Live Auction begins at 7pm, Friday Dec 7, 2007

L01

Wall Hanging -Planetary Dreaming

Cindy & Mike Reinke

You've always dreamed of outer space, of traveling across the galaxy.  Even if you never go, this jewel-toned, out-of-this-world wall hanging will give you the planets and moons of your dreams.  Lovingly quilted, this work of fiber art is just the size to fit on any wall.

L02

Winter Soups and Breads

Amy Kaiser and Kitty Frey

What can do more to bring a family comfort, warmth and nourishment in the bleak midwinter than a steaming pot of homemade soup accompanied by warm bread fresh from the oven?  Let Kitty and Amy deliver this very item to you once a week for FOUR weeks to help ease you through the winter doldrums (Monday or Tuesday evening preferred the last two weeks in January and the first two weeks in February).  You choose your FOUR installments from pairings similar to the following: Italian Garden Soup with Hot Herb Ring, Tomato Basil Soup with Crescent Rolls, Mediterranean Lentil Soup with Sesame Ring, Potato Cheese Soup with Whole Wheat Bread, Corn Chowder with Herb and Onion Biscuits, Savory Butternut Squash Soup with Crescent Rolls, and African Peanut Soup with Sweet Potato Rolls.  With a successful bid on this auction item you'll wish winter lasted all year long.

L03

German Toy Merry Go Round

Jean Henderson

Do you miss having little ones around to adorn the Christmas tree and sprinkle red and green sugar onto cut-out cookies?  Bring back the childlike joy of the holidays with this near-mint reproduction of a 1930's German Toy Merry Go Round.  It is 8" tall and 6" wide.  Watch it go around and spin your own stories.

L04

1.5 Hour Thai Massage

Kimberly Sotelo

Are you spiritually aligned to the Far East?  Or perhaps your window into Thai culture opens out onto a platter of Spicy Green Curry when you shop or sight-see in Atlanta.  Either way, you've always craved experiences flavored by the exotic East.  A Thai massage should be your next adventure. Thai Massage (Thai Yoga Therapy) is based on principles of energy balancing and the actual touching or soft tissue manipulation is incidental to, and not the central aim of, the practice. Thai Massage incorporates elements of mindfulness, gentle rocking, deep stretching and rhythmic compression and focus to create a singular healing experience. This work brings fundamental elements and energy into harmony and creates wholeness of mind, body and spirit. Kimberly Sotelo is a Certified Yoga Instructor and is currently working on her Thai Yoga Therapy certification. Yoga Ananda Studio is located at 418 Gay St., just down from Amsterdam Cafe.

L05

Authentic German Dinner for Six

Connie and Ralph Ressler

Can't make it to snowy Berlin for a traditional German Christmas this year?  Well, unpack those lederhosen!  This authentic German feast, offered by Connie and Ralph Ressler, will warm your heart and fill your stomach. You will enjoy German wine served in elegant Rosenthal stemware. Connie will prepare Sauerbraten, a German specialty made by marinating a beef roast in a sour-sweet marinade for 2 to 3 days, browning the roast, and then simmering the meat in the marinade for several hours. Your meal will include German Potato Pancakes, Sweet and Sour Red Cabbage, Marinated Celery, Onions and Carrots, and dessert. Connie and Ralph will serve your feast on heirloom German china.  AND, you'll be greeted at the door by Maxwell von Clausen, the Ressler's friendly German Boxer. Aber was den!  (Come on now!) Let the bidding begin!

L06

Computer Tune-up

Shannon Price

Have the precious pages of your great American novel overloaded your computer memory?  Or maybe you've worn out a few pieces of software transferring all of Grandma's recipes from yellowing index cards into Word files for your jump drive.  Shannon Price offers a computer consultation of your choice - computer repair, reload, clean-up, speed-up or even computer tutoring.  All consultations will be delivered with patent-pending combination of patience and empathy.  (Please note: This item does not include materials for hardware updates.)

L07

Color Photograph titled Christmas Castor

Susan Ledbetter

Take home this unusual, close-up view of a Castor plant in bloom.  The photograph was taken in mid-summer, but its colors bear a striking resemblance to Christmas adornment.  The photograph was part of the recent Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center Annual Photography Show.  It is matted and ornately framed.

L08

Hand Knit Baby Item

Jennie Raymond

Your favorite aunt, Edith, loved to knit and you still have fond memories of her nimble fingers looping the yarn over the needles and deftly fashioning skeins of yarn into something cozy and wonderful made just for you. Perhaps we can't match the love for you Aunt Edith put into her knitting but Jennie can knit an item for you with her unmatched skill and talent. She is offering to knit a baby sweater, a baby blanket, or a child's sleeveless vest (up to size 12) for the special little niece or nephew on your list. She will provide up to $30 of worsted weight or larger yarn as well as her suggestions and insights for the type of yarn and the item's design. With a successful bid on this item, you're well on your way to being someone's favorite aunt!

L09

Christmas Cookie Platter

Sharon Roberts

Everyone loves a jolly Christmas elf--especially when she comes bearing cookies!  This is Sharon's 8th year or so of offering the Christmas cookie platter, but don't worry, the cookies are fresh each year, made with real butter and the best local eggs.  She spends the year searching for new cookie recipes and will deliver 5-6 dozen of the very best Christmas cookies to you the 2nd or 3rd week of December.  There's a mix of spice, herb, chocolate, mint and gosh, just a colorful and tasty variety of cookies to flavor the holidays.

L10

Brazilian Seafood Stew for 6

John and Maryann Jensen

Like a samba, Brazilian seafood stew, or moqueca, has a tropical beat and flavors reflecting Brazil's South American, African and European cultural blend. John will serve this deliciously seasoned stew with all the trimmings.  You'll feel as if you've melded with the tropical melting pot that is Brazil.

L11

Electrical Services

Bill Baird

When your wires are frayed, frazzled, or crossed, it's good to know that there's someone dependable you can call on to help solve those electrical mysteries in you home.  Whether it's hanging ceiling fans, adding security lights, repairing lamps, or finding out why that wall switch doesn't work anymore, Bill will provide up to 4 hours of electrical work.   He'll also visit to discuss the problem and estimate the time and materials needed to solve it. Once you and Bill agree on a project, you'll pay for materials and he'll install and safety-check the work.  Even Thomas Edison would be proud.  Bill guarantees his work.  His AUUF auction customers from past years will testify to their satisfaction with his electrical expertise, electrical ability, and electric personality.

L12

Flower Bed Planting with Soft, Lady-Like Style

Samera Baird and Teresa Hawkins

Need a splash of color or a palette of pastels in your front or back yard?  Samera Baird and Teresa Hawkins will plant a flower bed for you.  You'll pay and we'll purchase the materials (soil enrichment, plants, mulch), bring the tools and do approximately 3 hours of labor planting a small flower bed.  If planted in the fall, cool weather plants typically are pretty in the winter and thrive in the spring until the summer heat.  If planted in the spring, hot weather plants typically thrive into the fall.

L13

Philosophy Talk

Ken Walters

Have a discussion about your philosophic topic of choice with our long-standing (sometimes sitting) resident philosopher.  Just you and Ken in comfy chairs, or invite a group for lively discourse, your choice.  Two hours of philosophy.  God, aesthetics, the meaning of life…whatever.

L14

Vegetarian Indian Dinner for 8

Claire and Darrell Crutchley

You'd anticipated this adventure for ages…you planned to take your train-buff Great Uncle Horace across India to ride the extensive rail system as a way of thanking him for all he has done to get your successful business started.  But, you hadn’t expected this snafu…Great Uncle Horace has gotten cantankerous in his old age and he will travel ONLY by rail.  Since plane or steamer across the ocean is now out of the question, this Indian meal will have to suffice.  However, we know that Great Uncle Horace will be delighted to come to Claire and Darrell's house for a night of Indian cooking.  The meal includes Samosas and Chutney, Vegetable Curry, Stuffed Cauliflower with almonds, Zucchini Kofta, Four-Jewel Dahl, Basmati Rice, Breads and Cucumber Raita, and a beer from the subcontinent.

