tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57054942114568064852024-02-06T21:23:19.663-05:00Making It MineWe are a jigsaw puzzle consisting of pieces of everyone we have known. I use those pieces to put together the person I am. I look for the creative in everything. I find things to enrich my life.I use what I see in others and the world to "make it mine." My wish is for you to be blessed by what I have learned.Susan Linkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15426395550339630273noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5705494211456806485.post-55816598511127144332011-09-09T20:23:00.000-04:002011-09-09T20:23:52.708-04:00Magic Sauce<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Everyone needs a little trick up their sleeve to look like superwoman. Gleaning those tricks from others is what I do best and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.101cookbooks.com/archives/magic-sauce-recipe.html">Magic Sauce</a></b> from one of my favorite food bloggers is no exception . A flash to make, it stabs the senses with flavor and aroma, an earthy addition for many foods. Dipping oil, a rub for meat (pork chops tonight…), eggs...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMPlreBIFBJJeEV8Ph2jLwpNxoF-B82PeleFvwN5wIPy5UuyKEG1CZ-zJvyCdJ8JQDnkhyphenhyphenJ7ihO79_PHjQqnh0zQ1qjXtcKvxL_8YAbSHPbM061mbgIVqD6Y5ccaoh9o7kwvheaj7lb4KT/s1600/Magic+Sauce+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMPlreBIFBJJeEV8Ph2jLwpNxoF-B82PeleFvwN5wIPy5UuyKEG1CZ-zJvyCdJ8JQDnkhyphenhyphenJ7ihO79_PHjQqnh0zQ1qjXtcKvxL_8YAbSHPbM061mbgIVqD6Y5ccaoh9o7kwvheaj7lb4KT/s320/Magic+Sauce+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBmF0-VcUWX3A5K7d79fYLur_4olCP9kCraF_fitJF_GvK8FJUrErBCQ50GK9NYTbk4wmHXLX1RA-Jc76QdM2UpLoP-Ure4gICdAw81BEPBX3rFL1XNBvJpb2x3HhBhl39V33dOvYmnBc8/s1600/Magic+sauce+served+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBmF0-VcUWX3A5K7d79fYLur_4olCP9kCraF_fitJF_GvK8FJUrErBCQ50GK9NYTbk4wmHXLX1RA-Jc76QdM2UpLoP-Ure4gICdAw81BEPBX3rFL1XNBvJpb2x3HhBhl39V33dOvYmnBc8/s320/Magic+sauce+served+003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> Magical!</div>Susan Linkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15426395550339630273noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5705494211456806485.post-71252704171362947542011-09-03T22:24:00.000-04:002011-09-03T22:24:23.783-04:00Plumb Line<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">In sharing my life story with a group of ladies this summer, I made reference to the term, “plumb line.” According to dictionary.com, a “plumb line” is<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"> a weight, usually with a pointed tip on the bottom that is suspended from a string and used as a vertical reference line. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_OoKtB3xH-qkYWtaFO9qb94Xz3PX5frmxoJ5YqQdw90j_hsxIGgixJPcGAsbl-r0uRnN6F48LgXYpVfMyNc7asQ4IdJKlneWoz5-9TqsJ4y4hjiexZoiEboWJSxIcj3Xy5bBvFimjyhg3/s1600/plumb-line.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_OoKtB3xH-qkYWtaFO9qb94Xz3PX5frmxoJ5YqQdw90j_hsxIGgixJPcGAsbl-r0uRnN6F48LgXYpVfMyNc7asQ4IdJKlneWoz5-9TqsJ4y4hjiexZoiEboWJSxIcj3Xy5bBvFimjyhg3/s320/plumb-line.jpg" width="249" xaa="true" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">A plumb line, for instance, is essential to hanging wallpaper; if the first piece is off center, all the walls will be askew. My plumb line is that straight line that determines if I fall off course. My chosen course is to love and serve God with all my heart, mind, and soul. How do I fall off course in my personal life? Do I believe today’s tv shows that seem to have to include offensive