Saturday - Whimsical Gallery of Etsy Art ~ Welcome March

In Like a Lion, out Like a Lamb....Welcome March - really looking forward to Spring! Please click on the Photo to be taken to the Artist's shop and to the wonderfully whimsical item.

Thursday Thinking Green ~ Six Simple Home Energy Tips

“In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.” - Albert Einstein

This is a timely and optimistic quote for the economic climate in which we find ourselves. Here are a few simple energy saving tips which add up to money in your pocket and are ways of also reducing your carbon footprint.

1. Close off unused rooms to save on air conditioning or heating costs.

2. Purchase energy efficient appliances. Wash your clothing in cold water and if you can, use a clothesline or drying rack rather than your dryer.

3. Take advantage of the weather to heat and cool your home. In the summer open the windows at night and close them again in the morning. On really hot days I even draw the shades which keeps the rooms darker and therefore cooler.

4. Switch off your water heater (if electric) when not in use for extended periods of time. Unplug computers, TV, phone and Ipod chargers when not in use. Let you dishwasher “air-dry”.

5. Purchase energy-efficient light bulbs and turn off lights when not in use. Dead fluorescent bulbs are hazardous waste so remember to recycle them properly.

6. Install a low flow shower-head for about $15 and cut approximately 25%-60% of your hot water use.

For more tips go to this website: http://www.climateandenergy.org/TakeStep/EnergyTipsForFree/Index.htm#

Wednesday Wanderings ~ Dreaming of Summer

dreaming of warmer days.....one of my favorite singers, Madeleine Peyroux sings "The Summer Wind" from her CD "Half the Perfect World". Paintings are by Winslow Homer and Maurice Prendergast.

Tuesday Treasures ~ Be Generous and Connect

"Make room daily for your own time and space, so that you are able to open your door generously to others." Teresa Heinz

It is so important in our often hectic lives, to try to take time to connect with ourselves in simple, quiet ways. I find my day is more productive if I can connect to my inner self, ideally for me, at the beginning of my day. I enjoy meditation and find it centers me, enabling me to focus and tackle whatever tasks may lie ahead. The key is consistancy (which I admit I am still working on) and attempting to make it a part of our daily routine. Seek to practice whatever may work for you - meditation, prayer, sitting quietly, reading a book, a walk or run in a park or by the shore. You'll feel refreshed, relaxed and more at peace with yourself. I have to agree with Philanthropist Teresa Heinz, that "when we are relaxed with ourselves we are also able to be more generous toward others."

Monday Musings ~ unending snow

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GLIB SCARCELYEST AMONGS FLOWERING
-e.e. cummings -

Quote of the Week

Saturday - Whimsical Gallery of Etsy Art

Please click on the Artists name to be taken to their shop and the photo or title to be taken to the wonderfully whimsical item.

Under the Apple Tree Canopy Bed

AttilaDesign

ISH Shoes-Curlies
RandyAndClaudia

Bird bowl with pinwheels

CatherineReece

80s fish earrings

SmallAndMousey

Hand painted Busy Bee Purse
SEStudio

Hand Bound Feather Journal
SweetPeaPapers

Thursday Thinking Green ~ Recycled Crayons

When my sons were younger they were both into "saving the planet". We were always looking for ways to Recycle. They knew that recycling went beyond paper and glass. We were big on Upcycling way before it became a trendy term. One craft we enjoyed was turning old crayons into new Funky Shaped new ones. We had a great time creating these for birthday parties and holiday gifts.

Creating new crayons is easy. All you need to start off is a collection of old, broken crayons. Here are the steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 150°F. First you take off the wrappers and place them into piles by similar color, by complimentary (purples and yellows, reds and greens, blues and oranges), or by whatever moves you.

2. Break them down into smaller pieces. My sons, like typical boys, loved whacking the crayons in a zip lock with my wooden mallet. This makes it easier to put into the decorative molds or muffin tins.

3. You can find tins with all kinds of novelty shapes these days. You can line them with tin foil or foil baking cups, and place your crayon pieces in the molds or simply place in tins if you are only using them for crayons.We had dedicated tins we only used for crayons.

4. Place the tins in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or just until the crayons have melted. Take the tins out of the oven to cool.

FYI ~ Interesting Facts About Crayola Crayons

• A national poll in 1993 revealed blue and red are the most popular crayon colors.
• After coffee and peanut butter, the scent of a crayon is the third most recognizable scent.
• On average, a child uses 730 crayons by their 10th birthday!

Oh and if you have a few minutes and would like to know how Crayola crayons are made, check out this video: "How are Crayons are made?." HowStuffWorks.com.

Wednesday Wanderings ~ Black and White

White is not a mere absence of color; it is a shining and affirmative thing, as fierce as red, as definite as black. God paints in many colors; but He never paints so gorgeously, I had almost said so gaudily, as when He paints in white.

Gilbert Keith Chesterton (1874-1936) British journalist, novelist and poet

Apparently, this is an "old" video created about a year ago to promote Gap's "colorful" Spring and Summer Collection. I had never seen it before and thought it was an interesting play on the opposing forces of black and white.

Tuesday ~ Relaxing Rituals ~ Create a Masterpiece

Jackson Pollock, Blue Poles: Number II, 1952

Design your own digitally created, Jackson Pollock style masterpiece on your computer or iPhone. You can change color with just the click mouse and erase your design using the space bar. JacksonPollock.org is an interesting website created by Greek artist Miltos Manetas (www.manetas.com). Manetas is founder of an art movement called "Neen" which incorporates the use of computers, the Internet and other technologies to create Art.








