Chocoholic

Do you ever wonder if perhaps you might be a chocoholic?

Does the feeling ever sneak up on you that perhaps you enjoy just a bit too much that dark, rich, creamy texture?

I love chocolate. I sometimes get the feeling I have to have it and nothing else will do.

Being pregnant I wonder if I should give it up? But it makes life better and me happier. I guess only those of us who love chocolate could understand that phrase.

I also read in a study that women who ate chocolate while pregnant had happier babies at 6 months than those who didn't eat it.

What is your weakness? Now that I have admitted mine . . .

5 Years

The other day we celebrated 5 years of marriage.

It has been a very good 5 years.

I am thankful for my husband in so many ways:

• He is very helpful with the kids. 
• He desires to honor and serve God. 
• He takes good care of us- and is faithful at work. 
• He can fix anything pretty much. 
• He is a good husband. 
• He is a good companion. . .
  

Thank God for the blessing of a godly spouse.

We celebrate in Rome earlier this month. But it seemed we should do something the actual date as well. However, Amelija was very sick- with a very high fever. We didn't do much and it is good we didn't have plans. We did look at pictures from our wedding and watch the movie. It was fun to recall the feelings of that day.

And Janis gave me roses too.

Featured

How fun is this? I am featured on Julie's blog today along with some other lovely artists.

Jane Eyre

So I just finished reading Jane Eyre. I had seen the movie ages ago and expected I would not like the book because all I recall from it is that it was rather depressing.

However, I was very pleased and surprised how much I enjoyed and loved this book.

I loved Jane's character- I mean who she was as a person. Her strength of determination, her faith in God and her desire to be spotless in who she was as a woman was superb. I was really impressed that despite her tremendous love for Mr. Rochester when she realized he was married to a lunatic she fled. She longed to be with him- but she chose what was right as better than what her heart longed for.

I was surprised by all the mentions of God and an active faith him that were present in this book.

I highly recommend it. It is a bit strange and odd in regards to the lunatic wife in a scene or two. But the rest and especially the latter 1/3 of the book are wonderful.

I also was thinking of young women our days and comparing Jane's strength of character to so many nowadays. It is incomprehensible to me when a lady will give up her entire character and who she is as a woman for the sake of a man. I personally find this hard to understand- I always felt if I were to disregard my morals and beliefs it would be as if I was no longer me- Elizabeth.


Anyhow- Jane Eyre is a book worth reading if you are into classic literature as I am. What are your favorite classic books?

Home Again

So after 3 lovely days in Rome we are safely home.

I am thankful for the wonderful time we had and how well our kids did with their nanny.
I am thankful for God's protection for every one of us.
I am thankful for my husband and the lovely times we could enjoy together in a new place.
I am thankful to be home. Traveling and walking so much while pregnant is VERY exhausting.

More soon to follow on our time in Rome.

For now we are getting used to "normal" life again.

Featured Artist

Back sometime this summer I submitted photos and info hoping to become a featured artist on the site where I purchase my silk.

Yesterday I discovered that I am now listed in their featured artist section. I feel honored and delighted and like a real artist :) Now I just wish I could sell a few things :)

Featured Artist

Off to Rome tomorrow. Yay!

Hello Rome and Other Thoughts

So on Saturday we are off to Rome. We will be there until Tuesday evening.

Just the two of us are going- well three since one is hiding.

I know that if I read about any of my friends going to Rome I would be jealous. But the closer it gets the more nervous I feel and the more I don't want to go. I feel confused. I DO want to go and see Rome and spend time with my honey for our anniversary.

But I can't stand the thought of leaving our kids for that long. It will be the first time and I keep worrying about would happen if something happened to us and who would raise them and what if they get sick and on and on.

I am so SICK of worrying- and at times I give it over to God and am ok. But then they are sweet and precious and give me hugs and kisses and want to be with me and my worrying starts all over and I just wish we were taking them with us.

Then other times they are both cranks and crying their heads off and I am so glad they aren't going with us. I feel like I am running in circles. YIKES!

Then there is my shop- last year I sold quite a lot this time of year. This year, NOTHING. I am really sad about this! I try not to dwell on it because it is just so depressing. Especially since I had hoped to make some money before Rome. Boo hoo !

Yesterday I had a visit with the midwife. I am 21 weeks, but she said I look to be 25 weeks. She said this is going to be another big baby. At least as big as Amelija who was nearly 4.5 kg. YIKES!

