THE VIOLETREFLECTIONS NEWSLETTER

        SEPTEMBER 2003 EDITION

          AFFILIATED WITH THE AVSA

  ****THE VR TEAM****

    List Owner:  Rachel   email Rachel

                VR Assistant Manager:   Kay   email Kay

                 VR Assistant Manager:   Tina  email Tina

                       VR Moderator:   Bernadine  email Bernadine

    VR Moderator:  Beth   email Beth

         VR Moderator:  Claire  email Claire

VR Moderator:  Del  email Del

         VR Moderator:  Millie  email Millie

  VR Newsletter Editor/Publisher:   Dri-Anna  email Dri-Anna      

VR Newsletter Assistant Editor:  Jane email Jane

  

[FrontPage Save Results Component]

 VR NEWSLETTER ARCHIVES

[FrontPage Save Results Component]

TWO SPIRIT SPEAKS

Welcome to the  VioletReflections (VR) Newsletter (“OUR” Newsletter).  To our non-member visitors, I extend a special invitation for you to visit us often. Perhaps, you will find the VR Family to your liking and become one of us.

  Who is Two Spirit?

Dri-Anna's Bio (AV Button Photo, "First Bloom of Irish Flirt" Courtesy of Two Spirit)

The First order of business is to offer and apology for inadvertently offending a List Member with a quote published in the Dis-n-Dat-n-Dose Topic in the August Edition.

  An Apology  (AV Button Photo, "Ramblin Dots" Courtesy of Ann F.)

The August Edition, plus all past editions of the Newsletter that are in the VioletReflections website files can now be accessed via the VF Newsletter Archives "Hyperlink" located just above Two Spirit Speaks.  

I wish to thank everyone for the warm reception you accorded the August 2003 Edition of the VioletReflections Newsletter.  As with all knew things there WERE several Ditzy Dri "Gaffs" in the Edition.  I am learning as I am doing. Thank you all for allowing me to bring into play the creative side of me.  The fit and feel of the Newsletter will continue to slowly change as I become more familiar with what works right and consistently. In the process, however, the primary purpose of the VR Newsletter is to provide content that is interesting and informative to the membership at large.  

There are 900 plus folks on the List.  Unfortunately, the rough data that a page counter provides indicates that the majority of the List Members are not accessing the Newsletter. If you know a lurker here on the list, make the attempt to guide to them to the Newsletter. That may be all it takes for them to become active.  

My continuing goal is to publish a Newsletter of balanced content that keeps you coming back for more. A Newsletter that entices visitors to the Newsletter to have this place be a regular stop and, perhaps they will become members. Yes, amongst other things, the VR Newsletter is a recruitment tool. So, encourage your non member AV Friends to visit us.

It is with great pleasure that I welcome Jane to the VR Team.  Jane is the VR Newsletter Assistant Editor and has already become my indispensable right arm. I am happy and relieved that you are part of the VR team, Jane.

[FrontPage Save Results Component]

I am going to forego the monthly nag and include what nags there are as part of new business. There is, of course, much new business to present to you.

  New Business  (AV Button Photo, "Boo Man" Courtesy of Nancy S.)

[FrontPage Save Results Component]

I do hope you find the September Edition to be as an enjoyable read as was, the August Edition.

So, without further ado', lets begin with "Rachel's Ramblings"

***  Don't forget to click on the buttons so that you may get the complete story concerning a topic.  ***

[FrontPage Save Results Component]

*   RACHEL'S RAMBLING

I tried many times over the years to root and grow African Violets from leaves with no success at all. I lost so many it was heartbreaking!  Giving up finally,  thinking it just wasn’t in me to start these beautiful little plants from a leaf.  I resorted to purchasing  the plants instead.

