I Hope You are Dumpster Diving This Morning...

Or planning a trip to Grandpa's so that you can look through his garage for something that he doesn't want, and you NEED! Maybe there are yard sale freebies at the curb this morning after less than brisk sales yesterday. Maybe your friend has something that she's willing to give you.

But the thing is, this is the last day before the Roadkill Party over at Infarrantly Creative. Get your Roadkill painted, and stamped, and cleaned and re-furbished somehow.

Post it tomorrow..(you can click on the Roadkill button on the right)...there are some pretty awesome prizes!!

You Are On Your Honor

There are a few local produce stands that are not staffed. You simply put your money in the box provided. The people who own these stands are way too busy working, and the cost to staff is probably cost prohibitive.

What I LIKE is this: I can help myself to what I need, I don't have to wait in line, I can be choosy about my produce without being scrutinized.

What I LOVE is this: The underlying notion that I, and people in general, are HONORABLE. The trust that is given with no hesitation is a bold statement. To expect honesty is to get it I suspect.

I Wonder Why Wednesday: Why Have I Never Asked Myself This Before?

A friend of mine was going on and on the other day about how cute her toe is. It made perfect sense in the conversation (I Swear!). I heard all about the flawless little 2nd toe on her right foot, freckle and all. In her mind, it was her favorite part of her. Then, she asked casually "What's your favorite Part of You?"

I was speechless, it had never occurred to me. I had to really think about it. So many of us are really never happy with anything, wishing and waiting for changes. But, What do you LIKE? Hmm.. parts that I liked at 20 have started to fail me now. But, imagine how I'll feel about my current state of affairs when I'm 60 or 70. I'm sure I'll look back and wonder why I wasn't thrilled.

So, I gave it some thought: My Lips. I Like My Lips.

I haven't always liked them. I used to think that they were "puffy".

I get them from my Dad.

I was approached by a modelling agency when I was young and was asked if I'd consider being a "Lip Model" . I thought it was the craziest thing I had ever heard of.

I use Chapstick or Burt Bee's every night before bed as my beauty routine.

My favorite shade of gloss is anything mauveish. Not too brown, not too pink, just in between. I once got some bright red lipstick as a sample somewhere. I tried it, and I have to say, the look was "clown" to a new level.

So, you know it's coming: What's Your Favorite Part of You?

Oh, and Pictures Please. You can email to: joybeadworks@hotmail.com

I Wonder Why Wednesday: Stars?

I'm wondering about these stars that I see everywhere on the sides of homes. They are usually metal and are raised/3 dimensional.

1st: What does this mean? Anything? Drive down a country road and tell me how many you see...I counted 6 one day. Is there some secret "Star Society" that I am unaware of?

2nd: Where do you buy these things? I see them everywhere on homes, but have never once seen them for sale anywhere. I really don't think I live in a bubble. Is Agway an appropriate place to look? I'm just not sure.

3rd and lastly: OK, so you've decided that the house needs a "Star" for reasons unknown and you've found a place to purchase said "Star". How in the heck do you get hubby to drag out the huge ladder that you'll need, correctly position this thing on the side of your house and properly secure it onto siding, cement or bricks? I'm just saying that I'd have to wait an awful long time. Maybe forever.

Here's a stone "Star" that I came across. Founding members of the "Secret Star Society", perhaps?

I Wonder Why Wednesday: Emergency?

I have this First Aid Kit that I keep in the car. The kids have recently found it, and they are completely enthralled.

There are pages of stuff in here, neatly stacked in pockets. Things like scissors, a tweezer, an eye patch, re-useable ice pack, bandages of all kinds. Sunscreen, lip balm, instructions on how to help someone who is choking. It's completely fascinating. It's like a hospital in a zippered bag.

My "I Wonder Why" is this: Is it an "Emergency" if the band-aid is only this big??

You Can Keep Your...

Lillies...

And Roses...
And Carnations...

