Friday Fill Ins-17

And...here we go!

1. I love to have the windows open and sit covered with a blanket on a cool spring night.

2. Just nod and a smile.

3. It's how you play the game that truly counts!

4. Work it out don't tell me!

5. Well, would you paint your woodwork white or stain it cherry, just wondering....

6. Just listen to all the spring peepers.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to red wine and relaxing, tomorrow my plans include laundry, work at 40 M and Sunday, I want to just hang out!


Peace!

Simple Woman's Daybook Week 17

FOR TODAY

Outside my window...I see muted colors of spring mixed with showers and wind. 

I am thinking...that a new chapter in life is beginning.  Teenagers and all the angst that goes with that developmental stage.  I am going to remember that this time will be about testing limits and striving for independence while being reassured that parental guidelines and rules will still stay strong.

I am thankful for...my life. 


From the kitchen...leftovers!  Tonight might be pizza from the local pizza shop or breakfast.  We'll see how I feel after school today.  Pulled pork is on the horizon...maybe Saturday. 

I am wearing...my gray cords for the last time this year with a short sleeve black top and a black silk overshirt.  Black is my color. :)

What I'm creating:  Plans for the school art show in conjunction with my friend and teaching partner S.  We have  a lot of great ideas.  Hopefully we can accomplish all we have to in order to create an incredible show.   

I am going...to work on organizing spring closets.  I washed all my pants and some of my tops.  I'll need to go through the kids clothes too.  I think I'll be shopping in the near future.  

I am reading...the next  Guardian of G'houle book.  I have not read much lately.  I'm also interested in reading the book my son is reading for his literature circle group called  Night of the Howling Dogs.  We'll see if I can get into it.  It would be fun to be able to talk about the book with N.


I am hoping that when I go to 40 M this afternoon for a walk through I am amazed by all that has been accomplished by the new construction guys.  Fingers crossed.  I am also hoping that the crazy tornados stop!  So many tornados and so much destruction.  It is unfathomable. 

I am hearing...the buzz of the tv.  Sponge Bob; perhaps my least favorite show ever.   

Around the house...there is so much to do and I just don't feel like doing any of it!  Cleaning, de-cluttering, painting.....  all I want to do is work on my art and get outside to my gardens.  

One of my favorite things...is  observing the changing of the seasons.  The spring trees and flowers are finally blooming.  Spring seems to have been delayed for us this year but it is finally here and in full force.  Now if the days would be consistently warm I could break out my birkies!

A few plans for the rest of the week:   working on my photo cards, getting some staining done at 40 M, reflecting on the blessings in my life. 

Here is a  picture I am sharing..

Peace!

Wordless Wednesday

Peace!

Texture Tuesday

In honor of Easter I decided to work on a festive photo.  I think it looks better if you enlarge it on your screen.

Here is how I changed my photo using Kim Klassen's textures.

For more beautiful photos click on the Texture Tuesday button above.  You will not be disappointed. 

Peace!

Mellow Yellow Monday!

Peace!

Friday Fill Ins-16

And...here we go!

1. Pardon me, I'm a little late to the Fill In party this week!

2. I can not pass up a good deal.

3. I was surprised to find that I really like some of the tween shows that I never would turn on if it I didn't have tweens!

4. Blogging is one of my favorite forms of entertainment.

5. Hi, my name is Barbara and I'm addicted to textures and Photoshop!

6. Lazy, hazy, warm summer afternoons won't be the same without our Fluffy!  :(  He's gone missing for the past two days.  Not like him.  We are not very hopeful. Searched today to no avail.    

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to going to bed early, tomorrow my plans include baking and decorating baskets and Sunday, I want to enjoy candy, appetizers and time with the family!


Peace!

