Hold On

Can't I just have a bit more Summer? A few more weeks of dining on the patio, watching the girls ride their bikes from the comfort of my Adirondack chair, and not wearing shoes? Suddenly I have the Wilson Phillips song stuck in my head.

I've been collecting different tutorials for a variety of jewelry and accessories that use fabric. Most of them are gathered and shared by Tip Junkie. A fantastic blog to follow!! Yesterday, I made this flower brooch based on a tutorial by Dawn at "Crochet & Sweet, Simple Things", here. I've used cheery florals, one a vintage calico and the other a new "feedsack" print. I think there will be more of these for sure. It's super easy and a great project to have ready to take along in the car. This would also make a great hair clip. I went with a pin backing but will probably do some hair clips as well.

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I am happy with the way this tale was wrapped up. Some have mentioned how violent it is. Considering they are in the midst of a rebellion and war, it's no wonder. I can more easily tolerate that subject matter than the foul language and sexual content in most other books. Refreshingly, foul language and unnecessary sexual content was avoided. There were hints as to what the powers that be would do with their victors from the games and that explanation was helpful in understanding individual characters. However, the author was tasteful and discreet in how she explained such things. All three books are exciting, captivating and hard to put down. Collins was able to create a futuristic world that we could understand from our frame of reference. The fact that the main characters were so young only adds to the draw to find out what happens to them. Because of their circumstances, they aren't as fragile or naive as our young people these days. They don't take things for granted and have a deep work ethic and survivalist nature. I think of how some of the youths I know would fair in such a situation and I know they wouldn't be able to survive in the day to day, let alone in the Hunger Games.



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September Book Club Selection

Leadership And Self-Deception by Arbinger Institute

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Interesting. I didn't think I would find it helpful, but, like "Who Moved My Cheese", I can definitely apply this to my own life and how I deal with others. I complain about some of my book club member's selections, this one included, but I have to admit, this is a necessary read.



Since I started this book with reservations, I had a hard time getting into it at first. The way the lesson is presented is a refreshing change from the usual format of this type of book. That is to say, instructional. Half way through the book I was hooked and wanted to know how to resolve the issues. I really recommend this book for anyone. Especially those that find themselves with continued bad feeling toward someone, or those that seem to have much negativity in their lives.







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Pears up to my Ears

This is my first attempt at home canning, other than freezer jam. I have to say, it's not that bad! Now I'm looking forward to what else I can do with the "hot-water bath" technique. (I don't have a pressure canner - yet.) I want to try tomato sauce, lemon curd, peaches, and so on.

I purchased a box of pears from Bountiful Baskets for a mere $10! They were green enough to let me get ready and set up. Thanks to some wonderful advice from my mom (the expert!), I found out I could keep them green in the refrigerator for quite some time and take them out a day or two before I was ready to prepare them or put them in the sun to speed up the ripening. She is also the "foreman" who helped me get in the groove of my routine. Once I got started, I found myself in a zone and just did 'em!

And the result...

32 pints of Pear-fection!

There are so many great websites for recipes, advice and step-by-step instructions. Here are just a few I have bookmarked...

National Center for Home Food Preservation

Ball Products

Pick Your Own

Most of all enjoy the process!