This is where I've been spending most of my time lately I love my Gardens in the Country

With the break of pleasant and warm temperatures in Upstate New York I find myself out of the house and away from the dish pan, vacuum, broom and mop. Not that my hands found them all that often anyway, they would much rather grab a rack, shovel, rototiller and all the weeds that pop up and compete with the beautiful perennials that I've planted.

Also sadly I haven't had as much time to work in my Etsy shop or tweet with my twitter friends, but I will get better at multitasking and finding enough time to do at least those two things that  I enjoy.

Speaking of weeding, It's not that I enjoy the task but I'm a very competitive person and once I get started it's hard to stop. Yes, I compete with the weeds, sometimes I win and sometimes not so much.


 Someone once told me after I was complaining about what I had to do and what I wanted to do that "sometimes life just gets in the way" you know there is a lot of truth in that statement, Life really does get in the way.  Unless I make a conscious decision to do what I want to do, what I have to do always wins.  It's a constant tug-of-war between the 2 for me.

So lately I'd say within the past 10 months I've been trying to make what had to be done also what I wanted to do.  I get along with myself much better now. I can't say it always works out for me in a positive way every time but, when I'm enjoying what I'm doing it's a win - win for everyone involved.

I've Shown You this BBB (blue bottle bush) before but if you notice the Clematis is starting to grow and soon will overtake the stump and show off the beautiful double blossoms in a wonderful lavender color.

This old harvest table someone had put along side the road with a free sign on it, so of course I stopped and loaded it up and gave it new place to spend the rest of it life. It's the star of the show during the bonfire gathering. 

Awe, if you could only see the little gold fish that are now living in this pond, the Fish Fairy visited one day and dropped some off for me. Thank You, Jeanne.

And these are the twin Red Maple's we planted about 6 years ago now, they are loving the view.

And when the work is done or I'm just to exhausted to do anymore I will either sit or lay down in one of these 2 hammocks and be Oh, so grateful of the time I have and Thank God for the all his Glory.

Purple Martin House

Outside shower where I only get cooled off and wash the mud off my hands and feet during and after working in the garden. Oh yes and the compost bin, which I should have put more thought in the placement of both, if you know what I mean. 

Well there it is, now you know where I am when you can't find me. 

I hope you've enjoyed your visit.

Dutch Felt Art, Artisan and WWES curator

I've gotta tell ya, that I have never been a member of a team or group willingly before.  I Kinda felt more secure just watching and only being responsible for me, myself and I. Not that I am selfish in anyway but don't like to get my expectations high just to have someone other than myself burst my bubble, if you know what I mean.  I guess I've always felt like I would be disappointed or let down with the whole team process in some way.  So when I joined this networking team I questioned if the members would all be team players.
By now your probably wonder where I 'm going with this and where does Dutch Felt Art come in. Well, patience my dear I'm getting to it. This is where I met the Curator to WWES World Wide Etsy Seller, Monique Smelik.
Now I find myself a part of not 1 but 2 teams. But, for now I'm speaking of the 1st team I joined and that would be WWES (World Wide Etsy Sellers)  http://worldwideetsysellers.blogspot.com/

This team has turned out for me to be the best decision I could have made not just for the networking and promoting of my little Vintage Etsy shop but for learning that kind and generous strangers do exist. I don't know any one personally on this team but I know they have my back. They have become my friends and I enjoy communicating with them on twitter and supporting them as they have me.

I give Monica the credit for showing her support to everyone and her ability to be a team leader. She had a vision and she is making it come to light, I'm sure she'll be the 1st one to say it ain't easy being the top dog, the boss or team leader. But; she stays tough and doesn't waver from the path that she knows will benefit every wwes member.  

 Enough said; now I really want to show you her creativity at work
http://www.etsy.com/shop/dutchfeltart?ga_search_query=dutchfelt&ga_search_type=seller_usernames&view_type=gallery

Nuno Felt Scarf Merino Silk Orange and Brown

 Nuno Felt Scarf Lavender, Pink & Lace

In her own words, She believes that beautiful things can be made with materials straight out from mother nature.
And she makes all her items with love and great pleasure, and her daughter is her greatest inspiration.
The process of wet felting is although very intensive Monique also finds very relaxing.
Working with fibers is like painting and makes life natural and beautiful.
When she is creating a certain item she is always inspired to create another.


