tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89298100123611323622024-03-05T07:56:46.206-08:00Live a Savory LifeUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger87125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8929810012361132362.post-4724424730137437132016-08-27T10:49:00.000-07:002016-08-27T10:49:32.282-07:00Silence<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpLt5abeRRr0tZE6XoXs68hXFr-wQcwNrKdJvctevxdni8_JeEeO8-yiCqTAPU0smumPXCXE1-k0a_z4ZIAC1QIolcACjZ6R-L7nCo4Tz_uvseASav6NHEvAfFb3GyR5SEy9xufc1e82uH/s1600/20160725_081125_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpLt5abeRRr0tZE6XoXs68hXFr-wQcwNrKdJvctevxdni8_JeEeO8-yiCqTAPU0smumPXCXE1-k0a_z4ZIAC1QIolcACjZ6R-L7nCo4Tz_uvseASav6NHEvAfFb3GyR5SEy9xufc1e82uH/s400/20160725_081125_001.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I feel as bent as this wind-blown pine.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Have you ever been running and tripped, but your feet keep on moving for several steps before you finally fall flat on your face? That's how I feel right now, metaphorically. It's been a hectic summer full of reading, research, writing, planning, and righting the greenhouse twice. Yes,<i><b> twice</b></i>.<br />
<br />
Using a pipe frame we've had for years, I set up a small greenhouse on the extra pad in front of my garage. I covered it with shade-cloth tarps (from Harbor Freight), then constructed a micro-spray system attached to a timer. Perfect set-up, but soon discovered my folly.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ61ZJezcHSj6yUrIoVfsYJy5eqsoHA63ZYRwIf6dqhR0yilfB9bQaGLj63XKE59LDNC5cwhOJjHxyLSYSCWXoJiJQyiFgBMSQUmjOWoVzaWuEXdwVfbOlH-Kz96W8-kVzyPyzWpNQRO0_/s1600/20160804_075735_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ61ZJezcHSj6yUrIoVfsYJy5eqsoHA63ZYRwIf6dqhR0yilfB9bQaGLj63XKE59LDNC5cwhOJjHxyLSYSCWXoJiJQyiFgBMSQUmjOWoVzaWuEXdwVfbOlH-Kz96W8-kVzyPyzWpNQRO0_/s400/20160804_075735_001.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The wind was strong enough to bend a t-post.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A thunderstorm flipped it upside down into the yard.<br />
<br />
We had thought that the 5 gallon sand buckets we use to stabilize our vendor tent would be enough. We were wrong. They were dangling from the upended "legs"of the greenhouse. We flipped it over and put it back into place, this time wiring the west side (most of our weather comes from the west) to two 7' t-posts. We felt safe and secure.<br />
<br />
And then came Hurricane Elvis II.<br />
<br />
"<a href="http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/hurricane-elvis-the-unforgettable-storm-of-2003-ep-361357537-326653061.html">Hurricane Elvis</a>" is how Memphians refer to a storm that happened about 13 years ago. Smack-dab in the middle of "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tornado_Alley">Tornado Alley</a>," straight-line winds rather than a tornado swept away fences and stately trees, disrupting services for days in some areas. I no longer live in Memphis, but, as I stared out the back window, the memories were as fresh as the wind before a storm. Only the ribs of the tractor umbrella remained while the rain blew horizontally, and I maintained a dim hope that the greenhouse had withstood the gale. Peering out the front window, I saw my hope was in vain. There, like an upended turtle, lay the greenhouse, legs bent at odd angles. Within 20 minutes, the storm was over, and the late-afternoon sun caused steam to rise from the wet ground.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDgak3Uy_Ts1tYiotwe_lymSmiXU80m4w-3ZRataIJLsmBQv0sFsYeR0XyGZkmzaYR7f-KcI3DYWroqfWTFEICw_hnY3PIC9ntHfelQZABPFbOaP-hoN-B0T1nFEQUsgfA2lzZ1SwtrCyR/s1600/20160722_172019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDgak3Uy_Ts1tYiotwe_lymSmiXU80m4w-3ZRataIJLsmBQv0sFsYeR0XyGZkmzaYR7f-KcI3DYWroqfWTFEICw_hnY3PIC9ntHfelQZABPFbOaP-hoN-B0T1nFEQUsgfA2lzZ1SwtrCyR/s400/20160722_172019.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The remnant</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Not only was the greenhouse upended, all the plants--I had just up-potted peppers and tomatoes--were, too. Empty pots and trays were strewn across the yard, and across the road. Since, not surprisingly, the power was off, the first task was to find and report where the power lines were down. Easier said than done, however, as trees had been "topped" about 10 feet above ground and the tops lay in the road. I could see neighbors navigating through, and heard chainsaws whirring, and, after a brief inspection at my place, went to check on family up the road. It was a mess, but no major damage to structures.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnSoJnjWCG_4OCxxWOaKtohL_04LYEYyJaEAEBrwUaerMZVXLQ44PTGzjvjqO6Tz6aN-5KRxXEJHEmkvsRe4NJnlh7RazCIo-0EeAgjepD2vW5TT8SzbZYc6EnvvFOmuGz006ypAPCntEC/s1600/20160722_172304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnSoJnjWCG_4OCxxWOaKtohL_04LYEYyJaEAEBrwUaerMZVXLQ44PTGzjvjqO6Tz6aN-5KRxXEJHEmkvsRe4NJnlh7RazCIo-0EeAgjepD2vW5TT8SzbZYc6EnvvFOmuGz006ypAPCntEC/s400/20160722_172304.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Treetops in the road</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Resident Dragon arrived home about this time, after helping to clear the main road of a downed tree, and we used the tractor bucket to clear our little road. Good neighbor duty taken care of, we returned to the greenhouse. Legs bent, it was not bad, but would need some repair, so we left it and tried to salvage as many plants as possible. Most just needed repotting, so we set them to right and went inside to enjoy the now-restored power, and air-conditioning, as darkness fell.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I spent the next week in a dither, trying to decide whether to go ahead and get a bigger greenhouse (which was planned for the 2017 season) or repair this one. In the end, we decided to learn how to weather the winter in the smaller greenhouse and repaired it. The plants are looking a bit the worse for wear, but peppers are blooming and I look forward to some tomatoes again soon.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT-r0CqOoeokZaO_mtjoBbfQuvV-SIYLa-mHE0k6lyAfCUdRcWAUn3cIE42Es6sGeWwiuu8rFa-y4ngtVQzWjKoMHRlod14sa7LkbF0izBJ4g1bGLf1X-ARMzDYhHVIWfe8IUttPScdXrS/s1600/20160706_102859_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT-r0CqOoeokZaO_mtjoBbfQuvV-SIYLa-mHE0k6lyAfCUdRcWAUn3cIE42Es6sGeWwiuu8rFa-y4ngtVQzWjKoMHRlod14sa7LkbF0izBJ4g1bGLf1X-ARMzDYhHVIWfe8IUttPScdXrS/s400/20160706_102859_001.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying the silence</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So, back to falling flat on my face: it's been a long week, and a long summer. Last weekend we cleaned house (it was either that or give names to the dust bunnies), and now, with a million things on my to-do list, I'm taking some time to enjoy the quiet solitude of my country, my only, home. I rush around so much, schedule jam-packed, task-list getting longer and longer, that I'm just beginning to understand that, sometimes, I just need to stop. and. enjoy. the. silence.<br />
<br />
In the silence, I can hear the cat purring. In the silence, I can hear the dog's happy murmur. In the silence, I can hear myself breathing, slower and slower. In the silence, I can hear myself think. In the silence, I find myself, and realize how long I've been trying to be what other people think I should be. And, in the silence, I am restored.<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8929810012361132362.post-43910687682054350322016-02-26T17:41:00.000-08:002016-02-26T17:45:54.097-08:00My Winter Growth<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXKC8aAeHfdDmeceU8r-8HhXPjGrboBShmu78prQT5AamH-f1C3ZxkVppsklJ_y4ibPtmrpjfo9ogzSP3IpO4S0TL6peo2MIYly5sBzfm0uSyujzhxN7dbNDqjVAL5UFcK8M5YaKelo38z/s1600/utexttopics.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXKC8aAeHfdDmeceU8r-8HhXPjGrboBShmu78prQT5AamH-f1C3ZxkVppsklJ_y4ibPtmrpjfo9ogzSP3IpO4S0TL6peo2MIYly5sBzfm0uSyujzhxN7dbNDqjVAL5UFcK8M5YaKelo38z/s320/utexttopics.JPG" width="320" /></a>It seems like forever since I've written, because it has been! My apologies. I've been taking two online courses and they've kept me busier than expected. I do want to briefly tell you about one of them.<br />
<br />
As many of you know, I have a <i>tiny</i> boutique nursery called <a href="http://savoryjardin.blogspot.com/">Savory Le Jardin</a>. Since I plan to expand this summer, I went searching on my state extension service site for publications and courses and found, of all things, a <a href="https://extol.tennessee.edu/people/course/index.php?categoryid=35">Master Nursery Producer</a> course. It has 21 modules chock-full of extremely detailed information. Now, not everyone among you might need a Master Nursery Producer course, but I do want to commend to you the good work and good information provided by your local extension offices. They develop and disseminate information to help farmers, gardeners, and families live well. To find your local office, Google "extension service mystate mycounty."<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE7wt1nX5JSFVWLaSuhNLrvGUzo4n1drZrHxXvopoYUsdQk5aJcL7ak9D4OgRsdco3qsJEW5mHRT3CwSiWeGg5FrNKJ85MbRUyMXKPufM8_HL6SbjkcuRQpLGMsXNAY52oodLMXhRMWGMa/s1600/extensiondotorg.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE7wt1nX5JSFVWLaSuhNLrvGUzo4n1drZrHxXvopoYUsdQk5aJcL7ak9D4OgRsdco3qsJEW5mHRT3CwSiWeGg5FrNKJ85MbRUyMXKPufM8_HL6SbjkcuRQpLGMsXNAY52oodLMXhRMWGMa/s400/extensiondotorg.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
As you can see by the topic list, your extension service provides information not only for farmers, but for homeowners and families. My local office will pressure-test my canner at the beginning of the season, and even offers canning classes. Master Gardener classes are available, too, and our local Master Gardeners are very active. Our local 4-H is run out of this office, too.<br />
<br />
The University of Tennessee Extension Service also has a web site from which you can download all sorts of publications with detailed, reliable information. While you might have to pay for paper copies, virtually all downloaded publications are free. I have my eye on a few hoop house designs.<br />
<br />
If you're looking for publications from an even broader area, do check out <a href="http://extension.org/">Extension.org</a>. This allows you to search through publications from many states, and even has an "Ask an Expert" feature.<br />
<br />
So, you can see that I haven't been idle this winter. I've been growing my knowledge, and I expect my business to grow as well.<br />
<br />
What about you? How are you living your Savory life?<br />
<br />
Nancy</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8929810012361132362.post-74756965698220480502015-09-25T17:40:00.001-07:002015-09-25T17:40:42.317-07:00Flutterby<p dir="ltr">Spent the day in the garden and this visitor fluttered by!</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmVGPwRDK_3f0Z_QQJABx2Huyj4ThM5N847SsKOw53KeHk_NQTLjloTpxO_ccbAv508RtCU9DQBcFG1GamB7gdXT6B2fK45B1aCs003Z_-axGg04vTTKd6WP4AMCz1QEqpYdM3N6sYAtzY/s1600/PaperArtist_2015-09-25_18-40-36.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmVGPwRDK_3f0Z_QQJABx2Huyj4ThM5N847SsKOw53KeHk_NQTLjloTpxO_ccbAv508RtCU9DQBcFG1GamB7gdXT6B2fK45B1aCs003Z_-axGg04vTTKd6WP4AMCz1QEqpYdM3N6sYAtzY/s640/PaperArtist_2015-09-25_18-40-36.jpeg"> </a> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8929810012361132362.post-31852966809346114352015-06-27T07:08:00.001-07:002015-06-27T07:15:56.834-07:00"Tine" to Cut Costs!<p dir="ltr">When you're a micropreneur, you're always on the lookout for ways to cut costs. Here's one way I've made thrifty plant tags using index cards and <i>plastic forks</i> instead of those expensive plastic tridents.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRoJDQyia5MGIP3rvuv_C8keFzHFjABDXqESTG3CbMkhThQoxQ9mUOh5OrfgWv4N2ZEbKnUsQfMWANavzDB2rsJvcauVCe88iaGN_zQhEGlJZ3PEU4ukVvAwmQEznFAGCWSXz63DjiIbYJ/s1600/20150627_083754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRoJDQyia5MGIP3rvuv_C8keFzHFjABDXqESTG3CbMkhThQoxQ9mUOh5OrfgWv4N2ZEbKnUsQfMWANavzDB2rsJvcauVCe88iaGN_zQhEGlJZ3PEU4ukVvAwmQEznFAGCWSXz63DjiIbYJ/s640/20150627_083754.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo9fOSmplmhLc2Ymm6Jey9Oo-pX1ZqCbRZXftycvTG3GmlODiuiE-yvZo-r4BjFnkR3YXt7tyNryAGIzT-4OH8Akf8S_UnYmZJC7pDk3kbHnhGbfTN_G3HONtFbw5TvPpkM6d3orM2ezuh/s1600/20150627_084156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo9fOSmplmhLc2Ymm6Jey9Oo-pX1ZqCbRZXftycvTG3GmlODiuiE-yvZo-r4BjFnkR3YXt7tyNryAGIzT-4OH8Akf8S_UnYmZJC7pDk3kbHnhGbfTN_G3HONtFbw5TvPpkM6d3orM2ezuh/s640/20150627_084156.jpg"> </a> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8929810012361132362.post-75546574442812328672015-06-25T08:48:00.001-07:002015-06-25T08:48:22.848-07:00Knowing the Value of Your Suds<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6aB8v8GUhfQa6c3aPvuWCwbXGMWJsA9gzQY5cCko6c2M20zO2pRbCSwqy4gmJUhTNSxGU8es9fyov-h1W4vhyNGHofTKWRkWzP9XvzVoi8JWkGbMbDWwNmNiO1WAybSaHlejxkHdXBnAn/s1600/20150625_091428-picsay_wm" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6aB8v8GUhfQa6c3aPvuWCwbXGMWJsA9gzQY5cCko6c2M20zO2pRbCSwqy4gmJUhTNSxGU8es9fyov-h1W4vhyNGHofTKWRkWzP9XvzVoi8JWkGbMbDWwNmNiO1WAybSaHlejxkHdXBnAn/s400/20150625_091428-picsay_wm" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Recycle a used foaming soap dispenser</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It's amazing how accustomed we become to the simplest of things: soap, for example. Back when I was a child (and the earth was young and dinosaurs roamed), soap only came in bar form. Then came the liquid soap; I presume for those squeamish about touching soap other people had touched. The more recent incarnation is foaming soap: I presume to overcome the slimy feeling of soap. Of course, foaming soap is a luxury item with a luxury price. Being frugal as I am, I set about making my own. Here's how:<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWVdvDxRZgNPa_K7tsagLOUx6ORhcrSy9sW72zD_qTBMNs7u3xwcrhCPpN-lH-dpIhHqpyIfu2VlA9S_tSYxQGKWZ-D63FdLr1dmEknuLPcsBrsAXk5NdhnmHvAihe_YoH-xdmO2jcHqui/s1600/20150625_092923-picsay_wm" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWVdvDxRZgNPa_K7tsagLOUx6ORhcrSy9sW72zD_qTBMNs7u3xwcrhCPpN-lH-dpIhHqpyIfu2VlA9S_tSYxQGKWZ-D63FdLr1dmEknuLPcsBrsAXk5NdhnmHvAihe_YoH-xdmO2jcHqui/s400/20150625_092923-picsay_wm" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoy your foam!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Save <i>used</i> foaming soap dispenser.</li>
<li>Fill 1/4 full with regular liquid hand soap (or castile soap and essential oil).</li>
<li>Fill the remainder of the bottle (3/4) with warm water.</li>
<li>Replace cap and shake to mix.</li>
<li><i>Voila!</i></li>
</ul>
If you were paying attention, you've probably made a shocking discovery: foaming soap is, at most, 1/4 of the strength of liquid soap. It's true. So, you're paying <b>4 times as much</b> for foaming hand soap as for regular liquid hand soap. Ouch. But, if you like the feel of the foam, and I do, you still can enjoy it frugally with a little imagination!<br />
<br />
What about you? How are you frugally enjoying your Savory life?<br />
<br />
Nancy<br />
<i><br /></i></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8929810012361132362.post-56568317809278492392015-06-01T06:29:00.003-07:002015-06-01T06:30:36.062-07:00Ongoing Lessons in Entrepreneurship<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CEkdVgjUMAAL2aG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CEkdVgjUMAAL2aG.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Test-market before committing full resources to a new product line.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><i>Or, what I wish I had known from the start.</i></b></blockquote>
<br />
<h2>
</h2>
<h3>
</h3>
<h2>
</h2>
<h2>
</h2>
<h2>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Write your business plan, apply the rule of threes, then add a little more.</span></li>
</ul>
