WeightWatchers Eggplant Parmesan recipe
2 months ago
Friday, September 26, 2008
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Lunatic / Urban / Country Mom has mild panic attack...
It had to happen sometime, a sort of close encounter with a snake, close enough to have me wanting to pack. LOL
It was on our way to taking Josh to nursersy school. There in the road is a longish black snake. I go around it but on second thoughts reverse as it is heading straight to our property. As I reverse and stop the slithering bugger decides he will raise and flatten his head. Here's me.....OMG, It's a cobra....(city girl reaction of course) and a (list of silent profanities follow). It heads into the veld and is now on the same stretch of land we're on. OMG, Omg, omg!!!! We get to school with the boys excited and one mom (me) rattled. After chatting to one mom, it turns out it's not a cobra. (Here's me silenty praying it's harmless) . But hope suddenly fades as she states it's definitely a Rinkhals - *Gasp* *Splutter* *you're kidding -- right*, more silent profanities take place in my head. Okay, so they are of the fatal kind!! I can do this. I can still believe in outdoor play and not P*A*N*I*C!! NO!! I panic!!
So one step forward and a zillion back. One slithery snake has me bolting the doors. Irrational or not - until I have a suitable POA (Plan of Action) that I am comfortable with. The boys will not be outside unless I am with them. One Garmin about to be programmed with every route to every available emergency room close to home and maybe some calls to Dr's rooms nearby to find out if they are prepared for snake bites.
I can do this.........................
Uhhm, no I can't. Just looked in my dictionary:
Rinkhals noun a large poisonous spitting cobra. (from Dutch)
It was on our way to taking Josh to nursersy school. There in the road is a longish black snake. I go around it but on second thoughts reverse as it is heading straight to our property. As I reverse and stop the slithering bugger decides he will raise and flatten his head. Here's me.....OMG, It's a cobra....(city girl reaction of course) and a (list of silent profanities follow). It heads into the veld and is now on the same stretch of land we're on. OMG, Omg, omg!!!! We get to school with the boys excited and one mom (me) rattled. After chatting to one mom, it turns out it's not a cobra. (Here's me silenty praying it's harmless) . But hope suddenly fades as she states it's definitely a Rinkhals - *Gasp* *Splutter* *you're kidding -- right*, more silent profanities take place in my head. Okay, so they are of the fatal kind!! I can do this. I can still believe in outdoor play and not P*A*N*I*C!! NO!! I panic!!
So one step forward and a zillion back. One slithery snake has me bolting the doors. Irrational or not - until I have a suitable POA (Plan of Action) that I am comfortable with. The boys will not be outside unless I am with them. One Garmin about to be programmed with every route to every available emergency room close to home and maybe some calls to Dr's rooms nearby to find out if they are prepared for snake bites.
I can do this.........................
Uhhm, no I can't. Just looked in my dictionary:
Rinkhals noun a large poisonous spitting cobra. (from Dutch)
Tragedy!!
It appears my card reader has uploaded it's last pic. But hubby just walked in with a glimmer of hope. I pray he has fixed it.
Later
Later
Monday, September 22, 2008
The importance of outdoor play
http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Save+the+world--play+outside.-a0178894350
As a mom to two boys I am slowly awakening to the importance of outdoor play. When I think back on my childhood and the memories made, alot was at my Nan's playing outdoors under the loquat tree. We spent many hours making mud pies and climbing trees. Holidays spent at the beach investigating rock pools. As we got older the many hikes we went on, and the weekends spent outdoors.
I think as I've grown up and reached adulthood I've forgotten how to play outdoors and just how much fun it can be. I think back on some parents I have met and wonder. The comments of 'No, they are not allowed to dig in the sand', 'No, jungle gyms are not safe', No, no, no!! I think that is sad! It is time reclaim those feelings, it is time to reconnect with Mother Nature and ensure my boys enjoy being outdoors and the many things the outdoors have to offer.
The sandpit is definitely a step in the right direction. Last night I had to drag them inside. LOL It was getting dark and cold. I didn't mind the dark - it was the cold that had we worried.
On the Echidna (Agenda) I love the new word - Thanks James.
* A visit to the botanical gardens
* Some nature walks in our area
* Making Journals
* Time to catch and look at some bugs. Eweeee!! Will I survive. :))
* Investigate plants
* Learn while having fun doing all of this!!
