Long View Studio

Modern Medicine?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 21:32:00 +0000

A recent Facebook post I read yesterday had me lying awake most of the night and wondering what will become of our healthcare as we sail into the future. She wrote that she was upset that not only did she have a very difficult time of obtaining her health records but saw that they had sent only part of hers and also records of a complete stranger. There are other stories I hear all the time (and much worse) that lead me to my own fear of the entire health system here in America. Are we so involved in (money) bureaucracy, (money) laws, and (money) insurance that we have forgotten the 'care' of healthcare? Are there too many of us to be 'covered' by any one branch of the entire system?

I was born inside this house in my grandmother's feather bed. Although mom was in labor with me for 36 hours Dr. T.C. Sutherland did not arrive until just a few hours before I was delivered. He rode up the mountain on a mule and was said to be drunk as a skunk. I was just fine but mom had a rough time of it for awhile. Grandma Julia took care of us both until she was back on her feet.

Mom and all my aunts, uncles and cousins were relatively healthy most of their lives although the nearest hospital or medical facilities were hours from where we lived. When someone got sick granny would go out in the woods and gather weeds and herbs and smash them up to make a salve that got you better in no time. Or a little of her sassafras tea with possibly a shot of whiskey or honey. But if things became dire a country doctor would hitch up a wagon to a mule and take the country roads to your home.

You need a dentist? A string and a doorknob for extractions and same whiskey rubbed on gums for pain usually is all you need. Insurance? Hippa laws and medical records? Our only insurance was grandma and other family members who knew what to do when you got hurt or sick and maybe recorded the event in the family bible.

Now I know that is not ideal. In fact grandma Delmon died at the young age of 63 from prostate cancer. He also suffered from black lung disease as he worked most of his life in the coal mines. Dying at home in the same feather bed I was born in, I am certain that if he had the facilities and the knowledge we have today he would have lived a much longer life.

When someone died they were embalmed and placed in a casket in the home where they lived. Relatives and friends would sit and pray around the casket for several days. Women would bring mounds of food to eat as stories were told and music was played. Maybe this sounds morbid to you but actually was very comforting to behold. And it did not cost upwards to $10,000. Most families set aside spots on their own land as cemeteries and that is where my grandparents rest. Just under the beautiful grove of black walnut trees within walking distance of the house I was born.

Grandma Julia died at 77 from a tumor on her esophagus that was inoperable. By that time (1989) Johnston Memorial Hospital had been built in Abington, one and a half hours from Haysi. She wanted to come home to die and did manage to spend some months in that same feather bed in her home surrounded by all that loved her. But she went into a coma and ended up dying at Johnston when the horror of making a family decision to pull the plug laid her to rest.

This is Sandlick Primitive Baptist Church taken in 1937 where my grandmothers funeral was held in 1989. There have been some renovations and a new wing added but looks just like I remember it. There was standing room only with people spilling out and around the building. One whole wall and the back of the altar was covered 3 deep in flowers especially bright red roses. That was her favorite flower and it is no surprise that the song she requested to be sung at her funeral was Just One Rose Will Do. You can find this song in Spotify sung by the Florida Boys.

I am sure there are people I could talk to that could tell me if my grandparents had any sort of medical insurance or how many times they actually visited doctors much less hospitals. I was curious to find out just when medical insurance was enacted and I found this chart:

Health Care Coverage Timeline

I do understand that we have the greatest health care possible here in America and I am grateful for that. I know also that it is the most expensive and without insurance you might as well learn how to set your bones yourself. Even holding some insurance may not get you the kind of care that others would get you if you could afford it.

Forget about restorative dental procedures, certain medicines, eye restorations and body sculpting even with insurance unless you have a LOT of money.

Modern medicine has come a long way but the system for care management has yet to prove itself as a workable solution for all.

It's a wet one Mr. Grinch

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 17:41:00 +0000

There are raindrops on my Hibiscus but she loves the wet.

The perfect day around here to finish addressing cards and nurse a headache that seems to come around with changes in the weather.

