Day 318: Dew Drenched Phlox

I added this new photograph to Creative Journey in my Photography section, Dew Drenched Phlox

The phlox in my yard has not yet bloomed. We live at the bottom of a hill with a lot of shadows, so things in my yard tend to bloom late.

I captured this glorious patch of phlox in a neighbor's yard on my early morning walk yesterday. It amazes me that the drops on the dandelion leaf were so huge, and just down the street the dew on the phlox was sprinkled like glitter.

Day 317: Blue-Eyed Mary & Friend

I added this new photograph to Creative Journey in my Photography section, Blue-Eyed Mary & Friend

Maiden Blue-Eyed Mary is another "belly flower." It blooms like a soft filigreed ground cover on the sides of roads here in north Idaho.

There's an advantage to not sleeping well. I get up before the dew has left the leaves. When I went for my walk this morning, I caught these delicate purpley blue flowers growing right beside big ol' dandelions between the road and the park fence. The dew remained beaded on the dandelion's prickery leaves, the morning sun glowing through from the east.

Day 316: Ornamental Flowering Tree

I added this new photograph to Creative Journey in my Photography section, Ornamental Flowering Tree

We have a tree in our back yard that is quite a mystery. Most of the branches bear these beautiful pink flowers every spring. But it appears that grafted onto this tree is a branch that bears white flowers. I don't know what the main tree is, nor the white flowering branch. But each year when it bursts into color, it's my favorite tree in the the yard.

I love three things about this image. I like the imperfection of the upper petals in this flower. It's beginning to wilt. I love the big blob of pollen or whatever on the tip of that one stamen. And I love the way the shadows of the stamen fall on the lower petals. Beauty in imperfection.

A lot like me. ;)

Day 315: Narcissus

I added this new photograph to Creative Journey in my Photography section, Narcissus

This was a surprise from a bag of "mixed" bulbs I planted last Fall. Really vibrant!

Day 314: Arrowleaf Balsamroot

I added this new photograph to Creative Journey in my Photography section, Arrowleaf Balsamroot

I found this daisy-like flower on my walk through nearby Kiwanis Park. I took a photo of the entire plant because I really like the arrow-shaped curly leaf.

But I thought this close up shot of the flower's center was even more interesting. Who knew there was so much red in there among all that bright yellow?

Day 313 -- MacroDay: Hole

I added this new photograph to Creative Journey in my Photography section, CD Reflections

The theme for MacroDay this week is "hole." I decided to focus on the hole in a CD. I like the way the disc jacket from that audio book of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone is mirrored and the hole is highlighted by a streak of light.

Day 312: Graceful in White

I added this new photograph to Creative Journey in my Photography section, Graceful in White

I'm not sure of the name of this lovely flower, but I photographed it in my front yard. It's on a flowering shrub or tree ... either a small tree or an overgrown shrub. It just stood out so gracefully in the gathering shadows of late afternoon.

Day 311: Nuttall's Linanthus (Flaxflower)

I added this new photograph to Creative Journey in my Photography section, Nuttall's Linanthus (Flaxflower)

There's no real story behind this photo. I just saw this mass of flowers on my daily walk and thought it was pretty, with some of them open and others just buds.

Day 310: Cherry Blossoms

I added this new photograph to Creative Journey in my Photography section, Cherry Blossoms

All over town, the cherry trees are bursting out in color. So pretty!

Day 309: Jodie's Masterpiece

I added this new photograph to Creative Journey in my Photography section, Jodie's Masterpiece

My daughter Jodie enjoys making hemp jewelry. She made this anklet as a gift for her friend's birthday.

The anklet was part of a kit and took less than an hour to make.

Happy Birthday, Miranda!

More Hats

Here are three more hats for charity. One more preemie cap and two chemo hat.

My Dear Friend Kathy

I finished up Kathy this week. It's all ready to send in to be added to the other quilt squares for the charity quilt with a flower theme. You can read more about it in Cameo's Corner.

This design is by Bizzi Creations.

If anyone is interested in my chart, it is for sale.

$3.00 for pattern + $1.00 shipping = $4.00
International orders, add $1.00 extra for shipping.

A portion of this sales price goes to Oprah's Angel Network

Day 308: A Blue Day

I added this new photograph to Creative Journey in my Photography section, Mail Box Blues

Today I played with my new blue filter. I suppose that since my paint program can add this type of tinting to my photos, I didn't really need the colored filters, but by using the filter I get to see what the finished photo will look like before I download it and edit it.

Really, I just wanted some new toys for my camera.

So I took the camera with me to the post office today. This is what gold boxes look like through a blue filter.

And no. That piece of mail wasn't a bill today. So not too blue at all!

Day 307: Grape Hyacinth

I added this new photograph to Creative Journey in my Photography section, Grape Hyacinth.

