Saturday, December 10, 2011

This guy stopped by this mornin and.. Yikes!, I woke up with frosty cheeks !
He's one of my favorite fellas,but geez.. leave it in Hollywood . We really can't complain , it has been really good for a last few week. Now , as they say ,it is time to pay the piper.. (toot toot)
I have to share with you a great find. I lucky enough to come across a big box of vintage jewelry from the 70's... dig it man .
You could say I was like a kid in a candy store (wiping drool from my chin ). As soon as I got my new goodies home ,I jumped right in the box to see what fun things were in there. WOOHOO and did I hit the mother load !!
I don't want to be greedy ,so I'll be sharing them with a little at a time :0)

Well I think I better turn up the heat, and thaw out these cheeks and start my day coffee here I come .
Be well everyone !

Monday, November 28, 2011

Christmas Sale !!


Hey gang I hope you all enjoyed your Thanksgiving and survived Black Friday stress! I was smart this year and stayed in ,I wasn't up for the madness that comes with a good sale .



Speaking of sale ,I'm having a Christmas madness sale of my own ,Buy one get one 50% off easy as that ! So don't bother with all that craziness shop on line .

Christmas will be here before it and I figure the easier I can make it I will .So give a little sparkle this year and get your favorite someone some Bling !! Be safe out there and enjoy !

Monday, October 31, 2011


Ancient Origins of Halloween

Halloween's origins date back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced sow-in). The Celts, who lived 2,000 years ago in the area that is now Ireland, the United Kingdom and northern France, celebrated their new year on November 1. This day marked the end of summer and the harvest and the beginning of the dark, cold winter, a time of year that was often associated with human death. Celts believed that on the night before the new year, the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead became blurred. On the night of October 31 they celebrated Samhain, when it was believed that the ghosts of the dead returned to earth. In addition to causing trouble and damaging crops, Celts thought that the presence of the otherworldly spirits made it easier for the Druids, or Celtic priests, to make predictions about the future. For a people entirely dependent on the volatile natural world, these prophecies were an important source of comfort and direction during the long, dark winter.

To commemorate the event, Druids built huge sacred bonfires, where the people gathered to burn crops and animals as sacrifices to the Celtic deities. During the celebration, the Celts wore costumes, typically consisting of animal heads and skins, and attempted to tell each other's fortunes. When the celebration was over, they re-lit their hearth fires, which they had extinguished earlier that evening, from the sacred bonfire to help protect them during the coming winter.

Sunday, September 25, 2011


Autumn is here and a new bunch of goodies are on their way I took the summer off to recharge I hope it worked !! I've been busy as a bee stirring up new pieces and enjoying new colors and ideas . This summer was wonderful spending time with family and friends .
I'll be posting soon so keep an eye out for the new goodies and a give away is around the corner !!

Monday, August 8, 2011



Summer fun is slowly coming to a close and what a better way to enjoy one last WOOHOO ,SO I'M HAVING AN END OF SUMMER SALE !!

ALL JEWELRY IS 25% OFF SO PICK AN EARLY CHRISTMAS GIFT OR A LITTLE SOMETHING SPECIAL FOR THAT SOMEONE SPECIAL IN YOUR LIFE ! DON'T MISS OUT GET THAT SOMETHING YOU HAVE WANTED BUT JUST DIDN'T WANT TO TREAT YOURSELF .NOW IS THE TIME . ALSO DURING THIS SALE ,SHIPPING IS GOING TO BE $1.70 . HOW CAN YOU BEAT THAT !! HAVE FUN AND HOPE YOU FIND SOMETHING YOU LIKE !!

Monday, August 1, 2011

We have all had days like these !! Enjoy :0)




Monday, July 18, 2011


Hello out there !! I just want to list the winner of my last giveaway ! and the winner is ....... Diana Shrome WOOHOO !! Fantastic Congratulations Diana ,and enjoy the feather earrings !!

Friday, July 1, 2011


Yippee ! Holiday weekend ,who brought the sparklers !!



Can't wait for the cook outs all the burgers and wieners loads of salads and WATERMELON !! If I could I would live on just the melon YUM!!



I hope you all have a wonderful 4th weekend remember to give Thanks to all of those who fought to give us our independence,and be safe out the God Bless !

Wednesday, June 22, 2011



Well it is that time again I'm ready for another giveaway ,I just love doing these it is so much fun .What a better time then a Summer celebration ! Of course I need to make this a little more fun ,I would love you to leave a comment below on what your summer plans are .I'll start off by saying that we will be spending a lot of our summer by the water making up for a long cold winter that is for sure.Now when you leave a comment your name will be put in the basket. As usual if you become a follower I will add your name again ,and if you share my give away and facebook page with friends I'll add your name again .So there is three ways to have your name added to the give away basket!
So I hear on the grapevine that feathers are coming back so I think the perfect give away is to keep up with the summer trend.

These little lovelies are just the ticket and will add a bit of flash to your summer wardrobe,I'm off to make a pair foe myself !
The drawing will be on 7/16/11 , I look forward to hearing all bout your summer fun in my comments !
Good Luck ! :0)

Tuesday, June 21, 2011


Boy I'm tellin ya I keep saying I'll never put up another pool and here that is what I've been up to these last few weeks .We had to put down the last one, sad to say it developed a rusty tumor in its seam, and we feared if we tried to save it ,it would of split wide open and released it's liquid fun filling our basement . It had a good long life,feeling for the old girl,we did the only thing we could, we pulled the plug.
Of course being pool number five that we installing it had to turn into a major project like the last four when good old Dad gets into the picture .So the nightmare begins .....
What should of been a weekend project turned into three weeks of complete HELL !!
Even thought we followed the directions that came with the new pool we still had to do it the Dad's way .You think with growin up and doing things my Fathers way all these years I would have caught on by now . Just call me thick headed!! Don't get me wrong I love my Dad with all my heart ,but he can play on everyone's last nerve when it comes to a project .So to keep the peace we did it his way, all the way . Starting with the new sand we had to add to reading and rereading the directions over and over .I think we all have it kept to memory by now . So if anyone ever ask we can give them detailed directions for their next pool project ..lol!We thought for sure Mom was going to pack up and leave and the rest of us were going to have to move . A day didn't go by when someone would have their own personal meltdown from this one pool project . My confusion is how can one thing that can bring such joy ,can cause total melt down of family and senses !After all the yelling and freaking out and threats of divorce.. WE HAVE POOL! We all have to admit that even though we think Dad goes too far sometimes with his projects ,we have to admit the pool looks Fantastic and it will last for years to come. Now we have to fix the deck ,OH NO !! hear we go again..... RUN FOR YOUR LIVES !! LOL...........

