Reflections of The Eaglet

Yesterday I was reminded of a teaching from long ago. In fact I had almost forgotten how profound this lesson was and the impact that it had on my life.

Years ago, I had studied a teaching on the Eagle. It was one that I not only related to but embraced and taught - why I had forgotten this lesson or the impact that it had on me is really somewhat a mystery. So now I will just have to pull out and re-study – and refresh my spirit.

Not long after the study, I had the opportunity to teach at ladies retreat in Whitefish, Montana. It had probably more impact on me than on the ladies (smile). There in a corner of Whitefish Lake was a Rock - Just my size! To sit - To reflect - To understand the teaching of "The Eagle"

Two nuggets from the teaching of the Eagle:

1. In order for a baby Eaglet to survive - or have a better chance of survival if scientist or do not help them hatch from their egg . There is something about the “stress” of tapping against the egg, which brings strength and stamina to the eaglet. On the tip of an eaglet’s nose there is a hard little bump that helps the eaglet to break free. Helping him/her to break free can actually cause the eaglet not to survive. In our own lives – it is the pushing against those stressful times that actually make us stronger people.

2. When an eagle is older - with wings that have damage, or is sick - The eagle will take itself to the highest point in the mountains, pull all of it's feathers out - Dip in a cold brook and then lay itself naked on the rock for the sun to pull the poison out and renew their strength.
While in Montana - I actually found a large rock, I reclined on that rock -(clothed thank you - a southern belle would never lay naked on a rock in public!!) - and allowed the "Son" to bath His warmth and refresh me. Somewhere in all my photos - I actually have the picture of that rock.
The joy of blogging and sharing those life journey stories and my creative artsy side, I began to worriy about whether or not anyone was reading my tales and spins, enjoying my artsy side and also whether I was being followed. How foolish, I now feel to get so caught up with this.

I was graciously reminded by a couple of most wise ladies - of these very principles of why I even started all this. Not only did I regroup, but I have been so blessed by their wisdom, and it was through my blogging that I found their blogs, which really are two of my most favorite blogs and I come away each time I visit them with a rich blessing.
As on that day I sat on the “Rock” and Allowed the “Son” to heal my being – So this week I have been bathed with healing from two awesome wise creative women. . . . . .

Writer's Block - Overwhelemed - Re-Do the To Do List

For a couple of days now, I have seemed to be in a writer's block - even though I have a list of things that I thought I wanted to write about,I am not sure that I have the "magic" to do so.

My cry for help in my last blog - gave me a great comment and encouragement. With some absolutely wise wisdom about asking folks to follow my blog around. Guess if one does not want to be a follower there is no crime in it. And Thanks Leslie!!!!

Today, I could not seem to find the "Internet" from my home today, so I came to a new little coffee/ice cream shop that has opened up recently. It is a great little place, the coffee is absolutely excellent. Very smooth rich coffee! Now I will tell you that the ice cream is pure sin. -Pure Sin!!! Nestled in a wonderful little brick building - a space that I would have loved to have had for a vintage book and art store, but this coffee/ice creamery shop is perfect.

TWO UGLY MUGS!!! What a great name! I have already done more the twenty questions with one of the owners. Michael Williams , he is a very pleasant man and has graciously answered my questions about coffee, ice cream and the gutsy decision to open a small business during what the world says about recession. But I am convinced that coffee and ice cream will never be in recession! He certainly seems to knows his business.

Here he is



Great smile - great attitude - maybe a new great friend. (He reminds me of a friend I knew in my younger years Don Ostergard, who had a Pub on the beach in Panama City. Who knows where he disappeared too.) And most gracious to answer the questions of this older southern belle.


After too much coffee and just a little ice cream - late last night, I once again decided I know I also need to regroup how I am approaching my "Creative To Do List" -How do I pack 24 hours within 24 hours, working full time, accomplishing projects and sleep some as well. It is all good! It will all fall into place I am sure.

Last night I drugged the printer, scanner and sewing machine back to the dining room. It is much more room to spread out than the guest room. I just can't seem to get the guest/art room to work.

Now my quest is to find a cabinet of some sort that is great for the dining room but will house my sewing machine, printer and scanner. The other obstacle is when I spread my work out, all over the dining room, and I need to be able to stash it fast if I need to when I am having company. Ohhh the perils of my dilemmas!!! I just laugh at myself . . . .

Information - Questions - Thoughts - Help!

Today I am catching up loose ends at the office. And winding down for Friday afternoon with grandsons and playing with the Sony. I also hope to get some creative - inspiration - on some projects I have on my "Creative To Do List". Not that my list is creative - the projects are most creative and need some really inspiration to get them ready to present.

As I have been working diligently on my homework for my website, several questions have been coming up and I know I need more information - I have many questions and I have been pouring through lots on information and insights from those much more experienced in websites, blogging, and opening doors to those in the art world, or expanding my world. So here are some questions I am going to just throw our the to ya to see if someone is actually out there listening with teir eyes to what I have been saying - sharing - and if I need to change my ways so to speak! (smile with me now).

1. When one comments on someone's blog or website. Is it not good protocol to respond?
2. What is the protocol of sending an e-mail to a person who you really enjoy their art - website - blog, etc and want to let them know and also to make a connection.
3. Being from the south it seems as if there are not the opportunities to attend other artists workshops with out a great deal of travel expense and with as many online workshops, is there a guideline to what is a reasonable priced online workshop - or is it hit and miss?

You know us southern belles always know that there is a protocol and a "rule" about some of these subjects. Any help anyone can give me will certainly be appreciated.

Also, is there a best practice - protocol in connecting one's website, blog to other places like twitter, facebook, etc?

Oh and one other question (and I am sure there will be more). What is the protocol for asking others to "follow" your blog, visit your website often and signing up for a newsletter, etc?

