The High Kings and Adam Charity Single

Please, please, pretty please....watch this link then go upload this single to benefit children like Adam!



Adam was diagnosed with a brain tumor last June, and his beloved High Kings have recorded this single to raise funds for the Crumlin Children's Hospital and National Research Center where he's receiving treatment. His passion for The High Kings is infectious and he is one fantastic young man! This could be the best 99 cents you've ever spent!

Junk Mail!

Just look at this photo!  This is what's left behind after opening and sorting a typical day's mail!

I've shredded almost this much, and I've even removed the brightly colored and interesting bits that I'll recycle!  What an unbelievable waste of resources!  While I'm not a "tree hugger", I do believe strongly in managing our resources, and I hate waste!  Almost daily I receive several 9x12 flat envelopes that contain only 1 sheet of paper!  Often they contain a commission check worth less than the cost of postage!   And there are always duplicate envelopes from the same company.   Whatever happened to a system that gathered correspondence from all departments and combined it before shipping?  Could it really cost more than all the added postage and supplies?  It makes me very sad.

However, this waste is my inspiration for our JunkMail Jewels.  While they don't actually save many trees, they are symbolic of the problem and inspire me to do more.  I use them as magnets, garlands, ornaments, jewelry and hair clips.  They remind me to recycle, to be creative, and they often invite others to share the mission.  Please take a look at our creations.  Maybe you'll find a piece you love or an idea you could share.  We'd love to hear your ideas for creative ways to use all this wasted paper!

Wordless Wednesday

Hot in Texas

Did I mention it was HOT in Texas? Seriously hot, as in 105 to 108 for the last few days. The doggies won't even head outdoors to do their business without a shove out the door. The birdbath needs refilling 2 times per day, and the birds are flying holding patterns round the lawn waiting their turn at the fountain.

So, I'm indoors, sweltering as the air conditioner tries it's darnedest to keep up....singing carols and making Christmas ornaments! This is actually very wise (she says in her sage grandmotherly voice). It allows me to "think" cool. It allows me to prepare my crafts for the upcoming rush. And, last but not least, it means I'm way too busy to do any errands or chores outside!

I'm excited about my new line of JunkMail Jewels ornaments. Can't unveil them just yet, but soon....very soon. Now I'm off to water the garden plants - it's dark and the air can finally be breathed without scorching your lungs. And still I'm "dreaming of a white Christmas".

The Irish Pub by The High Kings

Happy music for a happy day! Enjoy my favorite lads Darren Holden, Brian Dunphy, Finbarr Clancy and Martin Furey - The High Kings. They will be performing at the Minnesota Irish Festival in St. Paul on August 15, 2010. We're flying up from Texas, and hope you can join us there!

My husband thinks I'm "Blooming" Crazy!

Yep, my dear husband's an engineer, and a very fine photographer too.  Everything he makes is done with a precision that is agonizing for me to watch.  His work is fantastic, and was the origin of our online gallery. 

...and then, there's ME!  His polar opposite!  He just shakes his head when he enters my workshop.  Take my flame fashioned organza flowers for instance.  I like to purchase fabric because it "calls me", not because I have a project in mind.  It sits and ages until we get to know each other well enough to become creative partners.  This beautiful rainbow organza decided to take on a new life as beautiful blossoms. 

I assisted by cutting and applying the heat.  I allow each petal to mold itself, holding it gently near the flame as it twists and curls into a petal or leaf.  Then I mix and match the petals until we are all happy with each other and I have a bouquet! 

I'll add beads or button centers as they come into full bloom.  I'll sew or glue each blossom into a pin, hairclip, pillow accent, or bookmark so that it can find it's useful place in society.  After all this interaction, I'm sad each time one of my babies leaves me for it's new home. .... and once again, Dear Husband just shakes his head.

Christmas Shopping!

Just did a bit of Christmas shopping and it's not even the middle of July yet!  But the deals I've found were just too good to pass up!  We've joined the elves and are hard at work adding goodies to our shops.  The Zibbet sale is in full swing.  Shop early for best discounts & selection.

