"Busier" than a Rooster in a Hen house,,,,,,,,,Pink and Blue Baskets, etc.!

Well, the "Northern Pacific Winds"" that blew threw Snohomish and the rest of Western Washington, was met with dismay, stiff upper lips" and found us donning not only our Rain coats,,,,,,,but Umbrella's as well,,,,,,,,which WE---Washingtonian's generally leave hangin in the closet, despite our regular downpours.......included in our outing's today.............

And, as we saw our friends to the EAST reap early Spring tidings......glorious days of Sun and Warmth, we, us Pacific Northwestener's, "Girdled our Loins" in anticipation of yes, MORE Rain, More Wind, more Chilly days.

So, I ask you, What's a Gal to do? After working all morning on our annual Easter Parade, with friends and volunteers,,,,,,,,,I made "Baskets!"

Italian Papers, Heavy duty "crepes" and a few vintage flowers and petals........Ready to be filled with Sweets or Treats,,,,,,,,or just part of your Easter Displays..... Available at Joyworks,,,,,or Contact me, if you're interested. I've been thinking I'll get my Etsy page up and Running again soon......I've just been TOO busy to deal with it.

I hope you're enjoying the tail-end of your week. Near and Far! Locally, I have So many friends w/ Changes and Growth,,,,,,I hope to share "Officially" Soon!

Loves,,,,,And BIG HUGS  AND Encouragement,,,,,near and Far! Going through Changes-personal and Business wise---We've talked a BIT! Change IS scarey,,,,,,,,but  I think, GOOD!

"A Bus,,,a Prayer and OH so sweet Dreams of the Future!

Hugs,

Shell

What has come over me??? Baking, cleaning and an Awesome new Soup!

Frankly, It still feels like Winter here in Washington! It is Cold, Wet, Windy, Rainy and they're talking on the weather about a bit of SNOW again tonite.......I think I might need to head to Omaha, where it's pushing 70!

But,,,,,,,I've also got this weird domestication thingy going on,,,,,,,Cleaning/purging/baking/cooking! Friends, you'd best mark in on your Calendar,,,,,,you may not see this side of me again for YEARS!!!

I baked. French Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream frosting and Toasted Coconut.

(I brought a few to my friend and co-worker Penny a couple of minutes ago,,,,,,,She is THE Cupcake expert! Although, I didn't bring them to her to judge.....just hopefully enjoy!)

I have "Chamber Rounds" tomorrow -Collecting Prizes for the Easter Parade, so- if your a local Merchant and I'm hitting you up for prizes,, you may get one or two!( Or, if you work at a certain fantastic Store that begins with "J" and happend to be a Co-worker or Boss......)

Okay,,,,,,,,SO -On to a  New Soup Recipe!

Creme of Cauliflower,,,,,,,with a fun Twist!

I was having my "Hair-did" yesterday and read a recipe for a Soup. I was Going to have my stylist, Ericka, copy the recipe,,,and forgot,,,,,,while we were talking and I was getting "rolled" up,,,,,,,,Truly, I sat under the dryer with clingy rollers and when she "combed me out" I had hair like Adele! Too fun! Only trust me, you don't want ME to sing!........But as usual, I am wandering.........So SOUP! Here ya go!

Stuff you Need:

Large head of Cauliflower

One Leek

Vegetable Oil

2 Cans Chicken Stock

Bit of Butter

Non FAT Half 'n Half - (I KNOW how do they DO THAT?)

Course Salt/ Fresh Ground Pepper

Scallops!

Fresh Grated Parmeasan Cheese

Chop up Head of Cauliflower,,,,,remove leaves and the most dense stems.

Place on a cookie sheet or jelly roll pan and brush lightly with Vegatable Oil.

Cook in a Preheated oven at 350 degrees for about 25 minutes,,,,,or until "Florets" are lightly brown.

While the Cauliflower is cooking, Rinse one large Leek until clean, chop the "Bulb portion" and just a bit of the first greens......brown lightly in a "Pat of Butter" in a Large Stockpot.

Add Cauliflower when roasted, both cans of Chicken stock, a half of Can or so of Water (Cover Veggies w/ liquid.)  Simmer for a couple of hours and either use an emusifier OR a "Big Ole" French wire wisk,,,,,,,,and break "Cauli" apart. Add the "Non Fat" Half and Half to a desired consistency.......I think I added about a cup and a half.   Simmer a Bit longer.....

(Prior to serving, Grill or Saute' a couple 3 Scallops per bowl brushed with Butter on an indoor grill or saute' pan.)

 "Float" scallops in individual bowls of Soup and add a bit of Fresh grated Parmesan Cheese.

"Bon Appetite!"

So, after, and amidst my Homemaker's journey, I also worked on getting my/our (my new tennants) old Garage in order. Shew! I am SO NOT feeling glamous right now! But I got a LOT done today,,,,cleaning, organizing,,,,,,,,,,,,

Put a fork in my, I'm DONE for today! Feels GOOD to get it done,,,,,,,,,tell my Body that, okay?

