A flower is a flower is a flower.....

A snow storm is headed my way again here in the Northeast but I have a little garden here inside that never fades or wilts. This is the base of an Italian tole floor lamp that I have beside the chair where I read and watch tv. I have had it for years so sometimes I don't even notice it anymore. Do you do that? Find that you don't see your lovely things sometimes because they have been with you for so long?

These metal tole flowers are the same original bright colors, I didn't paint them. This rose is my favorite. 
Some forget-me-nots.
Dogwood or.............?
Not sure what this is but I LIKE it! The graceful shape is so pretty. 
Spring is around the corner, I know it,.....at least I hope it is?!

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day from our house to yours.

The Greatest Love!

Be still

The snow has come and blanketed us with it's stillness.

Be still and know that He is God 
Be still and know that He is holy 
Be still oh restless soul of mine 
Bow before the prince of Peace 
Let the noise and clamor cease

Be still and know that He is God 
Be still and know that He is faithful 
Consider all that He has done 
Stand in awe and be amazed 
And know that He will never change 
Be still
Be still and know that He is God 
Be still and know that He is God 
Be still and know that He is God 
Be still 
Be speechless
Be still and know that He is God 
Be still and know He is our Father 
Come rest your head upon His breast 
Listen to the rhythm of 
His unfailing heart of love 
Beating for His little ones 
Calling each of us to come 
Be still 
Be still

Steven Curtis Chapman

Could it be? ......a 24 hr craft network!

I am passing the word along about a new 24 hr craft network from Karin 

at Creative Chaos. This is her interview with Kelly, who is Carol Duvall's assistant. Go to Karin's blog to join in her giveaway and be a part of spreading the news. 

 

First.......I have it on good authority that I and/or my group in no way shape or form scared, frightened or struck terror in Carol Duvall with our frenzied meeting.  Thank God.  So that leads me to my second piece of good news.  Not only was Inot banned from any future meetings, gatherings or correspondence, I was given top super secret information about the eventual return of Carol by her long time producer Kelly Ehrlich.   Kelly and I have quickly become, as one might say in the industry, BFF's since that fateful meeting in the lobby.   Ok, she's only written me twice.......but, hey, that's BFF material in my book.......Hi Kelly!  Coffee next week?  I'll have my people call your people!

Anyway, the super top secret information is that Kelly is trying to get an online craft community together called icraftnetwork featuring Carol.   Although the site is not up yet, she is hoping for beta testing in the next couple of months.  If you email Kelly at icraftwithcarol@yahoo.com , you will be put on the mailing list, as well as, be part of first beta test group.   Meaning you will get to see the site before the general public.  It’s like a backstage pass to a rock concert! 

 

So, anyhow, I got a chance to chit chat with Kelly about the new site...........

 

Karin: So, Kelly, now that I've been "personally chosen" to spread the word, what can you tell us about the site.

 

 

Kelly: Ummm, I’ve actually told many people about this; but I'm glad you can help us out!  The site is not up yet; however,  we are hoping to have it ready for beta testing in a a couple of months.  What everyone can look forward seeing on the site is the largest fully interactive craft community online which will include many of your crafting idols, a market place where members can sell their own crafts, they will have access to amazing craft projects  from the craft industries most talented and most recognized craft experts. We will be the HULU of craft programming. 

 

 

Karin: That sounds exciting!  Can you explain to everyone what that will entail?

 

Kelly: Well, they will be able to view and discover craft programming they never even knew was out there.  We will be producing original icraft Network programming with all the Carol Duvall show regulars and the craft industries leading craft designers as well.  There are so many bells and whistles on this site it will literally be a crafters utopia. 

 

Karin: I love utopias!  Especially when it involves crafts.  So how can crafters participate on the icraftnetwork?

 

Kelly:  There will be a variety of ways crafters can participate. Members will be able to upload and share their own projects and craft videos.  We will be highlighting craft bloggers, events, news etc. The purpose of this site is to bring the best of the crafting world all under one roof. 

 

Karin:  So does that mean Carol will be back on our screen soon?

 

Kelly:  Carol is going high tech; so keep an eye out for Carol and friends coming to a computer screen near you soon!  

 

Karin:   So, Kelly, can you let me in on any other secrets....please........pretty please......

 

Kelly:  Ok.....I will say this, top secret of course, there is power in numbers and my wish is to build the largest online craft community that will support the launch of a 24hr craft network.   I think the networks are missing out by not seeing the huge demand there is for this type of programming.   I want to prove to them that there is a HUGE demand and an audience that will support this type of programming.  THAT is why I need every crafter who misses The Carol Duvall Show and other shows like hers to email us at icraftwithcarol@yahoo.com  and let your voice be heard!!!    In the meantime, we will producing online craft segments and shows for your viewing pleasure on the site. 

 

Karin: So one last question.....now that I practically know Carol on a personal level, do you think she would come over to my house if I cooked her dinner?

 

Kelly:  Maybe with a little added security and some guidelines, you might get her to accept a dinner invite.....lol......

 

Karin:  Yay!  Carol's coming over for dinner!  I hope she likes Costco chicken........Anyway, thanks so much Kelly for letting us all in on the big news.

 

   

Kelly:  No problem!  This is really just the tip of the iceberg.  Stayed tuned for more and keep those emails coming! 

 

 

Karin: So are we still on for coffee next week?  Kelly?  .......Kelly?  Ok, my little person will call your people!  Talk to you soon! 

Another one of those days

Bakers may be shocked by my technique, put my family is not. I'm not really into baking but I wanted to start making goodies for Valentine care packages for my girls. I have a free afternoon but no butter. I insist on butter when making cookies. It is 20 degrees outside but I didn't want to waste the day so out I go. Back home I realize I don't have enough white flour. No, I'm not going back out. I decide to supplement the white flour with whole wheat flour. Per the recipe, I add 3 teaspoons of baking powder, well, what I thought was baking powder. It was soda. No problem, I just add the baking powder too. They came out pretty good. Now what can I find to ice them with?

As a side note....Have you seen the commercial for the " 'Ove Glove"? I know you have! Well, I got one for Christmas and it really is handy. It gives you a better grip than the floppy hot pads. One of those "as seen on tv" thingys  that works. Ok, well, I didn't test it by touching anything hotter than a cookie sheet and I'm not going to. I'll leave that for you.

Winner!

Just a quick note to announce the winner of my giveaway......the name is.......Tristan! Please send me your address and I will scoop up some other goodies to go in the box and send it right out to you. Thanks everybody for visiting me! 

love, karen