Buffalo

This is what my pork chop looked like right from the oven after Shake N'Bake. Mmmmm, It made me hungry for a buffalo burger but I had to settle for pork. First time I ever had buffalo was at a barbecue at Philmont Scout Center in Cimmarron, New Mexico. Loved that place

and that meal.
My apologizes to my vegetarian friends.

Be Happy, Be Healthy, Be Safe,
Tess

OWOH Winner Announced

Hello Fellow Bloggers out there in this great big world of ours.

This Years OWOH event is finished. Oh boo hoo! I've had so much fun and met so many new blog friends this year and revisited with some from days, months and even years past. Wow, what an exciting few weeks it has been. Have you seen Lisa's announcement for next year? And here we all thought this year was it and OWOH would be over. But no, of course not! The genius and energy of Lisa has created yet a whole new realm to OWOH! We will now be able to participate in OWOH = Our World Our Art next year. Wow and to think we have a whole year to design, create, start up a new art shop or just revamp an old one. I am already so excited and have ideas spinning around in my head.

I know I am a day behind so here it goes, the big announcement you are waiting for. I had 145 commenter's and I will pick two winners using the Random Number Generator at http://www.random.org/.

The first winner is:

#54 Nanbon44 visit her here: nanbonscorner.blospot.com or here: Southern Style

Congratulations Bonnie, Please send me your choice of verse, quote, poem, scripture, prayer or just a favorite word or two and 2 or 3 primary paint color choices and I will make a special word weave just for you. I'll also need to know what color of card stock you would like your weave mounted on. There will be a wonderful swirl of gold in your word weave also.

The second winner is:

#85 Crafty Moose Crafts visit her here: Crafty Moose Crafts

Congratulations to Debbie, Please send me the same info as listed above in Bonnie's Announcement. And ladies don't forget to send your address to tkm1960@cox.net

A big thank you to everyone that visited my blog, I love how this blog has introduced me to such wonderful and artistic people around the world. If I have not yet visited your blogs I assure you I will in time and I will be sure to let you know how I found you (you found me).

Have a wonderful TGIF and a great weekend.

Be Happy, Be Healthy, Be Safe,

Tess

Happy Valentines Day

If you are looking for my OWOH post please click here or scroll down.

Valentines Day is not just for lovers,

It's a beautiful day to come out from the covers;

With a smile on your face and joy in its place,

Deep within your heart where love never parts;

With a song on your lips,

Please follow these tips,

And have a wonderful valentines day.

Be Happy, Be Healthy, Be Safe,

Tess

di-did-it: you are worth the time

Click here to find my OWOH post or scroll down 2 posts. But first...

This is too imporatnt not to be shared. So powerful, so inspirational, so beautiful! If not for OWOH I may never have found Di of di-did-it and never seen this video. I hope you will take the time to watch and find the time to create....

di-did-it: you are worth the time

Be Happy, Be Healthy, Be Safe,
Tess

P.S. Find my newest article "How to Use Ground Beef, Chicken or Turkey To Stretch Your Food Budget" published on AC here.

Little Treasures: Brassiere wire necklaces - a how to

Little Treasures: Brassiere wire necklaces - a how to

What a great way to recycle. You really have to see this one (click on the link above).

If you are looking for my OWOH post scroll down to the previous post to see my giveaway. Lisa says this will be the last One World One Heart event. Don't miss out.

Be Happy, Be Healthy, Be Safe,

Tess

OWOH 2011 Giveaway

UPDATE: I will be drawing two names to win a word weave made by me.

Greetings all,

My name is Teresa, otherwise known as Tess. Welcome to my little piece of heaven in blog land. I am a poet at heart and am published on Associated Content. I love to craft and learn new techniques to create with my hands. I'm pleased to meet you.

It's that time of year again. We will be celebrating Lisa Swifka's 5th annual OWOH Event. OWOH stands for "One World One Heart". This event is open to bloggers only and is expected to connect hundreds of bloggers from around the world. This is my 3rd year to participate. I found OWOH while visiting a blog 2 years ago and had so much fun that I participated with a giveaway myself last year. I had so many commenters I added an extra giveaway. It was SO MUCH FUN.


For this years OWOH giveaway I have decided to create a word weave for one lucky blogger. The weave will include not just a word but a prayer or favorite verse or poem. I will create a weave just for you and send it on the wings of friendship. Since the word weave will be created with you in mind you may choose your words or color scheme. Your word weave will arrive ready to frame and will be much like the one pictured below:

This weave was created with water color paper, water colors, gold pens and mounted on card stock. I will try my best to create something that will fit into your home or offices color scheme. Imagine a favorite prayer on your wall that only you will know is there (and I of course). Or an inspirational verse that guides you throughout the day. Just leave a comment to let me know you were here and your name will be included in the draw. (Don't forget your conact information.) This blog event runs through February 17th. One entry per person please. I will choose a winner using the random number generator on the morning of Saturday, February 19th and post the winners name on my blog. You will be contacted as soon as your name is drawn and posted. I apologize for the delay in drawing but my Cub Scout leader duties must come first. (Thursday is Cub Scout meeting night.) I may try to do the draw on Friday evening.

