Living in Wildness...

 
It's that magical time of year! Time when all of the Spring Wildflowers start waking up from their Winter naps. Yesterday we found this gorgeous "Yellowroot", sprouting up along the banks of the Davidson River in Pisgah National Forest. Besides being beautiful, it's medicinal properties are amazing! "Yellowroot is an anti-inflammatory and a natural antibiotic. This plant can help in the treatment of sinus infections, bladder issues, cold/flu symptoms, sore throat, laryngitis, mouth sores, colitis, gastritis, congestion of the chest, and even earaches. Yellowroot is also uterine tonic and a digestive aid. It is an excellent liver stimulant and is useful in soothing the mucus membranes. Its’ cooling astringent qualities allow it to reduce any phlegm. Its versatility allows it to be used in a variety of different ways. Some of which include, as a mouthwash, tea, tinctures, eyewashes, salves, douches, and even ear drops. Can also be used to treat female health conditions including PMS and yeast infections. It has also been found that it can be helpful in lowering blood pressure."
And even though the water is still freezing cold, it warmed my soul, just standing in it and seeing all of the beautiful rocks and clean, clear water. Made me feel so grateful. As I was walking around, my eye caught something and, upon looking a little closer, it was a beautiful little Eastern Garter Snake! My first Snake medicine encounter of the year!! I was so happy!

You can be in the worst funk ever and spend just an hour in nature and your whole outlook will change! Try it! It's so healing and good for your heart and soul! 

Happy Spring!!!!

love and peace always ~ Kathy

“In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt.” ~ Margaret Atwood

Spring is on the way!

 
While everyone else is awaiting "Punxsutawney Phil" to see his shadow, or not, I know it's time for Spring when the Wood Frogs start their calls! I've got it timed perfectly! They always dig out from under the leaves and make their way to my tiny little pond when there are a couple of mild days and rain in the forecast. I knew they would be showing up this week and I was not disappointed. But, I'm not the only one excited about the frogs showing up...the Owls and Hawks are, too! It's their once a year little treat and easy pickings from a pond full of "love sick" frogs! 

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In just two more weeks, my little pond will be full of tadpoles! Stay tuned! Happy Spring!

love and peace always ~ Kathy 

“If we can discover the meaning in the trilling of a frog, perhaps we may understand why it is for us not merely noise but a song of poetry and emotion.” ~ Adrian Forsyth

Middle of May Giveaway!!!

Fresh cut flowers from my yard!  And they smell soooo good!!!  Looks like today will be a rainy one, but I'm not complaining...we can certainly use the rain.  And the rain makes everything look so "green"!  It's beautiful!!!  I love living in the forest...now I know why the animals live here.

This is a sweet little girl I found in our yard...she's probably about 4 or 5 years old...so sweet!

 Although I've been spending lots of time outdoors, I've managed to make a few new things!  Like these gorgeous earrings "Earthy"!  In fact, I'll be giving a pair of them away on Monday [May 19th].  All you have to do to win a pair is leave a comment on this blog post, or the facebook page link to this blog post.  That's it!  Good Luck!!!  Lita will be picking a winner on Monday!

One more...sorry, I just can't help myself!  Flowers are so lovely!  Happy Thursday!

love and peace always ~ Kathy

"The earth laughs in flowers" ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

March, Memories & Patchouli!

I think Spring is finally trying to push through this dreadful Winter we've had!  Ugh!  I need a huge dose of Vitamin D!  Although, just being able to open the windows during the day has been wonderful.  The little birds are so happy out there!  I sat out with my camera yesterday and took photos of the little birds singing and flitting about...so cute!  This one little fellow looked at me so curiously...as to say "where have you been?"  And then [insert drum-roll] a wonderful thing has happened in my pond!  

Yes, yes, yes!!  Frog eggs and lots of them!  I'm so excited!  Any of you that follow my blog knows all about my pond life and just Spring in general around here...of course, I'll keep you posted on these cuties when they start hatching!  I can't wait! 

