We've been reading a lot of old fairy tales from the Brother's Grimm, Hans Christian Anderson, and others. There are stories of success, sadness, impossibilities, failure, thoughfulness, thoughtlessness, vanity, overcoming, and many more things that we see in our own lives and the lives of those with whom we come in contact.
I am very inclined to believe that the majority of fairy tales that have ever been written have been done so with the intent that we can learn something from them. I think they give us opportunities to talk with our children about important things in life. We can question which characters they would like to emulate. Do they understand that some people may try to deceive them? Do they believe in themselves, in their dreams, in the goodness of others. Do they understand that hard work pays off? Etc. Etc.
No wonder bedtime stories are such an important part of life. Fairy tales are awesome. :)
For your enjoyment, here are a couple of audio recordings by our family. These fairy tales are told in an animated fashion by our family and a couple of friends. Each character in the story has his or her own unique personality and voice.
The Three Billy Goats Gruff by Peter Christen Asbjørnsen (Free)
The Wolf and the Seven Little Kids by the Brother's Grimm ($.69)
Put these delightful tellings on your mp3 player, ipod, zune, or whatever you have. It is a great way to entertain kids in the car, at home, or wherever you may be! (Truth be told, it is entertaining for grown-ups too!)
We had so much fun doing these that we will be making more. I'll keep you posted.
Showing posts with label Makiavelli. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Makiavelli. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Friday, May 8, 2009
Makiavelli's Masterpiece Edible Clay Recipe!
Here is the recipe to go along with the Masterpiece Maker post which I highly recommend reading {and watching} if you haven't already. :)
Make a Masterpiece Dough
1 (18 oz.) jar of peanut butter
6 tbsp.of honey
1/2 c. of dried milk
¼ cup corn starch
Mix the peanut butter and honey. Add the dried milk. Add the corn starch. Put this in the fridge until ready to use. As everyone uses the clay, you may want to have them brush their hands with cornstarch first. {FYI, you could use this clay recipe for a lesson on Noah's Ark, for creating molecules for a science lesson, for setting up a mini battle scene for history, etc.}
Assorted dried fruit—kiwis, apples, cherries, mangoes, etc. (I got a cool assortment from Costco.)
Nuts
Raisins
Baking chips—butterscotch, white chocolate, etc.
Coconut
Other random goodies
Put the above items in small bowls.
Here is the result of his creative thinking. (Those of you who know us well may be wondering why there are chocolate chips on there--rest assured, it isn't chocolate. The "chocolate story" will have to be told on another day.)
My efforts resulted in a fruit basket.
Princess took her project seriously.
She drew ideas from her own imagination, as well as borrowing a few thoughts from others.
After several foiled attempts, Sticky decided that these flat faces were just right.
Kevin's contribution to the masterpiece fest was this inventive spaceship.
Our "newly acquired" member of the family, Carol, made this very cool new Star Wars creature! We highly recommend every family having a Carol. Carol's are very intelligent, super funny and lovable to boot. Carol graces us with her presence every Monday night for our Family Home Evening. Thanks Carol! 
Make a Masterpiece Dough
1 (18 oz.) jar of peanut butter
6 tbsp.of honey
1/2 c. of dried milk
¼ cup corn starch
Mix the peanut butter and honey. Add the dried milk. Add the corn starch. Put this in the fridge until ready to use. As everyone uses the clay, you may want to have them brush their hands with cornstarch first. {FYI, you could use this clay recipe for a lesson on Noah's Ark, for creating molecules for a science lesson, for setting up a mini battle scene for history, etc.}
Assorted dried fruit—kiwis, apples, cherries, mangoes, etc. (I got a cool assortment from Costco.)
Nuts
Raisins
Baking chips—butterscotch, white chocolate, etc.
Coconut
Other random goodies
Put the above items in small bowls.
When it is time for the activity, put all the bowls on the table and give each person a portion of the dough. Little people get little portions.
