Juxstapostion

The Passage of Time

2012-01-14T06:00:00.000-08:00

My niece will marry this August. She wants to have photos of her grandparents on their wedding day at her wedding and asked me because I am the keeper of most of the photo books. She was blown away when I told her I also had my mother's wedding dress and some bits of lace left from the making of it. Perhaps this will be something old.

When preparing the items for the mail, it gave me pause. It was as though I held something sacred in my hands. My parents married in 1938 which makes both the photo and the lace 72 years old. That's old by today's disposable mentality. I share pictures of both with you here. The lace is in amazing condition having survived the passage of time quite well.

While it might be odd to share this old but personal photo here, the passage of time makes that possible. The original image was a tiny 2 x 3 inches. I scanned it at a high resolution to grab the details. Obviously this concept was not possible back in the day.

The passage of time has served my family well. Quality and technology, you are not such distant cousins!

Use the Good Stuff

2012-01-12T06:00:00.000-08:00

I saw this advice recently and it reminded me of a story.

My mother's good china was given to me. I seriously believe she purchased it for a celebration when I made my First Communion in the fifties. We didn't have a lot of money and so it was grocery store stuff but I always loved the happiness of the pattern.

My dad brought it to my house on a visit. I was thrilled but my children were small and I was afraid to use it. So it remained stored in my basement for just the right occasion.

When my family moved to Portland, there was no basement storage. I came to realize that my children had never know their grandmother. She died when I was just 14. These dishes were my memory and would never be theirs.

For these past 14 years, we have used these dishes nearly everyday. For me, it's as if my mama is hanging around the kitchen with me. I am so glad I used "the good stuff.." Really, it's probably always the best choice.

Changing Perspectives

2012-01-09T18:08:00.000-08:00

I love this flower that defies the cold and blooms in winter. I am reminded of the Christmas song of German origin:

Lo, how a rose e'er blooming,
From tender stem hath sprung.
Of Jesse's lineage coming,
As men of old have sung;
It came, a flow'ret bright,
Amid the cold of winter,
When half spent was the night.

365-002

I always wonder if this is what sparked the composer's imagination. I have photographed the Christmas Camellia many times but this time from behind. I love the reflection through the leaves.

Changing perspective can be a good thing.

And Another...

2011-12-24T15:39:00.000-08:00

But were the shoppers caught by surprise and caught in their tracks. It was nice to see so many who stopped to enjoy in all of the hustle and bustle that is holiday shopping.

Mery Christmas To You

2011-12-24T09:41:00.000-08:00

I spotted this on a friends blog and since I love Coldplay, I share it with you here.

Merry Christmas to all of you and to your families. I love you to bits.

Christmas Humor

2011-12-23T23:30:00.000-08:00

You gotta love this humor.
Who would have thought this up?
Who would have carried out the plan?
If you haven't noticed, look closely to the left.
One thing is for sure, it gets a lot of attention.
It caught mine.

In the Air Again

2011-12-04T20:40:00.000-08:00

What do you notice about these pictures?

Well the first one is rather obvious.When have you been on a margarita plane? It actually cheered me up when leaving Portland on a rather grey (or is it gray?) day. I am pretty sure I don't really care which way it's spelled. But they did not serve margaritas, d#$@'t.

But check out this next image.....let this just soak in.

There were just 26 of us on this plane and only 16 on the connecting flight. We had to sit in the back to balance the plane's weight. The stewardesses were not so busy and gave us a guided tour of our flight into California. I broke my #1 rule and did not have my camera in my purse right next to me and did not get images of the Three Sisters or Crater Lake from on high. So instead you get to see the backs of these peoples heads and how empty the flight was. LOL

Harry Potter

2011-11-22T20:05:00.000-08:00

One of our family's last day of school traditions was to go to lunch and then to the book store to pick up some summer reading material. In 1999, Caite had just finished third grade and her choice was the second Harry Potter book. It seems that her teacher had read the first one out loud to the class. Since I had never heard of Harry Potter, she suggested I get the first book too so that I could understand the story. I did and it soon became a family favorite. We have all--that's all five us--read all seven of the books. On several occasions, Caite and I went to the local borders book store at midnight to pick up our copy. No we did not dress up in character...but maybe we should have. We have also all seen all of the films, many together. Twelve years of family fun. Thank you JKR for giving us Harry.

You gotta love this U-Tube trailer.

Icky Nicky

2011-11-14T19:11:00.000-08:00

It poured down rain at Palm Desert on Saturday. Whaaaat is that about.

Sunday shined so we played golf on the Nicholas Private, better known as Icky Nicky. It is a tough course designed by Jack Nicholas. Here is just one of those icky holes...OMG!

Just what do you aim at? haha

11.11.11

2011-11-14T19:02:00.000-08:00

What were you doing on this day?

Here is a pic of Rick and I playing golf at Indian Ridge. We were paired with the pro, Becky. What a treat. And just look at this view. Too bad you can't see the sky as it is true blue. Woo hoo!

Farewell, Steve Jobs

2011-10-08T21:30:00.000-07:00

I always am especially sad when someone dies whose life is not yet fully lived. So it seems with Steve Jobs. I offer this quote from a man who has truly changed our world.

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of other’s opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.”

~ Steve Jobs

God Speed!

30 Good Years and 21 too!

2011-07-25T23:20:00.000-07:00

On June 26, Rick and I celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary. Where have all of those years gone? We dined at Metro Vino, a relatively new restaurant in the Pearl. It was a quiet Sunday evening and just perfect for us. I wish I had thought to have someone take our picture that eve but I didn't.

Not to be overshadowed by our daughter, who turned 21 the very next day. I remeber so well my OB/Gyn telling me not to have her on or anniversary if we ever wanted to celebrate that again. He was oh so right. LOL

Caite is away for the summer and so we waited a week to celebrate with her.. Portland City Grill, one of our favorites, was the venue of choice. Window tables with spectacular views of the city are the place to be and so we waited a tad bit longer.. We were not disappointed.

I did think to snap a photo of my girl. She's just so darn cute! Awwwww.......

Happy birthday, Caite. Love you to bits.

Missing June

2011-07-17T14:03:00.000-07:00

I have been on a whirlwind effort with house projects.

It all started when I had the cedar shake roof cleaned and stained.
That led to a serious need to power wash the deck. I started that project but have you ever noticed that men have a serious need to have power tools in their own hands. What starts with a "let me see that for a minute" ended with me quietly leaving the scene.One for me.

The next project was a powder room redo. It involved stripping wall paper, texturing and painting the walls and then replacing all of the fixtures. I had this work done by Tony, the painter, and Bob, the builder, two wonderful professional contractors.

Then I had the entire landscape in the front of the house removed and replaced. I don't have before pictures but trust me, it was so overgrown it was scary. I would show you the after but it's raining today for what seems like the millionth day this month.

The next projects are 2 other household bathrooms. The one the kids used over the years has been totally gutted. The tub will be replace with a walk in shower. the vinyl floor with tile and all of the fixtures will be replaced. Parts of the basement bonus room bath are also being replaced. I am going with under mount sinks, CeasarStone counter tops, new fixtures, mirrors and wall paint.

Right now, I have nothing to show. The tear outs are complete and the work begins tomorrow. I can't wait.

I do promise to post photos of the completed projects. I am not big on the befores. They are what I am trying to forget.

Until then, here is something to look at... Nice-a!

Piece of My Heart

2011-05-31T21:33:00.000-07:00

We went to the play One Night with Janis at Portland Center Stage. It is the Janis Joplin story told from the concert stage. Cat Stephani plays Janis Joplin and if you didn't know better, you would think you were seeing Janis live. Stephani is spectacular. She can really belt a throaty, earthy, explosive tune. And, I loved the costumes. The audience sang along to Me and Bobby McGee but my favorite remains Piece of My Heart. Loved it, totally.

So on Mother's Day

2011-05-14T18:05:00.000-07:00

I arose at 6:15 AM to drive Drew downtown to run the Cinco de Mayo half marathon. There is no place to put your license or cash or car keys so I was the designated depository.

