Long time, no see

Yes, it has been a long time since I posted. Losing Mr. B has shaken my world. In January I moved and am living alone for the first time ever!

I now have a lovely studio. Cabinets, a walk-in art supply closet,  an 11 foot counter and an Ikea unit for my fabric add up to convenience. There is no excuse for me not to turn out lots of inspired work.

While this might not be labeled Inspired, it is definitely Experimental. This was my first time painting on Tyvek.

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HAPPY Sunflower

It is no secret I love sunflowers. Just look at my header. They are so cheerful and just make me feel good! They are often the flower I choose for my enhanced photo art. This one is  rather different.

HAPPY Sunflower

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Fun Filter

 

This is a photo I took in May at the Hoh Rain Forest in the Olympic National Park. The huge trees were amazing. There was so much moss everywhere - LOVED IT! 

Thanks to my son Ken for treating me to this trip and accompanying me. 

Learn more about the Hoh Rain Forest.

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Enjoying Spring

Spring Blooms are everywhere and I am loving being in the garden. In spite of many warm days,

some nights are still dipping into the thirties. It is difficult to do the wise thing and hold back on

planting annuals. All of us gardeners want to get a jump on blooms for the summer. For now we

must be content with tending our perennials. 

LAST SUMMER'S PINK HYDRANGEA

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Inspiring Studio

I love having my supplies on open shelves where I can enjoy them - piles of fabric, stacks of ribbon spools, colored paper, markers, brushes, printed photos taped to the walls.

Even if I am not working, I enjoy being surrounded by it all. Sometimes the materials spark the idea for a project. Maybe it is not very neat but I do try to keep it reasonable and put things in their designated place. It is an Inspiring Studio.

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Celebrate the Gardens of Windham with the Garden Club of Windham CT

The Garden Club of Windham Connecticut is having a social event to "Celebrate the Gardens of Windham." I volunteered to help. Yes, I know. Why did I volunteer? Well, it is for a good cause and what I was requested to do is right up my alley. Besides assisting in the planning, my job is to create beautiful flower posters for advertising that will subsequently be used as door prizes at the event. In addition I will create flyers to post around town.

Our Garden Club takes care of several public gardens in the town of Willimantic. The care of these gardens is an important part of the mission of the club. We want to beautify the city which is the heart of Windham. The centerpiece of our gardens is The Garden on the Bridge which is a garden created on the small outdated bridge when the larger replacement Frog Bridge was built.

We will be celebrating the bounty of summer and the beauty of gardens in an elegant setting at 750 Main Street, September 21, 2016, 7-8:30 pm. There will be piano music by Ruth Hartunian-Alumbaugh and a special presentation by member Faith Kenton about the Willimantic Public Gardens.

And by the way, the beautiful floral art work of Nancy Olivia Designs will available for purchase.

Queen Anne's Lace peeking through the fence at the 

Garden on the Bridge

With the river and the stone mill in the background

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Life without Mr. B

Every day is a struggle. I try to find solace in my art, but creating is not the same without my number one fan. Mr. B  was such a support and always shared my excitement when I had new work to show him.

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Mr. B's Hibiscus Tree

Mr. B loved to accompany me to purchase plants. Part way through one summer we found a small hibiscus tree at half price. He loved it so we brought it home and it lived the summer on our front walk. Every time we left the house we counted the blossoms on the tree. When cooler weather arrived I brought the tree into the living room where it could get lots of sun. It bloomed sporadically that first winter and thrived when it went outside for the next summer. The tree has now spent three winters in the living room and it will soon be outdoors again.

It is fitting that my first foray into creating with my photographs since Mr. B passed away is this photo of a bloom from that tree, snapped in the living room a few weeks ago.

                                          In memory of Mr. B  -  "Impact"

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LOVE'S REMEMBERANCE

Dear Friends,
It is with a heavy heart I announce the passing of my beloved Mr. B, two days after our fiftieth wedding anniversary. One of the last things he said to me, "My love is eternal." Heartbroken does not even describe how I feel.

To forget is vain endeavor

Love's rememberance lasts forever

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Improbable Butterfly

This picture was taken in my yard this summer. With all the medical appointments for Mr. B, there has not been much time for art. I have kept my hand in by snapping pictures but have not worked with them. Taking time now, to experiment while Mr. B watches football, I realize how much I have missed creating. Ideas are popping in my mind. All I need is opportunity.

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Grateful for a Quiet Evening with Mr. B

My world changed when I drove Mr. B to the emergency room one night in late July. Scary times ensued. Two and a half weeks in the hospital, eight days in ICU, nine days without eating, four procedures and sleepless nights for Mr. B and which ever of us was on that shift. All the hospital personnel in both Windham and Hartford were wonderful.

The whole family was exhausted as well as was Mr. B by the time he came home. Many adjustments followed with medicine lists, a walker, visiting nurses, a physical therapist and various appointments. I am proud to say Mr. B is feeling better and gaining in strength. Thank goodness for our wonderful children and their mates who rallied around and shared hospital shifts. I am blessed with friends who gave love, support and a shoulder to cry on.

It is a pleasure to be working on my photos again as I share a quiet evening at home with Mr. B. Blissfull! Our two granddaughters were here for a visit. Even though they are toddlers, they have been taught to take their shoes off when they enter the house. That explains this photo.

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Orange and Pink - Butterfly and Flowers

You have to admit, this combination of orange and pink is spectacular! This photo was taken at the Garden on the Bridge in Willimantic, CT. The Garden is planted and maintained by the Garden Club of Windham of which I am proud to be a member.

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The Days Pass

There are so many "must do" things to see about every day. Even the simple things like getting ready for bed require many steps: Check the door locks, Clean the kitchen, Be sure the cat is inside, Pack the travel snack bag, Etc. Then there are always the pleasurable tasks: Choose a book for bedtime reading, Kiss Mr. B goodnight.

The trick is to not let these things become our whole life. Take time to notice, experience, love, and appreciate. With that thought, I ask you to view my photo.

Rose After a Rain

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Peony Time!

Peony Time is here! Do you love taking pictures of peonies as much as I do? The photos can be used by themselves or changed and used so many ways. My first peony opened today.

This white peony is a picture from my yard last year. I am waiting for this year's blooms to open.

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