Always on the Verge

Reflections and connections of a life-long learner.

We All Scream for Ice Cream

Breakfast options. Any question on which one was selected?
Breakfast options. Any question on which one was selected?

Savannah…what a wonderful place to meet up with friends. We have been having a wonderful time. Lots of walking, touring historic homes, enjoying museums, shopping AND buying.

One of my favorite stops is always the SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design) Store. All merchandise is created by SCAD students. Really dug the jewelry that was made using a 3-D printer.

20150310_115652

And then I spied the polished rocks with the lace stencils. These beauties have given me some ideas for a tablescape in our outdoor dining area.

20150310_115949

We also hit the shops along Broughton Street. One of the stops was a store with a France-inspired theme. Found a project I would like to take a stab at. I mean, who doesn’t like a a jeweled initial to display?

20150312_131218We have indulged in sumptuous food at Leoci’s (Italian, naturally; and amazing brick oven pizza), The Olde Pink House (fried green tomatoes and grits, anyone?), The Cafe (in the heart of City Market), Blowin’ Smoke (pecan wood smoked pulled pork enchilada; yup, that works), Goose Feathers (unique sandwiches and locally roasted coffee), Gryphon Tea Room (run by SCAD and featuring delicious tea goodies; could not resist the scones with clotted cream and jam), and of course Leopold’s Ice Cream where the owner personally thanked us for coming in – but then again we were eating ice cream for breakfast and he may have just been admiring our style.

20150312_120041
Notice a theme here?

All of this fun lead right into the start of Savannah’s St. Patrick’s Day  celebrations.

The Dublin, GA fire brigade ushering in the dignitaries for the opening ceremonies in Forsyth Park.
The Dublin, GA fire brigade ushering in the dignitaries for the opening ceremonies in Forsyth Park.
The first sighting of the green water as the fountain changes color.
The first sighting of the green water as the fountain changes color.

The fountain stays green for the next five days as the city fills with revellers taking part in the various almost round-the-clock festivities. Party on!

20150313_121857_kindlephoto-390947959

 

 

 

A Glass Half Empty or Half Full?

image

Recently we were having breakfast at a favorite local eating spot (Great Full Gardens, in case anyone is interested) when I was delighted to receive this cup for my coffee.  It felt like a wonderful start to the day and also planted a seed of an idea about what influences how we see things and consequently how we feel. The idea got fleshed out a few days later when I brought home a newly painted wine glass and had to give it a trial run:

20150204_182210

Traditional thinking would say that the optimist sees the glass as half full and the pessimist sees the glass as half empty. Hmmmmmmm…..

If I was handed this drink in a bar I would see it as half full but would probably not be happy as I would want it to be fuller.  Optimist?  Pessimist? Realist?   Party Girl?

Let’s look at another situation:  Middle age.  The glass of years tells me that being only half empty is a good thing.

What I am left with is a reminder that, as with most everything, it is not just how we see things but how we make judgements about things that really influences our outlook. So, in addition to being intentional, I guess I will be adding nonjudgmental to my list of 2015 goals.

Peacefully~

People Before Projects

In keeping with my resolve of being intentional and thinking about what I undertake, I have had a few weeks of not getting much produced but have been very busy, none the less.  There has been a spate of life events that have kept me away from my usual pursuits. It has been a time of connecting/reconnecting and, in some cases, reaching out to provide support and sustenance. I am thankful that I have the time and means to do this.

And, in the process, there have been some lovely moments. For example, the other morning while I was assisting in Kindergarten the class was working on developing the concept of animal classification. The teacher had spent some time talking with the students about the characteristic of mammals and birds and how to tell them apart when the following exchange occurred:

Teacher: Look at the picture I gave you and try to figure out if the animal is a mammal or a bird.

Chloe: (looking at picture of a raccoon) It’s mammal.

Teacher: How did you figure out it was a mammal?

Chloe: Because my mom and dad told me I’m a genius.

Hooray for Chloe’s parents! She had such confidence in herself you could tell she had really internalized their comment. It also reminded me of how powerful our conversations can be – especially with children.

So, even though the past weeks have been more about people than projects, I did manage a few bits of creative time in my studio. And, while it did sort of funny taking photos of photos, I offer a glimpse…

Photos edited and ready to be made into art cards.
Photos edited and ready to be made into art cards.

 

20150123_093112
Quilts series. Photos came from recent road trip: San Antonio, Houston.

 

Images from Chihuly exhibit at Denver Botanic Gardens.
Images from Chihuly exhibit at Denver Botanic Gardens.

