A Tammy twist on an old favorite

On the last weekend before Christmas, I've been really busy.....

We made 12 dozen meatballs
There are still 11 unwrapped gifts
We had 10 groceries bags after food shopping
We made 9 batches of fudge
Mom made 8 dozen cookies
There are 7 un-ripened bananas (waiting to be made into bread)
I had to go and buy 6 last minute gifts
I did 5 loads of laundry
We used 4 pounds of butter
I broke 3 of my fingernails
We had 2 new hair cuts and colors
And we made 1 trip to the ER (nothing serious Mom bruised her foot badly)

I also cleaned the upstairs of the house, got the oil changed in the Jeep, went to Home Depot and Lowes with hubby, went to the tanning salon and helped hubby get his old radios out from the deep dark corner of the attaic. Glad Christmas comes but once a year.

A bayberry candle burnt to the socket......

This is a great tradition that was passed on to me by friends during yule many years ago. We had a holiday celebration where each person in our circle would give something (usually small, hand made and with special meaning to the giver) to every other person. I gave my home made fudge the first year. Some of the great things I received where runes, soap that was molded to look like the goddess , crystals in little bottles and other cute little items many of which I still have scattered threw out my room. But the first year I was invited to join in this festive exchange I was given a small bayberry votive and a note that read:

"This bayberry candle comes from a friend,

So on Christmas eve burn it down to the end.

For a bayberry candle burned to the socket,

Will bring joy to the heart and gold to the pocket."

I felt this was a great tradition and have done so every year since then. I was told the Christmas eve rule isn't in stone. You can burn it on Yule, Christmas eve or New Year's Eve and you will get the same positive energy sent out and with any luck receive your good luck and intentions back three fold.

And of course threw the decades that this has been practiced the sweet wish has a few different variations.

"A bayberry candle burnt to the socket brings food to the larder and gold to the pocket."

"Bayberry candles burned to the socket bring health to the home and wealth to the pocket!"

"To bring good luck for a year, they say,

you must burn a Bayberry Candle on Christmas Day.

And if the flame burns bright, and the light shines clear,

then heaven will bless you all the year."

Another variation is that sweethearts who light bayberry candles when they are separated at Christmas will be united by way of the gentle scent.

The bayberry candle tradition goes back to colonial times. And the origins are fuzzy. One legend says that the Bay Tree gave shelter to the holy family during a storm. Therefore, lightning is said to never strike it. But what seems to be more likely was that colonists could not depend on regular shipments from the old world, and were always searching for local alternatives. One such happy find was the bayberry bush. When colonists boiled the bayberry fruit, they found that it left a fragrant wax on top of the water. Better still, the bayberry wax was harder and more brittle than beeswax, whey they were already using. And, although making bayberry candles was considerably more effort, the colonists discovered that they burned longer and cleaner, with a brighter light than other candles. Because they took so much effort to make, many families saved them for special occasions, such as Christmas and New Year's Eve.

So what ever your reason to burn the bayberry candle during the holidays, I hope that it brings you luck, love, happiness and health in the upcoming year. Have a blessed Yule.

This is the Best thing Ever! If only it were true!

Looking forward to some R&R

After a long year of preparation, the day finally came, the West Windsor Plainsboro South High School 2008 Holiday Craft Show. Sharon and I get up early and headed to the high school. We got there and set up in about 30-40 minutes or so. I had a mild panic attack when I realized that I not only forgot bags but my cute little business cards too. I call for reinforcements and both hubby and lil' bro came to the rescue. All in all I felt it was a great success. I also got two orders that were happily fulfilled and mail one week later, thanks to sweatshop worker Kimmy.

Mom and I took a well deserved trip to New York City on Sunday for a little pin trading and christmas shopping. We ran over to see the Rockefeller Tree. The tree came from our home town here in New Jersey only about a mile from my house. I have to say it looks a lot bigger up there in the city then it did here. It was really pretty to see. The CEOreo also took a long deserved break from supervising. She is all wrapped up in hubby's coat. She is so cute. And hubby is home for the season. He is fixing things around the house at his own pace. Just taking it easy.

