First, I extend heartfelt wishes to all of you, that in the business of life you have been able to get outdoors and saturate yourself into the beauty of our world.

At last ‘Miss Spring’ has arrived for a few months visit. The arrival of this spring has been more anticipated than any I remember for some time because of the long, hard winter we experienced. (I believe it was the second snowiest on record!)
Enjoy a few pictures of what brings spring to the Wooden Diamond B&B.

Our ice went off the lake on April 12th (a few days earlier then thought because of heavy rains). It is so awesome to watch it go off the lake with no wind, because the wind and ice moving can make a lot of extra work on your shore line if the wind is in the right direction.

Buzz and I were able to “escape” the B&B/Midwest pace for a quick five day vacation to Las Vegas- something we hadn’t done together for some time. There is probably no better medicine in the world, to regain a sense of love and appreciation for your life and work, than to leave it behind for a few days every once in awhile. It was a fun little trip, and it served our purpose well. We enjoyed the days in sunshine and 80 degree weather- something we have not seen for many months back home!

While we were there, I decided to be adventurous again, and try something wild- a newly opened attraction called the Fremont Street Experience Zipline:

What a thrill! Climbing 67 ft, getting suited-up on the launch pad, riding the zipline with a drop of 53 ft., at speeds of up to 30 mph is something that’s not typically part of my “usual day” back home.

Travelling with Curt and Kari, (our son and daughter-in-law, who acted as our “travel guides” ) we also experienced the thrill of being photographed with one million dollars at one of the casinos. (Kari’s parents agreed- it’s too bad we couldn’t fit it all into my carry on….)

At one of the many casinos on Fremont Street, I heard a saying which I found to be true: “What you bring to Las Vegas stays in Las Vegas” as we donated to the cause.

We were able to spend time with Kari’s folks and “our guides” even took us to a Terry Fator show.
Terry is a ventriloquist and singer with quite a few characters in his act. We were able to catch his show at the Mirage Resort and Casino, where we were pleasantly surprised with this former “America’s Got Talent” winner who was very entertaining (without dropping “F-bombs”! )

We were also able to catch up on the latest with my sister Barb from Las Vegas and my brother Jerry from Arizona. Lots of laughs and visiting… (See Barb in my zipline photo!)

Since May has arrived, I’d like to wish you a belated Happy Mother’s Day — whether you have 2-legged or 4-legged children or your business is your baby. I hope your day was great and will have a beautiful year ahead. For many Moms this is the start of a busy season- with little leagues ball games, etc. (Since it’s my blog, it’s my prerogative to show you our grandson Tyler from North Carolina doing his favorite thing- catching. )

Enjoy the season and world around you, as the warmth and colors of spring unfold, bringing new life and new joy.

Thanks for reading…
Joyce

Its official, Spring has finally arrived. Wa hoo!
The season of Spring is truly a renewal of life in the world around us, and for ourselves too. It’s the beginning of the warmer weather we’ve longed for all winter long- so please, sit back, relax, and enjoy your time visiting my site and reading about my adventures overseas.

As I wrote in my February blog last month, I was about to travel to Ireland with the Capital City Children’s Chorus of South Dakota. What a memoral adventure it was!

Ireland is a beautiful country. The weather was cool but sunny everyday. We missed the rainy season that Ireland is so famous for. The people are so friendly and happy to see and visit with you every where you go. Spring was showing up all over. The Daffodils and trees were blossoming throughout the entire countryside.

Our first city was Cork, the third largest city in Ireland.
Cork has always been an important seaport.
We found ourselves constantly crossing bridges as the River Lee flows through the city in two main channels as we were on sight-seeing journey. First stop was the Charles Fort, a star-shaped bastion fort on Kinsale Harbor. The fort was built in the late 17th century by the British as thier personal stronghold in Ireland and was famous for its ability to withstand cannon attacks.

