CHRONICLES OF YAYA ORCHID

Merry Christmas!

yayaorchid7@gmail.com (YayaOrchid) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 17:24:00 +0000

My soul rejoices! What a blessing to celebrate and remember Jesus' birth on this Christmas Eve. The one event that changed the course of mankind and gave us hope for life everlasting! In this time of celebration I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! May the Spirit and Joy of of this glorious Season be with us all throughout the year. Happy Birthday to our Savior!

Love,

Keeping Busy

yayaorchid7@gmail.com (YayaOrchid) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 22:45:00 +0000

A couple of things I've been working on for family gifts. And since they don't read my blog, I thought it would be ok to share on here. These are just some golf towels for a nephew who is in the school golf team. I also placed some lavender sachets in the little handmade box for a niece.

Handmade items for me are just so much more fun to do for gift giving than going to the store shopping. Too bad not everyone feels like that. To some people, store bought just means better quality. It's just a matter of personal preference.

#52

yayaorchid7@gmail.com (YayaOrchid) — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 06:27:00 +0000

Here we are near the end of another year and on this day I am grateful to be embarking on yet another year since the day of my birth. It's been a most interesting journey as far as I'm concerned. And 52 doesn't feel old at all. One thing I have noticed though, and that I find that even more interesting is that I don't laugh as much as I used to. I'm more serious now. I honestly don't think it is a reflection of my happiness, for I will tell you that I am the happiest I have ever felt in my life....well, except for the empty nest syndrome. I do miss being needed by my little ones- who by the way are not little any more-ha! No, I think this seriousness is more a result of aging. It's as if the carefree glee of youth which makes you burst out laughing at the most inane silly things becomes replaced by a serious composure that can be mistaken for crabbiness or even sadness. Is it perhaps the sign of wisdom? I suppose that the longer you live the more you experience loss, for inevitably along life's path death does present itself at the most inopportune times. And I would venture to say that loss does equate sadness and consternation. And then there are those health issues which suddenly become apparent as you age. Bones begin to creak...yes, they actually do creak sometimes! And you worry more, because now in all your newly found wisdom you become more keenly aware that you never really had any control over anything that happens. Which is a good thing. Because now you're genuinely glad you can really put your trust in God and toss all your cares upon him- which was what you should have done since day one and you were much younger. So why even bother to worry? Wisdom- oh yes. Elusive when I was young, but oh so tangible in the Autumn of my life.

Another celebration, another year, another blessing- what more can I ask for? I am grateful, yes I am. Praise God! And before I wax poetic and even more philosophical, I bid your farewell for now.

Love,

Paisanos Travel

yayaorchid7@gmail.com (YayaOrchid) — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 23:16:00 +0000

Living near the IH 35 corridor, we are witness to an interesting phenomena which is repeated each year around Christmas without fail. Long caravans of travelers, their cars but mostly trucks loaded to the gills with items which they take back to their homeland as gifts, inch their way along our nation's highways. This yearly exodus starts as early as Thanksgiving, but climaxes just days short of December 25. You can easily spot the 'Paisano' because their cars bear license plates from every state of the Union, and always bearing gifts such as bicycles, microwaves, tvs, furnishings, etc. Along their route, they spend money on food and lodging, an added boost to our weak economy.

So important has this event become, that the Mexican government has even set up a web page to help their countrymen make the return trip home safe. In addition to the basic services these weary travelers are offered, such as forms and documentation for their crossing into Mexico, they are also given helpful information for reporting the well known abuse and corruption to which they fall victim at the hands of Mexican officials. It is a sad thing to admit, but after many suffer discrimination and low wages here in our country, they then have to suffer more injustices at the hands of their own customs, police, and various other law enforcement agencies who try to extort money from them. Perhaps Mexico is trying to change that image that its government has long been known for- the infamous "mordida" or 'bite' that they inflict by demanding money in exchange for letting them go through without problems. The government endorsed web page plus various other messages advocating honesty and transparency have certainly helped with the tarnished image. In any case, it's a little awe inspiring to me to see how in spite of their travel woes, these people still look forward to the long journey home.

For me, the sight of these vehicles driving bumper to bumper along our expressway helps me see that the Christmas spirit is alive and well. Christmas trees being toted in trunks of cars, Holiday decorations all around, people bundled up warmly, their breathing visible in the cold air, the excitement in children's voices all remind me that the Holidays are a magical time. We may be suffering from a bad economy, job shortages, our troops fighting in foreign lands, and all the sadness that because this is Christmas we are more keenly aware of, yet in seeing that some things never change regardless, I am filled with hope. Because whether in times of abundance or times of lack, people have a way of looking beyond the difficulties and can hope for better days. So even if material gift giving is not possible, the gift of self goes a long way. That is also something positive these Paisanos remind me of. I love this time of year!

