Hospitality Lane

I Need An Air Traffic Controller....

2012-01-28T07:32:00.001-05:00

IN MY BRAIN!

(I left that wide open for
your jokes, didn't I?)

Yikees...there is way too much

going on in there.

I want to do this project

and that thing over there.

I have a couple of orders to fill,

stores to supply

and

designs to complete.

I have a house that desperately

needs my attention

and

responsibilities at the church that

I should, and want, to attend to.

People to visit.

Cards to send....

Friends to hang out with

and places to see.

Getting these things done would

not be a problem if I could just

focus on them one at a time.

There is not one thing on the list

that I have no desire to do.

They are all worthy and will

bring much satisfaction at their

completion.

It is just about a plan....

and the execution of that plan.

Do you ever feel like this?

How do you make it happen?

I think for me it will take a list.

Writing it down so it can

be quantified and put to a plan.

Otherwise I spin my wheels and do a

bit here and bit there but never

fully complete anything.

It doesn't help that Warren

is in his very busy time at work

and is working all kinds of odd hours.

Completely throws me off

my routine.

Oh well!

In March the new show

at Sight and Sound Theater

will open and things will

calm down for him again.

Jonah!

It will be soooo great!!

You'll just have to come and

see it..........

Kennett Square...as a Destination

2012-01-26T06:45:00.001-05:00

Most of the time when I think

of Kennett Square

I think of

Longwood Gardens.

That has been our reason

to head that way.

However,

on January 6th that changed.

Mom, Georgia, Chelsea and I

went to the historic town of Kennett Square

to poke around and see what we could see.

It was a perfect day with clear blue

skies and weather that was definitely

more Springlike than Winter.

We began our tour at the most convenient

restroom facilities we could find....

The Public Library.

And as we were seeking information

about a Farmer's Market to be set up

that afternoon it seemed the perfect

place to gather those tidbits as well.

Then we were on the hunt for a

lunch location.

We decided to try a brand new restaurant.

A Mediterranean Bistro.

I enjoyed a sandwich with

steak, olives and cheese.

It was scrumptious.

We were fascinated by the fact

that we were never asked for a

drink order.

They simply serve water

and that...is that!

After lunch we explored shops

along the way.

What fun.

Everything from high end clothing stores

to jewelers line the way.

We poked into the most eclectic ones

we could find.

The General Store was certainly not

what we were expecting.

It turns out the General Store is a compilation

of donations benefiting those with

Traumatic Brain Injury.

The man who runs the store was a priest

in Philadelphia who was attacked and

has suffered a brain injury.

Nothing is priced...

it is all by donation.

He was our favorite "person of the day".

He offered us advice and information

on many of the places in his town.

He insisted we visit the French Bakery

while we were there.

He was so right....

it was the last place we visited that

day and it was just perfect to

seal a wonderful afternoon.

I enjoyed a puff pastry

filled with a chocolate cream.

Delightful!!

I loved that while in the Bakery

we noticed that they serve soup from the Bistro

and other items from the neighboring shops.

You definitely get the sense of community

in Kennett Square.

It is a town where they all work

and play together.

Our favorite shop,

by far,

was Mrs. Robinson's Tea Shop.

An old fashioned store where tins

of teas line both walls front to back.

More than 150 varieties.

Full strength on the left

and

Decaf on the right.

In the middle sat a table with

four pots of brewed tea for your

tasting pleasure.

We did test and enjoy.

Then we bought.

Of course.

This was the only shop that

caused us to return for a second

visit on that day.

We decided that a gift for Mrs. Rabe

was in order in congratulations on their

new Shop Owner Status.

She loves tea.

Sadly, in her preferred brand they only

had decaf....so he'll be reordering

and Deanna said it will be wonderful to

have on hand for guests who are partial

to decaf.

I had some time to sit and enjoy the

view in this store dedicated to mushrooms

while Mom and Georgia went downstairs

to a consignment store.

You see, Chester County, is famous for its

mushroom production.

You only have to be a few miles into Chester

County before you smell it.

Not a very pleasant odor,

I admit.

But unique to the mushrooms.

And so as you tour Kennett Square

you will find much about Mushrooms.

There was a small mushroom museum

inside this shop....

The Farmer's Market ended up being a bit small

but the produce found there was gorgeous.

We were very happy campers.

We returned home tired

but satisfied and vowing

to do that trip again!

Chelsea Caught the Animals....

2012-01-24T07:53:00.000-05:00

In waiting....

I can tell you that as calm as they appear

they would be up and thrilled if someone

picked up a toy and offered to play!

They just put in their time

on the couch.....

waiting for the fun to start!

Only in the winter would you find this.

Oliver is outdoors during the Spring, Summer and Fall

months....coming in for warmth and comfort only

when it is cold and wet outside.

He happened onto a piece of my

packing paper.

He can have it....

no putting that one in a box.

Take a lesson....

rest up.

Fun times are just around the corner!

Thanks, Chelsea...

for the photos!

Blue Monday - So Beautiful

2012-01-23T09:00:00.005-05:00

Linking up with Smiling Sally

who has been so very faithful to

host Blue Monday!

Thanks, friend.

I miss being here.

I spend too much time on Etsy these days.

Peeking here and there.

Finding things to love.

Well, since I can't buy much of the things

I see and love I make them into Treasuries....

collections to visit and enjoy.

This is one I made with blue glass.

So delicate.

So many forms.
Each item is a link to a larger photo.
Look and try not to drool.

That blue and green plate is one
of my all time favorites...
but then I love the whale too
and think that Warren might need
that for his desk as he works
on the new show,
Jonah!

Enjoy.....

Grandchillas Sprocket and Evo

2012-01-21T10:46:00.000-05:00

Perhaps it is because

so many of my friends have

become grandparents over the past

year or two.

I find myself looking forward

to the day

we have grandchildren of our own.

I don't wish for my children to become

parents until the time is right.

That is a given.

But, when Mikey used money received

at Christmas to purchase

chichillas I found myself

calling them my Grandchillas.

I mean,

I was in a store and saw their

favorite treats....

raisins.

I told Warren

I had to get them for my Grandchillas.

It just slipped out.

He looked at me strangely

but a term was born.

I came home all excited and told

Mikey I had gotten the raisins.

He nearly burst my bubble by insisting

on reading the label to make sure

they were safe for his babies.

What???

There are bad raisins?

Sold for human consumption???

Yep!

But mine passed the test.

Preparation for days ahead when

the kiddos bring their kids over

with gobs of instructions to not

do all of those things that were

safely done with them.

I remember going through that

with our parents.

Dropping the kids off with car seats

and swim floaties.

Instructions about this and that.

Only to have them roll their eyes and

tell us that they had parented us and we

had survived.

Back in the day seat belts were for

sissies....let alone car seats.

Thankfully the law was on our side

for this one!

LOL

I mean...

Warren still has a scar on his

forehead from his

wild unseatbelted days.

Scary, I tell ya.

How in the world did we survive????

So...

I am officially in training.

And I love my Grandchillas.

I can hold them,

pet them....

feed them treats and

send them home.

To Mikey's room.

Where they keep him awake at

night chewing on the cage door

or running on their wheel.

Sigh....

that is so sweet.

Hey Mikey!

Let me know when they run out

of sweets.

I want to load them up!!!

So, That Was Cold

2012-01-20T07:30:00.001-05:00

I have been blessed with the gift of

a free web site design

by a college student who is using

Good Neighbors Candle Co

for his project.

What this means is that the process

will likely take about a year

and there will be lots of stops and starts

but I'm really ok with that.

My young friend is very creative,

invested in the project and thorough.

We met yesterday to take some photos,

buy the web space and work on text to be

included on the site.

Not the best day to be outside shooting

video and still pictures.

Our fingers were stiff!

The candles flickered....

well, actually they more than flickered

because not only was it cold.

It was super windy too.

My friend is very capable with

photo editors and will make these

photos look great in editing.

He will potentially use them as part of the

header with an actual flickering flame.

Think video loop.

I am now officially excited about the

end result.

New candle options for you.....

Juice Glass Candles

$7.00 each.

These are soooo pretty.

You choose the scent and I put it

in the glass, leaving the wax white!

Fragrance List:

Amazingly Grace (Type)
Apple Cinnamon
Autumn Magic
Black Cherry Jellybean
Blackberry Jam
Butter Pecan Pie
Balsam
Bayberry
Blueberry Muffin
Birds of Paradise
Caramel Apple
Coconut
Cappuccino
Country Bumpkin
Country Apple
Cranberry Balsam
Cucumber Cantaloupe
Cucumber Mint
Clean Breeze (Type)
Cinnamon Buns
Candy Cane
Citrus Infusion
Citrus Strawberry
Cinnamon Stick
Chocolate Milk
Chocolate Raspberry Drizzle
Eucalyptus
Fresh Linen
French Vanilla
French Lavender
Grandma's Kitchen
Home for the Holidays
Honeysuckle
Hot Buttered Rum
Hydrangea Heaven
Hot Baked Apple Pie
Lilac
Mulberry Spice
Nantucket Briar (Type)
Orange Clove
Oceans
Orange Blossoms
Pearberry
Potpourri Spice
Pumpkin Pie Spice
Rose Hip and Tea
Strawberry Kiwi
Strawberry Rhubarb Pie
Spiced Cranberry
Spearmint
Tranquil Sleep
Tangerine
Victorian Rose
Wildflowers
Wisteria

Just email me (beckypfa (at) yahoo.com) or go to Etsy if you'd like

to have me make one of these for you.

Have a great day...

we are shopping today in expectation

of snow overnight tonight and tomorrow.

The boys have a bunch of friends coming in

for the weekend...so food is a priority.

LOL

A New Hobby

2012-01-18T06:29:00.002-05:00

Soup.

More specifically

potato soup.

I've found that I love making

(and eating)

potato soup.

I made one on Sunday morning

to share at our Fellowship Meal.

I used our favorite sausage from

a local grocery store.

