Sumo is a pretty good photo subject, but when the camera is a new one, and he hasn't explored it fully with this whiskers, face and claws, he just can't sit still. This latest vintage camera has passed the test. It's ok to use now. Thank you Grand Sumo for your approval.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Thursday, October 18, 2007
strangers on a train
We had the best time in NYC, the dinner party was wonderful. I was late getting the train to meet up with Fred at Penn Station. I left the house two hours later than planned, not just because Rush had unexpectedly stayed home sick, and not because Rush kept calling me on the house phone from bed on his cell phone to please bring some more hot tea, or to come watch the funniest kitten videos on youtube. One after another, they were classic! No I left the house two hours late because I wanted to finish the parascope contruction with my latest Argus-75 viewfinder camera, a classic early 1950's camera.
When I realized the train arrived in NYC at the same time the party Fred was hosting was about to start, I told him I'd meet him at the restaurant. When getting a taxi at 5:45pm proved much harder than expected he was so sweet and told me to just get there when I could, and if I ran out of time, enjoy taking photos, I had money with me and common sense, and I could just take the train back home. He was right, and it took so much pressue off.
But I was already in my little black dress and heels and the dinner sounded really good, and I knew he had a limo for the ride home. Why let him go alone, I gave up on photo taken and found my way to this uptown restaurant. It was wonderful. I think we both napped the hour and a half drive home, full from an amazing dinner, stimulating conversation and a little bit of wine. The driver never speaking a word, a tiny orange cresent moon at the horizon the entire way.
When I realized the train arrived in NYC at the same time the party Fred was hosting was about to start, I told him I'd meet him at the restaurant. When getting a taxi at 5:45pm proved much harder than expected he was so sweet and told me to just get there when I could, and if I ran out of time, enjoy taking photos, I had money with me and common sense, and I could just take the train back home. He was right, and it took so much pressue off.
But I was already in my little black dress and heels and the dinner sounded really good, and I knew he had a limo for the ride home. Why let him go alone, I gave up on photo taken and found my way to this uptown restaurant. It was wonderful. I think we both napped the hour and a half drive home, full from an amazing dinner, stimulating conversation and a little bit of wine. The driver never speaking a word, a tiny orange cresent moon at the horizon the entire way.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
bowl of figs
Figs are so darn photogenic, and yummy! Today I need to go into NYC by train. It's not so much fun to go alone, but Fred will meet me there, and we'll travel back home together.
He wants me there for a dinner party he's hosting with some work colleagues. Concerning the schedule conflict I found myself in--this dinner, or Rush's late afternoon dentist appoinment, the appointment made six months ago....Rush was more than happy to give up his slot of my time. (figures!)
These social events always make me a little nervous, there will be 18-20 of us, but when it's over, I'm sure I'll be glad that I went.
Now to find the right dress in my closet and decide if I can manage bringing my camera with me. This viewfinder camera contraption is bulky and heavy...but I think I must!
He wants me there for a dinner party he's hosting with some work colleagues. Concerning the schedule conflict I found myself in--this dinner, or Rush's late afternoon dentist appoinment, the appointment made six months ago....Rush was more than happy to give up his slot of my time. (figures!)
These social events always make me a little nervous, there will be 18-20 of us, but when it's over, I'm sure I'll be glad that I went.
Now to find the right dress in my closet and decide if I can manage bringing my camera with me. This viewfinder camera contraption is bulky and heavy...but I think I must!
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
wooden monkey
Yay, Fred is home from his week long trip. He brought me back a gift of a down throw blanket which has a pocket at one end. The pocket holds your feet. The idea seemed a bit odd at first, but since his room-comfort temperature naturally runs about 40 degrees cooler than my own, I need and want these things when we're in the room together.
All the windows open, every fan in the house going at high speed. It was the first thing he did when he got home. Gee, it's stuffy in here he always says, the brisk autumn air challenging my little coccoon of warmth. Sumo sleeps under the covers at night. All night long.
