I want to take this moment to wish all my friends here Happy Holidays and may your New year be magical and blessed.
I have so appreciated every one of you and your generous and kind comments.
I know I have neglected some of you with comments this year, but I try to get to everyone.
I always appreciate seeing your photos and reading all that you write.
You enable me to go around the world.
I have learned so much from you all.
I love this Flickr Family, and deeply value you all as my friends.
May your hearts always be filled with love and joy.
Friday, December 24, 2010
MOM'S CROCHETED CHRISTMAS DECO'S
MOM'S CROCHETED CHRISTMAS DECO'S
My children and I lived close to my mother for over twenty years, and she spent every Holiday with us and Sundays and more.
Most Christmas's she would make a hand crocheted ornament for our tree. I have kept every one of them.
My mom was a whiz at most needlework. She was an excellent seamstress, but didn't have much time for that on the farm. She made all her own clothing and her two sisters clothes when she was a girl in the 1920's and 30's. She is 92 now.
She crocheted without a pattern! She could look at a piece and duplicate it without written instructions.
She would crochet these ''ornaments'' and then dip them in ''sugar water'' and dry them to make them stiff.
They have GRACED our trees for many years.
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!
Uploaded by Louise001 on 24 Dec 10, 3.40PM EST.
My children and I lived close to my mother for over twenty years, and she spent every Holiday with us and Sundays and more.
Most Christmas's she would make a hand crocheted ornament for our tree. I have kept every one of them.
My mom was a whiz at most needlework. She was an excellent seamstress, but didn't have much time for that on the farm. She made all her own clothing and her two sisters clothes when she was a girl in the 1920's and 30's. She is 92 now.
She crocheted without a pattern! She could look at a piece and duplicate it without written instructions.
She would crochet these ''ornaments'' and then dip them in ''sugar water'' and dry them to make them stiff.
They have GRACED our trees for many years.
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!
Uploaded by Louise001 on 24 Dec 10, 3.40PM EST.
Monday, December 20, 2010
DAISY GIFT PAINTING 9X12
DAISY GIFT PAINTING 9X12
WATERCOLOR, INK, ACRYLIC
I have a special friend who is an artist and teacher working in glass. I liked the card I painted earlier and decided to paint a larger painting of it.
Uploaded by Louise001 on 20 Dec 10, 4.32PM EST.
WATERCOLOR, INK, ACRYLIC
I have a special friend who is an artist and teacher working in glass. I liked the card I painted earlier and decided to paint a larger painting of it.
Uploaded by Louise001 on 20 Dec 10, 4.32PM EST.
Friday, December 17, 2010
VERY OLD APPLE TREE
VERY OLD APPLE TREE
It has been awhile since I added anything in my journals.
I was thinking about this old apple tree today, and also thought how it would look using Generals Sketch & Wash pencil.
I also used a touch of watercolor and ballpoint pen.
I realize SPRAY was available in those days for fruit and vegetables...we just didn't use it on our food.
I remember having to soak Broccoli & cauliflower in salt water to get the bugs out before cooking..
After I moved to the city...San Francisco, I was amazed that there were no bugs in the veges...:)
Uploaded by Louise001 on 17 Dec 10, 8.28PM EST.
It has been awhile since I added anything in my journals.
I was thinking about this old apple tree today, and also thought how it would look using Generals Sketch & Wash pencil.
I also used a touch of watercolor and ballpoint pen.
I realize SPRAY was available in those days for fruit and vegetables...we just didn't use it on our food.
I remember having to soak Broccoli & cauliflower in salt water to get the bugs out before cooking..
After I moved to the city...San Francisco, I was amazed that there were no bugs in the veges...:)
Uploaded by Louise001 on 17 Dec 10, 8.28PM EST.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
MAGNOLIA CARD
MAGNOLIA CARD
A Watercolor & Ink card for a neighbor.
Uploaded by Louise001 on 16 Dec 10, 1.15PM EST.
A Watercolor & Ink card for a neighbor.
Uploaded by Louise001 on 16 Dec 10, 1.15PM EST.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
PAINTING AT GRAMMY'S HOUSE
PAINTING AT GRAMMY'S HOUSE
Lia loves to paint. I give her the supplies and she does it all herself now with no prompting. She very carefully dips the brush in between colors and dabs it on the tissue before painting. It is so cute to watch...:) Of course this is Grams talking...:)
She will be four years old on the 30th of this month..:)
Uploaded by Louise001 on 14 Dec 10, 1.12PM EST.
Lia loves to paint. I give her the supplies and she does it all herself now with no prompting. She very carefully dips the brush in between colors and dabs it on the tissue before painting. It is so cute to watch...:) Of course this is Grams talking...:)
She will be four years old on the 30th of this month..:)
Uploaded by Louise001 on 14 Dec 10, 1.12PM EST.
Monday, December 13, 2010
QUEEN ANNE'S LACE
QUEEN ANNE'S LACE
Lots of playing with this one...Watercolor & Ink...spattering, throwing, scraping, masque...all used on this.
Uploaded by Louise001 on 13 Dec 10, 6.58PM EST
Lots of playing with this one...Watercolor & Ink...spattering, throwing, scraping, masque...all used on this.
Uploaded by Louise001 on 13 Dec 10, 6.58PM EST
Sunday, December 05, 2010
PAINTS...WATERCOLOR?
SWISS CHARD
I remember as a little girl, watching my mom painting. She was very good at sketching and painting and when I was six or seven was taking a correspondence course from that ''Draw Me'' place. I was fascinated and in total admiration.
Then she stopped painting, put her paints away, and I never knew why, and over the years never got a clear answer to my question, " Why did you stop painting Mom?''
After she retired I suggested she take it up again many times, but she never seemed interested, which amazed me since she was so talented.