Join our Christmas in July celebration! We're offering 20% off for one week, 15% off 2nd week, then 10% off to finish out the month....so SHOP NOW 

No coupons required.
Find tons of sales on zibbet by searching "xmasjuly"

SunShine Award

What a surprise to be nominated  for the SunShine Blogger Award by LetaMarie  of Letamariedesigns.  Her blog is so much fun - just like the wonderful jewelry she creates.   She'll have you singing along to Rascal Flatts before you know it!  Please stop in and say Hello to LetaMarie!

The Sunshine Award is awarded to bloggers whose positivity and creativity inspire others in the blog world.

So here are the rules for the Sunshine Award:

1. Place the logo within your blog or post

2.Pass the award on to 12 other bloggers

3.Link the nominees within the post

4.Let the nominees know they have won by commenting on their blog

5.Share the love by linking back to the person from whom you received the award.

I am happy to pass on along the Sunshine Blog Award to some of the blogs that I follow and enjoy reading!

 1. Moags & Smeet
 2. The Fifth Street Palace
 3. Surviving Little People
 4. Two Southern Girls
 5. Honey Sugah Dahlin
 6. God Bless Kellys Home
 7. Just a Queen
 8. Le Petit Poulailler
 9. Flight Fancy
10. My Dream Garden
11. Jumping Jack
12. Sweet Tea and Biscuits

Please check out all these wonderful blogs and have a really Great Day!  Norma

Gulf Coast Charity Series Art Prints

We've spent most of our lives vacationing along America's southern Gulf Coast, anywhere from Texas to Florida.   Unfortunately, we've only recently come to the full realization of the unique and wonderful beauty that is the US Gulf Coast. For us, the wonder of childhood was replaced by the wanderlust of youth and we longed for unfamiliar horizons.  Travel and longevity have brought us back home in our hearts, and replaced our territorial pride with knowledge certain.....from the Mexican border in Texas to the Florida keys, this is one fantastic national treasure!

Now this entire region is threatened, along with a time honored way of life that can never be replaced.  The family heritage of fishermen and shopkeepers will come to an end if action isn't taken soon.  Surely politics and greed won't keep our countrymen from actually stopping this flow of oil.  Hopefully fear and fanaticism won't stop the drilling that feeds families and fuels our nation.  Common ground and common sense must win.  We grow up tough here in the south, and we will survive.  All together, and One step at a time.

We've added a shop section featuring gulf coast images.  A generous portion of the profits from all sales will be donated to Ducks Unlimited.  We like their history and charity ratings, with over 86%  of donations used in programs, not administration.  Their stated mission:  "to conserve, restore and manage wetlands and associated habitats for North Americas waterfowl".    Please shop with us today, or contact Ducks Unlimited to make your own donation.

Happy Music!

Life's been a bit tough around here lately.  And now the heat is upon us!  It's only June and it's been near 100 degrees and dry for weeks.  I thought I'd add one of my favorite musical moments for a guaranteed "pick me up".  This is The High Kings, an Irish traditional group.  They are fantastic musicians and fantastic folks!  They've just dedicated this song to my husband....the man that invented Beer!!  Enjoy!

Reflections on Life

Last week we lost a 3 year old cousin in a terrible accident.  We graduated a grandson from high school.  We hospitalized my father-in-law.  It was a week of highs and lows, a real roller-coaster ride.  It was also a time for much reflection on the important things in life, and these 3 stand out: Faith, Family and Friends.

Faith brings that peace that passes understanding; knowing the family will hold that sweet child in their arms again some day.  Family joins hands and shares hugs and tears in joy and sadness.  And friends make life sweeter with their words and prayers of kindness.  I am blessed with all three in abundance, and I am thankful for those that walk with me in this circle of life!

And the Winner is.........

Thanks to all that entered our "Shoppers Prefer" contest.  We have chosen our winner via Random.org, so......drumroll, please.....the winner is VKT (Veteran Kindergarten Teacher)!  Congratulations on your $25 gift certificate. 

In addition, we would like to thank all who voted in our comparison poll.  The results were consistent, with Zibbet maintaining a lead from the beginning.  The final results were: Zibbet at 58.5% preferred to Etsy at 41.2%.  We love all our shops and know that life would be boring if we all had the same tastes, so please don't take offense if you are an Etsy fanatic.  We love Etsy too!  

