It is a grey, stormy Monday. Doesn't feel much like May.

Despite the gloominess of the dayI am trying to be cheerful

and get some things done. I have lots of digi work to finish.

My knee is improving, though not as rapidly as I'd like.

I might need to find a giant wren

and train it to fly me around. What do think?

a little romance...

paying the piper

So yesterday my orthopedic surgeon pared me dowm to 1 crutch and no brace.

In my jubilation, I overdid it and had a pretty lousy evening and night. Today I

have lazed around in an attempt to reduce the swelling and pain in my knee.

Ah, well... a little setback, but I know I am making progress.

I must be patient... MUST BE PATIENT!!!!

It is gloomy here, storms approaching. I hate thunderstorms and I super-hate

tornato watches!!!

I worked on digital orders today and watched "Cash Cab". Tonight is "Deadliest Catch"!!

Can't wait! It is the closest thing to going on a cruise I can manage right now.

Hope your Tuesday was pleasant!

xoxo~dale

woo hoo!

Hooray! Today I had an appointment with my orthopedic surgeon. X-rays show that my
kneecap is healing nicely. And I am down to ONE CRUTCH and NO BRACE!
~~~~~OH, JOY!!~~~~~
I feel like I have wings! That evil brace was trying to EAT my leg! I think I want
to burn it! No wait... it was $750. Maybe I need to put it on Ebay!!! LOL!
Kate and I went to Olive Garden to celebrate with breadsticks and salad!
I feel like I am finally getting better!! AT LAST!! Yippee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

digi stuff

Digital work is keeping me sane right now. Even when I am in pain and unable to concentrate

enough to work on jewelry or collage work, I can usually manage to do some digital work.

I feel good enough to read now, so I am working my way through a very nice stack of books.

And with the swine flu swirling around I am not as unhappy about having to stay home as I was before. Schools are closing locally, though my kids' schools are still open.

So, I am snuggled in working on my laptop and letting my knee continue to heal.

Hope everyone at your house is flu-free!

xoxo~dale

more good vibes...

Here is another exquisite beach that I have been fortunate enough to visit.

This is beautiful Honeymoon Beach on the coast of St. John, USVI.

Yes, my friends, this is AMERICA! A large portion of this stunning island is

a national park, so there are unspoiled beaches (like this one) where you can

anchor your sailboat and swim ashore. The water is so lovely and clear, the sky

a dome of enchanting blue lightly brushed with wisps of snowy clouds.

As I pass the time and heal from my surgery it is comforting to recall

days spent in some of the world's most beautiful places. I am blessed indeed.

I look forward to picking up shells on this gorgeous beach again someday.

xoxoxo~dale

good thoughts...

Today I am thinking happy, positive thoughts and recalling a favorite place...

Cane Garden Bay, Tortola, BVI aka~ paradise on earth

This photo shows the enchanting view from Myett's restaurant, where the husband and I enjoyed icy Caribes and a delicious lunch. My toes have been in that pristine, snowy sand. I have waded in that tranquil, turquoise water and shopped the little huts under the palms. And best of all, I WILL return. All of this beauty is there waiting for me. It is between 82 and 85 degrees in Tortola every single day of the year so I don't even have to wait for the right season. Well, there are those pesky hurricanes, but I think I can avoid those.

Yes, I will be sailing the breath-taking Sir Francis Drake Channel again someday, hair blowing in the tropical breeze and a smile as big as the sea across my grateful face!

take that!

Here I am almost a month after I broke my kneecap, 3 weeks after my surgery and I am struggling with being patient. I am getting better, but I still have a lot of pain which means I am still taking pain meds which, while they help with the pain, make me feel sort of lousy and cause havoc to my tummy. And being trapped at home... well, it wears thin... Oh, blah, blah, blah...
I am sorry to whine, but it has been a achy day and I dread night. Boy, do I sound like a baby!!!

Oh a brighter note, I did lots of beading today and made a few banners that I listed in my Etsy shop. I feel like this laptop is my link to the outside world. I love it like a baby! LOL!
I learned a lot about Alaska today, watching the Discovery Channel. What a brutal place! Bears, avalanches, crazy weather... ugh! It is very interesting, but not a place I have any desire to visit. Give me a turquoise sea and sandy beach. I'll leave the grizzlies and icebergs to braver souls!

