From a long lost EtsyBlogger ....

The following is scheduled to be installed by the end of this week. Hope to be back to ?normal? by next week. I sure miss everyone!

Good news is that DD come home for a visit and we are having loads of fun together!

Friday Funny

Etsybloggers May 2010 Featured Teammate

If you take the time, you have the opportunity to learn much, as I did today!  Sandi, you are not only a sweetheart, lady...you are a powerhouse!!!

 

Handmade By Sandi

Sandi's T's

Sandi's Blog

The "T-Shirt Lady"

Sandi Myers, the owner of Sandi's T's, does all the sewing herself. She has been sewing for more than 35 years. My nickname is "T-Shirt Lady" which came from my husband. He goes hunting a lot, and didn't want to use his cell phone to stay in touch with me. So he bought us a pair of CB radios and decided on my 'name'!

"I love to make my house as nice as it can be, and so I'm always searching for nice things at affordable prices that allow me to change my home's "look" for the seasons, plus each holiday. In my search, I found wonderful companies I'm so impressed with that I decided to represent them on my website so that YOU have easy access to them as well, without all the searching! While I continue to search, you can enjoy,,,"

"Most fulfilling of all is offering opportunities to other artists to share their talent - like denim purses, glass pendants, tennis bracelets, and others too numerous to mention. Talented artists offering unique handcrafted items you love!"

"We also have a farmette, raising melons and vegetables for foodbanks. Actually, my husband does most of the farming - grin - I just get on the tractor every once in awhile!"

You must stop by her shop to celebrate her birthday and her wide variety of creativity with her 50% off sale.

EtsyBloggers Team May 21, 2010 Blog Carnival

Hosted by teammate: Elizabeth, Teacher, Crafter, Reader, Auntie, Daughter, Sister, Cancer Survivor, AND Designer/Artisan of ebogie, Thoughts From An Evil Overloard, AND Coming On Strong.



Elizabeth's two choices for this Blog Carnival are:



1) By mid-May most people in the northern hemisphere are working on their gardens and starting to have some things sprout. Share any gardening, flowers, vegetables, or even containers on the deck, that you are doing this year, or that have been successful in the past.



2) This is also the time of year many of us have children getting out of school and we're planning a summer vacation. Write about a wonderful family or group vacation from your childhood, or more recent years.
As I do not live in or near the northern hemisphere (anymore) *sniff*, 2) will be the subject for which this blog post will be about, as I write with trepidation about the teacher correcting my work!  :-)


Growing up in New England with a step-father who had his own construction company building new homes, remodeling, and such, winter work was slow as digging a basement/cellar was impossible, we would pack up for a month and come to Florida to visit my mother's relatives.  Bringing our school work with us Elizabeth!


The good things that I remember the most is the beautiful Clearwater Beach and Pier 60, swimming in February, foods we did not normally eat, thunder like I had never heard, sharing a room with my cousin who is four days older than I, and collecting things to bring back for show-and-tell. 


My Aunt Kosha worked at the Safety Harbor Spa and always had spa bags full of little goodies from the spa, and her husband, my favoritest Uncle would pay me $10 to comb his hair.  Needless to say, I was his favorite and I miss him terribly.


Aunt Betty, married to an Italian, would cook huge pots of homemade pasta sauce as the men played horseshoes in the empty lot next door to their home, and if we were lucky, us kids (my 1/2 sisters & cousins) were allowed to swim in a neighbors swimming pool while they were out of town.  We would swim until we were purple and pruned, the heat up in the hot Florida sun, then beg to go back again.


Visiting Florida from a small town in Cape Cod I learned of air conditioning, huge rain storms, hot white sandy beaches, wearing shorts in the winter, being with my mothers family, flamingo's (tropical birds) was introduced to my cousins friends mother who was bald from cancer and wore a wig, swinging from a tree branch on a tire swing, having my first big girl drink, having a crush on one of my older male cousins, spanish moss/chiggers, red clay dirt in Georgia, and so much more.


Traveling by car or truck all of those miles in each direction, my step-father was a CB freak talking to the truckers fascinated me totally.  Especially at night when everyone else but he and I were sleeping and it was just he and I...


Sitting here, the good memories have me smiling and feeling wonderful in remembrance.  Thank you Elizabeth for the opportunity.


