DellaRae DeZines

Wednesday's Wings

2011-07-06T12:15:00.002-04:00

Have you ever had a time when you aren't creative? It has happened to me over the last few months. I couldn't even find time or energy to blog. I am out of school for the summer and am trying to do something good for myself so I have been swimming every morning. In the process I have seen some beautiful birds on the lake. I decided one way to get back started with my blog was to do a "Wednesday's Wings" post each week to show you some of the wonderful birds that live on my lake. I'm not a real bird watcher so I don't know all of their names, but I do like to look at birds. So if I get the names wrong feel free to correct me. This is a great blue heron. He lives close by and is always waiting for the fishermen to offer him a snack of fresh caught fish. He is not afraid to walk right up to them on the bank and wait patiently for a handout. He and other herons are often found near the shallow waters at the edge of lakes and beaches. He has the distinction of being the largest wading bird in Florida standing over four feet in height with a seventy inch wing span. Hopefully, watching the birds will put me in the mood to paint them.

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T01:30:00.005-05:00

Wishing you and yours a wonderful Christmas filled with friends, family and love.

The good little girls and boys are asleep in their beds dreaming of Christmas morning...the bad ones are tossing and turning....but all left cookies and milk for Santa with hope that he brings them everything on their Christmas list.

HO, HO, HO,.......Merry Christmas!

Celebrate 365

2010-12-17T12:05:00.006-05:00

This is "Chunky St. Nick" he is so excited to be included in the Christmas 2010 edition of Celebrate 365. I submitted three ornaments and Nick was chosen to share page 22 with his other Santa friends. By the way, I'm excited, too! You can find Nick for sale at my etsy shop.

Happy Halloween

2010-10-31T12:35:00.004-04:00

About a month ago I found this amazing site, http://stolloween.com/. On it were paper mache jack o lanterns of every size and shape, and they were fascinating to me. I wanted to make one, and the best thing was that all the directions were there. It took me a month to make this scary fellow because of the drying time, and he is a first attempt, but I love him. There are some rough edges and things I would change in the future, but all in all I like the way he turned out. If you like Halloween and paper mache, visit this site for some great inspiration and a very creative soul.

Since I am a crazy art teacher, I wanted to wear something that the kids would love to school on Friday. This is the spider hat I finished at midnight Thursday night, but it was a hit with my students. They are so excited when you wear something a little out of the ordinary and they ask so many question about how you created it. I think that it sparks a little creativity in them. I'm going trick or treating with my grandson tonight. We live in a small community and Halloween is a special time. We go on a hayride with all of our friends. The streets are filled with children in their costumes and the city has a haunted house and games. I trick or treated on these same streets as did my children and now their children.

Happy Halloween to you and yours and as the Raggedy Man would say, "the goblins will get you if you don't watch out"!

Miss Witch

2010-10-27T00:22:00.002-04:00

All dressed up and no place to go. Miss Witch is ready for her special night. Now if she could only find her broom. She's here to wish you a Spooktacular Halloween. Get ready, only five more days to go. Happy Haunting!

Ornies Find New Homes

2010-10-17T00:42:00.005-04:00

I'm home from the Florida Art Teachers Conference in Orlando tonight. What fun we had. I had some excellent classes and got so many new ideas for projects. My students are going to love them. Next year we travel to St. Petersburg. I'm looking forward to it already. Good fun, good friends, and wonderful memories.

I was fortunate to sell four of my ornies and a couple of Little Jack pins at the Artist Bazaar on Friday night. Scary Skellie who you met in my last post is gone as well as Batilla, and the Queen of Hearts, who I finished at the last minute and forgot to make their pictures.

This is "Frankie Baby". He's quite the handsome fellow and sure to steal the heart of any lovely lady in town, just as his was stolen....he's looking for his bride.

And I'd like you to meet "Millicent Monster" all dressed up for the Halloween Ball. I wonder if she found a date?

Cover your eyes and don't you peek

Larry wants to play Hide and Seek.

As you walk by he'll pull you in.

It's dark inside

Games over my friend!

And "Larry" of "Hide and Seek" is gone also. It is so rewarding when you sell your art to fellow artists. Their was so much talent exhibited at the bazaar you wonder why your art was chosen. I guess there other crazy artists out there that love a little spooky combined with a little whimsy. Whatever the reason I am so glad they chose my little guys and know that they now have wonderful new homes.

Halloween Ornies

2010-10-10T18:25:00.005-04:00

I am in the Halloween mood. I have done nothing but make ornaments for the past two days. It is about time. I have been in a creative slump. Hopefully I have climbed out of the blah hole and will continue to create. Below you will see the Purple People Eater ornament. If you are an Oldie Goldie you will appreciate the significance of this ornie. It's my interpretation of that old song we all remember from out youth.I usually don't create scary, but "Scary Skelly" came from somewhere deep inside me. I wouldn't want to meet him in a dark alley or anywhere else for that matter.

Lonesome Harry sure looks scary

when he crawls upon your plate

Don't be alarmed when he crawls on your arm

He's only looking for a date.

Now who wouldn't fall in love with Harry, with all those creepy eyes and that fuzzy stuff around them. You can find Harry and all his friend on my Etsy site....just in time for Halloween. I'll show you some more friends tomorrow!

Celebrating the season....I love Halloween!

Halloween Queens GiveAway

2010-09-20T00:02:00.010-04:00

If you love Halloween you need to hurry on over to the Halloween Queens give a way. http://artisticthalloweenqueens.blogspot.com/2010/09/queen-for-day-giveaway.html
They are giving 31 days of wonderful Halloween art. Everyday until that magical day you can win a spooktacular prize. You won't be disapointed when you see all the ghoulish offerings!

Home to London

2010-08-25T00:37:00.009-04:00

Lovely Selene is at home in England. Her trip took her to faraway places and she met many friends along the way. She began her journey in London where her creator Jasmoon Butterfly sent her across the ocean to Ayala Art in California. There she was painted and given her long flowing hair.

She traveled on the sunny Florida where Raedell of DellaRae Designs dressed her and gave her a moon lantern to guide her on her travels to find her lost love Endymion.

Tiny slippers adorned her feet so that she could dance night after night in the fairy glen.

Ribbon wings and a tulle and taffeta gown completed her outfit. Shimmering butterflies in honor of her creator danced across her gown. A beautiful journal accompanied Selene on her journey and recorded her adventures.

Selene longed to be in the place of her birth. I know that she is there now. She has descended the stairs to the fairy glen and has gazed upon her true love. He has been waiting there for her peaceful in sleep. I can see her now, gliding down the stairs through the mist, led by the flickering lights on the banks of the glen. Selene and her love are now togerher forever.

Selene -Team Muneca

2010-06-30T08:57:00.007-04:00

The Traveling Doll Project from ADO http://adotravelingdollproject.blogspot.com/ is rapidly coming to an end. Wonderfully creative dolls have traveled around the world in a collaborative group effort. The results are amazing from some exceptionally creative artists. Each doll travels with a journal created by their maker. The journals exhibit as many different styles as the dolls. Each member of the team adds to the journal as the story of the doll unfolds. If you have missed the journey of the dolls go back and follow them from the beginning.

Pictured above is just a hint of the lovely Selene whose creator is Tracey of http://jasmoonbutterfly.blogspot.com/ of London. Selene traveled to to the California home of Martha of Ayala Art http://ilove2paint.blogspot.com/ where she was given a beautiful serene face and long black hair and then to me to be dressed and accessorized. Selene has had a exciting trip delayed by volcanic ash and other tragedies along the way, but soon she and her amazing journal will return home to England.

ADO Alice in Wonderland Blog Event

2010-06-01T23:24:00.005-04:00

Come join the fun and create a character from Alice in Wonderland at the ADO 2nd Annual Blog Event. My online art doll group is sponsoring the event and everyone is invited to participate...accomplished art doll artists or first time doll makers. The only requirement to participate is that you must have a blog. So, if this sound like fun to you, please join us. Let your creativity shine like Cheshire Cat's smile. Don't be late...the signup begins today!

Lovely Luna

2010-05-16T20:48:00.006-04:00

It has been ages since I have been on my blog...computer problems and others to numerous to mention have kept me away. Hopefully all that has changed and I will begin to post again. During the time that I have been away a beautiful fairy came to me. Her name is Luna. Luna is part of the Traveling Doll Project with ADO. She came to me from Ayala Art in California, and this is how she arrived. I was to add to Luna then send her on to Jasmoon Butterfly in London. Luna stayed in Florida for awhile and then continued her journey. Her trip was delayed because of volcanic ash and we worried about her and anticipated her arrival in England. After over a month of travel time she arrived safety.

I had the choice of what to do with Luna. I decided not to dress her, but to add some accessories to enhance her story. I made the moon for Luna to sit and wish on from paper clay and added pearls to the base. While in Florida Luna found and oyster who shared his pearl and the pearls of many of this friends with her. I also used the pearls in her hair. I decided to make Luna's hair green because she had a greenish tint to her skin. I used several different shades of hand dyed mohair for her wild mane. This is how Luna looked when she left for England on the back of a dolphin.

Luna is in London now and soon she and her journal will be completed and she will go home to California. I can wait to see the complete transformation of this lovely creature. She will go back to the glen where the fairies dance, but she will always remember her time in Florida where the whisper of the waves as they touched the shore helped her find magic.

And the Winner Is.....

2010-02-15T14:02:00.003-05:00

The winners of "Love at First Sight" in the One World One Heart giveaway are:
Kathy and Carrie of http://calkatthejewelryjunkie.blogspot.com Thank you to all who visited my blog during this fun event. Hope to see you all here again next year!

Traveling Art Doll-Victoria- Team Muneca

2010-02-08T14:51:00.011-05:00

Victoria is on her way to London. She is part of the Art Dolls Only, Traveling Doll Project. Hand sculpted from polymer clay, Victoria has movable arms, big hands, big feet and a permanent look of surprise on her face. She was not what her mother, the darling and star of the circus, expected when she was born. Tiny Margaritte, tight rope walker and Jon, elephant trainer, had high hopes for their child. We know that she will be part of the circus family, but where will she end up , we do not know. The rest of Victoria's story will be told my Jasmoon Butterfly of London and Ayala Art in California. Victoria was sent to London a blank canvas. It is up to the other two artists to complete the doll and tell the rest of her story.

Along with Victoria is a journal that travels with her. I placed a picture frame on the cover so that her picture can change as she changes and a picture of the final doll can grace the cover at the end of her journey. The journal is made from brown paper bags covered with different scrapbook papers. I can't wait to see the changes that will happen to Victoria and to read about her travels in her journal.

I am eagerly awaiting the arrival of Luna from Ayala Art. She is traveling to Florida from California. Together we will dance in the moonlight.

Frog Prince Visits Kentucky

2010-02-03T22:32:00.006-05:00

The Frog Prince is getting ready to leave Florida and make a trip to Kentucky this weekend. He thinks he might need to pack some long johns to take with him.This froggy boy will end up in Liberty to top the cake of a very special boy for his first birthday. He hopes they will let him have some ice cream because he tired of eating flies.

This princely croaker is hand sculpted from polymer clay and painted with acrylic paint. He is approximately six inches tall and four inches wide. He wears a jeweled crown fit for a king.

He is excited about meeting his new family and knows he will be happy as long as they don't put him out in the snow.

