Don't Show Your Cards

You Only Have The Upper Hand UNTIL Your Cards Are Shown,

Then The Battle Lines Are Drawn!

Sometimes You Just Need A Hand

It's Always Nice To Have That Someone To Hold You Together 

When Your Seams Start To Unravel 

♥ Thank You ♥ 

~ Yes I Did Just Make That Up :o)

Don't Give Up

KNOW What Matters and Fight For It- Don't Give Up On It...

IF It's what You WANT- Go After it- 

Just don't be a Stalker- LoL ♥

Happy Anniversary to the Heavens above

Happy Anniversary to my grandparents... Though I miss them daily and wish they could be here, I know that they are Together Again~ 

TOGETHER AGAIN

 It all began when a group of young friends gathered in the downtown square of Statesville.

A young man, Garnett, would ask his friend if it would be alright to ask the young lady, Ruth on a date (who his friend had been dating). The friend would tell Garnett he did not have a problem with him asking Ruth on a date at all.

 This is when two soul mates would meet and create a love so deep, so rare it would last forever. Later, Garnett Monroe Blackburn and Ruth Lillian Lippard married on February 10, 1940 and had three wonderful sons- Sammy Gayle on August 6, 1941, Dayle Franklin on May 4, 1947 and Gary Dean on March 4, 1949.

 The sons all married beautiful young ladies themselves- Gayle married Alein on October 31, 1965, Dayle married Bonnie on August 17, 1968 and lastly Gary married Nancy on February 14, 1970. These young ladies that their sons married were not just daughter-in-laws to the couple, but “daughters”, who they treated and loved as their own.

 Next came the biggest joy of all for the couple, six precious grandchildren, four girls and two boys. Gayle and Alein had two girls- Heather and Kelly. Dayle and Bonnie had a boy- Jason. Gary and Nancy had two girls- Melanie and Valerie, and a boy named Casey.

 However, sadness came when the beloved gentleman, better known as  “Black”, Dad or Papa, passed away on March 10, 1996, leaving his bride of over 50 years behind, for now. Time passed, the grandchildren married and many great grandchildren were born.

The woman, better known as Mother, Mom or “B”, could not have been more delighted   or proud of her ever-growing family.

 Life was good until the oldest son, Gayle, became sick and passed away July 18, 2006. Unfortunately on January 18, 2007, a year and six months to the day of her son passing, she too passed away. We miss them all.

 However, we know the young man who asked the young lady on a date so many years ago, and created a love so deep, so rare, are united once again and will be together forever.

Valerie (Blackburn) Altman

2/27/07

How Well Do You Know January?

Cool Facts About January - With A Little Help From Some Handmade Crafty Creations

New Year Eve starts with a gathering of friends & family to celebrate the upcoming of the New Year

(Brought to us by this Happy New Years Bottle Cap Magnet by WhatsHerName)

At Midnight, New Year's Day is brought in with a celebration of Fireworks, Family & Friends

(Brought to us by this Twisted Wire Beaded Bracelet by MelissasJewelleryBox)

On the first day of the New Year we all get to start off with a clean slate and Bright New Beginnings 

(Brought to us by this Bare Trees Watercolor Painting by LindaButterfly)

The traditional Dark Red, Spiritual Healing Birthstone for January is the called the Garnet

(Brought to us by this Garnet Red and Sterling Silver Earrings by CynLynnBoutiques)

The Carnation IS  January's Flower but the Snowdrop flower 

is too

(Brought to us by this Marbled Lucite/Aventurine Necklace by JoAnne79)

January is also known as the International Coffee Gourmet Month

(Brought to us by this Mini Zippy Coffee Coin or Business Card Clutch by AntiqueBasketLady)

January is also a National Book Blitz Month, so here's to keeping your place

(Brought to us by this Hot Pink Shepherd's Hook Bookmark by TJBDesigns)

Did you know January 13th is known for being the COLDEST month and day of the year!

(Brought to us by this Hand Knitted Newsboy Hat by Shelly6262)

I hope you enjoyed the facts about January. More can be found- 

http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/year/january.htm

&

http://www.butlerwebs.com/holidays/january.htm

Next month we will learn more about February! 

Trying to Help Schools One BoxTop at a Time- YOU Can Help Too!

Buy Candles with Box Tops

You can buy any item of ValerieEssentials from NanasNikNaks or  from my shop, ANY VALERIEESSENTIALS items. Your choice on which set, color and scent!

If you don't know what Box Tops are look at this LINK and it will tell you all the foods you can get the Box Tops off of.

Another way you can help the schools is: Link your Vic Card (Card from Harris Teeter) to school 5354 and 4 other schools! You can link your Vic Card up to 5 schools! You can enter them on line of just tell your cashier at Harris Teeter.

You can also Save the Harris Teeter milk caps... Yes Milk tops from your Harris Teeter Milk!

Thank so much in advance for supporting our school system. With all the cuts this year they need all the breaks they can get. And with my little one in school now it means a lot to me that you will help. Thanks again to you!

