p.hawkins

2011-11-24T19:51:00.001-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone tonight! I hope you had a lovely day full of blessings and abundance. (this is what the mutant squirrels did to my autumn decorations) Where is my squirrel gun!

2011-11-22T04:30:00.001-08:00

Poodle Priorities...squirrel watch before potty time!

2011-11-21T15:51:00.001-08:00

I am feeling very fortunate tonight. xo

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2011-11-20T18:01:00.001-08:00

Just one more reason to hate the "now" chubby squirrels of NJ. uugggh

Sign of 'my' times.

2011-11-14T14:56:00.000-08:00

Well the crunch has begun. To save money and cut back, I cancelled my telephone and my TV cable today. I have internet only.

So Sue and Julie were nice enough to give me a box that lets you get some basic channels......but I cant get it to work. (of course)

Today.........with all that was mentally tossed at me, my brain feels like its gonna explode. Its so overwhelming.

Today, for the first time, I feel like I am behind everyone in knowledge. I have been pretty computer savvy, but today....it felt as if I was a beginner.

Now trying to hook up this box to watch a little TV, or just keep it on like I usually do, I cant do it. I tried my best, taxed my knowledge all its worth and I cant do it.

I am going to open a bottle of wine and have a glass.

California

2011-11-07T14:07:00.000-08:00

I miss my California so very much.

Snowtober

2011-11-07T07:25:00.000-08:00

I dont need to say much.........just look at the pics. Lordy.

2011-11-06T08:33:00.001-08:00

Omg the smell is so wonderful! This is the very last of my own garden tomatos. Yum. Making great salad with them...english cucumbers and feta. Happy sunday all!

The cart before the horse i dont have!

2011-09-26T16:30:00.000-07:00

Yeah, the subject line is right. I bought the cart and the harness adn even teh snacks for teh travel before I had a horse to take me there.

Let me explain. I use photo shop 6. I use it at home and I use it for work. I use it to do all the production, filing and sorting for all the pictures I take and all the post work as well. Yes for all the things that go into the magazine too. Have been using it since I taught myself how to about 4 years ago.

I have a camera that is a Canon Mark 11. I am not able to shoot in the highest resolution/raw because I don't have photo shop bigger than 6 so I have to shoot in the highest jpeg format I can. Yes I am doing this for the magazine pages.

The cog in the wheel is, my computer doesn't have a processor big enough to use a photo shop version higher than that.

So the other day, I have the wonderful opportunity to purchase photo shop CS4 from someone. Not at full price, but at a reduced cost that I am paying off in payments. I have about $60 to go. I will pay more on it tomorrow. And just like the camera, I still dont have a computer that can support it! (yes I tried) However, since I dont see how in the world I could pay full price for photoshop cs4 in my life, I still need this.

Now let me introduce Creative Live!
http://www.creativelive.com/

I got hooked on it by accident a while back. Not sure how long. And they are in Seattle Washington. They do these online classes for photographers and video people. That is a portion of the classes as they are vast to be sure. At first I saw the classes adn didnt get it.
It didnt take long to see the potential. While they are taping the class, with a small student/audience on the set, the consumer (me) can go online to the website and watch the taping LIVE for FREE! Yup you heard it, free. When I first discovered this, I watched or listened to all I could while I was working, even if it didnt pertain to the work I did. It was just so informative and cool! To hear all of these famous people with ooooodles of talent, doing what I am doing by accident, and its free.
While they are taping the course can be purchased for a reduced price, but after its taped and processed then it is full price.

So they had Lesa Snyder on this past week.
Photoshop CS5 Intensive with Lesa Snider

OMG I didnt listen to but a hour or so and realized it was exactly what I needed! Although she was doing CS5, she kept indicating if that same process could be done in versions 3 or 4 and so much of it was in 4 I just had to purchase it. So yes, I paid $79.00 for the course. I am still downloading it to my machine too. It was 4 days long!!!!!! And I have already learned so much.

However.........yeah laugh..........I do not have a computer that I can put my CS4 on, so I can practice the course. Lordy.

Its ok though.......I will figure out how to get a computer that can handle it. I will. I will. Dangit I will.

Sometimes things just work out backwards for a reason. Not sure what that darn reason is but I am sure its good!

Have a great day all!
p.hawkins

HURRICANE relaxation...baking some butternut squash with a drizzle of Nocello (

2011-08-27T12:24:00.001-07:00

HURRICANE relaxation...baking some butternut squash with a drizzle of Nocello (walnut liqour) over the top with crack pepper and sea salt. 350 degrees for 40 min or till tender...YUM?

NEW NYLABONE!

2011-08-07T05:59:00.001-07:00

NEW NYLABONE!

2011-07-24T05:06:00.001-07:00

The heat is just doing me in. The heat + humidity of the noerth east is debilitating enough, but it makes me home bound. However the heat with a tiny hot breeze is delightful when it comes to hanging out laundry. I love that. Have a great sunday! p.hawkins.

2011-07-22T16:03:00.001-07:00

Awe momma this heat is so tiring! Yup ahe is fast asleep in front of the airconditioning. I am ready to nap too! Keep cool everyone. p.hawkins

2011-07-14T07:36:00.001-07:00

This USED to be an $8.00 ball just a few days ago! Yup the Pearlinator has it just about trashed. But she had a great time doing it! p.hawkins

2011-06-26T10:07:00.001-07:00

Good Sunday morning all! Pearlie and me have had a good morning and now she needs a snuggle nap! p.hawkins.

2011-06-19T07:18:00.001-07:00

Ok then...i have three empty suitcases all nested again! Yay! Now to put away all the piles of crap that came out of them from 1.5 weeks of traveling! HAHAH p.hawkins

2011-06-05T07:32:00.001-07:00

OMG i am in foodie heaven! Got this Pure Maple Cream in Rochester when at my sisters...this is heaven on toast! p.hawkins

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2011-06-03T15:25:00.001-07:00

The reason you dont let the DOG help you MOW THW LAWN!!!!!

2011-05-19T14:55:00.001-07:00

Home from the groomer...miss Pearlie is growing up!

SueJulieLilly

2011-04-30T16:54:00.000-07:00

Sue out with a beer looking over what we had done...mowing, raking, shoveling, nailing and hanging a clothes line!

Sue and Julies new car. Its so cool!

Pearlie on the run through the house with a new toy!!!!

I shall post more pics from our Easter weekend in Jersey tomorrow.

With Love
p.hawkins

2011-03-16T16:58:00.001-07:00

What a dork dog...Pearls favorite toy is the bottom half of a cleaned out milk carton!?!?!

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2011-03-12T09:11:00.001-08:00

It urks me to no end that I have to go to a laundry mat! Grrrr. Almost done...then take Pearlie to Petsmart for a bath. then get doggie things.

My first red bird

2011-02-25T00:56:00.000-08:00

I saw my first Cardinal yesterday. I have waited and hoped on that one since I have been here in the east.

I had just drove into the driveway, parked and got out...and what caught my attention was the song. What I heard when I got out of the car was heavenly! I cant describe it but it was so beautiful to listen to.

I looked up to find where the sound was coming from, and high up in a dead old tall tree was this bright spot of red.

My first Cardinal!

Now that the snow is melting a little, I will be able to get to the bird feeder and fill it more and even put another one out maybe. The birds have finally found it so now to give them more to eat will be fun.

I am still sick.........this particular flu has had me down for a whole week. Wow how incapacitated a germ can make you.......its incredible.
I mean its 4 am. I am up writing this while I drink some Earl Grey Green tea and guzzle Robitussin. hahahah

Have a great Friday everyone!

p.hawkins

2011-02-17T11:04:00.001-08:00

Well I have officially CROSSED the line into a delightful place!