</h2>
There are many, but my rule of threes states that your plan will take 3 times as long, cost 3 times as much, and revenues will be 1/3 of projections. This is especially true if you are trying to start a business while employed full-time elsewhere. You must sleep, after all, and there is a limit to the energy you can expend and maintain your money-making job.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h2>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Small risk means small gain.</li>
</ul>
</h2>
<div>
There's an old joke about the difference between an artist and a <i>serious</i> artist: a mortgage. It's true. Nothing lights a fire under you like "betting the farm," but, in the current financial climate, that seems too dangerous for someone as risk-averse as I am. So, I'm starting small and growing slowly. I'm still working my "day job" for the "steady" income.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<h2>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>My customers are my "bosses."</li>
</ul>
</h2>
One of the advertised benefits of entrepreneurship is that you can "be your own boss." This is, in a large sense, utter hogwash. If you're selling something--goods or services--your <i>customers</i> are your bosses and control you with their buying behaviors. Learn all you can about the identity and habits of your customer base and you'll make far fewer missteps.<br />
<h2>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>If you can afford the note, you can afford to save up for it.</li>
</ul>
</h2>
I have a real problem with this. I am, admittedly, debt-averse--a stance developed through some hard lessons. Unless it is essential, avoid paying interest to <i>anybody</i>. Interest is money you pay to someone else because you were not disciplined enough to save in advance.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<h2>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li> Develop your marketing channels <i>before</i> you fully commit to production.</li>
</ul>
</h2>
I know, I know: you can't sell something you haven't made. Actually, you <i>can</i>; swindlers do it all the time. The problem is: how can you <i>ethically</i> sell something you haven't made? Okay, make a few and see how they go over. See if there is any demand for your product. If there isn't, can you create a perceived need or value? If you're making something nobody is buying, you do not have a business: you have a <i>hobby</i>.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CFsgxvrUEAAmDoq.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CFsgxvrUEAAmDoq.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Remember that you're selling to <i>people</i>!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>"I'm going to sell it on the Internet" is <i>not</i> a marketing plan.</b></span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
Perhaps it's just what I sell, or that I'm totally inept at Etsy/whatever, but Internet marketing just doesn't work for me (and I have a college degree in Geek). My husband is a jewelry artist and has sold, maybe, 5 pieces on our Etsy store (yes, our pictures are awful). That conversion rate is infinitesimal. He also sells at art fairs and crafts fairs where our conversion rate is about 25%. If you walk into our booth, there's a 1-in-4 chance you'll buy something. Part of that gorgeous booth design, but a big part is experienced inside-sales staff who know the questions to ask to make recommendations for the customer. My point is, Internet sales are all the rage, but our bread-and-butter is grassroots face-to-face retail.</div>
<div>
<h2>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Control costs.</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Cost control is the difference between success and failure.<span style="font-weight: normal;"> In your personal life, each dollar you spend costs you at least $1.25 to make. If you follow that trend in your business, you'll soon be </span><i style="font-weight: normal;">out</i><span style="font-weight: normal;"> of business. Margin is the difference between what it costs to make your product and what your customers pay for your product. The bigger the margin, the more you can pocket or reinvest in your business. While you're minimizing costs, always be on the lookout for <i>value</i>. Make sure that you're not degrading your product quality in the name of cost control.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
</h2>
<h2>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Know when to say when<span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></li>
</ul>
</h2>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">If you're not making money, and you've given your business adequate time to develop, and you're not having fun, and you can quit without losing the farm, stop. Do something else. Do nothing else. Take a break before your next big idea. Give it your all, but, when your all isn't enough, stop.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<h2>
</h2>
<h2>
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-size: large;">So, you're going to see me on next month's cover of <i>Entrepreneur</i> magazine, right?</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Um, no. I'm not trying to sell you a subscription or some high-priced webinar. </span></span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">I'm not scamming investors; I'm not taking out big loans; I'm not courting venture capitalists. </span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">I'm a small-potatoes micropreneur sharing the lessons she's still learning on her way to building a successful retirement business. I hope you can learn from my mistakes, and build your own successful business!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">What lessons have you learned? Share them in the comments below!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Nancy</span></h2>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8929810012361132362.post-25576560270266896732015-04-19T18:08:00.000-07:002015-04-19T18:08:18.792-07:002015 Plants for Sale<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Our mobile visitors cannot see the product list, so, here 'tis!<br />
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
2015 Organic, non-GMO Transplants</h2>
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Find us at the Fayette County Farmer's Market beginning March 28</h3>
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Early Vegetables: Transplants expected to be ready March 28</h4>
<br />
Broccoli: Waltham 29: Tolerates cold well, but may “button” at colder temperatures.<br />
<br />
Broccoli: Early Purple Sprouting: Tolerates cold well, may “button” at colder temperatures.<br />
<br />
Broccoli: Calabrese Sprouting: new variety; Likes somewhat warmer temperatures.<br />
<br />
Broccoli: Umpquah: Likes somewhat warmer temperatures.<br />
<br />
Cabbage: Early Flat Dutch: new variety; reported to be good for kraut!<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Tomatoes: Transplants expected to be ready after April 22</h3>
<br />
<i>Note: All standard tomato varieties are indeterminate and should be staked or trellised.</i><br />
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Table </h4>
<br />
Ozark Pink: survived a tomato hornworm invasion, produced throughout the season; good flavor.<br />
<br />
Arkansas Traveler: survived hornworm onslaught, produced late into the season, good flavor; Arkansas name connection.<br />
<br />
Cherokee Purple: survived hornworm invasion, good producer, excellent flavor.<br />
<br />
Black Trifele: survived hornworm onslaught; flavor-wise, probably my favorite because of its mild and smoky flavor; much smaller than a pear for me, with a few cracks. Not a prolific producer, but worth the trouble.<br />
<br />
Black Krim: survived hornworm onslaught; name recognition; good flavor.<br />
<br />
Arkansas Marvel: new variety: catalog description: "4-inch, 1 lb., meaty, yellow-orange beefsteak tomatoes with red marbling with a gush of wonderful sweet, well-balanced tomato flavors”<br />
<br />
Homestead 24: new variety: catalog description: "smooth, red, round 8 oz. fruits with exceptionally good taste"<br />
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Canning/Paste </h4>
<br />
Early Annie: short plant with few seeds, good flavor, actually produced all season for me.<br />
<br />
San Marzano Gigante: the legendary flavor and twice the size!; good flavor, and excellent producer; prolific nearly until<br />
<br />
frost; recognizable name; I'm actually planting San Marzano Redorta this year, but looking forward to a good harvest<br />
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Currant </h4>
<br />
Hawaiian Currant: Bracts of red, tiny, sweet, tasty tomatoes<br />
<br />
Gold Rush Currant: Heavy producer of bracts of tiny orange tomatoes, great flavor<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Peppers: Transplants expected to be ready after May 15</h3>
<br />
Chinese Five-Color: hot; new variety; beautiful edible ornamental whose fruit ranges through green, white, orange, and red; reported Scoville 50,000<br />
<br />
Tam Jalapeno: hot; good producer, nice-sized fruit; reported Scoville 4,500<br />
<br />
Jupiter: sweet; new variety; thick-walled, disease-resistant bell<br />
<br />
Ozark Giant: sweet; good producer, medium size bells, produced until frost last year<br />
<br />
Email: <a href="mailto:savory@liveasavorylife.com">savory@liveasavorylife.com</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.liveasavorylife.com/">www.liveasavorylife.com</a><br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8929810012361132362.post-87322854132021568492014-10-11T05:22:00.000-07:002014-10-11T06:01:39.925-07:00Red Sky at Morning in Absaroka County<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDUSlq-ZGan8TefXqknQVUfyyBcdfVwdQxZe3aEYUwr8BAg7o5Ukiisu4aSHKyrDrqXLqWXWpXxFWz0asX9KpwHFeC2HnySM0f7lTSyMD6-RE4nX9wbMB_IrqouZwgL33aU0W0kvXl6B7k/s1600/20141005_065219" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDUSlq-ZGan8TefXqknQVUfyyBcdfVwdQxZe3aEYUwr8BAg7o5Ukiisu4aSHKyrDrqXLqWXWpXxFWz0asX9KpwHFeC2HnySM0f7lTSyMD6-RE4nX9wbMB_IrqouZwgL33aU0W0kvXl6B7k/s1600/20141005_065219" height="300" width="400"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is the sun setting on <i>Longmire</i> as we know it?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
One of the promises I made to myself over the summer is that I would stop wasting time on idle television viewing so I could enjoy my favorite shows. This has, actually, worked pretty well, and has freed up a tremendous amount of time I did not realize I was wasting. One natural consequence, of course, is that I became very interested in those few shows with the inevitable outcome: one was cancelled. As a reader, I am a great fan of the cozy novel, and <i>Longmire</i> certainly qualifies as a cozy novel and cozy television. Yes, I do tweet my support under the #LongLiveLongmire hashtag, but, as a viewer who also writes, I have some reservations about season four. I don't know about you, but, despite some excellent performances, the plot had become a bit claustrophobic. I'm ready to meet some more of the fine (and wicked) folk of Absaroka county. As for the core cast, there are some issues that need to be addressed:<br>
<br>
Branch Connally (Bailey Chase) is done as a deputy, even if he survives his duel with his father. Although he doesn't appear in the novels, I have enjoyed the character as a foil for Walt's traditionalism. He may be the only character on the show (with the possible exception of Ferg) who admires Walt while seeing his human frailty. I'd love to see how the character rebuilds his life, but, given all the activity on <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0003082/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1">Bailey Chase's IMDB Filmography</a>, I'm not holding out much hope. <br>
<br>
Barlow Connally (Gerald McRaney) has been counting coup on Walt Longmire for many years and, as much as I enjoy watching McRaney chew up the scenery, I like the symmetry of Walt and Branch killing each other's "White Warrior." Barlow was a big character whose death could reverberate through the plotlines for a while.<br>
<br>
Jacob Nighthorse (A Martinez) is a mystery to me, and I'd like to know more. Just how shady is he?<br>
<br>
Malachi Strand (Graham Greene) is almost a stereotype "big bad" and seems too obvious for this series unless there's a lot we don't know. Still, any Greene screen time is fun.<br>
<br>
Matthias (Zahn McLarnon) is another mystery. Is he just a younger Malachi, or is there more to him?<br>
<br>
Ruby (Louanne Stephens) is the best "office mom" ever, but, just once, I'd like to see her chew on Walter.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Ferg (Adam Bartley) is getting a promotion this year whatever happens. He'll no longer be the "kid" and the character has a long way to go before anyone will take him seriously as a deputy. Could be fun to watch.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Cady Longmire (Cassidy Freeman) has grown up some, but the aftermath of season three could be even more challenging. I'm a die-hard Branch/Cady shipper and would really enjoy watching them work out a future together, even with all the roadblocks season three threw in their way. Without Branch? Oh, please don't pair her off with the lawyer friend; Cady needs a cowboy to keep in line.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Henry Standing Bear (Lou Diamond Phillips) gets a pass this year because he was the damsel in distress and he played it well. Actually, he's the only one of the major characters, except Branch, who stayed true to his principles. More Henry, please. And let's find out what he plans to do with the jar!</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Vic Moretti (Katee Sackhoff) has been the most disappointing character this season, between mooning over Walt and hiding out in his office to be safe from Branch?????? Please. Where's the tough Philly beat cop we thought we knew and loved? The whole stalker plotline unraveled for me the minute I found out she'd slept with a married man. Now, not even divorced, she's mooning over Walt, who happens to be her boss. Next she'll be complaining that the citizens of Absaroka don't respect female cops. Small towns have long memories.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Walt Longmire (Robert Taylor) has reverted back to pre-season one, without the Rainier beer. He has been so focused on the Martha/Henry case that he's neglected a major investigation (David Ridges case), neglected a subordinate spiralling out of control (Branch), and, oh, aided and abetted a fugitive while robbing a grave. So much for nobility and honor. Walt is deeply flawed, deeply human, and deeply decent; that's why we love him. But he, and the show, desperately need someone to remind him that he isn't a saint. With Branch gone, and Vic in love, I wonder who that might be.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">So, even if it finds a new network, changes are in store for the fans of Longmire. I hope we get to see them!</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">#LongLiveLongmire</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Nancy </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8929810012361132362.post-76336168415612667232014-09-11T20:11:00.000-07:002014-09-11T20:11:30.243-07:00On $30 Paint Jobs, and Other of Life's Priorities<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv4196RhlSyR1x4RpMsFYP266NMotin3n7O6xe1nzTWewcN0hAhjlGOuc4seV6SxLuAI1TY6m8w5U_pCOUu2XV-Hk7aQlP1CqzIwdhjUbn59CmipbTfUokxkXWd2o73tY2MScJ4HvoZdAd/s1600/20140324_070503-1_wm" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv4196RhlSyR1x4RpMsFYP266NMotin3n7O6xe1nzTWewcN0hAhjlGOuc4seV6SxLuAI1TY6m8w5U_pCOUu2XV-Hk7aQlP1CqzIwdhjUbn59CmipbTfUokxkXWd2o73tY2MScJ4HvoZdAd/s1600/20140324_070503-1_wm" height="240" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before . . .