Vivian Helena Creates

Western Sierra Nursery

2012-02-12T12:59:00.000-08:00

Shapes and designs, circles and sky. The nursery is one of my favorite places to photograph. There is always a variety of wonderful goodies to enjoy.

Love little benches, especially this bright color, can't you just see that in your yard!

Donations, for the Eastern Madera County SPCA facility, were cheerfully accepted, and love the chili.

Mark and Robyn Holland the owners of the Nursery, cooked up a batch of chile, the old fashioned cowboy on the range style. It smelled so good, and it all went for a great cause, to help our lost animals in need.
The chili was free, and delicious, of course, donations were appreciated.
This is an annual Christmas time occurrence, be sure to stop in next year.

Frozen, ooops

2012-02-10T11:08:00.000-08:00

Ice and Snow... no, just sunshine. Beloved sunshine... Several weeks ago, I forgot the sprinklers on, and look at the beautiful icicles that formed on my rosemary bush. We were having freezing nights, down to 19 at the lowest.. Thankfully, no pipes were broken.

We have had some amazing weather this year if this were summer.. No rain, or hardly... I keep forgetting to water the yard... hope we don't lose any plants.. We took all the timers off because they usually freeze and break. Sure could use them now.. Off to water the yard... Enjoy your day! I want ta be in the Studio!!! but the sun feels so good!

Timberline Gallery- Hungry?

2012-02-07T11:39:00.000-08:00

I have been out of town at a Quilt camp... oh, so much fun. And now back to catch up with 400 emails. It is not the amount so much, as how interesting some of them are. Yes, there are sales adds, but also lots of quilting information.

However, wanted to show you this delicious ceramic piece at Timberline Gallery by David Caras.. Now, this is the way to diet... although it makes me want to run to the nearest donut store, Judy's in Oakhurst, 17 miles away. Not so near!

Julie Mitchell's wonderful figures are all gathered together along with Joyce Wycoff''s beautiful digital art.

Have you seen our expanded card rack? If you would like to send a special card to friends or family, be sure to stop in and see the variety the artists have made especially for you... Many can be framed for years of enjoyment.

Timberline Gallery, Animal Totems

2012-02-03T22:01:00.000-08:00

The Timberline Show, Animal Totems still up till first week in March. Many great artists are showing their work, in the middle, is a piece by Valerie Runningwolf.

David Carras has some wonderful ceramics and jewelry showing. Carolyn Hartling is inspiring with her landscapes. No, that is not hanging at an angle, I just noticed the shadow..or maybe it was the camera...

Kathleen Mattox, always has some inspirational message with her art.

Suzanne Banks, is showing, "Afternoon Reflections". As you can see there is an amazing variety of art at Timberline, do stop in and enjoy viewing our local artists creativity. Bring a friend and then go to lunch in one of the many local restaurants... Gallery row has a number of beautiful galleries.

Challenge, Procion Dyes

2012-01-26T09:38:00.000-08:00

Since I am not a "pink" person for quilting, ( I do wear pink) decided to try a bit of Red and Rust Brown Procion Dyes. Oh, yes the silly little bag in the corner was given to me by a dear friend... I might even add that!
And look what I found in a "box"... some 9 patches..
Back to the studio.

Bloomin' Boomers

2012-01-25T08:28:00.000-08:00

It is always fun when a friend does something extraordinary.. Sandra is a member of the Positive Living Center and lives on the other side of the Fresno River from us. I attended her open reception and book signing. In spite of the rainy weather the house was packed, yummy food, lots of locals and friends from the Valley. There were games, prizes, music by Joe Nelson and his guitar. The place was jumping.

I love the presentation and cover of the book. My husband and I took turns noting all the information that we had forgotten about that period in time. Sandee has written about many famous folks and some names I did not recognize.

Beside reading about well known people, there is a great time line on World Events and Popular Culture. It is a nice rainy day today, so curling up in front of the fireplace and learning more about that period of time sounds like the perfect afternoon. Wonder where I fit in, having been born slightly before the Boomers.

Sandee will be having a book signing at our local Book Store Willow Bridge Books, check the schedule and I am sure she would enjoy a crowd.

Rayna Gillman, Free Form Book

2012-01-22T06:53:00.000-08:00

Back to the Karen Musgrave's Challenge fabric using Rayna's Free Form Book. I decided to wash, put in soda Ash, and

Try out some Red, and Rust Brown Procion Dyes.. Still in the jars..

I started some sorting and too much thinking!

Sorting some of the strips and colors, Relax, Deep Breath, and Having fun!

Fabric Landscapes

2012-01-20T07:56:00.000-08:00

Organization, that is the word for this year. I see everyone on the net making lists, and they get them done or say they do. And one of the gals showed a list of 100 things she did last year, couldn't read all of them.. My thoughts at this moment are, don't list till the item is done. I have read all the organization articles, the how to,etc... and I love them, but I have to DO IT not just read the how, best way, etc. Even though I do learn and hope to remember.

So number #2 on the list is done, above is the entry of a post card.. won't say where unless it shows up...Don't know if I am supposed to mention it or not. In case you missed it #1, was the "Birds" at the gallery.

This little postcard landscape is for my dear friend Jane... She sent me a beautiful Birthday Card, with the little wire flowers on it.. I tried to make another one out of copper wire to add to it.. But I did not have thin enough wire. Jane lives by the ocean, that is why the ocean is on her card.

I am terrible about sending out Birthday cards, in fact, this is the first year that I have not sent out the old Christmas Letter. However, I did name it the New Years Letter, so I still have time.. My excuse was that this year I wanted to answer everyone's letter.. Well, that is not working out.. The stack of wonderful cards is till on the table. January is not over YET.

Lunch, The Elephant Bar

2012-01-19T06:50:00.000-08:00

Most of you know I am the grab and eat on the road person. Ralph and I decided that since we did not have to be any where special and were waiting for his computer work to be done,, We would visit the Elephant Bar. We had not been there in a long time, and could not remember why we did not visit it more often.

Pricing is in line with most sit down restaurants. But with some special and interesting selections.
Ralph chose the salmon sushi with a noodle soup.. he had already fished out the mushrooms which he does not like, when I decided to take a photo. He ate it all except for the onions and the mushrooms.

I chose the Fish and Chips, with Cole Slaw and the "green sauce". I was prepared to pass on the Green Stuff, because if I remember it said something like mint & cilantro. Oh, am I glad I did not pass that up... It has made a "try the sauce" gal out of me..

Don't say NO till you taste it.

The draw back with the Elephant Bar, I could barely hear my self think let alone what Ralph was saying to me.. However, when I told the server, why we usually did not come in, because of the noise, she suggested asking for one of the high sided booths at the back.

Yes, my YoYo circle, they have seating there for 6.. so maybe next time out, we will hop in there. Although I do hear it is a squeeze.

Vetrans Memorial Museum- Fresno

2012-01-18T08:13:00.000-08:00

After we visited the Fresno Water Tower, we crossed the street to the Veterans Memorial Museum. We are seldom in this part of town. The museum is inside the Auditorium and I was surprised by the

many artifacts that are shown and were donated. Since there is pay for parking on the street, you do have to watch the time.

My husband could have spent hours in here as it covers information from the Civil War days. But I was getting hungry. Visit when you have time. The volunteers are very helpful with answering any questions.

Fresno Water Tower

2012-01-17T08:11:00.000-08:00

A few year ago I showed some of my art at the "Art By Hand" in Fresno. Since then they have moved to the Historic Water Tower. The date on the tower is 1894 and is located in an area that has many historic buildings. Additional information can be found at Heritage Fresno.

It is an amazing water tower all built of red bricks, and very impressive looking up from the inside.

The Gallery is lovely, featuring many local artists and a Visitor Center. Be sure to thank the volunteers for keeping and sharing the local information.

Even comfortable chairs to relax in and enjoy the ambiance.

Today I work at Timberline Gallery, so no time to play in the studio...But soon,, have my Ugly fabric up, and deciding what to do next, checking out Rayna's book for inspiration!

Challenge- Ugly Fabric

2012-01-14T20:59:00.000-08:00

Karen Musgrave is an email friend with lots of energy and ideas.. She posted a challenge to use this ugly fabric and Rayna Gillman's wonderful techniques in her new book, "Create you own Free Form Quilts". I have followed Rayna's blog for a long time, and as you see I have both of her books.

So I have taken up the challenge. Yes, one of my New Years resolutions was to complete UFO's, but I can justify this by using fabric and going through my stash. I also have free rein to stamp, paint, dye etc. When the fabric arrived and I looked at it up close, I had to wonder where Karen ever found this and what she had in mind.. Or was this chosen especially for this challenge? I have some ugly fabric, but really, Karen! Thankfully, I am not the only one in the group of 12 that have similar thoughts.

Tomorrow will find me sorting, and checking out my scrap bag,, then some stress free strip sewing. The rules are simple, Use the fabric on the front, show photos on my blog, especially if I am changing the appearance of the fabric, use Rayna's book and have fun!

Check out everyone's blogs ( list on Karen's blog)and follow the progress, while we slice, and dice our way to our free-form quilts.

Chinese Brush Painting.

2012-01-14T09:44:00.000-08:00

Years ago, I took Chinese Brush painting classes from NingYeh in Huntington Beach, Ca. It was a fun experience. The reason I bring it up now, is that the Postmarkd'art group has been talking about Signature Chops. Several of the gals have taught in Korea and China, and have come home with their personal chops.
I have searched all over my house, and can not find my "chop". To tell the truth I don't even remember what it says. If any one knows some one that can read Chinese, please let me know. Hope it is something good...Now, I have to think of what I would like my new one to say.. oh, yes, since I can not find that one, Guess I am just going to have to buy one another one.

Sorry for the glare,, I did not want to take the glass off of the painting.

Judy Dales, Interlocking Stars

2012-01-10T12:51:00.000-08:00

I took a quilting class from Judy Dales, in 1996... wow, eons ago.. It was a fun class, "Interlocking Stars" as I remember, and I am not the worlds best, or even good piecer. But a gold star,,it is finished!

