tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33110914554987057272024-03-19T21:44:10.705-07:00Shelly Reeves SmithHi, my name is Shelly and I'm a watercolor artist. This is where you can find my latest releases and updates about what I'm working on.Shellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08973496168450628777noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3311091455498705727.post-79208221338216732472023-07-20T17:58:00.007-07:002023-09-05T18:07:56.501-07:00<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjrOBwXju_XROmX0FpzQZ1wk6OtB8BZ2K5c8PVtJ6ZiGjX1gXthfAZsgXpyd9G4jY4CWr5Mrj2FhmQAq9KD5QBn7AwMf-96fyvLadC7kOMkHuAab2Zy3VL9mesBPa33BVIcKDGricLGEHw2h1Vj-GEkY06IeabJ8tE6Jpm-voP-mjs1hCcz_FlXTDpeYBe/s628/328506684_1383161639115811_7516798701268060086_n.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="558" data-original-width="628" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjrOBwXju_XROmX0FpzQZ1wk6OtB8BZ2K5c8PVtJ6ZiGjX1gXthfAZsgXpyd9G4jY4CWr5Mrj2FhmQAq9KD5QBn7AwMf-96fyvLadC7kOMkHuAab2Zy3VL9mesBPa33BVIcKDGricLGEHw2h1Vj-GEkY06IeabJ8tE6Jpm-voP-mjs1hCcz_FlXTDpeYBe/s320/328506684_1383161639115811_7516798701268060086_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />The 2024 Blessings of Life calendars arrived at <br />our house this week. We are so thankful to have <br />another title to hang on our kitchen door and share with our friends and family.<br /><br />You can purchase signed copies (for pick up at the store or they will ship directly to you) at Country Crossroads in my hometown, Osage Beach Missouri. Signed version swill be available after Sept 2. Unsigned versions are available now. <br /><br />Country Crossroads<br /><span class="LrzXr">5831 Osage Beach Pkwy, Osage Beach, MO 65065</span><br />Ph: 573-348-0606<br /><a href="https://countrycrossroads.com">https://countrycrossroads.com</a><br /><span class="w8qArf"> </span><br />Wholesale and retail orders:<br />Premier Gift-Canada<br />Email: customerservice@premier-gift.com<br />Phone: 1-800-387-1282<br /><br /><p></p>Shellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08973496168450628777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3311091455498705727.post-41714943554391845162019-07-08T09:15:00.001-07:002019-09-09T13:12:50.210-07:002020 Calendars - Available now!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqJGgm9PgxVPK5htMp6szIzifvHBLrg1migFJOC3ilsUI8mJ_Zxxt9K6Dp6ewxBrSt8RLh89fHUHTPTb1_SO2XFDsHogw8IxkQM7FDiQFmwiJQnV6TU9ts9KKKWlzn-9Iowo4sR617Qp5M/s1600/2020+Calendars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqJGgm9PgxVPK5htMp6szIzifvHBLrg1migFJOC3ilsUI8mJ_Zxxt9K6Dp6ewxBrSt8RLh89fHUHTPTb1_SO2XFDsHogw8IxkQM7FDiQFmwiJQnV6TU9ts9KKKWlzn-9Iowo4sR617Qp5M/s640/2020+Calendars.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Available now!<br />
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Amazon.com </div>
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$17.00 from Delafield Calendar Company</div>
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Shellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08973496168450628777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3311091455498705727.post-73201578859626841962019-07-05T14:58:00.000-07:002019-07-08T07:29:54.117-07:00Signed Calendars Available this Weekend!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="background-color: #999999;"></span>The 2020 calendars are here!<br />
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Seriously, I couldn't be more excited. Robert Allen Lang, a pioneer in the calendar industry, with his new company, The Delafield Calendar Company, has created a line of gorgeous calendars. I am honored to be one of the artists represented here. I hope you will want to have one of these for your home. <br />
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BLESSINGS OF LIFE features images of home, garden, with quotes from my dear friend, writer, Kerry Boone from Springdale, Arkansas. You will remember Kerry's charming yet poignant verse from the last several calendars. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqlbpNbx9j_NTVyEpYTi1D8gDXzV6Ankgu59tj7u5Y2vFVEpz3v2wfcnHmgEuOwKxRDd1uA-FozMvuOAmbet8ah_FwbdLQaqgVHdYtTcH5nKd-yEWHtagcJ4VwPyb1ozfZTVsiTGPNrQc7/s1600/BlessingsofLife.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="592" data-original-width="656" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqlbpNbx9j_NTVyEpYTi1D8gDXzV6Ankgu59tj7u5Y2vFVEpz3v2wfcnHmgEuOwKxRDd1uA-FozMvuOAmbet8ah_FwbdLQaqgVHdYtTcH5nKd-yEWHtagcJ4VwPyb1ozfZTVsiTGPNrQc7/s320/BlessingsofLife.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimVgMQh65oCWdvcMQeAU65fNSiLy3kDaDwLJ2c-8Cij_yxc3iw-WT1brNpcuJV2ycF5bE_QptuyOaYCiMsPnCoS4FNT7N-PJg7t9HiH6iiMMa6jQ7Zo4lFbKnBYWJDBh3Nq8dpNLjItzQj/s1600/IMG_20190702_222736698.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimVgMQh65oCWdvcMQeAU65fNSiLy3kDaDwLJ2c-8Cij_yxc3iw-WT1brNpcuJV2ycF5bE_QptuyOaYCiMsPnCoS4FNT7N-PJg7t9HiH6iiMMa6jQ7Zo4lFbKnBYWJDBh3Nq8dpNLjItzQj/s320/IMG_20190702_222736698.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs-NhcoBWF1XR4Q1mbHNg4kv5GkSlceQZh9tUOpTfZyvhSgxyjlZNJeRTgm4xzWpPA45qi1Nk7dy2u5O8aA-uVUiLXae6IGuy_rfRPKFK08_15U7EpkcvWkIVfgt7dxpB4JOlyzrkrabHk/s1600/IMG_20190702_222810538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs-NhcoBWF1XR4Q1mbHNg4kv5GkSlceQZh9tUOpTfZyvhSgxyjlZNJeRTgm4xzWpPA45qi1Nk7dy2u5O8aA-uVUiLXae6IGuy_rfRPKFK08_15U7EpkcvWkIVfgt7dxpB4JOlyzrkrabHk/s320/IMG_20190702_222810538.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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BLESSINGS OF FAITH, featuring uplifting images paired with excerpts from beloved hymns. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2dTvz-LKXwLSbuh27-lzDfMF2WrwMOwlcpNmvLIko41uPrfr0xHyjyvwdRE5yoVL_fANAeZn_2Rl2ruLB2pijaz7zUUbxL_uW1pS1W-n5wdSslRs1V0lMXmiw5yWPIs7Xg6N7mqCHuZkM/s1600/BlessingsofFaith.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="640" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2dTvz-LKXwLSbuh27-lzDfMF2WrwMOwlcpNmvLIko41uPrfr0xHyjyvwdRE5yoVL_fANAeZn_2Rl2ruLB2pijaz7zUUbxL_uW1pS1W-n5wdSslRs1V0lMXmiw5yWPIs7Xg6N7mqCHuZkM/s320/BlessingsofFaith.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIK90eAhefBvajCCg6PbWcAjypdC5xarkGPeT3TnpV5oP_ToEYgCHYd8sKEZqQzfTa5ULCnPMbT7zN0Iej44z5gc_pcdsp5wKLSIun4yRaNkayUlmejHulnCaS2cuhe07lsEqvR8k4KJG1/s1600/IMG_20190705_144430098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIK90eAhefBvajCCg6PbWcAjypdC5xarkGPeT3TnpV5oP_ToEYgCHYd8sKEZqQzfTa5ULCnPMbT7zN0Iej44z5gc_pcdsp5wKLSIun4yRaNkayUlmejHulnCaS2cuhe07lsEqvR8k4KJG1/s320/IMG_20190705_144430098.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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and BIRDS AT HOME, which highlights the birds that visit our rural home here in Missouri. It features more of Kerry's prose and poetry. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJgK_UcTyvWWuG-i1qpbkBowv4KZYzlLAijtj5nrU0w3C-9htiEUzN3lz8dxmExlU-neXAGtopyfeG6N_X5_TmmXMTLulmuS1-hL6uv0LaoZ9wj3BBYT3JVMET38IXLtM8iaJI_tI7u8-H/s1600/BirdsatHome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="656" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJgK_UcTyvWWuG-i1qpbkBowv4KZYzlLAijtj5nrU0w3C-9htiEUzN3lz8dxmExlU-neXAGtopyfeG6N_X5_TmmXMTLulmuS1-hL6uv0LaoZ9wj3BBYT3JVMET38IXLtM8iaJI_tI7u8-H/s320/BirdsatHome.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn3RcI9fnIbg9mIHBqG_gUAn8cZfS7Y4HUpfTHbBOOjOAcllQa1zTLJZuf4bzRb6Oo2Elrvm_bQOYJ_4lF4xsQ2pwFBt7Kh3jHJYmRAFtynfCpNoNQWdQZLl51kzIvhEKvg-exfUslcynV/s1600/IMG_20190705_144548862.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn3RcI9fnIbg9mIHBqG_gUAn8cZfS7Y4HUpfTHbBOOjOAcllQa1zTLJZuf4bzRb6Oo2Elrvm_bQOYJ_4lF4xsQ2pwFBt7Kh3jHJYmRAFtynfCpNoNQWdQZLl51kzIvhEKvg-exfUslcynV/s320/IMG_20190705_144548862.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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It's so much fun to be painting again and working with friends like Kerry and the people at Bob Lang's company.<br />
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I hope you can find a calendar in this collection that you love.<br />
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<span style="color: #999999;"><i>Get signed calendars this weekend! </i></span><br />
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And....<br />
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Tomorrow, Saturday July 6th, in Osage Beach, Missouri, I will be signing all three calendars at this store in Osage Beach, Missouri (Lake of the Ozarks).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQ1MtT4D6OHLhfdvlkRZXWfOnjdF6gW1fPmio_qYHO68nJFG4VZuPqA5xpIS88JSvUqPrWy89aTdI6GWaeHQ_UMyFFxs3fqgyyVyZ-isMonbbu2BvQDZuW0TUVd-jvIMgWu9n1aRYPFP1/s1600/CC.jpb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="573" data-original-width="1073" height="337" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQ1MtT4D6OHLhfdvlkRZXWfOnjdF6gW1fPmio_qYHO68nJFG4VZuPqA5xpIS88JSvUqPrWy89aTdI6GWaeHQ_UMyFFxs3fqgyyVyZ-isMonbbu2BvQDZuW0TUVd-jvIMgWu9n1aRYPFP1/s640/CC.jpb.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://countrycrossroads.com/" target="_blank">Country Crossroads</a> and see us from 11am to 2pm. If you are unable to make it, Selynn, John, and Connie, and their staff will ship directly to your home!<br />
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Call 1-800-7600-2280 to place your order 10am-5pm Monday through Saturday, and 10-4 Sunday. They ship USPS. Price is $17.99 plus shipping and handling.<br />
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Join the event on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/2016209488501829/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> to get updates.<br />
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Have a blessed holiday weekend! I hope to see you tomorrow!<br />
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Shelly Reeves Smith</div>
Shellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08973496168450628777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3311091455498705727.post-21543348158972098912019-04-22T10:53:00.002-07:002019-04-22T10:53:37.167-07:00Lake Fine Art & Galleria<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiUGFbo5JlbTd3GUqlHKvlM-MT5f_UEcoZfYnYN4IrpkU9poBwdTxmHdgL4yg-CZP8VMl7_cEswQtD97NvQIHXYOAGKSbzoj0JujSLo_DbKmymCSSQwrXFkmiQgm_t8EUwins11ISUOB7q/s1600/headeralt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="219" data-original-width="900" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiUGFbo5JlbTd3GUqlHKvlM-MT5f_UEcoZfYnYN4IrpkU9poBwdTxmHdgL4yg-CZP8VMl7_cEswQtD97NvQIHXYOAGKSbzoj0JujSLo_DbKmymCSSQwrXFkmiQgm_t8EUwins11ISUOB7q/s640/headeralt.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Over the years, I have received many requests asking where to buy prints and originals. I am finally able to direct people to the absolute perfect place. I couldn't have asked for a better arrangement.<br />
