{Janet’s Germany} Kemmern on Main

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Just sit right back and you’ll read a tale,
A tale of an fun-filled trip
That started from a German port
Inside a tiny car.
Inside a tiny car.

The mate was a German-learning gal,
The skipper brave and sure.
Two passengers set course that day
For a three hour drive, a three hour drive.

The weather started getting hot,
The tiny car was tossed,
If not for the open windows of the fearless car
The crew would all be toast, the crew would all be toast.

The car parked out on the street of this charted German town
With Katja
And Markus too,
The two cats in the garden,
Lots of tasty food,
And Janet and Kandi Rose
Here in Bamberg township.

selah_candace_rose_Bamberg_2My first weekend in Germany saw Janet and I on a three hour drive to Bamberg (no boats involved). Janet has friends who live nearby so we had a lovely little haven each night we were in town. They live right by Main, a river, and the first night we took a nice long walk along the Main after a good rain fell. selah_candace_rose_Bamberg_3 selah_candace_rose_Bamberg_4 selah_candace_rose_Bamberg_5The walk was beautiful and relaxing after a hectic few days cramming so much of touristy stops into the previous few days. selah_candace_rose_Bamberg_6 selah_candace_rose_Bamberg_7We also threw in chatting in the garden and a drive to Schesslitz for some seriously incredible Italian Eis. Mmm hmmm. Tasty! If you want to see that tastiness (and EAT SOME!!), you’ll have to go there yourself. Who knows what tasty flavors will be available next!!selah_candace_rose_Bamberg_8

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{Janet’s Germany} Porcelain Manufacturer

Meissen is famous for the manufacture of porcelain. Meissen porcelain was the first high quality porcelain to be produced outside of the Orient, established by King Augustus the Strong in 1710. The mathematician and physicist Ehrenfried Walther Graf von Tschirnhaus and the alchemist Johann Friedrich Boettger had succeeded in manufacturing the first white European porcelain in 1708. This porcelain was called “White Gold” was of great significance, because of the Chinese monopoly in this market.

Visiting the porcelain manufacturing building and taking the tour was one of the highest of highlights of my trip – so much so that I went through twice! This will easily be the longest post about my trip because there’s so much I learned! Once going through the tour made it apparent WHY Meissen porcelain is SO famous and WHY is COSTS SO MUCH!!selah_candace_rose_Porcelain_01The onion pattern is the most famous pattern created, and has been used by many other companies trying to imitate Meissen Porcelain. Its signature logo, the crossed swords, was introduced in 1720 to protect its production and was added to the onion design. The crossed swords is one of the oldest trademarks in existence and is on each piece created here.selah_candace_rose_Porcelain_02Not only dish ware is created – large pieces such as this sad lion have been created and a selection can be seen in the upstairs museum. The yellow tea service set was made in 1722. selah_candace_rose_Porcelain_03There are also many figurines with intricate details of both molding and painting.selah_candace_rose_Porcelain_04The teapot with all the flowers? Each flower was individually hand made and applied to the tea pot and then hand painted.selah_candace_rose_Porcelain_05A sculpture of discarded pieces is on display and was amazing to look at each side and see all the little hidden elements!selah_candace_rose_Porcelain_06On the first stop of the tour, we watched a short video showing how the elements are mined, broken down, and then mixed together in a water slurry. After the 3 ingredients are well mixed, the water is spun out leave the clay which can be stored up to nine months before being created into a delicate porcelain something. selah_candace_rose_Porcelain_07I was mesmerized in the second room by watching the clay being formed by hand into a plain cup and then formed in the centuries old mold, removing excess clay to form the delicately thin clay. The clay dries in it’s mold for 30 minutes and is then removed. The base and handle are added using slip (some of the clay without the excess water taken out). After firing, each piece is only 65% of it’s original size! selah_candace_rose_Porcelain_08 selah_candace_rose_Porcelain_09In another room of the tour, we witnessed another artist hand carving part of a statue. We also saw how each little ivy leaf is created in a mold and then added to the statue with slip, piece by piece. Some details, like roses and more detailed flowers, are created lovingly by hand – without any kind of mold! selah_candace_rose_Porcelain_10 selah_candace_rose_Porcelain_11The third room of the tour taught how each piece is hand painted, how the colors used change dramatically during firing, and there were many examples of how paints change in firing. The steps to just make one plate are extensive, and require many years of training for each artist. When a piece is painted before firing, any paint that is applied cannot be removed, so perfection is a must!selah_candace_rose_Porcelain_12The gold paint used is 90% pure gold and looks very dark before firing. After a piece with gold is fired, the gold is hand polished to give it the bright lustre seen at the bottom of the sample plate. It is only after these steps that a piece can be sold! selah_candace_rose_Porcelain_13The last stop of the tour before the shops was watching another artist paint an already glazed and fired plate. At this time, paint is not permanent until it is fired. Multiple colors require multiple firings as only one color at a time is applied. The only exception to this is in scenery, which is all painted at once.

For more information on the history of porcelain manufacturing in Meissen, check out their website!

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{Janet’s Germany} Krögis

selah_candace_rose_Krogis_1 Krögis is where it all began. Janet moved to Germany to help a mission organization in their new building, which needed renovation and a LOT of cleaning! Janet eventually moved on to a new job in Germany and moved to Meißen for her job.selah_candace_rose_Krogis_2 It wasn’t a far drive, so she took me out to the Steiger base to see it! We both have friends there, so it was a relaxing few hours of visiting and wandering around checking out all the work they have done and are continuing to do!selah_candace_rose_Krogis_3 Most of my pictures were lost form this day due to a fight with a computer, but I was able to salvage some of my favorites, which are mostly from the gardens. Gardens are definitely one of my happy places, and Germany is filled with beautiful gardens!selah_candace_rose_Krogis_4 selah_candace_rose_Krogis_5

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{Concert} Miracles Happen Fest 2016

My church’s band, Vested Worship, played at Miracles Happen Fest at Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch in Stewartville, MN. They opened for Tenth Avenue North on Saturday.selah_candace_rose_MH16F_01The Camp Director, Bob Badwell, was incredibly generous and provided church members with tickets to come to the Festival. This was exciting news for a friend and I because we weren’t going to be going due to finances. We carpooled with some friends and had a fun road trip to Stewartville.

