Tree Swallows

I tried to get a few pictures of the Tree Swallows..They are building a nest in my bluebird house.
No matter what I did, I wasn't getting a good picture..so these two will give you an idea what is happening..When I get better ones, will put them on the blog..
If you could only see what I was going through to get these two shots..So happy the neighbors know me..because I would give them reason to worry..If I am not on the ground trying to get pictures of little flowers, I am in the bushes trying to get pictures of birds..I won't get near the swallows nest, they will dive bomb you..Now just picture that sight..Me running around the yard with a Tree Swallow diving at my head...

Till next time, keep looking up...

Mother's Day Blog..

This is such a beautiful story about a little fawn and a Great Dane..The little fawn was found nearly dead by animal rescue center in England. One of the worker's son had a Great Dane and the little fawn was drawn to the dog.. The Great Dane had pups and took the fawn as one of her own..The pictures tell the wonderful story...

In case you didn't see this story in the paper, I felt it was worth telling..Sometimes there is so much we can learn from animals..
Happy Mother's Day to all....

Till next time, keep looking up.

Alpaca Farm

Thought I would share a few photo's from an Alpaca Farm near us..We went there when they had open house..Never really was close to an alpaca and wanted to see the yarn they were selling..They explained that Alpacas are a herd animal and should be in groups..they really are not meant to be pets. Have to admit, they are cute..As for the yarn..I didn't get any..My knitting skills are not worthy of such wonderful stuff.

Till next time, keep looking up..

My Fingerprint Friday...

My Fingerprint Friday is for all the mothers, aunts, grandmothers and all that have helped children find their purpose on this earth..Every one of you deserve to be recognized.
I have a picture of my mom in her younger days, even though she is gone..she left a mark on me, that I hope I passed on to our girls..Respect, Love and Honesty..
So to all of you, you are my Fingerprint Friday...
Never think your job is meaningless, since it will leave one of the biggest prints on earth..


Till next time, keep looking up...

Our Little Sanctuary

In our lilac bushes we have what we call a sanctuary..which I have to clean out this spring .
The story goes, I wanted a place for all of us to sit and meditate, when we felt like doing so..So my husband, put a large stone for each one of us and took two branches and made a cross..as you can see, nothing fancy, just tied with twine..My oldest daughter was cutting the lawn at the time. My husband no sooner put the cross in place, when our daughter yelled, "Dad there is a bird here that won't get out of the way"...The bird wasn't hurt and not a pet, a wild bird..He stayed with us for the weekend. Every time the girls went outside, there he was.They would feed him bugs, didn't like seed..they called him Sanctuary..It was interesting the bird appeared at the same time the cross went up..We always considered the little bird our gift and were thankful for it visiting us all weekend. Something so small, bought so much joy..

Till next time, keep looking up..

My Fine Feathered Friends..

Every year we get a windsock filled with seeds for the goldfinches ..We get such a laugh at them, hanging upside down and anyway they can to get the seed.
I tried to get a few pictures so you all could enjoy them..

Some just wait in the bushes for a chance to get on the sock..
They are such a happy site, after a long winter..


Till next time, keep looking up...

Hand Challenge.

First are the hands of a child..The hands that are held, kissed when scraped and put around your neck to hug you..Second are the hands of thankfulness..Thankful for all we have..















Now this is going to be the third hand...One none of us want..Broken..Yep, my husband went down the stairs and has two pins in his hand...May none of you ever do this to your hands...

This blog is done because Skully on her blog, here
asked for the hand challenge..I gave it my best shot..Be sure you check out her blog...

Till next time, keep looking up..

First Grandchild's Prom..

Had to have a blog about my "first" granddaughter's prom..She is the one in the blue..her brother is on the left, my oldest grandson..and her best friend is in the other picture, both ready to dance the night away..Don't they all look wonderful?
Her name is Adara, and born in Maui, Hawaii...now in Maine. She will be graduating in June and that will be a great family event..Sometimes, I look at our girls and their families..and I am in awe...I always tell my husband, "we have had a bit of heaven on earth"...What pleases us the most, we all realize what is important, love, respect and living a decent life...When I look at Adara, Ryan, and Bridget, Adara's best friend..I am one proud grandmother..My oldest daughter and her wonderful husband have to be very proud for the job they did as parents.
This is the blog of a shameless, bragging grandmother...couldn't help myself.

Till next time, keep looking up.

One of Today's Many Heros..

The other day I read a story that left me thinking about our purpose on earth..
I am sure many of you read about the Marine that was burned over 90% of his body, had over 100 operations and fought to live, only to die this past week..He overcame
so many odds, but his battle was lost in the end. When you read his story it tells how they never thought he would live from his wounds, only to survive and start a place for children with burns..Now think about that...He lived long enough to do so much good for this earth..The suffering this man must have endured, yet he used all his suffering for something positive.
So many times we all complain about fluff..nothing..Here was a man that could have been bitter with the hand he was dealt, yet he used it to help others..He is one of my hero's and what a mark he left on this earth..

Till next time, keep looking up..

Hawaiian Royal Palm Tree

I am kind of late for the tree challenge..but better late, than never..
This is the Hawaiian Royal Palm. A friend that is Hawaiian, told me, it was for only the Hawaiian Royalty..A beautiful tree and it has a regal look to it. Has red like berries with seed in them. You can just make them out near the bottom of the tree..

I thought this was a worthy tree for the tree challenge..hope you all enjoy it.


Till next time, keep looking up..

Fingerprint Friday..even if the date is for Thrusday.

Here are my pictures for Fingerprint Friday...The beautiful humpback whale with baby and little tropical fish...When you look from one to the other, aren't they beautiful? One so big and one so small...yet each has a purpose on earth. Kind of like us, we come in different sizes and colors, yet each and every one of us, has a purpose..What kind of fingerprint will you leave on earth?

Till next time, keep looking up..

This will be Thrusday's blog..

I forgot about this picture..It was found in my mother's home after she died.
The antique dealer told me to get it rematted and put a price on it, which I wasn't interested in selling..Still haven't had the matting done..but thought you might like seeing it..It is a watercolor..I just think she is so beautiful and love the flowers in the hair..Hope you all see the beauty in her.

Till next time, keep looking up..

My Newest Angel and My First

I was at a Pastel class and the instructor told us to do what we wanted..Well, I didn't have any pictures to use and I kept looking at the board..I saw an Angel and that is how it all started..Then I started having ideas of Angels, and tried them in watercolor..All winter, I kept painting Angels..I think I have over 28 done..
It has kept me going when things would upset me, I would work on an Angel..
All I know is, I am very thankful for the topic, it has kept me working in the positive.
As we all know, there isn't any of us that are free of troubles...It is how we handle the troubles. They either makes us or breaks us. The choice is up to us..I chose Angels..

Till next time, keep looking up..

Bluets, A Wildflower in Maine.

The excitement I had, when I found this little clump of Bluets..Again, my pictures do no justice to the lovely little wildflower..They are just coming up and when I saw a little clump of them, I wanted to share a picture on my blog..They usually cover the back yard, which will happen as time goes on. I won't kid you, I was moving fast. In order to click this picture, I was on my knees, head almost in the grass and afraid someone would think I passed out on the lawn and start yelling..I did try and hide myself near some bushes..but I was a nervous wreck. You will get the idea of how cute they are. They are a light blue around the edges, very delicate. This is the first flower, in my yard so far, so you know why I am excited. Wonderful spring, makes life so much happier..and very thankful to see winter move along.

Till next time, keep looking up..

Frozen Chocolate Treats.

This is a fun recipe. It is great for children and adults alike..
1 cup instant cocoa mix
2 cups powdered milk
2 1/2 cups water
Combine all in bowl, stir till all dissolved, pour into Popsicle molds/freeze.
If you don't have the molds use dixie cups..when almost frozen add popsicle sticks.