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Ok now we have gone from being drowned to melting ,I feel like butter that has been left out on the counter!

It would be nice if it could melt away a few of these extra pounds I have hanging around !!wishful thinking I guess ..lol
Well I just got back from a GREAT VaCa and now it is time to hit the work bench again I have some new thing coming up ,I'm posting some of the things I have ready so enjoy .

Wednesday, May 18, 2011


ENOUGH ALREADY !!!
I'm starting to feel like a fish with all water YIKES !! I thought the old saying was April showers bring May flowers! What do March and April and May ,flooding bring ..lol
I could of sworn I just saw the ark float by ,

Well I guess we really can't complain too much it could be snow .
The only hold up is that I want to plant my veggies and I can't ,it's too wet out there ,something better happen soon ,they are out growing there starter pots !!
I've been working on new things and some old ideas ,I really like the way things are turning out What do you think ??

I'll be postinhg my new pieces this weekend keep an eye out ! Stay dry :0)

Friday, May 13, 2011




Friday the 13th

Legend: Friday the 13th is a day fraught with peril.

Origins: Although most of us would probably affirm that superstition's role in Western culture is now a much diminished one, more a source of amusement than anything else, there are still those who allow their trepidation over particular days or dates to prevent them from engaging in their choice of activities. We may make jokes about Friday the 13th and only kiddingly instruct loved ones to exercise greater care on that day, but those who suffer from a fear of the number thirteen (triskaidekaphobia) or a fear of Friday the 13th (paraskevidekatriaphobia) may genuinely feel limited by the rumored potential for ill luck connected with the date.

The reasons why Friday came to be regarded as a day of bad luck have been obscured by the mists of time — some of the more common theories link it to a significant event in Christian tradition said to have taken place on Friday, such as the Crucifixion, Eve's offering the apple to Adam in the Garden of Eden, the beginning of the Great Flood, or the confusion at the Tower of Babel. Chaucer alluded to Friday as a day on which bad things seemed to happen in the Canterbury Tales as far back as the late 14th century ("And on a Friday fell all this mischance"), but references to Friday as a day connected with ill luck generally start to show up in Western literature around the mid-17th century:

"Now Friday came, you old wives say, Of all the week's the unluckiest day." (1656)

From the early 19th century onward, examples abound of Friday's being considered a bad day for all sorts of ordinary tasks, from writing letters to conducting business and receiving medical treatment:

"I knew another poor woman, who lost half her time in waiting for lucky days, and made it a rule never to . . . write a letter on business . . . on a Friday — so her business was never done, and her fortune suffered accordingly." (1804)

"There are still a few respectable tradesmen and merchants who will not transact business, or be bled, or take physic, on a Friday, because it is an unlucky day." (1831)

Friday was also said to be a particularly unlucky day on which to undertake anything that represented a beginning or the start of a new venture, thus we find references to all of the following activities as endeavors best avoided on Fridays:

Needleworking: "I knew an old lady who, if she had nearly completed a piece of needlework on a Thursday, would put it aside unfinished, and set a few stitches in her next undertaking, that she might not be obliged either to begin the new task on Friday or to remain idle for a day." (1883)

Harvesting: "My father once decided to start harvest on a Friday, and men went out on the Thursday evening, and, unpaid, cut along one side of the first field with their scythes, in order to dodge the malign fates which a Friday start would begin." (1933)

Laying the keel of, or launching, a ship: "Fisherman would have great misgivings about laying the keel of a new boat on Friday, as well as launching one on that day." (1885)

Beginning a sea voyage: "Sailors are many of them superstitious . . . A voyage begun [on a Friday] is sure to be an unfortunate one." (1823)

Beginning a journey: "I knew another poor woman, who . . . made it a rule never to . . . set out on a journey on a Friday." (1804)

Giving birth: "A child born on a Friday is doomed to misfortune." (1846)

Getting married: "As to Friday, a couple married on that day are doomed to a cat-and-dog life." (1879)

Recovering from illness: "If you have been ill, don't get up for the first time on a Friday." (1923)

Hearing news: "If you hear anything new on a Friday, it gives you another wrinkle on your face, and adds a year to your age." (1883)

Moving: "Don't move on a Friday, or you won't stay there very long." (1982)

Starting a new job: "Servants who go into their situations on Friday, never go to stay." (1923)

In some cases, Good Friday (the Friday before Easter) was regarded as an exception or 'antidote' to the bad luck usually associated with Friday beginnings:

"Notwithstanding the prejudice against sailing on a Friday . . . most of the pleasure-boats . . . make their first voyage for the season on Good Friday." (1857)

"It was accounted unlucky for a child to be born on a Friday, unless it happened to be Good Friday, when the event was counterbalanced by the sanctity of the day." (1870)

The origins of the connection between the number thirteen and ill fortune are similarly obscure. Many different sources for the superstition surrounding the number thirteen have been posited, the most common stemming from another Christian source, the Last Supper, at which Judas Iscariot was said to have been the thirteenth guest to sit at the table. (Judas later betrayed Jesus, leading to His crucifixion, and then took his own life.) This Christian symbolism is reflected in early Western references to thirteen as an omen of bad fortune, which generally started to appear in the early 18th century and warned that thirteen people sitting down to a meal together presaged that one of them would die within the year:

