tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26252249301959045122024-02-19T02:30:44.969-05:00RicRacSallyContinuing the tradition of making things with our handsricracsallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14871660423171408183noreply@blogger.comBlogger77125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2625224930195904512.post-54462986693624744442009-06-12T10:38:00.003-04:002009-06-12T10:43:07.618-04:00Let me tell you a story....Yes, we know, it's been about a zillion years since the RicRac girls have posted. Suffice it to say that life been having her way with us!<br /><br />Dena is busybusybusy finishing her MLS degree, raising a genius of an 8-y-o, and prettifying her new house.<br /><br />And Tiffani? Well, I disappeared to write. And, as a matter of fact, my first pro fiction sale just went live recently at Strange Horizons. You can read it by clicking <a href="http://www.strangehorizons.com/2009/20090525/wishes-f.shtml">HERE</a>. It's not too long, so it won't take much time. I hope you enjoy it!<br /><br />And, while Dena has been quite the craft girl (ask her to post pics of her kitchen island and the "booth" she built, complete with fab pillows!), all I've made lately is a laundry bag ... that I'm taking with me on my 6-week writing workshop to La Jolla. :) So I'm sorry to leave again. But I promise to be back some day and to have craftiness to show off.ricracsallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14871660423171408183noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2625224930195904512.post-21118493027730667282009-03-26T20:59:00.002-04:002009-03-26T21:06:58.623-04:00HOT HOT HOT!Yeah, you know who I am talking about...ADAM LAMBERT. Sure, he's gay, but that is part of why I think he rocks...he can make both the girls AND the boys melt. Aside from the hottiness, he also has a younger Bono charisma that I appreciate. <br /><br />Honestly, this will be the first time that I can say I will actually buy an album of an American Idol. Heck, I would even buy an album of what I have heard so far on the show!<br /><br />Anyway, enjoy the boy---and if you haven't seen it, trust me, he is totally worthy.ricracsallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14871660423171408183noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2625224930195904512.post-11950602984042978062009-03-08T20:06:00.003-04:002009-03-08T20:13:20.686-04:00Tags of 6So, Emilia has tagged me--and I must comply. <br />According to the rules, I must post the 6th picture in the 6th folder in my pictures files, so here it is:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGyfJ7Ng-9DZC-BPnTUAZlMUstezbmylYXfJBAk35Jh5hMGtQSfT6O5OzPkW2-T9nnkz5_8c4XDz5-geE17gH_Q6jHKPfZPVCUNoT-tAibqeWwzy6fLsltZOqmH_nSYmMVsTMPr2fF6gw/s1600-h/horseycamp+006.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGyfJ7Ng-9DZC-BPnTUAZlMUstezbmylYXfJBAk35Jh5hMGtQSfT6O5OzPkW2-T9nnkz5_8c4XDz5-geE17gH_Q6jHKPfZPVCUNoT-tAibqeWwzy6fLsltZOqmH_nSYmMVsTMPr2fF6gw/s320/horseycamp+006.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310973209966897010" /></a><br /><br /><br />It is hard to see her, but if you open the pic you can see bella leading a very large horse (made much larger by the fact that the poor kid takes after her parents in the vertical department) VERY well. This was last year--she participated in a week long horseback riding camp, and pretty much loved it from the beginning. Bella isn't a team-oriented kinda gal. I think she is always worried about the other kids, and doesn't like the pressure, so horseback riding is right up her alley. I was blown away with how much confidence she had about her riding abilities, and I was pretty impressed with the show that she put on (which is what you are seeing in the picture). She pulled that horse, it did what she led it to do. She got on that sucker and they trotted, stopped, backed up, you name it. <br /><br />Other kids were racing after their run away horses. I didn't snicker, I promise.ricracsallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14871660423171408183noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2625224930195904512.post-68039826073367503202009-02-21T13:03:00.005-05:002009-02-21T13:11:53.059-05:00Still AliveI promise!! Just an update, I am working my fingers to their little nubbins in school so have been ignoring any bloggerific-ness. Solly. Anyway, without further ado, I am posting pics of my step-grandbaby Lily. Hmmm...I wonder who she looks like?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsumAOCYqHCYPVVNf-tThcFuNObr8ese8lKYprqD7IsiJoJRmhKkxaxc-cRyrajdSEv1ZAw4BYJh0C_KhUkh2JWHGHmGfRJQFmZp709mAA5tTlGrKcWVRr23Ths1NMdhaFpm2FadVnM8Q/s1600-h/lillypics+218.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsumAOCYqHCYPVVNf-tThcFuNObr8ese8lKYprqD7IsiJoJRmhKkxaxc-cRyrajdSEv1ZAw4BYJh0C_KhUkh2JWHGHmGfRJQFmZp709mAA5tTlGrKcWVRr23Ths1NMdhaFpm2FadVnM8Q/s320/lillypics+218.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305313525246085298" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfI0vAOK2b1KUlpE3brm0Egkzpub3h8-DoLBUnG_AIHRv3rzeMbiaNX1xU635nnreDuLJ715rvtOKENbt_RM2CuAPjJHGToGn0IyDQP7QBT8lxl-e6HOh1Y91KFEstpEXC-Xr5jJz0yAc/s1600-h/lillypics+228.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfI0vAOK2b1KUlpE3brm0Egkzpub3h8-DoLBUnG_AIHRv3rzeMbiaNX1xU635nnreDuLJ715rvtOKENbt_RM2CuAPjJHGToGn0IyDQP7QBT8lxl-e6HOh1Y91KFEstpEXC-Xr5jJz0yAc/s320/lillypics+228.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305313728164318370" /></a><br /><br /><br />What I have been listening to:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDL8BxqcA5PJy6kl_ZD76uSWWqSTdqqtQkCaMPjvFY1Luc3uNMmZAQ91i91twp_W1vYQWT-EQBuz7i_hSbZ25t85eqVzxMHItTRNzFvbAbEiRo5RsppKEiznBUuxvzHyr9EmIjMRpGsdg/s1600-h/Pink_Funhouse_Album_Cover_0_0_0x0_330x330.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDL8BxqcA5PJy6kl_ZD76uSWWqSTdqqtQkCaMPjvFY1Luc3uNMmZAQ91i91twp_W1vYQWT-EQBuz7i_hSbZ25t85eqVzxMHItTRNzFvbAbEiRo5RsppKEiznBUuxvzHyr9EmIjMRpGsdg/s320/Pink_Funhouse_Album_Cover_0_0_0x0_330x330.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305314509247968562" /></a><br /><br />What I can't WAIT to listen to:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMyOFmIrGXWaTgJo-S67ekZJpMa-_dkB7eQoGNVwT3enmMZ_azbI5siTopZZ5hb883EtJw_0UzgViMfDDpyRsD_rstgcwtP8Swe8KINgHio0XZToEl6p6g2vwjk9F17-68PZ4P27JpK9o/s1600-h/noline.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 120px; height: 105px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMyOFmIrGXWaTgJo-S67ekZJpMa-_dkB7eQoGNVwT3enmMZ_azbI5siTopZZ5hb883EtJw_0UzgViMfDDpyRsD_rstgcwtP8Swe8KINgHio0XZToEl6p6g2vwjk9F17-68PZ4P27JpK9o/s320/noline.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305314835140751586" /></a><br /><br />(No Line on the Horizon, by U2)<br /><br />OVer and Out, Denaricracsallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14871660423171408183noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2625224930195904512.post-74128526002666931422009-01-27T20:33:00.002-05:002009-01-28T15:01:36.828-05:00Karma......is such a bitch.