tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29390943110654188412024-03-14T14:49:08.282-04:00Of Quilts and Other MusingsKarenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09673095643583804417noreply@blogger.comBlogger247125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2939094311065418841.post-52833486787068560042013-06-04T18:38:00.002-04:002013-06-04T18:38:26.449-04:00Genesee Valley Quilt Club Show, Part II<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As I mentioned in yesterday's post, <a href="http://www.red-dogenterprises.com/">Red-Dog Enterprises, Inc.</a> sponsored one of the special exhibits at the weekend show. As the large array of vendors lined the outside of RIT's Gordon Field House, Travel Companion and I walked through them first before tackling row upon row of quilts. One booth in particular caught our eye not only because of this:</div>
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But one couldn't help but stop and catch their breath at this amazing piece of quilt art:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZolaZHBxWc68OBrWmUo-gf9nH__dH9pYIKCqQYhfZANjbbgy_S3PBiFeoJ6a7q7q3GmsCWh6BrOxWv0coQHKTDK-_eDegASu4YBHWbQS4pXIS9HC2EoIOmZBwzgXu9_fLt8WVctTFJvU/s1600/IMG_0233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZolaZHBxWc68OBrWmUo-gf9nH__dH9pYIKCqQYhfZANjbbgy_S3PBiFeoJ6a7q7q3GmsCWh6BrOxWv0coQHKTDK-_eDegASu4YBHWbQS4pXIS9HC2EoIOmZBwzgXu9_fLt8WVctTFJvU/s320/IMG_0233.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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The gals who make up Red-Dog Enterprises, Valerie (Schultz) and Julie (Brandon) are two very talented women! Valerie is the dye specialist and teaches workshops on low immersion dying as well as shibori, and her hand dyed silks were to die for. Travel companion couldn't decide between two very distinctive and beautifully dyed scarves, so she decided to buy them both (who could resist!). Julie holds workshops in collage, scanning, digitizing and an overview of photoshop. Putting these two together is literally a collaborative dream. They lecture together on the fine points of collaborative quit projects as well as teaching a workshop that encompasses glass fusing basics, cutting glass and mixing basic colors for dying (the low immersion technique). Above you see the results of their collaborative "play". The photo does not do this beautiful hanging justice. We had an interesting conversation on how it is interpreted by people who see it. The adorable digitized piece at the beginning of this post is a second copy of an award winning quilt the gals made that is now traveling the country with a special exhibit. The original, Valerie told us was fairly heavily beaded and had "lots"of sea shells scattered along the bottom- quite the masterpiece I am sure. Red-Dog Enterprises also offers a retreat space at Williamson, NY in the gorgeous NY Finger Lakes Region. Their website is almost up and running and I would encourage you to spend some time exploring it. </div>
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As we were talking and gathering printed materials for future reference, I decided to scroll through my cell phone photo gallery and lo and behold I had this photo taken on Memorial Day as my grandson was anticipating the start of the Wynantskill town parade. </div>
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How fortuitous as the show special was one 8"x 11" photo print on fabric for a mere $8. A quick email to Julie's cell phone as I stood in the booth, and I was the proud owner of the beginning of my own art quilt. It was too exciting, and I can't wait to sit down, figure out how I want to design around it and put together a piece that will be full of meaning and memory! I want to go through my entire collection of iPhotos now!!</div>
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As if that weren't enough to get my juices flowing, we happened upon a booth filled with batiks and patterns for art quilting. I could not resist picking up a patten complete with digitized leaves by <a href="http://www.moandmike.com/">Mo and Mike</a> entitled <a href="http://shop.moandmike.com/Winter-Garden-MM104.htm">"Winter Garden"</a>. **</div>
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(** Noel P. - make sure you take a look at Winter Garden's link NOW! This has everything you and I love...nature, words, batiks!)</div>
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Needless to say, my mind was racing the rest of the day, fueled on by works of art such as these (all digitized by Red-Dog Enterprises:</div>
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<u>Negative Growth</u>- exhibited by Lori Anderson. the quilter's own photograph was manipulated into black and white at a high contrast and then made into its own negative. It was thread sketched and embellished. She noted that "the root colors are meant to reflect beauty, love and synergy in the beginning of life, but as we come out into the world, the exposure to selfishness, power and evil can turn our lives colorless and gray".</div>
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Think on that one for a moment. I know I did.</div>
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I was intrigued by <u>Animal, Vegetable, Mineral II </u>exhibited by Janet Root. Janet wrote: "This is the second piece in a series exploring the use animal (silk), vegetable (linen, cotton, birch bark) and mineral (glass beads) products". It was another favorite of mine.</div>
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Most stunning of all, was this next piece, from the Novel Quilt Challenge. As part of All Rochester Reads, these artists created wallhangings based on "Into the Beautiful North" to express a reaction to the book. Unfortunately, I do not have the quilt artist's name and I hope she will forgive me. </div>
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She writes: The image was printed by Red-Dog Enterprises, Inc. It is a picture of Lisa Purda, a professional photographer and art teacher in New Zealand, and a landscape. Lisa, an old friend, gave me permission to use her photo in the (challenge). The three boarders represent the American and Mexican cultures and how they are interwoven. The main character is illustrated in Lisa's wide eyed, hopeful gaze. The quilting in the project was my favorite part of the process. I tried to convey both the organic and the ridged aspects of society by using both traditional flowing lines as well as unmoving straight lines. While reading "Into the Beautiful North", I was struck by human resiliency, the quest for identity , and the impact age has on a woman's outlook." Tell me that doesn't make you want to read the book! Both Travel Companion and I stood and searched the image looking for the wide eyed gaze mentioned, but could not find it anywhere...I saw hair, and in a certain light I thought perhaps it wasn't hair per say, but lashes...it was an enigma, and drew me in totally and completely. Isn't that what good art is supposed to do?<br />
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One of the other features we especially enjoyed was the <i>Iron Quilter</i> Contest. It began at 10am on Saturday and ended at 3pm that afternoon. Taken from the shows Project Runway and Iron Chef, the contestants were given a theme at the stroke of 10am, and had access to a huge stash of fabrics laid on tables in the center of the set up. They were given 3 1/2 hours of sewing time to complete a quilt masterpiece. At the final bell, the quilts were judged and prizes (the top prize being a new sewing machine!) were awarded.<br />
Talk about designing/working under pressure! But it was amazing what was produced in so short a time:<br />
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The first place winner is directly behind the sitting gentleman's head (below). You'll see part of it's golden spiral (the maker is looking to the left and has white earrings). It was difficult to get a close up photo of it, but the theme was "disappearing act" and the quilt was titled "disappearing quilt". How did it disappear? The very talented and clever maker envisioned a quilt under a zipper...opened ,the quilt was in full view, but zip up the top layer of fabric (which was constructed to act as lapels) and the quilt was gone from view. All fabrics chosen were batiks. Ingenious. Enjoyable. Too much pressure for me!<br />
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It was a long day, but so different from any of the quilts shows I've attended in the past, making the long bus trip and the very, <u>very</u> long day so very worth it. I'd do it all over again next time....but I think I'd drive and make a weekend out of it!<br />
Hopefully I've given you some moments of awe, and a few ideas of your own to take away from this virtual trip to Rochester's Genesee Valley Quilt Club's Show. I'm eager to sit and contemplate where to go from here artistically. That should take some time off my hands this summer!<br />
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<i>Karen</i>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09673095643583804417noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2939094311065418841.post-77879210003655637862013-06-03T20:17:00.001-04:002013-06-03T20:17:30.153-04:00Day Trippin'<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Some days it pays to get up early, not that there was much sleeping going on the past few nights thanks to the oppressive heat and humidity. "Early"-after just 4 hours of sleep- is a tough "early" to take, but I managed to pull myself up off the soggy sheets, hop in a cool shower and be on the road at 5:30am to head north. All of this was so I could catch a bus to Rochester, NY (4 hours west of me) for the Genesee Valley Quilt Club's 2013 quit show. The chosen theme: Magical Threads/ Inspired Stitches was just that- magical and definitely inspiring!! Six hundred quilts. Nine special exhibits. Three "challenge" exhibits: one inspired by a novel (Luis Alberto Urrea's <u>Into the Beautiful North)</u>, the second by a show title and the third by the Chinese Chestnut pod. Two other special exhibits: "Through the Looking Glass- Downtown Rochester at the Turn of the Century" and "Nature Behind Bars" were also on display. Most of the photos you will see below are from this (Nature Behind Bars) particular collection of juried quilts whose exhibitors are part of the Rochester Area Fiber Artists. It was sponsored by Red-Dog Enterprises, Inc. (more on them in tomorrow's post!) </div>
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The Genesse Valley Quilt Club History Booth featured Susan B. Anthony House, and explained how quilts influenced the suffrage movement in our country. Now this is where I must caution those of you who have been long time readers, and/or know me and my quilting preferences either personally or through this blog. What you are about to see might confuse and astound you. You will not see one photo of a Dear Jane quilt (there were two lovely versions). You will not see fabrics designed by Jo Morton( there were quite a few). You will not see Ohio Stars, baskets of any kind, hints of the Civil War or a crazy quilt block in the mix. What you are about to see are (cell phone) photos of some of the the quilts that particularly delighted me (and got me thinking a million thoughts at once). I hope they will delight you as well! So many quilts, so little time- a definite drawback to a bus trip. </div>
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Magical Threads was awash in art quilts. Beautiful renderings in colorful cottons and beautiful batiks. Amazing designs, wonderful execution, lots of hand quilting, and some <u>major</u> machine quilting. Enjoy!</div>
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This first photo is a wallhanging entitled <u>Currents</u>- designed, quilted and exhibited by Beverly Kondolf:</div>
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"improvisationally pieced from hand-dyed fabrics"*</div>
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<u>Teal Spring-</u> designed, quilted and exhibited by Mary Louise Gerek: "concept taken from the poem 'Teal Spring' by Kathryn Jospe. This quilt will be featured on the cover of 'Mosaicq', soon to be published".<br />
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<u>Which Way Out-</u> designed, quilted and exhibited by Karen Sienk: "This quilt changed directions many times through the design process and I was determined to find which way out to get to competition."</div>