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My friend and art teacher, Dr. Paula Brown, recently retired from a long career, first in art education, then in administration, and has opened the classiest, yet most welcoming, art gallery in Osage Beach, MO, <a href="https://lakefineart.net/" target="_blank">Lake Fine Art & Galleria</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://lakefineart.net/" target="_blank"><img alt="https://lakefineart.net/" border="0" data-original-height="877" data-original-width="716" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyVd8UTbaccxKY1xsgDfivdqVPK7prTqnUU3QS5dDagDZW__ym1OZ2833Sa7wXd58NsZgHhbndfqoqVgWNAoWZrPz1u6_oD8b8YGmfOp9jHAJDmgYVh2VQC0sjUmuFo3i16rs-XpGfjiRd/s1600/LFAGallery.webp" /></a></div>
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Some of my favorite Missouri artists are featured there and I am honored to be among them. My original paintings and prints available in the gallery and hope to add calendars to that mix in June.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnd_GEfypaF9Z7WgKiHzjw8Ptr74V1MYMO6dR3cUhj7gZTl3e7dVPai1MSvGiFyXsvt9hTGySWPPMQunCCPn7x6Qz3QaCopkKe-oU2ElD3oVQmd19118KmhQyp4Q-JDavtevFJypJiG1KI/s1600/_.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnd_GEfypaF9Z7WgKiHzjw8Ptr74V1MYMO6dR3cUhj7gZTl3e7dVPai1MSvGiFyXsvt9hTGySWPPMQunCCPn7x6Qz3QaCopkKe-oU2ElD3oVQmd19118KmhQyp4Q-JDavtevFJypJiG1KI/s320/_.webp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's hard to see, but mine is the little rowboat to the left of Miss Marilyn.</td></tr>
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If you live at Lake of the Ozarks, or find yourself there this summer, stop in at Lake Fine Art & Galleria and see Paula. If you would love to learn how to draw and paint and find joy in both of those pursuits, treat yourself to a lesson. <br />
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Shellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08973496168450628777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3311091455498705727.post-55377142087039623582019-04-19T16:22:00.002-07:002019-04-22T08:55:43.808-07:002020 Calendars<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It has been awhile since I posted. After having a long awaited baby in 2010, I decided to stay home and focus on my family for a few years. Those few years also turned out to be the last in my dad's life. I was very lucky to have time to help him and my mom through that difficult time.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyMCbiotu0BV4sn_a0IoKRSrFp_KX06PtNegcokEVf-A2u4JOtkUHlio12g4LTJLqntFvxeMC7e1gTrQTEayi5KQjT4Dh4Jx_fIoD07KHjmR69LOmSWtsh8STxwZAkIqTR_P5t2AGSwg9k/s1600/BlessingsofLife.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="592" data-original-width="656" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyMCbiotu0BV4sn_a0IoKRSrFp_KX06PtNegcokEVf-A2u4JOtkUHlio12g4LTJLqntFvxeMC7e1gTrQTEayi5KQjT4Dh4Jx_fIoD07KHjmR69LOmSWtsh8STxwZAkIqTR_P5t2AGSwg9k/s400/BlessingsofLife.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My son is in the 3rd grade now and I'm painting again and excited to tell you about my newest adventure with my friend, writer, Kerry Boone.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For the first time since 2014, we will have calendars available. I have three calendars coming out in June with the Delafield Calendar Company. They are such high quality and there will be not just one, but these three titles:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2020 Blessings of Life -- images about home and family with original verse by Kerry Boone</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-umcz1PpFWzETRZKufrJmo4Zrv9oDNo6dboyeFJ93fx7FVZyRKt8OJr2iaknxsqKSpkSirVeVxvffcgj3PIdg2TwE_uC-emDW-7xsBKDKU-KxYesVy2uVxspCd0QlsCL0uD8wE8oZlswb/s1600/BlessingsofFaith.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="640" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-umcz1PpFWzETRZKufrJmo4Zrv9oDNo6dboyeFJ93fx7FVZyRKt8OJr2iaknxsqKSpkSirVeVxvffcgj3PIdg2TwE_uC-emDW-7xsBKDKU-KxYesVy2uVxspCd0QlsCL0uD8wE8oZlswb/s320/BlessingsofFaith.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2020 Blessings of Faith -- inspirational images with verses from favorite hymns</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3OSBGdM2SPlvqoPc1Bl8ScAe7TOMpsueareZkoDz6U6ID1ANmnVOggLGxu7pXkbR8cUlT_ut7St-F79P2QtNzySqZBF0w65zPKelijIbID1TS9q1DV9k8fV9LWcsauCUqS80mFG7Yxhdy/s1600/BirdsatHome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="656" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3OSBGdM2SPlvqoPc1Bl8ScAe7TOMpsueareZkoDz6U6ID1ANmnVOggLGxu7pXkbR8cUlT_ut7St-F79P2QtNzySqZBF0w65zPKelijIbID1TS9q1DV9k8fV9LWcsauCUqS80mFG7Yxhdy/s320/BirdsatHome.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2020 Birds at Home -- birds, birdhouses, feeders...all my favorite backyard companions</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">All three of these titles will be available in June 2019. I will post more pictures and updates as I get them. For now, you can check their progress and place orders at the <a href="https://www.robertlangcompany.com/" target="_blank">Delafield Calendar Co's website. </a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you are a wholesale customer and would like to order the calendars, go to this site, or call 1-262-646-3388.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The company is still featuring the 2019 calendars on their site. They will be updating to the 2020 calendars as soon as the new calendars arrive. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'll have more fun things to share throughout this year. For now, have a blessed Easter and a wonderful Spring.</span><br />
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Shellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08973496168450628777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3311091455498705727.post-50203741518561410672013-03-13T09:53:00.001-07:002013-03-15T08:32:15.249-07:00Such a Deal!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It's springtime again when the early birds make their appearance here in the Ozarks. This early bird just planted her garden (again -- after letting the first round of seeds get too dry...aren't we always learning?).<br />
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If you are an early bird when it comes to purchasing calendars, you're in luck right now. Amazon.com is taking pre-orders for all three of my 2014 calendars. The calendars will be available July 16, 2013, but you can get in on great deals by ordering now.<br />
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The<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Abundant-Blessings-2014-Deluxe-Calendar/dp/1449432328/ref=sr_1_sc_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1363190231&sr=1-2-spell&keywords=shellyreeves+smith+2014" target="_blank"> 2014 Abundant Blessings Wall Calendars</a> are $10.87 (32% off the regular retail price of $15.99). <br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQHWUKjXg9W8vvYA78fxo0erAQz4AXL-NrAz6U0GOWS1ngI9GT-9DB1II4sSGd8WIQhkDQOuTQtqcHqi6YAqqyOLKrLfWhVctCi7f0eEqdcmtYkHaKjEiaOY5dU7l-y6BrVefFXQ1ax0o8/s1600/2014+AB+Wall.jpg" /></div>
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The <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Seasons-Friendship-2014-Deluxe-Calendar/dp/1449432344/ref=sr_1_sc_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1363190311&sr=1-3-spell&keywords=shellyreeves+smith+2014" target="_blank">2014 Seasons of Friendship Wall Calendars</a> are also $10.87...such a deal!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqPcKG-2b_hdYd6BJUWNlyEK1AprhJUCGJK_IUa8ifqzMwTBmo0IRPGQN3CS3jekPV5K4CB8qRi83fCzJ9bIBr3LJSpvAcloaunSXU-vpZCMhxcqz-2rcjxeLRsIXxfDP1EPQ2Q5FH2RwL/s1600/SOF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqPcKG-2b_hdYd6BJUWNlyEK1AprhJUCGJK_IUa8ifqzMwTBmo0IRPGQN3CS3jekPV5K4CB8qRi83fCzJ9bIBr3LJSpvAcloaunSXU-vpZCMhxcqz-2rcjxeLRsIXxfDP1EPQ2Q5FH2RwL/s1600/SOF.jpg" /></a></div>
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Not to be outdone, the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Abundant-Blessings-Monthly-Planner-Calendar/dp/1449432336/ref=sr_1_sc_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1363189705&sr=1-1-spell&keywords=shellyreeves+smith+2014" target="_blank">2014 Abundant Blessings Large Monthly Planner Calendars</a> are just $10.19 (32% off regular retail price of $14.99). </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9B-ojbtrKyHD3RNu215_r4snP-5kRKQphKUmrWS19U9tFT0rzIjAuksb-rfZ_rrkqsvZ-AolWmi8YkL_kLoekcauMNkPQFZbAl7rtkFOdPZSsJ3erl5Agt_L4Gdx-O9YU7S_NMSEoZtt2/s1600/SOF+Planner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9B-ojbtrKyHD3RNu215_r4snP-5kRKQphKUmrWS19U9tFT0rzIjAuksb-rfZ_rrkqsvZ-AolWmi8YkL_kLoekcauMNkPQFZbAl7rtkFOdPZSsJ3erl5Agt_L4Gdx-O9YU7S_NMSEoZtt2/s1600/SOF+Planner.jpg" /></a></div>
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I don't know how long these deals will last, but these pre-order prices are guaranteed (see the listings at Amazon.com for details). Plus, if you order over $25.00 in merchandise, you are eligible for <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html/ref=sr_1_1_acs_h_1?ie=UTF8&nodeId=527692&qid=1363190870&sr=8-1-acs" target="_blank">Free Super Saver Shipping</a>. And, as always, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/prime/signup/videos/ref=nav_menu_combined" target="_blank">Amazon Prime members</a>, get free shipping with no minimum purchase. </div>
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If you are not an Amazon Prime member, you should consider joining. We have been members since our son was born in 2010 and couldn't be happier. We live 20 miles away from the nearest big box store, so it's so nice to get oft-purchased items like diapers in bulk, at a great price and delivered to our door with no shipping charges.</div>
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I hope you can get in on some of these savings...and also get outside to enjoy the spring weather, too! If the early bird hasn't made it to your house yet, we'll tell him to get on over there -- ASAP. </div>
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copyright 2013 Shelly Reeves Smith</div>
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Shellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08973496168450628777noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3311091455498705727.post-26291454533697832602013-01-23T11:49:00.002-08:002013-01-23T12:14:50.096-08:00Speak Lovingly <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
A friend, who has a daily email list, sent me a poem not long ago. It was written by one of the most prolific hymn writers in our modern hymnals, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fanny_Crosby" target="_blank">Fanny J. Crosby</a>. If you have ever sung, "Blessed Assurance" or "Pass Me Not, Oh Gentle Savior", you are familiar with Ms. Crosby's compelling lyrics. I was so moved by this poem that I printed it off, cut it out and taped it near my printer where I could see it daily. Day to day, I would find myself glancing at it and thinking, "I need to memorize that one day."<br />
