Katy Prairie Jewelry

~~my new jewelry line~~

i think i'm likin' it!

movement

.........has always been easy for me....until about 2 years ago. i started experiencing pain in my left knee. i went to see an orthopedic surgeon. she said i had sciatica. i did stretching exercises~but not regularly. then, i started experiencing lower back pain. me? no, not me. the athletic minded, over-zealous, aerobics nut, can do-it-all one! yes, it hit, and it hurt. i went to my pcp, then went for numerous physical therapy sessions. it helped when i went, but i was not faithful with doing the exercises at home.

so, that brings me to the big 50~approaching fast~not to mention those extra pounds!

i had met a special person at one of my sales last October. she bought several pieces at the sale, and kept in contact, because she liked my jewelry. her name is Angela, and she teaches yoga at Yoga West in Katy. she told me that yoga, (and I did hear you Angela), would help my back. but I had tried yoga before, many years ago, and didn't think it was right for me~my back hurt~i couldn't possibly do a forward bend!

then, several months ago she invited me to the studio for the summer soltice celebration~to sell my jewelry~and~ participate in the classes that day, if i so wished.

i am so glad i wished, as after that one day, yoga has been a turning point in my physical and mental being. i have enjoyed it so much, feeling a freedom and joy in my body, that i have not felt for some time. yoga is for everyone. so much can be learned from this ancient practice, and i am in for the long haul. one of the other teachers at the studio, janaki, had suggested to the class, a couple of books that she enjoyed. i have bought one by one, reading them, digesting them, learning.

i am a born-again Christian, and nothing will take the place of that fact~pure and simple. the beauty of yoga, is, that is my choice, and there is no judgement in that choice, by the teachers, the studio or my fellow classmates.

so i say to you today......find your movement....perhaps you should find yoga!

ps.....this cookbook, Ayurvedic Cooking for Westerners, is like no other you have or will have; as it explains alot about finding the types of food that is right for you to eat-plus it has great recipes!

Signs, Shoes and A Margarita Machine?

~it saved my CASH sign~

~camp sign~

~one shoe left behind~

~ and a ~

~For Sale Sign~

~ONLY IN TEXAS~

Rapids Both Big and Small

The Guadalupe River was definately running rapid, and this is how it looked on Saturday, after the 9 inches of rain on Friday~lots of runoff from upstream. The only way some people were able to ride the river, was by guided raft trips. However, a little later in the day, the tubbers started showing up! The water was running so fast, there was never a need to pick up your tube, and walk~Nice~

But meanwhile, back at Camp Huaco Springs, the little ones were having a great time floating on the man-made rapids, which is fed by a natural spring. Two ways to float down to a great little pool, with swimming at the end~and the children were loving it!

I must say, I almost got a tube and jumped in myself!

Dutch Oven Grands

~Dutch Oven Grands~

My husband has been once again been working on perfecting his dutch oven cooking, and this past week, on the banks of the Guadalupe River, during our annual rv trip to New Braunfels; he once again proved ~ he knows his stuff!

He used his chimney to "prep" the coals, to ensure he had the desired heat needed. (This is like preheating your oven at home). He then cracked open the can, lined the biscuits inside the dutch oven, closed the lid~ and then, he methodically lined those "just right coals" on the bottom and top of the dutch oven ~ ensuring he will get the right and even amout of heat needed to bake the biscuits. He lifted the lid only a few times, just to see if the biscuits were baking as he thought~and yes they were~and yes they did! The end result~

a basket full of heavenly grands!

A Quote to Ponder

Each morning I ride the park & ride into downtown Houston. I walk 4 blocks to my office. One of the first things I do when I get into the office is turn the screen onto the Bloomberg. This piece of equipment is packed full of financial data; always changing, living and breathing information ~ tons of information for the financial world.

