Rocky Creek Gems

I'm Committed

2011-03-07T15:50:00.005-06:00

It's been a really long, hard road fraught with decisions, indecisions, changed minds, over-priced land, and just about anything going wrong that can go wrong. BUT, I have FINALLY settled on a cabin. Is it as big as I'd like? No, but it'll do. Is it the style I'd like? No, but again, it'll do. Is it the best of what I can do within my limitations? Yes, I think it is. I'm happy with it. And it'll be mine.

I still have to complete the land sale, get final financing, pay to drill a water well, pay to have a septic system installed, pay to have a road put in, pay to have it fenced, pay to have a carport build...pay, pay, and pay some more. But it could be worse and lots of people would love to be in my position, so I'm not really complaining. Well, not much I'm not. At any rate, I have paid the 50% down--$47,690.97. So I guess that means I'm committed. Actually, it's kind of exciting!

Happy Three Kings Day to Victoria!

2011-01-21T08:52:00.000-06:00

The only reason this is being published is because my gift to Victoria didn't get there before the Gourdie Girls opened their gifts--I set it up that way. SO. . . . first order of business is to apologize to Victoria. I KNEW I should allow extra time for her gift to arrive in the UK. It's not like it's just down the street afterall--but I didn't. I meant to, and I tried, but life got in the way. So Victoria, I apologize. I hope when you DO receive it that it will be worth the wait and will make up for the disappointment in not being able to physically open your gift with the rest of the Gourdies.

Fortunately I took pictures of Victoria's gift before I mailed it. When she was here in Texas, Victoria made a casual mention that she had tried to purchase one of these on ArtFire, but the shipping was too expensive. What I later figured out was the price was for Priority Mail. So yeah, it WAS too expensive! So here you go Victoria--the vendor's apron your wanted.

The apron is two colors of purple fabric (what else!) I machine quilted together. An embroidered pocket on each side makes the apron 100% reversible. Even the waistband and ties are reversible! The pocket has been stitched to divide it into three smaller pockets. The embroidery, a filigree style butterfly, is designed to be as similar to Victoria's logo as possible. Her shop name is embroidered on the top of the design, and her name is on the bottom.

Now, since Victoria works with her mother, Maureen, at all her shows it seemed unfair to not make one for her mother as well--so I did. But there's a catch to it. Each apron is indeed reversible, but one side says Victoria, and the other side says Maureen. On one apron Victoria's name is on the dark fabric, and on the other apron her name is on the light fabric. The other side on each apron says Maureen.

This means our Butterfly Crafts team is going to have to decide which color they're going to wear and make sure they each have the proper side of their apron showing! They can wear the aprons so that their name is showing on the dark fabric, or they can switch aprons and wear them so that light color pocket with their name is showing.

I wouldn't have done this except for the fact that I know how close Victoria is with her mother. It is my hope that this will add just one more small measure of closeness between them as they do their craft shows together. And yes, I hope too, that using the aprons will remind Victoria of the love and friendship I feel for her, and for ALL the Gourdie Girls who continue to brighten my life with THEIR love and friendship.

The Newest Landowner in Rutersville....Well, Soon...

2010-12-13T14:56:00.006-06:00

Life does go on, and as the saying goes, "to everything there is a season." This isn't exactly how I envisioned my future, but it's what I have to work with so I might as well make the best of it. I had hoped to be the newest landowner in Rutersville this week, but no such luck. The title company is going to have to do whatever it is that title companies are supposed to do, which means that by the middle of January I hope they will have done what's necessary for me to be able to close on my property so I can get started on the next phase--building a home on it.

Certainly there's lots of work to be done. A septic system is going to have to be put in to replace the cesspool. I'm leery of a water well not 100 feet away from the cesspool, so probably better to just dig a new one and use the current one for the yard. The house isn't really habitable, but it'll do as a shed to store materials while a new one is being built--and then it can come down. True, it's going to take some creative landscaping to utilize the concrete slabs, but it can be done. And it's certainly cheaper than having them removed. I know THAT from experience! So no, they'll stay.

Alot of the materials can be used for other things. The pieces of tin look relatively new and certainly will make a great roof on a dog pen. The railing on the chain link fence is pretty beat up, but the fencing itself is in good shape. Certainly there's plenty for a first-class dog pen and still have enough for a back yard area for the dogs to run around in.

And then there's the view. Ah yes...the view. The property is 1.596 acres. Not huge, but certainly all I need! Roughly that's about equal to 1.5 football fields. Plenty of room to spread out and wander around the yard in my nightgown without anyone caring.
So here are the photos of my soon-to-be-all-mine piece of rural Fayette County, Texas.

2010-09-27T11:58:00.006-05:00

September 27, 2010

The Honorable Kay Bailey Hutchison

284 Russell Senate Office Building

Washington, DC 20510-4304

202-224-0776 (FAX)

Dear Senator Hutchison:

I am contacting you as my senator to ask for your assistance in requesting that Senators Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray, both from the State of Washington please intervene on behalf of my daughter, Kendra Maston, with Child Protective Services in Spokane, Washington. The future of my only grandchildren is at stake and I am feeling totally helpless as I watch my daughter being victimized by an agency that over the last year and a half is using their power and authority to do the wrong thing, and my grandchildren are paying the price.

The entire episode is a very lengthy one, but I will try to hit the high points. I want to also make it clear that I understand my daughter has made some mistakes and she is not totally without blame. BUT, I also want it noted that during this year and a half she has consistently done more than what was required of her, but to no avail. The criteria for reunification consistently changes.

My daughter has two children, Danica and Tristan. About a year and a half ago, the little boy, Tristan, sustained a broken leg. He was just beginning to learn to stand up by himself. Kendra was out of the room at the time so didn't know what had really happened. But after a few hours of being unable to console him she decided it was time for a trip to the emergency room, where they sat for a few more hours. The x-rays showed a spiral fracture. Spiral fractures CAN be--but aren't always--an indicator of abuse.

Police were called, parents interviewed, kids removed pending an investigation. The investigation relied solely on a doctor's statement that he believed it to be abuse. Kids put into foster care and the official finding was medical neglect because of the 4 hours Kendra waited to take the baby to the emergency room.

This in itself has totally devastated my daughter because at no time did she consider herself to be doing anything except being prudent and careful. As an aside, it took Kendra's attorney over a year to gain access to Tristan's medical file and the photos. After 7 hours waiting for treatment there was still no bruising. Abuse would have clearly left bruises on his leg--there were none. But this information wasn't available until recently and the finding of neglect still stands. Kendra took a comprehensive first aid class from the Red Cross, and I provided her with a top-of-the-line first aid kit--all because she truly wanted to know what she could have done differently.

Kendra has been undergoing weekly urinalysis for over a year and a half and they have all been clean, although admittedly some were diluted--which counts as "dirty"--because it was summer and she was drinking large quantities of water since she has to rely on public transportation. That is considered to not be an excuse so she has tried not to drink very much water on the days she goes in for testing. Kendra does suffer from bi-poloar disorder, but is on medication to treat it and has been for years. I wish she didn't have it, but it's not illegal.

During this time Kendra has taken all her required parenting classes. She has glowing reports from the service providers. When her caseworker thinks something else would be of benefit, she has taken the class even though it means she's taken some of them 2 or 3 times with the only difference being in where the class was held. Kendra attends group counseling several days a week as required, has done everything CPS has wanted her to do. Despite all of her cooperation and the glowing reports from her service provider, her caseworker claims she doesn't participate adequately and that he doesn't believe she will ever regain custody of her children.

When her caseworker said Kendra needed to give up her apartment because it was more than she could afford and because it would enable her to qualify for subsidized housing I thought it was insane. She insisted that if going homeless was required, then she'd do it. I paid to put her stuff in storage. Being homeless and living in a shelter wasn't all that condusive to making her appointments on time, so she was consistently dinged on that by CPS.

In the meantime, the Salvation Army that was going to provide the housing voucher required CPS to sign that the children would be returning home within 2 weeks. Her caseworker who urged her to go homeless in the first place refused to sign it. So without kids she didn't qualify for housing, and without housing she didn't qualify to get the kids back. So back to the streets, and to the shelter when she could. How does this help my daughter to be a better parent? How does this help reunite families?

People at her church said she could rent a room from them while she looked for suitable housing, so she did. That worked for a few weeks until one of their friends got drunk, came into her bedroom while she was sleeping and raped her. A police report was filed, trip to the hospital for the rape kit, etc. The response from CPS? "If you can't keep yourself safe, how can keep your children safe?" Such a response is an outrage and should be illegal. And again, how does this help my daughter become a better parent? How does this help reunite families?

That's when I stepped in and contacted CPS to get temporary guardianship of them. CPS refused because I was out of state and the kids needed to be available for Kendra's parenting classes. Her caseworker stated that the only thing between Kendra getting her kids back was her inability to find suitable housing. Believe me, I made certain that was truly the case. "You mean, as soon as Kendra finds somewhere to live the kids will be returned?" Yes, was the response. So I co-signed a lease, sent a copy of it to the caseworker and asked when reunification would occur. Suddenly it wasn't "quite that simple."

In the meantime, what I didn't not want to happen has. The children have been moved from foster home to foster home. To make matters worse, the children aren't even in the SAME foster home! When does CPS start to work FOR families instead of against them? How is that in the best interest of the children? Who can give me a valid answer to that? At the moment no one can.

October 11, 2010 Child Protective Services will be going to court to terminate my daughter's parental rights. The plan is to allow the foster family to adopt the little boy, Tristan, and put the little girl, Danica up for adoption separately. This is insane. If this is allowed to happen, not only will I never get to see my grandchildren again and my daughter will never get to see her children again, but the children won't get to see each other again. Something must be done to stop this insanity.

And I guess that's what my real beef has been: everyone seems to be making it up as they go along. There is no plan, no set goals or objectives. No measureable criteria of what constitutes meeting the goals. Absolutely no standards whatsoever. Everytime Kendra meets criteria, the criteria changes. I have spoken to her caseworker and asked specifically about the reunification plan and what the criteria they are requiring and honestly I was appalled. As a former teacher I could NEVER have gotten away with that kind of thing. You don't get to change your mind about what you want after specifying the things that must be done and at what level of competency they're to be performed at.

I have asked how being in two different foster homes is in the best interests of the children and gotten no answer. I get bunny-trailed, and when I restate the question, no one can ever answer it. Without subpoenas all the state resource people who have worked with Kendra and are highly complimentary of her progress can't testify on her behalf. They will next month, but up to now it's been Kendra's word against her CPS caseworker. And guess who wins.

I have spoken to Kendra's attorney who assures me that she has no doubts about Kendra's parenting abilities, and stated that Kendra has done far more than any other client she's represented and she believes Kendra is being jerked around and should have had her kids back months ago.

During this entire time the caseworker has made it clear that he sees no way Kendra will regain custody of her children. It is my opinion that at this point in time, the mistakes and errors made by CPS are so grievous and blatant that they believe the best way out that covers up their mistakes is to make it a self-fulfilling prophecy--just terminate parental rights, put the kids up for adoption separately and close the case. It's convenient, it's easy, and who going to care?

Having no money it's unlikely Kendra will be able to sue them. Afterall, she's just a "welfare mother" so what's the big deal? Same goes for me, her mother--having no money I won't be able to afford to do so either. I know from experience that if you can't budget at least $50,000 you can just forget it. You truly do get all the justice you can buy. And if you can't--well then, you don't get it.

Please, Senator Hutchison, don't allow this to happen to my grandbabies. Please, please request on my behalf that Senators Cantwell and Murray intervene on behalf of my daughter Kendra Maston and her children Danica and Tristan Jackson. Please ask them to send my grandbabies home to their mother--immediately and together.

Respectfully,

Linda McMurry

251 N. County Line Rd.

Elgin, TX 78621

email: lmcmurry@swbell.net

Celebrate the Twelve Days of Christmas in July!

2010-07-14T12:42:00.000-05:00

This week I went out shopping for some copper beads, and lo and behold, what did I see? CHRISTMAS ITEMS! Seems as if Christmas in July has become much more widespread over the past few years—and that’s good! It’s good for a lot of reasons. The most obvious is that you’re FINISHED. You can then sit back and taunt everyone else who is out frantically trying to find the perfect gift for everyone on their list. I’m not one of those people. I’m not that efficient for one thing, and for another, I like to be able to give people something I’ve made myself. I admit it’s not always possible when the person is asking Santa for a metric socket set, for example, but I can usually supplement the gifts with something I’ve made especially for them. And all of this takes TIME.

