Sunday, August 26, 2012
My New Toy
Not being able to sleep the other night, I was channel hopping, trying to find something interesting to watch on TV. I have a routine when I channel hop: HGTV, Sci Fi, Lifetime movie channels, QVC and then HSN (Home Shopping Network.)
Wolfgang Puck was having some sort of anniversary on HSN, selling a little appliance that made miniature pies. Out of his pie maker popped apple pies, quiche, cup cakes, muffins and even corn bread. They were darling! You can make just two little desserts. Perfect! I was hooked.
I sneaked out of the bedroom so not to wake my sleeping husband, ordered my pie maker and waited.
It arrived two days ago and I have been "playing" with my new toy ever since. I made bacon, mushroom and swiss cheese quiche for lunch yesterday. Tonight I will serve the cutest little peach pies for dessert. Tomorrow, who knows? Maybe pumpkin muffins!
Now, if I just had some vanilla ice cream!
Wolfgang Puck was having some sort of anniversary on HSN, selling a little appliance that made miniature pies. Out of his pie maker popped apple pies, quiche, cup cakes, muffins and even corn bread. They were darling! You can make just two little desserts. Perfect! I was hooked.
I sneaked out of the bedroom so not to wake my sleeping husband, ordered my pie maker and waited.
It arrived two days ago and I have been "playing" with my new toy ever since. I made bacon, mushroom and swiss cheese quiche for lunch yesterday. Tonight I will serve the cutest little peach pies for dessert. Tomorrow, who knows? Maybe pumpkin muffins!
Now, if I just had some vanilla ice cream!
Friday, August 24, 2012
The 2012, 77th Annual Old Time Fiddler's Convention in Galax, Virginia
The Last Trip To Galax
The 77th annual Old Time Fiddler's Convention was held August 6th through August 11th. Andy pulled our camper over the mountain to Galax, VA. Campers fill the streets of the little town on Friday afternoon to park and get in line for a spot in the park the following Sunday morning. They set up the campers, pulling out the canopy, laying down the area rugs, sitting the lounge chairs and tables around the campsite. There are chairs to drag to the grandstand area, outdoor kitchens to set up and finally a cold drink with fellow campers.
Monday is the children's competition so I arrive Monday afternoon. There are competitions each night: guitar, mandolin, auto harp, banjo and Dobro. The bands are Friday and Saturday night. It is a week of music all day and all night. I don't sleep much that week. I read, work on my jewelry, sew and write. I stuff earplugs in my ears around 2am to drown out the booming sound of the big base fiddle. I wrote about my lack of sleep last year in: August of 2011.
We see old friends and musicians and enjoy the meals cooked on the camp stove. We watch the kids play games enjoy the bluegrass music and tell old jokes but this year is different. This is our last year camping at Galax.
Andy jamming with "The G-String" band members.
The posts below will reflect the feelings, tastes and sounds of The 2012 Fiddler's Convention.
Monday is the children's competition so I arrive Monday afternoon. There are competitions each night: guitar, mandolin, auto harp, banjo and Dobro. The bands are Friday and Saturday night. It is a week of music all day and all night. I don't sleep much that week. I read, work on my jewelry, sew and write. I stuff earplugs in my ears around 2am to drown out the booming sound of the big base fiddle. I wrote about my lack of sleep last year in: August of 2011.
We see old friends and musicians and enjoy the meals cooked on the camp stove. We watch the kids play games enjoy the bluegrass music and tell old jokes but this year is different. This is our last year camping at Galax.
The posts below will reflect the feelings, tastes and sounds of The 2012 Fiddler's Convention.
Big Jim And The Bad Breath Boys
Our friend Jim Lavinder died earlier this year. My husband, Andy, had known Jim over forty years as his CPA and friend. For the last three years Andy and I camped next to Jim, his son and two grandchildren at the Galax Fiddler's Convention. We shared our food, talked and laughed and, for a week, listened to bluegrass music.
I never knew anyone who loved bluegrass music as much as Jim Lavinder did. He had been to 43 years of Fiddler's Conventions. 43! His son: 36 years, his grandson: 16 (he is 16 years old) and granddaughter: 14 (she is 14.) That is how loyal the family is to The Galax Old Time Fiddler's Convention. It is an annual tradition. They wouldn't miss it.
They had a band, of sorts, called "Big Jim and The Bad Breath Boys." The band was not the kind to get up on stage and play, however. Too shy, I guess. Well.... all except Robbie, Jim's grandson, when one year he wanted to play the guitar in the competition. The problem was that Robbie didn't know how to play the guitar. So, Andy taught him one song: "The Wabash Cannonball."
Robbie had practiced his song over and over again. He got up in front of literally thousands of people in the audience. He picked his song very slowly and carefully but he played "The Wabash Cannonball" all the way through and did a fine job of it. You have never heard such applause as our little group produced. We were all proud of Robbie. Especially Jim. One member of "Big Jim and The Bad Breath Boys" had finally taken the stage.
Two years later, nine of us stood beneath a big wooden cross on a little hill overlooking the grandstand. We were a sober little group coming together for the most important reason for being at the convention this year. Jim's memorial. With a catch in his voice, Jim's son said a heartfelt prayer amid sniffles and sobs. We spread Jim's ashes in the place he loved so much. As we watched the dust rise and take flight on the wind, Andy drew his harmonica from his pocket and played Taps. Andy had practiced for a month and could never get through the song but that night he played it perfectly, never missing a note.