</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I've written several times about my little truck which, honestly, looks like it has leprosy. It's does, after a fashion, since, because it is cursed with one of those infamous GMC primer coats that <b><span style="font-size: large;">NOTHING</span></b> sticks to, its paint peels like it's a redhead with a sunburn. The dealer painted it several times in its youth (it's 25 years old this year!), and nothing stuck until my aunt and uncle, from whom I inherited it, painted it with <b>tractor</b> paint. That's been at least 15 years ago and that paint is turning loose, too. The truck is primarily used on the farm, is 25 years old but runs well, needs some body work, and, to be perfectly honest, is probably not worth the cost of a professional paint job. My Suburban is afflicted with the same GMC paint disease, is only 20 years old but runs extremely well considering it has 300,000+ miles on it (we're going for half a million!), and would take more paint than my house.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3rK3RpBXydJNxk6lm0jtLX5L4uLUxNdSJzy1kgxILtct6zgiWwRV75eXKnGkfu0lmR67c3cs0KVvSBTUmGBnHRnroiTYoYBiqCkSo4l97euJ82MqYE_11DFvw84Wjbl6bTZ_J2kdbPEJ5/s1600/20140715_140333_wm" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3rK3RpBXydJNxk6lm0jtLX5L4uLUxNdSJzy1kgxILtct6zgiWwRV75eXKnGkfu0lmR67c3cs0KVvSBTUmGBnHRnroiTYoYBiqCkSo4l97euJ82MqYE_11DFvw84Wjbl6bTZ_J2kdbPEJ5/s1600/20140715_140333_wm" height="300" width="400" /></a>Now I'm not one to sweat appearances over function, but even I began to tire of the piteous looks from friend and stranger alike so I started casting about for a solution. Professional paint jobs? Too expensive--even the cheap ones. And the idea that formed sounded the the beginning to a Jeff Foxworthy joke:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: large;">If your car's new paint job involves blue tape, spray cans, and day with calm winds . . .</span></blockquote>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFLNpBU7y9Zhik2Y5oRavjnrVj33p5ulhIRsZZOvQp0k-yZSpLAvPzvmZ5JFimxiy7YA_mzjJK0MINYqp5JkJj9jL3O0Dc9f92BdyBcq79vmXAkfwV8AfAA14STd8_24V7x-iXbMgMicev/s1600/20140901_140303" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFLNpBU7y9Zhik2Y5oRavjnrVj33p5ulhIRsZZOvQp0k-yZSpLAvPzvmZ5JFimxiy7YA_mzjJK0MINYqp5JkJj9jL3O0Dc9f92BdyBcq79vmXAkfwV8AfAA14STd8_24V7x-iXbMgMicev/s1600/20140901_140303" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before . . .</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
You get the idea. Yup, I did it. I started with the Suburban and a trip to Home Depot for <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/p/Rust-Oleum-Automotive-12-oz-Enamel-Gloss-White-Spray-Paint-252468/202623058#product_description">Rust-Oleum Automotive Enamel in Gloss White</a>. I taped off everything I didn't want painted and shot the little rust dings with a bit of gray primer. Given that the roof of a Suburban is only slightly smaller than an aircraft carrier, I dragged out a 6 foot step ladder for it and the hood. Finding a calm day can be a challenge, but one turned up in late July, and I spent an afternoon and six cans of gloss white. Actually, I'm pretty impressed with the results, so far. It looks far better from a distance, and not so bad up close.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie8jcuYYP5uuQ0zIwzLoljgwjezNnHh39vSQ1pGKg5gWUYQBnI1QUbscHDIFdL3O-AN1xhW4znLdRjOu-XEgtXXa8PEKM3nqA6zIW-8eP2vaVm12PE0NGtl-q02vdRCva-iBu-PNaZoFzb/s1600/20140901_144107" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie8jcuYYP5uuQ0zIwzLoljgwjezNnHh39vSQ1pGKg5gWUYQBnI1QUbscHDIFdL3O-AN1xhW4znLdRjOu-XEgtXXa8PEKM3nqA6zIW-8eP2vaVm12PE0NGtl-q02vdRCva-iBu-PNaZoFzb/s1600/20140901_144107" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">. . . After</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The procedure was the same for the truck: sand off big flakes, prime rust spots, tape off glass, and wait for a calm day. For this project, I invited my darling daughter out to help; it's never too soon to start training the next generation in cost/benefit analysis. For this job I dropped by my local Tractor Supply for five cans of <a href="http://www.tractorsupply.com/en/store/majicreg%3B-tractor-truck--implement-spray-enamel-11-oz-m-f-gray">Majic's M F Gray</a>--for the non-tractor girls among us, that's <i>Massey Ferguson</i> gray. A quick test spritz revealed that to be the tractor paint color that had held up so well. We, basically, painted everything but inside the bed (I have my eye on some rubberized spray coating for that!) but, because it's so tiny, only used barely four cans of paint!<br />
<br />
The reactions of my friends, family, and colleagues have ranged from bemusement to bewilderment. I find, however, that the same ones who were aghast at the visual condition of my vehicles are even more aghast at my admittedly cheapskate solution. But, I'm okay with that, and I have my family to thank. I was raised by people who survived the Great Depression--both my grandparents, and my parents--where functionality trumped fashion in every case. I like to think the lessons I learned from their frugality have helped my family survive the Great Recession of 2008. <br />
<br />
So, my vehicles are joining a long line of vehicles whose function far outlasted their beauty: the Blue Goose ('50 Dodge), the Red Monster ('56 Chevrolet), and, now, the Suburban ('94) and the Little Truck ('89). They're worn, but they do their job with a quiet pride in a job well-done. And, friends, that's real beauty.<br />
<br />
What about you? How are you living your Savory life?<br />
<br />
Nancy<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8929810012361132362.post-29450847464193019282014-06-09T06:48:00.000-07:002014-06-09T06:48:32.399-07:00Mother Nature Always Wins!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzoY45TaQL9j_nI7W8XAP5q2MInYFNtbQ0voYBgpVwMnSsuAO3ajl1ywLjQJBMh9IyWUc0iIHrmAQ4E54ASN-5cmeZOqr_qcidsyvoadgqpsl2Z-TOGHKeVJiaQNQeggt9U-_Gc2_9zzyd/s1600/swallowwaiting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzoY45TaQL9j_nI7W8XAP5q2MInYFNtbQ0voYBgpVwMnSsuAO3ajl1ywLjQJBMh9IyWUc0iIHrmAQ4E54ASN-5cmeZOqr_qcidsyvoadgqpsl2Z-TOGHKeVJiaQNQeggt9U-_Gc2_9zzyd/s1600/swallowwaiting.jpg" height="363" width="400" /></a></div>
For the past several years, barn swallows have nested on the ceiling fan motor on our back porch. We, of course, thought this was quaint and cute until we came home to a 4-foot long garden snake extended from the top of one of the Adirondack chairs in an effort to get to the nest. We removed the snake, and let the little fledglings leave of their own accord. Over the winter, we removed the nest.<br />
<div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
This spring, at the first sight of the swooping barn swallows, I turned on the ceiling fan in a effort to dissuade nesting (barn swallows do reuse nests). I was congratulating myself on my cleverness until I followed one particular swallow as it swooped into the porch.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqrRhp3vY4eTXxn9ZUC1wa8CfLpQrt_zQZBdPmr_G4TQX30Nadt2QJMxjiaUbWAsfL9uQXdM_4YdLWDw0WG4S26uMLqs6nFeaSc_i3qC23vw376O5se1xeGJGukAJE1Lqez8yQi2SxkhX3/s1600/picsay-1402319524518_wm" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqrRhp3vY4eTXxn9ZUC1wa8CfLpQrt_zQZBdPmr_G4TQX30Nadt2QJMxjiaUbWAsfL9uQXdM_4YdLWDw0WG4S26uMLqs6nFeaSc_i3qC23vw376O5se1xeGJGukAJE1Lqez8yQi2SxkhX3/s1600/picsay-1402319524518_wm" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Yes, they nested on the porch again--by building a nest in the corner instead of on the ceiling fan motor.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It's an important lesson for me since I think I can control anything. But the chirping immediately outside the window reminds me: despite all my efforts, in the end, Mother Nature always wins.<br />
<br />
So, it's up to me to play by <b>her</b> rules. I may not win, but I'll stay in the game longer.<br />
<br />
What about you? How are you living your Savory life?<br />
<br />
Nancy</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8929810012361132362.post-44443641517134148442014-06-03T06:53:00.001-07:002014-06-03T06:53:33.016-07:00Lifehacks: No More "Untils"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs6iiM5cMbYlbmE52sPrbo0C_nE-BrLxcwlkQT0AgAAAUm8X1VR35VBSqFe7H_ooJL6FPSS3gPho4b7HhzN8NQTkLTEZU0QEedcouTOQ5OjgG7UgIAcLr7JRDll_2jcRLNlR0s2bHca8rW/s1600/20140524_141013" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs6iiM5cMbYlbmE52sPrbo0C_nE-BrLxcwlkQT0AgAAAUm8X1VR35VBSqFe7H_ooJL6FPSS3gPho4b7HhzN8NQTkLTEZU0QEedcouTOQ5OjgG7UgIAcLr7JRDll_2jcRLNlR0s2bHca8rW/s1600/20140524_141013" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roadside Roses</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
You do what you can; you start where you are.</blockquote>
~character Althea Tibbs, <i>In the Heat of the Night</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
I feel like I've just emerged from a dense fog. Most know I've been taking the Permaculture Design Certificate course from Oregon State. It's been an intense, yet enjoyable time under the tutelage of <a href="http://www.permaculturerising.com/">Andrew Millison</a>, <a href="http://www.oly-wa.us/HerbnWisdom/index.php">Marisha Auerbach</a>, and my reader Tao Orion. I've just completed the first draft of my final design project (for my farm) and I thought I'd take a minute to share a few thoughts.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMudewBAD2JZgwL2_qBLB6rXXt5RUXBvx5frQUoA5GDqKkDVMyKBZ_2AzznePXS0xubmUWBr0_WzxgcxrrjBkr_4jYXiTY5uUufNO5qJ2oexntuC0nOI2zW2XrT_XAMLh9m3giiDzlpuOZ/s1600/20140222_172021_wm" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMudewBAD2JZgwL2_qBLB6rXXt5RUXBvx5frQUoA5GDqKkDVMyKBZ_2AzznePXS0xubmUWBr0_WzxgcxrrjBkr_4jYXiTY5uUufNO5qJ2oexntuC0nOI2zW2XrT_XAMLh9m3giiDzlpuOZ/s1600/20140222_172021_wm" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My "greenhouse"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Prior to taking the PDC course, I completed the <i><a href="http://northcarolina.ncat.org/">Getting Started in Farming</a></i> course from the National Center for Appropriate Technology. When I needed a break from the PDC's 10-15 hours of study and homework per week, I read Joel Salatin's <i><a href="http://www.polyfacefarms.com/2011/07/25/you-can-farm/">You Can Farm</a></i>. One theme has emerged from all three: <br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Discard the excuse of "until." </b></blockquote>
We'll all used it. <br />
<br />
"I can't start farming <b><i>until</i></b> I have some land." <br />
<br />
"I can't start plants from seed <i><b>until</b></i> I have a greenhouse."<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb7ktezXVTGtKopVQaYsa2Cx4qS-n7zPEW5rNT1KjvHHPVnD-yHMVO5LcUp8XSgLZlQEWJiLU8K52Dg7RjB0QODiIadXwx0W4BfTsAD59SR1qLHWvBHa8-bSVUrtrraOo-atfcuj_kVYOz/s1600/IMAG0092.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb7ktezXVTGtKopVQaYsa2Cx4qS-n7zPEW5rNT1KjvHHPVnD-yHMVO5LcUp8XSgLZlQEWJiLU8K52Dg7RjB0QODiIadXwx0W4BfTsAD59SR1qLHWvBHa8-bSVUrtrraOo-atfcuj_kVYOz/s1600/IMAG0092.jpg" height="400" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking forward to her return!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
"I can't start growing XXXX <i><b>until</b></i> I have a tractor."<br />
<br />
You get the idea. So, let's look through the <i>until</i> to the reality.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>What can you do now?</b></blockquote>
<br />
If you have no land, <i>rent</i> (or, even better, <i>borrow</i>) some. If you can't rent or borrow, grow in containers on your patio or porch. If you cannot grow it in a container under controlled conditions, you surely can't grow it in a field where conditions are far from controlled.<br />
<br />
If you don't have a greenhouse, <i>build one</i> with shelves, fluorescent lights, a timer, and shower curtains for inside use. Shop garage sales, discount stores, your junk drawer, thrift shops. It can be done inside far more inexpensively than you think. My little greenhouse--shelves inside my garage--will have to last several more seasons before I can afford anything bigger.<br />
<br />
If you don't have a tractor for XXXX crop, <i>grow something else</i> you do have the equipment for. Don't forget to do your market research, however. There's nothing more frustrating than growing something nobody wants to buy.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-P8IspMapMZoTgqD-ZNIturQOxlLo8lar03lPTvh3tJ2md_hXGV7MC-L9b0JgCz4NvzSGe9f5lqJSjTxQXER42nr6OXoTtTPtqAU-XPmDtT4x8DsHsMiaN8aHxEWCzvhLo8lEWAmIcw0q/s1600/20140519_181636_wm" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-P8IspMapMZoTgqD-ZNIturQOxlLo8lar03lPTvh3tJ2md_hXGV7MC-L9b0JgCz4NvzSGe9f5lqJSjTxQXER42nr6OXoTtTPtqAU-XPmDtT4x8DsHsMiaN8aHxEWCzvhLo8lEWAmIcw0q/s1600/20140519_181636_wm" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This oregano survived the harsh winter in an overgrown bed. <br />I wish I were as determined!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I'm having to push through the <i><b>untils</b></i> myself. My beloved tractor is ill, and finding parts for a 40-year-old Japanese tractor is somewhat like an archaeological expedition. But parts have been located and are wending their way to us. Until they arrive, my primary summer project is on hold, but there are plenty of others, just as valuable, that deserve my attention. I'm doing what I <i>can</i> until I can do what I <i>want</i>.<br />
<br />
So, Althea's rule (which sounds a lot like an Arthur Ashe quote) is guiding me forward.<br />
<br />
What about you? Which <i style="font-weight: bold;">untils</i> keep you from living your Savory life?<br />
<br />
Nancy</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8929810012361132362.post-85500660091987733292014-03-23T19:41:00.001-07:002014-03-23T19:41:21.995-07:00Lifehack: A Lesson in Frugality<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">“The question isn’t who is going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me.” – </span><em style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #444444; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Ayn Rand </strong></em><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxaytL0lsPxa7lulsMOVMV00QBjfJcKfpNDL6oORQckDTa1M11NoD9XqBIPA2-Zde-2KSMO87kz5d14JitaZFIgcav-Wq3zvMg4EQfRIzG3EHR-MkSHRfR3YLcRZAlBnKiO3aG_D8B9Jpq/s1600/20140316_101740-1_wm" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxaytL0lsPxa7lulsMOVMV00QBjfJcKfpNDL6oORQckDTa1M11NoD9XqBIPA2-Zde-2KSMO87kz5d14JitaZFIgcav-Wq3zvMg4EQfRIzG3EHR-MkSHRfR3YLcRZAlBnKiO3aG_D8B9Jpq/s1600/20140316_101740-1_wm" height="392" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was feeling about as smart <br />
as this little guy after a purchase this week!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I really thought I'd made a serious mistake last week. We're planning to expand the blackberry trellises, as well as putting out a windbreak, so we invested in an auger for the tractor. I found a used one on Craigslist, so we hitched up the trailer and took off on a two-hour drive. It looked just like the picture, so we paid the folks, loaded it up, and headed home.<br />
<br />
We only had about an hour of daylight left so we hurried to hook it up to the tractor. The boom and yoke hooked up easily. But when we went to attach the Power-Take-Off (PTO) shaft to the tractor, our problem became apparent.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFv5rmmcFdLKFc0KxATWZ81hjHZP2qYbljjg5bubxStEQOvvIBVH6716BGJfheqmom6H3iP-MjKPWHq8Y7MBf7OSDFYAPHDIA_xX4_2K89p59TdsgIrG7KsN4XG8qIkPOPsTzsljpoP3nl/s1600/20140315_170351_wm" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFv5rmmcFdLKFc0KxATWZ81hjHZP2qYbljjg5bubxStEQOvvIBVH6716BGJfheqmom6H3iP-MjKPWHq8Y7MBf7OSDFYAPHDIA_xX4_2K89p59TdsgIrG7KsN4XG8qIkPOPsTzsljpoP3nl/s1600/20140315_170351_wm" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
It was too short.<br />
<br />
No problem; we could just extend it.<br />
<br />
