tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19970937039989489792024-03-13T19:00:44.207-07:00Claire's HeartspaceClairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01007256928803254957noreply@blogger.comBlogger75125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1997093703998948979.post-8041577962250191012013-06-18T21:45:00.001-07:002013-06-18T21:45:32.966-07:00Saint Sullivan's Daughter: Exciting News<a href="http://saintsullivansdaughter.blogspot.com/2013/06/exciting-news.html?spref=bl">Saint Sullivan's Daughter: Exciting News</a>: On a one-time trial basis, F+W Media (a buyers catalog) is providing website space to showcase a catalog of Abbott Press titles. Ab...Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01007256928803254957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1997093703998948979.post-11753204988174244672013-01-18T18:19:00.001-08:002013-01-18T18:19:23.813-08:00Saint Sullivan's Daughter: Dads and Daughters<a href="http://saintsullivansdaughter.blogspot.com/2013/01/dads-and-daughters.html?spref=bl">Saint Sullivan's Daughter: Dads and Daughters</a>: "Who a daughter gets as the most important man [father] in her life is pretty much the luck of the draw, for better or worse. That luck...Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01007256928803254957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1997093703998948979.post-39129807019363593062013-01-04T11:28:00.001-08:002013-01-04T11:28:49.965-08:00Saint Sullivan's Daughter: The Backstory: the Truth Behind the Consequences ...<a href="http://saintsullivansdaughter.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-backstory-truth-behind-consequences.html?spref=bl">Saint Sullivan's Daughter: The Backstory: the Truth Behind the Consequences
...</a>: The Backstory: the Truth Behind the Consequences My goal in Saint Sullivan's Daughter was to introduce characters that feel real. A m...Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01007256928803254957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1997093703998948979.post-14882022528308781732012-12-28T16:46:00.001-08:002012-12-28T16:46:43.067-08:00Saint Sullivan's Daughter: The Magic of Childhood<a href="http://saintsullivansdaughter.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-magic-of-childhood.html?spref=bl">Saint Sullivan's Daughter: The Magic of Childhood</a>: World over, children envision life through the kaleideoscope of innocence and imagination. Trying to create meaning of the adult world...Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01007256928803254957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1997093703998948979.post-8758093237661877632012-12-18T13:07:00.004-08:002012-12-18T13:07:55.872-08:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Whenever parents make decisions, their children feel the consequences. In my novel, <i>Saint Sullivan's Daughter</i>, the six-year-old daughter of Dora and Barry Sullivan must bear the weight of their failing marriage, as well as the baggage from their unhealed traumas and tragedies. The wise elders of Dora's Latino family and community, and Barry's delightfully fey Ma from Connemara team together to intercede for the child after a tragic accident. Without them, Ceci, who is Saint Sullivan's daughter, might be lost.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If Ceci is lost, the whole family will be lost. She is small and helpless, but she is also the axis of everything that matters. If Barry "Saint" Sullivan doesn't learn to love as a father should, he cannot lead the family, but not only that. If he cannot love as he must love, he'll never be the jazz artist he longs to be. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When we put our priorities in order, a kind of slow magic that leads to eventual actualization takes place. The curandera, or healer, knows this -- and so does the grandmother.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x7EtHDZna6k/UNDZPySynzI/AAAAAAAABAU/RvSy8pS3bx8/s1600/saint+sullivan's+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x7EtHDZna6k/UNDZPySynzI/AAAAAAAABAU/RvSy8pS3bx8/s320/saint+sullivan's+cover.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Available at my Heartspace Etsy store, Abbott Press Bookstore and other online retailers, <i>Saint Sullivan's Daughter</i> is a self-published novel. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">One of the central themes of <i>Saint Sullivan's Daughter </i>is very timely; put the well-being of children first, and then attend to the dreams of adults. In the long run both adults and children will benefit from this priority system.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://bookstore.abbottpress.com/Products/SKU-000529426/saint-sullivans-daughter.aspx">http://bookstore.abbottpress.com/Products/SKU-000529426/saint-sullivans-daughter.aspx</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/HeartSpace">Heartspace Etsy (only place for autographed copies)</a></div>
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Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01007256928803254957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1997093703998948979.post-71866762927032754882012-12-08T16:14:00.001-08:002012-12-08T16:18:08.864-08:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hi Friends,<br />
<br />
The holidays are upon us! I wish you joy this season.<br />
<br />
If you are looking for a gift idea, you can still shop for something for a friend or for yourself from my Etsy Store, even though I have not posted any jewelry lately. I have been on hiatus as I edited and finally self-published the novel I spent the past half a decade writing. <i>Saint Sullivan's Daughter</i> is the title and it's now available at my Etsy Store. Scroll down to read a brief synopsis of the story under the picture of the book cover.<br />
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You can order a paperback from Etsy <a href="http://heartspace.etsy.com/">Heartspace</a> and I will sign it for you, including whatever dedication you like. Just convo me or write what you'd like me to sign on the order form.<br />
<br />
If you don't do Etsy and you'd like a signed copy just email me. Or you can get a <i>plain, unsigned copy</i> of the paperback, hardbound, or ebook from <a href="http://bookstore.abbottpress.com/Products/SKU-000529426/Saint-Sullivans-Daughter.aspx">Abbott Press Bookstore</a>). Just clink on the link and it will take you straight to the book.<br />
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Of course, I love you and don't mind at all if you're not a St. Sullivan's Daughter reader! I just am getting the word out to like-minded people who might be interested.<br />
