tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9988507633635060962024-02-07T05:09:28.620-05:00Wild Woman WriterDebra Fillingimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08950880743785202445noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998850763363506096.post-38666577353029972702012-06-12T09:43:00.000-04:002012-06-13T09:43:38.997-04:00<br />
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Universal-His Way</h2>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today I picked up Zander from daycare and we went to
Universal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew we could only stay a
short while because we had to get back to town for dinner and Vacation Bible
School.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As an adult, when I go to a
theme park I am always thinking about how I can get the most done in the short
amount of time that I have. When Marty and I go we do the same, we do the most
popular rides first, then gravitate towards the others and try to cram in as
much as we can.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
Well that is the adult way or at least my way- but Zander, as a kid, has a lot
more on his mind when going to Universal. He’s almost four now and has his own
ideas about what is fun!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">First-the escalators and people movers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Zander loves them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Getting on and off is very exciting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then when you’re on it he just loves standing
in one spot and enjoying the ride. I suggested on the people mover that we walk
to go faster but no-he liked putting his arms out to keep me in one place
better.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Next great thing to escalators and people movers- stone
walls and metal railings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are great
fun. He climbs on them, walks along them, and studies where they are
connected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One line was about twenty
minutes long and the other two about thirty but he did not complain about the
lines-he was too busy exploring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Zander also loves music.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Most places in Seuss Landing have very catchy music.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is always swaying or bopping to it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes I do not even hear the music until
I see him in time with it-then I hear it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Zander is also good about recognizing distance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He loves to say, ‘look how high we are' or 'we
are going to go way up there'.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He will
say many times, 'we are getting so close' even though we have only moved a
foot.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">He also believes in taking breaks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I learned this walking to the car when he
told me, ‘Mimi-I need a break’. So we did- an ice cream break.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He also picked a couple spots for photo
shots.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stopped and said ‘take a
picture of me’-of course I obliged.</span></div>
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W<span style="font-family: Calibri;">hen it was time to go, we had a long walk to the car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So we took turns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I carried him a bit, and then he walked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were both exhausted and happy to see that people
mover again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This time I did not even
suggest we walk- I just enjoyed the ride. We got to the car, got some fresh
water and within five minutes, he was asleep. I had told Zander on the way to
the car that I thought he and I should sleep on the way back home and let
Thomas (stuffed cat in the car) drive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He said no-he wanted me to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh
well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I learned a lot letting him control the day a bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought cramming a lot in was the way to
give him the best time-he had other ideas and his way was a lot more relaxing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>Debra Fillingimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08950880743785202445noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998850763363506096.post-84468730321878436502012-06-09T21:28:00.000-04:002012-06-09T21:28:16.160-04:00<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Why write?</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I was reading a new book on my kindle today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of
my favorite bloggers did a compilation of her blogs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her book, <span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Willas-Journal-Box-Stars-ebook/dp/B007XJR6VM/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1339288408&sr=8-3" target="_blank">Willa's Journal: A Box of Stars</a> is delightful
because it is really makes you think about everyday ordinary things. I</span>n one of her posts, she says she
writes-because she can-realizing that other people may or may not be interested
in what she has to say. I always was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This made me wonder why I write. Actually, there are
so many reasons I may not get them all down.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I started keeping a journal before I was a teenager
and still keep one today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am
constantly jotting or recording stories I want to get done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have several tiny notebooks with notes, scraps
of sentences, and many journals. My writings are mostly about my life and other
amazing things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am a thinker and spend
a lot of time thinking in my head about why things happened a certain way and
how I could do it differently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also am
amazed at the not so accidental timing and connections of things that happen in
my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I learn from everything-good or
bad and I am amazed at how intricate people and life are and how it all works
together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s a lot going on in my
head….who knew? I think these words are what keep me up at night.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I write to…<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Dump:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> Life is hard
and painful and most of the time people don’t have time for your hurts because
they are nursing their own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can dump
every ugly piece and get it off my mind. I will not be judged or have to worry
about my secret getting out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many times
I have written things on paper that are-well; they are just too painful to say.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will never be able to say them but at least
I can write them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am entitled to my
feelings and they need a voice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Tell Someone
Off:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">
I have never done this in real life, only on paper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is not in my nature but some people need
it! I do not like conflict but again, I am entitled to my feelings. Let’s face
it-most of the time when you tell someone something they are not likely to
listen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is not worth stirring things
up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Megan and I have been talking about
things like this a lot lately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is
hard to find a balance between having respect for yourself and just walking
away from it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Try and
understand:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">
Often by mulling over something that has happened and how I feel about it puts
everything in place. I get a clearer sense of it. In the midst of events we often
can only see what is right in front of us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">To Remember:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> There are so
many stories from my life I do not want to forget.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are people I don’t want to forget. I
can see how people have been placed in my life at a specific time for a
specific reason. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I consider many things
that have happened in my life to be near miracles-there is no reason why it
should have miraculously worked out as it did. I do not want to forget the
wonder of it all. I tell my students-you and your life are important. Write it
down.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">To be amazed and
thankful:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">
Have you ever listed the things you yearn for the most? Have you ever written
your prayers?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then years later I am looking at old writings
and I amazed at the prayers that have been answered and the absolute perfect
timing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Looking back it becomes so clear
as to why things had to play out the way they did-pain and all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">To remember to
pray:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">
I care about people and so many people are hurting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am also very busy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like to write the names of people that have
asked for prayer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I keep it on my desk
near my computer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Usually in email or on
Facebook people will ask for help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I say
I will pray and I need to write it so I will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This also allows me to check back and see how people are doing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">To Heal:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> I tell anyone
that will listen-writing saved my life more than once.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It helped me process things that I had
stuffed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It helped me dig out of things
I was buried under and as much of a cliché as it is-I found myself and pulled
myself out-one page at a time. Consider this-some of the most famous songs and
poems were written when dealing with pain.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Last
but not least, I write because practice makes perfect. Well, not really. For me
writing is an extension of me and my mind as well as my emotions. As none of
those are perfect, my writing is not either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, when I write consistently, my voice is truer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I become braver and less critical. My
vocabulary improves, becomes more embellished, and flows easily.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I
wrote a book (the one that saved my life) and it is not yet published.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My dear friend/editor Robin asked me how I would
feel if I did all the work of compiling it and then it never got
published.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told her I was ok with that
because this was a huge part of my life and I liked having it put
together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe one day I can share it
with my daughter.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Debra Fillingimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08950880743785202445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998850763363506096.post-19211301950909206662012-06-08T01:20:00.000-04:002012-06-09T01:21:37.118-04:00<br />
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Time...</h2>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Who doesn't struggle with time management?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My friends always act like I am superwoman
because I get so many things done. Obviously, I only share what I do get
done-not what I don't. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They don't know how
many times I start one project switch to another and another. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I plan to go to the computer for one minute and
end up spending thirty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'm very organized-that's not the issue. I
have so many interests and so many things I love doing it's hard to find time
to do them all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'm never late for work,
I always meet my deadlines or appointments but the things I want to do always
come last.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have to pull out all the stops in the summer to stay on
track because I have a hard time staying on track with large open blocks of
time-just my luck. There are a few tricks I do use that help me. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe
they'll help someone and I hope others will share some of their
tricks. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Working Backwards:</b>
This sounds strange but I came up with this because of work. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After students went home - I'd settle in to do
my paperwork and such knowing that I have to leave at a particular time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I would get so involved in what I was
doing, totally immersed, all of a sudden I am grabbing my purse and keys and
running out the door. Then I find out I've left without my shopping list, my
journal, or the project I had planned to take home. So I started working
backwards. As soon as students leave, I put everything that is going home in
one area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then when I am ready to go, I
have everything. I do this on my big errand days in the summer as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I put all my lists, coupons, cooler, and
other items together first-with a plan of attack, before I start doing anything
else. Working backwards has saved me so many times because I am constantly
trying to do just one more thing!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Outlook Calendar:</b>
I use Outlook email and calendar at work and home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I put as much as I can on there. When I add a
doctor appointment, I put it on my work calendar (if within the school year),
my home calendar, and my husband’s work calendar. I do the same for husband’s
appointments. This way if one doesn’t look at their calendar, we can remind the
other. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We know what the other is doing
on a given day in case we need to schedule something. I also sync this to my iPhone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Yahoo Groups:</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Years ago I set up a yahoo groups for coffee
club- my girlfriend group. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I set it up
because we were always planning activities together. When I sat down to e-mail
everybody, I had to make sure I didn’t forget someone. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love the group because when I send an e-mail
out saying I want to go see a movie -everybody sees it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When someone responds with the time they can
meet, everybody sees it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everybody knows
what's going on. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is also a
calendar included. I can put birthday and other reminders on there for
everyone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I also have yahoo groups for my book club group. There
are only seven of us and we rarely e-mail each other within the group (totally opposite
of coffee club). The calendar feature for us is invaluable. We often choose our
books six months in advance. I take that information home and put it all on the
calendar. I can include the book title, the hostess, and hostess contact info. I
set it up to remind people two weeks ahead of time and three days ahead of time.
I can set up six months of info in just a few minutes and never have to think
about it again. This has made my life easier. No more worries about forgetting to
send a reminder.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Dragon Dictation:</b>
This is a free app on the iPhone. Right now I’m sitting in the parking lot
waiting for my husband and I am speaking into my phone using the app ( I <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>just had to close the window so a passerby
didn’t think I was crazy). When I'm done I can e-mail it, send it as a text,
post to FB, or twitter. You can also copy the text and paste into any application.
I most always email it to myself at home. I put Dragon Dictation e-mails in one
folder until I need them. This is a great app for me as I don’t write longhand
because I've had carpal tunnel surgery. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After
a few sentences my handwriting is messy and my hand cramps. Even if I am
sitting at home with other options, this is my best way to get a lot of writing
down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once on the way to school, I composed
an email to teachers and sent it to myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When I got to work, I pulled it up, did very little editing and sent it out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a timesaver! The only downfall to the
app is that it does not save your information. It only records for a short
time. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This blog was done in twelve
sections.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just numbered each one as I
sent it. Note: Sending an email while driving is as bad as texting. Obviously, I only do this if I am sitting in traffic.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Pampered Chef
Timer:</b> I know there are other timers out there but I like this one
best. I can clip it on to go with me. If I set it for thirty minutes and it
beeps-I press stop. The thirty is still there for me to press start again. I use
this at home as I'm constantly getting off track-especially in the summer
or when I have a huge block of time to manipulate. For all the people that say I'm
amazing- if you spent one day with me I could burst your bubble quickly. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am fragmented as I go from one thing to the
other. At the end of the day, a lot of great things get done but I often feel
like I’ve failed because they weren’t the things I had planned on. I may get
ten things started but none of them got finished. I use the timer a couple
ways.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">To keep
from being overwhelmed:</b> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have
always found that I put things off because I think I can't do it or it will
take too long or because I don't know where to start. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I came home from vacation I dumped
everything on the dining room table-brochures, maps, my<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>activity totes. Every time I saw the pile I
put it off but it bothered me. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I set the
timer for 30 minutes and it was done! Sometimes a daunting task is completely finished because I'm trying
to beat the clock. If it's not completely finished it is a lot less
intimidating. This is a great thingsto do with kids when cleaning their room or dividing the day into work and fun.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">To Stay
On Task:</b> In one day, as all women know, there are too many tasks. You could
spend all day on the computer doing different things and they would all be
important but there are other things that need to be done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I set the timer and switch tasks: cleaning a
room, answering email, cooking, doing work for my business.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">To have
Fun:</b> I am a workaholic in many ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I love organizing , cleaning, and purging.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It may take me a while to get to it but when I do I am relentless and I
get so involved I do not stop. I actually schedule fun time to break
away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I may take the dog for a walk,
play on the computer or read (other than walking the dog I have done nothing else yet).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">To eat:</b>
I admit I set the timer today so I would eat breakfast and after that set it
for lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I get so immersed in what I
am doing I could go from 6am to 5pm on nothing but a cup of coffee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is not good for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I should be having small meals and drinking
water all day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Monday I was home
all day and I did not use the timer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
spent all day on the computer-no games.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was cleaning emails, cleaning files, doing work related to many jobs that I do-all important things but there was
so much more that needed done. I knew I worked hard all day but it did not look
like it and in many ways I felt like I failed. Thursday I was home all day and did
use the timer and accomplished more than I thought I could. I was excited and
felt like I had accomplished something and it looked like I had as well.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">NOTE: I believe I
first heard about using a timer through <a href="http://www.flylady.net/" target="_blank">Flylady</a>.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">These tricks that
work for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'd love to hear your
comments and any tricks that you use.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Another thing I
have always wanted to do is to schedule a block of time for myself that I would
use differently every day-Monday writing, Tuesday beading, etc. But I have not
gotten that far yet. Has anyone done this?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br />Debra Fillingimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08950880743785202445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998850763363506096.post-44399970336569663322012-06-06T10:35:00.000-04:002012-06-07T10:36:23.102-04:00<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<h2 class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
For the Love of Maya<o:p></o:p></h2>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
In March of 1996, my beloved cat Theo went outside and
never came back. I will write a story about him another time. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I seacrhed for months-put ads in the
paper etc., but no luck.<o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
My husband is tough, but he does not do well when I am
sad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First of all-I never really
am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the worst of circumstances, my happiness
is within and I am always happy. <strong><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">(Psalms 33:21</span></strong> For
our heart shall rejoice in Him, because we have trusted in His holy name.) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During my time of grieving, he suggested we
get a dog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had said many times that I
wanted one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If it was up to Marty, we
would not have pets but he knew this was important to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having to choose, I think he would be more of
a dog person than a cat person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He suggested
I get a small dog-one I could hold as Theo was always on my lap.<o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
I talked to my daughter Megan-a Veterinarian Technician
about what kind of small dog I should get.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She said a poodle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My response
was not positive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t want a
poodle-they are too foo foo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I always
liked big working dogs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Megan responded
by saying that poodles do not shed, they are very smart, and poodles she had
seen at the animal clinic where she worked had been wonderful. She also said
that I did not have to get a foo foo haircut. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have to admit-that sounded good. I looked
online and found out about <a href="http://www.coastalpoodlerescue.org/" target="_blank">Coastal Poodle Rescue</a> (CPR) and I liked the way they
worked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They would come and interview
you and when you choose a poodle, you had time to see if it worked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They always want their poodles back should
there be an issue.<o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
I wanted a black poodle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I knew poodles had runny eyes and I thought it would not show as much on
a black poodle. It also had to be female.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I started to look online.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One day
Lin called me from CPR and said she had a dog that my work well for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a white female and she lived in Ft.