Time. To me that’s the major advantage to taking advantage of the Christmas in July sales. Doing so allows you to budget your holiday shopping dollars much more efficiently and effectively. And of course it helps provide me with the much needed peer-pressure “kick in the butt” to get started on my holiday gift-making.

If you can’t make the gift yourself, the next best thing is to BUY a handmade gift! So to help inspire all you would-be holiday shoppers, I’m offering ONE PERSON per day the opportunity to grab ONE ITEM of their choice for half-price. That’s right—one person will get the item of their choice for a full 50% off.

Here’s what you do: Be the first person to use the coupon code below in either Rocky Creek Gems, or The Calico Cat. The coupon code will work ONE TIME in EACH SHOP and is good for just that one day. Good luck, and have fun!

July 14 coupon code: PEARTREE
July 15 coupon code: TURTLEDOVES
July 16 coupon code: FRENCHHENS
July 17 coupon code: CALLINGBIRDS
July 18 coupon code: GOLDENRINGS
July 19 coupon code: GEESE
July 20 coupon code: SWANS
July 21 coupon code: MILKMAIDS
July 22 coupon code: LADIES
July 23 coupon code: LORDS
July 24 coupon code: PIPERS
July 25 coupon code: DRUMMERS

Remember, the code will only work once, so be the first to use it and everyone have a very merry CHRISTMAS IN JULY!!

An Open Letter To God

2010-06-14T14:18:00.000-05:00

Dear God,

I know I am not deserving of a special request, but I am hoping that because You know how hard I have tried these last 12 years to do what is required of me that You will have mercy and grant it to me anyway. Please God, do not take Mike away from me. Please open his eyes and his heart once again to me. You know I have asked very little of You just for myself; I have always prayed for my family and my friends. So please God, find me deserving of making this one request for myself, I beg of you.

True, I’m not often in the pews of one of Your churches, but you know my heart. You know I recognize this whole world as Your church, and that I worship you all the time. You have guided my hands when I made so much of my jewelry, whispering one more bead, you can finish the task I have set you to just like you are finishing this necklace—one bead at a time. I have talked to You while I have knitted, and You have listened. You have spoken, and I have tried hard to hear what You would tell me, I really have.

Please God, I want my husband back. I have followed the example of Ruth: I have made Mike’s people, my people; where he has gone, I have gone. I have slept where he has slept. I have honored his father and mother as my own parents. His burdens have been my burdens. I have kept all my promises. I promised You I would love Mike till death do us part, and I am keeping that promise. I promised Mike’s mother that I would always love Mike “anyway.” I am keeping that promise. I am also keeping the promise to Mike “to always be nice to each other.” I have loved completely and unconditionally. You know my heart and You see to the very depths of my soul God, so you know there is nothing I would not do for Mike.

Through all the trials and the tribulations You have placed before us I have tried to act with integrity, dignity, and honor. I have endured the trials you placed before me. When I could go no further, I kept going. When I had no more strength to carry any more, I did anyway. When no one else wanted to do what had to be done, I stepped up and did it. I took the blame, I allowed myself to be the “villain.” Yes, I made mistakes during those 10 years but I gave of myself freely and without reservation. Surely that should count for something.

I have learned humility and patience. I have learned the meaning of true forgiveness. I have turned the other cheek. I have been kind and understanding when again and again I was treated rudely; when I was embarrassed and humiliated in front of other people; when I was always left behind; when I was never considered important enough to spend time with; when everyone else was more important than me and I was repeatedly ignored; when I have been misunderstood; when I have been falsely accused; I did my best to smile and hold my head up anyway. I have done my best to act with integrity and dignity regardless of the opinions of others. When my health made doing the simplest task an act of sheer will-power, I did more than I was able to do, and then endured being insulted as lazy. You know I did, God. Yes, it hurt, and I told You how badly it hurt, but you know I bore it, and I bore it without malice. I have never held a grudge nor tried to “get even” with Mike for any slight or insult. I know I probably was not easy to live with, but You know I never stopped loving Mike, nor did I ever stop trying to do and be my best.

I know it isn’t Mike’s fault that he can’t put his relationship with me first. You are the one who taught us that the sins of the fathers are visited upon their children. You know his father and grandfather were not good husbands. I knew it too, when I married Mike. But I also know that you will help any of your children who will help themselves; that you gave us Free Will. You gave us the ability to change and do things differently—to become better people and to receive your Grace. Please God, Mike is a good man and I love him. We both love him. Mike doesn’t deserve to go through a 4th divorce. He does not deserve the diminished respect of his many long-married professional colleagues and friends with yet another divorce. Please don’t allow him to follow in the footsteps of his father because after all, he is Your child too. Show him that as his Father You have given him everything he wants and needs already—he just has to open his heart to it. Remind him that You are his role model. Mike works hard at everything else except his marriages. Please God, show him he needs to tend and care for his marriage in the same way as he cares for everything else and that the rewards for doing so are every bit as great.

Show Mike that this too is a part of Your process for making him a better person. It is yet one more challenge he has in front of him. Open his heart to the reality that You gave him a wife who is steadfast and devoted to him, and that with just a small amount of effort on his part the love between us will once again flourish and grow even stronger, just as You intended it to. Bring him the enlightenment that of all his challenges and trials that You have placed in front of him to make him a better person, that this one is the easiest. Please God, show him that quitting right at the finish line is not what You have planned for him. Mike is a good man with a heart full of love, and in need of love. I promised You and his mother both God, to love Mike unconditionally for as long as we both shall live. Those promises were not made lightly. Please bring him back to me so I can continue to keep those promises.

Mike and I have survived the 10 years of trial by fire you placed before us, but we have not come through unscathed. You know that. Our souls, our spirits, and our bodies are bruised and battered and we have suffered greatly but I know I am a better person because of it. Thanks to Your gifts of medicines, I am again healthy and I am continuing to try to be a better person still. When I was at the very bottom and you sent Jay to intervene and keep me from taking my life God, I don’t think that it was only to then turn around and take Mike away from me. I do not believe God, that you sent me to Mike to suffer alongside him and help him carry his burden throughout these trying times only to be discarded when those trials are over. Please God, let us keep our promises to each other and to You and grow old together.

Mike is a good, honest, and honorable man. You know his heart. Please, let him see that like mine, his body and spirit also have wounds that need tending. Reassure him that the pharmacopeias of medicines available to help his spirit mend are also yet another one of Your gifts. Let him not be too prideful to accept the help they offer. Send someone to Mike to help him find his way back to me. Remind Mike of his vows and help him keep his promise to me and to You. He is the love of my life; the reason I have endured all that I have endured. The Bible says that love is not selfish or boastful; love is patient; love is kind; love bears all; love hopes all. I know this is true because I have done my best to live these words. Please God, do not take Mike away from me now. Bring Mike back to my arms and my heart where he belongs.

In the name of Your most precious Son, Jesus Christ, I most humbly beseech You God to answer my prayer and grant this, my most heartfelt of requests. Amen.

Brochure Draft

2010-05-07T17:33:00.007-05:00

Okay Gourdie Friends, here it is....ta da!!....the Gourdie Girls brochure, Take 1.

It is in a pdf format and is intended to be printed as a double-sided tri-fold. Please see what you think. Make any corrections, additions, deletions, etc. and let me know what they are so they can be changed.

Thanks! (and I'm sorry this took so long!)

And it would appear it's gonna take even longer....like until I can figure out how to upload a pdf. Sorry folks.

One Last Goodbye

2010-05-05T11:00:00.006-05:00

When I was in high school (which was so long ago that this post should start out as "Once upon a time...) I remember how my grandfather, who was 96 at the time, would respond to people who would continually compliment him on how well he looked. His response was "Why thank you; that's because everyone else my age is dead." Nothing like the truth. It is such a bittersweet event when someone you love so much finally gets to leave all the pain, infirmities, and tribulations behind. You're happy for them, and sad for yourself. It is so hard to say goodbye, mostly, I think, because you know it will be the last time you ever get to do it. That's the part that hurts the most.

In honor of Buttonwilloe, who will be making this last goodbye to her father tomorrow, May 6, I offer up this story I wrote about the final farewell to my father-in-law in 2000. It was published in the Texas Wildlife Association's magazine in 2004, and it is my hope that it will bring a smile and a measure of comfort to all of us who must make these final farewells. If you're like me and don't have the best eye-sight in the world, you may click on the pages and enlarge them for easier reading. --Linda

Immortality

2010-05-03T16:14:00.003-05:00

If you were to have asked me what immortality was when I was a small child I would have told you that it means you never, ever die. As a teenager, the default meaning was that all the horrible things that killed people—like traffic accidents—only happened to “other people” and didn’t apply to you. Now that I’ve reached “advanced adulthood” I’ve come to believe that immortality doesn’t mean that you don’t die—everything dies sooner or later—instead it means that you live forever. And no, I don’t think that’s a contradiction.

This past Easter weekend I drove a few miles down the road from the cabin and poked around the antique show held on a semi-annual basis outside Round Top, Texas. This was the last day of the show, and the show itself would end in just a few more hours. So of course, bargains were to be had on whatever was still left.

I don’t normally go for “vintage linens” because too many times that just means “used.” But for some reason I stopped into see what all they had piled up on countless tables. As I expected, most of it was nothing special. After considerable digging I found a set of four placemats (with their manufacturer labels still intact!) that had been pieced to look like a “flying geese” quilt pattern. Regularly $0.25 each, they were now reduced to $0.10 each. What a deal for $0.40. I then found a silk stole that someone had done some beadwork on each end of it. Regularly priced at a very reasonable $10 (even though I didn’t need it) it was now down to $5.00.

The vendor, meanwhile, was pushing a “stuff the bag” sale. Anything you could stuff into a 13 gallon kitchen trash bag for $30. I politely passed on this option. I simply couldn’t imagine there to be anything I wanted that would make filling a bag for $30 any sort of a bargain.

But then I came to the table holding piles of crocheted items. Doilies and table runners were selling by the pound (generally about $1.00 each) and tablecloths were $10. As you can imagine, it was pretty well picked over and all the “good stuff” was gone. Everything left was stained, damaged, or stained and damaged. The stuff that wasn’t stained and/or damaged was machine-made, so I wasn’t interested. If you didn’t sew or crochet most of what was left amounted to nothing but a complete pile of rags. But since I do sew and crochet I started digging through the piles with an eye to what could be repaired; what stains might wash out and if not, which pieces could be dyed. Didn’t take long and I realized that I needed that bag afterall! I carefully folded and managed to get not just my four placemats and silk stole into the bag, but seven huge crocheted tablecloths. My bag was so heavy I couldn’t carry it by the handles—they tore. I had to pick it up and carry it over to the check-out. No matter, I was charged the $30 and off I went to put this exceedingly heavy and cumbersome bag into my truck.

I decided to start with the piece—I couldn’t tell if it was a tablecloth or a bedspread—that was going to be the easiest to repair. A classic ecru color, it was composed of innumerable crocheted squares individually whip-stitched together. There was only one tiny place where it needed to be re-crocheted and that was very easily done. All the rest of the work was stitching countless squares back together again in the places where all the thread over the years had just finally given out. What amazed me was the weight. This thing was heavy!

Finished, I put it into the washing machine to clean it up and hope the stains would come out. I pre-soaked it with laundry soap for 3 hours. You should have seen the water. YUK! Nasty doesn’t even begin to describe how dirty it was. So I drained it, added more detergent and decided to let it soak overnight. Next morning, incredibly the water was dirtier still. Fast forward an additional three pre-soakings and I finally had the water “clean” enough that I felt comfortable washing it. The surprise came when I put the piece into the dryer. All the stains had come out without any special treatment, and it was no longer ecru—it was white!! Who would have guessed!

It wasn’t until I started to iron and starch it that I discovered it was really a tablecloth sized for a trestle type of table, which meant it would perfectly on my dining room table. But the big surprise came when I realized why this tablecloth was so heavy. It was heavy not because of its size, but because it had been crocheted entirely out of string. Yes, string! I had assumed it was a very thick crochet thread, which was why I thought originally that it might be a bedspread. But no, it was string: plain, ordinary, white string.

So who made this tablecloth, and why did they use string and not crochet thread? String of the weight used in it is more expensive than crochet thread, so that automatically meant the tablecloth dated back to a time when the string was the cheaper choice.

