2-4-14

Things I am grateful for today:

-sleeping in. Today I got some extra sleep... and I guess I really needed it.
-birds singing. Yep. They were a riot out there this am... eating food and flitting about in the sunshine.
-snow. The shot above was taken out near Cherry Springs State Park... and it's gorgeous out there right now.
-big bowls. I have a (sorta) collection of old clay-ware bowls... and I just love them. Today I got one out and filled it with goodies.
-yard sales. Today I hope to go thru some stuff I've been stashing in the basement for a massive yard sale come Memorial Day. I hope to clean some stuff... sort some stuff... and look up prices.
-Ebay. ... (same as above). I've been really fortunate to have been gifted some stuff... and I'm anxious to see what all is there.
-paper. I also found my stash of scrapbook-type papers... and think, perhaps, tonight I will make some more envelopes for the Etsy shop.
-puppies napping in the sun streaming in the windows. 'nuf said.
-Judy Garland. She has been a favorite singer/ entertainer for years... but last night I ran across the movie "A Star is Born"... and it was just as awesome as I remembered.
-music. So... after last night... THIS is what I am listening to today ...

2-3-14

It's been a day. Some days are harder than others... and some Mondays.. are well... Mondays.

"As in nature, as in art, so in grace: it is rough treatment that gives souls, as well as stones; their luster."
--Thomas Guthrie


Things I am grateful for today:

-flowers from the local flower shop.
-fresh, clean water
-shopping carts. They make life in the store SO much easier.
-seeing friends in the store
-rock salt. A fabulous invention.
-new boots. (my daughter got a wonderful pair of boots online... and they arrived the other day).
-pears. We just bought some gorgeous pears at the store... and they smell wonderful.
-potatoes. Fresh from a local organic farm!!
-barns. I love barns. All types. So I was very surprised to learn that there is a barn called a "Pennsylvania Barn." You can read about it here.
-and when in doubt... and having a bad Monday... always keep in mind... that tomorrow is Tuesday... and you don't have to deal with another Monday for a week :)

for the weekend

It's the weekend! And the beginning of a new month :)
Beginnings are always full of promise... anticipation... and hope... or at least... mostly.

It just started snowing. Big, fluffy , pure white flakes ... gently gliding on down...
I have jazz music on... the TV is playing (on mute) a movie on a modern love story, and my puppy is curled up on a mound of vintage quilts.... dozing. Life can be perfect... or at least... it certainly has some really perfect moments. The photo (above) is my coffee cup... swirled in the smoke from incense.
such visual poetry...

-And so I think about what I want to include for links in this weekend's post.
Certainly, I am dreaming of my garden to come this summer... and so I will include THIS, this, and THIS.

-And it's the Year of the Horse!.... having just had the celebration for this Chinese New Year.
So, here is an interesting take on what lies ahead...

-I love Etsy. This was a cool feature they made a few days ago... and I love how inspirational it is for those of us who make things.

-then I came across this... and was just astounded.

-I broke my stove the other day... yah, I know. But it got me thinking about what I really want to do with our kitchen once we have the funds to do a little re-modeling. Which brought me to this lovely article....setting aside the whole divorce thing... it has some really inspirational ideas for people who want a smaller home.
And then I saw this fab article... which reminded me of the home of a childhood friend who had a secret room in her house that was part of the Underground Railroad.
And then I saw that an artist friend of mine opened up her online store... featuring some of her photos of architecture; and I thought you might want to take a look.

-I also wanted to include a link to this Russian artist's work... because it's just amazing :)

-and this real life wonder!

-which got me thinking about these places... and oh, how I want to travel more this year.
-and wouldn't this be amazing!

-but for now... I will drink some warm tea... watch the snowflakes descend... and gaze upon this.
Have a great weekend :)

1-31-14

January has come to a close... and the Chinese New Year has begun... (look here too)

I took these photos today as I was walking with the dog... and the sky was SO very blue... the air was incredibly crisp... and the birds were singing.... all things I am grateful for as this month comes winding down.