Good Friday

I've spent the last half hour looking back in my blog at what I have said in the past about Holy Week.  I find it interesting that around Easter last year I had a discussion with my children regarding church, and the fact that we do not go to church.  The same question came up just yesterday as n and I drove to her orthodontist appointment.  The same reasons that I have shared in the past still apply.  While I believe in all the basics that the Catholic church teaches about Jesus, Mary, Joseph and all the stories that surround them, I do not agree with the teachings around sexuality, birth control, marriage in priesthood and the role of women in the church.  I know that as children grow they come to the same subjects with different understanding and perspectives.  This was evident in our conversation yesterday.  n had definite ideas about what church would be like and how it would be boring anyway.  I shared with her how when I was a kid I liked church; the music, the people and the community.  I told her about how at mass I used to 'inspect' the peoples shoes as they would walk by me after communion.  n was intrigued.   We then went back to the issues that have kept us away from the church.  We talked about the teachings that I disagree with and n understood.  I told her that when she is an adult she can choose what religion she would like to follow.  I even suggested that we do some research together.  She seemed interested in that idea.  We agreed to read the Easter story together this weekend.  It will be our way of respecting the holiness of this time.

Peace!

I'm In Trouble!

Well today n has gone on her second sleepover.  She has been at her friend's house since 11am!  I must say that I feel at loose ends with her out of the house.  She has always been my 'little me'.  Just yesterday I was reminiscing about how when she was small she would stick to me like glue, often literally attached to my hip and in my arms.  Back then I remember I would feel frustrated at times thinking that she should be more independent.  As she grew older she found her confidence and independence and was able to move away from me and feel comfortable speaking with trusted adults and friends.  To this day we are very close and I hope that relationship will remain as she and I go through her teen years.  I will work my hardest to maintain the special relationship that we have developed.  I love my kids and enjoy spending my time with them.  I know n is having a blast with her best buddy but I have truly missed her today.  So back to the premise of this post.  One day my nest will be empty and right now I think that on that day I might be in trouble!

A few shots from back in the day!  Now N is taller than me by several inches and n is not far away from my height!  Where does the time go?

Peace!

Simple Woman's Daybook Week 16

FOR TODAY

Outside my window...I see another gray damp day. 

I am thinking...about  how I will miss n today when I drop her off at her friends house today for a play date and sleepover!  She's going to be gone for 12 hours!  

I am thankful for...April vacation.

From the kitchen..chicken salad last night and tonight some sort of seafood.  Not sure if we'll do shrimp, scallops or white fish.  We'll see what is on sale at the market.

I am wearing...my weekend clothes!  Levi's a black shirt and a black vest.  

What I'm creating:  I'm continuing on with my journey into textures using Photoshop Elements to enhance my photos.  It is so much fun!   I am also going to work on putting more photo cards together today.

I am going...to work on some spring cleaning.  Unfortunately it does not feel like spring so I won't be able to open my windows.  I hope I can motivate myself to get something accomplished today. 

I am reading...the next  Guardian of G'houle book.  I have not really gotten into it yet but I've been told it is very good.  Still working on getting hooked by this book.  Maybe today will be the day.


I am hoping that  it gets warm.  I'd like to be able to work in the yard or at the very least open the windows.   

I am hearing...the buzz of the fan in my computer and the street noise as cars drive by my house.  It is pretty quiet and peaceful here right now.  

Around the house...I'd like to make some changes;  get rid of some old chatychkes, streamline the main living rooms and make the house warm and cozy.  Painting will soon be in order as well.  It's been almost 8 years since the main floor had a fresh coat of paint.  Time to switch some things up a bit. 

One of my favorite things...is  being in my home with my children when they are getting along peacefully.  I love that.

A few plans for the rest of the week:  appointment for n,  working on my photo cards, getting some staining done at 40 M, reflecting on the meaning of Easter and creating another entry for the school blog. 

Here is a  picture I am sharing..

Peace!

Texture Teusday

This week Kim challenged us to use two of her textures on our photos, sweet treat and silence.  I decided to use them on a set of three images that were taken during a photo adventure I went on with my cousin T last spring.  We hiked out to a local beach and were rewarded with beautiful scenery to capture.

I used the same recipe on each of the photos.  The results are subtle but I like the final product.

I followed the following steps to create the above images.  

The final image calls out to me for more, but I wanted to try to keep the textures and processing a bit mores subdued this week.  

What do you think?

Peace!

Introducing Fern!