Reminders from the EtsyBloggers Team, please visit their shops by clicking on the link and enjoy:

Donna Pool 

(not just the camera, but the "pool" too)

ebogie -  Dots n Drinks

(my first big girl drink)

Punky Jane - Mark Your Calendar

(our month in FL was always February, believe me when

I say that we counted down the days)

Memories Scrapbook Photo Album

(this one speaks for itself)

Friday Funny

I HAVE JUST ONE QUESTION...

Sundays Silence

What does your sleep position reveal about your personality?

These days, the way that I sleep simply says, "I am happy to be single and spending five to seven hours sprawled out in the center of my bed alone."



At other points, my tightly squeezed eyes and curled-up body would have screamed, "I know the baby will wake up/someone will start snoring/the alarm will begin blaring as soon as I finally, finally, finally get to sleep."


Years and years ago, the corpse-looking college student still in her clothes would have mumbled something like, "Finals. Boys. Beer."


Our lives, the amount of sleep we get, and how well we actually rest during those nighttime hours may change drastically over time. However, one sleep researcher says that our body position in bed could say something about who we are, not just what else is happening in our lives.


Professor Chris Idzikowski, director of the Sleep Assessment and Advisory Service, says that a study of 1,000 Brits revealed that the six most common sleeping positions are indicative of personality types.


If this sounds ridiculous (and honestly, I'd love to see information on this study and the analysis fleshed out further than any of the reports I could find), consider that Idzikowski says it comes down to body language.


"We are all aware of our body language when we are awake but this is the first time we have been able to see what our subconscious posture says about us," Idzikowski said. "What's interesting is that the profile behind the posture is often very different from what we would expect."


The research also links certain sleeping positions with health risks. Some aid digestion while others spur on snoring and restlessness.

Here are the six common sleeping positions and correlated personality traits and health implications, according to this study.


Fetus position - A whopping 41% of participants sleep in this curled-up manner. Women are twice as likely to rest like this and it is listed as the most common position. These sleepers are said to have a tough exterior but are still sensitive and may appear to be shy but warm up quickly.



Log position - If you sleep on your side with both arms down, you are a social, easy-going person who is trusting, sometimes to the point of being gullible. The study showed 15% of people sleep like a log.


Yearner position - A close third is the side-lying position with both arms out in front of the body, with 13% of partipants sleeping like this. Yearners are noted to be open-minded and still cynical, suspicious, and stubborn about sticking to decisions once they are made.


Soldier position - These sleepers lie on their backs with arms down and kept close to the body. This 8% study is said to be reserved, quiet, without fuss, and hold themselves and others to a high standard. Soldier sleepers have a higher likelihood for snoring due to the flat-back position, which may not cause them to wake up often but may result in a less restful night's sleep.


Freefall position - Those people who lie on their bellies with arms under or wrapped around a pillow with head turned to the side, make up 7% of the population studied. Freefallers are brash, outgoing, and are very uncomfortable with criticism.


Starfish position - Sleepers who lie on their backs with arms up near their head or the pillow account for 5% of participants. These people are good listeners, helpful, and are uncomfortable being the center of attention. People who sleep in starfish position are more likely to snore and to suffer from a poor night's sleep more often.


If you think you are one of those people who move through all of these positions, that's not likely to really be the case. Idzikowski said the research reveals most people stay in the same position all night and only 5% lay differently night by night. Also interesting is that the study showed only one in ten people cover their bodies entirely with a blanket, with most people exposing an arm, leg, or both feet.


Let's see how the Shine readers are resting these days. No need to get yourself to a sleep lab or set up the video cam to run all night. We'll take your word for it on our own not-so-scientific but still fascinating research.


What position do you sleep in? Use the poll to tell us and the comments to reveal whether the personality traits linked to the way you sleep are right on or really off.

by Jessica Ashley, Shine staff, on Mon Apr 26, 2010

Caturday - being attacked by one brave bird!

A bird a day keeps the doctor away...

My box of tissues are soaked!

My dog & me, well we just laid on the bed and cuddled listening to birds rejoice.  Reminding me how much I love the stolen songs of the Mocking bird.

That was the day that the lights went out in our small part of Florida.  Our small grid of nineteen where electricity was lost in the wee hours of the night.