Spreading Peace and Love-One World One Heart

2010-01-24T16:48:00.022-05:00

If you had told me a year ago that I would be participating in a blog event, I would have said you were crazy. A year ago I had never even read a blog much less created one. I started reading in February and in April I created DellaRae DeZines. It has been a fun nine months. I have made some wonderful friends through blogging and won some wonderful prizes from the many give a ways. And now I am a part of OWOH http://awhimsicalbohemian.typepad.com/a_whimsical_bohemian/one-world-one-heart.html my second blog event. There are lots of great prizes to be had and many wonderful people to meet so go and visit and let the fun begin. This past year has been an adventure that I hope continues for a long, long time.

So jump on the magic carpet and fly into my world.

I am an art teacher by trade and an artist at heart. I have been creating as long as I can remember. I love to paint, sculpt, read, and cook. When you come back to my blog in the future you will see many different things....paintings, art dolls, recipes and nature photography. I am participating in a Traveling Doll Project starting February 1st so you can travel along as our dolls progress.
I live on a lake in central Florida so I find different creatures every time I step outside. Some are old friends that return daily for a handout and others are just passing through. I am always looking for something new to learn. Right now I looking for a soap making class nearby. I started creating art dolls a year ago. And what a year that has been. I have met some incredibly talented doll makers on the internet and even sold a few dolls. My art dolls are all one of a kind and are usually described as whimsical. I would love for you to have one. SOOOOO........

Rub the genie's magic lamp and maybe you will be the winner of

"Love at First Sight".Can't you tell by that goofy look on his face that he has just met the girl of his dreams and his heart is pounding out of his chest. This little snowman is hand sculpted from polymer clay and painted with acrylic paints. He is approximately six inches tall. He has twisted wire arms ready to hug you. Fancy yarn adorns his hat and a yarn scarf completes his outfit. He is covered with a clear glass glitter. To win this little guy, just leave a comment below and a link or an email address where I can reach you should you be the winner. The winner will be chosen and announced on February 15th.

You can also have a chance to win another of my creations, "The Queen of Hopeful Hearts" if you visit the http://artdollsonly.blogspot.com/ . Several members of our group have donated a piece of their fabulous work to be given away. So by visiting you can look at some amazing art and maybe the genie will let you take one of them home.

The Queen of Hopeful Hearts

Her sad eyes tell the story

Of a love that went away.

A queen in all her glory,

Whose heart was broke today.

She'll tuck away sweet memories

And hold them deep inside

Forget about betrayal

Just remember how she tried

To keep him close beside her

The one who wouldn't stay

And hope that love will come again

And find her some sweet day.

Thank you so much for visiting my blog. Please come back again and again. I hope that you have found something here to brighten your day. I will leave you with one more thought....What have you done today to make the world a better place to live? It all starts with just one word, one smile, one act of kindness. Do it now, get out there and create some happiness....make the world a better place.

Willie's Words

2010-01-14T09:03:00.007-05:00

I wanted to share a picture I did of Willie Nelson several years ago. To look at this picture from a distance you would think it was a pencil drawing of Willie....but when you get up close you will find that is all the words to his songs that I could find at the time I drew it. I chose Willie as my subject because I liked his music and he had an interesting face with lots of character. I thought he was perfect for this style of art. If you stand back as far as ten feet you do not see the words at all and the pencil blends so it looks like a drawing.

People who see the picture often ask me how long it took to finish the picture, and my answer is I really don't know. I did the picture for an assignment for a class I was taking. You had to turn a picture into a piece of word art. I started the picture by sketching Willie lightly in pencil. Then I used different hard and soft lead pencils and colored pencils to get the effect I wanted. After the intitial drawing, I put the picture on a table and would work on it when I had time. Sometimes it would be for a few minutes and sometimes a few hours. At the time I didn't know how much I would like the picture when it was finished so I didn't calculate the time.

The picture is composed with Willie's name and the words to his songs. His name is repeated many times and some of the songs are repeated and some are used only one time. I used them where I thought they fit on the picture.

For example, "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain" had to go in his eyes. This is only picture I have done in this style and many have asked, "Has Willie seen it?" and my answer is ,"No." Someday maybe he will.

Gourd Queen Giveaway!

2010-01-09T09:24:00.004-05:00

The Gourd Queen is having a wonderful giveaway...you have a chance of winning this little Gourdy Snowman ( don't you just love his devilish little grin) if you visit her blog. You will see some amazing art there. Just click on this link http://thegourdqueen.blogspot.com/ and enter a place of magic!

Traveling Art Doll Project

2010-01-05T19:50:00.014-05:00

Today is the day we all begin to work on our dolls for the Art Dolls Only Traveling Doll Project. Starting today, and continuing through the year, the project will end in September. What is the TDP? It is a collaboration of artists, seven teams to be exact, all working individually on a group doll. Each doll will travel from artist to artist, ending up where she started, but with a completely different look when she returns home. Each artist will add their own personal touch to each doll. A journal will travel with the doll and her experiences and that of the artist will be recorded to tell her story.

The dolls in our group will travel from Florida, to California, and across the ocean to London. How exciting. I wish I could climb in the box with her and make the trip. Oh, the places she'll go.....

My very talented partners in this adventure are

Martha of http://ilove2paint.blogspot.com/ and

Tracey of http://jasmoonbutterfly.blogspot.com/

Please stop by and enjoy their beautiful work.

I am so excited to be working with them on this project. I know we will make some amazing dolls.

So......get ready for the first big send off on February 2. It should be a fun trip!

Happy New Year

2009-12-31T16:48:00.015-05:00

The New Year is just hours away...I hope that 2009 was a wonderful year for you and that 2010 will be even better. I'm wishing you the best from sunny Florida. When I went to the grocery store this afternoon it was 77 degrees. Wishing you were here? It's a little warm for me, it was cold enough to wear a sweater yesterday and I love winter clothes.

The grass is brown but the flowers in my yard are all in bloom. I picked a bouquet of roses and sunflowers today.

I rescued this orchid from Wal Mart for $2.00 on the "Oh my goodness I'm almost dead sale rack" last year and this is the beauty I got for my small investment. I had no idea what the bloom would look like when I purchased it...I am pleasantly surprised.

The ferns must think it is spring. They are sending up lucious lime green shoots.

The bouganvilla is so tall it is cascading over the tops of the orange trees. It won't be long before this fruit is ready to pick. I think I will try some in my ambrosia tomorrow.

The wildlife is out and searching for a winter meal. With watchful eye and quick reflexes this heron dove for many a minnow at the edge of the lake.

Mr. Squirrel Nutkin posed for his picture as he hid in the Bleeding Heart. This beautiful pink and red flower has crept through the grass for about fifteen feet and is covered with bloom.

Happy New Year to all my blogging friends. I wish you sunny days filled with love and happiness for the coming year.

Another fresh new year is here

Another year to live!

To banish worry, doubt, and fear.

To love and laugh and give.

This bright new year is given me
To live each day with zest...

To daily grow and try to be

My highest and my best!

I have the opportunity

Once more to right some wrongs.

To pray for peace and plant a tree,

And sing more joyful songs.

William Arthur Ward

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

2009-12-25T00:15:00.009-05:00

Christmas in here...all the hustle and bustle should be over now and we should be ready to relax and celebrate with our loved ones. I am hoping that you are with the ones you love this holiday season...and if they are far away this year, hold the memories of them close in your heart.

Wishing you Peace on Earth now and for the New Year.

Even though my girls are not here this Christmas they are still carrying on our family tradition of baking lots of Christmas cookies. Their mother, who is a excellent cook has taught them well.

I think they inherited a little of my artistic ability. Grammy thinks their cookies are beautiful.

Five Red Velvet Cakes. three Aunt Penni Pound Cakes and hundred of cookies later all the "sweets" are ready to be delivered to family and friends.

Bags of "White Christmas" line the buffet ready to go home with friends who stop by to visit.

Wishing You and Yours a wonderful Christmas filled with magic and love....May your Days be Merry and Bright...

Christmas Cinnamon Candy

2009-12-21T23:44:00.004-05:00

Don't think the little things you do when your children are small won't always be remembered. My grown son, the New Year's Baby for 1970 told me the other day that the thing he really wanted for Christmas was the Hard Cinnamon Candy I always made when he was little. I started to laugh because a friend had just told me the day before that her son said he wished he could have some of the candy I always made at Christmas. I hadn't made any in years, but who could not honor those requests. It wasn't as easy as I thought it would be. I couldn't find any cinnamon oil. I always bought it at the drug store years ago, but they don't have it anymore. I finally found it at the Village Kitchen Shop in Lake Wales. I had forgotten how wonderful the house smelled after making the candy, and how the hot taste exploded in your mouth. Start a new tradition with your children this year, whether it be cinnamon candy or some other special thing that they will always remember.

Hard Cinnamon Candy

Mix and bring to a boil:

3 1/4 cups sugar

1 1/2 cups white corn syrup

1 cup water

2 teaspoons cinnamon oil

red food coloring

Add all ingredients to a heavy sauce pan and place on burner. Turn on high. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon. As soon as the mixture starts to boil, put in your candy thermometer. Do not stir anymore. When the thermometer registers in the middle of " hard Crack" 300 degrees, immediately remove from heat, take out the thermometer and add 2 teaspoons of cinnamon oil and the red food coloring and stir well. This must be done quickly. Pour onto a 12 x 12 piece of foil with the sides turned up and sprinkled with powdered sugar or a large cookie sheet or rectangular cake pan lined with foil. When cooled and hard, crack up and shake in a bag of powdered sugar. Store in an air tight container. Be careful when adding the cinnamon oil as vapors can burn your eyes and nose. After completely cooled crack into chunks with the back of a spoon. Put into two large baggies with powdered sugar and crack into smaller pieces. This recipe can be used for peppermint or any other type hard candy. I usually made red cinnamon and green peppermint or spearmint at Christmas. Enjoy!

Fruitcake Cupcakes

2009-12-20T11:23:00.008-05:00

Even though I only make it once a year, I love fruitcake....or I should say I love Mrs. Harvey's White Fruitcake. It's a little work and you get sticky fingers, but it is well worth the results when you get that wonderful aroma throughout your house while it is baking and when you take your first bite. Until two years ago, I always baked my fruitcake the normal way in a tube pan. Then my friend Jan K. said she baked hers in muffin tins. I tried it that year and that is how I do it now. There are pros and cons to baking it this way. You don't get that beautiful big cake to display on your holiday goodie buffet. Other than that, I think the cupcakes are the way to go. One fruit cake cupcake is just the right size for one serving of cake. They are easily frozen if any are left over and they are wonderful in February with a cup of coffee when there aren't as many sweets around. I also takes half the time to bake them. If you want a really good fruit cake give this one a try. I have been baking it for forty years, always with excellent results. It is just part of my family's Christmas traditions. Mrs. Harvey's White Fruit Cake

5 large eggs
1/2 pound butter
1 cup sugar
1 3/4 cups flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
3/4 pound candied cherries
1 pound candied pineapple
4 cups pecans
1/2 ounce vanilla
1/2 ounce lemon extract
Chop nuts and fruits into medium sized pieces;dredge with 1/4 cup of the flour.
Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add well beaten eggs and blend well. Sift remaining flour and baking powder together; fold into egg and butter mixture. Add vanilla and lemon extracts. Mix well then add fruits and nuts. Blend well. Grease a 10 inch tube pan. Line the bottom with waxed paper then grease again. Pour/spoon batter into prepared pan. Place in a cold oven and bake at 250 degrees for 3 hours. Cool on cake rack. Makes a five pound cake.

Or bake in muffin tins lined with cupcake liners. Spoon batter just to the top. Bake for 1 1/2 hours. Makes approximately 28 fruit cake cupcakes.

