I Want to Be a Rubber Ball

October is a very transitional month. This is the time of year when we start to feel the first hint of cooler tempuratures here in the tropics. Truth be told, our autumnal changes are much more subtle than the spectacular display of leaves found in the midwest and northeast. Growing up, I always looked forward to October because of Halloween and my birthday. I celebrated two holidays in one month! As an adult, the birthdays are not exactly met with the same anticipation, but I soak up every delicious moment of the half pint's enjoyment of the festivals, costumes, and parties.

October also has bitter sweet memories of the loss of loved ones. It's a strange dynamic experiencing joy and pain simultaneously. Those who navigate the hardships in life with sucess have developed more than just a strong resolve. Strength fosters courage, but we need more than courage...we need resiliency.

A ball of steel can be pounded, hammered, or smashed, but once that ball of steel gets dented, its a hopeless effort to return to its original shape. Strength alone will only get you so far.

A rubber ball will give and flatten under the pressure of a hammer, yet it will eventually return to its spherical form. Resiliency lasts after the stinging hurt has subsided.

resilience - [noun]

1. the power or ability to return to the original form, position, etc., after being bent, compressed, or stretched; elasticity.
2. ability to recover readily from illness, depression, adversity, or the like.

I want to be a rubber ball.

The Reset Button

Heading into the woods at Riverbend Park

I'm an outdoorsy kinda girl...

I enjoy being outside...

I become unglued with feelings of suffocating confinement without regular and consistant fresh air escapes.

• A spa day doesn't work for me.
• Shopping will not make me feel better.  
• I absolutely depend on getting outside to hit my reset button. 

You know...the RESET BUTTON!



The view from our many walks along the beach

It's the internal transition that can wipe your slate clean and rejuvinate the senses to physically, emotionally, and mentally carry on and face another day. Fortunately for me, Mr. Honeybelles requires the same type of environmental rehab so these theraputic activities are masked as "family time."


Shellrock trails cut through the hammock

Does the half pint even realize the complicated mental processes that are occurring as we meander along catching grasshoppers, watching deer in the field, spying a flock of wild turkey, or eating apples under the shade of a palm hut? Serious emotional healing is taking place during our hikes in the woods and walks along the beach. Can she appreciate the sophisticated nature of the human condition and our need to heal from the daily grind? The definitive answer is an absolute no.

Bursting to greet a new day, complete with her shorts "hat"

She has no need to escape from any part of her life. Every minute of everyday, she savors what is happening to her. Ordinary miracles are unspoiled and new. She possesses a zest for the simple life we have created for her.

Time to hit the reset button and take a lesson from the half pint.

My Fabricated Fall



A humble slice of crocheted pumpkin pie

My family headed south (way south) from Northeastern Ohio when I was 5 years old. I hold dear my child's perspective of the autumnal changes you could soak in through all five senses.  This year's September Equinox (or first day of fall) takes place officially on September 22, 2010 at 11:09 pm EDT. On the equinox, the sun rises directly in the east and sets directly in the west.

Scientific explainations aside, my heart longs for the seasonal display that begins its production far north of my current home. Cider stright from the orchard, flannel blankets, crunching leaves, frost covered pumpkins, and the most inspiring scents of spices and warmth. I have developed my own traditions to signal the subtle changes in our tropical atmosphere at this time of year.

Freshly planted yellow mums

Sure...we're still smack in the middle of hurricaine season, but I have pumpkin spice dreams clogging my brain! As soon as the local garden center has rows of vibrantly colored mums available, I plant a few in every available container I have on hand. I can't wait to see the sweet little pots spilling over in round waterfalls of yellow blooms.

The results of my 11 grade woodshop class

A quirky row of characters makes their yearly debut in September. My obsession with all things crafty began at a very young age. While in high school woodshop, I made three wooden figures specifically for Halloween. Little did I know they would still be around so many years later. The half pint will occasionally notice their placement on the TV armoire and proclaim "hat, hat, hat" as she stares up. I guess she really likes that pointy hat. 