<br /><a href="http://lollishopping.ning.com/">It was only a matter of time.</a><br /><br />Signed--Tiffricracsallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14871660423171408183noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2625224930195904512.post-31725933898396421992009-01-03T16:11:00.008-05:002009-01-03T16:25:00.278-05:00LET THE SUNSHINE IN!!Ahhh....choo! A dusty last couple of days were had, but soooo worth it! As many of you know, we bought a house a few months ago, and I have been giving the wall in between the kitchen and dining room the evil eye ever since. My father-in-law decided that he would come help us take it DOWN, foolish man! (Actually, he did most of the work.)<br />Before, in all its hideous mustard glory:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZyG1zeZTlJWcwE8lV950fXiYk9iNTsK3g1bh-zkujWlGk2WWPN7an_W5rvoDD601Qeacj6E_DT0TmogRrfA_HuybmEVxEvcGS9yBcSq3sTmif9N7vol8AzFgUbvpD0mfqSnEk_ZPY0Uk/s1600-h/wall+to+come+down.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZyG1zeZTlJWcwE8lV950fXiYk9iNTsK3g1bh-zkujWlGk2WWPN7an_W5rvoDD601Qeacj6E_DT0TmogRrfA_HuybmEVxEvcGS9yBcSq3sTmif9N7vol8AzFgUbvpD0mfqSnEk_ZPY0Uk/s320/wall+to+come+down.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287179268082435234" /></a><br /><br />During, and notice that dave still has on his pajamas:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJo83QEkc0iVqGboixR2fvbu3uvgHI_tY9QfqkObnrygqlYi17-UEkHhfR4xNj3JeVn2qb8fie_e7A4_fHgRY-TQhC0QdbXzGPTZWt35moYMqt8GlXmBT_9pA-IK2tt9Suu7IajndZ2gA/s1600-h/lillypics+011.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJo83QEkc0iVqGboixR2fvbu3uvgHI_tY9QfqkObnrygqlYi17-UEkHhfR4xNj3JeVn2qb8fie_e7A4_fHgRY-TQhC0QdbXzGPTZWt35moYMqt8GlXmBT_9pA-IK2tt9Suu7IajndZ2gA/s320/lillypics+011.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287179719785469058" /></a><br /><br />Roger, electrical mastermind:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUyXkfmPTgXl7noyUGFDpOhj3PYqb9hfELIdOS3YaiPK8DDdPrq1h8HXYJOcwm5N1lryJI_bO8GEfSH8a5ST_pNXUzbIk7AHPpAiZGN1TbrpE2D4FRlOzbJM0sCLLkH4T5-0uDTBb2L_M/s1600-h/lillypics+012.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUyXkfmPTgXl7noyUGFDpOhj3PYqb9hfELIdOS3YaiPK8DDdPrq1h8HXYJOcwm5N1lryJI_bO8GEfSH8a5ST_pNXUzbIk7AHPpAiZGN1TbrpE2D4FRlOzbJM0sCLLkH4T5-0uDTBb2L_M/s320/lillypics+012.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287180092619520082" /></a><br /><br />The easy part is done:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhphm5xHbZj7u3O4vjjpNmXYdThEqWV-BWLS0QM4n4tAc4sKZlcbzpN1pZGUHZOaqACjdzRuRB-ohToB_GVwWVEHltxoxFk1HZpLshAmRUJ3Dn6fJ7LsvKP_lUlkYhmFgN-SEEpeEWDaYU/s1600-h/lillypics+013.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhphm5xHbZj7u3O4vjjpNmXYdThEqWV-BWLS0QM4n4tAc4sKZlcbzpN1pZGUHZOaqACjdzRuRB-ohToB_GVwWVEHltxoxFk1HZpLshAmRUJ3Dn6fJ7LsvKP_lUlkYhmFgN-SEEpeEWDaYU/s320/lillypics+013.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287180525552390898" /></a><br /><br />Almost done! All we need to do now is some patching and painting...the electical blucky took about 12 hours one day, and another 5 the next. They were three ways switches, and I guess those are harder?? Hm. Who knew.<br />Silly boys:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMFEX8SqsoxWggq8JW8-dCJKy4-c7nU0iQodNHoArWoWZSNZNDLRIfVTIfkUGosj1X0Anoe-9EUOv3xlBggERtyKbjiVXc1qgQXzOPZGaiHKuV5Yhw5Gk98FKaYgqN8T80b9_7qIaZBoQ/s1600-h/lillypics+015.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMFEX8SqsoxWggq8JW8-dCJKy4-c7nU0iQodNHoArWoWZSNZNDLRIfVTIfkUGosj1X0Anoe-9EUOv3xlBggERtyKbjiVXc1qgQXzOPZGaiHKuV5Yhw5Gk98FKaYgqN8T80b9_7qIaZBoQ/s320/lillypics+015.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287181087100588178" /></a>ricracsallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14871660423171408183noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2625224930195904512.post-90555802404264442662008-12-22T08:35:00.003-05:002008-12-22T08:37:16.116-05:00Is it Christmas Yet?It feels as if I've been prepping for the big day for weeks... oh wait--I HAVE! From baking dozens (13? 14?) of cookies to shopping to parties and figuring ot menus, it's been a whirlwind few weeks. OH, and there's also been crafting! But I can't show any pics yet :( We'll show off soon...ricracsallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14871660423171408183noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2625224930195904512.post-1681627199723137462008-11-07T13:03:00.002-05:002008-11-07T13:10:59.736-05:00STILL excited!Because of Obama, that is. :)ricracsallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14871660423171408183noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2625224930195904512.post-66854517079976885672008-10-31T11:26:00.002-04:002008-10-31T11:33:03.978-04:00Strike-Four<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoaMRFptUk-VpF5kAs5fmLTuoKg4X-WpvvUecwRtOR0-gzsTnngK5MQB2zH8-7sE3ggLBcEqChFd9SY40SJu_1MfWwlJfP3LMXqx7ZrLwpHKwrOGOmFlz7oF-NvdrV_ujcNijVU3eCu_A/s1600-h/milkdud.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 123px; height: 92px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoaMRFptUk-VpF5kAs5fmLTuoKg4X-WpvvUecwRtOR0-gzsTnngK5MQB2zH8-7sE3ggLBcEqChFd9SY40SJu_1MfWwlJfP3LMXqx7ZrLwpHKwrOGOmFlz7oF-NvdrV_ujcNijVU3eCu_A/s320/milkdud.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263341435412654994" /></a><br />There is a really amazing thing that goes with moving into my new neighborhood: It is called Striking. I have never seen nor heard of this phenomenon before, so I will explain: People, most likely little people (and no, Tiff, not LITTLE people), come to your door, drop a bag of loot on your doorstep and run. You, as the parent, let you kid rush to the door and open it, look around (some peeps get a little nutty here, mostly dads, and go running after the hooligans), find the goods, and eat nummies all night. Also, inside the bag, is a sheet with the explaination that the "Phantom" of Worthington has just struck, and that we are to hang an "I have been struck" sign (also included) on our door. The neighborhood doors are pock-marked with these signs. <br />So, last night, our own little Little was struck, and upon dumping her newly acquired sugar bombs upon her bed, she exclaimed, "Milk DUDES!, A whole bunch of boxes of Milk Dudes!" <br />Dave and I about died. So, now, they are officially "Milk Dudes."ricracsallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14871660423171408183noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2625224930195904512.post-7464967050518374642008-10-29T14:33:00.005-04:002008-10-29T14:42:03.757-04:00Strange Stripe hauntings<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiatVMQD5kFTX-lJpCS4d9oFxSZ6aLOZHL3IqFlV0_MrlMfBpZMvRFwUKCKmGDFybNlUKZV3H_mph0FXgA8jDmEaGFcgQ9GT_r3rkDOBA1OS71171GQtgqnc-B4t-cCU__91kzlGHa6tCU/s1600-h/family+pics+1702.