Fairy Friday on Thursday

Dear Friends,
It seems like forever since I've been able to post anything other than the quick holiday greeting. I'm a few hours away from vacation and wanted to catch up. I feel so bad, I've come to love blogging and hearing from my friends out there and, have missed so much the last couple of weeks. I've been reading what I can and love all of your holiday ideas and well wishes. I was going to have another giveaway right after the last but, just couldn't find the time for it. I've not posted anything for Joyful Monday and haven't been able meander through the posts for White Wednesdays or come up with an inspiration of my own. Sigh. I guess life just happens whether we want it to or not. Well, in hopes of getting back on track with things, here is a lovely December fairy for you. I wish all of you many, many blessings in the new year.

Keep Well,
Joane

Flowers in December by Paulina Cassidy
The Art of Paulina Cassidy

Peace

Peace to all this holiday season.

And the winner is.......

Theresa at Fairy Moon Creations!

Congratulations! Theresa, can you email me at joane_duran(at)comcast(dot)net and let me know where to send your little trinket?

I had a family dinner today so I'll have the next giveaway ready by tomorrow evening at the latest, so come back tomorrow!

Hope you are all having a great weekend!

Love, Joane

It's time for a Giveaway!

It's December and time for gift giving. I'm giving away this 1x1 inch glass pendant. It's made from origami paper and comes on a 16 inch double strand of cotton cord. I think it has kind of a pretty, wintery look. If you'd like to enter the drawing please leave any old comment and, if you are not a follower, please follow along!

This is a quickie giveaway as I'll be drawing the name on Saturday but, with another giveaway ready for the following week! Good Luck!

Joyful Monday....oops, Tuesday....crap! It's almost Wednesday......

Where does the time go! Too busy at work and at home but, it's all good. Earlier this week I splurged and bought some shoes. This is what they look like.

I saw them and had to have them. I was in desperate need for some comfortable shoes and these fit the bill. I love the color too. It's what is inspiring me to write about for Joyful Monday....Red!

I love red! It's one of my favorite colors. There are so many reds to choose from - fire engine red, candy apple red, vermillion, deep wine reds, cherry red, ruby red, cardinal red, the list could go on...

Red evokes love and passion and, dare I say, it can be a little naughty too! I don't know about you but, when I put on red lipstick I instantly feel a little sexy. They say every woman should have a little black dress but, I prefer a little red dress. You get the same effect but, with a little punch! The same goes for red shoes....some red high heel shoes with a black outfit, it makes a statement. I have a dark red pair with pointy toes that I splurged on a few years ago. I feel so grown up when I wear them.

Here are some pics of red things that I think are beautiful in red. I hope you like them. What do you like in red?

Gown by Nina Ricci



Red Ballet Shoes Stock by *MirandaRose-Stock on deviantART


Photo by Carl Loves Somerset http://www.flickr.com/photos/32081016@N07/



Mittens by Grace and Alice Schnebly




Photo by Sayed Mostafa Zamani http://www.flickr.com/photos/seyyed_mostafa_zamani/4266283238/


Photo by Lisa Roberts http://www.flickr.com/photos/littleacornstudio/

Joyful Monday - Sleep

Well better late than never! It's been a busy day but, here is my Joyful Monday post.

I thought about what I did over the weekend in addition to the Thanksgiving festivities at my house and, well. I didn't do much after Thursday. Friday we went to see the new Harry Potter (loved it!) and for the remainder of the weekend I ate, slept, read and knit. I'll most likely be doing a post on each of the aforesaid items as they all bring me much joy but, this week I wanted to focus on sleep.

I never really thought about sleep and needing it until after I had my son. Until that point I would sleep when I was tired, wake up when I wanted and just didn't think about the necessity of sleep. When I was pregnant I think I slept the best I ever have in my life. I would love going to bed so I could dream (weird but, I was able to really control my dreams during pregnancy, it was great!). After I gave birth, sleep went out the window. My son was not colicky but, he did want to be fed in the middle of the night and, I became a very light sleeper. I wake up at the smallest noise and it's very, very difficult for me to get back to sleep.

