Melody Notes

Memorial Day ~ Civil War Letter

2011-05-30T20:03:00.000-07:00

One of the many blessings we enjoy in this country is that we are free, and we know well the sacrifices of men and women who serve in the military have made-especially at this time of year. How hard it is to answer a nations call at the suffering of those you love most of all-And of all the letters written home to family over the more than 200 years of this nations history, none is more compelling than the one written by Sullivan Ballou, a Major in the 2^nd Rhode Island Volunteers, to his wife; Sarah, in Smithfield in the early days of the Civil war.

July 14^th, 1861

Washington, DC

My very dear Sarah,

The indications are very strong that we shall move in a few days, perhaps tomorrow. Lest I should not be able to write you again, I feel impelled to write a few lines that may fall under your eye when I shall be no more.

I have no misgivings about or lack of confidence in the cause in which I am engaged, and my courage does not halt or falter. I know how strongly American civilization now leans on the triumph of the government, and how great a debt we owe to those who went before us through the blood and suffering of the Revolution. And I am willing-perfectly willing to lay down all my joys in this life to help maintain this government and to pay that debt.

Sarah, my love for you is deathless. It seems to bind me with mighty cables that nothing but Omnipotence could break. And yet my love of country comes over me like a strong wind and bears me irresistibly, with all these chains to the battlefield.

The memory of all these blissful moments I have enjoyed with you come crowding over me, and I feel most deeply grateful to God and you that I have enjoyed them so long. And how hard it is for me to give them up and burn to ashes the hopes of future years when, God willing, we might have lived and loved together and seen our sons grow up to honorable manhood around us…

If I do not return, my dear Sarah, never forget how much I love you, nor that when my last breath escapes me on the battlefield, it will whisper your name. Forgive my many faults and the many pains I have caused you. How thoughtless, how foolish I have sometimes been.

But, oh Sarah! If the dead can come back to this earth and flit unseen around those they love, I shall always be with you in the brightest days and in the darkest nights. Always. Always. And when the soft breeze fans your cheek, it shall be my breath; and as the cool air fans your throbbing temple, it shall be my spirit passing by. Sarah do no not mourn me dead: Think I am gone and wait for me, for we shall meet again.

Major Sullivan Ballou

Note: Sullivan Ballou was killed one week later at the first Battle of Bull Run

Black Sheep Hand Knit Woolens launched on Etsy!

2011-02-22T22:15:00.000-08:00

Knitting these fun and funky fingerless gloves fast and furiously these last few months! Wow...that was a mouthful!

Each pair knitted with the finest Wool, Merino Wool, Wool/Acrylic or Acrylic yarn and then to add a little fun...I topped it off with a Vintage button to boot!

Find these at my etsy store: http://www.etsy.com/shop/longtallsallys

TIME

2011-01-20T15:33:00.000-08:00

Who knows where the time goes?

Across the morning sky all the birds are leaving

But how can they know it's time for them to go?

Before the winter's fire

I will still be dreaming

I have no thought of time

For who knows where the time goes?

Who knows where the time goes?

Sad desterted shore, you fickle friends are leaving

Ah and yet they know it is time for them to go

But I will still be here

I have no thought of leaving

I do not count the time

For who knows where the time goes?

Who knows where the time goes?

And I am not alone while my love is near

And I know it will be so until it's time to go

So count the storms of winter

And then the birds in spring again

I have no fear of time

For who knows where the time goes?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FLFa2Na_0o

The Yearling

2010-12-30T11:15:00.000-08:00

...Grandma Hutto called to them and they went into the cottage.

Jody smelled its familiar odor. He had never been able to disentangle its elements. The sweet lavender she used on her clothing was plain. There were dried grasses in a jar before the fire-place. There was the unmistakable smell of honey, which she kept in the cupboard. There was pastry; tarts and cookies and fruit cakes. There was the smell of the soap she used on Fluff's fur. There was the pervasive scent of flowers from the garden outside the windows. And, above it all, it came to him at last, lay the smell of the river. The river itself was fluid through the cottage and around it, leaving a whirlpool of odorous dampness and decaying fern. He looked through the open door. A path led through marigolds to the water. The river shone in the late sunlight, Guinea-gold, like the bright flowers. Its flow drew Jody's mind with it to the ocean ...

Christmas...

2010-12-19T19:43:00.000-08:00

Christmas is forever, not for just one day,
for loving, sharing, giving, are not to put away
like bells and lights and tinsel, in some box upon a shelf.
The good you do for others is good you do yourself...

~Norman Wesley Brooks, "Let Every Day Be Christmas," 1976

Thanksgiving Song

2010-11-24T11:29:00.000-08:00

We Gather Together Hymn

We gather together to ask the Lord’s blessing;

He chastens and hastens His will to make known.

The wicked oppressing now cease from distressing.

Sing praises to His Name; He forgets not His own.

Beside us to guide us, our God with us joining,

Ordaining, maintaining His kingdom divine;

So from the beginning the fight we were winning;

Thou, Lord, was at our side, all glory be Thine!

We all do extol Thee, Thou Leader triumphant,

And pray that Thou still our Defender will be.

Let Thy congregation escape tribulation;

Thy Name be ever praised! O Lord, make us free!

Tucking in and getting ready for our first COLD SNAP of the season!

2010-11-02T19:52:00.000-07:00

Beautiful autumn day today so I took the time to move around a few perennials and dig a few bulbs. The weather will be changing dramatically in the next couple of days and I wanted to enjoy what I think will be the final days of Autumn here in the Great North Woods!

Our maple trees have lost a lot of golden yellow leaves in the past week-but the skies have been a striking shade of stone-washed denim blue and the sun was shining...

I found this poem by Carl Sandburg called "Autumn Movement."

I cried over beautiful things knowing no beautiful thing lasts.

The field of cornflower yellow is a scarf at the neck of the copper sunburned woman, the mother of the year, the taker of seeds.

The Northwest wind comes and the yellow is torn full of holes, new beautiful things come in the first spit of snow on the Northwest wind, and the old things go, not one lasts.

Samuel Barber's Adagio for Strings...

2010-10-29T18:41:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izQsgE0L450&feature=related

Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world, have mercy on us.

Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world, grant us peace.

O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us.

O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world, grant us thy peace.

Jesus, Lamb of God, have mercy on us.

Jesus, bearer of our sins, have mercy on us.

Jesus, redeemer of the world, grant us peace.

Lyrics from Agnus Dei

***********************************

In a letter to his mother young Sam wrote...

"I was meant to be a composer and will be I'm sure...Don't ask me to try to forget this unpleasant thing and go play football--please."

