http://www.creations-anew.com/ en-us Wed, 20 Aug 2008 11:27:41 MST Wed, 20 Aug 2008 11:27:41 MST http://www.creations-anew.com CSB Weblog Generator 1.0 robinrhall@msn.com robinrhall@msn.com http://www.creations-anew.com/blog355165.html#1639 Americana: Baseball, Apple Pie, Mom and Blossom Days As a military brat and then military spouse, I have traveled the world and yet there is only one place that I call home. I have some deep roots in a small town community: parents, a sibling, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Now that our military travels have come to an end, we have planted ourselves back into a piece of Americana. One of the big events in our small town is Blossom Festival. Every year during the first weekend in May the population doubles as it becomes jam-packed with people attending and participating in a parade, baseball tournaments, concerts in the park, a rodeo, a carnival and a huge craft show. Through the years, weve attended these festivities in snow, rain, and 100 degree weather; thats springtime in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains for you. The history of this celebration can be traced back to the 1860s. It has been called: Fruit Day, May Day, Flower Carnival, Blossom Day and finally Blossom Festival. You can read more about the history of the Blossom Festival at this site: http://www.ccblossomfestival.com/cms2/index.php?page=history Today, the gala is full of nostalgia. There is a Saturday parade that is crammed with horses, cars, floats, bands, politicians, military, fireman, police, and of course a queen and her court. The parade brings out the young and old; a gathering where we reminisce with neighbors, old school mates and 2nd cousins twice removed. In Junior High and High School I proudly marched with the school band down main street and now my sons have too. During the weekend there is a huge craft fair in the Old Depot Park. In the past, this show has brought in crafters from many different states. The park is full of crafters tents with wonderful handmade items and the smell of funnel cakes and corn dogs fill the air. As a girl, after marching in the parade, I would help my grandparents sell their hand crafted turquoise jewelry during this fair; how could I have known that 20 plus years later, I would be selling in the Old Depot Park. Im so blessed to have deep roots in a community with old fashioned ties to… Small town Americana: Baseball, Apple Pie, Mom and Blossom Days!!!!! This year, I will be attending my first Blossom Festival Craft Show as a vendor. Ill be offering some of my framed and matted photography, cards, notepads and mousepads. If you are in the neighborhood, please stop by and say HI! Mention my blog and receive 10% off any item at the Blossom Festival Sale or10% of any item onthis website. SEE YOU THERE! Do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them. Deuteronomy 4:9 More information about our little town: http://64.224.198.114/tourism/ca%C3%B1on_city_area_attractions.htm http://www.horsestop.net/royalgorgerodeohistory.htm Fri, 25 Apr 2008 00:00:00 MST http://www.creations-anew.com/blog355165.html#1639 http://web_address/blog355165.html#1659 Sounds wonderful! I hope you have a wonderful time :o) Wed, 30 Apr 2008 15:01:14 MST http://web_address/blog355165.html#1659 http://web_address/blog355165.html#1654 That's great to be able to share your history with your family and friends and now all of us. Sounds like it'll be a picturesqe day (even with the chance of snow, rain, hail or record temperatures :) Teresa (MayRae) Tue, 29 Apr 2008 11:32:35 MST http://web_address/blog355165.html#1654 http://web_address/blog355165.html#1653 hey your slide show isn't working for me... but the article is interesting... Tue, 29 Apr 2008 10:51:55 MST http://web_address/blog355165.html#1653 http://web_address/blog355165.html#1652 I'm in the area, so I may stop by! By the way your slide show isn't working. Thanks. Mon, 28 Apr 2008 11:13:50 MST http://web_address/blog355165.html#1652 http://www.creations-anew.com/blog355165.html#1543 Encourager - Where is the LOVE? We may be mutually strengthened and encouraged and comforted by each others faith.Romans 1:12 Do you remember the song Where is the Love? I dont recall who sings it, but as I write this blog post, the chorus is meandering through my head. Where is the love, that you gave to me… something, something….da da da da da da da… That is a good question, it seems today that a majority of people are opinionated, self-centered, rude and sometimes, just plain mean in theirdealings with others. Theart of civility and kindness are gone; the idea that we need to encourage one another and build each other up has all butdisappeared. We have a sweet couple at our church who have the gift encouragement.This husband and wife team are continually offering words of uplifting kindness; it's not unusual to receive a note from them during the week saying, Keep up the goodwork, or thank you for all you do. The definition of ENCOURAGE is to inspire with