Yum-my.

I would tell you my recipe

if I had one.

I kind of like to make it up

as I go.

But I think the secret is

the red pepper flakes

and that

Musser's sausage.

Of course the butter,

evaporated Milk,

2 percent milk,

Tarragon,

Oregano,

Cream of Chicken Soup,
chicken boullion,

Potatoes,

Onion Powder,

Garlic,

Corn Starch,

Salt,
and

Pepper

might have

had something

to do with it too.

I might have to make more today.

Mmmmm....yum.

Just perfect on a blustery day.

And Then She Passed!

2012-01-16T17:21:00.000-05:00

We pulled up to the waiting area

so that Chelsea could take her driver's test.

We expected the very nice man

who had registered us.

Sure enough,

there he came....

and got into the car in front of us.

Uh-oh!

Then came another man.

This one all bundled up against the

cold and unsmiling.

He demanded our paperwork.

He got in the car and away they went.

To the parallel

parking area.

This was the area most dreaded.

I, having been booted from the car,

was shivering as I stood against

the building.... watching.

You have to understand that

this particular part of the test course is

the stuff of legends around here.

In fact, on any given Sunday you can

go to the testing area and find parents and

prospective licensed drivers

circling the building in order to

practice their parallel parking.

You get just one shot at it.

Touch that curb and it is over.

The waiting list is long and you'll have

another month or more to wait

before you can take the test again.

We had not come here to practice.

Not even once.

Warren had taken her out one evening

and they did some practicing in our area....

then she had set up a trash can and I'd

parked the Buick at my mother's driveway

where she had practiced a while one

day that week.

This was it...

I did not have high expectations for her

to pass this part of the test.

So, I watched.

She backed in and parked that car

like a pro.

They moved on to the next part of the course.

Before long they returned.

The proctor (for lack of a better word at the moment)

got out of the car and passed me silently as he

headed back to the building.
I got into the car and Chelsea looked at

me with tears in her eyes.

She said, "I passed!".

I asked what we were to do

next and she didn't know.

Now I began to get worried.

Wouldn't he have told her what to

do next if she had passed?

I asked exactly what the man had said.

"You made it."

That was it.

We looked at each other.

What if he meant she had survived the

test and not that she had passed?

We decided that the only thing to do was

to go inside and ask.

So...that is exactly what we did.

The same kind man who had registered

us was back at the desk.

He seemed surprised that she didn't know

if she had passed and asked for her permit.

Sure enough, neither the pass nor fail were

marked. There were, however, some numbers

written there.

He began chuckling and mumbling something

about no one being bullet proof then told us

to sit down and stay there.

After a while a familiar figure came from the

back and went to a spot behind a desk along

a wall. I asked Chelsea if that was the man who

had given her the test.

She wasn't sure...since now he had no

coat, hat and scarf.

He did not even glance in our direction.

After another "eternity" he gruffly called her name.

We tentatively went to his desk.

He held up her permit and requested that

she confirm everything was correct on it.

She did.

He persisted...was she sure?

She was...but becoming more unsure all of the time.

He had her sign a paper.

Finally I told him that she still didn't know

if she had passed the test.

Now it was his turn to look incredulous.

He said, "I told you that you made it.

What did you think that meant?"

I'm pretty sure Chuck is not an ogre.

But he surely enjoyed torturing my girl.

He asked her why she was so nervous.

It reminded me of my middle school gym

teacher who delighted in toughening up

my tenderness.

While it may not have been as straightforward

as we would have liked it was definitely the

desired result and one which we will not

soon forget.

Calling her Daddy to tell him the good news.

Chelsea's first solo drive was

to .....

Starbucks, of course!

Good Morning Friends.....

2012-01-13T07:55:00.000-05:00

If I were Winnie the Pooh

I would tell you that it is a blustery day

here in the wood.

A steely gray sky

is actually very pretty against the green

of the field across the street

as the sun rises higher and

brings light to the water tower

and hay rolls

visible from the picture window.

Today our Chelsea will find out

if she can drive unsupervised.

Since we didn't get over to the test

area to practice parallel parking

on the course we are unsure.

That gets most people the first time.

I have to say that Chelsea is a very

good driver but I am still hesitant

to want to send my youngest out

there by herself.

So, I have placed the results

repeatedly in the Lord's hands.

Not that it really wasn't there in the

first place...but for my sake

I just keep offering her up to Him.

He knows if she is ready yet.

Now I had better get ready.

We have to get some gas on our

way so that she doesn't run out

halfway through the test.

That would be embarrassing.

She would have to call out

for

"Christopher Robin"

to get her out of a

mess such as that.

These Turned out So Well

2012-01-10T10:01:00.000-05:00

Every day the number one search on

my Etsy site is Baby Shower Favors.

I'm not stupid...

slow maybe,

but not stupid

so I've been keeping my eye

out for ways to vary my baby shower

favor options....

Yesterday Mrs. Rabe and I were out

shopping through some wholesale

shops...

We found these pottery pieces with bears!!

Cute.Teddy.Bears!!

I was smitten and so we piled them

into pie plates that happened to be

sitting nearby to get them to the register.

I couldn't wait to get to making them

up this morning.

These are baby powder scented

on a tea light pedestal.

Now available in my

Etsy Shop.....

and soon to be in the

brick and mortar store,

Cape Cod Crafters at

Rockvale Square.

If you are on Pinterest

please feel free to

"pin them".

Smile....................

Fab Fashions - And Really Good Friends

2012-01-09T09:01:00.000-05:00

If you know me you'll

know that I am not a fashion queen.

Not even close.

Clothes and accessories are a blur

on the periphery of my existence.

I wear them so that I don't get

arrested ~~and~~ or make others ill.

However,

I have some dear friends with a

great eye for fashion.

If you read the blog Creekside Cottage

you know them too.

The Rabes recently shocked everyone who knows

them by purchasing a store owned by another

gentleman in our church.

This store is called Fab Fashion.

So, by that very name you know they

must know something about fashion

or this was a very, very bad idea.

(grinning)

Of course they know fashion.

Mrs. Rabe and Emma

are quite into it, in fact.

This is the store as it looked on Friday evening

when we visited.

It is pretty much as our friend Denny left it.

Wise on their part since he is

very good at business and had quite

a following.

I had fun with my camera....

Very artsy shots, don't you think?

LOL

Lindsay was behind the register...

rocking this adorable hat!

It is not for sale.

And I did promise you laughter in this new year.

We ran into some new friends at the shop

and had just a bit of fun.

These young men were great sports to model

what we dubbed "Murses" for us.

Aren't they precious?

You will not see these guys

carrying purses

again...it was purely for fun.

But these bags are adorable and comfy soft.

Thanks Bradley and Drew.

We had a great time hanging out with you!

I urge you to visit Fab Fashion if you are

in, or visit, the Lancaster area.

It is near Central Market in

downtown Lancaster.

Very soon you will be able to

shop for all of these well priced items

online. The web site is just about ready to

be launched due to Lindsay's special

abilities with a camera and the computer.

That girl rocks both!!

Rabe family....

we wish you success and joy

in your new venture.

We Always Have Fun with Christmas Stockings.....

2012-01-07T11:58:00.000-05:00

I know it is January

but I have to share just a bit

about our fun with Christmas Stockings

this year.

We didn't get to open them

until New Year's Eve when Allan,

Bev and Betsy were here.

We wouldn't have wanted to

open them any sooner because

it just would not have been the same.

The hit "this year" were

these silly glasses that Warren's mom

got for Mikey.

First he accidentally broke

them as he was trying to get them

out of the package...but they were

mended fairly easily.

Then they were handed around the

room so that everyone take

a turn at looking silly.

Allan....Mug Shot?

Bev...I don't think these are quite right.

Grandma Georgia...who bought the glasses in the first place.

Grandma Ruth...You are a hoot!

Oh my word, You'll never believe this but

Blogger won't let me upload the rest.

Must be that Warren and I were

just that ugly in

them......

Well, you get the idea.

Other fun items in our stockings were

scented pencils.

Everyone got them but not everyone

had the same scents...

causing some

"angst".

Itty bitty cameras that showed

vintage Christmas Pictures when you

click the shutter.

Some, but not all, received

kumquats.

Because some, but not all,

really enjoy them.

Chelsea accidentally received a shriveled

kumquat remaining from last year.

There was chocolate and nuts,

lots of little surprises to be found.

Every year that ends up being the

most fun of the gift exchange.

Although, I am not sad at all

at the gift of shelving Allan and Bev

gave me for my new workspace when

I find it.

Warren is not crying about his new

recliner from the Moms

and I love the new microwave

from them, as well.

Hope your Christmas was

Merry. Filled with Joy.

I'm finally letting it go....

Now on to 2012!!

What A Week!

2012-01-06T08:25:00.000-05:00

Is it really Friday?

Oh.my.goodness.

This week has been a blur.

Chelsea is driving me all over the

place since her driver's test is coming

up in just over a week.

Not really ready for that....

she is...I'm not.

I've been making headway

in the candle business.

I more than doubled my space

at Cape Cod Crafters

so spent hours yesterday setting up

the new space.

Whew!

It made me realize how much work

an entire store would be.

That, and how much inventory

it would take to fill it.

A local Spa owner has decided to

carry my candles.

She is a wonderfully kind lady with

a very big heart.

We've met twice and I am just naturally

drawn to her.

I think it might be Jesus shining through

her life. :-)

A Christian Bookstore is considering

carrying the candles.

We shall see.

One of their employees said if they

don't do it soon he is going to

order a cappuccino candle on his own.

(This is me...

grinning from ear to ear!!)

They only got their sample candles

on Wednesday or Thursday so

I think he will just have to be patient.

Chelsea is doing very well in her

fight against the Anorexia.

We stopped medical treatment

some months ago....

It was no longer making a difference.

She has continued to improve.

I am thrilled with her progress.

She is spending much time in the

Word and focusing on things that are

worthwhile and worthy of her time.