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiatVMQD5kFTX-lJpCS4d9oFxSZ6aLOZHL3IqFlV0_MrlMfBpZMvRFwUKCKmGDFybNlUKZV3H_mph0FXgA8jDmEaGFcgQ9GT_r3rkDOBA1OS71171GQtgqnc-B4t-cCU__91kzlGHa6tCU/s320/family+pics+1702.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262646326218999234" /></a><BR><br /><br />Beware--the strange stripe may come to your house when you least expect it. <br /><br />Actually, it is in preperation to have a home for THIS:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOjwMb4EC0109QptnKeWwybhOYBgeStMAJpMX2kroMjoBnt1vrbVRN8N0GvyUe8jyL9R-YJRv-tMkl7N5yfJF0vQ4Gx_LZucZAweRL9WDMWPBGcidGOhka9kObKquWDgVvSe06lHCwDt0/s1600-h/family+pics+1700.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOjwMb4EC0109QptnKeWwybhOYBgeStMAJpMX2kroMjoBnt1vrbVRN8N0GvyUe8jyL9R-YJRv-tMkl7N5yfJF0vQ4Gx_LZucZAweRL9WDMWPBGcidGOhka9kObKquWDgVvSe06lHCwDt0/s320/family+pics+1700.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262646679713075426" /></a><BR><br /><br /><br />A beauty, ain't she? Tiff made this for many over many many moons, and I finally got him a short while ago. The problem was that there was a HUGE shelf where said stripe is, and I couldn't for the life of me figure out how to get it down, so quilty was on another wall, and it just didn't work. Anyway, man figured out shelf (surprise surprise!!) and I took him down. The red is the color it was before I painted it the crazy, but perfect purple to MATCH the quilt. <br />The pillows I just made this last weekend (Are you noticing a theme here?) to go onto the couch to tie the colors together...more updates as they come along!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj8OVfaStFmdhNbBEZckbauHPw4YSGXm9ne1JNdsi6znfwxBrpJGmIYd7WVFIFWOoHhEEcm1lgruYBPM7v1HX9Yr7WoL_mYwxiMX31bbE-bzsnfAU1BeDJaCTyddpBNRwXDIJNb471RqQ/s1600-h/family+pics+1701.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj8OVfaStFmdhNbBEZckbauHPw4YSGXm9ne1JNdsi6znfwxBrpJGmIYd7WVFIFWOoHhEEcm1lgruYBPM7v1HX9Yr7WoL_mYwxiMX31bbE-bzsnfAU1BeDJaCTyddpBNRwXDIJNb471RqQ/s320/family+pics+1701.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262647642841284786" /></a><br />Denaricracsallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14871660423171408183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2625224930195904512.post-43797970843175142572008-10-27T18:05:00.004-04:002008-10-27T18:23:47.668-04:00It's that time of year: Shopping Season!Well, now that I no longer have to worry about trying to sell stuff on Etsy, I can relax and BUY things on Etsy again (especially since my final Etsy sales have added to the Paypal coffers!). I can't show off everything right now because, well, some things are for gifts (and you wouldn't want me to give those away now <em>would you</em>?).<br /><br />But I can show off these:<br /><br />I desperately need business cards, and I really wanted something different. I won't be handing them out by the dozens, so I didn't need a box of a zillion. Yet I wanted something memorable, something that said "serious yet creative." So I ordered <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=11262892">these </a>(but with my info on them, of course) from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5720919">LuckyDuckLetterPress</a>. I can't wait to see them in person!<br /><br />I've also been sporting <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=10609226">this </a>around town: It makes me feel like a crafting pirate! AArgh!! Check out the shop, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5753249">HomeStudio</a>, because they're offering free shipping on all of their pendants until the 31st--and they have some <em><strong>cool </strong></em>stuff! Their second shop, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6360283">HomeStudio2</a>, has fun pocket mirrors and magnets--all great for stocking stuffers!<br /><br />So, what have YOU bought lately? Show off your goods!<br /><br />Tiffani :)ricracsallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14871660423171408183noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2625224930195904512.post-10605697782142922962008-10-20T15:11:00.005-04:002008-10-20T15:15:57.634-04:00All DoneThe Etsy shop, she is now closed...<br /><br />And I, for one, am glad. No more getting sucked into the whole crazy Promo thing, no more worrying about how to pack soemthing so that it survives delivery, no more worrying if a stranger out there is going to like what we just made and sent. Nope. No more. I'll still enjoy Etsy as a shopper, but my selling days are over. Years ago, I made small velvet reticules at sold them at local craft shows, and that was stressful enough (If I had a dollar for each time some b***h picked up a one-of-a-kind, handmade bag and said "Oh, I could get something like this chdeaper at W*lM*rt" I'd be rich, yanno?). <br /><br />So from now on, this blog will mostly be a place for sister and I to blab about our personal projects and show off what we make for one another for gifts. And that will be just enough :)<br /><br />Thanks to everyone who supported our online selling endeavor!<br />Tiffaniricracsallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14871660423171408183noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2625224930195904512.post-16909430786554741902008-10-09T14:03:00.002-04:002008-10-09T14:08:18.466-04:00Obama Rally!!!Went to the Obama rally today in Dayton. And here's the man of the hour:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtqGmhIIsHKutJqRq34lBhUJ2LPujmQ2mswlLcauvN9gZD0FTqO7BpAZoExnit47EVzh_SfRs9nPTpaSQRdmn7wEeAhrmz5QoydLlnYFvybUnycqu91MsFT75XIoUI4ZU1UoHlZRfDt2w/s1600-h/obamasm3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtqGmhIIsHKutJqRq34lBhUJ2LPujmQ2mswlLcauvN9gZD0FTqO7BpAZoExnit47EVzh_SfRs9nPTpaSQRdmn7wEeAhrmz5QoydLlnYFvybUnycqu91MsFT75XIoUI4ZU1UoHlZRfDt2w/s400/obamasm3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255216644696057986" /></a><br /><br />It was a lot of fun, and I'm not just saying that because they played U2's "City of Blinding Lights" when Obama walked out :) (The choice of music was fab--he closed with Stevie Wonder!)<br /><br />Though I do follow politics and vote, it was my first political rally. And what he had to say to people here in Dayton was inspiring and true, and I can't wait until Nov. 4. <br /><br />Tiffaniricracsallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14871660423171408183noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2625224930195904512.post-92026600128811368852008-10-06T16:47:00.002-04:002008-10-06T16:50:10.239-04:00Closing Shop<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFSBGin-gL-_li6Y7-ipD95eyZrJF0vwGKJDHRPZtFkwrbZD1lONCT4TbZC6Mow7fkHN_BzTj1yRxi6Zx0CWC41zjIqxRwq_4H6sS9O4ZzFUHzKGE2_Qi7CXttukoeYo9RXC0TH-97nD0/s1600-h/closing.