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Have a joyous holiday, full of Advent, Solstice, Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, New Year's and jolly! I thank you for being a faithful Heartspace reader!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Peace on Earth!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Claire Germain Nail</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: #1f1f1f;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>The jazz cats call him Saint Sullivan, but he’s far from pious. Barry Sullivan drinks too much, can’t keep a job, and fights with his fiery Mexican wife. Ceci, their young daughter, witnesses their fury from the shadows. The child finds comfort with plaster saints and the spirits of her ancestors—until a tragic accident threatens her body and soul.<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: #1f1f1f;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Great-aunt Pilar fears the Evil Eye and decides to intervene, taking Ceci and her family to a traditional Mexican healer, a <i>curandera</i>. Even in the ultra modern Los Angeles of 1960, ancient ways survive in the barrio. The <i>curandera </i>prescribes an unconventional pharmacopeia of folk remedies, compassion humor, and stories, charming the ailing child.<span> </span><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: #1f1f1f;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Musician Barry Sullivan is caught between two worlds—the jazz scene, where he speaks the lingo, and the barrio, where he is a clueless foreigner, stumbling into a dangerous feud. He teeters on the brink of peril, while the <i>curandera </i>asks of him a sacrifice few men of the era know how to make, even for the sake of love</b></span></span></span></div>
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Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01007256928803254957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1997093703998948979.post-87454343013553720682012-11-13T10:50:00.000-08:002012-11-13T10:51:56.252-08:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
My novel is finally available, dear friends and followers!<br />
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It has been a long time since I posted, I agree, but I hope some of you are still out there and maybe inclined to read. Since 2011 I have been on a path to publishing my novel: <i>SAINT SULLIVAN'S DAUGHTER, </i>which is now published! It is available from <a href="http://bookstore.abbottpress.com/Products/SKU-000529426/Saint-Sullivans-Daughter.aspx">Abbott Press Bookstore online</a>. Here's the cover and there's a little synopsis below.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZvtzPS5ab18/UKKV0YHDxrI/AAAAAAAAA7s/2xrtVMWtj9c/s1600/saint+sullivan%2527s+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZvtzPS5ab18/UKKV0YHDxrI/AAAAAAAAA7s/2xrtVMWtj9c/s640/saint+sullivan%2527s+cover.jpg" width="492" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #1f1f1f;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>The jazz cats call him Saint Sullivan, but
he’s far from pious. Barry Sullivan drinks too much, can’t keep a job, and
fights with his fiery Mexican wife. Ceci, their young daughter, witnesses their
fury from the shadows. The child finds comfort with plaster saints and the
spirits of her ancestors—until a tragic accident threatens her body and soul.<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f1f1f;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Great-aunt Pilar fears the Evil Eye and
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healer, a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">curandera</i>. Even in the
ultra modern Los Angeles of 1960, ancient ways survive in the barrio. The <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">curandera </i>prescribes an unconventional
pharmacopeia of folk remedies, compassion humor, and stories, charming the
ailing child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f1f1f;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Musician Barry Sullivan is caught between two
worlds—the jazz scene, where he speaks the lingo, and the barrio, where he is a
clueless foreigner, stumbling into a dangerous feud. He teeters on the brink of
peril, while the <i>curandera </i>asks of
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</div>
<br />
The beautiful cover was painted and designed by my friend, Melanie Weidner (see her art work at <a href="http://listenforjoy.com/">listenforjoy.com</a>). <br />
<br />
Thanks for celebrating the good news with me! I'm hoping you'll enjoy the book and share it with your friends.<br />
<br />
With love and gratitude,<br />
Claire Germain Nail<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01007256928803254957noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1997093703998948979.post-68881361995185495932010-12-27T16:49:00.000-08:002010-12-27T16:49:37.964-08:002011 Jewelry TrendsThis busy bespectacled elf is working on the latest trends for women's jewelry fashion in 2011. I thought some of you would like a preview of what will be hot in 2011. <br />
<br />
For a fraction of the cost of high-end designer jewelry in department stores, you can purchase non-sweatshop handmade (by me) jewelry from <a href="http://www.heartspace.etsy.com/">Heart Space's Etsy Shop.</a> <br />
<br />
Last year's wardrobe, with the addition of affordable jeweled accessories, will not only draw color, light and fancy to your best features, but will automatically update your look.<br />
<br />
Here are some up-to-the minute trends:<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">-Massive, Dramatic and Heavy Metals</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">Look for contemporary designs, sleek geometric shapes, and large chunky stones. Very big this year in the world of artisan jewelry: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">COPPER!</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XcYTYbslRyc/TRkzRgcXXNI/AAAAAAAAA5U/xCpwABBpF4g/s1600/copper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XcYTYbslRyc/TRkzRgcXXNI/AAAAAAAAA5U/xCpwABBpF4g/s320/copper.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; line-height: 17px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;">- Antique, Vintage, Retro & New Combinations</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;">Delicate vintage beads layered on with chains and pendants - more is better. Tall or large-framed women can wear delicate styles when impact is increased by layering accessories. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 17px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">- Dramatic, unique, unusual necklaces</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;">Almost any keepsake or talisman can be put into a locket or designed into jewelry. Contact Claire, the Heart Space artisan for custom jewelry designed to express your unique style, to your exact specifications.