 Ah...with longer days, comes even longer shadows.  I love walking up our driveway and being covered in shadowy hugs from the trees...makes me feel loved, wanted and comforted.  I'll stand out there and just look up and feel the warmth of the sun smiling down at me.  On this particular day, for some reason, I was thinking about times I used to spend in New Orleans, shopping with my sister, eating shrimp po-boys, drinking dollar strawberry daquiries and coming back home with funky handmade jewelry, sarongs and patchouli oil from the purple people at the flea market.  I had oftened wondered what happened to some of those people and then a friend had a post on facebook that led me right to their website!  A few mouse clicks later, I had a package on the way with the most coveted of all patchouli oil....just smelling it takes me back and makes me smile.  Thank you purple people!

 And a little "Irish Luck" from me to you ~ comment on this post and your name will be in a drawing to win these!  Lita will be picking the winner Monday [St. Patrick's Day - March 17th].  But, if you don't win and would love a pair, I'm offering "free shipping" on them for a limited time.  My way to say "thanks" for being so awesome and always reading my ramblings!

Happy Wednesday!

love and peace always ~ Kathy

"Because of your smile, you make life more beautiful." --- Thich Nhat Hanh

Warm weather & a winner!!!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine's Day!  The winner of those cute Owl Earrings from my last post is Cynthia Gaarder!!!  Congratulations, Cynthia!!  I'm sending you an email, so I can get your mailing address!

 The snow is all melting away and I'm hoping to see some signs of Spring this week!!  Yay!

love and peace always ~ Kathy

"Anyone who says you can't see a thought simply doesn't know art." ~ Wynetka ann Reynolds

Birds, Frogs, Flowers & Free Earrings!

Hey ya'll!!!  Hope you have been enjoying this beautiful Spring weather!  We have been suffering from allergies big time around here.  Even Ozzy's been sneezing his head off!  Wayne put up the "Bluebird House" and after two days, a little pair of Chickadees decided they would move in.  So cute!  I can't wait to see the babies!  

 Of course, my drawing last night had to have something to do with that!  You can check out all of my drawings on "Flickr", if you are so inclined.  I promise they will make you smile...

 

We also have a pair of Piliated Woodpeckers that built a nest way up in the top of a tree by our driveway.  Not sure if they have babies yet, or not.  We'll see.

But, of course, the most exciting thing for me right now are the tadpoles in my frog pond!  They are finally starting to swim around and eat from the top of the water...there are actually way more in there, than I thought.  So cute!  They have a little over a month left, before they will be leaving the pond and heading to wherever they go.  No worries, I'll keep you updated on their progress.

Spring gives me so much inspiration...I made these today, while I was drinking my coffee and listening to the birds singing in the trees outside my window.  I just adore them!  So much so, I'm giving a pair away to one of my lucky blog readers!!  All you have to do is comment on this post [or the link to it on my facebook page] for a chance to win!  Tell me what your favorite thing about Spring is...I would love to hear!  Ozzy will be picking a winner Wednesday [April 17th] ~ Good luck!!  Before I head outside with my camera, I have to share this beautiful clump of Bloodroot Flowers that are blooming in the forest:

They are everywhere!  I've never seen them blooming like this around here...maybe it's a sign of what's to come!  I love scouting for wildflowers...one of my favorite things about Spring.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!!

love and peace always ~ Kathy

 "Signs of Spring"
My eyelids opened with the breeze...
blowing gently through the trees.
Birds sing softly, as not to awake...
thankful for each breath I take.
Flowers peeking from the ground...
moving leaves without a sound
Flying insects fill the sky...
the flutter of a butterfly
Green and yellow, red and pink
Spring is finally here...I think
~ Kathy Hardy 04.12.13

Happy Last Day of Winter!