Ok my fellow colleagues, friends, artists, waiting to hear back from you. Thank you in advance for any assistance you will give me.

No pictures for this one. But I am loving sharing my pictures with you guys. . . . .

Playing with The Sony

Earlier tonight I ran to pick up the little cds for the Vintage Sony! It is so much fun knowing that I can actually take some type of digi pictures that are not only going to come out looking somewhat clear, but I don't have to wait too long to play and put some creative touches here and there and to post them.

I played some earlier tonight, but you will be able to see that getting to know this camera is going to take some time.

The following picture is of my grandson, which I just snapped fast to see if the little cd worked. He moved his hands in front of his face, just as I clicked. Too fast for me - Either that or he is not going to want to be one of my creative subjects?



I also tried shooting some of my doodling - these are some really fun doodles that I did last week with my other grandson. Thought they would make some fun items for one of my art journals.





What I found interesting, was the way the color washed out. I had to really adjust the brightness and contrast.

Here is a really fun doodle that began from a purple crayon and I found that the photograph made it look really washed out. Almost a black and white version.



Well, as you can see I definitely will have to take time to study the manual and search on line for some helpful hints. Maybe I will just do a series of shots from each type of settings this little vintage darling offers.

I have a list of creative "To Dos" that I must get going on. I'll just add the little vintage sony to the list I also have my 35mm camera I will be using as well.

Any suggestions will be welcomed.

Finished all my homework assignments on the website. Now it is a matter of my mentor teacher good friend bossman to give the OK. Time s getting close - it is going to be a great upgrade.

Thanks for stopping by. Ya'll are always welcome to stop by and let me know what you think.

Updates Updates Updates

Just wanted to update everyone that the little CDs for the Vintage Sony should be in this week. Can't wait to see how well the new CDs work. Can't find any information on being able to take pictures in RAW, but it is able to take them in a TIFF format.

My mentor, friend, teacher, bossman worked with me today on updates to the new web pages. I have a few more homework assignments. It looks as if the e new updates will soon be up in the next few weeks. You are going to love the new pages.

Pictures - Pictures - Pictures - I am going to bring in more pictures on the blog and more information on my artwork. The little "Connect the Dots" is on the top of my list for sharing, as well as some great ideas for turning those everyday photos into some great gifts for the holidays.

I tried today to to incorporate Twitter with my blog and updated website. Any suggestions on how best to do this would be greatly appreciated. I don'[t know that I really understand how all that works.

Also, am looking at my sewing creations - a couple of projects that you will want to try to perk up your Fall and Winter wardrobe - and it won't break the bank.

Tonight I had a couple thoughts for sharing in just that everyday life routine stuff, that I thought would ge fun. So as always, stay posted and come back often.

What to Do When you Step into THE POOO!

Let me assure you - that at my fine ripe ole age of 60 - I truly try to avoid all scenarios that just might cause me to find my finely manicured toes in Poo of any kind. It is just not what I am all about!

Although when I was younger and not so wise, there was nothing more fun in finding good Poo but taking my finely manicured finger or little toe and stirring it up, especially if I wanted to make a point! Don't look so shocked sister! You have been known to stir the Poo as well.

For most of those who really know and love me - have managed to imitate me and my beautifully manicured finger, as I point it in just the right manner, after a disturbing display of Poo and in the most pleasant southern drawl state "Here Me and Understand Me Well". It was one of my most serious trademarks, especially when the Poo was given and it needed to be sent back. it took many years to "clean" this personality up! Still today, I have come across some who have not been around me since those Poo slinging days.

Being the fine charming southern belle that I am, there is an art of the stir, if you know what I mean, so that the Poo itself is not really disturbed, just "touched" as only a fine southern belle can do if she wants to make her point without causing too much of a disturbance, and especially when a more discrete approach is needed. You know all us fine upstanding southern belles knows when to stir it and when it is only appropriate to be discretely stir.

It us to be fun to just sit back and watch Poo Stirring by others - especially by my fellow Churchhouse Sisters in the south it is an art) One must be be very careful even when watching not to get to close for Churchhouse Sisters like nothing better than to include anyone and everyone within their reach. It takes Sharing to a whole new level. Once they put a little toe in the Poo and move it ever so slightly, it can cause a ripple effect that can become a Tsunami, destroying anyone that gets in it's path.(The stories I could tell you here - Never mind!)

Getting back to the present. Minding my own business, I must tell you that this one -really caught me off guard - how shocked I was when I realized that not only did my cute little manicured toe get into The Poo, I had walked blindly into the middle of "Professional Poo"! Professional Poo runs neck and neck with Churchhouse Sister Poo!! There I was standing with both finely manicured feet in The Poo (and it wasn't even mine - Nor did I want it! Oh NO!!! What do I do? How can I very gently step out of this Poo? Immediately I began to pray - Lord don't let me sink in the middle of this Poo!! You know I am truly innocent here and I need to stay that way!!!"

After much pondering and praying - I decided to graciously step back out of the Poo, even though there was the slightest little Poo left, I knew I could totally be Poo Free. This morning I awoke, with fresh - clean - well manicured feet and toes - all I had to do was defuse yesterday's Professional Poo. A quick little charming, gracious little note curtsying out. There - it was done. No More Professional Poo!

You would think, that my gracious southern charming note would have been greeted with much appreciation and understanding and that the who Professional Poo would be totally removed - not only from myself but from one of the other Poo participants. NOT!!! Receiving a note back insisting I stay in the midst of The Poo! For there seems to be Poo on my left and Poo on my right. And they somehow want me to join in their Poo. Now, I must decide what to do with the two little puddle of Poo!

Sometimes when you least expect it - You find yourself standing right in the middle of someone else's Poo. So what do you do when you find yourself standing in The Poo?
You smile a gracious southern belle smile and with the perfect southern drawl and respond - "Thank you so very much for including me".

