Talk About a Mish Mosh!

 Second Post of the Day

Heads up! This may be the mishiest moshiest post I've ever written. Hang onto your hats, folks!

I'm thrilled that so many of you have wanted blackened beeswax ornaments! I am going to need to pour some more to meet the demand (and have been in contact with those who've already ordered from me to let them know.) I only want to do one pouring for these, so I'm going to end the ordering time on Sunday night, November 3, at 11:59 PM Eastern.

That means that if you want an ornament and haven't let me know yet, you need to do so by then. After that, I won't be pouring ornaments again until I'm prepping for the Kalamazoo show later this winter.

What's available (or will be poured again) can be found here. Email me at horsiemama8@gmail.com to place an order. 

The BreyerFest 2025 Celebration Horse was announced yesterday.

Will Coleman and Phish? Yes, please!! 

But on the Cigar mold?? I was so disappointed. And so were a lot of hobbyists. 

I really thought that, considering this is the 75th anniversary celebration BreyerFest, Breyer would make this piece one that had deep roots in the company - maybe one that had been sculpted by one of their more prolific sculptors (Moody, Hess), possibly was a vintage mold that still appeared occasionally in the regular or special run line ups, etc.

The Cigar mold has its fans, but like Rugged Lark, Khemosabi, and others, it is not one of Breyer's popular molds. One source reported that Will Coleman chose the mold for Phish but that doesn't change my disappointment. I don't like the mold, never have and never will.

I do collect Breyer's blankets and so I look forward to getting the one Phish is wearing. But my Phish most likely will end up in the hands of a Pony Pal.

Finally, a few Fall photos as we end October and celebrate Halloween.

Tuesday evening I heard a leaf blower going and looked out the window to discover it was operating in my yard. A man was blowing all our leaves to the curb where the city will come around and collect them.

I don't have a clue who he was but he did say he lived on the next street over. He blew all the leaves for three homes on our street - ours, our next door neighbors', and a home across the street and down a way. Interestingly, enough, I think he targeted homes where he knew there was some sort of issue - I'm often in our yard or the park on my walker; perhaps he'd seen that and thought he'd help us out? He never said why.

Bob, our next door neighbor, sadly is in the end stages of cancer and in palliative care so no doubt he really needed and appreciated that help. And the home across the street that Mr. Leaf Blower did? The husband suddenly died of a heart attack. He was only in his forties, and he left behind a wife and several kids. 

Whatever his reasons were for including us in his act of service, we join the other two families in being grateful for his kindness. (And if I can find out where he lives, I'm going to bake him some bread and take it to him.)

It's Halloween - how about a Halloweenishy picture?

Doesn't this look like some sort of monster or alien that is oozing its innards?

It's huge, too. It may look familiar as I posted a photo of it earlier this fall. (When it was in better shape.)

It's a giant puffball alongside the lane to Leslie's farm. They're edible, but I think that that one is well past its prime!

Speaking of Halloween... My sister Leslie and I enjoy re-enacting 18th century living history. Our sister, Jenny? Well, she's a witch.

She even came with me to BreyerFest in 2017 and found new pieces for her witches outfit while walking the halls of the Clarion!

She lives in Indianapolis, and her village of Irvington has a huge, week long Halloween Festival that draws people from all over to attend. (This was their 78th year!) A group of local women began a tongue-in-cheek witches' group that doubles as a service organization and they have become a much anticipated crowd favorite of the Irvington Halloween Festival. 

Jenny and the rest of the witches performing in the Halloween parade. There are a few warlocks who have joined them, too. 

They have become so well known that they have even been asked to march in the Indy 500 and the Indianapolis St. Patricks's Day parades!

Busy day ahead and lots of trick or treaters expected tonight. Hope those 16 bags of candy are enough.

Tammo can't wait for all the kids to come by!

Happy Halloween!

The Candy Corn Challenge (with Apologies to Dr. Seuss)

First Post of the Day

This is my all time favorite blog entry that I have ever written. Originally written in October, 2018, it soon became a tradition to repost it on Halloween.

This year, the post is bittersweet. But how could I not post it? The happiness and memories it brings back to me are too good to miss. I may even eat some candy corn in Abby's honor. (Maybe. LOL)

Jennifer Buxton of  Braymere Custom Saddlery wrote on her blog that she had discovered that some people do not like candy corn. One of her blog readers posted in response that her real horses loved the Halloween treat, and Jennifer decided to see if her horses liked it, too.

They did. And so Jennifer challenged invited those of us with access to both horses and candy corn to try a little experiment and see if our horses liked candy corn, too.

Well, I was up to the challenge, and I figured Abby would be as well. Her favorite treat is a freshly unwrapped candy cane; since both sweets have a high content of sugar, I figured that Abby would quickly snarf up those little kernels of candy corn goodness.

