Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Projects, projects, projects!

Scrap Chick's Mixed Media Charm Bracelet copyright Margot Potter for DRG
Fuzzy Monsters mixed media Bracelet copyright Margot Potter for DRG
Canine Couture decorative collar copyright Margot Potter for DRG
Pink Persuasion rosary style Necklace copyright Margot Potter for DRG

Howdy Pardners!

I've got some fun projects online at
e-patterns central and their sister site freepatterns.com. Here are some pics! Some of these are free and some are available for a small fee. Many of these projects are from way back when I first started out as a professional craft industry designer and it's a blast for me to see them again. My daughter is sporting the 'fuzzy monsters' bracelet to school today. The delightful Jenny Harada sent me a bag of fun fur and I had to figure out a way to turn it into a wearable. I guess it's pretty fun to have a Mom with drawers bursting with funky jewelry. She's the reason I keep archives of all of my work and it's really wonderful to see her enjoying them! Yesterday her teacher tried to buy a design from my new book off of her neck!

I've got a full plate today with a meeting and taping an interview for CraftCast with Alison Lee. I've got a lot of press looming and as things air, I promise to let you know. Until later...craft on with your bad selves.

Cheers,
Madge

Monday, March 30, 2009

What is Chakra?



Chakra (derived from the Sanskrit cakraṃ चक्रं, Phonetic pronunciation "chukr", Pali: chakka, Tibetan: khorlo, Malay: cakera) is a Sanskrit word that translates as wheel or disc.

Chakra is a concept referring to wheel-like vortices which, according to traditional Indian medicine, are believed to exist in the surface of the etheric double of man. The Chakras are said to be "force centers" or whorls of energy permeating, from a point on the physical body, the layers of the subtle bodies in an ever-increasing fan-shaped formation (the fans make the shape of a love heart). Rotating vortices of subtle matter, they are considered the focal points for the reception and transmission of energies. Seven major chakras or energy centers (also understood as wheels of light) are generally believed to exist, located within the subtle body. Practitioners of Hinduism and New Age Spirituality believe the chakras interact with the body's ductless endocrine glands and lymphatic system by feeding in good bio-energies and disposing of unwanted bio-energies.

Much of the original information on Chakras comes from the "Upanishads", which are difficult to date because they are believed to have been passed down orally for approximately a thousand years before being written down for the first time between 1200–900 BCE.

Chakras, as described above, are energy centers along the spine located at major branchings of the human nervous system, beginning at the base of the spinal column and moving upward to the top of the skull. Chakras are considered to be a point or nexus of biophysical energy or prana of the human body. Shumsky states that "prana is the basic component of your subtle body, your energy field, and the entire chakra system...the key to life and source of energy in the universe."


The following seven primary chakras are commonly described:

  1. Muladhara (Sanskrit: मूलाधार, Mūlādhāra) Base or Root Chakra (last bone in spinal cord *coccyx*)
  2. Swadhisthana (Sanskrit: स्वाधिष्ठान, Svādhiṣṭhāna) Sacral Chakra (ovaries/prostate)
  3. Manipura (Sanskrit: मणिपूर, Maṇipūra) Solar Plexus Chakra (navel area)
  4. Anahata (Sanskrit: अनाहत, Anāhata) Heart Chakra (heart area)
  5. Vishuddha (Sanskrit: विशुद्ध, Viśuddha) Throat Chakra (throat and neck area)
  6. Ajna (Sanskrit: आज्ञा, Ājñā) Brow or Third Eye Chakra (pineal gland or third eye)
  7. Sahasrara (Sanskrit: सहस्रार, Sahasrāra) Crown Chakra (Top of the head; 'Soft spot' of a newborn)

Chakras in the head from lowest to highest are: golata, talu/talana/lalana, ajna, talata/lalata, manas, soma, sahasrara (and sri inside it.)

The link below allows you to visit, Electric Energies (Where you can take a test to see your Chakra level?): Click here to take the Chakra test

Craft an Interesting Life

If I weren't a craft maven, I'd be singing and acting. I put that on hold so I could be a Mom. I didn't want to be away at night rehearsing and performing and miss out on watching my daughter bloom. I'm so very glad that I did, because being a parent is by far the best thing I've ever done. I have absolutely no regrets. This is a segment from the Cabaret show I started when my daughter was a baby. I plan to get back to this...in fact...there's something simmering on the back burner right now!

If you knew all of the kooky schemes I've cooked up since I've been married. All of the times my family has stood behind me while I tried to make impossible dreams real! It's rather funny when we look back on it all. I have more than dyed red hair in common with Lucy McGillicutty. Vocal competitions, endless auditions, call backs, crazy job interviews, a very unfortunate evening at the Mellon Jazz Festival, product lines that almost happened and fell apart, TV hosting job short lists...the hours of home crafted audition tapes alone are hilarious. I have a penchant for attempting the impossible. Sometimes it works out for me...and sometimes not...but at least it's never boring. I'm not just here to show you how to make crafts, I'm here to show you how to craft your life. Craft an interesting one, it'll give you something to smile about when you're old

It's never too late to become the person you were meant to be. Ever. If anyone tries to tell you differently, that's merely because they've given up on their dreams. Never give up.

xoxo,
Madge


Saturday, March 28, 2009

FRIENDS,MY STRENGTH!

