THE LAST DOOR... DOWN THE HALL

Digital Photograph...Restoration Needed

2012-02-04T12:00:00.001-05:00

A Rose for You...

2012-02-04T11:05:00.001-05:00

Drying Flowers in the Microwave

2012-02-04T11:03:00.002-05:00

Flower arrangement from Daddy's Memorial service

Rose Petals on Plate

Theses will be a bit darker when dried

After my Father's Memorial service my sister decided she wanted to save a few of the flowers to remember this life changing event. We decided to do some of the roses that were in the flower arrangememts. My sister looked up on the internet what we decided was the best way to do this. The microwave. Who knew?

We put the flower petals on a plate, spread them out some,then microwaved in 20 second intervals till they were dried.

They retained their color and smell. I was amazed. A few of the arrangements had minature roses in them so we decided to give them a try. We put them on a plate and did them in 15 second increments. The stems have a lot of water/moisture in them. They tend to crackle and let off some steam. They also turned out beautifully.

I put mine in a zip loc bag as I was traveling by car. My sister was traveling by plane so we put hers in a plastic food storage container so they would not be crushed in her suitcase. They all arrived safe and sound. I will be trying this again with my flowers.

Digital Collage...Blackbird

2012-02-01T09:10:00.003-05:00

Blackbird

Colors of Home...

2012-02-01T09:06:00.002-05:00

I have had several requests to take pictures of my home. As the days go by and I unpack and decorate I will share my new home. Right now we are painting, redoing floors and countertops, replacing lights, hardware, etc. It is generally a mess with little order. Soon though, I hope to have something to show for it all. I have years of collections to unpack - which I come by honestly. Both my Grandmother and Mother are collectors. I only have another 800 or so boxes to go through. Today I thought I would share a picture of one of my Mother's collections. When I walk in the door and see this I get warm inside. It says you are home, all is well.

February Already...Really

2012-02-01T09:00:00.002-05:00

I can not believe it is February already. I feel like January was a dream. I love February. The month of love. Everything is red and lacy, full of chocolate and flowers. Hoping I get everything unpacked and in its place would be nice. Dreaming of taking a little trip to visit friends and family when I am finished with all these boxes. February means just a few more months to Spring...

Digital Photograph...Remember

2012-01-30T13:00:00.001-05:00

Somedays you just have to remember
to appreciate the
little things.

Four Letter Words...Soul

2012-01-29T00:02:00.001-05:00

Freebies...Friends & Family

2012-01-28T16:05:00.007-05:00

Two sweet sisters

What a lovely group of friends

Life long friends

Friends with a lot in common

Cousins

The past few weeks I have come to appreciate family and friends just a little more. I do not know what we would have done without all of their support. They brought us food, sent us flowers and cards, emails, phone calls, visits, arranged food for the memorial service for my father, took pictures of the ceremonies, DVD's of the military service with my Father singing in the background, comforted us with hugs and memories, opened their homes to us for dinners and brunches. The list goes on and on.

This week I honor them all by asking you to remember a friend or family member that might enjoy a phone call or card from you. Tell someone you love them, it might make a world of difference in their life and yours. Enjoy the freebies!

Quote #4...Friendship

2012-01-28T16:03:00.001-05:00

Digital Photograph edited on my iphone...The Homestead

2012-01-28T13:00:00.006-05:00

The Homestead

It has been a long month. I think my family has been through an emotional ringer. The most positive thing was that we were all reunited in one place. I have enjoyed spending time with my cousin Barbara, my sister and my Mother. The four of us together was a really nice thing. My Father would have enjoyed watching us girls chatting and cooking, giving each other strength.

I left Washington D.C. for home on Thursday. I had to stop in Charlotte North Carolina to pick up one of my sons. He is going to help me with all of the boxes and help me move my furniture around in my new house. I have only been there twice since I bought it in early December. Then it was only to retrieve some clothes for Daddy's funeral. I figure it is time to get my life unpacked, sorted and set back up. It has been a long journey to get to this place.

I really want to say "Thank You" for all of your support. It was much needed an appreciated.

The digital photograph above is of a beautiful little farmhouse in Virginia I considered buying. I took the picture with my iphone camera then edited it in Filter Mania then again in 100 Cameras. I am so thankful to have these Apps. When I am waiting in line, etc. I like to play with these. I feel like I am doing something creative rather than just waiting...

digital photograph from my iphone... the cabin

2012-01-20T18:06:00.000-05:00

Quote #3....Opportunity

2012-01-19T10:49:00.004-05:00

Digital Photograph...Cemetery Tree...

2012-01-18T09:12:00.002-05:00

Tree in Arlington Cemetery

Yesterday after a beautiful and very moving military service we interred Daddy at Arlington Cemetery. He would have loved it. We love and miss him very much!

Couple Freebies for You...

2012-01-18T09:09:00.003-05:00

They are adorable. So fancied up!

I like the drum table. So very Military.

Rather cute young couple. Note the hem on her dress.

Portrait of a young couple in their very best clothes

Bonnie and Clyde

This week I decided to give you some couples to work with. I figured with Valentine's Day just around the corner Love is in the air. I wish you all a great week.

Digital Collage...Doors

2012-01-11T08:23:00.002-05:00

Here is a digital collage using one of the textures below. The doors are a photograph I took of an old store along the Broad River. I thought I would show you one way to use the textures below. Enjoy!

Some Textures for You from My Iphone...

2012-01-11T08:15:00.005-05:00

I haven't done any free textures lately, so I decided to share a few I have been making on my iphone. I have had to wait on other people lately so while I am doing that I play on my phone. These are of a brick wall in a resturant I visited in Northern Virginia. I used the iphone App Filter Mania to edit my original photograph. Hope you can use these in your art work.

Digital Collage...Mountain Home

2012-01-09T00:06:00.000-05:00

A Mountain Home

I found this little gem over the weekend in the mountains surrounding my new home. I am constantly amazed at the sheer strength that some people have. Someone actually lived here, probably raised a few children here. Through the snow, wind, and cold. The rainy, muggy days of summer. This was home. I am so thankful for my little brick retro 60's ranch.

