tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10693913885963365312024-03-14T01:23:54.908-04:00Katy's Wanderings and WonderingsKatyDidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11215285840260166793noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1069391388596336531.post-41002203131999163282016-09-21T14:31:00.002-04:002016-09-21T14:31:40.465-04:00New Beginnings!I'm officially retired... for the first time and maybe the last. Due to changes at my workplace and losing my benefits, I've made the choice to move on. I thought I'd be working until the 30th of September (2016) but that took a sudden change yesterday. My boss suggested I accept her offer of two weeks of sick leave. I worked the rest of the day while I packed my box and I walked out with a final paycheck yesterday at 4:35 PM. I left behind 25 years of memories.<div>
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I've been unloading my box today as well as a couple of boxes from a coworker who walked away a month or two back. She gifted me some craft stuff that I simply hadn't gotten around to unloading until today. </div>
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And now I figure out where I'm heading next. It's on my list to change the picture in the header, I certainly don't look like that anymore!</div>
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To be continued...</div>
KatyDidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11215285840260166793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1069391388596336531.post-68957411629312179612013-08-14T10:28:00.000-04:002013-08-14T10:31:02.145-04:00<h2 style="text-align: center;">
I think the Fly is Dead</h2>
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Paper beads. That's my latest endeavour. Roll up long skinny, tapering, pieces of paper - around a coffee sippy straw. Glue the end down, varnish it a few times and there you have it. A bead, or many beads. You choose depending on your level of insanity.</div>
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Apparently I am rather insane as I ordered a box of 1000 coffee, stir-er, sippy straws last night. If that is an indication of the winter to come, it's going to be a long, wet winter. And there she is.... twirling paper around sippy straws...</div>
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I am really getting old. The older I get, the younger I get. I play like a six year old. If only I could sleep like a child too. </div>
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I'm still into photographing everything I don't see, in hopes of seeing it better. Doesn't help usually, but it does keep me off the streets. (for the most part). </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhloBNQuzvI9GM6D5FhQ6eF0-_lG13s5XMdELuEz_dxLKKDCZ9JVSLLx-yVi0D1QAbtPTAaOgHDCGj2d5cOPmMjSm3H4VQp9iWSIpDX1C-1DrRVNBITxCJuffIkzss91BSovfkkw7IcA9z/s1600/housefly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhloBNQuzvI9GM6D5FhQ6eF0-_lG13s5XMdELuEz_dxLKKDCZ9JVSLLx-yVi0D1QAbtPTAaOgHDCGj2d5cOPmMjSm3H4VQp9iWSIpDX1C-1DrRVNBITxCJuffIkzss91BSovfkkw7IcA9z/s320/housefly.jpg" width="284" /></a>I found a dead fly on the screen of my backyard screened house. He didn't fly away which was a dead give-away to his life status. I took his picture, thinking the whole time how I detest pictures of bodies in coffins. I suppose this might have been different as he was not in a coffin. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMFjVBse71wlo2liXvqsFI2I7GoFitoTeDoeKaGxvb34OIqY0OlIcwYjTnvyOKqHWY5r6toecH6YYPRWxKx9WoEWT6bl0K2oCUB_pH9NSLgRMP8L6gzScmt0nLJvTltH4eddkr-Fnt9Wst/s1600/spider2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMFjVBse71wlo2liXvqsFI2I7GoFitoTeDoeKaGxvb34OIqY0OlIcwYjTnvyOKqHWY5r6toecH6YYPRWxKx9WoEWT6bl0K2oCUB_pH9NSLgRMP8L6gzScmt0nLJvTltH4eddkr-Fnt9Wst/s200/spider2.jpg" width="200" /></a>On to spiders. Not a very good shot. I was hovering around in an overgrown area of my yard... swatting mosquitoes and dancing away from ants. It was much easier to focus on the dead fly. </div>
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What can I say? I promised myself I'd get back to blogging, I didn't promise myself high quality, thought provoking commentary.</div>
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KatyDidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11215285840260166793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1069391388596336531.post-62488426391012350872013-08-11T00:07:00.000-04:002013-08-11T00:07:46.022-04:00<h2 style="text-align: center;">
New Post! Yaaay...</h2>
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Today, my set of four Jeweler's Loupes arrived. I like. I wandered around the yard again hunting for pictures. Bugs, other than mosquitoes, seem to be in short supply in this hot weather. I found only one wee spider. </div>
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It took several attempts at different times of the day to finally get a semi-decent shot of him. He lives near the wee pond full of fish.</div>
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Then I went around the yard looking for something, anything to photograph. Found these pretty purple flowers.</div>
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Finally as the sun was going down, I was getting desperate for a good photograph. I turned around and saw the bench by the pond. On a whim I switched to black and white and snapped a photo. </div>
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I rather like this one. </div>
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And I think it's time for me to be off to bed. It shall take awhile to post anything of interest I think. I have to get back into the swing of living in a 'safe' world.<br /><br />
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KatyDidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11215285840260166793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1069391388596336531.post-63786502160175601412013-08-09T14:40:00.000-04:002013-08-09T14:40:53.685-04:00<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Long Time No See</h2>
Yes, it's been a very, very (very) long time since I posted. A few years. Suffice it to say that I had some major bumps in the road that took over my complete world. I did not want to blog about it. It was all encompassing and I had nothing else to write about. The extremely short story is, my brother is a registered child sex offender.<br />
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I've had cataract surgery on both eyes with some glitches that left me with poor vision for awhile. I let it be a lesson unto me to stop taking my eyesight for granted. Now, my vision is really good in one eye, the other eye is not so good, but good enough to function. So function I will.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR1Fbn-rmHzEl4CzwOYITVBav6VELH1ZTxAiAMFnIhpqKVqiWYd_6G39J-cwetWP6u3P1R_yo8CGE2RynEMWdkmKOh2t9SueFKCZiSGCdEdFdYNy-dzqG4nkadlrYF1IqTKlF1s6Jl6UR2/s1600/bugonflower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR1Fbn-rmHzEl4CzwOYITVBav6VELH1ZTxAiAMFnIhpqKVqiWYd_6G39J-cwetWP6u3P1R_yo8CGE2RynEMWdkmKOh2t9SueFKCZiSGCdEdFdYNy-dzqG4nkadlrYF1IqTKlF1s6Jl6UR2/s400/bugonflower.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
I've been taking pictures... cherishing my vision now that I've got it back. So, since I'm checking out this new (for me) blog layout, writer, editor-thingie, I'll add a picture I took last night.<br />
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I was outside wandering around snapping photos and saw something on top of a flower. I put a 10X Jeweler's Loupe over my camera lens and snapped.<br />
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Figured I didn't get much and went on with my evening - looking for little stuff to photograph.<br />
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I downloaded my pictures from my camera and was surprised to see it was a tiny caterpillar. In person it was less than 1/4 inch long. I had trouble with shaky hands. The focus range using the loupe is very, very narrow. But, I'm rather pleased with the result.<br />
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Not to be outdone, a tiny fly flew into my view. I had to work quickly with it, so it to was a one shot deal. <br />
Here's my little fly!<br />
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Fun evening in the yard!<br />
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I must mention Mike Ash here. He taught me a lot about getting macro shots with an inexpensive (read cheap) camera and very inexpensive magnifying glasses. He died almost 10 years ago, but not before sharing lots of tips with lots of people.<br />
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You can see his 'stuff' here: <a href="http://www.macrophotos.com/mike/profile.htm">http://www.macrophotos.com/mike/profile.htm</a></div>
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I'm back to claying after a long hiatus. I'll be sharing that at a later date. I'm taking online classes and learning lots of new techniques. I give away almost everything I make. I have happy friends!<br />
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I like the new blog editor by the way. Much easier to get pictures where I want them.<br />
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KatyDidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11215285840260166793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1069391388596336531.post-43529403479306321282010-04-15T17:59:00.001-04:002010-04-15T18:02:16.262-04:00Everything's Bloomin'!OK, here's my yearly look-it, the flowers are blooming post. <br />
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</div>KatyDidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11215285840260166793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1069391388596336531.post-59767687923873551652010-04-14T11:39:00.006-04:002010-04-14T11:45:14.072-04:00Sweetbrier Studio - Where to find the molds!I've just found out that Sweetbrier Studio is no more. But don't fret, Penni-Jo, who created the designs has taken over and the molds are back in production. You can read the story here: <a href="http://claylady43.blogspot.com/">http://claylady43.blogspot.com/</a><br />
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There's links there that will take you to the place to buy the molds directly from Penni-Jo..<br />