The rare times I do get a good nights rest I can totally feel the difference the next day. I'm trying to get to bed earlier but, I'm a bit of a night owl and I just can't lay down and go to sleep (I soooo envy the people that can do that! How do they do it?) I need to read or watch a little TV before I can pass out and if I'm reading a good book I'll read until 3am!

I used to be a pre-school teacher and everyday there was nap time. Precious, precious nap time. There is something so innocent about watching babies and children sleep, it's kind of magic. I think grown ups still need nap time.

Sleep is wonderful. It heals our bodies, rejuvenates our spirits and we dream. All of which is necessary to experience joy. I want to take this time to remind my friends out there is blog land that we need our sleep. I read your blogs and I know how busy all of you are getting!

Does sleep bring me joy? I think if we don't get enough sleep  it's impossible to feel joy. And, these days, most everyone does not get enough sleep. The remainder of the holidays are coming fast and we'll all be busy running around, getting tired and not getting enough sleep. The holidays are a very special time and in order to feel the joy they bring we are going to need every ounce of energy we can muster.

To quote the famous holiday song Silent Night, please take the time to "sleep in heavenly peace".

Sweet Dreams,
Joane

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Many Blessings to you and your families.....

Love,

Joane

Joyful Monday....Me Time

I had some me time yesterday. No kids, no husband. I cleaned my house on Saturday to get ready for Thanksgiving so I wouldn't have to rush later this week. It was bliss! I stayed in my jammies til one, watched movies, did some crochet, did some crafting. I did make dinner for my husband but, I was able to take my time. I cuddled with my dog and took a nap. I kept feeling like there was something I had to do and, of course there is always something to do when you have a house and kids. But, I fought the urge and was lazy all day. Here is Carlos enjoying me time with me.

What do you like to do with your "me time"

Fairy Friday....the fairies came to visit again.....

Last week the fairies promised they would bring their friends. Fairies don't break promises, so here are two more friends...

I do have a favor to ask. I've been creating these pretty little necklaces and I think alot of them are Arthur Rackham images (I think last weeks were, not sure about these two). If anyone out there happens to know if these two are Rackham images or what stories they may belong to I would love to know. I usually research a bit more on these things but, I just haven't had time.

You can find these little friends at my Etsy shop here. Here is a link to last weeks fairies.

Thank you again, for your prayers this week. I hope all of you have a lovely weekend!

Good News!!!!!!

I'm normal! Right now the most beautiful word in the English language is normal! All of your prayers, happy thoughts, positive chi, well wishes, finger, toe and eye crossings worked! My appointment was at 10:15 so of course I was there at 9:30. They took me in without much waiting and did the extra views. Then more waiting. It was pretty busy there, almost not enough chairs for people that were waiting. Anyway after what seemed like a million years (must have been around 20 minutes)they called me in to do the ultra sound. They said they would only do this if the doctor thought I needed it. Which made me even more nervous. So I lay in the ultra sound room for less than a minute when the doctor walked in. Bless her heart the first words out of mouth after she introduced herself were, "Your mammos are normal, everything looks fine." The hundred pound weight that was hanging on my heart was gone. She explained that because I have dense breasts sometimes when the mammo machine squishes your boobs it can create areas that look even more dense so, she wanted to double check with the ultra sound. She was wonderful. She explained everything as she did the ultra sound - showing me my lymph nodes, I have a couple of cysts that are incidental. She explained that she marked them for future reference. Every other word out of her mouth was normal. Normal, normal, normal. She apologized for making me worry and was glad that I was proactive about getting in earlier. I did have to go back to work after my tests but, I celebrated by buying myself a nice lunch and I wandered through the local toy store. Thank you again so much for your support. It means more than you'll ever know. And now, please join me in a happy dance!

The wait has been shortend.....

There was a cancellation and I'm going in tomorrow at 10:15 for my additional views. Keep your fingers, toes and eyes crossed!!!

White Wednesday...for the angels around me....

I've never been a religous person but, rather a very spiritual one. To me you've all been angels to me the past few days. Here's your wings you earned them.

Photo by Trev Grant
http://www.flickr.com/photos/trevgrant/

Joyful Monday....

