Dinky Holden Special Sedan No 196 Excellent Original Car & Box
Matchbox Commer Milk Bottle Float No 21C Excellent Original Van & Box
A Little Pumpkin History!
For some reason I got to thinking about pumpkins the other day.
And, as you probably know - when I get to thinking - well, watch out! There may just be a history lesson coming.
Pumpkins are a big part of the Fall line-up. Whether they are used as food or used as decorations or carved for celebrations they have a big role. So, I got to thinking about pumpkins and the history of pumpkins. How long have they been around and what started the jack-o-lantern craze?
Artists and crafters have long had a fascination with pumpkins. The reason has to be because they are so versatile and no matter what type of arts & crafts you like to create - there is a pumpkin that can be made. They can be cute, delightful, and whimsical. Or, they can be downright scary and frightening. They can be wholesome or a little bit naughty. Kids love to draw them and carve them. I, of course, love to create pumpkin dolls and especially love to create custom pumpkin fabric.
My research tells me that pumpkins originated somewhere in Central America between 5,500 and 7,000 B.C. and have been used as a food staple ever since.
So, what exactly is a "pumpkin?"
Well, according to Wikipedia.com: "Pumpkin is the name of a plant that refers to certain cultivars of squash, most commonly those of Cucurbita pepo, that are round, with smooth, slightly ribbed skin and deep yellow to orange coloration. The thick shell contains the seeds and pulp. Some exceptionally large cultivars of squash with similar appearance have also been derived from Cucurbita maxima. Specific cultivars of winter squash derived from other species, including C. argyrosperma, and C. moschata, are also sometimes called "pumpkin". In New Zealand and Australian English, the term "pumpkin" generally refers to the broader category called winter squash elsewhere.
Pumpkins, like other squash, are native to North America. Pumpkins are widely grown for commercial use, and are used both in food and recreation. Pumpkin pie, for instance, is a traditional part of Thanksgiving meals in the United States, although commercially canned pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie fillings are usually made from different kinds of winter squash than the pumpkins frequently carved as jack o'lanterns for decoration around Halloween.
Pumpkins, like other squash, are thought to have originated in North America. The oldest evidence, pumpkin-related seeds dating between 7000 and 5500 BC, were found in Mexico.
Since some squash share the same botanical classifications as pumpkins, the names are frequently used interchangeably. One often used botanical classification relies on the characteristics of the stems: pumpkin stems are more rigid, prickly, and angular (with an approximate five-degree angle) than squash stems, which are generally softer, more rounded, and more flared where joined to the fruit.
The color of pumpkins is derived from the orange pigments abundant in them. The main nutrients are lutein and both alpha and beta carotene, the latter of which generates vitamin A in the body.
In America the pilgrims learned about pumpkins from the Native American Indians who would cut the pumpkins into strips and then cook them over the fire. They called pumpkins "isquotersquash." Very quickly pumpkins were added to the diets of the pilgrims.
However, the pilgrims decided to cut the top of the pumpkin off and scoop out the seeds and then fill the pumpkin with honey, milk, and other spices and then baked it in hot coals. This concoction eventually became pumpkin pie as we know it today.
The pilgrims, in turn, brought pumpkin seeds back to their European countries where it became a popular part of the European diet.
In addition to use as a food staple, pumpkin shells were dried and cut into strips. Then the strips were weaved into mats.
According to Iroquois legend, a pregnant woman who was living in the sky world wanted to have some bark of the root of the great tree that grew in the sky world. Her husband scraped the dirt away from the base of the tree to expose the roots and while doing so created a hole. After her husband had obtained the bark the woman leaned over and peered into the hole that had been created. She lost her balance and fell through the hole to the earth below and subsequently become the first human on earth.
She eventually gave birth to a daughter who grew up and and became pregnant herself with twins by the West Wind. Just before the twins were to be born they got into a fight in the womb about how they were going to be born. The left handed twin did not want to be born in the usual way and, instead, forced himself out through his mother's left armpit which subsequently killed her. The twins buried their mother and after doing so noticed that corn, beans and pumpkins sprouted from the spot where she was buried. The three later became the main food staple of the Iroquois.