FRIENDS ARE FOR EVER!




It was a pleasant evening.i was sipping my tea sitting in the balcony.after putting an end to all the 'must finish'work before the financial year,i was relaxing!since days i had stopped enjoying the beautiful evenings at the seaside.the last call of the birds before sunset,the waves kissing the shore,the reflection of lights in the
water,the illuminated donapaula at the other end fill my mind with the positive thoughts.it makes me count on if not hundreds,tens of reasons to give a smile.

when kishen came down for a short visit,he took time to sit in the balcony and enjoy nature.i joined him and shared the small but the real happenings of life.years before,when nanda came here,she was convincing me not to miss to listen to the sound of waves.''anu,you are lucky.you don't have to go to a beach.just take time to enjoy this beautiful nature,the sea shore from your balcony.spend atleast ten minutes daily,to listen to the music of waves.''and i must tell you,nanda,whenever i did,i was at peace feeling the happiness.i could tell you,the waves teach me,good things in our life outweigh the bad.

the sunset makes my heart heavy.i miss my people,i long to belong!

guys,i have told you before, somone unknown whom i have never seen takes pain to send me the morning greetings.first i ignored them.but they didn't stop.somewhere far away,i wonder why he requests for my friendship.life has taught me many lessons on friendship.now i hesitate to accept people as my friends.


today morning,when i received this greetings,i was touched.the wordings are beautiful.i just can't ignore him anymore.

i may not acknowledge;but my unknown friend,thanks a lot for bringing a smile on my face daily morning.now iam used to your morning greetings.

an interesting thing happened in between.it was in the form of a mail.the other day, i received a short mail from syam who wrote, one midnight he happened to see my blog and the rest of the night he was awake!i didn't bother!but the chain of mails on my posts,the critical opinions,the quoting of lines which touched his heart and the late nights he gets glued to my posts offer another friendship.

my local friend,loretta cheers me .she is getting ready for the forthcoming easter.she lives in cortalim,half an hour drive away.she visits me once a while and pampers me with lots of gifts.often i have to give her reassurance that nothing is wrong with her life.the bad man is out forever and the road to happiness is long.


tears roll up in my chest and rise up to my eyes when i think of indu,my sincere friend of little flower convent school.she was too simple and honest about our friendship.indu ,i can never forget you in my life!one must be lucky to have a friend like you!the picture is crystal clear of your tharavadu in orumanayoor.can u believe,indu,someone had come here to give spiritual talks at AYYAPPA TEMPLE.he had been to your tharavadu.i was again recollecting the carefree school days!

then often i recollect the happy memories of the time spent together with fatima,girija and asha lata of school.girija always tickled my laughter bones during lunch breaks.her loud laughter echos in my ears even now.fathima was innocent.the typical muslim girl from chavakkad.she reminds me the smell of athar.asha lata competed with me for the first rank.the first rank holders were given medals in the morning assembly every month after the unit tests were over.so,we competed in the real sense.

i must mention about asha menon who spent afew years here,in this beautiful state.she went on transfer to mumbai.she is the one who always has a smile for u.she gives me support and reassurance.we were not together for a long time.but,her phone calls and mails bring back the happiness.she is the one who remembers my star and checks out my birthday every year!she forces me to take a break and join her in mumbai!asha prepares all the special dishes with the added spice of love!

there is aditya who told me to write about my childhood memories.he is the one who sees to that the jasmine plants are watered regularly so that they bloom more and n each new bud reminds me .great,isn't it?he is the sincere friend who keeps away from me when he faces the hardships of life as he he knows,i will be worried.

and here is my special friend,the simple and honest roshan.he is gifted with the magic of writing.i want to label him as my extraordinary friend.we can spend time together in comforting silence!he is the instant poet!he writes beautiful lines on any topic under the sun.our humour sense strengthens our friendship!he encourages me to write more.[hey,roshan,i believe,this feather won't be too heavy for your cap].

experiences are not all that pleasant.we find people around us who claim to be our friends when they need us.there are a few,who left me and whom i left.but,i want to tell myself,''anu,don't bother,they don't deserve you.you are too sincere.''

i was a member of kitty parties.but it staretd becoming more of showing your status and wealth.and i realised,at the cost of the family,it doesn't give me any happiness.so,i quit!


and i have my dearest amma,little star,kishen,shankar,maza and nanda to stand with me,in every low n high of my life always.they keep my feet on the ground,but dreams alive.i love you a lot!my whole life,iam indebted to you!!!and my ettans n younger brother who give me moral support n see to that iam always happy.

i have been always impressed by the thick and true friendship of little star n maza,amma n sr.modesta.maza n little star are more of friends than sisters.my younger brother fondly calls them,'inapravukal.'they could share all the cries and laughter of life!what a blessing to have a hand to hold on.sincerity and love made the base stronger!


iam grateful to the kind gestures and friendly attitude of ram shukla,asha sharma,sunandha and kumudini at my workplace.

often we get caught up in our worries that we forget to appreciate the beauty,the sincerity in those who love us.every minute of everyday brings us the opportunities to create happiness in our lives.please note that happiness is within.

this is the season of lent and an important part of the lent is SANTOS PASSOS.In portuguese,it means 'Holy Steps' and signifies the journey of CHRIST to CALVARY.Santos Passos is a depiction of the ordeal ,contemplation and suffering of CHRIST before being crucified.

