Odd Shots on Monday

too much sun?

We have so many of these little critters running around in our yard. This one "bit the dust", so to speak.

If you would like to join us, feel free to check out Katney. The guidelines are there.

just one day

Lovely for only one day, and, oh, so beautiful. This gorgeous crimson daylily, with the lemon yellow throat, came from my aunt Honey. She is the youngest girl in my mother's family. I thought they had been disgarded in the clean-up. It almost made me cry. But, I was so happy when I saw the green stalks appear earlier in the year. Daylilies bloom only once (a year), so I have to enjoy these while they are here.

So, what is a Hemerocallis, or daylily?

The word Hemerocallis is derived from two Greek words meaning "beauty" and "day," referring to the fact that each flower lasts only one day. To make up for this, there are many flower buds on each daylily flower stalk, and many stalks in each clump of plants, so, the flowering period of a clump is usually several weeks long.

The really neat thing is that they multiply. One day, hopefully, I will have a full bed of them.

its just things

*more things i gathered from the

warrenton antiques festival*

* the bottom book looks like an old picture album, but actually is called the golden book-full of golden bits of poetry. how nice of a surprise, as i actually bought it for the binding, and of course the substantial pages inside. it came from a couple that traveled all the way from Nebraska~and have done so for the past 10 years.

* the two books on top are actually from a fellow that lives in New Ulm, the little town I grew up in. these were from family, and he had come to sell things he cleaned out of the old homestead. they are both written in German. i love that. some of the pages are crumbling. i will use them with him in mind.

* the vintage keys came from a husband and wife from Arkansas. their booth was packed full of antique hardware. i wish i would have taken a picture of their tent. he sat at a long table in his booth, patiently sifting thru a box of various pieces of metal. methodically grouping like kinds. this man loved his little pieces of handles, knobs, and such. i did too.

* the buttons were from a bead house close to the highway. these vintage buttons were chosen because of their beautiful earthy color of browns, grays, and cream. i visited this shop last October. a little high in price, but i needed some freshwater pearls, and they had a good selection. you know i can sniff out a bead shop a mile away.
* the antique silver spoon & knife came via a gentlemen from Louisiana. Melanie and i landed in his tent, right before a major downpour last Friday & a fresh (very) cold front blew in~let's just say we didn't totally prepare!

* and, last but not least, the tarnished silver cream and sugar set was a great steal for $6. this lady came from Fort Worth. she was so excited & oh so sweet. she had made over $1,500 selling her goods so far. that is small change to most there, but it was alot to her.

so, now you have a few more reasons why i love to go to Warrenton. it is not only for the things, but it is for the people. and that makes me happy.

a few of my favorite things

* vintage buttons *
these came from Georgia. i found them at a booth across the road in warrenton. i usually don't go on the other side. not because i don't like it, but because i usually run out of steam way before i get there. but, allen was with me this time; and with his prompting, i jumped the fence (as you would say). this booth had so many buttons, i almost popped mine. it was hard to choose just a few, which i did. but, a budget is a budget & these came home with me. they will be in my bag on the way to art & soul at the end of the month.

*more finds to follow tomorrow*

thought you had a bad hair day?

I just couldn't resist this Odd Shot at the Antique Festival.
Believe this can give us a whole new meaning to bad hair. Almost scary!

If you would like to join us on Odd Shot Monday, go see Katney. The guidelines are here!

I pray your day is much better than hers! God Bless!

you gotta start somewhere

sometimes it is so hard for me to actually begin a new idea. take that first step on a path i have never tread before. i am so good at preparing, and then when it comes time to begin, i hold back until the very last moment. well, i am going there. i took that step. i cannot & will not look back, but only ahead.

i finally finished my very first pair of hammered earrings!

(copper, sterling silver and african turquoise)

thanks to my newest blog buddie, Chris ~ thank you my sweet new friend. you are the best, and your jewelry is beautiful! i also have Stacie and Deryn to thank ~ check out their blogs to see their absolutely stunning jewelry! all of them have answered my questions, each & every time i asked.