And Your Birds of Paradise...

I'll take a simple Zinnia any day.

Ahh.. the Beauty of Craig's List and a Four Letter Word..

All of this stuff was clogging my garage. I've actually had passers-by gasp at the huge amount of crap that we keep in there. And, honestly, it's an embarrassing eye sore, I have to admit. But, if I can just close the door (quickly) then, I can usually forget about it. Yesterday was the last straw! My son needed a bigger bike (his knees were around his neck when he pedaled!), and therefore the bike hand-down began. #1 gets a new bike, #2 gets a hand-me-down, #3 gets a hand-me-down, #4 gets a hand-me-down. Lots of left overs in the garage, and the need for more room led me to haul it all out and hose it down. Then I started taking pictures.

We had certainly gotten much use out of all of this stuff, and during these tough economic times, it felt nice to give someone a break. I listed most of it for FREE on Craig's List. I have to tell you that it was gone in SECONDS! All of it is now in heaps down by my mailbox with names on it. To all Craig's Listers: you are on your Honor! I don't want any kind of squabble in my driveway over free stuff. I hope it finds a happy home.

More About Letterboxing

I have to say that Letterboxing has become a place where all of my family has come together this summer. And, that is saying a lot. With 4 kids all headed in different directions, with different friends, and interests, it's such a bonus to find something that we all enjoy and can do together.

I'm including some photos of the things we have seen along the way:

I love how the clouds reflect in the lake, ahead of the colorful kayaks.

The stark white of this purple martin house against the blue of the sky really caught my eye.


Who wouldn't want to walk over this bridge?


Momma bluebird bringing home lunch for her babies.


A woodland flower in blazing orange.


A single orange kayak on a blue lake.

Old military planes flying in formation. There is a small airport nearby and these guys were showing off.

The history of letterboxing is interesting, a park ranger in England started this game in the late 1800's. The process has evolved a lot to become what it is today.

Here's how it works: We have a notebook, a (preferably) handmade stamp that is unique to us, and a "Trail Name" or "Handle".

We then go seeking Letterboxes. (I find trail directions and maps at: Atlas Quest, or Letterboxing.org) The boxes are typically a Tupperware type container that includes a notebook and a custom made stamp. When I find a box, I then stamp their book with my stamp, date it, and leave a brief note including where we are from. I take their stamp and mark my log book, date it and leave a note if I'd like. It's like collecting a log book full of handmade individual works of art. We always make sure that we re-hide the box as we found it. When I return home, I log our finds on the appropriate web site. The people who "Plant" the letterboxes can keep track of their boxes this way, find out if they need repairs, or just get a quick update on who's been visiting.

Letterboxing is very kid friendly. Directions often include such things as: " Find the triple trunked maple, put your back to it, and facing the lake, walk 12 paces". Letterboxes can be just a stop in the road, or they can be elaborate trails with multiple boxes. My favorites are trails that have been put together by generous letterboxers who have included information about the history of the area, or little anecdotes about what happened along the trail. It's one thing to read about an event, and another to be standing in front of a Harmonist Meeting House that was built in 1825. History becomes real.

My husband has always been an outdoorsman. He would often go hunting just so that he could sit in the quiet and still of the woods in the wee hours; watching the forest wake up. I have always loved hiking and being outside.

Searching for Letterboxes has become about the journey for me. Maybe I have found some center on that point this summer. Life is about the journey. The kids, on the other hand, still tear through the woods gripping the printed page, looking for the triple trunked maple! For them,it's about the destination. We all get an adventure. I get some time alone with the kids, talking and walking. The kids get to find treasure! Letterboxing has become a real haven for my famiy.

The things we have discussed along the way are: tree identification, animal tracks, and the all important poison ivy identification. We've also seen beavers, bunnies, hawks and lots more. But we also talk with the kids about their hopes and dreams, their friends, their good days and their bad.
And the kids talk about their "finds".

