tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8028059229161267962024-03-19T01:40:06.634-07:00StarSunflowerThe eco indie crafty creatively geeky musings of Sü....Susan Smith - Starsunflowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12579803228537865117noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-802805922916126796.post-78047332116991723542011-07-15T05:02:00.000-07:002011-07-28T00:53:32.280-07:002011 Dunegrass Schedule Announced<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Laf35_mIhjA/Th-BFFY31LI/AAAAAAAACJ8/lIuZNojTqx0/s1600/dunegrass_2011_re.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Laf35_mIhjA/Th-BFFY31LI/AAAAAAAACJ8/lIuZNojTqx0/s1600/dunegrass_2011_re.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Dunegrass Site:</b> <a href="http://dunegrassmusicfestival.org/2011-schedule/" style="color: #990000;" target="_blank">2011 Schedule</a><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #16110d; font-family: Arial,Tahoma,Verdana; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 18px; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"></span><br />
<h2 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #714e42; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;"><b>Main Stage</b></h2><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><i></i></div><h4 style="color: #006600; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 22px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 10px 0px 0px;"><b>Friday</b></h4><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b>1:00</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Susan Fawcett<br />
<b>1:30</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>New 3rd Coast<br />
<b>2:30</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Chris Bathgate<br />
<b>3:30</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Jo Serrapere & the Willie Duns<br />
<b>4:30</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Ralston Bowles<br />
<b>5:15</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>K Jones & the Benzie Playboys<br />
<b>6:45</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Graham Parsons & the Go Rounds<br />
<b>8:00</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Delilah Dewylde & the Lost Boys<br />
<b>9:30</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Ragbirds<br />
<b>11:00</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Airborn or Aquatic?</div><h4 style="color: #006600; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 22px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 10px 0px 0px;"><b>Saturday</b></h4><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b>10:00</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The Peaceful Sisters, Dances of Universal Peace<br />
<b>11:00</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Song of the Lakes<br />
<b>12:15</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Stella<br />
<b>1:45</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Jaik Willis<br />
<b>2:45</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Luke Winslow-King<br />
<b>4:00</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Grasshoppah<br />
<b>5:45</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Magdalen Fossum<br />
<b>6:00</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Seth & May<br />
<b>7:15</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Jen Sygit<br />
<b>7:30</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Ella Riot<br />
<b>9:30</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Donna The Buffalo<br />
<b>11:30</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Macpodz</div><h4 style="color: #006600; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 22px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 10px 0px 0px;"><b>Sunday</b></h4><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b>10:00</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The Peaceful Sisters, Dances of Universal Peace<br />
<b>11:00<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></b>Gospel Hour<br />
<b>12:00</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Lake 2<br />
<b>1:00</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Hawks & Owls<br />
<b>2:00</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Small Houses<br />
<b>3:30</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Nervous But Excited<br />
<b>5:00</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The Journeymen<br />
<b>6:30</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Detour bluegrass<br />
<b>8:00</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Donna the Buffalo<br />
<i></i><br />
<i></i></div><h2 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #714e42; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;"><b>Rootenanny Beer Garden</b></h2><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><i></i></div><h4 style="color: #006600; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 22px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 10px 0px 0px;"><b>Friday:</b></h4><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b>6:00</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>North Shore<br />