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If you're in a hurry to get your stuff and don't want to read all about it, here's the link to her online store: <a href="http://bestflexiblemolds.com/index.html">http://bestflexiblemolds.com/index.html</a> There's more than molds there, it's well worth the visit.KatyDidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11215285840260166793noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1069391388596336531.post-75224841413029988282010-04-04T20:25:00.001-04:002010-04-04T20:33:38.470-04:00Tenting<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUGei24xGEdklJ8Rsz7n6S2tFZOnKdQasO8Zw8Q8IiT2mlQTqcURb9maUMjZjfMWwr7RY9Ecu9EX0FBksIwistIpyF41UTiONL_8-e7nQFHFePAH0hy6WU6pyjupzHkv0N7ujq0J4ejWu3/s1600/dupatta+tent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUGei24xGEdklJ8Rsz7n6S2tFZOnKdQasO8Zw8Q8IiT2mlQTqcURb9maUMjZjfMWwr7RY9Ecu9EX0FBksIwistIpyF41UTiONL_8-e7nQFHFePAH0hy6WU6pyjupzHkv0N7ujq0J4ejWu3/s640/dupatta+tent.jpg" width="480" /></a>It's been a warm and sunny weekend. The pollen is a deep as the snow was a couple months back. When you walk you leave footprints. Everything is glowing yellow. There's nothing to do but embrace the pollen. There's no rain in the forecast. <br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I put up a screen tent a week or so ago. We hauled a table and chairs into it. We added a fan and it's a lovely place to be. When the sun started shining in a bit too far, I hung my dupatta (shawl) up and found that it was good. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Then as the day passed, we added more dupattas. We created a most wonderful, colorful tent. And that is where </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Marsha and I spent the past 2 afternoons... reading, painting, staring off into space, or watching the pretty dupattas flap in the breeze of the fan.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV-wwRF5xNTL6BZjlanqwy2cUEODIvwVxeRrcErROmilkKzNhb9YrvoNWn37lk0P8-ygCn-1dAPy7kLthzEXnvDs-DBVxrX8xpCyvF-HcPrphUbbCzjvwK_n7rPNX1SCrSHTPSVdlDeXXr/s1600/marsha+reading.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV-wwRF5xNTL6BZjlanqwy2cUEODIvwVxeRrcErROmilkKzNhb9YrvoNWn37lk0P8-ygCn-1dAPy7kLthzEXnvDs-DBVxrX8xpCyvF-HcPrphUbbCzjvwK_n7rPNX1SCrSHTPSVdlDeXXr/s640/marsha+reading.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJXvYJVB4QCBRWzgC2CISqNky-eCmLySN7rI89IsygO2f3cxzhBRIrv8M1SleMX1rp7voQrhKXgZeeVr7KUFlWcjQyN0d4G5bEzoTcfSbLKPZzu2sbINHAAHg0qCrCW9icrKST5W6NresB/s1600/brown+goat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJXvYJVB4QCBRWzgC2CISqNky-eCmLySN7rI89IsygO2f3cxzhBRIrv8M1SleMX1rp7voQrhKXgZeeVr7KUFlWcjQyN0d4G5bEzoTcfSbLKPZzu2sbINHAAHg0qCrCW9icrKST5W6NresB/s400/brown+goat.jpg" width="326" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I'm creating a fancy goat. Anna, a friend requested it after seeing one I had made for myself. This fellow is ceramic and will be heavily embellished before he's done. He will be going to her friend who is a local Doctor. <br />
<br />
I did a bit of painting on it while I was in the tent. Mostly though I did 'not much'. Here's the goat in progress....</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">And here he is inside getting his horns glued on. I'll smooth the connection off with plaster then paint it in to hide any seams.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizVC__nh_mtrLDS1kTdrORQV0ydNyLXNCwmGWh4ELynQIz3_95_UfHODwethhD57TToxeegjJsbsHVS8NAumPQJCklxak1U8vzU8-rOY499mTHLnU3kz6eSadDn57sTHTLpxce6xYCJKZI/s1600/goat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizVC__nh_mtrLDS1kTdrORQV0ydNyLXNCwmGWh4ELynQIz3_95_UfHODwethhD57TToxeegjJsbsHVS8NAumPQJCklxak1U8vzU8-rOY499mTHLnU3kz6eSadDn57sTHTLpxce6xYCJKZI/s320/goat.jpg" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>KatyDidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11215285840260166793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1069391388596336531.post-23110143506988368792010-03-30T19:56:00.000-04:002010-03-30T19:56:02.357-04:00Wha'da'ya Think???....ya think that Matzo grows on trees?!?!?!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilLC1KK3DaTkhvsxAk9L6Z0PqRqZyFTEdgd-aFBkGS8MlTcZ6i97W1mt3CcF-7hRIM76Fu5HydqZPHeCVVpdOYHYYlHrdy3pQ3Zt1JFpTcXDWwniiyQfqToWm6JXji729tg7RQ5RNSp7c5/s1600/matzo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilLC1KK3DaTkhvsxAk9L6Z0PqRqZyFTEdgd-aFBkGS8MlTcZ6i97W1mt3CcF-7hRIM76Fu5HydqZPHeCVVpdOYHYYlHrdy3pQ3Zt1JFpTcXDWwniiyQfqToWm6JXji729tg7RQ5RNSp7c5/s640/matzo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Happy Passover Y'all!</span></div>KatyDidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11215285840260166793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1069391388596336531.post-88817485900939596712010-03-28T14:37:00.021-04:002010-03-28T16:52:57.990-04:00Fandango Fantasy... or it's a Jungle Out There<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtF1EI-imx8SefJs_d4ZlmqdWN8DjUIuPp4EbY4EANgRapxkUuMNEpwo-ZPtdtRoizbRD_gzw-r3tHEK-N_cTlTMc5rXDBOiVrKOttaoR_Z2QKSP_m71RmX1HXMnEFEJJz5NNV0JxAMhNc/s1600/meinmirror.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 351px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453790083151543618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtF1EI-imx8SefJs_d4ZlmqdWN8DjUIuPp4EbY4EANgRapxkUuMNEpwo-ZPtdtRoizbRD_gzw-r3tHEK-N_cTlTMc5rXDBOiVrKOttaoR_Z2QKSP_m71RmX1HXMnEFEJJz5NNV0JxAMhNc/s400/meinmirror.jpg" /></a> I went to the Orlando Area Polymer Clay Fandango Retreat again this year. I just finished up our Christi Friesen Project and have it hanging on the wall. Fantasy mirror or some such thing the class was called.<br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>The supply list for the class called for a 6 inch mirror. Marsha and I discussed it and decided that we wanted to work together on a project. When we arrived at Lake Yale we met up with Christi quickly and told her our plan. She said "It's a very 'in' thing to do these days." She called it a collaboration and said all the artists are doing it now.</div><br /><div>"Yeah, whatever" we said, "we just want to see if we can actually work together!"<br /></div><div>We started with a 12 inch mirror. We figured it would be a challenge to make it work since our styles are so very different. We started off at 9 AM the morning of our Christi class... 'On a roll'. We purposely bickered and fussed at each other as we began to get into the spirit of collaboration. Not sure if it helped the spirits but it was fun as I tend to work tiny and detailed, Marsha works big and bold. We reversed roles. I wanted everything BIG and Marsha kept turning out small flowers and leaves.<br /></div><div>Christi kept us encouraged with the idea that there are no rules for this project... this is a Dr. Seuss kind of creation. If the leaves want to be purple they can be purple. If the flowers are striped and plaid... no problem. We quickly forgot to fuss and kept cranking that pasta machine with all manner of strange color combinations.<br /></div><div>We were so busy that we took only one picture... and it was when we were coming down the home stretch of the class.... and that's when the panic began. Three pieces of card stock was not going to provide proper support for our mirror's travel home</div><br /><div>We'd planned on everything except how to get the unbaked mirror home! We had nothing to set it on to keep it safe in transport. </div><br /><div>I searched our room. Nothing. </div><br /><div>I searched the car. Nothing.</div><br /><div>This was starting to look grim...</div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCgEnr8achyphenhyphenH77RhA3P7wNgKJApkPHcXMdKORFsbndF-4N78wJA_haRbrjwYCYsJt_jalO4Qqjc-KnDRCMe2Mkok6ns4qpOmQcoAdGY5DyPSsd9jrS8vv1ZYU2bDi4eArFqB7ic_V-GZqM/s1600/inprogress.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 290px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453759211785984802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCgEnr8achyphenhyphenH77RhA3P7wNgKJApkPHcXMdKORFsbndF-4N78wJA_haRbrjwYCYsJt_jalO4Qqjc-KnDRCMe2Mkok6ns4qpOmQcoAdGY5DyPSsd9jrS8vv1ZYU2bDi4eArFqB7ic_V-GZqM/s320/inprogress.jpg" /></a>We saw a couple of options... beg the cafeteria staff for a box. We didn't have the nerve. </div><br /><div>Go to Walgreen's and hope for a cookie sheet or a dumpster dive opportunity. Didn't want to give up any retreat time to take the trip.</div><br /><div>Finally, a fellow retreat-er rescued us. She had a mailing box, still flat, in her car. She brought it to us. The mirror fit. We could get it home.<br /></div><div>It was back to regular panic. As the mirror grew, we realized that this thing could be a challenge to hang safely. Marsha tracked down Christi for some last minute advice on hangers. "Three wire hangers" she said.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>"THREE" we said?!?! </div><br /><div>Three hangers on the back?<br /></div><div>"Yeah baby" was the answer.</div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRJDR4TdkpmNFlnNXyuFa5S2rpTLIJ0KU_QG6mNJTR3JX6jhsQ2GtNMl_6xmrievdlVXaEjwQ-TBxkm1KW_aPkLD9s1o01MnEyc1ImdmvGYg4o1PnFGqsqNqxp58GNHaNIQhwE3zgFJ1HA/s1600/mirrorarrival.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 195px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453759213860312578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRJDR4TdkpmNFlnNXyuFa5S2rpTLIJ0KU_QG6mNJTR3JX6jhsQ2GtNMl_6xmrievdlVXaEjwQ-TBxkm1KW_aPkLD9s1o01MnEyc1ImdmvGYg4o1PnFGqsqNqxp58GNHaNIQhwE3zgFJ1HA/s320/mirrorarrival.jpg" /></a>The mirror became the centerpiece of the car when we started packing. Nothing could infringe on our Christi mirror... with or without hangers. </div><br /><div>We arrived home and Marsha was given the honor of carrying the mirror inside. She only got that honor because I take better pictures. </div><br /><div>The mirror took up residence on a craft table as the story had to be continued.</div><br /><div>Marsha took charge of 'shiny'. She spent a day dabbing on mica powders. Then I started adding beads and more leaves. After several consults there was still an empty spot and Marsha said, "Needs another flower of some leaves or something... There." and she poked in the general direction of the top of the mirror. </div><br /><br /><div>I looked at her and said. "Fine, I'm tired of working by myself on it, YOU fix it!"</div><br /><div></div><div>She did... here's her last flower to fill the hole.<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDsoxeAVxfclTrV9QkSJrurJUDXtHEFGXtK617MGbvNIiO-pyYbu9p4s21eRduGk7MVVJ1pRJQCgChBRGL2sZQR52fDxYY3uqz53S8damjuo-kV7-0YUNEPGjuOqRFpouXiFhR8AoqH1A5/s1600/flower.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 224px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453759190136039810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDsoxeAVxfclTrV9QkSJrurJUDXtHEFGXtK617MGbvNIiO-pyYbu9p4s21eRduGk7MVVJ1pRJQCgChBRGL2sZQR52fDxYY3uqz53S8damjuo-kV7-0YUNEPGjuOqRFpouXiFhR8AoqH1A5/s320/flower.jpg" /></a>Time to bake. </div><br /><br /><div>I was in charge of toilet papering it. We decided we really should have brought home a supply from Lake Yale. After all, everyone else had baked theirs there and therefore they used Lake Yale potty paper. Alas, I had to raid my own bathroom.</div><br /><div>I got everything supported so it wouldn't sag in the oven. This was a big baby and was going to take quite a while to cook... and nothing was going to droop in the heat. if I had anything to stuff into it. I fixed the shelves in the kitchen oven and did a test run to check the temperature. Reconfirmed that the oven bakes hot. 25 degrees to be exact. </div><br /><div>Finally the mirror met the oven. We baked... and we baked... and we baked. I checked the temp and the condition of the mirror every 15 minutes. All came off according to schedule. Except for hangers, the mirror was done.</div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1m111YXmealdbGIcWBV01NfuU1bN7Jo02Rh_8oRN78Zme_2jRHo4AXG_rqokLl5ohWgdnZjIuah0ZWZCWDCRGgxdQktaEJLTFM3OWzLuFC7tfjUFCcWQ7wdFI6HAG8VEZcnqKPU0Y3xoz/s1600/bottom.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 179px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453759199143871714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1m111YXmealdbGIcWBV01NfuU1bN7Jo02Rh_8oRN78Zme_2jRHo4AXG_rqokLl5ohWgdnZjIuah0ZWZCWDCRGgxdQktaEJLTFM3OWzLuFC7tfjUFCcWQ7wdFI6HAG8VEZcnqKPU0Y3xoz/s320/bottom.jpg" /></a>The orange thing at the bottom is my rendition of a funky fungus that was growing at Lake Yale. We almost convinced California Christi that those strange looking things are where flamingos come from. </div><br /><div>Maureen Carlson got in on the story and while she was checking one out up close and personal, she stepped on it. That's one less flamingo in the world. She googled it while we were there and came up with a name for the fungus, but I've forgotten what it is - other than funky fungus. Whatever it is, it all rotted when the weather got sunny. </div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL2YquCERDoEprrnfv_sO22vvZXBxfYj06VW2TDqkfUn7oU6OkFOLTUzCzvF7exdjgtkZ4nir_s9y9o0jssMNmj_fFrWpGUtNy8aiBLbqPWgmFJarfpDOophcdWg7iYihW6w3LfR72xHMe/s1600/mouse1.