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Upon closer inspection I was delighted to discover the use of a couched ribbon I actually own in my ribbon collection!<br />
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<u>Birds in Warped Time-</u> designed, quilted and exhibited by Caris Burton: "inspired by a piece of music of the same title by contemporary Japanese composer Satoh Somei. He graciously gave permission to create this quilt referencing his work."<br />
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Beautiful...<br />
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<u>Ice Crystals-</u> designed, machine quilted and exhibited by Kathi Everett: digital imaging, machine quilted, with the addition of cut and pieced hexagons" (approximately 350!).<br />
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Amazing close up:<br />
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*Note: all comments/descriptions are taken from the cards hung along side the quilts. There were no explanations in the show catalog! I am so glad I photographed the entry cards- a habit I started years ago to keep things straight, and give credit to the quiltmakers/quilters.<br />
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So much amazing work, and to say that I left excited and inspired is an understatement. My head was swimming with ideas- and not a one was even close to a reproduction! Stay tuned. I have a few more photos to share and will tell you more about Red-Dog Enterprises (with whom I spent a good amount of time). I'm away much to tomorrow, but hope to make some time to blog upon my return home late tomorrow afternoon.Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09673095643583804417noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2939094311065418841.post-87135998075010319862013-04-27T09:27:00.000-04:002013-04-27T09:53:03.249-04:00Spring Energy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I feel a bit like Rip Van Winkle. I go out and explore and then fall asleep for what seems like a hundred years! But I've not really been gone, I've just taken spring by the horns. I've tended to my neglected gardens (or now, lack there of!) gifting the city with 20 full bags of leaves and other yard debris. I've spruced up the front of the house dealing with over a year's worth of weeds. I've torn down old wooden what-nots that are decrepit and no longer useful for holding flowers of any kind. I've cleaned off the back deck and gotten it ready to wash down, sand and spruce up for summer use. I've met with Alan the pond guy to see if my small pond is salvageable (it is and will be "easy" in his discussion of the facts).</div>
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I've planted a large urn of pansies and johnny jump ups at the curb and dusted off the metal do-dads that make it a bit more appealing over there. I've taken to getting up at 6am and out the door by 6:30am with my faithful 4-legged companion for a nice walk and have shed some of the "winter 10" that was giving me grief {smile}. I've spent the weekend in Newton, MA (just before the horror of Marathon week) celebrating the impending birth of a new little life. I've been to my centering place- spending a weekend with a friend in Vermont. Laughter, great food, lovely wine and tasty craft beer. Book store browsing, artisan shop goodies (jewelry for her, a beautiful etched stemless wine glass with birch trees for me), and 2 quilt shops all in one weekend adventure. I'll spare you the trip down into the "hollow" which was a sitcom waiting to be written! We never fail to find something that makes us laugh until we cry uncontrollably funny tears. </div>
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And even if I'm not sewing (must get that construction top put together and to the quilter asap!), I am pursuing art. I've found my niche. I'm excited...I am enjoying every moment of my second level photography class. I'm not as experienced as some of the others in the room (and boy do I covet that professional zoom lens that is larger than the little girl who is sporting it!) but I am growing and finding a true passion for the nitty gritty. This week's topic was landscapes and street photography. We had models to work with to learn the fine art of direction. You'd think being a mom would make it easier to order a young 'en around- not so! "Make your bed" or "Pick up your clothes" rolls off the tongue a lot easier than "tuck your chin a bit" or "try this" or "try that". But My model was a joy ( yes, totally adorable and since I have a release form, I can share her photo). With "golden hour" approaching, we gathered up our gear and headed out to the streets of Troy. This is one of the first shots I took down at the river front. The sun wasn't where I wanted it just yet and this view was calling....</div>
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I couldn't resist this one:</div>
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these (as we came to refer to them) "dead bodies" were all over the River Street area. They were too ridiculous for words. New Parking meters, I'm assuming??</div>
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Now meet Mia. Isn't she beautiful? This is an untouched version of the photo. I did want to lighten it up a bit, but those files don't load in blogger, so this one will have to do for now. We were down near the river and the painted wall behind her just screamed backdrop. I have a few back and white shots of her that I'm proud of, but apparently I will need to format those to load in blogger as well. </div>
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After working with Mia, I took to the alley ways. I'll spare you most of the urban decay that I shot, but I will just mention that this is the kind of thing I want to document. I have done the pretty flower, trees, nature thing, and it has yielded some lovely photos, but if truth be told- if I photograph another daffodil or budding tree or stark pre-spring landscape I will hit myself over the head with a bouquet! This is what I want to document- the raw, the gritty, street life at it's best (and worse). My favorite of the night is this almost unreadable painted sign on a ramshackle building near the river. I shot lots of doors to nowhere, rust encrusted windows, crumbling concrete and the "beauty" in it all. Remember- beauty is in the eye of the beholder!</div>
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Just as golden hour hit, I was making my way back to River Street and caught this sun flare by putting my camera on the ground of Monument Park and hoping for the best. I am pleased with the result:</div>
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We did of course walk the lovely historic neighborhoods of Troy as well. I chose to shoot a lot of ironwork. There is such amazing beauty in railings and finials etc. This is one of my favorites from that walk:<br />
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I do love the repetition of pattern glimpsed through the front of the railing. Almost like a quilt/quilting design, no? Repetition at its best.<br />
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This railing finial and the back lighting in the door well was lovely. I wish it wasn't so painted over and "pristine".I love pineapples, and this one is no exception...<br />
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As night descended upon Troy we made our way to a private tour of the upcoming Photo Regional exhibition at the gallery on Fulton Street. How many ways can one say amazing?? I am so happy we got a chance to see it before opening night in the context of class. We could take our time, discuss what we saw, what we liked, the different applications and forms of photography. One artist (and they are artists in the truest sense of the word!) photographs with a pin hole camera of his own making- using an oatmeal box! Incredible photos. Incredible art.</div>
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I really wanted the evening to go on...and on....I was totally energized. But all good things must come to an end, and there is more to discover next Thursday night (studio portraiture). I came home to find the biggest full moon sitting over the neighborhood</div>
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and couldn't resist trying to capture it from the attic window (crazy lady that I am!). </div>
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It has been a good week. Now back to that yard.....</div>
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** Morning update! Those "dead bodies" are art pieces! They are "<a href="http://www.troyrecord.com/articles/2013/04/26/news/doc517acae16a4b8271317303.txt">Uncle Sam</a>"s.....should have read All Over Albany before writing my post <vbg>. </vbg></div>
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<br />Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09673095643583804417noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2939094311065418841.post-66405519904152450192013-04-01T16:08:00.003-04:002013-04-01T16:08:36.023-04:00Too Much Spam<br />
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I tried to be nice. Really, I tried. Hard. I wanted several "no blog" friends to be able to comment on my musings...<br />
I really,really did. However, to let them (one in particular) do so I had to change the settings for comments to allow anyone to leave a thought. That left this blog wide open to all kinds of spam comments, and I truly have neither the time nor the patience to deal with this on a daily basis. So, with apologies, I have set my defaults to registered users only. I am sorry if some of you can no longer comment on the blog itself. You can of course simply send me an email! Happy reading....Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09673095643583804417noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2939094311065418841.post-21681576344205247472013-03-28T07:02:00.003-04:002013-03-28T07:02:49.325-04:00Oh What A Night....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I feel that it is safe to say that maybe, just maybe spring is on the horizon. The sky has taken on a beautiful blue:</div>
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There are signs of green popping up through the tangle of leaves in the "forest area" of the yard:</div>
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And it was great fun to take advantage of the light to take some shots around the pond. I love my fossil rock:</div>
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Last night was the final class for my photography 101 course. I have a couple of weeks off, then begin the next level. I'm excited. Because the weather was so nice and there was still a bit of daylight at 6:15, we all gathered our gear and hit the streets of Troy. We were free to shoot whatever we wanted, and starting near the river was my choice. I loved the look of this railing- in all its rusted, chipped glory. A perfect perspective angle- shoot low, take advantage of lines, play with angles. </div>
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Troy is a beautiful city in many ways, and I wanted to capture some of the old, some of the grandness of the city:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtauA_mrBm11zWNBv8E8CJvtXrt191i9_0JIGbEQQBu8ur8jUvXaKNWL3NQG95mKHW9WQtvgVurm-PE5PQ-DWnqqO7PF2p9k_kV5bl_WOU9G3FOk2q0hHA4VcKrVaGT7hvfdDbrlWL-Ko/s1600/DSC_0240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtauA_mrBm11zWNBv8E8CJvtXrt191i9_0JIGbEQQBu8ur8jUvXaKNWL3NQG95mKHW9WQtvgVurm-PE5PQ-DWnqqO7PF2p9k_kV5bl_WOU9G3FOk2q0hHA4VcKrVaGT7hvfdDbrlWL-Ko/s320/DSC_0240.JPG" width="211" /></a></div>
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Not a perfectly angled shot, but I like it...and it gave several of my classmates a good laugh as well as a memory to take home. As I was attempting to meter this narrow street, I was off curb and there was no traffic at all....for a minute anyway! As I progressed in metering and sharpening my photo, I was "accosted" by a very large brother, in a very large SUV, with a very loud horn who decided he had to pull up right there near the curb- and I was in his way. He was not at all pleased that I didn't move immediately, so I figured I had best shoot and move. From the rockin' of the rap inside the vehicle and his not so nice look as he jumped out of his (left it) running car (where was he headed in such a hurry??), I think I made the best decision....but alas, my art suffered for it. <smile></smile></div>
