Cottage Wannabe

~ A Country Cottage Wild Garden ~

2010-08-21T16:27:00.000-07:00

Can you sit awhile, I'll show you

Part of my cottage garden.

We're getting closer.

Here we are. See. Silver, blue, lavender, gold,white, peach. My daughter gave me a package of glad bulbs in assorted colors. I divided them up and planted them into different places. I am so proud that these look so nice next to the beautiful blue Chicory.

I'm hoping the chicory seeds properly for a bigger impact next year. Maybe I can move some of the silver plants a bit further in. They are wild and have a mid of their own. The only thing not wild in the country cottage garden are the glads. [smile]

I had a few more, but I planted a few in some pots, so I could have them near the house. One of them bloomed in another bed about the same color, but there is nothing next to it as nice as this.

Thanks for stopping by to get a glimpse of the glads in my little wild cottage garden.

2010-06-15T11:07:00.000-07:00

I am checking my lists at the right. Some are no longer in running, so out they go. Some are not what they seemed and others serve no purpose that they once did. So I am editing it.

As a result of viewing Design Stars first episode, I googled for Bohemian style, chic, decor or what ever title it brings. I have added a few blogs on those interests.

The Art of the Victorian Conservatory Display

2010-05-19T19:58:00.000-07:00

I thought you might like a look at the Sunken Garden, The Fern Room, The Palm Room. Sit a bit and I'll show some of my photos. My daughter did such a good job with most of these. I took a couple.

....The Sunken Garden - Spring View.....

Below is the Tropical Views, Lots of Glorious Ferns and rocks. I just love Ferns, [moss], rocks, and Water.

It always is nice to hear the sound of falling water, whether it is a trickle or a dynamic falls.

The Ferns look just like they are well adapted here. Hardly a brown mark on them. Love the dark rocks, dark water with the ferns. You know one can dye your pond water black. I suppose only certain tropical plants do well inside even in a conservatory. Such as that bush with yellow Flowers.

I love Maiden Hair Ferns, and little ferns, but I see nothing to complain about with these with Large fronds.

This is definitely a different Perspective. It gives one an odd feeling, doesn't it?
I just can't say enough about the sound of a bubbler, or the trickle of a fountain. Or the use of the calm water in a stream or pond as a break from all the busyness of so many different kinds of plants. A statue always enhances everything around it in the garden.

.

This isn't the best shot, but there is something about the right side of this photo that I love. The shade plants are enticing, aren't they against the dark of the trees. If it were a natural looking pond with rocks as the edging, it would be nice, but somehow the simple look here of the smooth pond and edging of the cement is a nice contrast with the many shapes of leaves under the trees.

I have stretched and skewed these picture here at the time of posting, which makes them a bit grainy, I suppose. I think this bottom one was better before I did it. I don't know how to get a larger size without you having to click for it.

For some reason I had expected the Jungle views to be a bit more colorful, They tried with the tropical plants with what I call the Modern or Contemporary looking blooms. Actually they were the popular house plants of the forties and fifties that I have seen in the very old issues of magazines. I found a plant like that with red flowers and heart shaped leaves at a box store before mothers day. I don't particularly like those kind of blooms nor the large leaves.

At times I find that I appreciate the green and brown of a calming scene. I suppose with all the variations of the green leaves and textures it is distracting enough, without unloading lots of bold colors there. I still can't help but feel that it would have been nice to see more orchids hanging here and there especially in the fern room. Maybe they are reserved for show in the summer.

A few years back this conservatory was shown on Good Company by Steve and Sharon Eddelman before Hgtv came into being. Or was it Victory Garden. In either case, what I remember was a total different look. I don't think there was a sunken Garden, either.

I know from googling a little that the Sunken Garden has changed from time to time, I have seen pictures of flowers showing a good deal of glorious pink. A lady told me the other day that the view she saw one summer was with red roses. It will be fun to google and see what the changes are for the summer view, for when I go back.

You have seen the general views. I have saved back a couple special ones for next time. [ Smile]

When I mentioned the orchids and ferns for a tropical look, it remind me of a little story I just have to share now. I had escaped from my family group at Disney land in Florida to tour a orchid conservatory nearby. Gushing and sighing, while browsing and showing my enjoyment, I had a little conversation with couple who claimed they were from St. Paul. I am sure when they first spoke to me, they had no Idea I was from back home, either. Perhaps I had a Minnesota accent and they guessed. [tee hee]

You know how it is, You always have to leave home to find someone from back home!

After I said that I had never seen anything like it, with all kinds of orchids displayed through out the tropical views. I said that later in summer they would line a board walk and at night with candles with all kinds of Orchids hanging all along the walk. After I finished gushing, the couple said, "Well you have never visited the Como Park, then." I had to admit, I had come there to especially to see this and I had neglected to view Como Park close to back home. They of course suggested that I do so, when ever I get a chance. Maybe then too, Como Park did not rely on donations for funding like I think it does now. [I wonder if they are feeling the economic crunch.] Now I can say I have seen it if it just happens to comes up in conversation again!

Cruising for Parks in a Western City by Hudson. Wi.

2010-05-19T09:03:00.000-07:00

My daughter and I went for a little drive before going back to her place. She wanted to show me her favorite places, which we did in a hurry, cause we had pizza ordered for delivery. I must say we did time it right too.

As we were driving around looking for a certain entrance I spyed this beauty. I just had to get a shot.

I loved it cause at first sight it has the look of the older Victorian homes that are tall and large. I think there is actually humor in this little cottage. I would think the creator of this remodel would be a wonderful interesting person to know.

Even the fencing and the arbor seem to be of the period. Actually, I snapped the shot to show the little cottage next door which is probably replica from which the brown cottage once was.

Below then is a full shot of the remodeled cottage.
I wonder if it was from architectural pieces taken here and there. Often times you will be driving through smaller towns and see that someone has stashed such tops to churches and schools and other buildings. Where the bells once stood, etc.

I had wondered how much light the little tower gives. I myself, think maybe it was done to let in the light or give some sense of height inside the little house. If the owner were me, I wonder how it would be to add little windows all around the tower to let light in even more.
Perhaps, the person has put in a new window and still has to paint it.

And then we went home and watched all the pictures on her blue ray. One easy instant view.
I hope you can click to get these larger.

DOES THE THOUGHT OF THIS HURT YOU.

2009-10-05T20:44:00.000-07:00

Can you stand the idea. Can you do it with out a hesitant hand.

Can you paint over oak.

I value yellow golden oak. So I ask even more pointedly.
Can you paint over golden oak?

I just don't know if I can. I read one of my favorite blogs tonight and saw a woman ready to do so. It was so beautiful too.
I am still deciding on this one.

For fall interest how about a blog from Acorn Cottage

2009-10-04T13:39:00.000-07:00

http://homeatacorncottage.blogspot.com/2009/06/u-pickem-farm.html

At this time of year, do you get the urge to browse for fall ideas?

Well I do.

So Yesterday, I treated myself to a little Sunday blog cruising.

And it's even better a cruise, if I can stumble on some new to me blogs. So I think the next few days, I will share some I found from my armchair with my cups of Mint Tea.

Yesterday after viewing a few fall blogs, I went outdoors to my pine trees to get a few pine cones before I would be left picking in the bitter cold snow if I left the job too long. I eventually ventured over to the park with the idea that those cones would be larger. They weren't. but easier picking, I think. I came home with a small sack full due to a half an hours work. Not bad.

But amongst the pine cones are some acorns I picked up as I happened to see them laying there. "Pick me, Pick me up " they seemed so say. Some were still in the shell. It occurred to me how much they resembled a minature candle in a holder. [I may have to do some painting soon. ]

I had been wondering how I could paint the pine cones and the acorns, so I guess today at the start of blogging, the Acorn Cottage was still in my mind. I browsed it for some fall ideas. I found it such a pleasant relaxing blog. So I thought I would share that blog with you. Nancy has been at it barely a year with nearly eight hundred visitors. it was so new that I wasn't able to go to last years fall for her ideas. I am sure there are many more good fall posts to look forward to seeing. It should be fun keeping track of her and her blogs.

Another cottage blogger to rave about - An Enchanted Cottage

2009-10-04T12:16:00.000-07:00

I naturally would love a fellow blogger who also loves these pumpkins. And she says she does.

I especially love that she says she was once in Modern decor, but moved to a shabby chic mode. From there I am not sure, I was off looking at her pictures. This blogger evidently belongs to a circle which means further blogs to investigate as the time occurs. She has almost two hundred followers. There was also a magazine which you click on. Which I intend to do soon. So I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

She has a nice stream of ideas, of not just fabric pumpkins, but other interesting takes. I wonder if those are the old white doves back in my day that dissolved at a drop of a hat. Now isn't that a great idea. And these are a gift free to the lucky winner if you do it all right and your lucky, of course. [Just follow my link and or if it works click the picture.]

I have found this to be a fitting blog for viewing at the beginning of the fall season. I see here her cute fabric pumpkins one could create no matter what the material one wanted to use.

I hope you enjoy it as much as you want.

Good luck if you enter her contest!

just me jo

Not been around lately, sorry. I have been at wor.

2009-06-24T12:18:00.000-07:00

My Shabby cottage roses.

Nasty Bug war.

They are winning too.

I will see if I can do better later with more pictures.

Hows that for nearly wordless Wednesday.

Featuring Anita's blogspot ....My Country Cottage Garden.

2009-06-12T19:22:00.000-07:00

Do you love cottage gardens. I do. But then
I love gardens. From experience it seems anything
European English or French just rings my bells.

If your like me, and if you love those kind of gardens, you will love this charming cottage garden blog. The blogger is in Germany and has her special German charm that I love. Although first glance you would swear it was an English garden. For some reason it kind of make ME think of Monet. So I absolutely couldn't pass up giving you a link to her site. I didn't borrow any of her gorgeous photos today. You'll just have to click the link and see them for yourself.

