frosting on the leaves
icy clover in the grasses
winter is on it's way
11-19-16
11-17-16
It's hard to believe that half of November is gone already... and the weather today feels like October.
Today is one of those days where I know I have a ton of things I should be doing... and just can't seem to get the energy up to do much.
Hope you are all doing well... and I will see you back here tomorrow.
11-16-16
Several months 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).
~~~
Somewhere, I have a photograph of my grandmother in a similar swimsuit.
I imagine these ladies are having a grand time.
Most likely, escaping to a "secret" swimming hole where they can escape the summer heat.
There will probably be a picnic afterwards... perhaps potato salad, hot dogs, fresh fruit and corn on the cob... talks around the campfire. And maybe "Uncle Joe" will bring out his guitar and fumble out some bawdy ballads from the old country.
Who knows. .. but I suspect s'mores will follow.
See you all tomorrow.
~~~
Somewhere, I have a photograph of my grandmother in a similar swimsuit.
I imagine these ladies are having a grand time.
Most likely, escaping to a "secret" swimming hole where they can escape the summer heat.
There will probably be a picnic afterwards... perhaps potato salad, hot dogs, fresh fruit and corn on the cob... talks around the campfire. And maybe "Uncle Joe" will bring out his guitar and fumble out some bawdy ballads from the old country.
Who knows. .. but I suspect s'mores will follow.
See you all tomorrow.
11-15-16
Today I am in the process of taking a colon prep.... yah. 'nuf said.
So here is a pretty picture to cheer us all up.
See you all tomorrow.
11-14-16
It's "Maker Monday!"
... my series of posts where I feature something the daughter or I are working on,
and encourage the maker lifestyle.
________
I actually took part of the weekend off from work... which is unusual for me... and very good.
Seems like we've been finishing up lots of "little projects" this week, and so my post today will showcase a few of these.
I made several sets of envelopes for the Etsy shop; including some I made from an old Louis L'Amour
calendar that was my dad's from many years ago.
We also finished up a few projects for our "Upcycle Madness", things we have been selling...
including 2 floor lamps sold almost immediately after I listed them. For these, it was just a matter of making sure the wiring was ok, then cleaning them up... removing any rust, sanding, and painting them in fresh new colors of paint.
For the ottoman, we purposely left the original wood tone, cleaning up and sanding a few rough areas, and then adding wood oil.
The original springs were cleaned and tightened, and we added burlap to cover the metal before putting on a brand new pillow with fabric sewn on by my daughter.
I think it turned out super cute.
And of course, I've been working on some jewelry... but I will share that later on this week.
Keep creating!!!
See you all tomorrow.
________
I actually took part of the weekend off from work... which is unusual for me... and very good.
Seems like we've been finishing up lots of "little projects" this week, and so my post today will showcase a few of these.
I made several sets of envelopes for the Etsy shop; including some I made from an old Louis L'Amour
calendar that was my dad's from many years ago.
We also finished up a few projects for our "Upcycle Madness", things we have been selling...
including 2 floor lamps sold almost immediately after I listed them. For these, it was just a matter of making sure the wiring was ok, then cleaning them up... removing any rust, sanding, and painting them in fresh new colors of paint.
For the ottoman, we purposely left the original wood tone, cleaning up and sanding a few rough areas, and then adding wood oil.
The original springs were cleaned and tightened, and we added burlap to cover the metal before putting on a brand new pillow with fabric sewn on by my daughter.
I think it turned out super cute.
And of course, I've been working on some jewelry... but I will share that later on this week.
Keep creating!!!
See you all tomorrow.
for the weekend
gazing through windows
moonlight beckons me on
towards a higher view
~~~
...sometimes life can be incredibly stressful.
One of the things I do to calm myself, is to gaze at the moon.
And she is glorious ...
~~~
...sometimes life can be incredibly stressful.
One of the things I do to calm myself, is to gaze at the moon.
And she is glorious ...
11-11-16
Today, we took a short road-trip to go to a gallery where I had some of my work.... and brought it home.
It is sort of the ending of an era, I suppose... as I no longer have any of my work anywhere;
except at the shop of my dear friends over in Germania... and in my own Etsy shop.
It is sort of the ending of an era, I suppose... as I no longer have any of my work anywhere;
except at the shop of my dear friends over in Germania... and in my own Etsy shop.
I think it's good.