Lauderdale.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Marty drove me down there
and Ellie (her formal name) had dark drainage streaks under her eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was a little messy (due for a grooming). She
gave us the evil eye and growled at both of us for the first ten minutes we
were there. We went outside and she did stop growling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Marty at one point just picked her up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She did not snap at him and she just laid her
head on his shoulder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Down in the grass
again, I laughed as she jumped around like a bunny and chased a palm frond. I
could see she was happy and silly. We decided to give it a try.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I picked her up and she snuggled me all the
whole way home.<o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
I won’t say things have always been perfect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had not owned a dog in a long time so I had
some relearning to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will tell you
though that from the minute I have brought her home, she has been a constant
source of joy for me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Because she is little, I always feel like I have a puppy.
Who doesn’t like puppies?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember Lin
from CPR calling to check on me and I was laughing because Maya is always being
silly. She picks up toys and throws them in the air and then goes to get them
and does it again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She prances lightly
on her little feet and hops around like a bunny-just like when I met her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She has the smallest brown eyes that hook you
early on and her face is full of expression. I love her dearly and love her
more each day!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She still is a pup with
issues-most of them are funny tho and can make up another whole story.<o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
I was so sad to lose my Theo, but am thankful to a God
who can take a sad time and allow for a blessing. <span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt;">"And
we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who
have been called according to his purpose." (Rom. 8:28)</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
This started as story about Maya nd my Grandson….oh
well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On to another post...<o:p></o:p></div>
</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>Debra Fillingimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08950880743785202445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998850763363506096.post-40719398610434740642012-06-05T09:26:00.000-04:002012-06-07T09:28:22.426-04:00<br />
<h2 class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
I want a parade…<o:p></o:p></h2>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">That's right- you heard me, I want parade.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My good friend Donna told me that once when
it was a friend’s birthday, her family had a parade for her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now I don’t know all the details but I am
sure there were people, maybe signs, and maybe songs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I want a parade for my birthday not because I deserve it
or because I am better than anyone else. I would love to think that someone thinks
I'm that extraordinary. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would love
to know that someone thinks I am so special that they would spend time together
and do that for me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I want to be a person that can make a difference in
somebody's life. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to feel like I
can’t be replaced and that I'm everything to someone or somebody. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to feel that I’d be terribly missed (if
I decide to run away with my beads, my books, and my dog). I want to be that
person. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want a parade.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Anyone else?<o:p></o:p></span></div>Debra Fillingimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08950880743785202445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998850763363506096.post-54848578252846111222012-06-04T09:11:00.000-04:002012-06-07T09:12:36.414-04:00<br />
<h2 class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
I want a wife…<o:p></o:p></h2>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My husband and I watch a lot of shows that some people
may find surprising: one of them is Sister Wives. Thankfully, husband admits
that one wife is enough-he doesn’t need another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Personally, however, I would LOVE a wife-for ME!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Don't get any funny ideas- that doesn't mean that I know
longer want a husband, it just means I want a wife like me. I want someone else
to worry about all these things once in a while so I can just be me.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Every day my head
is swimming with all the things I have to do and all the things I want to
do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As with most cases, the things I
want to do come last. I get up every day and there is wash to be done. I have
to keep track of groceries so I have things to cook and pack for lunch. A quick
stop at the grocery is never quick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By
the time I finish that and stop for gas and get home-it is late.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then when I put the groceries away I have to
clean the fridge a bit and organize the pantry it gets later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cook dinner and clean up and start thinking
of the next day. By now, I just want to sit down.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This is why <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t
get in my bead room as often as I like or write as often as I like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am a very organized person-that is not the
issue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have many interests and things
I like to do-oh okay-that COULD be part of the issue. I find life exciting and
I want it all!!!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If someone else took on my wife brain for a day though,
the things I could CREATE!!!</span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
With summer here I am going to try and see if I can create full days with no
duties so that I can spend time doing what I like to do.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Surely some time management and scheduling is
needed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have actually come up with a
few tricks that work for me. But that is another post.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In the meantime, I need to get to work!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Disclaimer: I love my husband and I love being his
wife.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All my wifely duties are mainly
self-imposed (being an over achiever is not fun). Being a wife is a full time
job and I could easily be a stay at home wife and I would NEVER be bored.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Meanwhile, if you know a wife I could hire
for a few days let me know.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<br /></div>Debra Fillingimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08950880743785202445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998850763363506096.post-87664035013548854642012-06-03T22:47:00.000-04:002012-06-03T22:47:01.639-04:00There's No Place Like Home...<br />
<br />
We just returned after a bit of a driving trip. We started out heading to St. Louis for the wedding of someone we have been involved with for most of his life. The wedding was beautiful. It was also great fun to be with friends after the wedding. We decided to take in St. Louis a bit before leaving town and I am glad we did. We visited the zoo, the botanical gardens, and a couple local restaurants before we left for our next destination. <a href="http://pappyssmokehouse.com/" target="_blank">Pappy's Smokehouse</a> and <a href="http://joeybshill.com/" target="_blank">Joey B's On The Hill</a> both served up wonderful food. I give them both five stars!<br />
<br />
Next-Kansas City. When we were invited to the wedding, I immediately begged my husband to take me back to Kansas City. I totally enjoyed the Country Club Plaza-a huge mall of sorts where you are walking outside instead of in. Kansas City is also known for barbecue. Last time we went to<a href="http://www.jackstackbbq.com/" target="_blank"> Fiorelli's Jack Stack</a> and it was great so we wanted to go back. On our first trip-it was closed so we went to<a href="http://www.brioitalian.com/index.html" target="_blank"> Brio Tuscan Grill</a>. It was wonderful and we were so glad to find it. We enjoyed the plaza for two days and a great lunch each day.<br />
<br />
My favorite place in Kansas City tho is <a href="http://www.pursuegoodstuff.com/welcome.htm" target="_blank">Stuff</a>. We were in Kansas City two days and my husband knew enough about I felt about this store-he took me there first thing both days. If I was to ever open a store, it would be like this. Local artists from the area have filled this store with the most creative things I have ever seen. You can't go just once because you'll miss something. Add to that some great bubbly girls ready to help and it just can't get any better. You can visit them online, like them on facebook, and shop online as well.<br />
<br />We left Kansas City to go visit my friend Neil and his wife of two years. They live in Alabama. We trusted our GPS to take us there and ended up on a very long back road with no hotels, food, or gas. After a long ride we found a Hampton and met up with Neil the next day. There's nothing like being with an old friend. It is a very emotional experience. As soon as you are together-the connection is as strong as ever. This time, however, I was more interested in getting to know his wife. It did not take long for me to love her completely. I had to hold back tears many times-thankful that she is in his life and so thankful to get to know her. It was hard to leave them when we were just starting to have great fun but I also felt a great sense of peace knowing they had each other. Neil has been an important person in my life and I care for him a great deal. There is nothing that can give you peace more than knowing someone you love dearly is living a happy life!<br />
<br />
Next stop-Pensacola. Cousins John & Lil always welcome us to their home. Molly (black lab) is part of the greeting committee. We were sorry not to see Jemima (basset hound) this time -she lived a long and happy life. Our time with the Kings is always a great mix of fun. This time they finally let us take them out to eat. I also helped John set up folders on his IPad. Lil wanted to make earrings and I was so excited to help her make earrings and a bracelet to match. I love touring the yard-blueberry bushes, vegetable garden, scuppernong grapes, pecan trees, kumquats, and much more. One time there were baby bluebirds. We talk about family stories and try to catch up as we only see each other every couple years. I do cry when I leave them-every time. If I lived closer I am sure I would be with Lil several times a week. I want to be just like her when I grow up.<br />
<br />
I am so thankful for this trip but even more thankful to get home. I am thankful we arrived safe. I am thankful for all the things we have here that has made it our home. I am thrilled to see Maya (mini poodle) again and thankful for my favorite comforts of home.<br />
<br />
Tomorrow...the projects begin.<br />
<br />Debra Fillingimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08950880743785202445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998850763363506096.post-89035681991386344702012-06-02T14:50:00.001-04:002012-06-02T14:50:34.112-04:0030 Days of Creativity 2012I don't know how, but last year I found the site 30 Days of Creativity. I challenged two friends, Mychele and Em, to do it with me.<br />
<br />
I loved the concept of creating something every day in June. I love creating but often don't sit down long enough to do so. I have a room full of the coolest beads and other supplies, a notebook full of things I want to make, and a head overflowing with ideas.<br />
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Last year I got many projects done that had been sitting around for years. My friend Mychele and I did a lot if great things but the star of our group was Em. I think she created and posted every day. I was disappointed I didn't keep up but thrilled to think I may have inspired two friends.<br />
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This is the third year of 30 Days of Creativity and I am thrilled to get involved- this year I hope to post every day. Even though we are still traveling so far, so good.Debra Fillingimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08950880743785202445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998850763363506096.post-91229640107489675312012-06-01T22:04:00.000-04:002012-06-02T22:21:03.321-04:00Write On...<br />
