DIY Halloween Costumes - Darth Vader

 

Halloween is just around the corner, and we like to celebrate by inviting our friends, family, and neighbors to stop by and share a treat with us, and this year is no different. 

The only difference is that this year we have a Star Wars theme. My son 3d-printed this Darth mask. Unfortunately, it's a little small on my husband. So, I think we'll end up giving it to a neighbor's son...BUT, that's not going to stop us from having a lightsaber battle out in the front yard and dressing the part. I think I can do a Leah hairstyle and wear a white robe...ish cloak. . . 

. . . while I battle my husband in his new Darth Vader costume.

My son has a little bit more to model and print out...so he needs to get going on it because time is running short. And, I need to come up with a white cloak, dress, outfit to play my part. But, no matter what we wear, eat or drink...it's going to be a fun-filled evening for the neighborhood kids and that's what this time of year is all about. For one night a year, we let the kids dress up, eat candy and go to bed late. At least that's the way we've always celebrated, and I love to see the kids all dressed up as their favorite superhero characters, animal costumes and clever lego designs.

But, how do you celebrate? I'd love to hear what you're planning to do while we're drinking blue milk and dunking donuts (hopefully, not in the rain). 

Here are a few more photos of the current mask, my son has been working on.

Have a Happy Halloween!

THE CROWS OF PORTLAND

 

Every morning I go outside and feed the crows, so I love sharing a story about these super-intelligent birds, and this is a story that touches the entire community of Portland, Oregon, and beyond. . .

THE CROWS OF PORTLAND, or more correctly, the OHSU Foundation and LAIKA, is a wonderful Free artistic display that the entire community can enjoy in more ways than one. And, it is local artists who have brought these birds to life. 

But the crows' farewell event will be from October 31^st to November 1^st. So, if you want to see them, get out there now to hunt them down, and be sure to come equipped with your camera to capture these colorful crows. What a perfect way to celebrate Spooky Season and 100 years of OHSU’s Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, which has provided expert health care to our kids and any child in need. Plus, the crows caw-caw to everyone about the upcoming Wildwood Stop Motion magical movie, and you can watch the trailer here: Wildwood movie - Search

Just don’t miss this fun way to celebrate the season with your family and friends because it comes out on October 23^rd in a theater near you.  

Here are a few fun photos to give you a taste of what these amazing crows look like, so you’ll have an idea of what it is you’re hunting down.
 

The statues of the Crows will be auctioned off on November 15^th.

You can read more about this amazing partnership with Portland DownTown Clean & Safe, the Portland Metro Chamber, Travel Oregon, Travel Portland, NW Natural, Wild in Art, City of Portland, Alaska Airlines, All Classical Radio, Oregon Symphony, 1^st Security Bank, Bird Alliance of Oregon, Oregon Electric Group, JH Kelly, ZGF Architects, Columbia Precast Concrete, Andersen Construction, JH Kelly, Oregon Electric Group, ZGF Architects, Columbia Precast Concrete, Township Building Services, Friends of the Multnomah County Library, Harold Goldstein & Carol Streeter, Hyatt Centric Downtown Portland, Lewis & Clark College, Lithia and Driveway, Melvin Mark, Downtown Development Group, McMenamins, OMSI, Oregon Film Trail, Portland Events and Film Office at Prosper Portland, Pacific Office Automation, Oregon Film, William & Fran McKa, Skanska, Ness Campbell, Stoel Rives, The Standard, Wieden &Kennedy, and Willamette Week.

For more information, click on the link below:
https://ohsufoundation.org/wildwood-follow-the-crows/

And, here is my own animated tribute to the LAIKA movie and my love of my local murder of crows:

 

OLD FASHIONED POPCORN BALLS

OLD-FASHIONED POPCORN BALL RECIPE AND INSTRUCTIONS

INGREDIENTS

7-10 CUPS OF POPPED POPCORN (I salt mine)

1 cup granulated sugar

1/3 cup water

1/3 cup light corn syrup

½ stick butter (plus a tablespoon to spread on your hands to form the popcorn into balls)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract or other flavoring you would like to use

OPTIONAL INGREDIENTS – IF YOU WANT TO CREATE PUMPKIN POPCORN BALLS OR JACKOLANTERNS :

GUM DROPS OR CHOCOLATE CHIPS

CANDY EYEBALLS

LICORICE (FOR A MOUTH)

INSTRUCTIONS

Sift out any granny kernels from the popcorn and set the popped corn aside while you prepare the syrup. I create the simple syrup first by mixing the granulated sugar into the 1/3 cup water in a saucepan over medium heat. The simple syrup is ready when the sugar is dissolved, and the sauce looks like water. Then slowly add the Karo syrup. Finally, add the butter until it is melted. If you want to add in food coloring, this is a good time to do it.

Cook the syrup until it reaches 250 degrees (measured with a candy thermometer); this will take a little time. The syrup will be bubbling quite a bit, and you will want to stir it with a silicone spatula or wooden spoon (do not use a metal utensil, as it will get too hot in your hands).