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">- Eclectic Natural Look</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">Wooden beads, pressed flowers in lockets or pendants, shells, semi-precious stones, seeds - reflecting the beauty of the earth!</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 17px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;">- Crystal, Rhinestone & Venetian Art Glass</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;">Many of these originate from the fine artisans of Czechoslovakia. All create sparkle and dance with the light. Want to light up the night? Choose rhinestones and crystals in colors that flatter your complexion, hair and eyes.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 17px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">- Neutrals</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">Classic creamy pearls, topaz, black onyx, amber, agate, almost every stone comes in a neutral color that you can wear day after day, and wear as your signature jewelry.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 17px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 17px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> - Real Pearls</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;">Pearls come in colors to flatter every coloring - every size from giant globes, to minute seed pearls. They glow warmly against a woman's skin. Fresh water pearls are especially affordable now. I love knotting pearls by hand - it's like prayer - very meditative.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;"><br />
</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">- Enormous Hoops and Chandelier Earrings</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;">These are so fun. Watch for an inexpensive line of handmade danglers coming soon to HeartSpace. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #274e13;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">-Green Eco Aware Movement</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;">Look like an earth mother - with new awareness of mother earth.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;">HeartSpace researches the origin of her materials. I recycle beautiful, old beads and materials I find at estate sales and curio shops.</span></span>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01007256928803254957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1997093703998948979.post-48798429536257914122010-10-24T15:11:00.000-07:002010-10-24T15:11:50.821-07:00October Orange<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">I LOVE ORANGE </span></span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"></span></span>Even those who turn up their noses at this dynamic and joyful color are known to use orange to decorate for Halloween. We gather bright sprays of autumn leaves to celebrate the changing seasons. The hills and hedgerows seem lit on fire. Orange is not a timid color. Orange is warmly dynamic.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Yet there is a range of glorious orange, from the soft blush of peach to the bright joy of tomato red-orange. Almost everyone can find an orange to flatter their coloring, or to brighten up a spot in their home or garden. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Orange shoes, handbags, and jewelry accents are making a resurgence. They can warm this fall's gray fashions with sophisticated whimsy. A splash of orange highlights your playful side.<br />
<br />
The color orange is joyful, creative. In interiors, subtler tones of this color are said to encourage conversation, fellowship, and interaction. Orange is a great accent when used with complimentary blues and blue-violets. Think of a field of poppies underneath a blue California sky.<br />
<br />
Here are some delightful examples of orange in full glory.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XcYTYbslRyc/TKli-rr95sI/AAAAAAAAA4o/sbEUJYe-It8/s1600/jack-o-lantern.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XcYTYbslRyc/TKli-rr95sI/AAAAAAAAA4o/sbEUJYe-It8/s320/jack-o-lantern.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Orange just glows! Couldn't have Halloween without it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XcYTYbslRyc/TKljEufijtI/AAAAAAAAA4s/j_fV5ekYbeE/s1600/peaches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XcYTYbslRyc/TKljEufijtI/AAAAAAAAA4s/j_fV5ekYbeE/s320/peaches.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Against this drab gray background, these peaches are a study in soft contrast.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XcYTYbslRyc/TKljYckOxyI/AAAAAAAAA4w/RfumLBLKREQ/s1600/orange-tomatoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XcYTYbslRyc/TKljYckOxyI/AAAAAAAAA4w/RfumLBLKREQ/s320/orange-tomatoes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Nothing more brilliant than a glistening tomato. . .</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XcYTYbslRyc/TKljyPjwMTI/AAAAAAAAA40/aQlHXyyE_WE/s1600/maple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XcYTYbslRyc/TKljyPjwMTI/AAAAAAAAA40/aQlHXyyE_WE/s320/maple.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">. . .unless it's an autumn maple against a blue sky.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XcYTYbslRyc/TKlj3aAUVkI/AAAAAAAAA44/TdBoxt7nLts/s1600/orange+necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XcYTYbslRyc/TKlj3aAUVkI/AAAAAAAAA44/TdBoxt7nLts/s320/orange+necklace.jpg" width="319" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.heartspace.etsy.com/">Orange necklace from HeartSpace. Click here to see this & more.</a></div></div>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01007256928803254957noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1997093703998948979.post-46052027236140686152010-09-18T15:37:00.000-07:002010-09-18T15:39:54.572-07:00The Joy of ColorYes, subtle and neutral is wonderful but in the autumn color is what prepares us for the gray days of winter. I go out and soak up color: mature wheat fields, the deep blue September skies, ripening pumpkins, red-tinged dogwood leaves, the last of the late summer flowers, the dahlias, sunflowers and asters, and trees laden with dusky reddening apples.<br />
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Nothing neutral about autumn.<br />
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Nothing neutral about my heart space.<br />
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Or HeartSpace.<br />