I want to thank my sweatshop for all of their hard work and dedication. Get some rest over the holidays cause spring will be here soon enough and we will be getting ready for next December.

Thank you all for you support!

The craft show was a great success! I will have a complete update later in the week after some much deserved R&R. Thanks again for you support!

Sincerely,
Tammy

Quick Reminder! Come and see me this Saturday at the Craft Show!

6 days left.....

Thanks to every one for being so patient waiting for a blog post that actually contains some finished objects. This is just a sampling of the things I will have at the Craft Show this upcoming Saturday.

Sports tissue box covers

Christmas Countdown Calendar

Candy holders

Sport tissue box covers

Cute turtle paperweight/potpourri holder Potpourri Holders......

Gift card Holders...

Photo tissue box covers

Other Tissue Box Covers

Coasters

Hope to see you there!

Tis the Season to be NICE!

Ok I know the blog posts have been a bit sparse but with good reason. Getting ready for the craft show can be a bit stressful when you are down to the last few days.....


Thought this was a cute holiday version of the typical...

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Both

2. Real tree or Artificial? Artificial, allergic to real

3. When do you put up the tree? day after Thanksgiving


4. When do you take the tree down? New Years Day

5. Do you like eggnog? Yick, no

6. Favorite gift received as a child? hard to say but probably something LEGO


7. Hardest person to buy for? Husband, brother, mom

8. Do you have a nativity scene? Believe it or not, yes I do


9. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail

10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Don't remember-must have blocked it out

11. Favorite Holiday Movie? That is super hard.....I can narrow it down: A Christmas Story, Scrooged, Elf, Muppets Christmas Carol and How the Grinch stole Christmas (the cartoon)

12. When do you start shopping for Christmas? August

13. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? I'm sure I probably have


14. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Fudge


15. Lights on the tree? Yes


16. Favorite Holiday song? Holy Night (I love the way it sounds)

17. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Stay home


18. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? Yes, I can list them for you will too!


19. Angel On the tree top or a star? We have to head of Mickey Mouse......sounds sadistic but it's styrofoam covered in Red glitter and John made it a few years ago for me and mom

20. Open the presents Christmas Eve or Christmas Day? Christmas morning. this year it will be Christmas afternoon since mom has to work


21. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Rude stupid people who are out holiday shopping and are no way in the holiday spirit


22. Favorite ornament theme or color? Red and Green


23. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Turkey, then you can have left over sandwiches


24. What do you want for Christmas this year? health and good fortune



As a rule, if you have read it, now it's your turn to do it!

Happy Thanksgiving!

May your stuffing be tasty

May your turkey be plump,

May your potatoes and gravy

Have not a single lump.

May your yams be delicious

And your pies take the prize,

And may your Thanksgiving dinner

Stay off your waist and thighs!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Because Sairy and Lesley said so.....

Saw this and thought it would be fun. Need to blog something to let you know I'm still here. I hope to blog some finished objects this weekend.


1. Where is your cell phone? in my purse

2. Where is your significant other? Denver

3. Your hair color? brownish red

4. Your mother? swell

5. Your father? no comment

6. Your favorite thing? pins

7. Your dream last night? don't remember

8. Your dream/goal? pay off debt and never again be in a hole

9. The room you’re in? warm

10. Your hobby? plastic canvas

11. Your fear? tunnels, clowns

12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? healthier

13. Where were you last night? home

14. What you’re not? spontaneous

15. One of your wish-list items? pool

16. Where you grew up? NJ

17. The last thing you did? holiday shopping

18. What are you wearing? jeans & sweatshirt

19. Your TV? off

20. Your pet? CEOreo

21. Your computer? HP

22. Your mood? tired but happy

23. Missing someone? Yeah.

24. Your car? Jeep

25. Something you’re not wearing? hat

26. Favorite store? World of Disney

27. Your summer? complicated

28. Love someone? very much so

29. Your favorite color? purple/gray

30. When is the last time you laughed? few hours ago

31. Last time you cried? two weeks ago

You read it, now do it

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!