Every Spring the Iroquois women would plant corn, bean, and pumpkin seeds together. They would dig holes and into each hole would put one corn seed, one bean seed, and one pumpkin seed along with a dead fish. The dead fish fertilized the ground while the corn stalk provided support for the bean vine to climb. The pumpkin plant provided ground cover to keep the weeds out and the roots of the bean added nutrients to the soil.
Eventually with the arrival of the Irish in the 19Th century the use of pumpkins for "jack-o-lanterns" was born. The Irish already had an ancient tradition of hollowing out the inside of turnips and placing lighted candles inside to scare off the evil spirits. When the Irish came to America, they discovered that the pumpkin was a much larger substitute for the turnip. If it's larger, it's scarier. If it's scarier it will ward off evil spirits.
So now we know about the history of the pumpkin. But, why are they called jack-o-lanterns? Well, it all started with a stingy Irishman (of course) named Jack who was a miserable old drunk. He like to play tricks on everyone including the Devil himself - which, of course, was very foolish. Well, he tricked the Devil into climbing up an apple tree and then placed crosses all around the base of the tree. The Devil couldn't get down from the tree due to the crosses so Jack made the Devil promise not to take his soul when he died. Jack removed the crosses and the Devil climbed down from the tree.
Years later, when Jack died he was told by St. Peter at the gates of heaven that he would not be let into heaven due to the life he had led on earth. Since the Devil had promised Jack he wouldn't take his soul Jack wasn't able to enter hell, either. So he was forced to roam the earth between heaven and hell in darkness with just a burning coal inside his turnip ( i.e. "Jack O'Lantern) to light the way for him.
I, personally, have made many pumpkin dolls and and various decorative crafts using my custom pumpkin fabric for my Linda Walsh Originals website. All of my pumpkin designs and handmade decorations made using my custom fabric designs are shown in the picture at the top of this post. All of my handmade pumpkin decorations can be seen HERE. My pumpkin e-patterns can be seen HERE and my print patterns can be seen HERE.
I have also designed many custom fabrics using some of my pumpkin designs, including an adorable line of "Babies In The Pumpkin Patch Baby Shower" custom fabric designs. My Fall Custom Fabric Designs Collection can be seen HERE and my "Babies In The Pumpkin Patch" Custom fabric Design Collection can be seen HERE.
I have also made many pumpkin dolls based on other designers patterns which can be seen in the picture in the middle of this post and HERE.
So, pumpkins have been around for a long time. They have become an intricate part of the Fall season and Halloween. I suspect that that they will continue to be a popular tradition of families and children for years to come and, as a result, popular among artists and crafters as well.
one hundred feet and some photos
I wanted to share some photos with you that I took as part of a promotional campaign for the new movie The Hundred-Foot Journey. The goal is to fuse French and Indian culture using decor, DIY’s or recipes. I had such a blast working on something a little out of my usual confort zone! Though […]
The post one hundred feet and some photos appeared first on Small for Big.
set database: LEGO 6679 exxon tow truck
set name: exxon tow truck
theme: town, maintenance, Exxon
year: 1980
pieces: 65
price: us$na
minifig: 1
nice town set.
come with a town truck and a car.
minifig included a driver minifig.
great playability.
overall design is great.
Nendoroid Akuma Homura completes the trilogy
Warning: Madoka Magica movie spoilers ahead!
There's pretty much a holy trilogy when it comes to super popular characters - scale figure, Nendoroid and figma. You have to be pretty in-demand to merit all three, a feat which all five of the Madoka Magica girls managed on original release. Now homura has managed it again, as Figsoku have revealed there's going to be a Nendo of her new 'Akuma' form, to go alongside the already seen scale and figma.
I'm a little lukewarm on this, since hugely, complex designs tend to lose a lot when they're shrunk down to Nendo scale. The whole point of this looks is to be as huge and pectacualr as possible, which doesn't really match the super-deformed look. Still, I'm sure those who have already double dipped will be eager to add another piece to the shrine. Any readers out there pumped for this?
[via Figsoku ]
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More Supernatural Pop! Exclusives will be coming to Hot Topic
This weekend we saw a fan take their Supernatural Pop! needs into their own hands. Now it looks like there will indeed be more figures in this series. However, before you get too happy, you should know that these will be Hot Topic exclusives.
