Good Things

Remembering dear Libbey - I miss her.

Hannah just found out Tuesday she got one of her paintings into another show, this after winning four certificates of merit at another show 2 weeks ago. We were very happy with the news and then the next day I received a call from the legal counsel of a CEO of one of the local casinos and he, the CEO, wanted to buy the painting for $500.00. Some of you know the painting, it is the one that hangs (used to hang) in my bedroom. The painting is of Hannah's blue jeaned legs and her ratty old "chucks" sneakers. Although she is reluctant to sell it, it will help with her spending money for college. I'm sad to see it go, it was a favorite.

Speaking of college, Hannah has heard from three and been accepted to three. We're still anxiously awaiting word from the rest.

A Happy Birthday shout out today to my dear friends Pam and Lorene. Happy Birthday Ladies! You both are still looking mighty fine, and have the kindness to match.

So far we have four for Finish it Day. C'mon, get registered. You don't have to stay all day if you are not able, come for a couple of hours at least. I just know there are projects out there, dusty, neglected and in need of help. This really does work. You will accomplish something, I promise! Scrapbook, organize some pictures, cut strips for quilting, bind a quilt. Crochet, knit, or hook a rug. Make jewelry, paint small wood pieces or make cards. You could even finish a project from a Gathering! There's an idea. I know there are advent tags still not completed.......Housework can wait, besides they say it's going to rain and if it really pours there is no better place to be than on my back porch listening to the rain hit that tin roof.

Further temptation. I am making my enormous chocolate chunk cookies...come and get 'em....

Finish it Day

Finish it Day is Saturday March 14th
We will start at 10:00 and finish? You may arrive after 10 if you like and leave at any time.Of course early birds get their pick of room and seating options, important if you are going to do hand needlework.We are featuring comfort foods for the day, with a meal around lunch time and then we will "graze" all day.

You must register by Sunday the 8th to attend. Finish it day is free to anyone who has taken a class and $10.00 to others. Everyone brings one pot luck dish to contribute to the meal. I will provide hot and iced tea, coffee and lemonade, and other goodies.
Please feel free to bring waters and sodas to enjoy.
Sorry, no children are permitted to attend.

You may work on anything you desire, you can even paint small items in the garage if you wish, I may be doing some of that myself!

Hope many of you will join me-this is a great way to check off one or more things from your "to do" list and finally enjoy that finished project. Not to mention the great food and fabulous ladies who always make it a day filled with laughter and shared life experiences.

See you soon!

Red Letter Day

Kids- I have great kids and yesterday was a great day for them. Hannah received her first college acceptance "fat envelope" which was fun and Ben called to alert me to his terrific article in the huffingtonpost.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ben-stoddard/green-guilt_b 169642.html
I was working at Sue's yesterday and did not get home till late and went to check the mail even later so I called Hannah at midnight to tell her there was an admissions envelope waiting, and she told me to open it, and yippeee! Here we go waiting for the rest to come in. SO exciting!

Sue and I have been working on new designs for her bedroom and last night was the night to hang her curtains. As usual I poked starter holes for the anchors with my Dad's old ice pick. After doing the first side of one I started on the other and hit a stud. Trying to save myself the trouble of getting out my drill, I tapped a little harder on the ice pick with my hammer and then spent the next 35 minutes trying to get the %$#@ thing back out. I guess a "tap" was not exactly what I did, I had pounded the thing about 2" into the stud. After trying every wrench, plier (locking and other wise),I called for reinforcements from Sue's hulky 6'4' son Scott, who, yanked, pounded and pulled another 10 minutes and then he gave up. By now the wooden end of the pick has come off and I am trying to grasp just the slim metal rod. I sent up a silent plea to my Dad for assistance and "poof" out it came. Of course when Scott came back to check, we told him he had "loosened" it for me. We tell that to all the men.....

Today is scrubbing tile day...ugh...and I should get back to it. I'll be scheduling Finish it Day very soon. If anyone has any input, let me know ASAP. I'm leaning toward a Saturday and we'll start at 10:00 am and go until ? Some will be overnight guests...even more fun! You will have to register to attend.

Buttons Buttons- Go get the Buttons!

Twice now I have purchased amazing buttons from Karen Vornsand. These buttons are incredible, and Karen hand cleans each and every one. There are no dirty strings and left over wire bits, and her knowledge of types and materials used is valuable info to a novice like me. When I'm sifting my hands through trays of buttons, I have to tell you, it makes me a little giddy. One after another I spy a special one, only to squeal as I grab up another that becomes my "new best one!" It will be difficult to part with these for upcoming classes but that is my intent.