I kept encouraging her and sending her painting after painting of some I have done over the years.
Finally this year she told me she quit because she just didn't have time while raising three kids and it was about the time I was 6-7 that she started doing outside farm work instead of just housewifely duties.
My Mom is now 92 and this year told me she has tried a few sketches! I am thrilled and have made a collection of art supplies to send her for Christmas. She will have good art paper, pencils, paints , and even a Watercolor instructional book or two to get her going.
The last things I need are more art supplies, however I saw this pretty box of watercolors at Michaels and couldn't resist buying one for my Mom. However, after I got it home and took a close look I decided it may not be good quality paint so I went back and got another set for myself so I could try it out...:) :)...
I painted the Swiss Chard with this box of paints. SEE NEXT PHOTO.
I am not happy with the paints! They are thick and opaque. Not transparent at all. I will send them to Mom to get her started, but will follow up with better paints soon.
Of course, what could I expect for less than five dollars for a whole set!!! But they looked so pretty!!!!!
Uploaded by Louise001 on 5 Dec 10, 11.41AM EST.
I remember as a little girl, watching my mom painting. She was very good at sketching and painting and when I was six or seven was taking a correspondence course from that ''Draw Me'' place. I was fascinated and in total admiration.
Then she stopped painting, put her paints away, and I never knew why, and over the years never got a clear answer to my question, " Why did you stop painting Mom?''
After she retired I suggested she take it up again many times, but she never seemed interested, which amazed me since she was so talented.
I kept encouraging her and sending her painting after painting of some I have done over the years.
Finally this year she told me she quit because she just didn't have time while raising three kids and it was about the time I was 6-7 that she started doing outside farm work instead of just housewifely duties.
My Mom is now 92 and this year told me she has tried a few sketches! I am thrilled and have made a collection of art supplies to send her for Christmas. She will have good art paper, pencils, paints , and even a Watercolor instructional book or two to get her going.
The last things I need are more art supplies, however I saw this pretty box of watercolors at Michaels and couldn't resist buying one for my Mom. However, after I got it home and took a close look I decided it may not be good quality paint so I went back and got another set for myself so I could try it out...:) :)...
I painted the Swiss Chard with this box of paints. SEE NEXT PHOTO.
I am not happy with the paints! They are thick and opaque. Not transparent at all. I will send them to Mom to get her started, but will follow up with better paints soon.
Of course, what could I expect for less than five dollars for a whole set!!! But they looked so pretty!!!!!
Uploaded by Louise001 on 5 Dec 10, 11.41AM EST.
SWISS CHARD
SWISS CHARD
I remember as a little girl, watching my mom painting. She was very good at sketching and painting and when I was six or seven was taking a correspondence course from that ''Draw Me'' place. I was fascinated and in total admiration.
Then she stopped painting, put her paints away, and I never knew why, and over the years never got a clear answer to my question, " Why did you stop painting Mom?''
After she retired I suggested she take it up again many times, but she never seemed interested, which amazed me since she was so talented.
I kept encouraging her and sending her painting after painting of some I have done over the years.
Finally this year she told me she quit because she just didn't have time while raising three kids and it was about the time I was 6-7 that she started doing outside farm work instead of just housewifely duties.
My Mom is now 92 and this year told me she has tried a few sketches! I am thrilled and have made a collection of art supplies to send her for Christmas. She will have good art paper, pencils, paints , and even a Watercolor instructional book or two to get her going.
The last things I need are more art supplies, however I saw this pretty box of watercolors at Michaels and couldn't resist buying one for my Mom. However, after I got it home and took a close look I decided it may not be good quality paint so I went back and got another set for myself so I could try it out...:) :)...
I painted the Swiss Chard with this box of paints. SEE NEXT PHOTO.
I am not happy with the paints! They are thick and opaque. Not transparent at all. I will send them to Mom to get her started, but will follow up with better paints soon.
Of course, what could I expect for less than five dollars for a whole set!!! But they looked so pretty!!!!!
Uploaded by Louise001 on 5 Dec 10, 11.41AM EST.
I remember as a little girl, watching my mom painting. She was very good at sketching and painting and when I was six or seven was taking a correspondence course from that ''Draw Me'' place. I was fascinated and in total admiration.
Then she stopped painting, put her paints away, and I never knew why, and over the years never got a clear answer to my question, " Why did you stop painting Mom?''
After she retired I suggested she take it up again many times, but she never seemed interested, which amazed me since she was so talented.
I kept encouraging her and sending her painting after painting of some I have done over the years.
Finally this year she told me she quit because she just didn't have time while raising three kids and it was about the time I was 6-7 that she started doing outside farm work instead of just housewifely duties.
My Mom is now 92 and this year told me she has tried a few sketches! I am thrilled and have made a collection of art supplies to send her for Christmas. She will have good art paper, pencils, paints , and even a Watercolor instructional book or two to get her going.
The last things I need are more art supplies, however I saw this pretty box of watercolors at Michaels and couldn't resist buying one for my Mom. However, after I got it home and took a close look I decided it may not be good quality paint so I went back and got another set for myself so I could try it out...:) :)...
I painted the Swiss Chard with this box of paints. SEE NEXT PHOTO.
I am not happy with the paints! They are thick and opaque. Not transparent at all. I will send them to Mom to get her started, but will follow up with better paints soon.
Of course, what could I expect for less than five dollars for a whole set!!! But they looked so pretty!!!!!
Uploaded by Louise001 on 5 Dec 10, 11.41AM EST.
Saturday, December 04, 2010
Thursday, December 02, 2010
FUN WITH SNOW & GRASSES
FUN WITH SNOW & GRASSES
I may be having too much fun with all this snow & grass playing.
I have used many techniques in this one and it may be a little ''overkill'' but I will post anyway.
