Monday, February 25, 2008

Winter in Southern California

I think this bush is called sweet broom.

Clouds show that there will be rain coming in tomorrow.


Yesterday was rainy again, all day long. Saturday was beautiful, though, so I took some pictures in the yard. I love winter in Southern California.

There is a little downside, though. See all those pretty yellow wildflowers (wild mustard, I think) on the hillside? ALL of that has to be cut down when it starts to dry out and becomes fodder for brush fire. I'm not complaining, though. I'd still rather clear brush than shovel snow.

Thursday, February 21, 2008

Just Dropping By



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I haven't had much to say lately, but I thought it was about time to drop in and say hi. Today's lovely visual is a picture of my friend Sheryl's quilt top. It is BIG, made for a king size bed. I think she has been working on it off and on for quite a while now. I am always amazed at how much quilting she gets done, especially when she works long hours and even has to do quite a bit of traveling. I think that's why she likes applique so much, it travels well.


I can't show you my own work right now since the only piece I am working on has to remain under wraps. I am frustrated by this because I'd really like to share and get feedback. This weekend I am determined to finish it and then I can start on something else.

Besides this project, I have been spending quite a bit of time on the house. Major spring cleaning and all. I have been looking at paint colors for my son's former room and plotting its future destination. One thing leads to another and before you know it you have plans to rearrange and redecorate the entire house.

Last weekend I reworked the smallest bedroom. It's one of my little retreats, a good place for doing computer work, watching a movie, or reading. After determining that my son will not be using it, I appropriated some of his furniture. A little desk for my computer and his old dresser. I also took the rug, which has always been one of my favorites. I hope he isn't dismayed by all the changes, but after all I did ASK first. I really like rearranging furniture and redesigning rooms in the house. Even when I can't afford to do what I'd really like (say, gut it and start over), changing things always makes it feel more interesting.

It has been raining a LOT lately here in So. Cal.
We need the water and it certainly makes the trees and flowers go crazy. Everything, and I mean EVERYTHING is in bloom. Love the look of the landscape but hate what it does to my allergies. As much as the flowers love the water, so do the weeds. Time to get to work.

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Happy Valentine's Day!


I can't share the art quilt I have been working on, but here is a little Valentine's Day wallhanging I made for the kitchen.



To fit in with the color scheme, here is a darling little quilt made by my friend Pam for her new granddaughter. Very sweet and fun. My own bright posey quilt is still hanging in my closet, only partially quilted. I kind of lost interest, but I do want to finish it this year. One of many projects like that, I'm afraid.


In her comment on the last post, Fran asked if I would applique the quilt version of my painted design. I think it will be a combination of methods, possibly piecing the gentle curves in the background and appliqueing shapes on top. I have set the painting and quilt idea I showed you aside for a time since I am working on something else with a deadline. I am not always so good on follow through, especially if it is not work or family related. Sometimes my own creative work gets pushed to the side when the schedule gets full. I do look forward to the day when my creative time IS my work, but I can't afford to quit the day job just yet. I have many years invested in my career and a retirement to look forward to if I hang in there. I can't imagine a more wonderful way to live than making art every day, just for the joy of it. I do my best to fit in time for it, since I believe with all my heart that it feeds my spirit and is at the core of who I am. Still, it's hard to get enough hours in the day.


Jerry and I have gone back to walking daily at the lake for exercise. The holidays were followed by a lengthy cold and rainy spell, and we just got out of the habit. We enjoy our time walking and talking, just taking in the natural beauty around us. He is working a LOT so we both need this time to do something healthy and relieve stress. I have been with my sweetheart for over 33 years, 31+ of them in a happy marriage. I hope we have many more Valentine's Day celebrations together.


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