<b>8:00</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The Wildfire<br />
<b>9:30</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>October Babies<br />
<b>11:30</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Rootstand<br />
<i></i></div><h4 style="color: #006600; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 22px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 10px 0px 0px;"><b>Saturday</b></h4><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b>2:00</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Cabin Fever<br />
<b>3:00</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Puente<br />
<b>4:20</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Doop & the Inside Outlaws<br />
<b>5:45</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Billy Brandt and Sarana VerLin<br />
<b>7:30</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>FunDubMentals<br />
<b>9:45</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Funktion<br />
<b>11:30</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Rootstand<br />
<i></i></div><h4 style="color: #006600; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 22px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 10px 0px 0px;"><b>Sunday</b></h4><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b>3:00</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Soul Patch<br />
<b>4:30</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Kung Fu Rodeo<br />
<b>6:00</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The Deep end<br />
<b>8:00</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Lucky Brown<br />
<b>10:00</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Ella Riot<br />
<i></i><br />
<i></i></div><h2 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #714e42; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;"><b>Pickin' Tree:</b></h2><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><i></i></div><h4 style="color: #006600; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 22px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 10px 0px 0px;"><b>Friday:</b></h4><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b>5:00</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Puente<br />
<b>6:00</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Abigail Stauffer<br />
<b>7:00</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Chris Bathgate<br />
<b>8:00</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Waltz Dance<br />
<b>9:30</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Open Jam</div><h4 style="color: #006600; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 22px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 10px 0px 0px;"><b>Saturday:</b></h4><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b>3:00</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Lake Folk<br />
<b>4:00</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Magdalen Fossum<br />
<b>5:00</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Nervous But Excited<br />
<b>7:00</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Contra Dance<br />
<b>9:00</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Open Jam</div><h4 style="color: #006600; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 22px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 10px 0px 0px;"><b>Sunday:</b></h4><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b>3:00</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Luke Winslow King<br />
<b>4:30</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Abigail Stauffer<br />
<b>6:00</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Magdalen Fossum<br />
<b>7:15</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Puente<br />
<b>8:30</b> Open Jam</div>Susan Smith - Starsunflowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12579803228537865117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-802805922916126796.post-47850054251687595602011-07-13T16:51:00.000-07:002011-07-14T17:04:45.513-07:00Knotty Val Giveaway at The Enchanted Tree Blog<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sj6IytTluME/Th4uY9qtBzI/AAAAAAAACJw/xwxeSgcdBXE/s1600/knotty_val_giveaway_bracelet_post.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sj6IytTluME/Th4uY9qtBzI/AAAAAAAACJw/xwxeSgcdBXE/s1600/knotty_val_giveaway_bracelet_post.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Check out the artist feature & giveaway going on over at Tree's blog:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://theenchantedtree.blogspot.com/2011/07/knotty-val-artist-feature-and-giveaway.html" style="color: #660000;">http://theenchantedtree.blogspot.com/2011/07/knotty-val-artist-feature-and-giveaway.html</a><span style="color: #660000;"> </span><br />
<br />
