Tracy Porter Blog… be inspired!

Good Morning TP Ladies…..May God bless your day and bring you peace and contentment in all that you do……right down to making these wonderful candles…how fun!! What a solace and joy this wonderful web site has brought to me…..I thank Tracy & her wonderful crew and all that enter here….Have a super day.

Tracy,
I have wanted to do this for years and this is just the extra encouragement I needed. I love the idea of soy wax and using lavender oil. So inspiring.

Good Morning Durls!

ARTIST, praying you are feeling strong for the
next round today….hang in there, you are almost there…! Big kiss! TRACY, I adore you…you just make me feel like the sky’s
the limit, and that I can do it all! SO…..
when I’m out and about today with LADYEM,
I will pick up wax and wicks and go for it!!!!
Kelly the candlemaker…who would have thunk it? LOL! I have a few darling little pots that Andrew made, just like Sig’s. I have them out
on my laundry room window sill and now they will be adorable candles! THANK YOU! It’s gale
force winds today….again…just not ideal
gardening weather. I’ve had to water and keep
things alive in the garage. I’M BUMMED!! It’s a good day to shop and browse with LADYEM then
come home and make candles! xoxoxo to all!

TRACY, OH MY GOSH…this project is SPEAKIN’ to me girl! The possibilities are ENDLESS…a vessel searching I will go!

I have to tell you all a funny story about my trip last weekend. When I was working on my projects at INSPIRED, in particular the collage http://lifeatbuttercupfarm.com/mothers-day-collage/ , the teacher suggested everyone use glue dots and glue strips to adhere their objects to the canvas. I followed directions but the whole time I was thinking…TRACY WOULD SO BE TELLIN EVERYONE TO GET OUT THEIR GLUE GUN RIGHT NOW. Most of the objects only lasted 1 hour before they were falling off the canvas. Good thing though…I packed my GLUE GUN and went back to my hotel room to get to work. Here I was, at midnight, spreading the free USA today newspaper out on the floor, heating up my gun, thinking, of my crafty Tracy Porter friends who know…THERE IS NOTHING LIKE A GLUE GUN…to make things stick. Needless to say, the objects on the collage are going NOWHERE. xoxoxo

P.S. Artist…I hope you are feeling more comfortable…we are all lighting candles for you today!

Maybe, just maybe….I CAN craft…candles anyway. This looks fun; and you mention a candle-making party! THAT is appealing. Light up your world today, DURLS!!!!

Yeah Tracy!!! Oh my goodness! You ARE in my nutty little head!! Years ago I used to make candles..I’ve always been amother earth,nature cookie!! Anyways, I had all the equipment.I started working full time out side the home when my youngest was in high school. Soo stressed-never saw the end of days working full time and so I GAVE all my candle stuff away!! Never saw myself doing it again! Stupid!!Can’t afford to replace it now! So your video was awesome!! I have all that stuff!!! Yeah! I also want to mention a cute video series,called “Homestead Blessings”. They have a candle making, breadmaking and soap making video! They are GREAT! I made soap for everyone for Christmas-its the best soap ever! Anyway thank u again! Hope you are on the mend!! Hugs!

GRETCHEN….thanks for the update!! Hope dear ARTIST is feeling better, we are all thinking of our darling…sending good lovely thoughts….and healthy healing wishes!! Hope today is a great day!! Do keep us posted and tell her of all the chatter being sent in her honor!!
We had the most glorious thunderstorm last night….LUSCIOUS!!!!! We are spending our day in the studio designing goodies for your homes…REALLY lovely things! CANNOT wait to share!! AND…stay tuned tomorrow….new lovelies arriving!!!……mmmmmmm!!!
xoxoxo…happy day!!!
T.

Oh.. I don’t know if this is cool to be mentioning this, but I was at TJ Maxx yesterday and they had quite a few Citrien(?) pieces. I picked up two trays. I wouldn’t have been able to afford them otherwise. So now I have a few Tracy Home pieces!

