The Daily Scrapbook

Right before I think my head is going to implode trying to figure out CSS and stuff at work, and I am almost begging God to end my misery, my co-worker sends me this ... a beautiful site ... The Daily Scrapbook.

Katy Horan

Wow, look at Katy Horan's show! Beautiful work (as always)!

What Was Rome Doing?

In the light of today's news, I found this very amusing -- Candy Spelling’s $47 Million Condo. I hope it is very, very, very earthquake proof. I think it sums up my thoughts "what was Rome doing right before the fall?"

Ryan McGinness

I am completely taken, okay, IN LOVE with Ryan McGinness's work! Fun. Fun. Wonderful images desktop here, downloaded one today at work!

Fall Time

Spotted

I was so excited to see this caterpillar in the backyard today. I don't think I have ever seen one here before. Found out what is by googling. It was there and when I ran back out there, it was gone.



Spotted Tussock Moth Caterpillar, Lophocampa maculata, found in What's That Bug?

Steampunked

Jake von Slatt steampunked his Flat-Panel LCD, wonderful. Found via blog of an incredible assemblage artist azirca, Speak Without My Voice via Artful Blogging.

Thomas Lee Bakofsky

"A native of West Texas, now living in Los Angeles, Thomas Lee Bakofsky draws some of his inspiration from his ties to the border town of El Paso. He is skilled at mixing mediums- painting with serigraphy and woodblock, collage and illustration and all of the above and in between."

Can Someone Loan A Billion (Or Two)?

It has been a stunning week. I was telling M last night we are watching history in the making. That the next depression could happen when we thought we would never see another. I wonder to myself if my generation, and the next and my son's are "make-do" enough to survive such hardships that my grandmother saw, that reflects in the way she raised her own children ... to make-do and be thrifty. I also ask M if they were even talking about this at his school? I kept telling him, THIS IS Big. Big news, big happenings, we are shaping our destiny and I am not sure I want to think about the near future view. To hand over $700 billion, without over-sight to shore up failed banking systems when they have walked away with billions themselves seems to me ridiculous. I am not a financial wizard ... and I don't have any thoughtful alternatives. But if I hear that some CEO is leaving his company in ruins and walking away with millions of dollars in our loaned out tax monies, I am going to be really pissed off!

D and I were pretty much left speechless after W's explanation of this mess we are in ... here is an Analysis by Terence Hunt: How did it happen, America's grave financial crisis? President George W. Bush offered a bunch of explanations but held Washington completely blameless, painting a picture of a government standing innocently on the sidelines as the economy went off the rails.

Somehow, under Bush's scenario, the country wound up at the precipice of "a long and painful recession" at a time when, apparently, the Congress, the White House, the regulators and the Fed were doing exactly what they were supposed to be doing. Now that the economy has tanked, Bush says the federal government is responding with "decisive action." (Right, that is about the time last night that I was going ... "wwhhhhaaa?"

If Molly Ivins were only alive to write about this!

Seven Better Uses For $700 Billion.

What they got away with

Pumpkin Pileup

BHG's fun Pumpkin Pileup, I might have to try one of these.

On The Map

Photos by on the map, Eric Tabuchi on the map and geotagging monthly contest in Panoramio.

The Paper Moon Project all via in some form Madame Hervé, thank you Tilda.

Dorothy ...

We're not in Kansas any more ...

So Charming

The charming art of Dilkabear. See lots more on work here.

American Seed And Nursery Industry

History of the American Seed And Nursery Industry via Smithsonian Institution Libraries.

Seinfeld - The Pool Guy

Seinfeld The Pool Guy and all the other silliness of Seinfeld.

Andrew Morrison

Amazing work of local artist, Andrew Morrison.

Making Waves

Liquid Sculpture by Oregon photographer Martin Waugh via Evening Magazine.

Doug West

Doug West, this is where My SIL lives.

The Moment Blog

Eric Ray Davidson's The Moment Blog via Lola Is Beauty

Astronomical Events

Astronomical events in September 2009.