I make this for the grandchildren and when I want to watch my diet..It is low in calories and gives you a nice little sweet..
Can you ask for anything faster than this? As you notice, my recipes are usually quick, but they are tasty. Enjoy..

Till next time, keep looking up..

Pictures By Marc..

Wanted to share some beautiful pictures that our friend, Marc takes..These pictures are just some of the wonderful shots of Maine. To me, he tells a story about Maine and he shares it with everyone through his photos. The photos I have up are only a few..There are lighthouses, ocean views, and many more..If anyone is interested in buying some of his beautiful work, just email Marc at..OLDMANZ@verizon.net
and put "Photos" in the subject line. His pictures are worthy to hang on anyone's wall..He is using his gifts and you can see it in the quality of his work..

Till next time, keep looking up....

My Little Shed..

Will be opening it up in June.We had a metal roof put on it in November..so it looks much nicer, then these pictures..This is a nice way to get my stuff out there, even though we don't get that much tourist traffic past the house..
It is a way of keeping me busy and it is fun. Will change things around again, but here are a few pictures of the inside..
Have to admit, the bushes need trimming..
With Etsy, craft/art shows and this little shed, even if things don't sell fast, it is a positive move..Anything you do, the main thing is don't get discouraged..You just don't know what the next day may bring.

Till next time, keep looking up..

Here is my picture for Fingerprint Friday..

God's fingerprint..Whenever I see rainbows, they always excite me..My pictures did the beautiful rainbow in front of our home, no justice..But it is truly a
"Fingerprint from God"..Don't believe me, Ask Noah...


Till next time, keep looking up.

Getting the garden ready..

Well, the manure was dumped and now the tiller will be doing the work..Hoping this year will be a successful one..Last year, was good..some years are better than others.
As I have said before, it is good my husband takes care of it.. The thought of freezing/canning our veggies, is exciting.
Just to know what you are eating, is a big reward. Something ,I can't stress enough to everyone. Please pay attention to labels and what you put in your mouth..Use your common sense, it is a gift..
I remember when oleo was pushed and I say pushed, with all the hype on how great it was for you..Now, they are finding out it did quite a bit of clogging in the ole arteries..Makes you think, what else is being pushed at us, cloning, gmo, etc..
Just giving you "food for thought"..

Till next time, keep looking up...

The Number 8...

Now here is a fun thing from Numerology..It tells about putting a piece of paper with the number 8 on it, in your wallet, or near where you pay your bills..They say the number 8 is a very lucky number and will draw good from the universe..I thought it might be fun to try..I have the link to Glynis Has Your Number.
She is a fun read and kind of surprises me with her knowledge and the way numbers work. I have said this before, I always keep my mind open to all things. It makes for a very interesting life and I just sift through what I want to keep and let the rest fall by the wayside. So if you want a fun read, check out Glynis, you might be surprised.

Till next time, keep looking up..

Thank you, LaVieEstBelle..

Thank you for my two awards..You have made my day...

Meteor Shower

This morning was the Lyrid Meteor shower..Down I came early, just to see what was happening..It was a waste of time..The cloud cover and fog, blocked my wonderful sky..It was a disappointment, but there will be others..
It is so exciting to watch the meteors falling in different places, something I never get tired of seeing.
The meteor showers in August/November are usually the best..at least they have been for me. Well, this one didn't work out, but there will be others in the coming months..Hope the weather will be accommodating . If you haven't seen one, be on the look out for the next and I promise you, you will be thrilled..I am always impressed with God's fireworks..they go all over the sky and in different sizes.

Till next time, keep looking up..

Pictures.

I came across a picture of our five daughters and it brought back many memories.
The only one married, at that time, was the oldest girl..she is on the bottom of the picture..Anyway, Delia was working for a photographer and set this picture up..
I think it is kind of neat and thought it was blog worthy..
Bittersweet memories..
Your life is but a blink.. This I know and very pleased with "Our Blink"..

Till next time, keep looking up.

Fingerprint Friday.

Yesterday, Pamperingbeki had fingerprint Friday..you picked pictures that you thought were God's fingerprints..put the pictures up and join the link on her page. I won't kid you, there isn't anywhere I don't see God's work, but I picked the Volcano in Maui, plus our little friend, the jackman..At first I lost the pictures and if you want to know the truth, I still can't find one...Anyway, I hope you enjoy the volcano/jackman..even the Aurora's below are still another fingerprint.


Till next time, keep looking up..

God's Fingerprint..

One of God's fingerprints on this earth..Haleakala Volcano
in Maui, Hawaii..

Books on Tape..

Have you ever listened to books on tape? I have to say, it can be very relaxing.
Put a tape on at night before going to sleep and it quiets the mind..Especially if you have had a rough day and can't seem to calm down. Sometimes, I listen to old radio tapes..Since I am not a t.v. watcher, these tapes are a good listen.
Of course, the book tapes you listen to, should be light mysteries and just good stories..nothing real exciting, but interesting.
I have a few language tapes I will put on when painting..just for the fun of it. It is even more fun listening to me trying to pronounce the words..
If you haven't done this before, try it..I bet you will be surprised at the enjoyment you will get from it..it is a good way to use the mind.

Till next time, keep looking up..

Auroras

Aurora's are something that is to do with ice crystals and light. I was lucky many years ago,to see one from our deck. I put a couple of pictures of them, from spaceweather on the side of the blog.
There are many beautiful pictures at http://spaceweather.com/
I wrote about this link before. They have such good information about the sky.
Meteor showers, sundogs, pillars and rainbows, just to name a few..I really never knew half of these things existed. Even if you don't witness them first hand, it is fun to take a look at the pictures.
There is something so beautiful about the sky, even the cloud formations..take the time to look up. You never know what you might see. At night go outside, sit and look up at the stars..the peace you will feel is wonderful. It gives you food for thought and it is there for all of us to enjoy. Don't waste this beauty..

Till next time, keep looking up..

The Face.

I had something all planned to write about and then I read this article about the
face in the glass..Thought you might like reading about it and I am sure some of you read it already.
It seems the face of Jesus Christ appeared on the glass of a door, in the hospital..
People with cell phones got the picture..They said He was crying..The image didn't stay that long, but the picture is very clear..So the picture is on the right and the article link is on the blog..http://www.local6.com/news/15875360/detail.html
Makes you wonder why there and what is the reason?..At least that is what I am thinking..It really doesn't matter the whats/whys..I am enjoying the beautiful picture and happy I got to see a picture of it. Hope you all enjoy it

Till next time, keep looking up..

Bird Bath

This was seen on Rebecca's Garden a few years ago..Three clay planting pots, different sizes and a clay tray, that goes under the pots..You pick the size..Stack them upside down, large on the bottom, next size bit smaller, and then the last pot, now put the clay tray on top for water..I hope you have the idea..It is just that simple.
You can paint the pots and the tray that you put the water in, if you want..I made one and gave it away, so I can't show you the results..They are so cute and the size depends on you. Large bird bath, work with the larger pots, small bird bath, work with smaller pots.. I painted mine.
Used a beautiful blue, the rim of the pots were yellow, and the tray blue/yellow..painted a few fish in the tray..I varnished them, so the painting would hold up in the weather, plus easier to clean...With spring here and the birds all around, you will find this a nice attraction to your garden/deck. Even get the children involved..It isn't a real expensive project and one that is fast..The birds will love you..

Till next time, keep looking up..

Few pictures from The Animal Farm

These pictures were taken by CaraRose/Jim on a trip to the Animal Farm in Maine, few years ago.. The animals that are wounded or people can't handle anymore,usually end up here. I think the pictures are worth seeing and you even get to see our friends from Quebec/Japan, plus CaraRose/Jim...
Now a word about the farm..It is really wonderful how animals get taken care of..some are put back into the wild, some aren't. Depending on how bad they were hurt. Hope you enjoy the few pictures I put up..When I look at them, I am always in awe of the beauty that is on this earth. Now, that doesn't mean I want to be friends with the cougar...He looks nice at a distance.