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I love to write. I say that all the time and then do not spend enough time doing it. Once I start writing, I get lost in it and cannot pull myself away. The first step to making time for writing, in my case, is to sit still for a moment.<br />
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I am always up for a challenge and often it helps me get things done because I don't like losing. If I "join" something, even though there is no scolding or consequences, I simply must complete the challenge. And so I will participate in the NaBloPoMo June 2012 Blogroll.<br />
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<span class="title"><span class="field-content">I have to post every day which I will be glad to do. As school is out, I can get my coffee first thing and relax and write-something I wish I could do daily. I often wonder if I could develop a habit of doing this by being consistent over the month. I want my daily writing to be more like breathing...something I do automatically-not something I put off for something else.</span></span><br />
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<span class="title"><span class="field-content">I have a small composition notebook I am writing in daily as a commitment to my students. I have a writing cub after school and I had over 45 students this year. I loved it in many ways but missed the intimacy of a smaller group. I am afraid that next year I will have even more students wanting to join and wonder how can I choose? I came up with a summer journal project after reading a book to some students. I gave them the directives to see who could/would commit to write a few sentences a day every day, June & July. I told them I would commit as well.</span></span><br />
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I am in a place in my life where I am continually reviewing what I am doing and trying to make choices that move in the same direction as my goals. I am an inteliigent person, but I am many interests and am often excited and involved in so many things, I can lose focus.<br />
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I am hoping that by committing to the June Blogroll and to the Summer Journal Project (with my students) that I will develop a habit of quiet time for writing that I will continue when the summer is over.</div>
<a href="http://www.blogher.com/nablopomo-june-2012-blogroll?wrap=blogher-topics/blogging-social-media/nablopomo&crumb=113590"><span style="color: black;">http://www.blogher.com/nablopomo-june-2012-blogroll?wrap=blogher-topics/blogging-social-media/nablopomo&crumb=113590</span></a>Debra Fillingimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08950880743785202445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998850763363506096.post-54302079110560735872011-06-25T23:52:00.004-04:002011-06-26T00:14:49.480-04:00Charm Bracelet with a Story to Tell<a href="http://30daysofcreativity.com/">30 Days of Creativity</a> Day 10<br />
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I was cleaning out my cabinet where I keep my jewelry when I found a little pile of sterling charms. I remembered that a "few " years ago I had made a special request at Christmas. I asked that Marty give me a sterling charm bracelet. I then asked that the kids each get me a charm that represented them. That year they all did just as I asked. I am sure I was thrilled at the time and I put all the pieces in a safe place until I could get it together. <br />
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So...here it is a few years later-not put together! I gathered all the charms -some from then and some that were new and set about putting it together. Every charm had a story.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMhvqFT0eqYkz4dhJ_1VG-28Lkc5CBm9Kpaswvd9hY3-PRVaXAyXXXm7BsHcWsPzEJ2J0UJ_NBOJI3hy2cARRk3BO0hhrBiiznA2hKTOE_cdjXSYAlmnH39VTa1q8G44UJsGUSFZg-YRY/s1600/IMG01249-20110610-1101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMhvqFT0eqYkz4dhJ_1VG-28Lkc5CBm9Kpaswvd9hY3-PRVaXAyXXXm7BsHcWsPzEJ2J0UJ_NBOJI3hy2cARRk3BO0hhrBiiznA2hKTOE_cdjXSYAlmnH39VTa1q8G44UJsGUSFZg-YRY/s320/IMG01249-20110610-1101.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Katie gave me the comedy/tragedy charm. Perfect. She had always wanted to go into performing and was involved in many performances through high school. Josh gave me the football helmet as he was playing football at the time. Here my memory gets fuzzy but after talking to Megan, we think she gave me the crystal butterfly. She may have given me the bunny but I may need to talk to niece Rachael about that. The stingray and dolphin were purchased when Megan and I went to Discovery Cove. The Birthday Cake may have been given to me by Marty-my birthday is Christmas Day. The Bible and Angel...not sure. May have to talk to sister Daun on this. It is possible my niece/nephew also gave me charms that year. The silver charm on left bottom is from Mexico when Marty took me on the cruise. It's neat because it has pictures all over it of things people consider lucky. The teacher charm...not sure. The pearl, totem, and blue flower all came from Alaska this last year. The maple leaf I picked up in Vermont when I visited my niece. The last two I just got this last December. Marty gave me shopping money for Christmas and Birthday. I got the charms free when I made a purchase.<br />
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As for the charm bracelet Marty bought me-it was in a safe place-I could not find it. I decided to put the charms on a chain maille bracelet I had made.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin5_PM3jsuZN7wq3il14xvtvw1O67B7t0y5cRVxBa8QS3b926UmaXRyHSWJ3iRDgW4Cgod-UPEOOUe0aSd4NhM4t1f4fjMdqVsmF2SWvJdZeWtlhz5A_3Ax4TKdkfdF8Iu4LuUmBNbLNw/s1600/IMG01252-20110610-1103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin5_PM3jsuZN7wq3il14xvtvw1O67B7t0y5cRVxBa8QS3b926UmaXRyHSWJ3iRDgW4Cgod-UPEOOUe0aSd4NhM4t1f4fjMdqVsmF2SWvJdZeWtlhz5A_3Ax4TKdkfdF8Iu4LuUmBNbLNw/s200/IMG01252-20110610-1103.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My chain maille bracelet.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNs5fW2RikT37zPSkJDvc24oCg_p74upzDRNOmY9oGA65EfA5Ur6FzBdR7cgguBrxk2b0JCuB-vD4P_t3r7np9tLUC_CEOlVHSuxyiJuYDgUK4CFDyZJpuhCXLKYMJp4gRLdwCC4wq_Jg/s1600/IMG01267-20110610-1217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNs5fW2RikT37zPSkJDvc24oCg_p74upzDRNOmY9oGA65EfA5Ur6FzBdR7cgguBrxk2b0JCuB-vD4P_t3r7np9tLUC_CEOlVHSuxyiJuYDgUK4CFDyZJpuhCXLKYMJp4gRLdwCC4wq_Jg/s200/IMG01267-20110610-1217.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I arranged the charms in order-four didn't make it!</td></tr>
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I laid out the bracelet, then arranged the charms as I thought I would put them on. I slipped the football charm right over the clasps and to the middle-it had a very large bale and did not need a split ring. In sorting I-four charms that just didn't seem to go. They are pictured at the top of the bracelet.<br />
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I put each charm on a split ring and then put it on the bracelet. The work was a bit tedious but not difficult. I did use the split ring tool most of the time to open the rings and get the charms on-then to thread it onto the bracelet. One thing to consider when doing this is the placement of the charm on the chain. Keep laying the bracelet flat to make sure placement is correct. My chain maille bracelet had double links-I place charms on the bottom set of links so that it lays nicely.<br />
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After getting all the charms on I was pleased but it seemed liked it need more. I had a necklace I bought but never wore. While the stones were beautiful the chain was not what I wanted and I did not like the piece. The great thing about jewelry is once you learn a few skills-nothing is wasted. You can change/alter/embellish until you are happy. I decided to put stones in between each charm. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd4ZaLkqBDXGMN-XkB5dpSOoQSBAlqSpn0VO-Am6ZHdddljKQf45FYiTHnpdPFZDV8ktk8Zi07KLgI8Lm93xW4tjtYUbylPkQlSsZzjqoNQ2gH25pC9zDDmUqAQSdlPO73HWQp4qpYldo/s1600/IMG01284-20110610-1449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd4ZaLkqBDXGMN-XkB5dpSOoQSBAlqSpn0VO-Am6ZHdddljKQf45FYiTHnpdPFZDV8ktk8Zi07KLgI8Lm93xW4tjtYUbylPkQlSsZzjqoNQ2gH25pC9zDDmUqAQSdlPO73HWQp4qpYldo/s200/IMG01284-20110610-1449.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I did not have a lot of space to work with <br />
but I did not want to redo <br />
each stone with a new headpin.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPf-g6jt-ZmSUxY9flrS4MLhA38oBWt5F99BhDx3he4E7KLJTCNPf2DXFLjKeHeTtiie0hHXM3OYE0tCuwjojdpNbygJblxXBU9QzmL7XMdnClxjSY73ep4hN0K_btxYmYuwcVk7HAS60/s1600/IMG01251-20110610-1103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPf-g6jt-ZmSUxY9flrS4MLhA38oBWt5F99BhDx3he4E7KLJTCNPf2DXFLjKeHeTtiie0hHXM3OYE0tCuwjojdpNbygJblxXBU9QzmL7XMdnClxjSY73ep4hN0K_btxYmYuwcVk7HAS60/s200/IMG01251-20110610-1103.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I loved the stones, but not the chain.</td></tr>
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Now this was a bit tricky as each stone was on a short headpin with a loop at the top. I did not want to redo them so I had a very short piece to work with. The little extra effort was worth it though. I saved using my stock of headpins and I do like the way the stones are close to the chain and the charms are further away-it adds depth. I was very happy with it when I finished it. It was nice that while I worked on this, my friend Dawn was here working on a project of her own. Having company doing projects distracts you from the sometimes mundane parts of the process. Of course I had to add a finishing touch-I had a cool charm and added a Swarovski. I attached this near the clasp.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil2W-X7HLhVrOnFRTAxtuZY7ldFENYinfAd3WYUm9FcMMg0h3A1605_Z-tG__K2eowJyEUMy4jYPB8IVU0ny7ZZ1e-zLfWbUxebu-VLnRdaOLJEaqwCSAh-Nxeob3rPYt_43fGqa9lfJ0/s1600/work+for+beads.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil2W-X7HLhVrOnFRTAxtuZY7ldFENYinfAd3WYUm9FcMMg0h3A1605_Z-tG__K2eowJyEUMy4jYPB8IVU0ny7ZZ1e-zLfWbUxebu-VLnRdaOLJEaqwCSAh-Nxeob3rPYt_43fGqa9lfJ0/s320/work+for+beads.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love this charm and I love the sparkle of Swarovskis.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As I said previously, having a few skills working with jewelry means you can do so many things. I realized the four charms that did not make it onto the bracelet were all from travels. I decided I would make a travel charm bracelet. Then I decided that I needed to take the maple leaf off the current bracelet and put it on the travel charm bracelet. I may add to this bracelet a "big sister" charm give to me by my sister (I usually wear it on a chain). This bracelet is all about family so that would make sense. Soon after this I found another partial assembled charm bracelet with an igloo charm my friend Mary bought me from Alaska and a few other charms. So now I will change things again-but that is ok. I found the braceletbracelet.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTyOxW5jP3yBcJ29d_9gtkz-naAnGFAL4_QGxepRx4vTluYpgp48F5N6aVXkfHJpO-5OmsbXqiGZP1q_t51NeWCu7B7KX76fNkRRcvXl5WYluB8cVLKzCd4YMyXCmFfcl6IXrUXT23p2Q/s1600/CIMG0242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTyOxW5jP3yBcJ29d_9gtkz-naAnGFAL4_QGxepRx4vTluYpgp48F5N6aVXkfHJpO-5OmsbXqiGZP1q_t51NeWCu7B7KX76fNkRRcvXl5WYluB8cVLKzCd4YMyXCmFfcl6IXrUXT23p2Q/s320/CIMG0242.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I am very happy-even tho I have already more changes!</td></tr>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Want to make your own memory charm bracelet? One year for your birthday ask those that love you to give you a charm that represents them. You could even ask them to write out why the charm is meaningful on their card if you want the extra memory. Then assemble them all and create your memory bracelet. Craft stores now have sterling charm bracelets in their stores-you can use sale coupons to purchase one. You can also purchase the split rings or jump rings. If you do not feel skilled to assemble yourself, surely you have a friend that is. If not-I would be glad to help!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A final note-As I was sitting here assembling the bracelet with my friend Dawn I was debating the year this all started. I could not think of when it was-I knew it had been a few years. I called my stepson Josh. I told him I was working on something and it would really help if he could tell me when he played football. He told me. I then asked him if he remembered the year I asked for charms and he got me the football charm. He said he did. I told him, "I just made the bracelet." He laughed, "Twelve years later?" Yes that's right-he played football in 1999. Oh well-it makes for a good story.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Debra Fillingimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08950880743785202445noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998850763363506096.post-84786375234189601622011-06-24T23:48:00.002-04:002011-06-25T00:04:29.367-04:00In Honor of Lexi!<a href="http://30daysofcreativity.com/">30 Days of Creativity:</a> Day 1<br />
