The Bead Goes On...

It's been such a long time...

2011-03-06T17:34:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone, gosh...it's been such a long, long time now since I've been on my blog. Actually for that matter, my computer, hmm life itself. I hope that I even remember how to post! I do want to apologize to everyone for not being able to blog, bead, keep up with promises made from months ago. Also to create, design, keep up with all my blog sisters and with my blog itself.

For the past months since last time yous have heard from me I've been fighting with my health. Please, please, please don't think that I've been ignoring anyone. I've just been trying to regain some of my health back again. I've spent long weeks and months at a time in and out of the hospital. Back at home with IV Meds and in home care. Unfortunately in October I was given some bad news that for right now I'd rather not speak of. I promise though in the future I'll keep everyone posted as much as I can with my updates.

It took me the longest time before I was even able to get back on my computer. It was way to difficult for me to even sit but I have to say that it feels so nice to be able to sit here this evening at my computer and type a new post. Honestly though I so need new Office Furniture! If you would only see the chair that I'm sitting in, or should I say, trying to sit in you would so understand.

My grandchildren are doing so well. The baby is getting so big and my goodness is she beautiful! My sons are all fine and my furry babies are great! I hope that yous have had wonderful and blessed holidays filled with love, family and friends! I will try my best to post something at least once a week if my health allows for it. Also, once I start to feel a lil bit better I want to make those wonderful ladies the gifts that I had promised. I've missed so much and feel so bad. I almost feel like I deserted yous, but the reality of everything is that everyone of yous I've held very close to me in my heart all these months and I've thought of everyone and your families very often! I miss yous and hope to be able to stop in at your blogs again very soon. I've said this before and I really mean this from the very bottom of my heart and being. My heart is filled with so much friendship and love, everyone makes me feel so good and you all, each and everyone of yous have all touched my heart in so many different and wonderful ways. I want to thank everyone for your tenderness, love, caring, prayers, friendship healing thoughts and positive energies. For all your cards, calls, gifts and genuine sisterly love! Yous all mean the world to me, thank you! It's wonderful to be a part of this great family!
Thank you all so much for stopping in this evening! Until the next
time, bead happy...
Hugs and happy beading...
Bobbi

Mosaic Monday, ATC'S and Spooky Monday...

2010-08-29T19:42:00.000-07:00

Happy Mosaic Monday! I'm pretty excited for yous to see all the different mosaics I've made this week. I want to thank Mary at Little Red House for being our most gracious and sweet hostess.

First I want to show you the gorgeous ATC that Donna from Brynwood Needleworks made for her 400th Follower Limited Edition Artist Trading Cards Phase II. I'm so honored and excited to have one! It's so beautiful and I just adore it! Thanks so much Donna! All of Donna's work is amazing, if you would like to see some of her pieces please stop in at her fantastic blog. Big hugs to you Donna, I really treasure this!

Here's the ATC I made for Donna in appreciation for the outstanding ATC she had sent to me. I was hoping that this sweet furry one looked like her Lady Kes of Morgan.

Now these next ATC's I had made for a Getting to know you Swap from one of my Yahoo Groups, Luner Dreams.

These I made for a Autumnal Equinox Swap at a site called: ATC for All.

This next ATC I made for a trade from a wonderful lady, Robin at: Robin's World. Please stop in and say hi to Robin, she's a great person and would love to have you!

Here's the ATC that Robin sent for me. Thanks so much Robin and I can't wait for our next trade at the beginning of the month! Your ATC is wonderful!

Then Mara, from ATC for all sent me a lovely card, some goodies, my very first Tag and a beautiful ATC! Thank you so much Mara, I love everything and boy was I surprised...thank you!

Then Kaye also from ATC for all sent me a very nice card, some goodies and a ATC made from beeswax! How awesome is that! Thank you!

These next 2 ATC's are titled: Angel's among us. I made these from my Lesson 1 at Collage Coterie, Blended Paper Background. It's a phenomenal class that Mary teaches from GreenPaper. The class is a work at your own pace and very easy to understand, great pictures, valuable information, excellent teaching and I highly recommend it! Please stop in at Mary's blog and see her work and read more about her classes, I know that you'll be happy that you did!

If you've been to my blog before you know that I loveeeee my seven grandchildren. So here they all are: Jon, Nathan, Brandan, Haley, Kaley, Aden and baby Sofia.

Here's the new kid on the block...Bella.

Now...Spooky Monday! This is hosted by Wendy at: Wendy's Adventures in Wonderland. For more Halloween and scary treats go to Wendy's and you can even link up with her to! Don't be to frightened just be very AFRAID!

This was good ole Uncle Henry. In the raging storm he went through the wind and swirling snow to try to find food for his family. Now...he's just a memory, the father, who was a brave warrior, that ventured outside.Now, every Halloween good ole Uncle Henry pays us all a visit.

He brings along his trusty companion, Mr. Vulture, who is always so hungry and is looking at you with his black lil beady eyes .

The ugly Mr. Vulture that he is brings his jar of skulls with him every time! I believe he may be trying to scare us!

Then at the stroke of midnight you hear the hooting of the dark owl as he looks for his prey.

Stay tuned for another Spooky Monday...but please don't be frightened...be AFRAID!

Happy Mosaic Monday and Spooky Monday to everyone. I do hope that enjoyed all the mosaics and fun! Thank you all so much for stopping in today! Until the next
time, bead happy...
Hugs and happy beading...
Bobbi

Mosaic Monday...

2010-08-22T18:02:00.000-07:00

Hi, thanks so much for stopping in this Mosaic Monday. One of the Yahoo Groups that I belong to is Luner Dreams and we're having a "Getting to Know You ATC Swap". I can't show you mine yet because I haven't placed them in the mail and I don't want to ruin the surprise for everyone else, but as soon as I do I will post their pictures so yous can take a peek to. There's a total of 5 of us in that particular swap and I got one of mine in the mail yesterday from Jan. She also made me the most gorgeous card! I was so happy and so impressed by both! Thanks Jan! So here's what she sent me:

This is the front of the card that Jan had made me. It's just gorgeous! She did a wonderful job on this! I only wish I would be able to do something as well as this! Trust me, this is beautiful!

This is the ATC. I was amazed when I seen this, what awesome work!

When I opened up the card this is what I saw:

This is the back of the ATC:

If you go to Annie Howes Keepsakes Etsy Shop you can also purchase some of what Jan had used to make these gorgeous pieces that she sent me.

Now, here's 2 of my seven grandchildren. Jon, my oldest grandson and Brandan my 3rd oldest grandson.

Then last but not least my new kid on the block, Bella. As cute and sweet as she looks...boy she's a handful! I sure mis-named her! lol

I want to thank Mary at Little Red House for being our most gracious and very sweet hostess! If yous would be so kind to stop in at Mary's and say hi and then look at our friends here in Blogland mosaic pictures I'm sure that you'll love them as much as I do.

I also wanted to share something very special to me. My friend Joni from The EtsyBead Street Team and also at Bead-space lit a candle for me. If you would stop in at her Etsy
Shop you'll find her outstanding and gorgeous contemporary and traditional Native American Jewelry. She's a fabulous and beadartist and a wonderful friend! Joni is, Creek-Cherokee, a beadweaver, a jewelry designer and a silversmith. Joni is very talented and a wonderful person! Thank you so much Joni, this meant the world to me! You can also visit Joni at her blog, Trail of Treasures.

I have to tell yous that my heart is just filled with so much friendship and love. Everyone makes me feel so good and yous have all touched my heart in so many ways. I want to thank everyone for your tenderness, love, caring, prayers, friendship healing thoughts and positive energies. For all your cards, calls, gifts and genuine sisterly love! Yous all mean the world to me, thank you! It's wonderful to be a part of this great family!
Happy Mosaic Monday, thank you all so much for stopping in today! Until the next
time, bead happy...
Hugs and happy beading...
Bobbi

Finally, one of my favorite things...Mosiac Monday!

2010-08-15T15:32:00.000-07:00

Happy Mosaic Monday everyone...so good to see you's! Believe it or not while I haven't been able to post because of my health I tend to get side traced and think about Mosaic Monday and all the gorgeous mosaic pictures that I've seen so far. Everyone always has the most interesting and gorgeous mosaics so I couldn't wait until I could post again and thank Mary at Little Red House for being our most gracious hostess for this weekly fun event!
I belong to a great new blog, Blissfull ATC Swap
and this is my very first ATC, "Love" that I made and traded to a wonderful and very talented lady, Wendy. The theme for this ATC was Orange.

Wendy sent me my very first ATC that will start my collection of ATC'S. She also sent me a beautiful butterfly card! Thanks so much Wendy I will always treasure these...they're awesome! If you you would like to visit Wendy and see her awesome creations please stop at her blog,
Blissangels.

I belong to a few Yahoo Groups, one being, "Luner Dreams" and as a getting to know you introduction to this group we're having a swap with a ATC! So I'm really excited about that to! But here's the ones that I made for that:

Next, here's my first totally beaded art doll that I'm very proud of. I haven't named her yet...any suggestions for her name???

I purchased the pre-made form of the art doll from a wonderful gal named, Christine aka: Littlebead. If you would visit her at her Etsy Shop she's a outstanding bead artist and I'm sure you'll be delighted with all of her work! Thanks so much again Christine!

Next, I also belong to a couple more Yahoo Art Doll Group's. One is "Goddess Dolls" and the other is Decidedly Different Dolls. At "Decidedly Different Dolls" we had a Swap for July. It was to make a Moon Doll. I sent my Art Dolls to a great lady named, Stacie, better known as Whytefeather on her blog, Squirrelly Duck. But here's Moon Beam and her lil sister, Moon.

Stacie also is a incredible bead artist that belongs to 2010 Bead Journal Project. If you would like to see Stacie's gorgeous work please stop by her blog, Squirrelly Duck.

The gorgeous and very unique cabs that I made both Moon Art Dolls with my Sis, Beth from Bellesanbeaus Crafts hand crafted. Please stop in and say hi to Beth, she'd be tickled to meet you! She also makes specialty and custom orders for her cabs.

Thank you all so much for stopping in and for your love and caring! Until the next
time, bead happy...
Hugs and happy beading...
Bobbi

Happy Birthday to my dear friend...Silke

2010-08-13T11:18:00.000-07:00

Today is a Silke's Birthday! She's a very sweet, dear and ever so talented Sister-friend. Please, even if you don't know Silke, stop at her wonderful blog Metamorphosis to say Happy Birthday, I know that she'll love to meet you and that you'll love her to!
Silke, I hope that you have a wonderful Birthday! Here's to you Sweetie...

Thank you all so much for stopping in and for your love and caring! Until the next
time, bead happy...
Hugs and happy beading...
Bobbi

It's been almost 2 months...

2010-08-11T17:29:00.000-07:00

Hi, gosh it's been along time since I've posted! I've been in and out of the hospital again with surgeries and back and forth to doctor appointments and still on IV medications here at home. I've had a few crazy bacteria infections now that have been very serious and have had to find another kidney specialist. All and all it's been a rough couple of months for me but I want everyone to know that I always think of you's and everyone has been in my prayers. Okie dokie now...enough about me and on to bigger and much better and happier of things...

Here's the newest picture of my youngest grand-daughter, Sofia Breeze, gosh...they grow up so quick!

Also I have to share this precious picture that my daughter-n-law, Donna had sent me from her cell phone. This is my lil 4 year old grandson, Aden and his baby sister, Sofia Breeze after a long day at play:

Here's Aden with green spikes in his hair lol:

Now here's my third oldest grandson, Brandan with his new hair dooooo.

Here's Brandan on that same day after his first football practice with his pads on, ought oh... looks like he lost his new hair:

Here's my grand-daughter, Kaley after she caught herself a beautiful butterfly:

This is Kaley trying to hand the butterfly to her twin sister, Haley:

To all of you's that know me you's know that I'm a big time animal lover. Well, a kitty belonging to one of my friends had gotten outside and sure enough had kittens. She tried and tried to find them homes and then even had tried a no kill animal shelter but in our area they were all full. Well, needless to say I have a new kid on my block sorta speak...Bella. She makes my 4th kitty and my 7th furry one in my home now. I also have my 3 furry pups to. She really wasn't something I planned on nor thought I would even want but she's a lil cutie and oh so bad. lol But I know in time she'll be fine. All of the furry ones get along great! So I'd like to introduce to you...Bella:

I won a gorgeous piece that a very sweet and wonderful lady named Kelly at :
Mystical Entities, Kelly had a Giveaway - Random Acts of Kindness at her blog. She was also kind enough to send away for a gorgeous picture from a Art Studio in California from E-bay for a picture of a Boxer that looks just like my Rocky. Kelly has furry ones of her own and is so talented! She's also a very sweet person whom I'm happy to say that I've become friends with. If you's would be so kind to stop over at Kelly's blog I know that she'd love to have you and welcome you with open arms! Kelly, my goodness Sweetie, thank you so much from the bottom of my heart...I loveee everything! Your work is just fabulous! I wish that my pictures would be so much better because they sure don't show how gorgeous your piece is. I have to say it's my favorite color also...thank you, thank you, thank you! I absolutely love it! Plus the picture of the Boxer is the greatest!

Now this is what the Giveaway was about:

"The idea is that random acts of kindness are given without expecting anything in return. Just passing on the kindness, hoping that your recipients will do the same and forming a never-ending chain of kindness.

That's what this is about. But it isn't only kindness it is also a means to connect with our fellow crafters. To network if you will and to spread our work (instead of having it sit in our house where only friends and family get to see it).

And this is how it works:

You'll have to comment on this post and the first 3 people who comment will receive a handmade gift from me within the next few months. But those 3 commenters will also have to post the idea on their blog and commit to making a gift for the first 3 people who comment on their post and so on and so forth."If you don't have a blog - simply send along something to 3 people you know that would benefit from a random act of kindness and ask them to return the favor to 3 other people etc.

This is going to be a fun and rewarding experience!
So please pass on the word and spread some kindness!

To the first 3 people that make a comment here on my blog today I to will make you something handmade and send it to you in the next 2 months if you will be willing to commit to do the same.

Again a very special thank you to Kelly for your wonderful Random Acts of Kindness!

I also had won another Giveaway from Julie at her Etsy Shop:
Bella Rose Designs
If you would to please stop in to see her at her blog:
Singing Three Little Birds I know that she'd be so happy to meet you! Thank you so much again for the gorgeous Fabric and Washer Necklace!