Sometimes the urge is to spread your work everywhere, in hopes of reaching an audience that will like your work....
and other times (such as me now) it is a time to huddle in and concentrate on making new things....
exploring new options... honing and refining my craft.
and other times (such as me now) it is a time to huddle in and concentrate on making new things....
exploring new options... honing and refining my craft.
On the plus side... there's some "new" inventory in my Etsy shop.... and of course, more coming.
See you all tomorrow for my weekend Haiku.
11-10-16
Several months 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).
(and yes, I know it's Thursday, but it's been a weird week)
~~~
In my mind, this fellow's name is Brutus.
His "people" include an aging prize-fighter named "TommyToes" for his quick footwork in the ring; and his sometimes girlfriend Trixie. Tommy used to take him to the park every day to run around the perimeter while he was in training... but those days are long gone.
Now it's Trixie who mostly accompanies Brutus to the park, but Brutus doesn't mind.
Trixie let's him just bathe in the sun, and sneaks him treats from the newspaper stand on the corner.
Sometimes she gets him salted peanuts, sometimes it's a pretzel.
Brutus doesn't mind.
It's all belly-rubs and snacks from here on out.
(and yes, I know it's Thursday, but it's been a weird week)
~~~
In my mind, this fellow's name is Brutus.
His "people" include an aging prize-fighter named "TommyToes" for his quick footwork in the ring; and his sometimes girlfriend Trixie. Tommy used to take him to the park every day to run around the perimeter while he was in training... but those days are long gone.
Now it's Trixie who mostly accompanies Brutus to the park, but Brutus doesn't mind.
Trixie let's him just bathe in the sun, and sneaks him treats from the newspaper stand on the corner.
Sometimes she gets him salted peanuts, sometimes it's a pretzel.
Brutus doesn't mind.
It's all belly-rubs and snacks from here on out.
11-9-16
I have no words of wisdom.
For half of my friends, today is awesome. For the other half... it's tragic.
May we all promote peace... and continue to look out for each other.
To defend the helpless, to promote all that is good... and to only show kindness and love.
See you all tomorrow.
11-8-16
...and for today; something peaceful. I think we all need it.
See you all tomorrow.
11-7-16
Normally, I would have a "Maker Monday" post today...
But today I was running around doing errands and such... and I am posting a bit later than usual.
Seems like every conversation I had with folks today revolved around the coming elections; and everyone seems a bit frantic, anxious, lost and confused. There is a lot of angst out there folks... and I fear that no matter who "wins" the elections, half of our country is going to be afraid and upset over our future. It feels as if this whole country is in a state of flux and bewilderment.
So for today.... I am merely posting a photograph I took of some koi....
and a gentle reminder that no matter the outcome tomorrow... we will still be here.
The sun will still rise, the fish will still swim... and good neighbors will still be helping each other.
It's time to mend the fences and say hello to the kids down the street.
Make some brownies... have a cuppa... see you all tomorrow.
for the weekend
For a couple years now, I have been doing links for my weekend posts.
My daughter has "enlightened" me to the concept that if this is indeed my weekend (ie: days off)
I probably shouldn't be spending so much time on a weekend post... ie: working.
She's not wrong.
So I am mixing it up a bit.
I love Haiku.... and have been dabbling with Haiku poetry writing for several years (since 2011).
For the next couple of months, I thought I would try writing some fresh Haiku (hot off the pen) for my weekend posts... and combining them with a photo. Let's see how it goes...
This photo was taken by my daughter, Kristin today when she went on a walk.
This photo was taken by my daughter, Kristin today when she went on a walk.
~~~
angry red squirrel
fiercely defending his nuts
small sparrow doesn't care.
11-4-16
It must be the week for finishing things....
Kristin (in superhero mode), had borrowed a chainsaw from a friend, and cut down 12 trees (yes, 12) in our yard that were mostly dead. Additionally, she chopped most of it up for firewood, along with a couple other smaller trees that were already down in the yard... and now we have a small mountain of firewood drying for next year. Whoa!
And Jim, took the opportunity of mostly sunny weather, and sanded and painted our deck (and brand new steps). It was a job that has really needed done since we moved in... and now it looks spectacular. Next year, we hope to paint the house and the concrete retaining walls around the base of the house.
And what did I do? I worked on jewelry and such until the wee hours last night...
and ended up losing most of today to sleep. But it's all good.
See you all tomorrow.
11-3-16
It's sunny... and it is good.
The milkweed pods are exploding... and fall is definitely all around us.