L15

Plumbing Service Call

Michael Klein

The eminent 20th century physicist Albert Einstein once said, "If I had my life to live over again, I'd be a plumber."  Like Einstein, most of us are not lucky enough to have expert plumbing skills, but thankfully, we can rely on Michael Klein. Michael will provide 2 hours of blissful plumbing services (materials not included) to the lucky high bidder on this item.

L16

Breakfast on the Porch for Two

Terry Rodriguez and Ken Walters

Come to Ken and Terry's pleasingly perfect porch to enjoy a late morning breakfast for two. Partake of Ken's Whole Wheat Whole Oat Pancakes with Special Home Blend Syrup, Terry's Cardamom and Pine Nut Sauteed Apples, Nitrate- Free Bacon, Orange Juice, and freshly made Equal Exchange Coffee. Sounds ever so much better than breakfast in bed!

L17

Sarah's New York Style Cheesecake

Sarah Livant

Sarah's New York style cheesecake, huh? Crafted by a cook who, except for the past few months at college, has lived all her life in Alabama? Hmmmmm. Well, she is "Mr. New York's" only child and the (Big) Apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Maybe location IS relative and Sarah really DOES have a New York state of mind. Oh, look. The cheesecake comes with a certificate of authenticity. Dis guy, Peter, says he'll testify dat Sarah's cheesecakes are truly New York style...rich, creamy, really great. And he's from New York, so he should know. O.K. I'm sold. Hey, you get TWO of them delivered to your door, either one at a time on separate occasions or both at once, depending on what you need. Sounds like just the right combination of New York style and good ol' Southern hospitality. Because Sarah is now going to college in New York (of all places), she can only make cheesecakes when she's home on summer break. But don't worry, they keep very well in the freezer. Please order at least one week ahead of the desired delivery date so Sarah can fit your cheesecakes into her schedule.

L18

Smoked Ham

Auburn Civitan Club

Make a savory smoked ham the centerpiece of your holiday feast.  The Auburn Civitan Club will deliver one ham directly from the smoker to your house on Thursday, December 20.  Internationally famous (hey, someone carried one to Peru), Civitan hams and turkeys are smoked with pecan wood (or whatever we find lying around) for Thanksgiving and Christmas each year to raise money for Civitan charities and service projects.

L19

Services of a Confidential Listener

Connie Salts

Do you feel like nobody ever listens to you?  Want to tell your boss something, but need an unbiased sounding board first?  Don't quite know how to tell your mother-in-law to back off?  Then you need the services of a confidential listener.  I'll come to your home, meet you for lunch or you can call me on the phone at 6 different times during the next year and I'll actively listen as you talk about your situation. (Active listening involves asking questions for clarification that helps you determine how best to say what you want to say, if that is what you want.  Or, I can appear very interested no matter how boring your story may be.)

L20

Fading Memories - Pottery

Anwar Ahmed

Anwar Ahmed originally conceived this unique pottery piece as a tribute to Myra Provo.  Its shadowed colors, dramatic intertwined lines, and stark geometric figures evoke the emotions and memories of a wise woman with many decades of experience.  Anwar wishes to thank Lu Stand and Natalie Provo for their helpful insight.

L21

Brunch for Four

Bill & Samera Baird

Four adults will gather on Bill and Samera's Auburn deck to enjoy Mimosas, coffee, and Blueberry Pancakes made from Bill's old family recipe and Chip Busch's blueberries. A cheerful waiter will see to your every whim while Samera's Dancing Squirrels and Chubby Chipmunks entertain and delight you with antics performed to a songbird chorus. Take your time as you dine to converse and enjoy the serenity of giant pines on a late Sunday morning in the spring.

L22

Certificate Good for One Visit of Initial Exploration with Acupuncture

Paula Lord, L. Ac.

Those who have visited licensed acupuncturist Paula Lord can attest to the feeling of serenity and pleasure that acupuncture can bring to a weary body.  Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medical technique dating back thousands of years.  A type of anti-aging medicine that slows disease progression, acupuncture is based on prevention aimed at healing a physical problem– pain, allergies, stress, digestive disorders, hormone imbalance, headaches, for example– without causing new problems. Acupuncture can address things that Western medicine does not know how to solve.   Paula offers a certificate good for one visit of initial exploration with acupuncture.  Often, 3 to 4 treatments can put the body in balance so that it can heal itself.  Let Paula be your guide to a more healthful life.

L23

Creole Quilt

Tia Gonzalez

This truly vintage log cabin quilt, offered by Tia Gonzalez, was made back when folks quilted out of the necessity.  The quilt is about a 5 foot square.  The patchwork, created from various mid-twentieth-century fabrics, shows signs of loving wear.  It's very soft and cozy.  The back is a floral in autumn coloring.  Imagine the garments that were recycled to give birth to this quilt!  A lot of life force has passed through this bed garment.  Tia is not sure which (or how many) of her great-aunts crafted this quilt.  She suspects Rosalie or Ida, the most domestically inclined of her grandmother's five sisters, all of whom were born and raised in New Orleans.  The sisters were children of the era's European immigrants.  Tia's great-grandmother, "Mama," was from France; "Papa" came from Italy.  Papa was a vendor of fruits & vegetables.  He was famous for the quality and quantity of garlic braids festooning his French Market booths.  If the quilt smells of garlic, Tia hasn't noticed.

L24

Cowland House Pottery Cabbage Leaf Bowl

Tom and Michelle Westmoreland

Add a touch of summer to your wintertime dinner table.  Expert Opelika potter and artiste Tom Westmoreland generously offers a large bowl glazed in Spearmint Green.  This usable work of art is perfect for salads, fruit, chips or simple display.  Bring the charm of Tom and Michelle's cozy Cowland House Cottage to your own home.

L25

Dinner and A Movie for 4

Terry Rodriguez and Ken Walters

Come on over on a Friday night and enjoy your choice of Ken's movies with a tasty and casual homemade dinner.  Your meal will include Turkey Sloppy Joes on Cheddar Buttermilk Biscuits. Green Beans and Roasted Red Onions, Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars with Hot Fudge Sauce, and appropriate beverages.

L26

Garden Design Consultation

Penny Merritt-Price

Have you always dreamed of having your own perennial garden?  Or perhaps you need a new foundation planting.  Penny Merritt-Price is a licensed landscape designer.  She can help you design a garden and write out a plant list to start the garden of your dreams.

L27

Hand Knit Evening Wrap

Jennie Raymond

Romantic dinners, quiet fireside chats, art openings, Valentine luncheons, concert series performances, and late night dancing.  You'll find more and more occasions to delight yourself by wearing this beautiful alpaca, merino and silk evening wrap. The yarn is hand dyed in shades of rose, raspberry gold and yellow green, while the lace patterns are reminiscent of morning glories climbing up a trellis.

L28

Fleming's Time, Experience, Ideas and Labor

Fleming and Melissa Blackburn

The multi-talented Fleming Blackburn is a carpenter, remodeler, craftsman, and artisan.  He will donate 3 hours of time to work on YOUR PROJECT.  What could you use Fleming's help with?  Fleming will assist you with anything from carpentry or landscaping to gutter cleaning or general maintenance.

L29

One and a Half Hour Session Massage Therapy

Susan Ledbetter

Susan Ledbetter will provide one and a half hours of heavenly massage therapy in a serene country setting.  Susan is a licensed massage therapist of over 21 years and specializes in Craniosacral Therapy and Neuromuscular Therapy.  She will relax your body, mind and soul, work your knots and kinks out, and ease those aching or painful muscles.

