For decades i couldn't take watercolor seriously. It never appealed to me and i think it is because i didn't believe it was capable of bright happy colors or much contrast. A few years ago, i came across a painting in a book that changed my mind. It was a waterfowl of some kind....maybe a stork....standing in a swamp. It had deep darks and bright blues and even pure white highlights. (I wish i could remember the name of the artist.) At the time, though, i was occupied with too many other things so i still didn't look into watercolor.
Recently i came across Maria Raczynska's You Tube channel and i was totally inspired. She posts videos regularly of her painting process and they are all lovely.
So far i have done several practice pieces, one commisision of three florals including calligraphy, and here is my latest attempt. It is a gift for a friend who loves roosters. :)

Netflix has a new original series in which it reveals the deception behind the production and distribution of many common food products. The first episode, about honey, is especially interesting. Check it out.
​​https://www.netflix.com/title/80146284

Shadedlily has two new soaps this season. Coming soon to shadedlily.com is Evergreen and Candy Cane. :)

​http://www.mostwatchedtoday.com/nature-valley-rediscover-nature/

I have long had an interest in drawing and painting, particularly living things. Recently, i came across Will Kemp's art school. It is very well put together and i was inspired and able to pick up on quite a bit just from his free tutorials. When i have time later, i may buy one of his priced classes also. This is my first attempt at an acrylic painting since finding and studying his site. (5x7 on hardboard) 

 What is GMO? 
GMO stands for Genetically Modified Organism. 

Here is the actual definition:
[ noun
1. genetically modified organism: an organism or microorganism whose genetic material  has been altered by means of genetic engineering. ]

It seems when people talk about GMO's, they are usually referring to genetically modified foods. Are GMO foods bad? Are they damaging to human health? Are they damaging to the environment?

If you have ten minutes, take a look at the debate.

One of the original founders of Greenpeace, Patrick Moore, has this to say:
https://www.prageru.com/courses/environmental-science/are-gmos-good-or-bad
​
But Dr. Joseph Mercola has a very different perspective:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FkY8tKS1uo

So what do you think? Do you avoid GMO's? Do you reach for the product which has the "Non GMO Project Verified" label? If so, why?

     So there are probably many things in life that you appreciate instruction in. How to set up a new printer. How to roast a chicken. How to change a tire. I'll bet you never expected someone to instruct you on bar soap use. 
     Strangely enough, it is necessary; but it is also brief.

Step One:
     Keep the bar on a slatted surface so that air can circulate beneath, allowing the bar to completely dry between uses. 

Step Two:
......er....actually. That's all. It was that simple. ;)

Natural, real bar soap is best for your skin, and it loves water. Leave it in a puddle, and it will become one. 

Shaded Lily all natural cold process bar soaps are cured for a full 6 weeks before being shipped out to customers. This is for the purpose of providing you with a nice solid bar. One 6 oz bar, kept dry between uses, should last one person 8-10 weeks as a daily shower bar. (We haven't tested a bar left wet, but a reasonable estimate is probably less than 4 weeks.)

A Favorite Chickpea Soup with Moroccan Spices

Ingredients:
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 onion, chopped
6 to 8 cloves garlic, pressed
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon cayenne or chipotle powder
1 heaping teaspoon paprika
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced, crushed, or even whole plum tomatoes
3 (15-ounce) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed well. (I often soak and boil the dry ones instead.)
6 cups favorite broth
1 teaspoon sugar
Sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 (5-ounce) package pre-washed baby spinach (Other greens do just as well.)
Cooked Rice

Directions:
1. Chop or process onion and garlic and saute in olive oil until soft.
​2. Combine the four spices and stir into onion and garlic. Continue sauteing five more minutes.
3. Add the tomatoes, chickpeas, broth, and sugar, salt and pepper. Simmer 10 minutes.
4. Add spinach and serve over rice. (if using other greens, more simmering time may be needed here.)