Preparing for The 4th Of July

Welcome to Outdoor Wednesday! Thank you Susan for being a lovely Hostess, and allowing me to share my Outdoor "Country Wings" with you and all of the Outdoor Wednesday Bloggers. Please stop by and visit Susan at http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com/

I'm slowly getting the decorations up in preparation for Saturday, July 4th, our Independence Day celebration. All of the kids and grandkids are coming. We will have about 15+ people here. A nice number to have a wonderful celebration, swim, play a few yard games, have a BBQ and ofcourse try to watch a few of the fireworks when evening comes. I found a wonderful star this year at Ross. I put it on the front of the house. It says "America the Beautiful" to me.

To the left of our entry gate I put a big red/white/blue bow below my chicken bell. When Tony built our big gate and fenced in our front into a courtyard, I did not want a door bell outside the gate. I absolutely hate those salesmen that come at Suppertime, so instead, I put up a chicken bell, and I figure if anyone is brave enough to grab the chain and give the bell a yank, then I will answer the gate. You would be surprised at the people who just walk away. The pizza guy just loves it and he always gives it a couple of yanks for good measure. The grandkids all yank to announce that they are here.

To the side of the gate we have two big window openings that I added swag American flags to. I thought they would dress that area up a little. I didn't know if I would like them when I bought them, but now that they are up and showing I really do like them. The neighbors commented on them. The mailman said I was very patriotic, and ofcourse the grandkids will love them, as they really like it when I decorate. I like for holidays to be magical for them, and I want them to grow up and remember things that I did, just like I do now for what my Mom and Grandma did for me. You'd be surprised at what little things mean to kids. Now mind you that cactus I planted when we moved into our house 15 years ago. It is now over 3 feet tall. It was about 1 foot tall when I planted it. He's my patriotic soldier standing watch over our house. I thought I might buy him one of those red/white/blue bowties and put it around his neck, and buy him an Uncle Sam top hat to wear. What do you all think? Please BLOG me and let me know. I love opinions.

My Frog had to find a new home for 4th Of July. The Patriotic Rooster came out to watch for the sunrise. He'll let us know when it is here. He looks cute with the flowers sitting on the porch. This chair sets to the right of my double doors, and I like to decorate things and set them in it. It is a solid oak chair, and was painted a hideous blue, so I stripped it enough to make it look ragged and then left it. I like the weathered, ragged look. See Debbie, I told you that I had a rooster like yours. (Or somewhat like yours.)

Inside the gate, I have this little wooden bench that I so love. It makes me think of Country. I need to find a couple of little pillows to add to it. I put a little patriotic punch to my rubber tree plant by adding a small American flag to wave in the breeze. Any bets on which one of the grandkids will pull it out first? The rubber tree plant I have had for about 6 years now. It started out as a 99 cent starter. It is about time to find a bigger pot I think.

And in closing tonight, I wanted to share my little Ash tree. For my birthday Daddy and Moma always send me birthday money. This year there was a little extra in the envelope. I asked Daddy what the deal was? He said it was my stimulus. I laughed and laughed and laughed. I decided to take the money they sent me and buy a tree for my front corner lot. It is an Ash tree, and I named him Fifty-Two, because I turned 52 on my birthday in April. I had carried the money around for some time, and three weeks ago it hit me what I wanted to do with the money. I really thought it would be so neat as everyday I could watch it grow, and everyday I would think of the wonderful gift the Daddy and Moma had given to me. Thank you so much Daddy and Moma. It is the BEST birthday present ever. I hope you have enjoyed my tour this evening. As always I am so happy you took the time to stop by, and enjoy my little piece of heaven here in the desert. Please stop by again soon. "Country Hugs", Sherry

A New Day

Image from WikiMedia Commons by Peter

Today is a new day and I’m going to focus on possibilities and positivities. (Yes, I know that isn't a word, but it works!) I'm working on more book projects...and the great news is that I’m almost there. I’m waiting on some materials to arrive this week so I can finish. I’m really looking forward to playing with some new toys! Yay!

We bought two guinea pigs this past weekend. They do better in pairs or small groups because they’re herd animals. We named them Finn E. Pig and Truffles. So far they’re still getting used to us, but slowly warming up. We’ve been hand feeding them carrots while talking softly to them. We had guinea pigs when I was a kid and I really loved them. They are truly endearing little creatures.

