ALL I EVER WANTED

POLKA polka POLKA

2012-01-22T11:42:00.000-08:00

Every Saturday night my parents watched Lawrence Welk, I ran sceaming to my room , ears covered, eyes averting the the horrendous lacquered hair, poofy dresses , stiff postures. .. abysmal dancing, the music.

So insulting to my coolness!

When we learned how to dance it was the POLKA that we learned first at an old dance hall-TEN MILE by Saratoga Wyo. It was a dance for everyone, grannies dancing with grannies, kids dancing with their folks- a non sexual, non everything dance- energetic hopping around in quick steps and lots of spinning till you fell down all dizzy and in hysterics. More like wrestling and boxing to us kids...

In 2009 the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences eliminated the Polka category for the Grammy awards.

OOM PAH and accordion retired and sent to the RDF channel

Molly B's Polka Party.

I catch it every once in a while and laugh and laugh and laugh.

I am never tempted to hop around the house with my imaginary partner.

Appropriately it is on the FARM channel. the men drive their partners around the floor like tractors, and the women look like they are backing a wide load into a tight parking space.

Grannies still dance with grannies, kids with their folks, and there is absolutely not a single hormone available to entice "temptation of a sexual nature".

The POLKA ,

Hilarious!

Safe!

You can almost smell the manure.

If I were ever in the neighborhood of Molly B's Polka party, you can be sure that I would drop in for a few hops around the dance floor grinning ear to ear, and I would say it was FUN!

Uncool but FUN!

Uncool is how I roll these days...

sky daddy's woman

2012-01-21T09:06:00.000-08:00

Learned something new today- God's wife was a tree which makes about as much sense as god himself. If you must have one sky daddy then , of course you need an earth Mama and she is represented by - the tree. I love her!

"Asherah -- known across the ancient Near East by various other names, such as Astarte and Istar -- was "an important deity, one who was both mighty and nurturing," Wright continued.

"Many English translations prefer to translate 'Asherah' as 'Sacred Tree,'" Wright said. "This seems to be in part driven by a modern desire, clearly inspired by the Biblical narratives, to hide Asherah behind a veil once again."

"Mentions of the goddess Asherah in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) are rare and have been heavily edited by the ancient authors who gathered the texts together," Aaron Brody, director of the Bade Museum and an associate professor of Bible and archaeology at the Pacific School of Religion, said.

Asherah as a tree symbol was even said to have been "chopped down and burned outside the Temple in acts of certain rulers who were trying to 'purify' the cult, and focus on the worship of a single male god, Yahweh," he added."

http://news.discovery.com/history/god-wife-yahweh-asherah-110318.html

Asherah is a fancy girl!

Stunning on the beach with her windswept hair!

Her athletic muscles.

Her nether regions...

Holding

rocking and nurturing.

http://news.discovery.com/history/god-wife-yahweh-asherah-110318.html

The rain has come and all of the snow has been vanquished to the underworld...suddenly we are enjoying temperatures , nearly balmy, nearly sun on the beach warm at 30 degrees!

Quite a change from yesterday's white out. The Daughters of Asherah are grateful, Snow garments are becoming but so damned heavy.

ick

2012-01-19T16:17:00.000-08:00

For the first few days of snow here, everything stops, school, shoppes,stations,muscles...For about a day the birds stop as well- they wonder what hit them...Baby jay still comes around, nestles up next to the kitchen window and does his little chirpy sound until I get my peanut trolley out- Squirrel comes but less frequently, I am sure he has quite a collection- about $175.00 worth given to him over the spring, summer and fall. Baby jay is not a good hider of nuts...I have seen him hide nuts under a leaf...in the gutter, in between fence posts...not the brightest little bird but bright enough to return to me where he is sure to have an endless supply.

When I was a student ( I use the term loosely, i was NOT studious, rather learned how to play bridge and poker and got the boot at the end of the third semester) at the U. of Wyo. There were days when, with the wind chill factor, it was 40/50 degrees below zero- there were two students whose lungs froze on the way to class- they died- must have been out of staters...the winters were extremely harsh- everything stayed open for business as usual including classes way the hell across campus. We dressed for it and just went about our day.( or tucked in and played bridge)

Here, I am such a big baby about weather! I will say though, in my defense- the sort of cold that it is here is different- it is a wet, insipid clammy chill that goes right though the bone.. every cell is effected and is outraged!

Dexter is sleeping on a heating pad.

He is cross about not being able to go on his usual long walks.

I sing snow songs to him but that just makes him even crankier.

We need whiskey. We need another holiday in the sun.
I need to take up bridge again, honeymoon bridge with Dexter, No body else will humour me.

Is it mental illness or just the weather?

2012-01-18T11:41:00.000-08:00

The forecast is for - more of the same. Interesting how mental illness goes hand in hand with nature- Folks diagnosed with such may just be following the ebb and flow of nature- not much room for extreme fluctuation in our society, there is no time for kicking back on snowy dark frozen days to reflect- to be unproductive- to fantasize or simply be, especially if those days extend into weeks or taking to eating the furniture or making phone calls to dead relatives to inquire about their well being and if they might like to join you for a picnic on a zip line...

I suppose the difference is "control", Mental illness has none of that, it does seem though,that our society condones (insists upon) homogenization of emotion, feeling, no ups, no downs, just monotone humming right along with the machinery. There are clearly marked lines not to be crossed.

Gone are the characters of the village- the ones who fall to their knees to sing a song to your dog, which your dog enjoys immensely as you roll your eyes and pull away- the ones who change their names every time they are addressed, the ones who may put a hex of gum drops on you for eating your peas before your potatoes.

The ones who, like weather, become extreme.

I have asked the pooch about these things- He listens-

This is how he thinks.

You can count on him to come up with all of the correct answers. He is wise beyond his poochdom! and during this unpredictable unpleasant catatonic bi-polar weather he knows what to do- eat, sleep, piddle and poo... and wait.

activate with sunshine

2012-01-17T09:35:00.000-08:00

Foo Dogs, as in header, some say are Shizi Gou, or Shih Tzu as we know them. They are celestial, Happiness dogs of energy and value. Guardians- guarding emperors , guarding against evil spirits.

I guess they need sunshine to be fully effective. The photo taken outside of the Farm in Pa'ia seems more energetic than our very sleepy guardian.

It is difficult to muster anything but snoozing on these cold dark days- forget about going out on the deck for a drink of water. Dexter's bowl is frozen over - the flower pots are blooming snow buds.

I don't think this snow will last very long contrary to what the weather man says- Dexter insists that it be gone and he usually gets what he wants.

Old man Baker - Ho'oponopono

2012-01-15T14:35:00.000-08:00

Driving home from the car window I took this shot of Mr. Baker, Stolid, serene, chill. Buddha baker, holding Dharmachakra Mudra but you can't see his hands because they are tucked under his snow robe.Here is what they would look like- dispelling fear- upper/lower birth...that sort of thing.

I had just come from a friend's house where there is strife, where the clouds form , where darkness had gathered in a lump, where hearts were aching, spirits torn.

I remembered this :

I am sorry

Please forgive me

I love you

Thank you.

Ho'oponopono

Usually I don't take to chanting nor to "prayer"-feels empty to me- but Ho'oponopono hits me directly where i live, right there in the middle...Fear, anger, confusion, blame, guilt, pity, sneakiness,discombobulatedness- all of that icky stuff melts away- I am in love again- with all of everything , because I am sorry, please forgive me, I love you, thank you. All is well....ish. Try it!

back at home

2012-01-12T09:44:00.000-08:00

This is what it feels like to be back at home.

The badly drawn cat is dying but won't die!

Mental health issues abound with close friends and relatives.

Just put Erik on the train back to the city.

Could say I am hanging from a thread- but that is not exactly it- more like hanging from a very strong cable and not really hanging, more like tripping over.

How much reality am i willing to accept?

possibly 2%...

the rest of the percentage gets felted, cleaned, photographed, baked,covered up, stuffed, fed to the squirrels, avoided, walked off, cried about and forgiven and tossed.

The tide rolls in and the tide rolls out and you hope like hell not to get caught up in the undertow.

Head might pop off!

Welcome 2012, starting out with a direct bang to the noggin!

Lucky thing for me- there is an amnesia maker ( margaritas with salt) and my fabulous friend STELLA to take the edge off!

Stella sparkles! A lot! Even more so when there is tequila involved...

Flowers for the living

2012-01-10T10:12:00.000-08:00

Banana outside our cottage.

tiny beach flowers

In the forest by the beach

I wish that this post could be scratch and sniff- Pa'ia smells amazing!

HERE are wishes - not too late for most!

Trust your intuition

2012-01-09T11:37:00.000-08:00

The day Erik and Mr. man went snorkeling in Lahina- I stayed on the beach.The day felt odd- felt surreal, ungrounded- I thought it may possibly have been because that area , choked with loud, obnoxious American tourists, littering , Pabst, horrid music - screaming at their kids- on the beach in between the magnificent turquoise ocean and the red dirt Japanese Cemetery, being sullied, was the cause of my un ease.

Marveling at the head stones and the cultural sensitivities of the Japanese.

Humble, straight forward, simplicity , beauty, calm , I sought solace. I finally went back to the beach of American horrors, to see if Erik and Mr. Man had had enough snorkeling for the day.

I felt ill.

And then-A racing jet ski plowed on shore carrying-

a diver in a mesh bag-

Run over by a 19 foot power boat 200 yards from shore, Severed both legs. Aid vehicles stayed too long trying unsuccessfully to stabilize bleeding.

Too long...

Too late...

And that explained the day.

RIP Mr. Gonzales.

HA!

2012-01-08T15:13:00.000-08:00

We have returned from Pa'ia... feet still tingling from the sand and warm ocean.

Abrupt change coming back to Bellingham and it's dark colourless everything- Friend's going through turmoil, Car in the drive- broken- fridge full of rotting food, I would like to be happy about being back home, but I am SO not.

Pa'ia is an amazing place- I would like to stay there until I would not like to anymore...

Anyway, if you are on FB you have seen the glories of Pa'ia, You have gotten a little bit of sun and fresh flower facials...I might have to post a few here just to be annoying.

Thanks to Sarah and Leenie for the merry christmas gifties and for keeping me on their radar! Now that I am back I will get even with you. LOVE love LOVE!

