tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28361280616249219892024-03-13T10:59:46.973-05:00Artisan MamaA Texas Mama shows her crafty side.The Artisan Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18400578630489621913noreply@blogger.comBlogger150125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2836128061624921989.post-21034737004548496962012-03-12T10:17:00.001-05:002012-03-12T10:17:05.831-05:00Life rescheduled<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Once again I have been reminded that I am not in charge. What was supposed to have been a 3 day work trip turned into 6 day one. That was quickly followed by needing to leave almost immediately to head to my in-laws (more on that later). Once again I had to set aside my plans and deal with what life handed me. But since I have a few free moments this morning, I decided I should post the answers to the sculpture quiz that are now past due by more than a week. So for anyone who was wondering, here are what these items were sculpted out of: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. Cardboard</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P-WTLe5gUJk/T05Y2CTRnNI/AAAAAAAAEL8/QNbVdXGjlYE/s1600/cardboard_sculpture_003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="253" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P-WTLe5gUJk/T05Y2CTRnNI/AAAAAAAAEL8/QNbVdXGjlYE/s320/cardboard_sculpture_003.jpg" width="320" yda="true" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. Chewing gum</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BFnuKpXFgLU/T05Y6LRh59I/AAAAAAAAEME/FON-4BLXIi0/s1600/chewing-gum-2.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BFnuKpXFgLU/T05Y6LRh59I/AAAAAAAAEME/FON-4BLXIi0/s320/chewing-gum-2.bmp" width="320" yda="true" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> 3. Driftwood</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xrm9SwzCbTk/T05ZE15FUaI/AAAAAAAAEMc/vbljO75VQf4/s1600/driftwood+horse-sculpture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xrm9SwzCbTk/T05ZE15FUaI/AAAAAAAAEMc/vbljO75VQf4/s320/driftwood+horse-sculpture.jpg" width="320" yda="true" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4. Ice</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lG6XDF48kz0/T05ZLIZnNAI/AAAAAAAAEM0/Cw2lnHWzd1o/s1600/ice+sculpture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="187" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lG6XDF48kz0/T05ZLIZnNAI/AAAAAAAAEM0/Cw2lnHWzd1o/s320/ice+sculpture.jpg" width="320" yda="true" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> 5. Legos</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EPO_XB8xQls/T05ZNU9ln4I/AAAAAAAAEM8/XyooSg1PvIQ/s1600/lego-sculpture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EPO_XB8xQls/T05ZNU9ln4I/AAAAAAAAEM8/XyooSg1PvIQ/s320/lego-sculpture.jpg" width="306" yda="true" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> 6. Paper</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TlO8C1-NAcU/T05ZRL8FR3I/AAAAAAAAENE/zxMmDtgskOA/s1600/paper-sculpture-richard-sweeney.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="288" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TlO8C1-NAcU/T05ZRL8FR3I/AAAAAAAAENE/zxMmDtgskOA/s320/paper-sculpture-richard-sweeney.jpg" width="320" yda="true" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> 7. Snow</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iyN9DT--0jg/T05ZShGD0WI/AAAAAAAAENM/2OJPQjiN9-s/s1600/Snow+sculpture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="230" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iyN9DT--0jg/T05ZShGD0WI/AAAAAAAAENM/2OJPQjiN9-s/s320/Snow+sculpture.jpg" width="320" yda="true" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> 8. Rubber tires</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HFhrwXGtIi4/T05ZTZiBbFI/AAAAAAAAENU/2nl9lvhK7Wg/s1600/tire-sculpture-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HFhrwXGtIi4/T05ZTZiBbFI/AAAAAAAAENU/2nl9lvhK7Wg/s320/tire-sculpture-01.jpg" width="269" yda="true" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">9. Glass</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aNLVM6OOaQQ/T056FRskvzI/AAAAAAAAEOs/ym4UMcn2dB0/s1600/glass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aNLVM6OOaQQ/T056FRskvzI/AAAAAAAAEOs/ym4UMcn2dB0/s320/glass.jpg" width="320" yda="true" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> 10. Towels</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eOBjEhwNiMk/T05ZUeofirI/AAAAAAAAENc/qUXJitIhCz0/s1600/towel-sculptures.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eOBjEhwNiMk/T05ZUeofirI/AAAAAAAAENc/qUXJitIhCz0/s320/towel-sculptures.jpg" width="320" yda="true" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> 11. Coke cans</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Gmb5S1yBrU/T059SwcKNQI/AAAAAAAAEPE/u2ZxvCaHGpc/s1600/coke+cans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="185" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Gmb5S1yBrU/T059SwcKNQI/AAAAAAAAEPE/u2ZxvCaHGpc/s320/coke+cans.jpg" width="320" yda="true" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> 12. Plastic bottles</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vZjz0sfcf34/T059SJUi2GI/AAAAAAAAEO8/PRtzCV6kres/s1600/aurora-robson-recycled-plastic-sculptures-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vZjz0sfcf34/T059SJUi2GI/AAAAAAAAEO8/PRtzCV6kres/s320/aurora-robson-recycled-plastic-sculptures-1.jpg" width="320" yda="true" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> 13. Sand</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DDFahJRJgAw/T05_kYxxoWI/AAAAAAAAEP0/dBTv39y_nIc/s1600/sand_sculptures_jesolo_II_by_mareika.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DDFahJRJgAw/T05_kYxxoWI/AAAAAAAAEP0/dBTv39y_nIc/s320/sand_sculptures_jesolo_II_by_mareika.jpg" width="320" yda="true" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">14. Bullets</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cfmvyFFr0UA/T059TgT5OAI/AAAAAAAAEPM/HpJ7-x04_DU/s1600/bullets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cfmvyFFr0UA/T059TgT5OAI/AAAAAAAAEPM/HpJ7-x04_DU/s320/bullets.jpg" width="320" yda="true" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> 15. Plastic bags</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JbhZ1vtTjgs/T059bNdSSwI/AAAAAAAAEPU/4wgsTX3cxyM/s1600/plastic+bags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JbhZ1vtTjgs/T059bNdSSwI/AAAAAAAAEPU/4wgsTX3cxyM/s320/plastic+bags.jpg" width="222" yda="true" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> 16. Vinyl records</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7W0DtkyYUyc/T059dtslnHI/AAAAAAAAEPc/gwuZTsSmFbk/s1600/records.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7W0DtkyYUyc/T059dtslnHI/AAAAAAAAEPc/gwuZTsSmFbk/s320/records.jpg" width="240" yda="true" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> 17. Wire hangers</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UhoM4nc1dOQ/T059o6t3IsI/AAAAAAAAEPk/Z8FTgo1AiHw/s1600/wire+hangers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UhoM4nc1dOQ/T059o6t3IsI/AAAAAAAAEPk/Z8FTgo1AiHw/s320/wire+hangers.jpg" width="213" yda="true" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> 18. Felt</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8MMdqNmLaeQ/T059zlFB5dI/AAAAAAAAEPs/csy9Tp7VY04/s1600/felt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8MMdqNmLaeQ/T059zlFB5dI/AAAAAAAAEPs/csy9Tp7VY04/s320/felt.jpg" width="232" yda="true" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And where did I go to see this?</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rljRbqaRDGo/T06AQMGwMsI/AAAAAAAAEP8/T2Z0_BslnXg/s1600/art-institute-of-chicago-chicago-ilch05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rljRbqaRDGo/T06AQMGwMsI/AAAAAAAAEP8/T2Z0_BslnXg/s320/art-institute-of-chicago-chicago-ilch05.jpg" width="232" yda="true" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That would be Chicago...</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-elfC05HEl4o/T14SMHOpQXI/AAAAAAAAEQE/QayeuCrXAVM/s1600/P1040816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-elfC05HEl4o/T14SMHOpQXI/AAAAAAAAEQE/QayeuCrXAVM/s320/P1040816.JPG" width="213" yda="true" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><a href="http://www.artic.edu/aic/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Art Institute of Chicago</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> to be exact.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Once I get back to feeling like I am in control of my schedule, I'll write about that wonderful experience. (I'll also show you what Amanda won by playing my little game.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hopefully I won't be away too long!</span></div>
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<br /></div>The Artisan Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18400578630489621913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2836128061624921989.post-20758418259648948202012-03-01T08:00:00.000-06:002012-03-02T08:32:13.129-06:00A little more about sculpture<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our new neighborhood tree sculpture has me thinking a lot about the art of sculpture. I love looking at sculptures and am in awe of the talent it takes to create them. One of my absolute favorite sculptures is Edgar Degas' Small Dancer Age 14. </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yl1-LUJvwtE/T050BbyjlyI/AAAAAAAAEOU/ZQJou_BNh48/s1600/tmp_7d9d78664a499cd243ebd90ac390c04e.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yl1-LUJvwtE/T050BbyjlyI/AAAAAAAAEOU/ZQJou_BNh48/s320/tmp_7d9d78664a499cd243ebd90ac390c04e.gif" uda="true" width="243" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I saw her in for the first time in 2000 at </span><a href="http://www.musee-orsay.fr/en/home.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Musée d'Orsay </span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lb7Lvk346xA/T050GgRwJVI/AAAAAAAAEOk/lJS2BX9Qe6A/s1600/tmp_feb0f720a4a5cfd5d7f74a88b2069bde.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lb7Lvk346xA/T050GgRwJVI/AAAAAAAAEOk/lJS2BX9Qe6A/s320/tmp_feb0f720a4a5cfd5d7f74a88b2069bde.gif" uda="true" width="254" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love how he added fabric to the bronze statue. </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nZ0KLP7g-9U/T050CtCK9lI/AAAAAAAAEOc/wGt0IsZNIe8/s1600/tmp_dae5b02a9080bb4486b695c86d1f3d30.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nZ0KLP7g-9U/T050CtCK9lI/AAAAAAAAEOc/wGt0IsZNIe8/s320/tmp_dae5b02a9080bb4486b695c86d1f3d30.gif" uda="true" width="249" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Michelangelo's Pietà is on my bucket list</span><em></em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I think it is one of the most amazing sculptures ever made...</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LZIdeRsOPFc/T05gjIUKBeI/AAAAAAAAEN8/91Ssxarw64M/s1600/1pieta1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LZIdeRsOPFc/T05gjIUKBeI/AAAAAAAAEN8/91Ssxarw64M/s320/1pieta1.jpg" uda="true" width="319" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ijsJftEbDMI/T05gkRjX5TI/AAAAAAAAEOE/nsWXr7r6V7U/s1600/1pieta2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ijsJftEbDMI/T05gkRjX5TI/AAAAAAAAEOE/nsWXr7r6V7U/s400/1pieta2.jpg" uda="true" width="305" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm looking forward to the day I go to <a href="http://saintpetersbasilica.org/Altars/Pieta/Pieta.htm" target="_blank"> Saint Peter's Basilica</a> and see it in person!</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rwRIV72Oc_w/T05glGPFjuI/AAAAAAAAEOM/RnNCY7Zq778/s1600/1pieta3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rwRIV72Oc_w/T05glGPFjuI/AAAAAAAAEOM/RnNCY7Zq778/s400/1pieta3.jpg" uda="true" width="295" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I also really enjoy sculptures made from unique materials. Here are some fun ones. Can you guess what each is made of? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. </span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P-WTLe5gUJk/T05Y2CTRnNI/AAAAAAAAEL8/QNbVdXGjlYE/s1600/cardboard_sculpture_003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="253" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P-WTLe5gUJk/T05Y2CTRnNI/AAAAAAAAEL8/QNbVdXGjlYE/s320/cardboard_sculpture_003.jpg" uda="true" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2.</span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BFnuKpXFgLU/T05Y6LRh59I/AAAAAAAAEME/FON-4BLXIi0/s1600/chewing-gum-2.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BFnuKpXFgLU/T05Y6LRh59I/AAAAAAAAEME/FON-4BLXIi0/s320/chewing-gum-2.bmp" uda="true" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3.</span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xrm9SwzCbTk/T05ZE15FUaI/AAAAAAAAEMc/vbljO75VQf4/s1600/driftwood+horse-sculpture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xrm9SwzCbTk/T05ZE15FUaI/AAAAAAAAEMc/vbljO75VQf4/s320/driftwood+horse-sculpture.jpg" style="cursor: move;" uda="true" unselectable="on" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> 4.</span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lG6XDF48kz0/T05ZLIZnNAI/AAAAAAAAEM0/Cw2lnHWzd1o/s1600/ice+sculpture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="187" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lG6XDF48kz0/T05ZLIZnNAI/AAAAAAAAEM0/Cw2lnHWzd1o/s320/ice+sculpture.jpg" uda="true" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> 5.</span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EPO_XB8xQls/T05ZNU9ln4I/AAAAAAAAEM8/XyooSg1PvIQ/s1600/lego-sculpture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EPO_XB8xQls/T05ZNU9ln4I/AAAAAAAAEM8/XyooSg1PvIQ/s320/lego-sculpture.jpg" uda="true" width="306" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> 6.</span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TlO8C1-NAcU/T05ZRL8FR3I/AAAAAAAAENE/zxMmDtgskOA/s1600/paper-sculpture-richard-sweeney.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="288" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TlO8C1-NAcU/T05ZRL8FR3I/AAAAAAAAENE/zxMmDtgskOA/s320/paper-sculpture-richard-sweeney.jpg" uda="true" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> 7.</span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iyN9DT--0jg/T05ZShGD0WI/AAAAAAAAENM/2OJPQjiN9-s/s1600/Snow+sculpture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="230" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iyN9DT--0jg/T05ZShGD0WI/AAAAAAAAENM/2OJPQjiN9-s/s320/Snow+sculpture.jpg" uda="true" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">8.