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Seeing as the streets were a bit unsafe, I took to the side alleys (hummm...safer?). Bingo! I have two photo series I felt I wanted to begin. One was "Doors". My first door shot presented itself. Again the perspective and angles:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOoWOxgP5N2Zl6WOf5PY3RjrEKW9e34X0NlVSKosRvLxuLVqJByH1tREeZbqD8WJaYXBhcK4QGxWZk9luwi8qjTeBNkq_Lngfl5zz5a3fPQykC7z3Aaj5397iDu9wM9HRJpLJNRYjS5RE/s1600/DSC_0246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOoWOxgP5N2Zl6WOf5PY3RjrEKW9e34X0NlVSKosRvLxuLVqJByH1tREeZbqD8WJaYXBhcK4QGxWZk9luwi8qjTeBNkq_Lngfl5zz5a3fPQykC7z3Aaj5397iDu9wM9HRJpLJNRYjS5RE/s320/DSC_0246.JPG" width="211" /></a></div>
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Then I found my second door. This is one of my favorites from the outside shoot. This is just one of three wood doors in an alley, and I loved how by shooting it from this angle there is a hint of something being "inside" or "behind". A door. A mystery.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYUhNYPM-Zcz0kXAMaekOyf72S-Ip_BtcU8a06GX_lZ8MZYkV4mxDcphHOJfGHJcpHahqsQzubaMOgbEk2-7tHVqmeuBur_z_NsCYbT4I7nptTRqtZLTDoOPdWQp3kTjAm0E82C1Tm5aw/s1600/DSC_0242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYUhNYPM-Zcz0kXAMaekOyf72S-Ip_BtcU8a06GX_lZ8MZYkV4mxDcphHOJfGHJcpHahqsQzubaMOgbEk2-7tHVqmeuBur_z_NsCYbT4I7nptTRqtZLTDoOPdWQp3kTjAm0E82C1Tm5aw/s320/DSC_0242.JPG" width="211" /></a></div>
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The sun was beginning to set, so we were called to head back to the Arts Center. The sky and clouds over the river were gorgeous. Unfortunately, I had just missed a rowing team as I walked back up the street above the river walk.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB_Ld9qJYdrRFUKBOck2df3eta_3NDustjH7aWUtmc6MXrl5DGzGll5mm0EQiHaNLzO4Ip7lZsIXPddzRzWadhe8V4TOSeUCNNHRjmrVxyxVQmMGDjN0WZK_xdMHpt-l4VdlWfmUF563A/s1600/DSC_0234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB_Ld9qJYdrRFUKBOck2df3eta_3NDustjH7aWUtmc6MXrl5DGzGll5mm0EQiHaNLzO4Ip7lZsIXPddzRzWadhe8V4TOSeUCNNHRjmrVxyxVQmMGDjN0WZK_xdMHpt-l4VdlWfmUF563A/s320/DSC_0234.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Another favorite of the night- that golden hour that professional photographers always rave about. It is so pretty when you have it...and I got the silhouette I was hoping for, so I felt good about that.</div>
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And then it was back to the Arts Center</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgGllw5dRbE1xLNHuM98wy-N0Bf0jaP2AkiWKL7VsifjOY7P8NBkK474chhDNO01MQwL-ZXL0_jLU7XyVdhpvkApMovg9Firrq0b1SuIZu1POgHcUeSZWH-einJPF2UHLqpJP1IJyFZ4k/s1600/DSC_0248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgGllw5dRbE1xLNHuM98wy-N0Bf0jaP2AkiWKL7VsifjOY7P8NBkK474chhDNO01MQwL-ZXL0_jLU7XyVdhpvkApMovg9Firrq0b1SuIZu1POgHcUeSZWH-einJPF2UHLqpJP1IJyFZ4k/s320/DSC_0248.JPG" width="211" /></a></div>
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and our "grand review". We also had a quick lesson in editing in camera raw. A very interesting mini-lesson indeed. I am now going to try my hand at shooting in raw more. The tweaking and editing one can do is incredibly easy and totally amazing.</div>
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With more practice I think I might become a fairly decent photographer. I'm not aiming for pro status, just a competent gal behind a camera. I can see why this hobby can become a passion. Now to find more doors....oh yes, and that second series of shots?? Cityscapes- I think that would be grand.....</div>
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09673095643583804417noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2939094311065418841.post-88675324780899375132013-03-25T12:05:00.000-04:002013-03-25T12:05:29.040-04:00Notes to Myself<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;">Some days I wonder where the my time goes. Mondays seem to bring about the question: what have I up to? What have I done with myself over the past 7 days? Waking up and finding a brand new week ahead of me can be a bit disconcerting when I'm not sure where the old one went! Thinking back on last week, I guess there were things that captured my time. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">These went away as the sun came out for a bit:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhktuREf4QPqVtVN1CPjjqSNoRLmXSFDzlfNzKj2jZudV0Q9RKjFijZRivHDEX895TvbIpe52dEeFc-3CZ_dZyzEcfGRxViAAReZTG_j68RGfDuTrPABl2dKSCka7BReJQPZ3ikwPHoT7E/s1600/CSC_0164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhktuREf4QPqVtVN1CPjjqSNoRLmXSFDzlfNzKj2jZudV0Q9RKjFijZRivHDEX895TvbIpe52dEeFc-3CZ_dZyzEcfGRxViAAReZTG_j68RGfDuTrPABl2dKSCka7BReJQPZ3ikwPHoT7E/s320/CSC_0164.JPG" width="211" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">I went to my photography class and got to see part of the newest exhibits during gallery shoot: </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">" wall graffiti"</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtsu52HusGowaEUAJaTCirhoA_NKpNXjmtK47rcoRjUOKVd2cPQmx6DhOT6cI5xIV82hTeMelUPBzbB58_HIzBfhGXTiLghxTwcLb6xpAPw2zeL75ZSn-AaT1kFwzZRdEuBJtVIEaQRj0/s1600/DSC_0168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtsu52HusGowaEUAJaTCirhoA_NKpNXjmtK47rcoRjUOKVd2cPQmx6DhOT6cI5xIV82hTeMelUPBzbB58_HIzBfhGXTiLghxTwcLb6xpAPw2zeL75ZSn-AaT1kFwzZRdEuBJtVIEaQRj0/s320/DSC_0168.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Part of the current exhibit caught my attention: "words". Humm...wonder why (smile)?<br />
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(the above is not a great photo- but I still love the entry. Note to self: practice depth of field!)</div>
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(the faces above were covered in word collage. Eye catching and rather interesting)</div>
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Then there was the mundane every day stuff. Lots of this: </div>
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Note to self: Don't let the day's dishes sit in the sink over night (yuck!). Second note to self: No need to publicize your laziness to the world!<br />
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There was the folding of laundry (talk about mundane):<br />
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There was catching up on my week's reading- the good, the bad and the ugly!</div>
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Note to self: Don't photograph a page in your latest Kindle book that looks like you've discovered "old lady porn" when you are actually reading an "OK for what it is" book (<u><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/02/books/review/in-the-kingdom-of-men-by-kim-barnes.html?_r=0">In the Kingdom of Men</a></u>)</div>
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I've been tackling the monster quilt's binding. Two sides down, two to go! Note to self: Just. So. Big.<br />
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I've finished another hand applique block for a project that should have been done 4 years ago!</div>
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Note to self: Get. This. Done.</div>
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And got side-tracked by a bit of journal making (Note to self: ADD/procrastination leads to a girl getting <u>nothing</u> done!):<br />
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Then of course there was the hunt for the perfect Easter Basket and goodies to go inside. Note to self: get that frog pillowcase made asap! Easter is <u>this</u> Sunday (no time to procrastinate anymore!).<br />
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Hummm- no wonder I felt like doing exactly what fearless companion does most of the day:<br />
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Note to self: Naps can be a good thing. </div>
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I guess I didn't let last week get away from me after all-well, OK, not that much. More importantly, I'm glad I spent the day yesterday laughing, sewing and then laughing a bit more with some very lovely ladies. Laughter, sewing, friendships- Note to self: all good things!</div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09673095643583804417noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2939094311065418841.post-16909941147264380962013-03-19T11:33:00.002-04:002013-03-19T11:33:39.509-04:00Out Like a Lion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This blog (and my stitching) has been temporarily interrupted by Mother Nature.</div>
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I'll be outside shoveling (again!)...</div>
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<br />Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09673095643583804417noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2939094311065418841.post-83108583138452702412013-03-17T12:35:00.000-04:002013-03-17T12:35:10.955-04:00A Study in ContrastsThat sneak peek project is finished - well, at least the top is done. Now it is on to the quilting. I had an epiphany yesterday as I was pressing the top. I thought to myself- are you crazy? How in the world would you have the strength to hand quilt this! The fabrics are densely woven- think batiks and there is no way my poor hands could even try to needle through them. The decision is made; it will be machine quilted. Simply. Linear. That is exactly what it needs. This week, I will use the left over fabric and some Kona Black from the stash to piece a backing.Where does this contrast I talk about come in, you may ask yourself?? Bear with me! I'm about to free think, but I am sure you will go there with me. At least I hope you do.<br />
A couple of years back the "modern quilting" crazy really started to hit close to home. I was still working at the LQS then, and the books reflected this shift. Some of the newer fabrics that arrived signaled a move in this direction as well. Co-worker and I would commiserate on what we then called (and frankly still do) "dumb-downed" quilts. It didn't take much to cut a bunch of squares and/or rectangles and throw together a quilt. Easy Peasy! We did admit, however, that it could be a good thing. It seemed to be bringing in younger sewers who were going to be making their first quilt. Our craft that we so loved, our craft that has stood the test of time would live on. We just didn't find anything redeeming about this "new", "modern" stuff.<br />
Don't get me wrong. I love the happiness of the new lines out there. I love <a href="http://www.kaffefassett.com/fabrics.html">Kaffee Fassett's fabrics</a>. I've made several "easy peasy" quilts with much success: Yellow Brick Road, Lasagna Quilt. If you need a fast, go to pattern, these can't be beat. But those who know me, and those of you who have been kind enough to follow this blog through thick and thin, know I'm a traditional kind of girl. Show me a reproduction fabric and my heart stops. Mention Barbara Brackman and I sigh. Primitives make me happy. Deep, dark, depressing colors....or those cheddars and poison greens. Oh how my heart sings.<br />
That mentioned contrast? If you have been reading my blog for sometime, you may remember <a href="http://merrymercs.blogspot.com/2007/07/rosie-lee-tompkins.html">this post on Rosie Lee Tompkins </a>. Her quilts were on display at the <a href="http://shelburnemuseum.org/">Shelburne Museum</a>. I took tons of photos and wrote at length about what I learned of her. She reminded me so much of the wonderful women of Gee's Bend and the quilts that came out of that community. And here is where I find my personal study in contrast. I consider the quilts that came from this remote Alabama community to be compelling, historical, and utterly fascinating. I have a beautiful coffee table size book that was given to me by eldest daughter. I adore this book. I marvel at the story, the women and the quilts. They are bold. They are linear/geometric. They are icons of the era, and were unique. So, what makes them different from the "dumbed down" quilts I've shook my head at these past few years? Any Internet search for modern quilting/modern quilt guild will show that these present day quilts are, in their own way, bold, geometric/linear. They are "easy" quilts, and the art of quilting has a new audience. This is all a good thing.<br />
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Moving forward- what has this girl been up to? She has gone bold, she has gone linear, she has gone a bit "modern".<br />