  Yay!  It's the last day of winter and I'm so excited!  Spring is certainly springing in my yard!  Trees are budding, 

 flowers are blooming, 

 frogs are meeping, 

 birds are chirping 

 and cool breezes are blowing!

Ah...my favorite time of year!  Oh, and before I go, I'll be giving away one of these awesome little "Hamsa" necklaces!

 Just leave a comment here, or on the link to this post from my facebook page.  Ozzy will be picking a winner Friday [03.22.13] ~ if I promise him a treat this time ~ :)

"did you say treat?"

Happy Spring!  Love and peace always ~ Kathy

"I could cry for the time I've wasted
But that's a waste of time and tears
And I know just what I'd change
If went back in time somehow
But there's nothing I can do about it now." ~ Willie Nelson

Books, Geekery and Chicken & Dumplins...

...I don't know what it is about books. I must just love having them, with the hopes of one day reading them all. Seems as though I'm always buying books that are supposed to "teach me something". Of course, I just jump around the pages until I *think* I've learned enough and then I move on to something else, never quite finishing the book in it's entirety. Right now, for instance, I'm reading 4 books ~ one about camping, one about HDR photography, one about PhotoShop Elements 8 and one about my camera [oh yeah, and the one about biodentical hormones that I always tend to start reading again when I have a hot flash - it's always in the stack]. I guess the thing is, they are all interesting enough and I just want to learn everything and read about everything, but only in small bursts ~ * sigh * ~ maybe one day ALL of my books will be read...that is, if I stop buying new ones!

So yesterday, I was missing my Mom and yearning for some of her Chicken & Dumplings. She would always make them for me when I was gloomy, or not feeling good. It's my ultimate "comfort food". I have never, ever made them for myself. I felt as if I did, I would be having a one person "pity party" and nobody would be there to comfort me [or wash my dish!]. I was looking in my refrigerator at that package of chicken breasts [with an expiration date of 04.01.10] and thought, "I really need to cook that chicken today". Then I went and stood inside the pantry to see what I could whip up to go along with it. Low and behold, there on the shelf was an unopened box of Bisquick ~ why the hell I had Bisquick, I'll never know...it's certainly not like I bake, or make pancakes from scratch , or anything like that! I really think my brain subconsciously purchases items in the store that I have no control over or even remember buying. And then, like a light bulb came on over my head, I thought "Chicken & Dumplins" ~ I made them, they were awesome and my Mom would be proud. She said I could make her some next time we visit. They were so good, I had to take a picture! Of course, I also had to throw some "geekery" in ~ look close and you'll see that the picture is actually a jigsaw puzzle! If you're really bored, you can print it out on some card stock, cut it out and put it back together again! I created the picture & puzzle with "Picnik" [of course].My yard is full of daffodils!! They are popping up all over the place! Spring has "officially" arrived! Yay!! And the lucky winner of those awesome earrings from my last post is "Faye"!! Congratulations, Faye!!! Ozzy ran off with #3 this morning! I hope you enjoy your earrings!

I had to go into town this morning to get my "privilege license", so I can sell my jewelry @ the "Transylvania Tailgate Market". I'm not quite sure if that will be my "privilege" or theirs [hee hee]. Then I met my wonderful friend, Paula for lunch @ the Thai restaurant and then I stopped by to visit my awesome friends Mike & Paula and drop off a necklace that I'm donating for a benefit tomorrow night. While I was there, I gobbled up [at least that's what I felt like I was doing ~ grabbing & snatching them out of his hands] some of Mike's new glass pendants!! They are gorgeous!!! Be on the lookout for some new necklaces I'll be making with them for the shop! They will all be a "one of a kind", so save your pennies, I know you'll want at least one!

For all of you on Facebook...I found this awesome site that creates facebook applications. Most of them are "free" and they are wonderful!! I downloaded the "Twitter" one and the "Flickr" one for my "Dornick Designs" Facebook Fan Page. Check it out ~ I promise you'll be smitten!

