Please excuse me while I contemplate discontinuing Blogging.  I am disturbed by policies that occur "behind the scenes," in the format one uses to create our posts, our stats are posted, and the statics that we see,etc.  Having noted that Porn Sites attach themselves to our Blogs behind the scenes and learning "that it doesn't mean anything," -----"just ignore it," etc from the forums after no response when sending feedback directly to "Google," perhaps the only recourse is to not be a party to such practices.  Not that I profess to be a perfect person, never having made a multitude of personal bad choices and mistakes, however, we have to decide where we draw a line.  I'm deciding.....after all, it is actually an ego thing to write, desire affirmation.  I would like that affirmation for my art, to sell a few items and make space to create more, but how to do that is elusive.  Maybe there is a better way.
Thank You

Gratitudes

Let's start with chickens!  Ms. Daisy, featured above, survivor above and beyond.  Here she is, Wishing All a Merry Christmas and a Survivor New Year!
This girl still has issues regarding those five amigo's from days past, but they have all learned to exist together dispite their differences!  Imagine?  A feat that seems rather illusive to most humans---and who dares to say "chickens are stupid?"  We could learn a thing or two, I believe.  I am grateful for my ladies and the lessons they share!

Next:  The woes of online addiction!!  So easy to allow ourselves to get "sucked in."  Know I do.  Yet, regardless, I am grateful for some aspects of this modern day phenomenon!  FACEBOOK--scroll, scroll, scroll.  Waste energy and time thinking someone cares whether I like, or don't;  what my opinion might be.  Is it going to change the "big picture?"  Most likely, not!  YET.....my goodness, there are those online connections we seem to achieve!  We can find others to relate with, and to, in positive ways and do our best to keep it that way in those circles.  Refreshing and comforting.  We can find sources for supporting things we believe in and share those avenues with others if they care to join in.  I like that.

 Anyone of us can form a Facebook group.  But.....there are many, many groups on line!!   I am finding it easier to participate and really am grateful for someone willing to take of their own valuable time to be an administrator of said group.  One in particular that I have found and greatly appreciate is:
Country Farmhouse Chicken Decor & More
Phill AndAmber Treat, with Amber being the "hostess with the mostess," in my opinion.  She has garnered a whole following of participants who seem to share the philosophy of positive, uplift, share and care all centered around handmade, handcraft and art!!  As a result of this group a real sense of connection, yes, connection online has developed.  Thank you, ladies (I have not noted a male presence, except as in supportive roles) for keeping this site a place to go to and remain repectful and kind to one another.  We all know we have our personal views, tribulations, prejudices,etc but this is just a NICE place!!
What fun we just had with Amber iniating a "Twelve Days of Christmas" event for anyone signed into the group.  Twelve came away with an added Christmas present!!  I love my mug from Liz Johnson Pottery!!




In addition, (now that my composition tools have fouled) I did want to mention that as a result of that group, many listings were added to the "easy access networking" page!!  And you know what?  I did some shopping from a few of those individuals.  Nothing but good to say about my experiences with any of the vendors.  Each was prompt, carefully packaged and usually had a small little surprise tucked in.  Not that that should be an expectation....just an added touch I was grateful for and we don't find in Big Box settings.

Now, shall end this year on that note and hope we can all find Gratitude in a New Year.
Wishing everyone well--

Bright Lights?????

Courtesy Blue Mountain Photo Club

Officially guess lights can brighten as our spirits (supposedly) soar.  Tis the Season to Wish One & All Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, Happy Kwanza or whichever political correctness one prefers.  It is so difficult to be "correct" these days.  I long for simpler, by-gone times.

Speaking of Blue Mountain Photo Club, a little information sharing from their monthly newsletter follows.  Photographers "heads up" so to speak in case you might be interested in joining this very nice group of people.  Will not allow copying and pasting, but basics are:

Meeting change for December has changed to the 13th @ 6:30p.m. located at: 

109 S. Roosevelt, Walla Walla, Washington 

Photo opps:  Light Parades

December 1st . Downtown Walla Walla 6:00 - 7:00

December 2nd.  Waitsburg, WA  5:00

December 6th . Collage Place, WA  5:30

Having used the "easy access networking" page offered I can attest to the fact that I, personally, have come away a very satisfied customer!  Did a little scrolling down the list, used link of selected vendors and wa la--those vendors were amazing!  No fuss, no muss.  All items arrived promptly, packed so carefully with handcrafted love.  Delighted to find some surprize little extra tucked among their wrappings as an added touch showing their appreciation.  Now that is special, don't you think?  I highly recommend (and urge) taking advantage of this extra page I chose to add to this blog.  It continues to grow as I encounter more individual handcrafting vendors.  (Found a couple today!)

Now...if per awful chance, you should try this and do come across an issue, please advise me.  I can hit the "deleat" key as the intent is to continue an atmoshere of "sharing and caring."  We must play fair and be gracious.

As for me, am working on a couple new art pieces that will go to Holiday Market with me next week, December 8th from 9:00 - 4:00 at the Walla Walla Washington Fairgrounds.  This is a HANDMADE only show and the last one for me this year.  Hope to make it a good one.