</span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HFhrwXGtIi4/T05ZTZiBbFI/AAAAAAAAENU/2nl9lvhK7Wg/s1600/tire-sculpture-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HFhrwXGtIi4/T05ZTZiBbFI/AAAAAAAAENU/2nl9lvhK7Wg/s320/tire-sculpture-01.jpg" uda="true" width="269" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">9.</span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aNLVM6OOaQQ/T056FRskvzI/AAAAAAAAEOs/ym4UMcn2dB0/s1600/glass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aNLVM6OOaQQ/T056FRskvzI/AAAAAAAAEOs/ym4UMcn2dB0/s320/glass.jpg" uda="true" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">10.</span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eOBjEhwNiMk/T05ZUeofirI/AAAAAAAAENc/qUXJitIhCz0/s1600/towel-sculptures.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eOBjEhwNiMk/T05ZUeofirI/AAAAAAAAENc/qUXJitIhCz0/s320/towel-sculptures.jpg" uda="true" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">11.</span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Gmb5S1yBrU/T059SwcKNQI/AAAAAAAAEPE/u2ZxvCaHGpc/s1600/coke+cans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="185" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Gmb5S1yBrU/T059SwcKNQI/AAAAAAAAEPE/u2ZxvCaHGpc/s320/coke+cans.jpg" uda="true" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">12. <img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vZjz0sfcf34/T059SJUi2GI/AAAAAAAAEO8/PRtzCV6kres/s320/aurora-robson-recycled-plastic-sculptures-1.jpg" uda="true" width="320" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">13.</span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DDFahJRJgAw/T05_kYxxoWI/AAAAAAAAEP0/dBTv39y_nIc/s1600/sand_sculptures_jesolo_II_by_mareika.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DDFahJRJgAw/T05_kYxxoWI/AAAAAAAAEP0/dBTv39y_nIc/s320/sand_sculptures_jesolo_II_by_mareika.jpg" uda="true" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> 14.</span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cfmvyFFr0UA/T059TgT5OAI/AAAAAAAAEPM/HpJ7-x04_DU/s1600/bullets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cfmvyFFr0UA/T059TgT5OAI/AAAAAAAAEPM/HpJ7-x04_DU/s320/bullets.jpg" uda="true" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> 15.</span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JbhZ1vtTjgs/T059bNdSSwI/AAAAAAAAEPU/4wgsTX3cxyM/s1600/plastic+bags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JbhZ1vtTjgs/T059bNdSSwI/AAAAAAAAEPU/4wgsTX3cxyM/s400/plastic+bags.jpg" uda="true" width="277" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> 16.</span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7W0DtkyYUyc/T059dtslnHI/AAAAAAAAEPc/gwuZTsSmFbk/s1600/records.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7W0DtkyYUyc/T059dtslnHI/AAAAAAAAEPc/gwuZTsSmFbk/s320/records.jpg" uda="true" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">17.</span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UhoM4nc1dOQ/T059o6t3IsI/AAAAAAAAEPk/Z8FTgo1AiHw/s1600/wire+hangers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UhoM4nc1dOQ/T059o6t3IsI/AAAAAAAAEPk/Z8FTgo1AiHw/s320/wire+hangers.jpg" uda="true" width="213" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">18.</span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8MMdqNmLaeQ/T059zlFB5dI/AAAAAAAAEPs/csy9Tp7VY04/s1600/felt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8MMdqNmLaeQ/T059zlFB5dI/AAAAAAAAEPs/csy9Tp7VY04/s320/felt.jpg" uda="true" width="232" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now that I'm all worked up about sculpture, I'm off on a work trip that will let me see this in person:</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rljRbqaRDGo/T06AQMGwMsI/AAAAAAAAEP8/T2Z0_BslnXg/s1600/art-institute-of-chicago-chicago-ilch05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rljRbqaRDGo/T06AQMGwMsI/AAAAAAAAEP8/T2Z0_BslnXg/s320/art-institute-of-chicago-chicago-ilch05.jpg" uda="true" width="232" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm totally excited as I have been trying to get here for years!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Can you guess where I'm going?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Send me an <a href="mailto:artisanmama@swbell.net" target="_blank">EMAIL</a> with your guess of the materials used in the above pictures as well as where you think I will see this lovely lion. I'll pick up a little something on my trip for the person who gets the most answers correct. I'll post the answers and the name of winner on Saturday. In the case of a tie, the winner will be selected randomly. </span></div>
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<br /></div>The Artisan Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18400578630489621913noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2836128061624921989.post-69047933236119117502012-02-28T08:00:00.000-06:002012-02-28T08:00:14.924-06:00Art in my back yard<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Last summer was a very dry year here in Texas. So dry in fact that in Houston alone they are estimating that 66 million trees were lost. We started noticing the dead trees towards the end of the summer, and I knew it would be bad. But as they have started removing the dead trees, I have to admit it is shocking to see how many trees are relaly gone. Our area is going to look so different and I can only hope that we don't have a repeat this summer.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FOLRhXaOAgw/T0zB2SokaAI/AAAAAAAAEJ8/gJsc9XqMMRs/s1600/Dying-Trees-memorial-park1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FOLRhXaOAgw/T0zB2SokaAI/AAAAAAAAEJ8/gJsc9XqMMRs/s400/Dying-Trees-memorial-park1.png" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A few weeks ago they removed several trees from the school that is across the street from our home. Included was "the tree", the largest one that all the kids loved. My youngest daughter Erin was so sad when it was removed, and she an her friends lamented its loss by reflecting on all the good times under and in it. But when they cut it down, they left a sizable piece its trunk. I assumed it was to make it easier to completely remove it, and this week as they cut down a few more trees we noticed some activity around the trunk. Apparently we were not the only ones sad to see the tree go, because instead of just completely removing it someone had the wonderful idea to create something beautiful from its base. Here is part of it's transformation into our school's mascot:</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hhPRRWUsDb8/T0zDoN8k1YI/AAAAAAAAEKE/4RFYcs-rdag/s1600/P1040691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hhPRRWUsDb8/T0zDoN8k1YI/AAAAAAAAEKE/4RFYcs-rdag/s400/P1040691.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FMrtZgy0SUQ/T0zEGVFy1QI/AAAAAAAAEKM/f1Wo2ann0Dw/s1600/P1040692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FMrtZgy0SUQ/T0zEGVFy1QI/AAAAAAAAEKM/f1Wo2ann0Dw/s400/P1040692.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NUb3hgzlnno/T0zEoWYrDEI/AAAAAAAAEKU/9ttZtlxfZNU/s1600/P1040693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NUb3hgzlnno/T0zEoWYrDEI/AAAAAAAAEKU/9ttZtlxfZNU/s400/P1040693.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OJ-R7gUrVPQ/T0zG495DlkI/AAAAAAAAEK0/iaz-LgerKaA/s1600/P1040701.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OJ-R7gUrVPQ/T0zG495DlkI/AAAAAAAAEK0/iaz-LgerKaA/s400/P1040701.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oUFILI_q6GE/T0zGUxOUyoI/AAAAAAAAEKs/SsT7DW8h4MU/s1600/P1040698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oUFILI_q6GE/T0zGUxOUyoI/AAAAAAAAEKs/SsT7DW8h4MU/s400/P1040698.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MNSiiuNLd2w/T0zFvq5PhbI/AAAAAAAAEKk/p6_LyJwHiDs/s1600/P1040696.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MNSiiuNLd2w/T0zFvq5PhbI/AAAAAAAAEKk/p6_LyJwHiDs/s640/P1040696.JPG" width="425" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is </span><a href="http://inshoresculpture.com/#/?section=About" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">James D. Phillips</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. He is an artist who has been doing tree sculptures for about 7 years. He was at the school for several days. It was so cool to watch him work. Even the kids loved it.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_yz91DIL1sQ/T0zHJPLd4rI/AAAAAAAAEK8/E2ofI4Gy-nQ/s1600/P1040704a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_yz91DIL1sQ/T0zHJPLd4rI/AAAAAAAAEK8/E2ofI4Gy-nQ/s400/P1040704a.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And I totally love the finish project:</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FeA8oIPbNfo/T0zImuP9YcI/AAAAAAAAELU/-M7qhhjIIMg/s1600/P1040713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FeA8oIPbNfo/T0zImuP9YcI/AAAAAAAAELU/-M7qhhjIIMg/s400/P1040713.JPG" width="266" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i60hG5RnJRM/T0zHpLySaCI/AAAAAAAAELE/OHtqzxja1bU/s1600/P1040709.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i60hG5RnJRM/T0zHpLySaCI/AAAAAAAAELE/OHtqzxja1bU/s400/P1040709.JPG" width="266" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FakqJGLzT4U/T0zIDBOtigI/AAAAAAAAELM/g4rvDxlvmpE/s1600/P1040710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FakqJGLzT4U/T0zIDBOtigI/AAAAAAAAELM/g4rvDxlvmpE/s400/P1040710.JPG" width="266" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m6-oue6J-zw/T0zI--sl5UI/AAAAAAAAELc/khNio0B1VTA/s1600/P1040717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m6-oue6J-zw/T0zI--sl5UI/AAAAAAAAELc/khNio0B1VTA/s400/P1040717.JPG" width="266" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now we have a beautiful piece of art to make sure we never forget "the tree". A big thank you to whoever approved this project. </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sXVC7R4OrJo/T0zTpVxRG5I/AAAAAAAAEL0/OND3QiNWA1c/s1600/P1040704b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sXVC7R4OrJo/T0zTpVxRG5I/AAAAAAAAEL0/OND3QiNWA1c/s320/P1040704b.JPG" width="264" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And to James Phillips for sharing his talent with our community.</span></div>
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<br /></div>The Artisan Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18400578630489621913noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2836128061624921989.post-67264183932264491632012-02-27T08:59:00.001-06:002012-02-27T08:59:36.163-06:00A great way to end a week<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How do you end a birthday celebrations filled with balloons...</span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KWI-HNMnPgU/T0uVlORpdoI/AAAAAAAAEH0/kBnKNuhW_QE/s1600/birthday+balloons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KWI-HNMnPgU/T0uVlORpdoI/AAAAAAAAEH0/kBnKNuhW_QE/s320/birthday+balloons.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">fun mother-daughter crafts...</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Um-ecDJQPsU/T0uYYwvrLII/AAAAAAAAEIM/PAZegABZ0yU/s1600/Potters+Wheel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Um-ecDJQPsU/T0uYYwvrLII/AAAAAAAAEIM/PAZegABZ0yU/s320/Potters+Wheel.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> and a beautifully delicious cake?</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MNLUpA0_f9Y/T0uVkaTUVpI/AAAAAAAAEHs/syBVFwHHCHQ/s1600/Amazing+French+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MNLUpA0_f9Y/T0uVkaTUVpI/AAAAAAAAEHs/syBVFwHHCHQ/s320/Amazing+French+cake.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> With cajun crawfish boil of course!</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1jUvpiphPhQ/T0uWFD12-CI/AAAAAAAAEH8/gsWR8rmFTLM/s1600/P1040722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1jUvpiphPhQ/T0uWFD12-CI/AAAAAAAAEH8/gsWR8rmFTLM/s320/P1040722.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Thanks to my beautiful Melissa for giving us a reason to party!</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iEAH4KA1YCM/T0uWeYgbIZI/AAAAAAAAEIE/vaPBZ-W_S0k/s1600/P1040689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iEAH4KA1YCM/T0uWeYgbIZI/AAAAAAAAEIE/vaPBZ-W_S0k/s400/P1040689.JPG" width="266" /></span></a></div>
<br />The Artisan Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18400578630489621913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2836128061624921989.post-75589091816712553312012-02-23T09:55:00.000-06:002012-02-23T09:55:00.167-06:00A new obsession...or twoRecently I may or may not have become slightly obsessed with <a href="http://pinterest.com/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>. What is Pinterest? According to the website, it is a Virtual Pinboard that lets you organize and share all the beautiful things you find on the web. What a great idea! A place where you can go to be inspired by looking at pictures and projects and food. The problem is that you can easily get lost browsing the pins of others and never have the time to actually try anything that you personally pin. In other words, it is easy to become a Pinterest Addict. And apparently I am not the only one to think this, because I quick google search lead me to these:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3cZX-tET7K0/T0JlfBvs_dI/AAAAAAAAEFg/oXZCfEgGmS0/s1600/Pinterest-Addict2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3cZX-tET7K0/T0JlfBvs_dI/AAAAAAAAEFg/oXZCfEgGmS0/s320/Pinterest-Addict2.jpg" width="320" yda="true" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O2EdPQc5Wds/T0JliB7jtWI/AAAAAAAAEFo/wKlmVBMjr58/s1600/Pinterest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O2EdPQc5Wds/T0JliB7jtWI/AAAAAAAAEFo/wKlmVBMjr58/s320/Pinterest.jpg" width="320" yda="true" /></a></div>
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I have actually tried to break free of pinterest addiction by setting a few rules. I can browse people's pins, but I can't become a drone and simply repin what I see. Instead I have to limit most of my pins to things I discover on my own. That way Pinterest truly is a log of things that inspire me. I also have to actually make some of the things that I pin. Which leads me to my second new obsession--green smoothies. </div>
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A few weeks ago while on Pinterest, I saw a pin for <a href="http://marcussamuelsson.com/recipes/green-smoothie-recipe-for-weight-loss" target="_blank">Green Smoothies</a>. We are a family of breakfast skippers, so I thought this would be a great way to not only have something quick we can grab as we run our different directions, but also a great way to get more fruit and veges in our diet. </div>
