It's the end of the year as I know it and I feel fine!
2013 was an interesting and quite busy year. As I look back at my blog from 2013 I realize that, really, I was nearly too busy to actually update much here. Oh, I touched on things that were interesting but I really didn't open up like I should be doing. I'm on the most wonderful adventure - my life!
I'm starting 2014 in my van and am a mere 2 months shy of my 2 year VANiversary. I just can't believe that. When I moved into the van I was pretty much in despair. My life was at a place that wasn't working for me and I was so unhappy that my health and everything else was suffering. Now, nearly two years later, I'm still so grateful for the breakdown that caused me to be where I am right now.
Gone are my fears of wondering how I will survive and what will become of me. I know I can and will survive anything this life will throw at me because, at this point, there really isn't too much in the way of tragedy or happiness that I haven't experienced. There are only a handful of sad days I can foresee in my future and none of them are immediate so those bridges will be dealt with when I need to.
What follows is a disjointed collection of stuff I did/ accomplished in 2013. . .
2013 saw a creative increase for me - I've learned to hula hoop and hoop dance. I haven't quite mastered this at all but I've gotten leaps and bounds better than I was. I'm coming up on two Hoopiversaries. Last January I bought my first hula hoop and I'll be honest, I didn't use it much. I purchased the wrong size and the wrong weight which made hooping not so much fun. So January is my hoopiversary as far as WANTING to hoop. We all know that wanting and doing are two very, very different things and that first hoop just managed to collect dust. In April at Scarborough Renaissance Festival my hoop fire was rekindled by some wonderful and supportive people who were also learning to hoop. They made hooping and learning - and sometimes failing - so much fun that I have kept with it. I now own several hoops and have at least two more hoop purchases to make. Am I hooping fire yet - no. Maybe that will happen this year. I am very proud of how far I have come with hooping and am always shocked at not only how much I enjoy hooping but how much I enjoy teaching other people to hoop.
Also in 2013 I became the master of the blown out egg. I made all sorts of lovely little crEGGtions from flower covered eggs to dragons eggs. I managed to get two eggs into a folk art display in San Antonio (which is still crazy to me). It's a weird feeling to know that something I made was liked enough that it is on display somewhere.
I painted glass pendants, learned paper quilling, made hot air balloons, leather pins, learned how to make Medieval Moccasins and hair clips.
2013 saw me lose someone who was only in my world for a brief time but who touched me to my core. Ingrid Wendt was one of those people who just made you feel good. She had wonderful energy that was glorious to bask in. She lived the life I want and her stories were inspiring, her life was inspiring and because of knowing her I am a better person. She passed away quickly after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. While her presence here at the Medieval Moccasins headquarters is missed, her energy is still felt.
I did less traveling this year than last year but in some ways that's a good thing. I logged a mere 3,444 miles in the Inn. I'm sad to say I didn't make it to any van runs in 2013 but that will change for 2014 as there is a run in Houston in January that I intend to attend.
I attended 6 Renaissance festivals in 5 different states this year. Florida was the new state on this year's journey. Hopefully I'll get to see that one again. As always you can follow along with my travels by viewing the Travellers [sic] Point travel map widget right here on the front of my blog (scroll down a little) or by going directly to my travel map.
I quit smoking analog cigarettes and made the switch to an e-cigarette. 6 months later I am still smoke free!
I learned how to make homemade liqueurs. Limoncello is now something I make as frequently as I run out of it.
I participated in or helped organize 3 fundraisers/ clothing drives this year - The Rogues did two fundraisers this year, one for Moore, OK tornado victims and one for Ingrid Wendt's family. And I helped collect a ton of clothing for the homeless in Baltimore.
What do I want out of 2014? I don't know. Last year I thought I wanted land and a homestead and while that's still a goal, it's definitely not in my near future. I suppose I'd like to make it through the year with no loss of anyone close to me or anyone close to anyone close to me. I'd like to continue to grow into someone who takes an interest in other people, who volunteers, who takes interest in where our country is going (because that future doesn't look too bright right now). I'd like to gain more confidence in my hooping. I'd like everyone around me to be healthy, happy, and successful in this coming year.
