Purple Weather Alert!

Need a good reason to stay home cuddled up next to the fire today?

Here it is...



forecast for today- purple weather.

And, nope! My fingers aren't frozen (or inked, for that matter-smarty pants!) purple. That's a whole lotta ice out there.

Thankfully- B's boat plant shut down and sent them all home... across those really treacherous bridges. The state highway department is warning that the worst is between Arkadelphia & Malvern... oh, GREAT! That's right where he's gonna have to drive through-- naturally.

The cats just don't seem to understand. They want to go out... but, two steps out the door, they are ready to change their minds. Katrina was determined... and slid down the steps, took refuge under the nearby wheel-barrow, sat a few moments and decided staying inside wasn't so bad after all! Uhh.... watch out, little girl! She SLID up those steps!! She's sitting here in the window now peering out trying to figure out what it is that is so wrong out there today!! The birds are in abundance at the feeders- wish I could take a photo as there are more than six pairs of cardinals, dozens of purple & gold finch, and chickadees and the usual titmice. But, I'm not braving those steps to get a snapshot!

So... you'll have to settle for this.
Proof that I don't have ink on my fingers, LOL! Just mittens!
But, I will say- it's c-o-l-d back here in the studio, so... I'm going to the living room and pile up with Samson in front of the fire!!

Shout outs to Sarah & Jeff... hope you guys get over the ickies.

Oh..... and B's HOME! Yippee!! All safe & sound. Said that there was a really bad accident at Friendship with a woodchip truck (rumors of a fatality) and that both lanes of traffic in the east-bound lanes was backed up past Caddo Valley. UGH. Stay home. stay warm.

Chasing Rabbits.... virtually anyway.

My mind wanders--

a lot sometimes!
Bet yours does, too? Especially when you're on the internet?

This morning when I checked the email, it was all the mundane stuff.
***Spam, spam, spam- delete, delete, delete.

***Three big sales notifications- delete, flag in case I want to peruse later today, delete.

*Personal reminder- I send those to myself to make sure I don't forget to check the calendar and then it (the reminder) gets buried in the inbox and I forget anyway. Pathetic- but, I'll flag it just in case I happen to remember to back and look for the flags.

*Oh, and eBay sent me a request that since I'd bought these items in the past year, hadn't I ought to buy some more? Uh- no? These items were some stamps and they pretty much last forever and don't have to be replaced.

But- wait a minute!! There are some others that they included that are new to the market and wouldn't I be interested???

Oh, MAN!! They got me!

ZAP! I'm there. I'm hooked. Surfing lovely new art-images.

Bummer. I'm really not interested in getting into any auctions right now, cause that means I'd be watching the derned internet all day waiting to see if someone outbids me. Besides! I'm not spending any money- I'm being really frugal... I don't need any stamps! But, wait! Those are really cute stamps.....


Oh, SHOOT!! This is just where eBay wants me! They just KNEWWWWWWW I'd fall for it!

Okay. Quick. Get away. Is this what it's like flirting with the fox?

Close windows.

Back to business. Email. Ugh. Sigh. Delete, delete, delete. So much fallderall. No real mail. No juicy family news.

Oh- waaaaaiiiiiiit a minute!! Our sorta-niece is expecting a baby!!
WOOHOOO!!!! Congrats to the newly expectant parents, Rachael & KJ, and g-parents, Jeanette & Barry!

Oh! Wait! Back up! I saw the cutest little natal stamps!! That would be so precious on a little box for J-nette! It was on the next to last page I had up on eBay. I'll just take a peek. It might stimulate some ideas! No. I'm not going to buy it!! Duh.... you thought I was going to BREAK? Nah.... I'm just looking! I spent all my mad-money with Mshell yesterday!

Darn. Can't find it! Oh... it was on one of those scrolly things. Oh, there it is... no, no that's not it. Wait- here slide some more. What? What is THAT? Ohmigosh! That's BEAUTIFUL!!
That's like... "Click"!
Ahhhh-- now THAT is gorgeous! No, it's not baby-fied in any way shape or form. It's Victorian and it's beautiful! Is that a new company? a new artist? Where has that been all my life?