Well, I am off to fight the battle of sleep vrs pain. Hopefully sleep will win and I'll have some sweet dreams of driving my car and taking a walk!!
xoxox~dale

smiles...

Three weeks into my broken kneecap adventure I am a tad weary of these 4 walls and not being able to walk, drive, blah, blah, blah... but I am healing and making steps (ha!) toward recovery. I am thinking positive and finding many reasons to smile. Fortunately there is so much to in my life that brings me joy. Here's one thing...


This is my youngest son, Will, who strolled into my bedroom dressed as... Joaquin Phoenix, maybe?? A hobo? Whatever... it cracked me up!

I have been able to greatly reduce my pain meds so I am feeling like doing a lot more. I am making some collages, beading, working on digital banners. All of this makes me feel so much better!! And at the rate I'm going I'll have my studio relocated to my bedroom before too long. I am constantly having my kids bring down art supplies for me.

Hope your Thursday bring some smiles!
xoxoxo~dale

still here...

Yes, I'm still here, healing, trying to stay cheerful. Pain is still an issue and the nights

are long. I have had another excursion. Went to Michael's with my sis on Saturday.

I don't last very long. Between the tightness and the weight of my brace, my fatigue

and the pretty much constant pain in my knee... well, I am only good for a short trip.

But, it is so good to get out!

PT is going well and I can really see that it helping me already. It is utterly exhausting,

but I feel like I am inching my way toward wellness and that is a good thing.

I have been working on some jewelry projects. My sis and I are hoping to go to the Dallas

Bead Show next month. I am going to hunt down a wheelchair and rob a bank

and we'll be set!!!

I've also felt like doing a bit of digi work. There are some new banners in my Etsy shop.

God, I love this laptop!!!

I am thankful every day for my wonderful friends and family

who take such good care of me and lift my spirits

with their kindness and love.

xoxo~Dale

Look! Do these crutches rock, or what??

Yep, it's come to this... LOL!

one step (ha!) forward...

I started physical therapy yesterday.

I am not going back...

until Friday! LOL!

Everyone is nice (and a bit evil!).

I was there for 2 LOOOONG hours.

It really does make me happy to be at this point

where I can DO something to speed my recovery.

My sweet friend Heidi is kidnapping me in a few minutes

for a jaunt to Target. Look for me on the Rascal doing donuts!

Well, it beats these 4 walls! I am pretty excited even though

I have to wear my medieval leg brace (I have gentler

one to wear at home).

Hope your Thursday is wonderful! xxxooo

This is me right now... a little isolated and lonely, in a fog, being still and quiet...

waiting for sunshine and favorable winds to come my way.

I don't mean to be whiney! I totally get that a broken kneecap

is just a little molehill in the world of illness, not a mountan

like so many other things would be. I will heal and be fine

and I am so very grateful for that!

But, in truth, I am a lousy patient.

I so dislike this drug-fog I am in. I hate not being able

to take care of my house and family... or climb the stairs

to my studio. I am striving for patience.

On Wednesday I start physical therapy, which will certainly

lift my spirits. I want to participate and accelerate my recovery

as much as possible.

I am so deeply grateful for my sweet and loving family and friends.

The comments left here brighten my days more than you

can imagine. I am feeling well enough to do some beading and digital

work... and the sun is out.

patience...

Ah, the difference a week makes. I am healing from my fractured kneecap surgery, sleeping a bit better, learning how to get around, shower without getting killed and fill my days with more than naps and pills. The pain is getting easier to manage, though evenings and nights are a bit rough. I dread to see the sun go down. My sis is my angel, along with my sweet daughter, husband, sons and friends who are all doing so much for me! I am lucky that I can do digital work, some arty projects, love to read, etc... though between meds, fatigue and pain I have not accomplished much in this first week post-op. No worries, I have plenty of TIME! LOL!
Spring is blossoming outside my window and I long to be outside, but that will have to wait a bit.