Love,

40 Loaves Book review

yayaorchid7@gmail.com (YayaOrchid) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 04:16:00 +0000

Cover Art:

Book: 40 Loaves - Breaking Bread with Our Father Each Day

Author: C.D. Baker

Author Bio:

C. David Baker founded an award-winning business before redirecting his career to write full-time from his small farm in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. He is the author of eight books, including six novels, one of which was nominated for a Christy Award. He has contributed articles to the Christian History Institute’s international publication Glimpses, and to Christian Singles magazine. Baker has a Master’s degree in theological studies from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland.

Summary:

“Why don’t I have more faith?”

“Why am I so bored with Jesus?”

“Why are Christians so hard for me to like?”

There are many questions we’re not supposed to ask when playing by the religious rules. It makes people uncomfortable. So why is it that Jesus invited questions and even asked some of them himself? What is it that you’re afraid to ask God? It’s a risky prospect to begin asking–but far riskier to continue simply trying to get by without knowing. Author C. D. Baker asked himself 40 soul-searching questions which started a conversation in his heart and ultimately showed him more about God than He ever expected.

Can we become more honest with who we really are and find who God says He really is at the same time? Come indulge yourself in daily readings with an honest exploration of your secret fears and thoughts, and know that you will always be welcomed in God’s unconditional love.

Search me, O God … and know my anxious thoughts.

–Psalm 139:23 NIV

*******************************************
I'll be honest. When I received the book, I was somewhat skeptical about coming to enjoy reading it. I feared it would be another 'theological' or 'religious' book like the millions out there with just theories and people's personal opinions and/or perspectives. The book did look 'good', it has a nice 'feel' to it, like something that wouldn't be so time-consuming or that would make you lose interest quickly. But I knew that sometimes it's hard to stay focused on lengthy religious tomes. And although the book itself is not a huge novel, I wasn't really expecting to be impressed or blown away by the content.

After reading it, I must say, I found it refreshingly thought provoking. It is somewhat liberating to find that a theological expert would actually ask such deep intimate questions about faith and beliefs. And in doing so, he makes you want to delve deeper into your own values and belief system. The questions he brings out are basic: Why don't I know what I want in life? Why do I have such a complaining spirit? Why don't I seem to love myself more? The author doesn't pretend to supply the answers, but he does give you food for thought. But what I liked the most and what I came away with from reading his book: to look at and keep your sight focused on Jesus. Not in yourself or your own faith or in others, but in Christ. To me, that in itself is a multi-carat diamond to treasure!

I'm going to keep this little book near me- in my desk actually. It's not going to be stashed in my bookcases with all the other 'help' books. I really do consider it worth a reread or two. Do I recommend it? I actually thought before reading it that I might say no. However, my answer now is yes. I really do recommend this book. It would also make a good conversation piece at any gathering.

To learn more about or where to purchase this book visit Random House at http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9780307444905

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

New Things

yayaorchid7@gmail.com (YayaOrchid) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 23:55:00 +0000

So I found this wonderful Mexican cooking blog quite a while back, and had actually added it to my favorites list. But I'd never mentioned it on my posts. And then what with I'm always updating my blog and changing the look, trying to streamline the look and all, I ended up deleting it. Anyway, recently I found it again, and boy am I excited to tell you about Ben's blog called What's Cooking. Particularly because for an eon of time I have been searching for a good Mexican concha recipe. I could never find one! Well, Ben has one on his blog! Boy, am I a happy camper! This young man has an amazing blog chock full of recipes from the homeland...boy I cannot tell you how great his blog is for finding that elusive recipe you might be searching for! His blog is where I found a really good recipe for empanadas, which are those flaky fruit filled or savory filled pastries quite a while back. And his food photography is A+ also. Love his blog! Now, he uses a lot of metric measurements, but he shared a nice conversion tool. I've added it to my sidebar as well. Good gracious, I have been finding so many neat sites and gadgets recently.