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And this time I didn't just pin the page, I actually made the smoothie. </div>
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I put some bananas, </div>
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frozen fruit,</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g0n--UWy4LY/T0JrFRkhC4I/AAAAAAAAEHI/8e3D7kJxZos/s1600/P1040672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g0n--UWy4LY/T0JrFRkhC4I/AAAAAAAAEHI/8e3D7kJxZos/s320/P1040672.JPG" width="213" yda="true" /></a></div>
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spinach,</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-svB0cB9ery4/T0JncbZVsqI/AAAAAAAAEF4/psFW3zpJCM0/s1600/P1040683.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-svB0cB9ery4/T0JncbZVsqI/AAAAAAAAEF4/psFW3zpJCM0/s320/P1040683.JPG" width="213" yda="true" /></a></div>
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and a cup or two of water into my blender. </div>
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Hit the smoothie button and watch it go...</div>
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I know it doesn't look the most appetizing </div>
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(my husband told me it looks like baby poop)</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V_xI9ZN9lcs/T0Jr611Y7fI/AAAAAAAAEHQ/bGU64tM6jow/s1600/P1040684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V_xI9ZN9lcs/T0Jr611Y7fI/AAAAAAAAEHQ/bGU64tM6jow/s320/P1040684.JPG" width="231" yda="true" /></a></div>
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But trust me, it's delicious! </div>
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One pin down! I'll let you know when I'm successful with another.</div>
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</div>The Artisan Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18400578630489621913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2836128061624921989.post-15971813643366432932012-02-21T08:00:00.000-06:002012-02-21T08:00:17.935-06:00Can it really be 25 years?<div style="text-align: center;">
25 years ago today, my beautiful daughter Melissa was born. </div>
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I truly have no idea how she went from this</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K3p8grzWxPY/T0J3ABGPCcI/AAAAAAAAEHY/3P3GKgkukHM/s1600/baby+Melissa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K3p8grzWxPY/T0J3ABGPCcI/AAAAAAAAEHY/3P3GKgkukHM/s400/baby+Melissa.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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to this </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y3zYJ32Vy34/T0J31Hq75DI/AAAAAAAAEHg/1Keqlnkgs6M/s1600/Melissa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y3zYJ32Vy34/T0J31Hq75DI/AAAAAAAAEHg/1Keqlnkgs6M/s400/Melissa.jpg" width="276" /></a></div>
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so quickly!</div>
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The years have flown by and today she is an incredibly talented, smart, loving, fun, stylish, sophisticated, amazing, and almost French woman. </div>
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I am proud to be her Mama and her friend. </div>
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Happy birthday Melissa!</div>The Artisan Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18400578630489621913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2836128061624921989.post-11946278115347551022012-02-20T08:53:00.000-06:002012-02-20T08:53:05.015-06:00One of the best parts of ChristmasI know Christmas has been over for almost 2 months now, but last week I obsessed a bit about it and had to share that obsession here.<br />
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It started when I walked past my fridge and saw this:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pl7ZAvnYYSU/T0JStW1SmXI/AAAAAAAAECw/NcMvxoV1SLs/s1600/P1040625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pl7ZAvnYYSU/T0JStW1SmXI/AAAAAAAAECw/NcMvxoV1SLs/s320/P1040625.JPG" width="212" yda="true" /></a></div>
This collection is made up of family and friends. I love being able to see their beautiful faces every day as I walk through my kitchen. Some days I pass by without even noticing them. But other times I'll stop and stare, remembering people and places and happy times. I also love that all of these pictures came to me thanks to these:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_ExfLglpJEE/T0JUgBvAFSI/AAAAAAAAEEw/x3wTvrvM2ik/s1600/P1040652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_ExfLglpJEE/T0JUgBvAFSI/AAAAAAAAEEw/x3wTvrvM2ik/s320/P1040652.JPG" width="320" yda="true" /></a></div>
I love Christmas cards. In fact, I think they are one of the best parts of Christmas. I love seeing what kind of card each of my loved ones has chosen. It's fun to see their personalities shine through.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rkayVw34hTA/T0JUbtyf-hI/AAAAAAAAEEo/hKVbeT1zcKw/s1600/P1040653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rkayVw34hTA/T0JUbtyf-hI/AAAAAAAAEEo/hKVbeT1zcKw/s320/P1040653.JPG" width="204" yda="true" /></a></div>
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This card came from friends who have spent the last several years living in Australia. My brother Dan lives there too, and we had a goal to get to Australia and see both of them. Unfortunately we were too slow and our friends have now moved on to another assignment. The clock is ticking to get there before my brother returns to the states. Hopefully we'll make it....but I digress....</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0_3Ft5dxp5o/T0JUVc_Vw6I/AAAAAAAAEEY/RpGMupm-7S4/s1600/P1040657.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="120" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0_3Ft5dxp5o/T0JUVc_Vw6I/AAAAAAAAEEY/RpGMupm-7S4/s320/P1040657.JPG" width="320" yda="true" /></a></div>
This card came from one of my brother-in-laws. This is the perfect card to represent him. He loves to hunt and fish and be outdoorsy. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This card came from one of my closest college friends. Today she is Mrs. Mayor of a city in northern Utah. She has always been stylish and classy, even back when we were poor college students. I think this card is perfect for her!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GpsNLR9FzBE/T0JUJElLOaI/AAAAAAAAEEI/xY4u6GwTjts/s1600/P1040658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GpsNLR9FzBE/T0JUJElLOaI/AAAAAAAAEEI/xY4u6GwTjts/s320/P1040658.JPG" width="224" yda="true" /></a></div>
This card came from one of my most talented friends. She is a mom, a full-time student, and a wonderful quilter. She always has fresh flowers and branches incorporated in her decorating. And I love that she picked this card.<br />
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My favorites Christmas cards are the religious ones. </div>
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This one came from one of my most artistic friends. Love the beauty of this card. It definitely reminds me of her beautiful soul. Love it!!!</div>
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If you've gotten a card from me you probably know this already, but I only send out Christmas cards that are about the true meaning of Christmas, which of course is the birth of our Savior. This has been a tradition for our family since my husband and I were married. Some years that has been difficult, and I must admit that if I didn't find a card that moved me, I simply didn't send out cards that year. So if you've don't get a card from me at Christmas, just assume it's because I couldn't find the perfect nativity card. I would never buy my cards and then not get around to mailing them. Never. Ever. OK, maybe once or twice, but mostly it's because I didn't find that perfect card. Really.</div>
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But back on topic...as I said earlier, I think Christmas cards are one of the best parts of Christmas. But I have to admit that cards that include a family letter are better than those envelopes that just contain a card.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ooyxU4dYdgk/T0JUqKtQS9I/AAAAAAAAEE4/q9PZUrlIbVU/s1600/P1040651.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ooyxU4dYdgk/T0JUqKtQS9I/AAAAAAAAEE4/q9PZUrlIbVU/s320/P1040651.JPG" width="320" yda="true" /></a></div>
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I love reading about the life and times of all my loved ones</div>
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And the truly best cards are those that include a family picture. </div>
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I love ones that chronicle growing families:</div>
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Weddings...</div>
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and babies!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hohjm_1nSb8/T0JTewzaEjI/AAAAAAAAEDI/glx3oXWJG5w/s1600/P1040644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hohjm_1nSb8/T0JTewzaEjI/AAAAAAAAEDI/glx3oXWJG5w/s320/P1040644.JPG" width="142" yda="true" /></a></div>
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I love the pictures of families who have children serving on missions:</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--7AHUb9mP8g/T0JTjknAtRI/AAAAAAAAEDQ/hVgSHkV-iEc/s1600/P1040648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--7AHUb9mP8g/T0JTjknAtRI/AAAAAAAAEDQ/hVgSHkV-iEc/s320/P1040648.JPG" width="211" yda="true" /></a></div>
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...and those who have had their missionaries return:</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OzWzVU39Q30/T0JdnyTHGHI/AAAAAAAAEFQ/4_G_UxT0o6k/s1600/P1040627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OzWzVU39Q30/T0JdnyTHGHI/AAAAAAAAEFQ/4_G_UxT0o6k/s320/P1040627.JPG" width="320" yda="true" /></a></div>
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I love pictures that show personality (and new toys!)</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7raXpndHPnY/T0JTpPa1XEI/AAAAAAAAEDY/c6aHpadZY6o/s1600/P1040642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7raXpndHPnY/T0JTpPa1XEI/AAAAAAAAEDY/c6aHpadZY6o/s320/P1040642.JPG" width="320" yda="true" /></a></div>
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And I love that these Christmas pictures eventually end up on my fridge...</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kjk2RU4eXrM/T0JUxqOk59I/AAAAAAAAEFI/6Ha77F47H8Q/s1600/P1040641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kjk2RU4eXrM/T0JUxqOk59I/AAAAAAAAEFI/6Ha77F47H8Q/s320/P1040641.JPG" width="311" yda="true" /></a></div>
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where I can walk by them everyday, and sometimes stop and stare</div>
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--remembering people and places and happy times.</div>
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Oh, and in case you are wondering....this is what the other side of my fridge looks like:</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fvfSHSKSWXk/T0JUte5sz2I/AAAAAAAAEFA/zdA2C7oraWA/s1600/P1040649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fvfSHSKSWXk/T0JUte5sz2I/AAAAAAAAEFA/zdA2C7oraWA/s400/P1040649.JPG" width="176" yda="true" /></a></div>
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You see, I also love magnets!</div>
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</div>The Artisan Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18400578630489621913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2836128061624921989.post-10950408227188759292012-02-19T08:00:00.000-06:002012-02-19T08:00:08.033-06:00I love missionaries!<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (yes, I'm a Mormon), I believe I have a responsibility to share my knowledge of my Savior </span><a href="http://mormon.org/jesus-christ/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jesus Christ</span></a><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> and his </span><a href="http://mormon.org/restoration/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">restored gospel</span></a><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. Although I personally struggle being a good missionary, my immediate family has a strong tradition of full-time </span><a href="http://www.ldschurchnews.com/missions/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">missionary service</span></a><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My parents served a Mission to Hawaii before they had children. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hUxH_H_-ohU/TzlEMC2yKqI/AAAAAAAAD_s/YmswUn_dxs4/s1600/Val+&+Phyllis+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hUxH_H_-ohU/TzlEMC2yKqI/AAAAAAAAD_s/YmswUn_dxs4/s400/Val+&+Phyllis+7.jpg" width="253" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is very unique as couples usually serve missions after their children are grown. My parents were unable to have children (me and my 2 brothers are all adopted), so they were called as full-time missionaries during the early years of their marriage. I have never heard of another couple who did this, but it turned out to be a huge blessing. As I've mentioned before, my Mom struggled with serious health problems for most of her married life, so this truly was the only time they could have served together. I really want to research this and see if I can find other examples of young couples serving as full-time missionaries. If you know of any, please let me know. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My in-laws served a mission to Puerto Rico.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8ZR2QyBXphs/Tzxst-15wkI/AAAAAAAAECg/ezYWs0ZEz-A/s1600/Scan_Pic0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8ZR2QyBXphs/Tzxst-15wkI/AAAAAAAAECg/ezYWs0ZEz-A/s400/Scan_Pic0001.jpg" width="400" yda="true" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They went on their mission right after they sent their youngest child off on his. While they were gone we had our third child and moved to Houston. WE missed them during these events, but were so proud that they chose to serve. They have also served missions at home serving in the St. George Temple, the employment center and as missionaries to a Spanish Branch in where they were able to brush up on their Spanish and teach English. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My husband Greg served a mission to Denmark. </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1i3prMLWSak/TzlLwX4RGZI/AAAAAAAAEA0/XXJfxeSHEDY/s1600/Mission+%231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1i3prMLWSak/TzlLwX4RGZI/AAAAAAAAEA0/XXJfxeSHEDY/s320/Mission+%231.jpg" width="218" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Jensens are from Denmark, so Greg's serving here </span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">helped us create a love for Danish traditions.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My brother Kevin served in the Geneva Switzerland mission. </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--k0N_1L01k4/TzlE4ELuZGI/AAAAAAAAD_0/Kk89hqveZIE/s1600/Kevin--19b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--k0N_1L01k4/TzlE4ELuZGI/AAAAAAAAD_0/Kk89hqveZIE/s320/Kevin--19b.jpg" width="228" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He actually only had one day in Switzerland and spent</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> the rest of his mission in France and the Reunion Islands</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> off the coast of Africa.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My brother Dan served in Spain.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DmFdsgCgyFI/TztErvJ-aZI/AAAAAAAAECQ/mTx1adkfQcE/s1600/Dan1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DmFdsgCgyFI/TztErvJ-aZI/AAAAAAAAECQ/mTx1adkfQcE/s320/Dan1a.jpg" width="266" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My son Joey served in Colorado in the Colorado Denver South mission</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hDxV5TQuJ6c/TzlFcwBNGFI/AAAAAAAAD_8/n-QMaMbC6Tk/s1600/PC120153a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hDxV5TQuJ6c/TzlFcwBNGFI/AAAAAAAAD_8/n-QMaMbC6Tk/s320/PC120153a.jpg" width="228" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My oldest daughter Melissa served in Southern France in the France Toulouse Mission.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S3Ev-uQI5iQ/TzlF8_ACPrI/AAAAAAAAEAM/cLiB-80pnVY/s1600/Soeur+Melissa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S3Ev-uQI5iQ/TzlF8_ACPrI/AAAAAAAAEAM/cLiB-80pnVY/s320/Soeur+Melissa.jpg" width="204" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She actually opened her mission in the same city that Kevin opened his. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How cool is that?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My nephew Nick served in the Mexico Guadalajara East mission.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-imHNtRRvQ1A/TzlHSUOGmDI/AAAAAAAAEAc/0UFxKKRvdts/s1600/Nik+Mission.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-imHNtRRvQ1A/TzlHSUOGmDI/AAAAAAAAEAc/0UFxKKRvdts/s320/Nik+Mission.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And my daughter Rachel is currently serving in Toronto, Canada.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TbjRdOq-Uqw/TzlkEJPl3MI/AAAAAAAAEBs/GlUtw3Xw7v8/s1600/P2124254a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="251" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TbjRdOq-Uqw/TzlkEJPl3MI/AAAAAAAAEBs/GlUtw3Xw7v8/s400/P2124254a.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She wanted to go somewhere "not cold". </span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Lord obviously has a sense of humor!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is my missionary heritage. I love it and I look forward to the time when I can serve a mission with my husband.</span>The Artisan Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18400578630489621913noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2836128061624921989.post-132704945033875072012-02-18T13:40:00.000-06:002012-02-18T13:40:26.383-06:00Don't miss the beauty around you.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="padding-bottom: 14px; padding-right: 15px;">beau·ty</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: smaller/normal "Doulos SIL", "Gentum", "TITUS Cyberbit Basic", "Junicode", "Aborigonal Serif", "Arial Unicode MS", "Lucida Sans Unicode", "Chrysanthi Unicode"; padding-bottom: 7px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">/ˈbyo͞otē/</span></span></span></span><div id="sound_flash" style="display: block; height: 0px; position: absolute; width: 0px;">
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<li style="list-style-type: decimal;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A combination of qualities, such as shape, color, or form, that pleases the aesthetic senses, esp. the sight.</span></li>
<li style="list-style-type: decimal;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A combination of qualities that pleases the intellect or moral sense.</span></li>
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<tr><td style="color: #666666; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-top: 5px;" valign="top" width="80"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Synonyms:</span></td><td style="padding-bottom: 5px; padding-top: 5px;" valign="top"><div>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">loveliness - belle - pulchritude - fairness - prettiness</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today I read about a <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/04/AR2007040401721.html" target="_blank">social experiment</a> conducted by the Washington Post in 2007. Its purpose was to test whether or not people would recognize extrodinary beauty in ordinary situations. It made me wonder if I would have stopped and enjoyed the moment or been one of the many who were totally unaware of what they had missed. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So in the words of <span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ralph Waldo Emerson, "</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything that is beautiful; for beauty is God's handwriting - a wayside sacrament. Welcome it in every fair face, in every fair sky, in every fair flower, and thank God for it as a cup of blessing. "</span> </span></span><br />
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<br />The Artisan Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18400578630489621913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2836128061624921989.post-44871642217100158892012-02-14T08:00:00.000-06:002012-02-14T11:00:57.856-06:00The true meaning of Valentine's DayToday would have been my parents' 57th anniversary. Because it fell on Valentines Day it has always been easy to remember. But today I am probably thinking about my Dad more than I ever had on one of their anniversaries because it is also the first one since my mother passed away.<br />
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My Dad loved my Mom. Their marriage was a tough one. Mom had serious health problems most of their married life, which led to stress and financial struggles. But no matter what, he was always there to take care of her and love her. And I know there is a big void in his life now that she is gone. <br />
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So today I think about both of them. <br />
When they were young and just starting out together:</div>
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when we kids were all grown and it was back <br />
to just the two of them again,</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mpek3TtavH8/Tzk4h5ajPbI/AAAAAAAAD_M/ck-ibCG8D5w/s1600/Val+&+Phyllis+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mpek3TtavH8/Tzk4h5ajPbI/AAAAAAAAD_M/ck-ibCG8D5w/s320/Val+&+Phyllis+13.jpg" width="244" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o1PfgsNVLHA/Tzk3nEcZWmI/AAAAAAAAD_E/StaF5WyLn2M/s1600/Mom+&+Dad's+50th.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o1PfgsNVLHA/Tzk3nEcZWmI/AAAAAAAAD_E/StaF5WyLn2M/s320/Mom+&+Dad's+50th.jpg" width="258" /></a></div>
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and at the end when Dad was the only one Mom </div>
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really recognized all of the time.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ICGEHRQBNoI/TaSLSg6ac_I/AAAAAAAADwo/hQ_Df6aCvrA/s1600/2010_11240009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ICGEHRQBNoI/TaSLSg6ac_I/AAAAAAAADwo/hQ_Df6aCvrA/s400/2010_11240009.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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This is love. </div>
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This is what Valentines Day is really all about.</div>
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Happy anniversary Mom & Dad!</div>
<br />The Artisan Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18400578630489621913noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2836128061624921989.post-54839176177351711252012-02-13T10:00:00.000-06:002012-02-13T10:01:57.812-06:00BACK TO THE BLOG<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iU6Ug2wp02w/TzkoN97L9NI/AAAAAAAAD-s/bDWfLBNTDfU/s1600/blogging.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iU6Ug2wp02w/TzkoN97L9NI/AAAAAAAAD-s/bDWfLBNTDfU/s400/blogging.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I had meant to take a month or so off from my blog after my mother passed away last April. But it always seems that life tends to throw the unexpected at you and if you're not determined and focused on your goals, you can wake up one morning and discover months have passed and you are still waiting to do the things you love and dream about doing. That's what happened to me, and that is what I am determined to change -- starting now. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana;">So let the creative process begin again!</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GrHOFhMeDKM/TzkoUKDoptI/AAAAAAAAD-0/VWw3pYzNmQE/s1600/Creative-Thinking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><img border="0" height="282" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GrHOFhMeDKM/TzkoUKDoptI/AAAAAAAAD-0/VWw3pYzNmQE/s400/Creative-Thinking.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana;">Question of the day: What encourages/discourages you from being creative every day?</span></div>
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</div>The Artisan Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18400578630489621913noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2836128061624921989.post-10266520420577677012011-04-12T12:00:00.001-05:002011-04-12T13:24:44.288-05:00A break to say goodbye<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nbsdwv93zz8/TaSYDEgU9tI/AAAAAAAADws/Ao4tXQkXJQM/s1600/Mom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nbsdwv93zz8/TaSYDEgU9tI/AAAAAAAADws/Ao4tXQkXJQM/s400/Mom.jpg" width="319" /></a></div><span style="color: #000066;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">On March 30 I received a phone call that made me refocus on the truly important things in life. My mother, who has been suffering from Alzheimer's, had been declining steadily for several weeks. On that Wednesday her hospice nurse informed my brother that it was time for those who wanted to say goodbye to come to their home. So I flew to Utah and was able to spend three days with my Mom and say goodbye. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #000066;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Although we were prepared for her loss, it has still been a difficult time. But I have received comfort from my knowledge that because of my Savior <a href="http://mormon.org/jesus-christ/" target="_blank">Jesus Christ</a> and God's great <a href="http://mormon.org/plan-of-happiness/" target="_blank">plan of happiness</a> we will all live again. And that because of His<a href="http://mormon.org/restoration/" target="_blank"> restored gospel</a> and the blessings of the temple, our <a href="http://lds.org/ensign/1996/11/the-eternal-family?lang=eng" target="_blank">family</a> can be together throughout the eternities. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #000066;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So although I'll miss her dearly, I look forward to the day when I will once again feel her embrace and be able to tell her I love her.</span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ICGEHRQBNoI/TaSLSg6ac_I/AAAAAAAADwo/hQ_Df6aCvrA/s1600/2010_11240009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ICGEHRQBNoI/TaSLSg6ac_I/AAAAAAAADwo/hQ_Df6aCvrA/s400/2010_11240009.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="color: #000066;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Hopefully I'll get back into posting on a regular basis soon, but until then remember--</span></span></span><span style="color: #000066;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">life is short. Hug your family, tell them that you love them and spend as much time with them as possible. </span></span></span><span style="color: #000066;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></span></span>The Artisan Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18400578630489621913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2836128061624921989.post-39014130393214584892011-03-25T12:00:00.003-05:002011-03-25T12:41:50.800-05:00Recycled Art<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In a post a couple of weeks ago I mentioned that I had volunteered to teach a class on recycled art. Since them I have been scouring the internet looking for the perfect project to do in my class. It had to be easy, quick and stir your creative juices so that the ladies that attend will want to go home and look for other ways to create beautiful things out of materials they would normally throw away. Not too much to ask, right? But I discovered rather quickly that although there are a lot of great projects you can create with recycled materials, finding one that you could complete in 30 minutes was very, very difficult.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">That all changed late last night as I was once again online searching for the perfect project. I stumbled upon <a href="http://www.homemademamas.net/2010/01/recycled-wall-art.html" target="_blank">this great project</a> at <a href="http://www.homemademamas.net/" target="_blank">homemade mamas</a>, which was inspired by <a href="http://www.growingupcreative.com/" target="_blank">Growing Up Creative</a>'s post about making <a href="http://www.growingupcreative.com/2009/10/eco-kids-craft.html" target="_blank">wall art using paper towel rolls</a>. Don't you love how the internet allows so many people to share creativity? I was very, very intrigued by both of these posts. Unfortunately, I was also very, very tired. So I bookmarked the site and went to bed.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">This morning I got up and decided to give this project a try before I did anything else. </span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">I got my materials...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D23q2e5-dTM/TYzDXZSh8II/AAAAAAAADuI/AAq2WOvteE8/s1600/P1030863a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" r6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D23q2e5-dTM/TYzDXZSh8II/AAAAAAAADuI/AAq2WOvteE8/s320/P1030863a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">and went to work.</span></div><br />