Hummingbird Cam Update

If you were following the amazing Hummingbird Cam for the birth (hatch?) of Phoebe's two little ones, then be sure to check them out again.  They are just about to fly and will probably only be in the nest for a couple of more days.  They are just the cutest things I've ever seen, and I'm so grateful to the folks that put up the camera and shared them with us.  Go watch....and enjoy!

CPSIA: An open letter to my Congressman

The CPSIA (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008) is killing business for many of us.  We can make a difference if we make our voices heard.  Following is my letter to the Honorable Kenny Marchant.  Please feel free to copy any part of it in your own message to your representative.  You can look up and contact your representative at Write Your Representative by entering your address and complete zip code.

My letter:
I recently lost my full time job and I supplement my part time income selling handmade arts and crafts, including children's items.  I produce high quality clothing and toys that I use with my own grandchildren.  CPSIA compliance has made it nearly impossible for me to comply and  will put me out of business when fully implemented in 2011.

I am joining many in the handmade community asking for you to bring relief to thousands of small batch children's product makers.  A law intended to stop  the import of shoddy and dangerous products into the US is now threatening the small business owners within our borders.  It also hurts parents by limiting the goods they can buy for their children, my local fabric store by lowering their sales, charity and thrift stores by cutting off their supply...and on and on.

Thanks to the collective voices of American small business and citizens, we were heard by the media and our representatives, and a bill was introduced by the Department of Energy and Commerce, to amend the CPSIA, offering important relief to thousands of small batch business owners.  This relief would prevent many of us from closing our doors.  We need Democrats and  Republicans in Washingon to work together to help American small business owners.

Please take a stand and show your commitment to keeping our businesses alive.  We are  asking the House Commerce Committee that the CPSIA draft bill go to mark up and become open for discussion.  Please help me, and thousands of others, to keep our shops alive.  Please work to pass this important legislation.

Sincerely,
Norma Brock
Texas Eagle Gallery
www.texaseaglegallery.com

p.s.  You will notice my shop has almost no children's items.  They were my biggest sellers up until 2/10/10 when I had to remove them to comply with CPSIA.

Amazing Travel Tips

 Baggage is the nightmare that tempers the joy of travel.

This NYTimes article gives fantastic tips from a flight attendant.  She's packed for a 10 day trip in just one carry-on!  I'm printing her tips and placing them inside my bag.....now if I just had a 10 day trip to pack for!

Mothers Day for Phoebe

Orange County, California had a special Mother's Day surprise for the world.  A tiny little hummingbird nest is captured on webcam so we can all see Momma Phoebe hover back and forth over her two little eggs.  The first hatched on May 9th, Mother's Day in the USA.  At this time we are all waiting patiently for egg number two to hatch.  You can watch Hummingbird Cam too, and we bet you will be in love with Phoebe too!  Check it out - it's mesmerizing!

Shoppers Prefer.......Etsy or Zibbet????

Which online shopping site do you prefer...Etsy or Zibbet?  Before you answer, please take time to visit each shop and see it with an open mind, as if it were your first online shopping experience.  We aren't playing favorites here; we LOVE all three of our shops.  They are like 3 children to us -- each different but loved for it's own special characteristics.
 http://www.texaseagle.etsy.com

http://www.weeirish.etsy.com

http://www.zibbet.com/texaseagle

So, please check them out, then take our poll located at the side of this page.  And we'd love to hear your thoughts too. Tell us WHY you prefer Etsy or Zibbet.  Tell us what you'd like to see.  Anyone leaving a comment is automatically entered to win a $25 gift certificate to any of our shops.  Winner will be announced on Monday, June 1st, and will be chosen randomly from all entries.

We really need your input!  Please read this, check out our sites, then respond to our poll.

Wordless Wednesday

Zibbet and Etsy

There are lots of folks out here bashing one venue or the other.  Not me, I've loved being an Etsy seller for over a year now and have done quite well with our shops.  But the opportunity to join Zibbet just felt right so we followed our hearts and jumped right in.  Glad we did!

Zibbet is not Etsy.  So what?  It's warm and friendly with a hands on, small town shop feel.  I think it's like having a shop on a lane in a lovely neighborhood as opposed to a booth in a market on the highway.  Both attract buyers, and both are necessary.  Why choose just one?   Different strokes for different folks!