2011-01-26T19:24:00.001-08:00

Sour dough English muffins...FROM SCRATCH!!!

2010-11-06T06:27:00.001-07:00

Well Pearl killed another one...so now to clean up! Off to Petsmart in Rockaway for dog grooming!

2010-10-28T06:19:00.001-07:00

This is how we all felt last night!!!

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2010-10-27T15:22:00.001-07:00

Starbucks for the last leg to rochester!

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2010-10-27T14:20:00.001-07:00

storm trying to blow us away!

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2010-10-27T13:00:00.001-07:00

pearl having Dairy Queen in Indiana.

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2010-10-27T11:47:00.001-07:00

yummmm cheese curds!

2010-10-27T11:42:00.001-07:00

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2010-10-27T11:37:00.001-07:00

Pearl napping.

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2010-10-27T11:35:00.001-07:00

South Bend Indiana...toll road...stuningly beautiful today!

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2010-10-27T06:51:00.001-07:00

Princeton illinois...finally a great rest...home stye!

2010-10-27T05:05:00.001-07:00

Motel 6 coffee...yup good thing we bought some and had it in our cooler! Ok we are up and moving. Egg sandwich on the go and get past chicago.

2010-10-26T12:58:00.001-07:00

Council Bluffs...Golden coral buffet!!!

2010-10-26T11:09:00.001-07:00

I guess i need to be told to "WALK AWAY"

2010-10-26T09:29:00.001-07:00

COFFFEEEEEEEE

2010-10-26T08:35:00.001-07:00

My sister Nancy glued "Hank" the rooster to the dash with glue!!! (I love it)

2010-10-26T08:33:00.001-07:00

SUE!!!

2010-10-26T08:31:00.001-07:00

NEBRASKA,.....wind not too bad...pearl zonked...Sue driving for a bit.

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2010-10-26T05:25:00.001-07:00

Breakfast of champions...NEBRASKA STYLE...fruit loops and gravyyy! Leaving Sydney in a few min...Davenport Iowa the goal!

2010-10-25T18:51:00.001-07:00

Pearl likes the Days Inn in Sidney Neb. tired and fought the wind and snow all day. Cabelas and Smoked Buffalo sandwich then shower and bed! 4:30 wake up call!

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2010-10-23T21:27:00.001-07:00

Well we are on our way! We are in Fernley Nev. ready for a good nights sleep!

My new baby is 3 months old!

2010-08-03T15:22:00.001-07:00

Fix it Friday # 64

2010-07-30T13:27:00.000-07:00

~Original image~

~My fix~

Pearl eating her bed

2010-07-07T09:56:00.001-07:00

She was trying to use up her 15 min of energy before bed......and then did that teeth chomping at the end I call her "Parana"! hahahahha

2010-07-02T12:27:00.001-07:00

is this cute or what!!! happy 4th!

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Update on Pearl

2010-05-24T07:40:00.000-07:00

Well here she is almost 3 weeks old. Man the time is flying. Although I still CANT WAIT for her to be in my arms.

p.hawkins

Pearls baby pictures

2010-05-03T20:24:00.000-07:00

Well here she is. About 20 hours old.
She is the only girl out of a litter of 4. And she was the first born!!!

I was in tears.

My first sour dough starter adventures...hahah

2010-05-03T12:47:00.000-07:00

I have been taking cooking classes at the Co-op the past few months. A few weekends ago I took a class on how to make Artisan breads at home.

Here is how it went...

My cooking classes have been going on for the past few months. Only a few of them were actual hands on classes, the rest were more like something from the food network. I get to watch an accomplished Chef at work, just inches away from them, smell all the wonderful smells as they cook stuff, then eat what they make. So I guess they are observational eating classes??? Hahaha

Well what ever you want to label them, I am learning a ton. I have enjoyed them so much.

I won’t go into all the cooking ADVENTURES I have had as a result of them, but will share my latest.

My last class was on how to make artisan breads at home. The instructor was sweet, bubbly and knowledgeable.(see pic below) Well to be honest it sounded more like algebra then bread baking to me, but I persevered as best as my little brain could.

Now I fancy myself a pretty good cook at times. No not on a consistent basis, but that’s my own opinion. I thought I would not have a problem understanding breads since I have made lots of quick breads before, but this one really was a stretch for me.

We began with a sour dough starter. Yup, here begins the confusion. I dare say I had the hardest time grasping the whole concept. (thank goodness I was not the only one)

How much do you keep? How do you get it? You feed it when? With what? So that was the beginning. To be honest it’s as if every other word of hers was registering, but the full string of information was missing some notes. Hahah (sounds like a bad song)

Then we get into the kneading, of which she does not do. I was happy of that. And her use of baking vessels was remarkable and I was right on top of that. Yesiree. My new cool Le Cruset dutch oven was ready to be used! (although she had a very ingenious way to use a terra cotta clay pot as a cooking vessel....I loved that)

The process is intense. The teacher even let us come up and play with a big ball of dough ourselves to learn how to SLAP IT, roll the back, tuck it in and all that. Was pretty cool too. Then you got to keep that ball of dough you just abused and take it home. THEN you got to keep a little 1 oz container of her sour dough starter. It was a new pet to now keep alive and feed every day. (visions of the TV shows of teenagers in home economics class with a plastic doll baby with a timer inside, having to keep it alive as a class project, and how a few of them KILLED the baby are running through my mind now)

The teacher, after being pummeled with my un-ending questions of I DON’T GET IT YET, gave me two containers of sour dough starter in case I killed one. (the other students only got one) Hahahahahahahaah

So home I go with a baggie of her dough ready to be baked (yes the one I played with in class), and two little plastic containers of starter with 5 pages of instructions.

As of today, I have not killed it. However after the first day, my starter developed a tanish clear liquid on top. (again see photo below) I freaked and thought it was dough bleeding - or dough dying. I went straight to the internet and typed in “sour dough starter help”. Then proceeded to read that if you do not feed your starter sufficient amounts of flour and water on a regular basis, its stops growing and creates this liquid that has a slight alcohol smell. I also find out they call it, affectionately, HOOCH. Yup you read it right, Hooch.

So I run furiously to now FEED AND WATER my starter and now it’s happy. My house is warm so it likes to be fed often. It bubbles and gurgles and is very happy. No I have not named it yet.

Now out of the fear of killing it, I created several clones of my starter. I have two of them on my counter and two in the frig and one in the freezer. I mean if it dies your SOL! However I did find out I can mail order it from San Fransisco. How did the pioneer woman do this stuff back then????

Oh and yes I made some bread! THAT TOOK TWO DAYS….and the first loaf was pretty burnt. (more like a hard hockey puck) The second loaf was kinda flat, sour and dense. The third loaf was not too bad actually! In fact it was rather remarkable in the scheme of bread baking, for me anyways!

Some day, we will be able to take pictures and add a “scratch-n-sniff” feature as easily as can be…I want to be around when that technology is available. I mean just think of the stinky possibilities! ~ p.hawkins

I have to say I had a BLAST! The teacher, who was extremely knowledgable about cooking and bread in general was fantastic! Here she is with HER bread that we were going to eat while she continued to teach.

My sour dough starter with the hooch on it. (yes that scared me)

Here is the bread I did finally make myself. They look pretty good huh?

My first loaf. well this was the teachers loaf. I didnt know I was supposed to tuck the parchment paper inside the dutch oven!

This was the first loaf. My oven runs hotter than usual I found out and the bottom burnt. But that was my first hard hockey puck. It does get better, I promise.

Here is my first loaf that I made all the dough myself and baked myself. A little dence but oh so good!

