OK OK!

OK I'm back! I'm OK!

You're OK!

No reason for the long break, really; just lost interest for a little while.

So, October 19th was my one year anniversary on this blog. In that time I had over 11,000 page views, from 10 different countries. My posts prompted 254 comments this year. Thanks y'all!

I wrote 123 posts this year. That's almost one every three days.

By far my most popular post was, Flying Purple People Eater (FPPE). It was viewed 366  times.

I have a theory about that, which was suggested by a bit of spam that came through. In the spam comment there was a hint that FPPE may have been some sort of communication code involved in the "Arab Spring." Really! It was not the usual spam, which is full of advertising links. Instead, it was a message about prison and being captured, etc.

I hope the guy got away, at least I think I do....! The Internet is a fascinating place!

My second most popular post was Still Life, With Potatoes - a recipe post, of course. My recipe for hash browns prompted several comments and 2 recipe contributions (french fries in the oven and sweet potatoes in the crock pot). Thanks, Jude and Paul!

I have 4 followers, and thank you for your extra support. Folks who read me regularly, would you like to become a follower? It's relatively easy, I think.

You don't get a prize for becoming a follower - just my thanks, praise, gratitude, prayers for a good life, etc.

The folks who have found me by accident have "googled" some interesting phrases, such as:

• dali
• eggs and hashbrowns
• purple people eater
• sad momma pictures
• purple people
• tupperware cat
• a mopping refrigerator               (now, there's an idea!)
• dish pan purple

In the meantime, I've been busy with projects and so on. Here are some pictures for you. Art Basal is in town:



This shoe thing has gone too far!




Look carefully - at the visitor's hand!

 

Art Basel is in Miami but not literally on the beach - and neither are these ladies!

What is it!

Sorry - no drawings from me this time. I have some, but my scanner is giving me problems....!

Hope you're having a wonderful day. I am!

Henny Penny

One day Henny Penny, a chubby, likeable, not-very-bright chicken experienced - as they say - a life altering event.

She got hit on the head by an acorn.

Just an acorn. That's a seed from a tree for you city folks.

But Henny Penny was prone to hysteria, so she immediately concluded that total annihilation was at hand.

"The sky is falling! The sky is falling! I must go and tell the King," said Henny Penny.

So she went along and she went along and she went along until she met Cocky Locky.

"Where are you going, Henny Penny?" asked Cocky Locky.

"The sky is falling! The sky is falling! I'm going to tell the King," said Henny Penny.

"Can I go with you?" asked Cocky Locky. "Of course," said Henny Penny.

So they went along and they went along and they went along until they met Ducky Lucky.

"Where are you going, Henny Penny and Cocky Locky?" asked Ducky Lucky.

"The sky is falling! The sky is falling! We're going to tell the King," said Henny Penny.

"Can I go with you?" asked Ducky Lucky. "Of course," said Henny Penny.

So they went along and they went along and they went along until they met Goosey Loosey.

"Where are you going, Henny Penny and Cocky Locky and Ducky Lucky?" asked Goosey Loosey.

"The sky is falling! The sky is falling! We're going to tell the King," said Henny Penny.

"Can I go with you?" asked Goosey Loosey. "Of course," said Henny Penny.

So they went along and they went along and they went along until they met Turkey Lurkey.

And Chickin Lickin.

And Rooster Booster.

And Pigeon Figeon.

And Sparrow Darrow.

And Robin Sobbin. And many others that you may have heard of.

All of them said, "Where are you going, Henny Penny, Cocky Locky, Ducky Lucky," and so on.

All of them asked to go with Henny Penny, Cocky Locky, Ducky Lucky, and so on.

And, "Of course," said the inmmitable, unflappable Henny Penny, who by now had forgotton her fear and was enjoying the crowd of friends she was bringing with her. "Boy, won't the King be impressed with how many friends I have!" thought Henny Penny to herself.

So they went along and they went along and they went along until they met Foxy Woxy, who asked, "Where are you going, Henny Penny, Cocky Locky, Ducky Lucky, Goosy Loosy, Turkey Lurky, Chicken Licken, Rooster Booster, Pigeon Figeon, Sparrow Darrow, and Robin Sobbin?" (and others you may have heard of)

Upon learning that they were going to see the King with this questionable news, Foxy Woxy recognized his golden opportunity.

"Let me help you," he said, "I know a short cut."

Henny Penny couldn't wait to impress the King, so she and her entourage eagerly followed Foxy Woxy to a cave in the woods. "This is the way," said Foxy Woxy at the very dark entrance to his lair. "I'll go in first, and you follow, one by one because the way is narrow."

