FINALLY FRIDAY

Today is fish Friday. I usually have fish for dinner on Friday nights. Do you have any good fish recipes? I like to bake mine. Even better is to cook it on the grill in foil with lemon and butter. Always turns out perfect for me. It is 79 degress out currently. The temps have dropped a bit. I made a morning run to the post office and it was very nice outside. I am hoping for a nice weekend so I can get out and take some summer flower pictures. Next week is the week before Firstfridayartwalk at Etsy on August 6, 2010 so I have one week to add more to my shop at Glenna's Garden http://www.gnormyle.etsy.com/ I have plenty to add including a Whitehouse cookbook from the Kennedy years. It is an amazing book complete with color pictures of table settings and the service ware that was used.

Watercolor/ink original not listed for sale yet created by me.

SEIZED THE MOMENT ON SATURDAY

I went to Greenfield State Park in NH on Saturday. Relaxed, bbque'd with friends and enjoyed this view as I lounged amongst the tall pine trees. I had three visitors that were too quick for me and my camera. An adorable chipmunk, a curious daddy long spider or two and a very friendly baby grasshopper who jumped around on us too. The floor of the forest was covered with pine needles and roots. At the base of one of the trees nearby was this:

Many new little pine trees starting!

My first shots of the lake and surroundings were these.

Surrounded by pines!

My friends, now ages 52 and 61, grew up nearby the park, in this house. t used to be white with green trim they told me. The new owners' have kept the same name. I love it Sunnyside Cottage! I am always saying Keep on the Sunnyside!

I looked up and I was still surrounded by beautiful very tall magestic pine trees! The breezes blew all day. It was sunny but just perfect in the shade. I feel renewed!

Thanks be to God!

Feature Friday LindaButterfly and LindaCaterpillar

Feature Friday: Meet Linda she is a very talented artist and a good person to be friends with. I love her enthusiasm and genuine kindness.

Adopted from Linda's interview with CafeHandmade
Linda says:
"I have Depression. Depression is not widely understood but it can have psychologically positive meanings for an individual. In the journey of this illness, leaving my safe cocoon was not easy. Butterflies have to struggle to leave their cocoon. I struggled, I became a butterfly. First writing, then art, helped that struggle to be meaningful. I have discovered the freedom of artistic expression."

"I love painting with acrylics, taking photographs, painting with watercolors, drawing with pencil & pastels and creating greetings cards based on my art. I have multiple interests including walking in the countryside, working out at the gym, reading, photography, History and travel. I loved motherhood; some of the best times of my life. My son Peter is a published author and I love him to pieces."

How did you get started creating your artwork?

Creating art helped to express my personal struggles and my delight with the world. I am independent. When I was 4, a teacher wanted to look at some work I was coloring. I knew she wanted to interfere so I sat on my drawing and refused to let her see it. Once she had gone, I continued. My art is my art, whether or not someone else engages with it.

Where does your inspiration come from?

The fact that I exist and, despite Depression, feel much joy, means I store multiple situations and experiences in my mind. I was diagnosed many years ago with an eye condition which meant I was going to loose my sight. Strangely, instead of feeling downcast, I realised I would be able to feel texture once I lost my sight. I would still have pleasure in the world. So, while I could still see, I revelled in color. Both texture and color became brilliantly important for me. I was overjoyed when further tests last year showed the condition had been wrongly diagnosed; I am not going to loose my sight. But my joy in color and texture has not waned.

I live life, and ideas come to me. I dream, and ideas emerge from my dreams to become paintings. I am inspired by something; maybe a week long visit to a country, or an hour long TV program. The whole life I lead feeds into expressing myself as an artist.

Who is your favorite artist?

I don’t have a favorite. I enjoy most art from most artists; I have an eclectic taste. Cubism has important things to say, as do the Scottish colorists and the pre-Raphaelites.

What is your favorite song and by whom?

Again, I don’t have favorites. There are so many situations and circumstances in life that one song or piece of music would never cover them all. Bruch’s work won’t do when the Pearl Fishers’ duet is needed. I started learning to play piano a few years ago and have taken several practical piano exams. I have an eclectic taste in music but probably enjoy jazz the most.

Why do you think people should buy handmade?

I would not tell people they should do anything, but would explain they could investigate the handmade market. I would explain that all kinds of artisans display many amazing skills and spend time making fantastic items. So handmade is going to cost more; it is not a cheap alternative to shop bought. I would say, “Open your eyes to the reality of excellent handmade items, support and work with artisans, and find joy in that discovery.”

Please visit Linda at her online shops http://www.lindabutterfly.etsy.com/ and http://www.lindacaterpillar.etsy.com/
 

SUPER SWEET SUNDAY

Why is it going to be a super sweet day....well I am supposed to be seeing my grandsons for the first time since the younger one was born on June 30. I have seen them in pictures like this one. I am very excited to get some of my own pictures. Hold the baby, see how the two boys interact and give Brady lots of extra love from Nana. Apparently Brady 2 1/2 yrs. old has started to act up a bit because of the new baby. I will have to be careful and give him lots of extra attention. He was my first and I don't even really know my new grandson yet. He was a perfect baby not much of a bother the kids said for the first two weeks but now he is keeping them up and Brady too. I remember those days vaguely 29 years ago. I was soooooo tired. It is all so very much worth it for the precious gifts from God.