I still have my starter going strong.....so hopefully I shall make more bread soon! Maybe this weekend. Will see.

p. hawkins

Over-achievement gone wrong

2010-05-02T17:21:00.000-07:00

(click to enlarge)

When we create something, we always create it first in a thought form. If we are basically positive in attitude, expecting and envisioning pleasure, satisfaction and happiness, we will attract and create people, situations, and events which conform to our positive expectations. ~ Shakti Gawain

You know, I am the first to admit I am an over-achiever. I want it all. I want to know it all, I want to do it all, and I want to do it well.
Now and then, that quest will simply bite me in the butt!

Case in point, I am trying to avoid using paper clips or having my little photo log, that stays by my desk, split up into more than one pile. So today, after I printed them and cut them all pretty, I wanted to find a solution.

So think, Pam, think. There must be a way! Then I remembered I had my assistant plug in my handy dandy electric stapler the other day. It works great! Its fast, it staples hard and it can staple a lot of papers at one time. Just stick the paper in the slot and shazam....stapled! (or at least I remembered it that way?)

So I take my WHOLE stack in there and SHOVE it in. Its a very tight squeeze but I persevere and keep shoving it. Then I wait. Nothing happens. Now, normally it starts to sense the paper and staple it super fast, but this time -- nope.

Soooooooo I hold the stapler case with my right hand and SHOVE a little harder with my left hand holding the mega stack tight in my fist, trying to keep the papers straight.

WOW IT STAPLED
...AND STAPLED
...AND STAPLED
...AND STAPLED!!!!!

I tried to pull it out and it wouldn’t come out! It just kept stapling! I pulled and tugged and no way it was comin outa there!
So I tried to hit the button to release the staple cage and IT KEPT STAPLING but didnt open.

THEN it started stapling on its own! Holy Crap!

So I hurry and get on my knees, crawl under the table to find the cord and unplug it. Mind you its still stapling away. I get the plug out and it stopped.

Now to fix things...hahahhah.

Well the paper did NOT want to come out of there. (Now here is a visual for you. Remember the movie Jumping Jack flash? It had Whoopi Goldberg in it. She is dressed in this long blue sequined dress and up in a room where she is not supposed to be and the paper shredder comes on….her dress gets sucked in and she is frantically trying to pull it out…while wearing it…well that was me with the paper-eating-stapler)

I finally dislodged it from its staple-captor. What a fight!

Not only did it leave a pile of staples in the paper, it DID hold it all together, but it also left a mangled up mess of twisted staples at the end of the stapler cage. Poor thing is sitting there now with its stapler tongue hanging out looking defeated. ~ p.hawkins

I guess I better find a better way to hold my photo logs together next time!!!

Puppy fencing ideas in progress

2010-03-25T18:01:00.000-07:00

Well, I know the puppy Mama "Maggie", has been with the puppy Daddy "Ace", but have no idea if there is a Poodle bump or not. I am still waiting to hear. (sounds like a biker couple don't they!) hahahah

Oh and the Mommie "Maggie", she is a white, toy poodle. Dad "Ace" is the same. ( have a cell phone pic of Maggie someplace......I will find it and post it)

But in the meantime, puppy fencing and gates are now being created in my mind and I took some pics, as you see here, and have been drawing out where the need is to have an "inescapable" back yard for my baby.

I am also right next to a main street. To the right of those big green bushes, its a regular street. Yikolas.

I am sooooooo ready for a baby!

OH and a puppy shower will happen in Milwaukee at the B&B show. How fun is that I tell ya.

p.hawkins

2010-03-06T00:48:00.001-08:00

Now this is the thing...if you dont have much MOJO then put it on your license plate and hope for osmosis? Sounds good to me! p.hawkins

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Macro Monday - True Love

2010-03-01T09:56:00.001-08:00

I think we all need a little "scratch and sniff" Monday! This is one of my newest roses, and it smells of rose and vanilla and sweet grass.
Lean in.....take a nose full!
See more Macro Monday shots here!

Absolute proof ...

2010-02-26T10:26:00.001-08:00

Yes this is absolute PROOF I have been traveling way too much!!!! (poor birdies!)

So bought a new feeder and have cleaned this one out. however I am not sure the new feeder is working well, and with all the rain its soaked to pieces. I need a dryer space for the birds!

p.hawkins

2010-01-25T11:15:00.001-08:00

Well CHA is rockin! California is beautiful and friends are plenty!

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Macro Monday - Sun Lit Morning glories

2010-01-17T19:22:00.000-08:00

These are straight out of the camera this past summer, the late afternoon as the tail end of the sun lit up the flesh of the flower.

p.hawkins

To see more Macro Monday shots click HERE

Machro Monday - Jan 11, 2010 - RUST

2010-01-12T08:24:00.000-08:00

RUST one of those things that fascinate me. I love how it looks!

p. hawkins

for more Machro Monday shots click HERE!

Yummmmmm

2010-01-08T11:15:00.000-08:00

There are times in life where the unexpected happens. Granted I love my "habits" and my comfort zones consisting of favorite spoons, morning rituals and work habits, but when the spontanious infusion of love happens, well its just heaven.

Such was the case when I got 3 boxes in the mail. One was from Sue and Julie, one was from Nancy and Jak and one was from my friends at Tierra Cast. (well Alan was the instigator I am told) We had talked about how I love beer and about how I am learning to get past the "sock taste" of the IPA's and brewery type beers. I guess Alan really listened!
Not to mention that everyone there that I know signed this cute card as well. How sweet is that I tell ya.

To my delight each box was brimming with love and care. Now if you know me at all, you know I get passionate about things, and BEER is one of them.

So the last box was full of...........yes BEER-BEER-BEER!!!!

Now I have already consumed a few of htem, I mean come on I had to! A few of them were sorta Christmasy? (well it had red on it and xmas stuff so I drank it!) And it was yummy too.

The one in the middle is so way cool! Lagunitas! I love the label and the alcohol content is HUGE! So I am looking forward to drinking that bad boy! I will give a full report when I do.

In fact I think I will go put them in the frig right this minute!!!! I love my beer super cold!

THANKS YOU GUYS!!!!
p.hawkins

2010-01-06T12:15:00.001-08:00

Ok this is a test to see if i can post to my blog??? hahaha p.hawkins

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i heart faces 'logo' contest

2010-01-05T18:26:00.000-08:00

This is my sister Sue. We were all just sitting in the sun this past summer and I told her she looked like the Beatles with those glasses adn it had me and her in the picture. (my reflection).

This is my first photo shop attempt at curving any text. Good luck everyone!

p.hawkins

See many more contest entries HERE

“I am submitting this photo into the I Heart Faces logo photo contest. By entering, I am granting I Heart Faces LLC permission to consider my photo for use in the marketing and promotion of their website.”

Chocolate Mud Pies???

2010-01-05T09:30:00.000-08:00

The trailing geraniums are looking pretty good so far!

Yes I have a teeny lemon on my little tree!!!!!!

Primroses and Johnny Jumpups (baby pansy?) all in yellows!

Yes I have strawberrys trying to multiply!

More Primrose colors

Its looking pretty good so far.....now that I have handled the gopher damage.

I have this old 'gold panning' pan from my brother that is now dedicated to gardening!

OMG THIS SMELLS SOOOOOOOOO GOOD!

The nursery said that snails and sluggs dont like to travel across the scratchy cocoa shell mulch so perfect for me!

Yellow Tulips and Daffodils!!!

Yes, I planted bulbs and Johnny Jump ups and Primroses this past weekend. (also Millers nursery said that all of these plants were not so yummy to gophers)

(Yes I am trying to keep them little buggers at bay. Short of buying the rabbit pee that is.)