Hamming it up at the start

I wandered around and treated the morning like a photo shoot, finding some interesting things: flowers blooming, interesting things in windows, graffiti and lots of people.

I heard the holler that the winner was coming and so I rushed to catch a glimpse. Drew was hoping to finish in 2 hours. The winner was estimated to have completed the race in one hour 20ish minutes. I held my place along the route and it wasn't too long before I saw a very red shirt coming my way.

He ended up finishing the race in 1 hour and 51 minutes and with a grin on his face. He doesn't even look like he's working hard.. Running entitled him to 2 beers (at 9:30 in the morning:) I got one of them. HA! We toasted him.

Who Is Ted or is it What...

2011-05-07T15:39:00.000-07:00

I was directed to this site today. I have not been there before. This topic is both thought provoking and the film is beautiful. Sit back, give it a go and enjoy!

Should I Stay or Should I Go

2011-04-26T16:23:00.000-07:00

Precisely the question at the Rose Garden on Saturday. Down 23 in the 3Q, the crowd was just not sure. After all it was 80ish outside. First time all year for that.

But then Marquis Man started riling up the crowd with "Get Louder" signs. And 6th man did. It was so loud, the players later said they couldn't even call plays to each other.

And then, YESSSSS, the BRoy we all love, began chipping away at the score. With 59 seconds left in the game, he shot the tying bucket and then just a tad later, the winning one. He single handedly left Dallas with their mouths hanging open. Portland went nuts. We love our Brandon.

Internet photo from the BlazerBlog

And in the end, we are glad we chose to stay...

Voices Lecture Finale for this Season

2011-04-17T23:28:00.000-07:00

Last week, I had an opportunity to hear Isabella Rossellini speak. She is elegant and graceful. She related stories from her childhood, specifically what it was like being the child of famous parents, Ingrid Bergman and Roberto Rossellini. Then, she told stories of her children and what it was like for them, growing up with a mother who was the face of Lancome for 10 years. She is a powerhouse, working in big business and producing movies. She loves her work. It is her life. The people she meets through her work have made a profound impact on who she has become. In the end, we are not all that different. It seems to be that way for each of us.

The warmth of Isabella Rossellini made for a truly enjoyable evening.

What a View!

2011-04-10T17:18:00.000-07:00

Rick and I were gifted with some amazing seats to the Blazers vs Spurs game. We were seated just two seats away from Mike and Mike, at the same table and right next to the replay screen they drag out when need be. Got the picture. This is floorside.

These men look big from this vantage point.I took these photos during the pregame warm up. What fun is this. The best was saved for last when Dre threw Batum the ball with nano seconds left on the clock for a dunk and 2 point win. You go, boys.

Love this one. I captured both balls falling through...

Good Day Sunshine...

2011-03-31T23:13:00.000-07:00

It's been a long wet winter in Portland. Maybe that is just what we say this time every year when we have run out of sun shine in our memories. I received this comic today and it speaks volumes.

Ta-da...

Enjoy your sunshiny day, I hope!

And remember, comments or just a hello, are quite free.

Promise Me

2011-03-30T21:39:00.000-07:00

I just finished reading a book titled Promise Me. It is the story of Susan G. Komen and the foundation which takes her name. Susan's sister, Nancy G. Brinker is the author and for me it is powerful read. It's been awhile since I have had the opportunity to observe big business first hand. This book gave me a glimpse. I was astounded by what the love for a sister, whose life was cut short, could accomplish.

My favorite thought from the book describes the moment when First Lady Betty Ford informed the press that she had breast cancer, not cancer or women's cancer but breast cancer. It was a conundrum for the press. Prior to this moment, the words were unprintable and unspeakable. Did she expect Walter Cronkite to discuss breasts on the evening news? Yes, she did.

The author states: That moment was like a glimmer of light shining through a keyhole. And all it takes is a keyhole to reveal that what looked like a wall is in fact a doorway.

Grab it and read it. You will be impressed.

Blackberry Bramble Scramble

2011-03-13T15:01:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday, our neighborhood had it's first Bramble Pull. Several sections of the hood had long been neglected allowing the bramble to grow to 10 feet high in places. It was suffocating the natural vegetation and trees around it. Always short on funds, we chose to host a volunteer day. Amazingly more than 25 people participated and much progress was made. This is one team of truly exhausted people. Those young people carried their weight in well uh bramble...we couldn't have done it without them.

Living on the Light Side -- a different meaning

2011-02-21T15:46:00.000-08:00

I just finished reading the book The 100 Thing Challenge by Dave Bruno. I would have linked the book title to Amazon but then the author's challenge to himself was to live for one year with fewer than 100 things. How could I really encourage anyone to buy the book. I got my copy from the library.

Dave Bruno's purpose in living with so few things was to unhook himself from the intravenous drip of American consumerism. It's a good read though a very difficult task for most. I found myself trying to imagine how I could do this. I can't imagine it. I am pretty sure that I could not reduce my stuff to100 things even within a single category in many cases--clothing, fabric, books ...

One of his thoughts: "when is the moment we stop looking for something of value and start desiring something that we think will make us more valuable ourselves?" It did give me pause, a chance to consider why I buy things and perhaps make a commitment not to go to the mall. LOL

Would you be able to take this challenge?

On another note, my son, Nick, celebrated his 24th birthday on February 17 and I was remiss to write about it here. He sent me this photo snapped by a newspaper in Asheville, NC, where he lives. He was running a 5K or a 10K. I'm not sure which. He could do the 100 Thing Challenge though he would probably have to buy some things to get to 100. He has not bought into American consumerism.

You go, Nick, and happy birthday.

Living on the Light Side

2011-02-15T19:45:00.000-08:00

The Wildly Funny Internet

So today, I tried to cancel a car reservation that I had made for next week. The original res was made with Orbitz via Alaska Airlines. The car rental was from Budget. Orbitz' cancel link did not work: "They are aware of the problem and will get to it shortly." Should I be grateful?

Next I tried dealing directly with Budget. I canceled the res in their system. I received a notification that I had successfully canceled the car I was to pick up in July, 2015 but needed to return by March, 2013. Oh, OK!
I'm not sure if I should worry until 2013 or 2015...

Just sayin'...

Here is a photo to soothe...

Traci Murphey Designs Blog Blitz

2011-02-03T00:00:00.000-08:00

Whoa! Check out this new kit Ring It In by Traci Murphy Designs.

Isn't it just spectacular! You gotta love the colors, so useful for many

celebrations. And what about those masks. Makes you want to go to

Mardi Gras.

Traci gave me a copy of this kit and asked me to use it and write

an independent review.

The first thing I look at when purchasing a new kit are the papers.

Traci has included 23 beautiful hand distressed papers in Ring It In.

I wanted to use as many as I could in my layout. I picked a template

that would allow me to showcase the papers. I prefer simple layouts

that help me tell my stories. This kit worked beautifully on many levels.

In addition to all of the papers, there are 10 elements and an alpha,

all sparkly and glittery. Ribbons and swirls and word art and frames...

It's all here.

Wouldn't this kit be amazing in hybrid projects too. I can imagine

making small boxes and bags and tags and...yeah that too. What about

printing a two sided paper so when folded, you get a totally different

view. Oh my!

I bet you wanna know more about Traci. Check her out here.

You can also find her:

Whew! She's a busy gal.

Did I mention that there is also a contest...
1. It's a Gallery Crawl: .Love Traci's designs? Ready to try a new designer?

Well keep reading for a chance to win a $20 gifty code to Traci's store.Visit

Traci's designer gallery - http://bit.ly/TraciMurphy-gallery. For every comment

you leave on a layout in the gallery, you'll receive one entry (one per layout) into

the drawing for the $20 gifty code to Traci's store. Deadline: All comments must

be left by 10 p.m. CST Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2011. The prize will be awarded

using Random.org by Sunday, Feb. 13. We'll post the winner in Traci's welcome thread.

