TheSecretGreenhouse

Back in the Saddle Again

2011-01-22T10:46:00.005-07:00

After a long sabbatical it's time to "Get back in the Jewelry making Saddle Again". The year of 2010 was a very "Life Changing" year for very many people, not only in the United States but around the world.

I myself searched around the world for interesting ideas on how to change up my designs and present new creations to the public. I also shopped at countries like China, India and many other overseas locals looking for unusual findings to use while making my jewelry. But I kept coming back to my favorite Artisans located right here in the good 'ol United States. I made a few items toward the end of 2010, but haven't started making anything just yet in 2011 as my plate is full. I have recently taken on the role of "Caregiver" of my 86 year old Father, and this takes up a great deal of my time. But I fully intend to jump back in with both feet as soon as I can develop some sort of rhythm.

Things Change - You Gotta Change with The Times

2010-03-22T17:22:00.033-06:00

I took a good hard look at what product seemed to be selling, and the earthy and more vintage jewelry is what most clients preferred.

So it seems I am on the right track with my

more recent creations and vintage inventory.

In my most recent pieces I have added Jade, Imperial Turquoise, and have tried to mix stones to add dimension and texture. By not only combining stones and colors to create dimension you also create the possibility of matching pieces to create a jewelry wardrobe.

There are so many talented artists creating jewelry today and it is hard to compete with them. So the only thing to do is do the best you can do, and hope that people see what you see, and hope that they feel the need to have the piece that you created for someone like them.

I have also discovered a wonderful Artist who creates beautiful fine silver cast pieces, and I am enjoying designing with them in my designs.

Re-Shoot and Re-Work

2010-01-06T12:21:00.009-07:00

Hi all. Well the Holidays were a whirlwind for me, I hope that they were happy and warm for you. I myself took to time to rethink my jewelry gallery. So I took the time to reshoot most of the pictures of the jewelry, and will try and reshoot the rest over the next few weeks. The original shots didn't do the products justice. People kept telling me that the jewelry was much prettier in person then the pictures on the internet, so I am striving to get better pictures posted. I also decieded to launch a huge sale. I'm calling it my Inventory Sale. I am also offering free shipping on some items. So you can not only save on the Inventory Sale but also get free shipping.

I sold my favortie beaded necklace and bracelet set to the sweetest young lady over the Holidays. By the sound of her voice and her enthusiasum they are perfect for her. The set was so colorful with a mixed variety of natural stone beads, foiled seed beads, and fire polished Czeh beads.

Anyway that's it for now.

Thanks for visiting.

Kimberly

Long Time No See

2009-11-15T21:53:00.006-07:00

Well the Holidays will be on us soon, have you finished your shopping. I started early and I am just about done. With constantly adding to my other Gallery it hasn't left me much time for this my jewelry shop, but as of today Sunday November 15th, I am going back to making my jewelry. I actually made this last weekend. The photo doesn't really do it justice as this is made of carved jade, carnelian and red jasper.
I enjoyed making this, and it really put me in the Christmas spirit. I'm not really one to like all the Christmas costume stuff, but something like this might become a collectible to pass down to the grand kids. I have really been happy with how the Photo Gallery has been received. It has been visited quite regularly by several individuals, and has even developed a fan club. How exciting is that??????

I feel so fortunate that I live in Utah as it is one of the most beautiful states in the US, and it has many older Edwardian and Victorian homes. There are several homes around that were built in the 1800's and are accompanied by barns and outbuildings which are my favorite things to photograph.
As a landscape and architectural photographer I always ask permission, and in doing so I get some pretty good leads. Or even some times a call ahead.
In Utah you might even get a story or the full history on the property. That is even better than the photo sometimes. I have met a lot of really wonderful people that way. I have a couple of Facebook friends that do fabulous work with animals and I am hoping to go that way soon. But right now I have this facination with buildings, plants and rocks. After I get this out of my system then I will turn my attetion towards the fury things.

