Monday, July 31, 2006
The Sound Of Canning
Mom is back home after three weeks away! I bought 25 lbs. of apricots on Saturday from a street vendor and she has been very busy today. We agree there is no more satisfying sound than those lids popping.
Sunday, July 30, 2006
Beautiful Sunday - 07.30
Isn't there beauty in an empty spool of thread and to think of all the lovely things that were made. More Beautiful Sunday on Flickr.
The Annual Saturday Garage Sale Trek
I am scheduled to work every Saturday of the year. When I ended up trading a Monday for a Saturday, Tara and I had our annual "garage sale Saturday". With money in our pockets, scary 'no-fuss' hair sans makeup, we loaded up and headed out. Meandering streets looking for signs of a sale, finding teasures, visiting and talking "teenage boys", lots of coffee, lunch, art ideas. I found a Kodak Pony camera looked to have never been used for $3, T.V. pal Uke for $3, lots of bits and bobbin 25 cent sacks of treasures for asslemblage and ringas, nest, tins, a not-such-a-find family photo album full of photos.
This year did not summit in as many 'finds' as last year so we found ourselves at The Weaving Works looking at ribbon and yarn, I bought more wool roving.
Then racing to the Edmonds Market. At the market I discovered a delightful woman (Lady Garnish -- festive garb and gems) from Everett selling fantastic felted necklaces. Meet a few new four-legged friends.
Then plopped ourselves down in front of a small fire, plate of cheese and crackers, large glass(es) of red wine to look over our purchases of the day. Sorry for all the photos, but it was a visual kind of day ;)
This year did not summit in as many 'finds' as last year so we found ourselves at The Weaving Works looking at ribbon and yarn, I bought more wool roving.
Then racing to the Edmonds Market. At the market I discovered a delightful woman (Lady Garnish -- festive garb and gems) from Everett selling fantastic felted necklaces. Meet a few new four-legged friends.
Then plopped ourselves down in front of a small fire, plate of cheese and crackers, large glass(es) of red wine to look over our purchases of the day. Sorry for all the photos, but it was a visual kind of day ;)
Saturday, July 29, 2006
Rock Star Son
My son has had some things come very easy to him. When he decided he wanted to be an aggressive skater, he threw himself into it (with the help of his parents) and he skated every free moment he had. He had passion for it and we supported that passion. He won competitions. He accomplished amazing feats on skates. He was poetry on wheels. Elegant but powerful, daring, loving his sport. He was very young. We invested in a skatepark. But years later he realized he could really get hurt on some of those daring tricks he had to do to win more competitions and he bowed out of the skating scene.
He choose to play the trombone as an instrument in his elementary school band. I later heard the band teacher talked many of them into playing that instrument because "trombonists" were hard to come by. He took lessons, he played, he like it then, he excelled, he got bored and he hates it now. But he is very, very good. Has been in all the first bands, he wins best jazz soloist everytime he goes to competition. This without practicing too much (and when he does it is with an argument attached.) I tell him if he wasn't so talented it wouldn't be so hard for me to allow him to just quit.
He has played baseball since he was just a little guy. This year he has excelled in the sport. Whether he is pitcher, catcher or third baseman, he attacks them all with fevor. Always the serious kid when he wants to tackle something HE is interested in. Okay, we won't talk about reading a book.
I am totally in awe of his atheltic abilities, since I explored none of mine as a child. He seems fearless while facing pressure on the mound pitching. While most of us would wilt he appears to flourish. When he makes mistakes, he pulls himself together and presses on. An admirable quality. I watch him out there and wonder where that grace and confidence come from. In my eyes, he is a rock star.
We all want our kids to carry this sense of accomplishment with them throughout their lives. And it is wonderful to watch my son grow, find his confidence, reach for his stars.
He choose to play the trombone as an instrument in his elementary school band. I later heard the band teacher talked many of them into playing that instrument because "trombonists" were hard to come by. He took lessons, he played, he like it then, he excelled, he got bored and he hates it now. But he is very, very good. Has been in all the first bands, he wins best jazz soloist everytime he goes to competition. This without practicing too much (and when he does it is with an argument attached.) I tell him if he wasn't so talented it wouldn't be so hard for me to allow him to just quit.
He has played baseball since he was just a little guy. This year he has excelled in the sport. Whether he is pitcher, catcher or third baseman, he attacks them all with fevor. Always the serious kid when he wants to tackle something HE is interested in. Okay, we won't talk about reading a book.
I am totally in awe of his atheltic abilities, since I explored none of mine as a child. He seems fearless while facing pressure on the mound pitching. While most of us would wilt he appears to flourish. When he makes mistakes, he pulls himself together and presses on. An admirable quality. I watch him out there and wonder where that grace and confidence come from. In my eyes, he is a rock star.
We all want our kids to carry this sense of accomplishment with them throughout their lives. And it is wonderful to watch my son grow, find his confidence, reach for his stars.