So this weekend was relatively busy.  Saturday was spent at Home Depot looking for various supplies for 40 M.  We were also searching for a drill.  Little did R know that I was hoping for my very own drill.  When we walked into the tool aisle my eyes landed on a bright green drill.  It was love at first sight if such a thing can exist between a tool and it's owner!  We debated back and forth between my 12 volt choice and R's 18 volt choice.  My choice was much lighter and had a smaller lithium battery.  It fit perfectly in my hand.  It was certainly the right choice in my mind!  We picked it up and walked around looking for our various other supplies.  We actually went back to the tool aisle again to revisit the debate.  In the end we decided on Fern.  (Yes I have named my drill!)  At home we charged her up at record speed;  40 minutes and the battery has a full, long lasting charge.  We then proceeded over to 40 M to get some work done.  You can check out some of our results here.  R took Fern for her first test drive and enjoyed her as much as I thought he would.  In the back of my mind I was not happy with the idea of sharing my new toy, oh I mean tool.

While at 40 M  on Saturday, R was kind enough to cut some 2x4's, 1x1's and plywood for a school project. Sunday came along and we were back over at 40 M.  I had plans to use Fern to start constructing my prototype for the poured painting project.  I took photos along the way!

First I had to set up my workspace.

Fern is in the green case.  So after setting up my first task was to drill pilot holes into the wood.

Next, using a 3" screw I drilled through my 2x4 and into my 1x1 and created the first piece of my wooden structure. 

Now to affix this piece to my 12"x12" plywood.  

So after completing this part of the project I used sandpaper to smooth the edges of the wood.  Then I was ready to head back home.  I left Fern behind so that R could stabilize the gutters.  Happily when R returned home later in the day I found out that he returned to Home Depot for more supplies and he picked up his own 18 volt tool!  Now Fern is all mine!

Peace!

Friday Fill Ins-15

And...here we go! 

1. For me, it was all about the process.

2. I am in love with the sushi made fresh  at my local supermarket.

3. Behind the sound of the wind in the trees, I heard the whisper of spring!

4. Traveling cross country in a large motor home is something I always wanted to do. 

5. When it was over, I was happy for the experience but saddened by the end.

6. In my darkest hours I may have been by myself but I never felt alone.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to a relaxing evening, tomorrow my plans include working over at 40 M and Sunday, I want to make some fun plans for the vacation!






Peace!

Friday Fill Ins-15

And...here we go! 

1. For me, it was all about the process.

2. I am in love with the sushi made fresh  at my local supermarket.

3. Behind the sound of the wind in the trees, I heard the whisper of spring!

4. Traveling cross country in a large motor home is something I always wanted to do. 

5. When it was over, I was happy for the experience but saddened by the end.

6. In my darkest hours I may have been by myself but I never felt alone.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to a relaxing evening, tomorrow my plans include working over at 40 M and Sunday, I want to make some fun plans for the vacation!






Peace!

Simple Woman's Daybook Week 15

FOR TODAY

Outside my window...I see a gray wet day. 

I am thinking...about  how much I want to sit at home and  check out all my Texture Tuesday links and then play with my photos. 

I am thankful for...the upcoming week of April vacation.

From the kitchen..not much right now as it is early in the am.  Last night was a delicious paella type dish sans the shrimp.  Tonight will be omelets  and french toast. 

I am wearing...my school clothes!  It's very much like my own uniform.  I have on cords, brown with a brown lace embellished shirt.  I'll be adding my denim blazer that  has a plaid brown and black trim. 

What I'm creating:  I'm continuing on with my journey into textures using Photoshop Elements to enhance my photos.  It is so much fun!  

I am going...to be finishing up with conferences at school today!  I'll be happy to have that job completed.  I can't believe that the end of the year will be quickly upon us!  We end the last week in May.  By then I'll have plenty of work to do over at 40 M so it will be good timing.

I am reading...the next  Guardian of G'houle book.  I have not really gotten into it yet but I've been told it is very good.  


I am hoping that  it gets warm for April vacation.  It would be nice to work outside in the yard and maybe take a few walks.  We'll see.  

I am hearing...the drip drop of the rain and the background noise of the tv.  

Around the house...I have received my bulbs that I ordered.  I have two boxes of calla lilly bulbs to plant in containers.  I can't wait to pick up some potting soil and pots and get busy.  They should be up  in about 6 weeks and blooming by the end of July.  