Yes, it’s true, fifteen chickens, two pot bellied pigs and a cairn terrier weren’t enough pets, so we had to get two guinea pigs. The menagerie grows on!

I have a big phone meeting this afternoon and I’m hoping it goes well. I’ve been trying to get the right combination of idea and opportunity to coalesce in this format for a while. It’s a lot of hurry up and wait and a lot of almost...but not quite. This is where you have to persevere. I think a good portion of ‘failure’ comes from giving up too soon. It’s easy to get discouraged or to feel inferior when people dismiss us. No matter how good you are, you can’t be everyone’s cup of tea. Try not to take it personally, chances are if you keep plugging away at it, you’ll find someone that likes your flavor!

I’m going to have a free project for you tomorrow. It’s a fun and easy mixed media design and I think you’ll enjoy it.

Until then...craft on with your bad self. Or as Finn E. Pig and Truffles would say, “Squeep, squeep.”

Cheers,
Madge

A DEEP BOND

NOT FOR A TIME PASS.............
30th june,2009,
7p.m


dear friends,
good evening!the sky is cloudy and the sea is silent.new ships have anchored in the harbour and i can see dona paula at the other end.the day was nice and slightly busy.but,friends always stretch out the helping hands.and the work is completed on time.we will be every busy from tomorrow,when the new month begins and i will be carrying work home. so many submissons,presentations and deadlines!still i can't breathe without my posts.
today bindu had come to meet and she is leaving this place for ever!as a counsellor,iam satisfied in her case,as she can still smile despite of all adversaties................anu,cool!''you could cheer her up''!
away from parents,dear and near ones,we are often at a loss!and when confronted with tensions,we go blank!but friends,GOD is really great!someone always takes care of us!when i had experienced such a shade in my life,i felt of penning down my thoughts..............

An unexpected turn we all have to face ,
at sometime of our lives,
confused and perplexed she stared at the future,
the gloomy heart she had to hide.
she wept inside.........
a simple and silly female she is
she tried to laugh and made others laugh,
but the more she cried,
whose heart is full of love,
a butterfly and and a blooming flower,
made her day and she wrote posts on that.
she was burning inside,
and the showers touched her and left.
mysterious she is always,
not wanting others to know her.
but so sincere,so honest,
she wrote with her emotions pouring out!
friends she had, but they always hurt her,
alone she wanted to remain,
the rest of her life.........
then, one day,from far away,
a soft voice reached her.
she refused to listen and ignored him,
as she lost the faith in all.
he never left her,
but waited patiently,
for he knew,she wanted someone very badly...........
he was young and full of dreams ,
and he had a postive attitude.
he told her to listen to him,
she left him and disappeared...........
he had patience and optimistic was he,
as he knew she is too good.
yes,she did come back,
and he offered her the moral support,

and a shoulder to lean on.
often she was broken,
over silly reasons,
but she felt that was the end of her world,
he convinced her,to be calm and cool,
nothing has changed,the world is the same.
he is the one who helped her ,
to regain the mental strength.
she smiled and started enjoying life........
she has a real friend now,
not to define this just as friendship,
words fail while defining ,
this mental connection.
how different are you,she exclaimed!
and where were you in bygone days?
within the heart a rainbow is carved,
and she loves colours more than anyone.
she can watch the silver lining,
behind the dark clouds,
dear,she wants to live ,
and fed up of counting the gains and losses,
now she needs the love n joy,
the songs and the dreams,
as who knows what is in store for her!
her forgotten days of happiness have come,
recalling the pleasant memories.
he came and she woke from sleep,
the light blossomed in flowers of joy!
to that young man miles across ,
along with a tear drop,
let me gift this beautiful rose!

i have held the thorns

so,it will not prick you,dear.
you have taught me ,
the life is still a beautiful song,
for which we can give a happy note!
living by your words,
cooled by your love and care,
strengthened by your good words,
may i say,it was the blow to my ego,
and you made me aware,
pride goes before a fall!
and when the pain is silenced,
by the golden letters,
dear my friend,i need rain,
to cry my heart out!

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

i know, silence has strength and i am experiencing the emotions,but i love to spread my rainbow-coloured wings wide..................now,i want to listen what song the birds are singing.......

