Saturday, March 2, 2013

February Blog Angel Reveal

CraftboticBlogAngel

Yup... I am one of Rosie's Blog Angels. This is my third time. It is such a wonderful blessing to be an Angel.

The idea which I love is to help another blog, expecting nothing in return. Our world needs more of that, don't you think? Being kind and generous just for the sake of grace and mercy. Here's what really happens though. Being an angel becomes more about friendship than blogging. I choose a blog to help and start reading posts in hopes of getting to know this person. I try what they are trying, leave encouraging comments, hop over to blogs they recommend...

It only take a little while for a new friendship to begin.  So, for February, I chose PJ @ Planned in Pencil.   I love LOVE how she describes herself... 


"This is our life, it's not going exactly the way we planned... but it's okay because we Plan in Pencil!"
 
So, how did I help her?  Well, I already love her blog, so encouraging comments were easy.  She is a total crafty genius.  I wrote a post featuring one of her projects and mailed her some bloggy love.  Her button will be displayed on my blog for the month of March. 
 
New friend?  Yes, of course!  PJ is kind, creative and generous - absolutely lovely!  Will you please visit her blog?  You're going to be impressed! 
 
;-)  -Marci

Friday, March 1, 2013

Weekend Meet & Greet Blog Hop #16

Welcome to Meet & Greet Blog Hop!  Join in, meet some fellow bloggers, greet them with comments, and grow your blog with new friends!

Interested in being a Co-Host?  Send an email to 2justByou(at)gmail(dot)com with "Co-Host" in the subject line for consideration!


 
Meet Everyone!
This week’s fun question is: If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do?

*Hosts*
 
Kim - from 2 just B you: Pay off any and all debt! Gotta take care of the responsibilities first, and then I'd fix up the house a little...Maybe some tile floors, new window coverings, fresh paint. **sigh** wouldn’t it be nice?
 
Laurie - from Created By Laurie: I would pay off our debt, our Father’s debts, and set aside money for our boys for school. After that I would probably give back whatever was left over to the community and charities.
 
*Co Host*
 
Marci – from Stone Cottage Adventures: Tithe!
 
*Featured Guest*
 
Laura – from Laura Ashton: If I won the lottery the very first thing I would do would be to back up all my art supplies and hop on a plane to an exotic destination with my lovely man. Once there we would check into to a rustic yet luxurious resort.... (You know something like those little huts on stilts above the water). Once settled we would go enjoy fabulous spa treatments followed by a meal full of local cuisine. Then the next day we would set out into the wild and see all the wonders of nature. There I would avidly sketch all the exotic plants, animals and birds. Of course there are many other things I would like to do if I won the lottery, including giving back to my community and being a strong supporter of nature conservation. And then the responsible things too, like sharing with family and friends, buying a house and paying off any debt. Debt? Did I say debt? Who in this day and age has any debt?? Just kidding, we all know who we are, lol.
 
If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do?
 
Spread the Word,
Grab Our Button!
 
Now Link Up and Have Fun!
 
If you would like to sign up for email reminders for the Meet & Greet Blog Hop, please sign up below. (Your email address and info will not be used for any other purpose.)


Exciting News

We welcomed a new family member this week!  I can't wait to tell you all about it, but right now, we are pretty distracted by her beauty! 

My blog may be kind of quiet for a while. 

;-)  -Marci

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Tuesday Tunes, Favorite Music

There is one fun party at Holli's Hoots and Hollers !! Choose a song and link up! 

I don't tend to purchase many movie soundtracks, but I do have this one and love it! 



Thank you, Holli and Lauren !

;-)  -Marci

Sunday, February 24, 2013

Ozark Folk Center State Park

Mountain View, Arkansas holds a jewel that gives me one more reason to love my Ozark Mountains.   Ozark Folk Center State Park  is a wonderful way to enjoy yesterday.  The goal is to preserve and teach the craftsmanship of these Ozark Mountains in an entertaining way.  Everyones here knows that company is coming and sure do make you feel welcome! 


Apprenticeships are available during certain times of the year.  Folk School is held in March each Spring.  Classes are limited to small groups so they fill quickly.  Click HERE for the 2013 Class Schedule.

There are several shops throughout the grounds.  You might remember my post about Aunt Linda's Soapmaking Class that was held in the Apothecary.  What a wonderful hands on learning experience!


Each building is home to skilled craftsmen.  The Candlemaker was mesmerizing!  In the few minutes we were there, we learned so much about the history of candle making materials. 


The Spinning and Weaving Shed held another surprise.  They were spinning dog hair!  Apparently a hot trend in spinning right now is the use of pet fibers.  This particular skein was made using fur from a husky breed of dog.  What a beautiful color profile, ranging from taupe to cream!  It's very soft.


Baskets of raw material were visible!  It was fascinating to consider all the options available for spinning and weaving fabric.

 
 The Old Time Print Shop is home to several antique print presses.  During our visit, an apprentice was working in the Print Shop.
 

His enthusiasm was contagious.

 
Watching the Copper Smith was as interesting
 
 
as visiting with the Broom Makers, the Basket Weaver, Bead Makers, and the Potter.

 
Being a gardener, though, my favorite spot was the Herbary.
 
 
You can bet I made additions to my herb collection and to my library! 
 
If you are looking for a skilled craftsman or a sweet vacation destination, consider visiting a jewel snuggled in an Ozark Valley.    Ozark Folk Center State Park  is an extraordinary place to enjoy yesterday! 
 
;-)  -Marci