Then one year I tried again, to grow from leaves, but this time I set up 2-1/2" plastic pots  with  wicks, filled them with vermiculite, watered them then put a leaf with it's label in each little pot.   Denis began the watering and treated the babies as the adults filling the trays to half with water.  Since the babies tray had no basket tray or rings in it the leaves were  sitting in about an inch of water at all times.  They were not covered.   In just a few weeks  babies started to peek out.  I was amazed,  not one leaf was lost!  Soon  the pots were lifted out of the water and put on a fertilizing program.   I was overjoyed I finally found "my" way to root leaves!   Lol...  actually I should say that Denis  found OUR way to root leaves.  I would never have let them sit in water!

One day a couple of years later, I found a propagator in a catalogue and used it to propagate my gardenias. This propagator was fantastic. I couldn’t grow gardenias and keep them in bloom but I could start all kinds of them in this propagator. So I needed a second one for other plants then of course I used them for my African Violets. These propagators soon paid for themselves in my garden but I discovered I lost my luck to root African Violet leaves again. I couldn’t figure it out. These propagators were fantastic, but I would lose about half the leaves I set.

Then one day I was looking through my own site and came to the page "if it ain’t broken, don’t fix it"  when it suddenly hit me. I wasn’t following my own advice! I did change my way of rooting the leaves!  When I had success  I didn’t have a propagator!

Why would I have changed the way I was rooting the leaves when I was having 100% success rate before I had the propagators?   It is a little like spice in a recipe. If a little was so good shouldn’t a lot be better?

So once again I stress:

IF IT AIN’T BROKEN DON’T FIX IT

[FrontPage Save Results Component]

 *   JANE'S JINGLE

Hi Everyone!  Well I have had a most interesting month around here.  I been given the honor of helping Dri with OUR Newsletter, which has been an absolute pleasure to be a part of.  And, I have my first African violet blooming at the moment.  

 

Living in Fairbanks, Alaska, we really don’t get to have an outdoor flower garden.  The growing season here is very long due to the fact that we have 24 hour daylight for most of June and July.  However, during those two months I’m not home very much, because both my husband and I work for the local baseball team here at that time.  So, I have to have an indoor garden.  I love having plants and working with them.  With the time constraints and the weather and everything else, I decided to do indoor gardening. My favorites, of course, are African Violets.  

 

In late July, early August, I was on Ebay looking at African violets.  I found the most amazing collection of minis and semi-minis and trailers.   I bid on them and won the auctions.  I got 12 plants all at once, and had my indoor garden.  A of them were from one person. Her name is Linda Nesvacil.  Thank you Linda for the wonderful AV's and, thank you for telling me about this fantastic Group! 

 

Well, my sweet hubby, deciding there was nothing he could do about the trailer (we live in a 14x70 trailer) becoming an indoor garden, purchased for me two 10 gallon aquariums.  I turned one into my African violet garden, with light and all.  The second aquarium is ready to be planted, but I need to find micro minis for that one.

 

I’ve been monitoring them very carefully for bugs, rot, mold and all sorts of things.  All has gone  well so far.  I’ve been especially watching my Magic Trail trailer plant.  You see it was blooming when I received it, and was really hoping that I could get at least one of my new plants to bloom.  I’ve never had one bloom under my care.  I get great leaves, but no flowers.  So, I was hoping and praying to have just one little flower. <grin>

 

And the other day while checking out all my violets, I noticed that I had buds on my Magic Trail.  I was just ecstatic!  I've never had one bloom and here was a beautiful plant with the prettiest little pink buds on it.  I just couldn't believe it.  I figured the blooms would die and fall off, or some weird bug would strike and something would happen to my first little tiny buds.  

 

However, this morning, my husband was looking in the aquarium while I made coffee, and he said, "Hey, you better come here!"  And the first thing I thought was, oh no, the cats got into the aquarium, or something bad had happened.  I went and looked and there she was, the prettiest flower I've ever seen. A bloom was on my own plant!! I just couldn't believe it!!  I immediately grabbled the camera, and took several pictures.  