I want to thank all of you who have have left words of encouragement, sent sweet surprises and lifted me up in your thoughts and prayers. It means so much to me!
I am thinking positive, being grateful for the fact that this is just a little bumb in the road. I will recover and I know there are so many worse things I could have to face.
Hope your Thursday is filled with hope and joy!
xoxoxo~dale

aaaahhhh...

I am HOME, cozy and warm at last.
What a week I've had. My "day surgery"
for a broken kneecap landed me in the
hospital for 3 days. Day surgery should
be illegal for anything more than removing
cats' claws! I am whipped, but so glad to be
home with my sweet family.
Walk carefully! Do NOT break your knee cap.
It is not fun.
xoxoxo~dale

That *&!$ glass IS half FULL!

Okay, so my kneecap is broken ... in half. So what? I am SERIOUSLY happy that this is all I am dealing with. As health issues go, it is not that bad. It is , afterall, fixable. I'll be fine, just gimpy for a while. I am thinking positive thoughts about all the digital work I can do now that I can't cook or do laundry. I refuse to feel sorry for myself! I mean, girls, imagine freedom from household chores for possibly MONTHS! How bad is that???

I have TEMPORARILY closed my Etsy shop for a few days so I don't get too far behind on orders. I will re-open ASAP... hopefully early next week.
And if I do get a little blue, I am going to order myself a MARIMBA!!
It is the sure route to Happy-Land!

My surgery is early tomorrow morning. The doc assures me he will be wide awake
and ready to piece me back together at 7:30. Then he is flying off to the
Napa Valley to buy some wine. Me? Oh, I think I'll just rest a bit.
xoxoxox~Dale

coming soon to a kneecap near you...

No, that's not a satanic emblem, just my futute kneecap after I have surgery on Wednesday morning. I will be wired and pinned back together and on the long road to recovery. I just called "Dancing With Stars" and told them I might have to push off my appearance for a season. Poor Maxim. His heart will be broken! May's ascent of Mt. Everset is on hold, too... not to mention my Victoria's Secret photo shoot. What IS on tap, you ask??? Crutches, PT, drugs and lots of daytime TV, crossword puzzles and naps. Thank God for this laptop!

The worst thing is dressing., it is awkward, but that's not the real problem. The thing I am hating is that I am wearing my 16 year old son's track shorts and t-shirts... not cool... It is nearly impossible to maintain any since of style under these circumstances. ugh...

Well, I am off to bejewel my cruthches!

welcome to my world...

Horray, spring is here! The sound of lawnmowers and weedeaters fills the air in suburbia. The sun is bright and the birds are busy building nests... and I am in bed with an "immobilzer" on my right leg, because I shattered my knee cap (patella) yesterday... No, I am not kidding, not one little bit. Will and I were leaving the grocery store yesterday and I slipped on the bumpy things in the sidewalk that are there to alert blind people that they are entering traffic. I landed right on my knee cap and I have to say it was a horrid experience. Hours in the ER netted me a very ugly set of x-rays and a bunch of pain pills. I will see the orthopedic surgeon (hopefully) on Monday. I feel pretty awful...
My sweet friend Jana came to my rescue, rushing me to the hospital and taking Will for the evening. The husband and kids have been taking good care of me. I'll be okay, just no skateboarding or ballet for a while...

What a spectacular morning!

The Spring Break Goddesses have smiled upon us all week

with beautiful, warm, sun-drenched days!

This weather is like a double-shot of joy to my soul!

I always feel rather victorious at winter's end,

a bit giddy to have survived the grey, cold season once more.

A bit of sunshine renders me hopeful and energized!

I hope your Friday is beautiful!

I can't think of many things that make me happier than saying

farewell to winter! Well, saying it from the deck of ship

would be nice, but anywhere feels good!

Speaking of feeling good, I am getting better every day.

I am trying hard to keep up with my digital orders

and have even taken a few hours to work on some new

jewelry projects! I am trying to decide if I should put my

new creations in my shop or save them for Paper Cowgirl.

It sure feels good to be able to create again!

Hope spring has sprung in your neck of the woods, too!

xoxoxox~dale

thank you

