Monthly Archives: January 2023

January 8, 2023 · 9:40 am

Sunny Sunday 1-8-2023

Sent by my friend, Marsha

Our son and I just had a nice chat online this morning. I’m so happy that I can reach out and talk to him when I miss him (which is always) and find out what he’s doing, what he’s thinking, send him a pic, etc. We just used the chat program this morning, but we can also use a conference call program when we want.

I fixed salmon fillets with steamed veggies last night for dinner. My husband was quite complimentary about the dinner. I used a recipe from Dr. Oz and his wife for “Lemon and Scallion Salmon.” It’s easy and delicious. I actually cooked 4 fillets and looked for ways to use the leftovers. For some reason, I hadn’t thought of using the salmon to make a tuna-type salad. I’ll do that for our dinner tonight.

I dreamed about several things I want to try in my art room. It’s the first time in quite awhile that I have felt pulled up there. Maybe I can get there soon.

Enjoy your Sunday!

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January 7, 2023 · 10:53 am

Some

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January 7, 2023 · 10:51 am

Gill Parker Bronze Sculptor

Gill Parker Bronze Sculptor

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January 7, 2023 · 10:44 am

Susan Carlson Quilts

Coral Reef

Cosmos

Golden Temple

Dixie Dingo Dreaming

Tickled Pink

Susan Carlson Quilts

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January 7, 2023 · 10:38 am

Tatiana Barakova Wool Felted Animals 3

Tatiana Barakova Needle Felted Animals

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January 7, 2023 · 10:32 am

Thoughts on a Saturday 1-7-2023

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Good morning! It’s cloudy in Arkansas today, but the high is supposed to reach 59 this afternoon, so I won’t complain. I spent about half an hour yesterday lopping a few weed trees, but mostly trying to cut down a huge bunch of briars on vines in one area. I pooped out quickly, and my right arm was complaining yesterday afternoon and evening. I’m more annoyed about it than hurting – that my body isn’t making it easy to do what I would like to do. I took some pain meds and slathered my arm with muscle gel. Hopefully, that will help me do what I would like to do today.

I have some salmon filets marinating in the fridge for dinner tonight. I’ll bake them, serving some steamed veggies with them. I’ll use the leftovers to make salmon salad. My scales are not only smirking, they’re guffawing as I step on them. Hopefully, I will see some progress soon.

Enjoy your Saturday.

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January 6, 2023 · 9:53 am

Super Power

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January 6, 2023 · 9:50 am

Need a Friday Hug?

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January 6, 2023 · 9:42 am

Jane Hamilton Sculpture 2

Jane Hamilton Sculpture

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January 6, 2023 · 9:37 am

Embroidery on Real Leaves!

Hidreley on BoredPanda.com shared the work of artist Laura Dalla Vecchia, who does embroidery on real leaves. She adds twigs and other real embellishments that I think is a fascinating combination. I don’t know what she does to the leaves to make them so they don’t get brittle and can withstand something like embroidering, but what a gorgeous result!

Laura Dalla Vecchia

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January 6, 2023 · 9:29 am

Friday Thoughts 1-6-2023

Sent to me by my friend, Marsha

Since it’s Friday, we’ll meet our good friends for Lunch Bunch this morning. It’s so nice to see people with whom we’ve essentially shared the whole time we’ve lived in Arkansas on a regular basis. We’ve lived here for 36 years now, and have been enjoying eating lunch together on Friday for at least 26 years, I think. However long we’ve done it, it’s priceless. We’ve shared so much and are family now.

We don’t have errands today, so we’ll just come home afterwards, as far as I know now. I’m planning to lop some weed trees this afternoon, since the weather is being really cooperative. There are an abundance of them, so it’ll be quite awhile before anyone could tell I’ve been working on it.

Inside – my next project is cleaning off my kitchen desk. The two of us tend to either dump things there, or they quietly gravitate there on their own, but the result is a mess. I’ll try to do something about that today.

I found some really neat things online yesterday that I’ll share with you later.

For some reason, I’m having to fight lethargy lately. I’m actually kind of hoping that my doctor’s message from my latest blood work will show I need a change in my thyroid dosage. That’s a lot easier for me to accept than the fact I’m just LAZY…. :0)

Make this a great Friday.