Everyone can create a fantastic treat from the materials provided. Have them think of a plan or design for a moment before beginning. Some people will form the dough into the shape of something recognizable like a tree, or an animal or building. Others may make a rather abstract design that looks quite nice. Still others may simply have the plan to cram as many of their favorite items into the dough as possible to create the most delicious flavor they can. There is no wrong way to create your masterpiece. Here are our creations...
Nanner clothed her creation in fruit and garnished it with nuts and seeds.
Bub created a chubby penguin. (It looked much cuter in real life. Pardon the lame photography.) The penguin is about to feast on a lovely dried fruit on a toothpick kebab.
Here is the back side of the penguin--you can see his kiwi "feathers".
Here is the result of his creative thinking. (Those of you who know us well may be wondering why there are chocolate chips on there--rest assured, it isn't chocolate. The "chocolate story" will have to be told on another day.)My efforts resulted in a fruit basket.Princess took her project seriously.She drew ideas from her own imagination, as well as borrowing a few thoughts from others.
After several foiled attempts, Sticky decided that these flat faces were just right.
Kevin's contribution to the masterpiece fest was this inventive spaceship.
Our "newly acquired" member of the family, Carol, made this very cool new Star Wars creature! We highly recommend every family having a Carol. Carol's are very intelligent, super funny and lovable to boot. Carol graces us with her presence every Monday night for our Family Home Evening. Thanks Carol! 
Every one of us is a unique individual with different gifts, likes, and skill sets. Have joy in the creating and making it the way you want it to be. We had fun. Hope you do too.
If you want the FHE lesson plan version, I'll put a link here as soon as I get it posted.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Masterpiece Maker Presented by Makiavelli
Sit back, relax, and prepare to be inspired. :) Recently I have found some things that have been extremely uplifting to me and I wanted to share them with you. Let's begin with the following very short movie clip.
I love the message shared in those two minutes. ..."one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul."..."You might say, 'I am not the creative type,...think again."..."something that did not exist before"..."You are a masterpiece."..."You will make the world a better place."
With God as our Father, we can do remarkable things. Here is what Joseph B. Wirthlin has to say in a talk entitled “The Abundant Life”.
"The third quality of those who live abundant lives is that they, with the help of their Heavenly Father, create a masterpiece of their lives.
No matter our age, circumstances, or abilities, each one of us can create something remarkable of his life.
David saw himself as a shepherd, but the Lord saw him as a king of Israel. Joseph of Egypt served as a slave, but the Lord saw him as a seer. Mormon wore the armor of a soldier, but the Lord saw him as a prophet.
We are sons and daughters of an immortal, loving, and all-powerful Father in Heaven. We are created as much from the dust of eternity as we are from the dust of the earth. Every one of us has potential we can scarcely imagine.
The Apostle Paul wrote, “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him."
Me? Create a masterpiece? Hmmmmm.
What is a masterpiece by definition?
1. a person's greatest piece of work, as in an art.
2. anything done with masterly skill: a masterpiece of improvisation.
3. a consummate example of skill or excellence of any kind: The chef's cake was a masterpiece.
4. a piece made by a person aspiring to the rank of master in a guild or other craft organization as a proof of competence.
Food for thought--If I have the ability to truly make a masterpiece of my life, as do all those around me, how beautifully would all those masterpieces complement the masterpieces God has already shown to us all. If everyone had this goal, the results would be stunning.
God has given us wonderful blueprints to follow by looking at His masterpieces. Note the attention to detail, the vibrancy, the uniqueness, the design, the functionality, and the depth of every creation. Obviously our Maker poured heart and soul into every creative effort. Below are a few websites on which you can explore these ideas a little further.
Is not the Lord The Master of Masterpiece Makers? {I suggest right clicking on the links and opening in a new tab.}
Here are some beautiful pictures of things in nature.
Read about the creation from the scriptures.
Explore the world with Google Earth.
Oh, but you say--that is just for "amazing people". Let's take a look at some of the people that we think fit that category. How about-Handel, Einstein, Abraham Lincoln, Leonardo Da Vinci, C.S. Lewis, etc.
