October 23, 2021 · 9:11 am

Thoughts on a Saturday in October

Eryn Home

Our weather is becoming more and more like fall. I’m loving it. It’s cool enough now I am enjoying wearing a hoodie when I go out. In the afternoons it’s warm enough to open front and back doors and let the beautiful breezes in. We already have leaves all over the place because of our lack of rain, so I’ll have to be content to find fall images to enjoy the changing colors this year. Tomorrow, as a part of our change of seasons, we’re due for some strong storms. One day soon I’ll need to move hot weather clothes out and cold weather clothes into my closet. We’ll put snow tires on our truck. Shut down the irrigation system, and more.

Some things are ‘sneaking up on me.’ I was thinking of fall, but was surprised when I was asked yesterday about our plans for Thanksgiving. It seemed like it was much farther away, and yet I have made and packed Christmas presents…

I’m having fun trying the impasto technique in my art room. I’m not happy with the one I’ve been working on. I’m not sure whether I should continue to work on it, or dump it and start another. Wonderful ‘problem,’ isn’t it?

I hope that today is a good one for you. Enjoy every minute.

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October 22, 2021 · 12:00 pm

Nice Lady Made My Day

123RF.com

On the way to Lunch Bunch today my husband told me that while he was repairing the mailbox front yesterday, a nice lady started to drive past and then stopped. She told him that she and her sister live on down the road from us and that they look every day to see what we have up on the mailbox! This is what we have up now –

Wonder Wart-Hog

We hear very little about our ‘artwork.’ I like to think that the school bus kids enjoy our stuff, but that may be only wishful thinking.

This kind lady told my husband that they loved what we do and that they were so pleased each time we changed the decoration. Isn’t that amazing?

My husband and I have now resolved to do a better job of changing the decorations more often, now that everyone is getting out more. What a NICE lady!

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October 22, 2021 · 9:41 am

My Fix-it Man

MountainJobs.com

My husband is quite handy, saving us lots of money. I’m very grateful that he can look at something, figure out how it works, then figure out how to fix it. If he can’t, I’m confident we really do need to hire a real expert to repair it or buy a new one.

Recently I griped because it was getting almost impossible for me to reach up and turn on the reading light by my chair in the living room. He looked through several drawers, finding new innards for the lamp. He installed the new one for me that afternoon. We bought more spares the next day. You can’t ask for better help than that. Every time I now just reach up and turn on the light, I smile. He’s getting a bit tired of me saying, “Hey, look! I just turned on my light!” :0)

Yesterday we drove down the driveway to get our mail and found the front to our mailbox not only open, but hanging askew. We discovered that the rivet that held one side had either failed or had been damaged by something. When I saw it was a rivet, I figured we would have to replace the mailbox.

When we got home we had lunch and then my husband announced he was going to try to fix the mailbox. He and Amber, our dog, went out to the shop, got parts, and drove down the hill.

When they came back after half an hour or so, he said he thought it was fixed. He drilled out the failed rivet and replaced it with a fancy nut and bolt. I’ll look at it today when we leave for Lunch Bunch.

He’s a handy man, isn’t he!

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October 22, 2021 · 9:10 am

Indian Hills Addiction

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October 22, 2021 · 9:06 am

Halloween Ghost Visit

costume-works.com

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October 22, 2021 · 9:02 am

Absolutely the NICEST Thing…

buzzfeed.com

Yesterday Lynn, my wonderful massage therapist, texted me, telling me that my cousin had paid for a massage for me – specifying it was an ‘extra’ massage – the payment not to be used for one of my normal once-a-month ones.

It wasn’t my birthday, Christmas, or National Pickle Week – it was a ‘just because’ – the most wonderful type of gift there is.

When I married my husband – over 52 years ago – I gained two beautiful ‘cousins,’ too. AND she is a true friend, as well.

I texted her to thank her for thinking of me, for loving me, and for one of the best gifts I’ve ever received. We caught up a bit, though it’s never enough.

My extra massage is now scheduled for November 4th. :0)

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October 22, 2021 · 8:48 am

‘Nuff Said

XanapusLair

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October 21, 2021 · 10:07 am

Lists

chriscannonauthor.com

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October 21, 2021 · 10:03 am

Good Dog!

500px.com

“I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me, they are the role model for being alive.” – Gilda Radner

dalmation-jerry-winick-fineartamerica.com

“Such short little lives our pets have to spend with us, and they spend most of it waiting for us to come home each day.” – John Grogan

DidoCeramics

“As wonderful as dogs can be, they are famous for missing the point.” – Jean Ferris

NickMackmanSculpure.co.uk

“What do dogs do on their day off? Can’t lie around – that’s their job.” – George Carlin

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October 21, 2021 · 9:42 am

Playing in My Art Room – Impasto Technique

Shutterstock.com

Yesterday I finally got started on a painting trying the impasto technique. I’ve watched several videos on it on YouTube which really got my juices to play flowing. Here’s one –

Jennifer Funnell Visual Arts

“Impasto is a painting technique that uses thick layers of paint. When you apply the paint thickly, it produces an incredibly beautiful effect on the canvas.” (using pallete knives.) Since I love to play with color, and I love lots of texture, I’m having great fun.