Follow the link. It is a new artist. WOW! They've got a whole big website, message board, the works! Okay.. I'll join just so I can get their coupon!! Just in case I happen to see their products anytime soon. What? You can see other members' projects using this item? Oh, cool!! That's cool! It's not natal, it's not even Victorian... it's... I don't know what it is? It's not the item I was looking at! But, it doesn't matter it's beautiful! How did she DO that?

Of course.. now I have to go and google "magic box". I need that pattern! Of course... that search was not appropriate. Add template. Add stamp. Add crafter.

What? A link here is intriguing!

But, it mentions Robert Rauschenberg- a Port Arthur artist, that I've been meaning and meaning to research (and just keep forgetting and forgetting). Probably cause I chase so many other rabbits.

Okay... off to study a great artist. I'll have to write a whole paper about him!

So many rabbits.... so little time.

Scary!

No. I didn't take this picture. Nor did mine burn this badly.

BUT- I did have a shocking experience the other night with the microwave.

I placed my popcorn bag inside and began to check my email when I heard screech-screech-crackle and no pops! I thought it had shorted out and was going to burn this old house down! I panicked and pulled the plug as soon as the fireworks began exploding inside the oven.

I mentioned it to my Dad who suggested that some m/w popcorn bags were being infused with aluminum to aid in getting all those kernels to pop (which brings up a whole 'nother scary topic). While I couldn't find that particular article on the NY Times, I did find another very interesting site (link above) and article. And, even more scary- an article on "popcorn lung".

Should have KNOWN that it's the manufacturer and model, GE! I have never been able to get certain food items to cook properly in this microwave. I'll be putting a new microwave on the top of my wish list now! Bummer. I thought it needed to be replaced on the fact alone that the turntable had broken after the 2nd month and we were just being inconvenienced.

While I'm at it though... I intend to surf the consumer affairs site and get the low down on several of my appliances (mostly that new vacuum I purchased!) that is nothing more than a lovely red monstrosity that Wrigley thinks he adores! Yes... my dog loves the vacuum! The minute I drag it out and plug it in- he sidles up to it hoping to be stroked with the wand attachment! And, yes- the wand attachment sucks; the floor brushes leave much to be desired considering how much pet hair I have to combat.

Go enlighten yourself on all the disappointing items that are being foisted on us through the guise of lower prices. Read that- as Wal-Mart. Where all our money goes. UGH. It's hard to be a savvy consumer when there aren't any other choices but those items that were bought from the lowest-bidder. Reminds me of what the astronauts tell one another "remembering, we're sitting atop a rocket built by the lowest-bidder". Comforting? NOT.

"ask not what your country can do for you, but what can you do for your country." JFK

Happy Federal Holiday! Happy Monday!

Today is the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.

While watching the news this morning, I didn't have my glasses on. The first thing I saw was a headline...

MLK Day

me, not having my glasses- I saw m - i - l - k!

I was thinking about that- and thought... well... if they'd add "ing" to the end- it would be more accurate. Then it could be read as "milking Day".

Regardless- it is a federal holiday and there's plenty of sales... and since our President thinks it's a good idea to $pend money and improve our economy; we should all take advantage of the holiday and go $hopping!

Ah.... gotta love our government! Now I have an excuse to offer my husband!

I'm celebrating milking day and improving the nation's economy; I'm practicing being a good citizen! May I have a jamocha shake with that, please?

I could "milk" this for a long, long time! 'er... cheezy grin?

Use the link above to see the dates that our government has set aside for the retail industry to plan for big shopping events- I mean to improve the GNP, corporate bottom-lines, and national debt!

Thanks to Dr King.. I have a dream.... a new car, a new digital SLR camera, a new flat-screen High-def TV, a new Apple lap-top (oh, wait... maybe I should save that for a holiday associated with a fruit-tree? apples are sorta like cherries, right?), some lovely new art supplies....

Go out- $timulate the economy... being patriotic never felt so good. And, be sure and drink your milk.

Addendum... my Dad says I'm being a heifer when I get this sassy. I think he just needs to be more cultured cuz I know I'm the cream of the crop! at least- when I scrapbook! Furthermore, no disrespect is intended towards Mr King.

a Heart for Russia

our niece, Jocelyn, is preparing for her missions trip to the Ukraine.


