Late Monday night, I removed the old, unsatisfactory facing. First thing this morning, I pressed the piece back flat, remeasured and marked. No wonder it wasn't flat; one edge was off by 1/2"!! New facing... turned, basted and hand stitched down in a couple hours. And the piece looks much better.
Trip down to the Farmer's Market and Trader Joe's between rainstorms. Some fresh veggies and other goodies and I'm home.
Now what? Every time I go to take the dogs for a walk, it starts to rain again. Scratch that for a while.
There is a piece on the wall that I began on New Year's Day. I need to finish fusing it down... and that part should be done before dinner. That would give me 2 pieces to machine quilt and 3 pieces in need of hand beading. That is enough for me to work for a while!!
I really want to finish these and clear the decks as I have an idea for another painted piece to start. (realistic this time.) If they have a Tactile Architecture exhibit at Houston this year, this would be an appropriate piece. Hmmm... nothing listed yet on the website. Will have to hold out to make sure I make it the right size.
Oh, and for those of you who aren't satisfied with only Self-portrait tuesday, Illustration Friday, Studio Friday, List Friday or Simple Still Life... I just found Inspire Me Thursday.
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Monday, February 27, 2006
Spheres of Influence
I still need to work on the corners... they are driving me insane... and it still needs a label and sleeve.. but I'm calling Spheres of Influence done.
Actually, I'm probably going to redo the facing on the back... I sewed it on, mitered it on the front, then turned it to back. And I think there was something in doing that wonked the corners. It was perfectly square and flat before I did that.
So, OK.. it isn't done. but it's close.
This is being sent down to Anne Copeland the beginning of March to be part of the Changing Perspectives show.
So what is it? White sheeting, with the lines drawn, then resisted with soy wax. Painted with Creatix pigment in primary colors only. Each sphere, one color. The colors blended and the circles overlapped. Then stitched the entire thing again using primary colored threads that overlap and mix to make the colors.
This was a little bit of a surprise...
though not totally. I guess I hadn't realized how many factors B5 and Firefly had in common. I liked both shows (duh... they were scifi). But The Matrix??
 | You scored as Babylon 5 (Babylon 5). The universe is erupting into war and your government picks the wrong side. How much worse could things get? It doesn�t matter, because no matter what you have your friends and you�ll do the right thing. In the end that will be all that matters. Now if only the Psi Cops would leave you alone.
Your Ultimate Sci-Fi Profile II: which sci-fi crew would you best fit in? (pics) created with QuizFarm.com |
Sunday, February 26, 2006
Weekend Quiz
I was looking for a weekend quiz or meme (hey! It's a bit of a tradition!!). Decided to pass on DebR's senseless questions thing...
And then I found this from Liz Plummer.. Personally, I think I'm a bit more addicted than this indicates. I lost points for low email volume and no IM'ing. I can't believe I'm actually writing that I think I'm more than 39% addicted to the internet!!
And then I found this from Liz Plummer.. Personally, I think I'm a bit more addicted than this indicates. I lost points for low email volume and no IM'ing. I can't believe I'm actually writing that I think I'm more than 39% addicted to the internet!!
I am 39% Internet Addict.
I could go either way. Deep into the madness of nights filled with coding CGI-Scripts and online role playing games, or I could become a normal user. Good luck!Saturday, February 25, 2006
Saturday Chores
I was thinking this morning that when I was a kid, Saturdays were consumed with chores: first stripping our beds, finding the clean sheets and remaking it; then cleaning our room; then doing our other assigned chores in the house. (Mine: dusting the living room and cleaning one bathroom). We started doing chores before we started attending school, and only stopped when we started to pay room and board.
At lunch (usually a potluck of everything left over in the fridge), my parents would announce if there was a family participation chore for the afternoon (like cleaning the windows, and switching out the storm windows/screens. Something occasional but important). If not, we usually free to do whatever we wanted.
Anyway, today I spent the morning very much doing the traditional chores thing. (except that dusting and bathroom thing). And wondered if families still have structure where the whole family is expected to help clean and maintain the house. Those of you with children can chime in.
I also made a big pot of Veggie Beef soup. Carol at The Elephant's Child and I must be channelling. Walked the dogs and started working on cleaning up the studio. Sounds like an old fashioned Saturday to me.
At lunch (usually a potluck of everything left over in the fridge), my parents would announce if there was a family participation chore for the afternoon (like cleaning the windows, and switching out the storm windows/screens. Something occasional but important). If not, we usually free to do whatever we wanted.
Anyway, today I spent the morning very much doing the traditional chores thing. (except that dusting and bathroom thing). And wondered if families still have structure where the whole family is expected to help clean and maintain the house. Those of you with children can chime in.
I also made a big pot of Veggie Beef soup. Carol at The Elephant's Child and I must be channelling. Walked the dogs and started working on cleaning up the studio. Sounds like an old fashioned Saturday to me.
Friday, February 24, 2006
Who Knew??
Richard Roundtree (yes.. Shaft..) had and survived Breast Cancer! And spends a lot of time speaking about this and raising money for testing low income men and women.
Things I accomplished this Week.
Join me while I examine my many accomplishments hoping to find I haven't totally wasted this week reading blogs.
Do I detect a distinct lack of balance in this list? Is it art-poor and house-rich? YES. Next week my major goal (showing you all Spheres) is to get more art in my life.
- Purchased (ahh the drug of our society: shopping) and put together (ooh, the remnants of my childhood: DIY) two pieces for a back hall shoe/keys/mail storage thingy. Made by California Closets; sold by Target. (gasp! she shops at a big box store! Yes, I do. But never WalMart. I do have standards!)
- Walked the dogs 4 of 5 days. Even photo documented it.
- Recovered from WoolfCamp.
- Moved a couple pieces of furniture (yes, it's related to #1).
- Fnished reading Take Bit Bites. GO READ THIS BOOK.
- Got 1/2 the laundry washed and dried on the line. Maybe the rest tomorrow.
- Finished 99% of the work on Spheres of Influence (it's final name). I am torturing myself with making the facing nice on the back, and trying to get good corners on the front. Both important steps.
- Mowed and fertilized the lawn.
- Fertilized the garden beds.
- Kept the humans, dogs and wild birds fed and watered.
- Finally got a 2 hour nap today.
- I think I fixed the template trouble? Feedback please. (It does not look pretty to me, but Gerrie can read it. Every compromise has it's cost).
Do I detect a distinct lack of balance in this list? Is it art-poor and house-rich? YES. Next week my major goal (showing you all Spheres) is to get more art in my life.
Walk update...
Who knew?? While the dogs and I enjoyed that beautiful walk and shared those photos, just below us a suspected car thief was trying to evade the police by swimming naked in the straits!!
(CBS 5) CROCKETT A suspected car thief who eluded authorities for more than six hours today by hiding in the water in an area underneath the Al Zampa Memorial Bridge in Crockett has been pulled onto a rescue boat and is in custody, according to California Highway Patrol Officer Scott Yox.
The parents of the suspect, now identified as Gary Hatfield, Jr., 36, of Olivehurst, had been called to the area this afternoon to try to convince their son to come out, according to Yox.
Hatfield reportedly took refuge in the water after crashing an allegedly stolen vehicle in the area of Pomona Street and Carquinez Scenic Drive around 10 a.m.
Following the crash, in which the car caught fire, the suspect made his way to C&H Sugar Co. property, where he found and tried to launch a small boat, Yox said. When that did not work, he crawled down among pilings under the pier.
He then moved several hundred yards from the sugar company to some pilings that hold up a concrete barrier that prevents, for instance, an errant ship from crashing into the bridge's anchorage, Yox said.
Yox said there was a gap of a little more than 2 feet between the surface of the water and the base of the structure under which Hatfield was hiding. He said the pilings the man was holding onto are about 2 feet in diameter and have barnacles growing on them, making them easier to grip.
(CBS 5) CROCKETT A suspected car thief who eluded authorities for more than six hours today by hiding in the water in an area underneath the Al Zampa Memorial Bridge in Crockett has been pulled onto a rescue boat and is in custody, according to California Highway Patrol Officer Scott Yox.
The parents of the suspect, now identified as Gary Hatfield, Jr., 36, of Olivehurst, had been called to the area this afternoon to try to convince their son to come out, according to Yox.
Hatfield reportedly took refuge in the water after crashing an allegedly stolen vehicle in the area of Pomona Street and Carquinez Scenic Drive around 10 a.m.
Following the crash, in which the car caught fire, the suspect made his way to C&H Sugar Co. property, where he found and tried to launch a small boat, Yox said. When that did not work, he crawled down among pilings under the pier.
He then moved several hundred yards from the sugar company to some pilings that hold up a concrete barrier that prevents, for instance, an errant ship from crashing into the bridge's anchorage, Yox said.
Yox said there was a gap of a little more than 2 feet between the surface of the water and the base of the structure under which Hatfield was hiding. He said the pilings the man was holding onto are about 2 feet in diameter and have barnacles growing on them, making them easier to grip.
Thursday, February 23, 2006
A Pupmobile Tail. Feb, 2006
It was sunny, dry and not too cold, so I loaded the furkids into the pupmobile and struck out to the park along the southern edge of the Carquinez Straits. We park at the Bull Run staging area a few miles east of Crockett.
This is the start of our walk. We are through the cattle gates, so the dogs can be off leash.
Looking back, this farm is across the road. It's a favorite for the plein aire painters in the region.
Also looking back toward the water, we see the I-80 bridges over the straits.
Jake likes to walk with a toy.
This pattern in the water was so pretty! That's Vallejo in the background.
We trail turns (as seen in the first photo). Around the corner we continue to the eucalyptus grove ahead.
Once in the grove, it's shadowy and comfortable, but...
There are surprises in the the woods!!
They are so well camoflaged among the red bark of the trees!
At the half way point, we stop for some water.
Katy tried to charm something more from me.
The road and pastures just beyond the park...
Martinez and Benicia from the half way point.
This is the start of our walk. We are through the cattle gates, so the dogs can be off leash.
Looking back, this farm is across the road. It's a favorite for the plein aire painters in the region.
Also looking back toward the water, we see the I-80 bridges over the straits.
Jake likes to walk with a toy.
This pattern in the water was so pretty! That's Vallejo in the background.
We trail turns (as seen in the first photo). Around the corner we continue to the eucalyptus grove ahead.
Once in the grove, it's shadowy and comfortable, but...
There are surprises in the the woods!!
They are so well camoflaged among the red bark of the trees!
At the half way point, we stop for some water.
Katy tried to charm something more from me.
The road and pastures just beyond the park...
Martinez and Benicia from the half way point.
I think a change is coming...
Since this weekend... maybe before... I have been thinking that I need to start another blog.
Now I understand that our ring mother, Diane, wrote requesting that we try to keep these blogs mainly art quilt related. (I never get these emails!! Diane, I know we've exchanged emails... but the list for the ring must have an old address). Can't say that has been mine. And I enjoy my nearly daily ramblings. She was writing this to me!!
So it could be that the personal daily stuff will be moving to a different blog... now what will I name that?? Stitches through Time.... PupMobile Tails (this is going to be my dogs' blog.)...or something completely different...
Now I understand that our ring mother, Diane, wrote requesting that we try to keep these blogs mainly art quilt related. (I never get these emails!! Diane, I know we've exchanged emails... but the list for the ring must have an old address). Can't say that has been mine. And I enjoy my nearly daily ramblings. She was writing this to me!!
So it could be that the personal daily stuff will be moving to a different blog... now what will I name that?? Stitches through Time.... PupMobile Tails (this is going to be my dogs' blog.)...or something completely different...
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
One funny from Woolf Camp
One funny thing from Woolf Camp that all you will completely understand. I would be sitting or standing talking to one of the women there. They'd find out I'm "the crafter"..
And EVERY TIME the question I got then was:
Do you read the blog from that girl in San Francisco? You know.. Bird in the Hand? .. her mother blogs, too, and is a quilter up in Santa Rosa? And her sister in Portland who has taken a break?
If you don't know the references (and how could you not??) they all asked about Lisa Congdon, my friend Gerrie who is moving to Portland. boo-hoo!! and her Portland daughter Steph.
Those Congdon women are a famous, powerful clan.
And EVERY TIME the question I got then was:
Do you read the blog from that girl in San Francisco? You know.. Bird in the Hand? .. her mother blogs, too, and is a quilter up in Santa Rosa? And her sister in Portland who has taken a break?
If you don't know the references (and how could you not??) they all asked about Lisa Congdon, my friend Gerrie who is moving to Portland. boo-hoo!! and her Portland daughter Steph.
Those Congdon women are a famous, powerful clan.
Mundane Monday and Tuesday To Do
Monday I needed to get back normal: finish the laundry and catch up on a few chores, walk the dogs, and get into the studio. I am about 1 hour away from being done with the stitching on the quilt. Then block it, face it, label it and photograph it. Sounds like maybe a day away from done.
Ofcourse I discovered Friday that my iron somehow quit on me. It's been turning off while I've been using it lately; Friday turned off in the middle of a shirt (shhh... I sometimes iron shirts to relax). And never turned back on. So I need to pick up a new iron. This one will be the Black And Decker Classic.
I know what I want to do next, but I don't think I will be able to work on that one for a week or so. Well some prep work can be done. Sounds like time to put things away and clean surfaces in the sewing room. Also finish fusing the quilt I started on New's Years Day (don't think there's been a photo yet).
Ofcourse I discovered Friday that my iron somehow quit on me. It's been turning off while I've been using it lately; Friday turned off in the middle of a shirt (shhh... I sometimes iron shirts to relax). And never turned back on. So I need to pick up a new iron. This one will be the Black And Decker Classic.
I know what I want to do next, but I don't think I will be able to work on that one for a week or so. Well some prep work can be done. Sounds like time to put things away and clean surfaces in the sewing room. Also finish fusing the quilt I started on New's Years Day (don't think there's been a photo yet).
Monday, February 20, 2006
Home from Camp
I spent this weekend at a blogging workshop/camp. Twenty some people (mostly women... lots on BlogHer.. one soul who started blogging Saturday). We talked about tools; we talked about motivation.
We had planned to talk more about the skill of writing... but, heck, it was only 1.5 days!! Summer Woolf Camp, I'm sure, more writing exercises will happen.
While the writing is key to many of these bloggers, it made me want to organize a similar "camp" to concentrate on those of us dealing in arts and craft. It's a different kind of blogging. Visual and writing. Focused (well, the best are. Mine? Not so much). Hmmm... I could fit about 15-20 folks in this house. Maybe in the fall. Recognizing the difference and their huge growth recently, they are doing a session at BlogHer on crafts and food blogs.
It has been years since I've been surrounded by conversations not kept on the most superficial and banal level. I wanted to submerge myself in all the talk. I'd forgotten that conversation such as that can happen after one graduates from college. I loved it.
We had planned to talk more about the skill of writing... but, heck, it was only 1.5 days!! Summer Woolf Camp, I'm sure, more writing exercises will happen.
While the writing is key to many of these bloggers, it made me want to organize a similar "camp" to concentrate on those of us dealing in arts and craft. It's a different kind of blogging. Visual and writing. Focused (well, the best are. Mine? Not so much). Hmmm... I could fit about 15-20 folks in this house. Maybe in the fall. Recognizing the difference and their huge growth recently, they are doing a session at BlogHer on crafts and food blogs.
It has been years since I've been surrounded by conversations not kept on the most superficial and banal level. I wanted to submerge myself in all the talk. I'd forgotten that conversation such as that can happen after one graduates from college. I loved it.
Saturday, February 18, 2006
It's Ten Thirty and I'm fried...
I've been up since 6 am., drove 1.5 hours south, met a lot of of people, talked a lot, blogged a lot, ate KILLER CURRY... (thai food is my favorite), drank some wine, and talked a more today than I've talked in weeks.
But my mind has reached it's full, my shoulders are aching like I've worked hard all day. so I'm about to crash. Probably right here at my table.
More to come tomorrow.
But my mind has reached it's full, my shoulders are aching like I've worked hard all day. so I'm about to crash. Probably right here at my table.
More to come tomorrow.
Saturday afternoon at Woolf Camp
I am sitting in the Santa Cruz mountains, inside Grace's home with a circle of about 22 people.. mostly women, a couple men, one baby and Malcolm the dog.
We are currently going around the room introducing ourselves, taking lots of pictures that will eventually be uploaded to Flickr and whatever. It's started to rain harder, the sound of the rain becoming louder than the click of our keyboards.
We are currently going around the room introducing ourselves, taking lots of pictures that will eventually be uploaded to Flickr and whatever. It's started to rain harder, the sound of the rain becoming louder than the click of our keyboards.
Friday, February 17, 2006
Did you watch it, Firely fans?
I don't watch The ghost whisperer... It looks like a silly program. However, I was flipping around the dials at about 8:50 tonight and saw that Sean Maher (the doctor) was the guest star. The little bit I heard, it sounded like he was acting a similar sensitive character.
It made me wish I could see him as something different. Like a bad guy or a creep.
It made me wish I could see him as something different. Like a bad guy or a creep.
AND THE GOOD NEWS IS:
IT'S A VIRUS.
Who knew??
There is a killer virus running around that totally screws up your intestines. But no high fever to let you know it's a virus. Acid reflux, gas and burping.. almost no appetite and an uncomfortable gut.
I should fine in another week.
addition: hopefully I learn to write every word I'm thinking when I get better...
I should BE fine in another week.
Who knew??
There is a killer virus running around that totally screws up your intestines. But no high fever to let you know it's a virus. Acid reflux, gas and burping.. almost no appetite and an uncomfortable gut.
I should fine in another week.
addition: hopefully I learn to write every word I'm thinking when I get better...
I should BE fine in another week.
Friday Catch up
I have too been working on my little quilt all week! I just am not going to put up more photos until it's completed. (quilted, blocked, faced, labelled, sleeved). Some time next week.
I also have been sewing up a bunch of Little Treasures for this weekend's Woolf Camp experience. And every time I check my email another woman is bowing out!
Anyway, I head down there tomorrow morning. One of the participants is flying in from the East coast with tablet/laptop and a graphire tablet (for me to try!!). We will talk art and blogging. We will talk writing. We will knit and braid each other's hair. I am bringing pretty threads, beads and paints and we can finish our own Little Treasures while we chat.
There will be plenty of Fierce Blogging.
I also have been sewing up a bunch of Little Treasures for this weekend's Woolf Camp experience. And every time I check my email another woman is bowing out!
Anyway, I head down there tomorrow morning. One of the participants is flying in from the East coast with tablet/laptop and a graphire tablet (for me to try!!). We will talk art and blogging. We will talk writing. We will knit and braid each other's hair. I am bringing pretty threads, beads and paints and we can finish our own Little Treasures while we chat.
There will be plenty of Fierce Blogging.
What is WoolfCamp?
We're planning on hanging out at Grace's (from State of Grace)house in Santa Cruz. Blogging, discussions, sleepover, potluck.
We will focus on self expression in blog writing, a departure from the usual camp themes of blog tools, tech advances, general geekdom. We respect and love our geeks, many of us are geeks, but WoolfCamp is primarily about writing - memoir, fiction, creative non-fiction, poetics. Geeks are certainly welcome and if a geek issue comes up, particularly tools that would be helpful, we'll likely pounce on the information.Before I get to enjoy that female-intensive weekend, I have a doctor's appointment this afternoon. It's a minor problem that will likely result in an MRI next week and some out patient surgery following. No big deal. No carrying anything heavy for a while. Well, keep fingers crossed that the doc agrees with my diagnosis. (he always asks me why I pay him if I know what's wrong. I always tell him that the State hasn't licensed me to treat myself. )
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