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFSBGin-gL-_li6Y7-ipD95eyZrJF0vwGKJDHRPZtFkwrbZD1lONCT4TbZC6Mow7fkHN_BzTj1yRxi6Zx0CWC41zjIqxRwq_4H6sS9O4ZzFUHzKGE2_Qi7CXttukoeYo9RXC0TH-97nD0/s320/closing.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254145620786078210" /></a><br />Yep, we've decided to close up the Etsy shop. You can find some good deals (and early Christmas prezzies!!) at our shop, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5282418">RicRacSally</a>, so if you've had your eye on something you'd better snatch it up now!<br /><br />Don't despair, though. We'll probably keep the blog going so we can show off the stuff we make for ourselves and each other. Plus, how else will we keep up on everyone's news?? :)ricracsallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14871660423171408183noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2625224930195904512.post-28978495626748540812008-09-16T15:43:00.007-04:002008-09-16T16:02:48.767-04:00We're not in Kansas anymore!On Sunday, Hurricaine Ike blew through Ohio. No, really. It did! <br /><br />I know that what happened here is <em>in no way </em>close to what happened when Ike barreled through Galveston and its close neighbors, but this took everyone here totally by surprise. We had 75 mph wind gusts and sustained winds of somewhere around 40-50 mph at times. It was crazy. This is the view out my front door. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0R8IcNir-Kquu4I7LpSyRrLjI_4ua1qw42AFJV_da7zps6DYPhLlxg_hFmdufA4fXDhoeZMh5E3mRs_0gEid3CJRuLDa2JgBZlhtaQobZRQOaUTQscAowDPjA2Zg1ccSiuQl68qAKp4o/s1600-h/storm+003.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0R8IcNir-Kquu4I7LpSyRrLjI_4ua1qw42AFJV_da7zps6DYPhLlxg_hFmdufA4fXDhoeZMh5E3mRs_0gEid3CJRuLDa2JgBZlhtaQobZRQOaUTQscAowDPjA2Zg1ccSiuQl68qAKp4o/s400/storm+003.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246708538219016738" /></a><br />Luckily that BIG tree (see the trunk? The tree itself is around 4-5 stories high) didn't fall. I guess it's been there long enough that it would've fallen by now if it was so inclined! However, we lost a LOT of trees in the 'hood... and fences... and some power lines... and roof shingles... and at least one chimney that I know about. <br />Here's a side street:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpgqdfQqIKzhK7Ukb2Joe2Xn_KwqxDLwEdZ0biRHK-CGAg24Wonoiibn0Sm2uqk66-65Odt42AU5RTot2kVNKZ9FBX_Yy3TxMBaFgkgJuTE52T689Fl9JucDLHb8nrkU361-DpW7oObKw/s1600-h/storm+005.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpgqdfQqIKzhK7Ukb2Joe2Xn_KwqxDLwEdZ0biRHK-CGAg24Wonoiibn0Sm2uqk66-65Odt42AU5RTot2kVNKZ9FBX_Yy3TxMBaFgkgJuTE52T689Fl9JucDLHb8nrkU361-DpW7oObKw/s400/storm+005.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246708843923034034" /></a><br />They just this afternoon took this tree away.<br /><br />and the alley:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhODNOZTMfszOzClCpiB5fxpXZf8a-IaU_OkqprxnZ_p8pIctaYBYdzeGDBg1zTEXfOL0AH5k4R5eVHl6krPn8ApQgxpndOLOr_Ms25KMpkHI3maNnhkySNXrq4GettyieRilhT55KuxSc/s1600-h/storm+007.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhODNOZTMfszOzClCpiB5fxpXZf8a-IaU_OkqprxnZ_p8pIctaYBYdzeGDBg1zTEXfOL0AH5k4R5eVHl6krPn8ApQgxpndOLOr_Ms25KMpkHI3maNnhkySNXrq4GettyieRilhT55KuxSc/s400/storm+007.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246708987567255858" /></a><br />We didn't lose power in our 'hood, but the 'hood on the other side of the cemetery (which lost some really big, really old trees, too) hasn't had power since Sunday. Schools are all closed, many businesses are closed, and ice is hard to come by.<br /><br />Unfortunately, sister, who lives 70+ miles to the east, is without power until at least Thursday. I got an email from her last night--she was at school and, of course, they had power! But she's worried for her 1/4 cow, which is slowly thawing in the basement freezer :(<br /><br />Because of this, and because I leave for my writers' retreat in a few days, we won't be around much the next ten days or so. Take care everyone, and if you were in the "real" path of the hurricaine, I hope you're back up & running soon!<br /><br />Tiffani<br /><br />p.s. We have to thank Christina of <a href="http://mytangerinedreams.blogspot.com/">My Tangerine Dreams</a> and Shannon of <a href="http://magickgardenstudio.blogspot.com/">Magick Garden Studio </a>for the award they bestowed upon our blog. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMkCD6hTA3rDeD50iM0-XViZ3vMfZ27BIsPiJKkjBlOeP9vUKXp0XyMueCOI9SJo6SiGGegr2SssKambq3yYPLO71HYDlT_VsLj1h3hgMdHml3wpa4bq2lZzj0ksO1VD821WQdeYf4aLY/s1600-h/Iloveyourblog_thumb_thumb.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMkCD6hTA3rDeD50iM0-XViZ3vMfZ27BIsPiJKkjBlOeP9vUKXp0XyMueCOI9SJo6SiGGegr2SssKambq3yYPLO71HYDlT_VsLj1h3hgMdHml3wpa4bq2lZzj0ksO1VD821WQdeYf4aLY/s400/Iloveyourblog_thumb_thumb.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246711198706997138" /></a><br /><br />We'll be sure to pass it along soon!ricracsallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14871660423171408183noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2625224930195904512.post-11822117394643694022008-09-05T12:57:00.004-04:002008-09-05T13:06:01.620-04:00WHEW!! Busy busy busy...We are IN THE NEW HOUSE!! Most of the upstairs rooms are painted, but downstairs, and hallways, etc. still need love. Here are two of the finished rooms (painting wise, certainly not unpacking-wise!): Bella's room, and the soon-to-be craft room! YEAH!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBd9Ag1pJiduaedsBqUPuwEq66Y2_IRKL2FnHA6DEQPc0EAaO_0eKpMoVjHs9t04effj8k1z54F2uVgF0XQA83tbW1JM47eYmIC55BMgqNYM07PTOLlI1nxFf636B_LTbWPixiMTmXRRY/s1600-h/horseycamp+039.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBd9Ag1pJiduaedsBqUPuwEq66Y2_IRKL2FnHA6DEQPc0EAaO_0eKpMoVjHs9t04effj8k1z54F2uVgF0XQA83tbW1JM47eYmIC55BMgqNYM07PTOLlI1nxFf636B_LTbWPixiMTmXRRY/s320/horseycamp+039.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242584075554267330" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhknK7LrjSf2i0vq6s1NZRjbfe3xmVwQD-Wo7nB4Ll2MQ36lUNzI4QDKorZQSt7wCLCZE16dnUV7AAshea0agCgXL3vIEa73hqNAe945xDLoxRQ_W8kliDf4wGFwTeY3nW0v8bPin80jko/s1600-h/horseycamp+042.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhknK7LrjSf2i0vq6s1NZRjbfe3xmVwQD-Wo7nB4Ll2MQ36lUNzI4QDKorZQSt7wCLCZE16dnUV7AAshea0agCgXL3vIEa73hqNAe945xDLoxRQ_W8kliDf4wGFwTeY3nW0v8bPin80jko/s320/horseycamp+042.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242584159205565650" /></a><br /><br /><br />Tiff will be coming out tomarrow--we are celebrating her b-day. She wasn't joking when she wrote that she likes to spreeeaaad her b-day out! Gotta go, need to finish her prezzies in my new craft room! More pics to come!