Val does some incredible knot work. I'm super excited about this. Would love to win one of her gorgeous works of wearable art!<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Susan Smith - Starsunflowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12579803228537865117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-802805922916126796.post-64556573290919666492010-11-27T21:40:00.000-08:002010-11-27T22:18:40.025-08:00Homemade Gomashio | House Recipe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sistarbliss.blogspot.com/2010/11/homemade-gomashio-house-recipe.html"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1NxuXGXbaT8/TPHve_Xc_hI/AAAAAAAACBo/If8nKe-sUmo/s1600/gomasio_recipe.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span id="goog_1102911944"></span><span id="goog_1102911945"></span></div><br />
<br />
If any of you don't know what gomashio is, here's the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gomashio">description from wikipedia</a>. I use a LOT less salt! <span style="font-size: small;">My gamashio recipe is VERY loose. Feel free to experiment with it if you like.<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
If you are in the Central Michigan area, Hometown Health has VERY fresh unhulled sesame seeds that work great for this! I was also able to obtain unhulled black sesame seeds as well. They rock!</span> Here's where you can find them: <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/place?cid=6807775633625956255&q=hometown+health+foods+remus+michigan&hl=en&gl=us">Hometown Health Directions </a><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
Fresh Sesame Seeds<br />
Sea Salt<br />
Sesame or other cooking oil<br />
Fresh Garlic<br />
Fresh or dried hot peppers (optional)<br />
Fresh Ginger (optional)<br />
<br />
<b>Directions:</b><br />
Take some fresh garlic and mince it up, adding salt to the mixture to soak up the garlic juice from the cutting board. This is an old garlic chopping trick my dad showed me years ago. I had some extra ginger that needed to be used up, so I threw some of that in there as well. My partner and I like a little heat, so we use peppers too!<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1NxuXGXbaT8/TPHh1r5SRzI/AAAAAAAACBU/mPqpyCoHmQw/s1600/gamasio_garlic_ginger_peppers_salt_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1NxuXGXbaT8/TPHh1r5SRzI/AAAAAAAACBU/mPqpyCoHmQw/s320/gamasio_garlic_ginger_peppers_salt_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1NxuXGXbaT8/TPHh9JSLGdI/AAAAAAAACBY/nWVRXexMfGs/s1600/gamasio_garlic_ginger_peppers_salt_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1NxuXGXbaT8/TPHh9JSLGdI/AAAAAAAACBY/nWVRXexMfGs/s320/gamasio_garlic_ginger_peppers_salt_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1NxuXGXbaT8/TPHiGyTnxOI/AAAAAAAACBc/89xp27sVddo/s1600/gamasio_garlic_ginger_peppers_salt_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1NxuXGXbaT8/TPHiGyTnxOI/AAAAAAAACBc/89xp27sVddo/s320/gamasio_garlic_ginger_peppers_salt_3.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><br />
The black sesame seeds we recently purchased are super awesome! If you can't get them in your area, no worries -- just make sure that the sesame seeds you get are fresh. If they have any bitterness to them, they've been sitting around for a while.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1NxuXGXbaT8/TPHiO3Sn2XI/AAAAAAAACBg/PeYGlVOpOys/s1600/gamasio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1NxuXGXbaT8/TPHiO3Sn2XI/AAAAAAAACBg/PeYGlVOpOys/s320/gamasio.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><br />
Use a cast iron pan or very thick skillet. Add a small amount of oil to the bottom of the pan and preheat. Throw in your sesame seeds and cook at low to moderate heat, stirring often. My stove tends to be very very hot so it's hard for me to gauge a temp. It should be a fairly low heat so it allows time for the chopped to dry out. You will hear the sesame seeds crackling and popping. If the seeds are super fresh, some of them may jump out of the pan. ;) You may use a cover to prevent this and also to keep the heat in. When the seeds start to turn a golden color, everything is done! If your garlic doesn't seem dried out, leave the mixture set for a few hours or overnight. This typically gives the garlic time to dehydrate a little more.<br />
<br />
Once everything cools, you can store your gamasio in glass jars un-refrigerated if you think you won't use it up within a few months. We go through this stuff like crazy, so refrigeration is not an issue here.<br />
<br />
This stuff is good on many types of food. I sprinkle it on pasta, pizza, rice, <a href="http://www.google.com/images?hl=en&expIds=17259,18167,24711,27744&sugexp=ldymls&xhr=t&q=bee+bim+bop&cp=8&qe=YmVlIGJpbSA&qesig=_5likOvXSZQaD4MEr-LkFg&pkc=AFgZ2tkmJMXHoncw5XOwyhOLlZZaHomrpe_d1--PBFXA3TLOzKzTIxWn5uGC4Bt0WWml2Vp-DsTpCK13u3P08ya4YS0UI_15eQ&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=univ&ei=MerxTLvIBJO6sQOv9bycDw&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&ct=title&resnum=2&sqi=2&ved=0CC4QsAQwAQ&biw=1440&bih=701">bee bim bop</a> and just about everything!<br />