Schools need our help and every little bit helps. Our school (EndHaven- 5354) didn't have smart boards until the beginning of this year. However the school could only get 3. They are striving to get more this year. My daughters 1st grade doesn't even have school books!


When a school is new, for the first 5 years (I think) they get help from the state. BUT after that they are on their own (pretty much) with the exception of donations, fund raisers (Fun Run, Book Sale...) and help from Box Tops and the Harris Teeter milk caps.


Schools end up getting cuts many times a years. We are losing great teachers and money for the schools. How is our Country suppose to strive when they are making it so difficult to raise bright children to run our country for the future?


I will be collecting these for at least another 12 years...


**A Special Thank You To Supporters so far: Please Take A Special Look In These Shops**

http://NanasNikNaks.etsy.com (This & That)

http://McCoyToys.etsy.com/ (Great Wooden Toys)

http://WhatsHerName.etsy.com (Everything you want)

Colors:

Bayberry, Black, Brown, Burgundy, Green, Gold, Ivory, Jade, Orange, Pink, Royal Blue, Rust, Scarlet, Turquoise, Violet, Wedgwood Blue, Yellow

Scents:

Apple & Maple Bourbon, Baby Magic, Bahama Breeze, Beer, Bird Of Paradise, Birthday Cake, Black Cherry, Blackberry Marmalade, Blueberry Pie, Christmas Essence, Christmas Eve, Christmas Morning, Christmas Tree, Cinn/Spice, Clean Cotton, Cucumber Melon, Gardenia, Hawaiian Paradise, Hawaiian Rain, Heaven, Honeysuckle, Hot Cocoa, Island Breeze, Jack Daniels, Jack Frost, Juniper Breeze, Lavender Vanilla, Leather, Love Spell, Mango & Papaya, Margarita, Maui Pineapple, Melon, Moon Lake Mist, Mountain Laurel, Muscatine, Orange, Orange Cream, Pineapple Paradise, Popcorn, Rain, Red Hot Cinn, Sandalwood, Sea Breeze, Smoke & Odor Eliminator, Spiced Wassail, Spring Rain, Strawberry Shortcake, Sugar Cookie, Sunwashed Linen, Sweet Pea, Tropical Paradise, Tutti Fruitty, Very Vanilla

Orange you glad I shared?

Orange Finds from CIC

Orange is a power color. It is one of the healing colors. 

Orange is said to increase the craving for food. When you or someone you know is having a sluggish kind of day, you can turn the day around by buying this creative & playful Fruit & Veggie Greeting Card from LindaButterfly. This Autumnal greetings is so cheerful. The wonderful color of these unusual raspberries look splendid arranged next to a stunning orange-red pumpkin. (Description From LindaButterfly's Shop) 

Orange also stimulates enthusiasm and creativity. Much like these stunning Carnelian & Gold Vermeil Earrings by ElektraJewelry. Stunning carnelian stones and gold vermeil balls and discs adorn long graduated chains on this pair of earrings. The ear wires and chain are 14k gold filled and tiny faceted carnelian stones add the wonderful sparkle. This are great for everyday or with a dress for evening. (Description From ElektraJewelry Shop)

 I have been told that if a change of any kind is need in life, just burn an Orange candle for 7 nights. And this Gel Halloween Pumpkin Candle should do the trick by ValerieEssentials. This 100% Prenco Gel Wax Candle is Clear but with a Great Cinnamon Spice Holiday Scent. The Little Hat Really Makes It. (Description From ValerieEssentials Shop)

Also people who like orange are usually thoughtful and sincere, much like the creators of these beautiful, enticing, stimulating and fun items.

Enjoy and see more in out Collaborators Etsy Shop.

You can also follow us at: 

Facebook

Twitter

Kaboodle

Flickr 

Top CIC picks by LindaButterfly

Choices from my team

This is really an amazing deal!

You get a box (10.5 inches x 7.5 inches x 5 inches)

filled with a bunch of different things from different

 people in my Etsy Team, Collaborators in Cahoots.

You will get things like:
- candles
- soap
- jewelry
- prints
- and much much more!
Check out the Mystery box 

These pastel mini thank you notes are ideal 

for popping into your customer's Etsy order.
They are decorated inside & out and there is 

room for you to write your own thank you

 to your customer.

Embedded glass fish & seaweed with sea shells 

Custom handmade betta fish gel candle for sale. 

in clear gel placed in a ivy glass bowl with all the

 makings of home: sand, wick, & a few shells.

Stunning natural AAA quality pink coin pearls grace 

this lovely floater type necklace.
The glass beads are Murano and all are strung 

on fine sterling silver coated beading wire giving the

 impression that the beads are floating. A delicate 

magnetic sterling silver class completes this lovely piece.