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<a href="http://www.heartspace.etsy.com/">Please click here to see the latest in HeartSpace's Store.</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XcYTYbslRyc/TJU8xfrOORI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/iXIQt44lP1I/s1600/ablackcat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XcYTYbslRyc/TJU8xfrOORI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/iXIQt44lP1I/s320/ablackcat.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XcYTYbslRyc/TJU-ubNaPtI/AAAAAAAAA34/KtI8-MVyMIk/s1600/afall5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XcYTYbslRyc/TJU-ubNaPtI/AAAAAAAAA34/KtI8-MVyMIk/s320/afall5.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XcYTYbslRyc/TJU_AXYBuoI/AAAAAAAAA4Q/rWGycBhdpkM/s1600/afall7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XcYTYbslRyc/TJU_AXYBuoI/AAAAAAAAA4Q/rWGycBhdpkM/s320/afall7.jpg" /></a></div>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01007256928803254957noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1997093703998948979.post-15293837707928711082010-09-03T15:59:00.000-07:002010-09-03T15:59:07.788-07:00The Cosmic Egg Hatched: Altar AssemblageOver a month ago I promised photos of the completed piece, with the working title: The Cosmic Egg. A fanciful depiction of Saint Hildegard of Bingen, for a special patron and artist, Melanie Weidner, the piece was completed at the end of July, in time for Melanie's landmark birthday. The santo is now on it's way to Albuquerque, New Mexico.<br />
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</div><div>Melanie has a very good camera, and a skilled artist's eye, so I am posting her photos, which are better than I usually have. Here you go!</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XcYTYbslRyc/TIFyizwNBQI/AAAAAAAAA2M/8Kq0ctTOW4s/s1600/DSCN0788+a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XcYTYbslRyc/TIFyizwNBQI/AAAAAAAAA2M/8Kq0ctTOW4s/s320/DSCN0788+a.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">detail: The Cosmic Egg</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XcYTYbslRyc/TIFyizwNBQI/AAAAAAAAA2M/8Kq0ctTOW4s/s1600/DSCN0788+a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XcYTYbslRyc/TIFy5cf5MuI/AAAAAAAAA2c/iKQrChxfyEA/s1600/DSCN0791+a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XcYTYbslRyc/TIFy5cf5MuI/AAAAAAAAA2c/iKQrChxfyEA/s320/DSCN0791+a.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XcYTYbslRyc/TIFzN971NeI/AAAAAAAAA2k/pVPPIPTfjT8/s1600/DSCN0793+a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XcYTYbslRyc/TIFzN971NeI/AAAAAAAAA2k/pVPPIPTfjT8/s320/DSCN0793+a.jpg" /></a></div><div>In this piece I have incorporated several aspects of the spirituality and art of Hildegard and the art and spirituality of Melanie Weidner. See her work <a href="http://www.listenforjoy.com/">http://www.listenforjoy.com</a><br />
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Hildegard's face, the moon and the egg are sculpted with Das Clay, combined with fabric, a wooden bowl, and found objects.</div><div><br />
</div><div>My desire was to incorporate natural objects reflecting Hildergard's work with plants, especially as medicine. I remembered my stash of dried rose hips, collected on a late autumn. Likewise, the feathers from goldfinch, raven, bluejay and sparrow. The shape of the altar, though a octagon, not a hexagon, still evoked the chambers of a bee-hive, a place of mystery, and relating to Melanie's name, derived from the Greek for honey bee. </div><div><br />
</div><div>The industry of bees reminds me of the industry of an artist, especially Melanie. She has been pondering her diverse interests as a spiritual director, teacher, artist and contemplative and how to further synchronize them. The work of the bees, gathering from so many different flowers to make honey, reminded me of all that we draw together in creating our life work.<br />
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I have placed a tiny replica of the Labyrinth of Chartres within the golden, sunlike egg. Opposing matrices combine in the creative process, requiring intuition, patience, even hard-scrabble struggle. Within the Cosmic Egg is a labyrinth that can seem endless. In the bee hive of the brain impressions are transformed in the folds and crannies unseen, so much like the twists and turns of a labyrinth. The brain is somewhat like an egg (intelligent people are teased for being egg-heads), hiding the gestation of ideas.</div><div><br />
</div><div>The moon and the loving old crone, who is part bird, with the feathers of combined birds, is a reminder of the magic that occurs outside the brain in the heart. It is the mother-love with which we nurture ideas that transform them into art. Little by little the mother bird feathers her nest, and little by little our creations unfold.</div><div><br />
All through the process of making this altar I kept this quote in mind that Melanie shared with me: "The order of the universe is toward compassion." -Dr. Pete Terpenning Every aspect is designed to curve and meld into the other, just as I imagine the spinning galaxies and the universe unfolding.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XcYTYbslRyc/TIF60-1PnOI/AAAAAAAAA2s/RTeugjrXN2c/s1600/DSCN0774+a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XcYTYbslRyc/TIF60-1PnOI/AAAAAAAAA2s/RTeugjrXN2c/s400/DSCN0774+a.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
</div><div><div style="text-align: center;">This piece can be turned several ways.</div></div><div><br />
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</div>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01007256928803254957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1997093703998948979.post-53220354387444629142010-08-18T13:41:00.000-07:002010-08-18T13:42:19.089-07:00100 Steps Beach: Offering Hope at the Altar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XcYTYbslRyc/TGw-38tWUAI/AAAAAAAAA1g/PnqEKLFcnyA/s1600/Offering.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XcYTYbslRyc/TGw-38tWUAI/AAAAAAAAA1g/PnqEKLFcnyA/s320/Offering.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>Two heart-shaped rocks left by Heart Space</i></span></div> <br />
At the top step, at One Hundred Steps beach, I wondered if my sore legs would carry me all the way down to the seashore and back again. There may be only one hundred steps but they are steep ones and my knees can play tricks on me.<br />
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It is hard to commit to a hike, with rheumatoid arthritis, because I can't predict when or where the flare-ups will appear. Still, this is my own beach, the one I claim as entirely special. You never know when you will see a seal, an eagle, or a pelican, which definitely trumps any fear of a little pain. <br />
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I decided to make the offering of my strength, such as it is, to the hike. I could take it slowly, and if any especially speedy types approached me on the trail, move over and let them pass me. So I made my plodding way with care.<br />
