Tag Archives: playing in my art room

September 3, 2023 · 9:51 am

Pretty Sunday 9-3-2-23

Lensball-https-digital-photography-school.com

It’s 80 and sunny this morning. It’s supposed to be in the 90s – but no excessive heat warnings, flying hair balls, or anything else, so I can’t complain. I WILL be happy when the weather is more fall-like, though. :0)

The only chore I’m recognizing today is vacuuming – and that only because there is already a whole dog’s worth of hair trying to grab you by the ankles as you walk by. My husband is taking a nap now, though, so it’ll need to wait until later in the day.

I’m planning to head up to my art room soon. I didn’t get there yesterday because of the chili making, changing the sheets on the bed, and doing 4 loads of laundry. By the time I finished these, I was pooped and no longer in the mood to play. I have three things started upstairs, though, so hopefully I can make some progress.

Do you have plans for Labor Day? Are you traveling for a last vacation or to see relatives? Cooking out? Watching sports on TV? I hope you’re having time away from work and enjoying the long weekend.

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August 31, 2023 · 2:24 pm

Thurs Thoughts 8-31

Glass Bud Vase – “Pretty Paisley” – Hand Painted, One of a Kind – $32.95 with FREE SHIPPING to contiguous U.S. HandmadeHavenByLinda on Etsy

Animal Wellness Magazine

I had my monthly massage this morning. I think Lynn Moody, my massage therapist, did the best job ever. She found all the places I had created knots and sore spots and smoothed them all away.

My husband and I fixed lunch when I got home and then I spread out in my recliner under my throw and slept right through the end of the news we were watching. I feel really relaxed right now. :0)

Terry Love Plumbing

I remembered to set my alarm for us to go out right before the first cycle of the watering starts this evening to see what is causing the water on the floor of the well house. (This looks similar to what we’ll be looking at, minus a lot of PVC pipe.) Hopefully, we can figure it out and fix it quickly.

Princeton Brush

I’m about to go upstairs and play in my art room. I’m working on a piece with bleeding tissue paper, pastels, stencils, etc. on a larger piece of canvas board. I may end up with a mess, but I’m having SUCH a good time plotting, planning, and experimenting…

I hope you’re having a good day, too.

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August 30, 2023 · 9:19 am

Wednesday 8-30-2023

forwarded by my friend Marsha

I set our alarm last night so we could monitor our irrigation system. One started at 7:30pm and the other at 8pm. The one in the back started first, so we went out the porch door. There was a deer standing off to the left, watching us! As we watched her, movement caught my eye. To my delight, a roadrunner was running away from us, toward and then beside the deer. I just waited – enjoying the beautiful sight for a minute.

We made some progress on our problem, getting a couple of pvc pipes unclogged and making sure everything was getting water. We still have the problem of something spewing water in the well house. We’ll tackle that one tonight.

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The Noun Project

Meanwhile, there is a light flashing on the floor under the dishwasher. I just got out our paperwork, but there is no ‘trouble’ section. I’ll just try to reset the system, if possible, and we’ll see what happens. Such is my life as the new technical trouble-shooter in the Lewis household. I feel overwhelmed by the task so far.

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The Artful Parent

I had fun in my art room yesterday afternoon, though the piece I’m working on needs to dry between steps, so I do a bit, let it dry overnight, then do the next step, whatever I decide that is. I’m having a lot of fun.

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Women’s Health

Shout-out to Marsha, who seems to be safe from Hurricane Idalia so far. The storm seems to be going just to her north. I hate it that anyone has to suffer from the latest from Mother Nature.

Shout-out to Cathy, who is in hump day of Week 5 of her chemo and radiation treatment. Please join me in sending her love and strength.

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Notecard Set – 5 Different Hand Painted Designs and Envelopes – “Thumbelina.” – $19.95 with FREE SHIPPING to the contiguous U.S.

HandmadeHavenByLinda on Etsy

Make this is a good day if you are able.