<br />Denaricracsallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14871660423171408183noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2625224930195904512.post-42636496050840624132008-08-23T20:24:00.003-04:002008-08-23T20:28:39.028-04:00A Short IntermissionJust a quick note to let y'all know that sister and I are taking a short break for about a week or so. She's moving in to a new house!!!! YAY!!!! And you know what that means. Oh yeah, <em>paint swatches</em>! :) <br /><br />Meanwhile, I'm turning a year older, and at my age that takes a few days. Hey, I like to streeeeetch my birthday out as long as possible. More cake that way! Speaking of cake, here's a pic of last year's fabulous creation. My but sister is talented!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU_LI0j9IEmXklGGdII5vFx2YFW7t-PiqESQNLLRXYfeyIZOshJI0Q4uucpIlCysna_2X_4pUCd-7qczcNmKTst8fJbVSWs-Tp_IxazgW6O3J0f0DGP3x-knAMWU9wrozNS5IYlaGE4Gg/s1600-h/piratecake_comp.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU_LI0j9IEmXklGGdII5vFx2YFW7t-PiqESQNLLRXYfeyIZOshJI0Q4uucpIlCysna_2X_4pUCd-7qczcNmKTst8fJbVSWs-Tp_IxazgW6O3J0f0DGP3x-knAMWU9wrozNS5IYlaGE4Gg/s320/piratecake_comp.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237874349834278610" /></a><br /><br />See ya soon!<br />Tiffaniricracsallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14871660423171408183noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2625224930195904512.post-45199356322486020982008-08-16T13:20:00.005-04:002008-08-16T13:30:18.439-04:00You'll hear me comin'!Over the past few months, I've found new homes for nearly 600 buttons in my quest to declutter the craft room. However, I kept many, <em>many </em>buttons. The good ones. The ones I inherited from grandma. The ones she inherited from someone else. The really really old ones that I just could not part with. But keeping heirlooms in boxes or bags, hidden away from the light of day, isn't the way to keep them or show them--or who you inherited them from--any respect.<br /><br />So last night I channeled grandma by setting up shop on the tv tray in front of the Olympics and crafting. <br /><br />I made two noisy bracelets!<br /><br />This one has a copper base and is covered with all of the Victorian metal shank buttons in the collection:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaV_ptw4ft_36ieeb08MG6vhCaYK2EUrsiminiidCBEkLQFBM7xWj_R9M0ovilgw2EB07SndKOQIMTnxG20X4hW1z5FS4wekZuxvPUQQIWuZi1sr6hzOzp_I3FrVbmvdRkjpgt9StDMZ0/s1600-h/bracelets+005.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaV_ptw4ft_36ieeb08MG6vhCaYK2EUrsiminiidCBEkLQFBM7xWj_R9M0ovilgw2EB07SndKOQIMTnxG20X4hW1z5FS4wekZuxvPUQQIWuZi1sr6hzOzp_I3FrVbmvdRkjpgt9StDMZ0/s320/bracelets+005.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235167816137353986" /></a><br /><br />This one has a silver base, better to show off the glass buttons. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1zrCYBQlPB0gjiHgkPlrYoMdzme6G6TP5IcDpbX9ukdnhiXfwjPW6XTFsFxaxyKzgED9L-RIFES4MLLKmkWdLgt5nvZcXiBNyrexu_B8hbN2ATLxwnRrBg0jwE5BYJNHQK2PNngrAA3M/s1600-h/bracelets+008.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1zrCYBQlPB0gjiHgkPlrYoMdzme6G6TP5IcDpbX9ukdnhiXfwjPW6XTFsFxaxyKzgED9L-RIFES4MLLKmkWdLgt5nvZcXiBNyrexu_B8hbN2ATLxwnRrBg0jwE5BYJNHQK2PNngrAA3M/s320/bracelets+008.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235168108542368178" /></a><br /><br />Aren't they cute?? And NO ONE has a bracelet like either one of them!<br /><br />I might make a couple more. I still have a bunch of funky plastic and bakelite buttons and several mother-of-pearl ones in the collection. <br /><br />Tiffaniricracsallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14871660423171408183noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2625224930195904512.post-100616911565471832008-08-05T12:24:00.013-04:002008-08-05T12:48:32.590-04:00Road Trip!The past two weeks have been crazy for the RicRac gals. Seems that nearly everyone in the family has a birthday within the same week, and two weekends ago we had the BIG bash. Lotsa food, lotsa prezzies, and lotsa visiting. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyd551EhBl7JVRgeXhIdHoPB20qO6cqeXIa7YKAB7WorE0ZbEmkpBDXE_ubHhzig6PQTRyxAD30voHZGNp7q4jCobJ6SBRhglLyITOCh37AfEleVvlONV2CfmwcZ3FT48ln4OI79L9b8A/s1600-h/greenville+1_sm.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyd551EhBl7JVRgeXhIdHoPB20qO6cqeXIa7YKAB7WorE0ZbEmkpBDXE_ubHhzig6PQTRyxAD30voHZGNp7q4jCobJ6SBRhglLyITOCh37AfEleVvlONV2CfmwcZ3FT48ln4OI79L9b8A/s320/greenville+1_sm.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231073029044468162" /></a><br />This past weekend Dena & I had to go to TN to pick up the munchkin from her grandma's house, where she had gone for a week visit. The day before that big road trip, we took a smaller trip to nearby Greenville, OH, birthplace of the one and only Annie Oakley!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL8SoWLEb5L966lOGKaGTYFJ2LWFDq2k4xr1LCeH_LahhF_2p-aGFGYD1s0Aqob85blNGmEp8-xUhvRU2Cghi7FLg7eDImfzR3lrVM8XkId69XO0kjMFel6cdssjQnAik6EUO2YQr6Mlg/s1600-h/greenville+2_sm.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL8SoWLEb5L966lOGKaGTYFJ2LWFDq2k4xr1LCeH_LahhF_2p-aGFGYD1s0Aqob85blNGmEp8-xUhvRU2Cghi7FLg7eDImfzR3lrVM8XkId69XO0kjMFel6cdssjQnAik6EUO2YQr6Mlg/s320/greenville+2_sm.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231073260938245922" /></a><br />It's also the home of the shop Mcmaster & Storm. We first heard about M&S in <em>Country Living</em> magazine, and when we realized that we were only about 40 minutes away, we knew we had to go! The shop itself is billed as a mini department store--and it's full of fun stuff, all displayed on and in the most beautiful furniture. Housewares (beautiful soaps, linens, and tableware), craft goods (they have the best pink crepe paper edging, beautiful millingery flowers, and on our visit there were LOADS of clearanced ribbons!), and other fun things are to be found in drawers, cabinets, and even a tiny back closet. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggVzIRsPMsD0Ocn-wiNLhVOvqnj-YVTCD3QLHHnmwZxFWyvM1slkVKA43bOLglp3uNeZxJTaZWqObbX4H4qe6VAie1sYGbQeVd-CdzMxpiIWAKo43ZrjMV0sUplHqZNNTVOaPwGxd57fQ/s1600-h/greenville+4_sm.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggVzIRsPMsD0Ocn-wiNLhVOvqnj-YVTCD3QLHHnmwZxFWyvM1slkVKA43bOLglp3uNeZxJTaZWqObbX4H4qe6VAie1sYGbQeVd-CdzMxpiIWAKo43ZrjMV0sUplHqZNNTVOaPwGxd57fQ/s320/greenville+4_sm.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231073385404214610" /></a><br />My take? A bunch of ribbons, this fab paper frame, and a bunch of velvet millinery leaves. Don't miss McMaster & Storm's <a href="http://mcmasterandstorm.blogspot.com/">blog </a>and <a href="http://www.mcmasterandstorm.com/">web site</a>, where you can order these goods and so many more.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3SfmNdGuIW-SzSJMYJyfe0XT4qwsU16Ocyrtwy1iNEmdlzCGxhAcbwTP_M9YHT6cn0ov_RmIzzJWSEeIrFUU4aRY9TZNNGMMALrBtfEv4MNjmtnVj1elDSkCskCYFqSDjbYtDlI5LZNw/s1600-h/mcmaster1_sm.