Cloves, cinnamon, and fruit simmer away on the stove

The greatest addition to our "fabricated fall" theme is my homemade stovetop potpourri. It fills every nook and cranny with the lovely aroma of spicy fall goodness. I deeply inhale and drop the AC a few notches cooler to make my artifical autumn complete.

Easy Stovetop Potpourri

- 1-2 apples
- 1 orange
- 1 lemon
- 2-3 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tbsp whole cloves
- 2 bay leaves

Roughly chop all fruit into big chunks. Place all ingredients in saucepan. Fill with just enough water to barely cover ingredients. Place lid on top. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to simmer and tilt lid so steam and scents can escape. Keep on low heat throughout the day and add water as neccesary.

A Rich Inheritance

"Mothers are a special gift sent

from God above,

They bless us with their nurturing,

And fill us with their love.

They pick us up when we are down,

And when we're sad they know,

They're always there to lend a hand,

And guide us as we go.

And mothers are like special jewels

that can't be bought or sold...

A mother's love's more precious

than the rarest gem or gold.

Yes, mothers are a special gift sent

from God above,

And we'll be blessed forever with

their never ending love!"

-Faye Diane Kilday

A legacy began on the day you were born. Your life has been a series of carefully orchestrated events folded together to create an enduring example of a mother's love. You have granted your children a rich inheritnce of selflessness and compassion...

not to mention a little blue eyed beauty

who is blessed to call you "gamma"

Happy Birthday Mom

Wisdom in Blueberry Bushes

I have a secret.

Deep down inside of me lives a tiny little wanna be...and she's a talker. Fortunately, I am the only one that can hear her. Not to be confused with a lack of contentment or satisfaction in life, she simply has an active imagination. Once upon a time she flirted with the idea of growing her own blueberry bushes.

Now this is where I have to admit my miniscule knowledge of the ideal growing environment for blueberries. There's a reason Florida's known for oranges instead.

Several years back BBHP (before the birth of half-pint), I was pouring over the White Flower Farms catalogue. Each page promised a bountiful harvest of earth grown goodness in vibrant colors and textures. My head swirled with fleeting images of an idealized homestead farm, complete with split-log fences and gardens that would produce blue ribbon specimens. I could practically smell the intoxicating blend of sweet jasmine, fresh cut grass, and good clean earth.

As I read the description for the "lucious and sweet" blueberries, two particular facts jumped off the page.

1. It is not viable to start a blueberry seedling in a container
2. It will be at least three years before harvestable fruit is produced

I looked around our humble first apartment. Dingy carpets, unpainted walls, and a closet sized concrete patio. We were lucky to afford such luxury as a young married couple, both full time working college students. I thought to myself,

one day

down the road

I will live

in the same place

long enough

to be able

to care

and cultivate

a blueberry bush

I didn't expect to actully plant a blueberry bush here in the tropics, it was the principle of putting down roots that will last beyond the near future and having a life that allows me to enjoy simple pleasures...

like growing blueberries.

Today, we were at the Loggerhead Marinelife Center checking up on our little rescued friend. I watched the half-pint gleefully chant "turtal, turtal, turtal" as she trotted from tank to tank.

It was a Thursday. She and I were sharing another great day together. I have an amazing husband. I have a loving family. My life is so full, I can't ask for more than what I've been given.

That's when it hit me...

my blueberry bushes had been growing all along

and I didn't even realize it.

New Website

It's Official

Click here to check it out!

Safari Nights and Sea Turtles

Once again, the richness of life has kept me away from the tethering effects of a computer.

Swamp Lily peeks through the beach boardwalk

Another day, another reason to go to the beach, this is my therapy and I will share my theraputic process with you, reader of the blog.

We are regulars at our favorite beach, located within the protective perimeter of a state park. Untainted natural landscapes and very few humans...who wouldn't want to visit every chance they get?

For weeks we had been building up the excitment and splendor of snorkling the reef to our visting family. Then came Hurricaine Earl.

No flooding rains or uprooted trees. No power outages or smells of fuel from generators. No effects whatsoever, until to you head for the shoreline. As we traveled the boardwalk across the lagoon, our ears detected a low rumbling that grew into a deafening roar. 