</span>Susan Smith - Starsunflowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12579803228537865117noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-802805922916126796.post-68544152776879699032010-10-21T19:53:00.000-07:002010-10-21T21:26:22.125-07:00Attention Central Michiganders! Hi everybuddy! Just a quick FYI to let everyone in or around Central Michigan know that a slew of my jewelry is up for sale at Hometown Health in Remus Michigan. Below are just a few of the goodies that will be displayed from now through the Christmas season. ::cheers:: <br />
<br />
Also anyone who may be passing through on M-20, here is the location:<br />
<br />
Hometown Health<br />
235 W Wheatland Ave<br />
Remus, MI 49340-5112<br />
(989) 967-8030<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1NxuXGXbaT8/Swl2ZvMXiBI/AAAAAAAABmo/gRMOdvpz_UI/s400/marble-wraps.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1NxuXGXbaT8/Swl2ZvMXiBI/AAAAAAAABmo/gRMOdvpz_UI/s320/marble-wraps.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1NxuXGXbaT8/Swl2aUULE3I/AAAAAAAABmw/InJ5iM49zJ8/s400/pictoral-chroma.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1NxuXGXbaT8/Swl2aUULE3I/AAAAAAAABmw/InJ5iM49zJ8/s320/pictoral-chroma.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1NxuXGXbaT8/Swl2Z7YnPAI/AAAAAAAABms/N6PYU5e2QE8/s400/moonlit-fen.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1NxuXGXbaT8/Swl2Z7YnPAI/AAAAAAAABms/N6PYU5e2QE8/s320/moonlit-fen.png" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1NxuXGXbaT8/Swl3N_7jHtI/AAAAAAAABnE/jLp_7K5O3Hs/s400/telluric.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1NxuXGXbaT8/Swl3N_7jHtI/AAAAAAAABnE/jLp_7K5O3Hs/s320/telluric.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Susan Smith - Starsunflowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12579803228537865117noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-802805922916126796.post-44954262813141194422010-05-18T18:11:00.000-07:002010-10-21T19:02:55.000-07:00I received a Sunshine Blog Award today :)<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Today I was pleasantly surprised with a message from </span><a href="http://theenchantedtree.blogspot.com/2010/05/blog-awards-and-passing-them-on.html" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The Enchanted Tree</a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> today, to pick up my Sunshine Blog award. I'm passing this award along to 8 friends and folks who I follow on the </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">blogger</a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> blogosphere.</span><br />
<br />
<span id="goog_1697293797"></span><span id="goog_1697293798"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><br />
<a href="http://theenchantedtree.blogspot.com/2010/05/blog-awards-and-passing-them-on.html" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj360syQ2c4YFlr7Xa0Fu26_5SqjdayUsr8iTsFTY5nDMQxs-Mrq2IKCEEiroWAliWwBgqWgfbGwNsk_cu-bdW78v31N-efWXa3NsXsM9qqve9hhbIZX24dzu0ycBwccoBjgWMhBdZ-MNIh/s320/sunshineblogaward.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><a href="http://francescaspaintings.blogspot.com/">The Passions of Her Heart</a></span><br />
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://fromoutofthecracks.blogspot.com/">From Out of the Cracks</a></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://beekeeping-journal.blogspot.com/">The Bee Keeping Journal </a></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://featherednestfarm.blogspot.com/">Feathered Nest Farm</a></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://crittersam.blogspot.com/">Critter Sam</a></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://thebackporchboutique.blogspot.com/">The Back Porch Boutique</a></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://potomacrivergoods.blogspot.com/">Stitchin Bitchin in the Kitchen</a></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://doublecatbatik.blogspot.com/">Doublecat Batik Blog</a></span></div><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Please pass this award on to your favorite bloggers!</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
<b>Here are the Rules:</b><br />
1. Put the logo on your blog or within your post<br />
2. Pass the award on to bloggers who bring a little sunshine to your life through their words and photos.<br />
3. Link the nominees within your post<br />
4. Let the nominees know they have received this award by commenting on their blog<br />
5. Share the love and link to the person from whom you received this award</span>Susan Smith - Starsunflowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12579803228537865117noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-802805922916126796.post-51661101887105707512010-04-17T14:41:00.001-07:002010-04-17T14:44:08.592-07:00Char Petosky<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1NxuXGXbaT8/S8orJjgAnhI/AAAAAAAAB4Q/yXtd_aJdzyU/s1600/char-petosky.png"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1NxuXGXbaT8/S8orJjgAnhI/AAAAAAAAB4Q/yXtd_aJdzyU/s400/char-petosky.