 

So I'm taking my chance here to gush, brag, exclaim, jump up and down and generally be a very happy person.

 

So with much ado, here's a picture of my very first African Violet bloom....

 

 

 

 

MAGIC TRAIL TRAILER

 

 

 
She is the first African Violet that has ever bloomed in my home.  I'm so excited I can hardly stand it!  I am a newbie at growing these, I've always loved them, but never had much luck with them.

So everyone, I just have to thank each and every one of you for having such a wonderful, knowledgeable, and caring group here.  I am truly enjoying myself helping with the newsletter, and I am learning so much about my new indoor garden.

 
Jane 

  Jane's Bio

[FrontPage Save Results Component]

*   THE CONTRIBUTOR'S LOUNGE 

The life blood of a successful Newsletter such as ours, depends upon submissions from the List Membership. The VR Newsletter will flourish with numerous submissions each month of  rich and varied content. The VR Newsletter will become a withered shell with out the continued support of the List Membership.

The purpose of this topic is to acknowledge and  honor those List Members who have taken time out of their busy every day schedules to contribute submissions to the VR Newsletter. For your reading pleasure, we have provided Three separate sub topics:

In this sub topic, we provide the Bios of the List Members who have contributed submissions for the current edition of the VR News Letter. '

    Contributing Members Bios  (AV Button Photo, "Alamo's Folly" Courtesy of Joan B.)

This sub topic is a running total of the contributors for a three month period. In this case, August through October 2003 edition publication dates.

   August - October 2003 Contributors  (AV Button Photo, "Sassy Shell" Courtesy of Madeleine)

The purpose of this, the last sub topic,  is a year-to-date running total of members contributing to the VR Newsletter. Unfortunately, there is not any data available for use prior to the August Edition.

   Year To Date 2003 Contributors  (AV Button Photo, "Episcia Blue Nile" Courtesy of Beth)

We will Continue to provide a gift to the List Member who contributed the largest number of submissions that were published during the three month period.  This gift is to acknowledge the fact that this member went the extra mile.  In the event of a tie, the person who receives the gift will be determined using the information from the new statistical page meters incorporated into each page of  this edition of the VR Newsletter. That means only person will receive the gift. We currently do not have the gift assets to provide more than one, unless additional donors step forward so that each of the members tied will receive a gift. While VR Team members contribution numbers may be included in the sub topics, they are not eligible for the gift. One last thought.  Keep in mind Dear Readers, that this is NOT a contest.  

[FrontPage Save Results Component]

*   BIRTHDAYS AND BIOS

Happy Birthday to our VR members who are celebrating their day this month . Remember, you are not becoming older, you have gained another year of experience and, well, you are bit more seasoned.  So, come-on and "Celebrate"!

Pat -Ontario - September 01

Trudy - September 04

Terry - September 26

Georgeann - September  28

   The Bios of our Birthday Babies

[FrontPage Save Results Component]

  *   VINTAGE VIOLETS CORNER by Kristina  

Kristina, thank you for an excellent column this month.

     Vintage Violets Column  (AV Button Photo, "Pixie Blue" Courtesy of Ann F.)

[FrontPage Save Results Component]

 *   THE MONTHLY POLL

I do apologize for cumbersome way in which you were asked to submit your choice for the August Poll. I believe that was the cause for only three members to respond to the Poll. 

The results were: Two persons indicated they use all three methods for laying leaves. One Person indicated they used the Water method.

This month, I introduce Bravenet's Vote Caster. Vote Caster will allow you to cast your votes by clicking on the "Caste Your Vote" Box at the end of this topic.

 I encourage you all to participate in the monthly poll. The Polls, not only help to determine the direction of the VR Newsletter, but perhaps the direction of the VioletReflections List itself.