Zibbet makes listing a breeze and it's been no problem keeping up with both.  We've continued to have views and sales at both.  We do market and promote the Zibbet site more strongly at the moment,  but we certainly have more Etsy followers and fans.  April stats showed more views on Zibbet items than for the same items in Etsy....Sweet!  So, all things considered, we highly recommend you try Zibbet.  You can sell up to 25 items in your shop for free, or move up to  a premium account for a small monthly fee.  Click here for more info:
http://www.zibbet.com/texaseagle/sell

From Texas to Zibbet with Love

As if the two little redheaded boys at the top of this shop weren't enough to draw me in....just look at this adorable toy sword offered by
2 Sleepyheads Quilted Creations

Every little swashbuckler I know would love one of these!  Please stop in and visit this fine Texas Zibbeteer.   You can find more items from our talented Texas group by searching Zibbet with the letters "zbtx". 

We Have a Winner!

Congratulations to FrugalScienceGal, the winner of our April Giveaway!  She is now the owner of an 8x10 fine art print of our Hickory Hearts.  Thanks to all you folks who entered for your friendship and your follows!

More fine Texas art from Zibbet.com

I love the feel of this shop...makes me want to sit on my Texas patio and have a marguerita!
GardenPathDecor

This collection of original handcrafted stained glass mosaics is unique and well made.  Of course, my favorite is the LoneStar Mosaic Cross.  Stop by this shop and check it out.  Then you can find all the other fine Texas team members by searching zibbet with "zbtx". 

A Real Good Lookin' Stetson!

Today I'm featuring another of our Texas Zibbeteers:
                                Vintage Books

Richard has some unique and collectible items, including this vintage Stetson which appears to be in tip-top shape for a hat of it's age.  He's got lots of history on this hat too.  This shop is quite new, and is certainly an indication of the wonderful variety of goods you can find at Zibbet.  Please take a look around, and be sure to search using "zbtx" to find items from our Texas Team.  You'll be glad you did!

Do you Zibbet?

Do you Zibbet??  I do, and I LOVE it.

Zibbet is the hottest new outlet for handmade arts and crafts on the net.  It is user friendly, as well as real people friendly.  It has a warm and welcoming feel....like walking into a charming little shop on the lane when you've just left the Big Box Store on the freeway.   Yes, it's new and will definitely suffer some growing pains.  But for alot of us, it's our new Happy Place.

We've got a Zibbet Texas Team for Texans (and Texans at heart) and I'd like to feature team stores in my next few posts.  I think you will enjoy!  I'm starting with a fun and friendly honorary Texan, Wanitta Ranson of itsmythingdesigns.  She's witty and outgoing and even though she hails from Canada, she fits right in with our Texas group.  Please stop by her shop - you'll be glad you did!  Here is one of her many items (this gal never rests!)
itsmythingdesigns

Texas Eagle Gallery

Well, finally, after many years of procrastination...

WE HAVE A WEBSITE! 


Please drop by and check it out...and let us know what you think!

TexasEagleGallery.com

Wordless Wednesday

Cupcake Corsages for Mothers Day or Prom

Organza is one of my favorite fabrics, and I fell in love with this rainbow blend. Take a look at our latest organza creation - Cupcake Corsages. These would be perfect for a lovely Mothers Day gift, or for prom. We've made matching earrings. We package each corsage on a reusable cupcake stand inside a ribbon tied cello wrap. Perfect for gifting!

Spring Picnics are in the Air

Planning a family barbecue or picnic? Here's a great recipe that's been a hit in our family for generations.

Easy Does It Meatballs or Cocktail Sausages

1 jar grape jelly (32 ounce)
2 jars Heinz Chili Sauce
1 lg. pkg. frozen meatballs
OR 2 pkg. Lil Smokies sausages

Combine the grape jelly with the chili sauce in a pot (works great in a crockpot). Add in the meatballs and simmer for about half an hour uncovered or until the sauce has thickened.

Serve from the pot, or for a nicer presentation, remove meatballs from the sauce onto a serving tray and serve with cute embellished toothpicks.

Don't Forget our April Giveaway!

Remember, to enter our contest for a free 8x10 Hickory Hearts print, just leave a comment on this blog.