Things I am grateful for (additionally) today:

-warm boots
-clear blue skies
-new years... and new possibilities
-a wonderful fire in the fireplace tonight... and loving how the wood is popping and crackling
-my stove. It broke/ shattered tonight when I was cooking.... but I am very grateful it lasted as long as it did. When we first moved in to the house in November, is was cracked and threatening to shatter... but has held off until now. It is an electric stove with a glass cook-top.
-paychecks! So many people don't have steady work right now... and I am very grateful for my (temporary- but awesome!) job.
-thrift shops. Today I was able to get 5 new jackets, a gorgeous skirt... and a top I am totally in love with.
-yarn. I've been working on some handmade scarves these past few nights... and I love that I am able to use some yarn that I've had stashed away for awhile... mostly wool and hand-dyed beauties :)   A few have already been listed in the shop... like this one... and this one... and this one...
-chicken piccata. Tonight's dinner. YUM.
-health. I've lost somewhere between 10-15 pounds since moving into our new house. (It depends on the scale I am using). I think it has alot to do with living on a (very) steep hill. I still have a long way to go... but I am getting there.

1-30-14

Today was rough.. .emotional meltdowns all around... and I feel not fit for human consumption.
That said...

Things I am Grateful for today:

-music (right now I am listening to this)
-optimism
-art. Without it; I would be nothing.
-friends... and friends who do art!
-fudge. Today I was gifted a huge slab of the most delicious chocolate fudge with walnuts in it. YUM.
-scenery like in my photo above. I took this shot down the "Ice Mine Road" just outside of town. There is an ice mine there... that was open for a long time... then closed for a long time... and now has been purchased and is being renovated with the hopes of opening again in the spring. I remember going there as a kid.. and look forward to going again. You can read about it here as well.
-my studio space. It's not much right now. In fact, it's sort of a mess. But it's mine... and I am very grateful.
-trash papers. Like the Enquirer, etc. I know.  Not exactly "highly educational"... but sometimes... it is just perfect to read the frivolity and enjoy a cuppa tea. Besides.. they are awesome for collage :)
-which brings me to collage. I love collage. I used to do alot of collage art... way back before I was married... and I am thinking strongly of getting back into it. Here are a few links: HERE, HERE and HERE.
-and the fact that there is 1/3 of a bottle of wine in my fridge. Yah.

1-29-14

This am when I got up; it was well below zero... and yet... there were lots of fresh deer tracks in the yard.
I can only trust that the wild ones are doing ok... in spite of the cold.
I know that the bird feeders are getting lots of activity... which makes me happy.

Things I am grateful for today:
-chicken and biscuits
-friendly people at government offices. Today I went to get Brina's dog license renewed... and everyone there was really nice.
-home-made applesauce. When I moved here in October... I was able to get local apples... and made some big batches of applesauce to put in the freezer. We are now happily enjoying them.
-finally being able to get thru to the financial offices in New Mexico. They were behind on some payments to us.... and we were having a horrible time getting a-hold of a human being. But alas... things are looking like they may be worked out... which is awesome.
-frozen food. I received some frozen foods from a friend today... and it looks like we are going to be eating some awesome chicken dishes this week.
-people that care. I hear today about a woman locally, whose house was lost in a massive fire. People here are going to be having a fund raising event to build her a new place. Wowzers! I think it's awesome.
-"happy snaps"... today's photo is a "happy snap" that I took out the car window. Sometimes they turn out... and it's cool.
-fresh grapefruit. When I was a kid... I wasn't allowed to open any Christmas presents until I had eaten my grapefruit. And while that may be a tragedy for some... I've always liked it. And everytime I eat one now... I am reminded of Christmas mornings.

1-28-14

I love State College.
The shots above I took while walking down Calder Way... which is a little street with a series of boutiques and cafes. ... and this gorgeous mural. We were walking rather slowly (it was really, really cold that day)... and I was stopped short by the juxtaposition of people to the mural. It was just... cool. And so I thought I would share them here.

Things I am Grateful for Today:

-heat. furnaces. warmth. Yah... it's cold here today.
-my bed. I have a TempurPedic mattress. At the time... it was  a HUGE extravagance... but it's been well worth it.
-this poem.
-loose tea leaves. Today I received in the mail; a wonderful BODUM carafe for making  loose tea in. We have a similar one for coffee... and I love it.
-I also got in the mail... this wonderful book. I plan on reading it tonight.
-songbirds. We've had lots of chickadees and juncos at the feeders... today we had some little sparrows too.
-fresh oranges and apples from the store. They smell wonderful.
-yams. The daughter picked up some at the grocery store today... and this looks like it's worth a try. (Someday I will get a Vitamix!)
-my camera. It's my only working camera... and I only have one lens for it. It's been my daily camera for a couple years now... and I don't know what I would do without it.
-Pete Seeger. So sad to see that he passed away today... but I grew up on his music...  his convictions ... and helped to form me into who I am today... and I am very grateful.

