Halloween Past

@cutigers on X

My dad and I shared Halloween and the 4th of July as our favorite holidays.

I remember one Halloween when my dad, who was 6’2″ tall and skinny as a beanpole, dressed up as a pregnant nurse. I was just a child. I wish we had gotten a picture I could share with you, because as I think of it, I can see him right in front of my face, and I keep smirking and snorting with the memory.

My dad wore glasses and had a mustache and short goatee type beard. I don’t know where he found the nurse’s uniform, but he wore an old style nurse’s cap on his head with a blond wig, and his glasses, beard, and mustache hanging out. He put a pillow under the uniform part, and wore ‘hose’ and white sneakers. He wore a stethoscope around his neck and carried a HUGE syringe in the pocket.

He had made up a whole speech to go along with his costume. The only other memory I have of that Halloween was my parents’ friends laughing so hard they had trouble standing up. In fact, several took one look at him and made straight for a chair in our living room, laughing their heads off.

My dad has been gone a long time now. He said, “Remember me laughing.” It was a long time before I could, but as the years pass, I remember not only HIM laughing, but all the rest of us, as well.

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Filed under Halloween - How Do You Carve YOUR Pumpkin?, holidays, memories, Skeleton Art

More Laser Engraving

GF5 Bucks Laser Engraving

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Erika Kocsi Watercolor 5

Erika Kocsi Watercolor – @kocsi_erika on X

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It’s Wednesday 10-18-2023

“Ruddy Turnstone” – Brian – @balail on X

Good morning! We’re having a quiet, cool morning so far. 49 degrees F. and sunny. I’m grinning because we’re having the first real fall we’ve had here since I can remember. I’m enjoying every minute.

Pixabay

In the ‘annoyances’ category – they missed us on trash pickup again yesterday – the second week in a row. The lady I called said they had been using temps lately and that she would see if she could figure out what the problem was. She created another work order for us, and hopefully the trash will be gone today.

chipwrecks

I’m making a small amount of progress on losing the lard. I’m down 11-1/2 pounds now and hoping the trend will continue. My daily yoga practice is showing improvement, as well. One day at a time.

“Intentions vs Actuality” – several things are ‘on my list,’ but haven’t actually been accomplished lately. I have no excuse, other than sloth. I’ve been enjoying reading, napping, listening to music, and more, instead of checking another thing off the list. Only the ‘have-to’s’ are getting attention.

I wish us both a productive Wednesday. :0)

123RF

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Marcelo Rocha Art

Marcelo Rocha – Pets and Landscapes in Oil

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‘Tude

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October 17, 2023 · 9:45 am

Michael Tamoszus Art 2

Michael Tamoszus Chainsaw Art

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Happy Tuesday 10-17-2023

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Good morning. It’s sunny at 44 degrees F. here this morning. Hard to believe. We will still probably have some warm weather before winter. The tradition around here is getting ready for winter and then having some really summer-like weather for another month or so. (An example is that one year I was still harvesting ripe tomatoes in January.) So we put the electric blanket on the bed and are still ready with shorts to wear. :0)

I’m hopeful that our trash will have been picked up when we go for groceries later today. Last week I had to call for a special work order for pick up when they bypassed us. Hopefully we’re on their list today, as we should be.

We don’t have any plans today, other than replenishing supplies. I’m not sure if I’ll try to get some yard work done, play in my art room, bake the biscuits I was going to make yesterday, or all three. It’s nice to be able to CHOOSE. (One of the only good things about being older than dirt.)

Fall, Halloween, and Christmas aprons are still available on my Etsy site. One-of-a-kind, hand-painted child’s apron. Size is 2-6 years. The apron is 19″ long and 12.5″ wide, not including neck loop or ties. Wash by hand and lay flat to dry. Can be ironed on the wrong side. $19.99 with FREE SHIPPING to the contiguous U.S. HandmadeHavenbyLinda on Etsy

I hope that your day is good.

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The Ultimate in Multi-Media Art

Please watch till the end. I found this via @TheFigen_ on X

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Andreas Thaler – Sabantha

Autumn Red

Walking in Fog

Winter Eats Summer

Soul of the Forest

I keep finding these beautiful pieces on Pinterest, just labeled, “Sabantha.” I think they’re gorgeous, and I finally did some searching, trying to find out more. I discovered that ‘Sabantha’ is the name of the art company of Andreas Thaler, who is represented by fineartamerica.com.

It is described as ‘digital art’ – “Digital art, once called computer art or new media art, refers to art made using software, computers, or other electronic devices.”