I have done wet in wet, spattering, throwing, scratching and scraping, drybrush, and painted crumpled tin foil and then stamped it on.
Watercolor, Ink, Gouache.
Uploaded by Louise001 on 2 Dec 10, 6.58AM EST.
I may be having too much fun with all this snow & grass playing.
I have used many techniques in this one and it may be a little ''overkill'' but I will post anyway.
I have done wet in wet, spattering, throwing, scratching and scraping, drybrush, and painted crumpled tin foil and then stamped it on.
Watercolor, Ink, Gouache.
Uploaded by Louise001 on 2 Dec 10, 6.58AM EST.
Wednesday, December 01, 2010
SNOW & GRASS
SNOW & GRASS
It has snowed all day, big Lake effect flakes. Swirling and whirling.
I loved standing in it in my field and watching how it lit on the grasses.
It is actually thrilling to see. I can't get enough of it today...but I know it will ''get old'' soon!...:)
This is watercolor, ink and gouache...:)
Uploaded by Louise001 on 1 Dec 10, 3.54PM EST.
It has snowed all day, big Lake effect flakes. Swirling and whirling.
I loved standing in it in my field and watching how it lit on the grasses.
It is actually thrilling to see. I can't get enough of it today...but I know it will ''get old'' soon!...:)
This is watercolor, ink and gouache...:)
Uploaded by Louise001 on 1 Dec 10, 3.54PM EST.
SNOW ON FIELD GRASSES
SNOW ON FIELD GRASSES
An attempt to capture snow on field grasses.
I awoke to a white world today. Our first sticking snow.
It is lake effect snow with big flakes and swirling beautifully.
I love standing in it and letting it come down on my face.
Watercolor, Ink & Gouache
Uploaded by Louise001 on 1 Dec 10, 9.43AM EST.
An attempt to capture snow on field grasses.
I awoke to a white world today. Our first sticking snow.
It is lake effect snow with big flakes and swirling beautifully.
I love standing in it and letting it come down on my face.
Watercolor, Ink & Gouache
Uploaded by Louise001 on 1 Dec 10, 9.43AM EST.
Friday, November 26, 2010
BLUE VASE & DAISIES
Another Birthday card for a neighbor...:)
Watercolor & Ink
Uploaded by Louise001 on 26 Nov 10, 8.02PM EST.
Watercolor & Ink
Uploaded by Louise001 on 26 Nov 10, 8.02PM EST.
ANOTHER PINKISH IRIS CARD
ANOTHER PINKISH IRIS CARD
Another neighbor has a Birthday tomorrow...I tried this Iris again...:)
Watercolor & Ink
Uploaded by Louise001 on 26 Nov 10, 1.29PM EST.
Another neighbor has a Birthday tomorrow...I tried this Iris again...:)
Watercolor & Ink
Uploaded by Louise001 on 26 Nov 10, 1.29PM EST.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
DAISY PLAY
I HAD SO MUCH FUN WITH THIS.
This is another Birthday card for a neighbor, but I like it so much I think I'll try to do a larger painting like this....:) :)
WATERCOLOR & INK & GOUACHE
Uploaded by Louise001 on 23 Nov 10, 7.23PM EST.
This is another Birthday card for a neighbor, but I like it so much I think I'll try to do a larger painting like this....:) :)
WATERCOLOR & INK & GOUACHE
Uploaded by Louise001 on 23 Nov 10, 7.23PM EST.
RED WILD ROSE CARD
RED WILD ROSE CARD
Another neighbor has a Birthday coming up, so I thought she might like a Red Rose.
Watercolor and Ink
Uploaded by Louise001 on 23 Nov 10, 3.00PM EST.
Another neighbor has a Birthday coming up, so I thought she might like a Red Rose.
Watercolor and Ink
Uploaded by Louise001 on 23 Nov 10, 3.00PM EST.
CONEFLOWER FUN
CONEFLOWER FUN
I may have had a bit TOO MUCH FUN with this one.
I splattered, scraped, threw, and more!
Watercolor, Ink, and Gouache!
Uploaded by Louise001 on 23 Nov 10, 9.59AM EST.
I may have had a bit TOO MUCH FUN with this one.
I splattered, scraped, threw, and more!
Watercolor, Ink, and Gouache!
Uploaded by Louise001 on 23 Nov 10, 9.59AM EST.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
CALIFORNIA POPPY
CALIFORNIA POPPY
A neighbor has a birthday on Thanksgiving day, and like me is a California native. His wife passed away last year and he has been struggling with that and also adjusting to Michigan, here, where his son lives. I thought I would paint this Birthday card for him reminding him of the hills that are blanketed with bright orange poppies all around California, in the spring and summer.
Uploaded by Louise001 on 21 Nov 10, 1.12PM EST.
A neighbor has a birthday on Thanksgiving day, and like me is a California native. His wife passed away last year and he has been struggling with that and also adjusting to Michigan, here, where his son lives. I thought I would paint this Birthday card for him reminding him of the hills that are blanketed with bright orange poppies all around California, in the spring and summer.
Uploaded by Louise001 on 21 Nov 10, 1.12PM EST.
Iris card
Iris card
I painted this Watercolor card as a ''Get Well Soon'' card for my friend and neighbor who is recovering from surgery.
She loves Iris and gardening, so we have become good friends with common interests.
Uploaded by Louise001 on 21 Nov 10, 1.25PM EST.
I painted this Watercolor card as a ''Get Well Soon'' card for my friend and neighbor who is recovering from surgery.
She loves Iris and gardening, so we have become good friends with common interests.
Uploaded by Louise001 on 21 Nov 10, 1.25PM EST.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
LIA MAKING ORNAMENTS
LIA MAKING ORNAMENTS
I just spent a couple of days babysitting, and Lia and I completed an ART project.