L30

Night Blooming Cereus: A Lithograph

Conrad Ross

Add some fine art to your life.  This intriguing 10"x8" print by artist Conrad Ross is matted and framed.  It's part of the illustrated colophon for the third folio in the "Well-Being in the 21st Century" series, from Wycross Press.

L31

Portrait

Janice Ross

A life-sized pastel portrait (head and shoulders) of a single individual on paper about 19" x 26."  Janice will take a photograph to work from so that your subject can stand "head and shoulders" above the rest.

L32

Dinner for 4 at the Yellow Hammer

Yellow Hammer Restaurant

Looking to surprise your sweetheart and a few of your closest friends with a smashingly elegant holiday surprise?  Look no further.  Talented chef Collin Donnelly of the Yellow Hammer Restaurant creates sophisticated cuisine with fantastic flavor.  Fortunate high bidders on this item may select from appetizers such as such as: Baby Spinach Salad with Feta Cheese, Spicy Pecans, and Cranberry-Maple Vinaigrette; Spiced Kobe Beef Empanadas with Belgian Endive and Sunflower Seed Romesco; or  Frito Misto of Fried Calamari and Red Onion with Chili-Cucumber Relish and Lemon-Garlic Aioli.   Entrees include such delicacies as: Seared Coriander Razor Back Marlin with Spicy Eggplant & Roasted Pepper Caponata, accompanied with Roasted Fingerling Potatoes and Sauteed Broccolini, or Cumin & Cane Syrup Rubbed Pork Rib Chop accompanied with Pan-Fried Parmigiano-Reggiano Polenta and Chanterelle Mushrooms.  You and your guests may choose from desserts such as Chocolate Grenache with Palmier Cookie or Caramelized Pine Nut, Rosemary and Pear Strudel with Whipped Cream. Chef Collin will use the ingredients that are freshest at the time you plan your dinner, which should be scheduled on a Wednesday or Thursday evening with two weeks' notice. You may purchase the beverage of your choice from the Yellow Hammer's extensive wine list. (Please note: The tip is not included in the bid and will be the responsibility of the diners.)

Live Auction Intermission Take this time to check on your silent auction items. The Silent Auction will close at the end of this intermission.

L33

Sermon of Your Choice

Diana Jordan Allende

It's a tradition!  It's a challenge!  It's a collaborative effort!  You pick the topic, Diana deliberates.  Pulls her hair a bit.  Then delivers.  If you bid successfully on this perennial auction favorite you determine the sermon theme of your choosing, and Diana will meet with you to discuss and prepare it.  Diana delivers the sermon with her well-considered thoughts just before the auction season, and we all enjoy your purchase.

L34

"Peace," glass art by Deborah Strawn

Deborah Strawn

You've spent many an hour gazing at AUUF's beautiful stained glass windows during moments of spiritual enlightenment and frenetic festivity alike.  You've always wanted to bring a similar aesthetic experience into your own home.  This is your chance!  Deborah Strawn, creator of the fellowship's stained glass windows, has created this 24" x 28" leaded, etched and painted glass art piece.  The image wanders through an old window frame.

L35

Fabulous Catfish Fry for 10

Joe Touchton

Once again, Joe Touchton donates his famous catfish fry for 10 people.  In addition to his delectable fried catfish, you will enjoy his home-grown okra, stone-ground cheesy grits, black-eyed peas, slaw, corn bread, and something peachy for dessert. You'll wash the meal down with beer, wine or iced tea. The dinner will take place at the Touchton home in Loachapoka, also known as "Joe World."

L36

Spay or Neuter, Dog or Cat

Dr. Dan Kuykendall and Dr. Ralph Womer

As a responsible pet owner, you feed, shelter, and love your animal companion.  But beyond the daily basics of pet maintenance, you should also think globally by acting locally to help bring pet overpopulation in check.  Have your cat or dog spayed or neutered.  Local veterinarian Dr. Ralph Womer will spay (female) or neuter (male) one dog or cat at the Village Veterinary Clinic in Auburn, provided the pet is up-to-date on all vaccinations and free of parasites.  The procedure must be done at the Moore’s Mill Animal Hospital and will include the LASER option!

L37

Simply Telese Consultation

Jack and Suzanne Walker

Is your living room drab and draining?  Do you long to cut fresh herbs from a patio garden? Could you could make better use out of your space?  Multi-talented duo Suzanne and Jack of Simply Telese offer a 3-hour consultation to tackle problem areas of your home, inside or out. Inside, they can offer advice and recommendations on storage, furniture arrangement to enhance positive chi (feng shui), color for walls or front doors, and interior planting recommendations.  Outside, they can provide advice on garden restoration, container or herb gardening, establishing new garden areas, or maximizing outdoor living space for rest, relaxation, and entertaining.  After the initial consultation, Simply Telese will back up the recommendations with the necessary work at an AUUF discounted rate.

L38

Sukiyaki Party

Sharon Roberts

You won't have to sit on the floor for this festive Japanese feast, but you will have to come prepared to do some of the cooking.  After miso soup and vegetarian sushi (no raw fish), we'll set the electric skillet in the middle of the table and each guest will take a turn creating sukiyaki for everyone from a variety of vegetables, shrimp, beef and sauces.  With plenty of rice to go with it, this is a fun evening of good healthy food and good healthy fun!

L39

Pet-Sitting Service

Lindsay Amsberry

Leaving your beloved pet(s) behind for a summer vacation?  Let Lindsay Amsberry take charge!  Fido and Fluffy may hate it when you go out of town, but they'll love Lindsay.   For up to five days, she will either visit them once a day at your home (within the Auburn area) or take them into her home.  She will feed and otherwise care for your beloved fluffy friends.  Please make arrangements at least ten days ahead.

L40

Indoor Pool Party for 4-8

Jessie and Carl Summers

Carl and Jessie have a beautiful indoor lap pool, 4 feet deep and nicely heated.  They offer a two-hour party for 4-8 adults or 4-8 children with adult supervision.  Your swim will be followed by a hot dog lunch served in the dining room.  Don't forget your flippers!

L41

"Fairies in Wonderland"

The Villager, Ingrid Brown

Do you swoon at lines from Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream"?  Perhaps you've always been perfect for the role of Titania, Queen of the Fairies.  Or is Edmund Spenser's "The Faerie Queen" your favorite Renaissance-era epic poem?  You've found the auction item of your dreams.  This gorgeous, whimsical and magical Chine de Colle etching by Linda Gourley is framed to 18" x 22.5" and will provide a portal to the fairy kingdom of your reveries.

L42

Fondue for Four to Six People

Gisela Buschle-Diller

Fondue is a very social meal and fairly common in Switzerland.  It's lots of fun!  Friends gather around the table and solve the world's problems while a pot on an ethanol burner keeps broth at boil.  The pot sits in the center of the table surrounded by a variety of dips, sauces and finger foods.  With special forks, vegetables and/or small pieces of meat are held into the hot broth until done, then dipped into the sauces of choice and enjoyed with French bread and salads.  At the very end, the broth is consumed as soup.  Oh, c'est si bon!!

L43

Wine, Cheese & Money for 4-6

Jerry McCreary

(Special to the catalog) We love wine, we love cheese, we tolerate money.  Enjoy a wine & cheese party for 4-6 presented in your home by Jerry McCreary, a fellow lover of wine & cheese and our own (and only) Certified Financial Planner(R) and an instructor of Finance.  Are bonds our friends?  Are stocks sinister creations of a right-wing plot?  What is the Market?  How do IRAs and retirement plans really work?  Is there such a thing as a free lunch?  If so, can I order the tax-free plate?  In this relaxed atmosphere, ask the questions you are afraid to ask sober.  Or, if you prefer, just enjoy the wine and cheese while Jerry slaves over a hot corkscrew.

