Monday, November 25, 2013

Doctor Who 50th Jewelry

 The Doctor Who 50th anniversary was just last week, I had a great time watching it with friends. These are some of the jewelery pieces that I wore to celebrate.
This is made up of an enamel uk flag charm from Etsy, and leather cord. I chose leather for a more rough looking necklace.
 



Then there is my polymer clay TARDIS necklace. Basically made by making a rectangle with blue clay, then using a straight edge to press lines in, with a small piece of white clay pressed on the back with a hole.





A blue tie charm from Hobby lobby, and a stainless steel stamped charm. Allons-y, being the tenth doctor's catch phrase. French for, "let's go!"






The big BAD WOLF earrings.











A sonic screwdriver made by coiling wire then threading a green crystal through one end hangs between crystals all the colors of the galaxy. Jump rings that hold them have been pressed tight to hold each one in place along the flat leather.
Normally I would wear it as a choker, but instead, for the party, I double wrapped it for a bracelet.
 
May you someday see the stars! From a closer point of view...

Monday, November 4, 2013

Autumn Inspired Jewelry

 Fall is my favorite time of the year. Things are so peaceful and colorful. And a sweater held close gives the best comfort.
Starting off I did not have that much fall inspired jewelry. Now I at least have enough to get to winter. Gold and brown were an excellent start.
 Here is a multi wrap bracelet with brown leather cord and gold plate tube beads.
 A gold plate horse charm on black leather. Very simple, yet shows a free spirit.









A bracelet made with three glass leaf beads, leather cord and flat braided leather. The leaves each have a hand wrapped bail, where the wire crosses to make a double loop at the top.








A little something for Halloween. A 14mm swarovski heart and silver plate pinch bail. Simple, and could be worn on any occasion, but put with black clothing and hanging from a choker, rather intimidating.


These earrings are antique copper oak leaf charms and gold plate ear wire and cuff.
I have found that I enjoy working with copper. I dreaded it for many years of my life, thinking that I could never wear copper, even rarely do anything with gold. I preferred to work with silver. This coming fall challenged me to create with copper, as well as gold. These earrings were just the start.



Sunday, November 3, 2013

10th Doctor Cosplay


 My first cosplay. It just happened that there was a costume contest at work for Halloween, which encouraged me to finish it in time.
It started with the coat, which was found with a box of other clothes. The minute I saw it, I knew what I wanted to to do. The rest of the costume consists of a women's collared shirt from my mom's closet, a skirt cut from an old dress, a v-neck shirt from my closet, a child's tie, red high-top converse and glasses that I bought online.
One small problem with wearing the costume to work, was that I found myself mumbling to myself things like, "blimey" while working. It took five minutes to realize what I was doing.
 My mom and I drove to the cemetery to get pictures next to an angel statue. I did not see until I had uploaded the pictures, that the name below the angel was, Wanda Rose Lloyd. Rose, being a very important character in the 10th Doctor's life.

 Every great Doctor who episode questions the villain. The Doctor is prepared, but wants to know what drove his enemy. This photo shows my monologue, with sonic screwdriver in hand. "No second chances. That's the kind of man I am."



Of course, I had to try one of David Tennant's signature poses as being The Doctor. I am not sure if I pulled it off quite as well.


Thursday, October 24, 2013

The Call, Between The Lines

Frost Flower From 2012
It started out as a feeling, which then grew into a hope. Maybe, time would reveal truth.
Which then turned into a quiet thought. I couldn't tell anyone. Which then turned into a quiet word, you whispered in my ear that you felt it too. Then that word grew louder and louder, 'til it was a battle cry. 'Til we couldn't hide it anymore. They could all see it on our faces.
I'll come back when you call me. There's no need to say goodbye. Just because everything's changing, doesn't mean it's never been this way before. Now it's before our eyes. All you can do is try to know who you're friends are, as you head off to the war. I know it's hard, masks can fool. But when the time comes, I'll be fighting by you're side. Pick a star on the dark horizon and follow the light, I promise it will lead you home. You'll come back when it's over. When you have grown stronger.
No need to say goodbye. You'll see my face once again. You'll come back when it's over. When they need you. There's no need to say goodbye.
Now we're back to the beginning. we've forgotten history. It's just a feeling and no one knows yet.
They wouldn't understand. But just because they can't feel it too, doesn't mean that you have to forget, the times we had together. Let you're memories grow stronger and stronger, 'til they're before you're eyes. 'Til we live them again.
You'll come back when they call you. No need to say goodbye. I'll see you again, sooner then you think. Stronger than before.
You'll come back when they call you. No need to say goodbye.
The Call, Regina Spektor

