4-19-16


I think people wonder why I stay up so late at night.
First, because I have never been a morning person (or whatever that means).. but also because I like the quiet of the night.
I like that most everyone is asleep.
I often tiptoe outside and listen to the crickets... and to here the waft from the wings of bats as they hover around the lights down the street.
I like the sound of rain in an otherwise silent night, and the squawk of the ducks as they head out down the river at dawn.
I love the soft "coo-coo" of the lady dove who likes to sit on a tree in our yard as the sun dares to come up on more time.
I enjoy cradling a hot cup of tea in my hands, trying to get warm; when my body is too tired to easily fall asleep.
And the intoxicating smell of darjeeling, as eyes closed... I start to dream...

I realized last night, that I hadn't been sharing the links to blogs in my reading list for awhile.
So today; I thought I would include a bunch of them...

* Altered Bits
* Blacksburg Belle
* Christa Gallopoulos
* PFN photo
* Yay Retro!
* Jennifer Summer
* the Itinerant Printer
* Carissa Paige
* Cadyn Speziale
* booooooom

~~~ see you all tomorrow.

4-18-16


It's "Maker Monday!"... my continuing series of posts where I feature something I've made recently; and encourage the maker lifestyle.

It's easy to get discouraged. I get it. Sometimes it's really hard to pull yourself up and start again.
One thing I was really good about doing for many years, is a series of meditation/ relaxation breaths... done before trying to go to sleep for the night, along with some simple stretches. This is similar. After moving back here to PA, I got out of the habit... and although I cannot blame my build up of stress on my not doing this... it certainly wouldn't hurt if I got back in the habit.

The other thing I do... that I've just recently started making... is designing my own mandalas.
"The word Mandala (pronunciation mon- dah- lah) means 'circle.' A Mandala represents wholeness, a cosmic diagram reminding us of our relation to infinity, extending beyond and within our bodies and minds. The mandala appears to us in all aspects of life, the Earth, the Sun, the Moon and more obviously the circles of life encompassing friends, family and communities.
Mandalas are circular designs symbolizing the notion that life is never ending. Many mandalas have spiritual significance to an individual or group of individuals. The Hindus were one of the first people to use a mandala as a spiritual tool, but the mandalas most individuals are familiar with, are ones made by Buddhists. Mandalas are used for meditation purposes allowing the individual meditating to become one with the universe." --- from this site.

To make mine, I start with one of my photographs... usually a flower, or a tree, or something scenic. I use 3 different photo editing programs to eventually come up with a design. I have made about 25 different mandala designs so far... including a couple that I made this weekend.

The mandala design at the top of this post, is one that started off as one of my photographs of a winter aconite plant, barely out of the ground; but ready to face the world. This next one (below) started off as a close-up photograph of the center if an iris.



And this last one, started as a photograph of some neon green leaves on a tree in Albuquerque, against the deep blue southwest skies.
I hope you all have a peace-filled day, and I will see you all tomorrow...

for the weekend


It's the weekend!
And while we had snow on the ground last weekend.... this weekend has been sunny and warm.
I spent yesterday at Firestone Forge; my friends in Germania who have a shop. This weekend is their Open House event, and there were lots of things going on. It was awesome. It looks like it will be a promising year for them (and the daughter and I) as we have some of our art over there and plan on leading some classes over the course of the year.
Anyway... so last weekend there was snow everywhere... and this weekend as I was walking around my friend's place... there were all these scilla plants popping up all over and blooming. It was gorgeous. If you've even been driving around in early spring and see lots of these swaths of brilliant blue (and you're not in Texas and it's bluebells) ... it's probably scilla. According to wiki, there are 81 varieties of this genus, and my untrained eye caught at least 2 at  my friend's house.

I hope you are enjoying your weekend. Per my usual weekend routine; I've gathered a bunch of links to share with you all:

*this will start off your day... and here is something very different from the same artist
*miniature landscapes by Kendal Murray
*interesting history
*restored video of 'A Day in the Life' by the Beatles
*npr article on author Beverly Cleary
*something good
*honey hunting in Nepal
*behind the scenes at the Natural History Museum
*the Abandoned Yellow Brick Road
*poet Adrienne Rich
*I think I've posted this before... but it's still thought provoking
*weird or wonderful?

I hope you are all having a great weekend, and I will see you all back here tomorrow for my "Maker Monday" post.

4-14-16



... and sometimes life surprises you with pockets of awesomeness...
