Tag Archives: hobbies

September 29, 2024 · 9:53 am

Unlimited

I have the old style Kindle Fire 7. If things go the way things have in the past year, it’s probably on its last legs and will die a cruel death soon. :0(

I have always liked REAL books. They are in shelves all over our house, plus in ‘discrete’ piles :0) elsewhere – I LOVE real books and fought the idea of getting a Kindle for a LONG time after my husband got one. He loves his and rarely reads a real book anymore. I do like the fact that I can throw my Kindle in my purse and take it places and read where I’m having to wait a long time.

I also fought the idea of Kindle Unlimited, where you pay a monthly fee in order to have access to lots of ‘free’ books at no extra charge. The main reason I like this now is that a LOT of books being written these days that are truly awful, in my humble opinion. I like characters with whom I can identify or I can admire. I like plots where I care what happens to those characters. I won’t read a book with lots of grammatical or spelling errors. I also don’t like ‘formula’ stuff that is predictable, being buried in questionable language, or kind of shocked by too much explicitness when I appreciate ‘romance.’

I can upload a book, get started with it, and send it back from whence it came in a matter of seconds without feeling guilty about having ‘bought’ yet another bad book not worth reading. There is no limit. I DO have to return one in order to download another from time to time, but that just takes a second.

I still prefer a real book, but paperbacks now, since the arthritis in my hands makes it uncomfortable to hold a hardback these days. The Kindle enables me to read as much as I like without guilt – a great thing for sure!

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June 15, 2024 · 10:16 am

Books Are a Quality of Life Thing

sent to me by my good friend, Cathy

I’ve slowed down on reading lately, only reading one book at a time now. I’m switching between re-reading some from my collection and reading a new one from my Kindle.

Happily, I’m finding several authors new to me whose work I will see out every time I get the chance.

I found this project idea that I will definitely try at some point when I have time to do some more yard art. I have the leftover bricks. I’d have to figure out a way to display them (maybe on the edge of a brick planter – with ‘bookends’), but I LOVE this idea. :0)

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Dr. Seuss Wisdom

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September 19, 2023 · 9:54 am
July 4, 2023 · 10:12 am

My Book

Out to Lunch – flickr.com

sent to me by my friend, Carol

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February 25, 2023 · 10:12 am

The World of J.D. Robb

I’m starting to re-read this one today. It’s # 51 in the “In Death” series by J.D. Robb (Nora Roberts). I only have 4 more before I dive into the newest paperback in my collection, “Desperation in Death” #55. #56, “Encore in Death” is due to be out in hardback at the end of this month. I don’t know how long I’ll have to wait – 6 months at least, before they will allow me to pre-order the paperback. It’s another character-building exercise for me. :0)

In the meantime, I’m thoroughly enjoying the world of Lieutenant Eve Dallas, futuristic murder cop in New York.

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October 26, 2022 · 10:07 am

Book Delight!

ebay

I preordered a paperback of one of the Nora Roberts’ trilogy The Dragonheart Legacy books SEVERAL months ago.

I had the first one, The Awakening, and loved it. I had preordered the paperback of the second one – The Becoming.

I received it yesterday. I will re-read the first one before I dive into the second.

The third one – The Choice – won’t even be available in hardback until November. I’ll check in December or early next year to see if I can preorder that paperback.

I feel very lucky to be able to look forward to continuing this adventure.

Note: Speaking of lucky – I think I have another J.D. Robb IN DEATH series paperback book arriving at the end of December!

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September 21, 2022 · 10:22 am

Remember When

John Drysdale-vintag.es

My SIL told me about “Remember When” – a book written half by “Nora Roberts” and the other half by “J.D. Robb.” I was unaware of this book and so searched, found, and ordered it. I’m reading the first part now.

The synopsis is – Remember When (2003) is a novel by Nora Roberts and J. D. Robb (the author, writing under two of her pseudonyms). The second half of the book is part of the In Death series, taking place between Imitation in Death and Divided in Death. The plot follows a diamond robbery, over a span of 56 years.