Till next time, keep looking up..

Sun is Out...

We are in for a beautiful stretch of weather..Now the cleanup begins..Isn't it funny what the yard looks like after winter? From the plow, you have all the gravel pushed up the driveway and now we have to rake it back down..Everything looks a little sad.
We had a metal roof put on this fall..Wonderful roof, but on the south side, the side we use the most, the snow was up to the windows..The snow comes off the roof with a vengeance. We do have a small canopy over the door so that helped..but the deck took a beating..Very thankful for our roof, but this year will plan to change a few things on this south side.
All this is minor, we have the sun warming us and I am so thankful..see little tips of flowers popping up and that is exciting. I am so happy we are finally getting beautiful weather..Will try and enjoy every day and never take it for granted..it was a long winter and so happy to see it end..

Till next time, keep looking up.

The Rosebud Collection

Today, I put up a few pieces of jewelery that you can find on therosebudcollection.etsy.com
They are done by our youngest daughter and truly beautiful work. She is the one with Squeaks. Now, I will plug our oldest daughter's blog..http://musicluvamutha.blogspot.com/..she is a great music lover and has great appreciation for all kinds of music..You will be quite surprised at her picks..she is very well rounded in this field..and very selective, especially with two teenage children..Would give plugs to the other three daughters, but they have nothing on the internet at this time.
Would appreciate taking a look at their work..Yes, I am partial, but it's the mother in me...can't help myself.

Till next time, keep looking up.

Fun Project

Looking over some of my patterns for crochet/knit and thought you might like to try this, if you haven't already.
With your odds and ends of yarn, crochet/knit two squares..the size depends on you..cut batting the size of your square, maybe a little less and sandwich between the two crochet/knit pieces. Now crochet them together..Make as many as you like and then crochet them to make a blanket.
This has been done for baby blankets and they are very warm.. I had this pattern for years and alway wanted to use up my leftover yarn..forgot about it and just came across it. Thought it would be a fun project for those that enjoy crochet/knitting..This isn't a large project and travels nicely..Also any beginner can do this.
Have fun and get creative..Nothing more rewarding than seeing a beautiful project come alive right before your eyes...

Till next time, keep looking up..

Thank you

First, I want to thank each and every one of you for taking the time to write a comment yesterday..You will never know how much they were appreciated..it may seem silly to some, but it was a hard day..
I had painted an Angel with cat during the winter and thought I would put it on my blog today..
Again I thank you all..


Till next time, keep looking up.

Our Squeaks..

Today I write about a cat. Not just any cat, but one that thought he was human..
We found Squeaks in the barn when CaraRose was nine. Never having a cat, I wasn't sure what to do..We fed him formula with an eye dropper, since he was so small..he would snuggle in my bathrobe as I had coffee in the morning..I had to keep telling Cara to stop squeezing him, for fear she would kill him..Did you ever see that cartoon where the little girls squeezed her cat, well, that was CaraRose. As time went on and Cara went to college, Squeaks stayed on with us..Then Cara got married and ole Squeaks went with her. Squeaky is now 18 and quite sick, so now the hard part comes...We will go to Cara/Jims and my husband will go with Jim to have him put down..then bring him home for his final resting place..Some people may say it is "only" an animal, but he was more than that to us..he was family..now the positive side of this story...Squeaks bought so much happiness, laughter and love..we will always be thankful for the gift we found in the barn..

Till next time, keep looking up.

Goals..

I know many of you do this, but for those that don't, I write this note.
Have you ever kept track of your goals everyday? This is such a positive way to start a day and it is fun. Write about five things you want done for the day and as you complete each one, scratch it off the sheet. Even if you write down things that you feel are not important, they are..It helps you get disciplined with your life..something we all need..
So today is goal day.
There is so much negative going around and easy to get drawn into the trap. Some things we can't change, but this is one you have control over. Get out your pen/paper and start writing..

Till next time, keep looking up.

Pastels

Today, I will work with pastels..What a fun medium this is..The thing you must be careful with is breathing in the particles. I don't have a filter in my studio, so I wear a mask..also a non latex glove . It is something I am very careful about.
The colors are so pure in pastel and they will last for life..many of the cave drawings were done in pastel chalk. Are still as beautiful as when they were first done.
The only thing I find very hard to do with this medium is mailing. You have to be so careful, because the dust will move in the painting..I don't spray with a fixative.
Was taught it darkens the painting, so only use it to hold an area that will be worked over again..Some may do different.
Will take a picture of my painting, when it is finished and put it on my blog.. Have you ever tried Pastels..if not, you might be surprised how much fun they are. Try something new and enjoy the adventure.

Till next time, keep looking up..

The paintings are up..

I worked the whole day, in between doing other things, on my paintings..On the Icon, I even put Swarovski crystals in certain places. This is my first try at an Icon, the next will be in oil/acrylic and on wood.
My angel is call "Spring angel" and she is sending you all her gift of flowers.
When you see your flowers bloom, be thankful..What beauty and happiness they bring.
You know people always want green lawns and kill all the dandelions. I think they have a beauty about them and may I say, they can be used for a wonderful wine..the early greens are good to eat..Loved picking bouquets for my mother, as a child..So when you see those yellow blossoms, take a good look at them..They are a beautiful flower and worthy of painting.

Till next time, keep looking up.

Trying something new.

I am trying something new..a watercolor Icon. Have another angel in the process, but thought this would be something different.
Ever since we went to Bulgaria, last May, I have been in love with Icons..They are really beautiful and have something so unique about them. So, I have a fun day planned and just hope it all turns out well..In all honesty, nothing ventured, nothing gained..There are things we do that don't work out the way we want, but at least we tried..I read somewhere , "It is better to fail at something, then to never try"..in all honesty..think about that. You really never failed..
So with that in mind, I am off to the studio and give it my best shot..

Till next time, keep looking up...

Sun is shinning...

The sun is out and it is beautiful..Snow is melting and we might even have a barbecue today. Will try and get inspired to paint something outside. It is hard to find things to paint when the snow goes, everything looks kind of sad..then you start to see it all come to life. A few blossoms here and a few flowers there..exciting things. Next will be sounds. My favorite sound will be the peepers and if all goes well, they will start the end of this month..they are little frogs in ponds..They have such a beautiful sound to me..of course all the bird sounds are wonderful too. Do you realize, you don't have to go anywhere to hear a symphony?
It is the greatest medicine in the world and no matter where you are, you have something like it..and it is for free..Never take these things for granted. They are gifts for us to enjoy..

Till next time, keep looking up..

Just a few Folk Art items.

Put up a few Folk Art items..I know the pictures aren't great, but I can't seem to get the right light.
This is a very happy kind of painting and you get results fast.
If you have a handy person around, that can cut wood..You are all set.
Next thing you know, you will be painting all over the house..I found a small shell on the beach and put a lighthouse inside..there is no end to what you can do in this medium. I went to glass ornaments. Sold the ornaments with Hawaiian flowers in Hawaii, winter scenes for Maine..even got honorable mention for one ornament in Decorative Arts Magazine..It is up to you.
It is how much energy you want to put into something. Some day's you have more spirit than others, but you are human and I have found, you can't be on top all the time. It takes going on the bottom, to know how great it is on the top..
Till next time, keep looking up...

Have you every tried Folk Art?

This is painting on wood, some call it Tole painting. Tole painting usually is done with oil paint..this is done with acrylic. I use to sell quite a bit of it. Did welcome signs, clocks and wall plaques. Will put a few pictures up later of some work..I have to admit, I gave most away. This is a very happy art..I was more into painting pictures on wood, but did do some Russian Art from a book on plaques.
I use to laugh, some canvas artist around here, didn't consider it art..To me, anything you create, is art..Look in some of your caves, they used the rock to paint on..The Amish do beautiful work ..People pay good money to get a chest painted by them.
This is a nice way to start painting and when you use acrylics, very easy clean up. So many ways to do this medium..Get yourself a brush, couple bottles of acrylic paint and a piece of wood. You use a water base varnish for the final step. Some seal the wood first with the varnish.
Do your own thing..you can get books to help you get started..Have fun..No matter what you create, it is your gift and will make you very happy..Use your gifts, they are given to you for a reason..don't bury them.
Till next time, keep looking up.

