tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8305467605619330522024-03-05T00:01:15.100-08:00The Celtic Cowgirl-Multi Old TIme Instrumentalist,Druidess of the WestA multi instrumentalist who loves Old Time,Roaring 20's,and Celtic Music,this is my blog of adventures & discoveries in music as well as life. I've acknowledged my Cowgirl roots and infuse that with my Druidic & Native American beliefs.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger70125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-830546760561933052.post-66279071218539313042013-04-03T07:02:00.000-07:002013-04-03T07:02:04.015-07:00Up To The Present Moment-Forward Ho!<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b> I must admit that last entry was a little dreary to say the least. So for this post I want to catch you up on things that are moving forward for me and my plans for this year and it's a much happier entry,I promise! </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> I got a good bunch of tulip bulbs from Lowes and here's a photo of one of them. Just beautiful and the first time tulips have had a successful run in the flower bed. I just picked up some lovely petunias yesterday at Home Depot and</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> will be planting those later this week. The pansies I had gotten awhile back are slowly dying out as they have "done their bit" but were pretty none the less. Clear faced pansies-a first for me growing that variety. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b> Above is a pic of my Aria banjo. A real beauty except for the cracked resonator the seller chose to hide by having a super dark pic of it. I need to look into having it glued.Angels were looking out for me on this one. I'm finding a lot of sellers claim musical instruments "sound great" and they've never played them. This was the case as it couldn't be tuned as it had guitar strings and Lord knows what else just to make it look like it was strung. I had to change the strings and treat the fingerboard before I could hear the tone. And it is </b><i><b>beautiful!</b> </i><b>Whatever model this is,it has a tone ring. Very grateful to have it. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b> I am hoping to win a lap dulcimer that needs some TLC. I want one that can be my knockabout buddy as the one I have now is beautiful and I don't see many of this particular make out there,so I worry about getting it dented and so forth. I will find out today if I get this fixer upper. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b> And-speaking of fixer uppers,I also aquired a Chromaharp that needs parts and work-here's a pic of what it looked like upon arrival-and yes I have the chord bars. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>I don't know what is going on with Blogger this morning but I'm having problems uploading photos. This one should not be upside down. It's in good cosmetic condition-I just need a chord bracket,two strings and an endpin cover and I'll be all set. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b> Next installment I'm hoping to show you a dulcimer or two!</b></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-830546760561933052.post-33652026899641912372013-04-02T08:34:00.002-07:002013-04-02T08:34:41.023-07:00A Year Later.....Inwardly the ride has had it's ups & downs. As usual,I never intended to go so long inbetween posts. Here's what was going on in a nutshell. The stress and nonsense at my part time job finally got to be too much-more demands,no pay raise in 6 years,and being chewed out for something that could have happened but didn't due to my leaving it in a capable co workers hands as my shift was over was the final straw. I fumed for a few days and emailed my "I quit!" letter in mid July of 2012.<br />
And no regrets on that tho the financial situation has been shaky. My online music store had done poorly since moving it to Bonanza. I figured it was because of lack of advertising and boy was I right. Not by me tho.....but by Bonanza themselves. I was paying $24.95 a month to be promoted on Google and I was.....but only in the state of California. My main customers are in the south and midwest. Luckily for me,I found this out thru a free Lexity app Bonanza offered. I questioned Bonanza on the California only deal & they never denied it. I found this out early this year.<br />
Back to 2012. In late October,I tripped over something while carrying an autoharp in it's case and cut my knee open deeply enough it required stitches.(And I'm dealing with Urgentcare still on getting the overpayment they made me do back) A day after that,my beloved cat Sassy became extremely ill,and I had to have her put to sleep on the same day I had to go have my stitches out. Right after I left the vets office,off I went to the Dr.<br />
The next two months I was helping both Sassys sister Lightning and myself thru the loss. Lightning was grieving so badly I had to put her on anti depressants for 3 weeks so I could sleep.<br />
The holiday season I did my best to celebrate with a happy heart and that took a lot of effort. Christmas was especially difficult as the mass shooting of Newtown just weighed my heart down. I looked forward to New Years as I felt it was time for a clean slate new start.<br />
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2013<br />
Enter the New Year with my usual watching of the Rose parade. I learned I could refurbish a clarinet. Even learn to play one! I always loved 20's music and like the sound of the instrument.<br />
After researching new places to move my store online,I decided on Yahoo! stores. I am currently adding inventory about an hour a day so I don't strain my eyes.<br />
I received an early B-day gift too-I spied an Aria Banjo I fell in love with and was given by my Dad. I discovered clawgrass style and once I have a good grip on clawhammer I plan on pursuing clawgrass.<br />
Rediscovery too. I got out my much neglected lap dulcimer and have been playing that. I think I have a knack for it. I've broken out of my shell and am doing music videos on utube currently tho I need to find a better spot to sit & play in. From the looks of things,my main instruments will be dulcimer,mandolin,banjo & fiddle. Tho I also dicovered I can play and refurbish autoharps-I refurbed and sold one this year. I just won a chromaharp in need of parts & repair. I'm trying to get the parts now. I think it will work better for me than the Oscar Schmidt I have now cause it's smaller & I have small hands. I did refurbish a 1964 Oscar Schmidt Appalachian 15 chord autoharp for myself. Now it just needs new strings.<br />
Reading wise I'm in the middle of "Delivering Happiness!" to see how I can improve my store and also reading Louise Hay and Dr Wayne Dyer. I have also discovered Paramhansa Yogananda and am reading his work "How To Be Happy All The Time" which I'm finding most helpful. I also have his book "Autobiography of a Yogi" tho I haven't started that yet. It all helps me be the cowgirl that I am!<br />
Next entry will have photos and "in the moment" posts,I promise!<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-830546760561933052.post-12271023560927074702012-04-01T09:57:00.000-07:002012-04-01T09:57:18.801-07:00Treasures Found Online<b><span style="font-size: large;"> I've been looking online for old looking decor for the cottage and found this!</span></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoZwnlQQtJRspVj_EYII4ozTZ2siMHI9fczHKFDjvr7XFTrQ5QpQQ_x8jPUdpEZ6lf2A-AzZZloP0p_ROw5MHIv1JvAkXcicq2TIR4QF8PI42cVy23jiT6-vDkj9bluh1q_Dx_l1y0Ud21/s1600/IMG_3906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoZwnlQQtJRspVj_EYII4ozTZ2siMHI9fczHKFDjvr7XFTrQ5QpQQ_x8jPUdpEZ6lf2A-AzZZloP0p_ROw5MHIv1JvAkXcicq2TIR4QF8PI42cVy23jiT6-vDkj9bluh1q_Dx_l1y0Ud21/s320/IMG_3906.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: large;"> Perfect as I play all 3 instruments. I need t get some hanging wire & rings so it can go up on the wall. I love the look of long ago that it has! </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"> And in the cowgirl cookin dept I found a used copy of this:</span></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjehngWzQ2AteeN4gnGhpuHEm_Rv8NkeDlom972ifOzsJW-y9dkcifa09HNLlcfXJ_Oinh5sCv0jHSVmIq6Gzhjk3nGt9sRwW-fi2uUyKS9smXHuxoE19qsot_7SKAUDPyD_2M8scBXsgFv/s1600/IMG_3907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjehngWzQ2AteeN4gnGhpuHEm_Rv8NkeDlom972ifOzsJW-y9dkcifa09HNLlcfXJ_Oinh5sCv0jHSVmIq6Gzhjk3nGt9sRwW-fi2uUyKS9smXHuxoE19qsot_7SKAUDPyD_2M8scBXsgFv/s320/IMG_3907.