Primitive Raggedy Doll

This is one of the newest primitive raggedy style dolls that I've made in the last few weeks. She has stolen my heart and I'm working on her pattern.

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Growing and Harvesting Oregano

I've been busy harvesting my Oregano patch and the house smells incredible. I use this herb in so many of my recipes. Once I filled my basket a number of times (14 times to be exact), I took some heavy twine and created bundles of the Oregano to hang for drying.
I placed it in the spare room upstairs where it was cool and dry. It takes a good few weeks to dry and then I store it in a gallon size mason jar.

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Molasses Cookies....oh so yummy!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour, measure after sifting
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups butter, at room temperature, (2 1/2 sticks)
• 1 cup dark brown sugar, firmly packed
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup molasses

Preparation:

Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Combine the first 6 ingredients, mixing well with a wooden spoon. Add the remaining ingredients; beat with electric mixer for 2 minutes or continue using spoon, scraping down the sides of the bowl a few times. Wrap the dough in waxed paper and chill for at least1 hour. Preheat oven to 350° with the rack in the center position. Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Bake until the tops are set, 12 to 15 minutes. Cool on wire racks. Makes about 36 soft molasses cookies.

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Old Fish Shack - Freeport Nova Scotia

Sewing Notions and Fabric

Just thought I'd snap a photo of the old apple crates I have stacked against the large window in my bedroom(at the foot of my bed). They work so perfect for storing my sewing supplies that I need within an arms reach. I have Rubbermaid containers of fabric as well but these hold my "special" fabrics. The ones that I fight myself to have to cut into. I have mason jars full of buttons, rusty pieces, vintage hankies. That blue box you can see on the shelf hold all my patterns that I own. I should take a sideways pic of that to really give you a look at my addiction! haha

Where do you store your sewing notions, fabric and patterns?

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Sewing Space

The corner of my room where I do my sewing. You'll notice the bed is right next to the table. There isn't much extra room in this bedroom. I've got everything possible jammed in here.

The shelf on the wall belonged to my grandmother and I use it to hold my needle basket, extra spools of thread and misc little sewing notions.

I usually have sketches of doll ideas on the bulletin board but took them down for the photo...can't have you knowing what is coming next! heehee

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Working on her Pattern

Her sheep wool hair makes me giggle!
My Godmother asked me to create her as a gift for her granddaughter and I really love the way she came alive. It had been awhile since I'd done a round head primitive doll. Needle felting the hair is always so much fun and actually quite relaxing to work on.

Her pattern is being worked on right now :)

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Twice the Love

Sometimes ya need a little push in the right direction to get crafting. My friend Sherry and I did a "double dog dare" the other day. Let's just see what we can create in one day and share photos on Facebook.

This sweet Raggedy gal was one of three gals I got finished and posted. She really made me smile and I am madly in love with the fabric that I used for her dress.

She was posted on Facebook and TWO different folks wanted her right away. I generally try not to repeat a doll too often but I had another section of the dress fabric so both will be getting her.
The original on the wooden spindle will go to my aunt up the valley. Another without a spindle will be going to live in Ontario.

Doesn't she make ya smile?

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Clouds

Looked up from weeding the garden area and grabbed my camera to capture this shot.....love the look of the clouds and the old building

Oregano

Oregano

One of my favorite herbs to grow and use.....its starting to poke its head up and smile at Spring. I've been weeding and pulling dead pieces off. The weather has been wonderful for working in the garden. Its been not touched for a few years so its loving the attention its getting now.
I can't wait to harvest and be using this wonderful herb in my cooking.

Do you grow fresh herbs? Do you have a favorite?

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New Blog Idea....Hmmmm

Easily sidetracked like her momma!

JasPurr kept telling me she wanted me to take her picture but then would get easily sidetracked by the lens cover dangling on the side...*sigh*


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Gingersnap Cookie Recipe

Gingersnaps

1 cup packed brown sugar
3/4 cup shortening
1/4 cup molasses
1 egg
2 1/4 cup flour
2tsp baking soda
1tsp ground cinnamon
1tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp salt
granulated sugar

Mix brown sugar, shortening, molasses and egg in large bowl with wooden spoon.
Stir in flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and salt slowly, stirring well. It will be hard to stir towards the end and I then use my hand to mix it smooth.
Place in clean bowl,cover and refrigerate at least one hour.

Heat oven to 375F.
Grease cookie sheet lightly.
Shape dough by rounded tablespoon into balls by rolling in palm of your hands.
Dip top into granulated sugar. Place balls, sugar side up, on cookie sheet.
I then press down slightly with a fork.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until set.
Let cool on cookie rack.