2009-12-17T09:23:00.009-05:00

Even though I have been baking for as long as I can remember, I have never made Biscotti until last night. It was really easy to make and the smell was heavenly. When you walked in the door the scent made you feel warm and snuggly inside. I tried two different kinds and I liked them both. Old Santa is ready to serve and eat these ......... Chocolate Walnut Brownie Biscotti

1/3 cup butter, softened
2/3 cup white sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup chopped walnuts

Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease baking sheets, or line with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. Combine the flour, cocoa and baking powder; stir into the creamed mixture until well blended. Dough will be stiff, so mix in the last bit by hand. Mix in the chocolate chips and walnuts.
Divide dough into two equal parts. Shape into 9x2x1 inch loaves. Place onto baking sheet 4 inches apart.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes in the preheated oven, or until firm. Cool on baking sheet for 30 minutes.
Using a serrated knife, slice the loaves diagonally into 1 inch slices. Return the slices to the baking sheet, placing them on their sides. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes on each side, or until dry. Cool completely and store in an airtight container.

These are really good, too. I got this recipe from Giada on the Food Network site. The friend I was making them for preferred walnuts to pistachio nut so I substituted with the walnuts.

Holiday Biscotti

Recipe courtesy Giada De Laurentiis
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
3/4 cup pistachios, coarsely chopped
2/3 cup dried cranberries
12 ounces good-quality white chocolate, chopped
Red and green sugar crystals, for garnish
Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Line a heavy large baking sheet with parchment paper. Whisk the flour and baking powder in a medium bowl to blend. Using an electric mixer, beat the sugar, butter, lemon zest, and salt in a large bowl to blend. Beat in the eggs 1 at a time. Add the flour mixture and beat just until blended. Stir in the pistachios and cranberries.

Form the dough into a 13-inch long, 3-inch wide log on the prepared baking sheet. Bake until light golden, about 40 minutes. Cool for 30 minutes.

Place the log on the cutting board. Using a sharp serrated knife, cut the log on a diagonal into 1/2 to 3/4-inch-thick slices. Arrange the biscotti, cut side down, on the baking sheet. Bake the biscotti until they are pale golden, about 15 minutes. Transfer the biscotti to a rack and cool completely.

Stir the chocolate in a bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water until the chocolate melts. Dip half of the biscotti into the melted chocolate. Gently shake off the excess chocolate. Place the biscotti on the baking sheet for the chocolate to set. Sprinkle with the sugar crystals. Refrigerate until the chocolate is firm, about 35 minutes.

The biscotti can be made ahead. Store them in an airtight container up to 4 days, or wrap them in foil and freeze in resealable plastic bags up to 3 weeks.

Christmas with Friends

2009-12-14T13:49:00.010-05:00

I grew up in a small town and still live there today. Oh, I have traveled and lived in different places, even as far away as Morocco many years ago, but my heart was always ready to come home. There is something to say about small town living....your family and friends are here. New people come and go, but there is a core group that you have known forever. They are the ones that you grew up with. They share your history, your laughter, your sorrows, and your secrets. (Thank goodness your know theirs, too!) Each year this group of friends gather together for a Christmas Breakfast. Most of us still live here all the time, and others travel home to attend. The group varies in size from year to year, and if you can't attend you send in pictures and words that you want others to share for you. Our breakfast was last Saturday. Twenty-six of us celebrated another year in our lives. We told of births, and death, and all the wonderful and not so wonderful things that the last year had brought to us. There was laughter and tears, and hope for the coming year.

When we get together it is like a soap opera. Twenty-six southern ladies with twenty-six tales to tell....and, there are some crazy things told. The winner this year told us that she was engaged to her ex husband, I think they have been divorced for about twenty years, but they have always remained friends. The wedding is planned for June....Awww...a June Bride for the second time. She is not one of the three above, that's me and my best friends from childhood. The one one the far right said we needed to get a good close up of her so that when she died we would have the picture to look at so we could get her makeup just right. God forbid she not look like the queen, (that's her grandma name, "Queenie" )when she's gone. You should have been around when she was trying to teach her granddaughter to say Queenie. It was say. cu, cu, cu, queeenie. I tried to get her to call her NeeNaw and if I offered her a "prize" she would call her that for awhile.

Breakfast was served buffet style and everything was wonderful. Breakfast casserole, sausage gravy and biscuits, grits casserole, fresh fruit, pastries, biscuits, homemade jam, coffee and mimosias. Now doesn't that sound like what they would have served at Tara? Sharon, the lady standing, was the hostess. Her lovely home was decorated from top to bottom and should have been on a tour of homes. China, silver, and crystal covered the tables...this was not a paper plate affair.

Though the dress was casual, the surroundings were elegant. The food was wonderful and love and laughter filled the room. In this fast paced world it is so good to come together and visit with old friends. For those of you who were not able to come this year, we all wish you a New Year filled with happiness and love. We will look forward to seeing you next December if not sooner.

One bragging Grandma...no, no, no..., not Grandma, she's going to be called "Honey" didn't bring pictures. She went across the street and brought back her best Christmas present this year. Isn't she beautiful. Just another little lady who will someday carry on the tradition of Christmas Breakfast with her friends.

Whoever you are and wherever you are...make contact with those you love this holiday season. Time slips away too fast. Share the memories, laughter and your love with your friends and family. Make new traditions and continue to honor the old. Don't have regrets for things you wished you would have done. Hoping you have a wonderful Christmas....go home for Christmas if you can, if not, travel there in your heart.

Cousin Annabelle

2009-12-11T14:06:00.006-05:00

Meet Cousin Annabelle, the newest addition to the "SnowBelles" family. She's dressed in pink and black, which are very special colors for us Southern girls. They just make our cheeks look rosy. Annabelle can brighten up any Christmas tree with her happy face. She has antique buttons on her sparkly winter suit and carries a candy cane as a peace offering to make up for the devilish things she said to Gracie Anne last night. Gracie is still mad and wouldn't let us take her picture. Maybe after a relaxing weekend at the spa she will feel more photogenic. Look for more of these "Sistahs" to show up on my etsy site soon.

2009-12-09T15:15:00.007-05:00

I play Bunco once a month with a group of friends. The majority of the group are Florida Gator fans. There is only one Florida State Seminole in the group. We had our Bunco group Christmas party last night. Along with the festivies we alway have an ornament exchange. The one Seminole got her revenge last night with this very creative ornament that was at the top of her gift bag. You had to open this before you got your real ornament. She went to the laundry mat and bought a small box of tide. Then she covered a toilet tissue roll with crimson ribbon and glued it to the top of the tide box. She then added the year. She said she wanted to put the score and add some tissue coming out of the roll for crying, but she was afraid to push it that far. So her very creative ornament brought back terrible memories......Roll Tide!

I thought I was the only artist in the group. I guess I was wrong. Speaking of art, I am the only one who makes her ornament every year. If you know anything about Bunco, you know that it is a dice game.....so I used dice for the pompom on Santa's hat and on the hanger. He is a jolly old fellow. I think won the pot last night!

Here is the first Bunco ornament I made. It was my exchange ornament last year. I had not made a picture of it. Lucky for me the hostess last night had last years ornament. It is entitled, Let the Fat Man Roll. You can't see it very well, but he is holding a gold dice in his hand.

We all had a great time last night. There was lots of good food, good friends, and many happy memories made. Oh yes, other than the trashy tide ornament a lot of beautiful ornaments were exchanged.

Lemon Cheese Yule Logs

2009-12-07T00:28:00.022-05:00

Christmas is a time for wonderful memories. It is a time for love and hope. A time for family and a time for baking cookies. Christmas cookie making is a traditon in our family. I did it with my mother, my daughter and my grandchildren. We started long before Christmas and spent many happy hours in the kitchen making those delicious morsels to share with our friends. We tried many different kinds and always baked old favorites, but Lemon Cheese Yule Logs were my children's favorite and the only one that was good enough to serve to Santa on Christmas Eve.It was the one that always had the place of honor at many a Christmas Tea Party. It was Dollies favorite , too. She would share those cookies with the little girl who loved her. The one who loved her so much she kept her for fifty-five years. Then she shared them with the dolls of daughters and granddaughters.

Lemon Cheese Yule Logs graced many a table at festive parties at home. They went to school for Christmas parties and filled many Christmas tins and cookie trays.

The sound of laughter would always fill the kitchen at cookie baking time. Friends would come over and share in the fun. The smell of dozens and dozens of cookies baking filled the house with a wonderful aroma that could not be matched. Copper cookie cutters made wonderful shapes to be iced and decorated with silver balls and sprinkles galore.

Cookie baking is fun anytime you do it, but it is special at Christmas. During the year you will bake a batch of cookies, but at Christmas cookies overflow the buffet, the countertops and the diningroom table. Loved ones and friends come together to share in the fun. They are there for the joy of baking, but most of all to create memories that will last a life time. They are there for a tradition that will be pasted from one generation to they next. They are there for the enticing smell of cookies in the oven and the taste of that first warm cookie as it comes from the stove. Most of all they are there for the love they share with the other bakers and the love of cookies.

We now share Santa's Favorite Cookie and our favorite Christmas Cookie with you...please take this recipe and start a tradition with your children. Add it to your list....I hope it becomes your favorite cookie. too.

Santa's Favorite Cookie - Lemon Cheese Yule Logs

1 cup sugar

1 cup butter, softened

1 3 ounce Cream Cheese, softened

1 egg yolk

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup finely chopped pecans

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon grated lemon rind

1 6 ounce package semisweet chocolate morsels

Decorator Candies

Combine sugar, butter: and cream cheese: cream until light and fluffy. Add egg yolk, beating well. Stir in flour, pecans, salt, and lemon rind. Mix well. Cover and chill at least 2 hours. Shape dough by tablespoons into w-inch logs by rolling between palms of hands. Place cookies on ungreased baking sheets, and bake at 325 degrees for 12 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool completely on wire racks.

Melt chocolate morsels in a small saucepan over low heat or in a small bowl in the microwave. Dip one end of each log in melted chocolate, and sprinkle with decorator candiesl Let stand on wire racks until chocolate sets. Store between layers or waxed paperin an air-tight container. Cookies may be frozen. Makes about 7 dozen.

ADO Ornament Swap

2009-12-07T00:12:00.003-05:00

How lucky can a girl be? I received this wonderful ornament for Leslei Ann Young in the ADO Ornament Swap. Isn't she typical of every woman at Christmas...playing Santa Claus, running from here to there trying to take care of everything that should have been done yesterday, or the day before, but there were twelve other things that came up inbetween....decorating the house, presents to buy, and cookies to bake. I just love her Santa suit and the zany expression on her face. She will have a place of honor on my tree for years to come. This was a fun swap...I'm ready to do another one.

Fresh Baked Bread

2009-12-03T09:15:00.003-05:00

Remember when you were a kid and the lunchroom ladies baked fresh bread everyday? You could smell it all over the school. I liked mine with butter and a big dollop of peanut butter. My art room is in the same building as the lunchroom. In fact, the children eat right outside my door. So I get to smell fresh baked bread every day. It smelled and looked so good today, I couldn't resist taking a picture. See that corner where there are two missing...they sure were good with peanut butter this morning.

Michaels Photo Entry - Miz Luci

2009-12-02T20:40:00.002-05:00

I have entered my snow lady "Miz Luci" in the Michael's Handmade Holidays Contest. Please follow this link and go and vote for her. Just click on how many snowmen you would like for her to receive under her picture. The more votes she gets, the better my chances of winning. You can see "Miz Luci" in my post from two day ago. All you talented artists who read this blog should enter. too. What can it hurt? Hope you'll help me out. Thanks so much!