Enjoy and be well.

P.S.  The girls (and Lulu) say "hello."  Merry Christmas

                                     

Think I will "blather!"

Upper Crust
Weston, Oregon USA

"Blather."  Am borrowing that fun word.  It will fit this post well.  Our experience at the above establishment last evening has left me with the urge to "blather."  I saw that word in one of their posts referencing a term used by Mr. Tim, one of the proprietors and the main chef, at the Upper Crust.  His Scottish brogue was delightful and just look at the graciousness to which we arrived for our special Anniversary dinner!  Can you imagine?  How many times have you pulled up to a Restaurant and been greeted at the door in such a manner?  

That gracious manner did not end as the door closed behind us.  The elegant atmosphere within, only complements this couples' manner of service.  We were alone!  They had accepted our reservation, minus any other patrons!!  We were lavished with service!!  Seated at the beautifully set, full service table for two!   (Hoping we would use the proper fork/spoon at the proper time--not that I think they would have minded, if not.)   With real taper candles lit and real flowers placed on every table in their intimate dining area.  Can you imagine, really?  Did we just place our coats on the back of the chair?  No!  They were taken and hung by our hosts!  Were we special or what?

As drinks were offered, alcoholic or non, we chose champagne chilling in the poised elegance of a proper (bucket?)   Equally poured with grace for us, by Pam, as "the chef" disappeared behind the scenes--preparing, from scratch, a four course dinner--for two!

Look at THAT!

Course #1:  Fresh, healthy salad, homemade bread sticks, and sumptuous Shepard's Pie.  That was just the beginning!!  
Course # 2:  Pam has cleared away dishes, and brings us delicious, yes, homemade, Tomato Basil Soup with a dollop of sour cream and herbs. Plus more fresh homemade bread.  (Sorry, I had eaten half before thinking to take a photo!)
    Course # 3:  Oh my......are we needing a third course?  Again, dishes cleared.  I had pre-selected between pork loin roast and a special beef dinner, knowing either would be fine, whoever chose which!  And, it was fine!!  Oh, Oh...again, I ate.  Could take a photo of my "to go" box, but.....that is not elegant.  And to think.....as the dishes were cleared.....
Course #4:  Almost too pretty to violate with a spoon or fork!  However, silencing those  admonishments from many years ago, ("no desert unless you clean your plate")  we tried ever so hard to not waste a single bit of delicious!  It was sooo good.  I cannot even tell you what it was called!  So light, airy and just plain yummy.  

As the leisurely (due to the gracious hosts) evening concluded we "blathered" a bit before waddling to the car for our short ride back home on the clear not, too, cold night.  

Now...just for your information, this was an occasion.  We do not indulge ourselves very often, but now we have an Anniversary memory!  Special, huh?

Also, not all occasions need to be a full four course dinner.  We can drop by for lunch someday for another taste of that wonderful Shepard's Pie, maybe a salad or other tasty, homemade tidbit.  We learned they, also, do Pizza!  Do we recommend Upper Crust!!  Indeed, we do.  Please do!!  Check them out on Facebook or call:  360 229-1942 .    If you are a traveler, place them on your itinerary.

--------------------------------

Now tea time

Yes, we can have tea.  Look at this lovely assortment sent by my oldest daughter who lives way, way, way up North in Alaska.  No wonder we are feeling special.....greetings from my two other girls, and enjoyed Thanksgiving dinner out with son, Joshua!  Then, braving Facebook with that personal Anniversary post, sooo many well wishes!!  Thank you to all.....thank you.  

____________________

Kick back Sunday.  "Blathering."  Isn't that a neat word?  

Dinner decided, thawing homemade Spaghetti Sauce we put by when the garden was in full swing.  Did you know, making spaghetti sauce with garden fresh tomatoes is different than when you use canned tomatoes bought from the store?  One must compensate someway or it turns out watery!   Live and learn, even when we are old!!  Contemplating making a from scratch bread to go with that saucy sauce.

Also, contemplating wandering into "my room" to finish preparing a couple collages that are already entered into "The Big."  An open to all Art Exhibit that begins on December 7th and remains up until January 26, 2019 at Art Center East in LaGrande, Oregon.  There will be "a festive opening reception from 6 to 8p.m. on Friday, December 7th.  Alas, very doubtful we will make the reception. It will require another trip of approximately 60 miles (after delivery the 28th) over the terrain known as "Cabbage Hill," to LaGrande, Oregon  from our location.  Locals know this can be a bit dicey during unpredictable winter weather!   Just think it might be fun to participate in an exhibit of this caliber--a bucket list desire, if you will.   My good friend and I are encouraging one another to step out of our "comfort zone."  She, too, has entered!!  So, if you should be in the area, not just because we made the choice to enter, but for all involved, if you have the time and the desire,  Art Center East is open Monday-Friday, 10:00am to 4:00p.m. and Saturday from noon until 4:00.  This exhibit is upstairs in the restored 1913 Carnegie Library Building @ 1006 Penn Avenue, LaGrande, Oregon USA.  

Take good care, until next time!