Hope your week is starting off well! I've so SO much to do in these next couple of days/weeks, my head is spinning! Moves/Graduations/Easter Parade-ChamberStuff/ Little "Helen's" needs/New Tennant changes.

I'm sure YOUR plate is full TOO! Grab a Cupcake,,,,Virtual or otherwise! You deserve it!

Hugs, Love and a "Dora Domestic" 'Bus' on the Cheek!

Shell

Well, "Back the Truck Up!" Phone(s), Projects and Finds

Shew,,,,,I've had a busy last couple of days! Renting out the back cottage, (yessssssss!) to a gal I know, Super Busy, fun and exhausting days at Joyworks this weekend,,,,There may be a recession on,,,,but let me tell you,,,,,We are busier than all get out,,,,,,business seems to be growing exponentially!!


And, I made a few things for the Shop,,,,,,,,a  few Custom orders,,,,,,

25th Anniversary Commerative Box.......

I've also been dealing with (or NOT dealing with) my Land-line phone company, Frontier,,,,,,,you heard it here first folks,,,,whom promised to have service on FRIDAY.  (Still NO line techs have come, or emailed/called my alternate number) And,,,,,TADA!  "Back the Truck up",,,,,,,Shell IS activated,,,,,(okay really? had my "Boys") activate a CELL PHONE for me this morning!!! Oh, let me tell you, my son's really teased me on THIS one!


Never say Never, eh? I won't be texting on it, or driving on it either!

Picked up a few goodies at the "Historical Societies" Junk Sale on Friday including these fun glass globes.......$1.50 each......New, not vintage, but still had the Retail pricing on them for $24 bucks each!  SHUT UP Dawg! (The "Dawg" reference from my boys this morning) Will be fun to PUT Vintage goodness in though!!

I had BOTH of my son's show up for Coffee before I left for work this morning. That may not sound like a big deal, but the Last time they were both home was at Christmas.  And My oldest Sean, has been living in town for over a year now,,,,,,And,,,,,drumroll please,,my youngest, is moving back to Snohomish too! At least for now. I haven't had BOTH my boys living in this area at the same time in over 18 years. I am beyond elated to have them close by,,,,,again, at least for NOW!

Frankly? I'm Tired and SO, sore tonight, having some weird aches and pains,,,,,and I'm just sayin' right NOW? I am NOT getting a bug,,,,,my youngest, Andrew, Graduates next Saturday from Western Washington University!
(That's up north in Bellingham, WA if you're not from this area.) I am SO proud of him, my buttons may burst! This is my Son that was formerly in the Marine Corps, had two tours in Iraq.  Trust me, they'll be lots of pictures from next Saturday's Graduation!!

I hope you  ALL had an awesome Week/end. I'm going to do a bit of blog hopping before I either fall asleep in my dinner,,,,,or the long hot soak I have planned for the tub!!

Hugs, Love and a Happy/Tired/Achy/Excited/Proud "Bus" on the Cheek!

Shell

Frontier "Un" Communications........I have NO phone service right now......

Not sure WHAT is going on,,,,,,I've had Ton's of problems since "Verizon" dumped all of us with "land lines" and we've been bought up by "Frontier Communications."

I got a FEW calls today,,,,,,and they sounded like they were from 3rd World Countries,,,,,,,,and now, tonight? I've go nothing......I can't call out,,,,,,,trust me I've tried several times..........So? Send me an email if you're trying to get ahold of me. I'll be checking this all out tomorrow. I don't use a Cell,,,,,,,,,but after THIS I'm going to activate one! What a PAIN!

Hugs love and and "elusive" Bus,,,,,,,,,,,Not liking this! ( I can't get hold of anyone, let alone having my "Little 92yo Helen" being able to get a hold of ME!)

Shell

A Glimpse of Spring in Joyworks......

As I've shared before, I work at the cutest store in the whole World! And as I generally take and share pictures of our Celebrations, full of co-workers and festivities, I thought it would be fun to share a few photos of our store right now! Once again, we had a busy day, but between customers I managed to grab a few shots to share,,,,they're not fantastic, but give you a "taste" for what we have on hand........

Our store is kind of broken up in "themes" and Color groupings,,,,,,,,,

Lots of Yummy Neutrals here.

Clothing, Home Decor, Accessories....and recently cut Pussy Willows fit right in!

Another vignette in our "entry" Blushes of Pink and Cremes...........

Heading downstairs to our home decor area,,,,,,,,,,Neutrals and Spring Greens...........

Another Stair landing Shot..........

Do you LOVE this table or WHAT? More Neutral's and Springtime goodness!

A touch of turquoise ,,,,,,,,,,

"Just Beachy",,,,,,,,,,

We have other "sections" too, in our home decor,,,,,,,but this was about 2 minutes of free time today. I'll have to share more, soon.

A portion of one of our Window Displays.........."We're Hoppin'!"

More Easter goodies inside! This is our "Spring Craft" area, complete with new glitters/mica/crepe,,,,,,,including a few of my creations.

