Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Happines Is.....

Happiness is Ac Moore Coupons!
Ac Moore is one of our local arts and crafts retail stores. A mecca for art junkies like myself. Unlike JO-ANNES around the corner, another great store that focuses more on fabric, Ac Moore has all the things that make a paper crafter,Painter happy, and the jewelry dept is not too shabby either. Now mind you this is NOT a commercial and I am not being rewarded in any way, I Just write here on my blog about what ever is floating my boat at the moment.
As An Ac Moore Rewards member I get an extra sense of satisfaction that I get Rewards certificates that are as good as cash!
Nothing sends me flying to my local store faster than recieving a 60% off coupon in my inbox, and having a rewards certificate arrive in the mail on the Same day, since I know from experience they can be combined! So I am happy happy happy with so much to choose from, jelly Stamps? Embossing powder? freshwater pearls? Watercolor paper? Gel Pens? Specialty yarns? Bamboo knitting needles? Holiday decor? Cake Decorating supplies? art kits for the kids? ahhhh I love wandering up and down the aisles, putting togeather all the possibilities in my head!

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

My Youtube Channel

http://www.youtube.com/user/tiedyekris?feature=mhum


Here's the Link to my Youtube channel. Since I have figured out how to work the windows movie feature, I have been having fun editing and creating Vidios for Youtube.. I know Geeky Right? But it's me. hehe
I made myself a tiera and created a vidio of the process, I will probably do more of these type of craft vidios in the future. Also you can see vidio of my trip to cape cod last summer, kind of boring in spots, but the last vidio features some fantastic views of martha's vinyard sound and the nobska lighthouse. who knows what I will put up next? More vidio of my playing my guitar and singing? My next vacation or day trip excursion? or just something plain artsy.
If you friend me on facebook i will post notices when the new vidios go up. go to facebook and search kirsten ogden shouldn't be too hard to find me.....
sorry no button do-hickeys I have to feel you are motivated to be your friend on facebook.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

shopping

well, the yearly shopping season is upon us, and many of us are already starting to shop by catalog and on line to make our christmas purchases. I want to share a few great websites with you:
https://www.saveourcountryfirst.com/Default.aspx
Made in America Store
Features only products that have been manufactured in the USA. So Important that we support Local Businesses and Companies that bring JOBS to US citizens, I urge you all to Loot at these sources FIRST when making decisions for this holiday season.
Second is:
http://www.etsy.com/ here you will find many great gifts made by Crafters all around the USA. Many are work at home moms creating wonderful gifts for Kids and adults alike. Great place for Girlfriend and Sister,Mother in Law gifts.....
Thrirdly I Urge you to visit your local crafts festivals this fall with your shopping list in hand, This is one of the last great frontiers of the American Dream.


And Lastly Keep your Business Local, shop at Locally Owned Mom and Pop Shops and Galleries, like this store pictured above in Falmouth Mass, many of which feature superior goods and services to the big box stores. The money you spend local goes back into the Local economy and the American Wallet.
Consider shopping at Flea Markets and Antique Malls to keep from sending MORE of your hard earned money over seas. Dont forget Gift Certificates for Salons and Spas, or a Favorite Locally Owned Restaurant. Perfect Gift for a SPOUSE.
I think you will feel better about your Holiday Gift List if you take time NOW to plan to Shop in Ways that bennifit your local economy and our National Economy. Lets collectively support the brave souls who say YES America is STILL a great Manufactureing Nation!          

Saturday, September 25, 2010

The New new Boat

 So As you've probably ascertained by now the big boat is gone, no more sail boat, it went to a lovely man who has been sailing and finishing sailboats his entire life. The Temptress is in good hands. Which brings me to the next Boat in question. Yes, you know, Dave can't just sit with NOT having a boat for very long. After all we have made so many wonderful memories enjoying our local waters on boats of the past. So after weeks of ferverent searching he came up with a mid70-S Dixie Craft, 15.5 foot ski boat. The Motor needed work and he picked up the whole shebang for 400.00 an incredible deal. The motor has been fixed, and he is slowly working on the rest. Its good therapy for him, gives him something to focus on other than his parkinsons. Its good to see a little spring in his step again as he works to make it sea worthy. He can't wait to take the kids out to crab island, and troll for mackeral again in the bay. I think its more fun to watch the fireworks from the boat as well on the 4th, so I am not complaining. I decided the boat needs to be named the Dixie Chicken due to the 'dixie craft' reference and that it came to us Kentucky Fried RED. So that's what's up THIS Week in TiedyeKris's World.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Long time no BLOG