ARTIST hope you are feeling better. So glad this is going to be behind you soon. not fun. TP hope you are mending beautifully. Such a supportive and caring family the blogettes are.
Crazy weather this spring but love my morning moments on the porch with coffee, newspaper and flowers. Take a deep breath and enjoy your day. FRANCO

Can’t wait to try this project!

I saw this box wine review and thought of you.

http://www.advocatemag.com/lake-highlands/blog/wine_lh0513.html

I have it on my list to try.

Good Morning Ladies!!!…GRETCHEN~send Artist my love…xoxo…KELLY & LADY EM~I KNOW you girls are going to have LOTS of fun today!!!…TRACY TRACY TRACY~this little craft is right “up my alley”…just found some darling teacups at a consignment store…and I just can’t seem to get enough candles!!!…LUCINDA~thank you for the BOXED WINE review…might have to give that one a try!…ANOTHER rainy day here…but it really makes me just stay home and SHOP my house…FUN FUN FUN!!….Happy Day Lovelies~
xoxo

TRACY, this is a great project! I make almost all of my gifts and this will be fun to try. What I like is that you can make a lot of them at one time!

On a side note…I recently received my CROWN JEWEL TUNIC and the Etiene set. I had only been buying home decor and accessories because I didn’t think the clothes would fit me or look good on me. Well, I was WRONG! Being an XL size right now, I have to say that I feel so SASSY and BRIGHT when I am wearing TRACY’S clothes!
I get complimentsALL THE TIME on my Kelly Croc
Handbag, but wow do I feel GREAT when I get compliments on what I am wearing. I had on the Etiene sleeveless top and shawl yesterday, I was leaving to run errands and I pulled over to say Hi to my neighbor who was walking her dog. After we talked for a few moments, she asked about what I was wearing. She made me get out of the car so she could get a better look at what I had on. I directed her to TP web site. I hope she really pays a visit.
THANKS TRACY for expanding my wardrobe. Your clothes will now be a staple in my wardrobe.
I’m feeling SASSy today, I’ll be wearing the CJ TUNIC!

I sure hope ARTIST is doing well today. Sending PRAYER’S and really BIG HUGS her way!
kelly g 000

Candlemaking is SO right up my alley! I do them with beeswax, mostly the leftovers from other stubs. So nice to see you doing a similar process to mine, TRACY, right there on the kitchen stove with your Pyrex!
I heard about the Wisconsin thunderstorms on the news last night, and immediately thought, “that’s OK, Tracy likes thunderstorms!”
VIRGINIA, candles are easy…you will be delighted – so satisfying, and great gifts!
SHAWN, I’m laughing and clapping about your glue gun episode – how great that you brought it with you…Tracy has taught you well, girl! I’m so glad we’ve all found each other, because glue gunning at midnight in the hotel room sounds not one bit crazy to me, whereas to the rest of the world…welllll….
I’m picturing you at your Irish soiree this weekend, glue-gunning stuff all over the farm…
ARTIST! XOXOXOXOXO!!! GRETCHEN, please let her know we’re all rooting for her!
DEBI – oh well, somewhere someone is happily making candles because of you! Think of it as lighting the way in the world…maybe this video will inspire you to get back into it!
KELLY – say hi to LADYEM for us, and enjoy the shopping!
PAM, SANDI – are your lilacs out yet down there? Mine exploded into full blossom this weekend. Baby Anna goes crazy over them…tried to EAT one yesterday…managed to snap a photo…will post soon! She’s up from her nap and I’m off to nurse. (Sounds like we’re building up a veritable La Leche League here, with Annie, Pam, any others of you lovely ladies???)

