tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78301583669067625952024-03-12T19:42:19.890-04:00Robin's Nest TreasuresRobin W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03506629321089266286noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7830158366906762595.post-62605528559144190352012-04-12T22:24:00.008-04:002012-04-12T23:04:35.630-04:00A Tribute To The Iris - Free Vintage Iris Botanical Images<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitFwCOQOImHGOaCBg9gtcKu_eRU61hQ9-mqlMsUWYuUenJQjVIc8GPvCyXDoNIO0OFd84w_wUYHq64YTr9cMmtLmG_3EAR8h6SfS5oWnZw41nGX9s20Gtref0mCmrazWIrSoN-oNos13g/s1600/botanical+french+v.+iris+-+5+-+1620.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 258px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitFwCOQOImHGOaCBg9gtcKu_eRU61hQ9-mqlMsUWYuUenJQjVIc8GPvCyXDoNIO0OFd84w_wUYHq64YTr9cMmtLmG_3EAR8h6SfS5oWnZw41nGX9s20Gtref0mCmrazWIrSoN-oNos13g/s320/botanical+french+v.+iris+-+5+-+1620.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730711825299776450" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjuhReSqEc_HJIi2Fkj6dyQaR1Ou_QforAOMfWHI5_zq1yQc0FMkwJ-zdNyq_viCZkL_Eqbwg64DDTuOw9wlicjDlcEcIUsW2Mh8jvhwocc8AYM4DaVgMz9UqW-_BBFpVklaqHx4XKk-E/s1600/botanical+french+v.+iris+-+4+-+1620.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 258px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjuhReSqEc_HJIi2Fkj6dyQaR1Ou_QforAOMfWHI5_zq1yQc0FMkwJ-zdNyq_viCZkL_Eqbwg64DDTuOw9wlicjDlcEcIUsW2Mh8jvhwocc8AYM4DaVgMz9UqW-_BBFpVklaqHx4XKk-E/s320/botanical+french+v.+iris+-+4+-+1620.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730710492640042642" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRl1M5qvnQAMnTzaWqeydX4GKYgug-DYgNaEmQC4y0leQVDyGgCuBFhkHxdruAmH_9RruXk8RM8bFySDeF4UCbYTmGzLPh7IX8Uc6eEIv75buXATddo26B3B_Uj1PcUQIDtu8AJxlAIaQ/s1600/botanical+french+v.+iris+-+3+-+1620.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 255px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRl1M5qvnQAMnTzaWqeydX4GKYgug-DYgNaEmQC4y0leQVDyGgCuBFhkHxdruAmH_9RruXk8RM8bFySDeF4UCbYTmGzLPh7IX8Uc6eEIv75buXATddo26B3B_Uj1PcUQIDtu8AJxlAIaQ/s320/botanical+french+v.+iris+-+3+-+1620.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730710482668866146" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I will save the apologies for being absent from blogging for so long. Suffice it to say that life has been quite chaotic. Hopefully things are going to be somewhat calmer now for a while. I have many treasures to share with you and I would love to attract some new followers as well as to please and surprise my loyal current followers!<br /><br />I have come across a treasure trove of websites with botanical images. One of them is Vintage Printable, which has many vintage images, not just botanical images.<br /><a href="http://vintageprintable.com/">http://vintageprintable.com</a><br /><br />On the Vintage Printable site I found some wonderful vintage french botanical images from 1620 which are very unusual. They are featured in this post and will also be included in another post. I feature the iris images in this post.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggaX9E8FOIjkvOt-gfOAsPkdlTC4iezr-uRY8pQVsYfc6Nmmrb3THguNFoFg11gqbEHghehF3G5TtcFKjFWKdgU4qVLJ0tKPhBUorRrTCB96Cq0VryIuxAZlpwjKUnrt7TSNgjgOgC1nw/s1600/botanical+french+v.+iris+-+2+-+1620.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 258px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggaX9E8FOIjkvOt-gfOAsPkdlTC4iezr-uRY8pQVsYfc6Nmmrb3THguNFoFg11gqbEHghehF3G5TtcFKjFWKdgU4qVLJ0tKPhBUorRrTCB96Cq0VryIuxAZlpwjKUnrt7TSNgjgOgC1nw/s320/botanical+french+v.+iris+-+2+-+1620.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730710480242963106" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ojf2z7I8hBE4w7uLHYg09k2B4kijrfESE1E6w2YJ54dwFYf9e6xHNxU-0rF0J8Dac1xM66Bi2-_smTt9khyoXprruoIPdJvTtOxuyaVz6Y-tQB36s9KS24mTKWkQOPnIKMjbl9K8ocM/s1600/botanical+french+v.+iris+-+1+-+1620.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 276px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ojf2z7I8hBE4w7uLHYg09k2B4kijrfESE1E6w2YJ54dwFYf9e6xHNxU-0rF0J8Dac1xM66Bi2-_smTt9khyoXprruoIPdJvTtOxuyaVz6Y-tQB36s9KS24mTKWkQOPnIKMjbl9K8ocM/s320/botanical+french+v.+iris+-+1+-+1620.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730710467536091906" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Some interesting bits of history on the Iris. In ancient Greek times, the Greek Goddess Iris was the messenger of the Gods and the personification of the rainbow. It was believed that she acted as the link between heaven and earth and guided women on their journey to the Elysian Fields. Purple Irises were planted over the graves of women to summon the Goddess to guide the dead in their journey.<br /><br />The Iris has been the symbol of France as far back as the 6th Century A.D. It became known as the "fleur-de-lis", or the flower of Louis, in honor of the kings of France.<br /><br />More botanical images to come. Dreaming of beautiful flowers (after the end of the freeze warnings!). Be well and happy!<br /><br />RobinRobin W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03506629321089266286noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7830158366906762595.post-58760967208551731962011-09-24T02:31:00.000-04:002011-09-24T02:31:57.799-04:00Free Halloween Avatars<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I have been preparing some blog posts for you with free vintage and other Halloween images, and in the process, I discovered a great site that has loads of free avatars for every occasion. I downloaded so many Halloween ones that I decided to make a separate Halloween avatar post. The site is:<br />
<a href="http://cartoonavatars.blogspot.com/search/label/Halloween">http://cartoonavatars.blogspot.com/search/label/Halloween</a><br />
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Here are some of my favorites!<br />
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Gotta love Garfield<br />
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No holiday would be complete without the Peanuts.<br />
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Reminds me of Geoff on the Craig Ferguson Show!<br />
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Some very unusual vintage Halloween Postcards coming soon!<br />
Get Crafting!<br />
Be Well and Happy!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">Robin</span><br />
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Robin W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03506629321089266286noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7830158366906762595.post-57060603193801109102011-09-13T01:04:00.001-04:002011-09-13T01:04:41.389-04:00Nurses' Verses -- A Tribute To Nurses Through Their Poetry<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I have alluded to the fact that I have some serious chronic health problems, and along with them go some substantial amount of time in or at the hospital. Both last week and today I spent a good part of a day with the nurses of I.V. Team at the hospital where I receive most of my medical care. I have a port-a-cath in my chest for I.V. access, and they have been diligently (if not a bit frantically) trying to dissolve a blot clot that had formed in and/or around the port. I am incredibly happy to report that after today's administration of clot-busting drugs, we were successful, and all is well. I have known these wonderful women for about ten years, and they never cease to amaze and impress me with the kind, compassionate, professional, and gracious way they do their jobs under the weight of great pressure and responsibility. I wish that I could name every one of them and show you their photos, but to protect their privacy, I will not do so. However, they know who they are, and I think that they realize how much I appreciate their excellent care. Nursing is a complex and difficult profession, and thank God that we have women and men that have been willing and able to meet its challenges to care for us when we are at our darkest times. <br />
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I am always on the hunt for poetry books in thrift shops. I especially love the ones that contain poems written by people who are not professional or well-known poets. And so, a couple of months ago I came across a small green book entitled, "Nurses' Verses - An Anthology of Poetry by America's Nurses". The copyrights were between 1941-1943, so I think that it is safe to assume that the poems were written by nurses during the 1930's. Most of the poems have nothing to do with nursing per se, however, for this post, two of the three poems that I have chosen pertain to their hospital nursing care. I will feature several other nurse's poems from this book in future blog posts. So, without further adieu, our nurses' verses ---<br />
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<b><u>The Hospital</u></b><br />
There is a warmth of kindness here<br />
For those whose heavy hearts are<br />
Full of pain - who seek again<br />
Their own familiar selves.<br />
It is a place of truth.<br />
The bright lights burn far into the night<br />
To save some shattered soul.<br />
I, too, shall be a part of this<br />
Before long.<br />
<i>--Jean H. Osborne</i><br />
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<i>Photograph courtesy of the Graphics Fairy</i><br />
<i><a href="http://graphicsfairy.blogspot.com/">http://graphicsfairy.blogspot.com/</a> </i><br />
<i><u><b></b></u></i><br />
<i><u><b>They Walk</b></u></i><br />
She walks - the nurse in white, at night<br />
To see if patients sleep,<br />
To every room, beside each bed<br />
The night watch doth she keep.<br />
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She walks - the nurse in blue, up hills,<br />
Down valleys dark and deep,<br />
In storms that beat against her will<br />
Her night watch she doth keep.<br />
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She walks - in spirit with a light<br />
Where soldiers can not sleep.<br />
All through the long and troubled night<br />
Her gentle watch doth keep.<br />
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They walk - with radiant faces bright -<br />
Each shepherdess of sheep -<br />
In garmets that are spotless white<br />
They fold us in for sleep.<br />
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<i>--Marie Charlotte Buckley</i><br />
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<i>...To all of the lovely nurses who take care of me...</i><br />
<i> </i><br />
<i><u><b>How Lovely You Are</b></u></i><br />
The sound of your sweet voice upon the night air -<br />
A soft golden moon seems to halo your hair.<br />
Your blue eyes are brighter than starlight by far,<br />
It rivals your beauty -<br />
how lovely you are.<br />
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The trees bow down humbly as you pass them, dear,<br />
Each rose lifts its petals - more closely to hear<br />
The lilt of your foot steps, your light laughter too;<br />
They're proud of your beauty-<br />
so lovely are you.<br />
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I, like the trees, and the starlight and flowers,<br />
Envy your smile, your strange hidden powers;<br />
In each of your eyes the Lord placed a star<br />
He, too, knows your beauty,<br />
how lovely you are.<br />
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<i>--Virginia Zarder</i><br />