Click on the link above for the website.

Today's weather? a blistering 10 degrees. OUCH.

Not much different from what it feels like here- even though I know there is a huge difference! Thermometer says: 35 degrees and it feels like five to me. I've even had to *gasp* vacuum for warmth!! haha.... I survived it! And, am now warm enough for a few moments to actually TYPE... so.... here I am!

Anyway- I know she is anxious to get trained and "over there" and those that love her are anxiously praying that for her and her roomie, their safety during travels to training and abroad and for their specific purpose.

Cheezy vacation postcard!!

.... or "Wish you were here!!"

Had a lovely visit with Sister Nancy over the weekend.... and some other woman we couldn't identify.
She does have a nice smile though, eh? It was good for a laugh or two anyway!

These were taken at the Children's Wing of the Grace Museum- exhibit: the Human Body!






There was also an "operations" area and this is Nancy performing brain surgery!!

Uh... Nan... that's his GUTS!! Try again!


This is a photo of me removing the guy's sick kidney!! HAHA!!

Long weekend- lots of memories to bask upon! So lovely to have sister time! Wishing for more.

Happy Endings! and Good Reads!

My dear darling hubby is a romantic at heart!

If we're watching a movie... he only wants to watch if it has a happy ending!!

Who'd have thunk it? I mean- don't get me wrong! I'm extremely glad- cuz I'm that way, too! But, there are certain classic stories that he's not familiar with! Last week Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre was featured on Masterpiece Theater. He'd never seen it! I was just thrilled to discover that he "parked" on PBS long enough to get intrigued and of course- it was "to be continued" a week later! My fear was that he'd have lost interest in finding out just why Rochester continued to keep crazy Mrs Poole around when she was so obviously threatening Jane.

But happy endings being just what they are... he DID remember this Sunday evening and we DID finish the whole program (no flipping channels!) and he WAS glad that there was a happy ending after all! I think after Rochester was exposed, he was not so sure he wanted to finish it- lol!

Anyway... I'm so glad he's that way! That happy endings really DO matter!! Speaking of which.... I got to use my Christmas gift-card that he and son had given me and I am the proud owner of a new draftsman chair!! Woohoo!! Now to get busy and clean up all the craft tables that have been piled up to the rafters since school let out and get busy making some art! Me perched upon my very own "happy ending"- haha!

Oh! Add another new site that I highly recommend! Good reads! was shared with me by two of my Facebook buddies, Kellie & Laura! and is a great resource to check out reviews and as it's designed to post all your past, current and to-read titles and to share them with your friends! Link to me and we'll share words (similar to Netflix) and the review process there! One sister and SIL are already in my friends link!

T'was the Week after Christmas.... & a little more!

T'was the week after Christmas, and all through the house
Nothing would fit me, not even a blouse.

The cookies I'd nibbled, the eggnog I'd taste
At the holiday parties had gone to my waist.

When I got on the scales there arose such a number!
When I walked to the store (less a walk than a lumber).

I'd remember the marvelous meals I'd prepared;
The gravies and sauces and beef nicely rared,

The wine and the rum balls, the bread and the cheese
And the way I'd never said, "No thank you, please."

As I dressed myself in my husband's old shirt
And prepared once again to do battle with dirt

I said to myself, as I only can
"You can't spend a winter disguised as a man!"

So away with the last of the sour cream dip,
Get rid of the fruit cake, every cracker and chip

Every last bit of food that I like must be banished
"Till all the additional ounces have vanished.

I won't have a cookie - not even a lick.
I'll want only to chew on a long celery stick.

I won't have hot biscuits, or corn bread, or pie,
I'll munch on a carrot and quietly cry.

I'm hungry, I'm lonesome, and life is a bore
But isn't that what January is for?

Unable to giggle, no longer a riot.
Happy New Year to all and to all a good diet!



