Prose – My Lady of Cleves

On February 7, 2013February 6, 2013 By TimelessladyIn ProseLeave a comment

I enjoyed “My Lady of Cleves” by Margaret Campbell Barnes. The historical novel tells the story of the fourth wife of Henry VIII, Anne of Cleves. She kept her head in every way. When faced with Henry’s dislike and wandering eye, she devoted herself to being agreeable and endeared herself to his family and inner circle of friends. A very wise lady in a very trying situation. She learned to thrive by involving herself in the lives of others rather than concentrating on her own problems. A good lesson for us all.

Planting – Terrarium/Glass Block

On February 6, 2013February 6, 2013 By TimelessladyIn PlantingLeave a comment

A few weeks ago I received a surprise package in the mail from across the country. I saw by the return address that the package was sent from one of my nieces. I opened up the package and felt a surge of joy rush through me. Not only were the contents of the box amazing, but my joy was multiplied many times because the gift was so suited to me. Over the years my niece had noticed who I was, and the gift said to me that she understands the person that I am. Isn’t that what we all need most…recognition of who we really are inside? Need I say my niece is a beautiful soul! Thanks Natalie!

Whimsical and bright, these mushrooms are the perfect component for terrarium decor. This week while walking around my local AC Moore I found the perfect receptacle for my treasures…a sturdy, heavy-bottomed glass block. As an added bonus the block has a lid that that fits perfectly, and is easily opened to add a breath of fresh air to the plantings.

The terrarium turned out really cute, and I still have half of the mushrooms and stepping stones to use outdoors in our fairy garden in the Spring.

Photographs – Just for Laughs…A Very Bad Hair Day

On February 5, 2013February 4, 2013 By TimelessladyIn Photographs2 Comments

School Picture 1965/66

Go ahead…you’re allowed to laugh. We all have an old school picture that is ghastly. Yes. It was a very bad hair day. Tee-hee!

Plantings – The Crash and Burn of my Avocado Pit Project

On February 4, 2013February 3, 2013 By TimelessladyIn Planting5 Comments

I promised to write when a project crashes and burns…for me that project/plant has been the avocado tree I grew from a pit. The photograph below shows the state of my avocado tree today. It seemed to flourish for a few months. I pruned and pinched it at the required stages, gave it a summer vacation on my porch, and brought it inside again in the Fall of the year. Through the late Autumn months and early winter the tree seemed to lag. I cut it back very hard, hoping to prompt better branching and leafing out. I think that idea was a mistake. The tree has become an eyesore and is taking up valuable sunny space I’d rather give to a plant that provides lush greenery all year.

I am beginning to wonder if anyone who grows an avocado gets beyond the sprouting and early growth stage. The Internet is flooded with pictures, blog posts and advice about starting the pit, but I can’t recall finding many pictures or posts on the tree when it matures. Hmmm….perhaps today I’ll go on a hunt to find the answers. For now, I’ve decided this particular tree belongs in the compost heap.

A few weeks ago I threw an avocado pit into the worm bin. Hmmm….I had cantaloupe seeds sprout in the bin. Perhaps the heat from the worms’ super-composting abilities will perform wonders, and I’ll finally grow a gorgeous avocado tree this Spring. I like the old saying, “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.” There is often good wisdom in well-known cliché’s.

Photographs and Philm – Silent Sunday/Block Island Revisited/Stone Hearts

On February 3, 2013February 2, 2013 By TimelessladyIn Philm, PhotographsLeave a comment

Painting – Amish Man and Son

On February 2, 2013February 1, 2013 By TimelessladyIn Painting2 Comments

In January I took part in the WetCanvas Watercolor Challenge January 2013. I live only an hour and a half away from Lancaster, and have often visited this lovely area. I was really pleased with the way this small painting turned out.

5 x7

Winsor & Newton Paints (Winsor Blue, Quinacridone Magenta, Permanent Rose, Hooker’s Green, Cobalt Blue, Burnt Sienna and Naples Yellow)

Arches 300 lb Cold Press Paper

You can see the work of the other participants here: Wet Canvas January 2013 Watercolor Challenge.

My work was posted on page nine of the thread.

Why not try the February challenge? The WetCanvas Forums are free. Find the link to WetCanvas in the top right hand corner of this page. You can also go directly to the Challenge through this link: Wet Canvas February 2013 Watercolor Challenge. It’s as easy as signing up and beginning to paint.

You can find my step-by-step progress below.

Original reference photograph posted by Yorky

Watercolor Tip: Black out of the tube is usually flat and lifeless. Mix up your own blacks and deep tones by combining contrasting colors.