Holiday Craft Show! Saturday, December 6th

Please come join me at the areas largest Holiday Craft Show on Saturday, December 6th.

I decided that in order to allow myself the opportunity to complete all of my projects I needed to find a craft show that was later in the season. The only down side is that the is an admission price of $1 but I felt that the exposure was better for me since it is the largest Holiday Craft show in the area. If you come to the show please stop by and say Hi!

Thanks so much for all of your support.

Happy Samhain and Halloween Blessings!

If you didn't know before I am Wiccan. Witches is the name given to the believers of Wiccan. Just like Catholics or Jews believe in Catholicism or Judaism. There are many misconceptions about our beliefs and practices. The Wiccan religion has gotten a bad rap for centuries. I'm not going to get up on my soap box but boy could I.

Here are a few misconceptions and explanation that I hope will clear a few things up:

Q: How can you tell the difference between a Good Witch and a Bad Witch?
A: There is no such thing as "Good" or "Bad" Witches. Witches just are.

Q: What can I do if a Witch casts an evil spell on me?
A: Witches don't cast evil spells. Witches do magick to affect their lives and the lives of others, but only with their expressed permission. To do any magick that affects the will of another would be in direct violation of The Wiccan Rede. Spells are more like focus prayer.

Q: Why do Witches ride on broomsticks?
A: In the olden times when the people's survival was more closely tied to the land, the practice of jumping through the fields on a broomstick was common. The Witch sitting on a broomstick was seen as a symbol of fertility and it was believed that the crop would grow as high as the Witch could jump.

Q: All Witches are females. Male Witches are called Warlocks.
A: Actually people of both sexes that practice Wicca are called Witches. The word warlock actually translates into "oath breaker". In the past this term was applied to male witches to be derogatory.

Q: Witches, Satanists, they're all Devil worshippers!
A: Actually neither Witches or Satanists worship the Devil. Witches live their lives by the Wiccan Rede and do not believe in Satan or the Devil.

Halloween or Samhain is our "New Year". Here is some information that I found to explain the holiday. This made it easier on me rather than type it all up myself.

You Call It Hallowe'en... We Call It Samhain
Author: Peg Aloi Posted: October 1st. 1996

Hallowe'en has its origins in the British Isles. While the modern tradition of trick or treat developed in the U. S., it too is based on folk customs brought to this country with Irish immigrants after 1840. Since ancient times in Ireland, Scotland, and England, October 31st has been celebrated as a feast for the dead, and also the day that marks the new year. Mexico observes a Day of the Dead on this day, as do other world cultures. In Scotland, the Gaelic word "Samhain" (pronounced "SAW-win" or "SAW-vane") means literally "summer's end."

This holiday is also known as All Hallows Eve ("hallow" means "sanctify") ; Hallowtide; Hallowmass; Hallows; The Day of the Dead; All Soul's Night; All Saints' Day (both on November 1st) .

For early Europeans, this time of the year marked the beginning of the cold, lean months to come; the flocks were brought in from the fields to live in sheds until spring. Some animals were slaughtered, and the meat preserved to provide food for winter. The last gathering of crops was known as "Harvest Home, " celebrated with fairs and festivals.

In addition to its agriculture significance, the ancient Celts also saw Samhain as a very spiritual time. Because October 31 lies exactly between the Autumnal Equinox and the Winter Solstice, it is theorized that ancient peoples, with their reliance on astrology, thought it was a very potent time for magic and communion with spirits. The "veil between the worlds" of the living and the dead was said to be at its thinnest on this day; so the dead were invited to return to feast with their loved ones; welcomed in from the cold, much as the animals were brought inside. Ancient customs range from placing food out for dead ancestors, to performing rituals for communicating with those who had passed over.