Michaels Photo Entry - Miz Luci

Posted using ShareThis

PFATT GIVEAWAY

2009-12-02T00:40:00.002-05:00

This just one of the wonderful prizes at the PFATT Giveaway. There are thirteen more that you have a chance to win. So hop on over to the PFATT sister's blog http://pfatt.blogspot.com and sign up to win.

Miz Luci

2009-12-01T14:16:00.003-05:00

Miz Luci is ready for holiday cheer. She is an original ornament made for the ADO Ornament Swap and is on her way to her new home today. Made of polymer clay, Miz Lucie has tacks for her eyes and mouth and is dressed in the latest fashion colors. Her scarf is hand tied from eyelash yarns. Her fluffy feather hat will keep her warm through the long winter days to come. Miz Lucie is leaving sunny Florida and traveling to California. Let’s hope she doesn’t melt along the way.

Gator Santa in the Swamp!

2009-11-28T13:30:00.004-05:00

In honor of Christmas and the big game today, I give you "Swamp Santa".

"Swamp Santa" is an orginal one of a kind art doll created from polymer clay. The gator is approximately fourteen inches long. Santa rides on his back into the "Swamp" ready to bring a big win for the Gators today.

No red nosed reindeer to pull the sleigh

We have Tim Tebow to lead the way

Santa's riding in the "Swamp" tonight

On an old Bull Gator so hang on tight

And just to make it worth the trip

He brought the 2008 Championship!

You can find "Swamp Santa" on my Etsy shop!

Go Gators!

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-25T14:47:00.001-05:00

Blessed are those who give without remembering and those who receive without forgetting.

Wishing you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving filled with love and wonderful memories shared with family and friends.

Ornie Give A Way

2009-11-20T23:32:00.004-05:00

Sign up for the fabulous ornie give a way at http://becausewebelieve-art.blogspot.com/ You will love looking at the great ornaments from a group of talented artists and hopefully we will both win one. Just in time for the holidays....the season of love and giving.

Mr. Crow

2009-11-15T00:03:00.006-05:00

Mr. Crow flew in from Pennsylvania today and landed in sunny Florida. I bet he didn't expect to find a pumpkin patch here. Mr. Crow is the wonderfully creative art doll I received from Michelle of http://thestudioatcrowhavenfarm.blogspot.com/ in the Monsters in the Closet Swap sponsored by Zan of http://wildatheartart.blogspot.com/. Mr. Crow is dressed appropriately for the season in his wool plaid pants and his dashing scarf. When I found the package on my front porch this morning I couldn't
wait to open it and discover the treasure inside. I have been a long time admirer of Michelle's work, and am honored to own a piece of her art. I'm a kid at heart and I wanted to undress Mr. Crow to see how he was put together. He has a soft body and is bendable. I would like to find instructions on making this kind of doll. Right now, Mr. Crow is sitting in the pumpkin patch soaking up the air conditioning, a far sight from the cold he left behind. I hope likes his new home. I sure am glad he's here.

Frankie Baby

2009-11-11T23:49:00.005-05:00

I know that Halloween is over, but I love Halloween all year long and I didn't get "Frankie" finished in time for his special day. So here he is...introducing "Frankie Baby". I've really enjoyed making Halloween ornaments this year. I just don't seem to have enough time to make everything that is in my head. Speaking of heads, Frankies is held on with old keys. He's quite the handsome dude, don't you think? I guess I should really start to concentrate on Christmas. My Bunco group has an ornament exchange each year and I need to get that started. I'm the only artsy person in the group so I make my ornament. Last year I made a Santa sitting on some dice. I haven't decided what to do this year, but I think I might make a roly poly Santa. I have only seven days until I'm out of school for our Thanksgiving break. Maybe I can have more time to be creative then.

Gator Bride and Groom

2009-11-10T00:12:00.003-05:00

This Gator Bride and Gator Groom

Are ready for their honeymoon.

They've tied the knot

Sworn to be true

And always wear Orange and Blue.

I can't remember when I wasn't a Gator fan. I can still see my mother getting ready to go to the games when I was a little girl. She would always wear a suit and be dressed to the nines. Times sure have changed. When you visit the "Swamp" today all you see are jeans, shorts, and a sea of orange and blue. I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate my Gator heritage than to make some Gator dolls. These are the latest addition to my Etsy shop. This Gator bride and groom are cake toppers. They were a lot of fun to make. The first pair I made were more whimsical. I wanted these to be more realistic. I think they will be perfect for that couple who are Gator fans, too.

Old Bones- Monster in the Closet

2009-11-07T23:10:00.005-05:00

The monsters are on parade at http://wildatheartart.blogspot.com. There are scary ones, and cute ones, and some under the bed. Please go over and visit Zan as she presents the "Monsters in the Closet" parade.

Quiet! What's that rustling I hear?

I pull up the covers and cringe in fear.

From the deepest shadows there comes a sound.

Like something crawling along the ground.

Slithering, whispering, sighs, and moans

And the clattering sound of creaky old bones.

Deep in the closet, my worst nightmare

With grinning teeth and patchy hair.

Watching and waiting til the lights go out.

He's in there now, I have no doubt.

For this fun swap, you were to create the monster that lived in the closet that set you nerves on edge. This is "Old Bones". He is quite the scary fellow and I wouldn't want him rustling around among my shoes and clothes. He is created from polymer clay, bead bones and marble eyes. He sits on a painted wooden block, and is draped with tattered cheese cloth. This horror holds his own head, and I'm afraid he might want yours or mine.

Wanderings

2009-10-17T19:59:00.003-04:00

I just got home from the Florida Art Educators conference in Orlando this afternoon. I had a great time and went to some really wonderful, informative workshops. I can wait to bring back some of these lesson to my kids. The convention was at the Florida Hotel at the Florida Mall so inbetween classes there was lots of shopping going on. Not only did I buy things for me, I got some super deals on art supplies for my classroom. On Thursday night they had an artist bazaar where you could set up a booth and sell your wares. Meet "Bad Kitty", he was gone soon after I put him on the table, along with "Otis Ogre" and some of my "Little Jacks". I wish had made more ornaments. There was not problem selling them.

I didn't take Beatrice along for the trip. I left her at home to watch over my house while I was gone. Beatrice was made for the Halloween Mini Monthly challenge at Art Dolls Only. She has a paper mache body and polymer clay head and arms. Her dress is dyed gauze. Her purple hair is wool roving. Beatrice is a wandering witch, always on the search for new spells to cast. She follows the moon on her adventures.

I haven't been good at posting lately as I am sure you have noticed. I have been really busy at school. I have finally met three important deadlines there and hope to get back to creating my dolls and being more faithful here. Let's hope it works!

Black Cats in Halloween Hats

2009-10-03T00:42:00.004-04:00

Be sure to visit http://darklingwoods.blogspot.com/ for a Halloween give a way of "Soot" painted on a paper mache box. Hurry, hurry...the winner will be chosen on October 10.

Thirty Days and Counting

2009-10-01T01:45:00.005-04:00

I am in the holiday spirit. I can't stop making those crazy thing for Halloween, my favorite holiday. I have always loved to dress up and to make costumes. Today I made two Halloween paintings. Jack and Jill O Lantern and Mr. Skelly. I have a friend who works for a palette company and she brought me a stack of end pieces from the wood they use to make the palettes so I am recycling also. Both of the paintings measure 12 x 16. I added a little glitter and some rhinestones to give them a little sparkle when the light hits them. I think that first nip of cool air this morning really got me in the spirit. I can't wait for the weekend when all the creepy little critters and wonderful witches invade my house for the Halloween season.

Otis Ogre

2009-09-26T23:39:00.004-04:00

Otis Ogre mean and green
Roams the streets on Halloween
Scaring little girls and boys
Making a frightful, dreadful noise.
Stealing candy from their bags
Dancing with the witchy hags
Up and down the windy streets
Laughing, roaring
Trick or Treat

Otis Ogre is ready to hang on your Halloween tree. He is a funny scary little fellow and was fun to make. He is four by three and a half inches tall and five and a half inches when you include the hanger. Otis is the first in a series of my Halloween ornaments.

Introducing "Henri"

2009-09-21T20:35:00.004-04:00

Henri is finally finished. He is my challenge piece for the ADO Mini Monthly Challenge. I am not a big fan of clowns, but I like Henri. He has a sweet, happy face, not at all like the last creepy clown I created. Henri was fun to make. He is nine inches tall and six inches wide, hand sculpted from polymer clay. His movable arms are attached with old buttons. He wears a beaded felt vest and an old lace ruffle around his neck. Henri would be considered a white face clown.

I have not made many dolls since I have been working on my house this summer. I finally got my artroom cleared out this weekend and hope to get to work real soon. It's time for ghosties, goblins, and things that go bump in the night.

Little Jacks

2009-09-19T19:37:00.002-04:00

I felt the first nip of fall in the air last night. It was wonderful. I love winter clothes even though I don't like the cold that much. That nip in the air makes me start thinking of my favorite time of year and of course Halloween. I have loved Halloween since I was a child and it is still my favorite holiday. I can't wait to start pulling out the decorations and burning spicy candles. I have already sent the Halloween costumes to my girls in Kentucky. I have made their costumes since they were babies. My grandson hasn't told me what he wants to be yet. He always finds something he wants me to buy, like Star Wars, so he is not as hard to please, and not half as much fun, when it comes to creating the costumes. I love witches and my house is full of them from the first October weekend until that spooky time of year is over. I am working on two Halloween dolls at the present time. One for the ADO quarterly challenge and one for Zan Asha's swap. My clown is just about finished, but in the mean time I made these crazy little pins. I call them "Little Jacks". They are made from polymer clay, paint, shells, beads, and Swarovski Crystals. They were fun to make. Which personality are you....crazy, jolly, or grumpy. I fit all of those catagories from time to time. I'm still working on my house. I decided to plaster the walls in my family room. I'm using a technique I saw on "Color Splash". They are really looking good but it has been a long time consuming process. I know I will love the end result, but right now I want to just finish. Maybe I'll go light one of those candle tonight and forget about walls until tomorrow.

ADO Monthly Challenge- Clowns

2009-09-10T21:36:00.003-04:00

This is my work in progress for the ADO monthly challenge. He is nothing like the first clown that I made. He doesn't look as evil as that one. You can see him as he was chosen to make one of the badges advertising this challenge. I have never been a big fan of clowns. They always were a little scary and creepy to me. I hope this one turns out to be happy...he does have a goofy expression on his face. I haven't named him yet. The name usually comes to me when he is near completion. I wonder if he needs balloons?

2009-09-05T23:13:00.005-04:00

I know that you won't believe this...but it's true. I was getting ready to go somewhere a few days ago and was in the bathroom putting on my makeup. All of a sudden I heard this splashing and gurgling coming from the toilet. I didn't know what to think so I cautiously walked over to have a peek. All of a sudden from the hole in the toilet out plopped and huge frog. Now I know I was freaking out and you don't think it was that big, but it was. The first thing I did was scream and then I shut the lid. Next, I wondered what I was going to do. I didn't want to flush it back down as I was sure it would come up again at an inopportune time, if you know what I mean. I called my friend whose husband is a plumber and she laughed and told me she wasn't sending someone out for a frog. She said, "Just catch it." She hadn't seen it. It was bigger than my hand. Finally I decided I had to do something. I went to the kitchen and got a quart sized Stonyfield Farm yogurt container. I carefully opened the lid and yes, she was still there. I slipped the trap over the frog, Oh my goodness, she was so big her legs were hanging out. Slapping the lid on as good as I could I rushed outside and let her go. Since then I have found out that she was probably a Cuban Treefrog, and probably a female since they grow to be as big as six inches long. I wonder how long she had been down there? I know this sounds crazy, but I had heard croaking for weeks echoing from the toilet. I knew it was a frog, but I though they must be under the house, maybe near a pipe. I read that they get in the toilet through the vent pipe on the roof. I have also found out that she is not a welcome visitor in Florida. One other very important thing I have learned is to turn on the light and check the toilet when you get up in the middle of the night.