So,,,,,there you go! I hope you enjoyed this Joyworks "Mini-tour!" Again,,,,,,,there is SO much of the store that I didn't share,,,,,,,and I gave you a "taste" of of cute new clothes and accessories. But Honestly? We were SO busy and we're SO full of new cute clothes that those photos will have to wait till ummm, we "tidy up" a bit after all the customers this weekend!  I'll share more soon! And, again, I know some of you follow or visit the Joyworks Shop blog, but some of you don't, so I thought it would be fun to share some photos!

But this fabulous store wouldn't be what it IS without the best co-workers, the best Owner/visionary, and the fantastic customers we have....Old and New! So, am I Lucky or WHAT?

Hope you had a GREAT weekend, whatever you did!

Hugs love and a "Bus" on the Cheek filled with JOY!

Shell

Spring may be a ways off, but there was Spring Fever at Joyworks today!

Wowza! SUPER Busy day at Joyworks today,,,,,,,,,We have TONS of new goodies-New Home Decor and TONS of Cute new Clothes, Scarves  and Handbags......... and although the weather was still a bit Cold and wet, Customer's were Jumping into Spring! I'll have to take my Camera in tomorrow and take a few Photos.........I brought in a few things too..........

Some of my Easter Goodies previously posted, and  I included a few "mini" wreaths,,,,,,,,,Vintage Chickies and glittered eggs on this one...........

"Nature Inspired" Egg,,,,,,,,,,,,Bugs, Bees, Bloom's and "Shroom's"

I had fun making this one,,,,,,,,Lots of Vintage goodness, with a touch of Whimsy........

Tomorrow is SUPPOSED to be a relatively Sunny day in the Pacific Northwest, Stop in and see us if you're local!

I DO promise to charge up my camera tonite and take some photos in the store tomorrow.........even if you're NOT local, I hope we'll give you some inspiration!

Sidebar and an extended personal note: (I learned yet again today of another  dear friend battling Cancer. This time breast cancer, looks like they caught it in time, but she's got a long road ahead.

And Right now? I'm asking BIG time for prayers for my friend Jodene, battling lymphoma and down to 80 pounds. I love her and her "bio" family SO much,,,,,,,and also her extended "work and community" family members .....

I think of Jodene, and I see this kind, beautiful Face- compassion, kindness, always a shy smile,,,,,,,,and this just breaks my heart! She's the "Best of the Best!"

And Prayers for my friend Mike and his family, also battling Cancer. I've known Mike since  we were "kids." He's a police officer, husband to my friend  and former co-worker Suzanne, and always, a heck of a nice guy.)

When you live and or work in a small town, you can't help but keep a finger on the pulse of your community.

Sometimes that's a Good thing,,,,,,,and sorry, but sometimes that just "Sucks." Because you KNOW what is going on!

Have a great Sunday, Hug your loved ones, go out and do something fun or memorable if you can. "Carpe Diem." Seize the Day!" And remember, pray, and gather thoughts of those you love!

Hugs, love and a "Bus" of promise of things to come and remembrance of things now and in the past!

Shell

"You ought to write a Book"

1. Today's Post, from my friend Anne Lory's of "Fiona and Twig" prompted a lot of memories of my mom, but also recalled yet again a "convo" I had with a local friend today after reading my blog. "Shell, you ought to write a book." Hmm,,,I started one a while back. I still have the files on my puter.... and frankly, I have had a LOT of life experiences in my ahem, 50 some years.

So Annie posted those G-Darn typewriters! And it made me think of my Mom and HER dream.....to publish a book. Well, in a sense, she did, she wrote a book for our family called "America at Last," documenting experience along with her Parents and siblings of coming to America in 1929.  I have a "bound" version, as well as several of my relatives.... Not to mention her published submissions to the local paper about my brother Ross, serving in Viet Nam...A glimpse if you will of what life was like for our soldier's (my heroic brother) back in 1967... And a piece in Reader's Digest, about our Cat and another humorous antic of a friend of her's that won Big in Vegas,,,and gave it all away enroute back to Washington....


And, all? Hand typed on This....

An old Underwood that occupies a special place in my Art Studio.

You have to be of a "certain" age to know that she used Carbon Papers and a Typing erasers in her endeavors. I need to share also, that she Taught Typing, filing, shorthand at a business college at one point in her life.  And, while she didn't try to direct my future too much as a young teen, she DID say,,"You need to learn how to type." And type I did, some 120wpm, by graduation.

But she never taught me to appreciate Stories, or Literature,,which surprises me somewhat because my family was RICH with that.....Not only family stories, but a LOVE of reading. I didn't acquire that until my late 20's, although SHE experienced/enjoyed it. As did my Grandparents, who were the most well read people you'd ever encounter-who both read and spoke many languages. I don't frankly know WHY it took me so long to discover books, and even now, I CRAVE learning....the more I learn, the more I WANT to learn.

The more I experience, the more I WANT to experience.

The more I share, the more I WANT to share...

Hmmm,,,,A book? Maybe I need to get serious about this...

Maybe a new Blogsite should be a consideration, and some followers to give input/criticism and perspective.... "You should write a book, Shell."

Dangit Annie Girl, it's ALL YOUR fault! LOL

Hugs, love and a "literative" Bus on the Cheek!

Shell