Tea for Chinese New Year

Today is Tea Time Tuesday at Rose Chintz Cottage, and Sandi is celebrating her second year for this weekly event!

I have not posted a Tea Time post in a while now, but not to say I haven't missed it.  I enjoyed making tea, and little desserts...   and setting the table just so!  Upon hearing of this event, I made it a priority to get out my tea pot, and join in on sending Sandi my best wishes!

I decided to set my tea table up in the spirit of Chinese New Year!  It is tradition I've read, to set out oranges, nuts, and candy, so please help yourself!  I am absolutely fascinated with the holiday, reading up some on it, while on my internet travels!  This is the year of the dragon...  The water dragon, specifically; and while most of us in the western hemisphere might fear a dragon, the Chinese believe the dragon will provide protection and great blessings in the year ahead!

Here you see I even did a little Book of Days journal entry about it, last night as I was watching some television!  I was really in a fickle mood of sorts, doing a little painting; then while waiting for a layer of paint to dry, I would quick wash my hands good and clean, so I could work on another new afghan!

I found this new Crochet-Along to make a Wool-Eater afghan, with Sarah London.  Just like the Round Ripple, I have never tried the wool-eater pattern before either, so I guess I'm feeling adventurous this year!  "Sign me up", I said!  And just to make things interesting, I've decided to throw caution to the wind on this one, working with whatever color that might depict/symbolize whatever mood, situation, or event I find myself in at the time...  Kind of like a crocheted journal of sorts!!  It reminds me of the scarves that Bev did HERE!

Another little journaling project I made recently was this.  It is a journal to make record of what inspires me on my travels through Blogland!!..  Hence the title, "Inspirational Souvenirs".  Here I can record the beautiful things I come across, from time to time, thus saving that admiration and inspiration I felt, that little somethin' I was able to take with me from the places I've visited!

This one, again, is made simply from a black-and-white compostion book, bought at my local pharmacy!  (I think they better stock up, because I'm gonna need 4 more for a swap I'm in at MAS!!)  The bird on the cover was given to me, and was made from a beer can!!..  I recycled the peel off seal from a can of peanuts for the silver-colored background circle you see at the center!   Kinda pretty, I think!  But more of a learning tool, this book is...  The idea to make this specific journal comes from Effy, who runs the Book Of Days journaling event, who mentions we can record what grabbed our attention, actually try it, and then record that!  So, I intend to record all branches of art, which in my mind includes not only painting, but crochet, recipes, home decor, scrapbooking, etc., etc....   So this book will include drawings, paintings, and photos of what I've made, such as the Round Ripple Afghan I just made with Pammy Sue!

Speaking of baking..  I did recently try a new recipe for Mud Hen Bars, and it was a hit!

You can find the recipe HERE.  Not a gorgeous photo I suppose, but these just came fresh out of the oven, and were still cooling.  Soon after, I cut them up into bars, threw them into an airtight container, and they are almost gone already!...   I think I'm going to have to make them again!

Well, I guess that about wraps up the latest around here.  Dear Daughter has chosen a wedding gown, and we spent a good part of our Sunday, at a Bridal Show Event.  I've never been to one before, honestly, and it was quite the experience.  I'm not usually one for crowds, but it was a nice crowd, and I mostly just enjoyed the time spent with my baby girl!..   Till next time... 

Thanks so much for stopping by today!