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At every turn I appreciated these stairs, the rails constructed of found objects and driftwood, how they offer quirky diversion. Soon, I'd forgotten the swellings and aches that accompanied me, and was able to keep up with my companion. He made the sacrifice of going slowly, so that I could feel hardy enough, and in the end, probably reaped the benefits of the smaller details. You just can't see them when you're whizzing past slow people on the trail.<br />
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The stairs themselves, constructed lovingly by someone who has made the remote beach accessible to most all who can walk, are a sacrifice, are an offering of compassion. Only the best of climbers could have accessed the beach before there were steps. And those who climbed must have made a mess of the flora and fauna. Such places give me hope for humanity - both because they were made by good souls, and are respected by humble enjoyers of them.<br />
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Some sights, even the speedy can't pass without noticing. The little shelter two-thirds of the way down the trail, appears to be a sort of shrine, or has been made into one by passersby. It is here, with gratitude for the sunshine, the sea, a pile of tiny agates in my pocket, that I left my one heart-shaped rock, and my love left his, too. (You can see in the photo, there is a kind of makeshift altar, and an interesting drawing, almost a petroglyph, nailed by someone above the shelf where we put our stones.)<br />
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Never do we know, when we begin an undertaking if we will see the end of it. We must obey our hearts and set out into the unknown with hope. Hope can be as complicated as one hundred steps down and one hundred up again, or as simple as one step forward into the unknown. It is hope that carries us to the best places, sites that we can share with loved ones, and all of humanity.Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01007256928803254957noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1997093703998948979.post-730273701517786942010-07-31T15:12:00.000-07:002010-07-31T15:13:36.860-07:00Pietopia Entry: My Favorite Blackberry PieI entered and did not place in a contest called Pietopia. Some of you have asked to see the entry, so here it is. It was supposed to be very, very short, but the contest guidelines were unclear as to whether the word limit included the recipe. <br />
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I played it safe and kept the whole thing under 300 words, which made it very, very streamlined. <br />
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It is my favorite pie recipe which I share with you in this posting. Enjoy!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XcYTYbslRyc/TFSfzwf3hEI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/_WdNuWeQgkU/s1600/blackberry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XcYTYbslRyc/TFSfzwf3hEI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/_WdNuWeQgkU/s320/blackberry.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Claire Germain Nail</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: underline;"><b>Gypsy Blackberry Pie</b></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Himalayan Blackberries are a nuisance in Oregon. Some summers I feel like that oft-maligned vine: a gypsy imported from a hotter, wealthier land. Yet, I’ve sent down my roots for good. Come rain or shine!</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Times have been tough here for me and countless others. The nearby Blockbuster store is gone, but the berry vines behind it prevail. Damn the economy, the cloudy gloom! I thrive on pie, replete with luscious blackberries: free for the picking, notwithstanding vicious scratches and purpled fingers! Blackberries are tough; so are Oregonians. So am I.</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Simple blackberry pie, ingredients available cheaply: tart it up or down, like your little black dress. Necessary tapioca thickener disappears into the berries. Add lemon. If you’re too rich and too thin, use butter instead of oil. The sweat-earned luxury of wild blackberries: money won’t buy gems more wickedly dark and glistening. </span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">Gypsy Berry Filling</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">9 inch pie </span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Preheat oven 425 degrees</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Mix:</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">8 -10 cups juicy blackberries</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">1/2 cup sugar (or more if you prefer a sweet pie)</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">1/4 cup instant tapioca </span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Ginger to taste</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">2 tablespoons to 1/4 cup lemon juice and peel*</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Let sit in warm place and make crust.</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">Easy Crust</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">2 cups flour</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">1/2 mild-flavored oil</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">1/2 teaspoon sea salt</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">up to 1/2 cup milk (water if you are really up against it)</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><ol style="list-style-type: decimal;"><li style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Measure flour into bowl, stir in salt.</span></li>
<li style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Stir in oil with fork, forming pea-size clumps.</span></li>
<li style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Stir in liquid slowly, till dough forms ball (less liquid on wet days).</span></li>
<li style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Divide into two balls.</span></li>
<li style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Roll out crust to about 1/4 inch, between wax paper. Flip dough over into pan and peel off paper. Arrange crust and trim overhanging edges.</span></li>
<li style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Add berries, 6 flecks of butter, cover with top crust, and crimp edges. Slit top crust.</span></li>
<li style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Bake 45-60 minutes, till golden and bubbly. Cool before eating.</span></li>
