A Perfect Evening

Curled up with the pup, a glass of wine, magazines, and some mindless TV.

Vegetarian in the Making

Bunny teeth and a vegetable appliqued t-shirt. This is what a future vegetarian looks like.

The Beginning of a Great Love Affair

I grew up loving the ocean, a man in aviator shades (sported by Daddy), and a good mystery. I was an avid reader of the

Encyclopedia Brown series and a super big fan of Magnum, PI. I wanted to grow up and live in Hawaii and drive a red Ferrari and have a tall boyfriend with a mustache. The blue Magnum sweatshirt was my absolute favorite Christmas present that year. Oh, did I wear it proudly! 20+ years later I'm working to acquire the complete series on DVD. I now own seasons 1 and 2 and can get my fix of Thomas, Higgins, Rick, and TC anytime I like. It was love at first sight. I believe I even swooned.

Farmer Sue

I spent this morning picking corn! I guess I'll spend the evening shucking. Throw in a bottle of wine and a friend, and it could quite possibly turn into a good time! I need the husks to make 150 corn shuck dolls for an October event. Considering I've never made corn shuck dolls before who knows what I'll end up with. It's an interesting predicament I'll have fun getting out of.

Directorial Debut

I've been directing my first play for the community theatre over the past two months. This was the opening weekend and next weekend there will be three more performances. "Sylvia" by A.R. Gurney. It's a riot, very cute, and heartwarming. The actors are doing a fabulous job keeping the audience in stitches. I couldn't be more tickled! Backstage photo of the female lead, "Sylvia", the director (me!), and our lighting designer.

Latest Bag Creation

I designed and sewed this bag on a Sunday. I happily (finally!) had a free day all to myself to do whatever I wanted to do. Two friends gave me the materials last year. Sonya, the pink toile, and Judy, the handles. I found a way with trim and ribbon to bring my friends' gifts together to make this sweet little bag. I love carrying it. Lots of compliments.

Labor Day Holiday

View from Granmary's cabin. Spent the weekend receiving a massage on the deck listening to the waterfall, hiking, having dinner and wine with friends, hearing my favorite musician play (June 17 post), and wishing I didn't miss my own bed so much. Lovely time yet glad to be back home with the kitty and pups.

Gotta Catch Up!

Birthday Night with the Girls
There's a direct correlation between my stress level and falling behind on this blog. Staying on top of it, keeping my eyes and my mind open, helps me to remember the important things. It's the same when I fall behind on yoga because I got bogged down with work. I lose my focus and energy. Then one day I realize some of the happy is gone. I never want to get so busy again that I don't have time to see.

My other car is a Porsche.

I can have 2!

Check out my ride! She's sweet!

Like a white chocolate cherry truffle. You won't gain weight, but you will arrive in style with a rat's nest on your noggin. So better not forget the scarf and shades. The role of Grace Kelly (in my dreams) will be played by moi, and Cary Grant......... Someday.

Outdoor Art

I've had to start moving the art outdoors, because I've run out of wall space inside. This pink tree painting lives on the porch with the mosaics.

Blueberries. Yum!

Picked blueberries yesterday with Janet, Leslie, and Gretchen. I believe I ate as many as I put in the bucket. Also met Donkey-Woman and several other fine, furry creatures.

Susans

One of the few living things I've been able to keep alive for many years. These Black-Eyed Susans are as tall as the girl, Susan.

Our Vacation

I've fallen behind on the blog, and I've missed it. I guess I just needed a good, long breather after art camp.

Art Camp Gallery Show and Reception

Friday evening. Great turnout!

Art Camp: Day 4

Drawing with Mr. Mickey, mixed media, and yoga, of course.

Art Camp: Day 3

Baskets, Watercolor Figure Study of a Turtle, Class Canvas, and yoga!!!

Art Camp: Day 2

Clay, batik, yoga, and music. We're having loads of fun! Yoga is especially entertaining.

"Young at Art" Summer Camp: Day 1

Sock puppets, origami, yoga, and figure study of a dachshund. Johnny Cash was our model.

River Stones

This mosaic, created last year, inspired me to make the beach mosaic from June 16 post. A friend and I collected small stones and smooth pieces of broken glass and china we found along the river bank. We used tree bark and twigs for the border.

Father's Day

Daddy looking for golf balls he hits into the pasture.

Catawba River Cows

I love cows. I grew up on a farm, traipsing through pastures. It always struck me funny how cows look at you when you talk to them. You either have their rapt and amazed attention, or they're merely humoring the crazy girl. And I can't help but think of "The Far Side" cartoons.

Saturday at the Orchard

I don't get many chances to dance or hear good music these days. I spent Saturday at the Orchard at Altapass clogging and two-stepping with Bill. The man needs a dance card. Big fun! Then on to the cafe that evening to hear favorite, Laura Blackley. Great, beautiful, wonderful, fabulous weekend!

Saturday Night at the Cafe

Laura Blackley and aspiring singer/songwriter, Indigo.

Summer Fever

Oh, I so want to go to the beach! Mosaic made with collected shells, broken pottery, glass pebbles, and bits and pieces from old costume jewelery. A little sand and surf in the mountains.

Big House Tree

This beautifully perfect tree stands in front of the house I grew up in. This is the view I saw from my bedroom window. Growing up we would deck her out with Christmas lights until she grew so tall we'd need a cherry picker to do the job. If the White House asked, I wouldn't let them have her.

Cat Head

Final basket class until the fall. It's called a cat head basket because the points on the bottom look like little cat ears. They are not for collecting cat heads, ew gross! or for forcing your cat to wear as a hat.

Little Red

Originally belonged to Papaw. Now she helps me recycle. I kind of view her as a big blank red canvas. Someday there could be a very different photo posted of her.

BasketBowl

John, turning a top in May 20 post, made bowls. Mine is cherry. Our favorite basket weaver, Susan (not me), taught us how to put a Gretchen border on the bowls. Very interesting and quite different. I've never seen anything like this pretty, little bowl. Susan is a clever one and funny to boot!

Street Chalk Art

Downtown festival tonight. Lots of children came out to brighten and beautify Main Street.

Underwater Garden

Spent yesterday evening at a greenhouse clearance sale/wine social. I had a fabulous time sipping Chardonnay and strolling with friends through rows of plants, flowers, herbs, and vegetables. What to do with that bathtub in your yard? Create an underwater garden with succulents and ice plants. Beautiful!

Terra's Window

Arts Council friend and a Mondrian-inspired window.