actions, behaviors and lifestyles in every episode? … do I believe the tabloids unavoidably read in the supermarket checkout line dragging people down? … do I watch the infomercials promoting a better body and younger looking skin? Usually not…I know to tune much of that out but what about the chit chat at work with someone higher up on the corporate ladder who is gossiping to us. How do we turn away and risk our work well-being? What about the empty spot in our heart that no person can fill – do we look to fill it in appropriate ways? What about the fears that keep us from accomplishing our potential and our excuses that keep us there? </span></div><br />
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A plumb line is a straight vertical reference...vertical - up and down. When we look up we see our Father and when we look down we see ourselves, it is a vertical relationship. Staying in alignment is a constant effort. Soaking in the Word of God, splayed with our face on the floor in prayer, a life serving others – time constantly spent aligning. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRzlevB3FsR3o3ejFgLh9RKdgZ6SUivKmtO2gkw4yJwQOvD_ra1R5l2psPXGEuKVQVT4mYutaS4f_OihUaPz7ExOegqGtoMRzU7LD9GKTecYt0JHeVjQwqIRBwJ_nN7p0gqCS3QT3RX_Hd/s1600/Bible.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRzlevB3FsR3o3ejFgLh9RKdgZ6SUivKmtO2gkw4yJwQOvD_ra1R5l2psPXGEuKVQVT4mYutaS4f_OihUaPz7ExOegqGtoMRzU7LD9GKTecYt0JHeVjQwqIRBwJ_nN7p0gqCS3QT3RX_Hd/s320/Bible.jpg" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div>"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5 & 6<br />
Susan Linkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15426395550339630273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5705494211456806485.post-57002842066029725332011-08-25T22:05:00.000-04:002011-08-25T22:05:40.917-04:00Important Mementos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Vacations take us away from the daily routine to eat more than we normally dare, sleep a little bit longer, and get closer with those we love. Memories are captured in our photography and our smiles at the end of the day. Often days are spent on beaches where our toes delight in the feel of the cool, wet sifting sand. Bulging pockets collect rocks from every location. Mementos are gathered and kept and stored away in tiny bottles and large jars where those times can, with a quick glance, be remembered at stolen moments during our normal rapid paced day.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRbvX8bxWg1lPxFGTb7PAtj8lvuLesn26I9azlFB6TM30P3UL3RzVUkEzz1VbLLEfID8wmY_IaXw0_MJBTmPhb8lpAwQNhJQNn-kkVf1_hev9L5n7BDDQg3BUQIzEU_1greFyLhz3HBK0V/s1600/Summer+2011+333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRbvX8bxWg1lPxFGTb7PAtj8lvuLesn26I9azlFB6TM30P3UL3RzVUkEzz1VbLLEfID8wmY_IaXw0_MJBTmPhb8lpAwQNhJQNn-kkVf1_hev9L5n7BDDQg3BUQIzEU_1greFyLhz3HBK0V/s320/Summer+2011+333.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLMtX9Xuo7ra_NYUJK0HIp04q88PBU3WHQCDbFC8bRir0CGGnB_UwdcnkQ9e0LTMxMEDsrm26R8Za70V6U2DvC5AYVBzWhbvAizMG_UUasrRZgG5NxQl6s9TDvelswxkfRQq5V5lQkYGoR/s1600/rocks+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLMtX9Xuo7ra_NYUJK0HIp04q88PBU3WHQCDbFC8bRir0CGGnB_UwdcnkQ9e0LTMxMEDsrm26R8Za70V6U2DvC5AYVBzWhbvAizMG_UUasrRZgG5NxQl6s9TDvelswxkfRQq5V5lQkYGoR/s320/rocks+007.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Pn9rPYS5ujgFB273Fu_4JONYAmtsty16I77mHsoat0oRGc1wNivymTFDiGrUuz6mr9C1v2DaKWELHotuH3Hf_uj5m-GixC244WQzq4S5d7-PREDZgV7DtZkYNSFtMhmk_uXh_Tg_xUD2/s1600/rocks+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Pn9rPYS5ujgFB273Fu_4JONYAmtsty16I77mHsoat0oRGc1wNivymTFDiGrUuz6mr9C1v2DaKWELHotuH3Hf_uj5m-GixC244WQzq4S5d7-PREDZgV7DtZkYNSFtMhmk_uXh_Tg_xUD2/s320/rocks+008.