As a mom to two boys I am slowly awakening to the importance of outdoor play. When I think back on my childhood and the memories made, alot was at my Nan's playing outdoors under the loquat tree. We spent many hours making mud pies and climbing trees. Holidays spent at the beach investigating rock pools. As we got older the many hikes we went on, and the weekends spent outdoors.
I think as I've grown up and reached adulthood I've forgotten how to play outdoors and just how much fun it can be. I think back on some parents I have met and wonder. The comments of 'No, they are not allowed to dig in the sand', 'No, jungle gyms are not safe', No, no, no!! I think that is sad! It is time reclaim those feelings, it is time to reconnect with Mother Nature and ensure my boys enjoy being outdoors and the many things the outdoors have to offer.
The sandpit is definitely a step in the right direction. Last night I had to drag them inside. LOL It was getting dark and cold. I didn't mind the dark - it was the cold that had we worried.
On the Echidna (Agenda) I love the new word - Thanks James.
* A visit to the botanical gardens
* Some nature walks in our area
* Making Journals
* Time to catch and look at some bugs. Eweeee!! Will I survive. :))
* Investigate plants
* Learn while having fun doing all of this!!
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Today's Patch : Sandpit funtime
It's a work in progress but for now it is usable and the boys are happy. The decorative part which does not interest them in the least will happen in stages. My vision is that it will be rather 'cool' once complete.
My only wish is that we had done it sooner. It has kept the boys outside for most of the afternoon. They have barely even looked at the TV and even better yet, Brad has not even switched on the PS2. Woohoo!!
I'm also eyeing out a book about things to do outside. Way cool, in my book.
I have started a journey and some days it scares the HELL out of me and some days I ENJOY it but one thing for sure is that I am getting to spend quality time with my boys.
As soon as I can sort out photo's - for some reason the card reader is acting up. I'll post pics of phase 1 and 2. The rest is purely decorative stuff and that will need to be done is stages as finances allow. The idea is to sort of create an 'Enchanted World' where Faeries, dragons, goblins and the sort hang out. Sort of a cool boy place but where girls will most certainly feel welcome.
My only wish is that we had done it sooner. It has kept the boys outside for most of the afternoon. They have barely even looked at the TV and even better yet, Brad has not even switched on the PS2. Woohoo!!
I'm also eyeing out a book about things to do outside. Way cool, in my book.
I have started a journey and some days it scares the HELL out of me and some days I ENJOY it but one thing for sure is that I am getting to spend quality time with my boys.
As soon as I can sort out photo's - for some reason the card reader is acting up. I'll post pics of phase 1 and 2. The rest is purely decorative stuff and that will need to be done is stages as finances allow. The idea is to sort of create an 'Enchanted World' where Faeries, dragons, goblins and the sort hang out. Sort of a cool boy place but where girls will most certainly feel welcome.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Loving the mothers we are
This is a beautiful blog and I'm glad I came across it. It was just what I need to find after my day yesterday and a week of new play dates and meeting new moms.
taken from : http://handmadehomeschool.wordpress.com/loving-the-mothers-we-are/
Loving the mothers we are
One of the hardest jobs we face is learning to appreciate the mothers we are. Like thieving quilters we steal bits of other mothers, from dreams, books and playground conversations, and stitch them together into an ideal mother. We hold it up to the light and admire its colours and patterns and despair that we will ever match its splendor.
We see Susan’s patience, Beth’s outdoorsy nature, and Caroline Ingall’s virtues. We envy Jan her homemaking skills, and Hannah her playful spirit. We steal these facets, but never the whole. Do we see that Susan’s patience is countered by permissiveness, or know that Beth worries that she’ll never teach her children math? No, because that realism is counter to the crazy quilt we seem driven to construct.
I have despaired. I have known deep in my heart that I will never be the playful, wise, patient, and virtuous mother of my dreams. One day I realized that if I were all of these women, or even one of these women, I wouldn’t be myself. I wouldn’t have my strengths and my quirks, and it wouldn’t be stories about me that my children tell when they are grown.
Am I a playful mother? No, but I’m a great storytime mother. And I a fabulous housewife? No, but I don’t worry when the kids make a crafty mess. I am me. I am beautiful and strange, riddled with weaknesses and buoyed by strengths.