 

 

 

A variety of shots that caught my eye and sort of cried out to become the front of a card.
A variety of shots that caught my eye and sort of cried out to become the front of a card.  (Sorry about the quality of this photo of my photos.  The images for the cards are much better.  Honest.)

A while back I posted a picture of the yarn I had chosen for a new knit-along.  It has been a bit slow for me. For some reason this is not a satisfying project.  I think it is the repetition of pattern.  Sure, there are cables, but they just seem to go endlessly on and on. I am determined to finish, but it may be good to put it aside a while.  However, I am very happy with the lovely color of the yarn. The red is not too overwhelming and little slubs of purple give it a pleasant pop.

Cable scarf in process.
Cable scarf in process; not quite third done.

There was also a great sale at my favorite fabric store and since I had been contemplating a gift for my niece who is expecting her first baby this spring I went shopping. I especially like the cloud-patterned fleece I will use for the back.  Sweet dreams!

Fabrics all washed and ready to go into a baby quilt for my niece's little one - due this spring.

Success…and not…

Embellished beads waiting to be strung.
Embellished beads waiting to be strung.

Last post showed you the beginnings of the fabric beads I was working on.  It was a fairly lengthy process in that you have to wait for each layer of ornamentation to dry before moving on.  And, as many may know, I am not good at waiting as I like to keep moving along toward a finished project. In fact, I have totally ruined some things because I couldn’t wait for things to dry.  (Add this to my list of lessons to work on this year…)

In this case, I was more patient; and it paid off.  I especially liked doing the wire wraps. Not ready to tackle serious jewelry yet, but this was fun.

Completed necklace.
Completed necklace. In addition to being an engaging project that turned out even better than I thought it would, all of the elements were repurposed  – left over beads, fabric scraps, closure from a belt.

So from this happy success I moved on to working with my new fabric paints.  I went to a dying session at the International Quilt Festival back in November and had been eager to give it a try.  So, I ordered the materials they suggested and followed the directions given.  Well – not so hot:

20150106_193426

The keys have been in my stash for quite a while, and I still have intentions to use them.  As for the fabric, the jury is NOT out – Yuck! I am putting this venture on hold for now.  It needs more time to percolate in a corner of my brain until I see a clearer utilization for this technique.

But I do have some other things to share: The “social knitting” I was doing (a cowl for a friend) is complete.  Love the color way. Oh – social knitting means I can do it while I am with people as it doesn’t demand my full attention.  Some of my friends call this idiot knitting, but I avoid that type of phrasing.  Brain engaged = not an idiot.  Besides, with all of the knitting I do while we are in the car or while I am watching football, I would be considered a true moron!

DSCN0886    20150106_193923

Received the luscious yarn I ordered for the aran sweater.  I see a stint of winding in my future.

20150109_101613

Also have a knit-along in the works.  It is a cabled scarf and will be great practice for when I actually take on the two sweaters I have been charting.  The yarn I chose for the scarf is shown below.  I think everyone needs a pair of red gloves and a red scarf (maybe even a hat) to wear in the winter.  Brightens up those dreary days.

DSCN0877

And finally, I found a great pattern for yoga eye masks.  I have wanted one since we came back from Taos.  Every yoga studio I went to there used them routinely.  Not so much here in Reno, so I set about searching online. The lavender buds are ordered and the fabric has been selected.  Buying flax seed today.  Namaste!

20150109_101829

2015: Dedicated to Intention and Practice

In progress: fabric beads.
This project was inspired by my Creative Connections group.  They issue a monthly “challenge”; for January we are to make something using less than a 1/2 yard of fabric.  I have made fabric beads before (note the small grouping of uniform beads in the lower left corner of the paper), but am experimenting with a new wrap method and incorporating recently purchased fabric paints in metallic colors. I am also going to try some fiber and bead & wire embellishments.  Too much at one time?  We’ll see.

First of all, I apologize for being MIA during December.  After our road trip there were many home front activities and responsibilities to attend to. Loved the preparation for having family here: baking, decorating, shopping.  The blog got put on the back burner…but I am now ready to jump back in and reconnect.

Never one to make New Year’s resolutions (my tendency towards discipline and striving for consistency does not need another layer of guilt), I have been contemplating how I would like to creatively engage with a fresh calendar.  I have been reflecting more and more on what “stuff” ends up on my plate and how it actually gets there. I have a small poster by my computer that says, “You must absolutely do what you love or you run the risk of doing nothing at all.” So true for me. How many times have I taken on projects that appealed on a superficial level and then got relegated to storage tubs while I occupied myself with anything else that helped me avoid the fact of their existence?

