Photographs & Perspective – Throwback Thursday & Immigration

Family

In the photograph above I am the child standing before the elderly woman. She is my great-grandmother, one of the two women whose name I bear. I did not know her well, but do remember that she was tiny but strong. She emigrated legally to the United States from Germany through Ellis Island. She passed through the rigorous inspections that were in place to screen out disease and criminal activity. I am so thankful she came to this blessed land of America.

I believe in immigration, and everyone in the United States should also since a large percentage of us descend from immigrants somewhere down our line. What I do not believe in though is indiscriminately opening our borders to those who would ignore the protocol for entry. I am concerned that our pity for the young children trying to escape poverty and crime is allowing these same children to become a Trojan horse that could carry into our country an extra burden on our struggling economy, disease, pandemics, over-crowding, crime, gang violence and even elevate the threat of terrorism.

What can we do? I’m afraid not much about the current crisis. We can’t change yesterday, but we can do things right today and in the future. Most of all we need to have our eyes wide open concerning those we elect to govern this country. Experience and Constitutional integrity and adherence does matter! We are witnessing the lack of it now in our country…enough said.

Plantings – Wildflower Garden

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In the late months of Spring, I sowed several packets of wildflowers in empty areas of my garden beds. I’ve been thrilled with the results. The flowers are not showy, but the colors are vibrant and the variety of bloom quite interesting. I also added a few leftover zinnias, marigolds and cosmos from old seed packets I had saved over the years. They are also growing, and when the first wildflowers are spent, I am hoping they will begin to blossom.

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Plant – Coriander/Cilantro

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I am growing coriander, also known as cilantro, in my herb garden this year. Coriander leaves can be used in the place of parsley, in fact, one of the names for this plant is Chinese parsley. I would love to include a beautiful photograph of the plant, but alas, it has already bolted to seed. No worries though, the seed is also a valuable aid to cooking. The seeds are crushed when used in cooking and give a light lemony flavor to the food they season. The seeds lose their flavor when ground, so store them whole until ready to use. They can be roasted to enhance their taste. It is also possible to grow coriander on a windowsill.

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I’m drying my coriander seeds, along with some radish seed pods, for a few days before I store them. I want to make sure they are completely dry to ensure they do not develop any sort of spoilage.

More information on coriander/cilantro can be found here:
Coriander/Cilantro

Pleasures – The Dragonfly Whisperer Returns

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The Dragonflies are back. Two years ago I blogged about my close encounter with a dragonfly here: July 2012 Dragonfly Whisperer

Yesterday I once again put a little of my dragonfly knowledge to the test…they will usually land on the highest stems. I gently nudged the fellow/gal off of the garden carrier and sure enough when the dragonfly found rest again it was on my index finger. Drat! Why wasn’t my camera in my pocket when I needed it? I jostled the dragonfly off, ran in the house to get my camera, disturbed his rest on the carrier again and “O Happy Day” he once more chose to land on my index finger. I was able to get a pretty good photograph.

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Here are some interesting dragonfly sites to check out:

Ten Fascinating Facts About Dragonflies

The Dragonfly Woman

Photograph – Poppy Bud

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“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.” Philippians 4:8

People – Mary Ercoli Walsh

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“For over 20 years Mary Ercoli Walsh has been experimenting with color. Through quilting, mosaics, furniture rehabs, home decorating, jewelry design, polymer clay designs, photography, pottery, graphic design and fine arts she constantly looks to color, pattern and design for inspiration. Be Creative Mary 365 is a challenge and celebration of creativity.
For 365 days Mary will embark on the challenge of a lifetime. She will produce one creative work every day for one complete year.”

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I love Mary’s art, and I love checking out her blog. The colors are brilliant, the art sensational, and the themes bring me instant happiness. I think you will agree! Take a look at Mary’s blog and the post about her recent art show.

Be Creative Mary Blog

Creative Mary Art Show

I’m not sure how I was lucky enough to find Mary’s blog and art, but it could be our mutual love of Block Island, Rhode Island. Whatever the case, I’m glad I did. She is an inspiration to those of us who love to create.

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A big thank you to Mary for permission to use photographs of her stunning artwork on this blog. All artwork and blog excerpts in this post are the exclusive property of Mary Ercoli Walsh.