It’s time to love the mother you are. Throw away the crazy quilt. Make instead a patchwork of *your* days. It will have tears, and missing threads, and little sticky jam fingerprints. It will have the colour and pattern of your life woven into its design. It will be wonderful and unique, just as you are a wonderful and unique mother.
I'm off to think about the mother I am.
taken from : http://handmadehomeschool.wordpress.com/loving-the-mothers-we-are/
Loving the mothers we are
One of the hardest jobs we face is learning to appreciate the mothers we are. Like thieving quilters we steal bits of other mothers, from dreams, books and playground conversations, and stitch them together into an ideal mother. We hold it up to the light and admire its colours and patterns and despair that we will ever match its splendor.
We see Susan’s patience, Beth’s outdoorsy nature, and Caroline Ingall’s virtues. We envy Jan her homemaking skills, and Hannah her playful spirit. We steal these facets, but never the whole. Do we see that Susan’s patience is countered by permissiveness, or know that Beth worries that she’ll never teach her children math? No, because that realism is counter to the crazy quilt we seem driven to construct.
I have despaired. I have known deep in my heart that I will never be the playful, wise, patient, and virtuous mother of my dreams. One day I realized that if I were all of these women, or even one of these women, I wouldn’t be myself. I wouldn’t have my strengths and my quirks, and it wouldn’t be stories about me that my children tell when they are grown.
Am I a playful mother? No, but I’m a great storytime mother. And I a fabulous housewife? No, but I don’t worry when the kids make a crafty mess. I am me. I am beautiful and strange, riddled with weaknesses and buoyed by strengths.
It’s time to love the mother you are. Throw away the crazy quilt. Make instead a patchwork of *your* days. It will have tears, and missing threads, and little sticky jam fingerprints. It will have the colour and pattern of your life woven into its design. It will be wonderful and unique, just as you are a wonderful and unique mother.
I'm off to think about the mother I am.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Life is good
For now that is. Does that mean we have news. Nope, it doesn't. But life moves on.
I'm exhausted!! Today my best friends were 'Mr Vacuum Cleaner + Mrs Mop'. I moaned, I groaned but the results were worth it. A stunning evening was had by all. It was bookclub night. Okay, so ours is more of a wine club - but hey there are books.
Out of the 4 books I chose for the month. These are 2 of them:
'The Undomestic Goddess' by Sophie Kinsella (yes, I need some humour about this situation I now find myself in)
'Don't Panic! a book by South Africans, for South Africans' by Alan Knott-Craig (yes, I need to reassure myself incase I get stuck here forever) LOL
My previous post is inspired by Corina who forwarded those tips in a newsletter she sent out. I quite liked them. You'll notice that I highlighted/bolded my favourites and areas I feel I could focus on.
Now I need to close my eyes and get some rest. I've been up since 4am, yes, crazy I know!! Tomorrow, is declared as a 'No Housework' day but a day of making new friends. Wish me luck!!
And let's hope some glass melting this weekend.
and yes, I'm still wondering what it would be like to kiss a girl. LOL
I'm exhausted!! Today my best friends were 'Mr Vacuum Cleaner + Mrs Mop'. I moaned, I groaned but the results were worth it. A stunning evening was had by all. It was bookclub night. Okay, so ours is more of a wine club - but hey there are books.
Out of the 4 books I chose for the month. These are 2 of them:
'The Undomestic Goddess' by Sophie Kinsella (yes, I need some humour about this situation I now find myself in)
'Don't Panic! a book by South Africans, for South Africans' by Alan Knott-Craig (yes, I need to reassure myself incase I get stuck here forever) LOL
My previous post is inspired by Corina who forwarded those tips in a newsletter she sent out. I quite liked them. You'll notice that I highlighted/bolded my favourites and areas I feel I could focus on.
Now I need to close my eyes and get some rest. I've been up since 4am, yes, crazy I know!! Tomorrow, is declared as a 'No Housework' day but a day of making new friends. Wish me luck!!
And let's hope some glass melting this weekend.
and yes, I'm still wondering what it would be like to kiss a girl. LOL
25 Tips for a better life.........
1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.
2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Buy a lock if you have to.
3. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, 'My purpose is to________ today.'