Let’s take a closer look at one masterpiece maker…Michelangelo
This article shows how he picks marble specimens directly from quarry to match the project.
I love the message shared in those two minutes. ..."one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul."..."You might say, 'I am not the creative type,...think again."..."something that did not exist before"..."You are a masterpiece."..."You will make the world a better place."
With God as our Father, we can do remarkable things. Here is what Joseph B. Wirthlin has to say in a talk entitled “The Abundant Life”.
"The third quality of those who live abundant lives is that they, with the help of their Heavenly Father, create a masterpiece of their lives.
No matter our age, circumstances, or abilities, each one of us can create something remarkable of his life.
David saw himself as a shepherd, but the Lord saw him as a king of Israel. Joseph of Egypt served as a slave, but the Lord saw him as a seer. Mormon wore the armor of a soldier, but the Lord saw him as a prophet.
We are sons and daughters of an immortal, loving, and all-powerful Father in Heaven. We are created as much from the dust of eternity as we are from the dust of the earth. Every one of us has potential we can scarcely imagine.
The Apostle Paul wrote, “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him."
Me? Create a masterpiece? Hmmmmm.
What is a masterpiece by definition?
1. a person's greatest piece of work, as in an art.
2. anything done with masterly skill: a masterpiece of improvisation.
3. a consummate example of skill or excellence of any kind: The chef's cake was a masterpiece.
4. a piece made by a person aspiring to the rank of master in a guild or other craft organization as a proof of competence.
Food for thought--If I have the ability to truly make a masterpiece of my life, as do all those around me, how beautifully would all those masterpieces complement the masterpieces God has already shown to us all. If everyone had this goal, the results would be stunning.
God has given us wonderful blueprints to follow by looking at His masterpieces. Note the attention to detail, the vibrancy, the uniqueness, the design, the functionality, and the depth of every creation. Obviously our Maker poured heart and soul into every creative effort. Below are a few websites on which you can explore these ideas a little further.
Is not the Lord The Master of Masterpiece Makers? {I suggest right clicking on the links and opening in a new tab.}
Here are some beautiful pictures of things in nature.
Read about the creation from the scriptures.
Explore the world with Google Earth.
Oh, but you say--that is just for "amazing people". Let's take a look at some of the people that we think fit that category. How about-Handel, Einstein, Abraham Lincoln, Leonardo Da Vinci, C.S. Lewis, etc.
Let’s take a closer look at one masterpiece maker…Michelangelo
This article shows how he picks marble specimens directly from quarry to match the project.
Here you can view his statue Pieta and then click on links on the page to view others of his great works. Look at the hand of the statue of David--you can see the veins, fingernails and lines of the knuckles!
In this article, it shows how Michelangelo just took away what didn't belong to reveal the masterpiece within.
Read about using Michelangelo's methods steps to make your own great design.
As I was reading about Michelangelo, I kept wanting to read more and more and more. It was absolutely fascinating. Michelangelo was definitely a masterpiece maker.
So, we can agree that the Michelangelo and many other well-known people are amazing--they are making (or have made) masterpieces of their lives. But, what about people that are not quite so famous? What about people that are masterpiece makers and yet their names may not be remembered 50 or 100 years from now? Here is one example.
Did that father and son make masterpieces of their lives? Was the masterpiece something we could touch? No. Could we admire it in a museum? No. Could it be performed on a stage? No. Could it still be considered a masterpiece? Yes.
What about you and I? Perhaps you can think of some people who are just regular everyday people you know who are creating masterpieces of their lives? People that are pouring heart and soul into their efforts. People who are using their gifts. Someone rearing a household of foster children? Someone anonymously serving others continually? Someone knitting sweaters by the thousands to give to those who have none? Someone who endures great suffering yet shows us all how to be cheerful? Someone who painstakingly and lovingly attends to a beautiful garden?
There are good examples all around us of people using different gifts to create masterpieces in their lives. Each of us is blessed with at least one wonderful gift that we can expand to the fullest extent possible.