Also most of what I planted is in the yellow color family….and its sunny and delightful to be sure!!!

I also cleaned up the trailing Geraniums in the hanging pots on the porch. I so dearly wish for them to do well through the winter. And be prolific as spring starts to roll in.

I know so many of you are under a sleeping blanket of snow and the ground is frozen, but for me, its just a wee bit cold and wet. I LOVE California for that very reason. I can garden almost 95% of the time. How cool is that.

So I have never planted much in the way of bulbs. I am a Bulb Virgin. Moms Iris’s and Gladiolas got Thripes last year. I never had any success at getting rid of it and they never flowered. I don’t know what to do now.

Any ideas as how to treat the soil or anything now?

So the icing on the cake was when I was done I put down a lovely layer of Chocolate bean hulls for mulch.

OMG IT SMELLS LIKE A BIG FAT CANDY BAR OUTSIDE!!!! Hahahahah

Hmmm dirt and chocolate….now that’s one heck of a mud pie don’t you think?!?!!!

p.hawkins

Macro Monday - 1-4-10

2010-01-04T14:57:00.000-08:00

I took this shot of a flower in my garden this past summer. Can you guess what it is???
Doesn't it look like the little curled up pieces are leather???
(hint: its a reather simple flower that bugs do not like)

p.hawkins

To see more Macro Monday shots go HERE.

Todays Flowers #73 - Just Joey

2010-01-02T19:52:00.000-08:00

One of the most beautiful Roses I have ever layed my eyes on or smelled. Its called a
JUST JOEY Rose.
It goes from a Peachy orange to a pale peachy yellow and the smell is like a combination of roses-cinnimon, and white powdered sugar.

p. hawkins

for more Today's Flowers #73 go to:

Camera Critters #91

2010-01-02T11:36:00.000-08:00

This is John & Debs baby...taken in August in Western New York at their place.

p.hawkins

For more camera critters click here

First flu of 2010 ?

2010-01-01T18:35:00.000-08:00

Yeah you read that right, I think I have the flu. Its not a cold, I don't have the sniffles but I am freezing, achy, I have a horrid headache and I could upchuck at any moment.

Geeeeeez I hate to be sick!!!!!

But I am compelled to follow Dr's orders and get my ass to bed.

p.hawkins

Happy New Year - 2010

2009-12-31T20:24:00.000-08:00

I want to extend a warm and sincere
HAPPY NEW YEAR to everyone.

I know for some of you its already 2010,
even though its only 8:30 pm here in my back yard.

I wish you all "ENOUGH" of everything that you need and wish for.

All the best!

p.hawkins

Macro Monday - Mom's antique keys

2009-12-29T10:55:00.001-08:00

[click to enlarge]

I was putting away Christmas stuff and went to put my moms antique keys back up on the wall and thought this would make a great shot for Macro Monday!

Have a wonderful holiday everyone.

p.hawkins

See more Macro Monday shots here.

I Heart Faces-Week 51 - "Hilarious Outtakes"

2009-12-27T23:58:00.000-08:00

The family was finally SICK AND TIRED of me taking photographs!!!
(can you tell?)

For more "Hilarious Outtakes" pictures click here.

Sunday drive up the coast...for a chat.

2009-12-27T23:28:00.000-08:00

I took a drive up the coast today. A chat with God was what I was looking for.

And a few rocks and pictures too.

I packed a lunch like mom and me used to. Tuna sandwich, fritos and a drink. Yes that was her favorite. So off I went.

Have a wonderful day!

p.hawkins

Camera Critters #90 -Rescue attempt

2009-12-26T09:32:00.000-08:00

I found this little guy on the cement by my front porch. I scooped him up and promplty put him in a little tea cloth and got my keys and ran to the vet. They gave me a box and said what to do. We even called the bird people and they didn't call till the next day.

In the mean time, they said put him in your bathroom, let him have access to food and try to feed him. He was even drinking from the drop of sugar water I was able to navigate to the underside of the spoon, so I thought he was on the mend!

I tried as hard as I could to save him but he died the next day at 11 a.m. I have since learned that if their fur is all fluffed out like a cotton ball and their teeny little tongue sticks out they are near death and cant be saved.

I tried my best and stayed up with him all night.

He was beautiful and I was devastated.

p.hawkins

Visit Camera Critters for more wonderful critter pics.

Yes they DO love me!

2009-12-26T09:18:00.001-08:00

Yes, this is my Sister Sue and my Sister-in-law Julie Loving humor. It made my christmas day the best day ever. I almost peed my nightie!

And what a haul!

Yes a ton of great gifts. QUEEN DORK STYLE!

I hope all of you had a lovely Christmas!

Now I have a whole list of great stuff to do like laundry and beading and making more Biscotti!
Oh yeah...I learned how to make Biscotti! (report to come later today)

p.hawkins
ps. just because I learned how to make it doesnt mean it was good? well I liked it.

Merry Christmas to you all

2009-12-24T20:36:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone. I hope you all have a blessed and delightful Christmas.

Its still Christmas eve here for me, so wishing you are surrounded by family and friends and a warm house.

p.hawkins

Heroes

2009-12-07T05:36:00.000-08:00

~Quote~
Heroes know that things must happen when it is time for them to happen. A quest may not simply be abandoned; unicorns may go unrescued for a long time, but not forever; a happy ending cannot come in the middle of the story.”

Peter S. Beagle

I am not sure why, but in my tail end of my deadlines for the magazine, this quote seemed to be perfect. I love how he talks about unicorns in that way.
Dont we all have our own unicorns to rescue? they just have different names.

today mine is called a "Bead-acorn"

Have a great Monday!!!!

p.hawkins

Grace

2009-12-06T10:42:00.000-08:00

“Through many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come; 'Tis grace has brought me safe thus far, And grace will lead me home” ~John Newton

Oh how often I have thought how in the world did I make it this far? I know lots of us ‘baby boomers’ have thought the same. I mean look at the time frame we grew up in!

It would be not only embarrassing, but probably stupid to put down in words all the things I did that should have killed me INSTATNLY in my young life. But that’s just it isn’t it, I was young?

Is that an excuse or just a convenient reason?

I do know that, without a doubt, God has had his hand on my shoulder all of my life. You know how you put your hands on a little kids head from behind and point his eyes in the right direction? Maybe saying “no baby, look there”. Well we are trying to put them on the right path.

I think god has been standing behind me my whole life grabbing my head from behind and making me look in the right directions. Oh that’s not to say, I paid proper attention to it….I mean sometimes the sparkly stuff was off in another direction, or the big shiney truck said drive me Pam or the sparkly bubbles of the beer on the bar calling me to drink it and enjoy it. Nope. I can’t deny it.

I confess I don’t all ways look down the right path, but I am so GRATEFUL for the fact that God still points my head in those right directions. I am just so glad he has not tired of doing it and has not given up on me!!!

Have a glorious Sunday all!

p. hawkins

Lite speed

2009-11-11T14:23:00.000-08:00

There are days when the speed-of-light is relative only to “lite” speed. Lite as in feather lite I mean.

Today is one of those days. I just stopped a moment ago, and realized its quitting time in NJ for my staff and only 2 pm here. Not only was it quitting time, it was 10 min after their quitting time and I was rambling about a project.
When I happen to look at the clock I was actually taken aback at the time! Last time I remember it was 11 am. No kidding!

Now I am sure I didn’t just blink it away, or some sort of Alzheimers thing is happening, (at least not yet?) because I know I have touched many many projects, emails and phone calls since early this morning. And I mean a LOT of projects and tasks. Its been a very productive day so far!

