The Life of Mrs. Miles

CHRISTMAS CHEER PLATE

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Awwww! Look what Mr. Miles made for me - to share with you. He took all the little 'critters' that I have been digitally hand-painting using Painter and ArtRage, and he put 'em on a plate that you can use on your scrapbooking layouts. You could also use it as a frame for a special picture. He sure knows my 'love language'! This file is pretty big!

Thank you ALL yesterday, for your comments. I was 'wowwed' after my busy, busy day to come and find my email box 'stuffed' with warm & sweet happiness. Its like getting to open presents early - after all, I know how busy I am I am sure it's no different for you!

COME FOR A CHRISTMAS SLIEGH RIDE AT JUNE'S

Speaking of busy, earlier this week Miles had to stop at our friend June's house for a moment, and he came home and was adamant that I take some time out to drop in on her. (June's also a student at the Learning Center where Miles teaches) He said that she was incredibly talented and I would regret it if I did not go and check out her 'hobby'. You see, June is moving in the next few days - figures, you just get to 'really' know some one...

I called and set a time with her for Wednesday morning. I warned her that it would be a very brief 'in and out' thing. Well, I had NO idea that I would wish I had a whole day to spend.

EVEN A LITTLE AXE ON THE SEAT!

June 'makes' or 'builds' horses, sleighs, saddles and doll houses. Her horses are very lifelike, with manes that you feel like you would want to braid. The sleigh has all sorts of little 'add ons' - a broom, axe for felling that tree etc... In itself, these things are beautifully done and lifelike... now I will tell you that these things are no more than six or seven inches high and it becomes a breathtaking work of art in miniature. Yes, you understood me, these creations are little itsy-bitsy!

THIS SADDLE IS ABOUT 4 INCHES TALL!

I had to use my super-macro to try and capture the endless little details on her saddles. Tiny little stirrups with teensy little ties. Stitching on the saddles. A bridle with a bit about 1/2 inch wide - no kidding! I could have spent the day there! Did I tell you the horse's mane is actually dog fur? There is no end to the tiny delightful details to her items! She says, that once, she sent a photo of a saddle to a saddle maker to have assistance writing a description - it was not till later the saddle maker realized this saddle was miniature!

June even created a saddle horn and display cases to fit her creations. Know anyone who has 'everything'... this would be a one of a kind thing to buy them! June also makes miniature victorian dresses etc. You may view her galleries of her horse creations and photos HERE at her webshots albums - oh, and you better get a coffee now, because you are going to be here for hours...

Even though I ended up visiting her for an hour and half, when I had no time to start it was worth every single second. Did I tell you that June is also a gifted artist and potter? This is a candle holder she crafted recently at a workshop at the Learning Center.... (what can't you do, June?) I look forward to posting your future work - unless, of course, I've got you started on your own blog soon...

JUNE'S POTTERY CANDLE HOLDER

Ok, you folks have been sending me your "Give before you give" deeds, and its warming me alla way down to my toesies. Does'nt that just feel too good? I got 'do gooded' on by many - you know who you are and I thank you, thank you, thank you. Becky, the festively wrapped plate of goodies was entirely too good... and it wasn't until I had bitten head off of snowman cookie #2 that I realized I shoulda taken a bloggable photo of him... could not horrify my reader's delicate eyes with a partially decapitated sno-guy. It was entirely delish! I'm going to leave an empty plate at your house more often... (your company surpassed the treats tho, in enjoyment!)

Mr. Miles and I 'played santa' the other night... I cannot disclose the details of exactly what we did out of respect for this single parent family's privacy... but lets just say, one 12 year old boy was jumping up and down with excitement, and Mom says he got virtually no sleep that night. Whew, making me misty as I write.

The best way to cheer yourself up is to cheer somebody else!

Luke 6:38

Give, and it shall be given unto you.

(You cannot out-give God!)

And yesterday was the Christmas Pot Luck at the Learning Center. I cooked both a ham and turkey for the big event, and I will publish some Martha Stewart-like photos and instructions sometime soon. The event was a huge success and its like we have a big family there too.

I must go, its 4 a.m. and I need to catch some more sleep. I've enjoyed posting you in the quiet hours of this night, dear readers. Thank you again for each comment and greeting that you leave for me and Mr. Miles - each one is read and appreciated. A big thanks too, for you folks who have 'linked' to our blog, and promoted it! :)

BARB'S HANDY TIP #160

Elf Yourself!

My friend Kristin found this link on a thread at DST... (thx K, your the bestest!)

You can turn yourself into an elf, add music and send your Elf-Self to friends and family (warning: highly funny and addictive fun!)

ELF YOURSELF

Alternately, I've just found another fun site. I really dislike the name of the site, but the content is not offensive. You might have a bit of fun with this one too:

Your friends would look better if they had goatees, chest hair, and maybe some bruises.
At least, that seems to be the general thinking behind PikiPimp.com. And we think they’re onto something.

Upload or type in the URL for a photo, and PikiPimp will let you accessorize it with facial hair, eye-wear, new lips, ears, tattoos, and tongues… In short, embarrassing knickknacks of all sorts.
It’s like Mr. Potato Head but with photos.

PikiPimp’s not the first to do this, but they do it exceptionally well. Resize and rotate your additions, even adjust their opacity until they’re just right. Then hit save and print, share, or pop your creation into cards. Grandma with aviators, Robby with a rabbi beard and a parrot on his shoulders. It’s all here.

PIKI