All the windows open, every fan in the house going at high speed. It was the first thing he did when he got home. Gee, it's stuffy in here he always says, the brisk autumn air challenging my little coccoon of warmth. Sumo sleeps under the covers at night. All night long.
Monday, October 15, 2007
pumpkins
Last night I went to the cottage for the final time. I just had to check for anything left behind, then leave the keys on the counter, locking the door behind me, pulled shut. I left a nice bottle of wine for the new resident (Sorry Fred if the bottle I grabbed from your collection while you were out of town was one of the really expensive ones. It had such a pretty label).
Attached to the bottle, by a red ribbon, a little note. Letting her know about the loose step, fourth one up from the bottom. Also, about not running a computer, the window AC and the microwave at the same time. (The computer loses, ask me how I know).
I took one more look around, breathed in the wonderful cottage smell, lived in the moment for that brief time and shut the door without looking back. Today I thought, oh I have to run and get the mail, feed the ducks... than almost a relief. No I don't have those obligations anymore, the freedom itself can be it's own blessing.
Attached to the bottle, by a red ribbon, a little note. Letting her know about the loose step, fourth one up from the bottom. Also, about not running a computer, the window AC and the microwave at the same time. (The computer loses, ask me how I know).
I took one more look around, breathed in the wonderful cottage smell, lived in the moment for that brief time and shut the door without looking back. Today I thought, oh I have to run and get the mail, feed the ducks... than almost a relief. No I don't have those obligations anymore, the freedom itself can be it's own blessing.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
hose among leaves
I went to see a movie yesterday afternoon and loved it. (Michael Clayton) Fred is out of town, so I went on a lark, tired of being cooped up at home with the kids and their friends. I think it's been over a decade since I've gone to the movies alone. I couldn't finish my small popcorn, but I'd do it all over again.
I'm now remembering a movie Fred and I went to see together. Five minutes into it, I knew I couldn't stay. It was satanic-scary, or had some animal death scene or something I just couldn't watch. So I told Fred I would be next door at the megaplex, and popped out before he could say a word. I found some mindless comedy, which ended near the same time, and enjoyed it. He still won't let me forget the day I abandoned him at the movies! I didn't know that about him until then-- it's less the movie than the company.
I'm now remembering a movie Fred and I went to see together. Five minutes into it, I knew I couldn't stay. It was satanic-scary, or had some animal death scene or something I just couldn't watch. So I told Fred I would be next door at the megaplex, and popped out before he could say a word. I found some mindless comedy, which ended near the same time, and enjoyed it. He still won't let me forget the day I abandoned him at the movies! I didn't know that about him until then-- it's less the movie than the company.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
grand sumo
Sumo is such a patient kitty, I could just smother him with hugs and kisses!
Yesterday Rush took his 8th grade teachers and principal by surprised when during his yearly IEP meeting he declared he no longer wanted to be in learning support/special education. That he wanted to join a mainstream class, any one--NOW. It was the first time he's ever attended one of these meetings, I guess they figure he's old enough now to have some input. He told the group that he had gone to Standford University this last summer, (it was a weeklong leadership class), and that's the college he wants to attend 'just tell me what I need to do to get there'.
No one knew what to say. The principal had just finished telling us that he strongly suggested the Vocational/Technology high school for Rush next year, 'they aren't as bad as you're thinking' the principal justified. 'No', Rush told us, 'he could do this--regular high school and mainstream classes at that!'. Everyone agreed something had shifted in him this summer, that he for once was taking his own education seriously. So the state gives him rights and he took a stand. No one quite knew what to say except to listen and follow his wishes, to give him some opportunities to prove himself. The IEP didn't get signed off, and goes back for revisions--his revisions.
As we were leaving I over heard something said to him, 'you have a really great mom'. That felt so nice to hear and only stirred the fire within me to support him on this new path, to see where it leads.