The picture at the left from my garden appears to me like a Claude Monet painting. Got that and Impression of Impressionism.
Enjoy

My Country Cottage Garden: "Friday, May 29, 2009
Sweet days & roses in my May garden

Hello everybody and welcome back to my sunny May garden!
There are lots of exciting news around here this week: new garden pottery made by me, more allium pictures, my very first clematis and last but not least, the first blooming roses of the season!"
A blog By Anita.
~~~~~~~~~~

Aaaa hhh, You came back!
Did I not say it was great. Inspiring, Enchanting. Now you know why I speak of Monet. I think the colors brings Monet garden to mind.

Welcome to Peg's topiary living room

2009-05-16T19:01:00.000-07:00

Peg's topiary creations are rather fitting for my cottage blog. I thought they were cute. So if you'd like you can check her link to see the topiary and read the article.

Welcome to Peg's topiary living room: "Peg and Ken were newlyweds, full of hopes and dreams of the future when Peg was injured at work from lugging tree-sized plants. Three herniated disks and blood clots in her legs resulted in back surgery and surgery to repair an aorta. She had a total of three clots: one in each leg the first time and one a year later in her left leg. After the surgery to install an aorta stent, pain woke Peg in the morning and kept her awake at night; it became her constant companion. She loved gardening but now her dreams of even decorating her new back yard were dashed. The pain medications were too strong and the pain was too severe. Peg never gave up on her recovery but often her injuries and pain were not addressed, exacerbating both.
Peg's answer came through a winning attitude, an understanding spouse"

I have been using a few victorian pictures thanks to a new friend

2009-04-30T09:07:00.000-07:00

My new friend on facebook, Mary Dailey gave me permission to use a few of these victorian pictures that she was sharing at face book. She has collected many old cards like these. I went for them and now I have a few of them making my blog a little prettier. I selected a few in the colors that I love.

I suppose you have noticed that I have been sliding in my posting and I blame it on Facebook. About a month or so ago, I joined it to try it out. I have to admit I like all the groups. So far I have mostly stuck to Genealogy and Gardening groups. I haven't posted nearly as much as I would like. I admit I had a few programing problems with the new computer.

Actually, I feel like I have posted a lot. lol. I must be, because I am getting less done. I think they have great garden groups. There are a lot of fun people there.

Also, at this time of year, I enjoy reading the posting at Hgtv gardening message boards. They have some fantastic photographers over there too.

I'm just very grateful to have a computer running the way I need it to be. So I vow to be a little bit more regular. I am slacking in my blog reading, too. That's the worst thing.!!

With that little note, I know what has yet to be done today. So much to do. I love warm weather. I had better get crackin.

A cottage wannabe - Cottage Cemetery -Historic Cemetery in Augusta GA

2009-04-29T22:54:00.000-07:00

Now there is a new kind of imput of cottage wannabe into the Cottage Industry. Read about it here Online first.
Cottage Cemetery -Historic Cemetery in Augusta GA:

"Contact Cottage Cemetery
Dear Friends, Cousins and Wanna Be's,
Please
join our effort to protect and preserve Cottage Cemetery. And be generous in
every way !!
To offer history, genealogy, stories, pictures, help with
cleanup days and if you have questions contact:
Anne Eve Carmichael Sherman
PO Box 700
Edisto Island, SC 29438
tidesofmarsh@bellsouth.net
To
contribute financially.......
Historic Augusta, Inc
- ear marked for Cottage Cemetery and mail to:
Historic Augusta, Inc For
Cottage Cemetery
...... Augusta, GA 30903 0037"

We have found A cottage wannabe again. A cottage cemetery, what will be next?

I have to admit it is a charming picture of woods and lane. A historic passage.

I just have to share this Blog I found --Coffee Pot People: With Cracked Pots

2009-04-26T21:04:00.000-07:00

What's this?

Are you wondering what this is. I can't tell you. You'll have to find out for yourself at Anitra Cameron's etsy/ blog site. I do like those as well as the main items that draws one to her site and keeps you browsing for more.

I am especially crazy about her eye for good creative totems. Like the one I have here. She calls them coffee pot people. That is what first drew me to her site.

I am so excited to share her blog and her talent in her craft with the unusual.
You have got to visit her site and see these amazing crafty well done totems. It is glass totems with an addition to the usual. She has added a coffee pot in various forms and a face is painted on. I shall try a couple here and then you must see them at her site.

She can take ordinary household stuff and make it the neatest coffee pot person or some other kind of art. She has an eye for art. That is all I can say.

I like her title cracked pots. Mom used to say [crack pot meaning off person].

Anitra Cameron features other kinds of art and other peoples talents as well as her own.
This is the link where she discusses Megan's art. Since, I kind of like bowling ball art, I couldn't help myself, I had to include it here. I had to include this in. I do like mosaics!!
Coffee Pot People: Cracked Pots: "Megan covers things, mostly orbs, with old marbles. I love the ones she does that have things springing from the top the most, but they're all great fun. It's quite a process to make them. I asked her how she kept all the marbles from sliding down the balls as she worked and she was kind enough to explain it, but (I'm chuckling while I type, here) it isn't something I'd have the patience for myself!"

I don't know how Anitra came up with her coffee pot people. I find them creative and unique. That is what is fun about her site, to see what she makes next. Out of what other material? And what kind of coffee pot will she use with it?

Was It A Rednecked Easter at Cottage Wannabe?

2009-04-14T08:14:00.000-07:00

Yes. Cheeap, Cheap with my peeps.

Orange u Rednecked at Easter? As we were at Cottage Wannabe? Bananas and Oranges. it might disappoint a few people! I didn't resist the unfunny pun. Sorry.

I wish I could lighten this up, but I have editing problems these days. This is one version of my Healthy red necked offering for Easter.

Again another version. Cream filled cupcakes. Not so Healthy of course, if it's Hostess cupcakes with red Ribbons. Or a copy cat version as you find in recipe below from Family Circle magazine. That's my little cotton bunny in the background.

A larger view of chocolate vanilla creamed cupcake.

I found a great recipe of a copycat cup cake In the April 17th Issue of Family Circle pp. 125 under Double Take heading. There are several good recipes and pictures of the copy cats.

The per servings for Hostess cup cake... 2 cakes = 1 serving. 99 g.;

350 calories; calories from fat 100; Calories per cake 100. calories per fat 50.

For two cake serving--

Total fat 11 g.; Sat. fat 6g.; Transfat 9.5 g.;

Cholest. 10.mg; Sodium 580 mg.;

Total carb 61 g.; Dietary fiber 2 g. ; Sugars 44g.; Protein 3 g.

WELL, SEE IT IS NOT NOT EMPTY CALORIES!

Takes twenty minutes of prep time. makes 24. Bake 350 for 20 minutes.

Per cupcakes. 256 calories; 12 g. fat [7 g. sat.]; 4 g. protein; 37 g. carb.; 2 g. fiber; 156. mg. sodium; 49 mg. cholesterol.

- Cream filled cupcakes.
_________________

2 cups all purpose flour
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 tsps. baking soda.
1/2 tsp. salt1 1/2 cups buttermilk
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 cup stick butter [unsalted]
1 1/2 cups sugar
3 large eggs

Filling and Swirl-
4 tbsp. Unsalted butter softened.
1 1/2 cups confectioner sugar.
2- 3 tbsp milk.

Glaze -
1/2/ cup heavy cream
1 tbsp light corn syrup
1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips.

How to do it:

1. Heat oven to 350 line 24 muffin cups with paper liners.

2. Combine flour, cocoa, baking soda, salt in a medium bowl. Whisk to blend. Combine the buttermilk and vanilla in a measuring cup.

3. Beat the butter and sugar in a medium mixing bowl with an electric mixer at medium mixing speed until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time beating well after each addition. Add the flour mixture alternating with the buttermilk mixture, starting and ending with the flour mixture.

4. Divide the batter between the prepared muffin pans, Bake until tooth pick inserted in the center comes out clean. 18 - 20 minutes. Transfer and cool on rack.

5. Filling and swirl. Beat butter in a medium size bowl until light and fluffy. Gradually add confectioner's sugar. add 2 tbsp. of milk and beat five minutes until almost white and light and fluffy. Add additional milk if mixture is too thick. spoon mixture into a pastry bag fitted with plain round tip. Remove cake from pan insert tip of pastry bag into top of cake about i1/2 inch deep and squeeze.

6. Meanwhile, make the Glaze. Heat the cream and corn syrup in a small sauce pan over medium heat until it just comes to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in the chocolate chips. Cover and let stand five minutes. Whisk until smooth. Dip the tops of the cake in the glaze and let cool on cake rack ten minutes. change the piping tip on the pastry bag to a smaller round tip and make swirls on the top of the glazed cupcake. Note: I think one could experiment with the creamy marshmallow and the frosting for filling!

You don't like chocolate!!

You could do some large pretzel sticks as shown on page 108. The pretzels were dipped in chocolate and sprinkled with colorful sprinkles. I was going to use almond bark and pretty pastel sprinkles. But I didn't get it done. It is Easily done in microwave and dipped in chocolate or almond bark, then rolling in crushed cookies, toffee bits, or even m&m's after.

There is a recipe in the magazine for the popular coconut cakes sold in packages of two. With creme filling.
Surely it would be more economical than purchased bags of well known brands of candy and Hostess cakes..

It's more special as it is made with love.

My Easter Photos with anticipation for Spring

2009-04-10T08:48:00.000-07:00

~~ GOOD MORNING! ~ How are you doing, in your corner of the Earth. Have you nice weather coming up for the weekend? Here in Wi., it has warmed, the wind has died down. I am not sure if there is a chance for rain, which usually happens at this time of year. I don't mind though, cause I think we might need some rain [ not snow, lol ] Easter, rain, and spring run together in my mind.

You know what, just maybe Spring is around the corner. Easter always is the forerunner for anticipation of Spring for me. I even went out for some pics. As a result of that excursion, I took some inside photos too. I have stretched out a few here, as they seemed a little small.??

You can see here a high table? With a birdcage. I love these fake birdcages. I was able to find at a Crazy day's stop [on a whim] on a trip through New Ulm on the way to my Mothers. That little habit is a blog of itself. So I won't elaborate right now. The plant inside getting west filtered sun is the White geranium from last summer. If I move it back to southern exposure, it might start flowering soon. It's a secret where I found some hard boiled Easter eggs.!! Well you never know who your readers are.! I do wish I could have had a decent palm tree for this shot. Mine has suffered this winter, cause I left it out in the sun last fall. You can see by this shot that I was setting the mood for Easter.