So much better than cycles of negative

thoughts and self recriminations

that come with these types of

diseases.

Working with a wonderful group of

people at Sight and Sound has been very

good for her as well.

Jonathan is still working at Kirklands.

He has formed some good friendships

among his coworkers and I think he is

growing on them.

They weren't quite sure about his

quirky personality at first but

he got a very nice card from his manager

at Christmas.

So that is very good.

Mikey is seeking full time work.

While he loves his boss and coworkers

at Agway he really does need to pursue

something that will lend itself to a career.

Praying that God opens doors.

He has applied for a position that would

be "perfect" for him....

in our estimation.

I would really covet your prayers in

this matter.

The other development with Mikey

is that he got two chichillas right

after Christmas.

They are all his.

They live in his room.

He does all of the

care and cleaning for them.

Cute as they are...

that is the perfect place for them.

Warren is entering a very stressful and

busy time as Sight and Sound

prepares to open their newest show,

Jonah!

Every time a new show is launched there

are definite birthing pains.

Jonah is no exception.

Anything worth doing takes large

amounts of energy and dedication.

This is going to be a very special show.

I can't wait!!

Chelsea and I are counting down to the Premiere!!

Warren is too but in a different way...lol.

This is the family roundup.

After spending time with family over

New Years and then hitting this

week with both legs in run mode

I am amazed to find us at Friday already.

What a week!

See You Later, Santa....Hello, Owl

2012-01-04T08:07:00.001-05:00

Well, Santa melter....

You may have taught me many

wonderful things about tarts

and melters.

But the fact is

that you will have to go away for

several months.

Your style is

just a bit too festive for

every day

here at Hospitality Lane.

I'll look forward to

putting something spicy

in you come November!

********

Welcome to a sweet owl.

Come to bring

style and scent.

With his belly warmed by the

flame of a tea light....

and a smaller tart on his head.

Full sized tarts are just a bit large....

so glad I make two sizes!

LOL

Isn't he just tooooooo cute???

I got him at Kirkland's yesterday

when I picked Jonathan up from work.

Dangerous that my son works

at one of my favorite stores.

Truly!

It Has Been Years....But I'm Updating the Kitchen.....

2012-01-03T08:05:00.000-05:00

Redding up.

Cleaning out.

Simplifying.

Sprucing up.

Whatever you want to call it,

I am on it.

Time for some changes around here.

If I can't have a new kitchen this year

I'll at least have some different things

hanging out in it.

For several years I have enjoyed

these pretty wall pieces.

But they just have to go....along with

most everything else that is out there.

I blame it on Etsy.

And maybe a bit on Pinterest.

So many things to love.

So many artists to support.

And the prices are amazing!!

One new gallery

coming right up!

So....

if you are interested in these for

your home you'll find the listing

as a link right here.

The Starting Point....

2011-12-31T09:07:00.000-05:00

Here we are

closing out a year that has

held many crazy events.

From hurricanes and floods

to earthquakes and tornadoes.

There has been history made

all around the globe

with the rise and fall of nations.

With the impending start of a new

year it feels like a chance to begin again.

I'm not a big proponent of the

New Year's Resolution....

however, I think this year

I'll make one.

You see, this morning I was

starting to type on a listing for my

Etsy shop.

It was jibberish.

The letters didn't go together

at all.

I had positioned my hands over by one

letter from the correct

starting point.

What a difference.

So, my resolution for the start of

2012 is to begin at the right

starting point.

I'd rather not have a year filled

with jibberish.

My goal will be to

keep my eyes fixed upon Jesus.

Seeking His will for decisions

I make.

To remember that those things that

I may think are wise are not

unless He opens the doors and

leads me through.

One doesn't have to be far off

the proper starting point

to create chaos....

but starting in Him....

and staying in Him....

will lead to the proper resolution.

This year may not be all fun and games.

But it will make a whole lot more

sense if

we start in the right place.

Personally,

I'd love tons of fun too.

Because that is just the kind of

gal I tend to be.

Laughter and fun...

all the way!!

I'm wishing you a year that

allows you to sigh in complete

contentment one year from today.

For a year well lived.

Hugs.

Company is Coming

2011-12-30T11:42:00.002-05:00

And I am setting a colorful table.

With gifts received from far away

places....

The table runner is from

Guatemala

while the napkin holder

is obviously from Peru.

This is one of the sweet joys

of having Moms who love

to travel.

I found the black table cloth

on deep discount after

Christmas and thought it would

make a very nice backdrop

to all of the bright colors.

This evening we will host

my brother, Allan, his wife Bev

and her sister Betsy.

We love having them here.

I am making

chicken enchiladas.

Yum!

Served with fresh pineapple

and sweet corn.

Here's to the beginning of a very

fun weekend.

Happy New Year!!

Here's to a colorful 2012!!!

Good Morning!

2011-12-29T06:28:00.002-05:00

It seems like forever since I just

opened this window and started typing

with no particular topic in mind.

All I know is that I have missed just

chatting away at you.

I was thinking last evening as

I headed to bed that our house is coming

back into focus.

Kind of like life has been so busy

that everything outside the scope of

candles has been a blur in my peripheral vision

and now the world is slowing back down to the

point that I can see around me again.

Ahhh....that feels so good.

As the days go by the house is transformed

back into a home.

This week the table came back to the center of

the dining room and we even ate dinner

at it!

Hallelujah!

That was wonderful!!

Oh, and my kitchen is being used for cooking

once again. Real cooking, not throw something in

the microwave or oven but the kind where

you slice and dice,

mix and taste.

Bliss!

I've missed it.

Shopping was a new adventure this

week because I bought....

ready for this?

Ingredients!!!

You may think this sounds like

backhanded complaining about the

busy months but that is not it.

Not at all!

I totally love candle season.

My family does not.

But I also LOVE coming out

of it and the changes that come

with all of that.

You see,

when I was a teenager I would

paint my bedroom very often.

It was the thrill of the change.

I often wait until my hair is way, way

past time for a cut and then

go with a very short cut or new hair color....

I love the thrill of the change.

Having a remodeling project

that starts with something perfectly horrid

is the height of fun for me because

I love the thrill of the change.

Does this make sense?

While the craziness and the mess makes

the rest of the family twitch

it is what makes

me tick.....

Not that I love the mess.

I love coming out of the mess.

I love the contrasts of life.

Now, I still intend to make changes for

this coming year.

I'm still on the hunt for another location

to work from....

since my family doesn't get their thrills

the same way I do.

But, hopefully this helps those of you

who wonder how I can stand it.

I'm totally strange.

And I like it that way.

In my head I know that it is for a

season and then the changes are

real and stunning.

How about you?

Are you a fan of change or

do you like things to be the same

and predictable?

Secret Sister Gifts - CAST Team Etsy

2011-12-28T00:05:00.000-05:00

I used to drive my family crazy

talking about my blog friends

that none of them knew.

They got used to that

and have even had opportunity to

meet some of you in real life.

So, that is now the norm at our home.

In March I opened a shop on

Etsy, an online marketplace for things

that are handcrafted.

One of the first things I did upon

opening this shop was to join a team

of individuals who hold to similar beliefs that

I hold dear.

That of loving the Lord and trusting

in Jesus for our salvation.

We leave the controversial stuff alone

and agree on the important stuff.

I have met many, many amazing

artists here and am blessed to

have acquired another circle of

friends.

As "Friendship Ambassador to the World"

nothing could please me more, really.

lol

Well before Christmas rolled around many of

us decided we'd like to do a gift exchange.

So, the secret sister plan was activated.

When my gifts came in the mail

I ripped into them that very day.

I know a lot of the participants waited

patiently for Christmas.

It never occurred to me to wait.

I was so curious to see who my secret sister was

and what she had sent.

These are the treasures that
Zuda Gay sent.

An ornament embellished with a clay polymer

which when inserted over a white light

on the tree looks truly stunning.

Don't you love it?

Zuda Gay also sent a couple

dish or face cloths.

They are soooo soft.

I'd been perusing sites thinking

of getting myself some.

These are just perfect.

And finally,

but definitely not least....

What I am considering a bookmark.

I'm not sure if this is its intended purpose

but I have decided that it would go well in

a Bible because it has multiple strands and

I can keep up with Pastor Mike better if

I can keep several passages marked.

Jonathan looked at the craftmanship

on this clay flower and was totally impressed.

He has done clay sculpting and said that

what Zuda Gay does with the flowers is

truly amazing.

I would agree.....

Thanks, Zuda Gay.

I am so grateful.

To see more of Zuda's lovely

work just visit her Etsy shop

by clicking here.

You'll be so glad you did.

Moravian Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

2011-12-26T08:38:00.002-05:00

So...it is the morning after Christmas 2011.

We had a truly delightful day.

Everyone came into church with

energy and joy.

Our service was filled to the brim with

music and scripture.

Loved it!!

But the festivities began the night

before for our little family.

You see,

Warren's maternal heritage is Moravian.

His Grandpa Howard and Grandma Charlotte

were fully involved in the Moravian Church

in York.

This meant that Warren's mom, Georgia,

was raised in the Moravian tradition, as well.

One of the most important days of the year

was Christmas Eve.

The candlelight service is amazingly special

and something that I came to love when

I joined the family.

Then in the years since Grandma Charlotte

passed on and we always had a

Christmas Eve Service of our own

we had not gone.

However, since Christmas fell on a Sunday

Pastor Mike decided to move our service

to Christmas Day and we were free to make

the trek to York.

After a nice dinner together at Outback

Steakhouse we made our way to the church

in the heart of the city of York.

Immediately Georgia found folks from

her past. They delighted to see each other.

And then we made our way upstairs to the

beautiful sanctuary.

Elaine, the long time organist,

was bringing forth amazing music

from the vintage pipe organ.

As you know they have an amazing sound.

The service began and was pleasantly

familiar. From the songs sung to

the serving of love feast.

A special cinnamon bun and coffee.