Turkey Chili - Turkey Tacos

2012-01-09T00:03:00.001-05:00

This week I was looking for something I could make that took a short amount of time to prepare and that I could snack on as I unpacked. I also wanted something that I could turn into something else with a few more ingedients. I decided after going through some of my recipe journals to make this delicious Turkey Chili. I love this with cornbread or a baked potato. The other nice thing is that this is pretty basic so you can add or switch around some of the ingredients. I hope you enjoy it.

Turkey Chili

2 pounds of ground turkey/or 1 pound ground turkey and 1 pound chicken sausage

1 large yellow onion/chopped into pieces

1 medium green pepper/chopped into small pieces

2 Tablespoons of Chili Powder

1/2 teaspoon of Ground Cumin

3 1/2 cups of V8 Vegetable Juice/the low sodium works as well as the originial

2 cans/15 ounces each/of kidney beans. I like to use 1 can of kidney beans and 1 can of black beans.

Sourcream and sour cream for garnish.

1. Cook turkey/meat,onion, chili powder, ground cumin till the turkey is cooked through in a saucepan.

2. Add V8 vegetable juice, green pepper, and beans. Stir well and bring to a boil. Turn heat to low or simmer. Cook for 15 minutes or till vegetables are tender.

3. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream.

4. Corn bread is a nice side dish.

Enjoy!

I love chili but I usually only want it for a day or maybe two. I always have left overs so I turn my chili into tacos. Here is my version...

Turkey Tacos

Shredded lettuce

Chopped tomatoes

Sliced black olives

Shredded cheese

Sour cream

Soft or hard tacos

Take the Turkey Chili and warm it up.

Use as your meat filler for tacos.

Add lettuce, tomatoes, olives.

Top with cheese and sour cream.

Enjoy!

Quote #2...Trees

2012-01-08T12:20:00.003-05:00

Digital Collage...A Tree

2012-01-08T12:06:00.005-05:00

A Tree

Thought I would share a tree with you I found last week up in the mountains near my new home. I have found a great stress reliever in driving around and taking pictures. I unpack a little. Line a few shelves. Take care of a little buisness. Hope in my car and set out for an hour. Then back home to start all over again...

Four Letter Words

2012-01-08T12:03:00.001-05:00

Just a quick note. Last week someone asked me for the link to the word generator for my four letter words. I do not have a link. I am the four letter word generator. I take the pictures or trade with various other photographers the letters. We get them from signs we see. Then I come home and put the signs in Photoshop and crop them to a usable format. After that I put the frame in Photoshop and make my words from the cropped letters. The last thing is to post them on my blog.
I am sure a word generator would be easier, but probably not as fun...

Digital Photograph...Nesting

2012-01-06T00:03:00.001-05:00

Siblings....Freebies for You

2012-01-05T11:15:00.000-05:00

A beautiful tintype

Little stairsteps

Brothers forever!

Love the building behind them

Curly hair, straw hats, and beautiful fringe!

I thought I would give you some freebies this week. I am trying to get back on some type of routine with my life. Things are pretty scattered, tied up in boxes, etc. for me right now. I have been doing some of that New Year thinking the past couple of days. One of the things that I realized was how lucky I am to have a brother and sister to help me through the past month. I have realized how important my siblings are to me...no matter where we are or how old we get...we are there for each other. Hope you remember to tell someone how important they are in your life today.

Quote #1

2012-01-02T00:56:00.004-05:00

Digital Photograph - Red Roof Barn

2012-01-02T00:35:00.002-05:00

Last week as I drove back to North Carolina I had a pity party in my car. It rained the whole way through Virginia. As I crossed the North Carolina state line the sun came out and these big rolling clouds blew by. I immediately got off the interstate and starting looking for shots. My camera was more than ready. This was my first barn encounter in weeks. I thought it represented how I was feeling...still standing after a terrible wind had blown through and changed my reality. Enjoy!

A Happy New Year to All...

2012-01-02T00:24:00.001-05:00

New Year's Day I spent around 10 hours on my computer going through emails and catching up on posts on some of my favorite blogs and Yahoo groups I belong to. It was the first time I had opened my computer since I left for D.C. after hearing my father was hospitalized. I had just bought my new home and the movers came and did a drop/dump of my things. I locked the door and just left. I forgot my laptop - which I probably would not have used much anyway. Needless to say, we did not celebrate the Holidays this year, nor have I really felt more blessed in my life. I think about my Dad and realize how lucky I am to have had such a fine man in my life. Then, I look at my family and realize how blessed I am to have all of them in my life. It is strange the way life can twist and turn.

I want to thank all of you who left comments and sent me such beautiful e-cards. I think I went through a whole new box of kleenix yesterday. How fortunate I am to have so many kind and thoughtful friends. I appreciate each and every one of you. Your kind words and messages of hope truly sustain me. Thank you! I am wishing you all a Happy New Year and a wonderful 2012!

Some Very Sad News...My Hero is Gone

2011-12-17T07:40:00.002-05:00

On December 6th I closed on my lovely mountain house.  I went to call my Mom and Dad to share my joy and there was no answer.  I called my brother, knowing instantly something was wrong.  My brother was at the hospital with Mom and Dad.  It seems my father had fallen that morning.  He was in terrible pain so they got him to the hospital.  They were doing tests.  My sister had already scheduled a visit and was flying in that afternoon. It was time for me to clear up a few things and head East.

I arrived a few days later.  Daddy was diagnosed with Cancer. It was everywhere but the pain was coming from his spine. It was now time to keep him pain free and comfortable. At 91 this World War II fighter pilot, prisoner of war, lawyer, father, friend, singer, gardener, most wonderful husband, this man of God, was leaving us. The last week the world has stood still while we gathered to say our goodbyes and our thank you's to him.

Daddy died December 14th with his loving wife and children surrounding him.  We are now celebrating his life and all of the wonderful memories and gifts he has given us.  It has been a journey the past week or so. I do hope, dear friends, that you will keep my family in your thoughts. This is a new road for us to walk down. There is still much to do and much strength is needed. 