Crossing the estuary

 The ocean had become a churning monster of hidden currents and crushing waves. The half pint stayed in the shade of her pink umbrella and covered herself with sand and shells while we tempted fate and tested the waters.

In the corner of my eye, I spotted a black circle rushing in with the waves.

It was a helpless baby green sea turtle! I plucked him (I decided it was a "he") up and placed him inside a green plastic snack bowl filled with water. It was rather remarkable how he fit so perfectly inside the child sized dish, it's almost as if the manufacturer knew it would be used for rescuing baby sea turtles from certain death.

His flipper was torn and he was barely moving, the turbulent surf had consumed every last ounce of energy. I carefully walked my wet little patient to the nearest park ranger (why everyone should go to the state park beaches!) who wisked him off to the Loggerhead Marinelife Center. Check the end of this post for a short video clip of our sea turtle rescue.

But the day was not over yet...

A flock of White Ibis decorated the trees

It's Friday night. With our bags packed and the stroller loaded in the car, we headed out for an evening of wild adventures at the zoo after dark. The rain stayed away and blessed our little expedition with balmy tempuratures. As I sat in the jungle dining room and watched the half pint dish out hearty helpings of kisses to her family, I reflected on the scene playing before me. Love is the greatest of these.

She padded out to the deck, tummy now blissfully satisified with grilled cheese goodness.  Blindly she passed right under a giant web delicately hanging above. Perched with her diminutive mate, the female is quite an impressive specimen.

The Golden Orb Weaver Spider can be found everywhere here

Mr. Honeybelles does not share my appreciation for any large arachnid. I'm guessing that many who read this will not share my appreciation either. I seem to notice a strong correlation between the amount of angst expressed by Mr. Honeybelles towards a creature and my utter fascination for any subject related to said creature...hmmm.

Highlights of the evening with the half pint include:

• Petting a baby alligator
• Petting a giant snake while saying "ssssssss"
• Talking to a peacock
• Riding the carosel
• Splashing in the fountains
• Watching Mr. Honeybelles get inadvertently soaked

[insert deep contented sigh here]

I guess I'll just watch this baby turtle video for the countless time and smile for another day packed full of childlike memories.

Pizza and Yard Sales

Strategic organizing generally requires very little effort on my part. I savour the moment of temporary satisfaction when crossing a completed task off one of my numerous lists. 

I admit...

I AM A LISTMAKER

and I'm not the only one (you know who you are!)

My recent attempt to systematically classify our possesions in preparation for the city wide yard sale proved slightly challenging. The excuse: hand-tossed birthday celebration pizza, lovingly prepared my Mr. Honeybelles for my visiting family.

He transformed our little kitchen into an Italian pizzeria, complete with flour covered dough artfully tossed in the air. This is one production with very exclusive seats and I never miss a show. The hot oven supplied a harmonious boquet of onions, peppers, provalone, and toasty crust.

We nibbled our salads in anticipation of the featured performer and no one was disappointed. I did however, loose all motivation to properly prepare for my 6am appointment with a carload of belongings.

We wake up and despite my lack of professional grade preparations, arrived at our 15x10 foot  "prime storefront" and set up in the shade of a live oak. Oppressive heat was our foe and cleverly found us despite our shady refuge. Business was steady with a variety of brave customers refusing to be deterred by the swamp like atmosphere.

Final tally: precipitation won in a landslide victory. We loaded our rain soaked leftovers and headed home in saturated defeat...

Until we counted our profits! I headed straight to Target and bought two very spiffy new lamps and shades, my first step in the LRMP (livingroom redo master plan.)

I just love the textured shades. Reminds me of my favorite linen pants.

Have you ever been pleasantly surprised after getting soaked in the rain?

Bubbling Streams of Fun

Irony is a customary occurance in life. 

Returning from our recent trip we brought home not only warm memories and goofy smiles, but an unfortunate souvenier: the common cold.