Makes about 4 dozen cookies

ENJOY! They are sooo yummy with a tall cold glass of milk.
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Diane Knott ~ Watercolor Artisan and friend

Many years ago when I first was introduced to the ways of the "web" and I was looking for places to hang out and play, I was told the magazine Country Sampler had a forum.
I joined and quickly jumped right into the fun. So many wonderful people were there and talking about crafting and decorating. We all had such a love for that magazine too.
One of the woman that I became friends with was Diane Knott.

We talked many times while on that forum together about watercolor painting and so much more. Time has a way of happening to so many and I drifted away from that forum. We lost touch. Many times I've seen her work and wondered how she was doing.

I was blog hopping the other day and was THRILLED to see Diane has a blog! OH YEAHHHHHHHH
I spent a good hour or so reading thru her blog and catching up. I made a comment on her blog as well so she'd know I had dropped by. (Bloggers love that...hint hint) She wrote me back! She remembered me as well.
It was so nice to hear from her again. Please stop by her blog and check out her incredible watercolor paintings. The way she takes a photograph has inspired me right now as well. I'm going to be having some fun with my camera soon. You can also buy fabric based on Diane's painting so you know I'm going to have to try and get my hands on some to create a special doll!

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This is so folks can follow me on Twitter.
I'm trying to get into a better habit of writing there. Its tough with a limit of words as you all know I love a good long ramble ;)

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Fun New Graphics

Created this graphic to take folks to my Flickr album that showcases my primitive dolls and folk art creations that have already sold.

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My Primitive Raggedy Dolls in Prims

as featured in Prims magazine by Stampington &Company

My folk art styled black rabbit that is in the Gallery section of Prims magazine by Stampington & Company


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Prims Magazine by Stampington & Company

Pinch me because I still can hardly believe I'm part of this incredible magazine.

Months ago, I was doing my usual routine of checking email and saw one from someone I didn't know. I thought *scam* right away as they were asking me to take part in a new magazine coming out. How many magazines contact YOU to take part, right?

Delete

The next day, there was another email saying the same thing. I thought to myself...hmmmm.....bit odd for scammer to email again right away. What harm will it do to look further into this?

*WHEW*

Stampington & Company were creating a new magazine focused on primitives and they were interested in my creations. Jennifer Jackson(Managing Editor and Art Management Supervisor) had found me on Flickr while researching.

Jennifer was such an incredible woman to deal with thru this whole process. She answered all my questions and there were an number of them. I'd never done anything like this before.
She told me which of my primitive creations she had found on my Flickr that interested them for the magazine. I had to recreate two of them as they were already sold pieces.

Boxed them up and crossed my fingers to see which of the 3 creations were chosen.
HOLY NOODLE....all 3 of them were. You can not imagine the amount of "happy dancing" that went on after reading that email from Jennifer. I may have started the pinching then.

When my copy of Prims arrived....I was blown away!
The quality of this magazine is so high. The photography of each person's creations is stunning. Some pieces just left me speechless. I found myself slowly pouring over each page, drinking in the smallest of details.

I have gotten nothing but astounding feedback from folks who saw my article in the magazine. I've become better friends with a few of the unbelievable talented artisans also showcased in Prims. What a bonus that has turned out to be.

Thank you so much Stampington & Company, Jennifer Jackson and other staff for finding me and then believing I would be an asset to this magazine

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Jumbled

Ever just sit down at your desk(couch~bed~where ever it might be that you type) and all the letters just sort of jumble together?

Have had so much I wanted to sit down and add to the blog but hit a blank wall every time. The path from my thoughts to my typing fingertips seemed to be all twisted.

I was getting so frustrated with it all and have to admit that I almost tossed in the towel. Did some soul searching and am back.

I can get thru this silly mind block....you've all stuck with me this long and I pinky promise to not let the jumbled words win.

Cartoon says it all

Army of Ermas

My day started as usual with emails, spam and my Facebook addiction.While playing one of a million games of Lexulous, I multi-tasked and opened a message from Stace. Next thing I know I'm breathing into a paper bag while the room spun around me.

She'd been chatting with some different writer friends of hers and they'd brainstormed about a humor blog that is Erma-esque in style but brought into the 21st century that they were calling An Army of Ermas.
Was I in?

Before I could give it a second thought I wrote back HECK YEAH and hit the send button.
Then frantically sifted thru my cluttered desk and found my trusty paper bag ....in......out.....in....out....in...
Stacey is an incredible writer and from what I've laughed at already, knows some crazy fun gals.
I'm honored she thought to include me in this new adventure.

