The Perks of Being a Beekeeper

The honey, of course; but besides that, I've been saving the wax cappings from the comb we extracted. 

My son Alex designed the labels. He's so talented! Hive Jinx, like hi-jinx. Get it?

Three years worth of cappings. Sheesh. 

Next, using an old milk carton and some cheese cloth...

Melting the wax using a double boiler

(Sorry for the harsh lighting. Ick.)

Straining it to catch old bee parts and other sludge

Pure beeswax smells delicious. I let it cool overnight. 

The next step is to find some decent taper candle molds, and wick. If anybody out there has made taper candles and can recommend a good mold, that would be awesome. And any other advice for molded candles you might have. I have made hand-dipped before, but never poured molds. Thanks, pals! 

A Goldberry Evening

"'Here's my pretty lady!' he said, bowing to the hobbits. 'Here's my Goldberry all clad in silver-green with flowers in her girdle! Is the table laden? I see yellow cream and honeycomb, and white bread, and butter; milk, cheese, and green herbs and ripe berries gathered. Is that enough for us? Is the supper ready?'

'It is,' said Goldberry."

Watching "Lord of the Rings" for the gazillionth time

Rachel/Goldberry

Her marvelous creation

"It was a long and merry meal. Though the hobbits ate, as only famished hobbits can eat, there was no lack. The drink in their drinking-bowls seemed to be clear cold water, yet it went to their hearts like wine and set free their voices. The guests became suddenly aware that they were singing merrily, as if it were easier and more natural than talking."

"'Have peace now,' she said, 'until the morning! Heed no nightly noises! For nothing passes door and window here save moonlight and starlight and the wind off the hill-top. Good night!'"

*Excerpts from Fellowship of the Ring

Pollyanna Update

I know a few of you asked for me to keep you posted as the "Glad Game chandelier" progressed. I've since found some new, interesting pieces. It's still in the making. Remember, it has to skim the flame of beeswax candlelight.

So thar she blows grows! Sorry...but I am having a whale of a time creating.

In a few days, I'll be sharing our latest Hobbit Day adventure, an annual event in the Acorn household. You will finally meet the gifted Miss Rachel, who brought a most charming creation to our Middle Earth feast.   

Oh, Snap

When a butterfly flaps its wings in one part of the world it can cause a tsunami in another part of the world.  

Author Unknown

Last week, sitting in my favorite quiet space, I prayed. My words were punctuated with, "What if...?" and "How long...?" While moaning, I watched a Swallowtail butterfly land on the potted geranium in front of me. Along with it came the memory of something I had read in an a weather related article a few days before: "When a butterfly flaps its wings in one part of the world, it can cause a tsunami in another part of the world." Pfft, that's ridiculous, I thought. Sometimes praying feels ridiculous, especially when the weight of uncertainty seems to crush all but the breath out of you. Still, every flap of its painted wing seemed to say, "Snap out of it. Where's your faith?" I do have faith! Just then, the soul-fog lifted. Once again...oh the Grace. I was reminded that prayer is even greater than a tsunami's power. The next words uttered, "Thank you and amen." Suddenly, that butterfly zipped, and I mean zipped, past my face. I've seen a butterfly flutter by, but never zip; and my spirit heard--yes it did--still, small laughter, which made me laugh out loud. Looking down, these words jumped out:

I will trust You.

The Pleasantest Thing...

My friend Nancy Franson at Out of My Alleged Mind has been on a journey of poetry appreciation. In her latest post on Tweetspeak, she asked the question: "For those of you who love poetry, how did you come to love it?" Here you go, Nan-girl.

"Poetry soothes and emboldens the soul to accept mystery." --John Keats

I owe my love of poetry to my father, who would read to me almost every night when I was very young, tucking me in with Eugene Field's Wynken, Blynken, and Nod, and other poets. He would read slowly and with feeling, savoring every word. Not bad for a guy who had no more than an 8th grade education. Having been placed in a children's home at age 2, and then shipped in and out of foster care, his other parenting skills were less than awesome. Not surprising, really. But man, could he recite a poem. Thanks, dad. Because of you, Robert Louis Stevenson will always have a special place in my heart.

"Oh I do think it's the pleasantest things ever a child can do..." 

-The Swing, R.L.S

*Nope, that's not me in the photo. It's from my vintage pic stash.

Pulling a Rabbit Out of the Hat?

Not a rabbit, a Renee at Southern Gal Thoughts! Congratulations, my little bunny! Heh heh.

My lovely assistant

Renee, send me your info, and I'll mail it off. Once again, I wish I could send everyone a present. Thanks for playing!

It Wouldn't be a Celebration Without "Torta"

Tonight, at 8 o'clock, a winner will be picked for the blog-aversary giveaway! In the meantime, let's discuss cake.

What I really want to do is honor the cake maker, my young friend Audrey. Her family and ours have been long-time friends. Every member of that clan is wildly creative, so our get-togethers are a great source of joy and inspiration. When you visit the D-family, you'll experience aria singing, beer brewing, bee-keeping, gardening, piano/harp playing, painting, drawing, and all manner of hilarious Jane Austen-quoting. Curious Acorn has already featured some of the talents of Joan, Mary, and Fiona (Rachel, your turn is coming next, and I can't wait!)

Anyway, today belongs to Audrey and the magnificent "Cassata alla Siciliana" she made for our visit last week. I've seen the recipe for this cake, and let me tell you, it's daunting. Audrey took up the challenge and was victorious. Way to go, beauteous shield maiden!

*The Cooking of Italy, Time-Life Books

   

"Delizioso!"