WHAT??????

Red and yellow peppers, growing green!!!

And you thought that my first post after moving to the ever lover-ly Colorado Springs would be pictures of the grandeur of the mountains in the morning and the majestic sunsets which really do take your breath away or the details of the plane ride out here, and how well (whew) the kitties fared, or how Edward's blood sugars were all over the place the first week we arrived, or that you really do have to drink alot of water to stay hydrated, or that unpacking is much more fun than packing (thank you Ann), or that I am thrilled beyond words to have a closet in my office. I could tell you all about that, but, whaaaat???? Yes, people I am posting pics of peppers. For those of you who go food shopping, you know that the cost of fresh produce has sky-rocketed. Especially, peppers...the orange and yellow peppers are like investing in gold. So, when I walked into our 'new' supermarket and saw red, yellow and orange peppers on sale, 10 for $10, my heart sang. I cut them from the top, like a pumpkin, shake out all the seeds which are left, then slice them open, cut out the veins, slice them into 6-8 pieces, and simply roast them w/ some olive oil until they are tender, and crisp all at the same time. It is like eating candy, they are so sweet, and 'au natural'. When I cut open 2 of the peppers, I was a-gog, when I pulled out peppers growing inside of peppers...they were so beautiful, I could not pass up the opportunity to take some pics. Hence, my first post from Colorado, peppers growing inside of peppers. There is plenty of time for all those mountain shots. From what I can tell, they are not going anywhere, anytime soon......more to come!!

Beam Me Up Scotty....

If it were only that simple...I had to buy these 'under the seat, airplane approved' cat carriers for Big and Little. Big Kitty is a relatively good traveler. But Little Kitty is a crazy gray cat and the second she lays eyes on the carrier, she screams her pretty head off. I bought her a collar w/ lavender, chamomile, and pheromones. The collar mimics the pheromone that the mother cat produces to calm and reassure her kittens. Cats recognize these pheromones throughout life. It mimics the natural way to help cats cope w/ new and fearful situations. I was skeptical. But, I have to say, I can sense a marked difference. Last night she made herself comfy in the open carrier and stayed for hours. Obviously, a great photo op, I placed BK in his carrier, and the light caught his eyes...well, you see...apparently, if they were really being beamed up by Scotty, it looks like LK was left behind....hmmmmmm.

Wordless Wednesday

Pikes Peak window from Garden of the Gods

One more week!!!!!

The Gift

Okay, it happened. I was driving back from U-haul after picking up yet another round of packing supplies, and then it happened...I wasn't even listening to any music. That sudden rush, of feeling totally overwhelmed bubbled over and I literally had to pull over. I called Jimmy and he so kindly said a prayer and calmed me down. I told him I thought about going to see my friend Claire, but I was sure that even w/ a mere 'hello', I would burst into tears. As a friend, he said, she would want me to come and see her in her antique shop. I did a blog post about Claire in October of 2009. She has what I think is one of the most beautiful and genuine antique shops in all of Rhode Island. Antique Haven. An eye full would be an understatement. I leave Rhode Island w/ numerous items from her shop, from an old and very delicate amethyst ring, to a couple of old framed prints and a large Franciscan water pitcher, just to name a few...there's more...hey we've been here for 10 years. Anywho, I went to see Claire, as predicted, I burst into tears the second I saw her, we hugged, and then we just talked and talked and talked, which is what we always do when we see one another. When we were both sensing that it was time for me to leave, she looked at me and she said, 'From my heart, you are like a daughter to me, please pick anything from the store and take it w/ you, as a gift.' I did not question her sincerity. I slowly started walking around the store (feeling the fullness of the moment I thought of Indiana Jones picking the right cup...remember that???). I picked this vase. It stands about 10" tall.

It is perfect, I love it and I love my very dear friend Claire.

Wordless Wednesday

The Armington House, circa 1868
I took this pic the night of the big storm in December of 2007....a favorite!!

Hello 2012 and Goodbye to Matunuck Beach....

Pointed in the right direction...the Pacific...really???

Getting ready to be washed away by the rising tide....just like that...gone...

Walking towards Pt. Judith...so beautiful!

And the clouds started rolling in by the time we headed back...still so breathtaking...and today, loud..

Stunning food...there's no other way to describe it...in 2 short years since opening, it has left a lasting impression....