Another version with less flash. I wasn't able to crop or do any of my editing on any of these pictures. Except for the one photo, which I lost above. I had painted part of the photo on the table scarf mom made with Rudolphs red nose to brown so he could become a Bambie.

I decided to add it there. at the last minute. The idea was of course of babies born in spring. Remember Bambi and Flower. They are all a twitter about spring love. {Spring - See note 1}
Does this object look familiar? Yes it is the same high table ... or podium .. or even yet .. It is a Pulpit. Very Easter fitting wouldn't you say? I removed the top slanted book holder with a light, which, will come in handy at another point [wink] and time. Do you see the object to the left. I found it the same time that I found the Pulpit for free. I could have gone back for the desk they put there this week. But I told a friend about that, and I hope he gets over for it. No one seems to want it as it was there for a few days. You can't beat free.

I spent a little time on Photographing Easter this year. In spite of the fact that I had computer problems galore. I am running Windows xp professional, and I don't have my Kodak program for editing, that I usually use. But at least I was able to upload digital photos from my camera. [I am trying to get used to the new features of my new cheap laptop. ] If you look at my profile, you will see my other blogs have various types of schemes. I am saving one more for after Easter.

note 1 : A friend of mine in the past mentioned to me his theory about Easter and Christmas. He always said they were like mixed up. He said for birth, etc which happen naturally in many countries in the spring. so Christmas should be in the spring. I do agree with him, as it would be nicer too. Of course if we never had known Christmas with Snow.

We know from historical accounts that December 25 th - Christmas is not really the actual time of Christs birth. Maybe it was spring in the old countries.
But to me then, Easter in religious
sense is a renewal of life or spirit.
My belief is that Jesus arose from the dead, thus
being a renewal.
Just as the dead grass and the seemingly dead plants come
alive again.
I do think Easter is just as fitting to be in the
spring.
As one does some spirit renewal at new years, I think spring is that way
for me. It's a second chance for my cottage. There are always
special new plans from winter dreams of all sorts for
my garden,

Note 2: [As wll as my personal plans of self renewal which happen as the weather warms and I reflect back to ideas brought on before with the old new years resolutions] Save that for another blog.

With that thought of things to do, I really must get some housework done, before the children get home for the Holiday. Groceries haave to be gotten, some cooking has to be done, etc.

~ ~~ HAVE A NICE EASTER ~ ~

What is a Netbook computer? | Defensive Computing - CNET News

2009-04-03T08:41:00.000-07:00

This knowledge could be useful for my selection.

Netbook is a new type of laptop computer, defined by size, price,
horsepower, and operating system. They are small, cheap, under-powered, and run
either an old or unfamiliar operating system.
Netbooks run either Windows XP
Home edition or Linux (not only is Linux unfamiliar to many, but the versions of
Linux on Netbooks are not the mainstream popular distributions). They do not run
XP Professional, Vista, or OS X. Microsoft arbitrarily restricts Netbooks from
running the Professional Edition of Windows XP. Likewise, Apple arbitrarily
restricts OS X to Apple hardware and it has never played in the low-end realm
that Netbooks occupy.* Vista requires too much horsepower to run well on a
Netbook. HP has been the only company to offer Vista on a Netbook. The price,
however, was so high that it's debatable whether such a machine qualifies as a
Netbook.
What is a
Netbook computer? Defensive Computing - CNET News: "Update: On October 24,
2008 CNET's Ina Fried reported that Microsoft has plans to make Windows 7, the
upcoming version of Windows that will replace Vista, available on Netbooks.
Size-wise, Netbooks have 9- or 10-inch screens, weigh from 2 to 3 pounds,
and sport keyboards sized from 80 percent to 95 percent of normal.
Price-wise, Netbooks start at about (all prices are rounded off and
approximate) $330 for a Linux-based model and $350 for an XP-based machine. The
high end of the Netbook price range is debatable. To me, anything over $500
isn't a Netbook. Still, many companies are marketing computers they refer to as
Netbooks for more than that. When HP first released their Mini-Notes, prices ran
from $500 to $1,200.
Update: As of October 15, 2008 prices at HP's website
range from $400 to $780.
Despite a huge proliferation of Netbook models,
these specs seem to be standard:
Screen resolution 1024x600
Intel Atom
CPU running at 1.6-GHz
Wi-Fi B and G
Ethernet at 100Mbps
A slot for
a flash RAM memory card
External VGA output jack
Integrated graphics
Two or three USB ports
Built-in camera
Headphone and microphone
jacks
What's missing
What's missing is just as interesting.
For one
thing, there is no optical drive. CDs and DVDs had to be thrown overboard to
reduce both the size and cost. Another omission is the now legacy PC card (aka
PCMCIA) slot. Most Netbooks don't include Bluetooth. And, while they do have
Ethernet and Wi-Fi, they don't include the fastest version of Ethernet (known as
gigabit Ethernet), the latest version of Wi-Fi (N) or the older 'A' version of
Wi-Fi.
I understand these omissions and many people can live with them.
However, I think....."
To read more click the link.

The best computer for blogging is........

2009-04-03T08:33:00.000-07:00

I have been looking at computers this week. There are so many facts to keep in mind while searching.
And most of all what is best for a blogger, besides high speed.

So readers, tell me what is the best kind for you.

Confessions

2009-03-31T12:11:00.000-07:00

I confess today,

I have always loved Rosanne Barr's humor!
I have always disliked Tom Arnold, except now he has found his niche on Redneck weddings.
I confess I enjoy viewing "Redneck Weddings". At times I get a little upset with Tom Arnold and how he says things.

And it is one show that the husband would sit and watch with me. I think he is sitting there thinking he wished he could have gotten by wearing cowboy boots or having an outdoor wedding in his blue jeans.

Of course I enjoy watching some drama shows or should I say reality shows. I enjoy watching regular weddings on some channels. I like the wife swap shows as well. I kind of like the process of Top Model and some of the Hair dresser swaps. etc. Occasionally, I watch the Bad girls club.

I think though, I watch for the content and not the process that they go through to get down the isle. Sometimes, I think, I would rather just record the show and zip through it later. I guess, I have spurts for different shows at different times or moods.

Have you seen REd Neck weddings. I can't tell you what time I see them on or what channel. It's more or less hit and miss for me.

More to come.
Watch for my Red necked Easter!!

Bad bad paper!----Sonoma Dream Home Giveaway | PressDemocrat.com | The Press Democrat | Santa Rosa, CA

2009-03-14T12:24:00.000-07:00

So very untrue spoiler.!

Sonoma Dream Home Giveaway PressDemocrat.com The Press Democrat Santa Rosa, CA: "CHRISTOPHER CHUNG / PD HDTV will announce tonight who won the fully furnished, custom designed Sonoma Dream Home.

By MEG McCONAHEY
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT

Published: Friday, March 13, 2009 at 3:00 a.m.
Last Modified: Thursday, March 12, 2009 at 2:55 p.m.
Someone, somewhere in America, got the lucky news last week that they will be moving to a fancy dream house in Sonoma.
Or at least, they will have the opportunity — if they can pull together the taxes"....read more there...

Note:

There was suppose to be a picture of the beautyful home, sorry, it didn't show up.

No matter, I still believe I can win.

Either way, my vcr is set to record. While I work. If I win tonight they will find me there. Watch for me?

Irish Cottage Dreams

2009-03-12T20:22:00.000-07:00

...........Cleary brothers Irish pub.com

Irish cottages that come to mind is exactly like that you see to the left. Maybe cause of those Posters. It makes me think of something we read in grade school, it was pictures like this but back then it had a goat on a rope on the roof of the cottage.

And this kind of pic as well.

You betcha I am blogging today about the Irish. I have no Idea why, do you?

I doing a three for one on a Thurday deal. It might be the luck of the Irish for you today.

This Young Kimme''s blog is telling us what she has been doing to fulfil her desire for a Irish cottte in small village in Ireland. I understand her dream and drive, and the sacrifices she's going through to get her dream fulfilled. To read more click below.
http://irishcottagedreams.blogspot.com/2009/01/pictures-for-sunday.html

Minature Gardens

A small portion from the enchanting Enchantment Gardens web blog.

Have you ever had a project that became a true thorn in
your side? That was certainly the case for our latest addition, our miniature Irish cottage pictured above. The
problem? We could not achieve a thatched roof that worked with our tiny
miniature structure.

I loved the header picture and as I kept going, I found more and more posts to love. I am saving still more for another day. So I have added them to my reading list. I just know you will enjoy it if you love minatures and cottages.

I love mossy stones and gardens, and the cottages. So I win altogether with this blog.

http://fairy-gardens.blogspot.com/2008/03/irish-cottage.html

And a bit about mining moss at this blog.

http://simplymarvelous.wordpress.com/2007/11/10/irish-moss-gathering-prince-edward-island/

Many blogs about the Irish.

http://clearybrothersirishpub.com/photogallery.aspx hpub.com/photogallery.aspx

http://www.flickr.com/photos/55638904@N00/204168077/

http://buttercupelffly.blogspot.com/2008/05/lithasummer-solstice-crafts.html

http://tamsminiworld.blogspot.com/

http://www.hollowsurfboards.com/Ireland2008.htm

http://lifeinthetwilightzone.blogspot.com/2008/08/being-lazy-person-that-i-am-i-havent.html

http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/bonnie-cook.html

http://www.redbubble.com/search/irish

http://celticmemoryyarns.blogspot.com/2007_05_01_archive.html

http://thesecretgardner.blogspot.com/2007_11_01_archive.html

aleshaschutz.blogspot.com/2007_03_01_archive.html

http://caitoconnor.blogspot.com/2008/07/full-moons-images-and-words.html

peregrinesbirdblog.blogspot.com/2007_04_01_ar...

goballycastle.com/blog/index.php?blog=2&m=2008

www.eunansweeneyphotography.com/blog/

Coming up on television, Don't forget John Wayne with Mareen Ohara at Dublin. It's a classic old film. Perfect to top of the evening of fun.

More on the Irish.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/78099783@N00/2253403614/

www.imagekind.com/showartwork.aspx?imid=8289e..

http://money-from-photos.blogspot.com/2007_10_01_archive.html

No pics of the blog allowed...sorry.

Below is the image at: greensunrecycling.wordpress.com/ from Enchanted Gardens

Pamela in Dublin also blogged about Kimme's dream. She had this to say...
Update: I have just been to Kimme's blog, Irish Cottage
Dreams, see sidebar, and I see that her dream is getting ever closer!
WWhaaaa!! How exciting is that? She has spun a dream out of wishes and made it
happen.
One of her ideas to raise the money was to make fingerless mittens
and she does a wonderful job of them. I got some for Christmas presents and they
were a big hit. Very reasonably priced too $12 including postage...pop over and
have a looksee! These are the must have mittens this year. She also knits and
