The Seeds We Sew
Hello all, Helpful Hank Here,
Well another year has come and gone for me. A year that has been filled with many challenges but with much hope. Friendships hanging by a shoestring now on the mind and friendships stronger then every.
Life is about change and believe me my life has changed plenty. For me this has been a time of growth. However, as the year came to a close I realized how much that I have gained and will gain as a result from this year of change.
I have a birthday tradition that I started back in 1986 after a particularly bad year (1985) and bad beginning to 1986. I decided to send out a birthday letter to my friends and family Thanking them for being a part of my life. Whether they were supportive or the catalyst that set about change, they all affected my life and got me through another year.
Sometimes the only way we will walk through a door is by being shoved through it with a good push on the back. So it’s important to remember and give that’s for those pushes on the back. As, used right, move you to a better place.
Life is always in motion. It is not about living it is about living well. Living well has nothing to do with how much you make. It is about how well you treat others, how strong your faith is in yourself and, in your higher power
Living well means letting go of those things that way you down and holding on to those things that lift you up. It is about not only remembering those lessons learned but using that information to make your life better. It is about taking time to celebrate share and enjoy. Whether you are celebrating a little moment or a grand moment in life or just a life. Whether you are sharing a tear, some laughter or a blue berry poppy seed muffin at Koffee with one of your best friends Share it whole-heartedly. If you are no enjoying your life despite its difficulties or tough times. If you cannot see its bright moments and use them to shine the light on the darkest moments so that you can find you back to those bright moments, then you are not living well. So live well and enjoy life.
I want to share a little project I just finished. I recently found the top of a large ceramic vase jar (The kind you put large bamboo poles in for display.) I’m guessing the rest was broken. There was enough there to use for my project. I took three Bamboo Poles to create my supports. I wrapped them with wire so they stood in a tripod fashion I lined the inside of the vase top covering the opening on the neck with some screen and then some small palm leaves and banana leaves. I filled with dirt mixing in some miracle grow and then gave it a good watering. The next day I planted some Celosia/Cockscomb, and around that, I planted Morning Glory seeds. My hope is that the Morning Glory Seeds having nothing to climb up will climb down the legs and through the wire wrap creating the feeling of cascading water as the flowers fill the planter and trail down the supports, while the celosia, which is flame like in its blooms, will create the feel of fire. Thus giving me the floral equivalent to fire on water. We shall see how it turns out.
The Celosia is a good plant for this climate as it can tolerate the dry hot heat. In addition, The Morning Glories ng Glories like full sun. This is a fairly easy project to do as all you need is some sort of container (preferably one with a v shape to it as those work well in a tripod type stand) 3 good sized pieces of bamboo, some wire, some screen (optional) a few palm or banana leaves, some dirt with a bit of fertilizer mixed in and, your plantings. The trickiest part is getting the wire wrapped so that the stand is stable.
I wanted to mention to All that we are indeed starting to get closer to new local election. You may have already been to a few campaign rallies maybe not. In any event, take a look at candidate for city Council Michael Gallardo. In his current position, he is the Editor of Talk Magazine as well as many other endeavors that he is involved in. He will be on the campaign trail here in Palm Springs and you can probably get a list of his appearances or at least where his next campaign stop is on his face book page. Michael I believe is a hard working individual who feels he can bring about and be a part of change for the better here in Palm Springs. If you catch one of his speeches let him know what you think. This way they know what we as citizens of Palm Springs can make an impact on how our town is run. He’s a good guy he’ll listen. He’s a voice of change.
Well soon I’ll be back to working on my kitchen cabinets again I’ll be glad to get those upper done and this project wrapped up and put to bed. My project after this will be to redo the awnings on the front of the house.
Well that about wraps it up for now. Remember keep the sunscreen on. While we have experienced a little cool down the sun is still out always is. So whether it is sunny, hazy, or cloudy, the sun still comes through with those harmful UV rays so keep the block on. If you get to hot why not go to the movies? It’s air conditioned, your not using your air at home and there are plenty of great movies out right now. I just saw Ice Age dawn of the Dinosaurs in 3D with my best friend and her daughter. We stayed cool and enjoyed a fun movie. It was a nice little break from the heat. Don’t forget to use the valley’s cooling centers.
Oh folks, If you can help out making Sandwiches at Well in the Desert Mondays at 9 we sure could use the help. As, Rev Kev says Many Hands Make for light work or word similar to that.
One last thing, check out nh8wear New Items have been added and you can help Support Marriage equality with each purchase as 10% of the profits go to those charities. You’ll also be supporting that entrepreneurial spirit as this is one of the ways we make our living.
Well till next time folks, Keep cool and enjoy the rest of the summer
Thank you to my readers for all your comments and support on and of my blog.
Helpful Hank
Here’s a tip for you can find out what’s going on in the Coachella Valley at The Desert411. You can desert. With a Comprehensive restaurant guide as well. You can join free and keep abreast of what’s happening here in the desert - HH
You can contact Helpful Hank with Questions, Comments, Tips and, Deals at: askhelpfulhank@gmail.com Helpful Hank is written by Russell E. Bertlow © 2009 All rights reserved. No portion of this blog may be reprinted in part or whole without the express written permission from Russell E. Bertlow
Showing posts with label GLBT. Show all posts
Showing posts with label GLBT. Show all posts
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Helpful Hank of Remembrance and Celebration
Hello Folks, Helpful Hank here. I trust Everyone had a happy 4th of July. We spent the day working on projects and then had friends over for a BBQ and capped the night off with a dog walk downtown Palm Springs.
Well we finally finished the lower set of cabinets I’m happy to say. Now We just have the uppers. It has been a project so far. Getting the lowers done has allowed me to work on some other projects while my spouse was home.
One of the projects we worked on were curtain rods. We had wooden curtain rods and because of the weight of the curtains they had begun to bow. So we decided to look for new ones.
Last time he was here we had gone out and priced them and they can get pricey. We found some end caps that we like so I suggested that I make the curtain rods ourselves with steel poles. What we ended up doing is buying steel pipe for plumbing. We cut it down to size and using black spray paint and a hammered bronze spray paint I was able to create the look we wanted for a fraction of the cost (Each ten-foot section was $6.49.) and all we needed was a hacksaw and some spray paint. They are much sturdier then the wood poles and fit in to our décor nicely.
Recently I had the opportunity to bake a carrot cake ( I use my Grandmothers recipe with a few minor changes as it she made the best I had ever had, I was getting ready to make the cream cheese frosting when I realized I didn’t have powdered sugar. My solution is one that I have used before. I took granular sugar and two cups at a time placed it in my blender and on the pulse setting, I ran the blender on liquefy and blended it until it became powdered sugar. It needs a bit of blending and the reason for using the pulse setting is that the sugar can settle and not move. Using the pulse setting helps to prevent that.
As we celebrate our Independence from British rule, we also celebrate those ordinary people who 40 years ago stood up to be counted at the Stonewall Inn. Just as our fore fathers and fore mothers stood up to tyranny in the 1700’s so did the Ordinary people at the Stonewall Inn. They were just the fringes of humanity who where morning the loss of someone they felt a connection to. (Judy Garland) on the day she was laid to rest. They were not the popular people but they were the ones who had nothing left to lose. To paraphrase what Divine said in Hair Spray. I’ve had it up to here and my diet pills have worn off. I know the feeling.
These folks said enough is enough and How dare you on this day. Pushed to the edge they snapped like a branch in a hard wind, much like our ancestors did when they through the tea in the harbor.
On June 28th at apx 1:03 A.M. the Street Queens, Dykes, Radical Fairies and others decide to fight back. Though this wasn’t the first gay bar to have its patrons fight back this was the one that changed history. When all was said and done we as a community started to see that we did not have to live our lives apologizing for who we are. They fought for our independence as a people. Much like our solders who fought for America’s freedom.
So As we celebrate the 4th of July let us also not forget that Sunday 40 years ago, Street Queens, Dykes and Radical Fairies fought for freedom even if they didn’t realize the magnitude of their battle at the time. With this freedom (independence) comes responsibility. That is never to forget what they fought for and, to continue to fight for freedom.
As a country we continue to fight for freedom as a community we must as well.
So three cheers to the colonist who fought for independence from British Tyranny and three more for those ordinary people who did so as well at the Stonewall Inn 40 years ago. For without ordinary people who put themselves in extraordinary situations for the betterment of others, knowingly or unknowingly, they changed history and gave us the modern gay movement. It is up to us to keep their momentum going until total equality is reached. Freedom isn’t Freedom and less the least of us has it.
We I recently joined a church down in the desert here. Bloom In The Desert Ministries is a warm and welcoming congregation whose modo is “We Welcome All Who Welcome All. For any member of the glbt community it can be a struggle to reconcile who we are with faith. We learn from an early age in many cases that the two cannot exist in harmony. That they are at odds with one another. It can take a great deal of time and some of us are never able to reach the place where who we are enhances our faith as it should.
Well that about wraps it up until next time keep safe and sound. And folks, if you can come on down to Well In The Desert Monday Mornings at 9:00 A.M. and help with "Sandwich Mondays". that would be super. nh8wear has introduce their new signature t-shirt I support Marriage Equality as well as their new Hartland Hearts T and American Pride T-Shirt
One last thing, I’d be remiss If I didn’t say something about MJ (50) and Farrah. Fawcett (62) Two great talents gone to soon as one sang.
Michael’s influence and impact on music and his charitable ways, (Regardless of what personal demons real or imagined that he may or may not have battled.) will never cease. He was a phenomenal talent. He was as much the people’s prince as Dear Diana was the people’s princess. My whish is that he is at peace watching over his children. I watched a bit of his Memorial Today and thought it to be a very fitting touching tribute to the man. My heart broke for his kids. No child should have to be that young and lose a parent. It’s hard enough at 46.