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453759513475466162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL2YquCERDoEprrnfv_sO22vvZXBxfYj06VW2TDqkfUn7oU6OkFOLTUzCzvF7exdjgtkZ4nir_s9y9o0jssMNmj_fFrWpGUtNy8aiBLbqPWgmFJarfpDOophcdWg7iYihW6w3LfR72xHMe/s320/mouse1.jpg" /></a> In the meantime, Maureen had been keeping an eye on the mirror. She asked, "But... who lives there??" I didn't know at the time. </div><br /><div>Then Marsha showed up cradling a tiny mouse on a leaf. Christi had made it during a demo and had given it to Marsha.</div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><div>And look, it just snuggled in... right there.</div><br /><br /><br /><div>So today, I added hanging wires to the back of the mirror. Yes, three of them.</div><br /><div>Christi, if you ever find your way to this blog and read this far.... <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijTNcb8fI-dbQwMGejhEWs_AvcHLAFMrU-iFfQM3gwPTacqA1x_77Yy96I9OvxRDx7UENMgMpuoBhd6NCkTGpVxizJhC7YKuYU3TPVL5Pmjq-lDNomxMm9mwjf6e78Q922T7gbqPFPiTAh/s1600/mirrorbest.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 296px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453759219607308178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijTNcb8fI-dbQwMGejhEWs_AvcHLAFMrU-iFfQM3gwPTacqA1x_77Yy96I9OvxRDx7UENMgMpuoBhd6NCkTGpVxizJhC7YKuYU3TPVL5Pmjq-lDNomxMm9mwjf6e78Q922T7gbqPFPiTAh/s320/mirrorbest.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div>I have a question. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJ_oW_oq6k6IRtR8yihYZT6diQaXvWzRKF_1l2Y_LqYb-0rsS_edU2pMtEmmw1vTC9Yd8_27RYLwJTPKX43PiPReL8rMnLcH75hCu2QXwBTqz9uQ9HpL5A2jnD1FBUa9_UVMPQSomcxlI/s1600/palm1.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 191px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453772043094643026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJ_oW_oq6k6IRtR8yihYZT6diQaXvWzRKF_1l2Y_LqYb-0rsS_edU2pMtEmmw1vTC9Yd8_27RYLwJTPKX43PiPReL8rMnLcH75hCu2QXwBTqz9uQ9HpL5A2jnD1FBUa9_UVMPQSomcxlI/s320/palm1.jpg" /></a>Have YOU ever tried to get all the nails in the right places on the wall to match three hangers... and then actually get all three nails hooked into all three hangers?!?!</div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>I did it... finally!<br /></div><br /><br /><div>The little stone dangling on the right side of the mirror is from Jerusalem. It's a jungle there you know.</div><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>KatyDidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11215285840260166793noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1069391388596336531.post-44828917423011092392010-03-09T11:33:00.047-05:002010-03-09T15:25:48.340-05:00Crawling the LabyrinthI decided this past w<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEyd3C_-TJVYt1R2OwQSyDWAU-l5kXPocKG1T7UZ45quvRQucUmSvombPA03WmawMUeE8Q3dZPEtfVYzDejLajfr62GAGYD06Gn8OkEvk7kNBlBfaC4SRvGcuFhzSmR6omg7YhhMVLTtWW/s1600-h/love+hand.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEyd3C_-TJVYt1R2OwQSyDWAU-l5kXPocKG1T7UZ45quvRQucUmSvombPA03WmawMUeE8Q3dZPEtfVYzDejLajfr62GAGYD06Gn8OkEvk7kNBlBfaC4SRvGcuFhzSmR6omg7YhhMVLTtWW/s320/love+hand.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446725317401824082" border="0" /></a>eekend that it was time to revive my backyard labyrinth. I know posts here have been few and far between but life circumstances knocked me for a loop. Perhaps I'm back up and blogging now, I'll just have to wait and see.<br /><br />On to the labyrinth.<br /><br />It was a beautiful sunny weekend and I was itching to get outside and putter.<br />I wandered outside to see where I was being led. I soon found myself down on my knees, pulling leaves and grass away from my labyrinth. It was almost totally covered with leaves. The grass was trying to crawl over the walls. It was a very neglected thing.<br /><br />I was just going to pluck a bit of grass off the outside edge but soon I found myself with a pile of stuff that I couldn't just leave there. I rounded up a trash container - a big plastic flower pot with handles - and began my crawl. I started at the entrance and alternately traveled on my knees or on my butt... dragging my flower pot with me.<br /><br />I used my fingers as my rake and scooped up the leaves. I pulled out up the dormant grass that was infringing on the structure. When my pot got full, I stood and stretched out the kinks then picked up my pot and took it to the compost pile.<br /><br />It was a slow and steady scoot.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg99jpzl6U-pOUPS9vdGsZiuI3JrfYLsgHaGbz4SewCS4km-E_uiTO3L0DNhOMexu9aAVInYoqe-j-PFx3-JxWqJ10tXSY3WEZFvkH1hfgQfiKHmfvX8JU7FSwuXmvCZhiqpgN769qtrmlD/s1600-h/bug+skin.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 290px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg99jpzl6U-pOUPS9vdGsZiuI3JrfYLsgHaGbz4SewCS4km-E_uiTO3L0DNhOMexu9aAVInYoqe-j-PFx3-JxWqJ10tXSY3WEZFvkH1hfgQfiKHmfvX8JU7FSwuXmvCZhiqpgN769qtrmlD/s400/bug+skin.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446676462595215794" border="0" /></a><br />Slow was good that day, I needed it. I moved so slowly and so close to the ground that I was able to stop and see the bugs. I found a dried up bug carcass. The bugs on the ground and the bugs in my thinking.<br /><br />Something about that carcass just caught my attention. Bug - been there and gone. Life moves on.<br /><br />I keep up my scoot.<br /><br />Thinking...<br />Remembering....<br />Stories...<br /><br />I'm fortunate to be living in my childhood home. That's not an experience that most folks have anymore.<br /><br />When I crawled that labyrinth, my thoughts turned back to my childhood.<br />Squealing somersaults in the itchy green grass.<br />Games of Tag with the neighborhood kids.<br />Watching as the neighbor boys filled a garden hose with gas, then lit it and spun it around their heads. (I wasn't allowed to play with those kids...)<br /><br />I remembered that my Father's tomato garden was "right about here". I continued on around the labyrinth circuit. I passed the bunny rabbit and tidied it up. He'd been knocked over during the winter <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv5gEEapBiM9F7xI5XIVZz-LUHB5aEfIV03m3Oiqg47nAsYjNSBqjGoPQjafoBeS66t_fEIHUodM9FkKYYo2EKjOMR9kr99uiag3jloSfcJWqsJUV5NlnVyHrHVR2WFQeZYRYsTcWKBdMn/s1600-h/bunny.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 290px; height: 289px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv5gEEapBiM9F7xI5XIVZz-LUHB5aEfIV03m3Oiqg47nAsYjNSBqjGoPQjafoBeS66t_fEIHUodM9FkKYYo2EKjOMR9kr99uiag3jloSfcJWqsJUV5NlnVyHrHVR2WFQeZYRYsTcWKBdMn/s400/bunny.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446679151367100370" border="0" /></a>and had been hidden by the leaves.<br /><br />He's guarding his rocky rocks again.<br /><br />The ribbon grass in front of the bunny was my Father's pride and joy. It's a variety that's hard to come by and is very slow growing. One time a local nursery owner, driving by, noticed it, stopped and asked my Father if he could dig it up. He'd trade anything in his nursery for it, he said.<br /><br />Whatever Dad wanted, he could have, if he'd just part with his ribbon grass. My Father answered with a very firm "NO deal." Most of that grass is still in the front yard where my Father planted it, but I've been slowly transplanting it to special places.<br /><br />Places to remember.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioQBdTQ83Ahk3Ja-vF9-d4aBVMHXBzJ1Y2iCHJernJfmJFMuu8OniLHtsqkcoXL1QnTaf4xXjxuHl8-NzXoFVICL9Z3vc9FkfVXlT-GqCMOx5iamyk40-NraA7ubnW-GpCjYZt2CR8cwnj/s1600-h/race+horse.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 159px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioQBdTQ83Ahk3Ja-vF9-d4aBVMHXBzJ1Y2iCHJernJfmJFMuu8OniLHtsqkcoXL1QnTaf4xXjxuHl8-NzXoFVICL9Z3vc9FkfVXlT-GqCMOx5iamyk40-NraA7ubnW-GpCjYZt2CR8cwnj/s400/race+horse.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446681517864059218" border="0" /></a>Scooting on... leafy fingers, muddy knees.<br /><br />I'd forgotten the race horse. He was well hidden in overgrown shrubbery and piles of leaves.<br /><br />It's Marsha's. I don't know the story, it's <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">hers</span> to remember when she walks the labyrinth.<br /><br />I push on to the finish line even though it's a long way off and I won't hit it until the next day.<br /><br />I'm remembering stories now. The stories my Mother used to tell me. Stories of how she and my Father had to tame that back yard. When they moved into the house in 1954 she said... "The trees were so close together that I couldn't stretch out my arms without touching one."<br /><br />She<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMz9r5RfJZP2PD_7EncZ89Jjlhmu673dKTcJEUu0-vfXqkEInak7XOfPNWZ8OnooDaBpQt1TVeqVRqkHep1wBMDPcPeoh9dUG2ovapPn9H9_EMlnA3p-SsO9VapXTwdHQTc1JV2LvHkOq0/s1600-h/frightened+angel.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 160px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMz9r5RfJZP2PD_7EncZ89Jjlhmu673dKTcJEUu0-vfXqkEInak7XOfPNWZ8OnooDaBpQt1TVeqVRqkHep1wBMDPcPeoh9dUG2ovapPn9H9_EMlnA3p-SsO9VapXTwdHQTc1JV2LvHkOq0/s320/frightened+angel.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446684006353296466" border="0" /></a> and my Father cleared the land together. The yard was full of poison ivy. My Father tried to burn it once she said. "Don't ever burn poison ivy," was a very early lesson. Apparently the oils become suspended in the air. My Father ended up with poison ivy itch everywhere... "Yes, even 'there'.<br /><br />Then I remembered another story... my Mother and Father crawled the whole back yard, planting sprigs of grass and pulling weeds. It was comforting this weekend to crawl where they had crawled... especially since all the poison ivy is gone.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2k2Dzh_u17E-sWUvyzUVxloPNTHsSCbUd8SlD_7H6D4wMzValn23ke18kDYszEDLIV3v7TJGtSh5u4ULa3XMehHsKD1mqamybPXK5nT2Pc1M4VzG8EE7YrG7gsG6Z3mgU0w-jD-IMXQGa/s1600-h/which+way+hands.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 116px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2k2Dzh_u17E-sWUvyzUVxloPNTHsSCbUd8SlD_7H6D4wMzValn23ke18kDYszEDLIV3v7TJGtSh5u4ULa3XMehHsKD1mqamybPXK5nT2Pc1M4VzG8EE7YrG7gsG6Z3mgU0w-jD-IMXQGa/s320/which+way+hands.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446686430539976370" border="0" /></a><br />Thinking about moved on to more current events in my life. A little light shiner reminded me that it's OK to be confused.<br /><br />It's OK to wonder which way to go.<br /><br />Scoot, pull, rake....<br />Rem<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAoX6lelfzinEWsLyQVPDvHLSx2k_tPPNs8OuZ5UvrkS8iRgJeDZHL176E65Tlg7RZXOOfRtyZXDX1icjdyFRJREknuhC2rcBOEV5Ji9Q2uEbYjFBJPGlZ_F8JS0r3CIlEqMTAqlzoj-8d/s1600-h/shattered+pot.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 242px; height: 183px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAoX6lelfzinEWsLyQVPDvHLSx2k_tPPNs8OuZ5UvrkS8iRgJeDZHL176E65Tlg7RZXOOfRtyZXDX1icjdyFRJREknuhC2rcBOEV5Ji9Q2uEbYjFBJPGlZ_F8JS0r3CIlEqMTAqlzoj-8d/s320/shattered+pot.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446705091985556770" border="0" /></a>ember...