Goode News

Why Use Goat's Milk Soap

2010-05-21T19:45:00.000-04:00

If you are not a soap maker you may not realize the benefits of goat's milk soap. So I am going to share a few with you. Goat's milk soap may cost a little more than the soaps that you can buy at your local grocery store but the difference it makes to your skin is well worth it. If you are troubled by acne or eczema, then goat's milk soap is great for you. Did you know that goat's milk contains vitamins A,C,& E? Goat's milk soap contains glycerin for luxurious skin softening,which in most commercial soaps has been removed because the substance is valuable to sell for its moisturizing properties.

There are no artificial additives or harsh detergents in goat's milk soap such as alcohol, petroleum and preservatives. Goat's milk soap also contains lactic acid,an alpha hydroxy acid commonly used in skin rejuvenation products.

Our customers who use our goat's milk soap are adamant about its qualities and are willing to tell you about them. If you would like to experience the benefits from our goat's milk soap just contact us at www.goodescents.com or gs1@bellsouth.net

Resources
Why goat milk soap?
eHow

Phoebe Allens WebCam

2010-03-16T11:27:00.000-04:00

Phoebe Allens WebCam

History of Essential Oils

2010-02-02T21:12:00.007-05:00

According to the translation of ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics and Chinese manuscripts, priests and physicians were using extracted oils from plants for healing thousands of years before Christ. This makes essential oils the earliest known medicine. Highly revered, the Pharaohs of ancient Egypt routinely exchanged Blue Lotus Oil with the kings of India for slaves, gold and other precious goods. And so it is, essential oils were at one time in history considered more valuable than gold. The Egyptians created fragrances for personal use as well as for ritualistic and ceremonial use in temples and pyramids. According to the earliest historical records available, they used balsamic substances with aromatic properties for medicine. Egyptian high priests used fragrances for opening the subconscious mind and increasing their ability to communicate with the spirit world. In 1817 the 870-foot Ebers Papyrus was discovered. Dating back to 1500 B.C., it was called a medicinal scroll. It mentioned over 800 herbal perscriptions and remedies. Other scrolls indicate that the Egyptians had a high success rate in treating as many as 81 different diseases. Many mixtures they used contained myrrh and honey. Myrrh was used for embalming becouse of it's effectiveness in preventing bacterial growth.

The Romans
also played an important role in the history of essential oils. They were very much into fumigating and diffusing oils in their temples and political buildings as well as bathing in hot tubs scented with oils followed by a fragrant massage with their favorite oils.

During a devastating plaque in Athens in 200 B.C., Hippocrates fumigated the entire Greek city with aromatic essence to prevent further spreading of disease. By the 12 century, almost every monastery and convent in Europe planted a garden of healing herbs, and some of those herbs found their way into purification ceremonies. A 16th-century doctor from Verona, Italy, had such success warding off the plaque using aromatic oils that the town erected a statue in his honor.

Spice container
Venice, 17-18th-century.

Hardy's Bisquits

2010-01-21T20:22:00.003-05:00

My first love was cooking. That was before I got into making wonderful soy candles and soy based natural bath and body products. I spend most of my time creating new ideas for our lotions, soaps and scrubs. But occasionly I go back to my favorite recipe's and indulge in my passion for creating comfort food, one of which I am going to share with you today. Have you ever pulled into a Hardy's Drive Thru and could not wait for the car in front of you to move on so you could get that mouth watering Bacon egg and cheese bisquit? Well I have, which made me go on the quest to find the recipe. My family has enjoyed this for years and now I am ready to share it with you. I know we are all very busy but I make them on a Saturday or Sunday and freeze them until ready to use.

5 cups self rising flour
1 cup crisco
2 pkgs yeast
1/4 cup warm water
2tsp sugar
1tsp soda
2 cups buttermilk

Mix together flour, sugar and soda. Dissolve yeast in warm water and set aside. Add 1 cup crisco to flour mixture and mix well. Add buttermilk and then yeast mixture. Stir well and refrigerate overnight. Bake at 400.

