7-21-16



Have I mentioned how much I love photography?
I took a bunch of photographs the other day at my friends' place... and here are a couple of them.
I hope you like them.

I've got so much work to do today... so I better get back to it.
I will see you all tomorrow.

7-20-16


Several weeks ago, I started a new "series" of posts... if you will...   
And so on Wednesdays; I intend to post an old photograph to inspire your creativity. 
Write a poem!  Plot out a short story! Have inspiration for a piece of art or composition.... let your artistic soul shine. 
(you can click on the photos in this post to make it larger to see).

This one is "curious and curious-er"...
At first glance, I thought this was a Father and son out cutting down weeds.
It looks like they are working hard, and it looks like possibly that is a graveyard in the background.
But then I looked more closely, and it looks like those aren't scythes... but maybe golf clubs that these fellows are wielding! 
In which case, that brings new definition to having a ball "in the weeds"...
I am befuddled.

But hey... that's what great prompts are made of.
So... think of a story!
And I will see you all tomorrow...

7-19-16


I am exhausted... I am drained.... I am worn out.
I've been working very hard, and some days it just seems like it's not enough.
Today I have errands to run for my mom, 
lots to do on the computer and in the studio,
and a meeting on tap for tonight...

But my allergies and my body are telling me an entirely different story of what is on the agenda. 
Who will win?  ...tune in tomorrow....

7-18-16

It's "Maker Monday" ... my series of posts where I show you something I've made (or am working on) 
 over the course of the previous week... and encourage the maker lifestyle.

This was a busy week! -- Looks like we made lots of things!
((You can click on each of these photos to make them larger))
These are a few I did...




These are some items that Kristin and I worked on together...


And these are ones Kristin did!





And we're making more things most every day!
See you all tomorrow....

for the weekend


So. It's hot. People's temper's are short. Politic are, shall we say... tumultuous.
Every now and then, I devote a post to writing about book I've recently read, or movies I've recently watched. Also. bunnies. But that is another story. And rather than write something potentially banal or, conversely, inflammatory... I will stick to movies for this weekend.
Hope you enjoy...

Movies:
*True Stories -- surprisingly cute. Course, I like John Goodman... and this cast of odd characters is somewhat mesmerizing.
*Mystery Train -- odd. Again, a mishmash of sorta connected stories. Not horrible... and the reference to the ghost of Elvis was interesting.
*Art School Confidential -- should have been better than it was. Even John Malkovich couldn't save it.
*The Double Life of Veronique -- honestly, I can't decide if I like it or not. It was certainly interesting, and the photography was good. But more sex than needed to tell the story, and the ending left me hanging. I do think the concept of us all having doppelgangers is interesting though.
*Hyde Park on Hudson - interesting movie about President Franklin Roosevelt (played by Bill Murray). Not sure how accurate a story it is, but it was beautiful, and funny, and tragic. Recommend.
*A New Leaf -- Walter Matthau & Elaine Mae (1971). Heard lots of good things about it, supposed to be a "classic?"... whatever that means. But it was, in my opinion.. just painful. And horrible.
*Man on the Moon -- another one I've heard great reviews of. And while I like Jim Carrey... dang. Another movie that was really painful to watch. You want it to get better, you want to understand the characters, but you just don't like them. 
*Danny Collins -- Al Pacino. A fairly good movie... just sad that the main character never really decides to be himself... which I suppose, is true for lots of folks. .. just a bit heartbreaking.
*Irrational Man - started out promising. Had the potential to be provocative... but didn't quite get there.
*Joan Baez: How Sweet the Sound -- documentary. Really cool... but I felt that they eluded to alot of her life, but never really talked about much of it, other than some of her political leanings. Of course, the music was great.
*Across the Universe -- reminded me of another movie I saw several years ago called Moulin Rouge. Love the music (Beatles)... love the idea of telling a story almost completely through song... and it was gorgeous to look at. Don't expect a whole lot of plot, or anything unexpected. And why is the lesbian character the only one who never gets busy>
*Paper Moon -- yes, the old one with Tatum and Ryan O'Neale. Loved it. And I completely forgot that Madeline Kahn was in it.
*Grandma - with Lily Tomlin. I might have a new "girl-crush" on her (again). She was awesome in this.