I wish you all the joy of the season, God has a new tenor in his choir. I wish you blessed moments with your loved ones. Happy Holidays.

Freebies - Vintage Houses

2011-12-04T06:54:00.003-05:00

This House reminds me of my Grandmother's house.

This house reminds me of my father's grandmother's house.

What a big bike! Love the pup!

This guy looks pretty proud of his home, family and horses.

This house looks like it was dropped in the middle of a cornfield. Love the small fence around the foundation.

This week I thought I would do some Vintage Houses for your freebies. I have house stuff on the brain. I spent most of last week signing and faxing documents to get ready for closing this week. I have been arranging moving dates, placing furniture in my mind, and getting all the utilies turned on. While trying to spend some quaility time with my Mother and Father, brother and nephews. Whew! I can not believe Christmas is three weeks away. I hope everyone enjoys these!

December Already?

2011-12-01T08:05:00.006-05:00

It is hard to believe it is December already. Another year almost gone. December seems to fly by with all the little things to do, people to see, and little parties to go to. Shopping to attend to, then presents to wrap, decorating the house, etc... Makes me tired just thinking about it. Then, when everything gets done...it is time for a New Year.

This past week I have enjoyed being home with my parents. Spending time with them is the best present I know of. My mother and I have watched movies and TV shows we enjoy together. We have tried several new recipes, and spent alot of time talking and laughing in the kitchen. My poor Dad is feeling stuffed from all the food. It has been great. I hate leaving, but I must.

This weekend I leave for the mountains. I close on my new house next week. It seems a bit scary that I am going to have an actual place to call all mine after all this time. This is the first home I have bought thinking about just me - not because it is close to a job, or it has certain schools near by, or it is kid friendly. It is just light and airy, with a place for friends and family. It makes me feel good when I drive up and even better when I walk in. The kitchen needs work, but it is large, lots and lots of storage, my own library for all those books.

I look forward to living in the mountains. The mountains change everyday. Thought I would share this wonderful truck I pass when I am going up the mountain. Someone has collected a lot of old cars, this truck and some antique farm equipment. It is always a pleasure to pass by. Love that rust - the patina. There is a story somewhere in there.

Three Hour Stew

2011-12-01T08:04:00.000-05:00

This is one of the recipes my mother and I tried this week. It was nice after all that turkey.I just want to say it is so easy and tastes fantastic. My mother is pure southern so she loved it on rice. I just loved it, on rice or with out. Serve with some yeasty rolls [you need something to wipe the bowl clean with and still appear to be a lady].

3 Hour Stew

2 pounds of beef cubes

1 pound of carrots cut in wedges/hunks

2 to 3 large onions cut in wedges

2 to 3 Yukon Gold potatoes cut in pieces [optional]

1 can Tomato soup

1 can water

2 bay leaves

dash or two of worcestershire sauce

Place ingredients in a large casserole dish.

Place carrots, beef, potatoes, onions in that order.

Cover and bake in a 325 degree oven for 3 hours.

Serve over rice or just in a bowl. Enjoy!

Four Letter Words - Give

2011-12-01T08:03:00.001-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving to All...

2011-11-24T06:01:00.002-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving to All. Here in the states we celebrate the fourth Thursday of Novemeber. It is a day of taking a look at all of the wonderful things, people, events that have happened in your life and being grateful for them.

This year I have so much to be grateful for. My beautiful children. A few nights ago one of my boys was in a car accident - a deer ran out in front of him, he hit the brakes, it was raining and slippery, he ended up wrapped around a tree, his car totalled, he had minor injuries [thank goodness for searbelts] . I am so thankful that he is going to be all right.

I am grateful for my family. I know you can not always pick your family - this family I would pick. I am so lucky to have both parents to celebrate with. My father is 91 and for 91 he is doing quite well. I would tell you how old my mother is , but she would be horrified. Let's just say that she runs circles around me. I am thankful my brother and sister are well and my beautiful nephews are a treat to be around. I am so lucky to have them all in my life. They are my life cheerleaders.

My girlfriends that are always there for me. Who listen to my troubles, share their troubles, always have encouragement and support. Who have opened their homes and lives to me. Thank you I could have not made it this past year without you. Thank you for being you.

After being homeless for over a year I have finally found an area I love and a house that suits me to a T. I have a contract and close in December. I have finally made a committment. Aghhhh. A little scary but very exciting. I am sure the next few months my blog will be full of pictures. I will have a studio and workshop!

As I think of all of the things I am thankful for I have to say how grateful I am to have all of my blog friends. You have all snuck into my heart with your art and grace. Thank you for you support, your comments, and letting me be a small part of your day. I hope you all have a wonderful day!

Thanksgiving Freebies...

2011-11-20T10:03:00.003-05:00

Thought I would share these old Thanksgiving postcards with you. I like to print these out and make placecards at my table with them. This year I will be sharing a feast with my parents, brother and his lovely family. I leave today for Virginia. It is a really fun ride with lots of history around every corner. I will be checking in this week and have some things to share. Hope you all have a great week.

Brief Encounter in the Mountains...

2011-11-20T10:00:00.000-05:00

I have been looking at houses in the mountains this week. It is time for me to nest.. At one of the houses I looked at yesterday this flock of wild turkeys were in the woods in the backyard. There were 8 or 9 of them. The hens are hard to see. The Tom's stand out with there dark coloring. They are beautiful bird's with their shimmerinig feathers. They are also very curious birds. One came right up to me. We came out from looking at the house and they were in the driveway. Boy are they fast runner's. What a hoot. I had to share these pictures with you. Gobble gobble.

Some Mums for You...

2011-11-18T09:06:00.003-05:00

Each season has it's own flowers. In the fall I love the Mums. They remind me of cool, crisp days. They remind me planting bulbs in the fall. I would always throw in a few new mums to bloom for the next fall. I love the rusts and bright yellows matched with lavender. They remind me of days gone by.