And this lent period,i remember sr.modesta n sr,jancina.they always chant asilent prayer for us. my amma's student and great fan,sr,modesta brings achange to our whole family.she is like a cool breeze.i make it a point to visit sr.modesta who is in mareena home now.five minutes spent with her recharges me with positive attitude.

just the other day achamma called from kottayam.they left here and settled in kottayam.she dreamt me n kishen and called up to find out all of us keep fit.she was my colleague for many years.

sr ,jancina who taught me malayalam and who wrote a story on me!she developed the interest in mother tongue and i was her favourite student.can you believe,i took second group for her in pre degree as she wanted to see me as a doctor!but i switched over to economics for degree course!she was happy when my younger brother became a doctor!

hey,guys,please take time to post a friendly 'hello''.take the initiative to keep in touch.catch up with your friends .they do make a difference.wisdom and warmth can come from any corner.life is not a spelling test.no matter,how many words we get right.we will never get disqualified.

and to all my long lost friends,

''ennodethinu pinakkam,
enthinanennodu paribhavam?''


on this sunday,when the band strikes up,my feet tap with a life of its own!my prince charming walks across towards me and i step into his arms.the dance,the wonderful dance goes on!it feels good to be back!

''A friend in need is a friend in need.''
will you be my friend?

and to you,

Main tere jism mein mehkunga gulabon ki tarah,
Aa kabhi mujhko dil me basa ke to dekh!


it's anu signing off,

wishing a grand sunday to relax,

sasneham,
anu

TastyLinks Saturday!


It’s time once again to spread the Linky Love across the blogosphere! Here’s this week’s sampling of TastyLinks™ with a few bonus links for your reading pleasure.

Huge shout out to Jean Yates for posting
this thoughtful and stellar review of my new book Beyond the Bead. Thank you, Jean!

Check out
this beautiful line of hand crafted glass jewelry from Italian born glass artist Angelo Tiozzo.

And without further ado, here is your weekly sampling of crafty goodness from the Crafty Blogger Gang. Please welcome our newest member Sister Diane of CraftyPod fame:

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery With inspiration from Cathi Milligan's new book Mod Knots a soda bottle goes under the knife and becomes a mod cuff.

Naughty Secretary Club Get felt up with Jen and her customized felt baby booties how-to.

Cross Stitch at About.com Would You Stitch With Scented Floss? Vote in the poll and be sure to read the comments and add your own.

CraftyPod Learn how to turn an old paperback book into a cool picture frame.

Crafty Princess Diaries Expose yourself....in a good way that is...Tammy tells her thoughts on the process of creative exposure.

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world This week there is an Andy Warhol inspired scrapbook page and ATC's, an interview with Lisa Kettell author of Altered Art Circus!, a super cute clay pot hedge hog how-to, and a link to two free bottle cap graphics.

Cathie Filian Blythe and Barbie can now have their cake and eat it too! Cathie whips up some mini cakes and pies perfectly sized for fashion dolls with sponges and seed beads.

Blisstree Mixing two of Cyndi's favorite things: fibers and books!

Alexa Westerfield a.k.a. Swelldesigner Swelldesigner gives new life to a plain paper lantern with tissue paper!

Aileen's Musings Check out which names won for Aileen's Color Mist Sorbet Collection and help BREAK THE TIE by voting once more! An additional winner will be chosen once the tie is broken.

About Family Crafts Discover how you can create an entire fairy village using items from nature.
The Impatient Crafter Madge shares one final project from her new book Beyond the Bead! Plus she's giving away a free copy of the book and a crystal stash!

Friday, March 27, 2009

Product Review Rings & Things Bracelet and Pendant Blanks

Product Review
Metal Bracelet and Pendant Blanks
Rings ‘n Things


The folks at Rings ‘n Things have one of my favorite websites and catalogs for wholesale findings and chain, they’ve been offering the unique since we bought from them for our bead shop years ago. I often find myself turning to them when I want something different and I don’t have time for a trip to Manhattan. They recently sent me some bracelet and pendant blanks to review and although I’ve not had time to whip up a free project, I’ve had plenty of thoughts running through my brain. My first impression was that the quality on these items was very high, and that even without embellishment these bracelets are appealing.

What I love about this style of bracelet blank is that it’s the perfect foundation for a wide variety of mixed media ideas. You can opt to glue on old buttons and add glitter and crystal accents, you can attach some vintage board game parts and leave them plain or add some bling, you can flip over bottle caps and fill them with 3-d elements and resin (one of my daughter’s favorite activities) or you can attach collaged wooden blanks with paint, images and accents...use one of the frames to create a thematically coordinating charm! I’d recommend a two part epoxy or metal friendly glue for maximum hold.

I’m a big fan of possibilities. I like being able to imprint my work with my own vision. That’s far more interesting to me than putting beads on a string or making something from a kit. Mixed media gives the crafter plenty of room for creative expression. Plus it’s a great way to recycle things you might ordinarily throw out. If you’re trying to save money but keep the creative juices flowing, I highly suggest trying these bracelet and pendant blanks. Before you toss out that wrapper, magazine or box, take a closer look. Maybe there’s a fabulous piece of jewelry waiting to unfold with a little imagination and these bracelet and pendant blanks from the folks at Rings ‘n Things.

