Hobbies

PAINTING, COLLECTING, and READING

I really enjoy filling a white page or canvas with color. 

Flower paintings are among my favorites.

I also like to paint churches.

                                       

Not sure what to do with my growing number of amateur art paintings.

However, I did find spots for my latest flea market finds.
                                

For now the tray is on the washstand shelf,

and autumn picture is on the hutch.

Oh, I'm glad there are books that make you want to read. These three kept my interest from start to finish.

The Passage of Time

Truthfully I never realized how quickly time would pass. I can't be a senior citizen! What happened? Youthful dreams have gone away replaced by aching joints, wrinkles and other ailments. I defeat depression by being grateful. Not everyone has been blessed by the many years I've been able to live. So enough about old age. 

 I spent Saturday browsing a local antique mall. Even though it's summertime a few of my purchases were about other times of the year. My response to a fall scene was immediate. The tag read "autumn estate." I looked at the price twice - only $4.49. It was the first item to make it into my shopping basket.

A wood tray was my next find. The tag said vintage, and from the looks of it it had been well used. I liked its color. For ten dollars I thought it had possibilities for fall decorating.

A vintage Shiny Brite ornament and a large bottle brush tree with tiny red balls from Charlene's were two Christmas in July purchases.

I went back to one booth for my final decision. It was an unusual birdhouse that needed a different paint job. I may embellish it with china fragments or   
broken bits of jewelry.


This little one had her 5th birthday party on Saturday. We hated to miss it, but a Dallas trip at this time was not possible. 

Lost in Art

When I open my art journal I never know what the blank page will become. But I do know it brings peace of mind. Creating is relaxing, and time is forgotten.

I like the colors in the following art picture. It was hanging in a stairway in the Louisville home.

 The home had so many lovely furnishings. This arrangement was in the bedroom I used. Books for reading were available between the horse heads.

I think every home should have lots of art. Whenever I go flea market hunting, it's art pieces that give me the biggest thrill.

Below are the three Edward Hopper prints that I added to my postcard collection. 

A Change of Scenery

Sometimes a getaway from the usual routine is just what it takes to refresh the spirit. And to spend those days in reunion with longtime college friends was wonderful.

 This charming home will long be remembered by Pat, Alice, and me.

This Airbnb home was decorated in tones of gray, gold, cream, and black. The eclectic 

accessories were beautifully displayed throughout the house.

We spent most of our house time in the kitchen and den. The chairs in those rooms were so comfortable. We ate, talked, laughed, and watched a movie.

Louisville, Kentucky, is a fascinating city on the Ohio River with a rich history.
Just viewing the many Victorian homes is a thrilling experience. Each one seemed to have unique features. This one's porch was spectacular.

best tuna salad on a croissant

out-of-the-way shop where I bought three art postcards with Edward Hopper prints

Italian restaurant that served tremendous portions 

I'm so thankful we had a safe and happy trip. Already hoping we can do another reunion in 2019...

Wish It Was Mine

When my mother had to move from her home, there were many things going on. I did not think about one item...something that now I wish I had.

Here is a journal entry that will help explain why I would love to have this item back.

*Sadly I would lose my dad in September of 1979.

Mom and I had many lunches and talks at her kitchen table.

The lady that purchased Mom's house removed the light fixture and used it in a family owned restaurant with other tiffany lamps above dining tables. 

When Corkey and I dine there, my eyes go to that tiffany lamp. It's a bittersweet sight.

Making Time

I meant to write a blog post days ago, but can't seem to squeeze in everything I'd like to do. However, I have been carving out some time for art. 

This is my getaway space.

Pages in my art journal are filling up

with paintings and collages.

Enjoy the creative process, but I don't like the cleanup.

Art can be very messy.