This red beauty nestled in a pile of browns I purchased, is one of her bracelets. Some of you snatched up these bracelets at Doodlebug last December. Each unique and wonderful, but be prepared to be stopped everywhere you go with "Where did you get that?" and "I want one!"

You can see and purchase her buttons this coming Sunday the 22nd at Bead Jungle from 12-4. 1550 W Horizon Ridge here in Henderson. Bring some friends and please tell Karen I sent you. Karen will be happy to tell you where you can purchase her jewelry and about any upcoming button classes etc.

Seriously, dear friends.... Button Button- Go get the Buttons!

Watch for photo of my new wallet from Amy Gonzalez. We played email and phone tag all yesterday or I would already have it. I cannot wait to use it. When I saw Amy's wallet at Doodle, I gasped and said "Where did you get that? and "I want one!" Where have I heard that before? hmmmm. I gave her a stack of favorite brown fabrics and had her make me a "primitive" one but her standard styles are all about bright colors and jazzy fabrics that are too, too cute.

If anyone is interested in contacting either Karen or Amy, let me know and I will forward your info to them. Is everyone loving this weather? My trees are in bud already and my bulbs are coming up!

2 in one day! Blog Info

A friend just called and we realized pretty quickly that being a newbie to blogging, she did not realize that she could scroll down to the bottom of each page and click on older posts to see past blog postings. You can select the month or year from the bar area to the left. I also explained that she could email me directly from the site by clicking on the letter icon under each posting and she could also leave me comments about any posting by clicking on comments. I love to get comments, so feel free.

Now I'm sure most of you are familiar with all of this, but for the few who are new to blogging I hope this helps.

The next Gathering is going to be all about paper. You will not believe how much we can do with such a renewable resource. It will be a series of many stations and each station will be a different paper project. I did this years ago ( oh my, well over a decade ago) and it was a huge hit, and I think it is time to do again. Because of the many stations we have to have warmer weather so that some stations can be outdoors. I was so excited about doing this I bought some supplies already today.

Papier, carta, papel..It's all paper to me!

Queen of Hearts Projects

Pics as promised- 9 projects

FInish it Day?

I said I would post pics of Queen of Hearts but we were so busy and having too much fun to stop and take pictures. OK, truth is, I just plain forgot till everyone was packed up and ready to go. I almost forgot to serve the white chocolate cheesecake dessert, and would have if Sharon hadn't mentioned it! Whew, thank you Sharon. Five cheesecakes..somewhere a weight watchers fairy is breathing a sigh of relief on my behalf. Poor Sue had to leave a little early to pick up her daughter and she did miss cheesecake! I owe you one dessert Sue.

Everyone made the sweetest little heart soaps and I have a feeling that everyone will be making soaps at home very soon. There were nine projects in this class and not all of them were completed so a Finish it Night was discussed and we are due for another one soon. I think it should be a Finish it Day so we get even more done. How about a Finish it PJ day? Come in very comfy clothes and slippers and we'll have a comfort food pot luck. Mac and Cheese, Hearty soups, that kind of thing. Email me if you are interested and your preferred day Sat or Sun. Day with most votes will win, and we'll shoot for early March. Start thinking about unfinished projects that you want/need to complete.

Thank you to my "Queens" who attended yesterday, regal women all.

I hope everyone has a special Valentine this year...be it spouse, friend or new grandbaby.
Love to all.

Kits and More Kits

The table is set, the kits are waiting to be opened and the creating is about to begin. The night before a Gathering is fun as I get to see all the hours of work come together. For those of you who have not attended a Gathering, this is what awaits you at your table. Each project is in it's own little kit, a little present waiting to be opened. Queen of Hearts has 9 surprises waiting for each student and a small box of chocolate too! Happy Valentines Day!

27-23

What a game! My hat, if I ever wore one, would be off in salute to both teams. Amazing, exciting, nail biting, (gorgeous Bruce), heart palpitating, Ben owes me a fabulous home cooked meal, event! Makes me miss PA, my home, my youth. WOW! STEELERS!

The Last Garage Sale

Every garage sale is "the last time we'll do this". BUT! It was a very long, sometimes insane day but a successful one, and a thank you shout out to all who stopped by. How many garage sales have you attended where there is a line to check out? I only lost my patience three times yesterday, and it appears that nothing was stolen this time, so that is an improvement. Of course the one item I really wanted to sell was my white computer desk so I did not have to store it in the garage, but alas, it is still with me...and at a bargain price (wink). Kathy took a full truck load down to Goodwill on her way home and my car is loaded for another run today. I have only two bins left with Holiday collectibles for...
It is the last time we'll do this.....uh huh

Queen of Hearts is closed. I will post pics of our creations after Feb 7th.