Beauty and the Beach

2012-01-08T15:01:00.000-08:00

Hmmm, chubby hairy guy wins.

Aloha y'all

2011-12-20T21:20:00.000-08:00

Having had probably the worst summer ever after a dismal year of non stop rain and darkness...

September came and on a particularly dark afternoon I looked out and said " FTS!"

went online -

saw some offers to Hawaii, talked with Mr. Man who has air miles around the world one million times-I stressed the importance of going while one is still living. For 88 bucks round trip for all three of us we could not afford to stay home!

I said "Book 'em, Dano"

We may be staying in a dive, not sure , and the forecast is for, you guessed it...RAIN. but it is warm and the beaches are fine, so, we be seeing you on the flip side!

Have a great holiday vaca whatever it is that you are doing. I will bring you back some sand !

Cheers!

Crazy Laws

1. In Hawaii it is illegal to get a tattoo behind your ear or on your eyelid unless in the presence of a registered physician.

2. All residents may be fined as a result of not owning a boat.

3. Billboards are outlawed.

4. It's illegal for a shooting gallery to offer liquor as a prize.

5. Coins are not allowed to be placed in one's ear.

6. It used to be the law in Hawaii that children had to obey all "lawful and moral" commands of their parents.

7. In Honolulu it is unlawful to annoy any bird within the limits of any public park.

8. It is illegal to appear in public wearing only swimming trunks.

9. It is illegal to own a mongoose without a permit.

2011-12-19T07:58:00.000-08:00

On a particularly dark Sunday, Stella, of the best ideas, and I went south to the annual christmas tree bash.

When we left the lake it was foggy.

we arrived after a short drive. The nursery warehouse full of displays of all sorts, every imaginable ornament.

cool props!

chairs bound to one another

forming one gigantic chair tree

a bauble bath?

beyond the warehouse is a little town where we went to charity shops-this most lovely fantastic glorious christmas sweater for sale in the humane society shop. Difficult to pass up - nothing says MEH ry hideous like a christmas sweater of this caliber!

Back at the lake the fog has gained weigh since morning- I know how that happens- the fog and i- simpatico.

Stella's little boat,

so patient,

yearning.

Thinking of that one summer day, Spritz, sunshine, backgammon and delicious food.

it was a good day to be Stella's little boat.

It would never want to be a prop at the christmas tree bash even though the adoration might be nice...and the warmth...and the cookies.

Still, Stella's

little boat has a pretty good view, keeps her eye on things out there and finds the fog interestingly mysterious.

Sometimes it looks like company.

Dog meets fake Santa

2011-12-18T20:02:00.000-08:00

Really great christmas elf drawn by a really great seven year old- little bit of a dark elf- a step to the left of the white glittery elf that seems to dominate this season.

Dexter takes me into town where I need to pick up some dish soap- we hear clopping behind us!

and suddenly upon us!

Dexter is cool, he remembers these unusual dogs from last year- he knows that they are friendly and they jingle.

He gets a biscuit from Paws awhile- his favorite shop- then time for some fresh cold doggy water left out for all of the thirsty dogs in the square.

Tied for a minute while I take a spin into the "no Dogs" cupcake bakers to see if they have anything good for diabetics- No absolutely not, is the answer...

Before heading home

Dexter stops to see Santa!

"you must be joking! this is not the REAL Santa!This guy smells like a financial advisor."

Dexter is not easily fooled...

Imagine M.C. Escher's kids trying to run downstairs Christmas morning.

2011-12-17T08:06:00.000-08:00

A friend posted the title on his fb status- just had to share!!!

Dexter and i went out to look for Santa again- We found his sign.

but no jolly man!

we looked for fancy lights- but only found another sign.

along the street for about a block the ground was thick with Hawthorn berries. Looking like the aftermath of a christmas party gone wrong-.

Fuzzy pods dressed for the weather along the path looked like they too are waiting.

Oh! there are some lights- see them? Behind the more magnificent service berries at the side of the road.

Dexter is not sure about christmas, He senses something big is about to happen but that could be because our packing skills have kicked in- there are bags in the hallway...this means something!

For some unknown reason Blogger has changed - what is this , another example of if it isn't broken- fix it?

I do not like the new and improved because it is not.

Bing Crosby - Mele Kalikimaka (Hawaiian Christmas Song)

2011-12-15T12:29:00.000-08:00

Hau'oli Makahiki hou!

and, if you could please, click on the former post- link to salmon enhancement in the Pacific Northwest. .50 cents a click goes to salmon enhancement and clean up of salmon waterways. It is an awesome thing! So much improvement has already benefited the salmon. Thanks.

NSEA Promise

2011-12-15T10:34:00.000-08:00

Is this December?

2011-12-14T18:55:00.000-08:00

Dried fruit- really dry dried fruit. Having grown up where fruit was scarce, Christmas time always brought oranges and dried fruit into the kitchen. Favorited more than anything else! These dried berries , of course, have gone too far.

It has been an "off" holiday-ish time here. Just can not get behind red and green and that little squiggle of excitement. Number one- we are leaving- number two, there is no snow...
Roses are blooming!
There is a large bear with lights in him across from the Fairhaven green. Not a Santa to be found.

Vinny in his tam, sort of christmassy- not everyday wear for Vinny...there seem to be folks walking around wearing more festive duds (pulled together sort of)- and that, is really stepping it up for Bellingham, capital of casual wear-what ever's-clean-maybe, maybe not.
I have one ornament hanging from one tiny bough. Nearly too much fuss...I wore myself out.
And the presents that I got- I got for myself...
This cool clock was a trade from Festival of Lights-made by a friend who finds things and sticks them together and then teaches them to tell time.
This beauty was a gift for me by the maker of beauty-at The Festival of Lights. She holds things in her skirt- clever hiding place for my diamonds and platinum timepiece- except now you will know where to look! Just don't tell anyone else, mmmkay?
This was a purchase, same place...re purposed for no purpose, but could not pass it up.
Even the neighborhood is "meh" this year. This is the best that they could do- I will say that it is better than one ornament on a stick-some measure of effort went into their decoration...
Perhaps it is the economy, blame everything on that- or maybe christmas has become too commercial to care about it anymore.

Something came in the post today though, that epitomizes real heart felt love and giving- the most thoughtful beautiful, most generous gift ever - a surprise! Hand made by Leenie in Idaho, next door to the grand teets. THAT made my christmas whiskers twinge a little and that is the first time I have felt "seasoned" since the carols got switched on bloody EVERYWHERE! Leenie is a true christmas elf, an angel, a joyful spirit- in spite of national "meh". Thank you Leenie! You are amazing.

Couldn't resist!

2011-12-12T21:07:00.000-08:00

Best ornaments are subtle

2011-12-11T15:10:00.001-08:00

Balls of ducks and geese hugging the bank. Best decorations - ever changing- in a foul sort of way, a gliding fluttering sort of way...subtle.
winter pod skeleton, great ornament from all angles- subtle until closer inspection reveals -
a menacing look that could terrify a small being.

There are purses, holding rain drop coins, in abundance.

Nature is such a clever stylist.
service berries-vibrant colour- just in time for Amy's festival of lights-
Felted goods at the "Festival of Lights" yesterday which went very well . Excellent people, amazing food, all around success! The best ornaments, i reckon, are those in nature.

Person made ornaments seem out of place really but there you go- at least wool feels like nature...there's that...( this is my spot after most of it had been lovingly purchased. Mr. Monkey sold as well- YAY for him, and yay for the buyer!

The one below has to be the very best! A wasp home that Amy found while foraging around for a christmas tree out in the wilderness. It is large and fabulous, hanging above the kitchen sink. Perfect and interesting with the softest texture and colour- I would live there in a heartbeat if I was wee and winged.
I am homesick for wilderness, for silence, for rhythm of nature.To get up when the sky turns a brighter shade of dark and to go to bed in candle light, chopping wood and kindling , waking to a frozen world - having to fire it up,having to eat brandy soaked muesli to thaw the face- going out on a frozen bay to watch stillness. Christmas is uncomfortably high voltage it seems. Pagan ideas have always been the best...celebrating pods, balls of ducks, nests, and of course the berries that service. Being quiet, just being. I must say, though, that i am grateful for all of those wonderful shoppers who lightened my felt load dramatically during the sale. Best show ever! I am not 100% pagan...Not 100% against people buying MY ornaments!

a dark day dog walk

2011-12-09T12:22:00.000-08:00

Mid day, Dexter walking me to the dog park- passing snow berries and soft cushy pods bursting open-
A good time for fairies - Pods are some of their favorite things! I am pretty sure that this fluff is gathered to use as insulation or to construct a fancy ball gown, or both.
This one I think may be used for amusement. Spin and shake, rattle and wobble.
On the path to the dog park we meet up with some very handsome pooches who know a thing or two about staying out of the bushes, They tell Dexter-
- sharp objects are governing the land, seeing to it that it is not trodden on. Thorns do enjoy their privacy.
OW!
OW! OW!!
There are the beginnings of fairy lace making off on the side of the path-They tell Dexter to mind the fragility of fairies work, also.
the final product will go nicely around the bodice of the fluffy insulation gown.
There are nipples... also gown worthy.
The sun traveling low on the horizon- mid day dark, we head home.
If Dexter did not walk me every day I would miss so much! I might sit indoors and grumble about the weather, the dark, everything there is to grumble about...Dexter is one smart pooch dragging me along with him- Dogs are the smartest people!

Scary rose hips and not so scary elves.

2011-12-06T10:01:00.000-08:00

Walking the pooch he spots some threatening rose hips...
They are on their way out so no worries...

Felted elves, on the other hand, not at all frightful-

Bringing hallucinogenic shrooms to your table, insisting that you partake so that you can enter their world.
Just beware of the dying rose hips- they have nothing to lose since their days are numbered. They will bite you.

Not goal driven...

2011-12-04T12:09:00.000-08:00

I don't think that this mushroom had it in mind nor did it fret that one day it would become a mushy, textured, pile of bright rot. It simply was a mushroom, being mushroomy.
When the dandelion first sprouted in the warm sunshine, became a very yellow flower, did it think,"must push on- must become tiny umbrellas flying on the breath of a wish", did it think of this pod as it's goal. Did it measure every stage, or judge, or try to push ahead...or did it just dandelion itself.
Same with this leaf, glorious for the moment, in it's "leaving" dress...When it was green it did not push on and keep a diary of it's progress, get graded on every little advancement, or chastised for not doing it well enough.

