Monday, May 30, 2011 - We Remember . . .

Lenard F. Moeggenborg
Ashu Valley, Viet Nam
August 24, 1969

Word of the day
Monday of the Sixth week of Easter
Saint(s) of the day : St. Felix I, Pope & Martyr (+ 274)
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 15:26-27.16:1-4.

When the Advocate comes whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth that proceeds from the Father, he will testify to me.
And you also testify, because you have been with me from the beginning.
I have told you this so that you may not fall away.
They will expel you from the synagogues; in fact, the hour is coming when everyone who kills you will think he is offering worship to God.
They will do this because they have not known either the Father or me.
I have told you this so that when their hour comes you may remember that I told you. "I did not tell you this from the beginning, because I was with you.

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Hmmmm, I cut my soap. It was still soft - gotta work on the waiting thing. LOL! It turned out beautiful though. I'm not totally happy with the cupcakes - my piping skills need a bit of work. I used a really tall shot glass and poured the soap over it.  I like the mottled look.  I would still love to find a square column so I can try the technique properly.

Here is a video I made for Dottie so she could see the finished product.

 

Word of the day:

Thursday of the Fifth week of Easter
Saint(s) of the day : St. Philip Neri, Priest (1515-1595) - Memorial
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 15:9-11.

As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love.
If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and remain in his love.
I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.

 

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Made soap today. Whew! This one was a challenge.  After I filled the molds, I waited for the rest of the batter to set up. Half an hour later I was still waiting for it to set up.  I tried piping the cupcakes.  It deflated on me so I scraped it all off of the cupcakes - scooped it back into the piping bag and tried again.  What a mess.  But after I unmold everything, I think it will look fine except for one anemic cupcake.  I did this batch in Berry Pickin' because I am out of it.

I think I'm done making soap for a few days.  I'm out of goat's milk and today's session really tired me out.  LOL!  Of course, tomorrow I will unmold it - it will be gorgeous - and I'll want to make soap again.


Word of the day:
Wednesday of the Fifth week of Easter
Saint(s) of the day : St Bede the Venerable, Priest and Doctor of the Church (673-735), St Gregory VII, Pope (c. 1013-1085)
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 15:1-8.

I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower.
He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and everyone that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit.
You are already pruned because of the word that I spoke to you.
Remain in me, as I remain in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me.
I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing.
Anyone who does not remain in me will be thrown out like a branch and wither; people will gather them and throw them into a fire and they will be burned.
If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you.
By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Good morning, everyone. Last February when we had several snow days and a little spare time on my hands, I found some amazing videos from soapmakers on You Tube. We support each other, try each other's products, and form some lovely friendships.
I recently had an order from Claire at Beautiful Bubbles.

 One of the things we do when we support a shop is either make a purchase or do a swap.  Then, when we receive our order, we do what is called a "haul video."  It's a lot of fun and we have met some wonderful people.  As you will be able to tell from the video, Claire is from the UK.  It's exciting to visit back and forth.  Technology is amazing!!



I made a batch of Peppermint Patty soap yesterday. I wanted to try a new technique using a small square column. My column wasn't exactly the right kind, but I am still really happy with the swirl. I put this in the refrigerator so it wouldn't gel. When I cut it, it was still a bit too soft, but I am soooooo impatient. I couldn't find my maple leaf mold to make the small samples. I am in the process of organizing the things in my soaping closet so I can find them when I need them.
I had planned to make a soap cutting video, but I just had to see how these slices turned out.

Tuesday of the Fifth week of Easter
Saint(s) of the day : Sts. Donatian & Rogatian, Martyrs (c. 287)
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 14:27-31.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.
You heard me tell you, 'I am going away and I will come back to you.' If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father; for the Father is greater than I.
And now I have told you this before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe.
I will no longer speak much with you, for the ruler of the world is coming. He has no power over me,
but the world must know that I love the Father and that I do just as the Father has commanded me. Get up, let us go.