You will never have to wait in a drive thru again because they are wonderful to freeze and warm in the microwave.

Please don't shoot the blogger. She is doing the best she can.

2010-01-14T13:54:00.005-05:00

I promised myself that in the new year I would begin blogging. Today is January 14 and my mind is still blank. Why won't the words come? Am I trying to hard? Surely I can come up with something. I am never at a loss for words when it comes to talking but putting into print just feels different to me it's like exposing myself to the world but I am willing to give it a try, so here it is.

On Tuesday January 12, 2010 there were two events making headlines. The World News was focusing on the earthquake in Haiti, while the Sports Media was focusing on the abrupt departure of the University of Tennessee football coach Lane Kiffin, after only fourteen months on the job. He left to take a job at USC where he had coached previously. This sudden departure left the university, the fans, the football players, the new recruits along with the whole city feeling betrayed. There were riot like demonstrations by students on campus. Social Networking such as face book and twitter were flooded with people voicing there hateful and mean comments. I need to say here that I was one of them. I was caught up in the frenzy of the moment. I had forgotten that there was another news story that day....Haiti...oh yes, Haiti in the city of Port-au- Prince where the earthquake has devastated the city and left thousands upon thousands wounded and dead. Families separated and homes destroyed. How could I forget so quickly?

Yes there were two news stories that day. One we will move on from and it will all work out. the other will not be so easy. The devastation is so monumental that it will be felt across the globe for a very long time. So I ask myself, can I do anything to change this? Maybe not but I am going to put my efforts into the news story that has changed Haiti.
Evelyn Miller

The title of this post is taken from a quote by Oscar Wilde

Lovely Lavender

2009-06-19T16:24:00.008-04:00

I have always loved the smell of Lavender. From the very first time that my mom pulled me close to give me a hug and smelling that sweet fragrance that was her Lavender body power until today it is still my favorite fragrance. I really never knew that much about the versatility of Lavender until we started our candle and bath & body business and I started to research the benefits of natural herbs.
The ancient Greeks called the lavender herb nardus, after the Syrian city of Naarda. It was also commonly called nard.
Lavender was one of the holy herbs used in the biblical Temple to prepare the holy essence, and Nard is mentioned in the Song of Solomon (4,14) .During Roman times, flowers were sold for 100 denarii per pound, which was about the same as a month's wages for a farm labourer. Lavender was commonly used in Roman baths to scent the water, and it was thought to restore the skin. The oil from Lavender may be used externally or topically for a wide variety of ailments. Lavender is frequently used in by Aroma therapists as a inhalation therapy to help with nervous disorders and exhaustion.
Culinary use of Lavender
Chefs in and around Provence, France have been incorporating this herb into their cuisine for centuries, either alone or as an ingredient of heres de Provence,. I love this blend and I buy it from William Sonoma. Lavender lends a floral, slightly sweet, and elegant flavour to most dishes, and pairs beautifully with various sheep's and goat's milk cheeses. Personally I find that Lavender is most akin to rosemary and I use it as a rub on my roast, chicken, and even fish.
I want to leave you with a recipes that I love. I will post more later.
Lavender Tea Cakes (a classic butter cookie perfumed with Lavender)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
2 sticks (1 cup ) unsalted butter softened
1 cup DayBreak Farm Lavender Sugar.
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
Into a bowl sift together flour, salt,and baking powder. In a large bowl with an electric mixer beat butter until creamy. Gradually add sugar, beating until mixture is light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla and beat until combined well. Gradually add flour mixture, beating until mixture just forms a dough. Divide dough between two sheets of wax paper and form each half into a 10-x1 1/2 incg log, wrapping it in wax papper. Chill logs until firm, at least 4 hours, and up to 5 days. Dough may be frozen, wrapped in foil, 2 months. Let dough soften slightly before cutting. Preheat oven to 375 and lightly butter a baking sheet. Cut dough into 1/8 -inch -thick slices and arrange slices about 1/2 inch apart on baking sheet. Bake cookies in batches in middle of oven until golden around edges. 10 to 12 minutes, and transfer with a metal spatula to a rack to cool. Cookies may be kept in an airtight container at room tempture for 5 days.
Stay tuned to the Goode News Blog for more updates on the uses for Lavender.