Tea Time

2010-10-20T19:31:00.000-07:00

When Mrs. Force had invited me for tea I had expected a cup and a lump of sugar. Now we entered another room, where a white wicker tea wagon had been placed, and on it the prettiest array of food you could imagine. But this room could not be called a room-it was a gazebo, with trellises and twining Morning Glory vines painted on the walls around us. And on the floor there were cool blue and white tiles, and around, here and there, baskets holding orange trees with plump baby oranges dangling from the branches. We settled ourselves on a curlicue sofa, the wicker starchy as Battenberg lace.

Now lets see, Mrs. Force said, scanning the tea cart. Today it’s tea I brought from Claridges on my last trip to London. Their special mixture, you know, and one of my favorites.

From the teapot she removed a tea cozy encrusted with multicolored caviar-size beads and poured the tea into mauve and gold cups.

Sugar? She asked. Dipping a silver leaf spoon into a bowl, she held out a confetti of crystals. Lemon? Or cream?

Oh yes, please, I said, lemon.

Spread out on the tea cart were delicacies I had never seen before. There were little soufflé’s of gruyere with whipped cream on top and a sprinkle of cayenne, round tissue paper-thin sandwiches of cucumber and chopped sweet onion. Centered on another plate were coconuts drops surround by black walnut lace cookies. But that wasn’t all-another dish, heart-shaped, held Coeur a la crème with Bar-le-duc jelly close at hand.

I didn’t know where to begin.

Excerpt from~ Once Upon a Time-A True Story By Gloria Vanderbilt

After Apple Picking

2010-10-13T20:37:00.000-07:00

by Robert Frost

My long two-pointed ladder's sticking through a tree

Toward heaven still.

And there's a barrel that I didn't fill

Beside it, and there may be two or three

Apples I didn't pick upon some bough.

But I am done with apple-picking now.

Essence of winter sleep is on the night,

The scent of apples; I am drowsing off.

I cannot shake the shimmer from my sight

I got from looking through a pane of glass

I skimmed this morning from the water-trough,

And held against the world of hoary grass.

It melted, and I let it fall and break.

But I was well

Upon my way to sleep before it fell,

And I could tell

What form my dreaming was about to take.

Magnified apples appear and reappear,

Stem end and blossom end,

And every fleck of russet showing clear.

My instep arch not only keeps the ache,

It keeps the pressure of a ladder-round.

And I keep hearing from the cellar-bin

That rumbling sound

Of load on load of apples coming in.

For I have had too much

Of apple-picking; I am overtired

Of the great harvest I myself desired.

There were ten thousand thousand fruit to touch,

Cherish in hand, lift down, and not let fall,

For all

That struck the earth,

No matter if not bruised, or spiked with stubble,

Went surely to the cider-apple heap

As of no worth.

One can see what will trouble

This sleep of mine, whatever sleep it is.

Were he not gone,

The woodchuck could say whether it's like his

Long sleep, as I describe its coming on,

Or just some human sleep.

Brenda's photo in Saturday Evening Post!

2010-10-04T20:26:00.000-07:00

My good friend Brenda had one of her photo's included in a an article in The Saturday Evening Post entitled:

Fall Travel: Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

http://www.saturdayeveningpost.com/2010/09/23/lifestyle/travel/ups-fall-colors.html

Congratulations Brenda....Awesome photo!

Jams, Jellies and Butters---Oh my!

2010-09-28T20:14:00.001-07:00

Finally....my jellies , butters, and compotes were labeled and put on the shelf this evening.

Don't they look like little jewels?

Powidla Sliwkowe-Plum Butter with a twist!

2010-09-24T19:17:00.000-07:00

Nan and I gathered another huge bag of plums from our little plum tree and with that and the enormous Wolf River apples, courtesy of a friend, I was able to can 9........1/2-pint jars of pure plum and apple butter BLISS!

Powidla Sliwkowe Polish for Plum Butter is made without straining the pulp of the cooked fruit, so you are able to get that beautiful full bodied flavor of the fruit. An added plus is the deep plummy color of the butter with bits of the plum peel incorporated into the mix along with the golden color of the fruit from the Wolf River apples---My own twist on the traditional Plum Butter recipe!

This butter is great on scones, toast, English muffins and to note, traditionally the Powidla Sliwkowe is use as the fillings in Paczki!

The Fisher's Boy

2010-09-21T19:10:00.000-07:00

The Fisher’s Boy
by Henry David Thoreau

My life is like a stroll upon the beach,
As near the ocean’s edge as I can go;
My tardy steps its waves sometimes o’erreach,
Sometimes I stay to let them overflow.

My sole employment is, and scrupulous care,
To place my gains beyond the reach of tides, —
Each smoother pebble, and each shell more rare,
Which Ocean kindly to my hand confides.

I have but few companions on the shore:
They scorn the strand who sail upon the sea;
Yet oft I think the ocean they’ve sailed o’er
Is deeper known upon the strand to me.

The middle sea contains no crimson dulse,
Its deeper waves cast up no pearls to view;
Along the shore my hand is on its pulse,
And I converse with many a shipwrecked crew.

Montana 1948

2010-09-09T20:03:00.001-07:00

"In addition to my discomfort with the strictures of town (a common and natural reaction for a boy), I had another problem that seemed like mine alone. I never felt as though I understood how town life worked. I thought there was seem secret knowledge about living comfortably and unself-consciously in a community, and I was sure I did not posses that knowledge. When the lessons were taught about how to feel confident and at ease in school, in stores, in cafes, with other children or adults, I must have been absent."

Excerpt from

Montana 1948

Art on the Lake!

2010-08-29T16:20:00.000-07:00

September 4, 2010 - Saturday Curtis Michigan's Art on the Lake
Art on the Lake is held on the Saturday of Labor Day Weekend

Come join By the Bay Handcrafted Soap and many, many vendors for a day of arts/crafts/music on the Lake!!

See you there....

Enchanted Apple scented soap...

2010-08-20T07:52:00.000-07:00

My apple scented soap is now ready!

Crisp and clean scent perfect year round....

3-bars for $10.00 or $4.00 for one bar---just drop me an email!

My own GREY GARDEN

2010-08-16T20:29:00.001-07:00

Never too early to begin planning for next summers garden----

Nepeta, Stachys, Pinks, Lavender and grey mounds of Rosemary

The Painted Drum

2010-08-10T20:45:00.000-07:00

Life will break you. Nobody can protect you from that, and living alone won’t either, for solitude will also break you with its yearning. You have to love. You have to feel. It is the reason you are here on earth. You are here to risk your heart. You are here to be swallowed up. And when it happens that you are broken, or betrayed, or left, or hurt, or death brushes near, let yourself sit by an apple tree and listen to the apples falling all around you in heaps, wasting their sweetness. Tell yourself that you tasted as many as you could.