"I have known, and now know, persons in genteel life who did, and do, not sit down to table unmoved with twelve others. Our notion is that one of the thirteen so partaking, will die ere the expiry of the year." (1823)

"The old story runs, that the last individual of the thirteen who takes a seat has the greatest chance of being the 'doomed one'." (1839)

Superstition held that the victim would be the first person to rise from the table (or the last one to be seated), leading to the remedies of having all guests sit and stand at the same time, or seating one or more guests at a separate table:

" . . . Miss Mellon always gave the last comer an equal chance with the rest for life . . . she used to rise and say, 'I will not have any friend of mine sit down as the thirteenth; you must all rise, and we will then sit down again together.'" (1839)

"Every one knows that to sit down thirteen at a table is a most unlucky omen, sure to be followed by the death of one of the party within the year . . . Some say, however, that the evil will only befall the first who leaves the table, and may be averted if the whole company are careful to rise from their seats at the same moment." (1883)

" . . . so far is this feeling carried that one of the thirteen is requested to dine at a side table!" (1823)

(The "thirteen at the table" form of superstition again harkens back to the Last Supper: the one who left the table first, Judas Iscariot, died at his own hand soon afterwards.)

More generally, groups of thirteen people in any context — at a table, in a room, on a ship — were believed to inevitably lead to tragedy:

"On a sudden an old woman unluckily observed there were thirteen of us in company. This remark struck a panic terror into several who were present . . . but a friend of mine, taking notice that one of our female companions was big with child, affirmed there were fourteen in the room . . ." (1711)

"Notwithstanding . . . opinions in favour of odd numbers, the number thirteen is considered as extremely ominous; it being held that, when thirteen persons meet in a room, one of them will die within the year." (1787)

"Many will not sail on a vessel when [thirteen] is the number of persons on board; and it is believed that some fatal accident must befall one of them." (1808)

By the late 19th century the superstition surrounding thirteen had become even more general, with people going out of their ways to avoid anything designated by the number thirteen, whether it be hotel rooms, desks, or cars:

"'Look at that,' said Parnell, pointing to the number on his door. It was No. 13! 'What a room to give me!'" (1893)

"For some time before the late War I went almost daily to the British Museum reading room . . . I gave some attention to the desks left to the last comers . . . there was a very marked preference of any other desk to that numbered '13'." (1927)

"The mechanic helped him get out [of the racing car]. 'May as well scratch,' he said. 'He won't be good for anything more this afternoon. It's asking for trouble having a No. 13.'" (1930)

Once again these ill omens were avoided through artifice, such as the renumbering of rooms in hotels and inns to eliminate any Room #13's, and misnumbering the floors above the 12th floor in multi-story buildings so that tenants could pretend 13th floors were really 14th floors.

Just as Friday was considered an inauspicious day of the week on which to embark upon a new enterprise, so the 13th day of a month came to signify a particularly bad day for beginning a venture. Although regarding the confluence of a particularly unlucky day of the week (Friday) and a particularly unlucky day of the month (the 13th) as a date of supreme
unluckiness might seem to be obvious and inevitable, superstitions regarding Friday the 13th are not nearly as old as most people tend to think. The belief in Friday the 13th as a day on which Murphy's Law reigns supreme and anything that can go wrong will go wrong appears to be largely a 20th century phenomenon. (The claim that the Friday the 13th superstition began with the arrest of the final Grand Master of the Knights Templar, Jacques Demolay, on Friday, October 13, 1307, is a modern-day invention.)

Books of English folklore generally cite a 1913 Notes & Queries reference as the earliest known expression of Friday the 13th as a day of evil luck, and this corresponds to what we found when we searched The New York Times and the Los Angeles Times for similar references. In both newspapers the first mentions of the ill-fated date occured in 1908, as in this short piece about a U.S. senator from Oklahoma who dared to tempt fate by introducing 13 bills on Friday the 13th:

13 SIGN ON INDIAN SENATOR

Puts In 13 Bills on Friday the 13th and
There's Little Hope for them.

WASHINGTON, March 13 — Friday the 13th holds no terrors for Senator Owen. The Senator from Oklahoma is a Cherokee Indian, and he places the Indian sign on the ancient superstition.

To-day he introduced thirteen public building bills, and by a queer coincidence the file numbers ran from 6,113 to 6,125, inclusive.

There is little likelihood that the public building bills at this session will carry any but the most pressing improvements.

(It's interesting to note that this very early reference to Friday the 13th already describes it as being an "ancient superstition.")

Similarly, a 1913 piece described a minister who offered to marry free of charge any couple willing to take the matrimonial plunge on Friday the 13th:

WED FREE FRIDAY THE 13TH

Pastor's Offer to Any Young Couple
Willing to Take the Chance.

MIDDLETOWN, N.Y., June 10 — Any young couple bent on matrimony may have the ceremony performed free next Friday by applying to the Rev. Charles H. Reynolds, pastor of the North Congregational Church.

Mr. Reynolds does not believe that Friday is unlucky, nor that Friday, June 13, 1913, is unlucky, and therefore he offers to tie the knot free of charge for any young couple who comes to him on that day.

These days, however, one is unlikely to get so much as a free latte out of the day. Sanguinity comes at a price.

Be safe out there and have a good Friday the 13TH !! :0)

Sunday, May 8, 2011

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY


Happy Mother's Day to all the Mom out there !

Saturday, April 30, 2011



Prayer vigil on Saturday night


“I knew he was a saint.”

Those were the words of Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz, close friend and confidant of Pope John Paul II, at the Circus Maximus in Rome this evening. Gathered with him were tens of thousands of pilgrims who had come together by candlelight to remember, give thanks and pray.

“If today he is proclaimed blessed it is only because he was already a saint in life,” Cardinal Dziwisz continued, drawing upon his many years at Pope John Paul’s private secretary.

“I knew he was a saint. I knew for a long time when he was alive and even before he was chosen to be Pope.”