I ran around Old Riga last night asking in souvenir shops about selling my scarves. I got several contacts and need to show my work to their directors.

So that is all my friends.

Pray for safety for as we travel to Rome and that I would not worry.

Pray for my kids to be good for the nanny and to stay healthy.

Pray for my health. I have a cold and I want to be better by Saturday.

Thanks!

Celtic Tie

I had a custom order to fill and was pleased with the results. 

Love the Irish and everything Celtic? 

Contact me with your desired symbol and we can work something up: ties, hats, scarves. You name it :)

November 18

Is the day when Latvia celebrates its Independence Day. So of course it is a national holiday.

We headed to Riga in the afternoon to join in the festivities. There are lots of free concerts. We had chosen to go to a kokle concert. Kokles are fascinating to me because they are a traditional Latvian instrument. The concert was a group of four ladies.

They played in a museum of Jugend Style in a room that held about 30 people. It was so lovely, and small and personal. I love the Jugend- early 1900 decor. It was so much more than I anticipated. The girls working in the museum were dressed in Victorian clothes with the most wonderful hats. This time era always pleases me and so when the music started I was taken over by emotions because the whole atmosphere- decorations, and beautiful music was just so lovely. Of course I cried. Which reminded me of my grandma and her saying through her tears (as she listens to music), "It is just too beautiful. I can't take it." That made me smile to myself.

When the concert was over we got to walk about the museum. It was small, but  charming. It has been refurbished to look like an apartment would have looked at that time.

We then walk a bit about Riga. There were tons of people- I heard there were a million out that evening. We left before the larger crowds arrived. But we enjoyed seeing some gatherings and light exhibitions.

We ended our evening out by eating at McDonald's. Something we never ever do- but a fun way to feel American now and then :) The kids loved that.

A Good Day

I'm never too excited when I have to leave my kids all day. But I had tons of errands to run in Riga before my 16:00 appointment. So I left home at 1 pm.

I was on a quest for some very specific ingredients for my birthday cake and other goodies:
sweet potatoes
marshmallow cream
rice crispies

I headed to a special grocery.They had sweet potatoes, but they were expensive and didn't have the other ingredients. So I left and went to another store. I love going to this store because they have so many American foods. But sometimes they are very pricey. I got some sweet potatoes- but not the kind I'm familiar with. These are from Israel and slightly different. I found rice crispies, but alas NO marshmallow cream. They no longer carry it. Sad. Now I will have to find a recipe and make that too. Yikes.

Then I went to the market and got some things and rushed on.

I had my 16:00 appointment and that went well.

Then I went to the fabric store. Having no children and a car in Riga is a rare combination for me. Especially with time to kill. I enjoyed my time looking at fabric and notions! I then decided to walk to a nearby art store where I buy my silk painting supplies.

Note: Do not rush or walk quickly in the dark.

I was nearly there when I VERY badly twisted my ankle by stepping on the edge of a puddle which was also a hole. Thankfully there was some kind of large electrical box nearby where I could recover and wonder if I might have to call my husband to come rescue me. After yelping and resting I could finally limp on- but not without pain.

At 18:00 I headed to the the church where for the past 8 weeks J and I have been attending a marriage seminar. We got lots of great advice on communication and that sort of thing. Not that we are having problems- but we want to be prepared :) This was our last event and was a special romantic evening. I changed and waiting for him to arrive. My ankle still very sore and stiff.

The supper was lovely, and the company good. They had promised us a surprise and we were indeed surprised when we were all led downstairs for a dance lesson. The room was full of couples learning to dance and we had fun with some Louis Armstrong music. Though Janis and I were probably the couple with the most problems dancing. I don't know how to dance at ALL! Nor do I catch on easily it seems. Plus my ankle was hurting again due to high heels- oh silly women that we are!

Home again at 22:30. J took our babysitter home.

I checked my etsy shop and remembered there were shop critiques. I have been trying to sign up for a shop critique- which they do twice a week. So far I have never been successful. But I always sit and listen to the Livestream- hoping to be chosen and ask questions to the others on the chat. This critique was on photography and since my husband has been reading a lot on the topic I asked him if he had any questions. He did have one question which I sent in. As the program was ending and again I had not been noticed she started looking at her questions in queue. Then she chose our question and showed my shop and commented on the pictures that had drawn her in. She had lots of good things to say and some advice. But I was super excited to finally get at least a partial shop critique! Yay!