I hope you will enjoy browsing through my blog and then winging your way over to the OWOH participants page and visiting other bloggers in this great big world of ours.

Be Happy, Be Healthy, Be Safe,

Tess

Comments are now closed. I will pick and announce a winner on of before the 19th. (Hubby and sick and I have Scouts tonight. I knew you'd understand.)

Wordless Wednesday

We Are Powerful

Happy Sunday,

Do you need a bit of sunshine?

Do you need a reminder of how powerful you are?

Then go visit Queen of Arts Sunday Post.

Her journal page feels warm and inviting, just like sunshine.

Be Happy, Be Healthy, Be Safe,

Tess

Journaling with Milliande Art Community for Women

Good Morning,

Welcome to Friday...TGIF...it seems like it's been a very long week. I've been downloading and watching videos from the Milliande January Journal site. They've been fun BUT I am sure I'd enjoy even more if I found the time to actually do some of the fun art journal projects and not just watch. You can find the videos on the Milliande Art Community for Women on Ning site too. My rehab takes up a lot more time than I thought it would but I am making progress so it is well worth it. I'm walking better, my knees are flexing better and I've lost 28 lbs. since last September, so yes it's been worth it.

A three day weekend is ahead of me and I plan to definitely get in some art journal play time and deciding on my 2011 OWOH giveaway. What will you be doing this weekend?

Be Happy, Be Healthy, Be Safe,

Tess

One World One Heart 2011

Have you heard the news? I'm joining in...will you? I've met so many wonderful bloggers through Lisa Swifka's magical One World One Heart event. You should join in, you'll be glad you did.

To learn mlore about the 2011 One world One Heart event - the fifth and final event hosted by Lisa Swifka just click on her name above.

Be Happy, Be Healthy, Be Safe,

Tess

A Scary End to A Year

As her love is mine

Her heart his

I am today blessed.

As her heart is mine

Her love his

I am today blessed.

Yesterday was haiku Friday here in blog land. Notice how the two written above say much the same even with the change of one word.

My youngest child, Billie Jo, spent yesterday in pain. I am told it began during the night. My son-in-law woke to his wife whimpering. The pain grew worse as the night became day. Her stomach ached. The vomiting began. They are both unemployed at the moment. He is in college and she helps make ends meet with babysitting money. Thankfully they have an understanding room-mate that is like family to us, her and her little son. My daughters mother-in-law is an EMT and my son-in-law is studying to enter nursing school. A future RN in the making. So they finally convinced my stubborn angel to go to the ER. She worries so about finances as you can imagine. There they could find nothing wrong. They were ready to send her home with some pain med when my son-in-law convinced them to check her appendix, something his mom mentioned. They were right. It was appendicitis. The CT scan showed it needed to come out. Luckily it had not burst yet. I worked yesterday and then went to the rehab fitness center to workout as usual. My hubby was off on vacation and still in his jammie's at noontime . When I got home a little after 6 he was fully dressed. That was my first clue. I changed quickly as he filled me in and we headed to Manhattan, less than a 30 min. drive down the interstate. Derek (my son-in-law) called as we were hitting town to tell us they had just taken her in for surgery.

What a way to end a day, eh?!

The good news, the blessed news, the happy thank you God news: She made it through laporascopic (spelling?) surgery just fine. Came out of surgery saying she felt sooo much better. (Of course, she was full of pain med and such.) Today we drove back over to visit with her in the hospital. She had eaten a meal of a turkey sandwich and such during the night and had a very good breakfast. She said the food is great and the hospital bed comfy and she thinks she might need to stay another night. Funny!! The doctor visited while we were there. She went home today and is resting at home with her hubby taking care of her. He said it's good practice for him as he has had 2 job interviews at the same nursing home now for a CNA position. He has worked hard at getting certified and jumping all the hoops to get this job. Please pray he gets it and for her to continue to heal swiftly from this surgery. They are to call him again on Tuesday. Pray a thankful prayer too. My baby girl is going to be OK. I was so scared. These two gals of mine are so deeply embedded in my heart I just can't imagine not having them to fuss at or fuss over.