Ok I also want to say that I am not a politically correct person and I refuse to say anything but "Merry Christmas".

Tickle Your Fancy and So Much More!

2009-10-30T12:22:00.000-06:00

Oh My Gosh I Did It!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-10-21T12:22:00.006-06:00

I really can't believe that I did it, I finally opened my own photography Fine Art Print Gallery http://secretgreenhsephoto.etsy.com/.

After taking a ridiculous amount of digital photo's for several years, and talking myself out of thinking that I was any good, the butterflies got the best of me. My sister Christy was the first to tell me that my floral shots were of professional quality, and they were cell phone pictures. Cell phone people!! Then my husband started noticing that my "pictures" were better than his, and he had always fancied himself a "photographer". My father was next and then my daughter who is an actual part time paid photographer. That is she is good enough, (even fantastic) but she'd rather paint.

Well after only having my site up 24 hours I've had 3 individuals show interest.

Wish we luck.

Great Big Hugs, n Kisses

Kimberly

Ok the "Vintage Stuff" Is Finally Here!!!!

2009-10-13T23:21:00.000-06:00

Well the "Vintage" items arrived and I was so excited to see that the quality was so far beyond what I expected it to be. Even though I searched the internet, and estate sales for weeks to find the right pieces, I just didn't expect this outcome. I am so tempted to keep everthing for myself. But being in business for myself I can't really do that.

With the economy the way it is, when you get a really good product you have to present it to the public so that you establish a good customer base. If you don't provide them with a good product, then they will never know what good customer service you provide, and what great packaging you have etc., etc.. So good marketing and a good product are the first steps.

A perfect example is this little Sterling Sombrero set. It looked really good on the internet but when I received it, it was in such great shape and heavy I wanted to hide it in my jewelry box as if no one would know that I was keeping it. But it seemed that with each bubble wrapped package I opened, things got even better. So I gave up and just listed everything on my website one by one. Trying not to be disappointed.

In order to see everything that I received, check out my "The Secret GreenHouse" website, or by clicking on the green "Vintage" above, or the green "Sterling Sombrero" above.

See you next time.

Love you,

Bye, Bye

Kimberly

I've Named the "Things" that are coming "Beaded Charm Chains"

2009-10-07T23:29:00.000-06:00

Well here are the crazy little "Things" that I told you about in the last posting. I still haven't received the package with the "Vintage" products. So this is the best I can do for new products right now. These were so much fun to make but time consuming. They are made of silver and pewter charms and silver head pins. All of the beads are glass. The larger glass beads are retro floral in multi colors just like in the 60's and 70's. Very mod if I do say so myself. (OK so I dated myself. I was a teenager back then. Yes I was a cowgirl but I was a hip cowgirl. Long hair and peasant blouses. I loved it. I loved the Turquoise and Silver and beaded necklaces and Earrings. But mostly I loved having the long straight hair. That seemed to be the only thing I could do without to much work. It just grew. I didn't have to do anything to it.) OK back to the subject at hand. The silver and pewter charms are really cute. Most are very Victorian or Vintage looking. There are cubes that are decorated, some little lacey ones and then little double sided lunar charms. Even little animal charms with fire polished glass marbles in their little bellies. As you can see there are even little hearts with flowers. I even put little made with love tags on them. Each one comes with a cell phone strap, a lobster claw clasp and a split ring. This allows you to use these in any way you choose.
The Strap can be used on a cell phone, on several cameras, on a belt loop, or a purse handle. On some of the shorter Chains you can clip them to a pet collar, or to a book mark or even to a jacket zipper. There are so many things tht you can do with them, I just haven't thought of it yet. I'm leaving it up to you to come up with some more ideas. Anyway I am still taking pictures and getting these on the site. They'll be ready soon.

Bye Bye for now.

Kimberly

Holidays are coming soon are you ready???

