I wanted to write about my special granddaughter, April. I have been very involved in her life since she was 2 years old. She is going to graduate from high school in a couple of months and then go to college to become a teacher. This is the only thing she has ever wanted to be.
She recently asked me for help with an assignment.. She had to interview someone over 50 years old and write a paper about the interview. Her brief interview turned into 45 minutes of questions about each decade of my life and I was glad I didn't have any more decades by the time we finished the interview. She got 100% on the paper and brought it for me to read when she came to visit for my birthday. It was a very touching paper to say the least. She is a very unique young lady and I am so proud of her.
Pelican
Stained Glass I Designed and Made
Friday, February 26, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
http://hubpages.com/hub/Interesting-and-Fun-Facts-about-Ireland
Interesting and Fun Facts about Ireland
Interesting and Fun Facts about Ireland
Do the Irish Have a Sense of Humor!
Sense of Humor: This may be the last topic, but not the least. The Irish are witty and like to play with words. Here are a few examples:- "not backwards in coming forwards" - means a person is not shy.
- "no flies on him" - means a person is not easily deceived.
- "she has a tongue that would clip a hedge" - means a person who gossips.
- A pig, allowed to live in Irish farmhouses in olden days, was once known as "the gentleman that pays the rent."
- "come for a day and stay for a week" - means someone outstaying their welcome.
- Just a few facts to ponder over - for a small island we certainly have a lot going for us!
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
New York Fashion Week
We haven’t even made it to spring yet, but The New York Fashion Week finished last Friday so we now know what we’ll be wearing next winter. Well, some people might know, but probably not me. I tend to stick to styles I like and that are flattering to my build. However, Fashion Week is big news and many people look forward to the unveiling of the new styles.
For those who love new fashions and can afford to indulge themselves, I decided to write a hub about the new trends and what the fashion guru’s have unveiled for next season. Layering will be a new trend which is no problem for me. I’ve done that for years, so maybe I am more fashion conscious than I realized. Bare shoulders are in, but again not for me, as if you’re over 35 most women probably should leave that look for the younger crowd. We will see a lot more colorful patterns rather than solid colors, so that sounds pretty good. Power belts are in which is okay as long as you have a waist line. You’ll see simple leathers which I like in a jacket, but no leather pants for this gal. Tufted jackets, gender play which incorporates some male styling is also in, but no I don't think so. I like feminine clothing and jewelry. Colors will be striking which will make very colorful dresses. I like color, so that sounds okay. Also, wide shoulders are back with cinched waists. Why did I throw out those old clothes as I must have had something like that in the past?
For those who love new fashions and can afford to indulge themselves, I decided to write a hub about the new trends and what the fashion guru’s have unveiled for next season. Layering will be a new trend which is no problem for me. I’ve done that for years, so maybe I am more fashion conscious than I realized. Bare shoulders are in, but again not for me, as if you’re over 35 most women probably should leave that look for the younger crowd. We will see a lot more colorful patterns rather than solid colors, so that sounds pretty good. Power belts are in which is okay as long as you have a waist line. You’ll see simple leathers which I like in a jacket, but no leather pants for this gal. Tufted jackets, gender play which incorporates some male styling is also in, but no I don't think so. I like feminine clothing and jewelry. Colors will be striking which will make very colorful dresses. I like color, so that sounds okay. Also, wide shoulders are back with cinched waists. Why did I throw out those old clothes as I must have had something like that in the past?
Stained Glass Panels For Home Decorating
Stained Glass Panels For Home Decorating
Tiffany Starburst Glass Panel
Stained Glass Panels
Stained glass panels have grown in popularity over the past few years. They are usually made a bit differently than the heavy leaded glass frames. There are gorgeous art glass panels found in gift shops, in stained glass shops and in numerous places on line. You can color coordinate the outside of your house if you are hanging a large piece in a window, or coordinate style and color with the inside décor depending on your needs and likes.This is my third hub about the history of stained glass up to the present day. I also wrote about my personal experience with a stained glass home based business which I did for several years, but it is on hold for right now. I plan to return to creating and working with stained glass as it is so rewarding, and it feels wonderful to create something of beauty.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Great Pictures Worth A Thousand Words
I received a new digital camera for Christmas and there has been a learning curve for me. It takes digital pictures and short videos also. I believe you need some basic knowledge about how to take that great picture, in addition to just learning what all the settings on the camera mean.