By the way, NEW LOVELIES TOMORROW??? I literally go all giddy when you say that, TRACY!! And the home goodies – not sure I can stand waiting, as what you’re working on is probably for fall or next year…sigh…

TRACY love,…. I can do this!!!!!!……..You make everything look so simple……….and I am going with the soy wax, for the longer burn!….. DEMI made candles at survival camp a couple of months ago, so I know that she would enjoy this project with me!!!!!…… Merci love!!!!
ARTIST, I have a candle burning another day, for you…….guess I had better run out and buy my supplies to make more………it sure is pleasant around here lately!
VIRGINIA,…..maybe,…. my booty!!!! …..I know if you can shake those hips,….and do the bump,…….you can pour hot candle wax into a vessel without burning yourself!!!!!
DESIREE,….it is KELLYland……..says MARY ANN!!!!
KELLY is shopping for her supplies today…….can’t wait to see her finished candle project……..you know if KELLY does it,……. it will be right!!!!…… How is she so perfect?????????
PAM love,….hope you are out on sunny days tanning those white veiny legs!!!!!!……. Bet you are already as brown as a biscuit!!!!!!……certain blogging friends have already found me the perfect home in Nantucket……..I love it,……but just cannot see spending 8 mill for a home with a CRAWL cellar…….. How does one move around in that????????……….wait a minute,…….let me CRAWL in here, and grab a couple of “Taters”….!!!!!!!!! And once I get out of the hole,…I am going to the bank to make my 40 thousand dollar a month, house payment!!!!!! Oh yhea,…… I have arrived!!!!!!!!!…………I guess I could hire myself a maid, and she could CRAWL in there for me……………now that’s a plan!!!!!
REBECCA love,……..what’s going on with your “ripped off” porch???????……Are you warm and dry?????
CELINE,..what are you baking today???? …out in beautiful California………I am soooooo craving Carmel……I am looking you up….how far are you from Carmel?????
DURLS,……… I am thinking about homeschooling DEMI next year….. lots of reasons,…. I really want to do some traveling with her,………in this country and abroad……….anyone doing this with their kids??????
Must go SISTERS!!!! Hope everyone has a Glorious Spring Day!!!!!!!
Cameoxoxoxo

Hi To All!!! I’ve been busy and just now catching up from all that I missed with my blog friends! Can’t even chat long but wanted to check in and let you know that I’m thinking of you all and love being here when I can!! Healing thoughts and prayers to you TRACY and ARTIST! GRETCHEN ~hugs to you!! CLAUDINE~ Farmstead it is next time you’re down here…and we could also plan a little site seeing tour for when all the girls come for a visit to Ripon!! What fun would that be?!!

CAMEO~ooh I love that you might homeschool DEMI!!! I homeschooled my boys for 2 years…(Powell 7th & 8th, Blake just 6th grade, and Bennett 3rd & 4th)…Powell and Bennett liked it, Blake HATED every moment (he is my most social so he really felt like he was missing out)…my original goal was to hs through the middle school years and then back in for high school….I think doing it with lots of travel…if you are able… is a WONDERFUL way to learn….I loved it and felt like I really got to know my boys and what kind of learners they were…and now that they are all back in school (their choice) I really know what I need to stay on top of in each of them….I am a big advocate for Homeschooling girls during the middle school years….I think it can be torture for some girls…I have several friends who homeschool their girls and they are such LOVELY girls who love spending time with their parents and their siblings…..lots of teacher layoffs here in WA and they are talking about class sizes growing…so we will see what I decide about Plum Blossom for Elementary!!!….JUst my thoughts!!!
xoxo

CAMEO – the ripped-off porch has been rebuilt, and is so much better! All of it is a stop-gap measure on the way to an addition to our house, but it sure makes a difference to spruce it up before the big changes happen! Thank you for asking!
I, for one, would be delighted to have you up here in Massachusetts – Nantucket is delightful, but you can’t really get more pricey! If you’re looking to relocate, we have some lovely spots up the coast, north of Boston!! I can take you house hunting!
Traveling and homeschooling Demitasse sounds like it could be great – DAWN, you sound like Supermom, schooling all those lovely children of yours all at once! You two might already know of http://www.thepioneerwoman.com – if not, SHAWN clued me in – she is a homeschooling mama extraordinaire! It seems like there are lots of online resources, and the travel would be an education in itself.
Do keep us posted!!