Cleaning Up And Out

I remember meeting a woman at an antique mall years ago, selling a lifetime of found treasures. She seemed unmoved and matter-fo-fact on the point of discarding her wonderful things and my heart ached for her. She told me "you spend the first half of your life collecting and the last half getting rid of it". I didn't quite understand it that day. But I am starting to know what she meant that day. Along with some friends, we have a booth at Waterfront Antiques where I have decided to part with some of my partial collections. One being Franciscan Tiempo set. But then I photograph them, I say, can I really part with them? (Tagged them and took them to booth).

So I spent all last night and this morning cleaning up the art studio to get ready for window installation. That means I have to move all the crap in front of the windows away ;0 I ask where? To move all of that stuff seems almost impossible. So I have taken a personal day tomorrow to be here and oversee, make sure all is out of the way of their work.

Katie really knows how to throw a party for a one-year-old. Just got back and all full from ribs and brisket. Now, back to studio, cleaning and moving.

Colors of fall.

Season Finale

The yard is teaming with birds this morning, chirping, singing, darting around. I am sure they feel the change in the air. Flicker, Stellar's Blue, the ever present Crows waiting for a handout, Chickadee, Sparrow, Junco, Wren. I thought I saw a Vireo ... maybe passing through? I do see a Hummingbird at the Honeysuckle throughout the summer. My favorite visitors are a tight flock of small birds, scoop in as one, move as one and move out. I think they are Pine Siskin. Bird Web, Washington State Birds. Paul Bannick bird photography.

The garden is changing. Summer season finale soon. Bolting and turning. Grapes almost ready to harvest. I love all seasons, each having a special beauty. I enjoy the chill of fall air. Colors that make me laugh out loud in my car while driving under them or watching leaves swirl in a ballet of yellow to the ground. Discovering exotic seed pods. Exposed branches ... a work of art. But it is bittersweet ... I know it will be months before big blossoming flowers, the scent of sweet peas and honeysuckle made sweeter by a hot sun.





The best part of cutting cilantro and peppermint, the lingering smell on my fingers. ;) Oh and I should mention the sweet little metal vase I purchased at Salvage Studio ... yes, Tara and I went there for a third consecutive Saturday and spent money ;0. Decided to pick up more type to make myself a new banner. Thanks Salvage Studio, but having the neatest things.

The Duchess

I want to see The Duchess for the costumes and for the music composed by Rachel Portman. Sounds rich and exciting.

Antufev's Journal Of Beautiful Things

I could look at these images all day from antufev's journal via ULLABENULLA.

Some Palintology and Palinguage

Thank you, Gerrie, for this ... Some Palintology and Palinguage

7 Laserdeck Skateboard

7 Laserdeck Skateboard Show. Amazing, but you wouldn't skate on these works of art, would you? Refill Seven flickr. I would love to have one of M's pieces on a skateboard!

Quiet Morning

It is quiet. It is grey. I woke early to rain and cold. Alas, fall has arrived a couple of days early. Seems we didn't have time before the rain to have a dinner in the backyard. At least we finished most of our outdoor projects before fall rains. And speaking of rain ...



Reading about Hurricane Ike ravaging coastal Texas Deryn Mentock. I was so close to it at work, I really haven't taken the time to read bloggers account of this disaster. The photos coming out of Texas are tragic. People's homes washed away. It took a back seat to the financial mess this week, but they are still in a disaster mode in Texas!

Reading about Charming Exchange on Other Peoples Flowers. Looks like a fun, resourceful book. I wish I could take this class. Jewelry Challenge - Project Photos, should get your heart racing.

Crafty Storage via Ruth Rae's beautiful My Creative Soul.

Under The Sea

Enough about doom and gloom and out shrinking 401k's. Here is something uplifting.

Australian scientists discover brilliant soft corals, tiny crustaceans on reefs.

A must see -- plankton,, jellyfish photos by Phillip Colla Natural History Photography of Oceanlight which also has a wonderful blog.