Photography is art and it’s abstract. Patience is important as you wait for just that right smile, find the right angle or the right light settings. Keep your eyes open! You will see a lot more if you carefully look at the whole setting, not just the person you want to photograph. The more you look, the more you’ll see. Photography is communication of passion and excitement of the person you are photographing.
Ansel Adams stated, “If I feel something strongly, I make a photograph. I do not attempt to explain the feeling." Ansel Adams (1902-1984) was an award winning photographer and environmentalist best known for his black and white photographs of the American West. Moonrise, taken in Hernandez, New Mexico, is his most famous photograph. What do you see first when you look at this photograph? There are white clouds, a moon in a black sky, white gravestones and the mountains. Ansel Adams uses the “Rule of Thirds”. Most artists think it is boring to look at a photo that is completely symmetrical. In this photo he has stimulated our eye by offering three layers, each with a different tone: the black sky, the white clouds, and the gray landscape. Ansel describes the photo as having serendipity (lucky chance) and immediate technical recall
Photography is art and it’s abstract. Patience is important as you wait for just that right smile, find the right angle or the right light settings. Keep your eyes open! You will see a lot more if you carefully look at the whole setting, not just the person you want to photograph. The more you look, the more you’ll see. Photography is communication of passion and excitement of the person you are photographing.
Ansel Adams stated, “If I feel something strongly, I make a photograph. I do not attempt to explain the feeling." Ansel Adams (1902-1984) was an award winning photographer and environmentalist best known for his black and white photographs of the American West. Moonrise, taken in Hernandez, New Mexico, is his most famous photograph. What do you see first when you look at this photograph? There are white clouds, a moon in a black sky, white gravestones and the mountains. Ansel Adams uses the “Rule of Thirds”. Most artists think it is boring to look at a photo that is completely symmetrical. In this photo he has stimulated our eye by offering three layers, each with a different tone: the black sky, the white clouds, and the gray landscape. Ansel describes the photo as having serendipity (lucky chance) and immediate technical recall
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Insurance Company Tells Doctor How to Practive Medicine
Yesterday I went to see my pulmonary doctor. I was supposed to have had a high density chest cat scan this past Monday, but my insurance company turned it down. Since when does an insurance decide how a doctor practices medicine? They said I didn't meet the criteria. I am so furious about this, as this insurance isn't cheap, and the doctor stated the reason for the test was to rule out bronchiectasis, which is not a nice disease. I hope I don't have it, but my further treatment depends on knowing if I do or not.
I developed asthmatic bronchitis last summer and it has been a problem off and on ever since. It has been worse lately, and I am short of breath with any real activity, wheezing and coughing all the time. I currently have an infection again. I am been on antibiotics and steroids much of the time which help temporarily but haven't cured it. This condition has changed my whole lifestyle.
use of steroids and decongestants. What do they think I have been taking? They suggested a chest x-ray. I've had 2 already but a more definitive test is necessary to determine why I am not getting well. They mention that since I have no smoking history the above recommendation would be adequate. I wish I could go to their office and cough all over their desk! I know, Yuck!
I called the insurance company again after the appointment, and they are suppose to get the doctor on the phone to see if there is another reason for the test. Maybe the current infection that I donated a sample of to the lab yesterday will be an adequate reason. There is another test which is likely to happen regardless of whether I get the cat scan or not according to my doctor. The cat scan could eliminate the need for this other test. However, if I have it done , I will be put to sleep and the doctor will use a tube to go down in my lungs to see first hand what the problem is and take samples of tissue or infection. Now, that really sounds like a good time!
