Android for dummies

or...

is Lucasfilm and sci-fi taking over our daily lives?

Have you noticed this symbol in your daily life appearing on your product packaging lately? Get ready. You're going to see it more and more often.

But... what does it mean?

Is it:

• for aliens only?
• subliminal messaging?
• should we prepare for seeing more of them?
• should we be afraid?
• do marketers think I'm as brainless as an android?

Yes and no. To all those considerations.

In my search for a new smart phone (and not-so-patiently) awaiting the Verizon iPhone release, I've considered the Droid. Yeah. I know. It's not the same- I've already faced that fact.

But... will it recognize these symbols? Yup. And, should I care? Yup. You should, too.

First of all.... that barcode looking thing is called a QR code. What's that? Wikipedia explains it here. In a nutshell- it's a matrix code originating from Japan technology (thus the alien factor) that is steadily invading our everyday technologies and lives (keep your eyes peeled for more). I actually saw (and snapped the one pictured here**) from the Weather Channel®.

Bottom line- will it benefit the general public and is it tracking my moves and uploading my habits and personal choices to some mastermind marketing monopoly? Well- yeah. DUH. Face it. We use the internet and those little cookies are leaving your crumbs all over cyberspace. Marketing geniuses wouldn't be worth their salt if they weren't tracking your preferences i.e what you're: searching for, shopping for, listening to, bookmarking, etc.

If there was a way to use your camera in your phone to snap an image of that QR code into your database (while you're not attached to the networks except through blue-tooth technology) but, rather you're out strolling through the mall: you've essentially "bookmarked" that item and whatever links the manufacturer (and marketers) included. When you access your list of QR codes (when you do finally go online)... there are links and information at your fingertips. Clever, eh?

Yeah. Kinda scary. It's the wave of the future folks. Get ready.

** If you already have a smarter-than-average phone and scan that QR code, please comment and let me know what information it gives you. The city I was checking isn't my hometown and I'd like to know if it indicates that in the links it gives ya.

Alpha Stamps is Giving Stuff Away!!

Yup. You read that right! Alpha Stamps is giving stuff away.... And... I want some of it! They have the coolest images and ephemera EVER! and stamp designs, too!

So... I'm hoping to win and per the requirement to give a link... here it is. But, YOU, too can win! Go to Alpha Stamps (the blog) and leave your comments!

Saluté!! Ruth Wakefield

.... or... Batter Up!

Ruth Graves Wakefield!

Home-arts heroine!

The world is a better place because of her.

Unless you were lucky enough to live in Massachusetts in exactly the right time period- ya never met her, nor did I. But- millions of people are indebted to her for her simple contribution to the enrichment of life: The Toll House Cookie.

And three cheers for my great-aunt, Clarice Cannon (Pargie), who probably held me by the elbow and showed me how to mix a bowl of simple ingredients into the best comfort food in the world.

My earliest memories are of being in my Great-Grandmother's, Grammy's, kitchen with Pargie. We lived next door to them from the time I was 3 until we moved to TX when I was 6. Most mornings- I awoke and headed straight across the driveway to Pargie's house. On cold mornings she would put me in front of the old stove and prop my feet on the open door as it warmed up. Then, she and I would mix up pancakes. Warmer mornings were different- she'd make cinnamon toast and chocolate milk and we'd drive across town to the water-tower to sit in the shadow... but, that's another story.

Mama remembers Pargie and Grammy making bread more often in her younger days--but, my memories are of making chocolate chip cookies and always ALWAYS the semi-sweet chips from the yellow Nestlé bag.

Several years later (I must have been about 13 or 14) my baby brother uttered a famous Keyton-ism in our family:

"Sada burned her dookies!"

I can still recollect his face and almost look of horror when he saw that pan coming out the oven. How very disappointing! I think I redeemed myself and got the next batch right, anyway.

This all got me to thinking about Mr Nestlé and his food legacy. Did you know he started out making baby food in Switzerland? Now the conglomerate owns (among other things) Purina and Jenny Craig. Not the most decadent and tasty morsels.... but, nutrition for the masses nonetheless.

