To Youth Convention

Today, we leave for Holiday Youth Convention in Tulsa at the Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center. I am one of four chaperones for our church youth. I am looking forward to what the Lord has in store for these young people. Glory to God!

Even More Computer Ills

After three attempts to locate a repair man by driving or calling, I found John at Computer Services. He and his wife work together. He said 2-3 days. It's been more. Will we have our computer in time for Christmas? Oh yes! We can use Rivka's. But no, she doesn't have the internet. Urr... I guess I should be thankful that I have the opportunity to drive across town and use 60 minutes of the computer time at the library.

More Computer Ills Saga

Last night we were pelted with a little sleet and snow and the city has salted and sanded the streets liberally. I wonder if we will be douced with more precipitation soon. It's about eleven degrees here in B-ville and my little car chugged along to the local library this morning. I am here to blog, since our computer is still strapped into a seat in the back of my car. It's waiting to be taken to the local repair shop. So far the two places in town that I have attempted to take it to, are not able to fix it. Poor little thing. Sitting in my back seat with a virus and out in the cold.

Planning a Christmas Dinner Party

Teenage Couples Enjoying A Dinner Party

by Myron Davis at allposters.com

I wrote this essay for Composition I class. If you are planning a dinner party for the holidays, have fun with it and I hope this essay is a blessing.

For some people, planning a formal or semi-formal dinner party can be a delight. But to many others it is a daunting task. If you plan the gathering in a timely manner, collect all necessary items needed and arrange them appropriately the process can be a breeze. You will need an apron, your guest list, place cards for each guest, a favor for each guest, a tablecloth, table runner, bouquet of fresh flowers, salt and pepper shakers, matches, two candle sticks and holders. For each place setting you will need to gather a eighteen inch linen dinner napkin, a dinner plate, salad plate, soup bowl, bread plate, dessert plate, coffee cup and saucer, water glass, wine glass, dinner fork, salad fork, dessert fork, soupspoon, and small spoon. Now don't forget the Christmas music. Don an apron and we'll get started on this formal dinner party.
After you have chosen your guests, sent their invitations, planned the menu and made the place cards for each guest, it's time to arrange the tablecloth. The most common tablecloths for formal dinner parties are linen, because they are considered to be more refined. A linen tablecloth looks its best when it has been freshly starched and pressed. Other popular fabrics are sateen and brocade. They can be decorated with prints or floral designs and the fabric usually has sheen to it. If you are not pleased with your ironing skills, most dry cleaners will starch your tablecloth to perfection. As you arrange your tablecloth on your dining room table make sure that each side of your tablecloth hangs evenly with the other side. The middle seam of your tablecloth should go directly down the center of your table.
Decorations need to be added to your table. The table runner is usually laid vertically or horizontally on the table. A table runner is much like a swag and can add a touch of color or sparkle. Many table runners are made from brocade, silk, organza, or velvet. Some may be quilted, rustic in design or have tassels at each end. Grace the center of your table with the freshly cut flowers in a vase. Many people choose amaryllis or narcissus for Christmas' time. Evergreen boughs, holly and berries may also add a festive dimension, when arranged carefully in a low bouquet or made into a swag. When choosing flowers, be sure to choose flowers that will not stand too tall and obstruct the view across the table. If they are too tall they will annoy your guests as they are conversing. On each side of the flowers place your candles in their holders. These candles may be tapers, which are tall and slim. Or you may choose any other candle that adds the right style to your overall décor. Red, white, silver and gold are always in keeping with the season.
Arrange the flatware also called silverware, and dinnerware for each guest. Begin by placing a dinner plate centered at each Guest's space. On top, place the salad plate, and then the soup bowl. Lay the starched napkin on the left of the plate. The napkin's fold should be placed towards the plate and with the unfold corners at the lower left. On top of the napkin, place the dinner fork which is larger than the salad fork. Place the salad fork left of the dinner fork. On the right side of the plate, place the knife with the sharp edge facing the plate. This position for the knife is considered most safe, in case the knife were to be sharp. To the knife's right side, place the soupspoon and the small spoon on its right. Above the tip of the knife, place the wineglass and above the tip of the small spoon place the water glass. Directly above the plate, place the dessert fork horizontally with the prongs of the fork headed toward the left. Above the napkin set the bread plate. Reserve the dessert plates, coffee cups and saucers in your kitchen. If placed on the table for the meal, most likely these items will crowd your guest, while he or she is enjoying the dining experience. It is best to keep them off to the side on a buffet or in your kitchen until after dinner.For finishing touches to the table, add the place cards above each plate, so each guest may identify his or her place at your table. Place cards can be made of cardstock, colored paper or crisp white linen like paper. Gold or silver lettering will glisten in the light of the candles. This is also a perfect time to set out the favors for your guests. They are usually placed at the head of each place setting. You might consider a piece of fruit, a small sack of chocolate kisses or a candy cane. When choosing the favors, take into consideration your overall theme and what would delight each guest. You may choose something different for each. Also add the salt and pepper shakers. A set may be placed at each end of the table for convenience. Strike a match and light your candles. Remove your apron. It’s time for Christmas music. Turn on something like, Bing Crosby's, "White Christmas". Now you are ready for your guests to arrive, so greet them with a smile.