Phavorites – Phavorite Site/Budget 101

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This site has it all when it comes to saving money and cooking from scratch. Check it out and browse, browse, browse. You will definitely find something of interest and possibly a “phavorite” new recipe or tip.

Check out: Budget101.com

Quote – Wisdom on Wednesday

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The voices that shape the direction of a nation are not necessarily those that ring out in legislative halls, but those that approach the throne room of God with bold faith.” ~ Charles Stanley – In Touch Devotional for July 23.

Charles Stanley’s “In Touch Daily Devotional” can be found here:
In Touch Daily Devotional

It is easy to feel helpless in the face of the turmoil in our world, but God’s Word tells us to be bold.

So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. ~Hebrews 4:16

Plants & Potions – Plantain

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This outstanding display of the “weed” plantain is clustered around the bird bath in my Square Foot Garden. I thought it especially appropriate that the plant grew in the garden beds. I have let several patches of plantain grow each year into large sized plants. I don’t consider it a weed at all. Plantain is an edible weed. It is also medicinal and can alleviate the itch of poison ivy or the pain of a bee sting. To use plantain for stings and rashes, chew it for a bit and apply to the sore or itchy spot.

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Plantain can also be eaten raw, in a salad, when the leaves are young and small. It can also be cooked. For more information check out this terrific site on “Eat the Weeds” blog by Green Deane: Eat the Weeds/Plantain

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I also make a salve for the skin using plantain. It is very easy. I lightly simmer water and heat olive oil and plantain leaves in a baby food jar. I don’t have a specific measurement, just a half inch of oil or so, and some chopped plantain leaves. I heat for about an hour or ninety minutes, and let the leaves sit in the oil for about 24 hours before straining out. This can also be stored in the fridge for a longer lasting salve. Even if it hardens, as soon as it touches your skin it melts right in.

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I recently read to get the best oil out of herbs and other plants pick them and let them set for about twenty-four hours. This gives you maximum essential oils on the surface of the leaves or flowers.

I have blogged about using plantain in the past, but a good tip is always worthwhile to bring to the “surface” of the blog again. Oftentimes the best ideas get buried in the archives.

Quotes – Billy Graham

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“To get nations back on their feet, we must first get down on our knees.”
~ Billy Graham

World events are overwhelming. It’s easy to think our prayers are of no consequence in the grand scheme of things. Remember the words in James 5:16:

“Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.”

Pleasures – Summer Tea in Pink

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In an attempt to use more of my fresh spearmint and lemon balm, I concocted a brew that is beautiful to gaze upon and sensational to the taste. The delicious tea only takes a few minutes to mix up, and a few hours to brew. Place three to four good-sized sprigs of spearmint* and lemon balm** into a the jar, along with two herbal tea bags. I chose Pomegranate and Raspberry Green Tea by Stash. Add about four level teaspoons of sugar for a light sweet taste, or more or less according to your own preferences. Honey would work too. Pour the boiling water almost to the brim, put the lids on and set in the sun for several hours. I don’t know if the sunshine did much in the way of brewing, but the tea sure looked pretty catching the sunbeams within the pink liquid.

I decided to make two jars at one time, and I am so glad I did, the tea is delicious! It has a very delicate taste, almost like a flavored water. If you want more flavor and heartier quality, add another teabag or two. An added bonus: the tea brews up to a gorgeous shade of clear pink. Try it, or try a concoction of your own choosing.

* Spearmint is filled with antioxidants, has anti-fungal properties, relieves digestive problems, can relieve headache, fatigue and stress.

**Lemon Balm is good for digestive problems, alleviates melancholia, calming, reduces sleep problems and restlessness. Might also reduce the growth of some viruses.

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Phlowers – Garden Phlowers in Orange & Gold

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This past week I looked out my back window in the early morning light and saw this amazing squash blossom. The flower was almost double the size of my hand. By afternoon it had withered, hopefully leaving behind a new squash. Even though its time to bloom is fleeting, I think it rivals hibiscus and other large, magnificent flowers in beauty.

I’ve included a few other garden phlowers that are blossoming in shades of orange and gold.