CAMEO…made me laugh….as always. Doing the bump is FAR different than crafting. LOL. On the homeschool subject—if you have the desire AND heart…go for it! I’ve had many workshops for all age kids, every walk of life. Those that are homeschooled amaze me. There is a HUGE difference in their demeanor, their manners, their respect for adults. I considered it many times…but it just was not in me. I’d say go, DURL!!!!!
GRETCHEN…any news on Queen Peacock Artist??? How we miss her!
Love to ALL….

Hello DURLS!! ARTIST…sending prayers and happy thoughts to you today! I hope you are coming home! We miss you terribly…CAMEO misses you the most! CAMEO..Nantucket real estate is absurd if you ask me…just visit! And homeschooling! I am so intrigued by families that homeschool…DAWN..you too! Wow! So true about girls and middle school also. My daughter is going into the 6th grade next year…cannot believe it. KELLY…candlemaking,gardening,painting…good Lord girl! Can’t wait to hear about your day with LADYEM….REBECCA..yes the lilacs are everywhere! How good do they smell?? O.k, so just got back from my dr’s. appt. and she wants to induce me at 39 weeks…(4 weeks from now)…she’s telling me this because my labors are extremely quick. I don’t know what to do! I was induced with Hannah because we were living in Germany and she was late and we were moving back to the states…it was a more intense and painful labor than with my two boys who both came quick and easy. A part of me would like to plan and have the kids settled and I would have 2 full weeks before they get out of school…but on the other hand, I really love the not knowing when I’ll go into labor…uugh! What are your opinions? I still have a few weeks to decide…sorry to go on and on! TRACY…thank you for yet another inspiring craft video today! I’m so looking forward to the new home goods and what’s coming tomorrow!! Have a great day everyone!!

Loving the candles. I did have some supplies already so I’m at it this afternoon. I’ll be searching for fun vessels. Nice gift idea also.
Last night’s storm here in Wis blew a few piers on our lake over. Yikes. I do love a good storm also, as long as there is no damamge.
ARTIST..thinking of you this morning and hope you had a good night. You’ll be out of there soon and good as new.
TRACY…hope you aren’t doing too much and consentrating on healing. Can’t wait for the new goods to surface.

ARTIST UPDATE…she had the gallbladder out this morning and everything went fine. She should be going home tonight!!! Thank you everyone for your warm wishes. She will be touched to read them all. xoxxo

CAMEO–I have often shared these fantasies for TRAVEL purposes as well. One year…travel the world/country. I can’t thing of a downside if she likes the idea. How wonderful…ONE REQUEST>>>>>If you do travel with her, promise me you will stop by BUTTERCUP farm for some PORCH LOVE!

TRACY…such a great video today, I will try in the near future Hope your hand is mending well and you’re such a tease on the new goodies!!!! LOVE IT…will be up early to get a sneak peek. ARTIST…hope you’re mending well also and you get much rest to get that sass back soon, we need you back here!!! MARY CLAIRE…yes…planning a site seeing tour would be loads of fun, but I’m afraid once the DURLS/DOYS get in ROBYN’S stores, we’re done. We couldn’t get anyone to leave MARY ANN you sweetie!!! I wish I could build something…anything!!! When I get the hammer out hubby just cringes–I’m the jack of all trades…master of nothing Trying to replace my doorbell right now and have to go get a mason bit for a little drill work!!! UPS man wore out the old one. LOL!!! My son’s graduation (4K) is tonight, so a little cleaning and fluffing (as VIRGINIA would say) for guests so must go to finish…lovely evening to all and CHEERS!!!!