Monsters in the Closet Swap

2009-08-31T00:30:00.005-04:00

Do you remember when the lights went off at night and you were all alone? The slightest creak or a gust of wind would conjour up dreadful imagines. Are you still afraid to let your hand hang off the bed at night? What is lurking in the shadows in the darkest corner of the room? Use your imagination and bring to life the monster that haunted your childhood. Join Zan of http://wildatheartart.blogspot.com/ with her "Monsters in the Closet Swap". Who will have the creepiest creature to haunt your dreams now?

Finally!

2009-08-24T21:40:00.002-04:00

The tile is layed, the furniture move back in and the curtains are hung. I started back to school today to teach art to 480 bright, smiling faces. Maybe now I can concentrate on making my own art and writing my blog again. Hopefully something exciting will happen this week. Look to hear from me soon!

Crazy

2009-08-10T18:33:00.003-04:00

I have not fallen off the face of the earth. I don't even have a picture to post. I have been doing a little remodeling and my house looks like a bomb hit it. You don't know how much "junque" you have until you need to move it. I have replaced the rest of my floors with tile and of course when you do one thing it leads to another. Now you need to paint and you don't want to put that old furniture back in the house....so I have been going crazy, shopping, moving furniture, washing all the china, crystal, and what ever else that was in the china cabinets. And, the windows really need washing when you take down the curtains and can see all the dirt. I go back to school next week. That's why I waited until now to get it all done. I work better under pressure,or maybe it's just the time of year to go crazy

Someday My Princess Will Come

2009-07-30T23:55:00.007-04:00

Someday My Princess Will Come

Here he sits in quiet despair

Waiting for his princess fair,

To take his hand, give him a kiss,

He wonders if she does exist

The lady who can change his life

The one that he would make his wife

With just one kiss the prize is won
And then his froggy life is done.

I am so excited I had my second sale on Etsy last night. My sweet frog prince will be leaving and going to a new home and a new princess. I was beginning to wonder if anything would ever sell. I wouldn't have stopped creating my art dolls because they are so much fun to make. So.....here's to Frog Princes wherever you are....your Princess will find you soon.

Home from Kentucky

2009-07-27T13:51:00.006-04:00

I am home from Kentucky and missing my beautiful girls. We had such a good time while I was there. I can't believe how much they have grown. Like any grandmother, I must tell you how amazing they are. One is a very talented writer ( I couldn't believe the stories she has written) and the other a gifted artist. She says she gets it from her daddy and me. They have adapted well from the bustle of Florida to the slow pace of Kentucky and I can tell that they really like it there. I am so glad they are happy, I just wish they were closer to me. When you have them from the time they are born until they were ten and twelve, it is hard for them to be so far away. I am just thankful for all the years they were here and so glad that I am able to visit them.
I know that the girls were sad to see me leave, but it looks like Daisy was relieved. I can't tell if she has a headache or was just tired from someone extra in the house. Maybe she's just a lazy little girl.

Stephanie did a lot of canning while I was there. The fruits and vegetables were delicious. It seemed as if almost every house there had their own little patch growing. Stephanie and Dennis had a small garden up near the house and a larger one down in the hay field. The corn was so sweet and the tomato right out of the field were so good. I wish I had a bowl of tomato cracker salad right now.

I guess Stephanie gave me the bug, because I wanted to do some canning myself when I got home. At one time, I did it a lot, but haven't lately. So, I broke out the canning pot, put on my apron I got at the Almish store and got to work. I had picked blueberries earlier in the summer so I started with blueberry jam. Then I decided I wanted to make salsa. It was fun. I just wish my three girls had been here to help me. I really have the bug now. I can't wait for the grapes in my garden to ripen so I can make grape jelly. I also have a friend who has guavas and I am hoping to get some of those for jelly, too. I better hurry up....school starts in three weeks. Where has the time gone? I am having the rest of my floors tiled this week, and I need to work on my art dolls. It seems I never have time to get it all done. Wish me luck!

Kentucky Visit

2009-07-21T13:55:00.010-04:00

I flew into Lexington on Sunday to visit my children. They moved from Florida to Kentucky last summer. The purchased fifty-seven acres and are living on a small farm. I was so glad to see all of them. My girls look like they have grown a foot since I last saw them. They had made several greeting signs and had them posted around the house for my arrival. Lester, the pig, was in charge of this on on the front porch. The girls designed and made the outfit he is wearing.

My granddaughters are members of the Kentucky Juniors Historical Society. For Kentucky's birthday the girls were asked to choose any famous Kentuckian past or present and research them. They were then to make dolls to represent that person to be displayed in the library. They decided to make Jemima Boone and her friends Betsy and Fanny Callaway on their canoe ride before being captured by five Shawnee braves. They made the dolls from two liter bottles, plaster wrap and creative paper clay. Their hair is made from yarn. They painted the dresses and used cloth to make the aprons and bonnets. Maybe I'm a proud grandmother, but I think they did and excellent job for a eleven and thirteen year old.

This is Daisy. She is the real ruler of the farm. In Florida she was a pampered air condition hound. Here, she loves being outside herding the chickens and guinea hens. She also loves lying in the sun on the porch, watching the birds, and begging for a bite to eat.

Speaking of birds, they are everywhere. My daughter has bird feeders all around the house and the birds swarm to them in flocks. I have never seen so many colorful birds. The most fascinating of all to me are the tiny hummingbirds. They are seen at the feeders every morning and evening. They dart in to take a sip and then they are gone. There is on male that the girls call the bully. He buzzes in an hits the other hummers away from the feeder. Sometimes he hits so hard the tumble to the ground. I haven't captured and imagine of one yet, but hope to do so before I leave.

There are two bee hives on the property, so the hummingbirds must share with the bees. They are on the feeders all day long.

There is a large hay field on the front of the property and you must walk a quarter of a mile to the road to get the mail. On the way down, you pass the pond, the corn field and all the blackberry bushes. We picked some blackberries on the way down.

Mr. Bumble Bee was having an afternoon snack on the clover. There are wild flowers everywhere. The first thing I wanted to do was pick a bouquet of Queen Anne's Lace, but the girls stopped me quick. The said it was chigger weed. I guess that's like moss and red bugs in Florida.

When we checked the corn field we found that the raccoons had a feast the night before. They would take a bite out of an ear of corn and throw it to the side and have another. We decided we better pick some for supper in case they brought all their friends with them tonight and finished off the crop.

The girls helped to pick the corn. We helped, too. The weather up here has been wonderful since I arrived. It has been in the fifties at night and the low eighties during the day. I left one hundred degree temps in Florida. I've had a jacket on in the evenings.

When we got back to the house the girls and I shucked the corn for dinner. Their mother made good old southern fried corn to go with our meal. It was some of the sweetest corn I had ever eaten. They told me it was Peaches and Cream Corn.

Tomorrow we are going to the Amish Market. The girls tell me that when we go to town I will see people driving horse and buggys. That will be a new experience for me, one that I am looking forward to.

Mother Earth ADO Elements Challenge

2009-07-17T14:37:00.005-04:00

Gentle winds that softly blow

Help scatter the seeds to the earth below

There to be warmed by the fiery sun

Keep shining; keep shining your work is not done.

Down comes the rain

The sprouts burst through

And grow into flowers for me and you.

So bless the wind and the cooling rain

The sparkling sun like sweet champagne

Like a butterfly at each rebirth

These are the blessings of Mother Earth.

The old fashioned wild roses in my garden were the inspiration for my elements challenge doll. They require limited care and bloom profusely throughout the summer. Therefore I give you a single rose scattering her seeds while being kissed by a butterfly. She represents the earth as "Mother Earth", but it takes all the elements to keep the earth healthy. Gentle winds to scatter seeds, cooling rain to water the seeds and make them grow and the heat or fire of the sun to warm the planet.

Please visit the Art Dolls Only Blog to see a list of all the excellent artists participating in this blog event, then visit their blog. I know that you will enjoy all of the imaginative creations made by so many talented artists.

Unexpected Beauty

2009-07-14T13:25:00.009-04:00

It's hot and humid here today and the weeds are growing like crazy. I went out with the Roundup this morning and ran into some unexpected beauty. This is a weed that grows up the cypress trees in my backyard. It is sometimes covered with purple flowers that look like morning glory. I couldn't spray it.

These little creatures were growing in the crevice where lightning hit this oak tree several years ago. I didn't think the tree would survive, but it did. It has a split from the top to the bottom. The lightning hit the top of the cypress tree next to it and bounced to the oak. The cypress tree died.

I don't know the name of this butterfly, but they are all over my backyard this morning. Not only are they on the flowers but they are scattered like stars on the grass. When you walk, they float up in bunches like clouds.

My friend, Mike, gave me a plant last year and told me it was a blackberry lily. It was blooming for the first time this morning. I love the speckled orange color of it. I wonder why they call it blackberry?

The faries must have had a party last night. I found their resting place this morning....or maybe they danced the night away around the toadstools growing in the yard. I know my neighbors thought I was crazy when they saw me lying on my stomach taking pictures.

I am heading for Kentucky this weekend to visit my children. I can't wait to see them. My next post will probably be from there, not Florida. I have never been there before so I am exited to see a different landscape, but not as excited as I am to see my granddaughters. I can't wait!

Bunny Family

2009-07-13T23:09:00.002-04:00

I have a family of swamp rabbits living in my backyard. I have seen three at the time grazing in the grass, but they are quick to escape when I come out. I didn't know that they could swim, but I have seen them swimming from one side of the canal to the other. I enjoy watching them and the birds.
I haven't posted in a while because my house is in a mess. I am in the process of replacing my floors. I now have beautiful tile in the laundry, art, breakfast rooms and the kitchen. I absolutely love them, but not the mess it made getting them. You never know how much junk you have until you start moving it. Believe me, I had a bunch. So....I decided I was going to get rid of some of it. I have been sorting and throwing away. I have painted and everything looks so fresh and new. The only bad thing is that I am redoing the family room, living and dining rooms and the bedrooms, too. Half down and half to go. It will be wonderful when it is finished. I can't wait!

2009-07-01T23:39:00.005-04:00

AMERICA

My country 'tis of thee,
Sweet land of liberty,

Of thee I sing.
Land where my fathers died,
Land of the Pilgrim's Pride.
From ev'ry mountain side
Let freedom ring.

Rev. Samuel F. Smith

This Patriotic Santa is a one of a kind handmade art doll. He has a styrofoam armature and is made from paper mache. It is only fitting that he come out at this time of year to help celebrate Independence Day, and to honor all the men and women who have given their lives for our freedom. Pray for all those who defend us today and bring them safely home to their families.

Finally

2009-06-30T16:43:00.002-04:00

I finally had a tomato ready to pick today. I have had lots of grape tomatoes, but this the first big one. It has rained off and on all day long. It was a great day for cleaning closets. How do you accumulate so much junk? It's all bagged up and ready to go. Clean closets are wonderful.

2nd Annual Mad Tea Party

2009-06-26T22:51:00.017-04:00

Today is the day for the "Mad Tea Party" hosted by A Fanciful Twist. I put on my "party shoes" and headed out the door. It's going to be so much fun. You can start to party with Della Rae then party hop from blog to blog.

