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!

Laura's Quote and Peaceful Kitties

"Why should we need extra time in which to enjoy ourselves? If we expect to enjoy our life, we will have to learn to be joyful in all of it, not just at stated intervals when we get time or when we have nothing else to do."

- Laura Ingalls Wilder -





I know all is well with our world when the cats are all at peace. These two photos show Katrina (possibly the most "alert" cat we've ever had) and Samson (one of the most "laid-back" cat we've ever owned) on our new bed in our new home. The second photo shows four of our five cats (the fifth had just jumped down) but- when they are all piled up and at rest; you know all is well. Max (the other most "fraidy-cat" we've ever owned along with Tabby-tomness (the other most laid-back) and Katrina and Sam again. This photo is really unique because Katrina is actually near to the Tomness and she's not being the usual *itch she tends to be. We have slept with all these critters AND the dog one morning (a thundery morning) and thankfully the $100 bed is large enough to accomodate!

I should probably explain the $100 bed. When Byron was a wee-little boy his g-parents got the first king-sized bed he'd ever seen. His comment to his Paw-paw was something implying that Mimi must be really rich to be able to afford such a bed and it must have cost a LOT thus... the $100 bed. You can take all kinds of inferences from that- but, let me tell you... this bed SLEEPS like a million bucks and as it was Mimi's bed- it's a meaningful "peace" of furniture. Thanks to Muhner & Aunt Cindy for the generous gift... we all appreciate it! And, with that... we'll put that subject to bed!

On tap for this w/e... "Founders Day" for Arkadelphia. The blacksmiths will be swinging their hammers for a demonstration and I'm sure there will be music, food and other fun things. Perhaps we'll get a few more "honey-do" projects completed and if not- no big deal. I've got two big drawing assingments to complete and whatever else crops up.

Hope you have a great weekend! and enjoy when and where you find yourself!

Somewhere Over the Rainbow....

We went to the feed the ponds the other evening... and this is what we saw!

A double blessing!

I've said it before- and I'll say it again... the colors up here on the farm are fantastic and very awe-inspring! An artists' haven for sure!

Enjoy and be blessed.

Green Acres, the wild Blue yonder.... and other colors!

Whulp.

It's official. I'm actually living the lifestyle of the glamorous Lisa Douglas (aka Eva Gabor)-- albeit no fancy-schmancy "cosmeteticals" and "hotscakes" and thankfully- I don't have to climb the pole to talk on the telephone!! But, I do get better internet reception if I climb the roof... so... I had the nice guys from DirectTV/ATT Wildblue come and install a dish. It's not as fast as DSL but it beats the price of installing a phone line, an extra online service and suffering through dial-up modems.

So.... what can I say about the country life?

Hmmm..... it's quiet? Well. If the guinnas aren't squaking!

Hooterville and Pixley are just a mile or two down the road? Try eleven. And... you have to drive through Barney Fife's-dom to get there. No kidding. I got pulled over 2 miles out of his jurisdiction because he didn't recognize me as a "local" yet. Warned me that my license plate lighting was "out" and in violation of state code and because he was just SURE I was speeding down a hill. Not a CHANCE I told him... but, my lights were out! I'm just wondering how he coerced my lights into both going out at the same time while I happened to be driving through his little hamlet?? Hmmmm????

Oh! Here's something I can say about country life! My dh has provided me with (not only) a lovely SUNSET WINDOW but a SUNRISE view, too! Well.. actually GOD provides them- but, you know what I mean? All I can say is WOW! I've not seen this many gorgeous sunset evenings since I was a kid! AWESOME views from our little place! A feast for the artist's soul! Colors of such magnificance.... well- I'm inspired every where I look! Oranges, pinks, yellows and purples! Haven't seen a red one yet- but, I'm sure there will be one!

The other nice thing about rural living? Everything goes to bed EARLY! Us included! Except for our cats.... which is a whole 'nother "tail" to be told. So.. I'm off to hit the hay. I'm tuckered out and got class tomorrow- but am delighted to be back and "in touch" with my virtual world!

So.. in Lisa's very poetic way and our best Zsa Zsa imitation.... goot night dah-lings!

Born in Black & White... Random Scrumble

Well-- here it is! Finally! My first ART assignment! Well, technically- not my first but the first homework. Drawing instructor Debi Fendley gave us the project of choosing one of our FAVORITE things and to draw it! Well... hmmmm..... favorite? I've got a LOT of those! To be honest- my goal in taking art was to draw and paint people! But... the subject I had in mind wasn't cooperative this w/e to modeling for me, so- I chose another fav!

SPECIAL DARK! YUMMMMMY! and I had to go buy a big old bar just to get the label, HAHA!