Computer Ills

If you have wondered why the lack of posts recently? This is the reason. Our prehistoric computer has bit the dust again. I think it my be on it's eighth life in cat years. Any blogging that I do must be done at college and on the lab computers, which are often in use by other students. Hope you are having a blessed holiday season.

Ministering Opportunities Abound

There are so many opportunities to bless and minister to people. Just look about you. Is there a neighbor or friend that is sick in the hospital? Is an elderly friend needed you to share tea with them to brighten their day? It gives great meaning to life when a person can look beyond his or her own needs and look after the needs of others. That is truly ministering.

My Aunt J. is on life support and may pass away leaving her husband and nine children. Betty Gram's husband is very ill in the hospital. Would very much appreciate your prayers for these loved ones. Thank you.

An Exhilerating Night!

My cello teacher gave me a voucher for a Cherish the Ladies concert at our community center this evening, with another concert just before, our own Bartlesville's, Kilkenny Road. Both concerts were amazing. I especially liked the two male dancers from Step Crew. Now my mind is humming Irish tunes galore. I have a desire to start playing my violin more. Yippee!

Leo Tolstoy Quote

My favorite quote on marriage from Leo Tolstoy is this, " The goal of our live should not be to find joy in marriage, but bring more joy into the world. We marry to assist each other in this task. The most selfish and hateful life of all is that of two beings who unite in order to enjoy life. The highest calling is that of the man who has dedicated his life to serving God and doing good, and who unites with a woman in order to further that purpose".

Painting by Edmund Blair Leighton from allposters.com

A Belated Homemaking Article

In 2004 interviewed Mrs. Lydia S. and her family in Oregon and had planned to publish a small article in my wee magazine, "Ladybug Home Companion". Since then, the article has been asleep in our computer and I just discovered it just yesterday in a file.
Thanks Lydia for great ideas!

As we are drinking tea in Lydia Sherman's dining room this March she begins to share these wonderful tips for decorating one's own home. I want to pass them along to you in hopes they will inspire you in the same way. Enjoy!

Eight Elements of a Beautiful Home:

Drama- Something black, or definite such as wrought iron

Sparkle- Metal candle holders, or a gold frame

Soft- fabric

Wood- End tables and doilies to soften the wood

Lighting-Lamps indirect lighting (creates soft light rather than a glare on guests)

Meaning - objects and pictures with meaning

Mirrors- for reflection and they also make the room appear larger

Books- books in a home add warmth also suggests varied interests

Quotes from Mrs. Sherman:
On the Home
"Your home is your virtual museum of the family. You can tell the interests, and history of the inhabitants by the furnishings. "

On Clutter
"If you have too much you don't have anything. You can have little shelves and candles sconces on the walls and if your home is cluttered, people's eyes are drawn upward away from the mess."

Antiques and Delicate Things
"If you were given candles and delicate things when you were first married and you have little children, just put them up on shelves."

