A Lifetime of Friendship and All that Ultimately Matters in This Life, Love

Time & Love - Two Things that Never Die 

Starting with a Poem:

You Stayed

A journey from 1979

my journey with you

my friend

you stayed,

Always and forever

you have been by my side,

throughout all this time

you have stood patiently,

During times when my life

pulled me in a hundred directions

you still stayed,

We have survived three decades of changes

from single girls

to married women

to the birth of children

there you stayed,

Through a thousand tears

and a million laughs

you stayed,

We are bonded in a such a way

that the word friend is too casual

we are sisters,

Distance may keep us apart

but sisterhood keeps us together

You can know I'm here

I can know you're there,

This gift of timeless friendship

can never be measured in miles

it's a treasured constant

Others may come and go

but my friend,

We stay

Inspiration Sometimes Comes from the Most Unexpected Places

Obviously, friendship is the inspiration, but the details of what led to this poem were unexpected.

The year was 2007, on Mother's Day. My family (kids, step-kids, hubby) had our normal get-together here at the house.

It was rather an event-filled day. About one hour before everyone arrived, I split my head on the edge of my youngest son's bed. I was so mad at myself! I ended up at the hospital for about 3 hours, and six stitches later was back home. My husband and kids pitched in and handled things; everything was under control. 

Anyway, dinner was great, and the night moved along nicely as usual with some watching tv (football, I think), one of my other sons playing guitar, the little one playing Xbox, and my stepdaughter, myself, and her hubby in the kitchen chatting it up. The conversation that night was really great. We talked about the Five Stages of Marriage I recently heard on the John Tesh radio show. It was pretty interesting. My hubby and I are definitely in stage 5. However, my stepkids were quite interested in assessing what stage their relationships were in. It was fun and quite comical.

Anyway, the conversation led to my stepdaughter paying me a nice compliment about why she believed my marriage to her dad was successful. I was grateful for her take on it but proceeded to tell her that wasn't the reason. She looked a tad surprised. So I said, "Do you want to know why our marriage is a success?"....you could have heard a pin drop.. both she and her hubby were waiting for me to give the "big secret," "the reason a marriage works," "the answer for all mankind"...lol...ok.not...I proceeded to give her the answer: "The reason your Dad and I have had a successful marriage of 22 years is that "We Stayed."

Through it all, I stayed. Through it all, he stayed: In sickness and health, for richer or poorer, in good times and bad. When there may have been reasons for others to think we shouldn't stay together, it didn't matter; we stayed - My personal experience taught me firsthand that love CAN survive almost everything.

Friendship Necklaces in three parts

What Inspired Me, Continued...

So, this leads me to this poem.

Nearly a month later, on the night before I was leaving to go out of town to visit my parents, I sat in front of my computer and began the night by listening to a beautiful song called Indescribable. No matter your faith or belief system, this song exudes love.

While listening, I began thinking about that conversation with my stepdaughter and about who else in my life has "stayed." That led me to my friend for whom this poem was written.

I started remembering when my friend and I met and what our journey of 29 years included. I started thinking about how many 19-year-olds today will have the same close friend 29 years later. I started thinking how rare this must be. 

With my friend's birthday approaching, this poem was my way of showing her my love and appreciation for "her staying"...through it all. 

So with the beautiful song "Indescribable, by Chris Tomlin" playing in the background, I opened up "Notepad" and started to write the short poem featured at the beginning of this article.

Today - UPDATES

Since writing this, 8 years have passed. My husband and I are still going strong, having recently celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary. My friend and I are friends til the end, and I'm off to visit her for her birthday in a week. We continue to stay.

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Review of a Baby Einstein Caterpillar

The Baby Einstein Caterpillar is part of a wide range of delightful educational and entertaining toys for babies.  My favorite is this Baby Einstein Teether-Pillar Toy. It's a colorful and adorable teething ring that is easy to hold and comforts baby.  Filled with water, it can quickly be refrigerated.

Baby Einstein Company

The Baby Einstein products are a unique combination of music, art, language (English, French and Spanish), shapes and numbers, and the animals found in nature. They are a world of discovery in the early moments of your baby's life.  The Baby Einstein Company was begun about fifteen years ago by a mom who wanted to share her love of the arts, history, the earth and literature with her baby. Today her unique and creative baby products entertain and engage the curiosity of babies.  The company's philosophy is to create toys that satisfy the curiosity of children and the wish of parents to nourish it. 

products are inspired by a simple and universal idea: the curiosity of young children, and the wish of parents everywhere to nourish it. - See more at: http://www.kidsii.com/brands/baby-einstein/#sthash.nCGUP1UF.dpuf

products are inspired by a simple and universal idea: the curiosity of young children, and the wish of parents everywhere to nourish it. - See more at: http://www.kidsii.com/brands/baby-einstein/#sthash.nCGUP1UF.dpuf

Colorful Caterpillar in Crochet

Colorful Caterpillar in Crochet

Recently, a mother from Canada contacted me through my Etsy Shop about a plush crocheted caterpillar I had made.  She wondered if I could create the same caterpillar in the Baby Einstein colors of yellow, blue, purple, red and green as her two-year-old daughter was in love with the Baby Einstein caterpillar and wanted a soft toy one. 

