Tips for the day and your daily spoon full of sugar

If you can't drink and drive why do you need a driver's license to buy liquor, and why do bars have parking lots?

Citrus Market Linocut Print on Vintage Newspaper by peaseblossomstudio

Awesome Newspaper Classifieds

Washer. Owned by clean bachelor who seldom washed -- $100.

Snow blower for sale. Only used on snowy days.

Found: dirty white dog. Looks like a rat. Been out for a while. Better be reward.

Free puppies. Part German Shepherd, part dog.

Cows, calves never bred. Also, one gay bull for sale.

Free puppies: part Cocker Spaniel, part sneaky neighbor's dog

Full-sized mattress. 20-year warranty. Like new. Slight urine smell.

Nice parachute. Never opened. Used once. Slightly stained.

Free Yorkshire Terrier. Eight years old. Unpleasant little dog.

Tired of working for only $9.75 per hour? We offer profit sharing and flexible hours. Starting
pay: $7 - $9 per hour.



Craft Tip: Do you have left over tiles from a home improvement project? Use them to make accessories like mosaic flower pots, coasters, trivits. They are also good for placing beneath hot glue guns to protect your work surface.

Tips for Job Hunting
When hunting for a job, do not confine yourself to the newspapers, or online ads, as less than 30% of the available jobs are ever posted there. One of the reasons for this is the cost, and another is the time that would have to be wasted screening applicants. By Shari from Greer, SC

Daily Meditation

Kindness is the oil that reduces the friction of life.


Self-Meditation

Let what you think pass through your consciousness like clouds through the sky.

In walking meditation: notice the thought, return to the walking, notice the thought, return to the walking.

Your goal is to live in a simple, direct way - without cluttering up the mind with wanting things, hating things, judging, taking too much, worrying, or doubting.

When the mind is constantly bombarded by stimuli, it becomes overloaded and exhausted. We may be unaware that we are doing it, but by thinking and worrying we are using up tremendous amounts of energy. The tension put on the mind by worries, whether real or imagined, can use more energy than physical work. When worries get out of hand, energy resources are strained. Mental fatigue sets in, often resulting in wear and tear on the physical body as well. It is important to set aside some time each day for the mind to unwind and recoup its energies.
Whenever you experience mental tension, try breathing slowly and rhythmically for a few minutes while you concentrate on the breath. Yogic breathing exercises will may take conscious effort, but develop your ability to calm the mind using your own thought power. This leads to an experience of inner peace,with physical relaxation following the mental relaxation.

Contributor: Kems
From: Brooklyn, NY
Referenced from: http://yoga.org.nz/what-is-yoga/yoga_relaxation.htm

My Book

my memoir... my life.

I am not really sure if I want to start posting pieces of my book here on my blog. It has been a long road for me but if it could help parent's understand their kids a little better or mental illness than I guess it is worth it.

I havn't written in it for a while. I have put it on hold while I start up my little craft business. Since I am on disability I try to keep myself busy with my crafts and business since it is really one of my only income sources (and not a sucessful one...yet). I have been spending almost every waking moment trying to market myself and put myself out there to see. My name is Rachel, but you know me by Mother Goose and Gear.

I guess I will start posting tid-bits and see what kind of response I get. Thank you to my followers. The 7 of you are super awesome. Maybe if I start posting some of my story it will inspire me to keep writing until I have written about my life thus far which is a long way from where I was a year ago when I stopped writing.

Here it goes...

Survive Together or Die Alone
A Memoir by Rachel Goldmark

This is a memoir of a woman named Rachel Goldmark; her life as she remembers. Her story is about coping with a variety of mental and physical illnesses. She tells about home life, drug addiction, coping with life, mental institutions, recovery and life outside of mental institutions while continuing to deal with mental illness in her daily life. Included in her story are clips from her journals, poetry, and art when she was in treatment and in mental institutions. She still deals with mental illness; it is a life long process to cope. With the help of doctors and medication and continual self-observation she is currently successful in life.

“Introductions aren’t always boring, this one is actually pretty entertaining”

I was standing inside a hollow tree with its roots firmly planted into the ground. The tree started shaking and the roots were unleashing themselves from the firm ground and it started lifting me into the sky. It was like a magical elevator that could take above the clouds into nothingness. We traveled back down to the clouds and I stepped out of the tree onto a pink puffy cloud and rays of sunlight seemed to shine through the clouds to the busy world beneath us. I sat there for awhile and then all of a sudden the cloud turn grey and I fell dramatically into the busy streets of New York City. Cars were whizzing passed me and I had no control I was frozen, I couldn’t move. The was loud honking noises coming from the cars. I let out a rumbling scream and then all of a sudden I was curled up in the fetal position inside my mothers womb. I hadn’t been born yet. I was just taking in the nutrition from my mother to grow. I didn’t want to leave this warm, safe place because somehow I knew how terrifying those busy streets were, but nothing is ever been normal in my life. Nothing is as planned. I came out of my mother’s womb a month early. The interesting part now is that I can return to my mothers safe, warm womb when ever I get panicked. How do you ask? Well, It a long story and you are about to read it.