Wholesome Movies

On the radar for quality films? Yes indeed. I am currently famished for wholesome movies like the 1981, Chariots of Fire. This week I discovered that a new movie of Billy Graham's life debuted October 10, Billy the Early Years. Also a movie called Fireproof came out on October 28. The trailers are on utube for anyone who needs a sneak peak of each film. I'll have to wait until they come out on DVD to share with my family at the holidays.

Confetti Potato Salad

I created this fun potato salad several days ago when we had some red potatoes and an abundance of celery. I'll leave the proportions out, because everyone has different taste buds and they might want more or less of something.

Confetti Potato Salad

Red Potatoes - boiled, pealed, and cubed
Red Onion - diced
Celery - diced
Red Bell Pepper - diced
Parsley flakes
Salt and Pepper
Mayonnaise - real!

I imagine black olives or diced eggs would be a nice contribution as well. Just think color and more color. We are done with the old mayonnaise and mustard mix, this is far creamier and looks great on any plate.

Shortcake Reading

In His Steps is currently on my nightstand and keeping my interest. Having read in our history since 1877 text book that this book by Charles Sheldon had a great impact on the Progressive movement, I determined that I must read it.

When I Grow Up

Just can't think of anyone nicer. Susie Watson designs fabric items and pottery. Hello polka dots! Yummy looking table spreads in the garden. Lovely comforters on comfy beds inside an idyllic cottage. You must know she is from England. Where else?

Photograph from http://www.susiewatsondesigns.co.uk

History Essay Excerpt

"Though Betty remembers that the days were difficult, she also recalls enjoying several kinds of entertainment. Phillips Petroleum held big dance bands which were highlights during the war. Also a group of eight to twelve mothers formed a sewing club and met once a week. They met at each other's homes and served coffee and donuts. The ladies brought their handwork, which was usually mending. The hostess might call the other ladies and tell them not to bring any handwork, that she had the entertainment for the evening. Which usually turned out to be a stack of her family's much needed mending. They all counted the mending as "great fun". There were also "Mother Clubs", which were a group of women who got together to share information on an aspect of child development. Each night a different topic would be presented and discussed. These outings were great moral boosters for families, especially women".

Excerpt from "1940's Housewife Interview" essay due in my History since 1877 class (taught by a feminist...none the less).

Photo from flixster.com from The Magic of Ordinary Days

Betty Gram's Home Language

Hollyhock Child" Fine Art Print from Art.com

Betty Gram doesn't limit her art language to just one room. Nope! She decorates her home in many prints, most of children.

After telling Betty Gram that I have figured out what Mother's room language is, she promptly asked what I thought hers would be. Well you have lots of prints of children, they are reading, gathered around a bird cage, picking apples, playing at various activities, helping in the kitchen and swinging. I would say...hmm...your trying to relive the childhood you never enjoyed. You know? I think you are right. Then Betty Gram laughs and her eyes sparkle.

Happiness

Emma Bridewater's Black Toast Box Tea 1/2 Mug from emmabridgewater.com

May I share with you Romantic Homes magazine? You might think I am trying to sell you something all the time. But in reality I just want to pass on the "little gold mines" I have discovered.

I can't seem to find that perfect scone recipe. Perhaps you know of one which turns out crusty on the outside and tender on the inside? A scone recipe which is good served with clotted cream? There are a dozen to one recipes in books and on web-sites, but I don't have time for testing each one like in a chemistry lab.

Lillibeth can you help?

My Room Language

"The Soul of the Rose"

"God Speed" and "The Accolade" by Edmund Blair Leighton. Prints from Art.com

"Coral Bells" wall color. What does this all mean? Your welcome to diagnose.

Becca's Room Language

"Sheepstor, Dartmoor, Devon,England" print from Art.com

Becca's art speaks of her love of traveling, but always on the pathway homeward. Her home is surely where sheep are grazing and sheafs of wheat glisten in the warm sun. Birds twittle and chirp near the window where she is sitting.

"Pastoral View of Danish Farmland" Photographic print from Art.com

Still dressed from her journey, she looks out upon "her land" and reflects upon her travels and wonders what part she should include in a letter to a close friend.

