Second on the Second 3/2/22

 Harking back to September of 2015   I haven't been out walking since before Covid came along. In fact, I have been in bed for the last three weeks.  Things are improving I hope to be able to get back into walking one day soon.  Time is taking its toll.

September 2015

 By now everyone knows I go out walking every morning.  Walking gives me lots of time to think, to look, to imagine.  Here are a few things that caught my eye on a recent walk.

I like shabby old fences.  I particularly like the points on these pickets.  I wonder why those vertical parts are pickets.  Anyone know?

This planter bed is in a commercial part of my walk.   I like the texture and imagine someone placing all those pieces of stone just so.  Another question.  What kind of stones are they?  The word "shale" comes to mind but I really haven't a clue.  Do you?

I spotted these very colorful animal figures in a window I was passing.  Hard to capture just how bright the colors were, too much glare on the window.  The shop carries a mixture of items, many imported.  I wonder what the country of origin was for these,

Last but not least I stopped at my favorite coffee shop to buy a pound of beans.  When you buy beans they give you a free cup of coffee.  Usually I drink my coffee black but this time I decided to follow Elizabeth's example and add half and half.  I took my coffee to a nearby bench and settled in for some people watching,

Thanks for looking at an old post from my previous blog.  Now go with me to Elizabeth's blog to see what others brought back for another viewing.

Tea Stands for Tuesday 3/1/22

 Good Morning Friends,

The March Hare has joined everyone for a tea party.  We may all be living in Alice Land.  Who knows?

I have been sorting through some of my old pens and looking at various types of handwriting.  I happen to have an old autograph book from around 1887 and find it fascinating that apparently ordinary people (maybe students?) had such beautiful handwriting.  Here are some examples for you to enjoy.

Here is the album along with one of my old dip pens.  I think the album cover may be celluloid but I'm not sure.

Clicking of the pictures may enlarge them. (I hope)  I'm off to join the Tea Party going on at Altered Book Lover blog.

Second on the Second 2/2/22

All those 2's.  Something amazing must be in store.  Meanwhile over on Elizabeth's blog we are invited to share an older post for the second time.  I'm joining Second on the Second with this post.  It still holds true.

Thursday, August 22, 2019

The Art of Disappearing

I seem to have taken this poem to heart.  My blog has become kind of a place holder.  I'm around, just quiet.

Northern California Valley

The Art of Disappearing

When they say Don't I know you?
say no.

When they invite you to the party
remember what parties are like
before answering.
Someone telling you in a loud voice
they once wrote a poem.
Greasy sausage balls on a paper plate.
Then reply.

If they say We should get together
say why?

It's not that you don't love them anymore.
You're trying to remember something
too important to forget.
Trees. The monastery bell at twilight.
Tell them you have a new project.
It will never be finished.

When someone recognizes you in a grocery store
nod briefly and become a cabbage.
When someone you haven't seen in ten years
appears at the door,
don't start singing him all your new songs.
You will never catch up.

Walk around feeling like a leaf.
Know you could tumble any second.
Then decide what to do with your time. 

Naomi Shihab Nye

Second on the second 11/2/21

 Bringing this back for a second look.  I need to make some cards.  If you would like to join Second on the Second just follow me to Elizabeth's blog.

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

Another Owl

Speaking of owls, as I was a couple of days ago, here is a card I made some time ago.

I was going through some of my older art pieces.  Trying to get some inspiration.  The owl is a hand carved rubber stamp I created during a brief period of stamp carving I went through.  

I seem to like to try different things, like stamp carving, and then move on to something else.  Maybe it is curiosity or maybe I have a short attention span.

I think I will get those old stamps out. This is the perfect time of year to use the owl stamp.

Anyone carve their own stamps?

Second on the Second 1/2/2021

 Thanks go out to Elizabeth for keeping The Second on the Second going.  Be sure to visit her HERE.  This is the post I'm bringing back for a second look.

First published on Jan. 2, 2015

One of the things I was thinking about with the beginning of this new year is the Goddess Hekate (or Hecate) from Greek mythology.   Hekate is associated with a crossroad or a new path and often a new  year. 