Farrah was a Pop Icon who actually had some acting chops. I liked her in Charlies Angels (though Sabrina was my favorite.) and was amazed at her ability in Extremities and the Burning Bed. It was sad to see this sweet woman suffer as she did. I hope her son Redmond can get his life together for his own sake.
May they along with Fred Travalena ( 66-Comedian/Impressionist), Gail Storm (87-Actress) Karl Malden (97-actor), Steve McNair(36-Form NFL Quarterback), Robert McNamara ( 93-Former Secretary of Defense), Billy Mays (50-Pitchman of products and half of the show The Pitch Men) may they all rest in peace.
Folks we have Heated up here in the desert with our typical summer weather pattern.
Please remember to keep yourself hydrated, use sunscreen and wear hats.
Helpful Hank
You can contact Helpful Hank with Questions, Comments, Tips and, Deals : Here
Bloom In The Desert Ministries
Helpful Hank is written by Russell E. Bertlow © 2009 All rights reserved. No portion of this blog may be reprinted in part or whole without the express written permission from Russell E. Bertlow.
Well we finally finished the lower set of cabinets I’m happy to say. Now We just have the uppers. It has been a project so far. Getting the lowers done has allowed me to work on some other projects while my spouse was home.
One of the projects we worked on were curtain rods. We had wooden curtain rods and because of the weight of the curtains they had begun to bow. So we decided to look for new ones.
Last time he was here we had gone out and priced them and they can get pricey. We found some end caps that we like so I suggested that I make the curtain rods ourselves with steel poles. What we ended up doing is buying steel pipe for plumbing. We cut it down to size and using black spray paint and a hammered bronze spray paint I was able to create the look we wanted for a fraction of the cost (Each ten-foot section was $6.49.) and all we needed was a hacksaw and some spray paint. They are much sturdier then the wood poles and fit in to our décor nicely.
Recently I had the opportunity to bake a carrot cake ( I use my Grandmothers recipe with a few minor changes as it she made the best I had ever had, I was getting ready to make the cream cheese frosting when I realized I didn’t have powdered sugar. My solution is one that I have used before. I took granular sugar and two cups at a time placed it in my blender and on the pulse setting, I ran the blender on liquefy and blended it until it became powdered sugar. It needs a bit of blending and the reason for using the pulse setting is that the sugar can settle and not move. Using the pulse setting helps to prevent that.
As we celebrate our Independence from British rule, we also celebrate those ordinary people who 40 years ago stood up to be counted at the Stonewall Inn. Just as our fore fathers and fore mothers stood up to tyranny in the 1700’s so did the Ordinary people at the Stonewall Inn. They were just the fringes of humanity who where morning the loss of someone they felt a connection to. (Judy Garland) on the day she was laid to rest. They were not the popular people but they were the ones who had nothing left to lose. To paraphrase what Divine said in Hair Spray. I’ve had it up to here and my diet pills have worn off. I know the feeling.
These folks said enough is enough and How dare you on this day. Pushed to the edge they snapped like a branch in a hard wind, much like our ancestors did when they through the tea in the harbor.
On June 28th at apx 1:03 A.M. the Street Queens, Dykes, Radical Fairies and others decide to fight back. Though this wasn’t the first gay bar to have its patrons fight back this was the one that changed history. When all was said and done we as a community started to see that we did not have to live our lives apologizing for who we are. They fought for our independence as a people. Much like our solders who fought for America’s freedom.
So As we celebrate the 4th of July let us also not forget that Sunday 40 years ago, Street Queens, Dykes and Radical Fairies fought for freedom even if they didn’t realize the magnitude of their battle at the time. With this freedom (independence) comes responsibility. That is never to forget what they fought for and, to continue to fight for freedom.
As a country we continue to fight for freedom as a community we must as well.
So three cheers to the colonist who fought for independence from British Tyranny and three more for those ordinary people who did so as well at the Stonewall Inn 40 years ago. For without ordinary people who put themselves in extraordinary situations for the betterment of others, knowingly or unknowingly, they changed history and gave us the modern gay movement. It is up to us to keep their momentum going until total equality is reached. Freedom isn’t Freedom and less the least of us has it.
We I recently joined a church down in the desert here. Bloom In The Desert Ministries is a warm and welcoming congregation whose modo is “We Welcome All Who Welcome All. For any member of the glbt community it can be a struggle to reconcile who we are with faith. We learn from an early age in many cases that the two cannot exist in harmony. That they are at odds with one another. It can take a great deal of time and some of us are never able to reach the place where who we are enhances our faith as it should.
Well that about wraps it up until next time keep safe and sound. And folks, if you can come on down to Well In The Desert Monday Mornings at 9:00 A.M. and help with "Sandwich Mondays". that would be super. nh8wear has introduce their new signature t-shirt I support Marriage Equality as well as their new Hartland Hearts T and American Pride T-Shirt
One last thing, I’d be remiss If I didn’t say something about MJ (50) and Farrah. Fawcett (62) Two great talents gone to soon as one sang.
Michael’s influence and impact on music and his charitable ways, (Regardless of what personal demons real or imagined that he may or may not have battled.) will never cease. He was a phenomenal talent. He was as much the people’s prince as Dear Diana was the people’s princess. My whish is that he is at peace watching over his children. I watched a bit of his Memorial Today and thought it to be a very fitting touching tribute to the man. My heart broke for his kids. No child should have to be that young and lose a parent. It’s hard enough at 46.
Farrah was a Pop Icon who actually had some acting chops. I liked her in Charlies Angels (though Sabrina was my favorite.) and was amazed at her ability in Extremities and the Burning Bed. It was sad to see this sweet woman suffer as she did. I hope her son Redmond can get his life together for his own sake.
May they along with Fred Travalena ( 66-Comedian/Impressionist), Gail Storm (87-Actress) Karl Malden (97-actor), Steve McNair(36-Form NFL Quarterback), Robert McNamara ( 93-Former Secretary of Defense), Billy Mays (50-Pitchman of products and half of the show The Pitch Men) may they all rest in peace.
Folks we have Heated up here in the desert with our typical summer weather pattern.
Please remember to keep yourself hydrated, use sunscreen and wear hats.
Helpful Hank
You can contact Helpful Hank with Questions, Comments, Tips and, Deals : Here
Bloom In The Desert Ministries
Helpful Hank is written by Russell E. Bertlow © 2009 All rights reserved. No portion of this blog may be reprinted in part or whole without the express written permission from Russell E. Bertlow.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Volunteers with Bee stings and Power Tools that bite
Helpful Hank
Hello All Helpful Hank Here, I would like to talk about a few things today. Tool use safety, The Well in the Desert and, Bee Stings.
Well this past weekend my partner and I framed in Mishaps that led to one trip to the Emergency room and thankfully not two trips. Friday night I was making a hat rack. I had finished cutting my pieces turned off the saw and as it slowed down, I moved a piece of scrap off the platform of the table saw. The blade met my thumb as it was slowing down and took a chunk. No stitches but a lot of pain. Then on Monday My partner who is allergic to bees was stung not once but 3 times all at once. Luckily he is not as allergic as he once was (three strikes and you are out heck one strike and you are out.) he ended up with a bad case of hives and feeling like shite.
So here we go. Rule number one: When using power tools such as saws and other cutters. Use the guard. That is what it is there for. Rule number two: Don’t move items away from saw when it is still moving. Rule number three: Don’t rush or be impatient.
Rushing and being impatient is what nearly cost my thumb and got me a trip to the emergency room. It also put my Kitchen Cabinet project back a week or two, as without use of my left opposable thumb I’m stuck in neutral. (That’ll learn me.) It is Ironic as I tend to be the person who always follows these rules whether it is out of fear of accidents happening (case in point) or out of respect for the power of the tool. (A bit off both) T he one time I let my guard down or up as the case was. Bam. So be careful folks and learn from my mistake.
It seems at least at my hose we are having a bit of a problem with aggressive bees. They like to hang around the grape arbor and citrus trees. I often will see to bee’s rolling around on the ground one on top of the other looking like they are fighting. I thought maybe that there is a queen near by and they are fighting to be her mate. As it turns out it is the female workers who sting and leave there stinger behind in the skin after which; they die. Now while my husband didn’t need an epi pen this time (which he should have and we will get) it is a must have Item for those with sever allergic reactions to things like bee stings and nut allergies or any other sever allergies. Sever allergic reactions can send you into anaphylactic shock. This can quickly become game over.
Here is what to do if you are allergic to bee’s and, get stung. If stung, try to look for the barbed stinger in the case of a bee sting and carefully remove it by flicking it or scratching it out of the skin from the stinger sack. Using a business card or credit card works well. You don’t want to pull it out with tweezers if at all possible as it squeezes more bee venom into the blood stream and can make things worse.
Volunteering
I know I harp on getting involved. Especially when it comes to the marriage Equality issue. There are other volunteer opportunities as well. My Husband I participated in one such volunteer opportunity for the first time this last Monday. (and we plan to continue to volunteer) at Well in the Desert here in Palm Springs. It is called “Sandwich Monday’s”. What is “Sandwich Mondays”? well it is making Sandwiches for those who have less than. It is a piece of cake to do and a lot of fun. Bloom In The Desert Ministries (An all-inclusive Ministries.) organizes this. They need volunteers. It is every Monday from about 9:00 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. You will walk away wanting to do it again and feeling good about things. I will provide all the information you need to participate at the bottom of this column.
I am always looking for people to share volunteer opportunities with me as it is a great way for anyone to give a bit back. If you have a roof over your head, food in the refrigerator, a mode of transportation, (We took our bikes.) clothes on your back, you should get involved. There are people with much less, getting involved in volunteering opportunities. Isn’t time you got involved? You’ll be amazed at how good you end up feeling.
