tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56175088315220630402024-02-08T10:03:53.813-08:00One Bubble at a TimeThe Crazy Life of a Mom of Four,
Wife of One, Soapmaker &
Business Owner
Living in the Stunning
Green Mountains of Vermont.Heather@Twin Birchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10419091453068268576noreply@blogger.comBlogger185125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5617508831522063040.post-88751219224808101482010-06-10T03:36:00.001-07:002010-06-10T03:51:08.859-07:00Six Winners<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/TBDDhzOrTOI/AAAAAAAACfg/nVZ9n0QBU3s/s1600/logo-1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 393px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/TBDDhzOrTOI/AAAAAAAACfg/nVZ9n0QBU3s/s400/logo-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481095731964759266" border="0" /></a><br />I can't make myself choose a winner to the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/48935765/lemongrass-and-calendula-shea-soap">lemongrass & calendula</a> give away. So, I'll giving everyone who commented on the post a bar of soapy goodness. If you live away, leave me your address at twinbirchbath(at)gmail(dot)come. Otherwise, I'll bring it to you! Thanks to all of you for your nice words & for reading <a href="http://twinbirch.blogspot.com/">One Bubble</a> I hope you love the soap as much as I do.<br /><br />If you are local, come enjoy some fun shopping Thursday & Friday from 10-4. You'll find great gifts for dads, grads, teachers and anyone else you might want to treat to some bubble luxury. (Like maybe, yourself!!)Heather@Twin Birchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10419091453068268576noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5617508831522063040.post-25597264919185064142010-06-07T12:12:00.000-07:002010-06-07T12:30:40.350-07:00Lemongrass & Calendula<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/TA1IuB871bI/AAAAAAAACfM/ZrFs3nuZ9NQ/s1600/lemongrass+%26+calendula-3.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 321px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/TA1IuB871bI/AAAAAAAACfM/ZrFs3nuZ9NQ/s400/lemongrass+%26+calendula-3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480116277214959026" border="0" /></a><br />After a few weeks at the store, I have discovered my soapy best seller. My <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/48935765/lemongrass-and-calendula-shea-soap">lemongrass & calendula </a>soap is flying out of the shop. I love this soap because it is soothing, refreshing & invigorating. The lemongrass & lemon essential oils are bright and boisterous yet relaxing and comforting. The calendula is soothing and so pretty in the bar. I also love the formula for our cold process soap. The oils I use combine with unrefined african shea butter and offer all that you'd want from a bar of soap. It's moisturizing. It's full of bubbles which make a great lather. It's long lasting & non drying. I love everything about it and I think you might, too.<br /><br />In the spirit of sharing a good thing, I'll pick someone randomly from the comments section & give away a bar! Leave me a note and I'll let you know who wins on Wednesday. Lots of bubbly love!Heather@Twin Birchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10419091453068268576noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5617508831522063040.post-31397135452348484812010-06-01T13:21:00.000-07:002010-06-01T13:39:24.378-07:00This Little Piggy<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/TAVvmmizOkI/AAAAAAAACfA/DQgRSEpElZk/s1600/100_9941.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/TAVvmmizOkI/AAAAAAAACfA/DQgRSEpElZk/s400/100_9941.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477907230738299458" border="0" /></a><br /><br />My life with <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#%21/tallmanlaw?ref=ts">Gerry</a> is never boring. We seem to have a routine. He comes up with a new idea, I fret and sputter with some objections. He patiently helps me to see his way. We do whatever it is and I end up thinking it's the greatest idea ever. This happened when he wanted to add<a href="http://twinbirch.blogspot.com/2010/05/go-eagles.html"> softball practice</a> to our schedule. It also happened when he thought we should join <a href="http://twinbirch.blogspot.com/2009/07/black-stripe-boys.html">Tae Kwon Do</a>. And when he thought we should get <a href="http://twinbirch.blogspot.com/2008/11/ding-dong.html">chickens</a><br /><br />Well, it's happening again. This time it's piggies. Gerry thinks we should raise two pigs and supply ourselves with some homegrown pork. At first I was mortified. I'm no farm girl and I don't want to have a "pet" that we then serve for dinner. At least that was my first reaction. After a visit to the <a href="http://www.earthwisefarmandforest.com/?page_id=123">Earthwise Farm & Forest</a>, though, I can see the beauty in offering these pigs a really wonderful life and then appreciating the gift of their meat. I think that's how I feel, anyway. I'll have to keep you all posted on this latest adventure. If nothing else, Gerry knows how to keep it *fresh*!Heather@Twin Birchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10419091453068268576noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5617508831522063040.post-79243336919116424652010-05-17T06:27:00.000-07:002010-05-17T06:38:19.246-07:00Go Eagles<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/S_FF5Jry8cI/AAAAAAAACec/cC8-q1kVP48/s1600/100_9272.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/S_FF5Jry8cI/AAAAAAAACec/cC8-q1kVP48/s400/100_9272.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472231870386336194" border="0" /></a>Cora is loving softball! She's got lots of heart and hustle, too! It's so fun to watch her play. She is probably the youngest on the team, and definitely the smallest. That doesn't stop her from playing hard and playing to win! :) Here are some cute pics from the<span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"> Eagles</span> (Cora's team) vs. <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Hawks</span> (her dear friends' team)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/S_FF4yWV8PI/AAAAAAAACeU/2nIsgUrlBi4/s1600/100_9283.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/S_FF4yWV8PI/AAAAAAAACeU/2nIsgUrlBi4/s400/100_9283.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472231864122339570" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/S_FF4ZMVnWI/AAAAAAAACeM/vj_aLtlMsl4/s1600/100_9278.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/S_FF4ZMVnWI/AAAAAAAACeM/vj_aLtlMsl4/s400/100_9278.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472231857369488738" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/S_FF3_ymp6I/AAAAAAAACeE/btZ0bmlqWWg/s1600/100_9270.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/S_FF3_ymp6I/AAAAAAAACeE/btZ0bmlqWWg/s400/100_9270.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472231850550667170" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/S_FF3oQpWEI/AAAAAAAACd8/Hui-FwQ0BB0/s1600/100_9269.