What A Day!

Sorry kiddies, no pics today--this is just to update y'all on my day yesterday in Ft. Wayne.
DH took the day off to drive me up, which was good because I had managed to work myself into such a lather that 1 mg. of my anxiety med barely touched my *state*.......now is that stupid or what??? I've known for a while what the options were going to be and still, I feel the need to do my "Hamster-In-A-Wheel" routine. ACK. And OY!
Actually, we ended up having a lovely day; found a half-price bookstore. DH came out with a stack of CD's and I came out with a stack of books--one on ATC's that I had wanted but did not want to pay $23 or even half price when some of the stores had coupons. There was soooo much intellectual material; I holed up in the medical section, looking at a book on Orthopaedic Pathology which was rife with quite interesting pictures! Came home with a more recent version of the Physicians Desk Reference, something I feel I *need* for full medication information.
The Dr. visit went well; I finally found the one. His P.A. came in first, we talked a long time and discussed the films, pain, history, etc. Nice young man with a sense of humor who was trying to keep it under control as I called the previous "person" (refuse to say M.D.) a jackass. I told him it was quite alright to laugh, and I could see the mischief oozing out in his smile and snicker.
The Dr. was fabulous; the consult was probably 30 minutes---no rush, asked the P.A. what he saw, I had copies of the post-op films for them to look at---then the options started. (I'm not listing that stuff here--hope you understand) I looked at him and said politely, "Look, I worked for a physician, I've had surgeons and M.D.s for friends; so no sugar coating." and that was when he kicked back and we REALLY talked. It was sooooooo productive!!! He was relaxed, I was happy, information flowed, concerns were answered and a course of action planned.
I felt relieved, for the first time in ages. Of course, poor DH was about green in the waiting room because of the time spent with me----I came out happy, he came out looking like he needed to head to a bar! (which we did not) Told him everything and that I was delighted to have ANSWERS. Then he calmed down.
Now for the humor.
Of course they wanted their own set of films since all the films I had brought were mine to keep (art-art-ART!), so they had me put on a pair of grey work out shorts to shoot the xrays, as the trousers I wore had a metal hook and zipper.
And there I stand, all 5'10" of me in grey knit shorts, black top, grey and black tight bolero sweater, 3/4 sleeves, white anklets with lace trim and black patent leather shoes with small heels a bit higher than kitten heels, and of course, my white, pasty legs going on for miles. I looked like I should break into a bizarre tap-dance at any moment! THAT is what I needed the picture of! LOL!!!
So for anyone who wants details, e-mail me and this evening I'll do a bulk e-mail about *the works*.
Today I have business I have to get taken care of, the dry studio to convert for the large banner fabric and then of course, dinner for DH.
And on much less sleep than I needed! Way much less... I am in Zombie-Land right now and the coffee is not helping.
Maybe tomorrow I can do a bit of a tutuorial on a discovery I made with German Glass Glitter and the continuation of what I am doing with the b.g. we did the tute on earlier. Depends on how today goes. It might require another day....... (sigh)
Thanks you ALL for your prayers, thoughts and energy; I know I was guided to where I was to be!
And now I'm to be at work or something like it, so I bid you all.....

Pax.

Online Open Studio: Cloth Paper Scissors

(Click me! I'll show you how to get in on the fun!)

Okay friends, I had to bite on this one! I know some of you have seen the wet studio before, but for those that have not, I will be posting pics and the story behind it and what my art means to me on October 3rd. Cloth Paper Scissors is offering an incredible opportunity for artists to post their studios for the cyberworld to view!
Despite the issues with health of late, I can still do this and share work with those who might not have seen my little corner of the mixed media art world. I am thinking this should be FUN! What an opportunity to visit other artists and see how and what they produce; what their workspace is like, what art means to them either from a financial level or a healing emotional level, as I assume we will see all aspects of the production of art.
So if any of the rest of you are interested, click the photo to go to the CPS site and find out how to join in!
To all of you, I bid....

Pax.

Short humor from yesterday--or--St. Joseph and the fur cap

I had driven in to church for the early morning service, was somewhat tired coming home (driving through thick fog always puts my nerves on edge) and pulled in the drive, glad to be ready to put the car in the garage. It was too grey a day to even really enjoy the reddening leaves; the sun was blotted out and everything was quiet and enveloped in a thick blanket of fog. I was doing the usual once-around visually as I waited for the door to open; the yard needs one more mowing, at least, shrubs along the drive did not get their yearly trim and a few look sickly from lack of water, the magnolia needs pruning....again!
And then my eyes settled upon the concrete statue of St. Joseph that sits on my steps by the front porch. (remember, I am sans camera.....as usual)
And atop the statue sits the *Chipmunk-From-Hell* that has ravaged my flowerbeds and generally made my life miserable in a chase to be rid of this varmint.
Sitting on St. Joseph's head, like a bizarre Daniel Boone cap, with it's tail wrapped around the statue's chin, giving him a fur beard! I rolled down the car window to send a few verbal blasts of disgust in it's general direction.
The chipmunk didn't move---cheeks puffed and feet secured on the concrete pate of the good Saint. Giving me a look of "I know who owns this yard, and it's not YOU, but thanks for the high refuge out of the wet grass....."
I still sat and looked, and thought, well, this pretty much sums up my life in general at the moment, and you have no control Anne.....just go with the flow. Of course, if I had been under the influence of any pain killing drugs, I would have questioned if I was hallucinating......
Happy Monday! Hope you see something interesting!