I'm also due to give my book review on a wonderful book "40 Loaves", and I'll be getting to that this week here on my blog. Plus, I'm working on some nifty kitchen towels, which I'm hoping to add to my shop. I also need to personalize some golf towels. In the shop I've also added some nicely fragrant lavender sachets. It was fun making those! My sewing room is redolent of lavender.....which is a good thing! So the days and weeks (2) leading up to Christmas will see me very busy. I need to make some time to go Christmas shopping! Good thing I've got the Christmas cards mailed out. This blogging thing has turned out to be a good way to visually get a sense of my to-do list and mentally check off items. And what's next? Food! Still gotta figure that one out.....maybe a turkey or ham.....wish I had time to do tamales. Maybe for New Year's Eve. That sounds within the realm of possibility.

Love,

Tool For A Resolution

yayaorchid7@gmail.com (YayaOrchid) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 04:54:00 +0000

A couple of days ago I received a copy of "The One Day Way" by Chantel Hobbs. I've been so busy I had not even opened it to look at it. I perused it briefly today, and plan to tackle it in the days ahead. Basically, it's a diet book. Although the book cover distinctly says that it's by the author of "Never Say Diet", I have a strong suspicion that this is all about diet and exercise. No problem! We can use all the help we can get, and with the New Year fast approaching, I guess we can safely say this book is another 'timely arrival'.

Except I'm not a fan of New Year's resolutions. I think they always set people up for disappointment. Of course there's always the rare success story. I'm still hopeful for a panacea for weight issues. I'm very hopeful this book will be a useful tool to help with that. We shall soon see.
Love,

Demo Cooking

yayaorchid7@gmail.com (YayaOrchid) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 01:54:00 +0000

When I went to the supermarket yesterday, I noticed a young man doing a cooking demonstration. The aroma emanating from the oven was heavenly. As it turns out he was also giving out samples of the dish. I had to try it, and confirmed that it was really good. So of course I asked for the recipe. Too bad he was out of the recipe cards, but he told me what items I needed to get and a general idea of how the dish went together. The problem is I didn't remember to ask for the name of the recipe. Basically it's a layered lasagna, only it uses chili instead of Italian tomato sauce. Part of the promotion of the cooking demo included the sale of a gourmet chili product as well as a gourmet pasta. The chili jar was about a 32 oz glass jar, but it cost a whopping $8.64! Well, to my tastebuds, it tasted like regular old chili from a can. And the lasagna tasted like regular pasta you buy from a box. So off I went in search of some Wolf chili and plain lasagna pasta.

Today's meal consisted of said demo recipe, with a couple of minor additions. If you know anything about me, it's that I always tweak a recipe, just because I love to add more layers of flavor. That's why I first chopped up some onions and celery and sauteed in just a very little bit of olive oil (this was not in his recipe).

To which I added some of my fiery homemade hot salsa. Then I added the rest of the ingredients: chili, hot if you please, a can of black beans, Mexican queso fresco, Velveeta cheese, and cilantro. I also decided a can of black olives would be nice. So I chopped them up a bit and added as well. Everything was simmered until the velveeta cheese melted into the chili. The mixture is then layered over the pasta. The assembled pan:

After a short stay in the oven, about 30 minutes at 400F, my chili lasagna came out looking and smelling quite edible! Which around here is usually all that's required.

I'll have to go back and thank the young chef for sharing his culinary demo. I am also glad I found a new source of cooking inspiration!

Love,

Friendship Gifts

yayaorchid7@gmail.com (YayaOrchid) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 22:21:00 +0000

My dear friend Gloria sent me a very nice 'friendship' parcel. It was very sweet of her to share of her talent with me. She sent me a lovely print of one of her paintings, which I happen to like very much. It is her rendition of Van Gogh's 'Mother of Artist' painting. I just think Gloria's looks nicer.

This would be a print of a lovely collage she put together of her Copper Lady painting.

And last, but not least, one of her beautiful bracelets that she sells in her shop.

Gloria, thank you for such a wonderful gesture! And thank you for being a friend!
Love,

Ode to My Dad or The Lonely Fields

yayaorchid7@gmail.com (YayaOrchid) — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 00:30:00 +0000

Found a new blog I like. Ang's Chicken Coop is about a lot of the things I enjoy reading about. I found it through another blog I really enjoy: Suzanne McMinn's Chickens in the Road Blog.