Yesterday Rush took his 8th grade teachers and principal by surprised when during his yearly IEP meeting he declared he no longer wanted to be in learning support/special education. That he wanted to join a mainstream class, any one--NOW. It was the first time he's ever attended one of these meetings, I guess they figure he's old enough now to have some input. He told the group that he had gone to Standford University this last summer, (it was a weeklong leadership class), and that's the college he wants to attend 'just tell me what I need to do to get there'.
No one knew what to say. The principal had just finished telling us that he strongly suggested the Vocational/Technology high school for Rush next year, 'they aren't as bad as you're thinking' the principal justified. 'No', Rush told us, 'he could do this--regular high school and mainstream classes at that!'. Everyone agreed something had shifted in him this summer, that he for once was taking his own education seriously. So the state gives him rights and he took a stand. No one quite knew what to say except to listen and follow his wishes, to give him some opportunities to prove himself. The IEP didn't get signed off, and goes back for revisions--his revisions.
As we were leaving I over heard something said to him, 'you have a really great mom'. That felt so nice to hear and only stirred the fire within me to support him on this new path, to see where it leads.
Friday, October 12, 2007
blowing curtain
Time to round up my favorite sweaters. I'm so enjoying the cooler weather and the gusty wind, that I'm not ready to close up the windows. Sumo loves to play with the sheer curtains which move and sway for his delight alone.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
front step
We finally had some rain last night, lots of it. It was so welcome after such a long dry spell. We left the windows open all night and delighted in the thunderstorm.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
glass on sill
I have an artist friend in Canada, her name is also Val Cox. We met on-line years ago, and she told me about the other four Val Cox's she knows--each are artists. We are our own little club now. Fortunately we don't quarrel over who gets to use our name when we sign up on new sites--I try to get there first.
One of the Val Cox's is a poet, who wrote a delightful poem called the 'Cookie Thief'. We sometimes get her mail, but haven't been able to locate her yet to join the club.
One of the Val Cox's is a poet, who wrote a delightful poem called the 'Cookie Thief'. We sometimes get her mail, but haven't been able to locate her yet to join the club.
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
cottage ducks
I love these guys, lined up like obedient little soldiers! We're having usually warm weather this week. Raking leaves did not make it on a single one of my to-do lists.
Monday, October 08, 2007
upstairs cottage
My friend told me of a vivid dream she had last night. Though we've never met in person, she told me of a visit to my home. A nice visit, with many friends. There was a huge table where we were gathered. Fred was there and he was serving us one entree after another. I can imagine this magical day clearly.
It got me thinking, it's the dreamlike quality of this old style of photography which has me so captivated and intriged.
It got me thinking, it's the dreamlike quality of this old style of photography which has me so captivated and intriged.
canal chair
I'm thinking of leaving my chair behind, and not just because I don't want to move it. I've had it many years, moved it here and there. However it never quite settled in a place so well, nor did I use it so much, as those two years alongside the canal. It feels akin to leaving a long buried special pet behind when you move. It stays, we go.
Sunday, October 07, 2007
towel on floor
Fred and Olivia went to the cottage this morning to load up some of the larger items for which they needed the truck. He told me he wanted to go without me, because he was sure it would make me sad, leaving and all. What's funny is that I think he will miss it just as much.
My consolation is that Fred promised me last week, I will have another cottage, very soon. And this next one we will own not rent (the owner of this wouldn't sell). That it would be near a pond or lake or river, and I can have all the ducks I want. The best part is, he always keeps his promises!
My consolation is that Fred promised me last week, I will have another cottage, very soon. And this next one we will own not rent (the owner of this wouldn't sell). That it would be near a pond or lake or river, and I can have all the ducks I want. The best part is, he always keeps his promises!
Saturday, October 06, 2007
Friday, October 05, 2007
fan in window
This morning I reminded Fred that I needed his help this weekend, moving furniture at the cottage. My last day is the 15th. He said, sure we can stop by the cottage when we go to Starbucks this morning--load up the truck. It startled me, no, not so soon! I'm not ready for it to be over.