Tab tujh hi se mujhay sub kuch miley.........
Phir kyon na mujh ko tum miley?

wishing you a cool peaceful night,
sasneham,
anu

Bargain For the Week - Baking Anyone? Anyone?

Well ladies, I went shopping on lunch again today. Now you know shopping is a bad thing for me, because I can smell a bargain a mile away. With the 4th just around the corner look at what I found today. Who doesn't love polka dots and stripes, and ofcourse who doesn't love RED?

Whether you are baking and need a great size mixing bowl? (The larger one was $6.99 and the smaller one was $5.99 at Ross.) The wooden mixing spoons are Paula Dean and I found those yesterday when I went to Fry's grocery, they were clearanced for $1.99. Who would've thought? I couldn't believe it. They are just so precious and so "Country Hugs".

Or maybe you need a bowl for fresh fruit to sit beside your favorite cookie jar? This cookie jar was given to me by my dear friend, Christina who moved away to Kansas City. She is from Alabama, and I think of you "Sugar" every time I take a cookie.

Or how about a bowl for dishtowels or dishcloths? I even added a
little cherry pin that I had, to the cloth draped over the bowl. Gives it
that little punch that sometimes we need or want? And of course you
know how I just love cherries.

And to complete this evening, who can get new bowls and not mix in them? Here is the completed project for today. Is anybody hungry? Just in time for the 4th of July. Moma's sugar cookies with sprinkles. Yum! Yum! My little cherry fairy is trying to add a cherry to each of them. I hope you have enjoyed my little shopping spree for the week. I am going to be in the kitchen and decorating this week. I hope I have inspired one of you to bake or given you an idea of what to do with one of your favorite bowls. Thank you for coming and please stop by "Country Wings in Phoenix" again. I do so love to have you stop by. Please list under my Followers and I will do the same as I love to follow your BLOGs as well. Have a wonderful evening. "Country Hugs", Sherry

R E S P E C T

Image Copyright Enoch Bolles

I have been waiting for months for six of my designs to be returned by a magazine publisher. One of them has been held hostage for over a year. I’ve emailed them, messaged them and sent smoke signals begging for my projects back...and I occasionally get a reply that yes...my six projects will be returned...after they find them...and then nada. What...did they send them on vacation? Are they wearing them?

I love these designs. Several of them are made with one-of-a-kind materials I simply can’t replace. I sold them the right to publish them, but I did not sell them the actual pieces. The understanding was they’d return them to me. They’re fully aware of that...but they keep stonewalling me.

Then today I returned home from the hair salon feeling like a Breck girl and in a lovely mood only to find a thinly padded envelope with THREE class samples tossed inside. Where did the bubble wrap packages I created for them go? Why couldn’t they have used a box? I’m amazed they weren’t shattered into a zillion tiny pieces. PLUS they actually GRADED them with RED PEN! What?! Are you friggin’ kidding me? I got a low ‘B.’

Uh, okay, what...ev...er.

I give them a big red ‘F’ for packaging followed by a very juicy raspberry.

Sheesh.

I don’t think it’s asking so much from my clients that they treat my work and me with the respect we deserve. They don’t have to like my pieces, but they should return them in a timely manner and packed with some semblance of care and respect. I’m seriously considering not working with either of these companies again. Sorry, Charlie. I’m not going to let people walk all over me.

The point of this rant is to remind everyone that we do not have to allow other people to treat us like crap just because they think they’re in a position of power or because they appear to wield so much importance we’re afraid of standing up to them. So maybe we won’t do business with them again, but who wants to work with people who don’t respect us? Everyone deserves professional courtesy. After 12 long years waiting tables...I made a deal with myself that I was NEVER going to do a job I hated again.

Find another sucker.

I know some folks are willing to work for the honor of associating their name with something big or are so happy to get a book deal or a magazine article they’ll pretty much do it for nothing and suck it up. I’m just not there anymore. I’ve built something and when you get me, you get my considerable talent, insight, hard work, dedication and my brand. It’s a mutually beneficial situation.

Aretha was so right on. Sing it, sista.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

It's a damn good thing my hair looks this good or I'd be a mighty grumpy Gertie.

xoxo,
Madge

SANGODD

UPDATING THE EVENTS .....................

