Headline: Shrines Sell at Farmers Market

I sold 4 of 5 Retablos at the recent Farmers' Market. I was happily surprised and have been making more of these shrines. This is one of the Buddha shrines that I sold to a woman who spins hoops of fire. Pretty cool that she fell in love with this little Retablo.

Indian Food

I am drooling on my keyboard. My friend Michelle just sent me this photo of an Indian plate she is having for lunch in New York. I am going to Indus, a new restaurant here in town hoping to find such delectable goodies. I cannot wait.

New Fall Line of Necklaces, one of them..

Sanscrit Necklace: Sterling Silver with Agate, Turquoise, carnelian. One of a kind.

I Have Waited So Long For You....

When I moved into the cottage three years ago, I furnished with some pieces that had been in storage for almost five years, while I traveled and worked out west. I lived in my 5th wheel RV, and it was an amazing journey. I left Florida and lived from Washington to New Mexico, and in every state in between. I did art shows and sold my jewelry in a few shops and galleries as well. I took a lot of photos and wrote a travelogue which I emailed to friends and family. Perhaps this will become a book, when I find the time.

So much of my place is furnished with thrift store finds, furniture and bric a brac, and textiles, art, and decorations. Each find feels like a treasure, and it is a good way to recycle other people's cast offs. Lately, with each new find, I try and donate things back to Goodwill, since my cottage is pretty well packed, furnished, and decorated, and I am pleased with the results.

My final and hopefully last find is the waxed pine entertainment unit, or armoire, as I like to call it. I waited THREE years to find it. I would not settle on many that I had seen during the three years, even last Saturday when my daughter emailed me a photo of a nice white cottage style armoire, which I quickly dressed and rushed out to go and see it.

Again, I would not settle. So later the same day, when I was driving to Target with my daughter, I decided to turn into the Goodwill store along the way, and quickly did a tour of the store. THERE IT WAS! The wait was over. It was delivered last week, and today with assistance from my daughter, we installed the stereo and dvd player, and my work is now done. I love it.

The Cottage With Agave

Thai Salmon Curry with Fresh Mango

My new friend, another jewelry artist came over for lunch last week and we talked "beads" for almost two hours. She is as passionate about making jewelry as I am. For lunch I made this dish and it was delicious. Easy and fast, all in ten minutes.

3 Salmon pieces, I used Costco's frozen packaged pieces, thaw over nite in refrigerator, about 1 pound

1 small yellow onion, cut in wedges

2 Serrano chillis, cut in 1/4 inch pieces, seeds ok

1 cup of fresh mango pieces, peel first, 1" cubes ( from my Haden Mango tree )

6 oz coconut milk

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp curry powder

8 Thai basil leaves

salt and pepper

Heat large fry pan until almost smoking, add olive oil and onion pieces, salt and pepper, stir fry for 2 minutes, add salmon pieces and sprinkle with curry powder. Fry a few minutes, then turn over. Add the rest of ingredients, lower heat and simmer for another 5 minutes or until Salmon is done.

I served this with a salad of romaine, orange pepper slices, and red onion sliced thin, and a poppy citrus dressing. You can also serve this over brown rice to soak up the sauce, which is very delicious, my left over portion was served with brown rice and hot mango chutney.

Yum to the tenth!

A Shoe Coup

Just when I thought I was done with my seasonal shoe shopping, I found shoes I just had to add to my collection. Again, another great find at my local Goodwill store. Frye wood and leather wedge strappy sandals. Barely worn, luxurious brown leather with burnished metal studs and buckles. I have been wearing them at home for two hours and I can still stand in them. This is amazing. I have not worn three inch wedges for years, my knees are shot. Here, take a look. I did good, right? I can also donate the other wedge shoes I just can't wear. Sweet.

The Culprit

The inexpensive thrift store find, that ends up costing a lot more. All ends well, however.

$129 all wood armoire for art studio/office from local Goodwill thrift store

$50 delivery charge

$250 labor and materials to rip out 22 inch wide pocket door when the armoire was 26 inches wide

Total cost= Worth every dollar

That pocket door has been a problem ever since I moved in here over 3 years ago. Who put in a 22 inch wide door, in a bedroom of all places,????? Most dressers and furniture is at least 24 inches wide or more. So the new door is 28 inches and I love the new office piece.