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: large;"> The cover is made to look stained-it's in very good condition-and what a joy to read-not overly huge,filled with stories of cowgirls from long ago,and of course,easy to make recipes-from main dishes to desserts,to breakfast & lunch. None of the recipes demand a lot of ingredients,so it's all easy to make-and I have my eye on a couple of recipes I want to try. Good amount of cowgirl wisdom & humor in here too. A great first cookbook to give as a gift. </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"> We've been having a good amount of rain & wind while the midwest is getting California weather. Shocking that last year this time we were in the low 90's,according to the weather report. I don't remember it being that hot last year here. Hmmm. I must be getting older!</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"> The onions I planted are continuing to grow-as I have them in small pots I put them on our covered front porch for the rain storms-I didn't want them being washed away.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"> Banjo is coming along and it was a pleasant surprise last night to find myself playing a decent version of "Bile Them Cabbage Down". My right hand is getting the hang of some of the patterns it needs to pick. In an odd way,banjo pickin is a lot like classical guitar. I love Wayne Erbsen's books. After I get the basics under my belt,I want to to learn melodic style banjo. </span></b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-830546760561933052.post-33006190359041071182012-03-21T09:39:00.000-07:002012-03-21T09:39:40.146-07:00Crazy Weather,Daffodils,and Banjoin'<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNZS6JcuA6uAeaeETyvuiJzAvnPHmNdhh13Iy9luX6Nj3S39KGE_AHVDLzNDV8n3Him5bOo1NIAUd6DqhMECqwkyC6K0SYA_NkIfPDxdr74hB6eakoTRvOmYZwIFxDEo_u-T6JXD2PTI3M/s1600/daffodils2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNZS6JcuA6uAeaeETyvuiJzAvnPHmNdhh13Iy9luX6Nj3S39KGE_AHVDLzNDV8n3Him5bOo1NIAUd6DqhMECqwkyC6K0SYA_NkIfPDxdr74hB6eakoTRvOmYZwIFxDEo_u-T6JXD2PTI3M/s320/daffodils2012.jpg" width="257" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> The weather here has been pretty crazy over the weekend-heavy rain,a windstorm with gusts of over 35MPH in my area. The rain was so heavy combined with the winds it sounded like someone was spraying my window with a hi pressure hose in the middle of the night.....and of all things a helicopter was flying outside.This was after midnight.....</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> As you can see tho,Spring has it's beauty,too-these little daffodil bulbs have me burstin with pride-I got them 3 years ago in Lowes "last chance plant rack" where they were in a tiny metal container that I turned into a pincushion/notions storage tool for myself. It took three years,but they've finally bloomed!</span></b></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipCkV0N-0ct2EZ894p7JrcIF7yE1QYEhIgsxo6AT_HB3c97dmN3KAKva1MFZg4PGWtkc9h3QyjWJkqxQhyjMFXsy-6Qg-ceGiTdsvE-SSwSDQdx5K_2dPnlKiaKfqOYuv6nLh9L_-vcpIQ/s1600/IMG_3817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipCkV0N-0ct2EZ894p7JrcIF7yE1QYEhIgsxo6AT_HB3c97dmN3KAKva1MFZg4PGWtkc9h3QyjWJkqxQhyjMFXsy-6Qg-ceGiTdsvE-SSwSDQdx5K_2dPnlKiaKfqOYuv6nLh9L_-vcpIQ/s320/IMG_3817.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> And I got my banjo armrest from Janet Davis Music,put it on myself and I now have a good,perfect playin condition instrument. Thankful I got this for such a bargain so many years ago. Banjo now stays in tune,is more comfy to play,and I won't be getting the head dirty. </span></b></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5408AwKQ1LCzmGQl4bkPTQe9AnMmC8rwQ_kQPlvhaSv61ix_tSV6hMxdUqWDbenr5J2UBLr4Ih3ErUFk31tXG0lBEdaZPnt8Tp0L_d-GSMmdPDzE2jjpmQTQfVC0KBFkKHkoLgWX0cy3g/s1600/IMG_3676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5408AwKQ1LCzmGQl4bkPTQe9AnMmC8rwQ_kQPlvhaSv61ix_tSV6hMxdUqWDbenr5J2UBLr4Ih3ErUFk31tXG0lBEdaZPnt8Tp0L_d-GSMmdPDzE2jjpmQTQfVC0KBFkKHkoLgWX0cy3g/s320/IMG_3676.JPG" width="242" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></b></span><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">In my banjo decor collectin,I found this salt shaker online & had to have it-isn't she cute? Wondering how old it is-she has a spot above my office desk. </span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> I'm about to finally get into my leather crafting too-I have ideas of goodies to make to sell,and for myself as well. Been getting used leather stamps off online auctions for a song,and eventually I'd like to try making a banjo-guitar strap. For now,I'll stick with small projects. </span></span></b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-830546760561933052.post-8951659862391717462012-03-15T08:46:00.000-07:002012-03-15T08:46:33.288-07:00Redesigning the Blog-Muse at Work!<b><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> I must confess that while the blog looks extremely well coordinated,I can hardly take credit for it. When I designed the banner,I felt my choice in the colors of the text were rather odd-not what I'd normally choose but somehow it felt right so I went with my instinct. Then I went to my fave site for backgrounds & the like and wasn't expecting to find the sunflower one-I wanted more of a cowgirl background,but they were all too dark. Imagine my surprise at the sunflower one-esp when I uploaded it and saw how professional it looked with the banner-esp the coloring of the words in the title! </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> I'm most pleased & thank my Muse for this....and some of the other bloggers at Mary Jane's Farm forum,as I was taking a peek at their blogs & it inspired me to dress up this one. </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> At the cottage cloudy skies have dominated this week with predictions of thunderstorms on Saturday. I've been keeping busy working on orders for Fiddle Belle and pondering what accessories can I make for banjos aimed mainly at the ladies. Sewing up fabric yo yo-s and wanting to finally get into the beginning leather crafting kit I got last fall,swearing I'd get into it right after the holidays. Well it's March,and it's time to get movin on that. I'd like to make banjo straps,we'll see how that goes. First I'll do my beginner's projects like a keyring & other such stuff that came with the kit. </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> And-I'm continuing to unclutter and am grateful to those who are bidding on my auctions which has enabled me to move these no longer wanted items up & out. I am bringing "new" items in the house books & items that show who I am now,not who I was several years ago. I've come to realise some releasing & letting go is in order. </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Other crafting projects on the burner are bandana accessories. I even picked up a pattern that shows how to make a vest from a pair of jeans with bandanas as embellishments. </span></b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-830546760561933052.post-30779763300181249502012-03-12T19:34:00.000-07:002012-03-12T19:34:59.111-07:00Revamped the Blog and Ready to Write!<b> Time goes so quickly! Last I recall I was watching the Rose parade,aware I had neglected this blog up to that point-but I felt I had nothing interesting to say,so I let it set awhile. </b><br />
<b> Decided on a new banner-you're probably noticing the sudden appearance of a banjo!</b><br />
<b> I went with my Dad to the storage unit he has & he excavated the Peerless banjo I'd purchased in the early 1990's in another life. Sad to say the people closest to me then were a large degree of why I never got to learn-they were constantly tugging on my sleeve and I wasn't adult enough to set my priorities and say the magic word of "no". </b><br />
<b>I have a friend in MO who is learning banjo and fiddle as I am,and during a conversation with Dad,he asked me why I hadn't played my 5 string banjo. I told him I wanted to,but hated to put him thru the hassle as the boxes that blocked the path in the unit were too big & heavy for me to move. "No problem" he said and we went the next day. I restrung it & cleaned it up,and am presently studying out of a Wayne Erbsen book on Bluegrass banjo. </b><br />
<b> Planting has been happening here-I picked up 2 blueberry bushes and some pansies-the pansies are in my "pot o gold" planter on the porch and the blueberries are in pots in the backyard. I have red bell pepper seeds to plant as well as petunias.</b><br />
<b> Sewing wise,I've went on a kick of purchasing vintage bandana patterns- and one has how to make a vest out of a pair of jeans. I've had a black floral pair for years that I had purchased & they shrunk too much so now in a sense,I'll finally get to wear them! I now have skirt patterns that use bandanas also,and I figure they'll come in handy for summer. </b><br />
