Elizabeth's Cabbage Roses & More...

Stop n' Shop...

2009-08-16T10:50:00.010-05:00

I've been working on a lot of new designs... please stop n' browse. You might see what you're looking for... Just click on the item and you'll land on a larger page for a better view of my work n' where you'll be able to buy. Hope you enjoy!

make custom gifts at Zazzle

Click on "SEE ALL PRODUCTS" to see more...
Do stop back...
Elizabeth

T-Shirts T-Shirts N' MoreT-Shirts...

2009-04-25T14:18:00.012-05:00

Summertime n' the livin' is easy...

The temperature is rising as spring is moving to the warm summer months. It's time to shorten the sleeves on our t-shirts, although I like to keep a few long sleeves for those cool nights up here in the north woods. I have some fresh designs, so browse through my gallery n' enjoy...

Men, Women n' Children T-Shirts

create custom t-shirts at Zazzle

In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer. ~Albert Camus

Blessings,

Elizabeth

My Shoes are made for ...

2009-02-07T10:01:00.007-06:00

Comfort n' style! I'm really into these little mini slip on Keds shoe, they're great to add a soft flare to spring/summer outfits. Of course I'm making what I'd like to wear, but I figure there has to be others who will like my designs as well. Stop back again n' again to whats new in my designs; I'm working 0n some women tie shoes that will look great with jeans or any casual wear. Then there's the children shoes... I'm having so much fun putting them together. Just click on an image and you'll be able to take a closer view and order. With spring approaching, it'd be nice to have a pair or more...

make custom gifts at Zazzle

I just had someone write n' asked me to design the children "Froggy" shoe for women so I did 2 styles. I hope you like them.

Blessings,

Elizabeth

Spring is on its way!

2009-02-06T12:27:00.012-06:00

Whether your inside doing a little spring cleaning or getting ready to pull out the grill for that first outdoor meal, it's fun to put on an original design apron to do what needs to be done.

I'm starting to make my to-do list of chores as I think of all the cleaning that I want to do so I can enjoy my time outdoors in the fresh spring air.

create & buy custom products at Zazzle
buy unique gifts at Z azzle

Chase Away the Winter Blues...

2009-02-04T12:52:00.011-06:00

January n' February are great months for soups, especially where the snows fall n' the temps dip to zero n' way below. A good hearty soup or stew does the body wonders; for me it seeps into the very fibers of my being and I'm left with a sense of wellness .

Today I'm making a potato soup with veggies n' since I'm an intuitive cook I don't use a recipe and I usually make them from scratch such as peel the potatoes n' onion. I like cooking in a large, deep cast iron pot, where the soup simmers ... infusing iron, a good mineral for the body.

Now I'm not quite as old (coming close to it though) as Clara n' I love her videos. She is a 91 year old cook and great grandmother, Clara, recounts her childhood during the Great Depression as she prepares meals from the era. Learn how to make simple yet delicious dishes while listening to stories from the Depression.

Thank you Clara n' YouTube

Augustus Saint-Gaudens quotes...“Food is an important part of a balanced diet.”

Blessings,

Elizabeth

Blessed Minnesota

2009-01-23T11:29:00.016-06:00

On the sixth day God turned to the Archangel Gabriel and said: 'Today, I am going to create a land called Minnesota. It will be a land of outstanding natural beauty; a land of 10,000 beautiful lakes full of fish. It shall have tall trees, flowing rivers, landscapes full of flowers, tall grass, beautiful blue skies, majestic eagles, forests full of many kinds of wildlife, rich farmland and wonderful people.
' God continued, 'I shall make the land rich in resources so as to make the inhabitants prosper and they shall be known as friendly people who practice being 'Minnesota Nice' every day.'
But Lord,' asked Gabriel, 'don't you think you are being too generous to these Minnesotans?'
'Not really,' replied God 'just wait and see the winters I am going to give them.'

I really got a chuckle out of this n' know we do get our fair share of winter weather, but this year I believe the east coast and even the west coast had a wee bit more then we have. I have to remember that this is only the 23rd of January...winter's not over!

This weekend our area is having an annual ice fishing tournament... with a prize of $150,000. Gull Lake is full of ice houses, all fisher people are ready for a big day tomorrow...hoping they'll catch that big one!

Thanks Brainerd Jaycees n' youtube...

http://www.zazzle.com/cabbageroses*

O' Christmas Tree, O' Christmas Tree

2008-12-21T10:27:00.019-06:00

We've just had a fresh snow fall in northern Minnesota and this morning as I looked out at the pine trees, with their newly decorated boughs ... I thought even they are ready for Christmas.

"With its loftiness, its green color and the lights in its branches, the Christmas tree is a symbol of life that points to the mystery of Christmas Eve," says Pope Benedict XVI.

Probably one of my favorite memories as a child was the Maytag Christmas Party in Newton Iowa. I remember the great hall all decorated with the lights and jewels of Christmas. On the inside wall stretched a long table decorated with candles n' baubles placed among the many side dishes that accompanied a huge turkey n' ham... enough to feed all who gathered for the evening. The hall was full of families n' friends and so much excitement; I still remember the feelings of expectation I felt as I looked at the big Christmas tree down at the end of the hall... glittering in all it's glory... waiting, just waiting for Santa Clause to appear...

Just 3 more days until Christmas n' now I wait with great expectation ... for the Christ Child to appear...

Thank you georgegrama2007 n' YouTube

Christmas Blessings,

Elizabeth

http://www.zazzle.com/cabbageroses*

That Clear Dark Night...

2008-12-11T14:42:00.019-06:00

Do you ever think about that night, that clear dark night when Jesus was born? I do, I try to put myself there, maybe as a Shepard, one of the wise men or just an animal...seeing through their eyes, hearing the sounds n' smelling the stable odors and waiting... waiting with expectation for the birth of a child... As a mother myself, I try to imagine Mary going through her labor and then the delivery of her Son, how she must have felt when she first held Him, how memory of the pain was fading away and replaced with such great love...