The vegetable Garden experiment.
Ever since we moved to the desert, I have been attempting to grow a vegetable garden. My big problem is that the area I am using is a crab grass field. So I built raised planters put down my weed cloth and planted my seed. The problem is this the crab grass grows up through the same hole as the vegetables as they sprout, leaving me to wonder what good is weed cloth. So while some of my plants do o.k. others don’t. I decided to experiment a bit and planted some of those plants that were not doing so hot in the raised planter directly in the ground.
Making sure to pull as much of the crab grass as possible (as best I could roots and all) up and removing from my planting area. I then plant my seeds, in this case sunflowers, corn, beans and, some flowers. So far, they seem to be doing O.K. My corn stocks are getting larger then the ones planted in the raised planter, and my sunflowers and bean plants are looking healthy. We shall see. I will keep everyone posted. I also made sure to put down small bark as mulch after planting my seeds. This not only helps hold the water in but it also helps keep the crab grass as at bay as you can.
My vegetable garden is for the most part full sun. I have some plants in there that like partial sun and some plants that are in wire baskets ( notorious for drying out) What I have done to provide some shade and to keep the baskets from too much direct sun light (which will dry them out quicker) is to use umbrellas to shade them. I have some of the colorful umbrellas that hook on to chairs via clamps and then I picked a few up at thrift shops. Not only does it give a bit of whimsy to your vegetable garden. It shades the plants that need it. They are easily moved around as well.
There are vegetables and fruits that can do well in hanging baskets as long as you keep them watered properly. Vegetables such as peas, beans and, Strawberries. Two key factors to keep in mind are making sure you have a large enough hanging basket and making sure that you’re not losing dirt. It is important that you use a good base for your baskets that will line the basket solidly while allowing enough dirt to plant in. I like to use a good Spanish Moss. Other Mosses work as well. Avoid plastic encased by moss as I find that it doesn’t allow the soil to breathe as it needs and in turn can cause root rot. It is always best to plant hanging baskets in part shade or create part shade like I did with umbrellas. Depending on where you hang them at and the climate they can be watered as little as every two days. Planting them in good soil is key. I start with a good gardening soil, and if I am recycling soil from last year, I always use Miracle Grow. I mix it in with the dirt in a large bucket. I water the soil for two days before I transfer it to my hanging baskets. I feel it helps to work the fertilizer into the soil. (another good all-purpose fertilizer is VF-11.) I then take my conditioned soil add in some vermiculite to it and I’m ready to go.
After my soil is prepped and ready I line my baskets with the moss. I then fill with the dirt and water letting stand for a day. By doing this I get an indication of how long the dirt in the basket stays damp. If it dries out real fast, you might want to find a different place to hang it.
Trees are a great place to hang a hanging basket. They provide filtered sunlight in spring summer and early fall which helps to keep the water in the soil. I also like to fertilize lightly a few weeks after I have planted my seeds as a little boost. Keep your baskets watered properly and soon it could be flowing over with peas, beans and Strawberries.
Other edibles that work well in a basket are herbs of all kind. From Sage to Parsley, Oregano, Basil and, Thyme.
Another option for lining your baskets is to use live moss. You can pick up a flat for under twenty dollars at places like Lowes or Home Depot. Face the plants outward so that the dirt faces in fill with soil and plant seeds. Using live moss makes it easier to plant some seeds in the sides of your basket so that you have them sprout outward from the basket. There are many ways to plant your baskets even incorporating edible flowers such as Nasturtiums. All it takes is just a little imagination.
Dogs and Palm Seeds
This is the time of year that the Palm Seeds tend to drop from the palms. I don’t know if any other pet owners have this problem but my dogs love to eat them. They chew and chew on them like they would a bone then swallow them. (it is not for lack of raw hide and dog bones as they get plenty of them.) I am unable to find anything that says Queen palm tree seeds are poison to dogs but, in my research I did find out that Sego palms are highly toxic not only to dogs but to little children as well. There toxicity is fatal in most cases from what I could ascertain. Good to know as we tried to grow some segos when we first moved down here. They are pretty but to finicky for my taste. They were always turning yellow.
I would like to take a minute to mention my Friend Jonathan Taylor’s newest web site TheDesert411. Get the skinny on all you need to k now at http://www.thedesert411.ning.com join today and ask about his advertising promotions for your business
Well that about sundown on this column
Regards,
HH
Hints and helpful tips; don’t over water plants there is a tendency to feel that because we are in a hotter climate that we have to water more. This isn’t always the case. If your soil seems damp then leave it in most cases. Conversely, as well don’t over water. This can cause root rot.
You can contact Helpful Hank with Questions, Comments, Tips and, Deals at: askhelpfulhank@gmail.com
Bloom In The Desert Ministries Web Site is: www.bloominthedesert.org
Hey all This weekend Joshua Tree is having it’s Gay pride celebration at Studio Godot in the Art Queen Complex 61855 29 Palms Highway 3233565922
Saturday, June 27, 2009 6:00 P.M. to 11:00 P.M. Phone # 323-356-5922
e-mail jsmsyd@yahoo.com
Also, if you get a chance see the movie Outrage it is well worth it.
Don’t forget to check out nh8wear Express your need for Equality they now have the signature shirt that says I support Marriage Equality. Check it out at http://www.printperfection.com/nh8wear
Helpful Hank is written by Russell E. Bertlow © 2009 All rights reserved. No portion of this blog may be reprinted in part or whole without the express written permission from Russell E. Bertlow
Hello All Helpful Hank Here, I would like to talk about a few things today. Tool use safety, The Well in the Desert and, Bee Stings.
Well this past weekend my partner and I framed in Mishaps that led to one trip to the Emergency room and thankfully not two trips. Friday night I was making a hat rack. I had finished cutting my pieces turned off the saw and as it slowed down, I moved a piece of scrap off the platform of the table saw. The blade met my thumb as it was slowing down and took a chunk. No stitches but a lot of pain. Then on Monday My partner who is allergic to bees was stung not once but 3 times all at once. Luckily he is not as allergic as he once was (three strikes and you are out heck one strike and you are out.) he ended up with a bad case of hives and feeling like shite.
So here we go. Rule number one: When using power tools such as saws and other cutters. Use the guard. That is what it is there for. Rule number two: Don’t move items away from saw when it is still moving. Rule number three: Don’t rush or be impatient.
Rushing and being impatient is what nearly cost my thumb and got me a trip to the emergency room. It also put my Kitchen Cabinet project back a week or two, as without use of my left opposable thumb I’m stuck in neutral. (That’ll learn me.) It is Ironic as I tend to be the person who always follows these rules whether it is out of fear of accidents happening (case in point) or out of respect for the power of the tool. (A bit off both) T he one time I let my guard down or up as the case was. Bam. So be careful folks and learn from my mistake.
It seems at least at my hose we are having a bit of a problem with aggressive bees. They like to hang around the grape arbor and citrus trees. I often will see to bee’s rolling around on the ground one on top of the other looking like they are fighting. I thought maybe that there is a queen near by and they are fighting to be her mate. As it turns out it is the female workers who sting and leave there stinger behind in the skin after which; they die. Now while my husband didn’t need an epi pen this time (which he should have and we will get) it is a must have Item for those with sever allergic reactions to things like bee stings and nut allergies or any other sever allergies. Sever allergic reactions can send you into anaphylactic shock. This can quickly become game over.
Here is what to do if you are allergic to bee’s and, get stung. If stung, try to look for the barbed stinger in the case of a bee sting and carefully remove it by flicking it or scratching it out of the skin from the stinger sack. Using a business card or credit card works well. You don’t want to pull it out with tweezers if at all possible as it squeezes more bee venom into the blood stream and can make things worse.
Volunteering
I know I harp on getting involved. Especially when it comes to the marriage Equality issue. There are other volunteer opportunities as well. My Husband I participated in one such volunteer opportunity for the first time this last Monday. (and we plan to continue to volunteer) at Well in the Desert here in Palm Springs. It is called “Sandwich Monday’s”. What is “Sandwich Mondays”? well it is making Sandwiches for those who have less than. It is a piece of cake to do and a lot of fun. Bloom In The Desert Ministries (An all-inclusive Ministries.) organizes this. They need volunteers. It is every Monday from about 9:00 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. You will walk away wanting to do it again and feeling good about things. I will provide all the information you need to participate at the bottom of this column.
I am always looking for people to share volunteer opportunities with me as it is a great way for anyone to give a bit back. If you have a roof over your head, food in the refrigerator, a mode of transportation, (We took our bikes.) clothes on your back, you should get involved. There are people with much less, getting involved in volunteering opportunities. Isn’t time you got involved? You’ll be amazed at how good you end up feeling.
The vegetable Garden experiment.
Ever since we moved to the desert, I have been attempting to grow a vegetable garden. My big problem is that the area I am using is a crab grass field. So I built raised planters put down my weed cloth and planted my seed. The problem is this the crab grass grows up through the same hole as the vegetables as they sprout, leaving me to wonder what good is weed cloth. So while some of my plants do o.k. others don’t. I decided to experiment a bit and planted some of those plants that were not doing so hot in the raised planter directly in the ground.
Making sure to pull as much of the crab grass as possible (as best I could roots and all) up and removing from my planting area. I then plant my seeds, in this case sunflowers, corn, beans and, some flowers. So far, they seem to be doing O.K. My corn stocks are getting larger then the ones planted in the raised planter, and my sunflowers and bean plants are looking healthy. We shall see. I will keep everyone posted. I also made sure to put down small bark as mulch after planting my seeds. This not only helps hold the water in but it also helps keep the crab grass as at bay as you can.