<b>I cut several pieces of fabric today that were big enough to make yo-yo-s with. Now I'll have some stitching to do while watching tv or talking on the phone. I can use these for countless items. They make wonderful embellishments and use of what would otherwise be scraps in a landfill. So until next time, Ride high and balanced in the saddle!</b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-830546760561933052.post-57649097371455635222011-10-31T08:45:00.000-07:002011-10-31T08:45:36.845-07:00A Merry Samhain To All!<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The Celtic New Year is here,and I wanted to wish one & all a very Merry Samhain. I'm home,will be carving my jack o lantern & honoring ancestors. This morning I was greeted with a very heavy fog. Others in the Northeast got a sudden snow. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> I'll be paying attention to my intuition,to see what sudden flashes of insight I get,and am hoping for a beautiful waxing moon this evening. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-830546760561933052.post-29808259838962393482011-10-09T18:39:00.000-07:002011-10-09T18:39:22.849-07:00Homegrown Pleasures.....<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> There's nothing like growing your own veggies-I'm shocked at how much I appreciate picking a homegrown bell pepper & using it in my cooking. I've seen for myself just how long it takes a pepper to get to maturity-and in seeing the time it takes,the nurturing you put into growing it,to the end result. You appreciate it because you know the time it took to get there-and that's far more than I ever did buying veggies at my local grocery store! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> I'm still using my bread maker-tho it still overflowed at the top and I used it in cool weather-I'm wondering if they are having me use too much yeast. I'm picking up what I need to make pumpkin bread since the oven has went kaput. I also picked up the book 300 recipes for your bread making machine,and there's sooo many different breads you can make. I'm going to be a busy bee this winter! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Musically I'm playing more uke,Irish tenor banjo & mandolin-Yule tunes,in addition to old time ditties like LIberty & Angeline the Baker. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-830546760561933052.post-46137445085777013382011-09-18T07:55:00.000-07:002011-09-18T07:55:28.292-07:00A Blessed Mabon to All!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVBzCyz5ZkFTZaIIsBrL_ISbAd4IaLJuW32dA82AdIsl19THMCEwRAjYkRx1X-vbyfzujUiIc5ppqFV_DFL-d4vGOYOBKEndVfAsKfdc6ozvrtZomNjvvuEMT0y2EKBqTAxE1CTzG-2slF/s1600/Autumn+Harvest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVBzCyz5ZkFTZaIIsBrL_ISbAd4IaLJuW32dA82AdIsl19THMCEwRAjYkRx1X-vbyfzujUiIc5ppqFV_DFL-d4vGOYOBKEndVfAsKfdc6ozvrtZomNjvvuEMT0y2EKBqTAxE1CTzG-2slF/s320/Autumn+Harvest.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> The Wheel of the Year spins once more...and it's getting close to my favorite season of the year-Autumn. Cooler temps,harvest time,and the inner glow I get when this season comes into being-not that I don't enjoy Spring or Summer (till it get really hot that is) but there's just something about this upcoming season that I can't explain....but it's always special!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> A trip to Lowes always brings a surprise at the "last chance rack" (as I call it) for plants. I couldn't resist this lovely ornamental pepper plant. Hoping it's a prennial and not an annual. I have it up on a plant stand as it says touching the peppers & rubbing your eyes or moth can burn,I guess & I didn't want the outdoor cats getting into it. </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKYwDM1cASMu_qsSzvz4TqwPVZAuoTDTNlltPp6y0jy-SoPHNYN-X497ZW09EelIfsFSPIJtQInxdQ2NeMk6dZWyn-6tiwheMqfqqP2LRTHXxoIz6cQe8c8JAr3Nt-E2gq9fCOCjRtdOAf/s1600/IMG_3263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKYwDM1cASMu_qsSzvz4TqwPVZAuoTDTNlltPp6y0jy-SoPHNYN-X497ZW09EelIfsFSPIJtQInxdQ2NeMk6dZWyn-6tiwheMqfqqP2LRTHXxoIz6cQe8c8JAr3Nt-E2gq9fCOCjRtdOAf/s320/IMG_3263.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> The store has been busy and my other handcrafted store has been even more so. The ads I've been placing in Fiddler magazine has been good for the Fiddlebelle shop as my fiddle dustcovers are being purchased & appreciated. Thank goodness they're easy to make. Been putting more rosin/polishing cloths up too. </span></span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-830546760561933052.post-11390337387744909932011-09-10T17:16:00.000-07:002011-09-10T17:16:13.674-07:00Simplify,Condense,And Ride On!<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> I haven't been keeping my blogs up due to one thing: I started too many! This caused me to unknowingly dread updating one cause then I'd have to update <i>all of them.</i> It's stifled my writing and I've really missed not writing. So in order to lift the burden I will keep two and two only. This one as I have the most followers here,and one I started purely for my musicality. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Recently I've become interested in the Cowgirl way of life,and I've been reading "Cowgirl Smarts" & I'm loving it. While I am a proud official Farmgirl on Mary Jane's Farm (#702!) I also confess to being more comfortable in a hat & vest than nearly anything else. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Cowgirlin is in my genes-my grandmother was a singing,uke & guitar playin cowgirl-tho our tastes in music would've differed,I think-I love Old Time tunes as opposed to Country Western,which I could never get into. I've found myself bein an Old TIme Cowgirl.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Finally I got my bread maker going-one top corner burned,and I found out you cannot use it in a heatwave,which I did. (it would've been nice if the manual had that bit of info in the front,and not the back in the troubleshooting section!) It tastes good tho & is much more filling than store bought breads. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> I'm looking at starting to play harmonica again,which I haven't touched since jr high/high school. (Yes they had harmonicas back then!) </span><br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-830546760561933052.post-41634210579884847372011-07-01T08:45:00.000-07:002011-07-01T08:45:51.052-07:00Loafing around the House and New Dulcimers!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAP8p3XoDQ90V4yKjGWXcmY2VcYwu4D3ufqH2C92gp3LZUW_kZ12UFxtJjfwQWjynLtUeOIxONkeamJyjZumsCeF7k-lHr_jzdpkbppqjTTL9mcqyvXbkclCcyDlJJySxo3SL3PJOUa-Tb/s1600/159++Patriotic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAP8p3XoDQ90V4yKjGWXcmY2VcYwu4D3ufqH2C92gp3LZUW_kZ12UFxtJjfwQWjynLtUeOIxONkeamJyjZumsCeF7k-lHr_jzdpkbppqjTTL9mcqyvXbkclCcyDlJJySxo3SL3PJOUa-Tb/s320/159++Patriotic.jpg" width="207" /></a></div><br />
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I've been trying to cut back on how many blogs I've started-obviously I'm not keeping them up very well but I just can't let this one go. So-now I've got catching up to do!<br />
I've been getting back into dulcimer-smartest move so far was my getting a <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/Rock-Stick-Mountain-Dulcimer-Maple-Earth-Friendly-/260798782041">"Rock-It Stick"</a>,which is a dulcimer made for travel & playing as you would a banjo or mandolin. I did restring it correctly (the company accidently strings them backwards but is a super easy fix) and use it a lot esp when I'm arranging.<br />
This led to my hunt for a more casual dulcimer-one I could take places without worrying about who would pick it up,would they be careful,& whatnot. I won a honey of a deal on eBay & neatest thing is this one is a home crafted one.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLkmV1kuQSgWsZDpBk4ayWX6X-_oSf1fVCIZ23POcpDqYZer-zhvHU82Lmpnp1bDy8eJedp5YOH5E-LOIMjYvzbdUYyZRDJjbUPbDkddYNmyA3x5waSrL8njBX-ep6Yvw8i1FZurMhlKds/s1600/IMG_2973.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="70" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLkmV1kuQSgWsZDpBk4ayWX6X-_oSf1fVCIZ23POcpDqYZer-zhvHU82Lmpnp1bDy8eJedp5YOH5E-LOIMjYvzbdUYyZRDJjbUPbDkddYNmyA3x5waSrL8njBX-ep6Yvw8i1FZurMhlKds/s320/IMG_2973.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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It needed a <i>lot</i> of cleaning,humidifying,fretboard conditioning and a fresh set of strings. Only thing I'd change is lowering the actiona bit-I'm using a light set of strings to make up for this. It has a good tone and is a diatonic model (no 6 1/2 fret)<br />
Then I wished for a breadmaker. After reading how junky store purchased breads are for you,my wish was granted at a local estate sale! I picked this one up-it's never been used.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhHSnYp6FCxhsTL1El0bzsXNIn7rP0UmYkj6ZyblEanxTZAMNyTmiAOru8QbUfWCTv4FrK2wYa85qcDVe9LWClsDyRxGgVxuo4EXcelsYtAN8f_V0aIwnBph2tyvzrenvepdTGXFlfv4vY/s1600/IMG_2966.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhHSnYp6FCxhsTL1El0bzsXNIn7rP0UmYkj6ZyblEanxTZAMNyTmiAOru8QbUfWCTv4FrK2wYa85qcDVe9LWClsDyRxGgVxuo4EXcelsYtAN8f_V0aIwnBph2tyvzrenvepdTGXFlfv4vY/s320/IMG_2966.JPG" width="225" /></a></div><br />