Thank you a video presentation by Libera USA

Father Cantalamessa’s Christmas reflection: "This emptying of one's hands and pockets of every pretension, in a spirit of poverty and humility, is the best way to prepare for Christmas.

"We are reminded of it by a delightful Christmas legend that I would like to mention again. It narrates that among the shepherds who ran on Christmas night to adore the Child, there was one who was so poor that he had nothing to offer and was very ashamed. Reaching the grotto all competed to offer their gifts. Mary did not know what to do to receive them all, having to hold the Child in her arms.

"Then, seeing the shepherd with his hands free, she entrusted Jesus to him. To have empty hands was his fortune and, on another plane, will also be ours."(Thank you...Zenit.org)

Have a Blessed Christmas... May Love n' Peace be in your heart,

Elizabeth

http://www.zazzle.com/cabbageroses*

http://www.trustiam.com

A Visit To Wonderland...

2008-11-30T13:11:00.028-06:00

Colleen Moore's Fairy Tale Castle...

“Fairy tales can come true, it can happen to you, if you’re young at heart.” ...

Lyrics from "Young at Heart".

As a young girl, I remember every summer my family would go to Chicago to visit my father's sister n' her husband. What a treat that was, for one of our many ventures would be a trip to the Museum of Science n' Industry; where my, all time favorite was to see the fairy castle. O' it was glorious... and now I remember the wonderment I felt as a child, I stood and gazed at the castle...with all my hopes and dreams locked up in those mystical moments!

You will see illustrations from every tale you've read...from Cinderella, The Three Bears to Robinson Crusoe and his man Friday, tapestries made with the tiniest stitches ever stitched, chandeliers made of gold, hung with real diamonds and emeralds and pearls, a small pistol that actually shoots, vessels n' statues dating back 4000 years ago. There is running water, magical gardens n' weeping willows.

What really amazes me is the craftsmanship that went into the castle and to think that some of these miniature objects date back to 4000 years ago. Colleen's story of when this began is worth reading. I hope you enjoy the slide show and if you get to Chicago, visit the exhibits at the Museum of Science n' Industry.

Colleen Moore in her words gives you a guided tour...

"As you go around the corner, stop and look through the clear glass in the center of the chapel window. You will see the altar, and on this altar is a little tabernacle. On top of the tabernacle you will see a beautiful golden sunburst. In the center is a glass container holding a sliver of the true cross. This was given to me by my friend, Clare Booth Luce, when she was the Ambassador to Italy and had her first audience with the Pope. He gave this to her, and she gave it to me to put in the chapel of the Fairy Castle. "

Slideshow...http://www.msichicago.org/whats-here/exhibits/fairycastle/the-exhibit/kitchen/

Love n' Blessings,

Elizabeth

http://www.zazzle.com/cabbageroses*
http://www.trustiam.com/

Thanksgiving Prayers

2008-11-23T11:03:00.006-06:00

Thanksgiving: Mirror Unto The Soul of a Nation

"A nation divided cannot stand," said Abraham Lincoln, paraphrasing Scripture. But with a bit of luck, some ordinary patience and understanding, and a touch of grace, it can.

a video by TigerWoodsgrr

May we all stand together and acknowledge with gratitude thanksgiving to Almighty God, Author of our lives... of our country!

Have a Blessed Thanksgiving,

Elizabeth

http://www.zazzle.com/cabbageroses*

http://www.trustiam.com/

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-15T12:29:00.002-06:00

Over the roads and around the lakes to grandmother's house we go. Oh, I remember those holidays, my first moments stepping into my grandparents home and getting the first wave of wonderful smells of Thanksgiving. Grandma, had baked pumpkin n' mince pies; fresh bread, vegetables n' fruit galore and of course the big stuffed turkey. The one dish I'll always remember is her caramelized sweet potatoes, which she fixed in a big cast iron skillet. I have never been able to match the flavor that I remember...but O' how I loved them!

Grandmother's Sweet Potatoes

Step 1: Boil the sweet potatoes (about 2 lbs) in their jackets in water until they are fork tender. Drain and cool slightly.

Step2: Peel potatoes and cut into slices about 1/2 inch thick.

Step3: Place in a large heavy skillet and add brown sugar (about 1/2 cup), a little *orange marmalade ( 3 to 4 tablespoons), with a dash of salt.

Step4: Dot with butter (2 to 4 tablespoons) and simmer on medium until bubbly lower heat and cook until caramelized, about 20 minutes. Serve warm n' enjoy!

*Some time you could experiment with honey, stone ground mustard, cinnamon n' nutmeg.

Wishing you and yours a blessed Thanksgiving Day,

Elizabeth

http://www.zazzle.com/cabbageroses*

Out of the Mouths of Children...

2008-11-12T10:49:00.000-06:00

I received this from a dear friend yesterday... for me it truly shows that our God is greater then the storm. The video has been circling the internet for a while but I wanted to share it with you now...

This arrangement of "The Battle Hymn Of The Republic" is performed by four high school choirs, plus a little kid's choir of elementary school children. I found the arrangement deeply moving. The little kids get the first verse to themselves,then the high schoolers join in. A small band accompanies the choir. The soundtrack is taken from a video made by one of the performing students father.

To this school district, It's in their honor, I make this,
By: GreatDanePro - Taken from the web site at: http://www.greatdanepromilitary.com/B...

Taken from the website and reproduced by TG Truman
Patriotism: Not Quite Dead in the Public Schools yet!
The Battle Hymn of the Republic was written in 1861 by Jula Ward Howe & William Steffe. Enjoy, chills went through me as I listened and watched this video...

Without character, freedom fails...

"Unless we act now to strengthen the character of our nation’s youth — and give them the resources to succeed — the United States will not be prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st century." Alma Powell ( Gen. Colin Powell's wife)

Blessings,

Elizabeth

A Story of Life

2008-10-27T10:43:00.000-05:00

I wrote this as one of my first blogs on my prayer candle blog an want to share it here...

Many years ago, I read a midrash story by Elie Wiesel. It was a story of an angel delivering a new soul at the moment of conception. I do not remember it word for word, but I do remember this hauntingly beautiful story of God’s love for us and of life, as we know it...begins at conception.