This is the little snapdragon that could. The wind carried a single seed to a cozy spot on the patio to take root and I cannot bring myself to move it. But she does seem a bit lonely so I might be forced to move it next to the others. This time of the year we all need to be next to our tribes.

It is quiet here. So quiet I can hear the patters of the tiny rain.

“Have you ever heard the wonderful silence just before the dawn? Or the quiet and calm just as a storm ends? Or perhaps you know the silence when you haven't the answer to a question you've been asked, or the hush of a country road at night, or the expectant pause of a room full of people when someone is just about to speak, or, most beautiful of all, the moment after the door closes and you're alone in the whole house? Each one is different, you know, and all very beautiful if you listen carefully.”
― Norton Juster, The Phantom Tollbooth

This time of the year...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 12 Dec 2014 17:01:00 +0000

I am happy to say all my Christmas decorations are complete. Subscribing to the Feng Shui philosophy or Less is More, the bird cage came in handy as a tree replacement and all the wreath needed was a bit of silver spray paint.

Mattie approved.

Today it is supposed to rain. So happy that I am now free to curl up with my lap quilt (it is only 50 today - brrrr) and finish reading the Shoemaker's Wife by Adriana Trigiani. Just so-so thus far but I have liked other books she has written. Wherever you are and whatever you do hope your Friday is fabulous. CHEERS!

Oh! Hi there!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 10 Dec 2014 18:23:00 +0000

*Cough *cough *

Sure is dusty in here. Life seems to do that - as you get older everything gets dustier. Cannot really explain why I have not been posting for over a year.
Oh yes, many things have happened - life goes on its merry way never caring if one can keep up.

But I really miss it, this place in the great wide internet where you can talk and share with literally thousands of like-minded folks who are doing the same.

Thought about starting a brand spanking new spot where I could thrill and dazzle (or not) and avoid showing my shame of letting this spot go fallow. However, it occurred to me there were fellow procrastinators out there who might be inspired by my confession and get in the same 'pick me back up, dust me off and start fresh approach' of their own blog.

I once read that the secret to being successful is to 'Just Do It'. Since it is very close to a spanking New Year and I am in the mood for re-newel, I will make this first post in over a year about how I made the grout on my kitchen counters look brand new. Just in case you might have tile counter tops as well.

This is the BEFORE photo. Not a pretty sight. This was AFTER scrubbing with baking soda and vinegar and Dawn detergent. Must tell you the whole process is not an easy task. Took me two entire days.

This is the product I found on Amazon. Believing it to be a cleaner instead of the colorant and sealer that it really is, let's just say my first application was a total disaster. I was scrubbing the product in the grout lines with a toothbrush and wiping right away with a damp cloth. Of course it seemed to be making no difference. When all else fails, read the directions! I gave up on the toothbrush plan and found two small old bristle artists brushes that worked much better but totally destroyed them in the end. I think a stiffer brush is needed to get inside the little pockets and bumps of the grout. After painting in the lines you wait a bit until it sets up or dries and then you wipe up with a damp sponge any excess that got on the tiles. I used one with a scruffy side that was necessary when the refresh had dried too long. Takes a bit of practice to get just how damp the sponge should be and not get into the grout lines too much. You will think OMG all this work will just disappear the first time you have to wipe your counter. Which you know is often in a kitchen. But once this hardens in the grout a couple o days - no problem!

WA-LAH!!!

Yes, folks this is still how it looks today, almost three weeks later.

Looking good and feeling good! Now that was done time to harvest what I thought was oranges from my tree but have learned that ain't no orange that is truly a Meyer LEMON tree. Oh well, my good friend Susan is giving me a super recipe for lemon tarts that I am ready to try.

Lemon Marmalade anyone?

Mother Dreams

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 11 May 2014 19:24:00 +0000

On this mother's day 2014 I thought to dust off this unused blog and write an ode to my daughters because they are, after all, the reason I am being celebrated on this day.

Simply because I was a woman I had always considered that someday I would be a mom although I did not dream of it when I was young. I know there were many who did and planned and dreamed all the ways in which they would make the perfect family.