A little more research that included visiting with elderly ladies of the community as well as talking to my father about it has made me come to the conclusion that I did indeed come home with a treasure. Most likely my tablecloth was made back in the 1930’s during the Great Depression. String was the only real wrapping option available, and it was cheap and plentiful. Every household saved string and reused it again and again. Crochet thread was readily available and my grandmother and great aunts used it, but plenty of women who weren’t as financially well off used string.

So who was the lady who made my tablecloth? I’m probably not ever going to know. Apparently she didn’t have the money to buy crochet thread, but she obviously had a desire for a beautiful table. I look at this tablecloth with new appreciation of this unknown artisan taking ordinary string and turning it into a masterpiece of artistry. You can’t make something like that without putting some small piece of your heart and soul into each and every square and each and every stitch.

Bodies grow old and die, but the spirit and soul do not. And that’s what immortality really is. The lady herself is probably long since dead and buried, but this tablecloth is her immortality. As long as her tablecloth survives, those pieces of her heart and soul live on. Immortality is the gift an artisan receives when their work is treasured, kept, and passed on to future generations. Their names may be lost to history, but as long as their work survives they will continue to live on. While I may never know the lady’s name, she is nonetheless, immortal.

When Life Gives You Scraps...

2010-02-09T13:53:00.007-06:00

I have an embroidery pattern for a sampler that says "When Life Gives You Scraps, Make Quilts!" At first glance it seems to be the perfect gift for all those quilters in your life--and it is. I stitched it out, framed it, and gave it to one of my quilting co-workers for Christmas a few years back. She loved it!

Lately though, it's taken on a whole new meaning since my husband thinks he wants a divorce. From the inside looking out, it seems as if my life is in shreds. In other words, nothing but scraps remaining from what I thought was a loving marriage being stressed by far more than our fair share of challenges and tribulations. I've blogged about this things before--a lawsuit lasting more than 10 years, trustees taking advantage, unethical attorneys, and a greedy ex-wife and daughter, being aided and abetted by her unscrupulous brother-in-law attorney, a supervisor who is a bully, and so on. But throughout it all I believed we'd overcome it all and eventually things would get better. But that's not what happened. When things were finally over; when things should have finally gotten better, the bottom fell out.

So I have scraps. Lots and lots of scraps. Although all the paperwork has been filed with the court, it's not a done deal. And I'm not a quitter. I may lose, but it won't be without a fight. It'll be hard work and I know it. But anything in life that is worthwhile takes effort and work. Afterall, you can't spend more time taking care of your lawn than you do your marriage and expect it to thrive.

About two weeks ago when I was really feeling kicked in the gut I decided it was time to start acting on that little saying. It was time to start making a quilt. So that's what I've been doing whenever the still-love-of-my-life isn't home and I have time to fill without him. I've been quilting. Oh, it's not a great quilt mind you. The stitching to piece it together is perfect, it's the quilting itself that isn't too hot. It's hard to do a good job though when you're preoccupied, your mind is elsewhere, your heart is breaking, and you're constantly fighting back tears.

I machine quilted it because I needed to finish it. My soul needed to accomplish something positive. But my "stitch in the ditch" quilting didn't necessarily stay in the "ditch." I could, and I should, have taken the stitching out and redone it. I did for the really bad sections. But then I decided, no I'm not. I'm leaving it alone. This quilt is going to be a reminder of this period of time--the good and the bad; making the best of a bad situation. In other words--making a quilt out of my scraps.

It's finished, and it's beautiful, it really is. Just as long as you don't look too closely at the stitching that is quilting all these pieces together. But you know, I'm okay with that. I've taken my scraps and I'm making quilts!

Maybe I'll even embroider that sampler a again--this time for me.

And guess what? I even had enough "scraps" left to make a tote bag! Quilted, of course.

AND THE WINNER IS....

2010-01-04T17:43:00.002-06:00

Thanks everyone for all your clever guesses as to what my Christmas decoration is. So what is it? Why, it's a Cartridge in a Bare Tree! And that makes the winner of a bracelet....DIOGENES CLUB!

Diogenes, you've got $15.00 to "spend" on any bracelet in my shop that you'd like . Just send me an email telling me which bracelet you'd like to have and it will soon be on its way to you.

The link is http://rockycreekgems.artfire.com.

Congratulations!

NAME THAT DECORATION CONTEST!

2009-12-17T12:24:00.007-06:00

Let's have a little fun today! Come to think of it, let's have a little fun for the next couple of days! This is one of my very favorite Christmas decorations, do you know what it is? If you DO, you could win a bracelet from Rocky Creek Gems! Now how cool is that? From now until midnight, CDT, on Dec. 20 you can submit answers. Then, I'll take all the correct answers and draw a winner. Actually, I'll let my husband draw the winner. While it's doubtful the winner will receive their bracelet by Christmas, you should have it in time for Three Kings Day (Jan. 6). It would also make a great valentine gift. So put on your thinking caps and take a guess!

NO HUNTING Christmas Tree

2009-12-14T15:38:00.005-06:00

Usually we have a "hunting-theme" Christmas tree--shotgun shell lights, pheasant/quail feather garland, a pheasant perched at the top of the tree, and all the ornaments are hunting related. This year though, I did something different. I decided to do a NO HUNTING Christmas tree.

Well, actually, it wasn't my original intention--I originally intended to continue the hunting tree theme we usually enjoy. Except that I brought the wrong Christmas tree down from the attic. Yeah, yeah, I know--READ the box! That's just TOO easy! I have about 5-6 Christmas trees because I HATE hauling them up and down from the attic. Sometimes it's just easier to buy a new one. Or, as was the case for at least three of these trees, (yes, it's 6 trees that I have!) they were on sale for 90% off after Christmas. WHOA! You mean I can get an $80 tree for $8.00? And a $230 tree for $23.00?? SOLD! In fact, I'll take 'em both!

So no, it's not all that hard to get the wrong artificial Christmas tree. And once I had this baby out of the attic, NO WAY was it going back up! The other problem is Thomas, "El Gato Supremo", the Head Cat; the cat in charge of everything including dog-training. Thomas adores going into the attic. As soon as he hears the creak of the attic door he comes running. He can get up that ladder faster than greased lightening! And then you have the problem of getting him OUT of the attic. There's no rushing him. He'll come when he's darn good and ready to. So no--I had this tree down and I was using it. That's all there is to it.

The tree I ended up with was one of those super-realistic ones that is mostly trunk with branches strategically placed to look like one of those high altitude pines. Flocked with real pinecones and fake snow, it's really a cool looking tree. But it doesn't hold many ornaments. By that point I really wasn't in the mood to spend the next 4 hours decorating it anyway. So what to do? Decided on a string of red shotgun shell lights and some red bead garland. For ornaments I had a brainstorm I quickly regretted--my life-sized, clip-on dove decoys!

Yes, MY decoys. I bought them a few years back to use to decorate my office (got one perched on a pair of antlers by my doorway--next to the inflatable rattlesnake) and to use for booth displays. Of course my husband kind of decided HE liked them as well. Fine, but they're still MINE. And now that I wanted MY decoys, I couldn't find them. I did eventually, but by that time this idea was losing its "shiny" brilliance.

However, once on the tree, they really did look great. One of the boykin spaniels, Zoe, was particularly impressed. She got down underneath the tree and got into her low-profile, head-down, nose-on-the-ground, wait-for-dad-to-give-the-word crouch. She knew what these were! So as a final touch to the tree, I put a small pan of crushed, dried corn underneath the tree for "safety" since everyone knows you can't hunt over bait!

It was extremely difficult to get a photo of the tree because its in front of our French doors that lead to the back patio. Lighting is horrible! So taken from the hallway, the back of a chair that had to be moved gets in the way of a good shot. On the plus side, Mike's saddle in the background adds a certain amount of flair, don't you think?

Sharing A Little Handmade Christmas

2009-11-24T12:20:00.008-06:00

It is now November 24. Exactly one month from today it will be Christmas Eve. Growing up, we always opened our gifts on Christmas Eve so as not to "compete" with what Santa would bring that night. Let's face it--evening is when the Christmas tree is at it's most beautiful, the gifts have the most sparkle, and a fire in the fireplace is at its finest. Today though, I want to offer up my Christmas present to any and all who would like it.

This project is quick and simple; inexpensive and yet quite impressive. When my daughter's paternal grandparents were alive and living in a nursing home, she made one of these trees each and every year for her grandparents. Everyone loved it! And since they were so easy to make, it made no sense to pack the tree up for next year--Kendra could just make another one, and she did! Instead, we told her grandparents to give it to whoever they would like to have it. I hope everyone who tries this project will enjoy it, and I hope too, that you will make at least one to donate to someone who otherwise might not have a tree.

Clothes Hanger Christmas Tree

Materials Needed:

6 wire clothes hangers (make sure all are the same size)

1 string of 35-50 lights

1 50-60 ft. package of fluffy Christmas garland (the fuller it is, the less you need)

Masking tape

Optional: cat-helpers to inspect and guarantee quality

STEP ONE:

Take two clothes hangers, hooks facing each other, and place one end from each hanger together to form a triangle. Tape the top of the triangle with masking tape.

Tape each hook to the side of each hanger to secure the triangle shape. Make 3.

STEP TWO:
To make the frame-work, start with 2 triangles. Insert one inside the other, then place the third one inside the first two. Space the sides so that they are approximately all the same distance apart. Secure the top of the tree, and inside the base with masking tape. (Feline helper optional)

STEP THREE:
Add the lights by taking the end light and taping it in an upright position to the top of the tree. Wrap the remainder of the string of lights around the tree, spacing them as evenly as possible. Tape lights in place to the frame of the tree as you go. If necessary, twist the string of lights so that all the lights are facing out. (Cat-helpers not recommended for this step)

STEP FOUR:
Starting at the top of the tree, take one end of the garland and tuck it securely inside the tree. It is not necessary to tape it in place. Start wrapping the garland around the tree, making sure that the lights continue to be facing out. Tuck the bottom end of the garland into the previous rounds to end.

Finishing:
Plug in your tree and enjoy! To store, unwrap the garland from the tree to prevent it from getting smashed on one side during storage. Or better yet, donate the tree to a local nursing home and make a new tree next year.

I sincerely hope each of you who read this post will make one of these trees and will thoroughly enjoy it. I'd love to hear about your trees!

c 2001 Linda McMurry

When Bullies Grow Up.

2009-10-29T14:49:00.006-05:00

My spirit is bruised and bleeding today, and my soul is so heavy it's hard to keep going. Why? Because I am a victim of workplace bullying and have been for the last 5 years. I used to have an exciting and worthwhile job working with Texas landowners. I made a difference.

But then I got a new boss. At first I was excited. She was the first woman to head up the Private Lands and Public Hunting program--the agency's flagship program. There were the usual tensions, but I attributed them to the usual adjustments people must make to having a new job, and of having a new boss. But I was wrong. It only got worse. And worse, and worse.

I suddenly couldn't do anything right. Or I would do something I'd been doing for years only to find out she'd already done the task without telling me. As I did my best to communicate my concerns, I was repeatedly told the problem was with me--she was the boss and I needed to adjust. But she was also very quick to blame everyone else when she did get things wrong. Worse, it was her word against ours, and we always lost.

She doesn't have managerial skills, and sadly doesn't seem overly interested in acquiring them. She doesn't understand the role of authority and responsibility. If you give someone a responsibility, you must also give them the authority to get the task done. She doesn't understand the connection. Nor does she understand the difference between delegating and "dumping." She tries to do everything. When it turns out to be impossible she will then dump the task on us. Then, when it doesn't turn out properly WE end of taking the fall for it.

I went the division director--who had been one of my former bosses--and tried to explain what was happening. Essentially I was called a liar. Again, I was told it was my job to adjust. Now, I'm smart enough to know that this is not the whole story. At some point, as a good supervisor, she has a responsibility to utilize the skills of her staff and maximize their potential.

No, I'm not the type to just quietly roll over. I went to HR and begged them for help. HA! Their suggestion? Quit. Yeah, that's right--maybe I should just quit the job. Now what sort of job retention program is that? While the agency claims to have a grievance process, the truth is that it is a sick joke. Unless the complaint is one that concerns an EEO violation, or an illegal activity, you're just out of luck.