Celebrating the unity of believers as history

tells of two groups of Moravians who had a

dispute. They decided one day to work through

it and once resolved they stayed to eat together

thus sealing the resolution and enjoying

each others company once again.

My favorite song in the service is called

Morning Star.

The song is sung antiphonally with

a child or children

leading the congregation.

Sigh......

so...sooo.....beautiful.

I am going to attempt to get the music

and teach it to our congregation for

Christmas Eve 2012.

A traditional Moravian

Christmas Tree.

Decorated with musical instruments,

dried fruit and beeswax candles.

The beeswax candles are very important to the

tradition. Each year the people of the church

get together to wrap the tissue paper

decoration at the base of the candle.

This serves as protection from the dripping

wax as well as looking stunning.

This was the house across the street from the

parking lot there in York.

We just thought it was so pretty.

I hope your Christmas was special.

Full of Joy.

Oh! And by the way....

the bottom half of the tree has been

relieved of its gingerbread men.

That's how far the dogs can reach...

so they did.

While we were in York.

Apparently the boys downstairs were

not paying any attention

so they got away with it.

Silly dogs.

Unforeseen Complication to Gingerbread Man Tree Decor

2011-12-24T10:37:00.000-05:00

So sometimes simple isn't as simple

as one would imagine.

Chelsea has made gingerbread men

for a couple of years now.

They are designed to

represent friends

and family.

Apparently these resemble

doggy treats to a couple of

furry members of our family.

We are now in the process of

teaching Chloe and Bandit

that what looks like

treats for them

are

NOT!

Then there was the question

of how to hang them.

Chelsea chose to just lay

some on the tree

bypassing the poking of holes

in the head.

However, there are only

so many places on the tree where

they can be laid and be visible

which left many unused.

Being the practical type

I decided that the only thing

to do was get out the ice pick and

"ahem"

poke holes in the forehead

of each and every remaining

boy and girl.

Unfortunately there was collateral damage to this

little girl's eye while poking her head.

You can tell she is in shock.

Meet Johnny.

At least Chelsea's take on him.

I don't see the resemblance at all.....

smile.

Chelsea happened into the

kitchen just as I drilled

into the head of our friend

Johnny.

Oops!

I know...it totally

felt wrong.

Especially since they have names.

But......

I'm not sure who I ate

after I broke them while

drilling their head...

I'm sorry.

But those who remain

are cute as a button on our

blue and white Christmas tree.

Now,

I wait to see if there is a tree

and or cookies remaining

when we return from getting

flour for more cookie baking.

Have a Merry Christmas!

Hope you aren't complicating things

quite as much as we have here.

Decorating for Christmas....

2011-12-23T19:53:00.000-05:00

What?

You say this looks more like

Autumn than Christmas?

I have a great excuse.

At this late date we are not getting

all of the Christmas boxes down.

I am using what I have on hand

and just rearranging

then adding some

glow.

We did go and get a small tree today

so that Chelsea can decorate it tomorrow.

She has made and decorated gingerbread men

for ornament...

I'll pick up some simple white lights

this evening.
We'll find a few other
ornaments here and there.

Simplicity

is the key

this year.

I hope your Christmas preparations

are going well. Whether you do it

up like crazy...or don't stress yourself

like me this year doesn't matter.

What does is that

we remember the reason

we celebrate.

God,

come to us.

Changing our eternal

destiny in the

process.

50% OFF My Stockpile.....

2011-12-20T08:17:00.001-05:00

I want it gone....

So you are invited to a clearance

sale......

50% off any of my remaining fundraiser

stockpile candles.

Price is based on Fundraiser Pricing

so...

12 ounce was $13....now $6.50

Available Fragrances are:
Cinnamon Buns
French Vanilla
Potpourri Spice
Hot Chocolate (in jars only)
Pumpkin Pie Spice
Blueberry Muffins
Balsam
Spiced Cranberry
Apple Cinnamon

Not all fragrances in all sizes .....

9 ounce Hexagon was $10....now $5.00

8 ounce Jelly Jar was $9.00.....now $4.50

I may add others if these get scarce...

we'll see.

Stay in touch.

Contact me for list of available candles.

You'll pay actual shipping which will

be quoted to you before you commit.

Thanks!

Beautiful Brunch and an All Round Lovely Day

2011-12-19T16:56:00.000-05:00

This morning I needed to

"run" to Chambersburg, just

over two hours one way,

to deliver some fund raiser candles.

I took Georgia and Chelsea along

for company.

That was a wonderful decision.

We had a very good time.

When I knew I was headed that way

I contacted a friend of mine from

Etsy and suggested that we meet up.

She invited us to her home for brunch.

We took her up on it!

We had such a delightful time

chatting away.

Georgia and Angel's little

daughters hit it off so well.

You could tell the recognize a

Grandmother when they see one.

Angel made cinnamon buns, blueberry muffins

and offered fruit.

I took bacon which Angel showed me

how to bake in the oven.

Love that method!

I'll be using that one from now on!!

Then after a too brief, but sweet,

visit we had to get back on the road.

There were more candles to deliver

back our way.

On our way home we stopped at a favorite

butcher shop in the York area and purchased

the roast for our Christmas dinner.

That will be Georgia's project.

I'm making ham.

Mom is making the mashed potatoes

and we'll have our own frozen corn.

Ooooh, my mouth is watering at the thought

of all of that goodness.

Good days, I tell you.
Even in the midst of the

sleepless nights

lost to work

and

sinus infections that really

put one down

life is still pretty awesome.

I'm one very

grateful

lady.

Indeedy!

All of the products through this post

are made by Angel or her partner, Michelle.

Two very talented and smart ladies.

And you can find them at
Bamcrafty Mamas on Etsy.

All I Need are The Reindeer!

2011-12-16T07:28:00.000-05:00

Oh! And maybe a white wig,

a red dress and

a few other distinguishing

items to be completely

like Mrs. Claus.

I'm pretty sure that a good

man like Mr. Claus

has an even better woman

helping him....

don'tcha think?

And so,
I feel a bit like her today

as I will continue the deliveries of

bags and bags of candles that have been

gathering in our dining room.

The dining room which no longer

has a table in the center.

It has been pushed to the far end in

favor of floor space.

By Tuesday evening every

large group will have their orders

and then they will be scurrying to

get things out before the magical

Christmas hour.

There is joy in the knowledge that

many people will receive my candles

on Christmas day.

Gifts...a symbol of

one amazing gift come

to earth on Christmas Day.

Here's hoping they will

enjoy them!

Ho! Ho! Ho!

"Mrs. Claus"

over and out!

Juliet's Busy Day

2011-12-13T16:40:00.003-05:00

I have a fun little friend at church.

Her name is Juliet.

Some things I enjoy about

Juliet....

She is a cute dresser.

Her smile.

Even if she does happen to enhance

her smile with a pretzel.

Her sweet singing voice.

Her willingness to serve.

On Sunday I happened to catch

Juliet serving twice.

Once as she played for our final

song....keeping the beat with the

guys.....

Later she helped Miss Jenny put

up and decorate the artificial

Christmas tree.

Some of us prefer a real tree

and so we kind of go back and forth.

I think it was our turn but as

you know it has been a bit busy

around here lately.

Jenny volunteered to just go ahead

with the artificial tree that was up in

the storage area for just such a

time as this.

She found a few dedicated volunteers

who built a tree in a very short time.

Then they added the lights...

that took the longest of the entire process.

Next simple ornaments.

And finally ribbon.

It came out pretty well

if you ask me.

It was sweet to see them working

together so nicely.

I'm thinking that my friend,

Juliet might have needed a

nap after her very busy day....

Such a sweetie, that one.

I love how our children and

young people learn to serve

with joy.

What a blessing!

Disclaimer: I asked for and received permission
from Juliet's mother to feature her in this post.
Thanks, Bonnie.

Our Homeschool Community Mourns Today

2011-12-12T08:35:00.003-05:00

Last week saw the terror of two

horrific traffic accidents

involving students

in our local area.

One day it was five

from a nearby school district.

The next day it was three siblings from

our own homeschool community.

Today the friends and family

of sixteen year old twin boys

and a nine year old sister

will celebrate, remember and honor
their short lives.

I did not know the young

people personally

although I know of them

just because of our

homeschool connections.

However, young people

that I do know well

have been called upon to sing and

accompany the music for this special

service.

Please keep them and all who

are hurting so deeply

in prayer today

and in the days to come.

I was amazed and pleased to

see the parents speak with our

local television reporter.

They spoke of their grief...

so real.

But they also spoke of their

HOPE.

Our Lord and Savior....

the One who they say gives

them the strength to get out

of bed each day.

Hard, hard days lie ahead.

My heart is heavy for them

this morning as they say

"Goodbye".

May many be reached with the

Gospel today and in the days to

come as we grapple with

the fact of eternity.

You Have to See What Love Can Do.....

2011-12-09T22:08:00.000-05:00

Check out this amazing change

in Katie. Home, fed and loved.

If that doesn't touch your

heart I worry about you.

What a beautiful

thing

behold.

Agreed?

Our Christmas Tea 2011

2011-12-06T07:04:00.001-05:00

Every year I think the

Christmas Tea

at church was the best yet.

But this one might be it.

This was the first year that

I did not help Deanna decorate.

I had things I just had to do in

the morning and she, Tim and

a few of their kiddos set it up

beautifully.

I loved the lamps on the tables!

So sweet!!

I had to take some photos of

a few of Deanna's tea cups.

She treats us each year by bringing

her own glass plates, tea cups and

tea pots, creamers and sugar bowls.

It is a service of love.

We appreciate it!

When the ladies began to arrive

the real fun began as we each

checked out what the next had

brought.

There were mini meatballs, spinach balls,

tea sandwiches, muffins, cranberry bread,

cheese and crackers,

jalepeno jelly on cream cheese
(Jelly was a gift from our friends at
Blue Barn Bulletin),

scones with lemon curd and cream........

I made potato soup.

