by Rick Amorey
Seattle is a place associated with coffee; there are quite a number of coffee shops that dot the place here and there, and of course, that one particular coffee company that grew from its humble origins right here in pike Place Market. The irony here is even though Washington is an agricultural state, it does not grow coffee at all. Washington does not have the climate that is conducive to coffee trees.
At any rate, it is true that to this very day, there are a lot of people that go to Seattle if only to partake in the many coffee shops that line the streets. So, it follows that the crafts made here draw their inspiration from coffee. It has been said, after all, that coffee is the wine of Apollo, stimulating thought and creativity. Thus, many masterfully made crafts were inspired over a cup of coffee.
I have also seen some artisans that have taken it a step further, though. Coffee can be an art form in itself if used properly; even the simple process of roasting the beans can be a great subject for artistic photographers. In simple words, there are those that turn coffee into paint; both literally and figuratively speaking.
I've seen one such crafted piece wherein miniature sculptures were accentuated with roasted coffee beans. It gave the piece an extra bit of texture, and even though the seductive smell of the bean would eventually fade away, the piece itself would still be there. Crafts of this kind are the perfect accent to a coffee enthusiast's living room.
As I've said above, I've seen works wherein the coffee is actually used as the paint for an artwork. Different shades of brown dominate the piece, giving an otherwise new piece that definite classical look. Truly, coffee continues to inspire you as you contemplate the piece over your morning cup. I for one will continue to drink as I do my craftswork.
by Rick Amorey
The Constitution has been taken to the fullest extent in the State of Nevada. The people here are more free than any other State, and their libertarian ways enact certain laws that other States would not even dream of doing. Nevada, in a lot of ways, is a State ahead of its time; even with today's American standards.
Inevitably, we are destined to feel the tough financial times in the upcoming days ahead that other States have yet to feel. It is true that the Silver State is going to face tough times itself, being the biggest economic loser of 2008. One can be sure that tougher times are still coming in Nevada and frugality will be a new way of living. But there are a lot of people in Nevada for whom this is not an easy task to undertake.
If you have been laid off from work, and just waiting around for word from companies you applied to, it's a good idea to sit back and think about things. Like, what did you like to do as a child? Maybe cooking under your mom's watchful eye was something you liked doing, for example? These kinds of things will keep you occupied enough to keep you being a spendthrift.
Indeed, you may go back to your hobbies, and may even decide to try and sell some of your crafts. There are many craft fairs that occur in Nevada, even in these trying times. Once you have collected enough stock, try contacting one of these events' organizers. By selling your artistic works elsewhere, you will even be able to earn a little something extra to help with the times.
So, don't just sit there doing nothing! Stop being a bum and make yourself move! It's a crime to do nothing in these times, and you don't even have to leave the comfort of your own home to do so. All you have to do is look back, and start thinking about where you came from.
by Vermont Findhorn
Since it's our official State Sport, it is perfectly normal to see the occasional jousting show here in Maryland. Of course, none of the participants are real-life knights, but they are nevertheless people who enjoy the traditional fight in horseback. It's no longer a bloodthirsty sport; the International Jousting Association has introduced modern safety protocols. As a result, the event is now a lot more fun.
Some of these events become even more fun, as they mimic the very atmosphere of the Middle Ages. Nothing modern is allowed inside, and people come in clothes appropriate for that time. When these events do this, the whole place transforms into a snapshot of an era gone; an era when knights in their mighty steeds saved the princess in a tower.
It stands to reason, then, that you will need the right outfit for the occasion. Don't worry if you don't have one prepared; you can go to these events in your plain clothes. Once there, though, go to the craft shows surrounding the jousting area. Besides the crafts that imitate the art of the age, you will meet craftspeople that specialize in making outfits reminiscent of the medieval era. Have yourself fitted up with one of these clothes, or commission one to be made just for you.
Now, the question at this point is how to get to these jousting festivals. Thanks to the Internet, this is not really a big problem. A simple search on Maryland Craft Fairs will lead you to websites that list the events at your leisure. Get all the necessary information, and you'll be well on your way.
Relive the romance of the middle ages and attend some jousting events! Watch knights in theatric combat, and involve yourself in the craft shows that are in attendance!