</ol>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01007256928803254957noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1997093703998948979.post-89235922556867143592010-07-11T22:10:00.000-07:002010-07-11T22:27:05.166-07:00Waiting for the Cosmic Egg to Hatch<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">I'm working on a new project for an artist friend in exchange for a beautiful painting. This is a painting which I have permission to use as the cover for my up-coming novel which will publish before Christmas. </span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">(Watch for information here regarding this novel:<i> Saint Sullivan's Daughter.)</i></span><br />
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</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">The new project is a secret right now, as it will be a surprise for my friend. Let us just say these few hints. It involves the moon, the color blue, stardust, and a bee.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">That and the beautiful inspirational image (you'll find below) - an illumination from Hildegarde, who lived from 1098-1179: visionary, writer, artist and composer. And like so many gifted European women of her time, a Catholic monastic.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">Have a great week! I'll be publishing a photo of the altar sculpture as soon as it's done.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XcYTYbslRyc/TDqkLK5sVaI/AAAAAAAAA1Q/HKVwdtooJJQ/s1600/cosmicegg.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XcYTYbslRyc/TDqkLK5sVaI/AAAAAAAAA1Q/HKVwdtooJJQ/s400/cosmicegg.gif" width="301" /></a></div></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Cosmic Egg by Hildegarde of Bingen</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><a href="http://www.heartspace.etsy.com/">HeartSpace offers free shipping this July 2010. Click here.</a></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><br />
</div></div>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01007256928803254957noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1997093703998948979.post-28564460286940735332010-06-23T16:34:00.000-07:002010-06-23T16:34:22.882-07:00Some new things for your perusal. Plus a Spanish Recipe.Here's an idea for a quick, easy and delicious dinner: a great way to use leftovers.<br />
<br />
Spanish Tortilla<br />
<br />
In Spain a <i>tortilla </i>is an omelet, similar to a frittata. It's a great way to use up leftover roasted potatoes, or cottage fried potatoes, or even, a pinch, some hash browns.<br />
<br />
The main ingredients:<br />
eggs<br />
olive oil<br />
potatoes<br />
onion<br />
sea salt<br />
and ground pimiento (get the good Spanish stuff).<br />
<br />
You can add all kinds of delicious things such as olives, green pepper, veggie or meat sausage, cheese, and herbs. Go crazy!<br />
<br />
First cook the potatoes in olive oil, if you have no leftovers. (Start with olive oil in the pan) Then add onions, etc. Add egg. When it starts to coagulate, I usually put my whole cast-iron fry pan in the oven for about 10 minutes or so (depending on how many eggs.) This is so delicious - even cold.<br />
<br />
And easy. . .<br />
<br />
This locket reminds me of many I saw in antique shops in Spain, except this one was made by me in Portland, Oregon.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XcYTYbslRyc/TCKYvnEPO0I/AAAAAAAAA0k/Kp5Q3WIdImk/s1600/alocketa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XcYTYbslRyc/TCKYvnEPO0I/AAAAAAAAA0k/Kp5Q3WIdImk/s400/alocketa.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XcYTYbslRyc/TCKY_M6GNmI/AAAAAAAAA00/D7kJVArVurk/s1600/alocket4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XcYTYbslRyc/TCKY_M6GNmI/AAAAAAAAA00/D7kJVArVurk/s320/alocket4.jpg" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XcYTYbslRyc/TCKY8GUseNI/AAAAAAAAA0s/GAYoWHMXSBQ/s1600/alocket5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XcYTYbslRyc/TCKY8GUseNI/AAAAAAAAA0s/GAYoWHMXSBQ/s320/alocket5.jpg" /></a></div><a href="http://www.heartspace.etsy.com/">See this and more at HeartSpace on Etsy</a>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01007256928803254957noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1997093703998948979.post-62423311889995584382010-06-16T12:24:00.000-07:002010-06-16T12:34:55.713-07:00Jewels like Water Video<object id="vp1mFvEk" width="432" height="240" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000"><param name="movie" value="http://static.animoto.com/swf/w.swf?w=swf/vp1&e=1276716468&f=mFvEkRAS0KpY4CBsTs9tEw&d=33&m=b&r=w&i=m&options="></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed id="vp1mFvEk" src="http://static.animoto.com/swf/w.swf?w=swf/vp1&e=1276716468&f=mFvEkRAS0KpY4CBsTs9tEw&d=33&m=b&r=w&i=m&options=" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="432" height="240"></embed></object><p>Create your own <a href="http://animoto.com">video slideshow</a> at animoto.com.</p>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01007256928803254957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1997093703998948979.post-25457727178374544672010-06-15T10:38:00.000-07:002010-06-15T10:48:41.682-07:00The winner is . . .<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">To all who entered the contest: Thank you for commenting, following, and trying something new. </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">The lucky winner is Kim, who wins her choice of HeartSpace jewelry, 20 dollars or under. If you didn't win, please read on - there's something in it for you.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I want to offer a second, </span></span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">consolation prize</span></span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">to whomever commented on this post (original posters in the give-away - I have your names, dearies!).</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Anyone who originally posted a comment</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">here </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">is eligible to buy </span></span></span></b><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">anything</span></span></span></b></i><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> in my HeartSpace Etsy store <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">for 25% off the listed price. </span> </span></span></span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br />