1-27-14

And it's cold. Bitter cold.
 I think I got a mild case of frostbite on my thumb today... only annoying, as here it is 12hrs later... and it's still numb. I do love winter though. I love the change of the seasons... and it's much more pronounced here than in alot of places. I love the miracle of it all...

Things I am grateful for today:
-frostbite. Yah I know. A silly thing to be grateful for... but it really makes me more aware of the season... of protecting oneself from the elements... of enjoying the snow... but with safety in mind.
-snowy creeks at the edge of the woods. How gorgeous. I took the photos (above) on my morning walk.
-warm blankets
-coffee mugs
-bagels and cream cheese. They are just a perfect combination.
-snow blowers. Today I cleared out my mother's (big/long) driveway.... and I was blessed to be able to use a powered snow-blower for the job.
-gauze wrap. Brina opened up her surgical wound and took out all her external stitches. Thank God for whomever invented gauze wrap. What a blessing!
-Pepperidge Farm cookies. THESE are my current favorite.
-the birds who have found my feeders
-commercials. I know. Another odd thing to be grateful for... but there are a couple cute ones out there right now. Like this one: HERE.
(And my daughter says... "I feel bad for the bear.")
...And I LOVE this one... HERE

for the weekend

"We are not what they expect us to be" she said... rubbing the pleats on her trousers like one would swipe hair from one's face.

 "We are so much more... and yet... not enough". 

She sighed. 

A quiet sigh. 

A lengthy sigh.

A sigh that had been brewing for a thousand years.  

 (--written by me)

This has been a busy week. One full of vintage photos... paper cuttings... boxes upon boxes of books.
I love it.
And yet.... I am tired. Tired to the core of my being.
So this weekend... I will rest.
I will nurture.
I will sleep.

But first, here are some links for you to peruse this weekend:
*Reasons why you should Nap more
*Overnight, No-Cook oatmeal recipe
*super awesome Portraits made from Objects
*How Our World Would Look if You were a Bird
*Artistic Dad of the Year award goes to...
*recipe for Salted Pretzel Caramel Brownies
*thought you knew all about Sculpture? Check this out
*and then there was this article 
*and this article... that were just wonderful, inspiring... and thought provoking.
*and then there was THIS... just because :)

1-24-14

I've been inordinately tired the past few days... and I can only assume it is a small Lupus flare.
The good news is... I've been able to sleep more soundly at night... so I hope to rest alot this weekend and hopefully kick it all to the curb.

In the meantime, I've been helping a friend organize some of the books and such in her house... and it's been alot of fun. I've had a wonderful opportunity to go thru some lovely antique books and some really interesting memorabilia of the area. And I am grateful to be here.

Things I am grateful for today:
-books. So many gorgeous words. So little time.
-photographers of years gone by. Where would we get our sense of history without all the wonderful people before us who documented what life was like.... be it with words, cameras... or the sketchbook.
-the scent of snow on balsam
-how your breathe forms clouds in the cold morning air
-frost on windows
-smoke from chimneys
-firewood... and how it crackles in the blaze
-bratwurst with onions and eggs
-mittens
-how ice forms around the edges of small brooks in the woods

1-23-14

I am feeling out of sorts today. Off.
Nothing specifically wrong... just not right.
And like the photo above... sometimes you just don't know where to turn... what exit to take.... where to go... or even what the problem is...

But tonight I hope to do a few things around the house, perhaps work on a piece of jewelry or some other art project
... and kick back and watch Tim Gunn on tv.

Things I am grateful for today:

-wine and cookies
-opportunities--- you never know when they will come knocking.
-online schooling and classes. How wonderful that you can actually take classes from the middle of nowhere... simply by turning on your computer.
-a well insulated house (it's cold)
-my Jeep. I am grateful every day for our jeep. It is rugged... and reliable... and perfect. Even though it's 8yrs old... you'd never know it.
-burn barrels. How handy! In New Mexico, they didn't have these available anywhere... so we used our fire-pit to burn papers and such. But barrels are really handy.
-spring water. I really missed be able to get fresh spring water before moving back to PA.
-thrift shops. I've always been a big fan of buying "previously owned" stuff... and today I found some cookie tins at our local shop; including a gorgeous old tin that my daughter can use for small sewing projects.
-songbirds. I didn't have any birdseed for a couple weeks... and was afraid all the little birds wouldn't return... but I got some more seed yesterday, and was pleased to see that they had returned to our yard today.
-blue skies... and so... I keep (trying to remember) to look up.