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3SfmNdGuIW-SzSJMYJyfe0XT4qwsU16Ocyrtwy1iNEmdlzCGxhAcbwTP_M9YHT6cn0ov_RmIzzJWSEeIrFUU4aRY9TZNNGMMALrBtfEv4MNjmtnVj1elDSkCskCYFqSDjbYtDlI5LZNw/s320/mcmaster1_sm.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231073935735944146" /></a><br />Across the street we found the cutest flower shop called Ivy League, full of fabulous antiques and decorative touches--and the sweetest proprietress! If you're ever in the area, don't hesitate to stop by.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaABMep6AzolT6ILbq68zSMUUxrgECA6E_lzmLtqeUu_knA6pwMnmYtL33YC8p9d3Qf6J1b0PPPGHTKtFl5KjCFv7nU5NrNALXQOTAw7GKq046KoLa_-voyII1EOvZP5PGFac-KI64PC8/s1600-h/greenville+8_sm.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaABMep6AzolT6ILbq68zSMUUxrgECA6E_lzmLtqeUu_knA6pwMnmYtL33YC8p9d3Qf6J1b0PPPGHTKtFl5KjCFv7nU5NrNALXQOTAw7GKq046KoLa_-voyII1EOvZP5PGFac-KI64PC8/s320/greenville+8_sm.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231073748684168994" /></a><br />I bought some great stickers...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6BqLzoLmUu7x0c7ofvgxMbrfyGjkYVdtwuU6hcYw_X-d_YOgIP97LsbbXkBa7cyrUzSuKfAaAi_Ob9MLYui9nWYAD7BEFVbKYsjBOiK44PNpX-yscTkwZ3H4UHZBfOGW-gKk3Fe_xYlw/s1600-h/ivy2_sm.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6BqLzoLmUu7x0c7ofvgxMbrfyGjkYVdtwuU6hcYw_X-d_YOgIP97LsbbXkBa7cyrUzSuKfAaAi_Ob9MLYui9nWYAD7BEFVbKYsjBOiK44PNpX-yscTkwZ3H4UHZBfOGW-gKk3Fe_xYlw/s320/ivy2_sm.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231074140415627650" /></a><br />...and look how she wrapped them!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQapwmN551QjMgigg_gTUv5LhalFcDrIINFBvN5kyIjPp53EGwmkYVvVpeh0QPMEbDvOGuQ5YFGyJ7U-CtVEtVtEqPeX4uIoIvE1F8MRP4RB8iZfd34lFvoNLgxTUMMvUC7VskFhbuymA/s1600-h/ivy1_sm.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQapwmN551QjMgigg_gTUv5LhalFcDrIINFBvN5kyIjPp53EGwmkYVvVpeh0QPMEbDvOGuQ5YFGyJ7U-CtVEtVtEqPeX4uIoIvE1F8MRP4RB8iZfd34lFvoNLgxTUMMvUC7VskFhbuymA/s320/ivy1_sm.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231074285745847698" /></a><br />The following day we spent 8 hours in the car, driving along some of the emptiest highway--not a lot of stops, but we still found antique stores in Princeton, KY, and I bought this fab vintage sugar shaker for a whopping $5! Whee!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs-P3Wdno1AADmHmdHq-H1tgrHh6kfDd6vC2Evp_2H-BlxRKbI0GJSyEYkHePzrWSM5rrQvSq8XOdRtl-v5-vS_lUj8e0rnsPxsCdVuf4EvUWVquhlQCXyCPU4ZenswWfm65Q6XUfEe9w/s1600-h/shaker-sm.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs-P3Wdno1AADmHmdHq-H1tgrHh6kfDd6vC2Evp_2H-BlxRKbI0GJSyEYkHePzrWSM5rrQvSq8XOdRtl-v5-vS_lUj8e0rnsPxsCdVuf4EvUWVquhlQCXyCPU4ZenswWfm65Q6XUfEe9w/s320/shaker-sm.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231074401301154482" /></a<br />All in all, some rather productive windshield time :)<br />Tiffaniricracsallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14871660423171408183noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2625224930195904512.post-87058314660674030782008-07-30T17:04:00.008-04:002008-07-30T17:25:22.641-04:00Have the leaves turned yet?Every year, I get all excited when the snow melts and spring starts to peek its soft green head up out of the ground. And then it's halfway through July and I could give a flying leap about any of it outside. Too hot. Too muggy. Too many bugs. (And I'm a particularly sweet kind of bug sugar--I have to Off! myself just to walk out the back door.) Right about now, I'm hoping for a tiny cold front--enough so that I can get out my jeans and Docs, a favorite jacket, and go walk arund in the refreshingly crisp air without worrying about sweating. But it's barely August. The only cool thing about August is that my birthday is later this month, and I firmly believe that my birthday should be a national holiday--at least for me :)<br /><br />Some cool things to look forward to:<br />As if my autumn won't be exciting enough (those in the know, know), lookie what's coming in November! <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/celebritynews/2474180/Harry-Potter-and-the-Half-Blood-Prince-trailer-unveiled.html">Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince</a>, the trailer for which has just been released!!<br /><br />Soup, casseroles, red beans & rice, and crumbles! I just made this tray of blueberry crumble squares (thank you <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/">Smitten Kitchen</a>!). <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTL02I1SkU6GrAxUEJkTjzuCG4RosIo8Vc4jqTgVGhG_8FJl5r5FZD7devfa2yjXi7Wx7ukxRRkpD-cSVpAbhMo2E1RCoZi0f7AvRKCU-WZUk7FmKgt2GyGDt9xI8jpgK0Or0Xs8Orjl0/s1600-h/blueberry1_sm.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTL02I1SkU6GrAxUEJkTjzuCG4RosIo8Vc4jqTgVGhG_8FJl5r5FZD7devfa2yjXi7Wx7ukxRRkpD-cSVpAbhMo2E1RCoZi0f7AvRKCU-WZUk7FmKgt2GyGDt9xI8jpgK0Or0Xs8Orjl0/s320/blueberry1_sm.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228920134902098114" /></a><br /><br />Go check out her pics--waaaay better than mine. Oh, and I only had 2 cups berries, but it still tastes great. (I was supposed to wait until they were fully cooled before eating ... yeah right! I scooped some out and ate it with a fork from a bowl. Had to be sure they weren't <em>poisonous</em>...)<br /><br />Until then, I guess I'll have to make do with homegrown toms. I just popped out into said buggy yard to dump stuff into the compost and made a pit stop at the mater plants. First of many harvests:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Eq2IZSTFtJcY2QX1Bw_CS3lHUg2XDeIzs4RUetwqI2dVVehhNTLVch2KiPHx5cCt8OggJjrCF4TWKSteYl-sn1pUfCdBPfG_eBhntFEAkwxdIegnHMJsIeX-c0iS6yYMEfLDFFhPz0c/s1600-h/toms_08.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Eq2IZSTFtJcY2QX1Bw_CS3lHUg2XDeIzs4RUetwqI2dVVehhNTLVch2KiPHx5cCt8OggJjrCF4TWKSteYl-sn1pUfCdBPfG_eBhntFEAkwxdIegnHMJsIeX-c0iS6yYMEfLDFFhPz0c/s320/toms_08.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228919965656367858" /></a><br /><br />Oh, and in case anyone was wondering, the buttons ALL found homes! <br />Tiffaniricracsallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14871660423171408183noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2625224930195904512.post-10598772410535727752008-07-24T10:49:00.005-04:002008-07-24T10:55:20.919-04:00Inquiring Minds Want To Know...at least, I was always curious. How much a quarter of a cow actually LOOKS like, all cut up and ready for your freezer. Man and I finally, after many moons of debating, bought a share of a cow--1/4 of a cow. And here it is:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgygn6vGst8fiDnNdMlnDTlGMuDt7iDSHDOTWPHwlhf76EUclsPPju5AgV_lh4vaYgtX_ijNFxlaNQ9dUsQ8u6HbuGwWPb1tsf6fKxCyyICo7_2cvdH-oYbsnAtGiCEYvci9JyFCq7uv3E/s1600-h/family+pics+1691.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgygn6vGst8fiDnNdMlnDTlGMuDt7iDSHDOTWPHwlhf76EUclsPPju5AgV_lh4vaYgtX_ijNFxlaNQ9dUsQ8u6HbuGwWPb1tsf6fKxCyyICo7_2cvdH-oYbsnAtGiCEYvci9JyFCq7uv3E/s320/family+pics+1691.