Those who use the gifts that God has given them to the highest capacity are those that are creating masterpieces of their lives, just as the Lord intended for them to do. How do we know what God wants us to do?
Listen.
President Uchtdorf in the movie clip at the beginning counseled, “The more you trust and rely upon the spirit, the greater your capacity to create.”
You will change the world—now get out there and do it! :)
P.S. I turned this idea into a lesson for the whole family. I will be posting the lesson plan on www.fheplanner.blogspot.com soon. In the meantime, I will be posting later today, or tomorrow a post with edible "Make a Masterpiece Dough". This yummy clay is accompanied by many appealing add-ons to help all family members create a tasty little masterpiece! I'll include lots of pictures of our creations! :)
P.P.S. Don't forget to let me know of any Spring Clean for 5 tasks you got done. Time is short! And, of course you realize that there will be a new project coming up for May, so be prepared for that!
Friday, March 20, 2009
Makiavelli Teams up with Chef Maki
Learning about fish? Having a themed party? Wanna do something different, just for fun? This may work for you! Bake zucchini bread in pie tins like this:
Turn out one of the zucchini breads whole onto a cookie sheet. Cut another of the breads into quarters, using one quarter for the fish tail. Cut another piece for a top fin. Add a small piece of candy, raisin, or date for the eyeball and there's your fish!
Now that was easy, wasn't it?!
Turn out one of the zucchini breads whole onto a cookie sheet. Cut another of the breads into quarters, using one quarter for the fish tail. Cut another piece for a top fin. Add a small piece of candy, raisin, or date for the eyeball and there's your fish!
Now that was easy, wasn't it?!Saturday, February 28, 2009
Makiavelli's Mission Accomplished Carnival: Finding the Miracles
Click here to learn more about the Mission Accomplished Carnival--the rules, the how-tos... Please feel free to join this carnival at any time. You don't have to join today. Just come back and share at a later date on this post when you have something. Or, you can wait and just do come post on the next Mission Accomplished Carnival on the last day of the next month.
My Fave: Visit here and you will read about a simple, yet excellent homemaking resolution. Rather than try to do everything, Mrs. Mordecai chooses to focus on one task. You also get to see a cute picture of her two-year-old pantry climber. :)
My Focus: Checking up on myself from last months goal...I didn't to too shabbily. I didn't go as many times to the farmer's market as I had intended, but I got enough to keep me in produce the whole month with the trips I made and some good deals at local grocery stores. I felt like I made a difference. We ate better this month.
My Friends: Okay, yeah. What goals, plans do you have? Do you have a wonderful goal-setting quote? Did someone else inspire you? What have you got? Feel free to join us by just leaving a comment if you rather than using Mr. Linky and a link to a post.
Watcha Working on Wednesday here.
My Fave: Visit here and you will read about a simple, yet excellent homemaking resolution. Rather than try to do everything, Mrs. Mordecai chooses to focus on one task. You also get to see a cute picture of her two-year-old pantry climber. :)
My Focus: Checking up on myself from last months goal...I didn't to too shabbily. I didn't go as many times to the farmer's market as I had intended, but I got enough to keep me in produce the whole month with the trips I made and some good deals at local grocery stores. I felt like I made a difference. We ate better this month.
For this month, I am finding miracles. Instead of seeing problems, pain, and challenges, I am working on seeing blessings, amazing moments, and stocking up soft & sweet memories. (Soft & Sweet Memories song here.) As a visual, I am picturing myself in God's gentle hands, protected. I may be "bumping and banging around" like crazy, but it is a cushioned ride. Each day when I get up in the morning I will read a little note which simply says, "Find Miracles". At night, I will review my day as I am relaxing and readying myself for sleep. I will drift off thinking of the treasures I found that day. That's my plan. What is yours?
My Friends: Okay, yeah. What goals, plans do you have? Do you have a wonderful goal-setting quote? Did someone else inspire you? What have you got? Feel free to join us by just leaving a comment if you rather than using Mr. Linky and a link to a post.
Watcha Working on Wednesday here.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
New! Mission Accomplished Carnival Brought to You by Makiavelli
Click here for the recent Mission Accomplished Carnival postings.
