BBEST-Boomers and Beyond Etsy Street Team: necklaces

Monday, July 2, 2012

Just Some Thoughts for Red, White, and Blue

For three months in a row, I've been thinking red, white, and blue.

May - Memorial Day, when we honor servicemen and women who have given their lives in fighting to preserve the freedoms we enjoy and/or to help secure or protect freedom for others in the world.

June - the 14th is Flag Day. Can't you just picture Betsy Ross, sitting in that rocking chair, wearing her white bonnet, with needle and thread in hand, sewing the first American Flag?

July - the Fourth of July is when we celebrate our independence as a country. Once ruled by England, we became the United States of America on July 4, 1776. What a blessing that we now consider England our staunchest friend and ally.

All of these days are about freedom in one sense or another. We are thankful for the freedoms we enjoy - freedom to talk with one another, freedom to meet, freedom to attend (or not) the church of our choice, freedom to share the news through the press, freedom to select those who will govern our country, freedom to bear arms, and more. I am thankful to live in the United States where I could choose to study what I wanted and become a teacher, where I can now use other talents and abilities with which I have been blessed, to crochet, where I could become the mother of three children (or more if that had been my choice), where I can worship according to my beliefs, where I have a home on two acres of land, and can watch the deer (who ate my hostas, by the way), the wild turkeys with their little ones, birds, squirrels, rabbits, a coyote once in awhile, a fox family, the hummingbirds at the feeders. It would take much too long to list everything I associate with freedom.

But, in thinking about red, white, and blue, I often think of my friends and team members on the Boomers and Beyond Etsy Street Team (Bbest team) who represent several different countries throughout the world. I think of the varied talents, the creativity, and the friendships forged through our common desires to create and share what we make with the world. Please enjoy viewing these red, white, and blue artistic creations, and others as you visit their shops.

White ruffly scarf handmade by Blazing Needles.

Lovely blue lily painted by Paintings by Kate Ladd.

Patriotic iron on appliques from Rural Retreat Vintage

Red poppies by The Creators Palette

Red felted flowers by Yarrow 1

Blue Sapphire Pendant by Nonnie 60

Lily of the Valley Soy Candle by AJs Country Cottage

Patriotic Centerpiece by Bags and More by Pam

Lily of the Valley Photograph by Beth Peardon Prods

Small Flower Pendant by Zuda Gay

This stylish slouch hat is by Big Island Rose Designs.

What a lovely journal by Bookwraps.

Beautiful blue earrings by CC Valenzo.

Elegant earrings from Jills Treasure Chest.

Pretty pendant necklace from Dream Whimsy.

Fused glass business card holder by Chris1.

Felted bag by JN Originals.

Native American necklace in blues by J Stinson.

Fabulous feathery earrings from Meredith Bead 2.

I love the birds painted by Six Sisters Art.

What a cute crocheted dress by Stitches by Julie for Kids.

To see more shops from the Boomers and Beyond Street team, just type in bbest team in the slot next to handmade. You will love viewing hundreds of creations from these talented artisans.

'This post written by Pam Todd, whose Bags and More by Pam shop features hand-crocheted items for people, pets, and homes.

Monday, April 26, 2010

It’s a Party!

“Omigosh, Sally!” I exclaimed. “I’m so happy to see you!”

“How did you, Jill, and your Mom enjoy your trip? Sally asked.

“Omigosh,” I answered. “It was a whirlwind, but wonderful! Nothing like being able to celebrate our oldest granddaughter’s sixth birthday with her.”

“You’ve told me before,” replied Sally, “that her mother is extremely talented at creating special parties for Kayti.”

“Yes,” I smiled, “And this was no exception. Kayti loves music, peace signs, and girly things. So, the theme was Miss Kayti’s Rock and Roll Day Spa Birthday Party. The 17 girls got mini robes when they arrived, flip flops, and sat down in rows to first play Musical Toes.”

“Whatever is that?” asked Sally.

“The music begins, and each girl passes a bottle of nail polish to the girl next to her. When the music stops, each girl paints one of her toe nails. Needless to say, everyone’s toes were colorful and fun when the game was done!” I said.

“Well, what else did they do to top that?” Sally continued.

“They had canvas bags to decorate with their names using foamy stick on letters, and added other shapes such as musical notes, guitars, stars, and more. Then they each made a name bracelet with added colorful beads. And there were three stations: nails, makeup, and hair. With nails polished, they moved to the hair stations where they got brightly colored feathery pony tail holders and neon hair extensions clipped to their hair, and then to makeup for eye shadow, lipstick, and face painting – again with a rock and roll theme.”

“My goodness,” said Sally. “They must have been so excited!”

“Oh, it was so much fun, I can’t tell you!” I replied. “They ate a bit of lunch during the middle of the party time. Then they each had a picture taken holding a blue inflatable rock ‘n roll guitar. And to top it off, Kayti came up to me and said, ‘I just told my Mom we are going to have a fashion show!’ That wasn’t part of the original plan, but that was the last activity before singing happy birthday and eating cupcakes. The girls lined up (the party was in the clubhouse where they live) in an adjacent area, and came out one at a time, posed, and had another picture taken. All the parents had stayed, and so the girls had a great audience with lots of applause.”

“That sounds like so much fun,” Sally said. “And, also, that Kayti may be following in her mother’s footsteps with party ideas since she decided on the fashion show!”

“Oh, it was,” I smiled. “And no doubt she is because she is a very creative young lady, too. But, the best part was that Kayti whispered to her Mom shortly after the party began, ‘Thank you, Mom. This is the best party ever!”

“So, are things calming down for awhile for you now?” queried Sally.

“Not a chance,” I said. “This time of year our family has multiple birthdays to celebrate, plus Mother’s Day and Father’s Day! So, you and are I going shopping for some gift ideas……for kids, men, women, and pets and pet lovers!”

“Can’t wait,” smiled Sally. “I love shopping with the Boomers and Beyond Team and their wonderful creations!”

For the kids…..