Just before Christmas, I happened upon a kit for a Gee's Bend Quilt (packaged and sold by Windham Fabrics) tucked away in the back of the scrapbook supplies at a local Tuesday Morning. The price was right. I grabbed it up. I had seen the kits before and had a few favorites (this was not on the favorite list, but it is now!). I just didn't want to spend the kind of money they were originally commanding. This was a steal, and it was a lesson to me in, yes, contrasts. I could branch out and make a reproduction of a "newer" quilt, and I could love it:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my reproduced quilt- with liberties taken</td></tr>
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The kit's design was inspired by <b style="font-style: italic;">Blocks and Strips</b>, made by Loretta Pettway Bennett. Loretta is the youngest living quilt artist/member of the Quilters of Gee's Bend (having been born in 1960).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loretta P. Bennett</td></tr>
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Loretta's quilt pattern is an example of her "one block quilt" style:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loretta's <i><b>Blocks and Strips</b></i><br />
50" x 60"</td></tr>
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As I write this entry, I will stand corrected on "dumbed down" quilts. I will marvel in the geometric patchwork of these simple yet narrative quilts. Take a look at them yourself. Flying Geese, Log Cabins, Half Square Triangles. They are all represented. Those quilt elements we learned when we first started. Those elements considered "traditional". It is all in the way one interprets it, isn't it?? Years from now all that matters is that this form of expression lives on. How we as quilt makers do that is a personal choice. We just have to make sure we continue to stitch. I will have a photo of my entire top for you as soon as I can figure a way to photograph it outside without making it a muddy mess! But until then, I will continue to stitch, and I hope you will as well.<br />
<br />Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09673095643583804417noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2939094311065418841.post-45901797859604978292013-03-14T11:23:00.000-04:002013-03-14T11:23:01.911-04:00The Creative Process<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Any creative process has to begin somewhere, and yesterday between a nap here and a nap there the latest one began. In a word: cutting, cutting, cutting. I love these fabrics. Sturdy batik cotton, rich colors. Not something I would have chosen myself (at least not at the time I acquired these). These lovelies came in their own cotton sack, along with instructions and the prod to not worry about cutting mishaps- just do your own thing. Not that I always get crazy about cutting, but I do try to be extremely precise. Yesterday was another story. My fuzzy brain couldn't wrap itself around WOF versus Length. And in stitching a few pieces together I found that my ability to read numbers and fractions was a bit off. BUT! This project is one that is very much forgiving, lends itself to doing your own thing and is turning out wonderfully. Today while I'm still fairly awake, I am going to stitch up the last panel (making some adjustments for yesterdays folly) and call the top officially done. Can you guess what this is going to replicate yet?? Oh, btw, no fair enlarging the above photo on the off chance it will tell you what I'm doing (smile).<br />
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To Be Continued...Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09673095643583804417noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2939094311065418841.post-61315944475769430442013-03-13T11:52:00.001-04:002013-03-13T13:57:01.139-04:00Spring Fever<br />
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I seem to be suffering two kinds of spring fever this week. One, the kind I expected to have- a need for sun, warmer weather and hopes of seeing little green leaves poking out of the muddy ground. It's coming, just not to my neck of the woods just yet. The other is that nasty, dragging feeling. Time change?? Virus?? Who knows- except that I have a pretty raw throat today. That does not bode well...bring on the tea. Lots of tea, tea with honey and maybe some cinnamon for added measure. I've also decided that being a bit of a slug can't hurt. Right??<br />
I can not, however, just sit around and do nothing for days on end...where would that get me (other than bored out of my mind and then looking for food to cure that ill, lol)? So I took to my sewing studio yesterday. I hadn't taken any photographs all week and if I can make it through the day without feeling worse, I am going to my photography class later tonight. I'd hate to miss out on whatever is in store for us with this week's lesson. I had already decided that I didn't want to get too far ahead of former co-worker and have the entire Temecula sew-along project done before our next get together. What to do? What to do?? The sewing bug has bitten and I want to capitalize on that particular "fever"!! So I<br />
disturbed faithful companion, who just wanted to nap...<br />
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Asked Creative Kitty what I might find myself wanting to do...<br />
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and then set to work...<br />
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here we go again! Another quilt project in the works. If you hang in there with me, you might get to see what this becomes very very soon. Now for that cup of tea.....Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09673095643583804417noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2939094311065418841.post-9870431059460369142013-03-08T12:43:00.003-05:002013-03-08T12:43:43.068-05:00Trading In My Shovel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;">I give up! I'm done. Done shoveling (for the moment), done complaining (aren't you glad!) </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">I set my alarm last night so I could be up early enough to do what had to be done this morning and didn't think a thing about the snow that began falling in the early evening. It looked quite pretty actually, and the dog always has fun romping in it. This morning it was truly pretty, and the dog was besides himself romping...me? Not so much! I am tired of trying to lift heavy, wet shovelfuls of snow and depositing them away from the sidewalks. But it's done- at least for now (and the driveway can stay covered- I managed to gun the motor and force my way out to the road backwards lol....born and raised in this good state of New York... we know how to get our cars out moving in the snow!! Since the white stuff is still lightly falling, and I've already made it out to get in a few things I need for the all important cup(s) of coffee - such as half and half- I am declaring the rest of the day a sewing day. I had mentioned that former co-worker and I are working on the last sew-along from Temecula Quilt Company. We're late to the party, but pay that no mind. We are happily catching up and enjoying it tremendously. I know I surely am. Tomorrow I'll have to drag everything back to the sewing room since I need my dining room back on Sunday, but until then I am going to cut, stitch and admire my handiwork. Several friends urged me to "not give up on quilting" (as if that could ever happen?), and I assured them I had no intention of doing so, especially since I do not see professional photography in my future (evil laugh). Want a peek at my progress?? Good! I'm glad! Here we go:</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">adding stash scraps to an old fat quarter bundle from Barbara Brackman- one of her Civil War Collections</span></td></tr>
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Having a grand time putting these 5" blocks together. The pink print peeking at you from the very top right will be two of the borders. Not sure what the other two sides will be just yet, but I know it will all come together. </div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I find myself already thinking about the quilting. Nothing like getting ahead of myself. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">So now it is off to sew- the snow has picked up again, and the flakes are getting fat and sassy once more...I think it is going to be a full afternoon of sewing- I'm trading in my shovel for sure!</span></div>
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<br />Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09673095643583804417noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2939094311065418841.post-75827707977156652792013-03-07T16:17:00.000-05:002013-03-07T16:17:06.588-05:00Again??I find Mother Nature to be a bit cheeky today. I have just closed the cover on my latest read, Eowyn Ivey's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Snow-Child-A-Novel/dp/0316175676"> <u>The Snow</u> <u>Child</u></a>, and looked up to see swirling snowflakes cascading past the dining room windows. Really?? Again? I hadn't even wiped that tear from my eye (I am a sucker for stories such as the one I just finished), and "spring" has gone back into hiding?? Perhaps I need to pull out my fur hat and leather knee length moccasins and make like Faina?? For those who read the book, you will totally understand. If you have not- do so. It is beautiful- the book that is. As for the return of a wintry mix, not so much. I am an adult and have grown weary of all this cold and snow. I unfortunately left childhood behind me last night when I walked out of the Arts Center at 9pm! Yes, yes, I know...you are wondering if I have (snow) fever. No, not in the least. And now I am convinced that you think I've gone completely mad! Perhaps in a way I have, but let me illustrate (these are unedited photos, raw- straight from the camera card and truly quite fun!):<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Question</u>:What does it take to turn a room full of grown adults into giggling, gasping, delighted children??</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Answer</u>: An array of those silly glow sticks, a laser light and a darkened dance studio!</span><br />
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Last night's photo shoot revolved around "bulb" mode (I found it easily!) and "painting with light". It was so much fun, and all of us really did giggle and have the best time jumping, looping, drawing and generally throwing caution to the wind with those light sticks. In bulb mode, you must use a tripod (note to self: get a tripod), and your camera is set to shoot what it sees within a time frame you give it. These were shot at a 4 second delay. Our group was at the end of the dance studio with the bar and mirror so we got reflections in the background. That was fine- actually it was kind of "cool"!<br />
Adulthood can be over-rated sometimes and last night was one of those child-like experiences that left us all grinning ear-to-ear.<br />
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So let it snow (again!). I will choose my next great read, remember jumping around with a glow stick, and perhaps cut a few more fabrics to finish off row#3 of the Temecula project I am working on. Life is good.<br />
<br />Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09673095643583804417noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2939094311065418841.post-71991921520643452612013-03-05T17:50:00.000-05:002013-03-05T17:50:15.505-05:00(Meteorological) Spring<div>
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Who knew! Spring, I always thought, came along on March 21st. To my amazement I have (in my old age where I am finding you <u>can</u> teach an old dog new tricks) been told by our local weather forecaster that last Friday was meteorological spring. Seems it comes along every March 1st (smile)! Who knew?? Well, maybe you all did, but not I. It is nice to think that we have left winter behind and are experiencing spring. Ok- I'm laughing. Seriously laughing. To me spring means daffodils, snowdrops, rain. You know - "April showers bring May flowers". Instead I still live with gray skies, blustery winds and the joy of hearing that there are weather patterns coming from the Midwest that are being watched. I know what that means. Don't put the shovel away just yet. Means I will still be looking out at this for a bit:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poor neglected Adirondack chair</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of many seed pods in the back garden</td></tr>