My only reaction to it was “wow, that means I have a lot of day left if I thought it was 11 am!” Yes the days activities were fast and furious, yet they seemed to fly by at lite speed. Effortless. A not so heavy version of a very big day.

OH yeah baby, give me all the “lite” days I can stand...I like em.

(ps. I know I have been quite a slacker on my postings...but i have had to let myself catch up with life...its been running way too fast in front of me!)

p.hawkins

Chicken soup day...

2009-09-07T12:21:00.000-07:00

The person who is waiting for something to turn up might start with their shirt sleeves. ~ Garth Henrichs

Would you prefer to have the breeze in your hair, the radio blasting and the wind off your tail make the tall grass bow down at your passing? I have been terribly blessed to have been there. Flying down the highway, arm out the window watching in my rear view mirror at the grass falling down to kiss the earth as I whooshed by. The sun was shooting into the windows and I did not have a care in the world at that very moment but watching the line in the center of the blacktop and the visual glory of life on the road. For me it never ever got old.

Today I am in my little room. Working on my passion. I did stop long enough to put two chickens on the stove in great big pots. I went to the garden and took my yard sale basket and kitchen scissors and slowly, carefully wandered through my herbs and plants. Like a back yard grocery store, I looked and examined every item. OH I need this and some of that and a pinch of this too! I was like a little kid in a garden candy store. It was the most gratifying feeling to look at the little plants, all stretching up standing tall trying to touch me as I carefully walked by, and my knowing I planted them all.

Its chicken soup day. I put a piece of the one walla walla onion that actually grew in each pot. (I was trying to grow them for S&J) Lots of Garlic Chives. Some sage leaves and Rosemary still on the stem. Regular Oregano and some Greek Oregano (a little peppery and divine) Some kosher salt and cracked pepper and put the lid on.

Right now the house smells of the best chicken soup on the planet. Oh to have a house full of family and friends to smell it with me. (actually one of the neighbors is not well at all so I thought I might make extra soup and take some over to them. After all chicken soup is the best isnt it.)

You can choose to fly down the highway

or sit in the rest area watching everyone else go by. ~ p.hawkins

p.s. I cut another armload of herbs and walked across the street to the neighbors with my bounty and said ‘Need some herbs for cooking?” and we stood there and I let them do a taste test and boasted what each one was and made them pinch and twist each one and take in a deep breath of the aroma, then take what they wanted. I think they will cook today don’t you?

Perseverance

2009-08-07T08:23:00.000-07:00

All experiences of life seems to prove that the impediments thrown in the way of the human advancement may for the most part be overcome by steady good conduct, honest zeal, activity, perseverance and above all, by a determined resolution to surmount. ~ Samuel Smiles

Impediments. Stones in the road. Bumps and stumbles that make a smooth road the only thing I can think of. Well I should say that's not entirely accurate. My thoughts don't always look forward to the smooth pavement ahead, instead the size and shape and position of those damn stones is what clouds my mind and distorts my judgment.

Time spent looking at them may not be the issue, but giving them value and weighing their strength is the problem you see. The moment I line them up and call them problems they become stones in the road. I have the power to let them be inanimate objects or give them life. Well my little glittery magic wand doesn't always work so well.
(What a nice visual that is.......walking along, zapping those rocks with my magic wand, clearing my own path.)

There is strength in perseverance. Its powerful MOJO. Instead of pulling myself along, lifting one leg at a time, I need to pick up my feet and push out my leg, stepping OVER the impediments. Its not making the stones disappear that is the answer, its how you deal with them that either gives you strength or sucks it out of you. ~ p.hawkins

And watch out for those stones...oh and picking them up and putting them in your pocket is not the answer either.....at some point they will fill all your pockets, especially your back ones and make your butt look bigger.....so drop em and leave them behind!

Have a good weekend everyone.
p.hawkins

End of July garden update #1..(more coming)

2009-08-02T16:11:00.001-07:00

Bare foot dust bunnies...

2009-07-16T10:53:00.000-07:00

(photo-left to right-Myself, Sister Sue, and Brother Bobby now passed and of course Mom at the top. this was taken at Baystrop Bayou at Grandma and Grandpas house)

Cleaning your house while your kids are still growing is like shoveling the sidewalk before it stops snowing. ~ Phyllis Diller

If Dust Bunnies had any value at all, I wouldn’t have to work another day in my life! ~ p.hawkins

If you want to know if the floor is clean, walk barefoot on it. ~ p.hawkins

I am not an ardent barefoot person at home (or outside for that matter). I am always in shoes, or sneaks or slippers of some kind when walking about. But last night, I couldn’t find my slippers and I walked around barefoot only to find crumbs or lumpy dust bunnies under my tender toes.

Mom however was a constant bare footer. Indoors & out. Now to me, this is odd because she grew up in Texas . Most of the grass in Texas , that I remember, is bristly like little green tooth picks. Well, at least to my tiny 10 year old feet it was. I hated walking out in the grass at the bayou because of it. Oh and the driveway or any pathways were oyster shells. So you hardly walked anywhere without having something sharp POKING your tender feet.

See there is the keyword….tender. I guess I am a classic tender foot? Hahah I never toughened up the souls of my feet like Mom.

I also remember one time when I was about 14 years old, mom was again walking barefoot and she stepped on one of those old style tacks that had found its way to the floor in the big old house in Silver Springs NY . I can see the whole thing now…..her stepping on it……her screaming and trying to pull it out and then ASKING ME TO DO IT! Well to say the least it creeped me out and the same shivers that ran up my back then, do it now in the telling of it. Eeeeuuuuuuuuuuu.

So maybe I have just figured out why I don’t go barefoot a lot? Hmmm, crushed oyster shells, prickly toothpick grass and tacks…not condusive to a healthy barefoot mentality I guess. ~ p.hawkins

(ok where is that broom!)

My first attempt at raised beds

2009-06-20T09:57:00.000-07:00

Hi all!

Well, this is my first attempt at raised beds in my garden.
Once the magazine was officially SHIPPED to the printer, I got in the car and I drove 78 miles to not only get my first break away from the magazine, but to also take my Walmart and Home Depot list from the frig and go shopping!
Oh not to mention the sun was shining and the view was spectacular as usual!

So on my list was to see if I could get some raised bed lumber and more so some L shape metal corners for the wood. I figured if anyone had them, Home Depot would.

So here is my attempt at it!

Next year I plan to put in a lot more sugar beans. This is my first year for them and they are doing terrific!
I have a bunch more grass to get out aroudn the edges and a lot of dirt to put in. I want to ask a friend who might stop by today how to now add the dirt. Do I take out the little plants and add dirt and put them back? or just admire the raised bed for now and add dirt later? I know.......I know, i should have done this months ago.

This is on my list for today.....to get the grass and little weeds out of this little lovely spot by the back door. Remember when it was all just dirt?
I want to cut back all the herbs and band them to hand and dry. Anyone have any suggestions as to how to do this? I have never done it.

Yes Mom's sweet peas are doing fantastac!!! I learned that I need to cut as often as possible and bring indoors as it will promote more blossoms. And here I was afraid to cut any.

Mom's old coffee can is home to these beautiful pale blue blossoms. I was afraid since it doesn't have a drain hole that they would drown, despite my attempt to water carefully, but they love it there!

And here is the new birdfeeder. The old one was just to small and cheap. And allllllll the birdseed wound up on the ground. So now they have a perch and an easier way to sit and munch. Oh those little buggers still flip the seed out as if it was an afternoon activity to flip the seed on the ground while they search for that tiny perfect seed to munch on, but I love it.
I just hope they will suppliment the seed with any free bug lunches in the garden too!

I have a ton of new pics I just took so will put up a lot of those later.

Have a great weekend all, its cool and windy here today and I am hoping for some sun this afternoon.
p.hawkins

Last few days....