Hi,
It pleased me to see you making candles because I used to make a lot when I was still in Paris, and it has been a while since I didn’t make some and while I was watching you, I could even smell the paraffin/stearin which is a very specific odor. And you learned me something : we don’t have soy wax in Paris (not that I am aware of, maybe there is now, but as I am in the US, I couldn’t see it). Anyway, I will try this one as I love everything which is natural. And thank you for the update on the right temperature, because I knew in Celsius degrees, but not in Fahrenheit ones.
Great idea this video ! Give us more like that, I love learning everything I can !
Thank you so much,
Yael

LadyEM and KELLY~ Have a fun outing today!!!!! KELLY, I can’t wait to see what kind of candles you make.

ARTIST~ Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.

TRACY~ How’s your finger doing? I’ve been thinking of you. Hopefully, you are on the mend. Do tell…..what sort of HOME goodies will you be offering for the fall…..more pottery???? Hummmm……can’t wait to be in the know!

Hugs to all~

CAMEO….. I don’t have a daughter in middle school but I have friends who do. What a terrible place that can be for a sweet, innocent, creative and beautiful child!….As a former teacher, (and I homeschooled my one son while we were waiting for a spot to open at a private school), I can say that homeschooling is such a WONDERFUL way to learn!!!,…Please look into it!…you would be wonderful at it!!!….such an opportunity for you and DEMI…to learn, grow, travel, and pursue creative talents!!!…..The world is your classroom!!!
Did you see the May/June issue of VICTORIA mag.?….there is a wonderful article on NANTUCKET!!!
Thinking of you ARTIST!!!
xoxo Desiree

I haven’t made candles in years, but now I want to. And now that I’m this close to finishing finals for the semester, the time has never been more perfect!

TRACY,…thank you for showing us how to make wonderful candles in such an easy manner!!,…I do think you cracked a few craft fears about making candles!!!,….This looks so simple and fun!!,…
xoxo Desiree

Loved the candlemaking, TRACY ~ (Thanks for making it simple)…When I was in High School I used to make candles… and dipped them… using paraffin wax and broken crayons (for color!), with cotton wicks sold on a spool…loved it, and gave many away as gifts too. Have not made a candles in ALOOOOOONG time, but this may just bring me back!
REBECCA! A little too soon for lilacs here…still chilly by the sea, slowly but surely the tiny buds on the trees are finding their ‘way’ into tiny leaves, and I am SO happy!
ARTIST~ Our prayers and love surround you. I pray that your surgery went well, and that you will heal gently. Take this quiet time for yourself, and please do not push yourself too soon. Sending calm waters your way.~*~*~*Sandi

I am so glad that my ‘Calm Water’ beach shot that I shared on the Community brought you a smile. And yes DAWN, that is “My” beach. It is a ten minute walk from our house, and it is little… and BEAUTIFUL… I am always taking photos of it, as it brings me calm as well. I will share more shots in the Community over time…~*~*~*~Sandi

Tracy I love love this craft! Never done before but I will soon… I am very interested with “Naturally” scented candles only… or the very expensive “Artisan Parfumeur”, ou “Dyptique” ( When I had money) I am sure Tracy you know those Parisian Candles/ perfum makers! Their scents are so exquisite and unique!

TRACY you always want us to live and enjoy mother nature… Hey hey we going on a camping Trip to Sequoia Park CA this week end with the Twins… it is going to be so much fun…S’mores are on!!!!

CAMEO, I live in Southern California between San Diego and LA so a little bit far from Carmel… that I love! No baking these days I just completed last week end by Best Friend 50’s Surprise B’day for 50 people it went very well and I received a lot of compliments I hope I will post some pictures soon on TP community pictures!

SANDI i can’t Believe you are living ten minute Aaway from this little, beautiful calm water beach! I love it I saw the picture too!

Hope ARTIST is doing well all my prayers and love to her.

Thanks for showing us the candle-making process! I never made my own but always wanted to. I also agree that soy candles are great. I love them most with a clean cotton scent. Another idea- would also love to see you make soap . That would be another cool project. Thanks again, I always look forward to the videos.

