Patience

Last week I bought someone's castoff that will be new in our kitchen. Since a kitchen remodel is out of the question, I'm always trying to decorate with what I have or with little extras. This light fixture's $30 price tag swayed me. 

I have had to wait on its installment. Last night Jo was able to get it mounted. 
It's great having a son with a master's electrical license.

Moods

You will be able to tell from these art journal pages what sort of mood I was in for part of the day.

On Instagram I shared two photos that hold dear memories.

Letters, numbers, library books...the stuff of school memories

One of my fondest recollections was selecting books from the bookmobile. It would stop at our driveway and was such a treat to climb aboard, check out a stack of books, and experience the joy of reading about other people.

More school memories...

my 1962 Citizenship Award in eighth grade

my mom's P. T. A. Merit Award from 1959

Speaking of mom, she came to my rescue in fifth grade(and of course, many other times). Our class had a unit of study about colonial times. Making samplers was the project assigned to the girls. I volunteered, not knowing anything about making one. She drew this colonial scene and taught me the basic embroidery stitches. This was my first piece of embroidery...a special memory...a bit of childhood saved in an old wood frame. It's personal treasures like these that make our homes unique.

Childhood is fleeting

I was very fortunate because I didn't have any cares or worries during childhood. My early life was simple and carefree. My parents made sure we were fed, clothed, and loved. My older brother and I shared many adventures on a six acre site. The neighborhood provided playmates and security. 

Grandson Nicolas had a birthday celebration on Sunday. On Monday he officially became eleven years old. My, how fast those eleven years passed!

His young world is so different from the one I experienced. He will have challenges I never had to face. 

Hopefully his artistic ability will not fade. I chose art supplies as part of his birthday gift.

I was in the art room today, but creative juices did not flow. One art journal page received some paint and and a couple of cutout images for a collage. Left it in an unfinished state. We'll see what tomorrow brings.  

Painting Decision

Many art pictures are throughout our home. I believe this is the first time for me to hang one of my own. I liked the colors and decided to hang it on the hall tree in the entry.

 It may not stay there for long. Hanging my own art makes me nervous. However, the bright colors appeal to me. Also the two baskets are favorites of mine so my message... display what you like.

Cleaning Out and Reorganizing

Happy to say I've made some progress over in the art room.

The green boxes are recent additions.

Finally got around to labeling these bins.

Completed two more pages in my art journal.

Sometimes just messing around with stamps or paints is a happy creative experience.

Art Enjoyment

I recently bought this magazine just so I could visit the art spaces of creative women. It also contained excellent information about forming an art studio and making time for art.

 plastic egg tray for mixing colors

"Strolling Downtown"

Here is where I love to come...sometimes to just sit or maybe read up on art techniques or begin a creative project.

I hope your Sunday was peaceful and joyful. Whether large or small, churches foster deep feelings.

 We had Homecoming at our church today. It was wonderful to see all the pews full and additional chairs placed in the center aisle. Of course, the program of gospel music by The Finchers helped our attendance number. And what a blessing they delivered and we received at our small church! 

Scattered Thoughts

I don't miss the work load of a classroom teacher. For 33 years I carried it, and my 20's, 30's, and 40's slipped away. But a part of me misses those professional years, guiding young minds in their academic studies and inspiring them by example.

These guys are ready for a new school year.

second grade

sixth grade



A vendor had a 50% off sale so I got this clear relish tray for $1.50.
Now I have three of these across my closet desktop. Three makes a collection. Plus there's no more room on the desktop.

This green one is special because it belonged to my brother's late wife Carolyn.

This one I found at an Indiana antique mall on a shopping trip with my cousins.

You can tell I like trinkets and memories.

Time in the art room is always a pleasure. The next three pictures are recent additions to my art journal.

I have decided keeping plants alive is not my thing. I have even given up on my few patio plants.

 I wanted to look out each morning and see gorgeous blooms.

It is not happening.

This morning I watched reruns of HGTV Fixer Upper. Love this house!