Yeah it's been awhile since I blogged. I know. I finally got my house rearranged, and the kids have their own rooms now, I have their old room as my office/studio space, and this side of the house is much much quieter. I enjoy spending time in my room contemplating my creative life. I have decided to try to be creative at SOMETHING every single day. Or at least on the days when i don't have to work a 12 hour shift.....In that spirit I made some bookmarks, see pic. I am also planning on doing some scrapbooking soon of My Cape Cod pics. I have to get them printed out still. I am looking forward to the big estate sale in Crestview this weekend, Gonna go up there and pick up some craft supplies, apparantly the lady was a black belt crafter. Lots of goodies from what I can see in the photos.
I'll try to come back and post pics of whatever I score.

Friday, July 2, 2010

No bucks no boom?

   I read an article on Yahoo this morning about municipalities that are strapped for cash around the country who are having to forgo their annual fireworks presentations due to budget shortfalls. While this is certainly disheartening to many who look forward to these shows every year, it also presents an opportunity.
We have gotten so used to having our way in this society, I think some of us have forgotton how to use our creative resources. Why does it have to be about fireworks on a grand scale? I remember when fireworks were a rare and special treat, but now they're everywhere, our local 'emerald grand' condo in Destin sets them off every thursday night during the summer and on weekends! Our Billy Bo-legs festival every year in June, The Navarre Fun Fest in May, so many displays!
   I hope that the folks that live in communities that can not afford fireworks find other satisfying ways to celebrate the 4th. Good ol' fashioned picnic or bbq comes to mind; a trip to the local swimming hole, some smaller bottle rocket celebrations with sparklers for the kids,lawn darts, badmitton,watermelon, red Jello and cakes with Strawberries and Blueberries on top. 
   One of my favorite 4th of july memories was with my parents in North Georgia Mountains. It rained it was muddy the fireworks were of the bottle rocket variety. We went hiking. The men played horseshoes. We ate watermelon. I don't remember 'why' we were there, or who we were visiting, but it sticks out in my mind. The point is celebrations don't have to be fancy to be memorable to your kids. Simple family time spent togeather, haveing fun, being LAZY and remembering our freedom and those who died for it.
Have a Happy 4th!

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Back to my Roots

......This seems to be the theme lately...I have managed to successfully reprioritize my life, and I am feeling so much more balanced now as a result! JOY JOY, my soul is crying out with happiness for having me 'listen' to it. I have cut back on nursing job-needed to happen.
I am focusing more on my art and passions and boy is the universe responding! In SUCH a BIG way I can not tell you all about it here. Since I got off my crazy work schedule I have LOST 5 lbs!! YES! This is what my body wants, so I am happy happy happy all the way around this morning. Back to my Roots is happening with an  upcoming top secret trip. And Also, I am getting back to Dying the 'goddess' dresses that I started out with years ago, but now with a new level of skill, and understanding of the dyes! I am so excited! Thankyou to all my Guardian Angels, Spirit Guides and Relatives on the other side and on this one who have helped me get back to being my authentic self!

Monday, May 31, 2010

Fairhope and the Windmill Market

I went to Fairhope Alabama with my Tie Dyes this weekend, and set up at the Windmill Market in Down Town Historic Fairhope. See http://www.windmillmarket.org/
I had a lovely time, the market is a 'green' building, attractively landscaped with edible garden planters which makes it extra cool to me. They have employed many other eco friendly practices in their building and are serving as an example to the broader community. While set up inside under the spacious covered porch I enjoyed talking to the other vendors, and listening to the live guitar music from the outdoor patio. Moe's Barbeque is a permanent fixture at the market, I had a pulled pork sandwich for lunch with a most delicious pickled slaw, and the best banana cream pudding I have ever tasted. I Can't wait till my next visit to Fairhope. I will be showing there every last Saturday all summer long. Next time I am bringing Dave with. We plan to spend a romantic weekend in Fairhope, which is a Very Romantic little town on the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay. Flowers in attractive Beds Line the streets, the large oak and magnolias are sprinkled everwhere throughout the area, and many well manicured attractive parks welcome the visitor the relax. The downtown area is FILLED with attractive little shops and Galleries! Not to mention the ambience of the restaurants and cafes that can be found as well. We plan to come a day early so we can enjoy strolling the merchant section. If you need some visual candy to go with this post check out: http://www.beautifulfairhope.com/
and look at the photo gallery! what a wonderful spot and only 1/2 tank of gas away from me here in equally beautiful and fun Fort Walton Beach Florida.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Make Love Not War!