Drawing will be April 30th, deadline to enter is midnight (gmt-06) April 29, 2010.

Cool Irish Soaps

What's not to love? Irish Cream and Irish Beer soaps? I stumbled upon these products this morning & just couldn't wait to try them. Thought I'd share the love with you!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43394326

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_2&listing_id=43007630

More Nuts!!!

Well, hope everyone had a Happy Easter. The weather in Texas was lovely (our part of it at least....it's a VERY large place). We did a bit of "hunting" in the woods and found another batch of "hearted" hickory nut shells. Seriously, we found lots of shells, but very few with these perfect heart shapes. Good news: we found enough to lower the price to $20 for each pendant. We also found several that will make up as sets for Half Heart pendants. Cant wait to get those listed!

More big news! We've just opened another shop at http://www.zibbet.com/texaseagle
and we'd like for you to stop by & say Hello. Looking forward to making some new friends there.

Dont forget to join us on twitter too. http://twitter.com/TexasEagleChick

Hickory Hearts Pendants are Here!

Thanks for your loyalty. You are the first to know about our special limited supply of Hickory Heart Pendants. They will retail for $29, but in appreciation for your support, you have the opportunity to reserve one for just $25 before they go on sale to the public. The photo shows 3 styles available, not the specific "NUT" you will receive. We will be happy to email you a few samples to choose from as long as the supply lasts. Click on Texas Eagle Gallery above to purchase.
Thanks again!!

Going Nuts!

Going NUTS here.....but in a good way!

Soooo excited about our new line of Hickory Hearts. Rolling out the pendants VERY SOON - stay tuned!

Wedding Favorites

Spring has sprung and Love is in the air. June Weddings are just around the corner. Here are a few of my favorite items for a one of a kind, memorable wedding.
Thanks to all my etsy friends and their amazing creativity.

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade TexasEagle.etsy.com

Hickory, Hearts, and History

Saturday I found myself walking down the long gravel driveway that I've walked for 13 years. This time something grabbed my attention and swept me away! I spied a little heart in the dirt and quickly realized it as a hickory shell. Wow! I'd stepped on them for years, but never really saw them. Now it was as clear as day & I felt as though I'd just removed my blinders.

Of course I had to search for more, and soon had dozens scooped from the ground. Next step was - of course - the internet to learn about my treasure. I discovered that while many varieties of hickory have heart shaped nuts, this particular type had a much more distinctive shell (and hardly any nutmeat). I also remembered that the ground we now think of as home was once a settlement called Hickory Hill. In the 1840's, Hickory Hill had a school house, 2 or 3 churches, a store, gravel yard, and tannery. My mind raced with images of pioneer children gathering these precious nuts. I did indeed feel like I'd found real treasure.

We are sharing photos, greeting cards, pendants and tshirts to honor our wonderful Hickory Hill legacy. Check them out at www.texaseagle.etsy.com

Spring has Sprung!

Well, Spring is here, and as usual, daylight savings time has thrown me for a loop! Catching up a bit & getting into the creative mood again. We are currently working on several new projects. Satin bookmarks--personalized and perfect for wedding favors, birth announcements, anniversaries, or any special occasion. They are inexpensive yet beautiful & useful. We're also working on glass tile coasters featuring some of our favorite photos. Please stop in for a visit often and see if any of these new items will work for you.

And last, but certainly not least, here is the grand finale of our Irish Recipe feature.
Irish Soda Bread
5 cups all purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1 Tbls baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup cold, unsalted butter, cut in small pieces
2 1/2 cups buttermilk
Optional add ins:
2 1/2 cups raisins
3 Tbls caraway seeds

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease two 9x5" pans
Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda & salt in large bowl. Cut in butter using 2 knives or pastry blender until the mixture is the texture of cornmeal.

If making Caraway Raisin option, add them to dry mixture now.

Add buttermilk and egg and stir until just blended.

Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake 50 to 55 minutes until golden brown. Coll on a wire rack for 10 minutes before removing from pans to cool completely. Slice & Serve. Delicious!!!!

20% off everything in our shops!