To my dedicated readers the only resolution I'll make is to update here more often. I take a ton of pictures that never make it to this site and that needs to change. Bright blessings, love and light to all of you - Happy New Year!
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Monday, December 09, 2013
The Rogues - Hellbound Sleigh
Ordering before December 18th will guarantee delivery before Christmas, click here to order your copy.
You can listen to samples of the music here.
Thursday, December 05, 2013
Rabble, Rabble, Travel, Rabble
It's been a while since I've updated here but that's mostly because there hasn't been much going on - sort of.
After MDRF ended I packed up the Inn and headed South. The Rogues had a show at the Sarasota Medieval Fair and we had a little trouble actually getting there.
We stopped for a couple days break at Randy's parents house in NC. Of course, the day we were set to leave there I started up The Inn and gasoline came pouring out from under the hood. Not good. Turns out my fuel pump went kaput. The part cot me $60 and a full day to put it in and we were set to go.
30 miles outside of Sarasota Randy's rig started acting up by not dropping into gear. Off to the shop it wen where it sat for two days while we did the festival. The issue? Turns out the parking break didn't release properly as Randy was driving with it sort of engaged which ended up overheating the transmission. That little incident cost $500. What a pain in the ass.
After Sarasota, I traveled up to Louisiana where friend's Pam and Steve live. I did Thanksgiving there which was a fabulous decision. The food and company were excellent. I met some new friends, spent time with old friends and just really had a wonderful day.
December sees me in San Marcos, TX where I'll be for at least the next 6 months. I'm staying at Medieval Moccasins' headquarters while working for them building up stock to handle the spring/ early summer festivals.
Coming back to San Marcos is like coming home. I spent enough time here last year that I sort of know my way around town and know what's in the general area. The land emits a lovely homey vibe since it's familiar and beautiful. It was definitely sad to pull in here knowing that Ingrid's smile wasn't going to be greeting me. I took some time and went to say my greetings in her Gemini Garden.
This weekend I'll be at Dickens on the Strand in Galveston, TX. The Rogues have several shows there and it's a fun little Victorian Christmas themed street festival. So if any of the readers here are in the area, I'd love to see you! You'll be able to find me selling Rogues merchandise at their shows or just hanging out in the street hooping near Murphy's Irish Pub.
After MDRF ended I packed up the Inn and headed South. The Rogues had a show at the Sarasota Medieval Fair and we had a little trouble actually getting there.
We stopped for a couple days break at Randy's parents house in NC. Of course, the day we were set to leave there I started up The Inn and gasoline came pouring out from under the hood. Not good. Turns out my fuel pump went kaput. The part cot me $60 and a full day to put it in and we were set to go.
30 miles outside of Sarasota Randy's rig started acting up by not dropping into gear. Off to the shop it wen where it sat for two days while we did the festival. The issue? Turns out the parking break didn't release properly as Randy was driving with it sort of engaged which ended up overheating the transmission. That little incident cost $500. What a pain in the ass.
After Sarasota, I traveled up to Louisiana where friend's Pam and Steve live. I did Thanksgiving there which was a fabulous decision. The food and company were excellent. I met some new friends, spent time with old friends and just really had a wonderful day.
December sees me in San Marcos, TX where I'll be for at least the next 6 months. I'm staying at Medieval Moccasins' headquarters while working for them building up stock to handle the spring/ early summer festivals.
Coming back to San Marcos is like coming home. I spent enough time here last year that I sort of know my way around town and know what's in the general area. The land emits a lovely homey vibe since it's familiar and beautiful. It was definitely sad to pull in here knowing that Ingrid's smile wasn't going to be greeting me. I took some time and went to say my greetings in her Gemini Garden.
This weekend I'll be at Dickens on the Strand in Galveston, TX. The Rogues have several shows there and it's a fun little Victorian Christmas themed street festival. So if any of the readers here are in the area, I'd love to see you! You'll be able to find me selling Rogues merchandise at their shows or just hanging out in the street hooping near Murphy's Irish Pub.
Monday, October 21, 2013
Ingrid Wendt Healing Fund
This went off Saturday night as smooth as can be!