Nananu-i-Ra Island, amazing Fiji Ocean photography. Wow, Mike Hohman's undwerwater photography makes you feel like you are there.

Ctenophore here and here. All about reefs. If I had some place to put them, I could buy a few of these beautiful hard corals. Jules Verne's 20000 Leagues Under the Sea (1868).

Life, the Universe, and Evergreen

Looks like my very wise and wonderful friend from across the way has started a blog, Life, the Universe, and Evergreen.

Chill In The Air

The most incredible colors!

Must Have A Laugh

Must keep our sense of humor in times of crisis.

Bend Over

We are so connected globally now that if one country has a financial falter the rest of the world markets stumble. World economy, bend over and take your infusion, go back to work and check in with me tomorrow.

2009 Is Coming

Google Docs Templates via Paper Friendly via Meggiecat.

"My" Dailies, Not "Their" Dailies

430a: I turn off the alarm and sleep for 10 more minutes, get up a turn off coffee. Dash to the bathroom to get my 10 minutes in before Matt wakes up at 5a and takes over bathroom. Quickly dress in whatever isn't completely wrinkled, drink coffee while I check email/surf internet, look at news for 10 minutes while I try and wake up before I start driving a car ... leave my house by 520a. The air smells really fresh. I listen to KUOW driving to get a sense of the news that is about to be my day. Traffic not so bad this early.

6a: At work now, turn on cable news, read email and checking site before 7a budget meeting where each section checks in with their top/new stories of the day. Back to my desk around 7a looking over request from meeting and start an illustration. Talk to someone about setting up a Group Hub for our department. Chase down some things going wrong. Look up an opthamologist is for myself and Matt ... my eyesight is going fast. I noticed the other day trying to shoot something couldn't focus my eyes in the view finder. Oh, crap, forgot to call home to check on insulation people

8a: I am starving. Eat granola/yogurt at desk. Lots more work. Finishing illustration and making graphics for grid label art.

See's Chocolate on the free table, I have a piece for lunch. Going to work until 130p … I want to leave a little early to go home a shoot a couple of pieces for business and a little guy with a camera. Decided to brave 520 and head out for Ballard to run through Archie McPhee’s, looking for any funny “little people” … get some fun stuff. I am feeling a little sick all of a sudden at Archies ... spend a little more time than expected in the toilet.

Home by 330p, drive my mom to get a document notarized, talk with Ron who is painting the house, do a final walk-through. My light is fading, must shoot.

Matt comes home with Bri, then they take off to the beach after I quiz them about school and homework and get a quick report on new classes. Set up my gear to shoot the art. Laura comes over to borrow truck. Mom is cooking dinner. I am not feeling so good. I shoot many before I get a few good ones … light is fading. Go through about 50 shots, clean up and get them ready to take to work tomorrow Must quit now.

Matt and Bri get home. Matt is complaining about his wrist, he thinks he had cracked a bone. I give him an ice pack. Picking at dinner (Mom made Mexican) while filling out paperwork for Matt’s Oral Surgery appointment tomorrow and talk about his Dr. appt the day after. Begging him to practice his trombone before his dad gets home.

810p: taking a shower now so I can get to bed in 45 minutes. Really feeling quite ill now. God, I have not time to be sick.

(The next day I called in sick ... must have been the See's chocolate I had for lunch)...

So I did this last week after reading Camilla's blog post on The Dailies (her entry), then reading lots more and thinking CRAP my life is boring. It was depressing, really! The rest of the bloggers seem to have a life. It feels like I drive to work, work, drive home from work and go to bed. Without an invitation, I thought, I will document my day ... alas, I had no time to take photos. Well, My Daily didn't have the look and feel of any one else's Daily ... No glamour, walking, drinking lattes ... free coffee from our kitchen is about as close as I get to that. Sometimes we have a couple of dogs visit the office. Hello, have I lost you? Are you as bored as I am? So I will share one of the many things I shot, this one they didn't happen to like (I really liked the idea). You should go read the others for some true inspiration on real living!