Monique lives in the Netherlands which is a long way from me in New York.  I took a trip to Europe a few years back but never made it to the Netherlands. Next time I go to visit my daughter in Belgium you can bet I will be looking Monique up for a visit.


You can also check out more of her designs at her  Dutch Felt Art Website  http://www.dutchfeltart.com/index.htm

 Felt Silk & Glass Peacock Necklace

 Newborn Felted Baby Booties

Alpaca Handknitted Poncho

This is so gorgeous. A poncho from 100% handspun, undyed Alpaca Roving.
It closes with felted balls.
Fringes are from Wensleydale locks

Hearted Felt Purse 

his is a 100% wool felt purse with wet-felted hearts on it. It is cotton lined and closes with a zipper. Lovely children's bag or purse around your neck.

Felt Brooch Flower

Double felted brooch in yellow, rust and orange colors. Makes your simple outfit extravagant!

Etsy Featured Shop - Bungelowjame Jewelrey designer and inventive creator

It was very difficult for me to pick who I was going to feature as my 1st Etsy shop blog post. There are so many wonder and creative people and artisans on Etsy that I have come to know and love. But my intentions are to have each and everyone featured.

     But, I must start with the one who's shop I have spent most of my time and money in. That shop is
http://www.etsy.com/shop/bungelowjame?ga_search_query=bungelowjame& ga_search_type=seller_usernames .
     Jamie Creason resides in California  and is also conscious of the mark she will make on the plant as am I. She recycle's and reuses everything she can, which is good for us all.  Jamie has been selling on Etsy since November of 2009 where she is making a name for herself one piece at a time. Like myself she loves to garden as well and judging by her garden pictures she gardens as creatively as she designs her jewelry pieces.

In Jamie's words she has always been creative, and has love to paint and take photos. She is inspired by everything "vintage." Here Granmama loved her "costume" jewelry and those pieces are what she is using as inspiration for her designs (along with some funky stuff just for fun). She loves to garden, cook and bake, and also loves the beach, boogie boarding and snow. She lives in Northern CA...so you can do that all in one day if you so wish.

     I want to start off showing you some custom designs she has created for me. This is the most recent piece I purchased. Jamie had the turquoise brooch listed in her shop as a necklace. I asked her if she could design a piece for me using a brooch like it and so she did just that. She removed it from her shop and with some of the things I told her I liked and that inspired me she created this lovely and eye catching brooch.  As you can see it is a delight to wear.

Custom Brooch for Judy

Custom Butterfly Brooch for Judy

Custom Brooch for Judy



This is the first piece I bought and it is so romantic and elegant.

Victorian Cameo vintage inspired collage brooch mixed media upcycled romantic feminine

     So there they are, the brooches that make people stop and ask where did you get that beautiful pin.
And of course I answer back from a designer on Etsy you can find her shop by typing in bungelowjame no I.

Why do I only buy brooches you ask, Well,  because I am allergic to the metal's that is used in jewelry so i have to keep to pin's so the metal doesn't touch my skin.

Jamie also designs necklaces, earrings, rings and bracelets.

1930's Art Deco black white silver dangle earrings upcycled beads modern sleek Mothers Day

Sparrow seamstress scissor pendant vintage inspired silver pink sage green rose hearts necklace romantic feminine

Handmade bracelet Victorian Gothic repurposed vintage red lucite bead red crystals vintage Victorian style romantic

     Her jewelry is lovingly created with an eye for vintage flair, and the occasional whimsical feel. She loves to recycle old pieces of jewelry and recreate lovely vintage style items. Each piece she creates is one of a kind, she never duplicates a design, so when you purchase a piece, you will know that you have the only one.

Ring adjustable handmade blue tulips and sparrow mixed media assemblage Mothers Day romantic nature

     She is an avid organic gardener and I really tries to salvage and recycle everything she can.
Jame is contently creating new pieces and adding them daily so you should favorite her shop and stop by often to see whats new.  If you see something that inspires you like i did, I'm sure she would be more than happy to custom design a piece for you.

Jamie is a proud member of the SF Etsy Team which is a local team for Etsy sellers in the San Francisco Bay Area.

And also proud to be a member of the World Wide Esty Sellers on Twitter: check us out at #WWES some awesome talented folks!

