last of the blossoms

last of the blossums, originally uploaded by emily999.

Keep On The Sunny Side - June Carter Cash

Raining...

It's raining today and cold. It's a bit odd for being only 40 degrees and it's nearly June...what are the fireflies going to think? Strange weather...even though it is better than humidity. Still, I'm worried about my garden and will everything grow. I've really got to start thinking about making simple greenhouses (old jars can fit over seedling, giving a protection against the elements).

I remember a neighbor back in California. She took this barren grassy bit and made one of the most beautiful gardens I had ever seen. I admire people who can do that. It gives me hope of doing something like this as well...At least I pulled a few weeds from the front yard. I love dandelions but at times they will grow in spots I want to just keep mulched.

Last night was a bit hectic as there was a last minute party of the cutest kids. Most had to be under 6...I was surprised by the amount of kiddos but on the whole they were pretty good. I know there will be a big clean-up, none-the-less.

Then, we had a board meeting and things are moving along! I'm very pleased as more board meetings are just what we needed. It helps get plans made, responsibilities done and best of all there is a sense we're all in this together. What a relief.

I know I tend to be a Pollyanna type and try to keep myself level headed. Now, I want to see that movie again...We should all encourage our Pollyanna's as much as possible.

Make a wish....

, originally uploaded by emily999.

Work that was on display at the BCAF

work that was on display at the BCAF, originally uploaded by emily999.

I had three pieces that were chosen to be displayed at the local art show at Penn State. It was an honor being in the show and especially having my digitally composed pieces accepted.

Squirrels!

This is so cool! A live action shot of mama squirrels and her young!!! Thanks, Patrick and Lori!

Also, forgot to show some new artwork:

Got a bit behind on my art stuff...

I've got to update my art blog soon as the server was down a few days ago for this. Hopefully, it's back up.

In the meantime, I'm putting up new work on eBay. I can hardly wait for summer time...then, I can really get work done.

It was a long day but very nice as we talked to some new people and the gals had a good time playing.

On a different note, one of the things I really want to do is make the gift shop at the gallery come alive by having sales go on-line. This would be a great way to encourage sales and give local artists a chance to work with a really great cause.

I feel lucky to have a lot of good people in my life and mostly to have crazy Mr. Nelson (my dog). I have to say he makes everyone laugh (even if he snuck downstairs and went potty down there, shame on him). Another good thing about having a dog is he forces us to play...even if we don't want to. Honestly, if I could, I'd have two dogs...but my darn fence probably wouldn't survive (it's sort of like a fence for cattle but smaller grids). Anyway, stuff to think about.

I almost got 6 guinea pigs. Unfortunately, someone beat me to it. These little guys were going to be given away and I missed that one (Jon's probably relieved). I wouldn't mind a goat, but we're not allowed in the "city". Maybe we should just get a little farm some day...I know a nurse who does that. Has a house in town and a farm a few miles away. Sounds like a lot of work, though...

Well, I heard about this cool place but I'm not supposed to tell anyone about it. Let's just say it's in Martinsburg...sort of like a junk shop but a bit better (it has FABRIC and ART supplies!). I really, really want to go but have to wait till things are a bit different money wise. A visit wouldn't hurt if I just window shopped. This is one reason I like to read blogs and websites...you get to look and don't have to buy anything (yet). :)

Last night I stayed up till midnight painting and even though I was tired, it felt very good. If I want to refresh myself, painting does the trick every time. Actually, any art will do. I need to start thinking about making a "fire pit" sort of thing (maybe a bar-b-que type kiln) to test out the paper clay idea. I hope it works...this was something I've been wanting to try since the Winter.

I'm so excited about the art show at the Penn State Campus...it's an honor to have 3 pieces there. We went to the artist's reception (and volunteered, actually)...good food and a fun opportunity to meet some people in the art scene locally.

All in all, an interesting week. The gals and I are pressing flowers, drying out lilac (hopefully, this will work and I can make potpourri) and enjoying Spring. I still have to photograph my mini-quilt and put that up on-line. Too much to do, I guess...and I still haven't finished planting in my little garden space. I did start some lettuce, turnip, and other plant seedlings. I hope they survive the thinning process…I’m a klutz at this.

I’m thankful at the moment…it amazes me how family and friends really do help in times of need. I’m very grateful right now.

