark purple during following steps). Then the embossing powders were applied the same way as in the post directly below this. Instead of dropping beads into the hot UTEE like I did on that card though, I had cut some fibers off of a metallic eyelash yarn (hence the name of the card) and dropped a few of those in there. Building up UTEE on top of a background of Colorbox ink, does not work quite as well as it would have if I had used the powdered pigments or painted the background. It tends to fade with each coat of embossing powder applied, but I still like the way it turned out.

Dragonfly Legend

2007-08-30T00:56:00.000-04:00

I made this card for my mother-in-law Carol, for her birthday a few years back. I may have made one for my mom also, but if I did I'm not sure she still has it. She once told me that I did such a great job on the envelopes to my cards that it was a shame to throw them away. Horror struck, I asked her why she was throwing them away and she coolly said, "Well, I can't keep everything". Obviously, I did not inherit my pack rat tendencies from her!!! [grin] Carol, on the other hand keeps her card out on display, and also has a box with all the other cards I have made her (and their envelopes, I might add). A cool tip: A friend of mine (who also got this card for her birthday) has a mammoth sized cork board that she likes to hang her cards on. The envelopes she then mounts in a little homemade book so she can look at them whenever she wants, and they are all kept neatly contained. You probably could make these so that the card could be put back in the envelope if you wanted to take it off of display.

This card is made very much like the Train Delayed card. The basic changes are the colors and the choice of stamps.

The central element is a piece of chipboard which I first covered the raw edge with a blue Marvy Metallics Marker. I then covered the top of the chipboard with Matte Medium. While still wet, I rubbed Pearl Ex Pigment powders in Duo Green-Yellow and Duo Blue-Green and Powdered Pearls powder in Blue unto the surface. When that had dried sufficiently, I painted a second thin coat of matte medium to seal the surface. After the chipboard piece had completely dried (best if you leave these go overnight or dry with a heat gun), I stamped Dragonfly Legend P1-622 by Stampers Anonymous onto the surface using a Midnight Blue Memories ink pad. I then heat set the ink with my heat gun. Next I daubed clear embossing fluid over the entire surface of the piece, immediately dipping it into clear embossing powder and heating with my heat gun. Once the embossing powder melted, I sprinkled on one layer of Holographic Embossing Powder and a few blue and green tiny glass beads around the corners and continued heating and adding clear Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel onto the surface until I had an even surface. I allowed the surface to cool enough that it would not stick and then I stacked a pile of phone books on top of the piece and set it aside overnight. This step prevents too much warping of the chipboard. The next day, I made a card out of dark blue paper which I dragged the edge of a Seaglass Colorbox stamp pad across the front lightly to add character. I then glued the chipboard to the front with a Tombow blue glue stick and again set it aside under the phonebooks to dry. When finished I took a metallic blue gel Xtreme pen and drew a thin line bordering the central piece. As a final touch, I tied a sheer iridescent ribbon on the spine of the card.

with this ring...

2007-08-27T07:10:00.000-04:00

Twenty four years ago today, two silly kids joined hands and hearts in a small country church with just a few very close friends and family in attendance. Well... obviously we weren't the only ones being silly!!! [grin] Rev. Buell was also a bit silly that day!!!

I want to point out the size of cake that I cut to feed Bob for the cake eating ceremony. Now look at the size that Bob cut to feed me!!! And you just know what he did by that evil smirk on his face. Mind you, this was right after my mother had lectured us about being crass and told us not to smash the cake in each others faces. We always did have a problem with authority figures!!! [grin]

When you read this, Bob... I would share my cake all over again with you.

I Love You!

Feeder Friends

2007-08-23T23:55:00.000-04:00

I always liked this card. And I always intended to make more of them. I even have the stamps down in my basement tucked away in a box ready to go. (Don't tell me that you never do this!!!) Anyhow, this was another project of my stamp club. We drew names, and then mailed a card to the person who's name we drew. Mine went to Mari Roberts.

The main image, Feeder Friends HMTR1021 from Stampa Rosa, was stamped and embossed in black embossing powder on white cardstock. The image was then colored using an assortment of Le Plume watercolor brush markers. Now, this was done way back before the stamps came out with the color indexing, so I thought the birds looked like chickadees. Well... they are sparrows. In fact, looking at the stamp now, I'm not sure why I didn't see that right away!!! [grin]

I made a card out of red cardstock and layered the white panel on top. Inside I *think* I stamped and embossed in black the phrase "Live, love, laugh and be happy..." CR1034. I'm not 100% sure because I never scanned the inside, and it has been a loooong time since I made that card.

I then stamped the image, Amanda Writes HMGR1001, on a envelope I made using pink speckled paper. To protect the innocent and the guilty [snicker], I have sprayed over the addresses in Paint. I'm sure you could have all done a better job of this, but I don't know a lot about altering images in the computer! And for those bright people who caught it... Yes, I did mail the card and then I borrowed it back to scan it. I'm shameless!!!