So as you can see 2010 has gone out with a bang. And 2011 will come in with me in a thankful mood. I hope this feeling will last throughout the new year. I hope 2011 will give me many things to be thankful for but not in a scaring the life out of me dramatic sort of way. I know, I know, beggars can't be choosers. But hey, I can dream can't I! I can pray for it from the powers that be. Demand and wish for it from all the tooth fairies, leprechauns, god mothers, saints and whatever other magical beings I can dream up. And I can just sit back, take a deep breath and be thankful for just being. That too will continue to hold this feeling close to me. I am so lucky to have a loving husband that holds me tight through thick and thin and two wonderful daughters that share their lives with me no matter what. I am feeling a bit melancholy I think,

and grateful too.

Thank you to all of my friends here for being close when needed and understanding when I am absent. I wish for you all a safe, healthy, blessed and

Happy New Year,

Tess

Merry Christmas!

Woo Hoo, I'm online again.

My new HP Pavilion Slimline is up and running thanks to my dear sweet hubby. I've so much more room on my desk now. This tower is just half the size my Dell tower was. I kept the old monitor because I like it and the printer. We still have to connect to the printer. It's an HP too so hopefully it will work just fine. Once I get used to the new keyboard I'll be doing great. I've missed you all and pray you all had a fabulous Christmas.

Be Happy, Be Healthy, Be Safe,

Tess

OWOH No.5

It's coming ~ It's coming ~

Just 6 more weeks away

give or take a day!

It's coming ~ It's coming ~

One World One Heart No.5

~ It's Coming~

I will be participating...Will you?

Visit Lisa @ A Whimsical Bohemian

for all of the details.

Mark your calendars ~ January 30th, 2011

is the day!!!!

I hope I'll be meeting you all again this year

and

I hope to make many new friends.

I'll decide in early January

what my giveaway gift(s) will be.

Now go visit Lisa~~~

Be Happy, Be Healthy, Be Safe,

Tess

Wordless Wednesday - Almost

Journal Pages

Happy Thanksgiving

Greetings All,

Just a quick post to wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving.

From our house to yours,

Be Happy, Be Healthy, Be Safe,

Tess

I'm still here!!

My computer is still acting possessed by a demon. I rarely even have the courage to try any more. But I do miss you all so. So here I am, trying again.

I hope this contraption will let me finish this post and save it. I'm hoping for a new computer for Christmas.....

I received my 5X5 Winter Themed Swap items and they are all so lovely.

They arrived in this lovely pouch. I want to add a satiny braided strap to it and turn it into a little carry bag. Purse just does not seem to be the right term.

Jillayne included this lovely little embroidered heart in her card to me and I just love it. I have decided to place it on my Christmas tree this year. Wouldn't

it make a lovely ornament?This is the 5X5 Jillayne made. I love the snowman ribbon. So whimsical. The colors are perfect too.

This one was made by Marie of Trash to Treasures. I don't know about trash but if she made this from scraps all I can say is wow. It really is a treasure.

This one came unsigned. I love how this little gal seems to be blanketed by snow. Very pretty!!
This pretty felted piece was created by Appleshoe of Nuthatch. I love how it feels. You can't see it here but the bird has a dark beaded eye. Love it!!

This quilted and embroidered bird came to me from Lucilla Rossouw. The birds eye is a shiny red bead. I love the use of buttons for the corners. Lovely piece isn't it?

I wish to thank all of the wonderful creative people that entered this swap and to thank Jillayne for putting it together. What a wonderful way to begin the holiday season a little bit ahead of schedule. Thank You to you all.

I apologize for just disappearing like I did. I have been working hard at my rehab, going 5 days a week. My knees are so much more flexible now. I am still losing weight and struggling with the chocolate cravings. I joined a holiday hold out at the fitness center to help make me accountable to someone for my goals. One goal is to keep my weight going downward during the holiday season and to not miss many days of rehab. I have found I enjoy the elliptical machine.

Be Happy, Be Healthy, Be Safe,

Tess

P.S. Yes Cinda, My lovely tweet arrived and I have placed it in a pretty bird cage on my buffet for all to see. I love it. Thank you....

October Happenings....

Greetings friends,

I just might have cured my PC of what ails it with some free techie advice (the best kind) from a local computer repair shop. Well actually hubby did the work. Anyway we'll see...so far so good.

So I thought I would share some of what I've been up to besides rehab for my knees 5 days a week and screaming at my PC when it would not do what I wanted it to do. It seems screaming at it never works...duh! LOL!!

I started October by attending a friends Fall Wedding. I love the colors his new bride chose.

These two little darlins are the brides twin daughters. Can you believe these little half pints are 5 1/2 years old? The ring bearer was actually there to keep thses two little fireballs in line. LOL! They are all best friends at school.
The professional photographers idea. I love this pose. He was so nice and let all of the family and friends take pictures too.
Isn't this just the perfect floral arrangement for a fall wedding? Every table had one. I just love the idea.

I've painted more rocks with a little helper.