<br />Process...<br />Think...<br />Sometimes, all you can do is gather up the broken pieces and keep going.<br /><br />I stopped and stretched out on my back in the middle of the labyrinth. It was a beautiful sky.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQMpPUQFsKSQV4RKVcw6SXGZrVGyyISJUGvRivIB_n94dxYCp0Sj_7TI0rdlSc5-n_mf6D0DbZGmj8RMAo_uHw3-bWMROpGaoj1-TATfzqvezK0v-0f44Qy3W-gTzHFZO80OWPvElyB7kZ/s1600-h/looking+up.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 326px; height: 244px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQMpPUQFsKSQV4RKVcw6SXGZrVGyyISJUGvRivIB_n94dxYCp0Sj_7TI0rdlSc5-n_mf6D0DbZGmj8RMAo_uHw3-bWMROpGaoj1-TATfzqvezK0v-0f44Qy3W-gTzHFZO80OWPvElyB7kZ/s400/looking+up.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446702399587786066" border="0" /></a>Another 'remember' of childhood, lying in the yard with a friend. Finding dogs and rabbits in the clouds. Giggling.<br />Same yard. Wishing and dreaming, then and now.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrvNUQCd3v7_wg2e0PvCoBenYAN4vTeyNqWXOGmi9xyS2H9WHd5CdmcE3J7dIQ8VoVcXxCTbO7klFx6ZwrtsBcCG5WwIs_OYvjQN2nyoZaCVEOsWMnVkeVaSVcszkcmzn7GE5Yp_qgSVPs/s1600-h/wish.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 82px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrvNUQCd3v7_wg2e0PvCoBenYAN4vTeyNqWXOGmi9xyS2H9WHd5CdmcE3J7dIQ8VoVcXxCTbO7klFx6ZwrtsBcCG5WwIs_OYvjQN2nyoZaCVEOsWMnVkeVaSVcszkcmzn7GE5Yp_qgSVPs/s200/wish.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446703767009933458" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />On around the labyrinth I went.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr3KpSs_kWgezTd7UqMPEcSY9NScwaNuVqOgB_n0wRGHre1d9ZctDcziHJ3-JGwPNfEfIfxrFaHE464SDZoeN0luItVfDG5NKQK6RFLZndAPMISh2sBeSi3S4MH2f94yK42yH1SECXXdt3/s1600-h/elephant+meets+melted+glass.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 254px; height: 114px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr3KpSs_kWgezTd7UqMPEcSY9NScwaNuVqOgB_n0wRGHre1d9ZctDcziHJ3-JGwPNfEfIfxrFaHE464SDZoeN0luItVfDG5NKQK6RFLZndAPMISh2sBeSi3S4MH2f94yK42yH1SECXXdt3/s320/elephant+meets+melted+glass.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446722807250218802" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Sometimes a bit of<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTsTZT2deCcPRiUF8Eq9nRn3cMIJSGbGi8PEBmEJnBuszRcQ7R7WKx5io11P8GyYj4li_WRPDqHXDTG-0x6u-LRE5ucGkTarwLfuA8PIfYVJsqk4eqGtz6wB_S2fowr1DXmG-A4t9oZLrT/s1600-h/wine.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 235px; height: 291px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTsTZT2deCcPRiUF8Eq9nRn3cMIJSGbGi8PEBmEJnBuszRcQ7R7WKx5io11P8GyYj4li_WRPDqHXDTG-0x6u-LRE5ucGkTarwLfuA8PIfYVJsqk4eqGtz6wB_S2fowr1DXmG-A4t9oZLrT/s320/wine.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446722280521247426" border="0" /></a> wine helps the whine.<br /><br /><br /> <br />Elephant tackles glass boulder.<br />Bunnies and Elephants and snak<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinPsxBs335evzSqFRCARcg_JpR3F_8d4GlqtvHbWZsJM0ztqJ-VW64cSx392aM2xzfLrmN-7IK-0t5tdyipps8RbHsXI-nFm0sLq_4EngOMEkzUYk3aUv1pct5N9E5st0h7btXa8Jfy3D-/s1600-h/snake.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinPsxBs335evzSqFRCARcg_JpR3F_8d4GlqtvHbWZsJM0ztqJ-VW64cSx392aM2xzfLrmN-7IK-0t5tdyipps8RbHsXI-nFm0sLq_4EngOMEkzUYk3aUv1pct5N9E5st0h7btXa8Jfy3D-/s320/snake.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446723478294327762" border="0" /></a>es... Oh My!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZTE6xaqTVamVWJrZYhJTS4ozYo7HIPMmsaTVVvTeChNxi4YklQeyfXjnkSrt_cPM0R-HPWr0KAsvTklHy5gMqrON_lhWX0ZNDVB9uRSzWnHlbns7apS-dVN9cB6cMenRBtkWj81ipyf9t/s1600-h/holly+and+pine.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 254px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZTE6xaqTVamVWJrZYhJTS4ozYo7HIPMmsaTVVvTeChNxi4YklQeyfXjnkSrt_cPM0R-HPWr0KAsvTklHy5gMqrON_lhWX0ZNDVB9uRSzWnHlbns7apS-dVN9cB6cMenRBtkWj81ipyf9t/s320/holly+and+pine.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446724271132971906" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Tucked under the leaves, I found a tiny pine tree and a scrawny holy bush have taken root.<br /><br />And the crawl continues back to where it began.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Xz1jsumOwe5DcH7Ga6MOTM5PdU8mA9YF6jtQoVSwH-R1xjJE1AG8gqtuMRy3kr4uBJ1Fohkkerozet05Kc31sXXn0HT99u7DRYr5U9PlO749lqWMz1CDLmUBpwlGmMPzC3SXmFB2YmDo/s1600-h/turtle.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 216px; height: 84px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Xz1jsumOwe5DcH7Ga6MOTM5PdU8mA9YF6jtQoVSwH-R1xjJE1AG8gqtuMRy3kr4uBJ1Fohkkerozet05Kc31sXXn0HT99u7DRYr5U9PlO749lqWMz1CDLmUBpwlGmMPzC3SXmFB2YmDo/s320/turtle.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446727008907270002" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgftySEDd6zTUpzltuvZZ4AjzRucGMOF_w6tsWvNlW_b0Pjiltn_iFjEUCa5Lv2djpSeHJp5RtbjzFDYDc-5TL59zpYstISfJ0e2qEJ_0Zp16Dq0aHZD2eZ6cuUUCNE4Xh4Gl42z3XNbs1J/s1600-h/lab+full+view.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 259px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgftySEDd6zTUpzltuvZZ4AjzRucGMOF_w6tsWvNlW_b0Pjiltn_iFjEUCa5Lv2djpSeHJp5RtbjzFDYDc-5TL59zpYstISfJ0e2qEJ_0Zp16Dq0aHZD2eZ6cuUUCNE4Xh4Gl42z3XNbs1J/s400/lab+full+view.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446728963274515906" border="0" /></a>KatyDidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11215285840260166793noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1069391388596336531.post-32578382085907793652009-11-21T17:04:00.003-05:002009-11-21T17:10:59.060-05:00Life in the Tent<div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguS1DwC22HHxqTVt_PLU61jdNtIpWMBJ1npJoUM5m3PbfDgNXj_sEJUODoQXKuckM8B4I1GpKad73TJHDXak0kKrEGhBgjb4k2rdwtLzeogSsR8xDiQwVuGYcWouSJnE5lq4B7aSeCvfxp/s1600/cactus2.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 314px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406682104884085122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguS1DwC22HHxqTVt_PLU61jdNtIpWMBJ1npJoUM5m3PbfDgNXj_sEJUODoQXKuckM8B4I1GpKad73TJHDXak0kKrEGhBgjb4k2rdwtLzeogSsR8xDiQwVuGYcWouSJnE5lq4B7aSeCvfxp/s400/cactus2.jpg" /></a>It's lovely having a tented retreat spot. The lettuce has been planted, the bloomers are blooming. </div><div> </div><div>I went on retreat this afternoon. Here's a cactus that is in full bloom now.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div></div></div>KatyDidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11215285840260166793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1069391388596336531.post-70042150011478223792009-11-09T09:42:00.010-05:002009-11-09T21:23:07.768-05:00S-H-E-D HouseOr Tent City!<br /><br />We had a busy weekend 'round the house.<br />I'd planned a work weekend as it's getting cooler and it is time to tuck plants into the green-tent and just generally button things down for the winter. But, mostly I wanted to add insulation under the house and needed help in doing so. Marsha was off work. I assumed Darrell would have some time to help also.<br /><br />I forgot the part about Darrell being gone to a regional assembly. Oh well.... I scrapped the insulation idea and went forth on a backyard 'save the plants' mission. We have a green-tent. The green-tent is Marsha's territory. It's a tent style greenhouse that I bought on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">e-bay</span> a few years back. It's a clear, well more like translucent, domed tent that does nicely for shoving the potted plants into. The only problem is, once all the plants are in, you really can't do anything except unzip the door and aim the hose in to water the plants. Simply not fun... we always made Darrell do it.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqlLd3rMkij88X4_O4axw-NyFUtlefwbKWTPBbNN3dohUkYpp6Yq0NdHEHCcJ8X1Hc12OkS53Fy14cFlp9Pm-bssdmzcjJZf-qUc1jgUy4C9zmy_0X516U0f2mq6uwWeTwN74tQ29qt2Al/s1600-h/tent.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 273px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402172598180806898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqlLd3rMkij88X4_O4axw-NyFUtlefwbKWTPBbNN3dohUkYpp6Yq0NdHEHCcJ8X1Hc12OkS53Fy14cFlp9Pm-bssdmzcjJZf-qUc1jgUy4C9zmy_0X516U0f2mq6uwWeTwN74tQ29qt2Al/s400/tent.jpg" /></a><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sooooo</span>.... I've tried something in addition to the green-tent this year.<br /><br />There's a 'shed' in the backyard that my Father built. It's actually a nice little room now as I've cleaned it out. There's a twin bed, a couple of chairs and bookcases, and my hot tub out there. There's also an unused treadmill (it does make a nice towel hangar) but we won't discuss that.<br /><br />The shed has a roofed patio. It's about 6 feet by 12 feet. A few years back, I hung a swing. The only problem with enjoying it is the mosquitoes. So mostly it has swung in the breeze by itself.<br /><br />The brain gears started grinding in the past few weeks. "I wonder if I can enclose it with plastic for the winter?!?!" I checked things out and saw there was sturdy and ample room to staple plastic up. The only problem was... how to make room for the swing to swing as it is right at the outer edge of the patio. There's gotta be a way.<br /><br />I decided that if I cut the plastic long enough that I could just anchor the plastic out a few feet away from the patio. It would hang at a gentle angle, but it should drain OK. Figured it was worth the risk. If it didn't work, it was only $20.00 worth of plastic.<br /><br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Soooo</span>... Friday, I unfurled 20 by 25 feet of plastic in the back yard. I split it into two pieces, each 10 feet wide and 25 feet long. I reinforced one edge with a duct taped hem. That would be my staple edge. Marsha came out to see what I was up to. She thought the project looked like a cool idea. She wandered around a bit then just as I was ready to take the first piece of plastic to the porch she decided to go clean the bathroom.<br /><br />By this point I had realized just how big 10 by 25 feet is. This called for serious action. I whined. "OK, if you must clean the bathroom, I'll be fine, I'll get this plastic up all by myself.... you go ahead inside...."<br /><br />It wo<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyONSEszOjuQWiyVhxx3RMS_duLMxftz2__ns5gFUs2wBgPiPSNEa_7YesbGJq1LNgQregcHKKE-eHv2E9DinyTemWYMUD8XkKhnHSFK8LWsaF88735_rMJEQMUlZxcIsvf6uXKJvG_wLI/s1600-h/tentswint.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402172611831782530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyONSEszOjuQWiyVhxx3RMS_duLMxftz2__ns5gFUs2wBgPiPSNEa_7YesbGJq1LNgQregcHKKE-eHv2E9DinyTemWYMUD8XkKhnHSFK8LWsaF88735_rMJEQMUlZxcIsvf6uXKJvG_wLI/s400/tentswint.jpg" /></a>rked, she stayed outside to help. We draped ourselves in plastic and dragged the first piece to the patio. The <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">stapling</span> began. It was a messy job as Marsha soon found out. Palmetto bug turds from the gutter above rained down on us each time the staple gun snapped. I was very proud of Marsha who really, really doesn't like bugs, let alone bug turds.<br /><br />As I was wrapping the wrapper behind the swing, she was down on the ground pulling the plastic farther and farther away from the patio. Before I knew it she had a tea olive bush inside the plastic. Then a lovely red verbena appeared inside. We discovered that if I pleated the plastic sheet that we could make our 'tent' even bigger. I pleated and stapled as she secured the lower edges with bricks.