So what does workplace bullying have in common with other types of violence? Actually, quite a bit. It is psychological violence and the trauma is as physically damaging to the victims as if it were physical. With it comes the same feelings of shame, humiliation, sense of despair, a very real fear of retaliation and reprisals.

Each time I tried to assert myself and explain how her actions were affecting me, the program, and sometimes the landowners of Texas--I lost another part of my job as she "showed me who was boss." I have had nearly all my job duties taken away from me, one by one. For some issues there was simply no other way--I did what I ethically had to do. I am sorry about the consequences that have come about because of it, but I'm not sorry I did what I did. It was necessary.

I do no meaningful work. Many of my work assignments are totally inappropriate because they require skills I'm not required to have--like building an Access database for the wildlife division's publications. I'm not a programmer, and my job description doesn't require me to do any programming. So I'm caught between refusing and being insubordinate, or accepting the assignment and being penalized for failing.

But to everyone's surprise, I DID create the database. And I did a really kick-butt job of it. It has all sorts of fancy bells and whistles, utilizes gorgeous agency artwork--the whole bit. Of course come time for performance review, I wasn't allowed to use the aquisition of this new skill as professional development.

This past year I was also set up to fail and this time I did. I was assigned to do archeological reviews for our wildlife management areas. No, this isn't something I'm supposed to have to know how to do either, but that was the point. However, this time I at least got documentation saying that I was never provided with what I needed to do the job, and it therefore should not be held against me. I'm sure she didn't like that, but it worked.

I am isolated. I am not allowed to have any contact with anyone outside my program without prior permission. Email, phone calls, you name it--unless I get prior approval it's not allowed. All of which makes it extra difficult to do any of the stupid little jobs I've been assigned to do.

I have been denied the equity pay adjustment I was entitled to allegedly because of my poor performance THIS year. But she has not followed agency policies by providing me with the required improvement plans for last year; she has not provided justification for lowering my performance review score from satisfactory to unsatisfactory, and she has denied me dur process THIS year by counselling my about my "poor" performance and what I must do to improve. And above all, the pay adjustments were not supposed to be tied to performance!

Did I protest? Of course. But all I have been told is that it is her perogative. I know that already. My question--that still remains unanswered--is a)when does SHE have to follow agency policies and procedures, and b) WHO is supervising her? It's not MY job to supervise her!

My professional reputation is pretty well shot because she doesn't do this with men, only mature, competent, women. I'm not the only one she does this to--I'm just the loudest. I am on anti-depressants, I have stomach problems, borderline high blood pressure. I clench and grind my teeth, and I pull at my fingernails. I cry frequently. It is all I can do some mornings to push myself out the door to go to work.

Twice now I have found myself at my desk dealing with her latest abuse, trying to remain calm and professional and playing with my pair of scissors. I am horrified to look down and see that I have been cutting on myself and that my hands are now bleeding. I didn't even realize I was doing it, but in a way it felt "good" because it was a pain I could see and focus on. Yes, I have thought about suicide. I won't do it because I understand why I am feeling this way, but yes--I do understand why people would want to kill themselves. It makes the hurt go away.

While most bullies are men, the victims of a female bully 70% of the time are other women. Bullying in the workplace is every bit as damaging as any other type of abuse, but with a major difference. The sad part of this is that bullying in the workplace is not illegal. HR departments do not exist to help employees--be clear on that. They exist to keep employers out of trouble. They will side with the supervisor each and every time. They are not your friends that you can count on to help you.

Will I quit this job? Hell no! I'm sure that's the ultimate goal of hers, but I refuse to throw away my financial future just because of her. I can retire on March 17, 2011, and when that time comes....well, let's just say I'll go out in style! Don't know how yet, but I will.

If you want to learn more about this legal form of psychological violence and the trauma it causes, start here at http://www.workplacebullying.org As is true about educating yourself about other forms of violence, this is not bedtime reading.

And now, back under my desk to hide from the consequences of once again being correct...

Please Don't Let This Happen to Us!

2009-10-20T16:37:00.005-05:00

Since I really don't have photos to post this week, I thought I'd post an email I received from one of my cowbird trappers:

**************************************

This is such a beautiful story of a bagpiper who was late for a funeral.

As a bagpiper, I was asked by a funeral director to play at a graveside service for a homeless man who had no family or friends. The funeral was to be held at a cemetery in the remote countryside and this man would be the first to be laid to rest there.

As I was not familiar with the backwoods area, I became lost and being a typical man, did not stop for directions. I finally arrived an hour late. I saw the backhoe and the crew who were eating lunch but the hearse was nowhere in sight.

I apologized to the workers for my tardiness and stepped to the side of the open grave where I saw the vault lid already in place.

I assured the workers I would not hold them up for long but this was the proper thing to do. The workers gathered around, still eating their lunch. I played out my heart and soul.

As I played the workers began to weep. I played and I played like I'd never played before, from Going Home and The Lord is My Shepherd to Flowers of the Forest. I closed the lengthy session with Amazing Grace and walked to my car.

As I was opening the door and taking off my coat, I overheard one of the workers saying to another, Sweet Jeezuz, Mary 'n Joseph, I have never seen nothin' like that before and I've been putting in septic tanks for twenty years.

***************************************

I sure hope this isn't going to happen to us when we finally reach the point that we're ready to put in a septic tank for the Brendle house!

Let's Have a Halloween Sale!

2009-10-15T12:56:00.014-05:00

I'm no different from most of us--I get sucked into the holiday "oh I've gotta have this" just as much as the next person. What's different? It's different because I'm supposed to be making things to sell with these cool "gotta haves." Now that I've got them, the holiday for which they were made is fast approaching; and once it's over there is no more demand for these things until next year. Of course by then I'll have found more "oh I've gotta have this" items. SO....let's have a sale! What all is on sale? Well, let's see....

How about some decorations that you can just hand on your door handle for some quick and easy decorating? These are PERFECT for offices--fun but not overdone.

Remember when we used to use paper grocery bags when we went trick or treating? Those fancy containers that kids have nowadays just didn't exist. And if you were really lucky your mother might actually let you use an old pillowcase! Those were our favorites because you didn't have to worry about them tearing from the weight of all the candy the way paper bags did. But of course, the chances of actually being allowed to use one was pretty slim. Today's kids would rather die than be seen tricking or treating with an old pillowcase!

Halloween pillowcases on the other hand are a fun treat to have! Sure, you could use them for trick or treating, but they're even more fun to sleep on! They're 100% cotton, practical, cute, and something totally different. They come in sets of two, and with lots of choices you're sure to find something your little ghost or goblin will shreek in delight over.

I like decorating for holidays in the less "traditional" places. Doorknobs are one of those places of course, but so are bathrooms. This cheerful hand towel and face cloth wouldn't scare anyone, but it sure is cute!

Then of course, there's clothing. I hate to dress up for Halloween in a costume. YUK! I do like to dress for the season and for the occasion! So I love holiday-themed clothes! Shirts are one of my favorites. This is a long-sleeve deep burgundy red T-shirt that has been embroidered with an autumn faerie. This design has close to 90,000 stitches in it, and took nearly 7 hours to complete. My other favorite holiday item is socks! Yes, I DO love socks! These two pairs of socks don't actually have to be confined to Halloween, but since they were knit with Halloween in mind, it's only fair to include them in the sale.

So there you have it. From now until October 20th, everything in the Halloween category is 15% off. Everything! Use the code TRICKORTREAT when you check out to see your 15% discount. After that it's going to my booth at the Oct. 24th craft show. From there, whatever doesn't sell goes to my office-mates, daughter, and the grandkids. Enjoy!!

Gotta Brag...Just a Little

2009-10-14T10:22:00.003-05:00

Last Thursday, Oct. 8, Mike was honored by the Texas Section of the Society for Range Management with their highest award--Outstanding Contribution to Range Management. Finally! Plenty of other awards were given for "Best This, That or the Other Thing", but this is an overall award--for someone who is generally recognized statewide as constantly and continually working to improve range management.

The evening was made even more special when Joseph Fitzsimons, TPWD's former Commission Chairman, family friend, and owner of the San Pedro Ranch down in Dimmit County showed up to speak. Mike was the ranch manager at the San Pedro for 14 years before going to work at the Texas Department of Agriculture. Mike is still indirectly involved with ranch wildlife management on the San Pedro, and the ranch will always hold a special place in his heart.

The best part for Mike was when Joseph brought in his surprise guest--his father, Hugh Fitzsimons. Mr. Hugh was the person who hired Mike originally. Joseph and his father had been on "the outs" for a number of years, so it was gratifying to see the two of them together. There in the middle of all the recognition for Mike was Mike still looking out for the best interests of others! But that's the way Mike is.

Mike isn't the kind of person who stands up and shouts "Look at me! Look what I did!" Mike's great talent is in bringing the right people together. Mention any resource related topic and Mike will more than likely say "The person you need to talk to is..., because they've been doing...." Mike brings diverse interests together and helps them see what they have in common, facilitates win-win solutions, and really doesn't seek credit for anything. As long as the work gets done Mike doesn't care who gets the credit for doing it. I guess that's why it's SO nice to see him finally getting the long-overdue recognition he richly deserves. All of us who work in the natural resources arena would like to think we're making a difference. We'd like to think that the resource and the habitat is better off because of us. Few of us however, can really say it is. Mike can say it, but of course he won't.

Gotta share a quote from Joseph's sister, Pam:

From: Pamela Howard
Sent: Thursday, October 08, 2009 6:35 PM
To: Nelle, Steve - San Angelo, TX
Subject: Thoughts...Mike McM

Steve, If it isn’t too late, I will add a short tribute to Mike. It is wonderful for you to honor him with this award ! I can only supplement the many ( some humorous, I am sure) reflections about Mike by saying that he was, is, and always shall be, foremost a teacher. His knowledge about wildlife, range management, biology, and rural life is prodigious , but it is his gift of sharing that defines him. Although he could be content as the expert in all these fields, he chooses instead to unselfishly share ANYTHING he knows with anyone sincerely interested in the topic. He wants you to be as excited as he is to see the rare flycatcher or know the tick’s natural predators. How many times have we all heard him begin a sentence with, “Did you know….” then go onto describe a little known fact of wildlife biology. He is a gift – honestly- and the whole natural world will be clapping along with us. Take care, have a wonderful time, and I wish I could be there.

Best to all,
Pam Howard

Yup, that's my Mike! I love him and I'm proud of him.

Amazing What a Little Rain Will Do!

2009-10-06T16:27:00.011-05:00

Rain...finally! I'm trying hard to think of the last time I've been able to watch it rain on and off for three days. Let's just say it's been awhile.

There is something soothing about being able to sit on the front porch and knit while watching it rain, and rain, and rain.

Rocky Creek has been more rocky than it's been a creek for the past two years. Any rain has only been enough to fill the deeper holes, and not enough to really run any water. This time however, it did happen! This time water was about 4 feet deep running over the road. By the time I was able to take pictures on Sunday, it was only about ankle deep on the road, but you could still see the debris line from the previous night. Pretty awesome, huh?

Inside the Cabin

2009-09-14T16:06:00.011-05:00

Thanks to all of you who have commented on the photo of the cabin. Yes, I love it! It is peaceful and relaxing and the perfect place to just unwind. And having it makes it possible for me to help my parents out on the weekend. Without it I'd be driving 126 round trip! This way we have a "base of operation" for all our activity in the vicinity. So, here are some views of the inside!

Views of course wouldn't be complete with showing you some of the cedar beams that go across the ceiling decorated with some of my handiwork. The turkey-tail fan is from one of MY turkeys! We dried it and I decorated it with beadwork. There's actually six of them--one on each side of the three beams. The wreath is also made from turkey tail feathers. It's hanging high up on the wall--above the fish clock shown in the first photo actually. And of course, my husband Mike and Zoe, one of our Boykin spaniels, sitting on the front steps of the cabin after a successful teal duck hunt. Zoe is particularly fond of retrieving teal ducks because they're small--just like she is!

Blessings from Heaven

2009-09-14T11:18:00.006-05:00

Finally, some rain!

With apologies to Shakespeare, it was "mercy, falling as raindrops, blessing all they touched." Rain on Friday night, and rain again on Saturday. You could just about hear the Earth sigh with relief and pleasure. Saturday morning, as I sat at the computer in my upstairs home office posting on the ArtFire forums I could look out directly into a midst of the large tree in our front yard. No fewer than 5 brilliant red male cardinals flitted and played among the raindrops dripping from the leaves. It was hard not to be happy!