Honeysuckle's and Hummingbirds

2009-06-02T20:02:00.006-04:00

Topping the list of all the things I love, besides the aroma of a good cup of coffee, topping the list is the sweet smell of honeysuckle. And to watch a hummingbird hovering to drink the honey nectar from the flower. The fragrance of honeysuckle takes me back to summertime's now long gone before air conditioners and T V. As a young girl I remember the fragrance of honeysuckle consuming the night air as we sat on the porch and indulged ourselves in the sweetness. And by day we would pick the flowers and consume that one drop of liquid candy that was the nectar in each honeysuckle flower. I remember my brothers teaching me how to pick the flower and then carefully pull on the end of the flower and a string would show up and you would gently pull it down the center of the flower and then put that one drop of sweetness in your mouth and indulge.
Suburban sprawl has taken away most of our wild honeysuckles. I still have some in my yard but I know a lot of people that don't. So I invite those of you who don't to try our Honeysuckle Fragrance Soy Candle to bring summer into your home and enjoy the smell of summer all year long. Just go to our website at http://www.goodescents.com/ to find an array of of natural soy products.
Evelyn & Debbie

Real Men Wear Old Spice

2009-05-30T20:10:00.003-04:00

I remember Christmas Morning as a child and my dad opening the red box that contained the white bottle with the blue ship on it that was Old Spice. We all sat and watched as he opened it because we knew this was his favorite. I grew up with the aroma of Old Spice. My dad, my brothers, my uncles, all wore Old Spice and I wasn't aware that any man wore anything else.

Then came all the signature fragrances but nothing ever aroused my senses like a man wearing Old Spice.

Now I find that Old Spice is the official deodorant and body wash of NASCAR and racing champ Tony Stewart just when I thought that men didn't know a Real Man's Fragrance.

Every time Tony wins a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series or NASCAR Nationwide Series race during the 2009 season, he'll autograph the towel he wears in Victory Lane and turn it over to Old Spice to acution off to a lucky fan.

We understand that 100% of the proceeds will benefit the Tony Stewart Foundation.

Because we at Goode Scents want every man we know to have the Old Spice experience we have created a fragrance similar to Old Spice that will give you the ultimate feeling of manhood.

Named for my father and Debbie's grandfather "Ben Cates" who used nothing but Old Spice. We offer "Ben Cates "body wash and "Ben Cates" soaps. Our body wash is rich in Aloa Vera and our soaps are enriched with oatmeal which is very moisturizing and great for dry skin.

Whether you buy from us at Goode Scents or direct from Old Spice we are so happy to see a resurgance of a Real Mans Fragrance.

Evelyn & Debbie

Vote for Goode Scents

2008-09-17T23:20:00.001-04:00

New Fall Fragrances

2008-09-15T08:43:00.005-04:00

We are so excited to introduce our new fall fragrances to you. This year we ask our customers to help us in choosing what fragrances to use in our fall and holiday collection. And as always they have submitted wonderful choices. Below is listed the most requested fragrances from our customers.

Apple Jack Peel: Apple & spices with a sweet background.

Autumn Leaves: A musky fragrance with a hint of bergamot and clove and a dash of vanilla and plum. Another truly unique smell.

Bayberry: Cinnamon & clove mixed with cedarwood & spruce enhanced by peppermint on a dry down of vanilla.

Candy Corn: Smells just like candy corn with no calories!

Christmas Cabernet: A sweet robust medley of sun kissed strawberries and rich vintage grapes with delicate rose petals and soft sensual musk.

Christmas Spice/Country Spice: A classic blend of traditional holiday kitchen spices, fruits and baked goods: gingerbread cookies, cinnamon, nutmeg, orang & pumpkin with a warm lingering mixture of cinnamon leaf with a hint of vanilla.

Cinnamon Apples: Baked apple with ground cinnamon sprinkled on top.