Here's the scoop:

1.) Grab a spot in this thread: http://bit.ly/TraciMurphy-welcome

2.) Go to the Traci Murphy's Designer Gallery - http://bit.ly/TraciMurphy-gallery -

and start leaving comments on layouts!

3.) After every comment - copy the link to that layout and paste it back in this thread -

http://bit.ly/TraciMurphy-welcome - by editing your original post! Each post should

hold approximately 100 links before you need to create a new post to continue your

list. Please do not create a new post for each link.

We only ask one thing.....

Please do not copy & paste or leave one word comments (beautiful....gorgeous...

lovely). We want to make sure that the members are receiving genuine comments

and love. Thanks for understanding!

Bonus - Bonus - Bonus
Earn a bonus entry into the random drawing for each blog you comment on, part of

the blog blitz announcement. (One entry per blog).Start by leaving a comment

right here, right now.

And then go grab Ring It In and scrap away.

1.11.11

2011-01-11T10:23:00.000-08:00

This is even more fun to write...

I am taking a photography class called Picture Winter at Big Picture Classes, an online site.
My images are posted on my photography blog, Photoworks, under the Picture Winter page. See that choice just under the header and to the right of Home.

My favorite so far is this image. It's prompt is:
All the Possibilities.

For a fiber artist, it speaks volumes.

1.1.11

2011-01-01T19:19:00.000-08:00

OMG! I just had to write this. I totally love when the numbers allign.

I had to kiss my Caite good-bye today as she returns to college. For the rest of the first day of this new year, I spent un-decorating. I have company coming on Thursday and need to get Christmas put away. Finish it up, you know.

I am taking an on-line photography class called Picture This: Winter. I think if you can take decent photos in the winter, any other season is a piece of cake. We will see. At any rate, here is my first image. This is a Christmas camellia and is particularly spectacular when nothing else is thinking about blooming in my yard.

I hope your New Year is magnificent and becomes all that you hope it will be, with a few surprises thrown into the mix..

Finish

2010-12-31T18:18:00.000-08:00

That is the word I have chosen for next year. Seems to fit quite nicely for today. HA HA

Maybe "finish" is not an uplifting word. I have no trouble starting a myriad of new things but have to remind myself to see them through. That is my job for this year.

Rachel Snyder says it well...

Finish what you start. Finish up the last calculation, the last page, the last round, the last lap. Finish that final assignment so you can finish up your degree. Finish that vest you have been working on for eons, that tile job you thought you'd never finish. Would someone please finish up this last bit of soup so that I can finish up the kitchen. Finish that discussion when you are both feeling a bit calmer. Pray that they finish soon so that you can go home. Finish sanding, finish trimming, finish cutting so that you can put away the tools. Finish off one project before you start another. Let go of that relationship: it's finished. let go of being a doormat: you're finished. Go back and finish what you swore you would never finish in a million years. When they ask how far along you are, say I am finished?

I finished my Italy book and gave it to Rick for Christmas. That is the beginning (last years word) of finishing something (this years word). I am so clever.

Here is one of my favorite pictures of that trip to share with you.

It is the Isle of Capri.

And so to finish this year 2010, here's to you!!!!

Cheers!

The God Box

2010-12-28T16:25:00.000-08:00

I read the story called Inside the God Box this week and found it to be poignant. I hope you like it as well.
Find it here ...

I have also been working on bokeh and have some room to grow but I liked this one best.

I hope your holidays are peaceful.

Vera Lim Blog Blitz Revisited

2010-12-20T11:05:00.000-08:00

Ooops...

I am a "Vera Lim Kit" frequent flyer and wouldn't want you
to get left out in the cold so to continue the blog blitz, give this new link a go...

http://ozone.oscraps.com/blog/?p=100

And for your trouble, some more eye candy...

Vera Lim Blog Blitz

2010-12-18T00:01:00.000-08:00

You are going to love this fun new kit from Vera Lim. It's called Wild and Beautiful
and is comprised of ten papers and 34 unique elements that you will find charming
(available as colored and shadowed versions – 63 total elements).

Having just returned from a trip to New Zealand, I was totally jazzed to learn that
Vera calls NZ home. This is my first scrap from our trip down under and found the
colors to be just perfect.

My first attraction to any kit is in the papers. I love to use soft papers that allow my
photos and stories to shine. This kit does that perfectly. There is a nice combination of gently grunged artsy papers that give any layout a touch of color and interest.

The elements are easy to use: fun word art, hand drawn flowers, little buttons and epoxies. And, you gotta love the birds. To me, they look like gulls but perhaps that is because I am scrapping an image with the sea. I love to adjust elements to make them mine and that was easy to do with this kit.

I really like how all the papers and elements work so well together.
I hope you have as much fun with it as I have.

Want to learn more about Vera Lim...Here are the links to find her:
Guesting At The O | On Facebook | At Her Blog | Her Store | O Blog | O Forum

Blog Blitz details: Visit each blog and gather the words for a Christmas quote. When you have compiled the quote, e-mail it to bloghop @ oscraps.com (remove the spaces). All e-mails must be received by midnight CST, Wednesday, Dec. 22. One winner, from those who submit the correct quote, will be picked randomly – using Random.org - to win a kit

of his/her choice from Vera Lim.

Today's Christmas quote is: "Christmas may be a day of feasting,"

Continuing the Blog Blitz tomorrow, head over to http://ozone.oscraps.com/blog/?p=100

to see more of this "Wild and Beautiful" kit.

Just saying... I was provided a copy of this kit by Vera Lim, a guest designer at Oscraps.com. This fact did not influence my review - in case you (or the FTC) were worried about this detail.

If you are still reading this post, I would love to hear from you

Comments are free. LOL

A Thanksgiving Story

2010-11-25T10:07:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all. It is without a doubt,
my favorite holiday. I offer one of my favorite
fall photos and a story of thanks.

The Whale...

A few years ago, there was a front page story in the San Francisco Chronicle about a female humpback whale who had become entangled in a spider web of crab traps and lines. She was weighted down by hundreds of pounds of traps that caused her to
struggle to stay afloat. She also had hundreds of yards of line rope wrapped around her body, her tail, her torso, a line tugging in her mouth.

A fisherman spotted her just east of the Farralon Islands (outside the Golden Gate ) and radioed an environmental group for help. Within a few hours, the rescue team arrived and determined that she was so bad off, the only way to save her was to dive in and untangle her. They worked for hours with curved knives and eventually freed her.

When she was free, the divers say she swam in what seemed like joyous circles. She then came back to each and every diver, one at a time, and nudged them, pushed them gently around as she was thanking them.

Some said it was the most incredibly beautiful experience of their lives. The guy who cut the rope out of her mouth said her eyes were following him the whole time, and he will never be the same.

May you, and all those you love, be so blessed and fortunate to be surrounded by people who will help you get untangled from the things that are binding you. And, may you always know the joy of giving and receiving gratitude. I pass this on to you, my friend, in the same spirit.

It's a good life!

Homecoming

2010-11-25T09:38:00.000-08:00

When Rick and I left Portland on October 31, the leaves on the trees
in my yard were still mostly green with just a tinge of red. Three weeks
and a day later, when we arrived home, they were bare. Except one
who waited in greeting...

Our arrival was just in time as that evening, Portland received
its first sprinkling of snow.

Ah! Let the season begin...

OMG! Did I love Christchurch!

2010-11-16T01:18:00.000-08:00

Christchurch Cathedral is the center of Cathedral Square.

A lot of fun and quirky things go on here.
There is also some amazing art, such as
this great flowering vase. Totally cool!

Close by is Town Square with these amazing fountains.

And finally, you can see the British influence
with these old phone booths. Rick is found here
looking for his I-phone, wondering how
he is going to get game scores from this old thing.

Mt Cook and Surrounds, Whoa!

2010-11-16T01:02:00.000-08:00

We drove to Mt Cook and encountered these lakes
with the most amazing turquoise water. It turns out
that the glacier washes bits of rock as it tumbles down
and this sediment called "glacier flour" is dazzled
by the sun and reflects this color. Sweet!