Sunrise For Sunday

The other morning as DH was leaving for work I saw the beginnings of a dark and stormy looking sunrise. Incredibly hard to shoot, if enlarged, the pic will be grainy and slightly out of focus. I use the auto focus feature, but there was little to focus on!
At any rate, standing in the morning chill in my nightclothes, holding my breath to try and get a good photo was enough to get me awake quickly---I just wish I could have found the tripod for a longer exposure!
Well, enjoy! I love the variety of color in the shot and it is rather restful and something nice to start a Sunday with!

Pax.

A quick update

Hi all,

Everything went good with my *Adventures In Various Radiologies* yesterday; I got into the spirit of things and wore my black t-shirt with the glow in the dark skeleton chest on it! I just found some great irony/humor at having to visit two areas that see inside the body in a shirt showing what was there! I know, I am one sick puppy, and quite happy!
It was a cool, rainy, windy day here, and that went straight through to my bones. (mine....not the ones on the shirt) By the time I was done from my second run into Peru I was dead for the day and after soup and ciabatta bread for dinner, I was on the couch and in bed reading by a little after nine. Mad because I wanted to knit and completely wiped out---too tired to do so.
I apologize for your blogs I have not kept up on to comment; I will as I can. Don't take offense. I am hoping to have some extra rest this weekend along with work in the studio......and hoping maybe DH will buy take out so I don't have to cook! I can always dream, can't I? ;-)
Anyway, I'll keep you posted as to what is happening.
Oh, a self-deprecating bit of humor.
You know you are overly tired when you are putting on the scrubs for the CT and discover you've been wearing your underwear inside out all day, and are too lazy to do anything about it.......Probably way more info than you need, but I just thought "Geesh! Do I now need someone to DRESS me in the morning before I leave???" (don't answer that....)
Have a productive day and hopefully you will be having beautiful Fall weather. I have my black leather jacket on the ready.....it will be Leather Weather soon! YEEEEEESSSSSSSSS!!!!!
I bid you,

Pax.

"Liberty Prevails"

Last evening was the reception for the "America" show at the Honeywell Center in Wabash, Indiana. While I have had this piece for some time, I asked the gallery director if there would be any issue with it being submitted to the show. She was fine with it as it had not hung there before, and it garnered me an Honorable Mention, and was hung directly behind the speakers podium, so yes, there is a microphone kind of visible in the photo!
By the time you are reading this, I will either be on my way to the Imagine Center or still sitting in a dither with coffee, hoping I can hot-foot it to the Imagine Center in time for my appointment!
Thanks to everyone for all the support yesterday. I'm posting this because it was too late when I got in to work, and I was too tired to boot.
You get a bonus post.
Is your day not MADE????? LOL!!!!
I am not sure if the quote on the top of the piece is readable when clicked; worse yet, I am too lazy to go get the quilt to post it here, but basically it thumbs it's nose at terrorism because in every culture blood has been shed in awful manners for liberty, and though Sept. 11th was heinous, we are still here.
We are still a country.
We still love and grieve and have our lives and go about our business and realize even more so now that liberty is a precious and valuable thing; not limited to man made structures but limited to what we allow our hearts and minds to accept and pursue.
Accept love and diversity, wisdom and pondering of such, and pursue the truth.
Always.

Pax.

Entering Another Round......

...of the Doctor thing.
Here's the scoop; Monday's X-rays show a "questionable persistant Fx line on the R femur".....
Plain English:
Something is going on and not healing. As I suspected.
So. Friday I go for a CT, will pick up films, and then come home and have a total collapse. Next Tuesday I see an Ortho in Ft. Wayne, and I have a feeling I know what he will say, which I refuse to write here because I just think it is bad luck.
I feel like the statue opening that crypt door. Immobile. Trying to work and mind so in knots I can't remember what I am doing. Attempting to get everything in order in case of another hospital stay. Can't figure out how to get banners done and everything else, and they must be done because I have too much money involved in them and I can't ask the church to wait for a second set.
I also feel like I am getting ready to step through a door I do not want to........
I am anticipating downtime on the blog, strictly because I need to get a lot done in a little time.
I hope you'll all be there when I get back with something of value to post.
This has been a year of ups and downs, and one more down and I am going to throw a big fit.
So, that's where we are kiddies. No more till I know what the heck is going on.
Go out and be creative and enjoy this Fall season upon us.
I bid you......

Pax.

Busy As A Bee......

(Leslie, this one is for both of us Celts!!!)

Yesterday was pretty much a blur. I was hopping from the moment I got up but again, by days end I was scratching my head as to what I had accomplished.

Dishes--done. Twice.

Cooking--homemade soup and a delightful coconut cake from scratch.

A bit of cleaning.

Computer work.

Basement work.

Trying to glue angelina onto the candle flames of the church banners. That should have been on video, because what I thought would be quick and easy was a slow, delicate, questionable process. I also spent a good deal of time attempting to locate the proper glue.

Spent time picking out beads for the banners.

Also spent time finding the bowl of beads for the banners....