My mothering style was more a learn-as-you-go by the seat of your pants kind of thing and I feel this was both a good/bad thing for us all. Life is life and we learn and grow as we can. You all taught me what it is to really love another human being. You taught me what patience, joy, pain, loyalty and beauty is really all about. You have all grown into strong, individual, beautiful women and I could not be more proud. Wherever life takes you I could not be more honored to be your mom.

Birds of a Feather

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 19 Oct 2013 17:59:00 +0000

There is nothing better than having play dates with like-minded friends. We study hard at the Wednesday Poker Discussion Group to perfect our game but once in awhile one needs an outlet to let off some stress and girls just wanna have fun!

Karri's collage

Diane makes a pinwheel.

Yvonne's collage using citra solv and napkin transfers.

Our get together focused on techniques to be used in the making of a visual art journal. Full on experimentation that led to the idea of making this a weekly event.

Journal page made by yours truly from collage bits of poker ephemera and napkin transfers.

Yvonne's amazing sneakers made with the napkin transfer process.

Had a blast shopping for goodies at Blick's!

Tuesday is our day at the studio for our 'birds of a feather' group. All curious cats are welcome!

Adventures of a Cat Nanny 2013 X's 4

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 14 Oct 2013 21:10:00 +0000

When I get to cat nanny and house-sit for the fabulous MARY ANN MOSS she always leaves me little road maps of places to see and suggestions of eateries. In 2010 I visited ARLINGTON PARK which you can see the photos I posted if you click on the link. The first thing that amazes you at Lacy Park is the wonderful aroma of roses and fresh cut grass. Wish I could bottle it up and send it to you.

The beautiful Lacy Park in San Merino

This huge Sequoia was amazing!!!

Of course a day of walking in a beautiful garden requires a lovely afternoon nap

with the fur kids. Took out my sketchbook and new water brushes (love!) and with

some acrylic ink did a quick sketch.

The first time I came to Moss Cottage I was overwhelmed and inspired by the visual

and travel journals hand made by MARY ANN MOSS. You just have to visit

her blog and see for yourself. But make sure you have plenty of time and a

nice cup of tea by your side. I was so eager to try my hand on a visual journal

that I went to the nearest drugstore and picked up an everyday lined notebook.

Which I have come to realize was a mistake. I spent too much time sewing pages

together, painting and gluing to make it sturdier. But I have kept it and been

working on it none-the-less as sort of a diary-for-when-I-make-a-real-one.

The four hours to make it back to the ranch gave me time to reflect and think about the

future. Hope all is well where ever you are!

Theres Gold in them thar Hills

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 03 Oct 2013 15:55:00 +0000

Moss Cottage 2013

After what seemed endless hours of driving through miles of ribbon highways and low mountain ranges (I call them piles of ancient dinosaur dung) I arrived again at the enchanting Moss Cottage in the LA hillside.

My job while here is to cat nanny the amazing wonder cats Wyatt and Ms. Corky (who happens to share my nickname).

As you can see this is very labor intensive.

There are a few other chores for me while the amazing http://dispatchfromla.typepad.com is off to Amsterdam. Mostly I have plenty free hours to pour over Mary Ann's abundant and wonderful visual journals, catch up on my reading, do some sketching and of course an occasional nap or two.

I am writing this on my I-Pad using an app called Blog Docs and I am not sure how it will look so I am keeping this short. Mary Ann and I connected yesterday via FaceTime and worked so well from probably more than 9000 miles that I am even more in love with this electronic gadget.

One last photo before I go. They call this marine fog. This photo was taken in 2010 but is how it looked this morning. Santa Ana winds are scheduled for tonight.

Appalachian Sweet Wood Mountain Studio

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 21 Sep 2013 18:05:00 +0000

Many moons ago I started a blog. It is a dysfunctional procrastinating mess due to many different distractions including social media, namely FACEBOOK and PINTEREST. I cannot promise anything (even to myself) that I will be less dysfunctional in the future but I am driven to write this post.