Yay this fundraiser is done, yay it went well! Huge thanks go out to my co-organizer Stacy Lute. I would have been lost without you, lady! You are the bees knees!
Huge thanks go out to:
All of the MDRF merchants and Friends of Faire who donated time, money or an item to the event. Because of you terrific folks we were able to raise over $5,300! That, combined with our online donations via PayPal brings us to I think just over $17,000. That is amazing!
The festival itself who donated a private privy! What a seriously wanted and fun item to get to auction!
The entertainers: The Rogues, Wolgemut, Tinsmith, DragonSong, Drum Runners, EJ Jones, bellydancers Kashira and Amustela, Sprite for the step dancing and our emcee for the evening Michael Rosman who wasn't feeling 100% and still kept the night moving and entertaining!
Our volunteers who stepped in and helped set up, tear down, sell tickets, work the door ect Erica, Shaun, Karen, Katie, Jen and Kim - if it weren't for you guys this would not have gone near as smooth as it did.
It was great to get to see Hal the Piper piping away after his serious health issues just a few months ago. Hal and Judith can light up a room like no one I know.
HUGE grateful hugs go out to everyone who attended and bid on items. I'm touched and thankful for all of you.
Last of all, on a personal note, Joe and Diana Wheeler - you two are my heroes! They actually won the only item I was bidding on in the raffle auction and then gave it to me! Thanks to them I am the new owner of a Goodly Woods quilted maple mug. A couple of months ago I decided I wanted a wooden mug because my metal one really doesn't handle warm liquids well. I've shopped around and knew the right one would present itself. I can't wait to get the medallion made for the bottom of it!
Yay this fundraiser is done, yay it went well! Huge thanks go out to my co-organizer Stacy Lute. I would have been lost without you, lady! You are the bees knees!
Huge thanks go out to:
All of the MDRF merchants and Friends of Faire who donated time, money or an item to the event. Because of you terrific folks we were able to raise over $5,300! That, combined with our online donations via PayPal brings us to I think just over $17,000. That is amazing!
The festival itself who donated a private privy! What a seriously wanted and fun item to get to auction!
The entertainers: The Rogues, Wolgemut, Tinsmith, DragonSong, Drum Runners, EJ Jones, bellydancers Kashira and Amustela, Sprite for the step dancing and our emcee for the evening Michael Rosman who wasn't feeling 100% and still kept the night moving and entertaining!
Our volunteers who stepped in and helped set up, tear down, sell tickets, work the door ect Erica, Shaun, Karen, Katie, Jen and Kim - if it weren't for you guys this would not have gone near as smooth as it did.
It was great to get to see Hal the Piper piping away after his serious health issues just a few months ago. Hal and Judith can light up a room like no one I know.
HUGE grateful hugs go out to everyone who attended and bid on items. I'm touched and thankful for all of you.
Last of all, on a personal note, Joe and Diana Wheeler - you two are my heroes! They actually won the only item I was bidding on in the raffle auction and then gave it to me! Thanks to them I am the new owner of a Goodly Woods quilted maple mug. A couple of months ago I decided I wanted a wooden mug because my metal one really doesn't handle warm liquids well. I've shopped around and knew the right one would present itself. I can't wait to get the medallion made for the bottom of it!
Maryland Renaissance Festival Ends
Finally.
MDRF is done for this year. Not much to say about that except that I am happy it's done because it really wasn't a whole lot of fun this season.
The Maryland faire will always hold a special place in my heart because it's my home faire but the past two years have really sucked the fun out of the festival for me. Last year it was all the band drama and this year it was shoe booth drama
I was, however, happy and grateful to at least get to lay eyes and wrap my arms around most of my friends at least once this season. I think I managed to meet all of the babies that were born over the winter.
There will be pictures where I have unlimited data to upload them.
MDRF is done for this year. Not much to say about that except that I am happy it's done because it really wasn't a whole lot of fun this season.
The Maryland faire will always hold a special place in my heart because it's my home faire but the past two years have really sucked the fun out of the festival for me. Last year it was all the band drama and this year it was shoe booth drama
I was, however, happy and grateful to at least get to lay eyes and wrap my arms around most of my friends at least once this season. I think I managed to meet all of the babies that were born over the winter.