His words were carried around the globe by a video link-up to five Marian shrines in four continents – Kawekarno in Tanzania, Guadalupe in Mexico, Fatima in Portugal, Harissa in Lebanon and Lagniewniki in the Polish city of Krakow.

It was from the last location that St. Faustina Kowalska spread her message of the Divine Mercy of Jesus. Providentially, Pope John Paul II died on the eve of Divine Mercy Sunday, five years after canonizing Faustina and instituting the custom of giving this name to the second Sunday of Easter.

The pilgrims heard further testimonies from those who knew Pope John Paul most and loved him best.

His press secretary for many years, Joaquin Navarro-Valls, gave an insight as to the source of Pope John Paul’s sanctity and serenity:

“He looked for the mercy of God every week in confession. He believed that to be the cure for pessimism across the world. He would be most happy now if all of us got to confession on a regular basis.”

“He gave everything to God and did everything for God. Thank you to you John Paul II for the masterpiece of your life that was made possible through the help of God.”

Then the French religious sister whose miraculous cure from Parkinson’s Disease paved the way for tomorrow’s beatification retold her remarkable story. Sister Marie Simon-Pierre, said:

“When I was first diagnosed (in 2001) I had great difficulty even seeing Pope John Paul II on the television. In him, though, I saw a reflection of my suffering. I always admired his strength, humility and courage. He was, for me, a shepherd according to the heart of God, close to the weakest and small, speaking up in favor of the family and peace.”

“Thank you to everybody for being here tonight,” she concluded, “John Paul II looks down on you and is happy.”

Those present were also treated to a musical homage courtesy of the Diocese of Rome choir and the orchestra of the city’s Conservatory of St. Cecilia. In turn they were accompanied by traditional offerings from Rome’s Filipino community and a choir from the Polish town of Glogow.

The event was organized by the Diocese of Rome. It’s Vicar General, Cardinal Agostino Vallini, told pilgrims towards the end of proceedings:

“He (Pope John Paul) lived for God. He offered himself entirely to God to serve the Church as a sacrificial offering. He would often repeat this prayer: “Jesus, Pontiff, who handed himself to God as offering and victim, have mercy on us.”

Fittingly, given Pope John Paul’s notable devotion to Our Lady, the event drew to a close with the recitation of the rosary. Finally the present pontiff, Pope Benedict XVI, imparted his apostolic blessing by video-link from the Vatican.

Eight churches in central Rome will now remain open throughout the night for pilgrims to pray before the Blessed Sacrament. St. Peter’s Square will open to those attending tomorrow’s beatification ceremony from 5:30 a.m. onwards.

Read more: http://www.ewtnnews.com/catholic-news/Vatican.php?id=3104#ixzz1L3fDK8LE

Sunday, April 17, 2011




Question: "What is Palm Sunday?"

Answer: Palm Sunday is the day we remember the "triumphal entry" of Jesus into Jerusalem, exactly one week before His resurrection (Matthew 21:1-11). Some 450-500 years earlier, the Prophet Zechariah had prophesied, "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, Lowly and riding on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey” (Zechariah 9:9). Matthew 21:7-9 records the fulfillment of that prophecy: "They brought the donkey and the colt, laid their clothes on them, and set Him on them. And a very great multitude spread their clothes on the road; others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road. Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: ‘Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!’ Hosanna in the highest!’” This event took place on the Sunday before Jesus' crucifixion.

In remembrance of this event, we celebrate Palm Sunday. It is referred to as Palm Sunday because of the palm branches that were laid on the road as Jesus rode the donkey into Jerusalem. Palm Sunday was the fulfillment of the Prophet Daniel's "seventy sevens" prophecy: " Know therefore and understand, That from the going forth of the command To restore and build Jerusalem Until Messiah the Prince, There shall be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks; The street shall be built again, and the wall, Even in troublesome times" (Daniel 9:25). John 1:11 tells us, "He (Jesus) came to His own, and His own did not receive Him." The same crowds that were crying out "Hosanna" were crying out "crucify Him" five days later (Matthew 27:22-23).

Saturday, April 16, 2011



Cold and windy this Saturday ,what happen to the HEAT !! Today is the day of my Spring Bling give away drawing ,but I think someone stole the Spring around here I awoke to a cold house and chattering teeth YIKES !
Well here we go DRUM ROLL PLEASE ........ and the winner is ... PATTY .... WOOHOO ! Congrats to you sweetie ,Thanks for playing everyone and I look forward to the next one,keep your eyes open ! :0)

I had a wonderful adventure yesterday ,I've been on a hunt for a new bicycle and I finally found the one I wanted ,you could say it was love at first sight ..lol

I just couldn't resist the old time look and the color was just perfect ,I call it my caddy look at those white walls ! My hubby poked fun of it and called it my old lady bike ,well I'm not old yet but it sure is a beauty in my eyes and I just had to have it .I'm even going to get the wicker basket for the front I can't resist ..haha
Now all I need is a big floppy hat and a little furry dog for the basket and I'm on the road see ya on the trails !! :0)

Saturday, April 2, 2011

Spring Bling Giveaway !

I have an itch to give something away to celebrate Spring and my new online store ! Nothing says Spring more than something Green or with pretty colors, so I made up something to cover them both .


Aren't they just beautiful ,and I think they just SCREAM SPRING!!
There are three ways to get your name is the basket . To make this give away a little more fun I filled this 8 oz mason jar to the top with these Pony beads.



Now your job is to guess how many are in there ,Whoever is closest within five beads gets their names in the basket . The jar has been Hermetically sealed and will be kept on Mrs. Funkwangnales back porch till the day of the drawing!

Second ,you post my give away on your blog or facebook page to let others have a change to win as well . Third, become a follower to my New Store at
http://jewelrybylaw.storenvy.com/
While there check out my new pieces and leave me a comment so I know you stopped by !

That make three chances to win I hope you all take time to play.Don't miss the chance to win such a pretty pair of earrings .

The drawing for the winner will be April 16th ,this way if you want, they would make a grand Easter gift to that someone special !
Remember to leave your comment so your name goes in the basket
GOOD LUCK !

