USED TO BE*********

My cousin Lloyd emailed this to me today. It is one of those internet dealy-bobby things. But, it is so true. Don't you wish life was still simple? Cell, phones? As much as the over use disgusts me. You can be sure though, that my Mom would have given me one. They are a great security feature for modern times. They do not need to be a source of entertaiment.
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Black and White
(Under age 40? You won't understand.)
You could hardly see for all the snow,
Spread the rabbit ears as far as they go.
Pull a chair up to the TV set,
"Good Night, David. Good Night, Chet."
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My Mom used to cut chicken, chop eggs and spread mayo on the same cutting board with the same knife and no bleach, but we didn't seem to get food poisoning.

My Mom used to defrost hamburger on the counter AND I used to eat it raw sometimes, too. Our school sandwiches were wrapped in wax paper in a brown paper bag, not in icepack coolers, but I can't remember getting e.coli

The term cell phone would have conjured up a phone in a jail cell, and a pager was the school PA system.

We all took gym, not PE.. and risked permanent injury with a pair of high top Ked's (only worn in gym)
instead of having cross-training athletic shoes with air cushion soles and built in light reflectors. I can't recall any injuries but they must have happened because they tell us how much safer we are now.
Flunking gym was not an option... even for stupid kids! I guess PE must be much harder than gym

Speaking of school, we all said prayers and sang the national anthem, and staying in detention after school caught all sorts of negative attention.

We must have had horribly damaged psyches. What an archaic health system we had then. Remember school nurses? Ours wore a hat and everything.

I thought that I was supposed to accomplish something before I was allowed to be proud of myself.

I just can't recall how bored we were without computers, Play Station, Nintendo, X-box or 270 digital TV cable stations.

Oh yeah... and where was the Benadryl and sterilization kit when I got that bee sting? I could have been killed!

We played 'king of the hill' on piles of gravel left on vacant construction sites, and when we got hurt, Mom pulled out the 48-cent bottle of Mercurochrome (kids liked it better because it didn't sting like iodine did) and then we got our butt spanked.

Now it's a trip to the emergency room, followed by a 10-day dose of a $49 bottle of antibiotics, and then Mom calls the attorney to sue the contractor for leaving a horribly vicious pile of gravel where it was such a threat.

We didn't act up at the neighbor's house either because if we did, we got our butt spanked there and then we got butt spanked again when we got home.

I recall Donny Reynolds from next door coming over and doing his tricks on the front stoop, just before he fell off. Little did his Mom know that she could have owned our house. Instead, she picked him up and swatted him for being such a goof. It was a neighborhood run amuck.

To top it off, not a single person I knew had ever been told that they were from a dysfunctional family. How could we possibly have known that?

We needed to get into group therapy and anger management classes? We were obviously so duped by so many societal ills, that we didn't even notice that the entire country wasn't taking Prozac! How did we ever survive?

LOVE TO ALL OF US WHO SHARED THIS ERA, AND TO ALL WHO DIDN'T- SORRY FOR WHAT YOU MISSED. I WOULDN'T TRADE IT FOR ANYTHING

AUGUST MOON

So, this month, two for the price of one.

I had already made this piece for

the August Moon theme, then

found out about the Eclipse.

Well, I put up the Eclipse last night,

and will put this one out tonight.

So, look at it this way, you have

a Blue moon, even there really wasn't one.

ECLIPSE

Just in case those like me, slept

through this historic feature.

I created this impression, ahead of time,

when I saw it on the news.

FANTASY PEGASUS

I just keep finding things from my past that I had completely forgotten. Actually, I thought I may have dumped them long ago. Thank goodness, I hadn't. One item I rediscovered, is my Thesis-workbook from my Creative Stitchery class. That was my favorite class, was thaught by my favorrite instuctor: Anna Ballarian. I found all of my drawings I had made for future projects. Because, for class, I was only able to finish one project. A romantic style wall hanging. I will show it some other time. I'm not sure how I intended to use the Pegasus. Maybe a dresser scarf for my vanity dresser. A pillow, or just a small framed piece. Possibly embroidered on a garment. Definitely, an embroidered piece. I have at least 20 ideas in my workbook. Nice.

