Lady Slippers

Lady Slippers, originally uploaded by laurienuske.

We found these Lady Slipper orchids on our property, they are an endangered species, protected by the federal government. They're safe here, and amazing to look at.

A Special Memory

I remember my horse days. Twenty three years ago. I have owned several horses, this was my second, Calley. I adopted her from a horse farm that sends them to slaughter for dog food, and she was set to go. Calley was in very bad shape. Her hooves had grown out so badly that she could hardly walk. She was full of worms, and gaunt. Prime candidate for dogs. With much care, she became beautiful inside and out. She was such a gentle, sweet horse. And me? I was thin. Thin! I want those days back, and I want them now. I want my horse, I want the feel of the wind on my face as we galloped in the fields. I want my health. I want to ride again, it's a goal of mine, even if it's only on the merry-go-round.

Angel Dotee

Angel Dotee, originally uploaded by laurienuske.

Help! I'm addicted! It all started with Artist Trading Cards, on Swap-Bot. While there, I discovered these little dotee dolls that were being traded, and decided to try one. Well, I'm out of control!! I have made several, have sent them to places all over the world, this one to England, have received them from all over the world, and have signed up for 20 more swaps (only because there is a 20 swap limit at a time..) with themes ranging from Angels to bugs! So what's a dotee? They were created by a woman named, what else, Dot. They are to be 4-6" in height, and must have a hanger and a "tail". You can look at my Flickr pictures for more of ones I've made, and received. But getting me out of my craft room? Good luck! These little gems have me held hostage!! I even started my own dotee group, Dote on Dotee's! Next I think it will have to be Dotee's Anonymous!

Mystery Solved!

Yes, the bag ended up in the pile! Gee, surprise!
Mystery Solved!, originally uploaded by laurienuske.

Notice how Ken mows around the junk pile instead of moving it!?

Hmmmmm...

Hmmmmm..., originally uploaded by laurienuske.

Should I try for the crumbs or would it be better served in my junk pile?

A Beautiful Gift!

There is nothing more special to me than the wonderful friends I have made through this blog. One very special one is Pearl. I have so enjoyed having her as a friend, she adds so much fun to my blog experience, and has become a close friend in my life. Today, I received a wonderful gift from her, a box full of so many beautiful things for my craft room, and to grace my walls. Thank-you Pearl, for these very special touches, your talent is amazing! I love the tags, the plaque, the beautiful box, and the laces, charms, pictures, it will all come in so handy! You are truly loved and appreciated!!

The Chore Begins!

Well that time of year has come again, another of the unfair practices condemned to women. Time to shave off the winter growth, and ready our legs for another long season of razor to skin. (Disclamer: not my leg, not my pedicure.)

I remember well, as a teen-ager, my mother telling me not to shave, after all, "Aunt Betty never did!" Yeah, like I envied her legs.
Remember this!? Oh ugg, the smell! The first time I used this was my last! I thought "Wow! Someone has invented something that takes the pain out of shaving! Well after I burnt my legs off with this skunk oil, I never choose this avenue of torture again. What was left but to cut my legs up with the little one blade razor I "Borrowed" from my father's shaving mug, after all I was doing this behind my mother's back. I'll never forget Dad using his razor the next day, cursing my mother for dulling the blade, and me hiding my little secret while shoving her under the bus. Poor Mom, she didn't have a clue, though I don't know how she missed the smell of Barbersall emanating from my skin. But there are times I wished I had heeded the warning, "you start and you can never stop. You'll have to shave your legs for the rest of your life and that's going to be a very long time". I choose to forgo the warning after being teased endlessly in school. It was worth it to overcome the humiliation, even though I walked through the halls looking like I took knives to my knees.

I guess it could have been worse, we could have had to use one of these! Thank God we have come some way in the battle of the unwanted hair. But please. How about some odor free, burn free Nair? Bring it on!