Here's an Hour's Worth of Fun For Everyone. Plus, a Wee Bit of I Wonder Why Wednesday.

Gather your supplies: Here's what you'll need: A plastic bottle with the bottom cut off, rubber bands, a small bit of fabric, two shallow bowls, one containing water, the other that contains dish detergent. (The bottom of the bottle needs to fit into the shallow bowls). Thanks to Family Fun for the idea!

Now, have your crew assemble the supplies as below: Cover the open end of the bottle with the fabric (a kid's washcloth works great), and secure with the rubber bands.

Now, dip the fabric end into the water bowl, then the detergent bowl, and BLOW!

The result is tons of giggle inducing bubbles that uncurl from the end of the bottle like one of those smoke snakes on the 4th of July.

My kids also played limbo and then jump rope the with hose on stream.

And here's my "I Wonder Why Wednesday" segment:

I wonder why guys seem to have a complete inability to control themselves when it comes to "beefing up" projects.

My guy decided that if we used a huge 2 gallon juice bottle and the shop vac, we could totally automate the process and fill my yard with bubbles. The results were less than the desired "snow in July" effect.

I see that he and my son have "Plan B" all worked out: I found this "Master Plan" on my kitchen table this morning!

Leave me a comment and tell me what your husband has "Beefed Up"!

My Birthday with The Sistas: It's Fiesta Time!

These girls know how to make a girl feel special. The Treat Girl says it all in her Smilebox. (Yet another gift to me).


We went UNDER the Roller Coaster to Presque Isle State Park in Erie, PA. (Mental Note: Add Waldamere Park to my list of To Do's). I had been to this park many years ago, while this part of the country was my territory when I was working for a paycheck. I didn't remember it being so beautiful. Lots of things to do. I'd love to take the kids up to go biking soon.


The Birthday rules were the same as ever: Girlfriends gifts are $10 and under and handmade. I'm always astonished at what these girls can do with some everyday supplies and tons of creative energy!


Marzipan baked the most delicious petite perfection chocolate/chocolate cake for me (she knows it's my favorite.) Unless we are counting her carrot cake....hmmm....

Juniper over at Hope Studios blessed me with a handmade frame that I will treasure.



The Treat Girl filled a wonderful "What is it Wednesday" jar with treats just for me!


Girl in the Sticks really knocked me out with a little clutch that she made from some fabric scraps that just happen to match the skirt that I made recently!
Thank You all for a beautiful Day!

A Little Mom Time this Week

A Little Mom time always entails lots of Kid Time. Especially because we have 11 kids among us (and we were missing a few). So, The kid craft comes first. Then, maybe if we get lucky, there are some quiet moments for us.

I found some rocks for the kids to paint and make creatures out of.
They painted and played games. Ok, the kids are busy, fine, fed, and amused. Now, for the real reason for this get together:

I saw this DIY at Enchantresses 3. I knew it would be the perfect Girls Day Out Project. We made a J. Crew ish Corsage T-Shirt. Ours were under $10. At J. Crew, they were $78 or something silly like that.

First buy 2 t-shirts, one to wear, and one to use as fabric for the corsage. I cut my fabric in a heart shape and started sewing them on in clusters, being sure to tuck one underneath another to bulk it up a little.

Juniper and The Treat Girl cut layered circles and stacked them. They hand sewed them to their shirts in a sort of twisty, pinchy way. It took awhile to get it right, but finished product was beautiful.
I may need to get a few t-shirts to try it this way. They looked super cute!
We all look terrific in our new "Bingo shirts" as my hubby calls them. (Clearly he knows nothing about fashion.)

And, look what I found in the NEW J. Crew Fall line:
Saving $78 if you ask me!

I Wonder Why Wednesday: Why Would Anyone Want to Do This Job?