The drive was hilarious and went by quickly. The sky was clear until we reached Rochester. Then a deluge hit and we all got a shower with lunch. But we dried off before we reached Ironwood Springs; so did the skies.selah_candace_rose_MH16F_02Painted rocks inscribed with verses graced various places throughout the camp, which was a favorite features at Ironwood Springs. There was so much to see so Val, Katelyn, Michelle, and I set off to explore. We walked through the art and craft fair, checked out the food and had some treats. There were many activities including tree climbing, petting zoo, laser tag, mini golf, a Ferris wheel, zip lines, paint ball and more. Val was excited about the pony rides, which had sadly ended before we arrived.selah_candace_rose_MH16F_04We saw Clyde the Camel, who seemed to love Michelle. He walked over to her, ignoring everyone else. Another fun stop was at the Ole Red Barn for Western photos complete with costumes and all sorts of props! This isn’t normally something I do, but it was pretty fun! selah_candace_rose_MH16F_03After seeing the festival events, the four of us walked through the grounds taking in the beauty. Even with all the activity, the grounds felt peaceful. selah_candace_rose_MH16F_05 There were sweet little touches of love throughout the ranch including little gnomes and a bridge over the river that runs through the property. The volunteers were all helpful and friendly, adding to the peaceful atmosphere. selah_candace_rose_MH16F_06 Finally it was time for the evening’s music to start! Vested Worship started the evening of music with some worship to draw people in. selah_candace_rose_MH16F_08 selah_candace_rose_MH16F_09selah_candace_rose_MH16F_07After Vested Worship completed their set, Jeff Deyo, formerly of Sonicflood, took the stage. He was very energetic and more people trickled to the stage. After Jeff Deyo came Sarah Reeves. She kept her set low key with a keyboard and guitarist; her songs were calming. Something about her seems to familiar, but I haven’t figured out why yet. She reminds me of Ellie Holcomb.selah_candace_rose_MH16F_10As Sarah ended, the promise of chicken and ice cream and ice cold water lured Michelle and I away from the stage and we were caught in a downpour of rain. It rained long and hard, completing our second shower for the day. Thankfully, many tents were set up and we were able to stay under one for the worst of the rain. We made it back to the stage in time for Tenth Avenue North at 9pm. selah_candace_rose_MH16F_11While the whole day at Ironwood Springs was fun, Tenth Avenue North was the highlight. The message they bring to the audience is so needed. The lead singer, Mike, is funny (hello, prom queen disciples!). Their message rings true and was refreshing. selah_candace_rose_MH16F_12Really, it was more like hanging out with friends and singing loud than attending a concert. “We’re not here to sing TO you, but to sing WITH you.”
selah_candace_rose_MH16F_13Here are some of the songs they sang with links to the music videos. I hope they encourage you as much as they have encouraged me.
You Are More – The labels we create for ourselves and others should not define us, unless we use Child of God – the one true label. Mike said as Tenth Avenue North, they are not Musicians (with the labels of famous, special, etc.) but Children of God who happen to play music.
Struggle – As children raising our hands meant we wanted our parent to come pick us up. Mike compared this to us raising our hands in worship to the King of kings. Think to how quickly a parent runs to pick up their child when those precious little hands are raised. How much more does our Heavenly Father run to us when we lift our hands to him?
Worn – Life is messy. Often we do not receive resolution of events in the world or in personal life. Life doesn’t turn out perfectly all the time, many things are not resolved, but God redeems those times. He uses them for His glory. They are not a waste, but a time to lean even closer on God and trust him and his plan for my life. God is not a God of resolution, but a God of Redemption.
I Have This Hope – When life slams me against the wall, how am I going to respond? “So I have this hope in the depth of my soul. In the flood or the fire. You’re with me. You won’t let go.” Yes and amen!
selah_candace_rose_MH16F_14Driving home was a hoot (exploding salad, extra burger, and frostys thankyouverymuch). It was so late and I was so tired. But it was worth it.

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Field Day 2016

selah_candace_rose_FieldDay_01A couple of years ago, Jordan wanted to have a field day with his cousins, which has started a wonderful tradition. This was the Third Annual Russie Field Day. Cousins, aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters, and Grandma were in attendance. selah_candace_rose_FieldDay_02There were some non-water races and then water joined the fun. It was super hot out, so the water was a welcomed addition. selah_candace_rose_FieldDay_03J4 and I played spectators, since he was too young and someone had to keep him from falling face-first into the pool (again). He didn’t seem to mind too much since he received his own little J4-safe pool and he got to eat lunch in his pool! selah_candace_rose_FieldDay_04 selah_candace_rose_FieldDay_05 selah_candace_rose_FieldDay_06There were also some side sand-games, played by Sam and Tyler before they joined in the water games. These games were cake making and hole digging. selah_candace_rose_FieldDay_07 selah_candace_rose_FieldDay_08One one the funnest games to watch was a summer spin on Duck, Duck, Gray Duck. It goes Drip, Drip, Dump and involves dripping and pouring water and chasing. It was hilarious to watch! selah_candace_rose_FieldDay_10Field Day always concludes with snacks, and this year there was also grilled pizza!