Mother's Room Language

"Boy and Rabbit" Giclee Print from allposters.com

Several evening ago, I stood in Mother's bedroom doorway as she sat up in bed reading. My eyes scanned the room to see the pictures on her walls: a young boy holding a rabbit, a child sitting up in bed looking out an open window at a bluebird sitting in a tree, a young girl sitting beside a window reading a book, several photographs framed and set on the dressing table of family members sitting. Everyone is sitting, Mother. Yes I believe you are right, Amy. So what does that tell you? It tells me that as a person you like to sit still, enjoy life and observe the nature around you. Well that is what I do. I sit for a living, I have been a caregiver.

May I encourage you to look around and notice your surroundings? What is inspiring or discouraging you? Are there photographs, or pictures that make your heart sing for joy? Do you feel that you have entered a retreat-your home? Do you feel inspired to great things and to think noble thoughts?

An Evening with the Harts

"Coca Cola" Wall Poster from Art.com

What a "lovelee" time spent this evening with our friends, the Harts. A single mother and her two children who have true hearts of hospitality. Mother Hart made a scrumptious hamburger vegetable soup, and green salad with blue corn chips on the side. Young Master Hart made Double Chocolate Chip Cookies. We enjoyed them with hot spiced tea with honey and creamer.

We sat on the floor working on our sewing projects after dinner. Miss Hart worked on her first embroidery project. Master Hart hit the halfway mark on his latch hook rug, a handsome blond horse behind a white fence. I cut out an apron from a plum floral printed skirt that I got for free and which was just a wee bit to small. Mother helped us keep on target as we worked like busy bees. Mother Hart showed us Coca Cola memorabilia that we hadn't seen. We enjoyed a great deal of laughter together.

Betty Gram's Birthday

Mum and I celebrated Betty Gram's 86th Birthday yesterday with a frozen Vanilla Cream pie and watching, "The Silver Chair", the Wonderworks edition. Betty Gram read the Chronicles of Narnia over the spring and summer and couldn't wait to see the original making of it. She would call it 'Nareniah', but now she knows it's just Narnia.

A Brand New Web-site

You might take a gander at a new web business my best friend Christina has developed. Her business is Homeward Bound and she is selling stylish long flowing denim skirts. I hope you enjoy!

Denim skirt photo from Homeward Bound

Vests from the Past

A few sketches I did several years ago. Rebecca found a laced vest at our G.W. Boutique and she created a gauze shift dress to wear underneath. I was asked to play my violin at a lady's tea/luncheon and I chose this ensemble. It was dreamy.


I have always loved vests. Fitted ones are especially nice. I like the vests English gentry wear and vests worn by peasants. I find that wearing a properly fitted vest of the appropriate color makes an outfit all that more special.


Black and White Sketches by Me

Thank You, Rebecca

For the few days spent with you and your friends. I can see now why you miss them when you are at home on break or holiday.You have quite the little nest of bosom buddies in the writing center. Thanks for sharing the experience with me.

Enjoying Time with Rebecca

It's nice to have a spell of sisterly time with Becca at College of the Ozarks. This is the first time I have been to visit her while in College, and she is a Junior. We must study, but we must also cram as many projects and excursions into the next few days as possible. What fun we will have..yipee!

Happy Fall break everyone!

Found Berets!

Driving home yesterday, Mother and I discovered that a Minuteman Estate sale was being held in my favorite brick cottage. We parked, and walked to the home. It was the last day and late afternoon, the sale had been going for three days. We realized by the many blank spots on the walls and in rooms, that there had been quite a few pictures and furniture. By what remained, we determined that the lady had had lovely taste in her furnishings. I wish now that I had knocked on the door of this fine home to meet the lady of the house when I first had the unction several months ago.
In a back bedroom, I caught a glimpse of several hats lying on the floor. At last berets! I tried two luscious velvet hats; one mulberry, and the other royal blue. How do I look? Can I wear these colors? How is the style? Mother thinks they are charming, so I buy them. What? They are not $2.00 each...just $1.00? Thank you, sir.
As we walk across the verdant yard, the salesclerk closes the door behind us. Just in the nick of time!

Art Print: http://www.art.com

Fall Weather Anyone?

When the winds alter their direction and I here geese fly over head early in the morning, I know fall is here. Leaves become muted shades, slip from trees, dance down street and tumble across our yard.