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However, today when I noticed it, for some reason, my 6th grade teacher, Mrs. McDaniel, flashed into my mind. She was a traditional teacher: exacting, organized, confident and in the possession of a big yard stick (which she wielded with unnerving expertise). She was also smart and commanded respect so we all had no choice but to pay close attention in her class.<br />
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One thing Mrs. McDaniel did that we don't see much of these days is teach students to memorize. Every month, she would give each of us a poem or prose to memorize, then a couple weeks later, we would have to recite it before the class...sort of like show and tell. The poems were classics like Joaquin Miller's <i>Columbus</i>. "Behind him lay the gray Azores, Behind, the Gates of Hercules; Before him not the ghost of shores, Before him only shoreless seas..." Of course, it was about Christopher Columbus and his (now, much maligned) voyage to the New World. Though memorizing was challenging and reciting made me nervous, I'll never forget how good it felt to master the skill of committing words to memory...to tuck important information away for future reference.<br />
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Looking back on that experience, and other times I have memorized scripture or instructive prose, I think how handy it is now to have that information at hand, especially since it's so much harder to memorize things now. One doesn't have to rely on a search engine to find it, or look in a book. It's right there. And, unlike the commercials that we involuntarily memorize that might be there at inopportune times, good information often makes itself available at exactly the right time. For instance, have you ever had a comforting scripture pop into your head just when you are needing encouragement or when you are looking for some way to encourage another person?<br />
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In any case, this is the poem that started me thinking about all this. It's surely over 100 years old, but the message is true in any age. I still hope to memorize it someday -- and write it on my heart.<br />
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Speak Lovingly<br />
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Speak lovingly and kindly<br />
While here on earth we stay<br />
Our life is but a shadow<br />
That soon will glide away<br />
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One little word of kindness<br />
One some poor heart may fall<br />
Like beams from yonder golden sun<br />
That brightly shines for all<br />
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Speak lovingly and kindly<br />
O let the task be ours<br />
To scatter by the wayside<br />
Not thorns, but smiling flowers<br />
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Though crowned with peace and plenty<br />
Our happy homes may be<br />
Remember those around us<br />
Less favored far than we<br />
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Speak lovingly and kindly<br />
for He our Lord we know<br />
To us will show the kindness<br />
That we to others show.<br />
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-- Fanny Crosby<br />
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Copyright 2013 Shelly Reeves Smith</div>
Shellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08973496168450628777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3311091455498705727.post-50089597041643694042012-05-02T08:19:00.005-07:002012-05-02T10:35:53.752-07:002013 Calendars<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The 2013 Andrews McMeel calendars will be here soon! These titles will be released June 5, 2012, but you can pre-order now at <a href="http://www.andrewsmcmeel.com/products/?isbn=1449416896" target="_blank">Andrewsmcmeel.com</a> or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Seasons-Friendship-2013-Deluxe-Calendar/dp/1449416896" target="_blank">Amazon.com</a>.<br />
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As you can see, this year's offerings are the <a href="http://www.andrewsmcmeel.com/products/?isbn=1449416896" target="_blank">Seasons of Friendship wall calendar</a> with verses by my dear friend and writer Kerry Boone, the <a href="http://www.andrewsmcmeel.com/products/?isbn=1449416888" target="_blank">Abundant Blessing wall calendar </a>with scripture from the King James Bible, and the <a href="http://www.andrewsmcmeel.com/products/?isbn=1449416411" target="_blank">Abundant Blessings Monthly Planner</a> also with KJV scripture.<br />
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Be sure to order early this year as quantities of some titles sold out before Christmas last year.<br />
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Thank you to those who have purchase these calendars for their own homes and for those of friends and family. Many have been customers for years and even followed us when we moved from The Lang Companies to Andrews McMeel. I can't express how much I appreciate your loyalty. Your stories about the people for whom you buy these, as well as the ways you use them in your own homes inspire me every day.<br />
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Speaking of inspiration, I will be busy painting for deadlines for the next several weeks, but I'll see you here again in June. I hope you have a great start to your summer!<br />
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<br /></div>Shellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08973496168450628777noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3311091455498705727.post-23409368004413369582012-04-12T22:27:00.000-07:002019-07-05T18:20:33.562-07:00True Confessions<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I am a relatively late bloomer when it comes to the blog world. I started this one mostly to touch base with my wonderful customers and to share information about new product releases and other things that might be of interest.</div>
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However, in doing so, I have started reading blogs. And I have noticed that bloggers do something from time to time that I have never indulged in...Confessions. Fortunately (or unfortunately, depending on your interest in juicy news), most of the confessions on my favorite blogs are pretty harmless like, "I admit (gulp), that I don't always soak my grains" or "I have been using spaghetti sauce from a jar for years" or something mild like that.</div>
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However, since I'm on the cutting edge of popular culture at all times and make an effort to keep up with trends, I'm going to make a confession, too.</div>
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I have a thang for farmhouses. There, I said it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo2APc7WQZOlStp_L-zMiQbEo-1RKE7_d80cFcYTj7lhdsPYzQwqZmgH1CsykLggAomtIinroOj_BWrTEfYIEqP2r5bZrgMo3wWgMv6-O4gZ03KK_cOrx0KiN0W5YaJLQWbtwIHLdBipPD/s1600/Farmhouse+blog+post+4-12-12d.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo2APc7WQZOlStp_L-zMiQbEo-1RKE7_d80cFcYTj7lhdsPYzQwqZmgH1CsykLggAomtIinroOj_BWrTEfYIEqP2r5bZrgMo3wWgMv6-O4gZ03KK_cOrx0KiN0W5YaJLQWbtwIHLdBipPD/s320/Farmhouse+blog+post+4-12-12d.JPG" width="320" /></a>Okay, maybe you already guessed that one. It's pretty easy to tell from my illustrations. I think it's getting worse, too. I stare at them. I look for house plans online. I peruse real estate ads for them (not intending on buying one...well, not right this minute). I sometimes go for drives just in hopes of finding one tucked away on a quiet country road. I also feel some sort of connection with people who appreciate them like I do. </div>
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The tricky part of this is that I also feel this strong need to take pictures of them. They seem in danger so I think it's up to me to rescue them -- or at least any evidence of their design and layout. I have snapped pictures of these homes in many states. They are works of art, as far as I'm concerned. The best part is, they can be found in even the most humble of settings.</div>
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Here is a good example: </div>
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Please excuse the "drive by" nature of this photograph. As you can see from the blur, the car was moving. Due to the lack of a shoulder or a place to pull into without showing up in this homeowner's driveway, I was trying to be discreet. I didn't want to appear to be casing the joint.<br />
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It's starting to sound like I'm some kind of stalker....</div>
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Nevertheless, here's another angle. </div>
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Isn't it beautiful? I know it's modest and fairly run down, but use your imagination and think of it all fixed up and cared for. Don't you love this porch that wraps all the way around that front room? </div>
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Truth is, I have always loved houses like this. But that appreciation has grown in recent years since there is, in all honesty, an urgency to save them. They are a dying breed and they're dropping fast...at least in our community. </div>
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For instance, I pass eight farmhouses like this one on my way to church every week. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1o31gyL1pmMcqSL9dlpvUQ5aLkcA3NQ2au3uXiL55u1rSgr5p53tR6Rki3i_2IOJUrkH84t0GaFBZn-BWW25xu7t-f6xS8wGPFoyfWC1pU_HYcC_msb-eoWMaj-bU-fRZ7Izcl7hyM50U/s1600/Republic+Farmhouse.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1o31gyL1pmMcqSL9dlpvUQ5aLkcA3NQ2au3uXiL55u1rSgr5p53tR6Rki3i_2IOJUrkH84t0GaFBZn-BWW25xu7t-f6xS8wGPFoyfWC1pU_HYcC_msb-eoWMaj-bU-fRZ7Izcl7hyM50U/s320/Republic+Farmhouse.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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In the thirteen years I have been making that drive, one has been razed and four others are in such terrible shape, if they are not torn down in the next few years, they will certainly collapse from neglect. I wish I had taken a picture of the one that was demolished ten years ago. It was completely unique, with features I have never seen before. It even had a little spring house next to it that also went by the wayside. The owners placed a clean, new, little home in its place, but the landscape will never look the same without that venerable old house nestled into the hillside by the spring. I would venture to guess no one knows the plans to that one and countless others in this area.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8L-efmYDtk41ojpT064Rkow6uG7p6-pv3bRWnYhGXx2tLoWQuafgBAHT3dvB8ASDAxFA4hE_QYMEFmpcBfMcpbEJkovk21JM0X1VcaEWkBJZnCY-KUi52cshPTpUoPIdcxXZMrlC9dw41/s1600/Lilacs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8L-efmYDtk41ojpT064Rkow6uG7p6-pv3bRWnYhGXx2tLoWQuafgBAHT3dvB8ASDAxFA4hE_QYMEFmpcBfMcpbEJkovk21JM0X1VcaEWkBJZnCY-KUi52cshPTpUoPIdcxXZMrlC9dw41/s320/Lilacs.JPG" width="213" /></a>I know many people who wonder, "What's the big deal?...They're old, nothing is plumb, they are covered in lead paint and they are difficult to repair." I live in one, so I can attest to all of that (except the lead paint part), but there are many things about them that make them special. <br />