I recently had the pleasure of visiting my Aunt Dayne Edwards in Dickenson County VA. The reason for my return to the place I was born was a sad one - the loss of my beloved Uncle Bruce. My sister wrote a beautiful article about this that you can read HERE.

Having been enchanted by the wonderful works of wood art that she creates many years ago, it was the first time I visited her studio up close and personal.

Apple Tree on the path to Sweet Wood Mountain Studio

How peaceful and wonderful to have a place such as this to work without computers, noise or distractions.

Here with my niece Sandra Colley Paquin about to show us the 1900's sewing machine she completely restored.

Saws, drill presses, bits, lathes, and the wonderful smell of fresh sawdust and tung oil. All operated by this tiny dynamo of a woman. Under the sheet there is a restored organ that required hand carved missing pieces that I wish I had taken more photos of.

Although this machine was found at auction it is the same treadle type my grandmother used. As Dayne said, "there is something so relaxing about using these machines". Not only did she restore the wood work on the cabinet, she replaced all the belts and missing parts (thanks to E-Bay)to get it in perfect working condition.

A close-up of the art you see on the back wall above. The art she does is called:

Intarsia

Intarsia is a woodworking technique that uses varied shapes, sizes, and species of wood fitted together to create a mosaic-like picture with an illusion of depth. Intarsia is created through the selection of different types of wood, using their natural grain pattern and color (but can involve the use of stains and dyes) to create variations in the pattern. After selecting the specific woods to be used within the pattern, each piece is then individually cut, shaped, and finished. Sometimes areas of the pattern are raised to create more depth. Once the individual pieces are complete, they are fitted together like a jig-saw puzzle and glued to wood backing which is sometimes cut to the outline shape of the image. (From Wikipedia)

There are portraits of her grand children, my grandmother cooking beets outdoors, her parents feeding chickens or milking cows. I am amazed at the detail and how tiny some of the pieces are that she must cut to fit. Some of her scroll saw blades are as tiny as a needle. To me they are absolutely charming and wonderful.

While most of her works are not for sale she has pieces at the

http://www.virginia.org/Listings/Shopping/AppalachianArtsCenter/

Hope you enjoyed the visit as much as I did. Thanks for the inspiration Aunt Dayne!

Halloween Murder Mystery

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 19:51:00 +0000

*You decide*

Promised you a story and what better day to report than on Halloween 2012?

Great Grandmother Eunice (Nicey) Anderson's home as it looked 1977. Secret room behind trees.

Back in the hills of Western Virginia - circa 1920/30's - many tales were echoed back and forth between the mountains. These stories were a way for the locals to get information as well as entertainment since most homes did not have electricity or even running water.

My Great Grandmother Eunice (Nicey) Anderson was a true mountain woman.

Add caption

Strong willed but with always a twinkle in her eye, you were drawn to her but intimidated at the same time.
There was one room in her home no one was allowed to enter. No one did. Naturally this became a contender for whoppers as stories were whispered about as to why she would keep this room private.
This is the story I heard at a very impressionable age:
Great grandpa Morgan (Nicey's husband, whom she has born nine children with) had been in a 'bar fight' and crawled all the way up the mountain while full of gunshot wounds. Mountain women were sometimes as apt to be able to remove bullets as any of the horse and buggy country doctors around there. She got him into their feather bed and story goes she tried to remove them but there were too many and he began to beg her to finish him off. No 911, no hospital, no help before it would be too late. I was told that she refused at first but with his continued moaning and begging for mercy and her conviction that no living thing should have to suffer, she slit his throat with her kitchen knife and held him softly until he bled out there on the bed. The same bed that was still in the secret room until the day she died.

These were Nicey's garden shoes and fork still on the porch in 1977. She died in her garden Dec. 16th, 1967.

O.K. Hard to believe. But I did for years. It was a very hushed tale and I felt privileged, if not horrified, to know the story and never asked questions as this happened way before I came along. She was left to raise 9 children and had a very hard way of life - who was I to inquire?

Woodstove main source of heat or to brew a mean pot of coffee.