If the insurance company can get away with this, how would it be if the government controlled your medical treatment? It would be horrible, that is obvious! Doctors are trained and should be the ones who determine the course of your treatment for any disease. I have been blessed with good doctors who always talk to me about options and answer my questions. They explain why they want to do certain test or try certain medication but if the insurance companies and/or government take over, things will no longer work this way.
I developed asthmatic bronchitis last summer and it has been a problem off and on ever since. It has been worse lately, and I am short of breath with any real activity, wheezing and coughing all the time. I currently have an infection again. I am been on antibiotics and steroids much of the time which help temporarily but haven't cured it. This condition has changed my whole lifestyle.
use of steroids and decongestants. What do they think I have been taking? They suggested a chest x-ray. I've had 2 already but a more definitive test is necessary to determine why I am not getting well. They mention that since I have no smoking history the above recommendation would be adequate. I wish I could go to their office and cough all over their desk! I know, Yuck!
I called the insurance company again after the appointment, and they are suppose to get the doctor on the phone to see if there is another reason for the test. Maybe the current infection that I donated a sample of to the lab yesterday will be an adequate reason. There is another test which is likely to happen regardless of whether I get the cat scan or not according to my doctor. The cat scan could eliminate the need for this other test. However, if I have it done , I will be put to sleep and the doctor will use a tube to go down in my lungs to see first hand what the problem is and take samples of tissue or infection. Now, that really sounds like a good time!
If the insurance company can get away with this, how would it be if the government controlled your medical treatment? It would be horrible, that is obvious! Doctors are trained and should be the ones who determine the course of your treatment for any disease. I have been blessed with good doctors who always talk to me about options and answer my questions. They explain why they want to do certain test or try certain medication but if the insurance companies and/or government take over, things will no longer work this way.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Common and not so Common Autoimmune Diseases
Did You Know There Are 80 Types of Autoimmune Disorders? No, I promise not to list all of them. I will briefly cover the more common autoimmune diseases that I haven’t written about in the past. I have recently written about Rheumatoid Arthritis, Sjogren’s Disease and several hubs on Lupus so you can read detailed information on those diseases.
In the normal person, the body’s immune response is what protects them from invading diseases and infections. In a person with an autoimmune disorder things have gone haywire. Your body doesn’t recognize invaders from your healthy tissue so your white blood cells or T cells attack healthy organs. They can virtually affect every part of your body. These diseases usually attack women, particularly African-American and Native-American women.
Many autoimmune disorders have similar symptoms, which makes diagnosis that much more difficult. Often this process is frustrating as your first symptoms are fatigue, muscle aches and low fever. The diseases sometimes flare-up and sometimes go into remission. Most autoimmune diseases affect women more often than men, with higher percentages for Afro-Americans and Native-Americans people.
http://hubpages.com/hub/80-Types-of-Autoimmune-Diseases?done
In the normal person, the body’s immune response is what protects them from invading diseases and infections. In a person with an autoimmune disorder things have gone haywire. Your body doesn’t recognize invaders from your healthy tissue so your white blood cells or T cells attack healthy organs. They can virtually affect every part of your body. These diseases usually attack women, particularly African-American and Native-American women.
Many autoimmune disorders have similar symptoms, which makes diagnosis that much more difficult. Often this process is frustrating as your first symptoms are fatigue, muscle aches and low fever. The diseases sometimes flare-up and sometimes go into remission. Most autoimmune diseases affect women more often than men, with higher percentages for Afro-Americans and Native-Americans people.
http://hubpages.com/hub/80-Types-of-Autoimmune-Diseases?done
Thursday, February 18, 2010
St David 's Day Feast in Welsh England
I wrote a hub about the interesting food they serve in Welsh. There are pictures and a few recipes. Their food is certainly unique but interesting. Have a look at:
http://hubpages.com/hub/Food-From-the-Welsh-People?done
http://hubpages.com/hub/Food-From-the-Welsh-People?done
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Exquisite Stained Glass Window a Decorators Delight
I have writen a follow-up article to my series on stained glass. I love stain glass the it is one of the few art forms that survived through the centuries. I have included numerous pictures starting during the Renaissance to the Art Nouveau period. It highlights designers like Tiffany and Frank Lloyd Wright.
