DVArtist, Art, Food and Everyday Things

T Tuesday

2026-10-13T01:30:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

Today is Tuesday and that means a day with Elizabeth and Bleubeard.

The other day my friend called and asked if we could meet up the next day. This is my monthly group of ladies. I said sure. I also thought I have nothing to bring. We all bring a little something to munch on. I checked my pantry and there was a box of white cake mix.

Perfect. I put that into a bowl then added a pint of my home canned applesauce. I make it chunky. I stirred that up.

Then put the mixture into large muffin pan and added some streusel into each muffin.

The girls loved them.

This is the way to make muffins. They are so moist and OMG good.

Mr. M. has been doing really well so what does he get when he dose well with the CKD eating? You know it, Pizza. I don't put sauce on it just a bit of grapeseed oil over the dough.

Last week I got into my car and noticed that there was a crack clear across the windshield at the very bottom of the glass. Are you kidding me? Thank the gods we have glass coverage. My insurance likes to deal with Safelite. Fine by me. Of course the main office is in Eugene but as advertised they came out to my house.

Getting the glue cut.

The young man was very good and so precise.

It took less than 2 hours and he was done.

I'm very impressed with Safelite and will always use them if needed.

We are also getting the house ready for winter. Mr. M. has the gutters cleaned. They gather so much sand and leaves. He also washed the outsides of them. Living on the Pacific coast there is so much moss and mold and icky that gathers on homes. And lets not forget an old birds nest.

Mr. M. got it all spic n pan.

My drink for today is,

Good ol' water.

Have a great Tuesday everyone!

Nicole

Monster Monday

2026-10-12T01:30:00.000-07:00

Welcome to

The start to a new week. It feels like this month is flying by.

Here are some monsters for today.

These aren't mine. I couldn't resist the eyeballs though.

Here are some beautiful aliens.

and some alien landscapes.

That's it for now.

Have a great Monday.

Nicole

Sunday in the Art Room (SITAR)

2026-10-11T01:30:00.000-07:00

Welcome to

SITAR is about ANYTHING art. Your art, someone else's art, writing, photography, the art of cooking, the art of sewing and textiles. Sharing historical art, street art, a story about art. Do you have a question or need help with art? Write a blog post and link it up here. We will all try to help with it. My only rule is that if someone asks for critique it must be done with generosity and consideration. This is a place of learning, encouragement and inspiration.

I was struggling on what I would share today, while working on this years witches hat.

It's no where near finished but I like the way it's coming along.

With so many different styles of witches hats that can be purchased or made these days to wear or use as decorations, I realized I didn't know how witches hats got started in the Americas.

Tall, black, conical hats, the style we all associate with witches were first brought to America in the 17th century by English settlers. In particular by Quaker women who faced intense religious persecution and suspicion from mainstream Puritans. (men) The Quaker women were viewed with distrust as they preached spiritual equality.

16th century image.

Puritans, both men and women wore this style of hat, historically known as capotains or steeple hats. They were standard, respectable fashion.

The Quackers however, were a rival christian sect that the Puritans viewed as dangerous heretics.

( There is a whole story on Puritan laws and women's dress.) I may write about that at some point.)

For now

In 1692 when the Salem Witch Trials erupted the target wasn't a specific garment, but rather marginalized women who did not conform to societal expectation. Such as the poor, the elderly, or women who inherited property independently.

I will say now that it wasn't just Quaker women who were fighting for equality, there were some Puritan women as well.

The connection of the "witch costume" came later. By the 18th century the steeple hat was no longer in fashion. However, the cultural memory of those not-conforming persecuted women remained. When artist or printers wanted to draw a "witch" or social outcast, they illustrated them in outdated steeple hats to make them look strange, backward and sinister.

Most of the images for 18th century art are licensable. So you can look them up on google if you like.

An engraving.

I have left out a lot of witch history but wanted to give you an idea of how we got to witch hats for today. I find that women are obsessed with making them.

Here are a few.

Pinterest and Tik Tok have many instructional videos on how to make a witch hat. Easy instructions from paper mache, to cardboard, to foam to crocheting, to sewing.

Here are a few from youtube. Once you have the basic pattern you can make any size, out of any material.

I hope you try making a witch hat.

That's it for now.

I will be joining Gillena

It's time to show me your art.

Nicole

Friday Face OFF (FFO)

2026-10-09T01:30:00.000-07:00

Welcome To Friday Face OFF (FFO)

This is the place to show off your face art.

You know, ANY type of face, nature, the face of a flower, photography, drawings, paintings, AI. There just needs to be a face in your blog post, a link back to my blog and please use the image below.

Thank you.

I have two new skull pieces finished for this week. They are pretty basic but I like how they turned out.

The fun part of creating the dead is that any anything can happen. Like have bloody sores.

And scorpions coming out of the mouth. I do like the way his teeth turned out too.

This one is pretty plain but I love the way his corpsy skin turned out.

And of course there always has to be a vampire somewhere in the mix.

I really like his dead skin. The flat spaces.

and then the bumps and folds and ridges of the skin.

I had to do some work on this skull by adding more to his jaw with clay. Once that dried I could add the skin.

So much fun!!!!

I'm not quite finished with the hanging skull. I do like how she is coming along though.

I have to give her new teeth. I don't really like these.

Here are a couple of cuties for you.