The reason I am showing this quilt now, is that, hanging a different quilt every month, is one of my 2012 thoughts/ goals, hummmm.. What am I saving them for, all folded up? I should be sparking my memory and enjoying the change of color in the living area.

Classes are always important and enjoyable.. In all the years I can only think of one class where Frustration was at the top of the list, well, maybe 2, now that I think of it.. No, will not tell which ones,, probably was partly my own fault .. I was surprised when a friend asked me why I take quilting classes, after umpteen years of quilting.

Several reasons came to mind. Friendship and camaraderie, learning new techniques, like the computer, there are always new ideas to learn, most that make it easier. Certainly there are new products on the market, and the fun of it... Look at all the new fabrics, colors, patterns that spark our creativity.

This is also a year to finish UFO's.. knitting and quilting, painting, and yard work, clearing my desk AND.........I get side tracked.
Enjoy your New Year,, that comes first, Have Fun!

Fresno River, 360 degree

2012-01-08T14:27:00.000-08:00

I might have mentioned that I got an I Phone,, and still learning. Scott, our son, showed me the 360 app, and that has been fun..
This year, so far, we have not had any rain, so the river is on the other side of what we call our island..

Everything is brown or gray. The willows are high but just twigs on the waters edge and the debris is about 10 ft. high from last years rain. We have managed to pull most of the wood off that had fallen or was left from the flooding.

I am not sure that all the 360 will show on the blog. But it is enough to show how blessed we feel to be this close to nature..

Thank you for popping into my blog and sharing your thoughts with me.

You are all special and as we go forward with the New Year, I look forward to getting to know you better. Off to water, that is not a complaint,, just a little added work.

Will make good use of the quiet moments and watch the birds, there are still geese that have not left for the winter.. or maybe they are just staying because it is so warm.. Love the sound of wings flapping and the honking as they fly together...

Timberline Gallery, Theme- Totems

2012-01-05T09:11:00.000-08:00

Timberline Gallery has their January Show up, the theme is Totems. I really had to scratch my head with this one,, and time was running out, when I found these wonderful colorful birds..
"Birds of Many Colors"
The Blue Bird represents balance of work and play. Their songs awaken confidence and internal peace.
Dance along the way with Love and Joy.
Great way to start the new year.

I fussy cut the birds, and pre-quilted the wonderful cloud fabric. I stitched around each bird, limb and leaves. Added some quilting with embroidery threads, beads and buttons.

I don't work at Timberline Gallery until the 17th of this month, and will take photos of some of the other wonderful Totems that are in the display at that time.

Unraveled, Memories, knitted sweaters

2012-01-03T07:33:00.000-08:00

As promised I found the sweaters from my "Teen Years". Why do we keep such things as "old clothes"? Are they memories we wish to hold on to? My mother knitted the yellow one with the cable stitches, and I knitted the white and blue patterned sweater. I am afraid to try them on... some parts on my body have mysteriously changed, certainly not the fault of that ugly word "age".

I was never one to follow a pattern very well.. I don't even know where my mother with Dutch heritage learned to knit.. Although she did teach me the "American" way.. Thankfully, it is how most of my friends knit.. so it should not be that confusing.

Maybe she learned when she arrived in the U.S. through Ellis Island. She was from a family of 8 children, 4 boys, 4 girls, born in Leiden around 1898. That date does not even seem real, more like something you read in a history book. Her brothers brought her to Rochester, N.Y., when she was about 18.

Oakhurst has a wonderful Knit Store, Unraveled, and the owner Babette is always smiling and answering all questions, no matter how repetitive they are. There are several knitting groups, new and local yarns available. This is the place to stop by and get to know the local ladies, oh, and have fun knitting. I hear they laugh most of the time! Oh,, if the walls could talk!

Mother's Knitting needles

2011-12-30T14:28:00.000-08:00

This Christmas we decided to pull all the X-mas labeled boxes down from the barn attic. There isn't any standing room, so it is a bit difficult. We were planning on seeing the kids in Orange Co.. and this was a perfect opportunity to take tree decorations to them.. Well, about 8 boxes went, and about 4 stayed.
The little square tag you see in the middle of the needles is the sticker from Super Yarn Store, "pay only 35.cents". That was one of my first jobs in Pasadena, while in High School. Wonder what we bought for .35.

I had been looking for my Mothers leather knitting needle container, off and on, and there it lay at the bottom of one of the boxes... She had done all the tooling of the flowers, and the words on the leather wrap.. It reminded me of when I was a teenager. While watching T.V. we knitted sweaters. Mother enjoyed the intricate knitting designs, I loved to do colored patterns. ( I will post those photos later, yes, I have 2 sweaters left)

The case has deteriorated beyond keeping, so now I have a photo of it. Most of the needles were still in fine shape, some are rusty, and the aluminum ones have pock marks where the out side coating sort of ate away.. I thought I would have to throw those away.. but then I started to think creatively... Why not use them for plant stakes?

I know the pansies don't need a stake,, but this will remind me in the Spring when flowers grow tall and I need stakes to keep them straight.. The other thing I have started to do as plates break or chip, is to put them in the garden also.. Love the color, especially at this time of year, when there are mostly brown leaves scattered about.

Mother died about 25 years ago... but there are always reminders, they turn up at unusual moments.
Memories are like that, something reminds us of the past, some pleasant, some not so pleasant. A New Year is coming, keep the happy thoughts, and learn from the times that were not so wonderful.

Big City- Costa Mesa Ca.,Ikea shopping

2011-12-29T10:48:00.000-08:00

Ok,, So we don't get to the BIG City very often... or like my art friends in New York who send wonderful photos of graffiti, and buildings that are being renewed or demolished. Any Ikea is about a 3 hour drive from us... so we take advantage when we visit the kids in So. Cal.

It has been a long time since I have seen a public pay telephone on a curb... Love the yellow color.

Any one know what a "jump break " is relating to a blog? or what it does??? I thought I had solved my issue with typing under a photo.... but no that was not it... hummmm

Well, now what did that do?

Timberline Gallery, 360 degrees

2011-12-28T07:34:00.000-08:00


			I thought it would be fun to take a 360 degree photo of Timberline Gallery.. This app is really interesting!

Journal Covers-

2011-12-21T08:37:00.000-08:00

My friend Karen Musgrave suggested that I post my Journal covers again.. She is making the kind that you can take off and transfer to a new journal.. I wanted mine to be permanent.. Some I have sold through our local book store.

I use the standard black and white books that you can find in most stores. Duct tape is used for the binding area and I make the cover as I would one of my postcards that I send to my Postmarkd'art group. I sell the English Paper Piecing hexagons and patterns,, these were some pieces that were left from a project. Great way to use scraps, buttons, hand sewing and machine applique.

Silk Tie Tree, Creativity

2011-12-20T10:14:00.000-08:00

Do you have lots of Ties laying around, or you can run to your local Thrift Store.. Each year members of our Positive Living Center create amazing Christmas Trees. People bid on them to raise funds for the Boys and Girls Club in our area..
This year the Christmas Tie Tree was a big hit.. There is still time to be Creative with Ties. no sewing, a few lights, and a little base tree... Enjoy !

Merry Christmas, may it sparkle on each one of you and each of your friends and family

P G & E, Gratitude

2011-12-18T22:10:00.000-08:00

Like the blossoms on this flower, Gratitude can multiply and unfurl.

Several weeks ago I wrote about PG & E, and our refrig.. Just to fill you in.
The parts came in for the refrigerator, and it is humming quietly, keeping everything wonderful and cold... and it was before Thanksgiving, so we were very fortunate that is was not the holiday week-end...
PG & E, were true to their word, and after filing the proper papers they paid for the repair and the food that was spoiled... A kind sounding gentleman called to inform us that the check was on the way.. In the mean time I found out that our DVD player was also not working, and mentioned it to the claims person. I suggested waiting to have our son check it out, because he is better at electrical devices.

When the family came to visit at Thanksgiving he checked it and yes, the circuit board had blown also... We bought a new one on sale at the local Radio Shack that week-end.

I called the number that the PG & E man gave me and left a message.. I received a call stating that that sounded fair and a follow -up check was in the mail... We appreciate the help that PG & E gave us and the kind live man on the other end of the phone.

Gifts come in different size packages, sometimes we recognize them and sometimes, they are so small they go unnoticed..

Especially at this season, the season for giving and receiving.. We feel gratitude for our refrigerator, our electrical system and everything that makes our life so much easier..

P.E.O. Christmas luncheon, 2011

2011-12-16T07:26:00.000-08:00

Christmas luncheon at a P.E.O. member, Sandy's home, was a real treat for all of us, especially those that have their decorations in the top of the attic, or barn, and debate taking them down.

Our family comes up during the summer, so the kids can go to Yosemite, or just play in the field... or help us around the yard.. which we appreciate..

So it was wonderful to see a house that is totally decorated.. I have only shown a few of the decorations, I think there were about 7 trees set up with Theme decorations, and every corner has a delightful surprise. I fell in love with this almost life size Santa..

Hope you are all ready for the Christmas Holiday Season.... and a Very Merry Christmas to you and yours.

Knit Sox, done

2011-12-15T08:20:00.000-08:00

Several years ago, I started knitting some socks for my husband. My friend said they are EASY to knit on circular needles.. Well, they are still in the basket, just could not visualize how to complete them... So I started another pair with 4 needles, larger yarn, and I finished them... Now I am trying to finish the pair on the circular needles... part of my cleaning up, UFO's... If I get them done, I am on my way to completing one New Years resolution before the New Year starts.... and my hubby will get his Christmas present,, a couple years late.. but in time for winter...

Birthdays, come too fast

2011-12-13T08:08:00.000-08:00

Most Sundays we have breakfast with friends. We usually eat the same things, eggs, bacon, hash browns, etc,, part of mine goes home to our dog, this is the one day he meets us at the door dancing.