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Susan Linkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15426395550339630273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5705494211456806485.post-86419137692376010222011-06-19T19:29:00.000-04:002011-06-19T19:29:53.857-04:00Big Box Treasures<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJJHNkiFpz_DHWOb8vnNrdrPekto-UkS5xUYKOoISOnNkqud6tVhuonhdRyrIcKYV1r2G_9HQ4XE7msoReVdiiDRRnHn4UO4DehwM4YbPjc_sA1EfsFYeoq2d-hFXqaBWRmVSzPxAiMlcF/s1600/Walmart.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJJHNkiFpz_DHWOb8vnNrdrPekto-UkS5xUYKOoISOnNkqud6tVhuonhdRyrIcKYV1r2G_9HQ4XE7msoReVdiiDRRnHn4UO4DehwM4YbPjc_sA1EfsFYeoq2d-hFXqaBWRmVSzPxAiMlcF/s1600/Walmart.bmp" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">How many times a month are we in our local mass merchandise store for those everyday items such as deodorant, milk, scotch tape and birthday cards? It seems our normal quest for anything to do with decorating is a last minute basic candle or placemat purchase. Keep hunting… there is a multitude of treasures for you to save on your decorating budget. No need to haul off to Ikea (for me-over 2 hours) or to the antique shop which I scour continually. Hidden treasures are things like bolts of ribbon – sometimes for less than $2. Buy tons of colors and keep them on hand for gift wrapping, pillow trim, hanging Christmas cards, pony tail tying. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Inexpensive lamps can create an intimate area without spending a lot. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpw3mNxng-GXBGPAnsfD-AZ7f2S_p4vHXXeMLsHcIB3WmbaeMKoI6orlv5WyESY_jvS1tZEgMPQmAnBAVezZQQ1aCe0Uv-ZWS2xtFOfkCZj18qXNHepeMbL_kqS1up55uBiFqY6ujAdPWh/s1600/june2011+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpw3mNxng-GXBGPAnsfD-AZ7f2S_p4vHXXeMLsHcIB3WmbaeMKoI6orlv5WyESY_jvS1tZEgMPQmAnBAVezZQQ1aCe0Uv-ZWS2xtFOfkCZj18qXNHepeMbL_kqS1up55uBiFqY6ujAdPWh/s320/june2011+004.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I found a really cool towel to create more of the look I wanted in my guest bathroom. Also check these stores for hooks instead of investing more than you need to in fancy hardware. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBcmjHLHpdjzORRIbvLKTOMMvBW6Q_kGWTsFe34tqsOrW3SeFaISjRBb7tCRt5cMapV3XBD_-1dCecqQMe5d1x6t_QyJNiiwo7uuXaQiahWstpfpBu_O5ig26GBGUnxQ2nCkzWtlbBzyVs/s1600/june2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBcmjHLHpdjzORRIbvLKTOMMvBW6Q_kGWTsFe34tqsOrW3SeFaISjRBb7tCRt5cMapV3XBD_-1dCecqQMe5d1x6t_QyJNiiwo7uuXaQiahWstpfpBu_O5ig26GBGUnxQ2nCkzWtlbBzyVs/s320/june2011.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Using the same <a href="http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/home/how-to-organize-closet-accessories.htm">color plastic hangers</a> throughout a closet looks better than a mish-mash of hanging devices. Maybe a project for a rainy day Saturday?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3EuNGZyotQdsvc4P0F6Jx_aTPerPJPOVHs8RK4gZPlRopUFNO1OmvOTj4_TcCaqrzWx3KvKzkAc_hgwrFcyZGylOQJSfo3AJRj1-O9l71yuYmTKBDYQ1QG9uK9yUahZxfnPHXBzhaJYST/s1600/june2011+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3EuNGZyotQdsvc4P0F6Jx_aTPerPJPOVHs8RK4gZPlRopUFNO1OmvOTj4_TcCaqrzWx3KvKzkAc_hgwrFcyZGylOQJSfo3AJRj1-O9l71yuYmTKBDYQ1QG9uK9yUahZxfnPHXBzhaJYST/s320/june2011+002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Mass merchandise stores carry great ready-to-assemble furniture that is so affordable and will hold up a lot longer than last generation’s counterparts. Check out how fitting this <a href="http://www.sauder.com/default.asp">Sauder</a> maple bedside table is in my <a href="http://www.amybutlerdesign.com/main.php?fl=0">Amy Butler</a> inspired room. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqIS9ER9apef6Q0wm4qzCx_58OCX7EPs6Y3G1_Z7eEXuwu279dVozHTehg5JJo3FfGoRQV_j8Cr50u8LA4cyaeh7_0aJTeDU8llYYBZwBgGTe9GAttt-b083Edm_6uboOVeuhPL_R_xG2P/s1600/june2011+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqIS9ER9apef6Q0wm4qzCx_58OCX7EPs6Y3G1_Z7eEXuwu279dVozHTehg5JJo3FfGoRQV_j8Cr50u8LA4cyaeh7_0aJTeDU8llYYBZwBgGTe9GAttt-b083Edm_6uboOVeuhPL_R_xG2P/s320/june2011+002.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Get over the stereotype of particle board furniture and get into the price point and the styles created for every decorating style.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is lots of inspiration just around the corner. Be inventive!</span></div>Susan Linkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15426395550339630273noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5705494211456806485.post-28834643255472690772011-06-19T17:44:00.003-04:002011-06-19T18:20:16.607-04:00Living Life<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfGz9Rt_5DgVK3P8NfHI_8jQSu5MZ6QJCwCPWLOJwPs2ayTTzpdOJVWamBFs6MiO3qKrqBtVO28SExZ2dDilgLMFKJiaZFNG0QHX2No1VTxFisd3jYj72oqRID3pUbq8dTbkd18qqSNXox/s1600/May+2011+196.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620058293579899890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfGz9Rt_5DgVK3P8NfHI_8jQSu5MZ6QJCwCPWLOJwPs2ayTTzpdOJVWamBFs6MiO3qKrqBtVO28SExZ2dDilgLMFKJiaZFNG0QHX2No1VTxFisd3jYj72oqRID3pUbq8dTbkd18qqSNXox/s320/May+2011+196.jpg" /></a><br /><br />
<br /><div>Blogging is an excellent way to document your life and for the last year I hve been living life without that documentation! My last blog was long ago and was over-run by my position as Women's Ministry Director at my church, being a "Mimi" to my 3 year old grandson, helping to care for my aging mother-in-law, and doing lots of reading and mentoring. What joy this brings when we are doing those things that enrich and fulfill our lives.</div></div>Susan Linkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15426395550339630273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5705494211456806485.post-71820121740999166822010-01-26T12:37:00.002-05:002010-01-26T12:44:53.074-05:00Gray Day: Part 2<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtO13BCkPTUjZRoo4y0V-aKh6Lt2Zr3IZ0jGi5W6JUhwZBKQQQyLAzCJL3MCs2EER7Uom02Q6mc47D_WwI_-MT2Y_tiaNBSGCQ_ZHemiQMZwfefnBqiKDWxj2zhHKL9TR3Cw-rhnA2qfQd/s1600-h/92409+002.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431105297507018642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtO13BCkPTUjZRoo4y0V-aKh6Lt2Zr3IZ0jGi5W6JUhwZBKQQQyLAzCJL3MCs2EER7Uom02Q6mc47D_WwI_-MT2Y_tiaNBSGCQ_ZHemiQMZwfefnBqiKDWxj2zhHKL9TR3Cw-rhnA2qfQd/s320/92409+002.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Speaking of gray on my earlier post today, it made me look outside at yet another gray, dreary day in Ohio. Staying motivated and healthy in January is a challenge. Last September boasted several hot days that we could celebrate great garden veggie purchases and still be outside to grill them. I did an entire grill full of different veggies for soup and made lots of containers for the freezer. Today I pulled out a container for lunch. Yay for a Gray lunch Day!</div>Susan Linkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15426395550339630273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5705494211456806485.post-2581088216913669662010-01-26T12:30:00.003-05:002010-01-26T12:37:14.303-05:00Gray Days<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiPQIgYj8-GbYCsbcqZ92WO_b44P-9BItlj9BFNyHQ7QO-mCyP2qGUjR7KUHqZTQJH_wnjaN0oPxenLubWRrduypN8X6b6NfjdHhc76Pz53kOFNwjpIJ_2z6gCy7AtpVZn7dgce13RMLlI/s1600-h/kitchen+martha+stewart.