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Work · Of · My · Hands
from head to foot and all in between....
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What's surprised you the most about me (if anything) since beginning to read my LJ (or when you met me in real life, for those who have)? Has anything about me been completely unexpected or have I always fit the picture of me you had in your head? |
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Tonight marks the first New Moon of the year and of the decade. I used to track the moons and I have gotten out of practice. One of my goals this year is to become attuned to the moon again- seeing as how I'm such a night owl any way. When this moon becomes full, it will be the Wolf Moon- the January Full Moon labeled as such by the American Indians. It is believed that this is the time that the wolves howl the most since they must communicate over vast cold distances with their packs. Here is info about the Wolf Moon and the names of the other full moons through out the year http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wolf_moonTrack the moon easily here: http://stardate.org/nightsky/moon/And practice your howling with experts so you are ready on the 30th. |
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Dealing with the holiday leftovers. Thank goodness for bachelors who like cookies! and my love affair with my crock pot continues. The big freezer in the garage is bursting with pre-made meals, soups, stocks, etc. for the new year. Also- some baked goods. I like to make loaf cakes in different sizes and freeze them. Good ways to use up bananas, etc. And I always feel like a better hostess if I have something to offer. And also like having things on hand for Mr. Man to take to Gaming Nights. Here is a terrific recipe shared by one of my boglandia buddies- kitkabbit.livejournal.com. I have had it for about 2 years now and I love it. Dealing with leftover Egg Nog ? Make Egg Nog Cake! Oven at 350 1 Bundt pan, 2 standard loaf pans, or 4 mini loaf pans. Or cupcakes. Whatever. Just grease them up really good! 4TBSP butter or margarine, melted 1 package of yellow or white cake mix 1.5 cups of commercially prepared Egg Nog- sans alcohol 1 tsp rum extract (vanilla in a pinch) 1/8 tsp nut meg- this is crucial! Mix all together very well. I mix almost everything by hand with a trusty wooden spoon and a long fork. And if I had wooden bowls big enough, I'd do it in those. SOME PEOPLE use those terrifying Kitchen Aid behemoths and scare the neighbors. Do as you will. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a skewer comes up clean. Optional glaze: Glaze: 2 cups powdered sugar 2 TBSP melted butter 3 TBSP Egg Nog 1 tsp vanilla. whisk all together. When the cake first comes out, brush it with 1/2 the glaze. Allow to cool, then drizzle the remaining glaze when it comes out of the pan. I usually skip the glaze as it does not freeze well. I just do some sprinkles on the tops of the loaves before they bake. Simple and festive. Perfect cake for cocoa or latte. also very nice with lemon or orange tea. BTW- this is a perfect cake to make now and freeze so you have it ready for Midwinter on February 2. Oh- you know that holiday- Candlemass http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presentation_of_Jesus_at_the_Templeaka Imbolc http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imbolcaka Groundhog Day http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Groundhog_DayThis is also the festival of Brigid(aka Saint Brigid)and is considered to be a day for feminine pursuits- especially fiber arts, fire tending, and larder expansion. All these holidays are united around the time that the winter shedded cows and sheep begin to go into birth and to produce milk. Also the prime citrus harvest window. Thus- dairy products are traditionally served at this time along with oranges, lemons, etc. Nut Meg and citrus have strong associations with fire energy, luck, and prosperity. So, these cakes are perfect for this quiet and homey holiday . |
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 Well. Things remain complicated around here. Sorry for the lack of posts. Which is killing me becasue I have really cool stuff to share. Good stuff, despite the current life complications that are going on. But one of my goals for 2010 is to ease back on the perfectionism that debilitates me- like how I don't post because I don't have all of the perfect things to say and images to share to get my idea across. I'll just post and trust you all to be kind and funny and generous with your attention- as you have endeavored to be this past year and I am so grateful for. You would all be so proud how I started the year off- we have good friends over last knight(even a BABY! And I didn't cook it for dinner!) and I allowed things to be laid out on the table IN PLASTIC CONTAINERS! And that wasn't even the theme! I even allowed chips to be served IN THEIR STORE PACKAGE BAGS! OK- fine- I did have party favors. But they were just the little things I am superstitious about having in my hands every New Year's Eve. And also take away treats- bean soup mixes for good luck. I wish I could send these packages out to all of you. Please accept the recipie instead. You will note that I indicated all of the traditional associations for each of the ingredients- to maximize good luck. Ms. Sid's Lucky New Year’s Soup Mix Contains: Dried beans for prosperity, dried onions and garlic for protection, parsley and oregano for good luck, black pepper for cleansing, red pepper for energy, salt for grounding, and bay for strength and health. Also- a veggie bullion cube for general savory-ness. Directions: The Night Before: Sort through dried beans for sticks and stones, then place the