So.... today, I celebrate the most wonderful delectable treat in the world. The humble Toll House cookie. I will be so glad when I have an oven (with a door that works and doesn't burn me!) in which to bake some! And, yes-- my not-so-secret ingredient (Nestlés butterscotch chips) will be in the batter.

Cheers! Saluté! and dunk mine twice, please.

My artwork has gone international

Picked up sales off of CafePress and they want some more design work!

Therefore.... I'm not going to be blogging or checking internet accounts regularly. If you have an immediate need to reach me- please call. WARNING: Verizon/Altell service is still not delivering messages with any reliability (voice or text) so if you've not heard from me and are needing a response, call again.

Sorry for the inconvenience.

Friday in Columbia County and no billboards

or... our "Housing Project"

Mr B-- and I have been considering "buying the farm" (in a realistic sense- not sarcastic!) at Saginaw in Hot Spring County. We love the place and feel quite at home there- save for the small bothersome worry that it's over 1.5 hours from his job.

so... I talked him into actually shopping with me.

Most of you know us well enough to know that I excel at that activity (and am prone to giddy fits) and he would prefer to sleep through it.

but... all the stars were aligned perfectly this week (thanks, God!) and we went house-shopping in the Magnolia area (Columbia County) yesterday afternoon!! This experience was a first for us as a couple (who knew you could live with a man and not have to endure that EVER!) in 27 years! And...... I think we had a great time! He thinks it wasn't as dreaded a chore as could ever occur to a man.

"Searching for a billboard"

The one house that I've been cyber stalking since around April is a log home near Lake Columbia. For me- it was supposed to be the one that when I walked in the door there would be a billboard that Byron had to walk around in order to enter that said "This is God. I'm telling you that this is your new home- quit worrying about the cost because I said." so I didn't have to force feed him into this notion.

Well. It was unavailable to show because the seller's wife panicked because they are actually moving this weekend and she didn't want the first impression to ruin it for perspective buyers. I suggested Byron offer to tote furniture so we could get in!!

Ok. But, the really sweet realtor insisted that she drive us out to that house first before showing us any other properties. And so, we saw the neighborhood, met the closest neighbor (who is actually her secretary and the DIL to the folks that originally built the house) saw the outside workshop and the carport. Then we drove out south of town, east of town and way-far east of town--all places that Byron's not travelled on any of his little excursions when he got lost on the way back from Walmart.

Not a billboard in sight....

The second house is a much older house that reminded me a lot of our house (here on 15th) but it was almost double the size on 4 acres. A little too big, but the location was semi-agreeable.

The third house was a recently updated ranch with french doors and an awesome room for a studio but no outside work area or even a carport. Really livable and turn-key ready.

The fourth house was a really large former church cobbled into a residence that needs major work. But- the reason I so wanted Byron to see it was because it's on 3.5 acres and has an enormous covered RV area that would serve superbly for a welder and an enormous shop building for a blacksmith, and lots of wooded properties surrounding it.

The fifth house we were to see (I dubbed the Razorback house cuz it was white with red trim) was in town and I had privately decided that if God didn't declare the log house as THE house- this was the one (from internet appearances) anyway. Guess what? It sold Friday morning before I got to town! So- we didn't see it and I was thinking "how disappointing".

But you know what? We had a really good afternoon! Visiting with that agent- she regularly goes to Romania and raises money for Gypsy infant orphanages and pays for unemployed women there to go and rock those babies (they are the ones that are never touched) for 40 hours a week. That was just one of the odd "God-things" that kept randomly appearing throughout this experience.

Before we left town, Byron wanted to introduce me to his sawfiler friend Donald "Duck" that he replaced at Deltic because of his kidney disease. Duck (who's doing fairly well, btw) and his wife Alicia are a delightful couple and she had to hug me before we left- she's just that welcoming! Oh... and they had used our agent's husband for their house and highly recommended them if we were considering house hunting there! How... weird? or Divine!