Thanks for stopping by. In honor of St. Patrick's Day, we want to offer you 20% off any 1 item in either of our shops. Just type in the code THE HIGH KINGS at checkout and wait for an amended invoice before paying. Offer good through 12:00 midnight Wednesday, March 17, 2010.

www.weeirish.etsy.com
or
www.texaseagle.etsy.com

I Love EVERYTHING Irish

This time of year, everyone is Irish! Who doesn't love St. Patrick's Day? It's had me thinking what it is that's so appealing. Of course the unspoiled beauty of the land itself is enough to take you there - in person if you've a bit of Irish luck. But the thing that draws you back again is definitely the people! They are the most charming and agreeable folks I've ever known.

We have been blessed with Irish friends from the most famous to the quiet village folk. Without exception, they are kind, witty, and wise. They open their hearts and share their gifts with the world. They sing and play or write like no others. I believe it is because of their open hearts. Most of us are too afraid to stand up and sing. They learn at an early age that the reward is so much more than any embarrassment could possibly be. They challenge fear and plunge headlong into whatever their calling. They encourage each other and share in the joy. The craic is truly mighty! To be in the presence of their multi-generational celebration is wondrous. Take for instance my personal favorite group, The High Kings. Their songs are old ballads loved by their fathers. Their new harmonies and energy make them favorites with kids from 2 to 99! To witness them and their fans first hand is truly a privilege.

I'm thankful for the bit of Irish blood I have, and especially for the many Irish friends that I love. God Bless Ireland!

Irish Potato Candy Recipe

Looking for our yummy candy recipe...scroll down through the older posts....it's worth it!!

Magic Skirt

At the North Texas Irish Festival I purchased the most amazing garment ever. A beautiful silk wrap skirt that could be twisted into anything you needed - a dress, top, skirt or wrap! Perfect for my next trip to Ireland. Or so I thought till I got it home and hadn't the slightest recollection of how to tie the darned thing! Well, here's a link to a site that sells similar skirts online and includes brilliant instructions! Now, I can quit fretting and get back to a cuppa tea and dreaming of that trip!
Slainte!

http://www.themagicskirt.com/page/page/4607592.htm

Circle of Friends

Time to give a shout of thanks to our network of friends. No one walks alone, and we are blessed with a universe of friends. Thanks to all of you.

Special thanks to Devine Designs Jewelry for including us in her blog. You can find the post here:
http://devinedesignsjewelry.blogspot.com/2010/03/national-irish-american-heritage-month.html

Also, a thumbs up for our Etsy Texas Crafters' neighbor at Groovy Gal Designs Online. Check out her page at
http://groovygaldesignsonline.com/

Feeling very blessed! Thanks yall!

Sunny Saturday

It's a brilliant sunny Saturday and we are heading to the North Texas Irish Festival today! But first we've got to give in to this creativity bug. We've just completed a batch of new pre-matted photos that are fantastic! Be watching our shops!

Now, to thank our etsy neighbor for his fine products and service. Ron, at Gallery Frames and More has just supplied us with some great materials. Be sure to check out his shop for supplies as well as some great handmade items. Great shop Ron!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/galleryframesandmore

Enjoy the weekend everyone!!

Sharing the Irish Pride

Thanks for your visit. Our candy recipe can be found below. In honor of Saint Patrick's Day, we will be sharing more recipes throughout the month. Be sure to stop in again soon!

Irish Potato Candy Recipe

Thanks for stopping by. Grab a cuppa tea & stay for a chat.

We'd like to thank you for your interest by offering this free recipe. You can also purchase a cute printed version of this recipe at www.weeirish.etsy.com.

Tanks a million!

Irish Potato Candy

Ingredients
4 Tbls butter, softened
1/2 package cream cheese
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups confectioners' sugar
2 cups flaked coconut
2 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Directions
In medium bowl, beat butter and cream cheese together until smooth. Slowly add vanilla and confectioners' sugar, continuing to beat until smooth. Mix in the coconut (mixture will be thick, use your hands if necessary). Roll into small odd shaped balls, and roll in the cinnamon. Place onto a cookie sheet and chill to set. If desired, roll in cinnamon again for a darker color. Makes about 4 - 5 dozen, depending on size of your "potatoes".

Notes: I like to run the flaked coconut through the food processor first so it's less noticeable. The thick mixture will be about the consistency of Play Doh and is a perfect recipe to share with your little ones. Start a child friendly tradition!

