Crystals, Beads and Hugs

“Sentiment is intellectualized emotion; emotion precipitated, as it were, in pretty crystals by the fancy”

~James Russell Lowell~

***

Today I shall make CRYSTAL HUGS.

A crystal hug starts with an antique crystal

from France at the bottom.

After whatever crystal I choose for the focal point,

I work upward, on heavy gage fishing line.

Using beads and decorating the hug as I go.

(ending with a nice loop, so the HUG can be hung,

at a window, reminding the recipient of the giver)

Making a hug for a particular person is a joy.

Personality and spirit come into play.

But

when I am just building up inventory,

the designs are by whim.

My whim!

I have been buying beads by the boatload.

There is something simply fun about beads.

The color.

The shape.

The feel.

I send you a hug.

A blog hug.

A bit unlike a crystal hug,

but the meaning is still the same.

Love you.

Me

Pillsbury Taco Ring, Stuffed Jalapenos and Guests

On Saturday,

Lauren & Josh came to Plano.

We had the best visit,

went to Costco

and

had a late lunch.

I served...

A Taco ring

and stuffed jalapeno peppers.

****

TACO RING

2 LBS of lean ground beef

2 packages of taco seasoning mix

2 Tablespoons water

1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

2 containers of Pillsbury Big and Fluffy Crescent rolls

*Preheat oven to 375 degrees

*Unroll crescent rolls onto pizza pan, large side in the middle

*Cook beef in skillet until no longer pink

*Stir in taco seasoning, cheddar cheese and water

*Scoop filling evenly over crescent ring in a continuous circle.

*Bring points of roll over filling and tuck under dough at center

to form a ring. (filling will show)

*Bake for 25-30 min or till golden brown

*Place on platter with toppings

ENJOY!

I serve this with stuffed jalapeno peppers and 7 layer dip.

Daydreaming of Paris

I took this photo two years ago. I was cold and the ran hit my face in sheets. The days are always cloudy and dark during the fall season.

This year, Texas is much like France. The weather damp and cold. My overcoat is still in use, and I have had Paris hair for weeks. ( frizzy)

This year we must rent a different apartment during our fall holiday. Our Texas weather has encouraged Larry into sending the deposit, and now I hang over photos of our new holiday flat. I love hanging over the photos, and imagining cozy mornings, or lively dinner parties.

This Texas weather is making me homesick, as I dress for church today, I long for the short walk to our bakery, buying goodies for the day and then Sunday dinner in our apartment as the french weather swirls outside our windows........

My wish for this years holiday?

A cozy flat.

Sunny days mixed with cloudy.

Thanksgiving dinner at our favorite, le Grand Merricourt.

Good friends joining us for Thanksgiving.

Designing- 3 dog coats for our friends who own RENATO Cafe.

Two safe flights.

No blisters.

No "so called" friends using me before the trip to pretend that they will be going us. (after they chicken out, we never to hear from them again. That hurts my feelings)

Patrick & Lou joining us for a dinner party. (dinner cooked by me this year!)

Crepes with Nutella and banana.

Tea and toast on rainy mornings , while I cuddle in my robe....

Gosh! I have rambled on. Sorry.

Off I go to dress for church. Dr Lewis, if I look like a zombie during your sermon, I am only daydreaming of France.

Have a happy day. Thank you for sharing my moments.

Love you beyond the ______. (you fill in the word today)

Me.