Isn't he cute? This is Damion, he is my younger daughters (Billie) best friends 2 year old son. He has taken to calling me grandma and Chuck Papa and we love it. Damion and his mommy are roomies with my daughter and son-in-law. Ashley is so lucky to have Billie and Derek to help out with Damion and they are so lucky that she is allowing them to share in his life.

The Boy Scouts of America are celebrating 100 years of scouting.

I was one of several leaders and parents that accompanied this cub scout group to the BSA Centennial Celebration in Salina. This is not all of the boys as some had to leave early (before we thought to take a group picture, boo hoo).

All of the Bear Cubs (the group I work with one on one the most this year) loved the inflatable obstacle course. They didn't want to leave it.

There was some mighty fierce competition going on here and lots of high fives at the end.

With so many fun activities to get involved in and sack lunchs, then sack dinners or purchased food from the vendors, no one had a chance to get bored.

The boys loved watching the BMX Extreme Show. Those guys are nuts! It was an awesome show though. Yes, the sun is setting as this was an all day event.

Jeanette McCurdy aka Sam from the I Carly show was the highlight of the day for some of the cubbies. She put on a great performance and the families really enjoyed her. I did too...

Hubby spotted a craft idea on a co-workers desk and took a picture for me. She had decopauged some pumpkins with paper napkins and of course I just had to give it a try. This is the start of my first attempt.

I think it will take a second layer unless I decide I like the orange spiders. I purchased a second pumpkin and napkins with a fall leaves pattern also. I will spray them with sealer once they are completed and probably display them in a wicker basket or on the dining room table. (I'll have to clean it off first as my crafting has taken it over.)

So what have you all been up to ?

Be Happy, Be Healthy, Be Safe,

Tess

P.S. 237 1/4 lbs. That's down 21 1/4 lbs. since middle of August.

greetings all,

my computer is not co-operating at all. i will be down for a bit to take my computer to the 'puter wizard. i'll return as soon as i can.

last weigh in i was below 240 lbs. my knee shots went well and i'm doing good in rehab. thank you for all of the prayers.

thank you cinda for the pretty card. i've been thinking of you too and praying for your successful recovery.

ba happy, be healthy, be safe,

tess

Painting Rocks - A New Obsession

Hello, I hope you enjoy viewing my new favorite obsession.

I love these paint pens. They write on just about anything.

I have no idea why this picture loaded sideways.

Bobbie and Raven enjoy painting rocks too.

It's a great quiet time, creative playtime activity. Spelling errors, no problem, just paint over it and grab another rock. What a great way for Raven to practice her spelling words.

I plan to spray the finished rocks with mod podge sealer and then we will take a walk around town and drop them here and there for others to find.

Be Happy, Be Healthy, Be Safe,

Tess

Catch Up

Goodmorning all,

I apologize for neglecting to post more frequently. I thought I had better add a quick catch up post before someone thinks I dropped off the face of the earth.

The road trip was a success meaning I got us there and back safely. We even stopped at the big rest stop between Lawrence and topeka and had a snack and collected rocks. We stopped on the way there and Raven found a heart shaped rock for grandma so we had to stop and look for more on the way back. Besides by then both bobbie and I were needing to stand and stretch.

The Dr. did not think Raven has a thyroid condition. If she did or develops a problem it will be hypo. He was concerned with her weight/size and through a lengthy question and answer session he determined they are eating the right foods but portion control is the problem. Bobbie promises to work on that with her and will learn to say no to seconds or bigger portions. The Dr. explained to Raven what a single serving is and she seemed to understand. She was proud of how she told the Dr. what she ate and when and what her snack foods are.

Bobbie has been having migraines again and they did a brain scan just to be sure and it turned out just fine. Still she wants it to go to the surgeon that removed her tumor for a second opinion and I don't blame her for that. I told her to go and sign papers for the hospital to have permission to send the records to the surgeon. Any more with the privacy act laws it takes an act of congress just for doctors to share information. It's sad it has come to that....

As for me the trip to the zoo was fun but my right knee is still swollen. I am able to do most of the rehab routine and am praying the swelling reduces some before the 7th so I can still get my Synvisc shots. I am so hoping they work to build cartilage and reduce pain and not that I will be let down. You can pray to for me, all of us, if you wish. I do believe in the power of prayer. I've been doing a lot of that lately. I've been revisited by the panic attacks demon again this week too. If you take medication for panic attacks don't leave home without it. Geez! Life! Sometimes it's great, other times it's ridiculous.

Hope your week has gone well. Oh, and welcome to October. It's been chilly here in the mornings and warmer in the afternoons, perfect sweater or long sleeve weather. I love it. Now if only the trees would become colorful and not just go from green to brown. I love the colors of fall. Don't you?

Be Happy, Be Healthy, Be Safe,
Tess

P.S. I'll take pictures of the rocks this weekend and share with you. We are painting them. Even Bobbie is enjoying this little crafty adventure.