So here I am now sitting, using natural light from a window hearing the raindrops, a plane flying nearby, cars passing by the house and Hobo, forever cleaning his adorable self.  Oh, and writing this letter with pen on paper.

I am reminded that the ice on door of the refrigerator does not work without electricity, nor does the telephone.  Which leads to an entire other list of realities.  Here is a tip for all: we have an old fashioned orange telephone, the cord actually prevents you from walking around, almost everyone I could call to chat with this morning is programmed into the cordless, that does not work in a power outage.  Ok, two duhs!  However, when in need ... keep on in a drawer and tell all of your family members where it is.  You never know when you or a neighbor may need it during a time such as this.

Of course, there is my cell phone.  However, it is in the car and its raining.  And, I'd have to get out of my night clothes.  I just thought of something. I really cannot remember what it was like before technology permitted us to screen our calls, and the answering machine before we decided whether to answer the call or not...could you just let it ring?

Have you ever heard the saying, "If you want to hear God laugh just tell Him your plans"?

Later...

As it turns out, I realize the peace of sitting in one place, in my quiet home, listening to the world outside, and within my head.

~

Oh the tissues?  I had moved some items out of my car to make room for traveling buddies.  My small trash basket, a shirt to return, and my box of tissues... left outside with the intention of returning it all to its rightful place.

I see the sun, an awesome opportunity to get dressed and get to photographing.  After all, I have been complaining to myself the need , without seeming to have the time due to allowed distractions.

It is another perfect day...

Sunday Silence from my backyard yesterday...

Fusion Art Jewelry Does First Solo Show!

And unfortunately it was "almost" a total bust! 

If you only take into consideration the lack of visitors, due to lack of advertising and signage, and when they had us vendors in relation to the fun area of the day.  Additional, the one sign in the entrance said "Festival", no mention of Arts or Crafts.

Otherwise, I got a deposit on a custom bracelet that will be a total of $38, with word that the customer wants me to post a pair of earrings in my shop for her so she can purchase via PayPal. 

Cost of show:  $25 

Experience:  Priceless

Wordless Wednesday

Sunday Morning ...

Caturday

Etsybloggers April 23, 2010 Blog Carnival

Hosted by our Fearless Leader and EtsyBloggers Mama Blogger, 1st I say Happy Birthday!!! 

1) 4/23 is my birthday!! Tell us your birthday and what astrological sign you are. Do you ever read/follow your horoscope?

2) Tell us about someone's memorable birthday. Yours, a friend's, a child's, a pet's, a family member's, etc.

We are not much on birthday's around here.  Heck, my 50th was last month and nothing happened ... at all?  Well, I guess I got older, but that was it.  Though I will say to those of you up and coming youngin's, 50 is awesome and I'm looking forward to more...

In saying that, I choose #1.  Having a semi-avid interest in astrology I sometimes do read my horoscope.  It is always right.  Now go figure.  How can that be for "all" of us Leo's?  Guessing the generalized horoscope is in some form telling the basics for the day, and not exactly by all of the elements such as the stars, time of day you were born, what state, etc...

Well folks, do you think you can guess my sign?

 Free 2010 Leo Forecast :
 
You love to travel. You are likely to be very emotional and a bit unstable at times. You have a very keen imagination, but you should try to be more open and less self centred.



The conjunction of jupiter and neptune in your birth chart indicates that you will make money with ease, but may spend excessively. You are a bit emotional, but are very religious by nature. You also have artistic and poetic qualities.


They will soon be able to rise above any depression they may have. Wherever they are they spread love & warmth. They love children. They are interested in sports speculation & music.

Nope, not interested in sports speculation ....

RAT: 51% (6 favorable and 6 unfavorable months)As ingenious as the Rat can be financially, the Tiger year does not bode well for any risky ventures. The Tiger's hallmark is leaping before looking, so you should be vigilant so as not to get caught up in clever but uncertain schemes. Things will not always be what they appear this year, and that is especially true in money matters. It is not to say you should make no investments or major purchases this year; however, due diligence erring on the side of caution and conservatism could avert serious losses.