All rights to this post can not be copied
Rights belong to Rachel Goldmark 2009

Mother Nature Team

In celebration of Earth Day, all team members of Mother Nature Team are offering free shipping and recycled packaging until April 22nd. Search under "Mother Earth Team " for more great deals like this one.

Some more items and members of Mother Nature Team:

Chenille A-Line Dress Size 8/10 EARTH DAY SALE EVENT by Regal Cottage

Silver and concrete peas in a pod by lulubugjewelry

SALE-Needle felted bunnies-mother and child handmade

of natural materials in needle felt soft sculpture by oritdotanddolls

Craft tip and Old Ladies

Small Organic Quilting Remnants by Picky

To keep your work surface clean, when doing crafts that generate large amounts of scraps, try taping a small bag to the table and just swipe your scraps into it as you go.

I just forgot what I was forgetting Button by Mindseyecards

Getting Forgetful

from Joke of the Day

Three old ladies sit in a diner, discussing their health. One lady says, "You know, I'm getting really forgetful. This morning, I was standing at the top of the stairs, and I couldn't remember whether I had just come up or was about to go down."
The second lady says, "You think that's bad? The other day, I was sitting on the edge of my bed, and I couldn't remember whether I was going to sleep or had just woken up!"
The third lady smiles smugly. "Well, my memory is just as good as it's always been, knock on wood," she says as she raps on the table. Then with a startled look on her face, she asks, "Who's there?

Self-meditation

Self- Meditation

• Find something that has been a toy for you that you can part with now. Give it away. See what it is like to be without it. Do that with yet another toy when you are ready. Give them away, one at a time. Note how you feel and what your life is Simplifying your life doesn't necessarily mean doing without. It might, but it doesn't have to. Rather, the prevailing philosophy of today's voluntary simplicity movement is not to live without possessions or to live in frugality, but to slow down and live a more balanced, deliberate, and thoughtful life. And as research increasingly shows, a healthier life as well.without them.
• Be liberated by these two: examination and analysis.
• Both in times of formal practice and everyday life, practice distinguishing the level of consciousness.

I won the blog give-away!!!

I am so excited!! I have never won anything in my life but have now won the most adorable little snuggle bunny ever!!

And the winner is....

I simply can't wait to announce the winner of last week's blog giveaway from Rose's Handmade Menagerie.

So, drum roll please.....The winner is MOTHER GOOSE AND GEAR!

Here is a picture of the most adorable bunny ever! My good friend is in labor as we speak and I know Mr. Snuggle Bunny will have a wonderful home with baby girl or boy 'little Stu'.

Thank you so much Rose!!
And a shout out to Diary of a Mad Crafter for hosting the give away!

Relaxation tip

GO TO THE GYM Recycled Felt Applique Pillow by alexandraferguson

Use Up Anger By Physical Activity. (Channel your anger into a job that needs doing or take a long walk or even play a game). *Physical exercise is a great way of removing pent up aggression. Please walk away from a potential flash point. It never solves anything and only intensifies your loss as you lose either friends, family or even both. I know it is difficult but self-discipline is the only real option here.

Referenced from: ptsd.org.uk

Take the Stairs

Stairs by angel110 on etsy

Most of us have sedentary jobs. Work takes up a significant part of the day. What can you do to increase your physical activity during the work day? Why not...:Brainstorm project ideas with a co-worker while taking a walk. - Stand while talking on the telephone. - Walk down the hall to speak with someone rather than using the telephone. - Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Or get off a few floors early and take the stairs the rest of the way. - Join a fitness center or Y near your job. Work out before or after work to avoid rush-hour traffic, or drop by for a noon workout. - Get off the bus a few blocks early and walk the rest of the way to work or home.

Beautiful yoga pose

The beauty and complexity of the human body always amazes me.

Daily Laugh

Buddhist thought for today

A brahmin once asked The Blessed One: "Are you a God?" "No, brahmin" said The Blessed One. "Are you a saint?" "No, brahmin" said The Blessed One. "Are you a magician?" "No, brahmin" said The Blessed One. "What are you then?" "I am awake."

Craft tip of the day

Cul de Sac by Richard Thomson

Use a toothpick or small wooden skewer to apply small dabs of glue to small projects. It makes it easier to use smaller amounts and place it just where you want it.

Meditation of the day

We are one Multi-purpose Hemp Clip by ButterflyMoon


The word "meditation" and the word "medicine" come from the same root.
Medicine means that which heals the physical,
and meditation means that which heals the spiritual.
Both are healing powers.
-Osho




















Self-meditation tips

• Take pleasure in the perfection of things in their places.
• When you get used to including sensations, thoughts, and feelings in your meditation, you can open your awareness wider and welcome whatever arises - without judgment or resistance. Imagine that your mind is like the sky and your experiences are floating through the sky like clouds.
• Whenever you see a judgment is coming, immediately exhale - as if you are throwing the judgment out with the exhalation.