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August 28, 2023 · 9:25 am

Another Monday 8-28-2023

Work + Money – FunnyBeing.com

It’s hard for me to believe that August is almost over. I have to admit I’ll be happy to see this one go since the heat has been SO oppressive this year. If it’s like our usual fall, we’ll get three days or so and then we’ll have an ice storm, and then it will go back to Indian Summer… Arkansas is an interesting place to live. :0)

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Meri Cherry

I had fun in my art room yesterday afternoon, finishing up 6 small signs using bleeding tissue paper, pastels, stencils and acrylic paint. I’m planning to get them listed later today in my Etsy shop. Meanwhile, here is another one –

6 x 8 hand-painted sign – “Sparkle” – $14.99 with FREE SHIPPING to the contiguous U.S. HandmadeHavenByLinda on Etsy

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We got a touch of why we enjoy living a bit outside town yesterday. One driveway alarm alerted us that ‘something’ was out there – but not a vehicle. It turned out to be a doe and TWO fawns crossing our driveway. It was beautiful to watch them. She seemed to be totally unaware I was there. Later a white-tailed bunny skedaddled toward the shop when I went out into the garage, and – to finish it out, two hummingbirds at the feeder and a woodpecker on the telephone pole in the back yard. He came down the pole a bit (he sits right on top much of the time) and then went over to one of our weed trees that has a huge pod of seeds on top. I imagine those attract insects, which, in turn, attract HIM. He ate awhile and then went back to the pole and did little hops right up.

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Things are quiet so far today. We’ll gather our trash and drive it down to the bottom of the driveway and get our mail. I’m HOPING my Dremel will be delivered today…

Make it a good Monday.

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August 27, 2023 · 9:37 am

Sunday 8-27-2023

“Skyflower” – FloralisCo-Etsy

Wow. I’m drooling over this plant! It’s recommended for Florida aquatic gardens. I’m about as far from that as it’s possible to be here in western Arkansas. I can still look at it and dream, though. Isn’t it spectacular?

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Primrose Schools

Life keeps getting in the way of my getting upstairs to play in my art room. I’m hoping I’ll get time up there today. I did NOT get my new Dremel, so the glassware is sitting, waiting to be worked on. Meanwhile, I’m having fun with the bleeding tissue paper, stencils, and other media. My progress up there is very slow, but the fact that I’ve managed to get up there at ALL is better than I’ve done in quite a while.

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Journal – “Dragonflies” 5.5 x 7 Spiral Hand-Painted with Lined Pages and Pockets – $17.99 with FREE SHIPPING to the contiguous U.S.

HandmadeHavenByLinda on Etsy

http://www.verfunnypics.eu – T1Fitness

I’ve been eating lead by the bucketful lately and my scales are guffawing at me. The only thing missing is a hand that comes up from the scales pointing a finger at me, or one with a face so one hand can cover the laughing face’s mouth while the other one points at me. UGH. What little creativity I have is being used up making excuses for why my weight is going up and I’m not exercising. :0(

Take care and have a really nice Sunday.

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August 25, 2023 · 9:13 am

It’s Friday! 8-25-2023

tatiog.com

Yesterday, today, and tomorrow make me feel like a kid a Christmas. I ordered some things to experiment with in my art room and they started arriving yesterday.

I got a bunch of stencils and a set of ‘pounders’. I’m not sure what these are really called, but they are sticks with various-sized foam endings. You put them in paint and then ‘pound’ the paint onto the stencil you’ve affixed to whatever. I’ve used STAMPS, but never stencils, so this is really fun to try. I’m planning to try to make some 4×6 and larger signs with sayings I like on them.

Also to be delivered is my new smaller dremel tool that I’m planning to use on my glassware etching project. I’m hoping this will be lighter, smaller, and easier to control, with variable speeds.

I played in my art room awhile yesterday, starting on one small sign. There are several steps in these with a lot of drying in-between the steps, so I’m taking my time and grinning a lot.

Even if I don’t produce anything, it’s fun to feel my juices flowing, my head rattling with ideas for new things. I haven’t felt that in quite a while, so I’m enjoying this a lot.

Framed Quote – 5.5″ x 7.5″ – “Best Friend” – $14.99 with FREE SHIPPING to the contiguous U.S. HandmadeHavenByLinda

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August 22, 2023 · 10:10 am

Tuesday 8-22-2023

Ethan’s Owls-tumblr.com

I think this is exquisite. I just love it. I want to TOUCH it. I want it!

SO – I’ll share it with you here and save it into my Pinterest collection – all I’m really able to do. :0)

Good morning. I hope you’re well and happy today.

Kara Creates

I’m looking forward to playing in my art room, experimenting with white crayon and bleeding tissue paper today.

Ramblings of the Claury on Twitter

Heat index of between 105 and 120 again today. I’m grateful I can insulate myself from the totally uncivilized outside today, staying cool.

(I have to admit I feel guilty complaining about the heat when so many people in our country are suffering right now – Hawaii with the wildfire and California with the flooding.)