Peace. It comes From Within, as the saying goes....Begin Within.
Lately, I have had to work hard to find my inner peace, You see two sides of me are at war with each other. I work full time as a pediatric home health nurse, taking care of special needs kids. I love the kids I care for. each one in their own special way have worked into my heart. I always look at them for their potential and what they have going on in the inside not the outside. Lately my services have been in high demand, Not enough of me to go around to the families that want me. That is well and good, but I wish Sometimes I could be there for Everyone! Then There is the Other side of me, The Artist. The passionate creator of funky and colorful art. My SOUL Sings when doing art, or playing my music. I thrive on creativity. I love to sit for hours and quilt, spin, do polymer clay, batik, dye, bead up jewelry. And I have been wanting to learn to weave next. SIGH. So my two sides are at war. Each one Demanding more of me. And then there is family life.....Peshi, D, and Dave. All wanting more of my attention. What Am I to do?
I want so badly to be able to do it all. If only I diddn't need to sleep.
So I will continue on, trying to make peace with the two sides of myself. And find time for the other facets, spirituality, Family, Education, Activism, Charity, Friendships.

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

The Boat

This is Our Boat, I have blogged about before, Dave has slowly been trying to get it fixed up, but his parkinsons has slowed his progress, and he is needing more help getting it finished now. My Brother Richie is Moving Down here in a few weeks, after the end of a long relationship so he can get a fresh start. He is a man of many talents and can fix anything! Togeather Dave and Rich plan to finish the boat so Rich can live aboard it. Won't that be fun for him? He loves the water and it feeds his soul to be near it. Our father Loved to Sail, and This boat is very similar to the one we owned in the 70's. It would make my father happy to see Us both enjoying it. I am glad Rich is moving down. He is so helpful and has helped me many times in the past with home repairs. If anyone reading this locally needs a good handyman h-vac guy, give me a call. Rich will be looking for a job when he gets here.

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Tagged at Art Walk

I thought I would share with all of you who are not my facebook friends. I was tagged in this photo from 'Downtown Fort Walton Beach' on facebook, taken at last friday night's art walk. I went downtown with a table of goodies, and my Girlfriend Tina. We got to Reconnect with gifted and expanding band: Destiny Reggae. I enjoyed meeting Chris the New Sax Player, and Drew the New Bass Player. And seeing the Other Drew and RJ again. Maybe someday I will sit in with them again on bass. For now I am happy to be able to share my art with others Down Town. Also I have started selling at Shangrila Boutique in Down town Fort walton. Denise is carrying a rack of my items, and I am looking forward to a mutually benneficial business relationship with her. So check out her great vintage boutiqe on the west end of Down Town Fort Walton Beach!~ Here's Tina And I am in the Smaller Picture Below, sorry I couldt get it any bigger. Isn't Tina Beautiful in my Tie Dyes? I love her such an Earth Angel!

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

cobia time!

We Had a visit from our dear friend Jon Floeming This week, He is on his way through to pick up his mom in Winterhaven And move out west to California. So Jon treated us to a Grilled Fish Dinner here at Casa Ghetto Fabulous. He couldn't take the left overs with him, so we have grilled Jerk Cobia salad sandwiches for lunch today on Pumpernickel. YuM.

Thanks Jon! I am in the Throes of yearly and quarterly taxes. See the to do list on my white board: Part of my FUN with taxes is counting the inventory by hand and coming up with a dollar amount for its value. All the things in the totes and on my racks had to be counted. I am about done with that phase now. Our friend Jon is Pictured on Dave's Bike Below. Tommorow will be just as busy as today and most of Thursday. I hope to be done with all the preperations and able to make an appointment with my accountant on Friday. I hate tax time.