29th,june,2009,

7 p.m

dear friends,

good evening.after two months, i reported for duty today.the day was nice and going to get busy now with the work load.amma read my last post from pc and i felt very happy.nanda's presence does magic and i miss them badly.my friend asha sharma is on leave and i had to have my tiffin alone during break.the formal quieries were there-''hai,anu,how are you?''''where were you?''''we missed you''.thanks,dear friends,who really care for me.

i hope,all of you know i am not at trichur anymore.i live in a place where nature has blessed the location with beaches and hills.my building overlooks into the sea,the harbour.the ships are anchored and the reflections of light in the water fill one's mind with peace and romance.five minutes in my balcony takes me to another world.i woke up today to the konkani songs flowing through the loudspeaker.then i remembered.today is special for the locals.

29th,june is a sacred day for the fishermen as the day is dedicated to their patron saint,St.peter along with St.paul.Sangodd is of two hundred years old tradition.they venture out into the rivers as usual at the crack of dawn.but instead of rowing their canoes to catch fish,today the fishermen tie their traditional wooden canoes together and form the Sangodd.palm leaves and bamboos are used to decorate the Sangodd to resemble a chapel.

Saangodd,the festival of fishermen ,is another occasion for the locals to celebrate the spirit of the land and thank their guarding spirits.

i have promised someone this post will be short,so,i have to stop here.

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

i hope,this information will be helpful for you before visiting this beautiful land.here,people celebrate life in each moment.they rock the parties.

paying homage to my beloved director,SHRI.LOHITHA DAS and praying whole heartedly for the peace of the departed soul,

let me remind you,life is short..........please learn to forgive.anu loves you all.

good night!

sasneham,

anu

Sunday Is A Day For Rest - So I Finished Today

Today I spent the day in the yard again finishing the cleaning of the birdbaths and moving one from the front to the backyard area. I have had so many birds in need of water and food. Even the poor little doves are looking sickly. Our fine feathered friends need a little assistance too. I never throw out any left over crusts or bread of any kind. It always goes to the birds. In doing the yard cleaning today, I had a special friend visit me. I have had a hummer that has came to visit me every year for the last 4 years. She is a pretty little thing. She greets me when I come home and clicks away at me, when the feeder is empty or not to her liking anymore. She will hover right to the side of my head. Well today I was able to get the camera and below is what I saw. Hope you will love them as much as I do.

She allowed me to stand right under her as she talked in my Bottle Brush tree. Isn't she just simply devine? Below is another picture of her. She turned her head to show off her beautiful necklace of red. Isn't it to die for?

When she wanted me to see another view of her necklace she just oh so gracefully turned to the left. As if to say : "You ain't see nothing yet".

We conversed for awhile, and ofcourse she is quite blunt, when she is done, she is done, and then she is gone. Just as quickly as she arrives. I was so pleased to spend a little time with her today. She has been flitting around, but hadn't been as talkative of late. I think it is the heat. It is hard on all of us.

This little friend in my front garden has laughed his way into my heart and I am sure he will yours too. He graces the shallow birdbath out front that the hummers bathe in. He is so whimsical that I just had to share with you all.

In closing tonight, I caught the sun peeking out one last time before his job was done for the day. Still no rain in site for us here in the valley. Another hot, humid day. I quit checking the temps. I don't even need to know. I can watch the birds. When they are begging for fresh water, you know it is above 100 degrees. Even the pool water was like a spa. You have to turn the aerators on to give the water a cooler temperature. Good Night Sweet Bloggers. Thank you again for stopping by and visiting my little piece of heaven in the desert. I love it when you stop by. Please add your name to my Followers and I will do the same when I come to visit.
"Country Hugs", Sherry

ELLAVARKUM VANAKKAM!

