BreyerFest Week 2025: Saturday

I may not be wandering the grounds at Kentucky Horse Park, but I am exhausted! Emily and the girls are staying through to Monday (yay!) and Curt and his family and Lisa (plus Gus, Mama, and Nash) have been joining us here at our home every day.

It is crazy busy but it is also wonderful and I am enjoying all the memories we have been making.

There is SO much to share, and I haven't even written yet about the bocce tournament! (I didn't make the podium - not my year!) But I will start catching up next week when things settle down. 

In BreyerFest news, one advantage of doing Virtual Fest and watching the live feed is that Kimber and Jamie revealed the surprise variations of the SRs and LEs early in Friday's broadcast. They showed each one and talked about it. 

 Jamie said there were still a few micro variations and those would be secret until someone unwrapped them. Already one, a silver Silver, has been received by a collector.

Kimber and Jamie had also pre-recorded a walk through the Breyer store

and showed us the huge bins of Warehouse Finds placed all around. I can only imagine the crowds around those!

I took some notes as Kimber and Stephanie talked about setting up for the event:

~ BreyerFest planning begins at least 16 months in advance,

~ Ten tractor trailers are used to transport the merchandise from New Jersey to Kentucky,

~ Each semi holds 26 pallets of boxes for BreyerFest,

~ Collectors from 80 countries were watching the live feed as they were speaking.

The mystery surprise horse was not the PAM; it is Totilas. I don't collect that mold although I think it is a beautiful piece. I am disappointed, but it's not the end of the world. 

I ordered my models quickly. I have two Fish, two Totilas, one Silver, one Old Timer, and the crystal horse. As a mostly vintage collector, not many of the LEs and SRs were appealing to me. I would have liked to have the Collie but he was not available to virtual ticket holders.

I also watched the first part of my virtual seminar, Making a Show Drape with Lynn Isenbarger.

Last night I'd planned to watch the Liberty horse show, but my family wanted to watch The Incredibles so I didn't mention it. Maybe tonight.

Some of us saw more of the film than others. Poor guy was tuckered out!

Today my BreyerFest attendance will be sporadic as I am helping with a meal for a funeral and I will also be watching the kids while Emily, Curt, and Vanessa run up to Camp Tecumseh to pick up Julie and Ian (they have been at overnight camp.) 

I have a haversack order to finish before Monday as I am meeting a customer at a Wendy's at the I- 65 exit close to my home. (Saves shipping for her and she's going right past that exit as she heads home from BreyerFest. Might as well meet there!)

With Ian and Julie back, no doubt we will be playing games around the dining room table and chatting late into the night tonight.

No rest for the weary here (unless you are Lukie), but maybe I can grab a nap this afternoon.

Enjoy your BreyerFest!

Feast Saturday: Hot, Harried, & Happy

 Saturday was predicted to have temps in the 70s and be sunny and pleasant. In reality, it was in the mid 80s, sunny, and hot. But despite the heat, people came out in droves to enjoy the Feast's offerings.

Those 22 fabric remnants I'd brought sold out in the first half hour I was open. They're too small for me to make clothing from, but quilters love them. At one point I had five women sorting through them at once!

Despite the heat, I sold the grey hip length cloak.

All day folks were coming in and looking for clothing. I thought this woman looked really good in this maroon short gown. (I love that pattern but I don't make it very often.)

This gentleman, Randy Green, is of the Iroquois Nation and he came into my tent and bought a shirt from me. He had a great sense of humor and I really enjoyed meeting him.

The Anishinaaba Kwe (Gun Lake Potawatomi) were next to me this year and were fun neighbors. It was a big family group from grandparents down to teens and younger. They even brought me some fry bread when they were cooking their dinner! 

I filmed this fife and drum corps for the music, but a nice bonus is that the Anishinaaba Kwe's camp was caught on video, too. 

(See their dogs? Carolyn and Mary train young dogs to be service animals for PAWS. These two did very well despite all that was going on, and I shared with them about having had two retired service dogs, Pepper and Zeus, myself. (Zeus was a narcotics detection dog for the police.)