I remembered, how much my two children loved making bread dough ornaments for Christmas, sometimes called play dough ornaments.
We made them when we still lived in San Francisco, when I was still a stay at home mom and had more time, and energy to devote to ''projects.''
We cut them out with cookie cutters and painted them too. We made snowmen, angels, trees, stars and others. Some turned out very cute and I kept all of their personally hand made ornaments for about 40 years. They survived our move to South San Francisco, then Oakdale, then Modesto, and then my move to Arizona, and Oregon. I was very sad when I was packing in Oregon to move to Southern California, to discover they were crumbling from the dampness there. I had kept them very well protected all those years. I think they were one of the most difficult things to part with of my life.
Now, I have made them with my almost four year old granddaughter.
They brought back wonderful memories of when my little ones were small. Michelle was maybe six or seven and Marcus was two or three.
We had so much fun making these ornaments, the three of us together. It was a most memorable and fun family time.
Every year they would be excited to decorate the tree and especially to see ''their'' own hand made creations come out of the decoration box and unwrapped. They usually wanted to hang their own, and I can remember them laying on the floor around the decorated tree and discussing their decorations and the tree and possible ''dream presents.''
I always tried to make Christmas a huge occasion for us three, after I became a single parent. I was on a very limited salary for a few years and it was not easy! I tried to get a big tree every year though, and with their decorations along with a pretty good sized collection of angels and other cute ones I had accumulated over the years, it was always a pretty tree.
Uploaded by Louise001 on 14 Nov 10, 1.12PM EST.
I just spent a couple of days babysitting, and Lia and I completed an ART project.
I remembered, how much my two children loved making bread dough ornaments for Christmas, sometimes called play dough ornaments.
We made them when we still lived in San Francisco, when I was still a stay at home mom and had more time, and energy to devote to ''projects.''
We cut them out with cookie cutters and painted them too. We made snowmen, angels, trees, stars and others. Some turned out very cute and I kept all of their personally hand made ornaments for about 40 years. They survived our move to South San Francisco, then Oakdale, then Modesto, and then my move to Arizona, and Oregon. I was very sad when I was packing in Oregon to move to Southern California, to discover they were crumbling from the dampness there. I had kept them very well protected all those years. I think they were one of the most difficult things to part with of my life.
Now, I have made them with my almost four year old granddaughter.
They brought back wonderful memories of when my little ones were small. Michelle was maybe six or seven and Marcus was two or three.
We had so much fun making these ornaments, the three of us together. It was a most memorable and fun family time.
Every year they would be excited to decorate the tree and especially to see ''their'' own hand made creations come out of the decoration box and unwrapped. They usually wanted to hang their own, and I can remember them laying on the floor around the decorated tree and discussing their decorations and the tree and possible ''dream presents.''
I always tried to make Christmas a huge occasion for us three, after I became a single parent. I was on a very limited salary for a few years and it was not easy! I tried to get a big tree every year though, and with their decorations along with a pretty good sized collection of angels and other cute ones I had accumulated over the years, it was always a pretty tree.
Uploaded by Louise001 on 14 Nov 10, 1.12PM EST.
Thursday, November 04, 2010
OLD FIG TREE
OLD FIG TREE
My grandfather raised his family in California's fertile Central Valley.
He had two orchards, one was all Almonds and one was all Figs.
He picked, packed and hauled the figs to market in a nearby port city for shipping.
I loved the older gnarly trees.
This is a memory in Ink & Watercolor.
Uploaded by Louise001 on 1 Nov 10, 3.07PM EDT.
My grandfather raised his family in California's fertile Central Valley.
He had two orchards, one was all Almonds and one was all Figs.
He picked, packed and hauled the figs to market in a nearby port city for shipping.
I loved the older gnarly trees.
This is a memory in Ink & Watercolor.
Uploaded by Louise001 on 1 Nov 10, 3.07PM EDT.
CINDERELLA PRINCESS LIA
CINDERELLA PRINCESS LIA
In cold weather even Cinderella has to wear a long sleeved shirt!
And she is too busy to take a picture!...:)
She was just on the verge of running off here...:)
HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE!
Uploaded by Louise001 on 31 Oct 10, 11.37AM EDT.
In cold weather even Cinderella has to wear a long sleeved shirt!
And she is too busy to take a picture!...:)
She was just on the verge of running off here...:)
HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE!
Uploaded by Louise001 on 31 Oct 10, 11.37AM EDT.
IN FLIGHT
IN FLIGHT
An experiment, JUST FOR FUN! No predrawing and it seemed liked birds showed up.
I used Rice paper, splattering, spraying with water, the Elegant Writer pen and watercolor and ink.
Uploaded by Louise001 on 29 Oct 10, 8.02AM EDT.
An experiment, JUST FOR FUN! No predrawing and it seemed liked birds showed up.
I used Rice paper, splattering, spraying with water, the Elegant Writer pen and watercolor and ink.
Uploaded by Louise001 on 29 Oct 10, 8.02AM EDT.
Monday, November 01, 2010
OLD FIG TREE
OLD FIG TREE
My grandfather raised his family in California's fertile Central Valley.
He had two orchards, one was all Almonds and one was all Figs.
He picked, packed and hauled the figs to market in a nearby port city for shipping.
I loved the older gnarly trees.
This is a memory in Ink & Watercolor.
Uploaded by Louise001 on 1 Nov 10, 3.07PM EDT.
My grandfather raised his family in California's fertile Central Valley.
He had two orchards, one was all Almonds and one was all Figs.
He picked, packed and hauled the figs to market in a nearby port city for shipping.
I loved the older gnarly trees.
This is a memory in Ink & Watercolor.
