Sorry, I Haven't Posted Lately.

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

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.

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

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?

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.

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

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

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.

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

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!