The Duchess

The Duchess site has done a really nice job in displaying and describing the costumes in the movie. The music isn't bad either.

The Box Doddle Project

Lots of fun at The Box Doddle Project

Financial Fiasco

It is about time CEOs weren’t paid for bad behavior while the company they are running loses money and/or go belly up. I know we have been talking about executive compensations being 300+ times the earnings of the average American worker … is obscene and dangerous … but is it going to take a financial disaster and all of us losing our meager 401ks for there to be a real change. Meanwhile, outrageously paid CEOs are more than likely in the Hamptons not really worried about the rest of the world. I personally think if the government has to scoop in and bail out your company, you don’t deserve a 24 million dollar farewell package because YOU DIDN’T DO YOUR JOB. Rick Wartzman's: Put a Cap on CEO Pay.

American International Group salaries seem very excessive in the light of things, don’t they?

Wall Street firm Bear Stearns Cos pay

Do you think Bank Of America will pay him the same ridiculous salary?

Deposed AIG CEO Gets $47M

I am certainly glad we didn’t jump on board the Bush drive to restructure Social Security by creating private investment accounts.

In the wake of this U.S. financial calamity, moving into global proportions ... this situation we all saw coming ... I am disgusted and scared for all of us. We ask, aren't there suppose to be brilliant minds minding our economic affairs in Washington and on Wall Street? Have they all been vacationing in the Hamptons? Seriously? Frankly, whoever is elected this November is going to have a hard time getting this country back on track.

Loving Rings

You know I would love these rings by Regina Schuetz Silberfluss

Jonathan Ben-Tovim's " Encoder Rings began as an investigation in how to store precious or personal digital information. The result is a series of rings that are decorated with tiny blobs and holes, that actually represent letters in binary code; the code used as the basis for digital information. The user would choose a secret message 64 characters long, have the message translated into binary code and finally have a ring produced using rapid-prototyping." Seen below.



All via Carrotbox.

Collage Exchange

The Original Baker's Dozen International Collage Exchange

Cecil Touchon's collages on paper, I love this one and this one.

Design Your Own Plush Monster

Thingamababy's Design Your Own Plush Monster, I thought this was pretty funny.

Bread Pudding (With Lemon Sauce)

Bread Pudding (With Lemon Sauce)
Serves 12

1 (1 lb.) loaf of cinnamon-raisin bread (mom used whatever was going stale here)
1 qt. milk (mom used 2%)
3 eggs, slightly beaten (Egg Beaters suggested in book)
1 c. sugar
2 Tbsp. vanilla extract
Pinch ground nutmeg
3 Tbsp. oleo, melted (mom used butter)
(mom always adds chocolate chips ... about 1 cup and adds last)

Break bread into small chunks. Put in large bowl. Add milk and let soak 10 minutes. Work mixture with hands until milk is absorbed. Combine eggs and next 4 ingredients. Stir into bread mixture; pour into a 13x9x92 inch baking dish. Bake at 350 for 50 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean.

Lemon Sauce
2 Tbsp. constarch
1/2 c. sugar
Dash salt
1 c. water
2 Tbsp. oleo (mom used butter)
2 tsp grated lemon peel (optional)
1 Tbsp. lemon juice

In medium saucepan combine cornstarch, sugar and salt. Stir in water until well blended. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture boils and is slightly thickened and clear (about 7 minutes). Stir in lemon juice, oleo and lemon peel. Makes 1- 1/2 cups sauce. Use over bread pudding or gingerbread.

{From Treasured Recipes of the Boston Avenue Church, United Methodist, Tulsa, Oklahoma, 1999}

Orange

Desktops here: 1280x1024, 1024x800

Family Fun

They are in love.



Mom and Uncle Jim

Hands On

Valerie Hammond (work below) via Jeana Sohn.



Amy Marcella.

Photographer Frances Pelzman Liscio's Punks and Roses, work seen below.