Now why would a Mexican like myself enjoy reading farming and chicken blogs so much? Well, friends, there's always a reason for everything, isn't there? I grew up during the 1970's going to school in a little farming/agricultural area in North Texas. My Dad was a simple, uneducated farm laborer. He worked the land, tilling and planting crops, and being a 'vaquero' working with cattle and horses. He was an inordinately hard working man. And I do mean hard working. He always got up at dawn and didn't get home till very late in the day. During harvest season, he'd be working in those fields well into the night. You may often hear Farmers tell of the hard work they put in to be able to keep their farms going. Well, I will tell you this, they very often forget to mention the quiet laborer doing all the back breaking work, trodding through the snow in sub freezing weather to make sure the livestock get their feed and hay, and in blistering hot days bending over and over countless times to get the irrigation tubes 'going' from the ditches into the neatly planted rows of cotton or sunflowers, or wheat, or whatever the crop was supposed to produce that year. He'd lug a ton of 'tubos' or heavy, thick irrigation pipes to the truck, and then he'd have to unload them again in other fields. Then there were the various duties that had to be carried out. Applying pesticides and fertilizers, always exposing himself to harmful chemicals. He wasn't able to don 'protection' garb to carry out those jobs. It wasn't offered to him. Back then it was probably unheard of. But I suspect it contributed to his and Mom's health problems.

Of course, the work was not done for free. My Dad was paid, not handsomely, but he was paid enough to support his family. It was a good thing my Mom was a very thrifty saver, and could squeeze miracles out of every weekly $50 paycheck. But then things got better, because by the time I was out of High School, he had been promoted to $120 weekly paychecks. Cost of living increases during the 70's you see. But he didn't complain because the farm owner provided free housing with all utilities paid. A humble abode of course. And on very good years, he'd get a nice Christmas bonus of about $500. Sometimes the arrangement was for him to get the proceeds from the cotton crop of a few acres .... usually up to about $1000. I know my Dad earned every single penny. So yes, it was a mutual understanding and a mutual effort, only my Dad was the one who put in the hard labor. Period. That's just the way it was.

So I grew up looking at what to me then seemed like huge lonely fields as far as the eye could see. On windy days, you could hear the howl of the wind as though it were someone crying. It always made me want to cry. And I remember the fields of sunflowers. Those were a beautiful sight to behold. Each plant always turning towards the sun.....ahh, yes, the girasol.

So when I found Ang's Chicken Coop blog and saw pictures of lonely fields, I had to add it to my reading list. Turns out as sad as those things may have seemed to me then, now I truly enjoy reading about agriculture and chickens, and farms, and all the things I used to want to get away from. Maybe because those were the things my Mom and Dad lived. The things they loved. I was just standing at the edge looking in at the painful picture. Mom and Dad were living a reality that they must have loved, or else they wouldn't have endured it for so long. I try to draw comfort from that thought.
Love,

Back To The Grind and More Ramblings

yayaorchid7@gmail.com (YayaOrchid) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 19:19:00 +0000

After a delightful Thanksgiving celebration, spending time with Family and Friends, it's fair to say we all have to touch the ground again. I love the respite Thanksgiving gives us. It's that little break in the monotony of the year, and that deep breath you take before diving into a whirlwind of more Holiday festivities.

But we will cherish all the sweet memories throughout the year.

If but we are given more time to live, we can create more beautiful memories upon those past. As I sit here typing, I can hear the tick tock of the clock on the wall. And it's the same sound whether it's at home, in a business, or in a hospital. Time passes by the same for everyone. Yet for a second there, it was deja vu all over again. I was reminded of those instances where we've been in hospitals. The past four years have given us our share of difficult moments. First it was the loss of my Dad. Soon after, my Mother. Then, my surgery. Then Owen's surgery. There was also my Mother-in-law's injury to her knee. The sound of that clock ticking brought back all those memories.I do try not to remember them, but sometimes, when I do recall, it just gives me a greater appreciation for the good ones. Maybe it's also because we're near the end of another year, and you can't help but take stock of things.

So for now, it's best to focus on other things. Best to get into a hands on the plow, 'manos a la obra' frame of mind. I have so many ideas of things I want to create! There are still aprons to sew, and scarves, hats, and purses to knit; embroidered dish towels, golf towels, bookmarkers........oh, if only there were more hours in the day. Well, maybe I won't quite get around to having all those things done right away, but in time it can be done. Again, that is if I am granted said time. But it's always good to have a dream.

I am really excited about having a venue for sharing creativity. That's how I see my Etsy shop. For me, it's not so much about money, although of course that is always a plus, but more about having a springboard for ideas and dreams. Maybe it's more about stepping out in faith, and away from fear. That nagging fear of failure that afflicts us all at one time or another. To go out on a limb, and have faith in God to help me, and trust my God given abilities and instincts. That would be a fine thing! Something to which I can say 'why not?'