~Author Unknown~

Yup. It's that time of year.... when all our thoughts and efforts turn to dieting. UGH. This year though... I have a plan! Now to go and purge the kitchen of all those items not included in the plan!! Thankfully, this year- I don't have a hundred pounds to lose! My holiday feasting didn't ruin all that hard work from the last two years; it's hard to believe that anniversary is almost here! But, I will have to watch out... my jeans are a tad too snug for comfort!

I plan to join Mshell and attend the health center. Yee-haw. That may be too much for us and the community!! If you hear that the police had to make a disturbance call at the gym-- don't be surprised!! When we get to laughing- it can be rather raucous.

Enjoy the sunshine and the giggles! I certainly intend to!

Art...

"Art is much less important than life, but what a poor life without it." ~ Robert Motherwell





this lovely image is reproduced from one from B's Mimi's house. It's one that just mesmerizes me. I'm not really certain of the history behind it- but, it intrigues and inspires.

Today is finally warm enough that I can actually stand to sit back here (on the old porch) and compute. It's a lovely day- sunny and all the cats that can go- are outside. Byron is happily in his shop with the wood stove keeping a huge cast iron pot of beans warm. I'm sure there are several cats, one dog and a Newton keeping him company there!

Enjoy the day. Make some art.

Christmas in pictures

Oh, Christmas Tree... oh, Christmas tree....

Bits & pieces....

End of an era

So long Netscape. Farewell Mozilla.

The on ramp to the information highway was marked with the Netscape Navigator icon. It's shining beacon led many of us far far away... to destinations previously unknown. I'll never forget my delight in the mid 90's when I discovered that the CIA had an online presence and even claiming to have gone there gave one a giddy feeling! Ahhhh... internet innocence.

That was way back in the days of the infancy of the whole world-wide-web. I took a course (college credit, even!) just to figure out how to FTP and I vividly recall begging the teacher to give us some html instruction! Her reply-- "that's a whole language in and of itself!"... duh... not a couple of weeks later and netscape navigator offered a modified WYSIWYG editor just for web-building-wanna-be's as myself. Didn't have to learn a new language after all! Should have... but, didn't!

But, today... our trusty Apples comes preloaded with Safari and it has worked- so, no need to download additional softwares. Too bad for a great program.

Wrigley Wreindeer!

Wrigley Dawg!

So good natured! Such a sport! Is it any wonder that he's saying "oh,no,no!"

Thanks to neighbor, Mshell, he is sporting these lovely new antlers!

He has been such a faithful companion throughout the years... it's hard to believe he's almost 13. Yesterday when Byron pulled into the drive, Wrigs gave the happy dance. Since it was such a nice sunny afternoon- Byron could tell he wanted to prance around in the yard and play a game of chase. Only thing- they are both so old! Poor Wrigs' back legs promptly gave way and the game was over. He's still got the spirit of a young dog- glad he has a nice warm fire to curl up beside.





Here he is with a few friends...

Sam, Max and Wrigley keeping the homefires burning!

Yes... it's good to be home. For ALL of us!

Happy Christmas!

Creative Relief... and Release

It's official!!
Fall Semester 2007 grades have been posted!
And for the first time in my academic career- I have a 3.66 for a semester total!
YIPPEEE!!! Can I just celebrate for 15 minutes right now?? Fame not necessary, Mr Warhol!

The success alone of having achieved not one, but at least two hurdles has me "over the moon"!

Suffice it to say.... I did not think that my research paper grade (89) in Ancient Art History class was enough to compensate for the image identification test scores. Sadly- I'm not a test taker and froze up. Typical. I saw the pieces, knew darn well what it was and could only get the first letter of the name of the piece and/or the artist and dates totally escaped me. Talk about frustration! The minute I walked out the door, all the names came flooding in on me and I knew whole names and details and backgrounds of the politics that were developing at the time that had influenced the work. Some of that I had inserted when I couldn't even get the first letter in the blank.... I KNOW this stuff! But, when it comes time to prove it- you can forget it! All I can figure is that the instructor clearly knows that about me and was very gracious and attendance DOES count!

The other AMAZING thing to me! I AM an ARTIST! Whew! What a RELIEF! I don't know why it is so hard to claim that. I mean- I've called myself arkyartist for a long time. But, to be honest- I've always thought I was just faking it. That I was a "wanna-be". But, to pass not one- but, TWO- drawing classes has finally given me the confidence to really claim it! What a RELIEF!