4. Eat more foods that grow on plants, and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
5. Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli, almonds & walnuts.
6. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
7. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment. And people who are worth it .
8. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.
9. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
10. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
11. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
12. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
13. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
14. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
15. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
16. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?'
17. Forgive everyone for everything.
18. What other people think of you is none of your business.
19. GOD heals almost everything. . . and He can heal everything if it's in His plan. We just need to trust His bigger picture.
20. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
21. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch!!!
22. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
23. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: 'I am thankful for _____.' 'Today I accomplished______.'
24. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.
25. Please Forward this to everyone you care about.
2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Buy a lock if you have to.
3. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, 'My purpose is to________ today.'
4. Eat more foods that grow on plants, and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
5. Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli, almonds & walnuts.
6. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
7. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment. And people who are worth it .
8. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.
9. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
10. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
11. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
12. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
13. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
14. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
15. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
16. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?'
17. Forgive everyone for everything.
18. What other people think of you is none of your business.
19. GOD heals almost everything. . . and He can heal everything if it's in His plan. We just need to trust His bigger picture.
20. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
21. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch!!!
22. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
23. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: 'I am thankful for _____.' 'Today I accomplished______.'
24. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.
25. Please Forward this to everyone you care about.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Oops, did I just say that.........
Well you'll just have to read my comment on Angelina's blog. (see link above)
LOL
LOL
Monday, September 15, 2008
Looking forward to Tuesday
"Just another manic Monday, wish it were Sunday...." I'm sure the words go something like that. LOL
On the house front. Still no news!! It's been a long time now and our Estate Agent is doing her favorite thing. Avoidance!!! Not answering phones, nadda. Let's cross some fingers for some news either way tomorrow. Right now I couldn't care if the buyers get the bond or not, right now I couldn't care about the fallout due to the buyers already having made alterations. Okay, I could but seriousley it shouldn't be our problem. Come the end of the week, we will be doing what we need to do to start on our path to financial freedom.
On the fence front. Darling hubby came home at midday and cleared what debris (grass + weeds) from underneath the fence that he could. He got working on the house alarm system and discovering which panic buttons work and which don't. Shortly, I will be wearing one around my neck during the day. I have now accepted that that is how it is meant to be. We now have the correct Company boards outside so that there is no confusion as to where they are meant to go.
Elaine, if only your idea would be a deterant. Sadly, it would be an invitation. If they know you have firearms on the property - they either come ready armed (sadly, either way they do) or they will break in just to try and get the guns/weapons.
The headless chicken is a 50/50 issue. Either it waltzed onto the property and the dogs did kill it - I for one have a hard time believing that they did, as there was not enough chaos, mayhem and blood to indicate that is what happened. It does look like it was just thrown over the fence and landed where it did. But I'll comfort myself with the 50/50 either way.
With all the chaos today there are no beads in the kiln (sad face). The good news is my fresh bottle of oxygen arrived which means I can get to melting boro again soon. But I'm going to stick to soft for a couple of days still. I need to finish up a project and well, I just need some PPP in soft. LOL
Have a good week guys and girls!!
On the house front. Still no news!! It's been a long time now and our Estate Agent is doing her favorite thing. Avoidance!!! Not answering phones, nadda. Let's cross some fingers for some news either way tomorrow. Right now I couldn't care if the buyers get the bond or not, right now I couldn't care about the fallout due to the buyers already having made alterations. Okay, I could but seriousley it shouldn't be our problem. Come the end of the week, we will be doing what we need to do to start on our path to financial freedom.
On the fence front. Darling hubby came home at midday and cleared what debris (grass + weeds) from underneath the fence that he could. He got working on the house alarm system and discovering which panic buttons work and which don't. Shortly, I will be wearing one around my neck during the day. I have now accepted that that is how it is meant to be. We now have the correct Company boards outside so that there is no confusion as to where they are meant to go.
Elaine, if only your idea would be a deterant. Sadly, it would be an invitation. If they know you have firearms on the property - they either come ready armed (sadly, either way they do) or they will break in just to try and get the guns/weapons.
The headless chicken is a 50/50 issue. Either it waltzed onto the property and the dogs did kill it - I for one have a hard time believing that they did, as there was not enough chaos, mayhem and blood to indicate that is what happened. It does look like it was just thrown over the fence and landed where it did. But I'll comfort myself with the 50/50 either way.