I really haven't been doing much beading lately because of me being sick but I have accomplished a few things. First, I finished my beaded Art Doll that I had purchased from a incredible Bead Artist, Christine or better known as Littlebead. You can look at her gorgeous art at her Etsy Shop I'm very happy with the way she came out I really just wish I could figure out how to get some good pictures of her. lol But here she is:

I belong to a couple of Yahoo Art Doll Group's. One is Goddess Dolls and the other is Decidedly Different Dolls. At Decidedly Different Dolls we had a Swap for July. It was to make a Moon Doll. I sent my Art Dolls to a great lady named, Stacie, better known as Whytefeather on her blog, Squirrelly Duck. If you would please visit Stacie at her blog she's a fantastic Bead Artist and a wonderful person whom I'm happy to be friends with! I know she'd be very happy you stopped in to see her!
Squirrelly Duck
The cabs that I used to make the Moon Dolls were made by my Sis, Beth at her blog, Bellesanbeaus Crafts. Please stop by Beth's awesome blog and see her work. She'd love to have you and I know that you'll be so happy you did! Thanks Sis for the awesome cabs... I loveee them!
Bellesanbeaus Crafts The gal that is sending my Art Doll has been a bit swamped and it'll be arriving to me soon, when it does I'll post it for all to see. But here's what I sent to Stacie...Moon Beam and her lil sister, Moon:

Okie dokie, moving right along I have to say thanks again to my Sis, Beth for telling me about these wonderful ATC'S and a great blog that swaps them! I just made my first of ATC's and received my first ATC to!
Here's some things you should know what Artist Trading Cards are: The ATC must be 3 1/2 x 2 1/2 inches (regulation ATC size)
You can use any media to create your ATC .
Please make sure your ATC is sturdy enough to withstand posting, if trading through the mail.
ATC holders or clear plastic covers can be used.
A ATC is never to be purchased only traded.
On the back of your ATC you need to have your name, blog or e-mail, Title, date, number of ATC and also any other info that you can fit on the back of the card.
If you want to find out more about ATC'S or better know as Artist Trading Cards please
go here.
Now I know I'm hooked and want to make many more ATC'S and collect just as many as I can. So if you want to trade any ATC'S pleaseee let me know and we can do a trade!
But the ATC Blog that you's should take a peek at is
Blissfull ATC Swap.
I know that you'll be so happy that you did!
This month the swap was "Orange" and I traded with a wonderful gal named Wendy at, Blissangels.
Here's my very first ATC in my collection that Wendy sent me, also she made the sweetest Butterfly Card for me to.

Thank you so much Wendy I just loveee your ATC and I'll always treasure it because it's my very first in my collection of ATC'S! Thank you so much again!
Now here my first ATC that I made, "Love" and sent for Wendy:

Then I also belong to another Yahoo Group, Luner Dreams and as a getting to know you introduction to this group we're having a swap with a ATC! So I'm excited about that because it'll make my 2nd ATC! But here's the ones that I made for that. I had a option to only make for 1 or to make for everyone that wanted to swap and that was my choice although I'll only be getting 1 ATC in return for myself. but here they are:

I have to say that making all of these were so much fun! Thanks Sis for telling me about them and now I'm sooooo hooked on them! lol

It was so good to be able to post able and to see everyone and chat! I've sure missed everyone veryyyyy much! Thank you all so much for stopping in and for your love and caring! Until the next
time, bead happy...
Hugs and happy beading...
Bobbi

A busy day...

2010-06-14T20:06:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone. Boy it's been a very big day again for me. I have 3 of my grand-children, Haley, Kaley and Aden. I have Aden until tomorrow when his mommy and daddy and new lil sister, Sofia come home from the hospital. Then I get to see her again! Whahooo! Babies are just so precious, I love them! Then more pictures! I sure loveeeeee pictures! lol The kids and myself just watched Alice in Wonderland...what a great movie! It's actually my second time watching it. Gosh I'm not up on the times though, it had 3 movies in it, one was a DVD, then a Digital then a Blue ray! I had to ask the kids. lol Here's a couple more pictures of my newest addition to my family...and my 7th grandchild, Sofia Breeze! Then the next picture is 3 of my 4 sons, Michael, Sofia's daddy, my second oldest son. Then Matt, my oldest son and Joel my youngest son. My Daniel lives out of State and we sure do miss him! He actually just graduated from college while I was in the hospital along with his sweet girlfriend, Sabrina, both with honors! Anyways, on with some pictures...

From The Bead Goes On...

I promised I would post today so here I am. I wanted to post some pictures of the birthday party the other day but I'm having such a hard time! I do not like how you have to do the pictures now at all! I sure wish that blogger wouldn't have done what ever it was that they did! I had really never had any troubles with the old Blogger up until last week when I went to post for the first time after I had been so sick...HA! The Gremblins were attacking that day in Blogland! If it wasn't for my dear friend, Marie Segal from Art From My Heart that post would never have been! If anyone has any advise at all for me I'd sure appreciate it! It may be me...you know I've been pretty sick for a while now, the nut behind the wheel, the controller of my keyboard, and the lady that has no clue about the new Blogger. lol

From The Bead Goes On...

I wanted to let everyone know that in my Etsy Shop I now have a Cab that my sweet and dear friend, my Sis, Beth from Bellesanbeaus Crafts made up for sale. She's now taking custom orders on her awesome Cabs...Painted Ladies as she calls them. They're gorgeous..each and everyone of them! So please stop over at her blog and if you see one that you might want her to make you...please let her know or check out my Etsy Shop http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7723911 and take a peek there.
I wanted to thank yous for all your wonderful comments, they all mean so much to me! Over the next few days I'll be catching up and stopping in at everyone's blog that I haven't been to for a lil bit, please don't think I've forgotten about you! Each and everyone of you mean the world to me! Plus I have another blog that I need to make a post at to...Operation Tackle that Bead Stash. be sure to stop there as well to visit. I do hope that you have a wonderful rest of your evening! Thanks so much for stopping in and please stop by again. Bead Happy!
Hugs and Happy Beading...
Bobbi

Introducing my 7th grandchild and Mosaic Monday...

2010-06-13T18:36:00.000-07:00

Sofia Breeze...this lil gorgeous baby was born this morning, June 13, 10 at 11:46 am at 8 lbs. 6 1/2 oz. and 19 3/4's inches long. I'm happy and very proud to say that baby, daughter-n-law, son and entire family are doing fine! Maw-maw (that's me) am so tired you could breath heavy and it'd knock me over. lol
Yesterday we had a 7th year birthday party for my twin grand-daughters, Haley and Kaley. Then no sooner I was home and resting my son text me that Sofia was on her way so to the hospital my youngest son, Joel and myself went only meeting more family there. We waited, we paced, we laughed, we cried, some slept, we ate and grew impatient and then...there she was. I have to say that I'm so tickled and very proud! Introducing

Sofia Breeze

I have to wish everyone a very Happy Mosaic Monday! Thanks to Mary at, Little Red House, http://dearlittleredhouse.blogspot.com/ for being the gracious hostess she is and for having Mosaic Monday! Please do try to stop in and visit with her, I know she'd love to have you! While you're there please check out all our friends mosaic pictures here in Blogland, they're always so interesting and fun!

I'm so tired that I can't see straight right now so I hope that yous have a wonderful rest of your evening, I'll post again tomorrow.
Thank you so much for stopping in and for all your love and caring! Until the next
time, bead happy...
Hugs and happy beading...
Bobbi

It's been a long time...marathon post and Mosaic Monday

2010-06-07T11:18:00.000-07:00

Hi, sorry that I haven't been posting anything, I've been back in the hospital again.
I had another surgery, I had kidney failure and had to have a nephrostomy bag
placed in my left kidney. I already had a piece in my left from a prior kidney
failure. I regret to say that both of my kidneys are bad now but I'm hanging in
there and to be honest feel pretty good right now. I've been on IV meds again
here at home since I've been out of the hospital but now I can be off of them for
about 2 weeks. So right now I'm feeling good.I want to thank everyone for all your prayers, love, friendship, happy thoughts,
strength positive energies, cards, calls, gifts! I can't tell yous how deeply touched
it has been for me in my life to have found the loving, sweet and fantastic new
friends and family in each and everyone of you! Thank you all so much, your love
has really meant the world to me!

So many things have taken place in the last month that I've been in the hospital
but I want to start with first things first...back at the beginning of May I had won a fantastic Giveaway from Carol from My Painting Room http://mypaintingroom.blogspot.com/

I won a $25 Michael's gift card and a gorgeous Violet Watercolor Print. Thank you so much Carol, I love the Violet Watercolor Painting, it's so beautiful and reminds me of my mother...thank you! I'm also very sorry that I haven't been able to post this earlier for you. If anyone would want to stop in at Carol's Etsy Shop and see her
wonderful work I'm sure that you'll be pleased http://www.etsy.com/shop/carolspaintingroom

Then, while I was in the hospital my wonderful and very sweet good friend, Lisa
Criswell from Indigo's beads http://indigosbeads.blogspot.com

sent me the most gorgeous, beautiful and incredible beaded cuff, "Dot's"! I just
love it...thank you so much Sweetie! Giant hugs to you! Lisa makes the most
awesome one of a kind beaded embroidery pieces! I'm her #1 Fan!

Lisa also has a Etsy Shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/indigosbeads

and a Shop Homemade Store http://www.shophandmade.com/Store/6-176-3113303237

plus is a Designer at The Bead Coop http://www.thebeadcoop.com/Designers/DesignerInfo.asp?DesignerUserID=6430

She's a proud mother of 4 great children, has a wonderful husband and is a awesome and very talented designer! Oh...and a super picture
taker to!
I joined a really fun group, Goddess Dolls on Yahoo and met a incredible bead
artist, Christine or better known as Littlebead there. Christine has a Etsy Shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/littlebead where I purchased pre-made doll forms and Christine also makes the dolls stands from copper
pieces that are great!

She also has many gorgeous beaded dolls that you'll find there to! These are the two that I got from Christine and I'm so excited to try my hand at these! I've never made a totally beaded doll before but I'm sure going to give it a go.

I did make a small spirit doll for my Goddess Doll Group and also my Decidedly Different Dolls Yahoo group that I've joined. Here she is...Moon Beam.

I have to say that I'm not really pleased with this one, but it was my first go at a doll and this is what I had come up with. However, the gorgeous Cab that I used for Moon Beam's face is one that my very close, dear and good friend, my"Sis," Beth from Bellesanbeaus Crafts http://bellesanbeauscrafts.blogspot.com/ made for me. Please make sure you stop in at her blog, Beth is a wonderful person, great friend, mother, mammaw and is one very talented lady! It doesn't matter what Beth makes she's talented in so many different things. Over the years she's made so many gorgeous and one of a kind pieces.

This past week has been a good and a bad one for me. First off on a great note, it's been the first of a very long time that I haven't had to use my cane for almost a full week now! It makes me so happy! I had been in a wheel chair for a time then have been in and out of walkers then my cane so not to have to use it right now is a total blessing for me! Now for the not so good...this week I had to replace my refrigerator. My old one that to be honest really wasn't that old but it seen it's last day this past week. I lost all the freezer foods. Wowww can't tell you what a awful feeling that was! Then, now this is funny but at the time it happened I really didn't think it was. Anyways, I have very a small kitchen. I had a apartment size refrigerator in it that had broke. Well...guess what??? My new refrigerator doesn't fit in my kitchen without having to cut down partially some very needed cupboards! So, it's now in the garage. Although this did opened up a very needed space in the kitchen! This really made me want to utilize the new space, which I did at that! I do have to thank Beth for this excellent idea though! To buy a small counter top, get a stool and presto...space and built in work top. Well here's good news again...my dad came over and gave me a awesome counter
top, I got a stool, one of my sons put the counter top up for me, still used one of the other cupboard's with it thanks to my daughter-n-law, Cat and her great idea. Then because of what the old floor looked like where the other refrigerator had been I had to buy new floor. One man came over and laid it for me for free that was from my Church. I have to say that he, Matt laid this floor and did such a great job on it for me...thanks so much Matt! so now I just have to paint in the kitchen and it'll have a complete make over to which it really did need! Now that I'm thinking about this it actually was a lucky thing for me that my other refrigerator broke down, look at all the nice things that came from it!

Gosh...is this like a marathon post or what??? lol I haven't posted now for a lil over a month and geezzz check me out this evening. lol Tomorrow is my youngest twin grand-daughters, Haley and Kaley's 7th birthday. I had them all of this weekend, we had a lot of fun together! It's so nice that I was well enough to have them again to, makes me very happy! They love to come to Maw-maw's house, they get to wear some makeup, get their nails done, make jewelery, giggle, tell make believe stories, read, color, you name it we do it and naturally we do "girly girl" things together. Happy Birthday girls...Maw-maw loves yous!

My second oldest son, Michael and his wife, Donna, my daughter-n-law are about to have their second child, my 7th grand-baby! Whahoooooooo Her name is Sofia, I don't know what they're gonna to have her middle name be yet, this has been a very long discussion. Anyways, lil Sofia is due the 17th of this month! I'm so excited about her coming to, I almost can't wait! I loveeeee my grand-kids! Last week my daughter-n-law went in for her last ultra sound picture, Wowww, I've never seen anything like this before in my life! So I'd like to share this with yous. Sofia at 6lbs and 8ozs.

This weekend my oldest grandson, Jonathan aka "Jon" had his hair cut. Here's a new picture of him:

Okie dokie, now for a peek at my beading tray, hmmm looks pretty messy to me but lots of things going on. Since I hadn't been able to bead while I was sick I'm just now starting some new pieces so here's a quick peek. The daffodil cabs you see in the picture are ones that Beth at Bellesanbeaus Crafts http://bellesanbeauscrafts.blogspot.com/ had made for me.

I do want to say that I'm so happy for my friend, Nicole Campanella from http://beadwright.blogspot.com/ Beadwright for her brother Vince and his strength, will to live, love, and his recovery every day! Vince was very ill and he's doing so much better now. Please be sure to keep him, Nicole and their family in your prayers.
I want to say happy Mosaic Monday to everyone! I've sure missed Mosaic
Monday's since I've been in the hospital, so I'm very happy to be here today! I do want to say a big thank you to Mary at Little Red House http://dearlittleredhouse.blogspot.com/ for being the gracious hostess she is and for having Mosaic Monday! Please do try to stop in and visit with her, I know she'd love to have you! While you're there please check out all our friends mosaic pictures here in Blogland, they're always so interesting and fun!

Well for pete sakes...after a entire month of no posts and here I am trying to post this and good ole blogger is down, hmm what to think about this! I wonder if anyone else is having the same problem I am this evening??? This is what it's telling me: "Blogger is currently unavailable right now. We apologize for this interruption in service." hmm I sure hope that blogger can fix this problem ASP! I think those Gremblins are trying to take Blogger over again! lol Marie...helppp, please be sure to stop in at Marie Segal's from Art From My Heart http://mariesegal.blogspot.com/ and her new Etsy Shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/mariesegal she has some incredible things there!

Well, I've tried waiting in hopes that Blogger would have fixed what ever problem it was that they're having again but it's a no go this evening! It's now midnight and I'm going to try to lay down and rest, I haven't been sleeping so well for about 3 days now so I'm tired. I'll try to post first thing in the morning! You whoooo Blogger Gremblin's go AWAY! Blogger, come out, come out wherever you are! lol

Stayed tuned...

Thank you so much for stopping in and for your love and caring! Until the next
time, bead happy...

Hugs and happy beading...
Bobbi

Mosaic Monday...