Things just are - it is all about the present ZEN-ish right now. I have never been goal troubled-not an admirable trait in our driven society. I shifted from one university to the next, taking the most fun classes that they had to offer- when the ever present course in Math could no longer be avoided- I shifted to another university- I finally landed and graduated from one that offered alternatives- It offered maths without final or correct answers- WHEW! Philosophy of Maths, it was called. And so life goes- either like what you do or bag it, because I do not believe that there will be any other life to be lived. It's the waltz, and not the promise of something after to strive for, or kudos for how well you followed waltzing rules. No body can prove that that "promise" is anything but a contrivance, Or a sweet illusion to make death seem like it's not a final- lights- out-" goal". Who cares if there is or isn't a thing after our bodies turn into mushrooms and dandelions- now, what you are doing in this time, is all we can know for sure. I hope that you are enjoying the dance and the music- if you are not- change the channel till you find something to love right now.

“We could say that meditation doesn't have a reason or doesn't have a purpose. In this respect it's unlike almost all other things we do except perhaps making music and dancing. When we make music we don't do it in order to reach a certain point, such as the end of the composition. If that were the purpose of music then obviously the fastest players would be the best. Also, when we are dancing we are not aiming to arrive at a particular place on the floor as in a journey. When we dance, the journey itself is the point, as when we play music the playing itself is the point. And exactly the same thing is true in meditation. Meditation is the discovery that the point of life is always arrived at in the immediate moment.”

A. Watts.

And THAT is my sermon for today...you're welcome.

Grey

2011-12-03T17:56:00.001-08:00

Colour has dimmed, grey melds earth to sky.
Dexter finds a rock and a message.
On we go into winter.

the table

2011-11-30T13:04:00.000-08:00

On the table

The first nuclear explosion- text that is very nearly poetic.

Erik works on a project for school using a child's book from the late 40's published right after the very first mushroom boom.

Atomic annihilation, humans - incredibly destructive to all living things, Silly humans.! And now humans are making mini black holes ( said to be not at all dangerous) Just like atomic bombs were thought to be like all the rest of the poppers, just a bit more grand - put a towel over your head- all will be well...

Also on the table- my felted elf shoes for the day- They are deep enough to hold sweets and little presents. They are not deep enough to ponder...
A nest of felted stones just for fun, also on the table. They are soft - they are hard. Pet-able, like a kitten, will most certainly break things if hurled, unlike a kitten.

Our table is unpredictable and rarely set up for normal dining purposes. Rarely is it uncluttered. It might make sense- atomic bombs, elf shoes, soft hard stones, the news paper, Altoids,- side by side. Eat standing up- more calories are burned that way, and the table will remain a place to make shoes for imaginary beings , a bomb, or mindlessly rolling river rocks in wool... I think that our table likes the attention.

Friday ever after

2011-11-26T11:36:00.000-08:00

Go- no- where- buy- nothing- day- except you must take the pooch for a long walk through the lazy little streets- under the leafless hawthorn berries-
by the large branches taken down by a very enthusiastic wind.

- by the bay where the last of the wild apples cling- like gnarled old ladies to the strong thick branches of life support. Un-pruned, uncared for- growing with more visual interest than it's kin in well kept yards.

Ducks slide by, the weather suits their clothes. The temperature is three layers worth, noses drip, cheeks rosy , lips blue.
As blue the blue of the last bell hiding in tall grass.
By heather pods, crisp and pinkish brown.
A stone cold apology- newly installed where the old stone simply read, "No Chinese beyond this point"...
Dexter and I missed the hoards of greedy shoppers today- we stayed close to home, walked to town, to the bay and to the doggie park where Dexter brought home many new fragrances- yes, indeed, Pooch- it is time for a bath ever after...

Impiety and ANON

2011-11-23T11:13:00.000-08:00

"Impiety,n. Your irreverence toward my deity." Ambrose Bierce. Latest issue of THE SUN magazine came yesterday- inhaled immediately and revisited, re-read several times during the month long wait for the next stellar issue! On the back page, SUNBEAMS, are quotes pertaining to the theme of each issue- fabulous little quick thought vitamins to boost your brain , emotions, and curiosity. This issue is primarily god, religion and the inability of both to exist at the same time. Great interview with Jacob Needleman "On god without Religion".

Just a couple of nights ago, as the theme continues, Dexter and I decided to space out in front of the telly where we watched "reality" TV- The first program "Sister Wives" A program about four Mormon women married to Kody the big deal man sperm donor boss guy- the center of their universe- they are amusing - incredibly rational for what seems a weird, anti woman lifestyle- frankly I can't think of a better circumstance in which to raise kids- A whole bunch of moms helping each other- GREAT! They come across as being very well adjusted and I do like them. Their god, however gives me the willies!

Then there was "Muslim in America" which was not quite so endearing- their god really does seem to dislike the female gender- a lot.

Then we watched something on the History channel- I think it was called "Bullshit- debunking the bible" - close anyway... The history channel is on to you Bible!

Religion is godless as it turns out, how ironic wouldn't you say!

Anyway this has nothing to do with the bandanna photo- which is something I purchased for Erik in case he finds himself "Occupying".

In small print around the outside edge of the graphic, are statements of your rights, and what to do to prevent conflict, how to peacefully protest and what to do if beaten or gassed. there are some remedies and suggestions, like remove body piercings and contact lenses, carry a bottle of milk in case of pepper spray-Keep your mouth shut - say nothing- Carry only an ID, a little bit of cash, emergency medical info and important phone numbers. Do not drag a fellow ANON to their feet if they have been injured.

Erik is coming home for a few days, a brief respite from the intensity that is school,- I will hold my breath until he crosses the front threshold! I only have twelve more hours to go....

Human nature?

2011-11-22T10:27:00.000-08:00

Is it? Are humans doomed to struggle , to "make it" and then become greedy , self absorbed, self righteous- or is it just survival? Though now it's not so much immediate, hunt and gather survival, it is survival from one another- while that big sky daddy just laughs his ass off...

Well, like my sisters below, I am feeling like shooting some blue suit wearing idiots in the seat of their pants! With rubber bullets of course because they don't do any damage....That's what they tell us...rubber, pepper,mace, tear gas canisters exploding- it's all good- peaceful...because that's what democracy is...
as tricky as stringing raindrops on spider gossamer threads , stitching them onto air, trying to make it last...trying to wear it to the next international formal event- surely all will be impressed ...They will want it too!

Big "story" tellers - fear driven babble for greed, control, monopoly,- poison sprayed in the face of kids trying to better their lives will sort them out- it all makes me feel- SO stabby!
and cranky- They (the gestapo police force whose job is to serve and protect) really need to go to their rooms and think about what they have become, and feel the shame that they have incurred.
They need to listen more to Gramma and heed that there will be no more of this nonsense! I am just blown away by this "democracy"- land of the "free"- home of the brave...with justice and liberty for all bullshit. Not walking the talk here!

Oh and by the way _ Happy Pox Blanket Thanksgiving! We are having celery and water- solidarity with the turkey, you understand! Such a contrived "feel good" kumbaya holiday where we get to think that, for a moment, we are civil.

Diabetes is GREAT!

2011-11-19T12:46:00.000-08:00

Diabetes is great to manage if you don't actually have it...I am learning all sorts of things since my husbands diagnosis- it's the way i like to eat anyway, back to basics - dumping processed Cost Co Crap. I dug out my back to basics frock and went to the grocery where there are all sorts of wonderful organic local veggies- YUM! Presentation is important- make it look all amazing and the trick will be a success! "Gosh, hon, that was the best candle lit shrimp in a circle I ever ate!"
Trying new stuff as well, though these have been around for a very long time- they never appealed to me- they look too scientific...plus they look like they require a load of melted cheddar- I will leave these for someone else.

and asparagus- never ate it as a child because I thought it was aspara GUTS- no way! Just like I though cantaloupe was the back end of an antelope- again- no way!

There are really great alternatives for butter- one called MELT made of coconut oil and is delish- Quinoa- better than any grain ever, probably because it is actually a seed and when it is cooked it pops into great little caviar balls of sensational nutty flavour! Salmon of course, cod of course- Piggies and cows get a break, as does everything from the nightshade family- so, yeah, pretty much diabetes has been great for me- Husbands is still arguing with it- trying to outfox it but there you go- he was never an alternative- stick -it -to the-man- living communally with other alternatives, eating brown,raw everything and green raw everything else- never developed a taste for basics and more earthy tones... I often have the urge to say "told you so" but that would just be another stab in a tender wound, wouldn't it.

There is a "cure" for diabetes- one can have gastro intestinal by pass surgery which fugs one up completely or eat only 500 good calories a day- squeeze breakfast , lunch and dinner into a thimble. Or felt some food and just look at it.
or the ultimate cure- croak.

So , on we go- I am on a mission to make tasty food, low glycemic, low carb, low fat- he will like it and thank me- or die. His choice!

Berries , roses and invaders from Mars

2011-11-17T13:00:00.000-08:00

Preparing a few things ahead of time - sauce can be frozen or preserved getting ready for Thursday's big traditional deal- I rarely buy black pitted olives which seem to be on every Thanksgiving table. The pitter marks scare me - scarred me-

Yes that is the one! Spotted in one of the berries!

The year was 1954, I was but a wee little bit of stuff- my brother who is older, bigger, smarter- took me to the Saturday matinee, where we ate stale pop corn off of the floor and, for a nickle, shared a bag of sugar babies . We went to see the latest sci-fi movie, Invaders From Mars... He thought it was great-I never recovered- thus the aversion to pitted olives and "the mark"- the dreaded brain sucking mark of the invaders from Mars! IN THE BERRIES! NOOOO! When ever I see that mark the terror comes right back. Below you can see the pitter- and the mommy victim. She was never the same either.

So, I washed those berries- hard- drained them- hard- and boiled them into a puddle-hard-

Added some spice, a bit of cinnamon, Ginger, Mother Teresa...

some apple for sweetness...

some orange for tang-
while the cow, made from fresh milk, stood guard- a steady no nonsense gaze-

and the pumpkin waited..holding it's pumpkininy breath.

