Glue, Paper, Scissors at Sea Level

Mailing List

2009-08-29T11:30:00.003-05:00

Hi Friends and Fans,
I have some big news to announce of changes going on..good changes of course.
As you all know a few months ago I created a new website for my art and design, as well as, a Facebook page for Midnight Design Studios. In the most recent month, our pages have really began to grow! Just yesterday the face book fan site made its way to over 100 fans!
(also a big congrats to winner Nat of the 100th Fanprize Giveaway!)

So in addition to supporting the growth of our fans and making greater use of the website iteself, we will be slowly merging our updates from blogger to the new website.

On the website we've created a new Blog-o-Rama and are currently in the midst of compiling information for a monthly fans/friends mailing list. We would like to invite our Blogger friends to come by the new site and subscribe to our RSS feeds as well as sign up for our new Mailing List! To those of you who already receive our Blogger posts via email, we are automatically converting your contact information to our new mailing lists. So you will not notice a difference in receiving our Happy News - if anything, maybe even better and more frequent posts! ;o)

So don't miss out! Follow Me!
The Website - http://gluepaperscissors.weebly.com
All the other links below are found on the new website.. but just in case.. I post here also...

Sign up for The NEW Mailing List - http://gluepaperscissors.weebly.com/links.html
The NEW Blog-O-Rama - http://gluepaperscissors.weebly.com/blog-o-rama.html

The Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Midnight-Design-Studio/122980996636
Twitter - MidnightDesign

Introducing Mr. Cupcake - IMT & IF

2009-08-24T11:35:00.007-05:00

"Caution was never something he took when it came to CupCakes..."

"Mr. Cupcake" - A 4x5 Mixed Media Painting/Collage on Canvas. Created for the combined themes of Illustration Friday's "caution" and Inspire Me Thursday's "cupcake"

Further inspiration for this collage came from Proverbs 23:1-3
"While dining with a ruler, pay attention to what you put before you. If you are a big eater, put a knife to your throat; don't desire all the delicacies, for he might be trying to trick you." and Proverbs 23:20 "Don't carouse with drunkards or feast with gluttons"

If you really want to see the entire step - by - step process and my test with patience and cupcake baking, you can check it out at my new website blog - http://gluepaperscissors.weebly.com/blog-o-rama.html

Also cross posting this entry to the new Midnight Design Studio Facebook Page -
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Midnight-Design-Studio/122980996636

All artwork © Kimberly Davion unless otherwise stated, and may not be used in any manner without permission. Purchase of work does not transfer copyright. Artist retains all rights.

Perfect Pear.

2009-08-13T17:13:00.002-05:00

My Pear Stationary set (see blue arrow on left) made it into a seriously pear Etsy Treasury! What an honor! Check it out at - http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=76075

And... I have a hunch that my Back to School - Knowledge is Power Postcard
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26708391
may have been in a treasury or something of the sort.. since I have a sudden wild increase of views on that particular listing. Who knows... I would have hoped!

A Sweet Affair... Design 1.

2009-08-08T14:39:00.002-05:00

In all my many many many years of designing... this is my first ever attempt of wedding stationary design... and I have to admit.. its rather fun and romantic!

I just finished designing the first Proof for my sisters wedding invitations. I'm not even certain whether she will like them.. or if the art is okay.. and I still don't know all of the information yet... or the right shade of pink... but... I had fun designing these.. :O) I had even more fun with Word Play on her soon-to-be new last name! Anyway.. I just wanted to share the sample of the first proof, until it possibly changes, after this weekend. Above is the invitation.

Here is the RSVP card... The Save the Date card will look much like the invitation.. I was just too exhausted to finish that one.. I stayed up til 1am working on these after an already long day at the shop. However I am super thankful that J is letting me design her invitations! I know this saves her alot on stationary expenses.. and she should definitely be lucky that Mr. J is a Printing Pressman! She has no clue how expensive invitational stationary can be! Especially cute stationary! ;o)

Regardless.. of changes... this set is definitely going to look great and work well for her!

Grape Suzette!

2009-07-29T15:06:00.003-05:00

Lots of goings on since I've returned from my vacation. Yes, photos will be eventually posted once developed.. or more or less, once I've had time to go develop them. Anyway....

Short Mix Red Necklace at Grape Suzette

A new shop has opened its virtual doors on Etsy and I couldn't help to be super excited.

It's the Grand Opening of GRAPE SUZETTE on Etsy!

I'm beyond thrilled since after all, I sort of did have a small hand in masterminding it all... and also terribly modeling the wears until purchases are made and customers can send in photos of themselves wearing the pieces to be placed in the listings. Fun stuff!

Until then, here I am... playing mischievous to the Paparazzi... heh.

Enjoy a sneak peek of all the lovely items.. .or should I say in the words of Grape Suzette, herself... not items.. but Flourishments and Fancifuls... :O)

The Mix - Blue - 3 Strand - Necklace

Turquoise Paper Necklace

Jasper Pendant

Ob Wood and Coconut Necklace

Wood and Carved Bone Necklace

Back to the Gulf of Mexico

2009-07-06T09:45:00.000-05:00

Well folks, according to plans, I'm back home in Florida, but of course this is still an automated entry for the fact that I'm back in the routine of things catching up - on work, household chores - like washing dirty clothes from vacation, etc etc. So to hold you over until I can post vacation photos... here is another lovely item from my favourites list for you to enjoy.

Sherbet tie dye and Flowers dress - by - MyLittleEmpire, this is another must-have for the closet, dress.. I mean does this not scream Floridian Summer! The soft pastel sherbet colours are like the Gulf of Mexico at perfect sunset!

The dress features an amazing sherbet shade tie dye pattern, but also beautiful flowers appliqued across all the fabric...and as stated in the listing - its heavily gathered layered skirt is seriously amazing when you move, it really makes you feel special. It was perfect for the seriously sunny day that we shot the photos on... it almost reflected the sun and sea shades back at the landscape... The bodice is fitted with plain white cotton straps and a sweetheart neckline, with a side zip.

Swoonworthy indeed! A must have for living in Coastal summerland! Check out MyLittleEmpire for more sweet summery cloth confections - I'm sure after you visit you will be aching for a seabreeze, a sunset and a nip of cotton candy... kiss kiss!

Country Dreaming

2009-07-05T09:16:00.000-05:00

Vacation Day 8 - status - It's the last day - check out time.. time to make the 8 hour drive back home.. sadness of departure slowly setting in...

Two shops will be featured channeling the thoughts of Country Dreaming...

First is COUNTRY FARM SHED BIRDHOUSE WITH TIN ROOF - by Millcreek Crafts of North Carolina.
I love the look of these birdhouses... reminds me so much of all the cottages, cabins and barns in Appalachia. You just can't help to fall in love with.. and I love the fact that these provide some sweet little birds a picturesque warm cozy home!

The second shop I heart on my faves list is 3CountryGirls - although located in New York, 3CountryGirls has clothing that is perfect and chic for a southern girls more humid climate and slower pace of living! I couldn't help but fall in love with their - Rustic Women's Linen Top Blouse Country Style with hand sewn details - is perfect for hot summery days.

Paired with denim jeans or denim shorts, a chic leather belt, and the right set of sandals (or boots *wink* ) is the perfect ensemble for summer!

Check out 3CountryGirls for more cool collections.. its as breezy as an old T-Topped Camaro slow rollin on a hot summer night...

Happy Anniversary!

2009-07-04T09:40:00.000-05:00

Patriotic Angel - Original - by CampbellJane

Vacation Day 7 - Happy Anniversary America! Happy Independence Day! Viva Americana!

Happy Anniversary to Mister D and I - 6 years full of adventure.... and what adventures may lay ahead in the future. The day we lost our independence and became dependent on each other through better and worse.. in sickness and in health... love you dearly...

Beautiful Couple - by Cool Vintage

Today's featured shops will show no long elaborated statements of how much I love each of these items.. more or less.. I'll let the items speak for themselves today.. channels up so much of this day.. a special day.. in America.. and in life.. Celebration... of being American.. of Freedom.. of Love... Enjoy.

Rock Hill One Room School House Oregon Polaroid Transfer Vintage photo Card
by Clancy's Classics

Helene wedding dress - by - Leanimal - as featured on Project Runway

Americana Star Ornies - by - Prairie Harvest Arts

Happy Independence Day!
Listening to - Human Thing by The Be Good Tanyas on: Hello Love

The Third.

2009-07-03T09:44:00.000-05:00

Specimen 652

Vacation Day 6 - status - Life is good in the slow lane.
Okay, its July 3rd... so I couldn't resist featuring 3 artists shops!

First, is a ring I'm lusting over - The Forest Ring - by DillionDesigns - I guess it grabbed my attention since being in the mountainous forests.. this immediately reminds me of the old growth forests we so love to hike thru...

Second, is photographic prints from a photographic series in the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center in Mystic, CT, photographed by - dsbrennan - as seen above Specimen 652 and this one - Wise Owl - these are just an absolutely gorgeous series of woodland creatures!

Third, another Appalachia shop haling from Greensboro, NC - PRETTY BIRDIE by Stephanie Teague - in her shop she features clothing made from vintage feed and flour sacks and pillow covers but in very couture fashion designs - and I'm in total high heaven over her collection!

Mostly with the feed and flour sack dresses! Gorgeousness! This is another type of nostalgic dress that reminds me of being a little girl and my grams fabric stashes. This is one of my favourites - Pretty Birdie's Antique Flower Dress - This is a clothing staple must in my book!

Look at all the detail work around the collar! This dress is made from an antique quilt top and an antique cotton feed sack. It is completely lined in Hemp Silk. It has pockets. The back opens and closes with snap tape. The belt is made from recycled leather. The neck is hand sewn!
You can't tell me alot of sweat, tears and LOVE didn't go into making this dress! As well as all the other gorgeous pieces in her shop! And not only would this look lovely with a leather pair of gladiator sandals, moccasins, or most especially red cowboy boots *wink*

I dare you all not to fall completely in love with all the shops I've featured today. As a matter of fact - I TRIPLE DOG DARE YOU!

Brisk.

2009-07-02T09:06:00.000-05:00

Vacation Day 5- Feelin' a little brisk at the Summit of Mt. LeConte

Another absolute must - featurette... the ever so talented Katelyn of KMKnits - yes, my long devoted followers will recognize KMKnits from AtSeaLevel adventures. So it is only fitting that I also feature her in my week series of featurettes!

Katelyn is brilliantly executing new ideas for fingerless mitts! (Which I might add are perfectly toasty warm and comfortable!) Her newest creation is Fog Mitts or Colour Block Mitts, which are perfect for slightly cool mornings or brutally chilly office conditions.

I love these - Color Block Mitts (Gray with Emerald Blue) - and as always I love her colour combinations for all her mitts.. pairing bold colours with muted undertones in a simple understated way that however attracts lots of attention when wearing them.
Not only does she have a vast array of colourful mitts but cute caplets as well. Go check out her shop now! Despite all the hot weather, I promise you her shop will have you feeling all warm and cozy, dreaming dreams of hot coco and cuddling!

Gettin' Dirty

2009-07-01T09:37:00.000-05:00

Mosaic Wall Art - Juicy Red Tomato

Vacation Day 4 - Getting dirty, possibly muddy, romping thru the mountain forests...

Today I'm featuring an Etsy shop by a close dear friend whom I have always admired, from back in the small hometown that I grew up in - in Mississippi.

Check out - Dirt Road South - Lori's shop features a variety of gorgeous pieces ranging from yummy wearable art that is enough to tempt the taste buds to some of my most favourite pieces, her mosaic art!

Lori and I went to graphic design school together and I remember a certain photo project that was very much mosaic in quality - I've always loved that piece and I'm more than certain that is where her inspiration lies for these pieces.

Of course the pick on my faves list is the - Mosaic Pendant - Patchwork Quilt - I love the colours along with the textures. And of course the bonus of it being "wearable art"

These pieces are certain to be a statement making accessory! Another faves list item is the mosaic wall art - in particular - the Juicy Red Tomato. I love the choices for the bright colours. And as in the past - she has extreme talent in the mosaic arts - which is always inspiring!

Check out Dirt Road South's shop - I guarantee to try and not find somthing you won't like! It can't be done! You will love Dirt Road South like a shovel loves dirt! Bet on it!

Team Spirit.

2009-06-30T09:30:00.001-05:00

Vacation Day 3 - status - channeling some team spirit to climb that mountain! Go baby go!

So yesterday it was the cowboy boots.. now to the type of dress I was talking about... This is how Southern Girls do it... Simply sweet summer dresses paired about in your team spirit colours and even better matched with some fun rustic boots! ;o)

Another faves list is the Etsy shop - Parsimony - from Austin Texas. And the dress I've been eyeballing is the - Team Spirit Dress - in particular this one in that nice electric blue, or should I say Cowboys blue!

I love the sweet simplicity paired with the feminine ruffles along the arms. The theory behind the name of the dress stems from the custom colour combination that Parsimony knows how we southern gals love to support our local and regional football teams. She will customize any dress to any particular team colour scheme... Around my house, we are Cowboys fans.. so I'm guessing blue and silver gray detailing... but regardless on what team you may or may not "root" for... its a super cute and sweet dress nonetheless! Definitely deserving of being on the favourites list!

Also check out Parsimony's other dress lines - equally as adorable! Go Team!

Boot Scootin'

2009-06-29T09:33:00.000-05:00

Vacation Day 2 - status - somewhere in the mountains scootin' my boots.

Maybe as I get older my style is becoming more classic, nostalgic, maybe even trying to comeback to my childhood southern farm girl roots... these days I'm loving simple feminine fitted dresses and patterns paired with more rustic footwear such as Cowboy boots.

I'm not sure why I'm on a cowboy boot kick.. I've been wearing the mess out of my mini cowboots as well as my moccasins - these are both shoes I wore as a little girl paired with flowered or simple sundresses as I would romp about the farm... Anyway, when I discovered these very cherry vintage RED cowboy boots from Etsy shop - Hell Cat Vintage (in Johnson City, TN) - for a steal! I asked Cindy if she could reserve them for me for my return.

Those boots are absolutely smartly perfect! Knee high and would match perfectly with a certain blue dress from Texas that I've been eyeing (will post that pick tomorrow). I've learned from my in-laws, who live in Texas, that coming across a decent good looking and affordable pair of cowboy boots is near impossible! Even in Texas! So if your smart, you can't blame me here!

Back to Hell Cat Vintage, not only does she carry amazingly cherry cowboy boots, but she also has the most perfect vintage outfits! Take this one for example - Polka Dot Pin-up Rockabilly Halter - does this not just scream summertime fun! Can you just think how amazing this whole outfit would look paired with some cute wedges!

Who wouldn't want to attend the local summer Blueberry festival all dolled up in this ensemble!? You'd be too hot to trot ... getting all the boys attention! Hot Diggity! So go now, check out Hell Cat Vintage - I promise this is one kitty that doesn't bite!

On the Road

2009-06-28T09:16:00.000-05:00

At this point, we are on the road traveling... and I couldn't help but want to feature another favourites list shop whose clothing I just adore but not only the clothing, I also completely admire their photography - and yes, today's feature was purposely chosen for the vintage truck.

This sweet and sexy ruffled piece, entitled Romance and Ruffles is absolutely gorgeous and so completely feminine who wouldn't want to wear it out of doors! Dare I say, here in Florida, where the dress code is practically skin... you really could quite possibly get away with wearing this out... possibly... And being sexy, yet modestly sexy, it also just looks so comfy... I just love how its pieced together so well with rough and rugged cowboy boots.. visual perfection!

The Etsy shop who created this stunning piece is Ouma Clothing. who has an amazing selection of cute tutu skirts and more formal dresses - one of which I forwarded to my sister in hopes that she may consider as a decision for a lovely simple wedding dress. Or maybe the pink and black one for a bridesmaids dresses - HINT! *wink wink* What? I can hope anyway... right?

Featured Destination

2009-06-27T10:49:00.004-05:00

I decided that while I was away on vacation that I would feature a different Etsy shop on my Etsy Favourites List each day - which is what I should be doing anyway, but sometimes its so hard to remain focused to blog. Anyhoo, I'll start the featurettes off with a little something on my fave list - The Journey Charm Pendants - ideal for the traveling jetsetter.

This small rustic style charm pendant comes from the lovely little shop - The Sea Change - which of course, the name alone strikes a loving chord in my heart.. :O)

The description of The Sea Change's shop is simply perfect on what inspires to make the pieces featured in the shop - "Digging through hidden trinkets and treasures during my travels is where I get my thrills. I've blended a huge collection of charms, the new and old, to create these one of a kind keepsakes."

Gorgeous! This piece is definitely something on my wish list for my traveling bug. And don't forget to check out The Sea Change's shop for other modern vintage charmed lovelies!

Going on Vacation.

2009-06-26T16:36:00.003-05:00

It has finally become that time during my new shift in a retail career that I've lasted a year and earned a week's worth paid vacation! So, newly acquiring this time has been burning a hole in my subliminal Bermuda shorts... And being the fact that July 4th is close approaching as well as my 6 year anniversary, this would be the perfect time to cash in that Vacation Time.

So as you figured, I'm Going On Vacation! We are leaving out at 3am this Sunday headed north to Gatlinburg, Tn and to the Smoky Mountain National Park (as to where six years ago we were wed). I think we are both mostly just glad to have some much needed vacation time. Alone. Quiet. with Nature.

So yes, soon when I return in a week or so, I will be posting numerous photos on The Domestic Chemist of our mountain vacation, our back country hikes, and just views of the slow lane in high altitudes, cooler temps and Appalachia living. I can hardly wait!

New Items in the Shop.

2009-06-19T14:15:00.003-05:00

Knowledge is Power - - 7x5 Mixed Media Painting/Collage on wood.

Since the last time I've blogged here, I've been a busy girl finishing up new paintings and ordering some prints of those paintings. So there are several new items in the SHOP!

One of which.... is this dapper looking fellow... listed as a Collage Painting as linked above. And these prints as pictured below would make a happy "extra" to a graduate or back to school gift..

Knowledge is Power - Mixed Media Collage - Print
Here is a little more about my prints - It measures 148mm x 105 mm (that's 5.8"x4.1") which is Postcard size. They are professionally printed on heavy paper, with a nice, smooth gloss finish. Only the front has laminate, the reverse is uncoated so you can easily write your own message on the back.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Onto another fun note -- I've recently discovered another fabulous eco-friendly shop called Green Post. The shop's artist, Kendra, carries the most amazing and eco-friendly products such as seeded stationary, eco pulp magnets and eco pulp buttons, and more! Complete Green Eye Candy.. least in my opinion! All of her pieces are truely super colourful and amazing!
Another bonus of Green Post is that Kendra has created these series of art panels of a basic mixture of eco pulp that has been converted into large canvas like panels that are perfect for doing artwork on.. or anything else for that matter! After seeing these panels, I sent Kendra a quite lengthy conversation about them, as she was more than happy to entertain my questions. She also forwarded me several samples to try out for my mixed media methods.

Over the weekend, I shall play with these samples and if all goes well accordingly, I plan on switching my works onto the Eco Art Panels instead of using the same old canvas and wood frames I normally work from. Doing this will definitely help in my "green" efforts, so I am beyond excited! Especially since I get to work and co-colaborate with another artist like Kendra makes it even doubly all worth while!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

I love summer because it seems to bring out new opportunities and new projects. Along with scientifically experimenting with art techniques.. I'm also working on a list of new things to go in collaboration with The Day Hiker.