2009-06-14T11:25:00.000-07:00

Hi all!

I am finally back from traveling again, and from Milwaukee and the Bead and Button show. what a blast and what an incredible show.
If you have never been and EVER get the chance to go, it is worth its weight in gold to attend.

So have been busy with deadlines this past week, in a frenzy really, and yesterday I took the time to start tending to the garden. I so missed it while I was gone and I came home to only a few plant problems. No, nothing died, but a few suffered pretty bad. Over all everything sailed along.

So weeds and also putting in the plants that Sherri gifted me before I left. So here are a few updates!
I took about 50 pics so I shall give you just few now.
Have a great week everyone!
p.hawkins

New Bird Feeder I got yesterday....trying hard to keep the seed in the bird feeder and not on the ground!!!!

Working on my rock path in the garden. Got a little more cement recycle stuff and a few pretty stones from back yard. Want to remove that old wood in front at some point and use a diff border like the brick or old stones.

The angle on this kinda sucks but you get the drift. hahahah

Gosh I so love the sage blossoms!

My first ever window box style porch planters. They are doing nicely I think? And I have never ever grown Begonias and they are a delight in here!

Garlic chives

2009-06-01T07:53:00.001-07:00

Hi all!
Well, the gardens are coming along just splendidly! I took a batch of pics last weekend, but have been swamped with magazine stuff to even show you guys.
Oh and I always have this grand plan to show you lots and that always seems like a lot of time so I better just get back to one thing at a time huh!

So look at how lovely my new Garlic Chives are doing! Oh and to share a personal thought, I DO HATE ONIONS! But I have come to love chives! Especially these. I shall grow a lot more of these in the future. I can see a pretty border of them in fact, cant you?

I am traveling this week, but I hope to get a few more up for you all. I should have internet service as I travel.

Have a great Monday!
p.hawkins

A few pics of the garden...

2009-05-24T15:47:00.001-07:00

(yes the chicken is missing a beak-he fell on the garden path-i promised him some super glue tomorrow!)
~click to enlarge~

As you can see, I have been having a blast out in the dirt. I shall show off more each day! (if you dont mind!)

Have a great Sunday ~ p.hawkins

I am back.......sorta

2009-05-23T17:26:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone!

I know I have been MIA lately, and my last post is old and stale, but I am back! I am still in deep deadlines and shooting photos as quickly as possible, but today had to be a garden day to clear my mind of technological cobwebs and breath in some DIRT!

So as usual, after I got my cappuccino, I stepped outside on the front porch to sip and take a look see at all my front plants and gardeny things.

As I open the door, I see two little plants on a little stand by my front step. Now I know I have had that stand empty for a long time, and I know I didnt put those there so they had to come from someone?
With a smile on my face, I take a closer look. One is a Sweet Basil I think, and the other I dont have a clue. Any body know?
Now this person, I think Sherry my friend, knows that I have only killed a few things in my garden, or to be more precise, the cold has not let them live.
*Basil
*Zuccinni
*Cucumber
All have withered and died. So this beautiful Basil plant was pretty special to receive!
AND there wasnt a note from my secret plant gifter either!

It was a very delightful gift indeed!

I am also dying cantaloupe seeds with Navy blue Rit dye so I can string them with some peace sign jewelry I need to do for the magazine.

I have a TON of garden pics to share........again, just my simple gardening fun. And its looking awesome! I cant wait to show you all. Soon!

Have a great Saturday........I am going to get out the chicken and start roasting it and then BBQ in the oven sounds pretty yummy to me!

Hugs ~ p.hawkins

2009-05-14T07:32:00.000-07:00

For the amount of exercise I give my creative muscles, I am sure it is the skinniest part of me by now! ~ p.hawkins

Some people have this brainy 'literal' view of a creative process. Not so much in an artsy way but a more facts and details approach. Some people need a layout or a visual diagram on paper to see the creative plan and then they start up their own orchestrated flow of ideas and actions. Saying the artistic expressions out loud just doesn’t do it for them. That doesn't mean its bad, its just a different approach.

I was telling a good friend yesterday that her and I get creative just sitting on the clouds inside our heads. The very moment the words left my lips we both knew exactly what i meant! We laughed, yet it is so very true.

I am blessed or cursed, depending on how you want to look at it.

I have always been told that the creative juices will keep flowing if you exercise the muscles of magination, vision, creativity and the like. And to be honest, I do that constantly. It is an unconscious activity. It just happens. I cant stop it. The idea comes and I can see it in my head almost immediately. Next thing you know there are 37 more ideas coming out of my mouth. (oh don’t get me wrong, that doesn’t mean that those were 37 GOOD ideas) hahah

The hard part is opening up my head and letting others lean over and look down in at the holographic imaginings floating around in all that grey matter! (eeeuuuuuu now that is a visual!)

Have a great Thursday everyone!

Happy Mothers Day Mom - I miss you

2009-05-10T11:52:00.001-07:00

Never mistake knowledge for wisdom. One helps you make a living; the other helps you make a life. ~ Sandra Carey

I remember one time, I loaned my Mom some money. As we drove away from the bank she said I will pay you back 100 fold. That was the first time I had ever heard that saying.

I didnt think much of that comment when she said it, I never wanted to be paid back, but tonight after talking to a good friend, I realized she did pay me back much much more than that. Funny thing is though, dollar bills had nothing to do with it.

As my friend and me were talking on the phone there were plenty of laughs to be had. My cheeks were hurting and my gut ached we laughed so hard. Laughing that makes you snort and let your guard down in the most vulnerable way, yet you couldnt feel safer.

I barely got off the phone and it reminded me of the last two years I spent with my mom.

What an incredible blessing it was........we laughed so hard during that time. Laugh so hard you cry, your mouth hurts and milk comes out your nose. I would constantly look up only to see her staring at me and I would say WHAT? She would giggle and throw the BIGGEST smile at me, her with those big glasses slid down on her nose, her square forehead I teased her about, those high cheek bones and warm chestnut brown eyes, and for that very moment in time she made life worth living. ~ p.hawkins

To all of my Mommy friends I wish you the best Mothers Day ever!

p.s. For my Mom – Loretta, Happy Mothers Day. I am missing you so very much. I wish you were here so I would have to go on a grand search for Lilacs for your special day. (they were always hard to find up here) and also for one more of those big hard laughs. I love you.

Beading for a Cure Auction

2009-05-09T09:41:00.000-07:00

Beading For A Cure Auctions

I was involved with Beading for a Cure several years ago. Not only is it a good cause, but it involves some of the most talented beaders I know.
Please take a look and see if there isn't something that you would like to bid on!

Go look http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/beadingforacure and bid, bid, bid!

New auctions are listed every Sunday at Noon Pacific Time. You can see which items will be up for auctions next from this link:
BEADING FOR A CURE AUCTION

Have a great beady weekend everyone.
p.hawkins

Rain song

2009-05-07T12:06:00.000-07:00

(yes the sweet peas are getting up there! - click to enlarge)

Let the rain kiss you. Let the rain beat upon your head with silver liquid drops. Let the rain sing you a lullaby. ~ Langston Hughes

For me the first attribute of rain is the song it sings. And we each hear a different tune.

As the rain shoots straight down out of the sky, I hear every single drop. I mean think about it really, your ears do hear every single one. Uh huh, yes they do! I think my mood is what decides the tune I hear though.

And when I hear the crashing of a downpour, I cant get to the front door fast enough... to swing it open and hear the roar. The only thing left to do is use my arms to brace myself against the door opening and L E A N out. It never gets old for me. Listening to the first sounds of a down pour.