Sauce , fully sauced now safely in the fridge- the Invaders From Mars, conquered- Ta-DAH! Just might pick up some black pitted olives this year - I may crush them, toss them into the vast darkness of night... you know, baby steps, one pitted fruit at a time...One day "the Mark" will be powerless. That is my hope, for ALL!

The doorbell rings- and there before me - these!!!

So lovely I kiss the delivery man! Sent from the most thoughtful person in the UNIVERSE, including Mars- I have asked that she marry me but she is already married- as am I- but the idea is such a good one!

My big brother is fighting an invader of the worst sort- scarier than Martians, scarier than pitters, Saturday Matinee memory- one of many treasured and kept in that bag behind my rib cage, sneaking out and on it's way to the big screen of life review- plopping down in a much too small seat in the middle of my throat, squeezing - stuck, out of focus, precious. DANG!

Roses are it's comfort food- it's blanky- it's thumb to suck - so lovely and perfect. Leenie knows this from experience- Leenie knows everything about bags behind the rib cage- hers is LARGE!

As for invaders- well...shit.

blah to blamo!

2011-11-15T09:17:00.000-08:00

Colour from autumn fading quickly in the chilly wind- returning to our usual grey pallet. Our long winter grey dark blah - lacks imagination, it does...

Though there are textures of interest...
and stones with faces, bracing for the chill...This one in the dog park- not sure why the grim expression- maybe that bloody winter is pounding the door? Or that the dog park is not a stones favorite place to be? It urines to be elsewhere!
Lucky for me, I have baskets full of brightly dyed wool to felt into -
and-
and-
loads of ornaments to sell at the "festival of lights" -

Hope to sell many and accumulate great wealth...at least a few quid to spend in London in May.

Yahoo, another carrot dangling before me to get through the winter with a grin! ( Stella ...as you know...has the BEST ideas!)

And , for desert, we will spend another quick week in Venice - just to catch up and get our Venice fix. Excited much- oh yeah! So- Grey, dark, cold, wet, old winter? Bring it!!! I thumb my nose at you!

November sneezed

2011-11-13T20:18:00.000-08:00

November sneezes - blows colour everywhere celebrating raucous weather, leaves cushion our noisy crispy walk, rust needles poke Dexter's paws...
chilly rain turns plants and lips to purple- circulation slows- yup, it's cold-
- soft mess everywhere-
- a birthday on 11/11/11 - cake with seven candles for a seven year old star girl wish maker -

the "Mommy" to wiggly puppy in my arms, Vinny...he will bite your chin if you try to kiss him-Blurred by November sneezes. November is such a drama queen! NOVEMBER, all fancy, boisterous, demanding your attention! Impatient November.

Some say they have seen Winter's white whiskers on the foothills in the mornings, that old man creeping up on us all again as though he is welcome- he is NOT...Boots. hats - three layers- we are sort of ready....ish.

Damned good thing we are going to Maui in December, Cranky about weather- complainer...but there you go-always said if you are going to do something do it well. I nearly have crankiness perfected...still some work to do but I think by the end of winter I will have mastered it.

Spoiler alert-the cake is a lie...

2011-11-12T08:23:00.000-08:00

This is from the video game "Portal".a very cynical fun game with sass. I did not play it because I just didn't but I watched as Erik and Josh played- I got into it because it is highly entertaining and imaginative and irreverent. Also I love the Theremin and uke!

Not everyones cuppa but then neither am i.

It comes and it goes

2011-11-11T11:45:00.000-08:00

Orange is the colour, rotting apples is the fragrance

2011-11-09T22:10:00.001-08:00

No other fruit can smell so nice , so fragrant, so comforting as rotting apples- I have a bowl full of them in the kitchen , in nose reach of where my computer is. They do not even look bad really, just a little bit shriveled though they have been in the bowl for well over a month.

Dexter took me out for an orange walk to find more things to bring home besides the rotting apples.
we found a leaf with a perfect stripe-
multi coloured, textured leaves-

inspired by the colour orange- such a friendly, cheerful happy colour we came home to felt this-

I used some odd soy silk that I have had laying around- incorporated it into the pods. I felted the branches months ago and the leaves last night but the pods today really made it happy to be a felted object on the wall.Thank you, colour orange- I SO needed you today! Orange is soothing when one's heart is breaking believe it or not. I could not felt blue today.

Vinnie in the family

2011-11-04T08:20:00.000-07:00

A new Puppy for the AWESOME family. His name is Vinnie and he weighs four pounds. He is like lint on the floor, must be mindful all the time, he would be so easily squished.
Lil pounds out a felt doll in record time-
and promptly writes a story about her, also in record time.

She seems like she speeds through things but really, I suppose, it is just my elder perception. Soon I will be driving like a blue hair- thinking I am going fast, hitting the brake every five seconds. Just part of the deal.

Day in the HAM

2011-11-02T13:20:00.000-07:00

Usually by the first of November the colours have blown away, the air becomes frosty , the wind kicks up. Boots and coats and grumbles. Dexter makes me go out no matter what- good thing- this day was exceptional- Sunshine even in November- freakish! Colour has not been shaken, flattened to the ground. There are pods...
WE come home , I make another pod, having been inspired though in orange rather than yellow green, and an elf shoe...grab some parcels and
go to the post office, where...
idiots exercise their right to speak idiotic speak. They are so incredibly idiotic that you do not want to make eye contact, give them wide berth, all I could think to say when they shouted at me some crazy shite- was this- "I hope that you get the professional help that you need- peace" they screamed back "So, What, do you want to put us in a concentration camp?" (WHAT?) ...Put me in a bad mood, they have no idea , probably have never read anything except" Idiot guide to Idiocy- La Rouche "- I went across the street to Goodwill (just the name itself makes me happy)
Where I found- TA DAH! two things that I have been wanting for a very long time- the little Mexican chair, which usually costs way too much to justify, for a couple of dollars! And the score of the decade! A dress form! Really cheap and fabulous! YAY! Also the great crochet bead necklace from India- 99 cents! Thank you very much GOODWILL! You are true to your name. The idiots? Well, I am sure that their Karma ran over them, it's the law.

Morning cow, leaf and shadow, UPS man

2011-10-31T11:42:00.000-07:00

This morning at 6:00- waiting for daylight.
Shadows in the kitchen.
and the cow says "moo". Last day out in the country .
Back to my pit of a house with a hole that goes to China in the front yard. Leaks and more leaks, water water water!

It is Halloween - here is a story:

Erik found a UPS vest in the tip at Goodwill . Being a poor art student he had to be resourceful- He donned brown clothing and stuffed the front area of his trousers with socks- he went to the party with the intention of having people sign for this big package...haha, right? WRONG! The feminazis were out in force, they are very serious about their menstrual cycles and their "I am woman! Hear me roar!" He was NOT a hit . Hater's gotta hate - they did so.

The irony of "art" school is that they SO lack humour- imagination ( batman and fairy costumes, oh really?)- Erik is finding that Bullshit Your Art 101 is the name of the game in some of his classes. He will not buckle- he has integrity( in spite of his UPS costume).

His BS meter is nearly fried and this is only the first semester- I doubt that he will last even two years at Art College let alone four...and that is OK. Just take the classes that serve , learn stuff, stay true, then bail! Oh, and be sure to wear your UPS costume to the next gathering of "ART and the POWER of The Menstrual Vag Goddess."

My brother went to a halloween party when he was at University with a raisin in his navel , He was mostly nude otherwise, He was a cookie. This was ages ago- mid '60's- no one was offended. His nick- name became "Raisin" for ever after, and the girls thought it was cute. ... before REAL feminism. Young women have taken a much needed movement from a mentality that needed fixing and turned it into bullying utterly lacking humour- something other- not remembering the the heart of it, the soul. But then I guess that's what happens- give a generation of little girls specious power and attitude of being better than the other gender- pendulum swings!- and you are facing something akin to "white man's guilt" ...history of oppression, sexism,that you personally are not responsible for, will come round and bite you in your brown UPS package! So it goes...

New camera,girl and a pod

2011-10-29T17:05:00.000-07:00

A baby Brownie! Found it at an antique shop and had to have it.

Then I felted a fancy girl out of mystery wool that is divine to felt with. It cooperates and feels heavenly.
She needed a pod.
Lovely day today- drippy but not pouring.
the sun did shine for a few moments.
Call from NY- It is snowing! Too soon!

Out in the country, a mermaid,balls, and a death

2011-10-28T12:41:00.000-07:00

Felted mermaid with
felted balls. Everything is beautiful out in the country-the flowers, the cows, the weather, the mule with the horse palling around together-
Hydrangeas of various colours on the same bush. Maybe that is common...
mossy apple tree. This is the sad part...NOT beautiful at all...
Dexter discovers his dead spotty lamb.
Winslow had his way with it. It's a goner! Hope you will "occupy" your week end well. I am "occupying" Lorna's amazing house in the woods with the cows and the raucous wind bending trees this way and that- There is a flurry of confetti!

Another good thing about staying out yonder is that Lorna's house is large and echo-ey...so if I shout Dexter can actually hear me- he is so confused, poor little pup.

Ok, have a great week end- go occupy something or someone or somewhere. Go be the 99% in a happy way.

Erik's animation

2011-10-25T15:41:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=JPLY6l32LN8

What Erik spent his week end doing!

Out in the country

2011-10-25T13:30:00.001-07:00

Dexter and I are house sitting again. Winslow and his mom have gone to NY for a week. So generous of them to let us stay at their home, tucked up on a hillside in the woods across from the cow pasture and pond. The little old cabin above is by the road on the way out.

These bushes, also along side the road, nearly blinded me with their hot fuchsia pink-ness! OW!
I don't know what they are- there is an entire hedge row of them - just being bright!Hot , sizzling! They look like they belong in show biz, in Vegas- they looks like they should have enormous boobage and big ear rings.
When we get to the house Dexter decides to paint using Lorna's immense paint pallet out on the deck- she paints big! Dexter paints little.
Then we retire to the cushions that smell like Winslow- We have a think. We wonder if he is having a good time in the city. We miss him. We notice that he has murdered Dexter's toy lamb in the yard.
When we awake the mist's veil obscures the cows- they are not hindered, they know exactly what to do .
They disappear! Magic mist!
Home for a few minutes to check email and ETSY and stuff...Can't wait to get back out to Lorna's paradise. No TV, no telephone, no computer, just quiet...time is not an issue- either it's day time or it's night time. I took my radio , all it can pick up is Canadian BBC. Perfect!