This is a paraphrase of that story... Try to see in your minds eye, to image a place of such beauty where you knew you were in the very Presence of God. There is His throne in all its glory of light vector, such a splendor as never before told. Behind the throne of God, on drapes of spun gold, hang all souls that God created when He formed the world. Each soul, shining in its own brilliance, each a precious, gentle, flickering gem waits to be clothed in the dust of Adams and Eves.
And as angels, heavenly messengers of God, see that it is time for these little souls to be born... they delight in this promise of life with song and dance before the throne of God. Then an angel tenderly removes a flickering, luminous soul from the gold hangings and begins its journey through the heavens to the womb of the mother. And on the journey, the angel tells the little soul all the secrets of the universe. That at the moment of birth all this knowledge is within the soul…

In time passing, I shared this story with a priest friend, who told me an extraordinary story of a young couple in his church. They had a new baby and when they brought him home and settled him in his crib, their little four year old asked if he could go in alone to see his new brother. The new parents agreed but were curious to this request, so they stood at the door and overheard their son as he approached the crib…”Quick, tell me all about God, I’m beginning to forget.”

How can we justify the murdering of little souls through abortion...souls waiting to be born into a life full of the knowledge of God.

Peace and Love,
Elizabeth

Create A Fall Memory...

2008-10-11T12:42:00.000-05:00

Apples... Pumpkins... Spices... All good ingredients for rich fall memories. I just love the smells that waif through my home on a crisp day when I'm baking pumpkin bread, apple pies or a pumpkin - applesauce cake. It's like all is well with the world!

You're really lucky if you have your Grandmother's cookbook; especially if you're my age. I do remember the earthy fragrances that came from her kitchen and, as much as I can, I try to reproduce them... from her cookbook.

Getting back to the basic, natural whole food is my goal. No Preservatives! And I believe in shopping locally when at all possible. It's my way of supporting my community... We have to help one another!

Now here's a good video for making buttercream frosting for your applesauce cake! Of course this frosting could be used as a perfect foil for other goodies...

Have a blessed day in the kitchen,
Elizabeth

Hey... It's the Month of Halloween!

2008-09-30T15:48:00.000-05:00

Halloween can be fun ... for everyone. Fall season decorating with a touch of whimsy and here is a video on making Halloween costumes without a sewing machine.

One of my favorite magazines, Country Living, has an All That Glitters how-to in glowing gourds n' pumpkins with

the Midas touch. Get the latest issue n' be creative...

Look at some whimsical ideas you can do with a squash and other variations. For more great projects visit... http://familyfun.go.com/

This is Frank...

Dried citrus rinds give this seasonal squash -- and his companions -- their un-natural good looks. CRAFT MATERIALS:

Craft knife

Hole punch

Glue dots

Spaghetti squash

Two limes

Black craft foam

Duct tape

Toothpicks

Large bolts

Black permanent marker

Time needed: Under 1 Hour

1. Use a craft knife to cut a circle of rind from the top and bottom of an orange or lime for the eyes (a parent's job). Cut a slit in the remaining peel and remove it intact to use for ears, teeth, and other features. If you're making the witch, reserve the larger pieces of orange peel for the hair.

2. Clean the fruit from the rinds, then use scissors to snip out your character's facial features, as shown. Cut them a little larger than you want; they will shrink as they dry. To dry the pieces, bake them on a foil-lined cookie sheet at 175 degrees for 20 minutes, then allow them to air dry for about 1K hours (or until glue dots will stick to them).

3. Use a hole punch to make a pair of pupils from the craft foam, then adhere them to the white side of the rind eyes with glue dots.

4. Attach all the pieces with glue dots, as pictured. To make the ears stick out , tape a toothpick to the back, leaving about 1 inch of the toothpick exposed, then insert it in place.

5. Finishing touches Frank: Cut the hair from craft foam following the diagram at right and attach it with glue dots. Bore a hole on each side of the squash with a pencil, then insert the bolts. Use a permanent marker to draw the teeth.

6. Finishing touches for Witch: Cut a small mouth from the craft foam. To make a hat, cut the shapes shown at right from a piece of black craft foam. Roll the half-circle into a cone with a base slightly larger than the center of the ring, and secure the edge with glue dots. Tuck the cone's base into the center of the ring. For the buckle, double-fold a sheet of foil to create a square shape. Snip out the center, then adhere it to the hat with glue dots.

7. Finishing touches for the Mummy: Wrap the pumpkin in gauze, using glue dots to attach the fabric as you go.

8. Finishing touches for the Count: Cut a collar and hair from the craft foam, following the diagram at right. Wrap each around the pumpkin and attach them with glue dots, as shown.

Variations:

Have a safe, fun Halloween and don't forget the next day is All Saints... Why not plan a party?

Blessings,

Elizabeth

Froggy Went A Courtin'...

2008-09-24T11:48:00.000-05:00

I remember so many years ago I spent combing the shoreline for these little creatures, to catch and save for that early morning fishing trip with my grandfather. We were going fishing for bass and the best bait was frogs. I love the memories, can still smell the lake water and still feel the little frogs wiggle in my hands. Oh, fishing tomorrow would be great; I'd rise before dawn and put on my fishing clothes. I'd gather my pole and fishing box and promised grandma as we went out the door that we'd bring dinner home. Those fishing morns with grandpa was the best!

There is an old folk ballad that every now and again resurfaces and several verses replay over n' over again in my mind. It's "Froggy Went A Courtin'", only he went courtin' miss mousie.

The interesting thing is that there are over 170 verses compiled and is commonly accepted that the earliest mention of the frog/mouse ballad is in The Complaynt of Scotland (1549 - see the Oxford Text Archive at http://ota.ahds.ac.uk/), where it is referred to as "The Frog Cam to the Myl Dur".

"Songs my father taught me to love"
Lew Dite with his tenor ukulele.

I just love the ukulele and I hope you enjoy Lew's rendition of "Froggy Went A Courtin'".

Blessings on this beautiful fall day,

Elizabeth

Oh, For a Home in the Dell!