Thinking that we were ready to leave the restaurant, I started to get up when the staff came smiling and carrying the rest of Breakfast! Topped off with a candle... The plate is amazing and fun, and it was decorated with whip cream,ice cream, chocolate cake, strawberry and chocolate sauce... Thanks to the staff at the Chukchansi Casino. Thanks to my husband who is an ice cream, whip cream crazy person... Everyone got a bite and their sweats for the day.

Seasons, Fall-Winter

2011-12-09T08:56:00.000-08:00

Each day can be so very fragile in the Fall, leaves fall, winds blow, gray skies.

One moment it is gray and cold, the fog comes in quietly and suddenly all is quiet, the next moment the sun shines brightly and my bones are warmed again... listen to the golden leaves rustling, see them shimmering

Burning Brush Art Gallery

2011-12-02T09:23:00.000-08:00

My dear friend Joan, has opened her new Burning Brush Art Gallery in Oakhurst. She has had a gallery in North Fork for years, but now has moved it to a rustic spot on Hwy 41, Plaza Forty-One, on the highway to Yosemite..

Joan Constable is a marvelous, world renowned artist, and teacher of all the arts and piano... The mural you are looking at is one that she has painted on the side of the building and you can see it on your travels, be sure to stop in a say hello.. She has some wonderful treasures, and a variety of local artists that display with Joan.

Next year there is a new hotel being built right next door, and she is across the street from the Best Western... We wish her success.

Thanksgiving, 2011,

2011-12-01T11:21:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving week could not have been more perfect. Ralph's son and Fiance' came up to help around the property. The weather was sunny and wonderful. We had friends and family in for the traditional turkey and trimmings.

Last winter we had an Oak Tree fall, and have needed to get it out of the rivers way for this winter. With lots of help from friends and family, we have been able to cut and pull most of it to safe ground.

There is always something that needs doing when you own some property. But we feel that is what keeps us healthy and young. Well sort of, pass the Aleve, please.

We have so much to be Thankful for.. and that is what we focus on this time of year... or any time is the right time to be Thankful. I will not make a list because each one of us knows in our hearts the blessings we want to send out to the Universe.

"Our Wild Lands" Art Exhibition 2011

2011-11-23T08:28:00.000-08:00

"Our Wild Lands" a juried Exhibition put on by Sierra Art Trails at the Stellar Gallery, open till December 4th. in Oakhurst, Calif.

My piece " Reflections", is a whole cloth, hand dyed cotton fiber, machine quilted piece with leaves stenciled along the base.

"Love it, Don't Leave It" was inspired one day, when I was picking up trash along the road way. Of course, I had to use pop tops, but also some found pieces. I incorporated rubbings with oil paint sticks, hand dyed fabrics, stencils that I made, beading, hand dyed threads and a copper piece I found in the plumbing department at a Lowe's store is used as hanger. It has machine and hand quilting.

We had a good turn out, guitar music and refreshments. I enjoy creating for a Theme, especially when it relates to the area we live in.. I have to focus on the different aspects and sort through a variety of possibilities, gets my creative juices flowing.. Usually it is a short time frame that gets in the way and I need to review what I want to say, it is fun to have a message that the viewers appreciate.

Timberline Gallery Change Out November

2011-11-21T12:29:00.000-08:00

While I sat the Gallery the first week in November, it was very quiet, Thankfully, as Jacqueline Kurtt and I worked on straightening up after the big long day of changing out the gallery the day before.

This happens every 2 months,, I thought this time I would show the variety of items available,,, and of course, I am going to show you some of my jewelry pieces. I have a locked case that is by the front door, with a variety of earrings, hand made glass items, my little gourd necklace figures, and a small framed fabric landscape.

In another corner of the gallery, we set a few of my gourd pieces and David Caris's ceramic pieces.

And below see Lura and Kerby's wonderful fiber piece of our local Father Christmas, Wayne Boring.

Fabric dyeing- Fun- Nov. 2011

2011-11-19T10:20:00.000-08:00

Miss the fun??? We had a grand time, playing with some new colors, experimenting, painting on colors, and totally enjoying the day... Will let you know when I plan to have another exciting class.

Beads and More Beads

2011-11-12T10:43:00.000-08:00

Our little Historic Village in Coarsegold, Hwy. 41 & 415, has tents with venders set up most week-ends.. Gary, our bead buddy, has a regular booth, among several other venders... You can find a great variety of goodies from rusty items, to old saddles, pots, pans, and yard ornaments... But my favorite are these luscious looking beads.

Gary is there daily, if you are visiting Yosemite, be sure and stop at our little Village area..Tell him, Vivian sent you.... I have lots of beads, and rusty yard "art" supplied by Gary.

Timberline Gallery- Dream Time

2011-11-09T20:49:00.000-08:00

Timberline Gallery in Oakhurst, Dream Time Show open Now... This showing will run through the holidays till Jan. If you have not been in lately, be sure to come by and chat with the artist sitting that day. You can check out the schedule on the Timberline Web Site and see this months schedule, open 10-4 every day. We have Joyce Wycoff to thank for this wonderful poster.

If you are not registered to receive a mailing, there is a special happening, starting Friday, the day after Thanksgiving... better come by, we open at 10 AM. and see what all the excitement is about... maybe you will find the perfect special Christmas gift.... remember buy local...promote the local arts.

There is a Reception at Stellar Gallery this Saturday, Nov. 12, 4-8, "Our Wild Lands". I am delighted that I have 2 pieces juried into this show..Come join in the fun, wonderful Art, music, food, visit with the artists and your neighbors.

Power Surge, P G & E

2011-11-09T08:08:00.000-08:00

Finally, after being told 8 years ago, that we were 100th, on the list to receive an Electrical Pole. They came and changed ours out.
Since it would be from 8 Am till 3, we thought it best to rearrange our schedule and go away for the day.. So off to Fresno we went, giving no more thought to the workman... By the way they had come out 2 weeks ago, but forgot the pole.. enough said on that.

We got home about 5 and rushed out to feed the animals, then off to another meeting in Oakhurst.. Home about 9, and never gave a thought to anything, checked out emails, then to bed... Busy the next day, never looked in the refrig.... Hummm.

Guess the power surge had blown out the refrig, with the lights on inside! When I went to get something the next day.... what a mess! Everything was defrosted and warm.... we have a side by side G.E. Sears would be 10 days before they could come, so I called our local Fixit Refrig people, Fulmers,, He said he would make some adjustments in his schedule and come out.. There was a big black spot on the circuit board.... the power when it came on, blew out the refrig... Never thought to put a surge protector on the refrig, and we have been here 10 years.... and at some times had power outages, but nothing had happened till now..

We are still waiting for the parts......hope they can fix it!

A Rose by any other name is

2011-11-07T21:26:00.000-08:00

Fall is here, my roses are still giving beautiful flowers, amazing what a bit of fertilizer can do and gentle talking. A storm is suppose to come in this week-end, so I took a moment to walk around the garden and see that things are safe.. We don't have storms like in the East, or what we are reading about in Colorado. But we still have to check out and make sure tools etc. are under cover.

The sun is shining and I am taking a moment to enjoy the quietness. Our church, the Positive Living Center is having a class given by our Rev. Joanne Burgess. The books we are reading are Stillness Speaks, by Eckhart Tolle, and Just One Thing By Rick Hanson. There are about 10 of us and the discussions get lively. Do we really know the answers, or is it just up to each of us to be comfortable with where we are in this wondrous life.
The Daily Om, had this to say this morning.. oh, so true.

When we rush through our days and lives, we fail to notice the simple beauty of living.

Tarantula Festival, always in Oct.

2011-11-06T14:04:00.000-08:00

This year I am in town for the Tarantula Festival, and guess I got there too early to see the contests with live fuzzy spiders. However, we had lots of venders.. The mountain area is full of talented artists, and authors.. I met Tammy Simpson, wife, mother, gardener, and author. You can get in touch with her through her web site Greeneyed Lady. just click on it.. She has written 2 books, The Cat Who Thought He Was A Dog, and perfect for this week-end, Tiny Paul the Tarantula Takes a Walk.

This tarantula is carved from wood, another one of our local artisans.
I wandered around chatting with friends and neighbors.. Fun beautiful day in the mountain area.. And we have only seen one tarantula at our house so far this Oct.

Postmarkd'art- letter B

2011-11-03T09:00:00.000-07:00

At Postmarkd'art,we are exchanging letters of the Alphabet, and I drew the letter B.. At first I was not sure what I could make and then it came to me.. cut the card in half... I used some of my hand dyed fabrics, and rubber stamped with Stewart Gill paints..

I outlined the "B" with stitching, cut the card in half, sewed around the two edges and zigzagged them back together. I wanted to have some space in between, but when I stitched it, it was too hard to fight my sewing machine.. The first one is for me, and did not have it so exaggerated, but I like this one better. That is why the first one is always for me...the experiment.

Be sure to check Postmarkd'arts new blog web site.. Franki Kohler and the ladies have done a magnificent job on putting that together. There is information on new skills for Fabric Postcards, a gallery, information regarding other projects, links to the members and a ton of interesting ideas. Stop in and Say HI, maybe you would also like to join us on the next round. So be sure to sign in.

I still or will always have a great learning curve with all these new devices.. Was at the Apple store for an hour on Wed.. learning new things with my NEW I Phone... I even turn it on when I am not at home. Now I just have to give out my phone number!

Master Art Quilts Vol 2

2011-10-29T11:48:00.000-07:00

How exciting! I love getting surprises in my mail... I guess the next best thing to being in Masters Art Quilt Vol.2, is receiving the book in the mail. It is an inch thick, of fantastic photographs of Major Works by 40 Leading Artists.
A letter from Sterling says this came from Lark Needlearts Team and I feel so blessed to receive this.
Thank you so very much!

This book includes quilt artists from around to world... too numerous for me to mention here.
Lark books has a blog, be sure to pop in and see what is new. Also " Like" on their Facebook page to keep up with everything that is going on with arts and crafts.

If I don't answer my emails right away, you will know that I am sitting in a cozy chair, with my glass of, would like to say wine, but my friends know I only drink Sprite. You get the picture... I am having a wonderful time exploring other artists visions.
Hope you are cozy also..