beans in a bowl and cover with water. Allow to sit and soak over night. The Next Day: Drain the beans and discard the liquid. Place beans in a pot along with the dried seasonings and the bullion cube. Add in about 5 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and allow the soup to simmer for 2 hours. As is, this soup mix is Vegan. You can upgrade it with fresh veggies such as celery (for peace) and carrots (for good vision), or even some canned or fresh tomatoes (attracting love). And also cabbage or other greens(more good luck and prosperity). BTW- bean/veggie soups like this are very healthy and, when consumed regularly, can positively effect cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Beans and veggies/greens/garlic/onions are also foods that can combat the effects and symptoms of gout. They can also encourage you to open your windows and air out your house. You can also up the ante by adding in chicken (health), ham(dramatic energy), or sausage(variety). Enjoy a good year in 2010! XXOOXXOO |
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I see you and raise you one\ |
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I hope you are all doing well. We are ploughing though- the pressure always lets off after the 25th and we can settle in for feasting, crafting, etc. Here's a carol for you to enjoy. Riu Riu Chiu. One of my faves- very old and very, well, desperate. The words reflect the idea of living on the edge of civilization where the wolves do howl at the wind and the door. A good winter reality, methinks. And just to give you a startle, here's my fave ever version of it (except for the one I sang with the beloved Master of Music, Scottish Knight, and Mustachioed Poet all those years ago.)For the record, I hated the Monkeys when I was a child and I like them even less now. But this performance is a gem. Shows you there is always gold in dross. Refrain: Riu, riu, chiu the river bank protects it / God kept our lamb (Our Lady) from the wolf (the Devil) / God kept our lamb (Our Lady) from the wolf. Verses: The rabid wolf wanted to bite her / But Almighty God knew how to defend her / He decided to make Her impervious to sin / Even original sin this Virgin did not have. Riu, riu, chiu…. This One who is born is the Grand Monarch / The Patriarch Christ dressed in human flesh / He has redeemed us by making Himself small / Although He is infinite He made Himself finite. Riu, riu, chiu ... He comes to give life to those who were dead / And to repair the fall of all / This Child is the light of the day / He is the Lamb of whom St. John the Baptist spoke. Riu, riu, chiu ... I saw thousands of Angels that were singing / Flying around, making much music / Telling the shepherds, Glory in the Heavens / and Peace on earth for Jesus is born. Riu, riu, chiu ... Now we have what we desired / Let us go together to present Him gifts / Let each give his will to Him / Because He became equal to us. Riu, riu, chiu ... |
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I am so busy, I have not had time to post. Been baking and crafting and exercising and taking care of auntie and daddy and puppies and Mr. Man. Oh- and working too. But also crafting and going to social occasions(mostly snarky ones- so I can handle that). And I have dutifully completed reading the "Twilight" series. um,.yeah..............well............ I have yet to make any Latkes and Hanukkah is nearly over! Perhaps this will get in in the mood. http://djbc.net/menorah/ |
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One thing I do like about the holidays is the craftiness that it inspires in me and in others. And one of the best ways that manifests is through this  This is the 4th year that I have participated and I love it. I am especially proud of the ornament design I made this year. As in the past, I design an ornament style and then make it for the 10 swap partners and for friends and family. This year(well actually last year- I've been sitting on this idea for a while)it all started with this:  ( read more.... ) |
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 So, we're trying our best to get in the holiday spirit around here. Auntie, like me, tends to avoid social gatherings at the holidays and figured out a great way to get out of things this year. She went and broke her hip yesterday in the condiment aisle at Publix Supermarket. (she just had to have Marzetti's slaw dressing, don't you know.) Needless to say, this effects my holiday schedule just a bit. Luckily, most of the gifts are 99% complete. We are doing our best to only give gifts that we have made or that will be truly helpful to others. We started this several years ago and we (read me and my wallet- Mr. Man tends to be a bit passive about these things) feel much better. There are many benefits. For example- we get to reduce our exposure to scenes like this : http://www.peopleofwalmart.com/We also have continued our tradition of making our own cards. (more on that later). But be assured, we didn't include this type of thing in the design http://awkwardfamilyphotos.com/ now- if I can just get my act together to actually get the things I have made in the mail.... OH- if you are looking for a particularly spectacular and ironic craft idea that symbolizes so much of this season, take a gander here. Fast Forward to the 2.49 mark. http://www.marthastewart.com/show/the-martha-stewart-show/chef-david-waltuck?video_id=e5f9b81e9b15e110VgnVCM1000003d370a0aRCRDYeah, Martha. Those cans were from club soda. Yeah. |