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Well, talk about senior moments, I had one this morning.  Lately it has been my job to ring the bells at the consecration.  The bells are rung three times.  Once when the Holy Spirit is invoked and then two sets of 3 during the Words of Institution when the host and the cup are elevated.  This morning I kind of zoned out when the host was elevated.  I was just staring at it and then Fr. shook it a bit.  That shocked me out of my reverie, but the faux pas did not go unnoticed by a few amused observers.  Ah yes, the joys of growing older.  The up side is that the older I get, the less I care about what other people think.  LOL!  The altar servers should be ringing the bells anyway - so apparently I do a better job at it than the young whipper snappers.

I have seen a video a couple of times on a technique that I am really excited to try. You'll want to scroll to the bottom of the blog and pause the player so you can hear the beautiful music that accompanies this video. I wish I knew what it is.
When I do this, I will do it in a log mold with only 2 colors for starters. But I need to measure oils and get the house in order first. So off I go.




I made a small test batch (2 jar candles) with the HIWTK dupe. I am learning to love that scent. I hope it's nice in a candle.

Fifth Sunday of Easter
Saint(s) of the day : St. Rita of Cascia, Widow (c. 1386-1456), St. Julia, Virgin Martyr (5th century)
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 14:1-12.

Jesus said to his disciples: «Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me.
In my Father's house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be.
Where (I) am going you know the way."
Thomas said to him, "Master, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?"
Jesus said to him, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
If you know me, then you will also know my Father. From now on you do know him and have seen him."
Philip said to him, "Master, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us."
Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you for so long a time and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'?
Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on my own. The Father who dwells in me is doing his works.
Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else, believe because of the works themselves.
Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father.

Saturday, May 21, 2011

So, the world was supposed to end today. Hmmmmm, it didn't. Chris Mellinger told me that Family Life Radio offered to take over Harold Camping's radio station with the transfer to take place on May 22.  Since Camping turned them down, I'm guessing we shouldn't be all that surprised. So I guess I have to do the laundry. But the good news is, I can make more soap.  Here is the goat milk soap from the other night unmolded.  I am pretty happy with how it turned out.  I can't wait to make another batch!  But I guess I'd better do the laundry first.

Saturday of the Fourth week of Easter
Saint(s) of the day : St. Eugene de Mazenod, Bishop (1782-1861)
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 14:7-14.

If you know me, then you will also know my Father. From now on you do know him and have seen him."
Philip said to him, "Master, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us."
Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you for so long a time and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'?
Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on my own. The Father who dwells in me is doing his works.
Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else, believe because of the works themselves.
Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father.
And whatever you ask in my name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Diane stopped by today and brought a quart of goat's milk from this morning's milking.  I've not used fresh goat milk before.  I've used the homogenized Meyerberg and powdered so I was a little nervous.  I decided to use a fragrance oil that I know will not seize up on me.  I mixed the lye in half the amount of water plus a teaspoon of titanium dioxide and then put the pitcher in a bowl of ice water to cool it down.  When it was below 150 degrees, I slowly poured in the goat milk to equal the rest of the liquid.  It turned a pretty buttery cream color.  I assembled the rest of the things I would need, put the pitcher of lye/water/milk in a safe place and went up town for a wedding rehearsal.  When I came home, the lye solution had thickened up to a light pudding consistency - probably due to the high fat content of the goat's milk.  It worried me a little, but  I went ahead and made my soap as usual and everything went well.  I noticed a heavy ammonia smell when I first mixed the goat milk in the lye water and I will probably smell it when I cut the loaf, but that will disappear in a day or so.