My vegetable garden is for the most part full sun. I have some plants in there that like partial sun and some plants that are in wire baskets ( notorious for drying out) What I have done to provide some shade and to keep the baskets from too much direct sun light (which will dry them out quicker) is to use umbrellas to shade them. I have some of the colorful umbrellas that hook on to chairs via clamps and then I picked a few up at thrift shops. Not only does it give a bit of whimsy to your vegetable garden. It shades the plants that need it. They are easily moved around as well.
There are vegetables and fruits that can do well in hanging baskets as long as you keep them watered properly. Vegetables such as peas, beans and, Strawberries. Two key factors to keep in mind are making sure you have a large enough hanging basket and making sure that you’re not losing dirt. It is important that you use a good base for your baskets that will line the basket solidly while allowing enough dirt to plant in. I like to use a good Spanish Moss. Other Mosses work as well. Avoid plastic encased by moss as I find that it doesn’t allow the soil to breathe as it needs and in turn can cause root rot. It is always best to plant hanging baskets in part shade or create part shade like I did with umbrellas. Depending on where you hang them at and the climate they can be watered as little as every two days. Planting them in good soil is key. I start with a good gardening soil, and if I am recycling soil from last year, I always use Miracle Grow. I mix it in with the dirt in a large bucket. I water the soil for two days before I transfer it to my hanging baskets. I feel it helps to work the fertilizer into the soil. (another good all-purpose fertilizer is VF-11.) I then take my conditioned soil add in some vermiculite to it and I’m ready to go.
After my soil is prepped and ready I line my baskets with the moss. I then fill with the dirt and water letting stand for a day. By doing this I get an indication of how long the dirt in the basket stays damp. If it dries out real fast, you might want to find a different place to hang it.
Trees are a great place to hang a hanging basket. They provide filtered sunlight in spring summer and early fall which helps to keep the water in the soil. I also like to fertilize lightly a few weeks after I have planted my seeds as a little boost. Keep your baskets watered properly and soon it could be flowing over with peas, beans and Strawberries.
Other edibles that work well in a basket are herbs of all kind. From Sage to Parsley, Oregano, Basil and, Thyme.
Another option for lining your baskets is to use live moss. You can pick up a flat for under twenty dollars at places like Lowes or Home Depot. Face the plants outward so that the dirt faces in fill with soil and plant seeds. Using live moss makes it easier to plant some seeds in the sides of your basket so that you have them sprout outward from the basket. There are many ways to plant your baskets even incorporating edible flowers such as Nasturtiums. All it takes is just a little imagination.
Dogs and Palm Seeds
This is the time of year that the Palm Seeds tend to drop from the palms. I don’t know if any other pet owners have this problem but my dogs love to eat them. They chew and chew on them like they would a bone then swallow them. (it is not for lack of raw hide and dog bones as they get plenty of them.) I am unable to find anything that says Queen palm tree seeds are poison to dogs but, in my research I did find out that Sego palms are highly toxic not only to dogs but to little children as well. There toxicity is fatal in most cases from what I could ascertain. Good to know as we tried to grow some segos when we first moved down here. They are pretty but to finicky for my taste. They were always turning yellow.
I would like to take a minute to mention my Friend Jonathan Taylor’s newest web site TheDesert411. Get the skinny on all you need to k now at http://www.thedesert411.ning.com join today and ask about his advertising promotions for your business
Well that about sundown on this column
Regards,
HH
Hints and helpful tips; don’t over water plants there is a tendency to feel that because we are in a hotter climate that we have to water more. This isn’t always the case. If your soil seems damp then leave it in most cases. Conversely, as well don’t over water. This can cause root rot.
You can contact Helpful Hank with Questions, Comments, Tips and, Deals at: askhelpfulhank@gmail.com
Bloom In The Desert Ministries Web Site is: www.bloominthedesert.org
Hey all This weekend Joshua Tree is having it’s Gay pride celebration at Studio Godot in the Art Queen Complex 61855 29 Palms Highway 3233565922
Saturday, June 27, 2009 6:00 P.M. to 11:00 P.M. Phone # 323-356-5922
e-mail jsmsyd@yahoo.com
Also, if you get a chance see the movie Outrage it is well worth it.
Don’t forget to check out nh8wear Express your need for Equality they now have the signature shirt that says I support Marriage Equality. Check it out at http://www.printperfection.com/nh8wear
Helpful Hank is written by Russell E. Bertlow © 2009 All rights reserved. No portion of this blog may be reprinted in part or whole without the express written permission from Russell E. Bertlow
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Today I want to talk about two different things, The Day of Decision rally and some fun summer time crafts.
Hello all, Helpful Hank here,
Today I want to talk about two different things, The Day of Decision rally and some fun summer time crafts.
Day of Decision Rally
A week ago Tuesday I went to the day of decision rally. You can catch my video of it here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Np3C0eGFOHM there were about 200 some people at this rally and it struck me how the continued message was do not give up hope.
Forty years after Stone Wall we as a glbt community still struggle for complete acceptance and equality. While we may never gain total acceptance we can gain total equality. As I listened to the last of the speakers a young woman got up to talk about how she woke up that Tuesday went to school and found out around second period that she would not be allowed to marry the person she loved when one day she found that person because she was a lesbian. I thought about the message that this ruling was sending our youth. Our glbt youth, our straight youth, our questioning youth. We are telling them that some of them are less than. No one should have to grow up feeling less than. We are teaching these kids that they do not matter. Is this the message we want to send our youth?
It doesn’t matter what ones religious view or affiliations are when it comes to civil rights, marriage is a civil matter and whatever religious aspects we bring to a marriage ceremony are our own by choice.
Summer craft fun
I like those vintage t’s that are so popular right now and I got to thinking to my self I could make one of these. So I went over to Michaels Art supply and picked up a Blank template for stenciling (they come in packs of three and run about 3 or 4 bucks) a package of Iron on transfer for transferring images on to cloth.
I bought the blank stencils to create original designs and the iron on transfer pack (They run 8 dollars or more depending how many are in the package.) to find images I could use from the internet.
I headed home with my items and set out to take some old gray t-shirts and give them new life. I washed and dried the t’s. I got on-line, did an image search for vintage tee-shirt slogans, and didn’t find a whole lot. So I did a regular old web search and I found many sites that sell them. Most of these site have pictures of the slogans so I choose the ones I wanted to use, I saved the pictures to a file I then opened the picture up in a picture editing program and reversed the image so it could be viewed correctly once transferred. Then I printed them out on the photo transfer paper. I laid out my t-shirt on my ironing board placed the transfer on top of my t-shirt. I then placed an old towel over that. (This helps prevent you from any burning.) Set your Iron on its highest setting without being on a steam setting. Iron over the transfer pressing down firmly. Once you have ironed over entire stencil let cool. After things have cooled peel one corner slightly back to check and see if the transfer has set, if not then go over it again with the iron. Once your transfer is set starting at one of the corners and peel off the backing and you have a vintage t-shirt and you have saved yourself a bit of money.
Creating a stencil, to stencil a shirt is not as difficult as it sounds. The tools you will need is a blank stencil sheet an exacta knife (Folks, please be careful when using any knife but exacta knifes can cut your fingers real easy so be safe and remember this is not to be used by children.) Spray adhesive a cutting surface and, your image. For my image, I chose an ornate cross I found on line by doing an image search. I save the picture to my files then printed it out. Once I had it printed, (Making sure it is the right size for my blank stencil.) I sprayed my adhesive on the back then placed my image on the blank stencil making sure that there are no bumps bubbles or creases. (It will dry quickly.) Once my image has set on the blank I take my cutting surface place it under the blank and using the exacta knife I cut around my image about a ¼ inch from the lines of the image. I leave four uncut areas at the points of the cross so it is still attached to the stencil sheet. I then go back and cut around the image again still leaving the four uncut areas. This time I cut on the actual out line of the image. Once your image is cut out, you can peel your paper image away from your stencil
Once I have done all my cutting, I simply pop out the pieces that I have cut away and I have my stencil. Now that your stencil is done, you can use it for a variety of applications, whether you want to use it on a wall Muriel or on a piece of clothing. Note that when stenciling less is always more. What I mean by that is to keep your stencil brush on the dry side. Once you have paint on your brush tap it down on a surface to take off the excess paint. Too much paint and it bleeds through. Lightly spray the back of your stencil to adhere it to the surface you want to stencil.
Creating transfers is easier then making a stencil. Stencils can be used for a variety of projects; transfers are a little more limited. You can however use decal paper instead of transfer paper and create your own stickers, which can be fun for the kids.
While make stencils can be fun, adult supervision is needed if kids are going to be making and using them.
Well thank you for reading my column. Any ideas comments or questions can be sent to askhelpfulhank@gmail.com.
One Final not here, incase you haven’t heard, the State of New Hampshire has now passed into law Marriage Equality for same gender couples. That now makes six (6) states. We only have 44 more states to go.
Today’s tips and hints: don’t immediately through out your junk mail. Find the usable coupons and use them. If you have a fire pit or a chimney type burning pit, you can burn the discards. (Avoid burning on windy days as sparks can fly.
Helpful Hank is written by Russell E. Bertlow © 2009 All rights reserved. No portion of this blog may be reprinted in part or whole without the express written permission from Russell E. Bertlow.
Today I want to talk about two different things, The Day of Decision rally and some fun summer time crafts.
Day of Decision Rally
A week ago Tuesday I went to the day of decision rally. You can catch my video of it here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Np3C0eGFOHM there were about 200 some people at this rally and it struck me how the continued message was do not give up hope.