2008-09-14T19:03:00.000-05:00

How do you like my little cottage? Well, I've been in prayer for a little home like this, an 85% recycled home. I would like to see it painted white and surrounded with cabbage roses, peony's n' hydrangeas... just to name a few. I first saw this home on one of my e-newsletters, "TreeHugger" ... "Affordable Homes of Discarded Materials"... A Dan Phillips home.

Dan Phillips builds homes. But, as the Texas Country Reporter notes, there is something a little bit weird about Dan's work. The design is a bit unconventional, and so are the materials. In fact, Dan's houses are built almost completely out of discarded materials of all kinds, from picture frames to dishes.
"Every town has a crushing need for affordable housing, all across the country!" says Dan. And when he says affordable, he's not talking about a $140,000 house - but a $20,000-$50,000 house. His "Homesteading Initiative" is helping the working poor in Huntsville, Texas achieve the American dream by helping them build their own home in a way that they can afford. According to his calculations, enough good, usable materials are thrown out in his town to build one small house every week.
The only criteria for prospective new homeowners - $500, no bad credit and a steady job. As for his building philosophy: "Use mostly recycled materials. Hire only unskilled labor. And keep it small.” ...by treehugger.com
http://www.phoenixcommotion.com/index2.html
Meet a man on a mission determined to make cheap, affordable housing for the common man in an Earth-friendly way. Dan Phillips, Huntsville, TX. www.phoenixcommotion.com.

Why couldn't this idea spread across the country?

I do disagree about the dishwasher though... there are some of us who because of a disability or something find a dishwasher a lifesaver.

Sorry Dan, but we need our dishwashers...

May blessings surround you,
Elizabeth

Tools of the Trade...

2008-09-13T10:52:00.000-05:00

As an artist, I appreciate the creativeness of others and the work they put into their art.

My son, Joshua, surprised me the other day with some of his own creative work as a webmaster. This video, he put together for an artist friend and I wanted you all to see it. This tool design would be great to use for websites showing floral arrangements for weddings, special events, and photography...

This is a collection of my friend Mark Stegner's Portrait Art. The accompanied music is "Sands of Time" from the album Positivity. by http://mcelway.com/

If you'd like more information about using a mosaic video for your products on your site please leave a message on http://mcelway.com/.

Blessings be with you,

Elizabeth

http://mcelway.com/

Green Seeds of Change

2008-09-10T10:38:00.000-05:00

I am one of the many throngs of people who have concerns about the environment and becoming energy efficient. But I am totally against nuclear rectors... to me, it's like playing Russian Roulette with our lives. We human beings are so imperfect and because of this there are no guarantees that something couldn't or wouldn't happen. It makes me wonder where the mind of those in government are...who want to promote such energy; it's certainly not out of concern for their neighbors or anyone else.

I like this idea of William Boyle, who posted it on line last March...

"My green idea is in response to the Ontario government feeling the need to spend up to 40 Billion dollars on new nuclear rectors. If they took that 40 Billion dollars and put it toward outfitting homes with geothermal heat pumps, about $10,000 and 2 Kilowatts of solar panels at 20,000 dollars we could retrofit 1,333,333 homes to be essentially off the grid and not consuming dwindling supplies of oil & natural gas. The government does not need to fully fund these retrofits. I have just over 2,000 Sq ft. and spend between $450-$600 a month on utilities. If the government only offered a zero percent loan over 20 years it would only cost the Government about $1,000 a year in interest and clients about $200 month for the system and enable 40 million homes to be retrofitted making Ontario the greenest province and the cheapest place to live. We would be able to mothball all coal operated facilities and gradually retire the nuclear facilities as they age out."

We don't have to live in Canada to reap from this idea... we just have to have people who use their heart as well as their head when searching for energy sources. Energy is all around us, for ourselves and for our children, we need to be creative in harnessing a safe and productive way to use it. Think outside of the box!

This is just one of the issues of concern we need to remember as we enter that polling booth in November.

Blessings,

Elizabeth

Ruminations of Autumn...

2008-09-02T10:06:00.000-05:00

We are entering into another beautiful season... Fall
I remember as a child, living up at the lake, I use to dread after Labor Day... all the summer people left to go back to their lives in the city. Oh, the days became lonely, even the lake took on a sense of forlorn. The trees lost their leaves... the green color left the earth. I missed the heartbeat of summer.
Over the years my thoughts and feelings have changed... I'm immersed in the now of the moment and find such beauty with the changing color of the seasons. I love hearing the sound of geese as they gather to fly south and find joy n' comfort in watching the squirrels hunt for their winter food. To get up early in the morning for a walk through the woods, only hearing the sounds of my foot steps through fallen leaves and an occasional scamper of some small animal through the bushes... then late in the afternoon watching the Giddy cat catch the last warm rays of an Indian Summer day.

As autumn draws near, I'm looking foward to those morning walks and the welcome sounds of the time...

Blessings be with you and all you hold close in your heart...

Elizabeth

When you stop into my CabbageRoses Gallery look for my latest designs made with "Autumn" in mind.

Ode' To A Choo-Choo Train..

2008-08-19T07:07:00.000-05:00

I remember when... I took my first train trip... it was from California to Minnesota; oh, how I loved that ride. Now, I would date myself if I told you how long ago that was; but traveling the Santa Fe route opened up new vistas for me, ones that I would not have seen by air.

It seems like the pendulum is swinging back ... I see a future to that way of life; a way of traveling which suited me and anyone else who wants to see the country via the rails. With new technology we are seeing a cleaner way, a more enjoyable and energy efficient way to travel.

Take a look at what Sweden is doing... I just hope we all don't have to travel at the speed of light... I want to slow down and enjoy the ride.

Bombardier ‘Green Train’ Uses 20-30% Less Fuel Than Other Trains, Sets Swedish Speed Record : TreeHugger

Tips in traveling by train...

Traveling in an off-peak season... even leaving earlier in the week like a Tuesday will ensure a more enjoyable trip. And obviously the best way is first class; which should include your meals. To save you from walking through cars to the dinner car, ask for the car right next to it or as close as you can. And due to supply n' demand it is always best to go on first or second dinning call.