Last night I was able to not only photograph and list a bunch of things online to sell, but I was able to work on a new cabochon out of a broken shard of Coudersport glass for a new pendant. I adore working with the PMC, and am so thrilled to finally be working
with materials and stones I have been dying to work with for so long now. It's like the veil has been lifted.
Today we had short visits from a couple friends, and tonight the daughter and I are going to
a friend's house to watch Project Runway... and all is good.
See you all tomorrow.
11-2-16
Several months 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 is a cool photo.
I am not sure what kind of crop this is... but these fellows sure seem excited about it!
I love that they are wearing their best suits in the field...
And I adore their hats.
What is their story do you suppose?
Do you think this is a promo photograph for the latest and greatest weed killer?
Do you think it is a photograph for a seed catalog?
Perhaps they are merely marking where Jimmy Hoffa is buried?!
The world may never know...
See you all tomorrow.
~~~
This is a cool photo.
I am not sure what kind of crop this is... but these fellows sure seem excited about it!
I love that they are wearing their best suits in the field...
And I adore their hats.
What is their story do you suppose?
Do you think this is a promo photograph for the latest and greatest weed killer?
Do you think it is a photograph for a seed catalog?
Perhaps they are merely marking where Jimmy Hoffa is buried?!
The world may never know...
See you all tomorrow.
11-1-16
I never win things. It's sort of a running gag with my hubby, because he has a brother who tends to win lots of things. The only thing I ever won, was a large holiday gift basket full of fruit at a hospital party many years ago. My MIL also entered and really wanted it.... so when I won... I immediately gifted it to her. When I do enter things, I always count it as a "donation" of sorts. So ... when I entered a fly fishing lure naming contest a couple months ago, I had no expectations of actually winning.
Go figure, I won. But honestly, I couldn't be more thrilled. It is amazing.
I had picked the name "Swimmer Shimmer" as the lure the contest was asking to be named had glitter in it.
My winnings? Some handmade lures from McDowell's Fly Shack.
There are about 35 !!! or so lures in this handy portable ( and water resistant ) box.
Fuzzy ones, glittery ones, super anatomically cool ones... the jewelry fabricator in me is delighting in all the shiny/ shininess of it all.
The fisher-woman in me is anxious to go try them out.
These fantastic flies were made by Justin McDowell.
email: risingtrout1761@gmail.com
You can find him on Etsy -- HERE
and on Instagram --- HERE
and on Facebook -- HERE
Go show him some love.
See you all tomorrow.
10-31-16
It's "Maker Monday!"
... my series of posts where I feature something the daughter or I are working on,
and encourage the maker lifestyle.
This week we finished up another project for our "Upcycle Madness", things we have been selling...
and I have to say, I am super happy with this one.
To understand what we did better, here is a photo of the chair when we first brought it home.
This chair was fabulous, and we could see the potential.
A super, solid wood chair with great character, it had unfortunately seen better days.
Three of the legs had rot beyond repair. So... we made the decision to cut them off completely, and see what could be done from there.
I thought of making a swing, but as it was getting later in the year, we nixed that idea.
Then, the daughter came up with the idea of a pet bed.... sheer brilliance.
The bottom was sanded smooth where the legs had been.
There were several splits in the wood, a couple in the seat and a couple of the back/ headrest area.
These were sanded, filled with wood filler putty and sanded again.
In the photo, you can see a big stain on the seat. Probably oil. We removed what we could, then applied several coats of KILZ paint to cover it and protect it from seeping up.
Then the fun began.
Sage green seemed a good choice. Restful, peaceful, and sort of a neutral tone.
Digging through our boxes of fabric, we came across a large piece of flannel which the daughter used to make a slipcover. This went over a brand new standard sized pillow for the bed area.
Then the feet.
We toyed with the idea of fashioning "legs" from 2x4 boards on the horizontal.
But then I remembered that I had 4 gorgeous solid wood BUN feet off of an old game table we had, (which regrettably had bit the dust).
Searching online, we were able to order the hardware to attach them.
The feet were painted the same sage green, and once the hardware came in,
it was a relatively simple fix to get them attached...
And WALLAH! this fabulous pet bed was done.
Of course, being a photographer, I had to take photos...
and our little Snoopy dog was more than happy to pose for the glamour shots.
I took this piece up to show a friend, and she pointed out that it not only would be a great bed for smaller dogs or cats... but would be a great chair for a young child to watch TV in. I can see a little one loving this as their very own place to sit and read. It's big, and comfy, and low to the ground.
Anyway... this was one of the projects we have been working on... and I wanted to show a little more of the type of work we have been doing.