I think perhaps some people who know me have wondered why I have taken such an interest in this new venture. It had been a little germ of an idea growing in my mind for quite some time.

But it wasn't something I was going to plunge into all at once. I took my time, about two years actually, of thinking, researching, reading, and just talking to my Sweetie. I slowly over time built up a little inventory of supplies, thinking always that perhaps someday I would actually take the big step. I realize an online business is not exactly as big a step as a brick and mortar business, but it's a start. What I like about Etsy is that you can go as slow or as fast as you want.... It's a way to get your 'feet wet' so to speak. I like it. Of course, Etsy is not the only option out there. There are other venues, even just starting another blog and selling your items there. That is also something I had been thinking of as well. It's just whatever you're comfortable with. And to anyone thinking of making their own dreams a reality, I say 'just do it'. You've thought about it, done the research, now it's time to take action.

I don't know what the future holds, I'll just take it one day at a time, I'll just go where my Father takes me. For me that is more than enough.

Parody

yayaorchid7@gmail.com (YayaOrchid) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 20:19:00 +0000

I found this while surfing. It's a cute parody of Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody". Not a big fan of Queen, but I do like the muppets.

A Neat Award

yayaorchid7@gmail.com (YayaOrchid) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 05:06:00 +0000

To my friend Gloria from Viva La Vida, I say thank you for another wonderful award! She has always been such a sweetheart about sharing her awards with me. I will post it on my sidebar. I would love to pass it on, but I'm afraid I've run out of people who will accept them. But if anyone wants to post it on their blog, please feel free to do so. It's all about sharing!

Happy Thanksgiving Day!

yayaorchid7@gmail.com (YayaOrchid) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 18:43:00 +0000

My prayers and wishes for all my bloggie friends to have a wonderful blessings filled day! I'm a day ahead I know, but I don't expect I'll have time to post tomorrow. So to one and all, enjoy this marvelous time of year, and may your plates be full of good food, your table surrounded by loved ones, and your life full of God's joy and presence! And remember, no matter what the circumstances are in your life right now, every day we awaken is a new opportunity to draw close to our Creator for an abundant life!

Love,

Gloria's Shoppe!

yayaorchid7@gmail.com (YayaOrchid) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 19:28:00 +0000

My good Amiga Gloria from Viva La Vida has opened up her own online shop! This very talented artist, gardener, cook extraordinaire, and all around great blogging friend has set up GlorV1's Wooden Bracelets Shoppe with a marvelous array of beautiful and colorful wooden bracelets.

Gloria has been blogging for quite a while and has shared her gift of painting with prints of some of her artwork. She has also created some very pretty woodwork, some made for the kitchen, and others for the garden, such as her "Ladies of the Garden" collection. Well, now with this new venture, I do believe she has found another creative outlet which has been showing itself to be quite successful. I urge anyone to pay her a visit, you will be certain to find something that you simply must have. And now with Christmas shopping underway, her bracelets would make for an excellent gift! I know I have my eye on several of those beauties, just can't decide which!

I believe that we should support each other in our creative endeavors. As women, we tend to shy away from 'putting ourselves out there', meaning in the business world. But with encouragement and positive support from one another, any of us can make our dreams come true! Stop by Gloria's shoppe, and be sure to leave her some love and encouragement.

Love,

In The Shop

yayaorchid7@gmail.com (YayaOrchid) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 05:37:00 +0000

I will be adding more bookplates in the shop. More things to come soon!

Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood

yayaorchid7@gmail.com (YayaOrchid) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 04:23:00 +0000

The brief rainfall and cool temperatures made for a beautiful day! Any rain is always welcome, but the cloudy, overcast skies which remained even after the rain had ceased made for a perfect Autumn Day. A visit by my Grandsons made me all the more happy and blessed.

Suddenly, all the aches and pains don't matter too much. I actually forget about my aches and pains, ha! Let me share this with you, the best medicine for those aging bones is to have your Grandbabies around you. There's something about their laughter and their voices that does an Abuelita good! Suddenly you feel invigorated and refreshed. The fountain of youth, I tell you!

Updating

yayaorchid7@gmail.com (YayaOrchid) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 07:13:00 +0000

Well, saving your template before doing a blog makeover is supposed to save you headaches should you need to reinstall it again. I saved mine, but somehow, the widgets didn't make it through the transition. So, I pretty much have to start over in adding all the links I previously had. I only wish Blogger would offer more templates and especially at least a three column option. I got so tired of seeing the two columns, I went in search of a three column template. It's a risky proposition when you start changing things around, especially trying to edit html code.