If you’d like to win one of these bracelet blanks and a coordinating frame, leave a comment and I’ll announce a winner next Friday. Congratulations to Evie's Ark for winning Kristal Wick’s new book Fabulous Fiber Beads, please email me your snail mail address to: theimpatientcrafter@gmail.com

xoxo
Madge
The Impatient Crafter™
Check out my NEW BOOKS!

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Aleister Crowley the Man his Mansion/Castle


Aleister Crowley lived in The Raglan Castle: is in Wales, between Monmouth and Abergavenny. he castle was used as a movie set for part of Led Zeppelin's 1976 release The Song Remains the Same and the 1977 film Time Bandits starring Sean Connery, John Cleese, Michael Palin, Ralph Richardson and Shelly Duvall.

Aleister Crowley - The Other Loch Ness Monster - Part 1 of 5


Aleister Crowley - The Other Loch Ness Monster - Part 2 of 5


Aleister Crowley - The Other Loch Ness Monster - Part 3 of 5


Aleister Crowley - The Other Loch Ness Monster - Part 4 of 5

THE KIND GESTURES



LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL..................

On this eve of new year,'GUDI PADWA',my thoughts revolve around the kind gestures that make our life beautiful.one thinks positively when life is dependent on many others.
i might not have told the magical words ''thanks'' to many.but,i have realised the smile they bring on others' faces.we all need each other.technology has not stopped us from loving each other.the idea of serving one another usefully has never been removed from the modern mind.

hey,guys,for a change,remove the cell phone clamped to your ear next time you walk down the streets and listen to the cries around you.there are many ,who just may need a patient hearing.get your tv unplugged and get up n start taking your steps out to nature.someone needs you very badly and who knows,you will be having the satisfaction of brightening up someone's day!

as i love counselling,i just started sharpening my listening skills now.that's why,bindu comes often to me just to pour out her problems or loretta often seeks guidance.when i let them roll out the tears,they get relieved and after cracking a simple joke, a smile can be re planted on their face.am i getting sensible?



right from my childhood,i was surprised at the hospitality and kindness of my parents.before we had our food,amma always kept iddli and chutney for the helpers.as soon as someone came to see achan,always tea was ordered in the kitchen.even the workers will not go back without enjoying the home made food.now i realise''annadanam is maha punyam.''before having lunch,one bowl of rice was offered to the crows.before we start eating,we pray to GOD 'for the food we eat.the first lesson of generosity was taught at home.

i try to make it a point to feed the sparrows,pigeons, crows n cats daily,here.i just can't miss the chirping of the cute sparrows!mornings are fresh with the gifts of nature!

watching sunset by the sea is a wonderful experience.when you visit this beautiful land,please don't miss it.nature teaches us many lessons.our mind feels a wonderful experience.the peace n happiness,one enjoys are beyond words.in this scorching summer,plan a trip to this wonderful land of natural beauty and spend the days by the numerous beaches.it's lovely!why don't you discover this land of song ,sand n sun by yourself?an unforgettable vacation is just a breeze away!

in my neighbour's balcony the red kashi thumba is fully bloomed.i just appreciate the beautiful flowers daily.

often we forget,our daily paradise is our home,sweet home.the moments of sharing and laughing are too precious.we have only these moments to cherish for the rest of our life.we learn the basic values of love,care and concern at home.by the time you read this post,as the resolution taken on this auspicious day,please turn an enemy to your friend.for that you have to forgive n stretch the hands of friendship.let's give what we can.

iam so grateful to GOD for all the blessings showered on me!my life is an answered prayer!prayers make our life better.

anu always wanted to be a Cinderella with a band and a beat!she was living in an imaginary world.she really thought, a prince charming would come to her and take her into his arms.she wanted to perform to the tunes of super hit.noone could stop her dreaming.she waited for,''you are on my mind'',''i miss you'' mails.she wanted the compliments!silly?noway,everything is okey in love!anu wants to recapture the romance![CAN SOMEONE BOAST OF A BETTER BONUS?]

whole heartedly i thank all my folks n friends for making my life beautiful!and to those who don't agree with me,may i gift you a yellow rose? [if you 're willing to accept,please acknowledge].let's enjoy the pleasures of friendship.and i must tell you,this flower is the token of true n warm dosti.



let's keep the festive spirit alive.wishing one n all A HAPPY GUDI PADWA!!!navya varshachaya subhechha!!!people drink neem juice in the morning.this acts as the body purifier.the sacred kalash or copper pot is placed on the colourfully decorated gudi stick along with marigold flowers n mango leaves n neem leaves.a colourful zari bordered cloth is usually used for decoration.while the copper vessel is a representation of the womb of MOTHER EARTH, the stick is a symbol of victory asscociated with the conquests during wars.


it's time to spread good cheer and happiness around.please join n celebrate all festivals.that's what we pravasis do.wishing you a happy n prosperous new year,let's be together.Insha Allah!!


and to you,


Kabhi waqt mile to aajao,
Ham jheel ke kinare ja baittem.........[kab aayega?]

it's anu signing off..........

i was waiting to get back to you,guys.the hectic days n the sleepless nights,the help from my friends could make it possible to finish the work before the deadline!and tonight i can sleep peacefully!!!

yes,it's true,''a stich in time saves nine.''