From The Painted Drum-Louise Erdrich

From a Distance

2010-08-09T20:57:00.000-07:00

From a distance the world looks blue and green, and the snow-capped mountains white. From a distance the ocean meets the stream, and the eagle takes to flight. From a distance, there is harmony, and it echoes through the land. It's the voice of hope, it's the voice of peace, it's the voice of every man. From a distance we all have enough, and no one is in need. And there are no guns, no bombs, and no disease, no hungry mouths to feed. From a distance we are instruments marching in a common band. Playing songs of hope, playing songs of peace. They're the songs of every man. God is watching us. God is watching us. God is watching us from a distance. From a distance you look like my friend, even though we are at war. From a distance I just cannot comprehend what all this fighting is for. From a distance there is harmony, and it echoes through the land. And it's the hope of hopes, it's the love of loves, it's the heart of every man. It's the hope of hopes, it's the love of loves. This is the song of every man. And God is watching us, God is watching us, God is watching us from a distance. Oh, God is watching us, God is watching. God is watching us from a distance.

Girls from the North Country

2010-08-07T22:04:00.000-07:00

About

Darlings of the Canadian music scene, Dala are poised to bring their harmonies and fresh brand of acoustic pop to the world.

Amanda Walther and Sheila Carabine of Dala (the duo’s name was formed by combining the two last letters of each artist’s name) have come a long way in a short time. The two best friends, who met in their high school music class and wrote their first song together in 2002, have since performed at Toronto’s legendary Massey Hall a total of seven times. Darlings of the Canadian music scene, Dala are now poised to bring their fresh brand of acoustic pop music to the world.

Drawing upon influences like The Beatles, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young and Bob Dylan, Dala write songs that are both catchy and insightful. Amanda’s ethereal soprano voice blends seamlessly with Sheila’s velvety alto, creating the lush harmonies that have become their trademark.

“Dala can sing! What beautiful flights of melody and harmony, reminiscent of the Everly Brothers, the Louvin Brothers, Emmylou Harris and associates; though Dala can trade a melody line and leave one wondering who is taking the lead and simply leave one behind when the harmonies kick in.”
- Peterborough Examiner

I stumbled across these wonderfully talented young women singing during a PBC program last night and I was FLOORED!

Check out their blog and listen to Horses....a haunting song about a young man who suffers from a spinal cord injury.

http://dalagirls.com/about/

SUMMER BOUNTY

2010-07-20T20:34:00.000-07:00

Just a few snaps taken early this morning----We have been blessed with abundant rain and plentiful sunshine all summer long!

Vintage Double Wedding Ring Lap Quilt

2010-07-18T20:09:00.000-07:00

Angela----Here is the little gem from Texas that I mentioned in my post on the forum!

3rd time a charm at Arbor Vitae?

2010-07-06T19:07:00.000-07:00

On Saturday we will be attending the Lakeland Art League & Kiwanis Art Fair for the 3rd year in a row.

For TWO years in a row I have taken a Blue Ribbon in the Nature Arts category for our By the Bay Handcrafted Soap! Keep your fingers crossed for this year!

Come join us on Saturday at:

Lakeland Art League & Kiwanis Art Fair
July 10th from 9 am to 3 pm
at Fireman's Park, Arbor Vitae

4th of July Night~Carl Sandburg

2010-07-01T20:47:00.000-07:00

Fourth of July Night

The little boat at anchor in black water sat murmuring to the tall black sky
A white sky bomb fizzed on a black line.
A rocket hissed it's red signature into the west.
Now a shower of Chinese fire alphabets,
A cry of flower pots broken in flames,
A long curve to a purple spray, three violet balloons---
Drips of seaweed tangled in gold, shimmering symbols of mixed numbers,
Tremulous arrangements of cream gold folds of a bride's wedding gown---
A few sky bombs spoke their pieces, then velvet dark.
The little boat at anchor in black water sat murmuring to the tall black sky.
~Carl Sandburg

Aragon Tapestry

2010-06-29T20:19:00.001-07:00

My vintage Aragon piano bench tapestry panel arrived this afternoon and I am itching to get started on it. I ordered a ton of pale muted China Blue tapestry wool from a local needlepoint shop and that will be in next week. Since I don't own a piano I am planning on turning this into a "bolster." Love the soft colors on this!

One Man Show in Iron Mountain

2010-06-26T19:13:00.000-07:00

I couldn't attend our soap show in Iron Mountain today---I was rushed via ambulance to our local hospital on Thursday and I am now recuperating and waiting for tests results to come in before I am allowed to go out and about.

Bruce took over the table and all of the sales at the show-God love him!

This is the first time one of us had to do a show alone...He did very well setting up and displaying and made us a bundle in just a few short hours. The weather held and we are looking forward to attending the show together next year.

Thank you Art for All in Iron Mountain for inviting us to attend this years show....we look forward to seeing you next year!

Vintage Purses-

2010-06-18T19:49:00.000-07:00

I will be listing these beauties on my etsy site www.longtallsallys.etsy.com very soon!

If you are interested in any of these just let me know...

1. Vintage Belgium Black Beaded Dance Purse. The label reads Hand-made in Belgium. It's a darling little purse 7 X 5 inches and has a handle built in on the back--which would have been used as a dance purse, so you can hold onto your honey and not have to "clutch" your purse! This is a very unique and dear little purse. A must have to go with that little black dress!

$35.00 plus $8.00 shipping

2. Vintage Rose color Needlepoint Handbag. The label reads Christine Custom Bags-Detroit, Michigan. Expert needlework-Gold chain and it snaps securely when closed. The dimensions are 14 X 9-1/2 inches not including the gold-tone chain. Very sweet vintage purse!

$35.00 plus $10.00 shipping

3. Enid Collins "style" Peacock bucket handbag fashioned with beads, sequins, cording stencil and rhinestones-Absolutely breathtaking! Nubby linen type support outside, short handles and a wooden bottom with a spacious open compartment, plus a small zippered pocket inside. Very Nice vintage condition; colors are striking and all of the spangles are there! Dimensions are

11 X 10-1/2 inches not including the purse handles.

$35.00 plus $10.00 shipping

Crossroads

2010-06-16T21:15:00.000-07:00

I’ve got nothing on my mind: nothing to remember,
Nothing to forget. and I’ve got nothing to regret,
But I’m all tied up on the inside,
No one knows quite what I’ve got;
And I know that on the outside
What I used to be, I’m not anymore.

You know I’ve heard about people like me,
But I never made the connection.
They walk one road to set them free
And find they’ve gone the wrong direction.

But there’s no need for turning back
`cause all roads lead to where I stand.
And I believe I’ll walk them all
No matter what I may have planned.

Can you remember who I was? can you still feel it?
Can you find my pain? can you heal it?
Then lay your hands upon me now
And cast this darkness from my soul.
You alone can light my way.
You alone can make me whole once again.