I am so excited about this photo! Well, about my new camera lens and filters. I recently treated myself to 13 new camera filters and a new macro lens. Today is the first day I'm trying out the lens.

Just LOOK how close I got on the grape hyacinth! These are itty bitty flowers! I got down on my belly and pointed the camera up into the flower. The detail is amazing! As is the clarity. Look at all those bits of pollen and dust! Look at the ring of stamens inside the open bud!

I was filthy by the time I finished taking this photo, but it was so worth it! I can hardly wait to try out my other new camera toys!

Book Review: The Bad Beginning

I have a soft place in my heart for children's literature. This week, I listened to the audio version of The Bad Beginning, the first in Lemony Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events.

I learned of these books through my daughter who has enjoyed them for years. I still have not seen the movie version of this book, and am glad I have not. This way, I get to picture the wonderfully drawn characters in my mind before they are tainted by the big screen.

You can read my review of this book on my website in the Bookshelf.

Day 306: Spokane Skyline

I added this new photograph to Creative Journey in my Photography section, Spokane Skyline.

Last month when my husband and I went to the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture in Spokane, I took a series of four photos from the top of the parking garage. I spliced them together for this photo.

The museum is located just west of downtown in the historic Browns Addition. This snapshot looks north towards the Spokane River and beyond to the mountains. You can see Mt. Spokane there in the distance. To the east you can see some of the taller buildings in downtown Spokane.

This is a very typical cloudy spring day in my part of the world. Gorgeous, yes? I love living here.

Be sure to click on the photo to see the larger version!

WIP: Kathy [5]

This one is getting close to completion! Another day or two, and it ought to be done. Next comes the sparkle.

Book Review: Embroidered Truths

I've written another book review for the Bookshelf section of my website.

This time it's another from Monica Ferris' needlework mystery series, Embroidered Truths.

What can I say, when I'm not doing needlework, I like to read about it!

Day 305: Cherry Blossoms

I added this new photograph to Creative Journey in my Photography section, Cherry Blossoms

We have some scraggly cherry bushes that line two sides of our back yard. They are starting to bloom this week. I got a nice close-up photo of one of the branches in the early morning sunshine.

Day 304: Pink Hyacinth

I added this new photograph to Creative Journey in my Photography section, Pink Hyacinth

This gorgeous flower is blooming in my back yard.

Soon after I took this photo, the clouds came in and we had another dreary day.

Day 303: Sun-specked Yard

I added this new photograph to Creative Journey in my Photography section, Morning Dew

After several days of rain and overcast skies, the sun is shining this morning. I caught the dew sparkling on the grass.

This shot is in honor of Duane Baker, my college music professor that taught me about "belly flowers." For some photos, you just have to get down on your belly and get real close to catch their beauty.

WIP: Kathy [4]

I didn't get around to taking a photo-of-the-day today, so I'll have to post two tomorrow.

Instead, I got to stitch quite a bit today and made more progress on Kathy, my quilt square for charity.

Day 302: Hyacinth Redux

I added this new photograph to Creative Journey in my Photography section, Hyacinth in Bloom

Turns out that bud was a blue hyacinth after all!

These are so pretty. I planted a bag of mixed-colored bulbs, so there are some pink hyacinth's right next to these blue boys.

They look prettier than they smell, though!

Day 301: Proud of My Man

I added this new photograph to Creative Journey in my Photography section, Dale's New Job

After working towards this goal for about eight years, my husband got the news yesterday that he's getting a new title, The Director of Online Services for Spokane Teachers Credit Union.

He's got a vision. Now he gets to bring it into fruition.

WIP: Kathy [3]

I had the chance to work on Kathy for several hours today. Made lots of progress!

Day 300! Ooo La La!

I added this new photograph to Creative Journey in my Photography section, Lacy Underpinnings

I'll just allow you to use your own imagination on this photo.

:)

Day 300!

As my daughter Julie would say, "Go me!"

Book Review: The Road to Wealth

Here's another book review from my Bookshelf, this time on managing one's money. The Road to Wealth by Suze Orman.

Good book! But I recommend getting the paper version instead of the audio version. You'll want this one on your bookshelf so you can refer to it as your financial situation changes with the years.

Day 299: Daffodil

I added this new photograph to Creative Journey in my Photography section, My First Daffodil

Here's the first daffodil to bloom in my front yard. What a beauty! Trumpeting in the Spring.

Day 298: Spring in Bloom

I added this new photograph to Creative Journey in my Photography section, New Blossoms

I got out for my walk by 9am. The sun was out. There are more types of flowers blooming every day. This was a branch from a flowering tree in a neighbor's yard.

Two hours later, it was the wind was blowing, there were sprinkles, the sky was overcast, and the air was nippy. I'm so glad I was able to be outside in the glorious part of the day. Just look at that sky!