Brother Rod on Nicey's front porch 1977. The house was torn down shortly after this photo was taken.

Great Grandpa's Obit

Granny Julies's cement well for her water pump and where she did the laundry once a week.

About six months ago my niece posted this on Facebook:

Morgan T Anderson the Dickenson Star

Now this explains what really happened - at least to sheriff's and court records. It chills me to know the man who shot my great grandfather could be alive and well and maybe living near us. But this still does not explain what happened so long ago in the cold dark night in the mountains in that feather bed.

Happy Haunting!

Old Slides and Negatives and Family History...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 21:06:00 +0000

Oh, the things I have discovered that I can do with my iPad and new HTC Sense with its cool digital camera. I have thousands of old slides and negatives that I have put off purchasing a slide/neg scanner for but now I do not have to! You can also use a light table but the iPad acts like one with a little app called Hello Photo which works quite well with my HTC cell phone camera.

This is a slide strip of my daughter Julie that is over 25 years old.

This is cropped, tweaked and enhanced. Not very good for making prints straight on but might make a nice transfer and other mixed media.

Since most of the negatives I have were large, I used my Light Tracer table for these. I grouped them together and took the photo with my phone camera.

This was a photo negative that I cropped out of the group.

This is what I got after inverting image in Photoshop:

Again, images are not crystal pristine but I am loving what you can create even with the negatives themselves!

In my very next post (maybe later today) I will show how and why I got involved in going through my stacks of slides in the first place.

Hint: It involves the murder of a family member and is a spooky read for this time of the year!

Summer Shadows

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 17:06:00 +0000

Woke up this morning to a cool 68 degree clear blue sky day. Summer is officially over in the desert.
I have a thing for shadows. Big or small, on concrete, wood, snow or water...

Reflection (a palindromic poem)

Still waters, deep,

surface like glass reflecting green above;

and below are trees, sky,

shadows, leaves, sunlight,

moving and motionless.

Here silent images shimmer now,

and - air breathing suddenly - break.

Unbidden feelings confuse

reality and fantasy.

Which is which?

Fantasy and reality confuse;

feelings unbidden break, suddenly breathing air;

and now shimmer images,

silent here, motionless

and moving....

(sunlight leaves shadows) .

Sky, trees are

below - and above -

green, reflecting, glass-like surface.

Deep waters, still.

Paul Hansford

I say goodbye to summer shadows...

Puddles everywhere...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 22 Aug 2012 21:46:00 +0000

This is what we have seen in our sky the past two days:

These led to these:

Which led to today, a day of this:

Yes, it is Monsoon Season here until the end of September

A perfect day to do this:

Also a good day to make a little video showing the first one I made from inspiration in this online class:

REMAINS OF THE DAY

Rewinding, Recycling and Rebounding...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 18 Aug 2012 17:22:00 +0000

The WSOP is over, all the out of town guests back home and although it is still in the 100's here I can feel fall right around the corner - maybe it is the change in the light.

Today is my birthday - a big one - I am now officially enrolled in Medicare. For the week leading up to today I have spent in my art cubicle reflecting and making A Remains of the Day Journal because somehow it just seemed fitting even though there are a zillion things I want to do. I like the words Remains of the Day, Recycled, Re-purposed and Rebound. It fits, somehow it just fits me right now.

I am feeling the Circle of Life and grateful for mine...

Studio Tips Thursday

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 19:50:00 +0000

Love this stuff! If you have baggies or files of clipped snippets you want to use for collage but get so frustrated digging through your stash when in the heat of inspiration then this tip is for you.
-Get yourself some Press'nSeal.
-Dump out file.
-Categorize and slap your stuff onto sticky side.
-Decide if some stuff should be tossed (egads!)
-Once mostly covered they can lay on top of each other and the cling only sticks to itself here and there.
-Be amazed at the stash you have collected over the years.
-Use clipboard to hold and for easy viewing and storing.
Took about 2.5 hours to assemble 12 sheets but it used to take me that long to search through a couple gallon sized plastic bags!