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and going for the usual lunch time staple of soup and home made bread. It has become my Monday morning routine of late: throw on a pot of soup using what is left in the fridge so it simmers away while I am making my favorite Honey Oat bread. This week it was pumpkin soup with apples and nutmeg. Yum.<br />
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So what have I done to pass the time since my last post? ( I was told on Sunday by quilt companion M that she is still waiting for a new post. Guess she needs something else to read over morning coffee. Frankly I find our blogging quilt companion NP's blog posts much more stimulating! She at least discusses books, painting, bonsai, and oh yes!! her quilting projects. Seems these two quilt buddies actually get some quilting done!). It's amazing how many great posts I've composed in my head while out walking- too bad they never made it to "post".<br />
I do know I have been experiencing the winter of my discontent. I have little to no quilting to show for all the cold, snowy weather we had this year. I did make a few plans- most likely made big announcements to that end as well, and then let it all slide. I managed to clean and organize the sewing studio- that was a start. I managed to pull out the applique project that should have been done five years ago. Again, another start. I even worked on it for a full day- sewing with the quilting buddies towards the end of February. Oh we had a lovely time...and some very good laughs. It's another great start. I even decided that I was not going to make demands on myself and make a small quilt each month as I thought I would do to make up for never finishing out 2012's endeavor. Again, no demands. So <u>exactly</u> <u>what have I been doing then</u>, you may ask?? Reading. Relaxing. Walking the dog. Making quilt plans. Scrapping quilt plans (now there is a play on words!). Taking a photography class (can you tell from the above pictures- maybe not!). Getting together with old friends I haven't seen in what seemed to be "forever". Enjoying the grandchild. And there it is- winter is gone (meterologically) and spring is here (again, meterologically). And with spring has come a renewed excitement. I've fired up the sewing machine and along with former co-worker am making the latest sew-along that just ended at Temecula Quilt Company. I am loving it. Maybe this arrival of spring has brought my mojo with it?? We'll see.....no demands, remember. But I've cut, pieced, pressed and pieced some more, all the while smiling and declaring it to be good. Stay tuned. Maybe I'll have something to show for all this activity? Maybe??Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09673095643583804417noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2939094311065418841.post-91168507507553893202013-01-07T21:18:00.003-05:002013-01-07T21:18:47.695-05:00Baby It's Cold Outside....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(our first post - Christmas snow storm )</td></tr>
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There's been a whole lot of this (see above photo) going on around here lately...and it should be an invitation to do more than what I've accomplished (which is next to nothing) of late! Well, yes... I've shoveled. I've also gotten pretty good at jumping snowbanks and walking on ice. I've even taken to wearing a god-awful knit cap on the night time walks.<br />
What I've not done, however, is step foot in the sewing room. It is still a jumble of books, mirrors, misc. electronics and bars of soap, shampoo bottles, boxes of new bathroom goodies and a few new quilt books (just 2, really...just 2!).<br />
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After spending some Nana time with my little digger man today, I arrived home to see my beautiful new tile almost totally installed in the tub area. Tomorrow the floor goes down. I am getting so excited!! The new storage cabinet is primed, and although I at first thought it looked awfully big, after thinking of ways to display and store extra towels, bath supplies and the growing stash of magic elixirs for my aging face and body I am getting the itch to get in there and "decorate"! I'm also getting the itch to sew!! It's been a very long time since I've felt like it. Kathleen Tracy, who authors some of my favorite small quilts books, is doing another small quilt a month challenge for 2013. I gave up on trying to meet my goal of 12 quilts in 2012- circumstances were such that I just couldn't, and I finally decided not to beat myself up for it. I accomplished quite a bit, and am very happy with each of my little quilts. I even finished a massively large quilt for my son. I should take stock and refresh my own memory of what I truly accomplished. I am now trying to decide what small quilt to make for January. The assignment was wide open: any quilt from any of Kathleen's books, or one of the free patterns she has put up on her Yahoo group. I think that once all the holiday decorations are tucked safely away in the attic later this week, I can take stock of my fabrics and have a better idea of what I might like to "whip up" this month. I also have that Gee Bend quilt project nicely stacked on the sewing table, and fabrics for my Mill Girls blocks on the cutting table. It feels a bit like the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. I have the Poppa, Momma and Baby size projects spread out all over the room....what to cut? What to sew? Which way to turn??<br />
The new year is barely started and already I'm developing Quilter's A.D.D. ??? Maybe it's just that I'm getting excited to start stitching again, that's all....yes. Definitely. That is it...<br />
I'm excited. The new year is full of new possibilities and projects new and old. Time to also think about some of those UFO's that really should be finished ASAP.<br />
What exciting projects to you see on your horizon this year? I hope you are excited about getting to them .....<br />
(and now, I need to put on that god-awful knit cap, pull on my boots and take that last night time walk with my four legged companion. Tomorrow will be here before we know it, and since I have my amazing workmen arriving on the doorstep by 7:30am each and every day, there is no sleeping in going on here! )<br />
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Night, night to all....sweet dreams.<br />
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<br />Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09673095643583804417noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2939094311065418841.post-54936772682208086782012-12-30T14:49:00.001-05:002012-12-30T14:49:23.474-05:00It Was A Good Christmas After All<span style="color: red;">I didn't think I'd be blogging so soon, but thanks to Mother Nature and her back- to- back snow storms, I am sticking close to home, and thought I would share a bit of our Christmas with you...</span><br />
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I felt this Christmas would be hard on the family, but I think each of us worked in our own ways to make sure we had a Christmas filled with love, laughter and happy reflections. It took work, but I think we all managed to make it happen! Our gathering was much smaller this year, but still filled with all the love a family pours forth when they get together- especially ours. We've always been a bit over-the-top in the love and hugs department, and I am not at all ashamed to admit it!<br />
The day began quietly enough- dinner was prepped, the dessert was made (now that is a story in itself!). Executive choices were made. Even though I carried an English holiday tradition back with me from the U.K., it went to the freezer for another time. We're still not exactly sure what the Christmas log is all about (is it served hot? cold?? ), but guessed from the ingredients that is "like a fruitcake".<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the curious Christmas log</td></tr>
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The festive (and very tall!) Peppermint Cheesecake Layer Cake was my "why am I making this today" moment, but I did and it was worth it! Yes, indeed- every calorie laden serving!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Five layers of yummy!</td></tr>
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Even the frosting seemed to be a big hit with "old" and young ( from 3 yr old grandson: "I like the white part, Nana" - meaning the frosting) alike. Auntie I. couldn't wait for after dinner- she was caught red-handed in the kitchen, taste-testing the left over (white chocolate mousse) frosting:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">caught you!</td></tr>
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Which then led to a bit of pre-dinner relaxing with a smile on her face!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ahhhhh.....</td></tr>
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Post dinner gift receiving was especially fun :<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daughter-in-Law watching a special little elf </td></tr>
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Who would ever think that at 3 years of age, my grandson would happily play Santa's helper and hand out all the gifts before wanting to open his own growing pile of wrapped goodies! We all marvelled at this and enjoyed his excitement as he handed a family member their gift.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">open YOUR presents, Nana!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This one's for me!?</td></tr>
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We were even more surprised that when it came time for him to rip into them, he sat quietly on the couch, opened each one carefully and made a comment and/or exclamation about each one....</div>
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We had some chuckles:</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Auntie M and eldest child</td></tr>
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Grandson loved his construction themed pillowcase:</div>
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Played happily with his "new age" Lincoln Logs:<br />
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and set up his <u>Cat In the Hat</u> game (as we all clapped and laughed at the silly feats he was directed to accomplish):<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCbFEOFDHEz9Ne3T1emt0JtQZKWVHIYvq49RzHGqQtkAjLD29XrOAXa_z7PNFruRvK9dvpxIxkFAgUFn9dzYjUCNzZlCwb1_7vLfeeVkCWg__36JfKim9QWedjqVMLfQlPpvlvJwBY8Kc/s1600/DSC_0132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCbFEOFDHEz9Ne3T1emt0JtQZKWVHIYvq49RzHGqQtkAjLD29XrOAXa_z7PNFruRvK9dvpxIxkFAgUFn9dzYjUCNzZlCwb1_7vLfeeVkCWg__36JfKim9QWedjqVMLfQlPpvlvJwBY8Kc/s320/DSC_0132.JPG" width="226" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Play with me, Nana!</td></tr>
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Towards day's end, we Skyped with Youngest Daughter and the Son-In-Law in England (where it was close to 1am and poor S-I-L looked exhausted!), the much asked for bath in Nana's new tub was given, The Grandson jumped happily up and down on Nana's bed for a few minutes (our post bath ritual!), and then settled down to have Nana read one of his new books (<u>Good Night, Good Night,Construction Site)</u> to him while The Daddy packed up the car with gifts so the little family could set off for home as had The Sister and The Aunties several hours before.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is there anything better than a comfy chair, a warm pair of PJs and a night time story?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
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As Christmas day came to a close, I realized two things:</div>
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1. I was exhausted!</div>
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2. No matter how big the hole left in your heart feels, when there is family around it fills up quickly.</div>
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Christmas 2012 was different- it held the expected sadness in my private moments, but it was filled with so much love, laughter and joy that it was "A Good Christmas After All".</div>
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I am now ready to look ahead to making more happy memories in 2013. That is my wish for each of you: that you have peace, health and joy... and may your hearts be filled with love.</div>