And Don't worry.. I have not killed off At Sea Level just quite yet... its just that the items, such as recycled plastic bags, in ASL is now become more mainstream... basically its everywhere and every one can do it.. so the need for those things have dwindled. And the thrill of creating those things is gone. Thus why the birth of The Day Hiker - still along those "green" roots of ASL but on more of a earthy handmade goods and wears approach to the outdoor granola chewer in all of us.. It also appeals to the ever growing needs I've come across while day hiking.. whether in Florida or in the Mountains... I hope this will be a fun and lengthy adventure. And I will continue to donate sale profits to environmental groups... more than likely with The Day Hiker - those donations will go to the National Parks who as always are in dire need of public donations. Anyway.. just a preview of what is to come in the near future..

2009-06-01T21:43:00.003-05:00

Well folks, I've finally launched a website for my art... its about time. Its not like I haven't been working on it since Santa Clause visited me last. Now only if I could get motivated enough to finish up the freelance graphic design website... scary! Anyway, I'd humbly appreciate it, if you kids checked it out HERE... (its still a work in progress) but not too bad for a rookie!

Other fun... Thought I'd share a quick pic of Le Artist sporting one of her wears.. a Vintage Sewing Pattern Bangle.. but her own personal one... Okay, talking about myself in third person is getting kinda freaky.. anyway...

Pretty rad, egh?

Treasury Time

2009-05-30T16:49:00.000-05:00

My vintage sewing pattern bangles has been included in this beautiful treasury!

This treasury was created by Anakim, who makes beautiful handcrafted jewelry. The theme of her treasury is Friday favourites! And I'm super honored that my bangles were chosen to be included among the many gorgeous things listed!

Check out the treasury before it expires! Exp - June 01, Monday at 1:27pm. Hurry!

Birthday Wishes

2009-04-28T13:55:00.000-05:00

"That Boy has Good Chemistry" - 8x6 Mixed Media Painting/Collage on canvas.

Today and Tomorrow is my two dearest friends birthdays! Big Happy Birthday Wishes to Nicholas and Kathy! I hope you both get your cake and ice cream and eat it to! (Save me a slice!) haha! I would spin you two up a series of deep heartfelt words of appreciation... but honestly, I feel like I don't have to say a word since words can't really contain how I feel about you two. And I think you guys already know all this! ;o) So with that said - I Love Yall!

As pictured above is my newest collage I finished this morning after working on it for two days. It was actually inspired by Nicholas' birthday card I mailed out earlier in the week. It was one of those cheeky 50's humour cards. I think this piece kind of evolved itself from that. I think it fits perfectly for a celebratory post! egh?! ;o) enjoy! Happy Birthday Guys!

Beauty is not just Skin deep...

2009-04-26T17:11:00.000-05:00

Over the weekend I worked out a Product photoshoot for a client's ad I'm currently working on. I shot everything on location in the shop using only the natural lighting - no props, no filters, no extras... just au naturale... which is exactly the way I like to take photos.

I was a little worried that it would not have came out the way I was hoping... but surprisingly it evolved into something so much more unexpected. I love when that happens. So I wanted to share the results with all of you... enjoy!

Caution: Photo Heavy...

“"The best color in the whole world, is the one that looks good, on you!”
“A style does not go out of style as long as it adapts itself to its period. When there is an incompatibility between the style and a certain state of mind, it is never the style that triumphs.” - Coco Chanel

Long Time No Sea

2009-04-25T14:47:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone! Long time no sea, egh?! Well I'm slowly getting back into action in the art scene again since relocating... Actually I've been quite busy offline - creating contacts, brick and morter venues to sell my art pieces, working on design elements and creating my own website, creating new mixed media pieces, etc.

As well as writing in my two other blogs about daily life - I guess having three blogs that cover the 3 different aspects of my life - is much like having split personalities.. haha! There is the Art side, the Domestic side and the Athletic side.

To share those other two spots with you, if you already have not subscribed -
The Domestic Queen lives here - www.thedomesticchemist.blogspot.com
The Fitness Buff who is trying to make a Difference lives here - www.thelasttwentypounds.blogspot.com

To update those who are only interested in the Art part... here are the Vintage Sewing Pattern Bangles I created back in December (as a Christmas gift to my friend Jeni), which have suddenly blown up!

Vintage Pattern Bangles Stack - Basic Small and Large - Sold here.

I'm currently selling my bangles online at www.midnightdesignstudio.etsy.com and in the brick and morter shop - Susan Campbell Jewelry - www.susancampbelljewelry.com - as one of her "local" artists.. and I'm working on packaging up a few to sell at another shop back in my hometown.

I've discovered how to incorporate words into the vintage patterns before fusing onto the bangles.. so I'm still working on my new experimental line of bangles. As seen below.

The Motivational Series - Vintage Pattern Bangles Stack - Sold here.

These bangles feature a variety of motivational words like - aspire, motivate, strive, treasure, inspire, imagine, support... etc.. You can wear the "words" toward you for personal inspiration or outward to inspire others.

I'm having alot of fun creating these pieces.. I was thinking about releasing a Dictionary Series pretty soon.. who knows.. I'm just waiting to see how the new technique goes across... if those are as successful as the plain bands I created, then I'll definitely start creating different Typographical series.

We shall see... I'm patient. In the meantime, I'm working on some new mixed media assemblages. I have a request to submit some for sell/show and for inexpensive prints (which make nice easy gifts).. so I'm working on doing that and having things printed. So its all in progress.. I'm trying to keep busy with and improve upon. I'm enjoying making new contacts and outlets for my art.. I feel like finally things are starting to fall in place. So that is where I have been with things - - and away from my blog... Luckily, Blogger now has incorporated the feature of being able to blog via email. This to me is heaven sent! I can easily blog from an email anywhere.. So I think my blog entries will become frequent again. Let's hope!

Happy Weekend!

Mugshot.

2009-03-13T13:02:00.000-05:00

Check out my Mugshot - Totally surprised - Today is Friday the 13th and yet I've manage to be in the newspaper today. In the Independent News - The Last Word column in the "Swimsuit" Edition - check it out! - http://inweekly.net/article.asp?artID=9738

Midnight.

2009-03-12T22:38:00.000-05:00

So after many days of consideration and discussion, deep thought into personal creative future goals and yes, debate of future economic/financial conditions, I've decided to go back into freelance with full force and personal motivational fire.

I've already lined up a few clients for the coming months, and I'm also trying to "get out there" and create new contacts, I'm also currently designing my own promotional materials and a website that will showcase my previous work in graphic design, photography and mixed media art.

I'm taking the approach of clean and streamlined - "Design Solutions made simple."

Here is a preview of my business card -

On my card, I've left off my phone number since it always seems to deter local people from calling it since my phone number is not a local one. I figure I will be in contact with my clients a lot by email and in person anyway for the creative process. If they do need my phone number, I can give this to them at my digression via email. The website on my card - I'm still currently working on - for those who may be tempted to visit. I'm hoping to be completed with it by early next week..*fingers crossed*

I'm very excited over this endeavor that we as a family unit have prayed about and feel confident that it will be a good choice for me to continue being creative and to help supplement my current income - in case a future worse case scenario may occur.

With all those things said... *shameless plug* If any of you know of anyone who needs any graphic design services, simple photography and art - feel free at your own accord to pass my contact information along.. I would as always continuously be grateful.

In the Garden of Good and Evil

2009-03-09T13:52:00.000-05:00

Tweet. Tweet.

2009-03-07T15:05:00.001-06:00

by Kitty and Dots

Well after long resisting temptation, I could no longer... I'm now on Twitter... so come Tweet with Me! http://twitter.com/msdavionk

Click.

2009-03-06T11:30:00.000-06:00

Lately it seems that a LOT of people continuously keep inquiring if my "background" is in photography or if I do/have done photography for a living in the past. Sure, I've taken a few classes in photography, I know how to process and develop film / a darkroom junkie and I've won a scholarship in photography, however I've never done anything serious with it. It's just always been a fun little random hobby of mine.

Usually I just humbly say thank you to those thoughtful words of inquiry & comments. But I'm beginning to wonder if I should start taking my photography seriously? nah...

Maybe? I don't know to be honest, but all these questions in the past few months have seriously peaked an interest in my mind. It brings up the question of, am I in my right calling? Should I have taken that scholarship and pursued photography as a career? Or are people just being polite?

But that is just it, I have not ever "provoked" those comments of late. It is thru my current line of work, posting "work photography" that I've done for the website at work, that leads people automatically assume that photography is my trade. And when I tell them it is not - they clearly inform me that IT SHOULD BE! Even the photographers at the local Photo supply shop I go into to get supplies for work, have been asking me about cameras, setups I use, so on and so forth, etc...Then they've asked me about who have I worked for, my clientele and photography background, and I tell them I have slim to none - its just a hobby - boy! do I get an earful about how it should be! ha!

So now you can see why my interest has been peaked.

I think I'm going to continue with photography on a amateur level unless God directs me to do something more with it. And of course, He will have to send me a good "shove" because I'm horrible at picking up subtle hints. Unless any of you think the above examples are hints and I'm totally missing it. I can be so naive.

Anyway, random thoughts for the day that I thought I would just put "out there."

House.

2009-03-03T17:44:00.000-06:00

New House Photos posted at www.domesticchemist.blogspot.com

Beep Beep. Crash!

2009-02-28T10:36:00.000-06:00

Ah! Life is always full of surprises, good and bad. The small snapshot above was a Surprise, literally. We were sitting, waiting at a red light, behind all the other cars, just like you are required to do at red lights, right.... Mr D and I was having casual conversation about the moving progress when suddenly - BAM! CRASH!

What happened? A Hot Rod Lincoln Town car is what happened. Newton's Law of Motion totally applied.

This photo is from the body shop. The back hatch was completely dented inward and when they tried to open the back hatch it cracked open all the way completely around the tag. Even though I'm worried about Betty being in the "hospital". I have to admit the cracking photos look kind of neat. I just find it fascinating how metal reacts to force and trauma.

We are thankful all is minor in comparison of other accidents and thankful that it wasn't worse than it was (such as possibly hitting the car in front of us, or the guy not having insurance, or suffering more injuries than minor whiplash). So my Betty is in the shop as we speak and I'm driving a wonderful "so ugly its cute" Toyota Yarius rental car. So I can't complain the least bit and just count my blessings.

blogorama

2009-02-24T16:49:00.000-06:00

While I'm temporarily away from creating new art and on "The Move" - I'm having lots of FUN blogging at www.domesticchemist.blogspot.com

Come Join Me and Share your thoughts on "What's In Your Beauty Bag?"

Telephone Sketch

2009-02-21T12:40:00.000-06:00

okay, so before I get off of work to go and begin packing up the house. I figured I'd leave you all with a playful rough sketch I just finished while on the telephone... It IS a rough sketch since there are a million and one things wrong with it... but it was all in good fun! Enjoy!

I think my choice of music and blog rolls today has warped my brain for the good! Music - Pandoria radio - Nouvelle Vague station... currently playing is: Bittersweet Faith - Bitter Sweet

Blog Rolls - http://www.garancedore.fr/en/
http://thesartorialist.blogspot.com/
http://altamiranyc.blogspot.com/
(yes, one of my work requirements is to read up on upcoming fashion trends. I must know what is going to be IN for the season. So yeah...my blog roll of late is keeping up with NY Fashion week, the upcoming London fashion week and creating designs on Polyvore.com) *swoon*

The Move

2009-02-21T10:23:00.001-06:00

Well its that time yet again... I'm moving.

This weekend is the last one in the "Blue Beach" House. This week we will be officially moving to the new "Spanish Beach" House. For those of you who have been frightfully curious as to whether I'm moving far far away - not really. We are just moving 2 blocks south of our current location.

The new place is not on the corner of a noisy busy intersection but instead tucked off onto a side street and much closer to the bay. We can see the bay from the front yard! The house I call "The Pink House" even though it is now white is very cute. (The house at one time when we first moved to the neighborhood was once a nice hot Pepto/Flamingo Pink - and as funky as that sounds - it is actually a very pretty colour and completely matched the surroundings for its Floridian location. But sadly, the owners repainted the house to a bland white. No matter I shall spruce it up!) So we are very excited about this move. And don't worry, I plan on taking lots of photos to share once we get settled in.

The official move in date is Feb. 25th. So I have ALOT of packing to do between now and then! Eep! Wish me luck with that!! And to those of you who needs my new address, just remind me about it! I'm planning on mailing out a few "We've Moved" cards. So let me know if you need one sent your way. Much love to all and Happy Weekend! (AND TO MY SOUTHERN COASTAL FRIENDS FROM LA TO the panhandle of FL - HAPPY MARDI GRAS! LAISSEZ LES BON TEMPS ROULEZ!!!!!! )

Chemistry at Home.

2009-02-10T14:47:00.000-06:00

This past week I've been cleaning and sorting through things like a mad woman. If all goes well, we shall be moving to a new house near the end of this month. (Which is rather spur of the moment and due to my lack of blogging lately) The new house is just a few blocks down and closer to the bay (as in I can see the bay from the yard) so its not like its a big move - but its a move all the same!

However, I've been consumed with Pre-Spring Cleaning... and I don't want to spend a small fortune on cleaning supplies - so I've been creating my own.. thus the point of this post...

I've created a new blog - www.thedomesticchemist.blogspot.com - to share with everyone any and all recipes from cleaning products to new food recipies.. All things domestic that requires a little mixing here and there! So check it out! I hope you all find it informative and enjoy!

You Know You Are A Fan If....

2009-02-07T14:20:00.000-06:00

YOU MAY BE A DAVE RAMSEY FAN IF…

...the value of your car doubles every time you fill the gas tank!

…you buy a soda and immediately start calculating how much money you would have in 30 years if you had put that $1.00 into a Roth IRA.

…you walk around with money in your wallet.

…you see a guy driving a 15 year old car and you think, I wonder if he would sell it to me

...you know 15 different recipes for rice and beans.

…the voice in your head now has a southern accent, and you are from the Northeast, from listening to DR so much throughout the day!

…you discover that you have a Little Dave in your head.

...someone says you are weird, and you say 'thank you!'

...the alarm on your watch reminds you to balance your checkbook....every day.

…you only have pity for someone when you observe the latest vehicle purchase, furniture purchase, house rehab, ... made in effort to keep up with the joneses.

…you had 4 very successful yards sales and you can still find things to sell.

…the bumper sticker on the back of your car reads: "My other car actually has a hood!"

…your automatic response to the phrase "Mom, I want..." is "Save up!"

...you count late fees from the library as an addition to your debt snowball.

...you call your spouse excitedly to tell him/her you have saved up enough in the emergency account to get old junker worked on (including replacing the windshield wipers).

…it pains you to pull out your credit card and you hear Dave's voice telling you, "Does it look like I have stupid on my forehead?."

…you start using your unsolicited credit applications as tinder for your fireplace.

…you respond "better than I deserve" every time someone asks you how you're doing.

…you start a sentence with "Well, Dave says..." and your friends just roll their eyes and walk away.

…the guy who works at Quik-Trip makes fun of you for putting cash your QT Gas Card every week instead of just using your debit card.

…someone looks at you weird when you tell them you ONLY pay cash and actually GET cash out of the bank every payday.

…you see someone in a BMW, and think "moron is fleecing it I bet".

…you scrape the soap scum off of the side of your tub to make a "new" bar.

…your wife makes you take off your socks; but not your orange wristband!

…you walk down a row of cars at the mall and wonder how many might be paid for.

…your teenagers ask if Dave will let us get take-out pizza on the week-end, and our reply is Dave would want us to make home made pizza instead.

…you count out the slices of ham to see if they will last the
week's lunches.

…you make your kid's grilled cheese sandwich with only 1/2 a slice of cheese.

...you say, "Because Dave said so," every time your kids ask why they have to eat beans and rice again.

…an acquaintance calls your house and asks to speak with your husband Dave.

…you scream, "NO!" in the checkout line after seeing someone pull out their credit card to pay for their groceries.

…grandma asks you what Johnny wants for his birthday/Christmas and you reply, "Actually, any donation amount to his ESP would be fine." Even better when you immediately hand her a pre-printed piece of paper with his account information.

…you scream "NOOO! DON'T DO IT! when you see the people about to do a debt CONsolidation on a TV commercial.

…you rinse out a sandwich bag for reuse.

…you think "I wonder if there's a way to reuse toilet paper."

…your children run and hide in a panic when you ask them "I wonder what I can sell on Ebay Now?"

…you feel good about paying a student loan off early at 1.875% interest, instead of investing that in mutual funds at 12%.

…the girl behind the register asks you "Credit or Debit," and you snap back at her without thinking "I don't have a stinking credit card... do I look stupid?"

…you see other people who are driving nice brand new expensive cars who think they have it all when you know how wrong they really are. (unless they paid cash for it, which I highly doubt)

…you're snowball is made of chips of plastic, checks, coins, and currency, instead of ice and water.

…you do a cost per pound analysis on the tomatoes from your garden.

…you've cut your dryer sheets in half to get double the use per box.

…your teen daughter preaches to her friends the dangers of credit cards.

…your hubbies millionaire boss is impressed while his broke co-workers are making fun of him.

…you've cut your own hair to avoid paying a hairstylist (just this past evening).

…you've filled up on leftover hamburger helper before going out with friends and only ordering iced tea.

... your mom feels bad for your rice and beans diet that she brings you groceries every time she comes over.

... you have your son's first birthday party at home, with homemade food and a homemade cake, instead of one of those party places with a store-bought cake, like you did your other son's birthday party.

... your husband keeps trying to talk you into getting a new van, but you have the nerve to tell him maybe after the debt snowball, but for now, would he please just fix the durn thing?

... your kids ask for store-bought waffles or some other convenience food, and get a five minute lecture on how much cheaper and healthier it is to eat it cooked from scratch.

...you feel sorry for your friend when she goes on a shopping spree, instead of jealous.

…you ask to purchase a cell phone battery because yours is not charging and the sales person behind the counter says it is cheaper to upgrade the phone to a new one ... and you look at her and think has she lost her mind.

…your family believes that you have lost your marbles and says things to you like but you can afford it dear...and it will make you feel so much better.

…the internal temperature in the house is 62 degrees and you try to justify turning the thermostat down a little bit more to save on energy costs.

…you wear all your dry cleanables at least 2-3 times so you don't have to take them back to the cleaners yet.

…your 9 & 7 YO kids:
-yell at the infomercials on tv: "you just want our money! That stuff doesn't work!"
-ask you to set up a another savings fund because they want a [fill in the blank here]
-ask to go to the second hand shop to pick up some computer games
-believe in Santa because Mom & Dad would NEVER buy all that stuff!

…the co-workers in the cubicles around you begin to whisper about their new car purchases and leases, because they know they're about to get another Lecture on stupidity!

…you can listen to another channel during commercials and turn back to the Dave Ramsey Show at exactly the right time for the next segment.

…you clip coupons for $0.25 off at the $1.75 cleaners!

…you go shopping for a new purse, and it HAS TO BE a shape to work with your envelopes.

...you rinse out a paper towel and lay it on the counter to dry for use again later.

…when you go to the bank the teller says "Oh, it must be allowance day."

…you call the bank to check a client's loan history and the teller who usually waits on you answers the phone and after hearing who are you says, "it's not time for your allowance yet."

…the teller who usually waits on you is busy but tells the teller helping you "She doesn't want an envelope, she has her own."

