With a blog comes the responsibility of playing with the big dogs. Playing tag, that is. I’ve been tagged by Mrs. Glorious Hats, a blogger and artist I truly admire. Now that I’m “it,” I have to list seven things about myself, random or weird. Let’s see what I can come up with.
1. Despite my rapidly diminishing typing skills and sappy verbiage, I have fantasies of becoming an author. My new laptop makes me feel like one.
2. I love burning my candles as much as I love making them. Sometimes I run low on inventory for the three candles in the bathroom, the eight candles in the rumpus room, a bunch in the kitchen, the votive candles lining the stairway, and the lovely grouping on the dining room table. It’s a good thing to believe in your product.
3. The left side of my brain prevents me from trusting my intuition like I should. I crave order which I rarely achieve, and in that chaos I forget to listen to my gut. Our guts are very smart. Don’t underestimate the gut.
4. I love diamonds and furs. Real ones.
5. I have not-so-secret crushes on Mike Oldfield and Jean Michel Jarre. Sometimes I wonder, should we ever meet, if they’d take a liking to me. I think it would be really cool to be friends with someone famous.
6. Current favorite TV shows are Monk, Boston Legal, Pushing Daisies, and strangely enough, Worst Week.
7. For twenty-two years of my life didn’t like cream cheese. I remember the exact day that changed, and have loved it ever since.
Well, now that you have far too much information about me, I’m off to tag some more people. If they decide to play you can learn too much about them too. Here’s who I choose:
Kim at http://northshoreclay.blogspot.com/
Rhena at http://larsandaddie.blogspot.com/
Sarah at http://minnesotamadre.blogspot.com/
You guys can play if you like, or leave me to be "it" forever. I just like your work and your blogs, so there. If you choose to play, all you need to do is list seven things about yourself, random or weird, and tag seven other people (I only tagged three!) by leaving a link on your post and a comment on their blog.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Township Days=Old Home Week
September is just about over, and flew by fast. Seems like just yesterday I was spending the day at the State Fair, which ended September 1. October is a big production month for me as I prepare for fall shows and other winter sales. As you can imagine, in Minnesota fall and winter are big candle months.
I ended the summer yesterday at the Township Days celebration in White Bear Township. The weather was cold and windy, especially up there on the hill at Polar Lakes Park. Despite the autumn nip in the air there were a few people walking around in shorts and t-shirts. Me? I was bundled up in two jackets.
There were lots of activities at the festival, including a classic car display, a hip-hop dance lesson, demonstrations of the Jaws of Life given by the fire department, and a free concert performed by Billy McLaughlin. The night ended with a wonderful fireworks display.
Of course there were booths tended by local businesses, including Auntie B's Wax and The Farmer's Daughter. I also met a wonderful woman who sells Emu products. Emu? Yeah, you heard it right. There were also great food vendors to keep us energized throughout the day.
So I'm there at my booth and a lovely couple stops in to smell the candles. All the while we're chit-chatting and I have this feeling of familiarity toward the guy. He reminded me of someone, but I couldn't put my finger on it. They spent a bit of time looking and sniffing and making friendly small-talk. With their fine taste they decided to buy a couple of candles, and when the woman handed me the check I saw the name and my memory began to serve me. Turns out I went to high school with this guy and was great friends with his brother, who is a year older. If they paid cash for their purchase I would have never realized who he was. It's been thirty years!
Mr. Vega, if your brother directs you here, click on my contact and drop me a line. And Mr. Vega's Brother, you've just about convinced me to attend the next high school reunion. Quite obviously I've fallen out of touch, and would love to see all the old faces again.
You just never know who you'll see at a craft show!
I ended the summer yesterday at the Township Days celebration in White Bear Township. The weather was cold and windy, especially up there on the hill at Polar Lakes Park. Despite the autumn nip in the air there were a few people walking around in shorts and t-shirts. Me? I was bundled up in two jackets.
There were lots of activities at the festival, including a classic car display, a hip-hop dance lesson, demonstrations of the Jaws of Life given by the fire department, and a free concert performed by Billy McLaughlin. The night ended with a wonderful fireworks display.
Of course there were booths tended by local businesses, including Auntie B's Wax and The Farmer's Daughter. I also met a wonderful woman who sells Emu products. Emu? Yeah, you heard it right. There were also great food vendors to keep us energized throughout the day.