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Trumpet Vine – I grew this one from seed. It has taken several years to reach blooming size, but it was worth the wait. This vine is attractive to hummingbirds.

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Begonia

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Dahlia – The outer edge of the petals are pink, but the inside glows a beautiful coral-orange.

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Marigold

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Flowering Maple

Quick Tip – Scaring Skeeters

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We recently went camping with the family in Belleplain State Forest. There are quite a few cedar swamps in the area, and we knew we needed to be prepared for an attack of mosquitoes. I read on the Pinterest site that Listerine, because of the eucalyptus and thymol it contains, is a terrific mosquito repellent. The directions were to spray on the ground around you and the mosquitoes would stay away. It worked! We didn’t have any problem at all with the mosquitoes. Now if only we could find something to keep the ticks away. Several of us came home with a passenger aboard our skin. Yuck!

For ease in application I placed the Listerine (I used a generic brand) in an empty window cleaner bottle. My mistake: my first mouthwash purchase was blue mint. It looked exactly the same as the window cleaner. The second time I bought mouthwash as an insect repellent I bought the amber colored Listerine. It definitely did not smell as good, but it worked just the same. Hmmm…maybe next time I will try the green mint flavor. Smile!

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Please take a look at the comment section of this post…there are many additional “natural” remedies included in one of the comments. Thanks James!”

Planting – Cactus

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Two weeks ago the grandsons and I sowed a few cactus seeds in plastic blueberry packages. The square plastic container is aerated with holes, top and bottom. All we needed to do was add some cactus soil, water, and sprinkle the seeds on the top. The cactus sprouted within a week and just fourteen days later are doing very well.

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Prose, People & Place – The Dirty Life/Kristin Kimball Blog/Essex Farm

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Okay, I’ll admit it, I am only on page 51 of The Dirty Life. Why am I already raving about this book in a blog post? Well…because…oh the joy of it…I found a blog written by Kristin Kimball and I wanted to share it here: Kristin Kimball Blog

I am enjoying the book, much as a person who is hungry devours a perfect meal. The book is leaving me with an uplifted spirit after each reading. As I read through the first chapters, it was easy to imagine myself, along with Mark and Kristin, on a hunt for the perfect farm. In the next section, titled “Winter,” I will be reading about the planning stages of the farm.

When I searched Google Images for photographs of the farm, oh happy day, I found the blog. I can’t wait to explore some of the posts. Visit the Essex farm today, either through the book, or the blog, or both. You won’t be disappointed.
 

Painting – July Challenges

I’m posting three art challenges on my blog this month. Two are through WetCanvas, and one is through a site called Paint My Photo. To take part in the challenges you will need to sign up with the sites, but they are free, and it is very easy to begin and take part. Give them a try.

Watercolor Studio Challenge – Clematis

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Photo courtesy of WetCanvas/Yorky (Doug)

Here is what Yorky (Doug) says about the challenge for July 2014:

“I am posting a photograph of my Clematis for you to try. You can paint the whole thing or make it a macro where traditionally petals touch three sides of the painting.”

You can find more information on July’s Watercolor Challenge here: Watercolor Studio Challenge/Clematis

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Photo courtesy of WetCanvas/Karrie

The Plant Parade Challenge this month will be Iris. The photograph above is one of the reference photos provided. You can use a photograph from the challenge or an Iris photograph of your own.

Viven says: “The Topic for July is;

“The Iris”

The Iris – is only second to the Rose as the world’s most popular flower. Irises are a favourite subject for artists to paint, because of their stately form and beautiful, frilled petals.

There are a few rules……….

Crop, enlarge, distort, play, manipulate a reference in any way you wish. You can paint/draw in any size and any medium. “Reveal Day” is the 25thJuly,so please do not post your painting before that day. It is much more fun, and more interesting, if we all post more or less about the same time.”

The link for this challenge can be found here: July 2014 Plant Parade Challenge

I am including the “Paint My Photo monthly challenge. Take a look at this amazing artist resource and take the time to join in. You can find the information here: Paint My Photo July Challenge

Suzanne says of the challenge:

“This challenge is all about the creatures that live in the seas of the world…whether they are fish, sea-turtles, whales, seahorses, or coral …..anything that is supposed to live, swim, or exist in the watery world below the surface of the ocean.”