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<i>Until we meet again...</i><br />
Be Well and Happy!!!<br />
<i>Let's Get ready for Halloween!!</i><br />
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<i> Robin</i><br />
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Robin W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03506629321089266286noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7830158366906762595.post-32047689684857017242011-09-08T16:11:00.000-04:002011-09-08T16:11:56.157-04:00I Have Returned!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Greetings to my blog friends. I feel terrible that I have neglected my blog for so many months. It has been a very difficult time for me. I had to move to a new place...continued serious health problems...the resulting financial problems...some of my longtime "friends" abandoning me.......... Let's just say that this is not a year that I would be anxious to repeat! <br />
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Yes, Henry, Bunny and I have relocated to a new "nest" -- a lovely condo about 2 miles from my old neighborhood, and we love it. <br />
Bunny especially likes her new bed.<br />
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It did not take Henry long to find his favorite nesting place -- the sink!<br />
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I am still struggling to clean out the house and have the estate sale before the end of the month. It's like boot camp! PURGE, two, three, four! DONATE two, three, four! NO, you probably will never be a size 6 or 8 again, so purge all those little clothes -- two, three four!! WHEW!<br />
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I am having a good time dreaming up home dec ideas with my flea market and thrift store finds, and I will share my photos with you soon. I brought my signature green barn wood door with me that stood in-between my garage doors at the house for so long. I could not bear to leave it behind or to sell it, so it has a new home now on my balcony. <br />
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I continue to take my photographs of flowers and nature, and to enjoy poetry. Here are some photos that I took in July at Canoe Creek State Park in Pennsylvania while I was home visiting my parents. <br />
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Here are a couple of shots of my Mother's gorgeous flower boxes!<br />
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Looking forward to future blogging, photos, poems, friends, and wonderful discoveries!<br />
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Above all, Be Well and Happy.<br />
<br />
Robin<br />
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</div>Robin W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03506629321089266286noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7830158366906762595.post-49685175878232245492011-04-07T19:16:00.000-04:002011-04-07T19:16:15.323-04:00Daffodils in the Garden and Bird's Nests in My Hair<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">"You cannot prevent the birds of sorrow from flying over your head, but you can prevent them from building nests in your hair."</span></b><br />
-- <i>Chinese Proverb</i><br />
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You have no way of knowing this, but I have a collection of art in my sewing room that depicts women with bird's nests in their hair. I'm not quite sure how it started, but I'll just blame it all on etsy! Ha ha. One of these days I will give you a tour of my bird nest ladies. My sewing room, as well as my house, is in disarray since I am in the process of getting ready to move - I don't know when or where yet, but I do know that it will be soon, and that I have to purge a lot of stuff!<br />
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Poetry, art and photography help calm me down. So do the daffodils that have begun blooming in my yard, and the sights and sounds of the birds who are scouting their nesting sites and looking for nesting materials. Don't forget to put out your dryer lint, pet hair, bits of yarn and string, and other soft nesting materials for the birds now. They need it for their little ones!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfY7pvde7FC5q12DIKefsmtbpkV3Nv_Vf_KGI413aNmwRvfCwRKJl-YPtkTzCotStMlHBmXYC2rl-Q8wQ4yEQW3RhI8TCZMywu36HP9tgPkrEvD7lNBmYp1lZCsLJGcob7CEZsFBqTAC0/s1600/red+bird+house+close-up.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfY7pvde7FC5q12DIKefsmtbpkV3Nv_Vf_KGI413aNmwRvfCwRKJl-YPtkTzCotStMlHBmXYC2rl-Q8wQ4yEQW3RhI8TCZMywu36HP9tgPkrEvD7lNBmYp1lZCsLJGcob7CEZsFBqTAC0/s400/red+bird+house+close-up.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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As I have said in the past, two of my favorite places are Sanibel and Captiva Islands in Florida. The great lady Lucy Maude Montgomery spent a great deal of reflective time there, and I feel somewhat of a kinship with her, even though we have lived during different centuries. Here is a wonderful poem that she wrote about Spring, and another poem from a lovely fellow you may have heard of.<br />
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<u><b>Spring Song</b></u><br />
Hark, I hear a Robin calling!<br />
List, the wind is from the South!<br />
And the orchard-bloom is falling<br />
Sweet as kisses on the mouth.<br />
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In the dreamy vale of beeches<br />
Fair and faint is woven mist,<br />
And the river's orient reaches<br />
Are the palest amethyst.<br />
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Every limpid brook is singing<br />
Of the lure of April days;<br />
Every piney glen is ringing<br />
With the maddest roundelays.<br />
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Come and let us seek together<br />
Springtime lore of daffodils,<br />
Giving to the golden weather<br />
Greeting on the sun-warm hills.<br />
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Ours shall be the moonrise stealing<br />
Through the birches ivory white;<br />
Ours shall be the mystic healing<br />
Of the velvet-footed night.<br />
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Ours shall be the gypsy winding<br />
Of the path with violets blue,<br />
Ours at last the wizard finding<br />
Of the land where dreams come true.<br />
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--<i>Lucy Maud Montgomery</i><br />
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Perhaps the most famous "Daffodils" poem:<br />
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<u><b>Daffodils</b></u><br />
I wander'd lonely as a cloud<br />
That floats on high o'er vales and hills,<br />
When all at once I saw a crowd,<br />
A host, of golden daffodils;<br />
Beside the lake, beneath the trees,<br />
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.<br />
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Continuous as the stars that shine<br />
And twinkle on the Milky Way,<br />
They stretch'd in never-ending line<br />
Along the margin of a bay;<br />
Ten thousand saw I at a glance;<br />
Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.<br />
<br />
The waves beside them danced; but they<br />
Out-did the sparkling waves in glee;<br />
A poet could not be gay,<br />
In such jocund company;<br />
I gazed - and gazed - but little thought<br />
What wealth the show to me had brought:<br />
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For oft, when on my couch I lie<br />
In vacant or in pensive mood<br />
They flash upon that inward eye<br />
Which is the bliss of solitude;<br />
And then my heart with pleasure fills,<br />
And dances with the daffodils.<br />
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-- <i>William Wordsworth (1804)</i><br />
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<i> A gorgeous daffodil bud from my garden. </i><br />
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Another sign of Spring -- lichens on my trees. <br />
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<i>I will be back soon. Until then, be well and happy. </i><br />
<i>Don't let the birds nest in your hair! </i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i> Robin</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
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</i></div>Robin W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03506629321089266286noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7830158366906762595.post-85367104902713484742011-02-24T10:22:00.000-05:002011-02-24T10:22:51.480-05:00Vintage Singer Dressmaking Book and Free Sewing Printables<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I am in the process of doing a MAJOR decluttering of my house, and yesterday I found a book that I forgot that I bought a few weeks ago at a thrift shop. It is a Singer Sewing Machine Dressmaking Course from 1961 - the year I was born. The illustrations are cute! Some of the things that the hostess stresses crack me up --- like -- "You must always keep your sewing room nice and tidy at all times". Oh my, if she could only see my sewing rooms! Alas, that was the 60's. However, I still need to get things organized and under control! <br />
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A note about these pages from the book. Blogger would not let me upload them after I spent an hour struggling with my stupid scanner trying to get them saved into my computer. I'm not trying to violate any copyright laws here. Please do not download the photos I took of the pages from this book. There will be other free downloads for you at the end of this post. <br />
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So, without further adieu, here are a few pages from the book. Now remember, mind your manners girls, and, as she tells you in the book, make sure that you always wear the proper undergarments, including the all-important "slip", especially when you are taking measurements for your sewing garments. (I doubt that the slips of the 1960"s sucked in much of the female population's "unwanted" proportions -- what would she have said if Spanx had been invented back then?)<br />
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So, there you have it. I just thought the illustrations were cute. I think that many of the sewing lessons in this book can still be applied today, so I'm going to take a closer look at it. Oh, by the way, guess who bought herself a swanky new sewing machine for her birthday? I'll be "unveiling" it to you folks soon. BUT - So far, I've been afraid to touch it -- I'm such a nerd! <br />
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Here are some sewing-related downloads for you.<br />
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Okay Ladies and Gentlemen out there -- "Keep Calm and Sew Something"!<br />
(But wear your slip and clean up after yourselves!) <br />
Most of all ----<br />
Be Well and Happy.<br />
<br />