Biggest, Creative Turkey...Ever

2011-11-18T09:01:00.002-05:00

Driving through the mountains heading for Boone, North Carolina I spotted this large turkey at a garden center. I decided to stop and take a few pictures and pick up some apples. I was so impressed with the originality of using a large rolled hay bale to make this turkey. I often wonder what inspires someone to make the things they do. What do they see? Any way this delighted me in its simplicity and its size.

Some Knitted Friends...

2011-11-17T09:09:00.003-05:00

A sweet little lion with a monkey friend.

Bees and chicks, skunks and friends. Aren't they all sweet?

An Owl and rat.

At the beach I picked up a friend to ride with me. I needed a pet. Something easy to take care of So, Suzanne, who knitted all of these wonderful animals graciously gave me this owl. I have a real thing for owls. I thought he could possibly give me some wise advice as I travel. Oliver now has a place of honor in the front seat. Isn't he just the cutest?
This all started with knitting dish towels at night. I have been trying to make a bunch for my new kitchen when I get a new kitchen. My friend Miranda said I should see all the friends Suzanne was knitting. One a day. So, while at Miranda's Suzanne brought ove this large shopping bag of little animals. Now I want the book with the patterns so I can knit a few. I think they are all darling. Thank you Suzanne!

Rainy Days call for Cauliflower Soup...

2011-11-17T09:06:00.002-05:00

I woke early this morning to the sound of rain. Yesterday I had driven hours through the pouring rain and wind. Tornadoes and storms all over the South. Finally when night came threw in the towel and got a hotel room. Hoping today would be full of sunshine. Not to be.
When there are days like this I want to make a big pot of soup, some bread and cuddle up with a good book or hang out with my art supplies for a few hours. During my stay in Alabama I found this delicious recipe for Cauliflower soup. I wish I was making it today.

Cauliflower Soup

1 large cauliflower

1 onion - chopped

1 or 2 stalks of celery - chopped into small pieces

1/4 cup [60g/20z.] of butter

1/4 cup of flour

2 cups [500 ml/16 fl oz.] of chicken or vegetable stock

2 cups milk

salt and pepper to taste

pinch of grated nutmeg

1/2 cup grated cheese - optional

Divide the cauliflower into florets. Plunge the floret into boiling salted water for 3 minutes. Drain.

Melt butter in a large sauce pan. Add onion and celery cook till soft.

Stir in flour, cook for 1 minute, then gradually stir in the stock.

Bring to a boil, cover, simmer for 20 minutes.

Strain into another pan, add milk, cauliflower, salt and pepper, and nutmeg.

Simmer for about 10 minutes.

With a slotted sppon remove and reserve avout 1/3 of the cauliflower florets.

Pour the ingredients into a food processor or blender. Pour in cheese. Puree.

Return to pan. Add reserved cauliflower, reheat gently.

Add a little grated cheese on top of soup for garnish.

Serve warm with buttered bread. Yum!

Digital Photograph...Restoring

2011-11-17T09:00:00.001-05:00

I found this beautiful barn in Western North Carolina. The owners are in the process of restoring it. The logs are ready to put the chinking in. This is a mixture of ash, lime, plaster and in some cases they use concrete. I have been looking for a formula for this. If you have one please share.

Freebies - Evelyn Nesbit

2011-11-14T08:20:00.001-05:00

This week I thought I would share with you these fabulous photographs of Evelyn Nesbit. She was a model, actress, and femme fatale. A brief history... Evelyn was a beautiful child. At fourteen she found herself in New York City modeling for several painters and photographers, supporting her mother and brother. Several older men fell in love with her. It was quite a scandal when her husband killed one of her supporters and possible lover. Several books and plays have been written about the affair. She is thought to be the model for the Gibson Girl. Her hourglass figure, red hair, were quite the thing. I have found her life to be so tragic. So much beauty and so much darkness.

Digital Photograph - A Rainy Morning...

2011-11-14T08:15:00.003-05:00

I am in the mountains after a lovely week at the beach. It is warm and rainy this morning. I woke before daylight and went out and took some pictures. I found this little barn sitting proud on a hillside over looking a creek. Hoping you all have a great week.

Four Letter Words...Look

2011-11-14T08:13:00.001-05:00

Cotton....

2011-11-08T08:33:00.001-05:00

Several people emailed me and asked me how they got cotton that was pink, green , or beige. Well they took cotton that they found that had those tinges to it and cross bred them and cross bred them till they came up with strain that grew pink or beige. Then they gave the seeds to farmers and have them grow the cotton for them. Then they are able to use the organic not dyed label on them.
It is the same if you want a deeper purple, or bluer iris. A day lily that is pink. You just keep cross breeding with the traits you want and sooner or later you get a blue iris, or pink cotton.

An Afternoon on the Tennessee River...

2011-11-08T08:32:00.004-05:00

Last weekend I had a free day to do anything I wanted. My friend I am staying with had a visit from her husband who is working out of town. I thought they might like some privacy so off I went to take pictures. The Tennessee River is the main water supply and recreational center for Northern Alabama. On a previous visit I had driven to several cities that rest along the river. I decided to go back and do some exploring. This is the river with a large train trestle that spans the river. There are huge plants and factories that sit along the river. One after another for miles and miles.

Like most rivers they have a tide just like the ocean. Everything drains and finds a way to the ocean. I happened to be there during low tide. The shore was this thick brown mud. Thank goodness I keep an extra pair of crummy shoes in my car for such adventures. Several times I thought I was going to walk out of my shoes.

This is what the shore looked like. I was amazed there were so many shells. All of these are fresh water shells. Mussels etc.

This is an old guy I met. He is a mussel fisherman. He did not find a lot but they were much bigger than I thought. He complained of new regulations on catching and selling mussels that Obama had passed. He said most of the mussel fishermen in Alabama had been put out of buisness. He was catching his dinner. One of the things I have really enjoyed this past year is all the interesting people I have met. Everyone has a story.

