Horsing Around

I don't know who is enjoying this more?

Swish

Apple of My Eye

I have a HUGE crush!

Passion Flower

Friend or Foe?

As much as I love this flower... the vine is enough to drive anyone crazy. I had a hybrid that I actually paid money for many years ago. I couldn't understand why it was so expensive.

Well I do now...

That hybrid has for the most part stayed exactly where I wanted it to be.

Not this vine!

This was a stowaway in a plant a friend gave me.

Now I can barely keep it under control.

BEWARE!

Double Time

These guys come out after most of my single blossomed lilies have bloomed out.

Glad to See You

I will be bringing some of these Gladiolus inside.


A Sad Day

On a much heavier note.

We lost 3 of our young chicks and their Momma.

Ugghh, I am sick!

Hmmmm...

As I was writing this my daughter came to tell me there was a strange dog in our yard.

WOW

I am not so sure that was even a dog.

If that is what got my girls ...

I don't think I'll be catching him in my live trap.

But by the looks of him...

he hadn't had a meal in a very long time.

Dog Days

And speaking of dogs...

this shirt is one of their many victims.

My poor daughter didn't even get to wear it once.

And just when we were beginning to relax and enjoy the fruits of the new fence...

The dogs found a new way to get out...

unfortunately

it is the same place the fox or raccoon got in.

The once long sleeve western shirt that I got Mary for Christmas has a second chance

just in time for summer.

Sleeveless

Not Really

OK, so it isn't really a "Green Gourd Creation".

But, it could be...

Even though the studio isn't finished, I wanted to try and catch up on some long overdue projects.

So, some mending...

and a

"Chore Chart"

This is only the foundation... I will have it done tomorrow, if I can find the rest of my fabric ...

Keeping Tabs

My 10 year old is starting to get the hang of knowing what it is that she is responsible for as

soon as her feet hit the floor.

And getting much better at doing it without the sighs and moans or me having to ask.

So, now it is time to step it up a notch...

Thus,

the "chore chart"

I think she is realizing that the more she helps out around the house...

the more time for

"FUN STUFF"

Starting To Come Together

First Things First

The first thing to come with me into my new space is my cup of jo.

No Spills Please

An important part of this make-over is to create a space that I will be motivated and inspired to work in.

So, I think it is important for me to bring items into my space that are special to me and created by the folks I love and admire.

Momma

For those who are visually impaired like me it says...

You've wipe me from

the windows.

You've scrubbed me

from the walls.

You've held me oh-so

tightly

so that I wouldn't fall.

Now place me 'neath your

coffee cup-

I PROMISE I'll sit still.

I'll be your "handy"

coaster

And maybe catch

a spill.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

May 2007

A Wedding Story

The heart came first in this story.

Bill made this heart for me before we were married. It was one of the first things he ever gave me. It has seen a lot of years between then and now and acquired some nicks and scratches.

The moon and star were made from a piece of Koa wood that a long time friend sent to us from Hawaii as a wedding gift while she was vacationing.

It did not take long for Bill to know exactly what to do with this wood.

They were done before our wedding day.

Part of our wedding ceremony was to honor the matriarchs of both sides of our family. We did this by offering our mothers baskets containing items that were symbolic of what we planned on

bringing to this union of families.

Since my mother passed away many years ago, this honor was given to my "Meema".

Elizabeth Jarmen Farley

Of the many different items that we placed in each basket, Bill secretly placed

the moon and star in Meema's basket without me knowing.

I found out when she expressed her gratitude & appreciation for the artwork.

I was floored...

However, this IS why I married him.

After my grandmother passed away and the sale of the farm...

these pieces found their way back to me...

It All Begins Here

What use to only be my computer desk...

is now an area that will be used for both computer/office-work, drawing table, paint area & basic work area.

Everything Has A Place

Work Space

I am still in the process of bringing things back into the studio & organizing it all. It is definitely coming along. However, there is still much work still to be done.

Fabric

Up till now most of my fabric has been in totes outside in the workshop. Not very convenient or accessible. This should absolutely help me be more productive in the sewing department and certainly more motivated.