We’ve walked both sides of every street
Through all kinds of windy weather.
But that was never our defeat
As long as we could walk together.

So there’s no need for turning back
`cause all roads lead to where we stand.
And I believe we’ll walk them all
No matter what we may have planned.

Crossroads- by Don McLean

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6uRg9aslZg

Rain, Rain Go Away!

2010-06-15T19:35:00.000-07:00

Is it ever going to stop raining here in the Great North Woods?

Truman took me for a walk along the beach this afternoon-we almost made it home before the skies opened up once again. We dashed home soaked through-Well, Truman needed a bath anyway!

Rain Rain Go Away...

The origin of the lyrics to Rain Rain Go Away are said to date back to the reign of Queen Elizabeth I (1553-1603), one of the English Tudor monarchs. During this period of English history there was constant rivalry between Spain and England culminating in the launch of the Spanish Armada in 1588. The Spanish Armada consisted of many Spanish galleons and was sent to invade England. The Armada was led by Duke of Medina Sedonia and the fleet numbered over 130 ships. The English fleet,under Admiral Lord Howard, totalled 34 small Navy7 vessels and 163 armed merchant ships. But the great Spanish Armada was defeated. Only 65 Spanish galleons and just 10,000 men returned to Spain. The attempt failed,not only because of the swift nature of the smaller English ships but also by the stormy weather which scattered the Armada fleet. Hence the origin of the Rain Rain Go Away nursery rhyme.

Taken from: www.rhymes.org.uk/rain rain go away.htm

Can't wait!

2010-06-04T15:24:00.000-07:00

Iron Mountain Michigan Art Show
"Art For All" 2010 Art Show
Iron Mountain, Michigan, June 26, 2010
Bay College West on Highway US-2
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
2010 will be the 43rd year for the "Art for All" show. The show is sponsored by the "Dickinson County Council for the Arts". The show will be held at Bay College West on June 26, 2010, in Iron Mountain, Michigan. This juried art show attracts people throughout the Upper Peninsula, Wisconsin and the midwest. There will be food vendors and entertainment so stop by Bay College West and enjoy the show.
Artists from all over the country will be displaying and selling their art work. There will be Fibers, Acrylics, Oils, Sculptures, Jewelry, Wearable Fibers, Ceramics, Pottery, Metal Craft, Basketry, Stained Glass and many other works of arts. The judges will be awarding cash prizes in various categories, including a "Best of Show" award.

Along with the art show exhibit and sale, there will be a student art show representing area high schools. These students are some of our up and coming budding artists.

This will be our very first Art for All in the Iron Mountain area and we are very excited about being asked to participate! Hope to see you there!

By the Bay Lilac Linen Water and Lavender Linen Water

2010-05-22T18:40:00.000-07:00

By the Bay is pleased to introduce to you our very own line of Linen Water in two scents Lavender-very therapeutic and relaxing and Lilac- the very essence of spring time freshness.

Linen water is traditionally used by French women to perfume sheets and also linen water is a subtle way to add fragrance to your home.

The aromatic fragrances of Lilac or Lavender help ease away stress and anxiety promoting a peaceful sleep. So spritz those pillows before climbing into bed after a long and tiring day!

Linen water is also soothing on skin helping your to cool down and freshen up!

Here's that rainy day...

2010-05-21T09:46:00.000-07:00

Maybe I should I have saved those leftover dreams.

Funny, but here’s that rainy day.

Here’s that rainy day they told me about.

And I laughed at the thought that it might turn out this way

Where is that worn-out wish that I threw aside

After it brought my love so near

Funny how love becomes a cold rainy day

Funny, that rainy day is here

Where is that worn-out wish that I threw aside

After it brought my love so near

It’s funny how love becomes a cold rainy day

Funny, that rainy day is here.

Mary Engelbreit Magazines for BARTER!

2010-05-19T20:44:00.001-07:00

I just LOVE Mary Engelbreit---

Up for barter Farmgirls-------- 2 issues dated 2001!

Perfume------1915

2010-05-16T08:10:00.000-07:00

The year was 1915 and the perfume of choice included;

Bay Rum

Crab Apple

Lily of the Valley

Sweet Pea

White Rose

Lilac

and Chantecleer Lily................

The little wren----

2010-05-11T20:01:00.000-07:00

She is a tender, little, but plain brown bird with an effervescent voice. A common backyard bird found over nearly the entire Western Hemisphere. Her sweet song is a rush-and-jumble song in the summer and you can find her zipping through shrubs and low tree tree branches snatching at insects with grace and delicacy.

I have several house wrens that swoosh down and feed from the suspended bird feeder swinging lazily from one of my newly blossomed apple trees not far from the gardening shed.

Amish Quilt Auction in Bonduel

2010-05-08T19:19:00.000-07:00

I attended a familiar quilt auction in Bonduel, Wisconsin today. Twice a year the Amish community puts on a quilt and craft auction for the benefit of their school. Several years ago I had a few of my quilts listed for auction at Bonduel and have been attending ever since. Actually, our very first By the Bay Soap show premiered at Bonduel!

Today, it was very cold and windy with small patches of snow still on the ground from the storm we had last night. The auction tent panels huffed in out out for most of the morning. The quilts that were up were so beautiful! I believe there were over 300 listed for auction. The detail and expertise in these quilts were beyond compare. Texas Star, Nine Patch and many, many appliquéd quilts....

They were breathtaking!

The Farmgirl History Project ----Blog

2010-05-07T19:06:00.000-07:00

http://www.farmgirlhistory.blogspot.com/

I finally pinned down some time this afternoon and started a blog about collecting farmgirl histories for a book I want to write.

So far, the response has been promising and the stories are anything but typical.

Keep the questionnaires coming farmgirls...

Clary Sage with just a hint of Jasmine!

2010-05-05T08:49:00.000-07:00

I was busy this morning make some handcrafted soap--Clary Sage with just a hint Jasmine. The house smells so good!

Later....Tea Tree!

PLUM TREE IN FULL SPRING SPLENDOR

2010-05-04T20:38:00.001-07:00

I am awestruck at the beauty of a simple plum tree blossoming in early spring. Breathtaking!

And the scent! My son Elli says it smells like a giant grape jelly sandwich---typical 14-year old response!

A trip to Eric's!

2010-04-29T17:30:00.000-07:00

Picked up some herbs and flowers this morning at my favorite nursery...Eric's.

Lemon Verbena, Lemon Thyme, Rosemary, Peppermint, and two beautiful red Geraniums. Now if the weather would just cooperate!