And of course, I've also been trying to read more... but will save that for another post.
See you all on Monday!



7-15-16


I am a little late writing today's post for some reason.
Didn't sleep well, concerned for a friend that is having a procedure done today a great distance away... 
it's hot.... I'm exhausted.... life, I guess.

On the plus side, the daughter went to the local Potter County Farmer's Market for us; and got a great haul. So there will be fresh veggies tonight! Our garden is doing well, but someone ate all of our lettuce again last night... and I am thinking we will not be getting any of it this season at all. Sneaky little buggers, they are.... and little Houdinis when it comes to getting around our screens. But, thanks to our fabulous local growers, we now have a sampling of swiss chard, scallions, blueberries, currants, Japanese cukes, long beans, bread, and shitake mushrooms!!! The tomato was our prize from our garden this am.


... I am in need of more coffee if I am going to get through this afternoon... and so I will bid you farewell for the day.
Here is another quick snap of some summer flowers.
See you all tomorrow...


7-14-16


It's been a rough week. I am not sure why...
It's been hot, and it seems like lots of folks are on edge.
So I am concentrating on making things, and taking photographs...

And on the plus side; the garden seems to finally be taking off... and we've a couple tomatoes on the horizon. 
Hope you are all doing well....
See you tomorrow.



7-13-16


Several weeks ago, I started a new "series" of posts... if you will...  
And so on Wednesdays; I intend to post an old photograph to inspire your creativity. Write a poem!  Plot out a short story! Have inspiration for a piece of art or composition.... let your artistic soul shine. (you can click on the photos in this post to make it larger to see).

I am thinking that the two women on the ends are probably sisters, with the one sister's daughter, and probably mother in the middle. These kind of "generational" photographs are awesome.

The smiles on these women show us how carefree summers can be...
Perhaps they all took a trip to the shore? Perhaps it was a family gathering ... a wedding or birth... who knows. The lady on the far right sure looks like she is looking out for her mother... maybe she is the primary caretaker? ... maybe she and her sister disagree on how to take care of mom? .. or maybe she just doesn't approve of the youngest woman's dress? Only you can tell the story...

7-12-16


...sort of a continuation from yesterday's "Maker Monday" post... 

This past week or so has been very busy with gathering things to sell. With the hubby being unemployed, we are doing everything we can to fix up and clear out stuff we have in the hopes of making ends meet.... while he looks for work (and in addition to my at-home art business). There are lots of things we have that we really don't need... and there are lots of things we've been given or come across these past couple of years; that just need some work to make them sell-able.... so we have been concentrating on that.
First on the list, was a grouping of electronics... computers, a couple dead laptops, some small tools and such, etc. We still have a bit more to go through, but this weekend I was able to list some of it for sale, set some aside to go to my niece's upcoming yard sale, and some we've gathered to go to be recycled.


And of course, I scavenged some bits off the obviously-not-working stuff to use for jewelry. 
I've also been gathering up extra beads and supplies and such that I am listing on Ebay.


And then there is the "UpCycling" stuff that the daughter and I have been working on.
Needless to say, the studio is somewhat of a zoo this week (hence the Zebra shot at the top of today's post).
It's sort of like a dysfunctional Santa's sweatshop going on down here .... giggle.... but it's all in fun.
We've got wood projects, furniture projects, craft projects... and more. But we are getting there.


Who knows what we'll come up with this week...
See you all tomorrow for my "creativity prompt" posting on Wednesdays.

7-11-16


It's "Maker Monday" ... my series of posts where I show you something I've made (or am working on) 
over the course of the previous week... and encourage the maker lifestyle.

It's been a super busy week! ... and when I was looking back on the photos from this past week for today's post; 
I realized it was potentially more than I could put in one post. SO. 
Tomorrow's post will be a sort of continuation from today's. 

Of course, I've been working on a couple new projects that I hope to finish and list this week in my Etsy shop.... like this bracelet. 
I think it's super cool with (very pricey) bits of Argentium knit cable and all sterling findings and clasp... and of course, some gorgeous Swarovski crystals. I am quite happy with how it turned out.