Thursday, October 04, 2007
pink pjs
From Sy Safransky's notebook: (editor of The Sun)
"Today I wanted to milk the day for all it was worth, as if Time were a cow and all I needed was a bucket. but no sooner did I get started than Time swished her tail and the bright new day was gone. How could that be? I gasped. Time raised her head and looked at me with eyes so big you'd think there would be room in them for some compassion. Don't forget your bucket, Time said".
"Today I wanted to milk the day for all it was worth, as if Time were a cow and all I needed was a bucket. but no sooner did I get started than Time swished her tail and the bright new day was gone. How could that be? I gasped. Time raised her head and looked at me with eyes so big you'd think there would be room in them for some compassion. Don't forget your bucket, Time said".
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
bowl of yarn
Last night we had Olivia's birthday dinner. Between one social activity to another, this birthday, which was actually Monday, went non-stop from about Friday afternoon on. I got the point of it last night when Rush said the dinner blessing. He prayed that he hoped Olivia had a really nice 5 day birthday. Though I was the only one to chuckle, we all understood, and turned our interest toward him.
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
funny notes
We celebrated Olivia's 17th birthday today! Cooincidentally I came across this note this morning, which she wrote for me on my birthday, about a year and a half ago.It makes me laugh everytime I see it. I love the last paragraph. The part about 'not being on her best behavior these past years'. Not days, or weeks. No...years. And she was only 15, lol!
color and light
Gosh, I love photographing transparent glass. One of Toni Lutman's here. Busy, busy. Back another day!
Monday, October 01, 2007
ducks inside
'Spots' is such a brave little duck. And always hungry. He'll venture inside when the door is open to be nearer the refrigerator where I keep the corn. He knows I might spill a kernal or two on the short walk to the yard. Perhaps he thinks I might close the door on the others and feed him alone. Just the two of us.
peanut mold
This is a rubber mold of peanut, and the first mold step in the lost-wax method of glass casting. This peanut will eventually be a glass bead when I'm finished. I've made countless peanut molds, and they are all a bit different. Some single peanuts, some doubles. Once I started, I couldn't stop.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
glass sphere
A quiet day here, working away, spending some time outside. Back with more to say another day or later today!
Saturday, September 29, 2007
patio table
Fred had to run to Cabella's, it's a long day drive through the Amish country. I would usually go along, but today I was busy and needed to work at home.
Years ago, before we got married, he told me I would always be able to have any animal or pet I wanted; he knew I loved animals. Any animal, except one--a cow. Today he changed his mind. He drove past a farm of miniature cows, said they were the cutest things. I reminded him we only have an acre and a half.
I looked online, found photos of these little cows (as pets) in people's house. Cute names like, "Moose", "Ladybug" and "Peanut". Hmm, well maybe!
Years ago, before we got married, he told me I would always be able to have any animal or pet I wanted; he knew I loved animals. Any animal, except one--a cow. Today he changed his mind. He drove past a farm of miniature cows, said they were the cutest things. I reminded him we only have an acre and a half.
I looked online, found photos of these little cows (as pets) in people's house. Cute names like, "Moose", "Ladybug" and "Peanut". Hmm, well maybe!
Friday, September 28, 2007
two leaves
The harvest festival is coming this weekend to our little town. That's always fun. Today I'll change the window boxes in the cottage, mums, pansies, pumpkins!
Thursday, September 27, 2007
grandma young
When I was visiting my mom in Vermont last month, I found this photo of her mom in the guestroom where I was staying. I remember this photo so well, and Grandma Young's house in Paradise California, with the books along the wall. Sabrina and I loved visiting her there when we were little!
I took a snapshot of the little framed photo, not really paying attention to the background. It was only later I noticed how the books in my mom's room paralleled the books in the background of her mom's photo. What I did notice was that the year it was taken. My grandmother was the same age in the photo, as I am now, 48.