If you want to donate, Fox News is suggesting redcross.org/foxforward or text ‘HAWAII’ to 90999 to make a $10 donation. I don’t know whether they will set up help for the states suffering from the flooding or not yet.

Framed 7×5 Friend Sign – “Four Leaf Clover” – $14.99 with FREE SHIPPING to the contiguous U.S. HandmadeHavenByLinda on Etsy

Have a wonderful day.

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August 20, 2023 · 10:04 am

Sunday 8-20-2023

Greenwood is just southeast of Fort Smith, Arkansas – just above the “Feels Like 110-115” part of the image. (High of 106 this afternoon). It’s always hot in the summer, but I don’t remember having so many days of ‘excessive heat warnings.’ I think that’s new, and I really don’t consider it a good thing. I’m always griping about the weather, it seems, but Mother Nature just can’t seem to get her head on straight. Thank goodness we’re spoiled by not having to be outside for work and having good air conditioning!

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LesterLousDesigns-Etsy

Yesterday I finally finished liquid etching the stencils on the glassware I’m working on in my art room. The etching worked, but I’m pretty disappointed at how delicate and faint the etching is, even though I left the medium on as long as they said was the LONGEST time to leave it on.

Today I’m going to start experimenting, using my Dremel tool. I’m going to see if I can add names to the glassware with the tool. I’ll keep adding and adjusting to see what I can make of this. This will be a long, slow process. I’ll take my time and just enjoy. (Actually, this is the part I enjoy the most. What I WANTED didn’t happen. Now I’m free to ‘play.’ If something fun comes of it, good. If not, I can always pitch these and start over with something else. :0) )

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Red and White 3 Disc Light-Weight Hand-Painted Wooden Dangle Earrings with Bling – Length: 2.5 Inches; Width: 1.2 Inches – $13.95 with FREE SHIPPING to the contiguous U.S. HandmadeHavenByLindaonEtsy

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Shout-out to Mary Lou – just thought of you when I saw this –

hahahahahahahaah

Hope you have a FUN Sunday.

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August 15, 2023 · 11:35 am

Tuesday Thoughts 8-15-2023

http://www.kentfaith.com-blog-creative-photography-ideas

This has been a really nice Tuesday.

While I’ve been writing these posts, I’ve also been communicating with friends and family via various media. I’ve seen some beautiful things on Twitter, and will soon look at Pinterest. I’ve enjoyed a few songs from YouTube. Scanned the news. Non-hurried morning with a cup of coffee and a chance to think about what I would like to do with the rest of my day.

I almost finished the ‘wreath’ Christmas cards yesterday that I’m making for my friends. I should finish the last step today. Then I’ll let them sit for a time before looking at them again to see if they pass muster this time. If they do, I’ll store them carefully, plus list them as a custom order on my Etsy shop, HandmadeHavenbyLinda for the holidays.

I’m still putting masking tape on the glassware I’m going to etch. I’ve etched things in our sandblaster before, but I’ve never used the delicate stencils I’m using with the liquid etching medium I’m trying before. I have no clue what I’m doing and I’m quite a bit intimidated at this point, delaying the time I actually dive in and try it. Maybe today. :0)

Earrings – Dangle/Wire – 2″ One-of-a-Kind Hand-Painted Light-Weight Leaf-Shaped Rose and White -Wooden $13.95 with FREE SHIPPING to contiguous U.S. Earrings

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August 14, 2023 · 10:54 am

Quiet Monday 8-14-2023

Earrings – Dangle/Wire – 2-1/2″ Green Teardrop-Shaped with Green and White Extra Disc One-of-a-Kind Hand-Painted Wooden – $13.95 with FREE SHIPPING to the contiguous U.S.

HandmadeHavenByLinda

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everymum

I had fun in my art room yesterday. I’m doing one part of the Christmas cards at a time, then letting them dry. I’m trying to make stylized Christmas wreaths using a multi-media approach, and I’m having a blast using different media and experimenting with different techniques. There is a definite freedom know that if they’re a disaster (as the first ones were) there is a place waiting in the trash can and I can start again. :0)

I got the masking tape on one of the glasses yesterday. I’m trying to get up the courage to try the liquid etching system. I’ve never done this before, so I’m working VERY slowly, reading the directions over and over before actually taking the plunge. Maybe I’ll work myself up to try the first one today. If not, I can do more of the masking tape stage on the other glasses.

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Exciting things for the day include gathering the trash, driving it down to the bottom of the driveway, getting our mail. Be still, my heart.