Apricot Jam

I have another quick recipe for you..This is so simple I had to write about it..It came from Heloise and I have had it for years..
8 ounce package of dried apricots, 1/2 cup sugar and half of a fresh lemon..Put 4 cups of water in pot, put in apricots and sugar. Slice half of lemon extremely thin slices and then chop in tiny pieces. Add to the pot. Cook over medium heat for 30 minutes, without lid. After 20 minutes you can mash the fruit to break it up. After the 30 minutes, see if it is thick enough, if not cook a little longer..Let sit until room temp..then put in jars, then into the refrigerator..Once I added one knox unflavored gelatin pack in the end, and it set really good, some may like it a bit more sweet, so add more sugar.. I am going to try it with Agave, the organic sweetener..always use the dried organic fruit..I try and share these quick recipes just for your health..When you see your jars of jam in the fridge, you have a feeling of well being and you know what you are eating..You have to admit, this is a fun recipe and quick.

Till next time, keep looking up...

My Birthday Blog..

Won't really write about much...taking a break for my birthday. Will enjoy family and a nice meal..
Have a very happy day and
till next time, keep looking up...

Put up a few pictures of the home...just so you can see..we do have four fireplaces/three working..Indian shutters in living/den..hope you enjoy the pictures.

This Old House...

Thought I would show you just a few of our treasures from our home..When we got this house, windows were broken, ceilings were falling down and "no" heat..Just two wood stoves and a kerosene stove in the kitchen,which was broken. For some reason that didn't matter to us, we thought the home was beautiful..It was built 1832 for a Captain Kaler. I will tell you, the move into this home was Dec 2.,four children(had the last child here), never in our life burned wood..was one of the coldest February's in Maine that year..need I say more?
Now on to a little history found here..When my husband was digging the garden, he found the first coin, 1797 penny, looks pretty good..the second penny was dug up by the dog and not a good sample..We found bottles, this is just a few, under the barn and few in the cellar..The clay pipe was found when we dug under the porch..
Thought it might be interesting to share a little history of our home.
It is really too big for us now and time to move on, but the love this house has, you can feel it in the rooms..

Till next time, keep looking up..

Spring just got lost..

I wrote a nice little blog a few days ago, about spring and the smell in the air..Would you believe, it is snowing and we are going to get around 3-6 "....I opened my mouth too soon . I do remember having a blizzard on April 7th, so this really doesn't surprise me.
Will pull on my positive energy today, do something creative and be very thankful.

Till next time, keep looking up..

Good Blogs to read.

I am writing about three blogs, since they don't belong to Etsy and I think they are worth reading..Two are from Distressing Delilah'family.. Lordorlady.blogspot.com/ and Sewnanawhereareyou.blogspot.com/..Lord or Lady is about their genealogy..what great stories..they are so interesting. I am always checking for his update..Sew Nana. is his wife and she has good recipes and pictures of beautiful things that have memories..She talks about many things and is very interesting..Then we have my oldest daughter,musicluvamutha.blogspot.com/, don't let the name fool you..She writes about music and is well versed in that area..even gives a little quiz, one that I fail all the time..Oh well, it doesn't mean I am well versed..Ask me about Ray Conniff and I am fine.
If you have time, try these three blogs..I think you will agree, they are very interesting and you won't be sorry..Anything that is positive and happy, is worth the read..
Till next time, keep looking up..

Energy Log

Want to share a nice recipe for adults /children..I know many children are allergic to peanuts, but for those that still can eat peanut butter, this is great. It is called, Energy Log..
1 Cup powdered milk
1 Cup honey
2 Cups peanut butter
Mix and roll in a log shape, wrap in wax paper, put in freezer..when serving, just cut off a slice..You can add chopped apricots/raisins..
With all the power bars and stuff out there, you can't beat this recipe..Healthy and not expensive..I can't stress this enough. The more you know what goes in your mouth, the better off you are. The recipes I share are usually fast and easy, but you have to control the products..read labels.

Till next time, keep looking up..

Weather is getting warmer..

Isn't it funny how the weather can change your mood? It is starting to get warmer and you really feel the spring in the air. The air even smells different, sweeter.
When my poppies come up, that will still be awhile. I will usually take pictures..then I will try a watercolor or pastel..did start an oil painting, but never finished. Pastels are one of my favorite mediums. Acrylics are fun and I have done primitive winter scenes in them..Some say acrylics look plastic, but I don't see them that way..one thing I really enjoy about acrylics, they dry fast. I think that gave a hint about me...impatient, something I am working on. One thing about Maine, it teaches patience, you never can count on the seasons being normal.
May you all have a very productive day..just remember, no matter what you are doing, it is important.

Till next time, keep looking up.

Everything is back to normal..

Wonderful day yesterday and now it is time to get going..Will get back to my painting room and get serious..I have been distracted with the holiday.
Hope to get inspired with another angel or painting of some sort..
Someone once told me, even if you don't feel like doing anything, go into your studio, start straightening things out and just look around..look at pictures, different things you have done. Sometimes that will stir a desire to start a new project..
So, I am off to a new venture..How about you?
Have fun and think happy thoughts..

Till next time, keep looking up.

Happy Easter to you all...

Starting my resurrection rolls for this mornings breakfast...Oh Happy Day!
May you all have a wonderful day and enjoy each other..be thankful for what you have and sorry you all can't be here with us..I tell you , you would have a good time.
Happy Easter!


Till next time, keep looking up...

Coffee creamer

I just had to write about this coffee creamer recipe from Recipe Goldmine..Do you buy those flavored creamers in the store.? If so, this is for you..
1 14oz can of sweetened condensed milk and 1 1/2 cups skim milk, put your favorite flavoring in..
Choc. almond: 1 TBS cocoa powder, 1 tsp. almond extract.
Vanilla: 2 tsp. vanilla extract
Cappuccino: 1 tsp cocoa powder, 2 TBS orange extract. Make it what you want and without all the chemicals. Store in the fridge and it will keep for two weeks..
I have a thing about chemicals. We try and buy organic as much as we can. I do think the foods are doing us in and causing much problems with our bodies. A healthy body makes for a healthy mind..I can't stress this enough..read all labels..I try an never blog off a soap box, but this is one thing I want you all to pay close attention to..

Till next time, keep looking up..

My Hero..

Today ,I will write about someone that is my hero..This man would always help someone out and never look for anything in return..Children just flocked around him and felt his love...Everywhere he went, people would follow and scream his name..He did nothing to humiliate anyone, just shared everything he owned.Didn't judge anyone either. Told everyone to forgive those that wronged them. His strongest message was love,love one another..yet, He was nailed to a cross.
This is not about religion, but about a man that walked this earth, did nothing but good and spread only love, what happened? Doesn't it make you wonder?
I know this He is my hero and I try, notice the try, to follow His message..
Pull out the good, forgive as best you can, hate is truly a cancer and nothing good comes from it..try and spread your love. If all of us just followed what this man taught, what a world this would be...

Till next time, keep looking up...

Time for another recipe..

I will bore all of you to death, but it is time for my cheese ball recipe..
8 oz. cream cheese, 8-16 oz grated cheddar cheese, 1 pack of Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing, 1/2 cup each Milk/Mayo...Mix milk/mayo combo with packet of Hidden Vally dressing mix, add to cream cheese/cheddar cheese mix..Put into freezer 20 minutes. Make into balls and roll into nuts.
Put back into the freezer for 5 minutes..then into fridge till you serve..This is quick and tasty..
I didn't make this up, it came from Hidden Valley...have to give credit where the credit is due..
As I have said before, things that are quick and tasty are fun, especially when you have a crowd coming over. Puts less stress on you...Now you wonder why my treadmill is getting a workout..
Have fun and keep it simple.