"American Red Geraniums"

by Sidney F. Willis

Beachcombing

2010-04-26T20:01:00.000-07:00

Took Truman for a walk along the shore....Bay flies were horrible, but once we hit the beach the breeze coming off the lake kept them away. I found a lot of sea glass, broken shards of blue and white china and small bits of driftwood.

Earth Day----

2010-04-25T20:05:00.000-07:00

Whose garden was this?

It must have been lovely

Did it have flowers?

I've seen pictures of flowers

And I'd love to have smelled one.

Whose river was this?

You say it ran freely

Blue was its color

And I've seen blue in some pictures

And I'd love to have been there

Tell me again, I need to know

The forest had trees, the meadows were green

The oceans were blue

And the birds really flew

Can you swear that it's true?

The Great Oral History Project

2010-04-19T21:38:00.000-07:00

Well...it's begun!

The Great Oral History Project/Farmgirl Histories from Near and Far

I have several farmgirls that have contacted me over the past few days saying that they are willing to share their history with me. I will finally begin a project that I have been wanting to do for a very long time and one day I hope to publish this collection.

Ecclesiastes 7:11-22

2010-04-17T21:01:00.000-07:00

7:11-22

Wisdom is as good as an inheritance, yea better. It shelters from the storms and scorching heat of trouble. Wealth will not lengthen out the natural life; but true wisdom will give spiritual life, and strengthen men for services under their sufferings. Let us look upon the disposal of our condition as the work of God, and at last all will appear to have been for the best. In acts of righteousness, be not carried into heats or passions, no, not be a zeal for God. Be not conceited of thine own abilities; nor find fault with ever thing, nor busy thyself in other men's matters. Many who will not be wrought upon by the fear of God, and the dread of hell, will avoid sins which ruin their health and estate, and expose to public justice. But those that truly fear God, have but one end to serve, therefore act steadily. If we say we have not sinned, we deceive ourselves. Every true believer is ready to say, God be merciful to me a sinner. Forget not at the same time, that personal righteousness, walking in newness of life, is the only real evidence of an interest by faith in the rigorousness of the Redeemer. Wisdom teaches us not to be quick in resenting affronts. Be not desirous to know what people say; if they speak well of thee it will feed thy pride if ill it will stir up thy passion. See that thou approve thyself to God and thine own conscience and then heed not what men say of thee; it is easier to pass by twenty affronts than to avenge one. When any harm is done to us, examine whether we have not done as bad to others.

Flax seed, lavender, and lavender essential oil neck rolls....

2010-04-17T13:39:00.000-07:00

CJ---Flax seed neck rolls!

Apple tree...

2010-04-17T13:15:00.000-07:00

She looks bare and forlorn but there is the promise of apple blossoms!

Lincoln's Tomb-Springfield Illinois

2010-04-14T16:59:00.000-07:00

I just stumbled across this photo of Elliott taken at Lincoln's tomb several years ago. I think his expression captures the essence of what he saw.

Antique Piano Headboard

2010-04-13T10:17:00.000-07:00

Our headboard---Antique hand carved oak backboard from an old piano!

View of my parlor and the potting shed

2010-04-10T17:52:00.000-07:00

FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2009

BY THE BAY SOAP COMPANY
Mary Jane....If you go into my blog archive and scroll to the above dated post you can see my parlor and a snap of the potting shed....

Summer 2009

2010-04-10T17:35:00.000-07:00

Just a few snaps of the house and yard summer 2009...interior photos to follow!

Bach-Cello Suite #5-Sarabande

2010-04-09T13:05:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBFrEJK7oAg&feature=related

The Intertidal Years

2010-03-31T18:23:00.000-07:00

“One adventure is over; it is time for another. I have a different kind of work to do now. I am growing into a new season. At the water’s edge, watching the tiny, teeming life of that mysterious place between high and low tides, the intertidal zone, I begin to accept the relentless flux that is the condition of these days. I am not old and not young; not betrothed and not alone; not broken and yet not quite whole; thinking back, looking forward, But present. These are my intertidal years."

~ Dominique Browning~

Selling my loom....

2010-03-29T11:19:00.001-07:00

I am selling my loom..... any inquiries please leave a comment.

The loom has a separate floor stand that will be included with the purchase price. It is a 4-harness loom and in excellent condition. No markings or labels on the loom--as you can see it still has the makings of a sweet little dishtowel on it!

This is a very nice loom!!

1st day of Spring?

2010-03-20T18:26:00.000-07:00

Cold, cold, cold here on this first day of spring? I noticed a little green today, my snowdrops are peaking through no flowers yet-but there is the promise of flowers...

Art on the Lake in Curtis, MI

2010-03-17T20:30:00.000-07:00

We have been invited to once again, participate in Art on the Lake at Curtis, Michigan this coming Memorial Day weekend. This will be our 2nd time there! We had a great show last year--the weather cooperated nicely and we spent a fun filled and profitable day in the sun enjoying other artists, great food, a really good band and for the grand finale a renaissance parade complete with my favorite----Bagpipes!

Drawing for three bars of my handcrafted soap!

2010-03-15T08:53:00.000-07:00

I am posting a "giveaway" drawing for the following prizes....

Three bars of my handcrafted soap in the following scents; Clementine, Chocolate and Red Clover Tea. I will also include one hand-knitted cotton washcloth-very soft!

Please leave a comment on my blog to enter the drawing. The winner will be drawn at random from the pool of comments posted.

Deadline to participate in the drawing will be Saturday, March 20th. I will announce the winner Sunday, March 21nd!

Good luck!

***************************************************

And the winner is Karin... Congratulations!

Thank you ladies for entering the give away. Wasn't that fun?

The men in my life...

2010-03-14T15:39:00.001-07:00

This photo was taken last year at Fayette State Park in the U.P.

On Golden Pond

2010-03-14T15:09:00.000-07:00

There is something about Dave Grusin's artistry that captivates me...He is an incredible pianist.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQ1ybZ2ULk4&feature=fvw

A quote from on On Golden Pond---

Ethel: Don't you think that everyone looks back on their childhood with a certain amount of bitterness and regret about something? Your a big girl now. Aren't you tired of it all? Bore. Bore. It doesn't have to ruin your life, darling. Life marches by, Chels. I suggest you get on with it.

Our side of the table...

2010-03-13T21:39:00.000-08:00

Our side of the table...

Summer shows are booked for the season and our first one will be earlier than usual on Saturday March 27th. The art show will be held indoors at Lineville Intermediate School in Green Bay, WI with a ton of vendors.

Come join us there for a full day of artists and crafters GALORE!