thank you, originally uploaded by Sea Dream Studio.

Oh, I so appreciate the good wishes you've sent! I am feeling much better and am thinking positive, cheerful, bright and colorful thoughts!
I am also grateful for DRUGS! What a difference it makes when you are given the right treatment! I have a few more weeks of antibotics, but I am on the mend and ready to get back to life, fun and creativity!

that's it!

Okay, enough already! Last night I threw in the towel and heeded the advice of my insurance company's "ask a nurse phone line". She suggested that I "go to the ER within the next 3 hours."
This infection I have, that seems to sneer at antibiotics, was getting out of hand. The doctor gave me a big ole jug-o-antibiotics IV and some morphine as a side dish. I will get my lab results in a few days and hopefully the IV and the 2 antibiotic pescriptions I started on today will finally kill this nasty beast! I am so OVER feeling like I am under water. This has been putting a serious crimp in my creative abilities... hell, it's been putting crimp in my functioning-like-a-normal-human-being abilities, too!
Okay, enough boring health chat. I am so excited about Paper Cowgirl! As soon as I feel better I am going to get back to work on my goodies for Vendor Night. I have also started putting my class kits together. We are going to have so much fun!!!
Well, Mr. Vicodin says it is naptime and I always listen to him. Night-night...
xoxox

in case you wondered...

Frigidaire Washer, originally uploaded by saltycotton.

I've been distracted by feeling lousy for the past few weeks, but I must share my J*O*Y over my snazzy , new Frigidaire front-loading super-deluxe, ultra-fab washing machine! Girl, if you want really appreciate your little household helpers, try going without one of them for a few weeks. I guarantee you will be glowing with happiness when said gadget or machine is repaired or replaced.
This item has an added "feel good" factor in that it is an EnergyStar appliance. I even get a nice fat credit from the city on my water bill for using it! Gotta' love that.
It is a dreamy, beautiful Sunday afternoon and I am trying to use mind-over-matter to make myself feel better. My antibiotics are letting me down and I continue to feel sub-par. How utterly boring. Perhaps I'll do a load of laundry! That should cheer me right up!! ;)

ready to go

ready to go, originally uploaded by Sea Dream Studio.

I mailed my soldered glass houses today. What a fun swap! I have already gotten 3 and they are gorgeous. I am not a big swapper, but I couldn't resist the thought of 10 little glass house strung together to make a garland/neighborhood.
It was in the 80s here today! Needless to say I adore this weather!
And I am finally feeling better! Thank God!

you don't want to miss this!

Miss Dale showing one of her lantern examples, originally uploaded by FaithandChocolate.

Well, here I am in all my teacher-y glory at Paper Cowgirl . LOL!
Despite my less that delighted looking students' expressions, we really did have LOTS of fun. It was the start of my class and I imagine they were still trying to figure my wackiness (and my outfit) out. Good luck with that!
I am thinking of offering wine at this year's class. The students might not need it, but I will! Public speaking is not my most fav activity, but I can manage and if you come to my class I can guarantee you'll laugh... at me, probably, but that's cool!
You can find Paper Cowgirl info here... http://papercowgirl.blogspot.com/

modern medicine

Though I have been fighting it, I have really felt lousy for several weeks now. I am trying a different, kick-*&% antibiotic and if this one fails I am off to buy some Hops & Malts Bitters... hey wait a minute... can't I get that by drinking a beer?
It is a beautiful day here... 80 degrees and sunshine. I can''t tell you how happy I am to know springtime is nearly here!
I want to thank everyone who has signed up for my shadowbox class at Paper Cowgirl! I am already preparing my class kits, filling them with pretty things for making our bird themed creations. There are a few spots left. Hope to see you there!
I am also working on my goods for vendor night. My work table is buried in lace, glitter, ribbon and other delights. At this rate I'll need a U-Haul to transport my stuff down to Waxahachie come June!
I hope spring is showing her pretty face where you are today!

I love color!

What on earth is more fun than playing with color? I love to sort things by color! My clothes and jewelry are all catagorized by color and even arrayed in rainbow order. Weird? Perhaps, but I LOVE the way it looks! I notice color everywhere and it delights me.