Welp, I'm off to enjoy the afternoon ~ it's gorgeous outside today!!! I have a new necklace made to list in the shop, too....but that will have to wait until this evening ~ the sunshine don't last long enough. Have a wonderful day everybody!!!!
[wow ~ I sure was talkative today...must be that hot Chai I'm addicted to!]
♥ & peace always ~ Kathy

"We will be known forever by the tracks we leave." ~ Native American Proverb

Spring Day & A Give Away!!

We went to the "North Carolina Arboretum" yesterday. It was a beautiful Spring Day and I just love it there! Everything is just starting to bud and all of the daffodils are blooming. The education center was hosting an Orchid Show. There were 100's of orchids on display and they are just amazing! The detail in some of those flowers is mind-boggling. I picked out a few favorites, even though I loved them all! Like these:they reminded me of little tiny squid...but these were awesome, too:

I just loved the green flowers. All in all, the show made me want to get back into my orchid growing. I have several right now that need some "tlc". Since it's a little drab outside today, I think that will be my afternoon project.

It's been a while since I've had a give away, so I think it's about time for some lucky someone to win these:Even though they are called "Antarctica", they remind me of Spring & flowers and sunshine! All you have to do is leave a comment on this post and you will be automatically entered in the drawing. Ozzy will be picking the lucky winner Wednesday [March 31st] ~ Good Luck!!

Gotta run peeps ~ have a great day!!
♥ & peace always ~ Kathy

"We can do anything we want to if we stick to it long enough." ~ Helen Keller

Hot Chai, Dog Butts & Life...

I just *LOVE* it when things outside start to "green up". I've signed up for lots of outdoor shows this year, so I hope those will turn out beneficial. I also joined the "Asheville Etsy Street Team" and we are having our first meeting tonight to discuss upcoming shows/events ~ I'll keep you posted on that. So, with all the upcoming shows, I finally broke down and signed up for a merchant account, so I can accept credit cards. They over-nighted a whole package of "gobble goop" that I have to read through and then call in for my "training" ~ bleh....I'd rather take a beating. I hate reading stuff like that! I would much rather read fun stuff like this:I just ordered the book today and I can't wait to learn more about "HDR" photography. One of my new obsessions, besides this:Hot Chai & Goat's Milk! I started buying Goat's Milk several months ago, after Wayne was having some digestive problems. Turns out, the Goat's milk is really, really good and Wayne hasn't had any problems with it at all. I would suggest trying it, as an alternative to regular Soy, or lactose free milk. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. Although it's a little hard to find, most larger grocery stores and specialty stores like "Whole Foods" carry it. It's not cheap, but the benefits are well worth the extra $$.So I'll leave you with this "funny for the day" ~ Ozzy has a "hot spot" on the upper inside of his back leg. He would not leave it alone and kept licking off everything I tried to put on it. I went to the thrift store yesterday and bought these little "Thomas the Train" underpants for him! They worked!!! He can't lick his leg and he looks really cute [even though he don't think so].

Have a wonderful day everybody!!!
♥ & peace always ~ Kathy

"If you want to be happy, begin where you are, don't wait for some rapture that's future and far. Begin to be joyous, begin to be glad and soon you'll forget that you ever were sad." ~ Anonymous

Why is a raven like a writing desk?

...if you don't know, here are a few answers, which may, or may not, be the correct one [if there is indeed a correct one at all]. So, I guess you can tell that I went to see "Alice In Wonderland" ~ I loved it!!! Of course, I've always loved that story anyway [how could you not]. Spring is finally here [although it's raining today, but that's okay]. We went on a 9 mile hike Friday, up to "Ravencliff Falls" [another reason why that silly question is stuck in my head]. It was gorgeous up there! I'm finally learning how to use my camera and getting some really great pictures. When I stopped to rest for a bit, this tree caught my eye ~ it was just hilarious! ...looks like a toothy grin to me! And my legs are still sore from the hike! But I was able to make it over to Anne's last night for a delicious "Spring" Potluck dinner! Anne is an amazing cook!!Her beef tenderloin is to die for! I brought roasted veggies and some Babaganoush. And then there was the discussion about how the term "Potluck" originated:and after Ernesto pulled out the encyclopedia, we all learned something new!