<br /><br />Very soon<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoyczcCBIQr3Nf9VFSzM1uDu8bXiChrybTI1FZP4znVkSJ8aeuv8xaEwGKMfwzqui-kY6xU0h6LU8QcH4dRF3Mx62AdfUT9aQ0RPz0BS6vA0Q4lCYzjjDmZQEvd6bTD2r9MpKyJ053-OF_/s1600-h/inside3.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402172612506858562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoyczcCBIQr3Nf9VFSzM1uDu8bXiChrybTI1FZP4znVkSJ8aeuv8xaEwGKMfwzqui-kY6xU0h6LU8QcH4dRF3Mx62AdfUT9aQ0RPz0BS6vA0Q4lCYzjjDmZQEvd6bTD2r9MpKyJ053-OF_/s400/inside3.jpg" /></a>, the first piece of plastic was secured. We stopped to admire. Way Cool! This may actually work! The second piece of plastic went up faster than the first as we had the technique down. We made an overlap door in the front.<br /><br />We went inside to admire our creation. Getting Way Cooler! Marsha had arranged the walls so that two small flower gardens at the edge of the patio were under cover. It was getting dark so we went inside and washed the turds out of our hair.<br />Saturday I was on my own as Marsha had to work. I took the pressure washer inside and cleaned.<br /><br />Probably backwards method... probably should have washe<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgInwG6R2o3WyWuxC1p9znJG83SpGmeiqeVLSnspvEj8KtK2KvBvgaPsK93VTlUBpgQ_c3u5s0GmEax9b2HN7suZHrRY_Ra_8DYYD6LfZ5vNeQRPcIkTKzgC6wrzfS-Scaq3LrsKy9i1VPg/s1600-h/garden2.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402174622302784610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgInwG6R2o3WyWuxC1p9znJG83SpGmeiqeVLSnspvEj8KtK2KvBvgaPsK93VTlUBpgQ_c3u5s0GmEax9b2HN7suZHrRY_Ra_8DYYD6LfZ5vNeQRPcIkTKzgC6wrzfS-Scaq3LrsKy9i1VPg/s400/garden2.jpg" /></a>d it down before hanging the plastic, but, hey, it worked. It made a really fun fog inside that lasted for a couple of hours. When it was reasonably dry I took in a garden table and chairs and some of the big potted plants that usually go in the green-tent.<br /><br />Then I cleaned out the little gardens in the front of the patio. Sweet! I was on a roll. I went through the yard and started repotting summer long neglected plants. Got everyone tucked in with good clean dirt. I pounded nails into rafters and started hanging pots. It was turning into a masterpiece.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyW1Ig8pEBwBx3BQwPwgLHl6x8asbHEiJrjVBMvXv9_fd78ContsFQxSPZkSEsrE43YE983snT1s3wGEf8Bo8hvbgBcIYun8_dDfIKTaLUmKSc9SvruQNS-ry8a15ETEqMcD_38HIU4WP3/s1600-h/garden1.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 283px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402172604718792706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyW1Ig8pEBwBx3BQwPwgLHl6x8asbHEiJrjVBMvXv9_fd78ContsFQxSPZkSEsrE43YE983snT1s3wGEf8Bo8hvbgBcIYun8_dDfIKTaLUmKSc9SvruQNS-ry8a15ETEqMcD_38HIU4WP3/s400/garden1.jpg" /></a><br /><br />I sat and swang.KatyDidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11215285840260166793noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1069391388596336531.post-86827617592483660762009-10-20T09:14:00.001-04:002009-10-20T09:23:56.467-04:00Polymer Clay Wedding Cake Topper and Chuppah Creation<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPeriNTLlyfFHKfgOnhHWhwOT6E0ex4Sgkn-2S8jkA36ow6qxuBzZb4DOSXdTyqSgWBIl0LyO8ZbFmV4-37DbOnNqDjOFohwmDrlHkNkx_h-VzYzYVyyesOLN8QPLPo-GERII0rHPb47qE/s1600-h/chuppah1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 284px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPeriNTLlyfFHKfgOnhHWhwOT6E0ex4Sgkn-2S8jkA36ow6qxuBzZb4DOSXdTyqSgWBIl0LyO8ZbFmV4-37DbOnNqDjOFohwmDrlHkNkx_h-VzYzYVyyesOLN8QPLPo-GERII0rHPb47qE/s400/chuppah1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394672077956494658" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWp5CjYe015so7u6Gl4uqPU8Q9kjxS2AIPD3WdYw6o0oA9EMu5KyyQJXeZNHkeIMiRUfDfCjRfYsEb9oEqunVhyzPoYopcJvft6R8rR2zREbhJd4jq3O9IX8eb66ZGekH5g4h10lN5j2bE/s1600-h/cake4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 381px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWp5CjYe015so7u6Gl4uqPU8Q9kjxS2AIPD3WdYw6o0oA9EMu5KyyQJXeZNHkeIMiRUfDfCjRfYsEb9oEqunVhyzPoYopcJvft6R8rR2zREbhJd4jq3O9IX8eb66ZGekH5g4h10lN5j2bE/s400/cake4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394672072593567698" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEnZw5BXN_4tCvJw-eLUZXiPiBjS2uYiJInxf_9LpLgIroMrAA85HJPedzoeBkfEgOC-5VB6NTk5WSe-ITqDCsCx9L-OKJzJ2OgpVEH0uoTlqYyva7uBSIBu70GNIsRkqfWHgZMSDXZfCI/s1600-h/cake3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 330px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEnZw5BXN_4tCvJw-eLUZXiPiBjS2uYiJInxf_9LpLgIroMrAA85HJPedzoeBkfEgOC-5VB6NTk5WSe-ITqDCsCx9L-OKJzJ2OgpVEH0uoTlqYyva7uBSIBu70GNIsRkqfWHgZMSDXZfCI/s400/cake3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394672056233735666" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM1fCb5Z3F_G_SwK69fgnitNdgZKl-JE8ZthGE46rAMRl_aN5956JWvEP49gr7JBQUPOjxCMm0CdhHaZZ3OJ3kJeyOpMdkou9Du6JC3hOauxVlYwxhDFKZ9Y66vnzBYs1VDmD-VIbSZi1n/s1600-h/cake2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 290px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM1fCb5Z3F_G_SwK69fgnitNdgZKl-JE8ZthGE46rAMRl_aN5956JWvEP49gr7JBQUPOjxCMm0CdhHaZZ3OJ3kJeyOpMdkou9Du6JC3hOauxVlYwxhDFKZ9Y66vnzBYs1VDmD-VIbSZi1n/s400/cake2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394672046644212162" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLqeMA0QZET8Tqfi5OfCBzA0tQD4f4xXNekckSVrtSbVoPB84JV1Hlc1NhKkL5Fb8djT2udIcDhPB7k2ItVpt8lhLc5vgwHGbPjrzKJEnzCBWakNZ_RvujrHvQ-Do4t82oM39jYdXym8yT/s1600-h/cake1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 314px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLqeMA0QZET8Tqfi5OfCBzA0tQD4f4xXNekckSVrtSbVoPB84JV1Hlc1NhKkL5Fb8djT2udIcDhPB7k2ItVpt8lhLc5vgwHGbPjrzKJEnzCBWakNZ_RvujrHvQ-Do4t82oM39jYdXym8yT/s400/cake1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394672036907935762" border="0" /></a>KatyDidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11215285840260166793noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1069391388596336531.post-74887639057742766172009-07-05T16:43:00.013-04:002009-07-05T17:39:43.620-04:00New MonthHas it been a week already?<br /><br /><div><div><div><div>Is it July already?<br /></div><div>Guess so.<br /><br />I've been off work the past few days. Got an extra day off for the Holiday which was very nice. I took a full day of it to get laundry done. I got a week behind as there was a plumbing problem that had to be resolved on my usual laundry day.... I took the cheaters way out and just let it go for another week.<br /><br />It wouldn't have been too bad except I hit the jackpot on Freecycle... and online, keep stuff out of the landfills by offering it to others for free. There was an offer for a bag of size small 'scrubs' and I thought what the heck, maybe I can be the first one to respond. I was. I got a nice bag full of pants and tops and jackets, perfect for around the house wear. I got them all washed and they're ready for wearing.<br /><br /><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 356px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355084605424792514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOwgzqmbCmQsOfEPdlzNzZV4DA1d-kCht1y1bBBxDu_IoBtUykJZJrIELVgby023xMNu3LwYPHZIdwAVaTRWHQlh81R5HzXqv150YKFNdGpRuScqbPvUHpoWGnNZWTJugR1Yws9EYYxlB3/s400/garden.jpg" />I've done a good bit of gardening the past few days also. I stacked a huge load of big rocks up in an open in the middle oval and created a raised garden area in the back yard. Darrell helped get it filled in with dirt and it's now ready for Marsha to plant. </div><br /><br /><div>The yard is rather wilted right now, we've had very little rain for a week or so with temperatures near 100. It's spitting rain right now, maybe it will get inspired and really rain soon.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>In the meantime, here's my masterpiece of rock stacking. It was fun to do. I had to work in short spurts as I could only last for about 15 minutes in this heat. Marsha had the final say on the top layers of rocks, arranging them for artistic effect. There's more rocks in another spot in the yard, hidden under mulch. Perhaps they'll find their way to the rock garden... or perhaps not!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiArEBKAfMvNNgP2oMMggw2Efxd9Ahk88pdknvvRhpT1dHlxV5LV7ujScNAqxNqZcl8NCY8sWc__6fTEycF-lpyUVcJCTNJk9_Zuz3Hiz7iyy8wwyQVK_4XZoBmCxvodD3eLFk0dQkaPDbY/s1600-h/flamingo+mirror.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 296px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355087245574557874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiArEBKAfMvNNgP2oMMggw2Efxd9Ahk88pdknvvRhpT1dHlxV5LV7ujScNAqxNqZcl8NCY8sWc__6fTEycF-lpyUVcJCTNJk9_Zuz3Hiz7iyy8wwyQVK_4XZoBmCxvodD3eLFk0dQkaPDbY/s400/flamingo+mirror.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Today has been a clay day. I've made three little mirrors and two pens to take out to Flamingo Follies. The pens were a special request as this particular 'model' is selling well. </div><br /><br /><div>They're all doodle's in clay as creating that peacock necklace was such a major project. I'm ready to just mess around for awhile. The mirrors are all Christi Friesen Style. </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>The Flamingo is almost a direct copy of a project in her Bird Book. It was silly and fun project to do. The legs don't show up too well in the photo, but they're made out of seed beads, except for the knees. They dangle around nicely.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVVmQIpGYDmgpt_golNjDYqDQgBw_47D8jImN7Mu_TOtIoCIlf1Bd8fTCqqFilRDLH1sot8K_1jD1MDL7er2qOQP4DbpT9t7saAkaYRZPqEeVKjsONI7iJX74TZZngdvoPq63PbzYpINpq/s1600-h/tiny+mirrors.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 332px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355088393650017410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVVmQIpGYDmgpt_golNjDYqDQgBw_47D8jImN7Mu_TOtIoCIlf1Bd8fTCqqFilRDLH1sot8K_1jD1MDL7er2qOQP4DbpT9t7saAkaYRZPqEeVKjsONI7iJX74TZZngdvoPq63PbzYpINpq/s400/tiny+mirrors.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The next two mirrors are also CF style. I didn't follow any directions in particular, just used some of the methods I learned in classes with her. </div><br /><br /><div></div></div><br /><div>The mirrors I used are just little pocket mirrors... two inches by three inches. It was interesting getting pictures of them without having reflections showing up. I held a big white lid plastic bin lid over them so that was all that reflected. </div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Looked funny, I'm sure but, whatever works!<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtlozqBO4hO8pSDHS_efyrOxpLhDHb56NnidjokJbOXILNCuRmmxlmJy55oIye9HJLaewDRUSVfJVhuSSuz4d2lATEKm-W4eBtHGX8Kp6yUzpr8f3GUoKFr2fF01_sjWq4heNR5yg3jmQC/s1600-h/pensagain.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 208px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355090107057722642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtlozqBO4hO8pSDHS_efyrOxpLhDHb56NnidjokJbOXILNCuRmmxlmJy55oIye9HJLaewDRUSVfJVhuSSuz4d2lATEKm-W4eBtHGX8Kp6yUzpr8f3GUoKFr2fF01_sjWq4heNR5yg3jmQC/s400/pensagain.jpg" /></a>And finally more of the cane and flower pens. I used a kaleidoscope cane that I made using directions from Carol Blackburn's book: How to make polymer clay beads. Lots of good ideas in her book and the directions are easy to follow.<br /></div></div><br /><div>Gena Jayne, who owns Flamingo Follies called and asked specifically for more of these pens. I've made two others. She sold one, refuses to sell the other one as she says it's HERS. So she's taking orders from people who want them. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>These pens are made from Bic Round Stic pens, they don't melt at the required clay curing temperature. They're not retractable which is generally find for the ladies. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I've had some requests for retractable pens for the men. I've melted a lot of pens trying to find one that is 'bakable'. Can't find anything retractable in town.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I've found a source online of retractable pens made specifically for polymer clay artists... they're all metal and won't melt. My first order has arrived, but I haven't done any yet. They're got lots of parts that have to be assembled. I'll give it a go when I'm ready for a challenge again! </div></div>KatyDidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11215285840260166793noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1069391388596336531.post-8382609244876079112009-06-28T17:47:00.005-04:002009-06-28T17:53:42.051-04:00Micah ModelsThis is Micah, Marsha and Darrell's youngest. She came to town to sing at a funeral at the family's request.<br /><br />Her voice is heavenly. Before she changed out of her dress-up clothes she took a moment to model the peacock. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOxcGefU76VB5U1mR74hrF0eTBcetqi73uioh9t4Ak92mHfgy_InXwxC9EFpZraZ7NwfpIhhEobRqnq0Q_l2JAXFia2pBxA3BBOIwNc6hL5qnHSX3pyZPKJP651bZEZ2JAPq6lgUxdCoQW/s1600-h/micahpeacocksm.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 511px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 657px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352498926650107842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOxcGefU76VB5U1mR74hrF0eTBcetqi73uioh9t4Ak92mHfgy_InXwxC9EFpZraZ7NwfpIhhEobRqnq0Q_l2JAXFia2pBxA3BBOIwNc6hL5qnHSX3pyZPKJP651bZEZ2JAPq6lgUxdCoQW/s400/micahpeacocksm.jpg" /></a>KatyDidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11215285840260166793noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1069391388596336531.post-938861718384896422009-06-27T18:31:00.008-04:002009-06-27T18:48:29.679-04:00CF STYLE PEACOCK!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAxQ8EvymW50uzh0PhKMn-JELBxe0Kgp9i49phl92XH09zUXpgY5MKFp365XQNyeWuuKdl6WwOCkJQLypBGlqsgi0mR6MmW2-SEMt5JGonmUVpG0HUTnIIOPul22wMN5X4OoM85IBFfTgC/s1600-h/peacock9.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 365px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 462px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352141990503981250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAxQ8EvymW50uzh0PhKMn-JELBxe0Kgp9i49phl92XH09zUXpgY5MKFp365XQNyeWuuKdl6WwOCkJQLypBGlqsgi0mR6MmW2-SEMt5JGonmUVpG0HUTnIIOPul22wMN5X4OoM85IBFfTgC/s400/peacock9.jpg" /></a>Yes, I'm yelling... I think it's done! I crimped and beaded and strung and beaded and crimped all afternoon. I even made a trip out to Flamingo Follies to try it on a few people to check the length.<br /><br />I must say it was a project and a half but I had a ball making it. Christi's directions are fantastic!<br /><br />As I was finishing it up, I started to feel like a dragon in her lair... I was turning my treasure this was and that, checking for sparkle and counting beads and in general enjoying my wealth.<br /><br />Next I will make earrings. They will be a minor project in comparison. They'll be flower dangles with a few dangles and maybe another dangle added for good measure. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvMkbggRB4VUkrxKTcW6DsS3NPiAC9BSBo8NpD2F3PLrjdctDxptPZZp3B_cFIItiv1Xs423QIU0c1F8_PWNS-80H_j2hRpdXUKfhMrX-H_cxTn2-R_6YY-MColOr91CnxLMV62Bq-YSpp/s1600-h/peacockclose.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 300px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352141076163875954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvMkbggRB4VUkrxKTcW6DsS3NPiAC9BSBo8NpD2F3PLrjdctDxptPZZp3B_cFIItiv1Xs423QIU0c1F8_PWNS-80H_j2hRpdXUKfhMrX-H_cxTn2-R_6YY-MColOr91CnxLMV62Bq-YSpp/s400/peacockclose.jpg" /></a>KatyDidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11215285840260166793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1069391388596336531.post-79640007228350633112009-06-24T21:47:00.004-04:002009-06-24T22:00:36.921-04:00Peacock Patina!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEBEEtfyfCfgQbOnD59Dwu_nRkRJuayD4c58PxiZ8zPTv06bSqY33q9ntptT1_XQgkKIyiHj6Z4S8U8gQVQRicS6NvuHgparmZaBNDUSvz37d4bQH0F4-UJ9DhOkXfisrm-04VfnaKk1fW/s1600-h/peacock+patina.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 424px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 464px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351078456571105410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEBEEtfyfCfgQbOnD59Dwu_nRkRJuayD4c58PxiZ8zPTv06bSqY33q9ntptT1_XQgkKIyiHj6Z4S8U8gQVQRicS6NvuHgparmZaBNDUSvz37d4bQH0F4-UJ9DhOkXfisrm-04VfnaKk1fW/s400/peacock+patina.jpg" /></a> I got the peacock necklace baked and patina-ed. First... I learned that Christi is right as usual(d*%^ it!!!!!!).... crappy sponges are much better than paper towels when it comes to wiping off the patina. I'd been using paper towels, fully convinced that it didn't matter. While I was roaming the dollar store I saw big sponges on sale for... one dollar so I bought one to humor Christi. I tore it into bits tonight and put it to use wiping off the patina. It's much messier than paper towels but it's instant success. The sink is splattered with paint but the peacock was done in a jiffy and is lookin' good.<br /><div></div><br /><div>I was in the bathroom working on it when Marsha came in. I told her about the sponge and also that I was not using browns to patina it, rather I was using bronze. She barely glanced at the color and said, 'No dear, you're using bright copper'. She was right... d*%^ it. She has a much better eye for color than I do. I used bright copper for the leaves and switched to silver; at least I think it was silver, I didn't ask for confirmation; for the peacock. Lovely mixing of metalics and it pops the peacock forward. He was a little too camouflaged before in my opinion. </div><br /><div></div><div>I've planned the layout, nothing is strung yet, that will have to wait until tomorrow. It's a huge necklace, as Marsha says it's not a necklace, it's a shirt. </div><div></div>KatyDidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11215285840260166793noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1069391388596336531.post-70996386810223427432009-06-21T20:31:00.006-04:002009-06-21T20:58:54.809-04:00Two Kats at the Follies!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj72Da7UK0l2Rbo_OT3e_ncn5V4SlIq5MAuAi-dxDHtEJotrIX35I7ATEgROxKm-0rJEn8bo4TLt1m5WXeYfRbQwUrHKpG5zHadHlt2GKHRbvOtucvRvSe6bAHeeG4drC4-ZHsU243l_sEn/s1600-h/twokats.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 454px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 278px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349943758471562770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj72Da7UK0l2Rbo_OT3e_ncn5V4SlIq5MAuAi-dxDHtEJotrIX35I7ATEgROxKm-0rJEn8bo4TLt1m5WXeYfRbQwUrHKpG5zHadHlt2GKHRbvOtucvRvSe6bAHeeG4drC4-ZHsU243l_sEn/s400/twokats.JPG" /></a> I went to Flamingo Follies to visit Gena Jayne a couple of days ago. There was a lovely couple shopping there. I heard the gentleman call "Kathryn" and I turned to look. Seems the lady's name is Kathryn also and she spells it 'right'. So the only thing to do was to try on feathers and get our picture taken together. We had a blast choosing just the proper ensembles for our impromptu portrait. Aren't we the GRAND Ladies?<br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>Today is my birthday. I'm 55! I celebrated by going to Walmart this morning. I bought a convection toaster oven for the kitchen. When I came home, I played musical toasters. I cleaned up the oven that was in the kitchen and brought it into the craft room. The craft room toaster will go to Flamingo Follies for demos and classes. Gena Jayne is going to let me keep some supplies at the shop so I'll be able to play while I'm there. </div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpO8AkNXXpqsQC43HT1xqmfqwQkt27szZVIR2OFyJv6jUtmoBcCX9wBjWpSfNuozIk2XAZG3Tu1B63FfSko4nx-iQMuWKSXLfIE2IJ_xu9xHYhwiBWzkWiLIzIGrQCChNXSJ6YLX8n9GXW/s1600-h/peacock5.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 355px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349948836320217634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpO8AkNXXpqsQC43HT1xqmfqwQkt27szZVIR2OFyJv6jUtmoBcCX9wBjWpSfNuozIk2XAZG3Tu1B63FfSko4nx-iQMuWKSXLfIE2IJ_xu9xHYhwiBWzkWiLIzIGrQCChNXSJ6YLX8n9GXW/s400/peacock5.jpg" /></a>I've been making peacocks today. They're tricky little creatures. It took me several tries to get it just right, but he finally agreed to show off his feathers and is he every showy! </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I think the necklace pieces are ready for baking but I'll probably wait until tomorrow to give it a last check before it goes in the oven. Then I'll have to figure out how to assemble all those little pieces. Then I'll have to make earrings.... </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>then.....</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Ahh well, it's time to move along.</div><br /><br /><br /><div></div>KatyDidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11215285840260166793noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1069391388596336531.post-6112089056174017742009-06-20T23:10:00.003-04:002009-06-20T23:22:17.874-04:00Peacocks are Messy<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRNKYzvw9wgeh4zE6RUkISvH_3s0Gw7-M67lSfCYYeu_fZydtbGcmPL86dHe8iiIhJgYHIdLq2AV1VW1IACNsKbLnGehouDSZ95Cw0HpHephKFu9Xdm7u_OG9escgmeIdS9AT4t5nUhwoc/s1600-h/peacock3.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 305px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349614257984475458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRNKYzvw9wgeh4zE6RUkISvH_3s0Gw7-M67lSfCYYeu_fZydtbGcmPL86dHe8iiIhJgYHIdLq2AV1VW1IACNsKbLnGehouDSZ95Cw0HpHephKFu9Xdm7u_OG9escgmeIdS9AT4t5nUhwoc/s400/peacock3.jpg" /></a><br /><div>It's been a busy day. One last trip to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Michaels</span> to use another 50% off coupon. Then it was on to the dollar store. I found mirrors for $1.00. I'll decorate them with clay an put them out at Flamingo Follies.</div><div> </div><div>I went out to Flamingo Follies for Gena Jayne's birthday party. I got to meet her family. I didn't stay for the whole thing, I wanted to get back home and play in clay. I'm going to start taking clay supplies out to the Follies so I can play out there while I'm visiting.</div><div> </div><div>Ah well, I think it's time to head to bed.... </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Here's a picture of the peacock in progress. It's rather messy looking as there's many parts and none of them are connected yet. I'm trusting Christie that it will all come together! I'm having a bit of difficulty getting the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">peacock</span> to look like a peacock. I think if I added an eye, it would help.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>KatyDidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11215285840260166793noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1069391388596336531.post-52942202846915112602009-06-17T21:13:00.003-04:002009-06-17T21:22:03.359-04:00Peacock Two<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlEaBVcscJsrwJwWw4u7YMRDQMoUgAv0H0gQ61Q9RtW7MdkUQ2ZrI_WSoGwQ2oqVIeiertsx66UJlOrzYUMRlVDtIkcbbxX3BqrDj5s9lQGbvfkLkaxBvHg-GorhOzQUf4UIW2WJ6CtJ5n/s1600-h/peacock2.