So, this year I am going to be more thoughtful and intentional about my choices. As of today, I am playing around with the fabric beads shown above and following knitting projects:

Big Cable Cardigan.  The pattern had to be translated into English, so it has a few glitches and the text does not always match the cable charts.  After a first attempt using just the text and some help from a knitting friend I have gone back to redo the chart - twice.  (That means I will be starting over for a third time.) I am sure it will be worth it in the long run...
Big Cable Cardigan. The pattern had to be translated into English, so it has a few glitches and the text does not always match the cable charts. After a first attempt using just the text and some help from a knitting friend I have gone back to redo the chart – twice. (That means I will be starting over for a third time.) I am sure it will be worth it in the long run…
More charts! I have been itching to knit an aran sweater and found a pattern that is not too overwhelming for a first go.  But it does offer some new opportunities in that I am going to knit both front pieces at the same time in an attempt to keep them identical. There is also a bit of math to be done as I join the pieces and maintain the cable patterns through the yoke. I did a test swatch of the sleeve and liked the way the yarn worked up, so I ordered it in a lovely cream. This might be done by next winter!
More charts! I have been itching to knit an aran sweater and found a pattern that is not too overwhelming for a first go. But it does offer some new opportunities in that I am going to knit both front pieces at the same time in an attempt to keep them identical. There is also a bit of math to be done as I join the pieces and maintain the cable patterns through the yoke. I did a test swatch of the sleeve and liked the way the yarn worked up, so I ordered it in a lovely cream. This might be done by next winter!

Another sign hanging not too far from where I am sitting right now says, “Being creative is not a hobby, it is a way of life.” I think the essence of this message says that creativity isn’t so much about ending up with a product as it is about the process. With that as inspiration, I am giving myself permission to be more experimental in my approach and to allowing for more adventures and excursions.  I am thinking that means I will do more practicing than producing, and I like the feel of that.  From photography to yoga and meditation; from fiber arts to choral group; it is exciting to NOT know what I might learn on the verge.

Home Again

20141104_143043

Well, this quote pretty much sums up my approach to our latest road trip (and many of the photos I took – almost 500!).

It was great fun, but I must admit it is nice to be back sleeping in our own bed.  The last leg of the trip (Las Vegas to Reno, about 7.5 hours) made me want to conjure up Dorothy’s ruby slippers so I could click my heels and say, “There’s no place like home” and just be at our doorstep. For anyone who has traveled this route, you will know what I mean.

I promised some photos of Dinosaur Ridge, one of our outings while in Denver.  Here you are: The first is a scenic perspective and the next three are original impressions of dinosaur activity.  The last photo is of the trail we followed up the ridge.  As I looked upward I saw the crossed contrails and smiled at the cosmic “You Are Here” moment.

2014-10-05 22.57.11

2014-10-05 22.41.50

2014-10-05 22.54.412014-10-05 22.42.16

2014-10-05 22.43.34

Among the other photos that were on the camera but didn’t make it into any previous posts, was one of a building in Denver – right across from the Convention Center. Doesn’t it have a lovely sense of movement?

2014-10-01 14.59.30

And, as many of you know, I am very attached to Taos, for reasons Bob does not totally comprehend; but I think the photos of the sunset and sunrise (below) might give you a sense of the beauty and (to borrow the state’s slogan) enchantment.

2014-10-13 13.20.58

2014-10-14 04.47.45

2014-10-18 17.19.50

On our way home we spent a couple of days in Tucson.  We were interested in how it might feel to spend some winter time there.  One afternoon found us roaming around the university looking at art and a unique photography exhibit.  The quote at the top of this post is from there.  And we also did a thrift store shopping spree (note the 99 cent straw hat in the last photo).

20141104_151448

20141104_143717

Now that our trip is over, please don’t think these posts will stop.  I have plans…!!!

Havin’ a Good Time in Houston

20141029_152033:

Here we are in the big ol’ state of  Texas, staying in a little ol’ cottage by the bay. It is cozy and works perfectly for our purposes: convenient to friends so we can enjoy food and fellowship; reasonably close to the George R. Brown Convention Center (site of the International Quilt Show with all of the glorious displays and interesting classes); and right on Galveston Bay for when we want a quiet change of pace.

20141029_151759
Our front yard…
20141029_151735
An Otis Redding moment: “Sitting on the dock of the bay, watching the time rolling away.”
View from our bedroom deck.
View from our bedroom deck.
Gus enjoys the setting.
Gus enjoys the setting.