More rain Saturday afternoon and Saturday night helped quench the thirst of so many plants and trees. It was so pleasant to be able to sit out on the porch of our cabin and knit while watching it rain! Haven't been able to do that in a very, very long time.

The extreme drought Central Texas is enduring has taken its toll on things. It's so sad to see tall, stately pine trees dead; half-century or more oak trees dead or dying--and all for a lack of any significant rainfall for the last two years. Surface moisture in the ground is long gone, and even deep moisture in the ground is gone. Ponds have dried up, streams aren't running any water. Water is being rationed. It's not a good situation.

But this morning it was different. I drove into work and it seemed as if all the world was green again! It felt so good to see something besides dusty, brown, brittle, and dead vegetation. It was still sad to see the dead trees--victims that didn't make it--among the newly green world, but hopefully those that are stressed will be able to pull out of it with this much needed drink.

Mexicans of South Texas believe that the cenizo blooms as a way of asking God for rain. God finallly answered!

So Blue in Texas

2009-08-14T14:20:00.005-05:00

How blue can one get? Apparently pretty darn blue! I was at our cabin in La Grange the evening my father fell and broke his hip. I really only intended to be there for the weekend, so all I had with me was one change of clothes. Trust me, this gives a whole new meaning to "wash and wear."

So I went to Wal-Mart (the only game in town) and searched for a few items to tide me over. Among other things I bought a really good-looking pair of black knit crop pants. You know the kind--made from that thick but clingy swimsuit kind of knit. They actually looked pretty darn good on me! I was jazzed!

Okay, so I've got my dad in the hospital awaiting his surgery and my mother, who suffers from Alzheimer's Disease at the house. I decide that this is the best and most logical time for me to make the frantic drive from La Grange back home to Elgin to gather up enough "stuff" to last me the rest of the week. Elgin is about 65 miles away and oh is it hot! I think it was about 103F that day. The plan was to get over there, load up stuff and get back to La Grange in time to get my mother over to the hospital about the time my father was out of surgery. Three hour round-trip drive and a four hour surgery...yeah, sure! I can make this work!

Upon arriving home I quickly as possible loaded stuff into the car while trying my best to make it all fit in such a way that I could still get my mother in the front seat and have her wheelchair in the trunk so I wouldn't have to unload things before taking her over to the hospital to see Dad. Didn't take long to get really hot, and really sweaty.

With just enough time to pull this thing off, I made my trip to the bathroom, kissed the kitties, grabbed a diet coke, and headed back without any further ado.

It was a very long day and at the end of it I was ready to just collapse. I was so tired that all I did was take off my clothes, put on my nightgown and go to bed without any further ceremony.

The next morning however, something was wrong. I got into the bathroom and realized as I got ready for my shower that I was wearing blue underwear. I didn't remember having blue underwear! Whatever. But then I take off my nightgown. It's supposed to be white with green and purple frogs, but instead it's light blue with green and purple frogs. Something isn't right! So I go over to the mirror and to my horror the image reflecting back at me from the waist to the knees looks like a giant, overweight smurf. I'm blue! Oh, so blue! Then I look down at my hands--they're blue! I stare over at the commode seat--it's blue!

I did manage to scrub the blue off my skin. Well, pretty much anyway. I couldn't get it all out from underneath my fingernails and around my knuckles.

So I took my mother to the hospital to see Dad. Unfortunately he had a very bad reaction to the combination of pain meds he'd been on the two days prior to the surgery and the anesthesia. He was totally convinced the heart monitor was a coffee maker and he was going to get it and see how it worked or die trying--which was almost the result.

During this time he was holding on to my hand--or maybe it was me holding on to his hand--doesn't matter. Suddenly the aide who had been assigned to sit with him and make sure he didn't hurt himself gasped and cried out, "Oh my gosh, here, let me help you!"

Huh?

"He's cutting off your circulation! Your fingers are turning blue!"

No, he wasn't cutting off my circulation although yes my fingers were blue. So I had to go through the saga of how blue I was, and why. How embarassing, even if the aide was terribly relieved. Jeez!

That night I called home and told my husband all about being turned into a giant smurf. His response was "Well, at least I know how your commode seat got turned blue." Groan. Is there anything I've touched that isn't blue?

Apparently, what happened was when I got all hot and sweaty the dye from the knit pants bled onto my underwear and body, and when I used the toilet both at home and at my parents, the blue got transferred from me to the commode seat.

Three weeks later and both commode seats are still blue. A cup of vinegar in the wash water has set the color of the pants and they haven't bled any further. The blue is out from under my fingernails and knuckles. But even bleach hasn't gotten the blue out of my panties or my nightgown. Apparently they will stay blue as a constant reminder of my brief transformation into smurfdom. Oh well!

The True Story of the Red Dog Saloon

2009-07-17T14:58:00.008-05:00

This is a true story. It happened back in the 1980's in South Texas during the last oil "boom." Lots of temporary oilfield workers created a rather rowdy atmosphere during this particular period of time.

The Red Dog Saloon was a local "watering hole" frequented by many of these workers. One evening one of the "regulars" among the clientele got overly "boozed up" and started a fight. He was a bully anyway and not terribly popular. Like all bullies however, he had his entourage of followers who found it safer to be on his "side" than to stand up to him.

The person who did stand up to him that evening got pulverized. He was severely beaten up and sustained considerable injuries. Stumbling out of the bar, he escaped into the junkyard across the road. That should have been the end of it, but it wasn't.

Instead of being satisfied that he'd won, the bully decided to continue the "fun" and out went looking for the guy. Fortunately the rest of his group opted to stay and drink.

So across the street and into the junkyard he went to look for him, laughing and howling how his victim was a chicken, a coward, and just generally trying to goad him into coming out of hiding. Nothing doing. So the bully continued to actively hunt for the guy so he could continue punching on him.

Suddenly, out of nowhere, in an act of pure desperation--the victim stood up as the bully passed his hiding place and hit him just as hard as he could in the back of the head with a piece of pipe. The bully went down and the victim, without so much as a backwards glance, made his escape.

When the victim was finally released from the hospital he was charged with murdering the bully. He went on trial with a family friend of ours as his attorney. He ended up getting off scot-free. Why? Well because no one actually saw him hit the other guy; everyone knew the guy was a bully; no one could prove the bully wasn't still alive when the victim escaped; someone else with a grudge could have taken advantage of the situation and delivered the fatal blow because lots of people would have loved to see him dead; and to be honest--he needed killing. The jury agreed.

The moral of this story is simple. When you've got the upper hand, or you've won a disagreement--quit. Do not ever put people into corners with no way out. Always allow the person the opportunity to "escape." If you do not, you create a desperate person willing to do anything to escape, because quite honestly, they have nothing to lose, and everything to gain by doing so.

And yes, this applies to on-line forums as well folks. Always remember the Red Dog Saloon!

"Value Added"

2009-07-17T10:53:00.010-05:00

What is the "value" of something? In the end, the value is only as much as someone is willing to spend. So how do you create the perception that something is worth more? Creating the perception is what is called "value added marketing."

Landowners in Texas own the land, but the People of Texas own the wildlife. However, private property is just that--private. So how do people get access to hunt "their" wildlife? They do it through a process we call a hunting lease. What this really means is you are paying the landowner for the right to enter the property. It makes landowners and lessees partners with the state in managing the wildlife we all enjoy. These hunting leases are quite honestly what pays property taxes for most landowners and allows them to be able to afford to keep the land.

Good habitat benefits wildlife of all species. It also makes land more desireable for leasing. How this usually works is that someone will pay a set amount per acre, say $10.00. So a 6,000 acre lease would be $60,000--which is why it is seldom that only one person is a part of a lease!

So, why should a group of hunters lease one person's land as opposed to someone else's without charging less money? VALUE ADDED is how you do it. You offer something extra. Maybe it's fishing, or maybe it's year-round use. Whether or not the lessee actually goes fishing is irrelevant--they have the opportunity and that's what's really important. The property now has a perceived increase in value. Opportunity is what adds value.

Value added works in many other areas as well. The trick for any fundraiser is to maximize the donations received, and to find ways to get people to donate just a little bit more. Remember, after 911 the children of New York collected enough pennies to purchase a fire truck! Lots of tiny increases will most assuredly add up. Right now the 48forLarry is going on in order to help raise funds for Larry's surgery.

Collecting items to sell isn't a problem! Actually that's usually the easiest part of any fundraiser. The hard part is getting spenders to spend money. If having a Good Cause is all it takes, then why gather donations to sell at all? Why not just say, "okay folks, cough it up." Because we all know it doesn't work that way.

People use the opportunity to come away with a tangible item as an "excuse" or "reason" to give more money than they might otherwise do. They have the opportunity to say "Well, I paid too much for this, but since it was a fundraiser for Such & Such Good Cause, I really don't mind." Or just the opposite: "I got a great bargain on this at a benefit for Such & Such Good Cause."

Obtaining tangible items give people the opportunity to feel good about and rationalize expenditures in amounts they might not otherwise feel they can afford to make. It is a game of enticement. How can you make the person who is willing to spend $20 be willing to spend $25? How to do you make the person who wants to donate $50 be willing to donate $75?

You know the answer: Value Added. Spend this amount and we'll be most appreciative. But spend just a bit more and we'll give you this token of our appreciation. The item may not be one that will ever get used, but the opportunity to use it is what gives it value and what makes people bump up a donation just a bit more. Value added.

In my "neck of the woods" fund-raisers for these sorts of things are commonplace; the neighboring communities all pull together, and they all follow a set formula. First off are the BBQ plates. The "drive-through to-go" plates are sold first. People drive up, pay their money, and a volunteer hands them a styrofoam container with a meal in it, and they drive off.

Next comes the sit-down eat-it-here plates. Pay your money and get your food! During this entire time there is a silent auction. One gimmick frequently used is for someone (but you better be willing to pay up if you win!) use a false name to go through and bump up bids or start the bidding on items that appear to be moving slow. This creates the perception of value added--it's obvious to others that "someone" wants this item, so you better be willing to step up and bid.

Then comes the live auction. Here it becomes a matter of embarrassment, fun, and competition. I've been to fund-raiser auctions where a rooster went for close to $500 and being marketed as a "living alarm clock." Then since auctioning alcohol is prohibited, an auction for the bottle containing it went for close to $800. Other items are generally purchased and often donated back to be auctioned off again! These aren't rich people who did this, so WHY did they do it? Because the item provided the opportunity/reason/excuse for spending more money, that's why! It was the incentive, the bait, if you will. Whatever, it works. I've never been to one of these things yet that didn't raise in the neighborhood of $50,000.

So with this as my background, I began brainstorming ways to make people want to spend just a little bit more than they were going to spend otherwise. Value added to me was the obvious solution. Increase the perceived value of donations by offering incentives to donate just a bit more.

I also felt an obligation however, to explain to the AF community I was trying to solicit participation from what they would really be giving and what they could expect: the pros and cons if you will. It's ridiculous to think that everyone will use your coupon! Doesn't happen that way. Most people won't, and we need to be honest about that. The advantage to the donor--besides helping Larry of course--comes in advertising. The advantage to the fundraiser is to have something tangible to entice donors to increase the size of their donations--value added.

It should have been a win-win-win. But somewhere along the line I blew it. Somewhere along the line in trying to document for others my reasoning and how I went through the common "thought processes" and realities of donations inherent with all fundraisers I managed to come across as belittling the current efforts. Such was never my intention. However, with emotions running high, I guess I should have expected the possibility--but I honestly didn't. Mea Culpa.

At times like these, the best thing for all concerned is to just apologize and bow out. If the idea has merit it will be resurrected by someone else. If it doesn't--well, such is life.

All I would like to happen to me personally at this point in time is to be allowed the opportunity to step back with some measure of dignity; to not have my nose repeatedly rubbed into my mistake and the resulting responses brought to the top of the thread list again and again and again by people continuing to post to the thread. I have apologized. I am sincerely sorry, now please let it die.

Rock, Paper, Scissors

2009-07-01T13:22:00.003-05:00

What do you think of when you hear "Rock, Paper, Scissors?" The old decision-making game could apply equally well to Liberty Doll Creations. Why? Well because she does all three, and because making the decision as to which ones you can't live without can be difficult, that's why!

Take this gorgeous pink marble elephant pendant for example. Definitely a "rock," and a very cute one too! Yes, you could say "IT ROCKS!" because of course, it does!