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When I heard about the 30 Days of Creativity challenge I was excited. I felt this was something that would get me in gear so to speak. I have a room full of wonderful supplies but often make excuses not to go in there.<br />
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My husband has never once somplained that I need to clean more or create less yet I continue to "work" on other things instead of making time to create. I think it is because it is so much fun...maybe I feel guilty?<br />
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Well when I saw this challenge on facebook I was excited and determined to get something done right away. Before I really learned how to make jewelry I bought kits here and there because I was a wannabe that hoped to develop skills later on. I did! My sister made a joke once that every time I went to NY I bought beads and tools but I never did anything. I told her that I was getting ready and my day would come!<br />
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So I went into my room of magic and pulled a kit for a necklace. It was a bit tedious to complete but basic and a lot of fun. It was a necklace of chain with multiple chains hanging at the end. On each chain were crystal beads, shoes, and purses. How could you not like it?<br />
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When I posted the picture I got many nice comments. I wanted to give it to someone and was trying to think who...and then I knew. We all know someone sweet as pie that always seems to have it rough. That's my Lexi. Mind you I know she has had blassings too but just not enough in my opinion. I decided I wanted her to have it.<br />
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Lexi and I have a history-and a story. She was my UPS person for years and then she showed up at my church. Her son, Ryan, is very special to me. She has always been tender to Megan as well. Lexi and I also have this funny thing going....about a cow.<br />
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I asked Lexi how it all started (probably over 10 years ago). I think I gave her a gift at Christmas. The bag had cows on it and she loves cows. We didn't always exchange presents but sometimes one of us would show up with a gift for the other. Next time she showed up at church and I got the cow bag back with something in it. This went back and forth for a long time. It is amazing the bag is still with us.<br />
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Lexi works a lot on Sundays so doesn't always get to church. We had lost touch a bit but found each other again on facebook. One day she showed up at church...with the bag. It was at Christmas time and there was a book , chcoolate, tea, and other goodies. Such a special collection of things.<br />
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Now it was my turn to bless her. I put the necklace in a pretty pouch and took it to church one week but she was working so I missed her. I sent her an email to see if she would be at church because if she wasn't I was going to bring it to her job. <br />
She was suprised and I could tell she really liked it. You deserve it Lexi-you are special and you are loved!<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNN4n58C1C9h7KqW1J2MI-DkqTeT8KaGPwPUSb1XIt4mh_k85v3GLW1rUbYseCE5L8YyyCriNjmTBMZUOdxMugUY_8WY5xLPpA75xr0AX3MMhPNvZWJtySvozzJDtFFysenVIWKzpw3GY/s1600/2011Lexi2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNN4n58C1C9h7KqW1J2MI-DkqTeT8KaGPwPUSb1XIt4mh_k85v3GLW1rUbYseCE5L8YyyCriNjmTBMZUOdxMugUY_8WY5xLPpA75xr0AX3MMhPNvZWJtySvozzJDtFFysenVIWKzpw3GY/s200/2011Lexi2.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beautiful Lexi with the infamous cow bag.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq83tTaQ6kAJ3XXkBg4V0UjyxBTj_AQlLDGhtnlly7F8OTfuoED8_49ltZrEVVCRoqbaAxfLziWzWWVcrS1rtCv3F30TFgFUhfQz_jONS1dlLGnfuOEf5bOhS62rIIA6NSg_HUUsyVFlY/s1600/IMG01149-20110601-1426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq83tTaQ6kAJ3XXkBg4V0UjyxBTj_AQlLDGhtnlly7F8OTfuoED8_49ltZrEVVCRoqbaAxfLziWzWWVcrS1rtCv3F30TFgFUhfQz_jONS1dlLGnfuOEf5bOhS62rIIA6NSg_HUUsyVFlY/s200/IMG01149-20110601-1426.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The necklace.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih2wbtbovWZn87oE1tdzDtJ8J7Tq9uxkLRlFa5yTUC2myRYHRfNctgfOQonhPhhvBEQ18eRzaTpwsgvC1fEjI-3K5dMqvYrQUsTj7CxI8XuC1M4LDRUgEf5otHb1uVm-qWS9Jv246lXDE/s1600/IMG01151-20110601-1429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih2wbtbovWZn87oE1tdzDtJ8J7Tq9uxkLRlFa5yTUC2myRYHRfNctgfOQonhPhhvBEQ18eRzaTpwsgvC1fEjI-3K5dMqvYrQUsTj7CxI8XuC1M4LDRUgEf5otHb1uVm-qWS9Jv246lXDE/s200/IMG01151-20110601-1429.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The chains at the end.<br />
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</tbody></table>Debra Fillingimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08950880743785202445noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998850763363506096.post-43271913873205939242011-06-24T23:08:00.004-04:002011-06-25T00:08:45.354-04:00Day of CreativityJune 11, 2011 One full day of creativity with my friend Mychele!<br />
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My friend Mychele and I always try to get together at least once for a full day in the summer. Mychele lives two hours away. I know that doesn't seem like much but we both have very active lifestyles and families that keep us busy.<br />
<br />
When I heard about the 30 Days of Creativity challenge on facebook (I still need to write and thank that person), I challenged my friends to come on board with me. I was especially trying to pull in my friend Em (whom I have never met but love dearly) and Mychele as they both have young children which means they HAVE to be creative every day.<br />
<br />
I guess it wasn't planned that way, but it ends up Mychele and I had a whole day dedicated to creativity. We could not have done this without the infamous daddy Chuck taking the girls off for a day. I do not think we would have gotten much done with Sophia and Gwendolyn in on the act!<br />
<br />
Packing for Mychele's was a riot-it looked like I was moving out. I had to bring everything I wanted to talk to her about because I did not know when we would have this opportunity again! I knew Mychele wanted to learn Onestroke (I am a certified instructor). I also knew she wanted to play with aluminum wire after seeing a picture of my bookmarks. I had some things I wanted to show her and a mother's bracelet I made her years ago that needed adjusting (we are adding Gwendolyn's name).<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgEvHz4c4Vlj9SWTfCdx_LVEVh21vb4NiN9NgbQllJLuitcaLlEXhFaYhORSOszc-YqXNqQHbH5VxveLqPGKnz9Y3XKQkioj7gLpZ9VJ2cgbhWGzGDkeRPo7VDK0XNBacO1UEyRl-8mng/s1600/IMG01295-20110611-0703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgEvHz4c4Vlj9SWTfCdx_LVEVh21vb4NiN9NgbQllJLuitcaLlEXhFaYhORSOszc-YqXNqQHbH5VxveLqPGKnz9Y3XKQkioj7gLpZ9VJ2cgbhWGzGDkeRPo7VDK0XNBacO1UEyRl-8mng/s200/IMG01295-20110611-0703.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aluminum wire and tools-love this stuff.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKwiSNFqDcdKE_WbhEjxdJ7f1UCcVyG1J-1DvKFPVrZN9r-44ksweZpx7jrv0Qh1-aNJKUqJQlNaGh7q9xLwzBisXJW-BmA6wMaPNrAssStMDCe6feqkKp5w9iorbeSfDyjBW7M1OppaE/s1600/IMG01296-20110611-0703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKwiSNFqDcdKE_WbhEjxdJ7f1UCcVyG1J-1DvKFPVrZN9r-44ksweZpx7jrv0Qh1-aNJKUqJQlNaGh7q9xLwzBisXJW-BmA6wMaPNrAssStMDCe6feqkKp5w9iorbeSfDyjBW7M1OppaE/s200/IMG01296-20110611-0703.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paint, apron, brushes, papers...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmhbwmFMGbwzLftQ7SqcHU6Bm6_icFn7SecjmqfzKBdIVhZgW3cqOraaetv28cRftm8vC_kbJ_7frdv3uWH0y7hIIHuK1b3xaQQVcqtEUOM8-BNjxcF1vPYsnaDBzcpIHxu-fjc-zYev4/s1600/IMG01294-20110611-0703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmhbwmFMGbwzLftQ7SqcHU6Bm6_icFn7SecjmqfzKBdIVhZgW3cqOraaetv28cRftm8vC_kbJ_7frdv3uWH0y7hIIHuK1b3xaQQVcqtEUOM8-BNjxcF1vPYsnaDBzcpIHxu-fjc-zYev4/s200/IMG01294-20110611-0703.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beads, books, other secret stuff...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFBAV9dfR3FisuQ9KCKXOVYbJ2LibWFiW5bEZkketTpZMbmluVm0pRh-afD8xvZWlfCsl5GScGGNB2612HjBrc-9A5-mgyV3cbTrF4LSRuQ0q1MtIFUPU1EhS82KTUqVt7mB2UdqONvJw/s1600/2011Mychele.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFBAV9dfR3FisuQ9KCKXOVYbJ2LibWFiW5bEZkketTpZMbmluVm0pRh-afD8xvZWlfCsl5GScGGNB2612HjBrc-9A5-mgyV3cbTrF4LSRuQ0q1MtIFUPU1EhS82KTUqVt7mB2UdqONvJw/s320/2011Mychele.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mychele, smaller than the last time I saw her, <br />
greeted me with a beautiful lavender plant and a beautiful smile. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
I had to leave at a certain time for my daughter's birthday celebration so we discussed a schedule to make sure we got everything done. We started by playing with Onestroke first as that was the most involved. She took right too it and I left her with videos to keep practicing.<br />
<br />
Then I showed her some new things I was getting ready to try. Of course I can't tell you about those....yet.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl6rI4HF3v0AkpXIGlk59zRVEJ8Ceui4kQ41PJPtBuQ1xRkn-cEj5-Mnjhp77MJfvbzvUg-w-SpQJS59wOUVx8zpX3Gu2DqHy_iLFpVlWiAuIUXNsq7x6gjdftbxpm9BCWABtX_GmLRSQ/s1600/IMG01311-20110611-1314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl6rI4HF3v0AkpXIGlk59zRVEJ8Ceui4kQ41PJPtBuQ1xRkn-cEj5-Mnjhp77MJfvbzvUg-w-SpQJS59wOUVx8zpX3Gu2DqHy_iLFpVlWiAuIUXNsq7x6gjdftbxpm9BCWABtX_GmLRSQ/s200/IMG01311-20110611-1314.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Then she got really creative with lunch. I saw her spreading a thick layer of guacamole on bread and I knew all would be well. She added shreeded cheese and tomato and grilled it. Or salad was spinach and fruit with a poppyseed dressing, It was WONDERFUL and I have since created that lunch again twice and my guests loved it as well.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7X-LIQr5n5YAUPHLINkcjDmWKMUEu5kf44h-eC7hehPCFv-NA4YcrZnZRmfzGC_JxM34u0g3afH4HxsHA8j2o77xXXIA-jN2_W83BcDIqJ6YkqIfqdFXYVfyrLBziyoEyoICfncqOrYM/s1600/IMG01306-20110611-1214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7X-LIQr5n5YAUPHLINkcjDmWKMUEu5kf44h-eC7hehPCFv-NA4YcrZnZRmfzGC_JxM34u0g3afH4HxsHA8j2o77xXXIA-jN2_W83BcDIqJ6YkqIfqdFXYVfyrLBziyoEyoICfncqOrYM/s1600/IMG01306-20110611-1214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7X-LIQr5n5YAUPHLINkcjDmWKMUEu5kf44h-eC7hehPCFv-NA4YcrZnZRmfzGC_JxM34u0g3afH4HxsHA8j2o77xXXIA-jN2_W83BcDIqJ6YkqIfqdFXYVfyrLBziyoEyoICfncqOrYM/s200/IMG01306-20110611-1214.jpg" width="200" /></a>After lunch Mychele started playing with the aluminum wire. I could tell she loved it as much as I did.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmtN4N5PGArc-kXHEaOQdjxLSIX7trEJsvq4Nb_4r-Xmvejkh9568Yy3548UQhy2QlyMbxT9CJOxnuQh9_VXGqZU4Y0pChPZjunZx4Sjg7TZugWq7DwGhAI1IS4mKancslZKKChpmiES8/s1600/IMG01319-20110611-1604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmtN4N5PGArc-kXHEaOQdjxLSIX7trEJsvq4Nb_4r-Xmvejkh9568Yy3548UQhy2QlyMbxT9CJOxnuQh9_VXGqZU4Y0pChPZjunZx4Sjg7TZugWq7DwGhAI1IS4mKancslZKKChpmiES8/s200/IMG01319-20110611-1604.jpg" width="200" /></a>We finished off the day with henna. <a href="http://www.goddesshenna.com/">Mychele</a> is a henna artist that is very well known in the area. That is how I first met her-but that is another story. I love henna and can really get wild in the summer.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Mychele and I talked about our time together. She had made a comment that I was doing the teaching-that she wanted to teach me something. In discussion though we realized we need to accept that it is ok for people to "give" us things even though we may not feel we are giving back. I have often blessed someone with something only to be blessed by someone else the next day. I have had people share with me but it may be another that I share with. The great things about close friends is there is no keeping of tabs. We give/share for the love of it -without expecting anything in return. I have found however, that what goes around comes around. Everything I give away or share seems to come back in some way.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I felt totally blessed being with Mychele. Packing for the trip made me get organized a bit. It also made me get in my creative place where I love to be. I learned two new great recipes from lunch, got a wealth of ideas, and came home with henna. Mychele had also been through some of her other supplies and shared things with me. We both made out like bandits! I also have some ideas/projects in the works that I bounced off Mychele and her responses solidified my ideas.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was a wonderful time! If only Ms. Em could have joined us...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlqmRzF5MWonyg1nr7Ymo3mBdeNbLFTW4FFYLVZ_kRE2Ccct2ASJ7uTEHumJUdDdXDRPVM1oYuiL8ZrzLx8R9t-o_XRqQM3PCDguFivlMR4vNikjo2j1F9sQTD0IpTzKX5FmhYnFiOLs0/s1600/IMG01320-20110611-1604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlqmRzF5MWonyg1nr7Ymo3mBdeNbLFTW4FFYLVZ_kRE2Ccct2ASJ7uTEHumJUdDdXDRPVM1oYuiL8ZrzLx8R9t-o_XRqQM3PCDguFivlMR4vNikjo2j1F9sQTD0IpTzKX5FmhYnFiOLs0/s200/IMG01320-20110611-1604.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Debra Fillingimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08950880743785202445noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998850763363506096.post-52191161845939817392011-06-24T21:14:00.003-04:002011-06-24T22:14:14.749-04:00Swarovski Anklet<strong><a href="http://30daysofcreativity.com/">30 Days of Creativity</a> Day 15: Swarovski Anklet</strong><br />