What a good day!

The Wedding

The bride was lovely. 

The groom handsome. 

The cake delicious. 

The food scrumptious

The company entertaining. 

We had fun! 

Another Cake

I am making another wedding cake today. Just a little one- for 30 people. It is to be the same kind as before, black forest. With dark chocolate, cherries, cream filling, swiss buttercream and marzipan.

I must say I am very, very pleased how my swiss buttercream turned out this time. It is ideal; smooth, glossy and delicious. Perfect for decoration. I used the recipe on this site ( I love her site and recipes) She is so inspiring. Last time I made a wedding cake I had a few problems with this frosting- but this time- wow! I only made half of the recipe for my small cake and it was just the right amount for frosting the cake before the layer of marzipan and for the decorations.

Ok, must run and finish my cake- enough rejoicing or boasting :) But seriously, try the swiss buttercream!

Grandparents and Relatives

Recently I was listening in on a conversation brought up by these verses from Matthew 25:

³⁴ “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 

³⁵ For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, ³⁶ I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

   ³⁷ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? ³⁸ When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? ³⁹ When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

   ⁴⁰ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

   ⁴¹ “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. ⁴² For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, ⁴³ I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’

   ⁴⁴ “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’

   ⁴⁵ “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’

   ⁴⁶ “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”

In the course of the conversation we discussed our responses to the poor and beggars and in time our conversations led to discussing grandparents. It seemed to me as if most of those talking rarely see their grandparents. Whether that is because of them not being believers, or seeing life "differently", or busyness in life or other reasons I don't know exactly. But I do know this saddened me very, very much. 

I started wondering if in not seeing our relatives we are just as bad as those who didn't care for the Lord and asked him when they had seen him in need. Perhaps differences arise in family's which keep us from spending time together. But I feel it is our duty and our privilege to care for the elderly in our families and those we can. 


Perhaps the fact that my family is an ocean away also made this so sad for me. Here are loved ones just minutes or hours apart and yet they and we don't care for one another! This can't be right?! Can it? If only my grandma were a short ways away I would invite her to come and spend some days with me. 


It is easy to talk when being with my family is so hard to do. I need to do better at also calling and sending letters. But I guess my challenge is for you my friend, don't neglect your loved ones for lack of differences, or busyness. Time is so short, you may be the only living witness they ever see. It is NOT enough to just hear about Jesus from others, our family needs to see and feel Jesus in and through us. 


I have one living grandma. I wish I could see her more. 


I love you Grandma! 

Cheese Ravioli

So I finally decided to give the cheese ravioli a try and made them the other day. They were far too much work, should have been rolled thinner and all in all very yummy :)

However, by the time it was time to eat them my kids were tired, and grouchy.  I was so frustrated after all the work that I had put into these things that I could not even sit and enjoy them in peace. My kids weren't too eager to try them either- new things are always weird to kids.

At least my husband and I enjoyed them and my pregnancy craving was attended to :)

Mele Kalikimaka

I love listening to Bing Crosby when getting into the mood of Christmas. I loved this song today :)

Preparing for Birth

Here I am 14 weeks pregnant, yet unsure how and where I want to have my baby. I am not a first time Mom- rather I have already had two home births. These were births assisted by a wonderful midwife, births that took place in our own bedroom.

Never have I wanted the interference of medicine in my life and the more I prepared and read about birth the more sure I was that the best birth for a healthy Mom is one where there is no interference. This means no painkillers, no rushing to be induced. No hurrying of a process that God made me, a woman for. I have read countless books on birth, home birth and preparation for birth and am 100% sure that natural birth is the best option for baby and Mom when both are healthy.

So then, what keeps me from being sure I want to have my next baby at home? I am not exactly sure. But I think it has something to do with my "fear" of pain during labor, especially during the pushing stage. During my second labor I knew what to expect and could handle the contractions just fine by rocking, groaning, swaying, leaning on my husband or the sink, etc. There were even times I needed to move things along because I wanted more steady contractions and then I climbed the stairs. But when the time came to push and my baby was on her way out I felt like I was dying of pain. I screamed, I groaned, I cried "Lord, have mercy." And of course my baby entered this world and all was "forgotten" making it all worthwhile.

But that pain is not forgotten and because of my fear of pain I even asked God for twins so that I can have more children with less pain.