Booking first class compartments/sleeping cars go fast so its wise to make your reservations months in advance. My advice to anyone who travels first class and needs to make ( approx 12 hours) connections is to be in a city where you can find overnight accommodations in a hotel, B&B or motel. The 12 hours will allow you enough time to make your morning connection to continue the journey. Allow yourself time to breathe between connections.

Now the essentials... the #1 thing, is to wear comfortable cloths... especially shoes. Pack as lightly as possible; ship your large luggage ahead to your final destination. Check to be sure but usually you're allowed up to 150 lbs. in weight free (more if you pay a fee) and there's free insurance in case it gets lost or damaged.

Useful items you might want on your journey...

a pair of binoculars
a camera
a good book or magazines
a radio with headset
a deck of cards
maps (preferably showing rail lines)
a light blanket
a pillow
earplugs / eye shades (for sleeping)
sunglasses
grooming items
an inexpensive digital watch with alarm
a small first-aid kit
bottled water
fresh fruit, nuts and other snacks
enough money/traveler checks to last the journey... it's difficult to cash a check on the train.

When traveling with children fill a small carry-on case with quiet toys, crayons, colored pencils, drawing pencil, assorted stickers, stencils, white drawing paper, paper for word or other games, regular deck of cards and age dependent card games, such as Old Maid, UNO... Then there is games like "I Spy" n' "20 Questions" and don't forget the disposable camera(s).

It is important to remember others are traveling and it is good to respect their privacy and space.

Don't hesitate to seek help from the train staff; they are well trained, knowledgeable and friendly. Be prepared to meet new people and share your experiences and stories... you can always learn new things from people you encounter on the journey.

Sit back, relax and enjoy the trip!

Blessings,
Elizabeth

Mystery, Mystery n' More Mystery...

2008-08-11T18:54:00.000-05:00

O' the lazy days of summer! Being a cozy mystery reader... I spend quite a bit of my free time between the pages of a good book. I like to start with an authors 1st book written in the series and read through to the present date. Just recently I found an author, Eleanor Taylor Bland who spins a mystery in a quite suburb of Chicago. The sleuth is a woman cop, Marti MacAlister, whose with the homicide department in Lincoln Prairie Illinois. She is a widow, has two children and copes with the stress of being a good detective and a single mother. What I enjoy is reading a mystery without all the grisly details of sex and blood... a good who-done-it where it's fun to see if I can unravel the whys and so forths before the
end of the book.

I'm also enjoying the classics of Charlie Chan n' Mr. Motto, both great mystery movies back in the 1920's -1950"s. Charlie Chan was the Chinese detective created by Earl Derr Biggers. There were 47 "Charlie Chan" movies made from 1925 to 1949 Over the length of this series, six different actors, none of whom were really Chinese, starred as Charlie Chan. Then Japanese detective Mr. Moto played by Peter Lorre was introduced in "Mr Motto meets Charlie Chan"...and I must not forget Mr. Wong played by Boris Karloff.
I've given up television... except to watch the "News Hour" on PBS a couple times a week. I'm so glad to be a member of Netflix, now I can enjoy these movies on DVD.

And Mr Motto takes a Vacation ~ Peter Lorre Video by dusamoja

I hope you are having a great summer... stop in again soon.

May the road of your journey be full of blessings,
Elizabeth

A New Line...

2008-08-07T14:58:00.000-05:00

Goodness, have I been busy... I've started developing new designs for products that you'll see here on my blog. I feel like the little red engine, that as it chugged up the hill kept repeating... "I think I can... I think I can..." As I start a new line my mind jumps ahead of me... a new idea is born. This is fun!!!

This is a colored pencil drawing of memories of life at my grandparent's resort... many years ago. I have several of them that I'm going to reproduce on different products. Stop by and visit my gallery at:
http://www.zazzle.com/cabbageroses*

You can view other designed products in my gallery by clicking on one of the product images on the side column.

I have just started another line for fall...none other then " A Touch of Fall" . 'Fallen Leaves' is a unique design of leaves with a wired mesh pattern to compliment the leaves.

Please stop in again as a trove of special designed arrangements show up on quality made products... made possible by Zazzle.com.

Blessings on this beautiful summer day,
Elizabeth

Candles, Tea & Friendship...

2008-07-28T15:57:00.000-05:00

There is an art in making tea... always use fresh water in the tea kettle. I use filtered tap water and am pleased with the results. Place the kettle on the stove burner and bring the water to a boil. Loose tea has a finer quality in flavor and I usually use tea bags that I can fill myself. Be sure and add one heaping teaspoon of leaves for each cup of tea, maybe even a little bit more for taste. I like to add the bag to my warm cup before I pour the hot water over it. Let it steep for about a minute... too long can make the tea taste bitter.

Set out a sampling of assorted tea cakes and your about ready for your friend to drop in. I did say about, because I don't want you to forget to light your new tea candles. A friend of mine, Sally, owns the neatest candle company (Kendall Candle) in the north woods of Minnesota. She designed a line of quality 4.5" tea candles with tea leaves in the bottom of the candles. Each candle has a burn time of about 80 hours. My two favorite scents are blackberry sage n' green tea; which you can buy right here on cabbage roses blog.
What a cozy setting, the gentle flicker of a candle flame sending out a unique fragrance, a good cup of tea n' a friend to share the moment with.

Enjoy and may blessings be sent your way,
Elizabeth

Also for another line of candles visit my other blog... http://prayercandles.blogspot.com

Create n' Enjoy...

2008-07-17T08:47:00.000-05:00

Good Morning…

Thanks for stopping by. I want to share with you some of the basic techniques I use in painting on tile. I think probably starting out with a plain white ceramic tile would be the best. But, please, don’t limit yourself… as you become comfortable with this let your creative side come through and start exploring new ways. Try experimenting with oil pastels… be sure to seal it with a varnish or a sealer that is used for oils.

