milestones

Two of my best friends are turning 50, Chris on Nov 9th and Annette on Dec 9th! We'll celebrate with a dinner at a yet to be determined date. I made these tins for them this weekend which I am going to fill with clinique beauty products.

life-long friendships

Lunch today catching up with two girlfriends I've known forever - one since the 2nd grade, the other since 7th. We went all the way through high school together in the 70's; let's just say, if during that time period I was doing something where I could get into trouble, was dangerous, illegal, wacky or just plain fun - these two were probably near by - very near by. The other two, one a teacher in Grand Haven (and probably close to if not the most grounded girl in our class) and the other, a very succesful architect in Louisiana, weren't there but I include them at this juncture in the discourse as they are just guilty by past association - and always will be! Notice no names have been exchanged here, and this picture is NOT us (to say the least) - in fact very far from to protect our status in the communities where we reside. There are good reasons for being back "home" and today was one of them!!

seasons

Although we've had quite a bit of cold, a few days of snow and flurries, we are now having a bit of a warm spell. Today I noticed my shrub roses are actually budding and blooming right now. Unexpected, and so beautiful!

new reading material

This is the first I've seen Mary Janes Farm magazine (bought the book last year and love it - although I am probably the farthest from a "farm chick" as can be). This issue is called "Artists in Aprons" and is chock full of beautiful aprons and patterns. It is also the Special Stitchery Issue and features many artists and their art. It's pricey, $7.99, but I was very enamoured with it - so bought it. You can receive a subscription if you order some of her products - www.maryjanesfarm.org. And, I was excited to see Nick Bantock has written a novel, just published, titled Windflower. I am looking very forward to digging into this, it looks fascinating (as soon as I finish my current book, Myla Goldberg's Wickett's Remedy).

bOO

a little book

This is a little 7 gypsies coin envelope book I arted up yesterday. A little scrapbookie, but I absolutely fell in love with the Bohemia papers and rub-ons I'd found a couple weeks ago. I mixed quite a few of the lines together (as they were all so delicious I had to buy a large lot) and ~ voila ~ this is the result. I think it's quite precious, myself!

saturday, part 3!

It is very, very windy today, we are losing the majority of our leaves. Ernie is having the time of his life chasing them! It is cold out there, but can there be anything more heartwarming than watching a puppy play?!!

and another thing...

What is blog etiquette as far as blog links go - I finally made a list of some of the blogs I read daily and put on this blog of mine (if ever there was a procrastinator or inept computer user, I am it and would take the prize. Guess I'd like there to be a prize - I never win anything!). It got me wondering, should I only put down those of people I know (which I did, albeit a couple mere acquaintances), or is it ok to link those that I also just absolutely love reading and visualizing due to talents I admire but who would have no clue who the heck I am (as I have become nearly hermit-like, in which case, who will know as I am sure my readership is infinitesimal??). And if I do, should I email them and tell them I am linking?? (Secret - I have 244 on a list I look at [just counted] - not of course daily, but obviously I am addicted. As addicted as I am to magazines and books it has become apparent). And need I say - I most probably need to get a life?!!!

is this a terrible admission?

I don't want to do halloween. My house is decorated, I love halloween decorating. But I don't feel like going and buying tons of candy, candy I am not even sure will get given out to trick or treaters as I have no clue how many kids would actually come down this street - we have no kids up here excepting one house, and another with a newborn. Because if I do then I will, 1) have wasted all that money on stuff that, 2) I will eat which will, 3) make me fat thus, 4) feel bad for having eaten. But I know I will because I love candy! I am thinking instead of going to Barnes and Noble, doing a bit of perusing and then sitting and having coffee from 6-9pm on tuesday. But, I, for some odd reason do feel guilty, I know how excited my kids always were to do halloween, how excited I was at a young age for that matter, and we were the recipients for many, many years of that kindness and fun, albeit in a different place, state - so it's not as I have particular people to repay the gratitude.

Why do I make things difficult, debating moral decisions with myself (is this exactly an important moral decison - I think in the scheme of things in the state my life and the world in general NOT). So guess I will go to the bookstore.

{time flies}

time flies - whether you're having fun - or not. This was a blah kind of week, and this is how I felt - kind of flat, smooshed. Headachey, cold. Did get out today with dad and the seesters for breakfast, then the girls went to the mall for a bit. They had me buy cuticle conditioner. And Peggy was on a mission to find a ginger-scented candle. I came home and made gingersnaps. Looking forward to a yoga class I am starting in two weeks - bacon and cookies all in one day, yikes.

autumnal splendor

The colors are beginning to peak, I grabbed my camera when I went out to the mailbox this afternoon. So gorgeous.

sunset

Last night's sunset on Lake Michigan, they're getting earlier and earlier each day.

a taste of what's to come

This is what I woke to this morning, gone are the 70 degree temperatures of the past weekend, nanook of the north swept in during the night apparently. When I looked out to see if Ernie was ready to come in I felt he had the same look on his face I did, that "what the...?!" Ahh well, this is reality but it too shall pass - in about 7 months!

weekend

Just spent an extra long, extraordinarily gorgeous weekend doing a color tour in the upper penninsula of Michigan. Full moon and gorgeous sunsets reflecting onto Lake Michigan, rock hunting on Lake Superior, the falls at Tahquamenon beautiful as always, the trees in peak color, the weather absolutely all you could ask for in October. And even took the Lake Huron drive home for more spectacular views. So fun, so relaxing, so perfect. Now if blogger would only let me load some photos (@$*&#@!!^**!@~) ADDENDUM - photo added later today, this is a pic of the sunset last friday night near St. Ignace.

There are some words you just don't hear much anymore - like hunker. Any old way, it sounds as if the next few days will be a hunkering down kind of time, a time to stay inside, feather the nest and pull out the throws, keep the coffee pot full, and the pjs on! I woke up this morning at 6:30 to the sounds of heavy rain and thunder, and it is still doing so. I actually kind of like it - but give me a couple more days and I'm sure I'll be changing that tune.

Where in the world has September gone?! Hard to believe this is the last day of the month. But - I just love halloween, such a fun, silly time of year. This is the banner I've just made and hung over my kitchen window - easy peasy, just some cardstock, book pages, ribbon, buttons and pom poms! Now to go into the basement storeroom and try to find my box of fall/halloween decorations and decorate the house up while I watch some football. Love fall saturdays!

This is wonderful, one of those rare books that transports you from the first sentence into its world and upon reaching the end and looking up, find yourself surprised and a little disoriented to be back in your own. I all but read it in one sitting, could not put it down. Just the type thing for a rainy day.

it's beginning to look alot like autumn!

There are days I wonder why I didn't buy a condo! I just finished power washing the house, whew. Took about four hours, a big job, which included moving all the furniture off the front porch (and putting it back), taking down all the screens, moving things around on the deck and back patio, etc. The worst part of it all though is hauling all the cords and hoses around with the dang thing - but the house was filthy from the build and dirt and mud of the landscaping, and it is a good thing to have done. And one I felt I had no choice but to tackle today as it most likely will be our last warm one for quite some time (although am crossing my fingers we have some semblance of indian summer yet) because the temps for the coming week are to be in the 50's, quite crisp! I do hope to get my doors painted this week, something I have been waiting to do until I came into possession of the power washer. Luke brought it with him last week from his dad's as he was swinging back around and heading back to Seattle after having enjoyed a two-week vacation. But it started raining the day after he left and although we've had a couple nice days now this my first chance to get at it.

Anyway, I'm filthy and a bit damp and in need of a shower but wanted to drink a diet coke and catch my breath a minute so sat down for the first time today to see what is happening in the cyber-world. Might then bake an apple pie with some apples I picked up at the farmer's market on friday. Also picked up this stack of squash which I just put on the now sparkling clean porch - aren't they cute?

This Thomas Merton quote seems appropriate as I work at taking charge of my anxiety - "You do not need to know precisely what is happening, or exactly where it is all going. What you need is to recognize the possibilities and challenges offered by the present moment, and to embrace them with courage, faith and hope."

totally - cute overload!

Some days you just need to smile, ya know?! This website (www.cuteoverload.com) never fails to warm my heart, and it definitely drew a laugh today. Given it has been dark and dreary for days now I have had a hard time staying out of the kitchen so as to avoid moments like this for myself, lol!

we will not forget

changes

I am starting to see and feel fall in the air, the slight hint that change is occurring. There are a few colored leaves which have fallen, although what are on the trees still green but for a jewel or two. It's been dark and rainy since friday evening when thunderstorms rolled through, and with the dampness I can smell a few fires as neighbors try to take off the chill and get cozy. I spent the whole of yesterday snuggled in blankets with Ernie and piles of books around me, and admit to more than one snooze. What I look forward to after these days of rain are the glorious bright sunny days of autumn, filled with brilliant colors, pumpkins and gourds, and the house filled with the aroma of baking apple pies. It is such sensory overload, this time of year!

conflict

I bought this beautiful old book at an wonderful antique market last weekend, one of those last minute stops as I was heading home at the one booth I'd passed by on the way in and again when I'd put some of my purchases into the car and not stopped at. Decided at the last minute though to do a quick perusal and was glad I did. I was thrilled to get it for $15, it is filled with 500 pages of the very best collage material. However, my dilemma - it is big, in fact this scan took up the whole bed of my scanner, and it is heavy, probably weighing a good five pounds or so both of which will make trying to scan individual pages quite difficult. The best thing to do would be to disassemble the entire book - yet I am so reluctant to do so as it is such a great old tome. It's not in good shape but has obviously been well-used and referred to much over the years. Can you tell I am quite the book lover and find them all quite sacred?! The thing is if I don't take it apart I most likely will not use it for the purpose I initially intended, and the whole point of buying it was because I had so many thoughts run immediately through my head as to the great things I could do with it art-wise. But it's 123 years old! Do I keep it and love it as is, or bite the bullet and get out the x-acto?!

{serenity?!?}

This is my new favorite place in my backyard! Have always wanted a porch swing and I love it as much as I thought I would! I ended up purchasing this on the internet after searching for a nice one around here for awhile, it was a good price and they offered free shipping - gotta love that! Ironically I found when it arrived it was manufactured in the town in Ohio we'd lived in and raised the boys, and Joe had actually worked there a month or so (before he decided production work was not his deal) - small world! The next two pics are the before and after of my view from the swing. My neighbors have turned out to be overly friendly, and as he is newly retired seems to always come out there and wanting to chat the minute I sit down. Sometimes a girl just wants some peace and quiet, some privacy, ya know?! He'd actually driven my landscaper nuts and so I'd been told when he was finishing up the project he could come back and add trees at any time if I wanted. Well, I decided I wanted, and two eight-foot white pines were planted! I am happier and they like the trees too. I do imagine after living in their home for eight years and an empty wooded lot they'd looked on suddenly having been cleared and a home sprouting directly behind them that it came as a bit of a letdown to them anyway to lose what they'd had. Hopefully.

positive thinking

My sister, Cathy, starts back to school next week, her second year at GVSU; she hopes to become a radiation therapist. This term she has to take a cadaver lab, needless to say, she is a bit (?!*@!!) freaked. We are planning to go out for hamburgers before tuesday as she thinks this may be the last time in her life she will want to eat meat. I give her all the credit in the world for going back to college in her 40's, I know it has been stressful. I'm going to further toot her horn and reveal she passed her anatomy exam in June with the highest mark in her class, and this a pre-med course that is failed often the first time around, and to do so when it is taken as at an accelerated pace during a summer session - wowza!! As I've watched and listened to her over the last year I have pretty much come to the conclusion I don't believe I'd be able to do it, some of the old brain cells have just evaporated by this time in my life. I made her a little something this afternoon to hang in her car to remind her that, yes, she can do this! The power of positive thinking!

puppy love

While driving past our veterinarian/boarding kennel I noticed their sign today read, "whoever said money can't buy love forgot about puppies". Made me grin, how very true! And speaking of dogs, Letterman last night and the 80-something year old woman who made wigs for dogs?!! Too, too funny.

new book

Hey art friends, found a new work of fiction today at B&N on the 'new releases' table that looks to be alot of fun, right up our alley. It is titled, Journal, and written by Kristine & Joyce Atkinson, sisters from Texas. Here is the blurb on the back cover: "In Journal, Kristine Atkinson and Joyce Atkinson conjure the voyeuristic appeal of finding a stranger's diary, then becoming transfixed by the secrets contained within. These pages belong to artist, wife, and mother Amy Zoe Mason, whose riveting storytelling relies equally on visual and verbal clues. Using an old book as her canvas, Amy layers words, collages, newspaper clippings, and emails into a personal narrative that at first feels familiar, until a sense of alarm begins to build. Readers will find themselves scouring the pages for missing hints and important evidence, compelled to interpret the signs." The authors have done some wonderful artwork within the pages of this book, very believably an art journal, and I look forward to the intrigue of the story they've written to go along with it.

just watching the grass grow

I talked to my son, Luke, this afternoon who is out in Washington working for the summer. After relaying all his news he asked me what's been going on. I told him the lawn had its first cut yesterday and he told me that didn't sound exciting, that I really need to get out more! Reminded him when I talked to him saturday afternoon I'd just been to the button show. That didn't give him alot of confidence I'm having a rolicking good time this summer as he replied, "exactly". Well, it sounds maybe worse than it is?!

reason to smile

Look who came to my house today! She is made by my very talented friend, Katie Kendrick. Check her blog for a link to her ETSY store where she sells them and other pieces of her art. This doll is so wonderful, really makes me smile, and now takes pride of place on my bed. ((hugs to you Katie))
I also have one of DJ Pettitt's pieces which is above my nightstand (the smaller framed piece pictured). I purchased this from her when I first got divorced and moved to North Carolina, it is titled Hope.

These are two very talented women, I get so much inspiration from them both.

button show

It takes alot to get me overwhelmed when shopping, yet I don't think I have ever been more so than this afternoon. My sister, Peggy, called around 11am and asked if I had read the morning paper (we do get two "mornings", saturday and sunday) as there was an article in it about the National Button Society Convention being held here in GR which was culminating in a sale being held today, from 10am to 3pm. (Being she and Cathy were to have saved my mom's button box for me and didn't, I believe they have made a pledge to somehow, someway try to make this up to me yet in this lifetime!). So, having a few free hours I was out the door and downtown by noon. There were more than 50 vendors (including one from England and another from Italy), amazingly alot of men. Anyway I have to say - I didn't even know where to look first. There were boxes and bins of buttons to pick through ranging in price from twenty-five cents to ten dollars a "pick". And buttons assembled on cards into quite specific categories and from what I saw priced anywhere from $3 apiece to one which was $2000! There was a booth which had an ingenious necklace you could put a button on to wear which could be changed out very easily, and a few with bracelets. I purchased a bracelet made from small gold metal buttons (and mine which I made last winter from mother of pearl buttons, that I was wearing, admired by the woman I bought from which was nice), and a few more expensive (for me - as I certainly did not purchase anything over $20) buttons to use on the necklace I also bought. Then I could just do no more, there was just too much and I knew too little, so I perused the hundreds upon hundreds which had been judged and had to leave - even before the 3pm deadline!

I met a couple very nice women from the GR chapter of the Michigan Button Society who urged me to come to one of their meetings. And in talking to a few vendors and a sponsor of the show and telling them how overwhelmed I was told me if I'd never been to a button show before, this was the mother of all shows and that they even get overwhelmed - and they are serious collectors. I would like to learn more, read up on types and value and all as I think I would enjoy collecting (selectively). They are so beautiful and some of the antiques just so very exquisite and intricate. When I look at the treasures I did bring home I see they are all metals (I thought each one would be interesting to use on the necklace, and so pretty) - guess that's as good a place to start as any!

I do have thousands of buttons, most of which I hoard to use in my art which have been picked up at flea markets, yard sales, and junk shops, given to me by friends - I love them all! But today I witnessed a whole other level and it was pretty darn amazing.

being in the {nothing} zone

Being in the nothing zone, how satisfying, how decadent, how lucky, how perfectly summer.

~Days that blend into the next and you don't know where they went.
~Not alot gets accomplished but there are clean towels and clothes, what more can ya want.
~I do take time to smell - and water, and prune - the flowers.
~Walking the dog each evening.
~Delighting in him chasing butterflies.
~A good book read cover to cover with no interruptions.
~Grilling fresh corn on the grill.
~Strawberries, and blueberries, and watermelon, oh my!
~Shh, and ice cream.
~A new shelf on the wall to fill with forgotten stuff coming out of boxes packed eons ago.
~Flea markets, art fairs, and antique shows.
~The beach, ahhhh, the beach.
~SWIMMING in the lake, diving in the waves, sand in every crevice and crack. Perfection on a hot afternoon.
~The smell of sun tan lotion, the sound of flip flops.
~The windows down in the car, the breeze blowing my hair, music blasting on the cd player.
~A summer birthday party - the grill, the pool, the family.
~Filling a birdbath.
~Watching a real honest to god paper boy ride his wagon, zigzagging, down the street, legs spread, big grin.
~Daydreaming on a chaise lounge under a canopy of rustling leaves.
~Swinging on a porch swing.
~Vibrant sunsets.
~Windows thrown open wide to the sound of crickets on a full moon evening.
~Sleeping in.

Life, although much yet to sort out and accomplish, still with anxiety that creeps in due to the unknown, is, for the moment, satisfying. The dog days of August? These feel as if puppy days, filled with squirming delight and slobbering kisses. And if indeed the calm before another storm, savored all the more in the knowing. Truly feeling, truly experiencing, summer. Love it.

summer time memory

How is it time passes so quickly, this snap shot taken in 1985 and I can remember it as if it were yesterday afternoon. So precious are the memories.

from the flower shop

what day is it?!

I've suffered excrutiating headaches this week, therefore been lying low - very, very low. We've had astonishingly hot temperatures and humidity, rain a couple of times, my air conditioning was out for a -mercifully- short period of time, all playing havoc with my very temperamental and sensitive sinuses. Years and years and years ago I went the rounds of tests trying to determine what exactly was causing my headaches. For a few years it was thought they were migraines and I had medication for that malady. Then with the frequency of them it was thought, no, they were cluster headaches and medication was adjusted. End result is that they are sinus headaches and doctors told me even most people think that is what they have it is most usually something else. So I guess I am in a smaller select group of people who suffer the true blue thing and they are no different in pain than those other types but they last longer - wonderful, huh?! I take a daily antihistamine/decongestant to ward them off and have for years. Apparently, however, something in the air in Michigan really triggers them, and I can only hope as I get more used to being in this climate again I will adjust. For now I am slowly, slowly returning to the land of the living today.

trying to keep my cool

Yesterday my air conditioning went out - again - can't explain the frustration as this is one of the exact reasons I bought a new house, so as not to have problems like this. The good news is it never got above 80 degrees in here yet and that there is a repairman outside as I am writing. I am crossing my fingers he gets this fixed as another heat wave is beginning here, just as it is across much of the country. How, just how, did we all survive without technology?!*!@#&#@!!

a summer afternoon

The hydrangeas which were planted on the side of my house are absolutely flourishing, they are so gorgeous I had to cut some to bring inside this afternoon. The "paintbrushes" photographed with them I bought last week in Ann Arbor, they are made by a former iron worker who now does salvage art. He told me the container is part of an old fire extinguisher and the paintbrushes made from old school desk chair legs and telephone wire. LOVE THESE!

a perfect sunday

Another wonderful day at the beach. I didn't take this picture today, rather back in June before school let out, way too crowded these days and being a weekend - well, you know, all part of the experience it being the middle of july. I must say I am in love with it as ever, it relaxes me like nothing else in the world, always has (see archives, August 2005 [Aug 18th to be specific] of me at Lake Michigan when teeny, always been a beach babe).

art for the day

This is my dad, back in the 1940's. If I had to guess I'd say 8th grade. I have lots of photos of him way back when, and an old book here which is part of the Highschool Boys Series - I see a whole series of my own developing. He's a great sport, I think he'll get a kick out of this! (addendum: found another of same pic with 10 years old written on the back. Good thing he looks so young now for [almost] 73, he looked older than his years when young! Maybe had something to do with those clothes, the tie, slicked back hair?!).

summer = art fairs!

Yesterday was a perfect day in my book, art fair time in Ann Arbor! Everything was great - the weather sunny without a cloud in the sky and although very hot, not too humid - enough where a couple fresh-squeezed lemonades and some ice cream was very refreshing and hit the spot when needing a break. And the art - over 1200 artists - pure bliss!! This has evolved over many, many years, there are in fact four major fairs (going back 47 years) which stretch over the campus of the University of Michigan and through the streets of Ann Arbor, merging together into one incredible experience. I haven't been in about five years and saw it from yet a whole different perspective as over the course of those years I have ventured myself into the artistic world. Although I've always been very appreciative and it seems have always purchased it to enjoy on a daily basis I felt another level of awareness in viewing it which made it an even more enjoyable and fulfilling day.

mailmania 2

My submission for Mailmania 2, opening September 22nd at The Victoria College of Art in Victoria, BC. For more info on this exhibit: http://mailmania2.blogspot.com/. I will be very interested to see how this travels through the US postal system and on into Canada!

heat wave

Well, I just wrote a big long post about my night of redecorating - and lost the entire thing. So much for that, maybe someday I'll get back on that whole topic.

Right now I have to say the heat and humidity are consuming me - trying to stay inside and cool. I am sure my guys would be the first to call their mom a big ole wuss - and I'd have to agree! Carla told me something when I asked, after moving to the south a couple years back, how she survived the heat and humidity of the summers. She said, "you wear as little clothes as possible and hope you don't get arrested"! I actually heard comments when living "down there" such as "baby powder is a girl's best friend", gads. God knows were I a southern belle I'd probably say I was absolutely glowing right now, but I am a true northerner and feel I'm sweating like that proverbial pig (although hope I am not always so crass)! yuck.

"dr suess flowers"

as previously described, this hibiscus is amazing, I'm loving it!!!

{celebrate}

celebrate what? How about summer, sunshine, sunday!

tag

Quick tag I just whipped up from bits and pieces in the scrap basket - literally in 5 minutes - to include with some ATCs being swapped.

friday

About every three or four weeks my sisters and I have breakfast with my dad at a little restaurant, today the day. Since we all talk a few times a week and if not directly to each other we get the "news" from one or the other, it isn't exactly a catch-up but a time to relax all together. Unfortunately more times than not Peggy, who has MS, doesn't make it. She deals with alot of pain and never knows how she will feel from one day to the next, we missed her this morning.

After, Cathy and I headed out to Countryside, the mega-greenhouse with rock-bottom prices and acres and acres to peruse, way the heck out past Allendale. I bought 12 ferns to plant on the wooded side of the house, there's a door out from the garage and I hope at some point in time to put a flagstone path from it to the driveway in front. It is pretty, and since it was cleared out and mulched it is where Ernie and I start out on our walks as he can't yet go on the grass - even it is really coming along!! We went nuts over a a hibiscus that has 9-inch flowers, it is what I immediately felt was a Dr. Seuss plant - amazing and funky and something we had to have, we each bought one! I put it on the deck in a large pot right now but it can be planted and will over-winter here in Michigan - something I am skeptical about but will definitely try, probably putting it into the ground in the early fall. Pictures will be in a day or so as the one flower that was blooming didn't make the ride home stuffed into my car, but I did fit it in there without breaking any branches and there are two enormous buds about ready to open. This is just the coolest.

Also will photograph my ferns but it was too dark when I finished planting. I waited until early evening to do it as we are in the midst of the hottest days of summer here, just about 90 and the humidity is exactly what I just couldn't tolerate in NC, one of those step-out-of-the-door-and-immediately-begin-sweating kind of days (luckily a week at a time is about maximum we have to deal with it then it goes away again, it reappers sporadically but thankfully not a major part of our summers here). I'd have given quite alot to dive into a pool when done but no longer have that luxury, something I miss alot after having three different houses with inground pools and my last house living in a community where I could pick one of four around the golf course - but I made due with a cool shower, what'reyagonnado, you gotta make the best of life! I'm thinking a hot tub with ice cubes floating in it, but that too is most likely not gonna happen, LOL!

I decided then as I was pretty exhausted to go to bed early and fell asleep - for all of about 20 minutes. I'm about ready to try again. Ernie is already snoring away, after rolling in the mulch (not a good thing for a long-haired dog who then had to be brushed out before my shower), he's bushed. Sweet dreams are calling me, too......

an art-filled day

Fun day yesterday, I'd forgotten how much of a wonderful art community Saugatuck is as I hadn't been there in a good fifteen years or more. It is home to the Ox Bow school (www.ox-bow.org) which is affiliated with the Art Institute of Chicago, and due to that influence the town supports more galleries than a great many larger cities I've visited. This is one of many sculptures which are displayed around the streets and little parks everywhere. If you'd ever want a nice little vacation get-away there are also dozens of bed and breakfasts and small quaint little hotels and cottages to choose from. And, as it also sits on Lake Michigan there are out of this world sunsets and beautiful beaches to go and relax and soak up some rays. We enjoyed a scrumptious fresh-caught perch lunch yesterday and of course in honor of the birthday, an ice cream cone before heading home (and all this less than an hour from my front door)!

happy birthday, Cath!

(hope she will be too busy this a.m. pampering herself and doesn't see this post as this is her birthday gift!) Love this frame, made by a girl in East Lansing and on sale at a wonderful flower/gift shop here in town (I know, I know - I coulda made it, shoulda made it...). Anyway, the photo was taken the last girls' vacation we had a few years back now, we were staying at a friend's house in the Keys - fabulous, fabulous week (and if I recall as this pic shows I was standing practically bowlegged each night when we'd get out of our swim suits for dinner because I was so sunburned it hurt to even wear panties, I'd bought the scratchiest new ones just prior to the trip and obviously my suit was a little more risque than those things - what the hey, after a few drinks - well, you know how it goes)! Today she and I are going to go browse the galleries and shop in Saugatuck and have a late lunch to celebrate her 40-something! birthday (actually she is younger than I am so I should just blab it right out - but I can't remember exactly which one it is. And this is why they laugh at me as I am the oldest and will most likely lose my mind first, sigh)!

ATC series

This is a series of ATCs I made today for a one-on-one swap with another artist. If there is anyone out there who would be interested in doing any swaps of any kind I'm open to hearing your ideas. It's been quite awhile since I've done any due to my move, it even took me quite some time to get back into the swing of making art. But I had a long rainy day doing nothing but today and it was so relaxing and the day blissfully slipped right away - I am feeling my muse returning!

be true

She's quite tall, somewhere about 22-23 inches tall. Guess I could have taken a better picture but with all my shade it is getting quite dark in the house and thought it would be better outside. And by the way, YES, that is grass growing in the background!!