Then there's the "Paper:" such as these absolutely ADORABLE little mini-envelopes! They're perfect for little gift tags--just seal them with a sticker, sealing wax, sticky rhinestone--you name it!

And "Scissors?" Yup! She's got that as well! With her trusty scissors (and a little help from a sewing machine) Liberty Doll is able to produce cute little items like these precious drawstring bags and doll clothes. Doll clothes? Yes! She actually makes doll clothes! I HATE making doll clothes. I can do it, but I sure don't like to. In the same amount of time I can make a full-size garment. So trust me--if you've got little girls who need doll clothes--shop here!

So, let's see now, decisions, decisions. Scissors cut paper; rocks squish scissors, and paper wraps rocks...

Oh heck! Just get them all! I have a feeling LibertDoll won't mind in the least!

Christmas in July

2009-06-30T12:21:00.010-05:00

Thanks to ALL of the kind folks on ArtFire who have so graciously critiqued both my shop banners as I try to "decorate" for Christmas in July! I really appreciate everyone who took the time to LOOK and see if I got them looking decent. Great, they're not. But then, I don't intend to use them forever--just for now. ALL are sized at 1000 x 200 pixels, so they can be used as a "backdrop" type of banner.

As promised, and as a way of saying thank you for giving me the most precious commodity we all have--some of your TIME, here are 14 backgrounds you can use to get your banner ready for the Christmas in July promotion.

To use these banners, just save them to your computer. To add text, you have several choices. You can usually add it with your photo editing program. Microsoft Paint will do the trick! Just make sure you click on the option that makes it transparent!

If your photo editing software refuses to cooperate, that's still okay--you can make this work. Here's how: Keep your photo editing software open, but also open up a word processing document. Create a text box. Type in your text, and when you've got it the way you like it, be sure you a)save it just in case, and b) make it transparent. Now, click on your text box, hit "Ctrl c" to copy the text; click the tab to return to your photo. Put your curser somewhere in the center of the banner and hit "Ctrl V" to paste in your text. Neat, huh? Now you can play around with the size and the location until you have it where you want it.

Enjoy with my thanks and gratitude! --Linda

Knitting as Therapy

2009-06-29T12:00:00.001-05:00

People in Texas don't knit. They crochet, and they quilt, and they do lots of other things--but they don't knit. While yes, I also crochet and quilt (and lots of other stuff--like beading), it is knitting that is my first love. But as a Texas knitter, I'm kinda an anomoly.

Knitting is theraputic; it is calming; it is relaxing. Knitting gives you time to sit and think, because unlike fancy crochet-work where you must be constantly counting, all but the most complicated knitting pattern will "fall into place" after a few repeats. You'll know by looking what you need to do next--leaving you free to complemplate on whatever problems or plans you need/want to think about. I'm not wasting time--I'm knitting.

Working with yarn is a soothing, tactile sort of thing. I love the feel of the yarn in a skein, and the feel of it as it slides through my fingers as I knit it into something wonderful. I love all the different colors, textures, and possibilities each skein represents. I'm every bit as bad about yarn sales as I am about fabric and bead sales!!

I've had a pretty rough couple of months lately. Anything that could go wrong, did. Some of the things I could do something about, and others I could not. But how to figure things out, and how to figure out which was which? So I knitted on it.

I knitted and I knitted and I knitted. And as I did so, I had the satisfaction of seeing progress. It was something that I could get right. Best case scenario for me is one sock per day. So essentially each pair of socks represesnts two days of working. Working, knitting, thinking, and figuring things out. Getting things in perspective. Being productive.

Things are better now. Not great, and certainly not perfect--but they ARE better. However, the bright side to all of this is the 18 pairs of socks I got knitted during this time. Two pairs never got listed because they were bought out from under me before they were even finished. NO, I'm NOT complaining!

Knitting is also something I can do when it's the only thing I can do. Cancer seems to have decided to run amok through so many families of my co-workers during the last couple of years. I can't do anything about that. Not a thing. But I can knit. I knitted "chemo-caps" for the partner of our Division's budget co-ordinator. Small things, but they meant a lot to the lady who wore then. I knitted a prayer shawl for a colleague who's husband had cancer and PTSD. And of course socks. Socks went to keep the feet warm of our Public Hunting coordinator last year when she had cancer, and more recently for her father who just succumbed to cancer last week. This morning I gave our program's administrative assistant socks for her mother-in-law who just got diagnosed a few weeks ago with cancer. Knitting says love. For her, and for her mother-in-law.

I can't fix the world; heck, I can't even fix my own life. But I can keep it's feet warm!

PAY ATTENTION! I've Got it ALL figured out!!

2009-06-19T12:36:00.009-05:00

When you knit you have time to think. So while I have been knitting on a pair of socks for my co-worker's mother-in-law who has just been diagnosed with cancer, I have plenty of opportunity to think about other things. In this case, that's good, because I've been trying to come up with a way to make amends to all the ArtFire Crazy Train riders who got short-changed by me during May and most of June. And I've finally got it!!! SO LISTEN UP!

From NOW until the END of June, for each dollar you spend in one of the shops I skipped, I will give you half that value as a discount in Rocky Creek Gems. If you spend $20, you will get a $10 credit in my shop. And if that means something you like is $10, then hey, it's yours free for the cost of shipping.

Now, in order to spread the shopping around, you may buy as many things as you'd like from one of those shops, but it will need to be just one transaction. That's only fair to everyone else! That's the only limitation I'm putting on this. You may combine all your credits from as many shops as you like, or you may redeem them as you go. Your choice.

SO HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO DO: Send me an email (lmcmurry@swbell.net) with the following information:
A. The shop(s) you made your purchase(s) from.
B. The amount of the purchase(s) (not including shipping!).
C. The transaction number(s).

WHAT I WILL DO: Once I have contacted the seller and verified your purchase, I will send you an email with the exact amount of your credit.

Since the coupon code isn't operational yet, when you redeem your credits and are ready to check out, choose the payment option where you will mail me your payment. You can then send me a note telling me you're redeeming credits. If there's additional money due, I can then send an invoice for the difference and/or mark it Paid. That way you can also still leave and receive Kudos/Karma. You'll have until June 30 to redeem your credits.

So, do I still have your attention? Good! Here's the list of shops eligible for this offer:

http://www.ladedacreations.artfire.com
http://www.janelsonarts.artfire.com
http://www.jewelrybyjanzia.artfire.com
http://suzbax.artfire.com
http://www.absolutelyamy.artfire.com
http://www.AlisunsToo.ArtFire.com
http://www.michiganmud.artfire.com
http://www.creativehaven.artfire.com
http://debvandetdesigns.artfire.com
http://beadallaboutit.artfire.com
http://www.shedesignsjewelry.artfire.com
http://derondadesigns.artfire.com
http://www.angelas_adornments.artfire.com
http://ChantillyLace.artfire.com
http://thebroomcloset.artfire.com
http://www.ninjajenn.artfire.com
http://www.grahtoestudio.artfire.com
http://www.artfire.com/users/kraftouchtreasures
http://www.artfire.com/users/wyredonwire
http://www.artfire.com/users/gottbeads
http://www.artfire.com/users/kickinskreations
http://www.artfire.com/users/designsbypatriciahall
http://www.artfire.com/users/popnicutesupplies

Okay, that's 23 eligible shops! Now surely you can find something to buy with that kind of variety to choose from.

The Aunt of Invention

2009-06-18T17:38:00.009-05:00

If Necessity is the the mother of Invention, then Desperation is the sister of Necessity. And THAT makes it the Aunt of Invention.

When you need to bead, you need to bead! It's that simple. And when you need to bead a cabochon, but don't have a cabochon--well you can get pretty desperate! Of course, non-beaders wouldn't understand that, but we beaders understand completely. I absolutely LOVE the story behind this gorgeous necklace from Haffina Creations. Desperate to bead a cabochon and not having one, she raided her mother's button stash and found....the perfect substitute cabochon! WAY TO GO!!

Now, lest you think Haffina is just another "pretty beader" forget it! Get a look at this scarf she knitted. It's 101F here in Elgin, Texas today, but I'd still love to just cuddle up with this lovely creation right now--in the air conditioning of course!

Did I mention that Haffina also makes polymer beads? Oh yeah! She does that too. Check out these Mandala Turtle Beads. Pretty awesome, huh?So, uh, why are you still reading this blog? Why aren't you over at her studio shopping all her gorgeous treasures? Get going!

Life is what happens while you're making other plans.

2009-06-18T13:22:00.003-05:00

Life is what happens while you're making other plans. And that certainly been true for me over the last 6 weeks. Right now I'm just in survival mode. I really don't like "airing my dirty laundry" in public, but sometimes you just have to do it in order to "come clean" and explain long absences, why things haven't gotten done, or at the very least why they weren't done in the manner you (or anyone else!) would prefer. For those who are interested, here's the link to my ArtFire posting in Free For All: http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?mop=modload&name=Chatterbox&file=viewtopic&topic=12835&forum=1

One needs to be careful however not to let these REASONS become EXCUSES. I intend to do my best not to. Life goes on, and I'm a fighter, not a quitter!

So to those of you who so graciously tweeted, twittered, plurked, plunked, blogged, slogged, posted, pasted, and otherwise promoted my Rocky Creek Gems ArtFire shop: THANK YOU!

To those "train riders" who got "short-changed" by my "derailment" --I promise to make it up to you. I'm not sure how just yet, but it WILL happen!

Okay--time to pick myself up, dust myself off, and get back in the saddle!
I'll see y'all down the road! Take care!

In Praise of Cats

2009-04-29T14:07:00.003-05:00

I love cats. I love cats A LOT. I can't remember a time when I haven't had a cat sharing my life. Well, yes, I guess I can. There were four years when I was in 8th - 11th grade that we didn't have a cat. But that was a very long time ago and except for those few years there has always been a cat or two or three.

Currently I have Thomas, who is the Head Cat--"El Gato Supremo" if you will. He's got all the dogs properly trained to defer to cats. Or at least to him. Then there's Oakley, who's a Head Cat wannabe. He's an indoor cat, so he's relegated to being in charge of Indoor Security. Samantha is Queen of the Universe--all of it. She adores dogs and rubs up against them all the time. She's also oblivious to all the little power-plays the rest of the critters indulge in. As Queen of the Universe she doesn't bother herself with such trivial matters!

As a die-hard cat lover, I consequently also love anything cat-related. Cat ornaments, cat socks, cat figurines, cat screensavers, and especially Laurel Burch cats. So you can imagine, I LOVE the cat bags that Catfluff makes. They are SO cute! And yes, they remind me of Laurel Burch cats. In this particular bag Catfluff has turned the cat into a very clever outside pocket. The bell on the cat's collar is such an AWESOME touch! Therefore, I very highly recommend that if anyone needs a cat-fix that they head over to Catfluff's ArtFire studio and buy one of her bags!

Faking It

2009-04-27T15:30:00.001-05:00

I don't cook. I can't cook. My mother was a homemaking teacher and my father is an outstanding cook--TV, embassies--the whole bit. They loved cooking and were always in the kitchen. When most people travel they go see all the famous landmarks, museums, and so on. Not my parents--they went to all the local grocery stores! Consequently, neither of us girls ever got into the kitchen! My brother is a pretty decent cook, but I'm not. My husband does all the cooking. I just tell everyone that in my family cooking is on the male chromosome.

So when I have to cook I have to fake it. Thank goodness for cans, boxes, and frozen entrees! In addition, since anyone will tell you that presentation is all important, I do set a mean table! Trust me, I could give lessons to Martha Stewart. By the time I've got the table set with coordinating linens and centerpiece, candles, and each person has a full 8 to 12 piece silverware setting, and serve everything on a fancy set of china (I have lots of sets of dishes just for this reason!) people just assume the food is good!

So of course I was thrilled when I saw all the lovely placemats that bijouxdesignsforyou has for sale! Take these beautiful placemats with a wine theme on them. Can't you just see them on a dark wood table with deep purple napkins; a centerpiece composed of a shallow basket filled with real grapes brushed with a sugar-water glaze, and short forest green pillar candles? I sure can! Or even out on a patio table to add a little class to lounging in the yard. Go check out all the lovely things in her studio--there's jewelry as well--oh yeah!!