Across the water, Native cemetery

2011-10-23T20:13:00.000-07:00

That's our town from across the water. We still have a little beach cabin on the rez which is in the process of an over haul to prepare for family coming to live part time.

I took the long way home and passed the Lummi Nation Cemetery- Turned around and went back to visit.
It's a colourful , interesting cemetery, unlike any I have ever been in. It feels friendly , good and settled. The first grave Dexter and I come to is a child's , age three, Still being cared for with his favorite toys, love, a mother's longing. I tried to look up his obituary in a 2003 Herald, but couldn't find it. All of the graves have such interesting combinations of gifts laid upon them, none forgotten.
This one is celebrating a Birthday- fresh beach sand covering it with conifer wreath-fresh roses- a lavender cross at the head.
This is one of the more simple headstones- a piece of driftwood-a birch wreath, some wild flowers.
This one covered with bricks and stones.
This wreath is beach stuff- Kelp and litter that washes up on the beach daily.
Another simple grave- a stuffed toy sheep guarding.
There are many totems.
And, oddly, many American flags along with bleeding jesus and sweet mother marys, All sorts of toys, statues of animals-gnomes- a little guy drinking beer- loads of little pick up trucks.

This must be an important elders grave- on the road out- last of all with the most impressive totems.

Beautiful day, sunny and quiet- Dexter loved it here in the cemetery- I did, too. When I came home a friend called and said to NEVER go there at dusk- EVER!!! So of course you know that I will. I love these people!

a VINE, a viney pod and ocean royalty

2011-10-21T17:36:00.001-07:00

The vine that grows along the railing of the deck rarely sees sunshine. It is cross about that and grows in a wacky curly way - it's way of telling us that we really should have planted it where the sun shines- that would be miles from here, sorry to say, so the vine will just have to adjust like everyone else, or deal with suicidal thoughts....like everyone else.
It has inspired, however- not some lovely metaphor in some lovely poem, because I am incapable- but I can felt something- not literal but representational, a tortured curly vine pod.

with a fat friend to cheer it up since there will be no sun...
at the beach today the royal family of cold grey days stands with their feet in the cold cold sea, as usual. Royally stalwart , wearing barnacle robes- this is a tough family!
This is a close up of the King's crown. Very fancy! I think that I am now inspired to felt a few crowns.

When i am felting, if there is music playing, it plays every time I handle the piece- felted right into it. The antler vessel, was felted while listening to the documentary by Scorsesy about George Harrison, A long 2 part program that is well worth your while if you get the chance. I must make sure that what I am listening to is pleasing when I felt if I am going to like the piece. When I first started, I was listening to the politics of George Bush- I jabbed furiously and was very productive that year. I did not love the pieces I created- I sold them quickly for very cheap, there were many, none of them lovable.

blob life, unfinished business

2011-10-20T10:03:00.000-07:00

Messed around with the blob last night, felted it into shape and gave it antlers.
I also felted a toadstool to keep it company.
Other unfinished blobs- the squash that will not grow beyond the fingerling that it is now.
or the nubbin this cuke will not grow beyond...
the greenish tomatoes , tiny and malformed will never reach their potential. They may benefit bugs and slugs - somebody has got to fulfill that job.
better them than me.

A blob, A birthday&some changes

2011-10-18T09:09:00.000-07:00

Never knowing what I am doing I just start something- who knows if or how this blob will turn out to be something in the end- no worries, I can fill it with cat nip and let Peach have his way with it.
Dexter is more deaf than yesterday- when we trained him to sit and lay down and come and go we did use hand signals along with voice so at least he can relate to that familiarity- he is just confused- why has everyone lost their voices? Why won't anyone talk to him anymore? Why does everyone sneak up on him in silence? What happened to the garbage truck "beep beep beep"?

Last night this little muffin-
turned 61- Happy birthday Stella! She refused to wear the "silly" hat so the waiter had to- she got free birthday flan with a candle to make a wish- I think that she wished for the man wearing the hat to go away! it came true!
Changes at home- No more bread baked and eaten with tons of butter and jam...
No more man pies....
we will be eating only what bunnies eat. Mr. Man , of all people, has diabetes! He, Mr. health, fit and thin...Mr. Careful most of the time...except for the industrial sized bucket of Nutella that he took camping with him ...except for the head sized apple fritters with melted butter, two at a time...except for the tub of rice pudding with cream... So it is an adjustment- probably a very good one for all.
My whiskers are twitching, my fur is becoming shiny!

There is psychological hunger- like "That bag of flour over there, that wad of sticky bun- I must have it- I must ingest everything gooey carbohydrate- I MUST".

Ch ch ch ch Changes...Getting old on planet earth- things are different now and on my glorious birthday I will be doing the medicare dance! PLUS getting senior discounts here and there! Oh joy! Mr. Man is ahead of the game- clearing the path for me to follow. He will be 73 in January! Holy Shite! I reckon we have about 20 good years left and when you think of twenty years past- it is but a flash! Life! A quick blip!

A tree house for Karen

2011-10-17T09:53:00.001-07:00

Karen and I met 21 years ago at an Abundance of Life Church thing, searching for like minded non religious be-ers, for support and celebration of just being human and alive- Abundance of Life was not it, but Karen was, our friendship is effortless, timeless. After years and years of not seeing one another we met again on Facebook- we live in the same town! so it goes...we clicked right back into place.
She lives on five acres of the most beautiful property out in the country- This ancient tree, one of many on her land, is her church now.

Her husband died recently, pancreatic cancer- this land, this "church" supports her lovingly and unconditionally without ceremony , hierarchy or contrivances. It soothes, inspires, accepts, heals a sore heart and does not pass the collection plate or judgement . It says "you are loved".
When her Husband died she decided to build a tree house back along the fence line where every view is splendid and all one can hear are trees, birds, and air. It is a solid roomy structure made entirely of recycled material from stuff found on the property- the windows are lovely ancient wavy glass- the entire experience of this house and the forest is psychedelic. If you have ever eaten the little brown button topped mushrooms that grow near cows, you know what I mean. This is without eating shrooms or any alteration. It's the real deal!
Two corgis and a bow tie kitty live with Karen- they are pretty sure that the tree house was built especially for them. They haven't yet mastered the fire pole escape. It just looks like "art" to them, or an opportune place to lift a leg. Instead, We used the formidable stairs with a re-purposed tee- pee pole railing, smooth like muscle in a ballerina leg and equally as sensuous.
The inside , so cosy and pleasing.
The very large sky light prevents leaves from gathering on it's slant- the sky view is only blurred a bit because the recycled corrugated plastic stuff is opaque. The house is incredibly full of light- floating in the tree tops.
I can think of no better way to honor life, it's passing, it's true nature, than the tree house Karen has built in the best section of her five acre woods, midst 300- plus year old trees gathered round you, a couple of pooches , a bow tie kitty and a hot cuppa.

Not one to mope or carry bags full of woe, she is an unintentional teacher of the highest order.

Sunday afternoon dinking around

2011-10-16T20:33:00.000-07:00

another pod, a bit larger than usual- I made a lid for it which is the stamen. Great hiding place for secret things.
Making tags for packages or whatever comes up.
old magazines, old maps, some bits of serviette, some velvety paper , string and mod podge.
Cranked up the music- Stella came by with a barrel full of supplies- she made a skull.

Then we went to dinner at a great Italian restaurant. Ahhh Sunday...

boy on a string, leaf catcher and a fluffy gull

2011-10-15T20:14:00.000-07:00

Dexter takes me to the park, walking by the rock wall that holds our yard in- a volunteer snap dragon squeaks through a crack - seeking sunshine and warmth. Dexter "owns" it.
We see many pretty umbrellas along the way.
some are very friendly with one another.
In the park Dexter spots a boy climbing a tree
Is it so that he can see the sailboat better? Or the girls having lunch?
NO! It is so that he can leap off and land on a string, which he walks all the way to another tree. Dexter wonders why the boy must do this trick...he is unlucky- all Dexter has to do is wag and sniff which is not very taxing or dangerous at all. Wondering if the boy gets a biscuit for this amazing trick.
We continue on, passing the leaf catcher-
which is huge and full of stairs and goes Over the tracks and all the way across to a whole other place. We do not like that other place very much- It is where cars have meetings.
A chilly wind picks up- Mr. Gull gets all fluffy to stay warm in the autumn chill. Dexter can not fluff up and the sky is becoming more threatening- we scurry home, just missing the rain.

The end of days in the park,more pods

2011-10-11T11:57:00.000-07:00

Sunday was one of those days when you take the pooch for two long walks, try to stay outside all day because you know that soon the sky will become heavy and the air will become thick - you will slow to a crawl . anti freeze (cognac) will not suffice - all of the lights switched on will not be enough-
The boulders by the bay will become frozen and slippery, iced over , snow and rain and more rain- there will be no place to sit outside that is quite as comfortable as a sun warmed rock, no place at all.
lovely buoyant day- inspiring , as only a sunny warm day can be- more pods must be made to remember this glorious blue sky, end of days...celebrating autumn podness and beauty.
Felted from silk and alpaca, bobbing at the end of curled floral wire.

The GOOD news is that we have booked two weeks at christmas time on Maui- very last minute, difficult to find a place on such short notice but I became very determined, as the last of the brightness falls below the lumps of islands in the bay, chill creeps in, rain has begun, darkness from 4:30 till4:30 around the clock, Think that I can handle it now with a Maui carrot dangling in front of us. Well done, me!

pods

2011-10-07T21:30:00.001-07:00

felted vessels, bye for now.

2011-10-03T11:37:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I felted two vessels with small openings, could be used for dry flowers or money. Yes, money would be good.
I felted the first layer using white merino, second layer using coloured rovings, I needle felted the bases.

They are only about 7" tall, that's why I could do two in the same day.

Must leave blogland for a bit. Things piling up around me and soon I will be in danger of becoming a reality TV show...

Cheers! See you on the flip side.

Saturday with Stella

2011-10-02T12:59:00.000-07:00

A good cuppa Joe before we go- on our way through Saturday-

We stop at the second hand store where Stella feed a plastic carrot to the electronic horse , whinny, nay - shaking his head and quivering his lips to the whirl of the motor in his tummy.
On to the studio tour we go . We stop at Crow River Studio on the lake where Mary keeps her studio neat and tidy and packed full of the most amazing collections of doo- dahs which she will use in her art.