I’m not sure whether Nora was trying to introduce more of her readers to her pseudonym J.D. Robb with her In Death series, or was just intrigued by unsolved crimes. I’m finding it fascinating.

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June 14, 2022 · 11:15 am

Enjoying Robert B. Parker

Robert B. Parker – Penguin Random House

I have finished re-reading the Jesse Stone series, and the Spenser series. Now I’m re-reading the Sunny Randall series. Once I finish those, there are only a few books left – some wonderful westerns and other stand-alone books.

It makes me a bit sad to be coming to the end of the re-read, but I’m delighted to have the collection so I can enjoy it again whenever I would like.

Some good friends have recommended authors new to me, so I’m looking forward to diving into some new worlds soon. :0)

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May 30, 2022 · 9:47 am

Emeshed in the Spenser Series

Petr Vaclavek – Dubanci.cz

I’m re-reading Hush Money book # 26 (of 40) in the Spenser Series by Robert B. Parker. Re-reading the collection in order gives me a fuller experience, a richer appreciation of his writing style, enjoyment of the evolution of Spenser’s relationships with the other continuing characters, and admiration for his rock-solid beliefs about honor, integrity, keeping your word, finishing the job no matter what the cost.

I feel so lucky to be able to dive into his world, letting my concerns fade, fully relaxing, enjoying escaping for awhile. :0)

Who are your favorite authors and why do you love them?

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May 22, 2022 · 10:22 am

Reading

vinnyshirt.store

I’m really enjoying re-reading my collection of Robert B. Parker books. I read the “Jesse Stone” series again, then moved on to the “Spenser” series. I’m on book #20, I think, “Double Deuce” now. Parker’s writing was so CLEAN. You’re never aware of the way he writes, unless one of the characters is poking fun or making a snide remark. He describes things so you can see or feel them clearly, yet you just ‘absorb’ the characters and situations. I find myself reading along, and then he says something so subtle that it takes me a sentence or two to react. And then I snort, or smile, or both, to the point my husband says, “What.” (He appreciates Parker’s dry sense of humor, too, and so understands with little explanation. )

When I finish reading the collection, I think I’ll start on our collection of Lee Child next, with his books about Jack Reacher. I just read that Lee Child has stopped writing Jack Reacher books and is passing the series to his brother, Andrew Grant. (In the media, I prefer Alan Ritchson in the TV series, rather than Tom Cruise in the movie versions. This is nothing against Tom Cruise, really. Lee Child is so good at getting the reader to ‘see’ Jack Reacher, though, that I laughed aloud when I discovered who would play him in the movies. Alan Ritchson in the TV version seems perfect for the role. I hope they continue the series.)

I would go nuts if I weren’t able to enjoy time reading each day.

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May 5, 2022 · 11:34 am

Enjoying ‘Parker Land’

Karen Bellandi

Yesterday I finished re-reading my collection of Robert B. Parker’s “Jesse Stone” series. There are 9 of them written by the author himself. I watch the movies made beyond that – having a huge crush on Tom Selleck – but don’t read the rest.

Today I’ll start re-reading his “Spenser” series. I absolutely love the combination of quiet toughness, competence, humor and wit of Spenser. He has a very low threshold for pomposity, self-importance, and lies. He also has a soft side that melts me into a puddle. You get to know him better book by book, situation by situation. I love it.

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April 21, 2022 · 10:36 am

Jesse Stone Series

Brass Baron Dorothy Bronze-outdoorartpros.com
Robert B. Parker – Penguin Random House

Robert B. Parker is one of my favorite authors. I think I have all of his books.

His “Jesse Stone” series is wonderful. I have the books AND the movies. (The fact that the main actor in the Jesse Stone series is ANOTHER favorite – Tom Selleck – lets me win twice. :0)

“In 1997 Robert Parker introduced the world to Jesse Stone, who comes to the small town of Paradise to serve as police chief, running from a past in Los Angeles where his alcoholism led to a failed marriage and a failed career in law enforcement.”