2009-10-06T22:31:00.000-06:00

Happy Holidays? As a Shop and Gallery owner I know well that you need to start preparing early for the Christmas Holiday. I myself started my personal shopping back in July and only have a couple of my family members to buy for. Being the only one designing and creating the products I offer puts the pressure on to make at least 5 pieces per day so that when the holiday crunch hits, you are well stocked and you have enough product and assortment to offer your customers.

My problem is, is that I never stop thinking. I have too many ideas and I want to do them all. I do believe though that if you choose to do one thing, and do it well, that you will do a better job of it. I just have never been able to do one thing.

It's like the way I clean my house. I get distracted. I will start cleaning one room and if I go to another room to put something away, and I see something that needs to be picked up, well I'll pick it up. Then I start cleaning that room.

Well while I have been waiting for my "Vintage" items to arrive I couldn't just work on my "Old Jewelry Stuff" so I worked on my "New Multi Use" jewelry "Things". They are so colorful and fun looking. I put a cell phone loop, along with a split ring, and a lobster claw clasp on each one so my customers have several options on how they choose to use these new "Things". Just a few ideas I had were on cell phones, key chains, dog collars, as a purse decoration or maybe even clip it on a belt loop.

I don't know how many I am going to make. So far I have only made a few. They are all different. Lots of bright floral and glass beads, silver and pewter chunky charms. The floral beads are multi colored and retro 60's and 70's glass. Then there are all kinds of little silver and pewter dangley charms.

So what I will be offering is my "Custom Designed and Handmade Jewelry Collections", my "Vintage Mexican and Sterling Silver Jewelry" and then my fun little handmade "Thing Collection".

Anyway that's what I have decided to offer so far. I do have something waiting in the wings that I am working on and it's a big surprise. But I think I am going to have to set up a separate web site from the jewelry site for it.

Well that's all for now. See you on Facebook or my Etsy website.

Bye Bye

Kimberly

Starting a new Section of my Shop Called "Vintage"

2009-10-01T22:08:00.000-06:00

Well I spent the entire day doing what I really enjoy " wrapped in a sweater, snuggled in my reclinner, with the fireplace on and working on my computer". What a day at the office.

I had several ideas while riding my horse last weekend. But I could only institute a few at a time. This one I knew would take a few days. I am so excited about this but a couple of my family members don't think it is such a great idea. "A line of Vintage Jewelry"

Of course I'm not going to just throw any jewelry on my site. Now that there is the internet you don't have to run all over ..... and back to do your searching. You can be more selective. I actually have found several pieces that I think are quite nice. And for those of you that really like the Arizona and Grand Canyon tourista retro look, I have really got something special for you. I can't wait to Suprize you.

A couple more hints, silver, silver, silver. It is a pretty mixed inventory of bracelets, earrings, broaches.

Also mixed in, which I am really excited about are some Bolder Opal Pendents.

LOOK What's on Sale for the Holidays

2009-09-29T12:48:00.000-06:00

Pictures: Hills of Red Clay Earrings, Sterling & Turquoise Cross, Sage & Red Rock Bracelet

On Sale for the Holidays (Click here to see it) it's my entire Sedona Collection. Click on each of the items listed below and it's a shortcut to each item on sale. Or once you get to the Shop/Gallery you can just look around.

Sterling & Turquoise Cross http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28957597

Sundance Earrings http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28963034

Sage & Red Rock Charm Bracelet http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28964373

Desert Creek Earrings http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28961476

Hills of Clay Earrings http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28960371

This Collection was among the first when I started up my shop on Etsy. As the nervous ninny I am, I created about 36 items before even listing anything. My husband would sit and laugh at me because when I started this I had agreed to only make, and list, 2 or 3 per month. I actually created my Shop about 2 months before having anything to list. (Do husbands really think that they control the universe? Yes.) Well he gave that up a long time ago. He still gets upset when I make more that 5 pieces a night. He just rants and raves for a couple hours then gives up and goes back to his man cave in the basement. I try and feed him as soon as he gets home from work, and load him up on Pepsi because I know that soon he will either pass out on the sofa or wander down to the basement (man cave) to play on his computer for the evening. Now I spend most of my time researching how to market my shop. I make a few here and there but I am also trying to come up with something different. I think I have but now I have to make a new shop site for them. Oh bother. But it should be fun. I am currently working on it. Watch and see.