Have a great week everybody! I hope your first "Spring" weekend was awesome!
♥ & peace always ~ Kathy

"It was much pleasanter at home, when one wasn't always growing larger and smaller, and being ordered about by mice and rabbits." ~ Alice from Alice in Wonderland

Spring, Camping & Some Good Stuff...

....there's a light at the end of the tunnel & it's warmth, green grass & sunshine!! I've never been so ready for winter to be over with! We still have little mounds of snow here and there, but it's all melted for the most part. My little mermaid picture really doesn't have anything to do with this post, other than it's really, really cute! I love the jellyfish! Speaking of jellyfish, my awesome friend, Mike Green, makes these amazing glass jellyfish pendants. Each one is unique. I just love them! If you decide you have to have one, please tell him I sent you. Speaking of amazing stuff:

This little book is the cutest ever!!! I've decided that I want to do some tent camping this year [I'll keep you posted on that idea, for sure]. Susie Ghahremani [boygirlparty.com] is such an amazing and quirky artist! I love her style. I just recently purchased these little journals:

and I love them so much that I just can't bring myself to write in them yet. Maybe I'll take one with me when I go camping...I think the one with the Owls would be most appropriate for that.My wonderful husband made me this awesome breakfast sandwich, which I have named the "Wayne McMuffin" ~ and McDonald's...you have NOTHING on him, nothing! While I was crawling around under my desk this morning, transferring all of my cords [which are a gazillion] to my new surge protector and battery back-up he snuck in the kitchen and whipped this up. He truly makes my heart sing!

Happy Sunday everybody!! So tomorrow is the "Ides Of March"....and the 20% Off Sale in my shop is still good until Midnight Saturday [March 20th]...check it out ~ I just listed several new things that I made yesterday ~
♥ & peace always ~ Kathy

"So long as you are learning, you are not growing old. It's when a man stops learning that he begins to grow old." ~ Joseph Hergesheimer

Luck of the Irish?!!

Well I don't know if Melanie is Irish, or not, but she is the winner of the awesome little "Good Night & Good Luck" necklace from last weeks post! Wayne liked the idea about using the wine bags for packing material {he's just practical like that}. He felt bad for Ozzy to just imagine him floating down the river on a bunch of inflated wine bags {and I assure you, Melanie, it would take a lot more than 3 to float his fat butt these days ~ hee hee}. So "Congratulations" Melanie!!! Your awesome little necklace will begin its journey to you tomorrow! And no, I'm not sending it in an empty wine bag :)

And, if you're Irish or not, you're still getting lucky this week! You get a 20% discount from my Etsy shop, just by typing in "Pinch Me" in the "comments to seller" section @ your time of purchase. I'll send you an updated PayPal invoice for the discounted amount. No worries if you pay before you get the invoice, I'll certainly refund the difference promptly through PayPal. Don't forget to type in "Pinch Me" though, since this offer is only for my little blog reading peeps {you!!!} Discount is available through Midnight Friday {March 20th}, which just so happens to also be the first day of Spring!!! *Yay*~:DAnd my little flowers are popping up all over the place!Well, I gotta run ~ I'm having "Music Monday" @ my house tonight!!! I cooked a roast with all the fixings {onions, celery, carrots & potatoes} overnight in my slow cooker and it's soooooo good! I'm just going to keep it warm all day long and make a big pot of rice to go along with it for everybody to enjoy. I'll certainly have some pictures to share either tomorrow or Wednesday, so don't forget to check back.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!
♥ & peace always ~ Kathy

"This day is a happy one for America. In some places Americans get a little too happy." ~ President George Bush, greeting Bertie Ahern at the White House on St. Patrick's Day 2004!