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January 5, 2023 · 10:39 am

Thursday Love

Goran Anastasovski -BoredPanda.com

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January 5, 2023 · 10:34 am

Ducks

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January 5, 2023 · 10:31 am

Jane Hamilton Sculpture

Coco

Red

Scratching Goat

Silver Goat

Jane Hamilton Sculpture

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January 5, 2023 · 10:21 am

The Art of Faramarz Mokhtarpour 2

“Sand and Waves”

“Seabirds and Waves”

“Sunset on Borsfor”

“Sunset on the Beach”

“Kish Beach”

“The Seabirds”

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January 5, 2023 · 9:50 am

“Diet” vs “Lifestyle”

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I KNOW this, and yet, seeing this in writing really caught my attention. Since I’m a ‘sparkly-stars-on-my-desk-calendar’ type of gal, I DO tend to feel like a failure and lose momentum when I ‘mess up.’ It takes me a bit to get going again.

I also have to admit that I have been TRYING to change my thinking for a long time. If I had a gravestone, I guess it would be the truth if it said, “All or nothing.” My house is either ready for House Beautiful to come photograph it for their magazine, or looks like an explosion (or six) has occurred. I’ve either cleared out my garden and covered it neatly or it’s completely overflowing with weeds. I’m either eating exactly what I ‘should’ or have gone off the rails and am enjoying a bacon cheeseburger. I’m still on my ‘first husband’ after almost 54 years. Do you see a pattern here? :0)

A resolution I’m trying to keep this year is giving myself a break. Not only realizing that I’m not perfect, but ALSO realizing that it’s what I do MOST of the time that will make the difference I want. If I mess up, or I’m not feeling well, no one else CARES whether I did my yoga for the day, or ate more comfort food than I should have. What MATTERS is that each meal is a chance to eat in a healthy manner. Each day is an opportunity to be good to my body, giving it what it NEEDS, rather than what my mind might be craving at the time. Each day is an opportunity to keep my body moving, making my future full of what I would like to do, rather than only what I CAN do, given my limitations.

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January 4, 2023 · 4:59 pm

It’s “Later”

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Things are finally to a stopping point so I can write again. I told you I would write “later,” and the working day is almost over!

I got a haircut and I now look as if ‘someone-had-a-plan,’ rather than my hair flying in all directions. Michael, my stylist, is truly a miracle worker, I’m so lucky to have found him. His birthday is Friday, so I took him a birthday card that was made by an artist who was on my Creative Artworks website years ago. I also included a bookmark made by another artist. He seemed to really like both.

I was delighted to find that the UPS package I wanted to send FIT into the receptacle on the square, saving me a trip to Ft. Smith with my husband in his Vette. HOORAY! He has NOT mellowed with age, and in fact has lost the small residual calm he had with others’ driving, so it’s hair-raising, to say the least. I’m really glad we don’t have to do it.

When I got home, my husband was trying to find some paperwork in order to fill out a form online. I found one of these, but not the other. I ended up pulling everything out of the shelves beside my computer chair and searching until I found what my husband had asked for. When I handed him the two pieces of paper, he said, “Oh, the website was screwed up and I blew them off.” (URGE TO KILL….)

I ended up cleaning up the shelves and reorganizing. I went ahead and did the December bookkeeping for my spreadsheets online and then filing everything. So now I have a clean desk top, a couple of clean table tops beside my chair, and am feeling much more organized. I even called the court house before they closed to assess for the coming tax year.

Things are good here. I hope you’ve had a good day, too, and will have a pleasant and relaxing evening.

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January 4, 2023 · 9:30 am

Wednesday 1-4-2023

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Quick “hi.” I’m going for a haircut and errands. I hope all is good with you. More later.

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January 3, 2023 · 12:29 pm

Ronnie Gould Ceramic Dogs 3

Ronnie Gould Ceramics

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January 3, 2023 · 12:25 pm

Is Anything Ever Simple?