Bye, Bye for now.
Yours Truly
Kimberly Sue

Being 52, and Learning from my Child. A before I die list.

2009-09-27T20:31:00.000-06:00

Visit the Northern California and Oregon Coastline with my Husband.
Go on a horse back ride in the mountains with my new friends, and take my daughter.
Volunteer again for a equine rescue for at least a year and make a difference.
Watch Bell (my dog) grow up happy, safe and sound. She's been with us a year, it's a start.
Read "The Shack" but this time in book format. Bought the book.
Plant a shade garden under my willow tree. Well Got the 100 year old chimney stones in place. It's a start.
Finish my office decor and take pictures.
Get along with my mother-n-law forever or until she follows the light. Got along with her for 4 weeks so far. yippy!!
Show my Sister and Daughter how much I appreciate their friendship.
Appreciate my home , family and animals a little more each day. I have vowed and have started to wash down my house siding at least every two weeks (looks so cute) I try and email my sister every day, I've been walking my dog every day, I went horse back riding in the mountains and my horse loved it, and had a half hour conversation with my adorable daughter.
Continue to realize that "Stuff" is just "Crap" spelled differently and you can't take it with you. Started going through cubby's and weeding out stuff to get rid of... oops! this will take care of #12 too.
Go through my little house and get rid of the "Stuff" I don't need, the "Stuff" my Daughter will never want, some "Stuff" someone else might want.
Finish all the interior design of my little cottage. Took care of the Ashly situation and now have two beds for one.... but it took two months, and got $160 bedding for $89 yippy!
Tell my Daughter I love her at least once a week. She lives in Arizona and we usually only talk that often. Unless she has an idea for my Jewelry shop site. (click on Jewelry and visit)

Compare my two Miniature Horses!!!

2009-09-27T13:32:00.000-06:00

This is our 120lb Bell, she is only three years old and a big spoiled baby. The Vet, the same that took care of Ruby that fateful founder day Ha!, said she was St. Bernard, German Short Hair, and Coon Hound. What ever that man says, I am going to go with cause I believe he knows what after 100 years of being a Vet. Don't you think she needs something cute on her collar so people know she's a little girl. Everyone always thinks she's a boy.

Now Spuds, alias "Spud Muffin", really doesn't need anything to keep the flies away from his face but he would look too cute with a little something when he is out walking around town getting his excercise. Don't you think? Anyway you can either let me know here or back on my facebook.

New Items for Animals? Maybe? But a little Story First about IR Horses.

2009-09-27T11:25:00.000-06:00

Back in June of this year my Mare Ruby was over in the pasture. I check on her every morning, take her a treat or just scratch her head and tell her I love her and go about my day. But one warm morning I couldn't find her. Now the west pasture is kind of a fairy tail for a horse. A little up and down with a creek running through it. Lots of tall trees, on the lake and plenty of grass. In places you have to walk about twenty feet down to the creek and there are a couple of flat grassy places at the bottom.

Not being able to see her anywhere that is what popped into my mind so I got dressed (yes I had a robe on, I live in the country) and walked across the pasture and down into the creek bed and there she was laying down.

