I’ve begun a new blog called, “Whatjadoing?” The blog posts will contain more involved instructions for several different art/craft techniques. My first entry in the new blog is posted today.
Take a Look – “Whatjadoing” Blog at WordPress
Author: Timelesslady
Married with children and grandchildren. Reader, writer, painter - maybe a bit of an artist. Gardener... Led by the Spirit.
Photograph – Gratitude
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Quick Tip – Mossy Pots and Collections Spotlighted
The natural route is the path I’m taking for my Christmas decorating this year. I don’t want to spend money on glitzy junk that I will use for a year or two, and then give away, or deposit in the trash. Instead, I am using a few of my collections, combined with treasured Christmas heirlooms, and adding a bit of nature to the mix.
My Willow figurines are displayed on a shelf year-round. Why not give them a place of honor beneath the tree for Christmas?
A few clay pots scattered throughout the grouping added just the right touch of “natural” to the collection.
You can use many different types of moss in one pot, or, if you are lucky, you might find a rounded hillock of green that fits perfectly within the rim’s diameter.
If, perchance, a figurine is knocked off a table or shelf, a quick repair can be made using bread dough. Repairing Willow Figurines
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Praise – Dandelions
Dandelions are resilient flowers. They are one of the first blossoms to show themselves in the Spring. Often, in the middle of our New Jersey winters, I will find a blossom or two reflecting the gold of the sun.
The poem included in the photograph of the dandelion, “My Jesus I Love Thee,” was written by William R. Featherston when he was sixteen. In 1876 Adoniram Gordon put the poem to music. “My Jesus I Love Thee,” is still sung in churches all around the world, just like the dandelions the hymn is resilient and will surely be sung many years in the future too.
My Jesus, I love Thee, I know Thou art mine;
For Thee all the follies of sin I resign.
My gracious Redeemer, my Savior art Thou;
If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus ’tis now.I love Thee because Thou has first loved me
And purchased my pardon on Calvary’s tree.
I love Thee for wearing the thorns on Thy brow;
If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus ’tis now.I love Thee in life, I will love Thee in death,
And praise Thee as long as Thou lendest me breath;
And say when the death dew lies cold on my brow,
If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus ’tis now.In Mansions of glory and endless delight,
I’ll ever adore Thee in heaven so bright;
I’ll sing with the glittering crown on my brow;
If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.
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Perspective – World Affairs
Friends, I try for the most part to keep my blog light, infusing posts with my daily experiences of ordinary living combined with the extraordinary experience of loving and worshipping the Lord God Almighty. Do I have the normal high and low moments peculiar to all mankind? You betcha. Do I accomplish anything good? Well, I try and sometimes succeed, but there are bad moments when I fall flat on my face. Do I make mistakes? Of course. Do you know who is always there to forgive, steady and point me back in the right direction? Yes…my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will always be my Helper and Friend.
There is an old game doing new damage in the media, blogs, and everyday conversation…it is the blame game. The new twist is deeming UnChristlike anyone who expresses a cautionary attitude about opening borders to refugees without protocol in place to properly help them once they are here. Masterful spin doctors are picking and choosing Bible verses condemning anyone who urges some caution.
It is very easy to enter into the fray as Christians to prove our point by picking and choosing our own Bible Verses in response. Today in “My Utmost for his Highest,” by Oswald Chambers, the daily devotional spoke about being consumed by the “cares of this world.” I took the words to heart and decided to bring to an end any posts I might make on world affairs. Instead of adding one more voice to the cacophony of spoken and written opinion, an area where I am prone to make mistakes, I will “intercede” in prayer, leave it on the altar, and give the consequences to God.
“Beware of ‘the cares of this world,’ because they are the things that produce a wrong temper of soul. It is extraordinary what an enormous power there is in simple things to distract our attention from God. Refuse to be swamped with the cares of this life.”