…you have a piece of paper taped down to your computer
desk to write down the exact hour/minute you left off while listening online. So you can find the right spot the next day when you listen again. So you don't miss a second of the show!

…you hear the beginning of Baker Street (the DR theme song) on the radio you get really disappointed that they play the whole song, and it's not followed by a DR segment.

…you calculate other people's stupid tax for them.

…your regular teller writes a note to the kids explaining that the computer was down and that mom really couldn’t fill the envelopes that day!

…YOU see THE NEW 2009 SUBURBAN with someone else driving it and start screaming...y’all have my debt payment!!!

…you have literally taped your debit cards in your wallet.

…your family is watching tv with a jacket on in the winter because your too cheap to turn the heat on.

…every time you are riding beside a brand new or really nice car, you say to yourself, 'Their Broke'....

…the thought of shopping for stuff you don't need makes you ill.

...you move in with your in laws to save money.

...you see furniture on the side of the road and you realize it's in better shape than your own.

...you use credit cards and Satan in the same sentence.

...you price compare thrift shops for the best bargain.

...you still have money on your Christmas gift card cause you really really can't spend the money.

…you have Baker Street for a ring tone on your cell phone.

...at the first sign of spring you start planning your garage sale.

…you enter a store and see no clearance racks and immediately walk out.

…you wait till your son is working at your favorite pizza joint to order because he gets a 30% employee discount (only when he is working)

…you waited to upgrade your TMMO to a yearly subscription until you were sure you would be receiving the brand new edition of the book instead of the old one.

…you can't wait until the show is over to download it onto your IPOD.

…you work at a dept store and another employee comes through your line and I ask "Will this be Associate Cash?" and they immediately go into an explanation about why it has to go on their dept store card.

…your sons ask for a ROTH IRA for Christmas!

...your unemployed EX spends $18.80 to Express mail your kid $10.00 cash in a card and some candy in a box. Your kid rolls his eyes and says "He could be using this money for groceries! What's wrong with him?”

…you re-arrange the books at the bookstore so DR books stand out the most!

…you make your own laundry soap for 3 cents per load and cannot keep from telling everyone you know how to do it themselves!!!

…you use vinegar for fabric softener and actually make people sniff your sleeve to prove to them that it actually works!

…you get up at 4-5am every morning (and don't have to) to pack your spouse's lunch so he won't eat out at fast food joints.

…you are excited at the opportunity to go grocery shopping and whip out the crazy envelope wallet in the hopes that it will spur a conversation with anyone about getting out of debt!!

…your dear husband actually calls you Dave. Tells the waitress at the restaurant to "give the bill to Dave" and points at you.

…you shed tears watching the baby gazelle escape the cheetah
"go baby go go go go go!" or even typing it.

…you see someone driving an economical 88 honda accord and you know that it has to be paid for and your are jealous...

…you can walk out of Home Depot for under $20 and paid for it with cash...

…you keep a budget on your fridge in your purse and on your mirror in the bathroom to remind you what you are trying to do!

…you can spend less than $3 dollars at Wendy's and feed two people.

…you decide Beano is too expensive for your rice and bean budget.

...you ask your husband if he has gas and he thinks you are talking about gas due to the rice and bean budget instead of the car.

…when they were talking about making soap out of bathtub scum and you were thinking of credit card collector scum.

...your pets have their own envelope.

...dear husband is jealous because the pets used coupons, bought on sale, and had some money "left over" so they got to buy the pet toys they had their eyes on.

...you are shopping for office supplies with the company credit card and still feel bad.

...you are shopping for office supplies for work and can't bear to not compare prices, buy generic and get the very best deal.

...you are eating off a card table because you would rather put your money toward a fully funded emergency fund.

...your mother-in-law writes a check at the bank for cash and puts it in an envelope, because you are with her buying holiday groceries.

...your friends who have been in FPU with you see you at the store and quickly pull out their envelopes and wave them at you as if you are the "Envelope Police."

...you have change piles in different areas of your house. Waiting... waiting just in case you don't have enough money in your envelopes. But you never use it because you always make it to payday!

...you have enough checks to last you three years, because you ordered them BDR (Before Dave Ramsey).

...you know exactly what Dave is going to say to any question that is asked of him, and you can't help cringing... and snickering....knowing that they will be informed really soon!

…your 5&6 y.o. go around saying, "Credit cards are EVIL! Evil I tell ya" and your 2 y.o. follows them around saying, "Evil, Evil."

…your kids don't even bother asking for the toy anymore at McD's.

…you feel guilty for even going to McD's.

…your kids randomly say, "my dad's in Iraq making money because we're really poor" to strangers.

…you hear your kids talking about asking for something & one of them says, "You know we don't have money for that, but maybe we can ask mom if we can save up."

…you can recite Dave's opening at the beginning of every hour:
"Live from Financial Peace Plaza, it's The Dave Ramsey Show! Where debt is dumb, cash is king, and the paid-off home mortgage has taken the place of the BMW as the status symbol of choice. I am Dave Ramsey, your host, and this is the BEST is talkradio. Service oriented talkradio. Talkradio that matters. Talkradio about you and for you. [The rest varies]"

…you use crayons to color in squares, squares that represent money paid on a debt that's blown up and taped to your fridge. And you REALLY enjoy coloring in those squares!!

...it's a good thing to be awake in the middle of the night thinking about money. Not because you can't sleep from fear but because you can't sleep for thinking about what you can cut to pay off the debt sooner.

...a really NICE gift for Valentine's Day is a steak dinner. And you about die when you sink your teeth into that first bite because it's been a year and a half since you've had steak.

...you sit here literally bawling your eyes out from happiness when you get a family member hooked on DR.

...you think the best $100 you've ever spent is for 10 TMMO books that you hand out to friends and co-workers. If it changes even one family it was money well spent a hundred times over!

…your 10 yr. old tells you your "cheap".

…you see everyone around you in fancy cars and your first thought is "suckers".

…you see the "immigrants" driving some beat up car with 4 guys riding together and think that's really smart, good for them.

…your neighbor owns an $80K boat and is not satisfied and wants a $100K boat on his equity line and you feel sorry for him for not understanding this is debt.

…your 11 yr. understands that credit cards are a bad idea.

…your 11 yr. tells his younger brother he will help him when he's a millionaire since he's saving his money.

…your kids can tell their friends they have Money Market accts at a high yield.

…you have a panic attack when you see someone spend money on toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, deodorant or aspirin.

…you catch yourself saying "what a rip-off" because a sale is only 75% off.

…you can repeat just about all of the commercials, and you can repeat word for word the disclaimer at the end of the show. "This program is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information with regard to the subject matter covered. This information is given with the understanding that neither the host nor this station is engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional advice. Since the details of your situation are fact dependent, you should additionally seek the services of a competent professional".

…your icon picture is an old picture of Dave!

…your 11 year old son can calculate the interest earned/paid on a specific dollar amount for a year, in his head.

…your 8 year old daughter gets teased at school for being poor and your family income is over 100K.

…your 8 year old daughter responds to being called poor by telling the person she's rich because her family loves and supports her.

…you hear of a friend getting a big settlement (100k) and the first thing out of your mouth is, "You had better be paying off debt!"

…your neighbor just bought a $35,000 SUV because they need more room now that they have a baby (whatever) and you know they look down their noses at our 10 year old paid for car and instead of feeling jealous of their new purchase you know that you really are the lucky ones because you will be debt free except the house by May!

...you save over $70 on a hotel room and then refuse to spend an extra $10 to upgrade to a room with a view.

…you ask your child to help you think of a "you might be a Dave Ramsey fan if...." and he says..."I AM NOT A DAVE RAMSEY FAN"...where was that support group?

…you hear about someone winning a large sum of money and you think about how much debt you could pay off if you had won it.

…you hear about someone winning a large sum of money and you think about how you could have an FFEF if you had won it.

…you hear about someone winning a large sum of money and you think of all the ways you would invest it.

…your idea of a big Friday night date with your spouse is sitting reading blogs of other Dave Ramsey fans… and having a blast because we see ourselves.

…your 6 year old asks you if we're debt free yet

…you over hear your six year old telling grandma "when we're debt free" I'm getting such and such

…you ask your 15 year Daughter old to grab that cd' out of the burner (of the Ramsey show) so you can listen to it on the way to work and when you go to put it in the car you realize she has titled the disc... "oh Crap" its dave again!!!!

…you get the kids a new puppy and you name Him Murphy/ Ramsey
and the goldfish are named Broke, Desperate and stupid.

…you find yourself jackknifed in a trailer park because the beater that you just bought had to be towed with a car dolly.

…your coworkers start answering their own question: "I know ... better than you deserve" just after they asked the question "How are you?" .

…it makes you cringe to say "credit" when using your check card, when asked "Debit or credit?"

…you ask for an estimate at the veterinary office during an emergency visit, before deciding what you can afford that day, because you already depleted your baby emergency fund for an emergency dental visit for yourself.

…you delay necessary dental procedures until the money you paid for the last medical visit/dental procedure has cleared your insurance, flexible spending account and been reimbursed back into your account.

…your "blow money" envelope is only $10 to $20 per week, and that is used on groceries, making you realize that you need to increase your grocery cash envelope and decrease some other category.

…you pay certain people in cash just because they take so long to deposit your checks that it takes longer for you to balance your checkbook.

…you turn down invitations to lunch, etc. because it is "not in the budget".

…instead of giving people towels, etc. that they asked for, for their wedding, you give them Dave Ramsey books (all 10, which includes the two Spanish ones and the three workbooks, if you are feeling generous), because you want to make absolutely sure that they are on the same page with their money going into their marriage.

…you ask "How much" instead of "How much down? or "How much per month?".

…you have a lot of Dave Ramsey "isms" playing a tape in your head, and find yourself repeating them (or at least wanting to repeat them) as soon as someone starts to even suggest the idea of doing something unwise/ill-advised with money.

…your then 9 year old daughter graciously receives a gift card from her Aunt and then discreetly whispers in your ear, "Is this debt?"

…you have to tell the bank teller the number of each specific denomination you need when you get your cash so it will be easily split between your 7 envelopes AND so the 3 kids on commission who need to be paid in all ones can easily split their commission for their OWN envelopes.

…you live without a working oven for 7 months so you can save for the replacement all the while mastering the art of baking on the top rack of your gas grill.

...your 10 year olds 1 year old bike suddenly has new life when she is told she will have to replace it with her own money since she has not outgrown it, if she no longer "likes" it.

…"freeeeedom" is no longer thought of as a phrase from Braveheart, but rather a signal that someone is debt free.

…you read ten pages of posts.

…you cringe while the in-laws explain the benefits of getting down to two credit cards (his and hers!) when you try to get them on the Dave Ramsey bandwagon.

…the tellers at your bank keeps track of where you are in line and pace their work to try to get you to use another teller; all because they know you'll be overloading them with requests for strange combinations of various monetary denominations to put in your dozen envelopes.

…you give your 8year old son a quarter for him to pay for a small notebook and when you ask for the change he says it was his money.(no pockets -drops coins twice in the walk over to me) I explain that it was my quarter that he paid for the book with... Then in front of the check-out he screams "But that is BORROWING you are NOT suppose to borrow". (coins go in bag with book)

…you would rather learn how to sew a slip cover than to spend money on a new couch

...you watch other people go out for lunch during work and feel bad for them

...you plan camping vacations months in advance, not to make sure you can get the time off but so it doesn't throw your budget off.

…you begin referring to yourself as the "King of cheap Saturday"...you know, walks in the park, making sandwiches, free movies at the town plaza.

…you felt bad for whomever brought their brand-new Chrysler Minivan to the Dallas Live Event (complete with window sticker). Talk about putting a damper on the day!

…the van breaks down and you think, "Is this REALLY an emergency, I could just walk to work for the next month. It's only a couple miles." because you don't want to disturb the BEF.

...you dreamed you were delivering pizza and you showed up at Dave's house... and you live in Illinois...

…you look forward to Monday because it's Military discount day at the thrift store!

…you get back from eating out and figure that the one hour lunch away from work cost $8.25, 2 Arby's meals bought with coupons cost $8.66= Total cost $16.91!!!! ARGH- Could have brought PB & J!

…you associate "Another One Bites the Dust" with plasectomy.

...you actually know what a plasectomy is.

…after breaking your little toe, you ask your husband, (while crying from the pain) to check with the Urgent Care Center to see if they are cheaper than the emergency room at the hospital.

…you give your 2-year-old and 4-year-old pennies to throw in the fountain and then feel immediate remorse for it because you could have saved those pennies and contributed to another cash envelope.

…you use cash and think about how weird that is to be doing that.

…you take off the labels off tin cans and use them for writing paper to save money.

…you overhear your 9 year old and 7 year old sons discussing a lost toy and accusing mom of selling it on e-bay.

…you spend hours, literally, making out weekly menu's based on sale papers.

…you cut off your hair to save on shampoo & conditioner.

…someone asks your kids what flavor kool aid they drink at your home and they say, "Dave Ramsey."

…you're mother looks at you like you're insane because you make $105,000 a year and you brag about a bag of socks you were lucky enough to snag at a flea market.

...you're family refers to you as "Dave Jr."

…you run out of deposit slips long before you run out of checks in your checking account!

…your toes are hanging off the end of your sandals because you won't get another pair until payday, only if they are in the budget, and only if they are on sale, and only if you pay cash.

…the highlight of your trip to the grocery store is reading the total savings on the receipt when you leave the store.

…your teens are embarrassed to go with you to the store because their friend works there and they know you're going to be pulling out a wad of coupons at the checkout.

…you have a nervous breakdown if you misplace your coupons.

…you contemplate how much toilet paper your family uses a day and think maybe you should have them count squares.

…you log on to My Total Money Makeover and Dave's speech starts, your six year old screams "I LOVE that guy!"

…you think about Christmas coming up in 4 months, and you know that you cannot afford it this year. You tell your kids "Christmas is a craft"!

…you tell your 17 year old daughter that she/we will not be borrowing money to send her to college. If she wants to go someplace expensive, she's got to look into scholarships!

…you actually get why these sayings are funny!

…you rent an apartment where the bedroom is the same as the living room and your bathroom door will only open partially due to the couch being in the way.

…you and your hubbie think that a 'hot' date is a trip to McD's for their 50 cent ice cream cones.

...you go to the local grocery store and actually enjoy doing the "self checkout" and filling it full of change like a slot machine (from what you found in your car).

…you ask they pizza guy how he is and hope he says "Better than I deserve" so you can give him an extra $20.

…you get a light blue "Debt Free and Lovin' It" sticker from Dave Ramsey for doing a debt free scream and although you drive a red truck and it looks ridiculous you put it on anyway. You figure..."Hey, maybe it'll get more attention this way."

…you fantasize about the day you'll be able to scream "I'M DEBT FREE!!!"

…you and your spouse exchange the SAME Christmas card back and forth to save money.

…you go to a Live Event and start laughing at the joke before Dave gets to the punch line.

…you have "Dave" so engrained in your head that you don't realize that everyone does not know who Dave is.

…your 5 year old tells someone (a perfect stranger) "we are going to buy an RV after we are debt free"

…the bank teller says we must be doing something right because we make so many deposits

…you have to write out a check and have to pause to think HOW because it's been so long

…you seriously consider the long term savings versus the expense of a bidet or TP

…you consider a pbj a GOOD lunch as opposed to just pb

…you can't enjoy a party because you keep thinking how much the hosts spent to pull it off--and probably on a cc

…you find yourself randomly wondering HOW to save $ on feminine monthly products.

…no matter how stoic you are, tears form in your eyes when you hear someone scream "I'M DEBT FREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!"

…you tell your wife you don't see any reason to go shopping, you already have a black pair of pants.

…your mom calls to say she is going on a trip this weekend to try out their new $25,000 travel trailer, your initial thought is "You have more debt than I do!" And want to ask if they paid cash for it. But think better of saying anything...

…you have gotten to the point you have eaten so much Top Ramen that you pretty much hate it... and continue to eat it anyways (the new ALPO diet. 66 ways to eat Top Ramen...)

…you just finished that quote.

...you think all these things are funny and awesome instead of down right pathetic.

…you stand in line and check out the person at the register, if they are pulling cash or credit. If cash, you wonder if they know about Dave Ramsey.

Better Than I Deserve...

2009-02-07T13:14:00.000-06:00

So I just could not resist posting about this...I have been trying to keep a good "art" blog and leave out the personal garb, however, I am working on something life changing that I just cannot go on quietly about any much longer. I want to share this life changing discovery with others and hope that it will maybe impact their lives for the better.

Over the years, I've had several people (friends and one family member) tell me about Dave Ramsey and his books. I've had people ask me to go sign up for his Financial Peace University class. I don't know why I never did... but this past January I had a financial scare. I know that I'm being far too open about this subject...but in all honesty I did.

It was scary and it woke me up to a reality that I was so much in denial about... Debt. Which has been ruling over my life - literally! - just like 99% of all people in these times today. Anyway, I finally decided to "treat" myself to one of Dave's books - Total Money Makeover - and see what all the fuss was about. This purchase alone has been the greatest financial decision I have ever made so far in my life... And believe me - since reading this book - I'm about to make many more smart financial decisions!

I have now been on Dave's Financial Peace plan for nearly a month now - and I have made more progress financially with debt than I ever have in the past few years. I have literally paid off a doctor bill I had been struggling with for the past year or so, along with 2 sizable credit cards that I've also been struggling with. Not counting the progress of Mr.D - who has also paid off 2 sizable cards (one being mine that he used for I don't even remember what for) and our furniture loan. And coming this March - according to the plan - I will have two more very sizable credit cards paid off! Gone!

The plan will continue on - I have 3 very very very large credit cards left along with my car note - these cards were all from "emergencies and Christmas gifts for our very large families that we can never afford to buy for". I have to say we are doing better - this past Christmas was the first Christmas we didn't "charge it".

So according to the plan - I am looking forward to having my consumer debt paid by the end of this summer (if I work really hard) or early to mid fall. And having my car note paid off by early to middle of next year, which is a year or two earlier than my loan requires! These will be huge accomplishments and all will lead up to being completely debt free! And more able to give to charities and tithing, which has been very slim to nearly non existent prior to this.

So I am very excited.. and I hope that this will inspire others to pick up the book, read it and change your life...and cross over to a "cash only for everything" way of life! It is truly amazing and freeing!

Hues of Purple

2009-02-05T12:08:00.001-06:00

"I think it upsets God if you walk by the color purple in a field somewhere and don't notice it." - Alice Walker

How many Fingers?

2009-01-31T16:55:00.000-06:00

Its a sad discovery to say your husband is right... especially when it regards your own eyesight. Mr. D keeps telling me I need to go have my eyes checked when I can. That he believes I'm having some "problems". Yes, I've been having a lot of headaches lately - but I thought were related to either extreme sinus pressure or migraines.

It wasn't until yesterday and partly today I realized, sighing of course, that maybe he is right. I came to this conclusion when I was looking over a book at work on a new collection of wedding rings... I was looking over the quality and technique - and I kept thinking to myself - "this is a wedding collection line sheet book, why didn't they work on the quality of their photos, why aren't they bigger, crisper?" Then I was looking up to answer a question my boss asked me and realized how close the book was to my face - along with the look on her face. I'm hoping she thought I was REALLY INTO studying the samples! That was when I realized... hmm.. maybe D's right... yet again.