Sugar - you know I will keep you posted. . . . . . on my dileima with The Professional Poo.

Highlighting My Friend PJ

Several weeks ago I told my friend PJ that I wanted to highlight her here in my blog. She graciously consented.

Hello - This is My Friend PJ - You will really want to meet her!!!

PJ is a mother, a grandmother, a great grandmother
A Mixed Media Artist - Photographer - Designer
A Woman of God - A Great Friend - The List Goes On and On

PJ and I have known each other for over 40 years. WOW - now that is a long time. She was and is one of my dearest friends. There is no doubt that she inspires me!

When I met PJ, I was still trying to find myself (I was really a mess.) She always had a Word of Encouragement - a listening ear! There have been some really great moments that will forever be in my memory. Her son Prescott told her recently that what he remembers about me was I always used the term "Far Out" (from my California hippy days). How funny that this is what he remembers about me.

PJ is not only a great inspirational person, she is an awesome mixed media artist. Many of her paintings were done during Worship Services. How awesome is that!!! Her photography captures the very essence of the moment. This woman can even take a little piece of fabric and turn it into a designer outfit out. Her Afghans and crochet pieces are wonderful. Not to mention she is an awesome cook!!!! (Chili with Carrots)

I will never forget the phone call I received from PJ, as she told me of the experience she had with the Holy Spirit when she was alone in her room. It was from that point on, that God consumed her in all that she did. You could see His countenance, in her art and in her life. We talk a lot about people who just seem to "walk with God", this is PJ. She walks with God. She is comfortable with Her God. She never speaks negative or bad about anything or any one. She always sees the good in others.

PJ has experienced many trials and struggles in her life, but in all of them, she has walked with her head lifted up and a smile on her face. Truly the Grace of God has clothed her life. She has poured her life into the lives of others - to comfort them, to help them.

Her art is so reflective of who she is. Just recently my brother and I were able to spend sometime in her studio, a sense of peace enveloped us when we walked in - her paintings and prints were everywhere - it was more like walking into her heart than into a studio. You will want to go to her website at www.PJ's Room.com. Her self portraits and other works will bring a smile to your face.

No one would have known that it was the first time we had seen each other in approximately 25 years. We just took up where we left off. Here is a great picture of the three of us during our visit.



Guess I should really go back through my stash of photos and see if I can find some of those early years.

Good memories of a great friendship: Laughed together - Encouraged each other - Shared thoughts and dreams together - Held each other's arms up!

Some fun events through the years!

Enjoying her chili with carrots
Maple Nut Goodies and Real Cherry Cokes
Riding in her car named Jezebel - singing at the top of our lungs
Going to Bathtub Races
Pop Corn Balls
Krystal Hamburgers
Hot cups of coffee and good conversations
Checking out fabrics and patterns and artsy finds
Watching people - Laughing and enjoying each other's company

Also, Check out Rebecca - PJ's sister's website: Talk about another awsome woman of God and artist. www.rejoysart.com

All I can say is "Far Out! Near In and Further than That!!!"

TV Baby

Television has been apart of my life since I was knee high to a duck. My folks had the first television in the neighborhood.

Just recently, while on a holiday, visiting my brother, I noticed he had the cabinet the very first television we had in his bedroom. The original television is long gone.

Here is a little picture of it.



The cabinet is beautiful even today.

One television we had was a portable that sat on a stand with rollers. Now mark my word. Common sense was not apart of the moment, as this story follows:

The television sat between the living room and dining room. Somehow I thought it would be such fun to "ride" the television. But when I too a leap, it fell over and literally exploded - sending my brother running aout the front door. It was a wonder I was not hurt, but only the television and the screen was in millions of pieces. Who knows what I was thinking.

Over the years, we have had different televisions, at one time my parents even had a small one in their kitchen, so they could watch the news during dinner.


Today televisions come in all shapes, sizes, styles.

Programs and Commercials have involved into every subject one can imagine. Which could take up many new blogs - but for now I just wanted to walk down memory lane. . .

On a different note. I rearranged some containers and dresser drawers to help utilize the art rooms space. I am contemplating finding several dressers in different sizes and shapes, painting them some great colors and storing my supplies and papers to make the room better organized - am also looking at building a cool desk either in my living room or dining room, to work on. The art room seems somewhat confined. . . . . Any suggestions?

A Little of This and A Little of That

Today I had the pleasure of sitting in a seminar hosted by a publishing company on Adobe on Adobe CS4 - The facilitator has been with Adobe for years and is one of the best I have studied under. She covering various insights to "InDesign, Photoshop and Lightbox II". WOW - I never am disappointed - always taking away, a new technique, a new incentive. Today was no exception. My mouth watered during seeing all that Lightbox II has to offer. Adobe also has a great place to get tutorials on all their software. It is called Adobe.TV and it is sweet. Step by step tutorials - simple and easy to understand.

Before leaving this morning, I stood in the doorway of my art room, there lay the little connect the dot journal that needs attention, pictures that need scanning and items that need to be sorted and put away. It really looks great when every thing is in it's place, but I still find myself coming back to the living room and dining room to work. Now I need to rethink the whole art room and come up with a better solution.

It is really time to finish up the website, get a new handle on the art room, work on the Connect The Dot Journal, make a list of all those other little projects I need to get done and actually complete them before the Holidays. Ummmm - I have time for dusting and decluttering the rest of my home? Is there any time for rest and sleep? We'll see.

“Just the Facts Ma'am.”

My father said more times than not, I could have won an academy award for being the Queen of Drama! Sad but true. Thank goodness I have since learned a simple but hard lesson. You must separate your feelings and emotions from the facts, especially when you find yourself those hard circumstances of life. Now mind you, I still have my moments, but they are mostly during the time I am alone in prayer over this or that situation and then it may really be a tear jerking, snot flying session. But it is never in public and never aimed at someone. Which has not always been the case.