courage, spirit, or hope; hearten, to spur on. The Hebrew term for encourage conveys the idea of putting strength into someones hands, arms or body so they can handle pressure. There are basically two types of people. One type, seeks to find fault with everyone and everything; they do their best to tear others down. The other type seeks to build those around them up and to encourage them in their daily lives. Which of these descriptions best fits your life andyourdealings with those around you? Im not instinctively and encourager, in fact, Im more of a Cowboy Up kind of girl; you got a problem, Igot a solution! But, an encourager listens and stands besidea person building them up and strengthening them so that they can tackle their own lives. A word of encouragement during a failure is worth more than an hour of praise after success. Source Unknown. Encouragement is not false praise or platitudes; its seeking out anothers potential and saying to them, I believe in you. Mary M. Bauer has written an article called, Be an Encourager It has some wonderful ideas on how you can practice the art of encouragement. http://www.marymbauer.com/encourager.htm One of the wonderful things about an online community is that it is relatively easy to find a group of like minded people. I enjoy selling on etsy because its a group of craftsmen (and women) who support and build one another up in the ecommerce market . Ruebee is a site that inspires its community to walk closer with the LORD and encourages one another in their endeavors. All of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing 1 Peter 3:8-9 Encouragement has never paid a mortgage or brought a loved back to life. It has never repaired a broken water faucet or healed the terminally ill. But, encouragement from another, can strengthen us when we are weak, spur us on when we feel we can go no further, and hearten us see God in every situation. I believe that the LORD would have us to practice a ministry of encouragement, so, I want to be more of an encourager to my family, to my church, in my business and and to those I come in contact with. How about you? Have a great week, and…May our LORD Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 Robin Send someone a encouraging word today, click here to send a free on-line card using some of my photography. http://www.creations-anew.com/products364808.html Mon, 10 Mar 2008 00:00:00 MST http://www.creations-anew.com/blog355165.html#1543 http://web_address/blog355165.html#1626 Amen, sister:) Thanks for the words of encouragement and thanks for commenting on my etsy thread http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5557172&page=5 God bless!!! Sun, 13 Apr 2008 00:48:09 MST http://web_address/blog355165.html#1626 http://web_address/blog355165.html#1557 I like the ecards, what a good idea. The photos are beautiful Fri, 14 Mar 2008 06:25:42 MST http://web_address/blog355165.html#1557 http://www.creations-anew.com/blog355165.html#1522 Cleft of the Rock This photo is available for purchase; Please click to see Gallery or you my visit my etsy site athttp://www.creationsanew.etsy.com I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand. Exodus 33:22 In The Cleft of the Rock My family and I were staying at a campground last Memorial Day Weekend in Howard, Colorado. This campground sits right on the banks of the Arkansas River, with the Sangre de Christo mountain range offering a breathtaking backdrop. The placement of the campground, the river and mountains is a photographers dream. We were out walking one afternoon along a dirt road that ran behind the campground; this roadis nestled between the Arkansas River and large rocky hills. As we were walking and talking and taking photos, I noticed these small, white, fragile wildflowers growing amongst the hard rocks and sandy soil of these hills. This large barren and jagged hillside had very littlevegetationand yetsnuggled into the nooks and crannies of this rock, growing bold, were these perfectly protected flowers. What a contrast! This photograph reminds me of a old beloved Hymn of the Church, He Hideth My Soul A wonderful Savior is Jesus, my Lord. A wonderful Savior to me. He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock, Where rivers of pleasure I see. He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock That shadows a dry, thirsty land. He hideth my life in the depths of His love, And covers me there with His hand. He Hideth My Soul Words by Fanny J. Crosby Music William J Kirkpatrick Like, these small delicate flowers growing strong and unafraid in the protection of the mighty rock, I hide myself in THE EVERLASTING ROCK …Christ, my shelter and strength. Trust in the LORD forever, for in God the LORD we have an everlasting ROCK. Isaiah 26:4 Thanks for stopping by this week; I appreciate all of you and yourprayers. Feel free to leave a comment; I'm interested in your thoughts about my musings. Have a great week! Wed, 27 Feb 2008 00:00:00 MST http://www.creations-anew.com/blog355165.html#1522 