Uploaded by Louise001 on 1 Nov 10, 3.07PM EDT.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
IN FLIGHT
IN FLIGHT
An experiment, JUST FOR FUN! No predrawing and it seemed liked birds showed up.
I used Rice paper, splattering, spraying with water, the Elegant Writer pen and watercolor and ink.
Uploaded by Louise001 on 29 Oct 10, 8.02AM EDT.
An experiment, JUST FOR FUN! No predrawing and it seemed liked birds showed up.
I used Rice paper, splattering, spraying with water, the Elegant Writer pen and watercolor and ink.
Uploaded by Louise001 on 29 Oct 10, 8.02AM EDT.
''SADIE''
''SADIE''
Another Birthday card for a neighbor.
Unusual markings on this dog..and she was not easy to do..She is a really cute and sassy little girl...:)
Uploaded by Louise001 on 28 Oct 10, 12.35PM EDT.
Another Birthday card for a neighbor.
Unusual markings on this dog..and she was not easy to do..She is a really cute and sassy little girl...:)
Uploaded by Louise001 on 28 Oct 10, 12.35PM EDT.
LIA...School Photo
LIA...School Photo
The reason I am here in Michigan!
My granddaughter who will be four years old in December.
She is growing up too soon!
Uploaded by Louise001 on 30 Oct 10, 5.28PM EDT.
The reason I am here in Michigan!
My granddaughter who will be four years old in December.
She is growing up too soon!
Uploaded by Louise001 on 30 Oct 10, 5.28PM EDT.
LIA...School Photo
LIA...School Photo
The reason I am here in Michigan!
My granddaughter who will be four years old in December.
She is growing up too soon!
Uploaded by Louise001 on 30 Oct 10, 5.29PM EDT.
The reason I am here in Michigan!
My granddaughter who will be four years old in December.
She is growing up too soon!
Uploaded by Louise001 on 30 Oct 10, 5.29PM EDT.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
POINTSETTIA DREAMS
POINTSETTIA DREAMS
This was done on Rice paper with a lot of water and spraying and layering in watercolor and inks.
Uploaded by Louise001 on 27 Oct 10, 6.54PM EDT.
This was done on Rice paper with a lot of water and spraying and layering in watercolor and inks.
Uploaded by Louise001 on 27 Oct 10, 6.54PM EDT.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
FIVE AUTUMN LEAVES
FIVE AUTUMN LEAVES
We are under a tornado watch until 8AM tomorrow, in Michigan!
I went for a walk this morning to collect the last autumn leaves because they might all be blown away tomorrow!
Uploaded by Louise001 on 26 Oct 10, 10.08AM EDT.
We are under a tornado watch until 8AM tomorrow, in Michigan!
I went for a walk this morning to collect the last autumn leaves because they might all be blown away tomorrow!
Uploaded by Louise001 on 26 Oct 10, 10.08AM EDT.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
MAPLE BRANCH IN AUTUMN
MAPLE BRANCH IN AUTUMN
I was attempting to capture the beauty of the leaf color on a Maple tree branch.
I did this mostly with spattering watercolor and the branches were made with an Elegant Writer pen, on wet paper.
Uploaded by Louise001 on 19 Oct 10, 2.35PM EDT
I was attempting to capture the beauty of the leaf color on a Maple tree branch.
I did this mostly with spattering watercolor and the branches were made with an Elegant Writer pen, on wet paper.
Uploaded by Louise001 on 19 Oct 10, 2.35PM EDT
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
DRIVEWAY MAPLE
DRIVEWAY MAPLE
The driveway Maple is almost in full color. I have loved watching it become more colorful daily...:)
The driveway Maple is almost in full color. I have loved watching it become more colorful daily...:)
Monday, October 11, 2010
APPLE PICKIN' TIME IN MICHIGAN..THESE ARE FUJI'S
APPLE PICKIN' TIME IN MICHIGAN..THESE ARE FUJI'S
APPLE PICKIN' & MEMORIES
The apples grown in Michigan are the best I have ever eaten, especially when picked and eaten right off the tree as I did yesterday. Actually, I waited until I got home to eat one so that I could wash and eat it.
The family and I went to a farm here that has been turned into quite an attraction. They grow fruit and vegetables for the public to pick for themselves. Of course they sell things already picked, but where's the fun in that?
They also feature FRESH HOMEMADE APPLE CIDER & DOUGHNUTS & PUMPKIN PIES made on the spot!!
First of all, we came to the Corn Maze, and as I looked at all the corn stalks, already browned by the season and still with the corn on them, it brought back many memories.
In my childhood we raised a lot of hogs and other livestock on the farm, and dairy. We had a corn ''crib'' to store the corn on the cob once it was dried. Our corn crib was simply a little building that looked like a house. It was about six feet wide and ten feet long, as I recall. The door was made in two parts so we could open the top half and reach in to get the corn, like a ''Dutch door''.
I remember hours spent picking the corn in a hot and scratchy and therefore itchy corn field. Then there was the shucking , removing the husks to prepare it for drying on the cob. Once it was dried it was put in the corn crib to store.
Sometimes the hogs were given the whole cob with the corn left on, and they were adept at getting it off. Often we had to remove the dried kernels so that they could be ground and mixed with other grains for a more nourishing livestock feed.
We raised all registered purebred animals and my dad was an exhibitor and judge at many Fairs in California and also the National Livestock Exposition at the ''Cow Palace'' in San Francisco. He fed special formulas he devised of mixed grain to fatten our animals and keep them healthy.
Removing the kernels of corn by hand was painful. My hands would become quite sore. Sometimes rubbing two corn cobs together could get most of the kernels off, but there were always some that needed my hands.
I remember this as an October memory, because it was usually in this month that this was done. I
remember myself as a young girl around my early teenage years, sitting near the corn crib under the old Oak trees on the side of the hill, working at rubbing the kernels off, and I especially remember the light of the October day.