He’s a flawed man, but honest and strong and admirable. You want him to get through his problems.

I’m re-reading the books now, savoring the way Parker can say things in a very straightforward manner where you forget the ‘writing,’ concentrating on the characters and the story. He has quite a sense of humor, a dry wit, having his characters see the humor in a situation, providing sparkling dialogue that sometimes makes me laugh aloud.

Night Passage (1997) Trouble in Paradise (1998) Death in Paradise (2001) Stone Cold (2003) Sea Change (2006) High Profile (2007) Stranger in Paradise (2008) Night and Day (2009) Split Image (2010)

I will continue to buy and watch the Jesse Stone movies created by Tom Selleck and Michael Brandman, but I consider the ‘continuation of the book series’ by Ace Atkins or Reed Coleman a nice honor, but pale-in-comparison imitations of the master.

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December 9, 2021 · 9:57 am

Definition of Happiness

Cathy

I pre-ordered the paperback version of “Forgotten in Death,” the 53rd book in the Eve Dallas, “In Death Series” by J.D. Robb (Nora Roberts) a long time ago. It will be released the 28th of this month. The 54th book, “Abandoned in Death” will come out in hard back in February of 2022. I will pre-order the paperback of that one, as well.

As I always do, I’m enjoying re-reading the previous books in preparation for diving into the latest for me. I’m on book # 26 – “Memory in Death” now, fully immersed in Eve Dallas’ world, full of dead people that Eve stands for, determined to get justice for each one regardless of the cost to herself. The continuing love story of Eve and the billionaire Roarke is a classic for a reason. The characters are strong, real, quirky, and addicting.

Nora Roberts’ books have helped me through some difficult times. I love to dive into the situations she has created, get to know the characters, fully engrossed in the story.

I have several favorite authors, and my book collection is one of my most prized possessions.

I’m rich in books.

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July 18, 2021 · 12:05 pm

Book Joy

lektorat-ps.com

I finished re-reading the 51 previous paperback books in the “In Death” series by J.D. Robb (Nora Roberts) and am anxiously awaiting delivery of paperback #52 “Faithless in Death” I think on the 27th of this month.

In the meantime, I started Nora’s trilogy called “The Sign of Seven“, reading Book 1, “Blood Brothers” yesterday. I’ve now ordered Books 2 and 3, which should arrive shortly.

Being able to dive into a well-loved book, or start a new one, is such a quality of life thing for me. I honestly don’t know what I’d do if I couldn’t read and write every day.

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January 31, 2021 · 10:15 am

Lucky

Paul Sweeney – SayingImages.com

I am in the middle of a re-read of book # 47 (of 51) of the J.D. Robb (Nora Roberts) In Death series before diving into the newest one to come out in paperback.

I’m lucky because reading is such a large part of my life.

My parents started teaching me to read when I was very young, exasperated that my mom, dad, and brother were all engrossed in a book, a crossword puzzle, and a comic book while I sat in the middle of the living room bored out of my mind. I looked from one to the other and finally said, in a loud voice, “I wish to HELL I could read!” Instead of beating my rear for the language, my mom got one of my books, sat on the floor with me, and began to change my life.

I became a teacher, earning my Master’s Degree as a Reading Specialist, using my guitar to help my sweet students learn phonics so that they had the tools to sound out unfamiliar words on their own. (That, and other things the public school frowned on, led me to start my own reading clinic, teaching students from kindergarten to adults who needed missing parts filled in so they understood what they needed to do to make sense of things.) We never actually made a profit, so I had to move on after 3-1/2 years to make money to help support our family.

