"keeper"

having always lived here, in burlingham, i've become the "keeper of things & thoughts" to my friends & family who've gone away.

alot has changed, but i've managed to salvage some memories for them, when they visit.  for example; the barn is gone, but i've kept the feed bins we used to hide in-(for you, peg!).  the houses are basically the same, ---i think they have the same warmth, but the grounds are much nicer thanks to all my husband's love & hard work.  ( there are no old coops ---no need for stitches, april!)

as kids, we had the run of the neighborhood. we could walk anywhere--whether our property or not!  we had "hide-outs", fishing spots, etc.   i can see, now, what little was  truly owned by any of our families. that's why i've decided to make a special "hide-out" from the last brush-y part of our land.  not big, but big enough for any of my "spirited" or "live-ly" kin to enjoy!

with the help of my son & the excavator, the brush was cleared,
 a pond was made;
& berms set to define the edges.

 i've planted alot of blueberry bushes--(remember?)
and there's raspberries & strawberries, too.---we were always eating, it seems. i hope to plant some other favorite trees, like hickory, apple (there's only 1 old tree left) & horse chestnut.


we're using woodchips in the main part. grass seed
is planted towards the house.

it will take a while, but it's coming along great.  i bet ma likes it--i know she's helping me.

helga-- i can hear your sister yelling for you to get home!

dor-thy--there will always be sunflowers.

can't wait for "tea" with the arty girls----we always make great memories at our parties!

stay tuned for part two of the    "for-get-me-not   forest"  !!!

ETSY Treasury...

Check out my Camp and Garden Soap in the 1846 House Soaps Into The Woods Treasury on ETSY... Thanks Lynn...

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/NTg3MDI0OXwyMjE2MTQ3OTI5/into-the-woods?ref=pr_treasury

FUNDRAISER FOR UNITED PLANT SAVERS...

winter's spell winners...

I have decided to share the "joy" of my crows with the wonderful  ladies of the "Arty Tea Party Guild".  Today, at our "Creative Art Play" workshop, the crows were lined up for all to share.

For more on the "Doodles Unleashed" workshop hosted by Kelli, and led by Vicki visit http://artyteaparty.blogspot.com

Here in the Northeast, when February usually is ice covered and frosty...we have enjoyed 55 degree weather.  Quite strange...however, we beat the winter blues by staying in touch.

My soap studio has been quite busy, and the curing shelves are full, as well as the cabinet with the bars awaiting packaging.  Off to Rosendale this Sunday for the winter market.

Thanks for stopping by...Nina

winter's spell

though i am an associate member of the natural perfumer's guild, this post is not part of their wonderful "joy in january" event. *see link*  i'm sorry to see the stats on how many suffer from s.a.d. during the winter months. perhaps i can offer some suggestions, since the "gloom" doesn't bother me.---(now a prolonged summer heatwave---that's another story!!!! you don't want to know! ha ha!)
anyway, i've found that lavender essential oil is very helpful. it does seem to balance moods---relaxing when needed & uplifting during "down times".  if you're not a fan of lavender, try mixing with something you do love.
also, use the inactivity experienced during s.a.d., as an opportunity to "brainstorm"!  think, think, think.  that's using time wisely---plan out the coming week; month; year. get a pencil & paper. write down the happy things you want to do. make a chart. pencil in the practical things. even though you are not moving around, you are getting something accomplished!
hope my suggestions were helpful to someone. i do have a "giveaway" of my winter's spell incense. just leave a comment with your name, & i will choose the winner on jan 31st. if you are the winner you will have to email me your mailing address for your prize!

all my "spell" incense are made with just herbs---no igniters.  there is one for each season. i've formulated them with the qualities of that particular time of year. for example: the good feelings about winter--good will, warm food & drink, snuggling, freshness, etc. using holly, rum, mistletoe, bayberry.  hand shaped like little crows!

Grahamsville 2011

Another beautiful day in the Catskills...joined by members of the Arty Tea Party Guild. Thanks to everyone who came out to stock up on my herbal soaps. I am looking forward to coming back for the Annual Giant Pumpkin Party in October.

Arty Tea Party @ Two Crow Cottage

Come, come into the garden~stay awhile~create! Eat, drink, be merry!




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It was a lovely day outdoors. The Arty Tea Party group brought all their wares to share. They did woodburning on a giant mushroom and wood, painted tag art for a swap, drilled seashells and beach glass...and I, Nina, relaxed abit to prepare for my semi-annual jaunt to the Port Jervis Art Walk. Yes, a beautiful day in the gardens of my Two Crow Cottage.

You can find me on ETSY!

A Brand New Year @ Two Crow Cottage

Happy Herbs Soap at Two Crow Cottage is in full winter production.

My new Lavender/Patchouli soap bars were a big hit this holiday season, and I am busy re-stocking.

(It is also Vicki's fave and I must keep Vicki smelling sweet:)
My new Winter Blend of incense is dry and ready to inspire.

The wine from our October Arty Tea Party is also smelling sweet, and I look forward to the official wine tasting event for all of the participants.

Perhaps we should think of names for this lovely concord grape wine

and then take a vote at the un-corking.

Many thanks to everyone who comes out
to meet and greet me at all of my booths and events.
I look forward to meeting new faces and

catching up with old acquaintances.

It is the people and conversations that make it all worth while.

Thank you for your continued support!

BEST WISHES TO ALL FOR

A HAPPY, HEALTHY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!

HAPPY HERBS SOAP @ TWO CROW COTTAGE

Nina Casamento, Proprietor