Yesterday as we walked around the orchard and the farm, I especially remembered the autumn light, and pictured that scene, almost forgotten, again. Even as we drove along roads lined with brilliant orange, red, and golden trees the light reflecting off of them was magnificent. I wanted to permanently imprint the memory on my mind forever. A camera, no matter how expensive and professional can never quite capture it.
I am realizing now, another reason I love Autumn. I always thought it was the color of the trees, but it is also the light. The light of day is different in the fall. There truly is more of a glow to it.
Yesterday my almost 4 year old granddaughter picked her first apple from a real apple tree in a real apple orchard. It was such an experience of delight to see the joy of her examining it as she pulled it from the tree. ''I did it, I picked an apple!'' she said with such animation and excitement in her voice. She was thrilled and picked many more before our big bag was full. She was so joyful, darting in and out between the trees.
There were many pumpkins of many sizes for her to chose from also, and she went home with several of the smaller ones, ''just her size''.
I saw a basket of Quince's and planned to go back and get some, but by the time we were finished with all of our activities, ''going back'' didn't feel like an option....:) I love Quinces! I even like them raw, eaten like an apple. But maybe the best way to eat them is as Quince Preserves in my opinion. On our farm we had Quince's and I remember their beautiful fragrant blossoms delighting the bees, and the sweet tart flavor of them on toast and biscuits. There is an aroma around a Quince tree also, even when it is not in bloom, and I loved it.
The setting was so magnificent, because the farmyard area was surrounded with gigantic ancient Maple trees all decked out in their full fall color and splendor. I ''eyeball'' measured some of them and and their trunks were probably up to 50-60 inches across and through.
The farmyard was planted with many other interesting plants and trees. There was even a huge bed of lovely, very healthy Datura, often called Jimson Weed, in bloom, that is poison to animals, but it was planted out near a reception area where there were no animals except for us humans. In fact I saw no animals on this farm.
I would have loved to go inside the huge old farmhouse nearby. From the outside it looked to be maybe about 75 years old. It was probably one of the nicest of it's day and still.
At the end of our visit, a visit to the homemade fresh Apple cider and homemade Doughnut and Pumpkin Pie area was in order, and a gift shop tour.
All in all it was a magnificent Fall Adventure, filled with goodness and memories.
Uploaded by Louise001 on 11 Oct 10, 1.48PM EDT.
APPLE PICKIN' & MEMORIES
The apples grown in Michigan are the best I have ever eaten, especially when picked and eaten right off the tree as I did yesterday. Actually, I waited until I got home to eat one so that I could wash and eat it.
The family and I went to a farm here that has been turned into quite an attraction. They grow fruit and vegetables for the public to pick for themselves. Of course they sell things already picked, but where's the fun in that?
They also feature FRESH HOMEMADE APPLE CIDER & DOUGHNUTS & PUMPKIN PIES made on the spot!!
First of all, we came to the Corn Maze, and as I looked at all the corn stalks, already browned by the season and still with the corn on them, it brought back many memories.
In my childhood we raised a lot of hogs and other livestock on the farm, and dairy. We had a corn ''crib'' to store the corn on the cob once it was dried. Our corn crib was simply a little building that looked like a house. It was about six feet wide and ten feet long, as I recall. The door was made in two parts so we could open the top half and reach in to get the corn, like a ''Dutch door''.
I remember hours spent picking the corn in a hot and scratchy and therefore itchy corn field. Then there was the shucking , removing the husks to prepare it for drying on the cob. Once it was dried it was put in the corn crib to store.
Sometimes the hogs were given the whole cob with the corn left on, and they were adept at getting it off. Often we had to remove the dried kernels so that they could be ground and mixed with other grains for a more nourishing livestock feed.
We raised all registered purebred animals and my dad was an exhibitor and judge at many Fairs in California and also the National Livestock Exposition at the ''Cow Palace'' in San Francisco. He fed special formulas he devised of mixed grain to fatten our animals and keep them healthy.
Removing the kernels of corn by hand was painful. My hands would become quite sore. Sometimes rubbing two corn cobs together could get most of the kernels off, but there were always some that needed my hands.
I remember this as an October memory, because it was usually in this month that this was done. I
remember myself as a young girl around my early teenage years, sitting near the corn crib under the old Oak trees on the side of the hill, working at rubbing the kernels off, and I especially remember the light of the October day.
Yesterday as we walked around the orchard and the farm, I especially remembered the autumn light, and pictured that scene, almost forgotten, again. Even as we drove along roads lined with brilliant orange, red, and golden trees the light reflecting off of them was magnificent. I wanted to permanently imprint the memory on my mind forever. A camera, no matter how expensive and professional can never quite capture it.
I am realizing now, another reason I love Autumn. I always thought it was the color of the trees, but it is also the light. The light of day is different in the fall. There truly is more of a glow to it.
Yesterday my almost 4 year old granddaughter picked her first apple from a real apple tree in a real apple orchard. It was such an experience of delight to see the joy of her examining it as she pulled it from the tree. ''I did it, I picked an apple!'' she said with such animation and excitement in her voice. She was thrilled and picked many more before our big bag was full. She was so joyful, darting in and out between the trees.
There were many pumpkins of many sizes for her to chose from also, and she went home with several of the smaller ones, ''just her size''.
I saw a basket of Quince's and planned to go back and get some, but by the time we were finished with all of our activities, ''going back'' didn't feel like an option....:) I love Quinces! I even like them raw, eaten like an apple. But maybe the best way to eat them is as Quince Preserves in my opinion. On our farm we had Quince's and I remember their beautiful fragrant blossoms delighting the bees, and the sweet tart flavor of them on toast and biscuits. There is an aroma around a Quince tree also, even when it is not in bloom, and I loved it.