I've got so many other things to accomplish! I've got to get busy! There are so many projects I want to get started on- things that I didn't feel like I was really ready to handle. I will say that getting actual college credit for a subjective area like artwork gives one the confidence of David. I'm not suggesting that I'm ready to take on Goliath. But, it is gratifying to know that an objective staff of legitimate artists viewed my work and have given their nod of approval. Now that's all I'm going to say about personal fears and apprehensions.

Whew! I'm not sure which I'm more proud of! Doesn't matter! I'm celebrating!

Me 'n Sam! Sam 'n I. We are happy. I've only checked and rechecked those grades twelve times tonight! Just to make sure I wasn't dreaming!

And tomorrow? We'll get out that new vacuum that really sucks (lol!), do a little tidying and set up the Christmas tree! And- then... the studio awaits! YIPPEEEE!!!

I hope you find your creative strength and inspiration!

Oh! And, I may have been silent for the last few weeks... but, I've been steadily taking photos! Maybe I'll get some posted soon! Stay tuned!

These Guys Don't Think Outside the Box...

and you wonder at that title?






as a matter of fact... these guys don't think much at all!

Especially when there is a box lid near a source of heat!

Cats LOVE cardboard and paper bags! I think they were probably made for one another.

Here Sam and Max demonstrate just how laid-back our life here in the country really is! It's probably not a lot different from our in-town life- but, it's funny to me that they have made the transitions and just keep on doing what they've always done.

Companioning (is that a real word?) has become the norm for almost all our our cats. Yes! I even looked up and discovered that Kittly had allowed Black-kitty to pile up in the recliner with her one afternoon. Must be going to get cold! There really isn't a lot of places for the cats to perch- so, they have to share with us, too. I'm continually having to dump a cat from my lap to go and let another cat in or out.



This is what I come back to.... a cat stretched out so far and comfortable- that I'm unwilling to disturb her again. So, I go find somewhere else to perch!

Eureka! oh. Wait.. maybe not.

I'm up early cuz I had this ah-ha moment in regards to my understanding of the symbology of the Chi Rho page (in the Book of Kells) and rushed in here to the computer to see if I couldn't enlarge the images well enough to figure it out. Yesterday- I inhaled twelve detailed (scholarly articles) and probably understand less than when I began- so went to bed at midnight knowing I'm so out of my league that it'll be a miracle if I'm able to even identify Jesus in the portraits any more.

but... before I could get the computer up and running, I had to:

let two cats in,
one dog out,
figured I'd better try to entice Katrina-cat again with my special concoction (she's still not eating)
figured I'd not survive any of the above without coffee,
made the coffee (only interrupted twice!);
ran interference with Kittly-cat wanting Katrina's food-
Max-cat wanting his bowl replenished,
Sam-cat wanting to know what it was that Kittly and Katrina were yowering about,
Blackie and TabbyTom taking over the table (where Katrina's food WAS- now removed),
tripped over the circling sharks- I mean cats,
let Wrigley back in-
let Blackie out,
keeping Katrina in
referee a flare-up between Katrina and Tom.... geez.

WHY did I get up again?

Oh. Yeah. ART. Fughedaboutit.

after the rains....

there is a lovely FIERY sunset! It looked as if the whole horizon were on FIRE!

I couldn't help but bolt out the door, camera in hand, Wrigley trailing me (thinking there was something BAD wrong!) to see if I could capture it! There is really NO way to get it with just a hand-held digi-camera and no tripod. But- it was a site to behold! I had to try!

Today was a really hard one. But- it's OVER and this was my reward! Ahhhhhh.... hope you enjoy, too!

a country mile....

While it's not West Virginia nor anywhere near the Shenandoah... it is a small country road and it is the one I travel on to go home! I love the views...... and no... it's not a mile!

But it is.....

Peaceful.

At Peace.

I wish everyone in my life could be this way.

At least Kittly-cat is.... she and all the other felines are napping today all over the house. It's a good day for a nap.

Rest. Relax. Refresh.

Enjoy the day and the lyrics...