As most of you know I'm waiting to go back for a 2nd mammogram. I just made my appointment and they didn't have anything until the 24th. Bummer. So back to more waiting (it's the waiting that's getting to me). Sigh. The outpouring of support that I've had from blogland was immensly comforting to me over the weekend. I can't describe it.

It's made me think that if we do not experience difficulties in life would we know what joy really is? It's like yin and yang, black and white, unfortunately, it seems there cannot be one without the other. I could post something for Joyful Monday but, I kind of feel it wouldn't be genuine. I'm trying to stay positive and not worry but, the worry creeps in sometimes.

I would have made it through the weekend had I not had the words of comfort from blogland. I would have been a grouchy wreck but, I would have made it. Which brings me to think, in the times we cannot experience joy or give joy to others, we can offer comfort and comfort ourselves. So I will re-read your words of comfort and wrap them around myself like a blanket. I'll cuddle with my little dog and let him lick my face. I'll enjoy being with my family and eat desert. I've always had the mind set that things could be worse. I'm grateful that I have a job and insurance. I'm thankful that I have a blog to spill out my guts and have friends listen. Thanks again.

Love,

Joane

Edit: I've edited this as I want to know, when you are not feeling joyful, for whatever reasons, what comforts you? Words, a blanket, chocolate, your friends?

Thank you for your kind words of comfort....

I was going to wait until Monday to post but, everyone has been so supportive in getting me through this weekend I wanted to take the time out to thank everyone today. After my phone call on Friday, actually it was voice message. I missed the call and, couldn't call back because they were closed already, I was not looking forward to the weekend. It was going to be long and drawn out. I couldn't post a message of support on Facebook because my mom's on there and I didn't want her to worry more than she already is (my sister has been unemployed for awhile). I told my husband and he was like, "Oh you've had to go back before, you'll be fine." I love my husband and he supports me, he would be worried sick if anything were to happen but, he's the type of person that won't worry about anything until he has to.

So, I thought to myself, "My blog, I'll put it out there." I had to put it somewhere. I'm sure you all know the thoughts that are swimming in my head.

I cannot express in words the relief, emotion and support I felt as I read all of your posts. I'm overwhelmed. I didn't even know some of you let alone your blogs. Your words, prayers, positive energy, chi, happy thoughts and whatever any of you sent me, worked! I'm still worried but I felt so comforted this weekend knowing that people from all over the world were thinking about and supporting me. I've actually had a normal weekend that didn't drag on. I walked on the beach with my little dog, did some crafts and laughed with my husband.

I'll keep this short and update on Monday or whenever I get my results but, thank you, thank you, thank you!
You are all an amazing group of people. And, even though we are all connected by blogland, we are connected in spirit. I truly felt it this weekend.

Many, many blessings to all of you and your families. I'll be lighting candles for all of you. I'll keep you posted.

Love,
Joane

Please send some positive energy my way.....

I got a call today that I have to got back in for a 2nd mammogram. I've had to go in twice before for 2nd screenings and I've been told that I have "an area of density" and it's nothing to worry about. But, god getting that call just made my heart sink to my stomach. So, I'll have to wait all weekend so I can call for an appointment for the screening. Sigh. I've heard the saying, "Hope for the best but, prepare for the worst." So I guess that's what I'll do this weekend. Too many thoughts swimming in my head. So please, if you have a moment can you send some energy, chi or prayers my way? I do believe positive thoughts help. Thank you so much.

Joane

Fairy Friday....these fairies flew by for a visit.....

These pretty little fairies fluttered by for a visit today. They said next week they are bringing some friends. You can visit them at their home too at Ivory Pumpkin.

Have a lovely weekend everyone!

Thank You Veterans.....

Thank you to my husband who spent 12 years in the United States Coast Guard.
Thank you to my ex-husband, who is retired from the United States Army and Navy.
Thank you to all of the military families who must share their loved ones with the rest of the United States.
Most of all, there are not enough thank you's to veterans who have given and lost his or her life for their country. We will never forget you and the ultimate sacrifice you made.

Photo by http://www.flickr.com/photos/nyclovesnyc/

Lovely Giveaway.....