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/S_FF3oQpWEI/AAAAAAAACd8/Hui-FwQ0BB0/s400/100_9269.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472231844234221634" border="0" /> </a><br />The boys are doing a great job, too! Those pics are on the way!Heather@Twin Birchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10419091453068268576noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5617508831522063040.post-27221076228697853392010-05-04T05:43:00.000-07:002010-05-04T05:48:04.551-07:00Jitters<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/S-AXe1IDBGI/AAAAAAAACdo/xcO0vBkYTBY/s1600/white+tea+spa+tabs.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/S-AXe1IDBGI/AAAAAAAACdo/xcO0vBkYTBY/s400/white+tea+spa+tabs.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467395766052127842" border="0" /></a><br />I'm so excited about having hours at the store! I'm in a mad dash to fill wholesale orders and get everything ready for opening on Thursday. I can't wait to be in there and enjoying the space. It's sunny and beautiful and just the right atmosphere. I'll get some pictures of the new digs as soon as I can. Wishing you lots of fun on these beautiful Spring Days!Heather@Twin Birchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10419091453068268576noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5617508831522063040.post-45606036785344663912010-04-29T08:36:00.000-07:002010-04-29T09:13:57.833-07:00And the Beat Goes On<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/S9msU_IG23I/AAAAAAAACdc/U-s0tPNkDyQ/s1600/100_9039.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/S9msU_IG23I/AAAAAAAACdc/U-s0tPNkDyQ/s400/100_9039.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465589099333606258" border="0" />As much as I love being on Facebook</a>, I have missed blogging! We've been wicked busy! Here are some pics to catch up. Of course, Max is doing very well and the mountains are still beautiful!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/S9msUbg9YlI/AAAAAAAACdU/6_NUrrtG0hA/s1600/100_8730.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/S9msUbg9YlI/AAAAAAAACdU/6_NUrrtG0hA/s400/100_8730.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465589089774166610" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/S9mpghD8nlI/AAAAAAAACc8/CxFUlWJNAQ8/s1600/100_8864.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/S9mpghD8nlI/AAAAAAAACc8/CxFUlWJNAQ8/s400/100_8864.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465585998886641234" border="0" /></a>Peter competed in the <a href="http://jrironchefvt.org/">Vermont Jr. Iron Chef</a> competition<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/S9mpgR3v1FI/AAAAAAAACc0/4r3sPhJ_B50/s1600/100_8930.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/S9mpgR3v1FI/AAAAAAAACc0/4r3sPhJ_B50/s400/100_8930.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465585994808939602" border="0" /></a>We had another fantastic Easter Brunch at the <a href="http://boston.langhamhotels.com/en/">Langham in Boston</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/S9mpfacSQTI/AAAAAAAACcs/3ljogALKVTc/s1600/IMG_0198.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/S9mpfacSQTI/AAAAAAAACcs/3ljogALKVTc/s400/IMG_0198.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465585979929805106" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/S9mq5_kvxUI/AAAAAAAACdM/rn23qoxXnws/s1600/100_8837.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/S9mq5_kvxUI/AAAAAAAACdM/rn23qoxXnws/s400/100_8837.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465587536085632322" border="0" /></a>The girls grew and stayed cute and the boys (and my friend Ramsey) all earned their 1st Dan Black Belts in March.<br /><br />Twin Birch continues to grow. I am opening a store/studio next week which will give people a chance to come in and shop, see soapmaking and even take classes to learn how to make fantastic natural skin care products. I can't wait to share pictures & stories from this new adventure!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://animoto.com/play/VLVHVpLXF2LbAuvz0kzs2g"></a><object id="vp1VLVHV" width="432" height="240" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000"><param name="movie" value="http://static.animoto.com/swf/w.swf?w=swf/vp1&e=1272557592&f=VLVHVpLXF2LbAuvz0kzs2g&d=101&m=a&r=w&i=m&options="></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed id="vp1VLVHV" src="http://static.animoto.com/swf/w.swf?w=swf/vp1&e=1272557592&f=VLVHVpLXF2LbAuvz0kzs2g&d=101&m=a&r=w&i=m&options=" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="432" height="240"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/S9moQvDP3JI/AAAAAAAACck/qn1famInN9c/s1600/100_8837.JPG"><br /></a></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span>Heather@Twin Birchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10419091453068268576noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5617508831522063040.post-35972813674453825942009-10-06T10:08:00.001-07:002009-10-06T10:36:36.191-07:00Home Again<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/Sst93vv20iI/AAAAAAAACbQ/me3hN2SLDoE/s1600-h/100_7821.jpg"><img dragover="true" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/Sst93vv20iI/AAAAAAAACbQ/me3hN2SLDoE/s400/100_7821.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389539775742399010" border="0" /></a>Last Thursday and Friday I chaperoned a trip to <a href="http://www.vtstateparks.com/htm/news.cfm">Groton State Park</a> with half of the third & fourth grade population. Cora is a third grader this year (already!). When Austen's class went, I assured Gerry that if he went with the boys, I'd go with the girls. At the time, they were still small enough to carry on a hip or in a back pack. Peter didn't get to go, poor plum, because his teacher was expecting her second baby and not up to the trip.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/Sst95URIP1I/AAAAAAAACbw/OiquFXElB1M/s1600-h/100_7867.jpg"><img dragover="true" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/Sst95URIP1I/AAAAAAAACbw/OiquFXElB1M/s400/100_7867.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389539802725498706" border="0" /></a>No wonder! Chaperoning the whole trip means gearing up for a full day of hiking and outdoor activities and a night in a leanto with 4 other children and 1 other adult. I have to say up front that I had a wonderful time on the trip! Spending quality time with just Cora (#3 of 4) was really sweet and fun. Her friends and classmates are quite a cute group. If you like Cora's hat, check out <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5389298">Sassy Grace Boutique on Etsy</a>. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/Sst94KYjwpI/AAAAAAAACbY/0aUt2Cdf46M/s1600-h/100_7824.jpg"><img dragover="true" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/Sst94KYjwpI/AAAAAAAACbY/0aUt2Cdf46M/s400/100_7824.