Fireside: A combination of red hot cinnamon and ground cloves.

Freshed Baked Bread: A crispy crust and warm steamy soft in the middle..you dont even need butter to enjoy this one!

Holiday Wassail: A festive holiday punch made by simmering apple cider, orange juice, pineapple juice, and lemon slices with cloves,cinnamon sticks and nutmeg, then warmed with a hint of brandy! An old fashioned favorite served hot on a cold day!

Home for the Holidays: A cosy blend of Christmas Tree and warm spices.

Mistletoe Kisses: A mixture of fruit (Raspberries, Lemons, and more) and pine to make a great Christmas Fragrance.

Pumpkin Souffle: A spicy pumpkin puree with orange zest, ginger, cinnamon, crushed nutmeg, clove, banilla creme and whipped cream.

Pumpkin Spice: Blend of cinnamon & clove with vanilla & coconut.

Smell of Christmas: Rich and delicious spice and citrus notes of cinnamon, clove and orange with vanilla undertones.

Warm Orange Gingerbread: Fresh baked gingerbread cookie with the aroma of spices and vanilla with a twist of orange.

Winter Nights: A very unique fragrance of mint and musk with an undertone of floral. This is a very unusual fragrance that just draws you back everytime.

It is our sincere desire that each and everyone will find something from our list of candle fragrances that you can enjoy for yourself or give to a friend. And remember if you do not find your favorite on our list we always welcome your special request.

Evelyn & Debbie

"Football Time In Tennessee"

2008-08-16T18:15:00.001-04:00

In two weeks it will be

"Football Time in Tennessee" Now that might not mean much to some people but here it is a way of life. There will be 195000 fans on hand to watch the Vols run through the "T" as the band plays "Rocky Top". The Vol Navy will arrive by water on Wednesday or Thursday to get their place at the docks. Campers and Motor Homes will be on Noland Drive back to back as they start tailgating early in the week. The whole city will become a sea of ORANGE. There will be orange flags everywhere. Bank tellers, store cashiers, waiters, even some of our doctors wear Orange Scrubs. That is the way it is when you live in the city that is the home to The University Of Tennessee.

With this in mind we felt it only appropriate to make our very own Orange "T" Guest Soap. So for all you U.T. Fans out there who may be living somewhere else but want to show your colors.

You can order it on line at http://www.goodescents.com/ it is not pictured there but you can just contact us and we will get it on its way to you.

Evelyn & Debbie

The Smells of Fall

2008-07-17T11:20:00.000-04:00

Debbie and I are in the process of creating our new fall fragrances. How can you think of fall when we are in the middle of summer, you may ask? Well in our business as well as any other you are always thinking ahead. And I love to think ahead about fall since it is my favorite season of the year. Fall to me invokes so many memories and now I know why thanks to the study of aromachology (you can find out more about this on our website). Even though my first day of school was more than 60 years ago I will never forget the smell of that big round red lead pencil and the paper with the green lines for us to write on and the big fat Crayola's that we used for art. And then there are the smells from the county fair: cotton candy, funnel cakes and of course corn dogs. And as we sit with friends and watch our favorite college football team play on Saturday (ours being the TENNESSEE VOLS.) I think the smells of fall are more intense or our senses are more in tune to them when we look at the yellow, brown and red color from the changing leaves against that beautiful blue autumn sky and of course we can't forget that first smell of wood burning as we lite our fireplaces for the first fire of the season.

So these are some of the reasons we are thinking about fall and what new fragrances we will come up with for your enjoyment. Of course we will keep the old favorites such as candy corn, pumpkin spice and apple jack peel. We also love to get suggestions from our customers. The other day we got a request for clove, just clove. So we did a candle in clove and shipped it out. It always makes us happy to be able to fulfill a special request so please feel free to ask for your favorite fragrance and let it take you back to a wonderful memory.