Thursday, March 31, 2011

I can say Spring has finally arrived , WOOHOO !! I seen two robins fighting over a worm and I saw my first cardinal what a beauty . I'm so glad I was able to catch this picture of the little guy . We usually have two that hang around I think this year I'll put out a feeder just for them .

I've been beading like crazy I hope my peepers don't give out on me :0),or my hands..lol, but it is all worth the trouble the end product is wonderful.

I'm listing my new pieces ,hope you all like them ,comments are welcomed !
I'll be doing another give away coming soon I hope you all take time to be apart of the fun ! Keep your peepers peeled for the details to come,
Be well !

Sunday, March 20, 2011




Spring has sprung WOOHOO ! it may be the frist day of Spring I just hope the weather catches up with it ,these last few days have been pretty good but they are calling for snow by the weeks end YIKES ! Please no more we are just snowed out for this year hahaha ! Maybe if I post it ,it will happen !!

The flowers are poking through and the birds were chirping this morning so these are all good signs so far

I hope you all had a beautiful first day of Spring it can only get better from here !

Saturday, March 19, 2011


'Supermoon' rising this weekend
The moon's closest orbital point to the earth and its full stage coincide to make it appear far bigger and brighter than usual.
Moon over city hall

The moon rises over L.A. City Hall on Friday. Saturday's full moon will be the closest since 1993. (Scott Harrison, Los Angeles Times / March 18, 2011)

As the sun sets in the west on Saturday, the biggest, brightest moon in about 20 years will be begin peeking over the Eastern horizon.

The so-called "supermoon" will appear about 14% bigger and 30% brighter than normal, according to NASA.

Because the moon's orbit is oval, there is a point where it is the closest to the Earth, known as its perigee. The farthest point is known as its apogee.

On Saturday, the moon's closest perigee of the year happens to occur within one hour of the monthly astronomical phase of the full moon, which together will create the rarely seen spectacle of illumination and size, said Geoff Chester, an astronomer at the U.S. Naval Observatory in Washington D.C.

"It will be the closest full moon we've had since 1993, so if you want to wait another 19 years or so for your next crack at it, then do so," Chester said. "But it's a great excuse to go out and look at the moon."

Those who hope to maximize their viewing experience should set their sights on the distant horizon with objects, like mountains or buildings, in the foreground. As the moon rises behind those objects, it creates an optical illusion that makes it appear even bigger to the naked eye, Chester said.

"I often say the moon is looked over and overlooked. People don't take that much time out of their busy lives to appreciate it," Chester said. "It's an extraordinary thing."

However moon-gazers in the Los Angeles area may be out of luck, as rainstorms will begin working their way into the region late Friday and through Saturday, according to the National Weather Service. With a 40% chance of rain in the evening, the clouds may obscure even a giant shining moon.

Wednesday, March 9, 2011


Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Season of Lent. It is a season of penance, reflection, and fasting which prepares us for Christ's Resurrection on Easter Sunday, through which we attain redemption.

Why we receive the ashes

Following the example of the Nine vites, who did penance in sackcloth and ashes, our foreheads are marked with ashes to humble our hearts and reminds us that life passes away on Earth. We remember this when we are told

"Remember, Man is dust, and unto dust you shall return."

Ashes are a symbol of penance made sacramental by the blessing of the Church, and they help us develop a spirit of humility and sacrifice.

The distribution of ashes comes from a ceremony of ages past. Christians who had committed grave faults performed public penance. On Ash Wednesday, the Bishop blessed the hair shirts which they were to wear during the forty days of penance, and sprinkled over them ashes made from the palms from the previous year. Then, while the faithful recited the Seven Penitential Psalms, the penitents were turned out of the church because of their sins -- just as Adam, the first man, was turned out of Paradise because of his disobedience. The penitents did not enter the church again until Maundy Thursday after having won reconciliation by the toil of forty days' penance and sacramental absolution. Later, all Christians, whether public or secret penitents, came to receive ashes out of devotion. In earlier times, the distribution of ashes was followed by a penitential procession.

The Ashes

The ashes are made from the blessed palms used in the Palm Sunday celebration of the previous year. The ashes are christened with Holy Water and are scented by exposure to incense. While the ashes symbolize penance and contrition, they are also a reminder that God is gracious and merciful to those who call on Him with repentant hearts. His Divine mercy is of utmost importance during the season of Lent, and the Church calls on us to seek that mercy during the entire Lenten season with reflection, prayer and penance.

Monday, March 7, 2011

Well we were hit with a Monday surprise ,another three feet of snow .WOW ! is all I can say we haven't had snow like this since I was a kid . I like to know who put the order in !

I think we should round up a posse and hunt down that ground hog ,how much was he paid to lie this year

Remember this face you might want to have some words with this furry critter !
I did try like most this morning to make it to work but the snow was just too much


as you can see from the neighbors ,we all got a good work out this Monday morning ,I think I would rather go to the gym and face that tread mill then shovel and pile of snow ! and where are we going to put it all ,it would be great if we could send it back !!
Think spring it is coming REALLY !!

Thursday, March 3, 2011

A common problem with FMS suffers hopefully this bit of info will help you out !

Q: "In a lot of pain and having trouble finding shoes that will work for me. Has anyone got any idea what type of shoe is better? I have tried so many and everyone I have tried is so uncomfortable and my feet are so painful. Could anyone give me ideas whats good and whats not please?" -Jackie

A: This is a really common problem in those of us with fibromyalgia. In fact, when I wrote about foot pain a few months ago, the post got 60 comments!

I can only answer from my personal experience, but I'm certain other people will jump in with their suggestions as well.

To deal with my foot pain, the number one thing I look for in shoes is a good amount of cushion. I used to like a hard-soled shoe like Birkenstocks, but I can't tolerate those at all anymore! Now, the softer the sole the better. My number two requirement is arch support -- nothing that puts a lot of pressure on my arch, but a little something. Third is enough space so that nothing's putting too much pressure on any point. My feet aren't wide, but many of my shoes are.