Saturday, March 6, 2010

Been Busy at Work

I have worked the last ten days in a row, and this morning the kids are gone and I am trying to get some things done. My Girlfriend Tina gave me some carpets, Dave and Cousin Jim Helped her move, So today I am shampooing them in the driveway. I think I will put the big one in our home gym...see pictures.
I also have to Work on the Taxes today but First I Am going to eat this bruschetta I cooked up for lunch!
I ordered some tomato 'trees' on the internet, and some Hanging strawberry planters so the adventures in urban gardening continue. We love fresh tomatos for bruschetta and salsa, pasta and pizza. My Last Strawberry plant produced 3 berries. Delicious, perfect Berries, I called them 8 dollar berries. since thats about what It cost me to grow. I am not giving up, Back to the drawing board with Berry Planting and produciton. The thing i love about Strawberries is that they are Perrenial. A good set up will produce for years. I am also planting basil, other herbs and peppers, which always seem to do well here. More Garden News later.


Wednesday, February 17, 2010

I found another one!

Yet another  beautiful private island escape, this one 5 star and much closer to home than tahiti. are you sensing a theme here? does tie dye kris need some R&R? But man I gotta say I'd have to sell about 1,000 tie dyes to make enough money for this one. I love that you get your own private butler, and Dave would go nuts for the included 1/2 day fishing charter. nuff said, check it out. http://www.aprivateisland.com/

Sunday, February 14, 2010

This Is the One I choose

ok I watched that movie couples retreat the other night and it stirred up in me an old familiar fantasy of a trip to bora bora. The place I would have chosen to honemoon had I come from a rich family.
so this is the resort i chose. Sigh.
http://www.sofitel.com/gb/hotel-0564-sofitel-bora-bora-marara-beach-and-private-island/index.shtml

Saturday, January 30, 2010

kudzu who knew?

ok so it's 2am and I am on line researching herbal remedies for a problem I am having with hypertension, and I come across this artical about KUDZU. Kudzu a medicinal cure? really? I lived in Georgia as a Kid and I have to say That this particular invasive plant frankly Creeped me out. I diddn't like how it engulfed anything in it's path. Yeah Creepy invasion of the body snatchers type plant. So Imagine my suprise at reading this article: http://geography.about.com/library/misc/uckudzu.htmhttp://geography.about.com/library/misc/uckudzu.htm
Which states that among other things Kudzu Shows MUCH promise in helping to control the craving for alcohol and is being studied as a remedy for alcoholism. Who knew the plant we drove by and had such disdain for in Atlanta c1976 could have potentially done so much to help my father who lost two families and his life to alcoholism. huh.
Maybe people need to stop looking at this plant as such a curse and embrace the blessings that it has to bestow.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

I'm a labrador!

Ok So this is no suprise to my friends....And yeah I love those labs. I got this quiz off Holly's Blog.
http://www.hollyeqq.com/

What dog breed are you? I'm a Labrador Retriever! Find out at Dogster.com

Friday, January 22, 2010

Finally Back to the Dye Table

Sigh-I finally made it back into the dye studio. I had some special orders to fulfill, and I have a porch full of colorful tie dyes waiting to be rinsed. The weather today was gorgeous! Sunny T-shirt weather, natural air conditioning. The perfectest day you could order. I got a lot done. I regret that I diddn't make it out to the beach to sit and enjoy the view, but I am happy with the things I did get accomplished.

Sunday, January 17, 2010

More News from Haiti Via Wendy

Friends,


Aaron said I could share the following emails....

These are emails to and from John, Aaron's Haitian Planting Peace partner. Aaron was unable to make contact with him in the days after the earthquake.



Aaron and John are the same age. Many of you may remember him from the CNN Hero documentary. He is the same age as Aaron and newly married to Ruth.



My throat almost closed completely as I read this... bless his heart and the people of Haiti.

Aaron and John have a lot of work ahead of them.... physically and emotionally.

Please continue to pray for them and to share their work with friends, family, etc. They are desperately in need of money to secure housing and supplies for the many left homeless and to provide food and water for their own children.

Donations can be made to www.plantingpeace.org



Thank you for all of your support, love, prayers and the generous donations.

Please spread the word.



Love and peace....

Wendy

PS... Aaron is now in Haiti.







--- On Thu, 1/14/10, plantingpeace369@aol.com wrote:





From: plantingpeace369@aol.com

Subject: JOHN please contact me brother

To: cmichickgrantf@yahoo.com

Date: Thursday, January 14, 2010, 1:53 AM





john,

you are in my prayers buddy. people told me there seeing you on cnn. i ahve araised lots of money to bring help to the people brother. please contact me on my cell 352 321 0564



love you



LETTER BACK FROM JOHN.....





Helo brother,



heartbroken my brother,

I am hurt to see how people died in my heand and in the ambulance, so crazy my brother.

I am so sorry . all the kids workers and Ruth and her family are safe and so hurt. all the homes are okay except wall damage, we all move to one home, it is very unsafe now, robers are robbing people and causing more death. Prisoners are free and became so dangerous.



No bank, no Western Union, no store open, everything got paralized maybe be unti next week. We hope. I am glad I was here if I was away I don't know how I would do.



I have been so busy helping with the desater evacuated dead people and sick people in my area and delmas comunity. working day and nights my brother. unbelivable my brother.



Thank God all the kids are safe and noone hurt.

I love you and we will stay in touch.



Love from John !

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

EMERGENCY AID FOR HAITI

Please take a moment out of your time today if you have not already done so and make an emergency donation for Hatian EarthQuake Relief. You can donate through the White House, or I am sure a dozen other reputable sources Doctors Without Borders, American Red Cross, or My Friend Wendy Prentice Son's Charity Planting Peace.
http://www.plantingpeace.org/ Who I Wholey and thoroughly trust as I have heard first hand accounts from his own mother's mouth about His Commitment to helping those less fortunate and his work in haiti. Please Everyone Do what you can and send light and prayer to haiti. They has suffered so much for so long now. God bless the beautiful people of Haiti.
God Speed the Rescue Workers.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

The Blue Nikes

Ok here is my Christmas Miracle, I know a little late to relate here, but I want to share. As I mentioned earlier I diddnt feel much like christmas this year with all the hell that 2009 bought my way. On the day after Christmas My friend Tina called and prompted me to go out shopping with her, as she had some purchases to return and of course shopping is always more fun in pairs right ladies? So we went to several shops, and eneded up at Ross. I needed a new pair of tennies, and ross has good prices. So after parousing the selection I settled on a very reasonable pair of AVIAs. Happy with my selection I went to rejoin Tina in the store, and noticed a huge rack of NEW inventory being wheeled to the shoe departent. I looked at jeans and shirts and dresses for new years, ect. and decided what the heck I should go look back at the shoes again. There on the rack of 10 1/2 shoes, loe and behold were this pair of white leather nikes with the blue swoosh. Now its not like a grown woman to grab a pair of shoes off the store shelf and start hugging them and crying hysterically, even with these low prices....but thats what I did. My christmas miracle had just happened. I found Tina and explained to her the amazing event. My friend Lisa who Passed in October had an almost identical pair of Nikes on when we first met in 1982. The Nikes I picked up were the ONLY pair and happened to be in my size. They were retro styled to resemble the ones that were popular in the early 80's. A Lot of my friends have heard me describe the first day I met Lisa with her 'Blue Swoosh Nikes' on the first day of high school.  Lisa must have been listening, because I believe with all my heart she sent these shoes to me. What made me turn back to look at the rack again that day? What coincidence that the only pair happened to be in my exact size?

Now I wear them like they have super powers and that just by putting them on I can be a super hero like Lisa was! Her message to me was like a warm hug telling me to enjoy my day shopping with my great new friend.

Saturday, January 2, 2010

Music I am tripping on

This is music I am tripping on right now. I love the bright harmonies, the completely digital/synthesized palate of sounds, and the clever lyrics. This is the type of music I dreamed about creating when I was a teenager. I was just a little before my time, but Its good to know that a cleverness for music and lyrics exists in this young man today.
http://www.owlcitymusic.com/