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Lord, you know my heart. you knew me, even before i knew myself. keep me in your will, and then and only then, i know i will suceed.

warrenton 2008

Odd Shots on Monday

Odd to some, but not to all~

Gazing Globes

Almost forgotten, but making it’s grand re-entrance into the world of gardening is the beautiful gazing globe. Though the reflective, colorful globe might seem "odd" to some folks, the gazing ball is rich in history and legend. The globe sports many names, depending on its use. The Garden Ball, Gazing Globe and Garden Globe are all names we call them in modern times. It’s been referred to as a Witch Ball, Butler Globe, Globe of Happiness and Victorian Ball.

If you wish to know more....go here for a full history.

Above shot taken last Friday. More shots from the wonderful Warrenton Antique Festival can be seen in the previous post! And~

Be sure and visit Katney for more odd shots!

if i were a rag filled prairie doll.....

i would be sitting in warrington in a booth called eighty-one. i would have come here all the way from sulphur, louisiana. Warrenton Antique Show
Spring 2008
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*just a few reasons why I love this show*

dragonflies

A set was ordered and is now finished for a sweet young lady. She loves dragonflies, so I thought these would please her. I cut an 18" length of sterling silver chain, adding a small spring clasp for closure. After I sprinkled on a couple of potato pearls, I wire wrapped 4- 6 mm swarovski crystal bicones onto the chain.

Simple earrings were then made using the matching dragonflies. But, I always have to make more. An additional pair of pearls and swarovski crystals ~ just for fun.

These will be delivered tomorrow night.

(Psst....Colette, do you see the pretty little box and my sweet little birdie watching in the background)?

RV Trip to La Grange

~Things I loved about the Easter weekend~

1. Andre's dried sausage & T.C.'s spicy crackers * 2. Tomb at The Monument Hill 3. Kreische Home Smokehouse 4. Ruins of the Kreische's Brewery

Loads of Texas Bluebonnets outside of La Grange.

(I grew up just 23 miles from this beautiful Texas town).

This colorful sign in town caught my eye. (History of The Chicken Ranch found here).
But, no general store to be found!
~ And, when I returned home Sunday, I finished ~
My box of Art & Soul Fatbook 4x4's went out the door on Monday!
Thank you Lord for such a beautiful weekend with my husband, and family!

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*Spicy Cracker Recipe

1 box Saltine Crackers

Mix well:

1 pkg. Ranch Salad Dressing Mix, plain or buttermilk

Crushed Red Pepper, (to your taste)

Dash of Tony Chachere's Original Creole Seasoning, optional

1-1/3 c. Canola Oil

Place crackers in large container w/tight lid (ex: large glass or plastic pickel jar). Sprinkle mixture over crackers and close lid. Turn over and over until thoroughly coated. Let sit, but continue to turn over about every 15-20 minutes. Ready when oil has been absorbed. Thanks TC~Enjoy!

Ever seen an outhouse like this?

Check out rules & links to other odd shots at Katney's.

Deluxe Texas Outhouse

(As seen outside of the booth of: Junk Gypsy)

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This picture has been here before, but thought I'd use it for my Odd Shot this Monday, because on Friday, this is where I will be~Warrengton, Texas. There are many sites about the Semi-Annual Antique's Festival on the web, but you can start here if you so incline.

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I wish my grandparent's outhouse would have looked like this one. Then, maybe I would have been a little happier to go there ~ NOT.

(Note from last week's Odd Shot: Anita guessed it right~it was a homemade gas tank (for a 1971 Jeep). Some others were really close. I really appreciate all the guesses!)

May the Lord of All Bless Your Life

He is Risen!

I pray today has been a day to celebrate the risen Lord. I pray today has been an opportunity to praise God, spend time with family, and seek your purpose in life; and that which Jesus died for. May God bless you my family and friends!