Year of the Cats is having a lovely giveaway. Go see!

Year of the Cats

Joyful Monday - Get Up and Dance!

What song makes you grab your hairbrush and use it as a microphone? I love this song, always have, always will. No matter how I'm feeling when I hear this song I start dancing. I might be in my car but, I dance anyway. When I was little I had a huge crush on Michael Jackson. It lasted until he started looking weird. Whatever they may say about him, the man was a musical genius.
But, I digress, the point of this Joyful Monday is, "What makes you get up and dance?" What song, no matter how bad you are feeling makes you crank up the radio or ipod and you become a dancing fool? There are a lot of songs that make me feel this way and, I may post them here and there but, I think this is my favorite happy song. I am by no means a music aficionado. I'm the biggest fan of about every geek singer or group there is. To name a few - ABBA (I have their Gold album on my mp3), John Denver, Barry Manilow (everyone is a closet Copa Cabana fan, I don't care what they say), The Monkees (had a huge crush on Davy Jones too) oh lord the list could go   on. It should be required somewhere that at least 20 minutes a day should be dedicated to dancing. So, what makes you get up and groove? What makes you get up and shake what your mama gave you? C'mon, let's dance!!!

Awards & Thank You's!

It's been too busy at work and I haven't had much of a chance to blog about anything this week. At home I've just finished an etsy order and am working on getting some more things up for the holidays. So, to catch up I first want to say thank you to the gals that left me awards!

Thank you to D. Suplicki at The Whimsical Cottage and Thank you to Jeanne at The Candy Corn Chronicles for giving me my awards. So nice to be recognized. (I'll get to the 7 things about me and the passing forward in a minute.)

I also want to thank everyone who responded to my "What Brings you Joy?" post. My gosh some of you had me in tears! It's wonderful of you to share your very personal feelings and experiences. It's funny, I started this blog to go with my etsy store, you know promote my items and connect with other artists. But, after the responses to Mondays post I found something much more important in the blog world - connecting with others on an emotional level. I didn't think this was possible to connect over the Internet but, after reading posts and going to other blogs and reading of their experiences it's definitely possible and very rewarding.

The holidays will be a busy time for all of us and I'm not sure how much I'll be around but, I'm going to do my best to post every Monday something for Joyful Monday. I will still give updates on my etsy store and I hope to meet many more people in the blog world but, it will not be the main focus of my blog as originally intended.

Getting back to the awards....hmmmm.....seven things about myself. This his hard! Here goes....
1) I love chocolate. The darker the better and with no nuts!

2) I'm the first American born citizen in my family. I have a sister that is 2 years older than me but, she came here when she was 6 months old.

3) I have a lot of grey/white hair and I have no intention of dying it. I hope for it to be all white like my mom's someday.

4) I'm married and have 3 children. My son 21 from a previous marriage and 2 stepsons. Living with all men/boys has it's advantages and its disadvantages. (Explanation of this could require an entire post all to itself!)

5) I don't mind being alone. I have no problems going to movies, shopping, or just being at home by myself. Although, I do enjoy the company of my little dog Carlos when no one is around.

6) I'm a huge geek! I love Harry Potter, comic books (X-Men is my favorite), comic book conventions, renaissance fairs, Star Wars and Star Trek or anything else that gives me the opportunity to dress up.

7) I believe in Santa Claus, The Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy and any other kind of fairy there is!

And now to bestow the award. I know the rule was to send this to 15 people but, I think the people that I want to give the awards to have already received it. So, I hope no one gets upset with this but, I've created my own award. I'm going to give it to several people that stand out for me, for one reason or another. I've created the.....

 "Carlos Thinks You're Awesome Award"

No need to pass this one forward but, you can if you like. I'm giving this to.....

Wendy at The Halloween Tree - Wendy was my first follower. I can't tell you how happy I was to see that little witch icon on my blog! Both Wendy and I have an imaginary (and maybe someday real) second home in Salem.

Ozma of Odds - Her blog is just visually so beautiful. I love all the vintage white and lace. I want my house to look like her blog.

Jaz at October Farm - because I can't get enough of her recipes! She has become my constant go to for comfort food.