A-weema-weh, A-weema-weh...

2007-08-22T17:28:00.000-04:00

I guess the best place to go to the restroom is in the JUNGLE! Jungle Jim's International Market, that is.

First, I must apologize, the above picture is not my own as they do not allow cameras inside the store. However, I thought you just might need an enticement to see the other views of this truly unique bathroom! Go to: http://www.bestrestroom.com/winnerpics.html to see more high resolution photos. Also check out: http://www.junglejims.com/ to see a humorous picture of Jungle Jim with the award. You can then click on THIS to see the official news release by ABR Cintas. (Yes... this is a real award.)

If you are remodeling your bathroom... well, you just might want to start with a port-o-potty!!!

In the Jungle, The Mighty Jungle...

2007-08-20T01:37:00.000-04:00

Now just how many grocery stores do you know of that are set up like a theme park? And I'm not just talking about the outside, which will soon feature a monorail ride and has the rows of parking set up with colorful characters to help you find your car again after you leave.

No, I'm talking about a store that has animated characters welcoming you to the different areas inside the store! Imagine a full size firetruck hoisted up above the massive hot sauce display. Penguins frolicking over the frozen food. A talking Campbell's Soup can poised over the American Groceries. What??? Did she say American Groceries??? Why... Yes, yes I did. Because you see, this is no ordinary grocery. Welcome to Jungle Jim's International Market!!!

Every time Bob and I go down to Cincinnati, Ohio, we make a point of stopping there. They have a massive fruit and vegetable section with many exotic selections. Bob and I got a Durian down there a few weeks back and used it to make smoothies. I spied some Dragon Fruit in there the other day, and we are hoping that they will still have some when we go down on Monday. That would make a striking addition to a fruit salad.

They have a map available at the entrance to help you navigate all of the different sections. For that matter, you can make arrangements to go on a guided tour. Explore the Jungle, if you will!!!

As for Bob and I, we always hit the produce section hot and heavy and then pick out an area to explore. Did you know that in England, Nestle markets a chocolate bar that is for men? Yup! It is called YORKIE and the "O" has been replaced with the international no symbol with a woman in it. Their slogan is... IT'S NOT FOR GIRLS! What does that have to do with anything, you ask?!?! Well, you can buy them at Jungle Jim's. Along with all sorts of other strange items lurking among the shelves. It's always an adventure!!!

So follow the hyperlinks and check it out. Don't forget to stop at the restroom!!! It's a hoot!!!

Oh... and for those of you that followed Tera's link to this site, the thing that made her laugh so hard is the post directly below this one. Have fun!!!

Don't You DARE Press That Button!!!

2007-08-18T11:06:00.000-04:00

*********Put The Big Red Button on your site

For all of you Raw Divas out there, just start tapping this button. By the time you are done, you will have forgotten about any cravings you were having!!! [grin]

A Necklace for Mary

2007-08-15T23:13:00.000-04:00

(Click to supersize)
I was planning on posting a picture of my foot all taped up by the podiatrist, but wouldn't you really rather see this!!! Besides, I had a special request from Raw Diva Tera to post a picture of some of my jewelery.

This was the very first beaded necklace that I ever made. Okay... it is the ONLY beaded necklace I have ever made! I made it as a gift for my friend Mary, who throws the absolute bestest birthday parties for herself. It's like going to a children's birthday party! We have games with prizes, an art project, lots of great food, and Mary makes us each a wondrous party favor!!! Mary is an artist, and since all of her friends are artists, too, she gets some really amazing gifts. I think we all try to outdo each other, and it results in a lot of beautiful gifts!!!

All of the larger beads are Swarovski Crystals and the smallest beads were a string of tiny crystal seed type beads. To see the colors, you really do need to click on the picture to supersize it. In fact, all of the pictures on this blog can be viewed at their original size by clicking on them. The necklace sparkles almost as much as Ms. Mary!!!

Train Delayed

2007-08-12T23:20:00.000-04:00

Many years ago, our stamp club was asked to submit cards to be displayed on a board at Stampaway USA in Cincinnati. This was my card on the board.

The central element is a piece of chipboard which I first edged with a gold marker. I then covered the top of the chipboard with Matte Medium. While still wet, I rubbed Pearl Ex powders in Super Copper and Aztec Gold, and Powdered Pearls in Jade unto the surface. When that had dried sufficiently, I painted a second thin coat of matte medium to seal the surface. After the chipboard piece had completely dried, I stamped several clock images, a pen nib, and the faux mail mark; mail late train delayed onto the surface using black waterproof ink. I then heat set the ink with my heat gun.