As a life coach, I am somewhat grateful for those years I spent being a “Drama Queen”, for I understand and have a positive word, to be beneficial to others in their life journey - maybe even giving them a detour to a better path. It also gives me stories to share that will lead to hysterical laughter and we know laugher does us good.

For years I have been counseling folks of all ages. There are two common factors that hinder clear thinking – feelings and emotions. Feelings are the affective state of consciousness, such as that resulting from emotions, sentiments, or desires and can truly cloud ones thinking. Emotion is the mental state that arises spontaneously rather than through conscious effort and is often accompanied by physiological changes – a feeling - a mental agitation or disturbance.

Feelings and emotions many times give a false sense of ownership and security. Coupled together they can totally distort the facts surrounding a circumstance. Many times our actions and reactions are based on our feelings/ our emotions and not the facts. Respnding to the feelings and emotions can lead to a greater added problems in resolution. Burned bridges are almost impossble to repair.

Here is an example from my life as a young adult. After years of riding an emotional roller coaster – my parents and I were stale mated when any circumstance arouse – causing facts to be distorted, the emotions and feelings, from years of past scenarios on all three of our parts became “knee jerk” responses.

Late one winder night, my father began discussing with me the reasons I should not be reading a book my mother had found in my dresser drawer. I challenged him on it, knowing he was right,but I challanged him anyway, one word led to another word, and then the feelings and emotions on both parts took over. I found myself literally running out the kitchen door, to avoid a physical confrontation with him. He followed close behind, until we reached the driveway still covered with ice. There we were slipping and sliding across it. I am sure anyone passing by or looking out their window had quite a sight. As a gust of cold air hit our faces, the heightened emotions dissipated.

The facts were never the issue, the emotions and feels were only intensified and the outcome was a further breach in the fragile relationship. Years of this same “knee jerk” reaction continued – unresolved at my mother’s passing – unresolved at my father’s passing.

Professionally, personally and spiritually, I have found, when I separate my feelings and emotions and look strictly at the facts. Then and only then can true resolution be achieve. Many times, the resolution comes within me and I don’t make decisions based on what I feel, or what my emotions are saying.

Take it from this ole Southern Belle, Drama Queen – You are the one that can control your emotions and feelings. So in the words of Joe Friday: “Just the facts ma’am – Just the facts.” Then Victory is YOURS.

Website News: Just wanted to give you all a quick update. I have been working diligently to finish my assignments – my website mentor has me on task in completing the new pages. A few more tweaks and nips! I’ll keep you posted.

Also, I have been working on some fun little art pieces for special birthday gifts. If anyone has suggestions on how sketches made in CS4 can look better. My sketch outlines look more like grey pencil than black ink strokes. I also have been having some coloring issues.

Tomorrow I will be taking an update class on Adobe CS4 techniques which I am so excited about. They always inspire me.

“You Are Going to Hell!”

Down through the ages, preachers, evangelists and Sunday School teachers have pointed their finger, turned red in the face and screamed at the top of the lungs, this phrase. Long exhaustive stories with the most dramatic emphasis have been given about those who have found themselves in Hell, because they did not listen to the warnings given them prior to their death.
There is no doubt the Word of God is very clear about Hell and how one finds their way there. Hello! Why would you want to go there? Especially if you knew you didn’t have to!

Depending on the translation being used you will find the word Hell, some 31 times. The Hebrew word “sheol” appears 65 times. In the Greek, “hades” in found some 10 places in the New Testament.

Hell is generally defined as the eternal fate of unrepentant sinners after this life. Hell's character is inferred from biblical teaching, which has often been understood literally. Souls are said to pass into hell by God's irrevocable judgment, either immediately after death. Modern theologians generally describe hell as the logical consequence of the soul using its free will to reject the will of God- It is considered compatible with God's justice and mercy because God will not interfere with the soul's free choice.

Even those that do not have a belief in God, Jesus and the Word of God, relate the “bad things” that happen to them, as “hell on earth”. Good versus Evil so to speak. The Truth and The Facts are so simple.

I must tell you though as a young person whose life was an endless stumble after another; it was not going to hell that bothered me, as much as not understanding my life’s circumstances that seem to bounce from one bad experience to another.
The night, over forty years ago, I stood in a Church in downtown Atlanta, surrounded by rejected from everyone I had known, family, friends – not even understanding myself, it was not the phrase “You’re Going to Go To Hell” , but it was the statement – “Choose Whom You Will Serve” – That night, my life would change forever. The journey from that point to this point today, has given me great understanding of the misunderstanding and even the condemnation we as believers have brought to others, by trying to horrific – angry, bulling agendas – not so much to “save their souls” but to control their lives, to add numbers to their roles.
The Facts: According to the Word of God: The Absolute “Higher Truth”
Results from rejecting God, whom by the way “created” you and you die –you will find your soul in Hell. All the amenities given on the front end – are yours – Eternal Torment.

Believing God – Believing The Son of God – Asking The Son of God into your Life - Not only do you do you give up your reservation from Hell, All the amenities given on the front end – are yours – Life – Abundant Life – Eternal Life – are all yours.
The Stumbling Blocks – Ourselves, People and NOT reading and BELIEVING the Word of God and applying what it says.

Twenty Five years ago, I came to a total halt. I had made the choice, I wanted to be a Child of God, but the effort seemed impossible. The Rules, The Regulations, The Do’s, The Don’ts! The Stumbling Blocks were getting bigger not smaller! The Word of God seemed “Greek” to me!!! God was probably like everyone else – saying Reject! Reject!