 

QUILT SHOW!!!

A portion of the Ruby Jubilee (40 years) quilts that were on display.
A portion of the Ruby Jubilee (40 years) quilts that were on display.
So many temptations in the vendors area. I did find a sewing machine that I was delightful to purchase at an amazingly reasonable price.
So many temptations in the vendors area. I did find a sewing machine that I was delighted to purchase at an amazingly reasonable price.

Get ready to marvel at some remarkable creations.  In a number of cases I took a photo of the quilt then a close-up of an especially wonderful section of the work.

20141031_121429_kindlephoto-238795278

20141031_121849_kindlephoto-238610280

20141031_121259_kindlephoto-238907893

20141031_122428

20141031_122439

20141031_122524_kindlephoto-24697424120141031_12253120141031_122535


20141031_121642_kindlephoto-238723149

20141031_121830_kindlephoto-238688824

20141031_122031_kindlephoto-237524503

20141031_122209_kindlephoto-237596522

20141031_121927_kindlephoto-237553166

20141031_122044_kindlephoto-237486542

20141031_122140_kindlephoto-237441515

20141031_122505

20141031_122253

20141031_122302

This last quilt, which reminds me of an aircraft on a runway, is a good segue into a field trip that the guys took while the gals were busy with quilts. Our friends who live in Houston have a daughter and son-in-law who live nearby;  the son-in-law works for NASA, so a guided tour was arranged. (As an aside, I need to say how much fun it was to have time with this young family. Their two adorable daughters are clever and creative with a perfect mix of poise and gumption. Their mom comes from a teaching background; she was a great one, and it shows in the way the girls soak up the learning opportunities around them.)

Not a robot, a spaceport.
Not a robot, a spacebot – really.
Original mission control room, no longer used; but you may recognize it from the movie Apollo 13.
Original mission control room, no longer used; but you may recognize it from the movie Apollo 13.
New control room with a live feed from the space station. The guys got to view the mission in real time. A highlight.
New control room with a live feed from the International Space Station. The guys got to view the mission in real time. A highlight.
Instrument panel used for training.
Instrument panel used for training.
Module under water used for weightlessness exercises.
Module under water used for weightlessness exercises.
Soyuz capsule as it looks when it goes up to the International Space Station.
Soyuz capsule as it looks when it travels up to and back from the International Space Station.
Close-up of the portion of the Soyuz capsule where the team members ride. It is smaller than a queen size bed, and three people at a time go back and forth.
Close-up of the portion of the Soyuz capsule where the team members ride. It is smaller than a queen size bed, and three people at a time go back and forth.
Simulators.
Simulators.
A photo of Orion, the next mission to go into space: non-stop to the moon and back in 28 days.
A photo of Orion, the next mission to go into space: non-stop to the moon and back in 28 days.
And a photo of SpaceX - the private space endeavor funded by Tesla\Elon Musk.
And a photo of SpaceX – the private space endeavor funded by Tesla\Elon Musk.

20141031_101454

San Antonio Spurs Us On

Sorry about the pun…or maybe not. It just felt like the way to go.

20141024_115438
Texas flag made of neon tubes.

We have enjoyed good weather (though a bit humid for us Nevadans), met many very friendly San Antonians, walked a lot, visited a number of intriguing sites, walked some more, found great places to eat, and walked even more. Bob found us a rental house only a few blocks from both Hemisfair Park and the beautiful River Walk, so we took full advantage of the location and only took out the car for a couple of destinations.

Our "neighbor" has quite a birdhouse collection.
Our “neighbor” has quite a birdhouse collection.

One of our first outings was to the San Antonio Botanical Gardens. Yes, another botanical garden. And this one’s featured attraction was the Lego structures.

100_1665

20141022_134540

20141022_142842

20141022_141407

Winds are made from CDs.
Wings are made from CDs.
The fountain in the park reflects the season.
The fountain in the park reflects the season.
Bob becomes part of the crane sculpture.
Bob joins in the fun at the crane sculpture.

Sites along the River Walk:

20141023_110026-2

20141023_110657

This is for my Virginia friends and family. Sign is affixed to a pedestrian bridge.
This is for my Virginia friends and family. Sign is affixed to a pedestrian bridge.
My Bob walking on the walk. Texas Stars are seen everywhere.
My Bob scouting out a place for lunch. Texas stars are seen everywhere.

And it wouldn’t have been a proper visit to San Antonio without seeing The Alamo. I probably should have known this, but the The Alamo was originally a mission. I was also surprised at how small it was compared to what I had envisioned.