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 256px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431103764960382562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiPQIgYj8-GbYCsbcqZ92WO_b44P-9BItlj9BFNyHQ7QO-mCyP2qGUjR7KUHqZTQJH_wnjaN0oPxenLubWRrduypN8X6b6NfjdHhc76Pz53kOFNwjpIJ_2z6gCy7AtpVZn7dgce13RMLlI/s320/kitchen+martha+stewart.jpg" /></a><br /><div>I've been deciding what to paint my living room which is one big open area with the kitchen, library and the stairways to the other levels. I have had olive green for 9 years and have loved its ease of use with all colors from golds and yellows to orange to red to brown and also black. I have decided on gray and was pleasantly surprised to read <a href="http://www.blogcatalog.com/blog/online-fabric-store-blog">this blog </a>today. The Color Marketing Group determines the color trends of everything you will buy in the next few years. More will be posted on this huge color change decision at a future time. Yay for Gray! </div>Susan Linkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15426395550339630273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5705494211456806485.post-76187764627517200202009-11-03T15:28:00.005-05:002009-11-03T15:44:46.164-05:00Using what you have<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVsR-D35xwzKqAlOqwjySDQ-FCawNqUkHQJh5_Fn3GSQAxk16MLCreK8sT7KGOqeWfKcFuP99wwkpqKAAAwq7V1YUAR_j7i4TQaIh4YQPNZ1XLUtjnrJjBBTWgZItRa2NQSMq-pWUeXzfE/s1600-h/Oct+2009+085.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399981061676740514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVsR-D35xwzKqAlOqwjySDQ-FCawNqUkHQJh5_Fn3GSQAxk16MLCreK8sT7KGOqeWfKcFuP99wwkpqKAAAwq7V1YUAR_j7i4TQaIh4YQPNZ1XLUtjnrJjBBTWgZItRa2NQSMq-pWUeXzfE/s320/Oct+2009+085.jpg" /></a>I love the change of seasons and try to use what I already have at home to reflect the season. It can get quite interesting when you are using the same things for many years. The dining room table needed something bold so this year I stole a birch twig pumpkin from the pumpkin display above the desk to combine with an outdoor succulent I am trying to save through the winter... we'll see. A huge bowl of fairly realistic fruit (enough that there are bite marks out of one of the apples), old brass candle holders, and a presentation it makes. I'm loving the fact that I can recycle and be happy...actually joyous of God's provision in our life.Susan Linkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15426395550339630273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5705494211456806485.post-49879138750451204552009-10-09T13:05:00.010-04:002009-10-09T13:28:58.935-04:00Making Theirs Yours<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR8y2CY1EMcwdsCduh5-B0AzTHy2FnybY1dDo78so7cSiKIiM41u2Z2C5c9IVEZsDtCftQw3CVHcg4Z9u83issfZ8_sH_2AC9CAMoaWAE5AjkJ71HicButwvnXRip-Ej_YxmOrxnuheGWk/s1600-h/cali+veil.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 136px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390652432333066946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR8y2CY1EMcwdsCduh5-B0AzTHy2FnybY1dDo78so7cSiKIiM41u2Z2C5c9IVEZsDtCftQw3CVHcg4Z9u83issfZ8_sH_2AC9CAMoaWAE5AjkJ71HicButwvnXRip-Ej_YxmOrxnuheGWk/s200/cali+veil.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPSuZ9Ehsfg2PpZqoV7_YHAzR_sTbfqjat9up-YQkHDKNP-IRoW0SyS0RmrLRsUyzDUAaBdiX8fd3Ywq4uyDO4YJkK8Abe5XPYR_m2Ln6gLGm-sSAI3sYFg4brgLLUDUIcrE0ixMeQBNvq/s1600-h/pearl+clip.