If you are interested, the website is:
http://hubpages.com/hub/stained-glass-window-exquisite?done
If you are interested, the website is:
http://hubpages.com/hub/stained-glass-window-exquisite?done
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
First Tea Party Meeting For Me
http://hubpages.com/hub/First-Encounter-with-Tea-Party-Group-and-What-a-Surprise
There is no leader here, or anywhere in the nation. They have a mission statemnt and goals. They do not want a third political party and they don't endorse candidates. Instead, they research all candidates then make the information available to people so the voter can make an informed choice. I was very impressed that no one was trying to dictate to anyone about any particular candidate or specific agenda. They were just a group of interested people who wanted to be able to speak with one voice about the problems they see in this country. I felt good when I left the meeting and may attend again.
First Encounter with Tea Party Group and What a Surprise
50Tea Party Sign
First Tea Party Experience for Me
Yesterday I had the pleasure of attending a meeting of the First Coast Tea Party in a friend’s home. She had a group of about 20 people, along with the local organizers. There was a couple who are small business owners in the area that explained what the tea party is trying to accomplish and how the tea party in Jacksonville is growing There are new committees, one for research, one for art projects, musicians with a multitude of new groups forming all the time. Some are made up of the elderly population and some reach out to the youth. The enthusiasm for all attendees was hopeful as people are anxious to make a statement. The goal is to start as many tea parties in the area as possible, so any person in Jacksonville has a meeting that is accessible. Several of the organizers will meet any time with any individual, any where to help the party grow.There is no leader here, or anywhere in the nation. They have a mission statemnt and goals. They do not want a third political party and they don't endorse candidates. Instead, they research all candidates then make the information available to people so the voter can make an informed choice. I was very impressed that no one was trying to dictate to anyone about any particular candidate or specific agenda. They were just a group of interested people who wanted to be able to speak with one voice about the problems they see in this country. I felt good when I left the meeting and may attend again.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Stained Glass Windows- History-and-Exquisite-Beauty
How Stained Glass Began
The origin of stained glass windows has been lost in history, but it has admired for its beauty since the 10th century where depictions of Christ and biblical scenes graced churches in France, Germany and some in England.
Between the years of 1150-1500, stained glass reached its peak in Rome with magnificent windows being created for the great cathedrals.
A twelfth-century German monk, named Theophilus, gives the best known history of stained glass. He was an artist and metal worker. He studied glaziers and glass painters at work in order to provide more detail for creating attained glass window of immeasurable beauty. He wrote directions for craftsmen to follow.
Between the years of 1150-1500, stained glass reached its peak in Rome with magnificent windows being created for the great cathedrals.
A twelfth-century German monk, named Theophilus, gives the best known history of stained glass. He was an artist and metal worker. He studied glaziers and glass painters at work in order to provide more detail for creating attained glass window of immeasurable beauty. He wrote directions for craftsmen to follow.
Stained Glass Windows History and Exquisite Beauty
52
How Stained Glass Began
The origin of stained glass windows has been lost in history, but it has admired for its beauty since the 10th century where depictions of Christ and biblical scenes graced churches in France, Germany and some in England.
Between the years of 1150-1500, stained glass reached its peak in Rome with magnificent windows being created for the great cathedrals.
A twelfth-century German monk, named Theophilus, gives the best known history of stained glass. He was an artist and metal worker. He studied glaziers and glass painters at work in order to provide more detail for creating attained glass window of immeasurable beauty. He wrote directions for craftsmen to follow.