L44

Dust Busters for House or Garden

Gisela Buschle-Diller and Ann Huyler

Who couldn't use help cleaning up that garage, de-cluttering that attic or getting that front yard ready for spring? Ann and Gisela will help you for five hours with any space in your residence or yard that needs an exorcism of dusty ghosts or demonic weeds. You'd be surprised what a difference four helping hands in five hours can make!

L45

Hand knit Socks

Jennie Raymond

Sock it to me, baby! And that's just what Jennie has in mind. After you select your preferred yarn from her colorful swatches, she will make a pair of socks to fit your feet and keep your toes warm and cozy. Carl, Jennie's prime recipient of all things knitted, can attest that texture-rich hand-knitted socks are the best way to make an individual fashion statement, and to experience a small foot massage with every step you take.

L46

Crazy-About-Chocolate Cheesecake

Caroline and David Schaffer

CAUTION: Only those who are strongly addicted to chocolate should bid on this intensely chocolate dessert.  Guess that would be all of us, right? After searching 25 years, this is still the best chocolate cheesecake recipe that admitted chocolate addicts Caroline and David have found.  Now they are willing to let you in on the success of their quest for the best. They offer two 8-inch round yogurt chocolate cheesecakes topped with a chocolate glaze.  Luscious samples are available this evening to stimulate both your taste buds and your bidding.  They ask that the winning bidder make arrangements with them at least seven days before planning to serve this decadent dessert.

L47

Design and Print Services

Melissa Blackburn

Ready to market your cause, business, service, party, or anything else?  Melissa Blackburn will create business cards, postcards, flyers, or whatever you need.  Melissa will help you produce a compelling and attractive package including any or all of the above.  She'll also pay for the printing of up to 200 postcards, 50 flyers and/or 500 business size cards.  See samples of Melissa's recent printed work, including her Auburn Day Care Package, on the auction table.  Receipt of printed materials will take 3 weeks from approval of proof.

L48

Italian Dinner

Gina Touchton

Bellisima!  Gina Touchton is cooking Italian this year.  The dinner will begin with a fried eggplant and mozzarella sandwich accompanied by a roasted sweet red pepper relish. She will create an antipasti salad which will lead into the main dish: stuffed seafood canneloni . An exquisite peach tart tops off this mouth-watering menu, which will include wine, and coffee and liqueurs with dessert.  Buon appetito!

L49

A House Call from the Book Doctor

Greg Schmidt

If you have a shelf (or more) of favorite books, you may have noticed that some of them aren't in the best of shape anymore.  Some, in fact, may be genuine basket cases.  Greg Schmidt, the Book Doctor for Auburn University Libraries, has been honing his book repair skills for 10 years and wants your books to also have a long and healthy life.  The Book Doctor will make a house call and perform a thorough check-up on your book collection.  During this check-up, the Book Doctor will perform minor book repairs, give advice on storage, preservation, and restoration, and go over any other bibliophile stuff you wish to discuss.  If you're game, he'll even show you a few easy things you can do on your own to keep your collections healthy for years.

L50

Haitian Metal Art: Cottage With Palm Tree

Diana Jordan Allende

AUUF's beloved coco rousseau loved living in Haiti and often returned to her colorful cottage home there.  Coco donated several pieces of her Haitian art collection to past auctions, including Voodoo flags and art cut from steel drums.  Eventually coco found a cottage in Auburn and donated this colorful little cottage to an AUUF auction.   It has been much loved by its current owner, who now has a cottage of her own.  So the Haitian cottage is returning to the AUUF auction where its sunny facade and striped roof is sure to delight its next owner.   The cottage, suitable for hanging, is approximately 14" wide and 12" tall.

L51

Pool-A-Cue for 10-12

Marcia Rossi and Larry Moore

"Summertime, and the livin' is easy..." Easier still when Larry and Marcia provide everything you need to host a pool party and barbecue for up to 12 kids and/or adults. The menu includes appetizers, burgers and hot dogs (veggie, if desired), homemade potato salad, baked beans, homemade ice cream, fresh-squeezed lemonade, and pina coladas (adults only). This is the perfect party for a birthday or a group of friends. So come on in, the water's fine...all you'll have to do is remember how to play Marco Polo!

L52

Two Season Passes

Sundilla Acoustic Concert Series

Sundilla Concerts are THE place to be for great music, from authentic blues to zydeco.  Sundilla hosts an average of a concert each month year-round featuring the best acoustic and roots musicians on today's music scene.  Your personal pass gains you and your companion free admittance to ALL of the 2008 Sundilla Acoustic Concert Series shows.  Spend an evening listening to some great music and supporting the community by attending Sundilla concerts!  The season's playlist is available at www.sundilla.org.

L53

Aluminum Plant Holder

The Villager, Ingrid Brown

Sculptor Don Drumm created this graceful and whimsical plant holder for use on a patio or porch.  This holiday season, give your fern a present!

L54

Mediterranean Meal for 8

Kitty Frey, Emily Livant and Amy Kaiser

Guess what?  You can have a party this spring without spending days in the kitchen cooking!  You'll invite your guests and provide the beverage of your choice, and we'll deliver a prepared meal to your door including stuffed grape leaves, spanikopita, seafood soup with focaccia, fresh fruit and baklava.  Two weeks notice needed; please consider planning your meal between February and May.

L55

2 Hour Landscape Consultation

Jolly Roberts

You've always said that your yard has a lot of potential, and you've never been at a loss for fabulous ideas for it.  Yet you've never been able to enact any of these plans or decide on the best way to go about it.  Jolly Roberts is an award-winning registered Landscape Architect with 30 years of experience.  She offers a two-hour consultation in which she can lay out contours for lawns or flowerbeds, discuss design and planting ideas while you take notes, or produce a quick sketch for creating a garden "room" area.  With this item, you can begin to tap into your yard's potential.

L56

Shona Stone Sculpture

Rattling Gourd Gallery

You've finally cleaned the piles of magazines and junk mail off your Swedish Modern dining table and you're searching for just the right accent.  You'd like something sleek, but exotic...something dramatic, but versatile.  This must be it!  The Rattling Gourd Gallery donates a Shona Stone sculpture from Zimbabwe, Africa.  This sinuous piece is titled "Bird of Prey."  It is carved out of springstone serpentine and stands about 20."

L57

2 Hours of Architectural Consultation

Norbert Lechner

Perhaps you've always dreamed of building an enclosed sun-porch where you could while away a summer afternoon drinking fresh lemonade and gazing into the dark pines.  Or maybe your toddler has outgrown his or her crib and needs a room he or she can decorate with raw artistic talent.  Finally, a place for all those finger-painted landscape murals! Norbert Lechner can help you out.  Norbert is offering 2 hours of architectural advice about such items as energy efficiency, renovations, lighting, water problems, increased thermal comfort, etc. (Please note: this item does not include drawings.)

L58

Thai Bronze Tableware  (40 Pieces)

Paul Starr

Paul Starr carried this bronze tableware from Thailand to California in 1968 and from California to Auburn in 1975.  Now, add your own chapter to the story of these well-traveled utensils.  With a successful bid on this unusual item, you'll dine like a Thai emperor holding court for 19th century European traders.  The set includes six place settings with six pieces each and four serving pieces.

L59

Tropical Seafood Dinner for Four

Mike and Oyie Maceina

Imagine you’re at the beach on a sultry summer night.  You’ve been diving, snorkeling, and swimming during the day and as the sun goes down, all of a sudden you’re famished.  You sit on a table by the beach and wait for your sumptuous tropical seafood dinner to be served. Now wake up!  You’re not on the beach and you haven’t been diving or snorkeling all day.  However, you can still go for a swim and enjoy tropical seafood at 611 Cary Drive, Auburn, Alabama.  So, how about bidding on a Tropical Seafood Dinner for Four! Dinner will be served by the pool and you are most welcome to go for a dip before dinner is served.  Mike will tickle your taste buds with his famous blackened fish and Oyie will delight your appetite with her secret shrimp recipe.  If desired, please bring the potent potable of your choice.  Your window of opportunity to partake of their culinary delights is any time between the last week of April and the first week of June.