We are making midnight margaritas - and I need to gather more ice and limes so have to run.

Stop by and say hello! We'd love to have you find a giggle or two.

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and more snow continues to fall

Alright, I know that I live in Canada and that we have a winter season but this really has gotten out of hand. I love the way the snow coats the trees in the backyard. The footprints of deer and rabbit flitting all around. Its beautiful and calming.....but now needs to be over.

I ache for green grass.
Flowers opening wide to showcase their delicate hues.

I want to put the shovels away. The tractor to have the chains off the tires and dirt fresh plowed on its blade.

Heck.... I'd even settle for a few days of just SUNSHINE right now, Mother Nature. Is that really asking too much?

*sigh*

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Hoarders

Compulsive hoarding is a mental disorder marked by an obsessive need to acquire (and failure to use or discard) a significant amount of possessions, even if the items are worthless, hazardous, or unsanitary.

Hoarders on AandE has opened my eyes to this disorder and I will admit that I am addicted to watching it. Looking around my own space, I see things differently now. I had piles of "stuff" and boxes crammed full to the ceiling. I had been doing well I thought containing most of my belongings to the one room in the house that was "mine" but in the last few months have noticed it spilling out into the other 2 rooms upstairs.

ACK!

Slowly , as I don't have a crew like the folks featured on the show, I've been going thru my belongings and getting rid of things that I know deep down will never get around to using. Its become clutter and just junk really. Special pieces that mean something have been kept. I am so proud of myself with what I've managed to go thru already. Its gets better each day.

The folks that agree to be on this show amaze me. They are opening themselves up to help others that watch to see it can get better. I wish every family the best of luck at keeping this at bay for them.

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Spartacus on HBO

OH MY! I am hooked on this show and my only complaint is that it conflicts with other shows Monday evening that get watched here in my home so have to stay up crazy late to watch....but I do!

Spartacus is a look into the world of gladiators from ancient Rome, filmed in the graphic style of 300. Blood happens alot. Sweat covers everyone. Nudity as well.
The costumes are incredible and I am really struck by the storyline.

Course he isn't difficult to watch for an hour either! ;)

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and then came Colin James

Yes! Colin James was the second concert that I got tickets to see and I was so excited. He was playing at the Halifax Casino and I'd be much closer to him then when I'd first seen him at the DMBF last summer.

The way he can manipulate his guitars makes a gal almost blush.

He had the crowd singing along in record time and I went away from this concert hoarse as well. He gave an incredible concert full of music that just makes you smile.

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2010 Grammys

Pink's performance knocked me speechless!
That right there was what an entertainer is suppose to do.
She actually SANG the song while giving a mind blowing performance.

AMEN!

My mouth exploded with pleasure

The same weekend that I went to Halifax to see Blue Rodeo play, I ate at an incredible restaurant.
Anatolia Turkish Cuisine that is found on 1518 Dresden Row Halifax.

Its a very small converted house with a few tables.The fragrant aroma of kebabs cooking on the charcoal grill that is visible from the small dining room instantly takes you to another culture. The tables are covered with Mediterranean rugs which I fell in love with. Ornate tile and copper pieces added a wonderful touch to the decor of the restaurant.
The menu was wonderful and very hard to pick something as I wanted to try one of everything.
The simple Turkish salad brought my taste buds alive after the first bite. Everything was fresh and so fragrant. I opted to try Turkish Iskender made with chicken and will have that again as soon as possible. My mouth exploded with pleasure! Fresh made Turkish pita laid on a plate with delicate slices of chicken breast covered in a spiced sauce and yogurt all baked in the oven. I may have even moaned with the first few nibbles.

I can not wait to go there again!!!

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Blue Rodeo performs in Halifax NS

"Strange and beautiful
are the stars tonight
that dance around your head
in your eyes I see that perfect world
I hope that doesn't sound too weird
And I want all the world to know
that your love's all I need
all that I need
and if we're lost
then we are lost together
yea if we're lost
then we are lost together..........."

For a Christmas present this year I was given concert tickets and the first show was to go to Halifax to see Blue Rodeo!!!!! Oh how I love this band. I've seen them a number of times over the years and always come away with a smile on my face plus a hoarse voice from screaming along to their songs.

Dustin Bentall opened for them which was a bonus as I also very much love his work too. Blue Rodeo then came out and blew me away song after song. A few new songs that I heard for the first time and loved. The classics that within the first few strums across guitar strings or touch of the piano keys still manage to send chills up my spine.