With all the chaos today there are no beads in the kiln (sad face). The good news is my fresh bottle of oxygen arrived which means I can get to melting boro again soon. But I'm going to stick to soft for a couple of days still. I need to finish up a project and well, I just need some PPP in soft. LOL
Have a good week guys and girls!!
Security woes
Well, it went off again. The electric fence that is. And I found a headless chicken in front of the patio. Our security company's and our assumption is that someone is/was trying to poision the dogs.
Hubby is on his way home to make sure the fence is clear of all debris and that the house alarm is functioning properly.
Like I need this right now!!
Hubby is on his way home to make sure the fence is clear of all debris and that the house alarm is functioning properly.
Like I need this right now!!
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Brad's new pup or should I say the boy's new pup...
Hubby has for now named him Zeus - we will see if it sticks. So far I've called him Charlie Brown and Sad Sack. LOL
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Friday, September 12, 2008
Ooops.........(blush) LOL
1. Wow, the mandrel feels light all of a sudden
2. (the brain registers)
3. the eyes look to the 'plonk' sound made on the table
4. Ooooops
5. a bunch of profanities follow suite
6. 'bugger!!!'
But there are 3 awesome boro beads in the kiln. (Huge Grin)
2. (the brain registers)
3. the eyes look to the 'plonk' sound made on the table
4. Ooooops
5. a bunch of profanities follow suite
6. 'bugger!!!'
But there are 3 awesome boro beads in the kiln. (Huge Grin)
TGIF, but no news yet
I gave myself until today - but now every minute is consumed with a 'has that bank made a blooming decision yet?'
I am going to throw myself at the mercy of glass. Going to see where it takes me. LOL It's time to make some beads. The mandrels are dipped - a shocker in itself. Thank goodness it's like riding a bike. LOL Ever since Elaine managed to get me some of those Hany Andy Tweezer goodies - I've been using those instead of beads for bails. :)) Getting the hang of them - wish I could figure out the whole fire polishing bit still, but we'll get there. Just not today.
I have moved my radio into my studio. I am no longer consumed by Barney or whatever other DVD is on. There is only so much Barney a mom can take. I swear I have been so consumed with Good Manners that I'll never ever forget them ever, ever again. Now hopefully it is doing the same for a 4 year old.
My favourite radio station: www.jacarandafm.com (hubby loves calling me dutchie, as I love my Afrikaans music)
Crossing fingers for some news today, be it good or bad.
Have a super friday!!
I am going to throw myself at the mercy of glass. Going to see where it takes me. LOL It's time to make some beads. The mandrels are dipped - a shocker in itself. Thank goodness it's like riding a bike. LOL Ever since Elaine managed to get me some of those Hany Andy Tweezer goodies - I've been using those instead of beads for bails. :)) Getting the hang of them - wish I could figure out the whole fire polishing bit still, but we'll get there. Just not today.
I have moved my radio into my studio. I am no longer consumed by Barney or whatever other DVD is on. There is only so much Barney a mom can take. I swear I have been so consumed with Good Manners that I'll never ever forget them ever, ever again. Now hopefully it is doing the same for a 4 year old.
My favourite radio station: www.jacarandafm.com (hubby loves calling me dutchie, as I love my Afrikaans music)
Crossing fingers for some news today, be it good or bad.
Have a super friday!!
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
For now it's all good........
I woke up feeling loads better!!! Never a bad thing. I can conquer the world. And I now know why everything has just felt worlds worse for the past few days. Way too early PMS!! It screws you up - pray tell whose idea was it that once a month you would have to go through days of endless hell. I feel better for knowing what screwed with my coping mechanism somewhat.
And you know what - the decision regarding the house is out of my hands. What will be, will be!! When a decision is made, then we will know what to do. No use running around like a headless chicken trying to guess.
I must remind myself to read my only blogger heading on a far more regular basis.
"Life is not about how to survive the storm, but how you dance in the rain."
This must be the one step forward Angela was talking about!! (Huge grin) Now to avoid those two steps back. But they'll come - this time around I'll have my boxing gloves on.
And you know what - the decision regarding the house is out of my hands. What will be, will be!! When a decision is made, then we will know what to do. No use running around like a headless chicken trying to guess.