Anywhoo- on the way home I chased behind Byron through no-mans-land (Pike County) where there are 200k deer and no cell service hoping that one wouldn't hop into the road (a deer- not a phone tower! DUH!). But, I couldn't talk to him almost the whole trip! Argh! You know me! I gotta get feedback no matter how provoking it is to him that all I want to do is rehash every detail! HAHA!

So... we finally got to Prescott and I could call him and I knew we didn't have long to talk so I just asked him.

"If you had to make an offer today based on what we saw- which house would you be most likely to buy?"

You know what he said- don't you?

He said: "I don't think I'd buy any because I don't know how we could afford anything over 100k".

"Well, yeah- I know you think that; but, we could. So... which would you choose- if you HAD TO TODAY?"

Do you know what that man said?

Is the suspense killing you? HA! Gotcha. JK!!

He said: "the log house."

"But, you've not even seen the inside of that house!"

"Doesn't matter."

We'd already made plans to see that house next Friday and she's to call me immediately if she has ANYone to show it to before we have our chance. But, she said unless something really changed even the four new listings she had for this weekend were not ones that she felt like we'd be interested in.

I'm still praying for God's billboard. And a comfortable home for me and Byron to live in together all week long for the next 15-20 years. You want to this to your prayer list? We'd appreciate it.

Much for which to be Grateful...

In the meantime- I'm just oh-so-grateful for a lovely afternoon spent house hunting with my husband!! Oh! And, I ate out twice today, too! YUM! Sweet potatoes!! If you come to Magnolia- eat at Miller's for lunch (the only time they are open) and get the proprietor to sing for ya while he's serving your coffee and running the cash register! He's Italian and Byron asked him to sing especially!

How cool is THAT!!???

Holy Steam Engines, Batman!

What the heck is Steampunk?

or... Victorian/Industrial era art??

According to Wikipedia it is a subgenre of speculative fiction or science fiction that emphasizes anachronistic technology, usually from the Victorian age. It is also used to refer to a trend in fashion and music.

In reference to Art and design

Various modern utilitarian objects have been modded by enthusiasts into a pseudo-Victorian mechanical "steampunk" style.Example objects include computer keyboards and electric guitars. The goal of such redesigns is to employ appropriate materials (such as polished brass, iron, and wood) with design elements and craftsmanship consistent with the Victorian era.

The artist group Kinetic Steam Works brought a working steam engine to the Burning Man festival in 2006 and 2007. The group's founding member, Sean Orlando, also created a Steampunk Tree House that has been displayed at a number of festivals.

In May–June 2008, multimedia artist and sculptor Paul St George exhibited outdoor interactive video installations linking London and Brooklyn, New York City in a Victorian era-styled telectroscope. Evelyn Kriete, a promoter and Brass Goggles contributor, organized a trans-atlantic wave by steampunk enthusiasts from both cities, briefly prior to White Mischief's Around the World in 80 Days steampunk-themed event.

In 2009 artist Tim Wetherell created a large wall piece for Questacon (The National Science and Technology centre in Canberra, Australia) representing the concept of the clockwork universe. This steel artwork contains moving gears, a working clock, and a movie of the moon's terminator in action. The 3D moon movie was created by Antony Williams.

The Syfy series, Warehouse 13, features many steampunk-inspired objects and artifacts, including computer designs created by steampunk artisan Richard Nagy, aka "Datamancer".

From October 2009 through February 2010, the Museum of the History of Science, Oxford is hosting the first major exhibition of Steampunk art objects, curated by Art Donovan and presented by Dr. Jim Bennett, museum director.

As a Subculture

Because of the popularity of steampunk with people in the goth, punk, cybergoth, Industrial, gamer, and geeksubcultures, there is a growing movement towards establishing steampunk as a culture and lifestyle. The most immediate form of steampunk subculture is the community of fans surrounding the genre. Some move beyond this, adopting a "steampunk aesthetic" through fashion, home decor, and music. This movement may also be described as "Neo-Victorianism", which is the amalgamation of Victorian aesthetic principles with modern sensibilities and technologies. Others have proposed a steampunk philosophy, sometimes with punk-inspired anti-establishment sentiments, and typically bolstered by optimism about human potential.