What is the Mission Accomplished Carnival all about?
The simple version:
A. Write a goal post {No, I am not talking football} about a goal you accomplished, have set, or a post about goal advice you can give or want to get.
B. Add your information to “Mr. Linky”
C. Leave a comment
D. Visit other’s posts
E. Come back next month for more :)
The detailed version:
The idea of this carnival is to give you a little extra motivation to get a goal accomplished. You see, if you tell someone else you are going to do something, you are more likely to actually do it than if you just simply think to yourself about doing it. ;)
Another reason for this carnival is to be inspired by others. This can be done through seeing what other people are setting as goals and how they plan to accomplish it. It can also be done by encouraging one another in their goal setting and by sharing good goal setting/accomplishing ideas. This may give all of us better insight as to how to accomplish something we really want to accomplish.
HERE'S THE SCOOP! You can do one of four things to participate in this carnival. You can start a goal or finish a goal! You can get or give help. In other words:
1. Set a goal at the beginning of the month. Write up a post about your plan. Link up and share your post about the goal you plan to do with others here!
2. If you accomplish your goal by month’s end, report back here to link up with your post telling us about your accomplishment!
3. Write a post asking for tips on accomplishing a certain goal. People can leave a comment for you if they have a good idea.
4. If you have some good goal accomplishing ideas/advice, write about that. Link up here and share your thoughts with others.
Linking back to this carnival in your post is not mandatory, but it would be nice. That way if someone clicks away from here to view your site, they can easily get back to find everyone else’s links.
Grabbing the code for my CompleteLee button and placing it on your blog would be great, but also not mandatory.
Goal ideas include:
~~Getting around to making that craft you have been wanting to do forever.
~~Perhaps you can let us know how you are finishing your book. (I’ll finish these chapters by this date, I’ll get the book to my editor by this date, I’ll design the cover by this date.)
~~Learning to bake bread
~~Potty training the toddler
~~Painting the kitchen (First I’ll go to the paint store and get color swatches, then I’ll get a friend to hold them up while I choose the best shade. Next, I will pick up supplies by this date. And, finally, this is the date on which I plan to tape and the next day I will do the actual painting.)
~~For my business, I will make 30 contacts this month
~~This year I am saving money towards _______. (Then you can update us to let us know what and how you are doing each month)
Give and get ideas include:
~~Ask questions
*How do I focus myself to achieve my bigger goals?
*Has anyone ever…?
*What is the first step?
*How do I fine tune my goals?
*What about visualizing? Does it work?
~~Tell success stories
~~Share a great inspirational quote or book that helped you
~~Let us know a strategy that has worked for you
~~If you find a great free website that helps, share that
~~Provide a worksheet or chart that you have used before
~~Show how you got your children setting goals
If you have no blog, but would like to participate, feel free to leave a comment with your questions, accomplishments, advice, etc. If you don’t know how, or don’t want to leave a comment, you are certainly welcome to email me at blog@completelee.com. Email submissions will be posted at the next carnival by me.
This carnival will occur once a month on the last day of the month. If you don’t have something to share this time, post something before the next carnival comes around.
Click on the title of your Mission Accomplished post and use the URL from just that post, not the home page of your blog. That way your post can easily be found by carnival readers.
Click here for the recent Mission Accomplished Carnival postings.
Makiavelli's Mission Accomplished: Food, Glorious Food!
Click here to learn more about the Mission Accomplished Carnival--the rules, the how-tos...
My Fave: This month, I don't have a favorite one of yours to share. That is simply because this is the first Mission Accomplished Carnival!
My Focus: I find that I eat better when I have healthy food readily available in the house. (duh) I really hate to spend money, especially on things I deem too expensive. In fact, I have set limits in my mind of what is acceptable to spend on many items like meat, cheese, vegetables, ice cream, etc. If I go to the grocery store and the item is over my acceptable limit, I generally will not buy it. This can be very good for the pocketbook, but it can be bad when I go looking for fresh fruits and veggies.