I must remind myself to read my only blogger heading on a far more regular basis.
"Life is not about how to survive the storm, but how you dance in the rain."
This must be the one step forward Angela was talking about!! (Huge grin) Now to avoid those two steps back. But they'll come - this time around I'll have my boxing gloves on.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Finding silver linings.........
No not the bead kind. LOL
After having a good heart to heart with a very good friend - I made it my mission to find silver linings to situations. I'm still looking but at least I'm more upbeat than I was this morning.
Some obstacles I have come across have resulted in the opening of new doors. Therein lies a silver lining itself. Tackling problems from different angles means you just might find the answer. And one answer I did find today.
There is a crowd in SA wanting to start Bead Making Factories. They offer 'too good to be true' deals and that is just what they are way too good to be true. If I honestly believed I could make that sort of money in glass bead making without jeopardising my integrity then I would jump at it. The thing is I cannot find a way of doing it and keeping my integrity. Why do we have to be another country partaking in the mass production of beads. No silver lining but a distraction none the less.
While contemplating the issue of art vs. making stuff that sells (and I dearly wanting to be making stuff that sells), this whole SA Factory issue got me thinking before I actually sold my soul.
But!!!
What do you do when you need to put food on the table. Do you sell a fraction of your soul - do you take what is selling put your own flare on it and sell it?
I have a bunch of frits that I imported that I haven't had a chance to focus on selling but are just sitting on my website. Not sure if I can even sell them here, heaven only knows I've tried in the past. Maybe I should offer some packages for other beadmakers. Any thoughts.................
After having a good heart to heart with a very good friend - I made it my mission to find silver linings to situations. I'm still looking but at least I'm more upbeat than I was this morning.
Some obstacles I have come across have resulted in the opening of new doors. Therein lies a silver lining itself. Tackling problems from different angles means you just might find the answer. And one answer I did find today.
There is a crowd in SA wanting to start Bead Making Factories. They offer 'too good to be true' deals and that is just what they are way too good to be true. If I honestly believed I could make that sort of money in glass bead making without jeopardising my integrity then I would jump at it. The thing is I cannot find a way of doing it and keeping my integrity. Why do we have to be another country partaking in the mass production of beads. No silver lining but a distraction none the less.
While contemplating the issue of art vs. making stuff that sells (and I dearly wanting to be making stuff that sells), this whole SA Factory issue got me thinking before I actually sold my soul.
But!!!
What do you do when you need to put food on the table. Do you sell a fraction of your soul - do you take what is selling put your own flare on it and sell it?
I have a bunch of frits that I imported that I haven't had a chance to focus on selling but are just sitting on my website. Not sure if I can even sell them here, heaven only knows I've tried in the past. Maybe I should offer some packages for other beadmakers. Any thoughts.................
Rollercoaster Ride
I think I like my weekends more than I do my weeks. The days shouldn't be much different from each other but they are. Weekends I feel I can relax. When I'm relaxed I feel I can beat everything, I feel upbeat and confident. Come to week days - and my bravado fails me. I slink back into a hole where I want to curl up and hide.
I'm angry at our Estate Agent and the buyers of our house and with that I guess I am a bit angry at hubby too, because at the end of it he has the final say, I guess. We get conned into letting these buyers move into our house, rent free. With assurances that the transfer will be through soon. The said buyer messes up with his I.D. document which causes delays and results in their Bank reassessing their loan/bond. We now sit in limbo. They have been staying rent free for over a month, they have screwed up and yet the financial risk is all ours. They have done alterations without our permission - are we responsible for those. I don't think so. Yet, that will be pushed on us. I am tired of waiting....everyday waiting for the answer that will either set us free or become doom and gloom. I am trying not to have any expectations until Friday. Why Friday - cause I cannot wake up Thursday where every minute will be 'have they got an answer yet'.
I believe we should sell one of our cars and get a scooter and what is left over can be used for survival. A scooter is more efficient when it comes to petrol and is easier to get through busy traffic. The downfall is it is very hazardous - the way people in cars drive you would literally be putting your life on the line. I'm sure there are many scooter drivers out there and you don't hear of disasters every day. That should count for something. There could be hope.