Jai ho!!

sasneham,
anu

The Impatient Crafter is on the Market

March 26, 2009
For Immediate Release:


Brilliant, creative and successful woman seeks alignment with a top tier company in the craft industry.

Margot Potter, The Impatient Crafter™ is looking to align her brand with a top tier company in the craft industry. Margot is a gifted designer, wordsmith extraordinaire, viral marketing and PR whiz, clicking and trend prediction expert, compelling and highly entertaining TV hostess and guest, DRTV veteran, gifted public speaker, marketing visionary, creative inspiration guru and can provide uniquely fresh viewpoints on your business and the industry at large. She’s smart, she’s savvy and she’s sassy.

Key components of this alignment could possibly include: developing co-branded licensed products, innovative in-use designs with your products, producing attention grabbing written materials for your catalogs, press releases, promotional materials, internet promotions and ads, consulting and creating multi-pronged marketing platforms to maximize your brand awareness, getting your product in the hands of prominent industry designers and bloggers, creating online marketing and education that will excite and invite customers, hosting info-taining video content and appearing on TV to promote your products.

I get it. I get you. I have a strong brand that appeals to a wide demographic. I get your business and I know how to take it to the next level. I understand how to market to the Average Jane and the Indy Crafter. I have a unique ability to see the niches that need filling and the pathways to doing so. I'm a professional performer who can deliver top notch
on-air presentations. In five years I’ve gone from being entirely unknown in the craft industry to becoming an industry celebrity entirely through viral marketing, publication and the fine art of shameless self promotion.

I have 15 years experience in the jewelry and craft industry as a designer, retailer, buyer and merchandiser, a professional background and college degree in live onstage performance, ten years of live unscripted on-camera experience in shopping TV, 5 popular published how-to books, a year’s experience as an interim editor of a bead magazine, an internationally popular blog, award winning humorous how-to videos, am one of three Design Team members for Beadalon, have consulted, taught and am an ambassador for the Create Your Style with CRYSTALLIZED™-Swarovski Elements initiative, have created intriguing in-use designs, blog posts and articles for a variety of manufacturers and have been a guest on a variety of podcasts and radio shows as a creativity guru.

If you’re looking for a woman with a whole lot of moxie, chutzpah and unmitigated gall, you’ve found her. Contact me at margot@margotpotter.com to discuss the possibilities.

Margot Potter
The Impatient Crafter™
margot@margotpotter.com

http://www.margotpotter.com/


You can’t create success if you aren’t willing to name it and claim it. It’s official, I’m hanging out my shingle.



Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Ya Gotta Have Faith.

Illustration by Enoch Bolles
All entrepreneurs are gamblers. We are people who figured out that job stability is an illusion and that we want to make more of the money for ourselves instead of someone else. So we jump off of the precipice into the free fall that is self directed freelance employment. When all goes well, it’s incredibly rewarding and when it doesn’t...it’s downright scary.

In order for me to make it all work, I have a variety of jobs. The good thing about that is that if one dries up, I have other avenues of income. The bad thing as of late is that in this rocky economy, several of them are drying up simultaneously. Over the past few months I’ve had a few regular sources of income either disappear or shrink exponentially. In the past two weeks two have completely fizzled out, one with a rather large and unfortunate fizzling sound. I’m in that free fall mode and the only rip cord is my faith in my abilities. Is faith enough?

I guess I’m going to find out.

I think people look at me and assume that since I’ve built a brand and brand recognition through extensive viral marketing that I’m making a lot of money. That’s simply not the case...yet. I’m building something that I truly believe has a big pay off down the road. This is the gamble. Will all of my hard work result in licensing, better book sales, TV hosting, new on air sales positions...or will it all sort of fizzle out like a birthday candle in the rain? (Good grief let’s just hope it doesn’t fizzle out like that lame arse metaphor!) The truth is it’s often one step forward two steps back and I am on a daily basis having to spin the straw faster and come up with new straw sources. I’m not whining mind you, I’m simply stating the facts.

The thing is we’re all in this boat these days. Many, many of us are a paycheck away from that free fall. I believe that the only way we can survive is to get very resourceful and very smart. That means assessing our talents and skills and figuring out new pathways for success that don’t rely on one source or one job. It means being able to take the blows that knock us to our knees without staying down for the count. It means being resilient, strong, tenacious and it means having faith. No one is going to rescue us, so we’d best figure out how to do it ourselves.

I think I can...I think I can...I think I can.

I know I can.

xoxo
Dread Pirate Maggie

Monday, March 23, 2009

The Pope of Satan: Alister Crowley


Aleister Crowley, born Edward Alexander Crowley (pronounced /ˈkroʊli/), (12 October 1875 – 1 December 1947), was a British occultist, writer, mountaineer, poet, and yogi. He was in influential member several occult organizations, including the Golden Dawn and a few others and was best known today for his occult writings, especially The Book of the Law, the central sacred text of Thelema. He gained much notoriety during his lifetime, and was dubbed "The Wickedest Man In the World.