The Baby Einstein products were not around when this 'grandma' was raising her children, so I needed to do some research.  As a result, I fell in love with the colorful Baby Einstein Caterpillar and this plush version was the result.

The mom sent me a special note when her daughter received her colorful crocheted caterpillar inspired by the Baby Einstein Caterpillar.  Her daughter said "my very own caperpillar" (how she says it). 

So far caterpillar has gone to bed with her, had lunch with her, jumped on the trampoline with her and played in the basement. It's already had quite an adventure!

Plush Toy Caterpillar in Handmade Crochet

As a result, I was inspired to create another crocheted colorful caterpillar for my shop, Coastal Crochet Crafts, on Etsy. (The pictured caterpillar has sold. Another one will be along soon, or you can request a custom order from my shop). :) 

Baby Einstein Caterpillar

The Baby Einstein caterpillar products are a wonderful line of infant toys and baby playtime products and I'm grateful to my Canadian mom customer for introducing me to them, especially since my grandson was born.  I can see a few of these unique items as Christmas and birthday presents in my grandsons' future. 

Baby Einstein Rollar Pillar Activity Balls

Baby Einstein Review by Wednesday Elf

• Crochet-Crafts-Critters Blog
• Coastal Crochet Crafts on Etsy

(c) Article originally written by Wednesday Elf on 6/13/15.  Updated on 5/31/2022.

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Review of the Musical & Play "Wicked"

A few years back, I had the pleasure to attend the Broadway musical production of Wicked.  As a child, I loved the movie The Wizard of Oz and I will admit, I had never given much thought to what happened before the infamous tornado when we were all hurled into the land of Oz.  I didn't realize that the book, The Wizard of Oz had a prequel until I saw the musical Wicked.

What caught me even more by surprise was that it was funny and extremely entertaining!

This is definitely a production that I could recommend to anyone of any age.  It would be the perfect opportunity to introduce a child to Broadway and to musicals.  Oh, lest I forget to tell you later,  you simply must wear green to the production.  And, fear not, the Wicked musical is definitely child friendly!

 

The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz 

Only a teaser, I will not give away the whole story

Like me, you may wonder what to expect, and like me, you may also be surprised by your reactions.  You will be amazed at how your heart will react to a young Elphaba, a child who has an unusual birth defect.  She was born green.

You will be humored when a very unpopular Elphaba becomes friends with the very popular Glinda when they are forced to be roommates at Shiz University.  You will follow their friendship as it struggles through their opposing personalities and viewpoints.

You will discover how Elphaba becomes known as the Wicked Witch of the West, how Glinda becomes the Good Witch of the North and the true identity of the Great Oz.

via Wikimedia

Source: CC by Joan Marcus

You will even be surprised by who the Cowardly Lion, the Tin Man and the Scarecrow really are and how they were changed.  The best one word description for this musical is "spellbinding."

 

Highlights of Wicked 

The Music 

For this production, the music was perfect!  It was mostly light and entertaining.  Often very humorous.  Apparently very catchy because the little girl sitting behind us during the play, sang along.

The song "Popular" (video featured above) is one of the lighthearted songs and does an excellent job of reflecting and portraying the personalities of the two girls.  Glinda was Popular, but Elphaba defied expectations.  

The song "Defy Gravity" gives you insight into how the two friends reached a crossroads and must make the choices that will forever change their future.

Costumes

via Wikimedia Commons

Source: CC-BY-SA-3.0 By Cornstalker

The costumes and stage effects were outstanding.  Throughout the production, the outfits matched the characters personalities and the scenes.  Even the drab, darker costumes like Elphaba's black "witch" costume, were totally appropriate, and supplied the perfect compliment to her green skin.

All of the costumes were wonderful but my personal favorites were the costumes worn by Madame Morrible, the head mistress of Shiz University.  The brilliant colors and elaborate details of her gowns stood out among the navy, blacks and whites of some of the other costumes.

Madame Morrible Photo by Emily Darline on Pinterest

Conclusion

As I stated in the introduction, I was actually surprised by how much I really enjoyed this musical.  I didn't really expect to be so thoroughly entertained.

While I might not list this as my #1 musical, I would place it at 3rd, just behind Les Miserables and The Phantom of the Opera.

I would highly recommend this musical to families with children or anyone who is simply looking for a fun night at the theater.