Watcha Working on Wednesday here.
My Fave: This month, I don't have a favorite one of yours to share. That is simply because this is the first Mission Accomplished Carnival!
My Focus: I find that I eat better when I have healthy food readily available in the house. (duh) I really hate to spend money, especially on things I deem too expensive. In fact, I have set limits in my mind of what is acceptable to spend on many items like meat, cheese, vegetables, ice cream, etc. If I go to the grocery store and the item is over my acceptable limit, I generally will not buy it. This can be very good for the pocketbook, but it can be bad when I go looking for fresh fruits and veggies.
Fruits and veggies are really hard to stock up on because they don't keep fresh for as long as canned goods, or meat which can be easily frozen. I know that my favorite farmer's market has incredibly good deals on produce which leads me to set my acceptable limits for prices rather low. Then if I go to the grocery store and see prices 2 to5 times higher than what I know I will pay at the farmer's market, it "hurts" to buy it! So, I wind up making our produce supply not very varied because I wind up buying only those items that are the lowest priced per pound.
Why don't I just go to the farmer's market and buy oodles of berries, melons, apples, asparagus, beans, cauliflower...? Convenience! It isn't as close!
This month, I didn't feel like tackling anything extremely major. So, my goal for this month is to visit the farmer's market at least 4 times. In addition to that, I plan to wash and cut up as much of the produce I bring home within 24 hours so that it is handy for my family and I to eat. And, finally, I plan to have a main focus on extra veggie side dishes for dinner.
My Friends: Okay, let's have yours! What did you post about? Are you taking a few baby steps? Do you have something grand planned that you want to get done? Have you got a good tip pr quote? Share, share!
My Friends: Okay, let's have yours! What did you post about? Are you taking a few baby steps? Do you have something grand planned that you want to get done? Have you got a good tip pr quote? Share, share! Editor's note: Rats! I thought I had Mr. Linky figured out. I'll go work on that right now! Sorry.
Editor's note 2: Yay! It is working!
Watcha Working on Wednesday here.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Makiavelli's Rock Garden OR What to Do with All the Rocks the Kids Collected!
I started with this (actually there were more weeds before I thought to take a before picture, but you get the idea).
Some of the kids helped sort the rocks into distinct categories. Below you see pictured only the large, larger and largest rocks. In actuality there were lots more piles, all the way down to teensy tinsy.
Here is my $1.25 garage sale find that I used for the borders. Nice smooth,oval-shaped black rocks and white, slightly sparkly rocks of various sizes and shapes.
After getting rid of weeds, I rolled out a long piece of black-stuff-that-keeps-weeds-from-growing-in-an-area and cut it to the appropriate size. (Yes, that is what I asked for at Home Depot and they knew what I was talking about.) 
Down at the other end of the garden, I sectioned off a piece for the golf nut. We have plenty of random golf balls in varying colors around here, so they formed the basis for this section. Also in this picture you can see a design using some of the kid's painted rocks. In the section next to that, there are some sturdy white seashells that were granted admittance to this rock haven.
In this picture, the bottom left corner exhibits one of the largest rocks surrounded by various other rocks. The bottom right contains extra smooth, polished stones, including many teeny round shiny black rocks that I don't know what they are. The section on the right above the teeny black rocks houses shiny and sparkly rocks. On the left above are rounded larger rocks.
The "Native American" style rock guy was the brainchild of Princess. She thought the facial features a good idea. I like the spiked hair. Then there are random larger stones with funky smaller filler rocks. Then you have the "flower" made from painted rocks. And finally you are back to where I started with the treble clef. 
Here you see the view walking out the front door.
And, what it looks like when we come home.
It actually took me months of doing this a little bit at a time, but it looks much better than the weeds, huh?
Some of the kids helped sort the rocks into distinct categories. Below you see pictured only the large, larger and largest rocks. In actuality there were lots more piles, all the way down to teensy tinsy.
Here is my $1.25 garage sale find that I used for the borders. Nice smooth,oval-shaped black rocks and white, slightly sparkly rocks of various sizes and shapes.
