Wednesday, February 28, 2007

ATTENTION HARRY POTTER FANS



Hi to the Harry Potter fans..... <------------- Yep Love it!!

I was in contact with my publisher a few days ago and I was told through the grape vine that "National Geographic Magazine "<------ Yes that's right! NG is doing a piece on the "The Harry Potter Plants."
In the July 2007 issue.

Believe it---- I cannot that = NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC & THE MANDRAKES
But I will love to read it. The botanical on that will be most interesting. I know of most of Plants... But i really want to know if the " Gillyweed" Does it really exist, and is available and will it work on a old lady like me????? :-)


Like my friend Cindy I would love to be a mermaid!!!

Anyway that's a heads up for you Potter fans...

Right from the
Buzzing Bee

Chinese Astrology














Hi All, Unknown to me this was the year of the pig according to Chinese Astrology. My friend Shamrock brought this to my attention. So checked it out. I am not born in the pig year---> I am a monkey...:-) <---- Go figure!! But it so happens I really love pigs and so I thought I would post a couple piggies I have and a old post card too... Here are a couple links and some info for the year of the Pig....

Enjoy
B.

*~* Year of the Pig *~*
The Pig type is usually an honest, straightforward and patient person. They are a modest, shy character who prefers to work quietly behind the scenes. When others despair, they are often there to offer support. This type of person is reserved with those they do not know too well, but as time passes and they gain confidence, those around them may discover a lively and warm-hearted person behind that mask of aloofness. Despite those born in the year of pig having a wide circle of friends and acquaintances, they have few close friends who understand them and share their inner thoughts and feelings. It is easy to put trust in pig type; they won't let you down and will never even attempt to do so. Such people simply want to do everything right according to social norms.
It is important to remember that these people are not vengeful creatures. If someone tries to take advantage of them, the pig type tend to withdraw to reflect on the problem and protect themselves. All they need in such situations is a little time to find a constructive way to respond. The people of the pig type are conservative creatures of habit. They dislike being made to travel too far from familiar surroundings, unless it is a trip to the countryside. They love nature and are never happier than when they are out somewhere, far from the city.
There is a tolerant and peaceful side to their character. Such people are never afraid to allow others their freedom of expression; they do not want to cause arguments and if there is any way to avoid arguing, they will probably take this option. They are not weak, however, and if the situation forces them to fight these people will rise to the occasion, whether it is to defend themselves or those close to them.

Tuesday, February 27, 2007

Sentiment for Today

A poem for all time, a poem for all people.....
Bee

















*~* If *~*





A poem by Rudyard Kipling


If you can keep your head when all about you
are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too:
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or, being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise;


*~*



If you can dream and not make dreams your master;
If you can think and not make thoughts your aim,
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same:
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build'em up with worn-out tools;


*~*

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings,
And never breathe a word about your loss:
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on!"


*~*

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with Kings---nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much:
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man, my son!


Where I call Home









Hi All, If anyone every really wondered were I live..

When I was doing the post card exchange with the Marine Moms our theme was :-)


"Where do you live"


So these are the two cards I chose to send out. One is Port Ludlow, the other is of the mountains I see out my windows.... The other photo is of my cupboard with some of the cards on it a (big collage of cards) I also have the rest in a photo album I am guessing I have some were near 400 post cards of support from other marine moms.. I will post it when I find it???



Bee

Sunday, February 25, 2007

Winter Surprises







Winter Surprises.. That is a recently coined phrase by my dear friend Shamrock.. I think EVERYBODY NEEDS ONE!!! It truly made my week...Yes, I had wonderful surprises awaiting in the post this last week.. The Beautiful bee ornament was sent to me bymy friend Shamrock. Is this Queen Bee not talented ?*~*Powering that daisy umbrella with her sparkling wings.. And that sparkling eye shadow.. Shamrocks been peaking in my make -up drawer<--:-) The card above was sent to me by my lovely UK fairy friend Freespirit. The card was hand made by her with a technique called "iris", and the little bee in the center was done with a technique call "quiling".. I plan to try the "iris" technique... Anyway this card is beautiful inside and out and has a most wonderful spring theme.. The mermaid covered box is a gift to --->myself<---bad bee<--- :-) I could not resist.. My powder room still needs more color!!!!! Anyway Thank - You dears.. I will treasure these winter surprises always!!! Sparkling light to you all Bee

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

CAKES and MORE CAKES





Hi all,
In honor of "Fat Tuesday" I found a web site with the most fabulous cakes including a picture of their "King Cake" creation. (Please click on this posts title) Wow this website makes me hungry !!!
Look at specialty cake #14. You will see me -->the bee!!
Sparkling Mardi Gras Beads!!
Bee

Sunday, February 18, 2007

Fat Tuesday

ANYTHING WORTH DOING IS WORTH OVER DOING !!
Fat Tuesday February 20th
mARDI gRAS lORE

King Cake is an integral part of Mardi Gras festivities. The coffee cake, a carnival tradition, is served at parties late into the evening during the six weeks between Three Kings Day and Fat Tuesday. New Orleans residents wouldn't think of making their own King Cake; that's what bakeries are for. Besides, the bakeshops add paper crowns, plastic beads, toy coins, and other trinkets to the cake box, creating a ready-made Mardi Gras hostess gift.