Love It, Don't Leave It

2011-10-27T15:29:00.000-07:00

Trying my hand at making a stencil was a bit of a challenge. Did not want it to fall apart, guess I was thinking this day, as it worked.

The Stewart Gill paints from Scotland are expensive at the Quilt shows, but so worth it.. Love the colors and the feel. It goes on beautifully, for rubber stamping and for stenciling.

Started by laying the pieces on my design wall. There is one batik, the rest are my hand dyes, rubbings, stampings and stenciling. It has beading, hand embroidery, little rocks, crystals, and found objects.
Free motion machine quilting and addition of my hand dyed Pearl Cotton.

The green with the painted figures was a "scrap" piece that I was experimenting on, and had put in the "stash" pile.. Oh, so happy I kept it.. you never know where something might fit...

"Love it, Don't Leave it", is almost finished in this photo.. I have added a few more items. It was accepted into the juried show, "Our Wild Lands". The Reception is in Oakhurst at the Stellar Gallery on Sat. November 12th.

Hope to see you there.

Sunset, a Fall Sky

2011-10-22T08:43:00.000-07:00

Even though it is still warm and feels like summer. Winter is coming.. I love the beautiful sunsets we have at this time of year.. We live by the Fresno River, and you can smell the slight dampness that winds it's way up the hill.. It is fresh and sparkling, no breeze , just the feel of the river. A quietness, beautiful silence...just the knowing of nature.

Am off to 4 days with quilting friends. We have met once a year for 13 years at the same location... this is our special October meeting where we work on our own projects, share ideas, get some exercise and have fun quilting.
See you soon, with more fun news.. enjoy your day quilting.

Kathleen Mattox - Gallery- Sanger

2011-10-12T08:21:00.000-07:00

Gallery Opening, last week for Kathleen Mattox. If you were not there, you missed all the fun and seeing her beautiful new studio and gallery.. It is in a darling little building all built of bricks in downtown Sanger. I am sure there is a history to this wonderful little building.

Kathleen and her hubby, Roy, repainted the whole inside with a wonderful shade of peach.. her beautiful paintings sparkled on the walls, everything looked fresh and inviting.. naturally there were munchies and goodies.. Joyce Wycoff (Below) commented on how beautifully Kathleen set everything up.. Even the shower area.. but you have to see for your self.

Kathleen told us she had visitors all day, and they were still going at it when we arrived at 4 pm. She was featured in a local newspaper also. I did not get a photo of her hubby and the men playing their instruments out side,,, but see Kathleen is playing beautiful music with her group of musicians. Multi talented lady..
If you are not familiar with Kathleen and her amazing art, be sure to check her out on her blog, web or Facebook...She has art work that would make great Christmas presents.

Trash Pick up in the Mountain Community

2011-10-10T11:54:00.000-07:00

Keeping our cities and country area's picked up is everyone's job. #1. is making sure trash does not escape your car, or blow out of your truck.

Yup! that is a Vodka bottle, guess that person did not want to show that they had been drinking, hope they got safely home and did not kill anyone.

This time I found it interesting.. In the two hours + that I was out, I found less cans or bottles and more of these types of cups.. Guess people are keeping the cans to turn into money. I was shocked at how fast the plastic tops on these disintegrate into a million pieces when I tried to pick them up, the cups were still very hardy.

There were to go cups from all the franchise restaurants in Oakhurst,, I was picking up in Coarsegold area, about 14 miles from the nearest coffee or soda place.. Also one from the Valley. I am not naming them because it is not their fault,,, it is the fault of the person in the car.

Our county and others don't have the funds to hire people to pick up the trash, and why should they, so let's all be more attentive to our surroundings and keep our cities and country/rural areas picked up..

Below is the start of the pile that neighbors and volunteers in the Coarsegold area picked up... Notice your highways, and notice what is happening.. do your part locally, it only takes a little time.. Buddy up with a friend, great time to chat, it is very relaxing and it is amazing what you find. One time we even found money. Easier then panning for gold..

Halloween Wreath- 2011

2011-10-07T08:29:00.000-07:00

Usually, I remember a holiday after it has passed.. In the process of cleaning up the studio, I came across this little grape vine wreath.. Checking out my scrap bag, I found some 2 in. strips that looked like the right season.

I tied them to the wreath,,

Added a Black plastic Spider and a little orange skeleton I found at Joanne's. I am all set and right in season.


Found my Halloween Quilt, that was a fun one to make and I should decorate a little for each season.. but the seasons come so fast.

Calm and relax

2011-10-06T12:38:00.000-07:00

Taking a deep breath, and trying to center... soft music, relaxing stitches.. I pulled out an old denim shirt and decided to add some pieces of lace, doing some quiet stitching with embroidery thread and some of the hand dyed Pearl Cotton threads.. Maybe I will add more beads, and check out other stitches, some black and white..

Perfect day for this,,, cloudy, gray and rainy...

Sierra Art Trails.... last day

2011-10-04T17:18:00.000-07:00

Another fun year with Sierra Art Trails... I have participated in 7 of the 9 Sierra Art Trails week-ends.. Next year will be the 10th year... There are already thoughts being expressed on how to make next year special and exciting.

Kimee was reading Tarot cards this year. If you missed this you missed the fun. She explained about her many different beautiful decks of cards and the symbols, very interesting.. The big message for me was getting out of my own way and to stop the chatter in my head..Along with my TO DO list... relax and enjoy the moment...

Wish I knew how to do that, because I was so wound up after we took everything down that I was awake till the early hours of the morning.

I thought about all the lovely people we met, and the discussions on the variety styles of art represented and sites that they had visited. Sharing visions and techniques with artists and guests is one of the high lights.

Unpacking.... and putting away... lots of other projects to be completed. Never a dull moment. Remember you can always call when you are in the area, or planning to be in the area.. My studio might not be cleaned up, but would enjoy meeting you. For those in the area, if you remember something you did not buy, or want some item for the holidays... be sure to contact me.

I
I love Morning Glories... You would think that with all our heat they would bloom early in the spring or at least in the middle of the summer,,, But no, I just have a few come back every year to share their beautiful blue/lavender color. There is no fragrance, and their vines remind me of perseverance.
Fall is coming soon,, perhaps even rain this week.. My Ah Ha moment.

I am very grateful that during this week-end we had gorgeous sunny weather.. Perfect for the 2011 Art Trails. If you missed it this year, please put it on your calendar for 2012, we would love to meet you.

Sierra Art Trails Opening 2011

2011-10-01T07:13:00.000-07:00

Sierra Art Trails opening this year was on Friday. It started out quiet and ended quiet, but no rain storms, and not that hot. So the weather is good. Last year it poured during the night and Kathleen's EZ up almost fell. It was scary.. but weather is expected to be good all week-end... I say with fingers crossed.
Lots of friends did drop by and some promising to come back.. The artists that were not open on Friday took the opportunity to check out other sites..

I am showing a bit of everything I worked on all year. Journal books, Pray flags, scarves, Gourds, and gourd necklaces, hand dyed, & stenciled T. shirts, hand dyed socks, woven baskets, earrings,

photography, cards, and dyed and stenciled napkins. Magnetic bracelets, beaded necklaces. Kathleen's booth was busy with people enjoying her watercolors. They are amazing with all the bright colors.. Maybe tomorrow, I will show another photo of her booth.

One of my quilted kites is hanging on the back wall. Oh, I also brought some of my photography and watercolor paintings...
In looking at all that I brought, I had a moment to ruminate about what keeps me happy.
Creating Art.
Come by if you have an opportunity, tell us about the other locations. When we are working Sierra Art Trails we don't have a chance to see what the other artists art showing.
Our artist friends are all over the mountains and hills, Coarsegold, Carolyn Hartling , is a pastel and watercolor artist, there are a variety of sculptures, jewelry artists, and Anita Stoll with her beautiful pastel art.
Joan Constable has just opened her own studio in Oakhurst, and Joyce Wycoff is at McDonald's, so stop in there for a hamburger and Fries, and see her magnificent Digital Photography.
Shela Boyd is at her husbands new location, and you will be amazed at what she can Airbrush on, everything from leather to Granite,,, or maybe your car!
The Hoffman's are in Mariposa with photography and pastels. Jerry Boswell is in Oakhurst with his magnificent black and white photographs of Yosemite. And don't forget we all have work at the Stellar Gallery, and many have work at Timberline..
So come have fun! Today and Sunday!
Buy the catalog and see the variety, almost 100 artists are showing!

Sierra Art Trails- set-up at Julie Mitchell's studio

2011-09-30T07:47:00.000-07:00

Who ever said Ez-ups are easy... thankfully, my husband was with me this morning to set up the basics.
Last year I realized I needed a rug,, so I painted a drop cloth and it worked well to cover the dust.

Kathleen and her hubby also showed up, with just the basics.. Tomorrow will show the transformation.
Below is Julie's studio,, still in the refining stage... Be sure to stop in, we are just off of Highway 41, near the Post Office in Coarsegold,, just follow the Orange Signs... 28, 29, & 30..

Yoyo Gathering

2011-09-29T13:30:00.000-07:00

Once a month the "YoYo Sewciety" gets together, to show and tell, eat, laugh, and enjoy each other. We are all members of the Sierra Mountain Quilters.. Above is Kathy peeking out from her newly completed Red, White, and Blue Quilt.. I think most of these if not all are from a Shop Hop in the Valley.. Looks great!

I remember when she bought this fabric at the Madera Quilt Show,, all pieces are different. Recently we saw some cups and plates at Hobby Lobby in Visalia.. fun set...
Well, I am having trouble writing below the last photo again,,, If any one has an answer let me know.

This remarkable star Quilt is by Cathy's husband Lowell. He pieced two designs he had seen, and now is hand quilting the whole quilt.. One thing they will not be fighting at the quilt store for a certain fabric, this quilting project is going to keep him busy for a long time...All his quilts are amazing..

I did not make a typo,,, we have 2 Cathy's/Kathy's in our group the C &; the K... Had a fun day with our salad luncheon, shopping at the local quilt store, and browsing through Hobby Lobby.. Planning, yes we are planning a 4 day get away in November to the beach, and we are working on our next challenge.. Stay tuned!