Spellbound In Salem - because I love Salem, MA.

D. Suplicki at The Whimsical Cottage and Jeanne at The Candy Corn Chronicles because they nominated me in the first place.

I'm going to contact each one of you for a special gift. Have a lovely weekend everyone!

What Brings You Joy?

I don't have the most exciting day to day life. I work in an office 9-5. I don't work with a team so, I'm usually in a cubicle in a corner with no windows, by myself. My family is very middle class, we don't own a home (or much of anything else!). We live in the San Franicso Bay area which is one of the most expensive places to live in the U.S. Depending on how you look at things, everything can be turned to a positive - my job is a boring 9-5 job but, I have a job - many people still don't. California is expensive but, it is one of the most beautiful places to be.

Sometimes though, when you're just trying to make your day to day ends meet and your kids need braces and your car needs tires and the cost of a gallon of milk is the same as a gallon gas, well appreciating what you have can be kind of hard. I'd like to start creating posts about what brings joy. I'm going to try every Monday to post something that has to do with joy. Monday is a good day to do this and, I think, a good way to start the week.

I would love to hear about what brings you joy. Sharing is caring! It could be anything - a word, a picture, a memory, a scent, an action, a song, a random act of kindness. Explain as much or as little as you want, post links, pics, anything, or just read what others have to say. Follow the blog or not, the point is to bring joy, a little or a lot. What brings you joy may be totally different than someone else. And, that's the beauty of it. Please join me in the launch of Joyful Monday!

I'll start with this:
Halloween + Trick or Treating = Joy

Since Halloween has just passed, I'll start with this one. When I was a little I wasn't the smartest or most athletic kid on the block. I was painfully shy and I sometimes got picked on. I didn't have a miserable childhood. I had friends and a very loving family. But, I was very tentative about initiating things or talking to people because I was always afraid of what they would say or think about me. Except on Halloween. First off, I got to be anything I wanted and nobody cared. The kids that did pick on me were too busy with their own Halloween goings on to worry about me. I wasn't shy about trick or treating cause everyone else was doing it too. I really remember how excited I felt to go out on Halloween night, dressed up, trick or treating with my sister or my friends and trying to find the scariest houses in the neighborhood and being totally happy, blissful even. The smell of my pillow sack full of candy was heaven! And to think I had weeks maybe months of a candy supply!

I stopped trick or treating after 8th grade. Halloween changed for me after I stopped trick or treating. I'm not sure how. I still loved Halloween and dressing up, I still do! I guess it's a little like when the tooth fairy stops coming. Maybe, it has to do with that "passage into adulthood". A little of the magic disappears. But, I still have the memory and the smell of a bag of candy still brings me joy.

Happy Halloween!

I wish everyone a Happy Halloween!

Mori Point, Pacifica, California

I don't know why but, for some reason I love the beach on a grey overcast day. Something about the beach on those days I find very calming and mysterious. I love the beach on sunny days too but, on grey days there are usually less people and the opportunity to let the sounds and colors of the beach sooth a frazzled mind is much stronger. Lately, at the beach near my house, I've been taking my little dog to run on the beach and hike up the cliffs with me (when it's not too windy, Carlos hates the wind). I may be moving next year to Nevada so, no beaches! I was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area and have lived here all of my life with the exception of about 6 months in Virginia and 2 1/2 year in Germany (ex-hubby was in the army). Both are beautiful places but, not home and, no beaches like California. When I think of moving to a land locked state I wonder, "What am I gonna do without the beach?" The beach is and always has been the place I go to center myself and let the Pacific ocean tides take away what worries I have. I wanted to share some photos of Mori Point in Pacifica California. I don't know if you can get the sense that I do on a grey day at the beach but, I hope you enjoy the photos all the same.

No it's not blurry, just foggy. Pacifica is famous for it's fog. Every year there is a fog fest.

Carlos, my hiking buddy.

California wildflower.

A foggy beach. Looks kind of eerie but, I like it.

I even like how the flowers look when they are dying.

Bottlegger steps to the top of the cliff.

View from the top of the steps.

Once at the top, this is the view to the south. There is a hiking trail that leads all the way down and around the cliffs. At one time there used to be a little inn/store where they did all the bootlegging.