The first guest to greet me was the Cheshire Cat's cousin, "Green", you know they say the cat is always greener on the other side of the fence, but I'm not so sure that's true. He had that pleased little smile on his face, so I know he was having a good time.

The "Birthday Princess", was serving tea from a tea set my mother painted for my birthday twenty-seven years ago. I didn't know how much it would mean to me at that time. Now it is a cherished heirloom to be passed from generation to generation.

She poured a cup for Dolly, who has lived with me since I was five. She knows all my secrets and I know hers. I'm glad she is only drinking tea.

What's a party without a clown? Rock 'N Roland is here to entertain. He really is a funny guy. He just looks a little scary.
I think someone spiked the punch. I don't know who this fellow is but it looks like the wine has gone to his head.
The Frog Prince is here looking for his princess. From the size of that rock, it looks like he is loaded. No tea for him, he brought his own bottle of Dom Perignon.
You always need music at a party. "Mr. Blue", will play you a little toot, toot, toot, on his flute, flute, flute.

I guess it's time to move on to the next party. I hope you had a good time while you were here and that you come and visit again and again.

"Nothing is a waste of time, if you use the experience wisely" Rodin

Prim Celebration

2009-06-26T12:20:00.004-04:00

I am a lucky lady! This is the adorable little doll I won from Carol Roll, Carol Roll Nostalgic Folk Art, and To Dwell in Primitive Thymes. At the beginning of the month I put my name in the hat at "To Dwell in Primitive Thymes" to win one of the wonderful prizes they were giving away in honor of their 100th post. I am new to blogging and was so surprised when I found out I was a winner. This is my first blog win. Since I also make dolls I was even more excited to win this particular prize. This Prim Dolly will have a place of honor in my collection of dolls. I love old things, from bits of lace to antique glassware and furniture. I am always searching for toys from my childhood and have many old books. This little dolly is a wonderful, nostalgic reminder of simpler times.

Seeing Pink?

2009-06-24T19:46:00.006-04:00

The Roseate Spoonbill is a wading bird of the ibis and spoonbill family. Its main residence is South America, the Caribbean, and the United States Gulf coast. That is why I was so surprised when I looked out my kitchen window today and saw this beauty at the mouth of the canal feeding with a Great Blue Heron. I have seen them before at Boca Grande, but never here on my lake in central Florida.

I tried to get as close as possible to take his picture, but he was wary of me.

He turned and looked as soon as he heard the crunching of the grass....and then he was gone. I wonder if the feeding was good enough for him to return or if he just stopped for a snack?

Mr. Heron never paused in his quest for dinner. I guess he is accustomed to me.

Just Leaves

2009-06-22T13:52:00.016-04:00

I got up bright and early this morning to beat the heat to pull weeds. It has been close to 100 degrees for the past few days, and no rain in sight.....the weeds are still growing. While I was out I thought I would take pictures of flowers to share with you, but this weed that is everywhere caught my eye. We are always looking at the beauty of flowers, but do you ever look at "just leaves"? As I looked around my yard I was startled to see all the amazing sizes, shapes, colors, and textures of the leaves. All the different shades of green was a bit of coolness in the heat.

This culprit not only covered my birdbath, but everything else in the yard. He was the main reason I was out weeding.

The croutons were still displaying their vibrant fall foliage. They were waiting for a cool breeze to come their way so they could dream of the crisp,cool, days of fall.

Sunlight glistened on the pineapple plants while their spike -like leaves reached for the sun.

The seed pods hung heavy on the Cypress trees, quite a contrast to their delicate, lacy leaves that danced like faries with the slightest breeze.

My lone eggplant, a gift from a friend, has not blossomed yet, but I am in hopes that it will be soon.
Ahh...lavender, second only to rosemary of the most fragrant herbs. Her grayish blue leaves an interesting contrast to the terracotta pot was soaking up the sun.
The white bird of paradise blooms have gone from the Traveler Palms now, but the cascading leaves are still a refuge for many small creatures.
Sea Grape, a long way from the salty, sandy shore of the gulf still thrives under the Florida sun on the banks of the lake.
Where we see the buttery yellow lotus flowers, floating on heart shaped leaves waiting to become pods.

And banana fronds reaching upward like peacock tails in full glory, soon to host many bunches of finger bananas and colorful banana spiders.The huge Dracena that I planted for it's feathery leaves, a wonderful addition to tropical flower arrangements. I can't count how many lined tables, cradling platters of food at outdoor gatherings.And the ever growing fern that spreads it's beauty so fast you can't keep up with the weeding. Covering your garden at an alarming rate of speed.

Just leaves....but when you stop and look they bring such pleasure to your life. Peaceful soothing greens that bring beauty to the earth.

The Creature with the Black Balloon

2009-06-21T17:16:00.004-04:00

Yesterday while walking along the shore, I heard splashing in the water. Swiftly, I turned around and there he was, The Creature with the Black Balloon. I knew he was coming but I didn't know when. I had been dreading this day. His predecessor had haunted my childhood dreams for years. Would those old fears surface when he arrived? Much to my surprise he was a friendly fellow with a cheerful look on his face. Maybe it was the balloon. Who wouldn't like someone bringing a balloon. I slept well last night. No dreams of the gillman climbing out of the oozing swamp, only pleasant happy dreams to wake me with a smile.
The Creature with the Black Balloon comes to me from Caroline of Caroline's Crafts as part of the "Under the Sea Swap". I am so happy that he will be making his home in Florida. I know he is happy, too. At night he can sneak out of the house and terrorize the neighborhood as he slips in to the lake and waits for unsuspecting fisherwomen. Thank you, Caroline, he is adorable!

Happy Father's Day

2009-06-21T12:00:00.007-04:00

1940's

1967 Boca Grande, Whidden's Marina

1974 With the loves of his life...Stephanie and Jimbo

Happy Father's Day, Daddy... even though I am older now than you were when we lost you, I still miss you everyday. No daughter could have been loved more.

Happy Father's Day to Jimbo and Dennis, the father's of my beautiful grandchildren.

Meet Mesmeria

2009-06-20T07:02:00.003-04:00

This spooky little mermaid has traveled to Virginia to live with her new family. She is really excited because she knows other mystical creatures reside there. Mesmeria was created for the "Under the Sea "hosted by Zan at Wild at Heart Art. Zan chose Caroline of" Caroline's Craft's as my swap partner. After several emails to Caroline and a look at her husband, Phil's blog, Halloween Tinkerings, I knew that I had to make something "Halloweenie", for her, so Mesemeria appeared. I really enjoyed this swap. It was my first and was so much fun.
I enjoyed creating my art doll, but the best thing about the swap is that I made new friends by participating in it. Caroline had been wonderful with the advice and help she has given me with my blog. When you are just beginning there are so many things you don't know how to do. Yes, you can look them up, but sometimes you really don't know what you are looking for or what to call it. She has sent me simple, complete directions I can understand. Thanks, Caroline, you have been a big help. Now....I am waiting for a creature to crawl up on the bank in my backyard. I know he is swimming here from Virginia....I have a towel ready to dry him off.

Much ADO About Art Dolls

2009-06-19T14:20:00.005-04:00

TODAY IS THE DAY!Much ADO About Art Dolls challenges you to make an art doll along with us.
Sign up starts today and will run until July 16th. To sign up simply email artdollsonly@hotmail.com and let us know you want to participate. You don't need to be a doll artist....try your hand at something new. Please include your name and a link to your blog, then get working on your doll!!

Your inspiration is the elements, air, earth, fire and water. We challenge you to make an art doll using one, two, three, or all four of the elements as your inspiration. On Friday July 17th participants will post their art doll to their blog. Saturday, July 18th and Sunday, July 19th begins the fun of seeing all the art dolls that have been created! All participants will be listed on the ADO sidebar for easy visiting.

Any and all artists are welcome to participate, including non members. Here is your chance to explore the wonderful world of art dolls. If you are a first time doll maker, old hat, or have not created in awhile, we welcome to join in on the fun!

Under the Sea Swap

2009-06-16T10:55:00.012-04:00

Here is a sneak preview of the doll I created for Caroline of Caroline's Crafts in the "Under the Sea Swap". The fabulous Zan Asha of Wild at Heart Art was the hostess for this successful venture with over fifty participants. This was my first swap and I can't wait to get my doll from Caroline. You can view all the art dolls in the "Parade of Mermaids" on Zan's blog on June 19.

Sunday Visitors

2009-06-15T00:06:00.007-04:00

The birds came to visit me today. I have heard the woodpecker pecking away at the dead cypress tree in my backyard for weeks. This morning I saw the hole that he had made. If you look close you can see him on the right side of the tree about half way down. He flies away and comes back and goes in his home, only to repeat the process again and again.
The Sandhill Cranes were here again this morning. When they see me they come running looking for a hand -out. There are two adults and two young cranes. They wander the neighborhood in search of food. They are in the right place. Almost everyone here has bird feeders in thier yards.

This guy usually stands at the edge of the lake looking for his dinner, but this morning I captured him up in a tree. Soon he spread his wings and was soaring over the water. I love watching the birds in my yard. They make me happy just being here.

Blueberry Time in Florida

2009-06-12T00:32:00.007-04:00

Did you know that blueberries grow in Florida? I didn't until a few years ago. Well, they do, lots and lots of blueberries. Most of them grow in sunny Haines City on the Mixon Family Farm. I am fortunate enough to know the Mixon family and to teach their children. For the past two years, the Mixons have given a gift of blueberries to the teachers of their children. We were invited to come out to the farm and pick those beautiful berries that are not only tasty but good for you, too.
I got up early Wednesday morning to go out to the field and beat the blazing sun. It was a beautiful day, not a cloud in the sky. We were met by the Rhonda, the farm office manager, who took us to the field where we were to pick. She gave us buckets to use, picked a few berries, and made us feel welcome. The birds serenaded us with their sweet tweet voices as we scowered the field for blue gold. The berries were plenitiful and we soon filled our buckets. As the day grew longer, the sun began to take it's toll on those not accustomed to standing beneath its blistering rays. An occasional breeze and the taste of sweet berries helped to make the experience more pleasurable. The berries had a dusky hue and ranged in size, color, and taste. Each time you would eat one, you would swear it was better than the last. Soon laughter competed with the chirping birds as friends made memories of a day in the sun, laughter and hope, and the sweet taste of berries in your mouth.
I want to thank the Mixon family for sharing their blueberries with me and many others. Berries that could fall to the ground, fill my freezer to make the start of my day sweeter. I am fortunate to know a family that shares the fruits of their labor with family and friends. Each time I fill my bowl, I will think of them and once again say a silent "Thank You".

My First Award

2009-06-08T00:05:00.006-04:00

I have been given the "One Lovely Blog" award by Sugar Donkey Dolls Designs. This is my first blog award. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! Now I get to pass this award to some of the fabulous blogs that I read. Please visit Sugar Donkey at http://sugardonkeydoll.blogspot.com/ to see her lovey works of art.

This is how it works: Rules of Blog Award Acceptance
1. Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link.
2. Pass award to 15 other blogs that you've newly discovered. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

Please visit these lovely blogs:

2009-06-07T18:23:00.012-04:00

I worked in the yard again today between the frequent showers. The squirrels were playing tag in the backyard and would not stay still long enough for me to get their picture. It is hot and muggy here, but everything is growing....lots and lots of weeds. The Limpkin family is still here. The babies are beginning to lose their fuzzy coat and their legs are starting to look like stilts. I captured a picture of mom on the dock. You can't see the babies, they are hiding in the grass on the edge of the lake. I love the reflections in the water. This is the calm after the storm.
Apple snails are the primary food source for the limpkin, but they also eat fresh water mussels. I found a pile of them on the bank beside a cypress knee. Both parents incubate their eggs for about 27 days. The young hatch covered with down, capable of walking, running, and swimming. They follow their parents to a platform of aquatic vegetation where they will be brooded. They are fed by both parents; they reach adult size at 7 weeks and leave their parents at about 16 weeks. I will hate to see the babies leave, but hope that they come back to build their nests here next year.