Hey, for some reason, I got some space here. Today, am off to set up for Sierra Art Trails, hope you can make it by... my husband is helping set up the tent.. Maybe after all this is done I can clean up the studio and make some sense of my work space... that might be a passing thought.

Sierra Art Trails, preparing

2011-09-28T09:53:00.000-07:00

My outside sink. I rinse out the fabric after they have been sitting in the dye bath... I also use this area for cleaning my gourds..But today it is T-shirts, and scarves.

Had some fun with new dye colors, stenciled with fabric paints.. I will be showing these at Sierra Art Trails.
New wild scarf colors also...

Sierra Art Trails Opening Reception

2011-09-26T16:52:00.000-07:00

Julie Mitchell and Joan Constable are part of the Sisters 7 group. It is interesting that all three of us are showing together in this one area.. although I didn't put mine in this shot..

Lori Ann Cole, not shown because she is behind the camera, comes to many of our art gatherings with camera in hand.. Her beautiful photography work can be seen at Lori@farstudio.net.
She is a very quiet lady. Thank you Lori, for being there and taking photos of the artists.

Mark Heliger, also seen on the (Yosemite Western Artists Site) and Lori put together this video of the evening and some of the artists;
http://sierramountainview.com/SAT_Animation.html. You might have to copy and paste this site..

Sierra Art Trails coming soon, Timberline Gallery- Sept.

2011-09-23T08:34:00.000-07:00

Keeping busy,, This month there was the change out of the gallery, Singing the Blues is the Theme for the next 2 months, in our special display room. The gals did a fabulous job at moving new pieces into the gallery, and rearranging it.. I put in my "Day of the Dead" piece. In this photo you can see work from Julie Mitchell and Valerie Runningwolf.

I am working to have some new pieces of jewelry as well as some new gourds ready for the "Trails" week-end..

This piece however went to Kimee, who has been a fantastic Angel in the Positive Living Centers book store.. We have a variety of art there, but this month much of the work will be moved around.
This gourd is called "Kimee's Healing Hands"
.. I had her draw her hands on paper several months ago. Then drew and burning them into the gourd, adding paint, staining, beads, natural wood, and a feather.

Hearts for Christ Church, New Zealand

2011-09-22T10:49:00.000-07:00

A while ago, I donated some fabric hearts I had made to the Christ Church project and my e-friend Evie Harris...on Alex Anderson there is an article about the wonderful exhibition with all the donated hearts.

Sometimes we have an opportunity to do a small project that makes a wonderful statement when all the pieces are in place.. We are all busy with our day to day living, working, enjoying and sharing.

I am so glad I took the time to participate. Thank you Evie for putting this project together, I am sure it took on a life of it's own and grew with the love everyone showed by sending the hearts to New Zealand.

Heavenly Music, by Ellie Choate

2011-09-10T20:46:00.000-07:00

Ellie Choate is the daughter of our P.E.O sister Gretchen and Bill Choate.. We were entertained by Ellie, with her magnificent harp. Sitting close to her as we did in this informal setting at Frankie Lee's home was an experience I will not soon forget.. We were able to ask lots of questions about the harp.. Most of us did not know about the foot pedals and her feet were almost as busy as her hands and fingers. She started playing the harp as a child, and now plays in T.V. shows, movies, Orchestras, and private parties. I am sure she is a marvelous teacher, and has great sense of humor.

I think I can safely say that almost everyone who has gone to the movies has heard Ellie play. You might not even recognize it as a harp.. truly amazing presentation! Thank you Ellie! She has a wonderful selection of C.D.'s, available. Meditating to her music is very relaxing..

Sierra Art Trails Reception

2011-09-10T20:28:00.000-07:00

Anita Stoll at the reception in front of her pastel Landscape. Sorry Anita, I don't remember the name of your piece. Anita was at Allards Art Supply in Fresno most of the day, demonstrating for a crowd of artists for 4 hours.. This lady has amazing energy, besides her amazing talent.
Her meadows make me want to jump in the painting...

I tried something new for this show. "The Neighborhood" is framed, background and grass areas are my hand dyed fabrics, the rest is commercial fabrics, even added some beading.. Great fun making a whimsical piece.

Artist friends think I should do a series, not sure about that yet.....

One of our local photographers Lori Ann Cole and Mark Heliger put together a slide show of the artists at the Reception, showing the artists locations in the "Trails" catalog. More later.

White Fence - The Knolls

2011-09-10T08:25:00.000-07:00

With hard work from some of our neighbors our fence is white again... all fresh and clean looking... Some kind person, put little American Flags to celebrate and remember 9/11. Our street gets in the spirit of the holidays.. During Christmas time we have Holiday Wreaths on the fence .

This is very thoughtful of our neighbors and a nice welcome to the area.

Cinema Place Gallery-opening Sept 21

2011-09-10T08:14:00.000-07:00

Cinema Place Gallery, The Quiltessential Event.. Hope you can make it to see this Art Quilt Show in Hayward. Lura Schwarz-Smith is a neighbor and good friend. She helped me pack up my quilts and showed me how she wraps and ships by Fed Ex. I am so thankful, for her assistance with this.. We sent in separate boxes. Kerby, her husband entered 3, Lura has 3 in the show, and I have 2 pieces.

If you are out that way, please do stop in. I know many of the quilt artists and I am sure there are some fantastic pieces to be seen and bought.

Remember if you are ever out our way, Lura, Kerby and I, are all in the Timberline Gallery in Oakhurst. You can email us, and if we are in town we would be glad to meet you there. We also work on different days in the gallery. Sometimes the dates are printed on the Timberline Web site.. or call first. Since this is a co-op gallery each artist has a day a month to work. What ever your interest, I am sure we have an artist that knows that particular style.

Prayer Flag #8, Bless All

2011-09-09T16:05:00.000-07:00

Some friends wanted me to make them prayer flags.. It is fine when they all hang on a long rope or string. But when you hang just one it bends in the middle..

So I cut a piece of a straw the width of the flag and slid the ribbon down the middle, so it has some support. Now it hangs straight. I am adding little tags on the back so that I know what number I am making next..
Bless all at this memorable Sept. 11th. Make everyone safe.

It's a Cow, not a llama, Life in the Country.

2011-09-07T19:03:00.000-07:00

Life in the Country, went down to feed the llamas and since we have a black and white llama, at first I was not surprised, but as I got closer, round ears, horns and a tail... It's a cow! My husband had just left for 4 days with Search and Rescue... my first fear was that the llamas got out, and I could not find them... Our neighbor Monty and his son Matt, came to the rescue...

The llama's were at the far end of the field screaming their heads off, and giving warnings and the cow could care less.. Sometimes we let our llamas over to the neighbors to eat the weeds down.. so we opened all those gates, and they ran through to his place. Now, the men chased the cow, hoping to get it to run out a gate and it ran right through the fencing and in the the river area.

Hope he does not come back. However, neither will my llamas.. They would not even come for their favorite grain treat.. Ok, stay at the neighbors till later! I think I would also, if a cow had come into my home! Have no idea who he belongs to.. just so he does not come back!

Yosemite Flute and Art Festival

2011-09-07T16:51:00.000-07:00

Yosemite Flute and Art Festival.. September 23-25, 2011.. I think this is the 3rd. or 4th. year we have had the Flute Festival in Oakhurst. This year it will be at Sierra Sky Ranch in Oakhurst this is a change of location, just off of highway 41.

The plus is meeting the musicians, having an opportunity to take their classes, and listen to amazing music in the evenings. These artists come from all over the U.S.A.

Before this I really did not know what Native American Flutes sounded like. Now, I have lots of CD's and am learning so much about the flute it's self.

Be sure to check this out! Always something fun going on in the mountains, after, stop into Timberline Gallery and check out the local art.

Paint- Anger Management ?

2011-09-06T08:13:00.000-07:00

We live in the country.. The area we live in is called "The Knolls", There is a white fence on either side of the entry. Suddenly, a mystery happened.. the fence is pinkish and yellow.

Not exactly the color for a country fence and entry to about 60 homes that are on land from 2- 60+ acres.
Every one was thinking it was kids, and figured out it happened between 2-6 in the day light.
As the mystery deepened, people then got upset.. so 2 of the residences said they would repaint it white, but could use a little financial assistance.

They gathered a bit of monies, bought the paint and were in the process of repainting the fence white..
When a lady came up and said it was her fence and she would keep it these colors till the person comes forward that turned in her horse trailer for being parked out in the road, day after day.

Couple of interesting points. 1. It is not her fence, 2. her horse trailer was parked illegally, and 3. she has room on her property to put it..

Now, the fence has been repainted white.. the signs are being repainted by one generous neighbor who likes to do detail painting.. and we will see what will happen.

We have an opportunity to learn from others. This is what makes life interesting.
A giggle for the day.

Postmarkd'art Exchange due Oct 31-11, Theme: Hearing

2011-09-06T08:12:00.000-07:00

"Sounds of the Ancients".. Flutes, of course. I have some music books just for playing the Native American flute,, see how it shows the finger positions over the holes,, with this book you don't have to know the notes.

Stamping, hand dyed fabrics, Printing on Organza, and Machine stitching with variegated thread
The circular stamp I made was used for some of the back ground under the Organza.

Search and Resue Trailer, mosquito netting

2011-09-06T08:09:00.000-07:00

Bias tape is something we all find in old sewing containers at Garage Sales. My mom had tons in her button box with bits of lace. Some of the colors were pretty ugly.. bright orange etc.. So I threw them in dye pots.

My husband wanted me to make some mosquito covers for the windows/ doors of his Search and Rescue trailer.. They have a week-end training coming up.

He caught me before all the bias tape was dyed.. We measured and put the sticky velcro on the metal inside of the trailer and I applied the Orange bias tape to the screening.

then sewed the non-sticky velcro to the binding and screening.

He does not have the "window" open in this shot,, but it works. Now to see if he comes home with any mosquito bites..