It was all so yummy!!


Some items that went into the bags...first a mug then many other items.

And then came the fun.

We packed bags for the families

who are at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

It was so sweet to see the enjoyment everyone

got from filling a bag and then decorating it

just a bit with tissue paper and ribbon.

Not overdone but with love and care.
I also have to thank two cyber friends
who contributed to our project.
M & S you know who you are....
be blessed.
Many thanks!!

Finally we had to clean up and head

home....bellies full and hearts happy.

Many thanks to our dear Deanna,

of Creekside Cottage,

for making another special evening....

even with an unexpected cold.

You did very well,

my friend.

Driving Home on Saturday.....

2011-12-05T17:11:00.000-05:00

Maybe it was the exhaustion...

or perhaps I was just feeling

giddy because I was in the

same place as beautiful

views

AND

my camera

with working batteries

all at the same time.

Believe me,

it is rare lately.

However,

I might have gone a little bit

crazy with snapping photos

while driving.

Driving on a curvy back

road....

a curvy back road with

a buggy on it.

A curvy back road with

a Model A coming behind me

which made me try to take a

photo of it in the rearview mirror

while driving.

That didn't work out so well.

Tried the side view mirror....

Ooooh, can you see the black dot?

That is the Antique car....lol.

I might have put my arm out the

window with the camera

treacherously gripped in my

clumsy fingers to snap

these not so special

photos of the ~~horizon~~ sky.

Anyway.

I had a great time.

Didn't hit anything.

Not even close!

And you get to suffer through

this silly post....

just to see these.

A few photos that actually

came out o.k.

And now

I am off to our Ladies Tea

at church.

It will be lovely to spend an

evening with friends and working

on a project near and dear to

our hearts.

Those care packages for

families at CHOP over this

Christmas Season.

JOY!

Off to Do a Craft Show

2011-12-03T07:11:00.002-05:00

This is a fun one.

Yes, you've noticed I am doing

more craft shows this year.

Can't help myself.

I love them.

The atmosphere.

The people.

The cash.

LOL

Good Morning, Happy December!

2011-12-01T06:13:00.001-05:00

Time is flying...oh so fast!

I welcome December with

much enthusiasm....

We ladies at church are

working on an exciting

project and I thought I

would let you in on it.

For our annual tea

dear Deanna,

of Creekside Cottage,

had the brilliant idea to

give back.

(You should go visit her just

to see her header.....gorgeous!!)

We will make up care packages

for families who have children

at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia,

(CHOP).

This is where our dear friends,

Susanna and Katie are

as they wait for Katie

to stabilize enough to come home.

In case you are new to my blog,

Katie is a 9 year old girl

who has just been adopted from

a European orphanage.

The neglect was so severe that she

was just ten pounds when rescued.

Things are going well

and I suspect it won't be too much

longer before Joe and Susanna

get to bring Katie all the way home.

However, there are many families who

will spend their Christmas in the hospital.

If you are near to the Lancaster Area

and would like to join us on December 5th

for our Ladies Christmas Tea

you would be very welcome.

Just contact me for the time and place.

If you can't make it and feel that you

would like to help us make up

the packages you can.

Monetary gifts through

PayPal will go toward supplies

to tuck in the care packages.

Things such as mugs

(have... because some crazy

candle lady has a mug addiction),

plates, lotions,

nutrition bars, single serve drink mixes,

hard candy, peanut butter &

nutella (in small jars),

interesting reading,

gift cards....

These are the things we are

looking for.

Just wanted to make

the offer....

one of my dear online

friends volunteered to help

yesterday so I thought I would

open it up to everyone.....

just in case.

Now as to today's agenda....

I am off early this morning to

raise money for a tiny tot who

needs a liver transplant.

She is scheduled to receive a portion

of her mother's liver this month.

The article I linked to is about

another event to raise funds for her.

I'll have a candle table at a ladies
Bible Study this morning to

sell, sell, sell for Savannah.

I have found my calling,

people!

It is in helping those in need!

Loving every moment of it....

even if it does get a little crazy at times.

So happy to know that someone can

burn a (delightful - *wink*) soy candle and know that they have

helped someone in the process.

Speaking of.....

December 1 -7 is the week

to remember

those with Crohn's and Colitis.

I still have the

Purple Dress Candles

for sale in my Etsy shop and

50% of the sales price goes to

help in research and awareness

through our dear fellow blogger,

Ashley Hasty.

Much going on

but all for good purposes.

That keeps a smile on

my face!!

Hugs!

It's a Mess, I'm a Mess and I'm Running Behind

2011-11-29T14:25:00.000-05:00

Greetings!

I am swamped.

Its official.

Not unexpectedly

or in an unwelcome way....

Just a fact.

I'll be back with you as soon

as possible.

But for now I am having trouble

with concentrating on anything

that doesn't help me get my work

done....so......blogs kind of fall

into that category.

I just burned my finger pretty

badly on the hot glue I use

to secure the candle wicks.

It is killing me and already has

a nasty blister.

Did it have to be

my index finger?

Really?

Ouch!!

Later Gators!

You are loved!!

The Blessing of a Child Named Katie

2011-11-28T01:36:00.002-05:00

It was an evening that

Warren, Mike, Jenny and I

will never forget.

It was the night we met

Katerina Hope Musser.

All 10 pounds of her.

Perhaps she is up to

eleven pounds by now.

The feeding tube is firmly

in place and is feeding this

precious 9 year old girl....
so recently come

from an orphanage in

Europe.

But Katie no longer lives

there...She no longer suffers

the indignities of neglect.

That is in the past.

Katerina is now embraced by the

love of parents,

called by God,

from a world away.

Parents who obeyed His voice

and went through

impossible situations in order

to bring her home to a place

of safety.

When we walked into her room

tonight I was holding my breath.

How would I respond to this

child whom I had seen so many photos of

and yet had not seen in person?

Well, it took about a second to figure

that out. The response was pure love.

It took no time at all for this little one to

respond to her Mamma's voice and touch

with a smile that lit the room like a million

watt lightbulb.

Then came the giggle.

Oh.my.goodness.

We were all totally taken with Katie

in no time at all.

It has to be said that

there are no words to

describe the delicacy of this

girl's condition.

To explain how small she is.

It truly is shocking.

Your brain works and works

to comprehend what it is seeing.

It does not compute.

The abuse this child suffered is

unbelievable.

Inexcusable.

There are many stories to be told

when the time is right.

Those stories need to come from

Joe and Susanna,

but suffice it to say that God not only wanted

this little girl to know what it is to be loved

but He is doing more.....

much more.

Before leaving Susanna and Katie this

evening Pastor Mike and Warren took

turns praying and then we all joined in singing

The Doxology.

Picture if you will

a tiny face with

big brown eyes

chattering away

as we began to sing

and then she grows silent.

Those big brown eyes with the

long, long lashes growing bigger

and more intent if that is possible.

Then imagine that she leaned out

just a bit and studied us as we sang....

watching and listening to the

music.

Enjoying it.

As if for the first time

in her nine years.

Now that is an audience that

would encourage one to

continue to sing.

The time had come for

us to leave.

I reached my finger out to this

beautiful girl.

She did me the honor of grasping

it briefly.

Softly.

So softly....and gently.

The human touch.

It means so much!

We left the room with tears in

our eyes.

In wonder at the workings of

God in the life of this child.

Praising Him for the privilege

of bearing witness.

Of course we would covet your

continued prayers for Katerina, Susanna

and Joe.

It is not easy for Susanna to be away from

her other ten children, waiting at home.

It is necessary for now as bonding takes

place and Katie's health is stabilized.

Susanna wrote a post

after Thanksgiving that shows the

children meeting their new sister for the first time.

You'll find it here....enjoy!!

Look at how she remembers

and already loves her new Daddy.

Katie is one smart cookie!!

It Is the First Sunday of Advent

2011-11-27T07:54:00.000-05:00

They were

looking forward to a

coming King.

But what the people didn't know

was that this king wouldn't

inhabit an earthly throne that

could be taken away

as they had seen so many times.

Oh no.

This Kingdom would last forever.

In fact it has existed forever in

our Lord and King who is

eternal.

This Kingdom is the only

everlasting power over

sin and death.

Accomplished through the

sacrifice of death.

Once.

For all

who believe in His name.

So excited to begin the countdown to

the visible story of our salvation.

Jesus.....

the babe lying in a manger.

Man.

God.

With a very important purpose.

That is what it is

ALL

about.

Now

and for

eternity.

Enjoy this first Sunday

of Advent.

O Come, O Come Emmanuel

and ransom captive Israel!

Good Times!

2011-11-26T16:22:00.000-05:00

This morning I took off

with my Mom, Sister-in-Law (Bev)

and Mother-in-Law (Georgia)

to the Brandywine River Museum.

Warren and I had been there in

August. I am smitten.

Such a lovely place.

I hoped that the others

would love it too.

They did.

It is all decked out for Christmas

with a special room filled with trains

and another with dollhouses and

beautiful dolls.

Of course there are plenty of

Galleries of amazing artwork

and then there are all of the little

critter ornaments and decor made

from all natural goodies.

So much to see.

We had a very delightful time.

I felt as if I were playing

hookey from all of my work.

But it was good!

Tonight we will have music

practice and then over to

Creekside Cottage to share in

blessing a friend from church on his

birthday. It is a very full day.

But a lovely one.

Very, very sweet.

The Time Has Come For.......

2011-11-25T08:10:00.000-05:00

new

hot

water

heater.

Bummer!

Thanks to Mikey and Warren

who did not wake me

very early this morning

as they cleaned up the

mess of the former

hot water heater.

Now to see if we can find

the paperwork

and claim the

warranty.

Didn't see this one

coming.

Such a Beautiful Thanksgiving Day

2011-11-24T12:05:00.001-05:00

From the mums that are still

looking great

green grass striped by

shadows from the tall

trees that are plentiful in

our back yard

it is simply gorgeous

out there.