Carlos, ready to run. He loves to run on the beach. He may be little but, he can run all the way up the bootlegger steps without stopping.

Little birds running from the tide.

I don't know why but I love the look of all the pebbles on the beach. So many different shades of grey.

I hope you enjoyed the photos. Happy Friday everyone!

White Wednesday - Mr. Skeleton

I'm really loving White Wednesday. I find it very relaxing to seek out objects of beauty in white every Tuesday evening. Very calming indeed. So, just in time for Halloween, here is my own little object of "beauty".  Mr. Skeleton is available at my Etsy store if you are interested. I'm also linking this to Faded Charms White Wednesday. Enjoy.

Links
Faded Charms
Ivory Pumpkin

The Winner of the Tea Party Under the Halloween Moon Giveaway is......

Lyndy Ward of Today's Gold! Congratulations Lyndy! Please email  me your address so I can send you your goodies.
I'm at joane_duran@comcast.net

Tea Party Under A Halloween Moon....A Giveaway!

Time for Tea!!!

I've been looking forward to this party! I had a whole photo shoot planned out with me in my very best witch hat and the tea party set up outside and a little story to go along with everything....well life gets in the way and some things just don't happen the way they are supposed to. But,I still have a really good giveaway for those that want to participate! I'm giving away the following items.....



Grey handknit fingerless gloves, a bookmark, a pretty purple butterfly ring , a 1x2 inch flower fairy pendant, a 1x1 inch purple flower pendant.



 Here are some close ups....

The gloves were handknit by me. They are in a beautiful silvery grey color.....

I made this bookmark with some cute vintage Halloween images.....



The flower fairy pendant comes on an adjustable, chocolate brown ribbon and cord necklace. It measures 1x2 inches....



This buttfly ring measures about 1 inch in diameter and is set in a silvertone base with an adjustable band......

This pendant with tiny purple flowers with a script background comes in a copper base that measures 1x1 inches.

There will be a few extra surprise treats in the giveaway as well! If you'd like to enter the giveaway sign up to follow my blog and leave a comment. If you aleady follow, just leave a comment. Please note that all of my items come from a smoke free home but, I do have a naughty chihuahua! I'll be drawing the name of the lucky winner on Tuesday. I hope you enjoy the rest of the party. Good Luck and Happy Halloween!

Fairy Friday - In A Fairy House....

Fairy House by Torisaur

In a fairy house you'll find
Magic of a special kind,
Magic that warms the heart and calms the mind

In a fairy house you'll find
A hearth cozy and warm
To shelter from a winter storm

In a fairy house you'll find
Delicious treats of every kind
Honey, bread and elderberry tea

Won't you stay and have a cup with me?

Poem by me

White Wednesday - Queen Anne's Lace

Queen Anne's Lace - Mori Point, Pacifica, CA

About once a week I go hiking on the cliffs near the beach. During the late summer months the cliffs and fields abound with beautiful California wild flowers and, my favorite is Queen Anne's Lace. I love the contrast of such a delicate flower growing on the rugged cliffs in the wind near the crashing waves. I kept telling myself to bring my camera to take a picture of the flowers before they all disappeared.Two weeks ago I finally brought my camera and was getting rather disappointed as most of the flowers had finished blooming. To my surprise peeking out from under the shrubs I found this last little bit blooming on the cliff.  I hope you enjoy your White Wednesday

Huzzah!!

Yesterday I spent the day at the Northern California Renaissance Faire. I love the Ren Faire! I'm such a geek when it comes to stuff that this. My son and I started to make it a tradition to go about 3 years ago when he found an old photo of his dad and I dressed up for my first ren faire. The photo was taken with a polaroid instamatic - that's how long ago my first faire was! Anyway, here are a few photos. I would have taken more but the camera battery was running low. Enjoy!


Village Shopping






Even horses bow to the Queen

 

Handsome knights upon noble steeds

Ye Olde Videographer?

More Knights and their squires

Long Live the Queen!





Villages Shopping for their wares.

 



more village shopping....

 Next faire up...The Dickens Christmas Faire!