Evelyn & Debbie

Soy Lotion and Silkier Legs

2008-07-09T19:56:00.000-04:00

In the April issue of Self Magazine In the beauty question & Answer section I came across the following:
Question- I use a moisturizer that contains soy to slow hair growth on my legs. Am I getting a dose of feminizing hormones through my skin?
Answer - You're right that soy has phytoestrogens, plant compounds that can act like the human hormone estrogen. When eaten, as in tofu, the amount your body absorbs can be significant, but "When soy is applied to your skin, the amount of phytoestrogens absorbed is minuscule and unlikely to have any systemic effects," says Jeffrey Benabio, M.D., a dermatologist in San Diego. Interestingly, the ogttoestrogens aren't what is taming hair growth: Soy also contains proteins called soybean trypsin inhibitors and Bowman-Birk protease inhibitors, which block specific enzymes in the skin that are responsible for hair pigmentation and growth. So you can be silkier safely.

OUR BOYS

2008-07-04T19:41:00.000-04:00

This is our boy's. Each came to us in a different way. After having our family cat for twenty years and her passing I had friends who wanted to give me another cat. I held out for over a year but I had this one friend who wouldn't give up. It seems that she had three siamese to show up on her doorstep. She was able to give away two of them but still had one left. She had to keep him outside because she had two cats of her own inside. Well after much arm twisting I gave in to take him. We named him freebie because he was. Well he didn't take to living inside to well and let us know that on a regular basis. We could pet him but only for a short while and that first trip to the vet was something to write home about. Well the week of Thanksgiving my husband was sitting on the front porch (yes we live in Tennessee, you can sit on the front porch at Thanksgiving) When up the walk came this little baby kitten and crawled up his leg into his lap. P.G. (Poppa's Gift) He came to live inside and become Freebie's best friend. They love each other and what a blessing for us.

GOODE SCENTS CANDLES NOW APPEARING ON THE STRIP IN LAS VEGAS

2008-07-03T08:16:00.000-04:00

You will now be able to buy "Goode Scents " candles at the Boutique Amor located on the Strip in Las Vegas. When marketing your product never underestimate the "word of mouth" approach. That is the very reason our candles have made their was to Las Vegas. If someone likes your product they will tell others about it and that is what we find happening with our candles and bath and body products. When we started our business last year we knew we had a great product but how were we going to let others know? We had very little money so a big marketing campaign was out of the question. The next best thing...start giving samples to our friends who in turn told their friends. I have not been surprised to get an order from someone who received a sample months ago. Above all we believe in our products and we are always thinking of ways to share them with others. So far our customers have done a great job in doing that for us. So if you can't be in Las Vegas check us out at www.goodescents.com

All My Friends Are Gonna Get Pickles

2008-06-28T17:24:00.000-04:00

My husband has a garden which he is very proud of. Along with other things he raises is cucumbers an more cucumbers and more cucumbers. So I decided that I would make pickles. Sweet pickles, bread and butter pickles, dill pickles, kosher pickles any kind of pickles that I could find a recipe for. Today he brought me my first crop of pickles. They were cute little things but what was I to do? As I stared at them I remembered what I said to him about making pickles . I couldn't back out now because he had such a pleased look on his face that his wife after all these years was going to do something with his harvest. Now what are my choices? Do I call a friend and ask "how do you make pickles"? Or do I go to the old trusty Internet and type in pickles? Well I did both and after looking at several recipe's I came up with using a little bit from several that I viewed. So after slicing, chopping, measuring, preping jars, I am waiting. Yes waiting. For three hours I will be waiting while thoes little cucumbers, onions, peppers, garlic, salt, are covered with ice for three hours. Did I mention that I have never canned before? Well I can't let that stop me I told my husband that I would make pickles. SO THAT IS WHY ALL MY FRIENDS ARE GONNA GET PICKLES!

God Bless America

2008-06-24T19:58:00.000-04:00

As we approach another fourth of July I take time from all my complaining to acknowledge what a wonderful land we live in. America land of the free. Many before us paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. So that we may practice the faith that we choose without fear. Speak our minds even if it others don't agree. So many thousands came to these shores seeking that freedom that today we take for granite. I could go on and on but I think the words of Irving Berlin say it best.