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“The Last Flight of the StarLeap” by Simon Panneton

I’m having real trouble getting much done since I found this book. This is the first book by Simon Panneton. “Follow (12-year-old) Ellie as she joins a ghost on a swashbuckling, against-all-odds (sci-fi) adventure to reunite long-lost lovers.”

This is not my normal reading choice, but I’m finding it hard to put down. Ellie has my heart. She’s an orphan who has essentially shut down emotionally. Sharing her life as she opens up, surprising herself as much as everyone else how courageous she is in tackling whatever is in the way of her goals, opening her heart as she goes, is a thrilling experience.

I’ve finished about 2/3 of the book and am TRYING not to simply sit in my chair and read until I find out how her story ends…

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August 10, 2023 · 9:56 am

Thursday 8-10-2023

Adobe Stock

I’m relieved that the severe weather passed us by overnight. I never heard any rain if we had any. Everything, including flying hairballs, was predicted, and my weather thingie was flashing a tornado watch. Thankfully, we had a quiet evening and night and are fine.

Freepik

I spent some time in my art room yesterday, trying to get things put back in place. I had to move a LOT of stuff in order to clear space large enough for my husband to be able to use a ladder under the fluorescent light fixture, rewiring it so that it would accept LED tubes. The light is wonderful in there now, but the room looks a bit like a bomb hit.

I really need to go through and toss a bunch of stuff. Each time I work on a project I find supplies that have hardened up, no longer usable. This time, though, I really want to continue work on the Christmas presents and cards I have in mind, plus play with the new colored markers my husband got me, so I’m just going to concentrate on getting things put somewhere reasonable, clear off my drafting table, and then play. I can be more of an ‘adult’ later… :0)

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August 7, 2023 · 11:03 am

Glorious Rain!

Tenor

Our doors are open, my husband is sleeping in, and it’s deliciously cool right now with gentle rain and 71 degrees. I feel like a plant, drinking in the reviving moisture. We’ll have to close up around lunchtime, probably, and turn on the a/c, but I’m enjoying every minute of this.

Yesterday I finally got up to my art room! It’s the first day in quite a while, since I was trying to get work done in the yard, and then some areas in the house ‘healed,’ from my sloth.

I turned on the fluorescent light up there and nothing happened. I flipped the switch over and over again, with the light FINALLY coming on. That means yet another ballast transformer finally giving up the ghost after some 35 years. Things just don’t last anymore. :0) My husband and I will try to get the fixture changed over to accept the LED tubes today.

I started my idea yesterday for some Christmas presents for my Lunch Bunch buddies and other in-town friends. I had made some Christmas cards with painted wreaths a couple of months ago, but they didn’t turn out like I wanted, so I threw them away and will start over with another technique.

I hope you have a fun day.

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August 6, 2023 · 9:46 am

Ahhhhhhh!

Four Paw Square

Ahhhhhh! We have the doors open so the cool breeze is running through the main part of the house. It’s cloudy, sprinkling, and a delicious 75 degrees F. right now. Just beautiful. I stood outside on our driveway pad drinking in the cool under my umbrella this morning when I let Amber out. What a nice reprieve!

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Earrings – Clip-Ons – “Blue, Purple, Rose & White” Hand-painted, Light-Weight, Wooden $13.95 with FREE SHIPPING to the contiguous U.S.

lindawlewis1@gmail.com if you have questions

HandmadeHavenByLinda is the link to these in my Etsy shop.

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The Organized Mama

No areas are glaring at me this morning that need to be ‘healed,’ and the rain gives me an excuse not to be working outside this morning, so I may actually give myself permission to play in my art room. I have so many ideas rattling around in my head right now that I don’t know if I’ll actually accomplish something, but I may just enjoy listening to some music up there while I mess around. :0)

I hope that you’re having a great Sunday.

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April 7, 2023 · 9:35 am

Playing in my Art Room

MSU College of Agriculture

While playing in my art room, painting some note cards to give our waitress at the Pizza Barn for her birthday, I caught the bug to do more. I haven’t painted note cards or stationery in quite awhile, but ideas are swirling around in my head now, so I might steal some time today to get back upstairs and play.

These are the ones I did for Mikey’s birthday present. They’re a combination of pastels and acrylic paint. I really enjoy experimenting with the combination of different media, so I’m going to play with more of that – including alcohol inks, bleeding tissue paper, and more.

I’m feeling very lucky these days to be able to spend my time reading good books, listening to music, playing in my square foot garden and other flower planters, experimenting in my art room, and finding fun things to share with you here on the blog.