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Apple Picking At Thierbach


 My family and I went to Thierbach Orchard on Saturday.
We all had fun, though I would have finished picking faster if I was not taking pictures. Each of us picked 30lbs of apples.
We were picking Blushing Golds, my mother's favorite apple.
I found myself instinctively climbing up to the top of the tree to get the apples that had been most kissed by the sun, bringing the rose red blush to the coloring. I managed to bring down six apples at a time, with two stuffed in my pockets.
When we got back from the orchard to the building, where they have animals, a play set, and already picked apples and squash, I walked around taking pictures.

The squash are one of my favorite things to look at, because of all the colorful skins.
Especially the Jack Be Little Pumpkins. I used to grow them, along with Spookies, but the pests became to much to bear.








There were also chickens, goats and turkeys. I fell in love with the white Brahma, a breed of chicken that I have been wanting to raise. They are beautiful birds. Pure white, while laced with black pen strokes.




The one eyed goat. 
I am not sure why, but this particular goat would not look at the camera with both eyes open.
It was a perfect day to be outside with a sweater held close, while taking pictures and picking apples.

Saturday, October 5, 2013

Fight Or Flight?

Milo at the watering hole in the garden.
We all have that moment, where we think, holy crikey! What now? Something jumps out at you, An object moves unexpectedly, or maybe you even have a bad feeling about that dark haired guy sitting all alone in the truck.
What happens when we have that moment of panic, but don't go anywhere, is a 'fight or flight' moment. We have three seconds to decide whether we should run as fast and as far away as possible, or turn around and beat the snot out of what might be causing us true fright. Our body prepares us, raising our heart beat, tensing our muscles, and, oddly enough, blocking out any and all other sounds and objects.
Here are my thoughts on why this happens; We need a head start, raised heart level gives us that extra boost. Muscles tense, so that when the time comes, we are ready for the final response. Lastly, we can't be distracted. Focus on the danger at hand.
I have met with someone who once heard a similar noise to that of an enemy from a video game, and within seconds turned around to punch the wall. I, on the other hand, find that I prefer to run first. If it chases me, then that is reason to believe I will need to fight.
I think that waiting for something to find where you have hidden is worse then facing death while going down kicking and screaming. Which is the way I want to go, if that fear ever does come after me someday. If it goes for the chase, you will not find me hiding behind a wall. I am going to turn around and face fear, danger and possible death.
Also, one should never tell me, "not to struggle, freak out, squirm, or fight back" When anyone says something like that, I think of a kidnapper, telling you that fighting is pointless, that there is nothing you can do. Giving up hope is the worse thing that can happen in a struggle.

Thursday, October 3, 2013

Gluten/Egg-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

Gluten-Free, Egg-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

2 cups milk-chocolate chocolate chips
1 cup butter, at room temperature
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
8 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla
2  1/4 cups Pamela's gluten-free Artisan Flour Blend
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

Whisk together flour, baking soda and salt; set aside. In large mixer bowl, cream together butter, sugar, brown sugar, cream cheese, and vanilla. Gradually blend dry mixture into butter/sugar mixture. Stir in chocolate chips. Chill the dough for at least 1 hour. Roll dough into 1 inch balls and place onto parchment or Silpat sheet.  Flatten the balls to about 2 inches wide. Bake at 350ºF for 10 to 12 minutes.

Yields about 4 dozen cookies