<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">This project is so easy. You just flatten the paper tube (I'm using toilet paper rolls here), m</span><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">easure and mark your cutting lines...</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-DvIie9j1Lcs/TYzDfuHVqQI/AAAAAAAADuQ/xC3JX8VtKXw/s1600/P1030864a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" r6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-DvIie9j1Lcs/TYzDfuHVqQI/AAAAAAAADuQ/xC3JX8VtKXw/s320/P1030864a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">and cut the tube apart.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-iQJNGULQ4u0/TYzDjp2qfUI/AAAAAAAADuU/gwmanqjIwmg/s1600/P1030865a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-iQJNGULQ4u0/TYzDjp2qfUI/AAAAAAAADuU/gwmanqjIwmg/s320/P1030865a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Put the cut strips between your thumb and finger, and gently press down to reshape the circles...</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-KoHB6pVTFNQ/TYzMl-JqUsI/AAAAAAAADwE/6K0v2AMwCpA/s1600/P1030939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-KoHB6pVTFNQ/TYzMl-JqUsI/AAAAAAAADwE/6K0v2AMwCpA/s320/P1030939.JPG" width="286" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">and then go to work creating designs...</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-alOsjQ1q9rY/TYzDqSOmpMI/AAAAAAAADuY/7cLXVNufsSc/s1600/P1030866a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" r6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-alOsjQ1q9rY/TYzDqSOmpMI/AAAAAAAADuY/7cLXVNufsSc/s320/P1030866a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-RQGNmOjP8MQ/TYzDuvBmtuI/AAAAAAAADuc/2-pHmVxmPAE/s1600/P1030867a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-RQGNmOjP8MQ/TYzDuvBmtuI/AAAAAAAADuc/2-pHmVxmPAE/s320/P1030867a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-S0YywbPktAM/TYzDxBJlzxI/AAAAAAAADug/haYOFjRdh2c/s1600/P1030868a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-S0YywbPktAM/TYzDxBJlzxI/AAAAAAAADug/haYOFjRdh2c/s320/P1030868a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-X93O0Nw9xyM/TYzECSrUoRI/AAAAAAAADuw/zWX3f-i2XvU/s1600/P1030872a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-X93O0Nw9xyM/TYzECSrUoRI/AAAAAAAADuw/zWX3f-i2XvU/s320/P1030872a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Before beginning this project, I decided to create some art for this wall of photos.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-tfKI4_Ajpg0/TYzEwB6rvRI/AAAAAAAADvc/G8wUM8dSk-s/s1600/P1030887a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="169" r6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-tfKI4_Ajpg0/TYzEwB6rvRI/AAAAAAAADvc/G8wUM8dSk-s/s320/P1030887a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">I love the mix of family pictures on this wall, but have always been a little bugged by these two gaps...</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-WwCRHAB1Bsc/TYzE-_Q6IWI/AAAAAAAADvk/u1qLZ1pLS6s/s1600/P1030891a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-WwCRHAB1Bsc/TYzE-_Q6IWI/AAAAAAAADvk/u1qLZ1pLS6s/s200/P1030891a.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-nHNnxJv5zWg/TYzE7pwLgTI/AAAAAAAADvg/UACN1_5XWEw/s1600/P1030890a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="151" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-nHNnxJv5zWg/TYzE7pwLgTI/AAAAAAAADvg/UACN1_5XWEw/s200/P1030890a.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">So today I decided to try to create something to hang in those gaps. My goal is to use the toilet paper rolls to create pieces that look like wrought iron.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">After playing with several designs, I settled on this one:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-pAdqpSSRv0g/TYzER9lRXDI/AAAAAAAADvA/vZL6EChxirY/s1600/P1030876a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-pAdqpSSRv0g/TYzER9lRXDI/AAAAAAAADvA/vZL6EChxirY/s320/P1030876a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">The next step was to pull out my glue gun and start gluing</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Ccz6gTAM_o0/TYzEUScP_nI/AAAAAAAADvE/peXEWNoBgyI/s1600/P1030877a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Ccz6gTAM_o0/TYzEUScP_nI/AAAAAAAADvE/peXEWNoBgyI/s320/P1030877a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wABoOuF81w4/TYzEaRbkR9I/AAAAAAAADvI/Yp3JUXKEFbE/s1600/P1030878a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wABoOuF81w4/TYzEaRbkR9I/AAAAAAAADvI/Yp3JUXKEFbE/s320/P1030878a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-aGRwmG2LYoI/TYzEfxU1W_I/AAAAAAAADvQ/KPu8As9dek0/s1600/P1030884a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-aGRwmG2LYoI/TYzEfxU1W_I/AAAAAAAADvQ/KPu8As9dek0/s320/P1030884a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-KbPgr5KLAmg/TYzEjUIMGII/AAAAAAAADvU/PrRkJa0xXpI/s1600/P1030885a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-KbPgr5KLAmg/TYzEjUIMGII/AAAAAAAADvU/PrRkJa0xXpI/s320/P1030885a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">I was happy with the first one I created, so I cut a few more strips and made another.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-RQnEnzuaKd4/TYzEmApT6PI/AAAAAAAADvY/ZJeg98jOKc0/s1600/P1030886a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="173" r6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-RQnEnzuaKd4/TYzEmApT6PI/AAAAAAAADvY/ZJeg98jOKc0/s320/P1030886a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">I then moved the project outside. I put my pieces into a box...</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-GuGnU8N9AcU/TYzFBXrzKAI/AAAAAAAADvo/OsXdsPP5R9E/s1600/P1030894a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-GuGnU8N9AcU/TYzFBXrzKAI/AAAAAAAADvo/OsXdsPP5R9E/s320/P1030894a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">And painted them with this paint:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-nHw18HRSOho/TYzFFWc7hLI/AAAAAAAADvs/CK8-k0QldwE/s1600/P1030895a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-nHw18HRSOho/TYzFFWc7hLI/AAAAAAAADvs/CK8-k0QldwE/s400/P1030895a.jpg" width="195" /></a></div><br />
<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">I purchased this paint earlier this month for another faux wrought iron project I have in the works. I haven't even started that one yet, but was thankful I had this paint. It is a Indoor Satin Metallic paint that I hoped would give my cardboard a metal look.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">I sprayed both sides of the pieces. The paint only takes about 10 minutes to dry, so this process was pretty quick.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EPeHrphFbY8/TYzFK8nfOdI/AAAAAAAADvw/UZGNCWsYpgM/s1600/P1030897a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" r6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EPeHrphFbY8/TYzFK8nfOdI/AAAAAAAADvw/UZGNCWsYpgM/s320/P1030897a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">I did have some trouble getting all the edges covered completely. But I solved that problem by using the over spray and a cheap craft sponge brush to make touch ups. And when I was done, I had these:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-QS3CwcypAAc/TYzMn0VVPXI/AAAAAAAADwI/UAP2Y5RlOoQ/s1600/P1030938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="194" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-QS3CwcypAAc/TYzMn0VVPXI/AAAAAAAADwI/UAP2Y5RlOoQ/s320/P1030938.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">At this point in the project my husband came outside to see what I was doing. I showed the two pieces I had just completed. He asked me where I got them, and was quite surprised when I told him I made them. He asked me what I made them out of and was amazed when I told him toilet paper rolls. Standing at a distance he seriously thought they were metal. I guess that means this project is a success!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">So for the cost of some spray paint and a glue stick, I was able to use a recycled toilet paper roll to take my wall from this...</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-tfKI4_Ajpg0/TYzEwB6rvRI/AAAAAAAADvc/G8wUM8dSk-s/s1600/P1030887a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="169" r6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-tfKI4_Ajpg0/TYzEwB6rvRI/AAAAAAAADvc/G8wUM8dSk-s/s320/P1030887a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">to this...</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-86EXeCIUg0g/TYzFW8jQ0iI/AAAAAAAADwA/BB6vh5EEjB4/s1600/P1030927a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" r6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-86EXeCIUg0g/TYzFW8jQ0iI/AAAAAAAADwA/BB6vh5EEjB4/s320/P1030927a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zHFQb_-7eB4/TYzFUmm040I/AAAAAAAADv8/2597aE-yl9U/s1600/P1030923a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" r6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zHFQb_-7eB4/TYzFUmm040I/AAAAAAAADv8/2597aE-yl9U/s320/P1030923a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">What do you think? Can you tell what they are made of?</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-UZObityxgGU/TYzFOTXW-2I/AAAAAAAADv0/qEhAif8N1Bc/s1600/P1030920a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" r6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-UZObityxgGU/TYzFOTXW-2I/AAAAAAAADv0/qEhAif8N1Bc/s320/P1030920a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">And not only do I have some new art on my walls, I have some new inspiration. I plan to spend the next day or two seeing what else I can make out of these paper tubes. Then I'll finalize my plans for my recycled art class. It feels good to finally be narrowing in on a plan!</span>The Artisan Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18400578630489621913noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2836128061624921989.post-56700260463371932802011-03-21T12:30:00.002-05:002011-03-21T12:52:02.462-05:00My art discoveries in Puerto Rico<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Last week my husband and I traveled to Puerto Rico with his parents. I absolutely love to travel. I love visiting new places and experiencing new cultures. Puerto Rico was green and beautiful and we had a wonderful trip. </span><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Whenever we travel, I aways want to spend lots of time in museums. Because the main purpose of the trip was to accompany my in-laws as they revisited the sites where they served their <a href="http://mormon.org/missionary-work/" target="_blank">LDS Mission</a> 20 years ago, I wasn't sure there would be a lot of time to wonder around museums. However, while researching the trip I discovered that one of my favorite paintings is hanging in a museum in Ponce, so I gave a slight nudge to have it added to our itinerary. </span></div><br />
<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">On our last day in Puerto Rico, we drove around the western side of the island and ended up in Ponce. Our first stop was at the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parque_de_Bombas" target="_blank">Parque de Bombas</a>, the most colorful fire station you'll ever see--inside and out.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zhGZMmPp1S4/TYeHcdu6SLI/AAAAAAAADto/-IzXTovoZis/s1600/P1030811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" r6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zhGZMmPp1S4/TYeHcdu6SLI/AAAAAAAADto/-IzXTovoZis/s200/P1030811.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xaX5Oes3Akc/TYeHlJDKgVI/AAAAAAAADt0/vwGwVqPB2mE/s1600/P1030816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xaX5Oes3Akc/TYeHlJDKgVI/AAAAAAAADt0/vwGwVqPB2mE/s200/P1030816.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1UjznArC0Cc/TYeHpZ8YAeI/AAAAAAAADt4/mrm5dmnef2c/s1600/P1030818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1UjznArC0Cc/TYeHpZ8YAeI/AAAAAAAADt4/mrm5dmnef2c/s200/P1030818.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-GZqp7QNPDOU/TYeHfOB9_pI/AAAAAAAADts/UkHEgQzigPU/s1600/P1030814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-GZqp7QNPDOU/TYeHfOB9_pI/AAAAAAAADts/UkHEgQzigPU/s200/P1030814.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-0h9joQ4B_ZE/TYeHvNcWCdI/AAAAAAAADuA/0LOlVFIY6ic/s1600/P1030821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-0h9joQ4B_ZE/TYeHvNcWCdI/AAAAAAAADuA/0LOlVFIY6ic/s200/P1030821.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-HRKdmw5m1i8/TYeHr7HSRYI/AAAAAAAADt8/p-6cHVeCnDg/s1600/P1030820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-HRKdmw5m1i8/TYeHr7HSRYI/AAAAAAAADt8/p-6cHVeCnDg/s200/P1030820.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Next we made it over to the <a href="http://www.museoarteponce.org/" target="_blank">Museo de Arte de Ponce</a>, and headed straight to the object of our visit: </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Flaming June by Fredrick Lord Leighton</span> </span><br />
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UK6Igrr-AKo/TYeHVmCpCnI/AAAAAAAADtg/Ita-7mwxWL4/s1600/Flaming+June.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UK6Igrr-AKo/TYeHVmCpCnI/AAAAAAAADtg/Ita-7mwxWL4/s320/Flaming+June.jpg" width="312" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">She was big and vivid and beautiful. </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">She did not disappoint my high expectations!</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In the same room was another great painting by one of my favorite artists, <a href="http://www.artrenewal.org/pages/artist.php?artistid=7" target="_blank">William Bouguereau</a>. (I wrote about one of his other paintings, <a href="http://artisanmama.blogspot.com/2010/09/elder-sister.html" target="_blank">The Elder Sister</a>, last year.) Here's the one we saw in Ponce:</span></div><br />