L60

Macho Men Work Party

Peter Livant

Is there a project in or around your house that you want to get done, need to get done, would kill to get done...but that never gets done? Sure there is! And probably more than one, if you're typical. Annoying, isn't it, the perennial unfinished project. You may have wished for a team of muscular (but sensitive) young men to come to your house and expertly, efficiently, courteously, and shirtlessly perform exactly the task(s) you had in mind. (Hey! Get your mind out of the gutter). Is that what you wish? Well, DREAM ON, honey! What you really get with the Macho Men Work Party is a bunch of middle-aged, out-of-shape UU guys (sensitive, of course) who don't know much about anything useful, who will gladly experiment with an unfamiliar construction (or destruction) technique on your house rather than theirs. Luckily, they will spend only a whole morning (8 - noon) or afternoon (1 - 5 pm) at your place so they can't do too much damage in that time, given the glacial pace at which they work. All their work is 100 percent guaranteed for 10 years, or until they leave the jobsite, whichever comes first. Sound like a good deal? Wait, there's more. If you hire them for a morning, they will want coffee (happily, they do come with their own donuts). If you hire them for an afternoon, they'll want beer. Lately, successful bidders on the Macho Men have been feeding them gourmet meals at the end of their labors (who knows why), so now these featherbedders may be expecting a meal as a matter of course. It's up to you. Oh, another thing. They don't work during the month of December, and it takes about a month to arrange a work date acceptable to enough of them so that when they show up, you don't demand your money back. And you supply all the materials. The universe is full of mysteries, and the Macho Men Work Party Auction Item is one of them. The mystery is why anyone bids.

L61

Smoked Turkey

Auburn Civitan Club

Did you scorch the Thanksgiving turkey?  Make it up to the family by purchasing a delicious smoked turkey provided by the Auburn Civitan Club.  This turkey will be delivered directly from the smoker to your house on Thursday, December 20.  Internationally famous (hey, someone carried one to Peru), Civitan turkeys and hams are smoked with pecan wood (or whatever we find lying around) for Thanksgiving and Christmas each year to raise money for Civitan charities and service projects.

L62

"Cychla Rutilans" Antique Hand-Colored Engraving

The Villager, Ingrid Brown

A beautiful gilt frame enhances this engraving done by Robert H. Schomburgk in 1843. The print is from The Naturalist's Library edited by Sir William Jardine.  This icthyological artwork will add distinction and sophistication to any home or office.

L63

Lower Your Eco-Footprint and Your Bills

Gisela Buschle-Diller and Ann Huyler

You've been wondering how much carbon dioxide you generate during an average day.  You want to know how you can change your house and lifestyle to lower your environmental impact while maintaining personal comfort.  And wouldn't it be great to lower your bills?  To save money while you help save the world? We'll come to your house, calculate your carbon footprint and carbon dioxide emissions, and suggest changes to shrink your "carbon footprint" and save money.  We'll bring a basket with an environmental starter kit that will contain energy-saving light bulbs, non-petroleum based cleaning products, and a power-strip to reduce energy use, among other useful items.  Don't delay the visit of your personal environmental consultants!

L64

Tex-Mex Buffet for 10-12

Claire and Darrell Crutchley

Shake the dust off yer spurs, 'round up yer amigos, saddle up Ol' Paint, and head out to Claire an' Darrell's for this rootin', tootin', muy bueno Tex-Mex Buffet.  This tongue-pleasin' spread will include Margaritas, Gazpacho, Vegetable and Chicken Fajitas, Chiles Relenos, Black Beans and Rice, and Homemade Cinnamon Ice Cream.  No need to dress in yer fancy duds, this here's a causal fiesta for 10-12 of yer best saddle pards.  And out there on the Crutchleys' comfortable screen porch with ice cold Dos Equis to wash the dust outta yer gullet, you'll feel like you never left the hacienda.

Silent Auction begins at 6pm, Friday Dec 7, 2007 You may add bids to the Silent Auction items from 6PM until the end of the Live Auction Intermission (approx 8pm) At the end of the Live Auction Intermission, the Silent Auction Bids will be tallied. Please check the items you have bid on tonight; each winning bid will be circled on the bid card.

S01

3-Piece Cork Screw Set

David Roller

No more cork in the wine with this new cork lifter!  Whether or not you're serving champagne, these snazzy black and silver color and modern design will give your wine tasting events an effervescent lift.

S02

A Family of Photo Friends

Laura Kloberg

Who can resist this cute group of picture frames, perfect to display the smiling faces of your loved ones?  This pose-able group of Mom, Dad, Sis, Bro, and Fido await their appropriate fill-ins from you.  Have fun and maybe mix things up with faces of friends!

S03

Anchor Hocking Clear Glass Salad Serving Bowl

Tom and Michelle Westmoreland

Taco Salad, Cobb Salad, Shrimp Salad, Waldorf Salad...salads have always been your favorite food.  Heck, even a garden-variety salad of lettuce and tomato makes you smile!  And with this glass bowl, you'll be able to display your salad artistry before you dig in.

S04

Beeswax Candles and Honey

Claire Crutchley

Enjoy these natural products made by Asheville bees.  This set includes 4 ounces of honey in a decorator bottle and four beeswax candles produced by Green Goddess Farm in beautiful Asheville, North Carolina.

S05

Big Blue Elephant

Ken Walters

Somehow you've always managed to ignore the elephant in the room, but you can't resist this true-blue guy!  This 10" x 7" x 5" ceramic elephant will grace your porch or your garden with an inimitable majesty.

S06

Bird Watercolors

Melissa Blackburn

To your cynical friend's chagrin, you've always been able to make any household task enjoyable by "whistling while you work."  These watercolor birds may not sing for you while you're sweeping, but they can certainly keep you company from your wall.  5x8" matted blue bird on thistle silhouette; also 8 1/2x11" watercolor cock fight, mounted.

S07

Blue Flower Motif Crocheted Lap Rug

Jean Henderson

At this time of year, there's often a chill in your living room.  It's not quite cold enough to turn on the heater, but you're not quite cozy.  This lovely 48" x 32" handmade lap warmer is just the right companion for a mild December evening in east Alabama.

S08

Bushnell Telescope

Ralph Banks

You may not have the charisma or career savvy of the late Carl Sagan, but you can nonetheless follow his example and explore the cosmos with this Bushnell Deep Space Series 420x 50 refractor telescope.  It's just the thing you need to penetrate the mysteries of a clear winter night sky. (Please Note: Don't forget to take home the box with the instructions and lenses if you win the bid!)

S09

Carved Stone Vase

Laura Kloberg

A dozen red roses with greenery?  Check.  A single yellow rose with baby's breath?  Check.  A bouquet of southern wildflowers?  Check.  All of your secret admirers have sent you flowers to wish you "Happy Holidays."  This beautifully cut stone vase with a lace-like floral design at its base can help display them to perfection.

S10

Cedar Creek Small Fountain

Michael Klein

Years ago, you visited a Chinese Scholar's Garden near Shanghai.  Its centerpiece was a placid stream lined with square black stepping-stones.  You meandered down a nearby path shaded with bamboo trees and discovered the stream's source--a small waterfall rushing over rocks.  After a brief meditation, you felt a new sense of peace.  Relive the moment with this lovely fountain, just the right size for your living room, den, or bedroom.

S11

Ceramic Vase

Connie Salts

This traditional urn-shaped ceramic vase is 9 inches tall, with blue greens, browns and golds.  It was designed to be a decorative piece or for holding an arrangement of dried flowers, and also works as a hat stand.