<br />
I saw someone with an anklet that was different than the ones I had. As I love beads (especially Swarovski crystals and natural stones) I have several anklets made of each. I have had anklets made of chain in the past (before my beading days) but I must have broken them all.<br />
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This anklet was different because instead of simply circling the ankle, it had a chain section dangling with a charm on the end of it.<br />
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If you have some beading skills or get a little help-this is a pretty easy project.<br />
<br />
<strong>Materials/Tools</strong><br />
sterling chain 2 inches longer than ankle width<br />
3 or more split rings<br />
sterling clasp<br />
charm<br />
accent bead<br />
headpin<br />
split ring tool (if possible)<br />
cutter pliers<br />
round nose pliers<br />
chain nose pliers<br />
<br />
<strong>Directions:</strong><br />
<br />
I don't know that I will ever claim to be an expert at anything but I am pretty quick and sensible on projects. I will tell you how I went about the process-it does mean it is the only way to do it.<br />
First I connected my lobster class to a split ring. I connected the split ring* to one end of the chain. This is one end of my anklet. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Then I put the chain around my ankle as if I was going to wear it, and made note where I wanted to fasten the lobster claw. I attached a split ring to the chain at that spot. If you have a split ring tool it can be a great help. Now I had a chain with a clasp with loose chain dangling. I attached my heart charm at the end of the long dangling piece of chain.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLZ2COCFRMk3pM6YD_MZl-TGRZivktAk4UXF7NE4Q1wmJWt_hpk-9Fz7RLK0ap5-6XoxSws6EscmK0o8-RoKoG4Rq9HvOkQnJ9IP9FCJMZV_eoOXJLWGErHnGwE_Gj7kcS6-_-r9lKS6I/s1600/IMG01397-20110615-1300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLZ2COCFRMk3pM6YD_MZl-TGRZivktAk4UXF7NE4Q1wmJWt_hpk-9Fz7RLK0ap5-6XoxSws6EscmK0o8-RoKoG4Rq9HvOkQnJ9IP9FCJMZV_eoOXJLWGErHnGwE_Gj7kcS6-_-r9lKS6I/s320/IMG01397-20110615-1300.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I wanted to add a Swarovski crystal for a little sparkle. For this I needed a headpin and the crystal. I put the crystal on the headpin and bent the headpin over at the top of the crystal-leaving about 1/4".</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFup7hGWMSD8zPrBVtZ4Ezxv3kZ6fgF-LF62YnXj3_jjVLIyAqGpdpfDtvkk-GPvoPVt8m-JvXiVC77uvfitXqrgIrUV7Vp0hXw7XexxKLYm02WDqy1HbhPTz0OCdg6DIQ1BF6jdFxLTg/s1600/IMG01398-20110615-1300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFup7hGWMSD8zPrBVtZ4Ezxv3kZ6fgF-LF62YnXj3_jjVLIyAqGpdpfDtvkk-GPvoPVt8m-JvXiVC77uvfitXqrgIrUV7Vp0hXw7XexxKLYm02WDqy1HbhPTz0OCdg6DIQ1BF6jdFxLTg/s200/IMG01398-20110615-1300.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Headpin and crystal.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhelyFqq6ur8kMUI71TBFsW_Yc91XqE5DSEgLWUKn4NHNY1oTTwrqBNA9cXOzka8ffLfINYnU71zd91XpcP7w6V_cL60e3ec5XQwhCPKuToI-pGK7zGBrIieP9-ukvhn5vJBXRh6U1feqI/s1600/IMG01401-20110615-1301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhelyFqq6ur8kMUI71TBFsW_Yc91XqE5DSEgLWUKn4NHNY1oTTwrqBNA9cXOzka8ffLfINYnU71zd91XpcP7w6V_cL60e3ec5XQwhCPKuToI-pGK7zGBrIieP9-ukvhn5vJBXRh6U1feqI/s200/IMG01401-20110615-1301.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crystal with bent and cut headpin.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm6XE8FJsqr7JY80bY-ozDd6FYSKydw_4KTT_4_JxIagNUIdNdpE397VrIoQe_X-qv3vuCYA4Qd67G_aIWO9aIqLeu-Z1P6ccZ9D71raKd47w553Dk4tpZB1Yp-H0O3IJ03wcZgncwmmY/s1600/IMG01402-20110615-1302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm6XE8FJsqr7JY80bY-ozDd6FYSKydw_4KTT_4_JxIagNUIdNdpE397VrIoQe_X-qv3vuCYA4Qd67G_aIWO9aIqLeu-Z1P6ccZ9D71raKd47w553Dk4tpZB1Yp-H0O3IJ03wcZgncwmmY/s200/IMG01402-20110615-1302.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crystal with loop-ready to attach.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Taking the round nose pliers, I made a loop on the crystal so that I could attach it to the chain.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After that, it was just a matter of adjusting and I changed things many times: the length of the chain, placement of the bead, etc. In the end the dangling chain was about 1.5 inches. The bead was connected at the same link of the chain where the dangle started. That is where it looked best.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6pKjCeRxlACm2CJXnX3ftu2O28tcLWJLxqf8taUJ3DqR5_zWv3ohbOJhtxPjjAIZISR2XU8nsauyJwxn5LD3q7i3OKmZIS8qgGwcamy6S6XiiEJb0_OhPTUzKWG7ITvxL2a-4vd_yTWg/s1600/IMG01409-20110615-1322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6pKjCeRxlACm2CJXnX3ftu2O28tcLWJLxqf8taUJ3DqR5_zWv3ohbOJhtxPjjAIZISR2XU8nsauyJwxn5LD3q7i3OKmZIS8qgGwcamy6S6XiiEJb0_OhPTUzKWG7ITvxL2a-4vd_yTWg/s200/IMG01409-20110615-1322.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXgRtAA1JidY7YK5jN4Skz4RAOh12MlSWsGEsZ-rIkgdZumw1dvIBILuOq4ND2ryPnm2WhyT6iXaCcnk6o6yfTpO9fTUWpCh7D6A6C3cmuLmjXdKylvO5rl3LCrEmzxhnDNpJ_oAbzgjU/s1600/IMG01408-20110615-1317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXgRtAA1JidY7YK5jN4Skz4RAOh12MlSWsGEsZ-rIkgdZumw1dvIBILuOq4ND2ryPnm2WhyT6iXaCcnk6o6yfTpO9fTUWpCh7D6A6C3cmuLmjXdKylvO5rl3LCrEmzxhnDNpJ_oAbzgjU/s200/IMG01408-20110615-1317.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
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*If you are not familiar with split rings, they are a finding used to connect pieces in jewelry making. The best way to describe them is to say they look like a key ring-several loops. A jump ring would only be one loop. While you can buy soldered jump rings, most have an opening as you need to open them to attach. I prefer split rings as the several loops add more strenght. Also, if your chain/charm/jewelry gets snagged, it takes a lot to toally have your piece pulled apart. Usually I can feel it happening and am able to save the piece because the split ring takes a bit to completely uncoil.Debra Fillingimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08950880743785202445noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998850763363506096.post-42120271962091446722011-06-24T20:22:00.005-04:002011-06-24T20:55:25.849-04:00Agate Coil Bracelet<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://30daysofcreativity.com/">30 Days of Creativity</a> Day 5</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I bought this kit many years ago, someplace, before I knew anything about beading.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can easily create a project like this yourself with supplies purchased at your local craft/beading store.</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Materials:</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Assorted beads</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Wire Cutters (do not use your nice beading cutters)</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Memory Wire (choose size by preference)</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Round Nose Pliers<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Directions:</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cut a length of wire that goes a couple times around your wrist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is no right or wrong length-this is truly a preference. Do not use your beading wire cutters to cut memory wire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a reason for this!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Memory wire is stainless steel and it is tough to cut.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I bought a pair of cutters I use only for my memory wire and for cutting silk flower stems (I have a neat project to tell you with that later). <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Once you have cut the wire to the desired length, use round nose pliers to make a loop at one end of the wire-this will keep beads from coming off.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOZQj4CM9SV-GtZm1vHfB6qDerDfJembQefosLfvYzyLpbZwuXD7zh6yODlqz51WDpM7D6TNH4UwUfeFGoEDTAbmlZHnPy8POJT-GtPCuQCUn2Ir8QaU1_MGHYU0MVSHJhCgxdi85CVEc/s1600/CIMG0232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOZQj4CM9SV-GtZm1vHfB6qDerDfJembQefosLfvYzyLpbZwuXD7zh6yODlqz51WDpM7D6TNH4UwUfeFGoEDTAbmlZHnPy8POJT-GtPCuQCUn2Ir8QaU1_MGHYU0MVSHJhCgxdi85CVEc/s200/CIMG0232.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Start putting on beads. Alternate colors, sizes, and types.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you have a specific pattern you want to follow, you may want to lay the pattern out first on a mat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This way you will not have to keep looking to see what comes next. Ialso have one made from pearls that I like very much!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When the wire length is covered, make a loop in the other end as well to keep the beads on. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRwNG_McdfsTcMnY9Lk3e4CKA5yp85ssV7FSqgYOozrnZyH3lszSNQ9qtDSWB5g5lLRgyIgKQDX6VAyWDLRZc9F7itxVPrtweDUFMA3xWIdshonz5eX6QtczNsjCl5sXODhQye2USTIbA/s1600/2011AgateWrap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRwNG_McdfsTcMnY9Lk3e4CKA5yp85ssV7FSqgYOozrnZyH3lszSNQ9qtDSWB5g5lLRgyIgKQDX6VAyWDLRZc9F7itxVPrtweDUFMA3xWIdshonz5eX6QtczNsjCl5sXODhQye2USTIbA/s320/2011AgateWrap.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This is a fast easy project that is great for people that have never done beading.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a great activity for a party (like a girl’s birthday party or girl’s night out) because few tools/skills are needed. You can make it a bit of a memory project by having each person bring beads and everyone swap.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you like this project, you may also like making <a href="http://wildwomanwriter.blogspot.com/2011/06/30-days-of-creativity-day-3-jeweled.html">beaded napkin rings</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> These make a wonderful gift and the process is the same. </span>I have also seen memory wire in ring size!</span></span><br />
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</div>Debra Fillingimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08950880743785202445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998850763363506096.post-39059505834411721892011-06-24T20:02:00.002-04:002011-06-24T20:59:54.882-04:00It's too hot to eat...<a href="http://30daysofcreativity.com/">30 Days of Creativity</a> Day 6: It's too hot to eat and the garbage goes out tomorrow!<br />
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Ok I'm sorry, but I think being creative in the kitchen counts for a lot. If you are the one in your home that does the cooking and meal planning then you know it is one of the most creative things we have to do-every day. I like food to be fresh but it is a real balancing trying to keep food that is fresh in the house and using it before it spoils. I feel awful when food has to be thrown out (or given to my worms) because I did not get it prepared before it spoiled.<br />
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As much as I love to cook, some times I just don't want to. I've exhausted myself with too many other tasks during the day. Not only that, but after I cook, then I'm going to have to clean up. My daughter got a good deal when she got married-Jake cooks and she cleans up. I should have gotten that in writing before I got married.<br />
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I was too tired to cook. It was too hot to eat. Garbage was going out the next day and there was the chicken with a lot of meat left on it. I knew I wanted that carcass in the garbage. The fridge was packed with food yet I did not think there was anything good to eat. I started to pull containers out of the refrigerator to see what I could make of it.<br />
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I deboned the chicken, added clery, onion, and mayo. My sister-in-law Mary served chicken salad once with a pinch of sugar...I have never left it out since. I shredded the last of the lettuce onto two plates and piled the chicken salad on top. I had four containers of hummus-one half empty. I split that into two mini bowls and grapped the last of the tomato basil wheat thins. I sliced up the the lastof the tomato, celery, and cucmber that would not make it another two days.<br />
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I fixed it up pretty and served it to the husband. He was impressed! As for me, I added a few things to my plate that he would not like. Lots of black olives and some hearts of palm.<br />
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The dinner was great if I do say so myself. Lettuce, cucumber, celery, and tomato were consumed rather than thrown away (ok I admit the worms got a little bit). One empty container of hummus was thrown out as well as the chicken carcass and an empty box of crackers.<br />