"Steampunk fashion" has no set guidelines, but tends to synthesize modern styles as filtered through the Victorian era. This may include gowns, corsets, petticoats and bustles; gentlemen's suits with vests, coats and spats; or even military-inspired garments. Often, steampunk outfits will be accented with a mixture of technological and period accessories: timepieces, parasols, goggles and ray guns. Even modern accessories like cell phones or music players can be found in steampunk outfits, after being modified to give them the appearance of Victorian-made objects. Aspects of steampunk fashion have been anticipated by mainstream high fashion, the Lolita fashion and aristocrat styles, neo-Victorianism, and the romantic goth subculture.

"Steampunk music" is even less defined, as Caroline Sullivan says in The Guardian, "internet debates rage about exactly what constitutes the SP sound." This can be heard in the work of artists such as Abney Park, Unextraordinary Gentlemen, and Vernian Process.

So do you feel lucky punk?

Yeah. I do! I finally have a NAME for those things that set my art-heart racing and make the creative juices flow.

Off to enjoy art!

Recycled Ideas!

Thinking thrifty.

Thinking green.

Thinking.... too much as usual!

But-- putting the word out! Searching for: old books, old frames, old games pieces, old paint pans.

Any (and many) different or unusual shaped boxes or containers. So far- I've collected several dozen cigar boxes that are potential art projects.

Please call me and I'll recycle it for ya! Yup. I've turned into a bag lady... of sorts!

Remember the Power of Gratitude

....or Attitude is Everything...

"Oh, my friend, it's not what they take away from you that counts. It's what you do with what you have left."

H. Humphrey

“If a fellow isn’t thankful for what he’s got, he isn’t likely to be thankful for what he’s going to get."

F. Clark

Ultimately-- It is gratitude that opens the door to abundance and paves the way for a life of happiness and prosperity.

The scripture sums it up even more perfectly.

"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (KJV)

A quick list of things to be thankful for an overcast day:

• I am a child of God
• Families that brought both myself and spouse up worshipping Him
• Both a husband and son that are Believers
• Being born an American
• Sisters and a brother that want to include me in their families
• Very dear girl friends
• A God-given appreciation for color, form arrangement and organization

A few More Attitude Quotes to be mined.

And, finally- an image that brings me happiness and for you, too, to enJOY!!

Sadly- I didn't get but 3 pictures the whole weekend. But, suffice it to say.... the countenances on both my grandmothers' and parents' faces was nothing but joy all Thanksgiving weekend.

Art Journals, New Image Sources and Some REALLY Fascinating Artists

Art Journals

Article on Janice Lowery in the Smithsonian magazine. Her blog can be found: here. I've been following her art for quite some time and sadly- she died this year. But, that her work was chosen by the Smithsonian speaks volumes (ha-pun intended) of the incredible amount she produced over the years.





Movie Alert: 1000 Journals. I have this movie in my Netflix queue and will review on it as soon as I see it. The official 1000 Journal website is here.

I understand there is a book to be released as well.

New Blogs to Research and Artists to Admire!

A real treasure of a blog is: Meggie Cat is a delightful new addition with tons of intriguing art links, especially interesting and unusual imagery that is used in her artwork.

One really cool link from her took me to here for whole entire books that have been scanned!! Cool. This is: School Arts, volume 21, circa 1923.

Which lead me to a link from her blog to Agence Eureka. This link translates it into English. Man!! Is she a treasure trove of vintage imagery. Now, I've not delved far enough into her blog to determine whether or not she creates anything with these images (though I would image she does) or just collects and scans it. Regardless- I'm delighted to find it.

Domestic Bliss??

Hmmm...... I think I'd just as soon as stay out of the kitchen-except to decorate it.

But, THIS is the life I'm relegated. Might as well have fun with it.

Smile really big while doing chores. It helps to make them go faster. Or so they say.

Off to make amends to the vacuum. I insulted it when it refused to run itself. I just hope it'll obey me.

I'll See It Through....