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389539782892438162" border="0" /></a>That being said, I think it's worth noting that the overnight temperatures were in the low 30's and the highs on Thursday were in the mid 40's. No rain during the day, but I woke up at least four times in the night and listened to showers hitting the roof of the leanto. Happily, I wasn't lying in a tent praying that the fly would hold up.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/Sst95Elb_8I/AAAAAAAACbo/_vCp6qSntMk/s1600-h/rock+of+ages.jpg"><img dragover="true" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/Sst95Elb_8I/AAAAAAAACbo/_vCp6qSntMk/s400/rock+of+ages.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389539798515711938" border="0" /></a><br />On Friday, we left Groton and moved on to <a href="http://www.rockofages.com/en/gift-shop-a-tourism">Rock of Ages Granite Quarry in Barre</a>. From start to finish, the production of granite is mesmerizing! The men who harvest the stone, prepare it, carve it and etch it are some of the craftiest, most talented people I've ever watched. The whole process is truly amazing.<br /><div dragover="true" style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/Sst94sxYt5I/AAAAAAAACbg/7TmGclXDkpM/s1600-h/100_7839.jpg"><img dragover="true" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/Sst94sxYt5I/AAAAAAAACbg/7TmGclXDkpM/s400/100_7839.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389539792123377554" border="0" /></a></div><br />We arrived back at school at 3 pm on Friday. It was wonderful to get home to Gerry, Ella, Austen, Peter and even Max. Boy, to I love my bed!<br /><br />Provided that Ella's class also makes the trip, I have 2 years to pack for the next time out to Groton. I hope they go. I wouldn't miss it for anything!Heather@Twin Birchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10419091453068268576noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5617508831522063040.post-55421999624682122962009-09-30T12:32:00.000-07:002009-09-30T12:45:31.991-07:00Hello, Pumpkin!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/SsO09bYnQoI/AAAAAAAACbE/qPYnTmPmgCk/s1600-h/pumpkin+soap.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/SsO09bYnQoI/AAAAAAAACbE/qPYnTmPmgCk/s400/pumpkin+soap.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387348546681258626" border="0" /></a>I've been cranking out soap by the truck loads. The craft~ fair~holiday~party~favor season has me working hard and having a ball. It really is a gift to be able to do what you love.<br /><br />I find myself sniffing this bar of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15743101">Perfect Pumpkin</a> almost hourly. The fragrance is <a href="http://www.brambleberry.com/Pumpkin-Spice-Fragrance-Oil-P3917.aspx">Pumpkin Spice from Brambleberry</a>. It's a rich, warming blend of pumpkin, cinnamon, cardamom and nutmeg. The recipe is simple~ rice bran oil, palm & coconut blended with a bit of organic shea butter. It's colored with turmeric, paprika & a swirl of ground cinnamon. See why I call it perfect?<br /><br />Pick up a bar or three from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15743101">Twin Birch on etsy</a> and enjoy these first few days of Autumn in Vermont wherever you are!Heather@Twin Birchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10419091453068268576noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5617508831522063040.post-37530113288357928992009-09-14T04:43:00.000-07:002009-09-14T05:09:59.005-07:00Autumn Jewels from Etsy<div dragover="true" style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/Sq4tsEXCnwI/AAAAAAAACaE/YZxb0ktDP-M/s1600-h/pumpkin+earrings.jpg"><img dragover="true" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 312px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/Sq4tsEXCnwI/AAAAAAAACaE/YZxb0ktDP-M/s400/pumpkin+earrings.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381288839862198018" border="0" /></a><a dragover="true" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);" href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30568092&ref=sr_list_14&&ga_search_query=autumn&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=&order=date_desc&includes%5B%5D=tags&includes%5B%5D=title">Pumpkin Patch Earrings by Twilight Jewelry Box</a><br /></div><span style="font-size:100%;"><span dragover="true" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /><br />Along with havin</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span dragover="true" style="font-family:georgia;">g a love affair with </span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span dragover="true" style="font-family:georgia;">handmade s</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span dragover="true" style="font-family:georgia;">o</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span dragover="true" style="font-family:georgia;">ap, I'm also crazy about handmade jewelry. I love looking at something that was crafted with more patience than I will ever have to become a beautiful piece of wearable art. Here are some lovely selections from Etsy that highlight the tones of autumn. Go check them out! Happy M</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span dragover="true" style="font-family:georgia;">onday everyone.</span></span><br /><div dragover="true" style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/Sq4vGSTulAI/AAAAAAAACac/2uMNTjVpbE4/s1600-h/falling+branch.jpg"><img dragover="true" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/Sq4vGSTulAI/AAAAAAAACac/2uMNTjVpbE4/s400/falling+branch.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381290389794624514" border="0" /></a><a dragover="true" href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30692130"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Falling Branch Earrings by Ali Bali Jewellry</span><br /></a><br /></div><div dragover="true" style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/Sq4vF5f74QI/AAAAAAAACaU/azhCQrtkZXI/s1600-h/autumn+daisy+ring.jpg"><img dragover="true" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/Sq4vF5f74QI/AAAAAAAACaU/azhCQrtkZXI/s400/autumn+daisy+ring.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381290383134941442" border="0" /></a><br /><a style="color: rgb(153, 102, 51);" dragover="true" href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30664473">Autumn Daisies Mosaic Ring by Crooked Moon Mosaics</a><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/Sq4vFrKhJfI/AAAAAAAACaM/azQcKNbh2wo/s1600-h/acorn+necklace.jpg"><img dragover="true" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/Sq4vFrKhJfI/AAAAAAAACaM/azQcKNbh2wo/s400/acorn+necklace.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381290379287012850" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 102, 0);"><a style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);" dragover="true" href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29689252">Acorn & Oak Leaf Fall Harvest Necklace by CuteAbility</a><br /></div><span style="font-size:100%;"><span dragover="true" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/Sq4xfK00GDI/AAAAAAAACas/d9bkUCyIZvY/s1600-h/stack+rings.jpg"><img dragover="true" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 384px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/Sq4xfK00GDI/AAAAAAAACas/d9bkUCyIZvY/s400/stack+rings.