Now, if I could just arrange for more time in each day – and the energy to keep hopping between fun things to do – my life would be complete! :0)

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February 26, 2023 · 9:57 am

Sunday 2-26-2023

4GIFS.com – Giphy

It’s cloudy here today with possibly severe storms including gusty winds predicted around midnight tonight. I hope we get through it all right.

I can’t tell you how happy I am that I figured out what was going on with my images saving and accessing, and that my husband is now waiting for a used computer to replace the one we were using in the shop. Things are calm around here now – a priceless thing. :0)

Unknown

I’m planning to spend some time in my art room this afternoon. I’m playing with things, experimenting with some new techniques and materials. I’m having a lot of fun.

We don’t have any big plans today, so we can take our time with things that we enjoy. My husband even found a frozen ribs dinner he wants to try tonight, so all we have to do is nuke a few things and eat.

I hope that you’re having a fun day, too.

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November 3, 2022 · 10:36 am

Plans

edutopia.org

I’ve been dreaming about paintings with lots of texture lately. I know I won’t get up to my art room until I finish the yard work outside and we’ve done the things we need to in order to get ready for winter, but that doesn’t stop the dreams.

Osnat Fine Art

This one makes me drool, for example. Reacting to the lushness of the color and the desire to TOUCH it are both gut level responses. I’m not even really into abstract paintings, as such, but this one speaks to me.

I look forward to experimenting and playing when the time is right. Meanwhile, I’ll enjoy finding things like this that make my juices flow…

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August 16, 2022 · 10:04 am

Tuesday Thoughts 8-16-2022

The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2019 Geert Weggen Bispg̴rden Sweden Phone: 0768492056 Email: geertweggen@yahoo.com Title: squirrel wishes Description: Red squirrel with dandelion seeds Animal: red squirrel Location of shot: Sverige РFilm Daily

He’s making a wish as the dandelion blows apart! I love it.

We have a squirrel who would like to compete on the cuteness scale. His specialty lately is hanging by his feet from the top of the bird feeder to where he can get the seed. It’s quite impressive. So far, he won’t allow me to get a photo of him. I think he deserves every seed he can eat. I would encourage him to enter the Squirrel Olympics if there were such.

Gail Perry

I had a nice chat online with our son this morning. Newsy, NICE exchange, and it started my morning off super well! :0)

Depositphotos

I will probably finish the Christmas cards I’m painting for my dear friend today and will start flattening them. This has been a really fun project. She suggested that I put her design, plus the one I did for my local friends, on Etsy as custom card packages. I’ll do that, as soon as I can get some pics.

boredpanda.com

Today is DAY 32 of my daily yoga practice. My husband is getting into the habit of grabbing his throw when I come into the living room to do my session, flipping on the ceiling fan – so the habit/routine/regimen part of my exercise is building – at least in my husband’s reaction to it.

Home Depot

Hope springs eternal that the leaf bag of trash I drove down to the bottom of the driveway this morning will actually be picked up today. Fingers – and all other appendages – are crossed for success.

Happy Tuesday!

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August 13, 2022 · 10:26 am

Art

avanistudios.com-Teri Althouse

I didn’t get up to my art room yesterday. I ran out of afternoon and chose to do my yoga (DAY 28) instead. I’ll try to get up there today, though.

I’m making some Christmas cards for a dear friend who is giving me freedom and time, so it’s a joy from start to finish. :0)

I’m using regular card stock and envelopes. The main color background is from bleeding tissue paper in several colors. I’ll do some writing on the inside, leaving plenty of room for the recipient’s name and a message to be written by my friend. She wants me to sign the back of the card.

On the front, I’m using a combination of 3-D effects to make a simple Christmas tree.

I’m having such a good time. I look forward to each stage of this. :0)

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August 11, 2022 · 9:13 am

Thursday Thoughts 8-11-2022

inkspiredmusings.blogspot.com-photograph not credited

Good morning! A more ‘regular’ summer day here. A definite relief from the record-breaking intense heat warnings or flooding downpours. Downright boring!!!!! :0)

Kidadl

Since I felt good yesterday afternoon, I started making the Christmas cards my dear friend asked me to make so she could send them to her friends. She liked the ones that I just finished, but she understands that I can’t make the same thing twice, so I’ll try to come up with something similar.

Lawford Mead Primary School

I’m still jubilant that our trash is GONE. I HOPE that one day I can almost take the trash being picked up on trash day for granted, but that certainly is not yet. I’m hoping that this was an awful glitch in the system and that it won’t be repeated anytime soon. Meanwhile, I don’t have to drive down, armed with another leaf bag, prepared to spend half an hour gathering the trash that has been strewn all over the place by animals overnight. Hooray!