This is Lake Pukaki...

And, this is Mt Cook as seen from our window.
Sweet squared.

A room with a view, what is not to like about that!!!!!

Milford Sound

2010-11-11T01:26:00.000-08:00

Milford Sound is possibly beyond description. It is so beautiful.

Rock formations jutting out of water so dark.
Waterfalls plummeting from the sides.

Seals, dolphins and penguins all together in one place.

It is simply amazing.

What do you think of this?

Queenstown, New Zealand

2010-11-11T01:18:00.000-08:00

A view of the harbor in Queenstown. What a beautiful spot...

Another view of the harbor which includes some of the hillside town.

Dunedin, New Zealand

2010-11-09T01:44:00.000-08:00

A few photos from our first days in New Zealand.

What is wrong with this picture?

My girl on campus: U of Otago: Dunedin.

St Clare's Beach, a wild and wonderful beach.
Feet in the Pacific, a long way from the Oregon coast.

10.14.10

2010-10-14T19:46:00.001-07:00

Today is "try to find an apartment" day.
No luck.

10.13.10

2010-10-14T19:43:00.000-07:00

This day nearly killed us. We left KC at 6:45 and hit road construction on our way out of town. When we drove through St Louis, it was a long slow ride. We hit construction stoppages in southern Illinois and northern Kentucky. I had to drive that stick shift through rush hour in Nashville. Stop and start, stop and start. YUCK! We finally arrived at our destination at 11:30 PM. Dog tired but we survived.
To bed to recover...

10.12.10

2010-10-14T19:39:00.000-07:00

We drove into Lincoln and stopped at the International Quilt study Center. The museum had two exhibits: one was antique doll quilts and the other was quilts from Asia. Very nice. I was hoping to show Nick some of Michael James' early work but it was not on display. too bad!

Then on to KC and a stopover at my sister's home. We visited with her family, and got a break from a big drive. Spent the night with the intentions of getting an early start.

10.11.10

2010-10-14T19:34:00.000-07:00

Day 2: We made it to York, NE, which is about 40 miles west of Lincoln. Another day of sunshine and the straightest ribbon of highway I have ever seen. Put cruise on 80 and just steered the car. Didn't see too many others. We have 500 tunes on my IPod and have shuffled them. It's sing along time, at least for the driver. Chances are the passenger was sleeping.

10.10.10

2010-10-10T21:15:00.000-07:00

Today Nick and I drove 720 miles from Portland, OR to Ogden, UT on our drive to his new hometown of Asheville, NC. I am refreshing my memory of driving a stick shift. This one will floor you: Nick drives 65 miles per hour to maximize gas usage; I drive 75 MPH because I am thinking about the hotel and my oh so comfortable bed awaiting me. Youth and practicality...

Tomorrow, our destination is Lincoln, NE, nearly.

My images are only in my head. Sorry.

The Spanish Steps

2010-08-22T21:25:00.000-07:00

The Spanish Steps connect a French church by the name of Trinita dei Monti
to the Piazza Di Spagna or Spanish Square.

The elegant staircase consists of 137 steps over twelve different flights

The idea of connecting the church with the square below originated from the
17th century, when the French also planned a statue of King Louis XIV
of France at the top of the staircase. As one might imagine, Papal opposition
caused the plans to be shelved until 1723, when this enormous staircase was
built sans the statue. The Italian architect was Francisco de Sanctis.

People navigate to these steps. On Saturday evenings, Italians get all duded up
and struscio, which literally means "to rub shoulders" but figuratively means to
visit. We struscio'd along with the best of them.

Santa Maria della Vittoria

2010-07-24T19:12:00.000-07:00

This is the church for which I have been searching.
No wonder it is difficult to find. The exterior does not really look churchlike.

But wait until you get inside. These churches are all over town,
nondescript exteriors with amazing interiors.

I was interested in this one because it contains The Ecstasy of St Theresa,
a sculpture by Bernini. I am a total fan of his.

Rick was generous to return with me in the afternoon when it was opened.

Are you ready....

The Ecstasy of St Theresa

The main altar

The ceiling in an alcove altar

The pipe organ

The exit door

And something that fascinated me in all the churches of Italy...

the confessionals. Many were marked with the languages
familiar to the priest. They too are beautiful.

Santa Maria degli Angeli

2010-07-24T18:45:00.000-07:00

We have been trying to find the church that contains the Bernini sculpture
The Ecstasy of St. Theresa. I thought I had when we found this church.
Not so but this was yet one more grand find.

The story goes: In 1541, a Sicilian priest, Fr. Antonio Lo Duca, had a vision
of angels in the ruins of the Baths of Diocletian. As a result, Pope Pius IV (1559-1565)
ordered that a church be built within the Baths. The church was designed by Michelangelo,
who began work in 1563 but died a year later in 1564. His design was completed
by Jacopo Lo Duca, nephew of Fr. Antonio and pupil of Michelangelo.

They say the frescoes have been badly restored.
I guess my eye is not so keen.

My favorites, as always are the angels. Here are two.

And finally, there were some unchurchly findings in this church, more science than spiritual unless those combine well to your way of thinking.

On the left side of the church is the Meridian Line, a sundial laid down along the meridian that crosses through Rome, at latitude 15º. At true noon, about 12.15 pm (1.15 pm in summer time), the sun casts its light on this line. The markings were made by the astronomer, mathematician, archaeologist, historian and philosopher Francesco Bianchini. who had been commissioned by Pope Clement XI to make them for the Holy Year of 1700. It took a bit longer; they were completed in 1703 with the assistance of the astronomer G.F. Maraldi.

And another one of my favs is this pendulum.
Sorry for the sucky picture but oh so cool, that I had to share.

If you are still with me, thanks.
Leave a comment if you choose.

St Peter's in early moring light

2010-06-06T14:52:00.000-07:00

Nothing compares to photography in early morning light.
This is one of my favorites...

St Peter's Square

2010-06-06T14:10:00.000-07:00

Still in Rome after all these posts...

We were lucky enough to get to St Peter's Square three times.

First Rick and I ended there on our wandering tour. Next, our

our guide surprised us with a visit on Palm Sunday to witness

Pope Benedict XVI say Mass. And finally, in the early morning

when we would do the postponed tour of the Vatican Museum

and Sistine Chapel. These are some of my favorite photos from

he visits...

Statues of 140 Christian martyrs flank the balustrade.

A fountain by Bernini (1675)

Giant trinitrons just like at sporting events.

What would these saints think?

But of course, all can see the Pope say Mass.

And this fountain is by Maderno (1613)

A bit farther away

The Sistine Chapel is amazing. no photos are allowed,

which is OK because the room is dimly lit and no photo

that i take could do it justice. This is The Sistine Chapel

from the square. It is where the Papal conclave occurs

when the Cardinals are electing a new Pope. It is near

where the white smoke is seen indicating that a new Pope

has in fact been elected.

And finally my favorite of the day.

A member of the Swiss guard and a wannabe...

How cute is that.

If you are following my journey, thank you.

Feel free to leave a comment.

I would love to hear from you.

St Peters Basilica

2010-06-03T20:08:00.000-07:00

St Peter's Basilica is perhaps the most beautiful church I have ever been in. It's size is astounding. There are so many side altars and chapels. Numerous popes have been buried here. St Peter, the first Pope (upon this Rock, I will build my church) is buried beneath the main altar.

The entrance doors are large, as one might expect. There is a set of special doors, more ornate than any other, and these are called the Jubilee doors They are only opened during the Jubilee year celebration, which occurs every 25 years.

Looking down the center aisle to the main altar.

And a closer view

Don't you just love the ray of sun shining through the side window.

The most famous statue is Michelangelo Buonarroti's Pieta. In 1972, someone took a hammer to it and so it is now protected, placed behind plexiglass and roped off so that visitors can not get too close. My photo does not do justice to this work. To me one of the most amazing things is that Michelangelo was only 22 when he began this piece. It was completed within a year.

As with every church I saw in Rome, the beauty lies in all of the details.