I love the asparagus fern

that I thought had

lost the battle in the heat

of the Summer.

But it is back with vigor and

will likely stay green until

it totally freezes through.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

From our home....

to yours.

I Was Hungry For It

2011-11-23T06:37:00.001-05:00

The "it" I was hungry for was

something I've never

seen anywhere

or had in my life.

I wasn't even sure if "it" was

possible but I

determined to give it

a try.

First I made chicken.

Just cooked it off on the top of

my stove in my new and

MUCH LOVED

cookware.

Warren is so relieved that I

am still smitten.

It was not a phase.

Anyway...

first the chicken.

Then I mixed up a light

bread dough.

I love to make bread.

And I'm actually good at it.

Surprisingly.

Finally,

I stuffed the bread dough,
in individual sized portions,

as you would a pasty or stromboli.

My stuffing ingredients were:

Cubed chicken breast

Farmers Cheese

Sliced ham luncheon meat

Cream cheese

Grated Romano Cheese

Onion (for Warren and Myself)

Ranch Dressing

Baked it.....

and Yummo!

Absolutely Delicious!!

Next time I make it

I think I will add a dipping

sauce that has just a bit of kick

to it.

That will take it from delicious to

heavenly!!

So Excited!!

2011-11-19T07:25:00.000-05:00

It is the week of
Thanksgiving!!

Allan and Bev

are coming!

My brother and sister-in-law.

It has been too long since

we have been together.

The turkey will be great.

Love those mashed potatoes.

But most of all....

I love a day dedicated to

time with family
and Praise to our
Loving Heavenly Father
for His provision in our lives
over the past year.

Advice Please.....

2011-11-18T07:28:00.004-05:00

As you know I'm kind of at a cross roads

as to where to go with my candle company.

I'm waffling back and forth between a desire

to move to another location for manufacturing

or to find a location in a high traffic area

to open a shop.

Now, my vision cuts two ways.

If I go purely into manufacturing I would

basically get a hole in the wall functional

place and just make and sell as many candles

as I possibly can to build the resources to

either grow the business to a point of

selling it as a proven, profitable business

or to then expand it into the

gift shop/art studio of my dreams.

If I were to really stick my neck out

now I would find some investors

and open that gift shop/art studio now.

I happen to be very close to some

amazing artisans who would likely

be willing to supply my shop for a

generous cut of the profits.

Exciting news either way
is that it looks like
my oldest son,
Jonathan, will come into
the business with me.
He has expressed willingness
and I think there are many ways
his artistic talents will
be a blessing.

He will grow in business
and learn much about
the creative, business and
sales processes.

As readers, who have been observing

this whole thing for the past several

years, would you be honest with me

about what you think is the

better way to go?

I've got tons of ideas either way.

But, until I know which way I should

go I don't know what I am looking for

and what I can afford.

That kind of stinks.

Good thing I'm too busy to really

get it accomplished right now

anyway, isn't it?

Edited to Add:

Speaking of busy...
I must have been tired when I
answered the questions on
this interview
because I think I
compared myself to a pig....
Hop on over and visit Taylor.
There is a coupon code to save
20% there, as well.

Apple Candle Trio

2011-11-16T08:32:00.000-05:00

I listed these this morning.

They make me happy.

So simple.

So Country.

The flame's glow through the quilted glass is

going to be awesome!!

Pray for Katerina!

2011-11-15T07:44:00.002-05:00

The time has come for Katerina

to come home with our friends

Joe and Susanna.

They retrieved her from the

orphanage on Monday.

This is a photo they put on

their blog from that day.

Now as we had feared

Katie is having a difficult time

medically.

She is a nine year old girl

who is in deep starvation.

She has refused to eat more
than a couple of swallows

from her last few bottles

and was showing signs of

dehydration.

An intensive care nurse from

Philadelphia will be with them

shortly but at the time of their latest

posting had not yet arrived.

At the recommendation of the attorney

in their case they have taken

Katie to a hospital.

Much prayer is needed!!

UPDATE:

From Katerina's New Daddy...

Praising God for His mysterious ways.

Our Sunday was Blessed

2011-11-14T07:44:00.001-05:00

Yesterday was special.

Our service was unique and wonderful.

It opened with a couple of people from

the congregation sharing from their hearts.

One, a mom, whose 20-something daughter
is on the mission field

and desiring to continue in a very dangerous

situation. An email from the daughter was read

and it was impressive in its statements of faith

and passion for the work she is doing.

Understandably the parents would love

to see their daughter back home safe and

sound but are seeking God's will in

giving their advice.

Secondly, a 16 year old young man

got up to share a message that was

bubbling up out of his heart.

A message of a discovery.

He is studying excellence.

His study has led him to the conclusion

that all who have excelled in their lives

were immersed in the Word of God.

Whether they actually had relationships

with the Lord, or not, he is not making

a judgement...but they all knew and quoted

the Bible.

He has challenged our congregation to a

deeper study of the Word.

So, make that two young people who have

challenged my faith so far...in one day.

Then there is Chelsea,

who totally has me beat in the category

of daily devotions.

Add to this the fact that most weeks that

we have fellowship meals there is a

teen led Bible study....

instigated and carried out by them.

Shaking my head at the work of God

in the hearts of the youth!

The wisdom and faith displayed.

Gotta love it!!

Pastor Mike preached a wonderful

sermon about Jonah.

Now this was the beginning of a short

series of sermons from this book.

Should be really good, if yesterday's

was any indication.

Our friends at Creekside Cottage invited

us back to their place for a special

meal of Mafe.

Mafe is a dish that originates in Senegal.

It is chicken, rice, peanut butter and curry.

Very different than I am used to

but it was fun to try it.

I happen to love rice and chicken...

the peanut butter

was an interesting

addition.

It was such a blessing to get to sit

and chat with my dear friends

Deanna and Kelly.

We live such busy lives during the

week that taking a day to rest

and visit is truly a gift.

So glad God thought of it!

LOL

So often when we were kids

it was easy to look at the

"rules" given in the Bible

and think that they were harsh

and unnecessary.

But age, experience and time has

taught me that when God tells us

to do something a certain way it is because

it is good for us.

We benefit every time.

Such a wonderful realization

to come to.

And Then They Prayed

2011-11-12T20:38:00.001-05:00

Did you see it?

Penn State Players

and

Nebraska Players.

Kneeling .

On the field

Beaver Stadium.

Both before and after today's game.

We had a report this week from

a friend in ministry on the

Penn State Campus that this past

week's events are drawing

people to prayer.

I never expected to see it

so publicly.

During this week

Students have been listening to

an acquaintance of ours who

preaches daily on campus.

The "same students" who have tormented

and laughed at him every day

for more than twenty years

are now gathering to hear

his message.

This also according to

our friend, Bob, who is on the

front lines.

All I can say is....

this day gave me hope for

the future of our country.

If our young people know

that prayer changes things

and have chosen God over

rioting and anger.....

there is hope.

Prayer changes things.

***********

An excellent article
about that moment:

I Miss You!

2011-11-12T08:06:00.001-05:00

I am well.

I am busy.

I miss You!

There is so much going on that

I rarely get to bed before 1:00am.

We added three more fundraising groups

this week. The first round of the first

group's orders are due to be delivered on

Monday so I am surrounded completely

by candles in boxes and bags here.

Thankfully the rest of the family has plans

for the day that are outside of the house.

Mikey and Chelsea are working....

Warren and Jonathan are off to a

Father/Son church event.

So....I can work!

Yesterday I started writing a post

about Chelsea because she is just too

cute....

and then the phone rang with that

last fund raiser and I could get them

started right then so the post

got dropped.

For the sake of adding photos to

this post and for expressing the

sentiments I wanted to I'll close

this post with the photos I was going

to share yesterday.

Chelsea and her friend, Emma just being silly.

She's a very good artist!

So pretty.


She disappears with the camera looking for creative shots.

My girl is a great person to hang

around with.

She has a great sense of humor,

much compassion

and

is so wise.

I love her.

Thanks for bearing with me during these

interesting times in my world.

I'll be back more regularly as soon as

possible, because you are all a huge

part of my life.

Who Knew What?

2011-11-10T06:01:00.001-05:00

If my Dad hadn't passed away
six years ago yesterday we would

have been on the phone in disbelief
at the news coming from Penn State

this week.
Frankly, his heart would
have been broken....

at how far a man can fall.

It is beyond my comprehension
that crimes as grievous

as this man is accused of could go on for so

many years with no deeper investigation

to the whispers and pleading accusations

of a few young men over the years.

To know that a student employee observed a

crime in process and for whatever reason was

not able to gain the attention
of his superiors takes me

back to a time I was witness to a crime.

It was a patient in the
dental office where I worked.

As I passed by the room in which my patient

sat I saw him tucking
a prescription pad into his

pants pocket.

It happened so fast that
I had to wonder if I had

actually seen what I thought I had seen.

I could have talked myself out of it if it

weren't that the moment was
so etched into my brain.

The end result was that I
went to the doctors I

worked for,

who did the right thing by
confronting the

patient and calling the police.

That was over a pad of

paper which only would have

hurt the one who took it.

Oh, for the sake of the children....

the many, many children
I wish the authorities that

this grad student had gone to

would have been so proactive.

I can only imagine the images

that must flash through this man's head...

the images that he knows he saw.

The guilt he must live with

each and every day.

I actually feel sorry for him.

Students are trained to leave it

to the University officials.

Could and should he have done more?

I think so.

But, I understand the environment that

caused him to remain quiet.

Who would have believed him?

He was likely assured it had been

dealt with.

The ripple effect of one man's personal

demons. It goes far and wide.

From the pain of those he has allegedly

offended to the mighty at the top of a

famous institution.

So.very.sad.

Because of our connections to the

area and so many years lived there

we know people directly impacted by the

media circus.... and by these actions.

Our thoughts and prayers are with them

as they deal with the pain and disappointment

so recently brought their way.