There will be pictures where I have unlimited data to upload them.
Friday, October 18, 2013
Last MDRF Weekend
Finally! It's the last weekend of the Maryland Renaissance Festival! This excites me for a number of reasons:
The Rogues are back to playing! That's right the fellas will be out there playing some awesome music! You will be able to find me selling CDs whenever they are playing. This also means I get to see the wonderful Heather again.
Chela and Klaus are coming into town. I'm so excited to see them and hug them!
The culmination of all of the hard work Stacy Lute and I have been doing for the Ingrid Wendt Healing Fund happens on Saturday. Without Stacy I would still be floundering around. I'm so glad she took the reins on the auction! The event is going to be wonderful and a glorious celebration of Ingrid nd a chance for some closure for those of us who had to stay here when Ingrid passed.
Sunday - all of my rowdy friends are coming to faire! At the first Rogues show we will be gathering to remember Heather and Brit's mom, Joyce. I can't wait to see everyone. I need a dose of my peoples. I'll be working selling CDs but it's the last day so I plan on getting a bit rowdy myself.
This summer has been a lot of work and it's not quite over yet . . .
The first weekend or so in November I am working on a Make the Homeless Smile event. If any of my friends have cold weather clothing, blankets ect they would like to donate please bring them to faire with you and I will get them there.
Stay tuned for pictures from the summer and the fundraiser.
The Rogues are back to playing! That's right the fellas will be out there playing some awesome music! You will be able to find me selling CDs whenever they are playing. This also means I get to see the wonderful Heather again.
Chela and Klaus are coming into town. I'm so excited to see them and hug them!
The culmination of all of the hard work Stacy Lute and I have been doing for the Ingrid Wendt Healing Fund happens on Saturday. Without Stacy I would still be floundering around. I'm so glad she took the reins on the auction! The event is going to be wonderful and a glorious celebration of Ingrid nd a chance for some closure for those of us who had to stay here when Ingrid passed.
Sunday - all of my rowdy friends are coming to faire! At the first Rogues show we will be gathering to remember Heather and Brit's mom, Joyce. I can't wait to see everyone. I need a dose of my peoples. I'll be working selling CDs but it's the last day so I plan on getting a bit rowdy myself.
This summer has been a lot of work and it's not quite over yet . . .
The first weekend or so in November I am working on a Make the Homeless Smile event. If any of my friends have cold weather clothing, blankets ect they would like to donate please bring them to faire with you and I will get them there.
Stay tuned for pictures from the summer and the fundraiser.
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Northern Bound
This weekend will see me traveling to Connecticut and the Connecticut Renaissance Faire with The Rogues.
I'm excited to see a new faire. I'll try to remember to take pictures.
MDRF continues. Last weekend was a half work weekend for me. I sold moccasins on Saturday but on Sunday I spent the day wandering and collecting donations for the Ingrid Wendt Healing Fund auction.
I also got to see some friends for the first time in aout a year though we didn't get to spend any time together unfortunately. I really miss my MD horror crew. It seems like everyone's life has gone in a new direction and we've all been scattered to the wind. I'm glad I'll get a chance to catch up with everyone October 20th at the faire though sad for the reason we'll all be able to do that.
I'm excited to see a new faire. I'll try to remember to take pictures.
MDRF continues. Last weekend was a half work weekend for me. I sold moccasins on Saturday but on Sunday I spent the day wandering and collecting donations for the Ingrid Wendt Healing Fund auction.
I also got to see some friends for the first time in aout a year though we didn't get to spend any time together unfortunately. I really miss my MD horror crew. It seems like everyone's life has gone in a new direction and we've all been scattered to the wind. I'm glad I'll get a chance to catch up with everyone October 20th at the faire though sad for the reason we'll all be able to do that.
Monday, September 09, 2013
Diamond Candles
I love candles. The Inn is the perfect place to freshen the air with a scented candle with the exception of one thing ... soot. Okay, two things . . . soot and fire hazard.