Floors...

Columns...

Statuary...

There is so much to see.

The Vatican Museum

2010-06-02T19:43:00.000-07:00

Journey on and we did. Having purchased tickets for the Vatican Museum online from the states, we gave ourselves away as the total tourists while standing at a map of the Vatican grounds trying to figure out just where we would go to pick them up. A young lady approached and asked if we wanted to participate in an English speaking tour beginning in 15 minutes. Rick and I quickly agreed. It was good money spent. Our tour guide was an American named Steve, from San Diego, living in Italy with a fine arts degree and of course, superb English. He knew just where to go to pick up our tickets and he did. YEAH!

What is not to like about the Vatican Museum except the sheer number of tourists. It was difficult to know whether to look up or down or just around, there is just so much to see. We were lucky because we actually went through the Museum twice. Our tour took us back in an early morning visit which was perfect for some of the photos I have captured here.(No tourist heads. LOL)

Upon entering, the first place you land is the Pigna Courtward, named for a colossal bronze pine cone, which is nearly 13 feet high.

Steps leading to the pine cone sculpture.

The detail of the pedestal supporting the pine cone.

Another spectacular sight is an enormous sphere in the center of the courtyard, sculpted by Arnoldo Pomodoro in 1990. It rotates with just the slightest touch.

I love this peice, the detail in the hair is amazing. I don't really know how long ago it was done.

And then entering the Museum...
The statuary is exquisite, so rich in detail.

I learned that these statues had been painted way..... back in the day, but the paint had washed away. This is why the eyes do not have detail carved into them. It had been painted on.

The ceilings...
Much of this is fresco, which is a technique that paints directly on wet plaster. It is the reason this art has survived the years.

The ceiling in the Gallery of Maps which really does go on forever.

And finally, I share this really bad photo because the story that goes with is so funny.

This is supposedly Nero's bath tub. It really is huge and fills this large space.
The story goes that Nero had 6 wives. The first three were women, the next two were men and the last one was a horse. What... did he say?

Ponte Saint' Angelo

2010-05-10T09:41:00.000-07:00

These photos give new meaning to the the words "light at the end of the tunnel". After wandering delightful alleyways and never really being sure we were on the right track, we could see light...at the end of the tunnel.

Blessings!

We spot our destination, the Ponte Sant' Angelo, the Bridge of Angels.

Image by Matthias with his permission.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:StAngelo_Bridge_Rome.jpg

This Bridge spans the Tiber River, connecting the city center to the Castel Sant' Angelo.

The statuary on this bridge has been replaced several times in it's history. Bernini's program, one of his last large projects, called for ten angels holding instruments of the Passion. He personally only finished the two originals of the Angels with the Superscription "I.N.R.I." and with the Crown of Thorns, but these were kept by Clement IX for his own pleasure. They are now in the church of Sant'Andrea delle Fratte, also in Rome.

The remaining angesl were sculpted by students of Bernini.

Angel with the Whips

Angel with Cross

If you want to see an awesome artistic rendering of this photo, see Photoworks

Also on the bridge are sculptures of Sts Peter and Paul. These remain from one of the earlier artistic renderings. Pigeons are the ruin of all photographers in Rome. I am pretty sure the locals don't care much for them either. And I am positive that St Peter doesn't.

If you look closely, you can just see the Sculpture of St Michael the Archangel on top of the Castel behind.

Piazza Navona

2010-05-04T21:32:00.000-07:00

This piazza is large and open and has three delightful fountains.

In the center is Bernini's Fountain of the Four Rivers, representing the Nile, Ganges, Danube and della Plata. It was erected in 1651 in front of the church of Sant'Agnese in Agone, and yards from the Pamphili Palace belonging to this fountain's patron, Pope Innocent X (1644-1655). This sculpture was being refurbished and was surrounded by plastic. Boo Hoo.

You can see the church with it's twin towers just behind the scuplture.

The Moor Fountain, located in the southern area of Piazza Navona, takes its name from the central figure, who is a Moor fighting with a dolphin. The work was sculpted based on a design of Bernini in 1654 by Giovanni Antonio Mari.

This fountain had all the water so the pigeons liked it as much as I did.
Gotta love those buns!

And then one who will sing?dance?sit? just whatever for his supper. This is not the third fountain although he seems to have been here long enough for green things to begin growing...

Hmmm!

Next Stop - the Pantheon by way of Piazza Colonna

2010-05-03T10:20:00.000-07:00

Continuing down the Via Something or Other, which by the way has an interesting array of shops and restaurants whose proprietors were busily restocking for the day's business, is quite interesting. Except for the fact that we were never quite sure just exactly where we were, who is to care. Getting a bit lost this time, landed us in the Piazza Colonna to the discovery of The Column of Marcus Aurelius. Oh my!

The column’s shaft is 29.60 m (about 100 feet) high, on a 10 m high base, which in turn originally stood on a
3 m high platform - the column in total is 41.95 m. About 3 metres of the base have been below ground level since the 1589 restoration. The column consists of 27 or 28 blocks of Carrara marble (the good stuff that Michelangelo used), each of 3.7 m diameter, hollowed out at the quarry for a stairway of 190-200 steps within the column up to a platform at the top. This stairway is illuminated through narrow slits into the relief.

Just look at the detail. It is so beautiful.

Finally, we arrive at the Piazza Della Rotonda. Many of these squares contain obelisks. This one is called the Obelisk of Ramesses.

This square is most famous for the Pantheon, which was originally built in 27 BC by Marcus Agrippa and reconstructed by Hadrian in the early 2nd century. The Pantheon is a perfect sphere, at 142 ft wide and 142 feet high, as is it's dome. Before the 20th century, this was the biggest pile of concrete ever constructed.

The oculus (latin for "eye") is an opening in the dome which is 30 feet in diameter and allows rain to enter. See the bird in the opening.

The Pantheon was originally a pagan temple but in 609, the Byzantine emperor Phocas gave the building to Pope Boniface IV, who converted it into a Christian church and consecrated it to Sancta Maria an Martyres, now known as Santa Maria dei Martiri.

Here it is decorated for Palm Sunday services.

Raphael and Vittorio Emanuele II, king of Italy, and his successor, Umberto I, are buried in the Pantheon. It is a beautiful space, which we visited twice. The first time was in the morning and it was ever so peaceful. The second time was on the eve of Palm Sunday and while it was beautiful because a choir was singing, it was ever so crowded and the sense of space was lost.

The Trevi Fountain

2010-04-23T21:07:00.000-07:00

Rick and I headed out from our hotel on foot. Our destination was the Vatican by way of a few intended sights. With map in hand, we looked for the streets indicated but most of them turned out to be more like alleyways. Street signs are engraved blocks on the sides of buildings. Our first destination was the Trevi Fountain.

This fountain is enormous!

It was based on the design of Nicolo Salvi and built from 1732-1762.

The central figure of the fountain, in front of a large niche, is Neptune, god of the sea. He is riding a chariot in the shape of a shell, pulled by two sea horses.

Each sea horse is guided by a Triton. One of the horses is calm and obedient, the other one restive. They symbolize the fluctuating moods of the sea.

In the niches flanking Neptune, Abundance spills water from her urn

and Salubrity holds a cup from which a snake drinks.

Before I went to Italy, I rented the movie Three Coins in the Fountain. I had never seen this film but do think it has contributed significantly to the popularity of this fountain. The movie suggests that if you throw a coin over your shoulder, you will find true love. In Rome, the legend has it that if you toss the coin, then you will return to Rome. I couldn't chance not returning to Rome and so in the coin went.

Borghese Gallery

2010-04-16T14:25:00.000-07:00

A wander (def: to go by an indirect route, in our case also unknown) north from our hotel took us to the Borghese Gallery. I was told to make reservations ahead of time, which I did, on line. It was a good thing as none were to be had for the days we would be in Rome. Pictures were not allowed either and so I borrowed these from copyright free places on the internet.

This villa was originally built in the early 1600's and was restored to it's original condition in 1997.