But it has become more to me than my "go to" for financial quotes, data and calculations; as each morning I have gotten to where I look forward to reading the quote of the day, which pops up on the opening page. Quotes are given from persons as wide spread as actors, writers, Presidents, doctors, lawyers and Indian chiefs.

~~~Today's quote~~~

"Expect nothing. Live frugally on surprise." Alice Walker (writer)

New Slide Show~now will always be at the end of the page!

Rest

The rain, once more, has given me an opportunity to change my plans for today. I find myself running faster than my legs can go. I do not believe this is what I've been called to do; as my journey in life is not about me. And so today, I say to you, as it has been said to me ~

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. Matthew 12:28-29

Happy 1st & 21st

I have been blogging for a year, and to say it seems like it, is well...just not true. I have enjoyed putting my thoughts down for all the world to see. If you have enjoyed reading my blog, please send me a comment, and let me know you are out there! I would love to add you to my link, and me to yours ~ if you'd like! Knowing that someone half way around the world reads my little posts is quite exciting to me.

Allen and I had a great time Saturday celebrating our 21st wedding anniversary.

He bought me

~~~a great gift~~~

and I bought him:

~~a cookbook~~

cook·book
n.
A book containing recipes and other information about the preparation of food.

However, this is not just a cookbook. It is an encyclopedia.

en·cy·clo·pe·di·a
n.
A comprehensive reference work containing articles on a wide range of subjects or on numerous aspects of a particular field, usually arranged alphabetically.

No kidding~it really is! I do not believe I have EVER seen a cookbook like this one! Allen's mother was from Louisiana, so the cajun heritage is definately "in his blood". The Encyclopedia of Cajun & Creole Cuisine by Chef John D. Folse, CEC, AAC, (in its Fifth Printing: December 2006), is a compilation of four years of research, two years of writing and a lifetime of experience cooking and sharing Louisiana's cusine ~ and ~ is 841 pages of history, recipes, and beautiful photographs. We have one other of Chef Folse's cookbooks: Hot Beignets & Warm Boudoirs, which we bought while at T'Frere's, our favorite B&B in Lafayette, Louisiana.(BTW....Maugie and Pat Pastor are two of world's best B&B hosts).

So, next time you are in Barnes & Nobles, check this one out. You WILL be amazed!

Bone & Bars

This bracelet has also been made with the carved bone beads from NYC. I have got to have one for myself, but this one is for sale ($51). If you are interested in buying it, it is on RJ's Jewelry Shop!

The First Friday was fun, but a little soggy. The rain definately kept the crowd down. I did learn alot from Susan McEwen about her beautiful Fused Glass Jewelry-pendants, earrings, bracelets, that she sells at the gallery. You can see her pictures on the DaVinci Artists Gallery link! That is the great fun of First Friday's, as the artists are there to talk to you about their work, pictures, jewelry, pottery, and glass art.

....and these "were" there as well. These are my infamous Caramel Fudge Bars or Brownies....whatever you want to call them, they are chocolately delicious! I have been making them for over 25 years, and they are always a requested favorite!

Caramel Fudge Bars

1 package German Chocolate Cake Mix

3/4 cup margarine, softened

2/3 cup evaporated milk, divided

1 cup chopped nuts, pecans, walnuts or almonds

1 package caramels, (approx. 14 ounces-or less is okay)

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Stir cake mix, softened margarine, 1/3 cup of the evaporated milk, and nuts until well mixed. Spread one half of the mixture into a greased and floured 9x13 inch pan. This is a thin layer. Bake at 350 degrees for 6-8 minutes. At this time, melt caramels with the other 1/3 cup of the evaporated milk. (I do this 1 minute at a time in the microwave, stirring as best I can after each minute). Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the baked mixture, as soon as you take it from the oven. Carefully spread (pour) the caramel mixture over the chips. (I try to avoid the sides, because it can really get tough to take out of the pan when cooled). Drop (like pats of butter) the remaining cake mixture over the top, and return to the oven to bake for an additional 20-25 minutes. Let them completely cool, then cut into approximately 24 large brownies. (I cut mine smaller because they are rich).

Enjoy!

Blooms From Buckets

This lilly blooms only when it rains buckets ............

Need I say more?

Thank you God for the beautiful rain!