Texas Wildflowers

Bluebonnets, the state flower of Texas, are some of the most beautiful of all our spring wild flowers.

Even with Easter arriving earlier this year, I have seen them popping out all over our landscape. Our wonderful rain last year, no doubt, helped alot.

Each year, we took alot of pictures in the bluebonnet fields near New Ulm. This part of Texas has some of the most traveled bluebonnet trails in the state. We were blessed to have them right in our back yard.

One of my mother's younger brothers, Benny, home from Germany, where he was serving in the Army; standing in the field with my older sister Debbie and I.

Every year, my other grandmother, Rosa or Rosalia, (of Rosa & Josie's), sewed our matching Easter dresses. She was a wonderful seamstress, and made alot of our clothes. She sewed with no patterns. She made beautiful wedding dresses for several young ladies in town. She was a small Czech woman who loved to sew, cook and garden. She also grew beautiful flowers in her yard. When I was probably 8 or 9 years old, my Mom dropped me off at her house, and she taught me how to embroidery. My sisters and I did not stay much at their home, as they did not speak much English. They spoke only German. In fact, my Dad did not learn English until he began First Grade. This is the grandmother I probably inherited most of my artistic talent & desire from; and the one I talked to the least. I wish I could talk with her now, and show & tell her what I've learned. I'm sure she would be proud.

God Bless you this Easter, and may your memories from Easter's past be as much a blessing to your soul, as mine are to me.

Behind My Granny's House

Easter was always one of the best times in my childhood. It was the time we would all gather at my granny's house. My mother's family was large, as my grandparents had 13 children. Every Easter, all the children came to New Ulm to see each other, and see their mother. It was sort of a reunion, now that I look back, but never named such.

Some brought a potted plant of white Easter lillies, others brought orchid coursages. They all brought food. I don't really remember much about the food. But I do remember alot about the Easter Egg Hunt at the schoolhouse. After lunch the entire family (there were alot of cousins in this group), drove to the nearby schoolhouse, where the older adults would hide Easter eggs, plastic filled eggs, and candy amoung the Bluebonnets, Indian Paint Brushes, Easter Phlox, Buttercups, Wine Cups and clover that covered the school yard. You see at this time, the school had been closed for years. No longer used, but kept from becoming running down. It was the school my father, mother, aunts, uncles and a few cousins attended. In later years, the Lutheran Church purchased the land and old schoolhouse, to use for Vacation Bible School, Sunday School and more.

The above picture is of me and my younger sister. It was taken on the back steps of my granny's house or my mother's parent's home. It was by no means elaborate. But to me it was like being in Heaven, because this was where I was loved unconditionally. I miss my Granny this Easter. We would have lots to talk about.

More pictures to come, as I remember Easter's past~

"Odd Shots on Monday" + An Irish Blessing

"May you live a long life full of gladness and health"
~Irish Blessing

My odd shot today, is both odd and beautiful to me. I really like the look of rust. I can't remember when I didn't. Can you guess what this is? If you can, there will be a little Irish treat in store!

Check out more odd shots, and if you'd like to participate, go see Katney.

flowers, little bottles & a horse

Spring is here in Texas, as my kalanchoes are blooming the most beautiful brilliant red.

These little bottles are another part of my Art & Soul project. 40 glass bottles filled with shells that I cracked small enough to fit thru some very small tops!
These little mop discs were much harder to crack with my trusty hammer than I expected.

~And~

This is a horse pin that I am selling. The Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo has been going for almost 2 weeks, so rodeo fever has hit our city one more time. It is the largest rodeo of its kind, and draws alot of attention each year.

I was fortunate enough to receive some beautiful Japanese dyed cotton fabric from a kind & generous yoga class friend. I used 20 gauge copper wire, but will try some 22 gauge next time.