Also, we got rid of the old car. It wasn’t worth trying to fix up and after all the list of repairs we’d have to make and on top of that it was a gas guzzler, it was time to say good-bye. I was sad as it had a lot of memories. It was my first real car (didn’t start to drive until my late 20’s…took the bus or walked in CA) and this made it a bit harder to let go. Plus, I had a lot of good memories with my sis and family (we bought it from her). Anyway, it was a good car…but nothing beats getting $15 for half a tank of gas! The little trekker is REALLY good on gas (plus, having air conditioning, a working radio and no leaky sunroof is a great thing).

Well, that’s it for now. Today a lot was accomplished, planned out and I’m feeling a lot better emotionally. A good day with a bit of rain.

Mission Acomplished.

I've officially made the oatmeal-raisin-chocolate chip cookies! It took me till the next day (Kim, you encouraged me to get this done!lol!). I must be feeling a tad better (having the air conditioner on, helps control dust/pollen). I finished the cookies and my eldest said after one bite "These rock, mom!" I was surprised by that and very honored!

I also am trying another sour dough recipe. The other one I tried was a bit convoluted and made it hard to follow with the little tangents here and there. I used my old trusty Betty Crocker cook book (the 1970's version, I believe). That book has got a lot of use. Yesterday, all I could manage for dinner was something I'm calling
"Italian Dumplings". Bascially, I made dumplings and added basil to them. Then, I tried to fry them first (this didn't work out too well...either too dough-ie or else not enough oil used). So, I boiled the sause and dropped them in there and steamed them up. Surprisingly, this came out really good with a touch of parmesian cheese for garnish. Give it a try (make sure the sauce in the jar is a bit watery (I swished some water in the jar to get the last drops, as well).

Today, I was blessed with a gift of beans and kids clothing. I know, strange combination but they're needed. I used the kidney beans to create a chili of sort...basically added chili powder, cumin, salt, chicken broth and a bit of chicken. I also baked a small chicken Jon got last night. He does lawn mowing during this time of the year for extra cash and it comes in handy, I must say.

So, with all of this going on, I made the cookies (a few got burnt, but that's what happens when I double up in the oven) and the chicken came out excellent. I feel like I'm getting good at creating new meals.

As a way to keep me sane, I started and am nearly finished with a mini-quilt. I did a guinea pig in blue and it came out really sweet. I used sweater material that had accidently been felted and another one which had been worn to near bits. This one is going to be a hard to sell as they remind me of my gals...but I will make myself something from the left over pieces. I didn't realize how nice it is to use sweater material that's felted. I used a bigger needle as well and I think this is what made it less painful (I usually use a tiny needle for sewing).

In other news, I'm volunteering at the artist reception tomorrow. It should be fun and I hope to meet some nice people. It's at the campus...

I sometimes wonder how in the world I get myself into situations where I'm out of the house so much. I'm a very home body type and it still makes me laugh...Jon's dad once told him, he'd never be bored with me. I guess that's true; I usually get myself into a situation of one kind or another. Hopefully, mostly good.

I know this sounds terrible but I watch a lot of cartoons...obviously, this is in reflection to my kids. We recently rented the whole Gummie Bears series...and it was a real treat. I grew up on this stuff and it was a delight to see my gals fall in love with them too. Of course, we also watch Jenny the Robot, Spongebob (one of my favorites), and countless other cartoons (usually classics off of youtube). I read a lot of kids books too...and again, usually they are written better and have more truth to them than most grown-up contemporary books.

I recently read a book called Mr. Glum, I believe. It was about a fish who would swim around and just be down. This made other fish down too. I have to say this is very true about my moods too...if I'm having a bad day, usually everyone knows and feels moody too. I don't think we should try and "be happy" but I do think, there is truth to what Leo Buscaglia said about the self:

Love yourself—accept yourself—forgive yourself—and be good to yourself, because without you the rest of us are without a source of many wonderful things.”
Leo F. Buscaglia

What a good way of thinking about who we are...I hope to put this into practice more.

hmmmm...

I sometimes wonder about reading blogs/writing and so forth. It seems to me there are times when people like to read things that are negative and other times people like to read only positive upbeat things. I try to keep it balanced in my little nook here. Just seems a nice balanced thing to do.