Fused Dichroic Glass Pendants

Okay, now I'm in trouble. Thanks to a great teacher, Ann Rush, I am definately hooked. These are the first of many fused glass pendants (and more) to come; and the first of many classes I plan on taking with Ann. All I need now is a kiln....Allen can I change my wish list for my 50th Birthday?

Hand-Formed and Lovin' It

Took me a little time, but I finally got there! I added a small black onyx cube to my first pair of earwires, and I love how they turned out! Simple, I know, but success breeds desire. Tomorrow I am off to a Glass Fusing/PMC Class, and I am SO excited.

Turn out the lights and see it turn

This may remind you of the disco ball that hung high up top the gymnasium at the school dance, but it's not. It is one of my new designs, and it is at the Da Vinci Artists Gallery ready to be snatched up. I actually made two, and one now hangs around my neck, occasionally, and I love it!

I feel like dancin'!

Father's Day 2007

Melanie helped Allen prepare a recipe this past weekend from Allen's newest cookbook - The Texas Cowboy Cookbook: A History in Recipes and Photos by Robb Walsh. It is a great cookbook, and contains alot of great Texas history.

The Maque Choux (Mock Shoe-which is not a french phrase but is supposedly of American Indian origin) that they prepared, from the fresh corn Jeff & Shannon bought at HEB, was DELICIOUS! How could a Father's Day be more perfect for a father, than to have two of his daughter's by his side?

New York Findings

This combination is quite a show stopper, and one I am consistantly exploring these days. Natural is "IN' and that includes two of my favorites - bone & turquoise. Never mind that these carved bone beads came from my recent New York trip. M & J Trimming on 6th Avenue proved to be the largest trimmings store I have ever seen; and beads & findings were just a small part of it. I was on a mission to find carved bone beads that day, and carved bone beads I found. One focal point bead to match the rest was all they had, so I had to make one really groovy necklace with it! I am pleased.

Turquoise~Carved Bone~Wood~Bracelet

One of my newest pieces, made 4 time over....now a signature piece of mine. I love it, wearing mine almost every day....and now 4 other people have one as well. Memory wire makes it so easy to put on and take off!

You talkn' to me?

Quite unexpected and oh so exciting was my chance meeting with Robert De Niro while looking for The Sensuous Bean coffee shop at W.70th and Columbus. This great coffee and tea shop had the best Italian Roast coffee and was nestled in one of the most beautiful parts of the city-the West Side. The morning was just georgeous....cool and crisp. Melanie and I had walked up from 63rd and West Side (our apartment location), and were on a mission to find a great cup of coffee, and this shop was a GREAT suggestion-Thanks Alyssa!

Oh, yes, Mr. De Niro was sitting on the park bench in front of the shop when Melanie and I walked up. However, I was busy taking pictures of the sign, so the distraction caused me not to look at the two gentlemen sitting on the park bench in front of the shop! But he gently spoke to me and I answered back - shook his hand - and then we were inside the shop. So quick a meeting, but a great lasting moment cemented in my mind ~forever~.

(~click on the picture for a closer view-he's in the blue ball cap~)

Forever Changed

New York City

From Central Park to Times Square - the most diverse and energetic city I have ever visited. This experience was once in a life time, and a life time is not enough time to see all this city has to offer. I LOVED it! I want to go back - as soon as possible. What an amazing experience; and one that has changed me forever!

The DaVinci Artists Gallery

I now am an associate artist at The DaVinci Gallery in Tomball, Texas. Please look at the website below to see my bio and a few pictures of some of my jewelry I have for sale as the gallery. I attended the gallery's First Friday function on Friday night, and met some of the other core artists. I had fun talking about their paintings, and just trying to learn the ropes of working the gallery. Alot of customers came and we even had live music!

Our next First Friday is June 1st and will be a fun one! Hope you can come out, as I know you will enjoy the beauty and warmth of a great fine art gallery!

Pics from the New Ulm Art Festival

The weather was just about the BEST! kirsty, melanie and justine enjoyed the festival and having a fun day of it!