Those are my faces for today. How about some features?

Andrea

From the Sol

Erika N

BioArtGAl

That's it for now

Don't miss

Sunday in the Art Room.

I will be joining Gillena

Now it's time to show my your face.

Nicole

I can't believe I was a winner

2026-10-07T01:30:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

I'm one of those people who never wins anything. Except for Bingo. LOL

Other things I just don't seem to have any luck at. Until the beautiful Mia from Craftartisita had a drawing and I was one of the winners.

I wrote to Mia thanking her and telling her she did not need to send me anything since I live in the US and she lives in Greece. I told her I was just thrilled to have been one of the winners. However, Mia being the thoughtful person that she is sent me a package and I received it yesterday. I can't be more happy with what she sent to me.

First Mia made what she calls a wallet. It is beautifully made.

The eye balls are perfect for me. Look at this stitching. This is the inside of the wallet. Very impressive.

Along with that she sent a blank book. I love blank books. Look how lovely the cover is.

In addition with all of that she sent an oven mitt and hot pad. I told Mia they are to pretty to use in the kitchen and I just might frame them.

Last but certainly not least this beautiful card.

I think my luck has changed for the better.

It also reminded me how all of us that create art have many different skills. Not just the ones we tend to show on our blogs. I had no idea Mia is an expert seamstress.

Thank you Mia for your kindness and your generosity.

Nicole

T Tuesday

2026-10-06T01:30:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

Today is Tuesday and that means a day with Elizabeth and Bleubeard.

I did some baking this week.

Why? I'm blaming Mae. You know Mae form Mae's Food Blog. A week ago she showed a piece of toasted cinnamon swirl bread with raisins. I don't know why but all I wanted was a piece of that bread. I had to get a few things at the store and put the bread on my list. OMG!!!!! There is only one brand and I don't even remember what brand name it is. The price was just under $5.00 and the loaf had 14 slices of bread! Uhhhh no way. I will go home and bake my own.

Yes, my loaf is crooked but who cares?

I have to tell you this recipe is by far the best bread of any kind I have made.

First the rise was perfect.

I baked it in a large loaf pan that has this design on the bottom

Here is the inside. Mr. M. doesn't like raisins but he told me to go ahead and put them in. He ended up liking them. The crumb is also perfect.

Toasted with butter and I was in heaven. (sorry about the shadow)

Since I made this on our anniversary we have named this,

"Anniversary Bread."

Here is the recipe.

This makes 2 loaves or one big one.

You will need;

3/4 C warm water 110°F

2 1/4 t active dry yeast (1 packet)

1/2 C milk warmed to 110°F

1/3 C sugar, 3 T butter melted

1 egg room temperature

4 - 4 1/2 C of APF

1 1/4 t cinnamon, 1 t salt.

Filling

1/4 C sugar, 1 T cinnamon.

Place water in mixing bowl and sprinkle yeast over the top. Stir gently to combine. Let stand 10 minutes until the yeast is foamy. Beat in milk, sugar, butter and egg on low with the mixer. On low beat in 2 C of flour until mixture is nice and smooth. Continue adding flour, salt, and cinnamon a little at a time until the dough is smooth. You may not need all of the flour. Switch to a dough hook and continue mixing for another 5 minutes. Or you can knead by hand.

Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise for up to 2 hours or until it doubles in size. Punch down and knead just a few times on a lightly floured counter or cutting board. Roll dough out to a 9x20 inch rectangle. The narrow end should be as wide as your loaf pan. Combine the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and then sprinkle over the dough. At the narrow end start to roll up the dough tightly. Pinch edges well to seal.

Tuck the ends under slightly and place in a pan that was sprayed with butter flavored oil. Cover and let rise another hour or until double. P

Preheat the oven to 350°F 180°C.

Back for 30 to 40 minutes. The inside temp should be 195° Or you can test the loaf by tapping on it, when is sounds hollow it is done. Let cool in the pan 5 to 10 minutes before transferring it to a rack.

I made a huge loaf, I had to bake mine for 60 minutes.

If you try this you will not be sorry. Let me if you do.

My drink for today is,

I haven't had a 7up in I don't know how long. It is so refreshing.

Have a great Tuesday.

Nicole

Monster Monday

2026-10-05T01:30:00.000-07:00

Welcome to

I have been busy, busy, busy. I'm feeling very well these days and it is a joy to get things accomplished without pain and everything else lupus has to offer. LOL

I spent some time on Night Cafe. I mentioned awhile back that Night Cafe AI image site changed just about everything. Most of all things change for the non paying people, like me. It now takes so long to have an image generate that it's frustrating to create there. However, the other night I did.

Monsters for today.

Here are a few pretties.

Just because I feel a bit witchy.

That's it for now.

Have a great Monday.

Nicole

Sunday in the Art Room (SITAR)

2026-10-04T01:30:00.000-07:00

Welcome to

Before I get started yesterday Mr. M. and I celebrated 46 years together.

Wow! That went by so fast.

Now for SITAR.

Today I want to introduce Marjorie Strider. Pop Artist

When we think about Pop Art the names that come to mind are Andy Warhol or Roy Lichtenstein. Women Pop Artists remained behind the scenes, for one single reason. The art scene of the time promoted the myth of the male "artist-as-genius," sidelining women into the periphery of galleries and museums. Art critics often trivialized female perspectives. As art historian Lucy Lippard noted, male artist making work about the kitchen or household items was seen as pioneering Pop Art. Where as women doing similar art was dismissed as "cute" or domestic.