See you all tomorrow.

4-13-16


Happy Wednesday!
I am incredibly busy this week.... much more so than I anticipated....
So if posts are a little short this week; I apologize.

However, it's sunny... and the birds are singing...
See you all tomorrow.

4-12-16


It's late; and it's been a very full week already.
But errands have been run, stuff has been done, and mom is home from the hospital.
See you all tomorrow...

4-11-16


well, it's "maker Monday"... my continuing series of posts where I feature something I've made recently,
 and encourage the maker lifestyle...

This week, I've been doing some design work for people. Posters and flyers (3) for a friend's shop, ideas for advertising work for a festival coming in the fall, and one for a local festival coming in May. I've also been trying to get some of my work ready to put in a shop; and have been brainstorming about displays. And, I've been madly trying to organize things a bit (at least in my mind) of things I need to do.
But none of things are really "show-able" on a post.

I did however, finish this pair of earrings. Made from sterling wire, these earrings feature Butterscotch Jade, carved yellow jade and the most exquisite solid sterling Buddha charms. I bought these charms probably close to 20years ago. They are substantial, and were made using the lost wax technique. They are signed on the bottom by the artist. The jade is pretty amazing too. Rich in color, and the carving on the yellow jade round beads is a gorgeous detail.


So. I will try to cross a couple things off of my list of things to do (a clipboard full)... and I will see you all tomorrow.

for the weekend


It's the weekend! .... well, technically, it's already Sunday.
But I've gathered some links to share with you all that I hope you will like:

*music I'm listening to right now
*the next book on my reading list (loved the movie; thought I should read the book).
*this is cool
*saw this place featured on an HGTV episode. What an awesome idea.
*how have I never heard of this???
*not sure how realistic this is, but the concept is cool
*a poem about crocus flowers
*amazing artwork by Alfred Basha ( and more here)
*food for thought
*some cool DIY projects
*still think this is an awesome idea.
*I love this place. It's one of the most peaceful spots I've ever been to.
*and more gorgeous places in New Mexico
*It's almost fishing season...


The photos for today's post, are ones I just took yesterday as the sun was setting. The place is Nine Mile Lakeside Cottages... a spot nearby I have loved for years. And it looks super pretty in this weekend's snowfall. (click on the panoramic photo just above to see it larger)

See you all on Monday...

4-8-16


Yesterday I picked what daffodils I could from my mother's flower bed.
They were all drooped over and bent due to the cold and the snow from a couple days ago... and now, overnight, it has snowed again... and they would surely not have survived it. And so they sit on my desk... reminding me that spring will come again...

I've lots to do today, and frankly, no motivation to do it.
My entire being just wants to go back to bed.
This past week or so, I finished the book "A Circle of Quiet," and also the book "Empty Mansions"... and last night I (almost) finished a book called "The Delany Sisters Book of  Everyday Wisdom." It's a very short book by the Delany Sisters, the last surviving 2 daughters of a civil war slave. Sadie lived to be 109, and her sister Bessie lived to be 104. The first book they co-authored was called "Having Our Say".... and I should probably have read it first; as this one is a sequel of sorts. After Bessie died, Sadie wrote a third and final book called "On My Own."

I had taken one of my niece's children to a doctor appointment the other day; and I was chatting with a lady in the waiting room about books. She was saying that she tries to take a book with her on her errands, because she never knows when she will end up waiting a long while; with nothing to do. She was saying that it was interesting how folks tend to get upset about waiting... when in actuality... it can be a blessing to "have" to sit and read a good book instead of rushing about to do something else.
I was telling her how my father most always had a paperback book in his back pocket; for that very reason.
It's funny to me... and I just got to thinking about this... that we as a society think nothing of sitting in front of the television for 3-4hours a night... but taking time to read a book is a luxurious/ selfish thing to do. And I don't dislike television; there can often times be good things on.... it's just interesting how some things are more acceptable (or perhaps just more common?) than others....

See you all tomorrow.

4-7-16


I am woefully behind today.
I went to bed very late; and then read for a long while to finish a book.
I woke up late.. had to run a bunch of errands; and I've still lots of work to do.

But. I decided I had to take some time to at least work on a more "arty" photograph; which I've included for today's post. We have lots of turkey vultures that love to hang around our hill. So the work I've done for today is a combination of several photographs of these birds in flight, and then several more photos that I like to use as layers on top.