20141023_122247

20141023_122124

While I am on former missions, we did go on a tour of the Mission of San Jose. They still use the chapel and are doing a lot of restoration work on the other buildings.

20141023_160846

20141023_160655

20141023_161401

20141023_155606

20141023_155826

At the Institute of Texan Cultures there was, of all things, a quilt show. (Anyone seeing a theme developing?) This particular one was art quilts and my favorite was a depiction of Lake Tahoe. The first photo below is the entire quilt and the second is a close-up of a small section so you can appreciate the craftsmanship.

20141024_115745

20141024_115734

At the Institute we saw displays that represented the various countries that have been part of the evolution of Texas citizenry. Of course I had to get an official record of the Scandinavians.

20141024_122642_kindlephoto-30529299

20141024_122011

The "Dome Show" was a well-done media presentation.
The “Dome Show” was a well-done media presentation.
Water feature at entrance.
Water feature at entrance.

Sunday morning is free day at the Museum of Art. Of course we were there. The building itself is quite impressive and the galleries held a variety of intriguing exhibits. Some standouts:

Diego Rivera, of course.
Diego Rivera, naturally.
Love this sculpture of Cupid and his companion Psyche.
Love this sculpture of Cupid and his companion Psyche.
How about this for a change of perspective?
How about this for a change of perspective?

20141026_120551

Adios Taos

20141019_113526

The week has held its share of delights. We didn’t know that this month was the Taos Glass Invitational, a juried event that happens biannually; but we took full advantage of the opportunity to watch glass blowers at work and to visit the galleries where some amazing creations were on display.

20141017_155446

20141017_160055

20141017_162006

20141017_164149

20141017_164615

20141017_164409

20141017_164808

20141017_164913_kindlephoto-664720119

20141017_161151
The teapots are made first then set into glass blocks.

 

This cube holds a mile of blown glass filament.  Photo doesn't do it justice, unfortunately. But I just has to share it.
This cube holds a mile of blown glass filament. Photo doesn’t do it justice, unfortunately. But I just had to share it.

 

Look closely (or click on photo to enlarge) and you will see that the feather is made of glass that uses the color palette of the tile. Or maybe the tile is taking inspiration from the feather. A merging of nature and art.
Look closely (or click on photo to enlarge) and you will see that the feather is made of glass that uses the color palette of the tile. Or maybe the tile is taking inspiration from the feather. A merging of nature and art.

 

20141017_145042

In addition to the glass attractions there were many happy treks about town.

One of my favorite things about Taos is the access to local artists. So many little shops and work spaces to explore. At almost every stop there were interesting conversations with the proprietors and\or staff. I was  tickled by the following sign outside Moby Dickens, the locally owned and totally wonderful bookstore.

20141017_131349

Gentle nudges can come.fromunexpexted places. This graffiti was spotted the way to the yoga studio.
Gentle nudges can come from unexpected places. This graffiti was spotted on the way to the yoga studio. (Speaking of yoga, there are loads of options to choose from. I will miss this…)

A Day in Santa Fe

20141015_112112_kindlephoto-604129221

Another city, another botanical garden. The highlight of this one was the sculptures that were a take on origami. Being a big fan of paper cranes, this was a real treat. A few more of the lovely creations are captured below:

20141015_113453

20141015_111451_kindlephoto-604177925

20141015_113407

20141015_113050_5_kindlephoto-604752338
The title of this piece is, obviously, “Rock, Paper, Scissors”.
A lovely lunch on  a second-story balcony that overlooked the central plaza.
A lovely lunch on a second-story balcony that overlooked the central plaza.

And then on to the New Mexico Museum of Art.

20141015_141139(0)

The required Georgia O'Keefe.
The required Georgia O’Keefe.
One display was entitled "News Photographs Please". It featured pieces that were made with light but no camera. I was mostly impressed Will h what they did with the window coverings in this area. It is the small things that can make a big impression.
One display was entitled “No Photographs Please”. It featured pieces that were made with light but no camera. I was very impressed with what they did with the window coverings in this area. It is the small things that can make a big impression.
Speaking of little.things, I was amused with the juxtaposition of the historic chapel setting and the modern numbering for.seat assignments.
Speaking of little things, I was amused with the juxtaposition of the historic chapel setting and the modern numbering for seat assignments.

Final destination of the day was the newly developing Railroad Art District.  Bring on that contemporary art! Some favorites:

20141015_155510

20141015_151534

20141015_151640-2

20141015_153416_kindlephoto-604355848