Delicious Dinner with Friends and Family

Father's Day was celebrated with family and friends. I was surprised with two gifts, perhaps because I have been both mother and father since she was 11. A tee with Buddha and my favorite flowers, Spider Mums. The afternoon was filled with laughter, great conversation and fabulous food plus a dip in the new pool until thunderclouds came booming in.

We had a very good cheese lasagna, salad and dessert. and cocktails made by my daughter. All grown up and making cocktails, can you imagine. Coconut rum and pink grapefruit juice. Served chilled over ice and very yummy. My new favorite drink. Dessert, pictured was a kuchen with peaches and organic, wild Maine blueberries. Next try I will wait for the freestone peaches, as these peaches are nearly impossible to remove from the pits.

Buddha Laughs As I Sit and Relax In The Garden

Stern Buddha sits and wonders why the weeds have taken over and I am sitting and relaxing.

Simple Purchase Creates A Lot More.......

So here I was feeling smug about my recent find at the local Goodwill thrift shop. An all wood armoire, purchased for my art studio/office. I even paid to have it delivered. Sunday the men arrive with armoire in tow, it comes up the step and then I realize that the mitered trim moulding on the top and bottom make it impossible to fit through the pocket door, which is barely 22 inches wide. Armoire is 24 inches plus wide. I really like it and want it in my studio.

I have been toying with tearing out pocket door ever since I moved in three years ago. I could not have a treasured old desk from my grandparents in the office due to the evil door.

As a result the $129 dollar piece of furniture is going to cost me a few more dollars, yeah, right, a full day of labor and a huge mess and I still think it is worth it, to have a real doorway that is 28 inches wide and will allow anything but a sofa in the office space.

I have a friend who can do almost any kind of construction, repairs, and he says it is an easy task. I trust him. Why are you laughing?

New Necklaces

I have been busy at work on new designs and inspired by new bead and centerpiece purchases. Take a look. I like to name the necklaces, it makes them somewhat easier to remember.

top, Water's Edge, with druzy.

bottom, Robin's Egg Blue, lace agate with matrix.

Shrines Surround Me In My Home

I create shrines. Some are Retablos, which I create from found materials. They are basically box shrines to be hung on a wall or displayed on a table. I have made shrines to honor Buddha, Frida Kahlo, the Virgin of Guadalupe.

Some shrines I have created on tops of tables. I have shrines in every room except for the bathroom and laundry room.

The Garden Grows

With a little work and many free plants donated from friends and garden club members, I have turned a blank yard into my own private eden.

I spend many hours just sitting and gazing out into the plants. It is my place for meditation, my escape, my place to unwind with my dogs and friends and family.

All in the space of a year and a half. Not bad for a person who would rather be doing something besides getting into dirt. But once I get involved out there, time just flies.

I designed the garden to be almost maintenance free. I used mulch, eucalyptus mulch when available as it repels bugs, and ticks. My dogs like to chase the lizards and harass the doves, which I stop immediately. All creatures are welcome here.

My New Old Bathroom

Sometimes I get it wrong the first try. Like the cabinet on the right, which I bought at local antique shop, for the bathroom. Unfortunately, it did not allow the twin doors into the very tiny bathroom to open all the way. So I lived with cabinet number one for a year and finally I found the cabinet that I should have gotten all along.

I found it at Target recently, I had to assemble it by myself, and it only took a couple of hours. Another person could have done it a lot quicker, but I am constructionally challenged at times.

It allows both entry doors to open all the way. It has glass doors and a bottom solid door to hide a lot of mess. I think that it is lighter and more graceful and brings height to an already space challenged bathroom. It hold everything the first cabinet held, plus pretty towels on the top.

All was not lost however, as cabinet number 1 ended up in the laundry area. It holds pet things, extra groceries and I put some antique food tins on top along with an old Lipton Iced Tea server. Sweet.