By mid afternoon I'd sold so many clothes, I was rearranging things and putting empty hangers away. 

I didn't get out onto the grounds much on Saturday as I was just too busy. Lisa and Frank dropped by a couple of times bringing me food (pumpkin cookies!!) and to give me a break - thanks, guys!

Still, I got to see things I was hoping to see such as the harness ponies who trotted past a couple of times.

And another colonial militia group although they were only drumming at the time I filmed them. 

I came home hot, feeling a little harried, but happy. I took a little time that night to look at photos people were posting on social media and was delighted to find this one.

The woman in the white cap on the left is the director of The Tippecanoe County Historical Association, the organization that puts on the Feast. And that bed gown she's wearing? I made it. Seeing that photo was the cherry on top of a lovely day.

I have lots more to share, so stay 'tooned!

Feast Saturday: Short & Sweet

Ever heard the phrase, "bright eyed and bushy tailed" to describe someone who's just gotten up and is ready to start their day?

That would not be me this morning. I am worn out and really don't want to move. But, that's for good reasons. Yesterday was a very successful and extremely busy day.

My period clothing sold very well. And despite the unexpected heat (mid 80s!), I even sold a cloak! (The weather at an event can influence what sells, and so I did not think I'd sell any cloaks or toques. And I did not sell a single toque.)

My new tent configuration significantly cut down the walking I'd done in the past, and that was a real boon. While I did still need to help customers, I could sit far more than I usually do at events, and that was helpful.

With the heat, the busyness, and all, I only took a few photos. Frank and Lisa spent the day at the Fort, popping in and out to give me breaks or to sit down themselves. (Lisa's riding habit is wool and she was quite hot.)

I did get a photo with Audrey, the opera singer. I helped her with her clothes on Thursday and Friday's School Days, and in the process, we have become friends. (I did finally tell her that I, too, had sung opera. It was a nice connection.) 

Hot, tired, and happy and heading home.

I may be too tired to write tomorrow, so don't worry if you don't see a blog entry Monday morning. But I'll be back on Tuesday for sure.

Stay 'tooned!

General Conference - Saturday Afternoon Session

General Conference, October 6, 2018

Saturday Afternoon Session

Elder Oaks, First Presidency, Conducting

General welcome

Missionary Choir

“Hark, All Ye Nations”

Prayer

Elder Eyring, First Presidency

Sustaining of Church officers, releasing of Seventies.

Missionary Choir

“I Belong to the Church of Jesus Christ”/“I Believe in the Church of Jesus Christ”

Elder D. Todd Christofferson

Persevere in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Be centered in Christ. Let the gospel define you, don’t pick and choose.We are refined in the furnace of affliction. Hope replaces sorrow, trial is converted to blessing. Testing can lead to our full conversion and healing. Have you felt the spirit? Rely on that when you are tested. Always remember the promise of good things to come, both now and in the hereafter.

Dean M. Davies, 1C in Presiding Bishopric

After 9/11, it was more difficult for Canadian members to come to the USA to attend the temple. Found a suitable site in Vancouver and President Hinckley authorized it for study. After the study was over, President Hinckley felt impressed to see the site. He walked the site then asked to go elsewhere. They drove where he instructed them. He pointed to a parcel and said, “This is where the Lord wants the temple. Can you get it?” The land was owned by three people - a man from China, one from India, and one from Canadian. Very difficult but the right place. DC 107.

Elder Ulisses E. Soares. Q of 12

Amazon River. Two rivers form it, not blending for several miles. When blends, becomes so powerful that it pushed freshwater out into the ocean many miles. We are a mighty army and can provide the fresh water of the gospel to the world. We desire to care for one another and bear one another’s burdens. Ministering is the pure love of Christ. We need to make sure our new members are part of our river for good. Minister to them like the Savior would.