I decided to stop yesterday and let the paint dry before adding more. I’m looking forward to experimenting more today. Even if all I end up with is a hard canvas board with a lot of thick paint layers on it, I’m having a blast!

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October 21, 2021 · 9:24 am

Halloween Party

flickr.com

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October 21, 2021 · 9:20 am

Arnica

Sent by a friend

I had a good session on the elliptical trainer in the garage yesterday and put a gold star on my calendar. Today, however, my right knee is complaining. I chose to get the elliptical trainer several years ago because it is NOT hard on your joints while allowing you to –

  • Can Aid Weight Loss. An elliptical machine or trainer is great for weight loss. …
  • Low-Impact Exercise. …
  • Targets The Lower Body. …
  • Tones The Entire Body. …
  • Boosts Cardiovascular Health. …
  • Improves Cardio Stamina. …
  • Reduces High Blood Pressure. …
  • Improves Balance And Mobility.

So, I slathered my knee with Hyland’s Muscle Therapy Gel with Arnica and just ordered more. I read that Arnica is from the sunflower family. It was recommended to me by my SIL, and it works for me on easing pain. I will take it easy today, just doing my yoga stretches.

Earlier in the week I told you I felt I had an answer for my efforts to try to lose the lard. I was tweaking what I’m eating, plus exercising, and had lost 5 lbs last week. Well, The weight gods heard me and definitely smirked at my audacity, slapping 2 pounds back on. Shoot.

Between that, and now my right knee rebellion, I’m feeling a bit down this morning. I will keep on keepin’ on mainly because I’m stubborn. :0)

Happy Thursday!

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October 21, 2021 · 8:58 am

Acorn Joy

Petr Vaclavek – Dubanci.cz – zazzle.com

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October 20, 2021 · 10:05 am

Worrying and Waiting

Charles Schulz – Peanuts – LoveThis Pic,com

I’ve spent much of my life waiting. Waiting for Christmas morning. Waiting for school to get out for the summer. Waiting for my husband-to-be to get out of the Marines and come home. Waiting for school to be finished so I could start teaching. Waiting to get my Master’s degree so I could run my own reading clinic. Waiting for babies to be born. Waiting. And while I waited, I wasn’t really in the moment.

When the worrying gene was passed out, I got my share and then spent a lot of time nurturing and polishing it. I lost sleep. I didn’t eat, couldn’t eat, then over-ate in an effort to exert control over things not up to me. 99% of things about which I worried didn’t happen. This fact, plus the fact that I KNEW in my head I had no control, didn’t stop me from worrying. And while I worried, I wasn’t really in the moment.

It has taken me a long time, but I am finally living in the moment. I still wait, but I LIVE while I’m waiting. I may worry, but I LIVE while I’m worrying. I take the time to not only notice things, but really appreciate the beauty around me – how beautiful the weather is; I’ve come to treasure each time my 95 pound yellow lab, Amber, gets her top half in my lap while I’m trying to type a blog post, licking my face, making me laugh. I stop by my husband’s chair in the living room on the way to or from – or both – taking the time to kiss him on the head, hug him, and make him smile. I take time to play in my art room, smiling like a kid with fingerpaint, trying something new and having FUN whether I do something reasonable or just make a mess. :0) I can insulate myself from much going on in our world today, doing the little I can to help a bit – trying to protect those I love from the bad consequences (about which I worry) and ignore what I can.

If I live another hundred years or so, I may have this!

imgur.com

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October 20, 2021 · 9:29 am

Derek Kinzett Wire Sculpture

Derek Kinzett-tuttartpitturasculturapoesiamusic

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October 20, 2021 · 9:25 am

I’m a Matt Dixon Fan

Expectation
Hall of Monsters
Here and Now
Incognito
Isolation
Kind Words
Lights Out

Matt Dixon Robot Art

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October 20, 2021 · 9:18 am

We All Can Use One

ebaumsworld.com

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October 20, 2021 · 9:14 am

Indian Hills Smirks

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October 20, 2021 · 9:06 am

Halloween Waders

NagatoIwasaki-reddit.com

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October 19, 2021 · 5:22 pm

Patting Myself on the Head

Shutterstock.com

I’m patting myself on the head a bit right now. I’ve been trying to get up to my art room for a week or more to clean up a bit and clear the decks to try the impasto painting technique. Excuses abound, as usual, but the fact remains I’m lazy. I’ve been enjoying lots of other things and just haven’t made the time.

This afternoon I finally went up there. I wrapped the Christmas presents I’ve made for friends, still sitting on the table where I brought them in from the shop. So now they are on another table, ready to go out the door when it’s time. :0)

I cleared off the drafting table so I have room to try the new technique. Right now it’s clean and clear. I’ll leave it that way until tomorrow, when I’ll gather the things I need to try the technique. I’m really looking forward to giving myself time to experiment and play, not worried about whether it will ‘turn out okay’ or not – just enjoying.