Till next time, keep looking up..

I am a pack rat...

I really am a pack rat..Every time the kids are throwing something out, they ask me if I want it.
Do you think I say no?? Your right, I don't..so I bring the stuff home..They all laugh at me, but my husband is just as bad..Now I will tell you my theory...Since I have the room to put things somewhere, I do..There have been times someone has needed something and I came to the rescue.
It is fun to help out people and we get joy from it..I have to be truthful, there are things in this house that have to be handed down to the girls, just because they are a part of our life/history.
Have to say, I am not attached to anything material..my saying is, "I came in with nothing and will leave the same way"..This does not mean we don't enjoy good things, we do..but I always keep things in perspective. Just like money, gives you freedom, but wouldn't sell my soul for it...So on that note, enjoy all the things you have, share what you can. This is what will make you really happy..
Till next time, keep looking up...

Getting ready for Easter.

This week will be spent cooking and getting ready for family on Sunday..We do have quite a house full and many laughs. When I was growing up, we usually went to my grandmother's home on my mother's side.
Food was always bought out and the table was full..Home made bread was a staple, as well as many other things my grandmother made. So, my Easter is a take off of my childhood.
I always try and keep things simple, so we can all sit and enjoy each other..Now I won't kid you, never do I bring out the china/silver to eat off of. It is paper plates/cups all the way..Don't want anyone wasting time with dishes. I want to enjoy every minute we have together. The kids bring all kinds of food and when we put everything together, it is a feast. When the girls were living home, I had them bring some of their friends..There were people from Bulgaria, India, Bangladesh, Cyprus, Japan and Canada, just to name a few, that have enjoyed our fun..When they headed back to their homes, they will always carry a little bit of our family with them..Share your happiness, it could help change the world.

Till next time, keep looking up.

Erin Go Blog..

A little note about St.Patrick..His name was Maewyn Succat and born in the British Isles, a town near Dumbarton, Scotland. At 16, he was kidnapped and taken to Ireland to be a slave. Much of his time was on the slopes of the Flemish Mts tending to his masters sheep. His lonely hours were spent praying, morning and night, something that gave him great comfort. Six years passed and he escaped by ship, only to return years later. Ireland was full of paganism, Idolatry prevailed and with his great faith he led them to the Lord ..This is really an interesting story, and one that came from something he wrote..My thoughts on this story,
what is our purpose in life? You never know who's life you can change for the better..Listen to the voice inside you and pay close attention. We are not here for material wealth. What is of this earth, stays on this earth..but what is inside of you, for me it is the soul, will leave and join those we love in another life.. Happy St. Patrick's Day to you all..

Till next time, keep looking up..

Palm Sunday and my memories...

Palm Sunday always brings me back home..My mother was first generation Polish and I must tell you, she was full of fun..When Palm Sunday came, she would go out and break a small branch off a tree and head to the bedrooms..we would be hiding under the blankets, we knew she would be coming..She would come in and hit the blankets, very gently I might say, and say a verse in Polish, which told us to get up, it is an important day, she wasn't hitting you the branch was...I am not sure I have the meaning right, but I learned the Polish words and did the same thing to my girls on Palm Sunday..One of my joys in life was, I took care of mom for awhile and she lived here with us and I had a chance to wake her up with my thin branch, on Palm Sunday..We had quite a few laughs over it..Would you believe, it was my mother's last Easter on earth...
Remember to show those you care about, how much you care...

Till next time, keep looking up...

Touching story.

I just read a beautiful story about a dolphin saving two pygmy sperm whales in New Zealand..What a story. It told how the whales get beached in this certain area near a sandbar. I believe there is some sort of narrow channel there and they can't figure out how to get out..Well, this dolphin led them through the channel and out to sea.
All I kept thinking is, if we all worked together what a world we could have.
You know the key to this world is love..with holy week coming upon us, it always makes me think about why am I here? We can not change the things that have happened to us, but we can change today. This is not an easy thing to do, but can be done with positive thoughts..Don't let the negative take over..you never know what is around the corner..Look at the female pygmy whale and her calf..did she know a dolphin was waiting to save them from certain death?

Till next time, keep looking up...

Two sites to visit.

I realize I told you about www.recipegoldmine.com/ and all the recipes..Well, this one I have to share for St.Patrick's Day..Bit-of-Irish Cheesecake..it is made with Irish cream liqueur in it.
Will be making it tomorrow to take to my daughter/son's Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday. Please go to the site and try it, I think it will be really tasty. I just hope the weather holds out, would hate to eat this cheesecake by myself, especially since my husband is on a low fat diet..
Next site is Lion Brand yarn..you have to sign in and have a password, but they have many knit/crochet patterns free..Well, they sent an email yesterday and had a cute bunny to crochet.
What fun to make for children/grandchildren..Check out these sites..I know they will bring you a lot of fun..As you know with my blog, I try and bring as much happiness into all our lives, something we can all use.

Till next time, keep looking up..

Shamrock pin.

We are almost to St.Patrick's Day..A quick little pin you can make is done with a pipe cleaner.
Shape it into a shamrock and crochet all around it with a nice green yarn, tack a little safety pin on the back and there you go..Isn't that a fast little project? Now if you want to get fancy, put some sparkles on the shamrock. Use a little glue that will dry clear and sprinkle green/gold glitter on it, then let it dry.
Just a little fun project I thought you might like.

Till next time, keep looking up.

Freezing tomatoes.

Yesterday, I wrote about gardens and freezing/canning your food. As you know, tomatoes are one of the best fruit/vegetables for you..( some call them a fruit, I call them a vegetable). When you get so many tomatoes and you don't know what to do with them..My mother would just wash and core them, put them in freezer bags and freeze..She wouldn't take the skins off or do anything else to them. In winter, if you want to make sauce/soup with them. Cook them down and put them through the food mill..that is all you have to do. I will take the tomato sauce, put it in a large pot and in a pan fry up sweet sausage, cook one pepper/onion, put in your own seasonings, I use basil/oregano, salt/pepper/little sugar and let it cook into a wonderful soup, when near the end of cooking, I will add some parm. cheese. Then cook up separately a bag of tortellini and as you serve the soup, put some in the bowl..Serve with a nice bread..Now let me ask you, is there anything easier? I have to admit, each time I make the soup, I do something different, maybe add corn, kidney beans..be creative..Folks this is called "comfort food" and it makes a person very happy..
This is what my blog is about...Be happy and try and have as much fun as you can..I know we all have tough times, but I want to give you a little joy.
Till next time, keep looking up..

I'm late this morning..

Took me awhile to get this blog going..I looked up a couple of seed catalog web sites to put here.
We have to start thinking spring and planting...These two web sites sell organic seed and that is what I would recommend to plant..www.johnnyseeds.com and www.fedcoseeds.com.
Since it is hard to just plant seeds here, very short season. We have to have our plants started now.
My favorite crops are squash, zucchini, tomato, lettuce, roma beans, snap peas, cabbage red/green and potatoes. Sometimes, beets and onions..Lettuce/peas/beans you can plant again in the middle of summer and get a crop in the early fall.
There is nothing more exciting than picking your own veggies. If you have more than enough, you can share with family/ friends and neighbors..When you have taken care of everyone, you can freeze/can the rest..It makes everyone happy and will really make you happy in the winter when you look at all you save by freezing/canning some of your own food..Something very rewarding when you do this..You start to be thankful for things you took for granted.
Till next time, keep looking up..

Have you every made Easter Candy?