I recently heard about Diamond Candles - they are a soy candle with a ring worth up to $5,000 in it. My ring is a cheap knock off that they say is worth $10 but the candle itself is fabulous. I purchased the Vanilla Cream candle and it smells wonderful. It does a nice job of filling the Inn with its vanilla goodness. I'm looking forward to purchasing a Pumpkin Chai scent next.
 |
| My $10 Diamond Candle ring. |
Friday, August 30, 2013
MDRF Opening Weekend
 | |
| Photo by Wayne David |
It was great getting to catch up with a lot of folks who I haven't seen in a year. It's also been very sad at the same time since Ingrid's passing on Wednesday of last week.
This weekend I'll try to take some pictures if I remember - it ends up being a very busy day running back and forth to sell for The Rogues. During the week I'm working in Medieval Moccasins learning production so I can carry those skills with me to Texas this winter and be of some use.
Oh! I have been hooping - I try to work in an hour a day but I haven't learned any new stuff in a while so I need to get working on that.
I'll write more but for now I'm short on time - gotta make the moccasins.
Monday, August 05, 2013
A Plea for Help
In June, while Randy and I were staying and working with them, the owner of the company, Ingrid Wendt, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The news has hit the family hard and has affected ALL areas of their lives. Working in the Renaissance Festival circuit, many of us do not have health insurance and Ingrid's medical bills are certain to be over $100,000 and the doctors and hospitals are requiring a lot of treatment payments in advance of care being given.
I am reaching out to you, my readers, and asking that, if you have the means to, please donate to her medical fund. You can make a payment by going to PayPal and sending donations to ingridhealingfund@gmail.com or physical checks made out to Ingrid Healing Fund can be mailed to the following address:
Ingrid Healing Fund ℅ Klaus Weiland
2350 Hugo Road
San Marcos, TX 78666
The Wendt-Weiland family is important to me and important to many of us in the Renaissance circuit. The family is always quick with a laugh, some comfort if you're down, and shoes for your feet so it's only fitting that we give back to them. You can follow updates about Ingrid's health at our Facebook Group, Ingrid Wendt Healing Fund.
The Rogues, my sig-other's band, are also hosting a fundraiser in Crownsville, MD on October 19 at the American Legion Hall. We will have belly dancers, musicians and the wonderful Michael Rosman (Squire on the Wire from MDRF) as emcee. More entertainment announcements coming soon. We will also be doing an auction and other fundraising activities. You can find out more about the event by visiting the official event page.
Monday, July 15, 2013
Spring in Texas Pt. 1
I have a ton of pictures I haven't had time to post. Pictures that go all the way back to November so the next few posts may contain little else. I need to catch up before I can post about all the wonderful things currently going on. This is my goal over the next few days ...
I spent the Spring working for Medieval Moccasins at various markets, Sherwood Forest Faire, Scarborough Renaissance Festival and the Folk Life Festival. Definitely an interesting experience since I've never held a sales job. I was concerned that I wouldn't do well but I was wrong. It's easy to do sales when you believe in the product. I love the shoes s oI can sell them.
I also had the chance to flex my creativity by making an selling dragon eggs for kid's day at Scarby. I didn't sell many but got a ton of compliments on them, enough that I am working towards making enough stock to be able to do a market or event on my own.
I spent the Spring working for Medieval Moccasins at various markets, Sherwood Forest Faire, Scarborough Renaissance Festival and the Folk Life Festival. Definitely an interesting experience since I've never held a sales job. I was concerned that I wouldn't do well but I was wrong. It's easy to do sales when you believe in the product. I love the shoes s oI can sell them.
I also had the chance to flex my creativity by making an selling dragon eggs for kid's day at Scarby. I didn't sell many but got a ton of compliments on them, enough that I am working towards making enough stock to be able to do a market or event on my own.
 |
| My garb is getting crazy - currently own more garb than regular clothes. |
 |
| Chela made little leather egg holders! |
Wednesday, June 05, 2013
Piping and Drumming Up Funds for Tornado Relief with The Rogues
The Rogues are hosting a fundraiser to help out the Oklahoma tornado victims on Saturday, June 22, 2013 at McGonigel's Mucky Duck in Houston, TX from 1:00 - 4:00pm.