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381293016305899570" border="0" /></a><br /><a style="color: rgb(102, 102, 0);" href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30895663">Autumn Harvest Stacking Ring Set by Original Hardware</a><br /></div>Heather@Twin Birchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10419091453068268576noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5617508831522063040.post-3708825347238695002009-08-25T05:31:00.000-07:002009-08-25T06:19:24.942-07:00Lots of Summer FunWe have had an AMAZING Summer! We have six days until the start of school. I think I'll spend every moment enjoying these days and my sweet family. I am so thankful!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/SpPidytxUgI/AAAAAAAACZ4/fp1wfo6LOkw/s1600-h/100_7506.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/SpPidytxUgI/AAAAAAAACZ4/fp1wfo6LOkw/s400/100_7506.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373887781840966146" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/SpPidVO3SLI/AAAAAAAACZw/zFLCSNIyiA8/s1600-h/100_7516.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/SpPidVO3SLI/AAAAAAAACZw/zFLCSNIyiA8/s400/100_7516.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373887773926705330" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/SpPiczj_BEI/AAAAAAAACZo/fdji5RaMzZE/s1600-h/100_7505.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/SpPiczj_BEI/AAAAAAAACZo/fdji5RaMzZE/s400/100_7505.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373887764888486978" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/SpPicfRTNlI/AAAAAAAACZg/SzXJML0Ao9k/s1600-h/100_7598.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/SpPicfRTNlI/AAAAAAAACZg/SzXJML0Ao9k/s400/100_7598.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373887759441409618" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/SpPib-Flb7I/AAAAAAAACZY/Wr1dx-ACn_4/s1600-h/100_7581.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/SpPib-Flb7I/AAAAAAAACZY/Wr1dx-ACn_4/s400/100_7581.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373887750533902258" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/SpPbYTT4ZPI/AAAAAAAACZQ/ZAZ5suHa39o/s1600-h/100_7572.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/SpPbYTT4ZPI/AAAAAAAACZQ/ZAZ5suHa39o/s400/100_7572.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373879990930138354" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/SpPbX3Y75cI/AAAAAAAACZI/bS8wolNe_Xg/s1600-h/100_7540.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/SpPbX3Y75cI/AAAAAAAACZI/bS8wolNe_Xg/s400/100_7540.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373879983435146690" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/SpPbXqozYsI/AAAAAAAACZA/zwwU7L_LEPA/s1600-h/100_7534.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/SpPbXqozYsI/AAAAAAAACZA/zwwU7L_LEPA/s400/100_7534.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373879980012036802" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/SpPbXB2EPDI/AAAAAAAACY4/RQoU0UtkTcE/s1600-h/100_7525.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/SpPbXB2EPDI/AAAAAAAACY4/RQoU0UtkTcE/s400/100_7525.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373879969061813298" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/SpPbWsEmQ6I/AAAAAAAACYw/7Xxx5ZcMd94/s1600-h/100_7522.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/SpPbWsEmQ6I/AAAAAAAACYw/7Xxx5ZcMd94/s400/100_7522.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373879963217183650" /></a>Heather@Twin Birchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10419091453068268576noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5617508831522063040.post-20132950030856015022009-08-18T07:01:00.000-07:002009-08-18T07:16:34.170-07:00Autumn BubblesI have to admit it. The fragrances of Autumn & the Holidays are some of my favorites. Although I love, love, <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">LOVE</span></span> summertime, I am crazy about the spicy, warm, comforting scents of Fall & Christmas. I also love playing with animoto. Here's a little piece to help everyone get excited for the the next page in the book of seasons:<br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://widgets.clearspring.com/o/46928cc51133af17/4a8ab7a317b43701/46928cc51133af17/1ef1cc8c/-cpid/d181a1d85d312ef1/-/-/-EMH/240/-EMW/432/widget.js"></script><br /><br />Come over to <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5412583">Twin Birch at Etsy</a> to get started on your shopping!Heather@Twin Birchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10419091453068268576noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5617508831522063040.post-73921302625058428622009-08-14T11:16:00.000-07:002009-08-18T07:17:24.958-07:00Breathe<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyKRAtA-c0B7lkrmoJS71Pmr8FPr3dV-aZ69RWZiNNkdaLhC6t_abrIdL84ZOSLiM7RQNq2WmHVloyi7RRlhQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />It's amazing to me that summer is almost over. Even though the calendar says we have about 6 weeks left, kids go back to school in 2 weeks. Here in Vermont, the crickets are singing. For me, that's a real reminder that the schedule is about to become busier and the relaxed yet full days of summer are coming to an end. It's at a moment like this that I have to remind myself to breathe.<br /><br />Many times this summer, I have felt a twinge of guilt because I haven't been the blogger that I aspire to be. I've also been squeezing in soaping instead of making it my daily focus. I'm sure I'm like lots of other moms who put all of the "important" stuff on the shelf to submerge into the joy of being with their kids and soaking up these fleeting days. It's such a balancing act. Again, I need to remember to breathe.<br /><br />Gerry tested for his Black Belt successfully a couple of weeks ago. He made a great montage of photos from his testing and the rest of the Blue Wave Summer Camp weekend. I smiled when I listened to the song that he put with the pictures. Good to know we're on the same page. Congrats, Mr. Tallman!<br /><br />Here is a great video done of Summer Camp 2008 by Mr. Emerson & Miss Kline. Summer Camp is such a blast!!<br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Rdh0qOeB3BM&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Rdh0qOeB3BM&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object>Heather@Twin Birchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10419091453068268576noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5617508831522063040.post-63037930893282951632009-07-21T11:30:00.000-07:002009-07-22T11:03:33.864-07:00Black Stripe Boys<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/SmdScmSrshI/AAAAAAAACWs/honW3Lyuiy8/s1600-h/Testing+high+red+345.JPG"><img dragover="true" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/SmdScmSrshI/AAAAAAAACWs/honW3Lyuiy8/s400/Testing+high+red+345.