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226593309096983762" /></a><br /><br /><br />And, because I know that I would want to know, it cost-all together with the processing fees--about $350.00. This is an Angus cow, grass fed, no hormone, free range, all the good stuff. It is about 275 pounds of meat. Completely worth it. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsgBFphyphenhyphenOmQv_8Cw1AiWUPp8aiqB3fP1IFhXEOI7GVjyI-BoDMb9OiUbqnrBx3DHYD4zQTFGwjxXAR8Rc22k8iexRSeSV5BAEwg_K2HT2DBbpF0wS8K_q4pSJO-0HeIbD67eLhKqWbyzo/s1600-h/family+pics+1689.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsgBFphyphenhyphenOmQv_8Cw1AiWUPp8aiqB3fP1IFhXEOI7GVjyI-BoDMb9OiUbqnrBx3DHYD4zQTFGwjxXAR8Rc22k8iexRSeSV5BAEwg_K2HT2DBbpF0wS8K_q4pSJO-0HeIbD67eLhKqWbyzo/s320/family+pics+1689.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226593871201707634" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxPm21zq4c_X-Et8Ym4TuXwA_uWu8krbfsFTOF02ztm10lQtb2lmG6BPCJaFbDh2-Z9apjx_I7KOVLdXVIvcGs3tLpZ0VWB0rzbY1GwnTJByuz2r_ue2_g410MHNqHnoRhaJ-Gpbn1JAQ/s1600-h/family+pics+1690.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxPm21zq4c_X-Et8Ym4TuXwA_uWu8krbfsFTOF02ztm10lQtb2lmG6BPCJaFbDh2-Z9apjx_I7KOVLdXVIvcGs3tLpZ0VWB0rzbY1GwnTJByuz2r_ue2_g410MHNqHnoRhaJ-Gpbn1JAQ/s320/family+pics+1690.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226594089499159922" /></a>ricracsallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14871660423171408183noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2625224930195904512.post-34944123840998308922008-07-21T15:16:00.008-04:002008-07-21T15:57:43.205-04:00Like RabbitsI think buttons reproduce while we're not watching.<br /><br />No, really.<br /><br />I recently found a lovely new home for five collections of buttons--white, red/pink, green, blue, and yellow. I thought I was done. <strong>Oh no!</strong> I just went back through the stash to set aside buttons that I know that I cannot part with, and I was left with GIANT piles that need new homes. I have now listed four more sets on Etsy: black (200+ buttons!!), brown (160!), gold (101!), and silver (61!). I really really <em>really </em>hope that's all. Or they're all going on the pill.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTD8fb2e9fzO4Rf8Mc1AMeMbAg_vc_WRZba4H9dmqTN5EzamNH5etSdDcV6gNbzXci8_P9kWyP-SkveKUIgNBJ4JaxrhWtmbslngIqFxZvOQTpoY3BjSowXE5lJGGrFcJpdsQmj60BZjM/s1600-h/gold1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTD8fb2e9fzO4Rf8Mc1AMeMbAg_vc_WRZba4H9dmqTN5EzamNH5etSdDcV6gNbzXci8_P9kWyP-SkveKUIgNBJ4JaxrhWtmbslngIqFxZvOQTpoY3BjSowXE5lJGGrFcJpdsQmj60BZjM/s400/gold1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225549093859982242" /></a><br /><br />Tiffaniricracsallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14871660423171408183noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2625224930195904512.post-62895093573609340872008-07-17T10:10:00.005-04:002008-07-17T19:13:17.876-04:00Letting go of the past--Facing the futureI nearly failed Home Ec in junior high school. I had to make a pillow out of felt: it was black, purple, and yellow and shaped like a surfboard with a big footprint on it. Very OP. Very west coast. And I could <em>not </em>make the damn thing. My grandma ended up finishing it for me! (Shhhh... don't tell)<br /><br />A few years after that, I embraced my heritage and learned how to sew. And now, I'm proud to say, I can make lots of stuff ... it's just too bad that I don't do it very often! There's only so much time in the day. And, to be honest, having the Etsy shop and making things that just sit there has been a little heartbreaking. I went through this years ago when I had a small (small as in just me) purse business and would spend hours making one-of-a-kind creations out of velvet and trims and tassels, and some ... <em>lady </em>... would come to my table, pick it up, and say "I could get something cheaper at W*lM**t." Ugh. To leave all that behind, we've slowly been closing up shop. I haven't made anything for the shop in months and months, and I haven't made anything for myself since last year. Until this week.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWONM2_bp3zg5ZVes0oqfWecdR4z6woQGmVcC0sM2CV60MRR1s9BcQs7KBhWEfTJfenjGvlIN1gW5oXMu49dK5Dw1QXVqwDFbiyd8cqRfDNbHczDzCCWbcx-_GWJCMoJSF3G7ybyphPoA/s1600-h/sock+puppet+bag.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWONM2_bp3zg5ZVes0oqfWecdR4z6woQGmVcC0sM2CV60MRR1s9BcQs7KBhWEfTJfenjGvlIN1gW5oXMu49dK5Dw1QXVqwDFbiyd8cqRfDNbHczDzCCWbcx-_GWJCMoJSF3G7ybyphPoA/s400/sock+puppet+bag.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223988307413621810" /></a><br /><br />A friend gave me a t-shirt with a decal of Sock Puppet Theatre (don't know about them? YouTube it--if you love Doctor Who, you'll totally get the joke!). The shirt was way too small, though, but there was no way I'd get rid of it. So the other day I took it with me to the fabric store with the idea of making a bag. One thing led to another and I found the perfect pair of plaid wool shorts at the thrift store for $2. Making all of those purses over the years came in very handy as I was able to make this bag without a pattern. I just made it up as I went along! It's lined in green & white flannel with two pockets inside. I even kept one of the pants pockets along the seam on one side! I think the whole thing cost around $5. And it cracks me up every time I look at it :)<br /><br />I'm pretty proud of myself. Makes me want to find that Home Ec teacher and show her that, yes, I <em>did </em>figure it out!<br />Tiffaniricracsallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14871660423171408183noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2625224930195904512.post-33026095598936098532008-07-14T15:34:00.005-04:002008-07-14T19:49:39.517-04:00HousekeepingAs life gets more hectic (as if it was ever any less hectic), I've been neglecting the blog a bit. But a gift from a friend has prompted me to finally get back here and take care of a few things. Those of you who know me know that for the next couple of months, I'll be in the bunny hole getting ready for the writing workshop I've been accepted to in September, but I don't want anyone to think that I'm ignoring recent mentions, gifts, awards, etc. So, in no particular order:<br /><br />Thank you so much to Carolyn of <a href="http://www.magpie-pixie.blogspot.com/">Magpie Pixie</a> for the fabulous new banner! Isn't it cute? She noticed that our blog was a bit bare along the top and made us this homey, "sew-ey" banner. It makes us look like a new penny!<br /><br />We've been featured by a wonderful friend, Sandee of <a href="http://sewmuchdetail.blogspot.com">Sew Much Detail</a>! If you haven't checked out her page or Etsy shop, do so right away. I LOVE her fobs and use mine religiously!