Stop by and help us help good people who desperately need it. Also on
the program is another Houston favorite, The Jig is Up, and there may
be more entertainment coming. $10 donation per person to get in and all
proceeds go to the Red Cross. Enjoy great beer, great food and great
music for a good cause! If you can't make it to the event donations can
still be accepted. Information to donate will be on the Rogues website
at http://therogues.com.
Saturday, June 22, 2013 1:00 - 4:00 pm. $10 donation per person
McGonigel's Mucky Duck
2425 Norfolk St.
Houston, TX 77098
Friday, May 24, 2013
A Storm Is Coming
Texas is in dire need of rain. We've had a couple of quick thunderstorms with some heavy rain and hail but nothing soaking.
We're getting that soaking today. I climbed on top of the rig to take some pictures:
We're getting that soaking today. I climbed on top of the rig to take some pictures:
Thursday, May 23, 2013
In Need of a Hoopervention
Back in January I bought myself an infinity hoop with the very good intentions of learning how to hula hoop dance and trick hooping with the ultimate goal of hooping fire.
Well that hoop (an expensive hoop from Body Works) left me very bruised and I found myself ignoring the fact that I bought it until I started working at Scarborough Faire in April. See, the Medieval Moccasin booth is across from the play tent. The play tent sells all sorts of fun toys including, you guessed it, hula hoops! Around the second week I went over and ordered a new hoop. Two weeks after that I still didn't have my hoop because the poor girl running the tent had some health issues but that gave me time to think about the hoop I ordered. I changed my mind on an infinity hoop and picked out a regular lighter weight hoop in pretty browns and blues. The week after that I ordered a second larger hoop and I've been steady hooping since then.
So really, I've only been seriously hooping for about a month.
Hoop dancing has a terrific learning curve. It's so easy to pick up tricks and stuff because when you get it - it feels right with the flow of the hoop and becomes, in most cases, way easier than I was attempting.
The girl who runs the play tent is going to take my heavy hoop and trade me a new heavier hoop that won't bruise me. I'm excited to get it this weekend!
 |
| My first hoop |
 |
Hoop dancing has a terrific learning curve. It's so easy to pick up tricks and stuff because when you get it - it feels right with the flow of the hoop and becomes, in most cases, way easier than I was attempting.
 |
| Even the lighter hoop leaves bruises when learning new tricks. |
Wednesday, May 08, 2013
Interesting Article
Here's a wonderful article on the 15 Things You Should Give Up To Be Happy. I have to say that I agree with all of these things and though I am still working on a few I have definitely conquered most of this list.
Thursday, April 04, 2013
April Already?
Holy crap! This year is flying by. I can't believe it's April already. Yay for Spring! We've had a couple days of heavy rain here in San Marcos. Thankfully, it rained during the week and not on a weekend which makes for an uncomfortable work day.
The Sherwood Forest Faire just wrapped up last weekend and this weekend is the beginning of the Scarborough Renaissance Faire so my next 8 weekends are tied up working with the folks at Medieval Moccasins. If you have the time and the inclination come out to Waxahachie, TX and visit me!
This Saturday is also my 38th birthday. 38 ... good grief. This is definitely not where I imagined my life being at this age but then I really don't recall ever imagining my life to this age. I'm happy, healthy, working, having fun and enjoying life in a way that I doubt I would if I stayed on the course I was on two years ago. I am living with little to no stress, have a roof over my head, food in my belly and all of my cats. This time last year I wasn't entirely sure of any of that was going to be possible.
A couple weeks from now will be the one year aniversary of full-timing on the road. It went by so fast. Who knew life could be so enjoyable when you don't have to worry about someone taking your home from you?
The Sherwood Forest Faire just wrapped up last weekend and this weekend is the beginning of the Scarborough Renaissance Faire so my next 8 weekends are tied up working with the folks at Medieval Moccasins. If you have the time and the inclination come out to Waxahachie, TX and visit me!
This Saturday is also my 38th birthday. 38 ... good grief. This is definitely not where I imagined my life being at this age but then I really don't recall ever imagining my life to this age. I'm happy, healthy, working, having fun and enjoying life in a way that I doubt I would if I stayed on the course I was on two years ago. I am living with little to no stress, have a roof over my head, food in my belly and all of my cats. This time last year I wasn't entirely sure of any of that was going to be possible.