Communion with the dead was thought to be the work of witches and sorcerers, although the common folk thought nothing of it. Because the rise of the Church led to growing suspicion of the pagan ways of country dwellers, Samhain also became associated with witches, black cats ("familiars" or animal friends) , bats (night creatures) , ghosts and other "spooky" things...the stereotype of the old hag riding the broomstick is simply a caricature; fairy tales have exploited this image for centuries.

Divination of the future was also commonly practiced at this magically-potent time; since it was also the Celtic New Year, people focused on their desires for the coming year. Certain traditions, such as bobbing for apples, roasting nuts in the fire, and baking cakes which contained tokens of luck, are actually ancient methods of telling fortunes.

So What About Those Jack-O-Lanterns?
Other old traditions have survived to this day; lanterns carved out of pumpkins and turnips were used to provide light on a night when huge bonfires were lit, and all households let their fires go out so they could be rekindled from this new fire; this was believed to be good luck for all households. The name "Jack-O-Lantern" means "Jack of the Lantern, " and comes from an old Irish tale. Jack was a man who could enter neither heaven nor hell and was condemned to wander through the night with only a candle in a turnip for light. Or so goes the legend...

But such folk names were commonly given to nature spirits, like the "Jack in the Green, " or to plants believed to possess magical properties, like "John O' Dreams, " or "Jack in the Pulpit." Irish fairy lore is full of such references. Since candles placed in hollowed-out pumpkins or turnips (commonly grown for food and abundant at this time of year) would produce flickering flames, especially on cold nights in October, this phenomenon may have led to the association of spirits with the lanterns; and this in turn may have led to the tradition of carving scary faces on them. It is an old legend that candle flames which flicker on Samhain night are being touched by the spirits of dead ancestors, or "ghosts."

Okay, What about the Candy?"
Trick or treat" as it is practiced in the U. S. is a complex custom believed to derive from several Samhain traditions, as well as being unique to this country. Since Irish immigrants were predominantly Catholic, they were more likely to observe All Soul's Day. But Ireland's folk traditions die hard, and the old ways of Samhain were remembered. The old tradition of going door to door asking for donations of money or food for the New Year's feast, was carried over to the U. S. from the British Isles. Hogmanay was celebrated January 1st in rural Scotland, and there are records of a "trick or treat" type of custom; curses would be invoked on those who did not give generously; while those who did give from their hearts were blessed and praised. Hence, the notion of "trick or treat" was born (although this greeting was not commonly used until the 1930's in the U. S.) . The wearing of costumes is an ancient practice; villagers would dress as ghosts, to escort the spirits of the dead to the outskirts of the town, at the end of the night's celebration.

By the 1920's, "trick or treat" became a way of letting off steam for those urban poor living in crowded conditions. Innocent acts of vandalism (soaping windows, etc.) gave way to violent, cruel acts. Organizations like the Boy Scouts tried to organize ways for this holiday to become safe and fun; they started the practice of encouraging "good" children to visit shops and homes asking for treats, so as to prevent criminal acts. These "beggar's nights" became very popular and have evolved to what we know as Hallowe'en today.

What Do Modern Witches Do at Hallowe'en?
It is an important holiday for us. Witches are diverse, and practice a variety of traditions. Many of us use this time to practice forms of divination (such as tarot or runes) . Many Witches also perform rituals to honor the dead; and may invite their deceased loved ones to visit for a time, if they choose. This is not a "seance" in the usual sense of the word; Witches extend an invitation, rather than summoning the dead, and we believe the world of the dead is very close to this one. So on Samhain, and again on Beltane (May 1st) , when the veil between the worlds is thin, we attempt to travel between those worlds. This is done through meditation, visualization, and astral projection. Because Witches acknowledge human existence as part of a cycle of life, death and rebirth, Samhain is a time to reflect on our mortality, and to confront our fears of dying.