But there is another thing that rankles my spirit and makes me wonder. . . how is it that some women know virtually no pain when giving birth? A dear friend of mine just had her fourth baby at home and when we discuss birth and I ask her if it hurt she always says, "No." How can this be? Does she have a higher pain tolerance? Or has she learned to "let" her body give birth while I fight my body, trying to control even this uncontrollable event.

So as I prepare for birth in the next weeks and months and work through my feelings, experience and desires I will perhaps share a bit with you.

A Productive Day

I woke up feeling very ready to get some things accomplished. I have been making a list every morning with the things I need and hope to get done. It helps keep me on track for the day.

A friend just back from Paris had given us some cheese. I have been longing for french bread and cheese for some time and was determined to make french bread today to enjoy the cheese with. I made whole wheat french bread so that it would be healthier and it was simply wonderful. Oh how I LOVE the cheese in France. . .

Another thing I wanted to do was to get  my piparkuka  cookie dough made. It is very good to make it in advance so the many spices and their flavors have time to blend. It is rather a big job, but I didn't make such a large recipe this year.

Then we went outside for a while and raked some leaves.

By lunchtime I was so worn out I had to take a nap with the children, and that refreshed me a bit.

This week I went into to work to resign. I know that I won't be going back anytime soon and I can't stay on indefinitely. I was sad today though when I got my work book (for keeping track of how long I had worked there and my yearly salary) in the mail. I don't mind leaving this work place, but feel insecure being "out of work."

I also got a package from my dear parents with a lovely bag of Autumn Candy- candy corn and pumpkins. I will now be able to make some darling cupcakes sometime. Thank  you Mom and Dad!

Signs your little boy is becoming a BIG BOY

Daniel is facinated with getting bigger and here are a few things that prove it:

1. Finally being willing to try and ride his bike, of his own accord. Without us initiating it. 
2. PUSHING his bike when he doesn't want to ride it and not asking ME to do so. WOW! 
3. Always talking about being strong!
4. Wanting to carry big things himself up the stairs, without Mom's help. 
5. Not wanting to give Mom a hug or kiss before she leaves for the day- only from a distance. He blew me a kiss, and a hug. Oh how sad, I didn't think this would come so early. 
6. Helping with the raking of leaves and digging with Dad. 
7. Preferring new places and friends to staying with parents. 

Our little man in now becoming a big boy. He is now years and 4 months old.

I really, really want. . . .

So I am pregnant, living in a land far from the USA, and having some cravings that can't be satisfied.

I want:

1. Cheese ravioli
2. Taco Bell Tacos and Nachos
3. Bagels with garden vegetable cream cheese 
4. Pizza Hut
5. Subway

You get the idea. . . all places that don't exist over here :) I am trying to get up the motivation to try and make my own cheese ravioli, but from past experience it is a rather time consuming job. 

Christmas is Wooing

In the mood for some Christmas music, try this :) Listen to more of Leigh Nash on http://grooveshark.com

The Wedding

Saturday we headed off to the reception area about 10:00. We wanted to deliver the cake in one piece and get home again to prepare for the wedding. The drive to the camp seemed to take about 30 minutes, and the last part of the drive was HORRIBLE. It was a very bumpy dirty road- which we later discovered is not the main entrance and seldom used.

We got the cake settled, fixed and put together. There were already lots of good comments and I was eager to have it be completely decked out so people could see the end result. But since there were several hours to wait I put the flowers in water and we headed home.


Amelija's godmother had agreed to stay with them for the day and we had the whole day to ourselves. The wedding was nice!


We headed to the reception early to get the cake finished. It was a great success, not only being very lovely but VERY delicious. It was a black forest type cake. Chocolate cake, with cherry filling, a cream filling and delicious swiss buttercream over that, entirely covered in marzipan. It was scrumptious!

Wedding Cake with Two Kids

Today I began making the wedding cake I have to make for Saturday. I have been preparing all week little by little to make this process as smooth as possible. This is the first wedding cake order I have accepted in three years. The first I will have made with two children. . . yikes!

I have been mostly worried about tiring myself out, as full days in the kitchen leave me with an achy back. I began this day on my knees and jumped right in after breakfast.