It is a working studio - the sink says so...
as does the large table- those are not bricks in back- those are more boxes of doo-dahs- every wall lined with boxes to the ceiling.
In the end Mary makes these.

This is her view...
A river stone fire to hold the chill at bay.We only made it to three studios- the studio tour is all over the place, too much driving. We went to our favorites and called it a day, because it was.

RED , a damned good tricky colour

2011-09-30T10:20:00.000-07:00

Red, Generally in history Red has been a positive colour, cheerful, warm, powerful- signifying purity, candor, simplicity, in India- Mourning in parts of Africa, thus the use of red for Aids related awareness. Red stimulates appetite, induces hunger, better to use grey if you are too fat to paint, or felt with red...I know this one, trust me! Red food is usually really good- amanita muscaria , nightshade berries- clever way to propagate, using red to their advantage TRICKY!

RED-Warns- red- STOP! Pay attention! As you should do with tricky berries and mushrooms-also easier to spot in the woods when you fall out of a tree with a chain saw going full blast-when life eeks it's way out of you through a hole in your suit.

In The Russian language the word for beauty - similar to the word for red. A red flag- power and beauty! ( again, tricky!)

In china red is EVERYTHING positive- Prosperity, happiness, brides & marriage ( though some might not think positive thoughts about either of those) Red cheeked rosy children dressed in red always joyful! China is full of them.

Red is the colour of the root Chakra, way down there in the base of the spine, grounding you.

Only recently has the colour RED been associated with things not so "nice"...The "Glorious Army" better dead than red sort of socialism/ communist fear during the fifties. Christians demonizing RED- partly to demonize Thor and Wotan, change the whole GOD thing- Christians also used red to denote power over life and death- giving red to Cardinals, judges, executioners- Mary's medieval red hair, in art depictions, became blond-ish, more of a brunette blond , is chestnut blond a colour?. "Prostitution- re light in the window- red dress. Just look at these slutty rose hips!

If ladybugs were sap or ochre - any other colour than red would they get the attention they so deserve? Probably not. they are way cuter in their red dresses. The polka dots help too , nothing like a red polka dot dress to tip the cuteness factor scale! The polka dots save her from being seen as - loose.
Red is certainly an attention getter, either to say" stop" or "pick up the poos." "it's the law" in black...like an afterthought.

Or" notice me on my bike" and do not run over me!

Oddly enough, if a person spends time in a red room with red light , time slows, they become calm- In a blue room with blue light time speeds up, they become anxious to leave- I would have thought it to be the opposite. Red has never been one of my favorite colours- a little goes a long way- but as I age and my vision dims I feel drawn to red. Probably my old corpuscles seeking affirmation.

And, NOW, for some cherry red that is beige....cheesy...

squirrely and baby jay

2011-09-28T21:10:00.000-07:00

See how manly baby Jay has become! He and Squirrely come in and keep me company. All of the other Jays sit amazed on the railing and in the tree - sometimes he flies around inside the house - poops black tar-ish poo on stuff and leaves with two peanuts, one in his throat and one in his beak. He buries them in the geranium pot , which Squirrely digs up ...he takes them up to the roof and hides them in the gutter- he takes them to the yard and covers them with a leaf...winter is coming- it has already snowed on whistler mountain. I hope baby Jay will be OK. No worries about Squirrely- He will curl up somewhere cosy, he has quite a larder full. I am going to miss my little creatures of the wild...

Quiet fall day, getting tucked in

2011-09-28T15:46:00.000-07:00

The creek where Dexter likes to reload, gorgeous autumn day...with traces of summer left by the salmon ladder,
a tired beach ball wedged between pipe and boulder- The "between a rock and a hard place" thing.orbs in the sunshine- flying insects not fooled for one minute when the sun is riding low on the horizon.
Dexter can not hear the young buck standing right beside us- doesn't care about much except sniffing- the deer, not threatened in the least.

time to stash the canoe...
and fill the bed of the truck with a load of firewood.
Some gardens have been harvested already. Some still trying to eek out the last of reasonable days. On we go...not looking forward to winter at all. Think I may have to purchase a SAD light this year or go away, far away to where the sun does shine! I am all talk- Dexter wouldn't know what to do. The problem with having a dog- shhh, don't let Dex know , he would be devastated.

follow your dog

2011-09-27T19:58:00.000-07:00

This dog is worth following- this dog knows the best places to sniff...
very low to the ground right there in the messages left by others, right there in the middle of it, making sure to get as much of the scent on mustache as possible ,to take home and dream about.
Careful , however, to leave dumps where his person can easily scoop them up- never dump on an Orca- one of the rules every dog should know...
Apples blown from the trees - last night's wind leaves them in a winding path to follow, like Hansel and Gretel's crumbs except that they are full of wasps getting drunk. This time of year - party time for wasps, be very careful around the lovely plump plums on the ground especially ...Do not be fooled into thinking that they may be a nice snack on your walk with the pooch...speaking from experience...
plastic bread sack closer - hearts us...or acorns us depending on your eye...
rosy cheeked and cheeky-
A baby rock sleeps, held by a crispy grandpa leaf...shhhh
The bay and the sky kiss...soon they will join and be one continuous colour...all winter ling- grey!
mellow afternoon walking by the flower shop...violin music - advice above the twig chair-
and back home again...following bliss, whose name is Dexter in real life...

Stella of the best ideas pays a visit

2011-09-26T11:35:00.000-07:00

Sunday afternoon Our Stella pays a visit to the studio bringing with her Ann of Saraswati Crafts. Ann brings with her two of her creations- incredible bead work on cloth. They, thinking that felting may be a nice way to "finish" them, thinking that perhaps I might be of some help- I don't know. Half arsed try to show how felted edges might work but knowing nothing about finishing myself, especially such exquisite work, I just grab some roving and needles and ask Ann to try it, see what she thinks...Then we proceed to have a very Stella afternoon- she has ALL of the best ideas! wine, chatter, delicious bits and chocolate. She brings beans from her garden, Ann brings tomatoes from hers.

Butterfly piece much more incredible than photo- large with colours of chakras going up through the piece- every tiny bead hand stitched perfectly. Insane! Ann reckons it to be meditative work- She is amazing. Two beads and I would abandon the project, I'm sure. Instant gratification, that's what I'm all about!
Wonderful afternoon with Stella Bella and Ann- inspiring!

Came home and felted a rat ( instant gratification, you see) for the beauty pageant- Unsure of herself at first- hefty competition from the bunny...
but she gathers herself and performs well, the judges give her high points.
She is twice the size of Bunny, she stands a good chance in the bigger category. All in all a fabulous Sunday- thanks again to Stella the magnificent! And Ann, the fabulous...and wine- I only stabbed myself six times- no pain.

Autumn stroll with the pooch

2011-09-23T21:07:00.000-07:00

Last of the wild rose-
quaking aspen shivering it's leaves off-
last of the wild paper flowers at the dog park-
Snow berries coming on plumply! a comfy spot for an ant who will soon be going underground.
worn out berries.

Fall fell-

Sunny day, edgy like "here comes!" I ordered three of my favorite hoodies online- nothing like something new to wear to make unfavourable change more acceptable.

Ultimate Grand Supreme Bunny Pageant

2011-09-23T15:26:00.000-07:00

Appalled by Toddler's & Tiaras reality television- I started out to make a sleeping mouse, to sooth my agitation- but the demons took over .... SHE took over! The pageant bunny!
She was a once very pleasant little bunny, happy to hop through the thicket , just being bunnyish.
A southern born bunny , whose parents priorities askew dress her in dresses fit for a barbie princess ,teach her to walk, swinging booty to and fro, no hopping!! Ever! Teach her to Flirt with the judges...give her caffeinated carrot juice- to get "sparkle"- So begins her life in Bunny beauty Pageants. She is not a happy bunny- she is not bunnyish very much at all. She has crown and trophy , and a competitive spirit which will serve her well in their bunny eat bunny world. She is 2 years old and she is Ultimate Grand Supreme!

Have you ever watched Toddlers & Tiaras? Is it not like a freak show? Might be tolerable but babies are involved- girl babies and mentally ill parents- and I just don't know....It's too close to all sorts of abuse to make compelling programing...but damned if I didn't watch it...TWICE! OW!

Maniac bird, Scientogolist Picachou

2011-09-21T09:18:00.001-07:00

Again, go to the charity shop and buy a styro head- cut the face and forehead off, stick a styro cone on the front and begin to felt madly. First I used dark blue and black, covered the entire head- then felted the beak- that took the better part of a day. I wet felted it and waited for it to dry which took another day.
Didn't like the black and blue so felted it all over with purples. Jab jab jab- that took another day and an evening.
- blanket stitched his neck piece and felted that to his neck. He is insane- like he might sell sugary cereal to children- or crack...or try to convince you that Scientology might be the greatest invention ever... He is sincere- I'll give him that- but totally nuts...Lafayette , a good name?
Below is the real bird of the house, equally as insane- he will bite the hand that feeds him, he screeches and screams and says endearing things like :

Pretty pretty pretty pretty pretty pretty pretty pppppretty ppppp * squawk* BURRRRD! I'm a Picachou, clack clack clack". Then he pretends to give kisses but, trust me, he is NOT sincere.
I like him (love him,really) but would not be sad if he lived with someone else...any takers? NO? Well , I understand- he's plagued with implanted Thetans.

Dexter takes his bitch for a stroll

2011-09-20T10:12:00.000-07:00

Feeling a lot like this ...I give Dexter a quarter of a pain pill so that he can take me for a walk. I let him call the shots as he sniffs every inch of ground. It takes two hours of snail paced walk to walk the thorniness away.
The path is gentle, the trees are gentle there is stillness. Branches cradle fallen leaves. Blue sky, temperature just right- So silent it makes my ears sing. ( really the sound of cilia screaming to their death...)
Sun is just right - colour so vibrant at this autumnal slant.
Madronna curling it's summer skin. Red smooth muscle bursting it's seams.

maple - potential- I can't NOT look at this and think of my ob gyn...how I have procrastinated a look/see.
Some leaves bleeding out all over the place... lovely drama queens!
some slowly and quietly becoming invisible-
Dexter finds this phone beneath the neighborhood bulletin board. Tries it out but since he is deaf can't hear if it works . I determine that it probably needs new batteries...Dexter is sensitive about his hearing loss, he is in denial, I humour him, upping the volume does no good ... the world has gone mute. May just as well have this sort of phone.
By the time we reach the road, all thorniness has been walked off, sharpness gone. The bitch left her attitude somewhere in between the rose hips and the madronna.We are chill, mellow, soft as the cottonwood fluff on spruce.
Passing the bus stop, A total stranger standing with his mom, three year old boy runs up to me in his very red Spidey shirt- I thought that he wanted to pet Dexter- He ran and threw his arms around me and said "I so happy seeing you!"...wow.