As usual, she came up to the paddock at a fast clip, eager to say "hello" and to see what I had brought her. I held my hand out with two candy corns in it and she lipped them up without even smelling them. (Such trust in me!)

Then she gave me a dirty look when she realized that they were something new and not what she had been expecting. That face!! I could not help but think of my favorite Dr. Seuss story, Green Eggs and Ham. So, with apologies to him:

"I'm not sure I like them, Mom-I-Am."

She chewed thoughtfully for a moment, considering if she liked the taste or not, just as the main character in the book did.

Picture retrieved from Google Images.

Then Abby's face brightened, and she eagerly put her head over the wooden bars of the paddock fence.

"Say!! I like them, Mom-I Am! I do! I do like candy corn!"

 "And I will eat them from your hand,"

 "And I will lick you where you stand!"

 I would eat them off the ground,"

"And I sure would like another pound!"

"They are so good, so good, you see! Thank you, thank you, Best Mom-You-Be!"

Happy Halloween!

Pepper & Halloween Prep

First, today is a special day for us as it was five years ago that Pepper came to live with us!

Me meeting Pepper for the first time at the home of the woman she guided, Sarah.

Pepper on the day we brought her to our home. Cow and Donut were her favorites of all the toys we'd bought for her.  Go here to read about her first day with us from her perspective in a letter she wrote to Sarah.

We love this girl so much and cannot imagine our lives without her. 

Tomorrow is Halloween, of course, and I thought you'd like a look at some of the Halloween decorations around our home - almost all of them horsey.

Illuminati, the 2006 Halloween Horse, is really a cool model. And he is on a vintage mold, the Running Stallion. I have him on display in the sewing room this year.

He's pretty neat in regular lighting, too!

On the upstairs overlook, Crane, Ichabod, and EEK stand on the coffee table. All three glow in the dark.

Cryptic is my favorite Halloween horse of all and, in my opinion, one of the most unusual models Breyer has ever done. He's made to look like a concrete stature that you would find in a cemetery. He, too, glows in the dark.

No horses here, just baby footprints from Pony Pals Cambra and Titan, a light up ghost, a jack o'lantern tin, and a candy corn candle.

A light up raven candle (battery operated), and a cool ceramic Halloween black cat that holds candy. (Found at Sam's Club along with a Frankenstein one.) I put in mini Halloween ornaments - Craig and I would eat the candy before trick or treating kids started showing up! The humorous sign is from a close friend and sort of Addams Family-ish.

Beowulf adorns the dining room table - he glows in the dark, too.

We have 16 bags of candy on hand for tomorrow's kiddos. Many of Lisa's students, current and former, live in our neighborhood, so she will be joining us with special treats to give to them, too. As prepared as we are, it would not be unusual to run out of candy. I may run out and buy a few bags more today.

(Perhaps the fact that I've already broken open a bag of Twix and started in on them contributes to that shortage...)

Scheduled for tomorrow? A very special Halloween post.

Stay 'tooned!

Thanks, Facebook

 Second Post of the Day

The title of this post can be taken sincerely, or it can be taken sarcastically - both express my feelings when Facebook popped up this memory from my past posts without my requesting it. 

It still hurts a lot to think about Abby, so a part of me was not happy when this memory came through my feed. And yes, I cried.

On the other hand I don't remember this photo of her at all, and it's actually quite a nice one.

Such a pretty face and those "Egyptian eyes" that she had were so distinctive!

So yeah. Thanks, Facebook.
 

Get Yer Blackened Beeswax Ornaments Here!

First Post of the Day

You asked for it, so here they are - blackened beeswax ornaments. 

First, their history, which is pretty cool in and of itself. (I give this out to people who ask about them at the Feast or Kalamazoo.)

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Blackened Beeswax Ornaments

An Old German Art Form

History

The art of molding beeswax into holiday ornaments is a tradition that is centuries old and began in Germany with Lebkuchen bakers. The bakers used their Springerle and gingerbread boards to mold the first beeswax ornaments. By the mid 1500s, Christmas markets were thriving in German towns and there are records of merchants who made wax souvenirs which people took home and hung on their Christmas trees. (Source: O Divine Night Blog, December 7, 2008)

The custom of wax ornaments hanging on the Christmas tree was brought to America by early German settlers. During the 17th and 18th century, the ornaments might be left as is, painted, or even “blackened” by taking cinnamon and rubbing it over the beeswax casting while it was still warm.

How I Make the Ornaments

These beeswax ornaments are made from just two ingredients - triple filtered pure beeswax and ground cinnamon. There are no dyes used to artificially blacken or color them nor are any oils added to enhance the cinnamon scent. (Interestingly, the beeswax scent generally is stronger than the cinnamon when the ornament is finished.) 