If I could keep the simplicity of my previous blog, I would happily do so. I liked having it in white with simple graphics. But I want three columns. So I'll try this new layout for a while. In meantime, I'll also try and find my old links again. Blogger, if you're listening, try giving us more options. It's been years with the same basic style......time for a change.

Jane Austen Exhibition

yayaorchid7@gmail.com (YayaOrchid) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 05:46:00 +0000

I just learned through the Sense and Sensibility forum, which is one of my favorites, that there is currently an exhibition in New York at the Morgan Library and Museum of all things Jane Austen! It would be fascinating to learn more about this famous English author's life and legacy. The exhibition dates are from November 6, 2009 through March 14, 2010, so for anyone interested, there is still time to plan for a trip there.

Being an Austen fan myself, I only wish I could someday make a trip to England to visit all the historic places associated with the times and life of Jane Austen. While New York seems more within the realm of possibility, it might at as well be across the pond also. The timing is just not right; but there will be other times and other exhibitions. For now, movies about her books will have to do.

Love,

Timely Arrival

yayaorchid7@gmail.com (YayaOrchid) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 04:32:00 +0000

Today has been a nice quiet day, perfect for reading! This book arrived in Saturday's mail, and I had been yearning for some down time to get a feel for it. My first impression was that it very much resembled a bread baking book, and not because of the title or picture. It just feels like a book full of nutritious recipes. It may very well be just that. Nutrition for the soul.

From what I've seen so far, it's going to be an interesting book to get into. I see it as a catalyst for asking myself some good, soul searching questions. I can hardly wait to share with you'll my perception of it.

I do like the fact that it's a hardcover. A book you can come back to again and again, and still keep its crisp clean lines.

Funny how God works; I've been struggling with a few 'tidbit' questions, the type all of us have to joust with every now and then. And then this book arrives in my lap!

Love,

Boxes

yayaorchid7@gmail.com (YayaOrchid) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 21:02:00 +0000

In looking around the Etsy site, I found a neat tutorial for making your own little boxes. What I did to make these two little boxes was use 12x12" scrapbook paper, because it's already square. It just involves a series of folds and a couple of cuts into the paper.

So that's what I've been doing. I'm glad I found this little nugget. It will come in handy when I need a small box for a gift.

Love,

Idalia

Thank You Beverly!

yayaorchid7@gmail.com (YayaOrchid) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 02:45:00 +0000

My dear friend Beverly had a giveaway recently on her website Tea Time and Roses and I was the very lucky winner of one of her exquisite pieces of jewelry. I happen to love white pearls, so it almost seemed as though she made the earrings thinking of me! Beverly is just one of those very artistic people who is able to create beautiful handmade artwork: her cards, jewelry, handknit items.... a very talented individual. She actually has two shops: Cri Designs and Tea Time and Roses The Shoppe. I'd say they're a great place to start for the Holiday shopping season already upon us! So if you're in the market for a nice gift, visit her sites, she has very good selections.

Of course, I just had to show off my earrings and visually share her artistic talent!

Aren't they just beautiful! And nice packaging too!

Thank you so much Beverly, I will wear them proudly! Pearls go with everything, and I've already got a nice dress to pair them with for our Thanksgiving celebration.

Veteran's Day

yayaorchid7@gmail.com (YayaOrchid) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:24:00 +0000

A pause is in order to remember all who have served, and all who are serving to protect our country. And prayers for their families as well, especially for those whose loved one gave the ultimate sacrifice.
May the Lord protect our Servicemen and Women everywhere. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Class Worth Taking

yayaorchid7@gmail.com (YayaOrchid) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 02:45:00 +0000

This is the last week of registration for a free class over at the Jessica Sprague website called Holidays In Hand. More details here:

Perfect for my good friend Gloria who recently purchased Photoshop software. It's a good way to get in and learn what all the bells and whistles are for. Besides, Jessica is an excellent Instructor! So, I say, take advantage of this opportunity to learn something new!

Love,

Something New

yayaorchid7@gmail.com (YayaOrchid) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 06:38:00 +0000

Boy! I finally took the plunge! I up and started my Etsy shop! Therefore, I've added that 'something' new to my sidebar. Eventually I'm hoping to add aprons to the list as well.

Love,