(((((hugs)))))

Last Night's Open House...

2011-11-08T09:02:00.001-05:00

Now that was a treat!

My friend, Angel, made it worth the

two hour drive!

She had more than 20 people come through

in our four hour time frame.

This meant that we only had about five

minutes when no one was there.

Pretty amazing!!

I was proud of myself for hanging in

there with all of the big semi's on Interstate 81.

Talk about a small fish in a big sea!!

Wow!

Chelsea's little Mazda Protege is itty

bitty next to those big boys!

I'm also pretty happy to have ended up back

in Lancaster on my first try

rather than Allentown or some other

distant place that those roads

also go to.

Being pretty much a homebody I don't usually

wander too far without Warren.

But this was fun and having Chelsea

along was great.

She loves to go, go, go!!

I have to say that this is one good thing

about our trips to Hershey over this past year.

I was totally comfortable getting that far.

Back to the Open House...

I wish you could have seen all of the

adorable toddlers and kids that came along.

So precious.

I accidentally left my camera there last night

so I can't show you the pictures.

Bummer!!

Well, I have orders to fill and boxes to

unpack so I'd better get to work!

I'm also hoping to get outside for a while today.

Just unpacking the car this morning

was very pleasant.

The smell of Fall is in the air.

For.sure!

Is It Monday Already?

2011-11-07T10:08:00.001-05:00

It is so interesting to have a cold at the

same time as my friend, Melissa.

Facebook makes real time complaints

possible and ours are nearly

identical.

No, I'm not going to share them

here but I have definitely lost some

work time and church time thanks to

this pesky virus.

Uggh.

Yesterday I showed up at church,

against my better judgement,

made the bulletins and began practicing

music with the teens and Mike and came to

the realization

that I really shouldn't be there.

So...I left.

Yep, let those impacted know

and came back home where

I slept off and on all day.

The rest of the family had a normal

day at Sonrise Christian Fellowship.

A fellowship meal,

A slide presentation by our Moms
about their

mission trip to Guatemala,

a hike for some and rocket

launches for others..

They all came back happy as could

be and I was so thankful for

a church that enjoys its fellowship

so much.

Today, I am headed about two hours

west to hold an Open House

with my friend Angel.

She is a fellow Etsian...

as we call ourselves.

If there was a way to push this

until later in the week I would do

it for everyone's sake...

however, Angel has done so

much work and has invited so many

people that 40 have said they are coming.

She has worked on her house, making it

look like a boutique.

Me and my Robitussin are going.

We are taking Chelsea along

as muscle...lol.

I am very, very excited about this

event and am so grateful to Angel for

all she has done to make it a success.

I'll be refilling this for Angel on the spot this evening.

That girl rocks!!

How Much Chocolate is Too Much Chocolate?

2011-11-04T06:40:00.001-04:00

To say that my kitchen is not

exactly functional for normal use

right now would

be an understatement.

It is much more like a factory.

The boys come in and put their

Hot Pockets in the microwave

or frozen pizzas in the oven

but regular cooking is rare

at this time of the year.

Sad.

But true.

So, the other evening

Mom, Chelsea and I met Warren

at the Olive Garden.

Not our usual place to grab a bite

but it just sounded sooooo good.

Our server was one who seemed to

be going through the motions

enthusiastically.

What do I mean by that?

Well, she was very animated but you

could tell that it was all canned,

so to speak.

Very been there, done that.

I wasn't overly impressed but

we weren't there to be entertained

so it really didn't matter.

However, as time went on

there was a thaw in her personality.

She began doing special favors.

We began chatting and her sense of

humor became evident.

Finally she left the bill and a huge

handful of mints.

Our eyes got big and we each had

a "few". Then she came back and

dropped another huge handful on the table

declaring that she couldn't remember if

she had given us our mints yet.

We laughed and I showed her my

empty wrapper and asked if

we made those disappear if we would

get more.

Well, that was all of the encouragement

this lady needed.

Next thing we knew there was a goblet

full of Olive Garden mints in the center

of the table.

So, we ate some.

Then she asked if we wanted

any dessert?

I pointed out that I thought we

had kind of "done that".

She put her head back and

roared. She also agreed.

We prepared to leave with goody bag

in hand when didn't that silly lady

bring another goblet full to dump

in our bag.

Sheesh!

Chocolate mint overload.

So....if only the story ended here it would

have been more chocolate than this family

needed, but alas, it does not.

You know by now that our Chelsea

is just a bit of a Starbucks fan.

So, our next stop before heading home

was our favorite Starbucks store.

One of our favorite barrista's was there for

the first time in a while.

He said he was happy to see us since it

had been a while and we told him that he

was the one who had been missing.

He agreed.

He'd been on his honeymoon.

We were so happy for him!!

So...

I'm standing there waiting

for for our drinks to be prepared

when this young man

walks over with two very

chocolaty desserts and says

"Shhh....don't tell anyone,

but these are for you."

Did I mention....

they were very rich and very

chocolatey and we had just eaten

about a ton of Olive Garden mints??

Oh. Dear.

But what was I to do?

I thanked him enthusiastically

and took the chocolate.

We shared it.

It was delicious.

No mint.

Just caramel and pretzels.

I so appreciate the servers of this

world. Their jobs are not easy.

Recognizing that they are humans

with families, lives and struggles

is a good thing.

It makes our interactions with them

so much sweeter.

"Hug" a server today....

they will be shocked!

O.k. so not literally.

But just try asking them about

their day...and smile!!

Not everyone they deal with

is as nice as you are.

Who knows,
if they happen to be cleaning
out the dessert case at the end
of the night they may choose
to offer something to you
instead of putting it in the trash.
LOL

Tea Light All Dressed Up!

2011-11-03T11:33:00.001-04:00

So precious....

Each one burns 4-6 hours

depending on conditions and whether

it is a continuous burn.

I would covet your prayers this week.
I have some major decisions to make
regarding the candle company.

It is growing so quickly that I have
to make some major changes.
It would appear that God is
leading in a couple of areas of
growth but they are scary as can be!!

I need wisdom.
Doors to open and close
as He would will it.

Peace to be totally content
in His will.

Thanks!!

This Passage Fits

2011-11-02T06:48:00.000-04:00

In what is a very busy and stressful time

of my year, one in which I delight

as well as struggle,

these verses put into words

what my heart has been feeling.

Psalm 28:6-8

Praise be to the LORD,
   for he has heard my cry for mercy.
The LORD is my strength and my shield;
   my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.
My heart leaps for joy,
   and with my song I praise him.

The LORD is the strength of his people,
a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.

I am so thankful for His leading.

The way He makes Himself evident.

His love and discipline.

He.is.good.

Is That a Frog?

2011-11-01T07:49:00.002-04:00

Every time I open my mouth to speak

a funny croaking sound comes out.

Bummer.

Oh well.

Much to do.

I'll be in the kitchen if anyone needs me.

Hope you aren't dealing with

frogs in your throat.

Seriously.

Unusual Beauty

2011-10-30T09:10:00.000-04:00

It is not often you get pristine white

snow and golden leaves all in one shot.

But, this morning that was possible.

So...I did!

Check out the natural star that formed at the top of this tree.

Just made a test run to the church...

it is all good.

The power is on.

So we will worship corporately this morning...

those that can make it.

October Snow! Lots of It!!

2011-10-29T18:38:00.002-04:00

This morning just after the snow began.

The Country Bumpkin is having a hard time seeing.

This morning just before noon.

The same planter this evening around 6pm.

I think these trees could be in a book by

Dr. Suess.

The power has gone out for a few seconds at a time

but so far......we are ok.

The kids were out briefly this afternoon but

came back reporting the sounds of cracking

limbs all around them.

It is beautiful.

It is dangerous.

We miss Warren
for many reasons as he is
on a business trip in Florida
but specifically right now because
I don't have a clue how to
hook up the generator if the power goes out.
Hurry home, Honey.
We'll try to save a little bit of snow
for you....

Update: We lost power around 11pm
last night but it came back around 4:15am
this morning.

No One Thought of It....

2011-10-29T06:27:00.001-04:00

I am so disappointed.

Yesterday was so exciting and fun.

Yet, there was something missing.

Very missing.

You see, yesterday afternoon Mrs. Rabe

and I made a trek to Harrisburg to meet

a special lady. We went to meet Diane,

who writes the Tomato Soupcake Blog.

We arrived and I left her a voice mail

telling her that we had arrived and that she

should come and find us in the lobby.

She did.

We met with laughter and hugs.

She is exactly what I was expecting

her to be.

A bundle of love.

So warm.

Caring.

Open.

Sweet.

Oh, a tiny bit of what Heaven will

be....all of these dear friends from across

the globe meeting and sharing our love of

Jesus and each other.

The three of us sat and chatted for

nearly two hours.

It was great.

Finally, we knew Diane needed to

get back to her events at the

Relevant Convention.

I also needed to take Mrs. Rabe

back home so she could complete

her tasks to get ready for a family trip.

We got up,

we walked arm and arm to the car.

We wished that we lived closer so that

these kinds of chats could happen

more often.

We left.

Half an hour later as we drove up

Route 283 I saw some beautiful trees.

That made me think of my camera.

Which led to the random declaration that

we had taken no photos!

NONE!!

Three bloggers and NONE of us had

remembered to take a photo

of this meeting.

What is the world coming to?

How could this have happened??

Priorities, I guess.

We were just being real.

Loving the meeting and the sharing.

Selfishly.

But, just so you know....

Diane said I was "adorable".

I'm pretty sure that was the word she

used...but you'll just have to take

my word for it...

'cause there is no evidence.

Hugs!!

The House is Coming Alive....

2011-10-28T07:52:00.000-04:00

As the sun rises in the sky

one by one people begin crossing

through the living room where I sit

watching the tragedies on the news.

One sometimes has to wonder why

I watch it....a morbid fascination,
I guess.

I'm not likely to give it up anytime

soon so don't even try....

LOL.