S12

Chocolate Fondue

Michael Klein

Everyone needs an occasional chocolate indulgence during the holiday rush.  Imagine a pool of warm melted chocolate in which you can dunk pound cake cubes, strawberries, or bananas.  How does that sound?  Well, it will sound even better when you take this item home, prepare it and don't have to imagine anymore!

S13

Christmas Basket

Amy Kaiser

"It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas..." and you'll need something to store the holiday odds and ends that seem to accumulate this time of year.  This 7" tall, 7" diameter woven basket will do the job nicely.  The natural oak splits are enlivened by four oak split trees woven into the sides of the basket, topped with wooden stars.  It's the perfect festive "catch-all" for Christmas cards, pine cones, or sprigs of holly.

S14

Christmas Carolers

These three carolers (mother, father, young child) have stepped right out of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol."  They are 8" tall, 5" wide and made of white glazed ceramic.  They would look lovely on a holiday mantel or buffet table and may inspire your own caroling party.  As (a UU version of) Tiny Tim would say, "God/Goddess/Great Spirit/Spirit of Life bless us, everyone!"

S15

Cloisonne Rainbow Necklace

Sharon Roberts

This lovely little cloisonne rainbow necklace with a small diamond chip is perfect for a special young woman.  Might it be the ideal gift for your daughter, niece or granddaughter?

S16

Confessions of a French Baker by Peter Mayle and Gerard Auzet

Ken Walters

This book contains bread-making secrets, tips and recipes by the author of "A Year in Provence."  Some of Provence's oldest and most delicious pleasures are now available in your kitchen, thanks to the charming guide.  Read, bake, and above all, enjoy!

S17

Crystal Serving Bowl

Laura Kloberg

Serve candy or nuts to your guests in this lovely crystal bowl with a silver plate pedestal, which comes complete with some candy and nuts to serve.

S18

Daily Bread print

Melissa Blackburn

Bread, bread, bread.  You love to bake it, you love to buy it, but you love to eat it even more.  Still, no one can indulge to the limit every day.  On your "days off," satisfy your senses with this matted,  5x8" black and white "Give Us This Day" print.   Perfect for kitchen or dining room.

S19

Dark Brown Wicker Basket with Lid

Jean Henderson

This solidly constructed, traditional wicker basket will hold your linens, your pine cones, your shoes, your yarn, you name it!  It measures 10" tall and 15 1/2 " wide.

S20

Decorative Bottle Stoppers

Michael Klein

It's the morning after the big party.  Along with a variety of well-scented European cheeses, your twelve guests brought six bottles of wine.  All of them were sampled, but none were finished.  Luckily, your spouse remembered to seal the bottles with these decorative bottle stoppers so you can enjoy the leftovers all week!  Of course, you'll have to bid on them first!

S21

Decorative Lantern

Connie Salts

It's a lantern, but not the kind you remember from TV westerns.  This one has multi-colored pieces of glass that cast intriguing shadows when you light its tea candle.  It will set the mood either in doors or out.

S22

Dutch oven filled with a variety of soup mixes

Tom and Angie Hodges

This Lodge cast iron dutch oven is packed with a variety of cold-weather delights including jasmine rice, Santa Fe Corn Chowder Soup mix, Island Black Bean Soup mix, Split Pea Soup mix, Black Beans and Rice, and Tortilla Bean Soup mix. Simply season this brand new cast iron dutch oven, add your favorite ingredients, and enjoy some hearty eating on a cool winter evening.

S23

False Cardamon Plant

Terry Rodriguez

This is a lovely and very aromatic plant (just rub the leaves and see.)  It's very hardy.  You can bring it inside in the very coldest weather, but its happy in the yard most of the year. Share the wealth--divide it and give its "offspring" to your friends!

S24

Fiber Bead Purse

Cindy & Mike Reinke

Like Ingrid Bergman in "Casablanca," you've always been high-style but low-maintenance.  You're not one to carry around eyeshadow, three shades of lipstick, hairspray, a paperback romance, and twenty dollars in change.  This cute little purse may be too small for most people, but it's just right for you!  Made of hand-dyed fabric and handmade fiber beads, it's a one of a kind item.

S25

Floral print on plastic canvas

Melissa Blackburn

You've just moved into a new apartment and you've got one bare wall.  You need just the right splash of color.  This 15x15" green, yellow and orange floral digital print on plastic canvas could fit the bill to a tee.

S26d

Flower pot D

Ginger Haggard

You have a green thumb, but you've never been one for the wild wilderness.   You prefer to grow your flowers on the patio, in beautiful ceramic pots like these.  Reminiscent of Chinese pottery, these lovely vessels will make the perfect addition to your collection. Flower pot, white & blue with pink, blue and yellow flowers, 15" tall

S26a-c

Flower pots

Ginger Haggard

3-qt. flower pot, pink and green 2-qt. flower pot, pink with red and green flowers 2-qt. flower pots, one brown, one green, one off-white

S27

Giraffe Bowl

Amy Kaiser

Although the work was not as exciting as it first sounded to your eager ears, there was no doubt that the Tanzanian savannah was wildly exotic and the graduate student grant money solid.  Nonetheless, counting spots on each member of a giraffe herd is a slow way to make a name for oneself in the field of bio-ecology.  Let this charming bowl remind you of simpler days in the field.  The creamy white glaze sharply defines the four brown giraffe heads painted on the surface--with one peering inside to see what you put in this 4" tall, 5" diameter bowl.

S28

Glass Enclosed Dried Floral Arrangement

David Roller

A bit of this and a bit of that makes this dried floral arrangement appealing and appropriate for a ladies' table-top.

S29

Goddess Soaps (2)

Claire Crutchley

Bathe with a goddess!  Pamper yourself and indulge your mind, body and spirit with Goddess Soap.  This handcrafted vegetable glycerin soap was made by Donna Gibson, a UU from Pensacola, in the image of Venus of Willendorf.  The set includes one Exotic Goddess with patchouli, sandalwood and ylang ylang and one nurturing goddess with oatmeal, milk and honey.

S30

Gold Glasses

Jean Henderson

You always loved going to Grandma's house because of her fantastic sense of style.  In fact, everyone says you inherited her knack of setting just the right table for every occasion.  You're looking for something unique to use at your next dinner party--how about these eight gorgeous vintage glasses with an octagonal motif in gold and pale yellow?

S31

Green Botanical Gouches trio

Melissa Blackburn

Perfect mounted in a sunny master bedroom, these 3 5"x22" water color herbal silhouettes hint at springtime.

S32

Green Glass Flower Vase

Tom and Michelle Westmoreland

Green, the color of fertility and new growth, is particularly beautiful when captured in glass. Can you think of a better medium than green glass for a vase?  You may need to grow a flower garden this year just to show off this lovely and elegant vase. Tall 13 1/2" - Square 4"x4."

S33a-c

Hand knit Neck Scarves

Jean Henderson

Mama always said you lose the most heat from your head on a cold winter's day, so you always wear a hat.   Doesn't keep your neck from getting cold, though.  So you're always on the lookout for new scarves.  Here, in three different sizes, is warmth to last the whole winter though. A. Purple, 64".  B. Orange and Blue, 36".  C. Red 24" x 7" Ascot

S34

Hand knit Afghan, in ivory/bone colors.

Sally Williamson-McCreary

This warm afghan, hand-knit in lovely neutral tones, will keep the winter chill off your shoulders and flatters any complexion.

S35

Hand made Alabama Pottery Bowls - set of 6

Susan Starr

A well-known but mysterious Alabama craftsperson created this rustic and pretty set of 6 hand-made soup or cereal bowls.  The light beige glaze and subtle hand painted blue flowers complement many color schemes.