donates items to an Irish charity to raise funds for them. Good on ye'
Kimme...what goes around comes around. .......
http://whitemorn.typepad.com/my_weblog/my_website_for_vintage_items_and_clothing/ Not only that, but this wonder woman is living in Ballinamore, she has a blog, a dog and a great sense Schoolhouse and Liz Biz ..see sidebar)

Her pictures are so vivid. I kind of liked her shopping pictures. of humour!
Who knew a small town in rural Ireland would have, at least, three bloggers (meself, Angie Old

Another bloggers take....

This just goes to show there is plenty out there about my bloved cottage, in Ireland, if one cares to look. I got a little carried away. So Enjoy.

The Original Fairy Name Generator - Not a sweet little fairy.

2009-03-12T11:48:00.000-07:00

I used my daughters code name and came up with this fairy name. I wonder if she would like being told she is chilly? Icy?
The Original Fairy Name Generator: "Your fairy is called Feather Iceshimmer
She is a bone chilling bringer of justice for the vulnerable.
She lives in high places where the clouds meet the earth.
She is only seen when the first flowers begin to blossom.
She wears pale blue like the sky. She has icy blue butterfly wings.
If you have a website or a blog, cut and paste the below text to display your"

I appreciate this site, but I wonder how she does in sales with such negative names. thorn, chilly. I saw her pictures and the names seem negative to me. But then she belongs to a vampire and fairy ring???? I wonder which way would be better received. whom an I to judge? I will see if most sites in that ring are bordering on the darker side of mood.

Cottage BlueBird: I wanna be a HOMIE

2009-03-04T10:09:00.000-08:00

There was something special about this cottage. When I opened the site, I could have sworn I heard a blue bird. But it must have been my imagination.

Cottage BlueBird: I wanna be a HOMIE

Something else I noticed about this blog as I went to her slide show. The outside of Her house looks just like the one I wanted to buy for a few years. Or should I say, like the one, I would have loved to have peeked inside to see. Actually it was painted just like this one. The difference betwen them is that in front view like this it had a gable with a window. Later on it was for sale and sold within a week! That goes to show you what great curb appeal does to us women.

I think they did great things to the back yard too. Though impossible to see. Though, while I was at the thrift sale, I did get to my utmost ability a good look. But I don't think there is another blogger here, like mine in western Wisconsin.

I love blue all shades as well as pink. In fact I have been thinking of a change in a kitchen like something I saw on hgtv. They used blue toile and a deep shade of a dusty blue. not real gray. I should see, just so I know, what the color was called. If I can recall the name and even the host of the show.

So, with all this in mind, I think I am going to enjoy blue bird as it progresses.

Sorry, I Haven't Posted Lately.

2009-02-11T20:09:00.000-08:00

But I do have a good excuse.

The dog ate my blog.

just me.
sources: Flicker uploads

I MADE A CERTIFICATE OF ACCOMPLISHENT and FINNISHED THE KILT KIT BAG

2009-02-06T19:12:00.000-08:00

I used the above picture and then went up into accessories to use a couple of 'notebooks' to copy what I wrote below. I printed it, cut it. Then taped one on top of bordered certificate paper. Then I scanned it several times.
If I could have found my metalic gold pen, I would have used it to copy over the embellishments on the end copy. I didn't have it, so I used my yellow pen highlighter which had picked up the black ink.

CERTIFICATE OF ACCOMPLISHMENT AWARD
This certification certifies that _________________
__________________ has been instructed in the proper methods of Kilt Lifting.
Thus licensed and authorized to freely transact according to Doctrines of Kilt Lifting. Said person has been issued equipment needed to officialy conduct Kilt Liting should it come up to find an answer to a question in regards to the kilt wearer. Then Said person may implement proper research acording to training here certified.

Academy of World Wide KIlT LIFTING GUILD.

I put it all into the KILT KIT Bag bag pictured below.

Into the DRAWSTRING bag went a print out of Instructions found at the website. The certificate above. A shoe Polish, A tiny bit of velcro, a hanky, and two auto mirror. The mirror has self sticky to be attached to the shoe. Thus only one use. I included two circles that can be strung through shoe laces and the mirror can be attached to it. I like the domed mirror, though. I guess all in all a couple hand held mirrors as originally suggested might have been the way to go. I did purchase some mirrored sunglasses which would have worked also. Then all one had to do was insert it in between the shoe and the toes. Either easily found at the dollar store. You could make a small cut out from a lid with places for lacing which could hold the auto mirror. Or even cut to serve as little inserting handles to slip inside the shoe by the tongue of the shoe.

Now more I should haves or should I still. Project done.

Mosaics Meets -- "Renaissance Gowns, Medieval, Scottish, Irish Celtic wedding gowns, dresses, Kilts, and other costumes.

2009-01-29T20:43:00.001-08:00

The Mosaic crafting has inspired this interest in Kilts worn in Scotland. READ ON FOR THE EXPLANATION.
Recently a person I work with said she was sending along a little humorous light weight package to Scotland. And would I like to send along something humorous as well? The package was to go to a young gal who had left our employment to pursue some "life" in a castle in Scotland for a time before returning back to America to do an Internship. I and a few others admired her spirit of wanting to really live life, even at her young age.
Mosaic Road

So my thoughts were to make a small mosaic plaque out of the broken dishes that I had been collecting, while she was with us. For lettering would be some broken mirrors, which she knew I collected curbside from college students leftovers. I wanted to form the words "LIVE". I described this to the other person and said if our young friend comes back with a man in a skirt [kilt ], I would make her one that said 'LOVE' or I [heart].

http://lavenderhillstudio.blogspot.com/
Hearts and skill to die for.

This clock especially shows what I had in mind, only with more white. [ Be sure to visit her sight for visions of her work that makes you sigh at her skill..

The words "kilt" and "mirror" seemed to have prompted my coworker to misunderstand my idea. She had turned MY IDEA into "a mirror on the shoe". I kind of like to pick on the girl in Scotland!! So now you know that is the reason I found this blogger and the other links which ended up here in a blogspot post.

"The Stitch

January 29, 2009
Racing for a cure
Hey, everyone!
I hope you're all staying warm during this exceptionally chilly winter. Remember: Spring is right around the corner, so enjoy it while you can. It's only temporary and it provides the perfect excuse to curl up under a warm blanket and read a good book."

A laptop serves just as well too!

I found this among her links to be a little amusing and clever.
Renaissance Gowns, Medieval, Scottish, Irish Celtic wedding gowns, dresses and costumes: "Kilt Lifting Kit

Admit it. You want to know.
Kilt-lifters, please be courteous before ever attempting to perform a kilt check.
Not everyone approves of this sort of behavior, and that's ok.
You should always ask permission and be respectful to ALL kilt-waring friends.
Please, look around to make sure there are no children in the area.

How to assemble your OWN kilt-lifting kit
For many years we sold these marvelous little kits to the public. We recently decided that we would rather teach the world how to make their OWN kits. You can either keep the kit for yourself, or make one (or several) to give as a gift to your favorite kilt-lifting friend(s)!
What you need:
One printout of this page. If you're giving a kilt lifting kit to your friends, simply print out this page and pack it in the kit. Your friend will now have a complete set of instructions on how to use the tools of the trade. Plus, they can learn the ever-entertaining Scotsman song at the bottom of this page".
If you want to read more click the link.

Renaissance Gowns, Medieval, Scottish, Irish Celtic wedding gowns, dresses and costumes: "you've got your answer in the mirror's reflection."
Want to Read more, click the link.

I picked up this link along the same subject.
Folklore: Proper Wearing of a Kilt - Let 'em SwingFolklore: Proper Wearing of a Kilt - Let 'em Swing: "Subject: RE: BS: Proper Wearing of a Kilt - Let 'em Swing

From: Dave Swan
Date: 03 Mar 01 - 10:42 AM
About a dozen men wore kilts to our wedding. One of our favorite photos from the reception shows one of the female guests wearing a wicked grin and a small mirror taped to the top of her shoe."

To read more click the Link.

After All this said [blogged]; I have decided to scrap the idea of mosaic and go with the a copy of the page of instruction mentioned above with song with a hankerchief, and some shoe polish. Not as fancy as this.
I realize the young gal may think it improper of me, but she does have a sense of humor and will still take it all in fun.

Lavender Hill blog - http://lavenderhillstudio.blogspot.com/
The mosaic can stil be done whenever I am ready. But I can now take my time with the craft. It will then still be fun to do. In time mean time we can see more Of Lavender Hill blog and all of her creative work. I wish I could get my plates to break up so wonderfully correct like she does in her crafts.

I hope she can forgive me for showing so many pictures from her blog to illustrate my point. If you visit her blog you can find magazines [ I have the romantic Homes magazine]that have also featured her, and you'll see why!!

.........just me jo

Picture of Hankerchief from http://www.victorian-cards.com/handkerchiefs.htm

Her Words seem familiar! - Wsprsweetly Of Cottages: OUR LITTLE COTTAGE WANNABE

2009-01-18T09:55:00.000-08:00

Oh How true her words are. We can have our little cottage anywhere.

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages: OUR LITTLE COTTAGE WANNABE: "A little cottage can be made anywhere you live. I believe this. I have only lived here since June, but I am determined it will be an adorable little cottage one day.
Work with what you have, after all, another word for cottage is 'love.' </span>
Posted by Mona at 4:27 PM
Labels: ~A cottage in the making~"
I found Monas blog today on my sunday cruise. The wise and good ones always know about making cottage style work for themselves. [Smile] I like Monas style. I hope you will take time to enjoy it too.
Have a good day. jo

Did you see Save My Bath HGTV Television Show This Morning?

2009-01-13T09:00:00.000-08:00

I found the design Show about The Bathroom episode on tv. The woman on Desperate spaces was the designer. a little humorous this morning. It was a repeat. I only caught glimpses of portions of the show. I did catch most of the reveal. The couple were happy with the results.

I began to pay attention at the moment the homeowner and designer were picking wallpaper for the bathroom. The designer mentioned wallpaper with texture and the homeowner said yes it is perfect for people to use if they have flaws in their walls. [She was offering homeowners a tip][ [It helps hide the flaws.] Rather than acknowledging that; the designer says

but your getting brand new smooth walls in your bathroom.

