Two-Word Tuesday

Passport Photo

We are traveling to Canada at the end of May to visit with my husband's family and I have to get my passport renewed.  While at Costco last night I had my photo taken for the new passport...and I'm not sure I will be let in to Canada or let back into the United States.  Oh dear, the photo is less than charming!  Oh well, I know the trip will be a blast and I guess that's all that really matters

Sunday Thoughts to Ponder

"Out beyond ideas of wrong doing and right doing there is a field.

I'll meet you there.

When the soul lies down in that grass,

the world is too full to talk about."

-Rumi

"You have to leave the city of your comfort

and go into the wilderness of your intuition.

What you'll discover will be wonderful.

What you'll discover is yourself."

-Alan Alda

Wordless Wednesday

Two-Word Tuesday

Spring Flowers

Spring in Kanas City is filled with beautiful flowers: daffodils, tulips, forsythia, pansies, magnolia, Bradford Pear Trees and the beautifully magnificent Red Bud Trees.

I love Red Bud Trees

My husband and I plant at least 50-75 new bulbs each fall and anxiously await the Spring profusion of blooms.  My favorite has to be daffodils.  Even on cloudy days, that burst of yellow always makes me smile and it seems like no matter how many I plant
I always want to plant more.  

I would fill the world with
Spring color if I could.










All of the pictures here are from my yard or
from the park area behind our home
where we have started scattering bulbs
and wild flower seeds.
So far no one seems to mind that
we are helping Mother Nature along
just a bit

The wild violets have been moved from house to house.
I have collected them from the trails I walk around Overland Park.
They are very happy under the cluster of trees at the back of
our lot(actually it's really part of the park).  I have pure white, purple,  blue purple, red purple and even a yellow one
 from my sister's garden.  I look for them
everywhere I walk, I usually carry a big spoon and baggies
with me just in case I have to transplant from one
natural area to another.....don't tell on me!

I can hardly believe that these pansies are re-blooming from last year.  They are on my
front porch in big pots.  Nothing else that was planted in the pots lived through the winter, but
these little guys made it and have decided to brighten some otherwise pretty shabby looking pots.
I don't wan to disturb them by planting anything else just yet.  Think I'll give them a few more weeks.

What are your favorite Spring Flowers?

Where Do I Begin (part one)

I Did It; I Admit It

I can't believe what I just did! I've been experimenting with design elements, fonts, colors, etc. on my blog, trying to get the look that fits where I am right now. At this point I think I'm ok, BUT I wanted to go over my page called Cat's Tale/A Bit About Helen, and as I was working away...I deleted it. Gone, kaput, no more, I have no draft, I didn't write on paper first. I'm an idiot, a numbskull; 

just a wee bit frustrated and angry with myself right now...

I think I will take old fashioned pen to paper and try to re-create what I had previously written. Hopefully it will be better, at least that's what I'm telling myself right now.

New Necklace for Debbie

 So, my post today is really about taking a pendant a friend gave me to design the necklace from which to hang it. The necklace and pendant were a gift from her children so she wants to keep it, but she does not like where the pendant hits her body, kind of an "awkward" place as she says. 

 So I have been gathering supplies, she pretty much gave me free reign...

("just don't spend $100" is pretty much all she said).

This is the pendant.

These are all the supplies I have gathered....

I've never had a challenge quite like this. Normally I would scour the jewelry isles at local craft stores, garage sale/thrift store items I have, trinkets I have collected, things people have given me because they know I design jewelry and are so generous to give me broken bits and pieces they have and I even repurpose old jewelry of my own, try different combinations until I'm happy with a finished piece. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. But good or bad, I never stop enjoying the process. So now my brain is in full gear (after some great new tea I discovered, Stash Chai White Tea)
and off I go to the kitchen table to create for Debbie.
Check back for the results....

Sunday Thoughts to Ponder

"I think everything is magic, if you just look at it that way..."

-Gobo, from Fraggle Rock

"So here hath been dawning

Another blue Day

Think wilt thou let it

Slip useless away?"

-Thomas Caryle

From My Favorite Blogs

Here's a great recipe from my friend, Chelsea.  I bet you will find even more great recipes on her blog.  ENJOY!

Monday, April 1, 2013.  

Oatmeal Butterscotch Brown Butter Bars

I did a horrible thing. About 30 minutes before my scheduled hair appointment last week I had to call and cancel. I think I've only done that seriously like twice in my life. I felt so bad, especially since I really like my stylist and she does an amazing job.

I've been working on a project at work that involves some deadlines. Unfortunately, I just ran out of time and could leave work early for my spa time. I was bummed.

I even made her cookies. They were my SIL's Oatmeal Scotchies that I shared with you awhile back. Luckily, MY co-workers happily ate the cookies so they didn't go to waste.