2010-05-02T16:35:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone and Happy Mosaic Monday to you. I still haven't felt like myself yet so I haven't been posting again all this week. I hope that yous are doing good! I made some mosaics for everyone to see today and I have a wonderful and very touching story behind some of them.
As yous all know I have bad kidneys and I'm in and out of the hospital more then I'm home with surgeries, infections, kidney failure, stones and the list goes on and on. Well, back in October I had become very ill (even though I've been sick all of my life) and am still fighting to get well and my dear friend, Beth from Bellesanbeaus Crafts had made arrangements with some friends and my Church to have a card go around the world and be signed from friends as far away as England, Canada, Netherlands and then all throughout the US! Then Beth had spoke to a good friend of mine from my Church, Jean Bly and she got together with my friends there and a wonderful woman made me a gorgeous card and they all signed it for me to. I've had such a wonderful response from everyone, people I know and don't know, people I've only spoke to on the computer and friends and family alike. I have to say that I'm so touched by everyone for all your prayers, love, gifts, cards...I'm speechless except to say thank you so much from the bottom of my heart! I love all of yous...thank you! A very special thank you to you, Beth for thinking of me and doing all of this for me...I love you Sis!
So, here's the card that went all around the world:

Here's the card not in a mosaic:

Then here's the card that I had received from my Church:

Now for the beautiful card not made in the mosaic form:

Again, I want to thank all of you from the very bottom of my heart, yous don't know how much this means to me!
Also on this Mosaic Monday I want to share this mosaic picture of my wonderful, loving and so precious family:

I really enjoy making the mosaic pictures and then looking at all the wonderful mosaic pictures that everyone makes every week. But it's all thanks to Mary, at Little Red House. So, a big thank you to Mary for hosting this event! Also, if you would be so kind to visit Mary she'd love to have you, and while you're there to look at all the other mosaic pictures our friends here in Blogland have made, there's some beautiful and fascinating ones to for you to see!
Thanks so much for stopping in today and I hope that you have a beadiful day! So...until the next time, Bead Happy!
Hugs and happy beading...
Bobbi

Expressions and Mosaic Monday...

2010-04-25T10:57:00.000-07:00

I made another piece for the monthly challenge from, Art Bead Scene Blog. If you'd like to read about this months challenge please go here. It's about a lovely painting by Paul Klee, Insula Dulcamara. Also, if you would like to see this months entries please go here.
For this piece my good friend, Marie Segal from Art From My Heart made this beautiful cabochon. I found through Maire Segal's Artbead/Cab that the colors were rich and inviting as found in Klee's painting. Then, even though the colors I chose in this piece are a bolder expression then found in Klee's work, I still felt the connection between them. Thus, I'd like to introduce to you:
Expressions

I would like to thank Mary from Little Red House for being our lovely hostess for all our Mosaic Monday's. I very much enjoy looking at all the beautiful mosaic pictures that our friends here in Blogland have made! If you would please to stop in at Mary's she'd love to have you! So this is for you Mary...Thank you so much!
This week I decided to try something a lil bit different for Mosaic Monday, I hope you enjoy what I've done.

I do want to apologize for not posting a lot this week, I haven't been feeling good and I had another surgery. I'm home but I've been resting. I hope to be back on track very soon!
Thanks so much for stopping in today and I hope that you have a beadiful day! So...until the next time, Bead Happy!
Hugs and happy beading...
Bobbi

New pieces, a Monthly Challenge and Mosaic Monday...

2010-04-18T12:38:00.001-07:00

These next pieces that I made, I did for a monthly challenge for, Art Bead Scene Blog. I still have one more to finish that I want to submit also, which I will be working on this week, but I thought that I'd give you a sneak preview now.
First, you must know about the monthly challenge:

This is, Insula Dulcamara by Paul Klee, 1938
31 1/2 x 69 in, Oil on newsprint, mounted on burlap. Klee Foundation, Bern, Switzerland.
This painting is the largest of Klee’s finished paintings. If you would like to read more about this wonderful painting, please go here to the April Monthly Challenge. They have a fantastic article wrote all about this painting of Paul Klee.
Now, here's the monthly theme: Your entry this month can be influenced by the colors, pattern or whatever you choose to focus on for your creation. Just remember to include at least one art bead in your design.
Also, if you'd like to view all the entries so far please go here to Flickr.
So, here's Moon Dance again for yous to see:

I'm going to submit him because I feel in comparison to all the muted colors, the black made a bold statement and through Moon Dance I feel the contrast generated in the same boldness as in Klee's painting. The Artbead/Cab in Moon Dance was made by Marie Segal at Art From My Heart and the mold was made by Maureen Carlson.
My next piece is "The Colors of Klee".
This Artbead/Cab was made by Kristie-Lou Brigham at, Sculpted Windows Wire Wrapped Jewelry Journal. I felt that the wonderful colors that Kristie used to make this with the exclusion of the black are incorporated into this artbead/cab and matches so perfectly with Paul Klee's painting, also the moon to me signifies the half moons found in each corner at the top of Klee's painting. So I knew that I had to make a piece from this and submit it also. Introducing, "The Colors of Klee"

Next I want to tell yous about my piece, "Inspired" With this wonderful Steampunk Artbead/Cab that Beth at Bellesanbeaus Crafts made for me I was so inspired by the blues and greens in Klee's painting and also the primitive face, that through this gorgeous Artbead the Beth had made I feel involked the very same feeling that I felt when I had seen Klee's painting. So, I'd like to introduce to yous:
"Inspired"

I really enjoy making the mosaic pictures and then looking at all the wonderful mosaic pictures that everyone makes every week. But it's all thanks to Mary, at Little Red House. So, a big thank you to Mary for hosting this event! Also, if you would be so kind to visit Mary she'd love to have you, and while you're there to look at all the other mosaic pictures our friends here in Blogland have made, there's some beautiful and fascinating ones to for you to see!
Thanks so much for stopping in today and I hope that you have a beadiful day! So...until the next time, Bead Happy!
Hugs and happy beading...
Bobbi

Mosaic Monday and Moon Dance...

2010-04-11T17:20:00.000-07:00

Hi, Happy Mosaic Monday! I really enjoy making the mosaic pictures and then looking at all the fantastic mosaic pictures that everyone makes every week. But it's all thanks to Mary, at Little Red House. So, a big thank you to Mary for hosting this event! Also, if you would be so kind to visit Mary she'd love to have you, and while you're there to look at all the other mosaic pictures our friends here in Blogland have made, there's some beautiful and fascinating ones to for you to see!
My good friend, Marie Segal from, Art from my Heart had sent me a gorgeous Moon Face Cab that she had made from a mold from her good friend, Maureen Carlson. You can find Maureen at Maureen Carlson's Center For Creative Arts. Plus, I'm part of a team at "Operation Tackle that Bead Stash" so I knew that I had to use up some of my black "Bead Stash" that I already had to go with Marie's awesome cab that she had sent to me.
So, now I'd like to introduce to you...
Moon Dance

Thanks so much for stopping in today and I hope that you have a beadiful day! So...until the next time, Bead Happy!
Hugs and happy beading...
Bobbi

She's Finished...

2010-04-10T08:31:00.000-07:00

I have to thank everyone that has given me advise and fantastic pointers, I appreciate all your words of wisdom! Lisa at Indigo's Beads, Nicole at Beadwright, Ralonda at Beaded to Bless, Marie at Art from my Heart and Beth at Bellesandbeaus Crafts. I've learned quite a bit from my first bead embroidery piece and with all your help my next will be so much better, thank yous so much!
Now I want to thank everyone for helping me to give her a name. Silke, at Metamorphoris, Lisa Criswell at Indigo's Beads, Aryd'ell at Gypsy's Ramblings and Ralonda at Beaded to Bless.
I had fun with her, learning and making her and even though I still have to buy a frame for her yet, I'd like to introduce to you...
Dream Angel

Now if I could only learn how to take good pictures I'd be in business.
I hope that everyone has a beautiful weekend! Until the next...Bead Happy!
Hugs and happy beading...
Bobbi

I've been nominated for...

2010-04-06T19:17:00.000-07:00

I've been nominated for a "Kreativ Friends Blogger Award" by my good friend, Lisa Criswell. She's a very talented woman that you should really get to know. You can visit Lisa at her blog, Indigo's Beads or at one of her shops, Shop Handmade at Indigo's Beads or at her new Etsy shop at Indigo's Beads. Lisa also sells patterns at The Bead Coop. Lisa is a mother, a wife and a very wonderful and very special friend! Thanks so much again Lisa for this Award!

Here are the rules to be followed for this award:
1. Thank the person who gave this to you.
2. Copy the logo and place it in your blog.
3. Link the person who nominated you.
4. Name 7 things about yourself that no one would really know.
5. Nominate seven 'Kreativ Bloggers'
6. Post links to the seven blogs you nominate
7. Leave a comment on each of the blogs letting them know you nominated them.

Okie dokie then, 7 Things about myself that you probably didn't know...hmm

1. Growing up I was the only child.
2. I've dyed my hair blonde (by total accident, I only used the entire bottle of Sun In, I was trying to streak my hair only, really...) since I was 13 years old. Boy oh boy did I get into a heap full of trouble over that to, but after a short time we realized that we liked it this color, and it's been this color ever since...well except a couple of small mishaps. (read #3)
3. I lived in Florida and in West Virginia some years ago for some years. While I was there because of the good ole well water I had, it turned my blonde hair a very bright shade of orange! Let me tell you, it was very hard to get that out of my hair! It would have been a nice shade of orange if it wouldn't have been so bright. lol
4. I've always wanted to move to New Zealand.
5. I'm terrified of heights of any nature, spiders, mice and snakes if I don't know that they are there. Back when my sons were younger I once was on a Ski Lift with my second oldest son, Michael, well let me tell you I never thought I was getting off of that alive! He's quite the dare devil! Then a few years after that I was on a Ferris Wheel, again with one of my lil darlings, no names mentioned here...(Mike lol) and needless to say I've never, ever, never again have been on a Ferris Wheel nor do I have the urge to be on one again!
6. I collect dolls, hummingbirds, Angels, Religious pieces, clocks, Roosters, Wall hangings, quilts, beaded pieces and ornaments. I do have a pig collection and a tea cup collection also but they're put away now due to my small home. I also have enough refrigerator magnets to fill 2 refrigerators but I have them all on my lil apartment size refrigerator. I love magnets! I have them from all over to! friends send them to me, gosh I have some from England, Korea, Bristol (I'm a Nascar addict!) the list goes on from there.
7. I've had at least 500 or more surgeries for my kidneys in my life time. I had lost count years ago.

Now onto my 7 nominations

1. Marie from Art from my Heart
2. Tobi Britton from The Pink Pixie Forest
3. Sarah from Bead The Change
4. Liz from The Crimson Moon
5. Tracey from a Beadiful Mess
6. Jean Hutter from Totally Twisted
7. Kristie-Lou Brigham from Sculpted Windows Wire Wrapped Jewelry Journal

I have to say that I almost gave this to a few more of my friends, Nicole, you were one of them but then but I seen that you had just gotten this award. Silke, I see that I had already given you a Kreativ Friends Blogger Award...I wonder if you might want two of them. lol Gosh, it's always so hard to decide! Beth, I would have given you this one to but Lisa beat me to it. lol Bobbi, you also were another but Lisa beat me to that to. lol hmm, Lisa's pretty quick. lol
I want to thank you again Lisa for this great and wonderful award! I will wear it on my blog with honor!
I hope that you have a beautiful rest of your day! Bead Happy!
Hugs and happy beading...
Bobbi

Snow Angel, Ice, Princess, Snow Maiden??? Help...

2010-04-06T05:51:00.000-07:00

I started a new project. It seems ever since I had started beading I've always had a interest in Bead Embroidery. That's all I can even think about any more besides Cabochons...I even dream about it! Now I know that some of you may think that's totally crazy but it's the truth! Which leads me to say that I could no longer wait and learn I had to start and learn as I went! I've learned that you do not use pen when writing on your fabric...this makes for a bad day. Please keep in mind though that I have no clue what I'm doing, just attempting some new stitches and my hand at Bead Embroidery. But gosh, I'm having a blast doing it and learning from it and even using some of my "Bead Stash" (that's for "Operation Tackle that Bead Stash".) I've also used some of the beautiful beads that Marie Segal from: Art from my Heart had sent to me, plus...2 of the gorgeous white cabs that Marie sent. Then I even used some gorgeous beads that my dear friend, Kate from England had sent to me. (Kate's coming here to Ohio in May to visit and it'll be the very first time I'll be blessed to meet!)
Then...I also bought a few new things to, but shhhh please don't tell Sarah from: Bead The Change.

The beautiful Polymer Clay Blue and Pearl Winter Snowflake Lady Face Cab was made by, Kristie-Lou Brigham from: Sculpted Windows Wire Wrapped Jewelry Journal her blog or you may purchase some of her gorgeous work at Kristie's E-bay store Sculpted Windows Jewelry. Kristie has a wide variety of very lovely handmade pieces from Wire Wrapped Pendants to Polymer Clay beads and faces.
I also follow the Bead Journal Project 3 (BJP) with, Robin Atkin's being the founder. Here's Robin Atkin's wonderful blog: Beadlust. You may also find Robin at her website. If you have a chance please stop in on the many Bead Embroidery Artists and see all their amazing, gorgeous and incredible pieces!

Well, I'm not quite finished with this piece yet but...I'm almost there. I have to tell you's though that I'm somewhat intimidated to cut this piece in a circle the way I had planned. But my good friend, Lisa Criswell at Indigo's Beads has given me some wonderful pointers. Thanks so much Lisa! Oh...I have to say Congrats to you Lisa for your 1st sale and Congrats to you for finding out that you're going to be teaching your very first improvisational bead embroidery class...way to go girl, I'm so happy for you! if you haven't been to Lisa's blog yet, please stop in to see all her fantastic Bead Embroidery pieces!

Even though I'm not quite finished with this piece yet, I'm not sure what to name it, maybe you's can help me by leaving me some suggestions in my comments. I sure would appreciate any ideas on a name for my very 1st Bead Embroidery piece. Snow Angel, Ice Angel, Snow Princess, Ice Princess??? hmm or will I use your name that you pick out for me???

I hope that everyone has a great day and a very Happy Easter! So until the next time...Bead Happy!
Hugs and happy beading...
Bobbi

Happy Mosaic Monday...

2010-04-04T20:37:00.000-07:00

Happy Mosaic Monday to you! I wanted to make a mosaic picture of Easter things I have here in my home and my Easter Day today. So I hurried after I had gotten home from a wonderful but ever so tiresome day and made these mosaic pictures for you. Not only do I enjoy making these but love to look at everyone's also! I wouldn't be able to do either without Mary, at Little Red House. Thank you Mary for making this all possible! Also, if you would be so kind to visit Mary she'd love to have you, and while you're there to look at all the other mosaic pictures our friends here in Blogland have made, there's some gorgeous ones to for you to see!

This is my daughter-n-law, Donna in the nursery for baby Sofia. My son, Mike and Donna decorated the nursery so cute, I just love it! I almost didn't get a chance to see how precious this looks because it's upstairs and boy did I have a very hard time getting up the steps, but I finally made it up there and I'm so glad I did!