After my walk on the shore I had to find some water to wash off my shoes. I headed to the local marina in search of a hose. There I met this sweet woman and her dog. They live on this boat. She divorced and sold everything and decided to hang out for awhile on the boat she got in the divorce. She said it was alot of fun. The small space does not seem so small on the river she informed me and her dog was better company than her husband. She had real spirit!

The bridge at sunset. Note the large plant to the left of the bridge. I was so amazed at how many of these there were. It does make for a robust economy. One thing about Alabama is they have pulled in all sorts of different type of buisnesses. It was a lovely day on the river. I will share more pictures of the wildlife areas at another time. Hope you enjoyed my mini tour.

Digital Photograph - Blue Door 127

2011-11-06T12:00:00.002-05:00

It has been a while since I posted a door. I have a great fondness for blue doors. Enjoy!

Daylight Savings...

2011-11-05T22:00:00.001-04:00

There is something delightful about turning the clocks back an hour. Knowing the next day you get that one hour of "extra time". I always think I am going to do something different with that hour. Every year I tell myself "make it count". Savor it, read a book, watch a sunset, have a meaningful conversation. Enjoy the quiet. Then I turn around and the day is over and I wonder if I have used my time wisely. Telling myself next year I will do better. So tonight remember to fall back and turn those clocks back one hour. I hope you have a great time with your extra hour!

Digital Photograph - Cotton A Closer Look

2011-11-05T11:18:00.001-04:00

Thought you might like a closer look. The cotton looks like cotton balls you buy in the drugstore. Actually, there are seeds in there that need to come out and a few more processes before it is ready for market. The cotton is seeded, cleaned, and woven into thread. Then we get those wonderful sheets and cotton clothes to wear. In some areas of the South they are growing organic cotton in colors - pink, green and brown. I have not run across any of those fields yet. If I do I will have my camera handy!

Digital Photograph - White Gold

2011-11-05T11:17:00.002-04:00

A few days ago I was driving to my friends house when all of a sudden I came upon this field of cotton. For miles this was all you could see. Big, fluffy, white, balls of cotton. It was beautiful. I pulled over and got out my camera. I felt like I had gone back in time when cotton was king here in the South. Then I was reminded of all of the lives cotton changed then and now.

Still Fall in Alabama...

2011-11-05T11:16:00.005-04:00

First I would like to Thank everyone who has sent my friend prayers and goood thoughts. We both really appreciate it. Fall is in full force here in Northern Alabama. The crisp cool air and the beautiful fall colors have helped quite a bit. Who can't feel good when all around them is such beauty? This is my last weekend here for awhile. The sound of the ocean and smell of salt air are doing their siren call. Time to buy a house.

Meanwhile I am caught up in the Louisana - Alabama rivalry. The big game - here on the radio and TV they call it the game of the century. Oh my! I hope they are not too disappointed. So, red flags are a waving here, and everyone is in red, the Crimson tide is everywhere. It is hard not to get caught up in the moment. I think it is a good weekend to be in Alabama.

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T00:11:00.003-04:00

I have missed all of you the past couple weeks. I have been traveling and visiting friends. One of my dear friends here in Alabama was in a very bad car accident. She was thrown out of the car and the car rolled over on top of her. Knocking her out for three days and fracturing multiple bones, etc. A quick helocopter ride to the hospital. "Lucky to be alive" is one quote she has heard over and over. Prayers needed please. She is recuperating. Scared us all. Just another reminder that life is fragile, spend your time wisely and with people who you cherish and that cherish you. Do not settle for less.

Digital Photograph - Faded Glory

2011-10-31T00:09:00.000-04:00

Faded Glory

All the summer flowers are fading. Dropping their petals like the trees dropping their leaves. It is hard to believe that fall is almost over and winter is just around the corner. I thought I would post this delicious rose. It reminded me of the snow that fell on the Northeast. Mother nature is so amazing.

Some Halloween Freebies...

2011-10-31T00:06:00.002-04:00

I am hoping everyone is having a trick or treat day filled with lots of candy and cool costumes!

Postcards from along the Road...

2011-10-30T23:59:00.002-04:00

Thought I would share some of the barns I have been seeing along the way to Alabama. All of these I found in Tennessee. It is a beautiful state full of a rich history. I have been impressed by all of the beautiful farms. I have been going through the backroads. It is amazing. I wish everyone could spend a week off the grid just enjoying the sights. I have not been on the internet for awhile. I have been nourishing my spirit, body, and mind.

Four Letter Words - Hide

2011-10-30T23:57:00.001-04:00

Basic Pumpkin Soup

2011-10-30T23:55:00.004-04:00

Pumpkin Soup has been prepared by many different cultures for a long time. It is one of Autumn's signature dishes. Everyone should have a basic recipe. You can add and alter this recipe to fit your mood. This recipe is good with a dollop of sourcream and a sprinkle of Hungarian paprika. Or a dash of curry and add a cup of wild rice while simmering. Or add a leek or apple instead of onions for another taste and serve with thick slices of bread topped with stilton cheese. I could go on but I am sure you have gotten the idea.

Basic Pumpkin Soup

1 tablespoon butter

1 medium onion finely chopped

2 cloves of garlic crushed

1 pound of pumpkin,peeled,seeded,cut into one inch cubes

3 cups of either chicken or vegetable stock

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground pepper

1. Melt butter in large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic. Cook till translucent.

2. Add cubed pumpkin. Cook 3 minutes until lightly softened.

3. Add stock of your choice, tomato paste. Stir to mix. Bring to a boil over high heat. Lower temperature, simmer and cover pan. Cook for 20 minutes until pumpkin is tender.

4. Transfer the contents of pan to blender or food processor. Puree until smooth. Add cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix. Serve Warm with a sprinkle of cheese as a gnarish. Enjoy!

Cosmos - Digital Photograph

2011-10-14T08:35:00.002-04:00

I am on the road this week traveling. I thought I would post these flowers for all of you. These were some of the first flowers from a seed packet I ever tried to grow. They were amazing. After growing them I just knew I could try anything. They seem so fragile on their thin stems. Don't let them fool you. Hardy is their name. Hope every one is having a great week.

On the road again...