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<br />Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09673095643583804417noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2939094311065418841.post-86659365992975341732012-12-24T15:18:00.001-05:002012-12-24T15:18:56.240-05:00Holiday Wishes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj99W4T2jufwLVC5IyNUzZwbWPqhDL80shN8uPR95XlrHZE7UJ7lOCXEXcUTpSoVSNLpIZ8VH1qimDYGvUrU2P46RfyA4jVpWrL1Pf25MN2fi2d0iR8DeXP5FerZLjwasBdlIajHAJ3O34/s1600/this+year-+I'm+loving+the+PR+star!.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj99W4T2jufwLVC5IyNUzZwbWPqhDL80shN8uPR95XlrHZE7UJ7lOCXEXcUTpSoVSNLpIZ8VH1qimDYGvUrU2P46RfyA4jVpWrL1Pf25MN2fi2d0iR8DeXP5FerZLjwasBdlIajHAJ3O34/s320/this+year-+I'm+loving+the+PR+star!.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
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The Star is lit...</div>
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the tree has been dressed with ornaments...</div>
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such joy seen thru the eyes of a child...</div>
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our gifts are almost all wrapped...</div>
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Desserts are baked, applesauce (both regular and cranberry) are cooling in the fridge...</div>
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Last minute groceries are being picked up...</div>
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I have a moment to rest and reflect...</div>
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I will have a light supper out with family and then attend Mass- raising our voices in Carols....</div>
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All that is left to do right now is to wish each of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year filled with health, happiness, and the joy of creativity.</div>
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See you in 2013!</div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Karen</span></i></div>
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09673095643583804417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2939094311065418841.post-44208397562152506972012-12-15T09:47:00.002-05:002012-12-15T09:47:22.950-05:00Not Finding Any WordsAfter the devastating and senseless horror in CT yesterday, I still struggle to find words.<br />
How do you say something comforting to a friend whose grandson attends that school?<br />
What do you say when your son, now a father himself, admits that he couldn't concentrate at work yesterday because all he could think of was his own child? Becoming a parent changes everything.<br />
No matter if they are 3 or 33 they are your babies. Yesterday was unthinkable to me. My heart aches.<br />
Many, many hearts do I would imagine....<br />
I found these words beautifully written, and will leave you with them:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.noshingconfessions.com/2012/12/bringing-in-little-light.html">http://www.noshingconfessions.com/2012/12/bringing-in-little-light.html</a>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09673095643583804417noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2939094311065418841.post-5188524858226047382012-12-10T17:19:00.002-05:002012-12-10T17:19:46.295-05:00Why Is This Woman Smiling?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Those that read this blog may have gathered that I live in an older home. I love it...most of it anyway! I have been known to grumble now and again about the old kitchen and the just -as- old non-functioning bathroom (the only full bath in the house), but this house still makes me smile. I'm smiling even today when there is currently:</div>
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* no working sink (actually no sink at all)</div>
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* no toilet </div>
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* no electricity</div>
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* a rigged up shower</div>
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yes, I'm still smiling because this: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh_7XJWxcEYEfxdvo0LRDRMKLzw0a9n7O4lPhOAJzb8XcQ7IzU_JBC_XFi3wpet81ruilBVu_YWbgsulzDkjOWLJMx74PuYw1hOw_WLMfInR15b5OfXan5TAZRgCd-xZyEIokBlwl5T-8/s1600/DSC_0034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh_7XJWxcEYEfxdvo0LRDRMKLzw0a9n7O4lPhOAJzb8XcQ7IzU_JBC_XFi3wpet81ruilBVu_YWbgsulzDkjOWLJMx74PuYw1hOw_WLMfInR15b5OfXan5TAZRgCd-xZyEIokBlwl5T-8/s320/DSC_0034.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
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looks like THIS:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_5buOlF2ezydpFstLKIX517lmiT6OF6jMUOytf5x_Z3Rr3Hs7AM-V3rfNLq6VGpRze2S8Cl75XnxbzM1CitYghRyalutu2XOKlBe1RldI2gQRRSOszd4WWMoxQU-1UIOfbCV1yqu9Zj8/s1600/DSC_0036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_5buOlF2ezydpFstLKIX517lmiT6OF6jMUOytf5x_Z3Rr3Hs7AM-V3rfNLq6VGpRze2S8Cl75XnxbzM1CitYghRyalutu2XOKlBe1RldI2gQRRSOszd4WWMoxQU-1UIOfbCV1yqu9Zj8/s320/DSC_0036.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
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And like THIS:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-SK7lgBmx3BM-4x1y6R6Qlyk5xazcE_mlEtqXqUPbYHzjCI7bRGecrgtKs3IFECHT2t6xPXTJQaQEYKDAOjx-VpbbRSRGl0ySpBxbWXAHwl8BUW8XbUIOa_pTKqNKuWcpgXbjk7Fk2SE/s1600/DSC_0037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-SK7lgBmx3BM-4x1y6R6Qlyk5xazcE_mlEtqXqUPbYHzjCI7bRGecrgtKs3IFECHT2t6xPXTJQaQEYKDAOjx-VpbbRSRGl0ySpBxbWXAHwl8BUW8XbUIOa_pTKqNKuWcpgXbjk7Fk2SE/s320/DSC_0037.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
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and very soon I will smile even broader as an actual, better functioning, prettier bathroom takes the place of the above mess. The tub remains shrouded in plastic sheeting (so I can at least <u>carefully</u> shower in the morning) and will remain so until the new tub is delivered on Thursday (please Mr. Delivery Man, let this order be on time!!). The new toilet is in the garage, and the contractor has my sink. Every thing else is either at the Home Improvement store awaiting pick up (the tiles) or sitting in my sewing room, which isn't seeing any action these days! I am going to have to find a way to cart the machine downstairs so I can sew the binding on the mega quilt that has to be done for Christmas!<br />
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But this woman continues to smile. It has been a long time coming, and that is a good thing. Taking the time to really think about what I wanted led me down the path to simplicity. Simple woman, simple tastes, and my new "happy color"....gray!<br />
As eldest child so wisely said: <u>Anything</u> is better than what we had to begin with.<br />
How true, how true!<br />
<br />
I'll wait patiently until it is done and then I'll stand, smile, and admire! Ahhhh......the thought of form and function, as well as pretty! I can do "pretty". Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09673095643583804417noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2939094311065418841.post-11638647173581655812012-12-09T20:45:00.000-05:002012-12-09T20:45:40.493-05:00Taking a Day for Myself<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Today was a "me" day. Each year at this time, The Historic Albany Foundation hosts a Holiday House Tour. This is it's 10th year! Today, 14 locations were open to the public (the public with tickets that is!), and the featured theme was kitchen renovations. Since I still have the hopes of a kitchen renovation in the next year or two, I thought this would be a perfect venue to enjoy the beautiful homes of our city and take a peek at what others have chosen to do when updating their home/kitchens. Some homes were a knock -your -socks -off discovery, others were simply nice or just a bit underwhelming. Underwhelmed was how I felt about 26 Western Avenue, our city's newest re-purposed building. To be fair, I am all for re- purposing old buildings. I hate to see a good building torn down and replaced by either a parking lot, or a building that does not fit in with the neighborhood at all. 26 Western Avenue was in it's day (first) an elementary school and then (later) the Learning Annex of the city's old High School. I had all my classes in the main building of the high school, so I never got to see the inside of this particular building. It has been nicely restored on the outside:</div>
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<br />
and I love that the character of the interior. It, too, has been kept intact for the most part. The original brickwork has been restored, the over sized windows have been kept (tons of light flood the rooms), the vaulted ceilings have been kept, and the iron sprinkler system is still there in all its glory! The architects were going for that contemporary industrial feeling and for the most part it worked.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU0T3lRzIfI0tMmnx5tqpMaZdrNxuyCVV7r4JHeWveakBO_HtsOXEsvks0tYskxtePzNy4bbrOEhn7QoJcE911ivquctxq1VtjGqbkmApWiIZBwiwh9aFftcXv3qsEF805M2dd9z4Nf1E/s1600/26+Western.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU0T3lRzIfI0tMmnx5tqpMaZdrNxuyCVV7r4JHeWveakBO_HtsOXEsvks0tYskxtePzNy4bbrOEhn7QoJcE911ivquctxq1VtjGqbkmApWiIZBwiwh9aFftcXv3qsEF805M2dd9z4Nf1E/s320/26+Western.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">exposed, renovated brickwork in living area peeks into the kitchen</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWPffJSSX7qzcSKp-WzE6-6iU6uH3knEeNgc-LhtHOA1hYJjgu6nw1XljNPuABXCIbbm_CD0k8OdpS-EpIqTzRdNdEeIaNN1PQviHWRFO9aVsy0k5jMno4G3dN639-QuvOwdvIMzV_YTo/s1600/26+Western+Kitchen+B.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWPffJSSX7qzcSKp-WzE6-6iU6uH3knEeNgc-LhtHOA1hYJjgu6nw1XljNPuABXCIbbm_CD0k8OdpS-EpIqTzRdNdEeIaNN1PQviHWRFO9aVsy0k5jMno4G3dN639-QuvOwdvIMzV_YTo/s320/26+Western+Kitchen+B.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">an updated kitchen</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />living space in the two bedroom unit.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">What I do wish, however, is that of the 4 units open for viewing, someone would have thought to stage at least one of them so you not only got a feel for living here, but got a holiday rush when you entered as well. Just my opinion.....</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">As the next house was within a lovely walk, I decided to do just that, and do so through our beautiful <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington_Park_Historic_District_(Albany,_New_York)">Washington Park</a>. Walking down State Street was a bit magical in parts as many of the town houses were dressed in Holiday Finery:</span></div>
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Even the Firehouse on the Western Triangle looked festive:<br />
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and I couldn't resist walking back through the park and stopping by my first domicile as a married lady:<br />
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The <a href="http://www.75willett.com/">Philip Schuyler Building</a> is on the park, and looks as beautiful today as it did over 30 years ago. We started in a studio apartment and quickly moved to a one bedroom until we got pregnant with eldest child. Moving to a bigger apartment even back in the late 70's would have cost us more than buying our own home, so buy we did!<br />
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Heading back up town, I found many a house more to my own tastes. I loved this little vignette in the enclosed entryway of one of the houses close to my own neighborhood. I gave up an old school desk this year- but then it didn't look this good (smile). I love the old family photos which grace the top of the desk.<br />