You know that slowly suffocating, stuffy head feeling. The sounds of life get muffled by your clogged sinuses. Babies have no choice but to cry and require extra hugs, not a bad remedy for an adult I might add.

Being blessed with a willing and able caretaker makes the unpleasant experience more bearable, thanks to Mr. Honeybelles and his dutiful willingness to purchase and heat up chicken noodle soup. The half pint consumed her weight in popcicles, or as we refer to them pops always spoken with an emphatic tone.

I attempted to break the monotonous cabin fever state of mind with some much needed fresh air. A simple garden hose and tiny turtle shaped sprinkler were all the materials needed to please my young patient for a short while. I popped a few cold meds, slathered the half pint with baby sunscreen and we headed outdoors...

Remember how marvelous a sprinkler could be to a young unspoiled mind?  Bubbling streams of fun that cannot be replicated by a computer screen or video game.  She danced and frolicked in the grass and I gathered more toys for playing.

A sad and lonely water table caught my eye. Painted with a week's worth of debris and rainwater, a thorough rinsing was in store. As I plucked a half sunken sailboat out of the water, dozens of inky particles scrambled in all directions. Upon closer observation, the dingy water revealed itself to be the newfound home of a large tadpole family, just hatched.

The midday sun was intense and I didn't have the stomach to watch dozens of tiny specks writhing on the concrete, so I left the frog farm alone to let nature take its course.

Seven days come and go, and I start a hefty dose of antibiotics. Returning home one day, I remember the little biology experiment on our patio. I peek over the edge of the faded blue plastic and much to my surprise, the inky dots have tripled in size.

Soon we will have an amphibious mob, hopefully gorging themselves on irritating mosquitoes and bothersome gnats. Until then, the half pint excitedly refers to our little blue pond as "froggies" and scampers outside to watch them perform in an aquatic circus, threatening their safety with curious fingers and I forget all about my symptoms for a time.

When was the last time you splashed in a sprinkler or watched a tadpole swim?

Light as Air Lemon Goodness

Ready for an acerbic adventure?

a·cer·bic [uh-sur-bik], adjective -sour or astringent in taste, example: Lemon juice is acerbic.

I have logged more hours than I can remember experimenting in my kitchen labratory by altering, substituting, and trying new flavors or textures. Guiena pigs for my creations are usually pleased with the "research"...(empahasis on usually).

Culinary disasters I try to forget, yet they stick like gum to the bottom of a shoe on a hot day.

My attempt at sauted broccoli rabe with garlic will forever be known as a gastronomic failure. Nothing could save the bitter mess of limp greens, defeated from the battle with a hot pan. Somewhere taps was softly playing as I slowly slid the casualties into the trash.

So developed a new resolve and I returned to my labratory, channeling the inner mad scientist while gripping a spatula!

I have three words for you: Lemon Basil Cake.

Resplendent citrusy goodness just waiting for my contribution of effort. I assembled my lineup and began the glorious process of baking.

Why is it so satisfying to juice a lemon? Can separating eggs become a graceful balancing act? If you share my affection for creating dishes that sing to all who are tempted to bite, we speak the same language.

After softly covering the top with a snowy blanket of powdered sugar, it was time to slice and taste. The half pint was alseep, the soft aroma of warm lemony sweetness teased my senses, I sank into my favorite spot on the couch and enjoyed my prize.

  

Try the recipe yourself and let me know how it turns out!

Lemon Basil Cake
serves 8
Ingredients

• Butter, for greasing
• Flour, for dusting
• 3 eggs, separated, at room temperature
• 1 cup sugar, divided
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 8 basil leaves, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• Powdered sugar
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Butter and flour an 8-inch round cake pan.

2. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites to soft peaks. Add 1/2 cup sugar and beat until the mixture holds stiff peaks.

3. In a separate large bowl, beat the vegetable oil, the remaining 1/2 cup sugar and salt. Add the egg yolks 1 at a time. Add the chopped basil, lemon juice and lemon zest. Add the flour and mix until just combined. Set aside.