I called grandma last week, she's 92, living life to the fullest and as active and sweet as ever. I told her that I hoped I was able to live a long happy life as she had. I told her she would likely live to 114! Oh no, she told me, she wasn't going to live that long, she was going to live to age 97.
97? I asked, how did she know, and why such an odd number? She told me , "Well, I had a great-grandmother, and we had a lot in common. My great-grandmother was born exactly 100 years before me. She was born in 1815, I was born in 1915. She was married in 1836 on her 21st birthday, I was married in 1936, three days before my 21st birthday. She lived to be 97 years old, so I think that's a good age. She was a very special woman, but I didn't call her great-grandma, I called her Aliza."
I love that! Here's to grandma's and great-grandma's too!
I took a snapshot of the little framed photo, not really paying attention to the background. It was only later I noticed how the books in my mom's room paralleled the books in the background of her mom's photo. What I did notice was that the year it was taken. My grandmother was the same age in the photo, as I am now, 48.
I called grandma last week, she's 92, living life to the fullest and as active and sweet as ever. I told her that I hoped I was able to live a long happy life as she had. I told her she would likely live to 114! Oh no, she told me, she wasn't going to live that long, she was going to live to age 97.
97? I asked, how did she know, and why such an odd number? She told me , "Well, I had a great-grandmother, and we had a lot in common. My great-grandmother was born exactly 100 years before me. She was born in 1815, I was born in 1915. She was married in 1836 on her 21st birthday, I was married in 1936, three days before my 21st birthday. She lived to be 97 years old, so I think that's a good age. She was a very special woman, but I didn't call her great-grandma, I called her Aliza."
I love that! Here's to grandma's and great-grandma's too!
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
tea bag dish
We're in the season where all the windows are open, the screens are tight, the drone of the airconditioner quiet. I like it, but by mid-day, it gets warm and still inside. Today I had a relaxing break on the back patio, until two bees sent me back inside to work.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
linen
I had a wonderful trip, worked long hours and got so much done. I want to rest, but have so much momentum, I'm going to keep going until I finish.
Friday, September 21, 2007
figs on purple dish
These are the last of my figs, I've eaten everyone of them now, and thoroughly enjoyed each. I was reading the police report in our local paper today. This one made me laugh, (though I suppose I wouldn't be if it were my garden).
"Sept 20, THEFT--Butternut squash and approximately 10lbs of green peppers were reported stolen from a garden plot in the 1400 block of Woodside Rd. The vegetables are valued at approximately $150. The matter was reported Sept 15 at 10:20am."
I'm out of town for a few days, I'm not sure if I'll be able to update on the road, I'll try.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
self at window
I'm off to Albany NY in the morning. My sister and I will meet, spend 4 days holed up without distractions and finish the edit on this book. Rather than take the train, we found a halfway point by car, only 3.5 hours to Albany between us.
Mapquest says 3 hours 31 minutes for her, and 3 hours, 19 minutes for me. Though mine is an extra 34 miles, I suspect she has windy country Vermont roads ahead of her. I'm known as a very light packer, when I travel by plane. I'd rather do without, than carry heavy luggage. Not this time, I'm loading up the car, even bringing my own feather pillows.
Mapquest says 3 hours 31 minutes for her, and 3 hours, 19 minutes for me. Though mine is an extra 34 miles, I suspect she has windy country Vermont roads ahead of her. I'm known as a very light packer, when I travel by plane. I'd rather do without, than carry heavy luggage. Not this time, I'm loading up the car, even bringing my own feather pillows.
Monday, September 17, 2007
basket of figs
In Pennsylvania, I'm quite certain, figs are available one day a year, possibly less. I lucked into doing my grocery shopping the right day! I bought two baskets--one destined for photography. The other devoured before I got home to unpack the groceries.
red door
We're in the season between seasons.
It's in the low 60's outside, yet all the leaves are still bright green. I want it one way or the other. Give me hot days where I can shut the doors and crank the airconditioner, or those cold days when I want to bake a pie and make a fire; the leaves turning yellow, orange and purple. These odd days with all the windows open make me feel out of step, like I'm waiting for something...