Health Shots

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I received a call from our local clinic awhile ago. The receptionist said they were having trouble verifying my new Humana card. She said there was a problem about my birthdate and my coverage. I called Humana to find there was an estimated 20 minute hold time. I then went on the website and found a chat option. After verifying that the information was correct, and also finding that proof of my coverage was a 20 page pdf, (arrrgh) I called the clinic back. I couldn’t get through, so left my number. (arrrgh)

They called back and I was passed from one person to another, but the lady who had called me still wasn’t available. (arrrrgh) The lady I was talking to went ahead and tried to help me. I told her what Humana had said. I told her that my birthdate hadn’t changed in almost 76 years now, and that my information on the card was correct, according to Humana. There was a number on the back of the card for any questions from the provider. The lady told me that my ID number was different. I read her what was on my card and she verified that was the number she was seeing. I told her that was the same number that was on the last statement I had received from Humana. She said they would call the number and see if they could resolve the problem.

I’ve had the same insurance for almost 11 years now. This is definitely under the categories: “nothing is ever simple” and “it’s always SOMETHING.”

End of rant.

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January 3, 2023 · 11:55 am

The Amazing Isabella Clever 3

Isabella Clever – One reason for the ‘amazing’ in the title is the fact that Isabella is 13 years old. Second, these drawings are done with colored pencil. And third, the artwork itself.

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January 3, 2023 · 10:13 am

Happy Tuesday 1-3-2023

Image sent to me by my friend, Marsha.

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We made it through the severe weather yesterday just fine, and are very grateful. We had one bout of really hard rain, and the power was out for about 4 hours. We have a generator, though, which kicked in when it sensed the regular power was out, and so we were well taken care of . That runs all but the heat or air conditioning, and if we needed it, we could build a fire in our fireplace for warmth.

The sun is shining today and things look clean and freshly washed outside. We went for my blood work and were in and out of the clinic in 10 minutes – the fastest trip ever. We celebrated being alive by having a wonderful breakfast at The Dari in Greenwood. I always wave at the head cook there. I hope he also owns the place, but I’m not sure. He’s been there since it opened. We love his seafood platter, too, which we split. :0)

Not sure what the rest of the day will hold yet. Enjoy yours!

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January 2, 2023 · 3:25 pm

Good Morning 1-2-2023

Sent to me by my good friend, Marsha

Good morning! I’m feeling a bit disorganized this morning, as we went to the clinic for my blood test and to go to breakfast at The Dari afterwards, only to find the clinic closed. I had checked my computer which said it was open, but it was wrong. SO – we regrouped and went for supplies at Walmart and home again. We checked for mail when we got home, and then I realized AGAIN that there would be no mail service today. I’ve gathered trash and we’ll take it down later today BEFORE we’re due to have possible severe weather this afternoon and evening.

I’ve just eaten a pear for my breakfast and am enjoying a cup of coffee, feeling weird that I’m a couple of hours late at this and wondering where the morning went. I would like to get my session on the elliptical trainer done before we have lunch at noon.

____________

It has been awhile since I wrote the above. We got our trash down to the bottom of the driveway, then ate lunch, and then I started to take a nap. The weather suddenly changed and the rain came roaring. We had a really loud bang and thunder, and the power flickered. It came back on, so I went back to sleep. My husband woke me up to ask me how long we had been on the generator. I looked at the clock and told him when the lightning and thunder clapped and that I thought the power had returned. Apparently, that isn’t the case. We’ve been on the generator ever since. The rain has stopped, but my computer is telling me that heavy rain is on the way. Looks like it will be a long afternoon and evening.

Stay safe.

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January 1, 2023 · 2:18 pm

Today’s Cleaning Project 1-1-2023

This vent is on the wall in the kitchen. It’s about 18″ square and is between the kitchen wall and a central ‘shaft’ that goes down to the basement and is between the kitchen and a wall in the living room. A complicating factor is that it’s almost at ceiling level, so I have do to the cleaning up on a ladder.

It’s like there was a steady gale or breeze that goes through the house. I don’t know why this vent is a magnet for every bit of dirt and fuzz on the planet, but it is what it is. The fact that it’s in the kitchen makes the dirt and fuzz also be permeated with cooking oil residue, or other sticky stuff, and of course, our dog Amber’s hair is everywhere in our house, no matter what I do.

I started with the portable vacuum with the brush attachment. Then I soaked a micro cloth with bleachy cleaner. A scrub brush, more cleaner, over and over, and then rinse after rinse after rinse with clean micro cloths. Then dry.