Finally gave up in the early afternoon and retreated to the chair for some knitting and rest. Feet up time.

I started another pair of socks, this time knitting Noro. It is the first time I have knit a one ply wool, and if the colors weren't so absolutely scrumptious, I would throw it out the window! I have spun and tried to deal with one ply not twisting back upon itself, but socks on---again, stupid pill time---size ONE needles with the squirmy, twisty stuff........whole nuther realm. But the tiny bit of the toes that are finished are lovely....the color flow......oh yes, I think I can tolerate the demands of the wool!

So since basically today may be a *sock knitting day* we have the thistle pic in honor of Leslie and all the knitting she does, although I believe she actually enjoys more of hers..... ;-)

I'm not making any promises on accomplishments today; what gets done, gets done. I have a reception I have to attend tomorrow evening and need to rest up for that---Monday's hospital adventures sort of took it out of me!

Therefore, I give you all my blessing for a day of something easy and fun! That way my guilt-trip doesn't kick in.....

At least not too hard!

Pax.

P.S. I woke to discover not only my Facebook badge screwed up and useless but also one of my other sidebar apps that lets me help keep track of comments so I don't miss anything. Another blogger lost all the pics of her followers....what is going on???? Now I get to go BACK into Facebook and try and rebuild my badge, which has gotten picky and I guess just wants wall photos........someone hit me NOW. It's too early for all this thinking....... >:-(

Artistic Vision: What You See and What You Walk By

I have to dedicate this post to Ces, who has a wonderful blog "Ces and Her Dishes" but it should be Ces and her amazing talent at rendering trees!

I have walked by this tree trunk so many times it is embarrassing. It is on the roadside where I used to take walks daily before the *hip-adventure*. I knew there was a dead tree there. Walked by, glanced at it....nothing more. Kept walking. Too busy looking for who knows what, or worse yet, looking at nothing. Or trying to keep from getting run over......

The other evening when I was out shooting pics, it was the first time I actually SAW the trunk. And when I did, it certainly was a V-8 moment as I mentally smacked myself, saying how could you miss this??? It is sculpture, pure and simple. I clicked off several shots, some I liked better than others but these were the winning two.

Both photos should enlarge; it is worth the time to do it just to see everything that is going on with the state of decay of the wood, the weathering, the lichen growing......textures and lines, light and shadow....all sorts of exciting things an artist should not miss!

What is wrong with me? (rhetorical question...no answer necessary)

The only thing I can think of in my own miserable defense is this:

Normally I would walk in the mornings, with the sun coming bright from behind the tree.

I was late the other evening getting out, so the setting sun was full on the cracked and creviced trunk, and maybe that was what made these eyes open.

There is always room for an artist to reassess how they see things; what catches their eye, why, how we process the information. Making yourself look in locales that you are accustomed to what is there is a fun exercise. I had a ball!

I highly recommend it, no matter what medium you work in or where you live. There is more to be seen than what we see.

For other amazing trees, you need to check out Ces's blog and see what she paints and also an amazing exposed root structure of a nutmeg tree that I hope is in her sidebar still. (maybe not...)

Okay, go open your eyes and find something wonderful!!!

Pax.

The Rewards of Idle Time: Or How I Finished Socks When I was Supposed To Be Resting....

WARNING!!!! Pasty, untanned leg alert! Continue at your own risk!!!

Well, the advantages of a day off are that you can sort of lounge and finish things that have not had proper time and attention, case in point, the Fern Clog Socks. I knit two at a time, toe up, so the pattern you see is upside down to what the *real* pattern looks like. And I knit the front with it, and it's not on the heel, so they are not clog socks at all. And then I ended up with ladders due to the pattern rather than the two circulars......you know, whine-whine-whine.
But as I sit here with them on, they are quite comfortable and it is a warm day, so they should be good on cooler days. And photographing socks by yourself is not easy to do without ending up in traction.
Now what to knit next....

A different view----they aren't bad. I wanted ferny-like color, but the selections were few so I have stripey ferns.
Oh well.

Other guilty pleasures of the weekend, and another disclaimer.
I am not, nor ever have been at ANY time in my life, a KISS fan. I thought they were a bunch of over-rated, over dressed, just plain OVER goofs. Plus Gene Simmons said nasty things about women who played bass (AHEM!!!!) and that torqued me off but good.
HOW EVER.
I watched a marathon of episodes of Gene Simmons Family Jewels and I hate admitting this.....I reeeealy, as an old Punk hate admitting, I feel like I am being a traitor to our code......it was one of the funniest things I have seen! His children are articulate (and he is too) and, (sigh and ick) he really seems to love the woman he lives with and has fathered his kids with. Of course, his kids think he's a dork who thinks he's cool, so that goes a long way in making the show funnier.
There.
Now I can go wash my mouth out with turpentine.
Yes, I thoroughly enjoyed watching Gene and family in situations that were most entertaining, especially when he (extremely Jewish!) was asked to be the Godfather in a Catholic Baptism. (that one's priceless) Trust me---for a belly laugh, and a few touching moments, watch this show if your have spare time.
And there's no way that hair is real, but so what? If you buy it, it's yours....right?