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First and foremost is the attention to detail and quality. The generous trim, the tongue-and-groove paneling, the high ceilings, the little nooks and cubbies, the dormers, the long windows, the hardwood floors, the handcrafted cabinets, the grand stairways, and of course the meandering porches, etc., etc. Even the most modest ones were obviously built with an eye for proportion, scale and with some knowledge of architectural tradition.</div>
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Furthermore, each one tells a story...of families, businesses, births and deaths, holidays and mundane days, self-reliance, happiness and heartache. A good example is my grandparents' (on the Reeves side) big old house in Adel, Iowa. Though falling apart by the time I came around, it will always be the ultimate farmhouse to me.</div>
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Here it is (in the background) circa 1940, with its porch still intact. There is my dad as a boy, with his parents and his sister, Shirley, in the front yard.</div>
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Here is my dad again around 1960. I love the long, narrow windows and the clapboard siding (nice car, Dad, by the way)...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioPQVIN2HyWLgHTfcEKdfqDS36ReN-QdSa28mGTWpQT25lQ2IaLDIBxKXHQ8m-H_hT_56qEBrlO6JupE4OhWmxtp5X90e89hs1K-aV22GMb3XrAWLkZ_S8IxhVzh1ARvtajsOmRN9xG36d/s1600/Dad+in+front+of+Grandpa's+house.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioPQVIN2HyWLgHTfcEKdfqDS36ReN-QdSa28mGTWpQT25lQ2IaLDIBxKXHQ8m-H_hT_56qEBrlO6JupE4OhWmxtp5X90e89hs1K-aV22GMb3XrAWLkZ_S8IxhVzh1ARvtajsOmRN9xG36d/s320/Dad+in+front+of+Grandpa's+house.JPG" width="311" /></a><br />
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Here it is again in the early 90's, without the front porch, and unfortunately a couple years before my grandpa died and it had to be torn down...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5MQU2wLvK-i4eBC2gs_vDPhaLgGiArknmREHXrj0q6u5xEdKGxsUNJ_UpFb7daUDM6fcha5VF-68B2xjXXRMcsnirP8pu5po4v3Hn1DXknrvHK-bCUGf3YtUbAuMq5ETfhxKQfJIyDQ9b/s1600/Grandpa's+house.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5MQU2wLvK-i4eBC2gs_vDPhaLgGiArknmREHXrj0q6u5xEdKGxsUNJ_UpFb7daUDM6fcha5VF-68B2xjXXRMcsnirP8pu5po4v3Hn1DXknrvHK-bCUGf3YtUbAuMq5ETfhxKQfJIyDQ9b/s320/Grandpa's+house.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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It was old and in disrepair even the first time I visited there as a child. But it always had a majestic silhouette. I'll never forget playing on the big rocks grandpa had placed around the side walkway, sitting in the glider in the yard, skipping through the orchard in back, drawing water from the cistern with my grandmother then watching her heat it for dishes, or going to the attic with my grandpa and pulling down treasures like an old wooden bucket that I'm grateful to have in my kitchen. Or sitting at the kids table during Thanksgiving dinner (the little one at the end of the big one where the adults all sit) with my cousins. Down the line were grandparents, aunts and uncles and great aunts and uncles, enjoying dinner together.<br />
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My great-great-grandfather, Thomas Bilderback, built it around 1903. The picture below is of his daughter, Eva Jane, my great-grandmother, and her five children (about 1902). She lived in this house from the time it was built until her death in 1944 My grandpa, Glen Reeves, her youngest, is on her lap. He grew up here, raised his family here and stayed here until his death in 1992.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6wSr7BfYQNZUqvIIvIKVBkfAJIG125Mj5VBkQrJ9ZAUbhR8LCfn5vh0t5AWcaO-qXCe6oaoC0surU1aRbokyZXH6RUh-rX6gLdru1_PL3buUClWFfysDXxatC8bMCIOeZXdcGbZ9EakTF/s1600/Eva's+Family.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6wSr7BfYQNZUqvIIvIKVBkfAJIG125Mj5VBkQrJ9ZAUbhR8LCfn5vh0t5AWcaO-qXCe6oaoC0surU1aRbokyZXH6RUh-rX6gLdru1_PL3buUClWFfysDXxatC8bMCIOeZXdcGbZ9EakTF/s320/Eva's+Family.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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My mother also grew up on a farm. She spent her childhood in this bungalow-style farmhouse in St. Charles, Iowa, in the area where The Bridges of Madison County was set. I never got to see this home in person, but she and her 12 brothers and sisters tell many stories about it. It burned in the early 60's, but thankfully we do have pictures. My sweet mother, Pat, is in the middle with her pretty sisters, Delores on the left and Dorothy on the right.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSZbYo2btb4eBPbmr0Y54HpHlkb62JKslz9B5q5_OGa37p8NA-2MvjWGTqp1rAMSVwNeOIBn8mIjGKT3iR4DB4D_DxXAh1BtPi56a-R52NIOiYwakXeFaAmjjemrDBwmVF1inOaO2ui7G1/s1600/Mom's+house.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSZbYo2btb4eBPbmr0Y54HpHlkb62JKslz9B5q5_OGa37p8NA-2MvjWGTqp1rAMSVwNeOIBn8mIjGKT3iR4DB4D_DxXAh1BtPi56a-R52NIOiYwakXeFaAmjjemrDBwmVF1inOaO2ui7G1/s320/Mom's+house.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2tice88Uo-SDNe-YlXbdH-nbtln_OE-NUdKlST2xD55p36x1S5zbEedgfZHeSeiOjcy3j7StgSr53XjUM49ggCYtQQyOuYe4xnewrfODxyrtkW7ZzT9sSYbtVfw-RWsv9D1Ah1dvpBba6/s1600/Farmhouse+blog+post+4-12-12c.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2tice88Uo-SDNe-YlXbdH-nbtln_OE-NUdKlST2xD55p36x1S5zbEedgfZHeSeiOjcy3j7StgSr53XjUM49ggCYtQQyOuYe4xnewrfODxyrtkW7ZzT9sSYbtVfw-RWsv9D1Ah1dvpBba6/s320/Farmhouse+blog+post+4-12-12c.JPG" width="320" /></a>I guess it's sentiment that draws me to farmhouses...and rightly so, since so many of our collective family memories are centered around them. But I know I'm not alone. If only enough people would love them so that we can save as many as possible before they fade into history. I think they are well worth the time and effort. And surely our children will thank us for preserving this pleasant reminder of our past here in the Midwest.</div>
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Shellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08973496168450628777noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3311091455498705727.post-72562991934326971902012-04-10T07:39:00.001-07:002012-04-10T07:39:37.479-07:00Thank You, Mr. Kinkade<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
...for your contribution to the gift industry and for your beautiful body of work. You will be missed. <br />
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Photo courtesy of Art Knowledge News (www.artknowledgenews.com).</div>Shellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08973496168450628777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3311091455498705727.post-92099379075364655952012-04-03T11:02:00.008-07:002012-04-09T11:15:19.600-07:00Becky's Garden<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Ison and I were fortunate to get to spend last Friday morning with our friend, Becky, in her amazing garden. More than once, a visit to Becky's home has inspired a calendar page or a design idea. <br />
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Becky has the most profuse collection of flowers of anyone I know. Her home is surrounded by beds filled with tulips, roses, iris, day lilies, jonquils -- too many to even list, and in a variety of colors. She seems to have something in bloom every time we go, but I personally think her garden is the prettiest in the spring.<br />
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Becky is also the most loyal bird enthusiast I know. I say "the most" because when the rest of us were striking birdseed from our shopping lists last winter due to the shocking price hike, Becky was still dutifully purchasing seed. She even saves blueberries in her freezer for her now famous "bluebird pies" (homemade suet cakes laced with blueberries, peanut butter and all matter of other decadent treats).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQPKriQ_VSh5QAom039fXucM4f9TwapheLe18FqTbp23Mz0TW2SZr_W1RET_GTytWJRLRBPp__nrls_jfi30O8vrN9F_BLYq635uFlmqBO-VJi61A6VX6bX264I8rtZQ_tH4d8Ag28sc1j/s1600/Becky+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQPKriQ_VSh5QAom039fXucM4f9TwapheLe18FqTbp23Mz0TW2SZr_W1RET_GTytWJRLRBPp__nrls_jfi30O8vrN9F_BLYq635uFlmqBO-VJi61A6VX6bX264I8rtZQ_tH4d8Ag28sc1j/s320/Becky+2.JPG" width="165" /></a></div>
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She loves watching her birds and tending to her flowers. Though her health keeps her from spending as much time as she would like in the garden, she always makes sure her feeders are filled.</div>
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Like most Missouri girls, she has a soft spot for her bluebirds. When Ison and I were there, she brought a handful of mealworms to the mamas. She even called them to let them know breakfast was ready. Frankly, I always thought calling birds was akin to calling cats...and with similar disappointing results. But the birds actually listen to Becky. I guess birds tend to know (and trust) the person who resists the temptation to cross birdseed off their shopping list.<br />
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As you can see, she has an elaborate setup: there is something here for everyone, including the squirrels who always tend to help themselves to any buffet, despite almost....okay, never, ever being invited.</div>
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Becky's sweet sister, Janice, stopped by and entertained Ison while I snapped pictures in the garden. Here they are looking at the fish. Jan, has such a way with children. For instance, she managed to talk Ison out of throwing the </div>
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concrete fish in the pond (fish belong in water, don't they?).</div>
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And, of course, no visit is complete without stopping by to say hello to the deer family. </div>
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I think these blue beauties hugging this white oak are vinca minor (Is that right, Mary?)<br />