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461224941288463890" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"Char Petosky"</span><div><br /></div><div>Green & Orange Aventurine, Sodalite, Rhodochrosite, Opalite and Petosky Stone</div><div><br /></div><div>Web & Peyote Stitch</div>Susan Smith - Starsunflowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12579803228537865117noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-802805922916126796.post-79493747916466477532010-04-17T14:34:00.001-07:002010-04-17T14:38:50.223-07:00West Coast<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1NxuXGXbaT8/S8opobr1MtI/AAAAAAAAB4I/k0PKEr3kAj4/s1600/west-coast.png"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1NxuXGXbaT8/S8opobr1MtI/AAAAAAAAB4I/k0PKEr3kAj4/s400/west-coast.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461223272743252690" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">"West Coast"</span></span><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">Tiger Eye, Lemon Chrysophrase, Agate & Pearls</span></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><br /></span></span></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Peyote & Web Stitch</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div>Susan Smith - Starsunflowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12579803228537865117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-802805922916126796.post-74875893368126483662010-04-17T14:08:00.000-07:002010-04-17T14:30:56.475-07:00The Web of ConnectivitySailing in the sea of things to do, I often neglect this blog. Here's a link to other places you may find me. <div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.google.com/profiles/SISTARSUNFLOWER">http://www.google.com/profiles/SISTARSUNFLOWER</a></div>Susan Smith - Starsunflowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12579803228537865117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-802805922916126796.post-90935056161428698162009-07-02T20:00:00.000-07:002009-07-02T17:40:26.314-07:00Steamboat Queen<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1NxuXGXbaT8/Sk1KZvVu_4I/AAAAAAAABYw/xZPpheesg88/s1600-h/steamboat-earthy2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1NxuXGXbaT8/Sk1KZvVu_4I/AAAAAAAABYw/xZPpheesg88/s320/steamboat-earthy2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354017338078199682" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;">"Steamboat Queen"</span><br /><br />Chocolate agate cab, chunky smokey quartz roundelles<br /><br />Web stitch, peyote stitchSusan Smith - Starsunflowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12579803228537865117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-802805922916126796.post-5602880729413719912009-07-02T17:36:00.000-07:002009-07-02T17:39:32.249-07:00Jasper Danglies<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1NxuXGXbaT8/Sk1S6cgZviI/AAAAAAAABZY/5HxwYvUKEWQ/s1600-h/sandstonediscs.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1NxuXGXbaT8/Sk1S6cgZviI/AAAAAAAABZY/5HxwYvUKEWQ/s320/sandstonediscs.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354026696051375650" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />"Jasper Danglies"</span><br /><br /><br />Howlite?, greenish brown turquoise, jasper<br /><br />Wire wrappedSusan Smith - Starsunflowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12579803228537865117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-802805922916126796.post-1774519937500751242009-07-02T17:35:00.001-07:002009-07-02T17:36:50.509-07:00"Earthy Discs"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1NxuXGXbaT8/Sk1SZ1hDbtI/AAAAAAAABZQ/RW15qXo_lDc/s1600-h/earthydiscs.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1NxuXGXbaT8/Sk1SZ1hDbtI/AAAAAAAABZQ/RW15qXo_lDc/s320/earthydiscs.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354026135829311186" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">"Earthy Discs"</span><br /><br /><br />Coconut, orange aventurine<br /><br />Wire wrappedSusan Smith - Starsunflowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12579803228537865117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-802805922916126796.post-7163793050995861122009-07-02T17:34:00.001-07:002009-07-02T17:35:31.310-07:00Jasper Triangle Danglies<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1NxuXGXbaT8/Sk1SKSsQxAI/AAAAAAAABZI/264PYI7M08M/s1600-h/TOUrZh8wbo3duylukY6GG0NWo1_500.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1NxuXGXbaT8/Sk1SKSsQxAI/AAAAAAAABZI/264PYI7M08M/s320/TOUrZh8wbo3duylukY6GG0NWo1_500.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354025868783043586" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />"Jasper Triangle Danglies"</span><br /><br />Jasper, Agate<br /><br />Wire wrappedSusan Smith - Starsunflowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12579803228537865117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-802805922916126796.post-30415975564394415432009-07-02T17:23:00.000-07:002009-07-02T17:31:46.089-07:00Starble Pendant Assortment<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1NxuXGXbaT8/Sk1RQAi-YXI/AAAAAAAABZA/XB4YwuI71J4/s1600-h/starble_assortment.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1NxuXGXbaT8/Sk1RQAi-YXI/AAAAAAAABZA/XB4YwuI71J4/s320/starble_assortment.