Robin</div>Robin W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03506629321089266286noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7830158366906762595.post-43450947769888758012011-02-22T19:57:00.002-05:002011-02-25T01:15:39.626-05:00Happy Birthday To Me!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUiwKOr_Wgn-Zl1KtudKpCYLYxi1hghMmurO8coDrwqjIIu0yGmng60h2ZFH-qwP7PMXrqXRnn_i2Cktkj79lGA6pj35zaLIFWycA3zUyz_Z0zXG2x8LEMQm5TlwmjzuX0-QtNph85Krk/s1600/IMG_2828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUiwKOr_Wgn-Zl1KtudKpCYLYxi1hghMmurO8coDrwqjIIu0yGmng60h2ZFH-qwP7PMXrqXRnn_i2Cktkj79lGA6pj35zaLIFWycA3zUyz_Z0zXG2x8LEMQm5TlwmjzuX0-QtNph85Krk/s640/IMG_2828.JPG" width="480" /></a></div> Today is my 50th birthday. I'm not embarrassed to admit this, I think that 50 is just a number, and considering all of the serious health problems that I have had during the past 10 years, frankly, I am happy to have reached my 50th birthday. For weeks, I have been telling people that one of the things that I wanted for my birthday was a big snowstorm - like 25"! Everyone was ready to strangle me! Ha Ha. My hopes were running low last week when the thermometer hit 68 degrees. However, the Snow Fairy bestowed 8" of the lovely white stuff on me last night, just in time for my birthday. This even gave me a chance to wear my new sweater that I bought at Macy's with some birthday money for the whopping price of $7! I love a birthday bargain. Here are some winter wonderland photos from my yard. I wanted to do a nature walk in the woods, but I will have to do that tomorrow. First, a pretty poem.<br />
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<b> <u>Winter Storm</u></b><br />
<b>Outside the trees are wearing ermine capes,</b><br />
<b>The eaves are flaunting icicle drapes,</b><br />
<b>And cascades of diamonds spill</b><br />
<b>From rocky ledges on the hill.</b><br />
<b>Red berries glisten in the snow.</b><br />
<b>The wind-chill factor is ten below.</b><br />
<b>A winter storm came in last night</b><br />
<b>And blanketed our world in white.</b><br />
<b>Inside</b><br />
<b>There's a crackling fire, an easy chair,</b><br />
<b>And firewood stacked up to there;</b><br />
<b>A catalogue of plants and seeds</b><br />
<b>From which to choose Spring garden needs;</b><br />
<b>A book to read, a pot of tea,</b><br />
<b>And food enough for you and me.</b><br />
<b>Welcome to my hearth and home.</b><br />
<b>Never mind the winter storm...</b><br />
<b><i> </i><i>Willette Caudle McGuire</i></b><br />
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Here is one of my Garden Chairs. <br />
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My Holly bushes still have a few berries for the birds!<br />
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Our lovely evergreens provide shelter for birds and deer alike.<br />
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The busiest birdhouse in the neighborhood gets a winter rest!<br />
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Grazing Deer.<br />
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My vintage wool gloves came in handy today.<br />
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It was dark by the time I got home from my thrift shop adventures today, so I fashioned a nighttime snow celebration. This is my yummy cake from the famous Bethel Bakery in Bethel Park, PA. They make the most awesome cakes and pastries! As I typed this post, I ate it and thoroughly enjoyed it!<br />
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Here's the full view.<br />
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I fashioned the "50" from some of my pink vintage earrings - pretty in pink!<br />
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All in all, I think that 50 is going to be a "fabulous" year!<br />
Until next time - Be Well and Happy!<br />
<br />
Robin</div>Robin W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03506629321089266286noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7830158366906762595.post-52788138181351554292011-02-20T01:29:00.001-05:002011-02-20T01:47:28.125-05:00John James Audubon<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
I was absolutely thrilled a couple of weeks ago to find a huge beautiful old hard bound book --- John James Audubon's "The Birds of North America" for only $3.00 at Goodwill! I came home and poured through the pages, examining his drawings with true admiration for his incredible skills and attention to detail that could only come from a lifetime of devotion to the study of birds as well as a God-given talent for illustration.<br />
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The book "Bright Wings" contains a poem which is a tribute to Audubon, and I now share it with you --<br />
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<u><b>John James Audubon</b></u><br />
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Some men live for warlike deeds,<br />
Some for women's words.<br />
John James Audubon<br />
Lived to look at birds.<br />
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Pretty birds and funny birds,<br />
All our native fowl<br />
From the little cedar waxwing<br />
To the Great Horned Owl.<br />
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Let the wind blow hot or cold,<br />
Let it rain or snow,<br />
Everywhere the birds went,<br />
Audubon would go.<br />
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Scrambling through a wilderness,<br />
Floating down a stream,<br />
All around America<br />
In a feathered dream.<br />
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Thirty years of traveling,<br />
Pockets often bare,<br />
(Lucy Bakewell Audubon<br />
Patched them up with care).<br />
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Followed grebe and meadowlark,<br />
Saw them sing and splash.<br />
(Lucy Bakewell Audubon<br />
Somehow raised the cash).<br />
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Drew them all the way they lived<br />
In their habitats.<br />
(Lucy Bakewell Audubon<br />
Sometimes wondered "Cats"?)<br />
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Colored them and printed them<br />
In a giant book.<br />
"Birds of North America"--<br />
All the world said, "Look!"<br />
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Gave him medals and degrees,<br />
Called him noble names,<br />
--Lucy Bakewell Audubon<br />
Kissed her queer John James.<br />
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--<i>Stephen Vincent Benet</i><br />
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Cedar Waxwing<br />
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Great Horned Owl<br />
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Grebe<br />
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Meadowlark<br />
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Doesn't the Meadowlark just make you think of Spring? It's Beautiful. So many birds today. <br />
Be well and Happy. Sing like the Spring Meadowlark!<br />
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Robin</div>Robin W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03506629321089266286noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7830158366906762595.post-44876632033132599502011-02-16T05:37:00.000-05:002011-02-16T05:37:56.727-05:00"Bright Wings" Poem -- The Tufted Titmouse<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0kFBhPojuUW91TGSUwnsEVTjXq90_wA7w1S__FllnQxI-fkYyfjMOY6fb7PApRcDeOLoaLMAXApDdI_mv5X2T8ZApEAmYEIRPA1VQmbMbI7dAWoU4Pae8bN5fMOmgzRqnpxE0VVebI7U/s1600/tufted+titmouse+image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0kFBhPojuUW91TGSUwnsEVTjXq90_wA7w1S__FllnQxI-fkYyfjMOY6fb7PApRcDeOLoaLMAXApDdI_mv5X2T8ZApEAmYEIRPA1VQmbMbI7dAWoU4Pae8bN5fMOmgzRqnpxE0VVebI7U/s400/tufted+titmouse+image.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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The ever spry and agile Tufted Titmouse is always entertaining to watch in my back yard. He is an acrobat, going up and down trees -- forward and backward, sideways and cross ways -- whatever it takes to get his dinner. While at the bird feeder he is equally skilled at maneuvering to get his meal. Not only does he make me laugh, he is also a handsome bird with his little topper on his head and pretty belly. <br />
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According to the book "Bright Wings", the name Titmouse dates back to the fourteenth century from the Old English words <i>mase</i>, which meant "bird", and <i>tit</i> which meant something small. In Great Britain, Great Tits and Blue Tits were reported to have broken open the foil caps of milk bottles, delivered to doorsteps, to drink the cream! What little devils!<br />
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And now to our poem........<br />
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<u><b>Titmouse</b></u><br />
<b>If you would happy company win,</b><br />
<b> Dangle a palm-nut from a tree,</b><br />
<b> Idly in green to sway and spin,</b><br />
<b> Its snow-pulped kernel for bait; and see</b><br />
<b> A nimble titmouse enter in.</b><br />
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<b> Out of earth's vast unknown of air,</b><br />
<b> Out of all summer from wave to wave,</b><br />
<b> He'll perch, and prank his feathers fair, </b><br />
<b> Jangle a glass-clear wildering stave,</b><br />
<b> And take his commons there--</b><br />
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<b> This tiny son of life; this spright,</b><br />
<b> By monentary Human sought,</b><br />
<b> Plume will his wing in the dappling light,</b><br />
<b> Clash timbrel shrill and gay --</b><br />
<b> And into time's enormous nought,</b><br />
<b> Sweet-fed, will flit away. </b><br />
<b> </b><br />
<b> --<i>Walter De La Mare</i> </b><br />
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So dance like a Titmouse in the Woods today as if you had not a care in the world -- Flit about -- Strut your plumage -- You are an awesome creature!<br />
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As Always -- Be Well and Happy!<br />
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Robin</div>Robin W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03506629321089266286noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7830158366906762595.post-90933578164423332012011-02-16T05:01:00.002-05:002011-02-16T06:35:19.614-05:00More "Bright Wings" Poems - The Chickadee and a Sunny Walk<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I took the opportunity to take a walk outside yesterday in the marvelous sun which we have not seen enough of lately. I found some interesting treasures right in my back yard.<br />
First, some moss growing out of the snow at the base of a tree -- perhaps a sign of spring?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbrW4WOP4fOVsOjuYkQXa9q0dj_Mkquh-7-Hm1ZZ5SXMVFBE1ZU30nLPeqU_sOs_2FFgGsNb5tlYlzJB-rTOfm71I_jJrbPmWC8AKoN8ESE1d_bX2CWr1LAxEsyIRKjv1ctSZs7m0EP-g/s1600/winter+moss.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbrW4WOP4fOVsOjuYkQXa9q0dj_Mkquh-7-Hm1ZZ5SXMVFBE1ZU30nLPeqU_sOs_2FFgGsNb5tlYlzJB-rTOfm71I_jJrbPmWC8AKoN8ESE1d_bX2CWr1LAxEsyIRKjv1ctSZs7m0EP-g/s400/winter+moss.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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Second, a precious little bird's nest in my trumpet flower vines. I don't know what kind of bird made it -- maybe a Robin?<br />