Today I played with color, working on digital orders. It was a cool, but beautiful day. Signs of spring are everywhere. If only our economy could be reborn along with the grass and flowers. I'm afraid it will not be so simple or swift as that.

I hope your Monday was colored with joy!

it's all good...

Well, after a week of feeling lousy, taking antibiotics that kicked my butt and perhaps made me feel even worse, I am getting better! And my sweet son is returning from San Diego where he went to attend his friend's sweet 16 party. I think he had a great time and made some new friends. That makes me smile!

Despite feeling yucky, I have been plugging away on digital orders and a few other projects.

Also this week, I got my new washing machine, which I love beyond all reason! It is like a robot... so smart and covered with shiny buttons and twinkling lights!!

We've had a bit of a cold snap (aaarrrgg!), but it will be warming back up to the balmy temps I adore later this week. Spring is near! Oh, joy!!

And last but not least, check out this great organization my church is joining. http://familypromise.org/

coming soon!

In just a few days (March 1st) signups begin for our Texas altered art retreat~
Paper Cowgirl!
http://papercowgirl.blogspot.com/
This fantabulous event will be held June 26 - 28 in beautiful Waxahachie, Texas.
I am so excited to be teaching! My class is called "Nature's Song". We will be creating bird themed shadowboxes using all sorts of wonderful ephemera and found objects.
There are lot of great classes offered, a vendor night and much fun and frivolity and those famous frosting shots to be had by all !
Hope to see you there!
xoxo

I love Texas!

I don't always adore Texas, but when it is 80 degrees in February, I sure do!
What a glorious day! My heart goes out to all of you who are still stuck in the clutches
of winter. I hope spring is near for you, too.
I ran a few errands today and soaked in the beautiful rays of sunlight that flooded my car through my OPEN moonroof. Ah, joy!
It has been a quiet day. I've worked on digital orders this afternoon with the backdoor open to the accompaniment of birdsong and now I am hearing a most wonderful sound of suburbia... a lawn mower! If that doesn't scare winter off completely, what will?

on the horizon...

Oh, what is that I spy?? I do believe it is *S*P*R*I*N*G*T*I*M*E* !!

I am LOVING the bits of tender green that are appearing, the first sweet blooms,

the longer days and the glorious SUNSHINE!!

Springtime energizes me! I am feeling creative and happy

and hopeful about every little thing!

Hope your Monday is springy, too!

sneak peek...

Here are my glass (bird) houses for a swap hosted by Tina Wright. Participants will end up with 10 glass houses to make a garland with. It was so fun to pick up scissors and ephemera, glitter, velvet ric-rack and sequins after months of doing only digital work. Cutting paper will always be my dearest love! So, to all you smartypants swap gals who made your houses months ago... see! I have mine ready on time!! Whew! LOL!

It is a glorious day here in the Dallas 'burbs. I am thinking positive and am feeling the bad vibes melt away like wet witches!

Hope your weekend has been pleasant.

xoxoxo~dale

BE GONE!

There as been a bit of a dark cloud overhead lately... a sort of vague gloom lingering in the vicinity. Things have been breaking, car mishaps, dealings with unpleasant people.

Today I am electing to dispel this nasty fog of negativity! I intend to focus on JOY!

There are far more good things in my life than bad. I am going to steer my thoughts

toward creativity, gratitude and FUN! Yes, there are bad things that must be dealt with, but I am approaching them with an attitude of victory and positive vibes! POOF! Vileness be gone! Spring is in the air! There is joy to be found, laughter and good friends to lighten my load and I am aligning myself with the benevolence of the universe! I am off to create something beautiful!

crunch!

In my last post I discussed the worries of moms who have kids driving cars.
And... to prove my point my 16 year old son had a wreck on Monday. Poor kid!
A truck pulled out in front of him and then the driver FLED the scene! My son
actually chased this guy for 5 or 6 blocks, honking his horn until the guy pulled over.
Thankfully, the guy didn't shoot my son! He tried to talk Ian out of calling the police,