Ugh, I detest wearing glasses but I will if I have to... and I can't dare entertain the thought of contacts. A microscopic speck of dust that gets in my eye alone drives them wild and crazy! I can't imagine what it would be like putting something the size of a miniature dinner plate over them! So I guess glasses it will be. Or at least a revision to my old frames.

I have glasses - though weren't "all the time glasses". The doc said the last time I was in that the muscle that holds my eye into focus becomes tired after a while, and I needed the glasses for temporary circumstances. Otherwise, he felt everything was fine. And it has been so... I guess until now. And I'm am about as excited as eating peas and carrots - and we all know I hate peas and carrots.

I just hope that "IF" I do need glasses - I hope that I can find a pair that is as jazzy and smart as the ones above! ;oD

IF - Flawed

2009-01-30T10:39:00.000-06:00

"She thought her only flaw was having to wear poindexter glasses. But little did she know, everyone else knew her flaw was snobbery..."

Submission for Illustration Friday theme - Flawed.

Dear Bloggers, Readers and Subscribers,

2009-01-29T17:08:00.000-06:00

I realize at times blogging can be two fold. Especially for those who read and subscribe - and usually comment. We all expect an interaction with the author of the blog. At times, the author may not be able to interact the way the person on the other side of the screen is hoping for... but alas! May all that participation not be in vain!

So I just wanted to let all the people out there who may read, comment, subscribe, or even if I follow your blog - Here is the complete deal: I usually make time (a self dicipline action) to blog daily, if not daily, fairly often! However I may not have time to comment or respond to comments immediately. But that does not mean that I do not see what is left for me, nor does that mean that I do not read to the blogs that I have subscribed to... For the fact is, 9 times out of 10, I do read and read often most everyone's blog. I just don't have much time for commenting... or sometimes I'm at a lack for words....

This even goes with the blog challenges - I may not get a chance to leave a comment to entries from others, but that doesn't mean I don't view them. Such as today, I viewed all of the Illustration Fridays mixed media/collage submissions, as well as a few of my favourite artists there... I didn't have a chance to leave a comment for each and every person.. but I did admire their works.

So you may be wondering where did I come up with this and what am I getting at? I was basically thinking about today, if people wondered if their actions go on without a cause or meaning to me on this other end.. if I am a one fold blogger... And I just wanted everyone to know that, I'm not.. its two fold. I'm just quiet, too busy to type but happily am admiring from afar. ;o)

WIP - Work in Progress

2009-01-28T09:48:00.000-06:00

Two of the 8 pages I'm working on for the House Shaped Chunky book swap. I have a long way to go still. But I am working in the theme of Marie Antoinette.

This weekend I have finally seen the movie and have become completely inspired! Course I'm doing my pages more Zetti style than a classic french twist. But I think that is what makes everything pop! - That and the pink fluorescent spray paint! Anyway, I'm excited to see how each page will progress.

Poe

2009-01-27T10:40:00.000-06:00

I have finally completed the Edgar Allen Poe cards for the themed atc trade at atcsforall.com. I am quite pleased with the outcome. I had changed the last card from my previous blogged idea on doing something with the Raven. I figured it was to Cliche'. And decided to use another one of his quotes - which was a good decision since it went along with the others. Ah! Completion!

IMT - Peeling Paint

2009-01-26T10:21:00.000-06:00

WIP - Work in Progress

2009-01-24T11:48:00.000-06:00

Today is such a drabby little day. It has finally warmed up (feels like 70s) but only to bring dark clouds looming with rain.. And not that I mind that at all, I only wish I was at home during such a dark cloudy day, working on the cards seen above. The day is almost Poe-like in itself.

These are "set one" of the Edgar cards I have started on. Still sitting on the table unfinished. It took long enough to sketch out Edgar from a photo online. As you see in the picture, I've done a pen, ink, "sharpie" and pencil illo of him and have "ghosted" him in with tissue paper. The photo of the woman is from a scanned tintype. The woman is for the second set of cards and she is to represent Virginia Clemm, Edgar's wife and cousin. (slightly ick, I know). This tintype was a fairly close match to what Virginia may have looked like. There aren't any photos of her online that I could find, except for a statue-esc portrait of her. The third set of cards is to be about "the raven" - I'm still brainstorming on these.

This is still and always the part I always geek out about when creating themed atcs (artist trading cards). The amount of research that is needed sometimes in order to represent the theme accurately. It is something I love for not only am I creating something but I am also educating myself and others in the process. Though this time, I'm not completely in the dark about Mr. Poe. I have had a longer process in deciding which quotes I want to use and how I want each card to look to interpret the quotes in a way I think will work. I think these processes add to my addiction in creating and trading these mini works of art.

If I have peaked your curiosity on the history of Poe, you can read more here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edgar_Allan_Poe

The Bangles

2009-01-22T10:06:00.001-06:00

Last night I worked on these series of patterned bangles for the shop that I work at. Its a crazy story that I still can't believe came about to a reality into this very project.

I had made 2 bangles such as these for a Christmas present for my friend, Jeni, who is a fashion designer and has been giving me fashion design lessons, so I thought it fitting to make her some bangles with vintage sewing patterns adhered. So during sometime after I had given the present to her, she either showed my boss what I had made for her or my boss saw them and asked where she had gotten them. Either way, it got back to me... about a week or so ago, my boss asked if I would like to make a few for the shop to sell. Sure! That would be absolutely amazing!

Of course little does she know that is a goal of mine - to have my artwork featured in shops for sale. And what is even more surreal - is that the shop I work in is a jewelry shop for fine handmade jewelry by artists all over the united states. Of course I know my pieces are mostly for a cheaper point of sale item - but also to support a local artist - which is nice. And people here love that!

So I still can't believe that here I was last night, coating the last coat of Poly Varnish over these, so that I could take them to work with me and would possibly to never see them again - gone to a good home! To which all what began as a simple Christmas present that evolved into something a little bit more. How Blessed!

Well while I was waiting for the bangles to dry, I did however begin working on my Edgar cards. I am possibly 70% finished with the first card set and I have to say it is turning out exactly as I had hoped! (And I had High Hopes!) So I hope I won't spoil it by saying good things about the process. *fingers crossed* I have one card nearly complete - I finished hammering in the eyelets last night. All I have to do is attach an Edgar quote and that will be finished. Ah I love when it all comes together accordingly.

I also hope today is a speedy little day. I'm anxious to get back home and get to work on my projects. Though it does seem a bit warmer today - yesterday's high was 40. This morning it seemed warmer - and I have on less layers than I did yesterday - so either I have become accustom to the frigid air slapping my face or it really is warming up, if not by a small degree! Here's hoping!! Well I had better wrap it up here, I have to check my email and work on some web banners that needs updating. Stay warm!

IMT - Breakfast

2009-01-22T08:47:00.000-06:00

I know I'm rather late for last week's Inspire Me Thursday. But here is my mixed media sketch for the theme - Breakfast. I actually had apples AND a small bowl of Cheerios.
Speaking of which, I need to run and go have breakfast now. Chow!

I HeART.

2009-01-21T09:53:00.000-06:00

I'm telling you it is cold out there! Yes, I know. I live in Florida and it is not nearly as cold as all of the places north of me - but still its REALLY cold! And one of the downfalls of living in a vintage beach house is that not having central heating and air can sometimes blow - especially on really cold days such as these. We get it fairly warm in the house but... its still not the same. But most houses in our neighborhood are the same as ours. So I guess we all can't complain. Its just hard to get the cold out of your bones once its settled there.

I'm sure I look more than ridiculous at work today. But I couldn't help it, I needed to dress as warmly as possible. The amount of clothing being worn is nearly obscene. I'm wearing full body thermals, knitted tights on top of the thermal bottoms with knee high socks tucked underneath, and a light long sleeve shirt on top of the thermal top. On top of all of this - my creme coloured couture silk "circus" dress, topped with a knitted cardigan hoodie, topped with a big brown knitted scarf, my fur lined wind breaker jacket and fleece gloves - stupidly forgot my hat! - along with my knee high leather motorcycle boots. And I'm still cold, along with feeling very fluffy obese from all the layers of clothes. I'm SO READY FOR SUMMER!!! ack!!

So what does all this have to do with hearts? Absolutely nothing. I just wanted to get the point across that its really cold and that I'm really cold! haha! The heart part of the blog is the fact that I finished my mixed media heart atcs for the swap and have mailed them off. Here are two of the four I created. I don't feel they turned out as well as I was hoping - I just need to slow down more. I was overly excited about working on them and I think I whipped them out in such a pace I'm not proud of. I like to have taken a bit longer however these were all well thought out. So I can't complain there.

Next are the Edgar Allen Poe cards and I'm avoiding starting those like the plague. Not that I don't want to work on them - just because I'm trying to think exactly how I want it and how I want to execute them. I have this vision for the cards but am worried its bigger than I can do. We will see - I plan on working on the backgrounds tonight. Fingers crossed!

WEll I'm off to go canoodle the space heater. I hope you all are having a wonderful and hopefully warmer day - if not moment... ;o)

Pledge Service

2009-01-20T11:40:00.000-06:00

One of my good friends stated this and I couldn't agree more!

"I've been looking around the internet this morning. I see articles requesting everyone to pledge their service to Obama. I don't know the man. He may or may not be the president to steer this country in the right direction. I, personally, do not pledge service to anyone but to God. If everyone would pledge their service to Him, people wouldn't be looking to Obama for a change. I read today that "Change is Here!" Let's face it, people. Change has already been here. Change came over 2,000 years ago when God sent His Son to bridge the gap between us and Him. So instead of looking to a man for change, let's look to God to change us."

By the Scruff of the Neck.

2009-01-17T12:26:00.000-06:00

Call me stupid or of lacking common sense, but one would think the worst time to decide to get a short haircut would be during the coldest cold snap this nation has seen in years! Am I right?! or am I right? Of course I am!

However I'm not sure what possessed me earlier this week - possibly the irritating length of the back of my hair getting caught half in and half out of my shirt collars that could have drove me to the edge. Monday morning, I made a bee line bright and early to the first salon I could find open at 9am (and shockingly there are few and far between that are open that early, I've come to the conclusion that hair dressers are not early birds) and got my ever growing bob cut.

After it was cut, while sitting in the chair, I thought what a masterful idea! Ah! My head feels so FREE!!! Of course, once I left the salon and the cold winds blasted my now nekkid head, I started to go into shell shock - and did not return from that state of panic until long after I arrived home, took a hot shower, and styled the barely there hairs myself. Coming to copes that I had retreated back to my short haired days of yore, I remembered I could totally rock this new 'do. And that was the purpose of having a small extensive hat and scarf collection, to keep all my noggin' bits warm.

But geez, this week alone has been a test! I've been wearing my caplets like that boy on the laundry commercials with his "security" beanie on! I even wore mine to bed the other night, just like he did. Unfortunately, I didn't have someone to lovingly come snatch said beanie off my head to launder it. *bummer* No doubt getting a short crop during winter is nearly something that requires lack of senses - common sense to be certain!

With all that said, here are the results. Two photos I couldn't choose between.
I know, I know both look exactly the same, except in one I'm just slightly turned a bit. You can see my ears ( in which I'm always conscious about.. I think my ears are weirdo.. and I sometimes don't like wearing them out. They are demure.)

The cut:

And yes, I would have loved to blog about something other - like an art project I'm working on - but... those are still in the rough stages and I haven't a chance to take a quick snapshot. So for now, things are hairy. ;o)

IF - Pale

2009-01-16T09:04:00.000-06:00

"She looked ever so pale compared to her beautiful new scarf."

I'm also late posting my Illustration Fridays theme - Pale. But its been a crazy week filled with art projects. This is a sketch / mixed media journal page in the works.

Boredom at its Best.

2009-01-15T16:02:00.000-06:00

Since returning back to work this week it seems as if time itself has come to a hault. The hours pass by ever so slow. I've gotten used to having so much done within the daylight hours that sitting here waiting on customers and doing simple tasks seems of such nonsense. Even though its really not - there are times at which say " It was 9am early, and it has felt more like it is now 3pm, and I look at the clock and its only 11am, seems insane!"

Anyway to cure the blues of mental boredom, I've recently discovered the most hilarious website! www.sleeveface.com (see photo above for ingeniousness!) The name of the game at this website is to, well here is their definition of it - Sleeveface - one or more persons obscuring or augmenting any part of their body or bodies with record sleeve(s) causing an illusion. It's perfect boredom eye candy!
And some of the images are just downright hilarious!

Another thing that calls to attention to my mental boredom is the fact that I'm missing my mother-in-law. Seriously! I know a lot of people don't say those type of things but I do really! I like my mother-in-law! She is a riot! And she normally keeps me company during the long work days via Yahoo Messenger. She lives in Texas - I in Florida. And since Christmas she has been MIA to the messenger. I know that she is alive and well since she's been in contact with the fellas... But OH! How I miss our daily jaunts on messenger! It's killing me! Well maybe not literally killing me, but it sure does make the day less interesting without her witticisms and smart humour. I hope she comes back soon. I'm not sure how much longer of this I can take. *sigh*

Speaking of which, during exploring the vast wide net (ha, wide net - was actually a movie filmed in my hometown here) I came across a new artist trading card website - atcsforall.com. Oh the horrors to my avid atc addiction, I've already signed myself up for 2 swaps! I could easily sign myself up for more, easily! ...but, I'm trying to fight my addiction and not to overwhelm myself by sighing up for 20 swaps. I told myself, I'll just do these two swaps, mail it all off, then.. maybe... sign up for one..er...two... more.. yes. So far so good.
I just have to be strong and resist temptation! Those forums are enticing indeed!

I was hoping today's Inspire me Thursday would keep my wild mind/muse at bay. But goodness no, the site is still stuck on last weeks theme. I shall be patient and wait for the new theme. I guess in the meantime, I can contemplate the creation of my atc themed cards.

The two swaps I signed up for are "Mixed Media Hearts" and "Edgar Allen Poe".
The first is due on Feb.6th and the second is due on March 6. So yes, plenty of time to create, finish, mail and sign up for a million, er, I mean two more. ;o)

Now I'm off to go put these things on my calendar, just in case.... i may forget!

B is for... Part 2 - Illustration Friday

2009-01-09T18:04:00.000-06:00

I created this mixed media piece for today's Illustration Friday theme - Contain. However, my sweet darling pet cockatiel, Mr. Buddy, is the ultimate inspiration for the symbol of containment! 8x10 canvas.

"Guilded"

B is for...

2009-01-08T17:25:00.000-06:00

So this week I have been working on a mixed media piece for the "Life's a Beach" theme magazine submission to Cloth, Paper, Scissors. I'm really excited about this piece. I've put so much elbow grease, sweat and tears into this (luckily no blood, ha!) I feel as good about this as I did on my "Silence is Bliss" piece that surprisingly won a Staddy Award. I only pray that this submission will past the editors test and to be possibly chosen for print. Oh I'm nervous and excited! *fingers crossed, prayers said*

Here is my piece I'm entering (with detail close-ups).

The Description: Inspiration for this piece came from the vintage postcard that adorns our refrigerator year round - the swimsuit pin-up. I found this postcard at one of my favourite antique shops years ago. I did not want to deface the postcard in the process of building this piece, so I photocopied it. The background contains pages from an old chemistry book I had gotten at the thrift store. I thought the correlation of the "chemistry" with the pin-up was very tongue-in-cheek. I added several layers of different colour paint and once dry, defaced the paint by scratching, carving, and sanding it down to create the look I was going for. Then I added watercolour towelettes for the sky, clouds, seaweed, and water. And "sea salted" watercolour paper for the sand, with large remnants of sea salt still attached for "sand" effect.
Embellishments of beach related "B" words were added from an old thrifted dictionary, I hand-rendered the "B" typography and finally I unwove a small yardage of dyed hemp to provide aqua blue thread for the small bits of embroidery. The threaded segments in the painting signifies the attachment of the sky, water and land as a unit working together. Living the "beach life" on a daily basis, I think I captured the amazing pallete of colours the water and sky provides at any given time.

Inspire Me Thursday - Fuse

2009-01-08T12:20:00.000-06:00

Here is my entry for today's theme - Fuse - for Inspire Me Thursday. I haven't participated in a while, so I'm pretty excited that I'm back in action.

"Fusion"

Photo taken by myself with a Canon Powershot.

Urgent 2nd Class

2009-01-07T13:29:00.001-06:00

This morning I was reading Artist's Cafe' - Best of Somerset Studio Art and Design when I stumbled upon an all inspiring editorial written by Nick Bantock, dated September/October 2004.

The article is entitled Urgent 2nd Class - An ephemeral art. The article is basically a plug for his latest book which is entitled as the same above. However I absolutely adore and practice myself the fundamentals of mixed media art, ephemeral wonderments, and collaged creations. So to witness the sheer eye candy alone within this article much less well versed verbage to follow was more than I could bare - inspiring.

I'm going to quote the following inspirational editorial in which I read this morning. Even if you aren't a fellow artisan, I hope it too at least inspires you to be more open minded toward things that aren't shiney new perfect, in which are dust covered, tattered and torn, because that in itself is also beautiful.

The Article: Urgent 2nd Class - An Ephemeral Art by Nick Bantock
"It seems to me that there is a fundamental struggle going on in the crafting universe, a celestial battle between those who desire security in decoration and those who hunger for libertine adventure. The two armies have traded insults for a while now. Pinkpoodalist and teddy bear protectionists rage at the artyfarty-sepia-saturators and vice versa. The lines are drawn!

Okay, it's not quite that bad, but as in most arenas, the extremists tend to hog the limelight and those on middle ground are forgotten. Zealots aside, there is a bridge between art and craft that can be transversed. And there is nothing wrong with wandering to and fro across that overpass whenever the mood takes. For me, building bridges begins in my own and in our collective tribal memories. Playing with history leads me toward a personal art, no matter if it be interfering with old envelopes, altering documents or constructing collage. I encourage myself to dip into the unconscious, not for therapy's sake, but as a means of releasing the muse. I believe that tapping into the underworld and its attendant emotions allows the past to feed the page.

Over 70 years ago Jun'icherø Tanizaki wrote these words "Yet for better or for worse we love things that bear the marks of grime, soot, and weather, and we love colours and the sheen that call to mind the past that made them." I share his longing. I love the idea of a creativity that honors the effects of time and makes mischief with history. Growing up in a society where hard, cold, and shiny are often highly valued, I find myself gravitating toward the opposite. Snow-blinded by bleached white paper, I crave smoky patina and shadowy aged surfaces.

Urgent 2nd Class, the title of my new book, is intended to be an ironic contradiction - part postal joke and part reference to the mediocrity our haste for progress inspires. The book attempts to guide those who wish to learn how to embellish and expand onto paper ephemera. By ephemera I mean torn maps, tattered letters, timeworn etchings, out-of-date bank notes, old game boards, redundant labels, near worthless manuscripts, and other unloved scraps of paper. In short I refer to the disheveled, foxed, creased, and half-burnt leftovers of bygone eras" - - - unquote.

Okay.. that very editorial made me mumble Amen brotha, amen and I felt a small moist tear at the corner of my eye. Such words were spoken into my little artists heart.Such words I always think when creating, and yet can never put how I feel into words. But Nick Bantock most certainly did! Within his editorial, he also featured techniques on each phase of collage assembly. I also bravo'ed and enjoyed his words on two of the dying techniques - to which I also find myself guilty of and always struggling with - to incorporate into my own pieces.