So I'm there at my booth and a lovely couple stops in to smell the candles. All the while we're chit-chatting and I have this feeling of familiarity toward the guy. He reminded me of someone, but I couldn't put my finger on it. They spent a bit of time looking and sniffing and making friendly small-talk. With their fine taste they decided to buy a couple of candles, and when the woman handed me the check I saw the name and my memory began to serve me. Turns out I went to high school with this guy and was great friends with his brother, who is a year older. If they paid cash for their purchase I would have never realized who he was. It's been thirty years!
Mr. Vega, if your brother directs you here, click on my contact and drop me a line. And Mr. Vega's Brother, you've just about convinced me to attend the next high school reunion. Quite obviously I've fallen out of touch, and would love to see all the old faces again.
You just never know who you'll see at a craft show!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Stormy Tuesday
As I sit listening to the pounding rain and thunder and watch the lightening flash outside my window on this stormy Tuesday night I think about the glorious weekend we had at the Chateau St. Croix Fall Festival. It was the most beautiful fall day, summer-like actually, with the leaves just starting to turn and the smell of wine commingling with that of the fresh country air. I have to say working shows at the Chateau St. Croix winery is almost as enjoyable and relaxing as a vacation.
Along with the fabulous weather, the festival offered lots of fun activities. Both Saturday and Sunday morning provided a game of polo for the attendees to enjoy. There were also grape spitting contests, wine barrel rolling contests, and grape stomping contests. There were tours of the winery and wine tastings. Yes, there was wine, lots and lots of wine, by the glass, by the bottle, by the case. Rumor has it records were set with attendance. Bravo, Chateau St. Croix people!
Of course my little corner of the festivities did quite well too. The mini devotional candles made their public debut, as did the cute little fabric match holders. My candles were the hit of the booth as I offered a great variety of waxes, colors, and scents. The drink charms continue to provide lots of laughs, and my efforts resulted in return customers and never-ending compliments.
I especially liked those two couples who stopped by at closing time on Saturday evening. The ladies were very candle savvy and gave me a sale and many compliments on my candles. The gentlemen were positively giddy with the happenings of the day behind them and a couple of glasses of wine inside them. A very fun bunch indeed.
I’d also like to send a big hello and thank-you to Bryan and Missy who not only added a lot of life to the festivities of the weekend, but also saw my pulp fiction magnets in a whole new way. Tres cool!
My only regret is that I didn’t take my camera to post pictures. I’m also behind on photographing the products themselves. I’ll be posting pictures of the match stick holders and mini devotionals soon, so stay tuned.
Coming up next is Township Days. Stop by Polar Lake Park and help celebrate White Bear Township’s 150th birthday. Woo hoo!
Along with the fabulous weather, the festival offered lots of fun activities. Both Saturday and Sunday morning provided a game of polo for the attendees to enjoy. There were also grape spitting contests, wine barrel rolling contests, and grape stomping contests. There were tours of the winery and wine tastings. Yes, there was wine, lots and lots of wine, by the glass, by the bottle, by the case. Rumor has it records were set with attendance. Bravo, Chateau St. Croix people!
Of course my little corner of the festivities did quite well too. The mini devotional candles made their public debut, as did the cute little fabric match holders. My candles were the hit of the booth as I offered a great variety of waxes, colors, and scents. The drink charms continue to provide lots of laughs, and my efforts resulted in return customers and never-ending compliments.
I especially liked those two couples who stopped by at closing time on Saturday evening. The ladies were very candle savvy and gave me a sale and many compliments on my candles. The gentlemen were positively giddy with the happenings of the day behind them and a couple of glasses of wine inside them. A very fun bunch indeed.
I’d also like to send a big hello and thank-you to Bryan and Missy who not only added a lot of life to the festivities of the weekend, but also saw my pulp fiction magnets in a whole new way. Tres cool!
My only regret is that I didn’t take my camera to post pictures. I’m also behind on photographing the products themselves. I’ll be posting pictures of the match stick holders and mini devotionals soon, so stay tuned.
Coming up next is Township Days. Stop by Polar Lake Park and help celebrate White Bear Township’s 150th birthday. Woo hoo!