Much to my amazement my kids are playing VERY peacefully together, and they are staying out of the kitchen so far- unheard of! Wow! Thank you Lord of watching out for me and making the beginning of this day smooth so far :) It is now 9:00 a.m :)

13:47 The morning didn't progress as smoothly as I would have liked due to an unplanned trip to the store. All my lists and trips to the store somehow left me with no milk and therefore only one cake baked. After returning home my kids were ready for a snack and they were then much more emotional and grouchy. Oh dear. Somehow I got the 6 layers of cake made and baked and lunch made. I turned on cartoons (which is only a special occasion thing in our house) and hoped that would keep them busy. It worked for a while, but when it was time to eat and I turned it off we had a 3 year old fit on our hands. YUCK. So now the kids are fed and in bed. Though D is still not asleep- he doesn't nap every day anymore.I am off to make fillings now.


Whilst the kids napped I got a lot done. I made my cherry filling and the cream fillings. So ends the first day.


Day 2:


Morning: Now comes the time of putting together the cake. However, my kids have not been in the best of moods and by 9:30 a.m I was feeling rather stressed and desperate. My husband encouraged me by phone to stop and give the kids some moments of my undivided attention. We read 4 books and then I was able to finish filling the cakes. I realized the biggest problem was that they weren't "allowed" to taste what I was making and doing. Once I started leveling the cake and had leftovers they were both happy. Not to mention that I had left over cream filling and cherry filling which they both loved!

The afternoon had a few bumps along the way because of a trip to the store ended in the frosting flopping due to mixing two different brands of butter. I had to run to the church to choose flowers for the cake. And my husband saved the day by getting more butter. Finally about 20:00 I was able to finish frosting the cakes and get to the decorating.

I had chosen to cover the cakes with marzipan. Originally I had been daunted by this idea since I had never used marzipan and didn't know how costly that would be. However, after watching this link and some other very good videos on marzipan I was ready to try my hand at it.

I stopped decorating at 22:00, my back was killing me and I was ready to head to bed. I was pleased with the results of the cake and even though simple it looked stunning with the fresh flowers. 

Cravings

In regards to my long absence I must tell you that having had all my guests suddenly leave I found myself very tired, and VERY sick.

However, much to all our relief it is not a catching sort of sick, but rather morning sickness. Yes, we are now expecting baby 3. I am so happy, but have been doing nothing for quite some time. Lying down seems to help a bit, and so I have done a lot of that the past month.

Finally now at about 9 weeks the morning sickness is beginning to lessen- and I find myself craving things- especially things I can't get over here in LV. . . . Sigh. . . I will have to let the pickles do their trick since I have lots of those.

I am slowly regaining my energy, and trying to get back into painting. So that is what is new on my end. How are you?

Been Busy

So sorry I have been away. Life has been very crazy here of late. I have so much family visiting. We are having a grand ole time, but have very few  moments at home. We are out seeing the sights

Yesterday we were at Rundale Palace- I thoroughly enjoyed the gardens. I was able to relax and soak in the colors, textures and smells of the French style formal gardens. I went away feeling inspired by all I saw.

I probably will be absent from my blog until my company goes home at the end of August- so until then- have a safe and restful August!

Rundales Palace

New Items

Too much time has passed and I have been very absent from my blog. I have been extremely busy. I have a ton of visitors coming this summer and the fun keeps building as they keep drifting in. My sister and her baby and my sister's friend just arrived this week.

We have been busy running around town, taking in the sites and walking around Old Riga- a beautiful old city in Europe- too much kept hidden from the world.

But I have also slowly been getting some items finished and listed. Here are a couple:

Web Marketing

So lately I have been really trying to learn  how to better my etsy business.  I ran across this video and have been slowly making my way through it. Slowly- because I stop and try to do all the things she is telling me as I go along. There is some really great stuff in this video- let me know what you think of it. What do you do to market your business?

Coming Soon

I have a whole slew of new items I am working on. I find myself very slow in summer in regards to painting. But I guess it is no wonder with all the summer jobs that need to be done. Our garden is getting into full swing now and very soon I am going to be stuck making pickles daily. I can't wait ! :)

We have also been to the forest to pick wild blueberries several times. I froze a lot and also made some blueberry jam. YUM!

Stay tuned for new items in the next week!

Good Wives

I have always loved the story of "Little Women" I have seen countless versions of the movie. I have listened to the book on tape and am presently reading the book. Here is is available in two parts, "Little Women" and "Good Wives."

Right now now I am reading the second part, "Good Wives." There is so much wisdom in it, so many godly principles. How I wish I could be a wise mother like Marmee.