In the middle of the night, melted in the living room floor, I begged Him to just kill me. Obviously, this was not for me, and I could not meet the “standard”. It was not an audible, but it was a clear, gentle voice – “So you want someone else to raise your daughter?”

“NO!” I said aloud.

“So you want me to take your daughter?”

“NO” I said gagging through my tears.

“Then what do you want?”

“I want you to take everything I have ever learned, been taught, and read about you from a human perspective, and teach me Your Word – give me your Wisdom, Your Knowledge and Your Understanding, I want you to heal me – Mind – Body – Soul –Spirit, to show me His Love and how to live in His Love, and I want you to make me a balanced Woman – a good business woman – a Woman of God – Respected not rejected”.

He from that day forward has been true to His Word. It was not overnight and the lessons have been hard. He has held me firm to the prayers I have prayed. Do I believe that God is real? Yes, Do I believe that Jesus is the Son of God and willingly gave His life for me and all the mess in it? Yes Do I believe the Word of God, The Name of Jesus and The Blood of Jesus – is the greatest Power? Yes.
And I do know that the fact is clear. It doesn’t need to be shouted, or a finger pointed at you, but a clear calm fact. If you do not Believe God, ask His Son Jesus to be a part of your life, and you die – You have sealed your permanent Reservation in Hell. The only person who can make that choice is you.

My journey has been far from smooth, and even today, the testing of my life will put me in the floor – weeping and asking my Abba Father to help me. That is what a “Real Father” does. He dries my tears, gives me understanding and sends me down the path, sharing the truth of the lessons I have learned.

Being a Man or Woman of God is the toughest life you could ever walk. It is not for the faint at heart. For when you make the choice to be adopted into His Family, you become an enemy of the devil himself and all his demons. The War is on! Never fear – The Word of God – Gives us our instructions of how we can live in the midst of those battles, and it is ok to read the end of the Book – We WIN!!!
To look at my life’s journey from a strictly human point of view, the world’s point of view – I look somewhat like a failure, a foolish woman, with strong view points.

If you look at my life’s journey from a strictly religious view point – I look somewhat like a failure, a rebellious woman, who is not an acceptable “Church Lady” and surely I could not be “Right” with God! If you look at my life’s journey from God’s point of view, you will see a woman with an Alabaster Box, so filled with the rare precious perfume, a woman so in love with Her Jesus, she can’t be with Him enough. He has been with me every step of the way, even when I felt He had totally rejected and forgotten me, He is with me. . . . . . . . . I may have been rejected and scorned and left out and had a lot of problems – many of my own making, but every morning, all through the day and every night – I know I have a Father – Abba Father who loves me and cares for me and will be with me every step of my journey!

So I would say to you – Don’t miss Out! He wants to be Your Abba Father too! Make the Reservation for Eternal Life – (Not a Religion or Doctrine). The amenities are the BEST! I would rather be wrong, than to get to the end of my journey to find myself holding the “No Cancellation Reservation to Hell”.

Let Them Eat Cake. . . . Part 3: Adding the Jewelry

The decorating of a cake, is like the bling bling of an outfit. A southern belle never goes out without her bling bling and neither does her cakes.

Whether it is one small accessory or pushing the envelope, you should always make sure your cake is finished. When I was in home economics it was said that99% is the presentation, from a glass or water to a 5 course meal. Presentation, Presentation, Presentation. Even more so when presenting a cake. It's the eye candy!!!

Does that mean you have to go extravagant? No. Some of the most elegant cakes are the simple - monochromatica small touch such as an initial, a small bouquet of flowers. The little black dress with pearls.

This is your blank canvas ,now add your creative impulses, add your personality. You are the one who decides what is too little and what ia too much. Remember - It's Just Cake.

In this day and time, you have all sorts cake jewelry. Take an afternoon stroll through a cake supply shop. There is no limit. It does not have to say, cake supplies, look at the fabric store, the craft store, the discount store. From, sugars, to miniature characters, ribbon, flowers, nuts, candies, sprinkles editable glitter, on and on. Even with a all the colors you have to choose from, you can paint a whole picture, just with icing!!!

Rule of Thumb: Take a few minutes on the front end, decide the theme, the style, what do you want the cake to look like. Next decide is it durable can you accomplish the deccorating in the time you need.

DON'T STRESS - keep IT FUN - ENJOY CREATING YOUR ART

Note: When I use fresh flowers, I cut the stems, and wrap them in a wet paper towel, then in plastic wrap twice. This keeps rhe flower fresh and doesn't allow the actual stem/or damp towel touching the cake.

I began designing and making cakes for friends, family and others over 25 years ago. Seeking out great taste and the making sure the presentation was a WOW, was my gift to them. For eleven years, I made a fresh cake each weekend for the children's department of my Churchhouse, so those who had given their time to teach, could have a little taste of sweet, along with a cup of coffee. They were truly my Guinea pigs. Each week a new cake, a new taste! It was great.

Below are several cakes I have done over the years. Take your blank canvas and let your imagination soar!


Here is a fun cake for the office. It is bright and cheerful



A 15 year old friend loves ballet. This cake has a silhouette from the Atlanta Ballet. It was a big hit



The guitar cake is an example of a character cake. I utilize the cake board, to continue the design





Recently, I had the pleasure of creating this wonderful - fun Grooms Cake. It was a joint efforts. My son in law hand drew the "A". My daughter did most of the piping and the writing was done with white chocolate letters! It was the hit of the Reception.



This Wedding Cake was done for a precious couple, I have watch blossom. Theirs is a fairytale romance and I had to give them a fairytale Wedding Cake. Simple and Elegant


Enjoy

Let Them Eat Cake. . .Part 2: The Icing On The Cake

What is cake with out great icing. Icing can be as simple or as complex as you would like.