Then I prepare my closet for the colder months. Plaid skirts need to be ironed and sweaters placed in a dresser drawer for quick access.

Does anyone have a good web-site for reasonably priced wool berets or other fall/winter hats?

Artwork: by me at age 15

Have a Blessing

Type in "Emma Bridgewater" on youtube.com and watch the video of "How is it made?", you will certainly be blessed, as I was.

Yarn and Quilt Blessing

A sewing friend from church bequeathed to me two large plastic bags of yarn and a small bag of quilting blocks. Much of the yarn is pastel and will be nice for making baby things for friends and scarves. As I opened the small bag containing quilt scraps, I discovered that it contained enough finished small rosebud blocks to make at least a full if not queen size quilt top. What a blessing. Now these projects get added to a list of 5 quilts in the making and about 10 baby bibs.

Artwork from http://www.art.com

Rivka - You are Grand!

Cherrio! Mrs. Standeford our Comp 1 teacher handed back our first real essays today...and due to my sister's excellent tutorial skills via e-mail... a good grade is in!

Muchos Gracias, Rivka

I'm a 1940's Gal

• If you know more about Big Band leaders and the hits of the swing era than today's hit songs.
  
• If you stay awake at night only to read manners books from the 40's.
• If you are over joyed by finding a vintage hat in some second hand store.
• If you take a trip especially to the beauty supply store on a hunt to find hair supplies to try the '40's rolls...

Then you must be a 1940's girl too.


Millinery Ad Courtesy http://www.ebay.com

Newly Found Tasha Tudor Site

There is a delightful web-site, Tasha Tudor and Family for any one who is interested in her life and enjoys her playful illustrations of a by gone era. Please enjoy!

Photograph by Richard Brown from http://www.tashatudorandfamily.com

Fly Fishing Fever

An interest in fly fishing began when, despite the fact that we lived on land with several small ponds, a lake, the Verdigris River a half a mile away and I fished and fished ---I have caught even one.


Upon visiting the Sherman family in 2004, I expressed an interest to Stevie who is an avid fisherman and he demonstrate the highly skillful art on the Willamette River. We didn't catch a thing...but my interest was peaked.


Recently, I happened upon a session of the Green Country Fly Fishers. They welcomed me to their group night. All older men sporting baseball caps were talking of the next fishing outing. They set up their fly tying equipment on the small tables in the community room, opened large green wooden boxes full of paraphernalia and began to tie!




They were making white flies that shimmer and dance or yellow bugs that float. One gentleman was making the tiniest fly that I have seen. One used for trout, hopefully trout. You might buy a fly in a store for $2.50 and see this one - it only cost $0.30 or so. You can really save money by creating your own. We get a great kick out of sharing stories and spending time on tie night.



You should find an inexpensive fly rod and join our group. There are ladies in the group. Our best fisher is a Lady Lawyer from Tulsa who can out fish us. Come join us any time, they urge me.

I am missing out on such a pleasant past time, maybe I should.



Art from http://www.allposters.com

Remembering: Young Entrepreneur Days

Here you see me as a soon to graduate high school student and quilting entrepreneur. I enjoyed coming up with many collections based on certain color schemes. Some items are traditional patchwork designs while others are ones I created. There are only a handful pictures around the house, though I created dozens and dozens of unique items. Someday I will post quilt pictures for you to see. Have a blessed day and don't forget to have fun and be creative. Sewing can be stress relieving...so go for it!

Seminole Dresser Mat

Seminole Potholder

Shoe-Fly Pillow, Trip-Around-the World Pillow (with a block out of place) and a Postage Stamp Table Mat

Pigs in a Pin - I designed to utilize scraps from my Sister's dressmaking business.

Quilted Baby Nine Patch Dresser Mats

Quilted Lawn Four Patch Pot Holder (My favorite)

Freezing

If you happen to have an abundance of apples, may I suggest freezing? After peeling, coring and slicing and placing them in a bowl, dust them with Fruit Fresh (which keeps them from turning brown). Then place them in 'freezer' zip lock bags. The apples can later be used for pies, grated and mixed in cakes, and they are yummy fried with a dash of cinnamon and sugar!