Between the years of 1150-1500, stained glass reached its peak in Rome with magnificent windows being created for the great cathedrals.
A twelfth-century German monk, named Theophilus, gives the best known history of stained glass. He was an artist and metal worker. He studied glaziers and glass painters at work in order to provide more detail for creating attained glass window of immeasurable beauty. He wrote directions for craftsmen to follow.
Canterbury Cathedral, Glass by Beckett
Thomas Beckett, an Archbishop of Canterbury created numerous, gorgeous stained glass windows in the cathedral. He is venerated as a saint and martyr. He was assassinated by followers of the King of England.
How Window Were Created
The methods for creating windows isn’t too different today. First you mark out the dimensions of length and width on a wooden board, draw the pattern that pleases you and select colors. Next, you cut the glass and fit the pieces together with the grozing iron (similar to a soldering iron). Enclose them with lead came and solder all four sides. Surround the glass window with a wooden frame and secure in place with nails. The windows must be well made to endure rain, wind, snow and, it must support its own weight.
The basic ingredients of glass in those times consisted of sand, and wood ash (potash); then, the mixture is melted into a liquid which cools as glass. The colors were made using metallic salts and powered metals during its manufacture while the glass was still molten. Molten glass can be blown into a sausage shape, and then slit on the side before flattened into a sheet.
The medieval stained glass windows in Canterbury Cathedral are among the earliest and finest in Europe. The oldest window, a charming depiction of Adam digging with a spade, dates from about 1180 AD, and more continued to be added throughout the Middle Ages. Thanks to a thorough program of cleaning and restoration in recent years, many of these windows are more beautiful now than they have been for centuries.
Many of the stained glass windows remain after hundreds of years and are there for your viewing should you be fortunate enough to visit these exquisite cathedrals.
To see beautiful pictures of the stained glass check out my hub at:
http://hubpages.com/hub/Stained-Glass-Windows-History-and-Exquisite-Beauty
The basic ingredients of glass in those times consisted of sand, and wood ash (potash); then, the mixture is melted into a liquid which cools as glass. The colors were made using metallic salts and powered metals during its manufacture while the glass was still molten. Molten glass can be blown into a sausage shape, and then slit on the side before flattened into a sheet.
The medieval stained glass windows in Canterbury Cathedral are among the earliest and finest in Europe. The oldest window, a charming depiction of Adam digging with a spade, dates from about 1180 AD, and more continued to be added throughout the Middle Ages. Thanks to a thorough program of cleaning and restoration in recent years, many of these windows are more beautiful now than they have been for centuries.
The Art of Stained Glas
Stained glass is an art and a craft. It requires the artist to have a vision to conceive their project and to choose colors and textures of glass that are pleasing to the eye. There must be an appropriate workable design and the skills to fit the glass pieces snuggly together which can be quite difficult.
Stained Glass a Lost Art for 300 Years
By the 15th century paler colors were used which allowed more light and figures were larger. They rediscovered silver stain which allowed the artist to realistically depict yellow hair and golden garments. Stained glass artists became stained glass painters as the form moved closer to panel painting. The Renaissance brought the art of stained glass into a 300 year period where windows were heavily painted white glass, thus losing all their former glory and symbolism. Their innate beauty was all but forgotten.Many of the stained glass windows remain after hundreds of years and are there for your viewing should you be fortunate enough to visit these exquisite cathedrals.
To see beautiful pictures of the stained glass check out my hub at:
http://hubpages.com/hub/Stained-Glass-Windows-History-and-Exquisite-Beauty
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Philly Chees Steak Sandwich Recipe
http://hubpages.com/hub/Sandwich-Recipe-Philly-Cheese-Steak?done
This is an easy and delicious recipe that is good for a small group of family and friends. I serves 12 people. There are pictures at the link and the full recipe. It is so good!
This is an easy and delicious recipe that is good for a small group of family and friends. I serves 12 people. There are pictures at the link and the full recipe. It is so good!