40 Aprons

I told my husband that my plan was to make a huge tuna casserole for tonight – enough we can enjoy it tonight and have several individual serving meals for other nights. He liked the idea. :0)

House Beautiful

I checked to see if we had any ripe tomatoes. I told you earlier that the large planter of tomato plants was done. We still have a couple of plants in the ‘niche’ planter tucked in beside the house and porch. There are green tomatoes, but nothing ripe now.

Tenor

Today is DAY 27 of my daily yoga practice.

The Spruce Eats

A shout-out to Susy and Bobby. I hope they enjoyed every bite of their steak breakfast this morning. You’re both in my thoughts.

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August 8, 2022 · 10:37 am

M-M-M-Monday 8-8-2022

cesarsway.com

I’m having trouble talking clearly because my mouth is full of basketball…. :0) (I laughed out loud when I found this photo.)

Cleveland Clinic

Things are good here today, except that I developed a sore throat last evening. It hurts to swallow and ‘someone’ has been busy with sandpaper inside my throat. I have some Chloraseptic Spray and should be fine very soon.

Times of India

Meanwhile, we gathered trash this morning to add to the GROUP of bags the trash people STILL haven’t picked up. I’m pretty disgusted with our ‘service,’ having had to regather the trash down at the bottom of the driveway TWICE since the pickup was supposed to happen LAST Tuesday. Three phone calls to Customer Service and one to-the-point email have resulted in two work orders, but no action. They won’t be able to say we didn’t have the trash down in time THIS week…. 8 days and counting. HOPING the work order will result in them picking up the trash today, rather than having to have to leave it out there overnight again until ‘regular’ pickup tomorrow.

front
inside

On my Christmas project, the 8 tote bags are finished and stored until gift-giving time. I finished the Christmas cards to go with them yesterday and I’m now trying to flatten them. When I feel energetic, I’ll put things away in the art room and think about a next project.

Giphy

I’m going to take it easy today, spraying my throat, sucking on Sucrets, and being lazy. I’ll do what I can on my yoga practice this afternoon – DAY 24.

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August 7, 2022 · 9:53 am

Lazy Sunday 8-7-2022

dogtime.com

Slow start to the day today. I got up before my husband, did our morning stuff, and he came walking blearily into the office to say “Hi” a few minutes ago. I slept well, but I’m not feeling like chasing any tigers this morning.

Awesomelycute

I’m happy all the way down to my toes because my husband again told me last night that he is proud of my yoga efforts. (Today is DAY 23. )

“What’s the 21 90 rule?“ (On forming a new habit)

“The rule is simple enough. Commit to a personal or professional goal for 21 straight days. After three weeks, the pursuit of that goal should have become a habit. Once you’ve established that habit, you continue to do it for another ninety days.” – if this is true, my yoga should be a ‘habit’ by now and I’m into ‘doing it for another 90 days.’ :0)

Austin Children’s Academy

I dreamed about a couple of tweaks to the Christmas cards last night. Otherwise, I left them flattening yesterday. I should be able to finish them today. Then I’ll work on cleaning up the art room to clear the decks for whatever comes next.

I wish you a happy Sunday.

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August 6, 2022 · 9:39 am

Good Saturday Morning 8-6-2022

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I wish I woke up eager to start the day, a smile ready. Instead, I always get up reluctantly, grudgingly, putting one foot in front of the other, trying to get morning chores under control quickly and then enjoy a cup of coffee.

Today is much nicer because I just finished chatting with our son. Before he moved to Thailand, he set up a secure chat program for us, as well as a conference call program, so we can have good communications even though he’s all the way across the world. He has recently purchased a condo and is having it renovated. Huge new windows have been installed that will be much more efficient and make his condo much quieter from the outside traffic. He’s now going to set up a 2nd bedroom to be a combination office and music room. I’m eager to see how he sets it up. We can type-real-time with each other, plus send pics, leave messages and pics, plus actually visit on video when we’re all up at the same time, so I get everything but his stellar hugs. Can you see me smiling?

Empowered Parents

Yesterday I got the Christmas presents I’ve made for friends protected from the elements and stored safely until gift-giving time. I also got some work done on the inside of the Christmas cards I’m painting. I may be able to finish them today – except for flattening them again.

Now Cook This!