1-22-14

It's really cold again.
I won't even begin to discuss the "polar vortex" thing... cuz frankly; I don't understand it.
It's cold. It's been cold before... I am sure it will be again.
Honestly, I don't mind the cold that much... but I know some folks do... and it is certainly a major topic of discussion these days.
>>sigh<<
I just see this as a wonderful excuse to have a fire in the fireplace, watch some CSI, and catch up on some reading... with my faithful puppy at my side.


And so... Things I am Grateful for Today:

-fireplaces... and roaring fires in them
-melted cheese on toast
-farm fresh apples from a local shop
-tangelos... a gift from a friend
-home-made gingersnap cookies
-books. Can you ever have too many? Right now I am starting "All You Could Ask For" by Mike Greenberg.
-the noises creeks make. We have a really tiny creek near our house... but in the stillness of the night... it's amazing how loud it can seem.
-fox. We have a little red fox that comes to the edge of the woods here... he is SO very handsome.
-speaking of wildlife... on our trip to Penn State this past weekend; we saw 6 large hawk, 4 deer grazing, and 2 super awesome ELK! I know... I didn't get photos of any of them. I think I was too much in awe as we were driving... and yes, I still am amazed by all the nature around here.
-eggs. I LOVE Eggs. I love breakfast for dinner. I can't think of an egg dish that I don't like... and I may just go make some before bedtime...

1-21-14

Life is one big road with lots of signs. So when you riding through the ruts, don't complicate your mind. Flee from hate, mischief and jealousy. Don't bury your thoughts, put your vision to reality. Wake up and live!

 ---Bob Marley

No reason for the quote really... except that the curves/ signs on the roads here always remind me of such quotes.... and it's always a good reminder to LIVE life to the best of our abilities.

Today I am grateful for:

-cheese plates and fresh bread. When we were in State College the other day we stopped at a coffee and cheese shop and got some awesomely good tasting Brie and Blue cheeses.

-white wine

-roasted herb chicken

-happy puppies (Brina is feeling MUCH better tonight after getting the sedation out of her system post surgery)

-the post office. The folks who work at our local post office are really nice... and work really hard.

-photo printers. I can't imagine all the work that went into printing photos ... even just a few short decades ago. I know the process... and have done it myself (although not for several years now)... and it's alot of work.

-chocolate. I'm not a huge sweets eater... but a good Hershey's with Almonds on a bad day can turn everything around.

-light bulbs. We've had several bulbs burned out in our kitchen for a week or so.. and you don't really notice the difference until you put the new bulbs in. Lights are a good thing :)

-speaking of lights... we were gifted with this gorgeous Victorian style floor lamp. The silk shade had long died... so I pulled off all the fabric and such to leave the wire cage until I can fabricate a new one... but it's still awesome to look at... and works really well.

-flannel. The past few days I've been wearing more plaid flannel than a body has a right too... but it's warm and comfortable... and I love it.

1-20-14

Today my beloved Brina had outpatient surgery to take a growth off her front paw.
She had a strong reaction to the sedatives... but ended up doing really well with the procedure; and tonight is resting comfortably.
Also today... a friend of a friend has been life-flighted to a nearby medical center for treatment after she had a severe heart attack.
And... another friend of a friend is recovering from brain surgery.
Life is short.
Life is fragile.


Things I am grateful for today:
-sunrises
-clear skies
-fresh air
-morning coffee
-good friends
-doctors, nurses....  people who heal
-helicopters
-ambulance personnel
-medicine
-sunsets

for the weekend

Over the river and through the woods...

So, yesterday we traveled down to Penn State/ State College PA.
When my hubby and I were dating... it was our old "stomping grounds" ... as he was getting his undergraduate degree there. I love the town. I love the campus. It's awesome.

We wanted to show our daughter around... and it seemed like a good time to "get out of town" and do something. Little did we know that the night before we would have a snowstorm... and it would still be "freakin' cold" out... but alas... we went anyway.

It reminded me of why I love living near a college town (Albuquerque had a similar vibe with UNM downtown).  Lots of coffee shops, book shops (used and new)... pastry places... International foods... music... entertainment... well... you get the idea.
Now, don't misunderstand. I am thoroughly enjoying living in a small town again. But it's nice to have something a little more urban to go to sometimes.