And then a dog being held tightly on leash by his human ( because he is "not friendly") got loose, walked boldly up to me and licked my hand...wow.

Dexter so makes me a better person. I am Dexter's bitch.

Styro head thing

2011-09-18T15:44:00.001-07:00

First, go to the charity shop (2.95 Value village) purchase a styro head.

Needle felt white roving on the head, wet felt it, roll it around on a course towel, let dry completely.

needle felt hair, a face,add more nose than the flat nose of the styro head. Carve bottom out, fill with pebbles, Stitch and felt flat felted piece on to keep the pebbles in for stability, felt a flower,
add your favorite hat.
I am working on a bird head- just waiting for it to dry, Flying by the seat of my pants - don't know what I am doing (nothing unusual there) I tried to add a styro beak to the head and used some kind of industrial glue I found in the drawer- It melted a huge crater in the head, can you imagine what huffing must do ! Guess I won't be doing that...again...

USPS passive aggressive perfection

2011-09-16T09:28:00.000-07:00

A month ago A seller sent a purchase to the buyer- only a few states away , should have taken five days to arrive- max! Yesterday, one month later the postal carrier rings the door bell with this and a wad of bills in his hand- Horrified I asked what happened to the parcel? He said "Oh must have been a wimpy box..."
Clearly the postal people can not READ! Must be blind to miss this! The "fragile" "handle with care" LARGE stickers - obvious and loud all over the once cleverly decorated box.
When opened- black mold and damp mildew flew out of the package, sending me into a fit of asmatic wheezing. Luckily the purchased expensive object was metal, damaged but fixable with glue (I hope). It had been a sturdy box, it had been sent long ago, How it met up with so much water and destruction is typical of the "we don't care, we don't have to" attitude of postal workers here in the great USA... they had their way with it- sometimes packages are riffled through, sometimes entirely disappeared. P.O. Mafia or just childish irresponsibility?
I don't mind the snail's pace , the lack of interest and consideration - the waiting in the mile long queue that snakes out through the heavy doors of the post office into the street, serving one customer every 20 or so minutes, I can plan my day around the trip to the P.O...The under staffed Clerk jobs, the fact that complaints fall on deaf postal peeps- (deaf and blind! and passive aggressive- great !) I have come to expect that, as well- I don't want "excuses", blaming some one else, who may be blameless- I want them to just do their job, and own their fubar mistakes- or not get paid...like everyone else on the planet. Arrogant USPS. They don't care- They don't have to...

It could have been worse, mind you...and it has- it's a crap shoot ! "shoot" and "crap" being the operatives here...

Colour is an illusion

2011-09-15T13:08:00.000-07:00

Well BUGGER! The video has been removed from you tube- it is called- "do you see what I see". Why would they do that? Probably because it was free? Oh well.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5nSDJHAInpo&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5nSDJHAInpo&feature=related

Please take the time to view this documentary in four parts re: colour and perception, language and invention. It is fascinating and well worth your time especially if you are influenced emotionally by colour ( who isn't)

Thought provoking and exciting- colour is in our brains, not our paints...curious.

There is safety in nature- colours hard wired since we were single celled blubs...everyone understands these colours. When there is a jolt of difference- like a green sky and a blue apple, we think "odd" or " that's artistic" but there is no emotional connection with it- it may not be your "experience", rather a more personal experience of the one who painted it. realistic Landscapes are indeed crowd pleasers - for the obvious reason that every one can relate to the hard wired natural colours - predictable and safe, understandable in our very cores. I love both- the hardwired and the jolts- I love everything colour even though it is a construct of my brain...it's all so curious!

TICONDEROGA No. 2 and GRIND HOUSE

2011-09-13T10:01:00.000-07:00

Last night a friend and I went to the Temple bar in downtown Bellingham- no ham like Bellingham! Ordered a bottle of wine, a cheese and fruit plate, and saddled up for Dr. Sketchy night, where you pay a fee, sit at the tiny tables with others, their pencils , charcoal, and drawing pads.
The stage is set for Grind house Girls...Emily and Anna.
The poses were quick- at first 2 minute poses just to get fired up. and then they began to tell a story... GRIND HOUSE done amazingly well by the most beautiful clever girls.
Battered, heroic...Over the top- Grind house!
rather badly drawn...by the fool with pencils in her nose- great technique if hands have been removed, Grindhouse, you understand.. She did win a shot of whiskey for her angry face drawing ( there were prizes throughout the evening for things like "best gun", "leg", "best machete")...final best prize, chosen by the models, was a 50 dollar certificate at the tattoo parlor up the street. Dang, didn't win that...after all there were some artists there that knew what they were doing- the pencil lady, not so much.

However, she did come away with one possibility...
Think this scribble might be workable ...Egon Schiele-esque?

Dogtor , JAY and CROW

2011-09-10T19:06:00.000-07:00

Dexter excited to go for a ride in the car with the window down and a biscuit on the console...Oh boy, we're going to go have some fun!
Wait! I remember this place...this is never that much fun! get me out of here!
Please? All is well with Mr. Dexter. Just deaf as a rock and needs something for when winter hits him hard in the joints and walking is painful.

Baby Jay who is not a baby anymore, and who totally owns this house ...and me...notices a crow on the railing...the crow is at least twice Jay's size and bold...intimidating one would think...
Baby jay stands his ground and tells Crow "Not a chance, Mr. This is my woman and these are MY nuts!"
Amazingly crow argues very little...he scoots...
It is finally summer here- it is warm and glorious, delicious warmth and blue sky- I could so get used to this! FINALLY!

Stoned

2011-09-10T08:25:00.001-07:00

Hotei looks as though he has a gourd on his lap, but, no, that is his "wish on me" tummy. Largest I have ever seen, must be for BIG wishes, like world peace and a cure for the common cold. Not particularly a picture of health- He is the jolly, contented, loving, gregarious, incarnation of the more serious, inward, skinny Buddha , here with the other jolly guy who likes coca-cola and chimneys...
They are all pretty much the same- enlightened, generous , loving, a little bit insane...stoned...who knows what was in the water when these guys got famous? Ergot on the rye? Poppies in the field? sugar plum fairies?Coke in the coke?
Stella thought she might want this head in a bowl for her garden. Thought trailing lobelia might be pretty in the bowl- I thought," blood", perhaps, too literal?
Ganesh has always been one of my most favorite gods - more amusing than a dead guy on a stick. Ganesh seems to have a sense of humour - who couldn't love an elephant? The irony of Ganesh is not lost ,he, who brings faith to remove obstacles -he, being a huge concrete obstacle himself.
Little fat cherubs picking noses-charming...
ladies wearing ear rings made by spider's webs and seeds- blown in on a lofty breeze.
- the clever spider , sleeping by a sleeping eye.

Afternoon in the stoned statuary.

Have a great week end- feed the birds, relax in the garden, eat pie. I might say "get stoned"but that?... SO over,dude!

The lake, Peyton , give peas a chance

2011-09-07T08:01:00.000-07:00

September and summer finally arrives, I have no summer clothing for the month long summer , I say month long but I don't know how long this fabulous weather will stay. It is supposed to be a crazy harsh winter this year just like the summer was. SO- out on the lake with Bella Stella and her pooch is a slice of heaven! The beauty just slaps you silly and you remain on the deck chair - just marveling, catatonic, WARM at last!
Peyton is the pooch next door and she has a crush on Stella, who wouldn't? Stella gives Peyton biscuits and kind words and a scritch now and then, Sophie doesn't seem to mind but then Sophie is the queen of the palace , after all, she does not spend energy on silly things like "minding"...
Sophie strolls out to her pea patch...Peyton is not interested- only interested in Stella and her biscuit producing magic! There is a little black dude guarding the garden for Sophie.
where she finds plump juicy peas...

she gives them a chance...
devours many.
peas in the valley - planted just for her, a peas full pooch.

the real thing

2011-09-06T10:00:00.000-07:00

Stella received a gift certificate to choose a statue for her garden. We went to the statuary down the road - an entertaining acre of some of the most ridiculous objects you could ever imagine, and some of the most slutty mermaids to lounge around your garden fountain if you are into slutty mermaids, this is the place...

After Stella found the perfect thing we went next door - Looks like Stella is paying for services rendered...perhaps this barista gets her inspiration from the stone mermaids she works next to, they are awe inspiring in a sort of oooky way.
Notice how she places her hand on the "tip (tit)" box...
She makes us frozen lattes. She talks non stop and calls us "girls"...Um, don't think so Missy... anyway the lattes fueled us as we "girls" drove on through the farmland to get some fresh baked bread...
for the lunch that Stella made from her garden and the Spritz that Stella is brilliant at making!
Sophie the pup helps direct installation of garden statue...

Of course this pedestal must be for Sophie, She is , after all, canine royalty, the real thing, and the center of Stella's stellar-ness AND it fits her little poodleness perfectly!

acckkk gotta get out of this country

2011-09-04T08:26:00.001-07:00

It has started, so soon-ish. Politics and bringing out the trash! Woke up this morning, turned NPR on while I had a really good dark cup of Joe and a fiber rich muffin...Sarah Pallin with her chewed up language and harsh smart aleck voice- Rick Perry with his evangelical twang- screaming at us through my little 1975 radio. Take me away! Please! I think that I could endure fingernails being yanked out to this! Must make a plan...get out of the country for about three years or forever would be nice...

Just peachy

2011-09-02T08:29:00.001-07:00

The play, James and the Giant Peach, was sold out. I arrived quite early just in case ...luckily some body's grampa couldn't make it I got his ticket, a seat right in front, on a foot high box intended for a wee child, I am sure, or maybe a box on which to put a potted plant to keep it from damaging the floor...it was small...