Till then - Peace

Sneak peek Queen of Hearts

Queen of Hearts Gathering
A few of the projects:
Rosebud and peppermint heart soaps
Paper mache ornaments
Embroidered linen sachets filled with lavender
Soft pink and ivory rose petal pillow
and three more!

Registration deadline is Saturday the 24th

Hannah is back from her DC adventure and she has wonderful tales of the experience. Dozens of painting ideas came to her and she is anxious to get started on a few. That means a mess in the computer room for weeks on end but it is worth it.

The news from Portland: Ben is now the Art Director at his magazine. Mom says "Hooray"

I don't know about you, but I am still glowing from all the Inauguration festivities. I started watching at 4am, took a break from 5pm-7 and watched again from 7- bedtime. It was so much fun to see Green Valley marching by the reviewing stand playing Viva Las Vegas.

I'm looking forward to seeing so many of you this weekend at the sale. Looks like we will have great weather.

GO STEELERS!

Just a reminder about the garage sale the 24th. Previews Friday the 23rd only beginning at 6:00. Be advised this does not mean that everything will be out Friday night, some things won't arrive till Saturday morning. As most of you know, sometimes I start pulling stuff out of boxes in the garage in the "spirit of the sale". You just never know.

Hannah is enjoying the trip to Philadelphia and will leave tomorrow for DC for the Inauguration. I am thrilled that she has this opportunity. No, I have not lost my mind, these are Steeler colors, and I want to be supportive for tomorrow's game, and I am bored this evening.

I will be posting a sneak peek of Queen of Hearts later this week, so check back. There are still spots available. Deadline for registration is the 24th.

It is a very historic week coming up. Let's hold good thoughts for the country, and hope for us all.
GO STEELERS !

Queen of Hearts

Queen of Hearts Gathering

February 7, 2009

11 am-6 pm

$100.00

• This will be the first class of 2009 and what I can tell you so far is there are crowns involved and sweet, soft ivory, pale pink and supple linens, oh, and a few hearts. After all, it is Valentines Day the next weekend. As always, there are a variety of projects. Savories and sweets will nourish us and a little bubbly will lift our spirits.

• Space is limited to ten students and on a first come basis. Deposit of $50.00 will be required to reserve your space and is non-refundable. At my discretion and depending on circumstances, deposits may be applied to future Gatherings if 48 hour notice of no-show is given. 

• Come join me as we share good food, great company and create wonderful folk art. It is a day of rejuvenation. It is a day away from the job, the family, and the chores. It is a day dedicated to you and your imagination and creativity. Reconnect with friends and make new ones. 

• Upon registration you will receive a supply list if needed. Queen of Hearts will require a sewing machine. This is very simple sewing, but you must know how to operate and thread your machine. Friends can share a machine and that is encouraged to save space. 
• Call or email to register                                                                                                                                                                   
• 702-897-1303 - sstoddard3@cox.net                                                                                                                                                                    
  

You have to try these!

Ben's work commute while home

I promised a few postings back that I would begin in 09 to give you a variety of fun things to look forward to such as recipes and patterns and so even before the dawn of 09 here we go!

I tried several new recipes Christmas Eve and these are two I have to share.
The first is so easy I cannot believe I haven't done it before and I will be making this to go on everything!
Balsamic Vinegar Reduction
1 TB ketchup
1 cup red balsamic vinegar
2 TB soy sauce
Mix and bring to boil, then reduce heat and simmer until reduced to about 3/4 cup. Careful, it can scorch easily. We dipped the prime rib into the reduction sauce but next time I will drizzle onto plate and lay meat across, it is that delicious. I never thought I would prefer this to my favorite horseradish sauce but I will make this reduction for every steak and roast, from now on. Imagine on a soft roll, with thinly sliced beef.

Roasted Brussels Sprout
Preheat to 400
1 pound, very fresh sprouts
3 TB good olive oil
3/4 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp fresh ground black pepper

To be honest I did not measure the salt and pepper, so do it to taste if you wish.
Cut off ends of sprouts and pull off any yellow outer leaves. Toss them in a bowl with olive oil, salt and pepper. Transfer to sheet pan and roast in single layer for 35-40 minutes until crisp outside and tender inside.... they will be brown. Shake or stir pan from time to time to brown evenly. Remove from oven and sprinkle with more kosher salt and serve hot. Even a die hard brussels sprout hater will enjoy these, or maybe at least tolerate them.