I hope your day is going well, and I will see you all tomorrow.

4-6-16


Once in awhile we get really lucky, and we have a loving spirit that comes into our lives... be it a person, or a fur baby. Brina (Sabrina) was my heart. She got me through cancer, moves, job changes, kids, sickness, trips cross country, heartache, joys, losses.... everything. She was my constant companion and always loved me unconditionally and completely. She lived much longer than anyone dared hope... and I am so very grateful for the time spent. Yesterday the sky opened up... and a true angel went home.

I saw my first glimpse of Sabrina online. I never look at pet adoption sites; because I want to bring them all home. But for some reason, I came across one ... and once I saw her face... I was a goner. Looking similar to the puppy we had when I was a young child, I just knew she was meant to live with me. So I called the group, and discovered she  had already been adopted. Boldy, I told the woman on the phone that when they brought her back, to give me a call because she needed to be with me. Just a few weeks later, we went to pick her up. We had an instant connection. She nursed me through good times and bad, through sickness and good health. She traveled with me on every trip cross country from our home in New Mexico back to PA. She went to the ocean with us, she went to the Grand Canyon... she loved staying in hotels and sniffing fields of cattle, buffalo.... going fishing.. and traipsing through the woods. She loved moving back her to PA, and enjoyed many the afternoon just lying in the grass and listening to the birds. She was very healthy and extremely active until a fall off a neighboring porch, then went through a scary time when the doctors thought she had cancer. The last year she had a limp; and the past few months have been quite rough for her, but she never lost her joy of life, or the desire to snuggle and hang out with her family.

There are people who think that the love of a pet is somehow a lesser thing than the love between human beings. I cannot disagree more. Somehow, that unconditional love between animals and humans is able to transcend barriers; and show us what real love has always been meant to be. Until we see each other again...

And I will see you all tomorrow.




4-4-16



It's "Maker Monday"... my series of posts where I feature something I've made during the week, and encourage the maker lifestyle.

I try to donate to fundraisers as much as I am able. I believe in helping out whenever I can.
So, I wanted to do something nice for an upcoming fundraiser for the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation. Funds raised go towards accessibility items and projects within our State Parks and State Forests. The event is in May, but I wanted to get it done early.
So... what did I do?
I have matted one of my altered photographs (this one is of Lyman Run State Park that I took last summer). Being one of the local State Parks, I felt it was appropriate. Then, I wanted to make a jewelry set. So I've combined lots of really pretty sterling silver findings and chain, and made a necklace and earrings set. The lampwork bead in the middle of the necklace was made by Theresa Jones; an artist friend of mine back in New Mexico. All the stone beads are Blue Goldstone. I chose them, because I think they really represent the dark skies that we have here. Countless people enjoy the Dark Sky parties at our local Cherry Springs State Park.

... and while I had the energy, I made a few more things...
See you all tomorrow.


for the weekend


So. It's snowing at the moment.
The wind has been crazy strong, and trees have fallen down.
Nature continues to surprise us in so many ways... however, I refuse to post a photo of snow.
So. I am sharing instead, a photo I took last May, of some gorgeous pink magnolia blossoms.
I am trying to be optimistic.

There are lots of things going on this weekend... shows and events in the area...
but I am thinking that I may just hide under a warm quilt and watch a movie, or finish a book.
Currently, I am reading "Empty Mansions, " the story of Huguette Clark.
I had breezed through it when it first came out, and am now taking a more leisurely stroll through it's pages. I recommend it.

Instead of my usual list of links; I thought this time I would share with you some of the movies I've watched in the past few months, and what I thought:

*The Art of Getting By: sort of a 'coming of age' movie. Not bad. Not great.
*Begin Again: great music... the story sweeps you up and doesn't let go. I loved it.
*This is Where I Leave You: I got drawn in because I think Jason Bateman does a great job playing these quirky characters. Kind of dark, but humorous... and interesting. Jane Fonda does well playing the mom, although her character was pretty 2 dimensional.
*Mr. Holmes: now this, was good. Great story. Great acting.
*Ricki and the Flash: I really wanted to like the characters more.... it was ok.
*Best Exotic Marigold Hotel: THIS. This was really good. Great characters, great development. And beautifully photographed. LOVED Judi Dench, LOVED Maggie Smith.
*the Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel: and who likes a sequel? this girl. It was good too.
*Henri Cartier Bresson: This was a bio. Very interesting, and of course, they showed much of his work.