I found an old bicycle on the side of the road and brought it home. It makes a wonderful planter. I know the neighbors think I am crazy, but just looking at it makes me happy.

Friday was the last day of school for me. There are so many things I need to do around the house. I want to get my art room organized so I can get serious painting and making dolls, but today was dedicated to the yard. Here is my first tomato of the season. My vegetable garden consists of three tomato plants and an egg plant. I only grew the egg plant because one of my student's parent gave it to me. Now you can see why I am excited by a tomato.

Rosemary grows like crazy in my yard. I have five huge bushes of it. I use it for cooking and keep a vase of cuttings in my kitchen window so I can smell it any time I want. It is so easy to root that I give plants to friends all the time.

These are new blooms in my yard this week. I love daylilys. I wish they would bloom all year long. I don't know the name of the sunflower, but I know it is easy to grow. All you need to do is break off a piece and stick it in the ground and add a little water. It grows 10 to 12 feet tall and is covered with beautiful flowers all summer long.

This gorgeous orchid surprised me this morning. It has already bloomed once this year, so I was happy to see it's beautiful face again. I guess it's time to go work on organizing. Always remember to stop and smell the flowers.

In my garden there is a large place for sentiment. My garden of flowers is also my garden of thoughts and dreams. The thoughts grow as freely as the flowers, and the dreams are as beautiful. ~Abram L. Urban

Clown Inspiration

2009-06-02T09:22:00.012-04:00

Underneath the makeup and the fancy costume you will find my friend Janice who inspired me to make a clown doll, even though as a child I was not too fond of clowns. I guess I should have looked at this picture before I began my sculpting, or maybe that old fear surfaced in the creative process. The only thing the two have in common are their colorful costumes. Janice was the fifth woman clown for Ringling Brothers back in 1972. She was in college when the circus came to town. Janice was going to be a teacher so she thought going to clown college would help her be a better one. When Ringling offered to hire her, Janice when home to talk it over with her family. Now, how many mothers who had a daughter who was a senior in college, would tell them it was o.k. for them to run away and join the circus? Well, that is exactly what her mother told her to do. She said it was an opportunity that might not ever come again. So that is what Janice did. Her high school sweetheart, Mike, soon followed and the rest is history. They got married and along with Janice's brother, Gil they formed a center ring bear act for Ringling. After Janice's husband died, she did become a teacher, and that is where I met her. She worked in Special Education for five years. Now, she works for Ringling again. She is the Manager of Animal Stewardship Training at thier faciltiy in Florida. With thirty years experience working with animals, she now instructs animal handlers in the care and training methodology of elephants at the Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Center for Elephant Conservation. Even though Janice doesn't wear the makeup any longer, she is still a crazy clown!

Du Buh Du Designs

2009-06-01T14:01:00.005-04:00

Welcome to the wonderful work of Christine Alvarado of Du Buh Du Designs. Christine started her blog and opened her art doll business in the late fall of 2007. Since that time she has sold over 100 dolls. I love the beautiful, sweet faces of Christine’s dolls. They give me a peaceful serene feeling. Each doll depicts a different nationality and each has her own distinct personality. You can view Christine's other amazing dolls at the following places.
http://www.dubuhdudesigns.etsy.com
http://www.dubuhdudesigns.typepad.com
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dubuhdudesigns/

Mini Skeleton Rabbit Give A Way

2009-06-01T01:45:00.009-04:00

Hop on over and visit Debb at http://www.halloweenjinglesbellsboo.blogspot.com/ and enter to win her Mini Skeleton Rabbit. He's so cute I know you will all want one. Debb was a finalist in a challenge for Cloth Paper Scissors magazine with this little bunny. Let's wish her luck as being chosen as one of the winners.

The End of a Beautiful Day

2009-05-31T23:13:00.004-04:00

A Great Blue Heron waits at the mouth of the canal for his dinner.

A glorious end to a beautiful day.

The Birds and the Bees and the Flowers, Too

2009-05-31T21:51:00.017-04:00

You know you have a wonderful friend when you come home and all the trees have been trimmed in your yard. That's what happened to me this week. Next comes the task of dragging all the limbs down to the road for the trash man to carry away. I look at this task in a positive way. First the branches won't knock the shingles off my roof in bad weather, the yard looks one hundred percent better and I get exercise and sunshine.

This is Mr. and Mrs. Limpkin. They live in my backyard and eat mussels and apple snails all year long. They also make a lot of noise, but I love to watch them gliding through the water in search of dinner.

While working down by the water this morning I scared two babies out of the grass. Immediately their parents called them out on the water. Later in the afternoon, I discovered that there were not two, but four little fluff balls. Momma called and they all came running. There was one little straggler that was half the size of the other three and he just could keep up. He was still swimming while the others were hurrying away.

I hope that this little family is safe and the babies decide to stay and make my backyard their home, too.
Thank goodness for the sunshine today. It's the first day without rain in almost two weeks. Evidence of the rain is the size of the grapes from one week to the next. They will be ready to pick before long if the birds don't eat them first. The recent rain has made everything grow and bloom.

Rock 'N Roland

2009-05-29T23:38:00.010-04:00

Small black hat on a great big head
Big round body and hair so red
He’ll make you laugh, he’ll make you cry
Because he is a funny guy
Once a year he’ll come around

He’s Rock ‘N Roland,the circus clown.

Meet Rock ‘N Roland! Roland is a hand sculpted, one of a kind art doll. Roland’s body started as small round balloon and a little air. The balloon was wrapped with rigid wrap, decorative paper and tissue paper. Acrylic paint was then dabbled on. His head and arms were sculpted from polymer clay and painted with acrylic paints. Roland is the first doll I have made with arms that move. They are attached to his body with wire and buttons. I added a tulle ruffle, decorative string, some rhinestones and beads to fancy him up and Roland was ready to rock ‘n roll. There are assorted beads and bells inside Roland so he makes sounds if you shake him. Roland is approximately ten inches tall and seven inches wide. His hair is wool roving. Roland is thinking about retiring. He is tired of scary little kids, and scaring little kids. Roland would love to come and live at your house. He doesn' eat much (just an occasional pie in the face) and he won’t take up too much room. For the last forty years he's been living in a railroad car.

Johanna Parker Designs Give A Way

2009-05-29T23:17:00.005-04:00

Is Lady Luck on your side today? If you're feeling lucky of if you just want to look at some great Halloween art travel on over to http://www.johannaparkerdesign.blogspot.com/ for her "Lucky Lumina" Give A Way. Johanna is an incredible Halloween artist whose creations always bring a smile to your face. Follow the direction on her blog, and you might be the winner of this great little guy. Don't be too disappointed if you don't win because I really think the winner will be me!

I found out about this great give a way on http://www.tumbleweedtrails.blogspot.com/ so give her blog a look, too.

May Baby

2009-05-29T14:07:00.004-04:00

I am a May Baby. I had three different celebrations for my birthday this year. Two days before my birthday, I celebrated with my Bunco group and some other friends. I'm the one with the crown. I hope you can't read the number on top!

Taurus is the sign of practicality and possessions. People born under the sign of Taurus tend to be very patient, practical and dedicated people. Such people are usually very cautious when dealing with people, life and money. People who were born in that time are extremely faithful, with a strong need for security and a settled routine. Although they are very earthy, they can also be highly romantic and sensitive when it comes to love. These people are very strong-willed and often quite creative. They are kind and generous with friends, with whom they develop an unspoken rapport. If they love, they are generous to the last degree, and will consider no sacrifice too great for the person they care for; if they are enemies, they will fight with the most determined obstinacy. But they always fight in the open, for they hate trickiness, double-dealing, or deceit. They have an innate sense of harmony, rhythm and color, and often are very successful in music, poetry and art. Those born in this sign have an ability to become the most faithful, loyal friends.

Oh What A Beautiful Morning

2009-05-29T13:18:00.002-04:00

When I got in my car and started to work this morning the sky was so beautiful I had to stop on the side of the road to take a picture. It rained again last night and all the dust of the weary world was washed away once again. The breeze was cool and the grass was green, greener that usual from all the recent rain. I have learned to always stop and take it in when beauty calls. If you don't take the opportunities when you can, they might never come again.

The Studio at Crow Haven Farm

2009-05-26T22:33:00.006-04:00

Meet Calliope from The Studio at Crow Haven Farms, created by the talented Michelle. Calliope is a gossip girl. Can't you tell by those eyes that she has lots of juicy gossip to tell. If you lean in real close, she will whisper it in your ear. Calliope is hand sculpted out of polymer clay and painted with numerous layers of acrylic paint, then crackled and antiqued. Her hand sewn skirt and belt have been coffee dyed to give her that Folk Art Doll look.

Please go and visit Calliope and the other gossip girls.......you can find her and her friends at several different places.

ETSY store
http://www.crowhavenfarm.etsy.com/
BLOG
http://www.thestudioatcrowhavenfarm.blogspot.com/
WEBSITE
http://www.artsaflutter.com/
FLICKR
http://www.flickr.com/photos/crowhavenfarm/

Rainy Weather

2009-05-24T20:09:00.011-04:00

It has not stopped raining in "sunny" Florida for ten days. Over sixteen inches have fallen at my last count. The lakes are up and the flowers are loving it. The grapes on the vine are just beginning to grow and the welcome rain will help to make them plump and juicy this year. With only one vine, most of my grapes are food for the birds. My grape vine grows on the abandoned basketball goal of my son's youth. At the end of my driveway, it makes a perfect backdrop when coming home.

I have had a lazy weekend. I had lunch with some friends on Saturday and breakfast with others Sunday morning. Other than that, I have enjoyed the sound of the rain. It has been a weekend for enjoying good books, cooking, and creating. I read "The Notebook" by Nicholas Sparks today. What a beautiful love story. If only we could all be loved like that what a wonderful world this would be. My friend Janice gave me three books today for a late birthday present and a zany stuffed "Z" that suits me perfectly. I started on one of the books this afternoon. It is "Middlesex" by Jeffrey Eugenides. She assures me I will find it fascinating.

My friend, Janice was one of the first women clowns for Ringling Brothers Circus back in the early seventies. Therefore she has influenced me in my creativity this week with my first clown doll. Janice gave me a pamphlet explaining the different types of clown makeup and I think this one will be a "white face". He is my first doll to have arms that are not permanently attached. They will be attached with buttons and will move. I haven't come up with a color scheme yet, but I am leaning towards green, my favorite color.

I am always working on Halloween, my favorite holiday, so I also made some evil little jack-o'-lantern pins. They were fun to make. They were going to be my surprize for the Trick or Treat give a way, but I can't find anyone who wants to participate. If anyone is interested you can read the rules on my earlier post.

Loopy Boopy's Madame Simone

2009-05-18T23:06:00.003-04:00

Meet the lovely Madame Simone one of the newest residents of 7717 St. Charles Place created by the talented Loopy Boopy.