It would not budge. We pulled harder. We tapped on it lightly with a hammer. We tapped on it harder with the hammer. Nothing. Running out of daylight, we headed home, with me fearing I'd made a big mistake. How could I have forgotten to check the telescoping joint on the PTO? A new PTO would be really expensive if we could not make this one work. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Had my attempt at frugality been penny-wise and pound-foolish?</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPW1plPI5wNlekP7vWeTcJGTxutCTfLVLDQeloRgfEYokgxk9y76w9_i6JKM_uG0PmQAzLLVNaVZ51WIjrAgdEScfvmv0BlfWXGV2Lr32ITAaMUh8wy1RvhiQqOaYhkBQIjeSLd1BdNe9J/s1600/20140315_172211_wm" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPW1plPI5wNlekP7vWeTcJGTxutCTfLVLDQeloRgfEYokgxk9y76w9_i6JKM_uG0PmQAzLLVNaVZ51WIjrAgdEScfvmv0BlfWXGV2Lr32ITAaMUh8wy1RvhiQqOaYhkBQIjeSLd1BdNe9J/s1600/20140315_172211_wm" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Too short by several feet!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The next day we did what any reasonable person would do: we consulted every farmer in our church. The consensus was to pour brake fluid down the slip joint and let it soak in. We spent a while that evening hammering a small screwdriver into the telescoping joint, hoping to loosen any rust or grit, then dousing the shaft with brake fluid. We let it marinate overnight with no success.<br />
<br />
I was really worried. I priced out really long PTO shafts. Ouch. We kept fiddling with it, with no success.<br />
<br />
I was making plans to load the thing up onto a trailer and take it to the repair shop when, this morning at church, one of our farmer-consultants made one more suggestion. I tried it this afternoon.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Eureka!</b></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyeNDWw7jfXW6SGj06KtzpNtl6acgng7mPw5XhwBg1EG30dYk7zRVe7T78jcxCxJL4BdqdSBhmASgW8_nNxDQNbCq6L4vHhyphenhyphenUIQqYh74zJtci3ZRmjyShtsxOrwPE9WB7T-2qdcmDKCh9v/s1600/20140323_164345-1_wm" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyeNDWw7jfXW6SGj06KtzpNtl6acgng7mPw5XhwBg1EG30dYk7zRVe7T78jcxCxJL4BdqdSBhmASgW8_nNxDQNbCq6L4vHhyphenhyphenUIQqYh74zJtci3ZRmjyShtsxOrwPE9WB7T-2qdcmDKCh9v/s1600/20140323_164345-1_wm" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a lovely hole!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Still one bolt to saw off, but I'm in business. It's a good thing, too, since my trees are here and ready to be planted.<br />
<br />
So, am I smarter than the earthworm? Well, the jury's still out on that, but the lesson I learned this week is actually two lessons:<br />
<br />
<br />
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>Be alert in business. Make sure you get a good value for your investment. Be penny-wise and pound-wise, too.</li>
<li>Persist in the face of trouble, but do not be afraid to ask for help. Universally, the farmers both Jim and I consulted readily offered advice, and offered to help if we needed it.</li>
</ol>
<div>
So, it's been an educational week here on the farm; hopefully, next week's lessons will not be as, ahem, challenging . . .</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What about you? How are you living your <b>Savory</b> life?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Nancy</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8929810012361132362.post-27170268592094111392014-03-07T06:44:00.001-08:002014-03-07T06:44:41.872-08:00Getting Down to Business: Developing a Business Plan<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3rctZ4VdTJh9Qscmap0laQqiaKnowXaDmEPJy06MNrob8Kv-FxviZq4mydGn1ELP48JuBztCNTYGvrMddUAPZSWC8rLpLIcBaodg8pjuasFTEhmOlAECwb79y3g-bF2Vk-8b54xqiJJl4/s1600/IMAG0121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3rctZ4VdTJh9Qscmap0laQqiaKnowXaDmEPJy06MNrob8Kv-FxviZq4mydGn1ELP48JuBztCNTYGvrMddUAPZSWC8rLpLIcBaodg8pjuasFTEhmOlAECwb79y3g-bF2Vk-8b54xqiJJl4/s1600/IMAG0121.jpg" height="119" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moving from ignorance<br />to innovation!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">“Don’t be intimidated by what you don’t know. That can be your greatest strength and ensure that you do things differently from everyone else.” </span></blockquote>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #444444;">~</span><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://addicted2success.com/success-advice/video-sara-blakely-shows-us-how-she-went-from-5000-to-1billion-the-youngest-female-billionaire/" style="border: 0px; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank" title="Sara Blakely">Sara Blakely</a> </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="border: 0px; font-size: xx-small; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Founder of Spanx</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="border: 0px; font-size: xx-small; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">World's Youngest Female Billionaire</span></span></span></span></div>
<em style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #444444; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></strong></em>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">There's a difference between innovation and ignorance. Innovation refuses to be bound by convention while ignorance refuses to be educated by it. I've been ignorant, sort of.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">For years, I've been trying to get serious about converting my garden into a farming operation but, the truth is, I've not been serious enough. I've been dabbling at it--taking Rodale's <a href="http://rodaleinstitute.org/farm/organic-transition-course/">Organic Transition Course</a>, auditing Will Hooker's <a href="http://mediasite.online.ncsu.edu/online/Catalog/Full/f5a893e74b7c4b7980fd52dcd1ced71521">Introduction to Permaculture</a> course, but I've not done the hard work of transitioning from hobbyist to business person.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-tiDKKBLTDejJ1NCOD567whWspp9pxf-LNQaNKnCE_efRqSSTlpf0-EY7vE9WrLRSDJOYvdfgxnVF0v35vlU4mVU_vYTUcLb1_tnsHSCVfRqb1ZMaDjMZ8EwPmXmHKSxznuYhQd2JOfC4/s1600/IMAG0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-tiDKKBLTDejJ1NCOD567whWspp9pxf-LNQaNKnCE_efRqSSTlpf0-EY7vE9WrLRSDJOYvdfgxnVF0v35vlU4mVU_vYTUcLb1_tnsHSCVfRqb1ZMaDjMZ8EwPmXmHKSxznuYhQd2JOfC4/s1600/IMAG0003.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Businesses need good roots to grow!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">Well, I've taken the first steps in changing that: after all these years, I've begun a business plan for the farm. You'd think, with a business degree, I'd be able to write a business plan in my sleep, but I've been stymied by this task. I've started again and again, and given up each time until I discovered a handy course from the <a href="https://www.ncat.org/agriculture/">National Center for Appropriate Technology</a> which was created through a grant from the <a href="http://www.nifa.usda.gov/">National Institute of Food and Agriculture</a>: <i><a href="http://northcarolina.ncat.org/home.php#">Getting Started in Farming: An Introduction to Farm Business Planning</a></i>. Its eight lessons (and six case studies) are leading me through the entire process:</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Goal Setting</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Assessing Skills and Resources</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Land Access</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Marketing</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Startup & Recordkeeping</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Risk Management</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Financing Your Farm</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Business Plan</span></span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIKb5egu3gsghZuappBep8_FUO2Haiu9ZwR_w2vLZ4Rc3T2WT73MK16HsOYJVR2dm4xXWIWjiumsBh1eSe6bAUqlydzIaotJtl5ILy5jS_DyfFeV2aK2DWf1MjhsLZBdufGOLxVoPfh1i_/s1600/IMAG0810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIKb5egu3gsghZuappBep8_FUO2Haiu9ZwR_w2vLZ4Rc3T2WT73MK16HsOYJVR2dm4xXWIWjiumsBh1eSe6bAUqlydzIaotJtl5ILy5jS_DyfFeV2aK2DWf1MjhsLZBdufGOLxVoPfh1i_/s1600/IMAG0810.jpg" height="119" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Strong roots <br />weather harsh conditions!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Each lesson has attached excellent supplemental readings, as well as a writing assignment which accomplishes that section of the business plan. Some sections (recordkeeping, for example) I had already begun, although in too simple a form. Land access was interesting, but we moved to the farm six years ago. The skills assessment was eye-opening, though. It forced me to take a hard look at myself, and my resources. I still have a long way to go, but can, at least, get started.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">The risk management section nearly derailed me, though, because, just as I was reading it, the <a href="http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2014/01/28/22483133-victims-families-devastated-as-colorado-farmers-avoid-prison-after-deadly-melon-outbreak?lite">Colorado cantaloupe farmers were sentenced</a> in connection with a deadly listeria outbreak. The possibility of sickening someone stopped me cold. Could I--should I--face that risk? I've thought about that for several weeks now, and I am going forward with my plan. Sustainable, locally-produced fruits and vegetables can contribute to the physical and economic health of my community. Contributing to my community, and putting land <i>back</i> into cultivation, is important to me.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb7ktezXVTGtKopVQaYsa2Cx4qS-n7zPEW5rNT1KjvHHPVnD-yHMVO5LcUp8XSgLZlQEWJiLU8K52Dg7RjB0QODiIadXwx0W4BfTsAD59SR1qLHWvBHa8-bSVUrtrraOo-atfcuj_kVYOz/s1600/IMAG0092.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb7ktezXVTGtKopVQaYsa2Cx4qS-n7zPEW5rNT1KjvHHPVnD-yHMVO5LcUp8XSgLZlQEWJiLU8K52Dg7RjB0QODiIadXwx0W4BfTsAD59SR1qLHWvBHa8-bSVUrtrraOo-atfcuj_kVYOz/s1600/IMAG0092.jpg" height="200" width="119" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Infrastructure <br />requires <br />careful planning!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">At this point, I'm self-financing--I have a job in the city. My goal for this year, which is actually my third year trying to "farm," is to clear enough to pay the property taxes. I know that's a modest goal, but it's the logical next step and I need a little success this year!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Today is the day I will be slogging through my Farm Food Safety Plan 1.0. While that might seem more daunting a task than writing a business plan (and it is!), the <a href="http://onfarmfoodsafety.org/">On-Farm Food Safety Project</a> has a wonderful <a href="http://onfarmfoodsafety.org/create-a-food-safety-manual/">tool</a> which will help me build it, section-by-section. I think copious amounts of chocolate may be required.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Then, after putting all the documentation together, I'll review it as a whole and, before the heat sets in, do as much soil- and infrastructure-building as I can. I think more chocolate may be required. And compost. And a post-hole digger. And . . .</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">How are you working toward living your Savory life?</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Nancy</span></span></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8929810012361132362.post-55557538371736111722014-01-11T18:38:00.000-08:002014-01-11T18:38:46.172-08:00From Permaculture to Permaliving<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdUTrny7DOmYzn74XhZEmEPbkjCSmoMkRr_jVhBTs92_EhFjoebR9rv76bsJyu_q0VLRS6dhbKSU5WMt28X-D4_JnV1gSQ62ylC1eYYnvy_QKlNono41gEaJJiXZEZuCREC4xIpwfyv0Gx/s1600/20131216_084224" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdUTrny7DOmYzn74XhZEmEPbkjCSmoMkRr_jVhBTs92_EhFjoebR9rv76bsJyu_q0VLRS6dhbKSU5WMt28X-D4_JnV1gSQ62ylC1eYYnvy_QKlNono41gEaJJiXZEZuCREC4xIpwfyv0Gx/s1600/20131216_084224" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A lovely purple cast for the holidays!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Somehow, it takes me a week or two in January to recover from December. The holiday season can be exhausting, and this year's was especially so since I broke my wrist in two places on December 8. We had waked on Sunday morning to a coating of ice and I slid down my back steps. I immediately knew it was broken, but not severely so I had Jim wrap it and had it x-rayed after finishing my day.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The orthopedist put me in a cast, of course, which was miserably inconvenient. Mind you, I'm only mildly complaining, since the break could have been far worse. I relied a lot on Jim this year at Christmas, and everything I did was very tiring.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYdhyphenhyphenXarop2bUyBMlpZJJm6s78WTkHas-3Muzp9IwgMe5T4k8bnITdvnwOX53CytuJOmQpg-goftPKg1NY5NDei2fhjg_2dsBcmsQhX_h5ANSvOvnMV7wE9gbiGVOe-d2FC0qK3CMIpjV6/s1600/20140111_140939" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYdhyphenhyphenXarop2bUyBMlpZJJm6s78WTkHas-3Muzp9IwgMe5T4k8bnITdvnwOX53CytuJOmQpg-goftPKg1NY5NDei2fhjg_2dsBcmsQhX_h5ANSvOvnMV7wE9gbiGVOe-d2FC0qK3CMIpjV6/s1600/20140111_140939" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How can I capture this for the summer?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
The cast came off on Tuesday, so I'm enjoying more freedom with a brace. As has been my custom, I began an online class after Christmas--Introduction to Permaculture. One of the first tenets of permaculture is to observe closely, and the recent polar weather has given me plenty to observe.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We were frigid--the lowest low was 0--but the dangerous precipitation avoided us. The garden was a little crispy after the hard freeze, but, I think, the broccoli, carrots, and garlic will survive.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoPtRDmPq9DAmc-bABfMHWnrkLMzb_svGXC6nCNfrHCDxgeue8-95PJPkXP4ErkAQCPipXgJDWqblqTFRPMsJxnVQAwhZXdJEbU6aBqOBwWnsLekvNaq5-ZJlNcmCm2xtdyoJJiQrpQA8i/s1600/20140108_201153" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoPtRDmPq9DAmc-bABfMHWnrkLMzb_svGXC6nCNfrHCDxgeue8-95PJPkXP4ErkAQCPipXgJDWqblqTFRPMsJxnVQAwhZXdJEbU6aBqOBwWnsLekvNaq5-ZJlNcmCm2xtdyoJJiQrpQA8i/s1600/20140108_201153" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Life is always full of challenges.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
One of the main problems I'm hoping permaculture will solve is water control--and we certainly have had enough rain this weekend to observe all of our drainage challenges.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Speaking of drainage challenges, like many others, we had a frozen/burst pipe during the cold spell. As these things go, it was minor, especially because we have concrete floors rather than carpet. The cleanup was quick, although we are still drying out a few books. Little did I realize that choosing concrete floors because they are so easy to clean would also help us recover from the water.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
That's one of life's realities: choices resonate for a long time after we make them. Often, I put off making a choice, or overthink a situation, for fear of making the wrong choice. What's the saying? </blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><i>Failure to decide is deciding to fail.</i></b></blockquote>
<br />
Thoughtful analysis is good, and underrated, but when it spirals into fear, it can be paralyzing. All I can do--all anyone can do--is gather the best information I can, try to account for future best- and worst-case scenarios, then go with what seems most reasonable. Sounds a lot like permaculture. Maybe I should call it <i>permaliving</i>.<br />
<br />
What about you? How are you living your <b>Savory</b> life?<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