Marjorie Strider was born in Guthrie, OK. January 26, 1931

Marjorie knew at a young age exactly what she wanted to do and that was to make art. Later in her life in an interview she stated.

"I never wanted to be anything but an artist."

Girl with the radish

She pursued her passion formally by studying art at Oklahoma State University and the Kansas City Art Institute in Missouri where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree. After college Marjorie did moved to Knasas City and spent two years designing creative commercial window displays for the Robinson Shoe Company. She said this experience helped her hone her understanding of spatial design and three-dimensional forms.

Tierra del Fuego, 1982 Mixed media sculpture with aluminum, acrylic, glitter and sequins.

216x140cm Galerie Gmurzynska

As Marjorie began creating large instillations she moved to using urethane foam.

This medium allowed her to cast much lighter, bulbous, and free-flowing organic shapes—such as oozing liquids or exaggerated anatomical features—that could protrude multiple feet out from the wall.

Installation view of the exhibition "Marjorie Strider: Tower Project" at the Clocktower

February 26 - March 13, 1976. MoMA PS1 Archives, I.A.50. The Museum ofModern Art Archives, New York. INPS1.46.2. Photograph by Jonathan Dent.

In 1957, she moved to New York City. By the early 1960s, she grew incredibly bored with traditional, flat canvas painting. To break the monotony, she began experimentations she called "build-outs" attaching wood, cardboard, and Styrofoam to her paintings so the imagery literally burst out into the room. This unique hybrid of painting and sculpture caught the attention of the mainstream art world and launched her into the legendary 1960s Pop Art scene.

Marjorie applied her artistic concepts to everyday consumer goods and nature. She crafted oversized pieces, like structural radishes and asparagus stalks rising off the dark backgrounds.

Venetian blinds buckled and warped by flowing blue matter and Coca Cola cans pouring out thick solid waves of pink foam. Through these build-outs, she humorously attacked the male-dominated status quo of Pop Art. She actively changed how viewers interacted with space and form.

In 1964, Pace Gallery, in New York, set up and exhibit with Marjorie alongside Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein. The landmark exhibition titled, "The First International Girlie Show" opened in January. The group show was highly coordinated, tongue-in-cheek artistic statement that brought together 10 prominent Pop artists to explore the theme of the American pin up girl.

Instead of being overshadowed, Strider actually became the standout star of the show.

Strider's comically provocative build-out painting, Girl with Radish, was chosen by the gallery as the official banner and marketing image for the entire exhibition.
While the male artists were painting pin-ups from a position of voyeurism, Strider used her 3D "build-outs" to push the women's physical features into the viewer's space—satirizing the sexual objectification of women and aggressively confronting the male gaze.

The show was an immense critical and media success, heavily covered by television and newspapers. It solidified Pace Gallery's presence in New York and launched Strider's career, leading directly to two subsequent solo exhibitions for her at the gallery.

Marjorie had a highly successful and prolific 50 year career, though its trajectory followed a path common to many pioneering female artist of her generation.

Marjorie Strider died on August 27, 2014 at the age of 83.

I hope you enjoyed meeting Marjorie.

That's it for now.

I will be joining Gillena

It's time to show me your art.

Nicole

Friday Face OFF Oct. 1

2026-10-02T01:30:00.000-07:00

Welcome To Friday Face OFF (FFO)

This is the place to show off your face art.

You know, ANY type of face, nature, the face of a flower, photography, drawings, paintings, AI. There just needs to be a face in your blog post, a link back to my blog and please use the image below.

Thank you.

Happy Friday Everyone!

I seriously can't believe how fast my days are going by. I've been very busy with my special order and did get it finished. I will deliver it tomorrow. This is my face for the week.

Neither fully dead nor truly alive, the she-cat belonged to the hollow spaces in between. They had buried her anyway. Soon she gnawed her way out of the earth, rising with graveyard dirt caked on her face, paws and clinging to the sparse fur she had left.

Putrid secretions hardened into thick strands over her lips, cementing her jaw and preventing her from closing her mouth.

She now drifts through the midnight hours, a witness to the ghosts crossing between worlds, searching the shadows for a single gateway back to the waking world.

My next face is this guy. He has a long way to go before he is finished.

I cut his teeth out so I can mold a dead mouth and make my own teeth for him.

This is the first layer of paint. I will show you what he looks like when he is done.

Last but not least, because I have several more projects going on in my art room, is this lovely. His lower jaw was missing, completely destroyed in the catastrophic car accident. Deep in the swamps, investigators finally found his skull resting right beside the rusted, sunken wreckage of the car he had been driving.

I also removed his teeth to mold and replace them with better ones. Actually with dead teeth. LOL

Those are my faces for today. Now it's time to see a few features.

Essentially Ash

Lisca

That's it for now

Don't miss

Sunday in the Art Room.

I will be joining Gillena

Now it's time to show my your face.

Nicole

T Tuesday

2026-09-29T01:30:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

Today is Tuesday and that means a day with Elizabeth and Bleubeard.

I really can't believe a week has gone by. I guess I've just been busy.

I took some left over beans.