The setting was so magnificent, because the farmyard area was surrounded with gigantic ancient Maple trees all decked out in their full fall color and splendor. I ''eyeball'' measured some of them and and their trunks were probably up to 50-60 inches across and through.
The farmyard was planted with many other interesting plants and trees. There was even a huge bed of lovely, very healthy Datura, often called Jimson Weed, in bloom, that is poison to animals, but it was planted out near a reception area where there were no animals except for us humans. In fact I saw no animals on this farm.
I would have loved to go inside the huge old farmhouse nearby. From the outside it looked to be maybe about 75 years old. It was probably one of the nicest of it's day and still.
At the end of our visit, a visit to the homemade fresh Apple cider and homemade Doughnut and Pumpkin Pie area was in order, and a gift shop tour.
All in all it was a magnificent Fall Adventure, filled with goodness and memories.
Uploaded by Louise001 on 11 Oct 10, 1.48PM EDT.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
ECHEVERIA ''FIRE & iCE''
ECHEVERIA ''FIRE & iCE''
Succulent lovers, this one puts on quite a show!
Uploaded by Louise001 on 19 Sep 10, 2.05PM EDT.
Succulent lovers, this one puts on quite a show!
Uploaded by Louise001 on 19 Sep 10, 2.05PM EDT.
AUTUMN LEAVES
AUTUMN LEAVES
I took a walk today and one of the trees is showing it's fall colors.
If anyone would like to draw or paint any of these... do feel free...and have fun!...:)
Uploaded by Louise001 on 19 Sep 10, 6.55PM EDT.
I took a walk today and one of the trees is showing it's fall colors.
If anyone would like to draw or paint any of these... do feel free...and have fun!...:)
Uploaded by Louise001 on 19 Sep 10, 6.55PM EDT.
NASTURTIUMS IN A BLUE VASE
NASTURTIUMS IN A BLUE VASE
This year I had 3 old packets of Nasturtium seeds. I thought they might be too old to grow, so I planted them all around the edge of my little raised bed garden. I think they all grew!!! Last count there were 27 plants and they are huge and healthy! Some are trailers too...some are 2 ft tall. A spectacular display of color in the garden.
''People from a planet without flowers would think we must be mad with joy the whole time to have such things about us.''
Iris Murdoch
Uploaded by Louise001 on 20 Sep 10, 10.18AM EDT.
This year I had 3 old packets of Nasturtium seeds. I thought they might be too old to grow, so I planted them all around the edge of my little raised bed garden. I think they all grew!!! Last count there were 27 plants and they are huge and healthy! Some are trailers too...some are 2 ft tall. A spectacular display of color in the garden.
''People from a planet without flowers would think we must be mad with joy the whole time to have such things about us.''
Iris Murdoch
Uploaded by Louise001 on 20 Sep 10, 10.18AM EDT.
ANOTHER BOUQUET SHOWING VARIETY
ANOTHER BOUQUET SHOWING VARIETY
This year I had 3 old packets of Nasturtium seeds. I thought they might be too old to grow, so I planted them all around the edge of my little raised bed garden. I think they all grew!!! Last count there were 27 plants and they are huge and healthy! Some are trailers too...some are 2 ft tall. A spectacular display of color in the garden.
'
'' People from a planet without flowers would think we must be mad with joy the whole time to have such things about us.''
Iris Murdoch
Uploaded by Louise001 on 20 Sep 10, 10.23AM EDT.
This year I had 3 old packets of Nasturtium seeds. I thought they might be too old to grow, so I planted them all around the edge of my little raised bed garden. I think they all grew!!! Last count there were 27 plants and they are huge and healthy! Some are trailers too...some are 2 ft tall. A spectacular display of color in the garden.
'
'' People from a planet without flowers would think we must be mad with joy the whole time to have such things about us.''
Iris Murdoch
Uploaded by Louise001 on 20 Sep 10, 10.23AM EDT.
LOVE THE MARKINGS ON THIS NASTURTIUM
LOVE THE MARKINGS ON THIS NASTURTIUM
This year I had 3 old packets of Nasturtium seeds. I thought they might be too old to grow, so I planted them all around the edge of my little raised bed garden. I think they all grew!!! Last count there were 27 plants and they are huge and healthy! Some are trailers too...some are 2 ft tall. A spectacular display of color in the garden.
''People from a planet without flowers would think we must be mad with joy the whole time to have such things about us.''
Iris Murdoch
Uploaded by Louise001 on 20 Sep 10, 10.25AM EDT.
This year I had 3 old packets of Nasturtium seeds. I thought they might be too old to grow, so I planted them all around the edge of my little raised bed garden. I think they all grew!!! Last count there were 27 plants and they are huge and healthy! Some are trailers too...some are 2 ft tall. A spectacular display of color in the garden.
''People from a planet without flowers would think we must be mad with joy the whole time to have such things about us.''
Iris Murdoch
Uploaded by Louise001 on 20 Sep 10, 10.25AM EDT.
MICHIGAN WILD SHRUB...Pokeweed Phytolacca americana Other Names: Poke Salet, American Pokeweed, Cancer-root, Cancer jalap, Inkberry, Pigeon Berry, Pocan, Poke, Poke Root, Pokeberry, Reujin D Ours, Sekerciboyaci, Skoke, Virginian Poke, Yoshu-Yama-Gobo, Yy
MICHIGAN WILD SHRUB...Pokeweed Phytolacca americana Other Names: Poke Salet, American Pokeweed, Cancer-root, Cancer jalap, Inkberry, Pigeon Berry, Pocan, Poke, Poke Root, Pokeberry, Reujin D Ours, Sekerciboyaci, Skoke, Virginian Poke, Yoshu-Yama-Gobo, Yy
Originally uploaded by Louise001
MICHIGAN WILD SHRUB...Pokeweed Phytolacca americana Other Names: Poke Salet, American Pokeweed, Cancer-root, Cancer jalap, Inkberry, Pigeon Berry, Pocan, Poke, Poke Root, Pokeberry, Reujin D Ours, Sekerciboyaci, Skoke, Virginian Poke, Yoshu-Yama-Gobo, Yy
I found this while walking in my neighborhood forested area.