And... the daughter and I have been working very hard on some upcycle projects. 
Here are a few we finished this week: 





Keep creating!!! folks.... and I will see you all back here tomorrow.

for the weekend


It's the weekend! ... and although there are many, many things to do in the area.... I am thinking I just need a couple days to relax a little. Turn up the music, pull out the wine, perhaps read a book... or get a little sleep....

I hope you are all having a great weekend -- if you happen to be weaving around on the internet, here are some links I've gathered to share with you all:

*storms over the ocean
*embroidered "psychological" landscapes
*color palettes from some favorite movies
*photographs of fireflies
*photographer Mikko Lagerstedt
*embroidery on helmets?
*artist Zaria Foreman
*carved nuts! from the 16th Century
*photographer Mario Macilau
*"must read" book list by Patti Smith

The photograph for today's post is of a nearby wetlands... out in the "boonies" here.
Sometimes, black and white photography is just the right thing.... See you all on Monday!

7-8-16


Happy Friday!
Things are rolling along... busy as usual. Today I am running errands for my mom, and helping out where I can. And.... trying to get some work done, both in the studio... and with things we have been up-cycling to sell.

The photos for today's post are ones I took a bit ago when the daughter and I were out driving one day. We took a ride up to Cherry Springs State Park... and this is the old fire tower that is out there. As far as I know, it is not in use; nor has it been for man years. But it's still a cool structure... and very fun to take photos of.

According to one site:
1917 - Chief Forest Fire Warden Report, 1918
October 10, 1917: "An observation tower is being built on the highest point in the Black Forest, about one and one-half miles from Cherry Springs, which will be used for the sighting of forest fires in the county. The tower will be 70 feet high when completed and is at the present time erected to about 40 feet. It is constructed of steel and is being erected by the State Forestry Department. The tower will be connected by telephone so that news of any forest fire can be quickly spread. This tower will no doubt prove of considerable interest to tourists.--Westfield Free Press." (The Wellsboro Agitator)

1917: "A new steel tower was erected in August and September of this year (1917) near Cherry Springs, Potter County. The tower is sixty feet high and from it the observer can detect the first smoke of a fire anywhere within a radius of from 15 to 25 miles. A tabulation of the cost of the tower follows: Cost of tower - $350.00; Freight on tower - $24.98; Staking out site and digging holes - $54.03; Foundation - $47.42; Erection - $127.94; Road and Improvement to site - $16.80. Total - $621.17.

Hope you are all having a great day, and I will see you all tomorrow for my weekend post.



7-7-16


The other day I had posted some photographs that I took up at Cherry Springs State Park that I hadn't gotten to really look at or edit yet. Here are some more. (you can click on the top pano shot to see it bigger)

I love black and white photography... and used to do alot more of it than I do now.
I think that is going to change a bit this year.
I am also hoping to get back into some infrared (or infrared-like) photography, as my equipment allows.
Hope you like these... and I will see you all tomorrow.



7-6-16


Several weeks ago, I started a new "series" of posts... if you will... 

And so on Wednesdays; I intend to post an old photograph to inspire your creativity. Write a poem! 
Plot out a short story! Have inspiration for a piece of art or composition.... let your artistic soul shine.
(you can click on the photos in this post to make it larger to see).