I wanted to share a section of the book that I really loved today. Meg is caught up in her babies, worn out, stressed and neglecting her husband so much so that he is lonely. Here is the part I liked from the book:

Meg complaining to Marmee:

He's away all day, and at night, when I want to see him, he is continually going over the the Scott's. It isn't fair that I should have the hardest work, and never any amusements. Men are very selfish, even the best of them.

So are women; don't blame John till you see where you are wrong yourself.

But it can't be right for him to neglect me.

Don't you neglect him?

Why, mother, I thought you'd take my part!

So I do, as far as sympathizing goes; but I think the fault is yours, Meg.

I don't see how.

Let me show you. Did John ever neglect you, as you call it, while you made it a point to give him    your society of an evening, his only leisure time?

No; but I can't do it now, with two babies to tend.

I think you could, dear; and I think you ought. . . .You have made the mistake that most young wives make- forgotten your duty to your husband in  your love for your children. A very natural and forgivable mistake, Meg, but one that had better be remedied before you take to different ways; for children should draw you nearer than ever, not separate you, as if they were all yours, and John had nothing to do but support them. I have seen it for some weeks, but have not spoken, feeling sure it would come right in time.

I'm afraid it won't. If I ask him to stay, he'll think I'm jealous; and I wouldn't insult him by such an idea. He doesn't see that I want him, and I don't know how to tell him without words.

Make it so pleasant he won't want to go away. My dear, he's longing for his little home but it isn't home without you, and you are always in the nursery.

Oughtn't I be there?

Not all the time; too much confinement makes you nervous, and then you are unfitted for everything. Besides, you owe something to John as well as to the babies; don't neglect your husband for children, don't shut him out of the nursery, but teach him how to help in it. His place is there as well as yours, and the children need him; let him feel that he has his part to do, and he will do it gladly and faithfully, and it will be better for you all.. . Go out more; keep cheerful as well as busy, for you are the sunshine-maker of the family, and if you get dismal there is no fair weather. . . . Don't let John be a stranger to the babies, for they will do more to keep him safe and happy in this world of trial and temptation than anything else, and through them you will learn to know and love one another as you should.

I think it is easier with the second child to trust responsibilities to ones husband, but this is a wonderful reminder to keep ones priorities in a marriage, and to get out and keep cheerful so that I can be the "sunshine-maker" in my family.

I just love this book! Good Wives by Louisa May Alcott

Painter's Block

We recently watched the movie "Stranger than Fiction." I really enjoyed it, I have always secretly wanted to have my own bakery because I love creating scrumptious delicacies and so I really liked the girl.

Anyhow lately I feel I have no inspiration and an all together serious case of painter's block- if there is such a thing. . . It could be because of my overwhelming tiredness of late, or the busyness of summer; gathering our continual produce and putting it up for winter. I feel so preoccupied and as if my painting has been entirely pushed aside. I don't like that. But also when nothing is selling in my shop I am also quite uninspired to paint anything new.

What do you do when you are feeling you have painter's block, or sewer's block or whatever kind of "block" you face?

Ivy and Roses

Our life is surrounded by growing things. We have one area we are trying to slowly transform into a flower garden, but the weeds there are in over abundance.

Last year we bought a new rose, it will be a climbing rose in a lovely pink. I dream of having a lattice arch with roses growing over it in my future garden. . . with a bench for quiet times.

The ivy, though lovely in some places is a mighty weed. It grows over and about anything in its path. Today I rescued my rose from the clutches of this ivy. The ivy had so encircled itself around my rose, time and again that I had to literally unwind the  ivy from the rose. This rose is very small, and yet the ivy was taking advantage of it and using it and overwhelming it.

This reminded me of sin. We are like my puny little rose, we hold great potential for loveliness. But the sins and temptations of life are like the ivy. They ivy is lovely in its own domain and sin appears so as well. But sin also seeks to encircle us and take the life from us, covering us and devouring us.

James 1:12-15

12How blessed is the man who endures temptation! When he has passed the test, he will receive the victor's crown of life that God has promised to those who keep on loving him. 13When someone is tempted, he should not say, “I am being tempted by God,” because God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone. 14Instead, each person is tempted by his own desire, being lured and trapped by it. 15When that desire becomes pregnant, it gives birth to sin; and when that sin grows up, it gives birth to death.

Made In Latvia Treasury

My tie was featured in this lovely collection of items made in Latvia.