2011-10-14T08:34:00.003-04:00

I am on the road again. Looking forward to traveling the backroads and seeing the sights.

Digital Photograph...The Stick Barn

2011-10-14T08:32:00.003-04:00

I found this old barn outside of Asheville North Carolina. It once stood proud. Today it is slowly becoming a skeleton of it's former self. I could not believe it when I first saw it. They used such thin boards to put this barn together. I have never seen anything like it before.

Brothers and Sisters...Freebies

2011-10-12T00:07:00.001-04:00

These look like well loved children. His bow tie is lovely and her lacy dress just beautiful.

Twins? They have that unsaid closeness.

I bet these two had a lot of fun together. He looks like a protector.

Aren't these two just precious!

I love how the little boy is sort of blurry. All movement. While the little girl is so lady like.

I have been remiss about getting my freebies out to ya'll. This week I decided to do brothers and sisters. Yesterday was my brother's birthday. I thought alot about how the relationship between between brothers and sisters is so special. My brother was a really good brother when we were growing up - except of course when he was tattling on me. Now all grown up and the father of three boys, he is still a great brother, but more important he has turned into a great man. I am so proud of him. I hope you will take a moment and remember the special men in your lives. Enjoy these freebies.

Antique Bottles... Iphone Picture

2011-10-12T00:06:00.003-04:00

Saw these sitting in a window of an Antique store this weekend. I loved the way my Hipstamatic camera on my iphone captured them.

The Little Red House... Digital Photograph

2011-10-12T00:05:00.000-04:00

A little red house I ran across in the mountains.

Digital Collage...A Glass Door Knob

2011-10-12T00:03:00.000-04:00

This is a glass door knob from a house built in 1938 that I was considering buying. Cute as a button house. One that says Grand Ma's house and you expect the smell of cookies or fried chicken when you open the door. However, it was a little far out - real wild turkeys came walking out of the woods - and the neighbors were a bit close. I am on the right track though.

Digital Photographs - Mountain Barns

2011-10-11T08:39:00.001-04:00

Beautiful barn with quilt star pattern.

I could not make out the quilt pattern on this barn but it looked interesting.

The flower basket pattern. I love the red, white, and blue against the gray. Beautiful.

There seems to be an artist up in the mountains who is doing barn art. I saw about twenty or more barns with these quilt patterns on them. It really made the barns stand out. Hope you enjoy.

Digital Photograph - Orange Mountain

2011-10-11T08:37:00.003-04:00

Thought I would share this photograph with you. I turned the corner and this sight was just there waiting for me. It was late in the day and I was heading back into town. The sun was hitting the mountain, everything was Orange. It was just one of those moments. Hope you enjoy!

Saturday in the Mountains - The Flea Markets...

2011-10-11T08:35:00.002-04:00

The road to the flea market. Isn't this just lovely? You turn off the main road to a small country road, then down this dirt road. The trees all have faded signs on them that read books, quilts, chairs, and on and on. It is a small flea market but the people are wonderful.

Retro casseroles and bowls. I find these at Goodwill for a third of the price.

I love these old metal cookie cutters. They are so graphic. My grandmother had several and they bring back memories of making cookies and sipping lemonade. These were very expensive, almost $20.00 a piece.

Some beautiful bottles. I love bottles. They just fascinate me. Big ones little ones. Soon everything will be plastic and we will not have anymore bottles.

This is a North Carolina face jug. These were originally made at the end of the day with scraps of clay left over from the days work. Each potter made their own jug to keep their refreshments in. Now several potters do nothing but face jugs. Each one is unique and different. I have several and think they are really fun.

Saturday I spent the day having meals with my children and taking photographs of the sights. It was one of those clear and crisp days that told you winter is on the way enjoy this while you can. I took it to heart and decided to shoot and shop. I went to one of the local flea markets, some antique stores and hit the mountain roads. It was a beautiful day ending with a moutain dinner with people I love. Perfect day.

Honey Bee - Digital Photograph

2011-10-08T09:09:00.002-04:00

A little honey bee working hard to make that delicious honey.

Mountain Honey - Digital Photograph

2011-10-08T09:06:00.003-04:00

These are the jars of honey I purchased from a little mountain road stand. Don't they look delicious? Can't wait to make some honey and biscuits. My mouth is watering.

Digital Photograph - Mountain Honey and Jam

2011-10-08T09:03:00.002-04:00

All over the mountains you will find these stands full of local produce. Sometimes they will be garden vegetables, home made items, and honey and jams. This is one I have gone to for years. It is an older couple set up on a little pull off on a mountain road. Their whole stand fits in the bed of their pick up truck. They sell homemade jellies, jams, honey, apple butter, and apples. I always stop and get something. Yum!

Digital Photographs - Up in the Mountains...

2011-10-08T09:00:00.002-04:00

I have been up in the mountains most of the week looking at houses. When not looking at houses I have been enjoying the mountain roads. The leaves have started putting on their colors. The higher elevations have the most color right now. Every morning I get up and it is a new world. A deeper orange, more red, and who knew there were so many yellows? The air is crisp and clear. Everyone walks with a bit more purpose in their step. Strangers talking to strangers about how nice the weather is. Everyone enjoying the last few weeks of falls.

Digital Photograph...The Beach

2011-10-04T07:20:00.002-04:00

I am still grooving at the beach. It was a wonderful, relaxing weekend. My spirit has been renourished. Hope everyone had a great weekend. I will be back to blogging in a day or so. I am traveling again.

Some freebies for You... Magicians

2011-10-02T00:02:00.001-04:00

I thought since we are into October already - can you believe it? I would share some posters of Magicians and a scary movie poster. These make excellent background for Halloween projects. Also, great decorations for your home for Halloween. I wish I could have seen them all perform. I bet they were really amazing.

Digital Collage - dear God...

2011-10-01T00:05:00.015-04:00

I am off to the beach this weekend to visit some friends. I am so looking forward to seeing them, smelling the salt air, playing with their pups, and being in a real home. The other plus is that she does art! It is always fun to be around someone who understands and shares your passion. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.