“God never gives us discernment in order that we may criticize, but that we may intercede.” ~ Oswald Chambers”
My Utmost For His Highest – Daily Post
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Quote – A.J. Gossip
A.J. Gossip – (Arthur John Gossip) was Professor of Christian Ethics and Practical Theology at the University of Glasgow from 1939 until 1945.
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Perspective – Refugee Crisis
The refugee crisis is building. People have escaped the wars and persecution in their homeland and have nowhere to go. Countries are forced into opening their borders for those in need of help and sanctuary. Yet…as we all know…wolves in sheep’s clothing are also entering in with the refugees. I don’t know the answer. As a Christian I want to help my fellow man, following Jesus’ example of the good Samaritan, but on the other hand I also have read extensively in the Old Testament and know Israel was brought to ruin many times by letting refugees settle in their land bringing their own customs and religion with them. Today I read an article with an excellent perspective on the situation and Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan. I’ve included a quote and link to the full article below:
“But it’s important to recognize a couple of things. First, the Samaritan did not take the man into his own home. He paid the bill, but he did not in any way put himself at risk of harm from the man. Even more importantly, the Samaritan made a free choice of his own will to help the man.
What the left wants to do in the case of the Syrian refugees is use the power of the state to force an entire nation to welcome people into their midst without any effort to ensure that members of ISIS with evil intentions were filtered out. That’s not compassion. That’s national suicide. And if you think God wants nations to commit suicide, just skim through the Old Testament and consider the many instructions He gave to Israelite kings to attack foreign armies – even killing and plundering those they conquered. When it came to warfare, God instructed the kings of Israel to be pretty ruthless in dealing with their enemies.”
~ What does the Bible really say about taking in Syrian refugees-Dan Calabrese/Canadian Free Press
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Phlowers & Phloral Arrangements – Alstroemeria
“Alstroemeria, commonly called the Peruvian lily or lily of the Incas, is a genus of flowering plants in the family Alstroemeriaceae. They are all native to South America although some have become naturalized in the United States, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, Madeira and the Canary Islands.” ~ Wikipedia
Alstroemeria (Peruvian Lily) are one of my favorite flowers for floral arrangements. When I trained to become a floral designer, I learned a few tips about this plant. The first step in floral arranging is to remove all the foliage that is below the water line. Alstroemeria has an abundance of leaves. One odd fact about alstroemeria is the foliage along the stem will yellow and die before the flower petals begin to fall. Most floral stems lose their flowers first. When I prepare alstroemeria for vases I remove ALL the foliage BELOW the blossoms. I keep the leaves intact that are attached to the blossoming offshoots. Your flowers will stay fresh longer if you remove the lower leaves. Alstroemeria are available anywhere you buy flower bunches and come in an amazing array of colors. They are very thirsty so check your vase and arrangement water daily to keep them hydrated and fresh.
Postscript: Thanks to Lulu for reminding me about the very best characteristic of Alstroemeria…they are one of the longest-lasting flowers to use in arrangements. 🙂
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Pheathers – Creating Crystalline for Birds in Winter
I am in the midst of creating layers of crystalline on a stump in the backyard. Placed near the border of ivy and pines, I am hoping the birds will flock to the stump and enjoy the salt crystals as they form. The crystalline should help ease their craving for salt and keep them from ingesting rock salt and ice melt when the ground is covered in snow.
Recipe for Crystalline
Salt
Wood ashes*
Mix salt and ashes with enough water to dissolve and pour over a large rock, stump or wood block. As the water evaporates, crystals form that attract mineral-hungry birds. (Be sure to keep the salt water away from areas that are planted with shrubs or near gardens ? salinating the soil can create problems for plant growth.) *These can be fireplace ashes as long as they do not contain residues from colored (especially red) or slick paper
~ Mother Earth News & “Country Wisdom and Know-How
First I burned some small sticks and oak shavings. I used only natural wood and newspaper without colored ink to give it a quick start.
I let the ashes cool down and then used a large tin can filled with a 1/4 cup of salt and 1/2 cup of water. I added all the small pieces of ashes I could scoop out of the fire pit. The recipe doesn’t give exact measurements so I am just guessing about quantities.