We then visited Blarney Castle, where climbing 127 steps to the ramparts just to kiss the famous Blarney Stone, is no small feat. If you are able to accomplish this, you are promised the Gift of Eloquence. (Watch for the upcoming effects in my future blogs ). With my great-granddaughter holding my feet, I laid on my back and arched over the wide-open precipice to kiss the rock.

Yes, it was a thrill!

We enjoyed energetic evenings of entertainment with Irish dancers and live, traditional Irish music. The children performed at the Cork School of Music and made all of us so very proud.

We then left Blarney/Cork and boarded a bus to go to Dublin, which took four hours even on their newly built interstate road, through their lovely countryside. As we drove, I noticed that they have many sheep and learned that they are famous for Merino Wool. I also learned that they are famous for their race horses and train for races all over the world. The lime in their grass tends to strengthens their bones to create wonderful racers. Even their cows were interesting on our drive. Ireland is a big producer of beef and milk products.

The sights were breath taking, and so many old old castles could be spotted as we traveled to Dublin.

The history of Ireland’s capital city stretches back over 1,000 years, when the Vikings settled on the banks of the river Liffey, which had so many bridges to cross that I lost count of them. The 1.5 million population created a beautiful city to exlore.

One of the high lights of our stay there was visiting the Trinity College to see the Book of Kells, one of the most famous books in the history of the world. Completed around 800AD, the vellum (calfskin) manuscript contains transcriptions of the four biblical Gospels, lavishly illustrated and ornamented.

Our children then performed in the very large, old, beautiful St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The church is on an historic site, almost 800 years old. When the kids started singing, it took my breath away to hear it echo in that incredible building.
Awesome is all I can say.

Yes, we did see the world famous Dublin St. Patrick’s day Parade! (Can you really be in Dublin on March 17th and NOT go to the parade?? ) Everyone is Irish on this day and the color green is everywhere! The Parade had lots of bands, even one from North Carolina, USA, which made me very proud as we have 2 daughters who live there. They estimated 550,000 people in attendance that day. Leprechauns were happy to see everyone and I was no exception:

Having been there for 8 days, I grew to really love their tea and coffee and learned it was because of their wonderful water and I truly believe it.

When I finally reached home, all was well with Buzz. It’s great to have good friends and neighbors to keep him busy. Flying over the Atlantic Ocean is a long haul, but a good way to catch up with your sleep. I really did not experience any jet-lag- guess I just love traveling.

While in Dublin, I was able to meet up with Father Harry, our priest who had been with us here in Tyler for seven years. What an enjoyable few hours we had together to catch him up with the news back here in Minnesota. We visited about his retirement years ahead and about his family and beautiful country. We miss him back here in the States, but I did promise him I would give greetings to all from on his behalf. With that visit came an extra bonus, I am able to now say I have sold notecards “internationally”. (Yes, one more goal I can check off of my “Bucket List”…. Global!)

The lights are beginning to be left on for our Bed & Breakfast guests arriving for all sorts of events in our area. They will soon see the beautiful view out of their private patio veranda. The ice is beginning to show signs of disappearing which brings on the newly awakened joys of the Spring season: robins looking for food, flocks of Canada geese flying over, and disappearing snow banks. Ah, the smell of Spring air!

My challenge to you this month: “Do at least one outdoor activity each day (even if it’s in the rain) – it nourishes the soul!”- anonymous

As always…..thanks for reading ~
Joyce

Buzz and I are enjoying the delight that the days are getting longer and spring is getting closer. Fellow Minnesotan’s can attest that this has been one long, ‘good ol’ fashioned’ winter. The snow and cold has been a real test, especially for those like us that like getting outdoors to visit friends and catch up on some board or card games.

I have been following a blog from a gal whom I met quite a few years ago.
She is a coach for women entrepreneurs. She had taught me to be organized.  Little did she know, that was going to be one big step in her career- helping me to learn how to stay focused. I did learn a lot, but practice, practice; practice- makes a good rule- one that I still am working towards. She made a commitment to her followers on her blog to do “365 Days of Gratitude”. Each day, she comes out with a picture and a story of what she is grateful for.