It looks better now, which makes me feel like less of a slob, but won’t ‘stay’ done. I’m trying to designate one spot like this each day, figuring I’ll get to everything in time…

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January 1, 2023 · 10:58 am

Book Number 55

I pre-ordered the paperback several months ago. It came out finally on Dec. 27th and I received it yesterday. I have carefully put in on my desk, waiting for me to enjoy re-reading my way up to diving into the latest installment of the J.D. Robb (Nora Roberts) In Death Series, Desperation in Death.

Nora Roberts has created a future world cast with characters that I find down-to-the-ground wonderful. Lieutenant Eve Dallas is a lady who embodies courage, commitment, and determination to be the best, to get justice for people who have been murdered. I couldn’t admire her more. All the people in this series are fleshed out more and more as you read. You feel as if you could walk up to them and start a real conversation, knowing their backgrounds, strengths, and weaknesses, considering them friends.

I’m starting to re-read the 13th book in the series, Seduction in Death, today. The newest one is #55. Nice way to spend part of the new year.

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January 1, 2023 · 10:36 am

DAY 170

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Today is DAY 170 of my trying to make doing a session of yoga daily a HABIT. Since it’s a definite part of my afternoon now, I’ll TRY not to bore you with how many days it has been anymore. We’ll just call it a ‘determined effort’ and leave it at that.

To this I’ve added warm-up and weights videos on one day and a session on the elliptical the next throughout the week. I’ll never be old enough that sparkly stars on my desk calendar aren’t motivating, so I’ll continue that. :0)

My meals are such that MyFitnessPal usually says, “It looks like you’re not eating enough.” when I tally what I’m eating. Right now that seems to be a mental ‘go-ahead-and-stuff-your-face’ light, resulting in my scales being even more snarky than usual.

What I need here is a transformation to “exercise nut” who has to REMIND herself to eat, and then prefers nutritious, low-calorie foods that only build muscle and encourage the fat to fade away, never to be seen again. If wishes were fishes….

The only New Year’s Resolution I’m going to make for 2023 is to take ONE DAY AT A TIME. That will be my meme, my mantra. To spend each day well, as fully in the moment as possible, enjoying all the good stuff around me, handling whatever happens as best I can. BREATHING a lot. Taking the time to look around and SMILE. And try to give that smile to others.

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January 1, 2023 · 9:59 am

The Amazing Isabella Clever 2

Isabella Clever – 13 years old

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January 1, 2023 · 9:53 am

The Art of Faramarz Mokhtarpour

“Excitement on the Beach”

“Rocky Beach”

“Playing of Seabirds and Waves”

Faramarz Mokhtarpour

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January 1, 2023 · 9:35 am

A Wonderful Christmas Card

“Favorite Toy” Shane Dimmick – PumpernickelPress.com for Evergreen

This is a favorite Christmas card I received this year. I absolutely love it. The painting by Shane Dimmick is gorgeous. I wish I could hand you this card right now so you can see and FEEL how special it is. The whole front is “3-D” or “embossed.” The dog stands out from the background. His face stands out even farther. The nose is out more. The stuffed animal snowman stands out from that. You can FEEL his fur. And then the background, mostly white on white, with the dog in really faint beige and the snow man’s arms, hat, and scarf have faint color. The trees and snowflakes, snowman, hills of snow, and dog are all standing out from the background, too. I just can’t say enough, except that I’ll keep the card and put it up on the cork board that hangs on the wall behind my monitors so I can see it all the time.

The artist is Shane Dimmick. I’ll do another post about her and her work other than the Christmas cards. The card company is PumpernickelPress Here are some more of Shane’s Christmas cards –

I haven’t had a chance to check out all the other artists whose work is included in Pumpernickel Press’s offerings, but I’ve bookmarked the site for later. You might be interested in checking it out, too.

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January 1, 2023 · 9:14 am

New Year’s Day Thoughts 2023

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“An optimist stays up until midnight to see the New Year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves.” ~ Bill Vaughan

“One resolution I have made, and try always to keep, is this: To rise above the little things.” ~ John Burroughs

“Resolve to make at least one person happy every day” ~ Sydney Smith

“My wishes for you, Great start for Jan, Love for Feb, Peace for March, No worries for April, Fun for May, Joy for June to Nov, Happiness for Dec, Have a lucky and wonderful 2023.” ~ Anonymous

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