Now for Ruby to not get up when I approach is no big deal. All my horses are used to me sitting on them or laying on them. I'm Momma. So I wasn't alarmed. I thought Cool what a nice place to take a nap. But when I approached her she just laid her head down and groaned. Then I knew something was wrong. I went and got her halter, got her up and prayed it wasn't colic. I listened to her belly and it was popping and gurgling just like it should so it wasn't that. So I started her forward and she limped on her right front. I felt down her leg, it didn't feel broken. Could be a green line fracture. But she really didn't walk like it. No swelling anywhere. No rock bruise. No rocks. But she kept laying down on me.

Finally about 3:00 pm I called the Vet. Her regular wasn't in but they would send the on call. When he showed up he was about 60 and looked like he'd been doing this a long time. I felt like I was in good hands. He had me get her up and walk her around. (Now Ruby was a big mare. She is 15.3 hands and pushing 1300lbs. Even though I am 140lbs I like my horses healthy.) Then to my horror he asked me if she had ever foundered. "No" came out of my mouth before I could even gather my thoughts. Then he showed me the crest on her neck. "I thought she just looked good". Then he took out his hoof knife and started picking at her front right foot. Pretty soon this big flat piece the size of her hoof came flying off. He looked at me "Yep a false hoof bed, she is starting to founder". He kept trimming.

Then he must of hit a sore spot cause she reared straight up with me holding the lead rope and took me up with her. He yeld "hang on", and he did too. She took us both up a couple more times before she gave up. Ok that has never happened to me before. He kept trimming and finished her two front feet and told me to have my trimmer finish her rear feet. And to tell him to trim her shorter from now on.

I have never in my life had a horse founder so I didn't know what the symptoms were. Colic yes, just about anything else yes but founder, no. So he was very care with what he said next. (Sweet man) He told me that see needed to go on a diet and lose about 200 to 250lbs. That I needed to be able to see her ribs (see her ribs, Ah!) and she needed to have some withers (another, Ah!) and that the crest on her neck should be almost completely gone. She should be on nothing but grass hay.

Ok, so check, check, check. I did everything he told me to do. Ruby lost the weight. Tim kept her hooves trimmed perfect. (He specialized in barefoot trimming. Now it wasn't his problem about her hooves. She has the hardest hooves so we agreed to keep them long and trim them more often. They are coal black and hard as rocks. He actually corrected problems I had with my other two horses. And he trims my mini, which most people can't do.)

Anyway Ruby is much thinner (I have to get used to it) and runs around with her tail held high and looks like a colt. She has withers for the first time in her life so I know exactly where to put the saddle, Ha!!

While we were in Alabama Tim and his wife Tracy kept Ruby and Spuds (Stud Muffin) for us. They have this beautiful place where they not only have their own stock, but they board horses and have a rescue. They have such a love for the animals that they travel across states to pick up abused animals and bring them home and nurse them back to health where they try and adopt them out to only the right people. If they can't find the right people they keep them. I lost count. Not only do they take in the horses, but they have the sweets young Ladies that volunteer there and in turn they get to work with and ride the horses.

Tim and Tracy should truly have an "S" on their chests. They not only have this huge ranch they take care of, with several beautiful children, dogs and their own horses, but she competes in cowgirl stuff. Then she boards horses. And if that isn't enough she has the rescue and there are so many and she loves every one. Many have additional health issues and were also more that just starved and abused when she got'em. Tim works a 40, then he has his trimming business, and he helps with the boarding business and works the ranch. And as if that isn't enough he helps with the kids. I am so lucky to have met them. They are so sweet and more than knowledgeable about horses. I know that God put them in my life.

Yesterday Tracy asked me if I had ever heard of an IR horse and explained all the signs. They are all the founder signs. For those that don't know IR means Insulin Resistant. Basically it means borderline diabetic. AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!! She then told me that if I keep Ruby going like she is, and keep her on the diet, and at this weight she will be fine. Watch her weight, keep the treats to a minimum. We will be fine. Ok, I can do it.