Had an incredible time!

My life has a shirtless Sawyer again

Such a simple way to make me smile...... Sawyer walking the beach with no shirt on LOST.

*sigh*

I know for many, LOST has run too long with not enough answers being given but I just can't toss in the towel. Its the finale season and I am as hooked as can be. Am hoping that answers start happening and loose ends are finally tied tight.

and many more shirtless moments are filmed ;)

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then the lights went out

The other evening the power went out. It wasn't even that windy but a tree branch must have struck the lines. The power was out for a good few hours. Candles were set around the table and eight Othello games later we finally just went to bed.
The way the wax was dripping caught my eye and I brought my camera out to see if I could capture the moment. I thought this turned out to be an interesting capture.

Cinderella and those darn shoes

As a gal who loves a fierce new pair of shoes, this made me giggle when a friend sent it to me in an email.

Wii Fit Plus

The Wii gaming system has been out for quite a while now and I have to admit that I've never shown much interest in it before now. I thought it was just for kids to play games on and since I have no children.....no need to own one.

WRONG! haha

My nieces got a Wii as the "family" gift this holiday season and as they were here with it, I got my first lessons on just how fun it could really be. The next thing we all knew, my folks were getting their own Wii system and also splurged on WiiFit Plus.

I am officially addicted! Am well aware how silly it sounds but it really does make exercising fun to do.
I have been doing not too bad at getting on about every other day. Have made great strides in bettering my posture and core balance. A few new high scores have been created that make me smile :)
May even get to a point where I'd allow pictures to be taken......but thats still quite a ways down the road.

Just one of those kind of days

You know the kind of day that I'm talking about. Big plans are being made as soon as your eyes open in the morning but you see more of the day slipping by with not much being crossed off the list. Had the house to myself today and wanted to get cracking on a few things that needed my attention........ a small nap later and a few reruns of The Sopranos and poof....... its now evening.

So let me pour a cold drink and get ready to write thru the next few hours of the night.........

oh and I just thought this was a funny picture I caught of the cats the other day. Buttons Kitty was yawning as I snapped it from outside. heehee

Heart Shattered

My heart shattered into a million pieces in the wee morning hours of January 16,2010 when my Grandmother passed away. She and I didn't always see eye to eye on subjects. Many times over the years we butted heads with each other.
Never once did I ever doubt for a second of her love for me.
Each day my heart mends a bit more but the ache will never fully go away. I miss her so very much.

I love you Gram and forever am proud to to carry your strong willed spirit within.
xoxox

Autumn Field

Trying to get in the better habit of always having my camera with me when I go someplace. You never know when you might see something and think...oh how I wish I could take a picture of that.

Was walking down thru the abandoned field behind my friends home and the dried Queen Anne's Lace kept catching my eye.
The colors fading and blowing in the breeze.
Autumn's last grip on her season.

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Meet JasPurr

JasPurr came into my life when I was least expecting it but she sure has filled my life with laughter and joy.
Mom and I were heading into town and while driving past a house, I spotted a lady outside with kittens playing at her feet. Got mom to turn around so we could have a closer look.....and it was close enough we ended up taking one home!

The woman told us that the mother cat had been struck by a car a few days prior and we really don't know if we were scammed or not but it worked....we took the little black and one home with us. Buttons kitty was NOT thrilled at all the first few weeks but has since grown very close.
They make me laugh out loud every single day.
I adore my kitties.

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Facebook

My silly addiction to Facebook is still as strong as it was. Most mornings I can curb things to a quick peek to see status updates and the odd photo.
Then there are days that hours escape me and all I've been doing is writing on walls, making comments on photos of folks I've hardly seen in years and playing a zillion games of Lexulous.

I will say that it has managed to help me forge some incredible connections and rekindled friendships with a number of people. I love that aspect.......just wish I could add a few more hours to my day to play more Lexulous! heehee

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Haiti

My heart weeps for Haiti right now.
May they find strength and light thru this horrible time after the Earthquake

Lost Time

Time has a way of escaping and before you know it...wow.....just so much to catch up on.

Hangs head in shame.
Alright....enough on that emotion.... now to dusting myself off and moving forward.

A number of highs and a few lows will be written about the next while trying to get my readers back up to speed while starting 2010 off on the right (write) foot by dusting the blog off.

Are you comfy?? Did you pour yourself a large cup of something because ....well you might be here for a little while as I ramble away.

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and Thru the Attic Door 2