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This darling little bungalow was just that- little. I was enthralled with how the couple living there renovated the 8 and 1/2' by 9' kitchen. It was amazing and made me feel as if I had a monstrous kitchen in comparison! The wife told me that they moved from the Boston area and <u>this</u> kitchen was twice as big as the kitchen they had there! I'm not sure how she ever managed to cook...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Craftsman Bungalow built in 1922 for Elizabeth and J. William Davis. Davis was a paper cutter for the company that published and printed the Knickerbocker Press and Albany Evening News, both of which are no longer published.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">After the bungalow, I visited Leonard House, the home of the Headmaster of <a href="http://www.albanyacademies.org/">Albany Academy</a>. If there were a prize for ambiance this house would win hands down! Band members from both the Boys Academy as well as the Girls Academy bands stood out side the front walk playing Christmas Carols as visitors entered or took leave of this lovely old brick home. I think I'd feel a bit guilty cooking in the lovely kitchen- it's large wall of windows overlook the Boys Academy's track. I'd feel as if I should be out there running, or at least walking at a good clip instead of baking or whipping up some fancy delicacy!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">In the end, however, I didn't find it at all surprising that my favorite homes were in my own back yard! I am lucky to live in a neighborhood that have lovely craftsman homes, center front colonials and other homes with great character. My every day walks take me by several homes I've always wondered about, and today I got to visit the one I've always yearned to peek inside! Doesn't the front door just make you want to step inside to see what might welcome you?? Believe me, you would not be disappointed! This house is a 1913 Arts and Crafts house and it has been lovingly renovated. The original architecture was preserved while restoring the back of the home which was near collapse and new spaces were integrated beautifully. The floors were made from salvaged wood from an old barn from Western NY so that the new spaces had wood that matched the existing floors. Talk about attention to detail! As beautiful as the downstairs was, the second floor took my breath away! It is no wonder this house received a Preservation Merit Award in 2006. </span></div>
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I made many discoveries today - all good ones! The first was that I should definitely trust my instincts!<br />
I've agonized over tile choices (my bathroom gets demo-ed tomorrow!), tubs, lighting, paint colors. To paint woodwork or not. Decisions, choices, headaches, indecision. But I know now:<br />
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*I'm glad I did NOT go with the gray marble flooring for the bathroom.<br />
*I'm glad that I tweaked the idea of "subway tiles" just a bit for a larger version.<br />
*The lighting I chose will be perfect.<br />
*The tub is just right.<br />
*Dark, historic colors do work in an older home, and yes! white woodwork is perfectly OK.<br />
*I might decide to definitely <u>not </u>paint the wood work in the downstairs "public spaces"- or I may decide to do a combination of wood and paint, and that is perfectly OK, too.<br />
*Everyone seems to be using Shaker Style cabinets in their newly appointed kitchens, and everyone is using white. I'm happy I fell in love with "mushroom".<br />
*Coral seems to be the "in" color for dining rooms. Not Chinese Red, not Mauve. Coral. Who knew.<br />
(and I don't think I'm going there....)<br />
* There is a "designer name" for the grayed beige I love, but darn if I can remember it now! I did ask for the name of the paint color in one of the kitchens I really liked and it is a Benjamin Moore Paint. Say no more...it is in the same family of colors I've already painted the breakfast room, so I'm good!<br />
* When it comes to decorating and renovations- trust your gut!! 'nough said!<br />
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I also thought back many, many years ago to the very first Holiday House Tour. A neighbor was involved with it's start up and our home was one of the ones on the tour. I remember thinking- why would our friends and neighbors pay to come see our house?? They can just come by anytime! But I agreed, we did it up big (which was standard back then- trees in every room, decorations at every turn, enough poinsettias to start my own flower farm). The house looked lovely, we were proud as could be with the comments from those we knew, and those we didn't who visited the house that day. It also made me happy with where I am today. Stream-lined. Not so over-the-top anymore. Life is different, and simplicity seems to be key. I do, however, still have those very special pieces that will always bring forth special Christmas memories for us all. My wonderful quilted Santa Clauses that would travel home from NYC each year in my husbands duffel bag (thank you to the Folk Art Museum for having these in their museum shop year after year!):<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just two of my Quilt Santas</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I hate to play favorites, but he is it!</td></tr>
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I also know that I love bringing nature in- on the mantle and its garland, on the dining room tree that eldest child will wrap with garlands of cranberries and fresh cut lemon, orange and lime slices (you will, won't you, first born??)<br />
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And I know now that if I put on my favorite Christmas music: Johnny Mathis, James Taylor, Sesame Street (yes, you read that right- a family tradition every year- can't trim a tree without it!), the work of getting the mantle to my liking goes so much easier! Simplicity, it is all in the simplicity! Note to self- no more stressing...just do it!<br />
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Yes, it was a good day....a very good, very informative day. Now I think I need to relax.Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09673095643583804417noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2939094311065418841.post-41869313164485777312012-12-05T17:27:00.003-05:002012-12-05T17:27:56.723-05:00And While the Gingerbread Is Baking...<span style="font-family: inherit;">The joy of having the desk close to the kitchen is that I can get to the posts I wanted to write while doing some holiday baking! I've finished up several banana breads, three Cinnamon Streusel coffee breads and have the gingerbread well underway. Now that I'm feeling a bit accomplished, I thought it could be a good time to visit the Bristol Cathedral (as promised in my last posting). Instead of a smilebox slide show, I'm going to pick and chose some of the more interesting nooks and crannies and share photos that way. I'm not sure how the smilebox slides go over with those who may read these postings. Let me know in a comment what you think- slides or individual photos!?</span><br />
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So on to the cathedral:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking to the Cathedral Entrance</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the first things one notices are the magnificent organ pipes</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The stained glass windows throughout the Cathedral are simply beautiful</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXhkd3s-LLSB5XlTkX2c484-7q1ZgW6GB7-4YDh_1uCrn0t7cy8R-_2hFDRQqMW9Y1AWJ0sWkDX1mr4WowU6nr4qL65dMGVYdR7cj7Bvre02wgCFcpCPXv1kH2mme3KoiDnrCGW8OGMqk/s1600/DSC_0112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXhkd3s-LLSB5XlTkX2c484-7q1ZgW6GB7-4YDh_1uCrn0t7cy8R-_2hFDRQqMW9Y1AWJ0sWkDX1mr4WowU6nr4qL65dMGVYdR7cj7Bvre02wgCFcpCPXv1kH2mme3KoiDnrCGW8OGMqk/s320/DSC_0112.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the Elder Lady Chapel- it is older than the main part of the Cathedral and holds the icon of St. Augustine and his companion St. Jordan of Bristol. It is also home to some very strange stone carvings.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6mnXFiEEN3InW7eR_mlYdJu2V1GNZuvXT0DQJfutzy868GQwuGyV74K4CCMbNXlbpxTQuYbfZL4FKrzzfXz2aNI7C_LrwWa-3Sc13UXB-eITRo5Xe-T-Mss9Dna5yC4s7C36o3qAS3Qw/s1600/DSC_0113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6mnXFiEEN3InW7eR_mlYdJu2V1GNZuvXT0DQJfutzy868GQwuGyV74K4CCMbNXlbpxTQuYbfZL4FKrzzfXz2aNI7C_LrwWa-3Sc13UXB-eITRo5Xe-T-Mss9Dna5yC4s7C36o3qAS3Qw/s320/DSC_0113.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saints Augustine and Jordan</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQI5sPPNRG8Eh5c0Zxke36obvkb-A5Vtui6WT50xAejWyAZfDI4ctA8ItfTQ6kKZIOyoHnSnjYFKpBnC8CTPAnUBXsab_kJRatI73UHgmKgaESbIZy5NX7OaGB7QEHJFI04UaYJuI7zh0/s1600/DSC_0115_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQI5sPPNRG8Eh5c0Zxke36obvkb-A5Vtui6WT50xAejWyAZfDI4ctA8ItfTQ6kKZIOyoHnSnjYFKpBnC8CTPAnUBXsab_kJRatI73UHgmKgaESbIZy5NX7OaGB7QEHJFI04UaYJuI7zh0/s320/DSC_0115_01.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Those strange carvings I mentioned: look above the somewhat ordinary human head and you will see a monkey!<br />It seems the stone mason who did the carvings was fascinated with monkeys. Why he thought to carve them in a chapel is a mystery.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFvHqa6HCHFIl2DG_7bSpP8kmtX8TN7h9fqWNhYIWJpoF5MW_t4oSM6SJryeqH6QhzHIgjjG2DwDrZeTTIvnxB61pOz1iJWuLTXhz8gjVLhqYVQkCfxTseNfbMKFt1U1e-JNKTIRTEx4k/s1600/DSC_0116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFvHqa6HCHFIl2DG_7bSpP8kmtX8TN7h9fqWNhYIWJpoF5MW_t4oSM6SJryeqH6QhzHIgjjG2DwDrZeTTIvnxB61pOz1iJWuLTXhz8gjVLhqYVQkCfxTseNfbMKFt1U1e-JNKTIRTEx4k/s320/DSC_0116.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yet another chapel within the Cathedral</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja61E3WJV_PJ1KxJgHf07OckdHQaqFPHmJz-xTVySgQzVurjJh3RjKlmE3w96gvGci7E_NUi5uMcuq3obcz8ECa66fucn0ftQ3ZvZs0PsmBa2RCXC1Rx_h7ZlcOuUZ7G-JyFaIBtm5MM0/s1600/Eastern+Lady+Chapel+_I+believe.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja61E3WJV_PJ1KxJgHf07OckdHQaqFPHmJz-xTVySgQzVurjJh3RjKlmE3w96gvGci7E_NUi5uMcuq3obcz8ECa66fucn0ftQ3ZvZs0PsmBa2RCXC1Rx_h7ZlcOuUZ7G-JyFaIBtm5MM0/s320/Eastern+Lady+Chapel+_I+believe.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Eastern Lady Chapel. This chapel was started in 1298 and was an integral part of the design of the choir.<br />The Stained glass dates to the 14th century and the two candlesticks were gifts given in thanksgiving of the safe<br />return of the ships The Duke and The Duchess, 1712.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTP6a7y3L8r-E_bQ8vQ08RhWCMRByGKUfUCdh_54b87JyrsJFXX4P7xIRABfCpdGWyb0RDCPx6YJSrZ5AB2N5X9SpACXhfRU0xdXQZSfYx7qiHwqBHyBCokgQ__F9uy6RYTADKWG8OXYM/s1600/DSC_0118_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTP6a7y3L8r-E_bQ8vQ08RhWCMRByGKUfUCdh_54b87JyrsJFXX4P7xIRABfCpdGWyb0RDCPx6YJSrZ5AB2N5X9SpACXhfRU0xdXQZSfYx7qiHwqBHyBCokgQ__F9uy6RYTADKWG8OXYM/s320/DSC_0118_01.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The badges (see photo above for a better view) on the reredos are badges of the Berkeleys and the Royal Arms of England. Prominent people from the life of the cathedral are buried in the star shaped niches. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOPMMHB3d7Kp19kz94w0UkAZiv1cRX1_Cn2gZknM0-kGG_oX3PWSmq53Tt4w6auCRQ7ZinAVlZtvUzW6YTx1wNWNKjcLsawOYHxA3AaRSl2MkujM_Y4b3GLjoVoPeDrfx4sipqA06hqf8/s1600/DSC_0125_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOPMMHB3d7Kp19kz94w0UkAZiv1cRX1_Cn2gZknM0-kGG_oX3PWSmq53Tt4w6auCRQ7ZinAVlZtvUzW6YTx1wNWNKjcLsawOYHxA3AaRSl2MkujM_Y4b3GLjoVoPeDrfx4sipqA06hqf8/s320/DSC_0125_01.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Nave: This is a great pillared hall: the entire roof is the same height, and it is the only one of its kind in England. The alter of the Nave is the focus of worship on Sundays and on great occasions- the heart of Christian worship.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWLQ64n0o4z9jeWUGkuwomUffv9tIS2RVkoqrLMgaMIVTwGAv-Yy8yRKaVKJhpkrT9jOJI2Qyn9ffnxxCs6UBEJBHWoIffC8vTLY4LGxqhLEfsurXF3-BciF7hHG92GSO9dw6150jedWM/s1600/stone+carvings.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWLQ64n0o4z9jeWUGkuwomUffv9tIS2RVkoqrLMgaMIVTwGAv-Yy8yRKaVKJhpkrT9jOJI2Qyn9ffnxxCs6UBEJBHWoIffC8vTLY4LGxqhLEfsurXF3-BciF7hHG92GSO9dw6150jedWM/s320/stone+carvings.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carvings above the alter in the Nave</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7acKSYKkpd2oHWyOv3apI7HfIoc21ruVo9VjViPgIMp1ZSnHNpyHwP1VdUpWR1K1yyaA4X0NmEYdDj50kfsOSDZ1WvjLGZ0NzcWLP7aOAubzTjhzjukWMSwbCvwFM50lN-xMjh_bl2Tw/s1600/The+Saint+Mary+Radcliffe+Chaotic+Pendulum.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7acKSYKkpd2oHWyOv3apI7HfIoc21ruVo9VjViPgIMp1ZSnHNpyHwP1VdUpWR1K1yyaA4X0NmEYdDj50kfsOSDZ1WvjLGZ0NzcWLP7aOAubzTjhzjukWMSwbCvwFM50lN-xMjh_bl2Tw/s320/The+Saint+Mary+Radcliffe+Chaotic+Pendulum.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was fascinated with this bit of science within the Cathedral. It is the <u>St.