Four Letter Words - Seek

2011-10-01T00:03:00.002-04:00

Digital Photograph... The Local Broom Shop

2011-09-30T05:35:00.002-04:00

Driving down Main Street in the little town one of my son's lives in I spotted this shop. I was stuck in traffic and decided to park and take a few photographs. This one was from my car and it is one of my favorites. I love the sign - "Brooms made and sold here." Then there are the brooms hanging in the window. Then.... who can resist the little bird house and the picket fence. This is what main street is all about.

Digital Collage - Embrace Imperfection

2011-09-30T05:33:00.012-04:00

Today I decided that I needed to realize that there is good, that there is glory in imperfection. I am imperfect. There will be something imperfect in the house I select. My day will be full of imperfections. The imperfections are what make life interesting. Those little flaws give life a beautiful patina. They make things unique. I need to embrace them and make them mine.[The collage background is from DJ pettitt and the girl is from Jamie over at art-e-ology. I had so much fun playing with the girl. making the background and the girl become one.]

Digital Collage - I am on a Journey

2011-09-29T06:03:00.003-04:00

This is pretty much self explanatory. I am on a journey...loving every moment. Are you on a journey?

Digital Photograph for You....

2011-09-29T06:01:00.014-04:00

Here is a wall - door for you that I took in a small mill town in North Carolina. It is from one of several mills in this town. Most of the mills are boarded up and starting to fall apart. All the work has been shipped out of the country to China, India, and Mexico, etc. In the larger cities here in North Carolina there was a movement to turn them into Condos and Loft apartments. That was till 2008 and the Recession began. I used this photograph in the digital collage in the post after this. I love the way you can not decide if this is a door or a wall. I hope you have fun with this one.

Digital Collage - Create Something Remarkable

2011-09-28T05:50:00.009-04:00

I am having so much fun making these inspirations cards for myself this week. A lot of positive energy is following me. Hope you are all having a great week!

Pumpkin Pancakes

2011-09-28T05:00:00.003-04:00

There is something about fall that just makes me change what I eat completely. I want soups, chilis and casseroles, squash and cinnamon. I woke up yesterday and decided I needed to make Pumpkin Pancakes for dinner. Here is my recipe. Yummy!

Pumpkin Pancakes

1 1/2 cups milk

1 cup pumpkin puree/I use the canned pumpkin

1 egg

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

2 tablespoons vinegar

2 cups all purpose flour

3 tablespoons brown sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground allspice

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon salt

In a large bowl mix the first five ingredients.

In a separate large bowl mix the last eight ingredients[the flour, sugar etc.]

Then gently combine the second bowl to the first.

Heat lightly an oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Use 1/4 cup per pancake. Brown on both sides. Serve hot with Maple syrup.
I make big batches of these and freeze them. They are great to serve when you have company. They think you have gone all out for them. I serve them with ham and orange slices. Enjoy!

Digital Collage - Postcard - the little things

2011-09-27T07:30:00.006-04:00

I am starting the day off in a whirlwind today. So much to do, so little time. I am taking time to remember the things that are really important knowing that everything will get done in it's own time.

Digital Collage - Postcard for You

2011-09-27T07:26:00.002-04:00

Here is a Postcard for you to alter and send to someone you care about. It is the base of the digital collage in the post after this. Enjoy!

Some Iphone Textures for You....

2011-09-27T07:23:00.001-04:00

Here are a couple of iphone textures for you. They were taken with the LOMOstyle camera. I did no altering in any camera editing program. these are straight from my camera to you. I used the top one in the digital collage of the postcard.

Digital Collage - Grafitti Wall # 2

2011-09-26T17:05:00.003-04:00

This week I felt I needed to start off the week with something very positive. This is a week of change for me. A week of uncertainty. So every day I am going to start and end the day with something positive. I am drawing all the positive energy I can to me and those I love. Won't you join me?

Digital Collage - Wall for You

2011-09-26T17:04:00.006-04:00

Here is the wall I used to create the digital collage in the next post. I thought you might like a copy so the you could create something.

Digital Photograph - Call

2011-09-24T12:00:00.001-04:00

Woke up to a huge roll of thunder. Decided to take the morning to edit some photographs. This is my favorite barn from last week. I love the sign - Call. A reminder for us all to stay in touch with those we care about.

Owl Freebies...

2011-09-23T18:00:00.010-04:00

Here are some lovely owls for you. I hope you enjoy them. One of my sons had a birthday today. So, as a present I am sharing these with you. I personally think they are wonderful birds. The first one I ever saw was in my neighbor's basement when I was just a child. It was a screech owl. For such a tiny owl it made a huge racket. In our barn on the old farm we use to have an owl. I would find it's pellets disgarded in strange places. I loved finding it's feathers. I have a vase full of different feathers I have found.
My favorite owl is the horned owl. I love the coloring and the ears. It looks so wise to me. We had a barred owl at the house at the beach. He lived in the pine tree at the end of my driveway overlooking our pool. We became friends after the second year I lived there. He would come out in the early evening. I would come out and watch him survey the yards, then after a few pictures he would fly across the yard and in to another pine tree on the edge of the golf course. Ready for the night hunt. All the years I lived there he only left me one feather. [The month I was moving out. It was like a goodbye present.] Sometimes if we timed it right I would be finishing up my night swim and he had delivered a savory meal to his mate and owlets, then he would fly right over me floating in the pool. Just a whisper of air currents would let me know he was there. His wing span was 4 feet or so. The quietest bird I have ever been in contact with. On hot lazy summer nights I wonder if he flies over the pool and says hello to the new owners.[p.s. remember to double click on images to enlarge]

The Chair - Digital Photograph

2011-09-23T17:55:00.002-04:00

This chair reached out and spoke to me yesterday. I decided to get in an hour or so of antiquing before I met up with the realtor to look at houses. As I drove down the road I spotted this place. Outside an elderly lady sitting in this chair watching the cars drive by. I decided to pull in and see what she had for sale. She had quilts, and furniture and this and that from the past hundred years or so. I do not think she ever threw anything out.
Looking through her things she followed me around tell me bits and pieces of where she got it or what it was used for. At first I thought it was lack of trust, then I realized it was loneliness. After I completed my purchase she invited me to a cup of chicory and a chair to sit a spell. When it came time to leave I asked to take a picture of her chair with a promise to return next time I am in town...