I just love this picture. I can't wait to see the rest of the professional pictures taken a couple of days ago. This picture makes me smile and laugh.

CHRISTMAS IN JULY is a going on at Etsy the 15th through the 25th. I have been stocking up my shop and there are many bargains. Please check it out Glenna's Garden at www.gnormyle.etsy.com

Basil garden and some flowers growing from seed inside at Glenna's Garden.

Basil when fresh can be be added to the top of a tomato, delicious.

You just snip right from the plant and use what you need. It will regrow and double.

Try this recipe and top with fresh tomato and basil just before eating.

GARLIC CHEESE TOAST RECIPE

1 LOAF TEXAS TOAST OR FRENCH BREAD CUT INTO 1 INCH SLICES

1/2 CUP BUTTER SOFTENED

1/8 TSP BLACK PEPPER

1/8 TSP PAPARIKA

1/4 TSP SALT

1/2 TSP WORSTERSHIRE SAUCE

1/2 TSP GARLIC POWDER

4 TBS GRATED PARMESAN CHEESE

1/4 CUP GRATED CHEDDAR CHEESE

PREHEAT OVEN TO 400

IN A BOWL MIX ALL INGREDIANTS UNTIL WELL BLENDED

SPREAD ON THE BREAD AND BAKE FOR 12 MINUTES

ENJOY!

I hope you have a super sweet Sunday too!

FEATURE FRIDAY madamaRobè

Today is Feature Friday. Meet Roberta from Verona, Italy. Her brand is madamaRobè. She creates very beautiful jewelry.

Her website:  http://www.madamarobe.com/

Her Etsy shop:  http://www.etsy.com/shop/madamaRobe

You can visit her Facebook page:  http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/madamaRobe/131972730164372?ref=ts

Roberta says: "I've always been a creative person but in a particular period of my life my creativity showed to me that I can be who I want and do what I want in my life. My creativity is a blessing in my life."

"I started jewelry and beading two years ago."


"I get my materials from bead shops everywhere, when I travel I usually find a bead shop... :), internet, art shop and when I visit creative fairs I buy there too. I buy only high quality materials. I use plastic, polymer clay (handmade by me), Murano glass beads, swarovski crystals and I use nickel free chains."

"I'm trying to become a professional artist, it's hard, there is a lot of work to do but it's what I want to be."

 

This is an ACEO Treasury I am in it will expire so please check it out soon! My ACEO is the black and white Garden Tangle. ENJOY!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=100648

RAINY DAY YAY!

This is my latest treasury to share. All about owls. Enjoy!


http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c3aa3ea78206d9115880acc/owl-be-seeing-you

We have rain today YAY and there is supposed to be more. Oh boy finally some relief for all of us and the poor plants and trees.

The next FIRSTFRIDAYARTWALK is August 6, 2010

Tomorrow July 15th Christmas in July on ETSY starts and goes through to the 25th use search words cij and christmas in july Get a start on your Christmas shopping!

This is a link to a slideshow about baking bar cookies which are great to take on a picnic

http://www.bonappetit.com/recipes/slideshows/2009/07/bar_cookie_slideshow#slide=1

At Glenna's Garden http://www.gnormyle.etsy.com/

MUGGY MONDAY

It is getting cooler at night so it is getting better. This is a treasury my ACEO Koi Fish is in . It was made for a team I belong to on Etsy called ACetsy Team (ACEO Team) Cute litle miniature works of art!

Todays recipe is from Light Desserts perfect for summer!

Light Lemon Cake
By Donna Meadow from Woman's Day

April 1, 2006

Recipe Ingredients

1 cup plain nonfat yogurt
1/4 cup lemon juice (grate zest first)
1 1/3 cups sugar
5 Tbsp plus 1 tsp (1/3 cup) butter
1 Tbsp grated lemon zest
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
2 large eggs plus white of 1 large egg
2 1/4 cups cake flour

Recipe Preparation

1. Heat oven to 350ºF. Coat a 12-cup bundt pan with nonstick spray.

2. Mix yogurt and lemon juice in a small bowl until blended. Set aside.

3. In a large bowl, beat sugar, butter, lemon zest, baking powder, baking soda and salt with mixer on medium speed to blend (mixture will resemble damp sand). Beat in eggs and egg white until smooth. On low speed, beat in yogurt, then flour, until just blended. Scrape into pan; smooth top.

4. Bake 30 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted in cake comes out clean. Cool in pan on wire rack 15 minutes before inverting on rack. Serve warm or cool. Good served with strawberries. ENJOY!