Movie surprise of the weekend:

UNDERDOG!
Yes, I was a fan of the cartoon and remember seeing promos for the movie thinking "no way.....".
Okay, I was wrong on that too. It's a cute, good little family film with some funny moments and the special effects are quite acceptable---not overblown but keep the feeling of the original 'toon. Watch it when you need your brain to chill.
Now it's the start of another week and I'm off to the Doc, so blogging may again get dicey and sparse but hey, I'll find something artsy or asinine to fill my page. ;-)
Now have a good one, and seriously, I have not lost my mind......really. Don't send for the padded wagon quite yet.
Maybe tomorrow.......

Pax.

A Day Off

Yes, I'm doing it. And I did most of yesterday afternoon too. Rest time. Sock knitting time. Soaking in a big warm bubble bath until I nodded off. A good movie and chocolate ice cream.
You know, it's not that hard to do..........of course I'll pay for all this on Monday, but it's not Monday yet, is it??? ;-)
May you have a wonderful restful day, blue skies and something to make you happy!

Pax.

Last Green of Summer; A Productive Day

Random thoughts from a lovely, sunny Fall day........

It seems of late I have posted about a lot of things NOT getting done or going well. Yesterday was one of those rare days you get many things done, but it feels like it went quick and easy.

First off, I love this heart shaped leaf from a volunteer Redbud tree. We have lost a lot in Indiana to some blight brought in from out of state trees sold at cheap discounters. Bleah! This one was so perfect.......that bit of bronzey-red atop the large green leaves. Click the pic for better detail; I left the size fairly large.

The Rose Live Forever along the drive has managed to survive quite well. I've run over the edges a few times with the car, the raccoons had a hey-day in it, the bunnies *prune* it. It just grows. And blooms. I can ask for nothing better!

I spent most of the day checking things off my to-do list:

Car tire fixed.

Grocery shopping done.

Laundry in some stage of *done-ness*.

Changed settings on FaceBook Apps.

Worked a lot in the studio on the church banners......though, again, that doesn't *show*.

Cleaned the kitchen, somewhat.

Had time to sit and laugh with hubby.

Did some lengthy art related research online for a possible purchase.

Spent time doing some heavy decision making.

Took a break to wander through the yard for a moment and enjoy the last of the green.

Finally, sat to deal with e-mails, etc. that had piled up and print out some necessary paperwork.

Avoided the dreaded cleaning out of photos from the blog folder and also other places on my computer, as that is a two day process and I needed to sew. That's okay.

My post count is rising and it seems that just yesterday I was setting the blog up, wondering what to write, or who would read. What was the purpose? Was it for my own benefit? In the interim, I have found out otherwise. I've found my voice again, I have found delightful friends, I have learned, I have shared my knowledge, I have shared laughter and tears and triumphs and the skinned knees of life. I've become part of a larger vocal and visual chorus that I enjoy immensely. Heading into the dark of the year is not as daunting with my network of fellow followers and casual readers, and those whose blogs I visit regularly. I wish (selfishly) that those who visit, even once, would post just a hello to have an idea how far this reaches. But it's okay anyway.....

Thank you. We are each a link in a long line of voices and visions. Let's keep it unbroken.

And now, I am off to work, sewing most likely, though something else always seems to get thrown into the mix. I think there is a cake that needs baking too.......

Pax.

Delightful Give Aways and Wonderful Prizes!

Oh, today's post is fun because I get to talk about the generosity of fellow bloggers! First off, in the photo above you will find the current items being offered up by gypsylulu at gypsylulu delights in honor of her 100th blog post!!! What a way to celebrate your first 100 and let your readers enjoy the excitement too! Just click the highlighted names or on the photo and it will take you directly to the give away requirements!
Go.
GO-GO-GO!!!!!
Sign up now!
Secondly, I won second prize in a wonderful give away from Our Victorian Cottage and I had to post all the things I found when I opened the box. (remember, this is the second prize...)

A darling cup and saucer pin cushion adorned with beads, baubles and flowers......

.....Vintage and modern fancy laces, handmade lace and a bevy of retro buttons.....

....A retro hankie (which matches a couple of retro dresses I own and wear and will be carried with me when I wear them!) and a darling hand stitched needle case,

and saving the best for last......

...a child's handkerchief with bunnies playing hockey! And why is this so special?

Because my DH grew up in Detroit and played hockey for years, even after moving here, and he taught a kids hockey class (where he lost his front teeth...another story!) so when I see this big bunny and the little guy, I think of him! :-)

I don't know how I will use this, maybe not at all--just have it where I can see it, but the Bunny Hankie had to be the sentimental prize in the lot! Thank you Marilyn!!!!

Aren't bloggers the best? Are we just too lucky to have met in this manner and seem to keep pulling good people to our sites? Isn't it too much fun?

I hope you all have a good, happy and creative almost-Fall day and I think I will photograph some of the leaves that are slowly beginning to turn, and sew.

Pax.

The Rabbit and The Moon

There is of course, backstory behind the artwork. First off, this month's theme for our local art group was *Moon* which in and of itself did not excite me too much. But I kept seeing ads on Canadian TV for a restaurant that was having a "Moon Festival Special" and that perked me up. It was oriental food, so I started a search o-line for some info.
It seems three countries celebrate the Moon Festival (essentially a harvest festival); Japan, Korea and China. It is the Chinese version that inspired this work, which I apologize for the poor quality of the photos. maybe clicking on one will give more detail, and let you see the texture and work involved.