Inspiriation

I am in between scarves and searching for ideas. I have been looking at a lot of blogs this evening. I love the blog of  Playing Grown Up. She always has such fun pictures, stories and even music. Check her blog out and her shop. I don't know her, but somehow I feel like I do through reading her blog.

Here is a picture of my lastest scarf, if I were to give it a real heartfelt , yummy title it would be "Strawberry Vanilla Swirl." But I didn't think that was very descriptive for a scarf so I stuck with another name :)

Train Cake

My son turned 3 yesterday and I made him this cake. He loved it and loved helping decorate it. It isn't one of the most professional cakes I have made, but since they don't eat or use buttercream frosting over here in LV then one makes do with other- more popular frostings. 

So glad it was a success, and especially that he loved it! This was the first year he has really been into his cake and his birthday. 

Trade Complete

Well it was a sort of hard day in my life today. But I was excited that I got a slip from the post office that a package was awaiting me. I figured that would be the hat I had traded for. . .

It was a busy and slightly stressful day trying to get a cake going for my son's 3rd birthday tomorrow, and knowing that in the evening we had a birthday party to attend and our party to prepare for on the morrow.

On the way to the birthday party we stopped by the post office so I could pick up my package. I was shocked when she told me I was going to have to pay 24 dollars for a custom fee. This is a new law in Latvia that anything with a value of more than $10.00 has a customs fee. I tried to understand what percentage of the value is the actual charge- but she told me she couldn't tell me. What was I to do? Not pay the fee? Have the hat sent back? I can't stand the thought of being one of those loud mouthed complainers (which does not suit my personality at all since I am a quiet girl). I didn't know what to do, our finances are so tight right now. . . .

But I paid the $24.00 with my debit card. . . hoping and praying that God will help us through the next month. I was feel very emotional by this time. Why does this country have to have so many fees and make things so difficult for people. I felt like one of the precious pleasures in life, getting a package has now been ripped from me. I cannot afford to pay this kind of customs fees! Does this now mean that I have to tell people not to send me packages anymore?! The clerk said to have people not write the value of the item on the slip, or to check it as a gift, of both, or not insure it for so much. I am not quite sure what the solution is or ought to be. But I must say I was thoroughly shocked, disappointed and devastated.

I didn't even want to open my package. I was so blue, and my husband asked me what the matter was. I shamefully told him about the customs fee I had paid. He said, "Why did you pay it?!" What else could I do? I don't know. I cried on the drive to the party. Despising and complaining of this country that makes things so difficult and expensive for its inhabitants. . .

I finally opened the hat. It is well made, nice, different. I am surprised how moldable it is.

Here is a link to the hat I got. Thanks for a good trading experience and for being so understanding!!

http://www.etsy.com/transaction/50977725

For all of those sending to Latvia, try not to write the value of the item on the customs sheet-otherwise we have horrible fees to pay. Thanks. . and sorry for the complaining spirit- I just had to spill my heart

Give Me Oil in My Lamp

Remember all those Sunday School songs you used to sing in Sunday School. I have so many old favorites from my childhood- but I don't always remember all the words. I recently got some Wee Sing song books. And was singing through the Wee Sing Bible Songs yesterday. How much fun to be reminded of all those old Sunday School songs, and what joy I had as I sang and worked in the kitchen.

Today I loved singing:

Give me oil in my lamp, keep me burning, burning, burning.
Give me oil in my lamp I pray.
Give me oil in my lamp keep me burning, burning, burning,
Keep me burning till the break of day. . . .

I sure need some spiritual umph now and then to keep me going through the hard days.

Thank God for songs that keep our eyes focused on Him!

One of those days

Today was one of those days when I wonder why I even attempt painting. My kids wouldn't nap at naptime, and my precious free time was cut short when my baby finally took a VERY short nap.

Then I made a silly painting mistake, but I hate making mistakes. I guess we live learn that way.

I have another new scarf finished and listed, I love it. It is so bright, so incredible. It makes me  happy just looking at it.

Giveaway Items

Friday will be the drawing for my first giveaway to celebrate my having painted over 100 items. One lucky person will get to choose one of these items. Please send me your contact e-mail and mailing address and be sure to become a follower of this blog.

Good luck!

The Value of a Penny

I live in a former third world country. This is not my home country. Yes, my ancestors came from this land. But I was not born here. Life is hard here is many ways. But made beautiful by art, nature, joy, love and faith.