Crowley was also a chess player, painter, astrologer, hedonist, bisexual, drug experimenter, and social critic. Wikipedia: Alester Crowley

Wickedest Man in the World - Part 1 of 7


Wickedest Man in the World - Part 2 of 7


Wickedest Man in the World - Part 3 of 7


Wickedest Man in the World - Part 4 of 7


Wickedest Man in the World - Part 5 of 7


Wickedest Man in the World - Part 6 of 7


Wickedest Man in the World - Part 7 of 7




Aleister Crowley - Without Walls - Part 1


Aleister Crowley - Without Walls - Part 2




1st Series
Aleister Crowley - Master of Darkness - Part 1 of 3


Aleister Crowley - Master of Darkness - Part 2 of 3


Aleister Crowley - Master of Darkness - Part 3 of 3


2nd Series
Aleister Crowley - Master of Darkness - Part 1 of 3


Aleister Crowley - Master of Darkness - Part 3 of 3


Aleister Crowley - Master of Darkness - Part 3 of 3


Suspicion Marcasite Shows and Jamaica Pics!


Howdy Pardners!

I finally got pics posted from our trip in my Facebook Account.
Click here to go see! I’ve got two Suspicion Marcasite Anniversary Shows tomorrow at QVC. There won’t be much sleep in my world, but there’ll be lots of sparkle, spackle and perhaps a few funny moments! We’re going to have some really amazing new designs for your perusal and there will be anniversary pricing to boot. I don’t design this line, I’m the spokesperson and a consultant. My expertise as a former jewelry buyer and a collector of vintage along with my being a professional designer are the provenance I bring to this role. Being an Ambassador for the CYS CRYSTALLIZED™-Swarovski Elements initiative is a boost since we combine the marcasite with crystal in many of the pieces. If you’re up early or you work from home, tune in!

I won’t be back to the blog until Wednesday, so feel free to talk amongst yourselves while I’m away.

xoxo
Madge

Saturday, March 21, 2009

TastyLinks Saturday!



Here’s this week’s sampling of TastyLinks™ from the uber talented crafty bloggers. I hope you enjoy.

Firstly you may not have noticed my fancy new widget, but I’m looking for a few good fans. If you’re on Facebook, please consider joining my fan club! Come on, ya know ya wanna. Just click the widget above to go join!

I’m giving one final signed copy of my fabulous new book Beyond the Bead away along with a free project and if you haven’t already you should leave a comment to win it. You might just win the book AND get a stash of CRYSTALLIZED™-Swarovski Elements to boot. This book is as fun to read as it is to mine for cool new ideas, I promise. What in the world are you waiting for?!

About Family Crafts Discover some ways you can save money on your crafting without stifling your creativity!

Aileen's Musings Looking for a new spin on store bought plastic easter eggs....Aileen offer's you a Glitzy Easter Egg Project!

Alexa Westerfield a.k.a. Swelldesigner Swelldesigner up-cycles some old tins with Collage Pauge and scrapbook paper!

Blisstree Don't miss out on the second annual Collage Mania event !

Cathie Filian Cathie has a dollar store do over! With a scrap of paper and a little flirty flower you can make this easy headband in under 1-hour.’

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world This week at Craftside there is a how-to for making a Chinese Knot from Kenneth King's new book Cool Couture, a Scribble Lace scarf pattern, a woven lampshade made from scrap yarn, and 4 up-cycled necklace designs.

Crafty Princess Diaries The Crafty Princess catches you up on her various crafting projects and asks, "What's on your crafting plate?"

Cross Stitch at About.com Use the free Street and Traffic Sign Motifs to decorate a cake, a child's jacket, or whatever your imagination can come up with.

Naughty Secretary Club Jen asks the question: Would you wear an apron out on the town as a fashion accessory? According to some trendsters it’s all the rage. Join in the discussion about Apron-ology.

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery Sweater Surgery meets Sublime Stitching with a fun gun embroidered altered sweater.

The Impatient Crafter Madge is hooked on Drew Emborsky's new book The Crochet Dude's Designs for Guys! Check out her book review!

MILE SUR MERA TUMHARA.........................



SUKHAMO DEVI.......................?

For so many days,i was carrying this title in my heart....right from college days,this popular song topped my favourite list.i pampered the lines in my heart.....the verse,the tune,the picturisation,the romance lift my spirits................repeatedly i love to hear this song.i feel great!it connects me with the inner self.it's a release for my emotions.

it's about my village ,kaveedu near guruvayoor.i can't procced without mentioning my ancestoral nalukettu.the vakappookkal on the way to my office remind me our pambin kavu.we had this tree.the pink feathery flowers are so cute. the nature is at its best at chandra prabha.the dragonflies n butterflies were the good indicators of the healthy ecosystem.the spectacle not to be missed in one's life.


the big pambinkavu took a major portion of the land.the swings were natural.we,the children used to play inside,it was so cool.i always prayed to NAGAS not to bite me before entering inside.we felt,we were in some other world.in summer,when we went to kamalalayam,the bed time stories told by achamma enriched our childhood.achamma took us to the wonderful world of nagamanikyam.when i watch,AADI PARA SHAKTI,the serial on nagas and nagamanikyam make me relive in my childhood.i cherish the fond memories of my achamma.my achan was the eldest son of the family.on each important days and events achan joined his loving amma n siblings.