There are those who consider anything produced on a computer as ‘cheating’ and not ‘real art.’ I, being only someone who aspires to creating some stuff using all types of media EXCEPT a computer (because I’m not smart or creative enough) consider the RESULT, rather than the method.

When something speaks to me, brings out emotion in me, makes me wish I could create something even remotely similar, I consider it ‘art’ and ‘real.’

Andreas Thaler and his company, Sabantha, create some really beautiful images that I absolutely love. I wanted to share some of them with you.

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Never Enough Peter Hogarth

Peter Hogarth – Artist – Dog Portraits – @PeterHogarth55 on X

Peter captures the personality of his subjects. I want to reach out and pet or hug these dogs. His artistry goes without saying. The FEELINGS he brings out blow my mind.

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Eye-Popping Paper Art

On-Edge Paper Sculpture – Pinterest – artist unknown

3-D Quilling – Kirigami – Pinterest – Artist Unknown

Paper Sculpture – Pinterest – Artist Unknown

paper-quilling-Sherry Macdonald

I’m in awe of the talent shown here, and the creativity. All the same medium – paper – but such different techniques and results.

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Monday, Monday… 10-16-2023

Pinterest

It’s a cool start to our day here. Sunny and 52 F right now. The high is supposed to be 68. Sure is a change from trying to get outside before it gets too hot…

We don’t have any plans today, other than gathering trash and driving it down to set up the trash can for pick up tomorrow and getting our mail. I enjoy days where we’re not pushed to do anything. The day unfolds and I can simply enjoy it.

Yesterday I did laundry all day long. We got our bed converted from warm weather to cold weather coverings, changing from velour to electric blanket and changing to a different comforter. We like the ability to warm up the bed before we get in, then turning off the heat or turning it to low for the rest of the night, covered by a light, snuggly comforter rather than a heavy one. We didn’t use the heat last night, but the heavier blanket allowed us to sleep better.

Today I’m going to make the ‘no-knead’ biscuits and some spaghetti – both requests from my husband. Since he was good about helping with the bed and the laundry yesterday, I’ll make both for him today.

Make your day a great one.

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Beth Robertson Fiddes Art

“Approaching Storm”

“Last Breath”

I have said it’s impossible to paint snow or water. I’m again proven wrong – this time by the breathtaking work of Beth Robertson Fiddes. She not only can paint the ocean; I can almost HEAR the water. Simply amazing.

Beth Robertson Fiddes – @Beth_RobertsonF on X

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Sunday 10-15-2023

5 News Viewer

I went out to see the partial eclipse yesterday, but only saw lots of clouds. I finally came in, disappointed. Later, I found some images on 5 News of what others saw, so I’m posting this to give you an idea.

Greenwood Arkansas Art Guild Show – October 14, 2023

Yesterday afternoon I spent some time at the show. I saw one good, long-time friend, visited with a couple of others I knew, and met a good number of new people. Lots of talent in one room, and I was pleased to be able to see what others have created.

Cat Yoga – Medium

I did my yoga stretching for the 2nd day. I didn’t do much better, but I’m determined to do the best I can. Yesterday both Amber (97 lb. yellow lab) and Abby, (? lb. stripy cat much like the one above) tried to HELP me with my practice, either by outright stomping on me or trying to nuzzle me. I think my laughter relaxed me almost as much as the stretches. :0)

Today I’m doing lots of laundry. Along with changing the sheets on our bed, I’m exchanging our velour blanket for our electric one, at my husband’s request, plus will change comforters – getting into cool to cold weather mode.

6″ x 4″ inspirational life saying sign – “Collect Beautiful Moments.” $13.99 with FREE SHIPPING to the contiguous U.S. HandmadeHavenByLinda on Etsy

It’s cloudy and 58 degrees here now. Good night for chili.

Enjoy your day!

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I’m Simply Blown Away

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Michael Tamoszus Art

Michael Tamoszus Art

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More Paintings of Children

“Bear Hug” – Keith Proctor

“Pretty much all the honest truth telling there is in the world is done by children.”   — Oliver Wendell Holmes

“Happy Child” – Lucia Verdejo Studio – Etsy

“When I approach a child, he inspires in me two sentiments — tenderness for what he is and respect for what he may become.”   — Louis Pasteur

“Pickin’ Leaves” – Judith Stein-steinwatercolors-Etsy

“Children are a great comfort to us in our old age, and they help us reach it faster too.”   — Author unknown

N Makusheva

“A child is a beam of sunlight from the Infinite and Eternal, with possibilities of virtue and vice, but as yet unstained.”   — Lyman Abbott

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Saturday 10-14-2023

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This is probably a yummy cupcake, but if I had it, I would simply try to keep it. It’s just too cute to eat. HEY! Maybe THIS is the key to my losing weight! If all my food is ‘too cute’ to eat, I’ll quit stuffing my face!!!! :0)

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I’m hoping that we will at least be able to see a partial annular solar eclipse here in Arkansas today. I got some special eclipse glasses quite awhile back when the eclipse in 2024 was being discussed and they were giving the glasses away in several places on the square in Greenwood, so we have those ready. We’re not in a direct line, but I hope we can enjoy at least the idea of it around noon our time.