Oh!  Do remember to wear green!

Wicked: The Soundtrack, The Book, and a Great Way to Wear Green to the Musical

 Wicked (2003 Original Broadway Cast) WICKED Retro Knee High Tube Socks, black/green, One Size Fits All Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West (Wicked Years)

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Photographing on a Rainy Day

If you love to take photographs, a string of rainy days can dampen your spirits.  But have no fear, with a bit of creativity you can get some great shots, even on a rainy day.  The photo above was taken on one of those weeks when the rain just wouldn't quit.  It was shot from my covered front porch using a 70x 300 lens set on aperture priority at 5.6.  I moved around the various sections of leaves on our Japanese Maple tree to capture the raindrops on the leaves and the gentle rain in the background.

Tips for Photography in the Rain

• Carry a raincoat for your camera ( you can purchase a rain covering for your camera at a camera shop or online)
• A gallon sized plastic bag...this can work in a pinch, just cut a hole for the lens and put your hand in the back and your camera is safe and dry.
• Look for porches or awning to stand under and shoot.
• Shoot from inside your car.  This is a great way to capture scenes when you travel in the rain.
• Try to get the light behind the raindrops to bring them out.

Rainy Day Photos

by mbgphoto and friends

Objects to Look for on a Rainy Day

• Food at an outdoor market covered with raindrops
• Umbrella's as a backdrop
• Flowers and leaves with raindrops
• Reflections in puddles
• Emotions on people...joy on children playing in rain...frustration of commuters hurrying about in the weather
• Raindrops on interesting objects or parts of objects. 

The photo below shows raindrops on a section of the wind sculpture in our front yard.  I shot several pictures of this wind sculpture first taking the whole item and then just sections of it.  I was trying to capture the raindrops as the gathered on the metal.

So the next times you have a rainy day go grab you camera and see how creative you can get!

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Country Porch Site Review

Looking For Porch Ideas?

I've been working on decorating my front porch and during that journey I discovered a wonderful resource of ideas and products at Country Porch World.

Many of my first memories are from my Grandmother's front porch where the family gathered every evening after supper and the chores were all finished. That was back in the days before homes had air conditioning, the porch was cooler and just the obvious place for the family to gather. Sometimes neighbors would stop by for a chat to share news (gossip) about the small town we lived in. It was the social meeting place for the family but mostly it was just a comfortable place to be. That is the feeling I want for my front porch. A comfortable gathering space for my family and neighbors.

For Me It Starts With Seating

Grandma always had a couple of rocking chairs on one end of the porch, a swing on the other end and several chairs dispersed in between. I don't have a good space for a swing but I do want at least two rocking chairs on my own porch.  Country Porch World gave me some great ideas on how to place my rockers and a few products to consider in their article: Add a Rocking Chair Vignette. I like the way they explain about using cushions and throws which adds to the comfort in both eye appeal and the physical comfort of the people who will be sitting in the chairs. I, also, absolutely love the Jack Post Knollwood Classic rocker shown in the article. I believe that is where I will begin my decorating venture on my own porch, with two of those rocking chairs. I will probably crochet a couple of throws in colors that coordinate with the cushions that I choose. That will add to the warmth of the country look that I will be going for. 

Suggestions For Design Elements

Country Porch World goes beyond suggesting products for a country style porch with design element ideas, ideas for color schemes and so much more. I found their ideas quite helpful and inspiring. What I am going for on my own porch is an inviting place for people to gather and that can be accomplished with the ideas presented on the website. Adding little things like fabrics to tables, small accent pieces and other interesting things, just makes people want to go out to the porch and sit a spell. Even though Grandma had her porch set up out of necessity she nailed that comfortable and relaxing atmosphere for us all to enjoy and relax after a hard day.

The Sound of Wind Chimes

Example of DIY wind chimes found at pgeveryday.com

I don't know what it is about hearing wind chimes when there is a slight breeze in the air. I find it so appealing and calming. So, I do want at least one set of chimes on the porch. 

There are times when I would rather not hear the chimes, though. When the birds are singing in the trees or when I'm trying to concentrate on reading something; the chimes can be a little distracting. 

Country Porch World has a wonderful suggestion in their article about wind chimes! I would have never thought to do this but it makes so much sense. They suggest that you take an old elastic bracelet to wrap around the chimes when you want them silent. Now, how clever is that? Don't have a bracelet on hand? I think a large rubber band would work or even some twine. Choose something that is easily placed and removed when you want to silence your chimes. 

I have found so many wonderful ideas for decorating my porch at Country Porch World and I think you will enjoy it, too. Not only is it a place to find interesting products to decorate your porch, patio or deck in a country look but the articles about how to accomplish the feel of comfort and relaxation are very helpful. 

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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