Nancy</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8929810012361132362.post-68916243666056027042013-12-23T06:17:00.005-08:002013-12-23T06:17:58.277-08:00Christmas Tree Biography<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEButl4RbaJhM4YG9wmjRpkKGYazvn0r2xEnObiwkb5k87S4XHcV-WTsm8iPCdDYZdB8LLjlPCw9wxxd-2ZLmmbp9gHBB9TP0dFv8eEeAei05TcKvPPixGFykeZ3CgRvbD8bQPHUPil1aU/s1600/20131221_160825" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEButl4RbaJhM4YG9wmjRpkKGYazvn0r2xEnObiwkb5k87S4XHcV-WTsm8iPCdDYZdB8LLjlPCw9wxxd-2ZLmmbp9gHBB9TP0dFv8eEeAei05TcKvPPixGFykeZ3CgRvbD8bQPHUPil1aU/s400/20131221_160825" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My tree as of December 21--<br />still undecorated!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This post could be subtitled, "Why I Could Never Have a Designer Christmas Tree."<br />
<br />
But first, am I the only one who is having trouble getting into the holiday spirit this year? Am I getting old? Am I overscheduled? Well, yes to both questions, but they cannot be the explanation for others, too, can they?<br />
<br />
I did deviate from my routine this year in that I did not decorate the house the weekend after Thanksgiving. This is not the first year it has happened, but I was disappointed with myself that it happened again this year.<br />
<br />
So, on December 21, I pulled out the ornaments and confronted my bare tree. I have boxes and boxes of ornaments, but I seem to be paring down the number that actually make it to the tree. The plain glass balls stay in the box. A lot of the "collectible" ornaments do, too, unless they have a clear connection with a family member. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdmjVSIRG1FiSKJFbrjn7uERTD0zZR1yzaRIp_RCtpfiI1vQN8U3CsRvs-s2mEBXx_Gc74d5XloyHmYIwlacd7AEiFj2e0TXljFX24HOm836cFixLKcvm5LSXJxvrJAIFe4JFa52Fz2jkJ/s1600/20131223_063127" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdmjVSIRG1FiSKJFbrjn7uERTD0zZR1yzaRIp_RCtpfiI1vQN8U3CsRvs-s2mEBXx_Gc74d5XloyHmYIwlacd7AEiFj2e0TXljFX24HOm836cFixLKcvm5LSXJxvrJAIFe4JFa52Fz2jkJ/s400/20131223_063127" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A hand-carved whistle recalls <br />a trip to the Smoky Mountains.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
{<i>And that sets me thinking about the whole designer/collectible fad. Somewhere along the line, I let someone convince me that some trinket (stuffed animal, ceramic house, you name it) would increase in value just because it was "collectible." How did I let myself fall for that? So, most of the "collectible" ornaments stay in the box.</i>}<br />
<br />
What seems to go up on the tree are the ornaments that have some memory attached to them. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcJWHL1R3_5_zTPURmPzHbmnhb8kyWNdI6hqiGZmKz4N9wKzUQNija_SyofqQFbI0i-k6_Wu0UQ9vbTKDM71KQpS-hFIFB-Hfl3x7tLGGqWCDrdOcmjuidv4Wn3Muown1MN3Ckvm8ffQMp/s1600/20131223_062745" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcJWHL1R3_5_zTPURmPzHbmnhb8kyWNdI6hqiGZmKz4N9wKzUQNija_SyofqQFbI0i-k6_Wu0UQ9vbTKDM71KQpS-hFIFB-Hfl3x7tLGGqWCDrdOcmjuidv4Wn3Muown1MN3Ckvm8ffQMp/s400/20131223_062745" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Resident Dragon has an <br />honored place on the tree.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Several years ago, I traveled a good bit for business. I made a habit of bringing home souvenir magnets for each of my children (practical, and displayed on the family information center--the refrigerator) as well as an ornament for the Christmas tree. On vacations, we decided to invest in ornaments as mementos (we're just not spoon people). Over the years the collection has grown to include starfish Santas, clay Clydesdales, ships in a glass ball, western pottery bells, and Santa riding a dolphin. Some are pretty <i>kitschy</i>, but hanging each on the tree replays the trip in my mind.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia4zoUau9zAIdFaS7AUaEbUuwQ_aWL7dNvIT0eyZmQ0mxSNbLHhVhc_ykv30F1OwI3L4D6qnCyaxFmWNRWGcCDM7ZNZv03Q47orFsLOdxOo7Zk4I6AETTivVaMke5t6gWLApujoNU86vWp/s1600/20131223_063018" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia4zoUau9zAIdFaS7AUaEbUuwQ_aWL7dNvIT0eyZmQ0mxSNbLHhVhc_ykv30F1OwI3L4D6qnCyaxFmWNRWGcCDM7ZNZv03Q47orFsLOdxOo7Zk4I6AETTivVaMke5t6gWLApujoNU86vWp/s400/20131223_063018" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My son's feet were never this small!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Some remind me of hobbies and interests we've enjoyed throughout the years: there are plenty of football- and cheerleading-related ornaments on the tree. Long before I developed an interest in gardening, instead of plain glass balls I began collecting glass ornaments shaped like fruits, vegetables, and nuts. I'd like to tell you it was some ingrained response to the German tradition of hiding a gherkin in the tree, but I just thought they were pretty. <br />
There are plenty of bears and dragons, too, since we've collected them for years.<br />
<br />
There are some special ones, though, whose sentimental value far exceeds their monetary value. To commemorate the birth of our first child, our son, I splurged on his "official" tree ornament. It was, in those days, quite an investment for us. Nevertheless, I did it, and those bisque baby shoes have been on the tree for 28 years.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4TmMMk5VzG9-Ffm3yF4k0HjcQ_5slS58R7oBJIvjYRjzI5AczHDhZy7NvKPuA0wi_RSWMXAnBIdOlDr_uBiNZWFTod4CriiMoyzV65eNaBzE46B6usyBUTI2uPA-40H6GI-7w2Y24ZJf4/s1600/20131223_062929" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4TmMMk5VzG9-Ffm3yF4k0HjcQ_5slS58R7oBJIvjYRjzI5AczHDhZy7NvKPuA0wi_RSWMXAnBIdOlDr_uBiNZWFTod4CriiMoyzV65eNaBzE46B6usyBUTI2uPA-40H6GI-7w2Y24ZJf4/s400/20131223_062929" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How did I know how much she would love to dance?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
For the birth of my daughter two years later, we added a pair of dancing shoes--a prescient choice as she loved to dance!<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Ff6sFbykqswLfGi8YCyqqPHzYpZ7ctOroeF5SXlmnqZwojLVw1UIF2ap1yBAnhv8gGFydwlFrjZgx0O75VCdwLcLBd-cjcN6x0RC0-ulURF12Oaqeqinj4MKCTUSZT6bHm-aFCl0cwTz/s1600/20131223_063056" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Ff6sFbykqswLfGi8YCyqqPHzYpZ7ctOroeF5SXlmnqZwojLVw1UIF2ap1yBAnhv8gGFydwlFrjZgx0O75VCdwLcLBd-cjcN6x0RC0-ulURF12Oaqeqinj4MKCTUSZT6bHm-aFCl0cwTz/s400/20131223_063056" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My grandmother could barely see <br />by the time she made this star.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There are some ornaments on my tree that are obviously not professionally-made, and that's just fine with me. Until I was 12, my grandmother, in addition to managing a store and sewing for the public, made every stitch of clothing I wore (until I became embarrassed by "home-made" clothes; what an idiot I was!). By the time my son was born, her eyesight was dimming, but she worked so very hard to make, among other things, some pieced stars. The patches are from scraps she had saved throughout the years. Every stitch was made with love.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfS8YajInOA-Fhduf0oeIhkXVO6NEi5RefYJkLHTJb3sEhBfMMcTC___0wvkJb3Cqg3waaK5diccgLJLseZtivmtZuf-teJcmYUXNUfo5iuu_ukd_hbB6-6BRE5ik065RU2-w_NgMr3W0D/s1600/20131223_062817" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfS8YajInOA-Fhduf0oeIhkXVO6NEi5RefYJkLHTJb3sEhBfMMcTC___0wvkJb3Cqg3waaK5diccgLJLseZtivmtZuf-teJcmYUXNUfo5iuu_ukd_hbB6-6BRE5ik065RU2-w_NgMr3W0D/s400/20131223_062817" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The memory may have dimmed, but lingers on.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
You'll find on my tree some ornaments that are scratched and very faded. They are from my childhood tree, some of the few that survived the year the cat knocked down the Christmas tree. Growing up, I thought they were a bit ratty-looking, and always hid them in the back of the tree. What I did not know then, but learned far too late, is that they were from Mother and Daddy's first tree, probably from 1956. My mother was not at all sentimental, but, for some reason, she kept these. They have witnessed the years Daddy was sick, the years Mother was sick, the years where we the only meat we could afford was Grandaddy's country ham and venison a friend gave us, the years we were teenagers, and all the years since.<br />
<br />
I've promised myself that, before I forget it all, I would set to paper the story of our family, but it occurs to me that our story has already been told. You can read it every year. <br />
<br />
On our Christmas tree.<br />
<br />
So, from our house to yours,<br />
<br />
a very merry and blessed Christmas!<br />
<br />
<b>Nancy</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8929810012361132362.post-36907627091022869552013-11-30T20:46:00.000-08:002013-11-30T20:46:27.182-08:00In Honor of Small Business Saturday<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Ran across this great infographic on the benefits of shopping local. It's even more important than I realized!<br />
<br />
Shop local, my Savory friends!<br />
<br />
Nancy<br />
<div align="center" style="font-family: 'helvetica neue', helvetica ,arial,sans-serif;">
<b>Click to Enlarge Image</b><br />
<br />
<a alt="Why Buying Local is Worth Every Cent" href="http://www.custommade.com/buy-local"><img alt="CustomMade Buying Local Infographic" border="0" src="http://www.cmstatic2.com/static/images/buying_local_infograph.jpg" width="650" /></a><br />
<br />
<a alt="Why Buying Local is Worth Every Cent" href="http://www.custommade.com/buy-local">Why Buying Local is Worth Every Cent</a> Infographic by <a href="http://www.custommade.com/">CustomMade</a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8929810012361132362.post-49663636539051630972013-10-26T17:25:00.000-07:002013-10-26T17:25:30.929-07:00Speak Up!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy9hSfzRWLQenN4RAbHTzfxG7-ODxDdTgJ_JNB_eUHBUWWkWQ0rZDgvHoQfK8ZSSzx4nEMVIL4ZVY8mxFI5PifN9B5wgq44vs3YE23sbkGblJ89iXl89ulwD4Y77NWte8IiS3pYMpyc7wm/s1600/IMAG2216-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy9hSfzRWLQenN4RAbHTzfxG7-ODxDdTgJ_JNB_eUHBUWWkWQ0rZDgvHoQfK8ZSSzx4nEMVIL4ZVY8mxFI5PifN9B5wgq44vs3YE23sbkGblJ89iXl89ulwD4Y77NWte8IiS3pYMpyc7wm/s320/IMAG2216-1.jpg" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I've decided to speak up!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It's been a while since I've written here, but that doesn't mean I've not been writing! It occurred to me during the most recent budgetary debacle that my Congressional representative had never heard from me and, therefore, had no idea how I might <i>want</i> him to represent me. Complaining about feeling unrepresented was a bit unfair, so I set about remedying the situation.<br />
<br />
The Internet is a great thing and the government mandate that all governmental departments have a web presence is even better when it comes to tracking down your Congressional representative or Senator. Just go to <a href="http://www.house.gov/">http://www.house.gov</a> and type your zip code in the search box. (Or <a href="http://www.senate.gov/">http://www.senate.gov</a> to track down your senators.) <i>Voila!</i> Up pops the web page for your representative with mailing addresses and phone numbers for both Capitol Hill and district offices, as well as email addresses! So, I picked up the phone on the first day of the shutdown and reached some poor receptionist who, at 8 a.m. DC time, already seemed a bit frazzled. I very calmly, succinctly, and politely expressed my opinion and honestly wished her a good day. Little did I know that by noon, <i>nobody</i> would be answering <i>any</i> phones in Congressional offices.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8jZrDrxgsQ8EDio84mtbIjRGDHpHM6Nv51ZB1TEjIjgPS7NsZdm8Za_72TejJ-qLXISnpYwmhiV-FVqUviWDCLQ8lLJ1NFOYapeDjFd9dWGdBeilX0X3EeaH7eUziN4zaHuJ0XyFA1TzE/s1600/IMAG2269-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8jZrDrxgsQ8EDio84mtbIjRGDHpHM6Nv51ZB1TEjIjgPS7NsZdm8Za_72TejJ-qLXISnpYwmhiV-FVqUviWDCLQ8lLJ1NFOYapeDjFd9dWGdBeilX0X3EeaH7eUziN4zaHuJ0XyFA1TzE/s320/IMAG2269-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I've been feeling out-of-touch with my<br />Congressional representative.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Feeling a bit, well, unrepresented, I did what any card-carrying tech-girl would do: I emailed my representative. The next week I emailed him again and <i>both</i> of my senators. I plan to continue doing so for a while yet. I think they need to hear from me, from people who think like me, and from people who <i>don't</i> think like me.<br />
<br />
When our Constitution was written, the Congress met for relatively brief sessions, leaving legislators available to spend considerable time among their constituents. The length of modern sessions precludes that valuable listening time. Candidly, I've never seen my representative in person. In his defense, though, I've never made any attempts to attend the few meetings he has held in my county, either. I've only seen one of my senators in person, just as, good Southern politician that he is, he lit the fuse at an <a href="http://youtu.be/uzIFCpQdE1Y">anvil shoot</a>. (DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME!)<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-_uBfuy2QRY2ITsrME4hZcGIQT0c1fjXqOm97Jd5t0GGaLMqwxCf3Fq0W8nlbwhxJz9QT4ChYNxfDtA5YmUjJZeD6KGTFUpzY65EVTOGuH94SDliPVt0XZ8Nk4YQNNc9xBQjgBYc61srw/s1600/IMAG2221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-_uBfuy2QRY2ITsrME4hZcGIQT0c1fjXqOm97Jd5t0GGaLMqwxCf3Fq0W8nlbwhxJz9QT4ChYNxfDtA5YmUjJZeD6KGTFUpzY65EVTOGuH94SDliPVt0XZ8Nk4YQNNc9xBQjgBYc61srw/s320/IMAG2221.jpg" width="191" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's my responsibility<br />to communicate<br />with my<br />representatives!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So, I am changing that. I've decided to communicate with them regularly by email (or maybe the occasional phone call). I want them to know what this <i>real</i> person in their constituency is thinking about issues.<br />
<br />
I invite you to do the same. Let your representative and senators know what you are thinking. Otherwise, <span style="font-size: x-large;">how would they know?</span><br />
<br />
How are you living your <b>Savory</b> life?<br />
<br />
Nancy</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8929810012361132362.post-76709812912249089072013-09-20T20:09:00.001-07:002013-09-20T20:09:35.772-07:00I Love It When a Plan Comes Together!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXgPtca1jJ8VpzNryDJE5fOEvGOuBF4Vwy51QfR9iLnOIMnnpsKsx7fjkOn2q5Yhy5pZrfjKAeibnzUB4D21E7Bh35AShl3oGxWEcx-eAETos6P1-EcmsyJ7xC01_U6TUVwMRekVnrAM70/s1600/1379167240505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXgPtca1jJ8VpzNryDJE5fOEvGOuBF4Vwy51QfR9iLnOIMnnpsKsx7fjkOn2q5Yhy5pZrfjKAeibnzUB4D21E7Bh35AShl3oGxWEcx-eAETos6P1-EcmsyJ7xC01_U6TUVwMRekVnrAM70/s320/1379167240505.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The designers of our new look!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There is no substitute for experience. For several years, Jim and I have had booths at various festivals, craft fairs, and art fairs. While we've had some fun days (and some not-so-fun days), up until this year, it's just been a hobby. <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Hwte8cAxddBIho3VYF0E1V6xTNC8jgitv8aRxuVpMFUDqJayLZQqwTeyg4GQ6AoXtl1rx0ie5zm-FmW8sYZ0JMBip9-gwTRvJGG-MNZKNtBG5G2JA2tGouehSbLc3GxNAxFnXw14vWZB/s1600/1379177568409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Hwte8cAxddBIho3VYF0E1V6xTNC8jgitv8aRxuVpMFUDqJayLZQqwTeyg4GQ6AoXtl1rx0ie5zm-FmW8sYZ0JMBip9-gwTRvJGG-MNZKNtBG5G2JA2tGouehSbLc3GxNAxFnXw14vWZB/s400/1379177568409.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new look!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3YVxWlRhL30wdrvGD7dgZNQ1CSfMN7CJ7CZi7JNJs7thv8wjMLC27p0iFlsO9N9Dt2IDf3D0lr5i4PcKKCKiwpCRt8iNCyGt5n_osW7uVBa1EfkoUIj6Wl358Gh7zHWTZ204k-fiyWq-i/s1600/IMAG0992.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="119" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3YVxWlRhL30wdrvGD7dgZNQ1CSfMN7CJ7CZi7JNJs7thv8wjMLC27p0iFlsO9N9Dt2IDf3D0lr5i4PcKKCKiwpCRt8iNCyGt5n_osW7uVBa1EfkoUIj6Wl358Gh7zHWTZ204k-fiyWq-i/s200/IMAG0992.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our old display</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