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 134px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390652263186123298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPSuZ9Ehsfg2PpZqoV7_YHAzR_sTbfqjat9up-YQkHDKNP-IRoW0SyS0RmrLRsUyzDUAaBdiX8fd3Ywq4uyDO4YJkK8Abe5XPYR_m2Ln6gLGm-sSAI3sYFg4brgLLUDUIcrE0ixMeQBNvq/s200/pearl+clip.jpg" /></a><br /><div><br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_8vq8YlxkPzTWTXdzEHWzsIaVFIjS5925EbdJyypnH-esdTKZBTPEnsbURw3SgmRkxzoMFxMiuai9hU0sx0bPfSnqZ7hSk1jIOorxWN26445Vd4EbrYO5hcGTF5pmbIp_QkxFw1yTLZ9-/s1600-h/ellie+necklace.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 134px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390651987962532034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_8vq8YlxkPzTWTXdzEHWzsIaVFIjS5925EbdJyypnH-esdTKZBTPEnsbURw3SgmRkxzoMFxMiuai9hU0sx0bPfSnqZ7hSk1jIOorxWN26445Vd4EbrYO5hcGTF5pmbIp_QkxFw1yTLZ9-/s200/ellie+necklace.jpg" /></a><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMdWOf28uTOp88LVdVLdscH2lBljgUSJeVj8zL_XLmt9Zt6jEcUZkXsYsBjWbgZyZzsKXFS28iIy8IvthF5_XVm3d2kUvlZ-mveR21I3xK6cq0I7OR0nA4DnEBLHZp80nYD9Z9fsLNHDxU/s1600-h/Aidys+tie.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 84px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390651775370058722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMdWOf28uTOp88LVdVLdscH2lBljgUSJeVj8zL_XLmt9Zt6jEcUZkXsYsBjWbgZyZzsKXFS28iIy8IvthF5_XVm3d2kUvlZ-mveR21I3xK6cq0I7OR0nA4DnEBLHZp80nYD9Z9fsLNHDxU/s200/Aidys+tie.jpg" /></a><br /><div><div><div><div><div>While searching for economical ways to make Cali’s June wedding unique, I purchased many handcrafted items from Etsy. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/">Etsy</a> is a website for buying and selling all things handmade. There are amazing artists and crafters with very unique items available. Here are a few items we used: bridal veil, pearl hair clip, flower girl necklace, grandbaby's tie (it was custom made to his measurement and closely matched the groomsmen.) More Etsy finds from me later.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Susan Linkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15426395550339630273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5705494211456806485.post-58957637441930350272009-10-08T21:02:00.011-04:002009-10-08T21:23:56.241-04:00An apple a day...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihRYzcsAsZQ-TgYvdqV_RJex0x8uy3mI0mZfKyav4X_3nMs-_deqi8tA87I9PTQboJPSzPw_EZM-vXMHAHB7GikxMdyLm5cWyAgETdQ8IGUQAql3AumICBl96hQQBSw2xN4wNryahN1O3V/s1600-h/92409+003.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390403657975497570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihRYzcsAsZQ-TgYvdqV_RJex0x8uy3mI0mZfKyav4X_3nMs-_deqi8tA87I9PTQboJPSzPw_EZM-vXMHAHB7GikxMdyLm5cWyAgETdQ8IGUQAql3AumICBl96hQQBSw2xN4wNryahN1O3V/s320/92409+003.jpg" /></a><br /><div><div></div><div></div><div>Enjoying fall with it's bountiful healthy harvest...</div><div>simply core out an apple and fill with </div><div>butter, brown sugar, raisins, pecans. Bake til soft and you will probably lick the bowl... that part will not keep the doctor away!</div></div>Susan Linkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15426395550339630273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5705494211456806485.post-40892565776746315462009-10-07T21:41:00.004-04:002009-10-08T21:24:51.124-04:00LONNY<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmNnI_QQrtPgyssjZsDINzeJ9K3I_d2fU0xe4etHkvj_3GmiKnff93jdiT3PCHX9tEMFQy7EJAhhpE-xRGn5oL6eeuVnSiwvDxCLRjamIwIqR60qDtiqe5rjXympG26DnRYpO0zoppgP5J/s1600-h/lonny.png"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 