Heirloom Tomatos

Today while walking back from town, I paused to look at a new vegetable garden. A small city garden but filled with lettuce, tomatoes, chard and more. I did not notice the owner sitting in her doorway. She said hi, and we chatted and I mentioned that someday I may try and grow tomatoes using a bag of potting soil, and just putting the plant in a hole on top and cutting drainage holes on the bottom.

She gave me two small heirloom tomato seedlings, she was moving soon and leaving this wonderful garden behind. Her garden lives on, now in my garden. I am not sure where I will plant these tomatoes, in a large clay pot, perhaps with basil, or in the ground. I am growing basil, parsley and rosemary right now. With these tomatoes, if they actually yield fruit, I am now growing my own food. It's a start.

The rosemary grows in the sunny east facing garden, and neglected, it grows well along the fence. I have three plants now. I use it in a lot of recipes, especially roasted potatoes and vegetables. The scent is glorious.

Garden Shrine

What to do with Fresh Strawberries

Fresh Florida Strawberries, brown sugar, balsamic vinegar reduction ( my first attempt), and Greek yogurt.

2 quarts of berries, stems removed and sliced in half or more if large, I added about 2 heaping tablespoons of light brown sugar and tossed, leaving them to marinate about an hour. I took about a cup of balsamic vinegar and barely simmered in open pan, for about 20 minutes.

There is an amazing taste that develops between the tart of the vinegar and the sweet of the berries, topped with Greek yogurt, it's amazing. Not bad for a healthy dessert.

New Necklaces

Moonris and Nepali, the newest creations. One of a kind necklaces with sterling silver clasps.

Chiminea and garden

The smell of mesquite wood burning in the chiminea on a chilly night is so wonderful. Even better when shared with friends. A friend of mine hauled the wood back from out west. Sweet.

My Art Studio, Supplies and Buddha

In a former tiny bedroom I set up my studio. I work on a large metal table, salvaged from the street, and I hoisted it all by myself onto the back of my truck. I did need help bringing it into the house. It is very heavy, and I was lucky to find it, it's six feet by three feet, in a room barely ten by ten.

In the studio are 5 rolling carts with drawers full of colorful beads, gemstones and other findings. I also build my Retablos or shrines, here. More bins of materials, small wooden boxes, and anything that I have collected these past 10 years that may find their way into a new shrine.

It may be a mess at times, but creativity is not always tidy. I work best in the midst of a small mess. Ok, sometimes it's a big mess. As long as I can clear a space large enough for some beads and my beading board, I am ready to go.

This winter I added to my inventory with purchases from not one, but two gem and jewelry shows, where I always go a little bit crazy. I collect African sand glass, coral and trade beads for myself. I began this business/hobby after a dear friend of mine brought me back trade beads from Ghana. My first necklace was strung on, of all things, dental floss!!!!!!! I still wear it.

My favorite stones are Turquoise, Carnelian, Calcedony, Moonstone, well to be honest, I never saw a stone that I did not like. They are all beautiful. I like to use Hill Tribe Silver in some of my necklaces, broken shells, and other interesting finds. A recent acquisition are beads made from lava.

The Laughing Buddha sitting on my work table has a silver dollar under it. It is for good luck. I have had good luck this month with galleries selling my necklaces and earrings. One gallery owner actually told me she feels that business is picking up. Harsh winter weather up north brings down the tourists. Come on Down!!!!!!! Help our economy.

New Necklaces

My newest creations. middle, 'Coraline'- amythest, coral, resin, glass with Sterling Silver

bottom, 'Nepali'- turquoise, jasper, pearl, glass with Sterling Silver.

After a dry spell of creativity, a recent sale of three necklaces and a pair of earring spurred me into a frenzy of making necklaces. Here are three of the new designs. All one of a kind. I designed one for myself , see top, using a disc I bought over 5 years ago, out West, the centerpiece was originally part of a pair of clip on earrings, that I bought fora few dollars at a flea market. Sometimes I get my inspiration at the unlikeliest moments, and it may take years for the design to finally jell in my mind before the final design is completed. This was a long time in coming. The clay beads are African, which I collect and keep for myself, some are old and I love the way they feel. They were bought last October.