Jamie also has a beautiful blog http://wwwbungelowjame.blogspot.com/

Life at the Bungelow musings about life, art and the garden

~Musings about life, art, and the garden

So there it is my very 1st Etsy shop Feature on my kinda new Blog. It's all a learning experience as is life itself.

Don't forget to ♥ㄥi v モ ♥ㄥa u g h ♥ㄥo v モ

Living Life with Purpose and Authenticity

For the past year I've been reading, listening, studding, gaining knowledge and doing my best to live my life with more purpose and Authenticity. I have learned tolerance, patience and to Let Go and Let God more than ever before.  As I rapidly approach the big 5  0, I find myself reminiscing and pondering the life I have lived so far. And the mark I will leave upon this earth when I'm gone. And I have learned I am not alone in this quest for the answers to a meaningful life. How could I be, There is so much information out there, I couldn't be the first person to wonder WHY.

     I have come to realize my life has been like this path that you see above, I have walked along it not knowing where it will take me, but, knowing for sure that I had to keep walking on. Hoping that if I make the right choices and follow my heart It will undoubtedly lead me to where I need to be and at the right moment.
     I do believe in the sacred contracts that we make before incarnating. You know it, the one where we choose this life we live. I know why would we choose such things for ourselves, the pain, gilt, despair the list goes on. But I also believe  you are given 2 choices in every situation and everyone has free will and that can change the outcome of the situation.  I have come to also realize that never once was I left alone to find my way, but I was gently guided down the path, and when I fought with resistance and went my own way I was followed and never left alone. And those wrong choices were made right somehow someway.  I had no knowledge of this guidance however, and it would have been very helpful if the voices were louder so I could hear them loud and clear and save myself the pain of finding  out the hard way.

I started this quest within the walls of my small community Church where my husband and I go to worship.  It's a beautiful Historical country Church, White with the Red doors, the bell in the steeple and the Balcony over looking the sanctuary that could hold 200 but on most Sundays only holds to 90 to 120.  Each person with a different story to tell and all their for different reasons, I'm sure.

I found myself still asking the question what is my purpose in this life and how can I live with Authenticity. What am I supposed to learn while I'm here and what would make me happy, I mean truly happy and satisfied. With that I  found myself searching the internet, (like the answer would be there waiting for me to find it)  I found Hay House http://www.hayhouseradio.com which is full of inspirational speakers and all the self help information one could want. I would tune in every week to catch Dr. Wayne Dyer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijYWNKP2NEI&feature=related , Louse Hay, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYCamVx4fSQ.

Along with these others Colette Baron-Reid, Denise Linn, Caroline Myss, John Holland, Debbie Ford, Lisa Williams, Sylvia Browne and Cheryl Richardson. I downloaded  Marianne Williamson's, Dr. Dyers, Lousie Hay's and many more books on my MP3 so on my travels hunting for those great vintage treasures and on long trips I could  gain more awareness and multitask at the same time.
     I've listened to and really tried to understand the concept of Esther & Jerry Hicks, but must say I just don't get the whole Abraham thing at all  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTb6mKAwftA. I bought the book The Secret http://www.thesecret.tv/ . Which I have since sold on Ebay. But am still trying with some success to manifest the things I desire.

I came across another radio talk show,  Contact Talk Radio http://www.contacttalkradio.com/index.php and enjoy Listening to Livin on a Prayer with Michele Morgan http://www.contacttalkradio.com/hosts/michelemorgan.html  http://www.michelemorgan.org/, Intuitive with Jamie Roth, http://www.contacttalkradio.com/hosts/jamieroth.html, Finding Your Soul's Path & Staying the Course with Rev. Maxi Harper http://www.contacttalkradio.com/hosts/maxiharper.html, Adventures in Density & Effort with Joan Newcomb http://www.contacttalkradio.com/hosts/joannewcomb.html  and Create Change Now with Cari L Murphy http://www.contacttalkradio.com/hosts/carimurphy.html. All are great shows and fun topics. But still the quest continues......

Here are a few affirmations that have helped me along the way:

• I use my maturity and wisdom to recognize the Truth.

•  There is a divine plan for my life and the divine plan is unfolding for me now.

•  God show me the divine plan for my life.

• In a relaxed and easy manner I have all the money required for business, personal and more.  The Universe has a constant flow of financial abundance filling my accounts in every second of the day, every day of the week, and every week of the year. 