Discarded the liquid and set them aside.

I still had some meat mixture from last weeks meat rolls. I started to heat this up.

Added the beans.

With some spicy herbs and rotel

I grated some cheese and I started making burritos.

After they were all rolled up I placed them on a sheet and put them into the freezer for several hours.

Once that's done I take and wrap them in plastic wrap and then foil.

Label and date them and now they are ready for those nights we don't want to cook.

One night I made veggies and rice. I don't care for white rice so a few tablespoons is good for me.

Tonight I made nachos for dinner.

I watched a youtube where the lady made chocolate cherry dump cake. I've never made a dump cake before but thought this would be good for my monthly gathering.

Now unless you want to go into a sugar coma, I do not recommend this. You can see I took a small bite. The girls loved it but no me. Plus not good for Mr. M. I cut the recipe in half.

I took 1 can of cherry pie filling and poured it into a small baking dish. I weighed out half of a chocolate cake mix and spread it over the cherries.

As directed I cut pieces of butter and laid them on top of the cake mix. Bake at 350°F 176°C and bake for 40 minutes. Or until the cherries are bubbling up around the cake. Let it cool completely. Like I said, get ready for a sugar high.

My drink for this week is a treat for me.

Have a good Tuesday

Nicole

Monster Monday with some art

2026-09-28T01:30:00.000-07:00

Welcome to

I have a special order that I'm creating for a local doctor. She loves cats, is very much into monster art and I'm happy to be creating this. Here is the cat so far.

It's a dead she cat

I have the muscle laid in and starting on dead skin.

Her backside.

Some good muscle and tendons.

Neck muscles.

Each layer has to dry so I have 3 other skulls in the works.

I also made a caldron for my front porch. Got it at the $$ store.

I sanded it then painted it with a sand medium. I wanted some texture on it.

Then I painted it black.

I painted the outside so it looked a bit rusty. Then I filled it with Fomo.

Painted it witchy green with some shading.

Then added bloody burnt skeleton hands I made and some smaller plastic hands that I painted.

Remember when I showed you these shoes I got for $2.00 at the thrift store? They went from this.

To this

To this.

To these witches shoes ready for flying.

Just because I'm in a witchy mood.

Here are some cute witches.

That's it for now have a great Monday.

Nicole

Sunday in the Art Room SITAR

2026-09-27T01:30:00.000-07:00

Welcome To

Portland, Oregon has many art galleries, in 3 different districts, at any given time. There is the Pearl District a neighborhood that holds the densest cluster, with roughly 12 to 15 major commercial and contemporary fine art galleries.

In addition there is a lot of street art and murals. Plus First Thursday, this event takes place on the first Thursday evening of every month. It centers around the dense cluster of fine art galleries in the Pearl District, which stay open late, and features a vibrant outdoor First Thursday Street Gallery on closed-off blocks of NW 13th Avenue (from April through October)

Next is

The Eastside Districts, neighborhoods like Alberta, Central Eastside, and Southeast host another 20+ independent spaces, cooperative galleries, and experimental art labs (such as Alberta Street Gallery and Nucleus Portland) that focus on local artisans, illustration, and pop culture. Plus the Friday art walk. A monthly summer street festival featuring local makers, live music, and open galleries.

This is just too many people for me but I hear often how much fun everyone has.

There is also the Eastside Mural District.

Alternative Spaces & Public Art: Beyond brick-and-mortar storefronts, Portland features dozens of nontraditional exhibition spaces, university galleries, and a vibrant community mural network boasting nearly 1,000 pieces of public street art.

Here is the PDX Free Little Art Gallery

Immersive art

Lawrence art gallery

Oldest and largest art gallery by Cedar Lee

Portland Vase Crocker art gallery.

This isn't what I had in mind when I started Sunday in the Art Room. In fact I had discovered that Brassworks Gallery in Portland has a scull exhibit that started Sept 12. However, I got so caught up in the art in Portland that I had to add it.

"Too Many Skulls" curated by Attaboy.

These are all seasoned artists who have gone to school or University for art. As I was looking at each peace my thought was, "I could enter this"

Here is some of the art and you can see all of them here

Oh and my other thought was, "I'm not charging nearly enough for my skull and monster art." 😁

Jennybird Alcantara • Always Return

Lana Crooks • Mirage

$2,200.00

Russ White • Side Quest

These are only 3 of the 4 pages of skull art. Take a minute to check it out.

That's it for now.

I will be joining Gillena

It's time to show me your art.

Nicole

Will this come to a vote?

2026-09-26T08:38:57.332-07:00

Hi Everyone!

You have probably read that Representative Steve Cohen,

a Democrat from Tennessee, has issued 26 articles of impeachment against the "thing". This comes just 9 days after the house rejected a separate impeachment effort by Representative Al Green, a Democrat from Texas. The vote was 232-147.

(Eighteen Democrats joined Republicans in voting to table the articles, including some of the most conservative Democrats in the caucus like Representatives Jared Golden (D-Maine) and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez — who has also twice broken with their caucus to help buoy Republican priorities in recent weeks. Another 46 Democrats voted “present,” including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries D-New York).

Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Kentucky) also recently introduced articles of impeachment against Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.

Cohen's list is much more detailed than Green's.