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354024867479839090" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">"Starble Pendant Assortment"</span><br /><br /><br />Glass cabs, seed beads<br /><br />Web StitchSusan Smith - Starsunflowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12579803228537865117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-802805922916126796.post-23372750921140653312009-07-02T17:15:00.001-07:002009-07-02T17:17:11.135-07:00A Bundle of Starbles<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1NxuXGXbaT8/Sk1NryLxD8I/AAAAAAAABY4/zcnyMhZFUSY/s1600-h/starble_bundle.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1NxuXGXbaT8/Sk1NryLxD8I/AAAAAAAABY4/zcnyMhZFUSY/s320/starble_bundle.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354020946614226882" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">"A Bundle of Starbles"</span><br /><br />Glass cabs, glass beads & tiger eye tumblies<br /><br />Web stitchSusan Smith - Starsunflowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12579803228537865117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-802805922916126796.post-49792895840999882972009-07-02T16:55:00.001-07:002009-07-02T16:58:10.215-07:00Owlie<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1NxuXGXbaT8/Sk1JAn9dyhI/AAAAAAAABYQ/qhOPhe93VC0/s1600-h/owlie.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 318px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1NxuXGXbaT8/Sk1JAn9dyhI/AAAAAAAABYQ/qhOPhe93VC0/s320/owlie.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354015807089003026" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">"Owlie"</span><br /><br />Chrysophrase, pearl, carnelian rondelles, sunstone<br /><br />Peyote stitchSusan Smith - Starsunflowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12579803228537865117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-802805922916126796.post-56359415139230882272009-07-02T16:52:00.001-07:002009-07-02T16:54:57.747-07:00Moonlit Daughter<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1NxuXGXbaT8/Sk1ISjwDmRI/AAAAAAAABYI/CFk98KEiljQ/s1600-h/moonlight-daughter.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 319px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1NxuXGXbaT8/Sk1ISjwDmRI/AAAAAAAABYI/CFk98KEiljQ/s320/moonlight-daughter.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354015015685036306" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">"Moonlit Daughter"</span><br /><br />Blue goldstone round, pearl, faceted labradorite rondelles, faceted amethyst rondelles<br /><br />Wire wrapped pendant necklaceSusan Smith - Starsunflowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12579803228537865117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-802805922916126796.post-59062639071661736512009-07-02T16:48:00.001-07:002009-07-02T17:20:24.103-07:00Midnight Moonlight<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1NxuXGXbaT8/Sk1HV9arXZI/AAAAAAAABYA/MIaDnj1foNg/s1600-h/midnight-moonlight3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1NxuXGXbaT8/Sk1HV9arXZI/AAAAAAAABYA/MIaDnj1foNg/s320/midnight-moonlight3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354013974602669458" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">"Midnight Moonlight"<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Blue goldstone cab, pearls, smokey quartz rounds, labradorite rondelles<br /><br />Peyote Stitch, Web Stitch</span></span>Susan Smith - Starsunflowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12579803228537865117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-802805922916126796.post-46138817908005569572009-07-02T16:32:00.000-07:002009-07-02T16:47:22.043-07:00Cobalt Silver Sparkle<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1NxuXGXbaT8/Sk1GWGJN8QI/AAAAAAAABX4/U9yqiAcMyPw/s1600-h/cobaltsilversparkle_2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1NxuXGXbaT8/Sk1GWGJN8QI/AAAAAAAABX4/U9yqiAcMyPw/s320/cobaltsilversparkle_2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354012877433729282" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;">"Cobalt Silver Sparkle" </span><br /><br />Lapis, lampwork beads, Chinese longevity beads, lapis & sodalite rounds.<br /><br />Peyote Stitch & Web StitchSusan Smith - Starsunflowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12579803228537865117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-802805922916126796.post-44173535167693175112009-06-09T04:58:00.000-07:002009-06-15T21:19:56.962-07:00Running kde's dolphin and gwenview in gnome<div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1NxuXGXbaT8/Si5bgeWPa6I/AAAAAAAABLY/wqnVi3oP9MM/s1600-h/Screenshot.png"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 198px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1NxuXGXbaT8/Si5bgeWPa6I/AAAAAAAABLY/wqnVi3oP9MM/s320/Screenshot.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345310421195647906" border="0" /></a>I recently installed the full KDE desktop environment in Ubuntu "Jaunty Jackalope".<br />I run the KDE desktop a lot less than gnome, but still enjoy the full features of KDE within the gnome shell.