So over the weekend I had my make-up appointment and I couldn't go empty handed. I knew these butterscotch brown butter bars might help her forgive me for my poor planning. :)

These little bars are delicious! I think they taste like a butterscotch version of no-bake cookies. Yum.

Oatmeal Butterscotch Brown Butter Bars

Bars:
1 1/4 cups flour
2 cups oatmeal (quick cooking)
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup butterscotch chips (seperated)
16 tablespoons (2 sticks) unsalted butter
1 cup dark or light brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Glaze:
1/4 cup butterscotch chips
2 tablespoons dark or light brown sugar
1 TBSP water
Pinch of salt

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9 x 13 baking pan with aluminum foil so the foil hangs over the edge of the pan by a few inches. Lightly butter the foil and set pan aside.

In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, oats, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. Place 3/4 cup butterscotch chips in a separated medium bowl and set aside.

In a small saucepan, over medium heat, melt the butter and cook until golden brown in color, about 10 minutes. Turn off heat when it turns golden to prevent burning. Pour the hot butter over the butterscotch chips and whisk together until melted and smooth. Whisk in the brown sugar, vanilla, and then the egg until mixture is smooth and combined. Add in the flour mixture and stir to combine.

Pour the mix into the prepared pan and press down to evenly cover the pan. Sprinkle with rest of the butterscotch chips (about 1/4 cup) and press down into the batter.

Bake at 350 degrees for 15-17 minutes until light brown.

For the glaze, place butterscotch chips, brown sugar, water and salt in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave the mixture until melted and smooth; about 2 minutes taking out to stir a few times during the process. Use a fork or small whisk to fully combine.

After removing bars from the oven, drizzle the glaze over the warm bars. Allow bars to cool completely before using the foil 'handles' to lift the bars from the pan. Cut into squares and serve!

Source: Mel's Kitchen Cafe

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Wordless Wednesday

Zentangle Giraffe

Two-Word Tuesday

For Boston

A Moment of Silence,
A Plea to Stop the Insanity,
And a Prayer for the Innocent Who Have Paid a Price Much to Dear.

Where Do I Begin?

Social Media vs. Creative Time

I have yet to find a comfortable balance between the time I spend being social and the time I spend creating what I want to be social about.  Everything I make is made just by me, I'm not  part of a group, I don't have any helpers plus I have 40+-hour a week job outside my home and a family.  So I struggle daily with how much time I devote to blogging, tweeting, pinning, instagram and Facebook (I'm on Google+ but I haven't had time to figure out what that is yet)...and then there is the time I spend reading the blogs I follow.  

So when do I create?  If I don't have anything to promote, why spend the time trying to promote it and if I don't promote, why bother creating?

I know if I want to get anywhere making a brand/name for myself, I must promote, advertise, be social, get my "stuff" out there.  It's daunting and  I do wonder sometimes if I'm just chasing an elusive dream...

For as long as I can remember I have always been creative; and I have over the years dabbled in promotion and sales; craft fairs, home shows...so far word-of-mouth has been my best source of customers.  But, what do I do if I want more, want to be bigger, reach a larger audience, really make a difference in the number people talking about my work and ultimately of buying customers?

Today with all of the social media venues; and the relatively cheap cost of using them, the opportunities  are truly endless.  As I get further into social media I am learning how to make one "click" work in more than one  place at a time and that is a HUGH step - the 'ole work smarter not harder!

But even as I type this post, I can hear that stash of yarn over there calling me and the headbands that aren't finished (and are already sold!); and then there's the jewelry I'm fixing for a friend and the pendant that needs a necklace, and the hair bows, the shopping totes, the purses, the doll clothes.....I could go on and on and on.  Yes, I feel as tho I'm in a revolving door...so, where do I begin?

Any suggestions?

Sunday Thoughts to Ponder...

"Don't ask what the world needs.  Ask what makes

you come alive, and go do it.  Because what the world

needs is people who have come alive."

-Howard Thurman

"Life 

shrinks 

or

expands

in proportion to one's courage."

-Anais Nin

From My Favorite Blogs

I have found so many wonderful blogs that I thought I would share some of my favorites with you.  Below is a recent post from Joyful Scribblings.

West Bottoms of Kansas City

2013 APRIL 10

by dawn

Restoration Emporium

Restoration Emporium

The West Bottoms of Kansas City has become an antiquing mecca.  A few years ago my friend Alicia told me about a place called Good JuJu where you could buy refurbished furniture at great prices.  I immediately fell in love with Good JuJu and all of its unique treasures.  It can be a bit overwhelming at first especially since people are lined up outside the doors before it even opens.

I quickly discovered other antique stores that were opening up within walking distance fromGood JuJu like Bella Patina, Liberty Belle and Bottoms Up.   My friend Kristine told me about Restoration Emporium (RE) which is also in the West Bottoms.  I was able to check it out this past weekend and it has become my new favorite place.  The above photos are a few of the items they sell in their shop.  I love the old library card catalog and the rustic headboard with the lights attached to it would be adorable in a cowboy or cowgirl’s bedroom.