I'm trying to decide if I really need my tumble dryer or not. I guess the next luxurious item would be the dishwasher. But these two items essentially make my job as houseslave much much easier and I am I quite certain at the moment that I just can't give them up.
Hanging tough.....................
I'm angry at our Estate Agent and the buyers of our house and with that I guess I am a bit angry at hubby too, because at the end of it he has the final say, I guess. We get conned into letting these buyers move into our house, rent free. With assurances that the transfer will be through soon. The said buyer messes up with his I.D. document which causes delays and results in their Bank reassessing their loan/bond. We now sit in limbo. They have been staying rent free for over a month, they have screwed up and yet the financial risk is all ours. They have done alterations without our permission - are we responsible for those. I don't think so. Yet, that will be pushed on us. I am tired of waiting....everyday waiting for the answer that will either set us free or become doom and gloom. I am trying not to have any expectations until Friday. Why Friday - cause I cannot wake up Thursday where every minute will be 'have they got an answer yet'.
I believe we should sell one of our cars and get a scooter and what is left over can be used for survival. A scooter is more efficient when it comes to petrol and is easier to get through busy traffic. The downfall is it is very hazardous - the way people in cars drive you would literally be putting your life on the line. I'm sure there are many scooter drivers out there and you don't hear of disasters every day. That should count for something. There could be hope.
I'm trying to decide if I really need my tumble dryer or not. I guess the next luxurious item would be the dishwasher. But these two items essentially make my job as houseslave much much easier and I am I quite certain at the moment that I just can't give them up.
Hanging tough.....................
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Yellow Fields....
A little sleep in, a bit of glass melt melting and some serious chilling and chatting with friends online. Now I'm ready for bed. (Grin)
South Africa got there first Gold medal at the Paralympics. Go Natalie!!
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Sun burn..........
Ouch!!! I guess we're into a full on summer sun which I totally forgot about at our market today and the sun got my neck, chest and arms!! I feel like I'm glowing and it doesn't help that one kitten thinks it's some sort of bird and is sitting (guess where) on my shoulder - uhhhm just like a birdie would. Strange!!
Well our market was not the rip roaring success I had hoped it would be, it was rather dissappointing financially. I guess everyone is holding onto their cash for now but there was loads of interest and lots of talk about gifts going on. So will be crossing fingers for next month.
As markets usually go, we end up having a great social. It is really fun meeting up with fellow 'marketeers'. We all do something different and it's fun!! Today we got to speak to a fantastic guy who came second in the World Championships for Longbow Archery. How cool is that? He also makes Longbows. Now I guess you're wondering why all the excitement over archery. Believe it or not it is something Brad is very, very keen on. He tried it once and the bug bit him. I have not been succesful in finding out much about archery or where we could take him for lessons etc. Well that problem has now been solved!! With homeschooling we want Bradley to pursue his interests. Now all I have to do is sort out the Cricket. We then have an individual sport and a team sport. I'm getting bases covered, which is a relief for me.
With our homeschooling we have really been chatting about tons of things and one of those topics was Owls and how man is destroying there natural habitat. Well guess what?? There was a crowd there who had owl boxes (that is on a one day when we're better off financially list) but it was interesting to chat with the guy.
So we may not have come away financially rich but we came away enriched with tons of new info and that made the market worth it. Weird, huh!!
Hubby and I are coming to grips with Bailey's passing. We can at least talk to each other about it - a step in the right direction. And I can remember him with smiles instead of tears.
Well our market was not the rip roaring success I had hoped it would be, it was rather dissappointing financially. I guess everyone is holding onto their cash for now but there was loads of interest and lots of talk about gifts going on. So will be crossing fingers for next month.
As markets usually go, we end up having a great social. It is really fun meeting up with fellow 'marketeers'. We all do something different and it's fun!! Today we got to speak to a fantastic guy who came second in the World Championships for Longbow Archery. How cool is that? He also makes Longbows. Now I guess you're wondering why all the excitement over archery. Believe it or not it is something Brad is very, very keen on. He tried it once and the bug bit him. I have not been succesful in finding out much about archery or where we could take him for lessons etc. Well that problem has now been solved!! With homeschooling we want Bradley to pursue his interests. Now all I have to do is sort out the Cricket. We then have an individual sport and a team sport. I'm getting bases covered, which is a relief for me.