As the legend goes, in the Buddhist story "Śaśajâtaka", a monkey, an otter, a jackal, and a rabbit resolved to practice charity on the Uposatha, believing a demonstration of great virtue would earn a great reward.
When an old man begged for food, the monkey gathered fruits from the trees and the otter collected dead fish from the river bank, while the jackal wrongfully pilfered a lizard and a pot of milk-curd. The rabbit, who knew only how to gather grass, instead offered its own body, throwing itself into a fire the man had built. The rabbit, however, was not burnt. The old man revealed himself to be Śakra (God of the Heavens), and touched by the rabbit's virtue, drew the likeness of the rabbit on the moon for all to see. It is said the lunar image is still draped in the smoke that rose when the rabbit cast itself into the fire.

The background behind the moon is a combination of Chinese text, some from old books, some stamped, all on various types of paper, and collaged together. Then they were coated with fluid acrylic and some interference colors, which glow when the light hits them right. The moon is cut from another canvas panel, same material as the back support, and a photo image was collaged on, with paint added to that. The rabbit is a sheer, stick on material that is covered with holographic glitter.

I used bottle caps to show the various moon phases and had an interesting surprise. The background paper for the dark of the moon was a metallic, and when coated with Triple Thick Glaze, it tarnished and crackled, much like the color of the moon that is the focal point. No clue this would happen! The papers around the edges were scraps I had saved from other projects and turned out to be a good foil for the frame I had painted red. The blues accented the cool color of the moon and the irridescent bumps on the one paper almost matched the glitter of the rabbit. The symbol in the upper right hand corner that looks quite like an "A" is the figure for "Moon".

And so, I have a rabbit in the moon, and am happy with him, though it was a hurried and not nearly perfect project. But I very much like the story and the moral of it, so it endears the piece a bit more.

May we all be rabbits......

Pax.

I'm Late!!!! I'm Late!!!!

Channeling the rabbit from Alice in Wonderland, or" Anne in what-ever-the-blankity-blank land" it is I live in! LOL!
First off, DH is doing incredibly better which means I am doing better. All you girls understand that one.... and second, my hiding from his germs in the wet studio yesterday produced an actual piece of ART which I will post with the story behind it tomorrow. I was pleased---it is a simple thing but I like it and will hang it in my front hallway with all the art I receive/buy from friends and some of my own. I am slowly filling the hall and yes, Pam, your little Skellie-guy is in there! And Tristan, your fiber piece is there too. One of these days, I will try and photograph the hall to post, because it truly is my gallery and is fun.
Now to some more distressing news with the hip. My cousin is an OR nurse, and she spoke with one of their Orthos about my case and lets just sum this up by saying the prospects are not good. There is a reason I have had the pain I do......and I will be pursuing some other options. I'm glad I have art to post tomorrow because I am going to have to get back to sewing again, to get the banners done and then start checking out some other measures for myself and the hip.
And oh shoot----I have another follower to welcome----WELCOME!!!!!! Sorry this is so far in the post; I'm a bit brain addled this morning. Occasionally, by some miracle, I do actually post art here! LOL!!!! It's just been a strange ride this summer.
So for now, I am going to get on with the day and finish the back of the artwork I did (seal the frame so it all doesn't fall out--HA!) and will get pics to post tomorrow---I PROMISE!!!
Thanks for all your concern and thoughts and prayers for the medical adventures we have been having......I would much prefer adventures something like in the Pirates of the Caribbean, with Cap'n Jack Sparrow >:-)
....but you play the hand you're dealt.
And besides, I'd get seasick.......
Now dang it, if I can produce a decent piece of art in basically ONE DAY with hubs home sick, you all go out and have a super productive, fun, creative day and remember to use your time well because who knows what is on the plate tomorrow.
I bid you, as always,

Pax.

Things Get A Bit More Dicey.....

......What a lovely picture, eh? All pink and purple and transparent and rather intriguing.
Until you learn that what you are looking at is a pneumonia bacteria photo from a microscope, and I'm not putting this up for the fun of it.
I got DH to the Dr. yesterday and indeed, there is a reason he is ill, and you're looking at it above. So once again the *artist/sewing/creative* hat is OFF, and the nurses cap is back on. Hopefully I have had enough bug that I am immune to this one because I have been through pneumonia before and choose NOT to go down that road again.
Therefore (she says with a weary sigh), the posts may be most irregular as I tend to the necessities of life and this virulant flu season.
And now for just a bit of Anne-Acerbicness.......the N.P. who examine Hubby informed me he had NOT had the flu, but a cold and then gave me the MRSA speech. I was biting my tougue, grinding nails into the chair, feeling steam shooting out of my ears and wanted soooooo bad to tell her I was damned well acquainted with MRSA, I knew what he had had due to the symptoms that had presented and in the extremely fast order they progressed, AND that I had worked for an M.D. and knew the difference between a cold and someone who is so ill with influenza that they cannot move.
But I said nothing.
That's enough for Mount Rushmore's carvings to all come to life laughing or fall off.
Pompous old witch........next time, she gets the REAL Anne.........
Okay, rant over. I wish you all health and for heavens sake, if you start feeling bad, get thyself to a physician!
Maybe someday I will have art or fiber art to post on here....this is getting to be a rather unpleasant business of just posting health updates. (or lack of health, as the case may be!)
As always, this frazzled woman who occasionally makes art, bids you from the bottom of her heart....