Ok, enough of that. while I was riding yesterday I was swatting at flies (I really hate those little boogers) I thought about when I was a teenager I used to make these really cool halter blinds that you hook to a halter that keep the flies off the horses eyes. Also I was thinking about making some horse collars for those Parelli folks out there. I might make some before the holidays and add them to my Etsy website. And I've been thinking about doing some dog collar clips. In case you have seen Bell my 2nd miniature horse (120lb Dog) I was thinking about doing a little somethin, somethin for her since her collar is so masculine and she is such a girl.

If you would like to just visit my Jewelry Site to just see what is there simply click on the green bold words above and they will take you there. But give me a month or so for the horse and dog products.

Today my Thoughts are on Pookie my beautiful Baby

2009-09-25T13:53:00.000-06:00

Christina and her "friend" Rob
Click on the butterfly above or on the the Purple Pookie to get to my Website

Pookie - (Christina) My Daughter She is the love of my life. I loved her when she was a child, but no one told me that when she grew up and became a woman that I would have a best friend like this. I mean if you choose a best friend, and you love them and they can just up and leave you some day, and you will never know why. I actually have three best friends. I have my daughter and my two beautiful sisters. I'm not kidding either about beautiful. I am so blessed. She has such an inner beauty but sometimes guards it. Which in this day and age is probably very smart. She really would give you the shirt off her back just like her grandmother. She reminds me so much of my mother. She will do something so unexpected and sweet that it knocks me off my feet. But really she has been that way since she was a child. If you will bare with me for a minute I will tell you a precious little story about her.

I was a single divorced mother struggling to create a home life for Pookie and I. So the last thing on my list I felt we really needed was our own home. So I worked day and night to pay off the bills and come up with a down payment. Unfortunately I couldn't afford a house so I had to settle for a two bedroom, two bath, double wide in a high end gated community. It was actually very nice and had a huge yard. You not only owned the home but also the land. It had a picket fence around the back yard. And I turned it into the perfect little place with roses, fruit trees, trellis's and remodeled the entire inside. Ok back to the story.

Christina was about 11 years old and knew how hard I was working, (I'm going to cry), and came to me. Now she had been saving all her birthday money, Christmas money, and any other money she earned and putting in a savings account. She had about $250 and was so proud. She sat me down on the couch and asked me " Momma, will I have my own bedroom?". I said " Yes why Honey?". Then this is the killer, she then told me "Well Momma, then I want to give you my bank money which should be my part of the down payment.". Can you believe that. Of course I explained why I couldn't take her money and why she should keep it. She cried for several days until I agreed to take it. Then she was thrilled and never looked back. She was so proud and told everyone that she put the down payment on her bedroom. That's my Pookie.

New Hoops are Here and A New Collection called "Muscadine Wine" To Boot

2009-09-22T20:29:00.000-06:00

Boy was I a jewelry makin' fool when I got back from Alabama. After I got everything put away I sat down and started making jewelry. I made six sets of earrings, 1 bracelet, and 1 necklace in 1 1/2 days.

These Earrings are part of my new collection called "Muscadine Wine" If you go to my Shop site by simply clicking on the picture of the "above earrings" it will explain why I named it that.

These hoops have two different interchangable dangles. You can wear them together or apart or just the hoops. How fun is that. The above hoops are so cute they are faceted Amethyst and Lavender Crystal.

Red Crystal Drops with Sterling Puffed Hearts on Hand Hammered Sterling Hoops.

Faceted Blue Topaz with Sterling Puffed Stars on Hand Hammered Sterling Hoops.

Gold and White Freshwater Pearls and Mother of Pearls Discs on Sterling Chain also on Hand Hammered Sterling Hoops.

So let me know what you think. I've been told by my family that I am too serious and I work too much. So here is my attempt at Fun. The working too much, I'll work on, Ha!!!