Choir

“Called to Serve”

Elder Gerrit W. Gong

Elder Ballard invited him to paint with him. Our Savior can help us meet life’s challenges and joys. Each of us falls short and we may lose our way. God reassures us that there is no point of no return. Love the Lord with all our hearts and souls. This leads to joy.

Curt and his family arrived at this point and I could not write any more.

General Conference - Saturday Morning Session

General Conference, October 6, 2018 

Saturday Morning Session

President Henry B. Eyring Conducting

Sympathy expressed for Sister Ballard’s passing and to those who have been dealing with the many natural disasters around the world, both those affected as well as those helping them.

The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square

(First time the name change has been used. Formerly The Mormon Tabernacle Choir)

“The Morning Breaks”

Prayer

The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square

“I Hear My Savior’s Voice”

President Nelson

Grateful for support in changes from last General Conference. How can we take the gospel in its simple purity and temple ordinances to all of God’s children? Need to adjust to home church which is supported by Sunday meetings. Assist ALL members to increase their faith in Christ/Atonement, seal and strengthen families.  Integrated curriculum through home centered plan. New balance and connection between home/church instruction. Parents have primary responsibility to teach children and the church is to assist the parents/individual. Elder Cook will present the changes.

Elder Quentin L. Cook

Sunday mtg schedule adjusted beginning in January:

60 minute Sacrament weekly

10minute transition

50 minute alternate Sunday School (1, 3 Sundays), Phd, RS, YM/YW (2, 4 Sundays)

Primary weekly

Deepening conversion, strengthening individuals/families, honoring Sabbath/focus on Sacrament, temple blessings. Allows more time for FHE and gospel study. FHE held Mondays or other times. Harmonized curriculum, new Come, Follow Me resource. “Prepare for the Second Coming by walking the covenant path.” Elder Nelson in January.

This is an example of guidance for our day. We know what can be achieved in the house setting. Balancing the church and home experience to increase spirituality and conversion. It has flexibility for families to choose what they want to do and how best meet their needs. Recommend a midweek communication reminding members of upcoming Sunday’s topic of study, etc. Put announcements in midweek communication. Only need a closing prayer in second meeting but have an opening/closing prayer in Sacrament mtg. Strengthen Sacrament mtg, honor the sabbath, make homes a place of spiritual joy and happiness.  Powerful confirmation felt by all Q of 12 and 1st Presidency.

M. Joseph Brough, 2nd Counselor in YM

We all face hard things. Face hard things by forgiving others and by giving ourselves to God. President Nelson asked the youth to stand out, look like, and act like true disciples of Christ. We can always rejoice when we keep the commandments. The Savior faced harden things. 

Steven R. Bangeter of the Seventy

Jesus Christ is our cornerstone in Zion. Family teaching in the home and its value. “Train up a child in the way he should go…”

Choir and Congregation

“High on a Mountain Top”

Elder Ronald A. Rasbund, Q of 12

His daughter wondered if it was wise to bring children into this wicked world. Yes! Fear is not new. All fear it. It can limit our perspective if we let it. “In coming days it will not be possible to survive without the comfort of the Holy Ghost.” (President Nelson) Stand in hill places and be not troubled.

Elder David A. Bednar, Q of 12

Rope is made of materials twisted together, often which in and of themselves are not strong but become so when twisted together. Don’t focus on logistics of what was announced. Focus on the spiritual aspects. Don’t make a pharisee-esque checklist and focus on that - checklists can limit us from the greater truth. True faith is focused in and on the Lord Jesus Christ. Trusting and placing our confidence in Him on His name and in what He tells us. Church programs are designed to bless families and are not ends in themselves. 