I have taken guided meditation classes, searched out physics and intuitive to guide me in my quest for my life's purpose. And to learn more about myself and my life past and present.  I Dove into past life aggression therapy, Dream analysis http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpYCoC5boq4&feature=player_embedded# , Tarot Cards, Aura readings http://www.skepdic.com/auras.html, Chakras, Crystals http://www.crystalinks.com/index.html . The Fairy Rhelm, I believe in Ghost's and life after death. And my all time favorite is getting to know the Angels and Arch Angels http://www.angel-guide.com/index.html. 

I have thought about Numerology and Astronomy but Couldn't bring myself to open those books.

      I have joined an area group http://www.frontiernet.net/~hclny/index.html so I can be with like minded people from time to time, that let me tell you are hard to find in my neck of the woods.
I have the book Simple Abundance A Daybook of Comfort and Joy by Sarah Ban Breathnach within arms distance of my work space. A keepsake box of Crystals if I need them, My new Yin and Yang sculptures that I just purchased from http://www.etsy.com/shop/OOAKSculptures the digital image of spirit of the spring woodlands that I also purchased from an Etsy shop http://www.etsy.com/listing/45405729/spirit-of-spring-woodlands and the picture of Jesus hanging on the wall all give me inspiration and hope.

So as you can see I've done the research, I have sought out the knowledge. It all seems so overwhelming when I look at it all written down like this.  And wonder how in the world did I find the time.

So what have I learned in this 12 month quest, as I take a deep breath and sigh I guess the answer is as long and involved as the journey itself.

     After all of this I have learned I started searching years ago long before I started the quest. It all comes back to treating the Universe with respect and the understanding that we are only here temporarily, to learn what we need to learn before we are reincarnated back home. We are here to give what we can not to take what we can.

     What it comes down to for me, is my belief in God and the Holy Trinity. And also aware that we are not alone. God did not put us here to walk alone or to walk without purpose. He gave us tools for our journey to use and to call upon the angels when we need guidance.  Each of us has a God given right to find the answer for ourselves within ourselves. And sometimes you just have to believe and Let Go and Let God.

The Universe will always answer you back but you must be open for the answers.
I know God will never leave me alone and is always walking with me softly whispering in my ear and giving me the courage to move forward.

The Serenity Prayer

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.
Amen.

--Reinhold Niebuhr

In Celebration of Earth Day. We can all learn a lot from trees, if only we take the time to listen.

TREES

Shimmering moonlight

gently touches the bare arms

of a rich novel, a sea of stories.

A hundred years of memories are held

In the palm of its oak hand,

where in a garden of ash it grew.

Fierce winter gusts nip at the brittle bark.

Beneath, sap of sorrow

lie frozen in the sleeping veins that once

carried a river of sweet candy

to its now frost bitten limbs of gold.

Miles of endless roots stretch far beyond

buried secrets that keep

it firmly planted, solid and immovable

in the dead ground, beneath the surface,

and soiled by the decay of time.

It's so hard to believe

that all of this

came from nothing more than

an anonymous, fragile

child of green: a tiny seed.

By Terrah Coon

It's Trickery I tell ya!

It's April 17th, I know already, you don't need to remind me that it's still early in Upstate New York to think that the cold and snow is gone out of the forecast. But for the past 2 day's I have taken advantage of the warm temperatures and the sunshine. I have been wearing tank tops and flip flops and Yes, I started rototiller my vegetable garden and weeding my perennial garden. And I have all the aches and pains to prove it.  I even went as far as to buy a Basil Plant yesterday, I couldn't resist the sweet smell and the dark green fresh leaves. I knew however I would have to bring it in every  night and place it in the sun each day. Baby it sort of speak.

It started raining last night and was still drizzling this morning when I woke up so I figured I've worked hard for a few days and good use some sit down time at my computer working in my Etsy shop and tweeting with friends.  As I was sitting here and working online, I looked out the window and, and I can hardly say the words, it's snowing.  The realization of where I live and what month it is came rushing back to me, I feel the song birds are feeling it too by the way they are shouting outside my window. It's Trickery I tell ya, Trickery.

So I am posting these photo's of my spring gardens and hoping that the fresh new buds on the apple and lilac trees will not perish in these colder than yesterday temperatures.