S36

Hand stenciled altar cloth

Claire Crutchley

Decorate a table or your personal altar with this 2 x 3 foot muslin stenciled altar cloth.  It's decorated with chalices in blue and purple.

S37

Hand Woven Greek Bag

Jean Henderson

Less fattening than feta or gyros and less inebriating than ouzo, this 14" x 11" hand woven Greek bag will bring back memories of your favorite Mediterranean peninsula.

S38

Heirloom Christmas Ornaments

Laura Kloberg

This set includes six paper mache ornaments decorated with paper images of holidays past. Add an old-time feeling to the holiday decor this year!

S39

Holiday Mug

Jean Henderson

These well-dressed penguins will keep your hot chocolate warm during the holidays. 4 1/4' high ceramic mug.

S40

Illuminated Mist Generator

David Roller

This bowl on a stand is more than a decorative item, it's a mist generator.  It works as an air purifier and moisturizer, absorbs unwanted odors such as nicotine, and can be used for aromatherapy.

S41

Living Sustainably Starter Kit

Sharon Roberts

Is your New Year's Resolution to reduce your "ecological footprint"?  If so, here's a starter kit for you.  A reusable shopping bag is filled with Fair Trade organic chocolate and coffee, a compact fluorescent light bulb, recipes for environmentally responsible cleaners, locally harvested pecans, environmentally responsible personal toiletries, and other environmentally sound surprises.

S42

Margarita glasses (4)

Part Jimmy Buffett, part Dale Chihuly, all fun.  From the wave design in variegated shades of blue to the generous wide mouth of the bowl, these 8" tall stemmed margarita glasses are sure to enliven your next cocktail party, art opening, or beach party.

S43

Matryoshka and Accompanying Book

Tom and Angie Hodges

This Matryoshka or Russian maiden nesting doll comes with a book, "The Littlest Matryoshka."  This beautiful violet doll decorated with flowers was chosen from many in a market in Almaty, Kazakhstan in December of 2004.  The book, written by Corinne Bliss, tells the story of the nesting doll sisters Nina, Nadia, Vanda, Varka, Olga and Anna -  and their journey from Russia to America.   It's a delightful story to accompany this gorgeous doll.

S44

Messenger Bag

Karen St.Clair

You're a busy professional woman working nine to five.  You need something basic and versatile but sophisticated in which to carry your daily essentials.  This very gently used, black Wilson Leather messenger bag is for you.

S45

Mikasa Vase

Lindsay Amsberry

This is a beautiful rectangular vase made by Mikasa called "Endless Love."  It has an etched, three-dimensional rose on the front.  It is perfect for roses or other long-stemmed cut flowers.

S46

Mountain Landscapes

Melissa Blackburn

Pair Pastel landscapes on mounted canvas--10"x20"

S47a

Notecards, set of 4 w/Envelopes -- "Flower Favorites"

Diana Jordan Allende

Each of the notecards in this set features a favorite flower photo:  pink camellias, purple tulips, scarlet orchids.  The perfect notecard to send and receive--guaranteed to brighten someone's day!  Photos by Gabriel Jordan.

S47b

Notecards, set of 4 w/Envelopes--"Mysterious"

Diana Jordan Allende

Each of the four cards in this collection hints at mystery:  a glowing angel, a rose tree in a cemetery, a boardwalk into a forest, spooky tree branches against a blue sky.  Photographs mounted on quality card stock.  Photos by Gabriel Jordan.

S47c

Notecards, set of 4 w/envelopes--"Sea & Sky"

Diana Jordan Allende

Images of "thin places," where heaven and earth meet and touch.  Four majestic photos mounted to quality card stock.  Photos by Gabriel Jordan.

S47d

Notecards, set of 4 w/Envelopes--"Swirls"

Diana Jordan Allende

Two each of two designs, close-up photos of original art work by Alexia Jordan.  Swirling hats, hair, and water currents are common themes in images of creativity and self-expression.

S47e

Notecards, set of 4 w/Envelopes--"Whimsy"

Diana Jordan Allende

This collection of four cards features two copies of two different photos mounted to quality card stock:  a pink camellia almost brushed by a feather and a "painterly" blue cluster of flowers that is actually a close-up detail of a piece of carnival glass.   Sure to please the eye and tickle the imagination.  Photos by Gabriel Jordan.

S48

Nourishing Traditions book by Sally Fallon

Susan Ledbetter and Michael Klein

Looking for a new way to live healthily?  This is perhaps the most important book on food, nutrition and health you will ever read. It is also a fabulous cookbook.  It could become your bible in the kitchen.

S49

One and a half hour session Nutritional Counseling

Susan Ledbetter

Susan will counsel you on the many facets of good nutrition, then look into your eyes and test your muscles to determine what supplements you need specifically for YOUR optimal health, which is not just a generic plan prescribed for anyone and everyone.

S50

Oneness necklace

Sharon Roberts

Show your respect for all of the world's major religions with this pendent necklace celebrating their symbols.  It's a lovely piece sure to draw attention and questions!

S51

Ornamental Christmas Sled Basket

Jean Henderson

This old-fashioned 9" x 16" x 7.5" basket is ready to fill with fruit, holly or a special present.

S52

Pair Bamboo Veneer Buildings

This pair of vintage, highly detailed bamboo veneer buildings includes a courthouse and a boarding house.  The bamboo colors vary from light "teak" to "redwood" to "ebony."  These miniature buildings would be great as part of a Christmas village in a train display or tabletop decoration.  4" x 6" each.

S52

Pair Mirrored Votives

Amy Kaiser

Let this pair of festive votives brighten your holiday table display.  The set includes two 3" tall globes, one silver and one gold.  Each has a matte finish exterior and a highly polished interior.  Decorative ovals encircle each votive and "wink" as the candlelight flickers.

S53

Pecans in the shell, a five kilo sack

Chip Busch

These delicious "heritage" pecans, species and Stewarts, were grown without artificial fertilizers or sprays.

S54a,b

Hand-Made Pillows

Leigh Hinton

Let these summery hand-made pillows brighten up your sofa or bed. A.15 inch sofa pillow; purple border; blue center stitched with gold thread; hand dyed fabric. B. 12-inch square decorative pillow; shades of pink and orange; clipped-fabric flower on green background; hand dyed fabric

S55

Pizza Stone

David Roller

Brick baking ovens can't be beat for transforming your bread and pizza dough into something really special.  Traditional bread and pizza pans can't produce the same kiln-fired crustiness that a brick oven can. BUT DON'T CALL THE CONTRACTOR YET!  A pizza stone provides the same cooking properties as a brick oven.  Millions of microscopic firebrick pores absorb moisture from the dough and evenly distribute high oven heat.  Pizza stones darken and season with use, enriching their cooking properties. You'll love the results this durable and long-lasting new pizza stone will provide.  Pizza stone info and care: They darken with age and use.  Scrape, brush or wipe clean.  Do not wash.

S56

Pottery – Raku piece

Anwar Ahmed

Raku is a form of Japanese pottery characterized by low firing temperatures (resulting in a fairly porous body), lead glazes, and the removal of pieces from the kiln while still glowing hot. In the traditional Japanese firing process, the pot is removed from the hot kiln and put directly into water or allowed to cool in the open air. Raku is considered the traditional method for creating bowls for the Japanese Tea Ceremony. Raku Tea Bowls are hand-made from earthenware, each with a unique shape and style. Raku techniques have been adopted and modified by contemporary potters worldwide.

S57

Rhodochrosite Earrings

Teresa Hawkins

Pink has always been her favorite color, from the palest blush touching the edge of a camellia petal to the rich rose-corals highlighting sunset clouds to the deep tamarisk gracing the inner curve of a conch shell. She, of everyone on your gift list, would be the one to most appreciate this pair of domed rhodochrosite cabochons framed in sterling silver with French hook-and-latch ear wires.