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And of course just a small sampling of the glorious tulips...<br />
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It was a wonderful time. We hope to go back next month and see what's blooming and perhaps get inspiration for another calendar page. In the meantime, if you love birds too, check out my designs at Legacy Publishing that were inspired by Becky's bluebirds:</div>
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There couldn't be a more fitting verse to go with Becky's line than "Be ye kind one to another." She and her family are an inspiration to me to never stop finding ways to help and encourage others.</div>
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</div>Shellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08973496168450628777noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3311091455498705727.post-54884129225073527222012-01-20T19:51:00.000-08:002012-01-23T19:19:24.920-08:00Atlanta Show 2012<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Last week, my friend Selynn Barbour from Country Crossroads Gift Shop in Osage Beach, MO, sent me this photo of my new 2012 products in Legacy Publishing's showroom at the Atlanta Gift Market in Atlanta, GA.<br />
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For those who might not be familiar with this market, the <a href="http://www.americasmart.com/gift/" target="_blank">Atlanta Gift Market</a>, or Americasmart, is a huge, multi-story building filled with little stores, which manufacturers (in this case, gift manufacturers) lease to display their products to retail store owners who shop during the seasonal markets to purchase inventory. Of all the gift shows that occur in Atlanta, the January show is usually the largest and the one where attendees are likely to see every major gift manufacturer represented -- in beautifully decorated showrooms, I might add.<br />
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In just a few short years Legacy has developed a commanding presence at the show. They have also developed a reputation among retailers for their quality products created with an unshakable attitude of service. They are always dreaming up with new ideas that meet the needs of their customers. Plus they are the nicest bunch of people you would ever want to meet.<br />
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My entire line of Legacy's journals, notepads, recipe boxes and cards, coasters and other stationery will be available at their retail website soon, but here is a sneak peek at one of the collections (for all of us who are impatient!).<br />
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<a href="http://www.shoplegacy.com/strawberry-picking-kitchen-collection.html" target="_blank">Strawberry Picking Kitchen</a><br />
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It's always fun to see what's new at Atlanta. But it's also fun to get back at the drawing board to prepare for next year -- after all, 2013 will be here before we know it!</div>Shellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08973496168450628777noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3311091455498705727.post-41578969177749124862011-12-19T12:48:00.000-08:002011-12-19T12:49:44.802-08:00The Greeting Card Way<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Over ten years ago, when my business partner and I still owned our greeting card manufacturing company, we worked with a local accountant who handled the more complicated financial aspects of our business. He soon became a friend who often chided us about how nice we always were in our business dealings. I remember a few consultations when we had sought his advice about some pending financial confrontation, he would advise handling situation with firmness, then add "of course, you can say it in 'the greeting card way'".<br />
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Over the years, I have learned that not all companies operate in "the greeting card way". Especially in an economic downturn where money is tight, the niceties of business are often the first things to go. But some businesses not only operate with integrity, they also still do little extra things that make business such a pleasure.<br />
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Today was the perfect example. Ralph, our mail carrier, brought this little box to my door. It was a Christmas gift from <a href="http://retail.shoplegacy.com/" target="_blank">Legacy Publishing</a> in Clinton, MA, one of my favorite licensees.<br />
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Inside the box was a one-of-a-kind figurine made especially for Legacy by <a href="http://valfa.com/" target="_blank">Vaillancourt Folk Art</a>. It was gift wrapped with a signed card tucked in beside it. As I picked up the delicate figurine, I was hoping it was signed and dated. Yes, it was!<br />
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Rarely do companies take the time to make such thoughtful, memorable exchanges. But Legacy seems to understand how the small things are part of what makes our greeting card business special.<br />
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If you are shopping for Christmas, please remember to look for <a href="http://retail.shoplegacy.com/" target="_blank">Legacy Publishing</a>'s calendars, journals, coasters and a variety of other stationery products. It's easy to see the care they put into every product, just like the care they put into their business relationships.<br />
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Merry Christmas to you all. May yours be filled with little unexpected kindnesses like this.</div>Shellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08973496168450628777noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3311091455498705727.post-69402182056129827802011-12-13T17:45:00.000-08:002011-12-13T17:45:56.477-08:00'Tis the Season...for a New Calendar!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
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The 2012 calendars are selling out quickly so get yours soon! <br />
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If you are a Missouri customer looking for the 2012 calendars in stores, check our updated <a href="http://shellyreevessmith.blogspot.com/p/current-products.html">Where to Buy</a> page for a complete list of retail locations in Missouri.<br />
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And remember, you can always find Shelly Reeves Smith's products online at these retailers: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=shelly+reeves+smith&x=0&y=0">Amazon.com</a>, <a href="http://www.calendars.com/search/advancedSearch.jsp;jsessionid=E648F9F993291B21FAE0DA4EB44D73F8?_dyncharset=ISO-8859-1&_dynSessConf=-3175906238459798116&searchBox=shelly+reeves+smith&_D%3AsearchBox=+&%2Fatg%2Fsearch%2Fformhandlers%2FQueryFormHandler.search.x=0&%2Fatg%2Fsearch%2Fformhandlers%2FQueryFormHandler.search.y=0&%2Fatg%2Fsearch%2Fformhandlers%2FQueryFormHandler.search=Search&_D%3A%2Fatg%2Fsearch%2Fformhandlers%2FQueryFormHandler.search=+&%2Fatg%2Fsearch%2Fformhandlers%2FQueryFormHandler.categoryId=cat00001&_D%3A%2Fatg%2Fsearch%2Fformhandlers%2FQueryFormHandler.categoryId=+&_DARGS=%2Fcommon%2FtopLogoAndCart.jsp.searchForm">Calendars.com</a>, <a href="http://www.andrewsmcmeel.com/">Andrewsmcmeel.com</a>, <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/shelly-reeves-smith?keyword=shelly+reeves+smith&store=allproducts">Barnesandnoble.com</a> and <a href="http://retail.shoplegacy.com/">Legacy.com</a>.<br />
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c 2011 Shelly Reeves Smith, LLC</div>Shellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08973496168450628777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3311091455498705727.post-23979147037489640302011-12-05T11:23:00.000-08:002011-12-07T10:07:57.929-08:00Countdown to Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVAlc1BKkvf0Rc0LnIiRIQAauCgl3Sz0DAZSWjuD48mwpWVYRqYAPuYuGFTemRjyl9Xtnf8sx3Rp_e58wlk8v7jShhE2cQyk7VNDimhJW0iJfIBwgCpN3O1vr6WJUL5n-k2y62pOGD8MwA/s1600/IMG_3622.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVAlc1BKkvf0Rc0LnIiRIQAauCgl3Sz0DAZSWjuD48mwpWVYRqYAPuYuGFTemRjyl9Xtnf8sx3Rp_e58wlk8v7jShhE2cQyk7VNDimhJW0iJfIBwgCpN3O1vr6WJUL5n-k2y62pOGD8MwA/s320/IMG_3622.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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Like my son (who obviously loves technology), I enjoy reading a few of my favorite blogs and websites daily. There is such a wealth of information available online from generous and talented writers. My favorites cover everything from licensing to finances, crafts, frugality, and early childhood education.<br />
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This morning, this article at Passionatehomemaking.com called "On the First Day of Christmas My True Love Gave to Me" struck a chord with me. Our budget has been tight this year and dates nights or gifts to each other have been scaled back considerably. So I decided to try this series of small gifts to thank my husband for all the little things he does for us (shhh, don't tell him!).<br />
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I don't insist on a lot of rituals during the holidays, though I like that other people have them. I'm often too practical for my own good...so much so that I forget to let my creative side loose at home. The great thing about this particular gift idea is that the presents needs not be expensive -- something I wish could be true of Christmas gifts in general. The real memories made at Christmas are the creative and heartfelt ways we come up with to express of love for each other.<br />
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Thank you Trina Holden for your great articles and for writing today about this charming holiday tradition.<br />
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Passionate Homemaking -- On the First Day of Christmas</a>Shellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08973496168450628777noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3311091455498705727.post-22622332716364260062011-12-01T10:09:00.000-08:002011-12-02T15:30:37.370-08:00Calendar Signing This Weekend!Join me Saturday night, December 3rd, at <a href="http://www.stocktonlake.com/companies/view/60">Hammons Black Walnut Emporium</a> in Stockton, Missouri for their annual Christmas event. It is all part of Stockton's "A Living Christmas" celebration on the city square.<br />