Quote - NB: "Drawing - Anyone who has tried to assemble a piece of furniture from an instruction sheet composed by a dyslexic, Scandinavian sadist knows what panic is. I've noticed that as soon as the word drawing gets mentioned, many people take on a similar look of petrified hopelessness. Unlike the aforementioned unjoinable joinery, there are obvious reasons why drawing has become such a daunting challenge. Quite simply, the art of seeing is seldom taught in schools. Drawing has pretty much been deemed a redundant activity unless a person is artistic and headed for art college."

"Handwriting - Once, handwriting was commonplace and the literates' eyes were attuned to comprehend individual styles and letter formations; the handwritten word was a reflection of a person's personality. You could establish if your correspondent was tight and careful or open and gregarious by the inked shapes emitted by his or her pen. Now, for reasons of expedience, we teach a uniformly constructed alphabet and non-self-expressive script. When the mechanical writing revolution came, fewer and fewer people felt a need to handwrite. It is hardly surprising then that today we look with abstract awe at what seems to be the swirling complexities of an everyday hand from 150 years ago." - - - unquote.

Amen.

A Day of Cakes

2009-01-06T12:49:00.000-06:00

(A preview of my kitchen. Modern oven set in a vintage 20s kitchen.)

Having all these days off for going onto nearly a week now is growing on my domesticity. The house is spic n' span, everything is in order, meals requiring more time than 30 minutes to cook are made well prior to it being mealtime. And - when I'm not working on my photography or finishing up a textile art piece - I'm baking.

Yesterday I decided to bake a cake. Not just any old cake, no, I had to use my beloved cookbook from the 1800's that I bought in the Smoky Mountains. This cookbook contains no recipes past the late 19th century. A 1920 recipe is pushing the envelope. And having such the love for 1800 livelihood - I adore my old cookbook!

The desserts section of this book is glorious! Judging by the thickness of this chapter alone in this cookbook, women by any means were not stick figures! What not with their decadent teacakes that call for thick creamy icings! Bliss!

So I chose to create a cake with icing made from scratch. (of course from scratch IS the only way!) The cake I chose is called a Snow Cake with Fluffy Vanilla Frosting. I'll also share the recipes - I'm updating older term ingredients with modern names.

(a sneak peek into the oven - I'm risking the integrity of my cake to get this shot. And yes, a good seasoned cast iron skillet is perfect for baking an old fashioned cake such as this one.)

Snow Cake

• 1/4 cup butter (shortin')
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla
• 2 egg whites
• 1 1/2 cups flour (i used organic enriched unbleached white flour)
• 2 level tsps baking powder
• 1/2 cup milk

Cream the butter, add gradually the sugar & vanilla. Beat the egg whites to a stiff froth & add. Mix and sift the flour, baking powder & add to the first mixture alternately with milk. Bake in a moderate oven for 45 minutes. (I baked the cake at 350) Cover with boiled frosting. (even though I have the recipe for boiled frosting, I substituted it for the fluffy vanilla.)

(The end result - a delish frosted old fashioned cake.)

Fluffy Vanilla Frosting

• 1/2 cup butter (shortin')
• 5 cups of powdered sugar (yes, brace yourself, this is a sweet one!)
• 2 tsp vanilla
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 4-5 Tbs milk

Cream butter, 1 cup of sugar, vanilla and salt. Add rest of sugar alternately with milk. Beat till of spreading consistency. Makes 3 cups.

I hope you all enjoy these recipes as much as the guys and I have! Mr. D says this one takes care of creating cavities for the year it being so yummy and sugary sweet! I'd even say it nearly trumps a king cake. Ha! Well, I'd better run - I'm humming along on a good sugar buzz - and there are a few dishes to do since lunch and dinner needs to begin, but not before a little painting is done! I hope everyone is having a beautiful day! xo!

A Bee-utiful New Year

2009-01-04T21:28:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year to you all! I dearly hope everyone had a wonderful and blessed holiday season. For me - A new and long blog entry awaits in the wings of tomorrow! I can hardly contain myself - I have missed writing to you all and I hope the words will flow like honey to a bee.

Speaking of which, please enjoy the fruits of my photography labor above. Thanks to Santa D! - I have a new and inspiring Canon Power Shot Camera, that these days rarely leaves my side. While polishing my macro photography skills on Saturday in the backyard - I happened to catch this sweet little honey bee hard at work pollinating the tiny flowers within the grass. Hope you all enjoy!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-20T16:55:00.001-06:00

Hello Blog Land! Merry Christmas!
I do apologize for being out of commission on my blog updates. It is my first year working retail sales during a holiday season and it is far more time consuming than I first thought possible! So I've had little time to do anything else other than work, barely eat, barely sleep, luckily bathe and go back to work! Phew! exhausting! I will resume my blogalishousness more than likely after Christmas and back into the coming New Year. I get a week off from work - I'll have PLENTY of time to catch you all up!

So here is wishing you all a very Merry and Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Consider this your Chrismas card from us. Since we all haven't had time to even check our mail much less mail out a thing! haha! Hope you all have a good one!
Remember the Reason for the Season! Now I'm off to bake a birthday cake fit for a KING! xoxoxo!

Incubator of ouchies.

2008-12-04T21:42:00.001-06:00

What a long weekend - but Thanksgiving weekend was out to get me. I had a great week - the inlaws visited us in Florida and we all had so much fun. Then Mr. D and I drove back to Mayberry MS so that he could spend the weekend with his family. I however had to return back to Florida for work. However Wednesday night - the epic plague of ouchies began. First, while on the phone with my dad, I stepped outside on the stoop at my inlaws house to sit and have a quiet phone call - since it was rather late and I didn't want to disturb anyone - I ended up falling down the stairs and slightly twisted my ankle. Ouch!

Once I arrived home to discover my dad and ms. Kim were there! for a wonderful Korean style Thanksgiving dinner! It was fantastic! Good food to soothe over achiness from travels and ankles. :O) And we have enough egg rolls and thapthai to last us for a month. (ms. kim - i know thats probably not how I spell that, haha) We all had a good time and they left on Friday morning.

It was so good to see them... Later that day on Friday and speaking of seeing, my eye kept watering and it felt like I had a boulder wedged inside. Along with the pounding head and stuffy nose. Oh no.... Not a cold! That Friday night, I was down with a full fledged achy cold and not only that - but a bulbous nasty stye in my eye. Oh wonderful!? What next? So I've spent all weekend trying to get some rest and fighting off this nasty cold. So for those who have been wondering where I have been or why I've been so quiet.... that is why.. I've been an incubator of the ouchies. :O(

Sadly, I'm not the only one. All this week there all so many others coming thru the shop doors with the same nasty cold. I can only sympathise with them. I completely know how they feel. Ah.... winter has arrived. Ahhchooo!

Go Elf Yourself.

2008-11-29T19:47:00.000-06:00

I have to say this might ever be the only time Mr.D has ever danced with me. However, You have to admit, we are so light on our toes! HAHA!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Illustration Friday - Balloon

2008-11-28T22:09:00.000-06:00

My submission for Illustration Friday's theme Balloon. This is my first entry there, I have just recently discovered the site on Wednesday in lieu of Inspire Me Thursday. I think these outlets are good to keep me on my toes in the struggle to draw something everyday if not every week. And in pushing the envelope futher and sharing it with people! yikes! I feel much like the girl in the drawing today - Distant. My mind is like the balloon - wanting to wander elsewhere but tied down. Ah such is life. Enjoy.

Inspire Me Thursday - Theme: Table

2008-11-28T20:23:00.000-06:00

My interpretation of this weeks theme - Table. It says "The Water Table Sprouts the Tree of Life". I think what I was reading and listening to influenced this little watercolour sketch. I was reading my Bible and listening to Perry Como's "There's no Place Like Home for the Holidays". Nice. :oD Hope you all enjoy it all the same.

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-26T16:29:00.001-06:00

I know, it's not today. It's tomorrow. But I work today AND Friday, so I've got to get in my holiday greetings while I can!!!

I hope you all have a fantastic Thanksgiving holiday!

Here are my small plans - which mostly consists of constant interstate travel and less time spent at the dinner table turkey lurkeying (bummer). We (Mr.D and I) are headed to Mayberry, MS tonight. Once arrived, I shall spend the night there, briefly visit with family then leave back out (alone :o<)in the early afternoon to Florida (Mr D will stay in Mayberry until Sunday). I have recently been informed Dad and Ms. Kim will be in Florida until Friday. So I'm hoping I shall return early enough on Thursday night to possibly catch dinner with them (fingers crossed). And I'll be back to the grind at work on early Friday morning - Yay Black Friday. >OP - although such is the life in retail - I honestly can't complain. Least it keeps me from gaining holiday pounds and I've probably eaten enough "to-go" food all week to throw in the towel... but oh! the joys of warm turkey and ham!

I know I posted the things I am Thankful for yesterday
but I always love a good re-run. So here it is, again...

5 Things I am Thankful For:

• God's grace, love and word - This one alone is pretty self explanatory - But as I always look back to the rough patches of the past, it was Him that always gave me the strength and willingness to move on and continue. And despite that I always seem to do really really stupid, stupid things in the lack of judgment in my youth, I am still ever blessed! And I am ever so thankful for that and His undying Love and the ultimate gift He gave for us to have salvation!

• Family and Friends - I am ever thankful for the mishmash of family and friends I have. All wonderful and different in their own ways separately. But all making a huge impact on my life and continually molding me into a better and deeper human being - even when I'm being ever so ridiculous! :oP - Especially Mr. D - He keeps me grounded, sane, and manages to soothe my stressed out woes. He is always patient, willing to listen, has a smart solution to everything and an uncanny ability to calm my nerves when I'm upset, stressed or mad. Always the rock.. I'm that little pebble.

• Life - I am thankful that God continues to see me through each day. That He spoke me into this world and that I am able to live it, as happily and healthfully as I possibly can (even if I have one too many cheeseburgers). That I am allowed to do what I can with my days. Even if I do shamelessly miss the potential in living each to the fullest in some of those days, at least I have a chance to just Live another day. That is a gift I am thankful for!

• An unbridled mind and creativity - I am thankful again for God giving me the gift of an open mind and the gift of endless creativity. Yes, sometimes I am frustrated by the endless wonderful possibilities I've missed from that - creativity - that always has my mind humming along with new projects, goals, dreams, ideals, sketches, desires, hopes and love. However I'm ever so Thankful of that... It is my entire Livelihood, captivity and survival - I Live, Eat and Breathe the breath of Creativity. Without that - I could not even fathom Being - being me.

• The Thirst for Knowledge - I am thankful for the ever present "want" to learn new things, to always want to learn how to do a new trade, learn some new tidbit of information, to thirst to know what happened in the past, how people exist, how can I do that and if possibly better, and for the thirst of always thinking and wanting - "Show me How" or " I want to know" - "Let me Try - To Do". To thirst for more education, for higher education, for never being satisfied with what I know, wanting to dive deeper into subjects, to obsess over all the details until I see fit I've drained all possibilities or until it bores me. To never settle for less when it comes to learning something new.

I would love it if you either post your Thankful responses in the comments section or on your own blog. I'm looking forward to reading your Thankfuls.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Tagged, I'm It!

2008-11-25T12:29:00.000-06:00

Today is such a wonderful glorious day and a little off topic. Thanks to mr.D, we now have internet at home! So it was installed just moments ago, and I jumped on anxiously to surf, and realized I have been tagged! I love a game of tag!

So here goes: First - I was tagged by my lovely friend from Ruebee - Ms. Amy - http://mysnugville.blogspot.com/2008/11/taggedim-it.html

15 things to know about me.... oh my!.

• I have a severe addiction to Dr. Pepper. Severe. Its sickening.
• I only dated my husband for barely 7 months before we were engaged - we eloped 4 months later. - married 5 years and counting (yes amy, I totally had to copycat you there)
• I LOVE Christmas. It is my favourite holiday. I'm an absolute nut about it.
• dreams of one day - OWNING - a vintage home that has a porch, a yard, and a two room workshop that will double as a Welding/Fabrication Shop and an Art Studio
• Is left handed and loves it
• loves to sing - whether it sounds good or not
• is a secret photographer when provided with the correct type of camera and once received a scholarship to the Hallmark School of Photography.
• Loves to illustrate and create mixed media pieces - however rarely ever shares those real works to anyone.
• Has a secret desire to learn felting (possibly will soon) and learn to knit/crochet
• Has moved more than 8 times in one year within the same state - and no, not military or enrolled in the government relocation program
• desperately loves the mountains
• would love to live on a farm and to be self sufficient
• wants to eventually be able to sew all of my own clothing - and fashionably so!
• would love to work from home
• really stinks at anything mathmatical - but is fabulous in science and history

I get to tag someone! Hmm. I'm not sure WHO to tag. So I'm leaving this one open for anyone who feels up to the challange.

The next tag game I'd promised to participate in is from a new local friend - Miss Tiffany - http://ahighcalling2007.blogspot.com/

This one is perfect in light of the Thanksgiving Holiday spirit - 5 Things I am Thankful For:

• God's grace, love and word - This one alone is pretty self explanatory - But as I always look back to the rough patches of the past, it was Him that always gave me the strenght and willingness to move on and continue. And despite that I always seem to do really really stupid, stupid things in the lack of judgement in my youth, I am still ever blessed! And I am ever so thankful for that and His undying Love and the ultimate gift He gave for us to have salvation!

• Family and Friends - I am ever thankful for the mismash of family and friends I have. All wonderful and different in their own ways seperately. But all making a huge impact on my life and continuely molding me into a better and deeper human being - even when I'm being ever so ridiculous! :oP - Especially Mr. D - He keeps me grounded, sane, and manages to soothe my stressed out woes. He is always patient, willing to listen, has a smart solution to everything and an uncanny ability to calm my nerves when I'm upset, stressed or mad. Always the rock.. I'm that little pebble.

• Life - I am thankful that God continues to see me through each day. That He spoke me into this world and that I am able to live it, as happily and healthfully as I possibly can (even if I have one too many cheeseburgers). That I am allowed to do what I can with my days. Even if I do shamelessly miss the potential in living each to the fullest in some of those days, at least I have a chance to just Live another day. That is a gift I am thankful for!

• An unbridled mind and creativity - I am thankful again for God giving me the gift of an open mind and the gift of endless creativity. Yes, sometimes I am frustrated by the endless wonderful possibilities I've missed from that - creativity - that always has my mind humming along with new projects, goals, dreams, ideals, sketches, desires, hopes and love. However I'm ever so Thankful of that... It is my entire Livilyhood, capitivity and survival - I Live, Eat and Breathe the breath of Creativity. Without that - I could not even fathom Being - being me.

• The Thirst for Knowledge - I am thankful for the ever present "want" to learn new things, to always want to learn how to do a new trade, learn some new tidbit of information, to thirst to know what happened in the past, how people exist, how can I do that and if possibly better, and for the thirst of always thinking and wanting - "Show me How" or " I want to know" - "Let me Try - To Do". To thirst for more education, for higher education, for never being satisfied with what I know, wanting to dive deeper into subjects, to obcess over all the details until I see fit I've drained all possibilities or until it bores me. To never settle for less when it comes to learning something new.

I think those 5 should do for today. Hopefully tomorrow I should be able to come up with another 5 thankfuls. I'm not going to tag any specific person here. Either post your Thankful responses in the comments section or on your own blog. I'm looking forward to reading your tags. Happy Day! Tag You're It!

Inspire Me Thursday - Theme: Einstein

2008-11-20T16:50:00.000-06:00

I've been waiting all week for this Thursdays theme to arrive. And here it is! Einstein! Genius!

Here is my interpretation of the theme - A graphic twist!

New Items in the Shop.

2008-11-19T12:03:00.000-06:00

I've just posted an assortment of new cards in the shop - Midnight Design Studio.Here is a small preview of the newest batch of paper goodies:

Golly Jolly Santa

Quite a Pear

Little Bird Birthday Card

Little Bird Birthday Card Set

Locked out.

2008-11-18T12:26:00.000-06:00

This cartoon alone speaks volumes of my day on Monday. I was locked out of my car for 3 hours. While the car was ON and running. There inside were my keys, and yes, spare clicker, my purse, most importantly my phone! (to call for help!), and everything else. I had just packed up my car to go to fashion-sewing lesson, I had decided since it was cold to warm up my car. The auto start on my clicker wasn't working, so I manually started my car, keys dangling in the ignition, all the doors unlocked, I load up my sewing machine, and shut the door to go walk around to the other side to get in, halfway around the car, I hear - CLICKTEY CLICK! My heart went Clunk! Noooooooooooooooooooooooo!

Oh dear no! - Oh yes, it had happened, thanks to the technological advances in the manufacturing world to make smarter cars, my own car locked me out. Nice. And in the cold. Nicer. So I search everywhere - no spare key, no spare clicker. Curse Modern Cars! I then thought, wait a tick! I can pop the hood and disconnect the battery cables! Least that will shut the car off until I can get in there.. I go to the hood, no latch for opening, oh no, of course not.
You have to do it from the INSIDE!! rar! Curse Modern Cars and all the bells and whistles!
I go knock on doors down the street, surely someone will let me use there phone. Not a answer. Of course not. Its only 50 degrees outside. Grr.

So after all of 3 hours waiting out on the stoop. Mr D arrives home, late of course. But luckily with the phone to call a Locksmith. I was mostly worried, not over locking the keys in, but whether my car was going to run hot sitting there idling for 3 hours. Fortunately, it didn't.
So that was my Monday - Spoiled to the 9's.

Tuesday - Since I was so worried over my car, Mr D suggested that I go get my oil and filters changed. At least that would do it some good. So I did. I went to the WDW - its cheaper to get your oil changed there - even if it is by the Mass Man. So while there, I toured and took inventory of the place, got a spare key made and a lock box - and lastly made my way down the magazine aisle. What a fortune! I found this very new magazine - Stitch. by Quilting Arts. http://quiltingarts.com/stitch/index.html
What Luck indeed - it contained patterns for several projects including several skirts, most especially the one on the cover, since that alone was what made me grab the magazine. I had thought, ooo! I LOVE that skirt! I could so rock that! Luckily, I eventually can! I am so loving the fact that I can begin to sew my own clothing! I have began on one of the patterns in the magazine - a Moebius Cowl. It is easy and tricky at the same time. And I have screwed it up already. Last night I was near 90% complete, when I realized I had misread the instructions, now I'm ripping out seams and will have to re-sew the thing tonight. I'm hoping by tonight I shall be finished with it and can sport it to work this week. Let's hope!

Then again.... seems like I'm having THAT kind of week. And who knew keys could gum up the works? I sure can't wait for Sunday - that means I get a fresh start to a new week. I can patiently wait for that! ;o) No problem. Carpe Diem?

Coffee Break

2008-11-15T17:38:00.000-06:00

I have just found this new wonderous site - www.inspiremethursday.com
and of course I'm a bit late to play. But play along all the same I shall.

This Thursday's theme was Coffee Break.
My most favourite thing to do. And I have a sketch from my moleskein to celebrate that!

Now I'm off to go enjoy a cup of joe on this cold evening. Enjoy!

Vanity Mirror.