One Easter I really got into the candy making. I made butter cream, peanut butter,cherry, coconut and chocolate eggs..I dipped them in melted chocolate chips for the coating. It was a lot of work, but fun. I think the butter cream was my favorite..I used nothing but the best ingredients..When you go through all this trouble, make it worth your while. There are plenty of recipe links and I am sure you will find candy making there..Give it a try.
In all honesty, the more you learn to do, the more fun you have in life. Again, it is a form of creating..also you know what you are eating..and that is a big plus.
Remember, the simple things in life are our joys..yet we get so busy running here and there, we don't stop and smell the roses..

Till next time, keep looking up...

Spring is coming....

Well, we sprung ahead an hour and that is a good sign..We had rain all yesterday another good sign..This is getting exciting.
There is nothing more beautiful to me, than spring..All the flowers coming up, trees getting their leaves back and the birds return. Such a happy time.
I saw a nest, in one of my bushes from last year..I will watch for some action this year and have the camera ready. Many times the birds use the same nest.
The humming birds are fun too. I put a feeder on my patio door and we sit in the breakfast nook and watch them eat. I laugh when you see pictures of them sharing the feeder..that isn't the way it goes here. They dive bomb each other..All you see is a flash and off they go, chasing one another. Then one will venture back for the food.
They bring a lot of entertainment in this house.
It is amazing what joy we miss and it is right in front of us. Don't let this happen to you...Till next time, keep looking up.

On making the rhubarb wine..

Didn't write this in my making the wine..Make sure all bottles/crocks are clean..Use a small amount of bleach with water to clean the stuff you will make the wine in..Rinse throughly..and then rinse again..I get a little carried away..The important thing is, everything must be clean.
You can use plastic tubs/containers to put wine in, but do not use metal..I use wooden spoons to stir..Now I think I have said it all..

Wine recipe

4 lbs Rhubarb (any fruit), 4 quarts boiling water, 4 slices orange, 4 slices lemon, (make sure no white is on fruit), 4 lbs sugar..1 yeast cake, (I used a package), I slice bread toasted, 1/4 c water.
Pour the water over fruit, let stand for four days, strain. Then to the strained juice add the sugar.
Dissolve yeast in water and soak the toast in the yeast, add this to mixture, let stand another four days, strain and bottle..I did not bottle, knowing the yeast would still be working. I did strain and put in gallon jugs, but did not cork..I had corks with a special top you add a little water to and will show how it is still working..You can find these in a store for wine supplies. Since this was an old recipe, they used regular yeast and I am sure they kept the crock/bottle covered with cheese cloth..
I did use frozen rhubarb, easier to get the juice from. This is the way I did it. I just left the wine for about six months in the jugs..I kept thinking it wouldn't clear, it didn't look like it did, till I poured it. Now I am going to strain and bottle it.
Please remember, this is an old recipe, hand written by my mother, which I am sure is having a good laugh at me from heaven..Have fun, till next time, keep looking up.

Rhubarb Wine.

This fall I had so much rhubarb left over and I found an old rhubarb wine recipe my mother had written on paper.Well, I thought I would try making it. Very simple and easy.
I put it in my, what they call in this house, butler's pantry and forgot about it.
Yesterday, I was in the pantry and there it sat, three gallons of my wine. So I took one gallon out to check and it looked clear. I want to tell you, it is wonderful.
Tomorrow, I will write the recipe on the blog, for those that would like to try it..It is a very smooth and not too sweet of a wine.
It is very rewarding to make your own things, like jam/jellies. At least this way, you know what you are eating.
Rhubarb comes every spring and I look forward to getting it..right now, it is buried under snow, but won't be for long..
Till next time, keep looking up.

St. Patrick's Day Punch

Here is a great recipe you all might enjoy for St.Patrick's Day..
1/2 gallon lime sherbet
2 liter 7up/Sprite
Let the sherbet soften, mix with soda, till smooth..Add a few scoops of sherbet on top. Enjoy..
Who wouldn't enjoy a glass of that?
Even if you aren't Irish, it is fun to celebrate St.Patrick's Day..Anything that brings a little joy in our life is fun..When you have children, they never forget it..I am all about happy memories..Something,I always tried to give our girls and now the girls are giving the memories to their children..Let kids be kids...as I have said before, they have plenty of time to be adults..

Till next time, keep looking up..

Joe's New Book.

Was very excited to hear from Joe DiLalla and how he is doing on his new book..He is co/authoring and it will be about a conspiracy involving a drug company..Based on actual events that took place in 1979-80..Right now the book is at the publishers waiting to be released..The title is "The Chosen Few".. I can not wait to get it..
It will probably scare the life out of me, knowing it is based on fact. Once it is released I will surely let you all know..Again, if you haven't read "Bloodlines" by Joseph DiLalla, please give it a try..It is such a great book and deserves so many readers..Even the Times Review in Riverhead, N.Y. gave it a great review, so you know it isn't just me.
This is great weather for a great book..give it a try.

Till next time, keep looking up..

Summing things up.

I have talked a little about Astrology, Numerology and a great book to read..
It is interesting to learn a little about everything, at least, I think it is fun..I only talk about a few things that are interesting to me, but there is so much more out there.
With learning different things, you grow..your less apt to judge others and you start to see things in a different light.
Keeping your mind open and in use, doesn't take money..but can keep you very healthy in many ways.

Till next time, keep looking up.

Numerology

Today I will share another interesting subject..Numerology.
This is a different way of looking at your life and making choices, all through numbers.
Glynis McCants has a great book out, "Glynis Has Your Number", which makes finding your numbers very easy... Of course, the more you read, the more you understand. It is very interesting and can be fun..Glynis also has a newsletter she sends out every month, numberslady@numberslady.ccsend.com .. in it, she will answer questions that people wrote about..It is a nice newsletter and again, something else to think about..keep your mind going...

Till next time, keep looking up..

Where's the bluebird?

Instead of, "Where's Waldo", I ask, "Where is my bluebird"? Just take a look to the right and see his home..Then you will know why you don't see him..Going to warm up the next few days, there is still hope they will start returning to Maine, soon.
Isn't it wonderful to appreciate all the little things in life? Have you ever noticed how material things give you a short burst of happiness? You get something new, have enjoyment for a while and then think about the next thing you can buy..But when you enjoy life, it is the gift that just keeps giving..What is sad about this, and I include myself, sometimes we get so overloaded with things, we forget to enjoy it. So, even though my little bluebird isn't here, I do enjoy seeing my cardinal, chickadees and all the other birds at the feeder..
So with that said, I will be thankful for what I do have and not worry about what I don't have..

Till next time, keep looking up..

A fun site.

Every month I get an email on daily Astrology..The site is www.carolbarbeau.com/.
Carol is really a very positive person and she uses her positive thoughts, when talking about Astrology..This is why I enjoy reading what she has to say.
I have to admit, in my younger days I did study Astrology, but have forgotten much of what I learned..It is something you must keep up with..In order to be good at it.
Many people think it is just foolishness, but that is where they are wrong..There is much to be said about how the stars/planets work in our lives..One lesson I have learned in life is, to try and keep an open mind about things..Somethings, I have a hard time believing, but who is to say? A closed mind can be dangerous, no room for adventure..

Till next time, keep looking up..

A good book.

I was quite excited to hear last night, Joe DiLalla has a new book in the works. Should be out soon. Haven't heard what the title will be, but once I do, you will be the first to know.. I know some of you, have not heard about Joe or his last book, Bloodlines..It is a great mystery and one you should read, if you enjoy mysteries with twists and turns..You can get it at Amazon..Now,if I could just get Oprah to put it on her book list, you all would believe it was a good read..Right? Funny how that works.

Know what is great? Joe is doing something he really enjoys..and since I enjoy what he is doing..we all end up winning..Thanks Joe.

Till next time, keep looking up.

More snow in the forecast..

It looks like we will be getting more snow..I am so sad, since it is coming on Saturday and we were going to go to Portland and meet Etsy sellers from Maine. I was looking forward to this trip and meeting everyone..I hope they will try this another time.
This has been a snowy winter and one that is making spring look better every day, black flies and all.
I think this winter is a test for me..If I can keep writing positive and using my own advice, I will have beat the odds of getting depressed.. So back to the paint room I go and it will be more angels to paint. Why angels, you ask? That seems to be what is inspiring me and I keep going with it. As I have said and I repeat, "Go with what makes you happy"..
Till next time, keep looking up.