Peddlars Fair- Coarsegold, Ca

2011-09-06T08:07:00.000-07:00

Peddlers Fair looks pretty quiet,,, but it was early, suppose to be in the low 100's and I have trouble concentrating on items if I get hot.Wearing a baseball cap, drink plenty of water and go early.

It is great fun to walk around and look at the variety of items... Loved this stack of old dusty coke bottles.. Some cases are about 10 years old and collected from all over the U.S.A.
Is this a collectors item? I don't think I would want to drink them..

Daily Om,, Rest, Nap

2011-09-05T11:38:00.000-07:00

I love to read the Daily Om, today's article is on resting/napping/ rejuvenating. Resting in the afternoon, is so much a part of the lives of so many of my friends.. I hate wasting the time to nap or rest. There are many reasons I probably should, but the day seems to escape me as it is... and I don't go late into the evening with chores,. Quitting about 6, dinner and then, I might create something by hand, sew on buttons,( not on clothes), read magazines, catch up on blogs, and a variety of things.

But to lay down during the day makes me feel like I might miss something, and if I read then I will fall asleep. I love the mornings with the sun just rising. Everything in the garden is fresh from their evening nap, bees are coming to life, and I have a gathering of hummingbirds. This summer they have been very demanding with the 3 feeders that are hanging on the back porch.

But back to naps.. My mother was older, in her 40's, when I turned up and I remember she always took naps when I was in my teens.. Hell to pay, if I made any noise and woke her up...

Maybe that is why I am not keen on naps.. Don't get me wrong, I do periodically lay down, but maybe that is once a year and at that time, I know I really need it.. The other thing I found out is that if the temperature in the house gets above 80 degrees, I fall asleep!

Mono printing, with Fabric Dyes.

2011-09-05T09:57:00.000-07:00

I do my fabric dyeing in the studio/laundry room.. Above I am dyeing some bamboo sticks.. you ask why?? I might need some red or black ones some day....looking at my wet scrap cloth that picks up the tiny particles of dye powder, so it will not fly all over, and thought I could use the top of my washer as a surface to Mono print... hummm.

I pulled up the cloth and smeared paint on the top of the washer,, after all it would just wipe clean.

I had some linen fabric that was soaking in the soda ash and laid it over the dyes I had put on the top of the washing machine.

I thought I would wrap the dyed cloth in alum. foil, this way the dyes would not migrate to another part of the fabric, and left them for 24 hours... oh, you want to see the finished cloth?

Pearls of Wisdom, Sierra Art Trails

2011-08-31T17:15:00.000-07:00

A dear friend gave me a beautiful pearl necklace. I held them in my hands trying to decide what I might do with them.. Suddenly, a Prayer Flag came to my vision.. "Pearls of Wisdom" This is my 7th Prayer flag, and while I am enjoying making these and being part of the Prayer Flag group,, am I using this to procrastinate about finishing my projects for Sierra Art Trails?... Sept.30, Oct. 1 & 2..

I will have a few of these Prayer Flags for sale, but back to finishing the larger projects, some fun jewelry items, designing some gourds, and fabric dyeing scarves and T- shirts.. I will be showing at Timberline, and delivering pieces to Stellar Gallery for the opening Reception, on Sept. 10th.

Remember to put number 29 on your list to visit, Kathleen Mattox and I will be at Julie Mitchell's studio in Coarsegold.. just a reminder for you to put it on your calendar.. More regarding the event later.

Paint stiks on Fabric, SMQA.

2011-08-30T11:35:00.000-07:00

Not the greatest view from the camera,,, but, ok..... It was a fun evening demonstrating for 6 rotating groups of women at our Sierra Mountain Quilters Guild..

I brought several samples, but also all the paint sticks and some plain fabric. I made a sample on black from the Star Builder book by Laura Murray, another great book is Paintstiks on Fabric by Shelly Stokes.

I just realized that I don't have a photo of my "star"... Off to put that in a later post.

Timberline Gallery - Praying Mantis- August

2011-08-27T10:10:00.000-07:00

August and my turn to sit Timberline Gallery. I enjoy sitting the gallery and chatting about our artists when we have guests from all over the world. Yes, they are visiting Yosemite, but they do take the time to pop in and ask about the local art and artists.. The landscape above is one by Caroline Hartling,, Be sure to check out Timberlines Web site, to see all the artists listed.

Chris Sorenson works with metal... Not only works with metal components but is a binding force in Fresno when it comes to metal art.. This is one of his small beautiful pieces, but see who else likes it..a Praying Mantis. Is this opposites attract?

Bugs!!!!!! and the Garden

2011-08-27T10:02:00.000-07:00

Have veggies, have tomato bugs,,, ugh... I spent a long time trying to find this guy. I could tell he was enjoying my favorite tomato plant, because he was starting to eat not only the leaves but my tomatoes...

This morning I searched for the tomato "bug" and could not find him.. I had spray on the plants now, so where is he... Ah, look carefully,, it is a grasshopper... Isn't the insect world amazing, he is hardly noticeable.. Just did not have the heart to knock him off, hate jumpy bugs or toooo big!

Roses for you, Thank you

2011-08-27T10:01:00.000-07:00

Thank you, Followers.. I am delighted to see more signed on followers. As most of you know I am not in any way a techy. Even lucky to turn the computer on and get a blog out to everyone..

Would love to be able to write monthly announcements/ letters, and put in all the exciting things that everyone else seems to do, besides being in the studio getting creative moments completed..

Have patience with my learning curve. I tend to get distracted, have good intentions.. and more ideas then I can cope with..

This is a "public" thank you for following me on my blog, Facebook, Linked In, and Twitter.member.

You are very much appreciated and comment sometimes when you see something that interests you... Have a wonderful day..

Art Quilting Studio Magazine

2011-08-24T16:40:00.000-07:00

Art Quilting Studio, love this magazine, so many wonderful ideas.. Usually, I go right to the articles and devour each one.. and then the magazine goes back into the stack.. This time I picked it up again while straightening out my coffee table for company. Ok, so I did not get to all the cleaning that day.. but it was men, so they did not notice.

On the inside of the front cover, I lingered on C & T publishing's descriptions of TAP, Lutradur and the books that go with the products.. I participate in the C & T Creative Art Troop, which is great fun.
As I read further, I noticed my name under a post card I had sent in and forgotten about.

I made it with Lutradur, Yarns, variegated threads, beads and Paint. I had been working on "sunsets" for another project and making Postcards for Postmark'd art exchange which is just one more of my passions. Wow, my piece is right next to Lesley Riley's.. how exciting!

Real Postcard! Tillamook County

2011-08-24T16:38:00.000-07:00

I love it when friends send postcards on their trips.. My friend Pat sent this when she visited in Oregon... With all the cows in attendance, is this the area that Tillamook cheese comes from?

Pat is not a quilter but appreciates all the work that goes into making a quilt. It is wonderful to see quilt patterns painted on the sides of barns.. Love the post card Pat, chat soon.

With all the cows laying down, are they meditating and enriching the milk or as some say, when cows lay down, a storm is on it's way... Oh, look at the sky in the photo.

Yurt and Stargate

2011-08-24T16:36:00.000-07:00

Sometimes we fall in to interesting opportunities. Opportunities, where we learn and enjoy a new journey.. I attend the Positive Living Center in Oakhurst and on occasion we have speakers who come to the mountains and announcements are made that are fascinating.

On a Fri. night there was to be a mini meditation workshop with Prageet and Alcazar, in a Yurt.

I could not pass up this opportunity. So with my friend, Joyce, we ventured to the northern area of Oakhurst, and River Falls Road... We have lived here for 11 years, and I have never been down this road.. I will show photos of the waterfall later, but for now I will tell a little about our meditation..
There were about 10-15 of us in attendance. Above is a photo of the Stargate. Some sat in the Stargate and others of us laid on mats around it to meditate.. To tell the truth, I could not bend myself up like a pretzel to climb in the Stargate, but really would have liked to meditate in there..Need to work on Yoga... on my list of to do's.

Prageet put on beautiful music and started to speak as Alcazar. It was interesting and soothing. I really don't remember very much, other than listening to the music, enjoying the moment of calm, and feeling refreshed.

It does not matter where you meditate, just sit quietly and enjoy the moment. With all our distractions during the day, remember to give your mind and body time to focus on its self. A quiet place in a wild churning world.

Magic Feather Project.

2011-08-24T16:34:00.000-07:00

Every few mornings I receive an email from Jude Hill, and her Magic Feather hand embroidery work.. I really admire her photography and her direction.. A calmness I wish I could carry through the day comes over me when I read the few notes she writes.

So I decided when she opened up with an invitation to join and send her a piece of hand work, staring the Magic Feather, I would send one to her. I got out some fabric that was stacked waiting to be "something", and thought it would be perfect.

Jude has directions to share and I checked them out, very easy.. I sat with my embroidery threads and enjoyed the quiet time of a "stitch at a time"..

I had forgotten how relaxing it is to sit with needle and thread.. A few months ago I took a class that showed the embroidery with machines,,, I know now why that is not my thing.. I felt like I was rushing and the noise was constant..

If I did not feel the need to produce more "art".. I would enjoy the moments of quietness, of a stitch at a time.. to enjoy the breeze, and the quiet nature of our land.. few birds that flew by and the sound of the hummingbird flying in and landing on the feeders..

Is this what life should be, could be? And then I finish, and send this moment with the Magic Feather to Jude..I hope she likes it.

Inspiration, Prayer Flags.

2011-08-18T15:22:00.000-07:00

How does inspiration start... I have no idea where it comes from, it is just there..

Recently I have been making Prayer Flags for the Prayer Flag Project.. There is a specific size and dimension. However, today I was looking at my junky table tops, gathering items for the demo I am doing tonight at the guild on Oil Paintstiks.. and started to play around with the Chinese coins that a friend gave me.

She has been generous and given me lots of her costume jewelry. And I was thinking of her when I started playing with paints, and letters. Many times we have spoken of Peace, and she mentioned today that they enjoy sitting outside to eat their meals.