Some Witches look on Samhain as a time to prepare for the long, dark months of winter, a time of introspection and drawing inward. They may bid goodbye to the summer with one last celebratory rite. They may have harvest feasts, with vegetables and fruits they have grown, or home-brewed cider or mead. They may give thanks for what they have, projecting for abundance through the winter. Still others may celebrate with costume parties, enjoying treats and good times with friends. There are as many ways of observing Samhain as there are Witches in the world!

True believers
Witchcraft is the practice of a nature-based or folk belief system, art or religion. Not all witches follow the same belief system. Some practice what is called the "Old Religion," which has its roots in pagan traditions and beliefs, following seasonal agricultural cycles (i.e. the harvests). Many witches believe in multiple gods and goddesses (polytheism). Witches may practice as solitaries, or in covens. Some witches trace their practice across several generations. Some consider witchcraft a religion; others practice witchcraft as a magical art.

Traditional Wicca is a modern witchcraft religion, based on the teachings of Gerald Gardner, which is built around the principle of a coven, or group. Other forms of Wicca include eclectic and solitary Wiccans, who may follow a mixture of varying pagan beliefs. Many formulate their own personal rituals as solitary practitioners.

The basic tenet of Wicca is the Wiccan Rede: "if it harm none, do as you will."

You can see the original article here

I also found some really great poems that are rather cute.

Twas the Evening of Samhainby Cather Steincamp

'Twas the evening of Samhain, and all through the place
were pagans preparing the ritual space.
The candles were set in the corners with care,
in hopes that the Watchtowers soon would be there.
We all had our robes on (as is habitual)
and had just settled down and were starting our ritual
when out on the porch there arose such a chorus
that we went to the door, and waiting there for us
were children in costumes of various kinds
with visions of chocolate bright in their minds.

In all of our workings, we'd almost forgot,
but we had purchased candy (we'd purchased a LOT),
And so, as they flocked from all over the street,
they all got some chocolate or something else sweet.
We didn't think twice of delaying our rite,
Kids just don't have this much fun every night.
For hours they came, with the time-honored schtick
of giving a choice: a treat or a trick.

As is proper, the parents were there for the games,
Watching the children and calling their names.
"On Vader, On Leia,
On Dexter and DeeDee,
On Xena, on Buffy,
Casper and Tweety!
To the block of apartments
on the neighboring road;
You'll get so much candy,
you'll have to be TOWED!"

The volume of children eventually dropped,
and as it grew darker, it finally stopped.
But as we prepared to return to our rite,
One child more stepped out of the night.

She couldn't have been more than twelve or thirteen.
Her hair was deep red, and her robe, forest green
with a simple gold cord tying off at the waist.
She'd a staff in her hand and a smile on her face.
No make-up, nor mask, or accompanying kitsch,
so we asked who she was; she replied "I'm a witch.
And no, I don't fly through the sky on my broom;
I only use that thing for cleaning my room.
My magical powers aren't really that neat,
but I won't threaten tricks; I'll just ask for a treat."

We found it refreshing, so we gave incense cones,
A candle, a crystal, a few other stones,
And the rest of the candy (which might fill a van).
She turned to her father (a man dressed as Pan)
and laughed, "Yes, I know, Dad, it's past time for bed,"
and started to leave, but she first turned and said
"I'm sorry for further delaying your rite.
Blessed Samhain to all, and a magical night."

Copyright (c) 1999 by Cather Steincamp


Samhain Night

The night is coming the veil is thin.
Hear their voices within the winds.
Light the fires and chant out loud,
Feel them walk within the crowd.
The summer is gone and winter draws near,
The veil will open, welcome them without fear.
Our loved ones past will soon be among our place,
See the veil thinning and you will see their face.
Embrace the night and let your magic be known,
The truth that is here will soon be shown.
Enjoy this time celebrate the worlds within your rites,
The veil is once again thinning, it is again Samhain Night.

Starrfire Price October 2003

Some witchy humor!