While I’ve used both the old fashioned wooden Springerle molds as well as silicon molds, I’ve discovered that the removal of the ornaments is easier from the silicon molds and only use those now. (Although the nice thing about this art form is that if you damage the ornament when pulling it from the mold, you can just toss it back into the pot, melt it down, and pour it again!)

Care for Your Ornament

Beeswax has a melting point of 140 degrees Fahrenheit so don’t leave your ornament in a closed car on a hot summer day. I would not store blackened beeswax ornaments in the attic, and would keep them out of direct sunlight, too. Other than that, they require no special care.

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All ornaments are $8 plus shipping except where noted. Any with an asterisk by the name are out of stock. I may make more before Christmas if I get time, but I cannot guarantee that.

Email me at horsiemama8@gmail.com if you want to order anything. Thanks.

Assortment One

Top Row: Snowflakes/Stars (version 2), Old Fashioned Santa with bells

Second Row:  Snowflakes/Stars (version 3)

Third Row: Snowflakes/Stars (version 1, version 2, version 3), Santa Moons

Fourth Row: Christmas Bells, Santa Moon, Oval Christmas Bells

Fifth Row: Tree of Life, Honeybee, Oval Christmas Bells

Sixth Row: Dragonfly, Honeybee, Oval Santa Face

Seventh Row: Roaring Lion, Heart Angel

Assortment Two

Top Row: Double Bunnies, Leaping Horse

Second Row: Double Bunnies, Ram & Lamb, Leaping Horse, Pegasus

Third Row: Cardinals, Squirrel, Howling Wolf*, Pegasus

Bottom Corner: Bear Cub*, Owls, Lion Portrait (Due to size, these are $3 each.)

Middle Bottom: Bison*

Right Bottom: Double Horseheads, Horse Portrait (Horse Portrait is $3 due to smaller size)

Something I have begun noticing with my own beeswax ornaments is that, as time passes, some are getting a silvery finish. I think it's lovely, but thought you should be aware that that may happen to your ornaments. 

One last tip - I've not had any issues with loss of that cinnamon smell, but just in case, I plan to pop in a cinnamon stick with my own beeswax ornaments when I take down the Christmas tree this year.

Reorganizing

I spend a lot of time in my sewing room, although it's also a horse room, too. There are four shelving units filled with models along with two china cabinets. I enjoy having horsey things in there with me as I sew but the room has gotten very, very crowded.

Wednesdays and Fridays it's also filled with doggos and an extra blanket or two for them. It was this photo taken last week that prompted me to reorganize that room. I needed to add another three drawer tub for fabrics and there simply was no more space. And when the dogs are here, they like to camp out and snooze while I sew. I find myself stepping over dogs and blankets to get to things I need as I work.

Things were out of control, and I was having trouble finding things. Yes, I really do need five pin cushions, four magnetic pin holders, and three plastic boxes of other pins. A pin is not simply a pin - they come in different lengths and widths, with plain, plastic, or glass heads (the plastic heads melt so you can't iron over them like you can the glass or plain), and depending on the fabric you are using, you choose which pin is best for it.

Plus my sewing room is about to go back to being a guest bedroom for the holidays, and I need to be able to tuck things away quickly and get it ready for use.

A daunting task, yes, but actually I enjoy organizing and tidying up.

I didn't get this kind of help when I worked, although Pepper and Tammo kept me company!

A wheel had broken on one of my three drawer tubs, damaging the plastic wheel slot in the process. I popped off the other wheels and set the broken tub (full of horsey fabrics) onto my grandmother's writing desk. I never use her desk for writing, so why not? Besides, I can reach those fabrics much more easily now.

Tubs of 18th century patterns along with a tower of ribbons, mini tubs of sewing and embroidery tools, and a chest of drawers topped with (as well as stuffed with) embroidery items. I moved the Stablemate barn there, too.

Haversacks ready to be turned and to have a final pressing this morning on the ironing board. 

I sorted out every tub and box and have a bunch of things to give away - good fabrics and ribbons, but ones that don't fit either 18th century or pony pouch sewing. They just take up room so I am passing them on.

I was able to keep my Halloween decor out in the sewing room. There's not a lot of room for it now, but it is enough to make me feel festive. 

The wheel on the tub that initiated all this organizing broke because I was constantly rolling it in and out from under the sewing table and the friction from the carpet finally overstressed the plastic. As an experiment, I placed an extra sewing mat under another cart that often gets rolled back and forth. That made it easier to roll but I use that sewing mat a lot when I sew. I plan to look into an office mat or two instead.

I'd bought this new three drawer tub to replace the one with the broken wheel slot, but having removed the wheels and plopping it up on the writing desk kept it useful, and I'd culled so many things that I no longer needed, this tub is now free and open.

I have my 18th century block prints stacked on a folding table, but maybe I will put them into this tub? We will see. I may move a few things around a little more, but essentially I am done.