This is Cohen's

The 26 Articles:

ARTICLE I: UNDERMINING DEMOCRACY—SOWING DOUBT IN ELECTIONS

ARTICLE II: ABUSE OF POWER—WAGING WAR ON IRAN WITHOUT CONGRESSIONAL APPROVAL

ARTICLE III: ABUSE OF POWER—EXTRAJUDICIAL KILLINGS IN INTERNATIONAL WATERS OF VENEZUELA

ARTICLE IV: ABUSE OF POWER—DEPLOYING MILITARY FORCES AGAINST UNITED STATES CITIES

ARTICLE V: VIOLATION OF OATH—THE BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP EXECUTIVE ORDER

ARTICLE VI: ABUSE OF POWER—CANCELING FEDERAL GRANTS TO PUNISH STATES FOR THEIR VOTES

ARTICLE VII: ABUSE OF POWER—IMPOSING LOYALTY TESTS ON THE FEDERAL WORKFORCE

ARTICLE VIII: DISREGARD OF COURTS—THE ALIEN ENEMIES ACT AND THE CASE OF KILMAR ABREGO GARCIA

ARTICLE IX: VIOLATION OF OATH—CRUEL AND UNUSUAL PUNISHMENT AT CECOT

ARTICLE X: VIOLATION OF OATH—UNLAWFUL WITHHOLDING OF APPROPRIATED FUNDS AND DISMANTLING OF CONGRESSIONALLY ESTABLISHED PROGRAMS

ARTICLE XI: ABUSE OF POWER—OBSTRUCTING THE LAWFUL APPOINTMENT OF UNITED STATES ATTORNEYS

ARTICLE XII: ABUSE OF POWER—DEFYING COURT ORDERS IN IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT

ARTICLE XIII: ABOLISHING A CONGRESSIONALLY MANDATED AGENCY—THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

ARTICLE XIV: VIOLATION OF OATH—UNLAWFUL MASS TERMINATION OF INSPECTORS GENERAL WITHOUT STATUTORY NOTICE TO CONGRESS

ARTICLE XV: UNLAWFULLY AND UNILATERALLY TAXING UNITED STATES CITIZENS THROUGH EMERGENCY POWERS TARIFFS

ARTICLE XVI: ABUSE OF POWER—POLITICAL PROSECUTIONS OF COMEY, JAMES, AND SCHIFF

ARTICLE XVII: ABUSE OF POWER—THE IRS SETTLEMENT AND THE CORRUPTION OF THE JUDGMENT FUND

ARTICLE XVIII: ABUSE OF POWER—THE CORRUPT USE OF THE PARDON POWER

ARTICLE XIX: ATTACKS ON A FREE PRESS—BANISHING REPORTERS FROM THE WHITE HOUSE FOR DISFAVORED COVERAGE

ARTICLE XX: ATTACKS ON A FREE PRESS—COERCING CBS AND ABC TO CHANGE EDITORIAL CONTENT

ARTICLE XXI: VIOLATION OF OATH—FREE SPEECH AND RETALIATORY EXECUTIVE ORDERS AGAINST LAW FIRMS

ARTICLE XXII: VIOLATION OF OATH—FREE SPEECH AND COERCING UNIVERSITIES THROUGH WITHHELD FEDERAL FUNDS

ARTICLE XXIII: ABUSE OF POWER—DEMOLISHING THE WHITE HOUSE EAST WING WITHOUT CONGRESSIONAL APPROVAL

ARTICLE XXIV: VIOLATION OF OATH—THE ILLEGAL IMPOUNDMENT OF APPROPRIATED FUNDS

ARTICLE XXV: ABUSE OF POWER—SELF-AGGRANDIZEMENT THROUGH THE RENAMING OF PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS, SEIZURE OF CULTURAL AND CIVIC PROPERTY, AND PERSONAL APPROPRIATION OF NATIONAL CURRENCY

ARTICLE XXVI: EMOLUMENTS VIOLATIONS—PROFITING PERSONALLY AND DIRECTLY FROM THE PRESIDENCY

With the republicans holding the majority of the house this effort may be tabled as well.

Representative Cohen himself acknowledged the political reality, calling the "sycophantic Republican majority" derelict in their duty and noting in his statement that the resolution is largely a symbolic measure intended to create a historical record of dissent.

We are witnessing the rapid demise of American democracy before us, as this "thing" and his covert allies systematically undermine and fracture our fundamental freedoms.

Nicole

crap

2026-09-25T13:29:58.917-07:00

Hi Everyone!

Crap! I burnt my fingers and can't type. I will get to comments by tomorrow I hope.

It was with a hot glue gun.

Nicole

Friday Face OFF

2026-09-25T01:30:00.000-07:00

Welcome To Friday Face OFF (FFO)

This is the place to show off your face art.

You know, ANY type of face, nature, the face of a flower, photography, drawings, paintings, AI. There just needs to be a face in your blog post, a link back to my blog and please use the image below.

Thank you.

Last week when I had all the energy to make food. I knew it wouldn't last and that it was a lupus energy kick. The last few days I have not been able to do much except sleep. I'm OK, no need to worry. I've been sleeping 13 to 15 hours at a time. Believe me that doesn't make me feel rested. For anyone out there that suffers from chronic fatigue knows this.

I couldn't help myself with this. LOL

With that said I have no face art of my own. You will have to settle with these.

A good night's sleep.