My eternal thanks to the daughter, without whom, none of this would be possible
---or near as much fun.
See you all tomorrow.
This week we finished up another project for our "Upcycle Madness", things we have been selling...
and I have to say, I am super happy with this one.
To understand what we did better, here is a photo of the chair when we first brought it home.
This chair was fabulous, and we could see the potential.
A super, solid wood chair with great character, it had unfortunately seen better days.
Three of the legs had rot beyond repair. So... we made the decision to cut them off completely, and see what could be done from there.
I thought of making a swing, but as it was getting later in the year, we nixed that idea.
Then, the daughter came up with the idea of a pet bed.... sheer brilliance.
The bottom was sanded smooth where the legs had been.
There were several splits in the wood, a couple in the seat and a couple of the back/ headrest area.
These were sanded, filled with wood filler putty and sanded again.
In the photo, you can see a big stain on the seat. Probably oil. We removed what we could, then applied several coats of KILZ paint to cover it and protect it from seeping up.
Then the fun began.
Sage green seemed a good choice. Restful, peaceful, and sort of a neutral tone.
Digging through our boxes of fabric, we came across a large piece of flannel which the daughter used to make a slipcover. This went over a brand new standard sized pillow for the bed area.
Then the feet.
We toyed with the idea of fashioning "legs" from 2x4 boards on the horizontal.
But then I remembered that I had 4 gorgeous solid wood BUN feet off of an old game table we had, (which regrettably had bit the dust).
Searching online, we were able to order the hardware to attach them.
The feet were painted the same sage green, and once the hardware came in,
it was a relatively simple fix to get them attached...
And WALLAH! this fabulous pet bed was done.
Of course, being a photographer, I had to take photos...
and our little Snoopy dog was more than happy to pose for the glamour shots.
I took this piece up to show a friend, and she pointed out that it not only would be a great bed for smaller dogs or cats... but would be a great chair for a young child to watch TV in. I can see a little one loving this as their very own place to sit and read. It's big, and comfy, and low to the ground.
Anyway... this was one of the projects we have been working on... and I wanted to show a little more of the type of work we have been doing.
My eternal thanks to the daughter, without whom, none of this would be possible
---or near as much fun.
See you all tomorrow.
for the weekend
It's the weekend!
It's been a long, emotional week for me...
and I am looking forward to a few days with nothing I absolutely have to do.
It may not happen of course, but you never know.
I haven't as many links for you this weekend as I usually do...
but hopefully they are cool, and will pique your interests:
* bunnies!
* Peanuts!
---hope you all have a great weekend, and I will see you all back here on Monday.
10-28-16
...today I had a relapse of sorts, and ended up sleeping way more than I would have liked.
The good news is... I was fairly caught up on tasks for the day, the daughter went and got McDonald's for dinner,
and "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" is on the dvd player.
See you all tomorrow.
~~~
((original photo taken by Kristin Russell, edited by me))
10-27-16
You know, life -- it's a funny thing.
When we moved back here, I had such awesome hopes. I joined in the local art community, and was an instrumental part of starting a local cooperative of artisans.... and setting up a place where we could sell our work, gather and enjoy the arts, and help build each other up. But things happen.... people change, and things didn't go as initially planned.
And even though I had so very much time, effort and love invested... I left.
And even though I had so very much time, effort and love invested... I left.
During that time, I also joined a couple "bigger" groups... whose intention was to support PA artisans and help promote their work. They offered shows, galleries, shops and events to showcase and feature those artisans whose juried work was befitting a level of accomplishment worthy of venues such as they provided. They were set-up to be "selective" ... and it was a "big deal" to be a member.
I couldn't do shows this year because of financial and health issues... and now... Things have changed. Things were restructured...
I couldn't do shows this year because of financial and health issues... and now... Things have changed. Things were restructured...
In the meantime, I had been promoting events and artisans in the area online. There was a niche to fill.... and what had been available previously wasn't providing local artisans and shops the arena they needed for folks to see their work. So I created an online presence to do that.... and worked 5 days a week to promote folks (for free). I did it... with the thought of not only promoting local artisans, but my fellow artisans in the juried groups that I belonged to. Now things have been restructured to the point that it is prohibitive for me to still be in the groups that I have worked to promote.
It seems like everything I have worked so hard on for the past 3yrs has inevitably grown to the point,
and changed to the point... of phasing me out.
and changed to the point... of phasing me out.
And I feel lost... and betrayed.
~~~
((the photo for today's post is one of my original photographs, that made into a mandala design last night))