Indian Breakfast at Lake Worth's The Pelikan

There is nothing better than this breakfast, served alfresco, with good strong coffee. Eggs Nissa, with Naan, Raita, and potatoes. Spicy, flavorfull, spicy,and freshly made at The Pelikan.

Sometimes I just have to start my day off with this feast, eaten at a table on the sidewalk while I sip coffee and people watch. Sometimes my dog accompanies me, as they always have a water bowl put out for the doggies who pass by.

Recent Sale, Necklace, Catch the Wave ( right photo)

I love designing one of a kind necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. I have beads, stones, findings and so many minerals to inspire me. This necklace on the right has turquoise, shell, glass and a Raku pendant and beads of Raku ceramic.

I use sterling silver clasps and gemstones, beads and anything that works. I find weathered pieces of sea shells and make them into necklaces also. See Left above.

Comfort Food Mac and Cheese 101

My daughter's favorite dish of mine I think. The reason why this simple recipe is so good, is that I use imported sharp white cheddar cheese. I buy it at Costco. (When I recently made it with domestic less expensive cheddar, it was not as good.)

Here is the recipe. Mac and Cheese 101

Make a roux of 2 T butter and 2 T flour, cook stirring constantly, medium heat, for a minute or until incorporated, then slowly add 2 cups of milk, I used non fat milk, stirring all the while in a thick bottom saucepan. When the mixture begins to slightly thicken remove immediately from the heat. Then add 1/4 tsp of each of these: onion powder, garlic salt, and a cayenne or similar dry hot pepper and 1/8 tsp of ground white pepper.

Very slowly incorporate 11 of the 12 ounces of the grated cheddar cheese, stirring constantly. When the cheese is incorporated pour over cooked and drained pasta in a greased casserole, I used small shells. I saved a little of the cheese to add to the top and also put a dusting of paprika on it. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 30 minutes, do not over bake or the cheese will separate. Turn off oven when it begins to bubble around the edges. Let sit 5 - 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy.

I served this dish with a salad of fresh Kale, arugula and thinly sliced sweet onion topped with a bottled Poppyseed Mango salad dressing.

If there are any left overs, warm in microwave on a medium setting for about a minute.

Fiesta Dinner Party

Shrines Surround Me In My Home

. . Living room shrine, bedroom shrine, Retablo or box shrine.

Always a reminder to be kind, be the best me I can, and remember those who are gone.
I am a fan of HH The Dalai Lama.

Holidays Past

This past holiday season, I made some foods for the first time. I made Gravlax, from a simple recipe in The Barefoot Contessa, Ina Garten's new book. Salmon, dill, pepper, sugar, fennel and just time to marinate and cure in the refrigerator for 3 or 4 days. Sliced thin and served on pumpernickel bread with her recipe for mustard and I surprised myself with how good it was. Friends ate it and I gave the recipe out to friends, so I guess it was a hit.

I also made my grandmother's sweet kugel recipe, with pineapple and raisins and baked it just before the party was to start. The house smelled like sugar plums, or at least sweet kugel. I used my blue enameled pan that was a find at Goodwill for around seven dollars. It is heavy and holds the heat and the bottom did not scorch as it did when my grandmother used to bake it in her old Pyrexware.

I also served my potato pancakes with sour cream and apple sauce, using a 5 pound bag of Idaho potatoes, and two huge onions, 4 eggs and flour, salt and pepper. Fried in canola oil they are a once a year holiday caloric treat.

Desserts were store bought tiny cupcakes, tiny mint brownies and cookies, contributed by my ever busy daughter, bought at Publix. I baked a candied apple cake, recipe adapted from a recipe I saved, pignoli cookies and fruit cake baked by a friend Ann.

It was a party filled holiday season for me, I have made friends here and my roots are starting to develop here. I am home. Finally. again.

The Dining Room

This is the new dining room, created from a bedroom, basically used just for storage, that was off the kitchen. Barely 10 feet by 10 feet, I removed the door. By doing this it connects the two spaces quite well. The walls were painted Mustard Yellow Valspar paint, the trim, Canvas Sneaker, also by Valspar. The color is a not too deep but rich color that is very neutral.