I hope that everyone has had a wonderful Easter and I hope that you had gotten a lot of great goodies and that your day was filled with family, friends and lots of love!
Happy Easter!
Hugs...
Bobbi

Wishing you a Happy Easter...

2010-04-03T19:53:00.000-07:00

I wanted to wish everyone a very lovely, wonderful, blessed and joyous Easter! This Easter Sunday I want to share some quotes with you and a few other things to.

Easter is the demonstration of God that life is essentially spiritual and timeless. Written by, Charles M. Crowe

The resurrection gives my life meaning and direction and the opportunity to start over no matter what my circumstances. Written by, Robert Flatt

And he departed from our sight that we might return to our heart, and there find Him. For He departed, and behold, He is here. Written by, St Augustine

Our Lord has written the promise of the resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in spring-time. Written by, Martin Luther

For I remember it is Easter morn and life and love and peace are all new born. Written by, Alice Freeman Palmer.

According to Christian scripture, Jesus was resurrected from the dead on the third day after His crucifixion. The day of resurrection is observed on Easter Day or Easter Sunday that comes two days after Good Friday.

Easter also marks the end of Lent, a 40-day period, a season of fasting, prayer and penance. Easter is a moveable feast. The date of Easter therefore varies between March 22 and April 25 and is linked to the Jewish Passover. If you would like to read "Why Does the Date for Easter Change Every Year?" please go here.

Easter Bunny and Easter Egg hunts have become part of the holiday's modern celebrations and are also celebrated by many Christians and non-Christians alike now. Many Christians also observe the religious aspects of Easter by attending Sunday Service in the morning and a wonderful Easter Dinner after wards.

Here are some of the Beaded Easter Crystal's that I made:

I also wanted to share with yous this Easter Sunday some beautiful beaded Easter gifts that my sweet mother had made for me some years ago:

and this adorable Easter village my mom had gotten for me years ago.

Today I won't be making Easter dinner, I'm going to my daughter-n-laws, Donna and Cat (their sisters) Aunt Sharon and Aunt Karen's home for a Easter Egg Hunt for my grand-children and some of their other relatives. Then I'll be going to my second oldest son, Michael to see Sofia's room. She's my 7th grandchild and is due in June! After I leave there I'll be going with my youngest son, Joel and his girlfriend, Heidi to her parents home for Easter dinner. Also to meet them and her family for the first time since they've been together. So...here's wishing you the most beautiful of days and a very

Happy Easter!

Hugs...
Bobbi

A Big Thank You!

2010-04-02T14:29:00.000-07:00

I have a few things that I want to share with everyone. Last week I received a box from my very good friend, Marie Segal from: Art from my Heart

Gosh, it felt like Christmas all over for me! Marie, I want to to know that I did the happy dance which in itself had to have been a real site lol and you made my entire day...week...well I'm still thrilled! Thank you Sweetie I loveeeeee everything!
In the picture below are some beading books, beads and some earring findings.

Now, cabs, cabs and more Cabs

Cabs...Wowwwwwwwww!

Then today another very nice surprise! Tadahhhhhhhhhh Oh my goodness Marie, thank you so much again! I just love everything! In fact everybody that has come over since last week has seen all the gorgeous Cabochons that you sent me! My grand-daughters especially love the heart cabs, now I can't wait until they see the Butterfly!

Now for Christmas Marie sent me all of these gorgeous ornaments that I still have to get busy making. They're collector items from The Cracker Box. My heart is still filled with the joy of when I opened this box my dear friend...thank you! I'm sorry that I didn't post this earlier, but I had been so sick with my kidneys and in and out of the hospital with so many surgeries.

At this time I also want to thank my very good friend, Silke Powers from: Metamorphosis
Silke was so kind to send me this gorgeous and handmade scarf that she made for me! Silke, I'm so sorry that I hadn't posted this before. I had wanted to but, yep...hospital here I went again. So today I looked through my computer because I knew I had taken pictures the day I had received it from you, guess what??? I found them! I have to tell you that I was so excited...I just loveeeeee your scarf you made for me. Thank you so much again Silke, you're so sweet! Also thank you for all your love and your cards that you've sent me, they mean so much to me!

I also want to thank another very sweet and wonderful friend, Lynda Dunham-Watkins from: Swoopin' Along! Besides being a good friend to me, while I was so sick and in the hospital Lynda had made this:

To go along with this Lynda was so gracious to add my name and then open the door to prayer for all our friends here in Blogland, at home and our families to! How wonderful and kind is that! All we need to do is: Leave the name to be added to our list in the comment section. Then Lynda will add them each evening.
Thank you so much for this Lynda! Marie had called me at the hospital and had told me about it and I have to say that I was so very touched...Thank you Lynda!
I also want to thank everyone for all their prayers, love, cards, beautiful gifts and friendships...I love all of you's!
I hope that you have a wonderful rest of your day!
Hugs...
Bobbi

Mosiac Monday...Putting up our Cross

2010-03-28T12:09:00.000-07:00

Happy Mosaic Monday to you! This is my third Mosaic picture that I've made now and I'm still loving it! I have to thank, Mary, at Little Red House! Also, if you would be so kind to visit Mary she'd love to have you, and while you're there to look at all the other mosaic pictures our friends here in Blogland have made, there's some gorgeous ones to for you to see!
I thought it would be nice if I made a Mosaic of us putting up our Cross at my Church on the 15th of April 2006, I remember it as if it were yesterday! It was a amazing day, a awesome feeling and something that I'll never forget in my lifetime!
If you want to read the other post that I had back on Monday, July 27, 2009 and see more pictures, here's the link:
Putting up our Cross

Today is Palm Sunday. It's a Christian moveable feast which always falls on the Sunday before Easter Sunday. It is the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem in the days before his Passion. It is also called Passion Sunday or Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion.
In many Christian Churches, Palm Sunday is marked by the distribution of palm leaves (often tied into crosses after receiving them) to the assembled worshipers that Sunday. The palm branch was a symbol of triumph and of victory, in Jewish tradition, and is treated in other parts of the Bible as such (e.g. Leviticus 23:40 and Revelation 7:9). Because of this, the crowd greeted Jesus by waving palms and carpeting His path with palms has given the Christian festival its name.
Here's a picture of a couple of my palms that I had gotten a few years ago and tied into Crosses.

Thanks so much for stopping in today, I hope that you have a very Happy Easter and a wonderful new Spring!
Hugs...
Bobbi

Pretty in Pink...

2010-03-23T16:08:00.000-07:00

I'm happy to say that I'm up to my 6th cabochon now! Plus, I'm using up some of my Bead Stash, still learning more stitches and having a blast designing all at the same time! The colors in this cabochon make you feel like Spring! My favorite color is actually purple, however pink is next in line. So...I'd like to introduce to you:

"Pretty in Pink"

This cabochon is a Argentina Rhodochrosite Round Cab. I found the colors to be beautiful and vibrant. I just really had fallen in love with this cab! I used the Basic Bezel and the Two Bead Edge Variation and also the Pointed Edge.

On a different note...if you have the time to go and read this very interesting article on why we bead, I'm sure that you will enjoy it! It's:

HOW TO BEAD A ROGUE ELEPHANT...A Guide For The Aspiring Bead Artist, by Warren S. Feld

Thanks so much for stopping in today and I hope that you have a beadiful day! So...until the next time, Bead Happy!
Hugs and happy beading...
Bobbi

I've been tagged by Marie at Art from my Heart...

2010-03-22T22:02:00.000-07:00

My good friend, Marie Segal from Art from my Heart has tagged me. hmm I wonder if there's tag back's??? Okie dokie then, referring to the rules I have to go into my computer and go to the very first of my picture folders and open it and then find the 10th picture and post it and tell about it. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it's a nice picture, one never knows though. Ok, here I go in my computer...scrolling, scrolling, scrolling...ta-dahhhh...the 10th picture is:

Beaded Easter Eggs!

Now I have to tell you about the story behind this picture, well... The actual story is behind the beaded eggs. I've never attempted anything like this before so I thought, how hard could this really be...Ha! I beaded my lil fingers off and was getting no where. I had wanted to make all of my sons and grand-kids some beaded eggs for Easter, and use some of my Bead Stash that I have at the same time. Well...the only one who's going to have beaded eggs for Easter is yours truly. Some that my sweet mother had made for me a few years ago, then these. Oh my goodness I've never before had that amount of troubles trying to make something in my life. So...the only Easter eggs my sons and grand children will be getting is ones that the Bunny himself brings. lol

I have to link the person who tagged me: Marie Segal at http://mariesegal.blogspot.com/

Now...according to the Rules I have to tag 5 other people. On your mark, get set...
1. Silke at: Metamorphosis

2. Lynda at: Swoopin'Along

3. Tobi at: Tobi Britton's LivingGreen

4.Sarah at: Bead The Change

5. Twyla and Lindsey at: Two Crazy Crafters

Now onto the Rules...

1. I have to open the first file in my picture folder

2. Scroll to the 10th photo

3. Post the photo and tell the story behind it

4. Link to the person that tagged you

5. Tag five more people and let them know

Tag...you're it!

Have a great day everyone! So...until the next time, Bead Happy!
Hugs and happy beading...
Bobbi

My 2nd Mosaic Monday...

2010-03-21T13:45:00.000-07:00

First, I want to wish everyone a very Happy Spring! Then I 'd like to say that I'm really enjoying learning to make these mosaic pictures, and it's all thanks to Mary, at Little Red House! If you would be so kind to visit Mary she'd love to have you! Also while you're there to look at all the other mosaic pictures our friends here in Blogland have made, there's some gorgeous ones to for you to see! Happy Mosaic Monday!
My second Mosaic Picture...

So until the next time...Bead Happy!
Hugs and happy beading...
Bobbi

My 5th and counting...

2010-03-20T17:17:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited about cabochons now they've even invaded my dreams! I love everything about them, learning how to bead around them, learning new stitches, the way they look, the way they feel...I've now realized that when you start one you don't know how it's going to turn out. You just go with the look of the cab, the beads and then with the different stitches that you are using it just seems to come to life!
Cabochons fascinate me and now I even have my very good friend who is like a sister to me, Beth making them now for me! (Thanks Sweetie, they're gorgeous!) You can take a peek at what she's made since last night at Bellesanbeaus Crafts. I have to say that Beth didn't even know what a cabochon was until I started working with them about a month ago and she's still not seen one in person! But I can't wait to be able to try to bead something with the ones she made, they're awesome! I'm actually thinking I'm going to attempt a Bead Embroidery piece with some of them. That's another project that I'll be self teaching myself, just like cabochons!
But...getting back to my 5th cabochon, I'd like to introduce to you, "Desert Sea".

Thanks so much for stopping in today and I hope that you have a wonderful rest of your weekend, Happy 1st Day of Spring! So, until the next time...Bead Happy everyone!
Hugs and happy beading...
Bobbi

Awards

2010-03-18T21:20:00.000-07:00

I would like to give these 2 awards to my very good friend and sister, Beth. She just started her blog Bellesanbeaus Crafts and makes mini pieces, furniture, food and so much more for doll houses and her pieces are just incredible!
She's a wonderful person who makes me laugh and smile alot and who has taught me so many things! We've been through the good, bad, ugly and hilarious together. Beth is the person who sat me down at her kitchen table and taught me how to make my very first beaded ornament cover! So please, visit her blog and I'm sure that you'll fall in love with he miniatures.
Sis, these Awards are for you, there are no specific rules except to pass it to your special blogger friends that make your heart smile as you do mine! Please wear these Awards proudly on your blog and thank you for being the wonderful you that you are!

Have a great day!
Hugs...
Bobbi

Happy St. Patrick's Day...

2010-03-16T20:51:00.000-07:00

Some years ago before my mother had passed away she loved to bead and boy did she ever bead the most beautiful of pieces! I thought that today I would show you what she had made for me one St. Patrick's Day that I really treasure now.

Now here's a few St. Patrick's Day recipes for you to try today if you have the time.

Busy Woman's Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner (without the fuss)

3 1/2 to 4 lb. Corned Beef Brisket (include seasoning packet)
Head of Cabbage cut into 6 wedges (do not remove stem; cabbage stays together better)
6 medium Red Potatoes (or 1 med potato per person) Quartered
1 lb. Carrots (peeled and cut into 1 inch slices)
1 Onion (cut in half)
1 can of Beer
1 cup of water
Large crock pot (oval works best)

Layer as follows
Carrots
Potatoes
Meat (Sprinkled with seasoning packet)
Onion
Cabbage
Liquid ingredients

Cook on low 10 to 12 hours. Serve with Rye Bread

Irish Soda Bread

Ingredients:

4 to 4 1/2 cups flour
2 Tbsp sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
4 Tbsp butter
1 cup raisins (optional)
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 3/4 cups buttermilk

1. Preheat oven to 425°. Whisk together 4 cups of flour, the sugar, salt, and baking soda into a large mixing bowl.

2. Using a pastry cutter or two knives (can also use your fingers), work butter into flour mixture until it resembles coarse meal, then stir in raisins.

3. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture. Add beaten egg and buttermilk to well and mix in with a wooden spoon until dough is too stiff to stir. Dust hands with a little flour, then gently knead dough in the bowl just long enough to form a rough ball. If the dough is too sticky to work with, add in a little more flour. Do not over-knead! Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface and shape into a round loaf. Note that the dough will be a little sticky, and quite shaggy (a little like a shortcake biscuit dough). You want to work it just enough so that it comes together. If you over-knead, the bread will end up tough.

4. Transfer dough to a large, lightly greased cast-iron skillet or a baking sheet (it will flatten out a bit in the pan or on the baking sheet). Using a serrated knife, score top of dough about an inch and a half deep in an "X" shape. The purpose of the scoring is to help heat get into the center of the dough while it cooks. Transfer to oven and bake until bread is golden and bottom sounds hollow when tapped, about 35-45 minutes. (If you use a cast iron pan, it may take a little longer as it takes longer for the pan to heat up than a baking sheet.) Check for done-ness also by inserting a long, thin skewer into the center. If it comes out clean, it's done.

If the top is getting too dark while baking, tent the bread with some aluminum foil.

If you use a cast iron skillet to cook the bread in the oven, be very careful when you take the pan out. It's easy to forget that the handle is extremely hot. Cool the handle with an ice cube, or put a pot holder over it.

Remove pan or sheet from oven, let bread sit in the pan or on the sheet for 5-10 minutes, then remove to a rack to cool briefly. Serve bread warm, at room temperature, or sliced and toasted. Best when eaten warm and just baked.

St. Patty's Day Shamrock Pretzels

Ingredients:

Canned refrigerated bread stick dough (Pillsbury Original Bread sticks work well)
Cinnamon
Green Colored Sugar

1. Line cookie sheet with foil and light cooking spray.

2. To create clover shape, mold 3 sections of bread sticks into hearts and press them together. Add a stem, decorate, bake as directed on package and serve.