Zoe Bailey via Design sponge online

Design Mobile

Could Be You

I love Hans Silvester's portraits of les habits de la nature, (slide show here) via Camilla. Also a project Camilla took part in, Could Be Me.

I LOVE the functionality of this site via Viewers Like You

The Elements of Style illustrated by Maira Kalman.

Illustrations by Matei Apostolescu via Change The Thought.

ManyFolds in Variety

ManyFolds in Variety, origami/paper folding and related works by H.Azuma.

Ellen Bell

Ellen Bell via Daily Poetics.

Formal Apology

Ha Ha's Formal Apology Form. I need to fill one of these out about 4 times a day!

Busy Week

Between Hurricane Ike, work, M starting school and M going to Band Camp, my wonderful aunt and uncle (Beth and Jim) have been visiting. Today we went back to Salvage Studios (if you haven't been, you must go, they are only open on Saturday), Edmond's Street Market, lunch in Edmonds and dinner at our neighbors. I have a space at Waterfront Antiques with some friends ... we met today to confirm our commitment to the space for 3 months. I am very tired but it is good to spend time with family.





For my aunt and uncle, Beth and Jim.

Taking Notes

The Serif - your daily dose of design inspiration

Notes on Design

Alex Bec

'Never Cut What You Can Untie' and hands by Designer/Art Director/Illustrator Alex Bec.

Favorite Story

Episodes of the old-time radio anthology series "Favorite Story", you should go have a listen!

Hurricane Disasters

I watched a special on this years and year ago ... Galveston’s hurricane of September 8, 1900. "The deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history ripped into the "Jewel of Texas" one century ago, killing some 8,000 men, women and children and wiping away 12 city blocks -- nearly three-quarters of the island city of Galveston, Texas."

Twisted house and wreckage from that hurricane.

Old newspaper collections of disasters and documentation of other deadly hurricanes.

A Little Politics Today

This scares me.

Gina Gershon Strips Down Sarah Palin

Elisabeth Hasselbeck crosses the line.

McCain's daughter blogging her experience in this political race.

Political Cartoons

Stamped

Inverted “Jenny” sold at auction for $977,500.00. Aren't these beautiful! And these.

Territorial postmarks of Alaska. Special postmarks of Slovenia. 200 Years of British Postal Markings, 1660-1860. Stamps of Malta (and coins!) I LOVE this postmark.

Nordljus

The beautiful blog, Nordljus has the most amazing desktop images!

Waterlogged Lubbock

Michelle called to tell me about the historically wet day in Lubbock ... they canceled school because of all the rain! Crazy.

Remembering 9/11

I will never forget that morning. I will never forget the images. I will never forget the video. I will never forget the shaky voices on the radio reporting what they were seeing. I will never forget seeing people jump to their death from a burning building. I will never forget the stories I heard from the survivors. I will never forget.

102 Minutes that Changed America.

Remembering.

Gasm Guy

My son's second painting ... in two days. Painting a broken skateboard. I think we have another artist the house, hopefully, he will be more successful than his parents if he takes this up as profession.

Sports News

Seattle Times is twittering High School football scores. Cool.

My husband loves the Mariner's blog.

Nature's Best

Nature's Best's backyard delights 2008.

Handmade Flipbooks

I still haven't made a flipbook ... maybe this Christmas. The Curious Blog's Handmade Flipbooks

Make Your Own Fancy Photo Flip Book! via Photojojo

International Quilt Study Center & Museum

So many wonderful quilts on display on the International Quilt Study Center & Museum, love the American African site. This wonderful experience crafted by Second Story

Their Time Has Come

Not looking forward to tomorrow! Stock market is not going to like this news. If we are not in a recession, could someone give me "term" for what we are in?

Running Errant

Bought food and wine for party for tomorrow night, Baby shower present for later today, found birthday present (and found good Xmas present for friend on sale), a quick walk through Edmonds Market and the large vintage car show taking over our little downtown, stopped by The Salvage Studio where I found a great, vintage, fun Christmas present for D and a few "small" things for myself (see below), bought a very cute linen shirt at the Senior Citizens Center thrift store for $3.00! Oh, and The Salvage Studio is having a charm making class next week ... need to check if I can go. And of course, their blog. At market saw Bemused Creations (love her stuff), Hydrangea design and Hookn beads.