I've noticed that when my feet hurt, I'm better off wearing a really well-cushioned slipper at home than I am going barefoot. I have some memory foam slippers that have gotten me through some really nasty bouts of foot hypersensitivity.

Something I've just recently come to recognize is how much the right socks can help! I've discovered newer fibers that I love because they make for a very smooth sock -- no more of those ridges grinding into my skin and making it burn. My favorites are actually made of rubber and other synthetic fibers, and they're amazing! They feel supportive and silky against my skin without being tight, yet they're thick enough to add padding to not-so-cushy shoes. They're also especially warm, which I definitely need in the winter. Bamboo socks also feel amazing, and I have some super-soft terry cloth ones to wear around the house.

And that brings me to temperature. At least for me, cold feet = sore feet, and hot feet = puffy, achy feet. It's hard to keep my feet a comfortable temperature, but if I don't I'm in trouble. In the winter, I keep them covered and sometimes use a heating pad or rice bag to warm them. If that fails, I'll soak them in hot water. In the summer, I spend a lot of time with my feet in cold water and I don't wear enclosed shoes at all.

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Fibromyalgia




While the underlying cause or causes of FM still remain a mystery, new research findings continue to bring us closer to understanding the basic mechanisms of fibromyalgia. Most researchers agree that FM is a disorder of central processing with neuroendocrine/neurotransmitter dysregulation. The FM patient experiences pain amplification due to abnormal sensory processing in the central nervous system. An increasing number of scientific studies now show multiple physiological abnormalities in the FM patient, including: increased levels of substance P in the spinal cord, low levels of blood flow to the thalamus region of the brain, HPA axis hypofunction, low levels of serotonin and tryptophan and abnormalities in cytokine function.



Recent studies show that genetic factors may predispose individuals to a genetic susceptibility to FM. For some, the onset of FM is slow; however, in a large percentage of patients the onset is triggered by an illness or injury that causes trauma to the body. These events may act to incite an undetected physiological problem already present.



Exciting new research has also begun in the areas of brain imaging and neurosurgery. Ongoing research will test the hypothesis that FM is caused by an interpretative defect in the central nervous system that brings about abnormal pain perception. Medical researchers have just begun to untangle the truths about this life-altering disease.



Chronic widespread body pain is the primary symptom of fibromyalgia. Most people with fibromyalgia also experience moderate to extreme fatigue, sleep disturbances, sensitivity to touch, light, and sound, and cognitive difficulties. Many individuals also experience a number of other symptoms and overlapping conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome, lupus and arthritis.

* Pain
The pain of fibromyalgia is profound, chronic and widespread. It can migrate to all parts of the body and vary in intensity. FM pain has been described as stabbing and shooting pain and deep muscular aching, throbbing, and twitching. Neurological complaints such as numbness, tingling, and burning are often present and add to the discomfort of the patient. The severity of the pain and stiffness is often worse in the morning. Aggravating factors that affect pain include cold/humid weather, non-restorative sleep, physical and mental fatigue, excessive physical activity, physical inactivity, anxiety and stress.

* Fatigue
In today's world many people complain of fatigue; however, the fatigue of FM is much more than being tired after a particularly busy day or after a sleepless night. The fatigue of FM is an all-encompassing exhaustion that can interfere with occupational, personal, social or educational activities. Symptoms include profound exhaustion and poor stamina

* Sleep problems
Many fibromyalgia patients have an associated sleep disorder that prevents them from getting deep, restful, restorative sleep. Medical researchers have documented specific and distinctive abnormalities in the Stage 4 deep sleep of FM patients. During sleep, individuals with FM are constantly interrupted by bursts of awake-like brain activity, limiting the amount of time they spend in deep sleep.

* Other symptoms/overlapping conditions
Additional symptoms may include: irritable bowel and bladder, headaches and migraines, restless legs syndrome (periodic limb movement disorder), impaired memory and concentration, skin sensitivities and rashes, dry eyes and mouth, anxiety, depression, ringing in the ears, dizziness, vision problems, Raynaud's Syndrome, neurological symptoms, and impaired coordination.


Tender Points Illustration Front and BackDiagnosis



Currently there are no laboratory tests available for diagnosing fibromyalgia. Doctors must rely on patient histories, self-reported symptoms, a physical examination and an accurate manual tender point examination. This exam is based on the standardized American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria. Proper implementation of the exam determines the presence of multiple tender points at characteristic locations.



It is estimated that it takes an average of five years for an FM patient to get an accurate diagnosis. Many doctors are still not adequately informed or educated about FM. Laboratory tests often prove negative and many FM symptoms overlap with those of other conditions, thus leading to extensive investigative costs and frustration for both the doctor and patient. Another essential point that must be considered is that the presence of other diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, does not rule out an FM diagnosis. Fibromyalgia is not a diagnosis of exclusion and must be diagnosed by its own characteristic features.



To receive a diagnosis of FM, the patient must meet the following diagnostic criteria:

* Widespread pain in all four quadrants of the body for a minimum duration of three months
* Tenderness or pain in at least 11 of the 18 specified tender points when pressure is applied

Treatment



One of the most important factors in improving the symptoms of FM is for the patient to recognize the need for lifestyle adaptation. Most people are resistant to change because it implies adjustment, discomfort and effort. However, in the case of FM, change can bring about recognizable improvement in function and quality of life. Becoming educated about FM gives the patient more potential for improvement.



An empathetic physician who is knowledgeable about the diagnosis and treatment of FM and who will listen to and work with the patient is an important component of treatment. It may be a family practitioner, an internist, or a specialist (rheumatologist or neurologist, for example). Conventional medical intervention may be only part of a potential treatment program. Alternative treatments, nutrition, relaxation techniques, and exercise play an important role in FM treatment as well. Each patient should, with the input of a healthcare practitioner, establish a multifaceted and individualized approach that works for them.