Restoration Emporium

I love this rustic wood table.  I took a picture of the tablescape because I want to recreate it for summer entertaining.  I love the simplicity of using potted plants, old books, mason jars and my current favorite thing, burlap.

I’m in awe of the creativity and love the repurposing of items found at the antique stores in the West Bottoms of Kansas City.   The downside is they are only open the first weekend of every month.  If you click on the names of the places I’ve featured it will take you to their website or facebook page for more information.  Happy Treasure Hunting!

In a past post I wrote about a store called Charm which used to be part of Bella Patina.  They have relocated to Martin City.  You can read about theme here.

Something New

For years I have used the same old crochet hooks and knitting needles, all metal or plastic, some of them the very needles or hooks my Mom and Grandmother had!  A few months ago I could not find my "G" crochet hook so I went to Jo Ann Fabric and Crafts  to get a new one.  And I discovered something new.  I saw these hooks with much wider handles and thought, 

hm-m-m that looks interesting.  

Well I got one, and now I have 3.

I can hardly believe what a difference it makes using this hook when I crochet.  

My grip is much more relaxed and my hand does not tire as quickly...and oh how my thumb used to hurt.  It will still hurt if I crochet for hours, but I get a lot more stitches in than I ever did using the narrow hooks.  I plan on replacing every hook I have with this much more ergonomic design.

Another thing I discovered is bamboo knitting needles.  They are extremely light which translates into more knitting before my hands tire, they are very smooth and the yarn glides nicely on and off the needle.  I have started replacing my knitting needles as well.

Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks!  I've certainly learned a few and plan on learning a few more before I'm done.

Take care...

Wordless Wednesday

BEAUTIFUL...

Two Word Tuesday

Mug Cozy

While I do not drink coffee, I do love a nice warm cut of tea.  I had never made any mug cozies until a friend told me she needed some for a Christmas present and would rather buy them from me than give her money to a stranger.  Well, naturally I could not refuse a request like that, now could I?  So, I pulled up Pinterest and Ravelry, found some really cute patterns (free by the way), went through my stash of yarn, picked out the right crochet hook and away I went!

I had just the right mug to use for display! Yes, I had to add a couple of my favorite crocheted flowers.

Doesn't look like much until you put it on the mug!

Thank goodness I collect buttons!

I love the buttons

Now that I found out just how many people love having a cozy for their mugs you can bet I've added it to my repertoire of hand made items to sell!  Hey I can recognize a good thing when I see it!

Where Do I Begin

Ok, I admit, I am not the neatest person in the world...in fact when it comes to my projects, I can be downright messy and out-of-control.  I need my own space, where I can dream and create at will, not worrying about how it looks, someplace that I can shut the door and keep the rest of the world from knowing my messy little secret.

Well, I do believe I  have found that space.  Our son's bedroom.  As many people growing up do, he has had a bit of trouble finding his path in life, so he has lived in this room off and on for several  years.  We all feel that he is on his way now with a lovely woman and her two children in his life, a home of their own, his own business and part time job and he is HAPPY.

I have learned a thing or two in this life and I know plans can be altered and life can change in a heartbeat; but, I feel that my little family is headed in the right direction and I can now claim this space as my own (always knowing it can be altered if necessary!).

Now, where do I begin?  The room is a hodgepodge of his stuff not yet moved/stored and things we (no, that would I) have put in there to get out of the way.

I promise the bed used to be made but  the dog has claimed it as his own!

See, Achilles was not happy I was in his space

We have found a new home for the bed (I really didn't want it to just go to the dump), which means Achilles will get his own special doggie bed under my work table...can't forget the doggie!  It is my hope that in a few weeks I will be able to display my sanctuary and will finally be able to crochet, knit, scrapbook, journal, sew, paint and just dream to my heart's content.

Sunday Thoughts to Ponder

"Leap, and the net will appear."

                                                                  -John Burroughs

"Only those who will risk going too far

can possibly find out how far one can go."

                                                                                                             -T.S. Eliot

Turn Up The Volume

Helen, do you have wax in your ears? Do you need a hearing aid?  

NO

This is just my way of saying, hooray it's the weekend...no alarm clock

Thanks the gods for the snooze button

...no dress for success, no meeting other people's deadlines, no time card!  Now it's time for me and all the things I like to do for myself.  I can do all the relaxing I want, all the crafting I want, spend time with my cat and my dog, spend time with myself.

SO FAR TODAY I HAVE PRACTICED A LITTLE YOGA

Trust me, my tree pose does not look like this

 WATCHED SOME

I love House Crashers and Love It or List It

CAUGHT UP ON

Sure wish I could dance like that

AND SUNG ALONG WITH

If only......

Most importantly, I have had some to enjoy my tea and 

get caught up on my favorite blogs.

It's been great.  

Wonder what I'll get into next.....