It seemed some concepts just seemed to be flying over the designers head during a lot of that program. I guess, I wondered why the wall paper had to be textured to be country. In fact the right response was flying over the designers head quite often.

The problem of the day for this designer was to select and design just the right decor for the couples country decorated home.

The homeowner had crafts and lots of warm color here and there. Nothing like the old Rachel Ashley style, if you get my picture. [ I am not sure I know much about her current updated style] I myself would like to visit and converse with the homeowner and talk about what she has all done. I bet we could talk for days.

I found humor in the situation that had presented itself to the designer. She made it obvious she had to rein herself in to keep from flapping off from the mouth in her usual style. The editing made it obvious. I think they could have started fresh in her comments. Or was that all the designer was capable of doing with comments?

The end result was very simple and pretty. She chose a simple dark red stripe running up and down on a off white textured wallpaper. The designer chose some toile curtains in a length that seemed to be an odd length considering the size of the actual window. [ Remember, I only caught part of the episisode.] It was a clutter free refreshing bathroom. The wall Decoration was a wreath the designer and homeowner made for the room. They had designed in some new lighting.

The homeowner was a woman who did crafts. Her crafts were proudly displayed here and there, which showed her charming cozy home. One I would love to live in and own. The contrast between the bathroom and the rest of the house along with the challenge of the designer had been shown strikingly obvious. Thus it struck me as little humorous.

It may have been a low key intention and maybe not.
Did anyone else this morning catch Save my bath?

Changes with Michaels craft store. - Lifes little shopping heaven.

2009-01-11T18:12:00.000-08:00

Our wishes are often resemblances of little heaven worlds in our imaginations. [Little bits of heaven] I thought I realized a little one developing because of Michaels and JoAnn fabrics this weekend.

I was anxious to start a snowflake bead craft on my mind.

I had found time to run to the local Michaels craft store in my little comfortable shopping circle. Walkable. Best buy, Large woman clothing store, [two]computer stores, Tj Maxx, and Borders. [Macys and Yonkers a short drive by Pier One down the hill and accross the street by Kincaide and JC. Pennies.] Driving in, I noticed a Jo Ann fabric store upcoming accross the street. I was thrilled. I had not been shopping since summer. It is amazing it's had been that long, I know! [Our Linen and things there was done and closed.] Imagine all that next to each other. Shop one and check on another within minutes. Shop one store and finnish at another.

But not entirely heaven, I guess. Michaels craft has a big moving sale.
When I entered Michaels, I could see all was fine, until I ventured back further. I saw some product low in quanity. That kind of low restocking signals a warning. I heard some conversation about the JoAnn fabric and the store closing. Not Michaels craft closing for good, I let out breath in relief. However, they are moving behind the store somewhere.

Oh what a dissappointment that is to me on the other hand. I thought it would be shopping heaven having the two stores in same area. One could compare prices easily with out hassel. I could finnish one store and hop accross the street to get fabric.

I think Michaels is moving for fear of competion. I doubt it was thought through at all by a reasonable shopping kind of person in management.

However, changes were certainly needed in the old Michael store. For me with my glasses, I find the glare and darkness with my glasses a problem. It is very crowded or closed in, but with a great selection offered. In The Best Buy building joining theirs, their bathrooms are an after thought as well. Restrooms are Inconvenient and difficult in all of the stores except with the Borders book store.

I might add that the bookstores in malls are a huge dissappointment, because they only sell novels etc. Not the good stuff! If they do carry decor books they are so limited in type. So I don't go out of my way to go those book stores. I stay at my Borders store with my cappachino which was free this week with coupon I got online.

I might add due to changes over the years even the decor books and gardening/ crafts etc books stacks at borders have declined in numbers.

As I left Michaels on my way to Borders I had this momentary wishing. If only the new Michaels would take on a concept like Borders. Wouldn't it be nice if there were a little counter or a few chairs where one could sip coffee and have a little buzz with other shoppers about the crafts one is about to do. A place to make up ones mind. [ Or Perhaps with restrictions about merchandise going into that area unless purchased.]
Too, I noticed that now one can access the internet in the book store. It is a new feature. How nice. Michaels could have that too with their little snack/ coffee area.
Today I bought the sunday paper for a Michaels discount coupon and found none. I wanted to go back to get some beads. But not without the coupon. { Which is not on books!] I guess it will have to wait. Walmart is only a mile away, I wonder if they carry them. I will check around.

Unfortunately, our life as we know it is changing, whether I want it to or not.
I took time to enter a survey with Michaels and at the same time I have a chance to win 500 dollars gift card.

Wouldn't life be a little heaven, if our wishes could come true.

A Rootdigger- Tells Us About Her Christmas

2009-01-03T09:12:00.000-08:00

A Rootdigger: "Christmas, Is It Just Another day or a Traditional Happy Holiday For You?

Sometimes at Holidays, my mother used to jokenly say, it's just another day. Maybe those were the days that she had chicken instead of the christmas goose. Mother never acted as if it was just another day. At least not until she was in declining years. There was always evidence of Christmas to come and other holidays with the decorations around galore.

I can no longer spend christmas with my mother. And I did not attempt to imitate my mother's celebration of Christmas. Our family got together for christmas day celebration with my husbands family. I no longer drive four or five hours over the hills and through the woods to get together with my birth family. We spent it with Dear Peg who has had at least two other celebrations of christmas with her extended family groups. So you see we were not the only reason for her holiday decor! I think that could be all part of the motivation factor; at least it would be for me to have that many christmas get togethers at my house. That girl doesn't take the easy way that is for sure. It is the good silverware and the china everytime. Holidays, birthdays, you name it. She is The best Hostest all around; just as if I were at my mother's house for christmas."

It just occurred to me that I helped with dishes there just like I used to for mom. [ only I did scraping/ washing/ drying/ putting away at moms ].

Lets get back to Peg and her house all done for christmas. Not a thing out of place other than baby toys. She has the way of making you feel so special the whole time you are there. I thought of her again yesterday in connection with a author of a new to me blog called the Beautyful Life. It is so like my thoughts and Pegs, [ I can only guess for Peg. ] [She has been without fail a Martha Stewart fan for years before she discovered HGTV.] I absolutely fell in love with the blog.

Now as it is added into the reader list at the right, I know it is my 2009 gift to myself. I truly like how she thinks and feels.

It was the best christmas present I could give myself. I always find that the new wonderful blogs I have discovered to be like gifts or presents to myself. This christmas I even invited retired friends from afar to view my chosen ones on the right. [ I am trying to talk them into blogging] [ I had not come out of the closet as a blogger before this christmas ].

I like how the blogger Ruth Harsham thinks. She wrote this:

We each have a unique position in life and no matter how each of us goes about our lives on a daily basis, I truly believe if we could bring all of it together in a comman room at once, we'd be utterly amazed at what we truly possess as woman and how truly influential we are in lives of those with whom we live.

Anyway, she could be recommended for the longest sentence nicely written. I loved her tree. I liked the clock in the tree and the old diaries under the tree. Nowadays, one sees little tiny lights, which I like, but loved even more the large lights of hers on her tree. She has a store where I would love to browse to see all the niches she would create.

And I think our Peg thinks like her too, but different too of course. Peg also collects antiques. She collected the same antique ornament on her tree over the years. I am sorry the photo does not do justice to how many she has. Collecting the same thing like That takes dedication. Or love of it.

I think that way, but don't always carry through as those I admire do. And well, you know I live through others blogs at the right!
I guess the material in the blog, is what I would look forward to reading. I could say more, but why should I spoil someones elses joy of discovery! So feel free to find her blog at the side.

After I browsed a bit further, I discovered Martha Stewart circle of blogs. I have added that, for Peg, if she ever reads my blog. [big smile with a wink]

It's been a good 2008 and I have a good outlook for 2009, afterall.
Happy Reading.
just jo

Note: For some pictures from our Pegs home you can follow the link.
She has done all that work on so many family outings for which I am grateful and still allowed me to post some pictures that I took at her house!
A Rootdigger
............................

Adrenal fatigue – the effects of stress and high cortisol

2008-12-30T11:56:00.000-08:00

I find any kind of material written about health issues of the frightning nature and often retreat back into a novel with my donut and coffee. Many times, I have started to research various health issues and quit to read fun blogs instead. Scary stuff!.

I happened to see this women to women topic and article, when I was googling for some information. It was presented so well that I forgot my fears and began to read to learn more about the topic of Adrenal Fatique. I must say I did get a good feeling about the topic. Especially when I read further about the article on what to do for this problem. Which you can find in the article below this one on what you can do with what you Eat in your daily diet that can make a difference with this problem.

I wanted to show you this not just for an outlet for my litle dose of humor, not as just a lead into my urging one to read blogs, but because I find the topic of importance to ladies of my age. It could help someone who was not looking for the topic.

And then it is perfect as my lead into a topic about releaving stress by comfortable reading among other methods probably touched upon in links to this article. After all many of us feel the need to make new years resolutions. Kept or not kept already, It's never to late to make changes. Changes for the better can be done anytime. I have to share this with you. I hope you too can read on for more information. Comments welcome.

Adrenal fatigue – the effects of stress and high cortisol:

The original, life-saving role of the adrenal glands