Gotta go now. Time to tie some bottles onto 40-4x4s!

embossing for the (art &) soul

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now that i've discovered embossing, i am looking at what can i emboss next? this new little artistic embellishing trick (for me) is bringing me much joy. is it simply the act of repetition or a new discovery of what's been buried deep inside my artsy soul?

this is exactly why i decided to go to Virginia. to find out more about myself; and,

what God may have in store for my life and my art.

i pray you have the most fabulous weekend, as you know i am!

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knee deep in fibers, pearls & paint

"We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give". Winston Churchill

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Last November I chose to throw my hat into the group, and participate in the "Original" Art & Soul Fatbook for Hampton. It has been challenging. You must know, I have never really journaled, collaged or "fatbooked" before; so this was becoming a little more than I could chew. I'd walk away, close my eyes & dream on the bus (okay I was really sleeping), draw & doodle at luchtime, breaktime and all-the-time. I knew I could do it. The night before last, it finally happened~the idea came together. Thank you Lord.

I knew it had to start with color. Color makes me happy, and how could I not get color from the theme, "By the Sea?" All the beautiful colors I'd gathered this past couple of months, in fibers, threads, beads, paints, tags, pearls, crystals, pens, papers & wire; had finally stopped dancing round & round in my head & and landed onto my little 4" x 4" piece of painted watercolor paper. I now can see & hold one in a pair of very thankful hands. (Only 39 more to go.....) Hallelujah!

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Odd Shots on Monday~Touch of the Master's Hand

~ My odd shot, taken in front of the Lyric Center in downtown Houston, reminded me of a Wayne Watson song I loved from the very first time I heard it~

Touch of the Master's Hand

.....And many a man with life out of tune~All battered and scarred with sin~Is auctioned cheap to a thankless world~Much like that old violin......
Touch of the Master's Hand~Wayne Watson~Album "How Time Flies" 1992

Texas Mountain Laurel

When Melanie moved from Houston to the hill country, I found myself being drawn to the Texas Mountain Laurel. I thought they were just one of the most beautiful shrub/tree. And, their fragrance is just devine.

Yesterday, while in the front yard, I looked over to the flowerbed where mine has been growing for at least the past 4 years. I couldn't believe what I saw. Blooms!!!! My very first. I was beside myself. I even called my dh out to take a look. He was mildly impressed-lol.

They have the most deepest, darkest purple grape-like flowers I have ever seen. So delicious!

This afternoon, if it had not started raining and gotten so cold, I would have gone back out to see how many more blooms had opened. I am hoping that this weather doesn't stop it from coming out full and beautiful. I have been waiting patiently for this day!

May you have a blessed and safe Friday.

Odd Shots on Monday-Necessity, IT is the Mother of Invention

You had to be there Saturday to know how much this made me laugh! The only way this would have been funnier, is if it had been duct taped on instead.

I believe this weekly challenge will be alot of fun. You may want to join me! See the simple guidelines here at Katney's Kaboodle.

May you have a blessed week my friend, and may YOU never loose your tailpipe!

a sea of charms

In May, I will be traveling to my very first Art & Soul in Virginia. I decided to participate in a Charm Swap.
In January, when I first thought about it, the message read~
We've got EIGHT people who are participating in a Charm Swap for Hampton A&S.This project is a definite GO!We're going with a "By the Sea" theme to collaborate with the theme of the event.I'll be arriving on THURSDAY, so you can get your swapped charms right at the start of the retreat and show them off to everyone! Well, it ended up being thirty-two. I can't wait to see what the others look like.
I am happy that I finally came up with a design I was pleased with.
As Terri would say~
C'mon down by the sea - the water's fine!

Funky Finds Giveaway Reminder

The huge February Jewelry Giveaway begins tomorrow, Sunday, February 24th! Prizes have been donated totalling over $500. Guidelines will be posted here tomorrow morning. Katy Prairie Cuff will be part of the giveaway.

The above pieces are also waiting for sale. If you like, I will put them on Etsy for you. Just e-mail me!