"While Storm clouds gather far across the sea,

Let us swear allegiance to a land that's free,

Let us all be grateful for a land so fair,

As we raise our voices in a solemn prayer."

God Bless America

Land that I love.

Stand beside her, and guide her

Thru the night with a light from above.

From the Mountains, to the prairies.

To the oceans, white with foam

God bless America. My home sweet home.

Photo taken by me 11/23/07

Thought for the day.

2008-06-18T08:12:00.002-04:00

"A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle"

James Keller

Thought for the day.

2008-06-18T08:12:00.001-04:00

Thought for the day.

2008-06-16T09:22:00.000-04:00

"If everyone lit just one little candle what a bright world this would be"
Little Candle, (George Mysels/ J. Maloy Roach)

New River Gorge Bridge

2008-06-14T18:22:00.000-04:00

The New River Gorge Bridge is located in Fayette County in West Virginia. It is the world's second largest single span steel arch bridge. Spanning the gorge at over 876 feet. This picture is taken from a bit beneath the bridge. It is only legal to walk on the bridge once a year on the third Saturday in October when you are able to watch Base jumpers leap off. It is the site of the largest single day festival in West Virginia. We discovered it quite by accident when we were in West Virginia to visit a realitive. The bridge officially opened on October 22, 1977 after three years of construction. It is the longest steel arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere with a 1,700 foot span. It is the second hightes bridge in the U.S. at 876 feet. The bridge lenght is 3,030 feet. The deck width is 69 feet, 4 inches. Total weight is 88 million pounds. It is totaly awesome.

My thoughts on Father's Day

2008-06-13T17:14:00.000-04:00

I have always had a little trouble with Father's Day. I remember growing up and going to the store to look for a Father's Day Card. I would search and search for one that was appropriate for my dad. I could never find one because they all expounded about how wonderful to have a dad like you, the joy from being loved, the confidence that comes from being believed in, the sense of security that comes from knowing you're there if I need you. I never felt any of these things from my dad so I just ended up getting a card that said "Wishing you a happy Father's Day". I think my dad would love to have shown all these attributes if he had known how to. He was never taught how to show real love. His mother died when he was only eighteen months old and he was raised by a stepmother who did the best that she could having had two children of her own. My dad was born July 25th 1909. My mother was born October 25th 1910. They were married on April 16th 1927 when he was 18 and she was 17. Then followed first born son born June 5th 1928. Second born son January 9th 1930. Third born son September 8th 1932. Fourth born son January 13th 1937 died January 19th 1937. First born daughter November 28th 1939 and fifth born son September 25 th 1941. Most of my memories of my dad was of him being drunk. That is not to say that he didn't have times of being sober he did but they were few. When he was drunk he was mean. But when he was sober we had so much fun and we would do things like go camping and fishing and drive to the mountains. As I get older the bad times seem to fade and the good times seem more predominate. But when I think of Father's Day I think of my brothers who where really my father figure they didn't let the alcoholism past down to them and control their lives although a couple of them struggled with it. Each of my brothers as well as myself have managed to live productive lives and produce children and grandchildren who have graduated college and gone on to be people we are proud of.
So I suppose I have written all of this just to say that I am so proud of my brothers. They have always been there for me, each in his own way and I do love them for it. Some may think it is tough being the only girl in a family of four brothers....well you are right. They hold me to such high esteem that I have to watch every move that I make. They don't like to think that I could say anything that would be unlady like. But I can. They think that everything I do is perfect. But its not. I am a real person who has many flaws but my brothers don't think that I do and I love them for it. It keeps me on my toes. So this Father's Day I want to honor my brothers...Charles who is in heaven, Bill who I grow to love more each day, Ben Jr. who has always had my heart. and Joe who is so refreshing and makes me laugh.
Happy Father's Day My Brothers. and remember....not all our memories are good ones, but the good ones are the ones we want to remember. And our daddy loved us as much as he was capable of loving.
I love you,
your sister