DUE TO UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES, THERE IS NO POLL CONTENT THIS MONTH

CLICK BELOW TO CAST YOUR VOTES

[FrontPage Save Results Component]

*   MY FAVORITE VIOLET 

Editor's Comments:  We all eventually are drawn to one, a Violet which becomes our favorite. Here is your chance to let us know what your favorite Violet is. We ask that you share with us why this Violet has captured  your heart and please do provide a photograph.

This month, Shantel presents to us, her favorite Violet:

Hello!!!

Dri-Anna kindly reminded me.. LOL.. that I had offered to do a My Favorite Violet last month.  She also, kindly let me go back on that promise because I  had some personal issues to attend to!  Thanks Dri for being so understanding to the fact that we all have personal lives outside the violet  world.  What's that you say, WE DO???? ...LOL.. I try to remind myself of that once in awhile.. I do have to say that Dri did and EXCELLENT JOB last month.. Way to go.. and keep up the good work!

NOW, my favorite violet. WOW!  How can I pick just one. Out of the some 15,000 violets out there, I'm supposed to narrow it down to just one.  Well then, I decided to narrow it down to the ones that are blooming at my house right now..  

   Shantel's Favorite Violet

[FrontPage Save Results Component]

 *  DEAR VIOLET  

Every publication that is successful, has some form of a Dear Someone column. I am excited to announce that we have Dear Violet. He or She is here to answer your questions as correctly as possible, regardless of what they are. However, be forewarned, Dear Violet has a sense of humor and believes that mirth in our lives, helps relieve the stress of not only every day life, but in being to dang' serious.  

The identity of Dear Violet shall remain unknown to all but myself, the Editor. This mystery adds a bit of tantalizing allure to wondering who Dear Violet may be. 

Dear Violet now has his or her own email address. Please send your questions to: Dear Violet

Add Dear Violet's email address to  your address book so you can easily contact her with your questions.

    Dear Violet  (AV Button Photo, "Stargate" Courtesy of Nancy S.)

 

[FrontPage Save Results Component]

*   SHARE THE WEALTH (Taking Rachel's Share The Joy to the World)

I would like to thank Margie for contributing how she shares the wealth of AV's with the world.

  Tooooo' Many Babies!!  (AV Button Photo, "Maria's Choice" Courtesy of Joan B.)

[FrontPage Save Results Component]

*   A RECIPE TO MAKE YOUR MOUTH WATER  

We are pleased to offer you not one, but two Recipes this month

    The Famous Neiman Marcus Cookies and a true story by Kristina  (AV Button Photo, "Trailing William" Courtesy of Ann F.)

      A Soothing Violet & Herb Skin Oil by Jane  (AV Button Photo, "Sinningia Cherry Chips X Super Orange" Courtesy of Beth)

[FrontPage Save Results Component]

 *   AFRICAN VIOLET COUSIN (Gessie) OF THE MONTH

Many of us have a Gessie or two. Some of us have a rather a large collection. This is the place to share your Gessies with us. Speaking for myself, I am stunned at the number of different type of Gessies there are. Please share your Gessies with all of us.  

A Gessie from Beth's Collection

     Beth's Episcia Lemon Lime 

*   VR BINGO by Amy

VR Bingo is perhaps one of the most participated activities at the VR List. Amy provides us with report that has a wonderful and surprisingly ending. Wouldn't ya' know it would be Denise who would do the unexpected.  Denise, you are one wonderful friend to us all.

  BINGO!  I have BINGO!!!!

[FrontPage Save Results Component]

*   THE PET PLACE

I would Like to thank Laurie for sharing a story about her Chocolate Lab., Jasmine (Jazz)

     Ms. Jazz

*   AFRICAN VIOLET - FAVORITE CHILD 

A recent thread on the VR List that begin as a discussion of the AV Favorite Child, resulted in some beautiful and emotional recollections of our children, past and present.  Two of the messages from this thread, resulted in tears flowing as I recalled the time when my abode was filled with the sounds and busy little lives of my Daughter, Alica and Son, Eric. I am very privileged to include in this edition of the VR Newsletter, those two email messages.  Thank you Bev and Trudi for allowing me to publish your thoughts. 