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The trumpet vines look like a Halloween card this time of year without any beautiful greenery and orange flowers and with the hummingbirds buzzing in and out.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXhtrrl734-WiKjTslQls84QQ1Aazkx4u6ZtRaLn9nvrUwCzZ72W8gjrmBGZyt1QenG8BgQZmVUwSuXeG3xmRPX8vxqqkXAyPxOhFdczSPm_uQ1zNh98HCvpg0D0I5vlA3pfc1QERSHr8/s1600/winter+trumpet+vine.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXhtrrl734-WiKjTslQls84QQ1Aazkx4u6ZtRaLn9nvrUwCzZ72W8gjrmBGZyt1QenG8BgQZmVUwSuXeG3xmRPX8vxqqkXAyPxOhFdczSPm_uQ1zNh98HCvpg0D0I5vlA3pfc1QERSHr8/s400/winter+trumpet+vine.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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Third, my terracotta man looks quite lonely without any flowers.<br />
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Fourth, some footprints in the melting snow.........<br />
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Deer.<br />
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Humanoids.<br />
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I saw some Precious little Chickadees flitting about, but they were too fast for my camera. They were hard at work looking for food. I did find some bird tracks in the snow. Probably too big for a Chickadee though.<br />
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This time of year it's tough for birds to find water that's not frozen. I think that they should go to Walden Pond. <br />
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And now two poems concerning the Chickadee from the book "Bright Wings", Edited by Billy Collins.<br />
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<u><b>December Notes</b></u><br />
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<b>The backyard is one white sheet</b><br />
<b> Where we read in the bird tracks.</b><br />
<b></b><br />
<b> The songs we hear. Delicate</b><br />
<b> Sparrow, heavier cardinal,</b><br />
<b></b><br />
<b> Filigree threads of chickadee.</b><br />
<b> And wing patterns where one flew</b><br />
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<b> Low, then up and away, gone</b><br />
<b> To the woods but calling out</b><br />
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<b> Clearly its bright epigrams.</b><br />
<b> More snow promised for tonight.</b><br />
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<b> The postal van is stalled</b><br />
<b> In the road again, the mail</b><br />
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<b> Will be late and any good news </b><br />
<b> Will reach us by hand.</b><br />
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-- <i>Nancy McCleery</i><br />
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<u><b>In Walden Wood The Chickadee</b></u> <br />
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<b>In Walden Wood the Chickadee </b><br />
<b> Runs round the pine and maple tree,</b><br />
<b> Intent on insect slaughter:</b><br />
<b> O rufted entomologist!</b><br />
<b></b><br />
<b> Devour as many as you list,</b><br />
<b> Then drink the Walden Water.</b><br />
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-- <i>Ralph Waldo Emerson</i><br />
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<i>Until next time -- Be Well and Happy and Sing Your Heart Out!</i><br />
<i> </i><br />
<i>Robin</i></div>Robin W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03506629321089266286noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7830158366906762595.post-39445926983934134722011-02-04T21:00:00.000-05:002011-02-04T21:00:10.636-05:00The Four Little Kittens Have Lost Their Mittens But Mamma's Got a Hot New Pair of Shoes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Today we saw something that we haven't seen much of lately -- the SUN!!!<br />
The glorious sun!! This time of year can be so gloomy, and it was wonderful to feel the warm sunshine on my face. Cats love the sunny spot in the window too. Here are some pictures of my Henry Frank II and Bunny and my sister's Pumpkin and Muffin.<br />
The ever-handsome Henri Francois! <br />
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Bunny is playing hide and go seek in the couch!<br />
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Pumpkin a/k/a the "Bumble Bee" is having a major catnip seizure!<br />
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Muffin is just chillin' on some wrapping paper.<br />
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But wait, some of the kittens have lost their mittens!!<br />
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Don't worry, all 4 kitties are safe and warm inside their respective houses. If only I could get rid of these winter boots and wear real shoes for a change.<br />
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I recently discovered the wonderful clothing website ModCloth, and it has a fabulous assortment of clothing and shoes.<br />
<a href="http://www.modcloth.com/">http://www.modcloth.com/</a><br />
Just this morning I was lusting for several pairs of their very unusual, trendy shoes that I have never seen the likes of before, however, they were all over $125. Ouch. So, even though I was not looking for shoes today, I happened to be at Marshall's and I immediately spied this pair of fabulous goodies. No sooner did I get them on my feet, and a lady came over and said -- They look awesome on you, you have to buy them! Well, given that they were only $25, I felt obligated to give in to my temptation. So, here they are, complete with the purple stockings that I also bought at Marshall's for $3.<br />
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I know they're not red shoes, but, Dorothy, eat your heart out!<br />
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<b><i>"Everyone notices nice shoes. They are like windows to the soul."</i></b><br />
<i> Natasha Hamilton (British Pop Singer) </i><br />
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Until next time, Be Well and Happy! <br />
Robin<br />
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</div>Robin W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03506629321089266286noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7830158366906762595.post-74869938833491336582011-01-29T07:51:00.000-05:002011-01-29T07:51:30.355-05:00Free Vintage Valentine Downloads<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Just a quick post to give you some Valentine downloads from The Graphics Fairy -- The awesome queen of vintage images of every kind!!!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Be Well and Happy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Robin</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Robin W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03506629321089266286noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7830158366906762595.post-28593324171760837282011-01-29T03:10:00.000-05:002011-01-29T03:10:12.617-05:00Welcome 2011 and Free Valentine's Day Downloads<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Yes, this post is about one month late, but after a couple of weeks of illness, and a week in the hospital, I am finally back to blogging. You may have noticed that I have added some new blogs to my "Favorites" list. I will most likely be adding some more, as well as updating my lists of favorite craft sites and best sites for downloading free images. <br />
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I have resurrected a love for yarn! I have crocheted for many years of my life, however, not lately. So, I gathered up the crochet hooks and started on some new projects. I also am going to be taking knitting lessons, which I have wanted to do for years. Alas -- Another obsession -- YARN! I have managed to control myself so far, but once I learn how to knit, I may not be able to resist all of the gorgeous yarns out there! I already have my "Intermediate" and "Advanced" knitting projects lined up! However, I suspect that many "Beginner" projects will have to be completed by these hands of mine before I can move up a level!<br />
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I have many goals this year which I will talk about as we go. I would love to buy a new camera and learn how to take beautiful photos. Time will tell. I promise to post soon. I have not bee very good about that, but this is a new year! <br />
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</a></div>Enjoy some Valentine's Day Downloads, many of which are courtesy of the Graphics Fairy! <br />
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Be Well and Happy!<br />
Robin<br />
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Just before my third Christmas, I remember standing in that corner praying to God and asking Santa if they would bring me a baby sister for Christmas. One day my Mother asked me what I was doing and I told her. She patiently explained to me that God is the one who brings us baby sisters, not Santa Clause. I accepted that explanation at the time, however, I was still confused. In my mind, Santa lived in heaven with God, so they both must bring us babies. After all, everyone said that heaven was up in the sky and, where did Santa and his reindeer come from -- Out of the sky! Yes, I knew that people told me that Santa lived in the North Pole, but, in my little mind, the North Pole was in the sky in heaven with God.<br />
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So, during the next year, I continued to pray to God for a baby sister and, lo and behold, a month before my fourth Christmas, my new baby sister arrived! I was so thankful to God. Since it was so close to Christmas, I figured that Santa must have had a hand in it somehow, so I also thanked Santa for my new sister.<br />
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My, the years since then have gone by so quickly. I still believe in God, although my faith has been tested mightily. My faith and belief in Santa Clause has, for the most part, remained strong. His spirit still comes alive in me every time I see the twinkle of the lights on a Christmas tree; feel snowflakes on my eyelashes; savor the smell of cookies baking in the oven; or relish the scent of fresh pine branches. Unfortunately, during the past few years, the circumstances of my life have not always easily allowed me to open my heart to the Christmas spirit. I have a serious chronic illness. I have lost my career and virtually everything that I have worked my entire life for. I must admit that I have lost and found my faith in God many times over during the past few years. A few times, it even felt like Santa's spirit was flickering and in danger of being extinguished.<br />
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I must admit that I really was not looking forward to Christmas this year. That is - Until yesterday when Santa and God sent me a moment of "Christmas Joy", and reminded me of some things that I had forgotten. I was cleaning the house and I was listening to some Christmas CD's. My little cat - Miss Bunny - was sitting on the back of a chair in the family room when Placido Domingo began singing an Italian piece entitled - "Mille cherubini in coro". It is a lovely, soothing piece, and as Placido began singing the chorus - "Glory, glory....", I looked over at Bunny, and her little head was gently rocking back and forth and her tail was delicately swishing side to side in time with the music. She was so thoroughly enjoying the music and the moment -- The first thought that came to my mind when I looked at her was -- "PURE JOY - PURE CHRISTMAS JOY".<br />