* Pain management
A number of pharmacological treatments for fibromyalgia are available for prescription. The first to be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat fibromyalgia was pregabalin (Lyrica®); the second was duloxetine (Cymbalta®); and the third was milnacipran (Savella®). Other FM medications are currently in development, and may soon receive FDA approval to treat fibromyalgia. Additionally, healthcare providers may treat patients' FM symptoms with non-narcotic pain relievers (e.g. tramadol) or low doses of antidepressants (e.g. tricyclic antidepressants, serotonin reuptake inhibitors) or benzodiazepines. Patients must remember that antidepressants are "serotonin builders" and can be prescribed at low levels to help improve sleep and relieve pain. If the patient is experiencing depression, higher levels of these or other medications may need to be prescribed. Lidocaine injections into the patient's tender points also work well on localized areas of pain. An important aspect of pain management is a regular program of gentle exercise and stretching, which helps maintain muscle tone and reduces pain and stiffness.
* Sleep management
Improved sleep can be obtained by implementing a healthy sleep regimen. This includes going to bed and getting up at the same time every day; making sure that the sleeping environment is conducive to sleep (i.e. quiet, free from distractions, a comfortable room temperature, a supportive bed); avoiding caffeine, sugar, and alcohol before bed; doing some type of light exercise during the day; avoiding eating immediately before bedtime; and practicing relaxation exercises as you fall to sleep. When necessary, there are new sleep medications that can be prescribed, some of which can be especially helpful if the patient's sleep is disturbed by restless legs or periodic limb movement disorder.
* Psychological support
Learning to live with a chronic illness often challenges an individual emotionally. The FM patient needs to develop a program that provides emotional support and increases communication with family and friends. Many communities throughout the United States and abroad have organized fibromyalgia support groups. These groups often provide important information and have guest speakers who discuss subjects of particular interest to the FM patient. Counseling sessions with a trained professional may help improve communication and understanding about the illness and help to build healthier relationships within the patient's family.
* Other treatments
Complementary therapies can be very beneficial. These include: physical therapy, therapeutic massage, myofascial release therapy, water therapy, light aerobics, acupressure, application of heat or cold, acupuncture, yoga, relaxation exercises, breathing techniques, aromatherapy, cognitive therapy, biofeedback, herbs, nutritional supplements, and osteopathic or chiropractic manipulation.
Prognosis



While there is currently no cure for fibromyalgia, better ways to diagnose and treat the chronic pain disorder continue to be developed. Since June 2007, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved three medications for the treatment of fibromyalgia and other FM medications are currently in development. Research efforts have expanded as well. In 1990 there were approximately 200 published research papers on fibromyalgia studies. Today there are more than 4,000 published reports.



While many strides have been made in the last decade, fibromyalgia remains a challenging condition. However, clinical studies have demonstrated that fibromyalgia patients can reduce their symptoms through a variety of treatment options. Working in conjunction with knowledgeable healthcare professions, motivated and informed patients can experience significant improvement in their symptoms and quality of life. Developing an individualize self-management plan, from identifying effective treatments approaches to making necessary lifestyle changes, will further improve one’s health.

Sunday, February 13, 2011




For all the things you do I give you flowers to say I love you !





Words alone can not tell you how much I care !



My life is nothing with out you my husband and I'm so gald to share every day with you good or bad ,Happy Valentines day sweetie

Jasper

Jasper
N#105 - 28" Fancy Jasper with natural wooden beads and silvertone findings with magnetic clasp $25.00 plus shipping

Fancy !

Fancy !
N#100- 26" Fancy Jasper with bold silvertone chain with a magnetic clasp $16.00 plus shipping

Just magic with a needle !

Jade

Jade
N#94- 26" Green Jade with cube wooden beads with yellow Aventurine accents beads claw clasp 18.00 plus shipping

Red and White !

Red and White !
N#92- 24"Braided Red and White seed bead 14.00 plus shipping

Red White and MOO !!

Red White and MOO !!


SHHH ... I hear something .

nature at it's best!

nature at it's best!
I could stay here forever! AHHHH!

Zebra!

Zebra!
B-98. 8" Zebra Green $10.00 + shipping

lovely lavender

lovely lavender
R-60. 24 1/2 " Lavender Swarovski rosary. $30.00 +shipping

BubbleGum

BubbleGum
Pink Bubble Gum set N/E-set 57 $30.00 + S.H.

Vintage Pink !

Vintage Pink !
25" Vintage Pink Lampworks glass with Lavender pearls N-123 $20.00 +Shipping

Swarovski !

Swarovski !
71/2 " Swarovski crystals with silver accent beads B-105 $20.00 +shipping

Swarovski Crystals

Swarovski Crystals
R-62 rosary $30.00 plus shipping

Proud American !

relive the 70's

relive the 70's
40" orange vintage beads N-127 $16.00 + shipping

New pieces !

New pieces !
N-79 19" Jet with Black Foil heart $25.00 plus shipping .

New pieces !

New pieces !
This can be found in Inlet N.Y. at Jack Graco's furniture N-45/ 25" Frosted double chain with purple swirl stones magnetic clasp $ 25.00 plus shipping

Vintage beads

Vintage beads
21" Blue Marble with crystals N-88 $14.00 +Shipping

New pieces !

New pieces !
1 1/2" Crackle glass on shepard hooks with backs product # E-135 $10.00 + S.H.

New pieces !

New pieces !
N/S- 65 Black and white Hearts Set ! $25.00 plus shipping

New pieces !

New pieces !
N-71 25" Pink swirl glass stones with hammered hoops $18.00 plus shipping

New pieces !

New pieces !
B-64 Ruby with fresh water pearls 8" $8.00 plus shipping

Blues... to cheer you up !

Blues... to cheer you up !
B-61 7 1/2 " Swarovski Crystals with Blue glass cubes with toggle clasp $14.00 plus shipping

8" Pink glass with claw clasp product #65 $ 10.00 + S.H.

New pieces !

New pieces !
R-9 23" Swarovski Blue cyrstals with silvertone stardust our father beads a color Mary with stars and arrow crucifix $30.00 plus shipping

Bold and Beautiful !