Remember how store bought cakes, have icing that taste like solid grease that leaves a thin film in your mouth. It's awful. There is never a "flavor", other than too sweet. The icing recipe below will have everyone asking for more.

Base Icing Recipe

1 - 2 pound package of confections sugar
1 - Cup Crisco (off brand shorting may not give the right consistency)
1/2 - Cup Water
1 - teaspoon each of vanilla and almond extract (my daughter uses 1 teaspoon of butter flavoring instead of almond

Rule Of Thumb: The "secret" for perfect icing. Mix for 10 minutes minimum. If need be rest your mixer after 5 minutes. The mixer I use in a stand alone, that mixes on it own, leaving me free to do other things. Many times, once the base ingredients are blended, I turn it on High and let her go.

Second Rule of Thumb: It is always smart to make more base icing than I needed. You will need enough icing for the crumb coat, if making a two layer cake the icing between the two layers and enough base to ice the cake nicely, be sure to account for the icing to be colored if different from base. Left over icing is good for those little muffins and will keep in freezer if wrapped in plastic wrap, and place in freezer bag.

Flavoring Base Icing: Flavoring icing is very easy. It is not necessary to buy a lot of fancy flavors. Prepackaged flavor icings (especially when they go on sell)is an inexpensive way to flavor your base icing. A little goes a long way. Store left over prepackaged icing the same as the base icing. A couple of teaspoons in the base icing is all that is need.

Strawberry Icing: Frozen packaged strawberries turn strawberry icing in to memories of days gone by. Let the package thaw and delete the 1/2 Cup of water from the base recipe. Use the thawed strawberries sparingly. Thawed strawberries have a lot of liquid and can quickly get too soft if you are not careful.

Cream Cheese Icing: Using the same as the base icing, substitute a small package cream cheese (room temperature) instead of Crisco. Cream Cheese Icing is a soft icing, To use cream cheese icing for piping designs and borders, use half cream cheese and half Crisco.

Chocolate Icing: A tablespoon of dark chocolate prepackage icing is great added to the base icing. Don't forget to add a teaspoon of instant coffee crystals. Another great chocolate icing is to blend 1/2 cup of real coco with the powdered sugar, 1/2 tablespoon of instant coffee, then make the base recipe.

Rule of Thumb: It is always best to use less and increase. Prepackage Icings seem to be really soft. When adding to base icing, add little teaspoons at a time until you get the flavor and not change the consistency of your icing.

Icings that are firm, not too soft is the best to work with. It is easier to to put through a decorating tip will hold its shape.

After cake has been crumb coated let it set for a few minutes. Crumb coating keeps irritating crumbs from getting into your icing. It also acts as seal to keep your cake moist.

COLOR: One of the biggest decision in icing and decorating a cake is color. What colors do you want to use. There are a lot of shying away from color - especially with those old nasty tasting icing colors you buy in the grocery store that have been around since Noah.

No reason to shy away Now! The best icing colors that have ever hit the market are the powdered colors. Gel colors are also a great way of coloring your icing, many are in neon colors that are such fun. Most local cake supply shop and craft stores carry a great variety of colors.

Today's powder and icing colors have no after taste. If you are wanting to use Reds and Blacks. Go bold, without fear of aftertaste. Whether a little color or a lot of color the choices as conservative or wild as you will want.

Choose a color closest to the color needed. Icing will only absorb so much powder and gel. Don't waste coloring or icing by not having the right color.

Rule of Thumb: As Start with small amounts of color, then add to the icing, stirring well to blend the color in with the icing. Colors normally become darker.

Small plastic bowls are great for adding color to base icing. Make sure to have enough base icing for the color(s) being mixed. It is better to have too much, than match the color on a second mix.


Applying icing begin with the middle top of the cake, working out. Put a couple of nice table spoons of icing in the middle of cake, spread towards edges. add more icing as needed. At the edge of he cake work a little icing down the beginning of the sides.

Smooth Icing: Once the top of cake is completed, put a tablespoon at the edge of cake, work down wards, going around the cake counter clock wise. When entire cake has been iced, let it sit for a few minutes. Take a sheet of paper, place on top of your cake and gently rub your hand around the paper, moving to the sides. The paper will smooth the icing out. It only takes a light touch. (Placing the paper on the icing before it is set will pull rhe icing up.)

Decorating Tips: There are many decorating tips that can be used to decorate a cake. Two basic tips can make a cake look fabulous: The Star tip ( size #27) and the round tip (size #4). These two tip sizes run around 79 cents each.

Rule of Thumb: A different tip for each color you plan on using. A couple for each tip will be necessary as well.(For example: Three colors, three tips, three couplers)

Icing Bags: Icing Bags come in all sizes and materials. I use the plastic disposable bags for cakes with lots of colors. They run around 20 cents a piece. Featherweight bags are durable and soft, they are made from flexible polyester. They are reusable and cost vary according to size. They run between $3 and $10.

NOTE: Craft stores and many cake supply shops have decorating classes as do many junior colleges. Learning the basics of cake decorating opens unlimited doors for being creative and artistic. *WILSON ENTERPRISES* is one of the most popular supplier for cake decorating supplies. Each year they publish a Year Book filled with ideas,tips, pans of the most popular characters, as well as regular cake supplies.

Before investing in lots of supplies, purchase a few tips, some disposable bags and practice. An inexpensive smooth plastic place mat, a bowl of basic icing, is a great way to practice with decorating tips.

A star tip is an excellent tip to cover your cake with a little practice, a cake look professionally made. Most of your character pans use the star tip method.

Getting started with the tip and Bag: Put the base of the coupler inside the bag, cut a small hole across the bag, add the tip and fastener part of the coupler over the tip screw into place to secure. Place enough icing in the bag approximately half full. Twist the bag and runs your fingers downward towards the tip to allow air bubbles to be released.