With our homeschooling we have really been chatting about tons of things and one of those topics was Owls and how man is destroying there natural habitat. Well guess what?? There was a crowd there who had owl boxes (that is on a one day when we're better off financially list) but it was interesting to chat with the guy.
So we may not have come away financially rich but we came away enriched with tons of new info and that made the market worth it. Weird, huh!!
Hubby and I are coming to grips with Bailey's passing. We can at least talk to each other about it - a step in the right direction. And I can remember him with smiles instead of tears.
Friday, September 5, 2008
50 % OFF!!!
Yep, you read right.
I'm offering 50% off all items in my Etsy shop. I'll load more over the weekend but for now please have a looksie.
Thanks
I'm offering 50% off all items in my Etsy shop. I'll load more over the weekend but for now please have a looksie.
Thanks
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Into the Sun....
I'm having a hard time each time I open my blog to have Bailey there. It brings on a flood of tears. I thought I would share these with you.
I'm having a hard time each time I open my blog to have Bailey there. It brings on a flood of tears. I thought I would share these with you.
In Loving Memory : Bailey born 28 April 2008 - 4 September 2008
I will miss you my Angel. The one who kept me company and lay on the bush when I wished I had carted the camera along. Who had me laughing and smiling while we traversed the garden. While hanging the washing you were lounging under your favourite tree. You had no qualms reminding me just when breakfast was or when it was dinnertime.
You had a special place in my heart and I'll miss you!!!
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
It's been a trying week so far
If I'm not yelling, I'm screaming and if I'm not screaming, I'm cryring and if I'm not crying, I'm laughing and if I'm not laughing, I might just be grinning and bearing it!!!
The sale of our property will have me in a straight jacket in a padded cell if it continues this way. I'm at the point of 'should I really care'.
The latest - their bank (the buyers) has decided to reassess the home loan they agreed upon and gave guarantees for, just as the transfer was about to be lodged. Their bank has changed their minds and is demanding they sell their other property first. (SCREAM!!!) - and now we live in uncertainty until someone has clarity about the bank being convinced to change their minds once again. It's a waiting game. I'm going insane. I'm an emotional wreck!!! Can this whole thing not just be over. Finished, kapoot, die einde!!! Lets just say - thank you to vineyards and wine. It's helping me through the tougher moments!!!
But on a happy note - Josh turned 4 today!! It was our afternoon at the school for tea and cake. We relaxed and chilled and Josh got to play with some of his friends.
So if I'm really quiet - Don't panic - I'm just telling myself over and over again.........
oh...................and two missing books about Trees and Flowers have hubby running for cover!!!! Of course it's HIS fault they're missing. Did he not hear the dude properly when we got married - anything missing shall clearly be YOUR FAULT!!!! He doesn't get it........................
The sale of our property will have me in a straight jacket in a padded cell if it continues this way. I'm at the point of 'should I really care'.
The latest - their bank (the buyers) has decided to reassess the home loan they agreed upon and gave guarantees for, just as the transfer was about to be lodged. Their bank has changed their minds and is demanding they sell their other property first. (SCREAM!!!) - and now we live in uncertainty until someone has clarity about the bank being convinced to change their minds once again. It's a waiting game. I'm going insane. I'm an emotional wreck!!! Can this whole thing not just be over. Finished, kapoot, die einde!!! Lets just say - thank you to vineyards and wine. It's helping me through the tougher moments!!!
But on a happy note - Josh turned 4 today!! It was our afternoon at the school for tea and cake. We relaxed and chilled and Josh got to play with some of his friends.
So if I'm really quiet - Don't panic - I'm just telling myself over and over again.........
I WILL SURVIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
oh...................and two missing books about Trees and Flowers have hubby running for cover!!!! Of course it's HIS fault they're missing. Did he not hear the dude properly when we got married - anything missing shall clearly be YOUR FAULT!!!! He doesn't get it........................
Monday, September 1, 2008
Spring Wishes
Okay, one thing for certain is that Mother Nature had different ideas for today. It's cold and blustery!! Not a salad and cold meats sort of day, more like a stew day. Guess we're having stew tonight.
The weather seems to be in turmoil around the world. I'm saying a small prayer for all of those in New Orleans and praying Gustav is not as destructive and Katrina was.
Keep safe, keep dry and keep warm...............
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