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Tears streamed down my face as I watched her serene and peaceful face. And then I had a thought. I suppose that it is possible that my brain was solely responsible for this thought, but, I would like to think that, somewhere up there in heaven, God and Santa Clause decided that I needed a reminder, and they telegraphed my brain this message, which is as follows:<br />
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<i>"Moments of Christmas Joy, my dear Girl, are all around us every day of the year. You need only slow down, take a good look around, be still and quiet, take in the world, and the joy will come to you. Each day it will be different. Some days it will be more powerful than others, but keep your heart open, and we will both fill it with joy."</i><br />
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Well, there you have it. Straight from the heavens where I have concluded that both God and Santa live. So, thank you God -- thank you Santa, for reminding me to seek out and find Christmas Joy. This Christmas, I will not ask you for a house or for money -- there are so many people who need your help more desperately than I do. I would like to have more days that I am well rather than sick. Maybe the two of you can help me there.<br />
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I don't know what 2011 will bring for me or for the billions of other people on this wonderful blue planet of ours. My humble Christmas Day message to all of you in Blog Land is this -- Regardless of what God you pray to, or whether or not you celebrate Christmas, my Christmas wish for you is that you will keep your heart open to finding at least one moment of "JOY" each day for the rest of your life and "beyond". It will make your life more fulfilling and meaningful. <br />
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May you all be well, be happy, love, and be loved by many on this Christmas Day and forevermore. <br />
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Robin<br />
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<i>"May you have the gladness of Christmas which is Hope;</i><br />
<i>The spirit of Christmas which is Peace;</i><br />
<i>The heart of Christmas which is Love." </i> <br />
<i>--Ada V. Hendricks</i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTDHQ1GgNburQcDVuneoPnwqtmCOEPV_ctX7n0-6ONXB2lFM_JjrWh9Ft10jRp4U8GqKs8AoFDBbXSmR85xkuPb-YakPNBSGfHkkNaaewDWE2cmwpXJc1PHUj46U3tBmi90j4gnBKCJUE/s1600/bird+robin+in+snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTDHQ1GgNburQcDVuneoPnwqtmCOEPV_ctX7n0-6ONXB2lFM_JjrWh9Ft10jRp4U8GqKs8AoFDBbXSmR85xkuPb-YakPNBSGfHkkNaaewDWE2cmwpXJc1PHUj46U3tBmi90j4gnBKCJUE/s1600/bird+robin+in+snow.jpg" /></a></div>Robin W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03506629321089266286noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7830158366906762595.post-2853972411790693792010-12-01T08:34:00.000-05:002010-12-01T08:34:55.071-05:00Welcome December!I apologize for not posting for so long, but I have been quite ill. However, I am feeling much better, and I am full of the Christmas and Winter spirit! Unlike many people, I actually like winter! The weather forecast for today calls for some snow flurries later today - hurray! Our first snow! It would be a welcome change from the absolute deluge of rain that we have been receiving yesterday and so far today.<br />
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Anyway, I am doing a show this weekend, and then -- let the holiday decorating begin! I am frantically completing my last minute "Treasures" for my show, but I wanted to share with you some precious vintage Christmas images.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhneA9Nb_-75iqtSr0WYRdxxvnwYlA5NWIgcaWR6II6L6YYChGh8MROf7HQgTLTtYSElSsMAwWaR5XPEwnSQ7iO7GVRDa4JhvN1SW20rPhH3J7cFqA9ciTWGVsBa6fOHXhZTYcvzD7hqls/s1600/christmas+girl+w+holly+wreath+in+hair+painting+-+outstanding.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhneA9Nb_-75iqtSr0WYRdxxvnwYlA5NWIgcaWR6II6L6YYChGh8MROf7HQgTLTtYSElSsMAwWaR5XPEwnSQ7iO7GVRDa4JhvN1SW20rPhH3J7cFqA9ciTWGVsBa6fOHXhZTYcvzD7hqls/s320/christmas+girl+w+holly+wreath+in+hair+painting+-+outstanding.png" width="204" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4OHBRVIQadabJKq8m8hHNpZ-6yEGgpIXrmBRioyNQ4QEb700xwccakzVpWP0-r8WI5oUueMZQDomD28PYLV6oKgxQk471a9mAkk4m-v4Bq5CJvLeTmvbuBIUQRzP8Xs1LbQkzmCl7pPc/s1600/cat+christmas+cats+selling+treats+-+exc+exc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4OHBRVIQadabJKq8m8hHNpZ-6yEGgpIXrmBRioyNQ4QEb700xwccakzVpWP0-r8WI5oUueMZQDomD28PYLV6oKgxQk471a9mAkk4m-v4Bq5CJvLeTmvbuBIUQRzP8Xs1LbQkzmCl7pPc/s320/cat+christmas+cats+selling+treats+-+exc+exc.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Yummies for the Tummies! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Jolly Kitties! </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOOYtLnxdkAmjmLBifIxxieIBpxReCuR9D8WzgJVqgaMNly_o5jrMUffZL87kHuKTy3JF8QZ2K5lEFGj6rgpjfJxh65IbV-HtMI36988Giq9cEoL216XdGXjtrpZ-cmIzIwAQsbCl3Zd8/s1600/christmas+vintage+robins+on+fence+post.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOOYtLnxdkAmjmLBifIxxieIBpxReCuR9D8WzgJVqgaMNly_o5jrMUffZL87kHuKTy3JF8QZ2K5lEFGj6rgpjfJxh65IbV-HtMI36988Giq9cEoL216XdGXjtrpZ-cmIzIwAQsbCl3Zd8/s320/christmas+vintage+robins+on+fence+post.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVjNt7_wZh0JaABqr52zqOlzrsmpk9SiSl4KvpCLfRJ8Mc4CWvKUnuC9MS85CKtDKH1n0TOpDvyvtRDUj_uNMSXuU1prZk6zgRrgCyQ4pthvTdfsIq9zxSWJUXjJQMmtQ0zU290JRbRC8/s1600/christmas+vintage+card+fawns+bluebirds+like+mine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVjNt7_wZh0JaABqr52zqOlzrsmpk9SiSl4KvpCLfRJ8Mc4CWvKUnuC9MS85CKtDKH1n0TOpDvyvtRDUj_uNMSXuU1prZk6zgRrgCyQ4pthvTdfsIq9zxSWJUXjJQMmtQ0zU290JRbRC8/s320/christmas+vintage+card+fawns+bluebirds+like+mine.jpg" width="236" /></a></div><br />
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I think this card is absolutely precious! It reminds me of a very special Christmas card that my grandparents sent to me long ago. I will tell you more about it in an upcoming post.<br />
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That's all for now. Be well and Happy! By the way, I came across a very unique and cool Blog yesterday. It is called "My Best Thing Today". <a href="http://mybestthingtoday.com/">http://mybestthingtoday.com/</a><br />
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People submit illustrated postcards which tell the story of what their best thing that day was. It is really interesting to read and look at -- check it out. I would love to submit a post there, but I can't draw to save my life. <br />
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Tell me what your best thing today was. No artwork required!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">"<u>Delicious Autumn</u>!</span></span><br />
My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking successive autumns."<br />
-- <i>George Eliot</i><br />
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<u><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">October's Party</span></span></u><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">October </span><span style="font-size: small;">gave a party;</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The leaves by hundreds came -</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Chestnuts, Oaks and Maples,</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">And leaves of every name.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The sunshine spread a carpet,</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">And everything was grand,</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Miss Weather led the dancing,</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Professor Wind the band.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> -- <i>George </i>Cooper </span></span></span> <br />
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Professor Wind has indeed been working overtime here in Western PA, and, unfortunately, he has been blowing all of the gorgeous leaves off of the trees too early!! I was able to find some beauties that survived the Professor's huffing and puffing in Bethel Park, PA. If only they could last all winter long. <br />
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I still have to buy my Halloween candy for the trick or treaters! Tomorrow I will show you my collection of Halloween primitive dolls. Spooky! <br />
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Get your costumes ready you little ghosts and goblins!!<br />
Be Well and Happy -- and Spoooooky!<br />
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RobinRobin W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03506629321089266286noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7830158366906762595.post-57154183188677944002010-09-27T09:06:00.000-04:002010-09-27T09:06:39.706-04:00Autumn Decorating And Some Fall CreationsYes, I've got the fever -- Fall Fever. I have decorated my porch and deck for the fall festivities. The pumpkins are popping, the mums are humming, the grasshoppers are still hopping.....Take a look.<br />
The wreath on my front door. <br />
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Some early blooming mums.<br />
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My favorite garden bench.<br />
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The front porch garden chairs - decorated for every season.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ6AVvZhlaNZTdPZpM9w-ynohdwHg86oBTOvKiAKBinVKE_4ktWScjOXr4mPz-E_aRqFQvWhBVYmFBDv-AeYrLOa-8EaFsYlaF767qz9tJeWxfMOVTBWXzPGEkZFXsZwsWMe_sO06zsjI/s1600/IMG_2275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ6AVvZhlaNZTdPZpM9w-ynohdwHg86oBTOvKiAKBinVKE_4ktWScjOXr4mPz-E_aRqFQvWhBVYmFBDv-AeYrLOa-8EaFsYlaF767qz9tJeWxfMOVTBWXzPGEkZFXsZwsWMe_sO06zsjI/s320/IMG_2275.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0lvIPxAorJFUL34AEXiFriWLIIg_n5yfMiivMNGTHcuWBBD8nicamrlG42bIUkuuR8r5VIXbylvbGR4nzppAIUukgrymzmz70o9FNY-tojF7I_MSv_eyYjLrsc2IBkwRJX49THvVH7EM/s1600/IMG_2280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0lvIPxAorJFUL34AEXiFriWLIIg_n5yfMiivMNGTHcuWBBD8nicamrlG42bIUkuuR8r5VIXbylvbGR4nzppAIUukgrymzmz70o9FNY-tojF7I_MSv_eyYjLrsc2IBkwRJX49THvVH7EM/s320/IMG_2280.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>My latest Robin's Nest Treasures Creation-<br />
"Raggedy Autumn" Dolls<br />
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We Love Pumpkins!<br />
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And scary gourds!<br />
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White Autumn Pumpkins!<br />
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My Oak Leaf - Another Goodwill Find!<br />
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My Lovely Garden Door<br />
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The Grasshoppers are indeed still hopping!<br />
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Remember - Scaredy Cats are Welcome At Our House!<br />
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Please Stop By For A Paw Reading Before Halloween Night!<br />
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I have also been working on some new Robin's Nest Treasures Creations for an upcoming Show---<br />
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The Halloween Spider Brooch!<br />
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Autumn Rose Necklace<br />
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Vintage Halloween Decorations<br />