Getting Back to Basics

2009-04-27T12:52:00.001-05:00

I've always loved gemstones. Rocks, actually. But whatever, I like them. I think that's probably what attracted me to using gemstones in my jewelry making. I look at those little gemstone beads and just marvel. What stories would they tell if they could talk? Earth's history is wrapped up in them. Maybe that's why I love WooleyCreeks' turtle fetish necklace so very much. It just speaks of all the connections to nature and to the Earth. Turtles are a symbol of long-life, so I like that aspect even more.

But lately I've also been working with beads. I had no idea of what a rich history glass seed beads have. "Seeds of eternity" they were originally believed to resemble, and I can certainly relate to that. Fluid and flowing, beadwork reminds me also of our connections to the past and of our rich Native American history and heritage. This pair of Wooleycreek's earrings are some of my very favorite. She sets a very high standard for me to attempt to reach for! If you need inspiration, you truly need to visit her shop! The web address is: http://www.wooleycreek.artfire.com/. See you there!

In Praise of Jewelry

2009-04-24T16:58:00.003-05:00

Lots of people make jewelry, and of course I'm one of them. It drives my husband crazy when he's trying to think of something to get me for a birthday or Christmas and I'll tell him "well, you could always get me (blank) piece of jewelry I like." "But you MAKE jewelry!" he'll exclaim. Well yeah, but that doesn't mean I don't like MORE jewelry, or that I don't want someone else's jewelry! All it means is that I can appreciate beautiful pieces, the workmanship involved, and the little details that "regular" people probably overlook. Take, for example Creative Cove's Jewelry Designs. I love her creative use of findings.

Look at the pendant. What she's done is take a toggle clasp and used it to support pendant! It's these little touches of hers that I really, really. Which all goes to show that no matter your skill level, you can always learn something cool from someone else! This isn't the only piece where CreativeCove has used components in ways other than the traditional. Go check out her shop at http://www.creativecovejewelry.artfire.com/ and prepare yourself for a feast of the senses. I also have it on pretty good authority that she wouldn't mind if anyone decided to buy one of her pieces either!

Ya Gotta Do Whatcha Gotta Do...(Sigh...)

2009-04-23T22:54:00.002-05:00

The internet has opened up doors and connected people all over the globe. It's provided opportunities for rural residents and communities to preserve their way of life and still participate in something bigger. But at the same time, I also confess that when I started with telecommunications the internet didn't have pictures--it was all text. And it was expensive. I had grant money, but the going rate was $60/hour. When EcoNet came out and "only" charged $30/hour, or $0.05/minute I was ecstatic. Then came Prodigy and it's graphics. So cool! I was so jazzed when I bought an airline ticket over the internet. All my colleagues were so darned impressed! I was the "rock star!"

So when I got serious about making jewelry, I knew from the very beginning I needed a website. But purchasing airline tickets and writing email isn't the same as web design. I know nothing about it. But you gotta do what you gotta do...

So I did my resesarch; talked to lots and lots of people, researched groups that had websites; searched the internet and finally jumped in. I've always tended to lose patience with the tech folks at work because they would map out how everything was supposed to link. To me it's so intuitive it hurts. It's kind of like driving a car. I don't need to know HOW an internal combustion engine works in order to be able to drive a car.

This was 2006. It took time, but I yes, eventually I got a website up and running. Not many sales, but it was a very convenient on-line "catalog" if you will. I could tell people to visit my website and if they found something they liked I would bring it in for them to see and try on. Low tech, but it worked.

At the same time I was taking an online 2-hour course in web-accessibility. I was SO proud of how I got alternate text and page labels and the whole 9 yards incorporated into my website.

Fast forward to the end of 2008. Boy have I learned A LOT since then!! I knew absolutely nothing about tags. Quite honestly I thought they were the same thing as alternate text. Okay, so here I am with a website that by the time you go into all the various layers has about 1200 different pages to it. It's totally accessible but HAS NO TAGS OR SEARCH FUNCTION!

Along comes ArtFire. So of course I sign up, open two stores, stock them with my new stuff and just generally let my website slide.

April 2009. So now you're up to speed. I absolutely, positively MUST redo my website. No "ifs" "ands" or "buts" about it--it's gotta be updated. So do I "retro-fit" or do I dump and start over? I have decided given the quality (or lack therof) of so many of my photos that the best thing to do is dump and start over. I'm not looking forward to it in the least. But you do whatcha gotta do.

However, I'm not above doing a "remodeling sale" in order to have fewer pieces to re-photograph and (hopefully) make the new website up to speed.

So here's what I'm going to do: From NOW until midnight May 3 (the website says April 30, but it lies) I am offering (cringe) 55% off everything. Why 55%? Well because April 30 is my 55th birthday. So it's as good a number as any.

I started to go through the pages and break the links so the ability to purchase something that was already sold was removed, but that got pretty tedious and I gave up on it. So yeah, there's broken links. Don't worry about it, you know why they're there. Here's the web address: http://www.rockycreekgems.com.

Here's what you need to do get the 55% discount: Each item has a unique stock number. If you will email me your "shopping list" I will send you an invoice that reflects the 55%. You may email me at linda@rockycreekgems.com.

So again, from now until midnight May 3, everything on my website is 55% off. You will need to email your shopping list to me at linda@rockycreekgems.com. The the web address again, is http://www.rockycreekgems.com.

After May 3 I'm going to take down the entire site and just put up the usual "under construction" sign until l'm back up and running again.

I hope there's something you decide you can't live without, but regardless, thanks for looking! One other thing--I don't post over the weekend! --Linda

A "Tail" of Woe!

2009-04-22T14:30:00.003-05:00

Good thing I love my husband SO darn much, 'cause if I didn't it would sure be easy to hate his guts this turkey season. I am still without a turkey. And Mike? THREE! Yeah, that's right, THREE. Although it differs by county, the season's total bag limit is four, and he has three. Not his fault he claims, but I'm not buying it.

First he went to El Dorado (made infamous by the Yearning for Zion polygamist sect last year) where each year he graciously guides for a group of old friends who gather every year to go turkey hunting. This group of gentlemen are all in their late 70's to mid-80's. Their eyesight is failing, their hearing is close to zilch, and overall they couldn't hit the broad-side of a barn! At least this year they didn't shoot Mike's decoys as has happened in the past. I think the main reason they do this is primarily just to get together and enjoy the camaraderie, and turkey hunting is merely an excuse. Whatever, they're gracious hosts, and they treat Mike as a special friend. In fact they schedule their hunts around Mike's schedule. Mike in turn, would tie a turkey down by the leg if he could figure out how to do it in order for these guys to have something to shoot. It's really hard work setting these guys up in order for them to be successful but he sincerely enjoys taking them out.

His "payment" is a turkey hunt of his own, and I'm really okay with this--he's earned it! But THIS year he got two turkeys with one shot and the dog treed a third (which he declined to shoot). Needless to say, he and the dogs came home happy.

We needed the rain desperately, but it rained out MY next scheduled attempt, and now I'm really bummed.

Then this past weekend Mike went to Comfort to give a presentation on prescribed burning for a group of local ranchers who had formed a burn co-op. (Mike's on the State Prescribed Burning Board.) His "payment?" Yeah, a turkey hunt. Yes, he was successful. Darn it!

This coming Thursday he's heading up to Ranger, Texas to again be a turkey guide to help out a friend who is short-handed. I don't need to mention how he'll be be paid for his guide services. I hope he misses.

This will leave ONE WEEK for me to bag my gobbler. ONE, I just want ONE gobbler! Surely that's not too much to ask for! In the meantime I will begin working on a turkey feather wreath as our annual donation to the Texas Wildlife Association's upcoming convention. They're really beautiful and they're also easy to make. The best part? I'll be using up every tail feather from all three of his turkeys, hehehehe!

Turkey Feather Wreath

This is a truly stunning project! It is adapted from the January/February 2003 issue of Turkey Call magazine. The wreath in the photo is the one I made to hang in our cabin.

If you have problems removing the tail feathers from the fan, stand the fan up in about 3 inches of boiling water and “cook” for about 10 minutes. The feathers will pull out easily. Don’t make the water too deep because melted turkey fat in the water will get on the feathers.

Materials:
1 small (about 10”) straw wreath form
About 40-50 gobbler tail feathers
About 10-20 smaller tail feathers (those just in front of the fan)
About 10-20 body feathers (to fill in any “holes”)

Directions:
1. Place the wreath on a flat surface where it can be easily turned. Determine where the wreath touches the table. This is the level where you will start inserting the turkey feathers.

2. Start by inserting the first four feathers at a 45 degree angle, one each at the top, bottom, and both sides.

3. Fill in with a feather between each of these points. Again, make sure all feathers go in at an angle of about 45 degrees.

4. Keep filling in around and around until the first round is full. Check the shape. Some feathers will be longer or shorter and will need to be adjusted to keep a round appearance to the wreath.

5. Repeat this procedure and work towards the top of the wreath. As you get towards the center, start using the smaller feathers.

If desired, add a bow or other arrangement to the base of the wreath.

Springtime in Texas

2009-04-21T13:48:00.012-05:00

I really love this time of year! Deep into July, August, and September I sometimes wonder why I live here. But along comes March, April and May--and I remember! It's the wildflowers. Driving in to work some mornings the scenery is so beautiful, sometimes it hurts! Your heart just wells up and your eyes tear over--it's that pretty! And now with a little bit of much needed rain, at the moment things are lush and green. My shop's namesake, Rocky Creek, temporarily has water in it again, and wildflowers brighten up the slopes next to the creek.

Even outside my office the surrounding acreage that's actually part of the McKinney Falls State Park is bursting with the color of spring.

It really makes me wish I could be outside doing something--anything! What I'd really like to be doing I think, is walking along the banks of Rocky Creek in the vain hope of finding a really cool rock that could be polished and turned into some beautiful piece of jewelry. I say "vain hope" because unfortunately for me, this part of Texas is limestone. Limestone, limestone, and more limestone. With the occasional piece of chert thrown thrown in, and if you're lucky you might find some calcite. But nothing as lovely as SilverRiverJewelry's rock that she found, polished, and set in sterling silver. It's lovely, isn't it? She found it in the banks of the Flint River in Ohio--where they have "real" rocks! Although SilverRiver has it labelled as flint, it's not. It's actually a piece of agate (even better!) Just look at the beautiful patterns in the stone. That where mineral-laden water seeped into cavities in the existing rock and slowing evaporated out, leaving the bands of minerals behind. I'm jealous! As much as I love walking along Rocky Creek, just once I'd love to stumble upon something like this. Since it's not going to happen, I'll have to settle for "wandering" through SilverRiver's beautiful things. Go check her out and see if you don't agree!

Linda: Zero, Turkeys: Won

2009-04-20T15:52:00.010-05:00

Yup! Sad to say, the turkeys won this round. It was one of those "not meant to be" things. Arrived at the property bright and early only to find a vehicle right in front of the gate--stuck. And the road (20 years ago I wouldn't have recognized such a set of rutted tracks as constituting a "road" but that's what it is) wasn't wide enough to get around the vehicle. It was either help him, or back out for at least a half mile--not that we even considered doing anything but helping of course!

Turned out to be the landowner's brother-in-law. Nice guy, all dressed in a brand new, probably never been worn ghilly suit (That's one of those types of suits made to make you look like you're a walking bush.) who was also confessing that this was the first time he'd ever tried hunting spring turkeys.

After about 30 minutes (and a can of Fresca) we got the terminals on his car battery cleaned off enough for it to make contact; jumped his vehicle, and got him going again so we could ALL get through the gate.

While consoling ourselves that although we should have been already set up and ready to call, it was good to be able to help someone out--sincerely. If we hadn't come along, this guy would have been S.O.L. because cell phones don't get a signal out there.

Suddenly I look up and see somthing running in the road ahead of us. Obviously a turkey! Hen or gobbler? Couldn't tell, but it WAS a turkey!!! After about 30 seconds the turkey decided to veer to the right. Oh yes! OH! It was a gobbler! A GOOD gobbler! THAT was the turkey I wanted. Of course with brother-in-law chugging along behind us, we it was clear we could forget THAT!

As soon as we could we pulled over and parked the truck. As quietly as possible we got our gear out; the guns loaded, and we were off to hopefully intercept that bird!

No such luck. Heard a bird off in the pecan bottom behind us, so we picked up and moved. Mike called and I listened. Nothing. Waited for awhile and called again. Yes! I heard one, but it was obviously moving in the opposite direction. So off we go again.