It has been a very long spring rain time here, or it feels like it. I wrote my thoughts for the day last night as the rain was coming down. This morning I could see a glow from the blinds and as I opened them the sun BUSTED through. My plants have all been just coasting….sort of waiting to grow, and sunshine and warmth is just what they have been waiting on. This chick is way happy to see the sun today! ~ p.hawkins

...at the speed of sound

2009-05-06T10:37:00.001-07:00

(even the Sage blossoms are not slowing down! But I am loving that zoom)

Time by minutes slips away, First the hour, then the day, Small the daily loss appears, Yet soon it amounts to years. ~ Ronald Tierney

Maybe what bothers me most is trying to remember where the day has gone when it flies by me at the speed of sound. I mean some days I can actually hear the noise as it zooms by my head. (well not really, yet it feels that way)
The day is completely uncaring to my thoughts and needs. No engine brake is heard, no slowing of the action and not a single alert that it is leaving in a hurry.

My only indication that the day has slipped away is when the end of it has arrived and I wondered how it got here so fast. Shortly there after it will leave, and with out so much as a good-bye.~ p.hawkins

Its a new Dream wrapped in a brand new day.

2009-05-05T12:42:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I lie awake at night, and ask, Where have I gone wrong? Then a voice says to me, This is going to take more than one night. ~ Charles M. Schulz

I got up this morning groggy and sleepy. I didn’t sleep well last night, I kept dreaming of beads and gardens and web pages and on and on and on it seemed to go. So as I sat here this morning, scanning the globe for a single little quote to pass along, I came across this one and it made me chuckle!

I mean, sometimes I wonder if there is any sleep at all happening when I have a night like that. Once I am up though, leaning over the kitchen sink with my eyes closed and my head in my hands, I realize I am at the morning point of no return. Waiting for the sound of the cappuccino machine to make its morning noises and waft the coffee smell into the air it signals its time now, time to open my eyes.(dangit)

As I sit here this morning, holding my steaming cappuccino in both hands, turning it and licking the froth off the edges of my favorite chicken cup, then taking a sip, I realize it’s a new dream, a dream come true wrapped in a brand new day. ~ p.hawkins

Notes...

2009-05-04T08:41:00.000-07:00

If you want your life to be a magnificent story, then begin by realizing that you are the author and everyday you have the opportunity to write a new page ~ Mark Houlahan

What if the plain memos and post-it notes you write every day told the story of you. Work notes, home notes or bulletins. What you did each day. How you articulated it. The manner in which you wrote it. Would they be written in soft handwriting style or bold print. Would you ad little smiley faces or dot your I’s with hearts? What type of paper is your surface of choice? Do you have a favorite pen? Yes all of these things, to me, effect the end composition regardless of the subject matter.

Would everyone come to expect your notes to be more like a novel or would you be short and quick and to the point. What do your notes say about you?

As you well know my notes fall into the novel category...I do believe if I had experienced years of schooling, with immense emphases on how to keep notes short and sweet and to the point, that even now, I would still NOT be able to stop myself from rambling on. ~ p.hawkins

Hope fulfilled

2009-04-30T09:00:00.000-07:00

(pic is my Just Joey roses from last summer-new ones blooming now-click to enlarge)

Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for. ~ Epicurus

You know, I really hate to admit it but its true. And why do I hate it? Well I suppose its because I have not achieved all that I dreamed. And who ever does? We would be extremely lucky to just come close to a dream right?

So how much of a percentage is it? Unquestionably the quote rings true to a certain extent. Six years ago, I couldnt even comprehend what today would feel like much less understand the implications.

The dream was to touch as many people as I could, teach as many as possible, and enhance their lives in some tiny way. In some good way. To ever so slightly be able to make them feel better about themselves even if that was just a small moment in time. I would say I have done that and more.

I wont dissect how it touched them as that is not the point. Of course I am told you cant make everyone happy, but if it made someone stop and even disagree, it gave me the opportunity to discuss the matter. My heart was always in the right place and the goal was consistently the same. And I would say the dream materialized early on in this one particular adventure.

After that, it was merely enhancing it all….perfecting it daily…..tweaking it and seeing how to do it again and again and again. Engaging the team around me to feel the passion that I felt. Infecting them with the same goals and dreams.

Wow, if you look at it that way its like getting the cute purse you wished for and having the chance to fill it with blessings every day, over and over and over again. Now that’s hope fulfilled. ~ p.hawkins

Bead Unique Tahoe Mountain Bead Retreat !!!

2009-04-22T08:57:00.000-07:00

Well its OFFICIAL now! The retreat web site is about ready to go up www.beaduniqueretreats.com and all gorgeous as can be!!! My nerves are completely shot now......yet I am as excited as well.

Having the opportunity to bring education to the masses has and always will be a pure joy to me. It is in my DNA I believe. Teaching and sharing all I know, and helping to bring other educaters to the event is a dream come true for me.

then add to that the education is CREATIVE? Well, what more can you ask for......oh wait, its retreat style so that means pampering and relaxing and fun. Ok .......... now its complete!

So come and share some fun with me in October 1-4 2009 at The Village at Squaw Valley.
Join us for an exclusive Bead Retreat at Squaw Valley Resort & Village in picturesque Lake Tahoe from

Thursday, Oct. 1, 2009–Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009!
Bead Unique magazine presents:

Three full-day beading classes with world-renowned instructors Sherry Serafini, Beki Haley, and Marcia DeCoster
Free Unique Workshops with Pamela Hawkins (editor of Bead Unique) and
CREATE YOUR STYLE Ambassador Laura Timmons
"Meet the Teachers" Dessert Social
Free raffles, great food, and resort-style fun for you and the entire family

…PLUS, every attendee will receive a goody bag filled with great beady surprises, courtesy of our sponsors.

The 2009 Bead Unique Tahoe Mountain Bead Retreat Package includes the following:

Three full-day beading classes with world-renowned instructors Sherry Serafini, Marcia DeCoster, and Beki Haley
Free unique workshops taught by Pamela Hawkins (editor of Bead Unique Magazine) & Laura Timmons (CRYSTALLIZED™—Swarovski Elements Ambassador). There is limited space, so please sign up when you register to attend.
Meet the Teachers Dessert Social, sponsored by CRYSTALLIZED™—Swarovski Elements. Come in your best beads and meet the teachers and staff of your 2009 Bead Unique Tahoe Mountain Bead Retreat! We will have a wonderful array of sweet treats to tempt you with! (You might want to eat a little dinner before you come!)
Morning and afternoon refreshment breaks
Lunch from Friday–Sunday
Many weekend-long raffles for amazing products donated by Bead Unique, our generous sponsors, and teachers.
Friday night Super Fun Surprise Event
Saturday Pajama Party Night
Sunday Closing Event: We'll toast you on your safe journey home with champagne or sparking cider (champagne and cider provided by Steele Wines). Final raffles and prizes will be given out
An "Ugly Beaded Project" contest!
A gift/tote bag loaded with lots of beady goodies

Well thats the basics.......and the web site goes live at 1 pm ET TODAY!!!!!!

Oh man I cant wait!
Pam

What a day...

2009-04-21T16:59:00.000-07:00

Today has been a rather long one. Well to be honest it has been a long few weeks it seems. Put out this fire, or help this problem or FIX this one, or let them yell at you for this thing that you didn't even do, or take the heat for a small thing that turned into a big thing.

It all seemed to just fester. I hate festering. I hate it when a small thing that was manageable 2 weeks ago, is now a big fat sore! Oh that so sucks.

A little band aid a week ago was just not enough though. As hard as I tried to patch it, or figure it out, I couldn't. And you know? sometimes I just don't have all the answers. Oh how I wish I did. I surely do. But there are times, when I cant come up with a solution to save my soul.