Oh DURLS!!! What a fantastic FIND shopping day with LADYEM!! She’s busy running her boys around and birthday parties, so I’ll fill you in….I’m sure she’ll check in tomorrow!
I already posted pictures….lotsa great stuff….of course now that TRACY has some new things to reveal tomorrow…..I’ve never been great on the timing thing! We had a ball….
met for coffee, then headed to The Barn, where
there are several stores under one roof……
It was TP HEAVEN….felt like I could have been
in Robyn’s store! Found everything on my list,
and a few more goodies I have to go back and
get when Lynn brings home the truck!! LADYEM
found some fun things too! We packed up the cars and went to a great little place for lunch…..again, SO TRACY…..the decor, etc.
We chickies clucked and cackled something fierce!!! Tons of fun! Can’t wait to go back…we didn’t even get to the second floor!
CAMEO….if you have the chance and Demi agrees….GO FOR IT!! If we hadn’t bought this place, we were going to cash in everything, buy the big custom bus and hit the
highways of America!! Every stop would have been a field trip for Andrew! Jr. High was VERY
rough for me….I can relate…Kisses to Demi!
It’s about 7 1/2 mil. less than Nantucket too!!!!xoxo No time to get candle supplies today…perhaps tomorrow. The sun is out and
the wind has died down finally! It’s a gorgeous evening…..ARTIST!!! You did it durl!
I’m so happy to hear a good report from GRETCHEN….thank you for that!!! Get a lot of
rest….and revved up for Miss Kitty CAMEO…..
she’s packin’ heat darling….get back here and
let the shootin’ match begin!!! xo Love to all!

Hello Durls, My sis ARTIST just called me and she is home and doing well. She is a bit sore, but the surgery was successful and she is so happy that it’s over. She wants me to relay messages to you all from her……She had two very cute doctors..so cute, in fact, that she almost decided to stay….. especially since it was so peaceful and quiet with no phoenix buzzing around creating a fuss. She received THE MOST BEAUTIFUL floral arrangement from some of you and it truly warmed her heart. xoxoxo SANDI, she says you went with her into surgery …that she thought of you and your recent prayer as she was being rolled in… xoxo to you. And CAMEO…she hopes you are resting up tonight, dear, because she will be back in full force soon… and you haven’t yet dealt with her when she is feeling good!!! I think that covers everything that I’m supposed to report… I was never a very good secretary. If I’ve done a poor job I’m sure she will let me know! She’ll be back blogging this weekend!!!

PAM, love, if you have more pics you want posted just email them to me. I’m happy to resize them for you again!!! ALso both my kids were induced….both because my husband had to leave for overseas (again!) and we wanted him here for the births…(DESIREE, more for your book, “If you give a boy a golf club, his wife will have to induce her labors!!” Honey I could soooo help you write that book!!) Anyway, Pam, they both went fine. We used a prostaglandin gel and then the drip. But I will say that I had epidurals for both so I don’t really know how it would be without that. Hope that is helpful info. CELINE, post pics of your party! MARY CLAIRE, have you painted your foyer yet? xoxxo

Tracy — Thank you so much for this video. I am so not crafty, but I do love my candles. I think I might be able to handle this one….
I have a question: I know to stick votives in the freezer to get the wax dregs off the bottom, but am wondering if anyone has any tricks to get the candle remnants off other “less disposable” containers???
Pam — I have 3 boys and was induced with the 3rd and highly recommend it. My dr. was concerned that the baby would come too fast — especially since I needed to cross the Golden Gate Bridge to get to the hospital! Checked in to the hospital at 7:00 a.m. Got my Pitocin and epidural at about 7:30. Pushed about 3 times at 12:25, and my son was born at 12:35. So easy!