<div align="center"><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana;">Far From Home</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-iBkmSt-31RU/TYeHQRK3ggI/AAAAAAAADtc/EKnivsvAJUw/s1600/Far+From+Home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-iBkmSt-31RU/TYeHQRK3ggI/AAAAAAAADtc/EKnivsvAJUw/s400/Far+From+Home.jpg" width="266" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana;"></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I also fell in love with this painting:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Judgment of Solomon by Baron Gustaaf Wappers</span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-rvqItVR9yVA/TYeHYkloYAI/AAAAAAAADtk/HHXXM01VY9c/s1600/Judgment+of+Solomon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-rvqItVR9yVA/TYeHYkloYAI/AAAAAAAADtk/HHXXM01VY9c/s400/Judgment+of+Solomon.jpg" width="310" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The colors in this painting were amazing. And I love the emotions of the two women's faces--it is so obvious who is the true mother of the living child. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #000066; font-size: large;">Another favorite was this etching: </span></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Witches, by Puerto Rican artist Marcos Irizarry</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Dpk94EH7azE/TYeHyErNIdI/AAAAAAAADuE/VIzSTRI-3eI/s1600/Witches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Dpk94EH7azE/TYeHyErNIdI/AAAAAAAADuE/VIzSTRI-3eI/s400/Witches.jpg" width="275" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">The faces in this piece are wonderful!</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">It was a great end to a wonderful week of R & R. </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Now it's back to real life. Hopefully I'll have a new project to share by the end of the week. </span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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</div>The Artisan Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18400578630489621913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2836128061624921989.post-70206590279496986692011-03-11T10:30:00.014-06:002011-03-11T10:30:02.403-06:00It was a good week because I survived it!<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And I thought last week was busy! This week was so much more I haven't even been able to think about posting. I really don't have time to do it this morning, but since my goal is to post every week--here I am.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">The projects I worked on this week all involved the Pioneer Trek two of my kids are going on next week. They will drive out to the hill country and pull handcarts for four days. My husband and I were suppose to go with them, but due to a mix up on the dates of another event we had previous committed to we had to back out. I'm still a little bummed about that, as I would have loved to share this experience with my son and youngest daughter.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">We've know about this trek for quite a long time, which should mean that all of our preparations were done several weeks ago. Those of you that know me well can stop laughing long enough to hear me admit that that statement is so false. However, that doesn't mean I haven't been working on this project for quite some time.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">One of the things that has kept me running back and forth to the mall are these buckets:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-bTy_K_hHhmA/TXpGhx0zkwI/AAAAAAAADs4/-a4RbQvuYe8/s1600/P1030496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="327" q6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-bTy_K_hHhmA/TXpGhx0zkwI/AAAAAAAADs4/-a4RbQvuYe8/s400/P1030496.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">The Trek participants must fit all of their belongings for the trip into a 5 gallon bucket. We decided making padded seats on the buckets would be a good YW activity, and I set out trying to find a source for free buckets. The Great American Cookie Company at the mall came through for us, and agreed to save their frosting buckets for our group. Each week I went to the mall once or twice to pick up their empties. Most times I got one or 2. Once time I scored and got 4. Several times I was disappointed to find they had thrown them all out. One time I was told that "someone had already picked them up" and were given all three. Ugh! But in the end we were able to get the 19 buckets we needed. And I only had to make two of the seats on my own.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">And now my kids, and all our ward's participants, will have a soft place to rest their hineys at the end of the day.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zsdtx6cX39U/TXpGkZ2XxFI/AAAAAAAADs8/kdlBrw9TUaM/s1600/P1030499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="368" q6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zsdtx6cX39U/TXpGkZ2XxFI/AAAAAAAADs8/kdlBrw9TUaM/s400/P1030499.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">The last project we tackled was my daughter's clothes. She had decided she wanted to have dresses and not skirts and shirts. And she wanted to help make them. So we bought the supplies over a month ago and kept trying to find a block of time we could work together. Well, guess what? That never happened. Shocking, I know. So this week I had to get to work doing it on my own.</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">I started with this:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gYoQ8J770Cc/TXpGp2FeP_I/AAAAAAAADtA/FWzOjCTp1bM/s1600/P1030486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" q6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gYoQ8J770Cc/TXpGp2FeP_I/AAAAAAAADtA/FWzOjCTp1bM/s400/P1030486.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Notice the finished bonnet? A wonderful woman in our ward made these for all the women. Today I am so very grateful for her!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Oh, and please disregard the laundry basket that snuck into this photo. My house is currently in serious disarray and it's hard to take any photos that don't include clutter. But I digress....as usual...I'll try to get back on topic now.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">The original plan was to make two dresses and one apron. In the end I made one dress...</span><br />
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<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"> and two aprons...</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-MYVJVH7sN9o/TXpGwkUhQvI/AAAAAAAADtI/FNldVBFjyAQ/s1600/P1030492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" q6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-MYVJVH7sN9o/TXpGwkUhQvI/AAAAAAAADtI/FNldVBFjyAQ/s320/P1030492.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">(which btw I am especially proud of since I made them without a pattern.)</span></div><br />
<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">For her other outfit, my daughter is using a skirt that was found at goodwill by a friend and a shirt from the back of my closet...</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7HQDkl46d90/TXpJTvcmDSI/AAAAAAAADtU/La98VMMTKnI/s1600/P1030504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" q6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7HQDkl46d90/TXpJTvcmDSI/AAAAAAAADtU/La98VMMTKnI/s400/P1030504.JPG" width="202" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Once again, I am so grateful!</span></div><br />
<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">So that is how I spent my week. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">And this is how excited my daughter is to have this project done.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-EzmBMf2ev9s/TXpGtU0aDqI/AAAAAAAADtE/MaQb8b8ICd4/s1600/P1030489a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" q6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-EzmBMf2ev9s/TXpGtU0aDqI/AAAAAAAADtE/MaQb8b8ICd4/s400/P1030489a.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br />
<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">My smile is even bigger!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">I am taking next week off to enjoy beautiful places and things and will hopefully have a wonderful post about that sometime after the 20th.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">And hopefully in the near future I can show you what we have decided to do with this cute fabric which did not become a pioneer dress.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-UNsAXBhC-g0/TXpLSVhwfHI/AAAAAAAADtY/Fht_qqnC-y4/s1600/P1030505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" q6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-UNsAXBhC-g0/TXpLSVhwfHI/AAAAAAAADtY/Fht_qqnC-y4/s400/P1030505.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Have a great week!</span>The Artisan Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18400578630489621913noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2836128061624921989.post-26600666970091455632011-03-03T10:00:00.003-06:002011-03-03T10:19:24.231-06:00A 10 minute project<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you asked me to describe my week, I could do it in three words: busy, busy, busy. But since I am determined to post here on a regular basis, this morning requires a short break to show you my latest project.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">First I have to tell you how I discovered this project. I volunteered to teach a class on Recycled Art at my church next month. Since I finished my most current YW activity last night (a Minute to Win It activity that was too fun), I decided I better get online this morning to get ideas for a project that can be made in 30 minutes or less (which is how long my class will last). I must admit that I love to google, and could spend all day looking at the amazing things people make. But since my schedule is still packed with things I have to get done before my upcoming vacation, I had to force myself to get an early start and limit my browsing.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Lucky for me I found a great project pretty quick. It is a ten minute <a href="http://www.leethal.net/zine/?p=1344#" target="_blank">Recycled T-Shirt Bag</a> that I found on the <a href="http://www.leethal.net/zine/" target="_blank">do stuff! blog</a>. This project caught my eye for a couple of reasons. It claimed to only take 10 minutes to make, required no sewing and only needed three 3 things to make: a t-shirt, a pair of scissors and a safety pin. How could I not try that?</span><br />
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<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">So I grabbed a t-shirt from our donation pile and took it from this: </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-iva6IBaYzm0/TW-74aK0HvI/AAAAAAAADso/oVI3x3JsWSs/s1600/P1030450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" l6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-iva6IBaYzm0/TW-74aK0HvI/AAAAAAAADso/oVI3x3JsWSs/s400/P1030450.JPG" width="317" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">to this: </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W0sGrsoaQzk/TW-776AMCGI/AAAAAAAADss/8dvtBoAmbo4/s1600/P1030484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" l6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W0sGrsoaQzk/TW-776AMCGI/AAAAAAAADss/8dvtBoAmbo4/s400/P1030484.JPG" width="265" /></a></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">in about 10 minutes!</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Isn't it cute? I think this would make a perfect beach or pool bag. </span><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">I'm not sure it qualifies as Recycled Art, but I still love this project! </span>The Artisan Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18400578630489621913noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2836128061624921989.post-88659580199857154172011-02-25T16:00:00.010-06:002011-02-25T16:00:03.000-06:00Friday Foodie: Cooking rice in the oven<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Posting a little late today, but didn't want to miss sharing what I recently learned about making rice. I don't own a rice cooker, but instead always make our rice in the microwave. Last weekend I was asked to make a very large amount of rice when the party we were going to had a last menu minute change. 30 cups of cooked rice to be exact. </span><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Since I have never cooked such a large quantity at once and I had no desire to be cooking rice all day, I turned to google and made a wonderful discovery. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">You can bake rice in your oven. And not just a normal amount of rice, like 2 or 3 cups--really large quantities like 15 cups. It is super easy and the rice comes out perfect. Here's all you do:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Ingredients: 2 cups of water per 1 cup of rice. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Bring water to a boil. You can add some oil and salt to the water if you'd like. (I put a little oil in mine, but no salt.)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Place rice into the pan you will be baking in. Pour boiling water on top. Stir. Place lid on pan. Put pan into preheated 350<strong>°</strong> oven. Cook for 30 minutes. Remove pan from oven and let sit for 15 minutes. Fluff with fork.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">As I said before, this is super easy and turns out perfect rice. So if you are ever asked to make 30 cups of rice the only challenge will be to find a big enough pan. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Oh, and as a bonus foodie tip--check out this new website I discovered last week: <a href="http://www.tastespotting.com/" target="_blank">TasteSpotting</a> It's a great online resource for new recipes. Check it out.</span>The Artisan Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18400578630489621913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2836128061624921989.post-44894104615709808932011-02-23T10:50:00.017-06:002011-02-23T10:54:47.975-06:00Young Women Survival Kit<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Although I've sat in this chair from almost as long as I can stand today, I really wanted to share something my daughter put together for our <a href="http://lds.org/pa/display/0,17884,6903-1,00.html" target="_blank">New Beginnings</a> program on Sunday. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">During New Beginnings we spotlight the girls who will be turning 12 and entering our <a href="http://lds.org/handbook/handbook-2-administering-the-church/young-women?lang=eng#101" target="_blank">Young Women</a> organization this year. As part of that spotlight, my Laurels wanted to include some little gifts. My daughter volunteered to take care of the gifts and put together a survival kit for the new girls. Each box contained several items along with a description of why they were included. Check it out and let me know if you think they are as cute and creative as I do: </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mPhp2ZJdq8k/TWU2CdiNLKI/AAAAAAAADrU/z-wFNZ9gvOY/s1600/P1030429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="338" j6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mPhp2ZJdq8k/TWU2CdiNLKI/AAAAAAAADrU/z-wFNZ9gvOY/s400/P1030429.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>Welcome to Young Women!</strong></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong></strong></span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>To help you adjust, we thought we’d give you a Young Women Survival Kit!</strong></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>Inside this kit you will find:</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">PLAYDOUGH- Because the things you learn while in the Young Women Program will mold your character!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-inQej9voZ6M/TWU2PFjMYSI/AAAAAAAADrk/byw0QZrXa6A/s1600/P1030433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-inQej9voZ6M/TWU2PFjMYSI/AAAAAAAADrk/byw0QZrXa6A/s320/P1030433.JPG" width="244" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">GLOW STICKS- Because the Young Women values will light the path to the temple!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lyuQ0i0f-gs/TWU2XxeKStI/AAAAAAAADrw/sRHhoB_6ZFk/s1600/P1030436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" j6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lyuQ0i0f-gs/TWU2XxeKStI/AAAAAAAADrw/sRHhoB_6ZFk/s400/P1030436.JPG" width="265" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">HAND SANITIZING WIPES- Because the habits you develop through the Personal Progress Program keep you morally clean!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DdJk__wo4Ss/TWU2RtQQIyI/AAAAAAAADro/6cA3ghdKwPw/s1600/P1030434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DdJk__wo4Ss/TWU2RtQQIyI/AAAAAAAADro/6cA3ghdKwPw/s320/P1030434.JPG" width="305" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">BUBBLES- Because you will be bubbling over with knowledge each Sunday you attend Young Women!</span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N8NdDnwH0Mw/TWU2MsTNdoI/AAAAAAAADrg/xM2ttmsV95Y/s1600/P1030432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" j6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N8NdDnwH0Mw/TWU2MsTNdoI/AAAAAAAADrg/xM2ttmsV95Y/s400/P1030432.JPG" width="221" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">JOURNAL/PEN- Because it’s important to record the spiritual promptings you receive during Young Women lessons!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_g6d9ZFPzx0/TWU2aRDZ_3I/AAAAAAAADr0/2S2Zkglj8a0/s1600/P1030437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_g6d9ZFPzx0/TWU2aRDZ_3I/AAAAAAAADr0/2S2Zkglj8a0/s320/P1030437.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">TISSUES- Because the spirit is always strong during Young Women lessons, and you may shed a tear or two!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qj7gziDH8Xw/TWU2d1-BsVI/AAAAAAAADr4/qndfGzujONk/s1600/P1030438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qj7gziDH8Xw/TWU2d1-BsVI/AAAAAAAADr4/qndfGzujONk/s320/P1030438.JPG" width="197" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">SOCK MONKEY- Because we’re going bananas waiting for you to become a Beehive!</span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oUnZhkUcTYw/TWU2J8tKodI/AAAAAAAADrc/JUrSq_PQfAw/s1600/P1030431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oUnZhkUcTYw/TWU2J8tKodI/AAAAAAAADrc/JUrSq_PQfAw/s320/P1030431.JPG" width="241" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">CANDY- Because we think you’re sweet!</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cvCCPB-jTzk/TWU2VHBAP_I/AAAAAAAADrs/z1YYj-BvFr8/s1600/P1030435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cvCCPB-jTzk/TWU2VHBAP_I/AAAAAAAADrs/z1YYj-BvFr8/s320/P1030435.JPG" width="236" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We can’t wait for you to turn 12 and join us!</span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Love, The Young Women!</span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<div align="center" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>The Artisan Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18400578630489621913noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2836128061624921989.post-45566576481908542462011-02-23T10:17:00.000-06:002011-02-23T10:17:04.891-06:00Easing back into things<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's now been a week since my little fall down the stairs. I wish I could say I am totally back to normal, but unfortunately I cannot. My back is still sore, and simple things like sitting in a chair, standing over a table and reaching for things have it complaining in the most unpleasant way. But since I can't just sit around all day, I am slowly getting a few projects done. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Before I start catching you up on what I managed to do the last week, I want to write a little about my change is focus this year. In earlier posts I told you that I was taking the second semester of my Arts Metals class. You may have noticed that I haven't said a word about the class since the end of January and my posting about <a href="http://artisanmama.blogspot.com/2011/01/lost-wax-casting.html" target="_blank">Lost Wax Casting</a>. This is due to an interesting chain of events that has totally changed my focus this semester.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Right after that last post about my class, I was contacted by Continental Airlines about interviewing for a job with their food services. I was laid off from Continental in July of 2009, and have missed my flight benefits so much I have been trying for months to figure out a way to get back into the company. Back in September I applied for the position of Transporation Agent. Since I never heard back from them, I assumed that I didn't make the cut. However, it appears they were just a little slow in getting through the hiring process.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">When I was first contacted about the interview, I had alarms going off in my head about whether the position would work with my class and church volunteer schedules as well as an upcoming trip I have planned with my in-laws. But I decided I needed to go check it out. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">As I sat in the room and listened to the description of the job and the inflexibility of schedule that would be required for the first six months, the alarms I heard earlier started going off again. At the end of the discussion, the HR rep told us that if we could not make our schedule meet with those requirements we could bow out of the interview and reapply at a better time. I sat in my chair and debated whether or not I should drop out of the process, but in the end I decided to stick with it because I wasn't going to lose anything by continuing.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">The next step in the process was a tour of the facility. They broke us up into groups according to the position we applied for. To be totally honest, when I got the invitation to be interviewed I had to look at my application history to see which job I had applied for--how funny is that? Once they started dividing us into groups, I was no longer sure which job I was being considered for. But since I didn't want to look stupid, I picked the one I thought was right and went along with that group. They took us into the refridgerated warehouse and we watched different groups do their assigned jobs. Most employees worked alone in an area doing assembly line type work. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">As I was led from area to area, an</span><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"> interesting thing happened. I was struck by the fact that there was absolutely no interaction with customers, and there seemed to be very little interaction with other employees. This realization made me start to feel a little sad. I also had one thought that kept popping into my head--"There is absolutely no way I can work in here 40 hours a week". So at the end of the tour when the HR rep asked if anyone had changed their mind about continuing, I raised my hand, signed out and left the facility--before I even had an interview.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">The day seemed like a total bust, however I learned a couple of interesting things. I learned that the interaction with customers was a huge part of what I loved about my job with Continental. I learned that I will not do ANY job just to have flight benefits. (I'm still not sure if I would have been willing to suffer through this job if it had been part time instead of full time, but since all of their positions are full time that is totally a moot point). </span><br />
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<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">The other interesting thing I learned was that I wasn't that upset about the thought that I might have to drop my arts metals class. In fact, the more I thought about it, the more I decided it might be a good thing to do. This semester was all about learning how to cast, which would have been very cool. However it is a skill that I would not be able to do at home without a serious investment in equipment. And to be perfectly honest, I didn't see that ever happening. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">I also started thinking about other things I wanted to do this year, which would be hampered by my being in school twice a week. And I kept feeling like it would be better for me to be more flexible with my schedule this sememster. I'm not sure what that feeling is all about, but I do know that the more I thought about it, the more it felt right to withdraw from class. So that is what I did.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">In the end my interview with Continental did not get me my flight benefits back. </span><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">But I listened to the promptings that came from the experience and gained a new perspective on what I should be focusing on right now. I still feel like there is something coming that makes the decision to be more flexible a good one for me. Maybe that something was just the tumble I took last week, or maybe it's something still to come. But that really doesn't matter to me. What matters is that I really feel good about the decision I made and I am totally loving not going to school twice a week. Instead I am using my time to focus on other things, including working on art projects of my choosing. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">I'll continue to share those projects and what I am doing with my free time here. </span>The Artisan Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18400578630489621913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2836128061624921989.post-40715680958917128302011-02-16T09:00:00.142-06:002011-02-16T09:11:41.694-06:00Paint and Pain<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This week I continue to play with texture on canvas. For this project I picked up some 6 x 8 panels. I applied the texture:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lcGetE41ql0/TVvMv0rmJiI/AAAAAAAADqg/pFiUHwEDWOg/s1600/P1030378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" j6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lcGetE41ql0/TVvMv0rmJiI/AAAAAAAADqg/pFiUHwEDWOg/s320/P1030378.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">And then some paint:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HPOcyJRjx7U/TVvOP2Qa8DI/AAAAAAAADq4/_uRd7UYIsuc/s1600/P1030380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" j6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HPOcyJRjx7U/TVvOP2Qa8DI/AAAAAAAADq4/_uRd7UYIsuc/s320/P1030380.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Then I took some sandpaper to the finish to add a little distressed contrasting to the canvas:</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5LuygNfZ1xw/TVvM2dgslJI/AAAAAAAADqo/CubrqB17mWM/s1600/P1030391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" j6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5LuygNfZ1xw/TVvM2dgslJI/AAAAAAAADqo/CubrqB17mWM/s320/P1030391.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">I really like this look.</span></div><br />
<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Then I tried several things that totally failed, which I did not take photos of. In order to try to salvage the project, used more paint and sandpaper to get back to my project base:</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kv2meHb_uc8/TVvUfDbE4GI/AAAAAAAADrM/gwWEzzh7OsI/s1600/P1030392a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="159" j6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kv2meHb_uc8/TVvUfDbE4GI/AAAAAAAADrM/gwWEzzh7OsI/s320/P1030392a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">And then I was stuck. I looked at these canvases and had absolutely no idea what to do with them. Just when I was about to put them into my unfinished project box, I found these:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6fuwinXjwUU/TVvM81jfdjI/AAAAAAAADqw/igK3tzg4g04/s1600/P1030406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" j6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6fuwinXjwUU/TVvM81jfdjI/AAAAAAAADqw/igK3tzg4g04/s320/P1030406.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">And a light bulb went off.</span></div><br />