I’m not sure if I will be able to take part in all the challenges, but I am certainly going to try my best to do one and all!

Before I sign off here is a photo collage posted to WetCanvas of many of June 2014’s paintings of Peonies. Enjoy!

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Quote – Henry Nouwen

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Henri Jozef Machiel Nouwen, (1932 – 1996) was a Dutch-born Catholic priest, professor and writer. His interests were rooted primarily in psychology, pastoral ministry, spirituality, social justice and community.  Wikipedia

Phavorites and Products – Good Buys at the Dollar Store

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Photo Collage Created with: Pic Monkey Photo Editor

Over the last few days I had a good time scouring my house for all the products I use from the local dollar store. How did we ever live without these fabulous centers of bargains galore? Oh sure, I know it is easy to go in for one thing and come out twenty dollars poorer, but there are also terrific buys and deals if you are careful to visit at least once a week and keep your eye open for name brand overstocks.

Here is my list of favorites, although I am sure I have forgotten to include a few.

1. Dental Pic Brushes – Small portable packs of ten. They have a nice case you can keep for other things.
2. Gift bags – Almost half price compared to other stores.
3. Stickers – Great assortments
4. Notebooks – Great varieties and half the price.
5. Hydrogen Peroxide – Super-sized bottle
6. Eyeglasses – Best deal in the stores
7. Scrubbing Buffs – They last forever
8. Digital Timer – My latest “amazing” find/works great/perfect to remind me the dryer is about to stop.
9. Microfiber cleaning cloths – Really pick up the dust. Pretty colors!
10. Toys, Toys, Toys – They aren’t well-made, but they are PERFECT for the back yard.
11. Coffee Filters
12. Foot Sponge – Another of my new favorites. A rough and tough HARD gritty sponge. I’ve never found anything that removes dirt and dead skin as well off of the back and bottom of my heels.
13. Toothbrushes
14. Notecards – Beautiful overstocks of gift shops
15. Boxed Matches – I like to keep a lot of these on hand.
16. Hand soap – Another item I like to keep stocked up.
17. Pens – Years ago I merchandised school supplies so I can recognize the better grade pens that are sent to dollar stores because of back-to-school specials and other sales. Take a close look…don’t get packs of ten, purchase the packs with one or two pens. These are great deals because they are smooth writers and will last fairly long.
18. Diaper bags – Another new find. 75 plastic bags, scented nicely ( I usually detest the smell of scented plastic, but this is rather nice) They are PERFECT to dispose diapers and other “untouchables.”
19. Laundry bags – Three in a package…Love, Love, Love these. They last a long time and really do protect delicate garments in the wash.
20. Game books – You can save two to three dollars each by buying these in the dollar store.
21. Foil sheets – Oh my! Can’t do without these. Love them.
22. Holiday baking – decorative containers and wrappings.
23. Gift wrapping accessories.

This list doesn’t even begin to touch all the seasonal buys you can find, the candy bargains, the storage containers, the kitchen gadgets, the terrific scissors I’ve found that actually cut fabric. I couldn’t believe it. I remember the day a pair of scissors that cut fabric were very expensive. If you are having a party you can stock up on party decorations and balloons.

A few things I avoid.
Bath items – Bad fragrances most of the time.
Paper plates & Napkins – Too flimsy and the smell of the dye can be overpowering, even headache producing.
Children’s dyed craft supplies such as foam sheets. The smell is oftentimes HORRIBLE and actually can smell poisonous. I’m careful about what I buy for children. Also dollar store Play-doh clay knock-offs are horrible, as are the paint sets and paints. Cheap crayons just plain don’t work as well.
Disposable Razors – OUCH Need I say more
Makeup, unless it is an overstock of a good name brand
I buy nothing for a baby or infant
Larger tapes such as strapping, duct, masking. It’s terrible quality and hard to get off the roll. Scotch tape is fine.

The photo collage picture at the top of this post was so much fun to create. I have just run across the site of “PicMonkey” and like a few of the other photo editing sites it has a lot of offer. The collage application is the best I’ve ever used. Super-easy to learn and use. I can’t wait to try it again. Thanks so much for stopping by…feel free to list a few of your favorite dollar store or discount store bargains.