Its like a cold. You get allergies now and then and you sniffle and get the runny nose and you blow and rub and you are still not sure if its a full blown cold or not. Do I take allergy medicine or do I grab for the NyQuil and try to KILL IT OFF, you say to yourself as you look in the mirror at a sad, forlorn, wreck of a face! You really don't know until you feel REALLY BAD. Of course by then, the remedy to catch it before it makes you feel like death warmed over is not an option. Oh hell no. You might as well face it. Your taking the Kleenex box to bed with you now baby.

Its like my picture here. Sometimes it is just a tangled mess of stuff. This thread is wound around this one and this vine clings to this. We don't always have control. So I say, give me a gallon size bottle of NyQuil so i can give everyone around me a dose of it so we can catch all this crap before it turns into a red nose! ~ p.hawkins

Some days you just cant please anybody

2009-04-18T14:47:00.000-07:00

(click to ENLARGE)

Its one of those days that I wish I had not gotten out of bed. Most of my encounters today have been people who are unhappy with something I did or said.
So far, every single one of them have been complete misunderstandings. Things that were completely resolved the moment I emailed back or called.
Yet, the stabs don't just heal up instantaneously. They sting for a bit.

I will admit I am one of those people who will circle around through the parking lot to exit where there is a street light, instead of the exit 10 feet from my car with no light. It seems to be a fight for position or simply a lesson in how uncaring or unkind people can be when trying to get out into traffic, so I find the non-confrontational exit.
I like to believe everyone is a good person, but when in that situation, it sometimes doesn't always seem evident.

I don't like confrontation. I don't like to be thought of as an unkind person or someone who doesn't care, because that couldn't be farther from the truth, but when you are out in the world, seeing a lot of people and trying to make them ALL happy, there are bound to be people who feel they are experts at reading between the lines. And if I didn't put any words between the lines, then they are left to make them up. Inevitably, their words are not always mine and they are left to invent them.

So I shall try to let it all go and chalk it up to misunderstandings (which is exactly what they are) and try to put out the little flash fires as I can get to them. After all, its just that, misunderstandings.

Still it all feels a little prickly.

Have a great weekend all!
p.hawkins

Listening to my own voice.

2009-04-17T09:51:00.001-07:00

Anytime I am looking to somebody else as my source, I'm coming from scarcity. I am no longer trusting God, or the Universe, for my harvest. It's reasonable for me to have expectations based on what somebody I trust has committed to. And it's natural for me to feel disappointed when that somebody doesn't come through. But when I feel more than disappointment, when I also feel anger, it's because I deviated from my truth. It's because I compromised my truth to get what somebody else promised. Because when I'm really following my truth, I will be at peace with the consequences — whatever they are. I can accept somebody else's truth, but I must live my own truth. ~Jan Denise

How the plants are progressing

2009-04-16T18:17:00.000-07:00

Hi all!
Well the plants are progressing nicely. However, I want them to grow big and fluffy and FAST! Yes an impatient gardener I am. I confess.
But......all are doing well and I am extremely happy that the sunflower and Cosmo seeds I planted outback are popping out of the ground oh so pretty like!
Take a look see.

Sweet peas coming up nicely and seeds from last years Morning Glories are sprouting all through out! (wonderful bonus) The terra pot of Mint is looking lovely! i have one mint plant that is pure white!

Sweet Pea seeds from moms plants.......are coming up nicely. This is such a great feeeling.

The beans are doing nicely! I hope they climb nice on my make shift trellis.

LOOK LOOK the sunflowers are coming!

From the nursery......and doing well.

A white babies breath plant again from the nursery. I cant wait till they get all fat and fluffy!

Last years Johny Jump Ups.......look how pretty they are coming out!

Strawberry plants are popping out leaves all over.

I already have a Sage flower!

Have a great night all!
p. hawkins

p.hawkins

Sign of 'my' times.

California

Snowtober

The cart before the horse i dont have!

HURRICANE relaxation...baking some butternut squash with a drizzle of Nocello (

NEW NYLABONE!

Sue*Julie*Lilly

My first red bird

My new baby is 3 months old!

Fix it Friday # 64

Pearl eating her bed

Update on Pearl

Pearls baby pictures

My first sour dough starter adventures...hahah

Well what ever you want to label them, I am learning a ton. I have enjoyed them so much.

I won’t go into all the cooking ADVENTURES I have had as a result of them, but will share my latest.

My last class was on how to make artisan breads at home. The instructor was sweet, bubbly and knowledgeable.(see pic below) Well to be honest it sounded more like algebra then bread baking to me, but I persevered as best as my little brain could.

Now I fancy myself a pretty good cook at times. No not on a consistent basis, but that’s my own opinion. I thought I would not have a problem understanding breads since I have made lots of quick breads before, but this one really was a stretch for me.

We began with a sour dough starter. Yup, here begins the confusion. I dare say I had the hardest time grasping the whole concept. (thank goodness I was not the only one)

How much do you keep? How do you get it? You feed it when? With what? So that was the beginning. To be honest it’s as if every other word of hers was registering, but the full string of information was missing some notes. Hahah (sounds like a bad song)

The teacher, after being pummeled with my un-ending questions of I DON’T GET IT YET, gave me two containers of sour dough starter in case I killed one. (the other students only got one) Hahahahahahahaah

So home I go with a baggie of her dough ready to be baked (yes the one I played with in class), and two little plastic containers of starter with 5 pages of instructions.

So I run furiously to now FEED AND WATER my starter and now it’s happy. My house is warm so it likes to be fed often. It bubbles and gurgles and is very happy. No I have not named it yet.

Now out of the fear of killing it, I created several clones of my starter. I have two of them on my counter and two in the frig and one in the freezer. I mean if it dies your SOL! However I did find out I can mail order it from San Fransisco. How did the pioneer woman do this stuff back then????

Oh and yes I made some bread! THAT TOOK TWO DAYS….and the first loaf was pretty burnt. (more like a hard hockey puck) The second loaf was kinda flat, sour and dense. The third loaf was not too bad actually! In fact it was rather remarkable in the scheme of bread baking, for me anyways!

Some day, we will be able to take pictures and add a “scratch-n-sniff” feature as easily as can be…I want to be around when that technology is available. I mean just think of the stinky possibilities! ~ p.hawkins

Over-achievement gone wrong

Puppy fencing ideas in progress

Macro Monday - True Love

Absolute proof ...

Macro Monday - Sun Lit Morning glories

Machro Monday - Jan 11, 2010 - RUST

Yummmmmm

i heart faces 'logo' contest

Chocolate Mud Pies???

Macro Monday - 1-4-10

Todays Flowers #73 - Just Joey

Camera Critters #91

First flu of 2010 ?

Happy New Year - 2010

Macro Monday - Mom's antique keys

I Heart Faces-Week 51 - "Hilarious Outtakes"

Sunday drive up the coast...for a chat.

Camera Critters #90 -Rescue attempt

Yes they DO love me!

Merry Christmas to you all

Heroes

Grace

Lite speed

Chicken soup day...

Perseverance

End of July garden update #1..(more coming)

Bare foot dust bunnies...

My first attempt at raised beds

Last few days....

Garlic chives

A few pics of the garden...

I am back.......sorta

Happy Mothers Day Mom - I miss you

Beading for a Cure Auction

Beading For A Cure Auctions

Rain song

...at the speed of sound

Its a new Dream wrapped in a brand new day.

Notes...

Hope fulfilled

Bead Unique Tahoe Mountain Bead Retreat !!!

What a day...

Some days you just cant please anybody

Listening to my own voice.

How the plants are progressing

SueJulieLilly