But, from the quietness of

me at the keyboard,

2 cats and 2 dogs comes a Mikey.

He bounds up the stairs headed for the

shower. He greets the dog with genuine

affection. I warn him that he'll want a

heavy coat today. The temps have dropped

dramatically.

Eventually he makes it to the kitchen to

make his breakfast before a full day at

work. Chelsea wanders out and they

chatter between themselves. I can't hear

what they are saying, only that they are

enjoying each other's company.

The Coffee Maker sputters out its last

drops and still the murmers of their voices

continue.

These are the little things that make a house

a home. This is family.

I love it.

We are missing Warren who is on a business

trip this weekend. But, it is also opportunity to

work, work, work and even fit a bit of play

into our schedule. Hoping to meet Diane,

from Tomato Soupcake today. She's at a

Blog Conference about an hour from me.

We'll see how that works out.

But in the meantime....

I'll just bask in the coziness of home and

family as the house wakes up around me.

Great sounds, great times.

Stolen from My Mother!

2011-10-25T07:55:00.000-04:00

Since Chelsea has been working at

Sight and Sound Theater with my mother

I get to hear bits and pieces from

the devotions my Mom shares there.

Wouldn't it be pretty cool to work in

an environment where

you actually have

devotions?

Well, they do and it is a shared duty

among willing employees.

Apparently the other day Mom used

an event that happened right after

Chelsea was born to make a very

important point for us in life.

The story goes like this.

While pregnant with Chelsea I was

put on bed rest at the fourth month due

to very, very high blood pressure.

Therefore I was chomping at the bit

as soon as she was born to get back out

there and shop!

LOL

No, not just shop, just not sit

on my couch for endless days!!

I was excited to visit the outside world,

other than my illegal Saturday outings to Hoss's.

Yes, we did do that all the while I was on

bed rest. It was necessary for my sanity.

A quick trip.

Anyway, within days of Chelsea's birth

Mom and I were at the local Sam's Club.

We had completed our shopping and were

leaving when we noticed piles of boxes.

I don't remember who it was that wanted the boxes

but I do know that both of us became engrossed in

finding just the right ones not realizing that

the sidewalk sloped right into the road and

neither of us was holding onto the cart

anymore.

The next thing I heard was a man's voice

yelling...

"Hey Lady! Your baby is in the middle of the road!"

I turned and there she was....
Chelsea, in her car seat,

sitting in the cart

in front of a stopped

pick-up truck.

My adrenaline went through the roof.

I was so angry at myself, at my Mom

and at the world.

But ever so thankful that my Chelsea,

so long waited for,

was ok.

Well, Mom made a wonderful analogy

for this sorry tale in her devotional.

She reminded her coworkers not to

let go of the precious things of life to

reach for the cardboard things.

Isn't that a pretty cool lesson?

Yep, my Mom is cool like that.

That's were I learned it....

wink!

Have a wonderfully stupendous day.

I'm busy as a beaver in the

candle kitchen!

I Just Might Be Losing It....

2011-10-23T06:30:00.002-04:00

Never mind the fact that I cleaned my kitchen until,

well, lets just say late,

last night....

And then I was up at six

this morning attacking the

tub and shower

with nauseatingly strong cleaner

points to one of two

things....

either the baby is due any minute,

or ...

and this is the most likely one....
given that hysterectomy a few years back...

I have had enough!

Enough of the mess.

I can turn a blind eye for way longer

than most....

but it is always there.

That monkey on my shoulder.

But then I saw this.

And I totally lost it in mirth.

A new decor.

Making a mental note to ask if anyone actually uses that Old Spice.

Sure to be a fad!

A beautiful razor holder!!

Gasp!

I never thought it could be functional too!!

LOL

Isn't this what you put candle holders out

there for?

The fact that I found this blogworthy

at all should give you cause for

concern.

But, never fear....

I'm way more fun this way!!

Just ask my kids.

Update on Katerina....

2011-10-21T23:57:00.001-04:00

It is GREAT news....

Check out Susanna's Blog

to read it for yourself!

If the Lord wills it she will be in
her parent's arms before Thanksgiving.

Thank you, Jesus.

Good Morning!

2011-10-20T06:45:00.001-04:00

I've just come inside after taking our Bandit out

for her necessary visit to the yard.

Let me tell you that moments like this are vital

to my survival. Now, it is not every time that

I enjoy this duty...but at 6:40am today it was

a very special experience.

There is a light breeze rustling in the trees

and touching one's face with little fingers,

puffing clean fresh air into the nostrils,

thus cleaning out candle oil weary lungs.

Just to my right a cricket was playing

a song. It seemed he or she was very

proficient.

The horizon was just beginning to show the

light of a new day.

All was quiet but in the distance
I saw the lights of the local
dairy barn.....
farmers busy at work so early
in the morning.
Then they will send the cows into
the pasture across from me.

Routines so familiar that we rarely
think about...

I'm always sad when the weather turns and
they don't send the cows out each day
and I know Spring is truly here when the
daily exodus begins once again.

I kind of hope Bandit asks to go back

out rather soon.

It is most pleasant out there....

but I have piles of work to do today.

So, I'd best be getting to it.

Maybe you'll be able to take just

a few minutes to step outside....

not headed anywhere.

Just to close your eyes

and breathe.

To be thankful for the beauty and

comfort of God's Creation.

Chatting Here

2011-10-19T07:47:00.000-04:00

Just another rainy day in Lancaster County.

Actually they are warning of severe weather

today. It seems a bit late in the season for

severe thunderstorms but what do I know.

Chelsea worked unexpectedly yesterday

and Mikey applied for a full time job.

Praying that works out if it is supposed to.

Truth is, if he could work full time at

his current job he would never, ever leave.

It is a fabulous place to work and his boss

it wonderful.

The way this possible job came about it

interesting. He was working on Saturday

when a neighbor whom we have only spoken

with in passing as our dogs run barking at his

dog invited Mikey to apply to work in the

department he manages, the warehouse.

He said it is hard to find people who really want

to work......

Well, Mikey loves to work!

He especially loves to work for decent pay

and benefits.

It pays to do a job well....

Mikey is experiencing the fruits of this now

by being noticed.

Anyway, I told you that because I was going to

say that both in taking Chelsea to work and in

driving with Mikey and Jonathan to the potential

employer the weather was great!

The views absolutely gorgeous.

I have to say that this isn't the most brilliant

Fall we've had, but it is gentle and sweet.

We passed a long line of beech trees

where the power company had trimmed the branches

back from power lines exposing the

tall white trunks.

This may be the first time the power company's trimming

has improved the looks of a landscape.

But it was truly stunning!!

I also enjoyed spending time with my

friend, Mindy, yesterday.

She came and hung out while I worked

on three dozen pumpkin pie spice candles.

It was good to catch up with her!

Tomorrow the Heartsy deal begins.

You'll be able to get $21 in candles for just

$10 if you buy one of their vouchers.

Fun!

Oh my!

I got interrupted while writing this

because the VIP Heartsy orders are rolling in.

Have to run!

If you want to know more just

go to www.heartsy.me

Hugs!

Late Night Feedings

2011-10-17T21:52:00.000-04:00

Not for a baby.

We are all out of those.

For teen boys.

Ours and their friend.

Burgers.

On slider buns.

That's the way they like it.

With Cheese, Honey mustard,

ketchup and

spicy mayo.

I like making them happy and

hearing their chatter and laughter.

Did you know that my tart molds

can be an example of how a

transmission works?

I do now.

They were quite impressed with

the accuracy of the demo.

The things we learn

by serving and loving

the teens and young men who

pass through our doors.

But I think I've learned enough

for tonight.

It is time to sleep!

They'll be fine now that they've

been fed.

I'm Still Here....Really, I Am....

2011-10-17T08:56:00.000-04:00

Jonathan thought I was nuts to stop in the rain for this picture. I'm not nuts...it is gorgeous!

Oh, dear friends, what a ride this whole candle season

is turning out to be! Since I started my Etsy shop I have

shipped packages at least once a week, often three or

four times a week. I am so blessed by the response there.

I have easily tripled my fund raiser work this year and am

actively looking for an off site location to make candles.

Yes, my business is growing that much and quickly.

Last evening one of the public school fundraiser coordinators

asked if she could invite two other groups to join them in

their fund raiser. I gulped, turned white...told Warren...and

he said, "The answer is YES!".

Oh. My.

My belly is in a happy uproar

at all of this excitement.

Later this week I will run a Heartsy Deal

in my shop which will likely generate a lot

of new customers. It is like Groupon

but for Etsy. I hope you'll take advantage of

it if you've been thinking of trying my candles

but haven't done so yet. It runs for VIP's on

Wednesday...if you buy a VIP pass you pay

$10 and get a $31 voucher for my shop.

On Thursday the regular Heartsy members

will pay $10 and receive a $21 voucher for

Good Neighbors Candle Co. on Etsy.

I take regular breaks to take kids to

doctor appointments, work and .....

Starbucks!

Yep! It has to happen regularly or

a certain someone gets cranky.

Its not me.

But one I love dearly and she

pays for her own addiction so

I am willing to enable her for now.

LOL

Oh! And she is learning to drive.

She does very well and hopes to

be much more independent in

January.

You know, the month with all of

the snow and ice around here?

Yep! That month.

I'm in denial.

Its easier.

I understand, now better than ever,

why God led by example and rested

on the seventh day.

It is good for us.

Not always easy to just stop

but definitely wise to do as He did.

So....I saw Courageous for the third

time last night.

Am I crazy?

Nope!

Warren hadn't seen it yet

and he needed to.

Mrs. Rabe and Emma came along.

Last Sunday night I had seen it

with their family and Chelsea.

I went with our Moms during the week.

So...really it is not ALL about candles here.

Just mostly.

This is why I haven't posted much.

Not a lot to share that you'd even care about.

But, I wanted to check in and say that

I miss you!

Love the customer/blog reader connections

that have been experienced over the past

few weeks.