To understand how adrenal fatigue develops, it is important to understand the original, evolutionary function of the adrenal glands. The adrenals are walnut-sized glands located on top of each kidney, and are important control centers for many of the body’s hormones. The outer layer of the gland, called the adrenal cortex, produces hormones including cortisol, DHEA, estrogen and testosterone. The centers of the glands produce adrenaline, the hormone named after them.

The basic task of your adrenal glands is to rush all your body’s resources into "fight or flight" mode by increasing production of adrenaline and other hormones. When healthy, your adrenals can instantly increase your heart rate and blood pressure, release your energy stores for immediate use, slow your digestion and other secondary functions, and sharpen your senses.

"Let’s emphasize two points about this healthy stress response. First, it takes priority over all other metabolic functions. Second, it wasn’t designed to last very long.

Stress and the adrenal glands
Unlike our ancestors, we live with constant stress. Instead of occasional, acute demands followed by rest, we’re constantly over-worked, under-nourished, exposed to environmental toxins, worrying about others — with no let-up.
Every challenge to the mind and body creates a demand on the adrenal glands. And the list of challenges is endless: lack of sleep, a demanding boss, the threat of losing your job, financial pressures, personality conflicts, yo-yo dieting, relationship turmoil, death or illness of a loved one, skipping meals, reliance on stimulants like caffeine and carbs, digestive problems, over-exercise, illness or infection, unresolved emotional issues from our past or present and more. The result is adrenal glands that are constantly on high alert.
The destructive effect of high cortisol levels
What is cortisol? In its normal function, cortisol helps us meet these challenges by converting proteins into energy, releasing glycogen and counteracting inflammation. For a short time, that’s okay. But at sustained high levels, cortisol"

I am going to read as much about this aricle and links as I can. I hope you can see in the article what I see. There are interesting points to consider about Carbs and caffeine and salt. Nothing new in that. But I see the points layed out to me so I can better understand the way it works against my body. That is why I would like you to read more on this article. You gain a kind of Understanding with out fear not often found in some medical sites and books that I have found before.

Stress and Fatique during the Holidays can be relieved by Blog reading.

2008-12-26T10:56:00.001-08:00

Now that Christmas day is over do you feel you can now fall into more of a relaxed state. For me, I think so. There has been so much stress due to holiday activities lately. New Years bring more still for other people. but not for me. There is still the after christmas specials and sales on winter items as merchants make room for spring items. But lets not call that stressful. Shopping in that way is fun.

Still the new year with taxes and other new economic changes will certainly bring stress and tiredness. I have been thinking that up coming New Year is a time to begin to deal with the stress in a more subdued way. That thought is because I have been thinking about an article I read on Adrenal Fatique. A very clear article written by Marcelle Pick for Women to Women.

http://www.womentowomen.com/adrenalfatigue/adrenalglandnutrition.aspx

Eating to support my Adrenal glands.I know my eating habit includes caffeine, and Carbs. Due to a Pre-diabedes condition that I have; has made me aware that both of two need to be in a low priority in my eating habits. I feel best when I eat protein and green vegetables. And often too with some shopping exercise, which is also good for stress levels.

I hope you can find time to read the article. I found it to be a good reminder of many things we have already heard about. I found that the articles mention of caffeine and what it does to us; is a good motivator for me to cut down drastically. I had wanted caffeine as natural stimulant for to my Adhd problem. Maybe one partly causes the other.

My changes can be small steps at first. Maybe I should switch from Pepsi to non caffeine soda. Eliminate soda, probably not entirely! Caffeine in Chocolate, which relaxes me? Maybe I can go to moderating the amounts of consumption. I have liked to have just a taste of Christmas- cookies, pie, misc. After the christmas cookies are gone, it will be easier....... Maybe?

I have already switched from coffee to noncafeinated tea most of the time. I especially find that mint tea is my answer. I find it free all summer long in the garden. And I can easily find it for winter consumption. [I just need to harvest it next year- new years resolution.]

Often the reason I slip to coffee is that thoughts come to mind like these:

- Wouldn't cookies or pie taste better with a cup of coffee.
- Flavored Coffee latee, umm yumm
- Coffee when your tired gets you in a mood mode to work.
- Coffee is natural and cheaper instead of expensive prescribed pills.

Well now just thinking about the hopeful changes has reduced my mental stress already. I am hoping that the article has provided a needed clue to others, who just had not thought of the foods that contribute to our fatique problem.

I hope you too can find your own mental stress releaving oasis- way of relief of beginning stress. Yoga or any other new method are other ways.

Mind meditation of a calm happy place.

I think I will kick back now and read some blogs on my blog list. [I have added a couple more.] With my tea and feet up, I think that will be just what I need at the moment. Another world in a blog. Sure they can be inspiring, but relaxing and pleasurable at the same time. Refreshed after my break, I'll deal with some work later. Join me. Happy Blog Reading.
jo

* Soon, I hope to tell you a couple charming craft ideas that I picked up during the christmas celebration.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2008-12-25T04:18:00.000-08:00

I would like everyone to have the greatest of days today. Even if you do not celebrate christmas. You can still celebrate and enjoy the day for the great spirit the people in our community seem to be sharing.
Either way. Have a Merry Day!

My Cottage Wannabe Reminder

2008-11-19T08:56:00.001-08:00

Welcome to my cottage site. I am trying to turn my little home into the cutest cottage like I have seen in decorating shows, magazines and blogs. So therefore my unfortunate title evolved into what it is. My house is a cottage wannabe. I am a cottage decorator reader wannabe. [What I really mean is that I am a person who wants her home to be a pretty little cottage.!]

I seemed to have adopted the shabby cottage look. You can see by the photo on the right that I am into shabby cottage. I would like to go from cottage Ick to cottage chic. and from Shabby schick to schabby chic.

My main hobby is collecting styles in the blogs.
But there are certain kinds of cottage decor that I am attracted to at the magazine stands and in my blog collections. Now, don't take my home as an example of my taste. Not now any way.

My taste.
I love French country in the new form and the traditional form. European or old world is great too. And comfort decorating could be my style as well. I am a supporter of the romantic style. I am crazy about vintage and victorian decor.
I do love the Shabby chic look. I may prefer something with just Cottage Charm in the end.

One can't forget the garden media. And the Crafts and makeovers.
I find it is a consuming interest. I have to have something in the subject now and then. Television shows, magazines, videos, and blogs.

I shall eventually learn a lot from the many blogs I collect and read!
I am going to confess now. The title should have been "cottage blogger wannabe" . I would love to be a cottage blogger like I see in the beautyful blogs that I enjoy. I have a cottage and I am a cottage chic wannabe person. Maybe I could do this, If Only I could straighten my cottage out a little. Maybe then? I want my home to look like those I have been wishing about for years. The old disney motto is : If you dream it, it will come true. It's possible I have dreamed a lot. It can happen. Do you think?

Really though for now, I think I just would rather just enjoy the great work done by the others. I am at the game in the side lines cheering the players, on so to speak. I just admire their skill.

I actually created this blog for an excuse.
I like to be able to store some blog rolls. Recently I had rolled a few onto my genealogy blogs, and it just didn't seem the right place. It didn't pertain.

That is not the only reason I think they shouldn't be there at a genealogy blog. The other reason is that I don't want my readers to wander off to some gorgeous website opportunity that I present to them. Then they forget to return to my genealogy blog. I know, I would do that myself. Here well, it's okay. If you come here, it's okay to go off to the blogs. I am not predicting that I will be found anyway.

While I have the blog space, I'll just have a little fun. I'll be sharing my shabby cottage [ick]. I'll share my little cruising for new ones now and then. We will learn what I think are good blogs. I may attempt once or twice a few views of the styles or the kind I don't like.
Comments and suggestions are always welcome. If your reading, please don't mind my poorly written blog or my awful grammer. [My cousin got all the smarts in that department.]

So far, I have done a good job nuturing my hobby of blog collecting..

I am hoping you can share some of my results of my sunday cruises of the web. I will add more here. I know I will eventually want to share some of my favorite ideas that I find on them. I am not sure, if I will be allowed to do that. Maybe if I can I can share some of my magazine clippings. If I am allowed to do that.

Thats all today from the cottage wannabe blogger reader. It's
just jo

Carmel apples for a Halloween treat. story.

2008-10-28T19:51:00.000-07:00

For me it is just the thing. I am expecting you to join me.
I know they are a bit messy.
I've got rubber gloves, wash cloths and a towel. I am ready.

Okay, We each can have a half. I cut and you choose which half you want.

2008-10-28T19:41:00.000-07:00

Mmmhhhh it looks so good. I can hardly wait.

No problem, my knife was sharp. It's not a Halloween chain saw Massacre

2008-10-28T19:37:00.000-07:00

Just the perfect Halloween magic trick. WE cut it in half.

It's just had only a little nibble.

2008-10-28T19:30:00.000-07:00

I don't know who did that, It wasn't me.

Take my word for it, it will be really good.

2008-10-28T19:27:00.000-07:00

Do your Ads ever strike you as leaning towards humorous on your blog

2008-10-27T23:44:00.000-07:00

It's true. I have found the choices the adsense places on my blog to be in the category of humorus from time to time. I have had adsense on another blog for half a year. I had put them at the top of the page, so they'd be seen. Usually, I would scroll by in order to see the rest of my blog and I really paid no attention to them.

Until one day this ad appeared on my page about Behrens. It suggested a search source for Behrens. I see where they get the name for it. Ad sense[d]. I thought - wow, I could be my own best customer. Not a good idea, cause I am not suppose to click on those ads. Nor am I to intice my friends and relatives to do so for me. Talk about a Pandoras box. That's what that ad seemed to be to me. An ad that says open me , open me open me. Then if I did give in, it would be zing! zing! I am down on the dead blog list.

So that day I kept looking at all my pages to see just was posted there. I now make sure that I look at them. Actually I look forward to see what will be new each time.

Some are embarassing.