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Do You Believe?
I've always been intrigued with astrology, but give it about as much clout as those giant personality computers I see at the State Fair. Simply stated, I'm a skeptic. Didn't Shakespeare write, "The fault...is not in our stars, but in ourselves..."
But I'm a girl who likes to have fun. I take those tacky Cosmo quizzes once in a while. I like to find out what kind of utensil I am. So, in the spirit of astrology and goofy quizzes around the world, I invite you to find out what color you are, and what it means.
I was delighted to find out that the color of my birthday month is orange just for the fact that orange is my favorite color. But what does it mean?
The color for the month of August is Sun Orange. Grand and royal, this is a color that resonates with power and greatness. Gold signifies both spirtual and material weath. The sun moves through the majestic sign of Leo during the month of August. The sign of Leo rules royalty. The brightness of this color dispels darkness and is especially helpful when you feel the need to protect yourself. Wearing, meditating on, or surrounding yourself with Sun Orange increases joy and optimism. It also assists in aligning you with riches, monetary support and your position in life.
And then we get a little more specific and include the day of birth. The color of my birth month coupled with my birth day is azalea. Here's what colorstrology has to say about that:
You have a convincing and dramatic nature. You are extremely powerful and when you put your mind to something, you will do nothing short of achieving it. You are serious yet playful, and it is that combination that helps you move unscathed through many of life's challenges. Your personal color calms your intensity. Wearing, medicating on, or surrounding yourself with Azalea combines your passion with spirituality.
So I guess that makes me powerful and rich. Not! But it's really fun anyway. Try it out!
http://www.colorstrology.com/
But I'm a girl who likes to have fun. I take those tacky Cosmo quizzes once in a while. I like to find out what kind of utensil I am. So, in the spirit of astrology and goofy quizzes around the world, I invite you to find out what color you are, and what it means.
I was delighted to find out that the color of my birthday month is orange just for the fact that orange is my favorite color. But what does it mean?
The color for the month of August is Sun Orange. Grand and royal, this is a color that resonates with power and greatness. Gold signifies both spirtual and material weath. The sun moves through the majestic sign of Leo during the month of August. The sign of Leo rules royalty. The brightness of this color dispels darkness and is especially helpful when you feel the need to protect yourself. Wearing, meditating on, or surrounding yourself with Sun Orange increases joy and optimism. It also assists in aligning you with riches, monetary support and your position in life.
And then we get a little more specific and include the day of birth. The color of my birth month coupled with my birth day is azalea. Here's what colorstrology has to say about that:
You have a convincing and dramatic nature. You are extremely powerful and when you put your mind to something, you will do nothing short of achieving it. You are serious yet playful, and it is that combination that helps you move unscathed through many of life's challenges. Your personal color calms your intensity. Wearing, medicating on, or surrounding yourself with Azalea combines your passion with spirituality.
So I guess that makes me powerful and rich. Not! But it's really fun anyway. Try it out!
http://www.colorstrology.com/
Friday, September 12, 2008
A Clarification
I was laying in bed last night, tossing and turning, hoping I hadn't given the wrong impression with my letter to Colleen.
Let me just clarify that the "Mary Jane" candle is not made from marijuana, nor will it make you high if you burn it. I know, some of you might be very disappointed by this, but Auntie B's Wax is a respectable business. No reefer madness here! However, the Mary Jane candle will emit the fragrance of marijuana, which could be a fun prank to play on parents or teenage kids.
Whew! Now that I got that all straightened out I can go about my business. Far out.
Let me just clarify that the "Mary Jane" candle is not made from marijuana, nor will it make you high if you burn it. I know, some of you might be very disappointed by this, but Auntie B's Wax is a respectable business. No reefer madness here! However, the Mary Jane candle will emit the fragrance of marijuana, which could be a fun prank to play on parents or teenage kids.
Whew! Now that I got that all straightened out I can go about my business. Far out.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Colleen Kruse, This Is For You
Dear Colleen,
How are you? I am fine.
I sent you an e-mail about a week ago, commenting on a conversation you were having on your talk radio show. You were discussing the '80s and big hair. The conversation turned to things a little more shady. You didn't come out and say you actually smoked cigarettes and marijuana, but it was totally implied. I'm not judging you in any way, just jogging your memory of the conversation of which I speak.