It was close to the end of a ........ GREAT sale...thanks to my faithful family. How could I ever do it without YOU! Jeff snapped a pic of me, melanie, shannon and kirsty!
.....and then, there is always that one special moment and the very reason I continue to love going out and doing shows. This little lady picked out one of the t-shirts I had made using a Carla Sonheim *girls* transfer. She loved it so much, she had to put in on right away. This was worth it all!

Turquoise Donuts-Oh So Sweet

A new pair of turquoise earrings I made this week to sell Saturday at the New Ulm Art Festival! This will be the 3rd year that I will be at the festival selling Rosa & Josie's Jewelry. Since I lived all of my childhood in New Ulm, I see so many people I know and fortunately still some of who my parents knew. New Ulm is still small. Many people from Houston have found out how beautiful this small German town truly is. The gentle rolling hills, beautiful bluebonnets in the spring, mighty oak trees and wonderful friendly people, all make for a great place to live or just get away on weekends.

Hope to see you this Saturday in New Ulm....just a short distance from wherever you are!

Check out the website: www.newulm-tx.com

The Ugly Ducking

This beautiful butter dish traveled home with us from East Texas. After Allen cleaned all the dust and smoke off, it turned into this beautiful silver butter dish-reminding me of the ugly duckling story. I have never had any real silver, so I am excited........about a butter dish!

Ready to Burst

The climbing antique rose on the back fence is about to be full and beautiful, filling up a large amount of our "back-side"....and when it does, it will be an awesome sight! I bought it several years ago at the Antique Rose Emporium (www.antiqueroseemporium.com) The trip to the Rose Emporium is quite a treat.

Red Cascade - 1976
The description on their website says, "Imagine our surprise to discover ‘Red Cascade’ was introduced as a weeping miniature, considering we had it growing well up a 14 feet tall cedar post! It can be a very versatile rose. It always attracts attention with its fine-leaved foliage and profuse one inch, blood red blooms. When in bloom, it is simply smothered in color".

I can hardly wait!

Hot Tea, You & Me

One of the best times of the day, any day.... is when I can sit down after dinner and share a hot cup of tea with the one I love. Allen just loves for me to say, "Do you want a cup of hot tea?" Because, then I look into the big glass jar that holds all the bags of loose tea. He waits for me to surprise him with an interesting tea combination.

Going to Sandy's Market, off IH-10 at Dairy Ashford, is quite a treat! Besides all the organic produce to buy and take home, they have a great selection of fresh fruit & veggies at lunch and dinner - buffet style. But the real PLUS is the tea lady, who comes around with her metal tea cart, making any combination of hot tea your little heart desires. It is part of the experience; and this is where it all began. Yes, I have always liked hot tea, but not as much as I do now; and not nearly as much as NOW - having it at home......with the one I love.

Crown of Thorns

Euphorbia Milii (formerly Euphorbia splendens)

Euphorbus - The Greek physician of King Juba II (about 50 BC to 19 AD) of Numidia (present day Algeria). King Juba II was the first person to find a succulent-type Euphorbia, and he named it after his physician.
Milii - named for Baron Milius, once governor of the island of Bourbon, who introduced the species into cultivation in France in 1821.

splendens - The older species name means splendid.

The common names allude to the legend that the crown of thorns worn by Christ at the time of his crucifixion was made from stems of this plant. Interestingly, the stems of this plant are pliable and can be intertwined into a circle. There exists substantial evidence that the species, native to Madagascar, had been brought to the Middle East before the time of Christ.

It is such a beautiful succulent, requiring full sun and little water. I received my first one (I have two) from my co-workers about 6 years ago. It drops all its leaves if it gets too cold, but always greens back out, blooming constantly!

May God Bless All this glorious Easter Holiday!

Scenes from the Festival

German Curly Fries..... Accordian Players....

Umpha..Pa..Pa..Bands...

Beautiful Babies...

.......and happy helpers? Thank you guys for all your hard work and help this past weekend! I could not have done it without you!