http://web_address/blog355165.html#1531 I enjoyed the interview & pictures very much. Your blog above was great. He Hideth My Soul is one of my favorite hymns. Great going! SW Fri, 29 Feb 2008 16:08:15 MST http://web_address/blog355165.html#1531 http://web_address/blog355165.html#1529 7526 Robin I enjoyed your blog this wk and Prayed for you right on the spot that God would bless and use you in a great way, and also prosper your efforts in Photography. love ya, bonnie k Fri, 29 Feb 2008 09:44:21 MST http://web_address/blog355165.html#1529 http://web_address/blog355165.html#1525 One of my favorite hymns Wed, 27 Feb 2008 21:46:16 MST http://web_address/blog355165.html#1525 http://www.creations-anew.com/blog355165.html#1502 Your hands made me and formed me; … Psalm 119:73 A few weeks ago I entered 3 of my photographs in a local art exhibit. Your Best Shot, was my first photography show and Rocky Mountain Desert took 3rd place in the Landscape Category. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8021501 The local talent was amazing and as I viewed individual works, each artists personality seemed to come into focus through their photos. That got me thinking; what opinion do I leave with others when they view my photos? Is my photography a good representation of my character? Im presuming you would be able to tell that Im not an uptown kind of girl. I live in a small town with my husband and sons and enjoy simple and quiet things; hence, Ifind pleasure intaking photos of flowers, mountainous landscapes, the sky, water, old buildings...etc. A hot topic in the on-line business circles is Branding Your Business. Webster states that a brand is a class of goods identified by name as the products of a single firm or manufacturer. So, what does a prospective customer see when viewing your blog, or your website, or even your Etsy or Ebay store? The marketplace is competitive, the talent never-ending; creating a trademark, a logo, a niche that will help your business stand out is imperative. Photography and creating items with my photography is my business; sunflowers are a particular favorite of mine,and Ive incorporated them into all of my sites. They represent my persona well;thus,they'vebecome a visual representation of my business and a recognizable logo. Webster also states that a brand is a characteristic. Lucas Conley of Fast Company is quoted as saying A brand is a result, not a tactic. A brand is not just the look of your business it is the result of your business. Mission Minded writes that a brand is just another word for reputation. http://www.mission-minded.com/files/resources.htm For me then personally, my brand must bring Glory to my Lord and the end result must meet His criteria; honesty, integrity, purity, and holiness. I pray that my customers can see Christ through my work, my attitude and my business. My new motto, and you will begin seeing it pop up on all my sites, isThrough the eyes of Christ Ah, the favor of the LORD our God rests upon us; establish the work of our hand for us - yes, establish the work of our hands. Psalm 90:1 . Website Feature: Mousepads I would like to bring some attention to my original mousepads. Applied to bright white, high quality mousepads are some of my original photographs;Most of them have uplifting sayings and Bible Verse printed on them, butthey can be personalized. The mousepads have genuine rubber bases that measure 7 ¾ x 91/4 x 1/8,they also have a smooth surface that locks in the sharpest details of my photographs. They work great with any mouse, but also have an alternative use. They are wonderful for putting hot things on: tea kettles, coffee cups, etc. I keep one at my deskto put myhot and cold drinks on. They are colorful, original, but most of all...useable! I have several pre-designed pads,http://www.creations-anew.com/products356283.html Their cost is $7.00 and $3.00 for shipping. I accept credit cards, or you can contact me if you would prefer to pay with cash or a check. All of my photos can be designed into amousepad with your own personalized message; visit my gallery for additional photography choices. http://www.creations-anew.com/new356284.html Thanks for spending a few mintues with me this week, I would love to hear from you....just leave a comment! Robin Mon, 18 Feb 2008 00:00:00 MST http://www.creations-anew.com/blog355165.html#1502 http://web_address/blog355165.html#1521 You have some lovely work here ... really beautiful. I like your new motto "Through the eyes of Christ". It's a beautiful way to give glory to God ... He is so good to us. Ciao for now, Elena :) Wed, 27 Feb 2008 04:18:29 MST http://web_address/blog355165.html#1521 http://web_address/blog355165.html#1514 Beautiful slideshow. Interesting blog. Fri, 22 Feb 2008 13:39:45 MST http://web_address/blog355165.html#1514 http://web_address/blog355165.html#1507 Every blog is more interesting than the last. You are very talented and it shows. Looking forward to your next blog. SW Tue, 19 Feb 2008 11:17:51 MST http://web_address/blog355165.html#1507 