A couple weeks from now will be the one year aniversary of full-timing on the road. It went by so fast. Who knew life could be so enjoyable when you don't have to worry about someone taking your home from you?
Monday, March 25, 2013
Feelin' Crafty
Spring is trying very hard to be sprung but the cold air has pushed once again into Texas. Not as cold as my friends to the North-East are feeling but still chilly in the 60s.
After blowing and rinsing out my egg shells I went to work hand-coloring my eggs. They didn't turn out too shabby I don't think.
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
U.S. Dairy Industry and Aspartame
This is important folks. The Dairy Industry here in the States wants to be able to add
aspartame to your milk - AND NOT TELL YOU IT'S THERE. The FDA is requesting comments on this petition. You have until May 21st, 2013 to submit your comments. For instructions on how to send your comments click here.
Is this really what we want our children to drink? Is this really something WE want to drink?
aspartame to your milk - AND NOT TELL YOU IT'S THERE. The FDA is requesting comments on this petition. You have until May 21st, 2013 to submit your comments. For instructions on how to send your comments click here.
Is this really what we want our children to drink? Is this really something WE want to drink?
Thursday, February 14, 2013
One Year Anniversary
No, this isn't a post about love or Valentine's Day. Today marks the one year anniversary of me having no fixed address. One this day last year I was officially declared a trespasser in my own house as the property management auctioned my house the day before for $1400 in back ground rent.
Today marks the one year anniversary of my freedom and I still swear it was the best thing that could have ever happened to me. I could be suffering cold weather in Maryland but instead I'm enjoying 70 degrees worth of sunshine, open windows, chirping birds and budding plants.
Huge thanks to all of my friends who have helped me along in the last year either by being supportive or allowing me to crash their driveways and houses. Special thanks to Dave Hufstader for creating vannin.com where I met tons of terrific people and even allowing me to crash his own home and driveway in Maine for several months during the heat of summer. Jen and Ed Hall for letting me crash their driveway and shower when I came home during the heat of summer for the Annapolis Irish Festival (where I met my sweetie). Biggest thanks of all go out to Silver for being my life support, safety net and for not telling me I was completely crazy for wanting to live in a van with 6 cats. It's been a fabulous year and I can't wait to see what the future holds!
I'd be remiss if I didn't mention this Valentine's Day - Randy, I adore you tons! I'm so glad we connected and have been able to spend the last 8 months together on the road. We are perfectly opposite on many things and somehow it works. Here's to many more days, weeks, months and years of laughter and fun. <3
Today marks the one year anniversary of my freedom and I still swear it was the best thing that could have ever happened to me. I could be suffering cold weather in Maryland but instead I'm enjoying 70 degrees worth of sunshine, open windows, chirping birds and budding plants.
Huge thanks to all of my friends who have helped me along in the last year either by being supportive or allowing me to crash their driveways and houses. Special thanks to Dave Hufstader for creating vannin.com where I met tons of terrific people and even allowing me to crash his own home and driveway in Maine for several months during the heat of summer. Jen and Ed Hall for letting me crash their driveway and shower when I came home during the heat of summer for the Annapolis Irish Festival (where I met my sweetie). Biggest thanks of all go out to Silver for being my life support, safety net and for not telling me I was completely crazy for wanting to live in a van with 6 cats. It's been a fabulous year and I can't wait to see what the future holds!
I'd be remiss if I didn't mention this Valentine's Day - Randy, I adore you tons! I'm so glad we connected and have been able to spend the last 8 months together on the road. We are perfectly opposite on many things and somehow it works. Here's to many more days, weeks, months and years of laughter and fun. <3
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Hitting The Road Again, Briefly
We've been in Houston since just before Thanksgiving and originally planned to stay here until we moved back to the northeast for late spring/ summer when Randy's band has gigs scheduled. Those plans have changed. Where we're staying now is costing us $300 + electric per month for parking my van, Randy's 36' RV and the car. That can be pricy when you have very little income.