More Ideas.

As you noticed, the last few blogs are about Easter/St. Patrick's Day. Now today, I am going to tell you where to get good recipes for those holidays.
Go to www.recipegoldmine.com. They have fun recipes and if you look to the right side of their page, you will see message boards..Make sure you go there also, there are a lot of wonderful recipes from people that write on the message board.
For Easter last year, I made Resurrection Rolls..Everyone enjoyed them..You put a marshmallow in the middle of your roll and close it, then bake and when you eat the roll, it is empty..like the tomb on Easter morning, ..The marshmallow melts and leave a big hole ..There are different ways to make this, so check out all the recipes on their page. It is a great site and one I go back to all the time..

Till next time, keep looking up.

Cute idea for Children .

Here is another cute idea for children to make..an Easter Egg Tree..Go outside and get a branch from a bush/tree, about 12-16" high..one with little branches sticking out. If you want to spray the branch a different color, do that..Make sure you do it where you have proper ventilation. Now stick it in a pot..You can put dirt in there to hold it or fancy stones.. Now cut your paper into the shape of eggs..Have the children color the paper eggs..Let them get creative. Put a small hole in the paper and use yarn/string, make a tie and hang them from your tree..Each child can make his/her own and put it in their room or display in your home for everyone to see..These are so cute and it takes nothing but materials you usually have around the house.
It keeps little ones busy for quite awhile and again, they are using their creativity..Have fun.

Till next time, keep looking up.

Thank you.

Today, I just want to thank all of you that visit my blog and for the wonderful comments that are left..I can not tell you how much I appreciate it..Just knowing you enjoy reading a little note I leave pleases me to no end.
My goal is to leave you with a little enjoyment for the day..
With so much negativity in our lives, my idea was to pull out the positive. If I have made one person happy, just for a few hours, I have succeeded..
May each and everyone of us, be blessed with the gift of enjoying what we have and not with what we don't have.

Till next time, keep looking up.

Heard the cardinal this morning..

What a beautiful sound..It is the excitement of spring. I enjoy hearing the birds so busy getting ready for nesting..Something so wonderful about spring. I just can't wait for flowers to start poking their heads out of the ground..Now I have to tell you, I am a lousy gardener..I try, but I don't do well..In fact my husband calls me "black thumb"..The flowers I wait for ,have been planted by people that lived here before me. Anyway, I look for them every year..I did plant chives and they keep coming back, so I did succeed with that little herb.
I keep looking for the bluebirds, so far nothing..One person commented on my blog, how she sees the bluebirds flying around her area..How lucky..For some reason, here in Maine, the bluebird count dropped. About five years ago, I saw so many..the last couple of years, haven't seen one. Maybe this year they will nest in our bluebird houses..if so, will take pictures and put them on this blog..You know, that is why we should never take anything for granted..enjoy these gifts when we see them.
Till next time, keep looking up.

Did you decorate for Easter?

I haven't started to decorate yet, but Easter is quite early this year..Right now I have my Shamrocks on the doors..Might mix the two together, since Easter is the 23rd of March.
First, I will give ideas for St. Patrick's Day. These ideas are for children and the young at heart..On the morning of St.Patrick's Day, the children see green glitter and follow it to the living room and in the center of the room, they find gold foiled candy coins..as they continue on, the milk has turned green, dash of food coloring..The leprechauns have visited..It is so much fun watching the children..I always made green shakes on St.Patrick's Day..My theory in life is, let children be children, bring as much fun into their lives. They have plenty of time to be adults.
You know what is very rewarding, watching our grown up children, doing the same thing with our grandchildren..
Till next time, keep looking up.

Fun sites to check out.

My youngest daughter just started a blog and it is about fashion..I think you would all enjoy it.
Very interesting and informative..fun to read and see what is new in the fashion world..check it out
http://bella-rosebud.blogspot.com/, she also has the shop BellaSakura at Etsy..I have the link at the right of my blog.
The other blog is by an Australian jewelery artist..she sells beautiful work also..
I think you will all enjoy these sites..
How about you, do you have a blog? Maybe you felt like starting one, but not sure..Get going..
I always try and keep my blog on the positive side, since there is so much negativity being pushed on us. There is just as much good in this world, as bad..so lets work on the good part. Have you ever noticed how reading something positive, give you a boost? Pull out the good things in your life, and try and take the good from the negative..Oh, it is hard, no doubt about that. Everyone of us is fighting a battle, but it is what we do in battle that will change our outlook.
Till next time, keep looking up.

Lunar eclipse.

Did anyone see the beautiful lunar eclipse? I didn't make the whole thing, since it started late..I am always in awe of God's greatness.
One of the most beautiful things to watch, is the sky..When there is a meteor shower,( check out www.SpaceWeather.com, for the dates) I get so excited when I know we are going to have one.
What a beautiful show to watch and it is all a free gift to us.. Never take these things for granted.
When I know one is coming, I call the girls and if it is summer time, they get blankets, take the children outside and camp out on their decks/yards to watch. Try this, if you haven't already..
You will be pleasantly surprised.
We get so carried away with things, we forget to be thankful for what we have..and as they always say,"the best things in life, are free"..

Till next time, keep looking up..

I'm late this morning..

I have some of my girls with their families here,for a couple of days..so I am kind of slow today.
With my oldest granddaughter, I was showing her a fun gift to make for friends..
A beautiful bookmark, very simple and one you can do as fancy as you want.
Take a piece of ribbon, about 12" long..on each end put on some fancy beads, maybe three or more depending on the bead, tie knots before the beads and after. You can decorate any way you want.
Hang a few charms from the ends..I used ribbon that was 1/4" wide..but really do your own thing.
Use your creativity...Have fun and if you are like me, love to teach the grandchildren a way to have fun by using their gifts...

Till next time, keep looking up..

Mercury goes direct.

As you know, Mercury was retrograde, till the 18th..Then it moves direct..
Things should move a bit smoother for some of us..Depends where it is in your chart.
I don't do Astrology, but I like to watch Mercury..since it goes retrograde three times a year.
They always say to watch your computers, don't buy anything new , not a time to start things new either..but good for redoing..As I have said in one of my other blogs..always remember, "You rule the stars, they don't rule you"...Doesn't it come back to "Choices"?
That is why, what we choose in life is so important..negative or positive? So even though Mercury goes retrograde, you have the choice..we might hit a few bumps, but may we learn from them..
Till next time, keep looking up..

About making the wind chimes.

As you can see I put a picture(not that great) of the wind chimes..I quickly made them yesterday for all that wanted to see what they looked like..You can use a ring and hook the chimes to it or us a piece of wood and drill holes through. String the chimes through the holes and tie all together and hook to a small ring for hanging..This one you will laugh at..I used dental floss for the chimes..Yep, that I did..I glued it to the glass with a good glue..something for glass. Then let it dry and painted little flowers all over the glass and over the floss..You can do it so much better, but I was in a hurry to show you. I have made them and spray painted all the glass pieced, then painted blueberries/boats/strawberries on the glass..some I used jewelery findings, glued them at the top of the glass and hooked them up that way. That was when I felt like being fancy..I hope you enjoy this little project and hearing the glass when the wind blows, will bring you happiness..

Till next time, keep looking up..

Wind chimes..

You know something that is really happy, wind chimes..I use to have glass ones, which you don't see anymore..so I am using my old broken glass to make one..
Whatever you do, if you try this, make sure you wear gloves and file all glass sides/ends. This way you won't cut yourself. I won't drill holes in the glass, just glue the string to the sides of it and then put a nice flower sticker or something else cut out of paper, to hide where I glued the string. Just hook all the strings to a metal/wood ring and go from there.
Use your imagination.
I have many chimes, but there is something very peaceful about glass ones..Good project and simple..Talk about recycling..