TEASET--TEMPEST

In my Blog last year. I wrote about my desire for a tea set. And that I never received one.
Well, I did finally have one. A miniature set, in porcelain with little flowers and gilt trim.
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The story is: My Dad went into partnership with this guy in Oregon, and Dad was trying to set up a Two X Four Mill up there in a small town called Drain. So, there were a lot of trips back and forth, building the mill. Organizing the running of the business and lining up buyers. All kinds of details.
There was the nicest Toy and Gift shop in a town we passed through. The town was Oakridge. The name of the little shop was; Cooper's Gift and Craft Shop. It was a small store, but carried lines of things I never knew about, or had only seen in magazines at Christmas. To Davey and I, it was kid heaven. After I discovered it. My brother and I always HAD to stop there. During one of stops, the shop had gotten in some exquisite Miniature tea sets. They were simply too precious. The spouts really poured. The Teapot is 1 1/2" tall. You might say they are in 2" to 1ft. scale. And NOW I needed to chose only one. Took me awhile. Finally Mom came in to see what was taking so long.
With her really good taste, helped with my final choice. Which means, I decided on the one she liked best. That is the one in the picture. We both realized, the tea set was Maribelle size (14"). I was absolutely delighted to finally have a tea set. And it was nice to buy it for my doll. The service was made in Japan. Printed in red.
We stopped there many times and Kid bro. and I bought a lot of toys and treasures. We saved up all of our allowance between trips, so we would have money to buy something special. Between us, we had quite a soft toy collection.
I will do a story or two later, on some of the neat things we found there.
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This was the summer after I had graduated from high school and before I went away to continue my education.
But, I played with my dolls and had tea parties with the new tea set anyway. That's what it was for, yes? My cousin Audrey was intrigued by the tiny set. I think she finally was able to talk my aunt and uncle into getting one for her too. Hers was Japanese too, but a different quality. I would have bought one like mine for her. but, Mom and Dad said that would be too expensive a gift. And I didn't have the enough allowance for another one. We had price limits for gifts. Especially between relatives
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STARSHINE

Here is one of my Photosuite Art Pieces.
It is from 2005.
I made a few pieces last year, however,
I have not made anything new this year.
I am into other ways of creating.
My paper journal and my first choice-dolls.

SEVENTEEN Magazine

In this week's Newsweek, there was a story about the new Editor of Seventeen magazine. I know she is only one in a long sequence of editors. But, it was interesting and brought up memories. Seventeen has been around since 1946. And in the story says it is a teen magazine that stays true tothe good girls. I very pleased to see that. To set a clean standard for the young girls to follow. Really nice to see that. Well what about it? Seventeen magazine helped me make it through High School. Thanks to the articles on social interaction. How to handle rude, mean and gossipy people. How to develope good manners and deportment. Ladies Home Journal was also a source of social behavior. I had been thinking about the magazine, because I have one copy I kept as a keepsake from my school days. I will end up putting in on eBay next year. But, now it takes me back. No, I was NOT popular in High school. I was too nice. If I found out a nasty trick was going to played. I would squelch it. (refer back to my entry on: Bullies) Gee, the prankters hated that. No, no one tried to prank me. So, I guess there may have been some respect there.

The modern Seventeen magazine is still there for the young ladies. With all the personal beauty advice on hair, makeup, clothes and being attractive. It did talk about that back then too. But, it was how to find your figure, hair color, hair type. How to discover your personal style. Always look your best, feel good about yourself. And how to be yourself and make the most of your life. Be the best person you can be. Make the most of your opportunities, and be nice. Now days, no one has manners. In fact they do not have any idea what that even means. (Whazat?) So, great going Seventeen, still sweet after all these years.

The clothes were always beautiful. I loved pretty clothes. This issuse is a fine example of the era. This is the December Christmas issue. Just full of fashions, Gifts, stories, and great articles.

Keep on trekking SEVENTEEN.

ADVENTURES IN COOKING-

This didn't come out like I wanted.The post about the topping is supposed to come come after the prepared apples. But, Blogger says I can't switch time like I needed to. Well, anyway---------

ADVENTURES IN COOKING-Crumble-cont.

Top with previously prepared Cinnamon crumble topping.
Bake in microwave until apples are tender, but not mushsy.