    Thoughts & Remembrances

[FrontPage Save Results Component]

*   THE COMPUTER USER CUBE 

I wish to thank those who provided me positive feedback with regard to retaining the "Computer Cube". Your feedback certainly caused me to pause and realize that if this topic helps one person to be a bit more proficient in using their computer, than this topic is serving the purpose intended. 

The VR List has members at differing computer literacy levels. Some of us are struggling to do the very Basic tasks, others have mastered them and are considered to be at the Basic level, some are at the Intermediate level and I bet there are even be a few here who are at the Advanced level. Well, everyone hold up their hand, mine is up if you would like to learn at least a bit more with regard to using your computer? Would you like to be able to sit down at your computer and not dread doing a particular task? That, is what this topic is all about.  I encourage your questions and I encourage those with knowledge they can share to PLEASE contribute to this topic. 

My contributions to this topic will be for those using Windows as their Operating System (OS). VR Members  having experience using other OS are encouraged to share  information here of the "how too's" if they differ from Windows.

Disclaimer: As with all things, this is what works for me and may not for others, or they may do it a different way.  So, here we go.

The past few weeks have wreaked havoc for computer users everywhere. From the largest corporations to the individual user, we all have been affected by the Worm's, Trojan Horse's and "shudder" the SoBig & BearBug Viruses.

I deem it prudent that the theme of the "Computer Cube" this month deal with the subject which disrupted our computer use. This is very serious business folks and it is NOT - OVER -  YET!

** Click on the little computer person button **

The Editor Tee's off on Who is to blame for all these nasty critters and what can we do to not be bitten by em'.

  Editors Take

Amy provides us with a refreshing bit of prose on this subject. Ahhhh.... That is better.

  Amy's Take

In the August Edition, I promised I would provide instructions on how to "Get Those Attachments Out Of Your Life"

  Telling Outlook Express/Outlook To Not Receive Attachments

Here are some very good resources, that are highly recommended, for you to use with regard to learning and/or becoming more proficient in using your computer. I highly recommend that you subscribe to each of the Newsletters associated with these sites. And of course, I have provided a link to the Mother of all search engines :

 

The Newbie Club - This site is probably one of the best there is for those of us struggling to learn the basics of using our computers. You can either/or just browse their website when looking for information or you can subscribe to their Newsletter. I am a subscriber and often learn something new. 

Go to:   http://newbieclub.com/

 

InfoPackets.com - This site is an excellent source for learrning and offers information for inspiring Basic  through Intermediate users. You can either/or just browse their website when looking for information or you can subscribe to their Newsletter. I am a subscriber and always learn something new. 

Go to:   http://www.infopackets.com

 

Google - Google is considered the where to go placce for finding information.  This search engine is one of most powerful on the Internet and contains a huge data base. If you do not currently  use Google, I would encourage you to make it one of your stops when searching for AV, Gessie and any other information need you may have.  I have Google set up to display its Tool Bar whenever I go to the Internet. 

Go to:  http://www.google.com/

[FrontPage Save Results Component]

*   THE SPORTS PROJECT by Amy  

While the official start date for the Sports Project is still a month or two away, I would like to thank Amy for providing us with a report on the depth of planning that is in process to ensure that we will have an excellent Project. While reading her report, I was found myself awed with the in-depth planning involved.  

  Sports Project Update  (AV Button Photo, "Sunrise Waltz" Courtesy of Ann F.)

 

[FrontPage Save Results Component]

    *   HOBBY CORNER by Jane

While it is my personal opinion, I do not consider African Violets and Gessies to be a hobby. They become a way of life for us and even an obsession. Many of us eventually become sellers. We encourage you to share hobbies that you find rewarding. Photos are always welcome with your missive.