It houses a substantial portion of the Borghese family collection of paintings and sculptures begun by Cardinal Scipione Borghese, the nephew of Pope Paul V (reign 1605–1621).

Scipione Borghese was an early patron of Gian Bernini, and thus many of his works are housed here.

My favorite of everything I saw was a fresco on the second floor in the Gallery of Lanfranco, named The Council of the Gods. This fresco decorates the ceiling of a large room, called Sala della Loggia and was done in 1624 by Giovanni Lanfranco. At the centre is set the scene of the gods gathered in council around Jupiter. This room had originally been an outdoor room and so the fresco had deteriorated. Between 1779 and 1782 the ceiling was restored by Domenico Corvi (1721-1803), who added the paintings on the walls and arches. The ceiling is a fresco, which is a painting done in wet plaster. Small sections are worked at a time so the painting can be completed before the plaster dries. The apparent statuary of men holding up the ceiling all around the edges is done in the trompe-l'oeil style, which tricks the eye into thinking it is 3-D. It was utterly amazing!

I sat in a chair on the edge of the room and looked at this painting for a long time. It was so beautiful.

I had not yet seen the Sistine Chapel.

Santa Maria Maggiore

2010-04-15T08:15:00.000-07:00

A quick walk from our hotel, led us to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. A basilica is an important church that has been given special ceremonial rites by the Pope. There are four basilicas in Rome and this is the oldest. It dates back to the 4th century. Something that old is hard to imagine.

The condition of the exterior is a bit underwhelming, but then hey, it is quite old. We should look so good.

I especially like the dandelions growing on the statuary.

But walk inside and you will be totally amazed.

The center aisle.

The sculptures.

The mosaics.

The paintings and frescoes

in even a side chapel.

The gold leafing.

Every little detail ...

a piece of art

Even the floors are stunning marble mosaics.

If you have ever been to Rome, then you know that the work of sculptor, Gian Lorenzo Bernini is everywhere. He is buried in this church and his epitaph simply states "He decorated the city."

First Impressions

2010-04-11T09:19:00.000-07:00

We arrived in Rome on Thursday, March 25 at about 7 AM, just a tad bit tired and waited for what seemed like forever for our luggage. Good thing it was marked PRIORITY. Otherwise we might still be waiting. Our prearranged transport was spot on, holding that oh so welcomed sign "Millar". Thank God we did not have to drive. Traffic in Rome is comparable to traffic in China--hectic.

Lots and lots of small cars everywhere.

And motorcycles jutting in an out. I have never seen so many and they create new lanes of traffic on an impromptu basis.

Parking meters don't exist and so a bit of the cost incentive to find alternative transport is missing. The trick is finding a place to park your vehicle and probably the reason why vehicles are small. Some are parked on curbs; some are double parked; some even triple. Narrow streets become even narrower and so commences the horn honking. Music to your ears?

Another note is the graffiti on many buildings.

Some more artistic than others but everywhere.

But my favorite, which I have saved for last is the landscape of trees, called umbrella pines, that grow in this area. Simply gorgeous...

Ciao, Italia

2010-04-10T21:04:00.000-07:00

The trip begins with a very long flying day. Leaving Portland at 7: 15 AM and landing in DC, our first destination. A 2+ hour layover and then on to Italy at 5:30 PM. Eight hrs in the air until arrival in Rome. How to pass that much time. Besides sleep, I found a very good book to read, which has been sitting on my shelf for just the right opportunity.

Michelangelo and the Pope's Ceiling by Ross King tells the story of how Michelangelo who considered himself to be a sculptor and who had already completed two very famous pieces, the Pieta and David, was forced to work as a painter using a fresco technique for which he had very little experience. The story describes not only Michelangelo's challenges and triumphs but also shares the history and politics of the day.

A fascinating read and most appropriate for a field trip to Italy.

Did you know that in Italy, the name Michelangelo is pronounced as if it rhymes with nickel + angelo.

Get Out of Town

2010-03-22T23:43:00.000-07:00

Travel to the next county, the next state, the next continent. Experience something different for a change. View a different landscape, a bigger skyscape. Meet people who talk differently from you, who look different, who are different.

Ahhhh! Italy!

Buongiorno!

Come sta?

Oh When Those Saints go Marching In

2010-03-10T17:35:00.000-08:00

Week 6 - SuperBowl Party

Just a tad late, don't cha think...

But don't much care either.

Till next time!

Voices Contemporary Lectures

2010-03-05T08:49:00.000-08:00

If you live in Portland, run, don't walk and sign up for next
season's Voices lecture series. It is money well spent.

My week 5 highlight was having the opportunity to hear
Dee Dee Myers speak. At age 31, she was President
Clinton's Press Secretary and served in this position for
2 years. She most recently wrote a book by the title
Why Women Should Rule the World. It is not a male
basher but rather discusses the gifts women bring to
the table in business or politics or life. Myers also
encourages women to give consideration to the voice
they use when speaking of their own achievements

As a side, she graduated from Santa Clara University,
which is where my girlie goes to school.

Totally loved Week 5.

Wabi Sabi Eye Candy

2010-03-03T22:53:00.000-08:00

I needed some industrial cloth for a project I am working on.
As I mentioned, I had a pile of fabrics that really were bad dye jobs. I also had a bottle of Jacquard's Discharge Paste. This cloth is the result.

These are made using a three layer

process. For the bottom layer, I
placed some type of texture: drawer
material, bubble wrap, just whatever.

Then the "bad dye job" cloth. The
top layer is a household screen. it
provides some additional
texture and adds the feature of holding
the cloth in place.Using a sponge roller,
I applied the paste. The biggest trick is
learning how heavy a hand to use.

Too much and all the color is removed.
Too little and you don't alter the cloth
much. It's all in the wrist.

Some cloth was not as successful. To
these, I will add some additional texture
with thickened dye and then remove
some more. The final layer will be

and Layers. PS has really helped me

They are even better up close and
personal. The colors are much richer.
They are delicious!

Wabi Sabi

2010-02-09T23:16:00.000-08:00

I am reading a book called Wabi-Sabi for Artists, Designers, Poets and Philosophers by Lawrence Koren and trying to grasp the concept of wabi-sabi. I am not sure why other than I love the term. The author says it is a concept derived from the Buddhist assertion of the Three Marks of Existance "imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete". Andrew Juniper claims, "if an object or expression can bring about, within us, a sense of serene melancholy and a spiritual longing, then that object could be said to be wabi-sabi.". Richard Powell summarizes by saying "It (wabi-sabi) nurtures all that is authentic by acknowledging three simple realities: nothing lasts, nothing is finished, and nothing is perfect.". If that doesn't sound like life itself.

I am altering some cloth that I need to use in a piece of fiber art. I fondly refer to it's beginnings as a "bad dye job". The colors were flat mostly sort of solid browns and greens. I would like to add some interest and complexity to them. The first layer was the solid colored dyes. The second layer was the removal of some of the first layer with discharge paste. I used a variety of household items that had texture to them as the understory and a window screen as my silk screen wannabe. It was pretty slick because the window screen held everything in place and kept it all fairly stable. Do you think this is wabi-sabi. It just might be. I showed them to a group of fellow fiber artists today and they all loved them. Wait until they see where they are going.

I promise to add some photos to this post tomorrow showing some of the results. So do come back then.

How Green Is My Garden

2010-02-08T18:08:00.000-08:00

I believe the highlight for Week 4 is simply how nice it
is in Portland. Not the usual rain and many sunny days
which translates into warmer temperatures. So this week,
I decided to walk around my garden and see if anything
green was showing its face. Low and behold, some of my
flowers are raising their heads and hands. Check out the
Autumn Sedum and the Cranesbill geranium. My all time
favorite is the rosemary, which is like an evergreen here
in Portland.

I love my yard art. My sister is responsible for starting
me on all of these rusty elements but now I am hooked.
Don't you just love them. They get better every year.