Definitely puts one "in the mood"! My friend, Lynette- declares that even candles and mood music are tax write-offs for artists... I wonder if that includes endorphin allowances? While I don't burn a lot of candles- I could definitely use the sweet feeling I get from a good old piece of cocoa everyday... sometimes twice an hour!

Anywhoozie.... let's see. Oh. Yes. Black & White. The title! It occurred to me the other day that I have a deep preference for black & white art. No surprise there! I was BORN in black & white! at least if you look at most of the photographs from the early 60's pretty much everything was b&w! There were a few colorful days- mostly special events like weddings and an occasional birthday party... but, for the most part- day to day life was in b&w. Now wouldn't that be a surprise to my great-great grandparents and all their g-parents? The paintings we have of those folks usually have color in the backgrounds- often times the women wore b&w garments; but, they too- were defined by a b&w world! Odd isn't it?

The other thing that astounds me about this revelation is my dog is b&w! And, he's one of the FAVS in my life!

Okay... the word "scrumble" came to my attention today. Because I was skimming- I read it as SCRUMBLE while it was actual SCUMBLE (which means to soften the outlines and colors) and went in search of it and discovered a whole bunch of textile artists that create scrumble and it's fascinating! Technically- it's not technical and not very well defined! It's freeform including crochet and/or knitting. The most intriguing ones were embellished with all kinds of found objects.

I like the word SCRUMBLE as just a free-form word and if I ever get tired of "Flourish"- you can bet I'm gonna start scrumbling!!! Writing, creating mixed medias and life! Sally Scrumbles! hmmmm... definitely gotta ring there!

Meanwhile... back at the ranch- (or farmhouse rather) work is progressing on preparing our little studio house. I like to think of it as a studio house because- it's tiny (like a studio apartment) and I fully intend to set up our studios in it eventually! B's knifesmithing and metalworking will take half and my arts in the other half! For the time being though- we will life in it and since that's the case- it is needing to be rejuvenated and "Samson"-proofed. We've been caulking and moving what the few pieces of storage (furnishings) that survived B's great "cleanup" and this w/e with very dear-friend's, Toby, help- we cleaned off the front porchlet and repaired the door so now we can lock the world OUT! He also helped move those heavy items and took the caulk gun away from me (yippee!) so that I could do some other honey-do's. He's going to help us do some other fix-up stuff (running wires and some light carpentry work) and as soon as it's painted- I will be a COUNTRY GIRL! or... country ARTIST! B prepared us a lovely dinner of roast beef and veggies and as soon as I get a stove I'll make our favorite carpenters a batch of cookies!

so... there's a LOT going on! Drawing for me! Oh! My new Tech Skills instructor is a nationally recognized specialist in his field and published a book! I can hardly WAIT til he signs my copy! He doesn't use it in his classes- and it's not even on our supply list. But, I just had to have it for my reference library!

Okay... must go and finish reading for A-History and do a couple more sketches AND finish embellishing my totes and art supplies! I figured that if I put some pink flourishes on my stuff- it won't go "missing" when all those students spread their supplies out in class! Because we have purchased the portfolio kits from the campus bookstore they are all ALIKE and there is no way to distinguish them! Since I've always color-coded everything for me and the guys; I'll do it for this, too! Ahhh... can you guess I'm happy? Embellishing my art supplies! How silly!

But.. that's me! Silly Sally.. who now likes to Scrumble!

First Day of School...

....and.... my Mom took my picture!

I think she really just wanted a photo of the Mandevilla- lol!

So, it's been a while since my very first day at college!

Heck! It's been a l-o-n-g time since first-grade and carrying a PBJ and carrot sticks in my lunch kit! If my math is right- it's been 39 years- OUCH!

But, I am a college student (again) and taking 9 hours this Fall.

Drawing I, Tech Skills for Artists and History of Art to the Renaissance on Mondays & Wednesdays!

Get this! I still remembered which end of the pencil to draw with.... now if I could only draw lips that look like lips rather than exaggerated Angelina Jolie caricatures!

And...yes- that book is HEAVY! My sister calls it the "Bible" of art-students!

Devo andare ora addio di studio. (I must go study now, farewell!)

Bon Anniversaire!

Buon compleanno! Buon compleanno! Buon compleanno caro di Byron di buon compleanno!

Joyeux anniversaire ! Joyeux anniversaire ! Cher joyeux anniversaire Byron de joyeux anniversaire !

¡Feliz cumpleaños! ¡Feliz cumpleaños! ¡Feliz cumpleaños querido Byron del feliz cumpleaños!

No matter which language-- a most heartfelt birthday wish to my dh, Byron who turns 46 today!