Recently, I read that people attract likes. In other words, if people are genuinely happy, they will attract happy people. If they are down beat, they will attract the same. This seems really true for me. When I think of my friends in the past, I can see why some relationships went sour or others have held the test of time. I'd say I'm a fairly normal, happy person and I know this is reflected in my current friendships...my best friend, husband, new friends, etc. Just a sense of well being, really.

Had a great time with one of my students but we were both having an off day. I just can't seem to shake this allergy thing...time to do the nasal cleansing, I guess. I know I'll feel better afterwards, but there's a load of dishes I need to wash first.

I need to think about dinner, again. We're out of pasta, so I'm trying to think of an alternative I can fry up and add tomato sauce too. Something that is simple and sort of like pizza-ish.

Anyway, I really don't want to cook but I know everyone's going to be hungry and at least a semi-Italian dinner will please everyone! :)

If I have the energy, maybe I'll make oatmeal cookies. I was looking through the pantry and found some raisins and oats. This should be good with chocolate chips. Wish me luck the energy to finish it all.

A pollen filled day...

It's gorgeous outside and slightly cool but warming up, thankfully. I feel a bit overwhelmed as yesterday was a roller coaster of a day emotionally. I'm glad a few things are being worked out and so forth and yet, there is an overwhelming feeling that this is becoming so complicated for no real reason. I know things will work out.

I've also realized how wonderful Jon is. I don't say it enough, really. He's great and even if we're having a bad patch with this new endeavor, it's not a big thing in the grand scheme of life. I have to say, we're really learning to work well together and that's a good feeling.

I'm also glad I have what I do have. I was thinking about the horrible things happening lately, the earthquake in China, the cyclone in Myanmar, and tornados in Arkansas...my thoughts and prayers go out to all who are suffering and have left us. It breaks my heart, really. I've been through a few earthquakes and know this is one of the worst feelings. I'm fortunate not to have gone through worse weather conditions than an Eastern storm or two and can almost imagine what it would be like in something worse.

I guess these thoughts have been in my mind...I've really got to stop reading the news headlines. Fortunately, there are many good things happening and this helps balance the sorrows that are in the world right now.

On an entirely different note, I dropped some work off at Art4 Gallery. They were so nice and friendly, I felt at home. It's a beautiful space and what I love most is the use of old pieces of a barn for the front counter and shelves! What a beautiful use of something from the past and such a wonderful homage. I submitted a few pieces of small artwork there as well. I'm going to do a write up for the Altoona Art Cafe blog soon and can't say enough positive things about it. Besides which, they have wonderful artwork...I wish my pocketbook was bigger (or that I had one) and I'd definitely spend a bit there!

Even though my allergies are acting up, it's been a productive day. Things will get better and for now, we need to count our blessings.


This print was recently accepted by the juried artshow by BCAF.

Somewhere Over the Rainbow

Cold rainy days...

I don't really care for cold days and today seems to have dropped to the 40's! It's cold and I'm worried about my seedlings. I think they'll be all right but in the meantime, maybe I'll make a plastic greenhouse for them.

In other news, I was surprised by the attitude of a person I have to deal with. I had made a mistake and when I tried to fix it, the person refused to forgive. I feel sorry for this person as I wonder if they've ever been forgiven or if someone has treated them really negatively in the past. I just wish they weren't so difficult to work with. I hope the best for them.

Anyway, I feel better now. I know making mistakes is part of life, and how we learn; this is part of how we become better people.

I have about 20 minutes before I have to pick up my gals. I feel like I wasted an afternoon trying to correct a situation and make peace with someone who'd rather not be apart of something good. I'd have preferred to work on some artwork. Fortunately, I did start working on a project I had hoped to finish by October earlier in the day, so at least I did this. I don't think it will be finished by October, but you never know.

I just realized I didn't have lunch yet and I guess I'll have a pj sandwich. Yesterday was Mother's day and I had quite a few wonderful people send me some salutations via blog and email. This made it a great day (also, my gals grew flowers for me and Jon surprised me with some fresh blooms too). All in all a good day (even though we worked).

I think I need to do some mini ACEO's; I must say they are good stress relievers...plus, it makes me happy. Of course, a chocolate bar would be a good thing too. :)