With that being said, I realized I had one day of Gratitude this past month.
I and a friend went to Minneapolis/St. Paul to see a concert at the Excel Center: Chris Tomlin with Louie Giglio. ( Awesome-Awesome!) First time I had seen the Excel Center (and the last music concert I had been to, I think, was Pat Boone), so I was in for a delightful time. The music has gotten much louder than I remember, but such great songs.
My next first was to have breakfast with some city folks at the well known dinner ‘Mickey’s’-a National Register of Historic Places since 1983. It’s a very unique spot which can boast of celebrity visits from the likes of Arnie Carlson, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Rudy Purpich, Mark Dayton, Lindsay Lohan and Dolly Parton, just to name a few. (And…mighty good pancakes!)

My B&B brought me some fun times this past month- even with nasty cold weather we were able to accommodate many. I had guests from Billings Montana, Portland Oregon, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

At our breakfast table early one morning, we found out how small the world really is- two of the guests had actually met 8 years ago and became reacquainted at my B&B! We had some very fun and interesting conversations that day…

The busy season is coming soon.
I am getting calls quite regularly now.
There will be lots going on in our area of the state: May is the well known Polka Fest just three miles from the Wooden Diamond B&B. The Polka Fest always seems to bring thousands of folks out for a four-day fun time. (I will keep you updated in my future blogs on our parks and celebrations in each city here in Lincoln County.)

The Art website brings excitement when more and more people realize what I have to offer, such as note cards for every occasion. (There is nothing quite like the charm and personal touch conveyed by a handwritten note. Your Mother was right: ALWAYS send personal, handwritten thank-you’s!) Notecards make fantastic gifts.

In the up coming months I will be introducing my paintings one by one- sharing the story behind the inspiration- so watch for the upcoming blogs and I welcome any questions you have about them.

It is exciting to be working towards the business side of my artwork on FaceBook. Dream big they say… I visualize my cards going global very soon!

The month of March will be a new adventure for me. I will be traveling to Ireland, so there will be lots of fun pictures for you to view in my next blog. I will be chaperoning my Great-Granddaughter who is 11 years old. She is part of the ‘Capital City Children’s Chorus’ of South Dakota. How thrilled and exciting for us all! They have worked so hard the past two years to be able to present their talents to the folks in Dublin and Cork, Ireland. There will be 65 of us going, but I think I will be among the very few who will actually be trying to kiss the Blarney Stone. (For those who have no idea what this is, Google: Blarney Stone and wish me luck!) We will also be watching the St. Patrick’s Day Parade- bringing back the memories of when Buzz and I were part of the action in parades as clowns years ago. More stories to share on my trip when I get back

Today…Read a little. Dream a little. Live, Love, Laugh and learn a little!

Thanks for reading-
Joyce

Joyce’s Roll Out Butter Cookies
Cut as for pie crust:
3 cups flour
2 tsp. cream of tarter
1 tsp. soda
1 cup butter not margarine
Next:
Beat 2 eggs.
Add 1 tsp vanilla and
1 cup sugar.
Combine with first mixture.
Refrigerate 15 minutes.
Bake 8-10 minutes @ 350 degrees
Frosting
Powered sugar, dab of butter, almond flavoring, and blend well with whipping cream to make a spreadable yummy frosting. Decorate if you wish.

Longer days are so welcomed this time of the year. Our winter has been a true “Minnesota Winter”. Lots of snow, bitter cold temps, and using caution when outside hurrying to your destination is needed, because before all of the snow, a layer of ice was formed from the rain that came first.
Longer days will certainly be welcomed.
The lake has turned into a small city view. The ice fishing houses are up and moving.
I also see the neighbors have some fun plans coming soon. There is a snow blown broom ball play field all set up on the ice just near our shoreline. Looks like a ‘Broom Ball Game’ will be our entertainment from our great room window for the weekend.