How to paint on tile… what you’ll need.
Tile
*White glue… This process can be eliminated; it just depends on how you want the painting to appear.
Paint brushes of different sizes… I like to use two or three sizes.
Acrylic paint, which can be used on just about anything, or use the paint that is designed for tile [oven baked-follow the directions on the bottle] and I especially like the paint designed for stone tile. [Image above 4x4 marble tile]

Select a tile to paint. Single colored, matte finish ceramic tiles are best for beginners. You can also choose between porcelain and stone tile.

Wash the tile thoroughly. If there are stains or marks, scrub them off using some soap and an old toothbrush.
Draw your design onto the tile; I use a soft lead pencil (colored chalk for stone). Another way is using a stencil to create a design or pattern. Let your imagination run wild.
*Trace over your pencil lines with white glue.
Let the layer dry completely (15-20 minutes) and draw over the lines again with the glue.
Repeat this several times so you have 4 or 5 layers of glue.
Let the whole thing dry for about 24 hours.
Paint your tile using acrylic colors. You can even paint over the background where you have not applied the glue.
Let the tile dry completely.

Spray over painted surfaces with an acrylic fixative…you can choose a clear gloss or a satin finish. This will preserve your art work that you can then install … in a kitchen back splash, bathroom tub, wall areas…even on the floor when using stone tile. Have fun n' create...

Blessings sent to you, Elizabeth

Painted Tile...

2008-07-11T14:11:00.000-05:00

One chapter of my life was focused on tile from ceramic, porcelain and natural stone. Most of my projects were custom ordered for installing in homes. This is an 8x12 mural (6 - 4x4 white matte ceramic tile), painted with heat treated paint which you can find in your local craft store. It is durable enough to install in a wall, treat it as a piece of art or use in a framed tray. Just use your imagination! I'm just showing you some samples of what I've done on tile; in my next writing will be an "How To" so you can experiment and create your own master pieces. It's really fun and very easy to do.
This is tumbled marble,( 3 - 4x4 pieces ); Titled "Nightscape". I painted the tile with stone paint and used sea glass, beads and antique large clear glass beads to create this college.

Now here is two different styles each painted on a white matte 6x6 ceramic tile. I did a series of tile for children rooms and then my 'South of the Border" series.

Please stop in again n' see how you can create with tile...

May you be blessed with all good things,
Elizabeth

Blessings Be With You...

2008-07-08T12:27:00.000-05:00

When I read this story my thoughts went immediately to what Jesus said, “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things shall be yours as well.” Matthew 6:33. I asked myself, "Is not Gods kingdom…Love?"

There are times when I have gotten so caught up in daily struggles that I loose sight of the ring of gold, the ring of love. I remember when I first invited love into my home, my life... something began happening to me. It made Matthew 6:34 easier for me to live, “…do not be anxious about tomorrow…”

A Story to Live by...

A woman stepped out her door one day and saw three old men with long white beards sitting in her front yard. Not recognizing them but feeling compelled to be hospitable, she said, "I don't believe I know any of you, but you must be here for a reason. Please come in where it is far more comfortable and I'll fix you something to eat."

"Is the man of the house at home?" one of the men asked.

"No," she replied. "He's at work."

"Then we cannot come in," the speaker replied.

That evening when her husband arrived home, he could not help but notice the men still seated on the front lawn and as soon as he stepped in the house asked his wife who they were and what they were doing on his lawn.

When she relayed what they had told her, the husband, now filled with curiosity, peeked out the window for one quick look and then said, "How strange. Go tell them I'm home now and invite them in. I want to see what they're up to."

The wife stepped outside to invite the three men in. "We don't go into any house together," the speaker of the three replied.

Totally shocked by this newest revelation, she asked, "Well, why forever not?"

The spokesman for the three explained: "His name is Wealth," he said pointing to one of his friends, and then pointing to other added, "he is Success, and I am Love."

Then he added, "Please go back in and discuss with your husband who of the three of us you would most like to have in your home."

The woman went in and told her husband what was said. "How wonderful!" he exclaimed. "Since that's the case, let's invite Wealth. I can hardly wait for him to come in and fill our home with wealth!"

His wife disagreed. "But honey, wouldn't it be better for us to invite Success? You know you've always said you want to be successful in everything you do."

Before he could answer, the couple's young daughter who had been listening from another room then stepped in to offer her thoughts on the matter. "I think you should invite in Love. Just imagine living in a house that is always filled with love!"

"She's right, of course," the husband said. "We really must ask Love to be our guest."

And so the woman stepped outside and once more greeted the three men. "We've decided we most want Love to be our guest," she said.

Love rose at once and started toward the house. The other two immediately got up to follow him. Surprised, the lady stopped Wealth and Success: "I'm so sorry, but you must have misunderstood," she said politely. "We invited Love to come into our home."

Love stepped back to explain: "If you had invited Wealth or Success, the other two of us would've stayed out, because those who invite either one tend to serve only that one and nothing more. But wherever Love is invited in first, the other two know they, too, will be respected and treated well, and so have no qualms about joining me."

And so it was that Love, Wealth and Success were welcomed in the family's home and there they chose to stay.

Let us not forget Gods righteousness, we need to seek that as well... How can we not be blessed when we live the first commandment?

May God bless the road that rises before you...

Elizabeth

Beyond A Humble Beginning...

2008-06-22T12:06:00.000-05:00

One of my love experiences is finding toss-away pieces of furniture n' turning it into objects of art, such as I did with this sturdy, solid wood, kitchen cart. I found it at my local thrift store, looking so unadorned... but with great potential, that I bought it and with the help of my son, Joshua, carted it home.
Sometimes I know what to do with a piece when I find it. But most of the time I like to live with it for awhile until the right image comes to my mind...after pondering 'what to do'...I saw grape vines encircling the top and cascading down the sides. Perfect!
I decided on using one of my favorite colors for the cart itself, the color of clotted cream; but first, I had to visit my paint store and have them mix-up this special color. My next step was sanding the wood until it felt smooth. I followed this step with a double coat of clotted cream over the entire surface of my cart. O' how nice it looked. When the paint dried I sketched in the design with a soft pencil, pulled out my acrylic paints n' chose the palette of colors to use for the grapes n' vine. Across the top I hand painted in black, a Shakespearean quote in French... this has become one of my favorite pieces.