S68

Russian Palekh pendant

Sharon Roberts

Purchased many, many years ago in Leningrad (yes, it was that long ago!), this lovely papier mache pendant will look stunning against a blouse or sweater.

S59

Santa Pillow

Jean Henderson

This jolly Santa, with red suit, green trim, pink cheeks, and red nose, stands 18."

S60

Set of 2 Handmade Holiday Place Mats

Jean Henderson

Santa holds the red napkins on your green and white gingham place mats...you'll get these festive table adornments just in time for Christmas!

S61

Shelled pecans, mostly halves

Chip Busch

These heritage pecans, grown without sprays or artificial fertilizers, were hand-shelled and packed into one kilo sacks.

S62

Small Bowl with Elephant Topped Lid

David Roller

It may be only 4 inches in diameter, but it can hold your treasures. The small elephant on top helps you remember where you put your watch, rings or keys and keeps them safe from cats who like to play with items left on the table top.

S63

Small Ceramic couple

A diminutive 4" tall, this dainty twosome would be a perfect remembrance for a special couple's anniversary. Using slab hand-building clay techniques, the sculptor captured both character and feeling with this simple design.

S64

Small Indian hardwood hand-carved round table

Kristen Starr

Evocative of goods that traveled ancient Silk Road from Arabia to China, this small handy round table 15" x 15" with floral and geometric design is of Indian origin.

S65

Stairway Basket

Jean Henderson

Just what the two-story home needs. Place on the bottom stair until it's full then carry it upstairs. No more extra trips!!

S66

Sunbeam 10-cup Programmable Coffee Maker

Judith Booth

Brand new coffeemaker in original carton.

S67

Tagua Nut Bracelet and Earrings

Amy Kaiser

Growing deep within the humid topical rainforests of Ecuador, Columbia, and Panama, tagua trees produce a nut that can be gathered from the forest floor and carved into beads for jewelry.  Not only attractive, jewelry made form Tagua nuts, often called "vegetable ivory," is a sustainable way to utilize rainforest resources.  And, the nut can be used just as animal ivory is, without jeopardizing the animal wildlife,  This ebony-colored eight-bead bracelet, strung on an elastic cord will boldly encircle your wrist and provide a good accompaniment for the 2" long dangle earrings fashioned from both a long ebony-colored bead and a small carved white one.

S68

Tagua Nut Necklace

Amy Kaiser

You've long admired your Aunt Thelma for her always-curious mind and commitment to "just" causes.  On the rare occasions when the two of you visit, the conversation is always a rich learning experience for you.  When last you met, you had admired the striking reddish-brown, 18" beaded necklace she wore.  Aunt Thelma explained that the 4 dozen beads were carved from "vegetable ivory," or tagua nuts, from the Central American rainforests floor. Once used to make dice, dominoes, chess pieces, umbrella handles, and buttons, tagua use declined with the advent of plastics.  Once again attracting attention for their beauty, tagua products are also recognized as a sustainable rainforest industry as well as a viable alternative in the use of animal ivory.  You were delighted when Aunt Thelma unclasped the unique hook-and-eye closure and boxed up the necklace for you to take home with you.  Now you, too, will wear it with pride.

S69

Tranquility Water Fountain

David Roller

This illuminated step fountain with a candle can adorn a table top either indoors or outdoors.  A recycling water pump allows for continuous flow of tranquil water.  An internal light illuminates the steps.  It can enhance relaxation, strengthen concentration, and humidify the atmosphere.

S70

Trio of Cindy's Stylish Shopping Bags

Cindy & Mike Reinke

Kermit the frog said, "it isn't easy being green," but Cindy's shopping bags make it easier. These aren't your everyday white bags, or ones advertising the nearest supermarket.  These are made of hand dyed fabric. Two are sturdy muslin, big enough for groceries.  Both are 16" x 16."  One is red and blue, the other is a green and yellow with blue trim.  The last one you can put in your purse (green and yellow screen print) - it folds up into its own pocket. At 12" x 10," it's just the size for one or two items.

S71

Turkish Tile (A & B)

Terry Rodriguez and Ken Walters

Purchased in a small hamlet in central Turkey, somewhere between Kayseri and Konya, this artfully decorated round tile can hang on the wall or sit on your table.

S72

Unglazed ceramic container

David Roller

Muted brown mixed with the clay produced some intriguing patterns inside and out on this ceramic creation. Perhaps you will find it worthy of note. It is signed and dated on the bottom.

S73

Vase with stand

David Roller

This green and orange glass vase with metal stand may be just the treasure you've been searching for.

S74

Vintage (to antique) Tea Service and Vase

An ideal gift for a little girl who is into tea parties, this very "frilly" cream-colored 6-piece tea set with molded detailing includes bouquets of pink roses, bows and gold trim. The set includes a tea pot (holds tea for two), 6" tall; cream pitcher; sugar bowl; tall serving piece with handle; saucer; and 8" tall matching vase to hold flowers (pink sweetheart roses, of course.)

S75

Vintage Coffee Carafe and Warmer

David Roller

You don’t see this kind of coffee carafe any more, but you remember when it sat on your Aunt Shirley’s buffet back in the late 40’s or early 50’s.  A tea candle can be used in the warmer.

S76

Vintage Dress

Teresa Hawkins

You notice how the warm spring breeze stirs the chiffon bodice of your teal and green dress as you sit at the outdoor cafe's table-for-two. You found the email address of an old acquaintance using your considerable tech savvy, and he readily renewed your friendship through late night email conversations.  When you both decided to meet, you knew that this would be the dress you would wear.  Beautifully crafted by a dress-maker in the late 1950's who knew that details make the difference, the size 8 silky skirt and bodice is slim-fitting and elegant. The fluid bodice overlay matches the paisley pattern of the dress perfectly. He'll surely notice how good you look in this dress--it's just the thing to wear as you wait to meet someone you've wondered about for the last 15 years.

S77

Vintage Munising Bowl

Terry Rodriguez

Perfect for the country kitchen, this vintage solid wood bowl has a rooster motif.  The letter brand on the bottom indicates that it dates from late 40s.

S78

Vintage Salt and Pepper Shakers

3 distinctly different pairs of salt and pepper shakers: Rooster and Hen (3x3") black, white and red--salt and pepper shakers out of comb underneath beak. Ranch Ponies: (4 1/2"x3 1/2" ) white with golden manes and red polka dotted bandanas--salt and pepper shakes out of top of head. Graceful Swans: (3x2") white swans with blue and yellow floral bouquets on backs, delicate and sweet, salt and pepper shakes from chest

S79

Woman's Bailey Western Hat

Connie Salts

Ladies, don't let the menfolks be the only ones with fine head gear.  This size 6/7/8 Bailey western style cowgirl hat is crafted of fine fur felt.  The putty color makes it matches any outfit you can put with it.  Currently, it has a hand stitched scarf in lovely pastel colors that suited the previous owner, but you can change scarves for every occasion.

S80

Handmade Paper Art

Allyson Comstock

This work of art was created from gampi and cotton fibers and pigments using Japanese and western papermaking techniques.  The gampi tree is closely related to the mulberry tree and only the inner layer of bark is used for paper-making.  It is cooked, beaten by hand with a wooden stick, and then mixed with water in a vat.  A papermaking mold is dipped into the vat and a layer of fiber is caught on the mold.  It is then deposited onto felt.  This wet sheet of paper is then used as the base for an image.  Pigmented cotton fibers are applied to the wet sheet of paper with syringes and and stencils.  When the image is completed, the paper is allowed to dry.

S81

Mama’s Chandelier (ca. 1940s)

Judy Collins Cumbee

Through glass beads and prisms Her sparkling lights did shine On childhood birthday parties And holiday feasts sublime. Is your home the special place this year For Mama’s chandelier?