I'll post about the blackened beeswax ornaments that are for sale either later today or tomorrow.

Stay 'tooned!

Sisterhood in the Hobby

Dogs who like to curl up against you and cover up your feet when it's chilly?

It's that time of year and boy howdy, I'll take it. Thank you, Pepper! Best way to read a book or take a nap!

Today's blog entry is a follow up to my post, Coming Full Circle ( and Beyond). Jennifer Buxton read it and posted her own perspective about that experience on her blog, Braymere Custom Saddlery.

I'd written about the bridle that Tiffany had given Jennifer who'd passed it on to Shannon who asked me to hand it off to Dani.

Jennifer shared about it in an aptly titled blog post of her own, The sisterhood of the traveling bridle. Here's a screen shot of part of it.

I love the reminder in Jennifer's title of who we are as hobbyists. We are a sisterhood (with some brothers thrown in, too) and this was quite a timely reminder, especially at this time in our culture when the world seems to be getting meaner and more polarized by the day. Thanks, Jennifer, for the reminder of who we are - sisters in the hobby.

But the story continues in an odd twist as I figured out who the 4th (and missing) Vintage Club offering was that I mentioned in yesterday's post. Nancy Kindraka reminded me that it had been Domingo who also came with a book.

A trip over to PayPal to double check that I'd actually gotten this piece inadvertently gave me the answer. Right after the notation and date that I'd paid Breyer for him, was payment to me for the exact same amount from a friend. 

And in a fun twist of sisterhood irony, that friend who got my Domingo has a brand new, shiny purple bridle thanks to that hobby sisterhood.

I'm thinking a lot about hobby sisterhood right now and how so often it is evident. I've been the recipient of it and I know what a difference it can make for someone who perhaps feels lonely or left out, that her models aren't "good enough," and so on. Hobby sisterhood is a good thing and we need more of it.

Thanks for the reminder, Jennifer. I will do better.

Stablemates, Arabians, & Friday Night Lights

Mystery solved concerning those 2024/2025 Stablemates that are connected to the Vintage Club!

They are indeed for 2024; Breyer corrected the date and sent another email to Vintage Club members inviting us to purchase this assortment of Stablemates.

But I am puzzled - this is an optional purchase, not the fourth piece for the year. We have always gotten four models before and so far we only have three (Scorpion, Kirk, and Outlaw. The annual Stablemate freebie was tucked in with Outlaw.) Are there only three models this year? Breyer refers to this Stablemate  set as the final purchase of the year. I don't remember seeing that there would only be three models offered when I renewed for the 2024 club. I'm going to have to go check on social media and see if there are any answers there.

Felix, the annual Stablemate freebie that is included with a Vintage Club membership. A very vintage Maureen Love mold in a lovely early Breyer Appaloosa coloring. And, in an old style touchability box! I'm leaving mine in box.

Moving on... 

It's late October and sectional play has begun for Friday Night Lights. From now on, if we lose a game, our season is over.

I'm not passionate about winning, but I do enjoy hanging out with Craig and Lisa on nice Fall evenings so I'd hate to see it come to an end by a loss.

Since it's sectional play, we played a team last night that West Lafayette has never played in its 101 years of football - Frankton. They came from a tiny town in the eastern part of the state and a long drive away. Not many fans came to cheer for them. (Made me sad.)

The sun was already setting when play began

and the Friday night lights were turned on.

Frankton was overmatched and didn't score until the third quarter - their only score of the game.

Many of the folks in the crowd had dressed for Halloween. This "old man" really nailed it - I was fooled until he got close and I could see that his hands were those of a much younger man. (In this case, a teenager.)

A bumblebee was walking around collecting donations for Riley Hospital in Indianapolis.

Not one but two Beetlejuices!

I was watching those in costumes more than the game, but every now and then I checked on my rollator. It was parked in a section for wheelchairs and I didn't think anything would happen, but still, I had a few things stored under its seat.

As I looked at this picture of my walker, I noticed something. Can you see it, too?

Look at that stadium seat! At first I thought it was related somehow to the Indianapolis Colts football team, but as I looked more closely, the seat color was green, not blue. And the Colts' horseshoe emblem is just a bit different from the one on that seat. Googling helped me find the answer.

Pendleton Heights High School and Middle School have an Arabian as a mascot, and this was a stadium seat associated with that high school. I want one of those!! LOL

After we hit 42 points to Frankton's 7, the clock kept ticking and never stopped. (A rule for Indiana high school football when the point spread is 35 points or greater. A kind rule - gets the game over faster for the losing team, less opportunity for frustrations to boil over and players to get hurt, etc.)

Since we won, we will have another game this coming Friday. We don't know who or where yet - it depends on which teams won their games last night. But I am glad to have at least one more Friday Night Lights to look forward to this Fall.