More summer flowers

Actually, just one image, two ways. Which do you like the best? The lighter version, first; or the darker one?

Tables turned!

Being that I usually do the writing of others, it was refreshing to discover that someone else had posted on her blog about me! I knew it was coming, but then to read it, well, wow. Humbled? Honored? yes! But, childish delight also came about! I mean, as artists, writers, and creative spirits, myself and most of those I know, are definitely fine with having their egos stroked! So thank you so much Maritere!
You all can read about what the creative and delightful Maritere had to say:
www.mariterecr.blogspot.com. And be sure to visit our etsy shops! We both have etsy photos featured on our blogs. All you have to do is click on them (they are on the right) and it will take you there.
And it's late, but here's just a random shot I grabbed out of my web files.

Fun ETSY finds!

Tonight I'm bored. I don't want to do anything and am going to bed after this post, but found some cool things on etsy that I wanted to share with you! Who knows, it might be just what you are looking for. Do you realize that Christmas is less than five months away now? AAAAAAAAAARRGHHH!
So here's some ideas -either for yourself or that really hard to buy for family member or friend!
A vintage Disney radio! Found it at the shop of 'walkingchick'

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_15&listing_id=13182442

At BettyNinjafinds
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_16&listing_id=12246024


And how many of you remember these? I had one, same color!! I remember laying on the couch on the wooden porch when we moved to Oklahoma (I was pre-teen!) and listening to AM stations during a hot summer night until my mom would make me come in. And we had an old fashion wood frame screen door then. It was the coolest thing. Why? Because we had just moved from San Francisco and out there we were not allowed outside without parents, especially at night. Moving to southern Oklahoma opened up another lifestyle. Smashing watermelons in the street and just eating them without utensils (much to the shock of my mom!) and hide and seek as the sun went down. Just great memories! And sleeping with the window open. Wow, times sure have changed.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_17&listing_id=10692785
I about died when I just found this! I think my mom made this one! hahah! At CollageArtist's etsy shop!


http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_19&listing_id=12531926
And lookee here....just what everyone needs these days! A pocket picture making manual...teehee!

Quick meal under $25

Avocado, Spinach, Rotini and Ham Salad with Feta Cheese


It used to be we could title such things for under $20, but with the way prices are rising on everything across the board, what could have been made for around $15 to $20 even six months ago, is not true today.
But depending on where you live, shop and what brands you use, it might still be possible.

I didn't just want to post food photos without sharing the recipe on this one. I made this Saturday for my husband, my brother and anyone else in the family who wanted some. That included my youngest son.
My husband probably had a double portion. We like to use platters in our family, so imagine this meal can feed 6 easily. Plus there was some leftover for the next day's lunch.
The idea of this meal is it is filling, quick and healthy.
Oh, did I mention it is delicious?

Your shopping list:
Organic Girl Spinach (the very best!!!)
A bag of Sweet Butter lettuce
3 or 4 avocados - yummy!
2 or 3 tomatoes (everything is general, because you may want more or less depending on how much salad you choose to make)
1 large Vidalia Sweet Onion
1 Box Barilla Rotini pasta (you can leave the pasta out)
A bag of pre-cubed ham
1 can of olives, I used medium pitted Lindsay brand
And the final key ingredient is Feta Cheese, crumbled.
And dressing. I chose Wishbone Robust Italian, my husband prefers Blue Cheese.


As for creating the actual dish. Well, that's up to you. While the pasta is cooking, do all the prep work, slicing and readying your avocados, then tomato and onion. Put your ham cubes and olives into separate bowls so when you get ready to layer the spinach and butter lettuce on your plates or platters, you can just start building your salad. Before adding your feta cheese, it's time to season. Black pepper, salt, garlic salt. Then add your cheese and let everyone pour their own dressings on.
I promise you will love it and feel like you've had a full meal.
If you make this, be sure to post comments! I want to know if this is a hit!
Enjoy!

Red and purple flowers

Found these lovely flowers near the Universal Insurance building that was once the public library. Shot between 8:30 and 9 a.m. today. It's nice to see such color!


And I will be adding some to my etsy shop!