Also, if you click on this link there's a free pattern for a Four Leaf Clover Peyote Stitch Earrings

I hope that you have a happy and safe St. Patrick's Day! May the luck of the Irish be with you!
Hugs...
Bobbi

My First Mosaic Monday...

2010-03-14T19:59:00.000-07:00

I've made my very first Mosaic picture, and it's all thanks to Mary over at Little Red House and the tutorial that she made! I do also want to thank Brenda over Cozy Little House for giving me that info! Thank you both so much! Seeing how much I loveeee pictures I know what I'm going to be doing alot of.
Please don't forget to stop in at Mary's blog Little Red House, she's the hostess of Mosaic Monday and there you'll be able to view every ones beautiful mosaic pictures, maybe even enter yourself!
So until the next time...Bead Happy!
Hugs and happy beading...
Bobbi

A new learning experience...

2010-03-13T13:56:00.000-08:00

This is my fourth cabochon now that I've completed and I'm so happy with myself about this one because I learned 3 new stitches along my way! I love to bead and I'm just loving these cabochons! I'm also using up some of my bead stash that I have here at home to!
I've found out that you can do just about anything with a cabochon, the sky seems to be the limit! They seem to take life once you start to work on them. In all four of the cabs that I've made so far I really had no clue of what they might turn out to look like in the end. I just went with the cabochon itself and let it speak to my heart. So, I'd like to introduce to you, "Earthbound".

Thanks so much for stopping in today and I hope that you have a wonderful rest of your weekend! So, until the next time, Bead Happy everyone!
Hugs and happy beading...
Bobbi

Introducing my 3rd cabochon...

2010-03-11T19:32:00.000-08:00

A couple of days ago I had teamed up with Sarah at Operation Tackle that Bead Stash and I had gone thru just a small part of my "Bead Stash". Our goal is to clean up, organize and use our "Bead Stash" in useful and beadiful ways, instead of having all those gorgeous beads just stashed away somewhere. Well, when I started looking I had come across various red beads and a red cabochon that just seemed to be calling to me. So this is what I came up with, my 3rd Cabochon. I named this, The Red Sea.

So, until the next time, Bead Happy everyone!
Hugs and happy beading...
Bobbi

Until we meet again...

2010-03-10T15:44:00.000-08:00

With great sadness a wonderful, loving, caring and devoted friend has passed away. She's now a Angel. Renee, I'll miss you, you've touched my heart and the hearts of so many. My friend, now I know your pain is over but your flight, your love, your patience, your understanding, your unselfishness, your tenderness and your kindness will live forever. You've helped me in times of sorrow and sickness and held strong and steady with open and loving arms. Thank you and I'll never forget you and your love you have for everyone. May our precious Lord bless you, your family and friends now and for always. Until we meet again Renee...I love you...

I'm Teamimg up with Sarah, for Operation Tackle that Bead Stash...

2010-03-09T18:00:00.000-08:00

Hi, If you're a beader like I am you seem to buy more beads then you actually seem to use. Then what happens to all these beads, you stash them away and then before you know it, you're looking for beads to make something with and you go and purchase new beads.Here you see just a small part of my bead stash that I'm willing to admit to. The rest of my stash is part of the unknown in my home.
This can really apply to any art that you're interested in, not just beads. I know sometimes we stash things away because we don't want out hubbies to know how much money we spent again, of course in my case, I think I stash mine away to make my home look like it's clean, when in fact, if I'd try to be a lil bit more organized I would really have a clean home. But in any case of the "why we stash our things away" I found that we do and because of that I if no one else, have a big mess on my hands. So I thought I'd team up with Sarah, at Operation Tackle That Bead Stash
So if yous would join us or at least stop in from time to time to see how we're doing with our bead stash we'd be so happy. Our goal is to clean up, organize and use our bead stash!
So, until the next time, Bead Happy everyone!
Hugs and happy beading...
Bobbi

Joyous Waters...

2010-03-09T09:43:00.000-08:00

Hi, I didn't post yesterday, I had a play day with my youngest grandson, Aden. He's going to be 4 years old in April and he comes here to his Maw-maw's when I 'm not in the hospital while his mommy and daddy are at work and college. I was so happy to see him, he's such a joy to my heart!
While lil Aden was here I started my second Cabochon. He wanted to help his "Maw-maw" bead. He had to know what color everything was that I was going to be using and why I was using those colors instead of yellow and orange that are his favorites colors. But in the end I had lil Aden's total approval on my beading, he said to me, "Maw-maw, you bead is so pretty Maw-maw, I help you?" Out of the words of a child, how wonderful! Okie dokie, now onto my second Cabochon. I'm really having fun learning some different stitches with these and can see where I'm going to love making these and that the sky is the limit with these wonderful Cabs!
A friend of mine, Kate who lives in England had sent me some very beautiful beads. Some I had used in that gorgeous peyote Angel Ornament that I made and now I made in this Cabochon. I used some of those fabulous beads in the fringe and the necklace.
I named this piece Joyous Waters. First because of my sweet grandson, Aden that is a joy to my heart. Second because of my dear friend, Kate who lives over the waters. Next because of it's deep and rich colors. Thus...Joyous Waters!

I have to say that I'm sorry that the pictures aren't the best that they should be, lately, I'm taking them with my cell phone. I hope that you have a fantastic day! Until next time, Bead Happy!
Hugs...
Bobbi

My very first cabochon...

2010-03-07T13:26:00.000-08:00

Hi, I hope that everyone has had a wonderful weekend! I've been attempting something new. Beading around a Cabochon. First of all I had ordered a wonderful book, Beading with Cabochons by Jamie Cloud Eakin. This book has fantastic instructions, perfect photography, and teaches and shows the basic techniques and unique stitches that Jamie herself, after a decade of beading shows in this amazing and very well written book.
I gathered all my materials that I need for this project. Making sure to have the right needle, thread, backing material, glue, seed beads, and naturally a cabochon. The cabochon stone that I choose to make my first one with is a Leopardskin Jasper. Then I did take a couple of pictures and off I was on a new adventure.
Next, I cut a piece of under backing and glued my cabochon to that and let it dry. Then, I started the bead base row. This is actually the second row from the center when the cabochon is complete. I used a bead embroidery stitch called the "four-six back stitch" I continued this until I was all around the cab. Then I started my Bezel row. This row is the actual row that holds the cabochon in it's place. It sits slightly above the first row that had already been completed. This Bezel row is made with smaller size seed beads. The stitch I used this time to complete this Bezel row is the "four-two back stitch" variety. I then continued to make this stitch until I was around the entire cab. Then, with my trusty and very sharp small scissors I cut around the under backing making sure not to cut to close and not to cut thru any previous used threads. Then I cut the backing material which I choose to use faux ultra suede because it doesn't ravel. I then glued my cab onto that and let it dry. Making sure again not to cut to close or any previous used threads I cut the backing material around the cabochon. Now I made the basic edge stitch which Jamie says that it's similar to the blanket stitch used in bead embroidery. I did this stitch all the way around the cabochon. Then I found the middle, made the fringe and the used a direct attachment to connect my necklace. When it was finished I was very pleased but thought it might need something else to be complete. I thought about it and looked thru this outstanding book and found a Pointed Edge that I would have loved to have been able to add. However, when I tried, the fringe was getting in the way. So next time, before I do any fringe I'll be making another edge around the cab. But I want to introduce my very first attempt at a Cabochon and I titled this:
"The Enchanted Leopardess"

I know the pictures weren't that great, they actually came from my cell phone, but I tried. I hope that you have a awesome rest of your evening! Thanks so much for stopping in, till next time, Bead Happy!!!
Hugs...
Bobbi

I'm back home again...

2010-03-05T13:32:00.000-08:00

Hi, I had just started posting again and so happy to see my friends and special family here in Blogland and yep, you guessed it, back in the hospital I was, admitted again this last Saturday! I can see now that I need to invest in a laptop and then home or hospital I'll be able to talk to everyone! Although I really don't see this happening anytime in the near future.
Now I have even more to catch up with but that's alright, it'll give me something to do while I'm recovering again. But so good to see all of yous today! I really have missed yous so much!
I'll bet yous are wondering the reason I had to go to the hospital this time, well.. the reason I had to go in the hospital this time was a bad infection from 2 new ports that I had just gotten. So, the Dr. had to remove them and now I have a pic line in my right arm, that's for my IV meds I give myself here at home. I'll need another surgery in about 4-8 more weeks once the infection is gone and I heal up from the surgeries. My poor chest isn't to sure on what's been going on here with it these last couple of months now, so many surgeries again. Don't worry though, I'm hanging in there and trying to deal with everything in a positive way. Plus, I have so many wonderful friends and family that are sending their love, healing thoughts and prayers my way that I can only get better and have the best attitude I can! I want to thank all of yous for being here for me and doing everything that yous do...it means so much to me! From the very deepest and bottom of my heart...thank you! You all have a spot in my heart that will be and is treasured and very special to me!
Now..I've gotten a few new things in while I was in the hospital to bead, the big question is am I able to bead again so soon after another surgery. Well, the answer to that we'll all find out right after dinner this evening. I'm going to be giving it my shot shot though! Sometimes it's so hard for me to jump right back in and resume all the things I was doing before and use to doing. But beading is a passion of mine and it's something I love to do! So...I sure hope I'll be giving yous good news about my new beading adventures! Till then, I hope that you have a great evening and a wonderful weekend!
Hugs...
Bobbi

Here's some of my beadwork...

2010-02-27T10:02:00.000-08:00

Hi and happy Saturday everybody. I hope that yous have a wonderful weekend. As I promised, here's some of the bead work that I've made. I know it's not alot and I can't wait until I start to feel a lil bit better then I can bead my fingers off daily again, but for now I wanted to share these pictures with you. The patterns of all these gorgeous designs are from, Deb Moffett-Hall at Patterns to Bead

I hope that yous enjoyed all the pictures of some of my bead work. Have a fantastic rest of your day!
Hugs...
Bobbi

It seems like forever...

2010-02-26T19:24:00.000-08:00

Hi to all my friends that I haven't seen for months now. Gosh, I had been so sick and in the hospital and surgeries and IV meds at home. Well, I'm still not doing that great but I'm hanging in there and wanting so much to see every one's blog and what's been happening in blogland. I miss being home, I miss my special family!
I did just get back out of the hospital again this week with my kidneys again. Also had another surgery with another port. Back in October I had a new port placement after 2 months shy of eight years, I ended up with a horrible blood infection that nearly liked to kill me and it had contaminated my port. So, the Dr. took it out and replaced a new one in my left chest. The other had been in my right chest. Well, In January I was having some problems with my new port but I went in for a procedure and was told it was fine. Ha! I was in the hospital again last week up until Tuesday of this week and guess what? Yep...the port the I had gotten in October had somehow flipped itself upside down and then the tubes were twisted. So, On Monday of this week I had another surgery to have the one port taken out and another new one placed in, this time almost in the middle of my chest so it doesn't have any room to roam. Right now though it does hurt pretty bad, of course I have my entire chest stitched up. I do believe though it's much better then having another pic line placed they way they did when my 1st port had been contaminated back in October, those hurt! They also can't stay in for very long either. So, at least when this heals all up I should be good to go as far as my meds go. I'm back on IV meds at home. They taught me back in late September. I really should have been a nurse! They give you a crash course that's about 1 hour, give you a folder with instructions and a number in case you forget and send you on your way. I do have to say though, it beats staying in the hospital for lengths of time! I have to say this though...I just couldn't stay away any longer from my friends/family here in blogland, sick or not sick I had to come here and post and see yous again!
I've had a rough way to go here for some months now but I'd much rather it be me then my sons, grandchildren, friends or even someone I don't know. I know that one day all the tests, surgeries and things that I've gone thru over my kidneys in my life will to be of the help to some one else in the future!
Oh...when I had gotten that blood infection it also went straight to my teeth and I had gotten this horrible abscess to which I had to have all of my teeth removed! This makes me not a very happy camper but I have to wait till at least May for dentures because of my kidneys I'm not healing the way I should and now I have to have my gums shaved sometime late April or so. I'll tell you if it wouldn't have been for my second oldest son, Michael coming with me to the Dentist that day and about holding my hand I would have never had the courage to do it alone! I'm always seeing a kidney Dr., gosh, not a Dentist, so I was a wreck to say the least! I really thought about not even mentioning this about my teeth because it's so embarrassing. But I think of yous as family so that's why I've included this.
It's been brought to my attention that there has been a few deaths here in our blogland family. I'm so sorry to you and will keep you in my prayers!
Also, I've been told that there has been more illness here in bloglang among family members and their families at home. I'm keeping you in my thoughts and prayers and hoping that everything turns out the very best!
It's going to take me a lil bit to get caught up on back post and posting new posts here and on your blogs, please know that yous have been in my thoughts and in my heart!
Good news: I'm going to be the proud Maw-maw of my 7th grand baby sometime this June! It's a girl and her name Sofia! I don't know her middle yet but I'll keep yous posted!
I'll post some pictures of some beading pieces that I've made over the last few months in the next day or so. It's not alot though, it's very hard for me to bead while I'm sick. But boy do have some great ideas! I've purchased some books and did some reading while I was sick and as soon as I start to feel better, hmm watch out, the beads will be going on! Then more good news, I was invited to be a member of the EtsyBead Street Team, so I've very honored and excited!
Till tomorrow...sure did miss everyone!
Hugs...
Bobbi

Awards...

2009-08-12T11:46:00.000-07:00

Isn't it great to have a whole new world of friends that you see everyday in a place called Blogland! Everyday I rush to my computer to be able to log on to my new home away from home and a place that I love with people that I love...Blogland! What's even better is that the wonderful friendships we all share is to me like another very special family. Or as another friend of mine, Silke at Metamorphosis here in Blogland said, "Sometimes we are the ones needing to be uplifted and other times we get to be the angel who uplifts with a kind word, a small gesture or just by holding someone in our thoughts. Thank you for being my angels!" In our special world we give our thoughts, our hearts and our love to each other. I want to say thank you all for being my special "Angel's" and very dear friends! I wouldn't change this for anything in either world's!
Today I received again 2 very special Awards from two wonderful very special people!
The first Award is from a very sweet and kind lady who's so talented, Darla at Artistic Accents by Darla! Please make sure you stop in at her blog, her work is just grand!
It's the Kreativ Blogger Award! Now with this Award there are some rules and here they are:
1. List 7 things that I love
2. Link back to the blog that awarded it to me
3. Choose 7 blogs to award as 'Kreativ Bloggers'
4. Comment at each blog to let them know they’ve been chosen
Well, okie dokie then, here goes...

1. I love God, that's first and most important to me.
2. I love my sons, my grandchildren (all of six of them), and my extended family.
3. I love my Church.
4. I love all my "Furry Ones" and animals in general.
5. I love all my friends as if they were my family.
6. I love nature, flowers, wildlife, reading, the outdoors, the beach, candle lit dinners, romance, Hummingbirds, Angels, refrigerator magnets, picnics, pretty and girlie things, purple, music, laughter, being happy, beading, older people, art, food (chips), gosh...my list could go on. lol
7. You, for being here, for reading this, and for caring and sharing your lives with me!