I always thought it would be good to grow my own grapes; to have the sweet grapes for eating, to make jam... even my own wine. And then, what wonderful wreaths the vine would make.

"The Complete Grape Growers Guide" ... is a good resource for growing your own grapes and reaping the fruit from your vineyard. You can find it where it says 'click here'.

May your life be full of blessings and they become you,
Elizabeth

From the Work of My Hands...

2008-06-19T16:09:00.000-05:00

My Amish doll n' grandmother's patchwork quilt, an acrylic painting, I did a few years ago. It is one of a series of still life's where my focus was on dolls; here is another one called "Strawberries n' Red Shoes". Both painted on canvas. I really like being creative but I have a problem, I'm eclectic and all these ideas keep coming to me. I'm interested in exploring so many different styles n' techniques. Right now ( in my time to stress down ) I'm working with a mixed media, primarily, oil pastels in floral still life with a doll here n' there. I love flowers, but have never tried to do any real floral painting until this summer.

So much I want to do in life n' so little time in which to do it. There is that old adage that I try to remember... 'This is the first day of the rest of my life'... and live it I must!

Do have a beautiful day and may blessings flow over you n' become you,

Elizabeth

If anyone is interested in quilting, please look into 'Patchwork Quilts...Easy To Make!' Just click on it... It's the 'easy as method' ... an shows examples of a some quilts easy to make.

Manna For Thought...

2008-06-13T13:23:00.000-05:00

My dear friend n' prayer partner, Sandy, sent me "Manna for Thought" this morning. I was so struck by the images this left me with that I just had to share it. I thought, my goodness how true, that each food does resemble the part of who we are and benefits that part. And really, I'd much prefer putting God given food into my body verses man made medicine. Now don't get me wrong, I believe medicine is needed as long as we don't over medicate and that we really need to question what are the alternatives.

*GOD'S PHARMACY*

It's been said that God first separated the saltwater from the fresh, made dry land, planted a garden, made animals and fish... all before making a human. He made and provided what we'd need before we were born. These are best & more powerful when eaten raw. We're such slow learners...

* God left us a great clue as to what foods help what part of our body!* * God's Pharmacy! Amazing!*

*A sliced Carrot looks like the human eye. The pupil, iris and radiating lines look just like the human eye... and YES, science now shows carrots greatly enhance blood flow to and function of the eyes.*

*A Tomato has four chambers and is red. The heart has four chambers and is red. ** **All of the research shows **tomatoes are loaded with lycopine and are indeed pure heart and blood food.*

*Grapes hang in a cluster that has the shape of the heart. Each grape looks like a blood cell and all of the research today shows grapes are also profound heart and blood vitalizing food.*

*A Walnut looks like a little brain, a left and right hemisphere, upper cerebrums and lower cerebellums. Even the wrinkles or folds on the nut are just like the neo-cortex. We now know walnuts help develop more than three (3) dozen neuron-transmitters for brain function.*

*Kidney Beans* actually heal and help maintain kidney function and yes, they look exactly like the human kidneys.

*C**elery, Bok Choy, Rhubarb and many more look just like bones. These foods specifically target bone strength. Bones are 23% sodium and these foods are 23% sodium. If you don't have enough sodium in your diet, the body pulls it from the bones, thus making them weak. These foods replenish the skeletal needs of the body.*

*Avocadoes, Eggplant and Pears target the health and function of the womb and cervix of the female - they look just like these organs. Today's research shows that when a woman eats one avocado a week, it balances hormones, sheds unwanted birth weight, and prevents cervical cancers. And how profound is this? It takes exactly nine (9) months to grow an avocado from blossom to ripened fruit. There are over 14,000 photolytic chemical constituents of nutrition in each one of these foods (modern science has only studied and named about 141 of them).*

*Figs* are full of seeds and hang in twos when they grow. Figs increase the mobility of male sperm and increase the numbers of sperm as well to overcome male sterility.

*Sweet Potatoes* look like the pancreas and actually balance the glycemic index of diabetics.*

*Olives* assist the health and function of the ovaries*

*Oranges, * *Grapefruits*, and other *Citrus* fruits look just like the mammary glands of the female and actually assist the health of the breasts and the movement of lymph in and out of the breasts.*

*Onions* look like the body's cells. Today's research shows onions help clear waste materials from all of the body cells. They even produce tears which wash the epithelial layers of the eyes.*

A working companion... *Garlic*, also helps eliminate waste materials and dangerous free radicals from the body.*

Here is a great way to put in a garden if you have limited space and want to grow your own "God Pharmacy". Look on the side of my blog for" Homemade Hydroponics" and look into the beginners manual for organic gardening... "Organic Food Gardening"...

May your garden grow as God blesses the seeds you plant,
Elizabeth

http://www.forbes.com/forbeslife/2008/06/19/health-drugs-prescriptions-forbeslife-cx_avd_0619health.html?feed=rss_forbeslife

Keeper of the Bees

2008-06-09T14:38:00.000-05:00

"What is a friend? A single soul dwelling in two bodies. "Aristotle

I have a special friend, who along with her daughter, owns the local coffee n' florist shop..."Petals & Beans". One of Carey's many hats is that of a beekeeper.

What is this long tradition of gathering honey... from John the Baptist who lived on honey n' locust ...to today, where we are finding out the health benefits for seasonal allergies.

O' for a cup of tea and a spoonful of honey... and a thanksgiving for 'The Beekeeper'.

This story is based on an e-mail The Beekeeper's received a few weeks ago:

Jill lived in a small city and kept bees in the backyard. It was legal to keep bees in the city, but she kept them hidden and didn't tell anyone about the bees because a neighbor had once found out and complained constantly about every flying insect that passed nearby and said he would sue Jill if she didn't get rid of her hives.
But the mean neighbor moved away, and now Jill had a new neighbor she decided to never tell him about her hives.