There will be times you think 2010 is a good year and others when you will wonder if the opposite is true. On a positive note, the Metal year produces good fortune for you. The Tiger, on the other hand, is a big cat, and not exactly a friend to the Rat. Two important keys to your success are to be nimble and not to pick fights you have a chance of losing. The Tiger has claws, and defeat is not likely to be pretty. There will be plenty of action this year, which should suit you just fine. Scale back your endeavors in the first six months of the year and make your most concerted efforts during the next six good months. This formula should leave your life's balance sheet in the black at year's end.

Career

The Rat is likely to experience at least one major change in career path or professional role this year. The best strategy is to cultivate flexibility. If changes are not of your choosing, you'll be best positioned to take advantage of new opportunities by relinquishing some control and being your most adaptable self. Your independent nature could be a disadvantage if you don't pay close attention to developments in your field. It is a good time to monitor game-changing trends. The Rat is known for tenacity and resourcefulness, traits that will serve you well. If you are willing to adjust your plans accordingly, this Tiger year could tangibly improve your career prospects in the second half.

Relationships

Loving family relationships are featured prominently in this Tiger year. The Rat may be called upon to provide support to an older relative, thus enhancing a close, and mutually rewarding bond. You shouldn't hesitate to call on family first for assistance or advice. Attend as many events and gatherings of the most important people in your life as possible, or better yet, plan some yourself. In fact, it is advisable to go out of your way to create the environment for happy, memorable occasions to be enjoyed. Romance is not to be neglected either. Proactively expanding your social circle and interests will connect you with one or more exciting new love prospects.

Health

Relaxation will be valuable to your health this year. The Rat has a tendency to never fully unwind, even when participating in so-called leisure activities. This tendency will be even more exaggerated by the Tiger, so your overall well-being will depend on you making a real effort to find true outlets for stress. Some of your hobbies could be unwitting sources of pressure anxiety. Try some non-competitive physical endeavors and practice those that make you feel balanced and at peace instead of simply posing a new set of standards for achievement.

Wealth

As ingenious as the Rat can be financially, the Tiger year does not bode well for any risky ventures. The Tiger's hallmark is leaping before looking, so you should be vigilant so as not to get caught up in clever but uncertain schemes. Things will not always be what they appear this year, and that is especially true in money matters. It is not to say you should make no investments or major purchases this year; however, due diligence erring on the side of caution and conservatism could avert serious losses.


So now I have a request.  Please visit Sandra's blog, Joey and Aleetha, "We're all about family and fabric, love and laughter, and handmade super coolness.  That's how we rock."

Friday Funny

Another problem caused by deforestation:

Caturday

"Mommy, look at THIS mouse tail"

Friday Funny

Five tips for a woman....


1. It is important that a man helps you around the house and has a job.

2. It is important that a man makes you laugh.

3. It is important to find a man you can count on! And doesn't lie to you.

4. It is important that a man loves you and spoils you.

5. It is important that these four men don't know each other.

Thought this was an interesting way to save money: Change the font!

MILWAUKEE – Here's a way you might save $20 this year: Change the font in the documents you print.

Because different fonts require different amounts of ink to print, you could be buying new printer cartridges less often if you wrote in, say, Century Gothic rather than Arial. Schools and businesses could save thousands of dollars with font changes.

Data on the subject from Printer.com, a Dutch company that evaluates printer attributes, persuaded the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay to make a switch. Diane Blohowiak, coordinator of information-technology user support, has asked faculty and staff to use Century Gothic for all printed documents. The school also plans to change its e-mail system so it uses Century Gothic.

"The feedback we've gotten so far has been positive," she said. "Century Gothic is very readable."

The school of 6,500 students spends about $100,000 per year on ink and toner cartridges. Although students and staff can change the default font to something more ink-intensive, Blohowiak said the university expects to save $5,000 to $10,000 per year with the font switch.

When Printer.com tested popular fonts for their ink-friendly ways, Century Gothic and Times New Roman topped the list. Calibri, Verdana, Arial and Sans Serif were next, followed by Trebuchet, Tahoma and Franklin Gothic Medium. Century Gothic uses about 30 percent less ink than Arial.

The amount of ink a font drains is mainly driven by the thickness of its lines. A font with "narrow" or "light" in its name is usually better than its "bold" or "black" counterpart, said Thom Brown, an ink researcher at Hewlett-Packard Co., the world's top maker of printers.

For more on this subject By DINESH RAMDE, Associated Press Writer Dinesh Ramde, Associated Press Writer, click here.