I mixed Hooker’s Green, Quinacridone Magenta, and Winsor Blue, and even a bit of yellow. You can pick out the different hues of colors blending together in the thinner areas of paint, notice the deep tone they create when mixed together.

Postcards – Valentine’s Day Part 2/Displaying your postcards

On February 1, 2013January 31, 2013 By TimelessladyIn Projects1 Comment

I love to display holiday themed antique postcards when I have a chance. Below is a step by step tutorial on how I accomplished this and provided a bit of protection for the cards at the same time.

The only equipment needed is fancy-edged scissors, small straight-edged scissors, construction paper and postcards.

Lay your postcards out on different colored construction paper to help you decide how to best arrange them. Three postcards fit on a piece of standard construction paper.

If you have fancy scissors cut a pattern very close to the edge so that you don’t lose too much of the paper.

Cut the construction paper to about a 6 1/2 to 7 inch height. Tri-fold this rectangle and then cut small snips on the diagonal to hold your cards. You might need to make a few trial runs of this to get the placement correct.

Carefully slip the corners of your postcards into the diagonal slits. Displaying the postcards like this lessens the wear and tear the edges and corners might receive. Remember to keep them out of direct light.

Display your creations all over your house.

Happy February and Happy Crafting!

Postcards – Valentines Part 1

On January 31, 2013January 31, 2013 By TimelessladyIn Postcards3 Comments

Collecting antique postcards and reading the messages is a favorite pastime of mine. I think these beautiful postal Valentine’s are lovely. The postcard above has no message or address. I wonder if it was purchased early, slipped into a drawer, and forgotten. Or perhaps the loving sentiment for the intended departed before the day arrived. We’ll never know.

Here are a few more with the messages translated as well as I was able to read the old-fashioned script.

The one below is my favorite. I delight in long and rambling messages. I also love this style of postcard, a painting with a landscape scene included.

Dear Morgan,
You ought to come (?) – while the sledding lasts it is fine. Come (?) all are well Mrs Hines is with us now sick. With love, Henry

This card above was mailed from Ardmore, Pennsylvania to Philadelphia in February of 1910.

This card reads, “From Catherine Knight”

The card above was mailed on February 14, 1910 from Robbinston, ME.

I love the gorgeous writing on this postcard. There is no message, only a name and address written in a beautiful hand. The postal pictured above was mailed on February 13, 1907.

Plantings – Longwood Garden’s Square Foot Gardens

On January 30, 2013January 28, 2013 By TimelessladyIn Planting3 Comments

While walking through the Longwood Garden’s conservatory I came upon this amazing raised bed planting box. It brought to mind Mel Bartholomew and Square Foot Gardens. I didn’t see any labeling of the box, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the Square Foot Gardening technique was what the gardeners had planned. The box held a magnificent display of swiss chard, brussel sprouts and parsley. If I ever have a big greenhouse you can be sure I will grow vegetables throughout the winter in just this way.

To read more about Square Foot Gardening check out their website and visit all the links. Square Foot Gardening

Place – Conquering Winter Blue/Longwood Gardens Slideshow

On January 29, 2013January 29, 2013 By TimelessladyIn PlaceLeave a comment

I wanted an instrumental song to highlight my Longwood Gardens slide show, but didn’t want to infringe on any copyrights. Youtube and Daniel Otsuka solved the dilemma for me. Through a program on Youtube called audio swap I was able to use one of Mr Otsuka’s beautiful songs to accompany my slide show. I couldn’t have found a better song in my own collection. Enjoy.

Proverbs & Place – Conquering Winter Blues

On January 28, 2013January 27, 2013 By TimelessladyIn Place, Proverbs1 Comment

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” I Peter 5:7

Banishing wintertime blues and anxieties can be as easy as visiting a local garden, a nearby park or arboretum. Even a quick walk or bike ride around the neighborhood does me good in the winter. Saturday was a perfect day to visit one of my favorite gardens, Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. The sight of God’s beautiful flowers in the conservatory was the perfect prescription for my hunger for green.

Check back tomorrow for a slideshow of my favorite flowers in the Longwood Conservatory.

Plants & Project – Sprouting Morning Glories

On January 27, 2013June 21, 2014 By TimelessladyIn Plants2 Comments

I was in a local dollar store this week, and noticed a rack of seed packets. The azure blue illustration of morning glories drew my eye. Hungry for blue sky on a grey and cloudy day, I picked a packet out of the rack and purchased it for under a dollar. I soaked the seeds overnight, and by morning discovered several little white appendages poking out of their black coats. I planted them about 1/4 inch deep in seed starting medium, covered with self-stick plastic wrap and put them near a heating vent. Oh my! They sprouted in under two days.