The one ad I found a little puzzling was the one that was placed and then later disappeared. It was an ad for ADHD. LOL. I could see no topic that made it appear. LOL. No really. Yeah, maybe my own ADHD caused me to skip off topic now and then. Well okay, that probably that was the case for motivation of that ad placement. It did disappear though.

Can you forsee the possibilites they have in their ad topics.
Last night, It occured to me the possiblies they are cabable of. In fact, I might risk having more ads just for the laugh.

Let me paint the picture here first, so you can see what I mean. I had previously posted about the search program that Ancestry .com has to find your man in the Franco Prussian war casualites list of 1870. Then because of my blathering about my man being taken as prisoner and nearly died with typhoid - typhus.

Also because another relative had made a reference to the sickness as being another name; I decided to check and see, if I was really correct in calling it typhoid. I was thinking then, that if I had it wrong, I should correct it on the blog. My new found topic of typhus, which is caused by the scratch and the feces of the louse or lice. So I posted a interesting linking to an article on typhus.

No typhus is not funny. And no ads to that are possible. But ads for ridding oneself of fleas and lice is very possible!

lice product - Google Image Search

No kidding. And that is what they did! I found humor in that they are capable of all kinds of ads like that. If I had allowed them three ads to the page, can you imagine what ads I would get.

I am sure there might have been one for the morque or the funeral parlor. If I publish an article of accidental death, maybe there would be a placement for sympathy flowers for all occasions. I wouldn't be surprised to see something about cemetery plots. Tombstones. Accident insurance. I mean my imagination has no limit at what they could come up with. What else would they come up with?

Ship lists bring ads on shipping.
Bad spelling brings ads for dictionaries? Badly done rooms bring out decorating books?

Other blogs ads
Have you seen any good ones on the web. Had some doozies yourself?

I don't mind really. My only purpose for adsense is to try and make a little from that blog. If it were possible, the money would be donated to german churches for their time that they spend helping me by researching their old books.

Now, if we have adsense on a blog about romantic homes or romantic life as a topic, would you want to have adds about lice and fleas on your page. No. But then that would not be the subject on such a nice page about pretty homes. How do they get such nice ads for Romantic homes, Romantic living? Victoria, etc?

romantic home magazine - Google Image Search

I look forward to the new ad with anticipation for the big reveal-surprise.
I am sure if you were like me, you would further enjoy each ad placement.
It's like opening a crackerjack box to see the surprise gift.

cracker jacks - Google Image Search

Measly, though it was. It's like the message inside the fortune cookie. The surprise and anticipation I find is a reward for a new post to the blog all in itself. I guess I have to start paying attention to the ads on other peoples blogs.

Who are the creators of the ads?
The thing I most think about; when I spot the ad and then read them is about the people who decides what gets posted on my page. I really would like to know what they are like. I bet there are more than one and they sit by each other at their computer ad office. I bet they share comments and they have their own little private jokes between them. Imagine how many blogs they must observe.

I had an idea one time to make this blog called Secret Victorian. I am sure the ad would lead to Victorias Secret Lingerie.

http://www2.victoriassecret.com/collection/?cgname=OSSLPLGEZZZ&cgnbr=OSSLPLGEZZZ&rfnbr=5366

Don't you wonder sometimes, if they ever get stumped. I mean I have seen some short blogs elsewhere. In that case they have little to work with.

If there was one for this page, it would be an ad for getting adsense ads.

There for a time on my genealogy blog, I saw the same old ad to same old search link. Like a standby. I wonder if they really read all of the blog........ Or do they ever fall asleep while reading it. lol.

I say that because mine is the opposite of short. It is probably only interesting if one is related to my family, vast as it is.

Maybe I should try being and employee of Adsense
I bet I could come up with some doozies, all by my self, that would bring up some interesting ads! One of my future posts is about the employment my family had of helping others to hunt deer, pig or boar. [Rotwild und Schwein oder Eber]

I can' wait to see, if they show them selves in the same light as they have in the past. Would it be something about taxodermy, or guns, or gun rights, camping gear, flashlights? Hotel rooms for the trip? It will be interesting to find out. Be sure to check back and see.

I'd love to hear what you have found or experienced.

Do you agree with me though, about the person who places the ad on your blog. Wouldn't you say it's got to be a job for a creative person. That person does have some creative genes, and he must have a sense of humor for sure. At least mine does, I am not sure about yours.

Hmmmmm. I wonder where one gets the applications.

A TIP FOR MYSELF AS I LEARN HOW TO BLOG

2008-10-14T06:14:00.000-07:00

I took a peek at Mark Bernsteins web page about beginning blogging. I do like his style of writing. I wish I could do as well. His flows is so easy. I think my writing gets choppy at times. Probably cause I tend to end in prepositions and then I try to corrct that error. Also, I do not always make complete sentences.

I am not sure about the 'blogroll' comment. That is one main reason, why I am commenting on his post. I would love to find out what others think of this. It is the advice one reads from others, who talk up blogging for beginners. It usually says to link to others.

I too think one should have an agreement if one were to act like a friend. If one was on a circle or clique. A circle a web ring. etc.

I am not out to try and make big ratings with this blog. Though I would like it to be pleasing to the eye and reader, if they happened to cross my path. But this is merely my reading list. They are not my buddies. Though, I would not mind at all if they were my buddies. I suppose I would be in heaven, if they were my friends. If they do not mind my comments on their blog now and then, because I can not resist, then I would do so.

But I a hermit or recluse do not think that I could be that active. I live my dream through the others blogs. I am kind of a silent lurker, at the side lines. you might say. I suppose the alternative is to get a feed or have their blogs go to your dashboard.

At any rate read the article and see what you think about idea of linking to others.

from....
A List Apart: Articles: 10 Tips on Writing the Living Web: "Make good friends

Read widely and well, on the web and off, and in your web writing take special care to acknowledge the good work and good ideas of other writers. Show them at their best, pointing with grace and respect to issues where you and they differ. Take special care to be generous to good ideas from those who are less well known, less powerful, and less influential than you.

Weblog writers and other participants in the Living Web gain readers by exchanging links and ideas. Seeking to exchange links without ideas is vulgarly known as blogrolling. Begging high-traffic pages or famous writers to mention you is bothersome and unproductive

Instead of begging, find ways to be a good friend. All writers thrive on ideas; distribute them generously and always share the credit. Be generous with links. Be generous, too, with your time and effort; A-list sites may not need your traffic, but everyone can use a hand.

Many prominent web writers travel a lot – to conferences, meetings, trade shows. Sooner or later, they’ll come to your corner of the world. Offer to feed them. Invite them to parties. Offer to introduce them to interesting people. They might be too busy. They might be too shy. But the road can be a lonely place, and it’s always interesting to meet thinking people.

Sma"

It sounds like good advice. It is food for my thoughts today. I am grateful I found this site. I could credit to someone for the suggestion, but I have forgotten who suggested it.

One more food for thought is the question one asks oneself sometimes when you visit the sites which have no comments. They say to comment, but do they mean it?.

I remember when I started the genalogy blog, I didn't know how. I had it all enabled and I got a spam. They were pushing something that had nothing to do with my topic. It was such an obvious ad. So even though I welcomed comments, I told my relatives that they could try to comment, but I didn't know how to work with it. I at least know how to do so now. But I am not sure how to reply to a person who comments. I am going to try and figure that out, soon.

It does seem my relatives either are not reading or don't care to comment.
In that case I guess I should read more on that subject.

Well, maybe after I read a little more of my new blogs that I added this morning in the wee hours, when I woke up so early.

If any one comes to this blog, and cares to comment on Mark Bernstien's comment on blog roll, do so freely.

I would love to know how others handel the blog rolls. I found that under Gadget the link Item does not always work. So I have placed url's into my blog roll there as well which do not have feeders.
I shall have to explore the google reader to see if it is for blogs as well as books.
thanks
just jo.

Creativity in the Web site.

2008-10-11T09:26:00.000-07:00

Göhrde
Originally uploaded by thoguenther

I love creative staging in photos. Creativity in a website is a good thing. This one is so very creative! This one can go really far in the web world.
I think if I had something like this, I could keep out the deer, but still keep smiles on our faces.

I wish I had the patience to make one. I actually had an idea of something like this only on the ground in simpler version in my garden. I just can't say enough about this one.

I made a comment and asked him what the story was about the web. Did he make it, did he find it?.

I think maybe it was Spiderman's web. What would spider man wish to catch in his web?

Wouldn't you love to dress it up a little bit for halloween. I suppose many would put in a huge spider. But not me.

I like the idea of a web picture like this for the heading of my blogs. But I don't know how to get it there on the side from flicker. I have been thinking maybe to use some halloween fake web 'stuff.' But I wondered how fake that would look. If I discover a spider with a web somewhere in my house that would by my bonus. lol.

Tho Guenther did some photography in the Goehrde area. It is a fantastic area in Germany near the Elbe river. Some of his items especially appealed to me this week. I was so glad to have found it. Flicker is wonderful, is it not?
Thank you.

Let's Try On Some Stone Siding for a French Shabby Cottage Look

2008-09-16T19:34:00.000-07:00

Since I love French decor, I thought maybe my little cottage wannabe could try on a take of the french cottage look. It couldn't hurt to be a wannabe cottage owner of a French stone cottage. See the result at the left. { Sorry, I am not an artist}

My shabby cottage Ick could be a little French field stone cottage. A little field stone siding should jazz it up. Imagine turquoise blue or french blue shutters along the sides of each window. Then we could add some trim paint in the same color. Definately some Pink geraniums in some pots for color Punch for that look. Now that would be a picture. Hmmmm.