SUPER SWEET SUNDAY

Garden Tangle ACEO available soon at Glenna's Garden

I was up early this morning. I finally got all caught up with Glenna's Garden http://www.gnormyle.etsy.com/ Well it looks like I will be featuring two international shops back to back on Feature Friday here on my blog the next two Fridays. I finally have it all together and I am feeling 100% better. Today is a day off for me normally but I will be using the day to stay inside in the cool air and get things done for the start of a new week. If you want to be Featured on a Friday in my blog please just email me gnormyle@yahoo.com You must have an active Etsy shop and that is the only requirement. The rest of the work to put an article together is easy. I will be adding a link here later today for a treasury I will create today. This time the challenge will be a theme. I wish when I put the treasuries together that I could move the items I choose around by simply clicking the picture and repositioning it in another place just like we can do when we rearrange our shops. I am looking forward to Christmas in July on Etsy. I have received some good customer feedback on my jewelry I have listed. I started out wanting to offer jewelry but it is so very competitive on Etsy. I have so many new items to take pictures of Monday and hopefully start listing soon. What are your plans for today? Is anybody taking a vacation? I am waiting for my sister to move back to FL soon and then I will go there to visit her when it is cold here. Yay!

I think we need a cool link here let's see how about edible flowers check this out

http://gardening.about.com/od/vegetablepatch/a/EdibleFlowers.htm?nl=1

Garden Tangle card available soon at Glenna's Garden

WEATHER IS TOO HOT TO HANDLE

I hope you enjoy this beautiful Fall treasury I created today in search of cooler temperatures and my favorite season!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c370ff1a4088eef64a12430/fresh-fall-finds-from-etsy

Wow it has been incrediably hot. I was made sick for a few days because of the heat. I have many illnesses and suffer when it is hot. A/C is not central in my home and in NH most homes don't have any A/C at all. Many fans and a struggling window A/C unit is what is keeping me alive. It has been miserable. It is feeling a bit cooler today and we are supposed to have big thunderstorms this afternoon. That will help. I once again apologize for no Feature Friday this week. Blame it on the heat! We are now set for the next two Fridays to have features from two talented ladies.


In search of a refreshing and cool recipe I came accross this one to share with you!

Watermelon-Lemonade Ice Pops

Makes 8

Recipe by Rozanne Gold
July 2002
From Bon Appetit website

Ingredients

•2 cups (packed) finely chopped seeded watermelon

•3/4 cup frozen lemonade concentrate (half of 12-ounce can), thawed

•3 tablespoons sugar

•Pinch of salt

Preparation

•Combine all ingredients in processor. Puree until very smooth. Divide mixture among 8 ice pop molds (each about 1/4 to 1/3 cup capacity). Cover and freeze until firm, at least 4 hours and up to 5 days. ENJOY!

The grandbabies are now two weeks and one week old. Where does time go?

Emelia two weeks old

                                                          

Carter one week old

STAY COOL!

BLESSED SUNDAY

I snagged an Etsy treasury today the real thing that disappears so click on and enjoy this treasury I made in Blue for the Acetsy Team that I belong to.

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=135702

This listing disappears on 7/7 at 8:30 AM EST.

This turned out perfect because it was day three of my trio theme I started with red for the Aweteam, then white yesterday for the New Hampshire Team and today I lucked into blue...sure I could have made one of the new treasuries that everybody can make but instead I was blessed with the real thing. Just like I am blessed with grandbabies.

Happy Fourth of July 2010 everybody!!!!!

My son, newborn grandson Carter and first grandson Brady sleeping on Fourth of July 2010

The girls all dressed up for Fourth of July 2010

HAPPY FIRSTFRIDAYARTWALK!

Today is the AWEteam's Firtsfridayartwalk on ETSY. Use the search words, aweteam, firstfridayartwak and ffaw to find the shops that are participating. We are now 70 members strong! Anybody on ETSY can use fristfridayartwalk to tag your items for sale. Join up and you can also use AWEteam.

Aweteam Info on ETSY:  http://team.etsy.com/viewteam.php?id=680

I have many items discounted and sale items posted for firstfridayartwalk please check out Glenna's Garden http://www.gnormyle.etsy.com/

WELCOME TO THE WORLD CARTER

My second grandchild and second grandson Carter was born yesterday at 12:26 PM. He took us all by surprise and arrived two weeks early. He is healthy and perfect. He weighs 6 lb. 1 oz. and is 19" long. Just a little baby (needs preemie size clothes) but full term. My precious handsome little guy with lots of black hair. Such a good baby too, no crying, eating great and loves to sleep.

Carter

Big brother Brady holding Carter

The pictures are grainy because they were taken via phone camera and loaded by me from Facebook!

I promise way better pictures soon.

My son, grandsons Brady (2 1/2) and Carter (newborn)

My camera ended up with the memory full so I didn't get very many pictures! I am a very proud and happy Nana! Now I have to get busy locating preemie clothes for the little man. Have a wonderful day!