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I will be at the Emporium from 6PM-8PM signing copies of my 2012 <a href="http://www.andrewsmcmeel.com/">Andrews McMeel</a> "Seasons of Friendship" calendars. In addition to other signing opportunities, there will be free samples of <a href="http://www.hammonsproducts.com/FCE3C4B0FCD74F28926154F117812649.asp?do=emporium&ie_key=5E53ECD5ADA94939B1F91831E01426A8">Hammons' famous Missouri-grown black walnuts</a> and their selection of delicious products. There will also be free giveaways and the chance to shop their wide selection of Christmas gifts.<br />
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For more information on this event, please contact Hammons Emporium at 417.276.5800. <br />
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I'm looking forward to visiting Stockton again. I hope to see you there!<br />
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C 2011 Shelly Reeves Smith, LLCShellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08973496168450628777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3311091455498705727.post-27838382242409109692011-11-23T15:27:00.000-08:002011-11-23T17:21:52.487-08:00A Thanksgiving TraditionWith Thanksgiving just a day away, like most of us, I'm taking time today to make dishes for our Thanksgiving dinner. Among the items on the menu are these rolls we affectionately call Vera's Butterhorns. They have been a favorite in our family for over 30 years.<br />
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If you have a copy of the second cookbook in the Among Friends series, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Heart-Soul-Favorite-Recipes-Friends/dp/0740765361/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1322089968&sr=8-1"><i>Heart and Soul</i></a>, you will find this recipe on page 24. The version is an updated one of the original first given to me by Vera herself when I was 10. <br />
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Vera was our landlady and neighbor when my family first moved to Missouri in 1975. She was one of those gems among people -- sweet, kind, hardworking and generous, an amazing cook and homemaker. I can still hear her soft voice as if she were standing next to me.<br />
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During the two years we lived next to her, Vera and her husband Orvis took our little family under their wing. Knowing we were far away from our home in Iowa, she always made us feel welcome and loved. Without fail, the Streeters would invite us to their family gatherings when we couldn't be with our extended family. On nearly every occasion, Vera would get up early and make these amazing rolls. <br />
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One Saturday morning, she invited me to get up early (6AM -- early for me) and help her. I'll never forget her kneading and kneading, then turning the dough over to show me how velvety it should look when it's ready to rise. She even took time to write off the recipe on a little scratch pad, which I have saved in my recipe file.<br />
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Though I usually use my stand mixer and dough hook when making these, last night I decided to mix them like Vera did... by hand. I even followed her original recipe. From the feel of the dough when I rolled them out, I think this will be the best batch yet. As moms and grandmas have known for centuries, there is something about kneading bread by hand that makes it come alive. <br />
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This year, I tried a new twist: I made and froze them ahead of time. I plan to thaw and bake them on Thanksgiving morning like the recipe from <a href="http://moneysavingmom.com/2010/03/make-ahead-butterhorns-recipe.html">moneysavingmom.com</a>. Although the butterhorns at Moneysavingmom.com are delicious made this way, I have never tried this method with our butterhorns. I'm guessing they will respond the same. We'll see how it goes. <br />
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This Thanksgiving, as you gather with your loved ones, consider asking a family member who might make a dish you enjoy, to write the recipe down in their own handwriting. It will be a gift you will treasure for many years. It may also help you remember details about the time you spent with them, as those memories can quickly fade. Good food made by loving hands has a way of helping us remember the important people in our lives, doesn't it? <br />
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Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you are able to enjoy the day with those who mean most to you.Shellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08973496168450628777noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3311091455498705727.post-44317463454318196612011-11-15T10:06:00.000-08:002011-11-15T20:33:31.163-08:00The Power of MomentumThe word momentum is a powerful little word. I never fully realized how powerful until recently. I knew it was something you needed when, say, running up a hill or trying to get to the top of a mountain pass or encouraging a group of people to unite for a cause. <br />
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It wasn't until I started to apply it in less literal ways that I realized its power. If you're familiar with Dave Ramsey's teaching, momentum is one of the hallmarks of his plan for paying off debt. He teaches Financial Peace University students to group their debts, smallest to the largest, and then pay off the smallest one first. It might seem counterintuitive. It's easy to assume that the best way is to tackle the largest debt first. But it soon becomes clear that the power of momentum is well worth taking smaller steps, completing those tasks, and spending a little more in interest payments.<br />
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It's true for many little things in life -- cleaning house, working in the garden, or tackling any goal. Sometimes completing just one little thing, then one more little thing, will give you the momentum to finish the entire task in record time.<br />
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It finally occurred to me how true it is for art. I have known for 20 years that I worked better with a pile of complete paintings at my side, but never understood why. It obviously bolstered confidence and calmed those nagging doubts. But I think it's more than that -- the act of completing something changes the way we think.<br />
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The inverse is also true. The first painting in a group -- whether it be a collection of greeting cards or the first of 12 paintings in a calendar -- is always the most challenging. One has the advantage of the excitement of beginning a new project, but it also feels like being a trapeze without a net or taking that first step up a long hill. I think, as artists, we have to recognize the little things that encourage momentum and to make sure we use them to our advantage. <br />
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I would be curious to know how other artists tackle extended projects. What gives you the momentum you need to complete a project? <br />
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copyright 2011 Shelly Reeves SmithShellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08973496168450628777noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3311091455498705727.post-27029589024295102692011-10-13T22:41:00.000-07:002011-10-13T22:41:23.034-07:00New for FallA sneak peek at a new painting. Doesn't plaid just say cozy?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxAPFdeJQwcgcw9x919c0u8zH3Qm3txQai0WBWsntqm9ywAneS6cef5kKRCjRei3HOyKyHfd_CJm-hEYKDculGOg1UujFHjtoS1AIzu7SB9DbskTP1p9QR8Y7BcVcWhFFqnrMaSuehj_IA/s1600/2013+Cal+sneak+peek+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="275" width="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxAPFdeJQwcgcw9x919c0u8zH3Qm3txQai0WBWsntqm9ywAneS6cef5kKRCjRei3HOyKyHfd_CJm-hEYKDculGOg1UujFHjtoS1AIzu7SB9DbskTP1p9QR8Y7BcVcWhFFqnrMaSuehj_IA/s320/2013+Cal+sneak+peek+2.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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It's so easy to be inspired to paint in the filtered light of October. It's a lovely time of year to be outside!Shellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08973496168450628777noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3311091455498705727.post-14067236987689984692011-09-30T10:31:00.000-07:002011-09-30T19:24:49.479-07:00Going, Going...It's hard to believe, but it's the end of September and the 2012 calendars are already in low supply. <br />
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I noticed today that Amazon.com has only 4 <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Abundant-Blessings-Monthly-Pocket-Planner/dp/1449405495/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1317404359&sr=1-1">Abundant Blessings Monthly Pocket Planners</a> left in stock. They say there are more on the way, but I know from placing my own orders that availability of the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Abundant-Blessings-2012-Wall-Calendar/dp/1449405118/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1317404271&sr=8-1">Abundant Blessings Wall Calendars</a> on the wholesale level is limited, if not completely sold out, by now.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Abundant-Blessings-Monthly-Pocket-Planner/dp/1449405495/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1317435737&sr=8-2"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Abundant-Blessings-Monthly-Pocket-Planner/dp/1449405495/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1317435460&sr=8-1"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw80rgFReJqPY1iV0gZpOkdKJ_XD3fUR8I_irJS4VNSvEKxpCaBB42uQXRj-ajHI5MYYPAgcDCNcOvaaCvHuv-E5ASekpdur5VSQ7Ws8sZYN79tPava8HVcjIedQCQ-_uEH9iUBWy3MCVG/s1600/AB+pocket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="289" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw80rgFReJqPY1iV0gZpOkdKJ_XD3fUR8I_irJS4VNSvEKxpCaBB42uQXRj-ajHI5MYYPAgcDCNcOvaaCvHuv-E5ASekpdur5VSQ7Ws8sZYN79tPava8HVcjIedQCQ-_uEH9iUBWy3MCVG/s320/AB+pocket.jpg" /></a></div></a></a><br />