</u> <u>Mary</u> <u>of </u><u>Redcliffe</u> <u>Chaotic</u> <u>Pendulum</u>. Recycled water flows into the center of the cross beam which then tips to let it out. <i>However</i>, no one can predict exactly how it will move minute to minute. Thus: chaos. The plaque notes:<br />"Knowledge will never provide certainty". </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio8dOx-DSW-Fd675B35D32XqBCd80q8hZeLVMan46VjCznIr-eDN0-WKSbdpbO3j2u1DlsvwFg7voXPoKksvX38Fa7hyphenhyphenLVjpv_dHFgpjgNTh8eIPDtcSZfeoD8O0PgAY-7jna6d5fi4DU/s1600/DSC_0119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio8dOx-DSW-Fd675B35D32XqBCd80q8hZeLVMan46VjCznIr-eDN0-WKSbdpbO3j2u1DlsvwFg7voXPoKksvX38Fa7hyphenhyphenLVjpv_dHFgpjgNTh8eIPDtcSZfeoD8O0PgAY-7jna6d5fi4DU/s320/DSC_0119.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As with most Cathedrals, tombs can be ornate. This is the tomb of John Newland (or Nailheart),<br />Abbot, 1481-1515.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpnrtrY85KK6Uast_6HJVO0qnKxeURSMKHxKtNAF-awy_rlFSIwI_ysDFP3he_mBzXWqIN8UyFS_cErm-nx92qV9od2pyR2FZrF3Q8VlXc-xUuIJoU5d_QoCEjtkyekytR75cbVYZyeHI/s1600/DSC_0128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpnrtrY85KK6Uast_6HJVO0qnKxeURSMKHxKtNAF-awy_rlFSIwI_ysDFP3he_mBzXWqIN8UyFS_cErm-nx92qV9od2pyR2FZrF3Q8VlXc-xUuIJoU5d_QoCEjtkyekytR75cbVYZyeHI/s320/DSC_0128.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Here lyeth the bodies of Sir John Young Knight and Dame Ioane, his wife..."</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFOHuNXX6aHWWToEVZI84Qs43bsXM61-DehVHA2KpMHCoFLwOsJKzJPa_eTQUJf8nWMrckcIwlRqpbpla_FtkTWTZa58tbhzXqRsq6Fc7WU0sXgP45pgK_31IYIAcMqDUQ-BhfLfTy3XM/s1600/DSC_0127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFOHuNXX6aHWWToEVZI84Qs43bsXM61-DehVHA2KpMHCoFLwOsJKzJPa_eTQUJf8nWMrckcIwlRqpbpla_FtkTWTZa58tbhzXqRsq6Fc7WU0sXgP45pgK_31IYIAcMqDUQ-BhfLfTy3XM/s320/DSC_0127.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another of my favorite spaces within the walls of the cathedral, these are the "night stairs".<br />Generations of Monks would enter the abbey via these stairs for prayers. The monks prayed every 3 hours day and night!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjllediNx83Xkt-sAcqpvVOhhwYzGUxIEicbl1BEGK8EN5qZi4LliD3JaBg_vkEUviSoqwqpsviqKePeFi3NNWHSYwLXe_HEvtHmcoyjRMAwmMhoPHngDqfqn2fcQ9r6tnbhLYrVSWrpfA/s1600/an+array+of+kneelers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjllediNx83Xkt-sAcqpvVOhhwYzGUxIEicbl1BEGK8EN5qZi4LliD3JaBg_vkEUviSoqwqpsviqKePeFi3NNWHSYwLXe_HEvtHmcoyjRMAwmMhoPHngDqfqn2fcQ9r6tnbhLYrVSWrpfA/s320/an+array+of+kneelers.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The quilter in me fell in love with these needlepoint kneelers! These are just some we observed on our visit. They bear various coats of arms. There were also kneelers depicting biblical events. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We were excited (and a bit surprised) to find one with the seal of New York State!<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">I hope you enjoyed this short tour of the Bristol Cathedral. I love old churches and couldn't have enjoyed my brief time there more. With my next post we will leave Bristol behind and travel to Bath- a most glorious city and home of the Roman Baths. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Oh yes, and in case you were wondering- the gingerbread turned out fabulously if I must say so myself- I had to taste test in between my photo loading! Until we next meet...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Karen</i></span></div>
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09673095643583804417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2939094311065418841.post-42676116154506811622012-11-29T16:57:00.001-05:002012-11-29T16:57:22.708-05:00If It's Saturday It Must Be Bristol...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Ahhh..Thanksgiving has come to an end, and December is still a day away, so what better time than to return to my travelogue? I'm still editing photos (so many to look through for such a "short trip"!), but since it is always wise to begin at the beginning, we will stay in the U.K. at least for a couple of days. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Youngest child and the son-in-law live a short drive outside the city of Bristol, which I found to be a lovely place, steeped in medieval charm it it's old city, juxtaposed with the current hustle and bustle of society ( I believe I read that Bristol has a population of approximately half a million). There were lots of nice little places to shop, a lovely waterfront, beautiful cathedral (abbey) and many nooks and crannies to explore. Bristol, as I came to learn in my research, is the largest city in the south west of England, lying between Somerset and Gloucestershire. It also boasts a most beautiful university with gorgeous stone architecture. I think today we will concentrate on the few photos I took of Old Town/ the waterfront area and the university. Bristol Cathedral is a day's worth of photos in itself. My intent is not to bore you all to tears, after all! It has been fun going back and remembering the sights and the sounds- the tastes and the smells. I almost forgot what a joy for the senses travel can be! Tomorrow we'll venture on to the Cathedral. Be prepared with a cup of tea and a scone.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">For now, of course- I hope you enjoy today's little slide show adventure:</span></div>
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09673095643583804417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2939094311065418841.post-60261259483953386972012-11-17T17:40:00.002-05:002012-11-17T17:40:45.833-05:00There's No Place Like Home<br />
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<a href="http://www.midwestembroidery.net/shoes.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.midwestembroidery.net/shoes.gif" /></a></div>
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I may not be wearing my glitzy red shoes (a la Dorothy), but I do whole heartedly agree with her sentiment. My trip to the U.K. and Poland was amazing- full of wonderful sites (and some not so wonderful, Auschwitz left me completely drained) as well as lots of family time! I've returned a bit tired, but quite happy and ready to get completely organized and jump back into quilting full steam ahead. I have the huge and quite wonderfully quilted batik project to bind after all!<br />
As for Merry 'Ole England, here are a few photos to enjoy :-)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buckingham Palace. Apparently, the Queen forgot I was arriving , so no tea with Liz :-)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the Palace Guards on his magnificent steed</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Ben</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Off to Westminster Abbey</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daughter's small village- nice to have your butcher shop across the street!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I want to live on Folly Lane :-)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spar Cottage- home of the daughter and son-in-law</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ashby (DD's labradoodle) waiting for us to get in the car for our day trip to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glastonbury">Glastonbury</a>!</td></tr>
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Watch for more as I continue to go through the almost 900 photos I took! So many castles, gardens, museums! Can't wait to plan the return visit soon!!Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09673095643583804417noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2939094311065418841.post-32859884152117296102012-10-31T09:54:00.002-04:002012-10-31T09:54:41.443-04:00Happy Halloween!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One of my most favorite days of the year! I'll be off tonight Trick or Treating with my favorite little man (oops, make that <u>Pirate</u>!). Wanted to take the time to say Happy Halloween to you all!!<br />
Now I must do something completely scary...try to pack a rather large suitcase efficiently so I don't go over baggage weight limits! Two weeks of clothing, and a stack of "must bring to the U.K." items for youngest daughter sure add up!<br />
Good bye for now....see everyone in a couple of weeks....<br />
<br />Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09673095643583804417noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2939094311065418841.post-46718824819113037242012-10-29T10:25:00.000-04:002012-10-29T10:26:53.104-04:00Here She ComesAs my slide show loads, I thought I'd get a head start on my musings for this morning. Sandy is still hours away, but already the leading edge of the winds are being felt. The sky is heavy with clouds, with the winds already beginning to pick up around my neck of the woods. I thought I had better do my blogging now, and then shut down for the day as I do things around the house that need doing :-)<br />
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Some of you may have already felt Sandy's wrath, and I know others are waiting her out. She's being called a once in a life time storm, and the reports from New Jersey (particularly Atlantic City) are something- considering we still have hours before this storm makes landfall.<br />
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So, if you have a a bit of time (and an warm cup of coffee!), sit back and enjoy yesterday's fun thanks to "The Silver Sisters" and their quilts! I am still shaking my head at how productive these women are. Maybe I will sit back with some hand stitching today as the winds blow all around us. It is definitely a good day for that! Be well and stay safe until I return with new musings.<br />
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The Silver Sisters Quilt Show and Share and Family Challenge 2012:<br />
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<tr><td><a href="http://smilebox.com/play/4d7a4d324f544d324f44673d0d0a&blogview=true&campaign=blog_playback_link" target="_blank"><img alt="Click to play this Smilebox slideshow" height="330" src="http://smilebox.com/snap/4d7a4d324f544d324f44673d0d0a.jpg" style="border: medium none;" width="420" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td><a href="http://www.smilebox.com/?partner=commissionjunction&campaign=blog_snapshot" target="_blank"><img alt="Create your own slideshow - Powered by Smilebox" height="46" src="http://www.smilebox.com/globalImages/blogInstructions/blogLogoSmilebox.gif" style="border: medium none;" width="420" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td align="center">A <a href="http://www.smilebox.com/anytime-slideshows.html" target="_blank">free slideshow</a> by Smilebox</td></tr>
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<br />Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09673095643583804417noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2939094311065418841.post-55195938276212282032012-10-29T00:07:00.003-04:002012-10-29T00:07:49.222-04:00And a Wonderful Day was Had By All...I could not have spent a more wonderful day if I had tried. I didn't have to try very hard, actually, since I was invited to a day of family fun and sharing at the home of my friend Pat's mother. Mom, her sisters, one husband, several daughters, two adorable (great) granddaughters, and various others (including my own little group of quilt friends) gathered to share in a quilt viewing extraordinaire. I could do little except gasp, shake my head, sit in awe and just snap photo after photo of amazing quilts! I'll let Noel fill you in with her blog post! <a href="http://quiltingtales.blogspot.com/2012/10/sisters-in-quilting.html">Just go here and enjoy</a>!!<br />
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I took close to 80 photos, and have been working on a slide show to share- hopefully I can finish and get it posted before Sandy barrels into N.Y. leaving her mark on us.<br />
For those in her path- stay safe.<br />
For me, I think now that the house has been battened, I've updated my information for up-to-date airport information (great week to be planning to fly!), the cell phone is charged, the Kindle Fire is almost recharged, I've restocked the water supply and finished the laundry I wanted to get done, I can think about heading for bed. Could be much ado about nothing...or could be a wild couple of days ahead. Either way, I'm ready!<br />
Be back soon...with lots of quilts to share. Oh yes, and maybe a photo or two of Noel looking <u>completely</u> <u>overwhelmed</u> :-)Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09673095643583804417noreply@blogger.com0