4. Slowly add 1/2 of the egg white mixture into the oil mixture. Using a rubber spatula, carefully fold in the remaining egg white mixture. Spread the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 40 to 45 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the middle of the cake comes out clean. Transfer the cake to a cutting board and allow to cool before slicing.

5. Dust the top of cake with powdered sugar.

Do You Have A Passion for Life?

Damp gravel crunches beneath my feet while a soft breeze carries a subtle coolness that slices through the thick country air. Six goats announce their presence with the occasional emphatic "bleat". The early morning sun hovers atop the tree line threatening to cover the fields with intense August heat. Savor this experience. Savor this landscape. Savor this moment.

Welcome to a little piece of Virginian heaven. Me and the half pint traveled to the northern end of the "south" for week full of lovely reunions and country shenanigans. Despite the oppressive heat, fun was had by all.

• Fresh from the garden produce...check
• 1800s farmhouse stuffed with loving family...check
• Muddy shoes in a pile by the backdoor...check  

Divine simplicity invigorates my spirit and soul. Passion and flavors collide forming a tapestry woven with wet baby kisses, organic blueberry pie, and rusty vintage chairs strewn about the yard. We both really needed this.

  

At home, our best laid plans are often thrown awry by daily doses of hefty schedules, shifts, obligations, and work. Not here in this place. Not when you have a goat staring you square in the eye. Not when you’re surrounded by vintage treasures lovingly arranged in vignettes around every corner.

I sneak a fresh from the vine tomato and it bursts in my mouth with sublime satisfaction. The half pint stuffs her cheeks with any helpless unsuspecting bulb hanging within reach of her stubbly little fingers and she beams with a juicy green smile. All is right with the world.

What experiences have fostered your passion for living?

Constant State of Motion

I doubt that I'm the only person experiencing a purpetual advancing of my days. Mistakenly I say things like "when things slow down this summer," only to find time skips ahead and I'm left trying to catch up as I get slammed with the onslaught of stores full of holiday decorations months before the season of the aforementioned holiday is actually celebrated.

Why do we need to shop for atumnal decor when its 90 degrees and humid? When did the stores all get together and decide to stock both Halloween and Christmas decorations?

• I have tried to take things slow.
• I have tried to savor each moment.
• I have tried to acknowledge a bright new day.
• Occasionally I might get caught up in the rush of scheduling, calenders, and time management.

My guilty conscious reared its ugly head and implored me to confess. Truth be told, more than occasionally I get caught up in the rush of everyday life.

We have abounding access to immediate gratification. High speed internet, smartphones, texting, instant play movies, web cam chatting, all are fixtures in our modern life.

Has all this convenience developed a sense of entitlement? We are important and our needs should be met in the shortest timeframe possible?

I loved this video and if you haven't seen the clip already, check it out


So please tell me, how do you keep from getting caught in the rush of everyday life?

The Tree Hugger Inside

DISCLAIMER: I'm not an openly professed tree hugging hippy. I do however use upcycled fabrics for my Etsy shop creations, I keep every cardboard box I get my hands on and find a new useful purpose for it, I avoid non-biodegradable chemicals in the house...most of the time [insert half smile here].



I'm back in third grade. It's an hour before dismissal, children are squirming in their chairs, eager to rush in mob like fashion to the bus pick up. The teacher displays a diagram with a funny triangle of arrows with the word RECYCLE in bold print.




Something deep inside of me registered at an early age that this blue planet is fragile and it's our responsibility to cause the least amount of damage. I still cringe a little if I see a glass or plastic container in the trash insead of a recycling bin. Sometimes

Mr. Honeybelles doesn't share my enthusiasum for the three Rs: reduce, reuse, recycle.


Somedays I do a better job at making a difference than other days. I know I could always do more. The results of these environmentally conscious musings have started seeping into the part of my brain I use to create.

Thus Oakzilla was born

He's an Oak Tree with a grudge

 

A far cry from Mr. Perky Sandpiper

If Oakzilla and Mr Perky were to meet on the street, I believe Mr Perky would feel a little safer with Oakzilla around, but wouldn't want to hang out socially.