After getting rid of weeds, I rolled out a long piece of black-stuff-that-keeps-weeds-from-growing-in-an-area and cut it to the appropriate size. (Yes, that is what I asked for at Home Depot and they knew what I was talking about.) I lined the outer edge of the rock garden with the black rocks and then did a second edge using the white rocks. When that was done, I sectioned off a shape and began to work on designs.
I started with a section for me. It is a treble clef and a couple of notes. Princess pitched in, making a small triangle in the upper right of the picture for all the pieces of mica and a few other rocks.
Down at the other end of the garden, I sectioned off a piece for the golf nut. We have plenty of random golf balls in varying colors around here, so they formed the basis for this section. Also in this picture you can see a design using some of the kid's painted rocks. In the section next to that, there are some sturdy white seashells that were granted admittance to this rock haven.
In this picture, the bottom left corner exhibits one of the largest rocks surrounded by various other rocks. The bottom right contains extra smooth, polished stones, including many teeny round shiny black rocks that I don't know what they are. The section on the right above the teeny black rocks houses shiny and sparkly rocks. On the left above are rounded larger rocks.
Then came Christmas. My very thoughtful Peanut gave me a present of blue glassy rocks. He bought them for the express purpose of them finding a place in my garden. :) Above the blue glassy rocks you will find a collage of other seashell and small rocks. At the top of those, there are some of the coolest, most interesting colored rocks we had. (Come on over and see them up close. It is even cooler that way.)
At the bottom of this picture you can see the seashells and cool colored rocks a little more closely showcased. Then, you have the granddaddy mammoth rock of unusual tones along with other rocks of similar themes. Next to them, you have more ultra smooth, polished stones.
The "Native American" style rock guy was the brainchild of Princess. She thought the facial features a good idea. I like the spiked hair. Then there are random larger stones with funky smaller filler rocks. Then you have the "flower" made from painted rocks. And finally you are back to where I started with the treble clef. Here you see the view walking out the front door.
And, what it looks like when we come home.
It actually took me months of doing this a little bit at a time, but it looks much better than the weeds, huh?
Friday, January 2, 2009
Makiavelli's Latest "Stupid Shelf" Design--Monkey Madness!
I was going to post pictures from Christmas today, but the computer that has the pictures is gone. (Don't worry, it will be back.) Instead, you get the excitement of seeing my silly creativeness.
We took down all the Christmas decor today and the "Stupid Shelf" (Dust collector, whatever you want to call it) looked bare. I blogged a while ago about my stupid shelf and mentioned thinking about trading out the decor seasonally. I didn't have a lot of interesting stuff to put up there, so I had to get creative, thus the monkey madness.
Monkeys in hats, monkeys in baskets. It works for us. Both Kevin and I love monkeys. Some of the monkeys are from my collection of stuffed monkeys from when I was a kid. The big purple one in the middle was a Valentines Day gift. He holds a sign that says "I love you". A couple monkeys are my children's. 
And, in case you are wondering...No, I didn't paint that part of the wall yet. Maybe when I redecorate the next time!
We took down all the Christmas decor today and the "Stupid Shelf" (Dust collector, whatever you want to call it) looked bare. I blogged a while ago about my stupid shelf and mentioned thinking about trading out the decor seasonally. I didn't have a lot of interesting stuff to put up there, so I had to get creative, thus the monkey madness.
Monkeys in hats, monkeys in baskets. It works for us. Both Kevin and I love monkeys. Some of the monkeys are from my collection of stuffed monkeys from when I was a kid. The big purple one in the middle was a Valentines Day gift. He holds a sign that says "I love you". A couple monkeys are my children's. 
And, in case you are wondering...No, I didn't paint that part of the wall yet. Maybe when I redecorate the next time! Saturday, November 29, 2008
Makiavelli Creates a Beginners Guide for Blogging & Website Traffic
I first established a blog in April of 2008. I figured out how to make a couple of entries and then left it alone until about July. I didn't know what I was doing with it. I didn't really know what blogging was all about. So, I started doing some investigating!