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I found a seller on eBay who sells reprints of the manual so I got one of those. Next week I'm hoping to pick up the dry milk,yeast,and bread flour that it calls for. The eternal quest of the Farmgirl-going with nature! We'll see how much $$ this saves. I might be looking for a bigger bread maker if this works well & is tasty.<br />
Wanting to wish you all a safe and joyous 4th of July.......I need to start decorating! Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-830546760561933052.post-81787430662176923142011-04-04T16:04:00.000-07:002011-04-04T16:04:59.647-07:00I'm Back! Unintended Hiatus<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi19XyD_vc4Pkrak8Z7j-RoQEFl7GuqpXjZ8c_H3HIASsoaxZerC8RLR7wSYJLo22YSdsRyfMwqoSTQ-L7Q9qYdmVggtlUYkmScTmjqK9LH1qdko1oOSLTJFqtt8yAJM6CSIrZ5-E9oLnFP/s1600/IMG_2805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi19XyD_vc4Pkrak8Z7j-RoQEFl7GuqpXjZ8c_H3HIASsoaxZerC8RLR7wSYJLo22YSdsRyfMwqoSTQ-L7Q9qYdmVggtlUYkmScTmjqK9LH1qdko1oOSLTJFqtt8yAJM6CSIrZ5-E9oLnFP/s320/IMG_2805.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br />
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I'm back,tho I never intended to leave this particular blog for as long as I did. Worries overcame me,esp about money. I got pretty sick with whatever virus was going around in mid January and it lasted a few weeks. Then my Dad got it from me. My part time job has dwindled to 2 days a month,despite education being in such high demand. The music store has been slow. While all this has been going on I have been reading Dr Wayne Dyer's books-and the latest I am reading is "Excuses Begone!" which is a wonderful read.On top of that I finally picked up the copy of Deepok Chopras 7 Spiritual Laws to Success" that I purchased at a yard sale over two years ago. It all made sense thanks to my learning Japa meditation and having "Manifest Your Destiny" another Dr Dyer book,already in my head as I had also read that. I firmly believe that following the books' advice and using Japa meditation had activated events,like leading me to a wonderful ukulele supplier,getting a much brighter outlook on things,and going with the flow instead of complaining,even if only inwardly. The ukes are selling well and I'm seeing light at the end of the tunnel. <br />
My farmgirl activities are moving along-I've been clearing the front flowerbeds & weeding the ones in the backyard-I have bell peppers,(red ones!) tomatoes,and crook neck & zucchini squash to plant. I'm also designing a ukulele gig bag for tenor/concert size ukes. <br />
I have found a new joy in everyday life that I've not felt in years...and the past 9 years since I came home to California have been a blur. The NM move is off,at least for a few more years as we're renting the house instead of moving there. Somehow I am at peace with all this. <br />
My only concerns now are for what is happening in Japan,for the people,the environment and for the Pacific ocean & it's habitat with all the radiation being dumped in. I have donated what I can so far to help the people of Japan. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-830546760561933052.post-29667492694168060062011-01-27T08:03:00.000-08:002011-01-27T08:03:23.732-08:00Growth,Realizations and New Creations<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> It's been an inner growth month for me-I've been reading Dr Wayne Dyer's book,"Manifesting Your Destiny",and it's proven to be one of those books that opens doors for one to look within & do needed "inner tweaking" Along with that has been what to do about my part time job pretty much going down to one day a week. While the business continues to grow & thrive,I have allowed myself to get locked into a pattern-$$ from the biz goes right back into the biz,and what I make from the part time job goes for personal expenses and sometimes also the biz if I need extra money to cover the expenses. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> As I was reading and thinking this morning,as I often do in the pre-dawn hours,it suddenly occured to me that having ones own business means part of the money made is supposed to cover personal bills and whatnot. After all,isn't that the goal in being self employed? I nearly wanted to giggle at this discovery-tickled with my own short handed vision. I'd gotten so caught up in my personal account lacking that it never dawned to me to start shifting some of the $$ from sales to cover my own expenses. At the same time,relief-I'm not as broke as my ego would have me believe,tho I'm still watching my pennies and "buying smart". This also opens the door of the possibility of leaving the job altogether,as I know I have outgrown it,and aside from the hourly wage,doesn't fulfill me in any way. I've also had to deal with not letting fears run me-it's amazing what fearful "what if's" can do to you and prevent you from making forward progress. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> On the creative front,I had a helpful individual give some advice on the uke gig bags that I make-to start making them humorous. So I came up with the "Rocket Science" one here: </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha-UWBO8SW0oayBsx0CVKXE7DeVWcKBpQaqCoTBUalW7P9OVqcoQWTwJ-1yyckLMSNBVcfTam1DaVpbb5rHQZzOZ-lwYYEXHF810kJX8TiKTBKQyByID_ZQ4bib0vYwjmpZNda0FIZCuNc/s1600/IMG_2607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha-UWBO8SW0oayBsx0CVKXE7DeVWcKBpQaqCoTBUalW7P9OVqcoQWTwJ-1yyckLMSNBVcfTam1DaVpbb5rHQZzOZ-lwYYEXHF810kJX8TiKTBKQyByID_ZQ4bib0vYwjmpZNda0FIZCuNc/s320/IMG_2607.JPG" width="146" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> It's currently in my Etsy shop. I had made a 2nd frog gig bag for this helpful individual to buy,as he expressed interest and was outbid on the first one I had on auction. Imagine my surprise when I wouldn't "put myself on sale" and stuck to my price that he suddenly didn't think the gig bags were any good,and too expensive. He offered a pittance and wanted free shipping to boot. Well-I'm thankful to his suggestions and have dismissed the rest. The bags are now selling at $21 each. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> The gig bags are about to go even <i>more green!</i> I discovered there's a quilt batting called "Quilters Dream Green" the batting is made of recycled plastic bottles-the ones that all too often go into the oceans,streams,and landfills. Every package of this batting I buy keeps those bottles from polluting the earth,and makes the gig bags more environmentally friendly. I have been using cotton batting,but I feel even better using this. I"m using up the last of the cotton batting as we speak,and I'll announce the first bag made using this wonderful recycled product. Yes,its soft and fine just as batting should be. So I'm really excited and pleased about this. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Other developments include making my own tags. Mary Jane's Farm had a spot in the latest issue on brand tags,old style looking ones,and After not finding what I was wanting for Mandolin Babe's I just received some wonderful unmounted rubber stamps to make my own design. I'll post a pic once it's made. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-830546760561933052.post-49347678046734585742011-01-13T08:06:00.000-08:002011-01-13T08:06:01.594-08:00Good Distractions & New Creations<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Well,I haven't been playing all of the instruments that I study,but the "distractions" have been important ones,like an increase in orders from the store-I've been busier than before Christmas packing up orders and shipping them out. And in the midst of all that,another idea for ukuleles sprang into my head. Dust covers. I make them for fiddles aleady,why not ukuleles? So I've been making these in a variety of prints:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">from Betty Boop to space aliens,from jaguar prints to rock n roll,I've been making these an they've been selling! Placed a classified ad at fleamarketmusic.com and that seems to be working well. Easy to do,thankfully. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> I redesigned the banner for my <a href="http://www.mandolinbabe.biz/">Etsy Store </a>and am very pleased with it. Collecting vintage photos of musicians has helped quite a bit. I'll be having a classified ad come out in fiddler magazine promoting the Etsy store,so I'm finally getting myself in gear. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> I've been playing a lot of baritone & soprano uke lately,and sold one of the soprano ukes I've had for awhile-while it was a good instrument,it wasn't one of my faves,so in an effort to simplify,I placed it up for bid and got a good price for it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Getting ready to do another crazy quilt ukulele gig bag-this one in a southwestern theme & in flannel. I also have some wonderfully wacky fabrics coming in for the gig bags-trying out some advice I received form a ukester who says players have a sense of humor,so we'll see. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> I'm finishing up a 2nd bag in a frog print that seems to be popular. WIll be trying stitch witchery on the velcro I use as a closure as it plays with my sewing machine & not in a good way. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> New uke books will be coming into the store-one that uses the "D" tuning which is considered to be the original tuning. It'll go nicely with the uke string sets I offer,which are made for a "D" tuning. </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-830546760561933052.post-56919424180594485942010-12-31T08:14:00.000-08:002010-12-31T08:14:42.814-08:00Happy,Healthy,& Prosperous 2011,Everyone!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmc3I8WzEtQZxyDpT1GdXi501z5rIPg51y5OWddcbcnZDritc5QWu9lX-9cG34VunTCkBQnzmezVwou94Su3u3XZRF8nKeefaLd5qZO-L8YAw9o_11KAIpQJRm2_xcwTdfEVzja-d1IQ3t/s1600/Almost+the+New+Year.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmc3I8WzEtQZxyDpT1GdXi501z5rIPg51y5OWddcbcnZDritc5QWu9lX-9cG34VunTCkBQnzmezVwou94Su3u3XZRF8nKeefaLd5qZO-L8YAw9o_11KAIpQJRm2_xcwTdfEVzja-d1IQ3t/s320/Almost+the+New+Year.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Here we are at the end of the year-already! Who knew? And as usual,I'm looking back to see what could I have done better,as well as projects for next year. Today is the day I hem a pair of jeans I got over a month ago. Funny how the holiday season seems to relax one into procrastination. I've been asked about New Year's resolutions and like most people,I don't keep them-in my mind once something is a "have to" my inner rebel seeks any excuse to get out of it. So I have decided to trick myself. Instead of the standard list of commands,I am doing a "What if I...." list. Which looks like</span>:<br />
"<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">What if I started stretching,etc,3x a week?" (notice the word "excersise" is forbidden!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">" " playing fiddle,etc 2-3x a week & not letting other things distract me?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">" " keep track of finances on a monthly basis instead of saying "I'll do it but I have plenty of time" only to see it's the last day of the year?'</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> So the experiment begins. It's more playful,more of a try it & see which of course will tug at my curiousity. Then I'll have to find out how it goes. Three items are enough for now.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYUdF2epqYhOwByCKI04PuPiUtZk4-SYwetXRJ8EPfelrsmjWYoo6jhrA4OivUf26SXwNN49fQY2jqpSE6qrNS7RJtQGHtxAx8y3qCVWQwl91XgQH72v05us3451b95ixXxycz6Gl8jjBV/s1600/IMG_2476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYUdF2epqYhOwByCKI04PuPiUtZk4-SYwetXRJ8EPfelrsmjWYoo6jhrA4OivUf26SXwNN49fQY2jqpSE6qrNS7RJtQGHtxAx8y3qCVWQwl91XgQH72v05us3451b95ixXxycz6Gl8jjBV/s320/IMG_2476.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Christmas was groovin-I got a small Bodhran from my Dad,which means I can start drumming again as a meditation. I've had a whopping 18" bodhran forever that needs a new head on it,which I have. Problem is no matter what I do the thing won't go on right when I try applying the bracket & tightening them. So that one will be going on eBay as a "fixer upper" for someone more skilled than I to get into playing condition. But back to the new one I got-beautiful deep tone,a Walton's. Now I gotta dig up my tutorial books & get back to reading "Drumming the Spirit Alive!" a book on spirit drumming. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Yesterday was great as well. This house has been freezing the last couple of days,& my hand knit slippers just weren't cutting it as there's a chill on the floor. Wound up at a Sears outlet,and while slippers weren't on the shopping list I did come across a pair of Isotoners. In my size! (I have small feet which is a pain for footwear shopping.) In periwinkle with cute little embrodered flowers. For $6.00. Was $20. They keep the chill off the soles off my feet & I'm a happy camper! </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLFnJC5HFmNVJ53payFbN9sKGyZA-XHbUHQ8dosm3NAlV-jC8bPgZtsoF_Rg_aSsPFFJ8Di_bAsN_8kB2XjwivzXQcJe7pZTcnQJBkgb8vMyUXoz7yXW6zWOOS5FLtNqxCCZ2PXDT8Z3sE/s1600/IMG_2497.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLFnJC5HFmNVJ53payFbN9sKGyZA-XHbUHQ8dosm3NAlV-jC8bPgZtsoF_Rg_aSsPFFJ8Di_bAsN_8kB2XjwivzXQcJe7pZTcnQJBkgb8vMyUXoz7yXW6zWOOS5FLtNqxCCZ2PXDT8Z3sE/s320/IMG_2497.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> My newest invention for uke-a dustcover that I need to get a catchy name for. I have two in my eBay store right now. I think they're swell! And-I finally finished this:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLnpGZGKLb2w7uld7cxmzuiNZRYEsrgHeDZIoM7QZkn1A2nD1Y2RgGoNT7SoNW04iNkmluaIYI371mazZ5pLoYL8YOhz7nsTfDIW5afbRIFeeOhki5ET1If80mux5hkXB8j3_qfuyUfJfz/s1600/bariukegigbag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLnpGZGKLb2w7uld7cxmzuiNZRYEsrgHeDZIoM7QZkn1A2nD1Y2RgGoNT7SoNW04iNkmluaIYI371mazZ5pLoYL8YOhz7nsTfDIW5afbRIFeeOhki5ET1If80mux5hkXB8j3_qfuyUfJfz/s320/bariukegigbag.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> That's a gig bag for my baritone ukulele-fully lined & padded-Now it has a safe place to be and I can take it places! (If you're wanting one for yours please contact me-I made a pattern for it) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Ads will be in Fiddler magazine for the Etsy store as it needs a bolstering. In the main store,I'm seeing tenor banjo books are in demand. Will be adding a few titles early next year as well. Set your goals and work towards them in 2011! And drive carefully tonight (or not at all if you're sipping bubbly!) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-830546760561933052.post-68731321951368723642010-12-24T08:10:00.000-08:002010-12-24T08:10:33.422-08:00Merry Christmas!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_n0boXQgA2dBMtEDnhn-6jwgSz5S5qJmnIy47nvF9ivGEtM8pTWYK_Ko3aBPNo-bCESVwqsGUZS9UJxrTktaI6Q-ED7rFVI9e8xb14H5-6ek8UkBj4GbpNiyHmogBfND5mUwTKy9tISc4/s1600/IMG_2470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_n0boXQgA2dBMtEDnhn-6jwgSz5S5qJmnIy47nvF9ivGEtM8pTWYK_Ko3aBPNo-bCESVwqsGUZS9UJxrTktaI6Q-ED7rFVI9e8xb14H5-6ek8UkBj4GbpNiyHmogBfND5mUwTKy9tISc4/s320/IMG_2470.JPG" width="170" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> It's Christmas eve and I just had to include a snapshot of the tree this year! Got the bubble lights on it with decorations from childhood,along with more modern Hallmark ornaments & ones I had cross stitched in years past. The heavy rains have passed,thankfully,and we're back to sunny blue skies. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> I got brave & opened a Utube account under the name "SherrieBariUkeDiva" as I figure if all those other folks can make video of themselves playing,then so can I. Videos forthcoming of mandolin,ukulele, & 6 string banjo playing. (fiddle will be later!) I can't believe how this month has swooshed by. I have a to do list while the college is closed which includes hemming & sewing. I've placed an ad in Fiddler magazine to promote my handcrafted musical accessories. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> One thing I've learned this year is to start shopping for this holiday in spring-in case the budget gets extra tight like this year has been. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> I'm grateful tho,for being able to make so many things for myself like slippers,neckwarmers,etc that my budget has been to tight for. Next years list will include adding things to my wardrobe like a new pair of rainboots,cowgirly boots,and starting the purchase of thermal wear. And maybe splurge on a cowgirl hat or two.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> My thoughts go out to all those who lost their homes in CA,AZ,UT,&NV due to the rains,floods,and mudslides. Of all the times of the year this had to happen,something about it happening during holiday season makes it all the worse. </span></span><br />