247px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390040951632422594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmNnI_QQrtPgyssjZsDINzeJ9K3I_d2fU0xe4etHkvj_3GmiKnff93jdiT3PCHX9tEMFQy7EJAhhpE-xRGn5oL6eeuVnSiwvDxCLRjamIwIqR60qDtiqe5rjXympG26DnRYpO0zoppgP5J/s320/lonny.png" /></a><br /><div>Since the demise of both Domino and Blueprint magazines, my daughter Cali (age 22) and myself (ahem) have been hoping a replacement would come along to again inspire us in home decorating with a modern eclectic bent, entertaining, cool clothes, etc. etc. I found <a href="http://www.lonnymag.com/">LONNY</a> which is an online magazine that has some really amazing features. I am too tactile to want to read a magazine online but this will have to do. If you have babies, are just out of school or are at the ahem age, it is inspiring. Check it out.</div>Susan Linkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15426395550339630273noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5705494211456806485.post-50610603879988950882009-09-24T13:39:00.007-04:002009-10-07T21:54:17.949-04:00Making it Mine - the letter L<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZOjU9FNRcoEzOZ1MzGFqxAsitSmvOHAL82Zc_RgjOH7VfQD25-NixI_62DBMD0ZRo-9FMgFQQ2xtngtWUIzui_11jyR8F9Vnv-YKKfstGMz84mt6wcFbp3-5HfOZhxP86jEBrQCqlQr2K/s1600-h/letter+L+2.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 258px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386992321761509842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZOjU9FNRcoEzOZ1MzGFqxAsitSmvOHAL82Zc_RgjOH7VfQD25-NixI_62DBMD0ZRo-9FMgFQQ2xtngtWUIzui_11jyR8F9Vnv-YKKfstGMz84mt6wcFbp3-5HfOZhxP86jEBrQCqlQr2K/s320/letter+L+2.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik6HIge04pU_qFjgbGuwPTRGeuKu3zITnl1q5t_bQkyBvP1jCGnrvLQEv98zffNj2LKQsiAtP_aYMJqMGB_b9z9q3Oa71HWXgXPgc_xPF729DxLJU3RoYn69_N0JCnfcD-iG5wCqqTL8zG/s1600-h/letter+L.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 174px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385091352051594546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik6HIge04pU_qFjgbGuwPTRGeuKu3zITnl1q5t_bQkyBvP1jCGnrvLQEv98zffNj2LKQsiAtP_aYMJqMGB_b9z9q3Oa71HWXgXPgc_xPF729DxLJU3RoYn69_N0JCnfcD-iG5wCqqTL8zG/s200/letter+L.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div>Adding your initial makes your photo wall so much more personal. Any craft store like Michael's carries these 3" and 4" letters. </div></div>Susan Linkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15426395550339630273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5705494211456806485.post-52864255391901791892009-09-23T13:03:00.003-04:002009-10-07T21:55:11.809-04:00Dressing Ingredients<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDxN3BHyPC-M60CbwiOaTRaPdHA_E5ejg8IjLt_N2lxOCpReZAUVgyaZADluJaVsFIa8UKnm_F8lB_920UIOuZ-g4blWy-a-cq3A8fj93HKTsFaPR8Smho4sJC69unm0Axxos_j0g4obV2/s1600-h/Carousel+Dress.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 192px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385093651614242482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDxN3BHyPC-M60CbwiOaTRaPdHA_E5ejg8IjLt_N2lxOCpReZAUVgyaZADluJaVsFIa8UKnm_F8lB_920UIOuZ-g4blWy-a-cq3A8fj93HKTsFaPR8Smho4sJC69unm0Axxos_j0g4obV2/s320/Carousel+Dress.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK2jqAYeeZoNCMwpxwYA6n1J0j4D4_252nJF8ASAQByCehGsDSsNmDKzTG_YDokpAGHTmW6FT6UJg-wl-8mIIzJDP8ddJn2tTTULcVVeIU2YLs_JbZEX7gKC9nd3ybX6wnZIo9Cbj540LD/s1600-h/Shabby+Apple+shoe.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 250px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385093643368323538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK2jqAYeeZoNCMwpxwYA6n1J0j4D4_252nJF8ASAQByCehGsDSsNmDKzTG_YDokpAGHTmW6FT6UJg-wl-8mIIzJDP8ddJn2tTTULcVVeIU2YLs_JbZEX7gKC9nd3ybX6wnZIo9Cbj540LD/s320/Shabby+Apple+shoe.