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 419px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 439px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348470994307293986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlEaBVcscJsrwJwWw4u7YMRDQMoUgAv0H0gQ61Q9RtW7MdkUQ2ZrI_WSoGwQ2oqVIeiertsx66UJlOrzYUMRlVDtIkcbbxX3BqrDj5s9lQGbvfkLkaxBvHg-GorhOzQUf4UIW2WJ6CtJ5n/s400/peacock2.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div>Working on the peacock necklace again tonight. It's growing! I'm not sure how this is all going to fit together but I'm following Christi's directions.... sort of...</div>KatyDidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11215285840260166793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1069391388596336531.post-37386500513231017422009-06-17T08:24:00.005-04:002009-06-17T08:34:07.888-04:00Peacock in Progress<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcknbpuJpgIBILAVSqTr3IpTqR6Q5H-YjmAovSROpBr11JFlp0cxMYbmQQM9Ljg2YFRN1YuI6bjzSNOG_qMe0mDA4HC17TuqLdtbOabQuf_6DrZ9tuUS_AOT2pJ0TkD0k3v5hk2hYUeX2N/s1600-h/peacock1.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 361px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348271665877075266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcknbpuJpgIBILAVSqTr3IpTqR6Q5H-YjmAovSROpBr11JFlp0cxMYbmQQM9Ljg2YFRN1YuI6bjzSNOG_qMe0mDA4HC17TuqLdtbOabQuf_6DrZ9tuUS_AOT2pJ0TkD0k3v5hk2hYUeX2N/s400/peacock1.jpg" /></a><br /><div>I've started making a CF style peacock necklace. She very generously allowed Fire Mountain Gems to post her directions for this necklace after it was used as the cover photo for their newest catalogue.</div><div> </div><div>I started in on it two nights ago, only to discover that IF I had crimp beads in the house they were well hidden. Since <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Michaels</span> has a 50% off coupon this week, I knew it would be faster and easier to buy more rather than search my craft room. </div><div> </div><div>Of course I had to skip around in the directions and 'find' my peacock last night before I finished the beads or even started on the dangles. He wanted to watch his home being created he said. So I allowed him to start morphing into the scene. </div><div> </div><div>That's one of Christi's tools to the left. If you don't have one, you should consider getting one. I know that they make plastic ones 'just like it' but really does make a difference to have it in high quality metal. <a href="http://www.cforiginals.net/">http://www.cforiginals.net/</a></div><div> </div><div>The directions can be found at: <a href="http://www.firemountaingems.com/beading_howtos/beading_projects.asp?docid=940K&doccat=projects">http://www.firemountaingems.com/beading_howtos/beading_projects.asp?docid=940K&<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">doccat</span>=projects</a></div><div> </div><div>And now I've got to leave my peacock and scoot off to work!</div>KatyDidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11215285840260166793noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1069391388596336531.post-59244576205848716612009-06-14T19:05:00.028-04:002009-06-14T19:48:27.874-04:00Big InroNew Penni Jo Style Inro is almost done! Find Penni Jo 'stuff' at <a href="http://www.sweetbrierstudio.com/">http://www.sweetbrierstudio.com/</a> <br />or visit her blog here: <a href="http://claylady43.blogspot.com/">http://claylady43.blogspot.com/</a><br />The Museum of Aviation Foundation holds an auction every year. Huge fundraiser. I was asked to make something and donate it to be auctioned. I'd worn my portrait inro to work and my boss thought it was really cool. She asked if it could be made bigger and would I make it and donate it.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqkN8U4_Pj0Np1_2UIhI0LbTRTVCsM0lXVHOehlcoqV18cFJx11ox-9Kr8IN4mZPDfdfunUKYws3EWnKr60DMc_OityUoi-XocTPMDUYmai4Zsbc7aP6ahhhN82HEBSQZU65Lwg-2ALsHS/s1600-h/inroblue2.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 387px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 424px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347324929774726802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqkN8U4_Pj0Np1_2UIhI0LbTRTVCsM0lXVHOehlcoqV18cFJx11ox-9Kr8IN4mZPDfdfunUKYws3EWnKr60DMc_OityUoi-XocTPMDUYmai4Zsbc7aP6ahhhN82HEBSQZU65Lwg-2ALsHS/s400/inroblue2.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU91sEtwFV3HrSOctQflyI5N319Z1j-BZEXSHUSS-UB06XJ6_KRFRWVckJj6lmGdCwZS_XzbtDeK3uxJn2yyFtiTZ82kmabfuB10BJbBSbyIVqjnygwWAehOoWCsjg6f0xhYWnbuFA6eNe/s1600-h/inroopen.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 386px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 428px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347331129075147122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU91sEtwFV3HrSOctQflyI5N319Z1j-BZEXSHUSS-UB06XJ6_KRFRWVckJj6lmGdCwZS_XzbtDeK3uxJn2yyFtiTZ82kmabfuB10BJbBSbyIVqjnygwWAehOoWCsjg6f0xhYWnbuFA6eNe/s400/inroopen.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Ins<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjR6mTrdAxurzOzzEIsEQnkaWrxxJ3EepLM7RupjP_RQRJLTB3Dx-4FghKxHMbWK2yJN0rM3IZIaAck_NIhWIaNOfhIbu61joLjyuOjHV6_ZRTamDaXImEgN1aKRlWCsyqpSW8_EBRgN7P/s1600-h/inrobackblue2.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 390px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347324936155559906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjR6mTrdAxurzOzzEIsEQnkaWrxxJ3EepLM7RupjP_RQRJLTB3Dx-4FghKxHMbWK2yJN0rM3IZIaAck_NIhWIaNOfhIbu61joLjyuOjHV6_ZRTamDaXImEgN1aKRlWCsyqpSW8_EBRgN7P/s400/inrobackblue2.jpg" /></a>tead of a huge necklace I decided to make it as a small purse. It's been in progress for a couple of weeks...<br /><br />I wen<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlDfegk5na7NcUZIEmAN1CnJiMHMDuGemxdSiHt1py-wdJeMeOY0b7JgmzI9KVMNR-yQvtn1a83ryEIUDFjiVHeos2IeskulXxe_0YAdr4FtugId36K72lZfaxCt_UCIIHjx3rJkOgSGht/s1600-h/inro+display.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 74px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347325910132709394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlDfegk5na7NcUZIEmAN1CnJiMHMDuGemxdSiHt1py-wdJeMeOY0b7JgmzI9KVMNR-yQvtn1a83ryEIUDFjiVHeos2IeskulXxe_0YAdr4FtugId36K72lZfaxCt_UCIIHjx3rJkOgSGht/s400/inro+display.jpg" /></a>t to Michaels today to use my 50% off coupon and found a really cool way to display the inro during the auction. It's a wreath hook according to the label. It was in the wedding department. Whatever, I think it makes a good display method, it will get the inro up off the table and make it more visible.<br /><br /><br /><br />Thank you Penni Jo!<br /><br />Click on the pictures to see them BIG.KatyDidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11215285840260166793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1069391388596336531.post-43708868631420396092009-06-13T11:48:00.008-04:002009-06-13T12:24:08.772-04:00Yes A Blooming Cactus..... is an EVENT in my life!<br /><br /><div><div>I know this is redundant, but when a cactus blooms once a year, only at night and the bloom is wilted by dawn, I can't help but honor its efforts. We had two more blossoms last night. One of them was very unexpected. Darrell found it when he was taking out the trash.<br /><br />When Marsha moved the big plant, it's in a pot, a piece of the cactus broke off. She stuck it in the ground and we sort of paid it no never mind. She figured it would either root or die. Last night the little thing bloomed. The flower was as big as the plant! I have to assume that it put down roots, but I'm not going to disturb it after its big night!<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYAypA0no5ffI6XKjxLNYZAwhkNFndD-gG7XCVObEqcdOBpEPz1kJDJ1v05ho7C9cioI5WIXN4L3qKqHrJ3s9BZ_4NK2XANMPAQXtC3d5nf9Bmkqa24_uB3spAQ-jM2QVzZN87i8mLlyxA/s1600-h/grasshopper.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 247px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346841685445015330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYAypA0no5ffI6XKjxLNYZAwhkNFndD-gG7XCVObEqcdOBpEPz1kJDJ1v05ho7C9cioI5WIXN4L3qKqHrJ3s9BZ_4NK2XANMPAQXtC3d5nf9Bmkqa24_uB3spAQ-jM2QVzZN87i8mLlyxA/s400/grasshopper.jpg" /></a>When I went outside to check on the big plant, I noticed there was a grasshopper sitting on the 'bud'. It's hard to refer to these buds as buds since they're about 6 inches long and as big around as my fist. I decided it was a good photo op, so I went and got my camera. The grasshopper hung around. </div><br /><div></div><div>I snapped a few pictures and it was at that point that I decided I had to stay up for the bloomin' replay and settled in for a long evening. </div><br /><div>Actually, it wasn't terribly long as Marsha gave me a Thai massage. That's the kind where you get 'walked on'. I bought some "learn how to do Thai massage" DVDs a while back and we've been practicing on each other. She walked on me for an hour. It was very good. I was relaxed enough that she was able to work deep muscles.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj66wSO0TA5dUoAvpaMRsk3fHqDGeBTTl2VqxtldeJBNvtci2G01N3NR9qNpob8yMJLckwHLib5XNpf0FsstU3ArX_7dRPZ-uo46KfUjTUFvRoSjRlvCsORpsuH47N-CItl0v0KDjCSrH2L/s1600-h/babycactus.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 328px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346844106925236322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj66wSO0TA5dUoAvpaMRsk3fHqDGeBTTl2VqxtldeJBNvtci2G01N3NR9qNpob8yMJLckwHLib5XNpf0FsstU3ArX_7dRPZ-uo46KfUjTUFvRoSjRlvCsORpsuH47N-CItl0v0KDjCSrH2L/s400/babycactus.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div>By 10:00 we settled in for </div><br /><div align="center"><strong>"The Event - </strong></div><div align="center"><strong>The Second Blooming".</strong> </div><br /><div></div><div>We kept check on things and finally around 11:15 it was time for "Smelling the Flowers". As I said last night the scent is absolutely fantastic. We admired the little bloomer and marveled at it's ability to produce a flower "That Big". It opened first as it was in a darker spot in the yard. I took a few pictures of it.... do you want to see? Of course you do, because I want to show you!</div><br /><div>The petals are chewed because every insect within a mile seems to be attracted to these flowers. This big blossom was close to the ground since it's on such a small plant. It was tucked behind the log when Darrell found it, so I pulled it out and propped it on the log. </div><br /><div></div><div>After paying due homage to the little bloomer it was on to check the big bloomer. We danced <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHBCaobSaX6NUTdFBPJg7kiNig1mLA6WWAq6rbD71Cy4MY6T2mZto03nbQlP5J74havo4SdVC6JgpCmpBj69nzNKcyDp-1S1iaa0pynn0MdHJshoE1JWSj_uUKjfCQHeufYyRLZcjNTh-Z/s1600-h/grasshopperopen.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 372px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346846195495667842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHBCaobSaX6NUTdFBPJg7kiNig1mLA6WWAq6rbD71Cy4MY6T2mZto03nbQlP5J74havo4SdVC6JgpCmpBj69nzNKcyDp-1S1iaa0pynn0MdHJshoE1JWSj_uUKjfCQHeufYyRLZcjNTh-Z/s400/grasshopperopen.jpg" /></a>around it getting the best angle for photos. Yes, it looks exactly like the other bloomers but with such a magnificent flower it just seems necessary to keep records of each flower.