by Cindy on July 27, 2010
We went on a little island get away! No where exotic, but still beautiful and serene. If you’re from the East Coast, you may be familiar with Assateague Island - where wild horses roam free - and the adjoining Chincoteague Island. Also known as “Chincoteague Ponies”, the horses make an annual swim between Chincoteague and Assateague Islands. This big event that draws crowds every year happens to take place this week. You may remember the book Misty of Chincoteague from your childhood, which helped make the annual Pony Penning event famous. I’d love to dig up our old copy, but I doubt it’s still around.
We saw many of the ponies, some of which will be auctioned this week. It happened to be one of those unbearably hot 100 degree days, so when we found Mr. Whippy with their soft-serve icecream, we thought we were in heaven! Other highlights of the day were the expansive beach on Assateague Island and the beautiful old Lighthouse with its red and white stripes. I’ve gathered a bunch of my favorite pictures from our day on the Islands to share with you. We hope to return once more this summer.
Thanks for bearing with me and taking a peek at our day…..now you can say you’ve been to the Islands too!
by Cindy on July 23, 2010
Today was a good day! For the most part. We visited a small town here on the Eastern Shore for the first time. The destination was the local library to see a fascinating presentation by Reptile World. At least I found the snapping turtle and American crocodile to be quite fascinating…but my one year old got restless and decided to do some running around. One thing led to another, and the purse that held my camera fell over…..not a long fall, and onto the carpet. BUT, somehow my camera lens shattered. Yes, my prized possession….my extra special lens. I’m not happy about it AT all. And now I won’t be sharing pictures of this quaint little town on the River (nor the python!).
Luckily I took pictures of this bracelet earlier in the week. I brought back this design from the sweet bead studio vault for a custom order. I so enjoyed mixing wire links with various shaped and carved stones that I made an extra. You can find this one in my shop. Sold, thank you!
Thank you for dropping by and have a GREAT weekend!
by Cindy on July 21, 2010
If you’re in need of a creative spark, The Gritty Bird has just the thing for you!
Well, yes I know it’s not quite Friday….but I wanted to give you the head’s up that my friend Becky will be there ready to go each Friday to give you a little Creative Spark! If you click on the image above, you’ll be taken to Becky Caldwell’s beautiful blog (I just love her new brand new logo!)….where you’ll find all of the details. Stop by every Friday for new ideas! The first installment already started last week. If you’re in a slump, and not sure what colors or themes to work with next….do stop by! I like how Becky has geared her sparks to apply to mediums other than jewelry design as well. You’ll find more of Becky’s work in the upcoming issue of Bead Trends - due out soon! ;-) CONGRATS, Becky!!
by Cindy on July 18, 2010
Congratulations to Sue of Hello Gorgeous …you won the Aloha necklace! Coincidentally in Sue’s “About Me” page, she mentions that she would love to move by the sea...hopefully this piece will bring her a little closer to that dream….
****I couldn’t resist picking ONE MORE random winner! Nicki of Nicki’s Reef, I’d love to send you a little surprise! Looks like Nicki has been on a lucky streak lately!****
Winners please contact me with your addresses!
THANK YOU all for the many comments you left, you sure made me feel loved. :-) I was especially happy to hear from the new visitors - so glad you found me. Now for those of you stopping by to see who won, I’d hate for you to leave “empty handed”…. so on a very off-the -topic note, I wanted to share a piece of chocolate with you. Really! My oldest son has been baking up a storm this summer….peach, apple and blueberry crisps, strawberry pie, and this phenomenal CHOCOLATE PIE. If you’re in the mood to bake a little something from scratch (and don’t worry about the crust!)…give this one a try!
CHOCOLATE PIE
2 c. sugar
5 T. cornstarch
5 T. cocoa powder
pinch of salt
4 eggs
3 c. milk
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 lb. butter
Prepared pie crust or graham cracker crust
Mix sugar, cornstarch, cocoa and salt together. Beat in eggs. In a saucepan, bring the milk to the boiling point (careful that it doesn’t not boil over!). Add egg and cocoa mixture, and keep stirring for about 10 minutes on medium heat to thicken. Add vanilla and butter. Mix until smooth; cool (will thicken as it cools). Pour into prepared pie shell or graham cracker crust. Place in refrigerator until firm enough to slice. * Makes enough chocolate pudding for extras - can fill mini crusts or simply enjoy while warm for a treat!
thanks again for stopping by and saying HI!
by Cindy on July 14, 2010
Aloha!
Thank you for stopping by my humble blog although I’ve been blogging less and less as the summer wears on. I find we’re outside more than ever which mean less time in blogland. I had an idea though, especially for those of you who are no where near the beach….if I could package up the feel of the warm sand under your toes, or the sound of the crashing waves, or that delicious ocean breeze…I would. Instead I’d like to offer a small token to say thank you to the many blog followers/friends that stop by. I truly appreciate your visits, especially when you let me know you were here.
I’d love to give away this pendant on a long copper chain - a hand stamped copper tag with Swarovski crystals, Thai silver charms and etched lampwork discs. There’s nothing you need to do to enter….if you happen to be a member of my Google Friends over there on the right side bar, you’ll be entered! If you’re just stopping by and have not clicked to “Follow” my blog, please do and you’ll be entered too! I’ll announce the winner some time -probably late, knowing me- on Saturday, July 17th.
Now while on that ocean-island-Aloha-theme, I wanted to share a piece with you that I have in the July issue of Bead Trends. Gosh, how did half the month go by and I haven’t posted it yet? This summer is flying by way too fast! This one’s titled “Road to Hana”…. I think it’s those winds and twists, or maybe the natural colors that reminded me of the famous Hawaiian scenic road. We went here on our honeymoon. If you’ve been, you’ll know what they mean when they say, “It’s not the destination that matters, it’s the journey.” 
Thank you for stopping by & good luck in the drawing!
