Showing posts with label friendship. Show all posts
Showing posts with label friendship. Show all posts

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

In the bleak mid winter …

A lovely carol for this time of year with meaningful words.

In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan,
Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone;
Snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow,
In the bleak midwinter, long ago.
Our God, heaven cannot hold Him, nor earth sustain;
Heaven and earth shall flee away when He comes to reign.
In the bleak midwinter a stable place sufficed
The Lord God Almighty, Jesus Christ.
Enough for Him, Whom cherubim, worship night and day,
Breastful of milk, and a mangerful of hay;
Enough for Him, Whom angels fall before,
The ox and ass and camel which adore.
Angels and archangels may have gathered there,
Cherubim and seraphim thronged the air;
But His mother only, in her maiden bliss,
Worshipped the beloved with a kiss.
What can I give Him, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;
If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part;
Yet what I can I give Him: give my heart.

Beautiful words! Many of us are experiencing not only a bleak spell of weather with plenty of snow/ice on the ground and a cold north easterly but also, a bleak time of year. So many trials and tribulations have affected those of us in the team with regard to personal situations due to unfortunately circumstances, often beyond our own control. And yet, there is hope! It is especially at this time of year that we want to look around us to find that even though our own situation may be dire to us, there are always those who are less fortunate who really need our love and support. This is why our BBEST team works so well. We are here to love, support each other through thick and thin. Comfort in times of stress and rejoice in times of jubilation.

We need to take a few minutes from our busy schedules to remember what we are celebrating at this time of year and reflect on our own lives.

I am not especially a religious person but do feel it is so important to stop every now and again to give thanks for what I have and for the wonderful friendship I have found thanks to the internet and a wonderful group of caring folk who make up the BBEST team.

Christmas Star ACEO by Sixsisters

Almost everyone loves the first snow. It is so quiet and the air is
clean and the sky is bright. On this particular night a
young boy sees a star that he is sure is the Christmas star.

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Christmas Baby Red Baby Booties by Magdalene Knits

This adorable little red Mary Janes would be perfect for your little infant girl to wear on Christmas Day!

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Folk Art Wood Houses by Herons Treasures

Adorable houses to line up on your mantel, under your Christmas tree, or perfect to accessorize your train set.

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White Angel Sweet Fairy Earrings by PixieMarket

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Holiday Scarf by BagsandmorebyPam

Won't your large dog look smashing in this red neck scarf trimmed with two snowflakes and a matching edging?

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Nativity Scene by JillsTreasureChest

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Green Poinsettia Ring by ZudaGay

This lovely ring features a sculpted flower on an adjustable ring base.

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Hand Crochet Tree Skirt by StitchesbyJulie

This is a great tree skirt that you will use for years and years.

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A wonderful collection from a wonderful Team, thank you!

Merry Christmas and a peaceful New Year.

Monday, July 19, 2010

Cool Blues and Raspberry Lemonade

“Mmmmm! This raspberry lemonade is so cool and so delicious! Just perfect for these hot days we’ve been having,” sighed Sally, as we sat in my air-conditioned family room.

“I like it, too,” I replied. “Remind me to give you the recipe later.”

“What else have you been doing to keep cool?” Sally asked.

“Well,” I laughed, “When we are really lucky and have one of those blue, blue skies, and non-humid days, I venture outside and sit on the front porch and just bask in the glories of Mother Nature, and especially enjoy the blue sky and green of the earth.”

“Those days haven’t been coming along too often,” Sally reminded me. “So, what else do you do?”

“I’m so glad you asked,” I smiled. “You will enjoy this, too…..simply looking at some of the blue creations from the Boomers and Beyond team.”

“Oh,” said Sally, “You know how much I love that. Let’s do that now,” she continued.

“Okay, and bring your lemonade,” I said.

“Don’t forget to give me the recipe,” Sally reminded.

“Don’t worry. Right after we finish drooling over all these wonderful blues from the Bbest team.”