Till next time, keep looking up...

Beautiful day.

I keep looking for bluebirds..sometimes they have been here in February. I have two houses in the yard and hoping they will nest there..There is something magical about bluebirds. Maybe it is me, but they do bring so much happiness. Actually, all the birds bring me happiness..something so peaceful..almost like watching fish in a fish tank.
When the weather gets sunny, like today, they are out in force. You start seeing birds you haven't seen in awhile..they know spring is coming. Oh happy day...
What is bringing you joy today? Even if you don't feel like being happy, look around you..there has to be something..I know there are days, it is so hard to think positive..just ask me..I have made up my mind this year to be thankful for the little things I have always taken for granted..just being warm, having a roof over my head and food in the fridge..now isn't that a good reason to be happy?
May we all keep thinking good thoughts..
Till next time, keep looking up..

Etsy forum, a great place.

I have to say this about the Etsy forum..It keeps me going..They have little notes about, getting your blog done this morning. Makes me move along.
The forum isn't just about blogs, but great information on many topics..Please check out Etsy and all the wonderful artist/craft people there. Have a couple of good links on the side of my blog..check them out.
Okay folks, on to other things..Spring is coming, are you getting in shape? Get your body moving..Of course you know, I am trying..Just keep on visualizing a great body, toned up and feeling great..I can't get out for a walk, so the treadmill is good for that..If you can walk, the benefits are worth it..You get the "cob webs" out of your head and will make you so much healthier.
There is a very positive feeling when you do this. I mean mentally. It lifts the spirits. Get the headset on and get going..
Till next time, keep looking up..

Happy Valentines Day .

I send you all, many hearts..Have a wonderful day and show those that are in your life, how much you love them..Be happy where you are, you are meant to be there.

I use to waste so much time, wishing I was doing this, going there, etc..And you know what? It was a waste of my life..I realized, I am where I am suppose to be at this time and I better make the best of it, just in case I don't get another chance. So be happy and take all the good from each day. Even lousy days, have something good in them.
So on that note, Have a wonderful Valentines Day and much love to all...

Till next time, keep looking up.

Valentine fun for children and young at heart..

This is a fun project for Valentines Day. A beautiful heart bookmark.
Cut a valentine out of material/felt. Make it a size that will rest easy on the pages of a book, glue a ribbon to the valentine..You can have so much fun with this project. Everyone can be as creative as they want.
What I liked about it, you will always keep it..Sometimes cards get lost, but this is always in a book..One of my daughters made me one, I still use it and it brings back many happy memories.

Till next time, keep looking up...

Today is the day.

Couldn't get the treadmill yesterday, but today is the day..Look out body, the mean machine is coming.
Hope you all are doing something positive this new year..I keep stressing "New Beginnings"..and remember, It is "never too late, to start something good".
It isn't easy to keep the positive outlook and I am working hard at it, like all of you.
Just so you all know, you are not alone...

Till next time, keep looking up..

Now I will try and exercise..

Well, it just kept snowing..So now ,I will try exercise to keep me going..
You may think that isn't a hard thing to do. You don't know me..I will do anything to get away from it. Just so you realize, this is really using the negative and making it a positive.. We are getting a treadmill, which should help..In case you don't hear from me for a few days, you will know the treadmill and I are in battle..but always remember, I was using the positive.
My "snow angel" is coming along nicely. Painting angels gives me great peace..that is why I put them up on Etsy..sharing my gift.

Till next time, keep looking up...

More snow for today..

Ahh, more snow. Not my favorite stuff, but trying to go with it. So with that being said, what are my plans for today.
Well, I want to keep trying to use my positive side..thankful I have a home and keeping warm.
Next I will go up in my studio and paint another angel..This time it will be a "snow angel"..how's that for using the positive in a negative situation?
Don't misunderstand me, snow is beautiful and so happy for the ski resorts..without it, they would be broke.
I just have a hard time getting out and about in it and it is selfish on my part.
So, on with the positive ...till next time, keep looking up..

Fun project

Did you ever make your own knit dishcloths? It is a fun project and doesn't take long. Something about seeing results quickly. The one dishcloth that everyone does is simple and you use a #10 1/2 needle..cotton yarn.
Cast on 4 stitches
Row 1: Knit
Row 2: Knit 2, YO (yarn over),Knit to the end, turn.
Row 3: Repeat row 2, until there are 45 stitches on needle. You might like more.
Next row you start decreases.
Row 4: Knit one, knit two stitches together, YO, knit two stitches together, Knit to end of row.
Continue this way until there are only 4 stitches left on needle, then bind off.
These are wonderful dishcloths and you can even give them as gifts.
On knitting pattern central you can find many dish cloth patterns..They even have them with hearts..Have fun.
Till tomorrow, keep looking up.

I just keep on painting..

Looks like another storm will start tonight..I just keep myself busy painting and thinking spring.
I do hope you check out the Etsy links I have posted..Wonderful work and I am thrilled to have their links with mine.
You know a fun thing to make for Valentines Day..little hearts cut out of heart material, or red/white material. Sew the two pieces, right sides together and leave a little opening. Turn them inside out and stuff them and sew up the opening. Join with a simple stitch to make a row of hearts..It can look so pretty. Try each heart a different material..Put a ribbon on each end and hang as a swag ..I think you will enjoy this little project.
To me, anything you create, makes you happy. Try it and you will see what I mean.
Till next time, keep looking up.

Some things are so sad..

The case of Britney Spears is such a sad case..That is all we will be reading about for the next few days..People are using her for their own advantage and she just doesn't get it..All the money she has and she is really poor. I do hope she will get the help she needs and realize the people that do care for her.
Everyone can take a lesson from her life. What is important? Money? Fame?
The only happiness here on earth, as I see it, is peace within yourself..If you haven't got that, you are always looking for something to fill the void. That is when drugs and alcohol come into the picture.
May we all find our peace. Be happy where you are, you are there for a reason.
Let me just say this, I have had to learn this lesson too..so it is not just words I am writing.
Till next time, keep looking up.

The Patriots and their loss..

I feel so sorry for the Patriots and their loss in the football game..but isn't that the way life goes..You think you are on top and next thing you are brought to your knees.
For the Giants, it really didn't look good, but they won in the end..
I find this the way life goes for all of us..Some times in our life, it looks so bleak and the next day, everything changes for the better.
Our life is a roller coaster and I hope we all enjoy the ride, some of it is frightening.
Never give in to the negative..Even in the negative part of life, there is some positive. Keep focused on the good and keep looking up...That is way to your joy.

Good cookie recipe

This cookie recipe is fast and good..it is a Sugar Cookie and you can have fun with it by adding chips, nut, coconut..

2 eggs
2/3 cup oil
21/2 tsp van.
3/4 cup sugar (if I use choc.chips, coconut/I cut it to 1/2 sugar)
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 cups flour

Mix first six items together, then add the flour..drop on a greased cookie sheet. 375 oven till brown.

Now for Valentines Day, flatten with a fork and add red colored sugar or push one of the candy
hearts on top..wouldn't the children like that?
Have fun and let your creativity flow...

Till next time, keep looking up..

Ahh, getting closer to spring..

February 1, what a happy ring to that month. Even though it can get nasty, I am hoping for a mild month.
I hope you read my blog about making a little heart out of a pipe cleaner and crocheting all around it..The children will love it and what a cute thing to give them on Valentines Day..I was always trying to surprise the kids on holidays. Just a little something I made..Means so much more, than a bought item.
My youngest daughter has a beautiful web site on Etsy, BellaSakura.etsy.com. She has some lovely pendents there and very reasonable. Worth a visit.
Another jewelery place is Themumandtherose.etsy.com..These are just a few ideas for Valentines Day..Will try and think of some everyday.
Till next time, keep looking up.