After going through the school system myself, and then, particularly while earning my Masters while working full time, I lost my love for reading. I would find myself reading the newspaper, a magazine, or a paperback book as if I would be tested on it when I finished, the tension gathering in my neck and shoulders. It took me awhile, but finally I was able to relax again and simply dive in to learn something new, share someone else’s experience, or just dream.

Now I can’t imagine trying to live without reading. I find it difficult to name something else that changed my life for the better as much. It has saved my sanity – I THINK :0).

I am lucky to have several authors that I consider so wonderful I want to enter the worlds they have created over and over. Each time I do that, I find something I missed or have forgotten that enriches me, deepens my appreciation or understanding, fills my heart again.

I hope that you, too, are surrounded by people who share their expertise and creativity with you through their writing.

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September 6, 2020 · 9:46 am

Withdrawal

Ronit Baras

I finished the 11th book in “The Rise of the Iliri” series by Auryn Hadley last night.

My main reaction is sadness that it is, indeed, the end of the series. There won’t be any more in this story. I was totally caught up in the world Auryn created, plus the unique characters and their interactions. I love the fact that the main character was a super strong female. Her world was SO different from mine it was a good escape. I’m a go-along to get-along type basically, trying to not upset anyone. The main character, Sal, was the complete opposite, challenging everyone and everything in order to make the world a better place. She was a shining example to everyone around her, bringing out their strengths, as well. Great story.

In the meantime, my husband suggested I read the “Honor Harrington” books by David Weber next. Another strong female character. I started the first book in the series last night.

I hope that YOU have the luxury of diving into the beloved books of a favorite author, or finding new, exciting ones that take your breath away.

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May 16, 2020 · 2:46 pm

I am a Quilt

Brooke Hampton via Chrissie Anderson Peters

I am particularly aware of this while mostly staying at home due to the pandemic.

Music has always been a big part of my life. It transports me – taking me back to junior high school patio parties where I danced with boys who made my young heart throb; to places I have never been, but would like to go; expressing feelings I hold deep inside. I have so many artists I love and never enough time to listen all I would like to. Lately, I’ve been creating mini-concerts for myself while I work at the computer – listening to song after song that lift my spirits as I write posts, balance my checkbook, or…. When I finish, my heart is filled with wonderful thoughts, memories, and happiness. It’s a wonderful escape.

Another thing I’m doing is re-reading favorite books and authors, revisiting favorite characters and stories.  While my husband watches yet another “Cowboy Be-Bop” or equivalent movie as HIS escape, I can immerse myself in my book while keeping him company in a fashion.  I’m lucky in that I have books all over the house, so I have a wonderful supply of wonderful worlds to dive into.

My art room is an endless source of possibilities. I actually have to set an alarm so I don’t totally lose myself in the joy of experimenting with colors, textures, techniques, and ideas.  Sometimes I have an idea rattling around in my brain. Other times I go in there to ‘clean,’ and end up starting a project.  I go in there, start one of my CDs, and suddenly the alarm goes off…

I love watching demonstrations on YouTube. You can almost pick a subject and find lots of great information and step by step demos on how to do things. I think YouTube is a treasure.

When it’s not raining —— I can play in my flowers and my veggie garden. I truly love seeing flowers bloom around the yard, and I’m like a kid at Christmas watching my veggies grow.

I will love it when the world gets back to normal. But, in the meantime, I’m a happy lady.

 

 

 

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April 16, 2020 · 8:47 pm

Astonishing

Carl Sagan via Chris Riddell via The Boho Tree

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January 8, 2020 · 3:09 pm

Books

AteeFad

I honestly can’t imagine myself not reading.

I guess I’m biased, because I trained as a teacher, taught for 8 years in public elementary schools in Tulsa, and then ran my own reading clinic for 3 years, but personally – I would be lost without reading in my life.

I finished re-reading the 48 books in the “In Death” series by J.D. Robb (Nora Roberts) and have just received “Vendetta in Death” the 49th book just out in paperback. I’m really looking forward to diving into Eve Dallas’ world again.