Yes I do believe it is enhanced. Maybe in front there could be some stone gravel that is so French. Along with that, maybe, I could find a spot for a bench. I see we forgot the bicycle that one usually has with an attached basket of planted flowers Hmmm.

It might have been nice to have shutters with the stucco siding that it had before. Before it was imagined to be field stone . It is amazing what a little color pop can do.

Rats. I forgot it was a thatched roof? Or is it suppose to be tile?.

There is castles and there is cottages.

http://www.thevisualrecord.com/dbphotopages/photopage.php?photo_id=312

I have always loved the stone cottage look. Don't you love the stone castle look too. We can save that look for another day. There is something about stone siding that is so good looking. I think rocks look good everywhere, anywhere. [picture diamonds and emeralds]

eagleriverpewter.com/bishop.html

I kind of like my shabby cottage in field stone. But it would involve a regression to lots of rustic wood. Maybe.
I do really lean toward those french homes in a regtangular shape with a light shade of peachy gold or sandy color. With variations of this color, but all in one tone. Not too shabby! Check out the French garden house on the side. It s not a mansion, but not a cottage. It says elegant curb appeal all by itself. And Cote de Texas has a blog further back about some beautyful homes. She also has an article on some Sweden home styles. They have some interior colors that give wonderful new meaning to gray blue and combinations on the light side, which I love. I wish Hgtv would have shows as good and thorough and beautyful like that in their shows.

Take it to the cottage level, but with only the colors and textures. Perhaps the grays and blue possibilities with the whites and creme variations.
It is one cottage look I could consider. It would be better than the look I suspect that would involve rather rustic looking decor. There would be lots of warm tones needed for our shabby field stone cottage interior, right?. Something like the traditional provincial look shown in the seventies or earlier? There is always a new look even for the old style. And some basic looks are never gone.

I have always loved this color blue. And also more of a French Blue. Which means less green tint in the paint.

Yes, I love french blue. The color here is too turquoise. Maybe it should be more of a gray blue with pink geraniums. Or lots of lavendar. I can grow lavender.

I really have to keep things straight here. Lets see stucco with french blue or gray blue or the field stone with the same. Shutters or just the trim. Often time there is tile on the roof. We should keep some solar sky lighting too, don't you think? That would really be nice. It would let in lots of sunshine. [ Aso naturaal.]

Enough already for one day. We have really done a good job with the look.

I'll have to think on it. See more blogs, etc.

I am looking forward to some on french decor. Maybe with some outdoor accessories. I think I have a couple in my roll. See you soon.

just jo

A Cottage Wannabe Hunter For Her Trophy Case.

2008-09-16T12:14:00.001-07:00

Welcome to my cottage site. I am trying to turn my little home into the cutest cottage like I have seen in decorating shows, magazines and blogs. My house is a cottage wannabe. I am a cottage decorator reader wannabe. What I really mean is that I am a person who wants her home eventually be a pretty little cottage. Once I learn the knack.

In the mean time, I am looking for a cottage Charmer about her charming cottage. teehee!. I can learn from her. Actually I wonder,if I would rather just enjoy the great work done by the others.

I will be going Hunting!
What I will be doing is hunting down blogs that I want to read off of my blog roll. [My trophy case.] It will be kind of like a man going out to hunt his pheasant or wild turkey . [ A deer hunter waits, and I don't wait] I go out into the forest of the wilderness of the web. I look here or there with the right bait and frame of mind [ google search engine words] and check on my prey when one appears.

Yup, its the right one. Bang! I got it with one shot. I drag it home. Stuff it, display it and tell everyone about the little old pheasant[ new blog roll on list] I happened to have bagged yesterday. I am so proud I display some of The feathers all over the place. Maybe more comments or examples of the favorite parts. Then someone usually asks about reason there are feathers. Then I can tell hunting stories of how I got my bird. [ something like how it almost didn't make it there on my blog.] I could raise my own pheasants or wild turkeys, but why? There is not the thrill of the hunt!. The skill in finding the fine specimen of the bird. And the fulfillment and enjoyment I feel when ever I look at my bird so proudly displayed on my special collections shelf. [ My blog roll] And then there are the books about the subject which tells me what I need to learn about getting such a bird. [Blogs on how to do a blog]

Actually, I think it is nearly the same feeling I get about shopping and traveling. I love to find and explore new thrift shops, antique shops. [ love mine close to home too] It is the thrill of the hunt. For some it is the haggle, then the bagging it, or getting what you want after how many hunts for it. You then proudly get it home, which is sometimes an achievement in itself. That is like exploring new wilderness. Or taking a vacation to a new place. We sight see. To me it's all the same. Its in there with searching for blogs in the unseen wilderness of the net.

I can't afford to be a cottage chic blogger or even a French decor blogger or any other Charming decor blogger. So I live through these blogs. Just as I did as a book worm in the characters of the novels I read.

Learning about the subject.

Part of the attraction to decor blogs is the need to read and learn how others have been blogging about decor. Whether it is French or other old world european decor. Maybe about Castles or Cottages. So long as it is nice looking homes and gardens. I need to figure out what makes one more appealing than another. I can get two for one here. What a deal. I can learn and I enjoy the pictures and material in the blogs at the same time. And the third charm factor as mentioned is the thrill of the hunt. Since it is what I love.

I have found that there are some visions I like. Some have the right Decor charm that I would like to add to my collections. [not necessarily cottage decor] I guess I get attached to some bloggers who voice the same likes. Like I felt and saw , when I read a blog at the side. Cote de texas blogger mentioned her likes or tastes, I thought 'gosh I do too'. 'She likes what I like'! So I bagged it. And brought it home. And it is not necessarily cottage design. But it resembles some of my taste. [ Often times some shops shown in blogs have the decor I love]

Then there are days, when I don't know what decision I want to make. So I bring it on home to decide later. I am an awful decision maker. I guess that is why I seek out those who always just know what works.

I have bagged a few blogs in my hunts to start with for now. Tee hee. I am hoping to get another hunt in this weekend. You'll like my hunting hobby trophy.
Thats all today from the cottage wannabe hunter. It's
just me jo

Another person summary of the idea.

2008-09-16T09:49:00.000-07:00

I found this blog today. Biggleswade Cottage she said this:

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Wannabe

I've decided I'm a "wannabe". I want to be as cute and clever and creative as some of the blogs I read, sigh. There are some extremely creative ladies out in bloggyland. Do they know something I don't? Have they invented the 30 hour day and didn't tell the rest of us? Do they only get 4 hours of sleep a night like Martha? Oh well, guess I'll have to live with being a "wannabe" for now...unless the comedian hits the lottery!

My little Shabby Ick Ccottage>
[I can't draw either]

I love castles and cottages.
I have always loved the cottage look. I like the castle look too. I live in a small home. It is as they say if you have a taste for wine, and a beer budget What do you do? You drink beer!. I guess that is more or less what I have been doing in the decorating sense. I have been living thinking cottage. I have grown to love the public media " cottage idea " I have never really fallen out of love with it. It takes so many forms. I have followed the ins and outs of it. Missed some of course. I have been an advid follower of the media with all photos.

Love, love decorating media.
So much so that I never get rid of my favorite magazines. However, I still love to view all kinds of decorating. I also have been a loyal watcher of Hgtv until the last year or so. When Decorating Cents was canceled and the increase in shows of real estate emphasis this last year I have fallen off my daily viewing. In fact there are many days in a a row that I turn on the television. That is a strong statement for me. Believe me. I was an avid viewer with a television on in two rooms at once, so I wouldn't miss anything. And I recorded my favorite shows at the same time. Or the Vcr was at a moments notice to record a favorite shot. No more. The consequence of this is that I have found BLOGS.

I have run into so many blogs. I particularly love the blogroll off the google layout. Maybe blog rolling is my way of learning blogging.
I would love a little critique and comments. A little help would be great.

My Shabby Ick Cottage Night View

2008-09-16T09:34:00.000-07:00

Oh how I wanna have cottage chic!

I would love to be a cottage blogger. Maybe someday. In the mean time I am studying other blogs. I will learn by others. I know I have found so many wonderful blogs. I suppose I will mention a few now and then.
Such as this one.
There is so much information on the blogs for a beginer blogger. After one signs up one spends half their time looking for all the information one needs to make ones blogs pleasing. There is far more information out there on topics how to make money and how to use the right words. But I as a new bloggers need so much more than that.
http://fromgodsperspective.blogspot.com/2008/07/ladles-jellyspoons.html

I really need a little guidance.

Here is a little photo of my cottage kitchen in the night view.

Well, I am being funny?

Actually, I really do love black and white together with a color and lots of white. Which is okay. Mixed in right with the Traditional ways. and new ways. And just the right Look. It would still qualify under the term cottage. As in toile -- the French influence.

I have always had the yen for French anything. In the movie 'The French Touch' Meg Ryan character had the same yen for a little stone cottage. Not so formal. Not too rustic. I go for comfy as well. I especially love the office of Fifi 's blog in my blog roll.

Then again I love white and white blends with nearly everything. There are some well done photos in the blog next to this called Something white.

Maybe sometime I can show my favorites. If I figure out how to get permission. I might still add some more favorites.

I live and sleep decorating or should I call it the new hgtv word for it -stageing. I admit I am not really creative. I need to be inspired. I am a bit of a copycat. And there are so many wonderful sources showing me choices to copy. I can't make up my mind!.

So I keep the hobby of cruising for ideas and inspiration. [That's my excuse and I am sticking to it.}
I am sorry it is an affliction. I can't help it. As long as the blogs are there I will find them and I stay a cottage wannabe.

"just me jo"