Working on New Fun "Sterling Hoops" Earrings

2009-09-20T18:18:00.000-06:00

While I was gone I did a lot of thinking and I am going to introduce a fun Hammered Hoop earring collection so that you have two or three earrings in one. There will be between 1-3 dangle beaded charms with each set of hoops. So some sets are interchangeable, or you can just wear the hoops alone. I think this will be really fun. So watch for them, they are coming out soon. Simply click on the picture above to get to my jewelry site, and check out what I have going on now. You won't be sorry.

Finished Before "Bama Trip" New for Fall

2009-09-20T17:03:00.000-06:00

Here are a couple of things that I was working on just before I left on my trip to Alabama. I am trying to introduce more Fall colors into my jewelry line. Lots of golds, creams and ambers. The above necklace has a very bold hammered chain that looks so gorgeous on, and with the tons of pearls and rondell stones it is a real deal. So visit my web site by either clicking on my Web site listed on the links area or click here on jewelry and poof you'll instantly be there. Jewelry

Alabama Family Photos Gotta Love'em

2009-09-18T22:51:00.000-06:00

Here are a few pictures of my family in Alabama.

Alabama Here We Come, Utah's Where We Started From

2009-09-18T21:53:00.001-06:00

When I said "What a Ride" in my last blogg I had no idea how right I was. We actually drove 1900 miles in two days. We arrived at 3:00 a.m. and slept until noon. Since the humidity is so much higher there at first I felt like I was swimming in the air, but when I got used to it I noticed that my skin was so soft and not dry at all. It was so green and beautiful. There was green grass every where, and the trees were just starting to turn.

I would like to do a small review on one of the more commonly known Motels that you will find along the freeway at several of the off ramps along the Northern Route across the United States. Now I do consider myself a very picky consumer when it comes to where I place my weary head at night. Especially if I am paying for it, and if it is up over $100 per night, then it better be clean and comfortable. The first night we were out we stayed at a "Hampton Inn". I was not prepared for how nice it was. What a pleasant surprise. It was not only very clean but also decorated very up to date. It also had a bright white fluffy overstuffed Duvet with six fluffy pillows stacked appropriately. If I hadn't known better I would have thought I was at a 5 star hotel somewhere. Now we decided that we would only stay at "Hampton Inns" on this trip because of this experience. So we did and each one was the same. Clean and a great experience. So Hampton Inn's Receive :) a Smiley.

Wyoming Was gorgeous so I had to throw in some pictures that I took on the way to Alabama. I couldn't believe how wonderful our country is. I think before anyone goes on vacation overseas they need to see our beautiful country first.

Well the 1900 miles was well worth it. My Mother-n-Law spoiled me rotten while I was there. She took me Antique shopping, baked me my own peach cobbler, helped me take my photos of the local terrain, gave me more crotchet stuff, some vintage lamps (love them), and lots and lots of love. Then on the way home (did it in three days) my husband took me Antique shopping and I got lots of little (really cool) stuff. Noting cost over $5.00 and most of the stuff was $2-$4.00. I will take some pictures and put them on my next blogg. Any way I met the rest of the Family and had a great time.

Leaving Utah and Getting Ready for Alabama "What a Ride"

2009-09-05T13:00:00.000-06:00

Today is the big "Rush" to get everything ready for our trip. Including all the furry people that live at our house. The Pet Hotel only accepts incoming between 9-10 a.m. on Saturday, and we had to have the Horses to their Border before Noon. Which normally wouldn't be a problem, and especially since my Mare "Ruby" will now load in my Trailer, but my dear little Ruby decided that she didn't want to load anymore.

Well it took about 30 minutes and we finally got her in. But once we got the doors closed she blew up, and it was like someone threw a stick of dynamite in that trailer. My instinct was to run, but I grabbed her halter and scolded her. It actually worked and calmed her down. We got her to the ranch and she was just fine. In fact when we arrived, there were several cute young girls there that volunteer for the rescue that is also at the ranch, and Ruby thought she was in Heaven. After I unloaded her each girl wanted to lead her around and feed her grass.