<br /><br />I've discovered that the dolphin file manager is very powerful, and offers some features that I was looking for, specifically browsing image files nested within folders rapidly. One feature that could possibly bother some, is a great one for me! When you hover over images with your mouse, a preview of the image automatically appears as depicted here. If the file is clicked on, it opens gwenview.<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1NxuXGXbaT8/Si5cFWOfQHI/AAAAAAAABLo/v0JEN24uZa0/s1600-h/Screenshot-1.png"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1NxuXGXbaT8/Si5cFWOfQHI/AAAAAAAABLo/v0JEN24uZa0/s320/Screenshot-1.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345311054670807154" border="0" /></a>I recently discovered gwenview and am thoroughly enjoying this app. It has pretty basic file editing capabilities including cropping and resizing. The cropping dialogue allows one to hand key in the dimensions, which is super nice. Gwenview also has a nice list of plugins that can be installed pretty easily. I went to add/remove and downloaded "DigiKam" which also bundles <a href="http://www.kipi-plugins.org/drupal/">Kipi</a> and then had the ability to create custom html and flash photo slideshows, which is a super fun way to do a quickie photo set for family or friends. Another cool feature is import and export from some of the networking/imaging services.<br /></div>Susan Smith - Starsunflowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12579803228537865117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-802805922916126796.post-47441618181341164862009-04-25T16:52:00.000-07:002009-04-28T21:34:23.557-07:00To update or not to update?I'm running Ubuntu 8.04 Hardy Heron. I tried 8.10 Intrepid Ibex around Christmas time and then went back to 8.04 because my graphics were slightly fuzzy with intrepid. Do I really need to update? No. Welll....better multiple monitor support is a good thing, as I do not have an nvidia graphics card. Dual monitors are definitely a good thing, especially when doing lots of data entry and code work.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ubuntu.com/products/whatisubuntu/904features/">Ubuntu 9.04 Features</a><br /><a href="http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/releasenotes/904overview">Release Notes Overview</a><br /><br /><object width="340" height="285"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/1zoXquJdwMI&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/1zoXquJdwMI&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="340" height="285"></embed></object>Susan Smith - Starsunflowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12579803228537865117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-802805922916126796.post-24465064162753928412009-03-17T23:31:00.000-07:002009-03-17T23:44:01.272-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1NxuXGXbaT8/ScCWUbAsfyI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/IyZ6zuwYiHI/s1600-h/gnu-linux-black-wallpaper.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1NxuXGXbaT8/ScCWUbAsfyI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/IyZ6zuwYiHI/s320/gnu-linux-black-wallpaper.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314412837889408802" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.gnu.org/home.html">GNU Operating System</a><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/Support%20the%20FSF">Support the FSF</a><br /><a href="http://www.gnu.org/links/links.html#FreeGNULinuxDistributions">Free GNU/Linux Distrobutions</a><br /><a href="http://directory.fsf.org/">GNU-Linux Free Software</a><br /><a href="http://www.gnu.org/software/for-windows.html">Free Software for Microsoft Windows</a><br /><br /><br /></div>Susan Smith - Starsunflowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12579803228537865117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-802805922916126796.post-2846599215760320602008-12-26T19:18:00.001-08:002009-03-15T23:41:20.945-07:00The Zones, An Open Source CommunityAre you looking for a cozy place to chat about your Linux endeavors? Kat is an open source enthusiast who has recently put together a wonderful linux forum just for you!<br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="http://www.katcom.org/aaa/"><img title="" alt="" src="http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p252/starsunflower/dev/banner.gif" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.katcom.org/aaa/">The Zones, An Open Source Community</a><br /></div><div class="flockcredit" style="FONT-SIZE: x-small; COLOR: #ccc; TEXT-ALIGN: right">Blogged with the <a title="Flock Browser" style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: #999" href="http://www.flock.com/blogged-with-flock" target="_new">Flock Browser</a></div>Susan Smith - Starsunflowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12579803228537865117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-802805922916126796.post-88707902699820262612008-09-20T18:56:00.000-07:002008-09-20T18:58:58.065-07:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1NxuXGXbaT8/SNWqB6chwFI/AAAAAAAAAc4/SFDKC3nZLwc/s1600-h/il_430xN_38125435.