<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">You'll have to wait for another day to see what that light bulb was. Partially because my day is filled with several appointments that will limit my craftiness. And partially because of this little fellow:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7ib8bA3asrA/TVvVlJxphSI/AAAAAAAADrQ/t28lT_dAB58/s1600/P1030298a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" j6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7ib8bA3asrA/TVvVlJxphSI/AAAAAAAADrQ/t28lT_dAB58/s400/P1030298a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">This is Phil, my dog's new chew toy. </span></div><br />
<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Dakota likes to shred stuffed animals. She doesn't steal them and shred them, but when we give her one she spends quite a while ripping their faces off and then pulling the stuffing bit by bit out of the toy. I know that sounds kind of gruesome, but really its just pretty messy. And if the stuff animal is a cheap one, it will only entertain her for a few minutes. The ones that really last are the Build a Bear animals. We discovered this because she used to steal animals and once got a hold of a BB bear. It gave her many, many hours of enjoyment. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Since I don't want to give her BB toys to shred, I am always on the look out of durable doggie toys. Last week we found this guy at PetCo. They claimed it was extremely durable, and although it was way more than I ever dreamed I'd spend on a dog toy, I bought it--hoping it would last longer than a stuffed animal. And guess what? It does! D</span><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">akota loves Phil, and he is so durable she hasn't even managed to put a hole in him yet--even after several hours of play.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o5YqD2f_7LM/TVvQF0q2UBI/AAAAAAAADrI/XEnIVri2avo/s1600/P1030301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" j6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o5YqD2f_7LM/TVvQF0q2UBI/AAAAAAAADrI/XEnIVri2avo/s400/P1030301.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><br />
<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Now you may be wondering what Phil has to do with me finishing a craft project. You see, Dakota loves to play with Phil on the stairs.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BQ8rS_trNQk/TVvP60HWUMI/AAAAAAAADrA/g7oR7i-1wlY/s1600/P1030299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" j6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BQ8rS_trNQk/TVvP60HWUMI/AAAAAAAADrA/g7oR7i-1wlY/s400/P1030299.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">This morning when I went upstairs to wake up my baby, I saw that Dakota had left Phil there.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wp1xnsCvt8w/TVvNADlx0iI/AAAAAAAADq0/WLGl5Z3ugQY/s1600/P1030404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="381" j6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wp1xnsCvt8w/TVvNADlx0iI/AAAAAAAADq0/WLGl5Z3ugQY/s400/P1030404.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">For an instant I thought about picking him up, but I dismissed it. You see, I was tired. Usually I call my daughter to wake her up, but she hadn't felt well last night so I thought I should go check on her and see if she was feeling good enough to go to school. </span><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">I'm sure you know what is coming next. I walked past this little guy on my way up, only to step on him on my way back down. My foot slipped and down I went. Major OUCH! And now my back is sore and I'm moving slowly, and getting through just my scheduled events may be all I can manage today. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">But even with the pain I am excited about the idea I have for at least one of these canvases. I'll let you know when I make some more progress.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">I am also keeping my eyes open for Phil. After our morning encounter I put him on top of Dakota's kennel, just so I'd know where he was. I just walked by there, and he is gone. Apparently he was still within Dakota's reach. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qn4X3nkF3tU/TVvP4ZBPONI/AAAAAAAADq8/fdPl_-J0Fk4/s1600/P1030298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" j6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qn4X3nkF3tU/TVvP4ZBPONI/AAAAAAAADq8/fdPl_-J0Fk4/s400/P1030298.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Like I said, she loves Phil.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>The Artisan Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18400578630489621913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2836128061624921989.post-13896400789255931522011-02-14T17:30:00.003-06:002011-02-14T17:30:01.219-06:00Valentine's Love from my oven<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mI8H8r1GzAk/TVm5Pq91W5I/AAAAAAAADp0/0irVRcoXt7g/s1600/P1030390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mI8H8r1GzAk/TVm5Pq91W5I/AAAAAAAADp0/0irVRcoXt7g/s320/P1030390.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What else would the breakfast of champions be followed up with?</span></div>The Artisan Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18400578630489621913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2836128061624921989.post-9726978048696150242011-02-14T11:00:00.003-06:002011-02-14T17:27:54.339-06:00Valentine's Breakfast of Champions<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here's what was served at my house for Valentine's Day breakfast.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vVtH8k0sHy8/TVlfe4VAmLI/AAAAAAAADpw/BjhjbVoulCw/s1600/P1030383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vVtH8k0sHy8/TVlfe4VAmLI/AAAAAAAADpw/BjhjbVoulCw/s400/P1030383.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Yum!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Here's the recipe in case you want to make some.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
<strong><u><span style="color: 000066; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Crepes</span></u></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Ingredients:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">2 beaten eggs</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">1 1/2 cups milk</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">1 cup all- purpose flour</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">1 tablespoon cooking oil</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">1/4 tsp salt</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Place all ingredients in a bowl and beat until combined. Heat a lightly greased 6 - in skillet; remove from hear. Spoon in 2 tablespoons batter; lift and tilt skillet to spread batter. Return to heat; brown on 1 side only. (Or cook in crepe maker following manufacturer's directions.) Invert over paper towels; remove crepe. Repeat with remaining batter, greasing skillet occasionally.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">My adaptations: </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">I mixed my batter in a blender-pulsing until combined.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">I used a 10 in cast iron skillet, which I placed a little butter before adding batter. I also increased batter to about 4 tablespoons.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">You can tell when the crepe is done because the sides start to pull away from the pan. I use a wooden spatula to pull up crepe and check for a lightly browned crepe.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Serve with your favorite fruit or jam. This morning we used Nutella and bananas. Strawberries and whip cream are also yummy.</span></div>The Artisan Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18400578630489621913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2836128061624921989.post-62782258219782419002011-02-14T10:23:00.002-06:002011-02-16T06:52:57.731-06:00Crafting with the Stars Final Project<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Update: Jonie placed 2nd in the finals. Congrats to one talented lady!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The final projects are up at </span><a href="http://www.sewdangcutecrafts.com/2011/02/round-4-projects-vote-for-champion.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Crafting with the Stars</span></a><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">. With my love of mosiacs, you won't be surprised that I loved </span><a href="http://easyascutandpaste.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Jonie's</span></a><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Mosaic Bean Art and Belt Chair. Too, too cute and a project anyone could do. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Do me a favor and </span><a href="http://www.sewdangcutecrafts.com/2011/02/round-4-projects-vote-for-champion.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">VOTE</span></a><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> for her now!</span>The Artisan Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18400578630489621913noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2836128061624921989.post-39428400825734358972011-02-13T09:00:00.004-06:002011-02-13T09:00:06.854-06:00Random Sunday Topic<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Since I mentioned and provided links to several other blogs this week, I've decided today's post will be a random topic instead of a random blog. Since tomorrow is Valentines day, I thought Love would be appropriate. Here is what I learned about love searching online:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0_CNYW6gQTY/TVcUHAuh5NI/AAAAAAAADpg/69mO4I-KkjU/s1600/LOVE_pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0_CNYW6gQTY/TVcUHAuh5NI/AAAAAAAADpg/69mO4I-KkjU/s400/LOVE_pic.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #000066;"><strong><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Love" target="_blank">Love</a></strong> is the emotion </span><span style="color: #000066;">of strong affection a</span><span style="color: #000066;">nd personal attachment.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">There is a <a href="http://www.lovecalculator.com/" target="_blank">love calculator</a> that can calculate the chance of a successful relationship between two people. FYI, it projects a 42% chance for me and my husband of 25 years. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="http://people.howstuffworks.com/love.htm" http:="" love.htm?target="_blank" people.howstuffworks.com="">Love</a> is a chemical state of mind.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">But the best information about love comes from a video which tells us "</span><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYhDhiojBPA">Love</a> is what matters most".</span><br />
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<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">So spend some time with those you love today! Enjoy your Sunday.</span>The Artisan Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18400578630489621913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2836128061624921989.post-80358936939297301932011-02-11T10:00:00.002-06:002011-02-11T12:49:50.696-06:00Bonus Post: Friday Foods<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It is cold here in Houston, and I'm in the mood for something yummy. So as long as I'm baking, </span><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">I decided to start a new feature on my blog--Friday Foods. I'm hoping that by committing to posting a recipe once a week will keep me motivated to try new recipes and share some of my family's favorites.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">I'm starting off with one of our new favorite holiday recipes. My husband asked me to make for him this week. I resisted at first, because pumpkin bread is only eaten in November and December. Am I right? But in the end I made it for him. That's just the kind of wife I am. And guess what? Turns out it's just as good in January as it was in December. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">You should make some. Trust me, it is delicious!</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"><strong><u>Pumpkin Gingerbread</u></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: black;">Adapted from a recipe found at </span><a href="http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/pumpkin-gingerbread/Detail.aspx" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">allrecipes.com</span></a></span></div><span style="color: black;"><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ingredients</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2cups sugar</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 cup chunky applesauce</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">4 eggs </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2/3 cup water </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2 teaspoons ground ginger </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 teaspoon ground allspice </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 teaspoon ground cinnamon </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 teaspoon ground cloves </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2 teaspoons baking soda </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 1/2 teaspoons salt </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1/2 teaspoon baking powder<br />
Chocolate chips - optional to some, but not to me</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(I never measure chocolate chips. Just throw a handful or two in until it looks like there is enough. How's that for exact measurements?)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
<span style="color: black;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: large;">Directions</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease two 9x5 inch loaf pans. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In a large mixing, combine sugar, applesauce and eggs; beat until smooth. Add water and beat until well blended. Stir in pumpkin, ginger, allspice cinnamon, and clove. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In medium bowl, combine flour, soda, salt, and baking powder. Add dry ingredients to pumpkin mixture and blend just until all ingredients are mixed. Add chocolate chips and mix. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Divide batter between prepared pans. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Bake in preheated oven until toothpick comes out clean, about 1 hour. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"></span></span>The Artisan Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18400578630489621913noreply@blogger.com0