*Iris: also a bio, this is the story of Iris Apfel. Really, really cool.
*The Life and Times of Frida Kahlo: also a bio, narrated by Rita Moreno. I've seen lots of movies about Frida, this goes in the top 3.
*Elsa and Fred: lesson here? great actors (Christopher Plummer and Shirley Maclaine) do bad movies too. Horrible.
*100 Foot Journey: I watched it twice. In a row. It was that good. Helen Mirren is stellar.
*Chef: This is the story of a single dad who ends up running a food truck. It is amazing. I highly recommend it.

...and there you have it. I hope you all have a great weekend, and I'll see you all back here on Monday.

4-1-16


Happy April Fool's Day!
No, I am not in the southwest (this photo is from a trip to Tuscon a few years ago)... I am still in PA.
Things have been a bit chaotic this week, and I am sorry I missed yesterday's post.
My mom has been sick; and is in the hospital (although she is doing ok)... we had a crazy wind storm....
and well... things just got busier than usual.

Today I am catching up on a few things around the house before I go and run lots of errands...

Oh!.... and here are some earrings I made the other night and thought I would share with you.
For this pair, I have used turquoise toned Swarovski crystals, some gorgeous (old stock with super rich color) Lapis Lazuli stone and lots of sterling silver wire and beads. The charms on the end are super special. I had these custom made from an artist in Israel using the lost wax cast method; and she is no longer making them. They are a Sacred Geometry design called the Merkaba/ Merkabah.
I will be listing them in the Etsy shop asap.

"The Merkaba is an extremely powerful symbol. It is a combination of two star tetrahedrons - one pointing up to the heavens, channeling energy down from the Universe to the earth plain, and one pointing downwards, drawing energy up from the earth beneath. The top, or upward pointing tetrahedron is male and rotates clockwise, with the bottom or downwards pointing one being female, which rotates counterclockwise."

3-30-16


This is a photo I took at one of our local parks. 
I remember playing on this very merry go round as a kid... and it's still there. 

Hope you are enjoying your day.
See you all tomorrow.

3-29-16



...baby steps ... baby steps...
working my way back to normalcy... or whatever that means.

...but I am working. And that is good.
See you all tomorrow.

3-28-16


I hope you all had a great weekend...
And it's "Maker Monday"... my weekly post where I show something I've made, and encourage the maker lifestyle.

If you follow me on Facebook, you know that this week I've been concentrating on making rosary rings... my own design that is comprised of a single decade rosary chaplet and a Catholic Saint medal, all in a compact, portable ring. So for days.... these trays were most always in my line of eyesight.


Not a bad view at all... but every so often you have to stop and do something else.
(and I ran out of crimps... so I had to stop). But, I digress. So I decided to do a little cleaning, do a little cooking, and to make something else.


These are "messy wrapped" purple & Fuchsia toned chalcedony stone faceted drops. All the wire and findings are sterling silver, and the chain and magnetic closure are sterling as well. I love the little detail on the links of chain. This set is simple, but the color and gemstone faceting still have a large impact. And... inspired by both the bright colors of the seed beads I've been working with...
and the color of the crocus flowers blooming in my neighbor's yard (see top photo).

See you all tomorrow.

3-25-16


...there are times in life when you need to take a step back.

I had thought I was doing well. I had thought I was coping well with all the major life changes, moving, jobs, financial issues, PTSD triggers, new responsibilities, worrying about my son and granddaughter so far away.... I'm sure you all understand.... knowing all the battles you too are going through. It's not easy. For any of us. We are all struggling with things that others no nothing of.
We smile. We nod. We keep going.
Until we can't.
Until you can't get out of bed.
Until you can't face one. more. thing.
One more rejection.
One more bump in the road.

And yes, I appreciate all the good things.
Yes, I am beyond thankful for all the wonderful blessings... and I am trying hard to concentrate on that. But in the meantime... I am fragile. I am spent. I am tired.

So... instead of making you "wait" for my weekend post with links; I am doing it now; and taking the weekend off ... much love to you all...and I'll see you back here on Monday.

Here are some links I've gathered:
*morel mushroom hunting
*your next reading list?
*a conversation with Patti Smith
*Pennsylvania waterfalls road trip
*whodathunkit
*a ghost town in New York
*reminds me of leaf collecting in 9th grade; only way better
*remember this?
*finding leeks in PA
*food for thought