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361344532676588050" border="0" /></a>Whew! The summer is flying by and I can barely keep up with all of the activity! The latest summer high point came last Friday when the boys tested successfully for their Black Stripe in TKD. Operation Black Stripe was years in the making... 3 1/2 years to be exact! We all traveled over to the Bradford Dojang to participate in their Quarterly Testing. Austen & Peter were great! The Dojang was sooo hot and the testing was vigorous, but they did it!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/SmdRwT_HZ4I/AAAAAAAACWk/Sq3hgGoKe5k/s1600-h/100_1220.jpg"><img dragover="true" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/SmdRwT_HZ4I/AAAAAAAACWk/Sq3hgGoKe5k/s400/100_1220.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361343771848435586" border="0" /></a>Here's a shot of the boys 2 years ago with GrandMaster Tae Sung Lee (above) and at their testing. Nice high kicks, boys! I am such a proud mama!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/SmdS2JKp6kI/AAAAAAAACW0/7Mw7R-6tFDc/s1600-h/petersidekickIMG_2332.jpg"><img dragover="true" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 380px; height: 255px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/SmdS2JKp6kI/AAAAAAAACW0/7Mw7R-6tFDc/s400/petersidekickIMG_2332.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361344971534887490" border="0" /></a>Gerry also did a mock testing for his Black Belt. He was fierce! His official test will be on July 31st in front of the whole Blue Wave Association! Good Luck, honey!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/SmdUD3LcjSI/AAAAAAAACXE/95ltoWdInh8/s1600-h/Testing+high+red+275.JPG"><img dragover="true" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/SmdUD3LcjSI/AAAAAAAACXE/95ltoWdInh8/s400/Testing+high+red+275.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361346306736164130" border="0" /></a>Heather@Twin Birchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10419091453068268576noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5617508831522063040.post-88804829055577818522009-06-10T11:05:00.000-07:002009-06-10T11:14:42.284-07:00Time in Monet's Garden<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/Si_3_t11hUI/AAAAAAAABv4/AB0lzTFAd4o/s1600-h/monets+garden.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 359px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345763956721288514" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/Si_3_t11hUI/AAAAAAAABv4/AB0lzTFAd4o/s400/monets+garden.jpg" /></a> I love the Impressionists. I especially love Monet and all of the wonderful colors found in his work. Here is my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14086628">soap</a> inspired by Monet's Garden. It smells divine~sweet, floral & summery. Grab one on <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14086628">Etsy</a> or <a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=244812">Artfire</a>!Heather@Twin Birchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10419091453068268576noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5617508831522063040.post-10322578620199055312009-06-02T10:09:00.000-07:002009-06-02T10:47:12.434-07:00The Tender Days of June & The Seduction of a Great Salt Bar<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/SiVk3c8fxyI/AAAAAAAABvM/Ldjrx33JsnY/s1600-h/ella.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 286px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342787436770477858" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/SiVk3c8fxyI/AAAAAAAABvM/Ldjrx33JsnY/s400/ella.jpg" /></a> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 286px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342787432488241330" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/SiVk3M_iCLI/AAAAAAAABvE/cRe3uf2FHqo/s400/cora+and+austen.jpg" />There are only 8 days of school left for us here in Vermont. That blows my mind! How quickly these days fly by and we stand on the edge of summer vacation. I love this time of year because of the weeks of pure summer joy that lie ahead! We are looking forward to time on the Cape, Mountaineers baseball camp, lazy days and busy time. I can't wait for the kids to have a day or two to sleep until they wake up and come downstairs with nowhere to go. Of course, that won't last for long because we have PLANS! <div><div><div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342787423293577042" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/SiVk2qvWl1I/AAAAAAAABu8/VBr5SaAM718/s400/100_6951.jpg" />I find myself reflecting a lot during these last weeks of the school year. Last month, I was the mom of a kindergartener, second grader, fifth grader & seventh grader. Next week, I'll be the mom of a first grader, third grader, sixth grader & eight grader. What is a natural progression also reminds me how fast the years fly by. This is the time of year that gives me some of those happy mommy tears. There is so much to look forward to and so much to be proud of. Am I the only one? How do you all feel about the end of school?<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342784615224528418" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/SiViTN3hTiI/AAAAAAAABu0/cMm2MiucvSM/s400/gojiberry+salt+bar+text.jpg" />One thing I know for sure is that I am taking my time in the shower for these next few weeks. After all, the morning hours won't be quite so peaceful for long. My favorite bar of soap right now is a <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25872661">Goji Berry Salt Bar</a>. This is my first batch of salt bars and I love them. The soap is made of coconut oil and grapeseed oil. As the soap came together, I stirred in fine grain Pink Himalayan salt. Goji Berry is bursting with the scent of exotic summer berries. Blackberry, goji berry, gooseberry & logan berry are wrapped in vanilla & sugar musk. I got the <a href="http://wholesalesuppliesplus.com/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=7560">Goji Berry</a> from <a href="http://wholesalesuppliesplus.com/">Wholesale Supplies Plus</a> and it's delicious!! You can find the soap on <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25872661">Etsy</a> and now on <a href="http://wwww.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=244733">Artfire</a>, too.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Happy Summer! </div></div></div></div>Heather@Twin Birchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10419091453068268576noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5617508831522063040.post-14775382654862222892009-06-01T04:54:00.000-07:002009-06-01T05:40:45.091-07:00Mentor Magic<div><br /><div>I was so surprised and flatterd to be asked to mentor an RUHS Senior last Fall. Emiline is the oldest daughter of my girlfriend, Beth. She came to me in September and asked if I would mentor her through her Senior Project. Her task was to develop a product, market it, <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342336497014701858" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/SiPKvTcqfyI/AAAAAAAABuk/ogS_M_dim2Q/s400/100_6852.jpg" />write a paper about it and put together and oral and visual presentation. All the while, she was to check in with a panel of community and faculty members. Senior Project success is mandatory for graduation.