This is a retro-photo of my baby brother, Jeff, and Byron at a family wedding in 1985. My goodness, wasn't he a handsome young thing??

You're a WINNER!!

How many times have you gotten that kind of letter in the mail? the email?

About a gillion?

Well. I got one the other day specially delivered by FedEx.

It seems that I really DID win $1,000 from an online survey I entered a few weeks back. I had bought some of that Gila® Window Film and inside the product was a notification of their online survey and well, why not? Fast forward to last week and I get the delivery....But... (there's always one of those, huh?) it contained a disclaimer among other things that had to be notarized and returned before they could mail it-- and when I went to the bank to have that done- there was quite a bit of speculation about whether or not it was legit.

Reservations abounded from all quarters that it was bogus.There were a couple of concerns that all the immediate family had when I announced "I'd won!" and then the really BIG thing to alarm the folks at the bank was that it had arrived by FedEx. Apparently, scam artists have gotten wise and realized that by using the good old USPS to deliver their schemes- they are in violation of Federal laws.... so.... they resort to other means of delivery. The second alarm was the request for the SS#. Huh? Why would they need that? I figure it's cause they are required to notify the good old IRS of my winnings.

I even contacted the Attorney General's office to substantiate the legitimacy of this. Didn't hear immediately back from them- so, I went ahead and followed my gut instincts that since I had entered the contest (in good faith) and all the paper trails led to the originating site and the company is reputable- I claimed my prize and signed my name on the dotted line. All along, hoping that I'd not just sold my soul (and sacred SS#) to the devil.

Well!! It CAME! Four days after me having mailed it in! My VISA gift-card CAME! And, I'm going SHOPPING!! Woohooooooo!!!

There was a slight hitch- when I tried to log on to the issuing bank site and activate it- naturally there wasn't a code included in my envelope. With help from Margaret, David & Sandy in St Louis and another Sandy in Taos, I have a fully functioning gift-card!

A word to the wise- if you think it may be bogus. Check it out. Thoroughly.
Arkansas State Attorney General, Justin Daniel's online site is: http://www.ag.state.ar.us/
Better Business Bureau: http://www.bbb.org/
Your personal bank is always an excellent resource- thanks to Vicky!

I am soooooooo excited!

Now... if only Ed McMahon and Pulbishers Clearinghouse would show up with the BIG money!

Laura's insight and Sally's ramblings...

"Learning things is most fascinating, and I think it adds joy to life to be continually learning things so that we may be able to go on with it credibly."

- Laura Ingalls Wilder -

Once again-- Laura puts it aptly.

This coming Monday- registration for classes begins at the local University. Classes begins for many public schools. Ahhh.... the smell of fresh crayons beckons me on the school supply aisle. While it may not be academic- I will be taking some art courses and learning lots. I'm anxious to get "to it" and start drawing for real!

In the meantime- it's still hot and the hurricanes are beginning to line up. Which part of the Gulf will Dean target? Sister, Robin, and her hubby, Stephen, are watching the weather channel with baited breath to see whether or not they'll be having to cancel their Mexico plans or prepare to evacuate their home. I hope neither. But, somebody's gonna have weather to deal with. UGH. Check out the link I've added for the local Arkadilly weather if you want to know how miserable it is here. Suffice it to say- nobody's mowing their yards any longer. There's nothing growing to mow. Sad and depressing. I hate this part of summer. Thank goodness there will be classes to distract from that!

Stay tuned. Stay cool and read something chililng- I suggest Laura's "The Long Winter" because it is really about the coldest thing I can think of besides "Doctor Zhivago" or "The Long Walk". I get frostbite just thinking of those titles!

Am waiting on one last delivery man this afternoon and then I will post again (if it's there!) about some rather exciting news!

Antimonkey Butt Powder, ohmi!!!

Do WHAT???

Anti-WHAT???

Monkey Butt?? Excuse me???

Well... my bff, Kim, called me to tell me that I really needed to look this product up next time I was shopping in our local farm supply store. They carry all kinds of unique things in that place from western wear to gardening supplies to paint & hardware to baby ducks... didn't know that they necessarily provided for MONKEYS... but, hey? What do I know... oh.... well.. duh... she corrected me- it's to PREVENT monkeybutt!

I've got to run right out and get some now. If you can't get it locally- then click on the link above for your instant relief. For your inner primate. For all things raw and chaffed (like your skin if you should happen to have to work outdoor in this awful heatwave!) For a good time call 1-800-antimonkey. Sorry. I just couldn't help throwing that one in there. It's not valid. Don't even try it!

Butt-- I must say.... without monkeying around anymore... See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil....and just say "NO" to monkeybutt business!