When the syrup reaches 250 degrees, quickly pour it over the popcorn, being careful to spread it all over the popcorn (which you should have in a large metal mixing bowl).

Let the syrup cool on the popcorn a little bit (a couple of minutes) before you spread some butter over your hands and work the popcorn into balls (this is tricky as you do not want to let the syrup cool so much that the candy is hardened, because it will be too late to form the balls and have them stick together). Place the balls on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet or cookie cooling tray. Quickly add the gumdrops, eyes, and licorice before the syrup hardens.

   

Halloweentown in St. Helens Oregon

 Looking for a fun film to watch for Halloween? Why not try an old favorite like Halloweentown? If you're interested, check it out here

But if you're looking for a fun outing and you live in Oregon, anywhere near St. Helens, I'd suggest you check out the Spirit of Halloweentown 

There are a lot of free things you can do with your children and there are additional events you can enjoy for a small fee, if you wish. Check out the website for more info here.

Here are the event details: 

And here are a few photos from the day I visited Halloweentown:

Trouble Sleeping? Try ASMR

 

If you have trouble relaxing at the end of the day, try this asmr hair brushing and styling video. Plus, I talk about board games, tennis and try to give some hair styling inspiration for the upcoming holidays. 

And, if you're a board gamer, let me know if you've tried CLANK. I highly recommend it and would love to know what you think of the game. Or, if you're a crafter, let me know if you'd like to see some craft videos.  But, overall, let me know what you think: by clicking here

Join us as we read the Bible - John Chapter 9

 We're reading through the Bible to learn what Jesus teaches us in God's word. If you're interested click here to join us. 

Get Ready With Me - Makeup and Hair

 

If you're looking for a relaxing video, sit back and listen to this Get Ready with Me video. It's just the thing at the end of the week to help put you to sleep so you can wake up refreshed for your weekend. 

If you're interested in makeup for older women and hairstyles that help you stay active, even if you have long hair, then join me on this journey to getting ready for tennis.

Here's the link: https://youtu.be/ukoj3PChab0

And, let me know if you have any questions or helpful tips for me.

Woodworking Creates Names from Scrap Plywood

ASMR HAIR WASHING AND BRUSHING

Lillejuleaften or Christmas

 

My husband is Danish, so we celebrate both Lillejuleaften and Christmas. Essentially, they are the same thing only the Danes celebrate on the 24th of December and the Americans celebrate on the 25th (that way Santa can visit everyone. Two days is a lot better to make it around the world). 

There are a few more differences between Lillejuleaften and Christmas and I'll go over those differences a bit more tomorrow. Come back tomorrow and learn a little bit about the Danish way to celebrate as well as a few traditional ways we Americans party. 

Check out my Little Library: https://youtube.com/shorts/yIsvIxeb-rc?si=xRYKVenExaozdDCZ

NATURALLY FUN FOR THE HOLIDAYS

 

Handmade Crafts Journey

Siena and her mother Marcella, talked with me about their 17-year journey of selling handmade crafts, which began when Siena was only 6 years old, when they were homeschooling. Siena explained that she has dyslexia, which makes her more visual and naturally inclined towards creative activities, while Marcella shared that their family has a strong tradition of crafting, with both her mother and grandmother being artists. The conversation revealed how their homeschooling environment provided the freedom to explore various types of crafts, ultimately leading to the successful craft business they have built over the years. They have even been in Better Homes & Gardens magazines!

Family-Inspired Creative Exploration

Siena talks about her family's artistic background, particularly her mother's embroidery and knitting work, which inspired her own creativity.  She explained how having access to a variety of materials at home encouraged her to experiment and try new ideas without the pressure of saving materials for specific projects. Siena showcased some of her wool felt toys, including gnomes and mushrooms, which she creates without faces to allow children's imaginations to shape the characters and stories.

Naturally Fun Business Philosophy

Siena explained the origin of the business name "Naturally Fun," which reflects their philosophy of incorporating natural materials and a focus on fun in their products and homeschooling approach. She emphasized that people often describe their items as fun, happy, and unique, which totally aligns with their mission to infuse joy into their creations.

Crafting Journey and Market Expansion

Siena discussed her journey with crafting and selling items at markets, starting with school markets when she was very young and expanding to private markets during COVID-19. She noted that private markets reached a different audience and allowed her to explore her passion while balancing work and travel. Siena loves her flexible schedule and work-life balance that this creative business provides, motivating her to continue growing and pushing herself.

Upcoming Events and Promotions

Siena and Kimbra discussed upcoming in-person events, including the Oswego Farmer's Market Reunion, Baltic Holidays, Portland Wilder School, and several events in December, such as the Scan Fair at the convention center. Siena highlighted her unique crafts, including felt ornaments and sweater trees, and we all want to encourage supporting small businesses. 