I’m using the chicken we brought home from yesterday’s Lunch Bunch and making what we call “Main Meal Salad” for dinner tonight. I’ll sneak some extra veggies in there. My scales are finally beginning to notice my efforts on eating – or NOT eating – and I’m on DAY 22 on my daily-yoga-practice goal. (Picture my husband cheering me on in his recliner while chomping on some Fritos . :0)

Enjoy your Saturday.

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August 5, 2022 · 1:30 pm

More Fun Friday 8-5-2022

topinspired.com

We are home now from our travels today.

Everyday Psych

Lunch Bunch was a joy. Everyone was there for the first time in several weeks. All were feeling fine. We enjoyed a fun conversation with lots of joking and laughing and just the happiness of sharing time together again. Bud and Kay both have birthdays in the coming week, so next Friday will be celebration day.

We did our errands without incident – the exception was that our trash has still not been picked up. The lady said with the heat, they are picking it up earlier and there was a note saying our trash wasn’t there in time. I told her that we put it out first thing and that usually it’s still there in the late afternoon. She put in a second work order and hopefully it will be gone tomorrow.

Sawyer

I’m about to head upstairs to play in my art room. I’ll store the finished tote bags and work on the inside page of the Christmas cards. Things are starting to come together. :0)

http://www.pinterest.ph – Cat GIF Central

I’ll do my DAY 21 yoga practice late this afternoon.

I hope your Friday is a fun one.

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August 5, 2022 · 8:57 am

Fun Friday 8-5-2022

finehomedisplays.com

I hope you woke up this morning feeling good and ready for the day.

IndiaMART

I’m finally down a couple of pounds this morning. I had to look at the scales twice to be sure I was seeing them correctly. :0) Maybe my new regimen is starting to work. Since we are eating a fair amount of individual frozen dinners, I’ve made a list of the ones with the most veggies. I’m also serving a side veggie. We’re eating a LOT more fruit. I’m watching my husband’s blood sugar numbers, and so far, no problems. I’m on DAY 21 of doing my yoga stretches every day.

YouTube

We have Lunch Bunch this morning. I’m hoping everyone will be there. It seems that something has come up each week lately, so it would be really nice to see EVERYONE today and catch up on what they have been doing.

Yesterday I had gotten the mail and was starting to get back in the car when a car started to pass our driveway on the road and then stopped. I waited a moment, and then someone motioned for me to come on. I did, and then the window of the car went down. The lady introduced herself and asked if I was the one who made the mailbox decorations. I told her my husband and I did. She was really complimentary about our efforts and said she passed by our driveway to see what we had up. She said she is a teacher in Fort Smith and was asking if we would make her a ‘Snoopy’ or a ‘Roadrunner.’ I told her I would have to talk with my husband. I gave her my phone number. If she calls, I’ll be able to tell her that my husband agreed, what we would charge, and see if she wants us to go forward. I thanked her profusely for stopping and making my day. :0)

Colorations

My Christmas card project is coming together. I’m planning to start doing the inside of the cards this afternoon. The presents are now finished and I’ll bag them up to store until gift giving time.

We’ll leave for Lunch Bunch in about an hour and a half. We’ll get our mail, see if the trash has finally been picked up or if I need to call again. We’ll shop for groceries after lunch. And that’s our day.

I hope you’re having a fun Friday.

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August 4, 2022 · 9:05 am

Thursday Thoughts 8-4-2022

Heartfelt – Artwork by Catherine Zarip

It’s quite overcast right now and we might get some rain. I couldn’t be happier about it.

The UCSB Current-UC Santa Barbara

In about an hour I’ll go down to get our mail (if it’s not raining), checking to see if the trash has been picked up. It’s supposed to be picked up on Tuesday. When I left yesterday to get my hair cut, I had to stop and use the trash bag I carry in the truck to pick up the strewn garbage. When I got to town, I called the trash people. The lady said she would create a work order so the trash would be picked up yesterday. I HOPE it was actually picked up. If not, I will call them again with some choice words.

DepositPhotos

I’m on DAY 20 of my daily yoga practice. My husband told me I was “doing a good job” yesterday. I tried to get him to practice with me, but he scoffed at me, eating some Fritos…

everymum

I still don’t know if the Christmas cards I’m trying to paint will turn out reasonably or not, but I look forward to working on them each day.

I’ve been finding a lot of talented people’s work lately. It’s such a joy to discover someone creating breathtaking art in all its forms and be able to share it with you.

Have a great Thursday!

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August 3, 2022 · 8:51 am

Wonderful Wednesday

PBS – Shutterstock

I say, “Wonderful Wednesday” because I’m leaving in less than an hour to get a haircut. I look like a dandelion gone to seed right now and saying that I can’t wait to be ‘healed’ is a vast understatement.

