10-14-14

Well, as expected... it was a very busy few days at the Rock City Park Gem & Mineral Show.
And, as expected... I probably broke even because every cent I made; I ended up using to buy more materials for next years jewelry pieces.
You should have seen the stones! Some really gorgeous specimens were on hand; and there was even a wonderful husband/wife team who had geodes that they were cracking on order. It reminded me of when I was a little kid... and I would bring my hard earned quarters to get surprise bags at the Five&Dime store. The anticipation of what could potentially be inside was worth every penny.

Not being an early bird by any stretch... getting up and around was an effort; and the photos above
were taken by my daughter (*I was driving*) ... but I did edit them.
It was really beautiful out.

So what is next?
-trying to fix up the yard a bit before winter sets in (eash... the year has gone by quickly).
-working on finishing up the studio space as best we can so that I can start using it. Hopefully, it will now be dry and with better lighting. And with the new shelving we purchased... it may even be sorta organized!
-I have worked out a deal with our local Potter County Visitor's Center; and will be taking some photographs for them for their upcoming new website... so I have some photo shoots coming up.
-more volunteer work at out local Potter County Artisan Center, and this coming Saturday evening we are having another Open House event there. It will have live music from Tim Walck; and a demonstration from the students at Essence of Motion Dance Studio, along with a meet and greet the artisans time, and sweets and treats.... so come by if you can...
-and of course, helping my mom with things.
-and lots of other ideas I have in the works... so stay tuned.

But for today I was able to sleep in a bit --which was wonderful.
I photographed and listed some new items in my Etsy shop, and plan on relaxing a bit before the rest of this busy week  comes to fruition.

Enjoy your evening, and I'll see you all tomorrow ❤

10-13-14

hello Monday...

I am still at a show at Rock City Park for today & will see you all tomorrow.
Hope you had a great weekend :)

for the weekend

So... this "long" weekend is going to be busy...
I have a show that I am attending Sat-Sun-Monday at Rock City Park.
It is their annual Gem and Mineral Show; and I will be showing some of my gemstone jewelry alongside
another local artisan Amber Neefe-Fowler (who makes fabulous metal stamped jewelry).
I love rocks... so if nothing else, I am really looking forward to spending the next few days drooling over
some luscious gems and minerals...

But the weekend is here... and along with it; I've got some links and such to share with you:

*some cool bunny themed art
*fried maple leaves?
*PA Haunted Mansion 
*artist Todd Baxter
*40 portraits in 40 yrs -- this is cool
*75 iconic photos ... and 60 powerful photos (these are on the website Distractify.com)
*the real story behind the movie "The Fault in Our Stars"
*what's wrong with our sleep patterns
*some food for thought.... and more.
*today in Detroit!
*the Sioux Chef
*and this is just an awesome blog
*a cool little DIY craft project
*an exemplary human being
*and this extraordinary little girl

~~~~~

((the photo for today's blog post is of some of the foliage at Lyman Run State Park. 

It is a gorgeous place, and one I like to go to when I am needing some peace and solitude))

10-10-14

sometimes it's hard to stay on the trail.
and sometimes it's hard to know where the trail even is.
I am speaking metaphorically, of course...

It's been a rough (almost year) since moving here; in so many ways.
Not the least of which... is living on very little money.
We are fortunate; to have retirement funds to bolster us... and I know for lots of people these days; that is not the case. But last month, I made just over $300 in totality for the month... and that is a rough place to be in.
Then, there is the issue of working, working, working... and not really having time off... and not being able to afford to go anywhere even if we did take time off... which can be frustrating.
And again, I know several people personally; and millions globally... who are certainly worse off.
So I am not complaining.
What I am saying... is that sometimes, days are hard.
Sometimes, it's hard to be motivated.
Sometimes, you feel like you are merely treading water in a sea of ambivalence and despair.

And then there are the good days... and I strive for them all ... to be good days.
Days when I focus on the positive.
Days when I am thankful to just be...
And that is what I hope that you take away from my blog; my work; my life.
That it can all be good... and often is... if you look for it.


"We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars."
--Oscar Wilde

10-9-14

these "gumdrop mountains"...

as called by a friend of mine

turn sweet in sunlight

10-8-14

fall came whispering...
twirling at the edges of my head; like some errant leaf
spinning around in the frost-tinged air
like the mist rising from the lake
as the frogs croak their swan songs of summer
and the trout burble thoughts up from the depths

a crow flies low overhead
perchance, knowing my thoughts...
of how we came to this place
how we settled in
nestled up
braced ourselves for the cold of winter
rejoiced in the spring
singing songs to the fox and deer that came to call
danced with the bear in the throws of summer
and smoked cigars by twilight
and inhaling this ripened earth as if it were the choicest of apples

and here it is again, this time of fall
this moment of wonder
of color and texture
of faded grass and the call of coyotes
under dark and starry skies.

10-7-14

well... I "lost" 10hrs from Saturday to Sunday in a deep sleep; and 14hrs last night.
In spite of it all; I am exhausted... and so...
I will show you some photos that I took today on a brief walk-about the yard.

... and I will add.... that I saw a nice big pile o' poo left from one of the bears that frequent our yard... right by the patio.
So in answer to the age old question: Does a bear poo in the woods?
Yes, but they also drop loads by the house.
And it looks like he found the corn cobs I put in the compost. :)

(from the top: a bumble bee butt in a petunia, an albino slug, 

and a white hickory tussock moth caterpillar. 

You can read more about the last critter, here and here)

10-6-14

Well, it was a crazy, busy weekend..... but a ton of fun at the Falling Leaves Festival here in Coudersport PA.
I had a booth on the Courthouse Square, and was able to visit with lots of folks I haven't seen in a long while...
which was awesome.

I also took lots of photos.
So if you have access to my Facebook page; check out the album marked Falling Leaves Festival 2014 (82 photos!).

I have another show coming up this coming weekend; HERE... and it looks awesome.
And, to the best of my knowledge... that is probably my last show for the year...
which will give me time to catch up on (lots) of other things.
Like fixing up the studio space.
Like matting and framing some custom photo orders.
Like working in the yard.
And catching up on the "things of life" ... doctor's appointments... figuring out insurance...
and that never-ending "to-do" list.... who am I kidding?!
But it's a goal anyway.


But for today... I am trying to rest.
Hope you are as well.

for the weekend

There is nothing quite like when the leaves turn in the autumn here in the northeast.
It is spectacular... and we are right in the middle of it here in PA,
and so I thought I would share a couple photos.

And it's the weekend! So I've got some links for you to look at:

*Stevie Nick's-- photographer?! And while we're at it... Mick Fleetwood has a book coming out, and has a restaurant! Who knew?
*and these dreamlike sheep!
*ultra cool DDLM cookies
*just WOW.
*photography from 40yrs ago
*make your own instant noodles! ... and more food in jars
*easy going dog breeds (and chow chows are there!)
*a new take on some great "old" music
*time-lapse scenic photographs
*some really creative sculptures
*kawehi
*the World's Most Dangerous Garden
*Wizard of Oz... new movie!

10-3-14

It's Friday! ... and it's autumn in rural PA.... which is always a reason to be happy.

The other day, the daughter and I decided to go for a ride along PA Route 6; and it was gorgeous out.
The sun was shining, the leaves were twirling, and the trees were all decked out in their autumn finery.
It's a good day in the neighborhood.

10-2-14

well, this weekend is the Falling Leaves Festival here in Potter County...
and like someone I know said; falling leaves here is not just nature... it's an EVENT.
And yes, it is.

People come from all over to see the leaves turning all sorts of colors; and it's easy to see why.
The crisp autumn air, the smell of burning leaves, birdsong, and the quiet meanderings of deer, turkey and bear... all lend themselves to (at least my) idealistic fall splendor.

And then there are the "human" events... craft/ art/ gun shows, apple cider and doughnuts at events, caramel kettle corn, small town parades, dances, football games.... well... you get the idea.

But for today... I have tons of work to do in the studio space... even though it's sorta under construction at the moment. Take care, and I'll see you tomorrow.

~~~~~

**I've decided to follow along with a "daily photo challenge" for the month of October.

Today's prompt was "lines"...

10-1-14

As you know, September was horribly busy and taxing -- both physically and emotionally for me...
so I am rather looking forward to October. I have a few shows this month, and a lot of things I intend to pursue on an artistic level... but in spite of the potential business, I thought I would challenge myself to do a 30 day/ photo a day project for the month of October as well. I've done several 365 projects in the past, and I essentially take photographs every day anyway... but this has challenge has prompts... so we'll see how it goes. I hope you decide to follow along :)

Today's prompt is "signs of fall..." and I think the photo for today's post shows my love for fall and the coming signs of autumn.

I apologize in advance for what will probably be some short posts over the next few days.
I have a show this coming Friday and Saturday here in town, and another short show on Sunday in a neighboring town... so I might end up being a little rushed on time.
But.... know that I am thinking of you all... taking photos every day... and I'll do better next week.
much love to you all.

9-30-14

So yesterday, the daughter and I went for a ride in the jeep.

One of the places we stopped; was the Black Forest Trading Post.

It has been a "local" destination for as long as I can remember.

In fact, I remember going there with my Sunday school class back in the very early 70s.

I love to see the deer, grab a cup of coffee... and look at all the items.

The wife's owner is Irish, and they have an awesome selection of items from Ireland.

Unbeknownst to me... there is apparently an auction on the entire property on Saturday.

The owner and his wife are retiring; and have decided to sell the entire business, 

the deer park, the store, all the contents of the store... and the very large 2 bedroom apartment.

This is a huge business opportunity for someone...

and I hope the future owner keeps it just as wonderful as these owners have.