Hello all!
TRACY — I hope you are continuing to get better!! We had that same storm roll through here and it was crazy for awhile!! Candles? Hmmmmmm…..Maybe, just maybe, I can do this:) Must. Find. Pots!!!
ARTIST — What a relief that you are done and resting! We are all sending goodness your way…Soak it up:)
KELLY — Of COURSE you are going to make candles!!!!!Just add it to the Ciriculum Guide for KELLYLAND!!!!!!I’m sure we can fit it in between Riding Lessons and Woodworking:) GIRLS, I, for one, expect to graduate with a Masters Degree in “PERFECT”(as CAMEO says) from KELLYLAND!!! Such SHOPPING! CLAUDINE? Did YOU ever have to go BACK with a TRUCK???!!!!! I am SOOOO out of my league!! SHAWN — Too funny about the glue gun…we know YOU knew better! That collage was so sweet!! What a great memory! DEBI! — next stop: TJ MAXX!! Thanks! KELLY G — I bet you looked awesome in you TP stuff! Sassy INDEED:)I wore my Winsome top to the school district’s retirement party today and got many compliments too. It is soooo pretty! REBECCA — Aren’t lilacs soooo luscious? Mine are busting out too — I smell them every time I walk by:) It’s always gone too soon! My lily-of-the-valley are also in bloom now and I don’t which smells better!!!!Can’t wait to see Anna:) CAMEO — So now you’re getting a Tater Maid??? Hmmmmmm…. And I love the idea of you taveling with DEMI!! What a wonderful opportunity!! I think there are a lot of people around this blog who can give you advice on Home Schooling. I know you’ll make the best choice for your family:) MARY CLAIRE — Glad to know you survived the storms(SANDY M too!) – and to hear from you again too!! PAM — What a tough decision you have — at a stressful time too! I like when there is a little “mystery” left in having a baby(I didn’t even want to know the sex of my boys!)so I can see one side, but it is tempting to have little more “control” too — especially with your other kids needing you!! CLAUDINE!! — Once again you make me laugh OUT LOUD!!! The UPS Man? Now you know the FedEx Man and the Mail Man probably had a little to do with that poor doorbell’s demise too!!:) AND shopper girl…The things that must REALLY be worn out are your CHECKBOOK and your CREDIT CARDS!!!!There’s no drill bit for THAT!!!:) Tell dear Sandy hello and kiss that little Jackster from me! You must be SO proud!! Another picture for Sandy’s Jack Wall! CAFE FASHIONISTA — Good luck with finals – don’t go TOO nuts studying:)! SANDI – That beach IS beautiful! I can see where you get so much inspiration. I know you candles will be beautiful AND inspirational too! CELINE — Have a great weekend! Sequoia Park is amazing!! I’m sure your s’mores will be memorable:) Can’t wait for the party pics!! What town do you live in? My brother is in that area too and LOVES it there:)GRETCHEN — Thanks for the update on ARTIST! I bet she preened as well as she could for those doctors:) We all miss her!
Bye!
Mary Ann

KELLY, love, what vitamins do you take?!!!! What ever they are I WANT SOME!!! I have never known anyone with as much get-up-and-get-it-done as you, durl!!!! What are you going to get in the truck?!!!!!!!! MARY ANN, Put me on the train to KELLYLAND too:) xoxoxoxo

Sweet and Precious ARTIST~…
I am so very happy to hear that your surgery went well…and that you are back home in your own bed…(that is the BEST place to heal…at least for me). I am glad that my prayer of healing helped to bring you comfort and connect you with your Higher Force. Hope too, that while you are healing, the ‘Calming Waters’ I sent you in the Community will also bring you extra comfort and peace …
Sending love to each of you… (Diane…how are you doing this week?…)~*~*~*~Sandi