I have always loved the American Southwest, and the room is reminiscent of some of the places I visited while out West. I used a pine table from IKEA, which can seat 6 or more with the extension leaf in use. We squeeze ourselves into the small room but when at the table we just laugh, talk and eat. My Mexican Equipale chairs which I purchased twenty years ago and shipped East from Solvang, CA, have been a treasured purchase. They have always manage to be used somewhere in the home.

I love textiles, being a former textile designer, and I collect fabric whether in the form of a bright Mexican blanket, a Pendleton wool blanket, a woven Alpaca blanket, purchased in a clearance bin at Macy's for four dollars!!! I collect table cloths, a Pierre Deux, French country style, or block printed Indian cloths, or printed versions of Indonesian Ikat's, and an African mudcloth . All for their color, texture, Ethnic origin, patterns, and interesting designs.

To Inspire, To Be Peaceful, and Be At Home Where I Reside

I have always love other people's blogs where clever people show all the stuff they bought, how they used it in their home, how they decorated, their clothing finds, what they made, how they did it, why they did it, where they bought it, how they cooked it, and on and on.

I will attempt to do the same, but please be kind, I am a newbie at this. I will include things that I found, bought, cooked, created, and things that I love, plus sometimes photos of places I have visited during a previous 5 years traveling and living and working out of my RV, out west.

I more recently have landed in a house, a small cottage 5 minutes away from the water. I love this tiny house, with all it's defects, blemishes, pipes that sometimes leak, windows that leak, but it has beautiful wood floors (that need refinishing), walls that are slowly being painted beautiful colors, rooms that are being made into more useful spaces now that I am living here almost 3 years. I am slowly making my own footprint here.

I love to entertain my friends here. I love to cook for them trying out new recipes on them, they don't seem to mind at all. So I suppose you might say that I am a good cook, if not a inspired cook. Last Friday night I had some friends and my daughter and her partner over. I cracked open a jar of olives marinated in herbs, a bottle of very good champagne (a gift, I would have bought a much cheaper one) , and roasted some almonds, pepitas, and cashews, and used Martha Stewart's recipe for spiced nuts, using fresh Rosemary from my garden, butter, salt, sugar, and two T. of the finely chopped fresh herb. All in 10 minutes. The nuts were fabulous and we ate and drank the bubbly and salted thingys and talked and laughed and had ourselves a good time. I love my daughter and her honey and I love my friends. I like to eat interesting foods.

I love to buy things for my home, my dogs, my bedroom, for myself to wear, and I haunt the man local Goodwills, TJ Maxx, Marshalls and Ross stores to find things that I like. I confess I am a bargain hunter, and some of my finds are pretty cool, and came real cheap and some came free from the street. My daughter found a large hutch in the alley and now it sits in my house. Free.

Like today, I knew I needed tall candles for a candle holder that was a gift from my daughter. It's in my new dining space so I went looking for candles at Goodwill, and though I did not find candles I did find some wooden candle sticks in wood, carved and heavy.

As if that was not enough, another pair just about jumped out at me, later while in Marshalls, green glazed ceramic, that sort of looked like they had been worn gently by use, chipped and paint rubbed off. Can you believe that they make this stuff to look old and abused. I love it.

The irony of today's adventure is still no candles, but great candle holders. Thus, anther shopping expedition will have to be done. Someday, but not today.

Got to walk the bad dogs now. Two bad dogs, not really, actually quite funny and sweet.

My new dining room

I love to entertain my friends but had no dining space in my cottage. So I thought and thought on this dilemma. How to make a space for entertaining friends with my cooking. I took one of my two bedrooms and removed the door between the kitchen and this room and painted it mustard yellow, bought a pine table at IKEA, and gathered up lots of my favorite things and moved them into the new dining room. I have had a holiday party in it and a dinner party. I eat my breakfast in here and read the morning paper and my magazines. I love it. The room is just under 10 feet by 10 feet. big little space.