This year, we've gotten serious about the business in several ways:<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Create a new look.</h3>
<div>
I told you about the new tent; well, take a look at the new "store"! It is bright, airy, custom-made display boards. It is mobile, expandable, and displays stock at eye level. Unlike our old set-up, it is not sensitive to moderate wind which protects our wares.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We had several people stop and take pictures of our display area!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Streamline point-of-sale. </h3>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxCEwWYXre7eS6vjf2MiQCKocuBTU82YEEaXcO8b4nLWk7tIJthv9rduO7lBwNJLAmyrNfLJnhUoxXYY_q3QCnLJ5Jzv9fOLE5e0G_iWbL1qAOeeuXTjRYTLDSrdA9FV75YVzXWGFr7Vnu/s1600/20130914_164750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxCEwWYXre7eS6vjf2MiQCKocuBTU82YEEaXcO8b4nLWk7tIJthv9rduO7lBwNJLAmyrNfLJnhUoxXYY_q3QCnLJ5Jzv9fOLE5e0G_iWbL1qAOeeuXTjRYTLDSrdA9FV75YVzXWGFr7Vnu/s320/20130914_164750.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 served <br />as our POS terminal.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We've used Square for several years for charges and really like it, but, had problems with connectivity at our last big show during the "rush" hour. We surveyed fellow artists who had one wireless provider in common, which was not ours. Reluctantly, after 13 years with AT&T, we migrated the business phone to Verizon. Our "cash register" was a Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 (Wi-Fi only) with a Samsung Galaxy 3 used as the Wi-Fi hotspot (the phone lived in a crate under the table). Connectivity was solid all day, despite crowds of nearly 100,000 people. It was marvelous.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Move up a tier in shows.</h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKnwHcbQ04jet9QmiLKw7g7Co_TqY-7N_9OclUnn7OaNxH9J6mnmlwu2lSiVz-q3tSdO141i6X6y3wX95homXp4qLIV128CfHQ-guBrVncc0tu7P6yPvDKMh7o31c0WiUc6tz-Pw_P6cia/s1600/95facebook9550286908695.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKnwHcbQ04jet9QmiLKw7g7Co_TqY-7N_9OclUnn7OaNxH9J6mnmlwu2lSiVz-q3tSdO141i6X6y3wX95homXp4qLIV128CfHQ-guBrVncc0tu7P6yPvDKMh7o31c0WiUc6tz-Pw_P6cia/s320/95facebook9550286908695.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was this way ALL DAY!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We've been quite frugal when it comes to booth fees, sticking to shows in the $40-$60 range. It took us a while to realize that while some were good shows for us, most just did not have the numbers or the demographics to support the sales level we'd like to see. We've begun attending some of the more expensive craft/art festivals with good success. It's scary to write that big check for booth fee, but it feels really good when you make it back within an hour of opening.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1pNtd2jZZhCHPjJPcQfAVNcEAutILUGh59VCMbs_chBipRjlvcogKFE-yv8fK-hyyX6hb3k-owi4Ej97Ef1s6mTp7DiJVoVJfnx6_4sPXGGf55C2vq3_tQZSwCE0C_0mgQKKYlYTV-K3r/s1600/20130914_090235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1pNtd2jZZhCHPjJPcQfAVNcEAutILUGh59VCMbs_chBipRjlvcogKFE-yv8fK-hyyX6hb3k-owi4Ej97Ef1s6mTp7DiJVoVJfnx6_4sPXGGf55C2vq3_tQZSwCE0C_0mgQKKYlYTV-K3r/s320/20130914_090235.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The artist (left), and sales manager!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Have fun!</h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Okay, this really is related to all three of the others. It's fun when you like your booth setup. It's fun when sales are easy to keep track of. It's fun when the crowds are big and buying your product. I think we're turning the corner from rank amateur to <i>experienced</i> amateur. And it's fun.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
What about you? How are you living your <b>Savory</b> life?</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Nancy</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8929810012361132362.post-58153103359487599212013-09-09T18:21:00.000-07:002013-09-09T18:21:11.449-07:00Unconventional Foolishness<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnljb9FH7pfMXtM8gZY-C8BICIaHFQ21NZspFKJw1uAQ23y5_P6AZYqTtv5DL3l9hTE-WOnMsNORnrZyhKPohygYYWOOTEWOvoIBOwNoEHimzZdYX4vp6kWABNPwcIr0WpxJmGnlAVM7RQ/s1600/20130907_141400-1-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnljb9FH7pfMXtM8gZY-C8BICIaHFQ21NZspFKJw1uAQ23y5_P6AZYqTtv5DL3l9hTE-WOnMsNORnrZyhKPohygYYWOOTEWOvoIBOwNoEHimzZdYX4vp6kWABNPwcIr0WpxJmGnlAVM7RQ/s320/20130907_141400-1-1.jpg" width="315" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I've been busy!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Whew! It's been really hectic this month, but I think I am finally ready to slow down, at least for a couple of days.<br />
<br />
First, we have a <a href="http://www.cooperyoungfestival.com/">big craft show</a> coming up and Jim's been trying to get the jewelry inventory level up to a decent level. He's been steadily at it, except when taking time out for car repair, meetings, and family dinners, all of which are, of course, important.<br />
<br />
While he's the creative side, I'm the business side which means I'm preparing for a busy sales day. We've been using Square for credit card sales, and have been really happy with it. Until recently, all we could do with it was credit card sales, but they've added an inventory feature for Android. So, to improve our sales possibilities, I've put all of our inventory into a Square inventory list.<br />
<br />
It only took a few hours. They have a mobile client which makes initial upload a snap. And, on show day, all I have to do is select pieces from inventory. Easy. I feel better already.<br />
<br />
In addition to the inventory feature, Square has established a <a href="https://squareup.com/market/savory-live-a-savory-life">free online Market</a> for its users. It costs nothing beyond your 2.75% Square charge fee. The shop interface is minimalistic, clean. I like that. So what's the downside?<br />
<br />
Well, beyond sales, there are no real metrics are available. You can create categories, but I've not found any other keyword capabilities beyond a raw search. Your shop is organized in ANSI hierarchical order.<br />
<br />
In other words, it's not as robust as that <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-08-30/will-success-ruin-etsy-.html">Famous Online Craft Marketplace</a>. But, since we've not sold a single item in 3 years on that online craft marketplace, I'm willing to put my time into something I can use during our art and craft shows. I'm sure we've not marketed enough, and our pictures are not professional enough, but we're doing what we can.<br />
<br />
Okay, I'm talking about business stuff when that's small stuff. I'm not doing a commercial for my credit card provider or for the shop. What I am talking about is doing what's right for my business despite "conventional wisdom," which is neither conventional nor wise:<br />
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Entrepreneurs Only Play With Other People's Money</h4>
That might be true in the "start-up" world, but, in the real world, most of us are self-financed <a href="http://changethis.com/manifesto/80.03.MicropreneurManifesto/pdf/80.03.MicropreneurManifesto.pdf">micropreneurs</a>. Whatever we've put into our businesses has come out of our own pockets. More than our pride, we often have our mortgages at stake.<br />
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
The Internet Is Your Salvation</h4>
<div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE6D91ONjbW84_QKdUFBsgxnpsDpqHacKg6eVzE_Iz8eitHtk3QvSkM_ep1I9-4T45qHdRoQyOKFgSu8CXU1KKaprn-p7f2NL6NwyirN8Lokdur0F8_pr1FsOdTz4UeLpHqhIRUElFdI98/s1600/IMAG0991.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE6D91ONjbW84_QKdUFBsgxnpsDpqHacKg6eVzE_Iz8eitHtk3QvSkM_ep1I9-4T45qHdRoQyOKFgSu8CXU1KKaprn-p7f2NL6NwyirN8Lokdur0F8_pr1FsOdTz4UeLpHqhIRUElFdI98/s320/IMAG0991.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Face-to-face works for us!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Well, um, no. It's great for communication, but, as a marketing venue, it's over-saturated. Period. It's like shouting into a hurricane. For us, face-to-face has been the best.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Every artist should be on That Famous Online Craft Marketplace</h4>
<div>
Again, over-saturation is a problem. Also, the lack of robust Android clients for sellers and the overall slowness of the site are both difficulties. It takes 3 to 4 times longer to create a listing than on my new provider. Its online store is just too slow for using at art and craft shows. I'm not closing my shop, but I'm spending my time elsewhere.</div>
<div>
<h4>
Real art is really expensive.</h4>
Actually, unless it's top-echelon, most art is <i>underpriced</i> when the artist's time is considered. That's bad for artists but good for collectors and consumers, if they actually had the money to spare.<br />
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
If you're not a fine artist, you're not an artist.</h4>
</div>
We are what is referred to, quite derisively, as "stringers." We are under no illusion that there are finer artists than we. Our jewelry business began because Jim loves collecting unusual beads. As the beads began to pile up, he started putting them together and selling them. At reasonable prices. You see, our market is just average people, with just average economic means. If we are careful, we can offer our customers jewelry made of genuine semi-precious stones, art & gilt glass, and cultured pearls priced less than most of the home-party costume jewelry. That's important to us: real jewelry for real people.<br />
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Money is the only metric of success.</h4>
If we were to use money as our sole metric of success, we would be abject failures because we keep putting money back into materials, fixtures, and the like. But money is not the only metric. Going to a show and just plain having a good time is important (especially since the fun begins <i>after</i> you've sold enough to cover booth fee). Seeing your pieces being worn proudly is just amazing. Referrals are even better. Creating something that people enjoy--that's success.<br />
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Unconventional Foolishness</h4>
While we're constantly trying to improve our business, we know that there's more to life than the business. Making enough money to cover expenses is important. Artistic satisfaction is important. Helping others is important. Having fun is important. Juggling all those important things can be stressful, especially if we judge ourselves by the standards of other people. But we're not. We're following our own instincts. <br />
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Foolish?</h4>
<br />
Maybe.<br />
<br />
But we're giving it a try.<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
What about you? How are you living your <b><span style="font-size: large;">Savory</span></b> life?</h3>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Nancy</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8929810012361132362.post-4080916945525459992013-08-04T05:00:00.000-07:002013-08-04T05:00:01.025-07:00Summer Themes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW2hIXFmyOKRlubOzxoFj7GFzeBOJaJK_QhptHw1dqAsFOkb4rOHA4nn-XTcTiHFACOT4ycvYn0Xl9QtYVOPlJ-BCCsZ8S2xhBfxq6wdW2jHOGr-dLhbIca0CF_b_c1FquDuvctzxURlon/s1600/IMAG2281.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW2hIXFmyOKRlubOzxoFj7GFzeBOJaJK_QhptHw1dqAsFOkb4rOHA4nn-XTcTiHFACOT4ycvYn0Xl9QtYVOPlJ-BCCsZ8S2xhBfxq6wdW2jHOGr-dLhbIca0CF_b_c1FquDuvctzxURlon/s400/IMAG2281.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dewy web on the cucumber trellis.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Most of my summers seem to develop themes of their own. It's not that I do not make a plan for the summer, but things just do not seem to work out the way I expect. For example, two summers ago was to be "market garden summer," but I developed a severe infection from a tick bite and spent the rest of the arid summer trying to get the garden back under control.<br />
<br />
Last summer was supposed to be "finish your novel" summer, but my father-in-law fell ill and I had two gardens to tend (his and mine) rather than one. So much for the novel.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ANIT_wXvYwNl0Lq0ga6x8MW4DjCCclVeiQ3pYfwIff3WqA-fqg2pQcorRjjiiAAiSGmbtSf0qsd5i9cbKc9unlI_p38OfOcHcR13JiOnhmNC3CDU6JTjLsT40cQhwGFqMx3JC69IX4ws/s1600/IMAG2269-1-picsay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ANIT_wXvYwNl0Lq0ga6x8MW4DjCCclVeiQ3pYfwIff3WqA-fqg2pQcorRjjiiAAiSGmbtSf0qsd5i9cbKc9unlI_p38OfOcHcR13JiOnhmNC3CDU6JTjLsT40cQhwGFqMx3JC69IX4ws/s400/IMAG2269-1-picsay.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A doe and fawn surprised me one hot day!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This summer was supposed to be "finish your novel and fence the new pasture." Well, the novel didn't happen, but the pasture, while not fenced, is taking shape. It's terribly rutted from years of having been mowed while wet, so, after cutting down a year's growth of, well, you-name-it, I've begun trying to knock the tops off the ruts with a 5-foot-wide tiller. Let me tell you that a 10-acre pasture is, at least, 150 strips wide. <br />
<br />
Given that my ancient tractor must tackle this task in Low-4, you can understand why I'm not through yet. And I feel like I should get the "ground work" at least in measurable progress before I start setting fence posts and stringing wire. Wise Farmer Jimmy advised me that his best stands of bermuda grass were sown in mid-May, so I guess I'll be waiting another year before starting our tiny cattle venture.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUFOvDhVGABbQYeRdbLB4UKizuF5TFuMgYAH1DvynuYktYQsqM4s7QCxSqT2yQ1XCo5KBB67ksmRteUMqP-_9LNp-m_AydXAEAFsznrW1GjV4ecF7_VGlKWFSJjNvJmg3x1szLHaTV_57G/s1600/IMAG2265.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUFOvDhVGABbQYeRdbLB4UKizuF5TFuMgYAH1DvynuYktYQsqM4s7QCxSqT2yQ1XCo5KBB67ksmRteUMqP-_9LNp-m_AydXAEAFsznrW1GjV4ecF7_VGlKWFSJjNvJmg3x1szLHaTV_57G/s400/IMAG2265.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This could have been called "canning summer."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Yup. Cattle. We just want to grass-feed enough for us and our immediate family. What breeds are idiot-proof and can bear heat and drought?<br />
<br />
So, the "undone" list is endless. But I have managed to do a few good things. I've ignored "preventative maintenance" on this body of mine and, at 55, it's beginning to catch up with me. If I feel like I've spent the summer with doctors, I have, but that's just because I neglected it before. Hopefully, I'll keep on track.<br />
<br />
I've made some decisions about next year's garden, and about our primary cash crop. More on that later.<br />
<br />
Jim has spent well over a month creating an entirely new look for our festival booth. It's custom-made, it's unique, and I think it will show off his jewelry creations beautifully. I cannot wait for you to see it.<br />
<br />
