#20 What I know for sure...

...is that there are very few things that a bit of inspiration and a can of sparkling metallic gold spray paint can't cure.

I'll leave you with that thought to ponder whilst I finish up the project that is incorporating both of the above and some dry brushed pale turquoise paint and molding, too.

Any guesses?

Hint:

(painting by Carl Larsson)

I'll post pictures when I'm finished!

#19 Uffda!

It's hot here. Really hot. And humid.

How is it where you are?

I know I promised some updates, but my mind is really feeling baked and, as my grandma used to say, "My got up and go has got up and went." Seriously.

I've been trying to get a few projects done in the house, but nothing is keeping me intrigued.

We're all just limp.

Here's some good new, though: Megan got the internship she wanted in Brussels! I'm so proud of her! We celebrated last night by going to the Belgian restaurant in town and having dessert; Belgian waffle with strawberries, cream, and a truly decadent chocolate sauce. Yummers!

What do you like to eat on a hot summer night? I'm making gazpacho and serving it with cucumber sandwiches. And nice cold Blue Moon beer with orange slices.

Hmmm - the day may be picking up with that to look forward to!

Stay cool.

I'm gonna chill...

#18 Perfect music for a rainy day..

Close your eyes, sip your tea, and float away with Yo-Yo Ma on cello, Edgar Meyer on piano, and Mark O'Connor on violin as they play First Impressions  from the Appalachia Waltz CD:



Nice, huh?

#17 This just cracks me up..."what does this MEAN?!!?"

#16 Putting things in perspective...

The newspaper ran a story this morning about the situation in Haiti. It has been six months since the devastating earthquake. The Haitian government has done little if anything to help its people, and the living conditions, for most of those who survived, continue to be wretched.

I read the story in the comfort of my beautifully appointed historic home, cooled by a fan and air conditioning, sipping tea made with clean water boiled in an electric kettle, while outside two workmen put the roof on our new 12'x38' porch.

For the rest of my day, no, for the rest of all my days, I will remember a sentence quoted in the story and attributed to Menmen Villase, a woman living in a makeshift slum north of Port-au-Prince, Haiti:

"I'd love to live under a plastic sheet, but I can't afford it."

#15 Three dimensional lines...

I was wandering around in Etsy last night and came across Turkish jewelry designer Selda Okutan's shop.  I'm drawn to these rings she offers - they intrigue me with their architectural sensibility and quirky point of view (especially the last one):

Sort of Victorian, sort of Goth, the last one makes me think it would be the perfect accessory to wear on some sort of H.G. Wells time machine.

Aren't they cool?

I think I might have to have one.

# 14 Because you never know when you'll need to know how to do this...

"And", I hear you asking in total amazement, "it even has PICTURES?!?!?!?"

Yessiree bob and boy-oh-boy. This is a keeper!

Click away, dear friends, click away:

How to Make Chopsticks from a Yucca Stalk (with pictures) - wikiHow

#13 Yes. I NEEEEEEED one!!!