TaDahhhhhh I did it. lol That was actually harder then you would think, especially #6. Now, onto 7 people that I want to pass this Award to, hmm. That's really the hardest thing of all because if I had my way I would give it to all of you! But seeing that the rules say to pass it to seven people, then I will. Here we go then, please know that these are not in any special order:

Marie at Art From My Heart
Silke at Metamorphosis
Lynda at Swoopin' Along
Mary at Mary's Tea Cottage
Brenda at Cozy Little House
Barb at Bella Vista
Mary at Little Red House

Please take this award and pass it down to 7 others of your choice. Congrats to all of yous!

Now, for my next Award, The Blog Break Award 2009 - Entertaining Blog Award, this comes from such a sweet and kind act from someone that's just that...very sweet and so kind and very talented also, Diana Evans at Back to the Drawing Board! Diana designed this awesome Award herself in appreciation to all of her blogger friends! I want to say thank you so much Diana, it's so sweet of you and I just loveeee it!
With this Award there are no specific rules except to pass it to our special blogger friends. Soooo...to everyone that follows me and to those that I follow, please take this awesome Award and wear it proudly on your blog and pass it to your blogger friends and new found family members here in Blogland.
Hugs...
Bobbi

Feathered Friends Party...

2009-08-11T20:17:00.000-07:00

You've all heard of that old saying,"Birds of a feather flock together" well that's what we're all doing today! It's a Feathered Friends Party and it's hosted by Gina over at The Shabby Chic Cottage! Then as a special surprise Barbara Jean from Treasures from the Heart is giving away a bird nest of your choice to one lucky participant! The lucky winner of this special surprise from Barb will be able to choose any nest up to a $15 value, or use the credit towards purchasing something else from her shop. Wow...that's so great! So, with all of this being said, I hurried up this evening and took some pictures and here I am now ready to have a party! Sit back, grab yourself a cup of coffee or tea, you know I loveee pictures, so there are lots here to see! Enjoy...

As you see my clocks need batteries...it's alright to laugh, I sure did when I seen this picture! lol

Well, I hope that everyone liked all of these pictures, now I can't wait until I can go and see every ones collection! Have a great day!
Hugs...
Bobbi

Do you have a "Furry One" and need some good Recipes???

2009-08-10T09:54:00.000-07:00

I have 3 "Furry Ones" and 2 kitties beside my youngest sons kitties and our 2 feathery friends. I love, love, love animals and like to keep them happy. Sooo, here's some recipes that I use to try to please them. Some I have to say they "LOVE" and others that I actually just looked up on the Internet for you to try. So please, let me know how your "Furry Ones" dislike, like or just go "Wild" over these recipes.
I'm starting off with one that my Rocky, Sweet Pea and Lily just loveeee. It's:

Mutter Butter Peanut Butter Dog Biscuits
2 T. Oil
1/2 cup peanut butter
1 cup water
2 cup all purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
Optional: 1/4 cup sugar
Preheat oven to 350
Combine: Oil, peanut butter and water. Add flour one cup at a time, knead into a firm dough. Roll 1/4 in. thick and cut with cookie cutter. Bake 15-20 minutes.

Basic Yeast Dog Treats
Mix together
3 1/2 cup unbleached flour,
2 cup whole wheat flour,
1 cup cornmeal
1/2 cup skim milk powder
1 tablespoon (or 1 package) dry yeast
3 1/2 cups lukewarm chicken or meat broth
Dissolve the yeast in the lukewarm chicken or meat broth. The richer this broth is, the better your dog will like the biscuits. Let yeast broth mixture set 10 min. Then stir in flour mixture. Roll resulting dough out 1/4" thick. Cut dog biscuit shapes from dough. Brush biscuits with egg wash. Bake on greased cookie sheets at 300* for 45 min. Then turn off oven and leave in overnight to finish hardening. Makes 60 medium-sized biscuits.

Beefy Biscuits
2 cups whole wheat or all purpose flour
1 cup cornmeal
1/4cup wheat germ
2 teaspoon beef bouillon powder
1/2 teaspoon yeast extract (adds additional meaty flavour)
Mix above ingredients in a medium bowl.
Add: 1 large egg, 1 tablespoon cooking oil and 1 cup hot water.
Stir well. Roll out on a well-floured surface to 1/2 inch thickness. Place on ungreased cooking sheet. Bake on center rack, (275 F. or 140 C) for about 2 hours until dry and very hard. Let stand overnight to dry thoroughly. Makes 10 big bones and 14 puppy bones.

Now here's some dog treat recipes that contain meat or dairy:

Cheesy Dog Biscuit Treats
Ingredients:
1 cup rolled oats (such as Quaker)
1/3 cup margarine
1 cup Boiling water
3/4 cup cornmeal
1 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons chicken or beef flavored instant bouillon
1/2 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 egg, beaten
2 - 3 cups whole wheat flour.
Directions;
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees.
Grease cookie sheets.
In large bowl, combine rolled oats, margarine and boiling water; let stand 10 minutes. Stir in cornmeal, sugar, bouillon, milk, cheese and egg; mix well. Lightly spoon flour into measuring cup; level off. Add flour 1 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition to form a stiff dough.
On floured surface, knead in remaining flour until dough is smooth and no longer sticky, 3 to 4 minutes. Roll or pat out dough to 1/2 inch thickness, cut with bone shaped cookie cutter. Place 1 inch apart on greased cookie sheets. Bake at 325 degrees for 35 to 45 minutes on until golden brown. Cool completely. Store loosely covered. Makes 3 1/2 dozen large dog biscuits or 8 dozen small dog biscuits.

Bacon Flavored Dog Biscuit Treats
Ingredients:
Yield: 40 dog biscuits
5 cups Whole wheat flour
1 cup Milk
2 Eggs
10 tablespoon Vegetable oil or bacon fat
1 pinch Onion or garlic powder
1 teaspoon Salt
1/2 cup Cold water
1 tablespoon Vegetable oil to grease pan
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
Grease cookie sheets.
Mix all ingredients well. Pinch off pieces of the dough and roll them into two-inch balls. Bake biscuits at 350 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes. Let them cool, then store in an airtight container.

Microwave Dog Biscuit Treats
Ingredients:
1 cup whole wheat flour
3/4 cup dry milk
1/4 cup cornmeal
1/3 cup shortening
1 tablespoon bouillon granules
1/2 cup plain flour
1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
1 teaspoon sugar
1 egg slightly beaten
1/2 cup hot water
Directions:
Combine flour, cornmeal, milk, oats and sugar. Cut in shortening. Add egg, bouillon and hot water. Knead 5 minutes.
Roll 1/2-inch thick and cut out into favorite shapes. Microwave at 50% power for 5 to 10 minutes, rotating plate. These don’t last long, so make a bunch.

Here's a couple of recipes for the "Vegetarian Furry One" in your family:

Veggie Thins Dog Biscuit Treats
Ingredients:
1 1/4 cups flour
1/4 cups dry milk powder
2 tablespoons dry milk powder (+ more)
1 vegetable cube -- or packet
1/4 cup boiling water
2 tablespoons boiling water (+ more)
1/4 cup safflower oil
1 teaspoon brown sugar not packed
1/4 cups carrots, shredded or -ground
1/2 egg or egg substitute
Additional small flour for dusting
Variation: -garlic powder
Directions:
Preheat oven 300 F.
Dissolve veggie cube or packet in the boiling water.Mix dry ingredients; mix wet ingredients separately, except egg. Pour wet ingredients into dry; mix lightly. Add a well in the center and add the egg. Mix.
Place dough on a lightly floured surface, sprinkle a little flour on top. Roll out to not more than 1/8". To avoid dough sticking to rolling pin, sprinkle a little flour on top of dough. The key is not to use too much flour. They will puff up otherwise.
Cut out shapes with a cookie cutter.
Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 15 minutes., turn them over and bake another 10 minutes.
Cool on wire racks. Store in an airtight container.

Veggie Dog Treat Recipe
Yield: Makes 48 medium dog treats
Ingredients:
9 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup nutritional yeast
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon yeast extract
3 cups water
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
Prepare cookie sheet lined with parchment/baking paper
Mix first 4 ingredients. Add approximately 3 cups water, 1 cup at a time until dough pulls together. Place on a lightly floured surface and knead into a pliable dough. Roll out to 1/4" thickness. Cut into desired shapes and place on cookie sheets lined with parchment paper. Alternately you can grease the sheets if you wish.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until firm and browned. Leave in oven to cool overnight or for at least 8 hours so the treats become hard and crunchy.

Now here's just some random recipes for all your "Furry Ones"...

Liver Dog Treats
1 pound raw liver (any kind) blended into a paste
1 egg
1cup flour
1/2 cup corn meal (or flour)
1/4 teaspoon oregano
1/4 teaspoon brewers yeast (adds a nutty flavor)
Mix well and bake at 350 for 1/2 hour for chewy treats, longer for crisper treats.

Bread Machine Chicken Flavored Treat Recipe
1 cup chicken stock
1 cup Bread or all-purpose flour
2 cup Whole wheat flour
1/4 cup Non-fat dry milk powder
1 1/2 teaspoon Yeast
Use dough cycle. Roll dough to 1/2" thickness. Cut with cookie cutters or a pizza cutter. Place on a greased baking sheet. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in warm place about one hour. Bake at 325-degrees for one hour. When all are baked, turn off oven and leave overnight. Store in airtight container.

Flea Hater's Dog Biscuits
(Brewers yeast is a natural anti-flea remedy)
Makes about 5 dozen bone biscuits
1 cup flour
1/4 cup wheat germ
1/4 cup brewer’s yeast (available at health-food stores)
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon plus 1 1/2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1 clove garlic, chopped medium, or 1 teaspoon powdered garlic (optional**)
1/2 cup chicken stock plus 3 tablespoons for basting
1. Heat oven to 400 degrees. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Mix flour, wheat germ, brewer’s yeast, and salt together in a medium bowl. In a mixing bowl, combine oil and garlic. Alternately add 1/2 cup chicken stock and flour mixture in 3 parts; mix until well combined. Knead about 2 minutes by hand on floured surface; dough will be sticky.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough out about 3/8 inch thick. Cut out bone shapes; place on prepared baking sheet. Bake 10 minutes, rotate baking sheet, and baste with remaining 3 tablespoons chicken stock. Bake 10 minutes longer. Turn off oven, leaving oven door closed. Leave pan in oven for 1 1/2 hours longer.

Bow-Wowser Dog Treats
Yield: Makes about 30 3" x 1/2" dog treats
Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup rolled oats
3/4 cup cornmeal
1 tablespoon sugar
3 tablespoons bouillon (chicken, vegetable or beef)
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon brewers yeast
1 tablespoon dried parsley (or use fresh, finely chopped)
1 cup of boiling water
1/3 cup of butter
1/2 cup of milk
1 egg
Directions:
Preheat Oven Bake at 350°F (190°C)
Line cookie sheets with parchment*

Cluck-A-Doodle-Doggie Treats
Ingredients:
2 cups Flour
1 cup cornmeal
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/2 cup chicken broth
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 teaspoons fresh, chopped parsley
1 cup cooked chicken livers, chopped
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees
Combine flour and cornmeal in a bowl. In a large bowl add the egg, oil and broth and mix. Add the flour mixture about 1/3 at a time and mix well between additions. Add chopped chicken livers until well incorporated into a stiff dough. Turn out dough onto a lightly floured work surface and kneed for about 1 minute. Roll out to a thickness of about 1/2". Cut into shapes using a cookie cutter dipped in flour. Place on greased cookie sheets. Bake treats for about 15 minutes or until firm.

Parmesan Snaps Dog Treats
This is a good recipe to use up left over bits of Parmesan cheese. If you are going to buy some just for the recipe just purchase the least expensive domestic cheese.
Ingredients:
1 cup rolled oats (such as Quaker)
1/3 cup margarine
1 cup Boiling water
3/4 cup cornmeal
2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley
2 teaspoons chicken or beef flavored instant bouillon
1/2 cup milk
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1 egg, beaten
2 - 3 cups whole wheat flour.
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees.
Grease cookie sheets.
In large bowl, combine rolled oats, margarine and boiling water; let stand 10 minutes. Stir in cornmeal, parsley, bouillon, milk, cheese and egg; mix well. Lightly spoon flour into measuring cup; level off. Add flour 1 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition to form a stiff dough.
On floured surface, knead in remaining flour until dough is smooth and no longer sticky, 3 to 4 minutes. Roll or pat out dough to 1/2 inch thickness, cut with bone shaped cookie cutter. Place 1 inch apart on greased cookie sheets. Bake at 325 degrees for 35 to 45 minutes on until golden brown. Cool completely. Store loosely covered. Makes 3 1/2 dozen large dog biscuits or 8 dozen small dog biscuits.

Whole Wheat Flax Dog Treats
Yield: Makes about 36 3" x 1/2" dog treats
Ingredients:
2 7/8 cups whole wheat flour
2 1/2 cups bread flour
1/2 cup wheat germ
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons brown sugar
4 tablespoons flax seed
3 eggs
1cup vegetable oil
3/4 cup powdered nonfat dry milk
1cup water
Directions:
Preheat Oven Bake at 375°F (190°C)
Line cookie sheets with parchment*
Combine wheat flour, bread flour, wheat germ, salt, and brown sugar, and flax seed in mixing bowl. Stir in eggs and vegetable oil.
Dissolve dry milk in water then incorporate the mixture.
Mix to form a very firm dough that is smooth and workable. Adjust by adding a little extra flour or water as required.
Cover the dough and set aside to relax for 15-20 minutes.
Roll the dough out to 1/2″ thick. Cut out biscuits using a bone-shaped cutter 3″x 1.5″ Place the biscuits on cookie sheets lined with parchment (*or you can bake on greased cookie sheets).
Bake the treats for approximately 40 minutes or until brown and hard. Let treats cool, then store in a tightly-sealed container.

Now because of what my dear friend, Silke posted on her great blog Metamorphosis last week and told everyone of a another wonderful blog down to earth I now have another fantastic recipe for my lil sweeties and they sooo much appreciate and loveeee yous for it! So if you would like another recipe, please go to links posted.

Here's a couple of good tips:
Storing Dog Treats:
In general you should store dog treats the same way you would homemade people cookies. That being said, there are two main variables that determine storage time the amount and type of fat in the recipe and your local weather conditions. If your recipe uses fats such as butter, or meat bits or juices then it will be more prone to rancidity than a recipe that uses some vegetable oil or shortening. Your treats may mold or spoil much faster in humid or very hot climates.

Refrigeration and Freezing:
Refrigeration will prolong the life of more fragile dog treats. Make sure to store in a tightly sealed container or zip lock bag. You can also freeze most treats in zip lock freezer bags. Allow to thaw completely before use.

Now I can't forget about our lil kitties, so here's a couple of Cat Treats for your purrrrfect lil ones.