So if I listed a Help Wanted Ad that Read:

Wanted: Someone who is willing to work 12 hours a day (or more) at much less than minimum wage. Requirements include, but are not limited to, experience in the following: welding, heavy lifting, mechanic for all kinds of machinery (some of which is older than you are), basic veterinarian skills (for many types of animals), gardening, horticulture and pest control.

The job is 7 days a week, with very little (if any) vacation time. If you plan on any type of time off, please also plan to cover your work hours.

DO YOU REALLY THINK THAT ANYONE WOULD APPLY??

Such is the work load of the Small Family Farmer. I'm not really sure why anyone would want to work this hard for so little.

Payment must be in the intangibles. Wide open spaces to call your own. Lots of alone time to think. Acts of grace and kindness. The company of good dogs. Selling a dozen eggs to someone who just raves about how good they are. The reward is certainly not in the paycheck.

I'm Off to the Parade..

Happy 4th of July everyone!

Yes, we have reached that turning point in the summer when everyone thinks it's almost over (It isn't, I strongly advise). So get out there are have some fun. Enjoy some good weather and a good hometown parade with your family, neighbors and friends!

Today my kids (and some cousins) are all wearing tye dye T-shirts that they made. (Thanks to Family Fun.)

I thought it would be fun to jazz up some of the girls' shirts with some ribbon, and a star shaped button.

I made a cute little fireworks-like corsage!



Wait until you see my pictures from the parade! More later....

The Hunt..I'm so Distracted...

My community has sponsored a Treasure Hunt. It's in preparation for Community Days, which is a big picnic/party in the park. They have really outdone themselves this year, and the event has stretched to 3 days. So, the Hunt...a terrific idea. Twice a week, there are clues listed in the newspaper. Most of the clues lead to historical markers, plaques dedicated to people who have served our nation, or to information contained within the annual report. The answer to the question is to be recorded, and the underlined letters (of the answer) are to be put into the key to solve the ultimate question of "Where is the Golden Key Hidden?"

Here's the map. They have to tease me with a map. I, of course, had to drive around (while doing errands, of course) and take pictures of the various historical markers etc. I have cataloged them in a notebook, along with the matching clues.

I'm a few letters from solving the thing. This is where I have looked: under park benches, at the new baseball field. In the new park, looking for "the sign". The dog park, the Rotary shelter...I'm losing it over here. It makes me crazy that I can't find this thing. I'm full of hunches, just nothing to report yet! Here's my only plea to the people who have organized this thing: Please make it so that people like me, who may not be the first ones to solve the riddle, will know that they have at least solved it. If you are hiding the key in a hollowed out book, could it at least be obvious that it WAS there? (I'm just a little late). Oh, and thanks for the fun. My family and I have really enjoyed looking for The Golden Key.

Oh, and this is what it looks like in my car!

I Wonder Why Wednesday: Why Do We Collect Things?

Just about everyone has something that they collect. The kids collect baseball/football/Pokemon cards. They also collect stickers, signatures of Disney characters, and lip glosses.

Adults collect anything from shoes to strands of hair. If you can think of it, then I swear it's collectible.

I was just wondering why we collect? Are we all hoarders in some way? What is the reason that we collect? Do we just enjoy more and more things? Maybe it creates a goal, something that each individual can work towards at their own pace. Maybe a sense of accomplishment? Do we just admire the diversity and because we are human, can see the art and beauty in the differences? I'm not sure. Here are some things that I have recently collected:Fossilized shark's teeth. These are found in shell paths and driveways. We found these on our recent trip. After a rain, it is particularly easy to pick them out. We have done some research and have found some teeth from extinct sharks.

Sea shells from Captiva Island, Florida. Everyday for sometimes large portions of the day, we looked for shells. And, I would venture to say that without a shadow of a doubt, everyone that has ever set foot on that island has bent down to pick up a beautiful shell.
And, of course, BEADS. These are all handmade glass beads that fit our Joy Beadworks interchangeable sterling silver ring. You can really never have enough. I have a new favorite everyday. They are available in my shop.