Right now our family is going through some times of having very little money. It makes one realize the value of a few cents in a whole new way. When we have plenty 70 cents for a bottle of water seems nothing. Now those 70 cents are counted as precious so that I can buy milk for the kids. Wow, living frugally and with less readjusts ones view on life.

On a brighter note my son is going to be 3 on Saturday and Friday is my giveaway. Send me your contact info and become a follower of my blog and you could be THE lucky winner.

Me

Welcome! I am so glad you are taking the time to get to know me a little bit. I would love to get to know you as well and by signing up for my mailing list we can do just that!

I am a silk artist and mother of two little ones. I am an American, but I live in Latvia, a small country in Eastern Europe, nestled between Lithuania and Estonia. 

I am here because I met and fell in love with a kind hearted Latvian giant and became his little wife. He can fix just about anything and has what is called by the locals, "golden hands."

I paint a variety of silk accessories including scarves, wraps, neckties and hats. I am glad to do custom orders and trades. I delight in satisfied customers, and offering you the most unique, fun and gorgeous silk accessories around! My items are great for:

• weddings
• showers
• Christmas gifts
• anniversary gifts
• birthday gifts
• customized gifts for a special person, with the colors and theme they would want.

Contact me at silkscarvesbyeli@gmail.com for any questions or requests

Latvian Countryside

I am in the midst of doing a trade. This is the scarf I painted for my end of the deal. I am very pleased with how it turned out!

100th Item Giveaway

In honor of the fact that I have now painted 100 silk scarves and ties I am hosting a give a way for one of my lovely items. In order to win you must send me your e-mail address and name.

The drawing for the item will take place June 17, 2011.

Will be accepting entries until June 16, Midnight

Enjoy!

Back Again

We've been west and south and across the seas. Now we are home again and readjusting. I am slowly getting into painting again. Our vacation was great, and I feel inspired by all the Native American art we saw and the colors and scenery of the Southwest. I am eager to get back into the swing of life and painting. Here is my latest tie. These pictures were taken with a friend's camera. I am pleased with the shots. We are in need of a new camera, ours died. Any suggestions?

Coffee Nut & Honeysuckle Girl

I really love this scarf. It is for each of you who love coffee,every coffee nut out there. I know we all love sitting in in the laid back atmosphere of a coffee shop. This is for all of us, who delight in slowing down, and smelling the coffee. . . or the tea.

I can paint a scarf for all those tea lovers too. . . oh the ideas are already starting to dance in my head. Just drop me a line and your scarf will be on its way into existence.

New Designs

The kids are sick and this is keeping me from my painting. I am now a full time nurse and waiting eagerly for the fevers to break and health to be restored.

I failed to post my most recent creation due to being so busy, but that will come later. Check out my shop and enjoy : http://www.etsy.com/listing/68149494/coffee-nut-honeysuckle-girl-silk-scarf

Peacock Wrap

Butterfly Tropical Fantasy

I just finished a fantastic wrap, with which I am very pleased. It is so very colorful and so much fun. I would love to wear it myself. and maybe I shall! But what would a girl do with as many scarves as I have?! I could make beautiful curtains with scarves. . . Hmm. . . maybe I ought to try painting some curtains for my living room. Here are a few photos.

Neckties

The first necktie I ever painted was for my husband-to-be. I now have painted so many ties I have lost count. I love painting one of a kind ties for men. These make fantastic gifts, and are a fun way to say, "thank you" or "I love you." I would be glad to paint a special tie just for your special man. I gladly accept orders. Wedding orders are also welcomed for larger parties, just drop me a line.

The Process

The art of silk painting is an exciting, yet sometimes terrifying experience. Relaxing and tense. . .

To begin with a piece of white silk is stretched in the frame. Then I draw the design I wish to paint with outliner also known as resist. When this is dry I begin to carefully paint inside the designs I have drawn. The scary part here is that if a line was not make thick enough it will not contain the paint and the paint will spill over the edges of the "wall" I painted. I must always be careful not to use too much paint and to make good lines (walls).

When the painting is exactly the way I want it to be then take it out of the frame. I then iron the silk on the reverse side very well to set the paints. Then I rinse the silk to remove any residue restoring the silky feeling and sheen to the silk. I NEVER wring the silk, this would produce a stonewashed effect. I handle it gently, and with the greatest care and respect. My paintings are masterpieces and I like to treat them as such.

When the silk is nearly dry I iron it again to have it look the best, then I take photos and put in my box of beauties to away their next proud owner.