zudagay dahlia

www.zudagay.etsy.com

YankeeGirl beach watercolor

www.yankeegirl.etsy.com

stitchesbyjulie poncho

www.stitchesbyjulie.etsy.com

sassalynne yarn

www.sassalynne.etsy.com

magdalenejewels

www.magdalenejewels.etsy.com

heronkate blue lily

www.heronkate.etsy.com

jnoriginals coasters

www.jnoriginals.etsy.com

annasjewelry

www.annasjewelry.etsy.com

Whimseys pleatedshoulderbag

www.whimseys.etsy.com

sixsisters butterfly

www.sixsisters.etsy.com

scottieacres

www.scottieacres.com

mysticsilks painting

www.dianeclancy.etsy.com

glitznglass earrings

www.glitznglass.etsy.com

Jills Treasurechest bell

www.jillstreasurechest.etsy.com

getlathered soap

www.getlathered.etsy.com

vanfleetstreetdesigns

www.vanfleetstreetdesigns.etsy.com

chris1 pendant

www.chris1.etsy.com

jstinson earrings patriotic

www.jstinson.etsy.com

eversodear bracelet

www.eversodear.etsy.com

NightSkyJewelryCornflowerBlueKyanite

www.nightskyjewelry.etsy.com

BytheBy sundress

www.bytheby.etsy.com

bookwraps jeans

www.bookwraps.etsy.com

birose wrist pincushion

www.birose.etsy.com

attackofthevintage belt

www.attackofthevintage.etsy.com

blazingneedles coasters

www.blazingneedles.etsy.com

claycenter earrings

www.claycenter.etsy.com

diane clancy

www.dianeclancy.etsy.com

gimmebeads earrings

www.gimmebeads.etsy.com

fehustoneware

www.fehustoneware.etsy.com

chauncey pendant

www.chauncey.etsy.com

“Fabulous!” exclaimed Sally. “Those Boomers never cease to amaze me with their talents.”

“Me, too,” I sighed. “Me, too! How about some more raspberry lemonade,” I asked.

“Can’t wait,” Sally replied. “And don’t forget that recipe!”

Raspberry Lemonade

3/4 cup fresh or frozen raspberries

9 cups water

2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 12 lemons)

2 cups sugar

Puree raspberries in blender, and strain liquid through fine sieve to remove seeds.

Put sugar into two cups of water, boil until sugar is dissolved (simple syrup). Cool mixture.

Put 7 cups water into a pitcher, add lemon juice, raspberry juice, and cooled simple syrup. Mix, pour into ice-filled glasses. Enjoy!

Friday, September 18, 2009

Tutorials ... Step-By-Step YourSelf To Exposure ...

...and have FUN at the same time.

Many of us are struggling to draw attention to our etsy shops. This challenge is only going to grow, not lessen. There are so many suggestions and ideas coming at us from dozens of sources. And, frankly, most are a waste of your time and energy. Why? Because they are unfounded grasps at solutions. The single most important truth you are not going to find in any list of tips is this: There's only so much you can control. And that's not much. Which explains why this topic is discussed endlessly.

Possibility is everywhere, but it's just that, a possibility. Find something you enjoy, something that challenges you, that makes you happy and share it. Think about what you like to find when you are searching through shops and blogs. Incorporate that into your life. You can't predict success, but you can have fun and inspire yourself. That's not a bad start.

I have been thinking about my etsy experience a lot these past 6 months. And I've discovered that most of the fun, for me, has disappeared. And I don't like that. And I don't want to give up my creative outlet. So I am focusing on doing what I enjoy. If no one else joins in, I'll still have learned and had fun. If others stop by, I'll feel even better because I followed my heart and have the added satisfaction that it was a good decision.

I enjoy blogging and reading blogs, especially blog tutorials and have posted a few semi-tutorials on my blog. I know tutorials are popular. So, for me, this is a good match. I can be challenged, learn a lot and spend my time and energy in a positive way. And have something interesting and useful to others. Maybe this appeals to you, too. Here is my first, detailed step-by-step tutorial. This is the exact post from my blog. Everyone has a different style, but the basic elements are here. My previous tutorials {not as detailed} are on recycled art projects. I am looking forward to writing a mix of recipe and eco friendly upcycled creation tutorials.

There is a tutorial blog called Totally Tutorials that accepts tutorials, which then link its readers back to your blog. But they must be step-by-step. The details on submission are on the blog. I submitted one and am told it is in the wings to be posted. It is also a great way to see samples of tutorials. So, if this sounds fun to you, try it and let us all know what happens. I hope you enjoy my tutorial and find this helpful.

Joon Appetit ~ Lemon Sour Cream Muffins ~ A Tutorial



* So easy & delicious you'll make them often *



* the usual suspects *
* round up these simple ingredients *


* In a medium bowl MIX thoroughly *

2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
2 tsps. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda

{and yes, in fact, these muffins do defy gravity}


* MELT: 1/2 cup unsalted butter *

PREHEAT OVEN: 350*

{I turn it on warm first. This is how I melt the butter.}


* In a bowl that makes you smile BEAT with a fork: 2 eggs *


* Nicely done *


* You can light up a room with a dollop *

ADD:
1 cup sour cream
1/4 cup + 2 TBSP. fresh lemon juice
lemon zest {to your taste}


* Lovely, isn't it? *


* MAKE A WELL in the center of your dry ingredients *


* ADD: The lemony mix & your melted butter *


* GENTLY STIR: Your butter & lemony mix about a little *
It's fun.
Really.

Alternatively
You can mix them together in your
bowl that makes you smile
prior to pouring into your floury well.

But I can't guarantee the fun level.


* LIGHTLY MIX: Your wet & dry ingredients together *
{Don't over mix now. Look at that fluffy batter.}

*LINE: 12-16 muffin cups with
your Wall*E paper liners *

OK. Use your plain pastels.
But it's not going to be the same
and I know you know that.



* How pretty are these muffins? *

* BAKE: about 18-20 minutes *


* You can add a lemon glaze if you like. *
{I did not here. But Evan did later.}

*** These freeze beautifully ***


Please come back and let me know how you liked these.
{and the tutorial}

until next time...

ox
joon