I can't wait until this cures so I can see if there is a difference.  I like the ease and convenience of the powdered stuff, but it is expensive.  I want to see if there really is a big difference.  If so, I will probably start getting milk from Diane.  I miss the milk we used to get from our dairy goats.  It made the best ice cream and rice pudding.  Diane says she uses it for fudge too.  Hmmmmm, my mind is spinning.  :)
 

Thursday of the Fourth week of Easter
Saint(s) of the day : St. Peter Celestine, Pope (1221-1296), St. Yvo, Priest (1253-1303)
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 13:16-20.
When Jesus had washed the disciples' feet, he said to them: «Amen, amen, I say to you, no slave is greater than his master nor any messenger greater than the one who sent him.
If you understand this, blessed are you if you do it.
I am not speaking of all of you. I know those whom I have chosen. But so that the scripture might be fulfilled, 'The one who ate my food has raised his heel against me.'
From now on I am telling you before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe that I AM.
Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me."

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Felt much better today.  I got a couple shelves in the fridge clean and a couple loads of laundry done.  I packaged up the Honey Blossom soap and did a little putting away of things away in the dungeon.  I'm waiting to hear from Diane when a good time would be to come get the goat's milk.  Lately I have switched to the powdered and the only difference I've noticed is that I'm not getting the dreaded orange spots.  I wonder if it's because I've always done an oven process on my bars.  I haven't noticed any difference in the soap although those who use fresh goat's milk will tell you that there is a difference.  I've used both and, other than the powdered being easier and more expensive, I can't tell the difference in the finished product.

The girls were here this morning.  Madison was feeling very "cool."

Tuesday of the Fourth week of Easter
Saint(s) of the day : St. Paschal Baylon
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 10:22-30.

The feast of the Dedication was taking place in Jerusalem. It was winter.
And Jesus walked about in the temple area on the Portico of Solomon.
So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, "How long are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly."
Jesus answered them, "I told you and you do not believe. The works I do in my Father's name testify to me.
But you do not believe, because you are not among my sheep.
My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. No one can take them out of my hand.
My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one can take them out of the Father's hand.
The Father and I are one."

Monday, May 16, 2011

Not feeling all that great today.  I'm feel slightly nauseated and every now and then I feel like I'm going to lose it completely.  However, I have several orders to mail out today and a stocking order to finish up so I can mail that one too. I really would like to make soap today but I'm afraid the fragrance oil will aggravate the nausea.  Soooooo, I'm going to finish getting the orders ready, take them up to mail, and then take a long nap.

Word of the day:
Monday of the Fourth week of Easter
Saint(s) of the day : St. Brendan, St Gemma Galgani
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 10:11-18.

I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
A hired man, who is not a shepherd and whose sheep are not his own, sees a wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away, and the wolf catches and scatters them.
This is because he works for pay and has no concern for the sheep.
I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me,
just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I will lay down my life for the sheep.
I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. These also I must lead, and they will hear my voice, and there will be one flock, one shepherd.
This is why the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again.
No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own. I have power to lay it down, and power to take it up again. This command I have received from my Father."

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Sigh - so many fun things to do - so little time.
We had a craft show yesterday.  We weren't expecting much in the way of sales - especially when we got there and found out that there was a rummage sale in the middle of the room.  But, it was a fundraiser for the Senior All Night party and I am a big proponent of the young folks finding a nice place for fun where they will be safe and watched over.  I'm such a mom.  LOL!  I talked to one of the moms today and the kids exceeded their fundraising goal by $100 dollars so that's good.  We enjoyed visiting with the other crafters, too.  We're not all that well known in Alma, so it's also good exposure for us.

I never posted the wedding cupcakes that I made so here's a pic of them.   They haven't been unmolded in this picture.  I'll post another one tomorrow so you can see what they look like.  Michelle, of Sweet Scents Soaps posted a great idea about packaging these which I will also take a pic of and post.

I snagged Anna to help me with a haul video on You Tube.  I ordered some things from Kris at Kayorcee Creations.  The soapmakers on You Tube are a fun group - very supportive of each other.  Here is the video Anna and I did.  If you get a chance, check out Kris' shop and her videos.

Word of the day:
Fourth Sunday of Easter
Saint(s) of the day : St Isidor the Farmer
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 10:1-10.