But that's not this summer's theme. While <i>could</i> call this a "canning" summer, because I have canned a lot of tomatoes this year, that is not how I'll remember this summer.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWUq_xMcg_JJ7RdOacb8yKpdHdjYJLOP1vx92Akn23nZUhS4RGu1P5iq1K62w_F41PHcmeA_E8ztXZH8Ejn1_fHgbHV0S7jqoeytmF6eK1mvf2x-U8lr9EUEMlejCpn_G2y5ztDbjJhHAy/s1600/IMAG2282-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWUq_xMcg_JJ7RdOacb8yKpdHdjYJLOP1vx92Akn23nZUhS4RGu1P5iq1K62w_F41PHcmeA_E8ztXZH8Ejn1_fHgbHV0S7jqoeytmF6eK1mvf2x-U8lr9EUEMlejCpn_G2y5ztDbjJhHAy/s400/IMAG2282-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My cousin's meadow on a misty morn.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>This has been the summer of misty mornings. </b><br />
<br />
Deliciously cool, hazy, heavy with crystal-clear dewdrops. <br />
<br />
Refreshing.<br />
<br />
Beautiful.<br />
<br />
I could have slept through them. <br />
<br />
I wanted to sleep through them.<br />
<br />
But, somehow, I made sure to see as many as I could. <br />
<br />
May each of your mornings begin with beauty.<br />
<br />
<br />
How are you living your <b>Savory</b> life?<br />
<br />
Nancy<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8929810012361132362.post-14137651029236515962013-07-07T17:00:00.000-07:002013-07-07T17:00:26.351-07:00Mockingbird wisdom<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Spring is thought to be the time for babies on the farm, but I'm finding that spring has run into summer. While cutting a future pasture last week, I flushed a spotted fawn who scampered into a patch of uncut grass before I could snap a picture. One baby accounted for.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I mentioned several week ago that a mockingbird seemed to be building a nest in a basket by my back door. Well, she did.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjguFzDqwiAzS9SUvyW9bYqGqiFWHeQQcP4xiT0BsfYmpvilh-RAKD9hLaY7wKT3HUyQMzSUnKdw4H1AoMWwAo6sLJ0MuiAxF4lxXX1ASNhOstaZzHhfeXFt1DeXlcvOeVBiAgesK-jP2w4/s1600/IMAG2176-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjguFzDqwiAzS9SUvyW9bYqGqiFWHeQQcP4xiT0BsfYmpvilh-RAKD9hLaY7wKT3HUyQMzSUnKdw4H1AoMWwAo6sLJ0MuiAxF4lxXX1ASNhOstaZzHhfeXFt1DeXlcvOeVBiAgesK-jP2w4/s400/IMAG2176-1.jpg" width="255" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mama mockingbird sits on her nest.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
My first clue was her head poking up from the basket. When I moved closer to the door, she flew away and I took the opportunity to peer into the basket.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaaL1M0FS4FON64k01J9ZUJcEWKK7FsZd3O0bYo0cbf9M5jPpqBCFaXtCkUjE5tnPq0nJTzDAzWokHrucres2YOLYLPbW4Mw0r0FZefTt-TIn8CB9TVWiCbrJK-x3RKOSUGYVPbkmUjvBw/s1600/IMAG2175.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaaL1M0FS4FON64k01J9ZUJcEWKK7FsZd3O0bYo0cbf9M5jPpqBCFaXtCkUjE5tnPq0nJTzDAzWokHrucres2YOLYLPbW4Mw0r0FZefTt-TIn8CB9TVWiCbrJK-x3RKOSUGYVPbkmUjvBw/s400/IMAG2175.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apparently, mockingbird eggs are also <br />
robins-egg blue . . . with brown spots.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Four beautiful eggs were nestled into the grassy nest. Just a few minutes later, she swooped near me to announce her return. Earlier this week, I noticed she was no longer sitting on her nest, but making several trips a day. I waited until she had departed and peeked into the basket.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfHE1a7zwdjgh_QcKkLaKyYu6yJPfZ06ic4_so4vvgDIKgxSrpt3QqCNAPBzceolwLTeK7DyZi7KV1mB0ezO0xeqntWBwefuqjoN9Cwqu_I5OPmsbHfiIw2rTUZBPYHa8WxwRKZeOqW0bi/s1600/IMAG2187.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfHE1a7zwdjgh_QcKkLaKyYu6yJPfZ06ic4_so4vvgDIKgxSrpt3QqCNAPBzceolwLTeK7DyZi7KV1mB0ezO0xeqntWBwefuqjoN9Cwqu_I5OPmsbHfiIw2rTUZBPYHa8WxwRKZeOqW0bi/s400/IMAG2187.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The babies are difficult to see.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Sure enough, the eggs had been replaced by furry charcoal blobs. I accidentally bumped the baker's rack and was received a pleasant surprise.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidV8Egiaz9y1ksXZ5cDqE7wFDxw2KtRx3xOBFrldKkCmx8xZU3crUJEL2jX307v5DSDTjvTR_mOy0nLkAl2ZF14fzEQpMZbxxc05TJ7TlB7J9H2Ot-5CVE0JiM7FE9KSFwz3_uSpQC7x_4/s1600/IMAG2193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidV8Egiaz9y1ksXZ5cDqE7wFDxw2KtRx3xOBFrldKkCmx8xZU3crUJEL2jX307v5DSDTjvTR_mOy0nLkAl2ZF14fzEQpMZbxxc05TJ7TlB7J9H2Ot-5CVE0JiM7FE9KSFwz3_uSpQC7x_4/s320/IMAG2193.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feed me!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Four bright yellow beaks gaped open, waiting to be filled! Moments later, I heard chipping noises and both mockingbirds returned, one with something dangling from her beak. Obviously, it was dinnertime. I slipped back inside and watched from a discreet distance while she stuffed the morsel into the hungry mouths. And so it has gone, several times an hour, since then.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_XpHPrxw8Fu77gJ0Wy1EwDIC-SBSKCYB7ZKurHQ1hD_tRCMwTgsC4ovTZUA96O-KrEbdrZDgZ9SOWWp1xSlM15et1DnBR8J8oX1TfnqqIxrSPRJYS_19TgnklaQartsKRE5tXQsbZAfib/s1600/IMAG2195.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_XpHPrxw8Fu77gJ0Wy1EwDIC-SBSKCYB7ZKurHQ1hD_tRCMwTgsC4ovTZUA96O-KrEbdrZDgZ9SOWWp1xSlM15et1DnBR8J8oX1TfnqqIxrSPRJYS_19TgnklaQartsKRE5tXQsbZAfib/s400/IMAG2195.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another interested observer.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
In the meantime, another member of the household has noticed the activity: Lexi the cat. She lingers at the door, meowing at her prey. Despite her pleas, I have not allowed her onto the porch. She has figured out the alternative route around the house, and the mockingbirds are targeting her. And us.<br />
<br />
You may remember that, last year, barn swallows nested on the ceiling fan on the back porch. They were timid, and avoided us whenever possible. The mockingbirds, predictably, are more aggressive: they will "dive-bomb" us (and Lexi) whenever we are near the nest or on the north side of the house. While the Resident Dragon is gentle-hearted with animals, I did spot him looking for a tennis racket.<br />
<br />
All of this serves to remind me that I share this farm with many other creatures. Some are cute, but many are destructive, and even dangerous. Each has its place in this little microclimate of mine. So do I, and it's a constant struggle to maintain my place. But I've noticed that knowing about my fellow inhabitants makes the struggle a bit less difficult. <br />
<br />
Learning. Everything seems to return to learning.<br />
<br />
And that's a good thing.<br />
<br />
What about you? What are you learning about your Savory life?<br />
<br />
Nancy</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8929810012361132362.post-67508665848186373882013-06-29T15:00:00.002-07:002013-06-29T15:00:49.524-07:00Where does creative vision come from?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDXBi3lnHt10jak_AO2lWyPhB3UIghUqU4U8cSIHlqTR7uEUH7m6ec-MWPrtb3sJ8_Tfd2wc0JSFV4NHeoJi1YFmkbzlW1r4M3wz4qxECuSnOH_XLOn4jHvZLlLLL1NoKXPXSUA9TLlwOp/s1600/IMAG1412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDXBi3lnHt10jak_AO2lWyPhB3UIghUqU4U8cSIHlqTR7uEUH7m6ec-MWPrtb3sJ8_Tfd2wc0JSFV4NHeoJi1YFmkbzlW1r4M3wz4qxECuSnOH_XLOn4jHvZLlLLL1NoKXPXSUA9TLlwOp/s400/IMAG1412.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Where do artists find their vision? What inspired Chihuly to combine a variety of colors and shapes into this riotously pleasing composition? Did he envision it whole, or did he assemble it, piece-by-piece, until he felt it to be complete?<br />
<br />
He certainly had to have confidence in his vision. Look at the individual elements: some of them are original, some patently ridiculous, some totally cliche, but the overall effect is unique.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHi5Sor8uZOlJpaPh32TwY9H8IoVKEU1vlChxkWnRhWJw-X01HSP14UhLc7rxnkKZjhpgE_UbgSlG32jFRtCtassE1aqu0fQ1mrcECzKDgEptsrmsjijc2ViZ2xtr4YYWsXMGBbaK_01Iv/s1600/IMAG1416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHi5Sor8uZOlJpaPh32TwY9H8IoVKEU1vlChxkWnRhWJw-X01HSP14UhLc7rxnkKZjhpgE_UbgSlG32jFRtCtassE1aqu0fQ1mrcECzKDgEptsrmsjijc2ViZ2xtr4YYWsXMGBbaK_01Iv/s400/IMAG1416.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Sometimes artists seek to explore particular aspects of a form. Chihuly's bowl series utilizes every color available to him (over 200) within similar forms. The combinations of color and pattern make each bowl, though similar in shape, a unique work of art.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfe9DceekvOvJHhLBKCDyVsl28yWvtbPK2BwAWWqYBVxrg7knxFG2MHSlpa4XToQpgPHyDDaCrwfJwlOJqgcPfpd8hJdvUvn5AsyEkab5EHDGHkBTKtwaYa8YBiMYih_s33Mt-RwWAcpax/s1600/IMAG1399.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfe9DceekvOvJHhLBKCDyVsl28yWvtbPK2BwAWWqYBVxrg7knxFG2MHSlpa4XToQpgPHyDDaCrwfJwlOJqgcPfpd8hJdvUvn5AsyEkab5EHDGHkBTKtwaYa8YBiMYih_s33Mt-RwWAcpax/s400/IMAG1399.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
There are times when an artist completely changes direction, as Chihuly did with his Indian basket series. The shapes of the bowls no longer reflected nature, but mimicked the time-ravaged reed baskets he collected. These changes may disappoint outsiders, but are absolutely essential to the growth of the artist.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Fiq1_mFhTMuZyVIdg8jYBXOB3SjcKasym9W_7J8JAKdvolPwkE484ERI0klHAEGRwb5S05sG66DtXlBupvbyhcwuoxe23zLPgn9c2dCudr6Q6POZ70ZKAWyrBc-E3J8F3VdsMFKhlEY1/s1600/IMAG1426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Fiq1_mFhTMuZyVIdg8jYBXOB3SjcKasym9W_7J8JAKdvolPwkE484ERI0klHAEGRwb5S05sG66DtXlBupvbyhcwuoxe23zLPgn9c2dCudr6Q6POZ70ZKAWyrBc-E3J8F3VdsMFKhlEY1/s400/IMAG1426.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Sometimes darkness surrounds an artist, and the art is the only light available. Often that art is part and parcel of the darkness, but, sometimes, it outlines the artist's path to sunshine.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSrhN3C_1IEpImgsACR_9VewuqPGE7-_ZY0m1xTRUyUFvlWycAvKi9yIgAcnApSIqT5aYdPwiqBQQSiMwBAqJFxZwzIXg6E8Fa0ORpD4HC9PKwdchD2GcNq0asTqyX3SiL7fpTki1kl-py/s1600/IMAG1432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSrhN3C_1IEpImgsACR_9VewuqPGE7-_ZY0m1xTRUyUFvlWycAvKi9yIgAcnApSIqT5aYdPwiqBQQSiMwBAqJFxZwzIXg6E8Fa0ORpD4HC9PKwdchD2GcNq0asTqyX3SiL7fpTki1kl-py/s640/IMAG1432.jpg" width="382" /></a></div>
<br />
So, where does creativity come from? I'm not sure there's any particular source. I think it's an attempt to create a synthesizing artifact of thoughtful engagement of the artist with his or her journey.<br />
<br />
So, how does that apply to me? I've never really considered myself an artist, but I think I may be ready to change that. I've spent a lifetime finding meaning in the music, writing, and artwork of others, but I think I'm ready to create original artifacts of my own journey. What form they will take, I could not say. But I'm anxious to start.<br />
<br />
How about you? How are you documenting your own personal journey?<br />
<br />
Nancy</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8929810012361132362.post-39241343172869555092013-06-07T15:55:00.001-07:002013-06-07T15:55:16.152-07:00Life Hacks 2013: Decluttering My Dream<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIJVw8gPps0R7rVyD6o7-_GhkglDNrLmv2QtsMTpnHpPGoboK_MAfchUcgWdg5QTIkfjjLnkFotX7rmEXeGbqMtGc8aUV9sg6lVqoH4ZdqhbkRDCt4S09_n7Vau21eO9IxH0dPWv3-AdSM/s1600/IMAG0112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIJVw8gPps0R7rVyD6o7-_GhkglDNrLmv2QtsMTpnHpPGoboK_MAfchUcgWdg5QTIkfjjLnkFotX7rmEXeGbqMtGc8aUV9sg6lVqoH4ZdqhbkRDCt4S09_n7Vau21eO9IxH0dPWv3-AdSM/s320/IMAG0112.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset on the farm</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We broke ground on our dream house in July six years ago. After literally years of searching through house plans, we finally found one we could agree on. One of my dreams was copious cabinet space and I got it! I wanted the cabinets to store the clutter that has plagued me for years.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So, when we moved in, I was so proud of the cabinets and stored every item. As I looked around my house, at the cluttered table tops and spaces, I wonder, "What happened?"</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRDYsdJ7i1zKoD-nhrCzGUDYqecEXH4zCeicJ07YS6IgLJZ4z6uMFEOkisQyb3PuGXWndfYMRBwQf3Cb07_C_AvkclQ997SsxIZ_B7LaF89xjKLyR-dTHDekBK7IQ1iN0bIAtS-sD6Sf9w/s1600/IMAG1279.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRDYsdJ7i1zKoD-nhrCzGUDYqecEXH4zCeicJ07YS6IgLJZ4z6uMFEOkisQyb3PuGXWndfYMRBwQf3Cb07_C_AvkclQ997SsxIZ_B7LaF89xjKLyR-dTHDekBK7IQ1iN0bIAtS-sD6Sf9w/s640/IMAG1279.jpg" width="382" /></a></div>
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>Well, several things happened. As much as I expected my life in the country would be less hectic, if anything, it's <i>more.</i> And, because of the commute, I have at least an hour less time per day. </li>
<li>The second problem is the sheer volume of stuff. I need to pare down the amount of stuff coming to the house.</li>
<li>The third problem is that I procrastinate. I stack stuff up thinking I will have more time later. Later turns out to be even busier.</li>
<li>But the most important problem is one of potential. I see potential in everything. I keep too much stuff because I think I <i>could possibly</i> use it for something someday. It's not entirely my fault; my dad was the same way. He grew up on a farm where repurposing was not a creative outlet; it was a survival strategy. But, that was a time of scarcity, and this is a time of plenty. I just have to get rid of things.</li>
</ol>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I've got to make changes, some of which are inspired by <a href="http://www.davidco.com/about-gtd">David Allen's <i>Getting Things Done</i></a> strategy of handling things a little as possible:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUeIDN7Ak8vPXFpgvO__efx5kFdZVir6siJGP6htOo03RkFhx2a4wq91pIojbj8PTA_48Cxy_8TOhENndmMtAIGa683cErZWVtuh0mfjHOau4EW6EvLt_ya0WsLNEZoGGlncKZmOdvPOxV/s1600/IMAG0779.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUeIDN7Ak8vPXFpgvO__efx5kFdZVir6siJGP6htOo03RkFhx2a4wq91pIojbj8PTA_48Cxy_8TOhENndmMtAIGa683cErZWVtuh0mfjHOau4EW6EvLt_ya0WsLNEZoGGlncKZmOdvPOxV/s400/IMAG0779.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>In the stacks of stuff, I found periodicals from January that I've not read yet. With guaranteed daylight on the ride home, I need to capture the time to read the magazines then. Perhaps then I can catch up on the actual books stacked on the table.</li>
<li>Get off of as many mailing lists as possible. Go to e-statements whenever possible.</li>
<li>Deal with it <b style="font-style: italic;">now.</b> Create a place for things you'll keep, put things in their place, and throw the rest away <i><b>now</b></i>.</li>
<li>Focus! If something is not usable within the short term, or at a definite point in time, pass it on--trash, recycle, or share.</li>
</ol>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKFrakYuA9c-uYSVTc-JbaKZvzstpF4_-UE3kIGVxaGYWNUB7V9asiWv4cbTMqKJY1cJvSAGAeA1gkKxW7fobOeY7eO5YDp_lnxiS_69_Js2_1Ug4pplkvha59os1UXVt-I3y4sIZJyQu0/s1600/IMAG0777.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKFrakYuA9c-uYSVTc-JbaKZvzstpF4_-UE3kIGVxaGYWNUB7V9asiWv4cbTMqKJY1cJvSAGAeA1gkKxW7fobOeY7eO5YDp_lnxiS_69_Js2_1Ug4pplkvha59os1UXVt-I3y4sIZJyQu0/s640/IMAG0777.jpg" width="382" /></a></div>