Pax.

Still running and running.......

.......I sort of feel like the little red guy with the flames! ;-)
It's getting that time of year that I want to decorate for Halloween; haven't even thought of digging things out.
I did manage to get myself way too tired the other day on my work-a-thon and spent a good portion of Saturday snoozing on the couch. I'd like to say "watching TV and knitting" but the TV was on and I was holding the knitting and snoring......that doesn't count as either.
None the less, the rest seemed to help and let me head off to a great church service yesterday, then home to try and keep DH comfy and get him healthier.
I did have a chance to rip apart a cheap frame, paint it red and think I will do something orientally inspired, collage of course, while giving the hip, hands and back a rest from the sewing. I seemed to have forgotten that a whole day of it leaves me immobile the next.......I don't know the meaning of the word *moderation*.
No.
Not at all.
I have to find a good balance of sewing to standing time. (need to take a Sharpie and write that on the machine)
Today, if DH is at work, it's studio time. If he's home, it may be "go visit the doctor" time. And that leads me back to the title of the post.....the harder I try and sit still, the more I go. I'm remembering a science class....something about "A body in motion STAYS in motion"......I should have paid more attention! LOL!
Anyway, I'm hoping everyone's Monday is the start of a great week and a productive and fun one too, but take some time to smell the roses before they fade!

Pax.

"Liberty Prevails"

I had forgotten to post that my fiber piece, "Liberty Prevails", was not only accepted in the Themed Show, but was given an Honorable Mention as well.
And I'm still going to make it up to Wabash to see what hung before the closing of the show!

Pax.

Things Seem To Be Working Better.....

(I just like the pics.....nothing to do with the post!)

.......and I am hoping by Monday I will be back up and blogging for real. A tremendous amount of work done here yesterday that gives me hope I might catch up. Not get ahead, but caught up is good! Today is a rest day, or play in the wet studio day.

Health-wise I am pretty much back on my feet, DH is still somewhat under the weather but we have survived the flu-bug-from-Hades. May it return there promptly.......and stay.

So bear with me dear readers! I'll have some interesting things when I start posting again!

And as an aside---I have had a couple of the readers that used info from the tutorial on collage backgrounds to do their own thing, and they have sent me photos. I will be anxious to post those, plus what I have been thinking about for finishing my own.

Now off for a day of rest, other than getting dinner lined up and getting *naturally blond* again...... ;-)

Couch and sock knitting (fern pattern, toe up), here I come!

Pax.

No Blog For YOU!

Okay, it's a bad pun on the Soup Nazi from Seinfeld, but here's the thing; the computer is working only half, I spent ALL yesterday troubleshooting and trying to delete junk programs, I am way behind due to life and have not been able to get anything creative done.
I am taking a break until I can get this blasted heathen machine back working right.
I really, REALLY hate computers and the problems they cause.
I hate sending them in for repair and finding an assortment of programs I did not ask for when they come home.
I wish I had saved my money and bought a Sony Vaio like DH's, because that is the fastest, most trouble free machine I have ever seen.
But I didn't. And don't have the money for one now. If I did, this one would be sold. Love my new flat screen, dislike grossly the CPU. It doesn't even play CD's like my old one......was sort of lead to believe it did.
At any rate, until I can get somethings caught up, done, fixed, well and be a bit more human.......
I'm outta here.

Be back before the leaves fall........

Pax.

Fall Photos That Speak For Themselves

Nature says it better than I can. I hope you all are having productive days and enjoying the first brush loads of Fall color!
Health, happiness, and as always......

Pax.

Some things speak for themselves......

........just give me a big honking dose; DH now has exactly what I had/still have and Anne is not quite sure how much more of this sick room status she can take and muster a calm demeanor. I'm exhausted from simple tasks, am impatient to just SIT and KNIT, and absolutely have to find the strength to grocery shop or it's going to get reeeeeeeeally interesting in the eating department around here.

I so hoped that maybe Hubby could avoid this, but when he came downstairs yesterday and said, "How did you feel when you first started getting sick?" I thought someone had smacked me with a 2 x 4. So I put him on meds immediately and now in my moments of being up, am trying to cook so we can have something without trying to stand through a whole meal prep.

HE thinks he will be going to work all week. I am thinking otherwise. This should get interesting....any bets on who is right? ;-)

At any rate, I see no studio time in the crystal ball of my life, but I do see a lot of kleenex, jello, soup and dirty dishes.

I think it's time to take the sledgehammer to the crystal ball.

Or me.

And definitely, to the BUG.

Have a good one...make something...have fun...

I keep trying to tell myself this is all a bad dream, and I'll wake up working in the studio with the banners done. But that appears to be just plain mental illness. Again, maybe a dose of the above pictured chemical would help realistic thinking.......

Pax.