Bold and Beautiful !
N-49 This set adds beauty too any outfit ! 20 1/2 " necklace with matching 2" earring $35.00 plus shipping (will sell seperate)e-mail for price

22 1/2" Green w/yellow swirl $20.00 order # N-50

Fancy Black

Fancy Black
N-28- 19" fancy black glass beads on a silvertone chian with a magnetic clasp $20.00 plus shipping

Watch out for Magic !

Watch out for Magic !
N-25 This 23" long necklace is made up of Dragons Vain beads and silver tone chain with a vintage Key pendant ,it has a claw clasp $20.00 plus shipping

Dainty and dressy

Dainty and dressy
N-29- 36" fancy chain with Italian Opalite with a claw clasp $20.00 + shipping

New !

New !
R-29 Tanzanian Granet mini $12.00 plus shipping

new piece !

new piece !
E-134-these 2 1/2" Craved Adventurine with aussie jade on silvertone shepard hooks with back. This piece is located in Inlet N.Y. at Jack Graco's furniture ,$14.00 plus shipping

Black is beautiful !

Black is beautiful !
8" Diamond cut black glass with silver tone stardust beads and clear glass seed beads with a toggle clasp B-57 $16.00 +shipping

Green Carved Adventurine

Green Carved Adventurine
N-167- 24"Silver seedbeads with carved pendant $25.00 plus shipping

Seed Beads!

Seed Beads!
N#3-34" Blue and pink crackle beads with clear seed beads with a magnetic clasp 10.00 plus shipping

Think Spring !!

Think Spring !!
N#145-33" Spring Green $16.00 plus shipping

Opals

Opals
N#91-25" Yellow opals with green teardrops on silvertone fancy chain with claw clasp $16.00 plus shipping

Peaches !

Peaches !
N#142-32" Peach ceramic with gold filgree caps and white and gold seed beads $28.00 plus shipping

E#122-21/2" Green glass with green adventurine seeds 8.00 includes S.H.

Tiger Eye

Tiger Eye
B# 40-7" Tigereye with rose quartz $8.00 plus shipping

Amber and Metal

Amber and Metal
N#117 22" Black metal beads with Amber and fancy two tone metal ,with claw clasp $18.00 plus shipping

Adventurine

Adventurine
N-97 ,22 1/2" Silvertone Hoops with Peach Adventurine $18.00 plus shipping

Bold and Gold !

Bold and Gold !
N# 120-30" Black wood beads capped with bronze on gold tone chain with claw clasp $16.00 plus shipping

Girl Scouts !

Girl Scouts !
Help support our girls! Please buy some cookies !

E#121-21/2" Rose mix 8.00 includes S.H.


Come on ,give us a KISS!!

Lampworks

Lampworks
E#96- 1 1/2 "Rose lampwork beads with Hematite 8.00 + shipping

E#95- 1 1/2" Rose lampwork on shepard hooks with backs 8.00 includes S.H.

Little Sweetie !

E#86- 2" White glass with Zebra ! on shepard hook with backs 10.00 includes S.H.

B#34- 7 1/2" Dark with natural wooden beads 8.00 includes S.H.

B#33- 8" Dark wooden beads 8.00 includes S.H.

E#92- 3" Green glass beads with silverplated beads shepard hooks with backs 10.00 includes S.H.

Light and dark

Light and dark
E#87- 2 1/2" Black -n- White shepard hooks with backs 8.00 + shipping

what more is there to say

Deep Blue !

Deep Blue !
N132 -20" Blue Braided seed bead with magnitic clasp 14.00 + shipping

Jasper

Jasper
E#73- 2 1/4" Jasper with Handpainted wooden beads 10.00 + shipping

Look who missed the picnic !

E#70- 1 1/2"Clear crackle and blue glass 5.00 SOLD !!

Purple lamps

Purple lamps
E#69- 2" Fancy Purple flower lampworks 10.00 + shipping


E#56- 2 1/2" Green Jade with wood shepard hooks with backs10.00 includes S.H.

Fun Green

Fun Green
N#108- 28" Twotone green crackle beads with heart toggle $14.00 + shipping

E#67- 1 1/2" Utah Snowflake 8.00 includes S.H.

B#26- Childs stretch pink and white shell 8.00 includes S.H.


E#66- 2 1/2" Peach Shell 8.00 includes S.H.

E#71-1 1/2" Silvertone hoops with black and white marbled jasper 8.00 includes S.H.

Marvelous Marble

Marvelous Marble
N#114- 22" Black and white marbled jasper with garnet $25.00 + shipping

Sunny Yellow !

Sunny Yellow !
N#112- 28" Mexican Citrine $25.00 + shipping

Fresh water pearls

Fresh water pearls
N#85- 20" Black and Gold fresh water beads $16.00 + shipping

Hand Painted

Hand Painted
B#19- 9" hand painted wooden beads with Tigereye glass beads 12.00+sh

E#20- 2 1/2" Green swril glass stones with gold soild filigree 10.00+sh

E#4- 2 1/2" Filigrees with silvertone chain 5.00+sh

N#53- What a lovely! 24" Australian Jade with silver filigree beads 18.00+sh

Painted Wood

Painted Wood
E#21- 2" Hand Painted wooden Beads $8.00 + shipping

N#68- 26" Australian Yellow Jade 12.00+sh

B#20- 8" Australian Honey Jade Ovals 10.00+sh

Russian Jasper

Russian Jasper
E#25- 4" Silvertone links with Russian Picasso Jasper $10.00 + shipping

N#15- 22" Blue shell with bluemarbled glass beads $15.00+sh

Salmon River Falls


N#37- 24"Tigereye Nugget with Tigereye glass beads $20.00+sh

Home Made in the USA !!

E#34- 2 1/2 " blue crackle with opalite 8.00 includes S.H.

N#73- 36 1/2"Afghanistan Lapis 15.00+sh

Wooden wheel mix

Wooden wheel mix
N#83- 28"wooden beads 14.00 + shipping