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342336504101389042" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/SiPKvt2QwvI/AAAAAAAABus/rCdh85NlOj8/s400/100_6853.jpg" /> The seniors at Randolph Union High School are an incredibly talented group! Walking through the display of completed projects last week was so much fun! <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342336490411133314" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/SiPKu62QCYI/AAAAAAAABuc/OOthfAbQAoQ/s400/100_6851.jpg" /></div><div>Of course, my favorite display was Emiline's! She did such a great job! She had a great product to sell ~ a gift set with all natural body wash, shea lotion & handmade cold~process soap. She opened an Etsy shop to market it and put together an adorable pamphlet. I am so proud to have been her mentor. Way to go, Emiline!!</div></div>Heather@Twin Birchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10419091453068268576noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5617508831522063040.post-50267457658343631582009-05-12T05:05:00.000-07:002009-05-12T07:15:56.437-07:00Austen Plays Lax, Peter Plays Third!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/SgmEeYGxedI/AAAAAAAABuQ/Tjz2Fpg364M/s1600-h/100_2866-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 265px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/SgmEeYGxedI/AAAAAAAABuQ/Tjz2Fpg364M/s400/100_2866-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334940890998864338" border="0" /></a>We are officially a two sport family. Peter is playing really well for his Little League team, the A's. They are the team to beat this year with a record of 5 and 0. As a mom, I appreciate their enthusiasm and great sportsmanship. Their coaches are fantastic and we parents have a raucous time in the bleachers! It's always a great time!<br /><div><br /><div></div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334911034807879234" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/SglpUhIJBkI/AAAAAAAABuI/k7pUUFvEt1g/s400/100_6768.jpg" border="0" />This year Austen is playing Lacrosse for the Randolph Middle School Ghosts~that's him with the #1 on his shirt. He is playing quite a lot since they only have 2 or 3 subs for the team. He plays attack mostly and has had a few "pancake" moments. Of course, I had no idea what that means until he explained to me that being "pancaked" is to be flattened on the field by the opponent. One worse than that is to be "sancaked". Yep, it's being flattened by two opponents in the sandwiched and squished sense. Deep breath. Thank goodness for pads and a great coach!<br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>The challenge is to be at two, three or four places at the same time. We are also still way into TaeKwonDo and the girls have concerts & school functions a lot! Last week, Gerry covered lacrosse & I covered baseball. We updated with text messages and reunited at the ball field since 6 innings takes about twice as long as four quarters. I wonder how our parents managed without all of the great technology? </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>These are truly awesome, fun days. I'm hanging onto them because I know they will pass in a flash</div></div>Heather@Twin Birchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10419091453068268576noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5617508831522063040.post-51957570335637193032009-05-11T07:59:00.000-07:002009-05-11T09:02:29.459-07:00Hey! We've Been Flocked!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/SghGWNx7cRI/AAAAAAAABuA/6pP5hnu_vkw/s1600-h/100_6802.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/SghGWNx7cRI/AAAAAAAABuA/6pP5hnu_vkw/s400/100_6802.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334591106090496274" border="0" /></a>We've been <span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102); font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >flocked</span> by an anonymous friend. It's the most clever fund~raising idea I've ever seen. A high school student here in Randolph was accepted to an exchange program to Europe this summer. To raise money, she is moving this cute <span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">flock of flamingos</span></span> around our town. The plan is that you offer $20.00 to have the whole <span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">flock</span></span> delivered to someone's front lawn in the middle of the night. Of course, she offers to take them away for nothing, but how could you possibly <span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">grinch </span></span>all of this fun?? The thing that cracks me up is that our house is WAY off of the road, so the only "peeps" who knew about the <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 102, 102);font-size:180%;" >flocking,</span> aside from our family, were our ten hens. They were most curious about the visitors... until they found some good grubs to munch. Hmmmmm... who will we <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 102, 102);font-size:180%;" >flock</span> next?Heather@Twin Birchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10419091453068268576noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5617508831522063040.post-78221633203043692572009-05-05T08:29:00.001-07:002009-05-05T08:29:19.410-07:00Happy Birthday, Gerry!!<script type="text/javascript" src="http://widgets.clearspring.com/o/46928cc51133af17/4a005b4e6dfa25a2/46928cc533b8ccef/618a6379/widget.js"></script>Heather@Twin Birchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10419091453068268576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5617508831522063040.post-38859881433369827872009-05-03T07:31:00.000-07:002009-05-03T07:47:59.296-07:00Feeling Green<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/Sf2uBqApCeI/AAAAAAAABtg/BRqB-EGbGsk/s1600-h/TKD+Testing+122.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/Sf2uBqApCeI/AAAAAAAABtg/BRqB-EGbGsk/s400/TKD+Testing+122.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331608877356616162" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Cora, Ella & I tested for our next belt in TKD this week. Happily, we all passed. Cora & I are now <span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0); font-weight: bold;">Green</span> Belts & Ella earned her <span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0); font-weight: bold;">Green Stripe</span>. The girls did a fantastic job!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/Sf2uIP9DaLI/AAAAAAAABto/4bnZ47T0Oz8/s1600-h/summer+green+shower+butter.jpg"><img dragover="true" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/Sf2uIP9DaLI/AAAAAAAABto/4bnZ47T0Oz8/s400/summer+green+shower+butter.