Food and Crafts and Owls...Oh, my!

First off, I have to share these absolutely A. MAZ. ING. cupcakes.  I looovvveee me some banana pudding.  I love cupcakes.  This recipe is HEAVEN!  I think I found this from someone's pin on pinterest....or maybe it was Oneprettything.  I can't remember.  Wherever I found it, Heather is a genious.  Here's her recipe for Banana Pudding Cupcakes.

Mine aren't as pretty as hers.  But who cares what they look like when they taste so fantastic?  The Nilla Waffer crumbles on top are the perfect finishing touch.  (and so what if I reused a birthday cake box from Publix to store them? Reduse, reuse, recycle!)

I decided to go to the annual spring craft fair after work this weekend.  Most of the stuff was geared for children and lots of stuff was either not my style or stuff that I could make myself.  A few booths were just amazing.  

There was another booth Collegiate Stop selling collegiate ornaments and figurines.  I was sooooo happy to find lots and lots of Georgia stuff! Turns out they are based in Georgia and the ornaments are made from Georgia marble.  I figured I already had a UGA ornament so I got Sam a Georgia State Ornament. 

And one of my favorite booths was a bit too pricey for me, but they had the most amazing creations.  They made branches out of copper, added flowers and a handcrafted resin bird. 

Picture from Songbirdlady.com.

Go to their site and check it out.  Simply beautiful!  Feel free to drop some $$ on this Nuthatch for me...

End of an Era/New Beginning

I must say it has been a wild and crazy summer.  June, July and August were super busy at the Center.  There have been a lot of changes there.  A lot of personal difficulties.  I went on vacation at the end of August/beginning September and came back to work and BAM! They let me go.  After everything I'd been through with them.  6 different Executive directors in 3 years. Almost shutting completely down.  Removal of the mammal program.  6 baby seasons.  I really don't know why.  They gave me a vague reason, but they couldn't back it up and wouldn't tell me what I'd done.  I have my theories (money and certain people). I lived and breathed that place 24/7 and was passionate about the cause, so it was like they ripped my heart out and turned my world inside out and upside down.  I don't stand for a cause anymore.   I've been heartbroken this past month and I've sort of lost myself.  I haven't been able express my love of all things Owly as much and I can't seem to get excited about birds or enjoy birdwatching anymore. 

I just don't know what to do with myself. 

I've had a lot of good feedback and support from a few of my former coworkers and a lot of love and support from many of the volunteers.  Some of them questioned whether they should continue to spend their time there, but I encouraged them to stay if they enjoyed it and because the birds need the help now more than ever.  And I definately couldn't have gotten through this without my families support. 

I immediately started applying for jobs.  I've had a phone and inperson interview with the Zoo for a part-time position and am waiting to hear anyday now from them (they've called my references this week).  I interviewed and accepted a part-time position at Macy's for the season and just to get me by.  Hopefully I can get the keeper postition at the Zoo and work up to a full-time position.

On to more positive things....

I am slowly getting back on track.  I've decided that it will have to be a homemade Christmas this year and trying to get gift ideas together for the family.  

I also managed to celebrate a BIG birthday this month.  Not the happiest I've had, but I always love birthdays.  Of course nothing could top last years birthday which was celebrated in Tanzania, Africa.

They had a few other Owl items, but I didn't have much left on my card.  I also used my birthday $5 off $20 coupon.

And since September 23rd was the first day of Autumn I made Some Snickerdoodle Pumpkin Bars.  They really turned out to be more like Paula Dean's Gooey Pumpkin Bars and probably could have used a higher temperature, but they are soooooo tastey and rich!

(and yes, thats a Pumpkin candle in the background)

This blog will become my motivation to get back on track and start doing what I love again.