Choir

“I will Follow God’s Plan”

President Dallin H. Oaks, First Presidency

Truth. Scientific truth is not the whole of life. If you limit what you can know to studying  (secular learning) only, you miss what you can learn by feeling. Restored gospel truths explain much about our doctrine and practices. There is a God. Gender is eternal. Preexistence. God has a plan for us all. God created the earth as part of His plan for us. Must be opposition and an adversary who is allowed to tempt God’s children. The Plan gives us the chance to choose eternal life. All sin. All die. A Savior provided to rescue us and atone for us. Faith, repentance, baptism, Holy Ghost, endure. We can be transformed in Christ. God reaches out to each of us. All may be saved by obedience. Family centered church is focused on more than mortal relationships. Also eternal ones. Family ordained of God. Eternal marriage between man/woman. God’s love is so great that all but son’s of perdition receive a destiny of glory. Purpose of church is to help us qualify for eternal life. Our positions often provoke opposition, but that is part of the plan. “Stand strong until additional knowledge comes along.” Elder Holland. 

Choir

“Come, Come, Ye Saints”

Prayer

General Conference - Saturday Afternoon Session

Saturday Afternoon Session

Conducting: Elder Henry B. Eyring, 1st Counselor in the First Presidency

Choir from Orem, Utah Institute: Glory to God in the Highest

Opening Prayer: Ian S. Ardern, Quorum of the 70

Combined Choir from Orem, Utah Institue: I Lived in Heaven

President Uchtdorf: sustaining Church leaders, releasing of Area 70s, Sunday School General Presidency and Board released.

Financial Report: Brother Jergenson, Church Auditing Department

Statistical Report: Brook P. Hales, 3050 stakes, 405 missions, 571 districts, 15,082,028 membership, 83,000 plus missionaries, 141 temples in operation at end of 2013.

Elder Russell M. Nelson, Quorum of the 12
Faith is the antidote for fear. (Airplane story.) Only one in whom your faith is always safe and that is Jesus Christ. Religion means "tied back to God." Scriptures provide one of the best ways to stay on course. Seek for God's counsel and wisdom when making decisions.

Elder Richard G. Scott, Quorum of the 12
Father not a member and mother was less active when growing up. Grandmother who lived 2500 miles away came and bore her testimony. Kids baptized. She supported them from afar as they grew up. His grandmother changed his life. At University of Utah, met future wife who said she would only marry a returned missionary in the temple. He had not been thinking of going, but began thinking about it, later serving (as did she.) Love others in righteousness. Sincerely. Develop faith in Father in Heaven. Don't lose sight of God's plan for us because of the mundane things of the world. Father later baptized and parents sealed in temple, later working in temple (father as a sealer.) Every person on earth chose the Savior's plan. CHrist the pattern for us all.

Choir and Congregation: We Thank Thee O God for a Prophet

Robert D. Hales, Quorum of the 12
Obedience the most important thing Christ taught during His ministry. Suffered temptations but gave them no heed. Learned obedience by the things He suffered. We show our love for Him through our repentance and our obedience. Don't participate in selective obedience - picking and choosing commandments to follow. Agency is a principle; we are free to choose. God will not force us to do the right thing. In choosing to obey or not, remember the consequences of the choice. Obedience makes us stronger. (He looks terribly ill.)

Claudio D. Zivic, Quorum of the 70
How great it would be to follow the commandments without any reminders. Be doers of the word of Christ. The day will come when we will meet with our Savior Jesus Christ. We can recognize Him because we have followed His teachings. He will show us the marks in his hands and wrists.

W. Craig Swick, Quorum of the 70
As young couple, was driving a semi across Donner Pass when it caught fire. She leaped out of the moving semi with their son in her arms. "I was just trying to save our son." A soft answer turneth away wrath.What if our reaction was based on the perspective of the other?

Elder Quentin L. Cook, Quorum of the 12
Hastening family history work is needed. "No what" we ask as we get older and prepare to die. Answered in God's plan. We live again because of the atoning sacrifice of the Savior. 1 Corinthians 15:29 a glorious doctrine. Welds families together. 85% of Church members now live within 200 miles of a temple. The importance of doing family history and temple work for our ancestors. The spirit of Elijah.