but Ian was too smart to fall for that. And really, my son (and the other driver) were
unhurt, so that is the main thing.
But poor Ian! That boy ADORES his car... works on it nearly every day.
The photo is a bit deceptive. His radiator is messed up. I'm afraid this is
more than cosmetic damage. But, he is taking it well.
It is a perilous world!

big kids...

My kids are big kids... 23 & 21 (my married son and sweet daughter-in-law), 19 (daughter), 16 and 12 (sons). While many aspects of life are easier & less physically demanding when your kids are older, the concerns merely change. Now I don't worry that my kids aren't eating or sleeping enough or developing normally... nope, now I worry that most of them drive cars! My oldest son is a motorcycle technician! EEEK!

Tonight I have kids scattered all over... work, church, who knows where... and what I really want is all of them here, safe and sound. I offered to build my son and his wife a little bitty house in the backyard. I told them I'd cook for them (and I HATE to cook) and wash their clothes (ha!ha!), etc. Oh, well... healthy birds leave the nest. My nest is stil pretty full, but my babies are all spreading their wings. I know this is good. It is the way of the world, but sometimes I miss those chaotic, exhausting days when they were underfoot, filling the house with joyful noise!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Remember when you were young and dating and Valentine's Day was such a big deal?
Now it seems like a plot by the greeting card industry, florists and chocolatiers.
I don't mean to sound grouchy. Love is grand, but I am just not so excited about
Valentine's Day anymore. I'd rather have a working washing machine than flowers!

Yes, it is true... my washing machine is STILL not working and the home warranty people are dawdling around like imbeciles. It is ALMOST laughable! Well, actually it is funny. In a sad sort of way.
Hey, look, I know this is a very small thing in this world, so fraught with despair and such. It is just a pain in the hiney...

The husband is flying in from Grand Rapids this afternoon and we have a V-Day party to attend.
I SHOULD be making a dish to take, but I think I'll just buy some cupcakes. I am just too &*#$%@ lazy to even look at the stove. Domestic Goddess... I think not!

Ah, how lovely to awaken to the sound of birdsong!

Dare I say it? Spring is in the air!

I love the longer hours of daylight!

I feel my spirit getting lighter and more joyful

as winter begins to fade.

I am off to McKinney today to spend some time in the shop where I have a space.

It is a gorgeous sunshiney day... a good day to be out and about.

The poor husband is off to Minneapolis on business. Brrrr!!

And my washer languishes in the laundry room, idle and on the verge of extinction.

I am waiting for the warranty people to declare it dead. Time to pull the plug!

Happy Thursday! I hope you can hear the birds singing, too!

xo

enough already!

I strive for a peaceful spirit. I don't fret (too very much) over things that I have no power to change, BUT I am just about over having a broken washing machine! We have a home warranty to deal with this type of thing. Now we are 3 (yes, THREE) weeks into no washer.

I have been to my sister's to wash, to the laundromat and have handwashed some things.

It is getting rather tiresome...

How I long for this joyful domestic scene to play out at my home once again!

Today the super-tech is coming to offer his skills. If he can't fix my machine I'm going to HIS house to do my laundry!

Ah, sunshine after a dreary morning... how nice!
I completed a few digital orders and shopped for some new elements. It is wonderful that more digital images are being offered with commercial use licensing. I make a lot of my elements, but it is great to find beautiful vector images, overlays and other elements to work with.
Our "winter" contines being unwintery. I am love the warmer temperatures, but keep thinking we going to have a freak blizzard at some point. My neighbor's cherry tree is in full bloom!
I am so sleepy this afternoon. I feel like I took a handful of Tylenol PM. I have got to snap out of it and clean up a bit. The washer repairman is coming after dinner to FINALLY fix my machine. Good grief, I am sick of washing my clothes in the creek! ;)
Oh, I think I MUST go rest my eyes...zzzz....

TGISE...

Thank God it's Sunday evening!

The big event at church went well and the best part... IT IS DONE!

The paper moon portraits were a big hit and much frivolity ensued.