Friday, July 28, 2006
A Very Belated Thank You
Catherine, an Idaho photographer and blogger sent me the most wonderful surprise in the mail the other day. She made these tiles using my photos. Still haven't had the time to ask her how she did this magic ;) Thank you so much!
60th Bellevue Arts
This weekend! 60th Bellevue Arts and Crafts Fair and I just noticed Kiwon Wang
might have a booth there! WooHoo. I hope to get there this weekend. Here is the long list of artist.
might have a booth there! WooHoo. I hope to get there this weekend. Here is the long list of artist.
Framed
I got D to gather up all the wonderful prints that I have been collecting from you talented folks out there to frame. He has impeccable taste and the perfect touch when it comes to framing. Now I just have to juggled some art around on the walls to fit it all on.
Camilla Engman. David picked a wood-worm-eaten frame for the Bear (his personal favorite) and a green leaf for "I love you ..".
For Penelope's "Fireflies" he choice a bluish frame tinged with gold. It is the perfect choice
For Katy's he found an antiqued wood frame that compliments in the brown in the piece. (love it)
For Mati's "Blooming" he picked the perfect frame. A dark maroon edged with red detail. I fully intended on giving "Bad Kitty" away as a present, but couldn't part with it. He framed it in a dark blue frame.
Camilla Engman. David picked a wood-worm-eaten frame for the Bear (his personal favorite) and a green leaf for "I love you ..".
For Penelope's "Fireflies" he choice a bluish frame tinged with gold. It is the perfect choice
For Katy's he found an antiqued wood frame that compliments in the brown in the piece. (love it)
For Mati's "Blooming" he picked the perfect frame. A dark maroon edged with red detail. I fully intended on giving "Bad Kitty" away as a present, but couldn't part with it. He framed it in a dark blue frame.
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Fog Bank
Heading to work, I had to stop and take a photo of this weird fog bank taking over Puget Sound. There was a thick, low fog bank, then some big, white fluffy clouds behind them in the distance. It all had an unworldy, eerie feeling to it.
Studio Friday - Music
Studio music for Studio Friday. My favorite and I must admit I have many, many Vivaldi cds (it is a joke around my house). And then there are all of my other favorites, Earth, Wind and Fire, Isley Brothers, Marvin Gaye, Al Green ... all my oldies-but-goodies-beloved music from college days. That is what I will have blasting on my cd player, IF I am not listening to the news on TV (news junkie).
And I have not had one minute this week to do anything but work, so this is also any entry for my "side kicks". These two outlawas are my constant companions. Even when I am working in the studio at 3 a.m., Scooter will follow me up and down the stairs, hoping I am heading for bed.
And I have not had one minute this week to do anything but work, so this is also any entry for my "side kicks". These two outlawas are my constant companions. Even when I am working in the studio at 3 a.m., Scooter will follow me up and down the stairs, hoping I am heading for bed.
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Bad Covers
Sorry to do this to ya, but my S.I.L did it to me. I could not stop looking ... The top ten worst album covers and near misses.
Monday, July 24, 2006
Self-Portrait Challenge 07.25
I am a work of art by Botticelli and worth 500 big ones for Self-Portrait Challenge.
A little stretched for time.
A little stretched for time.
Keeping Cool
Trying to stay cool. Working days off this week which could be considered a blessing, work = AC.
Illustration Friday - Opposites
Nudity involved in this illustration for Illustration Friday but I really just couldn't help myself.
Sunday, July 23, 2006
Beautiful Sunday - 07.23
Honestly, I don't know if I can have beautiful thoughts in 90 degree weather. I am melting ... along with the rest of the country. I am watering my parched hydrangeas at this moment. Three are really gone. I told D that I would just let them go this summer if the unusually hot weather was here to stay, but he tells me by Monday it is suppose to be back in the 70's. D has offered to go get my a little baby pool that Scooter and I can lounge in today.
On the other hand, the honeysuckle and petunias are in little flower heaven. More Beautiful Sunday on Flickr.
Maybe on a hot day it is better to pull the fan close to the computer monitor and look at beautiful little butterflies here and here. Or maybe swimming pools. Scooter and I will be doing this later.
On the other hand, the honeysuckle and petunias are in little flower heaven. More Beautiful Sunday on Flickr.
Maybe on a hot day it is better to pull the fan close to the computer monitor and look at beautiful little butterflies here and here. Or maybe swimming pools. Scooter and I will be doing this later.
Saturday, July 22, 2006
July 21st
July 21st is my mom's birthday, but she is away to North Bend. Will have to take her to a day spa when she returns home next week. Happy Birthday Mom, we miss you!
Today was our big 10th anniversary celebration at work. Employees have been flown in from outpost all over the world. The day started early, with me packing up my 'party clothes' to change into at work and heading out the door. Then breakfast, seminars, luncheon, meetings and fitting in some work.
I worked up until the last minute, changed into party clothes in the women's restroom. After all that angst over what to wear, buying, internet searching, returning, I ended up wearing my old black suit. It looked the best and I was more comfortable in it.
