Oddities in Crafting – Human Genius

You bet!  I have more oddities.  However, these oddities are physical constructions straight out of the human imagination not Mother Nature. Some people just go above and beyond with unusual and amazing ways to express their creative ideas and capabilities.  Let nothing cease to amaze you, as soon before your very eyes, people pull some real oddities from the inner workings of their minds.   Follow me as I take you on a journey, barely skimming the surface I might add, of just a few of the people who have created from the genius within.

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Nature’s Oddities – Potoo Bird

Oddities, there sure seems to be a never ending list of oddities found in nature. Last week I came across the Potoo bird from Venezuela.  Immediately I looked it up because very rarely do I take the word of an internet post as fact.  Not to mention that bird just did not look real.  Figured someone was trying to pull the wool over my eyes.  Lo and behold, the Potoo bird is definitely one of nature’s oddities.Oddities Potoo Bird

These birds are located in the humid  forested areas of Central and South America, as well as in areas of Australia. They prefer the edges of the forest near open areas where food sources are more plentiful. They stay in their local habitat all year round and do not have any migratory cycles.  They are monogamous. which actually puts them in danger.  Some rural Brazilians hunt and kill Potoos for their feathers. They believe the feathers have the power to ensure chastity.   Therefore, they hunt the Potoo for body parts used to perform ceremonies that will ward off seduction.  At times, they actually will eat the bird, although there isn’t much meat.
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Meeting With Nature…Why Hello Mr. Snake!

 

Little Dog and I went for a morning walk yesterday.  Nature just loves crossing my path but not with what I want to cross it.  I was on the hunt for those huge thistles growing on the side of the road.  Wanted some good pics for my collection.  Well, well, well no thistle to be found BUT there was another one of my snake buddies.  Half in the road and half in the grass.  Almost ran him over with the stroller.   Little Dog’s stroller, as he can not walk that far anymore.  He is 13-1/2 years now and slowing those little pupper legs down.  He loves his stroller though.  When we get to a place of stopping,  I let him out to wander around and stretch those short little legs.   Continue reading “Meeting With Nature…Why Hello Mr. Snake!”

Memories of YesterYear

 

vintage, retro, washing machine, 1950s, memories, childhood
My Mother’s Washer

Today is Jog Your Memory Day.  Being a Baby Boomer, there were many things that were very different in the day.  Inflation is now in overdrive and technology, for better or for worse, is skyrocketing faster than anyone day could have imagined back then.  There is one thing many of us Boomers will agree on.  “They just don’t make things like they used to,” and that it is a “throw away society” today.  Some things were just a lot more fun, longer lasting,  less expensive with greater durability, and we fixed things.  What do you remember of that precious time so long ago?   Continue reading “Memories of YesterYear”

St Patrick’s Day

March 17th is St Patrick’s Day.  Everyone, Irish by blood or Irish by heart, love a good celebration.   Well, that doesn’t matter.  The patron Saint Patrick was not Irish himself.  St Patricks Day, DIY, crafts, craft painting, history, He was actually born in Britain when ruled by Rome.  Patrick was  kidnapped by the Irish, brought back to Ireland and enslaved for ten years. When he escaped returning to Britain and then later to France where he entered a monastery where he studied for 12 years becoming a Catholic bishop.  He later had a dream about Ireland which called to him to return.  His mission was to convert Ireland away from its Pagan culture and turn them to Christianity.  March 17 is the date of St Patrick’s death.  At some point during the 7th century after his death,  Irish Catholics began to celebrate St Patrick’s  passing.  They were in truth celebrating the conversion of Paganism to Catholicism through the diligence of St Patrick. Continue reading “St Patrick’s Day”

Mesmerized By Steampunk

DIY, crafts, crafting, craft painting, Steampunk, inventionsBecause I love hot air balloons and wandering around YouTube, I discovered a lot of art projects related to Steampunk.  During my search for light bulb hot air balloons, I came across this incredible version of hot air balloon which was silver. had many odd gadgets added onto it, and looked from another world. The fellow who created this piece said it was Steampunk.  Okay, I need toknow more.  I found Steampunk fascinating in its designs. It was then, I decided to look into origins and reasons for this specific style.  Of course, I had heard about Steampunk for years and seen many a fantastic art project related to the genre.  I just loved the style.  So, what exactly was I being enticed by? Continue reading “Mesmerized By Steampunk”

Activating Brain Power

Thought I would let you know of the many projects that occupy me during any given day of the week.  Never just work on one project at a time.  Rather I have a routine of rolling from one project into the next, and the next and the next throughout the day. There are my crochet projects, painting projects, word puzzles, you name it.  While I am sitting down crafting,   I enjoy a good documentary on Netflix or YouTube video from one of my many subscribed channels.  Always looking for a new something to learn about or to do.  I keep my mind active, questioning, wondering, searching.  At the age of 65, my whole life is being revamped.  New job, new home, new life!  It’s all in the working.  Brain power in action leads to a healthy brain and life.

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Jelly Bean Madness

Jelly Beans…. DIY, crafts, crafting, jelly beans that was the first thought that came to my mind upon awakening today.  Jelly beans yummy, yummy jelly beans which then started me wondering just how jelly beans are made.   Perhaps because I was ogling the jelly beans at Hobby Lobby when  I was supposed to be searching for craft supplies.  One can get so easily side tracked by something so simple! Fortunately for my blood sugar levels, I left them all on the shelf…boo hoo.  Still has not stopped me from wondering how those luscious little sugary morsels are made.  Leave it to me, I shall get to the bottom of this.  Continue reading “Jelly Bean Madness”

Preparing For Tag Sale Success

DIY, crafts, crafting, crochet, craft painting, signs

I live quite rurally which makes a tag sale quite challenging.  A newspaper ad will be important so the community is aware I’m out here and have some fantastic buys for them.   It isn’t like living in the heavily populated areas where you can just flip up a sign and everyone sees it while driving about their day.   Since I do live rurally, people will have to decide if it’s worth coming all the way out here. They want to know if there is something they need or have been looking for.  The ad should tell them about any big items or the most popular items to spark their interest. Timing is imperative. Take into consideration when everyone has some cash available. The first of the month is usually good, as many are paid bimonthly or monthly and will include those who are paid weekly as well.  Attracting the most people as possible to come check things out.  With the Internet, there are areas on Facebook or similar social media groups, that you can sell your larger items or post the tag sale even itself.  You will get people who are definitely interested as they are looking around already for items they need. Once you set the date, you can let your neighbors know, as they too may have a plethora of goods to sell.  Then, you have a neighborhood tag sale which is a real encouragement for people coming out your way.   Continue reading “Preparing For Tag Sale Success”