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</span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-830546760561933052.post-14639203074512913722010-12-18T08:11:00.000-08:002010-12-18T08:11:39.198-08:00Stormy Weather Yet Full Of Cheer!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXS9O0YygyoqPxyNzX3nok02j5BIw3ymRPscQySyKQQNTtZSeBwbrAFIdx7YdUZK40KY3Mex1zg6GnLvxmHxNaDf1h-rYtRHEC-OdBFnraDn54ILl8JPh3MF1cfgRrDoZ0UJ2JdOIgTwQ2/s1600/Cone+Ornament.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXS9O0YygyoqPxyNzX3nok02j5BIw3ymRPscQySyKQQNTtZSeBwbrAFIdx7YdUZK40KY3Mex1zg6GnLvxmHxNaDf1h-rYtRHEC-OdBFnraDn54ILl8JPh3MF1cfgRrDoZ0UJ2JdOIgTwQ2/s320/Cone+Ornament.jpg" width="213" /></a></div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Christmas is getting closer by the day. It's a little unusual this year as there's a series of big rainstorms upon us here,and Californians are not used to inclimate weather at Yuletide-rains usually hit in January-February. I don't think the outdoor lights will be put up due to the weather but thankfully I did get a new strand of colorful LEDs to go around the window. One or two more cards to be sent,packages are already out,But the decorating remains to be done. In a bag is new yarns I had purchased at my favorite crafts store to make myself a new cowl and fingerless gloves. I'll be doing that while watching football. Overall the universe has blessed me big time this month-I received the issue of "knit Simple" I wanted but thought my subscription had run out on,I found a wonderful 15% off entire purchase online,(Good all Dec long!) in that trip I found the last ball of yarn in the right dye lot to finish a gift for a friend,I picked up a pair of reading classes in a bright see thru pink frame that I had my eye on the last 3 times I was there,and a batch of yarn in cheery colors for a cowl for myself. Biggest surprise is when I was checking my receipt to see how much I saved I saw that the cashier never rung up the glasses.</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> I'm still working on carols for the baritone uke and have decided to self publish a book of them in tab next year as well as start arranging Irish tunes. Looks like baritones are the most neglected ukes of all as far as songbooks,etc. </b></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-830546760561933052.post-85960884497922694642010-12-14T07:48:00.000-08:002010-12-14T07:48:07.303-08:00Joys of the Season!<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Goodness! I hadn't meant to be away for so long. My part time job at the college went from nearly laid off to full time-at which point I was too tired to do much computer-wise after coming home. Decorating still needs to be done-and I'm arranging carols for baritone ukulele. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Unexpected surprise-thumbpicks are now a hot seller in the store-I have nearly sold out at this point and I need to place another order. Weather here has been a mix of near 80's with cool cloudy days and forecasts of rain for later in the week. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> I love this time of year and a full moon on the Winter Solstice will make this a most magical time indeed! I'm buying more LED lights to make my celebrating more green-I picked up a new strand at Big Lots! last night to go around the frontroom window. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> The economy has reminded me of how much we equate the joy of this holiday with how much we have to spend on things-and with so many of us on a tighter budget than last year (myself included) I had to readjust my thinking into what really brings joy at this time. Dad will be getting fewer gifts this year but the real joy is being together-decorating the tree,the twinkling lights,the music,and for me,the special enchanted feeling and the return of the sun and longer days-tho I am a "Holly King Girl" I have come to love springtime. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Another unexpected seller has been crocheted fingerless gloves that I've been making. I hadn't crocheted in ages- but I stumbled upon two easy patterns that have done well. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> I made my trip to Hallmark & got a card or two,in addition to "splurging" on a beautiful small stained glass suncatcher of a pointsettia surrounded by ribbon,pine,and holly. It's up in the window of my room & adds a festive touch. </span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-830546760561933052.post-68176373220758344122010-11-17T19:42:00.000-08:002010-11-17T19:42:04.551-08:00Going to be livin the Farm/Cowgirl Life in NM!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGvCoM7bbn9SD55P910TR1YTluT5yRJU9tdASdTSFSkqTn22CjLRtgWwaS1kecgQPfa6zX4ag3WD9Cd07IFmzvztaOHaEQVLnY2acIJkw2NJ_v_MlSkMxZAA_uZZksqEDYmW4jvKvkDLVV/s1600/Map+of+New+Mexico.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGvCoM7bbn9SD55P910TR1YTluT5yRJU9tdASdTSFSkqTn22CjLRtgWwaS1kecgQPfa6zX4ag3WD9Cd07IFmzvztaOHaEQVLnY2acIJkw2NJ_v_MlSkMxZAA_uZZksqEDYmW4jvKvkDLVV/s320/Map+of+New+Mexico.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Dad & I have been wanting to move out of Southern Ca ever since we went to NM and just fell in love with the place-it's not called "The Land of Enchantment" for nothin! We saw a wonderful piece of property that had been foreclosed on in Southern NM with a lot of land,and after working with a most wonderful realtor,the place is ours! Plans are to move in about 2 years-we have a lot of simplifying to do here before going over to the new place. I can live the Farmgirl way at long last. Of course,there'll be some adjustments to be made-I've never dealt with having ones own well,propane tank or septic tank in my entire life. A gas fireplace,a wonderful view,fresh air,and I'll be able to have chickens at long last-I can gather my own eggs instead of wondering if the store bought ones are safe. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> So now I'm working the biz more than ever-I'd like to be fully self employed by the time the move happens. I'll be able to rehair bows,refurbish fiddles,and not hear helicopters every night or wild partying every other night. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> I'm greatful to the Earth Mother for all of this! </span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-830546760561933052.post-6198227128920185522010-11-12T19:59:00.000-08:002010-11-12T19:59:55.979-08:00Knittin Needles are Clickin,Fiddlin,and Carols!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2OlxaJRh1Pgr9qJL8tt_6tIf2yfzkPKci2p75EhYgFlnTQnT8sJsUZykIrqkM5z4d_ZzO7r7lip8Qm3dz3hq1hDOWNFQWmwezHhi2yq_qTbhPxlcLFr8dPz4UiNsQFxRhuHlr7dtdoeLZ/s1600/IMG_2416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2OlxaJRh1Pgr9qJL8tt_6tIf2yfzkPKci2p75EhYgFlnTQnT8sJsUZykIrqkM5z4d_ZzO7r7lip8Qm3dz3hq1hDOWNFQWmwezHhi2yq_qTbhPxlcLFr8dPz4UiNsQFxRhuHlr7dtdoeLZ/s320/IMG_2416.JPG" width="192" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The knitting bug hit me full force recently,and of course this is helping me unclutter by using up some of the yarn that I have in a big bag in my room. Found this pattern for what is called a "scarflette" and it gave me a good reason to use my big vintage buttons that I've been wondering what on earth to do with. More scarflettes are coming. Not to mention cowls. I'm knitting my 3rd one,in earth tones. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> My fiddling needs tending to-yet I've been arranging carols for Baritone uke as well as 6 string banjo. Been writing them down in tablature. The Bodhran I have has the new drum head halfway on-the brackets are giving me a problem. So a bit at a time,I hope to have a working drum. My part time job has slowed down to being as close to unemployed as I can get without actually being there-well I'll never be there as I have Mandolin Babe's,and sales are perking up. Having a run on fiddle strings lately! </span></span><br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-830546760561933052.post-35615355400638536072010-11-01T08:00:00.000-07:002010-11-01T08:00:53.101-07:00Halloween Thoughts The Morning After<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI-eghdswYYBzwYphKV07Ajm4nCEyUKuwhioNj4c9050ogQ2q1rAh-xe6gX42GelfdJv4ZSC1ReiZOp3BDAHVU7ZuvCVzmCejq6L4QK81w45ONgT2dUwYA0UicKPcE0YZjMFsg_g6_P_xg/s1600/IMG_2397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI-eghdswYYBzwYphKV07Ajm4nCEyUKuwhioNj4c9050ogQ2q1rAh-xe6gX42GelfdJv4ZSC1ReiZOp3BDAHVU7ZuvCVzmCejq6L4QK81w45ONgT2dUwYA0UicKPcE0YZjMFsg_g6_P_xg/s320/IMG_2397.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">For the first time in many years,I got a bigger pumpkin due to the fact there were no smaller ones left,and for whatever reason this year was in many ways,a last minute preparation. My only slight disappointment was Michaels was completely our of pumpkin scented candles,but I filled the house with the scent of pumpkin bread-I baked 3 loaves,and then turned my attention to baking my first ever butternut squash. Thank goodness for free recipes on the web! Turns out this squash will be finding it's way to my dinner table again. The pic of the jack o lantern is the one I carved for last night. I used a free to print template of a bat,and traced a small circle using a spice jar for a full moon. All in all I think it turned out great! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> As I sat watching the Sunday night game & hearing the kids outside on their trick or treat,I pondered inwardly about what makes this time so magical to me. I believe it's one of the few holidays we have that embraces mystery,a glimpse of the unknown,and acknowledging that there is indeed "something else" out there that we can't see,but can sense. I always make a food & candle offering to my ancestors with thanks for looking over my shoulder & being there when needed. Last night was an offering of a piece of cornbread with a candle. (This practice goes waaay back into my Celtic ancestry). So it was a quiet evening all in all. Only thing that went bump in the night was a pair of opposums in the driveway that woke me up hissing at one another & climbing around. </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinWdkz5tcfYL55W7qwCSWGqA47cA5-qrvos6Ko0WL9vtKHKIUka1Z0JLFLqDGeo8DBhUaa3jS5QE9oP6lO57cLvyr7pKP1QZL-NjklvCcdxv5lf-IsU1MQPqp1BNNl-1mjKHk7Jku9byVy/s1600/IMG_2394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinWdkz5tcfYL55W7qwCSWGqA47cA5-qrvos6Ko0WL9vtKHKIUka1Z0JLFLqDGeo8DBhUaa3jS5QE9oP6lO57cLvyr7pKP1QZL-NjklvCcdxv5lf-IsU1MQPqp1BNNl-1mjKHk7Jku9byVy/s320/IMG_2394.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The store now has fiddle rosin in stock (light) and I've been making flannel bags to store them in using flannel,some upcycled from pajamas like the one above. I used a vintage decorative button and ta-dah! A useful high quality & attractive item that won't end up in a landfill somewhere. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> I've also knitted some rosin bags and will post pics of those soon. Seems bloggers photo upload just went wonky.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-830546760561933052.post-29247908714566924972010-10-21T08:25:00.000-07:002010-10-21T08:25:51.088-07:00Haunted Instruments and Tools of the Dead.....<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Well I figured that would get you here & reading! A lot has been afoot since my last entry,a big change is coming,but I don't want to spill the beans just yet. I want to be sure this is an all systems go before I make my announcement. Now that you're wondering what is going on over here.....I'll change the subject. *Giggles*</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Rain has been hitting hard here all week,and I can't tell you how happy I am to see the sun shining this morning. We needed the rain badly,but 3 or 4 days of gloomy all day weather & I start getting lethargic. I planted a cauldron planter with the cutest orange pansies you ever wanted to see-I'll take a pic in the next few days and share it with you. Luckily I did this before the rains hit! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> I've been getting into the Cowgirl lifestyle these past several months,tho my taste in music hasn't wandered into country music. Instead,I discovered Gypsy violin music and have fallen in love with it. I'm learning my A minor scale as we speak,so I can learn my 1st gypsy tune.Oddly enough,I remember as a grade school girl wanting to join a gypsy caravan as a fortune teller in traditional gypsy garb & jewelry. I also won a Glasser bow for a wheel of a deal on an online auction. Breaking it in is going to be tricky as I'm having a time getting the rosin to stick to the bow hair. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Seeing as Halloween is drawing near,I thought I'd share with you a secret:most of my tools I craft with such as knitting needles,crochet hooks,fabric,and sewing notions come from the dearly departed. That's right. It happens when you go to estate sales. Some are freely given,too-I've had knitting needles thrust in my hands more than once with the seller of the goods telling me to just take them for free to get them out of the house. Did they catch the ghost of their loved one attempting to knit? Did they hear the footsteps & clicking of the aluminum needles in the other room? Did they spy a ball of yarn rolling across the floor by itself? If they did they're not telling.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Which brings me to musical instruments. (I see your eyebrows raising already) Has anyone ever owned a haunted fiddle,guitar,or banjo? Have you ever sensed a presence from a particular instrument,as tho it had a spirit of it's very own? Has anyone ever purchased an instrument from an estate and once you got it home,oddball unexplainable things start happening around the house? I would imagine this must happen every once in awhile but have never heard a tale about it. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> On the storefront I have rosin coming in so I can offer that as well as nylon guitar strings. Gift packages are also being assembled for Yule that will involve no wrapping. How cool is that? And I'm knitting neckwarmers & will more than likely post one or two to sell. Perfect for fretted instrument players as you never have to worry about it sliding off your neck or getting in the way. Makes me feel productive while watching TV at night,and football on the weekend. </span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-830546760561933052.post-5890544228204709642010-10-10T22:10:00.000-07:002010-10-10T22:10:12.931-07:00Holiday Crafting,Music Making, & Other Delights!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi09Xe1uqjuG9L3SUhN31Rj3QYI2a0TtVOpjOSOViyE7k0uVFZrK_U9KHqSAumrgnKpUks6m6_eRFwWKKTGooONzB6gXIUUNskPbQeeQjBBcnlDjuwxilPFqVtJbMN5N4CpEPElkILuz6yN/s1600/IMG_2260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi09Xe1uqjuG9L3SUhN31Rj3QYI2a0TtVOpjOSOViyE7k0uVFZrK_U9KHqSAumrgnKpUks6m6_eRFwWKKTGooONzB6gXIUUNskPbQeeQjBBcnlDjuwxilPFqVtJbMN5N4CpEPElkILuz6yN/s320/IMG_2260.JPG" width="257" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> I rarely brag on my own creations but isn't that ghost pin the cutest? Yep-I made that myself & it's up for sale in my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/58613952/ghost-pinfolk-artsoft-sculpturehalloween">Etsy store</a>!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> I haven't written sooner due to the Universe shaking things up in a good way,and as Joseph Campbell once put it,there's been "a million unseen hands" working on the next chapter of my Dads & my life. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> It started on one of those days where nothing much was happening till the doorbell rang. There's a pair of women realtors who stop by every 12-16 months or so & this was their day to ask the same question they've been asking since I believe 2005......"why haven't you moved yet????" Dad & I usually voice our usual story,being discontent with the neghborhood,etc etc to them every time they come around. Well this time Dad told them of his plans to add on & fix up the place we're in now,tho we still feel the same about the area we live in. "Well,"one of the women said,"you can make this place as nice as you like but <i>you'll still be in the same city." </i>Something in her tone really hit a deep resonating note inside me. She was right and we both knew it. "Why don't you check out some properties online in that area you've been wanting to move to?" She suggested. Hmmm. Curiousity up,I went to the site she recommended and figured it wouldn't hurt to look,but of course we're not even thinking about actually doing the deed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Until I spied this one property-one workshop and one modern barn. On several acres of land. Neighbors are somewhat close but not on top of you like they are here. House is newer than I prefer,but nice.Fireplace,house is bigger than what we're in now,a raised vegatable garden,and I could have chickens here just like my great grandmother did in Manhattan Beach way before I was born. I showed it to Dad. He fell in love with the buildings. So did I. I could have a fiddle workshop out there & rehair bows. Dad could do his projects he's been wanting to do,and not have to worry about the cats getting into it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Next thing I know he's chatting with the woman handling the property. Next thing I know he's making out the paperwork & getting the $$ together to purchase the place after we discussed it & decided it's now or never. We'll find out for sure in early November. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> I never understood what Sarah Ban Breathnach experienced when she found her dream home called "Newtons Chapel" in the UK. She talks about just falling in love with the place and going for it. Until I saw this property. It just swept me off my feet. And the view is magnificent. I'll keep you all posted and my fingers are crossed.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWAC2uVUFYDutZBTvjXw3vpKtyLA1qr_NTfxLnCPfoW10dkH32ulqp4At3oIxPqCBq-m039m002ImeHc0exUAZ_txnqqNSektEGAn_07NRd1FPT1V4eCefJMq5QUx5_BptvKklfMgmFYqw/s1600/IMG_2228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWAC2uVUFYDutZBTvjXw3vpKtyLA1qr_NTfxLnCPfoW10dkH32ulqp4At3oIxPqCBq-m039m002ImeHc0exUAZ_txnqqNSektEGAn_07NRd1FPT1V4eCefJMq5QUx5_BptvKklfMgmFYqw/s320/IMG_2228.JPG" width="226" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> In the meantime I've started putting together these <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/Tinwhistle-2-Book-Gift-Set-Handcrafted-Hanging-Gift-Bag-/120629599740?