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I’m looking forward to attending this afternoon. I used to be a member, and am hoping to see some good friends as well as impressive art work.

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Tenor

I finally made myself get down on my yoga mat yesterday afternoon. I hadn’t done anything since I strained my back weeding recently. Wow. Could I feel a difference! In what I consider a short time, I lost a lot of ground. It took me at LEAST a minute or so to relax enough to quit hurting just trying to lie flat on the floor. I did several slow stretches, having to quickly stop some due to cramping.

SO – I will redouble my efforts to drink more water, since dehydration can be the cause of muscle cramping, and I’ll get my body down on the mat again this afternoon to do as much careful stretching and relaxation as possible.

_______________

Enjoy your Saturday.

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Paper Art by Rebekah Jenkins

Rebekah Jenkins does amazing things with paper. She does what she calls, “3D – On-Edge” paper art.

Rebekah Jenkins

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Thomas W. Schaller Art

Thomas W. Schaller Art – @twschaller on X

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Happy Rainy Friday 1-13-2023

Anna Om – Getty Images – istockphoto

A cold front is coming through this morning, bringing some light rain and cooler temperatures for several days. We have Lunch Bunch this morning, but we’ll probably come straight home after, rather than running errands in the rain.

Grasshopper Gardens

We carry some loppers and gloves in the truck so that we can tackle things hanging down or out in the driveway more easily. Yesterday I went down to put a notice in the mailbox and used the loppers to start clearing some tall weeds at the bottom of the driveway on both sides. When I finished a short session, I drove back up and added some hand held clippers to the truck so I can continue from time to time.

Julia Roberts

I wish that all of you could enjoy the expertise of my wonderful stylist, Michael Remillard. Yesterday he listened to my concerns, tried to comply, and I was very pleased, as usual. I did tell him, that although he listens to me and tries to do what I ask, he has ignored my MAIN request for YEARS now – to make me look like Julia Roberts. If he REALLY valued me as a customer, you would THINK he would at least TRY to do this SMALL request… :0)

When I’m resting between ‘have-to’s’ or ‘shoulds,’ I’m re-reading all of J.D.Robb’s (Nora Roberts’) In Death Series before diving into my newest paperback, #56 Encore in Death, and before receiving the latest to come out in paperback at the end of December, Payback in Death, which I’ve ordered. It’ll be another 6 months to a year before her newest, Random in Death #58 comes out in paperback. (Hardback out in January 2024.) Right now I’m re-enjoying #23, Born in Death.

I hope that you are enjoying a great Friday with an enjoyable weekend to come.

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More Mark Gray Photography

Mark Gray Photography – @GrayMarker99 on X

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Halloween and Creativity

The Pioneer Woman

Pinterest

Back in the Dark Ages, when I was trick-or-treating, we came up with our own costumes. We might buy an accessory or two, but mainly we decided who or what we would ‘go as,’ and then start trying to put the look together. It was fun, and part of the joy was the figuring out who your friends ‘came as,’ and if they would ‘get’ your costume goal.

Then there was a period it seemed like kids and their parents just wanted to buy their favorite characters off the shelf at a store. Homemade things were just sad at that point, and stores charged more and more for you to buy the ‘in’ costumes.

Now it seems that anything goes, and I love that. Each year I scour the Internet to find out what is new this year, and the creativity of people thrills me. The costumes just get cuter and cuter and the decorations and pumpkins improve exponentially each year, although I would have sworn they couldn’t.

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Filed under Halloween - How Do You Carve YOUR Pumpkin?, holidays

Thursday 10-12-2023

The Epoch Times – artist unknown

istockphoto-Anastasiya Belevich-GettyImages

I’m driving myself to the ‘rescue mission,’ my wonderful hair stylist, Michael Remillard of Tangles, in Greenwood AR this morning. If you’re in the area, his phone number is 479-357-9305 and his salon is on the east end of the square in Greenwood. He is truly a miracle worker, rescuing me from looking like a ‘dandelion-gone-to-seed’ and transforming me to look like ‘someone-has-a-plan,’ – no easy feat. :0)

Mount_Magazine_State_Park

We’re having the first real ‘fall’ that I can remember. Usually here in Arkansas, we have the heat of summer followed by about 3 days of rain and ‘fall front,’ and then it’s COLD, like the flicking of a light switch. This year our weather has been really pleasant – so pleasant my husband and I have remarked on it several times. I’m really soaking it up, enjoying every minute.