This sounds like a good plan for me, but I'm not the only one who lives in my house: I'm filing for two. I must enlist the help of the Resident Dragon, who actually has a lower tolerance for clutter than I have. If I make him aware the the storage spaces, he will store things. And we'll both be happier for it.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So, I'm looking forward to taking back my dream house, one cluttered surface at a time.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What about you? How do you tame the Clutter Monster?????????????</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Living a Savory life . . .</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Nancy</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8929810012361132362.post-24092157153895976552013-05-16T19:28:00.000-07:002013-05-16T19:28:05.274-07:00It's My "Berry" Favorite Time of the Year! Freezing and Preserving Strawberries<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4g0bPsY6NEFRdkn0Nmsjr0g1CXvj-SiJJyfIs4Ycad4K4NRI8X8mehp8jYwmmTvhJn9XuEYjIYKGDdhJZWmedxTJ7cuahVx6bHbXES8f8pdHD630mlL6hAotnBJBuiNjsGwjLjKpzmd4/s1600/IMAG2047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4g0bPsY6NEFRdkn0Nmsjr0g1CXvj-SiJJyfIs4Ycad4K4NRI8X8mehp8jYwmmTvhJn9XuEYjIYKGDdhJZWmedxTJ7cuahVx6bHbXES8f8pdHD630mlL6hAotnBJBuiNjsGwjLjKpzmd4/s400/IMAG2047.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Each flat contains 12 pints.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Strawberries are my favorite fruit and they are in season! The second largest strawberry farm in Mississippi is nearby and we stopped by their stand and picked up two flats (24 pints). I spent today capping and slicing the berries for freezing and for preserves. I can remember helping my grandmother with canning and preserving, but these are the first I've made on my own, at least to my remembrance.<br />
<br />
Many recipes call for pectin which will help the preserves jell more consistently, but I chose to forego the pectin and count on the syrup to set up on its own. The preserves will be more "soupy" but I like the clear, clean flavor of just the berry, sugar, and lemon.<br />
<br />
<b>Wash the berries through several changes of water.</b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxY3RSYHvx12tlNch1ovLhTNnq8uwKMgGldWnq9uisoCABX76ELlExhM-kqtvR8GMENiGTQHtPOsv0RXl03DxmzI16w4dO5Pqhxm0qqmb_MPqI7u69OQPt7xRKTmj1jATNPtgmjk8SrYA/s1600/IMAG2044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxY3RSYHvx12tlNch1ovLhTNnq8uwKMgGldWnq9uisoCABX76ELlExhM-kqtvR8GMENiGTQHtPOsv0RXl03DxmzI16w4dO5Pqhxm0qqmb_MPqI7u69OQPt7xRKTmj1jATNPtgmjk8SrYA/s400/IMAG2044.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rinse strawberries thoroughly.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<b>Remove the cap from each berry and slice into 1/4" slices.</b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU30gTZIT8EPWDnCwN26zJrEBfvawVLRawWEWNbJsl8PzlJkJopBASzL480KepdvfQGp3mfY7to93eHxAEKYw6o3g-Ks6wlq3SXIfpqrUh6E12hucUcGL-ecLMYtb_3hKQxpIECCqVYMs/s1600/IMAG2045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU30gTZIT8EPWDnCwN26zJrEBfvawVLRawWEWNbJsl8PzlJkJopBASzL480KepdvfQGp3mfY7to93eHxAEKYw6o3g-Ks6wlq3SXIfpqrUh6E12hucUcGL-ecLMYtb_3hKQxpIECCqVYMs/s400/IMAG2045.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't forget to compost the caps.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWfYpzTSFP0rhrV2K4RS_lKFExRc-wqQ-mIvJa8oyzTZ8uZemOUJpjTYCOSY7GXXgBnJFMWQCs1K5bVp7_FUN6_1Inq9_KlTm78yWz9OPVm-C2saJrcjS8bGDYXbqji_ndHaUC8koNSes/s1600/IMAG2046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWfYpzTSFP0rhrV2K4RS_lKFExRc-wqQ-mIvJa8oyzTZ8uZemOUJpjTYCOSY7GXXgBnJFMWQCs1K5bVp7_FUN6_1Inq9_KlTm78yWz9OPVm-C2saJrcjS8bGDYXbqji_ndHaUC8koNSes/s400/IMAG2046.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two pints after capping and slicing.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>The first 6 pints I "sugared down" to make preserves (10 cups for 6 pints of fruit).</b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu1hlpgmTxeXWW-_FvwNMTO0990yakCcywLkefaTC_bg5ZDfhgWYNOwo05dc5iBwFXTj9QSltc8t6_0M6WPJjAoovRGsZMzFc9v6Mn7YgCfeF5Dp3AIhvigPfb5eGE7zCQxYyFC55dHuw/s1600/IMAG2049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu1hlpgmTxeXWW-_FvwNMTO0990yakCcywLkefaTC_bg5ZDfhgWYNOwo05dc5iBwFXTj9QSltc8t6_0M6WPJjAoovRGsZMzFc9v6Mn7YgCfeF5Dp3AIhvigPfb5eGE7zCQxYyFC55dHuw/s400/IMAG2049.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stir until well-mixed.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Set aside for 3 or 4 hours.</b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4NlpJAoSJJrAmrf3-zv8ljqLkg8VCClBrXQsHhUkt0cvjMX1Lf03465X6SuTaxWaRuWumfF9IH3sAF2fAFxm1U1oeUvS7XLMD88MFvVgr_k2OlRz800G-SnDJ_7Eg5vehs9S_i9UxNq8/s1600/IMAG2050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4NlpJAoSJJrAmrf3-zv8ljqLkg8VCClBrXQsHhUkt0cvjMX1Lf03465X6SuTaxWaRuWumfF9IH3sAF2fAFxm1U1oeUvS7XLMD88MFvVgr_k2OlRz800G-SnDJ_7Eg5vehs9S_i9UxNq8/s400/IMAG2050.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Go ahead and put the strawberries and sugar into a stock pot.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Meanwhile, I sliced and capped the remaining berries and "dry" packed (no sugar) them into zipper freezer bags, 2 cups at a time. After removing 6 pints for the preserves, I was able to freeze 13 pints of sliced berries.</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQMqmV_86XVjPQW_QxR5ijveCSHlydVowNm4ujBwcgQCNhI3hictLCyrDWEhf-SRDZA6xjus-weyN8omvYBumbfKc2sGM63uDNh9PwXGaOf8O63ndFhXCGD9MdVJK0xwxvMrl3WgoGm5g/s1600/IMAG2051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQMqmV_86XVjPQW_QxR5ijveCSHlydVowNm4ujBwcgQCNhI3hictLCyrDWEhf-SRDZA6xjus-weyN8omvYBumbfKc2sGM63uDNh9PwXGaOf8O63ndFhXCGD9MdVJK0xwxvMrl3WgoGm5g/s400/IMAG2051.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't forget to "burp" the air from the bag!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Once the strawberries and sugar have macerated, add 2/3 cups of lemon juice to the strawberries.</b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV6He8R3oUZ0Pa9zcIewnFX3LK9yBn58vcjTHU5mIMIYhogcTG-eptAsBQ5r6U4ilwBp3O_ECECqXv3XFwyfslnoHLkQi6zyxZEGN-NjlFlLB7PnrFvt4E3bHw1bvWSHbj-PH_5vfLlys/s1600/IMAG2052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV6He8R3oUZ0Pa9zcIewnFX3LK9yBn58vcjTHU5mIMIYhogcTG-eptAsBQ5r6U4ilwBp3O_ECECqXv3XFwyfslnoHLkQi6zyxZEGN-NjlFlLB7PnrFvt4E3bHw1bvWSHbj-PH_5vfLlys/s400/IMAG2052.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh lemon juice is perfect for the job!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Cook until berries are translucent and sugar is dissolved.</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjGVExaEaPUd8CFNfegxgMc6aiMik1czRaCcLen3BPgDhR0gwd3MOCzlwzSKU1vaNSBXnU4f_rW3vjApxe_bgc8yaZu4rgSFzVNALve_w40352YHdDThuC5JAPFQzyT0881wDVGSmOMmo/s1600/IMAG2053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjGVExaEaPUd8CFNfegxgMc6aiMik1czRaCcLen3BPgDhR0gwd3MOCzlwzSKU1vaNSBXnU4f_rW3vjApxe_bgc8yaZu4rgSFzVNALve_w40352YHdDThuC5JAPFQzyT0881wDVGSmOMmo/s400/IMAG2053.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stir often.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj82HaR_rCVSbJrL2nYfE40TVTs8muKnU96Sm4eW7r_go0AS7nCst9Ul-_bvpdPUzcZ2y5avautVDSlwXJP-amP1oMi1KQkavj2fw5W4w3loC0Nr29B-QqwPzfwPi1NMVq9rRZd4we329E/s1600/IMAG2054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj82HaR_rCVSbJrL2nYfE40TVTs8muKnU96Sm4eW7r_go0AS7nCst9Ul-_bvpdPUzcZ2y5avautVDSlwXJP-amP1oMi1KQkavj2fw5W4w3loC0Nr29B-QqwPzfwPi1NMVq9rRZd4we329E/s400/IMAG2054.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Choose a large pot as it will "foam up" about <br />
three times its original volume before the foam recedes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Spread into a flat pan, and refrigerate uncovered for 12-24 hours.</b><br />
<br />
<b>Sterilize 12 half-pint jars in boiling water of a water bath canner.</b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn4eTpezJJ-Fg_hVAP31Bjhd68IN0w7_SzmXSPx2Q8rFGN7-A16uPLqRWWdtqmGkwe1pcWK-R9rDiNuXFGY9Z8gGroQfEUT_8_cZ9jLN4rYQaN7pXLHNhFyYCwQoXqADaVG3_HbHnPVYM/s1600/IMAG2055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn4eTpezJJ-Fg_hVAP31Bjhd68IN0w7_SzmXSPx2Q8rFGN7-A16uPLqRWWdtqmGkwe1pcWK-R9rDiNuXFGY9Z8gGroQfEUT_8_cZ9jLN4rYQaN7pXLHNhFyYCwQoXqADaVG3_HbHnPVYM/s400/IMAG2055.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Use the boiling water bath canner <br />
to sterilize jars.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Reheat strawberries, then spoon into sterilized half-pint jars, leaving 1/4" head space. </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwW8RiuFZFOQBh32eTbfqyNS-vQZidrBCbTZ88ovUNiQJ8l1Edu-dt1d2IAYORNHu_bZU-AZKDtQViDhidPS4aBBewHjwVAgscfc_o7syHYWA6VIUH6UjCUDQd3AzMQgtuvYRnGSNrH4o/s1600/IMAG2056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwW8RiuFZFOQBh32eTbfqyNS-vQZidrBCbTZ88ovUNiQJ8l1Edu-dt1d2IAYORNHu_bZU-AZKDtQViDhidPS4aBBewHjwVAgscfc_o7syHYWA6VIUH6UjCUDQd3AzMQgtuvYRnGSNrH4o/s400/IMAG2056.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Be sure to clean the jar lips with a wet cloth<br />
to ensure a good seal.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Seal with two-part lid and process in water-bath canner for 20 minutes. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqYPHJa9aDVeXcC-Z83Zh-viUrTDmkoxNqDrCIpAbaFgShhGQLBdA_hJ8vB0XJ6iLJVOqrR7qcbkPz_vVzB8Jl4pKnuekMpOv6fkVu-8RdWGv88CPQDZ5DGlbFViiWG3oh0bFQNAuG3nk/s1600/IMAG2057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqYPHJa9aDVeXcC-Z83Zh-viUrTDmkoxNqDrCIpAbaFgShhGQLBdA_hJ8vB0XJ6iLJVOqrR7qcbkPz_vVzB8Jl4pKnuekMpOv6fkVu-8RdWGv88CPQDZ5DGlbFViiWG3oh0bFQNAuG3nk/s400/IMAG2057.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The rings should only be finger-tight so that air may escape from the jars.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</b><br />
<b>Makes 12 half-pints.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoXPBvBo2GMWgt2RrKI7mKrZk_qrKDIvaRGSY0JVzWejEqyBcYN98QuEPs67sM3aud0q10uU6O7ugH3KBmNPp0hF_D6Y_wbIKLITaB-zdL_9jjMAydbwjPtfzdIhJPG4uqssifFOYN6qs/s1600/IMAG2058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoXPBvBo2GMWgt2RrKI7mKrZk_qrKDIvaRGSY0JVzWejEqyBcYN98QuEPs67sM3aud0q10uU6O7ugH3KBmNPp0hF_D6Y_wbIKLITaB-zdL_9jjMAydbwjPtfzdIhJPG4uqssifFOYN6qs/s400/IMAG2058.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tighten the rings after removing the hot jars from the canner.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Two days' work for 12 half-pints of strawberry preserves. Was it worth it? Each jar, including the cost of fruit, sugar, lemons, and jars/rings, cost $2.30, which is comparable with the ready-made found in the grocery store. Not included in that cost is the comfort of knowing exactly what is in my food, and the satisfaction of making my own food, even if I did not grow it myself. Definitely worth it. </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>So, the canning season has begun! Check back for more adventures!</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>What's cooking in your Savory kitchen?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Nancy</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Ijsx03AeY8iQsYP8MHNQbT0j07rQZdIvKgHQprd8IfjkcSXppCNYSjjyrHqpwb3biBIiFQMonrOJrGlySoXiNyL9YMc8nryKxASkAVsEIcKweE9oA5s1F1SC3zS6HCEJzYfDcmPYzTs/s1600/IMAG2048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Ijsx03AeY8iQsYP8MHNQbT0j07rQZdIvKgHQprd8IfjkcSXppCNYSjjyrHqpwb3biBIiFQMonrOJrGlySoXiNyL9YMc8nryKxASkAVsEIcKweE9oA5s1F1SC3zS6HCEJzYfDcmPYzTs/s400/IMAG2048.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Consult the <a href="http://www.freshpreserving.com/home.aspx">Ball Blue Book </a><br />
for more information.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><br /></b></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8929810012361132362.post-52027360479186550162013-05-11T05:49:00.000-07:002013-05-11T05:49:27.939-07:00Nesting Season: Taking Time to Take Care<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSMzpaF38leae3j4BezpwUHS72rQzlsPy-_F0Ph4kx-nWARbJjzFf5BdHhSpizp4hyphenhyphenB3CWtQ1gcTIBDk-l0rlskmYbjBV4WgJ9VK90RmIo4uhDJJtNZWP9u4WYFaPXv0afqPp954NMZCVJ/s1600/IMAG1861.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSMzpaF38leae3j4BezpwUHS72rQzlsPy-_F0Ph4kx-nWARbJjzFf5BdHhSpizp4hyphenhyphenB3CWtQ1gcTIBDk-l0rlskmYbjBV4WgJ9VK90RmIo4uhDJJtNZWP9u4WYFaPXv0afqPp954NMZCVJ/s400/IMAG1861.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kale going to seed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Early mornings are my favorite time here on the farm. The silence wraps around me like a warm hug, while the occasional chirps, chips, and trills make me smile. It's Saturday; and this is the first Saturday in a month that I've been able to sleep in a bit, then wander from window to window, peering out at the flowers and the birds and the waving grass.<br />
<br />
A flash of color on the back porch catches my eye: a mockingbird. Their reputation for just plain meanness is well-justified and there's one sitting in a basket on the second shelf of a baker's rack. It's within a yard of the back door and I peer at it, my movement flushing the ornery bird. As I look closer at the basket, the scraggly collection of twigs poking out of it tells me it contains a <i>nest</i>. If there are no eggs in it, I think I might move it or even destroy it. It's been hard enough to live with nesting pairs of amiable barn swallows on top of the porch's ceiling fan for two seasons; I just don't think I could live with protective mama and papa mockingbird dive-bombing me every time I step out of the back door. Besides, nestlings and fledglings are tasty spring treats for snakes, and I do not want to remind them that my porch is a source of fast food.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBsMWjwoeoC7o0uqcTDh2qMDE-2cK4rMHv_kPLu2W9ZyTjGUKtU4wBixWm3oR-pt9kiVAvGiwwMjAY-0J2xiAvUN40zru6amqpJ1W1left1mArlHSXUA4pnejWKGofjXZSJI9MbPU_eJ2y/s1600/IMAG1931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBsMWjwoeoC7o0uqcTDh2qMDE-2cK4rMHv_kPLu2W9ZyTjGUKtU4wBixWm3oR-pt9kiVAvGiwwMjAY-0J2xiAvUN40zru6amqpJ1W1left1mArlHSXUA4pnejWKGofjXZSJI9MbPU_eJ2y/s400/IMAG1931.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After a lifetime of proclaiming I can't draw, <br />I've determined to learn. Here <br />is a drawing of a houseplace <br />in northern Mississippi.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Enough of today's existential crisis, and back to my reverie. The to-do list is long today, and I know I'll not finish it since it begins with capping strawberries to freeze and make preserves. Strawberries fresh from <a href="http://www.brownleefarms.com/">Brownlee Farms</a> is a special spring treat, and I expect to gobble as much as I preserve! Two flats should keep me busy, don't you think?<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUONU4wjAPx1mDUXVFSShzwf_3vGWeSYJrmfTYkF9WLu1rQm110dWznxkYOP887OM-ajXOfvNP63xXi3XG_JMVWvVTatDkEjIeU2jEsMHj1VUsiFAT8qDWVQPfVqd_7GP39RNXrvILJcPd/s1600/IMAG2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUONU4wjAPx1mDUXVFSShzwf_3vGWeSYJrmfTYkF9WLu1rQm110dWznxkYOP887OM-ajXOfvNP63xXi3XG_JMVWvVTatDkEjIeU2jEsMHj1VUsiFAT8qDWVQPfVqd_7GP39RNXrvILJcPd/s320/IMAG2012.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I so enjoy the drifts of red clover along the highway!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
With the busy schedule we have had, the kitchen table has become the "go through later" repository. Since it's piled so high that things are now sliding off (sadly, this is not an exaggeration), I think "later" has arrived, so I can do that while "occasionally stirring" the strawberry preserves. Actually, I need to organize the whole house, which has suffered from our "drop it and run" schedule of the last month: perhaps after planting season, but before the weeding really ramps up.<br />
<br />
There's always so much to <i>do</i>, that I can neglect to take time to just <i>be</i>. I am too busy to stop and enjoy the fresh spring breeze cooling my sun-warmed face. I am too busy to snuggle up next to a warm dragon while he snores. I am . . . tired.<br />
<br />
So, the breeze beckons, the songbirds sing, and the dragon drowses: it's time to go enjoy them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNBHec_0mB17btG1gQ4c50b1WhciRL-bULjSInIQ0WCddLd_4UPoZ9JbvjWGglZzcUCS7oy3Y2KvOikZpZOoTawEKo6V9PQFimAeIsYr3jWOzn02ScinhGFtjmFHBf7206W6mzxE_5fTJH/s1600/IMAG1221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNBHec_0mB17btG1gQ4c50b1WhciRL-bULjSInIQ0WCddLd_4UPoZ9JbvjWGglZzcUCS7oy3Y2KvOikZpZOoTawEKo6V9PQFimAeIsYr3jWOzn02ScinhGFtjmFHBf7206W6mzxE_5fTJH/s320/IMAG1221.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barn swallows are tolerable, but mockingbirds?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
How are you living your Savory life?<br />
<br />
Nancy</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0