ADVENTURES IN COOKING-Cont.

Add sugar and flavorings. We used confetti sugar with a drizzle of real maple syrup. And light sprinkle of cinnamon.

ADVENTURES IN COOKING-Apple Crumble-cont.

And this is the final result. Very tasty hot or warm.

ADVENTURES IN COOKING-Apple Crumble

To make Apple Crumble: First-find an apple tree.
This tree is just right outside our bedroom window.
The apples are very nice this year. Guess everything
was good for the tree.

ADVENTURES IN SEWING

I really haven't been doing much this week. But, at least, I did not have to deal with a stomachache. Yay! for small things. As I mentioned before, I am at last sewing on a dress for a small fashion doll. I received her in 2002. So, it is about time. However, in the late 1990's I was making clothes for my favorite dolls. And sewing for myself.
I made tops to wear during the hot weather, while working in the Flower shops. I do not wear T-shirts. I do not wear male clothing. Because, I am a female. I have never wanted to be a male. I like them, just didn't ever want to be one. I like feminine things.
Even though I prefer feminine things, I have to be careful. I can't wear ruffles. Makes me look 'blowsy'. But, I can wear flat lace. Or a garment made of lace. So, I rely on cut and color.
I hate it when the word, 'girly' is used. That is very derogative and misogynistic
"Girly' trivializes women and diminishes the 'feminine'. Yes, it is ok. to be a woman and a Lady.

I haven't used my sewing machine in quite awhile, not since we have moved. You know, I showed you the little Jenome machine, Hb. bought for us. Well I have yet to use it. Isn't that something!?
I just can't seem to decide in what part of the house would I be comfortable in, for sewing. I need a good ambiance in which to sew. I guess that is what could termed: 'feing shuei'. ( I'm not sure if I spelled it right.) Really, 'ambiance' is the same thing.
I have so many dolls that need to be dressed, it is ridiculous. All serious doll collectors get in that maelstrom. Then, when we do realize what we have done. It's, "what was I thinking??". We weren't thinking ahead. But, by then it is too late.
We are rather similar to quilters too. In that we become 'fabric-holics'. Snatching up antique and vintage fabrics and laces and trims. So 'one day' we will have just what we need to make that incredibly, fantastically perfect outfit for our extra special doll. Whatever doll that turns out to be. Very often, I would buy a piece of fabric, because it looked as if it would be perfect for a certain period or style of dress. So, when I need something at 3:00AM. I would have something. And not have to wait until morning. If I had made a dress a week. I would have used up a great deal of the fabric. But, I have a short attention span. Made it hard to study when I was in school too.
Besides, if I waited until morning. The desire and urgency would evaporate with the morning fog. However, come another 3:00AM, there I would be again. Why didn't I go ??. See, silly.
I have so much fabric stockpiled, it's nonsense, I know now there is no way I will use even tenth of it. No, eBay, is not reliable. The bidders want everything for a penny.
They haven't any sense of value.
Also, I knew I would gain in years. But, I didn't think I would have fluttery hands. Hands that seem to have their own agenda. Sometimes my left is totally un-co-operative. So, I do some exercises with it, then it settles down.

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This is sample of what I have in my sewing box.

GIFTS FOR EITHNE

This is a picture of some lovely things my dear friend, made for me. 'C' and I have been friends and dolls friends for a very long time. Even before she and her husband moved away.
We lost touch for quite awhile. I really missed her. But, we are in contact now. And now we maintain our doll interest long distance. That is: 'one' thing good about this magic they call 'The Internet'.
The doll in the picture I have named: 'Eithne'. It means--'Bright Flame'. The doll is a 9 1/2" F.G. French fashion repro. Eithne is a variest jewel. She was specially made for me by the ' Two C's'. The daughter is also a 'C'.
So, far I have only made her a set of lingerie. Chemise, pantalets, and petticoat.
"C' and I swap doll things back and forth. Patterns, cloth, trims etc. Since I had such a time trying to make items for my doll. And I have been feeling quite low. I had talked recently my friend.
And then, I received in the mail , the items in the photo. I.e.; two set of stockings-1 black, 1 white. Two pairs of little boots; 1-red, 1-biege. And an exquisite little corset.
Add to that, a tiny parian repro fashion-5" tall. A doll's doll. Earlier this year, 'C' made a bustle for my doll too.
I was so surprised. And so pleased. 'C' sews exquisitely., (She learned from a basically professional seamstress.) So, I have these lovely garments, now I am a bit more enthused about sewing again. Eithne does have on a pink bodice I have cut out and am fitting it to her. My friend's thoughtful gift has cheered me up. Just what I needed. I get very nutty when I'm not doing something.
My life has been so chewed up for so long a time. It is just so hard to get myself in a good place.
I found the red box trunk at a craft store.