Cat Cookies
1 cup wheat flour
1/4 cup soy flour
1/4 cup Lactaid milk or Acidophiles milk
1/3 cup powered milk
1 egg
2 tbsp. Wheat germ
2 tbsp. Molasses
1 tsp. organic catnip
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all ingredients together. Lightly flour a rolling pin. Roll out the batter on a greased cookie sheet. Cut into half inch pieces. Bake for 20 to 22 minute. Allow to cool before serving. Store leftovers in a airtight container in a cool place.

Tempting Tuna Treats
Makes 55 to 65 marble-sized treats
Ingredients:
1 3-ounce can albacore tuna in water or oil, undrained
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup nonfat dry milk
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 large egg
1/4 cup water
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
In a large bowl, use a fork to shred the tuna into small pieces.
Add the remaining ingredients, mixing well. The dough will be sticky.
Flour or oil your hands so you can handle the dough and form the dough into small, marble-sized balls.
Place the balls on a greased cookie sheet, and use your fingers to gently flatten them.
Bake for about 10 minutes or until the bottoms of the treats are golden brown.
Flip the treats and bake for another five to 10 minutes or until both sides of the treats are golden brown.
Remove from the oven, let cool thoroughly, and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

You can watch a video about this recipe here.

Here's something that I do hope that none of us will ever have to use on our precious "Furry Ones" but just in case we do...

Bathing Solution Bath (for a Skunk Sprayed Furry One)
1 Quart 3% Hydrogen Peroxide
1/4 Cup Baking Soda
1/4 Teaspoon Liquid Detergent
Follow with tap water rinse (lots of water), repeat if necessary.
Use Caution!!!
Be careful around the dog's eyes as this is a potent formula. Don't use a higher than 3 percent hydrogen peroxide solution as it may burn. Mix it fresh, use it and discard it. If you store this mixture in a closed container it will explode. The hydrogen peroxide may bleach the coat (think bleached blond) so be careful on those black dogs. The less time the solution stays on the less likely for bleaching. But ultimately the choice is yours -- a bleached beauty or a wrinkled nose.

I do hope that all your "Furry Ones" loveeee these Recipes! Till next time then we bid you a Woof woof and Meoooooowwww from all of us "Furry Ones" here at Bobbi's, The Bead Goes On...
Hugs and dogs and kitty kat kisses...

94 degrees and very hot!

2009-08-09T15:17:00.000-07:00

It's a very "HOT" summers day today here in Ohio and I thought that I would just go in my backyard and take some new pictures of a few of the beautiful flowers for you. We're very fortunate here in Ohio as not to have so many of these "Hot, hot humid days" like today! I'd say that pretty much for maybe a week or so every summer it gets this "HOT" outside and then we'll be back down to the 80's to mid 70's again and 50's to 60's through the night. (Which I can't wait for, I'm not a summer person, I'd much rather see snow! lol)
I'm starting today with my gorgeous Clematis. I love them soooo! The dark purple color is so magical and romantic and and very inviting. To me the color is one of royalty and wealth. It's my favorite color!

With Fall being right around the corner, these beautiful flowers will be gone very soon and then not back again until next year. But I really do enjoy them while they're here! (This is me thinking of something much cooler then today...Fall, the Autumn leaves...ahhh Maybe if yous think central air conditioning which I do not have or just cooler temps it'll be better! lol)

Now, I'm off to the other side of my yard and here I have my Rose of Sharon. I actually have quite a few of these in my yard and they're always so pretty every year! Although some people think of Rose of Sharon as a "tree" (because it gets tall and can be pruned so as to have a single trunk), Rose of Sharon is classified as a "flowering shrub". The fact that it blooms relatively late -- and for a long time -- makes a Rose of Sharon shrub a valuable plant for those looking to distribute their yard's color display throughout the growing season. Now I have to confess, I don't prune mine but they're still gorgeous and bloom regular.

Now, onto some different flowers through my yard...
Even more still!

Oh look, there's a bee, hmm, let me try to get a picture of him...gosh, I hope I don't get stung!

Whoops...there he goes, yep and there he is hiding under that flower head...
Well, I hope that you enjoyed these pictures of some of the flowers I have in my backyard. I also hope that you have a wonderful rest of your Sunday and a fantastic new week! Hugs...Bobbi

Natural Facial and Body Care Treatments...

2009-08-07T12:10:00.000-07:00

My good friend Cindy had made some very nice facial and body natural goodies up for her, myself and some of our good friends. Today I'd like to share them with you. I have to confess though, I haven't tried all of these myself but she highly recommends any of these.
Most of the ingredients can be found right at home in your own cupboard and will bring you relaxing tranquility, at least for a short while.
Ingredients that are not normal household ingredients, such as the essential oils and carrier oils (some you probably cook with) are not expensive and will last quite a while if stored properly in a cool, dry area away from light.
Several Recipes call for Oatmeal Powder, to make this, just put a cup of oatmeal into a blender and blend this until it is a very fine powder. Store in a dry jar with a tight fitting lid for future use.
Avocado spoils over night and must be used the same day, but for the rest, as with any other perishable food product, if you have more than one treatment mixed up, store the remainder in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or share with a friend!
Enjoy...

Hawaiian Delight
Makes 2 treatments
Ingredients:
1 green tea bag
1 cup boiling water
1/2 ripe papaya
1/2 cup fresh pineapple, diced
2 tablespoons honey
Directions:
Steep green tea in boiling water. Set aside to cool. Peel papaya wedge and remove seeds. In blender or food processor, blend papaya and pineapple until pureed. Pour into glass bowl and combine honey and green tea. Mix well. Apply to face with fan brush or finger tips. Recline and rest for 10 - 15 minutes. Remove completely with tepid water and soft facial cloth. Store in covered container in refrigerator for up to one week.
Beauty Benefits: Exfoliates, hydrates and rejuvenates.

Apple and Honey Masks
Use this facial for acne prone oily skin.
Ingredients:
1 medium size apple; grated
5 tablespoons of honey; warmed
Instructions:
Stir ingredients together. Apply to freshly cleaned face and leave on for 10 minutes. Wash off with warm water and pat dry.

Apple Mask
This is a rejuvenating mask, it exfoliates and moisturizes.
Ingredients:
1/4 of an apple
1/2 tsp Half and half
1 Tsp honey
1 T oatmeal powder
Instructions:
Mash with a fork in a small bowl, or use very small food processor and mix it together well. Then apply it to your face. Leave on for 10 minutes and then rinse off.

Avocado Mask
This is one of those masks that leave your skin very soft to touch and the ingredients could not be more simple.
1/2 Avocado
Instructions:
Mash avocado and apply evenly to your face. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse off with cool water or soft wash cloth.

Banana Avocado Mask
This mixture with exfoliate and nourish your skin at the same time. Great for combination skin.
Ingredients:
1/2 banana
1/2 avocado
2 Tbsp full-fat yogurt
1 tsp olive oil
Instructions:
Puree all ingredients in a blender. Apply to freshly cleaned face and leave on for 15 minutes. Wash off with warm water and pat dry.

Banana Bash Mask
This facial mask tastes as good as it works. Use half and eat the other half of this recipe.
Ingredients:
1/2 banana
2 tablespoons yogurt
1 tablespoon honey
Instructions:
Mash the banana with a fork then mix in honey and yogurt. Apply to your face evenly. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse off with cool water or soft wash cloth.
Banana Oat Mask
Bananas have fruit acids that help slough off dead skin, this facial energizes the complexion and makes your face feel great!
Ingredients:
1 medium to large very ripe Banana; peeled
1/3 cup oatmeal powder(depends on the size of the banana, you may need just a bit more)
Instructions:
Mash the oatmeal into the ripe banana a little at a time. Continue until all of the oatmeal is moistened. Apply to your face evenly, leaving it on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse off with warm water or soft wash cloth.

Banana E mask
The vitamin e in this homemade mask will help heal the skin.
Ingredients:
1 medium to large very ripe Banana; peeled
4 Vitamin E gel caps (you may use the oral gel caps too)
Instructions:
Vitamin E can help heal the skin while the banana will energize the face. Mash the banana and squeeze the liquid out of the gel caps. Mix well with the banana. Avoiding the eye area, apply the mask and leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.

Brown Sugar Mask Scrub
Brown sugar will exfoliate your skin as the milk moisturizes it.
Ingredients:
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 - 2 tbsp milk, anything but skim (skim has no fats to moisturize your skin)
Instructions:
Mix the two ingredients well. Apply to freshly cleaned face and massage gently for a full minute - leave on for 15 minutes. Wash off with warm water and pat dry.

Carrots and Honey Mask
Use this facial mask on normal to oily skin.
Ingredients:
2-3 large carrots; cooked and mashed
4 1/2 tablespoons honey
Instructions:
Stir ingredients together. Apply to freshly cleaned face - do not massage in - and leave on for 10 minutes. Wash off with warm water and pat dry.

Classic Milk Mask
This mask is excellent for dry skin.
Ingredients:
1 tsp powdered milk
1 tbsp runny honey
1 tsp aloe vera gel
2 drops essential oil
1 tbsp pulverized almonds
Instructions:
Mix the ingredients well. Apply to freshly cleaned face and leave on for 15 minutes. Wash off with warm water and pat dry.

Just Peachy Mask
1 soft medium peach; fork mashed
1 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon oatmeal powder
Instructions:
Mix ingredients together. Apply to freshly cleaned face and leave on for 10 minutes. Wash off with warm water and pat dry.

Refreshing Cucumber Mask
Need to make your face feel good after a long day at work, try this facial recipe.
Ingredients:
1 Tbsp full-fat yogurt
1 Tbsp cucumber; chopped
1 Tbsp fresh parsley; chopped
Instructions:
Puree all ingredients in a blender. Apply to freshly cleaned face and leave on for 15 minutes. Wash off with warm water and pat dry.

Rosewood Exfoliating Mask
This mask is excellent for exfoliating dead skin.
Ingredients:
2 tbsp sugar
3 tbsp warm water
2 drops essential oil - rosewood
Instructions:
Stir sugar in warm water until dissolved. Add rosewood essential oil. Apply to freshly cleaned face and massage gently for 5 minutes. Wash off with warm water and pat dry.

Soothing Mask
Use this on irritated skin, like a sunburned face or shoulders.
Ingredients:
1 part plain yogurt, chilled
1/2 part old fashioned oatmeal; cooked and cooled
(optional)2 drops essential oil - jasmine
Instructions:
Stir ingredients together. Add jasmine essential oil. Apply to area and leave on for 10 minutes. Wash off with warm water and pat dry.

Soothing Strawberry Mask
Use this on normal or combination skin.
Ingredients:
1/4 cup plain yogurt; chilled
3-4 strawberries; mashed
Instructions:
Stir ingredients together. Apply to freshly cleaned face and gently massage strawberry mixture to exfoliate. Wash off with warm water and pat dry.

Strawberries & Cream Mask
A great weekly facial mask.
Ingredients:
4-5 very ripe med-size strawberries
2 tsp. heavy cream
1 tsp. honey
Instructions:
Puree strawberries, cream and honey together in a blender. Apply to your face evenly. Leave it on for 10 minutes. Rinse off with cool water or soft wash cloth.

Strawberry Lemon Mask
This mask is excellent for oily skin.
Ingredients:
1 tsp lemon juice
2 egg whites
3 tsp honey
1 cup strawberries
Instructions:
Blend with a blender ingredients well. Apply to freshly cleaned face and leave on for 10 minutes. Wash off with warm water and pat dry.

Yogurt Walnut Scrub
The nuts exfoliate old dry skin while the yogurt sooths.
Ingredients:
1/4 cup plain yogurt; chilled
1/4 cup walnuts; ground or pulverized
Instructions:
Stir ingredients together. Apply to freshly cleaned face and gently massage to exfoliate. Wash off with warm water and pat dry.

Cornmeal Facial Scrub
If you really need a facial scrub, this one works wonders.
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon cornmeal
water
Instructions:
Mix cornmeal with enough water to make a paste. Apply to skin in a circular motion. Allow to dry and rinse off with cool water.

Cucumber Yogurt Mask
Cucumber always revives, and it does in this recipe too.
Ingredients:
1/2 cucumber
1 tablespoon yogurt
Instructions:
Puree cucumber and yogurt in a blender, apply to your face evenly. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse off with cool water or soft wash cloth.

Firming Peach Mask
This is a firming facial mask that will tighten your skin and give it a glow.
Ingredients:
1 ripe peach
1 egg white
1 tsp full-fat yogurt
Instructions:
Puree all ingredients in a blender. Apply to freshly cleaned face and leave on for 15 minutes. Wash off with warm water and pat dry.

Grapefruit Mask
This facial mask is great for oily skin.
Ingredients:
1 teaspoon grapefruit juice
1 teaspoon sour cream
1 egg white
Instructions:
This is for an oily to normal skin type. Beat egg white until it is fluffy, add sour cream and grapefruit juice and blend well. Apply to face for 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

Lemon Tomato Mask
Use this on oily skin. The acid in the tomato and lemon work on acne and blackheads.
Ingredients:
1 over-ripe tomato; inside scooped and mashed
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp oatmeal powder
Instructions:
Puree all ingredients in a blender. Apply to freshly cleaned face and leave on for 15 minutes. Wash off with warm water and pat dry.

Papaya Mask
A wonderful and easy to make mask, you will need 1 papaya.
Instructions:
Peel and remove seeds. Chop into pieces and drop into food processor. Puree until papaya is the consistency of baby food. Use 1/2 a tablespoon for each facial. Keep leftovers in a baggie in the frig. Research shows that it is one of the best non-abrasive masks that you can use. It contains a strong enzyme called pa pain which dissolves oil and dead skin cells.

Orange Yogurt Mask
This facial cleans pores and nourishes.
Ingredients:
1 tsp plain yogurt
juice of 1/4 of an orange
Instructions:
Stir to mix and then dip fingers into mixture and smooth onto face. The sensation is both cool and relaxing. Leave on for a five minutes and then rinse. If you are feeling sluggish, this is the perfect mask for you. The yogurt will cleanse and nourish. The orange is full of Vitamin C and AH A's.

Nourishing Mask
Does your face need a nourishment break? Try this mask. Ingredients:
1 egg
1 tsp almond oil
1 T half and half
Instructions:
Combine the ingredients and apply to your face. Leave on for about 15 minutes. Remove with cool water.

Cocoa powder, which is what chocolate is made of, is a wonderful and powerful antioxidant. It protects and frees the skin from free radicals, that cause significant damage to skin layers. It is a mistake to think that chocolate causes acne. Although chocolate has been blamed as one of the causes of acne , this has not been scientifically proven as of yet. Actually, dermatologists say that what causes acne in people who consume chocolate is milk that is added to it, not the chocolate itself.

Chocolate Bubble Bath
1 cup of unscented bubble bath
1/2 cup of dried milk powder or unsweetened soy milk
1/2 cup of Baking Soda (The addition of Baking Soda/Bicarbonate of Soda to your bath water neutralizes the "hard" calcium water)
3 oz. of unsweetened chocolate, grated
Heat the soy milk (or powdered milk mixed in half of a cup of very hot water), do NOT boil and add in the powdered chocolate. Stir well until melted and blended. Allow to cool. Mix well again just before adding to your bath.