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331608990621329586" border="0" /></a>In other green news, I find myself falling in love with all of the yummy Spring & Summer fragrances that I have. Lately, I've been using LOTS of <a dragover="true" href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13984123">Shea & Shimmer Scrub</a>. It's been soooo good for my <span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">sunburned skin</span>. (I'll admit that I let the sugar rinse off & then just rub the magic shea all over) I've also rediscovered <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=12172162"><span dragover="true" style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Summer Green Shower Butter</span></a>. It's just a wonderful, lush, <span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0); font-weight: bold;">green</span> fragrance! It's citrus-y & summer-y & yummy! Shower Butter is perfect for your skin. It's a soft, whipped soap that softens while it cleans. I love it. Stop by <a href="http://twinbirchbathandbody.com/">Twin Birch on Etsy</a> to grab yours.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/Sf2uYmRhzQI/AAAAAAAABtw/1kuDG_1gtmI/s1600-h/shea+shimmer+scrub+grapefruit+lily.jpg"><img dragover="true" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/Sf2uYmRhzQI/AAAAAAAABtw/1kuDG_1gtmI/s400/shea+shimmer+scrub+grapefruit+lily.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331609271490694402" border="0" /></a>I hope it's as beautiful where you are as it is here! Spring in Vermont is our prize for getting through the final, cold days of winter! <span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0); font-weight: bold;">Happy Spring</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">!</span>Heather@Twin Birchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10419091453068268576noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5617508831522063040.post-27855921103081378282009-04-30T09:57:00.001-07:002009-05-01T09:54:31.347-07:00Let the Breeze Blow!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/SfsnxI8yHLI/AAAAAAAABtI/7kwocBAxVWc/s1600-h/Belize+486.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/SfsnxI8yHLI/AAAAAAAABtI/7kwocBAxVWc/s400/Belize+486.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330898309092613298" border="0" /></a><br />Belize was indescribably beautiful! We had a fabulous trip! It was so wonderful to share great time with Gerry's parents. We are all so thankful for this fun adventure! My favorite phrase came from one of the locals... "Let the breeze blow!" You can feel that philosophy in everyone in Belize. It's friendly, interesting and very laid back. I loved it! These pictures are from the day that we visited the Mayan Ruins in the Cayo district. We were at Xunantunich (shu-nan-tu-niche). The highest structure there is called El Castillo . It's 130 feet high. The kids & Gerry did a great job staying up there & looking around. Me? not so much. I went up and I went right back down. That was just plenty for me! The ruins are breath-taking!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/Sfsnx0gGd4I/AAAAAAAABtY/EPXSTWM6Cfg/s1600-h/Belize+471.jpg"><img dragover="true" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/Sfsnx0gGd4I/AAAAAAAABtY/EPXSTWM6Cfg/s400/Belize+471.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330898320783472514" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/SfsnT2GGFCI/AAAAAAAABtA/hLNuHxQYRIM/s1600-h/Belize+447.jpg"><img dragover="true" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/SfsnT2GGFCI/AAAAAAAABtA/hLNuHxQYRIM/s400/Belize+447.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330897805815190562" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/Sfsnxldu4-I/AAAAAAAABtQ/kCkWiAtHjzI/s1600-h/Belize+478.jpg"><img dragover="true" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/Sfsnxldu4-I/AAAAAAAABtQ/kCkWiAtHjzI/s400/Belize+478.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330898316747006946" border="0" /></a>Next time~ beach photos!<br />ps. here's a link to the wonderful place that we stayed. It's the perfect spot! <a href="http://almondbeachbelize.com">Almond Beach Resort, Hopkins, Belize</a>Heather@Twin Birchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10419091453068268576noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5617508831522063040.post-20232229285949992132009-04-06T18:36:00.000-07:002009-04-06T18:49:52.560-07:00A Nod to Jimmy Buffet<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/SdqxH9j15II/AAAAAAAABsw/qllnsJnEkec/s1600-h/100_5942.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 356px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/SdqxH9j15II/AAAAAAAABsw/qllnsJnEkec/s400/100_5942.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321760660033758338" border="0" /></a><br />In honor of all things sunny and wonderful, I've come up with <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22940507">Margarita Kaleidosoap</a>. It's yummy lime fragrance will carry you to the islands. That's exactly what we're doing for April vacation. We are so excited and lucky to be traveling with Gerry's parents to Belize. What an amazing family experience for us!!<br /><br />About a year ago, Gerry's parents offered to take us all anywhere we'd like to go (in the world!)<br />Honestly, I couldn't even imagine a more wonderful idea. After the initial excitement about taking a trip, we realized that the greatest gift of all is that the kids, Gerry & I get to spend an uninterrupted week with two of the most important people in our lives. It fills my heart to imagine the kids spending such magical time with their grandparents. Three generations traveling together and sharing an adventure.<br /><br />With all that in mind, we decided that taking our Vermont bones to the tropics would be about as close to heaven as we could come. We're really looking forward to soaking in the sun, playing in the sand, relaxing by the pool and enjoying eachother. (we also hope to investigate the Mayan ruins, rainforest, coral reef & pool side bar!) :) Lots of thanks and love to Carter & Sylvia. I have been so blessed to be part of the family for over 20 years and I've loved every minute of it!<br /><br />Feel free to poke over to <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22940507">etsy</a> for a slice of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22940507">Margarita</a>. We can't take you with us, but I can send you a slice of heaven!Heather@Twin Birchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10419091453068268576noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5617508831522063040.post-75025951370149679032009-03-23T13:41:00.000-07:002009-03-24T06:15:08.309-07:00While Mom's Away, the Kids Will Play<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/ScjbJJpv7MI/AAAAAAAABsQ/6voNSnK8f9g/s1600-h/100_5894.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/ScjbJJpv7MI/AAAAAAAABsQ/6voNSnK8f9g/s400/100_5894.