Life's hard sometimes. Easy others.

Achieving a goal.

Facing God-given challenges; i.e. natural disasters or global misfortunes (knowing that He is in charge and accompanying us every step of the way)- even then, there's hard and tough times.

Through times of prosperity.

Enduring and pursuing the journey of ups and downs.

Persevering with a mate for life.

These lyrics capture the essence of a tenacious spirit.

I♥U,B!

Now Why Don't She Write??

The simple answer: because everything I attempt to communicate is skewed and it's frustrating.

Sister, Nancy, summed it up one day many years ago when she said "I think a lot".

Yeah. Me, too. Too much.

For some reason God granted me a very fertile imagination. I look at everything (and I do mean everything) with a creative eye and shuffle it around to make it different.

• Sometimes it's better.
• Sometimes it is more appealing.
• Sometimes it's downright crazy.

Rarely is any one of those notions every carried through to fruition. But, always- it's downright maddening to the males (and the occasional female) around me and seen as just another extreme flights of fancy.

The most frustrating part? That I can't communicate well enough to them the abstract idea so that they just visualize it. I'm not demanding that all of these many thoughts be acted upon. Just considered.

It's maddening. And, I'm tired of knocking myself up against that brick wall of communication.

So there ya have it. I'm tired. I'm really really tired. I've tried taking a communications class, read tons of books on how to better communicate and while I love the people in my life- they don't love me back enough to try to even expand their imagination with me.

I don't think I'm going to try much longer.

Oh. The inspiration for the title of today's musings? One-liner wisdom found in the fantasy world of a movie.

"Somebody back east is saying now why don't she write?"

Timmons, the teamster from Dances With Wolves

New artwork for IvyMae

I is for IvyMae.... M is for Margo!

Getting ready to go and see the babies 'n their mommys! and created a little wall art to take them.

Photoshop foolery....

still trying to get used to the new digital tablet and extra wide format screen-- fun experiment anyway! still gotta figure out a way to swipe all my good brushes and stuffs from the old eMac. But, the new iMac is going to be very useful in the coming projects! I had to play with Audrey- a classic subject and always good for experimenting! Oh... I can hardly wait to get all my files back and running! It's hard not having all my family photos right at my finger tips!

Poor Little Margaret!

Just flipping through some old vintage art and this little girl just needed a design all her own! Friend, Michelle, has sat across the room peeking over my shoulder all afternoon as it came to life! She has been quite productive on all the altered books for the November sale. I haven't been as productive as I should... but, inspired! Oh, yes!

Guess I found Margaret's muse!!



I'm not sure why she ended up with the name Margaret-- but, it seemed to fit!

Vintage Childhood Memories, Garden Quote Design

This design goes along with the previous post.

It's August? Already?

Uh.... where did the summer go?

With all the rain of late and two foot injuries- I've had more time to create!! Not surprisingly--- a lot of my work is children related! I am just a child at heart! and with new nieces all across the family... well, it just stands to reason!

I'm experimenting with painting in my PS/CS3. Actually, I prefer Illustrator to do that, but my desk doesn't seem large enough to wave the mouse around! And, it doesn't ruin my nail job to paint digitally!!

Enjoy.... the joys of summer while it lasts!

Hair it is...

Everybody's got an opinion... and everyone in my family thinks it's their inalienable right to express it. They are American and-- it's near the 4th of July... so...

...Expect Fireworks....

It's summer. Typical season for reunions. My freshman roommate, suitemate and I plan a get-together for lunch. I'm finally at that stage in life where I no longer get anxious about my appearance and stress out. It is what it is and I want to enjoy the people rather than carry that trunk of junk. Besides! These gals have seen me at my absolute worst and aren't ashamed to meet me in public after all these years!

We had a great time. We laughed and shared our lives: the good, the not-so-good, the dreams, the stuff we can't change. Recollected events; my roomie could and still can french braid her hair while driving a car! We reminisced about the folks of the yesteryears.
Upon reviewing a few snapshots of the day- I realized that I didn't like what I was seeing through the lens. Neither would my Grandmother, Mae, whom I've always relied upon for her sometimes vociferous opinion about my appearance. She has impeccable taste and had hosted these women several times in her home. They would still pass her muster.