Destination St Louis

2010-02-06T22:45:00.000-08:00

St Louis is my home town. I haven't lived there for 12 years
and do like to claim Portland as my new home town. My definition
of a native is "deciding to stay" and I have. I don't get back
to St Louis much since my dad died and I have no other family
there. Well no other blood relatives but plenty of family. You
know the saying "friends are the family you choose for yourself".

Week 3 took me to St Louis and my work that week was connecting
with old friends, not to be confused with friends that are old.
Weelllllll maybe....

Anyway, here we are. Well most of us.
Week 3 was fabulous!

Begin.....

2010-01-29T22:25:00.000-08:00

So there is this movement afoot. Actually it has been
around for a few years now. That is, to choose a word
to focus on for the year. So this is me, Elena (my alter
ego). Tell me how do you focus on just one word. Last
year I chose three: Focus,balance, joy. I liked them.

This year I forced myself to chose just one and it has
taken a bit of time. I read this bit of prose by Rachel Snyder.
It goes like this.

Begin.
Start something. Put one foot in front of the other and
inch forward ever so slightly. Show up. Say hello and
begin a conversation. Ask Says who? and begin a
revolution. Write one sentence and begin your novel.
Begin again, this time in a different key, at a different
tempo. Begin putting yourself first. Begin enjoying it.
Begin an intentional community if that's how you want
to live. Begin a reading group and focus on women who
made bold new beginnings. Begin a new way of eating,
a new way of moving, a new way of getting your needs
met. Begin as soon as you finish reading this page. Begin
at the beginning and don't even think about where it will
take you. Now begin.

Have you figured it out. My word is BEGIN. And, I don't
know where it will take me. But, I will begin by sharing
a pretty image I captured.

Until next time...

Week with a View

2010-01-26T22:44:00.001-08:00

I started the week with an amazing discovery
at a new friends home. She has a bird's eye
view of the city, the river and most importantly,
Mt Hood. Amazing!

Next stop is the Rip City Rose Garden by way
of the MAX, where the Trailblazers play in "our"
house. And finally, the Japanese Garden
with big views of the city.

It was especially fun because we got to show
off our city to Rod and Delse who paid a visit.

It doesn't get any better!

OMG! I missed 01.01.10

2010-01-18T17:00:00.000-08:00

I so wanted to type the numbers

01.01.10

on the first day of the New Year. Do not ask me
what happened on that day or any since. Oh well!

I considered beginning the 365 project. This is
where you take a photo a day and upload them to
a flickr group. I finally decided the structure
would soon make it a chore for me. It takes the
focus away from the things I really want to do.
My SIL, Delse, as always, had the right suggestion
My plan is to simply journal the year by picking
the highlights of each week.

I was sorry to see a lot of things go this week.
First the Christmas tree which was so perfectly
symmetrical. I think the best tree we have ever
had. Then, Caite went back to school. She is in
her second year at Santa Clara. Next Nick headed
to Argentina for 4 months. Otherwise, I went to
the Pittock mansion with some friends and started
getting things back in order around here.

Yosemite--Three Rocks

2009-10-22T21:42:00.001-07:00

This summer we took a side trip to Yosemite. The Kodak
moments were amazing. HMMM! I wonder what they will call
Kodak moments in the future. The next generation will never
have heard of film and processing. Whatever.

The is the juxtaposition or is superimposition of three
famous Yosemite Rock formations--El Capitan, Half Dome
and Sentinel Rock--filtered, blended and then some.
I think the result is spectacular.

My Buddy

2009-09-12T22:41:00.000-07:00

My very best four legged friend died today. He was 15+.
His name was Buddy and he was. Though, he had a lot of
nick names...Boo, the Bud-man, the Budmeister, Mr Dude,
Mr Bud. He was loved.

Everyone in the neighborhood knows Buddy. They have been
watching this gentle soul for a long time. First as a pup
while chasing crows and the neighborhood coyotes. Never
on a leash, he didn't wander or bother others. Later as
his hearing failed him, more cautious. He was kind to people
and other dogs but there was a special place in his heart
for Belle. He always knew when she was passing.

During the last few years, he slowed down and so we took
4-5 very small walks each day. I learned to slow down and
love the colors of the seasons and the birds singing and
the peace there is in silence.

It's hard to say good-bye. But as my son said, "He had a
good run!" He did and we did. He will be missed.

Love you, Mr. Dude!

Capturing the Glory

2009-08-10T19:31:00.000-07:00

I love coneflowers and have some in my garden. It is
difficult to get just the right lighting because they
are on the south side of my house and that translates
into full sun most of the day. This first photo is the
actual picture I took.

After running it through Photoshop and applying a burn
technique, I think the flower is presented as a stronger
focal point.

And then, just because I can possibly means that I have to.
Layers and layers later, this flower is blended with the sky
and gradients to become something altogether different.

What do you think?

A Good Read

2009-07-01T23:16:00.000-07:00

I just finished a really good book, People of the Book
by Geraldine Brooks. It is a work of fiction inspired
by a true story about the Sarajevo Haggadah, which is
a book of prayer used at a Jewish Seder meal. This
haggadah dates back to 14th century Spain.

The author creates stories in an attempt to trace the
origins of this beautiful old codex over the centuries.
I came to love each of the characters in each of the
stories who added something to the value of this book.
One added beautiful art, one added Jewish script, one
added book bindery skills and several added risk of life.
Their were many Muslims who protected this Jewish tome.

One of the author's most thought provoking statements is:
Ozren says: I have spent many nights, lying awake in this
room thinking that the haggadah came to Sarajevo for a
reason. It was here to test us, to see if there were people
who could see that what united us was more than what
divided us. That to be a human being matters more than
to be a Jew or Muslim, Catholic or Orthodox"

It is a truly captivating and beautiful novel. I highly
recommend you find it at your library.

Adjustments

2009-06-04T22:15:00.000-07:00

I am beginning to pull together a Fiber Art show for
the Untied Methodist church women for next year.
The theme will be Portlandia or Portland or home.
Interpretation is up to the fiber artist. With that
in mind, I made a few adjustments to the Portlandia
graphic that I had produced and like this one so much
better. I thought you might like to see it.

Portlandia

2009-04-23T23:21:00.000-07:00

There is a statue in my home town of Portland, OR.
It is a woman, made from copper, and she is on the
balcony of a large building, leaning over the edge,
reaching out to all. It is fitting--a woman with
a spear but kneeling and reaching out, tough and
gentle at the same time, fitting of most women
I know. Her name is Portlandia. The following poem
was written to tell her story.

Portlandia
She kneels down
and from the quietness
of copper
reaches out.
We take that stillness
Into ourselves,
And somewhere
deep in the earth
our breath
becomes her city.
If she could speak
this is what
she would say:
Follow that breath
Home is the journey we make.
That is how the world
knows where we are

by Ronald Talney.

I so love this statue and wanted to share
her with you.

Two+ Months But Who Is Counting

2009-03-29T21:14:00.000-07:00

I have a new fiber post.

Three of a Kind

It is digitally rendered fiber piece, having been designed
and developed in Photoshop and then printed in layers
using pigment inks on cloth and finally assembled with stitch.
It is 8 x 10 in size.

This piece has been offered to FiberArt for a Cause,
which will auction small art collages to benefit the
American Cancer Society. This was the brainchild of
one woman, Virginia Spiegel, who hoped to raise $200
offering some fiber postcards on-line. I am thinking
it has been five years now that she has taken on this
project and she and her many online friends have raised
$165,000 through 2008. This is the final year and
the goal is to raise $20,000.

This is my gift and as always, I hope it is well received.

Words of Wisdom

2009-01-06T10:48:00.000-08:00

Words to inspire in 2009...

2008

2009-01-03T20:17:00.000-08:00

December was awesome! All of my adult children--ages 23,21
and 18--were home for the Holidays and a few friends came
with them. The house always seemed filled with the noise
of young people. I like it that way.

The "weather outside was frightful" as it snowed or iced most
every day from about December 14 till Christmas. But only
frightful if you had places to go. We stayed put a bunch and
just enjoyed each other, quiet time and the winter weather.
Caite and Nick actually skiied and snowboarded down the
streets of our neighborhood.

