the emotional life of sølje

I saw this smoke detector on the news tonight. I am glad they at least gave the name of the company, because when I went to their “newslinks”, and even the “must have gadgets”, I couldn’t find the url. Anyway, unlike the typical smoke detector, the parent records a message and when the detector senses smoke, it will go off. Instead of the shrill siren sound, the household will hear, ” :child’s name: there is a fire! Get up!” over and over.

I ordered two.

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I had a great apple today. It’s called a GRAPPLE… grape+apple. OHMYGOSH… this apple is a total sensory experience!!!! First, it’s nicely shaped, red and very round. And then the smell… this is like such a sweet perfume, it’s hard to describe, but after eating one, I keep smelling the apple’s smell and it’s wonderful! Tasting it is a pleasure! If there is one downfall… $$$$ Here’s a website that talks about it http://www.getfitfoods.com/grapple_story.html and actually Get Fit Foods is the company that I see put out the apple. Now, this isn’t your ordinary apple. It comes in a recycleable plastic molded container–which holds four apples. Reading the “Ingredients” list on the label, I am a bit disappointed to NOW read that the ingredients are “Apples, Artificial Grape Flavor”. I am deflated!

This is from the website above which describes what the Grapple is:
The Grapple is a Washington State Extra Fancy Fuji apple. This is the only apple that currently meets the strict Grapple standards. The Fuji is bathed through a patented process and in a few days the entire apple takes on the essence and mouth-watering taste of Concord grapes. The combination is outstanding.

As I first stated above, it is a total sensory experience. But adding anything artificial to a natural food, that does turn me off. I guess the jury is still out on how I like it now. If it were all natural? No problem there! but….

To date… my favorite this year is the Honeycrisp. Tastes just like the name: crispy and delicious. I guess you could say that I am an apple snob Can’t help it when you are from Washington State… so many choices!!

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I have endearingly named this “a mess” These are some scraps from my first attempt at creating a fabric by using bits and pieces, and Angelina fibers, all entwined together. I admit that it doesn’t look like much, but I can see potential now with this process. Thanks to my friend Nikki, I think I have finally broken back into playing with fiber again! Thanks, Nik for your emails yesterday!

I had so much fun doing this technique. I know many have done this tons of times over me, but I am still breaking into my “newbie fun zone”. I think the critical thing that Nikki told me, was “pick a technique and sit down for half an hour and try it. Don’t even THINK about a finished product.”. I get very hung up on the “finished product”, and I end up forgetting to have fun and with simply experiment.

So that was my fun for last night. Sorry I can’t show the larger pieces–yet. But after December I will!

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It’s Never Been Missing
Melissa Devin

When I grow up
I want to be a princess
golden hair flowing
beautiful tiara glistening

But here I am
all grown up…
grey hairs are glistening
and no tiara adorning

When I grow up
I want to be loved
kisses in the doorway
I love you in the evening

But here I am
all grown up…
I have been loved all my life
I don’t know what the love was, I thought I was missing
But I have been loved by those that I have been
surrounded in my life

My love and my son
have filled empty spaces
in the times that all I felt was
alone.

But I had forgotten
my mom and my dad
were always there listening and filling my soul
with precious love
and when they were gone
it all felt so lost
why did I feel so empty and wanting to be loved….
They were filling me up when I wasn’t looking

But why do we want more?

Now that I am grown up
I don’t need to keep looking
I have all I’ve ever needed
surrounding me now

No riches, no boxes
will ever replace
the gift of love and laughter that fills me today

and if my loves need to leave me
before it’s my time
I know I am still loved
by the Greatest Love of All

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A Page From My Book
It’s finally up! I was planning to join the challenge this year, but I wasn’t feeling very up for it. I think too many changes following mom’s death, and then the house projects… the steam was all gone. I am still trying to get “it” back. Anyway, this year’s Journal Quilt Challenge pages are up! Take a look, they are definitely fabulous.

A quick description: Each “page” is for a month of the year. This year, Karey Bresenhan asked that in order to display all the participants interested, that only five pages be sent this year. Each page is 8.5″x11″. The only rules really apply to the sleeve that the pages are attached to, otherwise free expression is the way. Definitely a way to get out of the box and just try something new. Not having a huge quilt to work on makes it easier to try a new technique.

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Christopher Ranch peeled garlic is the best product EVER! I bought a big container of it at Costco, and will have to say the fact that it’s so easy to just pull out a clove of garlic now, makes it sooo easy to use it in everything Yeah, I don’t mind having to peel the individual cloves, but this is like a luxery–already having the cloves peeled. I am giving this product rave reviews!

Looking at Christopher Ranch website, I see they have a link for various garlic recipes. Will have to give some a try. For those that can’t get enough of garlic, then hitting the Garlic Festival may just be right up your alley! I have even heard that they offer garlic ice cream. Hmmmmm…. not so sure that is an item I would love to endorse, but it sounds interesting at least! LOL! Gilroy Garlic Festival

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