It's in the low 60's outside, yet all the leaves are still bright green. I want it one way or the other. Give me hot days where I can shut the doors and crank the airconditioner, or those cold days when I want to bake a pie and make a fire; the leaves turning yellow, orange and purple. These odd days with all the windows open make me feel out of step, like I'm waiting for something...
Sunday, September 16, 2007
red house mural
Enjoying a beautiful end of summer day off today. We went into New Hope, PA this morning, the weather perfect. I shouted for Fred to stop-the-car when I saw this old mural. Traffic was crazy, no where to pull over, so he just stopped in the street and he told me to jump out quick--he'd circle and find me again.
I love that about Fred, he's always willing to circle the block when I see something neat! He took longer than expected to come around. Said he was stuck behind a horse and carriage moving very slowly, hehe--only in Pennsylvania!
I love that about Fred, he's always willing to circle the block when I see something neat! He took longer than expected to come around. Said he was stuck behind a horse and carriage moving very slowly, hehe--only in Pennsylvania!
Saturday, September 15, 2007
old bottles
I had to go into the attic this morning. I hate going there. It's not that it's hot or small--it's neither. The weather is perfectly cool and a great time for visiting the attic. It's big, the peak of the roof must be 15' above, there is plenty of room--except for all the junk. One problem is that it has no floor, just the beams on which you must balance...one wrong step and you've made a hole in the ceiling below (don't ask me how I know this to be true).
Fred is a sentimental type. He doesn't like to throw away things that might have a memory attached. Ok, it's great he still has his tricycle when he was 4 years old, and we have Rush's tricycle when he was 4. Those are all good things to keep. The trouble comes because there is little discrimination over what goes in the attic--so you can't find the good stuff. Most of the items in the attic, should have been carried to the street one Sunday or Wednesday night for pick up the next morning. We pay for that. Olivia's party favors from a 11 year old party she went to? It's there. Rush's 'Spawn' creatures from the lagoon at a time when he was into that? It's there. Fred's old pay stubs from 1978? Yes, I know right where they are.
Could I find what I really wanted after an hours search with a flashlight, practicing my balance beam techniques so I did't need to get the repairman out to fix the ceiling below again? No.
But I did find these old poison bottles I'd collected years ago. So I fold up the drop-down stairs in the closet, and think about sorting the attic another day, a little worried that if our heirs are sorting years from now, they will just toss it all and maybe miss the treasures most special hidden within.
Fred is a sentimental type. He doesn't like to throw away things that might have a memory attached. Ok, it's great he still has his tricycle when he was 4 years old, and we have Rush's tricycle when he was 4. Those are all good things to keep. The trouble comes because there is little discrimination over what goes in the attic--so you can't find the good stuff. Most of the items in the attic, should have been carried to the street one Sunday or Wednesday night for pick up the next morning. We pay for that. Olivia's party favors from a 11 year old party she went to? It's there. Rush's 'Spawn' creatures from the lagoon at a time when he was into that? It's there. Fred's old pay stubs from 1978? Yes, I know right where they are.
Could I find what I really wanted after an hours search with a flashlight, practicing my balance beam techniques so I did't need to get the repairman out to fix the ceiling below again? No.
But I did find these old poison bottles I'd collected years ago. So I fold up the drop-down stairs in the closet, and think about sorting the attic another day, a little worried that if our heirs are sorting years from now, they will just toss it all and maybe miss the treasures most special hidden within.
Friday, September 14, 2007
olivia
I was so happy to see Olivia studying this morning, during a school holiday. Last night she came home from her job at the grocery store. A job she really likes--and they like her. But between the job, her social life and honors classes, she is afraid of getting behind. I reminded her that school must come first, but I can certainly understand her pride in being so needed at a job. The dependable one. The one who finishes a task better and faster than a boss expects. We can become addicted to the praise, of being needed. Hey, I need someone to help with the dishes. Somehow that's not as important. Her junior high school year, does it get easier, or harder? I don't recall.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
looking out
She said, "let's meet halfway. You come North, I'll go South. We'll each take the train in the morning and the town where our trains cross...that will be the place. It will work. We'll take a couple days and finish the book. Just get it behind you."