Friday, February 12, 2010
http://hubpages.com/hub/Its-Not-Nice-to-Fool-Mother-Nature
It's Not Nice to Fool Mother Nature
Savannah- A New Crossbred Cat
African Serval Cat
Savannah Cat Personality and Cost
I came across a website the other day featuring the Savannah cat. This exotic cat is a crossbreed between an African Serval and a domesticated house cat. Savannahs are noted for their tall and slender bodies and their big ears. It is one of the newest breeds in the world and there are just a few breeders worldwide that have achieved their goal of successfully mating a Serval to a domesticated cat.I wrote an article about cross breeding in the wild and what man does. I hope you might check it out as it is a topic I never thought much about before.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Lindsy Vonn on Sports Illustrated Called too Sexy
Sports Illustrated only features women about 4% of the time and usually criticism is limited to the swim suit copy. However, several people are up in arms over Vonn's picture which is in a tight ski suit in a crouched position over her skies.
This girl has an amazing story of success and overcoming injuries. She is one of the hopes for Olympic Gold at the Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver next week. I wrote a more detailed hub about her because I think the comments about her picture are stupid and because she is an inspiration to any woman in sports. The link is listed below if you are interested.
http://hubpages.com/hub/Lindsy-Vonn-Champion-Skier-Too-Sexy?done
This girl has an amazing story of success and overcoming injuries. She is one of the hopes for Olympic Gold at the Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver next week. I wrote a more detailed hub about her because I think the comments about her picture are stupid and because she is an inspiration to any woman in sports. The link is listed below if you are interested.
http://hubpages.com/hub/Lindsy-Vonn-Champion-Skier-Too-Sexy?done
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Stained Glass A Wonderful Hobby or Business
I wrote a hub today about how I got into working with stained glass after the lupus I have kept flaring up and I couldn't work anymore. It is not for everyone but I found it to be a great artistic outlet for myself. It is not a cheap hobby either as you need quite a bit of equipment and then you must purchase all the beautiful glass. If you want to see some of my work check out by hub. Maybe it will inspire a new hobby for you.
http://hubpages.com/hub/EarnMoneyMakingStainedGlassTreasures
http://hubpages.com/hub/EarnMoneyMakingStainedGlassTreasures
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Are you an Adrenalin Junkie?
Are you one of those people that just can't say no? Do you have your days packed with activity almost every minute? Do you get angry very easily? Are you under a lot of stress? Are you a risk taker? These are all things to look at if stress and anxiety are a problem for you. I wrote a Hub at http://hubpages.com/hub/Adrenalin-Junkie?done
that gives a lot more detail and it has an assessment quiz.
There are always ways to learn to reduce your stress level. Sometimes counseling is the logical answer. Maybe learning to meditate, or choose a hobby that you feel good about without having any time limits on completion. I am one of those people who take on too much and it is a lifelong pattern. I am really trying to stop doing than and am better at saying NO because high stress very much affects my health. I have lupus and a couple of days after a stressful event, I get into a flare-up. I don't let the little stuff bother me much anymore and as I am a bit of a perfectionist, that is a change. Learning to meditate is helpful but I am still not doing it each day, but a few times a week is good. Exercise is another good reducer of stress, plus just having a trusting friend you can talk to is good.
that gives a lot more detail and it has an assessment quiz.
There are always ways to learn to reduce your stress level. Sometimes counseling is the logical answer. Maybe learning to meditate, or choose a hobby that you feel good about without having any time limits on completion. I am one of those people who take on too much and it is a lifelong pattern. I am really trying to stop doing than and am better at saying NO because high stress very much affects my health. I have lupus and a couple of days after a stressful event, I get into a flare-up. I don't let the little stuff bother me much anymore and as I am a bit of a perfectionist, that is a change. Learning to meditate is helpful but I am still not doing it each day, but a few times a week is good. Exercise is another good reducer of stress, plus just having a trusting friend you can talk to is good.
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