GLIMPSES OF CHENNAI

28th,sunday,june,
2009
8a.m

Dear friends,
ellavarkkum vanakkam!
after one week,anu reached her destination yesterday afternoon travelling for twenty four hours.it was a long journey.we had our family get together in chennai.only amma was in trichur.after two years ,we five siblings were together.it was very nice,enjoying the love,togetherness and caring.ettan n fly will be reaching middle east by 10a.m.ettan,i miss you ,a lot.the fun we had,my pranks and achu's engagement,lots of happenings in chennai.kishen,jeevz and nanda could join us!
achu and appu exchanged the rings on 24th morning at MGM beach resorts in between 9a.m-10 a.m.[they had exchanged their hearts much before].the diamond ring suited her thin long finger so well.they are real wonderful couple!achu looked so beautiful in maroon and yellow kanccheepuram saree and appu was awesome in his sandal wood and maroon sherwani.may God bless you dearies,to be always together !
those who plan for honeymoons,book a cottage in MGM resorts.i must tell you,guys,simply breathtaking!
imagine,enjoying the fresh sea breeze,we had our breakfast in the reastuarant touching the water.what a romantic atmosphere!cool!the endless green lawns,the swimming pool,the river where we can go for boating,the whole place make you stay there!we relive our youth and will be in high spirits!appu,thanks alot for your wonder choice of location!

anu had surprises for everyone,specially nanda.you must be remembering,24th was nanda's birthday!amma had written a lovely poem and letter with lord Guruvayoorappan's photo.that was her first gift of the and she called amma and took amma's blessings.
after the engagement function,anu took over the anouncement and gave a short speech on nanda,singing happy birthday and every one joined her.hey,guys,nanda was blushing!it was unexpected!and we presented her a bouquet!cool!it will be an unforgettable b'day for nanda,dearest!i'm proud of you,dear.and you deserve the best.and the kerala style sadya was too delicious.
travelling together the long distance from egmore,to MGM,crossing the second longest beach of asia,marina beach,we had a nice time!i had to complain only about the weather,it was burning!
we were accomodated in a three bedroom flat with well furnished kitchen and with two cooks!so,food was not at all a problem!the main cook,hari is a north indian.it was nice to see him lighting the lamp twice a day and praying to god.how can i forget the coffee,he prepared?can you ,believe,near our building,in the adjacent house,someone was lighting the lamp at thulsi thara and i saw the grandmother praying and taking rounds of thulsi thara.amma,i was remembering you!our house at guruvayoor!our thulsi thara was infront of my eyes!
the first dialogue i learned was while getting into the lift-''dayavayi kathaku mooduka''.[okeys,but don't ask me to close my mouth shut].the local people were nice!they answered our queries with a smile!hey,the jasmine flowers made me mad!what fragrance man!the real jasmine that come from madurai!i am crazy about jasmine!every day,early morning,the kolam at the door step,filter coffee,sahasra namam,jasmine flowers and glass bangles with chennai silk saree!wow!
i must tell you this;the previous night we left chennai,appu had invited us for dinner at rain forest in adayar.you need booking to get a table.we got it at 9.15p.m.before that we did shopping and went for a stroll at santhome beach.rain forest,a must visit reasturant,guys.it's like a cave.the whole resturant is dark with water falls and trees.it is so cool inside.the roof was done with thatched coconut leaves with straw on the roof!we can listen to the water falling through rocks,the leaves swaying and the delicious food served!i came out after finishing my food and for that i missed the best gift!along with the bills,they brought orange coloured bangles for ladies and chocolates for gents!have you ever heard such a custom before?
the unforgettable experience i had was meeting my guru and philosopher in the railway station.thanks a lot dear friend,some one was waiting for me before i reached!he had a gift for me-a fiction,doomsday prophecy.your presence conveyed the kindness and what a thorough gentleman!hey,i was so comfortable with you as if we knew since ages!good that we met!hope you liked my simple gift!you could prove,friends are an asset!
hey,anu was loaded with gifts!so sweet of nanda,she got me a yellow coloured umbrella with all cartoon characters portrayed and it 's beautiful![please read,my older post,'anu and her umbrellas'].maza,the bangle and bracelet are amazing!and the chocolates from middle east and my jasmine perfume!ettan had given me the transparent pencil kit![i hope all of you know my wish lists now].so,you can decide what can be your gift for me!and the jasmine flowers should be in apiece of plantain leaf!anu is crazy for all these small things like bangles and marbles,balloons and kanmashi! and books,a must!
tomorrow,i have to report for duty!my counselling session starts from morning and by 3p.m i can reach home.feeling so lazy to get up early and go for work.now the formal wear,and the files,so many things to be kept ready!
it's anu signing off.............
as usual,anu forgot her mobile in the flat in chennai and had to go back to take it.after reaching here,she realised the charger is left somewhere else and new one was purchased yesterday.
we crossed the water falls and the jungles and it was raining.........what a wonderful experience!.......i miss amma,nanda,kishen and all my people.thanks lot,deep,for sending sms on nand's birthday and to you dear,for best wishes!romba nandri!
''koncha neram,koncha neram............konchi pesha koodatha...........''hey appu and the whole family sing so well........achu sleeps to his songs now.............great!
have a great sunday!cheer up!anu loves you all.oh.i forgot to tell you.anu is completing her six months of blogging in june.chumma,say oru hearty congrats!
sasneham,
anu

TastyLinks Sunday!