You might be a Redneck Pagan if...
If you think a goblet is a young turkey....
If you think Drawing Down the Moon means demolishing the outhouse....
If you call your coven mates "Bud" and "Sis"....
If you think a Great Rite is turning onto County Road 13....
If your Quarter candles smell like kerosene....
If you pronounce "Athame" as "Athaym" and "Samhain" as "Sammon" or "Sam-hayn"....
If your idea of the "Goddess" is the Coors Swedish Bikini Ski Team....
If your Bard plays the banjo....
If your 'Long Lost Friend really IS....
If your lawn is decorated with at least one, preferably two or more, plastic pink flamingos, whom you regard as your familiars....
If your Wand of Power is a cattle prod....
If your ceremonial belt has your name on the back and a belt buckle bigger than your head....
If you call the Quarters by invoking "Billy, Joe, Jim and Bob"....
If you call the Gods by hollerin' "Hey y'all, watch me!"....
If your favorite robe has the logo of a manufacturer of major farm equipment on the back....
If you've ever harvested ritual herbs with a weed wacker....
If your ritual staff is a double barrel shotgun....
If your ritual garments include any one of the following: plaid flannels, long johns, a pistol belt, or cowboy boots....
If you've ever blessed chewing tobacco or snuff....
If your ritual wine is Maddog 20/20, Night Train or White Lady 21....
If your altar-cloth is a rebel flag....
If you use junk cars to mark the four corners of your circle....
If your Eternal Flame just happens to be under a still....
If you use an engine block for an altar....
If, when drawing down the moon, you say, "Ya'll come on down, ya hear?"....
If your pickup truck has an Athame rack....
If your crystal ball is made of polystyrene (i.e., a bowling ball)....
If your High Priestess has a spittoon on her altar....
You might be a Redneck Pagan!

Do witches stay home on weekends? No. They go away for a spell

How do you make a witch scratch? Take away her "W"

When a witch lands, where does she park? In a broom closet.

What happens to a fast witch on a slow broom? She flies off the handle.

What happens when a flying witch breaks the sound barrier? You hear the broom boom.

Which story do all little witches love to hear at bedtime?" Ghoul Deluxe and the Three Scares."

How does a witch tell time? She looks at her witch watch.

Why don't witches like to ride their brooms when they're angry? They're afraid of flying off the handle!

What do witches use on their hair? Scare spray

Why did the witches' team lose the baseball game? Their bats flew away

What would you find on a haunted beach? A sand witch.

What did the bat say to the witch's hat? You go on ahead. I'll hang around for a while.

What does the Coven's softball team do on Halloween? They practice pitchcraft.

What is a witch's favorite subject in school? Spelling!


Of course no post about Samhaim is complete without Lorenna McKennitt and All Souls Night...sing along if you know it and if not the lyrics are posted below so you have no excuse.



ALL SOULS NIGHT by Loreena McKennitt

Bonfires dot the rolling hills
Figures dance around and around
To drums that pulse out echoes of darkness
Moving to the pagan sound.

Somewhere in a hidden memory
Images float before my eyes
Of fragrant nights of straw and of bonfires
And dancing till the next sunrise.

I can see lights in the distance
Trembling in the dark cloak of night
Candles and lanterns are dancing, dancing
A waltz on All Souls Night.

Figures of cornstalks bend in the shadows
Held up tall as the flames leap high
The green knight holds the holly bush
To mark where the old year passes by.

I can see lights in the distance
Trembling in the dark cloak of night
Candles and lanterns are dancing, dancing
A waltz on All Souls Night.

Bonfires dot the rolling hillsides
Figures dance around and around
To drums that pulse out echoes of darkness
And moving to the pagan sound.

Standing on the bridge that crosses
The river that goes out to the sea
The wind is full of a thousand voices
They pass by the bridge and me.

I can see lights in the distance
Trembling in the dark cloak of night
Candles and lanterns are dancing, dancing
A waltz on All Souls Night.