But anyway... I digress.

Here are some photos of the deer!

9-29-14

It feels like I have lost the entire month.
I know I've been sick... but it seems like I have an endless to-do list, not enough time...
and no energy to do things on that list, even if I was inclined to do so.

So.
I took the day off.
I got in the Jeep... picked a direction; and went for a ride.
The 2 photos above, are ones I took on a couple short stops along the way...

See you tomorrow.

for the weekend

Most of you know, that I grew up in the Presbyterian Church.
I went to a Catholic School of Nursing (and was the only non-Catholic student there), and became great friends with some of the nuns...
and treasure those friendships to this day.
And so, it was with great joy that I heard about the renovations going on at the local St. Eulalia Catholic Church. I have many friends and family in the congregation there... and decided to stop in the other day while I was running errands... to see what they have done.

It is stunning... absolutely stunning.
It is reverent, gorgeous, and serene.
And I thought I would share a couple photos I took there on this weekend's post.

If you are in the area, I encourage you to stop in.

9-26-14

Some days are just serendipitous.
Yesterday I had gone out to photograph a few things while I was out running errands...
I was walking on the sidewalk and happened to glance down just as these three amigos strolled right up to me and lay down. So I took a quick shot. ... and this is the result.
I love how they just flew into the frame :)

And today... I was fortunate to catch the very last bit of the Farm Market here in town... and discovered it was the last one of the season :(
Fortunately, I was able to get some fantastic produce... and the really good news... is that I have made some wonderful contacts with some of the vendors, and hope to get fresh, home-made bread throughout the winter from one of the ladies, and hope to stop at one of the farms in a few weeks for some of the last crops of the season.

And, as I was walking to my jeep... I saw in the offing a chair with a sign on it marked FREE.
The chair, looks to be a vintage 40s-50s reading chair.
It is in desperate need of re-upholstering; but it is structurally sound, and really cute.
Plus.... it looks to be the perfect winter-time craft job, and will be a great addition to my daughter's room when it's finished.
Life is good.
See you tomorrow...

9-25-14

...somehow, in my SLE flared stupor this week... the leaves have all begun to change.
It seems early in the year to me... but it is none-the-less... here.
And it is glorious.

Today I went downtown to run a couple short errands...
and was just beside myself with all the color and vibrancy in the hills;
And I hope to get out there in the next couple of days and take some photos.
 (as my energy levels allow)

In the meantime.... know that I am thinking of you all...
And I've included a couple shots I took today for this post.

9-24-14

One of the things I LOVE to do; is to hand color black and white photographs.

One of the things that got me "into" photography in the first place; was by copying old family photos, cropping and enlarging them when needed; and in some cases... hand coloring/restoring them.
After I married, I happened be living in Omaha Nebraska, and  on the military base there; I had access to an "old school" photo developing lab. I had some wonderful opportunities there learning how to process and enlarge negatives... and even glass plates.
For a few years, the majority of my photography business was in restoring old photographs, and hand coloring and restoring them when needed and desired.
But now, many years later, and we are in the digital age of photography. There are lots of different ways you can achieve similar looks without even stepping in a darkroom... as evidenced by the photo on today's post of a tall bearded iris bloom.

I discovered this photo of mine last night while digging through my stash of old photographs, and decided to try my hand at coloring again... but this time; with a program I use online.
I think it turned out pretty well... and thought I would share it with you all today.
Now mind you, I still have my Marshall's oil paints.... and hope to get back into hand coloring the "old fashioned" way... but I still like how far we've come with computer programs that we can even do things like this. It's amazing, really.

In other "news" -- I am hoping (and planning) on having an online store soon where people can buy my photos and have them delivered right to their door. The options will be there to buy my photos as cards, prints, canvas wraps, even larger photographs -- with matting and framing as an option.
To this end; I have been saving  some money... and am almost there ... to get the store started.
In the meantime (I've mentioned it before; but I'll add it again here)... please know that if there is a photo that you see and want to purchase (either on this blog, or on my other photo blog), just drop me a line and I can print an 8 x 10 for only $20.

And THANK YOU... to a couple people I know, who recently placed some orders for me to do just that. And for all of my readers ... and especially those who've made a point these last few weeks to tell me how much they enjoy looking at my photos... THANK YOU.
I appreciate you all ... and am very excited that people read my blogs, and look at my photographs.

See you all tomorrow :)

9-23-14

I am overwhelmed... and it's already... "been a day".

So I am signing off from all things internet for a bit.

Love to you...

Check out this: HERE.

9-22-14

I have had a very up and down kind of day; and rather than try to figure it out...
I am going to sit, make some tea.... eat some good food... and watch Bogey and Hepburn chase the Nazis.
Have a great night; and I'll see you all tomorrow.

*the photo for today's post... is of a stunningly gorgeous mum plant I purchased at a local farm market.
It sits right by my front steps... and I love it.