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If you plan to purchase the 2012 Abundant Blessings or Seasons of Friendship calendars, please order soon for the best selection. They are available at Hallmark and other gift stores that carry Andrews McMeel calendars. You can also find them online at quality sites like <a href="http://www.andrewsmcmeel.com/">andrewsmcmeel.com</a>, <a href="http://www.calendars.com/search/advancedSearch.jsp?_dyncharset=ISO-8859-1&_dynSessConf=-1214484883969394078&searchBox=shelly+reeves+smith+2012&_D%3AsearchBox=+&%2Fatg%2Fsearch%2Fformhandlers%2FQueryFormHandler.search.x=16&%2Fatg%2Fsearch%2Fformhandlers%2FQueryFormHandler.search.y=16&%2Fatg%2Fsearch%2Fformhandlers%2FQueryFormHandler.search=Search&_D%3A%2Fatg%2Fsearch%2Fformhandlers%2FQueryFormHandler.search=+&%2Fatg%2Fsearch%2Fformhandlers%2FQueryFormHandler.categoryId=cat00001&_D%3A%2Fatg%2Fsearch%2Fformhandlers%2FQueryFormHandler.categoryId=+&_DARGS=%2Fcommon%2FtopLogoAndCart.jsp.searchForm">calendars.com</a>, and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=shelly+reeves+smith+calendar+2012&x=0&y=0">amazon.com</a>. Remember to type "Shelly Reeves Smith 2012 Calendar" in the search window if the link does not take you directly to my products.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Seasons-Friendship-Weekly-Planner-Calendar/dp/1449405428/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1317435778&sr=1-1"><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Seasons-Friendship-Weekly-Planner-Calendar/dp/1449405428/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1317435778&sr=1-1"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Seasons-Friendship-Weekly-Planner-Calendar/dp/1449405428/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5TM2WCOaUyY-A2IAABJeYZ8pGxKjXiLDJrC_krgsnxAPtCm2bmS27BuFnb4kJNErY2bc7635zeLdyDG-4tU0_vByfUN36jckIOCQM8oHvx7XV_tID-87roYhtnSHXcM8VgMSRz6-cBcN7/s1600/sof+weekly+pl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="233" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5TM2WCOaUyY-A2IAABJeYZ8pGxKjXiLDJrC_krgsnxAPtCm2bmS27BuFnb4kJNErY2bc7635zeLdyDG-4tU0_vByfUN36jckIOCQM8oHvx7XV_tID-87roYhtnSHXcM8VgMSRz6-cBcN7/s320/sof+weekly+pl.jpg" /></a></div></a><br />
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The new year is just around the corner so order soon! And a special thank you to everyone who has made the effort to find these calendars in stores and online since 2010. I know it's been a challenge considering the name confusion between companies, but we appreciate your loyalty and hope to see you again in 2013!<br />
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Copyright 2011 Shelly Reeves Smith, LLCShellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08973496168450628777noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3311091455498705727.post-777448779316968662011-09-25T23:29:00.000-07:002011-09-26T08:21:30.993-07:00History of ArtFor those of you who sat through Art History classes in college...and actually liked it...this is for you. <br />
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I recently bought this updated copy of the classic book <i>History of Art</i> by H.W. Janson and Anthony F. Janson. Does it bring back memories? I ordered this copy in a panic when I couldn't find my original from college. Of course, the day it arrived, I found the old one safely stored away. But now, I have a backup. <br />
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Janson, as some call it, is a huge coffee-table-size book filled with pictures of art from Etruscan urns to Andy Warhol's soup cans and filled with information about how each piece relates to other events of its time.<br />
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I'm not sure why it's important to have this book in my possession. I kept few things from college, but I can't seem to let go of this. Perhaps it's because it's so dense with information. Or maybe it's like a travel guide for the aspiring art collector/world traveler. <br />
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But the more likely scenario it that it reminds me of one of my favorite professors, Mrs. Harriet Mears. She was a small, soft-spoken, well-educated lady who exuded intelligence and kindness. She was always restrained and professional, but in her art history classes, her excitement was hard to contain. At times she would get so excited describing the cathedrals of Europe that she would almost seem out of breath. I completely understood - even only seeing them in pictures took my breath. <br />
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She also taught weaving and other art classes (I can just hear the snicking from the pre-med students) all of which I enjoyed mostly because she taught them. Her love for her job and for artistic effort was infectious. Anyone who knew her loved her company, whether they were a student or a colleague.<br />
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She was also a safe person to be around for those of us who were...how shall I say it....slow to grasp less objective styles of art. You know how it is...you can't admit to just <i>anyone</i> that you prefer neoclassical architecture to modernism or realism over abstract expressionism. <br />
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A week after buying the book, it came in handy in a different way. Ison decided he was a big boy and didn't need his high chair. So in the absence of a booster seat, we pressed Janson into service. Turns out, when paired with Carla Emery's <i>The Encyclopedia of Country Living</i>, it's just the right height to bring a 19-month-old child up to table height. <br />
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I wish Harriet could see this picture and meet my son. I think she would approve of this twist on "form follows function".<br />
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Copyright 2011 Shelly Reeves SmithShellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08973496168450628777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3311091455498705727.post-43238173490503646482011-09-17T23:36:00.000-07:002011-09-18T00:08:05.386-07:00My Summer VacationWell, it wasn't actually a vacation. I completed a calendar and worked on several other projects. But I did take a break from blogging to spend some extra time with my family. <br />
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In doing so, I spent a lot of time watching my son's first attempts at creating and building. In just a few short months, he has quickly gone from baby-toddler to little-boy-toddler. Among his new tricks and skills is stacking objects in interesting ways...like this kitchen-inspired sculpture that he made, then of course quickly abandoned for something much more interesting.<br />
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I didn't actually see him stack this, but I have watched him build towers before with other toys, like the Fisher Price POP-ONZ Pop & Twirl Building Table that our dear friends loaned us (I say "dear" because this is quite possibly the best toy ever invented). When my son, or any child, plays with it, I see them piece together colorful shaped blocks with unwavering confidence and enjoyment, then promptly congratulate themselves afterward with a rousing round of chubby-handed applause. <br />
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If one definition of art is the act of creating, then a child joyfully arranging objects to his liking has to qualify as art. Watching the process has certainly helped me remember that art should be playful...and temporary. As I have said before, in the midst of deadlines it's easy to forget that, in truth, everything around us is temporary, even the masterpiece we might be creating.<br />
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In taking time to play, we gain so much perspective. I hope you took time this summer to enjoy some unstructured time...and that you made sure to congratulate yourself afterward!<br />
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Copyright 2011 Shelly Reeves Smith, LLCShellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08973496168450628777noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3311091455498705727.post-13593653332859087912011-05-18T22:34:00.000-07:002011-05-21T21:25:27.347-07:00Western Wisdom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVBoUZVfqRZvTt3hK0BC-MguIQZ_YAHJme7nEw7mam8l5u3B_yJVOx2N-R0tad068Wzccf8cK2NiTZyG0doQMRr840wUXnr7N0IF03FRInryD1ASAmEL3HmXH_FgnO7bDQuv8mjJCFcOMI/s1600/Hopalong.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVBoUZVfqRZvTt3hK0BC-MguIQZ_YAHJme7nEw7mam8l5u3B_yJVOx2N-R0tad068Wzccf8cK2NiTZyG0doQMRr840wUXnr7N0IF03FRInryD1ASAmEL3HmXH_FgnO7bDQuv8mjJCFcOMI/s320/Hopalong.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I know this is an art blog. So why is there an old picture of a cowboy on this post? It's someone close to our hearts around here...Hopalong Cassidy, one of my husband's favorite cowboys.<br />
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My husband's grandfather was a real-life cowboy. His son, in turn, spent his childhood in the western lifestyle, working on ranches, riding horses and carrying a gun. Hearing all the stories from these men, my husband devoured as many Hopalong and other cowboy books as he could find as a kid. They were all easily 40-50 years older than he was at the time, but he enjoyed the stories, the adventures,..the heroes.<br />
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It's hard to believe it's been nearly 100 years since cowboys in books and later on the silver screen captured the imaginations of a generation of girls and boys. The stories were straightforward and the lessons clear - be honest, brave, responsible, work hard and help your neighbor. Oh, and be polite to ladies.<br />
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I did not grow up reading about the classic cowboys, but I was a devoted fan of those who appeared in the movies and on TV in later years like The Lone Ranger and Gene Autry...and of course, James Arness. I liked him so much that when we moved to Missouri, my main concern was that "they might not have Gunsmoke". For kids like me, Matt Dillon (U.S. Marshal, not teen idol) embodied all that was courageous, honorable...and handsome.<br />
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Recently, I stumbled across the list below from a Hopalong Cassidy promotional website and decided to print it and frame for my son's room. It will go perfectly with all of the western ephemera that he will surely inherit from his dad -- felt hats, Zane Grey books, Red Ryder BB gun, etc. But I realized how true the advice is and how we've somehow lost our need to rise to these standards. Sadly, they seem outdated. But I long for a day when we might return to teaching our children thoughtful principles like this.<br />
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So, here's to a simpler time, at least in our imaginations. When a publicity company would even think to print and distribute a "creed" like this -- and the public would actually buy it...and follow it. Here's also to timeless concepts such as right and wrong and thinking of others before yourself. What could be so bad about all that?<br />
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<b>Hopalong Cassidy's "Creed for American Boys and Girls"</b><br />
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1. The highest badge of honor a person can wear is honesty. Be mindful at all times. <br />
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2. Your parents are the best friends you have. Listen to them and obey their instructions. <br />