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316740310367202498" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/ScjcAGtwplI/AAAAAAAABso/VMZ8HWjZ5Sg/s1600-h/100_5892.jpg"><img dragover="true" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/ScjcAGtwplI/AAAAAAAABso/VMZ8HWjZ5Sg/s400/100_5892.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316741254471525970" border="0" /></a><br />Here are some cute pictures of the girls playing cub scout dress up while I was away on my <a href="http://twinbirch.blogspot.com/2009/03/girlie-weekend.html">Girlie Weekend</a>. I don't even know how they found the uniforms! LOL Thanks to Gerry for being such a fun dad & for taking pics of the chitlins!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/ScjbUCUw7JI/AAAAAAAABsY/Fyv1xK2vKdI/s1600-h/100_5887.jpg"><img dragover="true" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/ScjbUCUw7JI/AAAAAAAABsY/Fyv1xK2vKdI/s400/100_5887.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316740497378700434" border="0" /></a><br /><br />They also worked on Austen's Family Tree project for his Living Arts class. I love the spring sun shining in and Max chilling out with all of them.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/Scjb0OTrsMI/AAAAAAAABsg/_9Cna276N3g/s1600-h/100_5909.jpg"><img dragover="true" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/Scjb0OTrsMI/AAAAAAAABsg/_9Cna276N3g/s400/100_5909.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316741050351202498" border="0" /></a>Heather@Twin Birchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10419091453068268576noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5617508831522063040.post-30568547249087947522009-03-19T06:02:00.000-07:002009-03-19T07:53:27.963-07:00Girlie Weekend<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/ScJKQM0Gb_I/AAAAAAAABrg/NnZG9TED_2M/s1600-h/girlie+group+crop.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 394px; height: 283px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/ScJKQM0Gb_I/AAAAAAAABrg/NnZG9TED_2M/s400/girlie+group+crop.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314892152428720114" border="0" /></a>Whew!~ time is flying by & life is crazy, busy! It seems like my ginormous soap order is on hold for now. I'm a big believer in things happening for a reason, and I know great things will come from my clients' interest in a bulk order. Not yet, though.<br /><br />Meanwhile, March has been non~stop busy for us. Each weekend has been filled with tons of activity and the weeks seem to fly by. Last weekend, I had such a blast! I caught up with girlfriends who I went to school with. East Junior High School, to be exact! Six of us with super~sweet spouses were sent off to spend the weekend at my friend Peggy's family lake house in at Lake Sunapee, NH. Five of us went all the way through high school together. Liz moved after Jr. High. sad! Luckily we all live in New England, so this won't be the last partay...<br /><br />We all arrived with stacks of pictures & year books, tons of food, bottle after bottle of wine & a cake that was like none that I have ever seen before! We laughed, drank, ate & even teared up once or twice. I was reminded again how blessed I am to have the most amazing people in my life! <br /><br />Don't you love the pic?! We were cracking up because Kim was working so hard to set the timer on the camera... and we'd had a lot of wine! ;) Back row left to right~Kim, Liz, Shari & Maribeth<br />front row~ me & Peggy. Love you, girls!<br /><br />And, lucky me, I came home to an adorable flock of kids and the sweetest, most handsome husband in the world! (thanks Gerry!)Heather@Twin Birchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10419091453068268576noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5617508831522063040.post-71229011938614792232009-03-03T05:12:00.000-08:002009-03-03T07:29:27.746-08:00Hurts So Good<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/Sa0xgbBA_rI/AAAAAAAABqc/Osipqoc7F14/s1600-h/100_5756.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VGoioJPfJSM/Sa0xgbBA_rI/AAAAAAAABqc/Osipqoc7F14/s400/100_5756.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308953968817274546" border="0" /></a><br />We just got back from <a href="http://bluewavetkd.com/">Blue Wave TaeKwonDo Association'</a>s 2009 TaeKwonDo Winter Camp. It was the first year that all of us participated in all of the workshops. It was extra exciting this year for a lot of different reasons. Firstly, Grand Master Lee came over from Korea. He is a 9th Dan (9th Degree Black Belt) and the head instructor of our organization. We all had the opportunity to join in one of his workouts. Here's a brief list of what we did with Grand Master Lee and the other instructors: <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /><br />Crunches, push ups, planks, lunges, kicks & strikes by the hundreds, poomse practice, paddle drills & sparring</span></span>.</span><br /><br />I can't tell you how blissfully sore I am! It was the hardest, most satisfying workout I've done in a long time!<br /><br />We also had the chance to watch our instructor, Master Tom Chase, test for his 6th Dan and Miss Buckholts test for her 2nd Dan. In the wings was Gerry. Having just earned his Black Stripe, he is hoping to test for his Black Belt in August. He got to hold boards for the High Dan Testing, including for Master Chase. He was so excited and honored. Watching Master Chase test was really exciting for all of us. He was great!<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx-Jc6CVOmKcalmCBWzM9JLRAUdmdhcE6cxFfnGSW2IUWTq8kxQ-canQwEr-ETBp5KRu_cWirlOz_91OWCLFg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />The boys are right behind Gerry. They are waiting to be invited to test for their Black Stripe. Hopefully, they'll be testing for their Black Belt at Winter Camp 2010. All Black Belt testings take place in front of the whole Blue Wave group, so it's pretty daunting. It didn't look daunting for Master Anthony, though. Check out the board breaking sequence he rocked while testing for 7th Dan! ~<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyPLM9Vs5lE4bgQPLStBMRQYNgwNOaNO85vqvMDqWZdODJBBX8XqMJGKL3dQ0_qSFb1CXcizPL1gulVWHUraA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxRFEnpzkQttTtVzikyJaMykgsFQlXU7OCOvCOcUa5hC_k9mg1iuPn-CbGjmr__chXWzmo5pjW6cNNQK-kIiw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />All of the Black Belt testings were so inspiring. They are the perfect demonstration of what we can achieve if we practice discipline, perseverance, strength, determination & courage.<br />We feel so lucky to have found this sport as a family. It makes us a better, more solid clan. We share fun, goals and muscle aches. Here are some pics for you to enjoy!<br /><br />ps. in the category of "no news is good news", I haven't heard on the big order, yet. The anticipation is killing me! :)Heather@Twin Birchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10419091453068268576noreply@blogger.com1