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWnQOE1UDO2cZUKUkY_GhnyY8jWRRzXk6c01qVbEVmP7whTm6-Hk5TqP_vDKHi3-P9t70-4wrcp64iXeo1P_ARZ-qpfBnJ1Mn1UXhPxJLGb66CtO0oKKvIOA8JuvXoIXJp1F60B__912an/s1600-h/Shabby+Baby+dress.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 250px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385093639972425922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWnQOE1UDO2cZUKUkY_GhnyY8jWRRzXk6c01qVbEVmP7whTm6-Hk5TqP_vDKHi3-P9t70-4wrcp64iXeo1P_ARZ-qpfBnJ1Mn1UXhPxJLGb66CtO0oKKvIOA8JuvXoIXJp1F60B__912an/s320/Shabby+Baby+dress.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><div><div></div><div>This is to ALL my girlfriends - any age, any budget, any style... you have GOT to check out <a href="http://www.shabbyapple.com/">shabby apple </a>for the missing ingredients you have been looking for in dresses: sleeves, no cleavage, hems that cover the bottom end of things. This is my favorite dress but the shoes and little girl dresses are enchanting. It is my understanding that this company is owned by LDS (Church of the Latter Day Saints) and they wanted really fashionable clothes that still respected the body. They are having a dress design contest under the <a href="http://www.shabbyapple.com/t-daretodesign.aspx">dare to design </a>tab of the site. AND...see their <a href="http://www.shabbyapple.com/t-FitToFlatter.aspx">fit to flatter </a>tab for help in knowing what looks best on you! </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Susan Linkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15426395550339630273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5705494211456806485.post-67106775193193999022009-09-22T21:50:00.001-04:002009-10-07T21:55:40.053-04:00Keep it in the family....not!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ_2o-iU2tHjpzIQqDP9Mnw5Cy7QeNJ23pWuwrE7HwDtPVbbKXecsA-Se68k95ruPogaURuZP5o-RsSHabw6K9vjxlsO5CE0kOzqN1Zc0UVXQx66GKO8VtGBu9ngK78lMxeEQT7NDtblSs/s1600-h/September+2009+001.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384475782868233026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ_2o-iU2tHjpzIQqDP9Mnw5Cy7QeNJ23pWuwrE7HwDtPVbbKXecsA-Se68k95ruPogaURuZP5o-RsSHabw6K9vjxlsO5CE0kOzqN1Zc0UVXQx66GKO8VtGBu9ngK78lMxeEQT7NDtblSs/s320/September+2009+001.jpg" /></a><br /><div>You know those secret family recipes that we swoon over but no one will give it up? Here is one I found the other day. It was supposed to be Rhubarb Upside Down cake and it called for 28 marshmallows! I don't think any of us need that. I had over a quart of fresh Raspberries (thank the dear Lord above we live next to Aunt Kathy and her green thumb!) I substituted the rhubarb for raspberries - oh the world is so sweet....sun kissed ruby red berries neatly turned out on a platter. yum... I will share the recipe...just ask! </div><div>OK, I'll save you the trouble:</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Put into the bottom of a 9 x 13 pan:</div><div>4 c. chopped fruit, berries or rhubarb</div><div>1 c. sugar</div><div></div><div>Cream together:</div><div>1/2 c. shortening</div><div>1 c. sugar</div><div>Add:</div><div>2 eggs</div><div>1/2 c. milk</div><div></div><div>Mix in separate bowl:</div><div>1 3/4 c. flour</div><div>1/4/ t. salt</div><div>3 t. baking powder</div><div>Add dry ingredients to wet and mix. Pour and spread over the fruit.</div><div>Bake 40 min at 350. </div><div>Invert onto platter. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream - do you know how to make the real thing?</div>Susan Linkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15426395550339630273noreply@blogger.com0