...My Hair is Sparking Self-criticism and Beginning to Flare...

For the last couple of years I've been letting my hair grow and most of the time keep it tied up, sort of reminiscent of a bun with one of those big-toothed clips and I can't braid my hair even sitting still. Obviously (since I'm going to reunions) I ain't no spring chicken and there's plenty of "snow in them thar hills" that has to be dealt with and if there's one thing my grandmother dislikes more than granny style hair-do's (on me)... it's letting it grow gray. Thus far, I've not worked up the courage to just let it go au natural and I do tend towards the darker spectrum of brownish blonde. But, in that photo... those roots were overwhelming! Too, my girlfriends' hair was so cute!

...Getting Fired up for a Change...

I mix up a dye color that's a titch lighter than the one I've been using. It's been really hot and I begin to contemplate a much shorter style than what I've been wearing. I print out several pictures of some chic styles to show the hairdresser and tell her what I don't want it to look like. You know? I am always haunted by that line from Steel Magnolias where the young Julia Roberts character describes her mother's (Sally Fields) hairstyle as that of a brown football helmet cut. But, this style is sassy and fresh. Off to the hairdresser I go. She cuts it, I'm thrilled and I leave.

...Anticipating the Explosion...

Show up at my parents home and no one says a word! Do my best to parade my new "do" and get absolute silence. No response from my Mother who hates long stringy hair. Mae makes no note. Out of shock and some awe- I confess my secret to Dad and explain to him that neither of the womenfolk had noticed and that I intended to keep mum about it until one of them commented. He made some genial remark that I didn't register but now wish I could recall.

I go home and call my sister to crow to her about my cute hair. She's done some experimenting with hers recently and it just looks so cute. I will say that she looks more like our mother than she ever has with that cut- so, maybe Mom's preference for our cuts in the classic Buster Brown is going to impact us for ever. Nonetheless-- I'm thinking my head looks pretty darned cute and I've got no one to share it with since Nan isn't answering and my BFF is playing nursemaid-therapist for her hubby. I'll just have to wait til Byron gets home and I prepare myself for what he always says when he finally notices.... "you cut your hair? it looks the same as it always does. You've had bowl hair cuts all your life." To which I always reply "yes, my mother always kept my hair short."

...Going up in Flames...

But, tonight? He comes home, walks through the door, glances at me and does a really long hard stare. I'm thinking- WOW! I finally got it right! Even though he prefers long hair-- this time, I finally got it right! But... no. No. Tonight he says: "Did you cut that yourself?" and I'm thinking "you'd better start dialing 911 for a firetruck" and when I prompt him for more comment what he actually says is "you really look just like that picture when you were three years old! and cut your own hair"! I hadn't; but, that's what he thinks it looks like!

...Declaring Independence May Be a Dud...

Regardless of opinions, tidy or intentionally tousled-- it's here for now. I realize it also looks like every other hair cut I've had in the last 47 years. It's ok though... I'm shopping online for another long stringy hairpiece or a wig. I think I'll get a Dolly Parton style. Yup. I'm gonna go for the buxom blonde bombshell look next week.

I think I know what fueled Britney Spears meltdown. Didn't she allude to the displeasure her maternal unit was going to possess when she got news of her fiasco at the hairdresser? Please pass me a headscarf....

and...Buster?? You'd better not say a word!

Readers: feedback is welcome! Just don't mention my hair, ok?

Some days are just the pits...

but, this is just not one of 'em.

I had to have a photo for an advertisement. The subject was up the road apiece. Luckily, I found a driver and away we went. Wouldn't ya just know it? There's an orchard sort of on the way. Mmmm.... had to stop!


While I'm not a peach connoisseur - I know a few. They like plums, too.

Good thing the crop is in!


These are for the poor sobs who actually enjoy roasting themselves in the heat. Apparently, it works up an appetite. I just thought they were pretty all lined up and empty.