2008-11-15T15:43:00.001-06:00

There is not much to talk about today so this post is going a little off track... Its rather cold here and work is slow. I was a bit bored. I had already updated my etsy shops with new photography and new items. I then began scouting for christmas things Mr. D wants for my list - and I thought I am lacking in the blouse department. And that made me think of the outfit I wore today. I guess here comes the vanity part. I decided to photograph what I wore. I rather like it, a quirky twist on my usual wardrobe and a solution for the lack of a nice blouse. Tada! This is me on this brisk Saturday:

And what is so different about this new found wardrobe idea, you ask?
The blouse under the knit cardigan is a dress. A quite long dress, about to the knees. It is a rather couture dress, it has really really large rose buddets and a large circue du solei type collar and pleating along the top. But it is a type of couture I think I can pull off in an everyday atmosphere. Its not to "out there" in couture standards. I bought the dress from my friends shop www.popinstudiob.com ( I designed her new website, I'm also taking fashion d lessons from her currently.)

To share what I have on:

Creme Knit Cardigan by Kenji
Silky Creme Dress (tucked in as blouse) by Miss Me Couture
Gold and Silver Metallic Woven belt by Mudd
Black Denium Skinny Jeans by Hydraulic
Silver and Black Velvet Wedge Heels by Wild Rose (an ebay find)

The jewelry was provided for the most part from my work. :o) susancampbelljewelry.com
I wore a long handlink thin bubble loop necklace by Melissa Joy Manning and I wore my own personal ring - vintage - silver with a dark blue stone (we have yet to figure out what it is).
And of course my own wedding set! Ha!

And that is my work outfit. After compiling that list, I do have to say, I think I'm wearing far too many "name brand" items than I'm normally used to. That kind of makes me antsy. None the less, it works for work and play.

On to other things - far more interesting than wardrobe - I'll also share the things I posted or say re-posted in the shops today.

The last run of the Turkey Run card matched with the Green envelope. This card has been really popular. I posted 3 sets yesterday or whenever I did, and all three were purchased immediately. So I'm posting the last two I have. I'm possibly going to post more of this design but with a different envelope option. Here is the final set:

I've also re-taken and re-posted new photographs for my Sea Impression necklaces. I was a bit hasty the first go around on photographing. This time I went slow, added some stationary for background colour and came up with far better photos than before. I am pleased. So check out the entire collection of all new photos of the Sea Impression necklaces at At Sea Level Studios
Here are a few examples of those new photos:

So what a day, right? haha - yeah right! Well I am looking forward to getting finished with the last 30 minutes of work, to have the remainder of the evening to spend at home, watch Juno, print stationary, and for the remainder of the weekend - Sun, Mon, Tues - work on a calendar collection, work on my skirt pattern for my lesson, sew all new wallets and bags for the At Sea Level shop, and of course print more stationary - trying to finish all the designs I have jotted in my idea book ranging from birthdays, babes, weddings, invitations, summer, all the holidays, etc
So here is wishing you all a wonderous and fullfilling weekend! Carpe Diem Indeed.

By the way - A shout out to my newest Blog subscriber - My Pops! Hi Dad! He just got a new computer (with internet! thank the stars) and now he can keep up with all my little adventures. Hurrah!

New Items in the Shops.

2008-11-13T17:46:00.000-06:00

Another retro twist of a Christmas card at Midnight Design Studio

Retro Christmas Reindeer

And... then an all NEW design for the recycled plastic - a full size PURSE! This purse measures 8x11 inches - it took 28 plastic bags to make this one. That is a lot of recycling! You can claim this baby over At Sea Level Studios

Recycled Plastic Purse

New Items in the Shop.

2008-11-12T18:17:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone! Sorry I've been MIA for the past few days. I had my usual two days off on Monday and Tuesday. I was VERY busy with my fashion design lessons, attending Arts Council Meetings, AND most importantly.... designing and printing all NEW holiday cards for Midnight Design Studios! Time to start thinking over those holiday mailing lists! Eep! only barely two months left! We all had better get to it and get our pens, pencils and stamps ready!

Help Support the Mailman - He's got to put Dinner on the table too! :oD

Gobble Gobble - Turkey Run

Remembering the Nina, the Pinta and the Santa Maria

I am Thankful for... (Thankful Sentiment Dinner Cards)

For Peace, Joy and Love

Road Trip Photo Collage

2008-11-06T15:02:00.001-06:00

Here are just a few of the photos from my trip, which was absolutely amazing! Just some quick snapshots of over 365 photos, we brought back with us. ****EDIT* I'm not sure why, but some photos are being clipped short. Just click on the photo to see the full bit. ****

Sunlit Mountains, just past Chimney Tops

Mr D. trying to dodge out of the photo.

Me in my Hiking Mini boots. I'm ready to go!

SNOW!! ??? in Autumn? Regardless, I was excited! Under dressed but excited.

The Betty amongst the Mountains and Snow Chunks.

Mr. D running back from playing in the snow. Look at that face, like a kid in a candy store!

One of the Vistas on the way to Clingman's Dome

An Artful Snapshot of the Mingus Mill

The Mingus Mill - North Carolina

The Fall colours were so vivid. I honestly have never experienced fall colour like that in my life.

The Sign to the Mingus Mill. The Mill was actually running that day with demonstrations.And fresh corn mill ground there for purchasing. It was really educational and amazing to watch.

What I like to call "The Village" but its actually the visitors center on the North Carolina side of the Smokies. But the farm houses and cabins were an original settlement.

We accidentally drove into Cherokee... Its amazing how good conversation and beautiful vistas can cause the Navigator to miss a turn. Opps! Oh well, it was fun none the less.

Little Pigeon River in Gatlinburg at dusk.

Deer hiding and grazing about in Cades Cove.

Mr. D just had to have a photo with his old favourite tv show of childhood. It really is a neat tv pop culture museum to visit. Too bad Daisy's Jeep wasn't there... bummer.

One of the many 1800s mountain cabins in the park.

Live Demonstration of Apple Butter making in Cades Cove... As well as Tasting! Apple Butter is by far the best when fresh from that bucket. Hot, Syrup Sugary Goodness! I loved that little lady. She was just a stirring, but it almost seemed as if she was posing for me.

An artful shot of a Homestead Cabin in Cades Cove.

Mr. D wanted me to strike a pose at this little homestead. Everything about this home was short. He said it was my perfect house. Poor fellow had to duck through the entire place.

Mr D taking a rest on one of the old wagons.

Fresh Cornmill from the Grist Mill in Cades Cove.

The Mill Wheel at Cades Cove.

A Live Demonstration of Black Smithing at Cades Cove. We stood around to watched this fellow for forever. It was very neat to see and smell! Blacksmithing smells really good surprisingly.

The Grist Mill in Cades Cove.

A Scenic Vista in Cades Cove.

We stopped for a bit in Cades Cove to play in one of the large fields there.. Here Mr. D is being mischeivous and plotting to throw a pine cone at me.

Me being Camera Shy up stream.

The View from our Lodging Balcony.

Stuffed Birds in the Sugarlands Visitors Center Museum.
I was actually trying to take photos of the illustrations, which I thought were beautiful. Instead, I came out with this creepy cool photo. The Cardinal looks ticked off!

A Mountain Stream on one of our quiet hikes through the Mountains.

This was an interesting find on a hike we took along a Spurce and Fir Forrest nature trail up near Clingman's Dome. It is Marble! It was a beautiful white, at first I thought it was snow then realized it was a huge rock of marble! I had no idea! Can you imagine what that slab must cost!

An overturned tree. It is one of the Old Growth trees that is beyond hundreds of years old. I was amazed by the sheer size of its root system. So I thought I would post here so you could understand how HUGE this toppled tree was. I still cannot believe its mass.

I just had to .... its historically epic!

Mr. D stopping for a moment along the Spruce and Fir Nature trail near Clingman's Dome.

An Amazing Vista atop Clingman's Dome. What a Hike that was! Phew!

Another Artful Snapshot at Mingus Mill.

I have so many more photos I would just love to share. But these are a few of my favourites. I had wished there was more time to explore so many more wonderful areas in the Old Growth side of the park. Though we had the most wonderful time! And brought back so many wonderful goodies and memories! That is what counts the most! We are planning another trip again soon!

New Item in the Shop.

2008-11-06T12:19:00.000-06:00

I've just listed a new item in the shop. It is a perfect example of the artist collaboration between my shop At Sea Level and Katelyn's shop KM Knits. Katelyn made several knitted circles for a brooch idea I've been wanting to try with my clay Sea Impressions. And here are the results:

Sea Impression Brooch - Kitten's Paw

The description: A colourful natural fossil-esc brooch made a from crochet knitted circle and impressed clay button of a Kitten's Paw shell. This brooch looks great to dress up a plain blouse or can also be pinned on a lovely handbag for added flair.

My clay pieces are made by pressing sea findings into wet clay. I then fire the clay until it has set, these impressions are highlighted in paint to accent the depth. My impressions come from the sea findings I discover on my daily walks along the beachfront I reside.

The Knit Circle has been created by the wonderful Katelyn of KM Knits. Check out her shop for other wonderful knitted wears at www.kmknits.etsy.com

The brooch comes beautifully wrapped, and safely packaged for the trip home to you. Also included is note card containing information about the impression.

Onto other things that does not involve the shop. I've finally finished the album for my photos from the trip. Yes, I will be posting a few of the photos and the story along with them. However, if you want to view ALL of the pics, follow the link here... email me at atsealevel.etsy@gmail.com for the password. The Photos : http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v642/sewsudchic/Smoky%20Mountain%20Road%20Trip/

Catch up.

2008-11-05T13:58:00.000-06:00

I'm back from my wonderful Autumnal Road Trip to the Smoky Mountains. It was absolutely stunning and I am terribly torn that we had to leave it behind so soon. Words cannot even begin to describe the absolute beauty of nature that was before us and always reminds me of my place here on Earth. I always forget how truly breathtaking the mountains are, until I'm literally there. I am "homesick" already to go back and Mr D and I are already scheming two more trips in the distant future. The Autumnal beauty really had taken us back and made us literally contemplate if the Coastal life should be our permanence. I believe he and I learned far more in this trip about the area than we ever had in years past and made the experience that more compelling.

I have numerous amounts of photos. So much so, that I'm still going thru them. Trying to choose which ones to share with you all (I want to share ALL the photos!) and trying to figure out what would be the best way to share them. I guess Photobucket would be ideal. However I do like Flickr's overall share ability. I will post the photos sometime this week.

At the moment, I'm still playing Catch-Up at work and at home for going away. The house required two days worth of good scrubbing and airing out from a celebratory weekend by Mr. S. It was his birthday and he had friends over, and boys will be boys. But the house is back in ship shape order. I returned to work today to "clean house" and catch up on items here. Tonight will be an Etsy Shop Catch up on making custom orders and take care of shipping orders that were made over the weekend.

Sometime this week, I also need to sketch out a few mock-up logos for a city meeting I'm having to attend. I'm trying to create the "brand identity" for Gallery Night - that takes place here each month. I'm rather nervous about this meeting. Its a rather big "To-Do" thing. And if the committee likes my logo ideas, my logo design will be used City wide on all promotions, and not only city wide, but possibly state and world wide web as well. Ah~! the pressure! But I'm surely not going to let this opportunity pass me, its a ship I plan on catching to put my work out there.

Another thing that is sitting heavy on my mind are the election results. I did not watch it last night. My stomach was already in knots over the outcome. I could not bare to watch it all unfold.

And only to awaken to a appalling outcome. *sigh* My heart and mind wants to panic at the thought. But I should not allow fear to creep into my thoughts. I keep forgetting to remind myself that no matter the lack of choice for the Oval Office, God is truly in charge, and He will protect and govern His people accordingly, and that we shall have no fear for what is to come. It has already been predestined and written by His Plan. So despite the whimsy of surrounding people and the shard shadows of media, I need to keep myself in remindance and keep a calm collected outlook.

However, its good to know that I'm not the only one that feels this way. I recently read an excerpt from one of my favourite Christian blogs, and her words struck home to my heart and reminded me of the truth. And quote - "It frightens me, terribly, to think of who it may be. There is but one thing that keeps my head held high. No matter who wins, no matter to whose name will be added the word, President, it is God who will lead our country. If the hearts of his people are turned to him, he will lead us. He will guide us and protect us." - unquote

My heart was all a flutter this morning of hurt and fear. But now I am am calm and cool. Its going to be alright. :o) I know who the real Commander In Chief truely is. And He gets all my votes and support! May the flock rest easy and sleep soundly, in the coming days...

In all of this I'm reminded of a poem by Robert Frost.

The Peaceful Shepherd

If heaven were to do again,
And on the pasture bars,
I leaned to line the figures in
Between the dotted starts,

I should be tempted to forget,
I fear, the Crown of Rule,
The Scales of Trade, the Cross of Faith,
As hardly worth renewal.

For these have governed in our lives,
And see how men have warred.
The Cross, the Crown, the Scales may all
As well have been the Sword.

A Little History Lesson.

2008-11-04T04:45:00.000-06:00

Franklin D. Roosevelt dedicated the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on September 2, 1940, "for the permanent enjoyment of the people."

Becoming a national park was not easy for the Great Smokies. Joining the National Park System took a lot of money and the hard work of thousands of people.

Establishing most of the older parks located in the western United States, such as Yellowstone, was fairly easy. Congress merely carved them out of lands already owned by the government—often places where no one wanted to live anyway. But getting park land in this area was a different story. The land that became Great Smokies National Park was owned by hundreds of small farmers and a handful of large timber and paper companies. The farmers did not want to leave their family homesteads, nor did the large corporations want to abandon huge forests of timber, many miles of railroad track, extensive systems of logging equipment, and whole villages of employee housing.

The idea to create a national park in these mountains started in the late 1890s. A few farsighted people began to talk about a public land preserve in the cool, healthful air of the southern Appalachians. A bill even entered the North Carolina Legislature to this effect, but failed. By the early 20th century, many more people in the North and South were pressuring Washington for some kind of public preserve, but they were in disagreement on whether it should be a national park or a national forest.

There are important differences between national parks and national forests, and each concept had its cheering section. In a national forest, consumptive use of renewable resources is permitted under the multiple use management concept. Because the forests were initially set aside for timber harvesting and grazing, the national forests were made a bureau in the Department of Agriculture.

In a national park, however, the scenery and resources are protected, and nature is allowed to run its course. The ultimate decision to establish a national park meant that the scenery, resources, and some of the native architecture would be protected for all people to enjoy into the infinite future.

The drive to create a national park became successful in the mid-1920s, with most of the hard working supporters based in Knoxville, Tennessee, and Asheville, North Carolina. The two groups had long been competitors over the location of the national park, but they finally began pulling together for a park in the heart of the Smokies, halfway between the two cities.

As a matter of past history and present interest, the park movement was directed not by the hardcore conservationists, backpackers, and trout fishermen, but motorists. The newly formed auto clubs, mostly branches of the AAA, were interested in good roads through beautiful scenery on which they could drive their shiny new cars.

In May, 1926, a bill was signed by President Calvin Coolidge that provided for the establishment of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Shenandoah National Park. This allowed the Department of the Interior to assume responsibility for administration and protection of a park in the Smokies as soon as 150,000 acres of land had been purchased.

Since the government was not allowed to buy land for national park use, the former political boosters had to become fund raisers. In the late 1920s, the Legislatures of Tennessee and North Carolina appropriated $2 million each for land purchases. Additional money was raised by individuals, private groups, and even school children who pledged their pennies. By 1928, a total of $5 million had been raised. Trouble was, the cost of the land had now doubled, so the campaign ground to a halt. The day was saved when the Laura Spellman Rockefeller Memorial Fund donated $5 million, assuring the purchase of the remaining land.

But buying the land was difficult, even with the money in hand. There thousands of small farms, large tracts, and other miscellaneous parcels that had to be surveyed, appraised, dickered over, and sometimes condemned in court. The timber and paper companies had valuable equipment and standing inventory which required compensation.

Worse, in some ways, were the emotional losses to people who had to walk away from their homes. A later survey of the displaced people showed that about half took the money and ran and were glad to have it; while the other half expressed feelings from mild inconvenience to outright hostility.

Some people were allowed to stay under lifetime leases, particularly if they were too old or too sick to move. Younger ones were granted leases on a short-term basis, if they wanted to try to stick it out. However, they could not cut timber, hunt and trap at will, or otherwise live as they always had.

The first Superintendent of the new park arrived in 1931. By 1934, the states of Tennessee and North Carolina had transferred deeds for 300,000 acres to the federal government. Congress thus authorized full development of public facilities.

Much of the early development of facilities and restoration of early settlers' buildings was done by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), an agency created during the Depression to provide work and wages for unemployed young men. The CCC worked from 1933 to 1942 when World War II finally shut the program down. Many of the trails, campgrounds, and the beautiful stone bridges and buildings are examples of their work.

The park was formally dedicated by President Franklin Roosevelt in September, 1940. He spoke from the Rockefeller Monument at Newfound Gap astride the Tennessee - North Carolina state line. That ceremony dedicated a sanctuary that is not a local park, a county park, or even a state park, but a national park for all the people of the country and the rest of the world to enjoy.

Auto Touring.

2008-11-03T04:39:00.000-06:00

Auto touring has long been a favorite way to enjoy the park.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park encompasses over 800 square miles and is one of the most pristine natural areas in the East. An auto tour of the park offers a variety of experiences, including panoramic views, tumbling mountain streams, weathered historic buildings, and mature hardwood forests stretching to the horizon.

There are 384 miles of road to choose from in the Smokies. Most are paved, and even the gravel roads are maintained in suitable condition for standard passenger cars. Travel speeds on most of the park’s paved roads average 30 miles per hour.

Inexpensive booklets are available to serve as your personal tour guides along many park roads. These booklets are keyed to numbered posts or landmarks and include information on park history, wildlife, and plants. Booklets are available for the following roads:

Cades Cove Loop Road
Cataloochee Valley
Newfound Gap Road
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
Upper Tremont Road

In addition, the book Smokies Road Guide covers main thoroughfares and scenic backroads in the park. This book and the self-guiding auto tour booklets listed above are available at park visitor centers and online. Self-guiding tour booklets are also available from dispensers at the start of the roads they cover.

Please check for seasonal and weather-related road closures before planning an auto tour.

The following are descriptions of several favorite auto-touring destinations:

Newfound Gap Road
In southern Appalachian vernacular, a “gap” is a low point along a ridge or mountain range. The old road over the Smoky Mountains crossed at Indian Gap, located about 1.5 miles west of the current site. When the lower, easier crossing was discovered, it became known as the “newfound” gap.

A trip over the Newfound Gap Road has often been compared to a drive from Georgia to Maine in terms of the variety of forest ecosystems one experiences. Starting from either Cherokee, North Carolina or Gatlinburg, Tennessee, travelers climb approximately 3,000 feet, ascending through cove hardwood, pine-oak, and northern hardwood forest to attain the evergreen spruce-fir forest at Newfound Gap (5,046').

Temperatures at the gap may be 10° F. or more cooler than in the lowlands and precipitation falling as rain in Gatlinburg may be snow at Newfound Gap. From the parking area at Newfound Gap you can straddle the state line between North Carolina and Tennessee or take a stroll on the Appalachian Trail, a 2,200 mile footpath running from Georgia to Maine.

Just south of Newfound Gap, the seven-mile Clingmans Dome Road climbs to within 0.5 mile of Clingmans Dome (6,643'), the highest peak in the Smokies (and third highest in the East). From the large parking area at the end of the road, a 0.5-mile trail climbs steeply to an observation tower at the “top of old Smoky.” Clingmans Dome Road is closed in winter (December 1 - March 31).

