Countries, Miss Universe 2011 and a little honey

tere paevast

(Estonian for 'good day')

Miss Estonia - Madli Vilsar

Miss Universe 2011 contestant

As I am continuing to feature the 46 countries that have viewed different pages on my blog*, I thought I might also add in some photos of the same countries'

Miss Universe 2011 Pageant contestants.

*since around April, 2011

Just for fun, you know!

I am quite aware of all the controversy that has swirled around this pageant,

 and all beauty pageants since they began.

And yes, I have opinions.

But for today, we will just show some photos of some beautiful women,

with oh-my-gosh-great-fun earrings and necklaces.

Truly, they are quite outstanding.

Also, in some of the photos you get a peek at the incredibly fancy beadwork, embroidery and lace on the dresses they are wearing.

Miss Ireland - Aoife Hannon

Miss Universe 2011 pageant contestant

Another thing I love especially about the International competition is the costumes.

Wow.

They have a section where the different contestants come out in a costume that represents their country.

It truly is amazing.

Of course, the Miss USA is decked out in some form of red, white and blue.

But think sequins, spangles, and outrageous!

I still remember Miss Puerto Rico's costume from a past year.

Miss USA - Alyssa Campanella 

Miss Universe 2011 competitor

The United States has made the most page views of my blog.

That is only normal, since it is an English language blog,

and I live in the US.

Thanks!

Miss Canada - Chelsae Durocher

Miss Universe 2011 contestant

But every other country that looks at my pages is just a delight to me!

Canada is pretty much always in the top 4 countries that look at pages every day.

I am looking forward to returning to Canada someday.

When I was in my teens my family made a road trip

from Arizona to British Columbia, Canada.

I have (somewhere) a picture of our dog playing in the snow in Canada.

Rare treat for a dog that spent the last couple of years in Phoenix, AZ!

Miss Great Britain - Chloe-Beth Morgan

Miss Universe 2011 contest

My page views list The United Kingdom as one country,

but every so often, at the whim of that great blogspotter poo-bah,

I will get views from Ireland, Wales and Scotland!

I need to brush up on just what the United Kingdom represents.

For another day.

Today I am sending a BIG THANK YOU to

Sri Lanka -

Miss Sri Lanka - Stephanie Siriwardhana

Miss Universe 2011 competitor

and

Finland -

Miss Finland - Pia Pakarinen

Miss Universe 2011 contestant

and to

Croatia -

Miss Croatia - Natalija Prica

Miss Universe 2011 contestant

I have already featured Brazil, the Czech Republic and Japan in previous blogs.

But today, I would like to recognize them, and say

THANKS for reading and sharing my blog.

Miss Brazil - Priscila Machado

Miss Universe 2011 contestant

Miss Czech Republic - Jitka Novackova

Miss Universe 2011 contestant

Miss Japan - Maria Kamiyama

Miss Universe 2011 contestant

I have previously featured paperdolls that were from these countries; they have also viewed my blog -

THANKS

Miss Netherlands - Kelly Weekers

Miss Universe 2011 contestant

Miss Denmark - Sandra Amer

Miss Universe 2011 contestant

Miss Germany - Valeria Bystritskaia

Miss Universe 2011 contestant

Miss Turkey - Melisa Asli Pamuk

Miss Universe 2011 contestant

I will be featuring paper dolls from other countries in future blogs.

Here are some of the countries, who have also checked out my blog!

Miss France - Laury Thilleman

Miss Universe 2011 contestant

Miss Argentina - Natalia Rodriguez

Miss Universe 2011 contestant

Miss Sweden - Ronnia Fornstedt

Miss Universe 2011 contestant

Miss Spain - Paula Guillo

Miss Universe 2011 competitor

Up next, a big THANK YOU to Australia and to New Zealand for checking out my blog on a regular basis!