Hekate

pen and ink on mixed media paper

Hecate is most often depicted as having three heads, or three separate forms. That of a young maiden, a mother, and a crone. This symbolizes the cycle of life.  She often carries a torch. I suppose that is to light the way. 

While there are many other symbols associated with the goddess, those are the features I chose to illustrate.  I have an admittedly superficial knowledge of Greek mythology.  I do find it interesting though.

Are you familiar with any of the old myths?

Second on the Second 10/2/2020

 Every month Elizabeth  at Altered Book Lover ssuggests we bring an old post back for a second look.  I chose this one because I like the autumn colors.  

MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2011

Wet Canvas - Pears

This is my third experiment with acrylics.  In September an Annual Pear Festival takes place in one of the small towns by the lake in the mountains. That was the inspiration for this piece.

9x6 mixed media acrylic

A map of the area, recycled tea bag papers, tissue paper and paper napkins were all used in creating this piece and it was painted with acrylics

This is the last of the set of three canvas boards that I bought. I'm not sure if I will continue this experiment or not. It has been a learning experience for me in any case.

Second on the Second 8/2/2020

It is time to get together at Altered Book Lover blog on the 2nd of the month when Elizabeth asks us to give and old post a second viewing.  Here is  what I chose to share with you.  It was previously posted to Elizabeth's Tea Party nearly 5 years ago.  I do enjoy Altered Book Lover!

Tea Stands for Tuesday - 11/3/15

Time once again to join the Tuesday Tea group over at Elizabeth's blog. 

Recently I was sorting through my pile of old postcards.  Not exactly a collection, more an accumulation of post cards.  I know that some of the regulars at our Tuesday Tea are postcard makers and collectors.  I thought I"d share one of mine
.

Satisfied?  Why shouldn't I be

The whole darned thing suits me to a T.

Dear Paul,

Hope you are having lots of fun for I am enjoying myself.  I get three meals a day and don't have to cook them.

Love from your tormentor.

The post card was mailed from Leaburg Oregon sometime in 1940.  

The card always makes me smile when I read it, hope it made you smile too.

Second on the Second. 6/2/2020

On the second of every month, Elizabeth invites us to bring an older post back for a second look.  Here's my second look for this month.

My life will always have dirty dishes

If this sink can become

A place of contemplation,

Let me learn constancy here

Gunilla Norris

"Being Home"

I have the above quote framed and hanging near my sink.

I like doing dishes, having my hands in hot soapy water, day dreaming. When we had our kitchen remodeled I opted to have more storage space instead of a dishwasher. However we had them put the plumbing in for a dishwasher in case we ever want one. See that set of drawers at the bottom right of the sink? That unit can be pulled out and a dishwasher slipped in. Pretty tricky, huh?

How about you? Do you wash dishes by hand or use a dishwasher?

Second on the Second - 3/2/20

Good morning friends.  I'm so glad Elizabeth gives us a chance to revisit previous posts on the second of every month.  I tried to pick something in the past as close as today's date as I could.  Please join us here to see what everyone has chosen for a second look.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 04, 2015

Neighborhood Walk - 3/4/15

Out walking and looking for signs of spring.  I may be rushing the season although on some days recently our weather has felt decidedly spring like.

Here is a flowering vine.   The flowers are a brighter yellow in person.  I think it might be called a trumpet vine.  Very common in our area.

I don't have a clue what this is called.  I like the way it grows.  Again, seen fairly often in our area, usually along the edge of the sidewalk as this one is.  Anyone familiar with it?

And last but not least - I spotted this.

PLEASE DO NOT

cut the lovely

white calla

lilies - leave them

for everyone to

enjoy.  Thanks !!

Have a great day and don't pick any flowers from your neighbors yard!

Second on the second - Tea Stands for Tuesday - 12/2/19

Bringing this back for a second look and another cup of tea.  it was summer last time I posted.  This morning we have cold rain so tea it is for me.  Visit here to see what others consider worth a second look.

Tuesday, August 9, 2016

Tea Stands for Tuesday - 8/9/16

Today is the day Elizabeth invites us to a Tea Party at her place.  You can bring any drink and come along and join the fun.