The next couple weeks will see us packing up and moving nearly 3 hours West to San Marcos and free parking. We'll be paying electric but that isn't a big deal. We been graciously offered a spot to park by some friends who live out that way. With that offer also comes the offer of paid work with our friends at Medieval Moccasins. Seems they are short a salesperson and also shoe makers. I haven't seen the area yet but I can only hope I'll be happier there than here. Houston has been fun but the parking situation sucks. We're on pavement and next to a very busy road. At least there are trees and birds here and some grassy areas to walk the cats. I'm hoping the property we're moving to is more rural since it sits at least 30 minutes outside of Austin. Guess we'll see when we get there.
I'll definitely be happy with a change of scenery. I'd gotten used to being in a new area every month or so. This move definitely has me excited.
This weekend we'll be visiting the Sherwood Forest Faire. I'll get to dust off the garb and get dressed up for a day of reveling and drinking. We'll also get to see some old friends and make some new ones I'm sure. I'll try to remember to take pictures (which I am really bad about)
The next couple weeks will see us packing up and moving nearly 3 hours West to San Marcos and free parking. We'll be paying electric but that isn't a big deal. We been graciously offered a spot to park by some friends who live out that way. With that offer also comes the offer of paid work with our friends at Medieval Moccasins. Seems they are short a salesperson and also shoe makers. I haven't seen the area yet but I can only hope I'll be happier there than here. Houston has been fun but the parking situation sucks. We're on pavement and next to a very busy road. At least there are trees and birds here and some grassy areas to walk the cats. I'm hoping the property we're moving to is more rural since it sits at least 30 minutes outside of Austin. Guess we'll see when we get there.
I'll definitely be happy with a change of scenery. I'd gotten used to being in a new area every month or so. This move definitely has me excited.
This weekend we'll be visiting the Sherwood Forest Faire. I'll get to dust off the garb and get dressed up for a day of reveling and drinking. We'll also get to see some old friends and make some new ones I'm sure. I'll try to remember to take pictures (which I am really bad about)
Friday, January 11, 2013
Homemade Liqueurs
 |
| Biggest Meyer Lemons I've ever seen! |
Oklahoma Bound
Today Randy and I are packing up the rig so we can move it 6 hours north to a friend's ranch. The reason for the trip is that Randy is headed to Oklahoma to have dual hernia and lipoma removal surgery. We'll be driving 4 hours from the ranch to the surgery center.
Hopefully all will go well but it wouldn't hurt if folks out there could spare a positive, healing vibe for him.
Hopefully all will go well but it wouldn't hurt if folks out there could spare a positive, healing vibe for him.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Calling My Traveling Friends to Action
All my other friends as well. Want to get involved in something fun and important but best of all - easy?
Why not sign up to be a book giver for World Book Night US? All you have to do is apply at http://www.us.worldbooknight.org and agree to give away 20 books (which they will provide to you) on April 23rd. Doesn't get much easier.
"World Book Night U.S. is a celebration of books and reading held on April 23, when 25,000 passionate volunteers across America give a total of half a million books within their communities to those who don’t regularly read. In 2012, World Book Night was celebrated in the U.S., the UK, Ireland, and Germany and saw over 80,000 people gift more than 2.5 million books."
Why not sign up to be a book giver for World Book Night US? All you have to do is apply at http://www.us.worldbooknight.org and agree to give away 20 books (which they will provide to you) on April 23rd. Doesn't get much easier.
"World Book Night U.S. is a celebration of books and reading held on April 23, when 25,000 passionate volunteers across America give a total of half a million books within their communities to those who don’t regularly read. In 2012, World Book Night was celebrated in the U.S., the UK, Ireland, and Germany and saw over 80,000 people gift more than 2.5 million books."
Crafty Biznitch Still At It
I've been working on a ton of projects. Hopefully I'll have them finished soon. Since I don't have a lot of space but I like creating I'll be selling my crafts (the extra income won't hurt either.
Current projects:
Paper quilling
Hand-painted Pendants
Huge pompom project
Hot air ballons
Homemade bath scrubs
Seasonal Doodads
Pictures to come...
Current projects:
Paper quilling
Hand-painted Pendants
Huge pompom project
Hot air ballons
Homemade bath scrubs
Seasonal Doodads
Pictures to come...
Wednesday, January 09, 2013
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)