I was in the car when you, not saying you actually smoked anything, told all of your listeners that you love the smell of marijuana. You also said, and I quote, "I wish they made a candle that smelled like that." I wished at that moment I had the phone number to the radio station, because I would have called you in seconds flat.
Instead I raced back to my computer and wrote an e-mail to you. You actually like the smell of marijuana? I asked. Do you really want a candle that smells like that? So your house can smell like some kind of beatnik coffee house? Again, I wasn't judging, just trying to be clear. After all, if I were judging would I have offered to make for you a candle that had the fragrance of marijuana?!
Your failure to respond to my e-mail made me wonder if you had gotten many other calls or e-mails prior to mine claiming to be able to provide you with such a product. I've only myself to blame as I should have your phone number on my speed dial.
I just want to be sure you know that while Auntie B's Wax in no way condones the smoking of illegal substances, we can so totally create a candle that smells like you have been.
Groovy, huh?
Long time listener first time writer,
Auntie B
How are you? I am fine.
I sent you an e-mail about a week ago, commenting on a conversation you were having on your talk radio show. You were discussing the '80s and big hair. The conversation turned to things a little more shady. You didn't come out and say you actually smoked cigarettes and marijuana, but it was totally implied. I'm not judging you in any way, just jogging your memory of the conversation of which I speak.
I was in the car when you, not saying you actually smoked anything, told all of your listeners that you love the smell of marijuana. You also said, and I quote, "I wish they made a candle that smelled like that." I wished at that moment I had the phone number to the radio station, because I would have called you in seconds flat.
Instead I raced back to my computer and wrote an e-mail to you. You actually like the smell of marijuana? I asked. Do you really want a candle that smells like that? So your house can smell like some kind of beatnik coffee house? Again, I wasn't judging, just trying to be clear. After all, if I were judging would I have offered to make for you a candle that had the fragrance of marijuana?!
Your failure to respond to my e-mail made me wonder if you had gotten many other calls or e-mails prior to mine claiming to be able to provide you with such a product. I've only myself to blame as I should have your phone number on my speed dial.
I just want to be sure you know that while Auntie B's Wax in no way condones the smoking of illegal substances, we can so totally create a candle that smells like you have been.
Groovy, huh?
Long time listener first time writer,
Auntie B
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Debut
The ladies are finally making their debut. Here is just a sampling of the beauties that have been canonized into Auntie B's mini devotional candles collection. They are the patron saints of things like plastic surgery, bad hair days, and twisted pantyhose. Their pictures, as well as the prayer you say to them, are gaudily displayed on a votive cup. Simply light the t-lite inside and pray to your heart's content. They're guaranteed to at least make you feel better.
Right now there are six saints, but that number will keep growing. They'll be for sale at the shows posted in my sidebar to the right, and will also be available in my shop soon. Stay tuned, and keep praying!
Right now there are six saints, but that number will keep growing. They'll be for sale at the shows posted in my sidebar to the right, and will also be available in my shop soon. Stay tuned, and keep praying!
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Sleep? What's That?
The 50th anniversary party for my parents was a hit and everyone had a marvelous time. For little party favors each member of the wedding party received a bottle cap magnet (from Auntie B's Wax) with their image on it...from the wedding. No one believed they were ever that young.
I'm still getting over the exhaustion of it all, which is complicated by my recent inability to sleep for one reason or another. In my exhausted state today I thought, I'll write a post featuring my newest items. That's all well and good, except I would have to rely on my descriptive powers to convey these items as the disc of photos is clear across town right now. Then my exhaustion turned into a horrible headache and any attempt to verbally describe these items made me want to cry.
I can give you a hint: they're holy and irreverent at the same time.
With that I leave you. Perhaps tomorrow or the next day I'll have my act together enough to give you a sneak peak at what will be new at Auntie B's craft show booth this season.
Off to Vicodin Land...
I'm still getting over the exhaustion of it all, which is complicated by my recent inability to sleep for one reason or another. In my exhausted state today I thought, I'll write a post featuring my newest items. That's all well and good, except I would have to rely on my descriptive powers to convey these items as the disc of photos is clear across town right now. Then my exhaustion turned into a horrible headache and any attempt to verbally describe these items made me want to cry.