It’s going to be hot today (102 degrees F.) with unknown heat index – SURPRISE! – but we might get RAIN tomorrow, so I have hope.

I’m looking forward to playing in my art room this afternoon. The jury is still out on whether the cards I’m trying to paint will be ‘keepers’ or not, but I’m having a great time experimenting with different ideas and techniques. One of the reasons I start making presents and cards for Christmas so early is that what I’m ABLE to do doesn’t match what I would LIKE to do, and so several false starts are inevitably involved.

Our tomatoes are mostly gone now. I have a few that may ripen, so I check the plants every few days for treasure. I will soon pull up the sweet red onions from the garden to start them drying.

I’m on DAY 19 of my yoga. I’m determined to keep on keepin’ on until this practice becomes as ingrained as brushing my teeth in the morning. This practice, I think, is one of the keys to my health, my ability to do what I want without a lot of pain. I want to live a long time so I can continue to annoy my husband. (53 years and counting…)

I hope you have something fun planned for today, or if not – you have a pleasant, happy Wednesday.

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August 2, 2022 · 3:58 pm

Starting to Take Shape

Gathered

Things are starting to come together on the Christmas cards I’m trying to paint. I’m trying to do stylized Christmas trees. I used bleeding tissue paper for the ‘leaves and branches’ part. Today I outlined the ‘tree’ with 3-D white paint, added a star on top and painted part of the ‘trunk’, for these are ‘live’ Christmas trees – the ones you can plant when the holiday is over.

I’m letting them dry now and will see what they look like tomorrow.

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August 1, 2022 · 3:45 pm

Fun Afternoon

Bruderhof Communities

I’ve been having a fun afternoon.

Once I finished vacuuming the first floor tiles and carpet, I made our lunch and then did the first of the month stuff. Then I headed up to my art room to see what I thought of my efforts yesterday on making Christmas cards for my friends to go with their presents.

So far, it looks like I have an interesting start to the cards that might work. (I used bleeding tissue paper on card stock yesterday and left them overnight to dry.) I took off the tissue paper this afternoon and am now trying to get the card stock to lie flat. (I put a gazillion sketch pads on top of the pile of them and will leave them until tomorrow, when I do the next step.)

I also took the tote bags I finished painting to spray the first side with some protective spray that will help avoid stains and increase the lasting power of the paint. I’ll spray the other side tomorrow.

I spent some time clearing off my drafting table so I have a good space to work tomorrow.

Now I’m going to do yoga practice # 17 and then dive back into my book.

Lovely afternoon!

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July 31, 2022 · 1:58 pm

Fun in my Art Room

sugarandcloth.com

I’ve just come down from my art room.

I made two designs for Christmas cards and threw them both away today. I tried a third idea and it might work!

Princeton Brush Company

I’ve started 10 cards now, and they are drying. I’m using a background of ‘bleeding tissue paper,’ and that requires a lot of water, so I look a bit like this child – every bit as happy and excited, but not nearly as cute, with bleeding tissue paper ink (?) all over the tips of the fingers of both hands.

I’ll see what I think later, when the backgrounds have fully dried, but I THINK I may have a start now.

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July 30, 2022 · 3:38 pm

I Have the FIRST Part…

jennawebbart.com

I made only messes in my art room yesterday in my effort to create a Christmas card design. I’ll try again today. I have an idea rattling around, but I don’t know whether it will turn out to be complete trash, as my two ideas did yesterday. “Hope springs eternal” ~ Alexander Pope.

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July 30, 2022 · 9:36 am

Last Saturday of July 7-30-2022

Nicky Litchfield Animal Artist-TheRoseGallery.co.uk

I love this painting!

We got rained out (hooray!) yesterday on grocery shopping. We’re supposed to get more today (HOORAY – AGAIN!) so we’ll leave soon to see if we can get our mail and replenish our food supply before the rain starts. We actually have the doors open this morning and the a/c turned off! This won’t last, but I’ll sure take it right now. :0)

americasbestpics.com

We tried three places yesterday to buy Mega Millions tickets. One place didn’t sell them at all. The two places where I’ve bought them before have changed ownership recently. They have applied for their licenses, but don’t have them yet. I was disappointed, then learned this morning the winning ticket was sold in Illinois….

Free Arts

I had fun experimenting in my art room yesterday afternoon, but only made messes. I have another idea to try today…

I hope you’re enjoying the last Saturday of July.

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