Farming the oysters...we were more fish n' chips ( fries and salad, cole slaw and bread w/ lavender dipping oil...) and muscles ...I can still taste it all...

January 1, 2012....a mild day in the northeast. The sun was out. Jimmy leaves tomorrow, again, for Colorado, now waiting for Edward and I to fill our new home in a couple of weeks. We seized the day (much better than bubble wrap galore and tape), and went to the beach we have loved so much over these past 10 years. We have spent what can only be described as some of the most perfect days of our lives @ the shore. We took the long walk to Pt. Judith...much easier when not wearing winter garb, however, no less beautiful. Along the way we picked up a sizable rock, took it w/ us to Pt. Judith, said a prayer and threw it into the water!! It was a symbol of all that was, and all which is yet to be, as we move out West. C.B. Murray posted a scripture on his Facebook wall which says it all:“Thus says the Lord who made it, the Lord who formed it to establish it (the Lord is His name): ‘Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’ Jeremiah 33:2

We were starving after that long walk and had an excellent meal @ the Matunuck Oyster Bar. It was the perfect end to a new beginning. Welcome 2012.....

Ebbing into 2012...

A very happy, and let's all stay healthy and safe in 2012!!!

Happy New Year!!!

Mary Had a Baby

'Sweet little Jesus boy

They made you be born in a manger
Sweet little holy child
We didn't know who you were
Didn't know you'd come to save us Lord
To take our sins away
Our eyes were blind, we could not see
We didn't know who you were

Long time ago
You were born
Born in a manger Lord
Sweet little Jesus boy
The world treats you mean Lord
Treats me mean too
But that's how things are down here
We don't know who you are

You have told us how
We are trying
Master you have shown us how
Even when you were dying
Just seems like we can't do right
Look how we treated you
But please Sir forgive us Lord
We didn't know it was you

Sweet little Jesus boy
Born a long time ago
Sweet little holy child
We didn't know who you were'

lyrics by Robert MacGimsey, 1934

The Miracle of the Oil, Happy Chanukah

Happy Chanukah!

2200 hundred years ago, without the wonders of modern technology, and social networks, like Facebook and Twitter, a small group of Jewish rebels, led by the Maccabee band of Brothers (love those boys) stood up to the Greek kings who were forcing the Jewish people to worship their gods and Greek idols in the Holy Temple of Jerusalem....hence, the wondrous resistance and the miracle of the purified oil...given all the upheaval we have seen in the mid-East this past year, this story may sound somewhat familiar...here is their story:

About 2200 years ago, Greek kings, who reigned from Damascus, ruled over the land of Judea and the Jews living there. One Greco-Syrian King, Antiochus Epiphanes, forbade the Jewish people from praying to their God, practicing their customs, and studying their Torah. Antiochus forced the Jews to worship the Greek gods. It is said that he placed an idol of the Greek God Zeus on the alter in the Holy Temple of Jerusalem. In response to this persecution, Judah Maccabee and his four brothers organized a group of resistance fighters known as the Maccabees. They fought against paganism and oppression.

The tenacity of the rebels, which came from their steadfast faith in one God, is one reason this military victory has been so celebrated by Jews in future generations. In one battle near Beit Horon, Judah's small army is intimidated by the size of the enemy army and Judah tells them to have faith that God is on their side:

"But when they saw the army coming to meet them, they said unto Judah: 'What? shall we be able, being a small company, to fight against so great and strong a multitude? ...' And Judah said: 'It is an easy thing for many to be shut up in the hands of a few, and there is no difference in the sight of Heaven to save by many or by few; for victory in battle standeth not in the multitude of an host, but strength is from Heaven. They come unto us in fullness of insolence and lawlessness, to destroy us and our wives and our children, for to spoil us; but we fight for our lives and our laws. And He Himself will discomfort them before our face; but as for you, be yet not afraid of them."
(The First Book of Maccabees)

Against great odds, after three years of fighting, the Maccabees succeeded to drive the Greco-Syrians out of Judea. Chanukah proclaims the message of the prophet Zachariah: "Not by might, not by power, but by My spirit." Chapter 4:6

The Maccabees reclaimed the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. They cleaned the Temple, removing the Greek symbols and statues. When Judah and his followers finished cleaning the temple, they rededicated it. On the 25th day of the month of Kislev in 164 BCE, the Temple was purified and rededicated. According to tradition, when the Maccabees entered the Holy Temple, they discovered that the Greco-Syrians had defiled the oil which was used to Temple's menorah. Only one vat of purified oil remained - enough for only one day. It would take the Jews a week to process more purified oil. Then a miracle occurred. The Maccabees lit the menorah and it burned for not one, but eight days, by which time the new, purified oil was ready. This is why the Chanukah Menorah has eight candles (not including the shamash candle used to light the others) and one reason why Jews celebrate Chanukah for eight days!!!

