Sydney - the Yellow Labrador

Take a look at this lovely puppy. She just wouldn't sit for a portrait.

Quote of the Day

While watching the CBS Sunday Morning Show today, I heard Tom Petty respond to a question about how it feels to get older. Specifically, how it feels to be turning 60 next year. His response was, "If you're not getting older then you're dead."

Embrace your age whatever it may be and enjoy it. At least you're alive!

Broccoli

The local farmer's market is closed for the season. This was my last purchase; a stalk of broccoli. Take a look at the photo of the veggies on the left. Those were from the local farmer. Notice how much fuller and greener the broccoli is than the small version on the right? These were delicious boiled. No cheese or salt required. When you buy fresh, everything tastes better. There's no need to cover up the flavor of the food. It's healthier for you to eat local, fresh products and by doing so, you support the local economy. That's a wrap until next year Michigan Farmers.

Inexpensive Christmas Decoration

So easy. Take clippings from evergreens and place them in a glass vase. Fill 3/4 of the container with water. Place a layer of fresh cranberries in the vase. Voila! Christmas decorations on the frugal side.

Glitter Tattoo

This is a truly lovely tattoo. And probably the only kind I'll ever get since I am not fond of needles. You can't tell from the photo, but this floral design is on my wrist. It wraps around like a bracelet in shades of purple and green. The ladies responsible have a business called, "An Affair to Remember." They also do face-painting and henna tattoos for parties and gatherings. So cool! Did I mention that these creations last from three to seven days. Rubbing alcohol or extreme exfoliation removes the design from your skin.

Marta Earrings

Do you recall the song, "Simple Gifts"? It references a circle and how,"by turning, turning, we turn 'round right." Aaron Copeland used the melody for an intricate piece of music called, "Appalachian Spring" that reknown choreographer Martha Graham commissioned. Graham paid Copeland the sum of $500 to pen the music in the 1940's. She surely was a very shred business woman. A beautiful, timeless melody that is an American classic for less than a grand.

These earrings are a salute to Martha using a variation on her name: Marta. Much like how Copeland's music was a variation on traditional melodies. Very simple hook earrings comprised of silver that's twisted in a whirling circle reminiscent of the dance's movements.

How to Make Applesauce

My kindergarten teacher had the class make applesauce and I have made this dish ever since she showed us how it was done. Since I bought about 25 pounds of MacIntosh apples from the Farmer's Market last week, I have been making applesauce and freezing the results for later use.

Here's the process:

Wash and peel about 5-8 apples.

Slice apples into chunks, discarding the core.

Place sliced apples into a large cooking pot along with a half a cup of water.

Cook apples on medium to low flame. After about 5-10 minutes, use a potato masher to crush the apples. Continue mashing the apples until the mixture reaches a consistency you prefer. For a smoother texture, puree the apples.

Summer's Last Rose

Here it is, the last roses that are blooming in my yard. No idea the names of these beauties. To be honest, for the most part I ignore my roses and they respond with lovely flowers.

Edith Wharton Necklace

This bale consists of copper wire, seed pearls and amethyst glass teardrops. It reminds me of a by gone era. Something a woman in the early part of the last century would wear - like Edith Wharton. Although I have never read her books, the movies based on her novels give the impression her characters might have worn a necklace bale like this one. A unique piece that prompts conversation.

Interlude Necklace

The form of this necklace reminds me of a piano interlude. It's made from hammered copper, agate, and glass beads.

Mary's Earrings

These are fun and flirty earrings I made for my friend Mary. (Shhh, don't tell her...it's a secret)

Learning to Crochet

Been out of action for about a week with a nasty cold. During that time, I taught myself how to crochet. I am not certain I am doing the links/stitches, or whatever the technique is called, correctly. Looks more like knitting than the loops I usually see on finished products. Now that I am feeling better, I can view sample items from other crochet projects and compare.