</b></span></span><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Let me know what you want, BEFORE you order on Etsy, and I will lower the listing price and reserve the item for you. </span></span></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">To take a look at what's available, click here </span></span></span><a href="http://www.heartspace.etsy.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">http://www.heartspace.etsy.com</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">This offer only applies to those who commented on the June 2 blog post. </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Wishing you every happiness,</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Love from Heart Space</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XcYTYbslRyc/TBe53EgWz3I/AAAAAAAAA0M/YIml_o6KIOs/s1600/IMG_4240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XcYTYbslRyc/TBe53EgWz3I/AAAAAAAAA0M/YIml_o6KIOs/s320/IMG_4240.JPG" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></span>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01007256928803254957noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1997093703998948979.post-74678683455572256482010-06-02T16:57:00.000-07:002010-06-02T16:57:41.997-07:00Contest Time!It's raining and gloomy in Portland, Oregon. Al and Tipper Gore are divorcing after 40 years and I lost a follower. I was so excited to have reached a 100, but alas, one of the doves has flown!<br />
<br />
Never mind, I understand. Some blogs lose my interest after awhile, too. Let's see what I can do to spice this one up a little. <br />
<br />
How about a contest? <br />
<br />
Comment and become a follower and you will be added to a drawing for a free gift of your choice from my Etsy store, valued up to twenty dollars. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Let's begin! Contest ends June, 10, 2010.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XcYTYbslRyc/TAbv5E931VI/AAAAAAAAA0E/4WNhPe_I7v0/s1600/aparaguas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XcYTYbslRyc/TAbv5E931VI/AAAAAAAAA0E/4WNhPe_I7v0/s320/aparaguas.jpg" /></a></div>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01007256928803254957noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1997093703998948979.post-25425408836781949212010-05-25T12:47:00.000-07:002010-05-25T12:47:14.427-07:00Ode to Earrings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<i>Oh, tiny pendants, perfect pearls,</i><br />
<i>glittering gold,</i><br />
<i>shimmering silver,</i><br />
<i>beads bobbing bright,</i><br />
<i>how you dance around my head!</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>Earrings, you enhance </i><br />
<i>with so little effort,</i><br />
<i>just swing from my ears,</i><br />
<i>like stars fallen from last night's dream.</i><br />
<i>I love thee so!</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>But oft I have lost thee,</i><br />
<i>only to find another pair,</i><br />
<i>just as lovely to entrance.</i><br />
<i>Ears are fickle, as I am.</i><br />
<i>And earrings are </i><br />
<i>everywhere.</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XcYTYbslRyc/S_wm_deoOGI/AAAAAAAAAzU/5Es9HMbg5Dw/s1600/Coral+earring1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XcYTYbslRyc/S_wm_deoOGI/AAAAAAAAAzU/5Es9HMbg5Dw/s320/Coral+earring1.jpg" /></a></div><i><br />
</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Very silly, but sincere. I love earrings. Come see the new ones in the earrings that sparkle section at my Etsy store. <a href="http://www.heartspace.etsy.com/">http://www.heartspace.etsy.com</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XcYTYbslRyc/S_wnsdcWVUI/AAAAAAAAAz0/c2gyFpmXBuU/s1600/IMG_4228+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XcYTYbslRyc/S_wnsdcWVUI/AAAAAAAAAz0/c2gyFpmXBuU/s320/IMG_4228+2.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XcYTYbslRyc/S_wmtDMfUpI/AAAAAAAAAzE/CTnKMnZ4yKg/s1600/abalonex.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XcYTYbslRyc/S_wmtDMfUpI/AAAAAAAAAzE/CTnKMnZ4yKg/s320/abalonex.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XcYTYbslRyc/S_wm3Q4EW8I/AAAAAAAAAzM/H9GOQ49UZoQ/s1600/Antique2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XcYTYbslRyc/S_wm3Q4EW8I/AAAAAAAAAzM/H9GOQ49UZoQ/s320/Antique2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XcYTYbslRyc/S_wnLcOAlfI/AAAAAAAAAzc/oMUzR_Tirz8/s1600/elparaguas1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XcYTYbslRyc/S_wnLcOAlfI/AAAAAAAAAzc/oMUzR_Tirz8/s320/elparaguas1.jpg" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XcYTYbslRyc/S_wnWOUkocI/AAAAAAAAAzk/jyIIZcr30e4/s1600/IMG_4235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XcYTYbslRyc/S_wnWOUkocI/AAAAAAAAAzk/jyIIZcr30e4/s320/IMG_4235.JPG" /></a></div>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01007256928803254957noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1997093703998948979.post-81084078336275993902010-05-25T00:31:00.000-07:002010-05-25T00:31:23.718-07:00I just need one more follower to reach 100.And that would be a milestone, wouldn't it?<br />
<br />
Have a great day and take good care of your heart.<br />
<br />
You only get one, and even if you receive a transplant - you only get one at a time.<br />
<br />
Blessings,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>from Clarita<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XcYTYbslRyc/S_t8qJ4B4_I/AAAAAAAAAy8/c-EZh96c5oM/s1600/citrine1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XcYTYbslRyc/S_t8qJ4B4_I/AAAAAAAAAy8/c-EZh96c5oM/s320/citrine1.jpg" /></a></div>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01007256928803254957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1997093703998948979.post-38717286088749777952010-05-14T15:55:00.000-07:002010-05-21T11:53:03.710-07:00Bruce Lee Said "Be Like Water; See with Your Skin""Be like water," Bruce Lee said, "see with your skin."<br />
Be like water, I imagine, flow around obstructions. <br />
Be like water; refresh, then go your way. <br />
Be like water: shimmering, gentle, powerful, awe-inspiring.<br />
<br />
Every time I look at this necklace I think of water,<br />
of the sea, of water's ability to move without effort,<br />
of water's ability to change color to mirror the sky.<br />
<br />
This abalone pendant catches the dance of water,<br />
it's music, both gentle and strong.<br />
<br />
Water has moods, without moodiness.<br />
Water replenishes perfectly.<br />
Water is a treasure we take for granted.<br />
<br />
This necklace could be a talisman to remind one of several things:<br />
to protect one's resources, and to protect the Earth,<br />
to flow without effort, without stress around difficulty,<br />
to shine and move as you are intended,<br />
and to be like water.<br />
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/46488308/be-like-water-abalone-necklace">[Click here to see necklace on Etsy.]</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XcYTYbslRyc/S-3U2j9SMDI/AAAAAAAAAyk/WyE6FohRl-E/s1600/abalone3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XcYTYbslRyc/S-3U2j9SMDI/AAAAAAAAAyk/WyE6FohRl-E/s400/abalone3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01007256928803254957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1997093703998948979.post-85761261807235529772010-05-05T22:41:00.000-07:002010-05-05T22:41:12.247-07:00Do You Consider Quality Over Quantity?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><div>When you have to stretch your dollars, it's tempting to choose quantity over quality. </div><div><br />