Forty years after Stone Wall we as a glbt community still struggle for complete acceptance and equality. While we may never gain total acceptance we can gain total equality. As I listened to the last of the speakers a young woman got up to talk about how she woke up that Tuesday went to school and found out around second period that she would not be allowed to marry the person she loved when one day she found that person because she was a lesbian. I thought about the message that this ruling was sending our youth. Our glbt youth, our straight youth, our questioning youth. We are telling them that some of them are less than. No one should have to grow up feeling less than. We are teaching these kids that they do not matter. Is this the message we want to send our youth?
It doesn’t matter what ones religious view or affiliations are when it comes to civil rights, marriage is a civil matter and whatever religious aspects we bring to a marriage ceremony are our own by choice.
Summer craft fun
I like those vintage t’s that are so popular right now and I got to thinking to my self I could make one of these. So I went over to Michaels Art supply and picked up a Blank template for stenciling (they come in packs of three and run about 3 or 4 bucks) a package of Iron on transfer for transferring images on to cloth.
I bought the blank stencils to create original designs and the iron on transfer pack (They run 8 dollars or more depending how many are in the package.) to find images I could use from the internet.
I headed home with my items and set out to take some old gray t-shirts and give them new life. I washed and dried the t’s. I got on-line, did an image search for vintage tee-shirt slogans, and didn’t find a whole lot. So I did a regular old web search and I found many sites that sell them. Most of these site have pictures of the slogans so I choose the ones I wanted to use, I saved the pictures to a file I then opened the picture up in a picture editing program and reversed the image so it could be viewed correctly once transferred. Then I printed them out on the photo transfer paper. I laid out my t-shirt on my ironing board placed the transfer on top of my t-shirt. I then placed an old towel over that. (This helps prevent you from any burning.) Set your Iron on its highest setting without being on a steam setting. Iron over the transfer pressing down firmly. Once you have ironed over entire stencil let cool. After things have cooled peel one corner slightly back to check and see if the transfer has set, if not then go over it again with the iron. Once your transfer is set starting at one of the corners and peel off the backing and you have a vintage t-shirt and you have saved yourself a bit of money.
Creating a stencil, to stencil a shirt is not as difficult as it sounds. The tools you will need is a blank stencil sheet an exacta knife (Folks, please be careful when using any knife but exacta knifes can cut your fingers real easy so be safe and remember this is not to be used by children.) Spray adhesive a cutting surface and, your image. For my image, I chose an ornate cross I found on line by doing an image search. I save the picture to my files then printed it out. Once I had it printed, (Making sure it is the right size for my blank stencil.) I sprayed my adhesive on the back then placed my image on the blank stencil making sure that there are no bumps bubbles or creases. (It will dry quickly.) Once my image has set on the blank I take my cutting surface place it under the blank and using the exacta knife I cut around my image about a ¼ inch from the lines of the image. I leave four uncut areas at the points of the cross so it is still attached to the stencil sheet. I then go back and cut around the image again still leaving the four uncut areas. This time I cut on the actual out line of the image. Once your image is cut out, you can peel your paper image away from your stencil
Once I have done all my cutting, I simply pop out the pieces that I have cut away and I have my stencil. Now that your stencil is done, you can use it for a variety of applications, whether you want to use it on a wall Muriel or on a piece of clothing. Note that when stenciling less is always more. What I mean by that is to keep your stencil brush on the dry side. Once you have paint on your brush tap it down on a surface to take off the excess paint. Too much paint and it bleeds through. Lightly spray the back of your stencil to adhere it to the surface you want to stencil.
Creating transfers is easier then making a stencil. Stencils can be used for a variety of projects; transfers are a little more limited. You can however use decal paper instead of transfer paper and create your own stickers, which can be fun for the kids.
While make stencils can be fun, adult supervision is needed if kids are going to be making and using them.
Well thank you for reading my column. Any ideas comments or questions can be sent to askhelpfulhank@gmail.com.
One Final not here, incase you haven’t heard, the State of New Hampshire has now passed into law Marriage Equality for same gender couples. That now makes six (6) states. We only have 44 more states to go.
Today’s tips and hints: don’t immediately through out your junk mail. Find the usable coupons and use them. If you have a fire pit or a chimney type burning pit, you can burn the discards. (Avoid burning on windy days as sparks can fly.
Helpful Hank is written by Russell E. Bertlow © 2009 All rights reserved. No portion of this blog may be reprinted in part or whole without the express written permission from Russell E. Bertlow.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Helpful Hanks Handy Hints Summertime Memorial Day Column 08052209
Honoring our Vets
Hello All Helpful Hank here,
This weekend is Memorial Day weekend. A chance for every citizen to honor our veterans. My father was a vet of the Korean War. (The pre cursor to the Vietnam War.) Though I myself am not an advocate of war, I will always support our troops. People do what they feel they have to do. As a teenager just out of High School I tried to enlist in the Army but my father was having none of it. I was eighteen and I thought that was that what could he do? Plenty…. Because I have some disabilities, he was able to go down to the recruiting office and get me un-recruited. He explained me later what he had seen in Korea. He told me he did not want me to be left with such images. I am grateful to my father. It wasn’t that he was against the war; He just didn’t want his son to have to fight in one if he could avoid it. (Later one of my foster brothers would fight in Desert Storm and my Nephew has served four or for terms in Iraq.)
The men and women join with good intentions; they are fighting for our freedom. For that, they should be commended as their hearts are in the right place. Personally, I believe that there can be justified wars. (WWI WWII) Even though war is tragic it can and the toll can be high, it can prevent a much worse fate. World War II is a prime example of this. I must also say I feel wars are becoming a rather archaic way of settling disputes between nations and countries. This in no means should negate the fact that women and men, our children, sons and daughters are fighting battles for what they believe is the betterment of all people. So this Memorial day Say a prayer or keep a thought of safe return for a solider and a veteran. Remember, until there are no more wars and the last Veteran has passed away there will always be a need to remember what veterans of war fought for Our Freedom is.
Summertime, Summertime
Summertime is just around the corner, kids get out of school, families have reunions, picnics and trips to the park. Here are some fun ways to enjoy your gatherings that are inexpensive or free to do during your summer whether you are a kid or a grown-up.
Some of these activities I remember from when I was a child others I have just discovered.
Suitcase Game
A new game I just learned about (On Good Morning America of all places.) The Object of the game is for each member of the team to put all the clothes in the suitcase on. How it works is you have teams of two. They line up on a field or grass area. (If anyone should fall the won’t get hurt.) Each team has two suitcases. One team member sprints over to where the other team member is, opens the suitcase up that the other team member has puts on the clothes in the suitcase over their own clothes and races back with the suitcase. Once back, the other teammate does the same. The first team, with each team member back in his or her original place wins the race. This can be adapted to a kids version, Adults only version or mixed adults and kids. The beauty of this game is you can make it as difficult or easy as possible. You can also substitute a suitcase for a bag as well.
It’s A Cakewalk
When I was a kid in elementary school, we would have a cakewalk at the annual school fair. How it works is you have your guest bring a one layer or two-layer cake any kind (Ice Cream cakes not recommended.) each cake should be on some sort of dish. Then your participants form a circle. Each participant holds the cake and platter on top of his or her head. They all have a mark that they are on. (If it is not windy paper plates work well for the mark.)As the music starts they walk around the circle. One mark is removed. When the music stops anyone not on a mark or who drops their cake is out. (If someone has dropped their cake their mark is removed as well) The last person standing is the winner. The surviving cakes become dessert for your guest. (Livelier music makes for a better game. You can also substitute bowls of water for cakes, which can be lots of fun watching the water spill and participants getting wet, as well as a nice way to cool down in the summer heat.)
Treasure Hunt
This is an easy thing to set up and again is a good game for all ages. It takes a little more prep time then some other games though. Here’s how it works. You work either as an individual or in teams. Each team or individual is given their first clue and once they find the object in their first clue it leads them to the second clue. They must find all the clues and return them to whom ever you have collecting them. The first person or team to collect all the clues and turn them in wins. (You can also have them collect they objects that their clue is attached to. Who says Easter egg hunts are just for Easter.
If you have any summer time games you would like to suggest drop me an e-mail at askhelpfulhank@gmail.com
Day Of Decision" coming soon
One last thing I would like to mention is the up coming Supreme Court decision on same gender marriage. We are looking at the decision being handed down on Tuesday May 26th. If you would like to participate in the celebration or the re-doubling of our efforts to make same gender marriage a reality in the state of California then here is a site that you can check out to see what is happening in your town. http://dayofdecision.wetpaint.com/page/Locations Any financial support you can give these folks is greatly appreciated. Though financial support is needed what is needed as well are volunteers and people to show up at these rallies.
Well that’s all for now folks. Helpful Hank signing off until next time. And remember we can’t have true equality until we all have true equality. After all isn’t that what our soldier’s fight for and what our veterans fought for Freedom and Equality for all.
Keep cool wear sunscreen and have fun after all that’s what summer time is for having fun.
Helpful Hank.
Helpful Hanks Hints:
Summertime doesn’t have to be expensive to be fun. Hot dogs Hamburgers and corn on the cob are simple fare that are sure to please. I like to put out my Cherry tomatoes that grow in my garden as a snack. Water Mellon is inexpensive and easy to prepare. Instead of Soda How about Ice tea and lemonade mix in a little food coloring with your batch of lemonade to create colorful looking lemonade.
Unusable pieces of fabric can be good for writing your treasure hunt clues on just cut into wide strips and write on the side that your writing is most visible. You can also give your treasure hunt a theme. How about “The Amazing Race" as a theme? If you want to get real elaborate you could set it up so that each team has a decoder (A chart that matches a number symbol or letter to each letter of the alphabet.) and they have to decode the symbols numbers or letters to figure out what clue says.