Here you see some serious stage direction.
some serious shark action...
a flight to NYC...a rescue...
and loads of peachiness.
This group of children, mostly five years old- the oldest was seven, performed so well and sang so boldly to an audience beside themselves with glee and appreciation. Sorry that the Grampa couldn't make it BUT...

This was the result of a two week acting camp. I am amazed - only two weeks and everyone knew their lines, their songs and what to do to make this play a resounding success! The parents, the grandparents, the siblings and other adoring fans will tell you that it was perfect in every way! Just Peachy!

autumn flowers, a roof, and Dexter finds a surprise

2011-09-01T11:32:00.001-07:00

Here you go- a face full of autumn !
Walking to the dog park- the houses on the up side - Their newly painted colour is the same as the colour of our house- painted years and years ago- the only thistle coloured house in town! Everyone thought the colour wrong- too blue against the pacific northwest green, too...off. So why is everyone copying us- because we are COOL trendsetters, that must be why, and the colour is not so alarming after all.
a lot of scurrying to make the most of the weather, which will change so quickly and stay changed for SO LONG! I must say I am dreading winter...so much!
On the way home along side the path- Dexter finds a curiosity- wonder what dog left this doozie behind? WOW!
it does not smell interesting-
This thing is a mystery!

Sir Jay, pup and penguins from France

2011-08-31T14:53:00.001-07:00

Baby Jay has become quite the dapper fellow- , though he still has his baby ways of getting my attention, If I am enthralled in something other than he, he makes his baby squawking sounds, ruffles his feather to make himself look plump and adorable and opens his mouth like a baby bird. He comes right in to the house, makes himself comfy and helps himself to the nuts in the bowl on top of the kitty litter bucket that is beside my computer. Such a bold little Jay.
He likes to shop- checking which might be the best nut ...
He shakes them all and tests them for weight...
Enthusiastically he flings them in the air- then he decides...
This one will do- he flies away for about 4 minutes, returns to do the same thing over and over...

Squirrley waits patiently on the railing until Jay has flown to his secret catch.
Squirrley takes the ones dropped or tossed...
Dexter watches all of this peanut gathering with some measure of interest... he wonders why these creatures bother - peanuts are not Dexter's favorite treat.
Speaking of TREAT! I bought these to send to Erik in a care package but was unsure if they would be OK- So I opened the package to try only one...
I ate them all! They are fantastic if you like kid gooey fruity sweets. I apparently do.
After all they are from FRANCE so they must be acceptable and will not make the eater regret for one moment their yummy chubby making goodness...Got this postcard in the the mail today- from the neighbors who are there for 2 months. I have envy, I have sticky teeth, I have an empty bag of penguins to send to Erik.

Farm girl,bald hair,buggered bike

2011-08-27T08:00:00.001-07:00

Friends who live out on a small two acre farm are having their final big bash party this week end. It is a three day party with many bands playing continually- camping out in the field and tons of salmon and side dishes- There is mirth. This is the farm dog, well not really- he is the HOUSE dog and likes to be social- this is his outside bed in the shade where he can dig...
and roll over for a tummy rub. And this is the farm girl- coming in from the field where she has been chopping down thistles.
Anyone who can sport a belly button like this can chop thistles half naked- A right little toughie!
The farm is where the bee flew up my nose and cut my day short-came home with a zingy face to give this head...
rooted cashmere hair that holds it's wind swept shape because that is what wool does. She looks DALLAS! But the cool thing is that she can hold any one of my favorite pair of ear rings made by Lise Anderson. I haven't decided what to do with the rest of her- maybe a cone shaped body/stand? Don't know...she is so odd.
This is our Josh- on with his bike...when it was running...
He phoned yesterday evening- stranded out by the airport, dead bike. It is now in our drive looking sad and needy. Josh had hopes of riding out to the farm on his bike and making a grand biker entrance...instead he got a lift from Mr. Man.
I may go out again tonight for a little while- but really I think these sorts of parties are behind me-so over . My idea of fun these days is very old lady...As it ought to be since I am...

Walk the back lanes, adjustment and a BEE

2011-08-26T10:53:00.000-07:00

Walking with Dexter, a lot like walking a rock these days- he is slow- we spy a child's car- to serve and protect- and my heart breaks a little.
Flowers have grown oddly enough through this compromised summer season - most have gone from bud to seed very quickly- just like being a parent! Climate change, the earth will shake off some population and abide...but in the meantime it's all about adjustment. The "empty nest" void of livelihood and silliness will either shake me off or I will adjust ( I have heard that some people actually do)
Colours are subdued- pale, forsaken .
Autumn stickers- like Velcro stick to Dexter and tangle his hair, his ears, his paws. Gives him something to do when we get back home, for hours he licks and licks and licks, bites them out and spits them on the floor. I should get a hobby like that...
Fragile, knit together by a fine silver thread- like my emotions as of late. The past 24 years have seemed like a sweet happy coma- I have awakened - Nothing seems grounded or real without the child around...WOW- that was a chunk of awesome life- now, kind of lost...
I hope for a soft landing.
and adjustment. abee flew up my nose this afternoon and stung his way out! Hurts oh yeah!

Why so worried?

2011-08-24T15:31:00.001-07:00

In the car wash.

chilies, turning, gift and lunch

2011-08-23T19:42:00.000-07:00

I felted my second lot of chilies. First one was 13 chilies this one is 15. Brilliant red and as cheerful as-

a Gorgeous day in the park. High as a...

tree changing- see the red leaves on the top- Oh yes. Fall is just breath away.
Lunch with friends- a little gift from one, she said to put it on my fridge which could be a very good reminder to think "LIFE" instead of to kill myself with the chocolate, cheese, whipped cream and butter that is in there.
Lunch at the Abbey tea house- I love how they baby you there- crusts cut off of the little delicate sandwiches and fanned apple slices, individual tea pots and a scone fresh and hot from the oven with clotted cream and raspberry preserve. LIFE!
is GOOD!

First day of the rest of them

2011-08-22T14:17:00.001-07:00

Wind, Rain, temperatures dictating to a new pair of Haflinger woolly shoes to shuffle me about the chilly floor, wearing my winter hoodie, the one with the Celtic knot painted on the rump, It does indeed enhance the largeness of that area but it's cosy.
flowers on the deck are drenched, never really got a chance, as summer passed us by almost entirely.
The vine covered in mold, discouraged in it's soggy life, has not quite given up, though I hear it gurgling-

nothing else to do but snuggle up with the dog on his bed and tell him fierce stories about big Bitey dogs who live in the wild, dogs who have to make a living - who have to build their own houses and do battle over squeaky toys- for they are rare...in the wild.
Dexter does not always like my stories , he says "urmph". I keep telling them, I am amused, Dexter, not so much. This is such a good day for fierce stories, wind, rain, dark and new cosy Haflingers. AND soup! Hot spicy soup, Dexter is agreeable with that.

down south

2011-08-19T15:13:00.000-07:00

Beautiful day for a drive down to La Conner to look around at the shops and see if I can find something wearable. I had some luck- bought some wool slippers - clothing was crazy expensive- Unjustifiable! this ratty gull found a little fish- for free!

Across the slough is the Swinomish Indian park- little huts for picnicking.
It's a fairly quiet day.

There are salmon everywhere.

and peculiar objects- I rather doubt that this license plate guitar sounds good...
the turntable out on the street playing John Lee Hooker's BURNIN sounds GREAT!
On the way home, mid day- fog lifting.
Every time I see fog like this, caught in a dip or held by trees on the mountain side- I think of the old Swedish movie "Apple wars" and the description of this sort of haze as "spirits trying to materialize".

Dexter gets a bone

2011-08-18T21:19:00.001-07:00

Dexter gets a bone. Dexter gets a bone face and an attitude- and he says-
rrrrrrrrrrrr-rrrrrrrow- if you get too close!

Ditch, pup and poster

2011-08-18T07:32:00.001-07:00

Beautiful day for a walk with Dexter- he finds the coolest stuff- a bright ball in the ditch-
metal salmon swimming in the ditch-
a new deer fence by the ditch-
and a new puppy above the ditch.
walking by the neighborhood bulletin board- noticed the other day some vandals had taken their lighter to the newly placed red paper- Some thoughtful person put this poster over it- great suggestion.
the usual notices undisturbed- Notice the notice on the right re: coal trains and the threat they pose in the area. Hot topic these days here in the quiet Hamm. Coal trains will most certainly cause an uproar, sabotage and coal slinging, not to mention cinders, dust and damage. Coal should remain in the earth.

Apples are coming on, though late as with everything...
This is how to make apple sauce. So easy even a car can do it.

sparkle shoes

2011-08-18T06:58:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsaZ8_uMt-Y&feature=player_embedded

bird,bread,blog block

2011-08-16T16:50:00.000-07:00

This is where baby Jay likes to perch in the evenings- about four feet from my feet. His feathers are growing back but I don't think he is a top breeder...he thinks he is human...

Last time I looked at the thermometer outside it was 69.8 degrees, mid day- a good temp to make bread. Erik is packing up the moving truck , leaving in the morning to his new digs in the city! Exciting...and I "dislike"....I will load him up with bread- have him leave crumbs along the way so that he will be able to find his way back when he needs to.
Loads of Flax seed and butter...
I made five loaves- that should be enough for the trip from here to Portland...

My blog is getting bored with me- guess it's time to take a break...Anyone else getting the shaft from their own blog???

Street Fair with STELLA

2011-08-14T10:39:00.000-07:00

Whidbey Island Coupeville street fair with Stella- i swear I wouldn't go anywhere if it was not for Stella...Off we went- Tall ships in the harbour-
Cardboard captain keeping guard. Beautiful little sea side houses - abundant flowers.
It's a sweet little town. The fair was small and do-able, not a hot day (big surprise) Lots of recycled, re-purposed art.
Cool clay stuff- windblown
freehand painting of t-shirts.
recycled glass tumbled smooth for use in your own imaginative re-purposing.
Loads of glass this year- trendy...
recycled Maytag machines and gas cans into garden art-

one guy approaching us as we left-
There he goes....
I keep thinking that summer will come, but now the season is already becoming autumn-ish. Summer skipped us this year but it seemed to be good for flowers, veggies and fruit- I guess sunshine isn't all that it's cracked up to be. It's been 59 degrees nearly every day.

Hope your week end was.... cool...