Learn about The Artist behind the Art

Learn more about the Artist behind the Art

My interview on Whohub

LindaButterfly

Portsmouth UK

ART

	What do you do?  How do you define yourself as an artist? Because I love color and texture I regard  myself as an artist; I appreciate the world,  both natural and man made, and I often  capture my feelings about that by creativity.
	Do you upload your work to the web?  If so, where could we see it? I sell my art online on Etsy.  I have two shops; start with  www.lindabutterfly.etsy.com
	How is an idea born? For you, what is inspiration? My mind is always full of ideas; I have too many  to get them all out and onto paper or canvas.
	When and how did you begin to see yourself as  an artist? Since I was around 4 and going against what I  was told to draw in class, and making what I  wanted to make as a response to the feelings  I had inside me.
	Which artists do you admire and how do they  influence your work? I admire anyone who is able to express their  feelings in art; be that photography, film,  acrylics, watercolor etc. I like bold colors, I  like texture; right now I am enjoying Gaugin's  work. I also like collage, and art with a specific  message, like Colin Self's work.
	Is art necessary? Is breathing necessary?

Read more:

 http://www.whohub.com/lindabutterfly##ixzz12210fzIa

Read more about the creator behind the wax

This is my candle interview I did with WhoHub:

	How and why did you begin to be creative? I started in aromatherapy. I made soap, candles and oils for different causes, ex.  for headaches & stress, massages, appetite...  I would create baskets for different occasions.  Most of my customers would just give me  the scene that's in their head and I would  go from there. I wanted the customer to be  excited & amazed when they saw the finished  product. I'd always put a little something extra  to make them feel special too. However, the one thing that everyone wanted  were the candles. I would make  custom seascapes with scents that the  customer picked and every time they loved  the candle. Gel wax seemed to be  the new in thing back in 2000. Later I learned to make the customers  idea come to life and it was so cool  seeing a scene come to life. If someone  wanted a lighthouse I would do a light house  overlooking the sea with different color sand  and tiny shells up on the beach with the  tiny dolphins jumping in the sea. Then it  would have a custom scent.
	How do you avoid repeating yourself, or falling  into formula? How do you stay fresh? Some candles are the same but some are different  depending on the customer. Some like the  seascapes, some like candles that are teacher  related or something else. A lot like the drinks  and food. They look so real and when you  add a beer scent to a beer candle or  strawberry shortcake scent to a strawberry  short cake candle you have a conversation piece. The only downfall is the customer doesn't want  to burn the candle, even though I do refills too. I also make soy & palm wax candles but I  enjoy creating with gel wax the best because  you can create scenes you can make a center  piece or burn. The palm wax is popular because it is soot-free  like the soy wax but it is a harder wax and once it  sets the wax has a crystal design in it. I have done  many candles for weddings as well as other  occasions. It is always nice when the customer  wants to have a certain shade to complete their  look, then the scent they choose pulls it all  together and I had a part in doing that.
	Do you have a ritual like retiring to a lonely  place from time to time to cleanse your mind? Not exactly. I have two smaller kids and I do  not like to pour wax when they are around.  Too many accidents can happen even though  you are watching at all times and hot wax is  not a nice feeling. I know from experience.  Also when you have candles setting, the  last thing you want it hard vibrations from  kids playing near your working area. But I will sit at night and visualize what  the customer wants and how to make it  happen. I also think about what I could  do to make it even more special for the  customer to really surprise them. It usually  comes to me. If not I will contact the  customer a number of times and keep  them in the creating process to make  sure we are on the same path. I will  send samples to the customer to make  sure the color and scent is exactly what  they vision. Pictures can sometimes be  hard to tell the true color. Sometimes I may have trouble with the  candle setting properly so  I have done a set of pillars 4 times  before to get them just right. The  customer wasn't as picky but I know  what I would like if I were buying something.  I want it as close to perfect as I can get it. I am hard on myself because the customer  is putting their vision in my hands and I  want it to come through  as close as I can for them.
	When you accept a job, how much  value do you place on each of the  following? Money, creative  liberty, visibility, and to work with  the best. I would like to say that out of each  order I make a little something But  that's not true. However I know  that I am doing my best for my  customer. Sometimes if I have to  re do the candle (sometimes as many  as 4 times) it takes a lot of extra  hours or even days to complete  the candle. I would like to make  money and have my candles become  more than a hobby but I love to make  customers vision come true. I like the  challenge of getting it as close as I  can to what the customer in visioned.  Then to hear about what the customer  thought of my work really makes  those extra hours or days worth it. Since I focus more on the perfect  candle for my customer, I do have  many repeat customers and  new ones from the happy customer.  It makes it worth it to see some  one value your work and  is appreciative of it too.
	You are as good as your last idea.  Wouldn't you like to have a more  secure type of work? The only reason I would like a more  secure type of work is to have a  steady income. But I am lucky  enough to have a husband that works  hard so I can be a stay at home mom  for my two younger ones. I may not  have the money but I have the  time to be a good mom and have a  outlet of making my candles for  custom orders, my etsy shop and  craft shows. My shop can be found here-  http://ValerieEssentials.etsy.com