Ivan hanging out waiting for dinner

Ben has been gone a day and we miss him so much. For a skinny kid he sure fills up this house when he is home. We cannot wait to hear about all of his New York adventures.

Happy New Year everyone!

12/25/08

In the words of Tiny Tim "God bless us, every one!"

Christmas

Justice and Hannah


Howie and Hannah


Hannah walking in the snow last week

Most of you have probably been hurrying and scurrying the last few days getting ready for friend and family celebrations. It's been a wee bit quiet here except for the occasional visits from friends of Ben and Hannah. I am still sick and staying close to home but that is just fine because Ben has been around quite a bit, working from his laptop. He has already repaired or set up a variety of electronic machinery here and has declared me a magnetic vortex since I seem to radiate a negative effect on anything with a plug or current. He thought it was my imagination, but right before his eyes a remote that he was using ceased to work once I walked into the room and new batteries could not save it. hmmmmmm

This week I have had several long chats with far away friends; hey Rich, Kristin and Penny, and I love that. Cards are trickling in, I miss that tradition which has all but disappeared. I love the pictures and I enjoy the newsletters, though many people think they are tacky, I say keep 'em coming, in fact send me a newsletter for every holiday. I had to laugh today when Sue's card arrived saying "I had to write cards this year cause hell really did freeze over!" My annual box of chipped ham and barbecue sauce from Isaly's arrived this evening from my cousin Cindi. It's a Pittsburgh thing. Who could wait for the sauce to heat up, we started eating it with our fingers right out of the bag. Such a treat, we love it. I'm thrilled that my kids share memories of something that I adored as a kid, that otherwise they would never get to try. You cannot purchase it anywhere but a small radius around Pittsburgh. My favorite way to enjoy was piled high on very soft Wonder Bread and ketchup - Heinz of course! Bless you girl! So although a slow, quiet week it is full of glad tidings.

As always, I will be serving my standing rib roast and yorkshire pudding tomorrow evening. This year I bought the brussels sprout on their stem so that at least once in their lifetime the kids could see how they grow. I told Ben that I can never completely stop trying to teach them new things and expanding their viewpoints. That resulted in an eye roll. More often now it is the kids who teach me, or my dashboard dictionary which just taught me it is brussels sprout not brussel sprouts. I've been saying it wrong over 50 years! I caused quite a commotion in the store as several clerks and shoppers gathered around to see what this thing was laying on the checkout counter. We are so far removed from living off the earth, maybe that is why so many do not care about environmental issues. They think brussels sprout come in square frozen boxes. Oh, how I long for a real garden of my own. C'mom economy- recover already!

Brussels sprout

I hope that all of you have a very Merry Holiday and that we all may enjoy a good New Year. We must maintain the spirit of hope we felt last month and remember that nothing truly wonderful ever comes too easily. We must have patience and we must somehow get back on track to a better, simpler life with less excess and improved human connections. We are all in this together. Stripped down to our core, we are all the same. To those dear friends of mine who need an extra prayer these days, you've got it; I love you and I carry you in my heart.

Blessings to all.

Classes, shows, and special surprises planned for 09. Old Grey Mare is ready to gallop. Yee-ha! Stop by frequently to see what is new, feel free to email me with requests for classes and if you have a great holiday story, leave me a comment so I can share. Please share this site with friends so that we are able to build a strong community of women artists and friends.

SNOW SNOW and more SNOW!

Unbelievable snow. I have two broken trees so far ( they just snapped in half) and I'm worried about two more. Hannah and her buddies are thrilled- no school tomorrow. Our cookie exchange tomorrow is in jeopardy. I haven't been out of the house since Saturday morning. (pretty sure I have pneumonia again) I've had it several times before and I'm familiar with the drill. Almost coughed up a lung on Wednesday. Now, I can't go out and feel trapped. It is so pretty out, but dangerous. Hannah just took a walk in the stuff. Very wet, and very heavy snow. Crossing my fingers that I don't have more damage during the night. I'm sure I've lost maybe 25% of plants. In the front yard pic there is what appears to be a large low bush in the rear middle of frame. That is half of a mesquite and half of my chaste tree lying on the ground on top of my broken solar lights. sigh pretty snow...pretty snow.

CA Treasures

A lovely hand made beaded tag

A cheese box cubby for the studio

An open metal urn filled with vintage tinsel and silver balls