“Creating with a kid” – Alisa Burke

This afternoon, after I’m home from my haircut, I’m hoping to spend time in my art room. It’s been several days, and I’m itching to make some progress up there.

I hope you have a stellar Thursday.

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Taste Test

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I Needed This Today – Do You?

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Megan Elizabeth – Artist

Arina

Caprice

Daisy

Face to Face

Kate

Loxey

Megan Elizabeth – Artist

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Halloween Memory

mbcreativestudio.com

My husband and I still feel bad when we think of one Halloween years and years ago when our son was about 5.

My husband decided to ‘get into the spirit’ and went out and bought a rubber mask. He tied a pillow around himself to give himself a hump back, made a hole in a large piece of burlap and pulled it over his head, then donned the mask. He looked really gruesome. He was proud of his costume and looked forward to trick-or-treating with our son, plus scaring kids who came to the door for candy.

Well, even though our son had watched the whole process of making the costume and watching my husband put it on, when it was altogether our son freaked. He was scared and crying. When it was obvious that our son was really upset, my husband took the costume off and took our son trick-or-treating while I handled our visitors.

When he got back, our son was sleepy, so he spread out on the couch while my husband put the costume back on and proceeded to have a grand time scaring all the kids. I had to go out and buy more candy because the word spread and I think the whole neighborhood turned out to see the scary thing at our house.

Even when the holiday was over and the mask was on the floor where we encouraged our son to stomp on it, if he wanted, or put it on – which he refused to do – our son still wasn’t happy until my husband put it away – far away.

A mixed bag of memories, for sure. Our son still remembers the mask, and NOW loves the idea…

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Filed under Halloween - How Do You Carve YOUR Pumpkin?, holidays, memories

Last Day of Etsy Special Sale

Plaque – 9×11 oval solid wood hand-painted, one of a kind plaque – “Cherish” – $41.99 with FREE SHIPPING to the contiguous U.S. – HandmadeHavenByLinda on Etsy – This is the last day of the special sale on Etsy where you save $10 when you purchase $40 or over anywhere on the Etsy site. You can enjoy these savings over and over today. Great time to find special things for the holidays.

If you’re interested in custom, hand-painted Christmas cards, now is a good time to order. I have three designs –

Wreath Inside will say, “Happiness and love throughout the year!”

“O Christmas Tree 1” – Inside will say “Christmas 2023” and “May your heart be filled with joy.”

and

“O Christmas Tree 2” Inside will say “Christmas 2023” and “May your heart be filled with joy.”

These are packages of 6 hand-painted cards and envelopes. Each package of cards is $38.00 with FREE SHIPPING in the contiguous U.S.

Remember, throughout the day, you will receive $10 off for each order of $40 or more, as many times as you like – TODAY ONLY.

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Creaky, Crunchy, and Corroded

festivebazaar

Actually, I’m better today, but still creaky, crunchy, and corroded.

We’re still finding things in our house that are showing how long we’ve lived here – 36 years. I guess we can’t really gripe. Things are long out of warranty. Though we can’t replace EVERYTHING, we are replacing what needs to be, one thing at a time.

Last night my husband took Amber out for her last outing, then came back in, saying that the garage door wouldn’t close when he pushed the button. He had to decouple it from the electricity and close it manually. This morning he looked at the situation and the wiring for the control was corroded. He was able to fix it (hooray!), but we’re having to deal with something not working a lot these days.

We’ve almost replaced all the fluorescent lights – my husband is having to remove the old ballast transformers, rewire the fixture, and then we add the newly purchased LED tubes. This is due to the government requirement not to make our fluorescent tubes anymore. Same with the lights in our lamps. When we started switching the old bulbs for the new, we were told the new ones would last a lot longer – even years. Apparently our lamps didn’t get the memo. So far, we can’t tell a difference. The new ones just cost a fortune.

We’ve talked to our plumber about replacing our hot-water-on-demand equipment as soon as he can get to it. It’s trying to die. After looking at it, it’s the same corrosion, hard water type problem that is getting to everything else, even though we haven’t had it nearly as long. He cleaned it out as well as he could and we have our fingers crossed each time we need to reset the system. I keep reminding myself ‘one-thing-at-a-time.’

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Filed under aging, Challenges, Changes, Housekeeping - Maintenance