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 My proudest craft accomplishment last year- a scherenschnitte skull flake. Can it really be December 1? Can I only have posted 3 times in November? Don't worry- I have been terribly busy getting ready for the HELLidays- sorry, HOLIDAYS. I should not be so negative. I enjoy making things, baking, giving things to people I like, denying things to people I don't like, etc. And this is the perfect time of year for it. But then again- this is when we expected to _socialize_. Shudder. I'm not down with that as a rule. Anyhow- we are very big into Advent Calendars around these parts(Mr. Man and I are both of Germanic ancestry and Advent tends to be a fun thing in them there Deutche territories) So, have some advent idea linky goodness. Advent Affirmations from the Crafty Chica http://thecraftychica.blogspot.com/2009/12/affirmation-advent-calendar.htmlHere's a Martha glitter calendar- made with the help of one of the werewolves from Twilight! No kidding! Werewolves AND glitter! I swoon! http://www.marthastewart.com/article/glittered-magnetic-advent-calendar(Dear Santa, when in doubt, just get me a Martha Stewart Glitter sampler pack. I'll be amused for DAYS. Serioulsy. For realz. I -----c-o-v-e-t-------- them when I go to the craft store. ) Advent Activities at the very best kid's blog around http://belladia.typepad.com/crafty_crow/2009/12/december-book-activity-advent.htmland the first post of the cycle http://belladia.typepad.com/crafty_crow/2009/12/the-book-and-activity-advent-begins-today----book-snowflake-bentley-activity-paper-snowflakes--------click-here-for.htmlA very groovy retro look printable calendar http://www.mibostudio.co.uk/#/free-advent-calendar/4537002233Have office supplies, will mark the days from Blue Cricket http://bluecricketdesign.blogspot.com/2009/11/25-days-of-christmas-count-down.htmlA calendar from Jan Brett- my absolute favorite children's book author and illustrator http://www.janbrett.com/christmas_treasury_advent_calendar.htm(check out her holiday other pages too! http://janbrett.com/activities_pages.htm ) And while you are at it, take a gander at these web sites that are doing holiday count down/up activities each day. A Real Man's Crafter- Tim Holtz http://www.timholtz.typepad.com/Girly but not cloyingly sweet, Joli Paquet http://joli-paquet.blogspot.com/And the best craft link up spot out there- Oneprettything.com. Honestly, I go by here several times a day. Drat- now my creative inspiration secret is out. You will be making all of your own awesome stuff now. No matter- I sleep less than you do, so I still have the chance to make more!!!! He/She who MAKES the biggest pile of stuff(and I don't mean poo) wins. XXOO Bah Humbug. PS- if you happen to be watching Charlie Brown tonight, dance with me during the musical bits. |
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I hope all is as good as it can be for all of you out there.  FYI- you may have the date and menu wrong. See here: http://cantuar.blogspot.com/2009/11/catholic-origins-of-first-thanksgiving.htmland here http://books.google.com/books?id=KC77QvkWsPwC&dq=first+thanksgiving+At+augustine+Fl&printsec=frontcover&source=bl&ots=YyQdBGU87Z&sig=78wQ2HI7TKQcPYztLo5fWoUvZW4&hl=en&ei=_pkOS82oHsuztgfT1NnGDA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=6&ved=0CBkQ6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q=first%20thanksgiving%20At%20augustine%20Fl&f=falseI think that this is the most important of holidays. It has not been hijacked or fought over by religions- it is exploited equally by all. It is commercialized minimally- at least by current standards. It is full of tradition and ceremony. And, at its heart, it strive to school us on what is really important. What matters is what we have and hold. Which, for most Americans, is much more than we really need. As a nation, I think Americans have a lot to learn about the definitions of emergency, struggle, hardship, etc. We have had these periods in the past, and will have them again. And for some, those times are happening right now. BUT_ we are still here. We are still alive and still have some path to walk in the world. Give thanks and rejoice. |
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IMHO, the one holiday that should be exalted above all others by the American People is THANKSGIVING. (more on that is a future post- but know that I mean the concept of THANKSGIVING, not the Plymouth Rock Thanksgiving) and I think a close second is Veterans Day. It does not matter if you are a pacifist or a die hard jar head, you owe something to someone in the military. If not in this generation, then in the hundreds of past generations in your family tree - and both to those who stood at the back of the line and had the agony of giving orders for people to die, and those who stood at the front with little more than farm implements. And yes. I think it is karmic justice that both of these holidays fall in the same month. So- for the record- thank you to all veterans. And here is a tribute. A portrait of a brave veteran. Not easy on the eyes, but poignant and important. Let this make you think and give thanks. http://www.military.com/news/article/burned-gis-portrait-smithsonian-bound.html?wh=whAnd more on the portrait competition http://www.portraitcompetition.si.edu/exhibition2009/index.htmlAnd while we are at it, if you consider giving a charitable donation this holiday season or at any other time of the year, think about this cause http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/ |
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 Craftoween has come and gone. But, I wanted to share some of the festivities with you all anyway. I had about 18 people over- guys were invited, but only Daddy and Mike Reed came. the other guests were old friends, ladies from work, and ladies from my Tampa Bay Fiber Fanatics We had a great time and got very creative. Quite a few photos were taken ( Come see! ) |
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banchomarba1's journal