\\

As I mentioned yesterday, I've been at the River House.  The weather was quite warm so I was drinking lots of water while creating this and that.

Here's another project accomplished.  It is an idea I had in mind for some time.  I am sure I saw something similar somewhere but it was ages ago and I don't remember where it was.  I'd be happy to credit the idea if I could.  I don't even know what to call the end result.  Maybe a Rose Light?

I started with this.  A glue gun, glass bowls and a cheap stem of roses.  I seem stuck on roses these days.  Sketching them, stenciling them and  now this.

The roses were torn apart and the petals glued onto the glass bowl

I found s bit of tulle in my scraps and cut a few petals to stick in here and there just to add a little depth and dimension.  Here's a close up , see the  petal with texture?

When finished I put a little tea light inside. It was a bit hard to photograph with the light on.  I used one of the l e d type lights but you could use a real tea light.   I was pleased with the end result.  It makes a nice night light.  I can also imagine several on a dining table, maybe in the patio.

I hope you had a great week, I did.

Tea Stands for Tuesday - Second on the Second - 7/2/19

Good Morning friends.  This month Tuesday falls on the 2nd so I'm bringing an old post up for a second view.  Be sure to visit Elizabeth's blog this morning where others will be joining in the kick off to July.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2014

T stands for Tuesday - 1/21/14

Tuesday and time for Tea. Today I am drinking Marsala Chai. It takes a little more effort to make than my usual pot of tea but occasionally I make that extra effort. Thanks to Elizabeth for hosting T stands for Tuesday, and inspiring me to have a special tea this morning. 

Marsala chai

Chai is simply the Hindi word for tea and can refer to plain black tea.  I know the drink is sometimes referred to as Chai Tea here in the US but that is obviously redundant.  Marsala chai literally means mixed spice tea in Urdu. Marsala chai is a flavored tea made by brewing black tea with an assortment of Indian spices.  

Here is my method for making Marsala Chai

2 cups water

4 teaspoons black tea leaves

1 chunk ginger, minced

3 cardamom pods, open pod and use seed and pods in mix

1 inch or so stick cinnamon

3 whole cloves

4 whole black peppercorns

Milk (in my case almond milk)

Sugar to taste.  I like to use brown sugar

Crush the spices using a spice grinder or a mortar and pestle

Put 2 cups of water in pot, bring to a boil.  Add the tea and crushed spices, boil for about 15 seconds, let stand for one minute.

Warm the milk in a pot (or in the microwave)

Strain the above tea into cups.  Add warm milk and sugar to taste.  I like my chai about 2/3 tea to 1/3 milk so you might start with that and see what tea/milk ratio you like best.

Once in awhile I vary the spices and add a whole star anise, some fennel seed or part of a vanilla bean but the list above is my standard.

I don't use much regular milk but substitute almond milk most of the time except in cooking.  I think it works well with this tea although standard dairy milk is of course traditional.

Do you like Marsala Chai?  Have you tried almond milk?

Second on the Second 6/2/19

On the second of each month Elizabeth suggests we bring an older post back up to the top for a second look.  Mine is a bit long this time but I hope you enjoy it.  I found it interesting that Elizabeth and I both posted about a book and she was the inspiration for my book in the first place.  Please check here to see what other people have offered for a second time.

TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2013

Finally! The book revealed

A couple of months ago Elizabeth posted a recycled journal that intrigued me.  You can see it here.  Elizabeth is a wonderful and prolific mixed media artist and often an inspiration.

My book was created with recycled greeting cards, some junk mail, some papers I stamped with my hand carved stamps.  Nothing was purchased in the making of this journal.

The cover and spine of my book (cardboard and junk mail) being glued to recycled newsprint that I stamped - I posted a picture of that sheet earlier

The outside of the cover when finished.  Note the pull tabs that I'll use for the closure.

Recycled cards, all but one have been decorated to cover the original card and also the inside page if there was a message.

Preparing to tie cards to the spine of the cover

Assembling the pages

Finished book

Here is a little video my GD helped me with.  Something else I learned in this process, how to take a video and post it.  The quality is poor but I think you can get an idea about the finished book.

