Blog entry

The Ocean Stirs the Heart - Wonderful Handmade Wednesday on Indiemade

The ocean stirs the heart, inspires the imagination and brings eternal joy to the soul - Robert Wyland (marine life artist)

This past week, I was able to reconnect with the ocean when visiting the Coos Bay / Bandon, Oregon area.  While my husband golfed, I explored the amazing land that is southwest Oregon.  From huge trees to craggy cliffs by the sea; from the multitudes of birds to the fog interlaced with sunshine, I was taken with the landscape . . . and the very friendly people.  And I was actually able to meet a long-time artist friend face-to-face for the first time. What a lovely person Sue is!

Botanical Beauties - Wonderful Handmade Wednesday on Indiemade

BOTANICAL:  pertaining to plants

Many people think that the desert is nothing but prickly plants and blowing sand.  Believe me, there are plenty of prickly plants here in the Chihuahuan Desert, and, at times, plenty of blowing sand.  But there are a whole host of other plants that bloom beautifully and are much more friendly to the skin.  The Chihuahuan Desert is termed a "cold desert" since temperatures often drop below freezing during the winter with occasional snowfall.  It is, on average, higher in altitude (El Paso is at 3800 ft / 1200 m) than the neighboring “hot” Sonoran Desert around Tucson (2643 ft / 806 m) which rarely experiences freezing temperatures.  While Tucson and Phoenix bake for several months with triple digits, summer temperatures in the Chihuahuan desert are more moderate, our hottest month being June. Triple digits, yes, but for only a few weeks.  Rainfall averages less than 10" per year, most of that coming during the monsoon season, normally July through mid-September. Amazingly, the World Wildlife Fund for Nature has indicated that the Chihuahuan Desert may be the most biologically diverse desert in the world!  Our plants just tend to be built on a smaller scale than those found in the Sonoran Desert.

Peaceful - Wonderful Handmade Wednesday on Indiemade

Peaceful:  untroubled by conflict, agitation, or commotion.  Synonyms:  tranquil, calm, restful, quiet, still, relaxing, soothing, undisturbed, untroubled

I have to admit:  I am a news and political junkie.  And what is coming out in the news these days just makes my head spin, whether it is local, state, national or international.  Because of being constantly bombarded with unending news alerts, I really am appreciative of what I have learned in my three-day a week yoga class:  how to breathe, how to control the monkey mind (or at least calm it to a dull roar), how to be in the moment, how to be mindful and, above all, to add more empathy, compassion, love and peace to each day.  

Countdown to Mother's Day - Handmade Gifts - Week 9

There is an old saying, “All good things must come to an end.”  It is with a somewhat heavy heart that I have to mention that the Mother’s Day Countdown 2017 has come to a close.  Week 9 of the Countdown has come and gone . . . and Mother’s Day is this Sunday, May 14.  If you haven't done your shopping, there is still a bit of time, especially if you use expedited shipping or Mom is willing to wait for her perfect gift.  A fabulous place to shop is at Julie and Blu's Mother’s Day Countdown collection of handmade items.  On their The Blu Print blog, you will find that perfect handmade gift that Mother will love and cherish for years to come.  And you can always buy something for yourself!  This week, 57 wondrous items were shared by 19 talented artists.  The items include: jewelry of many different styles, party items, crochet, knitting, sewing, polymer clay magnets and pushpins, lampwork, woodworking and more - so many different items and techniques.  Shop now!