Top Ten Perfumes

2010-03-12T22:45:00.000-08:00

1. Lovely-by Sarah Jessica Parker

2. Touch of Pink-Lacoste

3. Pink Sugar-Aquoline

4. Curve Kicks for Women-Liz Claiborne

5. Flowerbomb Extreme-Victore Rolf

6. Acqua De Gio-Georgio Armani

7. DKNY Be-Donna Karan

8. Juicy Couture-Juicy Courtore

9. Light Blue-Dolce Cabana

10. Cool Water-Davidoff----------------------The absolute best!

Excerpt from Ahab's Wife--Sena Jeter Naslund

2010-03-10T21:55:00.000-08:00

Nantucket! The home where first I found my body, my feet not so much being pulled into this sandy beach as seeking downward, toes better than roots; then, my mind, built not to chart this blue swell of heaving ocean, but the night sky, where the stars themselves, I do believe, heave and float and spin in fiery passions of their own; Nantucket!--home, finally, of my soul, found on a platform eight-by-eight, the wooden widow's walk perched like a pulpit atop my house. These three gears of myself--body, mind, and soul--mesh here on this small island--Nantucket! Then, why, when I look into the mild, day sky, do the clouds scramble, like letters in the alphabet, and spell not Nantucket, but that first home, Kentucky? And those clouds that did bulge with the image of Ahab show me the map of that state, flat across the bottom and all billowed at the top? I did not consult Ahab about my decision to spend my pregnancy in a rough Kentucky cabin with my mother, instead of staying in the gracious home of a captain's wife on Nantucket. But I wrote him, of course, and sent the letter after him on the ship called the Dove, so he could imagine me aright. That time spent with my mother outdoors in the sweet summer and golden Kentucky autumn was augmented by our indoor companionship of sewing baby smocks and cooking and reading again those great works of literature my mother had brought with her to the wilderness, green-bound books I had read as a child or she had read to me.

e.e. cummings

2010-03-09T23:06:00.001-08:00

i carry your heart with me ( i carry it in

my heart) i am never without it (anywhere

i go you go, my dear; and whatever is done

by only me is your doing, my darling)

i fear

no fate (for you are my fate, my sweet( i want

no world (for beautiful you are my world, my true)

and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant

and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows

(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud

and the sky of the sky of a tree called life: which grows

higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)

and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart.

i carry your heart (i carry it in my heart)

Molly Ban----Alison Krauss and The Chieftans

2010-03-09T20:29:00.000-08:00

What a haunting song and the Uilleann pipes....

Oh the pipes!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOpY0wQdJ5w

Come all ye young fellows

That handle a gun
Beware of night rambling
By the setting of the sun

And beware of an accident
That happened of late
To young Molly Bán
And sad was her fate

She was going to her uncles
When a shower came on
She went under a green bush
The shower to shun

Her white apron wrapped around her
He took her for a swan
But a hush and a sigh
T'was his own Molly Bán

He quickly ran to her
And found she was dead
And there on her bosom
Many salt tears he shed

He ran home to his father
With his gun in his hand
Saying "Father dear father
I have shot Molly Bán"

Her white apron wrapped around her
He took her for a swan
But a hush and a sigh
T'was his own Molly Bán

He roamed near the place
Where his true love she was slain
He wept bitter tears
But his cries were in vain

As he looked on the lake
A swan glided by
And the sun slowly sank
In the gray ol' sky

Stephen Foster's Song----Slumber My Darling

2010-03-08T17:02:00.000-08:00

Slumber my darling

Thy mother is near

Guarding thy dreams

From all terror and fear

Sunlight has past

And the twilight has gone

Slumber my darling

The night's coming on

Sweet visions attend thy sleep

Fondest dearest to me

While others their revels keep

I will watch over thee

Slumber my darling

The birds are at rest

Wandering dews

By the flowers are caressed

Slumber my darling

Til morn's blushing ray

Brings to the world

The glad tidings of day

Fill the dark void

With thy dreaming delight

Slumber thy mother

Will guard thee tonight

Thy pillow shall sacred be

From all outward alarms

Thou... thou art the world to me

In thy innocent charms

Slumber my darling

The birds are at rest

Wandering dews

By the flowers are caressed

Slumber my darling

I'll wrap thee up warm

Pray that the angels

Will shield thee from harm.

Emily Post

2010-03-08T00:46:00.000-08:00

Emily Post by Covarrubias (Vanity Fair, December 1933)

"In accepting an invitation for lunch or dinner after which you are going to a game, or any sort of performance, you must not be late! Nothing is more unfair to others who are keen about whatever it is you are going to see, than to make them miss the beginning of a performance through your thoughtless selfishness."

Excerpt from:The Project Gutenberg of Etiquette-by Emily Post

By the Bay Handcrafted Soap---1st Show of the Season!

2010-03-07T09:46:00.000-08:00

The Seventh Annual “Spring into Suamico Gift & Craft Show”

on March 27, 2010 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Fantastic New Location!

Lineville Intermediate School

2700 Lineville Road

Green Bay, Wisconsin 54313 (Howard/Suamico)

You are invited to showcase your business or home-based business or crafts …..or join us for a day of shopping. Pure indulgence is what it is!
Combine shopping, a bit of pampering, complimentary gift bags and gifts, food and drinks and prizes!

50 amazing businesses and the best of what Green Bay has to offer……….
See you there!

Ties that bind....

2010-03-05T07:58:00.000-08:00

www.longtallsallys.etsy.com/

Vintage selection of silk mens neckties---for the well dressed man in your life!

Wisteria Seed Exchange

2010-03-04T14:13:00.000-08:00

I would love to exchange some of my Wisteria seeds for any perennial flower seeds!

Here is a "snap" of my Mother plant....Isn't that a lovely shade of Purple?

Songs of Spring

2010-03-02T09:42:00.000-08:00

Woke up to some wonderful singing this morning...Can spring be far behind?

MACKINAC ISLAND, MI

2010-02-27T20:50:00.000-08:00

Coming soon to ~Little Luxuries of Mackinac Island~

By the Bay Handcrafted Soap!

http://www.littleluxuriesofmackinac.com/index2.php

Welcome to Little Luxuries of Mackinac Island!

Little Luxuries is a new shop located on Main Street of beautiful Mackinac Island. It is the perfect place to shop if you are looking for entertaining gifts, luxury bath and body products, home decorating ideas, baby gifts, stationary, and unique jewelry. We hope you can find the perfect gift for yourself or someone you love.

Little Luxuries is just like the name—our shop is filled with little gifts for the home and heart. Our products range from vintage to shabby chic as well country and luxurious. Little Luxuries strives to keep gifts affordable and continually bring new and exciting products in.