Next I daubed clear embossing fluid over the entire surface of the piece, immediately dipping it into clear embossing powder and heating with my heat gun. Once the embossing powder melted, I sprinkled on one coat of Holographic embossing powder and continued heating and adding clear Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel onto the surface until I had a nice even shiny surface. I allowed the surface to cool enough that it would not stick and then I stacked a pile of phone books on top of the piece and set it aside overnight. This step prevents too much warping of the chipboard.

The next day, I made a card out of black recycled confetti paper and glued the chipboard to the front with a Tombow blue gluestick and again set it aside under the phonebooks to dry. When finished I took a bronze gel pen and drew a thin line bordering the central piece.

This is one of my favorite techniques, and you will see it used in other pieces that I have made.

A Cry in the Night

2007-08-12T02:20:00.000-04:00

Phalaenopsis Little Emperor

Have you ever been right on the verge of sleep when you are jolted awake with the knowledge that you had left something undone? Last night, I had just started to enter that twilight state of somnolence when I heard my orchids screaming for a drink of water. It was bad enough that they woke me up. (The fact that I had been tossing and turning most of the night trying to get to sleep made it worse.) But when the Little Emperor and his friends demand an audience, I obey. Once I got up and thoroughly doused all of them, the pitiful cries of neglect stopped and I was finally able to go back to bed and find sweet sleep. Four hours later the alarm went off. Ah, well. Another day dawns!!!

A Knock at the Duir

2007-08-10T01:45:00.000-04:00

I have had this link on my computer for several years now. It always makes me smile when I watch it, and fills me with a sense of awe. I hope you will find it as inspirational as I always have!

http://www.duirwaighgallery.com/inspiration_aknock.htm

Now... open the door!!!

Butterfly Wiz Card

2007-08-08T03:30:00.000-04:00

I made this card many moons ago when I was working at Art on the Block for a swap in our stamp club, Chips off the Block. The challenge for this exchange was to "stamp cute", no matter what your personal stamping style. The stamp is 1150 T Butterfly Wiz by Visual Image Printery. It was embossed in black on watercolor paper. I then taped down the paper along each edge to a counter and watercolored the background sky and grass and then sprinkled with course salt and allowed it to dry to draw the paint. Then I finished watercoloring the rest of the scene. When it dried, I untaped the edges to expose the white paper and then trimmed it with deckle edged scissors. I used a sea sponge to sponge Pearlescent Ink in Galactic Blue, Moon Violet, and Sundown Magenta over a sheet of glossy light blue cardstock. When dry I cut it to size and layered it onto a card I had made using a goldenrod colored stock. I then attached the watercolored panel "photo" to the card using kraft colored photo corners.

The Best Kind of Medicine!

2007-08-07T02:00:00.000-04:00

I got this big box dropped off on my doorstep about a week ago. I could not imagine what it could be, but I deduced from the return address that it was from my friend Sue! I opened the box to find this large roll of paper inside. Intrigued, I opened it!

(click photo to enlarge)
This has got to be the best get well card you could possibly receive!!! I did have to throw it in the fridge for a bit, as the day was over 90 degrees and the chocolates were very soft. But they came out just fine, and started disappearing right away. Remember... chocolate is very high in antioxidants!!! Honestly, you do need to click on the above picture to read the card and get the full impact!!!

As for the foot... the doc said that the sprain is coming along. I'm still having trouble with it though, so he prescribed more meds. He also gave me a heel cup to wear in my shoe. I have a heel spur, in addition to the sprain. I go back next Monday and we will reevaluate the treatment plan. Bad news: crutches and no driving for another week. Good news: Bob has to cater to my needs and do the housework after putting in eight hours at his job each day. He says he feels like a woman!!! :) Oh, and if you missed the drama of how I injured the foot... I was attempting a spin and kick in Tai Chi. Only problem is, I spun but my foot did not!

Memories of Millers

2007-08-05T14:47:00.000-04:00

Bob was holding hearings out of town the other day and I went with him. When I got out of the car at the hotel, a wave of nostalgia nearly knocked me off my feet and I had to grab the camera!

When I was growing up, my grandparents had a house in the country right beside ours. Attached to this house was my Grandfather McBride's barber shop. In front of this barber shop, my grandmother (who's maiden name was Miller and who was in the local gardening club) always planted a border of Dusty Millers with Coleus and Flowering Kale in the bed. You don't see these old-fashioned plants as much as when I was growing up, and that is why I got the warm fuzzies just seeing them.

Clyde Beatty Bush

2007-08-01T17:08:00.000-04:00

Hi there!

I thought that I would try out this blogging that seems to be so popular! That's my baby up there. His name is Clyde and he has been with my hubby, Bob, and I for twenty-one years. Don't ask him if he can talk. He'll treat you to a rousing song of "Birds Can't Talk"! Yep... you heard that right. Although I taught him to say the phrase, he now prefers to sing it!!!