Relax and have fun exploring this site. Who knows you might discover a newfound appreciation for Abstract Expressionist Painting.










Simply go to this site and click on "Enter JacksonPollock.org":
http://jacksonpollock.org/

Quote of the Week

The Dancers. Original color lithograph, Pablo Picasso, 1956.

Saturday's Whimsical Gallery of Etsy Art

This weeks Whimsical Gallery Feature of Etsy Artists has a Dog theme. Please click on the Artists name to be taken to their shop and the photo or title to be taken to the item.

Delightful Dachshund Pull Toy
doxiedoodles

Jack Russell Terrier Love
LindaGJ

Custom Pet Collages
yappyhappy

Uniquely Handcrafted Doggie Beds
jakeybb

Augie Gets a Surprise
lillipets

Fancy French and Fun Pet Dish
parischicboutique

Fabulous Friday Food Feature ~ Homemade Doggie Treats

Homemade Dog Treats

Ingredients

2 cups brown rice flour
1 large egg
3 tbsp vegetable oil
1/2 cup chopped parsley
1/3 cup chopped fresh mint
2/3 cup milk

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
• Combine flour, salt.
• In a medium bowl, combine egg, oil, parsley and mint; mix well. Slowly stir into the flour mixture and add enough milk to make a dough the consistency of drop biscuits.
• Drop tablespoons of dough about 1 inch apart onto greased baking sheets. Bake 15 minutes, or until firm. Store cooled biscuits in covered container in refrigerator.

Thursday Thinking Green ~ Green Doggie Shelter

This week I am sharing a YouTube video from The Sundance Channel's feature entitled "Big Ideas for a Small Planet Animals". This short introductory clip is from their segment on the newly built Dallas Animal Services and Adoption Center - a Green Animal shelter. You can view the original documentary series in its entirety by going to the following link and clicking on the clips under "Video" - http://www.sundancechannel.com/films/500320133

Wednesday Web Picks ~ Going to the Dogs

Here are six interesting and varied websites that are "Dog related". Remember to click on the image or title to link you to the website.

1.

2. The Charles Schultz Museum

3.

4.

5.

6.

Tuesday ~ Relaxing with your Dog

Make Your Dog Your Exercise Buddy

I enjoy walking my dogs on the beach. I find they absolutely love the socialization with other dogs and people, but I also find it very relaxing, with the gorgeous views and peacefulness of the shore. Are you interested in starting an exercise program, or increasing your level of exercise. How about exercising with your dog? Dog's are terrific exercise buddies. Check out this article on relaxing with your "best friend".

http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/155874/make_your_dog_your_exercise_buddy.html

Monday Musings ~ A Dog's Perspective

America has more pet dogs than any other country on earth. We love our dogs! The 133rd Westminster Dog Show begins today at Madison Square Garden in NYC. I have to admit I am not into "beauty pageants" but do enjoy watching shows that feature dogs, albeit, I do think this show can sometimes take itself much to seriously for me. But maybe not. Maybe in light of last years winner, Uno, the beagle, my views may change. Uno, was the first beagle to ever win in the 132 years of the Westminster Dog show. Uno was obviously the crowd favorite probably because of his spirited personality and status as "underdog".

Our first dog was a beagle, Lizzy. She was my then 10 year old son, Evan's, dog. She was loving and loyal to him until she passed on two years ago. Although she had severe Epilepsy, she was a spunky girl - always getting into mischief, and it usually involved food. We have many funny stories as a result of her presence in our lives and my son will always have those memories to cherish of "his best friend".

We have since adopted two Shetland Sheepdogs from a Sheltie Rescue. Cori has been with us for about 8 months and Lucky has been with us for almost two years. Cori is a Sable, oversized Sheltie and Lucky is a Tri-colored Sheltie. Both have distinctively unique personalities. Cori is a mellow, laid back Princess, who is very well mannered, loves winter and playing in the snow. Lucky is a "working dog". Always trying to herd anything he can and frequently at my side. He is a bit more on the playful, active side and loves to" sing" with my husband and sons. Having dogs certainly does enrich ones life and teaches us much about unconditional love, loyalty and trust.

The 10 Commandments from a Dog's Perspective

1. My life is likely to last 10 to 15 years. Any separation from you will be very painful.
2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.
3. Place your trust in me―it's crucial to my well-being.
4. Don't be angry with me for long, and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment. I have only you.
5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I understand your voice.
6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.
7. Before you hit me, remember that I have teeth that could easily crush the bones in your hand, but I choose not to bite you.
8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I've been out in the sun too long or my heart may be getting old.
9. Take care of me when I get old. You, too, will grow old.
10. Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say, "I can't bear to watch it" or "Let it happen in my absence." Everything is easier for me if you are there. Remember, I love you.

―Author unknown

Quote of the Week

This is my sweet dog, Lucky at my favorite local beach.

Saturday - Whimsical Gallery of Etsy Art

This weeks Saturday Morning Whimsical Etsy Artists have a Valentines theme. Please click on the Artists name to be taken to their shop and the photo or title to be taken to the item.

I Love You Fortune Cookie

SumpinElse

Sweet Heart Goatmilk Soaps

DeborahSpencer

My Pretty Valentine Bird Card
HubbleGraphics

White Rabbit

DarklingWoods

The Love Dove Pendant
TreeBySea

Forever Yours Angel
MarileeJaneDesigns

Penguin Love
DudaDaze