Madame Simone was a well known and respected Madame whose much desired girls worked Storyville. She owned and operated an immense and upscale brothel in The District down on Basin Street. Her prostitution business was a good one and she had been able to afford herself a nice home uptown at 7717 St. Charles Ave. Her brothel was among the nicest in The District and her gentlemen clients included politicians and wealthy businessmen, many of whom were now her uptown neighbors. The ladies of her new neighborhood didn't appreciate Madame Simone and her 'business' and felt she was a disgrace. One evening when Madame Simon was attending to the brothel they broke into 7717 St. Charles Ave and slipped an overdose of morphine into Madame Simon's brandy snifter. She is buried in cemetery No. 1 at Washington and Prytania.

Loopy Boopy is my first spotlighted ADO artist because she is the reason I am creating art dolls. Colleen is the neice of one of my best friends. I was introduced to Colleen's dolls a few years back and was always enchanted by them. In February of this year with Colleen's encouragements I made my first doll, and I can't seem to stop. I am hooked. Thank you, Colleen for so much talent and inspiration. You can view Loopy Boopy's dolls on Etsy at
www.loopyboopy.etsy.com or visit her blog www.loopyboopy.blogspot.com . You won't be sorry when you meet Colleen and all her creepy little ladies and gentlemen.

Penelope Pumpkin Sprite

2009-05-15T23:24:00.009-04:00

After so many distractions I finally got back to work on my art dolls and completed Penelope Pumpkin Sprite. She is the newest addition to my Halloween collection. Penelope has been dancing in the pumpkin field picking pumpkins to make pumpkin pie. Not only does Penelope love the taste of pumkin pie, she knows the tantalizing aroma of pumpkin pie baking will bring many a suitors to her door.

Penelope is the first art doll that I have dressed in real clothes rather than clothes made from clay. It was quite and experience trying to sew them on her. I am happy with the outcome but hope to make improvements with experience.

Ain't My Day to Save the World

2009-05-13T08:23:00.004-04:00

Hoyt Hughes is a talented country singer who is from central Florida. I met him last night at a wrap party for his new single, Ain't My Day to Save the World. I was introduced to the song my friend Fred R. who is a big fan and backer of Hoyt. Fred asked me to listen to Hoyt's song and paint a picture of what came to my mind. With only a weeks notice this the picture I put together. The song is about a father and his little girl. The father is compared to Superman in the song, but instead of saving the world he wants to spend time with his daughter. You will be able to see the video of this release on CMT in the fall. Hoyt has a great personality and a wonderful voice. I know that when you hear his music you are going to like it. The song is very upbeat a memorable.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

2009-05-10T22:04:00.007-04:00

Happy Mother's Day

Cherish your mother every day. Ask her all the things you want to know about her life. Don't wait to ask. You think that time is on your side forever, but it can slip up on you. And even though she is still here, she might not remember all the things you want to know.

I haven't gotten back to work on my art dolls yet. It seems that I have a million things to do. I got my partner for the Under Sea Swap today. It is Carolyn of Caroline's Crafts. She is a member of ADO and I love her work. I can't wait to get my doll, but that won't be until June. I have progressed on my mermaid doll since you last saw the pictures of her. I will try to get a new picture up soon.

I did do a little art this weekend. My birthday was Saturday so I was celebrating and I had dinner with my children today. Inbetween I made my squares for the Pino Pie Day. I made eight square and will be putting them in the mail tomorrow. They are very simple, just muslin squares with a painted acrylic border. I believe that celebrating the hospice workers for the wonderful work they do is a good cause, and I am glad I can contribute in some small way. I just wish I could be there to eat some pie!

Trick or Treat Surprize

2009-05-09T19:26:00.000-04:00

I love Halloween and I create Halloween all year long so I really excited when read Marie Patterson's blog, "My Little World", and found out that I could win one of her Trick or Treat Surprizes. Marie is a very talented artist who loves Halloween, too.

I am one of the lucky five that has received a special treat from Marie . Please check out her creative blog , My Little World. Not only will you find excellent art, you will find good works that will sooth your soul.

NOW FOR THE RULES......please read carefully as this is give away that gets passed on!

Now YOU can receive a treat from ME! All you have to do is be one of the FIRST FIVE (5)
to leave a comment on this post, and I will send you a surprise! I would really like to make more, but that would be too great a task for me at the present time.

However, you must realize that it will then be YOUR TURN to do the same. Repost this on your blog, with a link back to my blog and send your treats to the first five to respond to your blog post. Your prizes can be ANYTHING that you wish to give and can be very simple. This is the treat I received from Marie today. It is one of her whimsical ornaments....isn't it precious.

http://mariepatterson.blogspot.com/

I really must apologize to Marie. I am still learning how to move and adjust items on my posts and this does not do her work justice.

Oh yes, even if you are not one of the first five reponses, you can still leave me a comment....I am so excited that I have followers and would love to hear from you. If you are one of the first five commentors, I will need your shipping information. Now, I need to get to work on my Trick or Treat Surprizes!

Pino Pie Day

2009-05-09T02:37:00.000-04:00

I just read about Pino Pie Day and I think it is a wonderful cause. Please follow the link to learn about this event and send fabric squares or an apron or two to participate. I promise it will make you feel good when you do.

Apifera Farm: where animals,art and lavender collide: Participate in Pino's Hospice event

2009-05-09T02:28:00.000-04:00

Apifera Farm: where animals,art and lavender collide: Participate in Pino's Hospice event

Girls Night Out

2009-05-08T21:49:00.000-04:00

Have you ever played Bunco? If not, you are missing a real treat. All you need to know is how to roll the dice and count and sometimes that can get confusing. Our monthly Bunco game was hosted by Julie this week. We had a great time. Her dad, Richard, who is a wonderful cook, made a southern girls dream dinner, chicken and dumpling, blackeyed peas, corn bread and peach cobbler with vanilla ice cream, and that was just the dinner. We had all kinds of snacks, including boiled peanuts.

After a lot of good food we got down to the serious part of the night. No, it's not really the game. It is spending an evening with friends old and new. It is sharing our laughter and tears and just having a great time. There are twelve players ranging in age from thirty something to sixty so don't think that our conversations aren't varied.

When we finally stop eating and talking we get down to the next important event of the night, rolling the dice. Now we all have different styles of dice rolling. Some of us like to take our time, talk awhile, then toss. Others like to keep the game moving so those dice don't cool off. I am the bell ringer and like to keep the game going. Debbie D. is the Bunco thief who will steal your dice right out from under you. Debbie R. keeps us laughing all night long. Mary Beth, who is the baby of the group just looks at us and shakes her head. She really wants to be like one of us when she grows up. I don't think she's decided which one yet.

When the game is over we all add up our scores to see who the big winner will be that night. It looks like Cheryl was really serious about adding her score. Being serious didn't help her tonight. Julie had the most Buncos and walked away with the big prize.

What great memories we are making. All of us look forward to our once a month game.

"My friends are my estate."- Emily Dickinson

Sweet Sharonda

2009-05-05T10:03:00.000-04:00

Busy Weekend

2009-05-05T00:27:00.000-04:00

I had a really busy weekend. I worked at the Athletic Boosters Danny Ellis Golf Tournament on Saturday. Boy was it hot. I was the photographer for the event. Sunday afternoon I went to the Gem and Jewelry Show in Kissimmee. I found some nice beads to use on my dolls. I also got some beautiful dichroic glass that can be used for eyes on some of the dolls. I used dichroic glass for the eyes on “Sweet Sharonda” my half snake woman I made for the April Mixed Up Challenge for the ADO group. I didn’t have too much time to work on my other mermaid doll for the Under the Sea Swap. I did get her sculpted and painted with gesso. She looks a little funny bald.I can’t wait to see who my swap partner will be. This is a great way to add to your art collection, exchanging dolls with another artist. I almost have my mermaid the right size. This one is only eight inches tall. I don’t think anyone will mind if it is a little big. I think I am going to use a completely different color scheme on this doll. Maybe I will use red. I haven’t decided on a name for her. They usually don’t reveal their name to me until they are almost complete. I am having so much fun making dolls.

Love the Sun

2009-05-01T12:04:00.000-04:00

It is a beautiful day in sunny Florida. The temperature is going to hit ninety today. It's one of those days you need to get out and scratch in the garden. I bought one of the up-side-down tomato planters yesterday and hope to plant it today. I've never seen one before, but have heard that they work really well. Everything is starting to bloom. The plants are really loving the sun. We are on water restrictions so I am hand watering as much as I can. It is really dry. We haven't had any real rain for awhile. As you can see my Florida wisteria is in full bloom. The bees are loving it. The white bird of paradise is taller than the house now and covered with huge flowers. I guess I better get out and get to work so I have time later to come in and work on my dolls. I'm loving this sunshine!

Under the Sea Swap

2009-04-30T18:51:00.000-04:00

I am really excited about the Under the Sea Swap hosted by the fablulously creative Zan. Since I have only been creating art dolls since February, this is my first swap. I haven't figured out how to add the little signs (?) to the side of my page, but you can check it out at http://wildatheart.blogspot.com/. I have been looking at some of the artist who are participating and their work is excellent. There is still time to enter this swap and it looks like great fun. There are a few rules for the swap, one being size limitation. I made my first doll and she was way too big. (You can see her on the right.)So I am making another one that is just about the right size. She is completely different, but in the same style. I will be posting my first attempt on my etsy site http://dellaraedezines.etsy.com/ Once I start to work on one of my dolls I don't want to stop. I will look at the clock and it will be two in the morning and I get up at 5:30. I just get so carried away and forget that I need to sleep. I am an elementary art teacher and I have been sharing some of my dolls with my students. You can't imagine some of the comments you get from children between the ages of 5-11. They really tell you what they think. They are wonderful critics.

Raedell's Big Boy Toy (Inspired by Tony)

2009-04-28T00:26:00.000-04:00

Tony's Inspiring Art

2009-04-27T23:38:00.000-04:00

Beginning

2009-04-27T22:45:00.000-04:00

Tonight is the beginning of a new experience for me....writing a blog. I never dreamed that I would have a blog. When LoopyBoopy told me I should start a blog I wondered what I would write about. Since that time I keeping thinking of things to say.

I had the most wonderful thing happen to me today. About six weeks ago, my friend Janice A. asked me to go with her to her daughter, Amber's friend, Tony's art show. (now that's a mouthful) We went to the show at Arts on the Park in downtown Lakeland, FL and Tony had some amazing paintings. I fell in love with a painting he had done of a piece of heavy equipment in a field, but the price was not in my budget at that time. I couldn't stop thinking about the painting and how much I liked it. I think I was supposed to be at that show that night, because Tony and his beautiful painting brought change to my life. It made me want to paint again. I haven't painted in some time, and, it made me want to paint "Big Boy Toys". So I painted a picture of a frontend loader. I emailed a photo of my painting to Janice, and she told Tony what I had done.

Now comes the incredible part of the story. Janice and Amber asked me to meet them for breakfast today at wonderful little restaurant that has recently opened in Haines City, the "Three Boys Cafe". (Breakfast was delicious!) When I got out of the car they told me to close my eyes as they had a surprise for me. When I opened my eyes, Janice was holding the painting that I had admired. She said the Tony wanted me to have it. He said that many people loved and admired his work, but no one had ever said his work had inspired them to create their own art. I didn't know what to say. I was so honored to be presented such a wonderful gift from such a talented artist who I don't know, as I had only met him briefly at the art show.

I don't know if there are enough words to thank Tony. He wrote and inscription on the back of the painting that says, Raedell, from one artist to another, Tony Corbitt. Tony, your mother should be very proud of you. I find that most artists are wonderful, caring, giving people and I have certainly found that in Tony. Thank you, Tony, you can't imagine how special you have made me feel.