I can give you a hint: they're holy and irreverent at the same time.
With that I leave you. Perhaps tomorrow or the next day I'll have my act together enough to give you a sneak peak at what will be new at Auntie B's craft show booth this season.
Off to Vicodin Land...
Friday, September 05, 2008
A Celebration
This weekend we celebrate a marriage. A 50-year-old marriage. I'm proud to say it is the marriage of my parents.
Charlotte and I have been busily preparing for this event, ordering cake, gathering photos, and making reservations. Through all the preparations not much thought (on my part) had been given to the milestone event to be recognized. Now that the weekend of celebration is here, it has finally sunk in what a momentous occasion this really is.
They were young. Back in '58 they had smooth skin, dark hair, and very little worries. Through the decades they have seen it all. And through it all they remained faithful and loving to each other. There were births. There were troubled teens. There was addiction and recovery. They've seen each of their children graduate from high school and college. They've witnessed each of their children's weddings. They helped one through divorce. There were more births, making them the best grandparents ever put on earth. There were deaths, including the most heart-breaking, that of their only son.
Through it all they remained strong, yet so vulnerable that with every passing year they become more human than I as a child ever recognized them to be. They've survived. Their skin has weathered, their hair has turned grey. They have had experiences throughout their lives that weigh heavy on them. But they remain full of joy. They continue to spread that joy to all who encounter them.
A toast to you, Mom and Dad. Thanks for being such a good example of the institution of marriage. Thanks for guiding us as children, and befriending us as adults. Here's to wishing you many more years of marriage. Because of your union, because of your lives, the lives of others have been made more happy.
Now let's party!
Charlotte and I have been busily preparing for this event, ordering cake, gathering photos, and making reservations. Through all the preparations not much thought (on my part) had been given to the milestone event to be recognized. Now that the weekend of celebration is here, it has finally sunk in what a momentous occasion this really is.
They were young. Back in '58 they had smooth skin, dark hair, and very little worries. Through the decades they have seen it all. And through it all they remained faithful and loving to each other. There were births. There were troubled teens. There was addiction and recovery. They've seen each of their children graduate from high school and college. They've witnessed each of their children's weddings. They helped one through divorce. There were more births, making them the best grandparents ever put on earth. There were deaths, including the most heart-breaking, that of their only son.
Through it all they remained strong, yet so vulnerable that with every passing year they become more human than I as a child ever recognized them to be. They've survived. Their skin has weathered, their hair has turned grey. They have had experiences throughout their lives that weigh heavy on them. But they remain full of joy. They continue to spread that joy to all who encounter them.
A toast to you, Mom and Dad. Thanks for being such a good example of the institution of marriage. Thanks for guiding us as children, and befriending us as adults. Here's to wishing you many more years of marriage. Because of your union, because of your lives, the lives of others have been made more happy.
Now let's party!
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Happy Birthday, Fojo
Dear Fojo,
Today we celebrate your birthday. Fourteen years ago you came into the world a clinging, caterpillar-like infant and have turned into a long and lean handsome fellow, master fisherman, and sports fan extraordinaire. Your old auntie can't believe the time has flown so quickly!
Fojo, you may be making a splash in the world with your popularity and acquired radio fame, but you’ll always be that little “Poochie” we know and love. Have a very great birthday, and stay happy!
Love,
Bee-Head
Today we celebrate your birthday. Fourteen years ago you came into the world a clinging, caterpillar-like infant and have turned into a long and lean handsome fellow, master fisherman, and sports fan extraordinaire. Your old auntie can't believe the time has flown so quickly!
Fojo, you may be making a splash in the world with your popularity and acquired radio fame, but you’ll always be that little “Poochie” we know and love. Have a very great birthday, and stay happy!
Love,
Bee-Head
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Recap
So passes another Minnesota State Fair. It was a good year. Let's take a look at some of the moments captured:
A typical crowd at the Fair
Animals of many shapes and sizes
A spellbound audience
Child-like enthusiasm for games
RIDES!
When the fair ends, I'm always just a little sad. I'll miss the sticky fingers and the smell of hot grease in the air. I'll miss the magic of the midway lights. The end of the fair marks the end of summer. Time to cozy up and snug in. The snow will be flying soon.
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