I came up with a clever plan to relieve some of the pressure on meeting my book deadline. I can’t say what it is yet...but it’s made my life much easier and I think it’s going to give the book lots of bang for the buck. Huzzah!

This week I took the proverbial bull by the horns and started work on one of my big dreams. I’m hoping that it will result in the next level for my career. It’s time. I’ve built a strong foundation. I’m fine tuning a big idea and we’ll see where it leads. I’ve been re-visiting Dream Big starring Olivia before bed every night for inspiration!

There are a lot of big ideas on the burner in my world right now, and it’s all simmering nicely but I’m ready for something to boil. That’s the life of a freelancer and an entrepreneur. We have to make it up as we go along. Well really that’s life...it’s just that some of us realize we are the star of our own movie and some of us think we’re extras. Step away from the donut table and get your ass center stage!

(Olivia the Pig Images Copyright Ian Falconer)

The fine folks from Rings and Things are looking for a few good blog partners. Go here to find out how to join the fun!

It's TastyLinks time yet again and here’s what’s happenin’ with the Crafty Blogger Gang:

Vickie Howell-Craft.Rock.Love Keep your kids busy this summer by setting up a Crafty Challenge for them!

The Impatient Crafter Madge shares a technique in this post about embossing on slick surfaces!

The Crochet Dude Read Drew's first installment supporting the 3/50 grassroots project!

The Artful Crafter “Panadieres for Zambia” is a neat story and one small example of crafters helping crafters – all around the world. As Eileen likes to say, “Crafters are just the nicest people.”

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery See how to make a card and card album themed for a rock and roll mom to be that uses cute die cuts in a cool way.

Naughty Secretary Club Arty Masterpieces are over rated; it's all about the Glittery Crafterpieces! Take a peek at the handmade art around my house and try your hand at making a fun glittery deer picture!

Mixed Media Artist Have you been wondering what happened to "Layers Upon Layers"? Cyndi's still hard at work, but has moved to "Mixed Media Artist". This week she's got a round-up of fabric painting ideas for you!

Cross Stitch at About.com Work at Your Own Pace - An encounter with a critter in the yard has Connie thinking about Cross Stitch (imagine that!) and speed.

CraftyPod Sister Diane reviews an intriguing new book: Micro Macrame by Annika DeGroot

Crafty Princess Diaries Tammy uses her jewelry making skills to create some beautiful and functional stitch markers.

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world This week at Craftside you can watch the latest Look, Learn & Create video that includes tips on drawing, two techniques and projects for cutting photos up, a bit of fabric eye candy, and a free paper stencil and project from the new book The Art of Decorative Paper Stencils 2 and if you leave answers to the day's questions you are entered to win free books!

Cathie Filian If you are wondering what to eat, craft and play on the 4th of July then head over to Cathie's blog for ideas.

Aileen's Musings Hard as it was, Aileen has narrowed down the playing field and needs your help again to choose from her favorite sayings that have been posted for her blog giveway! Stop by and pick your favorite.

About Family Crafts What are your cleaning tips for crafting with kids? Please take a moment to share your tips and then browse through tips shared by others.

My Gardens Are In The Pink

Thank you Beverly for allowing me to participate in your Pink Saturday! What fun, I mean who doesn't like Pink?

PLEASE VISIT OUR LOVELY HOSTESS, BEVERLY, AT: http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/

This was my Friday off today, and I spent about 6 1/2 hours in my gardens today getting them Summerized. (Hum, not sure if that is a word or not, but I did get them summerized.) So into the gardens we go with the color of the day "Pink", or I could say my gardens are "In the Pink", now that they are summerized. Thank you all for joining me. I love it when you stop by. Please sign up as a Follower and I will do the same.

Where you are Planted!!