Red Knee Socks, or How I Spent My Convalescence

It's not like I am over the bug, but I did manage to get these socks knit and off the needles! And that calls for a big WHOOPEE in my book, because when you're as tall as I am, with a size 10 clodhopper and waaaaay too long from heel to knee, well, knee socks are a great investment of knitting time.

I have to apologize for the background but I knew I could not hoist my legs in the air against the usual black backdrop and make it look all nice and professional. I was doing good to get both legs off the ground for this shot! LOL!!! (and yes, there was some perspective adjustment so it would not look stranger than it does....)
I had snagged two balls of Lion Brand Yarn last year at a discount store, $1.50 per skein. It is not my favorite for socks because it pills and I like all wool, or at least mostly wool, but $3.00 for hand knit knee socks won out. Yes, it was thicker than what I like. Yes, it's really BRIGHT. But still, $3.00. So I knit.
And knit.
And knit.
And knit some more, tried them on (I do toe up so I can gauge if they are going to be knee socks or not) and discovered I had a long way to go. A very long way.
Knit, knit, knit. Knit......knit......knit........
They were beginning to look like they would serve adequately for an adult giraffe! So after one last try-on, I said to heck with it and bound off the ribbing. This is a basic lace pattern that was free online, I think it is Bell Lace and designed for the Lion Brand yarn, but I knit with about two needle sizes smaller because the first two pair I knit flopped and grew when washed.
They definitely would fit a giraffe, and they weren't even knee socks.
So now to my nice stash of merino and nylon, and the fern pattern that I have wanted to knit for a long time....except they are on size 2 needles and I'm not sure I can see what I'm doing right now.
And I'm knitting toe up, and changing a few things; they won't be the clog socks because they will have short row heels......
You know, they may look nothing like the picture I have so admired! Oh well, that is sock knitting season at Chateau Lockard! Surprises abound!
Have a safe and happy Labor Day and if you're grilling out, think of me. Oh, for a home grilled burger........ <:-( .......yum........

Pax.

P.S. Last evening I did get the toes knit for the fern pattern sock. On the size 2 needles. The knit seems looser than what I am accustomed to, so we might be going down a size. Or maybe I should wait till one row of the lace pattern and see what happens.....I don't want floppy socks, especially out of GOOD yarn!
And I still don't think it will be a studio day today, though if I have to endure one more day of TV I am sure I will lose what is left of this thing I call a mind..... ;-)

What A Surprise of Nature!!!!

Let's face it, I can walk, so that means the camera is in hand. My crab apple tree has been looking dead and stripped of leaves most of the Summer. I was wondering if I had lost it. So, wandering very slowly around the flowers I look up and what do I see?
Can it be?
Am I so feverish I am imagining this???
One perfect lone apple blossom, on a stripped limb, a few leaves, a few buds.
How wonderful and amazing is that???
I thought about doing a vignette on this, or something fancy but the pic itself says it all. There is always a brighter side.......we have to have our eyes open to find it.

Pax.

I haven't keeled over yet......

....though I have to admit last evening it was pretty close. I came out to the studio around 7 p.m.--a ridiculous effort--to attempt to think up a blog post for today. Let's see.....running a high fever, couldn't see, coughing, couldn't breathe, hurt so much could barely stand the touch of clothing on my skin and really really thought I could write.
Sometimes the extent of my own stupidity amazes me.
Today I am sufficiently better to sit upright for short periods, breathe somewhat, and at least enjoy my coffee. Slept in late, have done nothing, and don't plan on it. (though at some point there is a pile of dishes in the kitchen that will require attention and I am sure we're out of silverware.....and I need meds and DH is washing the porch.......OY.)
Just to make yesterday (which I have decided to call the third worst day of my life) even better, I received the background fabric for the banners. Much to my surprise, it was nowhere CLOSE to IVORY as it was described and the photo showed, but rather taupe. Yes, taupe, and the fringe trim I so desperately needed is "on backorder and no idea when it will be in". Now, that equates to, "you're screwed and we're laughing". I am too fed up and tired this morning to deal with it; I thought about trying to bleach the fabric --- all 12 yards of it --- and then decided I must be running a good fever to even consider THAT! LOL!
So, once again, it's back to square one.
So I'm putting out a call; if any of you have links to online stores that carry different weights of drapery/upholstery fabrics at discount prices, please send them to me. The two companies I have bought from consistently seem to have gone straight down the tubes for reliability.
Other than that, I'm still alive, obviously, since this got me annoyed and I could whine about it but DANG! If I was well, I could have written a most entertaining rant that would have had you rolling laughing!
So until I have real blog fodder.......
I bid you all

Pax.

Bad Bugs.......

Yeah, this pretty well describes my current condition. (and I have no idea where the image came from....something I dug out of the cobwebby corners of the computer) I'm not sure if that IS me, or if that is what is IN me, but either way, it's just not a *Happy Anne* time.
No studio work.
None.
Able to knit a bit, but the socks I thought I would have finished for today aren't.
Phooey.
The socks I though I might have started aren't.
Phooey.
Thankfully had enough leftovers to feed DH and myself, and still a large pan of bread pudding that I could live off of.....though a bit of hard sauce would be sooooooo nice! ;-) Maybe more than a bit.......
I can't even think up anything funny to whine about other than the fact that I am pretty sure a bull elephant sat on my chest and left a calling card behind.....that is precisely how I feel.
I hate being sick!!!!! I am an impatient patient!!!!! I want to be well (okay, as well as is normal for me....) RIGHT NOW.
Geez.....I can't even get a good rant going......someone put me out of my misery........
At any rate, I hope those reading are well and making arty-creative-things and generally enjoying the fine sunny days left, and I'll suck it up and put my big girl panties on and shut up. Have a good one; and take a few minutes of that and pretend you're me making something, okay?