I created this guide to help others learn the things I learned all while taking less time than I took. If this guide had been in my possession a few months ago, I could have saved myself the hassle of many hours of searching. Using my notes from extensive searching I compiled what I feel like is very useful information for bloggers that are just starting out, or for bloggers that just want some extra ideas without having to search high and low for the info!
Read the guide to find information on:
Blog Definitions (What do all these weird words mean??)
Blog Carnivals (How? Why? What?)
Blog Aggregators (Individual write-ups with pros and cons)
Social Communities (Reviews on several popular sites)
Getting Free Traffic (How to, what to)
The entire guide is written in PLAIN ENGLISH so that even the "technologically clueless" {read as Marika} can understand it without being intimidated by computer geek terminology!
You can purchase this guide here at YouPublish for $2.95. It is worth the small investment to save yourself the trouble of discovering it all on your own!
Hope you enjoy!
I created this guide to help others learn the things I learned all while taking less time than I took. If this guide had been in my possession a few months ago, I could have saved myself the hassle of many hours of searching. Using my notes from extensive searching I compiled what I feel like is very useful information for bloggers that are just starting out, or for bloggers that just want some extra ideas without having to search high and low for the info!
Read the guide to find information on:
Blog Definitions (What do all these weird words mean??)
Blog Carnivals (How? Why? What?)
Blog Aggregators (Individual write-ups with pros and cons)
Social Communities (Reviews on several popular sites)
Getting Free Traffic (How to, what to)
The entire guide is written in PLAIN ENGLISH so that even the "technologically clueless" {read as Marika} can understand it without being intimidated by computer geek terminology!
You can purchase this guide here at YouPublish for $2.95. It is worth the small investment to save yourself the trouble of discovering it all on your own!
Hope you enjoy!
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Makiavelli Brings You: The Cutest Christmas Music Video EVER!
This is THE cutest, most heart-melting Christmas music video EVER! Seriously, if this video doesn't play around with your heartstrings, I am Ebeneezer...Ebeneezer Scrooge, that is.
It was so enjoyable looking through all the cute, funny and adorable pictures I received. I hope you will agree that some of the pictures just fit perfectly with the lyrics with which they were placed. The song title is "If I Were an Angel on Christmas Night." There are definitely some awesome angel children on the video!
Maximizing the youtube video will give you distorted scenes. I am working on a digital format available for downloading on your computer that will keep the integrity of the pictures.
If you would like a copy of this video as a DVD to play on your TV screen, or to give as a Christmas gift, please send an email to me at blog@completelee.com. I am working on putting this product in our webstore, so it will be available that way as soon as I get it figured out. In the meantime, email me to order your copies.
The DVD will cost $2.95 plus Shipping. If you order 10 DVD's, shipping is free in the continental USA. I will accept Paypal, Money Order, or check. If you send me a personal check, I won't ship the DVD until your check has cleared my bank.
Below is the picture that will be the insert on the DVD jewel case.
It was so enjoyable looking through all the cute, funny and adorable pictures I received. I hope you will agree that some of the pictures just fit perfectly with the lyrics with which they were placed. The song title is "If I Were an Angel on Christmas Night." There are definitely some awesome angel children on the video!
Maximizing the youtube video will give you distorted scenes. I am working on a digital format available for downloading on your computer that will keep the integrity of the pictures.
If you would like a copy of this video as a DVD to play on your TV screen, or to give as a Christmas gift, please send an email to me at blog@completelee.com. I am working on putting this product in our webstore, so it will be available that way as soon as I get it figured out. In the meantime, email me to order your copies.
The DVD will cost $2.95 plus Shipping. If you order 10 DVD's, shipping is free in the continental USA. I will accept Paypal, Money Order, or check. If you send me a personal check, I won't ship the DVD until your check has cleared my bank.
Below is the picture that will be the insert on the DVD jewel case.
Click here to find more information on this song.
Please spread the word and share this post with friends and family that would enjoy these sweet little faces and the message of the song. Thank you!
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