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248287890615681106" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1NxuXGXbaT8/SNWqB6chwFI/AAAAAAAAAc4/SFDKC3nZLwc/s320/il_430xN_38125435.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I love the etsy Organic Guerilla Gardening Seed Bomb Kit! How cute!</div><div> </div><div>"...political gardening, a form of nonviolent direct action, primarily practiced by environmentalists. It is related to land rights, land reform, and permaculture. Activists take over ("squat") an abandoned piece of land which they do not own to grow crops or plants. Guerrilla gardeners believe in re-considering land ownership in order to reclaim land from perceived neglect or misuse and assign a new purpose to it."</div><div> </div><div>Check out her shop! </div><div> </div><div><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15264037">http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15264037</a></div>Susan Smith - Starsunflowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12579803228537865117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-802805922916126796.post-82011316548322809232008-08-27T17:02:00.000-07:002008-08-27T17:04:37.301-07:00I've been sewing up a storm today. I'm finally diving into my stockpiles of fabric. Getting to the point of seam ripping all of the zippers out of miscellaneous cut up pairs of pants doesn't seem so much a daunting task, now that I have a studio space to work in. I've got several squares of the earthy tones cut out, and am getting ready to dive into knocking out some more.<br /><br />I'm getting so accustomed to taking pictures every time I create something, I decided to post a little note, in case anyone is curious about my progress. My pouches still have a little bit of fuzz on them in these images, but it gives them character!<br /><br />I've got stockpiles of jewelry, and will be featuring my current works at <a href="http://whitelaketrailside.food.officelive.com/default.aspx">White Lake Trailside</a> for Labor Day weekend.<br /><br /><br /><br /><p><img title="Repurposed Corduroy Zipper Pouches" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0pt auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="Handmade By: StarSunflower" src="http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p252/starsunflower/ebay/1_pouches.jpg" /> </p><p><br />I walked up to the farmer's market and bought some beauutiful black eyed susans today. Sunflowers from Montague Foods brighten up the little brick wall down by the tree area. I put them outside the studio to spruce things up. I could spend <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">months </span>landscaping out there. Guess I will do what I can for now. My whole day yesterday was consumed by sweeping the walk with a little kitchen broom and a snowshovel, trimming the shrub with scissors, pulling the tops of the weeds to cut them down. I carried plastic storage tubs half full of very heavy dirt and rocks that had somehow collected down the front and side walkway I also cut back the low branches in the driveway. Luckily I have a tree trimmer. I will rejoice the day when I have a lawnmower and proper gardening tools.<br /><br />I got some silverware and some nice DIY books, kids craft books, and a very old Dr. Seuss book about an owl and a firefly. from the little thrift store called the Junction. It's down the block from the StarSunflower Studio. I was grateful for the wares...reusing plastic forks and spoons was getting pretty old.<br /><br />My question for the day is: "What is sustainability?"<br /><br />The answers that roll through my head are: family, community, gardens, seeds, farmer's markets, consuming less, sharing more, thinking about what you throw away, there are people in the your own little village that struggle to get by, giving away things that you no longer need, moving beyond the ego and showing kindness, having gratitude every little thing, and every living person. All life deserves our love. Beyond sustaining environmentally, we strive towards sustainability as a community who sometimes gets caught up in the ego drama of psycho planet.<br /><br />Light and Love and as Merl Saunders sung it... "Save Mother Earth, nana na na naa"<br /><br />Oh yeah, I almost forgot...I am GRATEFUL for the web! I found wonderful little links on this SO inspirational blog: <a href="http://www.twelve22.org/">http://www.twelve22.org/</a><br />Here's the zipper tutorial if anyone out on the wu wu wu is interested: <a href="http://www.twelve22.org/2006/07/zipper_tutorial.html">http://www.twelve22.org/2006/07/zipper_tutorial.html</a></p>Susan Smith - Starsunflowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12579803228537865117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-802805922916126796.post-52120546001287024412008-08-08T09:00:00.000-07:002008-08-08T09:01:58.533-07:00Shift HappensThings are shifting. I am stirring within my crysalis.Susan Smith - Starsunflowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12579803228537865117noreply@blogger.com0