With Birthdays, Anniversarys, and Valentine’s Day all coming up, cards send a personality and warmth, and yes, special effort when someone takes the time to send a handwritten note. It means more to you and them than words could describe. Browse my selection of hand-painted note cards to get your creative juices flowing and put a little happiness in someone’s mailbox today! In fact, I challenge you to handwrite at least seven in 2011. (-:

The Bed and Breakfast has had new guests which will become life time friends. What a fun line of work I have! Looking forward to the start of a busy season. Watch for pictures of a new look for the Suite in the upcoming months.

“When you smile the whole world stops and stares for a while. You’re amazing just the way your are, so spread that beautiful smile every where you go.”
Thank you for checking in, have a good rest of January and we will connect again in February.

Joyce

With everyone’s busy schedules, (including my own!) this will be a fun “short and sweet” way to keep in touch.

We are having quite the bout of brisk air lately, along with the snow that’s here to stay, which I enjoy on my daily walks.

One day, as I was out for my morning routine, I happened to notice a strange sight next door.
My neighbor John, seemed to be out hanging his lights at a very early hour (about 8:15 a.m.). My first thought was “John, you forgot to put your ladder away!” but when I looked closer, it appeared HE was hanging from his own eave spout with Christmas lights dangling!
As I took a second look, I realized it was his own brand of practical jokes, yet again….
There hanging from his house was “Clark W. Griswold”- a stuffed version of the ever-popular “Christmas Vacation” movie character.
We now have a new practical joke in the neighborhood to go along with the many others we seem to have floating around.
Good neighbors, good senses of humor, good friends and family- what more could anyone ask for?

The Bed & Breakfast continues to be busy with most recently, wind tower workers. I always enjoy the diverse clientelle that the B&B life can bring.

With most of my “bugs” figured out on the website, I am now happily awaiting orders for my note cards, canvas giclees, and prints. I am learning how to manage the site more day by day and look forward to your comments.

I will soon be spreading my new venture to FaceBook, and am looking forward to sharing my blog and website with an even broader audience!

With only a handful of days left until Christmas, I would like to wish you and your families a most blessed Christmas and the happiest of Happy New Years.
Thanks for checking in, and see you next year!

Joyce

It’s been a long-time dream and six months of staying focused on getting this website up, but here I am!  So please, sit back, relax, enjoy your time visiting my new site.

Welcome aboard!

This will be a blog of introductions to welcome my old friends as well as new ones and to offer my gift of hospitality, so that I can continue on my journey.

I have a natural love for people.  It seems that I want to get to know anyone personally as soon as I meet them. I hope that continues through my blog as I read your forth-coming comments in the days ahead and develope even more new friendships.

My love for running a bed and breakfast goes so much deeper than just a “job” for me. It’s part of who I am and allows me to stay active and young, which I enjoy more than I can express.  The outside world comes to me and in return broadens me.

My passions are caring for strangers (who, in the end become friends!) and my art work.  In the end, I am the one who comes away blessed by my guests’ visits and the abilty to express myself through art.

Through these blogs, I will share  more about me and my goals.  I hope to show you our community, my bed and breakfast, our lake life, my artwork, recipes and so much more.

I hope that you stop back often and will forgive me as I learn this new site and everything that there is to know about posting and editing.  I look forward to hearing from you and will attempt to post something monthly at first until I get my feet wet on this new adventure. Please feel free to browse my products and pass my website on to your friends to help me spread the word!

There will be 3 more original paintings turned into note cards that will soon be posted on the site.  Stop back soon to check them out!  I am excited for you to see them.

I wish you good thoughts, a great day and a hunger to live to the fullest, today, and every day!

Thanks for reading….

Happy Thanksgiving,
Joyce