Hello Ladies,
Wow, things have been really busy here today! TRACY, loved the video! I agree with everyone else that you’ve taken the intimidation out of candlemaking for me, I’m already thinking up things I could use as vessels……ARTIST, I’m so relieved that you’re home and doing well. I can just imagine you preening for those dishy doctors, but I’m glad you’re ok, and I’m praying for you and Tracy to have a speedy recovery! Thank you GRETCHEN for letting us know! PAM, it’s a hard decision, I’ve done it all, forceps, c section, completely naturally twice and with an epidural, and Sam was induced for the same reason, my labors went quickly, and they ended up having to do an external version, because he was transverse, but it went well, and the delivery was easy. I have to say, my easiest were the totally natural ones, but I know you’ll decide what’s best for you and little Finn ( did I mention I LOVE that name? ) You’re in my prayers….. DEBI, I’ve seen the “Homestead Blessings” DVDs, and wondered about them, now I’m intrigued and want to see them! Thank you! KELLY G, I’ll bet you looked absolutely smashing in your TP clothes! REBECCA, how funny about our own little LaLeche League! So true! I love it! SHAWN, the glue gun story is too funny, and I looooove the gorgeous collage you made, you’re so very creative! KELLY, sounds like you and LADY EM scored, how exciting!!!! CAMEO, we’ve homeschooled our kids for 9 years now, living all over the world, and it’s been great! Yes, it can be alot of work, but you have the freedom to go and see and do things with your kids that wouldn’t be possible otherwise. I currently “officially” homeschool our four older girls (I say that because we has Mums are constantly educating our kids just by virtue of being their Mum) and I love getting to be the one to see the lightbulb go on when they learn something new. Every family is different, but I think you’d do a wonderful job! Go for it! I know I’ve missed telling some of you how wonderful are today, but y’all are FABULOUS! Blessings…..

Oh! I almost fogot! Short story, while I was expecting Sam, I knit him a sweater and hat. Well in the spirit of “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie”, our two oldest daughters wrote “If You Give a Sam a Sweater”, and I posted text and their illustrations on my blog http://annielnb.xanga.com/weblog/ Ok, I’m their Mum, but I think they did a great job! Too cute! I just had to share, and I can’t wait for the golf Mums and widows to write “If You Give a Boy a Golf Club”……..Blessings….

ARTIST….I am soooo happy to hear that your surgery went well…I too hope you will rest and take this time for yourself and not push it, like SANDI kindly said,….soon, very soon you will just feel really, really good!!!,…but for now, rest!!!,….
CLAUDINE,…how did the Kindergarten graduation go??,..congratulations to your little guy!!!,…such sweet times!!!
SHAWN,…toooo funny about the glue gun!!!,..I can just see you up until midnight getting it right!!!,..
GRETCHEN,…Wow! I think you could write that book all by yourself!!!,…..We are watching the PGA tour on the Golf channel,…looking for your hubby…
MARY ANN,…what time should I pick you up to go to KELLY –LAND??…..(although you did call it KELLYWOOD in yesterday’s post,…Miss CAMEO),….not to be confused with HOLLYWOOD,…although with that DORIS look KELLY has going on,..I don’t know…. ….and remember!,..we will then head to SHAWN’S!!!,..I need to see some REAL IRISH DANCING!!!!…
PAM,…I can’t help you at all about the labor,..my water broke 4 weeks early with my first,… C-sections with both….listen to the advice of your doctor,….they do tend to know what is best for YOU!,.. everyone is different…
Have a great Friday everyone!! ,..OH KELLY,..Country Living Mag. (June 09) has a layout on those wicker picnic hampers like the one you just scored,… Again,… How do you do it???… here I come with my notebook!!,..I’m tossing this useless Tiara out the window and getting myself a cowgirl hat!!!,…and some boots!… YEEHAAA!!!
See You at the KELLYLAND Ranch!!!….MARY ANN be standing on your front porch waiting for me!..we have no time to waste!!!
xxoooxoxo Desiree

I have a question for Tracy……or, anyone reading that knows the answer.
everyone else probably already knows the answer, BUT, does the soy wax burn completely? I want to make some candles but dont want to have leftover remnants of wax in the bottoms of my containers. I would be much more selective of the containers I used for the candles if the wax doesnt burn away completely.
OR, does anyone have a tip for how to get the last bit of wax OUT of the bottom of the glass??
Thanks to whoever has an answer for me!