Artsee Blogger - Call for Artists

This is the letter that went out as an introduction and invitation to Geri Centonze new blog - Artsee Blogger. She has interviews with guest artists, information on artists blogs, all sorts of yummies. In the past week or so she has had over 2500 hits and 200 followers sign up. How wonderful is that!?! The whole idea is just great. I hope you will hop over to Artsee Blogger and check it out. If you are a blogger and an artists let Geri know and she will include you on her site. Pick up her blog button. The fun is just beginning.

Digital Collage with Grunge Texture...Dreams

Thought I would share one of my digital collages with you. I used the last rusty grunge texture to make this. The graffiti piece is from my favorite graffiti artist - jef aerosol. The quote is from John Barrymore. [Please double click to get the full effect.]

Some Grungy Textures from Main Street for You....

A lovely bit of rust

A window sill

A lovely brick wall
A green door

More yummy rust

Here are a few textures from a walk around Main Street. I love the first rusty piece. The old paint goes so deep. I love a lotta paint. Some times I will run across a door or window that probably has ten layers of paint on it. My heart starts to sing. I hope you enjoy these textures as much as I do. Enjoy the day, for those of you in the middle and eastern part of the United States Stay Cool!

Digital Photograph - The Back Door

Thought I would share this digital photograph with you. often when I am visiting these small towns I head for the back of Main Street. I love the alleys and backs of the buildings as much as the fronts. I am always amazed at how much you can tell about a building from the back and sides. The additions, what is there as opposed to what you think should be there. Often the back of the building has more character than the front.

They remind me of people. What they show you, is not always who they are. Many are trying to disguise their age by dying their hair, wrinkles with makeup, their bodies with lifts and tucks or ill fitting clothes. The front of these buildings are painted, with flowers outside their doors, new signs. Around back is the true story...So next time you are visiting a local "main street" take a brief moment to check out the back. You might be surprised.

Cucumber Salad

I found this recipe last week on the internet or in a magazine, I can not remember. I did jot it down and think I needed to try it. Yesterday, I stopped at one of the local produce stands and bought some goodies, seeing the cucumbers there made me remember this recipe. I tried it last night and again today for lunch. It is delicious! This could be served at a picnic, for a snack, with a dinner as the salad. I served it with brats from the grill and baked beans.

Cucumber Salad

2 cucumbers - peeled and cut into 1/4 inch slices

1 teaspoon chile powder

1 lemon - juiced

1/2 teaspoon salt

Place cucumbers in a medium size bowl. Add lemon juice, chili powder and salt. Toss gently till mixed. Chill for 15 minutes in refrigerator. Serve.

Digital Photography - Summer Afternoon

"Summertime and the livin' is easy." I believe that is how the song goes. This big ole bull certainly seems to be enjoying himself. Summer afternoons are all about grabbing a nice glass of iced tea and watching the grass grow.

Freebies - Brothers...

My boys would have been pouting if I made them get their picture taken wearing a bow!

Look at these little ones with their bare feet and tricycle. They are adorable.

Look at these dashing brothers, the apple did not fall far from the tree with them.

Here are two little pudges. Love the long coat the youngest is dressed in and the straw hat on the stool of the older brother.

One word for these little sailor boys - adorable.

Thought I would do brothers this week. I am visiting my boys, and I have been reminded that they are still all very close. The Brothers. It is a bond that is impossible to break. As I watch them grow and mature into men I am reminded of how truly blessed I have been. If you have a brother, give him a call. If you have boys, remind them how lucky they are to have such a friend. Hope everyone is getting ready for a wonderful summer weekend.

Digital Photograph - Small Town America

One of the best parts of traveling this year has been being able to take the backroads. I have seen so much of this country - the real, everyday people that make up this country. Where they work and live. It has been a pleasure and at times disturbing. I wish all those politicians could take a week off and take a little trip with me. They would definitely have a better understanding of what is really happening out there in the world they govern. Meanwhile I am so honored to be an American and to be able to explore and meet all of these interesting people.[remember to double click on picture to see it enlarged]

Back in North Carolina...

Feels so good to be back in North Carolina. The air, the light, all seem so different. The sky is a glorious Carolina Blue. Home. Off to see the boys and friends... I will post freebies and textures tonight. Right now I am basking in the sun and my love for them.

One door opens...