http://web_address/blog355165.html#1506 congrats on your 3rd place it is a very nice picture. Good blog this week Tue, 19 Feb 2008 09:32:13 MST http://web_address/blog355165.html#1506 http://www.creations-anew.com/blog355165.html#1449 He, (the Lord), has filled them with the skill to do all kinds of work as craftsmen, designers, embroiderers…all of them master craftsmen and designers. Exodus 35:35 Saturday morning we woke up to the news that an irreplaceable Ruby from our churchs congregation had passed away. What made Ruby so unique was that she was born with a physical and emotional handicap. Ruby was born 60 plus years ago and when her mother became aware that she would be special, she prayed that God would give her daughter an out of the ordinary gift to serve Him with. God gave Ruby the gift ofmusic; she could play the piano, organ, accordion by ear and she loved to sing. Ruby and hertalent were special, but all of us have been given distinctive abilities. In Exodus, the Israelites had just been freed from Egypt and slavery; God was asking them to build a Tabernacle for Him to dwell in, inthe desert. This people who had been slaves for 400 yearswere not artisans, but Scripture tells us that GOD filled them with the skill to do all kinds of work as craftsmen, designers, embroiderers… What anidea, thattheCreator of the Universewould give his creationthe ability tocolor the world with paints, or tocapture a moment in time with photography, still others He would give theskill tofashion adornments withbeautiful stones and jewels, or to form new and useable items out of trash. Theseabilities are given to us by a wonderful Father who loves beauty and variety. As I become familiar with artists locally and around the web the abilities, talents, and skills that these artisans posses is awe-inspiring. Next time you visit a specialty shop or a craft fair, really take a moment to examine the aptitude it takes to conceive, design, produce, andpromote wares. Exodus 36:2 says Then Moses summoned Bezalel and Oholiab and every skilled person to whom the LORD had given ability and who was willing to come and do the work. I think the key word in this verse is willing. God gives us the unmerited gift of a skill, but we have to be willing to cultivate it, practice with it and use it. An unusedability is like an unopened present; it gives the recipient no joy and offers the presenter no pleasure. The Sunday, before Ruby died, she was at church singing and playing her songs to the LORD; she used the talents and abilities that God gave her for His glory and they in turnblessed us. What God calls you to do; He will equip you to do. Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the LORD…Colossians 3:23 I wanted to share with you some of my favorite items I have found on Etsy; They are creative, unusual and fun! Bound Lamb - Cross Scripture Plaque http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8897646 4 Doily Giftcards http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9298439 Camo High Top Sneaker Booties Size 0-6 months http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9324025 Little People down on the farm greeting cards (I had some of these little guys...) http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9214235 Scripture Dolls http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8924728 Coffee Cozy (this is for my mom) http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=5454175 Most Popular Turquoise Square Serving Spoon http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7285224 Mosaic Cross - The Earth http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9185857 Timmy the Turtle http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8319571 Raku Smokey Blues Bracelet http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=6290547 I hope you enjoyed some of my favorite items....Please leave a comment! and I'll see you next week! View my page on Ruebee View my page on Indiepublic View my profile on We Love Etsy Mon, 04 Feb 2008 00:00:00 MST http://www.creations-anew.com/blog355165.html#1449 http://web_address/blog355165.html#1497 Wonderful way to look at what we all have to offer and are able to do here on this earth. Thanks also for the Etsy links, quite interesting to see such fun stuff! Teresa Thu, 14 Feb 2008 16:54:29 MST http://web_address/blog355165.html#1497 http://web_address/blog355165.html#1495 Your photos are so beautiful.Your message is inspiring.,,nursesnaturally Wed, 13 Feb 2008 13:32:52 MST http://web_address/blog355165.html#1495 http://web_address/blog355165.html#1491 What a great blog :) Fri, 08 Feb 2008 08:56:26 MST http://web_address/blog355165.html#1491 http://web_address/blog355165.html#1466 Thanks for the links to esty. I loved the Coffee Condom, although I would have preferred a different name for it! SW Tue, 05 Feb 2008 21:41:56 MST http://web_address/blog355165.html#1466 http://web_address/blog355165.html#1451 Good luck with the art exhibit. Mon, 04 Feb 2008 21:47:03 MST http://web_address/blog355165.html#1451