All At Arms Length

I am still bringing in fabric. Where there once was no rhyme or reason, soon it will all be organized by color and use.

Quilts, Clothing, Alterations & other sewing projects.






Cutting Table

Because my studio is such a small space.

Bill made a table that folds down. So it could be folded down and put out of the way when it wasn't being used.
I had used this for my all-in-one work table because I didn't have another work space that was convenient.
I must admit though ... I found myself using the kitchen table most of the time. This really wasn't an ideal workspace. I had to constantly rearrange the space just to start work and then transform it back into a kitchen table when I was done. This did not work well when i needed to leave pieces to dry. I would have to go to another part of the house or outside to dry.

So when I did use the table for paint projects, I had to be sure that the table was clean before I could lay out any fabric to cut or iron. This was not always so easy to do.

A Place for Gourds

Right now this area is being used as a stopping place. Items that have no place to go yet or just have not been put away.

However, this is soon to be where I will keep my clean gourds and other items that I plan to paint, carve or use as mixed media art.

Shipping Zone

I plan to keep my shipping supplies and other items I use for my finished products. Such as clothing labels, instruction cards, price tags & other product labels.

All Work & No Play...

No Way!

After all that not so creative work...

A BEAUTIFUL day at the beach was just what the Dr. ordered.

Almost There

A New Creative Space

I am heading in a new direction and I am almost there!

Crystal Blue & Fennel Green

I slapped the final bit of paint on today. I will put the last shelf up when the paint drys.

I can not put into words the exact way I am feeling at this moment.

But, I am MOSTLY filled with excitement.

More Space

Ahhhh ...

I have passed my PC that was here down to my daughter.

She is very excited!

She doesn't realize yet that we have gone wireless. So, for her to go online she has to ask me for the USB adapter.

No More Desk Top

When I am not using the laptop, it can be neatly tucked away. Safe from paint, glue, dye and other possible mishaps.

I have hung a small rod up for a curtain ... just above the slider drawer for added protection. The curtain also has an additional decorative bonus. It will hide some of the more unattractive items under the desk, like wires, paper shredder & other office type gadgets.



A Fresh New Look




Let There be Light




It is the little things in life that make me happy.



I can move the direction of these lights to the part of the room I need to illuminate.












A Place to Call Home









I am really going to LOVE having this new peg-board.

No more digging around in over crowed plastic drawers looking for my more regularly used tools.






Almost There






Not much further to go.



It is almost time to start bringing everything back in and given them a new home.



Then it will be time to really let that creative energy flow!



It has been a long time coming ... but well worth the wait.





These were all the shots I could take this morning before my battery died on my camera.



I doubt I will do anymore today in this room.



The remainder of the day will be devoted to my well deserving husband for





Father's Day.

How Do You See Things?

Look Closer

The other day I had a random conversation with a perfect stranger... imagine that?

Some how we got on the subject of bees.

She expressed her passionate dislike for these winged creatures. And I of course... being "me" tried to point out the upside of these regal pollinators. She did not share my appreciation. And there was no swaying her from this opinion.

Then she shared with me that she is DEATHLY allergic to them.

On The Third Day

Just when you think you have seen her at her best... she opens up to reveal even more beauty.

Chamomile Anyone?

God is in the details.

It is my opinion that life is full of opportunity.

Opportunity to find humor, love, creativity, growth and community. Every event, every action and every disappointment is an opportunity. Sometimes the choice is blatant and obvious, some more subtle and then there are others that require more time to unfold.

It is usually those times that my most profound lesson is to be learned.

Echa... What?

OK, so I know what it is, I just can't spell it.

Thank Google for spell check!

Oh, Happy Day!

Another volunteer

I tried for YEARS to plant & grow sunflowers in all sorts of areas in my yard. I created beautiful, well fertilized beds for the seeds and perfectly placed them in the recommended seed spacing. I started seedlings and transplanted them... only to have weak, unhappy little daisy like flowers. I was persistent. I REALLY wanted sunflowers in my yard... I loved them. However, the same outcome occurred... unhappy, tiny flowers and a frustrated Debbie.