I found this doorknob on the way to lunch yesterday in Cowpens, South Carolina. First let me say this is a very nice old southern town. I found the people to be so friendly and nice. I stopped to stretch my legs, get a bite to eat, and antique a bit. I found some beautiful antiques, stretched my legs, found some delicious homecooked southern food, and met a delightful mother - daughter team at lunch. We ended up knowing a mutual acquaintance, have deep southern roots, and passed an hour or so in wonderful conversation. [If you are reading this - Alice and Virginia I enjoyed our conversation and lunch immensely. I look forward to seeing you both again.] I left three great friends in Alabama it felt nice to make two new friends yesterday. You never know what a day will bring...

Leaving South Carolina...

I love South Carolina. The food is incredible, the people are everything you have heard about Southern Hospitality. With that said I thought you might like to see this water tower. It is on Interstate 85 in Gaffney, South Carolina. They call themselves the peach capital of the South. I just know I love peaches and get a real kick out of this water tower. The leaf is so cool. A little piece of Southern art.

Leaving Alabama...

I had to share this delicious place with you I found as I was leaving Alabama. I absolutely love this roof. Think of the things it must have seen.

On the Road Again...

On the road again... I am leaving Alabama after a wonder visit. It has been so much fun exploring the northern part of this state. Time to head to North Carolina though. I am missing my family and familar faces and places.

Happy Independence Day!

Sending all of you in the states wishes for a safe Independence Day full of fun, fireworks, family and friends, and good food!

Four Letter Words - Free

Independence Day Freebies!

A few vintage Independence Day postcards for all of ya'll. I also want to say thanks to all of the men and women in the armed forces and their families for continuing to fight for mine and my families independence. Today I salute you and all of those who went before you. Freedom, it is a great gift!

Deviled Eggs

Deviled Eggs remind me of every picnic I have ever been to. My Grandmother use to make plates of them for Wednesday night supper for the church. I use to wonder why people liked deviled eggs so much at church. I can remember standing on a stool in her kitchen with my arms immersed in a bowl of cold water peeling eggs.
I was thinking some of you might want to use this recipe over the long weekend. This is a really easy recipe that I have modified somewhat to be a little more healthy. I still prefer just regular mayonnaise to low fat. Preparation is very quick. Hope you enjoy, I know whomever you make it for will.

Deviled Eggs

12 large hard boiled eggs peeled

1/3 cup nonfat cottage cheese

1/4 cup low fat mayonaise

3 Tablespoons minced scallions

1 Tablespoon sweet pickle relish

2 teaspoons yellow mustard

1/4 teaspoon salt

Paprika for garnish. Spinach leaves for the plate.

Halve the eggs lengthwise with a sharp knife. Gently remove the yolks. Place 8 of the yolks in a food processor. Discard the other four or save for egg salad . Add all of the other ingredients to the food processor. Process till smooth.Spoon about 2 teaspoons of the yolk mixture into each egg half. Sprinkle with Paprika. Place spinach leaves on plate. Arrange egg halves on them. Cover and keep in refrigerator or cool till serving time. Makes 24 servings.

Hard Boil Eggs - Cooking and Peeling

Boiling an egg is really not all that hard. I can remember the first time I boiled one all by myself. The yolk was still all runny. It took me several tries before I got it right. I was way too embarrassed to call my mother to ask her. No Internet then. So I am going to share with you the secret of perfect boiled eggs.

Place your eggs in a saucepan where they can all lay there with out being on top of each other. Then cover them with water. Bring them to a simmer over medium high heat. Reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 10 minutes.

Remove the pan from heat and drain out the hot water. Cover the eggs with ice water till they are cool.Once cool crack the eggs gently all over. Put them back in cold water to peel. They peel much easier immersed in cold water. Plus it conserves water.

Another tip...for salads and sandwiches slice with a egg slicer. The thin slices fit so nicely on a sandwich. You can also slice tomatoes with an egg slicer.

Digital Collage with Saturday's Texture

A digital collage using the first texture from this week's Saturday Textures. We are putting away a bunch of peaches this weekend. Freezing them for those dark winter nights. This year's crop of peaches is delicious. Maybe it was the cold winter. Whatever it was, go buy some fresh peaches and enjoy!

Saturday Textures #16

Here are this week's Saturday Textures. I know I did not post any last week. I was in the middle of Alabama out of touch with the world. Not such a bad place to be once in awhile. I will try to post some extra textures for you in the next few days to make up for last weekend. These are from iphone with the help of a paper towel. Enjoy!

Four Letter Words - Soar