So if a few "new and interesting" characters start appearing in the Honeybelles shop, you can thank my third grade teacher Mrs. *******.

Make Your Own

Recently I've deveopled an impassioned habit of designing one of a kind gifts as a new occasion arises. Birthdays, babies, holidays are all excuses for me to grab the nearest writing utensil and start sketching ideas complete with cryptic symbols and measurements. Perfectly understandable refeferences for my own use but not very helpful should I want to teach someone else. I sat down and drafted this easy to follow, step-by-step instructions of how to make your own hand-stitched thank you card.

Now go make your own stuff.

These instructions contain information for either machine sewing fabric onto the cardstock or gluing fabric to the cardstock. No sewing experience necessary!
All supplies can be purchased at your local craft and sewing store.
These instructions are for personal use only and are not to be duplicated, copied or distributed. Copyright 2010 Honeybelles
You may post a link to this page to share on your website.

Supplies Needed:
 5x7 Blank Greeting Card with envelope (for this instructional I used Strathmore Recycled Fiber Cards in Textured Cream)
 Scrap of linen fabric big enough to fit your embroidery hoop
 Fabric chalk pencil
 Embroidery Floss
 Embroidery Needle
 Small Embroidery Hoop (for this instructional I used a 5” plastic hoop)
 Craft Glue (if not using a sewing machine)

1. Read through all directions thoroughly before beginning project. There are variations in the final steps for the two ways of mounting the linen piece to the card. Choose the appropriate instructions for the type of card you are making.

2. Trace your lettering onto linen fabric. The easiest way to complete this step is to tape your paper onto a sunny window and hold your linen up to the window so the lettering shows through. The tracing should be barely dark enough for you to see and stitch over, but light enough it won’t show through your stitches. My tracing is very light and does not show up on a photo very well.

3. Mount your linen piece with traced lettering onto the embroidery hoop. Don’t worry if the edges get pressed and crimped by the embroidery hoop, you’ll be cutting those pieces off.

4. Using a back stitch, stitch the lettering onto the linen. Come up at 1, down at 2, up at 3, down at 4, etc…

Here is an online tutorial with pictures of how to backstitch if you need more detailed explanations: How to Backstitch

* TIP:
Use a length of embroidery floss about the same length as your outstretched arms, fingertip to fingertip. Mine is about 54”. Keep your stitches as close to the lines as you are able. It is easier to see your traced lettering if you use indoor lighting. Close the shades on that sunny window! Go slowly and take your time. Occasionally you may need to let the thread hang loose to unwind if it gets twisted on you. Don’t worry if your stitches aren’t perfect, that’s part of the appeal of a hand stitched piece!

5. Cut out your linen piece now complete with stitched lettering. The cutting does not have to be a perfectly shaped rectangle since you will be fraying the edges later.

If not using a sewing machine, skip step 6 and proceed to alternative instructions for gluing linen onto card.

6. Sew linen piece onto greeting card. Place your linen piece onto the greeting card. Linen can be placed in either a vertical or horizontal position on the card. Card in the photo was sewn using a zigzag stitch set to 2.0 stitch width and 1.0 stitch length. Start at top right corner and sew one continuous rectangle, finishing at starting position.

Take your time and go slowly. Once you’ve completed the rectangle, back stitch 2-3 times to reinforce and keep thread from coming loose. Clip stray threads. If you are concerned about your thread becoming loose inside the card, dab a small bit of craft glue on the inside of the card where the thread was clipped.

Alternative Instructions for gluing linen onto card

a) With the underside of linen piece facing up, place a thin line of craft glue all the way around the piece at least ¼” from edge. Place your linen piece onto the greeting card with right side facing up. Linen can be placed in either a vertical or horizontal position on the card.
b) Gently press the fabric onto card tracing all the way around the edge with your finger.
c) Allow to dry completely.

7. Carefully fray the edges of the linen piece. Gently loosen the linen strands on one side and pull free. Continue on all four sides to get a frayed look you are happy with. I personally prefer a more messy frayed edge.

Now enjoy your work and show someone how much you appreciate them!