So, I let go and moved on to other things. One of those things was to put out bird feeders. I bought big bags of birdseed. I figured if I didn't have happy sunflowers then I would at least have happy birds.

Guess what happened?

Yep ... little sunflowers started popping up EVERYWHERE...

and now I don't plant sunflowers anymore or buy birdseed.

Then There Were Four

So, three days ago I had one bloom open and today I have four. I love this Lotus.

It was given to me many years ago by a "phenomenal" woman.

It took a long time for it to really get going. It bloomed the year it was planted, but then nothing for many years. Three years ago, I got the first bloom... one single bloom. The next year there were three, last year there were five... and this year... well I am still counting the abundant blooms.

PHENOMENAL WOMAN

by Maya Angelou

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies

I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size

But when I start to tell them

They think I'm telling lies.

I say,

It's in the reach of my arms

The span of my hips,

The stride of my step,

The curl of my lips.

I'm a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That's me.
I walk into a room

Just as cool as you please,

And to a man,

The fellows stand or

Fall down on their knees.

Then they swarm around me,

A hive of honey bees.

I say,

It's the fire in my eyes

And the flash of my teeth,

The swing of my waist,

And the joy in my feet.

I'm a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That's me.
Men themselves have wondered

What they see in me.

They try so much

they can't touch

My inner mystery.

When I try to show them,

They say they still can't see.

I say

It's in the arch of my back,

The sun of my smile,

The ride of my breasts,

The grace of my style.

I'm a woman Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That's me.
Now you understand

Just why my head's not bowed.

I don't shout or jump about

Or have to talk real loud.

When you see me passing

It ought to make you proud.

I say,

It's in the click of my heels,

The bend of my hair,

The palm of my hand,

The need of my care,

'Cause I'm a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That's me.

from And Still I Rise by Maya Angelou

copyright © 1978 by Maya Angelou.

A Place to Ponder

This is my "special place". I sometimes sit here for hours.

Drinking coffee, reading, drawing, journal, observing and simple meditation.

It is not always filled with lush happy plants, but is is always filled with life, hope and dreams.

Ole Faithful

This is one of six sewing machines I have. I have 2 fancy tricked out machines, one that is on loan and one I acquired many years ago by default. These fancy modern machines do everything but put away my folded laundry. But, I must admit... the oldie but goodies are my favorite. I was recently given my Meema's sewing machine but I have not made myself comfortable enough to use it as my workhorse especially since I still miss her terribly.

Recycled Blue Jeans

My daughter had a Birthday party to go to over the weekend and I thought some doll cloth would be a nice present. So I pulled out a few of the patterns I had already pre-cut and made a couple quick little pieces as well as a couple knitted pieces I had already finished for Mary to give as a gift. And since I had everything already out I tried to to get motivated to finish them off. However, motivation is elusive while my studio is in flux. I need to just get the studio finished. All good things in all good time.

"'Never pull a green gourd afore it's ripe, or it'll witch ye sure"

Helping Hands

My reclaimed flower beds ...

they would not be nearly as happy as they are nor would I if not for some ...

Helping Hands

and I don't mean these metal ones my husband made for me...

I love you , my soul sista!!!!

Digging in the dirt does the soul good. Thank you Robin for the CPR!

The Watering Wok

After one of my woks became less than desirable for cooking, I wasn't quite ready to say "Good-bye". I knew she still had some life left in her. So we found a new home and a new purpose for her.

I love when that happens.

Susan's Eye Before the Fight

After the Fight



One of the new additions to my flower bed.



Some Pig

Ok, so Charlotte nor Wilbur live here... but I thought the weave work was noteworthy all the same.

Mary's Birdhouse Gourd

It has the "Lived-in" Look don't ya think!



Next Best Thing

Since we couldn't put an actual horse in our yard ... (yet) I suppose we will simply have to settle for the

"Horsetail"

Another Wok

So I am going to do another "before" and "after"

What a difference ...

to me anyway!

Now let's see how long I can keep the chickens out of the revived beds.




What A Beauty

My first Lotus bloom of the year. It just opened for the first time this morning.

There must be at least 7 or 8 blooms already waiting to explode.

WOW!!!

I am inspired.