OK, Parents. Cover the children's ears, or send them to bed, because modern children are too delicate to be exposed to the violence which is about to follow. Ready? OK:

Foxy Woxy waited in the cave and all those silly fowl filed in one at a time.

And one at a time he broke their necks and stacked their bodies in a corner.

Foxy Woxy had a full pantry throughout the winter, and emerged from his cave in the spring just fatter than a fox should be!

And the King never found out that the sky was falling.

Moral: If a leader uses fear to motivate you, be cautious. If you turn off your brain and just follow the crowd to fit in, stop and think. And if a fox lures you into a dark cave, take a flashlight and a neck brace.


Th th th th aat's all, folks!

On Organizing - And Being "Different"

I am organizationally impaired, deficient, disabled.

My daughter Beth, on the other hand, is a super organizer. She gets that from her Dad.

Beth comes to our house for the weekend and the first thing she does is organize her clothes - the clothes that stay here that go through the wash between visits but never get put away until she comes back. I tell myself that she'd rather do it herself - whatever!

After she's done with her own stuff, she starts organizing our stuff, cleaning dirty coffee cups off the desks, putting eyeglasses and car keys where they belong and - without being asked, I kid you not - emptying all the wastebaskets!

We love it when Beth comes to visit!

These photos were taken a few years back, but she hasn't changed very much. That is, except for quite a few grey hairs and her age. She's 37 years old now. Since coming to Florida she has attended an adult day treatment program where she gets instruction in academics, social skills and activities of daily living. Beth's favorite part of the program is the workshop, because she earns real money there.

Thirty-seven years ago I would get up at night and rock this little baby and cry and cry. Then one night I looked down at her sleeping peacefully and realized she didn't have a care in the world. She didn't know she had Down Syndrome. She didn't know her life would be substantially different than most people's.

It was then that I started taking her life - and mine - "one day at a time."

I started noticing that my worries about the future took up space in my head and drained my energy. I also noticed that what I wasted time and energy worrying about almost never came to pass and, if it did, was never as bad as I thought it would be.

So my motto for life is "one day at a time" or, "We'll cross that bridge when we get to it."

Makes for a peaceful life. Although, I think I should tweak it somewhat when it comes to housework....!

Hearts In A Basket

Have a wonderful day!

What's With the Weather, Right?

I can't believe how damp everything is!

It's so wet that we have toadstools in the front yard:

In true Florida fashion, even the toadstools here are fancy, with scalloped edges like petals. I outlined their shape with pen and added a fairy:

The stepping-stone tile in the picture is covered with moss. And so is my front sidewalk:

Think I'll have to go to Home Depot and see what they have for moss, because it's slippery.

This is a serious problem: I'm concerned that the Chinese Food delivery man might fall - or the Pizza guy - causing long term negative consequences for our happy home, if you know what I mean....!

As for my gardening project, well, due to the rain I haven't done much. But I was able to get everything stacked in the back yard, thanks to Tyler, who mows our lawn. So, heavy lifting done, all I need to do is set up the fame and cut open the bags of dirt!

On a totally different subject, but because I just couldn't wait to show you this picture, look at this neat idea for a snack:

It's a waffle ice cream cone filled with grapes.

Well, yeah, I'd rather have ice cream too (sigh).

Anyhow, time to say bye for now. Go eat something tasty!

Hang the Debt Ceiling!

So, as I write this they're still wrangling about the debt ceiling in Washington.

Republicans are fighting Democrats.

Tea Partyers are refusing to play.

"an no one's gettin' fat 'cept Momma Cass!"

Sorry - 60's flashback. (People under 30, ask your parents.)

Anyway, here's what I've noticed:

I get mail from the Democrats. I see ads from all kinds of political organizations on Facebook. I see the President on TV.

And this is my conclusion:

They'll get it done. We'll all survive. The world will go on. And all this will have served it's purpose.

What's its purpose, you ask?

Money. Of course. This whole thing has been terrific for fundraising and gathering the troops for the next election. Think about it: When people get all fired up about something they get involved - and they send money!

You may disagree, but since this is my blog I get the space up top. Would love to read your comments though.

In the meantime I, unlike those clowns in Washington, am doing something useful.

Like drawing pictures:

Riding Along

That's it, and I hope you're having a wonderful day!

I've been playing with my blog design a bit. Something I've been trying to include is a little game, like "Bubbles" that I had before. I'm not totally thrilled with what I've found so far (see right ----> ).

If you wish to try it and comment, please do. I only know what it does on my computer.

When I was recently on vacation, I went to Boston to visit with my sons. I stayed at the best bed & breakfast in town (thank you Andy) and ate at some really nice restaurants.