This turned out to be much  lengthier process than I anticipated but I learned a lot along the way.
.  Have a "theme" in mind for the book, easier to coordinate the layout
.  Save greeting cards - I didn't have a huge selection and most were thin shiny paper
.  Tie the pages in very tight - a couple of mine are a little wobbly.
.  Each card basically has 4 sides, that is a whole lot of decorating.

I don't know if I will make another book of this sort.  A lot of my desire to create art is about the Process and not the Product.  I like leaning "how" better than doing it again.

How about you?  Do you work with an idea over and over, improving it along the way?  Do you ever just want to try something to see how it is done?

Second on the Second 5/2/19

I went back to my old (closed) blog this time to find something to bring back for a second time.  Elizabeth hosts this 2nd/2nd event ever month.  Be sure to check her blog.

I made quite a few so called "Sketchy Ladies" and really enjoyed them.  Bits of paper and a pen is all it takes.



WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 01, 2012

Artist's Play Room 8/1/12

This time Jenn at the Artist's Play Room has challenged us to do a SERIES.  I decided to do a series of Sketchy Ladies with quotes.

3x5 cards, pen, paper scraps. dabs of ink

Here they are individually so you can read the quote written on each one.

I don't remember where I got this list of quotes, I just found them to be amusing.  Sorry the pictures have shadows, unless I can go outside in the full sun I don't seem to be able to take photo's without this happening.

Tea Stands for Tuesday and Second on the Second - 4/2/19

Time for tea on the 2nd day of the month where we are encouraged to bring back a post for a second look.  Elizabeth posts lots of recycling/reusing ideas during April so I though I would share a previous tea post with that in mind. 

TUESDAY, MAY 13, 2014

Tea stands for Tuesday - 5/13/14

Time for a little show and tell on this T stands for Tuesday.  As you can see I'm drinking coffee not tea but that meets the guidelines Elizabeth has set out for us on her blog.

We have several old dictionaries so I set one aside for altered art projects.  I've used many, many pages and even shared pages with creative friends.  This time I simply tore out a page and covered with watercolor in a random way.  I decided to make a couple of post cards.

I used heavy mixed media paper for the post card and watercolor on the background of each of these.

Circles were torn from the painted dictionary page and glued on.  A few marks with a pen finished the postcards.

I'm not really pleased with the writing on the cards.  It looks a little wobbly to me.  As you all know though when you use a Sharpie to write or draw, what's done is done.

Hope you have a great Tuesday and be sure to visit our hostessElizabeth's blog to see what the rest of the group is sharing this week.

I'm also linking up with Jenn's Artist's Play Room this week.  Share the art!

Second on the Second - 1/2/2019

In keeping with Elizabeth's Second on the second, I'm bringing this up for a second view.  

Thursday, December 29, 2016

Cleaning on my mind

The coming New Year always sets off a cleaning frenzy for me.  I don't think I am alone in this.  Files to be organized and papers to be shredded.  Closets to be cleaned and long unworn items to be donated.  Windows to be washed.  I know it is winter and I imagine we will get more rain - but still I'd like to be able to see out.  While I'm at it the blinds could stand some attention.  

Do you know, the more I look into life, the more things it seems to me I can successfully lack—and continue to grow happier. How many kinds of food I do not need, nor cooks to cook them, how much curious clothing nor tailors to make it, how many books that I never read, and pictures that are not worth while! The farther I run, the more I feel like casting aside all such impedimenta—lest I fail to arrive at the far goal of my endeavour.

I like to think of an old Japanese nobleman I once read about, who ornamented his house with a single vase at a time, living with it, absorbing its message of beauty, and when he tired of it, replacing it with another. I wonder if he had the right way, and we, with so many objects to hang on our walls, place on our shelves, drape on our chairs, and spread on our floors, have mistaken our course and placed our hearts upon the multiplicity rather than the quality of our possessions!

David Grayson quote from "Adventures in Friendship"

Does the New Year signal a cleaning spree for you?

Be sure to visit Elizabeth's blog to see what others are offering a second look at.