Helpful Hank can be reached at askhelpfulhank@gmail.com
Helpful Hank is written by Russell E. Bertlow © 2009 All rights reserved. No portion of this blog may be reprinted in part or whole without the express written permission from Russell E. Bertlow.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Some simple and inexpensive ways we can spruce up our home
Hi All Helpful Hank Here. Today I would like to share with you some simple things you can do to spruce up some of your living spaces that won’t cost you a fortune.
My husband comes home once a month for seven to ten days , then it’s back to the airport and back to work for him. While he is Home though we try to get as many projects done as possible. There are projects we work on together and others we work on separately. As I have mentioned in earlier blogs we like to haunt the thrift shops and even go dumpster diving behind hi end resale shops (after they are closed for the day they frown on you looking through their dumpsters when they are open.) I thought I would share with you some of the simple fixes that we worked on the week he was home as well as some other easy projects.
I have a love hate relationship with Wall Mart or as many call it Sprawl Mart. I don’t like crowds or rude people and Sprawl Mart seems to have plenty in spades most of the time. Those poor clerks. How they stay so friendly is a wonder. Anywho I digress as I say I have a love Hate relationship with the place as I am sure many do. They do have great prices which is great for the budget and a wide selection. Now I like to head straight to the fabric department and there 1.50 table ( was a 1.00 but with this economy things change) I am fortunate enough just to have a Wall Mart that still has a fabric department.
We decided to spruce up our patio area a bit so we decide on what simply changes we could make to achieve this. And sense we have a lot of Patio furniture ( our patio is very long and has four distinct areas that are covered.) I thought sprucing up the cushions and pillows would be one thing to give it a fresher look. Pillows we use outside can fad and get dingy after a time so this is an easy fix even if you don’t sew. For this project you will need small to medium size pillows, about 2 to 2 ½ yards of fabric(covers four pillows), No Sew or fusible webbing I prefer the fusible webbing as you just iron your seems shut with it easy squeezy) and stick backed Velcro (it can be had for a few dollars at a craft store or fabric store.), and scissors.
I tend to by fabric I like or feel I can use at Wall Marts 1.50 table when I see it. I may not use it for sometime but eventually I will. I went to my fabric trunk (another dumpster dive find. It is an old steamer trunk. In excellent condition even had the hangers and the key to the top drawer. Someone put it curbside years ago and I snagged it.) I started looking through what I had. I wanted to see if I had anything that would go well with the bright Blue and Green cushion we have on our wicker couches. Unfortunately, I didn’t have anything that would work well. Off to Sprawl Mart. I found fabric that was perfect so I bought two yards of bright blue and two yards of bright green. I took four pillows I had on a day bed outside that were looking rather shabby (and not in a chic way either)
I unfolded my fabric and lay it out placing the pillows on the fabric then I cut the fabric to size leaving enough space on all sides of the fabric to close it up. Depending on they fabric you by you may want to embellish it. The fabric I bought was a solid color. I had decided I wanted to use fabric paint on it.
What you will need to do first is to wash your fabric. I wash mine in the sink with detergent and hot water (this is mostly for shrinkage and putting it in the washer can sometimes make the fabric fray.) then I run it through the dryer or, in this case, since the weather has been so warm, I hung it out to dry. Once I have painted the design I want on my pillows and they are dry, (leave enough boarder to fold sides of fabric under) I fold one side over running a length of fusible webbing underneath it (the fabric should be folded inward so the edge of the fabric is on the inside of the pillow.). and the run the Iron over it thus bonding the fabric together. I do this on all four sides. This creates a seamed edge all the way around. Then on opposite ends (top and bottom of pillow cover) I place the Velcro. (This will allow me to take the new pillow cover off for washing) Then I fold the fabric in half again running a piece of the fusible webbing now between the folded fabric sides and Iron. Give the fusible webbing a chance to cool and run your Iron on high no steam. Once you have done this slip, your pillow inside through the end that has the Velcro closure and you have a new pillow. Keep your lines as straight and as even as possible when using the fusible webbing as it will show if you don’t. I made four pillow covers in no time and just put existing pillows in them.
While my husband was home, he went over to one of our local thrift shops and found a medium size chandelier that just needed some TLC. As he put it to me, I only paid ten dollars for it I couldn’t pass it up.
We decided to hang it above the board table on the patio.
The tools we used for this project were wire strippers, spray paint (both primer and topcoat of color) and wire nuts.
I used a combination of black primer spray paint hammered bronze spray paint and, green spray paint. I gave it a couple of primer coats let it dry. I gave it a third coat of black primer and while it was still wet, gave it a coat of hammered bronze. After that had dried, I took the green spray paint and applied it lightly to different spots to create a patina. I then went over it lightly again, with the hammered bronze while it was still a bit tacky, softening the edges of the green so that it blended better.
Once the lamp was dry it was time to fix the cord, it wasn’t long enough for the chain we had. I took an old extension cord cut the female end off and using wire stripers, I stripped the plastic coating away from both sets of wires. I did the same on the light fixture end. I twisted the wires from each side of the cut extension cord to the wires from the light fixture. I capped the wires with wire nuts then used black electrical tape wrapping it around each of the wire nuts to seal them off, using more electrical tape I taped the wire nuts together. I wove the cord through the chain and since we were replacing an existing hanging lamp, we hung it in the same spot.
In warm weather the spray paint dries fast. You can have this project done in about an hour to two hours depending on drying time.
The third project we worked on, were new curtain rods. We had priced them and they were expensive for new ones. The ones we had were bowing and sagging from the weight of the curtains we had on them. To replace them with sturdier rod was going to cost a lot. We found a cheaper alternative. What we bought was 1 inch metal conduit pipe ( the come in 8 to 10 foot lengths) it was only $6.49 per ten foot pipe as opposed to a curtain rod at $23.00 to $43.00 We got some primer spray paint and a top color coat. We chose hammered bronze. (You will need a surface long enough and big enough to spray paint them.) Wash your poles with soapy warm water removing all labels. Let dry then give it two coats of your primer letting thoroughly dry between coats. Then to coats of your top color coat. (I like using a satin sheen for the op coat) Once it is all dry, you just replace your existing rods with the new ones.
If you want to add, fancy end caps to your curtain rod just get the end caps you want. Get a wooden dowel that fits snug in your conduit ends. Cut off about two inches of dowel for each end screw your end caps in to dowel and put your end in the conduit so that only the decorative end caps show. (You may need to pre drill the end of the dowel but not much because you just want to start the hole this way the end cap stay firmly in place. You can also put a little wood glue down the pre-drilled hole. This will secure the end cap to the dowel even better and you’ll be less likely to have it come undone.
Small home improvement projects don’t have to be daunting. They can unleash your creative side and if you have kids there are small home improvement projects (Pillow covers) that the can participate in and feel as if they made a difference in make the place you call home just a bit brighter and better.
Well that’s all for today Have a super Easter Weekend. Keep an eye out for my next blog spot column and you can send any hints tips or deals you have and I’ll be happy to post them.
Happy Easter,
Hank
Helpful Hanks Handy Hints: Using a Stencil to create your designs on your pillow covers easy an easy way to create fabulous designs, you can use a stencil brush or even cut up an old dish sponge (wash it first then dry it for about a minute or so in your microwave and it is good to go) Remember not to get to much paint on your sponge or brush, you’ll want it rather dry, this way you end up with a more uniform design. You can also use this same technique on old lampshades as well. You can also incorporate ribbons and beads on lampshades by tacking them down with a glue. (Remember the tip of a glue gun is very hot so don’t touch it with your hands.)
Helpful Hank is written by Russell E. Bertlow © 2009 All rights reserved. No portion of this blog may be reprinted in part or whole without the express written permission from Russell E. Bertlow.
My husband comes home once a month for seven to ten days , then it’s back to the airport and back to work for him. While he is Home though we try to get as many projects done as possible. There are projects we work on together and others we work on separately. As I have mentioned in earlier blogs we like to haunt the thrift shops and even go dumpster diving behind hi end resale shops (after they are closed for the day they frown on you looking through their dumpsters when they are open.) I thought I would share with you some of the simple fixes that we worked on the week he was home as well as some other easy projects.
I have a love hate relationship with Wall Mart or as many call it Sprawl Mart. I don’t like crowds or rude people and Sprawl Mart seems to have plenty in spades most of the time. Those poor clerks. How they stay so friendly is a wonder. Anywho I digress as I say I have a love Hate relationship with the place as I am sure many do. They do have great prices which is great for the budget and a wide selection. Now I like to head straight to the fabric department and there 1.50 table ( was a 1.00 but with this economy things change) I am fortunate enough just to have a Wall Mart that still has a fabric department.
We decided to spruce up our patio area a bit so we decide on what simply changes we could make to achieve this. And sense we have a lot of Patio furniture ( our patio is very long and has four distinct areas that are covered.) I thought sprucing up the cushions and pillows would be one thing to give it a fresher look. Pillows we use outside can fad and get dingy after a time so this is an easy fix even if you don’t sew. For this project you will need small to medium size pillows, about 2 to 2 ½ yards of fabric(covers four pillows), No Sew or fusible webbing I prefer the fusible webbing as you just iron your seems shut with it easy squeezy) and stick backed Velcro (it can be had for a few dollars at a craft store or fabric store.), and scissors.
I tend to by fabric I like or feel I can use at Wall Marts 1.50 table when I see it. I may not use it for sometime but eventually I will. I went to my fabric trunk (another dumpster dive find. It is an old steamer trunk. In excellent condition even had the hangers and the key to the top drawer. Someone put it curbside years ago and I snagged it.) I started looking through what I had. I wanted to see if I had anything that would go well with the bright Blue and Green cushion we have on our wicker couches. Unfortunately, I didn’t have anything that would work well. Off to Sprawl Mart. I found fabric that was perfect so I bought two yards of bright blue and two yards of bright green. I took four pillows I had on a day bed outside that were looking rather shabby (and not in a chic way either)
I unfolded my fabric and lay it out placing the pillows on the fabric then I cut the fabric to size leaving enough space on all sides of the fabric to close it up. Depending on they fabric you by you may want to embellish it. The fabric I bought was a solid color. I had decided I wanted to use fabric paint on it.