Jesus said: «Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever does not enter a sheepfold through the gate but climbs over elsewhere is a thief and a robber.
But whoever enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep.
The gatekeeper opens it for him, and the sheep hear his voice, as he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.
When he has driven out all his own, he walks ahead of them, and the sheep follow him, because they recognize his voice.
But they will not follow a stranger; they will run away from him, because they do not recognize the voice of strangers."
Although Jesus used this figure of speech, they did not realize what he was trying to tell them.
So Jesus said again, "Amen, amen, I say to you, I am the gate for the sheep.
All who came (before me) are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them.
I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture.
A thief comes only to steal and slaughter and destroy; I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly.

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Happy Mother's Day!

We won't be doing anything until this evening when the kids come and then we will fire up the pizza oven.  Yummmmm!!!  So I am using this afternoon to get caught up on some housecleaning.  This week I have to do 150 more little soaps for the GOTR gift bags.  Tomorrow I have to do 2 batches of soap for a lady who is getting married in June.  She wants them for favors for the wedding party.  Those are going to be fun, but I want to make sure that I have stuff picked up around here so I can enjoy the process.  I will be making 10 cupcakes for the ladies, and 10 slices of soap for the men.  Anna is making special labels and I am really excited about doing them.  They have to be done tomorrow so they have time to cure before the wedding


Word of the day:
Third Sunday of Easter
Saint(s) of the day : St Victor
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke 24:13-35.

That very day, the first day of the week, two of Jesus' disciples were going to a village seven miles from Jerusalem called Emmaus,
and they were conversing about all the things that had occurred.
And it happened that while they were conversing and debating, Jesus himself drew near and walked with them,
but their eyes were prevented from recognizing him.
He asked them, "What are you discussing as you walk along?" They stopped, looking downcast.
One of them, named Cleopas, said to him in reply, "Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know of the things that have taken place there in these days?"
And he replied to them, "What sort of things?" They said to him, "The things that happened to Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people,
how our chief priests and rulers both handed him over to a sentence of death and crucified him.
But we were hoping that he would be the one to redeem Israel; and besides all this, it is now the third day since this took place.
Some women from our group, however, have astounded us: they were at the tomb early in the morning
and did not find his body; they came back and reported that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who announced that he was alive.
Then some of those with us went to the tomb and found things just as the women had described, but him they did not see."
And he said to them, "Oh, how foolish you are! How slow of heart to believe all that the prophets spoke!
Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and enter into his glory?"
Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them what referred to him in all the scriptures.
As they approached the village to which they were going, he gave the impression that he was going on farther.
But they urged him, "Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over." So he went in to stay with them.
And it happened that, while he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them.
With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he vanished from their sight.
Then they said to each other, "Were not our hearts burning (within us) while he spoke to us on the way and opened the scriptures to us?"
So they set out at once and returned to Jerusalem where they found gathered together the eleven and those with them
who were saying, "The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!"
Then the two recounted what had taken place on the way and how he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

I'm a little over half done making our little soap hearts for the GOTR gift bags. Anna made the labels, and Melisa is putting them on the little packets. I will drop these off to her in a little bit. We are supplying about 600 this year. Whew!!!!

A few days ago I made some soap with a scent we are calling Primitive Pear. The scent is very hard to describe. It reminds me of something I can't quite name. I really like it. It has pear notes in it, but there is something else in the background.  When I swirled the mica, it immediately turned greyish purple.  Now it has a green cast to it, kind of like ripened pears. There are also some green dots appearing that I'm not thrilled about.  I made a loaf and several cupcakes.

Melisa and Anna have told me that they don't really like the heart-shape on the cupcakes.  I'm not sure why - I like them, but I am out voted 2-1 so I guess I will switch to round cupcakes.  What do you think?

Word of the day:
Wednesday of the Second week of Easter
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 3:16-21.

God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.
Whoever believes in him will not be condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.
And this is the verdict, that the light came into the world, but people preferred darkness to light, because their works were evil.
For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come toward the light, so that his works might not be exposed.
But whoever lives the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God.