One of my favorite things...is  a second relaxed cup of coffee.  I don't usually get one of these until the weekend.  

A few plans for the rest of the week:  working on my photos and creating another entry for the school blog. 

Here are several pictures I am sharing..

Peace!

Texture Tuesday...

So here we are back to Texture Tuesdays and my new creative outlet!  I am crazy about this process.  If you would like to play along or see other images that have been enhanced by textures, click on the above button.  

Before

After

So you learn something new every day!  I have now learned to label each layer added to my photos with the name of said layer!  I added several of Kim Klassens textures to my original image as well as a texture that I designed myself.  Next week I'll have the names of the textures I used on my image. 

Peace!

Mellow Yellow Monday!

                                    Peace!

A Weekend of Remembering

This past week a friend lost his mother.   She had been ill and they had not always seen eye to eye and had even been estranged in the recent past.  R and I went to the funeral home yesterday thinking we would pay our respects and spend some time with our friend before they went to the cemetery for a graveside service.  I didn't anticipate that the ceremony would begin an hour before the visiting time would end or that it would be so formal.  We only spent a brief amount of time with our friend.  The pain in his eyes was evident.  His wife, my dear friend since high school had concern written all over her face.  It brought me back to the days when we buried my mother in law and my mother within 5 months time.  No matter the state of your relationship when a mother passes it sets a person into a tailspin.  It's like becoming un- tethered from the earth.

Last night I spent some time with another friend who was hosting a fundraiser in her mother's honor.  It has been just about a year since her mother passed away.  It was a lovely time.  Her dad spoke early in the evening.  It was quite emotional for him and his girls.  I found the fact that he could even be there amongst all the memories to be amazingly hopeful for him and his family.  I spent an hour and a half at the event and then headed home to my family.

This has been a bit of an emotional weekend.

Peace!

Friday Fill Ins-14

And...here we go!

1. In the near darkness I sit deep in thought.

2. I will exude positivity til further notice.

3. But this time I really mean it....positive is my middle name.

4. Islands in the stream it's all I could think of and now I'm singing the song!  Ugh!

5. It's always nice to reconnect with family, friends and your true self.

6. Good food and pleasant company is just what I experienced today!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to a relaxed evening, tomorrow my plans include  going to a wake during the day and then a memorial benefit in the evening and Sunday, I want to spend some time outdoors as it is supposed to be a beautiful day!

Peace!

Wordless Wednesday

Simple Woman's Daybook Week 14

FOR TODAY

Outside my window...I see the dark of the night.

I am thinking...about  how not to dwell on things that are out of my control.  I guess I need practice with this skill as I have found myself presented with the opportunity to practice over and over again.

I am thankful for...the joy I find in creativity and the distraction of that joy.

From the kitchen..not much going on tonight.  I am in a rut.  We are tired of the same old same old, but no one seems to want to try something new.  What to do, what to do...

I am wearing...my cords, black top and swing cardigan.  School clothes.  I am also sporting a teal blanket on my lap as well as a gray ribbed poncho.  Still chilly in the Northeast so layers are a must.  

What I'm creating:  well I have found a new creative love... adding textures using Photoshop Elements to enhance my photos.  It is so much fun!  

I am going...to work on listening and refraining to add my two cents, especially at work.   I am also going to continue to try to remember that when interpersonal things are going on that are troublesome it is usually about the other person and some need that they have that isn't being met.  I hate not knowing what the other person needs as I am a fixer and want to fix things.  

I am reading...still nothing!  :(  One of these days I'll dive into something but right now things are just too busy.  


I am hoping that  I make it to April vacation.  It feels late this year and I'm unsure if I can wait for two more weeks. 

I am hearing...the dishwasher in the kitchen and the drone of the tv.  NCIS is on at the moment.

Around the house...I long for warm days so that I can open windows and air out this home.  It feels stuffy to me lately.  I need it to be spring. (like so many others)

One of my favorite things...is  my cozy bed at night.  I love going to bed and snuggling under the covers.  

A few plans for the rest of the week:  working on my photos and creating another entry for the school blog. 

Here are several pictures I am sharing..

Peace!