Download a free podcast of the Newfound Gap Self-Guiding Auto Tour The Great Smoky Mountains Association, the park's non-profit partner, offers several podcasts from the Smokies, including the Newfound Gap Auto Tour. Visit their website for download instructions.

Cades Cove
Cades Cove is a broad, verdant valley surrounded by mountains. An 11-mile, one-way loop road circles the cove, offering motorists the opportunity to sightsee at a leisurely pace. Allow at least two to four hours to tour Cades Cove, longer if you walk some of the area’s trails. The loop road is closed from sunset to sunrise.

For hundreds of years Cherokee Indians hunted in Cades Cove but archeologists have found no evidence of major settlements. The first Europeans settled in the cove sometime between 1818 and 1821. By 1830 the population of the area had already swelled to 271. Cades Cove offers the widest variety of historic buildings of any area in the national park. Scattered along the loop road are three churches, a working grist mill, barns, log houses, and many other faithfully restored eighteenth and nineteenth century structures. An inexpensive self-guiding tour booklet available at the entrance to the road provides in-depth information about the buildings and the people who built and used them.

Cades Cove also offers some of the best opportunities for wildlife viewing in the park. Large numbers of white-tailed deer are frequently seen, and sightings of black bear, coyote, ground hog, Wild Turkey, raccoon, skunk, and other animals are also possible. On Wednesday and Saturday mornings from May through September, Cades Cove Loop Road is open only to bicyclists, walkers, and concession-operated hay wagons. Automobiles are prohibited on the loop road on these mornings until 10:00 a.m.

Roaring Fork
The Roaring Fork area is a favorite side trip for many people who frequently visit the Smokies. It offers rushing mountain streams, glimpses of old-growth forest, and a number of well-preserved log cabins, grist mills, and other historic buildings. To access Roaring Fork, turn off the main parkway in Gatlinburg, TN., at traffic light #8 and follow Historic Nature Trail to the Cherokee Orchard entrance to the national park.

The Noah “Bud” Ogle self-guiding nature trail provides a walking tour of an authentic mountain farmstead and surrounding hardwood forest. Highlights include a streamside tubmill and the Ogle’s handcrafted wooden flume plumbing system.

Just beyond the Rainbow Falls trailhead you have the option of taking the one-way Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. This narrow, but paved, road twists and turns for six miles beside rich forests, waterfalls, and mountain streams. Buses, trailers, and motor homes are not permitted on the motor nature trail. An inexpensive booklet available at the beginning of the motor nature trail details landmarks along the route.

“Roaring Fork” is the name of the stream which the road roughly parallels. It is one of the larger and faster flowing mountain streams in the park. Drive this road after a hard rain and the inspiration behind the name will be apparent.

Several homes and other buildings have been preserved in this area. And a “wet weather” waterfall called Place of a Thousand Drips provides a splendid finale to your journey.

Balsam Mountain and Heintooga Ridge
During the heat of summer or the “madding crowds” of October, the Heintooga Ridge/Balsam Mountain area is an excellent high elevation escape. Frequent overlooks offer sweeping mountain vistas and roadsides provide some of the best displays of summer wildflowers in the Smokies.

To reach the Heintooga Ridge/Balsam Mountain area you must leave Great Smoky Mountains National Park briefly and drive the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway. The parkway begins midway between Oconaluftee Visitor Center and Cherokee, NC Exit the parkway near milepost 458 at the turnoff to Balsam Mountain Campground. You will follow the mile-high Heintooga Ridge Road for eight miles to Balsam Mountain Campground (5,310').

Near the campground entrance, a short self-guiding nature trail provides a good orientation to the area’s northern hardwood and spruce-fir forest. Heintooga Picnic Area and Overlook are one mile beyond the campground. Restrooms are also available here. The overlook offers views of the vast wilderness where some Cherokee Indians retreated to avoid removal on the tragic Trail of Tears. From the picnic area you can either turn around and return the way you came or continue down the one-way, gravel Balsam Mountain Road. Driving time to Cherokee is about one hour via the Balsam Mountain Road which is maintained in condition suitable for passenger cars (motor homes and vehicles pulling trailers are prohibited).

Cataloochee
Some 1,200 people lived in this lovely mountain valley in 1910, making it one of the largest communities in the Smokies. Agriculture, including commercial apple growing, was the primary occupation. Some families also boarded fishermen and other tourists.

A variety of historic buildings have been preserved in the valley, including two churches, a school, and several homes and outbuildings. This is the best place in the park to see historic frame buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Access requires driving two miles on a narrow gravel road, but it is well-maintained and passable for standard passenger vehicles. To get there from I-40, exit at North Carolina exit #20. After 0.2 mile, turn right and follow the signs 11 miles into Cataloochee Valley. To get there from Oconaluftee or Cherokee, take the Blue Ridge Parkway to Highway 19. Follow 19 (toward Asheville) through Maggie Valley. Turn left onto Highway 276 N. Just before the entrance ramp to I-40 (but past gas station), turn left and follow the signs 11 more miles to Cataloochee.

Visitors to Cataloochee also enjoy viewing deer, elk, turkey, and other wildlife. Wildlife watching can be especially fruitful during mornings and evenings in the valley’s open fields.

The Boogerman Trail, a seven-mile loop that takes in groves of old-growth forest, is popular with hikers. Cataloochee Creek and its tributaries are noted for their populations of wild trout. Information and exhibits are available seasonally at the Palmer House and a self-guiding tour booklet may be purchased from a dispenser near the entrance to the valley.

Beating the Crowds
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is America’s most visited national park. Times when visitation is highest are July 1-August 15 and October (especially October weekends). During these times, traffic may become congested, especially on the Newfound Gap and Cades Cove Loop roads. Fortunately, lesser-used roads and off-the-beaten path destinations are scattered throughout the park. Anytime you want to escape the crowds, try one of these alternatives:

Foothills Parkway East or West

Balsam Mountain and Heintooga Ridge roads
Rich Mountain Road*
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

*motorists must travel part of the busy Cades Cove Loop Road to access this one-way backroad (closed in winter).

In summer, motorists can also avoid the crowds by traveling before 10:00 a.m. in the morning or after 5:00 p.m. in the evening. During October, traffic is heaviest during the afternoons and evenings.

Elk.

2008-11-02T04:34:00.000-06:00

The experimental release of elk into Great Smoky Mountains National Park began in February, 2001 with the importation of 25 elk from the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area along the Tennessee-Kentucky border. In 2002, the park imported another 27 animals. All elk are radio collared and will be monitored during the five-year experimental phase of the project. If the animals threaten park resources or create significant conflicts with park visitors, the program may be halted. Project partners include the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Parks Canada, Great Smoky Mountains Natural History Association, Friends of the Smokies, the U.S.G.S. Biological Resources Division, and the University of Tennessee.

Elk once roamed the southern Appalachian Mountains and elsewhere in the eastern United States. They were eliminated from the region by over-hunting and loss of habitat. The last elk in North Carolina was believed to have been killed in the late 1700s. In Tennessee, the last elk was killed in the mid-1800s. By 1900, the population of elk in North America dropped to the point that hunting groups and other conservation organizations became concerned the species was headed for extinction.

A primary mission of the National Park Service is to preserve native plants and animals on lands it manages. In cases where native species have been eliminated from park lands, the National Park Service may choose to reintroduce them. Successful wildlife reintroductions in Great Smoky Mountains National Park have included the river otter, Peregrine Falcon, and three species of small fish.

Elk Facts
SIZE: adult males weigh an average of 600-700 pounds. Cows average 500 pounds. Adults are 7-10 feet long from nose to tail and stand 4.5 - 5 feet tall at the shoulder. Adult males have antlers that may reach a width of five feet.

DIET: grasses, forbs, and acorns; bark, leaves, and buds from shrubs and trees.

PREDATORS: coyotes, bobcats, and black bears may kill young, sick, or injured elk. Gray wolves and mountain lions, both of which have been extirpated from the Great Smoky Mountains, are successful predators of elk elsewhere.

OFFSPRING: cows usually give birth to only one calf per year. Newborns weigh about 35 pounds. They can stand within minutes of birth and calf and cow usually rejoin the herd within a couple of weeks. Calves nurse for 1-7 months. Females are ready to breed in the second autumn of their lives.

LIFESPAN: elk can live as long as 15 years.

SENSES: elk have an acute sense of smell and excellent eyesight.

Seasons of the Elk
SPRING: most elk shed their antlers in March. The antlers, which are rich in calcium, are quickly eaten by rodents and other animals. (It is illegal to remove antlers from the national park.) After they have shed their antlers, elk immediately begin growing new ones. In late spring elk shed their winter coats and start growing sleek, copper-colored, one-layer summer coats.

SUMMER: most calves are born in early June. Male elk roll in mud wallows to keep cool and avoid insect pests. By August, elk antlers are full grown and have shed their "velvet." Calves have lost their spots by summer's end.

FALL: male elk make their legendary bugling calls to challenge other bulls and attract cows. Their calls may be heard a mile or more away. Large bulls use their antlers to intimidate and spar with other males. Most encounters are ritualistic and involve little physical contact; only occasionally do conflicts result in serious injuries to one or more combatants. During the "rut" in September and early October, dominant bulls gather and breed with harems of up to 20 cows.

WINTER: elk wear a two-layer coat during the colder months. Long guard hairs on the top repel water and a soft, wooly underfur keeps them warm. Elk may move from the high country to valleys to feed. Elk may travel beyond the boundaries of Great Smoky Mountains National Park in search of new territories. Most non-cropland adjacent to the park is designated as elk buffer zone. If elk move onto these lands but do not come into conflict with private property or the public, no action will be taken. If elk cause significant property damage or other conflict, the National Park Service will remove the animals.

Viewing Elk
The best times to view elk are usually early morning and late evening. Elk may also be active on cloudy summer days and before or after storms. Enjoy elk at a distance, using binoculars or a spotting scope for close-up views. Approaching wildlife too closely causes them to expend crucial energy unnecessarily and can result in real harm. If you approach an animal so closely that it stops feeding, changes direction of travel, or otherwise alters its behavior, you are too close!

Most of the elk are located in the Cataloochee area in the southeastern section of the park. The easiest way to reach Cataloochee is from Interstate highway I-40. Exit I-40 at North Carolina exit #20. After 0.2 mile, turn right onto Cove Creek Road and follow signs 11 miles into Cataloochee valley. Allow at least 45 minutes to reach the valley once you exit I-40.

Warning!
Elk are large animals-larger than the park's black bears-and can be dangerous. Female elk with calves have charged people in defense of their offspring. Males (bulls) may perceive people as challengers to their domain and charge. The best way to avoid these hazards is to keep your distance. Never touch or move elk calves. Though they may appear to be orphaned, chances are their mother is nearby. Cows frequently leave their newborn calves while they go off to feed. A calf's natural defense is to lie down and remain still. The same is true for white-tailed deer fawns.

Fall Colour.

2008-11-01T04:29:00.000-05:00

Bull Head on October 24, 2006 with a hoar frost at high elevation and autumn colors at low-mid elevations.

Fall Color Update
October 30, 2008 - Low elevations on the Tennessee side of the park are very colorful now. Many oaks are still green but other species are showing vivid colors. Middle and higher elevations are generally past peak and many trees are bare.

Colors at all elevations on the North Carolina side of the park are generally past peak, but a few trees at low elevation are still colorful.

Roads at lower elevations, such a Little River Road, are good choices this week.

The next fall color update will be posted in approximately one week.

Did You Know?
About 100 native tree species make their home in Great Smoky Mountains National Park—more than in all of northern Europe. The park also contains one of the largest blocks of old-growth temperate deciduous forest in North America.

The park usually experiences an autumn leaf season of several weeks as fall colors travel down the mountainsides from high elevation to low. However, the timing of fall color change depends upon so many variables that the exact dates of "peak" season are impossible to predict in advance.

Elevation profoundly affects when fall colors change in the park. At higher elevations, where the climate is similar to New England’s, color displays start as early as mid-September with the turning of yellow birch, American beech, mountain maple, hobblebush, and pin cherry.

From early to mid-October, fall colors develop above 4,000 feet. To enjoy them, drive the Clingmans Dome Road, the Blue Ridge Parkway, or the Foothills Parkway.

The fall color display usually reaches peak at mid and lower elevations between mid-October and early November. This is the park’s most spectacular display as it includes such colorful trees as sugar maple, scarlet oak, sweetgum, red maple, and the hickories.

Autumn is both a beautiful and a busy time in the Great Smoky Mountains. The annual show of fall colors attracts huge numbers of sightseers, especially during the last three weeks of October. Areas in the park which experience the longest traffic delays are Cades Cove and Newfound Gap Road (U.S. 441). Try some of these suggested autumn drives and hikes to enjoy fall leaf colors in areas of the park that are a little less crowded.

Why are fall colors so remarkable in the Smokies? One reason is the park’s amazing diversity of trees. Some 100 species of native trees live in the Smokies and the vast majority of these are deciduous.

How do colors change? As summer ends, the green pigments in leaves deteriorate, giving other colors a chance to shine. Carotenoids, the pigment that makes carrots orange and leaves yellow, are exposed as the green fades. Reds and purples come from anthocyanins, a pigment that is formed when sugars in leaves break down in bright autumn sunlight.

There are no motels or rental cabins located within the national park. However, communities surrounding the national park offer a wide choice of accommodations including hotels, cabins, bed and breakfasts, and campgrounds. October is a busy month in the park, so it is advisable to make accommodation reservations as early as possible. Information about accommodations in the surrounding communities.

Black Bear Friday.

2008-10-31T04:01:00.000-05:00

Scientists believe 1,500 black bears may live in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the few places remaining in the eastern United States where black bears can live in wild, natural surroundings. For many, this famous Smokies’ resident is a symbol of wilderness.

Bears inhabit all elevations of the park. Though populations are variable, counts conducted in 2006 indicated approximately 1,500 bears live in the park. This equals a population density of approximately two bears per square mile. At one time, the black bear’s range included most of North America except the extreme west coast. Because of the loss of habitat, the black bear is now confined to wooded areas or dense brushland.

All black bears in the park are black in color, but in other parts of the country they may be brown or cinnamon. They may be six feet in length and up to three feet high at the shoulder. During the summer months, a typical male bear weighs approximately 250 pounds while females are generally smaller and weigh less slightly over 100 pounds. However, bears may double their weight by the fall. Bears over 600 pounds have been documented in the park. Wild bears can live 12-15 years or more. "Panhandler" bears, who have had access to human foods and garbage, have a life expectancy of only half that time.

Bears, like humans, are omnivores. Plant materials such as berries and nuts make up approximately 85% of their diet. Insects and animal carrion provide valuable sources of protein for bears.

Bears have color vision and a keen sense of smell. In addition, they are good tree climbers, can swim very well, and can run 30 miles per hour.

Bear Behavior
Bears are most active during early morning and late evening hours in spring and summer. Mating usually takes place in July. Both female and male bears may have more than one mate during the summer.

Bears choose a denning site with the coming of cold weather. Dens are usually hollow stumps, tree cavities, or wherever there is shelter. Bears in the Smokies are unusual in that they often den high above the ground in standing hollow trees. Bears do not truly hibernate, but enter long periods of sleep. They may leave the den for short periods if disturbed or during brief warming trends.

One to four cubs are born during the mother’s winter sleep, usually in January. Bears weigh eight ounces at birth. Females with newly born cubs usually emerge from their winter dens in late March or early April. Commonly born in pairs, the cubs will remain with the mother for about eighteen months or until she mates again.

Bear Management
Habitual panhandler bears must be aversive conditioned or destroyed. If the bears are managed soon after they start to lose their wild behavior, they have a better chance of returning to natural food foraging behavior. Until 1991, the park’s management policy centered on live trapping problem bears and relocating them away from developed areas. Frequently, they returned and had to be trapped repeatedly or removed from the park entirely.

Now wildlife managers use proactive aversive conditioning that involves capturing, working-up, and releasing bears back into the same area. The work-up involves tranquilizing the animal and performing a safe medical examination on the bear. While the procedure is harmless to the bear, it is unpleasant and re-instills a fear of humans. This approach allows bears to remain in their home range, but they shy away from the developed areas.

In addition, bear-proof garbage cans have been replaced with larger bear-proof dumpsters. Volunteers and park staff diligently patrol the busiest picnic areas in the evenings to watch for potential problem bears and to clean up any trash that has been left out. Public education and law enforcement efforts have also been stepped up. So far the results are encouraging and the number of problem bears has been reduced.

Other Threats to Bears
Non-Native Species: The European wild hog is one of the most direct threats to the black bear. These pervasive intruders feed on the acorns and other mast that is a mainstay in the bear’s diet. Another exotic species, the gypsy moth, is headed southward. This insect defoliates oak trees, weakening them. Not only could the bear’s food source of acorns be affected, but some of the prime denning spots in old growth trees may be lost.

Poaching: Unfortunately, the lure of high profits on international markets encourages the poaching of black bears. Several cultures believe that bear gall bladders, paws, and claws have medicinal powers or consider them gourmet delicacies.

Urban Encroachment: Community and private developments near park boundaries are causing a loss in habitat for the bears. Poaching activities can be somewhat curtailed, and bear populations can eventually rebound from the losses. But once the critical habitats are destroyed, major declines in bear populations are inevitable. In addition, bears that venture outside park boundaries into neighboring communities may encounter human food and become unpredictable and dangerous "nuisance" bears.

ThisClose.

2008-10-30T15:55:00.000-05:00

I am thisclose to heading out to the Great Smoky Mountains for a wonderful weekend of nature exploration. My to-do list has narrowed down quite a bit. The excitement and anticipation is building now. I'm just moments away from leaving work from now until next Wednesday!
In the meantime, I shall schedule my daily posts as necessary for all my avid readers, of fun facts about my weekend getaway. Hope you all will enjoy those whilst I'm gone. And I will be back with photos and stories, which I'm sure will fill an entire week's worth of entries to come!
Have a Great Weekend to all! Happy Fall Harvest and Happy Halloween! With Love - K

fall snow

2008-10-29T11:17:00.001-05:00

This was this mornings web cam shot from Look Rock in the Smoky Mountains. Snow! Fall Snow! Just to make sure I was seeing this correctly, I visited the Gatlinburg web page as well as the Park's own web page, and sure enough they report snow in the higher elevations!

Wow. This calls for a re-evaluation on packing! I was thinking it was going to be a brisk cold. Just enough for a few long sleeves and sweaters. But this calls for the big girl Michelin man jacket, especially for the hikes I have planned, which are in the higher elevations. And sturdy warm boots. Packing is now going to be more involved than I expected. I think tonight, Mr. D and I will go purchase a few thermals.

I still have a lot to do on my list. Its almost crazy on trying not to overwhelm myself with my excitement and plans. This week has been beyond busy. Here is the remainder of my To-Do list:

Shop for Thermals
Ship out the last of the Etsy Orders
Set shops to Vacation Mode
Print directions to the hotel, etc
Wash clothes (Thurs Nite)
Dye my hair, scrub and moisturize!
Boost immune system with Emergen-C
Clean house and put items away
Secure plants indoors (don't forget to water!)
Pack Clothing and Essentials (Thurs Nite)
Prepare the house and Mr. Buddy for being away.
Make sure all the files at work are finalized
Make sure all the freelance projects loose ends are tied/finalized
Give Mr. S deposit slips and Friday bills to be taken care of.
Make Trail Mix and prepare foods (Thurs Nite)
Pack and Prepare the car/box (Thurs Nite)
Print out Hike Maps/Plans

I'm sure there are a million more things to do. Those are the only ones that are pressing my mind at the moment. So much to do and time is approaching fast. I can hardly wait! Yay!