A wedding on the Holston River

2008-06-11T19:05:00.000-04:00

Wow, I just have to talk about the wedding of Josh and Cynthia Maples. I am what you might call a wedding director (using the term loosely) I am one of the wedding directors at my church where everything is done the same way for all weddings. Sometimes I step out on my own and direct weddings for friends and family. That is what I did last week for my adoptive nephew.....I will explain adoptive later. It was a very warm evening in East Tennessee 98 degrees to be exact and we were on the banks of the beautiful Holston River For the wedding of Josh & Cynthia. I have to tell you that these two young people are remarkable. They were so laid back and so much in love that they were not thinking of themselves. They just wanted their guest to have fun and share in the beginning of their life together. They got married in front of an ivy covered arbor with the Holston River and our wonderful mountains in the background. They were all barefoot including the bride, with the men wearing linen drawstring pants and white linen shirts. Both the bride and groom only had two attendendant's who were their best friends . I have to say they made me proud. I have known Josh from birth. And now I need to explain adoptive. Josh's family owns the company that I work for. I have been working there thirty four years. There is a brother and two sisters (the father has passed).
and one sister has retired. Which leaves one sister and one brother but there are other cousins. So on my 60Th birthday, which was eight years ago they decided to adopt me. We didn't go through the court but I do have a certificate making me an official cousin.
Now back to the bride and groom. What a gracious couple. It makes be believe in young people again. In 98 degree weather not one complaint from either one of them. Their attendant's were so pleasant to work with and I can't say enough about the groomsman who seated everyone with such poise and laughter in the overpowering heat. I was one of the last to leave along with with the mother of the groom. As we looked out over the beautiful landscape, the river running as it has for centuries and the mountains in the background we said "this is good". The two people who started their new life together tonight gives us hope for our future.

2008-06-09T18:39:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow is Debbie's birthday. She is my brothers first born and I remember so vividly the day they brought her home from the hospital. I thought she was the prettiest baby I had ever seen. I was twelve years old at the time and thought, now I had a real live baby doll to play with. And we did. Play that is. By the time I was married she was a teenager and I did not have my daughter yet so Debbie was still my baby doll. I use to take her shopping for clothes and one summer I took her for her first trip to the beach. When she came home her hair was several shades lighter. We told her parents it was from the sun but it was from a peroxide bottle. I have never seen the true color of her hair since. I won't divulge Debbie's age but I am twelve years older than she and I am sixty eight so you figure it out. Through the years she has taught me a lot. She is one of the most crafty people that I know. When my daughter was pregnant with my granddaughter Debbie smocked her baptistmal dress. It is an heirloom and it came so easy for her. I ask her to teach me to smock and she did but my dresses never looked like hers. I hope that I have taught her some lessons of life....I have tried to do that by example. I know that she is one of the strongest women I have ever met and I hope some of that came from me. We have both had our ups and downs just as everyone else does living this life but our motto is " You can go to bed and cover your head but we might be missing something" So when I had the dream to start this business it was only natural that the person I thought of to jump into it with me was Debbie. I could not do it without her. She stays on task until it is done. I tend to wander, dreaming of the next thing I want to create. We are so very much alike but the rolls have changed a bit. It is almost like she has become the eldest telling me that I need to just stay on track and complete the task. She will say "Evelyn (she has never called me aunt Evelyn as the other niece's and nephews have) you have got to calm down and not go off on something else until we have this done". Somehow I always comply if only for a short while. Tonight we talked about her birthday and me being 12 years older. She said" we have to hurry and make it in this business we don't have much time left". I said...... We Will.

So I say, "HAPPY BIRTHDAY " to my Neice, my Partner, my Friend.

Aunt Evelyn

I love candles

2008-05-13T20:11:00.000-04:00

I love candles and I love poetry. I ran across this poem by Edna St. Vincent Millay and it so describes Debbie and I as we are starting our new business. I would like to share:

My candle burns at both ends;

It will not last the night;

But ah, my foes, and ah, friends-

It gives a lovely light.

Until next time....Evelyn

Just a thought--

2008-05-03T21:48:00.000-04:00

"Look at your friends to know Who You Are." Amanda J.