On a tip from my good friend, Cathy Campbell, I ordered and just received

The DIRTY, LAZY, KETO Cookbook: Bend the Rules to Lose the Weight!
Laska, Stephanie
This lady has lost 140 lbs and has kept it off for 6 years. I started reading the book over lunch and she’s a HOOT! Great sense of humor and has managed success without the regimentation required by many keto people. I’m interested to try her theory and see if it works for me, too.  (I keep missing my macro percentages and it really makes you feel like you just don’t get it.) So, I’m reading as fast as I can to get an overview and then will read more carefully to start using the details as soon as possible.
Being able to pick up a book and forget your problems for awhile, or learn to do something new, or get excited about a new way to get healthier, is richness beyond belief.
I will never forget sitting in the middle of my parents’ living room when I was 4 or 5. My mom was doing the New York Times Crossword Puzzle. My dad was avidly reading a book on archaeology. My brother was reading a whole stack of comic books. I looked from one to the other and finally said, “I wish to HELL I could read!”  Everyone stopped and looked at me. I expected my parents to come down on me like a load of bricks for saying a bad word. Instead, they looked at each other. My mom got a book, came down and sat on the floor with me, and began teaching me to read.
I will be forever grateful.

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December 8, 2019 · 9:40 am

Withdrawal

Tim Vine via Slide Share

I finished “Connections in Death” by J.D. Robb/Nora Roberts the day before yesterday. That is #48 in her series of 50 “In Death” books featuring Eve Dallas, a homicide lieutenant. I read them all again from the beginning before I allowed myself to enjoy this last one that has come out in paperback. I have #49 arriving December 31st, according to Amazon, and am aware there is #50 out recently in hardback, so the joy continues.

I’m in withdrawal now.  I really enjoy this world that Nora has created. The people inhabiting it are people I would love to really know.  The interactions between all the characters is fascinating.

In the meantime, I have a whole stack of what I hope will be good books waiting for my attention.

 

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November 4, 2019 · 11:51 am

Question?

KristinaSteiner-wordpress.com

I’m am on book #40 in the 50-book “In Death” series by J.D. Robb (Nora Roberts). I’m reading them all again before I allow myself to dive into the newest one in paperback, “Connections in Death.”  I’ve been so busy having fun in my art room and trying to fit in 70 or so minutes of exercise into my day that I’ve been reading in fits and starts, just a bit at a time, but I’m loving living in Eve Dallas’ world again.

I’m also reading several other books at the same time, trying to learn some things here and there. :0)  I honestly don’t know how I would survive without reading. Physical books are a treasure trove to me. E books are great for learning things and to take while traveling. Computers are wonderful for expanding your horizons.

I just wish there were more time in the day and I had unlimited energy!

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October 6, 2019 · 10:07 am

Lost

Bookish Buzz via Cathy Ruggiero

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October 1, 2019 · 5:30 pm

Super Powers

For Reading Addicts via Cathy Ruggiero

I feel lucky because I’m in the middle of re-reading the Nora Roberts (J.D. Robb) “In Death” series and can escape whenever I can make the time and come out calm and refreshed. I love her writing. She creates incredibly deep characters you feel as if you actually know. You care about them, laughing and crying with them. I can’t think of a greater compliment to a writer for the readers to want to live in the world they have created and always want more.

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September 10, 2019 · 1:32 pm

The Love of Books

Garrison Keillor – Generate Status

We made 13 donations to our local library last year for their fundraisers. ( I don’t know how many this year) We’ve  sold a LOT of books on Amazon and eBay. We STILL have books in almost every room in the house. I keep promising myself I’ll get into the mindset to go through our books with the idea of giving them new homes, but I have to admit I’m greedy and want to keep them all, as well as buying new ones.