I love the pink Flamingo, the pink flowers. The light pink and the fuschia. I am not good at names for flowers. I just buy and plant what I like. So ladies they are pretty and they are pink. I took a close up of the light pink flowers in the pic below. They are almost like little buttercups. They are just beautiful I think. I am enjoying the flowers as I know with the heat my time with flowers in the garden, is probably short lived. I try but when the 100+ days start coming it seems to bake everything to well done.










I also planted some of the little pink flowers in my big frog planter by the pool area. It also has some blue salvia in it. I love the salvia. It does seem to be one thing that I can get to stand the high temperatures out here.














I wanted to show you a picture of my swedish ivy, arrowhead plant and I also have a little boston fern in the back. I know you can't read it, but the little plaque says, "Mom's Garden". I just love little things that you can put into your plants.

Here is a another pic of my plants "In The Pink", as they are so happy. My precious sister, Debbie at "There's An Angel On My Frontporch" and her DH bought this 4 prong plant holder for me, and had it as a surprise when I came home a couple of years ago. I love it as it brought a garden to the back part of my yard. It just needed color. I think of them both every time I look in the corner of the yard. My DH does too, every time he backs into one of the plants and knocks his head on them.

I would like to take you to another corner in my back yard area. This is my little reading bench. I noticed today in summerizing that my cushions had faded, and didn't look to perky. I really wanted to buy new cushions but couldn't find any that looked pretty and weren't pricey. I came upon an idea. I bought 2 pillowcases at the local Thrift store for 99 cents each, and slipped my little cushions into the pillowcases, folded them in half, this way I can wash them as needed, and yes Beverly they too, are "In the Pink" and look at what I have now:

I thought they looked really nice for a fraction of the cost. Next time you go to the local thrift store or a yard sale, keep this in mind. I was thinking that even flannel would be nice for outdoors. Nice and warm on a breezy night if you live near a lake or ocean. I actually think you could make it work for cushions that serve the back area too. Now this little bench of mine is connected. Below is a pic of the finished product. I was so pleased.

And my Dear Lady Winnipeg, I took a close up view of the little cherub so that you could see the detail. She too, has hues of pink. I just love her sitting on the bench.

Now when I sit down on the bench and look up this is what I see. It is so peaceful. This is my little piece of heaven in my backyard oasis.

Thank you for taking the time to spend Pink Saturday with me. Some of my flowers and garden area are "pink" and some are "In the Pink". Please stop by any time and Post a "hello". I love to hear from my Blogger friends. Thank you Beverly for allowing us to Post these wonderful Pink Saturdays. This is my second Pink Saturday, and I just absolutely love them. "Country Hugs" from Country Wings in Phoenix, Sherry

The Balancing Act for Beadalon

I'll be appearing on Lifetime TV's The Balancing Act on July 2nd. Considering how much juggling I've been doing lately, it's highly appropos. The good folks from Beadalon asked me to film a segment on jewelry making featuring their fabulous products. What fun! I flew to Tampa and had a delightful time on set showing hostess and crafty maven Kathy Peterson a simple double needle ladder stitch bracelet technique that's easy and fun for anyone to recreate.

Here's a press release they sent about the segment! Tune in!

Cheers,

Madge

The Balancing Act On Lifetime Television Offers Creative “Gems” For At-Home Crafters

Learn the Latest Looks in Do-It-Yourself Jewelry

For Immediate Release

(Pompano Beach, FL ) – A great way to display your creative side is through jewelry-making. To learn the latest trends and styles, The Balancing Act on Lifetime Television welcomes Margot Potter, a multi-talented designer for Beadalon, a provider of do-it-yourself jewelry supplies; how-to videos and other instructional aids. The segment airs July 2nd as part of the Tribute to the American Family Special.

“Jewelry-making is a super way to show off your unique personality by making one-of-a-kind pieces,” she says. “Not only is it a great family hobby, but also gives you quality time to spend with your teenager.” The end result is beautiful, wearable art that doesn’t cost a lot of money.

Beadalon provides all the goods you’ll ever need: stringing tools and other supplies for do-it-yourself jewelry fabricators. The firm lends a hand by also offering detailed instructions, animations and streaming videos on its website (www.beadalon.com.)