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c16159dfc">gift sets</a> for my eBay store. I designed the hanging gift bag myself and it's fully lined. No wrapping to do,just buy it and tah dah! Im using vintage buttons for that Old Fashioned Holiday feel,and it makes each one truly unique!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgculWIlIH1uiO1e4WoFkAwzJ69XbqvhvWTNu9S53TnrasQOrdGL5WtOKnz8NgL13rZajWEScRwlB_-cZ6Ns8B6ymeWsAQr0HG4ik9bYME1zA8DpPhshRK4f4DTlAH0a0Z2FUFB7HYNaZh0/s1600/IMG_2119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgculWIlIH1uiO1e4WoFkAwzJ69XbqvhvWTNu9S53TnrasQOrdGL5WtOKnz8NgL13rZajWEScRwlB_-cZ6Ns8B6ymeWsAQr0HG4ik9bYME1zA8DpPhshRK4f4DTlAH0a0Z2FUFB7HYNaZh0/s320/IMG_2119.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> And the universe has been helping in a huge way with Sassy,(on the left) who I found out after a rather expensive visit to the vet has dermatitis-rather severe & due to her allergy to fleas. The steroid shot she had received in July (which worked magnificently) had wore off & it was starting all over again-the constant scratching,biting,and she was just starting to go back to the rolling off balance as the itching was so severe. I looked up feline dermatitis on the web,found out what natural methods there were to control it,& found a wonderful liquid remedy at Dr Fosters-Smith that I mix in either a small amount of Prego spaghetti sauce or in any other sauce that's leftover when I make chicken for dinner.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> I kid you not,just a 1/2 tsp in the Prego and the next day I could tell a difference-she wasn't in constant motion and the tell tale tiny bumps at the base of her tail are receding.She's been sleeping peacefully and it's cut down on her hairballs as she's no longer constantly grooming. This formula was under $11.00! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-830546760561933052.post-39625224604483408172010-09-28T12:25:00.000-07:002010-09-28T12:25:48.647-07:00Better Business Bureau Likes Mandolin Babe's!<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Sometimes the Universe hands you an unexpected gift you hadn't even thought of asking about. In my case,it was a phone call last week from the BBB. I thought it was a phishing scam at first,so after screening the message,I looked the phone # up on a reverse directory. Sure enough,it was a legit call. I called back,a little hesitant and curious as to what on earth made them call me.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> The BBB rep was kind,professional,and had a surprising bit of news-"did you know people have been contacting us asking about your company?" In truth,I hadn't. In fact,I had shut down some ad deals I had going because orders just weren't increasing & funds were getting tight. So this bit of news came as a pleasant shock. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> So I joined up,and the rep further informed me "you have no complaints against you! Do you know how rare that is?" For that.I have an excellent rating with the BBB! I just wish I could place the badge on my Etsy store,but alas,they don't allow HTML. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Yesterday was a record breaking day temprature wise. In all the years I've had my cats,this was the first time I could see it was having a slight effect on Lightning. This was with having all the curtains drawn & fans running,aimed at the cats. Today,I'm grateful for mostly cloudy skies & much cooler temps. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> I'm pleased to announce my handcrafted Strap Pals™ have been selling well! I've sold 3 this week. Very pleased about that. Hoping the wave continues. </span></span><br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-830546760561933052.post-24044396527915544962010-09-18T08:13:00.000-07:002010-09-18T08:23:28.812-07:00Fiddling,Customizing,& Accessorizing!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB2njAVJOgyd7YXh_UEsAQRYguMPLCJExPn1sXTVYrdQrxGd2Hc9khKutHXDDVgJrL6EkScExNr0HNaGbAVdhXid0yFclAfulNJVrwFq0ZU6sxVq5QTuP-MLPQwMM-LQc_wBl6B-BaeHGx/s1600/IMG_2189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB2njAVJOgyd7YXh_UEsAQRYguMPLCJExPn1sXTVYrdQrxGd2Hc9khKutHXDDVgJrL6EkScExNr0HNaGbAVdhXid0yFclAfulNJVrwFq0ZU6sxVq5QTuP-MLPQwMM-LQc_wBl6B-BaeHGx/s320/IMG_2189.JPG" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Seeing as I now can grow orchids,my Dad picked one up for me from Lowes in gorgeous white! Watering from the bottom has made all the difference in the world.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Things are picking up in the store,I completed the bottom panels of my curtains mentioned earlier-now I'm just waiting for the eyelet to arrive so I can add that as a decorative trim & make the valance at the top for it. Pics forthcoming after I get it all done. Uncluttering continues as I have 12 auctions running of things I don't use/need/want anymore. Took advantage of eBays 10¢ listing fee special & hope it brings me more space. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> The purple fiddle has been restrung-however,the chunky high set chin rest made it impossible for me to hold it proper to free my left hand. I thought at first the fiddle was perhaps too big,but luckily I have a couple of spare chinrests and one of them has made it possible for me (along with the shoulder rest that came with it) to finally hold it the right way. As this current chin rest is still uncomfy, I have purchased an ergomatic model that lies very flat. Should arrive next week. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> For whatever reason I've gotten an interest in Cowgirl things and the Civil War era. Tho I make an odd sort of Cowgirl....not into "country western" music but I do love old time tunes,Irish music,blues,and classical. Perhaps I'm more of an antique Cowgirl as opposed to a modern one. So I got myself a Union army belt buckle (repro) and a Irish Battalion patch for my mandolin gig bag. I've basted the patch on & will have it all sewn on before Monday. Weird thing is I just don't care for the more girly looking belt buckles that are "cowgirl style" I like the Union army one as it feels more authentically "western style" to me. Go figure-past life recall,maybe? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Biz wise I cut back on advertising that simply wasn't working for me so I can funnel the funds into more productive avenues. Hoping the string shipment arrives today. Considering closing the Prostore as it simply hasn't done me any good at all. That would be more savings for other directions. I was going to have a printed ad run in a magazine for the holiday season but they seem so flaky in adhering to deadlines that I'm afraid any holiday ad will come out in Jan. & that wouldn't be very helpful. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> The Etsy team I started is doing well-members have joined the group page and exchanging of flyers has begun. Hoping sales increase for everyone on the team. I also started knitting in the NFL pre season & am focusing on neck warmers instead of scarves as I think they work better for musicians-you don't have to worry about a neck warmer working it's way off you as you move your neck,and no scarf ends to get in the way of fingerboards,etc. I need to post my fingerless gloves & arm warmers as well. I'm wondering how cold this winter will be seeing as Summer has been very mild-only 2 hot weeks this year to date (no complaints from me!) In addition there's a legwarmer pattern I purchased last year that buttons up (another way to use up my vintage button collection!) that I want to try-of course I'll be redoing the pattern to fit my legs,but the 1st pair will be as the pattern says to do it so I can see how much tailoring I need to do. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> And along going green lines after seeing some sort of documentary on bottled water & how much it isn't tested & all the bad stuff in it has been documented,including trace amounts of arsenic,(oh lovely) I picked up one of those Brita Pitchers at my local Costco. I wish California would ban the sale of bottled water the way Colorado has. Scary knowing how much pollution the plastic bottles have caused. Did you know those little plastic bottles are only recycled if the caps are not on the bottle? It's true. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Fiddle fixin tip of the day-for slippery tuning pegs that just won't stay put,try using a small amount of shavings from a bar of Lava soap. The purple fiddle has a super slick E tuning peg that was gonna drive me nuts. I had read this tip in a beginners book I have & gave it a try-and it worked! I used the curved end of a small bobby pin to get the shavings-then I put my finger in the shavings & placed it on the shiny part of the peg-has to do it twice but it does work. </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0