If you happen to have a wealth of tomatoes...? Wash them, blanch them in boiling water (until they are puffy or their skins begin to crack). Remove the tomatoes and place on a cookie sheet (the tomatoes will weep juice as they cool). When cooled remove the skins and hard section where the stem was and freeze in zip lock bags. They are great in steak soups, pureed and put in any number of dishes. Happy fall preserving!

Traditional Irish Blessing

Aunt Carole shared this with us and I'm passing this Irish Blessing on for your day!


Photograph by Richard Cummins at http:www.allposters.com

Good Morning, Betty Gram

This morning, Betty Gram and I will redecorate her buffet. Her daughter, Cherry arranged the nesting paraphernalia in June and we have enjoyed it, but we both agree a change is needed with the changing of seasons. We'll be arranging her Mother and Child, Madonna figurines on the shelves. What fun!

A New Discovery

Hot on the embroidery trail, I discovered Pattern Bee. What a great web-site! It's easy to navigate, well organized with vintage embroidery patterns for redwork, quilts, towels, potholders and more. Wonderful Christmas ideas!

Favorite Quilt Shop

Do you have a favorite quilting or fabric shop that just sends you into ecstasy the moment you step through the doorway? Lillie's Classic Quilts in Independence, Kansas does just that for me. The shop is in a well lit, refurbished downtown brick building (as you see in the photo the hardwood floors and sky blue tin work ceiling). Visiting Lillie's is like stepping into the ultimate quilters heaven! Lillibeth, when you come visit, we will certainly make a trip to Independence.

Hooray for Inspiration!

Serendipity Tapestry Coat from North Style is quite nice. There are also nubby sweaters and tweedy items. If you happen to like long flowing skirts this is the site for you!

Have a Great Labor Day!

Daisies, Fern and Ivy
by Amy Newton
from an issue of Ladybug Cottage Companion

Have A Blessed Day

Zeb, two years

During my years as Nanny for three children we had many, many early mornings together, not all that joyful either (getting up early just does not get easier with practice). And so as their Mother left every weekday morning when children were cranky she called to us to have a blessed day.
I have thought yes, we should wish each other blessed days, not just to have a 'good day'.
So I wish you very blessed day!

Garden Bounty

The Townsleys, another generous couple from church has asked Mum and me if we would like to pick their garden while they spend a week visiting relatives in Colorado. They have a vegetable garden and apples and pears. I'll have to use the ladder to pick the fruit. Do you think I'll mind? You are right?

Feel Free To

If you would ever like to e-mail me, please don't hesitate. My personal e-mail is belloviolino@yahoo.com

Vintage Print
Title: She Reads a Letter Above a Vase of Blue Flowers
Artist: Armand Rapeno

Courtesy http://www.allposters.com

Wash Day, the Romance of Laundry

With our clothes dryer on the blink and forced to dry our clothes in the garage or across the couch or beds, I decided it was best to search for a more sane method of drying our laundry. At K-Mart I discovered a wooden clothes rack much like a scaffold and purchased two. It looks like one my Gramzie had years ago. Despite the inconvenience of the naughty dryer I am rather enjoying taking more time to launder.

Do you enjoy wash day?

Photo Courtesy
http://www.allposters.com

Fresh Apples

A couple from our church who grow apples has had an abundance this year and has kindly shared bushels with the church. This morning I arose at 6:00 and used the handy-all in-one apple peeler, corer, slicer from Pampered Chef to prepare them for stewing to make applesauce. Hmm... what a great aroma the finished product produces!

Picking Apples by Arthur John Esley
Courtesy http://www.allposters.com

Begininng to Like

Naked Ladies are growing on me, though I do think they would be more suited to a bed rather than used sporatically in one's lawn.




I've never had an affinity for potted plants covering pathways and porches, but I quite like this idea of using an arbor for displaying them. These plants are lovingly cared for, my hat is off to the gardener who keeps these watered through the hot summer. I just noticed they most likely water them with the inconspicuous 5 gallon bucket on the left. Ah ha!

What do you find successful when planted in pots?

Betty Gram's Nest

And a spot of heaven for guests.