This a big thank you to my dear friend.

ADVENTURES IN COOKING-Cookbook

BETTY CROCKER'S

PICTURE

COOKBOOK

As I mentioned in a previous post, I learned basic cooking in the Home Ec. classes in Hi School.

Since I was becoming more adept at cooking and Mom was learning more too. We decided we needed a cookbook. A good basic one. I forget exactly where we purchased the book. There is a possibility we ordered by mail, from an ad in a magazine. Now that I think of it. Very likely from the magazine: Good Housekeeping. That was when magazines were actually worth something. They were informative and more than just eye candy.(ugh)

It is still an excellent basic cookbook. It even far surpasses my copy of Joy Of Cooking. These are the only cookbooks I have. I used to really like cooking. It's very creative and satisfying.

However my book was not the only source for new recipes. When I was still cooking, there were many magzines from which I read and gleaned fresh recipes for my repertoire.

When I married and had my own home. I missed Mom's cookbook. So, I went out to find a copy. Well, spit!! The original was out of print and the 'new' version was a loose leaf binder. OH! FOR PITY'S SAKE!! The book had been new and improved, up-dated and (shudder)

modernized. Well, ok. So I bought one anyway. I was desperate. I showed it to Mom, she didn't care for it either.

But, later on, because I love books and am rabid about Old books. I found in the yellow pages in the 'Bookstore' listings, in a neighboring city was bookshop, that had only: Cookbooks. Wha-Hoo!. So, come a weekend. We went there. I looked and asked. The lady proprietor said yes, and pointed me right to the shelf. And there it was: my very own copy of: Betty Crocker's Picture Cookbook.

Used of course. Yes!.

When Mom passed, I asked my Dad if I could have Mom's cookbook. Unless he of course he needed it. But, he said ,no he wouldn't need it. I could take it. I like to go and read it. The recipes remind me of good times.

So, now I have three cookbooks. Well, four, with Joy of Cooking. I cook very little. So, I show my HB. how to use them. He is doing pretty good.

EMMA CLEAR- MARIE CECELIA

When I was first getting into dolls, their history and collecting. In one book I bought and read. There was a chapter about a groundbreaking lady, who was reproducing rare and fine porcelain dolls. There was an address. I wrote and ordered the brochure. Oh, my! One of the dolls I fell in love with, was this doll. I wasn't able to buy her then, as I was only a teenager. And, no it was not something I could ask my parents for. After I had grown up, I looked and looked for years and years. The Clear dolls remained in collections. No one was selling. So, it was not until about 1997 or 98, that I finally found one for sale. The price was ok. So, because I was working I bought her. I was so happy to finally after all that time to at last have a real Emma Clear doll. She is a wonderful *reproduction* of a KPM Nymphenberg porcelain Doll. Yes, she is made of a very fine high-fire porcelain.

I named her *Marie Ceceilia*. She came only in her underwear. So, I quite happily made clothes for her. She has five two-piece outfits and one set of working clothing. That is for when she supervises the servants in baking and preserving food. All upper class, but not aristocrats did.

It was once believed that the original dolls were 18th. century. Not so, they date no earlier than 1901.

The original doll molds are still in existence, and occasionally made on a limited basis. My doll is a Clear repro, not a modern re-issue.

MOONFLASH

I meant to put this up on this full moon just waning.

Inspired by the moon seen through a

swath of cirrus ice clouds.

SOMBER WEDNESDAY

When will the ones who are supposed to be in charge pay more attention. You know what? Someone always has to die. Before any thing dangerous is fixed. Whether it is a bridge or a traffic signal. Bureacracy, ain't it something.