There was not a dry eye as we said goodbye to Big Jim. Rest in Peace, Jim. We know you are listening to some great bluegrass music where you are now.
This will be the last Fiddler's Convention for us. It just isn't the same without Big Jim.
I never knew anyone who loved bluegrass music as much as Jim Lavinder did. He had been to 43 years of Fiddler's Conventions. 43! His son: 36 years, his grandson: 16 (he is 16 years old) and granddaughter: 14 (she is 14.) That is how loyal the family is to The Galax Old Time Fiddler's Convention. It is an annual tradition. They wouldn't miss it.
They had a band, of sorts, called "Big Jim and The Bad Breath Boys." The band was not the kind to get up on stage and play, however. Too shy, I guess. Well.... all except Robbie, Jim's grandson, when one year he wanted to play the guitar in the competition. The problem was that Robbie didn't know how to play the guitar. So, Andy taught him one song: "The Wabash Cannonball."
Robbie had practiced his song over and over again. He got up in front of literally thousands of people in the audience. He picked his song very slowly and carefully but he played "The Wabash Cannonball" all the way through and did a fine job of it. You have never heard such applause as our little group produced. We were all proud of Robbie. Especially Jim. One member of "Big Jim and The Bad Breath Boys" had finally taken the stage.
Two years later, nine of us stood beneath a big wooden cross on a little hill overlooking the grandstand. We were a sober little group coming together for the most important reason for being at the convention this year. Jim's memorial. With a catch in his voice, Jim's son said a heartfelt prayer amid sniffles and sobs. We spread Jim's ashes in the place he loved so much. As we watched the dust rise and take flight on the wind, Andy drew his harmonica from his pocket and played Taps. Andy had practiced for a month and could never get through the song but that night he played it perfectly, never missing a note.
There was not a dry eye as we said goodbye to Big Jim. Rest in Peace, Jim. We know you are listening to some great bluegrass music where you are now.
This will be the last Fiddler's Convention for us. It just isn't the same without Big Jim.
Vendors Row at The Fiddler's Convention
The Strange and Unusual at The Fiddlers Convention
Kill-Basa Bill (AKA: Bill Guthrie from Danbury, N.C.) is a certified massage therapist in "real life" and as you see in the picture, people take advantage of Bill's talents. It must be stressful at the Convention because there are always people waiting for a massage. In the background is Bill's blue polka dot camper. A sign reads "Stress Free Zone."
Kill-Basa Bill is the Santa Clause looking guy with the big smile. The "patient" is unidentified.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Button Button Who's Got The Button (Bracelet, that is!)
I just love buttons! To me, old intricate buttons are miniature works of art. I have made all sorts of things out of buttons; covered boxes, sewn them on greeting cards and even sewed tiny round mother of pearl buttons all over a blazer collar.
The following posts include pictures of my new vintage button charm cuff bracelets and I love them! I sell some at The Artisan Center in Rocky Mount, Virginia and some I sell online. If anyone would like to purchase one, please write me at writingonarainbow@gmail.com for more information.
The bracelets and brooches are one of a kind, made with a variety of materials. I use every unusual button I can find, vintage, old or new, plastic, Bakelite, glass, stone or metal. I love them all!
I hope you enjoy perusing my jewelry chest. I will be adding more items soon.
Lynn
The following posts include pictures of my new vintage button charm cuff bracelets and I love them! I sell some at The Artisan Center in Rocky Mount, Virginia and some I sell online. If anyone would like to purchase one, please write me at writingonarainbow@gmail.com for more information.
The bracelets and brooches are one of a kind, made with a variety of materials. I use every unusual button I can find, vintage, old or new, plastic, Bakelite, glass, stone or metal. I love them all!
I hope you enjoy perusing my jewelry chest. I will be adding more items soon.
Lynn
My "Glitzy" Vintage Button Cuff Bracelet
I think this is my favorite cuff bracelet. Made from all sorts of fun buttons including vintage plastics, glass, metal, rhinestone and mother of pearl. It is big, fun, glitzy and elegant. The colors are black, silver, gold, cream and white.
I hand sew each button and accent element on a stretch elastic band which is covered with a soft satin. One size fits most wrists.
For more information, including price, availability and postage, contact: writingonarainbow@gmail.com
For more information, including price, availability and postage, contact: writingonarainbow@gmail.com
Large Denim Texture Brooch
You want something really different? This pin might be it! Made from denim fabric, cording, beads, lace, charms, vintage buttons and rhinestones, this is a one of a kind show stopper. It measures around 2 to 2 + 1/2 inches in diameter. Shades of blues with touches of white and purple.
For more information: writingonarainbow@gmail.com
Button Brooch
This button brooch is a favorite. The cream and black french label embossed button is set upon a large gold filigree piece and topped with a gold button and accented with a pearl bead.
For more information contact me at writingonarainbow@gmail.com
Shades of Pink, Vintage Button Cuff Bracelet
For more information contact me at writingonarainbow@gmail.com
All White Vintage Button Cuff Bracelet
Please contact me at writingonarainbow@gmail.com for more information: pricing, availability and postage.
Orange, Yellow and White Cuff Bracelet
This cuff bracelet is made from vintage bakelite and old plastic buttons with a newer one (like the orange and white striped) to add some fun. Over an inch wide, it is hand sewn on a stretch elastic band covered with white satin for comfort. One size fits most.
For further information including availability, price and postage please contact me at: writingonarainbow@gmail.com
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