Springfield, Massachusetts is that town halfway, I'll meet my sister next week.
Springfield, Massachusetts is that town halfway, I'll meet my sister next week.
ghost of a starfish
My mother loves pearls. She freely uses words such as nacre, lustre, iridescence...as though she were describing something much more commonplace. When I visited her last month, I was reminded of her large collection of pearls-- rounds, pear, oval, baroque.... Pearls purchased for making jewelry, or perhaps purchased for the love of collecting them, I'm not sure which.
I said, 'let's start an etsy store for you...we can list some finished jewelry, but first let's offer some of these pearls'. She delightedly agreed. So when I get back home, I start playing with the esty photo style, you know, that shallow depth of field, pretty background, single-prop style. I start collecting backdrops. First I found a wonderful Japanese paper site (http://www.paperstudio.com/), then I start collecting the props for the photos, then I get side tracked and become obsessed with the papers and props alone--and can't stop. 'Your etsy store? oh yeah....I'm on it....'
I said, 'let's start an etsy store for you...we can list some finished jewelry, but first let's offer some of these pearls'. She delightedly agreed. So when I get back home, I start playing with the esty photo style, you know, that shallow depth of field, pretty background, single-prop style. I start collecting backdrops. First I found a wonderful Japanese paper site (http://www.paperstudio.com/), then I start collecting the props for the photos, then I get side tracked and become obsessed with the papers and props alone--and can't stop. 'Your etsy store? oh yeah....I'm on it....'
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
sail away
Somehow summer came and went and we never made it out to the lake this year. Each day led to another and the season whizzed by!
I am savoring this time from work. I haven't sat at the torch in months and I'm offering frit only to a couple stores, primarily Sabrina's site (www.valcoxfrit.com), and I'm really enjoying the change. Glass still keeps me busy, but I'm shipping fewer, yet bigger boxes of frit at a time rather than bunches of little boxes. A bit less for the cashbox, but well worth it in the time I'm spending with the kids, Fred and exploring some fun new areas in glass casting as well as photography.
I can't wait to show some new things I'm doing with glass casting and beads, but I want to get further along, as much of it is experimental and I'm pushing in some new directions, but not sailing too far adrift from my love for glass beads.
Monday, September 10, 2007
nectarine
I'm back to seeking natural light from the bathroom window--too many bug bites from hanging around in the backyard.
Instead this natural-light photo spot is in the too-big master bathtub--now covered with a board and backdrops. The spot where a previous owner (sometime in the early 1980's) chose a jacuzzi with a skylight and oversize window for a bathtub. Not my style, so it's now a place to take photos, lovely windows all around. I can't believe Fred (shower person, but lover of all things neat and tidy) hasn't complained about the tripod in the bathrub.
Instead this natural-light photo spot is in the too-big master bathtub--now covered with a board and backdrops. The spot where a previous owner (sometime in the early 1980's) chose a jacuzzi with a skylight and oversize window for a bathtub. Not my style, so it's now a place to take photos, lovely windows all around. I can't believe Fred (shower person, but lover of all things neat and tidy) hasn't complained about the tripod in the bathrub.
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Savannah is getting more patient with me taking her photo. As long as she doesn't know she's the subject, she'll hold still for half a second. That's all I need.
There's a Thai resturant in Lamberville NJ that Fred and I have gone to for many years. Maybe ten years. Usually on Sunday for lunch. The place is nothing fancy, just 10 tables. The owner is the waiter, his daughter who used to help waitress has long since moved. The baby sister toddler we watched grow, is now serving water and delivering the Thai tea. The tea for which we really drive the 25 miles, and order food to go with it because you can't just order tea.