Photo Ready.....

Little Kitty, aka, Girl Whirl has been handing me some excellent photo 'opps', while packing, re-arranging...taking out, bringing in. In this case, some of my small, weather worn terracotta pots, which have been brought in. She was sniffing around, even though they are empty. However, w/ her keen sense of smell, she knew that 'something' green had been growing in there...good enough to eat, and then probably give right back...ewwww, gross....but there she was, photo ready, picture perfect. Thank you Little girl cat!!

Boathouse Craft Fair...

The Roving Spinners
Hand-woven and hand-knit clothing and accessories
(This piece looked so beautiful w/ my framed photos...couldn't resist)

Jillian Barber
Fantasy ceramic sculpture or mermaids, seahorses, fish and mythical animals.

Made by Handmade Gifts
The adorable Destinee, holding down the fort with her aunt for pet sleeping bags for our furry companions, catnip toys and dog toys

K. Bellotti Designs
Handmade scarves and tote bags in luxurious fabrics in an affordable selection. Personal care products to keep you beautifully serene.

Kanti Organics/Innisfree Body Works
100% Natural and organic skin and body products and Innisfree Body Works

Micki Whelan Studio
“The Skinny Series” of lightweight handmade metal earrings and bangles.

Daniel Reade Studios
Hand blown glass in exciting colors with an affordable selection of original designs.

...and on it's own...this classic piece from the Roving Spinners

...happily showing some of my new pieces, now neatly packed away for the move to Colorado!!!!

It was my last show in Rhode Island. I started selling jewelry out of the house on Albert, when we first moved to Rhode Island, and it organically evolved into showing my wares at craft shows round and about Rhode Island along with the hundreds and hundreds of other gifted artists and crafts people from the New England area. My virgin voyage with the photos was 4 years ago at the Boathouse, and the rest, as they say is history. This is a small sampling of the beautiful work from yesterdays' vendors.

Many thanks to Margarita, the enormously gifted jewelry maker from her own studio,
Margarita Designs, fun and feminine vintage glass jewelry designs with contemporary flair, for orchestrating such a welcoming event!!

WillOaks Studio

Chartreuse Pearl Necklace

Blue Pearls and Silk Long Crocheted Necklace or Bracelet Chain

With my impending move, I have stepped back from my own Holiday sales (short of the show on the 10th), and I thought it would be nice to share some of my favorite pieces from some of the gifted artists I have met on the blogs and on Etsy.

Meet Karen from the gorgeous WillOaks Studio:
''After many years of wandering the U.S. and the world, I landed back where I began: on the family farm here in northern Illinois. It’s so beautiful here and nature has long inspired and informed my artwork in many media: sculpture, papermaking, photography, and for the past few years-wearable art. WillOaks is the name of my studio, and our farm & campground.
Wearable art has been a natural extension for me because I loved to wear jewelry. Making it to suit my vision and ideas has been fascinating. Most of my pieces are original because that's how I think....and I am happy to share them with anyone who would like to be different from "the crowd."
(click on photos for prices)

Wordless Wednesday

'Windblown Wild Horse'

Signed 5X7 Fine Art Photograph
Greg Ledermann

I Will Miss These Beautiful Views...

Looking West from the Pawtuxet Cove, late summer...

...and today, boats wrapped in plastic for the cold months ahead in the Pawtuxet Cove Marina

Yes, it's a great adventure, moving to Colorado, but I will sorely miss the beautiful landscape of our jewel of a Village, Pawtuxet. Over these past 10 years, I have never tired of the walks by the water down to the Cove, high tide and low (like today), in every season, including the shot of the boats being 'wrapped' up for the cold winter ahead @ the Pawtuxet Cove Marina. Thank goodness I have a wonderful digital record of the changing seasons and landscape, whatever has caught my eye round and about, along with the unbridled freedom of posting them here, on my blog!

Happy Thanksgiving

'Daughter, Linda at Thanksgiving Table'

Norman Rockwell, 1941

Be grateful......