losing this green cover meant the loss of many plants and animals.we woke up to the chirping of birds.nobody needed an alarm clock or mobile to wake up early morning.

i miss my home,my village,my plants and flowers.their absence leave a terrible vacuum.it's a different feeling.

manjusha, was my close friend of college.she was fair,tall and slim.she had long hair.she always got the second look.she was sincere and studious.i was so comfortable with her.we could share all the silly things of life.she used to come by bus.mohan met her in this bus journey.he was a journalist of a leading news paper.anyone would love her for the simplicity and innocent look.he believed strongly,they were made for each other.he was tall,dark and with sparkling eyes.
she felt,he was mr.right for her.

i used to read the wonderful poems he had written about her.when two hearts are in love,every moment will be enjoyable.he was simple and honest about his feelings.she was on cloud nine.they were often together mentally.manjusha was addressed as his madapravu.

but,often life doesn't turn out to be the way we want it to be or expect it .we are simply blind to life.we don't open our eyes and look at life in the true sense.

when the news was leaked,manjusha was under house arrest.there was no way to contact her as she stopped her studies half way.her brothers and parents saw it to that not even a collegemate entered their house.

i was feeling depressed,nooneelse could take her place.later,we came to know that she was married off to a software engineer in gulf.we were not invited and i could not see her later.

after so many years,i met mohan in city centre.it was a nice get together.we were leafing through the past.he was pretty miserable for the next few years.the most unfortunate happening was that he had resigned his job.in the middle of that,he turned to writing for comfort.he is a popular blogger,now.he finds relief in the hectic life schedule..mohan is well settled with a happy family.still when it was time to say bye,his message to manjusha was''sukhamo devi?''one must be wondering,what could be the reason for mohan to send communication all the way to dubai.but,guys,the mayilpeeli ippozhum manassinte edukalil manam kanathe olichirikkunu.

manjusha,if u happen to read this post,please contact me.if we knew,what what's in store,we will try to correct our way of life.this world would have been much a better place to live in.

who can forget the colourful life and the sweet moments ?the only thoughts that cross my mind and gives me insomnia these days are the carefree,romantic days of the college life.

actually,i was thrilled as if he had asked me that question[someoneelse used to ask me that very fondly.]now the priorities have been changed.time n tide waits for none. once the centre of the world was someonelese.words were never exchanged.we were never together. i remember the admiring looks and an attractive smile.the name doesn't matter.we never want words to dreams.it was the feeling,the untold,the unexpressed feeling.over and over again a dreamy romantic voice whispers...............''sukhamo devi?''i think,each one of us carry the unforgettable memories which bring a sweet smile to our face.

let's don't keep on apologising.let's do things for which we don't have to feel guilty.

and to me,


zindagi me pyaar hota hai zaroor,
per pana zaroori to nahim.

i hope,the whole script will be conceived differently.

and with all my love n prayers,


HAPPY BIRTHDAY,KISHEN,DEAR.MAY GOD BLESS YOU WITH ALL THE LOVE,LONG LIFE,HEALTH N HAPPINESS IN LIFE!!!MANY MANY HAPPY RETURNS OF THE DAY!

kishen's birthday is tomorrow-on sunday.i will be awake till midnight to phone n wish him.
kishen,so fast u have grown up!

wishing one and all, a peaceful weekend ahead,

it's anu signing off.

sasneham,
anu







Friday, March 20, 2009

Truth and History of Palestine and Palestinians


Video Google
Zionist War Crimes (Genocide In Palestine)
1:05:49

Several decades ago, people lived peacefully among one another in the Mid-East. Today, however, things have changed considerably. And the violence has spread considerably--far outside of the realm of the Palestinian-Israeli dispute. This video takes you back in time. It shows actual footage of Israelis and Arabs dancing together in the streets, when violence was uncommon. Traversing the time lines, this video then takes you on a journey from the days of Herzl to today, showing numerous scenes that many of us in the West are completely ignorant--such as what occurred in Deir Yassin, Jenin, Lebanon, and many other cities that raised the Arabs' ire. It also describes the Israelis' attack on the USS Liberty, which caused many innocent U.S. Navy crewmembers to die. The attack on the U.S. Library of Information in Egypt by the Israelis is also shown. You will see much rare footage, which has been previously unknown to most of us in the West. Most of this footage was taken by individuals with video cameras, since camera crews are often forbidden in the midst of these ongoing battles. This video is not for the timid. Several decades ago, people lived peacefully among one another in the Mid-East. Today, however, things have changed considerably. And the violence has spread considerably--far outside of the realm of the Palestinian-Israeli dispute. This video takes you back in time. It shows actual footage of Israelis and Arabs dancing together in the streets, when violence was uncommon. Traversing the time lines, this video then takes you on a journey from the days of Herzl to today, showing numerous scenes that many of us in the West are completely ignorant--such as what occurred in Deir Yassin, Jenin, Lebanon, and many other cities that raised the Arabs' ire. It also describes the Israelis' attack on the USS Liberty, which caused many innocent U.S. Navy crewmembers to die. The attack on the U.S. Library of Information in Egypt by the Israelis is also shown. You will see much rare footage, which has been previously unknown to most of us in the West. Most of this footage was taken by individuals with video camera...all » Several decades ago, people lived peacefully among one another in the Mid-East. Today, however, things have changed considerably. And the violence has spread considerably--far outside of the realm of the Palestinian-Israeli dispute. This video takes you back in time. It shows actual footage of Israelis and Arabs dancing together in the streets, when violence was uncommon. Traversing the time lines, this video then takes you on a journey from the days of Herzl to today, showing numerous scenes that many of us in the West are completely ignorant--such as what occurred in Deir Yassin, Jenin, Lebanon, and many other cities that raised the Arabs' ire. It also describes the Israelis' attack on the USS Liberty, which caused many innocent U.S. Navy crewmembers to die. The attack on the U.S. Library of Information in Egypt by the Israelis is also shown. You will see much rare footage, which has been previously unknown to most of us in the West. Most of this footage was taken by individuals with video cameras, since camera crews are often forbidden in the midst of these ongoing battles. This video is not for the timid.