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Hope you enjoyed this little tour of our Autumn Nest! <br />
Many of these items will soon be available in my etsy shop. <br />
<a href="http://www.robinsnesttreasures.etsy.com/">http://www.robinsnesttreasures.etsy.com</a><br />
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Be Well and Happy! -- Robin<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghOiVNoQ_I4wafTSxNQHgF_z9HBX1dlR-Th_c4SU7-6Up2eHnBjvMjjb8qN07W14PMwtU8vaO8P30kGWJWCdqz8t-uHBG9jO6IIBiVGYs-xwp3Pso5AK4k7_i9339T7dAgqw5tTNmGY4I/s1600/halloween+v.+pumpkin+hot+air+balloon+-+excellent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghOiVNoQ_I4wafTSxNQHgF_z9HBX1dlR-Th_c4SU7-6Up2eHnBjvMjjb8qN07W14PMwtU8vaO8P30kGWJWCdqz8t-uHBG9jO6IIBiVGYs-xwp3Pso5AK4k7_i9339T7dAgqw5tTNmGY4I/s400/halloween+v.+pumpkin+hot+air+balloon+-+excellent.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>Robin W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03506629321089266286noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7830158366906762595.post-11201722573262994842010-09-18T07:07:00.000-04:002010-09-18T07:07:59.541-04:00An Imminent Departure And Some Bejeweled Poems About Hummingbirds"A flash of harmless lightening,<br />
A mist of rainbow dyes,<br />
The burnished sunbeams brightening.<br />
From flower to flower he flies."<br />
<i>-John Banister Tabb</i><br />
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Something made me smile today. It was the sight of a gorgeous ruby-throat-ed hummingbird feeding on one of the few remaining trumpet vine flowers in my back yard. It should not be too many days now before they all gather for their grueling non-stop journey to Mexico where they will spend the winter months. How such tiny fragile souls can fly thousands of miles non-stop through all manner of perils is beyond human comprehension. These feisty green fairies always make me smile, not only because I love to watch them, but because they remind me of happy memories when my precious cat Sweet Pea and I used to sit in the garden in the evenings and watch the hummers feed on the trumpet vine flowers. <br />
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So, in honor of the most lovely and amazing tiny creatures in my garden today, and every day, here are some poems.<br />
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<u><b>The Hummingbirds</b></u><br />
Minutest of the feathered kind,<br />
Posessing every charm combined,<br />
Nature, in forming thee, designed<br />
A proof within how little space<br />
She can comprise such perfect grace,<br />
Rendering the lovely; fairy race.<br />
<i>- Charlotte Smith</i> <br />
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<u><b>The Hummingbird</b></u><br />
A route of evanescence<br />
With a revolving wheel;<br />
A resonance of emerald,<br />
A rush of cochineal;<br />
And every blossom on the bush<br />
Adjusts its tumbled head,<br />
The mail from Tunis, probably,<br />
An easy morning's ride.<br />
<i>- Emily Dickinson </i><br />
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<i> </i><br />
<i><u><b>Hummingbird Eggs</b></u></i><br />
In a crook of a branch of the Queen Flowers tree<br />
Precariously it swayed with every breeze<br />
Reminding him of that infant lulaby.<br />
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The Mother poked her head out frequently<br />
Fiercely defensive of the treasure<br />
In her small abode.<br />
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This totemic treasure carried folklore<br />
Within its ingenious plaitings<br />
A superior intelligence at work.<br />
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Functional and minimalist<br />
Her crimson crest and iridescent<br />
Feathers made her the most<br />
Powerful bird in the world.<br />
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As she hovered in mid-air stationary<br />
Like a helicopter searching.<br />
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Her eyes reminded in the dynamic flashes<br />
The fate that befell those long ago<br />
Who broke the taboo of her death.<br />
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Who now on certain moonlit nights<br />
Howl their pain in lonely hours<br />
Over the well known lake of pitch.<br />
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The boy approached. The mother flew.<br />
He saw the eggs such miniature art<br />
And stretched his hands to touch.<br />
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She zipped past his ear screeching<br />
Warning of a second totem in anger.<br />
He understood the warning dire<br />
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Looked as they lay in their resplendent nest<br />
Climbed down and withdrew from the nest.<br />
The mother circled her treasure<br />
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Then calmly brooded.<br />
Overhead thunder suddenly rolled<br />
In the brightness of the day lightening flashed.<br />
<i>- Anson Gonzalez</i><br />
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Until next time .................<br />
Be Well and Happy.<br />
Robin <br />
(And Sweet Pea from heaven who is still<br />
watching the green fairies)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKSQYHeh-9x_q11HU7yB_I2HRbGTIGB6RTUr8UeDoXeP80SIGNGIVtHOW9oHjrjcnbTnCHDuL15BNTWDGqtTQxcxRu1MCdySSSD-geUusiF2objp5pidDZK-ghI3jwnsDDQZGbvccPWM/s1600/halloween+boy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKSQYHeh-9x_q11HU7yB_I2HRbGTIGB6RTUr8UeDoXeP80SIGNGIVtHOW9oHjrjcnbTnCHDuL15BNTWDGqtTQxcxRu1MCdySSSD-geUusiF2objp5pidDZK-ghI3jwnsDDQZGbvccPWM/s200/halloween+boy.jpg" width="125" /></a></div>Robin W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03506629321089266286noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7830158366906762595.post-72203691321673162992010-09-15T05:55:00.000-04:002010-09-15T05:55:33.933-04:00Zucchini, Zucchini, Zucchini -- Some Recipes For Our Abundant FriendThis time of year when I go to our local Farmer's Market, one of the vegetables that is spilling over in abundance is the lovely zucchini. Nutritious, versatile, it is a shame that it is not in season in our area all year long. For the time being, however, we shall make full use of it. Today I have two zucchini soup recipes to share with you - one is creamy and the other is stock based. Before we get to the soups, I want to share a quick recipe that I made up last week.<br />
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<u><b>Robin's Italian Zucchini</b></u><br />
I sliced two zucchini into about 1/8" slices and coated them with olive oil. Then I sprinkled them with garlic chips. (I highly recommend the Organic Roasted Garlic Chips from Garlic Festival Foods. I use them for everything! Their garlic mustard is also to die for! <a href="http://www.garlicfestival.com/">http://www.garlicfestival.com/</a> )<br />
I grilled the zucchini slices about 2 minutes on each side and removed them from the grill. <br />
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Then I spread a layer of basil garlic tomato sauce in the bottom of a 12"x12" dish and began layering the zucchini slices, tomato sauce, and shredded mozzarella cheese, finishing with a layer of the cheese. I covered the dish with foil and baked in the oven at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. We had this as a side dish with grilled talapia and grilled sweet potatoes, and it was delicious. I hope you like it. You may even add ingredients that will even make it better -- please leave a comment and let me know! Now, on to the soups!<br />
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<u><b>Creamy Potato and Zucchini Soup With Garlic Croutons</b></u><br />
<u><b></b>Ingredients:</u><br />
<u></u>2 tsp Olive Oil<br />
1 large onion, finely diced<br />
2 or 3 cloves garlic, minced<br />
2 lb. potatoes, peeled and diced<br />
2 c. 1% or skim milk<br />
1 1/2 c. vegetable or chicken stock<br />
2 zucchini unpeeled, grated<br />
1 tsp nutmeg<br />
hot pepper flakes, to taste (optional)<br />
salt and pepper<br />
grated sharp cheddar cheese<br />
<u>Croutons - Ingredients:</u><br />
2 T. olive oil<br />
2 garlic cloves, minced<br />
2 sheets of lavash bread<br />
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<u>Directions:</u><br />
Heat oil in a deep heavy saucepan over med-high heat. Add onion, cook until soft. Add garlic and cook for 2 minutes. Add potatoes and stock, bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 25-30 minutes or until potatoes are cooked. Add milk, zucchini, nutmeg and pepper flakes. Cook on low for another 10 minutes.<br />
Remove from heat and let stand for 10 minutes. Puree soup, then return to pot and stir over low heat until heated through. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with cheese and serve with croutons.<br />
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<u>Croutons - Directions</u>:<br />
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 2 baking trays with parchment paper. Combine oil and garlic in a small bowl. Brush lavash bread with oil, fold bread in half and tear along fold. Tear the bread until you have long strips 3/4" wide. Place on trays and bake 10 minutes or until golden and crisp.<br />
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Recipe Courtesy of -- <a href="http://www.grouprecipes.com/">http://www.grouprecipes.com/</a><br />
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<u>Note</u> -- Personally, I would just use store-bought croutons -- This is just too much bother for me. I had no idea what lavash bread was, so I looked it up. This is the story -- Lavash is a soft, thin flatbread widely used in Iran, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. Dough is rolled out flat and slapped against the hot walls of a wood oven or a "tandoor". While flexible like a tortilla when fresh, lavash dries out quickly and becomes brittle and hard.<br />
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You learn something new every hour. However, I would still use the store-bought croutons. <br />
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<u><b>COUNTRY STYLE ZUCCHINI SOUP</b></u><br />
<u><b></b></u><br />
<u><b></b>Ingredients:</u><br />
3 tbsp. Olive Oil<br />
1 clove garlic, chopped<br />
3 medium potatoes, cubed<br />
1 sliced onion, diced<br />
2 stalks celery, sliced<br />
2 tbsp. fresh parsley<br />
1 tsp. oregano<br />
6 cups beef stock<br />
1 large tomato, cored, blanched, peeled, diced<br />
1 lb. zucchini, diced<br />
2 tsp. salt<br />
2 tbsp. Parmesan cheese, grated<br />
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<u>Instructions:</u><br />
In a large saucepan, heat oil and brown garlic. Discard garlic. Add potatoes, stir to coat, and cook for about 5 minutes. Add onion, parsley and oregano, and cook until onions are softened. Add stock, tomatoes, celery, zucchini, and salt and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until zucchini is tender. Pour soup into individual bowls and sprinkle freshly ground pepper and 1 teaspoon grated Parmesan cheese over each serving. <br />
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Recipe courtesy of: <a href="http://www.foodgeeks.com/recipes/">http://www.foodgeeks.com/recipes/</a><br />
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<u>Note:</u><br />