My husband and I each have our personal libraries of books by favorite authors. His thing is mainly Science Fiction. He reads fast and remembers most of what he reads. At one point, in an effort to conserve money, he read books upside down to try to slow down. :0)  He also has technical books of all kinds, math books, books we’ve bought in the library fundraisers, project books, and more. Our personal libraries are in built-in shelves in our bedroom. I guess the only rooms that don’t have shelves for books is our bathrooms…

I am re-reading book #29 (Kindred in Death) from the In Death series by J.D. Robb (Nora Roberts) I’m fascinated by the world and characters she has created. There are 48 books in the series that have come out in paperback so far, with more to come. I have the latest paperback on my table beside my chair in the living room. I won’t allow myself to enjoy it until I have finished re-reading the 47 books that come before it. I feel lucky to be able to dive into the current one and live in their world for a bit before tackling another item on my to-do list for the day.

I have all books written by Robert J. Parker and enjoy re-reading those, too. (I feel sorry for my husband that he remembers books and movies so well. I don’t have that awful ‘affliction’ and can enjoy things over and over again almost as if it were the first time) :0)  Another favorite is the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovitch. I think there are 25 paperbacks in that series so far.

I plow through truly wonderful art books that are everywhere. I can’t ever get very far when I look at them, though. I get caught up, grabbed by an idea, and have to go play in my art room to see what I can do with it.

We had another set of shelves built for my husband to add on to his space for his personal collection. Mine spilled over into the built-in shelves in the guest room. We feel rich in books.

I would (and probably should) give up many things in life, but reading is something I’ll do with great enjoyment until my last breath!

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March 4, 2019 · 12:13 pm

Two Good Books

Getty Images

I’m reading two books right now: The Dolphin – Story of a Dreamer by Sergio Bambaren and Totally Incorrect Volume 2 – A Conversation with Doug Casey as told to Justin Spittler

The Dolphin book I just received in the mail today. It was recommended by a contact on Linkedin – Dieter Onken.

I ordered the Casey book because I wanted to read his opinions on the newest things happening in the world and to also find out what he’s recommending for good investments to shield ourselves from the tumult of our world today.

I plan to do a good bit of reading today, since our weather is so unfriendly.

I hope you are somewhere safe and warm, too, and can enjoy your day.

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January 29, 2019 · 12:47 pm

Reading is FUNdamental

Jeff Jett – LinkedIn

Right now I’m reading

  • Paleo Beginners Guide
  • The REALSIMPLE Method to Organizing Every Room and How to Keep it that Way
  • iPhone 8 Guide, and
  • Rereading The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares (#1 of a 5 book series I love),
  • Draw Real Animals! by Lee Hammond, and
  • Greenhouse Gardening for Beginners by Jason Johns

 

Elizabeth Scott via NUSTBookClub.wordpress.com

What are you reading lately?

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July 1, 2018 · 9:47 am

Practicing!

Kurt Vonnegut via GrowingBolder.com via Cathy Ruggiero

My friend Debbye Hughes, who was dying of recurrent metastatic breast cancer, got angry with me because I was afraid to even try to draw, paint, or do anything artistic. She looked at me, sitting in her bed, paintbrush in hand, and said, “Who CARES if your work never gets off your own refrigerator door? Who CARES if others don’t like it? JUST DO IT!!!!!”

That was in 2000, and I started painting, crafting, trying to draw, experimenting with all kinds of things that gave me joy. I started a website with the wonderful help of my son who designed my website to show my own stuff and then expanded it for me so that I could add the work of others. He helped with the the business, end, too, and I enjoyed 17 years of association with some of the most creative, talented people from all over the world I’ve ever known. I made friends long distance. I worked my heart out trying to do all I could with the tiny budget I had to promote all of our work. I wouldn’t give up the opportunity I had for anything.  I shut down my website, Creative Artworks, last year, and put my stuff on ArtFire and Etsy.

I love playing in my art room. The problem is that I have to set an alarm now so I don’t lose all track of time!  I just love experimenting with color, texture, and different techniques. I’m like a little kid with finger paints taking joy in the process.  Most of the time I make a mess. It just doesn’t turn out the way I envisioned it.  That doesn’t matter, though. I’m doing something I love. I’m practicing!