Video Google
The Israel lobby - The influence of AIPAC on US Foreign Policy
51:13

--English version-- An episode of the Dutch documentary program "Tegenlicht" about the Israel lobby in the USA. This documentary (April 2007) was created as a result of the controversy created by Mearsheimer and Walt's "The Israel Lobby" article. Featuring interviews with Mearsheimer, geostrategist Lawrence Wikerson, Richard Perle, historian and critic Tony Judt, John Hagee, former Congressman Earl Hilliard, Kenneth Roth of Human Rights Watch, Michael Massing and Daniel Levy. 'Tegenlicht' ('Backlight') is a program from the Dutch VPRO public television. English elucidation at the VPRO website: http://www.vpro.nl/programma/tegenlicht/dossiers/34338368/ Listen also to the revealing 2002 BBC radio reportage 'A lobby to deal with': http://www.supload.com/listen?s=S_ts9_fOUg1 http://www.lrb.co.uk/v28/n06/mear01_.html Bobby Fischer, the late world famous chess player, was portrayed as "insane" by the zionist controlled media because he told the truth about the Israel lobby in the USA! His website: http://www.fischer.jp/ Listen Mon-Fri to Michael Collins Piper's Zionist-exposing radioshow: http://xrl.us/bhgpt 2008 http://xrl.us/bhgp3 2007 ..and to Daryl Bradford Smith's radioprogram at http://iamthewitness.com/ -- Related videos: -- http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3814835914745214809 Senator Findley Speaks about how Israel Lobby Started this War http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3252642434022358005 Findley Dares to Speak Out -- Again ! - AIPAC Exposed http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=7267134620652018859 Loss of Liberty http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEenyyiQGGQ Arrested Israelis knew in advance of 9/11 attacks http://youtube.com/watch?v=N3WdycoEV88 Bush: "A free Iraq will help secure Israel" http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5245468565790830556 http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=2747102837485556494 Previews to new 9/11 documentary http://americanfreepress.net/ http://www.prothink.org/ http://www.mediachannel.org/ownership/ 96% of worlds media owned by zionists

Book Review: Fabulous Fabric Beads by Kristal Wick


Here’s a review I just penned for a fantastic new book by my friend the incredibly talented Kristal Wick. I truly believe every crafter needs this book, even if you don’t make jewelry. Kristal was generous enough to donate TWO copies for me to giveaway on the blog! Leave a comment and I’ll pick TWO winners and announce them next Friday!

Fabulous Fabric Beads
By Kristal Wick
Interweave Press
2008


Kristal Wick approaches her beads and her beadwork with the eye of an artist and the soul of a poet. Her work speaks of primal, ancient, archetypal images and patterns. Her beads are as beautiful as her smile and her effervescent personality shines through in every page of this exquisite book. If you have been itching to break out of the mundane and try something new in your beadwork, this is the book for you. Ms. Wick is a master teacher and designer who will guide you through a litany of ingenious mixed media fabric bead making techniques and show you how to turn those beads into absolutely stunning jewelry.

This book is a feast for the eyes and senses and will surprise and delight you whenever you open it up for inspiration. Kristal is an incomparable muse who will spark your creative fire into infinitely interesting new directions. This isn’t just a how-to book, it’s an adventure into a whole new world of creativity that every beader is bound to enjoy.

Sumptuous colors, rich textures, beautiful layers and subtle nuanced techniques abound in this extraordinary book. I find myself paging through it again and again to glean something new, and I’ve yet to be disappointed. The book is broken up into sections that begin with surface techniques, move on to creating basic fabric beads and progress to more advanced concepts. Ms. Wick then shows you step by step how to integrate the beads into finished pieces that are certain to turn heads when worn. She even includes sidebars showing color palettes, which is very useful for folks who struggle with color. Finally there is a gallery section of more intricate pieces for further creative inspiration.

Personal favorites from the book include the Talisman Message Beads that utilize clear acrylic tubes and shimmery fabric inserts, the gorgeous Mermaid necklace and the fuzzy and funky Wild Fiber Necklace. That being said, there’s so much to love in this book, it’s hard to pick favorites!

Kristal is the designer behind the Sassy Silkies bead line and she’s graciously shared her bead making secrets here with the general public. This is a rare and generous glimpse into the mind of a creative whirlwind. We are all the better for her generosity. If you’re looking for a stellar addition to your beading library, you’ve found it in Fabulous Fabric Beads by Kristal Wick.