Rick reminded me that I asked for all that snow.
I guess I better watch what I wish for in 2009.

One of the things I always wait for in December is the blooming
of my Christmas Camellia, a gift from a friend shortly after
we moved to Portland. It is getting big and has become
a prolific bloomer.

I share it here with you.

My wish for you is to find both joy and some quiet in 2009.

One Year Ago

2008-11-30T21:14:00.000-08:00

on Thanksgiving day, we loaded onto a boat and motored
to The Great Barrier Reef from our get-away "peace of
paradise", Hamilton Island. We spent the day snorkeling
and then back to a sea food dinner. Not a bit of turkey
to be found. Whatever!

It was the trip of a lifetime, not to be forgotten.

The Greenskeeper

2008-10-04T19:21:00.001-07:00

These are not ready for a change.
Sometimes constancy is good.

A Dad and his Girl

2008-10-03T15:39:00.000-07:00

Working photos from this year. What fun memories.
Glad I "book" them.

No one prouder than a dad with his nearly grown up girl.
And such a lovely one at that!

College Bound

2008-09-24T20:07:00.001-07:00

Rick and I took Caite to college this weekend.
So now I am letting go.

So grown up!
How proud I am.

Lotus

2008-08-24T13:40:00.000-07:00

I recently returned from a trip to China.
I was fascinated by the Lotus, blooming in gardens.

Begin with the blossom...simply gorgeous!

Intrigued by the seed pod.

Gathered and sold for flavor and sweetness.

Wings

2008-07-02T16:32:00.000-07:00

Once in awhile, I capture a moment so tender that it makes my
heart light. This moment is one of these. Fiddling with my camera,
I came upon Caite in an introspective moment. It is a fitting name,
Wings, as Caite is about to dust hers off as she heads for college.

The Graduate

2008-06-25T20:27:00.001-07:00

My youngest graduated from Jesuit High School this year.
How did I get so old?

Once when she was about 5, I told her I thought she
was growing up way to fast. She didn't miss a beat
with her reply. "Well, your mother let you grow up."
So I have tried to guide this one but in the end it is
probably she who has guided me.

In the fall, our home will be an empty nest. I am
a bit worried about the quiet.

Always On My Mind

2008-06-07T10:13:00.000-07:00

I love scrapping our family photos from back in the day.

This is Drew in the summer of 1987. Just 21 months old,
he liked nothing better than "driving" his Grampa's tractors.
Thinking about those times today!

New Work : Honeycomb

2008-05-18T23:05:00.000-07:00

Inspired by the book The Secret Life of Bees,
this quilt depicts a cropped view of a honeycomb.
Constructed with silks and cottons, it was then
screenprinted.

Backwash

2008-05-12T07:56:00.001-07:00

I love this old picture of my son, Drew. He always loved
drinking from the hose. Problems was, so did the dog.
Turn the hose on and they both came running. Sometimes
Drew drank first and Tosh was on the tail end; sometimes
Tosh went first. EEEW!

But then, isn't life about give and take, she says with a smile.

Looking for Joy in Ordinary Places

2008-04-28T16:13:00.000-07:00

One of my New Year's Resolutions was to look for something
to be joyful about, each and every day. One time it was simply
putting on pants warm from the dryer. Another was the sheer
joy of discovering that my Christmas camellia was blooming.
Another was the beautiful and unusual shape of a coffee cup
saucer. Looking for joy each day, caused me to really notice
my surroundings. Whatever brought my joy, I discovered,
was always in the present. It wasn't really the promise
of a trip to come or an event that had passed. It is always
in the here and now.

Life is good when lived in the present. Why don't you try this
with me and look for joy each and every day in ordinary places.

Chihuly, Revisited

2008-03-16T19:22:00.001-07:00

I've been looking at the photos I took during the Chihuly Exhibit
in September, 2006 at the Missouri Botanical Garden in St Louis.
It was simply amazing to see this glass art peeking out of nooks
and crannies, sometimes boldly showing off but always lovely.

I share it with you.

Two Days Late and at Least a Grand Short

2008-03-09T20:46:00.000-07:00

To my SIL, Delse on her birthday.

This is one together gal. She's is truly capable of doing anything.
She is totally responsible for starting me on many paths and then
watching me run. Just not running paths, LOL.

Cheers to you gal. I love you dearly.

A Tree by Any Other Name...

2008-02-26T23:30:00.000-08:00

Another digi scrapping contest. This one required
five photos of the same subject but each from a
different perspective, a quote and about 10 other
things going on. This was my entry.

It's rather fun to select a theme and journal a bit.
Let me know what you think.

The Circle of Giving

2008-02-05T15:27:00.001-08:00

So my friend, Virginia Spiegel, was looking for feedback
for her blogs and web. I told her I thought the header
for The Garbage Day Project should be slightly green,
slightly rusty, slightly grungy and slightly artsy.
I designed one for her and to my surprise, she is using it.
It looks like this:

It feels really good to give back to someone who has
organized artists worldwide to rally and raise funds
for cancer research.

Thank you Virginia for all you have done.

Merry Christmas Everyone

2007-12-25T13:24:00.001-08:00

We are having a white Christmas
at least for the moment.
Hope yours is grand as well.

FA-LA-LA-LA-LA.....LA-LA-LA-LA!

To Know Your God

2007-12-05T15:33:00.000-08:00

We just returned from a family vacation Down Under.
Our middle child, Nick, spent this last semester
at the University of Sydney. We joined him during
Thanksgiving Week spending some time in both
Sydney and at Hamilton Island in the Whitsunday
Islands. Thanksgiving Day was spent snorkeling at
the Great Barrier Reef. WOW! is about all that
comes to mind right now.

The little tiny red roofed building in the photo
was our home away from home for 5 nights.

What a view!

Finally, Some Fiber

2007-11-04T10:02:00.001-08:00

The title of this blog is Fiber and Photographs.
Until this moment, it has only been my photos and
Photoshop work. No more, she says...

This is my 2007 Journal Quilt entry,
Land Forms #1, which is hanging at
the Houston quilt show. A description
follows.

Land Forms #1
The inspiration for this piece came while
looking out the window of an airplane. The
patterns and colors evident in farm land
across America are simply awesome. I sketched
for awhile and then later, put fabric to form.

There is an old tree on my in-laws farmland
that has been dead for many years. It stands
as though a sentinel, guarding the property
and family. I have taken many pictures and
include it here as a screen print, guarding
this farm land as well.

How to Make a Difference

2007-10-31T15:28:00.001-07:00

Ah, the last entry for the Stand Up contest.
It has been fun and I have certainly tried
on a bunch of different styles. This is one
of my favorites. As life would have it,
I actually did this one twice because
the first went into the Neverland of
bits and bytes. Failure to save bytes
(pun intended) me in the back side every
once in awhile.

But, whatever, do get out and volunteer.

Moody Blues

2007-10-15T19:45:00.000-07:00

This week's contest challenge is to tell a story
using a single color which defines the story. I
chose blue which is a very calming color for me
and, I have never really met a shade of blue that
I don't like.

Can you tell?

Apple Picking or Pick Your Apple...

2007-10-02T23:37:00.001-07:00

This week, the Stand Up contest challenge was
to scrap something that makes me smile. I think
there are a lot of things that happen every day
that make me Laugh Out Loud.

This is just one of them.

Enjoy my tale!

The Simple Life

2007-09-24T17:13:00.000-07:00

I have been away to long.
Very busy, what can I say.
Well, I am involved in another contest,
"Stand Up and Be Counted".
It seems earth related but
our first challenge is to post a dream.
This is my entry:

Always and forever trying to simplfy.
That's me!

Will-am-ette, Dammit

2007-08-13T20:45:00.002-07:00

In any other community,
this river would be called Will-a-mette.
Not here.
It's Will-am-ette, Dammit.
And don't you forget it.
LOL

We don't forget it but for a different reason.
It's the heart of our community.
And now you know the rest of the story.