Top of Cake: Holding the bag upright, press firmly and release. Make one or two stars, then move down staggering as you go. Close random stars, cover top of cake filling in any gaps you see between stars Remember Squeeze and release.

Side of Cake: Make long strokes from top to bottom, bottom to top working counter counter clockwise. Keeping the strokes close, fill in any gaps, gently the same stroke method.

Around Edge of Top and Bottom of Cake: A quick and wonderful pattern to "finish" the base staring. Start at a point just at the top of the edge of cake, working counter clockwise, make small cursive lower case "e's, over and under, continuing around to the start point. Do the same around the edge of the bottom of the cake. It is a very professional touch.

The "Round Tip" is used for writing names and sayings. it is also used to make the outlines on character cakes.

Plan your cake and design. Begin simple and have fun. Use your imagination and your creativity.

Check out Let Them Eat Cake. . . . Part 3: Adding the Jewelry on putting the final touches on your cake. I will also share some random cakes I have done through the years.

Let Them Eat Cake . . . . .Part 1 - Just Cake

One of my favorite art forms is making cakes that bring smiles to the everyone and make the taste buds stand up and cheer! Forget those cakes that you pay a fortune for that taste like plastic icing and the cake is dry with no flavor.

Here is a great way to make your everyday box cake mix scream Celebration!

My First Must and Rule of Thumb: A product called "Pan Grease" from CK South. Once you use it, you will never use anything else. Your cakes, cupcakes, muffins, are guaranteed to come out with out any sticking. I use an inexpensive foam brush from the paint department. I store my bush in a zip lock bag, ready to be used again.

Note: If you are making a 2 layer cake, you will want to have your icing completed before the cake is baked. See Part 2 - The Icing on The Cake

Making the Cake:

White Cakes Mixes: Follow the directions on the box, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon of almond extract. It is divine. Another great combination is 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon of butter flavoring.

Flavored Cake Mixes: (lemon, strawberry, etc): I always start with a box if white cake mix and a half a box of the other flavor of cake mix. (You will have to divide ingredients by half for the second cake mix. You can save the unused portion of dry cake mix by putting the bag with a zip lock container. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla and 1 teaspoon almond.

Chocolate Cake: (milk, German choc late, dark chocolate): Add 1/4 of instant coffee crystals. It brings out the chocolate. Very decadent. (I do not use any extra flavoring)

Red Velvet Cake Mix: There is no since in buying all that red food coloring any more. You can find Red Velvet in a mix. I add a half a box of white cake mix. Your cake will be moist and most delicious. Most Red Velvet Cakes made from scratch are dry and leaves an aftertaste.

Your pan should be filled 3/4 full. Less will not be enough, more will be too much. Left over cake mix is a great way to make little muffins.

After baking you will want your cake to cool. Then take a large serrated knife, bring it straight across the cake level with the pan, slice off top. This portion is referred to as "cake top". (You can put the "cake top" in a plastic bag and throw it into freezer and use for " an emergency desserts".

Some have found success in using a long piece of dental floss, bringing straight across the cake level with the pan. The knife is good for me.

Place your platter, cake stand or "cake board*" on top of cake pan and turn over. If you have used "pan grease" your cake will slide right out.

*Covered cake board:You can find cake boards and dollies at your local cake supply store. They come in different sizes and shapes. This gives a very professional finish to your cake.

For 2 layer cakes, you will want to cut across the top of the cake just like the first layer. You will want a nice layer of icing on your first layer. Then gently the second layer on top of the bottom layer. For those run away crumbs, gently brush them off the cake and platter.

Crumb coat your cake: Take a thin layer of icing and ice your cake all over. This will give you a good surface to begin icing and decorating your cake.

You will find icing directions and how to ice your cake in Part 2 - The Icing on the Cake.

Returning to Reality

After a long weekend with my brother, I am back home, Where did it all go? It did not take long for the reality to hit fast.

Somehow it is just like any other time away from what you do on a daily basis. We all have to come back to our daily routine, those that are in our lives on a daily basis.

The good news is when one comes back to their everyday, some element that enhances your everyday is so ripe. Whether it is a memory, a new find, a renewal with a freind from the past. It can be carried into your everyday return.

I can not wait to introduce you to my good friend of over forty years, we spent some time together this weekend. She is an incrediable artist - I have some great pictures of her Art Sudio.

Have you had a holiday or a visit away, maybe even a long weekend? What did you bring back to your everyday?

Countenance of A Negative Spirit

Over the past several days I have had the luxury to be lazy, relax, take a deep breath and the opportunity to read up on blogs that I follow, check what is being said by friends and family through e-mails and other social venues.

It is wonderful to be able to just take time to reflect and ponder. Which is not always a good thing because it brings out the profound thinking I tend to do.

This morning after reading several blogs, I began to think about how we seem to cloth ourselves in negative thinking and outlooks, fears and phobias and before we know it, our countenance takes on a negative aroma, that is distinct to others.

What is it about our everyday lives that keep us from being the positive, happy - joyful beings we were created to be?

Ok - ok! The number one answer is what we are told the economy is. Secondly it is what our present circumstances are and thirdly, the effect others have upon us. Whether it is a family member, a friend, a co-worker or even the lady that is at the window of our favorite fast food establishment.

Here are a couple of things that have struck me as almost being oxymoron:

You are pressured on your job. But do you realize you have a job? What is the unemployment rate today? You are not in that number!!!!

You have a roof over your head but you complain about where you live and who your neighbors are, on and on and on. But do you read how many people today have lost their homes? You are not homeless!!!!

Your child doesn't do or act are think like you would like. But what about that parent who has lost their child, whether through sickness, or an accident? You have your child. Go hug and give big sloppy kisses to him/her. It will make YOU smile....