I poured the crystalline over the stump and used the trowel I mixed with to batter down any lumps. The consistency resembled cement and easily stuck to the stump.
I will continue mixing up the crystalline after campfires, and build up layers on the stump. In a few weeks, if the birds don’t notice the stump, I will scatter some bird seed and hopefully they will come and dine.
Crystals can also be formed by using mixing up plain saltwater.
SALT
“Many birds crave salt as an essential mineral, particularly in the winter when roads are regularly salted. Unfortunately, feeding on the side of the road can be deadly for birds, and offering salt crystals at your feeders will help keep them safe. Create a strong saltwater solution and let it evaporate in a shallow dish to make larger crystals, or pour it over a log or stump if there is no danger of freezing.
TIP: Salt can kill grass and make it difficult to grow plants, so keep the salt you’re offering the birds well away from gardens and other plantings.” ~ About Home / Birding
Providing bird grit (available in pet sections) in cleared out areas also helps with digestion when ground is covered with snow. As always, a water source is vital for birds in all weather.
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Quote – Wisdom on Wednesday/William Penn
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Quick Tip – Quelling a Queasy Stomach
It’s the season of stomach flu, digestive upsets due to over-eating or eating the wrong foods, and as in my case, ingesting too many chemicals/food coloring.
My husband is a victim of stomach flu today. He works in retail and comes in contact with many people in the course of day. Eventually, germs slip by even the most diligent hand-washing. I offered him a bowl of applesauce just a few minutes ago, and he was able to eat it. I think he will begin to feel better soon.
When I am feeling queasy, or wake with a sickly headache due to unwise eating, applesauce makes me feel better. I always choose a brand without sweeteners. The last thing I need when I am feeling poorly is a big dose of sugar or artificial ingredients.
Applesauce is an item in the BRAT diet for upset stomach. (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce and Toast) BRAT diet information.
Here’s some more great advice for quelling a queasy stomach. Thanks to Fatima for this great comment.
“When I was a child, my mum would grate an apple and add some orange juice for sweetening whenever we had a poorly stomach and didn’t feel like eating. Another one of her home remedies was to mash a banana with lemon and a bit of sugar: this really stopped runny tummies very quickly and I still use this remedy today. My son loved it too and it really works! Can’t beat nature for effective remedies!” ~ Fatima Saysell
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Plants – Thanksgiving Cactus
My Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera) is beginning to bloom right on time.
Blossoms and buds cover the tips of the cactus. I summered this plant outdoors on the porch until early Autumn when I brought it indoors. Placed in a window of my cool basement, I kept the plant fairly dry, watering lightly. The cactus is upstairs now showing off its beautiful flowers.
There are plenty of buds in varying sizes, a promise of blooms through Thanksgiving Day.
I found a terrific site with good information on identifying Thanksgiving/Christmas cactus and how to grow and bring them into bloom: Caring for Holiday Cactus
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Praise – I Know Whom I Have Believed
I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws.” ~ Psalm 119:30
Living at peace in our modern-day world seems unlikely as we read/hear of current events. Every nation appears to be on the precipice of ruin and war due to the selfish and violent natures of a few. It’s easy to start contemplating the horrifying what-ifs, but I stop myself short and say aloud, “God is in control.” The words of this hymn came to mind today and gave me sustaining peace. We must stay aware of the times we are living in, but as we do, we must also continue to have constant faith in the coming triumph of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The hymn, “I Know Whom I Have Believed,” was written by Daniel Webster Whittle (1840 – 1901)
“I know not when my Lord may come,
at night or noonday fair,
nor if I walk the vale with him,
or meet him in the air.
Refrain:But I know whom I have believed,
and am persuaded that he is able
to keep that which I’ve committed
unto him against that day.”