Combined Choir from Orem Institute: High on a Mountain Top

Closing Prayer: Linda S. Burke, General Relief Society President

General Conference - Saturday Morning Session

Saturday Morning Session

Conducting: Elder Uchtdorf

Mormon Tabernacle Choir: Press Forward, Saints

Opening Prayer: Elder Carl B. Cook

Mormon Tabernacle Choir: Lead Kindly Light

President Monson

Gathered together as a great family, 15 million strong. Gilbert, Arizona temple dedication. 142nd operating temple in the Church. 170 announced/underway. No new ones to be announced currently. (Drat!!)

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, Quorum of the 12

Story of a sister missionary who had nonmember man through food at her, including mashed potatoes at the back of her head. Walking as the Savior would have us. Not retaliating. The cost of discipleship. Is it worth it to take a courageous moral stand only to be reviled? YES. The alternative is to have our houses left unto us desolate. We have joy in discipleship, but we also experience pain and sorry. Hate is an ugly word. Today’s society wants a god that is smooth and easy, doesn’t ask much of us, if anything. “What would Jesus do?” would not have always brought a popular response. Love is to be our byword but we must forsake sin. There is a difference between forgiving sin (which He had the capacity to do) and condoning it. (Which He did not.) Very strong testimony that the Church has been restored. Be strong, even if those around you do not believe what you do. Kindly defend your beliefs, but do defend them. Follow Christian discipleship. 

(I think I like Elder Holland more every time I hear him speak!!)

Elder Ronald A. Rasband, Quorum of the 70

Oklahoma tornado last year at this time. Asked to visit and check the clean up efforts, including Mormon Helping Hands. President Monson asked him to tell them he loved them, was praying for them, and to thank those who were helping in the clean up efforts. 317 Seventies serving in 8 quorums assisting the First Presidency in the work of the Lord along with members worldwide. We all have the opportunity to bless others. “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these, my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” We are surrounded by those who need our attention. Follow the Savior’s perfect example. 

Carlos H. Amado, Quorum of the 70

Savior did not seek after honors. He delegated many things, but only He had the power to forgive sins. He brought several back to life. (Daughter of Jarius, widow’s only son, Lazarus.) Established the sacrament while celebrating the Passover. Garden of Gethsemane - atoned for our sins. Voluntarily gave Himself up to his detractors and was condemned to death. He showed exceptional self-control, asking John to care for his mother, asking the Father to forgive His tormentors. In resurrected state, appeared to Mary. Appeared to apostles, showed the signs in His hands and side. Will come in power and glory, king of kings, the promised Messiah. Remain faithful to Him unto the end.

Mormon Tabernacle Choir: Choose the Right

Linda S. Reeves, 2nd Counselor in Relief Society Presidency.

Evils of pornography. Marriage means total fidelity. Many are innocently exposed to pornography; others choose to view it. Damages relationships, can become all-consuming. Create a plan together to protect the family. Involved in pornography? You are not alone and there is help. Addiction Recovery program. Prayer, faith, Family Home Evening. 

Elder Neil L. Anderson, Quorum of the 12

Tornado story. How do you prepare for your whirlwinds? Foundation in Christ. He is your safety in the whirlwind. Gap growing between the standards of the Church and changes in society. Changes in civil law do not mean changes to the moral law. Law of chastity is clear. Be in the world but not of the world. Remain true to that which God has commanded. Well meaning people and governments have redefined marriage, but God has not. Regardless of our beliefs, EVERYONE deserves our kindness and our love. Even those who repudiate us for what we believe. Beware of self righteousness. There is no place for bullying or bigotry. 

Mormon Tabernacle Choir: As I Have Loved You (arrangement)

Elder Henry B. Eyring, 1st Counselor in First Presidency

His great grandfather, Heinrich Eyring, was born wealthy but due to bad investments, lost everything. Felt he should go to US. In St. Louis, a co-worker was LDS. Dreamed he should be baptized. Left a history for his descendants. Walked 1100 miles to Salt Lake City, then called to move to southern Utah. Served a mission in Germany. Then called to serve in Mexican colonies and then as a missionary to Mexico. Our duties may be difficult, but they are to move us along the path to Jesus Christ. 

Mormon Tabernacle Choir: Come O, Thou King of Kings

Closing Prayer: