This is a rather Welsh design... a simplified leaf form. On the left, there is garnet stitch inside the leaf and echo stitching outside, on the right that pattern is reversed.
Sunday, May 22, 2005
My lost picture
For some reason, Blogger would not upload this picture for the longest time. I'm having a remarkbly fun time quilting this piece. And, remarkably, I'm holding myself to a standard. If the thread color or the technique is wrong, I tear it out and start again. I swear it's the positive feedback I've gotten from all you over the past months. You encourage me to work, and I respond by encouraging my best work.
This is a rather Welsh design... a simplified leaf form. On the left, there is garnet stitch inside the leaf and echo stitching outside, on the right that pattern is reversed.
This is a rather Welsh design... a simplified leaf form. On the left, there is garnet stitch inside the leaf and echo stitching outside, on the right that pattern is reversed.
Saturday, May 21, 2005
Eucalyptus I
Ok, One picture before I start writing, just to whet your whistle... Here's a detail on one square of the quilt. People have been emailing me about the progress being made. I'm about 1/2 done with the quilting.
The sandstone piece had leaf shapes quilted in, then the background filled. It's quite rich in person.
I painted up the fabric for the binding in the middle of the week. It IMMEDIATELY began to rain for the next 2 days making it really hard to hang it up outside to dry. The sink in my laundry room is never going to recover. When we go to sell this house, I will have to put a new sink in there. Or convince a buyer that a multi-color utility sink is an object de arte.
OK. One more picture...
The red has a rectangular version of a feathered swag running through it (it's a long story)...
My last house in Ohio was in an Amish area. And my favorite fabric store had this older Amish woman (Ginny) working there. She helped me figure out feathers. The best advice she gave me was to just keep doing them, and one day I'd find "MY FEATHER" And I did.
I used to have a long-arm machine and did some quilting for others. And I would stitch a quilt full of feathers at the drop of a needle. Put me in front of a long arm today, I'll do the same thing. But my long arm feather was hard for me to do on my home machine. I couldn't get that rhythm. So today I'm making these pieces and quilting along. Thinking to myself that this motif is a bit derivative of something that Melody does. But then, as I continued along, the pattern altered slightly... and felt as comfortable as an old pair of jeans. I had translated my long art feather into this geometric gear kind of feather. I must admit it made me very happy.
Enough chatting. Another picture.
The green has a very Klimpt-like pattern in it. The arrow helps me remember where I want to the top to be. The tan one in the bottom has a leaf and impromptu crosshatching.
Hey, wait a minute... there a picture missing!!
Guess I'll save that for tomorrow...
The sandstone piece had leaf shapes quilted in, then the background filled. It's quite rich in person.
I painted up the fabric for the binding in the middle of the week. It IMMEDIATELY began to rain for the next 2 days making it really hard to hang it up outside to dry. The sink in my laundry room is never going to recover. When we go to sell this house, I will have to put a new sink in there. Or convince a buyer that a multi-color utility sink is an object de arte.
OK. One more picture...
The red has a rectangular version of a feathered swag running through it (it's a long story)...
My last house in Ohio was in an Amish area. And my favorite fabric store had this older Amish woman (Ginny) working there. She helped me figure out feathers. The best advice she gave me was to just keep doing them, and one day I'd find "MY FEATHER" And I did.
I used to have a long-arm machine and did some quilting for others. And I would stitch a quilt full of feathers at the drop of a needle. Put me in front of a long arm today, I'll do the same thing. But my long arm feather was hard for me to do on my home machine. I couldn't get that rhythm. So today I'm making these pieces and quilting along. Thinking to myself that this motif is a bit derivative of something that Melody does. But then, as I continued along, the pattern altered slightly... and felt as comfortable as an old pair of jeans. I had translated my long art feather into this geometric gear kind of feather. I must admit it made me very happy.
Enough chatting. Another picture.
The green has a very Klimpt-like pattern in it. The arrow helps me remember where I want to the top to be. The tan one in the bottom has a leaf and impromptu crosshatching.
Hey, wait a minute... there a picture missing!!
Guess I'll save that for tomorrow...
Friday, May 20, 2005
Blogroll. Is it working for you???
OK, if anyone wants to tell me why blogroll isn't updating most people's blogs... I'd truly appreciate it. It keep telling me that almost nobody has updated since Monday. Then I click on their blogs, and there are all these new things.
And, NO.... the regional theater hasn't done Mama Mia yet... nor Wicked. But if a good regional theater near you is ever doing CHILDREN OF EDEN... don't hesitate to see it.
And, NO.... the regional theater hasn't done Mama Mia yet... nor Wicked. But if a good regional theater near you is ever doing CHILDREN OF EDEN... don't hesitate to see it.
Thursday, May 19, 2005
Regional Theater is a Good Thing
Wednesday night we attended our second play of the year, JUDGEMENT AT NUREMBERG. It was a very serious drama, so hard to be riotously enthusiastic about it. But the cast was superb, the play thoughtful, and the sets made me want to come home and paint fabric. But the play was well enough performed that I didn't linger on that thought for long.
Before the play began, the theater director came out with his traditional yammer... history of the play, a trivia question that wins one person a pen. And the bestest announcement ever:
Next year is the 30th season of the WILLOWS theater. In that time, this group has presented over 150 different plays, including 7 world premieres, and 22 regional premieres. So, to celebrate next year, they are asking the patrons to vote for their greatest hits.
Unfortunately, we've only been members for the last 3 years. And even though some of those plays were fabulous, it's a bit too soon to see them again. So I'm going to have to just play it on instinct.
We get to pick one drama, 2 comedies and 3 musicals. This theater has a wonderful juvenile section, so I'll feel comfortable selecting plays which require strong children's roles (kids were in 4 of the 5 plays I saw last year).
I'm pretty sure that my drama will be TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD. Can you go wrong with this? I don't think so.
The comedies are challenge. Do I go with a classic like Taming of the Shrew? Arsenic and Old Lace? (that sounds like a winner)...
Then the musicals. I'm pretty sure I'll pick the original NunSense for one. But then something familiar like Music Man? Or an unknown? Annie Warbucks? (only if they get the Daddy Warbucks they had last winter...).
Oh, the decisions!! It's like having to pick one from column A, 2 from column B... at a really good Chinese restaurant when you want the whole menu.
This is going to be fun.
Before the play began, the theater director came out with his traditional yammer... history of the play, a trivia question that wins one person a pen. And the bestest announcement ever:
Next year is the 30th season of the WILLOWS theater. In that time, this group has presented over 150 different plays, including 7 world premieres, and 22 regional premieres. So, to celebrate next year, they are asking the patrons to vote for their greatest hits.
Unfortunately, we've only been members for the last 3 years. And even though some of those plays were fabulous, it's a bit too soon to see them again. So I'm going to have to just play it on instinct.
We get to pick one drama, 2 comedies and 3 musicals. This theater has a wonderful juvenile section, so I'll feel comfortable selecting plays which require strong children's roles (kids were in 4 of the 5 plays I saw last year).
I'm pretty sure that my drama will be TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD. Can you go wrong with this? I don't think so.
The comedies are challenge. Do I go with a classic like Taming of the Shrew? Arsenic and Old Lace? (that sounds like a winner)...
Then the musicals. I'm pretty sure I'll pick the original NunSense for one. But then something familiar like Music Man? Or an unknown? Annie Warbucks? (only if they get the Daddy Warbucks they had last winter...).
Oh, the decisions!! It's like having to pick one from column A, 2 from column B... at a really good Chinese restaurant when you want the whole menu.
This is going to be fun.
Some simple stitching
Some simple stitching...
Hand-painted fabric, machine stitched on a grid, then hand stitched.
It's odd. When I was doing the grid quilting on this as hard as I tried to do it perfectly, there were small irregularities. For some reason it got me thinking about genetics. How nature will try to reproduce something perfectly time and again, yet even there there are small irregularities. We call them mutations when we see them.
I'm thinking I want to do a piece where I follow the stitching "mutations" and see where they go in a larger piece. But the piece needs more than just the interesting mutated stitching.
This is a very small piece (maybe 10"x12"). I don't know what I will do with it now. I may turn it into fabric postcards, I may add it to another piece.
Hand-painted fabric, machine stitched on a grid, then hand stitched.
It's odd. When I was doing the grid quilting on this as hard as I tried to do it perfectly, there were small irregularities. For some reason it got me thinking about genetics. How nature will try to reproduce something perfectly time and again, yet even there there are small irregularities. We call them mutations when we see them.
I'm thinking I want to do a piece where I follow the stitching "mutations" and see where they go in a larger piece. But the piece needs more than just the interesting mutated stitching.
This is a very small piece (maybe 10"x12"). I don't know what I will do with it now. I may turn it into fabric postcards, I may add it to another piece.
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
Wednesday ToDo
1. Oh, Poo!! This is housework Wednesday. It's stinky, I know, but the agreement is I take the place of the housecleaner we used to have and I get to keep what I paid her. Three and a half hours every other week. And this is Housework Wednesday. So, 8 am to 11:30 am is housecleaning. D could do 2 bathrooms, the bedroom, the kitchen and the first floor living space completely in this time. I usually don't get that much done.. but most of it.
Anyway, yesterday I bought myself an MP3 player, so I can slip that on and listen to Ngaio Marsh while I work.
2. My new glasses are ready for pickup, so if it's not raining (oh, did I mention IT'S STILL RAINING!!???!!), I'll walk the dogs at Hilltop, then let them rest up while I get my new glasses. (there may be pictures later. then again, there may not).
3. home to continue the quilting on euc. for a couple hours.
4. We are season ticket holders for a regional theater, and tonight is second play this year. Although they usually produce great musicals and comedies, tonight is a real drama: Judgement at Nuremburg. It's gotten good reviews. Supper out first.
Anyway, yesterday I bought myself an MP3 player, so I can slip that on and listen to Ngaio Marsh while I work.
2. My new glasses are ready for pickup, so if it's not raining (oh, did I mention IT'S STILL RAINING!!???!!), I'll walk the dogs at Hilltop, then let them rest up while I get my new glasses. (there may be pictures later. then again, there may not).
3. home to continue the quilting on euc. for a couple hours.
4. We are season ticket holders for a regional theater, and tonight is second play this year. Although they usually produce great musicals and comedies, tonight is a real drama: Judgement at Nuremburg. It's gotten good reviews. Supper out first.
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
Tree of my Life
I was born and lived the first 46 years of my life in and around Cleveland, Ohio. What you might not know is that Cleveland is called (among other things) The Forest City. It was cleared from climax oak/maple forest (as was all the Western Reserve).
What this means is that there is no natural place in the region where you can stand and spit without hitting a tree. They grow thick and tall.
Now this fact by itself doesnt' mean a thing, except for one thing. As long as I can remember one of my doodle images has a tree. A single tree. Infact, a single tree on a hill. Not a thing you see normally in Cleveland.
Now, this doodle tree is very specific. I doodle it while waiting on the phone; I've doodled it while taking tests in elementary school. I've doodled this tree since I was about 6.
In 1998 we moved to the bay area when Chevron made my spouse an offer we couldn't refuse. He flew out here on January 2nd, to start his job and find a new house for us to live in. I stayed behind to get everything finalized in Cleveland, and get the old house sold. Talk about trust. I trusted Steve to buy a house I would like. And he did. A brand new house that we closed on in 21 days... with an agreement that some repairs would be done after we moved in. (like replace almost all the exterior doors atleast once).
We purchased a house in a newer community. Actually, Hercules is over 150 years old.. but it spent most of that time as an explosives plant and company town. When the plant closed after WWII, the land was ignored until the Bay area population started exploding. (yeah, it's fun to make exploding jokes about our town...). They began to build homes in late 70s-early 80s, and the town has grown to about 20,000 now.
But the point is, when I growing up and first doodling my tree, this place didn't exist.
February 15th, the dogs and I flew out here. It was a Sunday. The moving truck and the fridge from Sears both arrived on monday. Steve took off on a business trip on Tuesday. I was in fog those first few days.
That first week, one day when Steve was still gone, I happened to look out our back windows... and this is what I saw. (see the photo below).
Yep, it's a wide tree exactly the right distance down from the top of the hill...
standing there alone. This tree that has been in my psyche all my life is now living in my backyard. I knew when I saw that this was meant to be. (when steve told me about applying for his job, I knew he would get it.)
And I don't doodle it anymore.
Now I still doodle a derby hat, a left eye, an apple and the letter "L". If anyone has insights into these items, I'd appreciate knowing them. In the mean time, I'm keeping a lookout for them in my life.
What this means is that there is no natural place in the region where you can stand and spit without hitting a tree. They grow thick and tall.
Now this fact by itself doesnt' mean a thing, except for one thing. As long as I can remember one of my doodle images has a tree. A single tree. Infact, a single tree on a hill. Not a thing you see normally in Cleveland.
Now, this doodle tree is very specific. I doodle it while waiting on the phone; I've doodled it while taking tests in elementary school. I've doodled this tree since I was about 6.
In 1998 we moved to the bay area when Chevron made my spouse an offer we couldn't refuse. He flew out here on January 2nd, to start his job and find a new house for us to live in. I stayed behind to get everything finalized in Cleveland, and get the old house sold. Talk about trust. I trusted Steve to buy a house I would like. And he did. A brand new house that we closed on in 21 days... with an agreement that some repairs would be done after we moved in. (like replace almost all the exterior doors atleast once).
We purchased a house in a newer community. Actually, Hercules is over 150 years old.. but it spent most of that time as an explosives plant and company town. When the plant closed after WWII, the land was ignored until the Bay area population started exploding. (yeah, it's fun to make exploding jokes about our town...). They began to build homes in late 70s-early 80s, and the town has grown to about 20,000 now.
But the point is, when I growing up and first doodling my tree, this place didn't exist.
February 15th, the dogs and I flew out here. It was a Sunday. The moving truck and the fridge from Sears both arrived on monday. Steve took off on a business trip on Tuesday. I was in fog those first few days.
That first week, one day when Steve was still gone, I happened to look out our back windows... and this is what I saw. (see the photo below).
Yep, it's a wide tree exactly the right distance down from the top of the hill...
standing there alone. This tree that has been in my psyche all my life is now living in my backyard. I knew when I saw that this was meant to be. (when steve told me about applying for his job, I knew he would get it.)
And I don't doodle it anymore.
Now I still doodle a derby hat, a left eye, an apple and the letter "L". If anyone has insights into these items, I'd appreciate knowing them. In the mean time, I'm keeping a lookout for them in my life.
Monday, May 16, 2005
ToDo, Monday
A weekend of inspirations. Now to throw some design ideas on the wall and see what sticks.
A day of chores. Hopefully some creative work gets done inbetween things.
It's lunchtime, so I'm updating.
1. Oil changed in the pupmobile 9am. Although the milage is way too low, it's time for her 2 year birthday servicing. (two years old, 12,600 miles.. and I drive almost day!! Can you tell they are a lot of short drives?). (do I need to pick anything up at Michael's or Hancock's fabric?)DONE. Picked up some white muslin and tapestry needles.
1A. TOOK THE DOGS FOR A 2 MILE WALK.
2.Should be home by 11 to get some quilting done on euc.
3. Appt. at 2 to firm up plans for the cover (trellis/portico/whatever. SHADE PRODUCER) over 1/3 of the deck. Remember to confirm that structure will hold the porch swing.
4. Finish up 10 leaves for euc. Draw out 20 more. These are the sewing equivalent of eating potato chips when drawn and cut out... once I start working on them, it's hard to stop.
5. Take a picture of "my tree" and write up that story for a later blog.
6. Walk the dogs.
A day of chores. Hopefully some creative work gets done inbetween things.
It's lunchtime, so I'm updating.
1. Oil changed in the pupmobile 9am. Although the milage is way too low, it's time for her 2 year birthday servicing. (two years old, 12,600 miles.. and I drive almost day!! Can you tell they are a lot of short drives?). (do I need to pick anything up at Michael's or Hancock's fabric?)DONE. Picked up some white muslin and tapestry needles.
1A. TOOK THE DOGS FOR A 2 MILE WALK.
2.Should be home by 11 to get some quilting done on euc.
3. Appt. at 2 to firm up plans for the cover (trellis/portico/whatever. SHADE PRODUCER) over 1/3 of the deck. Remember to confirm that structure will hold the porch swing.
4. Finish up 10 leaves for euc. Draw out 20 more. These are the sewing equivalent of eating potato chips when drawn and cut out... once I start working on them, it's hard to stop.
5. Take a picture of "my tree" and write up that story for a later blog.
6. Walk the dogs.
Friday, May 13, 2005
working on the creative self
I found some great "self help" sites courtesy of Mary Beth Goodman's blog.
The first are STRATEGIES FOR BUILDING SELF-ESTEEM. 12 suggestions for become a more self-confident you. I am STILL working on #1: Free yourself of "shoulds".
Secondly, The Occupational Adventure begins with a list of 13 SELF-DEFEATING TIPS. My favorite: 7. Assume often and negatively, making yourself as miserable as possible. This is a list I should send to my hubby. He needs it, but he'd hate getting it from me.
Thirdly, (and new for this blogring, I think) is How to Stay Focused. The three main keys to staying focused are Planning, Questioning and Removing Distractions.
I do the first pretty well, making a to do list for the next day each evening. I try to keep the list to 5 things that should be done. Too long a list is just self-defeating.
Questioning my actions and removing distractions... that I need work on. As I sit here writing on my blog during those precious daylight hours when I could be sewing.
Hm.. question: am I focusing on my objective? No.
What distractions could I remove from my immediate environment? uhm... the computer on my lap??
Oh well...
The first are STRATEGIES FOR BUILDING SELF-ESTEEM. 12 suggestions for become a more self-confident you. I am STILL working on #1: Free yourself of "shoulds".
Secondly, The Occupational Adventure begins with a list of 13 SELF-DEFEATING TIPS. My favorite: 7. Assume often and negatively, making yourself as miserable as possible. This is a list I should send to my hubby. He needs it, but he'd hate getting it from me.
Thirdly, (and new for this blogring, I think) is How to Stay Focused. The three main keys to staying focused are Planning, Questioning and Removing Distractions.
I do the first pretty well, making a to do list for the next day each evening. I try to keep the list to 5 things that should be done. Too long a list is just self-defeating.
Questioning my actions and removing distractions... that I need work on. As I sit here writing on my blog during those precious daylight hours when I could be sewing.
Hm.. question: am I focusing on my objective? No.
What distractions could I remove from my immediate environment? uhm... the computer on my lap??
Oh well...
Thursday, May 12, 2005
This is really frustrating.
For the last couple days, as I've been productively doing other things, I've been mentally writing great blogs. Interesting descriptions of the things I've seen on walks, a fascinating post explaining why, as an almost perfect classic Republican current political activities would now define me as a Democrat. (really...). Interesting discussions on life.
Then I sit down here to write some of it down...
And all I come up with is my to do list.
hmmph.
Then I sit down here to write some of it down...
And all I come up with is my to do list.
hmmph.
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
Thursday ToDo
Well, I got the thread but ... when I laid down the quilt to admire the work so far... it just stinks. So I'm ripping out all the quilting and starting over again. Phooey. Guess I'm glad I bought a new spool.
To Do today:
1. make soup for supper (the spouser has a coloscopy on Friday). well, we had BLATs instead... STeve a sandwich, me a salad. (Bacon, Lettuce, Avocado and Tomato). DONE.
2. Finish ripping out the quilt, and hopefully restart the stitching. Ripping done, the stitching in the ditch begun.
3. walk with Linda after supper. Actually, we walked in the afternoon.
4. grocery shop. Better make this #1. DONE.
Also picked up stamps and a building permit.
To Do today:
1. make soup for supper (the spouser has a coloscopy on Friday). well, we had BLATs instead... STeve a sandwich, me a salad. (Bacon, Lettuce, Avocado and Tomato). DONE.
2. Finish ripping out the quilt, and hopefully restart the stitching. Ripping done, the stitching in the ditch begun.
3. walk with Linda after supper. Actually, we walked in the afternoon.
4. grocery shop. Better make this #1. DONE.
Also picked up stamps and a building permit.
To Do Wednesday
1. Walk the dogs twice around HillTop pond. DONE
2. Get dog food. DONE
3. JoAnne's: one small spool dark brown Guterman thread, and 5 yds. of WU. DONE
4. Cook roast for pulled pork. DONE
5. Finish quilting on Euc.
6. Catch the CUBS at 11 am. DOING
7. Find out why my blog disappeared.DONE.
It's only 11:30 and I've accomplished most of my tasks. That leaves me the afternoon to quilt the top and finish supper. And figure out how to fix the broken screen door.
While on our walk, I saw a bright orange-red dragonfly/damselfly (I didn't get close to distinguish), and some blooming Chinese Houses (stacked white and pink wildflowers). At PetSmart, Katy and Jake checked the dogfood aisles for kibble dropped on the floor, then sat and waited for their treats from the cashier. You'd think they were starving; their Large Breed LITE dogfood would dispute this.
2. Get dog food. DONE
3. JoAnne's: one small spool dark brown Guterman thread, and 5 yds. of WU. DONE
4. Cook roast for pulled pork. DONE
5. Finish quilting on Euc.
6. Catch the CUBS at 11 am. DOING
7. Find out why my blog disappeared.DONE.
It's only 11:30 and I've accomplished most of my tasks. That leaves me the afternoon to quilt the top and finish supper. And figure out how to fix the broken screen door.
While on our walk, I saw a bright orange-red dragonfly/damselfly (I didn't get close to distinguish), and some blooming Chinese Houses (stacked white and pink wildflowers). At PetSmart, Katy and Jake checked the dogfood aisles for kibble dropped on the floor, then sat and waited for their treats from the cashier. You'd think they were starving; their Large Breed LITE dogfood would dispute this.
Monday, May 09, 2005
Tuesday To-Do
Get up, drink coffee and read normal emails and webpages. Shower, breakfast and start to work:
1. Walk the dogs. 2.5 miles. (DONE. UP AND DOWN HILL)
2. Vacuum. (DONE. TOOK ALMOST AN HOUR. 2 SHEDDING DOGS IN SPRING. UGLY).
3. Machine quilt bark details on Euc. (2 hours worth until I ran out of thread).
4. Cook pork for BBQ tomorrow night. OOPS. DANG Blogger for losing my blog.
5. Press painted fabrics, and fuse to WU. OOPS. Out of WU.
6. What's for supper tonight??? (beef and gravy over brown rice)
7. Spend time looking at my world. done. It was filled with dog fur.
This past weekend I was blessed to watch a scrub jay hunting worms in my veggie garden. I saw a sliver of moon set behind the hills.
I watched storms roll over the hills, across the bay and total miss me.
We watched a nice old movie this weekend: Witness for the Prosecution. A Billy Wilder adaptation of an Agatha Christie play. Why can't they make movies today that have plot, character development, intelligence, humor and wit and surprise?
1. Walk the dogs. 2.5 miles. (DONE. UP AND DOWN HILL)
2. Vacuum. (DONE. TOOK ALMOST AN HOUR. 2 SHEDDING DOGS IN SPRING. UGLY).
3. Machine quilt bark details on Euc. (2 hours worth until I ran out of thread).
4. Cook pork for BBQ tomorrow night. OOPS. DANG Blogger for losing my blog.
5. Press painted fabrics, and fuse to WU. OOPS. Out of WU.
6. What's for supper tonight??? (beef and gravy over brown rice)
7. Spend time looking at my world. done. It was filled with dog fur.
This past weekend I was blessed to watch a scrub jay hunting worms in my veggie garden. I saw a sliver of moon set behind the hills.
I watched storms roll over the hills, across the bay and total miss me.
We watched a nice old movie this weekend: Witness for the Prosecution. A Billy Wilder adaptation of an Agatha Christie play. Why can't they make movies today that have plot, character development, intelligence, humor and wit and surprise?
Who knew???
REading everyone's blogs over the weekend, I was struck with one thing. Who knew that art quilters are so fascinated with SHOES??? We have pictures of shoes on feet, shoes on tables, shoes online... flat shoes, high heeled shoes, and cute medallion shoes.
Seriously, would you have guessed this??
going to shop for shoes at Zappos...
Seriously, would you have guessed this??
going to shop for shoes at Zappos...
Sunday, May 08, 2005
BlueStar Mother's Day.
I wrote a long ugly rant about Mother's day, then kindly decided to trash it before I posted it.
Just wanted to remind you that the original intent of Mother's Day was to honor those women who had lost a child in a war. (I believe it was the Spanish-American war, but I could be wrong). Merchants would give these women special gifts: a free flower, a free beverage at the soda counter, a complimentary dessert with their sunday meal. It was the community sympathizing with these women for their loss.
Although I detest what Mother's Day has become (along with all the commerically artificial holidays), I do support this original intent of the day. If you know any women who are Blue Star Moms, spend some time today thanking them.
Just wanted to remind you that the original intent of Mother's Day was to honor those women who had lost a child in a war. (I believe it was the Spanish-American war, but I could be wrong). Merchants would give these women special gifts: a free flower, a free beverage at the soda counter, a complimentary dessert with their sunday meal. It was the community sympathizing with these women for their loss.
Although I detest what Mother's Day has become (along with all the commerically artificial holidays), I do support this original intent of the day. If you know any women who are Blue Star Moms, spend some time today thanking them.
Friday, May 06, 2005
I understand now.
I WILL sign up for that class. It just sounds so fun.
I will NOT sign up for that class right now. I've just spent too much money on 2 pairs of new glasses, an oil change for my car, and other life necessities. I need to wait until the billing cycle of my credit card to sign up. I also want to wait until I get my membership information back from joining this group.
So the fear I was feeling wasn't fear about the activity, or even fear about the cost (i just figured it out... it's $150 for 30 hours instruction and a possible additional 30 hours of open studio time... that's SO INEXPENSIVE.). It's just the timing.
So you can all relax and wait for the show and tell.
I will NOT sign up for that class right now. I've just spent too much money on 2 pairs of new glasses, an oil change for my car, and other life necessities. I need to wait until the billing cycle of my credit card to sign up. I also want to wait until I get my membership information back from joining this group.
So the fear I was feeling wasn't fear about the activity, or even fear about the cost (i just figured it out... it's $150 for 30 hours instruction and a possible additional 30 hours of open studio time... that's SO INEXPENSIVE.). It's just the timing.
So you can all relax and wait for the show and tell.
watercolor painting on fabric
This a class that is just CALLING OUT TO ME to take. It scares me just a little... I haven't done any watercolor since 8th grade... many decades ago. But it's painting on fabric.. and I do so love that.
And, if part of the goal of doing all this work is having things to sell, it's conceivable that I could learn to make things fairly unique that someone would even want to buy. (ok, that's my material side coming out. it doesn't happen often, but it is a fact of life).
So why am I hestitating? Someone smack me upside the head so I will make the call and sign up.
And, if part of the goal of doing all this work is having things to sell, it's conceivable that I could learn to make things fairly unique that someone would even want to buy. (ok, that's my material side coming out. it doesn't happen often, but it is a fact of life).
So why am I hestitating? Someone smack me upside the head so I will make the call and sign up.
Thursday, May 05, 2005
Best Laid Plans
Wednesday was the regional SAQA meeting. It was held down at New Pieces in Berkeley. A wonderful shop with the most bubbly owner I've ever known. I love Sharona. We sat in the shop gallery surrounded by quilts by Gwen Marston and Freddy Moran.
The shop is about 20 minutes from my home in good traffic, but that stretch of I-80 is the worse stretch of commute traffic in the bay area. In really bad traffic it can take me 1.5 hours to travel these 8 miles. When the local news kept mentioning that the traffic was slow, I decided to leave early for the meeting. It started at 10:30 am... I left the house at 9:15.
So at 9:38 I was sitting in a nice parking space along one of the side streets, AND I REALLY NEEDED TO PEE. Nothing would be open yet, so I distracted myself by drawing the architectural details of the houses nearby until it was reasonable to walk over to Solano. I tried to take notes on where my car was parked so I could find it again later.
I sat with another new member, Bobby Edelson. If that sounds familiar at all, her quilt won BEST OF SHOW at Chicago recently. Both she and I are interested in a small kind of crit/support group... and her daughter lives in my town... so we will be talking again soon.
Our program was on African American Quilts. The presenter's main concept is that African American quilts do not follow a theme, or have a certain look... they are simply quilts made by African Americans. I still wonder why, then, label them as anything other than just quilts? What is the point of labeling something as different in some way from other quilts.. if the only difference is the ethnicity of the creator? I really don't like labels that seem to unnecessarily segregate things.
anyway...
Show and tell was FABULOUS. Liz Berg showed a lot of her new work... I'd seen it on her blog, but it's better in person...
AFterward, I walked back to where I thought I parked and spent 5 minutes trying to figure out where my car was. I walked another half block down each street... but I had parked on a corner!! Where was the darned thing? It should be right here!!
And it was.
Every time I stopped at the corner to look at the other 3 corners for my car... I had stopped right in front of my car.
Hmm... VW basically makes 12 version of gray car. Maybe I shouldn't have gone for quite so "invisible" a gray...
The shop is about 20 minutes from my home in good traffic, but that stretch of I-80 is the worse stretch of commute traffic in the bay area. In really bad traffic it can take me 1.5 hours to travel these 8 miles. When the local news kept mentioning that the traffic was slow, I decided to leave early for the meeting. It started at 10:30 am... I left the house at 9:15.
So at 9:38 I was sitting in a nice parking space along one of the side streets, AND I REALLY NEEDED TO PEE. Nothing would be open yet, so I distracted myself by drawing the architectural details of the houses nearby until it was reasonable to walk over to Solano. I tried to take notes on where my car was parked so I could find it again later.
I sat with another new member, Bobby Edelson. If that sounds familiar at all, her quilt won BEST OF SHOW at Chicago recently. Both she and I are interested in a small kind of crit/support group... and her daughter lives in my town... so we will be talking again soon.
Our program was on African American Quilts. The presenter's main concept is that African American quilts do not follow a theme, or have a certain look... they are simply quilts made by African Americans. I still wonder why, then, label them as anything other than just quilts? What is the point of labeling something as different in some way from other quilts.. if the only difference is the ethnicity of the creator? I really don't like labels that seem to unnecessarily segregate things.
anyway...
Show and tell was FABULOUS. Liz Berg showed a lot of her new work... I'd seen it on her blog, but it's better in person...
AFterward, I walked back to where I thought I parked and spent 5 minutes trying to figure out where my car was. I walked another half block down each street... but I had parked on a corner!! Where was the darned thing? It should be right here!!
And it was.
Every time I stopped at the corner to look at the other 3 corners for my car... I had stopped right in front of my car.
Hmm... VW basically makes 12 version of gray car. Maybe I shouldn't have gone for quite so "invisible" a gray...
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
Router problems...
We are wireless in the Roby household. We have a DSL modem and a nifty Linksys router that's run through a donated old computer running Windows ME. And we were having a problem.
The modem, it works perfectly. If I plug a computer right into the modem, I can connect. Wirelessly, our network didn't exist. And hasn't, we think, for over a month. I called Earthlink, and they direct me to attach the server and type an address into the computer.
The address wants a user name and password. And NONE of my passwords work. And I never remember using any unique password... if I did, I would have written it down.
In the meantime... our new neighbors are also wireless. And they (bless their soulds) opted not to password lock their system. So I have been using it without their knowledge. I will really need to make them a nice surprise present for unknowingly helping me out.
Yesterday I finally got through to a live person by phone. After being switched twice, I connected with someone who helped me out. The password I needed to enter? admin. Now why didn't the FIRST tech support guy tell me that??
After entering the mystery password, Adrian (not his real name, unless Adrian is a popular name in India) walked me through the steps to get my router back on line.
And I'm comforted knowing that our neighbors are always an acceptable fallback.
The modem, it works perfectly. If I plug a computer right into the modem, I can connect. Wirelessly, our network didn't exist. And hasn't, we think, for over a month. I called Earthlink, and they direct me to attach the server and type an address into the computer.
The address wants a user name and password. And NONE of my passwords work. And I never remember using any unique password... if I did, I would have written it down.
In the meantime... our new neighbors are also wireless. And they (bless their soulds) opted not to password lock their system. So I have been using it without their knowledge. I will really need to make them a nice surprise present for unknowingly helping me out.
Yesterday I finally got through to a live person by phone. After being switched twice, I connected with someone who helped me out. The password I needed to enter? admin. Now why didn't the FIRST tech support guy tell me that??
After entering the mystery password, Adrian (not his real name, unless Adrian is a popular name in India) walked me through the steps to get my router back on line.
And I'm comforted knowing that our neighbors are always an acceptable fallback.
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
The final Painted Piece
Painted fabric "inspired" from a photo fragment of one of Melody's Mexico photos:
You remember this piece. But you have to take my word that this inspired the piece above.
A close up one section. I really like this section, and will do more of this technique in the next few weeks.
You remember this piece. But you have to take my word that this inspired the piece above.
A close up one section. I really like this section, and will do more of this technique in the next few weeks.
Monday, May 02, 2005
Blogring get togethers???
Ok, this is early in the year for me... but it's too late for Chicago or Paducah... so maybe it's NOT too late to plant the idea.
Anyone interested in planning/attending a face-to-face get together for blogring members at major events? Just meeting for drink before dinner... or a breakfast before a long day begins??
The only "big" events I know I will attending this year are PIQF and AQT.. both in the fall. But there are so many things happening in the next few months..
On another note completely. In the past I bemoaned my lack of "connection" to others in real life. Other artists, people who I could "network" with... people in general. I have taken two proactive steps recently.
#1. I joined SAQA. My first meeting is this Wednesday. I'm sure I will see some of you there.
#2. I joined a regional art center near me. And, given the choice of spending $40 as an individual, or $50 as an artist, I chose to "declare" myself and joined as an artist.
small steps... but steps nonetheless.
Anyone interested in planning/attending a face-to-face get together for blogring members at major events? Just meeting for drink before dinner... or a breakfast before a long day begins??
The only "big" events I know I will attending this year are PIQF and AQT.. both in the fall. But there are so many things happening in the next few months..
On another note completely. In the past I bemoaned my lack of "connection" to others in real life. Other artists, people who I could "network" with... people in general. I have taken two proactive steps recently.
#1. I joined SAQA. My first meeting is this Wednesday. I'm sure I will see some of you there.
#2. I joined a regional art center near me. And, given the choice of spending $40 as an individual, or $50 as an artist, I chose to "declare" myself and joined as an artist.
small steps... but steps nonetheless.
Sunday, May 01, 2005
Serenity
Last week, Deb L. mentioned the apple I-tunes movie trailer site on the QA mailing list.
I went there, saw the trailer for SERENITY, the Firefly movie. I found out that Deb L., DebR and I are all fans.
Who else will step up and admit being a fan of this too quickly cancelled show?
I went there, saw the trailer for SERENITY, the Firefly movie. I found out that Deb L., DebR and I are all fans.
Who else will step up and admit being a fan of this too quickly cancelled show?
Saturday, April 30, 2005
Spam Amusement
With so many going Friday illistrations and such... I thought you might enjoy this link. Quickly drawn cartoons inspired by actual spam subject lines!
Friday, April 29, 2005
Quinacrodine Violet, Setacolor blue mixed with a light gray base, and that chrome orange (sticking it's presence in again!!) Half the piece painted with the violet, half with blue and narrow lines of orange over all. Rock salt sprinkled on top. Then left to dry
The piece sitting on my worktable
Half way dried. The violet had been closer to the window (and sun) so I sprayed more water on the piece, and turned it around.
A close up of how the paint moved in the water, sun and salt. I LOVE looking at how the colors run.
The piece sitting on my worktable
Half way dried. The violet had been closer to the window (and sun) so I sprayed more water on the piece, and turned it around.
A close up of how the paint moved in the water, sun and salt. I LOVE looking at how the colors run.
My Inner European...
Your Inner European is Spanish! |
 Energetic and lively. You bring the party with you! |
Thursday, April 28, 2005
Painted Fabric #3
Fabric #3. I planned on painting with Setacolor's yellow and purple, but this bottle of Liquitex Chrome Orange kept INSISTING that it wanted to play, too.
It definately improved the piece. But boy, that little bottle is loud. The color adjustment on this just isn't right. In person it reminds me of a sunrise.
It definately improved the piece. But boy, that little bottle is loud. The color adjustment on this just isn't right. In person it reminds me of a sunrise.
Wednesday, April 27, 2005
We may be buying a second house....
I wish I could be excited about this. NO we are not moving. NO this isn't a great vacation escape. It will be in Moline, Ill. (NOT the destination location of the jet set crowd...). sigh.
My MIL is 86 years old and still living in the house they bought when Steve was in college. She thought she could maintain it until she died. But it's a typical Midwestern house built in 50s or 60s... the utilities are in the basement. Since my FIL died, she's been upgrading the house, putting in new windows, upgrading the electrical, all those important things. But the house just doesn't work well for a couple of octagenarians who have both had strokes.
She needs to move. And she's finally accepted it.
Now my hubby is her only child, and sole heir. And she's not sure that she can afford to sell her house and move into a condo. (Yes, I WANT her to move into a senior complex. but she doesn't want to spend her time surrounded by "all those old people." She's rather be isolated and proud.)... Ok, I'm not going there.
So we've agreed that the new house will be in our name, and if necessary we will help with payments. I really need to speak to a tax man about the ramifications of this...
I may also be headed back there to help sell the old house. Imagine SELL THIS HOUSE with the hostess being that daughter-in-law. I can easily think of 10 pieces of furniture that HAVE TO GO before we even have the realtor over. Someone is not going to be happy in this process. Imagine two stubborn Kraut Broads butting heads. Oh, and when I go there, I will have to drive to airport to find wireless connection. (you will probably find me there eating breakfast and supper at the airport!).
I'm working myself into the calm... this too shall pass mode. There are 2 things I'm thankful for:
1. When my own parents died two years ago, I had siblings in the same town to handle everything.
2. I don't also have children back here to worry about. We have a great boarder for the dogs... and Steve may have to be back here most of the time for work. But if I had children, what would I do?
My MIL is 86 years old and still living in the house they bought when Steve was in college. She thought she could maintain it until she died. But it's a typical Midwestern house built in 50s or 60s... the utilities are in the basement. Since my FIL died, she's been upgrading the house, putting in new windows, upgrading the electrical, all those important things. But the house just doesn't work well for a couple of octagenarians who have both had strokes.
She needs to move. And she's finally accepted it.
Now my hubby is her only child, and sole heir. And she's not sure that she can afford to sell her house and move into a condo. (Yes, I WANT her to move into a senior complex. but she doesn't want to spend her time surrounded by "all those old people." She's rather be isolated and proud.)... Ok, I'm not going there.
So we've agreed that the new house will be in our name, and if necessary we will help with payments. I really need to speak to a tax man about the ramifications of this...
I may also be headed back there to help sell the old house. Imagine SELL THIS HOUSE with the hostess being that daughter-in-law. I can easily think of 10 pieces of furniture that HAVE TO GO before we even have the realtor over. Someone is not going to be happy in this process. Imagine two stubborn Kraut Broads butting heads. Oh, and when I go there, I will have to drive to airport to find wireless connection. (you will probably find me there eating breakfast and supper at the airport!).
I'm working myself into the calm... this too shall pass mode. There are 2 things I'm thankful for:
1. When my own parents died two years ago, I had siblings in the same town to handle everything.
2. I don't also have children back here to worry about. We have a great boarder for the dogs... and Steve may have to be back here most of the time for work. But if I had children, what would I do?
Painted Fabric #2
Painted fabric #2. I painted this, set it outside, and laid tile underlayment over it (that's what made the diamond shaped patterning). Unfortunately, a breeze apparently came up and moved things, causing the wrinkles. It's still cool fabric.. and the oddity of the wrinkles can be interesting when cut up.
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
Painted Fabric #1
Painted fabric #1. Our small group APCs are due next Sunday at the quilt show. With a theme of healthy humor, my theme is "in the pink". and this is the fabric I will be making my cards out of. The background in quinicrodine violet diluted with water (who knew it would look pink??), spotted and stamped with Setacolor Red, Liquitex offwhite and black puff paint.
Monday, April 25, 2005
My college education pays off!!!
In a fun way.
In mid April, DebR posed a question. The answer was Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness (which became the movie Apocalype Now). I got it right. First. Nyah, nyah... (BA in English, 1974).
So I begged for chocolate as my prize (grins)... DARK chocolate, ofcourse.
Yesterday I received my prize: not only a cute box of chocolates labelled as the 5th food group (let's see, the other four are beer, coffee, chicken and mangoes in my book. What are yours?) but one of her journal pages. She sent it to me, because of the pictures I posted with the pixelated images in it.
I am not worthy.
But I'm keeping it.
Thanks, DebR from the other DebR.
In mid April, DebR posed a question. The answer was Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness (which became the movie Apocalype Now). I got it right. First. Nyah, nyah... (BA in English, 1974).
So I begged for chocolate as my prize (grins)... DARK chocolate, ofcourse.
Yesterday I received my prize: not only a cute box of chocolates labelled as the 5th food group (let's see, the other four are beer, coffee, chicken and mangoes in my book. What are yours?) but one of her journal pages. She sent it to me, because of the pictures I posted with the pixelated images in it.
I am not worthy.
But I'm keeping it.
Thanks, DebR from the other DebR.
Sunday, April 24, 2005
A challenge for next week...
Wanna join me??
I WAS going to take the cue from Sonji and do a quilt a week next week. Then reality set in. My RL quilt guild is having it's show next weekend (if you are in the bay area, drive over to Benicia and see us. I'll be there Sunday.). Do I really want to be working on small quilts when getting ready for show? (not to mention that I'm setting up all day Friday.)
NO.
However... I can spend a few minutes every morning and paint up a new piece of fabric. Not anything very large.. but someting close to a half yard piece every day. Paint, set out to dry (or let sit inside if it's raining), clean up and good to go. About a half hour or so...
So I will taking on THIS task next week. One piece of fabric a day. Oh, yeah, and since Friday is a day of long hard physical labor... I'll be running Sunday to Thursday.
If you wish to play, too, leave a comment here and I'll try to link blogs together.
Then maybe a week or so later I'll use these for a quilt a day. Or maybe not.
I WAS going to take the cue from Sonji and do a quilt a week next week. Then reality set in. My RL quilt guild is having it's show next weekend (if you are in the bay area, drive over to Benicia and see us. I'll be there Sunday.). Do I really want to be working on small quilts when getting ready for show? (not to mention that I'm setting up all day Friday.)
NO.
However... I can spend a few minutes every morning and paint up a new piece of fabric. Not anything very large.. but someting close to a half yard piece every day. Paint, set out to dry (or let sit inside if it's raining), clean up and good to go. About a half hour or so...
So I will taking on THIS task next week. One piece of fabric a day. Oh, yeah, and since Friday is a day of long hard physical labor... I'll be running Sunday to Thursday.
If you wish to play, too, leave a comment here and I'll try to link blogs together.
Then maybe a week or so later I'll use these for a quilt a day. Or maybe not.
Saturday, April 23, 2005
Friday, April 22, 2005
Favorite Spaces
We were talking about favorite rooms. I think it's obvious here the favorite spot for the dogs in the house. Fortunately, we ordered this furniture with slipcovers, so I just take them off, launder them, and replace. And I have 2 sets.. a winter set (these dark green velvet) and summer set of khaki canvas.
Teri mentioned that these dogs were very relaxed. This was taken about an hour after we returned from a walk in Pt. Isobel dog park. Two miles of chasing balls, sniffing friends (about 150 in the park that day), splashing through puddles and the bay, grazing on the field greens... all followed by a hosing off. VERY tiring play for a dog.
Teri mentioned that these dogs were very relaxed. This was taken about an hour after we returned from a walk in Pt. Isobel dog park. Two miles of chasing balls, sniffing friends (about 150 in the park that day), splashing through puddles and the bay, grazing on the field greens... all followed by a hosing off. VERY tiring play for a dog.
Thursday, April 21, 2005
A PLEDGE
Now that I've turned 3 tshirts and 2 pairs of jeans into fabric painting clothes (VBG) I promise from now on, I will CHANGE INTO these clothes before indulging in spontaneous fabric painting again.
This is more disasterous to my wardrobe than cooking. (as I admire the pink paint and the grease spots on current tshirt).
This is more disasterous to my wardrobe than cooking. (as I admire the pink paint and the grease spots on current tshirt).
Deb's Book MeMe
1. You're stuck inside Fahrenheit 451, which book would you want to be?
LITTLE WOMEN. My favorite book as a child.
2. Have you ever had a crush on a fictional character?
Yes, I think I have. Though I can't remember who it was.
3. The last book you bought is:
Robot Dawn by Isaac Asimov. I'm collecting and reading the Robot series this summer. Then I'll reread the Foundation series a bit later... after a break for modern-day fiction and/or mysteries.
4. The last book you read:
Just finished a Lord Peter Whimsey mystery. (there IS a pattern in my reading).
5. What are you currently reading?
I, ROBOT by Asimov. And ART AND FEAR is a constant read.
6. Five books you would take on a desert island (assume for this list that you won't need any survival manuals or anything...your five books are luxury items to comfort you!):
TIME ENOUGH FOR LOVE, Robert Heinlein.
The FOUNDATION TRILOGY, Asimov. (hey, it comes in one book).
ENCHANTMENT, Orson Scott Card.
PRODIGAL SUMMER, Barbara Kingsolver.
THE THRILL OF THE GRASS, W.P. Kinsella
Who are you going to pass this stick to (3 people) and why?
Nobody on a blog I think... though I may copy this and post it on Boomers.
LITTLE WOMEN. My favorite book as a child.
2. Have you ever had a crush on a fictional character?
Yes, I think I have. Though I can't remember who it was.
3. The last book you bought is:
Robot Dawn by Isaac Asimov. I'm collecting and reading the Robot series this summer. Then I'll reread the Foundation series a bit later... after a break for modern-day fiction and/or mysteries.
4. The last book you read:
Just finished a Lord Peter Whimsey mystery. (there IS a pattern in my reading).
5. What are you currently reading?
I, ROBOT by Asimov. And ART AND FEAR is a constant read.
6. Five books you would take on a desert island (assume for this list that you won't need any survival manuals or anything...your five books are luxury items to comfort you!):
TIME ENOUGH FOR LOVE, Robert Heinlein.
The FOUNDATION TRILOGY, Asimov. (hey, it comes in one book).
ENCHANTMENT, Orson Scott Card.
PRODIGAL SUMMER, Barbara Kingsolver.
THE THRILL OF THE GRASS, W.P. Kinsella
Who are you going to pass this stick to (3 people) and why?
Nobody on a blog I think... though I may copy this and post it on Boomers.
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
Moving Up
While cooking supper the other night, I watched a TLC program called MOVING UP. A person/couple buys a house... the old owners buy a different house.. and that owner buys a third. They have 2 months to make their purchased property their own.
Then the old owners come back to view the changes.
I'm assuming that they get some discounts/gift card to do this. Whenever we moved, we didn't have a lot of cash to spend those first 2 months on remodeling.
Anyway, these people don't just paint/paper and change the window dressings. Often they tear out a wall, sometimes they completely gut a place. The old owners always have things that they think 'MADE' the house... and it's normally the first thing that the new owners remove. The changes are often dramatic, and sometime watching the old owners revisit their past places is a little sad. The best times they can say: this isn't my house anymore. I can live with my memories and know that this place is busy creating new ones.
Now we moved here 7 years ago. The house we moved from we lived in for 7 years. We custom built it from plans I drew up. When we built it, it was a dream house; by the time we left, it was a good house.
I have only been back to Cleveland in the past few years for funerals. No extra time to drive 50 miles across town to see the old house. But if I ever had the time and was in town with a car, I'd like to see what they've done with place. The only think I'd be upset to see gone would be the cherry cabinets in the kitchen. I'd be shocked is some of the carpet is still there.
So, if given the chance, would you like to go back and see one of your old houses? What would hate to see changed?? What would you be surprised to see unchanged?
Then the old owners come back to view the changes.
I'm assuming that they get some discounts/gift card to do this. Whenever we moved, we didn't have a lot of cash to spend those first 2 months on remodeling.
Anyway, these people don't just paint/paper and change the window dressings. Often they tear out a wall, sometimes they completely gut a place. The old owners always have things that they think 'MADE' the house... and it's normally the first thing that the new owners remove. The changes are often dramatic, and sometime watching the old owners revisit their past places is a little sad. The best times they can say: this isn't my house anymore. I can live with my memories and know that this place is busy creating new ones.
Now we moved here 7 years ago. The house we moved from we lived in for 7 years. We custom built it from plans I drew up. When we built it, it was a dream house; by the time we left, it was a good house.
I have only been back to Cleveland in the past few years for funerals. No extra time to drive 50 miles across town to see the old house. But if I ever had the time and was in town with a car, I'd like to see what they've done with place. The only think I'd be upset to see gone would be the cherry cabinets in the kitchen. I'd be shocked is some of the carpet is still there.
So, if given the chance, would you like to go back and see one of your old houses? What would hate to see changed?? What would you be surprised to see unchanged?
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
WHAT'S SPECIAL TODAY? Or, a new diet/exercise program
This week I am starting a new diet/exercise program. It's predicated on an old idea.
When my grandmother was in her 40s, her doctor diagnosed her with arthritis. He told her she would be in a wheelchair before she turned 50, so start looking for a suitable house. (she lived in a 3 story duplex). Instead, 4 days a week, she walked from W. 65th to W. 25th and the Cleveland West Side Market. This is a TREASURE of Cleveland... but that's not the point.
Each day, she bought the freshest food for supper that night. And, most importantly, she moved and did weight bearing exercise every day. When she died at 83, she was only in a wheelchair because the Alzheimers took away her memory of how to walk (and where to go).
I live on the top of the hill. At the bottom of the hill is a grocery store. It's 1.3 miles each direction. So ATLEAST 3 DAYS EACH WEEK, I will pick up a lightweight knapsack, and head down to the store. Then ask myself: what is special today?
That is, what is on special.. or what is the freshest... what should I cook today? I'll load the items in my backpack and walk back uphill. Close to 3 miles of walking (given moving through the aisles of the store)... and half of it up a steep hill. Really steep. Like 30% inclines.
I will eat fresh and healthy food. I will get exercise. And, because I'll only be eating what I physically carry uphill, I will eat lightly. (giggles).
Oh, yeah.. if you ever go to the West Side Market, stop and pick up some pork from Max Wulff. He and I went to elementary school together.
When my grandmother was in her 40s, her doctor diagnosed her with arthritis. He told her she would be in a wheelchair before she turned 50, so start looking for a suitable house. (she lived in a 3 story duplex). Instead, 4 days a week, she walked from W. 65th to W. 25th and the Cleveland West Side Market. This is a TREASURE of Cleveland... but that's not the point.
Each day, she bought the freshest food for supper that night. And, most importantly, she moved and did weight bearing exercise every day. When she died at 83, she was only in a wheelchair because the Alzheimers took away her memory of how to walk (and where to go).
I live on the top of the hill. At the bottom of the hill is a grocery store. It's 1.3 miles each direction. So ATLEAST 3 DAYS EACH WEEK, I will pick up a lightweight knapsack, and head down to the store. Then ask myself: what is special today?
That is, what is on special.. or what is the freshest... what should I cook today? I'll load the items in my backpack and walk back uphill. Close to 3 miles of walking (given moving through the aisles of the store)... and half of it up a steep hill. Really steep. Like 30% inclines.
I will eat fresh and healthy food. I will get exercise. And, because I'll only be eating what I physically carry uphill, I will eat lightly. (giggles).
Oh, yeah.. if you ever go to the West Side Market, stop and pick up some pork from Max Wulff. He and I went to elementary school together.
Monday, April 18, 2005
Favorite Room
First off, I've checked Diane's blog about 5 times this morning. I see the story of her daughter.. and see the blog about dentists, menopause and adoption... I don't see anything about favorite rooms??
and nobody is putting in a link.
(am I outta the loop on this one or what??)
The favorite room in my house?
The favorite room OF my house is my deck. It runs along the entire back of house, echoing the bump out of the breakfast nook. Facing the open space to my south, it gives me plentiful options for watching the local wildlife (deer, coyote, hawk, and a variety of songbirds). It also affords me a view of San Pablo Bay where I can watch the maritime traffic moving along the northern edge of the San Francisco bay complex. I can see the coastal range hills in Sonoma and Marin. I can usually hear the steady hum of I-80. It's magical.
It's also windy most of the time... enough so that no matter where I arrange the chairs on the deck, they get pushed to one side or the other. The sound of chairs being pushed down a 45 foot deck is amazingly spooky. And the decking is hot enough in the summertime to burn the dogs' and my feet. Downsides of paradise.
In the house, nothing can quite compare. But I would have to pick the great room complex that is the back of the house... the family room/kitchen/dining room complex that has only short knee walls separating the space. Why? Because I live most of the time back here.
The sun is strong enough that the windows are often completely covered, blocking that wonderful view from the deck. But it is the "heart" of this home. Some may think... I would live with the strong sun if the views were that wonderful. I thought that too when we moved here. Then one in February... 4 days after I'd moved into this house... it was 70 degrees and sunny outside. There were no coverings on my back windows yet. And it was 95 degrees in my family room. Nope. Coverings no option.
and nobody is putting in a link.
(am I outta the loop on this one or what??)
The favorite room in my house?
The favorite room OF my house is my deck. It runs along the entire back of house, echoing the bump out of the breakfast nook. Facing the open space to my south, it gives me plentiful options for watching the local wildlife (deer, coyote, hawk, and a variety of songbirds). It also affords me a view of San Pablo Bay where I can watch the maritime traffic moving along the northern edge of the San Francisco bay complex. I can see the coastal range hills in Sonoma and Marin. I can usually hear the steady hum of I-80. It's magical.
It's also windy most of the time... enough so that no matter where I arrange the chairs on the deck, they get pushed to one side or the other. The sound of chairs being pushed down a 45 foot deck is amazingly spooky. And the decking is hot enough in the summertime to burn the dogs' and my feet. Downsides of paradise.
In the house, nothing can quite compare. But I would have to pick the great room complex that is the back of the house... the family room/kitchen/dining room complex that has only short knee walls separating the space. Why? Because I live most of the time back here.
The sun is strong enough that the windows are often completely covered, blocking that wonderful view from the deck. But it is the "heart" of this home. Some may think... I would live with the strong sun if the views were that wonderful. I thought that too when we moved here. Then one in February... 4 days after I'd moved into this house... it was 70 degrees and sunny outside. There were no coverings on my back windows yet. And it was 95 degrees in my family room. Nope. Coverings no option.
The Universe Listens
This is final pieced top (I hope). I added a real branch of eucalyptus leaves to kind of give the impression of what I'm going for... only moreso than this. Or should I go more abstract than this???
Anyway, about the Universe listening... The previous photo was taken when I hung the piece on one of the garage doors (they are white and face north... great for digital photographs.
While I was getting ready to snap the photo, my next door neighbor returned home. She slammed on the brakes to admire the piece and talk a bit. It turns out that Eri is taking art classes at the local commmunity college. Her instructors encourage the students to display work around the region, and give them lists of local exhibits. She loves her classes... but admits that the difference between Western art and her native Eastern art (she's Japanese) often makes her head ache.
Anyway, we talked art a bit, she gave me the brochure for the college and promises me her call for entry list. We hope to go together to see some of the work in the future. See? I ask to connect with another "learning to be an artist" of a certain age... and find she's living next door.
Anyway, about the Universe listening... The previous photo was taken when I hung the piece on one of the garage doors (they are white and face north... great for digital photographs.
While I was getting ready to snap the photo, my next door neighbor returned home. She slammed on the brakes to admire the piece and talk a bit. It turns out that Eri is taking art classes at the local commmunity college. Her instructors encourage the students to display work around the region, and give them lists of local exhibits. She loves her classes... but admits that the difference between Western art and her native Eastern art (she's Japanese) often makes her head ache.
Anyway, we talked art a bit, she gave me the brochure for the college and promises me her call for entry list. We hope to go together to see some of the work in the future. See? I ask to connect with another "learning to be an artist" of a certain age... and find she's living next door.
Saturday, April 16, 2005
This is from Karen's blog, Seamless Skin.
1. Grab the nearest book.
2. Open the book to page 123.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the text of the sentence in your journal along with these instructions.
5. Don't search around and look for the coolest book you can find. Do what's actually next to you
"A great one." THE ROBOTS OF DAWN by Isaac Asimov. I'm collecting all the Robot books to read through the summer. (I will normally read a series by one author during a season. I decided to return to a classic series in a preferred genre this year.)
But that isn't even a sentence... missing the requisite verb and all...
1. Grab the nearest book.
2. Open the book to page 123.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the text of the sentence in your journal along with these instructions.
5. Don't search around and look for the coolest book you can find. Do what's actually next to you
"A great one." THE ROBOTS OF DAWN by Isaac Asimov. I'm collecting all the Robot books to read through the summer. (I will normally read a series by one author during a season. I decided to return to a classic series in a preferred genre this year.)
But that isn't even a sentence... missing the requisite verb and all...
Friday, April 15, 2005
So What's Next (almost)
I thought I was done piecing this... until I looked closely at this picture. That upper lefthand corner is definately NOT STRAIGHT. Looks like some ripping and redoing is in order.
I SO enjoyed the partial seams and such on this piece (NOT). But having a quilt with no seam that goes completely across this piece is an important thing for me.
Now about what's next. This piece is being construction for the Viking challenge, with the theme Art Takes Shape. This background is the very geometric type of shape. Over this I want to add organic elements.
At the moment, I'm leaning toward cutting lots of eucalyptus leaves out (fusing front and back together) with wire or fireline or string at the stem. Probably NOT string. The these get stitched, and loosely attached to the piece. Some may be more classically appliqued down.. but I really want these leaves to be able to move. Maybe add some of fringed "blossoms" that show on the last photo.
So after I straighten out the top, I'll baste it to the batting and stitch in the ditch. Then do most of the quilting on the squares (branches and leaves. While I'm doing this (since I've admitted that I hate working long on the quilting) I will be making the leaves. And I'll attach a few to see if it works like I hope it will. Then attach all the leaves, pillowturn the backing and do Melody's escape hatch closing.
I SO enjoyed the partial seams and such on this piece (NOT). But having a quilt with no seam that goes completely across this piece is an important thing for me.
Now about what's next. This piece is being construction for the Viking challenge, with the theme Art Takes Shape. This background is the very geometric type of shape. Over this I want to add organic elements.
At the moment, I'm leaning toward cutting lots of eucalyptus leaves out (fusing front and back together) with wire or fireline or string at the stem. Probably NOT string. The these get stitched, and loosely attached to the piece. Some may be more classically appliqued down.. but I really want these leaves to be able to move. Maybe add some of fringed "blossoms" that show on the last photo.
So after I straighten out the top, I'll baste it to the batting and stitch in the ditch. Then do most of the quilting on the squares (branches and leaves. While I'm doing this (since I've admitted that I hate working long on the quilting) I will be making the leaves. And I'll attach a few to see if it works like I hope it will. Then attach all the leaves, pillowturn the backing and do Melody's escape hatch closing.
Thursday, April 14, 2005
Blowing in the Wind, and sewing in the trees.
The piece needed some darker, olivey green. So I painted that up Tuesday outside on the line. I took of picture of the "fall out" from that experience, but refrained from posting it.
Photos of "terminal liver spots" would not go well with morning coffee.
This piece is just over half done on the piecing. With due diligence I should have it pieced by this weekend. Then the real fun begins.
Photos of "terminal liver spots" would not go well with morning coffee.
This piece is just over half done on the piecing. With due diligence I should have it pieced by this weekend. Then the real fun begins.
Wednesday, April 13, 2005
Homework, part deux...
Other answers to Gabrielle's homework questions.
A. --Pick 5 words that describe the creative process.
1. Exciting. A new idea... how exciting. A reason to wake up in the morning.
2. Terrifying. Bringing my vision to life: a reason to run from the sewing room. Don't I have a close to organize? Exercise to do?
3. Fed (by interaction with the world.)
4. Possibilities.
5. Ever-changing.
--Two words. One describes where you are an artist, the other where you want to be.
Where I am as an artist. I won't even really call myself an artist, yet. Oddly, this "denial" carryies on a family tradition. My maternal grandfather had an artist calling. He gave up on doing anything with it to support his family. It came out when he took charge of the Church's nativity scene: he added something new each year for 25 years until his death.
My mother had an artist bent... she didn't pursue it. She had issues with perfectionism and a huge need to be "practical." Most of her artist instinct was focused into decorating the house as the budget allowed.
I now have a niece who desperately wanted to study set design. Her family "encouraged" her to be more practical.. so she's about the graduate college with a degree in nursing. She won't even work at her one-time passion in community theater because she gets no support.
So I guess I'm the member of my generation on this chain.
Where I want to be as an artist:
comfortable saying I am; and maybe with one or two others agreeing. I don't need the whole world to know my name and think of me that way... but a few people would be nice.
A. --Pick 5 words that describe the creative process.
1. Exciting. A new idea... how exciting. A reason to wake up in the morning.
2. Terrifying. Bringing my vision to life: a reason to run from the sewing room. Don't I have a close to organize? Exercise to do?
3. Fed (by interaction with the world.)
4. Possibilities.
5. Ever-changing.
--Two words. One describes where you are an artist, the other where you want to be.
Where I am as an artist. I won't even really call myself an artist, yet. Oddly, this "denial" carryies on a family tradition. My maternal grandfather had an artist calling. He gave up on doing anything with it to support his family. It came out when he took charge of the Church's nativity scene: he added something new each year for 25 years until his death.
My mother had an artist bent... she didn't pursue it. She had issues with perfectionism and a huge need to be "practical." Most of her artist instinct was focused into decorating the house as the budget allowed.
I now have a niece who desperately wanted to study set design. Her family "encouraged" her to be more practical.. so she's about the graduate college with a degree in nursing. She won't even work at her one-time passion in community theater because she gets no support.
So I guess I'm the member of my generation on this chain.
Where I want to be as an artist:
comfortable saying I am; and maybe with one or two others agreeing. I don't need the whole world to know my name and think of me that way... but a few people would be nice.
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
Plaza Photo Play and Inspiration
This is a portion of an altered photo that Melody posted on her blog. I saved the image, then cropped it down to the part that interested me. Adjusted the colors to pixelate it a bit more. It's almost an interesting image, but not quite there.
The same section as above, with more of the background kept in. Pixelated in a brighter coloration. I like what's happening at the far right, at the bottom middle and at the far right. Wish I knew how to erase the trees and zip those parts together on the computer. As it is, I will probably play with this on paper.
The far right portion of the photo above. Played with a lot more. This as real potential.
The same section as above, with more of the background kept in. Pixelated in a brighter coloration. I like what's happening at the far right, at the bottom middle and at the far right. Wish I knew how to erase the trees and zip those parts together on the computer. As it is, I will probably play with this on paper.
The far right portion of the photo above. Played with a lot more. This as real potential.
Monday, April 11, 2005
HELP!!
If there is any computer guru out there who can help me, I'd appreciate it.
I often download (save) images from the web to my desktop. These are simply jpegs.
My *()_)(*& new computer with Windows XP saves all these .jpegs in netscape. Don't want that. Just saving them as images would be fine. (I think my old computer had this as image preview...). But I figure out how to set the computer to DO THIS.
This is what I hate about most new programs. They treat the "average" person like a true idiot and HIDE HOW THINGS WORK. So you either need a Masters in EE, or a 13 year old nearby. Don't have either one of those.
First person who can tell me where the simple preferences of dealing with files can be found in XP wins a prize.
I often download (save) images from the web to my desktop. These are simply jpegs.
My *()_)(*& new computer with Windows XP saves all these .jpegs in netscape. Don't want that. Just saving them as images would be fine. (I think my old computer had this as image preview...). But I figure out how to set the computer to DO THIS.
This is what I hate about most new programs. They treat the "average" person like a true idiot and HIDE HOW THINGS WORK. So you either need a Masters in EE, or a 13 year old nearby. Don't have either one of those.
First person who can tell me where the simple preferences of dealing with files can be found in XP wins a prize.
Starting Over..
Gee... a guilty pleasure (well luncheon entertainment that isn't a written soap opera)... and I have to explain it!!
Starting Over is a daytime show about every day women reinventing themselves... all under one roof. It's Big Brother meets psychotherapy. It must be kind of popular, I think Lifetime has started playing it later in the day...
I started watching it pre election, when I couldn't face the noon news anymore. The other options were repeats of tv shows I'd already seen or soap operas. And, let's be serious, I may not have watched a soap opera in decades, but I could still probably know most of the characters and half of the story lines would still be in progress.
Starting Over is a daytime show about every day women reinventing themselves... all under one roof. It's Big Brother meets psychotherapy. It must be kind of popular, I think Lifetime has started playing it later in the day...
I started watching it pre election, when I couldn't face the noon news anymore. The other options were repeats of tv shows I'd already seen or soap operas. And, let's be serious, I may not have watched a soap opera in decades, but I could still probably know most of the characters and half of the story lines would still be in progress.
Sunday, April 10, 2005
Guilty Pleasure
Guilty Pleasure
Dianne has asked us to admit our guilty pleasures. First, I'll admit that I was going to ignore this request... just pretend that I missed the original post. But people are responding and actually admitting thing. And, heck, my guilty pleasures can't be that much worse. Besides, I think it would be cheating now to not admit something.
One guilty pleasure that I'm not resistant to post. The Oakland As have cheap baseball games on Wednesdays. You can get into the park on basically a general admission ticket for $2. Plus $1 hotdogs and cokes (not that I eat either one of those...). The biggest cost of the day is the BART ticket there and back. I love to take BART, walk into the park, sit in the sun on the 2nd deck and watch a game. Alone or with someone. Doesn't matter. I don't even wear sunscreen. (I tan very quickly and easily). With "encouragement" from Sonji, I may even score the game this year.
Now that guilty pleasure that I do not admit to ANYONE... you have to promise not to mention this to a soul.
takes a very deep breath....
looks for that tiny font setting...
I watch STARTING OVER while eating my lunch during the week.
There, I've said it. And I don't feel so terribly bad getting that out in the open. But I'll take bets on how long this stays posted before I edit it or pull it completely.
Dianne has asked us to admit our guilty pleasures. First, I'll admit that I was going to ignore this request... just pretend that I missed the original post. But people are responding and actually admitting thing. And, heck, my guilty pleasures can't be that much worse. Besides, I think it would be cheating now to not admit something.
One guilty pleasure that I'm not resistant to post. The Oakland As have cheap baseball games on Wednesdays. You can get into the park on basically a general admission ticket for $2. Plus $1 hotdogs and cokes (not that I eat either one of those...). The biggest cost of the day is the BART ticket there and back. I love to take BART, walk into the park, sit in the sun on the 2nd deck and watch a game. Alone or with someone. Doesn't matter. I don't even wear sunscreen. (I tan very quickly and easily). With "encouragement" from Sonji, I may even score the game this year.
Now that guilty pleasure that I do not admit to ANYONE... you have to promise not to mention this to a soul.
takes a very deep breath....
looks for that tiny font setting...
I watch STARTING OVER while eating my lunch during the week.
There, I've said it. And I don't feel so terribly bad getting that out in the open. But I'll take bets on how long this stays posted before I edit it or pull it completely.
Friday, April 08, 2005
THE BIDE-A-WEE BIRDIE B&B
Bide-A-Wee Birdie B&B is open and serving breakfast. It's rainy, windy and chilly today. The grossbeaks (on the right) have eaten all the sunflower seeds already, and the finches are working their way through the finchmix/ thistle seed.
I'm slowly recovering my programs and such on the new computer. My bookmarks are very slim, but most of them I haven't needed. I hope I can Google and find them again when I go to look for something.
After PamDora mentioned a gratitude journal... and given my own addiction to all things blog.. I started another blog to list the reasons that Life is Good.
It's the first link on my sidebar. over there>>>>>>
I'm slowly recovering my programs and such on the new computer. My bookmarks are very slim, but most of them I haven't needed. I hope I can Google and find them again when I go to look for something.
After PamDora mentioned a gratitude journal... and given my own addiction to all things blog.. I started another blog to list the reasons that Life is Good.
It's the first link on my sidebar. over there>>>>>>
Thursday, April 07, 2005
Gabrielle's homework assignment
Gabrielle has been sharing her class at Asilomar with us on her blog.
And she gives her classes homework assignments!! I've listed the assignments so far... feel free to provide your answers. (I'm still thinking about it and will post them later).
example of assignments:
--Pick 5 words that describe the creative process.
--Two words. One describes where you are an artist, the other where you want to be.
--And... a great one: Conceptualizing a piece before you begin:
Size: what general size should the work be
format: Horizontal, vertical, circular, square or irregular.
approach: repeated blocks, individual image..
Style: realisitc, abstract.
I think I will try to adopt this plan when I'm planning on beginning a new piece.
Like the eucalyptus piece:
size: 51" x 51" (aiming for the Viking challenge)
format: square.
approach: block pieced background with work attached on top
style: abstract
And she gives her classes homework assignments!! I've listed the assignments so far... feel free to provide your answers. (I'm still thinking about it and will post them later).
example of assignments:
--Pick 5 words that describe the creative process.
--Two words. One describes where you are an artist, the other where you want to be.
--And... a great one: Conceptualizing a piece before you begin:
Size: what general size should the work be
format: Horizontal, vertical, circular, square or irregular.
approach: repeated blocks, individual image..
Style: realisitc, abstract.
I think I will try to adopt this plan when I'm planning on beginning a new piece.
Like the eucalyptus piece:
size: 51" x 51" (aiming for the Viking challenge)
format: square.
approach: block pieced background with work attached on top
style: abstract
Wednesday, April 06, 2005
Think this dream is symbolic???
Well, DUH!!
I had this dream a week or so ago. Right after I posted that I was in a depression.
The dream begins at the start of a Monday work week. I'm new on my position.
And I'm working in the MI-5 offices that were shown on the TV shown. (we won't go into how I get there... this is a dream).
Typical new employee... I don't know where I'm going.
I try to pass through a security check point... put down my case, and step through a set up. Something happens, and a search needs to be done. Completed, I start down the hall to realize I left this case behind... go back, search and find it and go through the process again.
At this point, I'm separated from the person trying to show me the way. I'm alone in a huge crowd (think airport at 7 am on a weekday) all pushing me along in their direction. And I don't know where to go.
I try to work myself free by heading down a stair. WRONG WAY. The stairs only go up.
After a while, I am standing over a grate with fire below... trapped. I can't go forward or backward. And it's getting hot. I finally pull my legs up over a barrier and scream for help.
I woke up before I saw if anyone came to help.
Obviously, I'm feeling lost and isolated. And from my interpretation of this, what I need is a face to face group to belong to. As soon as I woke up, I filled out that SAQA form that's been sitting on my desk.
But I dont' think that will be enough.
So, for those of you who have done it... how do you find a group of artists, quilters, SUPPORTIVE people? I've belonged to guilds without connecting; so just saying join a guild isn't going to do it.
I had this dream a week or so ago. Right after I posted that I was in a depression.
The dream begins at the start of a Monday work week. I'm new on my position.
And I'm working in the MI-5 offices that were shown on the TV shown. (we won't go into how I get there... this is a dream).
Typical new employee... I don't know where I'm going.
I try to pass through a security check point... put down my case, and step through a set up. Something happens, and a search needs to be done. Completed, I start down the hall to realize I left this case behind... go back, search and find it and go through the process again.
At this point, I'm separated from the person trying to show me the way. I'm alone in a huge crowd (think airport at 7 am on a weekday) all pushing me along in their direction. And I don't know where to go.
I try to work myself free by heading down a stair. WRONG WAY. The stairs only go up.
After a while, I am standing over a grate with fire below... trapped. I can't go forward or backward. And it's getting hot. I finally pull my legs up over a barrier and scream for help.
I woke up before I saw if anyone came to help.
Obviously, I'm feeling lost and isolated. And from my interpretation of this, what I need is a face to face group to belong to. As soon as I woke up, I filled out that SAQA form that's been sitting on my desk.
But I dont' think that will be enough.
So, for those of you who have done it... how do you find a group of artists, quilters, SUPPORTIVE people? I've belonged to guilds without connecting; so just saying join a guild isn't going to do it.
Monday, April 04, 2005
Radiator Charlie's Mortgage Lifter
Wouldn't you buy a tomato plant if it had this name?? Wouldn't you buy almost anything with this name??
I went to my favorite nursery the other day and picked up my summer veggies. Three tomato plants, 2 cukes, some sweet basil, and a pepper. (it's a very small garden).
While looking at the choices of tomatoes, I picked this one up. The story goes that a farmer was about to lose his farm. To get a little rapid cash, he sold the plants of his biggest and best tasting tomato. He ended up getting enough cash to pay off his mortgage.
My Dell laptop yesterday. I was planning on backing up all the files I had on it, as I knew it was dying. It sensed my fear, and it's eventual replacement and died early just to spite me. So I've lost passwords, bookmarks and lots of other stuff.
Today I bought a new laptop (a nice little HP model that set itself up so quickly!!) Now I have to start asking places to send me reminders of my passwords, and my log ins, etc.
But I've got the prospect of these 3# tomatoes in the summer to keep me happy.
I went to my favorite nursery the other day and picked up my summer veggies. Three tomato plants, 2 cukes, some sweet basil, and a pepper. (it's a very small garden).
While looking at the choices of tomatoes, I picked this one up. The story goes that a farmer was about to lose his farm. To get a little rapid cash, he sold the plants of his biggest and best tasting tomato. He ended up getting enough cash to pay off his mortgage.
My Dell laptop yesterday. I was planning on backing up all the files I had on it, as I knew it was dying. It sensed my fear, and it's eventual replacement and died early just to spite me. So I've lost passwords, bookmarks and lots of other stuff.
Today I bought a new laptop (a nice little HP model that set itself up so quickly!!) Now I have to start asking places to send me reminders of my passwords, and my log ins, etc.
But I've got the prospect of these 3# tomatoes in the summer to keep me happy.
Saturday, April 02, 2005
Still life with lilac
Lilacs are difficult to grow here in No.Cal. We don't have enough chill time to do them real justice. But I keep my plant for some mystery reason. It's blooming now.. there are no leaves on the bush, and only about a dozen blooms. I cut off the prettiest to bring inside hoping that it would perfume the house. Alas, it does not smell. Not sweet, not ugly, not anything.
But it does make a nice composition in my magnet vase on the refrigerator, I think.
But it does make a nice composition in my magnet vase on the refrigerator, I think.
Friday, April 01, 2005
This photo is more ominous than the actual sunset was. It was so glowing and orange! This is for those readers who only read blogs with pictures.
I finished up 2 old quilts yesterday for the guild quilt show at the end of the month. These are not terribly exciting pieces to me. Both are stars.
One is a Lone Star using the fusible piecing technique from QuiltSmart. The other is designed on the 54-50 or fight block. In black/white and yellow. They are nice quilts, but they don't excite anything me in. But atleast they are done. (well, if I get inspired the Lone star could use more quilting. But there's a sleeve on it now that will have to removed.. so more quilting won't happen until next month). They are wrapped around a pool noodle not getting wrinkled.
The vessels pieces are trimmed, layered and pillow-turned. Now I've got to finish the quilting before the quilt show.
I finished up 2 old quilts yesterday for the guild quilt show at the end of the month. These are not terribly exciting pieces to me. Both are stars.
One is a Lone Star using the fusible piecing technique from QuiltSmart. The other is designed on the 54-50 or fight block. In black/white and yellow. They are nice quilts, but they don't excite anything me in. But atleast they are done. (well, if I get inspired the Lone star could use more quilting. But there's a sleeve on it now that will have to removed.. so more quilting won't happen until next month). They are wrapped around a pool noodle not getting wrinkled.
The vessels pieces are trimmed, layered and pillow-turned. Now I've got to finish the quilting before the quilt show.
Thursday, March 31, 2005
Avoiding the water cooler gang...
Last night I finally read through How To Be Creative. I had saved the webpage so i could take my time and read it offline.
Although his take was different, the one piece of advice that really hit home was his line to avoid the water cooler gang. Although he meant something different, I realized that I use the internet way too much as an avoidance tool. A way to NOT WORK.
So, I'm taking a deep breathe and putting myself on a limit. This definately will mean that I don't read blogs as much... though when I do read something I will try to respond to more.
Maybe make this more as a reward... work for 2 hours; read for 15 minutes.
I feel I'm getting so many messages from the universe telling me things I need to hear...
I need to tell you about the dream I had a couple nights ago. But that will be another day...
Although his take was different, the one piece of advice that really hit home was his line to avoid the water cooler gang. Although he meant something different, I realized that I use the internet way too much as an avoidance tool. A way to NOT WORK.
So, I'm taking a deep breathe and putting myself on a limit. This definately will mean that I don't read blogs as much... though when I do read something I will try to respond to more.
Maybe make this more as a reward... work for 2 hours; read for 15 minutes.
I feel I'm getting so many messages from the universe telling me things I need to hear...
I need to tell you about the dream I had a couple nights ago. But that will be another day...
Wednesday, March 30, 2005
What a good dish...
I was busy all day, so I needed a relatively simple fast supper. Sounds like thai curry to me!!
First I put a cup of brown rice and 2 cups in water in the microwave. This is the time-limiting factor in dinner. Five minutes on high, then 35 minutes at 50% power and the rice is done.
While the rice is nuking, I slice half-frozen chicken boobs into pieces 1/4" thick, 1/2" wide and about 3" long. While I'm slicing, a cup of low-fat coconut milk is coming to a boil in a frying pan.
When the milk has warmed through, and the oil rises to the surface, i put in a small amount of Thai Kitchen's Green Curry paste. We are wooses when it comes to heat, so I only use 1.5 tsp. You can use up to 2 TBSs but I couldnt' eat it.
The curry paste is dissolved in the milk, and the second cup is added to pan. When it comes up a boil, I reduce the heat and add the chicken. Cook gently for 3-5 minutes. Then add keffir lime leaves (or fresh grated lime rind and lime juice), 3 TBS. of fish sauce and 1 tbs of sugar.
When it's all blended together, I add a package of S&W's Ultimate Stir Fry Frozen Veggies, and 15 leaves of sweet basil. Simmer until the rice is done and serve with jasmine tea.
Healthy, fast and delish.
Yum.
Now I wish I'd picked up a carton of coconut sorbet when i was at the store.
First I put a cup of brown rice and 2 cups in water in the microwave. This is the time-limiting factor in dinner. Five minutes on high, then 35 minutes at 50% power and the rice is done.
While the rice is nuking, I slice half-frozen chicken boobs into pieces 1/4" thick, 1/2" wide and about 3" long. While I'm slicing, a cup of low-fat coconut milk is coming to a boil in a frying pan.
When the milk has warmed through, and the oil rises to the surface, i put in a small amount of Thai Kitchen's Green Curry paste. We are wooses when it comes to heat, so I only use 1.5 tsp. You can use up to 2 TBSs but I couldnt' eat it.
The curry paste is dissolved in the milk, and the second cup is added to pan. When it comes up a boil, I reduce the heat and add the chicken. Cook gently for 3-5 minutes. Then add keffir lime leaves (or fresh grated lime rind and lime juice), 3 TBS. of fish sauce and 1 tbs of sugar.
When it's all blended together, I add a package of S&W's Ultimate Stir Fry Frozen Veggies, and 15 leaves of sweet basil. Simmer until the rice is done and serve with jasmine tea.
Healthy, fast and delish.
Yum.
Now I wish I'd picked up a carton of coconut sorbet when i was at the store.
It could be a GREAT SONG...
This could be a great earworm (a song that gets embedded in your brain, and you can't stop hearing it):
What I've been doing:
Quilt a little; cut a little...
Quilt a little; cut a little...
Quilt, quilt, quilt...
Quilt a lot, cut a very little...
OK, you don't get the reference? I believe it's from OKLAHOMA.
What I've been doing:
Quilt a little; cut a little...
Quilt a little; cut a little...
Quilt, quilt, quilt...
Quilt a lot, cut a very little...
OK, you don't get the reference? I believe it's from OKLAHOMA.
Tuesday, March 29, 2005
The Blog of The Ring
So how do you read the ArtfulQuilt Ring? It's been brought up on several blogs (PamRuberts and Teri Springer's to name two).
Do you try to read through the whole ring daily? Or, because of the size and time constraints, do you do so weekly?
Do you do it all at one time? or break it up?
Me, I try to read through the ring every day. With the large size, i break it up into 3 groups: the 20 who post almost every day I read every morning with my coffee. Twenty more while eating my lunch . The twenty least active blogs I check if I time after washing up the dinner dishes. Every once in a while they surprise me with something new.
I also try to comment on atleast 5 blogs a day... maybe more. Just so the writer does know that someone is reading. I LOVE reading other people's comments. What can I say, I'm a social being living a kind of isolated life. Which is sad, as I'm actually completely surrounded by people. It's like living in cocoons. But this is a topic for atleast one other post.
So I've got a couple things to say:
1. WRITE MORE OFTEN. This is a habit you have to work on. I've found that there are days when I'm really talkative. I might write 3-5 blogs. NO. I don't post them all. I save a couple as drafts, then the days when I'm busy or flat or uninspired or just too whiney, I have something to post anyway. I got this idea from June Underwood, who's Southeast Main has a different photo every day. Atleast I think it was June. I could be wrong. Anyway, write when you feel like it, and post on a regular basis.
2. TELL PEOPLE WHAT YOU THINK OF WHAT THEY WRITE. comments are good thing. They turn this from a monologue to a dialog.
3. SHARE WHAT YOU ARE DOING. I swear the unique thing about this ring will end up being the ability to see how different people move through a process. The different paths that can lead to the same place: a finished piece of art. I'll admit it, I need to do more of this.
4. WHEN IN DOUBT, look for the humorous side of things. (note to self... this one is for ME.)
5. Ok. Make people happy and eager to read your blogs... ADD PICTURES. Maybe not every day (sorry Deborah), but atleast a couple times a week. I love that people will occasionally show their studio space while they are working. And our lives are all so unique that Life photos work too.
Ok, so I'm off to look through the photos I've taken recently. Finish reading my morning blogs. And make some art.
Do you try to read through the whole ring daily? Or, because of the size and time constraints, do you do so weekly?
Do you do it all at one time? or break it up?
Me, I try to read through the ring every day. With the large size, i break it up into 3 groups: the 20 who post almost every day I read every morning with my coffee. Twenty more while eating my lunch . The twenty least active blogs I check if I time after washing up the dinner dishes. Every once in a while they surprise me with something new.
I also try to comment on atleast 5 blogs a day... maybe more. Just so the writer does know that someone is reading. I LOVE reading other people's comments. What can I say, I'm a social being living a kind of isolated life. Which is sad, as I'm actually completely surrounded by people. It's like living in cocoons. But this is a topic for atleast one other post.
So I've got a couple things to say:
1. WRITE MORE OFTEN. This is a habit you have to work on. I've found that there are days when I'm really talkative. I might write 3-5 blogs. NO. I don't post them all. I save a couple as drafts, then the days when I'm busy or flat or uninspired or just too whiney, I have something to post anyway. I got this idea from June Underwood, who's Southeast Main has a different photo every day. Atleast I think it was June. I could be wrong. Anyway, write when you feel like it, and post on a regular basis.
2. TELL PEOPLE WHAT YOU THINK OF WHAT THEY WRITE. comments are good thing. They turn this from a monologue to a dialog.
3. SHARE WHAT YOU ARE DOING. I swear the unique thing about this ring will end up being the ability to see how different people move through a process. The different paths that can lead to the same place: a finished piece of art. I'll admit it, I need to do more of this.
4. WHEN IN DOUBT, look for the humorous side of things. (note to self... this one is for ME.)
5. Ok. Make people happy and eager to read your blogs... ADD PICTURES. Maybe not every day (sorry Deborah), but atleast a couple times a week. I love that people will occasionally show their studio space while they are working. And our lives are all so unique that Life photos work too.
Ok, so I'm off to look through the photos I've taken recently. Finish reading my morning blogs. And make some art.
Sunday, March 27, 2005
Happy Half Birthday
Several years ago, Steve mentioned that he would like to try and fly a box kite. In all his years, he'd never so. I promised him one for his birthday that year, but never found it.
Since then, I've been on a hunt for a simple box kite kit. Usually stopping in stores when we were on vacation. Most of the time, the stores have been out of them. Poo.
When we were in Mendocino last month, though, I found the kite. And I promised to give it to Steve for his birthday. But his birthday isn't until September... way past this year's prime kite flying season. What to do? What to do?
hmm... march is 6 months away from september. I COULD CELEBRATE HIS HALF-BIRTHDAY. Just a kid. afterall kids are the usual recipient of easy kite kits.
While tomorrow is the official half way point, we celebrated today with his traditional birthday dinner (with variations). Pork roast, roasted red skins, broccoli and (here's the change up)... strawberry shortcake. Traditionally he wants cherry pie. Either is easier to make now instead of the high heat we have here in late September.
So we ate our birthday dinner, and he got his box kite. Ofcourse 2 hours earlier, a major rainstorm rolled in, so who knows when he'll be flying it.
Since then, I've been on a hunt for a simple box kite kit. Usually stopping in stores when we were on vacation. Most of the time, the stores have been out of them. Poo.
When we were in Mendocino last month, though, I found the kite. And I promised to give it to Steve for his birthday. But his birthday isn't until September... way past this year's prime kite flying season. What to do? What to do?
hmm... march is 6 months away from september. I COULD CELEBRATE HIS HALF-BIRTHDAY. Just a kid. afterall kids are the usual recipient of easy kite kits.
While tomorrow is the official half way point, we celebrated today with his traditional birthday dinner (with variations). Pork roast, roasted red skins, broccoli and (here's the change up)... strawberry shortcake. Traditionally he wants cherry pie. Either is easier to make now instead of the high heat we have here in late September.
So we ate our birthday dinner, and he got his box kite. Ofcourse 2 hours earlier, a major rainstorm rolled in, so who knows when he'll be flying it.
The History of Rock and Rolll
In honor of Easter candy... enjoy the History of Rock and Roll as acted out by Marshmallow Peeps. From the duck walk... through Sgt. Peeple's Lonely Hearts Club Band to Prince's Peeple Rain.
Saturday, March 26, 2005
Melody has done all of us a BRILLIANT favor! She has become a new good friend with the BRILLIANT Sonji Hunt. And she has "dragged" Sonji into our lives, too.
Imagine a BRILLIANTly funny woman... who makes BRILLIANT art quilts. Imagine that she BRILLIANTly likes Baseball!! And sci-fi stuff!! And her dog!! ( I read her profile).
And more incredibly, IT'S NOT ME!! BRILLIANT!
Someone else who would understand my making these motions suspiciously like a Nazi soldier (but NOT)... and muttering too high! References to Major League: BRILLIANT!
While most of the US has been having thier spring holidays last week or this (passover and easter)... mine comes NEXT Sunday evening when the first official pitch of the 2005 MLB season is thrown. (even if it is the YUCKY Yankees.)
A traditional dinner of pizza and Guinness will be in order.
Guinness. BRILLIANT.
And
Imagine a BRILLIANTly funny woman... who makes BRILLIANT art quilts. Imagine that she BRILLIANTly likes Baseball!! And sci-fi stuff!! And her dog!! ( I read her profile).
And more incredibly, IT'S NOT ME!! BRILLIANT!
Someone else who would understand my making these motions suspiciously like a Nazi soldier (but NOT)... and muttering too high! References to Major League: BRILLIANT!
While most of the US has been having thier spring holidays last week or this (passover and easter)... mine comes NEXT Sunday evening when the first official pitch of the 2005 MLB season is thrown. (even if it is the YUCKY Yankees.)
A traditional dinner of pizza and Guinness will be in order.
Guinness. BRILLIANT.
And
Friday, March 25, 2005
I'm in the middle of my March depression. I get a spell of this every quarter... predictable themes at different times of the year. I used to take antidepressants, but though they levelled things out a bit, they didn't help with these spells. So I stopped. The shrinks I saw in the 20s brought up key points, but often muddied the waters more than they cleared them. So I've learned to work through these.
Usually I have to deal with some aspect of self-doubt.
March, I have to deal with loss and what effect I am leaving on the world (note to self: perhaps I should rent The Five People You Meet In Heaven). Odd, I know, that the season of rebirth should have me dealing with death, but it does. Two grandparents died in the spring when I was a teenager (and 2 at the winter holiday time). My father died in March 2 years ago. I put a young puppy to sleep in March (back in 1993. the same day that the Cleveland Indians lost all their relief pitchers in a boating accident. Almost 12 years ago today). And another dog was lost forever in a park in March; two weeks before my father died.
So I'm outside digging in the garden... making myself move... and looking at the new growth. But feeling more like the weeds I'm pulling out than the plants that are waking up.
This is going to pass. I can hardly wait. No, really, I can hardly wait. In the meantime, I'm weeding my garden.
Usually I have to deal with some aspect of self-doubt.
March, I have to deal with loss and what effect I am leaving on the world (note to self: perhaps I should rent The Five People You Meet In Heaven). Odd, I know, that the season of rebirth should have me dealing with death, but it does. Two grandparents died in the spring when I was a teenager (and 2 at the winter holiday time). My father died in March 2 years ago. I put a young puppy to sleep in March (back in 1993. the same day that the Cleveland Indians lost all their relief pitchers in a boating accident. Almost 12 years ago today). And another dog was lost forever in a park in March; two weeks before my father died.
So I'm outside digging in the garden... making myself move... and looking at the new growth. But feeling more like the weeds I'm pulling out than the plants that are waking up.
This is going to pass. I can hardly wait. No, really, I can hardly wait. In the meantime, I'm weeding my garden.
Thursday, March 24, 2005
What do you want to accomplish before you die? What one thing do you want to do? And, more importantly, what steps are you taking to accomplish it?
I used have to the goal of hiking the Grand Canyon rim to rim before I turned 50. I turned 50 without accomplishing it. And I haven't set another achievable goal since then. Well, I've set goals, but I haven't WORKED at them. (like losing the 20# I need to lose).
So, what is the one dream/goal/desire you have that you want to accomplish in your lifetime?
I used have to the goal of hiking the Grand Canyon rim to rim before I turned 50. I turned 50 without accomplishing it. And I haven't set another achievable goal since then. Well, I've set goals, but I haven't WORKED at them. (like losing the 20# I need to lose).
So, what is the one dream/goal/desire you have that you want to accomplish in your lifetime?
Questions asked about the piece below:
I used acrylics. I WANTED Golden fluids, but my Michaels doesn't carry them. So I used the bottles of Liquitex acrylics. Emptied a glub or two (about 1/2 the 2 oz. bottle) into a small disposable bowl, and added an equivalent amount of water.
What?? You don't measure by glubs, too???? You know you do.
I used Red Oxide, Baltic green, neutral gold, and yellow oxide. The odd thing: the baltic green kept seperating into a dull gray color and a bright turquoise color. I chose it because it looked like a light soft sage green. Really didn't want the turquoise.
The texture on the red pieces: I painted these with dry fabric and fairly stiff brushes (cheap "house painting" brushes.. not artist's brushes). You know the 3 brushes for $2 you see? Black nylon bristles? anyway, I barely dipped the brushes into the paint, then lightly painted the fabric with diagonal strokes. I like the texture this created.
Most of the other textures were created by dribbling paint on the fabric. I really liked this technique, so I got carried away.
Oddly enough... the greenish piece (long vertical on the far left)... needed more texture. And I was done. So I just laid it on top of the piece on the work plastic, a piece that had been salted. I painted some stripes of gold on in, and let it set. The salt worked so much more effectively on this piece! might be because it was pouring rain, so no sun to help "cook" the fabric.
I'm thinking next painting session I will lay out the salt first and lay the painted fabric on top.
I find removing salt from fabric a pain... especially when using a very fine grain salt. If anyone has suggestions for this, I'd appreciate it.
I used acrylics. I WANTED Golden fluids, but my Michaels doesn't carry them. So I used the bottles of Liquitex acrylics. Emptied a glub or two (about 1/2 the 2 oz. bottle) into a small disposable bowl, and added an equivalent amount of water.
What?? You don't measure by glubs, too???? You know you do.
I used Red Oxide, Baltic green, neutral gold, and yellow oxide. The odd thing: the baltic green kept seperating into a dull gray color and a bright turquoise color. I chose it because it looked like a light soft sage green. Really didn't want the turquoise.
The texture on the red pieces: I painted these with dry fabric and fairly stiff brushes (cheap "house painting" brushes.. not artist's brushes). You know the 3 brushes for $2 you see? Black nylon bristles? anyway, I barely dipped the brushes into the paint, then lightly painted the fabric with diagonal strokes. I like the texture this created.
Most of the other textures were created by dribbling paint on the fabric. I really liked this technique, so I got carried away.
Oddly enough... the greenish piece (long vertical on the far left)... needed more texture. And I was done. So I just laid it on top of the piece on the work plastic, a piece that had been salted. I painted some stripes of gold on in, and let it set. The salt worked so much more effectively on this piece! might be because it was pouring rain, so no sun to help "cook" the fabric.
I'm thinking next painting session I will lay out the salt first and lay the painted fabric on top.
I find removing salt from fabric a pain... especially when using a very fine grain salt. If anyone has suggestions for this, I'd appreciate it.
Wednesday, March 23, 2005
See? I said I was inspired to work on this piece. Yesterday, while the Coit guy was cleaning all our carpeting, I painted up fat quarters of fabric with colors that remind me of bark in eucalyptus groves. Maybe not as subtle in coloring as the bark, but the general idea. When it had dried, and was ironed I couldn't simply leave it sitting in a pile to work on next. I had to start cutting and arranging on the blank design wall. This is going to need something more later... but I'm not sure what yet.
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
I had major inspiration yesterday. (why is it when I'm busy machine quilting a piece.. so I'm working but don't really feel like I'm CREATING, that I get all this great idea. These will lead to tops being sewn, and then.... sigh... more machine quilting.)...
Anyway, I've wanted to do something that reflects the colors and textures of the eucalyptus bark I see on many walks. And yesterday I came up with a way. I can paint the fabric... and piece it up from there. Some high count white cotton, some acrylic paint, some water and a day and things should be moving forward. I'm referring to Sue Beever's book Off The Shelf Fabric Painting for inspiration.
Good thing I figured this out, too. Katy, my 7 year old Lab, needs 2 teeth pulled tomorrow, and today she needed to get some new medication for her allegies. She's a sweety so I guess we'll keep her, but she's killed more than all the discretionary part of this month's budget. So a quilt I sew completely and spend less than $50 total is a good thing.
Anyway, I've wanted to do something that reflects the colors and textures of the eucalyptus bark I see on many walks. And yesterday I came up with a way. I can paint the fabric... and piece it up from there. Some high count white cotton, some acrylic paint, some water and a day and things should be moving forward. I'm referring to Sue Beever's book Off The Shelf Fabric Painting for inspiration.
Good thing I figured this out, too. Katy, my 7 year old Lab, needs 2 teeth pulled tomorrow, and today she needed to get some new medication for her allegies. She's a sweety so I guess we'll keep her, but she's killed more than all the discretionary part of this month's budget. So a quilt I sew completely and spend less than $50 total is a good thing.
Monday, March 21, 2005
In the spirit of remembering Terry Schaivo, who has existed in limbo for the past many years. If you have not filled out a health care initiative, DO SO NOW. It makes sure that everyone knows your choice if you can't decide for yourself.
And, to make things easy for you.. so you can't argue that's too hard to bother with, I've included a basic copy below. Just cut and paste, check a few places, fill in a name or two, print and sign.
And keep the lawyers, judges and politicians out of your life decisions.
PART 1
POWER OF ATTORNEY FOR HEALTH CARE
(1.1) DESIGNATION OF AGENT: I designate the following individual
as my agent to make health care decisions for me:
______________________________________________________________________
(name of individual you choose as agent)
______________________________________________________________________
(address) (city) (state) (ZIP Code)
______________________________________________________________________
(home phone) (work phone)
OPTIONAL: If I revoke my agent's authority or if my agent is not
willing, able, or reasonably available to make a health care decision for
me, I designate as my first alternate agent:
______________________________________________________________________
(name of individual you choose as first alternate agent)
______________________________________________________________________
(address) (city) (state) (ZIP Code)
______________________________________________________________________
(home phone) (work phone)
(1.2) AGENT'S AUTHORITY: My agent is authorized to make all
health care decisions for me, including decisions to provide, withhold, or
withdraw artificial nutrition and hydration and all other forms of health
care to keep me alive, except as I state here:
______________________________________________________________________
(Add additional sheets if needed.)
(1.3) WHEN AGENT'S AUTHORITY BECOMES EFFECTIVE: My agent's
authority becomes effective when my primary physician determines that I am
unable to make my own health care decisions unless I mark the following
box. If I mark this box (), my agent's authority to make health care
decisions for me takes effect immediately.
(1.4) AGENT'S OBLIGATION: My agent shall make health care decisions for me in accordance with this power of attorney for health care, any instructions I give in Part 2 of this form, and my other wishes to the extent known to my agent. To the extent my wishes are unknown, my agent shall make health care decisions for me in accordance with what my agent determines to be in my best interest. In determining my best interest,my agent shall consider my personal values to the extent known to my agent.
(1.5) AGENT'S POSTDEATH AUTHORITY: My agent is authorized to make anatomical gifts, authorize an autopsy, and direct disposition of my remains, except as I state here or in Part 3 of this form:
____________________________________________________________________________
PART 2
INSTRUCTIONS FOR HEALTH CARE
(2.1) END-OF-LIFE DECISIONS: I direct that my health care
providers and others involved in my care provide, withhold, or withdraw
treatment in accordance with the choice I have marked below:
_
|_| (a) Choice Not To Prolong Life
I do not want my life to be prolonged if (1) I have an incurable
And irreversible condition that will result in my death within a
Relatively short time, (2) I become unconscious and, to a reasonable degree of medical certainty, I will not regain consciousness, or (3) the likely risks and burdens of treatment would outweigh the expected benefits, OR
_
|_| (b) Choice To Prolong Life
I want my life to be prolonged as long as possible within the
limits of generally accepted health care standards.
(2.2) RELIEF FROM PAIN: Except as I state in the following space,
I direct that treatment for alleviation of pain or discomfort be
Provided at all times, even if it hastens my death.
______________________________________________________________________
(Add additional sheets if needed.)
(2.3) Provide Food and/or Water. I do not want to be put on a feeding tube, if that sustinence is the only thing that keeps me alive. Hydration is acceptable.
PART 3
DONATION OF ORGANS AT DEATH
(OPTIONAL)
(3.1) Upon my death (mark applicable box):
_
|_| (a) I give any needed organs, tissues, or parts, OR
_
|_| (b) I give the following organs, tissues, or parts only.
_____________________________________________________________________
PART 4
(5.1) EFFECT OF COPY: A copy of this form has the same effect as
the original.
(5.2) SIGNATURE: Sign and date the form here:
_______________________________
____________________________________
(date) (sign your name)
And, to make things easy for you.. so you can't argue that's too hard to bother with, I've included a basic copy below. Just cut and paste, check a few places, fill in a name or two, print and sign.
And keep the lawyers, judges and politicians out of your life decisions.
PART 1
POWER OF ATTORNEY FOR HEALTH CARE
(1.1) DESIGNATION OF AGENT: I designate the following individual
as my agent to make health care decisions for me:
______________________________________________________________________
(name of individual you choose as agent)
______________________________________________________________________
(address) (city) (state) (ZIP Code)
______________________________________________________________________
(home phone) (work phone)
OPTIONAL: If I revoke my agent's authority or if my agent is not
willing, able, or reasonably available to make a health care decision for
me, I designate as my first alternate agent:
______________________________________________________________________
(name of individual you choose as first alternate agent)
______________________________________________________________________
(address) (city) (state) (ZIP Code)
______________________________________________________________________
(home phone) (work phone)
(1.2) AGENT'S AUTHORITY: My agent is authorized to make all
health care decisions for me, including decisions to provide, withhold, or
withdraw artificial nutrition and hydration and all other forms of health
care to keep me alive, except as I state here:
______________________________________________________________________
(Add additional sheets if needed.)
(1.3) WHEN AGENT'S AUTHORITY BECOMES EFFECTIVE: My agent's
authority becomes effective when my primary physician determines that I am
unable to make my own health care decisions unless I mark the following
box. If I mark this box (), my agent's authority to make health care
decisions for me takes effect immediately.
(1.4) AGENT'S OBLIGATION: My agent shall make health care decisions for me in accordance with this power of attorney for health care, any instructions I give in Part 2 of this form, and my other wishes to the extent known to my agent. To the extent my wishes are unknown, my agent shall make health care decisions for me in accordance with what my agent determines to be in my best interest. In determining my best interest,my agent shall consider my personal values to the extent known to my agent.
(1.5) AGENT'S POSTDEATH AUTHORITY: My agent is authorized to make anatomical gifts, authorize an autopsy, and direct disposition of my remains, except as I state here or in Part 3 of this form:
____________________________________________________________________________
PART 2
INSTRUCTIONS FOR HEALTH CARE
(2.1) END-OF-LIFE DECISIONS: I direct that my health care
providers and others involved in my care provide, withhold, or withdraw
treatment in accordance with the choice I have marked below:
_
|_| (a) Choice Not To Prolong Life
I do not want my life to be prolonged if (1) I have an incurable
And irreversible condition that will result in my death within a
Relatively short time, (2) I become unconscious and, to a reasonable degree of medical certainty, I will not regain consciousness, or (3) the likely risks and burdens of treatment would outweigh the expected benefits, OR
_
|_| (b) Choice To Prolong Life
I want my life to be prolonged as long as possible within the
limits of generally accepted health care standards.
(2.2) RELIEF FROM PAIN: Except as I state in the following space,
I direct that treatment for alleviation of pain or discomfort be
Provided at all times, even if it hastens my death.
______________________________________________________________________
(Add additional sheets if needed.)
(2.3) Provide Food and/or Water. I do not want to be put on a feeding tube, if that sustinence is the only thing that keeps me alive. Hydration is acceptable.
PART 3
DONATION OF ORGANS AT DEATH
(OPTIONAL)
(3.1) Upon my death (mark applicable box):
_
|_| (a) I give any needed organs, tissues, or parts, OR
_
|_| (b) I give the following organs, tissues, or parts only.
_____________________________________________________________________
PART 4
(5.1) EFFECT OF COPY: A copy of this form has the same effect as
the original.
(5.2) SIGNATURE: Sign and date the form here:
_______________________________
____________________________________
(date) (sign your name)
Sunday, March 20, 2005
Oooooo... Stephanie at A Realization in Texture, color and movement (see my links), mentioned the idea of holding a BEAD AND STITCH at a local spot in her neighborhood.
There is something just so appealing about that idea!
I'm wondering if we could arrange to have something similar locally. Au Cafe would probably freak.. and they are often rather crowded. The Starbucks won't do, and the new deli has been packed every time I walk in (and STILL "everyone" says that they couldn't open a plain American-style restaurant here because there wouldn't be enough business...humphh). Won Thai..though fabulous food... is always crowded, too.
Probably it would have to be in another city. And I, yet again, would have to travel... sigh.
Speaking of Won Thai. I mentioned before that this is a good thai place. And I was proven right last Friday. Our regional food review had a full page review of this restaurant, and gave it 1 $ for prices (low and reasonable... most entries are $6-10)... and FIVE FORKS! Their highest quality rating in a restaurant. I rarely see them give any place five forks, and usually these are expensive place to eat (Alice Water's Chez Panisse for example.)
There is something just so appealing about that idea!
I'm wondering if we could arrange to have something similar locally. Au Cafe would probably freak.. and they are often rather crowded. The Starbucks won't do, and the new deli has been packed every time I walk in (and STILL "everyone" says that they couldn't open a plain American-style restaurant here because there wouldn't be enough business...humphh). Won Thai..though fabulous food... is always crowded, too.
Probably it would have to be in another city. And I, yet again, would have to travel... sigh.
Speaking of Won Thai. I mentioned before that this is a good thai place. And I was proven right last Friday. Our regional food review had a full page review of this restaurant, and gave it 1 $ for prices (low and reasonable... most entries are $6-10)... and FIVE FORKS! Their highest quality rating in a restaurant. I rarely see them give any place five forks, and usually these are expensive place to eat (Alice Water's Chez Panisse for example.)
Saturday, March 19, 2005
I'm going to be experimenting with a new offering from my library. They have contracted to offer audio books online. The service is coordinated by OVERDRIVE.
Now the neat part.
I can "check out" an audio book online, download to my computer and then burn it a CD to take into my car. Twenty one days after I check it out, it stops. DON'T ASK ME HOW. I don't understand how this works. But that's the appeal for libraries and such. They can have books checked out and returned without late charges and without paperwork.
The library patron (in this case, me), can get up to 5 audio books at any one time. At the moment, the selection isn't very exciting... I think my choice was only about 100 books, but hopefully things will get better as it catches on.
Now I've got 2 books to try. And a note as to when they expire. On April 8th neither book is supposed to be working on my car/home CD players. We'll see.
Now the neat part.
I can "check out" an audio book online, download to my computer and then burn it a CD to take into my car. Twenty one days after I check it out, it stops. DON'T ASK ME HOW. I don't understand how this works. But that's the appeal for libraries and such. They can have books checked out and returned without late charges and without paperwork.
The library patron (in this case, me), can get up to 5 audio books at any one time. At the moment, the selection isn't very exciting... I think my choice was only about 100 books, but hopefully things will get better as it catches on.
Now I've got 2 books to try. And a note as to when they expire. On April 8th neither book is supposed to be working on my car/home CD players. We'll see.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