<u></u>In the Comments section following this recipe, several people indicated that they felt that the amount of beef stock should be cut back to 4 or 5 cups instead of 6 cups. Also, some people stated that they eliminated or reduced the celery. (I would be one of the people who eliminated the celery, since I do not care for it).<br />
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I hope that you enjoy these soups. Be Well, Well Fed, and Happy.<br />
<br />
Robin<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv0K7d6V-I90Zi7jLTSurXoAPyLha8UKIEYoAAdMDtPmC-lEtTSXafDx1wgKbJIPxjZf5adFNbqLQzFvTUwmu9AjpwzDih-gkJqpqDe2lo76q02jwM7hDetW2x1Nd_IkDYFvhnNWe0BlA/s1600/zucchini+clip+art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv0K7d6V-I90Zi7jLTSurXoAPyLha8UKIEYoAAdMDtPmC-lEtTSXafDx1wgKbJIPxjZf5adFNbqLQzFvTUwmu9AjpwzDih-gkJqpqDe2lo76q02jwM7hDetW2x1Nd_IkDYFvhnNWe0BlA/s200/zucchini+clip+art.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Robin W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03506629321089266286noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7830158366906762595.post-5755191251713870882010-09-15T04:22:00.000-04:002010-09-15T04:22:47.781-04:00I'm Dreaming of ...... Beautiful Fall Dresses From The Shabby AppleAnyone who knows me knows that I love clothes. I also have a certain romantic style, and it is not often that I find a line of clothing that is everything "me". Well, the other day I discovered "The Shabby Apple", which is an online ladies clothing store featuring mainly dresses, as well as accessories such as jewelry, handbags and shoes. I love so many of their dresses, I don't know where to start! I can't order any right now, but let's take a look at my favorites anyway. Prices range from $75-100.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6yaMwwszf3w6-1jWpuTs73A48lNd6uAP0uUk-xmlowtTfON_gVHNRLtf1bCQsr7gM688TTeqH8d25eXlVpaCwoSM0ZK2vb1OuaffaiI1Kh3VqBluo8ZpyhIJgNhRKEsBercrZVbnMqxY/s1600/shabbyapple+-+thebershires+cider.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6yaMwwszf3w6-1jWpuTs73A48lNd6uAP0uUk-xmlowtTfON_gVHNRLtf1bCQsr7gM688TTeqH8d25eXlVpaCwoSM0ZK2vb1OuaffaiI1Kh3VqBluo8ZpyhIJgNhRKEsBercrZVbnMqxY/s320/shabbyapple+-+thebershires+cider.jpg" width="192" /></a></div><br />
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My absolute favorite - The Berkshires - Cider<br />
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Yosemite - Black Oak<br />
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Yosemite - Chicaree<br />
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Aristocrat <br />
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1943 - Ingrid <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDKIFiW4NK3jO1jgdYs0NOKkfxidx-SZOMdTmy54iWIBZFWDhodkBydqpkY17-B0KHi7LQ1uGGot58CqwWlayzanpoHe5rmwS4bBuC3CYrXjJjEKH0A7UI4cWUcPiytA56QUzgUAA-MGA/s1600/shabby+apple+-+jody+maxman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDKIFiW4NK3jO1jgdYs0NOKkfxidx-SZOMdTmy54iWIBZFWDhodkBydqpkY17-B0KHi7LQ1uGGot58CqwWlayzanpoHe5rmwS4bBuC3CYrXjJjEKH0A7UI4cWUcPiytA56QUzgUAA-MGA/s320/shabby+apple+-+jody+maxman.jpg" width="192" /></a></div><br />
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Jody Maxman <br />
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<a href="http://www.shabbyapple.com/">http://www.shabbyapple.com/</a><br />
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Proceed with caution Ladies -- This one could be addictive and expensive!!!!!<br />
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Be Well, Well Dressed, and Happy!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNjVK8oTkNTgYmFJkonwXWEMiSad06C0GLSXCSecRZoitnx1MqOqcLkBp05Ua4HBIrzleWKrVbWC0i9FDW71MIrQycGINkT8jdqMBrWZ7NUjDioBCUW8C7yGes25gYtBZwjum-2CG7wag/s1600/dress+form+b+and+w+-+excellent+excellent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNjVK8oTkNTgYmFJkonwXWEMiSad06C0GLSXCSecRZoitnx1MqOqcLkBp05Ua4HBIrzleWKrVbWC0i9FDW71MIrQycGINkT8jdqMBrWZ7NUjDioBCUW8C7yGes25gYtBZwjum-2CG7wag/s200/dress+form+b+and+w+-+excellent+excellent.jpg" width="88" /></a></div>RobinRobin W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03506629321089266286noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7830158366906762595.post-77581436274722520732010-09-12T19:43:00.000-04:002010-09-12T19:43:42.224-04:00September's Lovely Tokens - Fall's First Acorns<i><b>"By all </b></i><b><i>these lovely tokens</i></b><br />
<b><i>September days are here,</i></b><br />
<b><i>Within summer's best of weather</i></b><br />
<b><i>And Autumn's best of cheer."</i></b><br />
<b><i> </i></b>- Helen Hunt Jackson<b><i> - </i></b><i>September</i><br />
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Aaahhh September the loveliest! I took a little nature walk at a local park looking for pine cones for some craft projects and, although I could find very few nice pine cones, my efforts were rewarded with some other fall treasures. It is amazing what you can find when you just walk quietly in the woods, stand still, look down, and let your eyes focus on the treasures that nature has waiting for you to discover on her wonderful carpet. I was both surprised and delighted to find acorns! I thought that it was a bit too early for acorns to have fallen, but I found the early crop of both green and brown babies. I was seeking them for some craft projects -- including the acorn caps to put on some needle felted acorns that I am making. Next to many of the acorn trees were chestnut trees, who were also dropping their fruit shells, so I also gathered some of those beauties. <br />
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Perhaps the best surprise of the day was the discovery of an old bird's nest which had fallen to the ground!<br />
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After my walk, I went over to visit some lovely horses which are boarded at the park. They are the members of the Allegheny County Police Mounted Patrol Unit who have their stables in the park. They were having a bite to eat after a hard day's work. They were all so friendly, they all came over to greet me and to be petted. <br />
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Finally, it was a stop at our local dollar store flower shop to buy some beautiful mums to decorate the front porch and the driveway. I bought quite a lovely spread for a little dough. I got most of them planted in my pots, but I ran out of potting soil. I'll post some photos when the outside decorations are complete.<br />
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All in all, it was a lovely Autumn day!<br />
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Be Well and Happy. RobinRobin W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03506629321089266286noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7830158366906762595.post-52791010107516189732010-09-11T09:00:00.000-04:002010-09-11T09:00:30.542-04:00September 11th - The Anniversary And Some Thoughts On the Human SmileAs we all know, today is the anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Everyone remembers where they were when they got the news. I was laying in a bed in Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA at the end of a three month hospital stay wherein I nearly died after a major pancreatic surgery. That, however, is a story for another day.<br />
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One of the features that I have started in my Blog is "Something made me smile today". You may not think that there is much reason to smile on a day like today, but I think that there is. Last night I was making a list of the people who came to mind when I think of who has the most infectious smiles. One of the people at the top of my list was The Dalai Lama. I have been interested in the Dalai Lama and Tibet for many years and have read many of his teachings. One of the beautiful books that sits on my coffee table is a large book entitled "My Tibet", which is the story of the Chinese invasion of Tibet and the Dalai Lama's subsequent exile. The phenomenal photographs in the book of Tibet and its people were taken by renowned photographer Galen Rowell, who died several years ago in a tragic accident. Now, before I scare any of you away, this is not going to be a post about religious or political issues. It is about the human spirit. Regardless of your views on religion, I think that you will find insight into The Dalai Lama's teachings on life in general. I know that I have. So, today, of all days, some thoughts on the power of the human smile.<br />
The following quotes are excerpts from the book - <u>The Dalai Lama - His Essential Wisdom</u>, Edited by Carol Kelly-Gangi.<br />
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"<u><b>KINDNESS AND FRIEND</b><b>SHIP</b></u>" <br />
"My attitude towards other people is to always look at them from the human level. On that level, whether president, queen or beggar, there is no difference, provided that there is genuine human feeling with a genuine human smile of affection. If someone greets me with a nice smile, and expresses a genuinely friendly attitude, I appreciate it very much. Though I might not know that person or understand their language, they instantly gladden my heart ..."<br />
"Kindness and love, a real sense of brotherhood and sisterhood, these are very precious. They make community possible and thus are crucial in society. Having a heart, and a kind and warm disposition, is an enormous advantage. Not only does it bring us joy, but we can share this joy with others. Relations between individuals, nations, and continents deteriorate only from lack of goodwill and kindness, even though those qualities are so valuable and necessary for the quality of life in society. That is why it is worth trying to develope them."<br />
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"We are, after all, social animals. Without human friendship, without the human smile, our lives become miserable. The loneliness becomes unbearable. Such human interdependence is a natural law - that is to say, according to natural law, we depend on others to live. We are all part of humanity, and each of us has the responsibility to improve humanity and to bring it additional happiness in order to make it more peaceful, friendlier, and compassionate. So, if one individual practices compassion and forgiveness sincerely and regularly, wherever he or she may live, it will generate a positive atmosphere. That is a way to contribute toward the betterment of humanity."<br />
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The Dalai Lama's words are particularly appropriate on a day such as today, I think. You may not think that your small acts of kindness or compassion towards loved ones and strangers alike each day make any difference, but they really do. They are contagious. People want to "pay them forward". Smiles are contagious. People desperately long for something to smile about these days.<br />
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Some people may look at my life and think that I have absolutely no reason to smile. I have had a serious chronic illness, chronic pancreatitis, for nine years. I have spent over 500 days in the hospital during the past 9 years. Because of this, I was unable to work for many years and finally had to give up my 22 year career as a trial lawyer and take a disability retirement. Financially - "materially" - I am destroyed. Yet, in many ways, I feel wealthy. I have a wonderful loving family. I have many many long-time close friends who are my "Rocks of Gibraltar", my muses, my laugh 'till your stomach hurts friends. I started a new business doing the things that I love to do. Yes, I am still very worried about the future, still angry at times, still severely depressed, but I try to make it a point to always find reasons to smile each day, and to try to make others smile when possible. It is what keeps me going - it's what makes the world go 'round.<br />