Monday, May 2, 2011

Whew!!!!!  Things can slow down a bit. Easter Vigil is done, the syrup festival is behind us, First Communion occurred yesterday. I can relax a bit, maybe.  Except that I have to make 400 heart soaps for the GOTR gift bags, I have a basket donation to make for an upcoming crop, I have ton of water to vacuum out of the basement, and a few batches of candles to make.  I have the girls 3 mornings this week and a staff meeting Thursday afternoon.  A lot of music planning to do.  A rehearsal for upcoming priest ordinations. Other than that, I'm home free.  hahah   Oh yeah, and the house is a wreck - but that's a given.   Hmmmmmmm. 

I spent the afternoon grunging jars for a candle order and grunged a few lamps while I was at it. I sucked up 3 large pale fulls of water.  I vacuum it up and then Harold dumps it when he comes in the house.  My back has been bothering me lately and I just can't lift the big bucket, and even filling the small buckets to dump is not a possibility right now.

I also measured out 4 batches of soap oils.  I didn't try to make soap tonight because when the house is this messy, I can't enjoy it.  

I have some video from the festival, but I haven't located my flip video camera yet. 

Word of the day:

Monday of the Second week of Easter
Saint(s) of the day : St. Athanasius, Bishop, Doctor of the Church (+ 373)
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 3:1-8.

There was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.
He came to Jesus at night and said to him, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God, for no one can do these signs that you are doing unless God is with him."
Jesus answered and said to him, "Amen, amen, I say to you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above."
Nicodemus said to him, "How can a person once grown old be born again? Surely he cannot reenter his mother's womb and be born again, can he?"
Jesus answered, "Amen, amen, I say to you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit.
What is born of flesh is flesh and what is born of spirit is spirit.
Do not be amazed that I told you, 'You must be born from above.'
The wind blows where it wills, and you can hear the sound it makes, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes; so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit."

Sunday, May 1, 2011

We're into the third day of our craft show at the Maple Syrup Festival.  Our sales are down a bit from last year, but given the price of gas and what's going on with the economy, we are extremely grateful to be doing so well. In a time when people are watching their finances much more closely, we are blessed that they find our products worthwhile to buy. I have pics and video, but I left my camera at the booth and will update later. Each craft show is a surprise as to what will sell.  This year we sold a lot of soap and candles.  Some shows we don't sell a single candle.  Last year there was a fudgemaker down the aisle from us.  This year she wasn't there and we have sold all but one box of fudge.  Last year there was another soapmaker - this year she wasn't there.  You just never know.  Another factor is that the weather was nice so we had more competition from the outside vendors.  Last year it rained and a a lot of them went home.  Sunday is generally our lowest of the threes days, but again, the weather is nice so we may get people who come by before the parade.

One of the fun things about doing craft shows is now that we are into our 5th year, we are getting to know the regulars.  One of our favorites is Catha Thomas from CT Treats.  Her granola is, well, decadent.  If you haven't tried it, look her up on her website or on Facebook.  Not only is her granola super yummy, but she is a fun person to get to know.  We don't do the Highland Festival Show in Alma because outdoor shows are not a good venue for us, but we do participate in the 5K and you can bet that we make a beeline for her booth after the race.

Back later with pics from the weekend.

Word of the day:
Second Sunday of Easter or Divine Mercy Sunday – Solemnity
Feast of the Church : Second Sunday of Easter, Divine Mercy SundayToday Pope Benedict XVI presides at the beatification ceremony of Pope John Paul II
Saint(s) of the day : St Joseph the Worker
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 20:19-31.

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, «Peace be with you.»
When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.
(Jesus) said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you."
And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the holy Spirit.
Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained."
Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came.
So the other disciples said to him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nailmarks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe."
Now a week later his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, "Peace be with you."
Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe."
Thomas answered and said to him, "My Lord and my God!"
Jesus said to him, "Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed."
Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of (his) disciples that are not written in this book.
But these are written that you may (come to) believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through this belief you may have life in his name.