I hope that you found something satisfying to do today, too. If so, pat yourself on the head and enjoy some good relaxing. If not, give yourself a break and find something fun. It’s not too late :0)

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October 19, 2021 · 9:13 am

Yeah!

diabetes.co.uk

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October 19, 2021 · 9:11 am

Thoughts on a Tuesday 10-19-2021

BBC One – buzzfeed.com

Another beautiful fall day. Sunshine and 54 right now. The forecast is for 78 this afternoon. I’m getting spoiled.

We’ll leave soon for appointments and errands, but when they’re finished, I plan to spend some time in my art room. I want to try impasto painting. I’ve watched some YouTube demonstrations and my juices are flowing with possibilities. I need to clean things up before I start, but I’m really looking forward to it.

I’m feeling very lucky this morning. Things are calm, allowing me to enjoy lots of good moments. I’m thankful for the people in my life, filling up with beautiful images and experiences.

Life is good.

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October 19, 2021 · 8:56 am

I Love These Paintings

agnesa
DrawingtheSoul-Gaetane
JulieKluh.com
woodslicepainting-RobertoRizzo-etsy.com

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October 19, 2021 · 8:50 am

You’re Right – I Left

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October 19, 2021 · 8:48 am

Spirit of Halloween

spirithalloween.com

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October 18, 2021 · 11:57 am

Descriptions

Allison Jones

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October 18, 2021 · 11:56 am

Halloween Critter

mommyish.com

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October 18, 2021 · 10:46 am

Encouragement

DrStrange.co.uk – askideas.com

My tweaking is working! Since last week I’ve lost a bit over 5 pounds. I was pleased this morning that my scales were finally taking notice. They are still smirking at me, but my plan is to make them send up balloons at some point in the future.

Since summer’s back has finally been broken, even if we revert back to Indian Summer around here, this week I’m starting back on my elliptical trainer. It’s in the garage, so the outside temperature matters. It has been way too hot and humid for me to last more than 5 minutes, so it will be interesting to see if I can do a reasonable amount today. I plan to do it MWF, and will go from there.

Onward and downward!

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October 18, 2021 · 10:31 am

Terrific Topiary

Anna Madigan – Debbie Jones Cardwell
redbubble.com-Camouflage-artisanddelimage
theplaidportico.com
reddit.com-Carol Mattingly
pouted.com
veniceclayartists.com

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October 18, 2021 · 10:16 am

Matt Dixon – The Man and His Art

Absent Friends
Aerodynamics
A Matter of Time
Assimilate
Brave Face
Butterfly Effect
Expectation

Matt Dixon

I went to his website after learning through an article that Matt Dixon had macular problem with his eyesight. It is incurable, and will eventually result in an inability to create these wonderful paintings for us. Happily, the condition has also spurred him to paint more!

I wrote to him, telling him how much I love his work, how sorry I was about his health problem, and hoping that this progressive disease would progress SUPER SLOWLY.

HE ANSWERED MY EMAIL! I’m still amazed that he did. He was very nice, thanking me for reaching out and saying I had brightened his day.

I learned that besides being super talented, he is a really nice man.

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October 18, 2021 · 9:38 am

Tech Support

I got this from my good friend. I’m still grinning and wanted to share it –

The young woman who submitted the tech support message below (about her relationship to her husband) presumably did it as a joke. Then she got a reply that was way too good to keep to herself. The tech support people’s love advice was hilarious and genius!

The query:

Dear Tech Support,

Last year I upgraded from Boyfriend 5.0 to Husband 1.0 and noticed a distinct slowdown in overall system performance, particularly in the flower and jewelry applications, which operated flawlessly under Boyfriend 5.0. 

In addition, Husband 1.0 uninstalled many other valuable programs, such as Romance 9.5 and Personal Attention 6.5, and then installed undesirable programs such as: NBA 5.0, NFL 3.0 and Golf Clubs 4.1.

Conversation 8.0 no longer runs, and House cleaning 2.6 simply crashes the system. 

Please note that I have tried running Nagging 5.3 to fix these problems, but to no avail.

What can I do?

Signed: Desperate

 
The response (that came weeks later out of the blue)…
 
Dear Desperate,

First keep in mind, Boyfriend 5.0 is an Entertainment Package, while Husband 1.0 is an operating system. 

Please enter command: I thought you loved me.html and try to download Tears 6.2. 

Do not forget to install the Guilt 3.0 update. If that application works as designed, Husband 1.0 should then automatically run the applications Jewelry 2.0 and Flowers 3.5.

However, remember, overuse of the above application can cause Husband 1.0 to default to Grumpy Silence 2.5, Happy Hour 7.0, or Beer 6.1. 
 
Please note that Beer 6.1 is a very bad program that will download Snoring Loudly Beta version. 
 
Whatever you do, DO NOT, under any circumstances, install Mother-In-Law 1.0 as it runs a virus in the background that will eventually seize control of all your system resources.
 
In addition, please do not attempt to re-install the Boyfriend 5.0 program. These are unsupported applications and will crash Husband 1.0. 
 
In summary, Husband 1.0 is a great program, but it does have limited memory and cannot learn new applications quickly. 
 
You might consider buying additional software to improve memory and performance. We recommend Cooking 3.0.
 
Good Luck
 
Tech Support Team.

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