The celebration ended up on top of the world, at Columbia Tower, for dinner and cocktails and a group of us heading off to other various bars later. Here are a couple of views from the top of the world, including seeing Safeco Field during a game. And a beautiful sunset. It was wonderful seeing everyone.
A larger view.
Larger view here, see how small the Space Needle looks?
Today was our big 10th anniversary celebration at work. Employees have been flown in from outpost all over the world. The day started early, with me packing up my 'party clothes' to change into at work and heading out the door. Then breakfast, seminars, luncheon, meetings and fitting in some work.
I worked up until the last minute, changed into party clothes in the women's restroom. After all that angst over what to wear, buying, internet searching, returning, I ended up wearing my old black suit. It looked the best and I was more comfortable in it.
The celebration ended up on top of the world, at Columbia Tower, for dinner and cocktails and a group of us heading off to other various bars later. Here are a couple of views from the top of the world, including seeing Safeco Field during a game. And a beautiful sunset. It was wonderful seeing everyone.
A larger view.
Larger view here, see how small the Space Needle looks?
Friday, July 21, 2006
Dog Nazi -- Who Knew?
When I mentioned this email exchange to a co-worker who has adopted several Golden Retrievers from a rescue, he said "Oh, a Dog Nazi". I have never heard of such but I was astounded with an email I received back from an inquiry about adopting a puppy.
A little amused (or maybe confused) I related the email to my husband, who blew his stack. He said, of all people to get that email, not my wife who carries her Cocker down the stairs and up again to go to the potty when he is feeling a little weak. Not my wife who spent $6,000 to save her Cocker Spaniel's legs and back. My wife who lifts her dogs up and on to the beds every night, and who can't go into another room with her "baby" dog with her. Who has a chihuahua who 'spoons' her in bed. He laughed and said, I really don't understand people. But at least now I know there are "Dog Nazi's" out there.
(me)
I am totally interested in (Blank). I have a fenced backyard, my mom is home all day with our pets. I have one small feisty 7 yr old Chihuahua and a 10 year old cocker, with lots of medical problems, hips, legs, eyes and back. He does not move too much, but is my “baby” dog. I have a 14 year old and he is very gentle and caring with our dogs.
(response)
Kim:
If you are adopting the dog, YOU need to be the one who does the training of the puppy and you are gone all day to work. I don't know if your Mom wants another dog to have to work with.
I am not comfortable with people adopting pups and having someone else raise them all day.
Sorry I couldn't help you,
Name goes here
(my first email response)
I understand your concerns. And I do train my own dogs, thank you. I was just mentioning that my mom lives with me to tell you that I have someone that is home all day and the pets are not alone during the day.
I am with my animals when I am not at work.
Thank you for answering my email
Kim
(and after thinking about why I had been denied, my second response)
I am not sure this makes a difference, but I am a 50 year old woman, my mom lives with me and my husband and son. I started thinking when I said “my mom lives with me”, that you might think I was younger ;)
Kim
(final response)
I am sorry but I need to stick with my original decision.
name goes here
A little amused (or maybe confused) I related the email to my husband, who blew his stack. He said, of all people to get that email, not my wife who carries her Cocker down the stairs and up again to go to the potty when he is feeling a little weak. Not my wife who spent $6,000 to save her Cocker Spaniel's legs and back. My wife who lifts her dogs up and on to the beds every night, and who can't go into another room with her "baby" dog with her. Who has a chihuahua who 'spoons' her in bed. He laughed and said, I really don't understand people. But at least now I know there are "Dog Nazi's" out there.
(me)
I am totally interested in (Blank). I have a fenced backyard, my mom is home all day with our pets. I have one small feisty 7 yr old Chihuahua and a 10 year old cocker, with lots of medical problems, hips, legs, eyes and back. He does not move too much, but is my “baby” dog. I have a 14 year old and he is very gentle and caring with our dogs.
(response)
Kim:
If you are adopting the dog, YOU need to be the one who does the training of the puppy and you are gone all day to work. I don't know if your Mom wants another dog to have to work with.
I am not comfortable with people adopting pups and having someone else raise them all day.
Sorry I couldn't help you,
Name goes here
(my first email response)
I understand your concerns. And I do train my own dogs, thank you. I was just mentioning that my mom lives with me to tell you that I have someone that is home all day and the pets are not alone during the day.
I am with my animals when I am not at work.
Thank you for answering my email
Kim
(and after thinking about why I had been denied, my second response)
I am not sure this makes a difference, but I am a 50 year old woman, my mom lives with me and my husband and son. I started thinking when I said “my mom lives with me”, that you might think I was younger ;)
Kim
(final response)
I am sorry but I need to stick with my original decision.
name goes here
Busy Little Bee
I am the queen of multi-tasking and so when I realized this week that I have been too busy to blog ... well, for me that means my head is about to spin out into orbit. ;)