So making a Prayer Flag for her just came to me. I started with green hand dyed fabric, stamping with various items, hand dyed threads, variegated stitching, coins and dyed barbecue sticks...

They have a lovely patio, so maybe she will hang it there. They are great fun to make and are nice gifts for the holidays. I plan to make more to show and sell in my booth for Sierra Art Trails.

Reminder, Stop and Smell the Roses

2011-08-17T17:17:00.000-07:00

I hate to admit when I am tired.. Not to any one, but to myself.. While the kids visited I was energized with everything going on. Today I returned from a meeting, and just want to sit.. I guess maybe because it is 5 PM. Still have to feed the llama's. But they can wait till it is a bit cooler. I am going to sit and veg out for a few moments.

Each morning I receive the Daily Om, and for those few seconds I take a deep breath and give their words some thought.

Just as there are people that support us, we are a supporter to many people extending the cycle and giving back.

Sierra Artist Flash Mob, History, Thank you!

2011-08-17T16:14:00.000-07:00

It looked quiet to start out with, but soon we had a bit of a crowd. Yeah, even some found us on Facebook.

Jon and Carolyn were entertaining, dropping paint from the ladder, and the photographers were having a field day with sneak shots... always remembering to ask permission.

Our Art Flag table at a quieter moment.. soon all the spaces were filled. We had squares of fabric, permanent marking pens, and imagination! I think we gathered about 30 flags at the end, some of the artists took their art work home, the others were flying from the rope we strung between the building supports..
We also had some sales at Timberline Gallery.. We had guests from San Fran area, on their way to Yosemite.. Best to always stop in Oakhurst, you never know what we are going to be putting on..
The Produce Place supplied us with delightful sandwiches, and delicious home made soup. Many decided to have dinner right there or take food home. Next time we will have some music. Hey, musicians you really missed out!

The Dares

2011-08-13T06:51:00.000-07:00

Ben Peterson, Brandon Shapiro, Anthony Aguirre, Matt Peterson.

Glad they agreed to have their photo taken with the Sunflowers.. Brandon is over 6 ft. Some of the sun flowers this year are over 10 ft. high.. a jungle!

We had a fun time with Ralph's grandson Brandon and the musical group the Dares. They are off to their next engagement ending this tour with San Francisco..

Usually, Ralph and I don't sit and relax on the porch, something we should do. But we seem to look out and see things that need doing. Usually some seasonal thing in the garden, or near the river, weeds need spraying, trees need trimming or wood needs cutting, and it goes on. But when we have company we have the opportunity to relax and sit on the porch and just enjoy the beauty of the mountains and in this case, our new found friends.

Yes, it was hot, but in the mornings it is beautiful with the hummingbirds coming to the feeders, the breeze in the sun flowers and a fantastic blue sky.

Our Queensland Heeler, is not much on company and takes awhile to get used to people being around, but he was enjoying the treats that the boys dropped his way..

I am sure they will be back this way since we are in the middle of California. If you want to check them out The Dares.

The Dares, " musical band"

2011-08-11T08:37:00.000-07:00

I don't usually put "family" photos up, but had to show you the "Dares". Trying to catch a musical group when all of them are not moving with a digital camera is tough! The young man on the right is Ralph's grandson, Brandon.. They are touring and came to Fresno last night. Today, the city boys are getting a small taste of the country before they are on the road again.

We really don't understand this type of music, but are learning. Nice good hearted young men with a passion for music. Hate to say it, but had to wear ear plugs and could hear just fine.. Look forward to hearing them again in a larger venue.

It is fun getting to know them. You can find them on the net, actually, their web site is very impressive.

Flash Mob, Coming Soon

2011-08-10T08:26:00.000-07:00

Getting ready for the Flash Mob at Gallery Row in Oakhurst, Saturday Aug 13th, 6-8. We are going to have a table with fabric pieces where people can make their own Art Flags. This idea sprang from the idea of Prayer Flags.. We will put a cord on the patio posts and hang them up.

People can take them home when they leave or leave them for us to share and be colorful decorations. "Mountain home" I drew with crayons, pretty child like, and "Joy" is with colored pens. We were going to use acrylic paint, but I thought it would be too messy.. So now we are all going to bring a variety of easy products to play with..

Hope we get a good crowd.. We heard that some of our musician friends will attend.. Food to buy from the Produce Place. Come on dancers, artists and neighbors,, this is the first Flash Mob in Oakhurst.... should be great fun, bring your neighbors and friends!

Prayer Flags #5- completed

2011-08-09T10:57:00.000-07:00

I am trying to think of a title for this Prayer Flag #5.. I added, words, outlined the leaves with a Sharpy pen, added beads and the lady bug button. The words I wrote at the bottom are just what came to mind for that day. "Words are not necessary when looking at Nature". Maybe that is the name.

Boxes- fabric

2011-08-05T09:10:00.000-07:00

My cousin called from Florida, she was clearing out items from her mothers home.. Her mom had been an Interior Designer, and now is unable to work at her beloved profession.. My cousin, not knowing that much about fabrics thought I could use some of it.. Because of cost I suggested places around where she lives that ladies might like it, but she was feeling overwhelmed, so I said sure, send it to me to sort and distribute..

It is like Christmas with surprises in every box.. Some is poly, and gave that where it is needed for maybe clothing or covering for furniture.. There are some beautiful pieces of silk, brocade, and some cottons. I have only opened 3 of them, and with each piece getting lots of ideas.

Even found some that I can use to cover some pillows.. and of course, used some silk for the prayer flags.. What fun, Thank you Karen.

"Quilters Garden" Quilt.

2011-08-04T08:18:00.000-07:00

This is the last flower to be done on the Quilters Garden Quilt. Making it on the Creative Sewing Machine at the store. Yeek, another computer! Yes, I have a newer machine, but it does not do Embroidery. I still like my 20+ Pfaff, and switch to it often, as the new one does not like some threads.. Fussy thing!

I took the class, once a month at Cottage Quilts for the last 13 months... Never missed one.. or at least I don't remember missing. My friend Nancy and I made the drive from the mountains and enjoyed our day in Fresno, wildly running errands after class, and visiting Joanne's before class. Have to use those coupons!

Have I finished all the blocks?,,, No,, some are not done.. But have decided not to make one big quilt. I will make it into two separate quilts. I will finish each block first.. Have learned a lot and some new tricks... Reading directions in the book that comes with the machine is mind bending, and some things are easier on my older Pfaff.. and it likes all threads..

As much as I would like to dive into making this now,, have 3 other things on the board first, and need to get ready for Sierra Art Trails, and go through some of the boxes that have arrived... will show those later.

Prayer Flags #4 & #5

2011-08-04T07:51:00.000-07:00

I am scheduled to do a demonstration with Paintstiks for our guild, Just short little tutorials for the ladies to be interested in a new process. Since I am creating Prayer Flags in between everything else, I thought I would make one with some yellow hand dyed fabric.

Collected garage sale items for the rubbings.. The copper piece is the top of a warming tray, and the flower came from the bottom of a cut glass dish. I had written words in the open yellow area, but had to go over them today with a larger permanent pen.

My cousin in Florida called and sent me 12 boxes of fabric, long story but will go into that some other time.. This is part of a beautiful piece of silk, another Prayer flag, and tried stitching the word love on it.. If I had been braver, I would have put it in blue.. You can see, I printed a font from the computer and traced it onto tissue paper, then sewed over that onto the fabric. It worked out fine.

Bunnies, and Cows

2011-08-01T21:07:00.000-07:00

I put this Bunny mat in the bathroom off of the Studio... Each time I am in there I laugh at the cute bunnies... However, when I am checking out my garden and see that the bunnies have been there, I am not as happy. They munch weeds, but also my veggies.

Below: Cows... I decided the Bunnies were getting a bit worn, and we needed a change. When shopping last week at Home Depot, or was it Lowes' I found this "Cow" mat.. So now this silly Cow is there to surprise people.

Each season, I say this year I will paint the walls, but for some reason I can not make a decision on color, time passes, yard needs weeding, dead lines show up for some commitment I have made with quilting. So painting walls goes to the bottom of the list..

So I have made another list, the must do's in order of need.. Does one "need" to paint walls? Maybe, but not today!

Lura Schwarz-Smith, Timberline Gallery, Welcome

2011-07-27T19:37:00.000-07:00

Timberline Gallery welcomes Lura Schwarz- Smith and her hubby Quilt Artist/Photographer Kerby Smith. This is one of several pieces that are hanging in the gallery," Stone Dreams", is a beautiful piece combining photography and fiber art. The gallery is open 10-5 every day of the week.
Timberline Gallery has a wonderful variety of art work, from gourds, weaving's, mixed media art, fiber, oils, watercolor, pastels, ceramics, and jewelry.. Hope I did not leave anything out.
Oh, and Photography and Digital Photography..

Enjoy a cool afternoon in the gallery. As I mentioned before each day there is a different artist to chat with and learn about their art. Be sure to ask which pieces are theirs, learn how they create, and what their thoughts are in picking that subject.

When I sit the gallery, I usually, like to let the person wander around and feel free to enjoy, but I also enjoy chatting when asked a question. Artists love guests that are curious about the artists and their art... We also have a binder with the biography's. We invite you to have a seat and enjoy the atmosphere.

Pray Flag #3, God Bless

2011-07-27T17:52:00.000-07:00

I came across some wonderful beads on ribbon, with stars that reminded me of the 4th of July...

Went to my scrap bag and pulled some red/white/blue fabric.. Guess I have been listening to the news too much... God Bless America, our young men over seas and God Bless, each other at a time when we must pull together. This is my Prayer Flag number 3.

Banana Split

2011-07-27T16:18:00.000-07:00

A group of us that live on the River, enjoy going out to dinner or breakfasts together.

My husband is not a fan of rare meat and love desserts. I prefer Rare meat then ice cream.. or better still I love salsa and chips.. So while we all ate our Prime Rib $7.77, special, he had dessert, especially made for him.. Pays to know the people in restaurants and frequent them often. Well, not too often,, will send him out in the field to do some more chain saw work on the tree that fell.