</div> Leave a comment below and let me know your answers to one or more of the following questions. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">1. Are you looking for quality materials and craftwork?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">2. Are you looking for something totally unique, or do you prefer something that resembles what you've already seen?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">3. Do you care where the materials come from and how they were derived? </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">4. Is price your primary concern, over everything else?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XcYTYbslRyc/S-JVcM4kaEI/AAAAAAAAAyc/WAE7yqe2waw/s1600/Abalone1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XcYTYbslRyc/S-JVcM4kaEI/AAAAAAAAAyc/WAE7yqe2waw/s320/Abalone1.jpg" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01007256928803254957noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1997093703998948979.post-38315602699298876432010-04-26T02:35:00.000-07:002010-04-26T02:35:36.848-07:00I Made my first Treasury on Treasury East!Hi, friends,<br />
It took me forever to figure out how to do this, but I curated my first treasury on Treasury East and I'd love it if you took a look at it and maybe even commented. Here is the link. It's a celebration of Cinco de Mayo and all the saturated colors and delight I associate with Latino culture.<br />
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Enjoy.<br />
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4bd54ea810ae6d9125935142/cinco-de-mayo-ol">Click here to go to the treasury.</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XcYTYbslRyc/S9VeXvrtIVI/AAAAAAAAAyU/3BWr_I4PJl8/s1600/fiesta5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XcYTYbslRyc/S9VeXvrtIVI/AAAAAAAAAyU/3BWr_I4PJl8/s200/fiesta5.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01007256928803254957noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1997093703998948979.post-42508928201142854692010-04-19T23:46:00.000-07:002010-04-19T23:46:47.844-07:00Filigree and Fiddle-dee-dee to FashionThere are lots of blogs telling you what to wear. I won't do that. I <i>am</i> going to tell you to have fun with your jewelry. <br />
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Why not? I have fun making it. I'm always on the look-out for interesting materials and juicy gems. I love the hunt.<br />
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For instance, I recently found these antique brass filigrees that remind me of flowers, and combined them with gorgeous golden freshwater pearls and sundrops of citrine. And Voila!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XcYTYbslRyc/S81Km9ytebI/AAAAAAAAAxs/KdbcArmvpU8/s1600/Antique3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XcYTYbslRyc/S81Km9ytebI/AAAAAAAAAxs/KdbcArmvpU8/s320/Antique3.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XcYTYbslRyc/S81KbWO5t6I/AAAAAAAAAxU/CrYvD-KQScA/s1600/Antique1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XcYTYbslRyc/S81KbWO5t6I/AAAAAAAAAxU/CrYvD-KQScA/s320/Antique1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XcYTYbslRyc/S81KeR0IM-I/AAAAAAAAAxc/Xr7nqxSO_tc/s1600/Antique2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XcYTYbslRyc/S81KeR0IM-I/AAAAAAAAAxc/Xr7nqxSO_tc/s320/Antique2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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They'd be lots of fun, especially on someone with light-colored blonde to red hair, or short hair of any color. Very feminine and Victorian feeling ~ like one of my favorite flowers, the fuchsia.<br />
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I have more citrine, if anyone wants a nice little necklace to go with these earrings. <br />
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GEM LORE: Pearls are very fashionable this year, but do you know they have healing properties as well? Pearls are cooling and soothing, can help balance emotions, and symbolize purity. They are very absorbent of whatever the wearer feels, but when pared with citrine, which deflects negativity, the energy is very balanced.Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01007256928803254957noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1997093703998948979.post-18822246786926278102010-04-06T17:04:00.000-07:002010-04-06T19:55:55.174-07:00El espíritu de la fiesta. The Spirit of FiestaEn español or in English, the word fiesta stands on its own these days. The word fiesta connotes more food, more music, more color than the word party does. Many parties are joyful, colorful and fun, but not all. I expect a fiesta to be wonderful.<br />
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There are pity-parties and home-shopping parties at which you are enticed to buy Tupperware, and those uncomfortable to escape parties: familial days of guilty obligation. Who among us, not having the proper stylish attire, hasn't tried to fade into the wallpaper at some chi-chi soiré ? Would you long to hide at a real, live fiesta? Probably not. <br />
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You'd show your true self, because that's who was invited. <br />
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The espíritu, or spirit of a fiesta, is the festival, or celebration of a feast day. Originally these were spiritual or religious in nature, and that may be why they're different. At a true fiesta the host is more concerned with the welfare of the guests, the celebration, than in selling Tupperware, or an idea of oneself as stylish decorator or gourmet cook. At a true fiesta the hostess splurges on food, music and the children's piñata before her dress and the silverware.<br />
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(That's why I designed my Fiesta Collection of celebratory jewelry with affordability and joyful color in mind.) <br />
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WHAT MAKES A FIESTA, OR REAL LIVE PARTY JOYOUS FOR YOU? I'd love to read your comments.<br />
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¡Bondad!<br />
<a href="http://www.heartspace.etsy.com/"> Click here to be my guest on Etsy!</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XcYTYbslRyc/S7vKqBh_YpI/AAAAAAAAAwc/LZK5X4YdQpg/s1600/fiesta+guadalupe6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XcYTYbslRyc/S7vKqBh_YpI/AAAAAAAAAwc/LZK5X4YdQpg/s400/fiesta+guadalupe6.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01007256928803254957noreply@blogger.com4