What you will need to do first is to wash your fabric. I wash mine in the sink with detergent and hot water (this is mostly for shrinkage and putting it in the washer can sometimes make the fabric fray.) then I run it through the dryer or, in this case, since the weather has been so warm, I hung it out to dry. Once I have painted the design I want on my pillows and they are dry, (leave enough boarder to fold sides of fabric under) I fold one side over running a length of fusible webbing underneath it (the fabric should be folded inward so the edge of the fabric is on the inside of the pillow.). and the run the Iron over it thus bonding the fabric together. I do this on all four sides. This creates a seamed edge all the way around. Then on opposite ends (top and bottom of pillow cover) I place the Velcro. (This will allow me to take the new pillow cover off for washing) Then I fold the fabric in half again running a piece of the fusible webbing now between the folded fabric sides and Iron. Give the fusible webbing a chance to cool and run your Iron on high no steam. Once you have done this slip, your pillow inside through the end that has the Velcro closure and you have a new pillow. Keep your lines as straight and as even as possible when using the fusible webbing as it will show if you don’t. I made four pillow covers in no time and just put existing pillows in them.
While my husband was home, he went over to one of our local thrift shops and found a medium size chandelier that just needed some TLC. As he put it to me, I only paid ten dollars for it I couldn’t pass it up.
We decided to hang it above the board table on the patio.
The tools we used for this project were wire strippers, spray paint (both primer and topcoat of color) and wire nuts.
I used a combination of black primer spray paint hammered bronze spray paint and, green spray paint. I gave it a couple of primer coats let it dry. I gave it a third coat of black primer and while it was still wet, gave it a coat of hammered bronze. After that had dried, I took the green spray paint and applied it lightly to different spots to create a patina. I then went over it lightly again, with the hammered bronze while it was still a bit tacky, softening the edges of the green so that it blended better.
Once the lamp was dry it was time to fix the cord, it wasn’t long enough for the chain we had. I took an old extension cord cut the female end off and using wire stripers, I stripped the plastic coating away from both sets of wires. I did the same on the light fixture end. I twisted the wires from each side of the cut extension cord to the wires from the light fixture. I capped the wires with wire nuts then used black electrical tape wrapping it around each of the wire nuts to seal them off, using more electrical tape I taped the wire nuts together. I wove the cord through the chain and since we were replacing an existing hanging lamp, we hung it in the same spot.
In warm weather the spray paint dries fast. You can have this project done in about an hour to two hours depending on drying time.
The third project we worked on, were new curtain rods. We had priced them and they were expensive for new ones. The ones we had were bowing and sagging from the weight of the curtains we had on them. To replace them with sturdier rod was going to cost a lot. We found a cheaper alternative. What we bought was 1 inch metal conduit pipe ( the come in 8 to 10 foot lengths) it was only $6.49 per ten foot pipe as opposed to a curtain rod at $23.00 to $43.00 We got some primer spray paint and a top color coat. We chose hammered bronze. (You will need a surface long enough and big enough to spray paint them.) Wash your poles with soapy warm water removing all labels. Let dry then give it two coats of your primer letting thoroughly dry between coats. Then to coats of your top color coat. (I like using a satin sheen for the op coat) Once it is all dry, you just replace your existing rods with the new ones.
If you want to add, fancy end caps to your curtain rod just get the end caps you want. Get a wooden dowel that fits snug in your conduit ends. Cut off about two inches of dowel for each end screw your end caps in to dowel and put your end in the conduit so that only the decorative end caps show. (You may need to pre drill the end of the dowel but not much because you just want to start the hole this way the end cap stay firmly in place. You can also put a little wood glue down the pre-drilled hole. This will secure the end cap to the dowel even better and you’ll be less likely to have it come undone.
Small home improvement projects don’t have to be daunting. They can unleash your creative side and if you have kids there are small home improvement projects (Pillow covers) that the can participate in and feel as if they made a difference in make the place you call home just a bit brighter and better.
Well that’s all for today Have a super Easter Weekend. Keep an eye out for my next blog spot column and you can send any hints tips or deals you have and I’ll be happy to post them.
Happy Easter,
Hank
Helpful Hanks Handy Hints: Using a Stencil to create your designs on your pillow covers easy an easy way to create fabulous designs, you can use a stencil brush or even cut up an old dish sponge (wash it first then dry it for about a minute or so in your microwave and it is good to go) Remember not to get to much paint on your sponge or brush, you’ll want it rather dry, this way you end up with a more uniform design. You can also use this same technique on old lampshades as well. You can also incorporate ribbons and beads on lampshades by tacking them down with a glue. (Remember the tip of a glue gun is very hot so don’t touch it with your hands.)
Helpful Hank is written by Russell E. Bertlow © 2009 All rights reserved. No portion of this blog may be reprinted in part or whole without the express written permission from Russell E. Bertlow.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Helpful Hanks Advice, Handy Hints, Deals and Bargains – Hope and Patients the two most important lessons I have learned
Hi all it’s Helpful Hank Here
I look back over my life and the many who have passed through it and are still in my life. I think about those who have taught me some pretty valuable lessons whether they knew it or not. The importance of having hope ( The Heart) and the importance of having patients ( The Mind ) are two of the most important ones. Both have saved my life more then once. Kay taught me that if it is impossible to say you can’t then you can’t say it’s impossible. That is hope. My father always said use the right tool for the right job and to never force it because you can ruin it. That is patients. When I did not have both of these things I always found myself either in or drifting towards troubled waters. The problem with getting to close or in troubled water is that it can be double the effort to pull yourself out of them. I think as I get older that I realize that it is a lot of work that I don’t want to do.
I have never been one to toss anyone away. Friends that I have lost contact with over the years I still consider Friends even if they don’t That is just how I am built. I don’t tend to give up on people. I’ve always been that way. In my life thus far I have learned a lot of lessons. Some the easy way some the hard way. But all the lessons I have learned can be summed up with two words Hope and Patients. The very first two people that I learned these to lessons from were my mother and grandmother, amongst many other lessons. My mother and grandmother both taught me that the can be good in anyone and we can find it if we choose. They also taught me that you have to use the right tools for the job and not to force it as well. My mother taught me to cook and my grandmother taught me to bake. From this I learned I needed the right tools for the job and that I had to follow directions. As with anything change happens and we learn to stream line our lives in how we approach it. We learn who we can count on and who we can’t. We learn who is harmful and who is not. Then we make choices, choices of varying degrees. We weight it out figure it out and decide who we can count on or who might be harmful to us given the chance. And sometimes we get it wrong but, if we can learn from the times we get it wrong those can also be very valuable lessons. They can also be very dangerous ones. They can be the ones that take away our hope and patience instead of taking away the lesson of what mistakes not to make we take away the lesson of, Why even bother, or worse, It isn’t even worth it. When you get to this point you have lost all hope and patients. When you do that you stop trying, you stop caring, That’s when you give up and give in. Whether you feel beaten down and become resigned to that or you feel superior to everyone and untouchable. It doesn’t matter you have given up and given in. When we stop feeling for others we can’t really feel anything genuine for or in ourselves. Hope is lost. It is important to find a balance. And we find that balance when we honestly assess the mistakes we have made and move forward in the knowledge that we now how to recognize that mistake and will avoid making it again. And yes sometimes that means we give up and move in a different direction. There are things to be gained from this as well. Sometimes it also means we given in. Again we Assess from what we have learned and experienced. We weigh out the pluses and minuses and make our decision. That’s O.K. because we have honestly looked at the situation and we have chosen the path we chose because we feel it is where we need to be and not because we feel that we have no choice but to be here. There are enough times in our lives that we are forced into boxes that don’t fit why would we want to purposefully do this to our selves? We need to get beyond this type of thinking. One size does not fit all! Sometimes screaming feel as if it is the only option. But is it really? The answer to that is that yes sometimes it is. Screaming isn’t a bad thing. Just scream under controlled circumstances. And what I mean by that is ( and this is nothing new) there is no need to scream at others scream in your car in private in the shower. By all means get it out but don’t take it out on others. We have all heard the say about shit traveling down hill. Why? Why? does it do that? Because there are always those who feel better off then others. The Mistake people make is in thinking that money makes them better off. Can it of course it can but, here’s the thing if your base personality comes from a place of Hope and Happiness you will be happy with a simple life or a life of wealth. You may not want to achieve a higher financial position or you may but the one thing that you will want to achieve is being a better person and learn from your failings and recognized your flaws with the hope that you can change that and knowing it can take time but, also knowing you will have to work at it, having patients in yourself and using the right tools available to you to make that change.
I have always said that we get enough negative thrust upon our lives why open our door and invite it in when we can clearly see it parking it’s car in our driveway? Sometimes we have to lay it on the line and sometimes we have to hold our tongue. Sometimes holding your tongue isn’t a bad thing as long as you can find a positive way to release it outward and not turn it inward. We can’t always say what is on our mind. There are times though that we need to say what is on our minds. We have to be counted which is never to say that ever end justifies it’s mean. This what I’m talking about This is where Hope and patients come in. Hope gives us the ability to see change can happen and the patients we need to find the right tools and reasoning we need to try and bring about that change. We are not always going to be successful. When we are not successful we learn to use new tools that we have been taught can get the job done as well. The internet is a good example of a new tool that has evolved from an old tool, communication. We now communicate in a vastly different manner the we did just 10 years ago. This ability to learn is fueled by hope and patients. Without hope we would fell there is no need. Without patients we would not take the time.