More Lore:
Louisiana bakers begin their own Mardi Gras observation on January 6, or Three Kings Day. By Fat Tuesday, which ends the festivities some six weeks later, bakers in New Orleans will have made more than 250,000 king cakes.
King cake is the traditional celebration cake of carnival. It's really a coffee cake, made from either brioche dough or puff pastry, filled with any number of sweet nut pastes, fruit, and pastry cream or cream cheese, and baked in a ring. The cake's decorative icing is often tinted in the Mardi Gras colors of purple (for justice), green (for faith), and gold (for power). Hidden inside, according to custom, is a plastic toy baby, which symbolizes the Christ child. It reputedly brings good fortune to the person in whose slice it is found.


Recipe: Mardi Gras King Cake

Brioche:
2-1/2 teaspoons (1 envelope) active dry yeast3/4 cup lukewarm milk (95F to 110F)1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature1/3 cup granulated sugar1 teaspoon salt3 large eggs, plus 1 egg yolk3-1/2 cups bread flour

Filling:
1-1/3 cups mixed golden raisins and dried cranberries2 cups almond paste1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter at room temperature 1/2 cup granulated sugar4 large egg whites, 2 yolks reserved Zest of 2 medium lemons1/4 cup orange-flavored liqueur (preferably Cointreau)2 tablespoons water2 small plastic toy babies (optional)

Glaze:
2 cups confectioners' sugar2 tablespoons warm water4 to 5 teaspoons rum Food coloring (optional)
1. Prepare the brioche dough 1 day ahead. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the milk and set aside to proof.
2. In the bowl of a stationary electric mixer fitted with the flat paddle attachment, cream the butter, sugar, and salt at medium speed until fluffy and light in color, about 2 minutes. Reduce the mixer speed to medium-low and beat in 1 of the eggs. Add 1 cup of the flour and blend until smooth. Beat in the remaining 2 eggs and additional egg yolk, then add 1/2 cup more flour. Blend thoroughly.
3. Reduce the speed to low and add the yeast mixture. Slowly add the remaining 2 cups flour, a little at a time, blending between additions. Continue to mix for 2 minutes after all of the flour has been added. Remove the bowl from the stand, cover with plastic wrap, and set aside to rise at room temperature for 1 hour.
4. Lightly grease a large bowl. Punch down the dough and transfer it to the bowl. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. (The dough will double in volume.)
5. To prepare the filling, place the raisins and cranberries in a small bowl and cover with hot tap water. Set aside to soak for 30 minutes. Drain and pat the fruit dry with paper toweling.
6. Meanwhile, combine the almond paste, butter, sugar, and egg whites in a food processor. Process to a smooth paste. Add the lemon zest and liqueur and process until smoothly blended. Cover and set aside.
7. Beat the reserved egg yolks with the 2 tablespoons water in a small dish for a wash; cover and set aside.
8. For the glaze, combine the confectioners' sugar and warm water in a medium-size bowl. Stir in the rum and blend into a smooth, fairly thick icing. Mix in a drop or 2 of food coloring, if desired. Cover and set aside.
9. To assemble, place the chilled brioche dough on a lightly floured work surface. Knead the dough briefly to deflate and shape it into a ball. Divide the ball in half. Roll out 1 piece into an 18 x 6-inch rectangle. Spread half of the filling evenly down the center of the rectangle lengthwise. Scatter half the drained fruit over the filling. Push a plastic toy baby into the filling, if desired. Brush the exposed dough with the egg yolk and water wash.
10. Fold one long side of the rectangle over the filling, then fold the opposite side two-thirds over the dough to completely enclose the filling. (The log will be very full.) Press lightly to seal the seams. Shape the log into a ring, fitting one end inside the other and pinching the seams to seal tightly. Transfer the ring to a cookie sheet that has been lightly greased or lined with parchment paper. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and set aside at room temperature to rise for 45 minutes.
11. Repeat the rolling, filling, shaping, and rising process for the second piece of dough. To bake the coffee cakes one at a time, place the second in the refrigerator until the first goes into the oven, then allow it to rise for 1 hour before baking.
12. Preheat the oven to 350F. (You will need to heat 2 ovens to bake both coffee cakes simultaneously.)
13. Brush the rings with the egg yolk and water wash before baking. Bake for about 30 minutes, until the crust is deep golden brown. Remove to a wire rack and allow to cool for about 30 minutes. (The cake should be warm, but no longer hot.)
14. Set the rack over a baking sheet. Paint thoroughly with the glaze, which will melt slightly and adhere to the crust in a thin coating. Set aside to cool completely.
15. Cut into wedges and serve at room temperature.