Get out your stamp pads and a rubber stamp - stamp on sticky side - turn over and burnish to newsprint - sew around image (did not gum up the needle) - and viola! You have a transfer decal that you can glue or paint on that will not bleed. This reverses the image however so keep that in mind.

Other uses for cling wrap?

-Quick and easy seal for lost bottle caps.

-Excellent for palettes with raised edges-keeps your paint wet for days.

-It is like having a sheet of re-positional glue - so great for mocking up layouts. Sometimes I scan these mock-ups and print them for use in other ways.

-Dust cover for keyboards and other small electronics.

Dreaming Away

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 24 Jun 2012 07:16:00 +0000

Ah, yes, midnight swims are the very best. Especially after a long day in front of the computer organizing photoshop and picture files long overdue. Put my Epson Workforce through a workout as well and made me proud. Will show you soon. Right now its lovely talking to you on my iPad, on my patio right after a refreshing dip in the pool. Wish you were here...

Torn Between Two Lovers

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 21:04:00 +0000

Acting like a fool....

Something I may not have told you before: I am a fool for poker. Specifically tournament no-limit hold-em poker. It gets in the way sometimes of my art and quilting time. Especially this time of the year when the WSOP is in full gear down at the Rio. Fourteen minutes (I counted) from my front door. Seems like I am on the computer more than ever trying to win a satellite to the big games. So in between games I try to squeeze in some Photoshop time so that when things get back to normal (hummm, not sure what THAT is) I will have a few more techniques in my repertoire.

I am using the clipping mask tools with a free mask from Coffee Shop a swell site for great tutorials, frames and masks. Thank you Coffee Shop. My great new Quirky Handpainted Labels from Mary Ann Moss and my brand new BAMBOO that I love.

This is as addicting as the I-pad and Instagram, each one gives me ideas for yet another.

I ask you - is it wrong to have two lovers?

What would you do?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 09 May 2012 14:21:00 +0000

When you are in Santa Fe and you e-mail an artist you only know from her website that lives here and she invites you to her studio, what would you do? Of course you would!

I so enjoyed and appreciated the visit with Darlene Olivia McElroy. Her home and studio are just as warm, colorful and inviting as she is. There was a huge gold leafed canvas in progress on her easel, pieces in various stages along the walls, shelves to hold supplies and books and a huge work table in the center of the studio. After we talked about art, life, dogs, galleries and ephemera we toured the rest of her home which is a work of art on its own. There is an hand carved mantle from India, a double parasol with tassels over an easy chair (so cool), a sectional with a smorgasbord of colorful pillows. Looking out the French doors to the patio were her four- yes, 4, beautiful dogs. Behind them a vine covered outdoor eating area with a chandelier over a generous dining table. Has to be my favorite, though, is the tin roofed gypsy gazebo where an artist can escape to read, nap and dream.

Thank you Darlene for making my visit a memorial one. She is represented at La Posada gallery right here in Santa Fe. That is where I am off to this morning!

Sunday in Santa Fe

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 07 May 2012 05:08:00 +0000

We have arrived at our destination as the accommodations are great as expected. Love the ceilings in our little ranchero.

After setting up shop took a walk to the park in the center of the city. We watched the ballon man make animals for a little girl that giggled at his every move, saw bronze donkeys and cowboys, jewelry and art. That about did us in so we headed back and planned our get away for today. Heading up to Taos as we speak:

Road Trip!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 03 May 2012 19:21:00 +0000

Packed and ready and sweet talking to our cats Mr. and Mattie so they will not be too angry with us for leaving them for awhile. Hitting the old Rte. 66 highway bright and early in the morning.

This is where we will land after 10 hours of driving through Kingman, Flagstaff and the Continental Divide:

No pool at this site so to get our exercise we will be walking the 10 minutes to The Plaza where I hear there are plenty of restaurants, art galleries and museums. No tours for us this time, thank you very much. Just aimless wandering and exploring - my cup 'o tea. I was shocked to see photos of Santa Fe covered in snow but I do not think we will encounter the white stuff except maybe at the Divide. Taking my I-Pad so will be doing updates on the road. Now back to final packing and cooing to the kitties.