It is just gorgeous and I love pink and green together in plants!
Interestingly enough, without the berries it could look exactly like a Fuchsia plant, both leaves and pink branches.
Can someone identify this for me...I am learning about all these new to me Eastern plants...:)
Thanks to Trish I went and found a very interesting nature site and was amazed at the article about this plant....here is the site:
www.altnature.com/gallery/pokeweed.htm
AH HA...AFTER READING THIS I realize that this is the plant made famous in an old song I used to know called ''POKE SALAD ANNIE''....I never knew what the song was talking about...finally after over 50 years....I can sing ''Poke/Polk Salad Annie'', with understanding...:) :)
I also remember as a girl reading the Laura Ingall's Wilder books which mentioned the Poke Weed...and as a girl on the Pacific Coast in California, always wondered what it was like...:)
EASTERN BLACK OAK
EASTERN BLACK OAK
On my walk today on the outer perimeter of the property there is a huge Eastern Black Oak among many other large and small trees. Today two squirrels were chasing each other around and up and down the trunk, while I gathered some of their acorns...:)
Uploaded by Louise001 on 21 Sep 10, 8.50PM EDT.
On my walk today on the outer perimeter of the property there is a huge Eastern Black Oak among many other large and small trees. Today two squirrels were chasing each other around and up and down the trunk, while I gathered some of their acorns...:)
Uploaded by Louise001 on 21 Sep 10, 8.50PM EDT.
NASTURTIUMS AFTER THE STORM!
NASTURTIUMS AFTER THE STORM!
After our huge storm last night with solid sheets of rain, constant lightening every few seconds, 75 MPH winds lasting for over an hour, leaving over 60,000 residents without power...many still out, I thought I should check the garden.
These Nasturtiums look virtually undisturbed!!!!
They are causing me much amusement and amazement since they are the ones from 3-4 yr old seed packages that I just stuck in the ground thinking they might not grow....if you look carefully you can see some Basil that they have ''strongarmed''....and there is...or was some Parsley in there too. I have removed the tomatoes...and the Nasturtiums were already climbing the tomato cage so I left it!...:) :)
I took this around 10 AM this morning after a wild night!
Uploaded by Louise001 on 22 Sep 10, 1.34PM EDT.
After our huge storm last night with solid sheets of rain, constant lightening every few seconds, 75 MPH winds lasting for over an hour, leaving over 60,000 residents without power...many still out, I thought I should check the garden.
These Nasturtiums look virtually undisturbed!!!!
They are causing me much amusement and amazement since they are the ones from 3-4 yr old seed packages that I just stuck in the ground thinking they might not grow....if you look carefully you can see some Basil that they have ''strongarmed''....and there is...or was some Parsley in there too. I have removed the tomatoes...and the Nasturtiums were already climbing the tomato cage so I left it!...:) :)
I took this around 10 AM this morning after a wild night!
Uploaded by Louise001 on 22 Sep 10, 1.34PM EDT.
PINK TWINS!!!
PINK TWINS!!!
STORM SURVIVOR!
While checking the garden after last nights severe storm I discover this pretty
duo...still wet, but looking pretty....:)
This photo has not been edited in any way.
Uploaded by Louise001 on 22 Sep 10, 2.52PM EDT.
STORM SURVIVOR!
While checking the garden after last nights severe storm I discover this pretty
duo...still wet, but looking pretty....:)
This photo has not been edited in any way.
Uploaded by Louise001 on 22 Sep 10, 2.52PM EDT.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
AGAVE VICTORIA REGINAE..Watercolor & Ink
AGAVE VICTORIA REGINAE..Watercolor & Ink
I painted this as a tribute to my Dad who instilled in me his love of flowers, plants and nature.
Today is his Birthday. He died in 1972 at the age of 56. Way too young...of cancer. He never smoked in his life by the way.
He was a brilliant man.
I also must give tribute to my Mother who was a wonderful artist, and I used to watch her draw and paint and it was like magic to me. She one day laid aside her paints when I was 7 or 8 years old and never painted again. Probably even her own grandchildren do not know this except for my children.
Through the years I would ask her why, and she never had an answer, and would shrug her shoulders.
When she retired I tried to encourage her to take up art again, but she had lost all interest.
My dad could be a very critical person...a perfectionistic Virgo. I think he may have been critical of Mom's art and she was too sensitive to handle it. I plan to call her today...she is 92, and see if she can remember why she quit painting. I always call her on her and Dads Birthdays.
I vowed never to let that happen to me and I dabbled in it over my career and family years, and as soon as I retired I took Art up seriously again.
Sensitivity to criticism is one reason why I do not believe in ''grading'' art in school, and I also do not enter competitions.
I write this to encourage anyone who might have put down their pencils and brushes because someone said something negative about what they had done. Never let that stop you and never be discouraged....and this applies to EVERYTHING IN LIFE! It is never too late!
If you like what you are doing it is a FINE PIECE OF WORK....!!!!! And if you don't like it, you are probably being TOO HARD ON YOURSELF!!!
That is why, now, today, in my life I can allow myself to post and share everything whether it pleases me or not, because I know I am usually too hard on myself, too much like my dad...:)
And by the way....I REALLY LIKE THIS ONE!!!!...:)
Sunday, September 12, 2010
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