Yield: 2 coffee cakes

Sometimes I make just one King Cake (cutting all filling and glaze ingredients in half) and use the remaining half of the dough for an airy loaf or dinner rolls.
For a Brioche Loaf form the dough into a loaf and fit it into a greased 8-1/2 X 4-inch loaf pan. Cover and let rise for 45 minutes. Brush with the egg yolk and water wash and bake in a 350°F oven about 35 minutes, until well browned and hollow sounding when tapped on the bottom.
For Brioche Rolls, divide the dough into six equal pieces, shaping each into a smooth round. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes on a lightly greased baking sheet. Brush with the egg yolk and water wash and bake in a 400F oven for about 15 minutes, until deep golden brown.

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

HEARTS - A - FIRE



HAPPY VALENTINES DAY




















Hi All, Just a post to WISH you a very Happy Valentines Day!


May it be full of wine & roses, laughter & love.. Oops and chocolate of course!!! <--- :-)


The ring above is my surprise for Valentines day from My Scotch on the Rocks.. So sneaky he was? The picture of the young people---> is us on our honey moon.... >Many Moons Ago<
Here is some February 14th history and some thoughts for this day!!


February 14 has become a night of forced and unro-mantic romance. This year, take it back and make it yours. Today in 1824, Ladies' Garland, the first newspaper addressing the interests of women, was published in the U.S. Today in 1912, Arizona became the forty-eighth state. It's the eve of Lupercalia, the Roman festival of the she-wolf, a day of purification and fertility. It was also the "Old Candle mass" in many traditions, before Candle mass was realigned to February 2. Celebrate who and what you love in this life. Use beautiful scented candles to illuminate your home. Surround yourself with sen­sual, textural foods, clothing, and experiences. Prepare a meal with your loved ones and prepare it with love. Eat by candlelight. Send loving emails or post cards to friends and family. Appreciate inspiration, inspire others, And grow love in the coming season.

Sparkling hearts


Bee









Saturday, February 10, 2007

Pretty In Pink


FAIRYLANDS VALENTINE FAIR




This will be the last pink blog entry, as the day of the Valentine has almost arrived and I am running out of pictures of pink things--> LOL<--- I am also to lazy right now to take anymore new ones... :-)
The glass examples here are; a Moon and Star footed cake plate, the Northwood Glass Companys coin spot pitcher (which I posted it before) but I love the pink color of this although they call its color --> cranberry?? And last but not least the Fenton art glass Burmese Iris vase ... All of them so very pretty in pink!! I have added a few Lil Valentines as well......
*~*ENJOY*~*
Bee

A Honey of a Surpise

Enchantress's Valentine table*~* Picture taken through her crystal ball....
So Pretty, love the candle sticks!!! PS; Thats my lil Valentine I sent her standing in between them. :-) Thanks for the photo Enchantress...






Hi all, Well I think I am past the worst of this nasty flu bug I have so graciousely picked up?

Here are some photo's I finally got of a lovely surprise I received in the mail from a dear fairy friend Enchantress.. Needless to say I was over whelmed by her generosity and of course her lovely taste in the "SPARKLES"!!! The frame is KF of course & the picture is one of my Harrison Fisher girls. If you all remember a blog some time ago?? By the way that print is called "Fair Exhibit".

*~* It she not truly sparkling now!!! *~*

I am not sure if the pictures reflect it or not but these sparkling bees protect a jewel that is the same color as fresh honey in the hive.. I was really set back by that---> But LOVE IT.. I will be the envy at the bee round up in April.. :-) This lovely pin and earring set will be the hit of the round up.. Thank you again Enchantress I truly love them !!


Sparkles

Bee





Friday, February 09, 2007

Sparkling Pink

More Pink, This offering is more of the Moon and Star pattern glass.. Goblet, candle sticks,& compote. Each in a different shade of

!PINK!

All these done in the modern day *!* dating 1960's to present. The above is a mini water set Yep*~* in a water set... Below is a lovely pin from my Kirks Folly collection. Although I forget the name of this one? Maybe one of my Folly girls can enlighten me on that?? But never the less VERY pink and sparkling!!

Last but not least my little Valentine girl in PINK!!

BB

Bee




PINK

P = Passion
I = Imagination
N = New-Born
K = Kind-heart











Wednesday, February 07, 2007

Bee's Feeling Pink











Tis getting close to the day of the Valentine. So being a student of art history, I was to understand that Pablo Picasso" had his Blue and Rose periods of painting. He reflected his emotions at that time by using theses colors and their gradients to express them.. So I am going to call the next few blogs my pink period.. In celebration of the month of February the month of hearts..
Here I have chosen a most fairy like flower cup and saucer.. Modern made but truly a keeper.. Ah, here is one for my friend Whichy, a hob nail tumbler. In pinkish almost light purple & white opal essence.. ( really supose to be white hob- nails , they where once, but with age they turn pinkish purpleish colors.) This my friends is one of the very first examples of this pattern made in the USA.. This tumbler is dating mid 1800's -->hob nails even on the bottom of the tumbler this is made from a four piece mould.

Then we have the BlossomFlite pattern made by; Hull Pottery Company these pieces were produced in the 50's. Candle holder, console bowl, wine boat, & urn.. Just love these don't you? How pink it is!! Oh and last but not least here is my little elephant shaker I had to add him ~*~ So sweet.. and of course a garden fairy card with pink!!

Happ y HAppY

Bee