If you want to check them out, here's a list of events they'll be at:

Check out my interview with them here: https://youtu.be/FWgOGZBr-kk

ASMR HAIR BRUSHING - Relax, Rejuvenate and get Ready

Author Interview - With Help for Writers

If you're a reader or a writer, you'll be interested to hear Mary Rose tell her story of her path to publication and how she found a publishing coach to help her get her book into print. 

And, if you're interested in middle grade fiction, Evelyn Am, just might be the story you'll want to pick up for the holidays. 

Readers have compared Evelyn Am to To Kill a Mockingbird and It's a Wonderful Life - so a perfect book for the holidays. 

https://youtu.be/vB60mAdZ4jo

Which One Did it Better - Ghosts or Snowmen

 I just finished our Harvest Festival, and now I'm moving on to Christmas Crafting with transforming my Firewood Ghosts into Firewood Snowmen. Which one do you think did it better? 

Vote down below

Ghosts?

or 

Snowmen?

Or maybe even the reindeer...? 

If you're having trouble deciding, check out my YouTube video: https://youtu.be/gJJ3SQZP_Yk and make sure to vote. 

AUTHOR INTERVIEW With The Path to Publication and New Release Discussion

 

Margaret's Path to Publication with her New Book: Dying Cry 

CHECK OUT THE INTERVIEW HERE: https://youtu.be/GiFruX2ss74

Margaret talks about her path to publication with her first book, "Killing Trail," published by Crooked Lane Books in 2014 after the arduous journey of finding an agent. 

She discusses using a canine character and how her books appeal to both male and female readers, including animal lovers and professionals like retired police officers and veterinarians. 

Success Strategies for Aspiring Writers

Margaret shared her success story with Crooked Lane Books, where her first two books were well-received, leading to a contract for ten books in total. 

Writing and Publishing Insights

Margaret shares her experience of writing and publishing her books, emphasizing the importance of querying agents, crafting elevator pitches, and building a social media presence before securing a contract. 

Dying Cry" Book Discussion

Margaret tells us a bit about "Dying Cry." Maddie, Cole, and Cole's daughters hear a scream while snowshoeing and discover a body at the base of a cliff, leading to a host of suspects and one heroic dog who plays a central role in solving the mystery.

Integrating Experience into Fiction Characters

Margaret also talks about her transition from writing nonfiction to fiction. 

I hope you'll check out her book and help out another reader and writer by giving her book a review - it really helps! 

ASMR HAIR BRUSH VIDEO

If you're looking for something to help you unwind so you can get to sleep, then try ASMR with the soothing sounds of crunchy hair brushing, blow drying and hair styling to help put you to sleep.

Need Sleep - Try ASMR Crunchy Hair Brushing

 

If you need sleep, check out the soothing sounds of ASMR hair brushing sounds. Just close your eyes and listen: 

https://youtu.be/BO9w_gM27_8

ASMR HAIR BRUSHING AND BLOW DRYING

If you need sleep, check out this ASMR hair brushing and Blow Drying video. 

ASMR HAIR WASH AND BRUSH

Your Path to Publication

I've always loved reading. Maybe because I grew up in a house filled with children. Mom had 9 of us and Grandma lived with us too. So, as you can imagine, Mom and Dad were always busy. 

Plus, we only had one television when I was a kid, and it was black and white. Okay, I know that dates me to nearly the Stone Age but it's true. And, in those days you had to find ways to entertain yourself.

And being nearly at the end of that long line of kids, I never got to pick the television shows we watched, unless I ran home from school and was the first into the house. Then, if I was lucky, I could catch the last fifteen minutes of Dark Shadows and Barnabus Collins. 

You might ask, "What does all that have to do with me getting published?"

And, I would have to say, "A lot!"

You have to be an avid reader to be a decent writer. And, even if you disagree with me on that one issue, you'd have to admit that if you read a lot, you at least have some concept of how words should be put together to tell a story and that definitely can't hurt with your writing. 

And, if you've always wanted to write a book, my best advice to you is to...start writing.

There are a lot of people who dream of becoming an author, but the first step is to work on perfecting your craft (aka writing).

Once you've worked on that angle of the pie, you need to do some research. Check out the best writing groups in your area and of course the best critique groups, agents, editors and publishing houses. 

You might not know where to begin looking, so I'm going to provide some helpful links and suggestions.

Manuscript Wish List: The Official Manuscript Wish List Website – #MSWL: What do you wish you had in your inbox?

Agent Query: https://www.agentquery.com/

Query Tracker: Literary Agents on QueryTracker

Directory of Literary Agents: USA Literary Agencies - Directory of Literary Agents

Another thing I would do is to track down blogposts and interviews your dream agent has done to learn more about this person who might become your literary partner for years to come.

Next, see if there are any conferences your dream agent has or will be attending in the future that you might be able to participate in.

These are a few websites, links and suggestions that will at least help get you on the "write" path to publication 

And, if you have any questions, just let me know and I'll see what I can do to help.