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The refrigerator was cleaner, no food was thrown in the garbage, and I felt more creative than ever!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio8gFZ999kemZuSMj2gJNgJJvBQFeCD_h7uQw-9oW77ZfemD5lbprJrvCEPUfe1YdCOcylgZCn7gKouqFk8nnNb82-ErnZkcJLQY34RIgbUCE4wm9_Ayx-VhUyUHwFJf6wEJfGG0ITaIk/s1600/dinner1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio8gFZ999kemZuSMj2gJNgJJvBQFeCD_h7uQw-9oW77ZfemD5lbprJrvCEPUfe1YdCOcylgZCn7gKouqFk8nnNb82-ErnZkcJLQY34RIgbUCE4wm9_Ayx-VhUyUHwFJf6wEJfGG0ITaIk/s320/dinner1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Next time I don't want to cook I am going to go through the pantry!Debra Fillingimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08950880743785202445noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998850763363506096.post-8521231649462852392011-06-03T23:34:00.005-04:002011-06-24T20:59:10.670-04:00Jeweled Napkin Rings<strong><a href="http://30daysofcreativity.com/">30 Days of Creativity</a>: Day 3-Jeweled Napkin Rings</strong><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC8JutVF8RPezMGCNNdEZ511AxEc2IQyQPAldHtrD5OeHWAer8MritSmGeMVKLZK2WEHNqZ3RyO0v3wamTvyaaU_cNsvOa7gTl9OSkdqPIIoPJqxpq0Vtzl2uXzup8p9gNjbRbFgT39lM/s1600/IMG01170-20110603-2240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC8JutVF8RPezMGCNNdEZ511AxEc2IQyQPAldHtrD5OeHWAer8MritSmGeMVKLZK2WEHNqZ3RyO0v3wamTvyaaU_cNsvOa7gTl9OSkdqPIIoPJqxpq0Vtzl2uXzup8p9gNjbRbFgT39lM/s200/IMG01170-20110603-2240.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">These are an inexpensive easy gift to make for yourself or someone else.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Materials:<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Assorted beads</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Wire Cutters</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Memory Wire (smaller size about 2.25in)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Round Nose Pliers</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbICYHdmJqWz_l1mwfc_Z7etnfCWJ87bCEDAStpIJSdIw-CSb7yHNQJzOelBMuBXOue9SIKcadjbgHRBKSvnXKzMSaha_TSzKU8m-Rv7CVJLcE67MTDQAarUA8K1xdRyUpAXGJbkR_n_k/s1600/CIMG0233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbICYHdmJqWz_l1mwfc_Z7etnfCWJ87bCEDAStpIJSdIw-CSb7yHNQJzOelBMuBXOue9SIKcadjbgHRBKSvnXKzMSaha_TSzKU8m-Rv7CVJLcE67MTDQAarUA8K1xdRyUpAXGJbkR_n_k/s200/CIMG0233.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPE7-SGv7e8VGONcrjYqs8Xa-uHJPe4ilf70gpWazPijsSA0tKiiNUVfWogwjNi-09m2_9fDRb1-Q0y8s9s6w1m6eOeHdApTBi_9fEQik7q2S1FALBs-7nLjGRi75DYUhND44_QvZz8UM/s1600/IMG01168-20110603-2239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPE7-SGv7e8VGONcrjYqs8Xa-uHJPe4ilf70gpWazPijsSA0tKiiNUVfWogwjNi-09m2_9fDRb1-Q0y8s9s6w1m6eOeHdApTBi_9fEQik7q2S1FALBs-7nLjGRi75DYUhND44_QvZz8UM/s200/IMG01168-20110603-2239.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Directions:<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Cut a length of wire that goes at least once around <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> (</span>a full circle).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>You can also make it longer so the napkin ring goes around more than once.</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">The great thing about memory wire is that it will keep its shape over time.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Using round nose pliers make a loop at one end of the wire-this will keep beads from coming off.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxHzqxqmNK-YFcEw8Wne5VNn6CZjYkGiAWffkwigq-YgB3Tj-emaLpfSyc3HMFp0JoZmHfiHVWcGDm6PKJ93Ip5jTvPxpB_kY1CMTV2IRfVkeSBylJveuFFoqcF5f-rJudoNumpUeoI7M/s1600/CIMG0232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxHzqxqmNK-YFcEw8Wne5VNn6CZjYkGiAWffkwigq-YgB3Tj-emaLpfSyc3HMFp0JoZmHfiHVWcGDm6PKJ93Ip5jTvPxpB_kY1CMTV2IRfVkeSBylJveuFFoqcF5f-rJudoNumpUeoI7M/s200/CIMG0232.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Start putting on beads.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Alternate colors,sizes, and types.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is best not to follow a pattern.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">When the wire length is covered, make a loop in the other end as well to keep the beads on.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Using an eclectic group of beads will make your napkin rings go with any season/color.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While these are easy to make-it would cost a bit to make many sets so it is best to make one that you really love!</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmVUkaJQPwhhyngmi7u-TvHnO0RCK5ZFZzdOMIHvGnM-nu7IG18zOTTrPKf6bTRSsRx-sduItxqiMjARcK2TLeP7eVUQ_beuoaLrcaTo-2Z1oh5MIRWVbjcnLc-yxCQj5zFfupReyNw38/s1600/IMG01172-20110603-2242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmVUkaJQPwhhyngmi7u-TvHnO0RCK5ZFZzdOMIHvGnM-nu7IG18zOTTrPKf6bTRSsRx-sduItxqiMjARcK2TLeP7eVUQ_beuoaLrcaTo-2Z1oh5MIRWVbjcnLc-yxCQj5zFfupReyNw38/s200/IMG01172-20110603-2242.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the left the ring goes around more than once, on the right-just once. While I like it going around twice,<br />
it takes more beads and time to do a set this way. They are just a beautiful with one full loop around.</td></tr>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE_iu8cbJB49w5Kkf3FqArR__IsKJBVq4Qit8x9o-veMCriwEzYlHkJRUmhcROM7IVW2zw3NcM8fwLDfVMLkPNi9gnKlazx9jy-r49VsJe-870kP3ekoeyvTtLr13wRpzTRlfIpgCPPQk/s1600/IMG01166-20110603-2239a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE_iu8cbJB49w5Kkf3FqArR__IsKJBVq4Qit8x9o-veMCriwEzYlHkJRUmhcROM7IVW2zw3NcM8fwLDfVMLkPNi9gnKlazx9jy-r49VsJe-870kP3ekoeyvTtLr13wRpzTRlfIpgCPPQk/s200/IMG01166-20110603-2239a.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the set I made myself after making some for my daughter for her Christmas table setting. <br />
After making hers, I had to have a set. Using a variety of colors, they go with any occasion.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Debra Fillingimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08950880743785202445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998850763363506096.post-85942081866306795142011-06-02T13:32:00.008-04:002011-06-24T22:10:59.117-04:00Love of Lavender<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><a href="http://30daysofcreativity.com/">30 Days of Creativity</a>: Day 2-For the Love of Lavender</strong></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When getting the wash out of the dryer today I breathed in deep and felt happiness-I don’t find laundry particularly uplifting but my lavender sock sure helps.</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I do not use fabric softeners.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t know that they really do or don’t make a difference but I do not like the smell of them. Also, my husband has sensitive skin so using anything with perfumes is an issue. Before I took the course in Herbalism at <a href="http://www.herbcorner.net/">The Herb Corner</a>, I didn’t like the smell of lavender either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All the lavender I had smelled was very strong and artificial-I had never smelled the real thing. </span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Once I met the real stuff at <a href="http://www.herbcorner.net/">The Herb Corner</a>, I was in love! I don’t know how I came up with this idea but it is my best yet!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I made a lavender sock for the dryer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can use your husband’s old sock (cannot have holes in the foot/heel area) or you can use a cute little girl’s sock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As these are functional for me-I use husband’s old socks for the dryer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I use the cute socks for sachets/gifts.</span></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy-rBl4Q_aDs464BD9fNoqZQCoUCmnEjUS-O3dswpQvHvWIqXRyZZ2TsUDMXRRYuyihUoHl1QZ8d2_LykCZ_UkY8bns99O7Qlm9ITO45Uw4AZ3ETXsDPYwY1-nLdkIyMAnStGqbs47Pvs/s1600/CIMG0225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy-rBl4Q_aDs464BD9fNoqZQCoUCmnEjUS-O3dswpQvHvWIqXRyZZ2TsUDMXRRYuyihUoHl1QZ8d2_LykCZ_UkY8bns99O7Qlm9ITO45Uw4AZ3ETXsDPYwY1-nLdkIyMAnStGqbs47Pvs/s320/CIMG0225.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Supples Needed:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Lavender buds (about 1/4c per sock)</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sock</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ribbon (if making a cute sachet)</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Directions:</strong></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Make sure your sock has no holes in the foot/heel area.</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Put about 1/4c lavender buds into the foot area of the sock.</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(I keep my lavender in a jar and to fill my sock I put the sock on the jar and turn it upside down)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmnrZVBIqs7_uuiPq9F4tYmTAJz5i69q7GfiPtQg3d8tmvlE8rG0OVUH4N_OMgmZ-fuKysXVdeZ1OrnD2Z3cza3sPo2VKwEwWNgJwMkQ38Je-7bpvs5qDJjutWptaoX-IKYV3wxo5FWdY/s1600/CIMG0226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmnrZVBIqs7_uuiPq9F4tYmTAJz5i69q7GfiPtQg3d8tmvlE8rG0OVUH4N_OMgmZ-fuKysXVdeZ1OrnD2Z3cza3sPo2VKwEwWNgJwMkQ38Je-7bpvs5qDJjutWptaoX-IKYV3wxo5FWdY/s200/CIMG0226.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Put the sock on top of the jar and turn over to fill easily.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When you have the lavender you need, look in ankle area of sock and make sure all buds are clear.</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Get all lavender to bottom of sock and tie a knot in the sock right above the bunch of lavender</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPWw7_KEvOmqEBhtz_XiHlS5NHB_lExPpYHwrcdCA20BSid42nkcUMhichbK9YVA9al0wky9Mvy-9Q0GRHW3wCVSgye0hODK6z7W6WGgqfu9ziLp5NOBKekYAn9qGZ8c83I2HywD4KKNo/s1600/CIMG0229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPWw7_KEvOmqEBhtz_XiHlS5NHB_lExPpYHwrcdCA20BSid42nkcUMhichbK9YVA9al0wky9Mvy-9Q0GRHW3wCVSgye0hODK6z7W6WGgqfu9ziLp5NOBKekYAn9qGZ8c83I2HywD4KKNo/s200/CIMG0229.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Take tube part of sock and bring it up around the lavender part of the sock (knot is now hidden).</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGzOZjavt4R8MN1CE-O0synRTBH0PtI6hfUGwD4NNmKvrlvZHxUtn1qXbJ5zG_Z-9Nt0uTJVm1qZbSfW8qG3_5mXQmDRRC92uMaXi3e2_bhftm5muz3DwAaq_ZIKBj-4Fuksv4OPqzSU8/s1600/wraparound.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGzOZjavt4R8MN1CE-O0synRTBH0PtI6hfUGwD4NNmKvrlvZHxUtn1qXbJ5zG_Z-9Nt0uTJVm1qZbSfW8qG3_5mXQmDRRC92uMaXi3e2_bhftm5muz3DwAaq_ZIKBj-4Fuksv4OPqzSU8/s200/wraparound.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When using my husband’s sock, I stop here and this is ready to stay in the dryer*</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1MP4Lw7g4gojvCWK8cIQYBYO0JnwlTpfWSmzFTFUC7NuwKytT3EZtQTEAOW64N3_ApqBuGYFDC1pSItjYAToc0mPRNCXL3asCKg5yEVuEjlB71q5CvRqE2huhgC7ndDVliFASqUTnoII/s1600/husbandsock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1MP4Lw7g4gojvCWK8cIQYBYO0JnwlTpfWSmzFTFUC7NuwKytT3EZtQTEAOW64N3_ApqBuGYFDC1pSItjYAToc0mPRNCXL3asCKg5yEVuEjlB71q5CvRqE2huhgC7ndDVliFASqUTnoII/s200/husbandsock.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If making a sachet, I now would add pretty ribbon-usually purple because of the lavender</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtLRWtlQuor8gFnJveow7HUY4kk5eqb6_yNqD0vPL1g7YY9uMHc9Vu77zoUi5N7cjXlEQqvTzQZAVpAQ7GWULTxURDjaqQRB6j8V3ofkQhPGaJH6BPm0nuZJF7URAZIs4tUfF3NnM7xZE/s1600/CIMG0230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtLRWtlQuor8gFnJveow7HUY4kk5eqb6_yNqD0vPL1g7YY9uMHc9Vu77zoUi5N7cjXlEQqvTzQZAVpAQ7GWULTxURDjaqQRB6j8V3ofkQhPGaJH6BPm0nuZJF7URAZIs4tUfF3NnM7xZE/s200/CIMG0230.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I leave the sock in the dryer so it is there when I throw a load in.</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Opening the dyer will now be a heavenly experience and your clothes will smell great.</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Simply use the sock until it no longer has a scent-I then throw the whole thing away.</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you do this, let me know how it goes!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For me it really makes a difference.</span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">*I have had husband socks open up once or twice-ribbon, twine, sewing it shut would be a good idea!</span></div><br />