So. We went to a local used bookstore/ records/ vegetarian eatery... known as Webster's.
We had a great time enjoying some delicious organic sandwiches, coffee and tea... as well as some local made vegan pie (YUM)... Plus, we got to peruse thousands of fabulous books (and bought several). We were there in time to hear two speakers in the gallery area... one talk on "eating healthy"... and another by author John Dixon ... who wrote the book "Phoenix Island" .. which in turn, inspired the hit TV show "Intelligence." We were fortunate enough to not only hear his talk.... but also to be able to chat with him afterwards. WoOt!

From there... we went to Tattoo Mark's Studio Two; where I was able to get my ear's pierced (for the 12th time. Long story short; I heal oddly and my piercings close up and scar too easily... which forces me to have them re-pierced). I got some fabulous steel gauges and chatted with a great guy named Jake; who did my piercing... and I love the new look.

Then we went to Comic Swap, Inc... a place that was in business way back in the 80's when the hubby was going to State College... and it's still going strong. They've  been in business since 1976... and it's just an awesome bunch of people that work there. Plus... the selection is really cool. We picked up a few things... and moved on... wandering the Calder Way shops and such. 

We stopped in at Herwig's Austrian Bistro! Where we all shared some kick-ass Kaesespaetzle; which took me back to when I lived in Germany (delish!).

From there... we wandered a bit in and out of shops, looking at window displays, and made a final stop at W.C. Clarke's ... a fine roasted coffee and cheese shop. Totally, my kind of place... where we were able to get some organic Guatemalan coffee and some Brie and fine Blue cheese.

All in all; we had a wonderful day in State College... and look forward to our next visit.
Hope you are all having a great weekend as well... and see you on Monday!

1-17-14

Another week has gone by... and I hope you all are doing well.

Today I am grateful for:
-back roads
-wonderful old houses
-crisp winter air
-when things you do are appreciated
-surprises
-camphor salve
-Reese's cups
-early bedtimes
-puppies who snuggle
-sudoku

1-16-14

So today; the daughter and I went out and about with our cameras.
It was after I had worked... so the light was starting to fade a bit... but we still had an awesome time.

Things I am grateful for today:

-great afternoon light
-sheep
-sheep that photobomb other sheep :)
-the smell of the woods when it's damp
-dark green christmas ferns that shoot up through the snow
-fluffy clouds in winter skies
-barns. I really love barns.
-thermoses full of coffee
-warm coats and boots
-and the glass of chardonnay that I thoroughly enjoyed when we got back to town.

1-15-14

It's been foggy these past few days... and just glorious to photograph.

Things I am grateful for today:
-fog. I think it's pretty. Dangerous when driving... but pretty.
-the folks who keep the roads clear
-precipitation. Yah. I lived in the desert for 18yrs.
-hills
-trees
-snow melting into creeks
-scenic overpasses
-cameras
-laptops
-photo storage units.

((on an aside... my laptop has been down again for a day or two while my hubby installs a new photo storage  unit/drive to store my photos on... and loading the old photos. He's a good guy).

1-14-14

...there is something inherently cool about a pool in wintertime.


Today I am grateful for:

-pools in winter. Such inspiration!
-the color blue
-puffy white clouds
-walks in the brisk winter air
-the crunch of ice underfoot
-the smell of pine
-babbling brooks
-the call of chickadee birds
-hot coffee
-milano cookies

1-13-14

These past few days have been chaotic and strange.
Unsettling.
Too much nervous/ sad energy.


Today I took a walk... and seeing this leaf in ice today; just spoke to me about being "stuck"...
and that I need to get out of this feeling. So today I smudged... tried to release anxiety and frustration...
and am trying to move on.

Things I am grateful for today:

-incense
-supportive friends/family
-candles
-Rescue Remedy. Good for Brina when she gets nervous... good for me when I get nervous.
-music (today I am listening to Essential Lounge: Bombay)
((and speaking of music... did you see that Christine McVie re-joined with Fleetwood Mac))
-fresh fruit. (today we got groceries... and the grapes are terrific)
-Moleskine Notebooks. I keep a business ledger in a larger Moleskine notebook... and this week I got a new one in the mail for this year.
-packing tape. I know. This one seems sorta stupid. But like it's cousin Duct Tape... packing tape has so many cool uses. Like THIS.
-hot water. Sometimes you just need a long hot shower (or bath).
-dog treats. We were almost out... and I think Brina was afraid the universe had run out. But now we have more... and all is right with the world.