Adventures of baby photography

I went over to my soon-to-be sister/brother-in-law's house last night to take pictures of their adorable little baby, Geran. When I got there he was asleep and woke up very hungry! His schedule has been off after he got his immunization shots... poor guy. He refused to be my model until he gt some wonderfully, delicious milk from mommy. When he decided he was full he was almost willing to be a patient model. The first outfit he was a little cranky but looked so amazingly cute in the 'Lost Bo-peep' set. which is now on sale in my etsy shop (there is my shameless self-promotion).

He was such a little trooper! We got through almost 5 outfit changes!! Although, all of the pieces will need to be washed because of baby Geran's yummy milk left overs that didn't come out during the first burping session end up on every single piece of clothing he modeled. Now you know that they are baby tested, mother approved an will withstand everyday baby wear and tear *smile*.

Geran even passed as a lovely little girl when he modeled the pink and yellow ruffled onesie. Don't tell dad, but he looked great!!
Most of the pictures turned out blurry but at least I got enough to post for the listings on my shop with a few pictures of the items not on little Geran.
Thank you Geran for being such an adorable baby; you will definitely be a super-star on my etsy page/blog and will return when I need you to model more outfits. Special thanks to Susan for letting be photograph Geran after such a long shopping day.

Check out my shop! There are a lot more items not shown on my blog.

Tips for the day

Idle Moment? Antique Pocket Watch Eco Unisex Sweater by Vital!

Thrifty Tip: Make a "What To Do" List for Idle Moments
Have you ever wondered how some people get more done than others? I have always believed that wasting time is as bad as wasting resources or money. I started taking stock of how much time I spend waiting for something, and the numbers will astound you! Example: I spend 30 hours a year waiting for my coffee to brew! If you spend 5 minutes a day, that comes out to be just about 30 hours per year! I spend about twice that waiting for a bus! And don't even get my started on the 20 minutes per hour that is nothing but commercials on each and every show I watch! So, I compiled a list of what I do while I wait. I hope this will help you not only in your time management, but perhaps even help you eliminate some things you may be doing that you don't even like! By Sandra from Salem, OR

Craft Tip: When using oil based paints, avoid exposure to dangerous solvents. Instead, clean your brushes with baby oil and then use soap.




"Alone we can do so little;
together we can do so much."
- Helen Keller

First sale on Etsy!

Tooting my own horn! I am sooooo excited!!!! Yayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!! Thank you czmonkey aka Sarah!! Hope the soon to be mama loves the forest onesie and sparrow dress!You are held close in my heart for being my 1st customer!

Craft addiction

I have to admit that my name is Rachel, and I am a total craft junky. I just bought 3 patterns from buggabug. They are so amazingly cute I can hardly stand it!! I am super excited to make the baby basket, cinammon rolls, and the tea set! I will keep you updated! They will for sure be in my shop in the near future!

So great...

definitely describes the real world couple after a baby is born...

Rose's Give away!!

The inaugural BrigaBauble BLOG GIVEAWAY, courtesy of Rose’s Handmade Menagerie!

Come and visit Brigabauble's Blog for all of the details. Come join the fun and enter for the give away!!

cutest little snuggley bunny prize ever!

Entry deadline is April 8th.

Meditation of the day

Meditation does not belong to any religion, and meditation is not a belief.
It is a pure science of the inner.
Learning to be silent, learning to be watchful, learning to be a witness;
learning that you are not the mind, but something beyond --
the consciousness -- will prepare you to receive truth.

Osho

The bubble jester

I took one on my sketches and scanned it on my printer and printed it on transfer paper!! It turned out very cute ironed on the back of a onesie. Another drawing is ironed on the front. I will try to take a picture of it. *mental note.

Lesson learned: color on the sketch and not the transfer after it is ironed.
It work ok putting the color on after but if looks a little rushed in putting it together. I drew the bubbles up and over the shoulder to connect the two drawings. I am so happy with how it turned out!

Yay!! I finally got my clothing labels!!! They are very cute! Big shout out to
mommiemadeit.etsy.com. turned out great!!

Super Productive

I said I would post again a couple of days ago but I have been working on some adorable projects. I found this little onesie in a thrift store and a friend of mine gave me a little baby cardigan to use and they work great together! I added the yellow and white trim and ta da! it looks like I bought them together!
Sticking with the mother goose theme... the lamb lost Bo-peep! How is he to find her??
I was super excited that my aunt bought me a sizzix machine for x-mas and then I realize that the dies are sold seperately! So I had to wait until I had a little extra money to buy some. Here is a cute little lamb die I got! I gave him some detail with fabric markers. So cute!!

I added two snaps to the jacket and realized AFTERWARD how thin the fabric is! I reinforced the snap the second time... lesson learned! I then used fabric glue to put the little flower/pearl embellishments on and used clear thread to secure them!
I realized how much easier it is to use the clear thread! It would have been such a pain to try and hide the thread with the transparent flowers!
Ta Da- cute little Bo-peep "Easter" outfit!!