These happy folks look like they are on a picnic! (see the packages behind them on the rocks?)
Perhaps they are playing "hookie" from school ... or taking a well deserved lunch break from work.
Maybe they are part of a group of young archaeologists out in the field... having just dug up something super awesome....
ome hidden treasures hidden deep in those rocks for centuries... left by a wandering pirate.
Or maybe... they are bootleggers... out looking all "innocent" and waiting for their next buyer to stop by? 
What's their story to you?

~~~
Just joining in? Here are the photos I have featured so far...


7-5-16



A couple weeks ago, the daughter and I took a drive out to Cherry Springs State Park, and walked around for a bit taking pictures and sketching. I still haven't really looked at the photos... but decided to show a couple of them for today's post.

I am exhausted. Bone tired. Ragged and worn...
But alas, I have lots to do today; and I'd better get on about doing it.
See you all tomorrow...


7-4-16


It's "Maker Monday" ... my series of posts where I show you something I've made (or am working on) over the course of the previous week... and encourage the maker lifestyle.

This past week or so has been very busy with the making of things to sell.
(you can click on any of the collage photos below to see them bigger)

This was an old tray from the 8o's that had some unfortunate graphics on it. 
So, it was painted and handles were added to make it more functional.


This elegant mirror was made from the back of a chair that was steps away from being burned up due to age and rot. We sawed off and saved the portion that we could, applied some wood filler, sanded and painted and searched high and low for a mirror that would fit. 
I think it's pretty amazing.


This old enamelware pot was quite rusted and had holes in the bottom, but amazingly, still had the original label on it. The label was preserved, and larger holes were put in the bottom to make it the perfect planter. We hand-painted the butterfly on the one side. 
It is huge, and now has lush, fresh flowers in it. 


And this planter box was in desperate need of sanding and repainting. The old paint was very chippy, the box was missing screws. and it just looked ready to be retired. The daughter took sanding bits to it, and several hours later, it was ready for new paint. She painstakingly painted each of the details in new colors, assembled it all... and now it's ready for your plants. 
Wouldn't it look super cute with strawberries in it?


And, I've also been working on new mandala prints from my original photos. The mandala print at the top of today's post, started off as one of my photographs of fireworks. I thought it would be perfect to celebrate today's Independence Day festivities.

I hope you are all having a great day, and I will see you all back here tomorrow.

for the weekend


It's the weekend!
So very much is going on in the area here... tons of fireworks, sales, gatherings and more. Lots of activities surrounding the coming 4th of July. Frankly, I think my weekend is going to involve staying home and working around the studio... and that is absolutely alright with me.
I am so grateful that the daughter and I were able to run some errands and such earlier in the week... because I am thinking we need a couple days of rest and recoup time.

We are also "watching" a senior dachshund for a friend, and he is an amusing old fellow.
Somehow, I don't think he will mind if we just hang out.

And of course, I've some links to share with you all:
* Alaskan Bears! Live cam
* Native American herbal remedies
* cool things about bumblebees
* now this, this is a treehouse
* Ali Alamedy's miniature dioramas
* have you heard of the 5 hour rule?
* paper sculptures by Georgia Russell (no relation)
* some amazing churches
* have you seen this corn?
* photographer Christopher Swann

I hope you have an awesome weekend, and I will see you all back here on Monday.

7-1-16


Today is really busy for some reason.... but that is probably a very good thing.
Lots of errands, places to go, things to do... work to get done.
And it's summer.... so you know at some point, there will be iced tea or coffee involved, 
and some sitting on the grass and looking at the sky... and so it goes.

This whole year has been nothing like I thought it was going to be... and while some of that is not so good... some of it has been quite good. And, as July has just stepped up to the plate, and we've waved goodbye to June... I am taking stock of things... and seeing what, at least, the immediate future holds. Hope all is well with you all... and I will see you all back here tomorrow for my weekend post.


((the photos for today's post were taken in Gold, PA))

6-30-16



bucolic (adjective): of or relating to the pleasant aspects of countryside and country life. 
of rural life. 
of living in or characterized by living in a rural setting. 
of unpaved roads, and relating to cowherds, sheepherds and farm land. 
pastoral. 

~~~
yep. that's it.
Hope you all have a great day; and I will see you all tomorrow.

6-29-16

A couple weeks ago, I started a new "series" of posts... if you will...

And so on Wednesdays; I intend to post an old photograph to inspire your creativity. Write a poem! Plot out a short story!
Have inspiration for a piece of art or composition.... let your artistic soul shine.
(you can click on the photo in this post to make it larger to see).

So, this week, I am posting a photograph of a sweet little girl with a devilish grin. What is she up to?
What is she cooking up for the days ahead? what little mischief is she getting into now?
Call her to you... perhaps she will let you in on her secret...

See you all tomorrow.