For two years, Jill kept the secret of the hives. When the neighbor noticed bees flying around, Jill pretended they were flies. When the neighbor talked about ecology and environment and how important birds and flowers and bees are, Jill bit her tongue and never mentioned her bees, which she continued to keep hidden in the bushes behind her house. Mostly Jill just avoided visiting with the new neighbor.

Finally, the neighbor was moving away. He said to Jill that he was sorry that they

never became goo friends, and he was wondering if it was because Jill was afraid of bees that he had been hiding in his back yard for the past two years.

http://www.ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/beekeeping/

And the moral of this story is…

Join me in a cup of your favorite tea n' honey and think about
being a bee keeper and share with your neighbor... Look on the right side of this blog for good information in becoming a beekeeper. "How to Start Beekeeping"

.

May your day be full of peace n' prayer for others,

Elizabeth

The Author of My Life...

2008-06-07T10:24:00.000-05:00

I'm about to tell you what the title of this blog means to me. The "Cabbage Roses", symbolizes the beauty of my present moment, my children and what I try to keep my thoughts on; the "& More" is all that my life touches... which encompasses the Author of my life.
As a novice, I'm always amazed at the art work that I'm able to do here ...all with the help of my computer. I started doing this just a few years ago and really enjoying this aspect of my life. I believe one is never to old to learn new ways. As an artist, I have worked in many different medias; right now the subject matter... is floral still life using oil pastels... & more.

Madonna of the Evening Flower... a religious poem by Amy Lowell

Then I see you,
Standing under a spire of pale blue larkspur,
With a basket of roses on your arm.
...
You tell me that the peonies need spraying,
That the columbines
have overrun all bounds,
...
You tell me these things.
But I look at you, heart of silver,
White heart-flame of polished silver,
Burning beneath the blue steeples of the larkspur,
And I long to kneel instantly at your feet...

May your day be full of laughter and joy
and all your dreams come true,

Elizabeth

Gideon... "The Giddy Cat"

2008-06-05T13:14:00.000-05:00

This has been a rainy, chilly week in the northern region of Minnesota... but as I always say, "What can I expect, I live in Minnesota!"

Gideon was in a playful mood this morning… dashing all around. I believe time forgot to tell her she is an older cat (14 years now)…for she is in denial and enjoys all the fruits of a younger version of herself. I just had to laugh at her good morning to me, she looked up at me from the end of my bed and all I could see were these marmalade ears and big green eyes. As if saying, “Look Mom…here I am!”

With this cooler weather the flowers should be full n’ beautiful. It’s showing in the lilac bushes that are just beginning to bloom… I can smell their sweet fragrance! Today would be a good day to cut a few branches and bring the fragrance into my home.

Please stop in again, I’m working on developing another web site devoted to my art. It may take awhile… but it is on the horizon.

"Now that lilacs are in bloom
She has a bowl of lilacs in her room
And twists one in her fingers while she talks.
"Ah, my friend, you do not know, you do not know
What life is, you should hold it in your hands";
(Slowly twisting the lilac stalks)
"You let it flow from you, you let it flow,
And youth is cruel, and has no remorse
And smiles at situations which it cannot see."
I smile, of course,
And go on drinking tea."
Excerpt from T.S. Elliot's "Portrait of a Lady"

 God bless and enjoy this day as the gift it is,
Elizabeth

A page dedicated to the things I love...

2008-05-26T13:14:00.000-05:00

"Won't you come into the garden? I would like my roses to see you." ~ Richard B Sheridan "1751-1816"

What a beautiful thought... please come visit me in my garden of roses.
It is the perfect place to dream and share all that we wish to become. What more could we ask for when such beauty surrounds us?

"A single rose can be my garden...a single friend, my world" - Leo Buscaglia.

I've started a new page in my life. Here I am in my 60's and still desiring to learn more. I'm teaching myself to use oil pastel and oil paints... and working with floral still life's. It's been a struggle though as flowers have always been a difficult subject for me to paint. But I made up my mind to focus on what I love...cabbage roses and rambling roses.

My first piece is a simple arrangement of cabbage roses on a small 8 x 8 inch canvas board...I love working with this small scale. I'm finding that it's so much easier to correct my mistakes as I can put it aside and come back later... the oils stay moist and workable. I now have 3 different works in progress.

"I know a bank where the wild thyme blows, Where ox lips and the nodding violet grows Quite over canopied with luscious woodbine, With sweet musk-roses and with eglantine." - Shakespeare

May all that is good and pure come your way,
Elizabeth

Elizabeth's Cabbage Roses & More...

Stop n' Shop...

T-Shirts T-Shirts N' MoreT-Shirts...

My Shoes are made for ...

Spring is on its way!

Chase Away the Winter Blues...

Blessed Minnesota

O' Christmas Tree, O' Christmas Tree

That Clear Dark Night...

A Visit To Wonderland...

Thanksgiving Prayers

Happy Thanksgiving!

Out of the Mouths of Children...

A Story of Life

Create A Fall Memory...

Hey... It's the Month of Halloween!

Froggy Went A Courtin'...

Oh, For a Home in the Dell!

Tools of the Trade...

Green Seeds of Change

Ruminations of Autumn...

Ode' To A Choo-Choo Train..

Mystery, Mystery n' More Mystery...

A New Line...

Candles, Tea & Friendship...

Create n' Enjoy...

Painted Tile...

Blessings Be With You...

Beyond A Humble Beginning...

"*The Complete Grape Growers Guide" ... is a good resource for growing your own grapes and reaping the fruit from your vineyard. *You can find it where it says 'click here'.

From the Work of My Hands...

Manna For Thought...

Keeper of the Bees

Finally, the neighbor was moving away. He said to Jill that he was sorry that they

never became goo friends, and he was wondering if it was because Jill was afraid of bees that he had been hiding in his back yard for the past two years.

http://www.ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/beekeeping/

And the moral of this story is…

The Author of My Life...

Gideon... "The Giddy Cat"

A page dedicated to the things I love...

"The Complete Grape Growers Guide" ... is a good resource for growing your own grapes and reaping the fruit from your vineyard. You can find it where it says 'click here'.