Almost heaven, West Virginia
Blue ridge mountains
Shenandoah river -
Life is old there
Older than the trees
Younger than the mountains
Growin like a breeze

Country roads, take me home
To the place I belong
West virginia, mountain momma
Take me home, country roads

All my memories gathered round her
Miners lady, stranger to blue water
Dark and dusty, painted on the sky
Misty taste of moonshine
Teardrops in my eye

Country roads, take me home
To the place I belong
West virginia, mountain momma
Take me home, country roads

I hear her voice
In the mornin hour she calls me
The radio reminds me of my home far away
And drivin down the road I get a feelin
That I should have been home yesterday, yesterday

Country roads, take me home
To the place I belong
West virginia, mountain momma
Take me home, country roads

Country roads, take me home
To the place I belong
West virginia, mountain momma
Take me home, country roads
Take me home, now country roads
Take me home, now country roads

Words and music by bill danoff, taffy nivert and john denver

Ahhhhhh- ART!

WOW! I'm living a DREAM!

Taking art classes- living with, looking at, breathing in ART!

Colors have always held me transfixed- the way that they meld into one another and then transform into their pure forms and then transition into yet another color is mesmerizing!

BUT! Black & White always holds me spell-bound!

Now just WHY IS THAT? I don't know! I may never figure it out! For now- I'm just going to accept each view as it is; but, I can't help but "colorize" what is originally b&w and gray-scale whatever is in color! So... today- as I was going over the most recent drawing assignment and preparing it for submission- I got "smart" and thought... hey? Why not scan it in and play with it in photo-shop before I apply any more ink to the original? Hey! THIS IS FUN!

Okay. okay. My favorite "transformation" was when I stained-glass it after having applied a few other coloring filters- but, I can't turn THAT in for this particular assignment! Well... when I've got "free-time" on my hands I'll have to committ it to paper, too! This big exam on identification of prehistoric art pieces is looming and I must concentrate and get my formal analysis (a portion of which will be included in my research paper) completed for next week. THAT- and get some Ferncliff artwork created and loaded at CafePress because Ferncliff is only FIVE weeks away, GASP!

PANIC!

HYPERVENTILATE!

BREATHE!

OH! Just glancing around the studio here and gazing on this piece calms me! You know WHY???? I think it's because applying all these teeny weeny little bitty lines is so PEACEFUL! Who KNEW???

Happy Friday! I'm off to tidy up the house, drive into Arkadilly and cut some matboard and take Mae for a pedicure! Then... maybe, we'll head off over the mountain to Hot Springs to see drawing instructor's debut exhibit at the Blue Moon Gallery. The link above is her mentor's, Audrey Flack, site! I'll post Debi's after I've seen the show!

The Homecoming Queen!

Yes... it is Homecoming Week for many places.... and we are celebrating at Saginaw as well!

Kittly came home this morning! After two weeks of independence- she's decided to call US "home"!

Kittly our most reclusive and exclusive (as well as our eldest cat-aged 15+) is home!

What a RELIEF!

Happy Homecoming to the Queen of the Kitchen Counter!

On the way to school...

...this morning! I saw these beautiful horses and could not resist stopping!

The drives into town and then back to the farm are so peaceful! Even better- I'm driving with the sun!

Wrigley seems to enjoy the drives, too. At first he had to sit up the entire way... now- he just sort of knows the drive and lots of times I'll catch him napping back there!

We've seen other interesting views in our new neighborhood- so, I'm trying to remember to carry my camera every time I leave now. Old barns are first on my list to drive around and photograph... I've alerted Kim! I wish Mimi were still alive to share them all with- she loved them, too. Within sight from my side windows is a large red barn and the most well-fed black angus cattle with a few white-faced Hereford.

Yesterday's "cat news" - a gaggle of the next-door Guineas spied a relaxing Tabby-Tom and gave chase! The look of shock and horror on his face was worth a hoot of exclamation from Byron who witnessed the quick "escape" of his Tomness around Clinton's house and away from those awful things! We'd been concerned that the cats might make a dinner out of a guinea; but, apparently- they thought otherwise! I just wish B had had the camera!

Crazy Cat-lady signing off!