Saint Patricks Day

March is just around the corner, and with it comes everything GREEN. The crocus stems are already peaking from the soil, along with a few bright green weeds. The promise of more sunshine and warm afternoons brings a sigh of relief. This is one of the best times of the year!

While St. Patrick's Day festivities will center round green beer and crazy parades, there is also a place to remember the history of this remarkable man and the blessings he left us. So, we've been busy making (and selling) lots of beautiful cards. What a blessing! Thanks to all who've purchased, may spring bring you much joy!

Sending a note of Thankfulness and Blessings to all my friends and loved ones. This cold and dreary month of February is a perfect time to take stock of life's priorities. Faith, family and friends come to the forefront for me. I'm very blessed to have them all - in good measure.

Take some time to tell someone how much they mean to you. It will bless you both.

Notecards available at our shop - www.texaseagle.etsy.com

A record Texas snowfall has me thankful for a lot of things we usually take for granted. After trees falling all around, I'm thankful for my warm and dry home. After hours of no power, I'm thankful for the folks that brave the storm to keep the electricity flowing. After almost a day of being snowed in the neighborhood, I'm thankful for the freedom and good health that allows me to come and go as I please.

It's been a nice 2 days here with my sweetie and our pets. We were prepared with food, a propane stove, candles, love and tolerance.

If Carousel Ponies Could Talk.....

While posting a new line of prints for our shop, my mind started to ponder the lives of carousel ponies. Surely they have seen it all! In our last visit to the great State Fair of Texas, we stood for ages just watching the story of life unfold on this majestic old carousel. We tried to capture the "forever young" thrill of a carousel ride in our shots. We were charmed as we watched the carousel spin with folks from 1 to 99. Lovers rode side by side, holding hands. The fearful tears of babes turned into squeals of delight! Teens rushed rudely by to snag their chosen mount, then shyly looked round the crowd as they worried about their "coolness" factor. Truly a classic experience with which we can all relate. I read the horse's names, and fancied images in my mind of the lives they've led. Oh, if they could talk........

These prints are available at www.texaseagle.etsy.com.

Before the storm

No calm here today. Rushing around like the proverbial "one-armed paper hanger" trying to get the chores done before the big rain event. So, thank you Mr. Weatherman, for giving me a jumpstart today! Toodles!

Reflections

Another cloudy, dreary and cold week. A perfect time for a warm fire and a cup of tea - two things that make me feel blessed and warm inside, knowing everything is well with the world. We lost an uncle this week, and welcomed a new babe into the family too! All these events overshadow the politics and budget issues that can distract me and keep me from enjoying life. So, I think I'll have another cup and celebrate. I am truly blessed!!

ETC First Monday Sale!

Got Bargain Fever? Forget Canton's famous First Monday Sale......Here's a great way to enjoy First Monday and stay warm and dry!
Join us at etsy.com for the Etsy Texas Crafters big all day sale. We have such a variety of talent, and some great one day prices. You can find us at www.etsy.com, then search all items for "teametsytx".

Our shops are participating with Free Shipping on all items, lots of huge markdowns, and dozens of just listed items on sale.

www.texaseagle.etsy.com
www.weeirish.etsy com

Rejoice!

This is the day that the Lord hath made.....

Congrats to Orla Fallon!

My favorite female vocalist, Orla Fallon, won FOUR Irish Music Awards, winning every category in which she was nominated. In case you dont know Orla, she is the beautiful redhead who sings and plays the harp with the original group of Celtic Woman. She is now touring with Jim Brickman, and has released her own new album.

Orla won: Top Solo Performer in Concert, Best Female Vocalist, Top Harpist, and the Tommy Makem Award

Here's the link to learn more about it:
http://www.irishmusicawards.com/

Hibernating

Tired of Cold, Tired of Rain....sick of indoor smells! Longing for the invigorating chill of a March morning's call to welcome me outdoors. A lawn to mow, flowers to plant as the sun warms away the layered jackets. Oh bliss!

...but here I am, alone in the storm darkened morning...trying to find the motivation to unwrap my quilt and be productive.

The floors are filthy, the laundry awaits. So I must go.....to my crafts!