A Mountain Barn - Digital Photograph

2011-09-22T09:35:00.001-04:00

Mountain Barn

Rainy Days... in the mountains

2011-09-22T09:03:00.002-04:00

Rain creates these lovely waterfalls. The noise is incredible.

Another smaller waterfall I found in the forest.

The forest is so beautiful during the rain. All the colors shine, and the mist is incredible.

I spent most of yesterday in the forest high up in the mountains. I visited the Eastern Continental Divide saw the oldest mountain in the United States - Grandfather Mountain and did a little antiquing. Today I look at more houses. Keep your fingers crossed that I find something.

A Girl's Best Friend Freebies...

2011-09-21T08:35:00.002-04:00

They are so cute! I love their expressions.

Obviously a pup who is adored. I love her hat.

This is my favorite of this group.

I love this shaggy dog. I had a pup like this growing up but he was black.

Sisters with their sister dogs.

This week I thought I would share these photos of women with their dogs. I stopped at a Thrift Store yesterday and there was the cutest little pup in the car next to me just sending up a ruckus. I decided then to use these as todays freebies. When I am traveling one of the treats is when I get to stay with people who have animals. I have several girlfriends who have the sweetest dogs - yes Lexi and Alex, Winnie and Pooh, Darla and Shugi I mean you. Several of my kids have pups and I love playing with them while I am there. They make a house feel like a home. So, to all of you who care for an animal and make it a part of your family I salute you. How lucky you are.

Four Letter Words - Fall

2011-09-21T08:33:00.002-04:00

Digital Photographs - Fall Leaves...

2011-09-21T08:30:00.002-04:00

I have been up in the mountains of North Carolina the past couple of days visiting my boys. It has been cool and filled with beautiful scenery. The trees are beginning to turn colors here in town. On the mountain sides it is still various shades of green. The rain started yesterday which means the color of the leaves will be good.
I thought I would share these photographs I took yesterday of a couple of Maple trees. They were so red. Even the stems to the leaves were infused with color. It made my heart skip a beat. I love the colors of fall, the smell of burning leaves, and apple cider. Yum.

Digital Photograph - Windblown

2011-09-19T08:33:00.001-04:00

Windblown

On the Road Again...

2011-09-19T08:30:00.003-04:00

This week I will be on the road. I will be up in the mountains visiting a few kids and enjoying the beginning of fall. I can not believe what a change in the weather we have experienced this weekend. All of a sudden it is cool - in the 60's and I am wondering where my sweaters are. Leaves are begining to fall and turn colors. I am hoping to find some delicious mountain apples. Hope you all have a great week.

Crow Freebies

2011-09-14T17:00:00.006-04:00

This weeks freebies are Crows. I have been fascinated with these birds since I was a child. They live in big communities - rooks. They can be quite mean, particularly to a non conforming member. They like bright and shiny things. They are loud, eat very disgusting things, and generally can be quite wicked.
I thought with Halloween an October coming up I would give you a few to use in your art work. I am sending a special shout out to Marion who also appreciates these as I do. Enjoy! p.s. don't forget to double click on these.

A Train Car Wall - Digital Photograph

2011-09-14T12:09:00.002-04:00

I have found quite alot of these grafitti'd up train cars around here lately. I have been taking lots of photographs of them. I love the pictures, and stylized writng. Hope you enjoy this one. I am using it as a wall in my journal this week.

Digital Collage - Locked

2011-09-14T12:06:00.006-04:00

Locked

I have been traveling the last week and weekend. I thought I would look at places in the mountains and just sort of get out of town and away from all the September 11 footage. It stirs up a lot of feelings, distrust, anger, sadness, hurt, things I do not want to feel. I lived them, I am healing, no need to revisit.

The mountains were beautiful. Those first days of the leaves beginning their color change. You could feel it in the air. I took lots of pictures, made some new discoveries, and met some nice people. Experienced some new food.

This collage is made with one of my pictures I took of a closed up factory door. I shared it with you last week - Locked. I found this cabinet card in an antique shop and scanned it. The lovely script is from Viola. It was one of her freebies. The key is one of Tim Holtz's stamps. I made a brush out of it for my collage. Enjoy!

Twinkle Toes - the madness has started

2011-09-14T12:03:00.003-04:00

Yesterday I spent a good hour hunting down these exact pink Twinkle Toe Sketcher shoes for Miss Mischief. Not the rainbow ones, or the purple ones, nor the denim with hearts would do. These pink ones. Finally I found a store near us who carried them AND had her size.

Off we raced to get them. Of course as soon as we got there , Miss Mischief needed a restroom. Finally after 20 minutes it was back to the store. It is amazing that for only being four years old she sure can shop. Definitely knows her way around the shoe store. She bee lined to the shelf, discarded this and that till Yes in a loud ear splitting scream, followed by giggles the pink Twinkle Toes were found. They flew on her feet. A quick dash around the store to make sure they fit and all of the lights worked on the shoes. Ahh peace. Of course we had to get the six matching pairs of socks. And... it was a buy one get 50% off another shoe so I got some boots. [You can never have to many boots.] As we got into the car Miss Mischief looked at me and said "You know they have good sales almost every month here?" Naptime.

Digital Collage - Encourage...

2011-09-09T12:57:00.003-04:00

I have reading a lot of buzz on my yahoo groups and the internet about the book "Walls Notebook" by Sherwood Forlee. Brilliant. Wished I had thought of it first. Goodness knows I have more than enough photos to do several of these books. In fact, I think I will put my own together with my photos.
The premise of The Wall, if you don't know, is that there are a bunch of photographs of various walls in various cities. You are to add your own artwork and grafitti to the pages. Therefore making it your own. So here is my photograph of a wall - textile mill in North Carolina - with my digitally added grafitti. Enjoy!