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So, what made me smile so far today, on such a solemn day of remembrance? Well, it would have to be the joyful, impish, smiling face of the Dalai Lama. Perhaps some day I will have the opportunity to meet him and exchange smiles. Wouldn't that be something....<br />
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Until next time -- Be Well and Happy -- Robin<br />
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I adore her hat, at least, I think she is a girl! <br />
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Notice the beautiful ear flowers on this bonnet!<br />
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You can't help but fall in love with this little guy! <br />
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Now who could this little girl be in the winter of 1961?<br />
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It's Robin Faith - "Mommy's Little Eskimo"<br />
I tried to scan the back of the photo, but I would not pick up<br />
my Mother's comment which read -- "How do you like our Eskimo?".<br />
Well, I've never been to the North Pole, but I sure felt like an Eskimo<br />
last winter in Pittsburgh, PA. I am really looking forward to autumn here.<br />
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Until next time -- Be Well and Happy - Robin <br />
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"If you want to know what a man's like, take a look<br />
at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals."<br />
-- Joanne Kathleen Rowling<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifj1GMIC2-8UgIm5_-ddeNmKBW27DbPkwEmgM14R1I6ct62cjRLHwGUMNdatZLbgWYWI_u31bcojM8lhE09VOTwacN0UlPMGqs0VbOj0amduzzvJrBXICkPwmAkVjtTW4Cene8FQjdRZU/s1600/IMG_0477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifj1GMIC2-8UgIm5_-ddeNmKBW27DbPkwEmgM14R1I6ct62cjRLHwGUMNdatZLbgWYWI_u31bcojM8lhE09VOTwacN0UlPMGqs0VbOj0amduzzvJrBXICkPwmAkVjtTW4Cene8FQjdRZU/s320/IMG_0477.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Mounds of seashells on the beach at<br />
Captiva Island, Florida<br />
Where I long to be every day.<br />
Sometimes I think that I was a Mermaid in another life -<br />
But that is a story for another time....<br />
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One thing always makes me smile in August. Beautiful sunflowers. They are like happy faces warming themselves in the sun. When I was driving to the Shaker Woods Crafts Festival in Columbiana, Ohio last year, I came upon a number of sunflower farms with hundreds of acres of gorgeous sunflowers. Here are some photos to make you smile.<br />
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The Happy Triplets!<br />
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Check out the Bees.<br />
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A little Color Select Studio Twist --<br />
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margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmIubuJTJNvr4kZ0KF5be65v6bPiNfxulKI4tuPZr00UYdgP_RLOyIhiIroVU82mqzhdHyESvgn3D5SMoFnmxUszh3bMpoSUC8EgZ6FKdgpqlbG6P_15LQCo-0f1xwyEgYMl64vxQg9_M/s1600/sunflower+bees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUkQF1YdqQV1DU8QevG4gqXJoiBRgUjkjdOOjFRNaX_8a7Tl8rkyiKEmy6fzoI-mp_2GpSJgxDrb1kl-_cB_uaOLIlSDAwtgxX48vUJ1uMVryNy3FIhaW0nbKzooxy-nuvb36RIBCMRt0/s1600/halloween+girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUkQF1YdqQV1DU8QevG4gqXJoiBRgUjkjdOOjFRNaX_8a7Tl8rkyiKEmy6fzoI-mp_2GpSJgxDrb1kl-_cB_uaOLIlSDAwtgxX48vUJ1uMVryNy3FIhaW0nbKzooxy-nuvb36RIBCMRt0/s200/halloween+girl.jpg" width="125" /></a></div>Until next time -- Be Well and Happy -- RobinRobin W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03506629321089266286noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7830158366906762595.post-28208805777472362942010-08-22T03:41:00.049-04:002010-08-29T18:20:45.225-04:00A List Of Some Great Craft Blogs/Websites and My First Free Vintage ImagesAs promised, I have compiled yet another lengthy list of great blogs and/or websites that I have found during countless hours of scouring the internet for inspirations for the perfect crafts to make and sell, and also for affirmation that I am not alone in my addictions to fabric, rubber stamps, paper punches, vintage linens, antique teacups, vintage handkerchiefs and gloves, vintage earrings, ......hmmmmm.... what else is bulging out of my drawers? Oh, it's too much to think about at 2:30 am. Ha ha. I am happy to report that I am about 2/3 of the way finished with reorganizing and redecorating my sewing room, and I will post photos when that project is complete. The problem is that, most of my fabric does not fit in the sewing room, so it is in many other rooms. Ugggggg. A problem for another day.<br />
<br />
On to the list. In no particular order may I present these fine ladies and a couple of gentlemen:<br />
<a href="http://www.livinglocurto.com/">http://www.livinglocurto.com/</a> (Great free printables, DIY Crafts)<br />
<a href="http://www.u-createcrafts.com/">http://www.u-createcrafts.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com/">http://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com/</a> (Features hundreds of great tutorials from other blogs as well as its own. It is fast becoming one of my favorites)<br />
<a href="http://www.bystephanielynn.com/">http://www.bystephanielynn.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://issasarza.com/">http://issasarza.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://ourdailychocolate.blogspot.com/">http://ourdailychocolate.blogspot.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://jenniferpaganelli.typepad.com/">http://jenniferpaganelli.typepad.com</a><br />
<a href="http://thelongthread.com/">http://thelongthread.com/</a> (Be sure to check out the posts for the best 100 tutorials of 2008 and 2009)<br />
<a href="http://blog.craftzine.com/">http://blog.craftzine.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://kojodesigns.blogspot.com/">http://kojodesigns.blogspot.com/</a> (Fabulous assortment of tutorial links)<br />
<a href="http://talkcraftytome.com/">http://talkcraftytome.com/</a> (Again great tutorial links)<br />
<a href="http://freetrinketstreasures.blogspot.com/">http://freetrinketstreasures.blogspot.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://artjoystuff.typepad.com/art-joy-stuff/">http://artjoystuff.typepad.com/art-joy-stuff/</a> (This is her old Blog, but it still has great stuff in the archives)<br />
<a href="http://artjoystuff.blogspot.com/">http://artjoystuff.blogspot.com/</a> (This is her new Blog)<br />
<a href="http://thegypsymagpie.blogspot.com/">http://thegypsymagpie.blogspot.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://anartsygirl.blogspot.com/">http://anartsygirl.blogspot.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://trash2treasure.wordpress.com/">http://trash2treasure.wordpress.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://thriftshopromantic.blogspot.com/">http://thriftshopromantic.blogspot.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.lindalumdebono.blogspot.com/">http://www.lindalumdebono.blogspot.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://blog.tizzalicious.com/">http://blog.tizzalicious.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.shabbyaccumulations.blogspot.com/">http://www.shabbyaccumulations.blogspot.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://sewchristine.blogspot.com/">http://sewchristine.blogspot.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://thehabygoddess.blogspot.com/">http://thehabygoddess.blogspot.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://thepatternplace.blogspot.com/">http://thepatternplace.blogspot.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://retro-mama.blogspot.com/">http://retro-mama.blogspot.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://freesewingpatternsdaily.blogspot.com/">http://freesewingpatternsdaily.blogspot.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://absintheandorange.blogspot.com/">http://absintheandorange.blogspot.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://totallytutorials.blogspot.com/">http://totallytutorials.blogspot.com/</a> (A directory of craft tutorials)<br />
<a href="http://digifree.blogspot.com/">http://digifree.blogspot.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://vintagebluebird.blogspot.com/">http://vintagebluebird.blogspot.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://mamaspocketbook.blogspot.com/">http://mamaspocketbook.blogspot.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.vintagedragonfly.blogspot.com/">http://www.vintagedragonfly.blogspot.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://justsomethingimade.blogspot.com/">http://justsomethingimade.blogspot.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://marijkevanooijen.blogspot.com/">http://marijkevanooijen.blogspot.com/</a> (Take some time to really look through her site at her incredible dolls, they will blow you away! She is so talented. The faces on her characters are so animated it is unlike anything I have ever seen.)<br />
<a href="http://het-zoete-leven.blogspot.com/">http://het-zoete-leven.blogspot.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://gypsyfleamarket.blogspot.com/">http://gypsyfleamarket.blogspot.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.lollychops.com/">http://www.lollychops.com/</a> (They have some great free downloads too)<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>These blogs are also helpful with information about marketing your crafts:</u><br />
<a href="http://www.blogaboutcrafts.com/">http://www.blogaboutcrafts.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://thepolkadotcloset.blogspot.com/">http://thepolkadotcloset.blogspot.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.craftmarketer.com/sellyourcrafts/">http://www.craftmarketer.com/sellyourcrafts/</a><br />
<a href="http://sellingcraftsonline.com/">http://sellingcraftsonline.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.blogguidebook.com/">http://www.blogguidebook.com/</a> (Very good source of information)<br />
<br />
<br />
Well, clearly this list will get longer, and I will have to break it up into possible 3 or 4 lists by subcategories, but for now, there she is. It is just amazing how much information and talent there is out there in the world, and I have only scratched the surface. <br />
<br />
Instead of closing with my usual robin image, I am going to close with two copyright free images that I downloaded earlier today from blogs listed in my earlier post. I am sorry, but I forgot to write down the blog that the girl with the cat came from, but I will be more diligent about giving credit in the future. The girl with the bird is courtesy of <a href="http://oldphotoalbum.blogspot.com/">http://oldphotoalbum.blogspot.com/</a>. So, it is now after 3:30 am, and I must go to sleep, so, until next time, be Well and Happy.<br />
<br />
Robin<br />
<br />
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