Pax.

Candles All Aglow....or....I Sew, Therefore, I Am

Well, after waking sick yesterday and deciding that the dreaded "Allergy-From-Hades" season was upon me, instead of giving up, I managed to get some serious work done in the studio. Not nearly as much as I would have liked, but when your left ear and sinus cavity are pounding out a thumping rhythm that would propel a proper Conga-Line........there is only so much that is going to get done. At least, done where it is acceptable to those who are paying for said banners.
Sometimes, you have to know when to stop and take a break.
I did.

If you look closely at the reddish violet candles, second set up, you can see they have had the first round of zig zag with the rayon thread. I don't care HOW MUCH I have sinned in the past, this is penance above and beyond. Plain and simple. Don't move, don't twitch, don't take your eye off the needle, thread, where the whole thing is headed........there is nothing fun about this part! It is just necessary, and needs to be close to perfect. (and after all my whining, it usually is....)

The metal gold organza halos turned out nicely, even after considerable fighting with the thread in the machine. I hate stitching with metallic thread; they all act different and generally have me saying bad words......... I was, though, completely pleased with the iridescent *wax drips* on the white fabric. It shows up enough without being overpowering. These, the Christ Candles, will have beads or pearls sewn on at regular intervals, following the pattern of the fabric. This is what I had used in the altar cloth and stole----I love it much as it is not too bad to work with and is still affordable, which is becoming a thing of the past with traditional liturgical fabrics.

Finally a close up of the vintage Korean silk I used for the rose colored candles, since the other I ordered was sold out by the time the company was informed they had sent me sheer olive green??? I was a bit hesitant to use this; it was a gift to my mother from a friend but hey---it's perfect. You can see the holographic fabric for the flames a bit better here. I think, when it is all put together it will be gorgeous from a distance! And the B.G. fabric is in the shipping process so I am a-okay! (well, other than the allergies....and the mental stability is questionable too, but you knew that!)
So, hopefully today will be a bit more productive! Morning is such a peculiar time as I am not sure what state I'm in until a copious quantity of caffeine has entered my system and awakened the vital organs.......
Hope there is something out there that awakens your creativity today and gives you the punch to make art!

Pax.

P.S. I think, sadly the bug has it's grips on me. Posted this yesterday after working.......today I can neither talk nor breathe, so it is NOT going to be a fun Labor Day weekend here. I may be off-blog for a few days of R&R.
At least at this point I can still knit.

A Few Brave Survivors.........

.....Remaining in the yard. I think, sadly, these may be the last of the photos of flowers this year. Maybe our first cold weather will yield some other lovelies to photograph and post!
Above is the bush clematis, the only type I have had any luck growing here. I've never let it go to seed before, so it will be interesting to see if any of those little fluffy whorls produce another plant.

Somehow this white phlox seems completely unperturbed by the heat, drought, rain, japanese beetles and sudden change of temperature. I love the pure white ones and seldom have them this late in the year. It seems normally they are one of the first to go.....

And one last, lovely soft pink Mallow; it reminds me of a delicate shell. The pink ones have really thrived this year and I have a few more plants than before. Hopefully next year they will return. Sometimes it seems they cross by pollination and I am never sure what will come up and bloom. The actual color on this pic is a bit dim.....there is more pink in the flower but I wanted to leave it alone for fear of making it garish.

They do remind me of ballerinas, all in full turn of the century skirts, ready for the music to start, gracefully adjusting the satin ties on their pointe shoes! One bit of breeze and their petals swish and flutter.

Go enjoy the last blossoms while you can; we'll soon be looking at ruddied leaves and bare branches against cerulean blue skies!

Pax.

A Feel Of Fall In The Air

Lushness of wild grapes in a heavenly frosty dark violet....

.....The glow of Goldenrod against the pines......

....One lone Jewel weed glowing in the afternoon sun....

.......The perfect mushroom, fanning out an umbrella of textured white and beige......

....Awaiting the explosion of fluff and seed from Milkweed pods......

.......a perfect Thistle, giving up pollen to a tiny bee, soon to be gone for the season......

Cool evenings, a yard wet from dew, the rich colors of things that seem to begin that Fall Glow.....it may not be all that close but it is definitely on the way. And I am ready! Enough of the Summer heat and hustle---I want the lovely purples and yellows and oranges of the cool of the year. That delightful rustle of leaves in the evening breeze, the smell of the earth going to sleep for the Winter.
Out comes the leather jacket, and gloves......hand knit socks and soft sweaters, flannel pajamas and bunny slippers. Hot tea any time of day and the perfume of raising bread dough, ready for the oven. Pies, jams, cookies and heavy roasts. Pulling out soft, thick afghans and putting away the light Summer quilts.
And Halloween and pumpkins and hobgoblins!
Enough, Summer---be gone! Give me the season I love most!

Pax.