Chocolate Face Mask #1
This cocoa recipe has many variations. You could call it cocoa powder facial mask recipe as you really need cocoa, not chocolate to prepare it. But you must agree, for the sake of skin care, chocolate mask sounds so much more appealing.
Ingredients:
1/3 cup cocoa
1/4 cup of honey
2 tablespoons of heavy cream (sour cream will work as well)
1 tablespoon of oatmeal powder
Preparation:
This cocoa recipe has many variations. It might as well be called cocoa powder facial mask recipe as you really need cocoa, not chocolate to prepare it. But, for the sake of skin care, chocolate mask sounds much more appealing.
Mix all the ingredient until the mask is consistent. Apply on the face, gently massaging it so that oatmeal can start exfoliating the dead skin cell layer. Leave it on for about 20 minutes and rinse off with luke warm water.

Chocolate face mask #2
Ingredients:
1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tablespoon of honey
4 tablespoon of plain, natural yogurt
1 tablespoon of oatmeal powder
Instruction:
Mix all the ingredients together and apply onto face. Let the mask sit on your face for 15-20 minutes. Rinse off the mask in circular movement so that you it can exfoliate your skin as well.

Chocolate Face Mask #3
Ingredients:
1 Tbsp cocoa powder
1 Tbsp heavy cream
1 tsp cottage cheese
4 tsp honey
1 tsp oatmeal
Instructions:
Puree all ingredients in a blender. Apply to freshly cleaned face and leave on for 10 minutes. Wash off with warm water and pat dry.

Chocolate Honey Scrub
(Makes 2 treatments)
Ingredients:
2 cups honey
1/2 cup grape seed oil
6 tablespoons unsweetened chocolate, grated
2 cups kosher salt
Directions:
In non-breakable mixing bowl, combine honey and grape seed oil. Stir in chocolate and salt mixing completely. Consistency should be grainy and thick. Apply scrub to skin and gently massage all over the body. Remove with warm damp towels or rinse in shower.
Beauty Benefits: Increases circulation and helps rid body of toxins. Honey provides a moisturizing effect as well as fights damaging free radicals.

Life and Death...The Renee Bracelet Giveaway...

2009-08-05T10:30:00.000-07:00

My dear, sweet and loving friend, Marie Segal is having her 3rd Giveaway at her fantastic blog, Art from my Heart This Giveaway is in honor of a wonderful and loving person, Renee. Some of you may already know Renee and her touching story, but if you don't please, take the time to go to her blog, Circling My Head
Marie's rules are simple for this 3rd Giveaway, here they are:

1. You will have to take the time to go and visit Renee's blog http://circlingmyhead.blogspot.com/ and read at least two of the entries. If so inclined proceed to show her the love.

2. You will have to offer up a prayer, a good intention, a loving or healing thought for Renee and her family.
Renee has Inflammatory Breast Cancer. Also, Renee's mother, sister and nephew is also in need of our prayers and uplifting healing thoughts and love for severe health problems.
I know that Marie and myself do believe in magic and that the power of two and more are stronger, and miracles from our Lord. So please, help us pray and send all our healing and loving thoughts to Renee and her family, maybe together we all can make a difference!
If you want to read more why my dear friend, Marie Segal is having Giveaways, please go here.
Let's all together try to make a difference!

White River Rafting...

2009-08-04T18:36:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share these 3 pictures with yous today. Two of my four sons, one of my daughter-n-laws and my sons girlfriend all went White River Rafting. I have to give them all the credit in the world though, it's something that I would never do, not in this lifetime nor another one! My daughter-n-law, Donna is the lady right in front of the man with the red helmet on in the back. Her husband, my second oldest son, Michael is 2 men in front of her. The guy in the picture that you can see his tattoo, that's my Mike. Now, on the other side of the raft in the back the last woman in the back is Sabrina my third oldest sons girlfriend. Then right in front of her is my Daniel. He looks like he's part off of the raft and has his mouth opened. Well, there's a very good reason that my Danny has his mouth opened and looks likes he's part off of the raft, he's sees what's about to happen to him. Yep, you guessed it, off the raft he goes. There he is swimming, lucky for him he's a good swimmer. lolAnyways, all the kids had a total blast and they even want to go back in October to! I say God Bless them! But if you might have the urge to go White River Rafting the kids all recommend River Expeditions

Awards...

2009-08-03T18:18:00.000-07:00

Wow...2 more Awards this week, how Awesome! I have to thank my sweet friend, Silke for her kindness! If you would like to stop by her fantastic blog Metamorphorsis you will see her wonderful work, she's a very talented Artist!
I want to pass along both of these Awards onto all of my friends blogs that I follow because I love you all and your blogs all make me smile! So please, help yourself to these 2 awards and proudly display them on your blog...you deserve them! Hugs everyone...Bobbi

I got an Award...

2009-08-01T19:07:00.000-07:00

I've received another Award today and I'm so honored, very happy and so surprised! My wonderful new friend, Silver passed this awesome Award on to me. I want to thank you so much Silver for giving me this wonderful Award! If you would please stop in at Silver's great blog Reflections
It was so wonderful to come back from two surgeries this week only to find the most touching and sweet posts on my blog and this award awaiting me. Thank you all so much! Thank you so much again Silver, I'm very honored! It's:

The Stroke of the Brush Award, which recognizes and celebrates the willingness to take risks, speak honestly, act with integrity, and in the process create and share colors and/or words that stroke our curiosity and brush aside our differences.

I also want to pass this award to some of my fellow bloggers and friends that have inspired me with their work, their hearts, their love and their friendship. I only wish that I would be able to pass this along to many more, some that already have this Award and others that do not accept Awards and are Award free on their blogs. So many of you now since I have been blogging have inspired me, touched my heart and I've learned many things for everyone. But just to let you know that I thank each and everyone of you for your precious thoughts, pictures and inner selves that you all share on your blogs! I love you all for that! Thank you!

Marie Segal, a wonderful and very dear, friend that I love and really wouldn't know what to do without, she is so sweet and very special to me! At: Art from my Heart

Lynda Dunham-Watkins, a new friend that I hold dear to me, at: Swoopin' Along

Cindy, someone that's very sweet, at: Applestone Cottage

Shelly, a great a wonderful lady, at: Blue Ridge Lady

Arija, a new friend, at: Garden Delights

Sandi, a wonderful lady, at: Small Town Living At It's Best

Nancy, a wonderful designer, at: The Rabbit Muse

Kelly, a very sweet person, at: Rose Vine Cottage Two

I wanted to thank everyone so much for all your kind words, prayers, healing thoughts and love that yous have sent to me and done for me! Yous have touched my heart in ways that I could never begin to describe but I want you all to know that I hold each and everyone of yous very close to my heart and all of yous in my prayers...I love yous and thank you, it means so much to me!
Hugs...Bobbi

Putting up our Cross...

2009-07-27T20:00:00.000-07:00

I have a lot of things right now on my mind, but I wanted to share these wonderful pictures of when we put up our Cross at my Church. It was the 15th of April 2006 and I remember it as if it were yesterday. Our Church keeps growing and we at one point had rented a High School's auditorium to have worship in. Then we saved enough money to be able to purchase a piece of wonderful property of 30 plus acres. Then we built our new Church. Well in the back of the Church their are beautiful woods filled with ponds, creeks and trees galore. So we went and cut down a huge tree and with a tractor we pulled it, we tied it, then we shaved some of the bark off of it and packed it up this giant hill and put it up. I'll never forget that day, to me, well it was just breath taking and I was very moved and touched by everyone that had come and done what we all did that beautiful day! So, I hope that you enjoy these pictures. Here goes, you might want to grab yourself a cup of coffee or tea because they're lots of pictures for you to see...

As you see at this point we were having some problems getting the Cross lifted to the height it needed to be.

But we heaved and we pulled and did a lot of praying and sure enough, we got it!

It was an amazing day and a awesome site to see and the very best feeling that our Cross was put up on the hillside!

There was a silence for a moment or two, then we cheered and we cried and we hugged another and just sighed, as our Cross was standing tall.

I hope that you enjoyed these pictures as much as I loved taking them and being there that awesome and wonderful day and now being able to share them with you today!
I did want to tell you that I'm having surgery tomorrow on my kidneys, left one to be exact again. If you didn't know, I have very bad kidneys and have been sick all of my life with them. So, for the last few days my mind has been wandering and today I think I've said aloud "Bobbi, let it go" at least now 100 times or better, which actually is helping! I've had so many surgeries in my lifetime that you would think I'd be a pro at this already, but the truth is, I'm afraid. So, with that being said...I probably won't be back on my computer for the next couple of days. I hope that yous have a wonderful week!
Giant hugs and love...

Steak and Motor Show...

2009-07-26T20:08:00.001-07:00

My Church had our Steak and Motor Show again and I wanted to share these pictures with all of you. I had a total blast that day! We had our band, great food and it was a lovely day outside and just alot of fun! I'm a big fan of older cars and love the car shows! I'm also a Nascar Fan to! So it's always nice when my Church has it's own car show. I have lots of pictures for you today, so sit back and enjoy the show...

Happy Monday everyone, enjoy your day! Hugs...

Antique Dolls...

2009-07-25T20:52:00.001-07:00

I have 2 porcelain/bisque antique dolls that my grandmother gave to me when I was a small child to play with. I always loved these 2 dolls and took good care of them. Their clothes though are a lil dirty, but the dolls themselves are in excellent condition. About 15 to 20 years ago I had entered them in a Fair which I won a ribbon for. I was so excited to win that ribbon! I know that they're at least 50 years old or maybe even older then that.
The lil girl sorta reminds me of a Shirley Temple kind. She's so adorable and precious! I love her lil curl that she has in her hair!
Her rosy cheeks and beautiful smile always makes me smile to! She seems to be about 2 to 3 years of age and just so sweet!
Then, the baby...and how precious and sweet he is to! He has the rosiest cheeks and a very handsome lil one he is!
I've been looking and trying to find out information about these 2 dolls. If you recognize them, please let me know. Or, if you know of where I should begin to look and do research on these 2 gorgeous dolls I would appreciate any information at all. Thanks so much and I hope that you enjoyed my 2 porcelain/bisque antique dolls!

Jet Skiing...

2009-07-24T14:00:00.001-07:00

My second oldest son, Michael has a Jet Sky and 2 weeks ago Mike and myself went Jet Skiing! We had a blast! This is his Jet Sky and this is where we drove it to, about 45 minutes or so on Lake Erie all the way to downtown Cleveland! In the picture you see part of downtown Cleveland! The round building is the Cleveland Browns Stadium. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is on the side. In fact, if you want to find out more about the Rock and Roll Hall of fame here's a Link for you.
So...my son, Mike and myself stopped and took some pictures with our trusty cell phones and then we turned to head back for the evening.
Oh, this is my son, Michael and myself 2 weeks ago Jet Skiing.

Then, before I knew it Mike had stopped the Jet Sky and told me to drive. hmm I thought to myself, how do I get out of this. You can believe that I thought of every excuse possible not to drive, but he really wanted for me to drive, so I did. Just between me and you though...I was sacred to death with me driving. lol The waves were hitting us and I wasn't sure what to do and really I didn't want to wreck his Jet Sky. But he told me that it would be alright and to follow the sun back. So...that's what I did! How wonderful and beautiful it was!
I have to say that I'm very glad that I did drive back, normally I can't do things like this because of my kidneys and lots of surgeries. So, this coming Tuesday when I'm back in the hospital having yet another surgery I can think of my son and myself and when we went Jet Skiing!

My Garden updates...

2009-07-23T19:22:00.001-07:00

I'm very happy to say that my garden is doing splendid! I have many, many tomatoes growing which makes me smile! Yummy...I can't wait!

Then I've already been eating my lettuce and it's great! I believe that I'm going to plant some more, there's still plenty of time for it to grow!
I have also have a tiny lil baby green pepper and on the rest of my green pepper plants I can see they also have babies growing to! I love my green peppers. Of course, I really enjoy almost every kind of vegetable.

Look at my lil baby zucchini, how cute is that! Poor lil thing though, just as soon as it grows it's mine for the eating! lol I hope it yields some nice ones this year seeing that I only planted one zucchini plant. I really like to put zucchini in a lot of my dishes and besides, I want to make my zucchini bread...it's out of this world and you will love it!
So...To all my fellow gardeners, I'm leaving you with happy thoughts of a healthy and growing garden! Until next time...

Clematis anyone???

2009-07-22T18:01:00.000-07:00

The deep and majestic color of this flower is so rich and and exciting. It's warmth attracts me to it. The Clematis and it's deep beauty. Every June without fail my Clematis comes to bloom. They pull towards the sun and it seems to deepen their color and shade of purple. What a gorgeous and exquisite flower this is!

I didn't plant these myself, but, I did plant some bulbs of Clematis earlier this year in a better section of my yard, so I can't wait to see those beauties next year! They say that they're the Queen of Climbers!
If you haven't guessed it by now my favorite color is purple and boy I sure have many shades of purple through my yard! In fact that's the color of my bedroom to! lol
I hope that yous enjoy these pictures today, I know that I sure enjoyed sharing them with you!

Which Stitch are you???

2009-07-22T09:18:00.000-07:00

That's right...what Stitch are you??? Beading Daily has the answer for you. Maybe you're a Right-Angle Weave, or maybe a Brick Stitch, or a Herringbone Stitch or even a Square Stitch or what about a Peyote Stitch.
Lets be honest and see what stitch we are. So...are you a:
Right-Angle Weave
You are a very cerebral person, but have more than one flowing garment in your closet. Maps are laughable to you, as you always know your way. Unfortunately, people think you’re babbling when you try to explain things to them.
Or you may be a:
Brick Stitch
Reliable and strong on the outside, you are fairly complicated on the inside. You happily let your guard down around friends, who can always entice you onto the dance floor to show off your righteous moves.
Or maybe you may be a:

Herringbone Stitch
Life for you is a series of ups and downs that eventually lead to a harmonious and ordered whole. You rely on a little help from your friends for grounding and support and you probably know a thing or two about walking a tightrope.
Or even a:
Square Stitch
You like things to be finalized and fairly buttoned up. You color inside the lines and probably have a big collection of Delicas. People like to be around you because you have wads of money hidden under your mattress.

How about a:
Peyote Stitch
You come across as put-together and easygoing, but the truth is you’re fairly lazy, often tread on thin ice, and like to play the horses. You don’t like to be confined to one way of doing things and would rather experiment, sometimes at the cost of showing off your inner workings.
So...which Stitch are you??? I have to say that I do color in all the lines and have a pretty good size collection of Delica's, but have no money stashed under my mattress! I can only wish! Then again I'm fairly easy going, but don't ever play the horses, gosh, I don't even ride horses. lol I'd have to say that I'm reliable and strong on the outside. Plus my life has had a series of ups and downs, and maps are laughable to me, I don't understand them. lol But I do where I'm going. Hmm, maybe I'm Freeform. lol So...which Stitch are you???
To see the entire article please stop in at Beading Daily today!