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3. If you want to be respected, you must respect others. Show good manners in every way. <br />
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4. Only through hard work and study can you succeed. Don't be lazy. <br />
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5. Your good deeds always come to light. So don't boast or be a show off. <br />
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6. If you waste time or money today, you will regret it tomorrow. Practice thrift in all ways. <br />
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7. Many animals are good and loyal companions. Be friendly and kind to them. <br />
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8. A strong, healthy body is a precious gift. Be neat and clean. <br />
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9. Our country's laws are made for your protection. Observe them carefully. <br />
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10. Children in many foreign lands are less fortunate than you. Be glad and proud you are an American.Shellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08973496168450628777noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3311091455498705727.post-58206947060529445802011-05-13T16:54:00.000-07:002011-05-17T08:56:31.677-07:00My SymphonySince I've been busy with spring deadlines, I haven't taken time to blog. My artist friends seem to be taking a break from online activity, too. We must all be holed up in our studios painting away!<br />
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However, I wanted to write briefly to share the activity going on outside the studio, in the yard around our farmhouse. We had an especially wet spring this year in southern Missouri. The weeks of rain and subsequent flooding were destructive, but the abundant water has been a boon for the flowers. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Y9MiLBW8YKU06tk6t_JOb2VZJTocAvT3c0yj2Fjax9C3479byH3go99G3Sio0i4vfJp1XD0zyg_MiVPudDSDOSXPMZh7oZjGDQZLUFvsid7RdNBEOQid4GYYGX2AQ6-KDFWmpSqGCMoP/s1600/IMG_3311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Y9MiLBW8YKU06tk6t_JOb2VZJTocAvT3c0yj2Fjax9C3479byH3go99G3Sio0i4vfJp1XD0zyg_MiVPudDSDOSXPMZh7oZjGDQZLUFvsid7RdNBEOQid4GYYGX2AQ6-KDFWmpSqGCMoP/s320/IMG_3311.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Foliage and flowers are more vibrant when freshly spritzed with rainwater. The shrubs and perennials seem more lush than usual, after weeks of daily watering.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnBGMzb4uiC0uTb2MvOnD-LUVAcY1rDamYdMSGqKwAz3jbkf4Hjj4S-Y7E2yxYuACGv8g8rEGnURBzvKkn3Lw3Y6JjVxyPnKyWlMQRVQr0i1WU4Xorre8m_hbZEHfdyNfBQrCO6qYH1yLA/s1600/IMG_3119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnBGMzb4uiC0uTb2MvOnD-LUVAcY1rDamYdMSGqKwAz3jbkf4Hjj4S-Y7E2yxYuACGv8g8rEGnURBzvKkn3Lw3Y6JjVxyPnKyWlMQRVQr0i1WU4Xorre8m_hbZEHfdyNfBQrCO6qYH1yLA/s320/IMG_3119.JPG" /></a></div><br />
I'm not a particularly whimsical person. In fact, my practical side sometimes gets in the way creatively. However, when it comes to flowers, I'm positively imaginative. To me, flowers always look like they're doing or thinking something. Even those confined to vases or draped over tables never look static. Rather, they appear to be engaged in conversation, bending toward one another as if to share a secret or show affection.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEichKSwoe9Vh55_eb4uK0uGwus3JxXeOqhZkK66Sc0dzl1NWGXSRdoD2MQ-CxGourcgqZrgnXmfU_C4bjH8fhqM6wyXb3J7xVGMyMPD89r_-PO-xRsr5xxl-TePFATKYumRy7tZWQ0jz4Zi/s1600/IMG_3330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEichKSwoe9Vh55_eb4uK0uGwus3JxXeOqhZkK66Sc0dzl1NWGXSRdoD2MQ-CxGourcgqZrgnXmfU_C4bjH8fhqM6wyXb3J7xVGMyMPD89r_-PO-xRsr5xxl-TePFATKYumRy7tZWQ0jz4Zi/s320/IMG_3330.JPG" /></a></div><br />
But because of all the rain this year, what used to seem like a conversation to me is more like a symphony. Waiting for flowers to bloom this year was like sitting in a grand hall, waiting for musicians to begin their performance. First, March and hyacinths, like the principle oboe directing the intonation with a single A note...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfBbx1dmhc77bJD9Ve1QvYaok_aoRTCQJrN7C3_RIjl_S8M05b8IYX_9oj9GauzN3KiqnvANXbBPUq2-h1Qz59GEZuLzy7fKHLkDeCzBwGF7fuyAOXyVoSc7mrm2WBo0HkuMF1lkTmXN-x/s1600/IMG_3121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfBbx1dmhc77bJD9Ve1QvYaok_aoRTCQJrN7C3_RIjl_S8M05b8IYX_9oj9GauzN3KiqnvANXbBPUq2-h1Qz59GEZuLzy7fKHLkDeCzBwGF7fuyAOXyVoSc7mrm2WBo0HkuMF1lkTmXN-x/s320/IMG_3121.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Then followed by the swirls of random tuning in different registers -- the bleeding heart, lilac, sun-kissed jonquils, tulips and delicate violets. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWituAqvuxBAjQS-7lfYFToP8WgXGrABoIDA6l33U_0-PKcwgQSu8mVqdFwBr9IGiLVKRO6LO0XjiQsVxqSxtkdqJLRXr0gozc9Sip9eTeD9hA7pgQCmU2DU5NZEBN802QikkblJlOQZZL/s1600/IMG_3326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="214" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWituAqvuxBAjQS-7lfYFToP8WgXGrABoIDA6l33U_0-PKcwgQSu8mVqdFwBr9IGiLVKRO6LO0XjiQsVxqSxtkdqJLRXr0gozc9Sip9eTeD9hA7pgQCmU2DU5NZEBN802QikkblJlOQZZL/s320/IMG_3326.JPG" /></a></div><br />
At some point mid-April, everything gets quiet before the big reveal...the iris and peonies wait until just the right moment...<br />
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Then it begins, usually with the spider-wort (which is actually much friendlier than the name suggests)...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOG1PPWLaTQodKcAx8ql6cQ5LsxLfgwuTs-Xgoblo10E_nAR712BNYlX6JU5ifvn9tYbeNaNpjEcuzniRQImzp4zHqC7R-H6dwXNLHYUJLnZfiPEqnrCc8drzs-ZvRn0UmBOBHLue2pb6z/s1600/IMG_3475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOG1PPWLaTQodKcAx8ql6cQ5LsxLfgwuTs-Xgoblo10E_nAR712BNYlX6JU5ifvn9tYbeNaNpjEcuzniRQImzp4zHqC7R-H6dwXNLHYUJLnZfiPEqnrCc8drzs-ZvRn0UmBOBHLue2pb6z/s320/IMG_3475.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Flowering shrubs of all kinds, fences overflowing with honeysuckle and the billowy, soft peonies. On clear evenings when the setting sun filters the light, the scene is so richly painted.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGCJ99NQK0wqqYw91WxUMsMlM1GcAH2t9XO_AQUgKjHoecbpTpsP2DttP0y_6vTKMjsFHcFqCi-x-Wvbc9B_N3zE8rXpigVzg8YeNFDx7z07qVJXWDA4DmiFsJHL2Uwtx9xeiCTTRsmoiQ/s1600/IMG_3307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="214" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGCJ99NQK0wqqYw91WxUMsMlM1GcAH2t9XO_AQUgKjHoecbpTpsP2DttP0y_6vTKMjsFHcFqCi-x-Wvbc9B_N3zE8rXpigVzg8YeNFDx7z07qVJXWDA4DmiFsJHL2Uwtx9xeiCTTRsmoiQ/s320/IMG_3307.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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Of course, living here in Missouri, the woods are never far away, so the wildflowers join in over the fence row, taking their turn to bloom, as if on cue.<br />
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I know, you're thinking...if you're imagining music in the yard, you just might be spending too much time alone! True! But if you're a person for which solitary tasks are necessary, flowers are great company. <br />
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Of course, it won't be long before the harmony in May turns into a rave of weeds and bugs in July, but I'm going to enjoy this peaceful time of year while it lasts.Shellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08973496168450628777noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3311091455498705727.post-8595492555602733292011-04-05T23:11:00.000-07:002011-04-07T20:12:15.635-07:00Back to the Drawing BoardOver the past few months, I have been sketching for various projects and thinking about how much I enjoy this part of the design process. In doing so, I stumbled onto this sketch from the 2012 calendar projects.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz7_cjd_gMgtIL7s5gx1hr9LmBajB8mD9sfK82T73RbGtZ4KWqPYTbe1AvHCA9EeRlbx4uh35Qt8cZpb8lgwFN_WS2SXYRzSAI7183EGqABCP1BSn3zWb4i89BIl0tpLFcajYCW5AiaGdU/s1600/IMG_3098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="242" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz7_cjd_gMgtIL7s5gx1hr9LmBajB8mD9sfK82T73RbGtZ4KWqPYTbe1AvHCA9EeRlbx4uh35Qt8cZpb8lgwFN_WS2SXYRzSAI7183EGqABCP1BSn3zWb4i89BIl0tpLFcajYCW5AiaGdU/s320/IMG_3098.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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It is obviously quick and rough. But aren't sketches like this appealing? Even ones rendered in a hurry, with little notes all over them, I find hard to throw way.<br />
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Perhaps it's because they reveal so much about the decision-making that goes on in a painting...and the possibilities. It's not just about how the painting turned out, but all of the other ways it's could have turned out. It's sometimes hard to discard the ideas that one sketch represents.<br />
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Here is an excerpt of that February spread, in final form. The bookmark will be moved to the right side and some other elements and colors have been tweaked, but it's fun to see this one version of the sketch come to life.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipCwztrlh6r54uImzyfHusxEhCwHABCmPjLIUVY2mtkAhI_fwTpxrsPPcuF7TptruNPyh6GsdpFlTeD4yGgyt3XMwpcSgKMkFcmpnQIoUoxpz4o-jX6dWpb0FFMXPJOLipwyUrTAfG2B_r/s1600/IMG_3094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="209" width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipCwztrlh6r54uImzyfHusxEhCwHABCmPjLIUVY2mtkAhI_fwTpxrsPPcuF7TptruNPyh6GsdpFlTeD4yGgyt3XMwpcSgKMkFcmpnQIoUoxpz4o-jX6dWpb0FFMXPJOLipwyUrTAfG2B_r/s320/IMG_3094.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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And here, a close-up of Kerry Boone's lovely verse.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXuZm7UIc3KgxJciTdkAYsJRBGRaEYqQxZu-AwqP_sveWYsB09Ggp3YQi4KXZXxeHNErErSHPJANdMz29u1srWX92STMgVGckqur7Z7aFmm9Ycd1nD0RNKuIFV44htS5A9Rb31mlMRrJT2/s1600/IMG_3096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXuZm7UIc3KgxJciTdkAYsJRBGRaEYqQxZu-AwqP_sveWYsB09Ggp3YQi4KXZXxeHNErErSHPJANdMz29u1srWX92STMgVGckqur7Z7aFmm9Ycd1nD0RNKuIFV44htS5A9Rb31mlMRrJT2/s320/IMG_3096.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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The 2012 Seasons of Friendship calendar, along with the Abundant Blessings version, will be available in stores in July. You know, calendars are a little like sketches, too. Their empty pages represent so many possibilities...dates waiting be filled with events and plans. Perhaps that's why some of us can't throw these away either!<br />
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Copyright 2011 Shelly Reeves SmithShellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08973496168450628777noreply@blogger.com6