For some reason that moon just seemed to make people grin.

I am cranking out digital orders as quickly as I can.

Thank heaven I love this work! It still feels like play most of the time.

I am grateful for my wonderful customers who trust me to help them

embellish their blogs and shops. xoxoxo

I am going to have to break away from the cyber world for a bit.

I have sold out of 'Twilight" pendants at the shop in McKinney

where I have a spot. I got an SOS call from them yesterday

begging for more. I have them soldered, so I just need to clean them

up, add some bead and charms and run them up to the shop.

My car window is repaired and my neighbor paid

for our deductible. Very nice of them.

Hope your weekend was nice. It was in the 70s here!! Texas can be a very lovely place!

awww...

Look at my poor baby! I LOVE my car. It's a 2006 Honda CRV (the year before they changed the body to make it look like a short fat minivan) and I adore it! After centuries of driving a minivan, I feel so sassy in this car. I'm 5'2", 100 (or so) pounds and this car is the perfect size for me. It has realtime 4 wheel drive (that I never use, but think it's cool), Sirius radio, lots of cool cubbyholes for stowing my Edward Cullen doll and cellphone, so... I am very sad that an errant BB took out my rear window last night.

I NEVER leave my car out the garage, but I was working on that $*&@#! paper moon for my church so I DID leave my car sitting out. The neighborhood boys (good kids) were having an airsoft (and BB, apparently) shootout up and down the alley and one of the BBs got my window. In fact, there is a silverly BB in the tray between my 2 front seats. I'm not mad. I have 4 kids, 3 of them boys. Things happen. I'm just a little inconvenienced and out $100 for the insurance deductible. Farmer's even sends out a MOBILE repair guy! They are coming this afternoon. Woo Hoo! Gotta' love that.

So, mostly I am sad that my pretty gal got a boo-boo. Soon she will have a shiny new window and nobody got hurt... so it's all good.

TGIF!!!

It's only a paper moon

Today I am working on a huge paper moon... spackling it and preparing to paint and glitter it. It is for a dinner/dance at our church on Saturday night. We're going to take paper moon photos of the attendees. Should be fun and it least I am getting my hands in some glitter after a long non-sparkly spell of all digital projects!
But you know what? Spackle does not smell good!
I think I'm going to have to light some incense in the garage.
Whoa! That takes me back to my high school days...
Okay, I am off to hammer the CO2 detector that is STILL beeping even with new batteries!
What's with that?

Let there be light...

Whenever I see the work of English painter J.M.W. Turner I am struck anew by his stunning ability to capture something as ethereal as light. Turner's work is mostly landscapes and seascapes. Human figures are vague, seemingly unimportant in his work. Some have even called his paintings cold. I do not find them so. While he does not offer the perfected realism of Vermeer or the tenderness of Boucher's Rococo renderings, his work is romantic and enchanting. For me, the light in Turner's work is life. It is spirit and breath blossomed on canvas in impossible brushstrokes.

When I was fortunate enought to see his work in person it left me touched and uplifted, though his subjects can be ones of peril and statements of social injustice. Light draws us all, calls to mind hope and truth. In Turner's exquisite golden light I see the shadow of his heart.

swoosh!

Geeze! Where'd the weekend go? I spent mine working on digi orders and taking care of the husband. He has the FLU! Egads! I am swimming in hand sanitizer and spraying Lysol like a madwoman! Somehow we never got around to getting flu shots this year... DUMB!
After a shot AND an IV at the doc's office, a pile of prescriptions and a few days in bed the husband is slowly recovering. Poor thing!
It was gorgeous here this weekend... very warm, felt like SPRING!! Even the birds were sounding spring-ish. I know, I know... it's winter and as if I needed a reminder a cold front is roaring in like a run-away freight train as I write this. But, it's February and spring WILL be here soon. Joy!
And, finally... my washer sits idle as we wait for a new motor to arrive. It is amazing how much time I spend doing laundry. Sometimes I wish we had pelts. Glittery pelts. Maybe some nice pink polka dots for me. ;)
I'm off to dreamland where islands and conch shells wait for me...