~ Daniel Whittle Webster
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Photo – Ordinary into Ornate
Ornate “Forget about subdued and restrained. This week, let’s embrace the breathtakingly extravagant.” ~Wordpress Photo Challenge
Even though it’s functional and quite ordinary, the inside of a watch has an intriguing beauty. Take a photograph, crop, bump up the color, and it’s downright ornate.
PicMonkey has many free photo applications for editing photographs.
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Plants & Plans – Seed Catalogs and Garden Journals
Yesterday was the perfect day for a bit of sunshine in the way of garden catalogs. I found a copy of the Pinetree Garden Seeds Catalog in my mailbox, and in my virtual mailbox I received notification of the new edition of the Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Catalog. Both of these favorites were a high point in a rather cloudy day.
The arrival of these catalogs prompted me to pull out last year’s garden journal. I use a spiral notebook for my garden notes. I appreciate having the option of pulling out a page I’m disappointed with, and I also like the low price. (50 cents to $5.00) I’ve tried fancier, and more expensive journals, but prefer an inexpensive spiral with an interesting print as a cover, or as in the case of this year’s notebook, an intense garden green.
I tape plant tags, glue down used seed packets, and make notes to myself on these pages. Perhaps tonight I will read through each entry and highlight the plants that were successful, or write a big, “NO!“ beside the disappointments I don’t want to repeat.
Even though gardening might be a low priority on your to-do list now that Autumn is waning, it is the perfect time begin dreaming and planning for the 2016 growing season.
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People – Veteran’s Day
To our Veterans, past, present and future…WE THANK YOU!
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Project & Plants – Creating a Houseplant Trellis
My indoor geraniums have grown very tall. The stems are not standing up beneath the extra weight the height adds; time to create some type of a stake or trellis for support.
I gathered up supplies: string and twigs. I also had some pipe cleaners on hand in case I needed something to hold the twigs in place while I tied the string.
I laid out the basic shape and then began tying the twigs together using a double cross-over knot. I used a haphazard pattern instead of trying to perfectly space each stick.
A quick trim of the excess twig length on the sides and the trellis was ready to use.
The trellis cost me nothing; the twigs were gathered, and I had the string on hand. I think the green sticks make a prettier and more natural-appearing support than the cheap plastic varieties I see available in garden centers.
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People – Green Light a Vet
“Honor to the soldier and sailor everywhere, who bravely bears his country’s cause. Honor, also, to the citizen who cares for his brother in the field and serves, as he best can, the same cause.”
― Abraham Lincoln
All over the world honor is due to those who serve to keep their country safe. In the US, on Veterans Day, November 11th, let’s green light a vet, a simple gesture to show we appreciate all they do.
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People – Rend Collective
“‘We wanted to push boundaries because our God is not safe or small: He has a wild imagination.’
Rend Collective have never lacked imagination. From the bewildering array of children’s toys and whimsical, handmade oddities they call instruments, to the hare-brained and wonderfully impractical scheme of recording a live album on the beach around a campfire, to the safety-defying audacity of shooting a music video on a fully-operational fishing boat in the turbulent Irish Sea, this fascinating worship community have always pursued the colorful and unexpected.” ~ Rend Collective Website
I love the exuberant praise songs by Rend Colletive.
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Quick Tip – Soap Scum Removal Made Easy
I prefer not to use chemical-laden spray cleaners to remove soap scum. After I spray these products, I “taste” or “smell” the chemicals for days. Breathing in harsh cleansers is hard on your lungs. I’ve found a good tip for cleaning shower scum. Mix together equal parts Dawn Dishwashing Liquid and hot white vinegar.
Whisk the two ingredients together, very gently so you don’t create suds, and place in a dish scrubber. To use, take a hot shower and before you turn off the water, quickly wipe down the walls. Let the shower run a bit longer to rinse the solution off the walls. I experimented with this technique and the whole process only took a minute or two and was SO easy. Give it a try!
I’ve blogged this technique in the past and used a spray bottle to apply the solution. The dish scrubber makes the whole technique so much easier and convenient. I also think the steamy, hot shower stall facilitates the removal of the soap scum.