We were laughing today as we left that most times we are there, there's another couple about our age who is also there, always at the same table, four feet from ours. I know what they will order. They likely know what we will order. We see them nearly everytime. Sometimes we are the only four guests, but we never say a word nor ever acknowledge that we have seen them for before, nor they us.
There's a Thai resturant in Lamberville NJ that Fred and I have gone to for many years. Maybe ten years. Usually on Sunday for lunch. The place is nothing fancy, just 10 tables. The owner is the waiter, his daughter who used to help waitress has long since moved. The baby sister toddler we watched grow, is now serving water and delivering the Thai tea. The tea for which we really drive the 25 miles, and order food to go with it because you can't just order tea.We were laughing today as we left that most times we are there, there's another couple about our age who is also there, always at the same table, four feet from ours. I know what they will order. They likely know what we will order. We see them nearly everytime. Sometimes we are the only four guests, but we never say a word nor ever acknowledge that we have seen them for before, nor they us.
Saturday, September 08, 2007
painted lady
We went to a open anquite flea market today, it's one of my favorites. Along the lake in Yardley, under the shade trees, at the old Quaker church. It's the 40th year. We've been going the last 8 years. So many antiques and collectibles we would have loved to have taken home, but we only had $22. among us, completely forgot the day. So we imagined what we would get, took stock of the wonderful things we already owned, and used the money to eat instead. The peach cobbler always my favorite part.
Friday, September 07, 2007
hornet den
We have a new addition to our family. A nest of hornets. They aren't going anywhere. The dog knocked down the nest they had built under this bench. The bench I have to walk by very carefully now when I go in the back yard. Fred had the idea that he could spray them. Spray them with something used on car engines. Hello...these are hornets not carburators.
Anyway he sprayed, I had a fit--they are baby hornets afterall. Yes, I know they sting, but they just hatched and this is their home while they are in training. Well it sounded good enough for him, so he left them alone. It's been three weeks, and they don't appear to be going anywhere. There are 30 or 40 all hovering on the corner of this bench. I guess we'll keep them.
Anyway he sprayed, I had a fit--they are baby hornets afterall. Yes, I know they sting, but they just hatched and this is their home while they are in training. Well it sounded good enough for him, so he left them alone. It's been three weeks, and they don't appear to be going anywhere. There are 30 or 40 all hovering on the corner of this bench. I guess we'll keep them.
Thursday, September 06, 2007
red room
When did I become my mother? I think it happened this summer sometime.
Now that the kids are 'young adults', they've claimed the family room as their own. They do a pretty good job of keeping it clean.
A capture through the viewfinder of my 1950 Kodak Duaflex.
Now that the kids are 'young adults', they've claimed the family room as their own. They do a pretty good job of keeping it clean.
A capture through the viewfinder of my 1950 Kodak Duaflex.
nectarines on the patio
At the end of summer, I most appreciate this 'fruit of the month gift from Fred. The family knows that any fruit delivered by mail is hands off. Even if it starts to go bad--the rule still applies!
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Slippers at cottage
Today was the day to either decide to renew my year lease on the canal cottage studio, or let it go. The two years in the cottage were a delight, but it's time to let it go. The slippers will be home this winter. Mostly I'll miss my ducks.
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
pool shoes
Toes in the pool, too cold for wadding. Today was the kids' first day back to school. The house feels big, quiet...and clean.
garden flower through the viewfinder
Kodak Duaflex viewfinder photo, aided at dusk from my flashlight.
Monday, September 03, 2007
pool steps
Through the viewfinder of my 1950's Kodak Duaflex. Recorded with a Nikon D70, 60mm macro lens .
pinecone through the viewfinder
I'm having a great time playing with this old Kodak camera. The idea is you use your expensive digital camera with the finest optices, then capture a photo of the actual viewfinder from a 1950's camera with the bubble top plastic view. The distortion, dust and scratches are all part of the fun!
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