Oops! I forgot to mention "Spuds". He is only 30" tall at the shoulder. And the sweetest little Stud you would ever want to meet. We loaded him in one of my tack rooms on the trailer. My husband just lifted his front legs, while I pushed on his rear, then I ran around and pulled on the lead rope while my husband lifted his rump into the trailer. It was the cutest thing you ever saw.

To be honest with you it is hard to leave my home and animals for even a short time. I love where I live, and I love the life my husband and I have created for ourselves.

Anyway I probably won't be able to make it to the internet for a while so this might be my last entry for a while.

Wish me luck and have a great September. Watch the leaves Fall and thank God for the Beauty we have around us.

Come here you "Big Boys" you Gorgeous Horses

2009-09-04T10:35:00.001-06:00

I forgot to write about this today. These big wonderful boys showed up in the pasture next to us yesterday. My mare "Ruby" was pretty excited at first but then she got bored with them in a heart beat. Oh the other hand my miniature stallion "Spuds" is still showing what a man he is, and they are still taking notice.

Bye, Bye

Kim

Just a Little Business in the Morning

2009-09-04T10:05:00.000-06:00

Day two of my new blog.

Well I have never been a woman of few words but I was worried that I wouldn't know what to do with a "Blog". People used to talk around me about this "blog" and that "blog" and to be honest I had no idea what the heck they were talking about. But I was reading an article on Etsy on "How to improve your Business with Blogging" and I thought "oh Crap" (Sorry) now they have got me "Blogging".

I don't talk about my business very much, and I don't talk about my jewelry at all. I probably should because word of mouth is of course the best advertising. I used to be a "Torch" woman, but I started wire wrapping and I really like it.

I also went back to beading again and I forgot how much I loved that. Even if you aren't in the market for anything right now, the gift season is coming so if you get a chance drop by my shop website just to take a look:

http://thesecretgreenhouse.etsy.com/

Yes you can "Teach an Old Dog New Tricks"!

2009-09-03T20:26:00.000-06:00

Well it's almost time for the leaves to start changing colors and the chill is in the air. This is my favorite time of year. Ok I do love Spring also, but Spring means lots, and lots of planting. In the Fall after clean up I can just sit back and watch the change.

This year we are driving back to Alabama to visit my Mother in Law for a week, and I have decided to Board both Horses with my Fierier, and My Dog Bell at the local groomer/pet hotel.

At first she was going to travel with us, but then after much thought, I decided that she would be better kept at her favorite doggie resort. Now here is the problem with Bell, she weighs 120 lbs dry, so not every boarder has the perfect kennel space. Mine and Bells favorite is Ellie's Pet Hotel. It's better than most human motels, and I sing their praises. The owner is even a vegetarian.

I have always thought that it would be better for an animal to travel with their care takers, but I will confess, that every time we have taken Bell to stay at Ellie's, she was a very happy girl when we picked her up. Ok, ok, it's hard to admit because I never thought that anyone could take care of my animals like I could.

Ok, next. I have been training horses for about 35 years, and I have never run into a horse that I couldn't eventually get to load into any trailer. Well I own one. I have owned her for 6 years. I have purchased 2 trailers with the idea that "She'll load in this one". Each time "She Wouldn't".

I love her so much, so I over looked it and road around my house. If someone had a stock trailer, which she would jump into without a problem, then I could go riding with them.

Well Ruby, that's her name, had gained a substantial amount of weight over the last year and her Vet said that she needed to lose at least 200 lbs. So, we put her on a straight grass diet. Of course she thought she was starving. So I got an idea.

I opened all the doors on the trailer (Logan, 2 Horse w/Dble Tack), threw some food in it, and got her out of the corral on a long lead.

It only took about 20 minutes, and we had her in and out about 3 times the first day. And we have practiced everyday for 3 days since. I don't know about you, but I don't think we are going to have any problems again now that Ruby knows where the food comes from.