</div><br /><div>Only.... this one turned out to be a little different. We have to keep the lights dim when we look at these flowers, otherwise they start to wilt. We do use flash on the cameras but otherwise it's dim lighting for this Event. </div><div></div><div>I downloaded the pictures to my computer to see what I got. I was very surprised to find that not only did I get a couple of good photos of the flower but the flower still had it's friend, The Grasshopper. It had stood guard as the flower opened.</div><br /><div></div><div>There's still two buds left on the big plant. I think it will be a few more days before they are ready for their debut.</div><br /><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG08yqh3M7MY9_gKKzvMs0l8TVKMeQJuSpIwK9MoXPCymEzE1EkDQyczGSBB6RhzSdXPy8ueysoBvxV75H3czkOMHMLYb6-ehrCR3Sgoq1yJF3I0YpTh3W9W-B2ZtTLeiJdUGHFHgzDcgN/s1600-h/yomysin.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 234px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346847748038140530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG08yqh3M7MY9_gKKzvMs0l8TVKMeQJuSpIwK9MoXPCymEzE1EkDQyczGSBB6RhzSdXPy8ueysoBvxV75H3czkOMHMLYb6-ehrCR3Sgoq1yJF3I0YpTh3W9W-B2ZtTLeiJdUGHFHgzDcgN/s400/yomysin.jpg" /></a>And, just because he's so cute.... Here's the Yo!Fred as I found him this morning. Yes, there's always bottles of paint on the sink, sometimes there's even more than that. You never know when you want to paint something... but first you have to get the cat's permission.</div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div></div></div>KatyDidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11215285840260166793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1069391388596336531.post-5886631376223503842009-06-12T19:00:00.016-04:002009-06-12T19:48:56.157-04:00I know, I know....I should have updated this long ago. I've been avoiding visiting here as I didn't want to see how long it's been since I last checked in.<br /><br />OK... the very quick update.. I went to Durham, NC to the GBS/CIDP Foundation International Board meeting right after the previous post. Had a wonderful time. Talecris allowed us to tour their pharmacutical facility to see how IVIG is produced. Very impressive and I darn near froze! Many of the areas we toured are kept at 45 degrees. Fortunately, we only looked at the freezer building from the outside... as it is maintained at -25 degrees. Many of you know that I do not have hot flashes, I have cold flashes. Nothing like 45 degrees in the middle of a cold flash!<br /><br /><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1wIBYfssnhegCJQ345E9xnYknOrQeJPTEDATwIgPTqN8JSoa9ZZTEpjUB1n6jckMPFnuag_vA4rq21SSnqC3p1BTlmbgNZ8QNh2UEQv4RmAcTSGkkkUcCeAw2WC-T8NZgdTNXGMTZngiI/s1600-h/nightbloomsingle1.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346588972873735890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1wIBYfssnhegCJQ345E9xnYknOrQeJPTEDATwIgPTqN8JSoa9ZZTEpjUB1n6jckMPFnuag_vA4rq21SSnqC3p1BTlmbgNZ8QNh2UEQv4RmAcTSGkkkUcCeAw2WC-T8NZgdTNXGMTZngiI/s400/nightbloomsingle1.jpg" /></a>As I was returning home from the airport on the shuttle, I noticed I had a runny nose. I attributed it to atmospheric pressure changes and my return to Georgia pollen. </div><div></div><div>Not. </div><div></div><div>By that evening, I had a full blown head cold. I was certainly glad I wasn't sitting beside me on the plane. By the time I recovered from that, I didn't even want to see how long it had been since I posted here, so like I said, I didn't come look. </div><div><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div>So, what's the flower picture all about you wonder? Could it be that she's been surfing and found a pretty picture to copy and paste as a means of distracting from how long it's been since the last post!?</div><div></div><div>No, Last night, we had a cactus bloomage... A friend gave us cuttings from her night blooming cereus a few years ago. <img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 352px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346586342482648354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOZDYoTWx7rdFZ9l-DCU3CPozvyZimIt8nq9h3fxQSTVahLFmYTvONgckx-8eZspMkHdltYBZLHjiTsJX56QDHxwGcIjhQIRygvWfh9B90baYDBUKeg7rzWtlmAG7wJG_eAEoEHW8fk9eI/s400/nightbloom1.jpg" />It's always bloomed in early September before, but I noticed a few days ago that the buds were forming. Last night we had four blossoms open. Heavenly scent, even if we did have to wait until almost midnight for them to open. We had to keep all the lights off in that end of the house so as not to delay the grand opening even more. We're going to have another flower open tonight. I haven't decided yet if I will stay up to honor it or not.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 248px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346588383518259106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioYrIEHynVj9pRQxyDrW_MUXuUfXM3TcP9nbSEmT9TGqQaPe1kL8kzayTYG1DTSvFFQaD-E-WUa46zhCr0TXU1JVhsoa_iUEO6fSx-rDF3syvSS-4CUmjaw4SXsDsJG62-hpvACZrwqEJg/s400/marshablooming.jpg" />Here's Marsha taking pictures of the bloomers. </div><div></div><div></div><div>I've also been playing in clay. </div><div>Hopefully pictures tomorrow. I'm making a large inro to donate to the Museum of Aviation Foundation Auction.<br /></div><div></div><div>There Phyll, I've blogged.</div><div></div><div>Oh! Hi Clara! </div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /> </div></div></div>KatyDidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11215285840260166793noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1069391388596336531.post-48819817543899430822009-05-24T08:52:00.012-04:002009-05-24T11:06:49.377-04:00Flamingo Follies<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCHJ3rNb-7qIdoT5vmXX7QlVEkZ9zL7Ak_2CYPSc7w7seNfkwTZGk9Pea4xt6AobMagS2G3ZBtqOVKMta5j3lLhk2hr8acjvOI_o679mrR217Ej8bFJCnZprEqhiC6H-sP5yHlAjv38gLt/s1600-h/follies3.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 256px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339401445052690098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCHJ3rNb-7qIdoT5vmXX7QlVEkZ9zL7Ak_2CYPSc7w7seNfkwTZGk9Pea4xt6AobMagS2G3ZBtqOVKMta5j3lLhk2hr8acjvOI_o679mrR217Ej8bFJCnZprEqhiC6H-sP5yHlAjv38gLt/s320/follies3.jpg" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieKjOZEUSrMIpcJPY2XJG5Mglybkf00BN_ehxhEp25ah7vsNLeoAK8LGbIAjB9LBtgoIs0GOKSFdzdmEEeK7PA-luwo27pYsQQMWUCD_i8SXBU_CdHJXpoO02xSgvrlJyczq6PC3d4P5Vz/s1600-h/flamingo.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 95px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339400781813247042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieKjOZEUSrMIpcJPY2XJG5Mglybkf00BN_ehxhEp25ah7vsNLeoAK8LGbIAjB9LBtgoIs0GOKSFdzdmEEeK7PA-luwo27pYsQQMWUCD_i8SXBU_CdHJXpoO02xSgvrlJyczq6PC3d4P5Vz/s320/flamingo.jpg" /> <p align="center"></a><a href="http://www.flamingofollies.com/">http://www.flamingofollies.com/</a><br /></p><p>My wandering Friday took me to Flamingo Follies. I went only to humor Ginny, my ceramics instructor and mentor on becoming a cool senior citizen. Flamingo Follies has apparently been around, on the other side of town for a year or so. They recently moved to 'my' side of town. Ginny had been to the grand opening of the new/old building in Commercial Circle. Commercial Circle was the first downtown area but had long been forgotten as the city grew. It was very run down and neglected. A few businesses had opened in recent years but mostly, the city was aiming to tear down the buildings.... the buildings that are part of the community's early history.<br /><br />Gena, the founder of Flamingo Follies, seems to be heading up a one woman crusade to provide emergency CPR to Commercial Circle. She doesn't want to see it die. She has opened Flamingo Follies to give local arti<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghz4tTFkMydmGORDOGrtx1wkZLyPMN43jyRG2QDaZrA1hWLP2tvrg-lEtASzT6pzkY-brGsgHQ9Nob0hx9aveFMUMq24qxtd1Knv8syzhQtzYWn4-W6P15IDIoMoc_Oo9xicdIgEFAlCMH/s1600-h/follies.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 209px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339377716729783042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghz4tTFkMydmGORDOGrtx1wkZLyPMN43jyRG2QDaZrA1hWLP2tvrg-lEtASzT6pzkY-brGsgHQ9Nob0hx9aveFMUMq24qxtd1Knv8syzhQtzYWn4-W6P15IDIoMoc_Oo9xicdIgEFAlCMH/s320/follies.jpg" /></a>sts a place to showcase their 'stuff'. That's why Ginny told me to visit... she thinks it's high time I start showing off my 'stuff'. She told me that Gena takes 'stuff' on consignment. I told Ginny I'd tried that once before many, many years ago and it had been a disaster. Ginny told me to go look around anyway.</p><div><div>I do as I'm told... </div><br /><div>sometimes... </div><br /><div>sort-of... </div><br /><div>if it pleases me... </div><br /><div>Marsha and I left Ginny's ceramics class early to visit the Follies. Figured we'd do it on class time if we had to go. Shhhh... don't tell Ginny that skipping part of class was the only way to get us there! </div><br /><div>We walked in the door and were greeted by Gena. Gena Jayne to be precise. One woman crusade to save Commercial Circle and to produce smiles while she does it. </div><div>Gena doesn't like shoes. </div><br /><div>She showed us around the shop, regaling us with stories the whole time. Stories about her adventures. Stories about her artists. Stories about standing in the street in front of the store - barefoot - while arguing with people who wanted to tear down buildings.</div><br /><div>Marsha and I hung around for over an hour, Gena wanted to see some of our polymer clay 'stuff'. All we could come up with were clay covered pens from our purses. We left them for Gena to use at the register and promised to come back later as we hadn't had lunch yet. </div><br /><div>Flamingo Follies - Fling Two, took place after lunch with Darrell along for the drive. Gena had mentioned wanting to find a minister who would marry people who had been divorced... and Darrell is willing to do so with premarital counseling. Here's Darrell's church: <a href="http://www.fcc-wr.org/">http://www.fcc-wr.org/</a>. Ya really ought'a check out the pastor's corner link there. The story of the congregation 'peeping' him is there. </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_3YW7DDRolfDdSd3_vkM5x7aoQ_loruihU-2JyYPNT7Ilslo4pXB02XC7OnInSO-IaBS2v-Pi2sM_VSEm6JzVAvHJwijoUUqZAEeJU-w5ZhKB5-XS0Qtq6UBlvyHsiTXUQ-ehot9gQdgX/s1600-h/follies2.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 250px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339401445379697650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_3YW7DDRolfDdSd3_vkM5x7aoQ_loruihU-2JyYPNT7Ilslo4pXB02XC7OnInSO-IaBS2v-Pi2sM_VSEm6JzVAvHJwijoUUqZAEeJU-w5ZhKB5-XS0Qtq6UBlvyHsiTXUQ-ehot9gQdgX/s320/follies2.jpg" /></a>Gena has a sweet little area that could be used for small weddings. So Darrell and Gena chatted about wedding options while Marsha and I wandered around.<br /><div></div><div>When we wandered back, Marsha and I pulled out the polymer clay stuff that we'd taken in as examples. Gena is ready to sell. I ended up leaving two of my elf babies there for her to show off, just to see if people would be interested. I am already making pens to take back to sell. I think I'm going to take in Dad's antique, child sized desk to use as a display area for my products. It's small, it's sweet and it's in the attic with no place to go. </div><br /><div></div><div>There's also an area in the shop that would be perfect for small classes in claying.... Gena has already found my first student, one of her other artists. I think this is going to be a fine new, "to be continued" adventure... </div></div>KatyDidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11215285840260166793noreply@blogger.com2