But the very best part was hangin' with two of the finest young men in the world! Also, my wonderful daughter-in-law, and another young lady who would be a great daughter-in-law also and - always the star of the show - Penny the pug!

I'm looking for interesting blogs about Boston so I can feature them here. It's a wonderful city.

On the home front, I can't wait to tell you about the terrific coleslaw I made recently:

Wedding Bouquet

Oops, that's not it! My mind wanders.

Let's try it again:

The ingredients: Cabbage (1/2), carrots(4) and apples(2).

The equipment: Tupperware Quick Chef

I chopped everything in small batches and mixed it up with a bit of purchased coleslaw dressing and there I had it - a super simple, very easy salad.

It was so much fun I went ahead and chopped up a couple of raw potatoes, skins and all, for hash browns. The hash browns were good, but next time I'll add an onion - yum!

That's it for now, except I have to say this, to our representatives in Washington: "Why can't we all just get along?" (Thank you, Rodney King).

Therapy, Rest and Relaxation

The sewing machine is always set up and ready to go at Mother's, so of course I had to make a quilt when I went to visit. This is a baby quilt for Project Linus:  http://projectlinus.org/



The Project Linus mission is "to provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, handmade blankets and afghans."

This quilt, like most of the quilts I make, is about 3 ft by 4 ft, with a very low loft, pieced on the front and backed with a corresponding fabric. I did something a little different with this one. Here's a detail:



I made each 9-patch block, and then I joined the blocks with a thin strip of a red print. It was made by cutting one inch strips, folding in half lengthwise, and placing on the seam when I joined the blocks. I like the effect, so I think I'll do it again.

I machine quilted it on the diagonal. That was different for me and, because I don't do straight lines well, I had to draw every line before I stitched it. I like the way it came out, though, and it was actually easier because the bias of the fabric eases better and doesn't pucker.

Even more fun than the sewing at my Mother's house were the long conversations, about politics, family history, Meadville doings and good books.

She loaned me Dreams From My Father, by Barack Obama, and suggested another book she has read called The Peabody Sisters of Salem. I ordered the sisters from Amazon.com while I was in Meadville, and it arrived today. I love the cover:

So - my suitcase is half unpacked, because we had Beth over the weekend, went to the grocery store, watched movies, etc. And I have a long "to do" list at the house, but I will take time to read.

A good book is the very best therapy, escape, R&R, etc.

Maybe even better than drawing and sewing.

What are you doing for rest and relaxation?

Escaping Reality

The Reality is I fly out of here on Saturday, headed for parts North.

I need to finish a couple of painting jobs and then pack, but I got my "druthers":

I "druther" draw pictures. Fantasy:



The Leprechaun and the Wolves

 Caroline and I watched a movie called "Skellig The Owl Man," a fantasy based on a children's book. That's what I was doing when I drew the leprechaun.

Don't remember what was going on when this came out:



Old Man of the Mountain Grows a Tree, or
Now I Know Why My Nose Has Been Hurting


And then things started making sense again:

Waiting In Line At The Carousel

All of the above will be available on FineArtAmerica, of course.

And now I better get back to my chores.....!

Yes, You're In The Right Place

How do you like my new header?

It's symbolic of my tendency to escape into fantasy whenever I get the chance. That, and, Caroline brought home these kits for making cute little fuzzy critters. Here's the whole crowd:

I chose the lady in the tutu, but I do so love the doggie with the green eyes! The following picture would have made a good header, but it was too long - took too long to load, that is. It suggests, though, how I feel about housework:

I'm way too little for this big job!

Over the weekend Beth and I watched "The Incredible Shrinking Woman." I think it stuck in my mind....!

Or, it could be the fumes. You see, today I started staining a book case. When it's done, it will sit in the kitchen and hold about twice as much as our old "pantry" did. You may notice the stacks of canned goods, etc. on the table; it's been like that for a week and I'm sick of looking at it. The book case this stuff came out of is actually a book case again, in our spare bedroom / office.

We do this every summer - move stuff and re-arrange everything.

Caroline says it's the best way to clean.

To which I say - why clean?

If it weren't for her, I'd just sit in the dust and draw. Here you go:

Trying To Keep Up

And, I bought some nice PENCILS at the art store the other day. My first effort:

Growing Like a Weed 2

"An' that's all there is 'cause there ain't no more,"

Says Faith.

Gotta feed her.

Trade Secrets

Not really.

It's just that I said I would talk about the backgrounds of my drawings, in case you're interested.

It's been fun.

• I made a collage from bits of construction paper that came home from Caroline's first grade classroom.
• I dabbed paint.
• I took a picture of a flowering bush.
• I glued yarn - and bits of ribbon.