New Item in the Shop

2008-10-28T15:18:00.001-05:00

Hi everyone! Happy Tuesday!
I have just listed yet another item in the shop!

Cupcake Birthday Card

The Description: This listing is for (5) A2 flat note cards. Featuring graphics in an simple askew design of Polka Dots and a Cute little Cupcake and the text "Have Your Cake and Eat it Too!" all printed in blue and magenta eco-friendly ink. With lots of room for your own personal sentiments along the bottom and the back of the card.

Fun to use for a birthday wish or just a yummy hello, a set of these makes a great gift!

Each card, printed on thick cardstock paper - Curry, measures 4.785" x 3.333". The cards are paired with contrasting envelopes - Lake Blue and packaged in a clear cello sleeve.

New Items in the Shop

2008-10-27T10:23:00.001-05:00

I have just posted two of the new Holiday stationary sets in the shop.
And could not be more happy about it.

Set One : Happy Holiday Lanterns in Blue.

Set Two : Happy Holiday Ornaments in Magenta.

I have more sets coming along, this week has been distracting and busy. I've been shipping packages for At Sea Level and then I've been distracted a bit by preparing for the trip this week.

A Sunday Stroll - Yesterday, Mr. D and I had a bit of cabin fever so we decided to take a stroll along the beach. It was a bit chilly but totally worth it. I've never seen the waters that still and glassy. It was almost as if you could walk on water! The colours were indescribable - of shiny light blues and aqua greens. It was magic. I've also learned that fall is the perfect time for beach combing. Millions of shells everywhere! As well as my favourite little bird, the sand piper, were also everywhere. I love their little short bird legs. So CUTE! I took a few photos to share - so enjoy!

candy corn.

2008-10-26T02:38:00.000-05:00

"Candy Corn is the only candy in the history of America that's never been advertised. And there's a reason. All of the candy corn that was ever made was made in 1911. "- Lewis Black

I think I've officially had a Candy Corn Overdose. Oh my Tummy! See ya on Monday!

jobs.

2008-10-25T12:52:00.001-05:00

It is such a lovely Saturday here. Crisp cool and perfect. I honestly don't have too much to write about today, however my dependency to blog over exceeds my ability to create words.

Last night after work I began working out several new designs for stationary sets for Midnight Design Studios. I finished three sets for far. One involving Christmas, another Thanksgiving, the last Birthday. I'm actually pleased at how well the designs and colours turned out. Much better than I had expected. Sometimes the designs that float about in my mind once turned into reality doesn't mesh well. These however were just right! I'm looking forward to complete these sets by printing and packaging up with the cellophane wraps and photographing, so that I can post it all in the shop by Monday. I wanted to post those new designs here today but I forgot to bring the files with me. So I snoozed I lost. There is always Monday!

I had a really lovely time last night. Like I said, I was designing on my own free will, which is always oh so nice, but I also had a lovely dinner date with Mr. D out on the town last night. Just he and I, which is often a rarity. Sure I love Mr. S to bits and bits as well as his company, but I do especially love when its Mr.D and I. Its like starting over fresh each time, like we are just dating again, except with better flow of conversation and less chances for uncomfortable pauses.

After the date, Mr D and I came home to watch some tv and discuss religion and politics. Ooh good choice of topics! And I realized something super funny but true that I just had to post about today. I was going to try to wait a little later toward the election. But I really can't resist something so good.

Despite the views of most of my friends, I am a Republican and have always been a republican. I am aware of the negativity and hate that follows that tag, but to bad. I'm am me. Anyway, I thought of a new terrible and funny campaign slogan for we Republicans to help persuade the thoughts and votes of some undecided and possibly from that other party to help rock the vote.

VOTE McCAIN / PALIN!

GIVE TINA FEY A JOB FOR THE NEXT 4 YEARS!

I'm terrible. I know. But I seriously could not resist. *smirks* Happy Weekend!

Beef

2008-10-24T15:24:00.000-05:00

By now I am sure you are all tired of hearing about my upcoming trip. But I really can hardly wait. And speaking of waiting, I had a real beef with the internet this morning. It was having a few technical difficulties. I'm not sure if it was the onslaught of rain, the roof repair construction or both had taken its effects on the old 1800's house.

So while I was patiently waiting for the connection to return, I finally finished the banners and avatars for both etsy shops - Midnight Design Studios and Squirt ms. Both in which turned out far better than I had hoped and look much better than my At Sea Level shop.
Here are the banners and avatars for each shop:

Midnight Design Studios

Squirt ms

I think both came out wonderfully. It makes me feel like I need to revamp my other shops image up a bit. But then again, I am awfully fond of the banner there. *wink wink*. I do like the look of the whale for J's shop. The facial expression of the whale reminds me of that little wide eyed smirk she has. I think she will love the design. She loves sea animals as much as I do and I think this one is a perfect play off of her childhood nickname. I also love the ship in my new shop's avatar. There it is, an old clipper navigating the rough seas of the night, teetering on to a safe harbor. Much like I feel when I'm designing late at night, like an old ship about to fall off... to sleep. ha ha! I have to say that both are quite perfect for their fittings.

Well I have received a new recipe today from my friend, Kathy. I have yet to actually try this recipe but it is quite suitable for this coming weeks theme - mountainous trips = mountainous appetites! I thought I would also share this delightful recipe with you all as well. Happy Eats!

Mountain Burgers
(compliments of my friend Kathy's father and his Army Reserve Unit. - Thanks Guys!)

a pound of hamburger meat
onions, chopped
relish
salt and pepper
cheese
jalapenos
mustard, ketchup, barbecue sauce (what ever you like)
wax paper for lining and prep

Cut out a sheet of wax paper that is about the size of a sheet of paper. Place hamburger meat on it in about the amount to make a fairly large hamburger. Flatten the meat in an oval shape pretty thin. On one side of the oval, add chopped onions, relish, salt and pepper, cheese, jalapenos, mustard, ketchup, barbecue sauce and/or whatever other fixings you like. Fold over the oval to make half an oval (like making a turnover). This is the part where the wax paper comes in handy. You can use it to fold the burger over and crimp around the edges. Once done, keep on the wax paper and stack a plate with multiple burgers. Take to grill and grill them. These are so good because all that stuff is cooked INSIDE the burger. We serve on a plate (no bun) with baked beans , coleslaw and Texas Toast. Eat with a fork.

Yum! I can hardly wait to make these. This may be something we decide to do one evening at the Lodge or maybe as a outdoor grill picnic in the Mountains. But we will have to be careful of those hungry bears! Just try and let a bear take one of these burgers from me! Okay, you are right, I would scream like a little girl, toss it and run! You people have me pegged.

Reserved.

2008-10-23T10:29:00.000-05:00

i

My anticipations of a Autumnal Road Trip at the ending of this month are at last slightly calmed.
This morning I finally reserved a room for Mr.D and I. Though it was not exactly where we were hoping to stay at first, but the lodging is still a nice place in a good area in the city. If memory serves correctly. It is either near the Ripley Aquarium - or - it is right next to the Great Smokey Mountain Park entrance. I can never remember, though I'm thinking its the first pick, near the Aquarium. Either way, its fantastic, we won't have to worry over parking in the city, and are just a hop-skip away from everything! The only driving would be as expected for our trips into the park.

Oh I am so excited! I can hardly believe that this time next week, I will be packing and preparing to leave to the Smokey Mountains on Friday! What joy! Now, if only the lodging would hurry and email me confirmation of the reservations, would my anxious nerves be officially settled!

I can't wait to see the glorious peaks of the mountains, the vivid colours of the foliage, the crunch of leaves underfoot whilst hiking the wooded trails, the coolness of the air! Oh! The anticipation is much like Christmas Eve! I'm ready to go now! But I' can be a Virtue of Patience and wait. :o)

I'm planning to explore the old historic cabins in Cades Cove, hoping to hike to Grotto Falls, view the vistas at Clingman's Dome. Grab a cup of warm coffee in the village, and taste the home cooked meals at the Old Mill. And of course take a million photos in the process, as well as from the advice of my dear friend Kathy, create a Travel Journal - recording our trip.

We plan on taking our own food to spare having to eat out so much at unhealthy places. I'm already prepared to make my infamous trail mix for our hikes. I'll share my trail mix recipe here with you all today. It's enjoyable whether you are going on a mountain hike or not!

Kim D's Infamous Trail Mix -

a package of dried pineapple
a package of dried cranberries (regular or apple flavoured)
a package of dried blueberries
a package of chocolate covered plums (or yogurt covered raisians)
a package of dry salted peanuts
Half a package of Coconut
One or Two Quart Sized Ziplock Bags

Start by pouring part by part of the ingredients into a Ziplock bag. Stop half way closing the Ziplock bag and shake, mixing the ingredients. Start again, adding the remainder of the ingredients part by part until you have added everything. Close the Ziplock bag and Shake until Mixed well. And you are done! Makes a lot of trail mix - split the mix half and half between two bags for better porportions.

Hope you enjoy! Happy Thursday!

Arrival.

2008-10-22T10:04:00.000-05:00

Happy Wednesday everyone! Hope you all are having a lovely one as I am, even if there are roofers working above me here at work. They sound much like someone let loose a bag of angry badgers and squirrels who are dueling, clawing and scrapping to the very end. That in itself is quite noisy, but regardless, it is going to be a wonderful day!

This arrived in to me yesterday: The Paper Sets for Midnight Design Studios!

Now I can get to work this evening preparing items for that shop! I'm super excited about that!

I had such a lovely day yesterday, I spent most of it doing my domestic house duties. And while to some that doesn't sound fun, I actually enjoyed it. I loved cleaning the house with the doors open, the smell of bleach lingering in the nice cool breeze that would occasionally sweep through.

I also ran the usual errands, but I stopped by Lifeway to browse a bit. I am supposed to be looking for / or choosing a Bible that I want for Christmas that my in laws will get for me. Since my most favourite study Bible in all the world is missing from the move. I've been using a regular family Bible, that in my opinion, is difficult to read and study from. I dearly miss my study Bible. But! I think I found a dreamy substitution! Such a relief.

While I was there, I found a few books on clearance that I picked up for the guys and myself. The book I purchased for myself is called: Stress Busters for Women- 30 Life-Altering Devotions for Women about Coping with Stress and Claiming God's Abundance. Not that I'm stressed at the moment, but I thought about the times I do stress out and figured I should get this book and read it now, that maybe it will help me manage dealing with stressful times. Mr. D is always telling me how I should get a handle on stressing out. This book so far is fantastic! I am as cool and collected as a cucumber. ;o)

Speaking of reading, I decided to give up on reading Beautiful Dreamer by Christopher Bigsby. And while I never like to give up reading a book, I just can't get my mind into this one. It is starting out so slow and dull. I've read many pages of it and I feel like each page is just a mixed batch of redundancy of the last 3 pages I had read before. The author can't seem to move the plot along. And I can't seem to keep my focus on the story if the author can't do his job by keeping me entertained. So...with that said, I'm throwing in the marker. I just can't read it.

Instead, I've checked out another new read, the history & civil war lover that I am - Mr. Lincoln's War by Adam Braver. The author here in this book had me at hello and has no trouble keeping my attention. I am already five chapters deep into the book. And it looks like I am going to be finished with this book prior to my road trip. So if anyone has any suggestions on a good book for a road trip, preferably historical or religious in nature, please share your ideas with me!

And speaking of road trips, my trip to Mississippi and back went very well! And I had a chance to visit Almost everyone that I had wanted to see. Sorry I missed you Skhi! However I did get to see Kathy, my Dad and my sister! So that was really perfect to cure a small secret case of homesickness for friends. I took a few photos along the way to document my journey driving a big Chevy truck. Here are those photos. I also have several more here at my Flickr account.

Crossing Mobile Bay

Still Crossing Mobile Bay

The City of Mobile. And on the left you will see the Carnival Cruise Ship.

Closer to the City of Mobile

Approaching the Mobile Bay Tunnel. Eek!

In the tunnel. Pardon the Bug Guts.

Mississippi at last. Hello Miles of Pine Trees.

and miles of coastal marsh. I stopped taking photos after this point. The view is much the same.

However I had a good trip, finished what needed to be done, visited, and arrived back home safe and sound into the loving arms of my guys and my sunshine state! There's no place like home!

Fish House.

2008-10-20T02:00:00.000-05:00

Blue Moon Print by Norayuen


At the Fishhouses
written by Elizabeth Bishop

Although it is a cold evening,
down by one of the fishhouses
an old man sits netting,
his net, in the gloaming almost invisible,
a dark purple-brown,
and his shuttle worn and polished.
The air smells so strong of codfish
it makes one's nose run and one's eyes water.
The five fishhouses have steeply peaked roofs
and narrow, cleated gangplanks slant up
to storerooms in the gables
for the wheelbarrows to be pushed up and down on.
All is silver: the heavy surface of the sea,
swelling slowly as if considering spilling over,
is opaque, but the silver of the benches,
the lobster pots, and masts, scattered
among the wild jagged rocks,
is of an apparent translucence
like the small old buildings with an emerald moss
growing on their shoreward walls.
The big fish tubs are completely lined
with layers of beautiful herring scales
and the wheelbarrows are similarly plastered
with creamy iridescent coats of mail,
with small iridescent flies crawling on them.
Up on the little slope behind the houses,
set in the sparse bright sprinkle of grass,
is an ancient wooden capstan,
cracked, with two long bleached handles
and some melancholy stains, like dried blood,
where the ironwork has rusted.
The old man accepts a Lucky Strike.
He was a friend of my grandfather.
We talk of the decline in the population
and of codfish and herring
while he waits for a herring boat to come in.
There are sequins on his vest and on his thumb.
He has scraped the scales, the principal beauty,
from unnumbered fish with that black old knife,
the blade of which is almost worn away.

Down at the water's edge, at the place
where they haul up the boats, up the long ramp
descending into the water, thin silver
tree trunks are laid horizontally
across the gray stones, down and down
at intervals of four or five feet.

Cold dark deep and absolutely clear,
element bearable to no mortal,
to fish and to seals . . . One seal particularly
I have seen here evening after evening.
He was curious about me.  He was interested in music;
like me a believer in total immersion,
so I used to sing him Baptist hymns.
I also sang "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God."
He stood up in the water and regarded me
steadily, moving his head a little.
Then he would disappear, then suddenly emerge
almost in the same spot, with a sort of shrug
as if it were against his better judgment.
Cold dark deep and absolutely clear,
the clear gray icy water . . . Back, behind us,
the dignified tall firs begin.
Bluish, associating with their shadows,
a million Christmas trees stand
waiting for Christmas.  The water seems suspended
above the rounded gray and blue-gray stones.
I have seen it over and over, the same sea, the same,
slightly, indifferently swinging above the stones,
icily free above the stones,
above the stones and then the world.
If you should dip your hand in,
your wrist would ache immediately,
your bones would begin to ache and your hand would burn
as if the water were a transmutation of fire
that feeds on stones and burns with a dark gray flame.
If you tasted it, it would first taste bitter,
then briny, then surely burn your tongue.
It is like what we imagine knowledge to be:
dark, salt, clear, moving, utterly free,
drawn from the cold hard mouth
of the world, derived from the rocky breasts
forever, flowing and drawn, and since
our knowledge is historical, flowing, and flown.

Ouch.

2008-10-19T02:00:00.000-05:00

Last night I had the scare of my life. I thought I had been bitten by a spider. And not just any spider. I was worried it was from the infamous brown recluse. I was in such a hurry last night, that I quickly grabbed a pair of wedge shoes from my closet, and for the first time ever did not shake the shoes out to see if a little spider might have made an overnight home in my shoe. I immediately slipped on the first shoe and this most painful pinch I felt on my toe. I shrieked! I just knew it! Spider bite! My toe is going to rot off and eventually my leg! And I will literally be a Peg-Legged Pirate! Eek!

In my panicked state, I kicked the shoe off, sending it flying across the room. Finally after checking my toes, I slowly walk toward the shoe, I begin to shake it out to see what kind of spider that bite me. As I shake out the shoe, a familiar horrid bit of natures revenge of fauna rolls out of my shoe. A Rock-a-chaw aka Sand Spur. What a beastly little bugger!

For all my friends who do not live in the coastal area and do not know what a Sand Spur is, I'll share my distaste and knowledge of it. The Sand Spur: grass of the eastern United States and tropical America having spike lets enclosed in prickly burs.

An article from Instructables on how to Kill Sand spurs: If you live in Florida, especially near the beach, then you know how easily sand spurs can find places to grow, in sidewalk cracks or in children's play areas.

In their more benevolent living form the spurs are intended by mother nature merely to allow the offspring to hitch a ride. After death when their dried up husks fall to the ground the spurs are especially worrisome since they may become contaminated with animal feces and e-coli that can be introduced beneath the skin and into the blood stream. Serious and unwanted infection can result in addition to the pain.

Best to vent your anger at the sand spur plant and its offspring for your child being stabbed rather than at your child or another human being. This is best accomplished by dealing with the spurs while they are alive and still attached to the plant.

So now I know, despite my haste, next time I'm always knocking out my shoes. Because you never know, your chances of becoming Peg-Legged or Prickly Toed, is far greater than imagined.

Shrimp and Friends.

2008-10-17T17:18:00.000-05:00

I could hardly resist posting this delish recipe. Since lately it seems everyone around me are posting about these fabulous mouthwatering recipes that are perfect for these nice cool Fall days. And since I live in the Heartland of Seafood, why not post a perfect recipe that marries seafood and harvest vegetables. I had this very dish a few nights ago for dinner. Now I mind you that you have the option to tweak the ingredients to your wish of how much you want. This recipe came to me - nameless - so I'm naming it:

Shrimp and Zucchini Mix

2 medium zucchinis
1 lb plump tomato (baby romas are perfect)*
2 medium onions (purples are perfect also)
4 tbs butter ( I substituted for a healthy olive oil)
cayenne pepper
salt
1 1/2 lb. of shrimp (I used baby shrimp, next time it will be Jumbos)
1/2 cup of fresh basil*

* Helpful notes/suggestions will be at the end of the recipe.

Chop all of the vegetables into 1/2" cubes. Preheat the Oven to 500 degrees. Butter or Oil up a casserole dish and toss in all your vegetables. Broil in the oven for about 10 minutes or until the tomatoes have broken down and are nice and bubbly! Take out and stir, add the shrimp and basil and broil again for another 5 minutes. Can serve with rice or pasta, or have it as is. Would also be great with a side of toasted garlic French Bread. And Ta-Da! you are ready to Eat!

**Notes - I didn't have roma tomatoes, or tomatoes period. Nor the basil. But I did have a large can of Rotel Tomato and Cilantro. I substituted that instead of the basil. It was much better and complimented the shrimp well. Had a nice little zing to it. I plan on doing the same substitution the next time I make this. It cuts down on chopping time - Rotels are already chopped and makes the meal more hearty. I also didn't use that much of the butter /oil. I cut back to 2 Tbs. instead. 4 Tbs. is just a lot in my book! I also added a bit of Lemon Pepper to give it more flair. Lemon Pepper is an excellent season companion for Shrimp.

Hope you all will try this recipe. I loved it and it is also so healthy for you, but in a tasty unrealized way. This will be a permanent fixture on our Floridian menu all year long! Happy Dining!