Time and Place

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 01 May 2012 17:24:00 +0000

Ok I am still working on setting up my new computer. Files to be moved, saved or discarded. Programs installed and set up. All the while keeping up with the normal attention everyday requires. So last night while doing my usual muti-tasking of tending to e-mails, watching dancing stars, reading Danny Gregory's Peanut on the I-Pad and playing Word with Friends with my mother, I screamed "enough"! So I ran to the studio, grabbed a sketchbook and stuff, went back to my computer and did these in the dark while still watching DWTS.

We are headed to Santa Fe this Friday for a blissful week without computers (well, just the 'pad' - for GPS, you know) where my normal everyday activities will be art galleries, museums, exploring and sketching without so many distractions.

Me too, me too!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 17:06:00 +0000

This is one of the rare photos of my sister and I at a wee age. I think I am pulling her hair because I was so jealous that mom had spent so much time with her making those Shirley Temple curls.

I could tell you how she used to follow my brother and me shouting at the top of her lungs, "me too, me too"! And how we managed to overcome sibling rivalries over the years. But I just wanted to tell you she has written and published her first book, a real, bone-i-fied, true-blue book. You can get it over at Amazon. And catch her blog over here: J.S. Colley. If science-fiction and ET are not your cup o'tea I think you will still find it fun to read.

Networking...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 17:37:00 +0000

At breakfast this morning with hubby looking out kitchen window:

With 8 month old I-Pad between us playing this video:

We looked at each other at the same time in amazement. Who knew that on this day in 2012 we would be eating breakfast watching this thing on an unplugged little piece of electronics, metal and glass?

I can understand why our grandchildren have that vacant look in their eyes when we describe the absence of technology when we were kids. Knowing there is still more to come can be a bit overwhelming.

It has come time for a new computer. I have a Sony Viao running WinXP that I purchased used five years ago for $100 bucks. Paid the same for a later model of same computer that I hooked up for my husband because it had Excel which I never use. Networked us together and believed we would be good for at least 10 years. Ha!

Of course, I am the culprit. With Photoshop, my picture and font files, videos and apps, I have pushed memory to its limit. So I ordered a ZT Infinity with 2 TB's and sporting a 6-core processor! Whoopee!

Should be here today. Now my old Viao will be just somebody I used to know.

Senioritis, spring and serendipity = serenity

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 00:09:00 +0000

No, I have not finished my Pam Allen inspired art quilt. But I did get an e-mail from her and that tickles me pink! My efforts-so-far is lying safely next to my Viking that will do the machine quilting before I square it, attach the binding and cloth hanger.

I am having spring fever.
And a tooth infection.
I am having stress.
Forgetting things.
But finding things looking for what I forgot...

Ice Plant that grew and grew from a little sprig in a pot. The pot is still in there somewhere.

covered in bees and butterfly's

pool in house next door that was recently sold. wonder who will be splashing there this summer

aloe vera baby shoot

I played around with the new filters in the recent Picassa update. So many ways now to change a photo! Technology is amazing but I so yearn to get back to pen and paper, ink and canvas, needle and thread.

Smooth Jazz

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 03:34:00 +0000

I have been spending more time the past two weeks on reflection and inspection than I have in my newly organized studio. Also there has been early spring cleaning as there will be house guests galore the first week of March. Funny how things you never notice come to light when you know someone else will see.

But this is where I am at with my latest project:

Mattie checking my stitches.

This was a bit difficult to get started but find I am enjoying very much all the hand stitching of the raw edges. Just a bit more on the hen then I can back it and begin the machine quilting. I am so excited to have received an e-mail from Pam Allen and to learn she is now offering several online classes. Click on the workshop button on her web site and you will find all the information.

One thing I have learned is that when you are in an introspective mood and wanting to work it doesn't leave much room in your brain to listen to rock, pop or rap. But I have always seemed to work better without total silence, so Smooth Jazz it is. Especially when there is a groovy saxophone or sultry trumpet involved. Oh, yea.