So that means you will probably have a hell of a time trying to get your hands on them. Yes, I remember the fury fans were in trying to find a Castiel Pop! I guess Funko saw that as good business, because they are again offering another Castiel figure as an exclusive.
This time the Castiel Pop! figure will have his angel wings. Hot Topic will also be offering an exclusive pre-release of Felicia Day’s character, Charlie. This is the first female character to get a figure and has been made with her wearing her earphones and bag.
These Supernatural figures will be available at Hot Topic soon, so if you want one, be ready!
[via Pop Vinyls]
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Hasbro and Ubisoft to Launch Hasbro Game Channel on Xbox, PlayStation Consoles
Andrea Kang x Peter Kato Bedtime Bunnies Artist Series
Hot Toys’ Guardians of the Galaxy – Gamora
Tom Tierney: the paper doll legend
The New York Times reviewed Tom Tierney's work thrice: he is the only paper doll artist to have a review in their Literary Section. He appeared on several TV programs and featured in a number of major newspaper's articles, all about paper dolls.
Tomopop Review: Kotobukiya's Street Fighter Bishoujo Cammy
Kotobukiya's Bishoujo lineup seems to be growing by the day. The latest Street Fighter gal to hit the, uh, streets is Cammy. Although she isn't out in the US, she is currently available to import from Japanese retailers.
When a 2D design gets translated to 3D, you'd expect some slight differences. With Cammy, I think there has been a significant shift in style thanks to the sculpt. Whether that's good or bad depends on your tastes, but read on to see what I'm talking about.
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Great Grains Blueberry Muffin Recipe
This post brought to you by Post Great Grains Cereal. All opinions are 100% mine. I often think about all of the things that make me feel good. What makes me great is my ability to create something special with what moments I have. My compassion for life and love of all things sunshine are… [read more]
The post Great Grains Blueberry Muffin Recipe appeared first on Our Ordinary Life.
Cheesy Bacon Tater Tot Casserole
This post brought to you by American Frozen Foods Institute and the Frozen Food Roundtable. All opinions are 100% mine. One thing we like to do is make semi-homemade meals. It's so easy to create a fresh meal for your family in a flash and as we head into the school season it's even more… [read more]
The post Cheesy Bacon Tater Tot Casserole appeared first on Our Ordinary Life.
Palette in Tokidoki-land Magic Sky
More Details and Images Revealed for NECA’s Jet Pack Robocop Action Figure
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More Details and Images Revealed for NECA’s Jet Pack Robocop Action Figure
NECA has revealed more details and a small gallery of images for their upcoming Jet Pack Robocop, which will be shipping in a few weeks time. First off, it should be noted that this Robocop is the same Robocop sculpt that has been used in past releases. Though this one was given a bluer hue, […]
Action Figure Fury - Action Figure and Toy News, Reviews, and More!
More Details and Images Revealed for NECA’s Jet Pack Robocop Action Figure
Walmart Exclusive Black and White Daryl Dixon Pop! Vinyl Figure Available This Week
In just 4 short years, Funko has been able to take the world by storm with their cute line of Pop! Vinyl Figures, selling over 17 million pieces. Many retailers already offer exclusive versions of everyone’s favorite characters, but who would have ever thought that Walmart wants to join the fun? Well, they do and […]
Action Figure Fury - Action Figure and Toy News, Reviews, and More!
Walmart Exclusive Black and White Daryl Dixon Pop! Vinyl Figure Available This Week
Walmart Exclusive Black and White Daryl Dixon Pop! Vinyl Figure Available This Week
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Funko heading to Gen Con Indy, bringing an exclusive flocked Pop! Ajani Goldmane
Funko has announced plans to attend Gen Con Indy 2014 and will be showcasing (and selling) its collectibles at booth 153 (across from the Family Fun Pavilion) from August 14th through the 17th.
Gen Con will offer fans their first chance to pick up Funko's Magic: The Gathering Legacy figures as well as the ONLY chance to own a show-exclusive flocked Pop! Ajani Goldmane. The flocked Ajani will be on sale for US$15.