Within two more days the sprouts are greening up. I am planning on growing these vines indoors around a window. I hope to have flowers by the end of March. I will not thin them out, but instead leave them crowded, never fertilize them, and let them fight between themselves for nutrients. It will be a true survival of the fittest. It sounds harsh, but actually my lack of tender-loving care should yield me more blooms of blue. Morning Glories do best in poor soil. If I feed them or give them too much room to grow I will have a magnificent vine and a paltry few blossoms. I want blossoms, blossoms, blossoms…all in glorious shades of sky blue. Updates on their progress will be posted soon.

Planting morning glories is an inexpensive and easy project for children.

Posies – Spray Roses

On January 26, 2013January 26, 2013 By TimelessladyIn PosiesLeave a comment

Spray roses in every shade imaginable are available now. I don’t mind spending a few dollars on spray roses. Because they dry into everlastings with ease, you don’t feel you have wasted your money when their peak freshness has passed.

I have had spray roses begin to dry even while they are still in a vase of water. Pink roses are my favorite color for drying, although yellow, peach and even some deeper toned roses work well too. White and red roses are tricky to dry. White can brown around the edges and red roses usually turn a near black hue when dried.

To dry the spray roses I firmly twist a large rubber band around the bottom of the stems, and slide the band over the hook of a coat hanger of any kind. The elastic will tighten if the flower stems shrink during drying, keeping the bunch intact.

I place this hanger in a dark closet and wait a week or two. When the flower petals feel crisp they are finished and can be used in crafts of all kinds. Dried spray roses are great for Valentine’s Day crafts.

Photographs – Blue Friday – or – Cold, Cold, Cold in the Northeast

On January 25, 2013January 25, 2013 By TimelessladyIn Photographs1 Comment

If you see a nuttylady…

…riding a bike in frigid weather, dressed like this…it might be me!

I’ve had such a good time since I began riding a bike again this summer, I sometimes venture out for a quick ride even in this cold, cold, cold weather. I always hear the music accompanying Elvira Gulch’s bike riding from the “Wizard of Oz,” inside my head as I pedal along. It’s even easier to laugh at myself when attired in the get-up you see above.

I love to feed the birds. Even in winter, their need for fresh water is important, they must drink and bathe daily. When I have a cup of coffee or tea I add extra water to the kettle and pour it into the birdbath when it boils. It’s a great idea, but ONLY if your birdbath is metal or another unbreakable material. Cement will crack, and resin might too. Another alternative is to use a plastic or aluminum pan or dish that will not break when water freezes, and place that in a high spot somewhere outdoors. The birds will thank you. Check out the great ideas below.

Postscript: Check water temperature with fingertips as ice melts, it only takes a minute for the ice to cool the boiling water down to a tepid degree. Leaving too soon might result in scalded birdie feet.

Ecosystem Gardening-Water for Birds

How to Provide Water for Birds in Winter

Peculiarities – Vultures and Vulture Festivals

On January 24, 2013January 20, 2013 By TimelessladyIn PeculiaritiesLeave a comment

On a cold January afternoon I snapped this picture of a flock of vultures near the Delaware Bay. Vultures fill a role, that of scavengers, but I must say it’s hard to become fond of vultures. I do, however, greatly admire their soaring flight and the skillful way they float on the wind currents.

More information about vultures can be found here: Vultures

A nearby town has a yearly vulture festival. It’s become quite a popular attraction. You can read more about having a vulture festival here: Vulture Festival

Close-up photograph courtesy of Morgue File. Morgue File is a terrific artist and bloggers resource. Copyrite free photographs available. Click here to visit: Morgue File

Peculiarities – Mindy the Ladybug

On January 22, 2013January 20, 2013 By TimelessladyIn PeculiaritiesLeave a comment

During the winter of 2012 we had a visit from “Missy the Ladybug.” She vacationed for several weeks in our upstairs bath. She somehow escaped all the perils of the room, and managed to thrive, until one day she found a new abode. You can read Missy’s story here: Missy the Ladybug.

This year we have her sister, or is that her cousin, residing on my windowsill basil plant. I think I heard her whisper that her name was Mindy. Mindy has made herself right at home. She even seemed impressed with my stained glass angel.

I love the close-up photographs of Mindy I was able to take.

Whoever knew a ladybug had such an adorable face?