Nicole Smith, owner, grew up in a small town in Michigan known as the Mint Capitol of the world, St. Johns, MI. She graduated with a bachelors degree in Commuication Studies and English from Albion College. Nicole began working on Mackinac Island during her summers to earn money for school and now four years later opened her own shop, an endeavor she only dreamt of. Her creativeness and ambition to do her best will hopefully make Little Luxuries a success!

http://www.mackinacisland.org/

2010-02-27T20:45:00.000-08:00

Little Luxuries of Mackinac Island, MI.

www.littleluxuriesofmackinac.com

Add this web site to your favorites!

Thank you Nicole for the post!

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2010

Northern MI Soap

I love handmade in MI products and locally (or nearby) products. New this year in Little Luxuries will be By the Bay Handcrafted Soap from the Upper Peninsula. The soaps are so nice...I am currently using the scented clemintine soap which is very refreshing and soft on your skin. Melody, the maker of these wonderful soaps, uses the finest oils, herbs, essential oils and fragrances. She has a wide-variety of fragrances to choose from. Check out her blog and etsy shop to learn more and you can buy them in my shop starting this May!

Dear Tibbits....

2010-02-25T21:02:00.000-08:00

Just a snap of the cat soon to be published!

Lapis Lazuli

2010-02-25T20:57:00.001-08:00

Healing properties of Lapis Lazuli

Lapis Lazuli is used with other stones when parts of the body need to be purified and cleansed and should be only used by a healer. Lapis Lazuli has high intensity and can open many of the chakra centers. This must be done only with love in the heart and comprehension in the mind and wisdom in soul.

Sources of Lapis Lazuli

Lapis Lazuli can be found in Chile, the Soviet Union, the United States, but most significantly from the mountains of Afghanistan.

Not just a pilot....but poet as well

2010-02-23T20:36:00.000-08:00

Courage

Courage is the price that life exacts for granting peace.
The soul that knows it not, knows no release
From little things;
Knows not the livid loneliness of fear,
Nor mountain heights where bitter joy can hear
The sound of wings.

Amelia Earhart

Up for bid!

2010-02-19T21:30:00.001-08:00

I have never done an item auction before so bear with me!

You can comment below the post and indicate whether you would like a bidders #-number.

I am placing this sweet vintage double wedding ring lap quilt up for bid. The top came from Texas and was made from what I was told around 1930. I lined the quilt with unbleached batting and on the underside I used a very soft all cotton sheet. The quilt is bound with very narrow seem binding. My stitches are small and even for the most part. This quilt is all hand stitched and it took me quite a while to complete. The colors are marvelous! Sky blue and crisp white!

We are a smoke free home.

I will keep a running bid every day on my blog. And this is how I will have it listed:

Example:

Bidder #1------------------$25.00---------02/20/10

Bidding will begin on Saturday, February 20th and will conclude the following Monday, March 1st at noon central time.

The highest bidder will win the quilt then I will notify her via e-mail what the final bid was-she can forward a check or money order and when that is received I will post the quilt (flat rate box with tracking and insurance) ship it free of charge.

I hope I covered everything and that it make sense the way I have it set up!!

I will open the bidding at $25.00

Good Luck Ladies!

Victorian Poet~ Elizabeth Barrett Browning

2010-02-14T20:50:00.000-08:00

How do I love thee?

I love thee to the depth and breadth and height

My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight

For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.

I love thee to the level of every day's

Most quiet need, by sun and candlelight.

I love thee freely, as men strive for Right.

I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.

I love with a passion put to use

In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith

I love thee with a love I seemed to lose

With my lost saints, I love thee with the breath,

Smiles, tears, of all my life! And, if God choose,

I shall but love thee better after death.

Long Tall Sally's

2010-02-10T21:21:00.000-08:00

I have a new etsy store where I will be offering vintage and retro treasures; everything from silk scarves from Italy to vintage Helena Rubenstein compacts!

www.longtallsallys.etsy.com

I wish I had a river I could skate away on....

2010-02-08T21:46:00.000-08:00

February is finally here.... will spring be far behind?

Lavender

2010-02-07T14:02:00.000-08:00

I stumbled across this photo taken last summer after my "first" harvest of lavender. I am able to harvest twice during the summer and the scent is incomparable---the bees love it too!

I now have over 15 good size lavender plants resting comfortably under a deep blanket of snow just off the garage behind a very stark white picket fence.

I am able to use my very own home-grown fresh and dried lavender for my summer soap shows and also in my lavender soap. There is nothing quite like lavender--Timeless!

Redwork

2010-02-07T13:57:00.000-08:00

Stayed indoors most of the weekend---getting a few of my hand stitched redwork flour sack dishtowels ready for the summer season.

They are so cheerful looking!

Ultimate Valentines Day Song

2010-02-02T21:38:00.001-08:00

At last my love has come along
My lonely days are over
And life is like a song
At last the skies above are blue
And my heart was wrapped up in clover
The night I looked at you
I found a dream that I can speak to
A dream that I could call my own
I found a thrill to press my cheek to
A thrill that I have never known
You smiled, and then the spell was cast
And here we are in heaven
And you are mine at last

Thank you Etta Jones...

Hand quilted vintage double wedding ring...

2010-01-31T12:16:00.000-08:00

Finally finished this little gem!

I hand-stitched this vintage circa 1930 double wedding ring lap quilt that rests comfortably in the shop...ain't she sweet?

Tulips in January...

2010-01-31T12:02:00.001-08:00

Thank you Kathy....they are lovely!

Embroidery-Quilting and more Quilting

2010-01-31T11:56:00.001-08:00

Now I've done it....three projects at once---not at all like me. I like to finish what I start, but I can't seem to concentrate! Must be spring fever!

The Little Book

2010-01-27T13:31:00.000-08:00

Busy today doing some revisions of a manuscript that I plan on sending in for consideration as soon as I get my illustrations completed. I can't believe that it is finally coming to fruition....I began my little children's book several years ago when the kids were still in elementary school and would pull it out once in a while and make a few changes here and there.

Isn't it funny when you know it's right to move forward with a project? Timing is everything...

Felted soap-------

2010-01-27T11:16:00.000-08:00

Aren't they lovely? And so soft! Perfect little bath scrubbies and when your By the Bay soap runs out (no waste!) you will have a wonderful piece of felt---Snip the top open and Ta Da.... you now have a cute little felted change purse!

Spring Soap Shows 2010

2010-01-26T21:14:00.000-08:00

Well, on this frigid Great North Woods evening I find myself knee deep in oils, herbs, and Essential oils and am ready to begin producing our wonderful handcrafted soap for another summer season. We have our favorites and this year we will try a few new scents to tantalize you!

I want take this time to thank all of our repeat customers and welcome our new customers.

Just drop by the shop at 800 14th Avenue Menominee, MI or give me a call at 906.863.6847

Oh....we also have an etsy site: www.lemonverbensoap@etsy.com

We are keeping the same price as we have always had for our lovely soap $4.00 a bar or $10.00 for 3 bars!