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</div>Debra Fillingimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08950880743785202445noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998850763363506096.post-5297535662976130072011-06-01T10:55:00.000-04:002011-06-01T11:34:30.403-04:00Let's Do This!<div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I will laugh whenever I hear that statement-one my grandson said to me one day as we packed the car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is almost three but I admit I was taken aback and wondered where he got that from.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A bit later, I was telling my husband about it and he asked Zander who taught him to say it and he said Mimi.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s me!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although I would like to take credit-I still am in denial!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have my own little room in my house loaded with all kinds of creative materials-I know others do as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have stamping supplies, paint, all kinds of jewelry making supplies, altered art stuff…just too much stuff to name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My problem is I always make excuses to not go in there-cleaning the house, clearing paperwork, and I admit-playing on the computer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My unfinished writing projects suffer from the same excuse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While I am still very productive and seem to get a lot more done than most people (that is according to them not me), I still get frustrated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In my heart-creating things is what I love best.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whether it is an essay about something I do not want to forget or a new piece of jewelry. I opened an Etsy shop a while ago but there is still nothing in it.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now since all of you tell me I am amazing and you don’t know how I get so much done-you must suffer some of the same frustrations as I do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had planned this summer to block out days for creating and possibly even inviting friends to come as well. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When my friend Sara said how much a pain it is to cart stuff place to place I thought maybe reporting in to a friend or posting a picture of what you created would be enough to hold you accountable to do so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My friend Em and I thought about picking a day and talking on Skype about our plan to create something then checking back in on Skype to show off our work-the pressure of accountable would keep us on task.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Well there is a blogger out there that has set me up-and I will write and thank her. This is just the challenge I need: every day of June to create one thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It could be a blog post, jewelry piece, painting, or recipe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For some of you it may be a mud pie in the back yard or a finger painting piece with your little one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While there is a structure to this, there is enough flexibility for all my creative friends. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know I have many creative friends that could benefit from this challenge as well-I will tag a few and hope you pass it on!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let's share our pictures everyday! I am off to create my first piece (even though I am not sure what it is yet)! If you would like to get together to create-in person, through Facebook or through Skype, please let me know! I do plan to announce days through Facebook for people to come down and work on projects!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Happy Creating</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.30daysofcreativity.com/">www.30daysofcreativity.com</a></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div></div>Debra Fillingimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08950880743785202445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998850763363506096.post-55437102237733639442010-01-24T21:32:00.001-05:002010-01-24T21:45:40.259-05:00Ugly Soap<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis4LtCnf1_Av5hbVt7r0adDsBMocoHSZkwxXpGcpMK7OuxJUyzNfBjIpYNeQZkz_PbijMpqSUgOgr_5AfGDNCq60-vTQXJQHIbSY141nuQ9qwa0j_qX_YWXri3brtr8ZfXEj1FwhMCb3Y/s1600-h/IMG00221-20100124-2109.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis4LtCnf1_Av5hbVt7r0adDsBMocoHSZkwxXpGcpMK7OuxJUyzNfBjIpYNeQZkz_PbijMpqSUgOgr_5AfGDNCq60-vTQXJQHIbSY141nuQ9qwa0j_qX_YWXri3brtr8ZfXEj1FwhMCb3Y/s320/IMG00221-20100124-2109.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430499985116049874" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVO0QXNyRJ31AZ1GAACBFQr5vIVmHIV4p9g7h11BQ_77wXP-xACTa0_cY3V_v0ZYyily2TkfH7QvS2uXPZX3OzUXrIm3hjUSQ5F_MCw07I6eSe1tefkIt1Ble2AoSjkgMkxwmcSMnNKuw/s1600-h/IMG00217-20100123-1019.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVO0QXNyRJ31AZ1GAACBFQr5vIVmHIV4p9g7h11BQ_77wXP-xACTa0_cY3V_v0ZYyily2TkfH7QvS2uXPZX3OzUXrIm3hjUSQ5F_MCw07I6eSe1tefkIt1Ble2AoSjkgMkxwmcSMnNKuw/s320/IMG00217-20100123-1019.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430499980436651394" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivd6FMFLXbjXqTXMwuVaSW7XtZhZPGXmeTheK0AJCb11jXcigaN_mLzE3eat5-onRpYhiEtkH_WuDajW7uNtC3uTEEWKwmKLh9h6Ix2hX8cqdfh6AyKEA3zLTtP1kjfBrLtHqttdyusPU/s1600-h/IMG00216-20100123-1010.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivd6FMFLXbjXqTXMwuVaSW7XtZhZPGXmeTheK0AJCb11jXcigaN_mLzE3eat5-onRpYhiEtkH_WuDajW7uNtC3uTEEWKwmKLh9h6Ix2hX8cqdfh6AyKEA3zLTtP1kjfBrLtHqttdyusPU/s320/IMG00216-20100123-1010.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430499976022353474" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />When I first started making soap, I did not have a soap cutter. You can use a knife and cutting board but as with anything you try to cut without measuring, there is the constant trimming to get it just right. Therefore, I had a small bucket of soap pieces that didn't make it to my sale table (at the annual homeshow). So I remember hearing something about using old pieces of soap...so I asked my friend Em (on FB) about it. She found an article and told me what to do. She said I could grate/cut the old soap, put it in a crock pot with a little water, then melt and pour in a mold. Sounded good.<br /><br />So I started with the food processor on the soap but my new soap cutter is so cool, it was almost easier to use that. It only took a few minutes. I put it all in the crock pot with a little water and read the article for info. All would have been well, if I did not then leave the house for seven hours! My husband got home first and asked what was in the crock pot because the house stunk. I got home a few minutes later. I added some water, blended, and added some fragrance. I then put it in my mold. It was lookin' ugly and I was tempted to throw it out.<br /><br />Today I took it out. It is the ugliest soap I have ever seen. Because it cooked too long, it was not creamy when I shoved it into the mold. I cut it up with my new soap cutter (which I love). I then cut some small bits to try. The soap may be UGLY but it is wonderful! It is so creamy and full of lather. The scent is less than I would have liked but less is always better with scent. Ok so next time I will make sure I am home for this process but I would do it again. Just one more example of passing judgment too quickly before we make sure we know what we are talking about. I am so happy to take those old pieces and put them to use!Debra Fillingimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08950880743785202445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998850763363506096.post-37063129004367655562010-01-24T20:34:00.000-05:002010-01-24T20:37:53.707-05:00Books to Read 2010My friend Mychele posted a note on FB telling the books she wanted to read this year. She also encouraged me to do the same. This is a daunting task because I have so many books I want to read the compilation of the list will be time consuming BUT…it will be fun. I did buy a Bible that you read through in a year. I am very excited about the format and hope to accomplish that this year. I could not resist posting favorites below. Anything with an asterisk (*) was either read in my book club or is on the list to be read in book club. I use the library consistently and listen to audio books in the car constantly. I also often will choose to put a book on the kindle or ipod/blackberry (through audible.com) rather than own it in paper. It just depends. Of course I wish all my reader friends would post their favorites/to read list. I must stop now…although I could go on for hours but then I would not have time to read!<br /><br /><br /><strong>Fiction</strong><br />The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane Katherine Howe<br />Graceling by Kristin Cashore<br />The girl with the dragon Tattoo Steig Larsson<br />Death by Darjeeling Laura Childs (I want to read all her books-includes tearoom recipes)<br />Mistletoe Man by Susan Wittig Albert (want to read all hers-herbal mysteries)<br />The Lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver <br />The Queen of the Big Time Adriana Trigiani<br />Drop City T.C. Boyle<br />The Owl Killers by Karen Maitland *<br />The House at Riverton by Kate Morton * (book club pick for Feb) <br />Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri (Pulitzer Prize)<br /> <br /><br /><strong>Memoir/Non-Fiction<br /></strong>Together Alone by Susan Wittig Albert –first few pages told me this would be great<br />Say You’re One of Them by Uwem Akpan (Oprah pick) <br />Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls (then make sure you read Glass Castle)*<br />Julie& Julia by Julie Powell<br />Three Little Words by Ashley Rhodes-Courter<br />The Geography of Bliss by Eric Weiner<br />Enslaved by Ducks by Bob Tarte (a book about a man taken over by his wife’s pets)<br />Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore<br />Half the Sky by Nicholas D. Kristof, Sheryl WuDunn promotes empowering women<br />A year in the World Frances Mayes<br />Cherries in Winter by Suzan Colon (recommended by a friend) <br />The Middle Place by Kelly Corrigan (see her videos on YouTube)<br />Confessions of a Counterfeit Farm Girl by Susan McCorkindale<br />This I Believe II by Jay Allison, Dan Gediman <br />Hypocrite in a Pouffy White Dress by Susan Jane Gilman, Susan Denaker <br />Three Cups of Tea Greg Mortenson and David Oliver<br />Mountains Beyond Mountains by Tracy Kidder (just got audio from library)<br />Take Joy by Jane Yolen ( a favorite author-a book for writers)-just bought this<br />Sisters and Anthology edited by Jan Freeman (just bought this)<br />Journalution by Sandy Grason (I totally believe in journaling and believe it saved my life)<br />Take Ten for Writers by Bonnie Neubauer<br />(just bought the 4 books above this week at B&N as it was educator week)<br />The Sharper Your Knife, the Less You Cry : Love, Laughter, and Tears at the World's Most Famous Cooking School by Kathleen Flinn<br /><br /><strong><br />Books on My Kindle</strong><br />Food Rules by Michael Pollan<br />Old Friend Far Away by Natalie Goldberg<br />Miracle and Other Christmas Stories Connie Willis<br />Kushiel’s Dart Jacqueline Carey (someday I will actually finish this book)<br />Black Dagger Brotherhood Series<br />A Dog Named Christmas<br /><br /><strong>Books on my Blackberry<br /></strong>What the Dog Saw: And Other Adventures by Malcolm Gladwell<br /><br /><strong>Books on My IPod</strong><br />Always Looking Up : The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist by Michael J. Fox<br />Writing down the Bones : Freeing the Writer Within by Natalie Goldberg<br /><br /><br /><strong>Books I loved -</strong><br />Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver this book has changed my life in so many ways-audio is awesome too-I own the book and the audio.<br />Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver (the audio has her husband’s music)<br />The Help by Kathryn Stockett<br />Very Valentine by AdrianiTrigiani (have read almost all of hers and bought her cookbook)<br />The Making of a Chef by Michael Ruhlman (picked it up-did not put it down till I was done) <br />The Virgin of Small Plains by Nancy Pickard<br />An Unthymely Death and Other Gardening Mysteries by Susan Wittig Albert(recipes, crafts, herbal lore)<br />Grace (Eventually) : Thoughts on Faith by Anne Lamott<br />Plan B: Further Thoughts on Faith by Anne Lamott<br />The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls<br />The Red Leather Diary : Reclaiming a Life Through the Pages of a Lost Journal by Lily Koppel<br />Without Reservations :the travels of an independent woman Alice Steinbach<br />Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg (thank you Robin Leigh) I own the book and I have the audio on my ipod and have listened to it too many times to count.<br />The Red Leather Diary by<br />The Tender Bar by Moehringer <br />On Strike for Christmas by Sheila Roberts, Sheila<br />Left to Tell Immaculee Ilibagiza<br />Susan Wittig Albert Books: herbs, mystery, and just plain fun<br />The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory (and any sequels/related books)<br />Harry Potter Series<br />Twilight Series<br />Flat Belly Diet<br />Books by Bill Bryson (A Walk in the Woods)<br />Freakonomics by Steven D. Levitt You MUST read it-I did the audio-amazing stuff<br />Anything by Isabelle Allende<br />Anything by Jodi Picoult<br />Anything by Phillipa Gregory<br />Anything by SARK<br /><br />Happy Reading!Debra Fillingimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08950880743785202445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998850763363506096.post-54615848501304332822009-05-09T21:08:00.001-04:002009-05-09T21:08:34.791-04:00May 9, 2009<br /><br />I’ve got worms!<br />Yes you heard right-I have my very own worms. In March, I took a class at The Funky Chicken Farm with Suzanne Richmond on making growboxes (see my album or notes). The plants are doing great. I only have one going now but plan to start seeds after vacation for fall planting. I already bought all supplies to make four more. I want to concentrate on growing salad vegetables as my husband and I eat a lot of salad. I had been collecting my scraps from all our vegetables and was taking it out to the back, digging a hole, and burying it.