Finally she had enough of my attention, turned around, and walked away. I saw her later taking a nap, using the basil leaves much like a beach umbrella to escape the noontime rays of the sun.

Sleep tight Mindy!

*All artists and crafters are welcome to use these photographs of Mindy and Missy as reference for paintings and other projects.

Perspective – The Ostrich

On January 21, 2013January 21, 2013 By TimelessladyIn Perspective6 Comments

They call the wave of reforms and liberal mindset flooding this country “tolerance,” but it is really an insidious tsunami thrusting us toward total control. I don’t need to list the horrifying reversal of many of our freedoms or point the finger at anyone in particular. Even those who have claimed “nothing is amiss” in the past cannot pretend they don’t see what is happening now. Regardless of the confusing new departments, tax increases, executive orders, and healthcare imposed upon us, alive in the hearts of most citizens is love for our country and fellow Americans. What’s to be done? Can the damage be reversed? How do we begin? I guess my first step is this gentle protest.

What is your gentle protest? I suggest that we all cast our eyes toward heaven, sink on bended knees and pray, believing in a righteous and merciful God who hears our pleas, and who delights in the fervent and faithful prayers of those who serve Him.

Wake up America! Ostriches with their heads in the sand, might find that the sand is really quick-dry cement.

Place & Perspective – A Country Church

On January 20, 2013June 23, 2013 By TimelessladyIn Perspective, Place1 Comment

This beautiful “country” church stands in the town of Richwood, New Jersey. The church was built in the 1860’s. You can find the history here: Richwood Methodist Church. Although the church stands near a major highway, for most of its existence the setting was country-like, surrounded by fields and orchards and sparsely placed homes.

Across the street is a beautiful fellowship hall. Built within this century, much thought and planning was devoted to it’s design to enable it to blend in with the charm and old-fashioned graciousness of the church building. Progress is on the march though…the road has been widened, more houses and developments have sprung up. Convenience stores and pharmacies are now only a stone’s throw away, a Walmart might soon be erected down the road, but still the church glows with country-warmth and cordiality when you step inside the doors. Her core values, worshiping the Lord God and serving Him, are intact. I hope that despite the days and times we live in, and the creeping of liberalism into church denominations for political correctness’s sake, that the church will hang onto her values. God bless you and yours on this beautiful Sunday in January.

Phavorites -Beauty to You

On January 19, 2013January 19, 2013 By TimelessladyIn PhavoritesLeave a comment

What could be more convenient, or allow you to feel more pampered, than having a manicure session in your own home? Sit in an easy chair and sip a mug of coffee or tea made especially for you. Listen to soothing music play in the background. Beauty To You brings exactly that…a touch of beauty. Also available are pedicures and facials in the privacy of your own home. No need to feel you and your tootsies are on display in a mall or storefront window for all the world to view. Why be surrounded by the hustle and bustle of a busy salon when you can lean your head back and relax instead?

Airbrushed designs with many seasonal choices included are all available during your manicure or pedicure.

Beauty To You is available in the Tri-County areas of South Jersey and Philadelphia. Party plans and princess party manicures for girls can be arranged. Manicures, pedicures or facials would be a perfect addition to a lingerie or jewelry party with your friends. Check out Beauty to You on Facebook. Like this page on Facebook: Beauty To You

Problem Solving – Suede Cleaner

On January 18, 2013 By TimelessladyIn Problem-Solving7 Comments

I received a pair of suede moccasin shoes/slippers for Christmas. They are super comfortable and I wear them all the time in the house. I knew that sooner or later they would be on the receiving end of a kitchen drip, and sure enough, in under two weeks they had a few oily spots marring them. I wanted to get rid of the annoying spots, but didn’t want to purchase overpriced suede cleaner. I’ve bought similar products in the past, and have found they haven’t been worth pennies, much less the near four dollars they cost now.

Luckily for me I had recently read that plain shaving cream, not the gel type, would remove spots from a rug. I decided to try it out and sprayed a blob of shaving cream on the carpet, rubbed it in, let it sit for several minutes, then wiped it up with a damp cloth. The spot was gone. I wondered if it would work on my slippers too.

I covered the soiled areas on both slippers with a layer of shaving cream and let it sit for a few minutes. I then rubbed it in with a damp washcloth and let it sit a bit longer. In about a half hour I cleaned off any leftover residue and let the slippers dry.

The large spots are gone, and once I brush the nap a bit, the slippers should look brand new. I think this is a sensational tip. I have also read you can use shaving cream to remove spots on your upholstery. I’m going to wander around the house, shaving cream in hand, and see what kind of grime and old ground in dirt I can remove.

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