The perfect set-up! I've killed two previous turkeys in the general area. For whatever reason, they LIKE this spot! In place now, camo gloves on, camo face-mask up, I'm ready. Mike calls. Yes! Not just one turkey, but TWO! Be cool. Just wait and be cool. I can do that. Mike calls again. Oh my god! TWO turkeys call from the opposite direction!! We sat still and waited. Mike gave it everything he had, and the turkeys loved what they heard, but they just weren't coming to us. Wait some more. Call again. This time the gobblers are answering, but they're moving off. Hens. Just my luck! We kept at it for another 30 minutes or so, but we just couldn't get them to turn around.

And then? Boom! Boom! I looked at Mike in total disgust. The shots were from the direction brother-in-law said he would be hunting. But no, Mike declared it wasn't a shotgun. Just as I'm about to question his declaration about gun type, another shot. And another. And yet another. There are times when it just doesn't pay to get up, and this was one of those mornings. We obviously had a neighboring landowner/redneck/idiot out target shooting. I mean, come on! It's a weekday morning and it the opening day of turkey season. Who else but an idiot would do such as thing?! Certainly NO self-respecting turkey would be hanging out to listen to that.

So we packed it up and went back to the truck where we realized we'd forgotten the decoys. So Mike decided to give the dogs a walk and go back for them. He's coming back and is within sight of the truck when this, this "person" emerged from the woods caring a dinky little bow. All I could do is stare. With a blond waist-length pony-tail stuck through the back of a ratty-looking ball cap I decided it must be a female because only women wear their hair stuck through a cap that way. A really ugly one built like a dump truck, but female nonetheless. Then I looked again. No, it was a guy wearing, well, what was it he was wearing?? I tried to determine that as he began talking to Mike. Turns out to be yet another first-time turkey hunter.

Whereas the brother-in-law was "dressed to kill" this guy obviously didn't worry about his hunting wardrobe. Not that I'm a hunting wardrobe fashion plate by any means, but this guy was ridiculus! He was enough to give anyone nightmares! Forget Shineyourhiney's bath mitt, this guy was scarey! Once you got over laughing. Ya gotta give points to anyone with enough "intrinsic flare" to be able to wear a dirty, ratty ball cap with with his ponytail stuck through it like a girl, an unbuttoned camo shirt worn over a gray T-shirt that says who-knows-what, and (the best part!) a pair of blue cotton running shorts over a pair of gray long underwear! Oh, and hunting boots! Yessiree! Oh yeah! What can ya say!? Lots of turkeys in those woods, but not all were the type we wanted.

Maybe next week. But in the meantime, all I could think of as I was looking at this guy was Shineyourhiney's bath mitt that was alleged by someone on some other sight to "cause nightmares. Yeah right! In fact, Shineyourhiney's soap is something this guy could have used--in copious quantities. Actually, if you haven't tried her soap you really need to. My husband Mike is so fond of it he's commandeered several bars of it so when he travels he doesn't have to use hotel soap. Somehow, I'm not too sure about taking handmade soap to a deer camp because it just doesn't quite fit the image, but now that he's used it, he's gotta have it! And while you're there, be sure to look up the bath mitt "monsters." They won't be wearing long underwear and running shorts, but you'll love them nonetheless.

The Season Opener--Turkey That Is!

2009-04-03T08:00:00.001-05:00

I'm going turkey hunting tomorrow morning. With any sort of luck I'll come home with a turkey. I really, really need to shoot a turkey. It's a "thing" I have about being the first one in the office to bag a gobbler. Working in the Wildlife Division as I do, hunting is not surprisingly, a big deal. Deer season isn't too bad because it's nice and long, but now spring turkey season is something else. We're all avid spring turkey hunters and the season is pretty short. So my primarily male colleagues can't stand it when I come in with a turkey before any of them have had an opportunity to do so. Naturally, as a result, I LOVE it when I can whack the first turkey of the season. Oh yeah!

If I do, I will bring in the foot as "proof" and so everyone can measure the spurs. My colleagues will declare them to be "kinda short" (as they do every year and as they would even if they were 6 feet long!). I see no need to weigh my turkey, so I'll frustrate them when they ask how big it was and I haven't bothered to weigh it.

Finally, I will have the empty shotgun shell from the lethal shot because they'll ask me if I used a rifle or a shotgun. Serious spring turkey hunters only use shotguns. Rifles are a no-no and considered unethical. But it's part of their ritual to ask me. So I'll have the empty shell to plop down on the desk. Then they're going to say "Oh, you only used a 20 gauge. I didn't think you could hit a turkey with a 20 gauge. Did you hit it in the head?" Well or course I hit it in the head! That where's you're supposed to hit a turkey! A 20 gauge shotgun shell isn't as powerful as a 12 gauge--what they (and most men) use so you have to get closer to the turkey. So? Just means I had the skill to do that! DUH! But I won't say that. Instead I'll say "My turkey's dead. Where's yours?" Discussion will end.

Then I'll turn the empty shell into a keychain--just to further drag out the irritation--and give it to one of the ladies I work with. They're easy to make, they're fun, and they make a great package decoration for Father's Day or Christmas. I label them as being from our dog! Here's the directions so you can make one as well. If you don't have empy shotgun shells lying around, go to your local skeet or shooting range. They'll either give them to you or sell them cheap.

Shotgun Shell Key Chain

This keychain isn’t designed to stand up to a lot of hard wear and tear, but it makes a cute little item you can use to either decorate a package, or add to an existing gift. Certainly any hunting dog would be proud to give this to his or her “people” for Christmas!

Materials:
1 used shotgun shell
Small amount of batting or pieces of foam (enough to fill the shotgun shell)
Key ring (recycle some of those old ones you never use!)
Approximately 6-8 inches of leather lacing (you don’t actually need this much, but having it makes it easier to attach the ring.)
Quick setting glue
Multi-tool, pliers, or reloader

Directions:
1. Clean and dry the shotgun shell. Polish the metal for a shinier look.
2. Tightly pack the shotgun shell with batting or small pieces of foam. This will help keep the shell from getting squished, but without adding a lot of weight.

3. With a slip knot, loop the leather lacing to the key ring. Make the end of the lacing as equal as possible. (Figure 1)

4. Tie a square knot in the lacing about 2-3 inches below the key chain loop. Exact measurements aren’t necessary! This bottom knot will be put inside the re-crimped shotgun shell to hold the key ring onto the shell. (Figure 2)

5. With either the multi-tool, the pliers, or the reloader, recrimp the shotgun shell. Push the crimping further down inside the shell, just far enough the insert the bottom knot of leather lacing.

6. Using the key ring, pull up gently, but firmly until the crimping is once again level with the top. (Figure 3)

7. If necessary, secure the key ring by putting a little glue down inside between the shell and the knot.

Gyotaku

2009-04-01T17:16:00.035-05:00

I can't believe it! I'm simply speechless! NO ONE on ArtFire does fish-printing? Apparently not! A search of gyotaku, fish, fishprint, fish print, fish printing, fish-print, fish-printing all yielded nothing. Lots of things with fish, about fish, including fish, shaped like fish, etc. etc. etc. But no fish-prints.

Well, it's time to remedy that. As much as I love my knitting, beading, quilting, sewing, etc. I am also particularly fond of "wildcrafting." Now that spring is here (for most of us anyway) it's time to get outside and do stuff--like fishing! Therefore, today I am going to introduce the uninitiated with the art of gyotaku, or fish-printing. And the fish I've got pictured? It's actually a xerox copy of a T-shirt I fish-printed a few years back. Cool, huh?

Fish Printing

When you think of fish, you don't usually think of them in terms of anything other than a menu item, or possibly as bait for other menu items. Fish generally don't make it to the Top Ten List of "must have" wildcrafting supplies. We're going to change that.

Fish printing, or gyotaku (pronounced ghio-ta’-koo), is actually a very old and respectable art form. Gyotaku has been used in Japan for more than a century to record catches of sportfish. By painting the fish with ink and pressing rice paper on the inked fish, the details of the fish can be preserved. This gave largely illiterate fishermen a way to record the details of their catch. Since the prints don’t exaggerate, they are an excellent source of accurate, historical information. By studying these prints, scientists have been able to gain valuable insight into the changes in fish populations over time.

More recently, fish printing is being revived as an art form. Done individually one at a time, detailed rice paper fish prints command high prices. Fishing printing is also ideally suited to T-shirts and other types of clothing. Trust me, after you've tried fish printing you'll start evaluating fish not by their size or eating potential, but how they'd look on a T-shirt.

Materials:
Fresh or frozen fish (flounders, perch, bass, rockfishes, skates, rays work particularly well)
Fabric paint or small can of regular latex house paint (how many clean house-painters have you seen?)
Bristle brushes (usually about ½ - 1 inch works well)
Small amount of modeling clay
Straight pins
T-shirt or other item to be printed

Directions:
1. Use soap and water to clean the outside of the fish as completely as possible. The cleaner the fish, the better the print. Dry the fish well. (Prints will look better if the fish has not been previously gutted.)

2. Cover the table with newspapers. Use the modeling clay to spread out and prop up the fins. Use straight pins if necessary to hold them in place.

3. Paint the fish with the fabric paint. Pay attention to the direction of the brushstrokes as they will show up and can truly enhance the details of your fish. Cover up any excess paint that gets on the newspaper so it won’t get on the T-shirt when you print it.

4. Put newspaper inside the T-shirt so that the paint doesn’t go all the way through.

5. Carefully position the shirt over the fish and press down. Work from the center of the fish out. Carefully lift up the shirt. This step is easier if you have someone to help you lower the shirt down onto the fish.

6. Allow the shirt to dry completely. Areas that don’t quite turn out as dark, or got missed can be filled in with either a fine point permanent marker, or by carefully painting them in with a smaller brush.

7. Heat set the shirt once it is dry. This will make it machine washable. This can be done by either putting the shirt in the dryer for about 15 minutes on high heat, or by turning it inside out and ironing it for about 1 minute on a cotton/wool setting.

Note: Your favorite fish can be washed off and frozen to use again at a later time.

The only "problem" is fish-prints don't lie! Everyone will know EXACTLY how large your fish really is/was! Oh well, it's still a pretty good excuse to go fishing.

If you're looking for some QUALITY gyotaku the way it's really meant to be--full color and on rice paper, then you'll love checking out this website: http://www.michaelreimer.com/, or just click on his print below. His stuff is awesome!

Here's a picture of the kids at "Camp San Pedro" a few years back all wearing their fish printed T-shirts. And of my "life-guard" husband, Mike, wearing his shirt (he made it all by himself too!). And yeah, you can easily tell what he WISHES were in his hand.

The Easter Egg Hunt is On!

2009-04-01T12:46:00.003-05:00

So when was the last time YOU participated in an Easter egg hunt? No, no, accompanying a child doesn't count. I mean the last time YOU personally engaged in one? Been awhile? Yeah, me too! And I can truthfully say I've never participated in an international, cross-country egg hunt.

The idea behind the egg hunt (besides having fun, of course!) is to expose as many people as possible to all the wonderful handmade things that are available on ArtFire. We want to plant the seed, and nurture the idea that the best gifts come from the heart, and everything on ArtFire is made by hand--so of course it's from the heart! All the artisans love what they're doing. So the next time you need something, whether it's a necklace for a new dress, a new supply of soap or a gift for a friend, the hope is that you'll think of ArtFire artisans FIRST. Okay, so details, details! Let's get to them!

The hunt is FREE to enter, because as I said, the idea behind it is EXPOSURE. You don't have to buy a single item (although you won't get turned away if you do!), all you do is go "window-shopping" to find the hidden Easter eggs. When you've found them, use the letters to make a sentence and send the sentence in. We'll have THREE winners! What are the prizes? MONEY to go SHOPPING ON ARTFIRE with! You'll be able to spend it in any of the shops where you found the eggs. And no, you don't have to spend it all in one store!

Ready to enter? Here's the link. Now go sign up! http://easter-eggs-artfire.blogspot.com/
(So why are you still reading this? GO SIGN UP! Or as we say in Texas...GIT!)

March 31, 2009 -- The Reluctant Blogger

2009-03-31T15:08:00.000-05:00

To blog or not to blog; that is the question. With sincere apologies to Hamlet, it's actually it's not as much of a question as it is a matter of necessity. I have been dragging my feet about doing this--knowing I need to, but not really ready to commit. So today I have taken the plunge! As of today I am a Blogger! Today I begin the journey of not just making jewelry, but talking about it.