This month Jane shares one of her hobbies: Counted Cross Stitch

  My Hobby  (AV Button Photo, "Fiery Sunset" Courtesy of Nancy S..)

*   GROW TO SHOW PROJECT by Millie

Several of you are participating in the Grow To Show Project. However, many of us are not. The VR Newsletter will be incomplete without a "blurb" each month for the duration of the project.  Millie has been kind enough to volunteer and submit a progress report this month. Be aware that Millie's responsibilities as one our VR Moderators most likely prevent her from providing a report each month. Thus, the Editor is still looking for a List Member to be the monthly contributor for this topic.

  Grow To Show  (AV Button Photo, "Autumn Lace" Courtesy of Madeleine)

[FrontPage Save Results Component]

*   THE BOOK PLACE by Fay, "Librarian"

I am so pleased to welcome Fay as the Librarian of the Book Place.

Introduction:
Hi All!
I would like to introduce myself to everyone. This is the first issue of the Violet Reflection Newsletter that has a book spotlighted in the 'Book Stop'.

My name is Fay Pagé and I live in Ontario, Canada. I am about as new as a 'newbie' can be. I have been caring for African Violets (AV's) since February of 2003 and at the present time have 2 named Violets in my possession and 6 No-Names. I joined this group in April, knowing that I would gain a great deal of knowledge in the care of these beautiful plants. I have not been disappointed.

I stepped forward and applied for the position of Librarian for the newsletter, when it appeared that the section was going to disappear. I truly feel that there are a great number of members who are interested in 
obtaining books about AV's and this section of the newsletter can help anyone interested in obtaining books on AV's and what can be expected in each title.


Each month, I hope to be able to spotlight one book for each monthly issue of the letter. When reading my take on the book chosen, please keep in mind that it is definitely a slanted viewpoint--that of a newbie.
Also, if anyone out there has a suggestion of a book that they would like to see spotlighted, please do not hesitate to contact me and I will make certain that it happens.  Happy growing, learning and reading, everyone!

  How To Grow African Violets by Jack Kramer

Here's a useful search tool that was sent in by Erma in Virginia. Just type in the book you are looking for and this site will do the rest : 

http://att.dealtime.com/xMDS-The-African-Violet-Handbook~PD-483581334401

Coming next month:  A spotlight on Tony Clements' book, "The African Violet Handbook".

[FrontPage Save Results Component]

*   CLASSIFIEDS

This topic serves two purposes:

1. This is the place for those of you who are sellers. While we would prefer it be related to African Violets and Gessies, we will consider placing within this topic other items you have for sale.  

2. This is the place for you to announce upcoming AV Shows and Sales

   AV Club Show & Sale by Mike  (AV Button Photo, "Aeschynanthus Jade Pogoda" Courtesy of Beth)

   A Different Way to Swap For AV Leaves & Plants by Dorothy  (AV Button Photo, "Bamboozle" Courtesy of Ann F.)

 

[FrontPage Save Results Component]

*   DIS-N-DAT-N-DOSE  

This is where you will find items that do not fit in any of the primary topics. Please feel free to send non topic items to the Editor. You will be considered as a contributor if they are used. They can be of humor, the serious side of things, learning, etc.  However, items that are obvious in their intent to harm someone on this list will not be published. Thus, this is not a place to rant against a member or a vendor. If such subjects must be addressed, they will be at the discretion of, and by the by List Owner.

 
  Bios 101 - The Basics of Writing A Biography (Bio) by Dri-Anna

  Why Oh Why????? 

  The Super Granny by Chris-WI

  Cleaned Your Fridge Lately by Jenny

  Work -vs- Prison  ( Editor's Comments: The satire you are about to read is not the personal opinion of the Editor, nor an Editorial and not an attack on a segment of our population. It is satirical tongue in cheek humor only.)

  It's Not Too Early To Begin Thinking About Halloween

 

 

1 1