<br /><br />I bought a great compost book during teacher week at B & N and I was all set to start composing. After looking at the book tho, I could not decide which container/method to use. There are many ways to do it and since I did not know anyone that did composting, I could not decide. Then…I got an email from Suzanne at the Funky Chicken. She was holding a worm composting class! I always wanted worms!<br /><br />I went over on Tuesday and we created the bin together using two plastic containers and simple tools. We then added some shredded damp newspaper, some compost from her stock, and of course…several handfuls of worms.<br /><br />I was amazed-compost does not smell! I thought it would! The worms are getting plenty of veggies to eat here. If you would like more info on Growboxes or Worm Composting, contact Suzanne at <a href="mailto:DivaDyes@cfl.rr.com">DivaDyes@cfl.rr.com</a><br /><br />Next, my friend Sara and I want to take her Tie Dye class!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://tiny.cc/Hk7lE" target="_blank">http://tiny.cc/Hk7lE</a>Debra Fillingimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08950880743785202445noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998850763363506096.post-14149667160921721482009-04-06T12:13:00.000-04:002009-04-06T12:14:52.665-04:00Never too late...My First Tea PartyI have many things on my to do list. Some I may never get to do but that does not lessen my desire to do so. I want to see the Northern Lights. At first, I thought I could just go somewhere and do that-then realized it is not something I can make an appointment for. I also want to run a dog sled. Sounds like an unlikely event but a friend of mine is doing just then when she takes the Alaskan cruise this summer so that gives me hope. My list goes on-maybe I just get it in writing and I would love to see yours.<br />One o the things on my list was to have/attend a tea party. While I had some books and magazines on the subject, as always, I put it off because I was afraid. I had never been to a tea party so I had no reference. Those that know me think I am completely confident and will do anything. What they don’t know, is that it probably took a really long time for me to get the guts to try all the cool things I do. If it is something I have not done, I keep putting it off because I am afraid I will not do it well. Of course, when I finally do-it usually turns out well and then I am mad at myself for putting it off so long.<br />Kudos to my friend Sara for inviting me to my first ever tea party. Sara is not the boldest in my group of friends so I was surprised when she took on something I was afraid to do! She sent out adorable Vera Bradley invitations. Then she allowed us all to bring something. When we got there, the table was beautifully decorated with family china, a floral centerpiece, and a floral bouquet for each attending.<br /><br />There were a variety of tea pots/teas, sugar cubes in white and brown sugar, and lemon. Sara made scones (loved those) and Devonshire cream (loved that too). She also served lemon curd and mascarpone. I made carrot cupcakes decorated like mini flowers. Others attending bought a variety of finger sandwiches and they were all great. Dawn bought her famous (in my book) 7 layer salad. Kim bought snickerdoodles-which I just realized are in a baggie here somewhere.<br /><br />Marianne said a blessing and we dived into a wonderful variety of flavors. It was a great time for all.<br /><br />Thanks Sara for hosting this great event (I think it should be an annual one) and helping me knock one thing off my list. It reminds me again that it is never too late!<br /><a href="http://tiny.cc/aoY6p"></a><br /><a href="http://tiny.cc/aoY6p">Tea Party Pictures</a>Debra Fillingimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08950880743785202445noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998850763363506096.post-19768802645338476812009-04-04T08:57:00.000-04:002009-04-04T08:58:15.337-04:00Henna Hoopla4/3/09<br /><br />With spring break beginning, I mentioned to several people that I was going to get henna done at the very beginning. A teen from church, Morgan said she would love to get henna before her cruise. So… I called my dearest henna goddess, Mychele Boardman, and asked if we could meet in Orlando for some henna fun.<br /><br />Of course….she was more than willing. Mychele suggested we meet at The Drunken Monkey. As Morgan is the preacher’s (and close friend’s daughter) I had to check it out online first. Turns out it is a great little coffee shop with a very eclectic menu of inspiring treats.<br /><br />We met Mychele about 4:45 and started right in on the henna (see album). We took shifts eating as henna was the first priority! Morgan had a wonderful Panini loaded with turkey, cheese, and pesto. I had the paella which was a delicious combination of fried rice and vegetables. The paella included artichokes, mushrooms, and garbanzo beans among other things. I don’t even like garbanzo beans but every flavor in the paella was awesome. While we were ordering our food and I was explaining to Morgan what pesto was, the chef came out with a crostini for each of us loaded with pesto. DELICIOUS.<br />While Morgan had her henna done, I enjoyed checking out the artwork and reading material in the place. They have board games and many people were arriving and setting up. They had a variety of items for sale including blooming tea, t-shirts, and snacks to go.<br /><br />My paella was so generous, I could not finish. 10:00 that night tho-I heated it and finished it off! I look forward to getting back to the Drunken Monkey again.<br /><br />The whole night was a blast, seeing Mychele-seeing Morgan excited about her henna. Hopefully we can do another trip like this soon!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2008526&id=1097899532&l=5fb09c8703">http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2008526&id=1097899532&l=5fb09c8703</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://tiny.cc/ZVmz4" target="_blank">http://tiny.cc/ZVmz4</a>Debra Fillingimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08950880743785202445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998850763363506096.post-68264506650715923492009-03-22T19:19:00.000-04:002009-03-22T19:20:43.790-04:00Doin' The Funky ChickenMar 22, 2009<br /><br />Doin’ The Funky Chicken!<br />Sounds like a dance but it was so much more exciting. Today I went the Funky Chicken Farm in Melbourne <a href="http://www.localharvest.org/farms/M18934">http://www.localharvest.org/farms/M18934</a> and learned how to make a Growbox. We started with an 18 gallon Sterlite container. The process was very systematic. First we put the container on the lid and cut out the center of the lid. Then we marked off four circles on the top and cut them out with a drill and circle cutter (gotta get me one of those). We cut four pieces of sewer drain pipe and used ties to place them under each circle. We had already drilled three holes around each circle to use for the ties. Multiple holes are put in the lid section that was cut as well as a small circle to hold the PVC watering pipe. A drain hole is also put in the side of the bin. A 30” piece of 1” PVC cut for the water pipe.<br />What you end up with is a box with built in drainage for growing your plants. You water through the pipe and excess water drains away. Suzanne (Growbox Teacher) has a complete garden in her yard using this method. She had carrots, celery, lettuces, Swiss chard, corn, sunflowers, Brussels sprouts, tomatoes, sugar snap peas…I am sure I am forgetting something. It was amazing. I am glad Marty was with me because after he saw all that she could grow-he agreed it was a great concept.<br /><br />These growboxes can be moved around your yard as needed, taken in when too cold, moved to the sunny spot, etc. Also, it is more elevated that putting the plants in the ground and a lot easier to tend too.<br />Along with the class (25$), I purchased the manual for (10$)-on a cd. This will allow me not to forget anything important. It has information on planting in the growboxes, directions for cuttings, how many plants per box, etc. This class was worth every penny and very exciting. A bonus was the tour of the chicken farm afterwards. Look at the pictures in my albums. Suzanne will be doing classes on Thursdays and Sundays at 3:00. You can contact her at <a href="mailto:DivaDyes@cfl.rr.com">DivaDyes@cfl.rr.com</a>. As I completed my first box in class today, I plan to use the manual to make the shopping list for other things I want to get (soil, etc.) I plan to have my first Growbox planted by next weekend! WHOO HOO!<br /><br />See pictures here<br /><a title="blocked::http://www.facebook.com/p.php?i=" k="3613P5SXV4YM5DEASK64W4" href="http://www.facebook.com/p.php?i=1097899532&k=3613P5SXV4YM5DEASK64W4" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/p.php?i=1097899532&k=3613P5SXV4YM5DEASK64W4</a>Debra Fillingimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08950880743785202445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998850763363506096.post-30021244950309322362009-03-01T10:38:00.001-05:002011-06-24T21:02:30.674-04:00wow<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhETUmweyUqQd5TIQArrqjWPOzP6oAY0ssK1ciWqnPcfyY82SHnkVbUMFZiLBJHbV4Iel0CouoKno8H4emTlpdpJK0dk4A8MjRYCee_-hkjd7yjZqEEZGhGxvq7seyvx2stfeTPRnw8OL8/s1600-h/IMG_2788.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308199985696431554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhETUmweyUqQd5TIQArrqjWPOzP6oAY0ssK1ciWqnPcfyY82SHnkVbUMFZiLBJHbV4Iel0CouoKno8H4emTlpdpJK0dk4A8MjRYCee_-hkjd7yjZqEEZGhGxvq7seyvx2stfeTPRnw8OL8/s200/IMG_2788.JPG" style="float: left; height: 139px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 172px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR4FGHHnZuJDf9AmiKhbtER6FF8PjU_yZQ6QUnDLnrvz4mAPZhRd_lS70zcrtpinB1Oez2fxgx6aXkFLYtcaEJlyHiNkcBH9lsGtUQgK_uGGLm-nZwgmqBBky7Hrxsbdjq5FGKKj2BCs0/s1600-h/l_ef3c3ed0ff3244dab5e2a4c65a381fad.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308200362510483890" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR4FGHHnZuJDf9AmiKhbtER6FF8PjU_yZQ6QUnDLnrvz4mAPZhRd_lS70zcrtpinB1Oez2fxgx6aXkFLYtcaEJlyHiNkcBH9lsGtUQgK_uGGLm-nZwgmqBBky7Hrxsbdjq5FGKKj2BCs0/s320/l_ef3c3ed0ff3244dab5e2a4c65a381fad.jpg" style="float: left; height: 139px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 142px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcv1bcAz9kdleHROHfA2GjjE7eTGY_Ie5K8le94izCusvGJtuvlL_3Nv7Kdd4La8CzW-4MZr4-9V0Ta7bu2fqCvcWU-EFKbj3Cmx_CvEADFeVA0dvzqz4WmkOep8VKGf3o9i0IM3IRJUI/s1600-h/CIMG0149.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308199991648766530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcv1bcAz9kdleHROHfA2GjjE7eTGY_Ie5K8le94izCusvGJtuvlL_3Nv7Kdd4La8CzW-4MZr4-9V0Ta7bu2fqCvcWU-EFKbj3Cmx_CvEADFeVA0dvzqz4WmkOep8VKGf3o9i0IM3IRJUI/s200/CIMG0149.JPG" style="float: left; height: 133px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 156px;" /></a><br />
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Time flies.....Every day as I go through the day, I am constantly writing. If what was in my head went directly to paper, I surely would fill half a journal daily. Due to the fact there is no technology that scribes from brain to paper, I resort to pulling out one of my many little notebooks (I have three sitting next to my desk to go through today), and I write a few notes/lines so I can get back to it later.<br />
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So today after reading a favorite blog I follow, I decided to come here and see when I wrote last. It was almost one year ago. Sad thing is-it feels like yesterday.<br />
A lot of great things have happened since last year. Two monumental ones come to mind. Marty's daughter Katie gave birth to a boy August 5. He was a few months early but had to come on out as Katie was at risk. From the moment he was born, Marty insisted he was perfect-just small. I was a bit too emotional and had a hard time seeing that little being with all those tubes attached. Everytime he took a breath his little body shook and small little sounds came out. I held it together until we got in the car. I am glad Marty was able to calm me rather than getting upset with me or being influenced by my collapse. As it turns out, Marty was exactly correct. Zander is now 6mos old and he is perfect-and small. At five months old the doctor said he could sit up as well as a full term six month old. THANK GOD! Katie is a great mom and her mother, Julie, is a great grandmother. Zander will be going places...there is no doubt.<br />
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Another important event for me was getting a cat in Dec 08. Okay, I know getting a cat is not as monumental as getting a grandchild...but I have wanted a cat for years and Marty was always resistant. Although I have a dog I adore, Maya, she can not fulfill my desire to have my cat. Megan went with me to the shelter and in the end, Maya did as well. We made a great pick. Jack Jingles is AWESOME!!!<br />
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As always, time presses in as I must go get ready for the day (church, lunch, travel to Ft. Pierce). Now that I have written like this, wish I could write a few more hours. But...until next timeDebra Fillingimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08950880743785202445noreply@blogger.com0