I don't have a bath tub, and I sure miss one. Just taking a soak.

I just has to laugh at this. Love her shoes.

The best selfie.

I only wish I could

Missin' that tube.

Ready for some features?

Linda

Tom

That's it for now

Don't miss

Sunday in the Art Room.

I will be joining Gillena

Now it's time to show me your face.

Nicole

T- Tuesday

2026-09-22T01:30:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

Today is Tuesday and that means a day with Elizabeth and Bleubeard.

I've been doing a lot of cooking this week. The first meal I made was Chili Rellenos. However, I did not get any photos of them. Which kind of saddens me because they were the best I've ever made. Next time.

I purchased some boneless pork at a reduced priced and decided to make sausage out of it.

It's so easy to make. Much healthier for you and if you buy the pork on sale a lot less expensive.

Simply cut the pork into cubes.

put into food processor

and chop it up

Looks good

but it needs seasoning

I fried a small piece

to see how it cooks up

and tastes. It's a bit different than store bought but so good.

I did add some lard to it and wrapped for the freezer.

I made stuffed meat rolls.

The one in the middle is just a round loaf of bread.

I started with browning onions and orange bell pepper with ground beef and my homemade sausage. Removed it from the pan and set it aside.

I chopped up two potatoes and 2 carrots. In the food processor.

then fried them up.

After this had a good browning I added the meat in and made sure it was well seasoned.

You can use canned biscuits but I made my homemade pizza dough. I didn't get photos, but you simply roll it out into squares and fill them with the meat mixture. Pinch the edges together. At this point you can give it all and egg wash.

Bake at 380°F or 193°C for about 15 to 18 minutes.

Yesterday I got the makings ready for manicotti or lasagna.

I made my sauce with half of the meat mixture, (not with the carrots and potato) I used for the meat rolls, and my home canned sauce.

Cheese for the filling.

Mix all three together and season.

Place in a bowl, cover and put into the fridge. It's easier to work with cold.

Here it is the next day. I had some left over manicotti and large egg shells. I'm just going to use them both.
boil them up until they are not quite done. Cool them off, pat them dry and set in the fridge.

I warmed up the sauce and placed a small amount on the bottom of the baking dish.

Then I started filling the pasta.

Once that was done I poured the rest of the sauce over the filled pasta.

The left over cheese mixture dots the top. I will bake this at 400°F 240°C until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Maybe 20 minutes.

This is very cheesy.

One needs something sweet after all that richness. I ground cinnamon and chocolate graham crackers and made a crust.

Then I filled it with vanilla and chocolate sugar free pudding.

It was topped with sugar free whipping cream.

With all of this food my drink for the day is

Have a great Tuesday.

Nicole

Monster Monday

2026-09-21T01:30:00.000-07:00

Welcome to

I created some of these cows awhile back and I really like them. So, I created more. LOL

Now for some autumn pretties.

Have a great Monday

Nicole

SITAR

2026-09-20T01:30:00.000-07:00

Welcome to

This week, it is my absolute pleasure to feature a brilliant talent from our own blogging community Soma Acharya from InkTorrents

Soma is an artist and creator from Napa, California, where she turns her original paintings, and drawings into cloth-bound notebooks, art prints and stationary.

Each custom-made book is hand stitched, by Soma, to lay perfectly flat, featuring her unique, original cover artwork.

You can see all of the books she has for sale in her shop on her website, here.
The books are reasonably priced and you have original art forever.

Creating with Copic markers, watercolors, colored pencils, oil paints, oil pastels and charcoal Soma's detailed landscapes, nature scenes, and wildlife drawings such as, local Napa scenery, Yosemite landscapes, and botanical illustrations are masterful.

However, this is not all that she creates. Soma is also a textile designer and quilter who releases unique, illustrative foundation paper piecing (FPP). Her work stands out because every pattern originates from her personal paintings, blending the worlds of fine art and quilting.

These quilt patterns can be found on her website here.

Clearly, Soma shares our deep passion for art and fully embraces her artistic journey. A journey she extends to include every single one of us. Right now, Soma is hosting a two week drawing challenge with daily prompts.

The theme is, "Qiet Earth."

Soma has made it very easy, in fact there is only 1 rule. The art must be not larger than 2"x3".

I have enter 3 pieces so far, and the project has pushed me well past my comfort zone. As you know my typical art is large scale paper and canvas. However, I'm having so much fun!

Take a few minutes to visit Soma and then join in. You won't regret it.

I will be joining Gillena

Have a great Sunday

Nicole

Friday Face OFF (FFO)

2026-09-18T01:30:00.000-07:00

Welcome To Friday Face OFF (FFO)

This is the place to show off your face art.

You know, ANY type of face, nature, the face of a flower, photography, drawings, paintings, AI. There just needs to be a face in your blog post, a link back to my blog and please use the image below.

Thank you

It has been a busy week for us. Nothing in particular just every day things and getting the cars and the house ready for winter. I know it's only fall but better get it done now.

I have also been spending time in my art room, having fun making witchy things. I will show you when they are finished.

For now the faces I'm showing are very old.

Here are some AI funnies.

Thursday I did cook all day long.

Now for some features.

Iris

Cloudia

That's it for now

Don't miss

Sunday in the Art Room.

I will be joining Gillena

Now it's time to show me your face.

Nicole

Wednesday

2026-09-15T01:30:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

Yesterday was a long day for us. We had to drive into Coos Bay to do some grocery shopping. That part wasn't bad, it was the driving.

There are idiots on the roads these days. I don't remember such stupid moves while driving a car before.

Anyway we made it. LOL

A few weeks ago my daughter told me about Mock Ritz cracker apple pie. I told her I remember my Nan (her great grandma) telling me about that during the great depression days.

I'm telling you it looks amazing.
Photo from internet.

However, after reading about it there is just way too much sugar for us.

In fact if you don't know about this, sugar is mixed with cream of tartar to make an inverted sugar syrup. Even though I would like to try this recipe then take to my monthly gathering. I would not make it for us.

As I thought about sugar and the depression I wondered why woman would use sugar. At the time, a 5lb bag of sugar was .30 cents. That was a lot for then. During the depression the retail price of fresh apples was between 3 to 5 cents or 25 cents for an 8lb bag. On city street corners the famous unemployed apple sellers sold one apple for 5 cents.

While a few cents sounds incredibly cheap today, apples were a poor financial choice for a home cook baking a pie for three primary reasons:

1. Volume and Waste

A standard 9-inch fruit pie requires about 2 to 3 pounds of fresh apples. At grocery store rates, buying enough apples just for the filling would cost roughly 10 to 15 cents. Furthermore, because cold storage supply chains were heavily disrupted in the 1930s, store-bought apples were frequently bruised or half-rotten, meaning a homemaker had to cut away significant waste, driving the actual cost per usable pound even higher.

2. The Total Pie Math

To make a real apple pie, you had to buy the apples plus the sugar and flour. To make a Mock Apple Pie, you entirely skipped the expensive fruit. You used a single sleeve of Ritz crackers out of a 19-cent box (about 6 cents worth) and roughly 6 cents worth of sugar. The mock version cut the filling cost nearly in half and relied entirely on stable, non-perishable pantry staples that wouldn't spoil on the counter.

3. Geographical Scarcity

If you lived in rural orchards or Washington State, fresh apples were virtually worthless because farmers couldn't afford the freight costs to ship them. However, if you lived in a major city like New York or Chicago, the cost of transporting that heavy, perishable fruit made store prices skyrocket relative to people's nonexistent wages. Crackers and sugar, by contrast, were lightweight, shelf-stable, and cheap to distribute anywhere in America. I know, Ritz didn't invent mock pies. 19th-Century Pioneer Women on the American frontier faced a severe shortage of fresh fruit. In the mid-to-late 1800s, homemakers invented "mock apple pie" using stale bread, soda crackers, or saltines mixed with warm water, sugar, and lemon juice to mimic the texture and tartness of apples.

Now before anyone mentions sugar rationing, it was NOT rationed during the great depression. It was a decade later. May 1942 during WW2. A whole different history lesson. LOL

Since I was vested in the cracker thing, I did make Saltine cracker toffee. I made a very small batch just to see how it turned out. Can I say, OMG GOOD!

I thought I had photos but they are not on my camera. Mine looked just like this photo from the internet.

I did find this photo of mine. The bottom of the cracker toffee. I seriously thought the hot toffee would make the crackers soggy. Not at all. The sweet/salty crunch of this is pure culinary bliss

Hmmm...why not try some other cracker recipes since this turned out so good.

This next one SUCKS!

I wanted something that was no bake.

OK, lay Ritz crackers flat on a baking dish. Heat up some peanut butter so it runs smooth and pour over the crackers. Spread with a spatula. Lay another layer of crackers and then cover with more peanut butter. Now take a can of condensed milk and 2 cups of chocolate chips. Heat in a pan stirring until smooth. The pour over the crackers and peanut butter in the baking dish. This mixture is very thick. The directions say to leave it out and let it set up. Ohhh nooo. I ended up putting it in the freezer.

It never did set up just leaving it out. The crackers fell apart all over the place and the peanut butter without any kind of sugar or flavoring was terrible. However, the worst part was the chocolate. Yuckkkk, mixing it with the condensed milk gave it a terrible taste and texture.

I DO NOT recommend this!

Oh, here is the toffee recipe.

I would write it out for you but I am exhausted and need to go to bed.

Try adding any kind of nuts

Or some salt flakes to enhance that sweet/salt flavor.

You can also decorate for any holiday.

Hey, why not try it with white chocolate?

OK, I'm done with this. I'm off to bed.

If you try this please let me know what you think.

Have a great day today.

Nicole

T Stands for flying

2026-09-14T16:35:07.441-07:00

Hi Everyone!

Today is Tuesday and that means a day with Elizabeth and Bleubeard.

If you can't see these, check your pop up blocker. Or click anywhere on the square (Tom says his is black) and it should take the video to a new tab.

Today I felt like flying.

And my drink for today is

Have a nice day today

Nicole

Monster Monday

2026-09-14T01:30:00.000-07:00

Welcome to

I'm having trouble getting a post written. This is my third try.

Wish blogger would get it together. LOL

These are not my monsters but I like them.

We had 2 beautiful summery days and then the rain came. I am so hoping to get a few more nice days before fall. Here on the cost we don't have much changing of the leaves at all. I have to go inland for that and it's still not that dramatic. Not like these places.

Where you live do you have a big change when fall comes?

Have a great Monday!
Nicole

Sunday in the Art Room SITAR

2026-09-13T01:30:00.000-07:00

Welcome to

I had a different post started for SITAR. However, as I got into the artist's life. I didn't like him very much.

Since it's late in the day, what you get is a few pieces of mine.

I hear people say,

"It's time to get ready for Halloween."

Of course I laugh because my house is ALWAYS Halloween ready.

Last year I was unable to create anything new but this year I am in full (scary art) force.

Here are a few items in my art room

and most of you will remember some of these pieces.

First I opened two totes that are filled with sculls, skeletons, and bones.

And this next box contains real bones.

Animal, not human. LOL Mr. M. will get it down for me.

This dragon I only got partially skinned and stained last year. I will try to finish it this year.

On the bottom shelf is another dragon. Above it is a gargoyle type creature but not a good photo.

This shelf is up high but here is a better photo of the G

This is "Bone-ita" Ya know, pretty in Spanish "Bonita" LOL Yes, my friends have names. 😁

Bone-ita is looking over these lovelies. I was going to sell these but I have some sort of attachment to them.

I made all of the teeth with a nylon material.

The eyes are glass

These hang by a window so the photos are not great.

It’s weird, it’s wild, and not for everyone. However, I wouldn't change my monster art for anything. The process of creating this art is alluring, spellbinding, and the finished pieces very satisfying.

I enjoy each piece I make but there are always favorites and for different reasons.

This one is because I sat down and made guts for him. He tells a story of being in the coffin. His name is Redgie. Yeah, poor Redgie lost his limbs in a war.

This piece truly is my all time fave. his name is, "Echo"

I don't think there is anything I don't like about him. I have had people wanting to buy him but I won't let him go.

I have many more monster art pieces in my house, including drawings, paintings, leather and clay sculptures. For now I think this is enough.

Are you getting ready for Halloween? Or are you like me and are always ready?

I will be joining Gillena

Have a great Sunday

Nicole

Friday Face OFF FFO

2026-09-11T01:30:00.000-07:00

Welcome To Friday Face OFF (FFO)

This is the place to show off your face art.

You know, ANY type of face, nature, the face of a flower, photography, drawings, paintings, AI. There just needs to be a face in your blog post, a link back to my blog and please use the image below.

Thank you.

We have had a week of what is our summer weather. Mr. M. and I can't stay inside with warm sunshine. So I have not created any art.

I do have some fun faces.

Early this AM I headed to the store for a few items we needed. On the way home I stopped at the Dollar Tree. I have not been in there since they raised the prices. But, I wanted to see what they had for Halloween.

I was looking for a new cauldron and then couldn't help myself. The items are not as high quality as a few years ago but I will be making them dead so that's oK.
I found this runner too, with spiders and webs.

After putting the groceries away I headed back out to one of the 14 thrift stores in town. I was hunting dolls. I got there three for $10.00. The doll in the middle is on a stand. Can't wait to get started on these.

The Humane Society thrift store is around the corner and up the street from me. As I was coming home I wanted to stop there but as the rest of our town there is limited parking. Later in the day I had Mr. M. drive us over. I'm so glad I did.

I found this lovelies.

OH yeah, new witch shoes coming up.

They were $8.00, however it was orange tag sale 75% off I got them for 2 bucks.
Mr. M. found some great music for a $1.00 and we rocked out the rest of the afternoon.

I do have a drawing up on the easel and will try to work on it this week.

Here are some features

Gillena

Rostrose

Leeanna

That's it for now

Don't miss

Sunday in the Art Room.

I will be joining Gillena

Now it's time to show me your face.
Nicole

Good Day Tuesday

2026-09-09T01:30:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

I write my posts the day before so even though this is Wednesday, I had the best Tuesday.

First we actually had a summer day. It was 71°F with no wind. That's a dream for here. Mr. M. and I took a very short drive north of town. We haven't been over that way for awhile, and I wanted to prove to you that I really do live on the beach.

We drove the long way about 3 miles. LOL

Once we turn west off of HWY 101

We come onto this road. Behind the mess of trees are homes.

Except for here. In winter this is a swamp. We have had no rain this summer so it's dried up.

Then around the corner where there is a small lot that is NOT a fee area.

I spoke with the couple sitting off to the side. They are from Utah and come here every year. In my mind I thought, "Why?" OK, I'm being snarky.

The tide was fully out.

We are known for our dunes large and small.

We came home, had a bite to eat and then went to the Florence, Farmer's Market. Now I don't normally attend this market. It doesn't start until 3pm and by that time I'm done in.

However, I had some coupons and wanted to use them up. There is never a place to park so Mr. M. dropped me off while he drove around.

I must say that going later in the year is much better. The vendors were amazing, the prices exceptional, and I'm happy with what I got.

However, somewhere a long the way I lost a beautiful zucchini. Don't have a clue how or where it dropped out of my bag. It's nowhere in the car.

Someone will find it and hopefully put it to good use. Besides I got these beauties from my own garden. They aren't very big but they are sweet and so good.

One last thing. I needed, (wanted) a smaller Comal cast iron pan. I found one on Amazon on sale and that arrived today.

It's perfect.

It's not the highest quality of cast iron, mid range but it will work for me.

That's my day in a nutshell.

Have a great day today.

Nicole