See you at the house or at our scheduled shows. We will know in a couple of weeks which ones we have been accepted to attend and will post the schedule on the blog....

By the Bay Soap Company

Melody and Bruce Neece

CABIN FEVER?

2010-01-23T19:47:00.000-08:00

Thoughts of spring....

Busy today scheduling our summer soap shows dreaming of warm bay breezes and the scent of lilacs...

Tibbits

2010-01-21T14:25:00.000-08:00

Here are a few snaps I found that"eerily" resemble dear Tibbits...

The one on the right is very much like her even down to that annoyed expression she bears!

LOOM

2010-01-18T09:18:00.001-08:00

My table loom...I did find a stand that it is now sitting on, but I still have no idea who made it and what type of weaving can be done on it. I have looked it over carefully and cant find a manufacturers label. I would love to be able to weave on it but need some simple instructions or a good book explaining how to weave...Any ideas?

Can it really be Christmas?

2009-12-20T21:41:00.000-08:00

Can it really be Christmas once again?

All of us here at By the Bay Handcrafted Soap want to say "Thank you" for another wonderful season!

We are looking forward to our summer shows and hope to see you there!

God Bless You.

HAND EMBROIDERED FLOUR SACK DISHTOWELS

2009-12-02T12:25:00.000-08:00

for a lovely addition to your country kitchen check out my etsy site for all hand embroidered red work flour sack dishtowels...very sweet!

www.andsewitgoes.etsy.com

ETSY SITE!!!

2009-12-02T09:12:00.000-08:00

The Holidays are just around the corner...treat yourself or the one you love with our luscious natural handcrafted soap!!

http://www.lemonverbenasoap.etsy.com/

Thank you!

Upcoming Holiday Show

2009-12-02T09:05:00.000-08:00

Don't miss this one!

Menominee High School Forensics Holiday Show
Saturday, December 5th!

See you at the show....

By the Bay Soap

Picture Preview

2009-11-24T17:30:00.000-08:00

Picture Preview

Pleasant Hill LA....

Retirement home????

Bonifas Art Show Escanaba, MI

2009-11-14T21:17:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful show on Saturday November 7th at the Bonifas Art Center in Escanaba, Mi.

The wide variety of artists was truly inspiring!

Thank you Bonifas for a wonderful "Indian Summer" day in Escanaba! We really enjoyed spending time with you and look forward to next years show!

Boulder Junction FLEA-MARKET!!!

2009-08-09T19:28:00.000-07:00

my solid perfumes in my vintage pill boxes...

lavender cooling mist with vintage buttons...

My very first attempt and success at felting soap...

Just some odds and ends ....

What a pretty table....

Bruce and I woke up at 3:00 this morning for the long drive to Boulder Junction where we did our 1st really big flea market. Over 10,000 people were supposed to be attending and we had to be there at 7:00 to claim our spot, a 12 X 12 foot area with an enormous pine tree smack in the middle . Coinciding with the flea market there happened to be aWalleye Tournament, going on, a juried craft fair (waiting list of 5-years!) and an antique car show. WHEW! The weather held and it didn't rain, but we expected a better turnaround than what we did get. Oh well....there will always be another craft or art fair to look forward to in just a couple of weeks.

We set up and had possibly one of the poorest showings of all of our shows. We exclusively do shows which are juried art fests, etc. So this was a real challenge. I did happen to find some adorable things like the little girl I have listed. Ain't she sweet?? The artists name is Kathryn Petersen from Rubicon Wisconsin. Such talent!! And her creations just make you want to laugh they are so dear!

BLUE RIBBON!

2009-07-16T14:46:00.001-07:00

Thank you Lakeland County and the quaint little town of Arbor Vitae. We had a blast...see you next year!

My very own Art for All......

2009-06-30T19:32:00.000-07:00

Since I wasn't invited "this" year to our local Art for All in Menominee, I decided to have my own!

It was very successful and I walked away with a substantial amount of profit for the afternoon.

Now why didn't I think of this before??

Melody Notes

Memorial Day ~ Civil War Letter

Black Sheep Hand Knit Woolens launched on Etsy!

TIME

The Yearling

Christmas...

Thanksgiving Song

We Gather Together Hymn

Tucking in and getting ready for our first COLD SNAP of the season!

Samuel Barber's Adagio for Strings...

Tea Time

After Apple Picking

Brenda's photo in Saturday Evening Post!

Fall Travel: Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

Jams, Jellies and Butters---Oh my!

Powidla Sliwkowe-Plum Butter with a twist!

The Fisher's Boy

Montana 1948

Art on the Lake!

Enchanted Apple scented soap...

My own GREY GARDEN

The Painted Drum

From a Distance

Girls from the North Country

About

SUMMER BOUNTY

Vintage Double Wedding Ring Lap Quilt

3rd time a charm at Arbor Vitae?

4th of July Night~Carl Sandburg

Aragon Tapestry

One Man Show in Iron Mountain

Vintage Purses-

Crossroads

Rain, Rain Go Away!

Can't wait!

By the Bay Lilac Linen Water and Lavender Linen Water

Here's that rainy day...

Mary Engelbreit Magazines for BARTER!

Perfume------1915

The little wren----

Amish Quilt Auction in Bonduel

The Farmgirl History Project ----Blog

Clary Sage with just a hint of Jasmine!

PLUM TREE IN FULL SPRING SPLENDOR

A trip to Eric's!

Beachcombing

Earth Day----

The Great Oral History Project

Ecclesiastes 7:11-22

Flax seed, lavender, and lavender essential oil neck rolls....

Apple tree...

Lincoln's Tomb-Springfield Illinois

Antique Piano Headboard

View of my parlor and the potting shed

FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2009

BY THE BAY SOAP COMPANYMary Jane....If you go into my blog archive and scroll to the above dated post you can see my parlor and a snap of the potting shed....

Summer 2009

Bach-Cello Suite #5-Sarabande

The Intertidal Years

Selling my loom....

1st day of Spring?

Art on the Lake in Curtis, MI

Drawing for three bars of my handcrafted soap!

The men in my life...

On Golden Pond

Our side of the table...

Top Ten Perfumes

Excerpt from Ahab's Wife--Sena Jeter Naslund

e.e. cummings

Molly Ban----Alison Krauss and The Chieftans

Stephen Foster's Song----Slumber My Darling

Emily Post

By the Bay Handcrafted Soap---1st Show of the Season!

Ties that bind....

Wisteria Seed Exchange

Songs of Spring

MACKINAC ISLAND, MI

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2010

Northern MI Soap

Dear Tibbits....

BY THE BAY SOAP COMPANY
Mary Jane....If you go into my blog archive and scroll to the above dated post you can see my parlor and a snap of the potting shed....