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April 16, 2018 · 1:07 pm

Calvin and Hobbes Mailbox Decoration

I think this is my favorite of the many mailbox decorations we’ve made. It makes me feel good when I see it. This is the back of the piece. you can see where I’ve tried to incorporate the mounting bar into the design.

Calvin and Hobbes is a daily comic strip by American cartoonist Bill Watterson that was syndicated from November 18, 1985 to December 31, 1995.

 

This is the front. The piece is about 2-1/2 feet tall and about the same wide – 3 feet + with the mounting bar and tail. We grabbed the design from the net. My husband translated the picture into code that the computer-guided torch on our CNC table can understand and cut out. We used a transparency and overhead projector to mark the bare metal for painting. I then painted both sides and then sprayed a clear protective spray on it. I hope this decoration gives people a warm feeling as they drive by our home.

 

Calvin and Hobbes by Sarah, Quotesgram.com

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January 19, 2017 · 11:31 am

Playing in My Art Room

Yesterday I started painting my newest order for stationery and note cards in my newly cleaned and organized art room. What a pleasure! I finished the package of deckled edge floral stationery last night and I’ll start the package of note cards today. I’ll share some photos when I’m finished.

I have to tell you I love my life. I don’t know how I ever found the time to work full-time, as I did for some 45 years. Then I changed to working from home, continuing to do medical transcription I used to do at an office in Fort Smith. I also started my website, Creative Artworks, in 2000.

I still run my website, which has about 25 other artists right now. I love writing this blog, trying not to bury you alive in pictures I’ve found, thoughts I’ve had, and more each day. I love working in my art room on orders or ideas for new things, plus working in our shop with my husband, creating metal yard critters out of scrap metal, cutting new mailbox decorations out on our CNC setup with computer-guided torch, creating stained glass pieces and mosaics. I’m brimming with ideas for a new mosaic project, a new technique for working with gourds, a glass etching, and ideas for a new theme for Christmas cards and wooden ornaments.

My raised bed square foot garden is always in my thoughts. As soon as I finish a few more things, I’ll get out my master ‘map’ of my six 4’x4′ raised beds and figure out what I’d like to try to grow for our veggie garden in the spring, as well as where to put them in the garden. I’ll start some spinach seeds inside, since I have real trouble finding spinach plants.

A gift that keeps on giving is our brick planter beds all around the house, brimming with flowers. We’re trying to add more perennials each year, since we ARE getting older, as well as planting our favorite annuals each year.

I started practicing yoga – the old ladies’ version called “Gentle Yoga” by Sixty & Me. I’m still surprised that it is so helpful in controlling pain and promoting flexibility and better balance. I’ve bought a 2nd DVD from them, called, “Gentle Yoga Flows” which combines what is taught in the first DVD set and guides you through four different practices that leave me feeling looser and much more relaxed.

I have more books than I can read and feel rich for it. I love learning new skills. Between the Internet, YouTube demonstrations, and books (either physical or on my Kindle) I can learn things as fast as this old brain can absorb them. What a luxury!

My husband’s and my health are improving, thanks to our low carb lifestyle and a newer emphasize on avoiding as much sugar as we can. We’re both feeling better for it. (The latest new thing is Cashew Milk, thanks to my sister-in-law, Mary Lou’s, recommendation.) It has 25 calories and 0 grams of sugar per serving. He says it doesn’t taste watery and likes the more creamy taste. My husband is wonderful about encouraging my efforts to cook new recipes, not griping if the recipe is just not for us, and very complimentary if I find one he likes. This makes it ALMOST fun to cook!

The days, weeks, months, and years whiz past our heads. We truly enjoy getting in as much fun as possible each day.

So – today picture me up in my art room, dancing to favorite CDs while painting note cards…

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