We live in a McDonalds world of instant. Instant satisfaction, instant glory, Instant even,. We take away our uniqueness. We are not always going to be on a level playing field but we can and should treat each other equally, appreciating the differences instead of trying to conform them with little variation. We need to be comfortable in our own differences, accept that while some things can come readily to some and not so readily to others that we still have the ability to achieve what we want it just may take us more time. We need to get comfortable with the fact that not everything should come instantly and easy. That some thing’s, a great many of them are better much sweeter and rewarding when we have worked and earned them. Those rewards come from hope and patients. We had faith that we could get to where we wanted to be and we had the patience to take the time use the right tools and do the job right.
There are many things that can give us our Hope back when we loose it. We don’t often recognize them though do we?
One trick I have learned to do when I drive is to find land marks. Odd ball things that I will remember so that when I pass that way again or come back from going that way I don’t get lost. I guess for me this is part of my hope. What I mean by this is that. When I have lost hope and am trying to find it I find myself keenly aware of the signs that are pointing me towards hope. Like land marks or road markers being aware of these signs can make our journey’s much easier. They can steer us away from roads we don’t want to go down and down the roads we need to go down to find that hope. Sometimes it is a leap of faith. Take our recent election. I am sure there were a lot of people who had to take a leap of faith ( for me it was a no brainier but, everyone is different) on their journey to get hope back, or to find new hope. However one manages to keep their hope and patients alive is what matters, because hope lets us dream of change and patients gives us the ability to want to make that change. One last thing Without Hope and Patience how can you find balance in your life.
Remember we are all imperfectly perfect
Helpful (and Hopeful) Hank.
1. Helpful Hanks Handy Hint : Grow your own Sugar, Stevia plants can be bought at many nurseries and large hardware chains. All you have to do is grind up the dry leaves to a powder and use in place of sugar It is a challenge to find just the right amount of Stevia to use because it is so highly concentrated. Using the tip of a toothpick to scoop out the powder is a great trick for measuring, and it should prevent you from using too much. You can also mix Stevia powder with water and measure out the drops. The limitation in baking with it is that it will not allow browning to happen and it cannot be used in recipes involving yeast as it will not activate the yeast as sugar does. On the plus side you can use it in almost anything and it is easy to grow and you don’t have to re-plant it every year just cut it back in the fall. It is also pretty frost resistant and is safe for diabetics. Stevia grows well in pots and planters.
Write Helpful Hank at: askhelpfulhank@gmail.com
Helpful Hank is written by Russell E. Bertlow © 2009 All rights reserved. No portion of this blog may be reprinted in part or whole without the express written permission from Russell E. Bertlow
I look back over my life and the many who have passed through it and are still in my life. I think about those who have taught me some pretty valuable lessons whether they knew it or not. The importance of having hope ( The Heart) and the importance of having patients ( The Mind ) are two of the most important ones. Both have saved my life more then once. Kay taught me that if it is impossible to say you can’t then you can’t say it’s impossible. That is hope. My father always said use the right tool for the right job and to never force it because you can ruin it. That is patients. When I did not have both of these things I always found myself either in or drifting towards troubled waters. The problem with getting to close or in troubled water is that it can be double the effort to pull yourself out of them. I think as I get older that I realize that it is a lot of work that I don’t want to do.
I have never been one to toss anyone away. Friends that I have lost contact with over the years I still consider Friends even if they don’t That is just how I am built. I don’t tend to give up on people. I’ve always been that way. In my life thus far I have learned a lot of lessons. Some the easy way some the hard way. But all the lessons I have learned can be summed up with two words Hope and Patients. The very first two people that I learned these to lessons from were my mother and grandmother, amongst many other lessons. My mother and grandmother both taught me that the can be good in anyone and we can find it if we choose. They also taught me that you have to use the right tools for the job and not to force it as well. My mother taught me to cook and my grandmother taught me to bake. From this I learned I needed the right tools for the job and that I had to follow directions. As with anything change happens and we learn to stream line our lives in how we approach it. We learn who we can count on and who we can’t. We learn who is harmful and who is not. Then we make choices, choices of varying degrees. We weight it out figure it out and decide who we can count on or who might be harmful to us given the chance. And sometimes we get it wrong but, if we can learn from the times we get it wrong those can also be very valuable lessons. They can also be very dangerous ones. They can be the ones that take away our hope and patience instead of taking away the lesson of what mistakes not to make we take away the lesson of, Why even bother, or worse, It isn’t even worth it. When you get to this point you have lost all hope and patients. When you do that you stop trying, you stop caring, That’s when you give up and give in. Whether you feel beaten down and become resigned to that or you feel superior to everyone and untouchable. It doesn’t matter you have given up and given in. When we stop feeling for others we can’t really feel anything genuine for or in ourselves. Hope is lost. It is important to find a balance. And we find that balance when we honestly assess the mistakes we have made and move forward in the knowledge that we now how to recognize that mistake and will avoid making it again. And yes sometimes that means we give up and move in a different direction. There are things to be gained from this as well. Sometimes it also means we given in. Again we Assess from what we have learned and experienced. We weigh out the pluses and minuses and make our decision. That’s O.K. because we have honestly looked at the situation and we have chosen the path we chose because we feel it is where we need to be and not because we feel that we have no choice but to be here. There are enough times in our lives that we are forced into boxes that don’t fit why would we want to purposefully do this to our selves? We need to get beyond this type of thinking. One size does not fit all! Sometimes screaming feel as if it is the only option. But is it really? The answer to that is that yes sometimes it is. Screaming isn’t a bad thing. Just scream under controlled circumstances. And what I mean by that is ( and this is nothing new) there is no need to scream at others scream in your car in private in the shower. By all means get it out but don’t take it out on others. We have all heard the say about shit traveling down hill. Why? Why? does it do that? Because there are always those who feel better off then others. The Mistake people make is in thinking that money makes them better off. Can it of course it can but, here’s the thing if your base personality comes from a place of Hope and Happiness you will be happy with a simple life or a life of wealth. You may not want to achieve a higher financial position or you may but the one thing that you will want to achieve is being a better person and learn from your failings and recognized your flaws with the hope that you can change that and knowing it can take time but, also knowing you will have to work at it, having patients in yourself and using the right tools available to you to make that change.
I have always said that we get enough negative thrust upon our lives why open our door and invite it in when we can clearly see it parking it’s car in our driveway? Sometimes we have to lay it on the line and sometimes we have to hold our tongue. Sometimes holding your tongue isn’t a bad thing as long as you can find a positive way to release it outward and not turn it inward. We can’t always say what is on our mind. There are times though that we need to say what is on our minds. We have to be counted which is never to say that ever end justifies it’s mean. This what I’m talking about This is where Hope and patients come in. Hope gives us the ability to see change can happen and the patients we need to find the right tools and reasoning we need to try and bring about that change. We are not always going to be successful. When we are not successful we learn to use new tools that we have been taught can get the job done as well. The internet is a good example of a new tool that has evolved from an old tool, communication. We now communicate in a vastly different manner the we did just 10 years ago. This ability to learn is fueled by hope and patients. Without hope we would fell there is no need. Without patients we would not take the time.
We live in a McDonalds world of instant. Instant satisfaction, instant glory, Instant even,. We take away our uniqueness. We are not always going to be on a level playing field but we can and should treat each other equally, appreciating the differences instead of trying to conform them with little variation. We need to be comfortable in our own differences, accept that while some things can come readily to some and not so readily to others that we still have the ability to achieve what we want it just may take us more time. We need to get comfortable with the fact that not everything should come instantly and easy. That some thing’s, a great many of them are better much sweeter and rewarding when we have worked and earned them. Those rewards come from hope and patients. We had faith that we could get to where we wanted to be and we had the patience to take the time use the right tools and do the job right.
There are many things that can give us our Hope back when we loose it. We don’t often recognize them though do we?
One trick I have learned to do when I drive is to find land marks. Odd ball things that I will remember so that when I pass that way again or come back from going that way I don’t get lost. I guess for me this is part of my hope. What I mean by this is that. When I have lost hope and am trying to find it I find myself keenly aware of the signs that are pointing me towards hope. Like land marks or road markers being aware of these signs can make our journey’s much easier. They can steer us away from roads we don’t want to go down and down the roads we need to go down to find that hope. Sometimes it is a leap of faith. Take our recent election. I am sure there were a lot of people who had to take a leap of faith ( for me it was a no brainier but, everyone is different) on their journey to get hope back, or to find new hope. However one manages to keep their hope and patients alive is what matters, because hope lets us dream of change and patients gives us the ability to want to make that change. One last thing Without Hope and Patience how can you find balance in your life.
Remember we are all imperfectly perfect
Helpful (and Hopeful) Hank.
1. Helpful Hanks Handy Hint : Grow your own Sugar, Stevia plants can be bought at many nurseries and large hardware chains. All you have to do is grind up the dry leaves to a powder and use in place of sugar It is a challenge to find just the right amount of Stevia to use because it is so highly concentrated. Using the tip of a toothpick to scoop out the powder is a great trick for measuring, and it should prevent you from using too much. You can also mix Stevia powder with water and measure out the drops. The limitation in baking with it is that it will not allow browning to happen and it cannot be used in recipes involving yeast as it will not activate the yeast as sugar does. On the plus side you can use it in almost anything and it is easy to grow and you don’t have to re-plant it every year just cut it back in the fall. It is also pretty frost resistant and is safe for diabetics. Stevia grows well in pots and planters.
Write Helpful Hank at: askhelpfulhank@gmail.com
Helpful Hank is written by Russell E. Bertlow © 2009 All rights reserved. No portion of this blog may be reprinted in part or whole without the express written permission from Russell E. Bertlow
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