<br /><br />We've also been given the award below by two of our blogger friends: Lynn from <a href="http://therosecottage.blogspot.com/">The Rose Cottage </a>and Debbi from <a href="http://cgtreasures.blogspot.com/">All in My Cottage</a>. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDASD8Too_BqfPkNlrMhhG57uPlNFA5ko9A2IQ0Xx9LtW9hyphenhyphenxDH5qIPOFJ5mCNFKeSYcc8qwuLw5GUMQeYct9A_EajYaGYJLlMMgOndACCrt7oF2wDO1ttgGwJ2jHhxXDRQjSfB4V0Nvo/s1600-h/awarda.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDASD8Too_BqfPkNlrMhhG57uPlNFA5ko9A2IQ0Xx9LtW9hyphenhyphenxDH5qIPOFJ5mCNFKeSYcc8qwuLw5GUMQeYct9A_EajYaGYJLlMMgOndACCrt7oF2wDO1ttgGwJ2jHhxXDRQjSfB4V0Nvo/s400/awarda.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223016742271618146" /></a><br /><br />The rules for receiving this award are:<br />1) Put the logo on your blog.<br />2) Add a link to the person who awarded you.<br />3) Nominate at least 7 other blogs.<br />4) Add links to those blogs on yours.<br />5) Leave a message for your nominees on their blogs.<br /><br />However, I don't think we can come up with 14 (so many of our regular reads have already been nominated)! We'll stick with the original 7, but I think I only have 6 here!<br /><br />Kat from <a href="http://katsimagination.blogspot.com/">Kat's Imagination</a> Kat is just great at organizing swaps over on ECS!<br />Gail from <a href="http://shabbycottagestudio.blogspot.com/">Shabby Cottage Studio</a> Gail is an amazing artist and a great inspiration!<br />Twig from <a href="http://opheeeliasays.blogspot.com/">Opheeelia Says</a> Well, this woman just cracks me up!<br />Ally from <a href="http://iheartthatdance.blogspot.com/">IHeartThat!Dance</a> Ally is one of the first friends I made through ECS. She's a bit AWOL right now because of a move, but she'll be back online soon!<br />Jaime from <a href="http://hjcompton270.blogspot.com/">Always Inspired</a> Jaime was one of my first Etsy friends--our love of Marie Antoinette linked us together!<br />Carolyn from <a href="http://magpie-pixie.blogspot.com/">Magpie Pixie</a> Carolyn and I bonded over a love that will never die: a shared affection for Duran Duran! :)<br /><br />Because I'll be putting my head down here soon, I probably won't be blogging very much for the next couple of months. But please don't think I've abandoned you! I'll still read everyone's blog pretty regularly. I just won't have any crafts or thrift-store finds to share :( <br />And I'm sure the last thing many of you want to hear about is my day job, the books I'm currently reading, and the weird story ideas racing through my head!<br /><br />Thank you again to all of our blogland friends!<br />Tiffaniricracsallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14871660423171408183noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2625224930195904512.post-55242507819654512752008-07-09T13:19:00.000-04:002008-07-09T13:41:49.744-04:00Butterflies and Chihuly, what more does a girl REALLY need?Maybe a spot in the <a href="http://www.columbusdispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2008/07/07/0707_Butterfly_Standalone.ART_ART_07-07-08_B7_NHAM7J6.html?sid=101">paper</a>?! (yep, that is my goofball)<br />Well, anyway, it has been way too long since our last blog, and being that I do absolutely NOTHING with my days, I have no excuse.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFAYv7FSjyGpyckK22fRe_UbHTUtLaJDjKduFm2VZXkVEFC49-A683kdAWrVVMt089DbvbObaspFbSf9evLk_JEXux7GgULtztya9N4X7wTfZKf61QahoS_oq8fvq6vUMqG0GfMWszMMg/s1600-h/family+pics+1645.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221068680656072658" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFAYv7FSjyGpyckK22fRe_UbHTUtLaJDjKduFm2VZXkVEFC49-A683kdAWrVVMt089DbvbObaspFbSf9evLk_JEXux7GgULtztya9N4X7wTfZKf61QahoS_oq8fvq6vUMqG0GfMWszMMg/s320/family+pics+1645.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Last weekend I took the family to the Franklin Park Conservatory here in Columbus, Ohio. Of course, it was under some construction (this is something that I am cursed with, along with red lights; every time I go anywhere for architectural observatory purposes, it is being worked on. Versailles? Check [every TIME!!!]. Notre Dame? Check. Koln Cathedral? Check. The list could go on and on.) Anyway, a few years ago, they were graced with a Chihuly exhibit, and when the 4 mill$ (or so) worth of goodies were going to leave, a bunch of ohio peeps got together to buy it all for the Conservatory. So now they get to keep it all the time. AND they have butterflies.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnZq8hF9yhHXxoNjEIBFZ0dtkGiwODXFoAxa55f9hMXXzqV7n_hQYXCdJg5Y4sJ4RIk_4GT7IW2i2j4Yb275uu7-trQaOAOuoOpyJ0MXn9gLMV2oYW6PnLD-TEZCljCLLqxBZUdJtkjzE/s1600-h/family+pics+1647.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221068425260063794" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnZq8hF9yhHXxoNjEIBFZ0dtkGiwODXFoAxa55f9hMXXzqV7n_hQYXCdJg5Y4sJ4RIk_4GT7IW2i2j4Yb275uu7-trQaOAOuoOpyJ0MXn9gLMV2oYW6PnLD-TEZCljCLLqxBZUdJtkjzE/s320/family+pics+1647.jpg" border="0" /></a> <br /><br />Here are my pics, and they actually came out pretty snazzy. The floating globules are chihuly glass--I guess he went to Japan, where they still use the floating globe things for fishing, and he got the idea to see how big he could do it, and these are the results. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAejmlWnbn9Unf2kidBsojfhsAojXsEqke-Gr1jDebDsHtoJhgOftPjTtT1X4xGXNd5FoVheIBF8a3DfcM1mW3ccKE_b3We0tcIdMqO69lDCJqbJygxALXjiKSA3VfKY2bH6qIoR2Itk8/s1600-h/family+pics+1654.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221067650647304418" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAejmlWnbn9Unf2kidBsojfhsAojXsEqke-Gr1jDebDsHtoJhgOftPjTtT1X4xGXNd5FoVheIBF8a3DfcM1mW3ccKE_b3We0tcIdMqO69lDCJqbJygxALXjiKSA3VfKY2bH6qIoR2Itk8/s320/family+pics+1654.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw3bjN7hZ7Myd6Q4-CaBNH3c3Gr2lSDubJGRdHdluiQijnEiLu9n-hJcQL_fXX7MnsMRj4vZDTShPWVkwYit4jc5kt4U2kI4Z4_65fadJAY0Q3qOW_J58d7md_qU5eH6BU-8XIjnAMWqo/s1600-h/family+pics+1679.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221068030354532498" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw3bjN7hZ7Myd6Q4-CaBNH3c3Gr2lSDubJGRdHdluiQijnEiLu9n-hJcQL_fXX7MnsMRj4vZDTShPWVkwYit4jc5kt4U2kI4Z4_65fadJAY0Q3qOW_J58d7md_qU5eH6BU-8XIjnAMWqo/s320/family+pics+1679.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />It is a cool place, and you could easily spend three hours there. Butterfly release is 1 and 3 o'clock, until september.<br />It isn't the cheapest, but there ARE coupons floating around out there, and student discounts. Wait another two weeks and the construction will be done; there will be a new Zen garden, and not sure what else. Also, there are BIG future plans for a community garden, and bunches else.<br />Signed--Denaricracsallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14871660423171408183noreply@blogger.com3