Below, is our friend Judy.. Her son has 5 little piggies, that are really growing fast, so we put all our left over food in a take home container for the piggies, and I caught Judy joking around.. Yes, I got permission to post this for all of you who know Judy.. Thankfuly, we were done with dinner, because we got the giggles, and I could barely keep the camera still. This is what friendships are for, fun and delight.

Visalia, Thimble Town Quilt Store.

2011-07-26T09:24:00.000-07:00

Visalia has a nice old town atmosphere, Movie theater, and a walking area with one way traffic.

We walked to dinner, and my husband could walk across the street to the Convention Center. I hauled all my sewing stuff to complete a project, my computer, fabric etc... Thankfully, they have the rolling stands that bell hops use,, no bellhops.. that would be kind of embarrassing any way..

First day I felt I had to clean up my emails... ALL DAY.. did not think I would go on so many tangents! Then Ralph got a call from Search and Rescue about two fires in Coarsegold... I called neighbors and it was on the other mountain, and not near us. No homes lost. And Ralph could not leave the meetings any way...

Monday, I went to meet my friend Cathy at Thimble Towne Quilt store.. It looks great, and they have a beautiful work room.. Looked over the fantastic variety of fabrics, Chatted with Charlotte Rogers. Remember Charlotte, she came to my house/ studio and gave our YoYo's a class in creating our Portraits.

Cathy and Charlotte looking at some wonderful Japanese fabric with fishes.. We discussed the fact that one could use the design and add some color with fabric paint. Cathy and I took off for Japanese lunch, visit to the Used Book Store, and Hobby Lobby.. Sadly the Visalia Art Gallery was closed the whole time we were in town.

Can you believe my luck Beverly's is right next to the Hotel.. Gee, had to stop there also.

Below: See what a wonderful place to work on my quilting.. even an iron in the closet. Took this photo the first day.. and it is the same the last day.. Just having too much fun reading, and cleaning up computer items, and taking lots of side trips on the computer... Oh,, did I forget to mention that I ordered books from Dharma... got a super idea for a different class in dyeing, more advanced, or experimental. I have to set a date for a Dyeing Gathering in Sept. More fun...

Prayer Flag #2

2011-07-23T09:55:00.000-07:00

Well always something interesting happening,

on blog spot..I could not write below the photo. Now the photo has moved over and I have blue print. Aren't computers amazing, and who said they did not have a mind of their own. Well Ok, maybe I should name my computer, so my husband does not think I am swearing at him.

Do I give it a male or female name....

Back to the photo! Of all things a Prayer Flag.. maybe I will make one for my computer, to have and to hold.. I am going in the wrong direction now.. Back to the Prayer Flag #2.. appropriately named "Serenity".. From a quilt I sold last year.. Serenity is what we need, but knowing when we need it is sometimes the trick..

May you have "Serenity" during your day... It is Saturday, so enjoy some bliss.

Flash Mob in Oakhurst, come all

2011-07-23T08:17:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the First Flash Mob in Oakhurst.. My art friends, Julie, Joyce, Kathleen and I were sitting around one day at the Timberline Gallery and trying to think of an idea that would be fun and NEW in the mountains. So this is what we came up with. Come and join the party,,

Visit with the artists, art lovers, enjoy great conversation, food, music.. This is open to all artists, ART LOVERS, Curious folks, Visitors to the Area, Friends, Neighbors. Bring your sketch book, paints, funny hat, camera, colorful clothes and bring a big smile to share and have fun. This is your party

Let's make it an event in the mountains.

Prayer Flag #1

2011-07-21T12:29:00.000-07:00

There is a wonderful grouping of artists making Prayer Flags on the net.. I was too tired to complete any projects after I finished framing my "houses". And I wanted to stay in the studio.. Using a piece of hand dyed fabric and a piece of linen that I was going to use for another project, I cut and tore the fabric.. I rubber stamped the words "Remember".

Why Remember? While working on the piece I thought it reminded me of when I was little and the linen cloths that were on the vanity table. I added some stitching with Pearl Cotton that I had hand dyed and yes, the linen was torn before, probably because it was used so many times..

Can I say this was relaxing, probably not, because I took all my boxes with trim off the shelf and made a bit of a mess. But yes, I am going to make more of them.. If was fun, and now I think I know what I am doing.. always a little intimidating in the beginning of a project, now I can loosen up and just have fun with it..

There are all sorts of ideas on the net, beautiful blogs to look at, but for now, I am going to the studio to make another Pray Flag.

Another Wall in Timberline

2011-07-20T08:42:00.000-07:00

Because we are showing art pieces of Yosemite, I thought of this piece I did a few years ago.. It was a series of the 4 seasons.. Winter, ( above) and Summer available, the other seasons are sold. The sparkling blue sky's and snow crystals falling on the brown earth during the winter months are what made me choose these fabrics.I used many of my hand dyes and some batiks.
Winter is one of my favorite seasons now.. Used to be summer, but as I get a bit older, the cooler months are my favorite.

Julie Mitchell has a wonderful collection of her special Spirit Figures, they are usually scattered about the gallery, but this time she grouped the ladies all together..

Below: Kathleen's wonderful colorful paintings are the happiest pieces to see. I have her "Create", piece hanging in my bedroom... Important reminder to Create the day, however, I want.

Timberline Gallery July 2011

2011-07-20T08:32:00.000-07:00

This last week it was my turn to sit Timberline gallery. We had about 11 guests and some friends stopped by to chat also... Anita Stoll's piece is in the forefront and you can see a bit of the variety of styles in the back ground.

Our special display for the next couple of months is Yosemite. I had visitors from Penn, Texas, San Francisco, all traveling to or from our National Park with a stop over in Oakhurst.
Below: Joyce Wycoff digital photography pieces printed on Aluminum, sorry for the flash from the camera.. have yet to figure out how to stop that.. back to reading the instructions...

Circle Pizzazz, Judy Sisneros

2011-07-15T14:36:00.000-07:00

Last night a group of us from the mountains car pooled and went to the San Joaquin Quilt Guild in Fresno.. My friend Judy Sisneros was giving a talk and Power Point about her trip to Cambodia. She was on a humanitarian trip to teach quilting to young girls.. This was a very informative presentation. And if you have not had Judy to your guild or heard this you are really missing a very heart rending talk, with many funny highlights.

And of course, she brought her quilts.. Judy has a new book out.. Circle Pizzazz. Above is one of many quilts she brought to show. She is an excellent teacher. She taught from her new book Circle Pizzazz on Sat.

I am a believer in taking classes, you always learn something new.. Another fun happening..

Sometimes when we sit at our computers and "chat " on our blogs, we don't know if any one is listening/reading what we say.. No comments does not mean no one is watching! I have chatted periodically with a gal at the blog ArtsyFartsy.. you can see the blog address in my list. She had heard my name announced and wondered if I was the same Vivian whose blog she had been reading.. It was so much fun to put a face to the chatting.. She is a delight, and love how she changes the mundane to the extraordinary. She is a little thing, don't know how she manages moving the large pieces of furniture she revamps!

I had the opportunity to chat with other friends that I had not seen in awhile also.. Guess we need to come down off the mountain more often.

Quilting, just for fun

2011-07-11T13:04:00.000-07:00

Ok, now will try a different font, just for fun.. Colorful Houses, I decided to try another challenge.. oh, my font changed again.. oh well.. Will make a few changes to this piece, am having fun.. also distracted by a movie on T.V... usually never put that on while I am working on some thing... ok when I am sewing strips,, but not for thinking with any part of my brain...

Little frog on my sliding door,, is he just peeking at what I am doing, or does he want to come in.. Sorry, fellow, you need to stay out side! Our dog would not appreciate you!

Positive Living Center- Our Land

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

We almost forgot, yesterday (last Sunday) at 5, the Positive Living Center had a celebration of our church land... We just have the cement and the pad is in.. We all gathered with our wonderful musicians playing a variety of songs and everyone brought food and shared drinks.. Water was the biggy of the day because it started out a bit hot..

Soon there was a gentle breeze, shade and wonderful conversation.. A nice big turn out. Some people danced, others sang and there was lots of chatter and laughter.. Monies was raised with a silent auction. We really need to do this more often...

Taking a Moment- Garden

2011-07-11T12:43:00.000-07:00

I love this little rusty garden piece I bought one day at a gourd festival.. He is in a cool area of the garden. There is something about him.. and he is a him.. Don't ask why.. He just stands and guards this area so very well.. Although he is not great with ordering the gophers out of my plants..

I love the bougainvillea. It is among my favorite flowering plants, even though they do have big thorns. I have never seen one this small for sale.. Always in the garden shops they have the larger plants that are wonderful vines or that climb up a wall.. It will have to come in the house in the winter.. and I really should have put it in a larger pot... ah well... here is hoping.. Love the color. We bought other plants that have the same color flowers, but they just don't make it in our area.

Below,, pink flowers on this cactus, but don't touch the plant. That needs pruning also. I don't really like pinks as a color for me to wear, but love the grays, burgundy's , pinks and violets in the garden.

More necklaces and matching earrings

2011-07-11T12:32:00.000-07:00

I am having fun and on a roll. Funky necklaces and earrings.. Found parts, and like a fabric stash, I have a stash of beads, and parts... Where to go first.. Glad that I have two areas of my studio... but lately they have all gotten mixed up..
Have one watercolor painting, unfinished in the center of the room, and one pastel drawing. A fun quilt that I want to frame, and when I am tired, am working on my Hexagon piece at night for hand stitching..

Went over to a friend's house last week to watch Those Pretty Bones,, I think that was the name. I took some hand work over with me.. My friend said, Don't you ever sit still and do just one thing at a time... Had to think about that for a moment.. Guess not... Every minute is fun filled..

By they way, have mixed feelings about the film.. Our group reads the book first and then sees the film at someone's house.. I borrowed the book for Sept.. Water for Elephants... I buzzed through that book.. Found it interesting, sad, and thought provoking.. bottom line, everyone has a story to tell... got me thinking of my past also...