Miss Australia - Scherri-Lee Biggs

Miss Universe 2011 contestant

Miss New Zealand - Priyani Puketapu

Miss Universe 2011 contestant

  

Well, I have run out of blogging time.

I have a room to paint with Michael. I picked a really nice, fairly bright yellow color, for 1 or 2 walls. I like it. I hope I like it as well when it is up on the walls!

I have had 46 different countries check out my blog,

so you know I have a few still to feature and say

a big thanks to.

I had hoped to fit in a little about

September is National Honey Month

But that will have to wait for another day!

Have a wonderful weekend.

I will take pictures of the finished room,

but don't expect it tomorrow!!

:0)

inkspired

http://www.inkspired.etsy.com/

dominoes@myinkspired.com

Happy Fourth of July!

Yippee!

c.1918

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!

"We can no longer say there is nothing new under the sun.

For this whole chapter in the history of man is new."

- Thomas Jefferson, 3rd President



(a remark made at a 1962 White House dinner

honoring Nobel Laureates,)

by John F. Kennedy - 35th President

"I think this is the most extraordinary collection of talent,

of human knowledge,

that has ever been gathered together at the White House -

with the possible exception of when Thomas Jefferson dined alone."

"Our history is one of a  people diverse in backgrounds

but united in common values, facing one serious challenge after another.

We have faced depressions, wars, injustice, and prevailed each time.

We will prevail again, and with your help, meet fully the challenges of our time."

 - Jimmy Carter, 39th President

"I should like to be able to love my country and to love justice."

- Albert Camus

The National Bird of the USA is the Bald Eagle.

Here is a small beading pattern for you to make:

c.1915

"He loves his country best who strives to make it best."

- Robert G. Ingersoll

"To me, being a citizen of the United States of America

is the greatest honor and privilege in the world."

- Gerald R. Ford, 38th President

c.1915

"Politics is not an event but a process.

We sometimes lose the events

but it never gives us the right

to stop being faithful to our principles

that enlisted us in the process.

We shall live to fight another day."

 - Mike Huckabee, previous Presidential candidate

c.1915

Here are a couple of beading patterns with patriotic themes:

courtesy of Arleen Hardin



unknown

Just a fun little dot to dot: 

Next I have some terrific patriotic themed papercutting patterns:

These are from an out of publication book from BackStreetDesign.

Here is the front cover to the book:

If you have never seen Goldie Hawn's movie

Protocol

I highly recommend it!

Very patriotic!

c.1918

c.1917

Have a safe 4th of July.

Take a moment, and listen to a wonderful, patriotic song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gY3nQqmFCE&feature=feedf

Please attend one of the municipal (city) fireworks displays.

If you feel you must play with fireworks yourself,

PLEASE be responsible and keep children at a safe and far location.

inkspired

http://www.inkspired.etsy.com/

dominoes@myinkspired.com

http://www.inkspiredmusings.blogspot.com/

International Paper Doll Bonanza

Hello to all!

vintage magazine art

Today I have a splitting migraine, day 3.

ouch.

I thought you might enjoy some international paper dolls

whilst I try to either bang my head into unconsciousness,

or take enough drugs to pass out.

ick.

I have been gone for a week however, and really wanted to get back into the swing of things with my blog.

No fancy colors today - sorry. Not up to reading for quotes either, so let's get ON WITH THE PAPER DOLLS!!!

These colorful paper dolls are from Turkey:



I love all the texture, layering and colors in them!

Now let's have three vintage paper dolls from Finland...

c.1948

Next up:

National Dresses vintage paper doll from Denmark:

Here are is a lovely doll with costumes from Japan, China, Cambodia, Vietnam and Korea:



Here is a doll with 2 costumes based on pioneer New Zealand days:

Next is a doll with costumes for a Liberty! party in the USA:

Sorry friends, that's about all I can do today.

Tomorrow will be a better day!

"Future" paperdolls Isobel and Chloe!

inkspired

http://www.inkspired.etsy.com/