1. Bali Dangles w/Dark Topaz Czech- $24 2. Turkish Silver w/Yellow Jade - $24 (reduced)

3. Swarovski Cube Necklace - $28 4. Multi-strand Czech Crystal Cuff - $45 (reduced)

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~Have a blessed Sunday~

White Elephant Antiques Warehouse

I have been in Dallas this last week attending a seminar. While there I wanted to squeeze in a few antique shops. I didn't have much time, but my wonderful husband took me down Industrial Boulevard, which is close to the Market area. Luckily they were not far, or my request may have been nixed. He helped me search, AND had no idea what I was searching for. Isn't that some real love? I did give him a hint~that I wanted old books~for my journals; or for their contents to be used in my newest artistic projects. I searched, prodded, scoured, and poked into the back of a couple of shops. You know the places. It is usually way in the back, where the dust has been sleeping & gathering for quite some time. Just when I thought I had no treasures to bring home, he said, "Did you see those magazines on the shelf in one of the back booths?" "No, did I MISS them?" Yes, I had! I RAN back to see, and there on an old white bookshelf were 5 copies of The National Geographic Magazine from the year ~ 1953. I thought, wow, these pics are wonderful....and I love the feel of this old paper. No price tag on any of them. But, 2 did have 1.50 penciled on the front cover. Could that be right? I took a chance, and brought them up front to pay. The check-0ut fellow said he would call the dealer for their price. No answer. "Well, I am selling them to you for $1.50 each, and if that is wrong, that is too bad!" My knees were trembling by this time, not just because my toes were crossed, but because I had scored a giant "find" for me!
So off to one more shop, White Elephant Antique Warehouse. The check-out fellow from the first shop had suggested I might like this one. I knew I liked the name. Mind you, these shops were not the flea market type, but the high-rent type, with a wide variety of furniture, art, primitives, china and the like. Not what I was originally looking for.....remember, I had limited time AND my husband was along~God bless him! I saw old schoolhouse emphera~flash cards, rubber farm animals, metal book lockers, building blocks (before the lincoln logs kind) and even old teacher daily log books. This particular booth was SO cool, but the prices were WAY more than I wanted to spend.
However, I did find a table full of stacked books. All kinds~cookbooks, travel books, art books, AND....and one large German Encyclopedia-type book. Written completely in German, copyright 1984, I can read only a few words here and there. But, what it has is 670 pages of german words printed on old wonderful paper & ALOT of pictures. Wonderful, vibrant colored pictures...and I only paid $8.39. Oh, yes, I did get 5 old tin cigar cases at $1.50 each, which I plan on rusting this weekend.

More importantly, I had one of the greatest Valentine's Day I can remember.

Thank you, Allen. I love you!

Happy Heart Day!

All these earrings ( and bracelet & necklace) are for sale. If I had more time they would be listed on Etsy. If any strike your fancy, I will put them there for you! Any questions? Just drop an email or leave a message here! ~ From top to bottom~

1. Yellow Jade - $14 2. Czech Amethyest - $16 3. Bali w/Turquoise Czech - $26 4. Turkish Silver w/Yellow Jade - $26 5. Swarovski Cube - $28 6. Bali w/Dark Topaz Czech - $24 7. Bali Dangles - $26 8. Czech Chandeliers - $30 9. Lampwork Art Bead - $24 10. Swarovski Crystal Cube Necklace - $32 11. Czech Swings - $18 12. Czech w/Bali Elephants - $28 13. Multi-strand Czech Crystal Cuff (middle pic) - $48

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Katy Prairie Cuff

* is in the giveaway *

Don't forget that Funky Finds is having a jewelry giveaway February 24th-29th. Just click on over there. On the left margin you will find the above little red heart. Just click on it and it will take you to the page listing all the participants and their giveaway gifts. Mine is the Katy Prairie Cuff , very similiar to the one listed on my Etsy shop.

If you click here you will see the January giveaway instructions. Just keep in touch, I am sure you will get more details as the date draws closer.

Hope you have a blessed day and rest of week!