You only have a jar of peanut butter. But what about the person standing on the corner who doesn't have any food nor means to get food. You have Peanut Butter!!!!

The list can go on and on and on. Preachers like to put together these sad and heart pulling stories to get us to do right, be right and act right. Nevertheless, here we are in our own circumstances, and we just can not deal. The negative thoughts weigh us down and our Countenance is anything but positive.

A couple of thoughts that might just give you the spark you need to change that negative to a positive.

First a little song from years ago: "You've got to accent the Positive, element the Negative, latch on to the Affirmative and Don't Mess With Mr. In Between.

Second what would happen if we just reverse our thinking about all of our lives. The job - can we smile just because we have a job to go to. Can we be smile to the co-worker who is never nice to anyone?

And what about this - take your jar of peanut butter and ask some one to share it with you? It only takes two spoons.

Why not just Sing out loud now! I'm going to Accent the Positive - Element the Negative - Latch on to the Affirmative and Will not mess with Mr, In Between!!!!

The next time you go to the store, drive through your favorite fast food, run into your neighbor. Give them a smile and say Hello - I am so glad to see you today!

Last week I had called a woman who over the years has influenced my life greatly. I had shared with her a scenario about something, She said: Why does this bother you? and my response was "It doesn't" I just wanted to share. Later I began to think about her response. It was a big slap of reality. Somewhere deep down I had allowed this to stay in my memory bank, I deep down wanted the response to be "Oh, I can't believe that happen to you, you poor dear". (Laughing out loud at myself now.)

She in her wisdom, defused a negative spark that could have well blown into a Countenance of Negative.

I am waiting to hear your singing out loud with Me!!! It is all good.

Hold It - Smile - Say Cheese!

Posing, smiling and saying cheese has been apart of my families life as far back as I can remember. For all sorts of occasions my father had us in front of the camera! You can imagine how much laughter came from those moments when he began using a time delay, so he himself could join us.

My father loved photography in all its elements. He passed this love down to both my brother and myself. He knew cameras and the gadgets and all that went with Photography. During his latter years,Daddy would restore old photographs back to pristine condition for others. He had his artsy side as well, printing photographs on mediums, aside from the standard photo paper. Maybe this is where my love for mixed media started. I have often wondered how much fun he would have had today with all the opportunities we have with Adobe CS4.

Daddy had all sorts of cameras,flash attachments and and developing equipment. You always knew when he was developing his photographs, as the aroma of the developing solutions filled the air. I am always a little sad that I did not take interest in this particular element of photography.

His camera bag was always filled with film and in the early days, those little flash bulbs that popped when the flash went off, along with all sorts of gadgets. Even a bag that had two sleeves with no neck so he could take the film out of the camera so as not to expose the film when the camera was opened.

One of the first camera I ever owned was a little square brown plastic box like camera called "The Brownie". Today it sits high on top of one of my bookcases, along with a few other old cameras he had.



My interest in photography about thirty years ago took a turn when I was not at all satisfied with just the every day square or rectangle photo of someone standing smiling or frowning back at you, along with everything you did not want in the picture captured as well. I wanted to do something different - I wanted those captured moments to be an ahhhh moment when someone looked at them.

Following the work of "World Known" photographers and artists, I began being a ole groupie - drooling at their work - beyond anything of a snapped picture - phenomenal. Photographers, Joe McNally (www.joemcnally.com/blog) and Don Warren (www.warrenproductions.com) share the ranks of my all time favorites. I actually got ro see Don and his crew first hand at work. Awesome!!! They are so cool and laid back.

All in all what I have learned from seeking out and researching on how to become a better photographer - a better artist which I must admit, at times takes me over the edge at the endless possibilities. . . .

My love for photography as an art medium, has blossomed. Here is my First Rule of Thumb: Don't be over critical of you own work, even some of the "worst" photographs can be very one your favorite piece of art. Second Rule of Thumb: Allow yourself to think of the possibilities in creating your own treasured work. And of course - Have fun - fun - fun with it.

Through the years have used everything from that first little Brownie to an awesome vintage Sony. This year I had some great success with my cell phone if you can believe that. The little HP Digital I used began turning pictures into candidates for the cranberry juice commercial, when the guy accidentally spilled juice on the lady's calender and all her appointments washed off. It will soon be sitting with the other cameras, on top the bookcase. Recently I found myself with out access to a digital camera and began using my old Cannon 35mm. Glad I did! For now I am using both the vintage Sony and my Cannon. Whether it is a cell phone camera or a top of the line Nikon. It is all in how you see your photographs and your imagination.

Does it really matter what camera you use. For me probably not. For Joe and Don, probably so. All in all take your photos and create your own style - your own work of aer.

As always, thanks for stopping by y'all, come again soon!

So Which Plan Am I On?????

Since my last post, my body got the best of me!! Think one of those Bulls stayed around to see if I would give in or fight back. And for those of you who really know me, I never give in!!!! So I am not exactly sure of which plan I am on right now, I just know there it is a good plan.

It has been a true labor just to get up each morning and get done what was required for the day. Have no worries!!! When things get off course, you must just take a deep breath, put a smile on your face and never let them see you sweat! (Of course you do know that southern belles never - never - sweat. They just glow)

There are several blogs in the cooker and yes even some more fun pictures!! The Camera Blog will be rolling out as quickly as I can get to the pictures, which I know I have promised but the energy level has been on empty! But it is on it's way.

So if you have been back and have not seen any progress in my blogs I certainly extend my apologies. I will be back sooner than you think to get some really fun and funny blogs out to you! It's all good!

Have a Wonderful Holiday and Lots of Good Wishes to you all.

Stay Tuned for great stories, funny stories, creative ideas and all those mind tapping thoughts I will be bringing your way!!

Smooches to All.