I can see lights in the distance
Trembling in the dark cloak of night
Candles and lanterns are dancing, dancing
A waltz on All Souls Night.

Final Thought....I think she says it best Patti Wigington

"Samhain Blessings to You and Yours!

On this night, the veil between this world and the next grows thin. The spirits of those who came before us are near, and they hear us when we call upon them. All part of the endless cycle, life and death walk hand in hand, side by side. Without one, we cannot have the other. As light begins to fade, we embrace the dark part of the year, knowing that without the darkness, the light is meaningless. Take time to reflect on what this new year means to you, and what it meant to those we call the Ancient Ones. May your ancestors look upon you proudly as you honor them tonight. Have a magical Samhain, everyone."

Friday Funny

Before the funny I just wanted to let eveyone know to stay tuned for another Disney World Trip report. My favorite SIL Sharon (my only SIL but still my favorite) and I are going back to Disney for the Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. I'm so excited! I will have plenty of photos to share when I return.

On to the funny!

EVE'S VERSION OF THE STORY

After three weeks in the Garden of Eden, God came to visit Eve. 'So, how is everything going?' inquired God.

'It is all so beautiful, God,' she replied. 'The sunrises and sunsets are breathtaking, the smells, the sights, everything is wonderful, but I have just one problem. It's these breasts you have given me. The middle one pushes the other two out and I am constantly knocking them with my arms, catching them on branches and snagging them on bushes. They're a real pain,' reported Eve.

And Eve went on to tell God that since many other parts of her body came in pairs, such as her limbs, eyes, ears, etc...she felt that having only two breasts might leave her body more 'symmetrically balanced'.

'That's a fair point,' replied God, 'But it was my first shot at this, you know. I gave the animals six breasts, so I figured that you needed only half of those, but I see that you are right. I will fix it up right away.' And God reached down, removed the middle breast and tossed it into the bushes.

Three weeks passed and God once again visited Eve in the Garden of Eden. 'Well, Eve, how is my favorite creation?'

'Just fantastic,' she replied, 'But for one oversight. You see, all the animals are paired off. The ewe has a ram and the cow has her bull. All the animals have a mate except me. I feel so alone.'

God thought for a moment and said, 'You know, Eve, you are right. How could I have overlooked this? You do need a mate and I will immediately create a man from a part of you. Lets see...where did I put that useless boob?'

Now doesn't THAT make more sense than that tale about the rib?


See you real soon!

Up to my eyeballs in Pumpkins & Cake!

I worked on a few pumpkins over the weekend. I have 11 more that I plan on carving before Halloween. I am going to try to do 3 a night over the next few nights. That way I will have them all carved before I go on my Disney Weekend Getaway.

After some practice on the practice pumpkin hubby John, got the hang of it and carved a pumpkin of his very own. It is his own design and I think it is rather cute.
He only carved one because I monopolized the cutting tool and I wouldn't give up any of my pumpkins to him. Here is the one I carved for SIL Sharon. Then here are some more of the Disney Pumpkin Collection.

Saturday mom and I had cakes to deliver for a friends Halloween party. I made an Eyeball Cake. I decided to try the marshmallow fondant again.....I did much better this time however I will not be using it again. Fondant is very difficult to work with and mom would rather not have powder sugar all over her kitchen. All I'm going to say is it looked like a powder sugar blizzard hit the kitchen.

John was home when we were baking...'nuff said
The fondant wrinkled and was over all a pain.
As a part of the design I put red veins on the eye which worked out nicely since it covered my fondant wrinkles.
Mom's design was a casket in a grave yard. She managed to wrangle some help from lil' bro. He cut the shape and mom icing ed the cakes though there are no pictures to prove it.

I love it! It turned out so nice!
The recipient loved them. We all had a lot of fun making them. This upcoming week will be busy with the getaway and plastic canvas prepping. But I do have good news as far as our craft show deadline.....it has been pushed back giving us a few extra weeks to work. More on that once finalized.