These were the raw materials. I scanned them into my computer and played with the Photo Shop application, changing the colors, shades, sharpness. Cropping the design and enlarging it. Changing the printer settings, etc. etc.

Here are some of the results:

 



And, one drawing with - and one without:

Growing Like Weeds

 

Sail or Swim



Now I'm working on adding a little color to my drawings without allowing the color to dominate. For me, the line's the thing - and always will be.

Hope you're having a wonderful day!  Bye for now!



Found Treasures

Look at this beautiful Oscar de la Renta dressing gown:

This is a size small gown made for a tall, thin rich person, but I got it at Goodwill for four dollars. The photos don't do it justice, but I think you get the idea. It's in perfect condition - maybe never worn.

It's missing the belt, but that's no problem for me, since I will be shortening the gown for a very short size small person. The fabric I cut off will be enough for a belt and a few other things besides - makeup bag, slippers, whatever.

It's a lot of fun shopping for "finds" at Goodwill.

The stuff I donate to Goodwill is usually so worn out they probably sell it for rags. But other people's donations are sometimes just wonderful! And Goodwill gets the money to continue their programs. Some years back they provided job placement and training for Beth, helping her work at Publix Grocery for awhile and then Wendy's Restaurant for about six years. Love those people!

Speaking of people helping people, a certain young lady has shared with me two excellent projects:

• http://www.reallyreallyfree.org/
• http://www.thredup.com/how-it-works

I don't have personal experience to report on, but the premise - people sharing what they don't want free or next to nothing - is a wonderful way to go.

Reminds me of the 60's. Guess I'm really just an old hippy after all....!

So, for all you old hippys out there, and non-hippys, here's another drawing:

Hope you're checking out all my prints via the link in the upper right corner of this blog. They're all for sale (hint!). Even if you're not shopping, you can have fun playing with different color mats and frames, and how they affect the pictures. Oh, and there's other artwork on there too, including photography....

Next time I write, I'll talk about the backgrounds on my drawings.

Last Day of School (Whew!)

So today was the last day of school and now Caroline gets some well-deserved rest for a while.

Only people who have spent time in a classroom can appreciate how stressful the job is, especially at certain ages.

Kindergarten and first grade teachers have tremendous physical and emotional demands put on them.

Teachers of adolescents - well - do I have to explain the stresses involved there?

Bottom line, though, is that kids will learn what they need to learn if they are in the presence of a good teacher in a safe environment. That means that they come to school rested and fed, and someone at home has taught them that they matter.

The teacher only needs respectful supervision and the physical and emotional supports necessary for the job.

All the rest - curriculums, committees, tests, buildings and so on - take second place to that all important relationship between the teacher and his/her students.

If governments and school boards ever get that straight we will see an explosion of knowledge and creativity like nothing this nation has ever seen.

And it won't cost a lot of money, either.

To the teachers and kids, and parents and grandparents, congratulations on completing another school year and enjoy your summer vacation. You earned it!

Here's another one of my critters for you:

Following myself (and meeting myself on the way back)

Well, now I've gone and done it. I was attempting to "follow" Dee's blog and I signed up instead to follow myself.

Gotta be somewhat dissassociative to do that. So now my crowd of followers is up to - yes - four!!!

Anyway, I'm trying to fix my mistake, and I'm sure I'll figure it out eventually. In the meantime -

here it is -

another drawing!!!!

Life

So - be your own fan today - even if you think no one else is!



Memorial Day - Part 2 (Picnic)

One week later, and I finally get around to this:

We had the best picnic on Memorial Day. It was an ordinary menu - ribs, dogs, burgers, 'tato salad, beans, grilled veggies, etc.

Thing is, Caroline wasn't feeling well, and I am not into this grilling business, especially things like - ribs?

But lookee:

Here's my marinade recipe. Easy to make. Do not measure (I didn't):

• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 2-3 tablespoons minced onion
• 1/3 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 2-3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/8 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1-2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (I'm not rich, so I used 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1/3 cup olive oil

Marinate as long as you like - 2 to 24 hours - and take out of the fridge about an hour before you cook it.

That's it!

Oh, and the veggies - yellow squash, onion, green beans, and a few spices "grilled" in a pan in a little olive oil:

More drawings. Believe me, I never know what's going to happen when I put pen to paper!!

Hearts and Flowers

Great Outdoors



Hearts & Flowers Number 2




In the Garden



Memorial Day

A day for remembering:

Beloved pets, too:

These are all the pictures I could find, so please don't feel bad about those not here. We remember them too.

Memorial Day is also a day for family picnics, and we had a fine one.

Just for you, another drawing:

(I think I'm still under the influence of our Pirates of the Caribbean adventure....!)