“If it’s not fun, it’s simply not worth doing,” says Potter, an actress, vocalist and noted author of books that include The Impatient Beader how-to series. She invites people to “think outside of the box” when designing high-quality pieces to either wear or give away as special gifts. “Coordinate the jewelry with your wardrobe as an expression of your own personal style,” she encourages.

Beadalon has been serving the at home jewelry market for the past 33 years. And long before “going green” was the environmental watchword, the firm created stainless steel jewelry parts with 60 percent recycled content. It continues to lead the way with new “green” initiatives.

Potter’s signature approach kick starts the creative process for do it yourself crafters. She invites everyone to the table for a helping of hand-designed fun and family camaraderie with crafting supplies from Beadalon.

“With Beadalon, you get to spend time together making exceptional jewelry designs in a green-friendly atmosphere,” says Doug Campbell, Executive Vice President of Programming, BrandStar Entertainment, the producers of The Balancing Act. “I know our audience will enjoy this segment.”

About Brand Star Entertainment The Balancing Act: The Balancing Act TV show on Lifetime Television is America’s only morning show about women, for women, trusted by women. Celebrating life and all there is to accomplish, The Balancing Act inspires and empowers with entertaining and educational segments, placing women in the best position to achieve success in every area of their lives. The show is produced by BrandStar Entertainment and airs on Lifetime Television 7 a.m. Eastern/Pacific (check local listings). Additional information and each segment can be accessed on the show’s website, www.TheBalancingAct.com. Each episode is also available on www.Google.com/video and www.YouTube.com. Sign up for the show’s newsletter at www.thebalancingact.com/join.php. For more details about BrandStar Entertainment please visit www.brandstarentertainment.com.

Changing/Shifting the Currency from the US Dollar and Reason to Attack Iran

"They" want use to spend money... Through watching the media... Not save, and even going to China to get them spending... China and Chinese are well known to save rather then spend...

I've been saying this A LOT!!!!!
Iraq changed from the USD to Euro in tradings esp oil
And now Iran has changed to the Euro... Now "they" shift to Iran...

Check this insightful documentary about the US Dollar currency...


Ron Paul- Republican Congressman for the State of Texas, he has been an outspoken critic of American foreign and monetary policy.
Puppet Governments in Pakistan and Afghanistan attacks of the US


The Young Turks

Thank God It's Friday!

TGIF! TGIF! TGIF!
What a week! I am off, so this is a good Friday.
Tonight I spent a little time in the yard looking about,
and got a few good shots that I wanted to share. Now you all
have so many beautiful green things to share and blooms to share
I just wanted to share a few of what I see in the desert.

The sun has set, and it is so absolutely beautiful. This is one of the reasons that keep me here, and will for the rest of my life. You can even see the tip of my windmill blade in the shadows. That little windmill moved with me from Oklahoma. We have had many conversations over the years, she and I about where she came from, and how she came to be here in the desert. She knows her job and does it well. She is rewarded with a new shiny coat of paint each year.

Now I don't know what this cactus is called. One of the ladies at work gave me a little start two years ago and it has taken off. For the first time it has a bloom. Tony and I are so excited to see what it will look like. Don't know the color or size, but will keep posting it. Here it is for you to see unopened.

The photo below has a story, and I have to share this with each of you. I brought home from work a pothos. It wasn't doing well in the heat in the office, so I just threw the pot in the flower bed. It took off, starting growing over time and has taken over the flower bed. So many people have asked me what it is? They have never seen one get so large. Some of the leaves are the size of a dinner plate. I guess I am going to have to put a plate beside it so that you can see the size. There are some smaller leaves below in the photo so it may help you size it. It has all came from the same one small plant that I left there. It is the only green I usually can keep all summer long. I had a friend who went to Hawaii and she told me this is how it grows there but she never thought it would grow like that here.

My flowers are blooming again so I wanted you to see some of the ones in my yard. They won't be here much longer as it is starting to get so hot for the season, that they will just cook. There are several.

In closing tonight, no this picture is not upside down. I saw the bottle brush tree reflection in our pool and thought it looked so beautiful that I wanted to share it. Just a little strange photo to close with. Thank each of you for stopping by Country Wings in Phoenix. I hope you have enjoyed your tour of my little piece of heaven in the desert that I call home. Please stop by again, and feel free to sign up as a follower, and I will do the same. I love to visit each of your homes. Happy Friday. "Country Hugs", Sherry