Just looked up to see Yoko's shadow outside through the plastic. Off to shower, wrap presents and start cleaning house for my uncle and aunt visit on Tuesday.

Picture This

The Science & Society Picture Library, Cyanotype, Apparitions

Smithsonian Institution's Portraits of Artists on flickr.

Fotoweek DC photo contest.

This is my new desktop image.

Egypt's Infected Honey

Egypt's honey infected. CAIRO: A recent study conducted by the National Institute for Medical Surveillance and Research revealed that 100 percent of the honey produced in Egypt is infected with “Cloramfenicol,” which causes alpastic anemia and bone marrow suppression.

I Can Fly (But I Want His Wings)

I did this piece some time ago for a site but it didn't fit in what they needed. So it is floating around in my archived art. That Lamb "Gabriel" song has been floating around in my head all week.

We can't breathe in the house right now. I am almost having anxiety attacks ... all the windows are covered with opaque plastic and it is a terrible feeling. The color looks good ... just can't wait until I can open the door! ;)

Tania Rollond

Thank you! dear ada, for introducing me to the incredible ceramic work of Tania Rollond, I am completely in love. ')

David Tonkinson

I think David Tonkinson's capsule caravan is so adorable.

Mouth Watering

Mouth-watering piece on KUOW by Jess Thomson about cooking from her garden. I drooled all the way home. Her blog is hogwash and you can find some recipes here.

Homesick Texas and Texas Cooking and Simply Recipes.

Arctic Ice Shelves Crumbling

Arctic Ice Shelves Crumbling scares me! Big Thaw photos.

Rushing By

(My life) rushing by ... I want to be that woman I see sitting at the coffee shop reading the paper or a book or writing in a journal. She doesn't look like she feels the need to rush off any place. I have only sat at coffee shop like that once in the last 20+ years. Or my neighbor whose company allows her to work full-time from home and still gets a new company car every year. She looks happy and relaxed. I want that look. I don't want to feel that every day I reach to turn off my alarm at 4:30 am, that it could be tomorrow or yesterday ... it is all a continuous trip around the hamster wheel. Know what I mean?

Catalina Estrada

I love the work of Catalina Estrada. Patterns, color, makes my eyes smile. And on flickr.

Wonderfully Vintage (Life)

Vintage Seattle -- Visualizing The Emerald City's Past.

Totally wowed by this blog, Advanced Style where I found this amazing video about Mimi Weddell, 93,who I just had the pleasure of meeting with, has already been featured below for her wonderful film Hats Off.

ROJO® Daily

Matthew Palladino, Josh Cochran and Oreli. You must go see Miquela Parici work, seen below, totally delightful and fun!







Heiko Kiendl-Müller and Vectorfunk MWM graphics all these artist via ROJO® Magazine

Such Is Life

Such is Life, friend and former coworker, David Guilbault's thoughts on election night 2004.

Valero Doval

Valero Doval art,design and illustration via WHORANGE.

SSSHhhhhhh

Don't tell anyone.

Haven't done it yet, but always wanted to post a secret

Sketchbook

A portrait/landscape sketchbook from The Cottage Industry is such a wonderful idea. (I can't remember where I found this).

Polyvore

Polyvore - "Mix and match images from anywhere on the web, to create outfits, interior designs, or any kind of collage." This is the coolest thing! Thank you, Lisa!

The Black List

If you didn't get a chance to see The Black List on HBO ... you should. It is a wonderful telling of personal stories. You could submit your own.

Jaime Pitarch

Jaime Pitarch "uses cheap equipment and materials to produce videos and “sculptures.” His goal is to produce evocative works that escape the new forms of mannerism that impregnate global art practices within a technophile society.



below, a Matrioska suffering from acute radiation sickness.



Via Year of Creativity 2008 blog.