Book Review: The Four Agreements

Here's another book I read a while ago. I was so unimpressed with it that I didn't even get around to writing a review until 3 months later.

I don't seem to be in the majority in my opinion, if you go by Amazon's rating system. So you may appreciate it more than I did.

If you do, feel free to tell me why.

Day 297: Not Your Typical Red Carpet

I added this new photograph to Creative Journey in my Photography section, Idaho Welcome

In some communities, folks literally roll out the red carpet to welcome honored guests. Not so in Idaho. We have a bear fashioned from a log with a chainsaw welcome you.

Don't ya want to come and visit?
:: grin ::

Book Review: The Funny Thing Is ...

I just finished listening to the audio version of Ellen DeGeneres' book, The Funny Thing Is ..."

Fun book! You can read my review on my website.

WIP: Kathy [2]

I got to stitch a couple hours this afternoon and made some nice progress on Kathy. This is the lower right petal and a good portion of the center of the flower.

Interesting color combination, yes?

Day 296: Easter Greetings

I added this new photograph to Creative Journey in my Photography section, Happy Easter

Our upstairs was a mess yesterday because the carpenter came to install our new mantle, half-wall cap and stair rail. They are beautiful! But I really was not prepared for Easter.

So this morning while Dale and Jodie were at church, I brought the furniture and rug back into the room, dug out the Easter decorations, put this bouquet together for a centerpiece, set out our family blessing cup, baked some cinnamon rolls, wrapped some gifts, hid the candy for the annual Easter hunt, put some candles in the fireplace, set the table and even dyed a couple Easter eggs.

They were surprised when they got home that I could do all that in two hours!

We had a really nice breakfast together and spent the rest of the day quietly. I even got to stitch for a couple hours. Hope my readers had an enjoyable Easter celebration, too.

Day 295: Ready for My Close Up

I added this new photograph to Creative Journey in my Photography section, Dutch Crocus

This is another beauty that I captured on one of my walks around the neighborhood.

I love the purple veining and the way you can even see the pollen sprinkled on the petals.

The bees are starting to get busy!

Thanks to my smart daughter Jeanne for helping to identify another flower for me.

Day 294: Downtown ...

I added this new photograph to Creative Journey in my Photography section, Spokane Beauty.

On this last day of Spring Break, Jodie and I decided to spend the day in downtown Spokane. Now, the city center isn't all that far from where I live. Maybe 40 miles. But I rarely go to downtown Spokane. It's probably been 10 years since I've really done any all-day shopping there.

But I just knew that Jodie would love seeing River Park Square and walking amid the tall buildings. She loves the atmosphere in large cities. So we had some "Mommy-Jodie Time" today and spent eleven hours shopping, reveling in the glorious spring day, and enjoying each other's company.

We wandered through most of the shops and boutiques in River Park Square. Then walked down the street to my favorite book store, Auntie's. On the way back to the parking garage, we had a slice of pie and some fresh squeezed lemonade at Cyrus O'Leary's. (We had a great table right in the front window of the photo shown on their web page.)

Outside the pie shop, we saw these lovely daffodils and tulips in full bloom. They were planted in window boxes so that both pedestrians and patrons could enjoy their beauty.

But what I love most about this photo is that the tall buildings and Parkade are reflected in the window behind the flowers. To me, this shows two different aspects of the beauty in downtown Spokane. It's truly a "snapshot" of our great day together.

WIP: Kathy [1]

I started a new quilt square for charity tonight. This work in progress is called My Dear Friend Kathy. The design is by Bizzi Creations.

As you can see, I've barely started. This spot of yellow is in the bottom right petal.

Day 293: Daffodil

I added this new photograph to Creative Journey in my Photography section, Daffodil Bud

This tulip is growing in the same bed as the hyacinth and the crocus . I can check on it daily because it's near my front door.

Embroidered Bookmarks

I'm finishing off all kinds of little projects today!

These are a couple bookmarks made with the embroidery on paper technique. They are so pretty!

To learn how I made them, read my entry in Cameo's Corner.

Preemie Hats

As part of my charity stitching,
I'm now crocheting hats for premature babies.

You can read more about these hats on my website in Cameo's Corner.

Book Review: Miss Julia Hits the Road

I'm trying to catch up on my book reviews! This is another fun read by Ann B. Ross in the Miss Julia series.

You can read my review of Miss Julia Hits the Road on my website.

Day 292: Hyacinth

I added this new photograph to Creative Journey in my Photography section, Blue Hyacinth Bud

So ... we're back to a rain / snow mix today. Good thing I photographed this bud yesterday when we were in between storms.

I've never grown hyacinths before. I've never seen a hyacinth bud up close. The guy is strong and sturdy.

Of course, it might be grape hyacinth, not blue ... not sure. I planted a bag of mixed colored bulbs. There are several of this color popping up in my yard.

Days 290 & 291: Spring is Budding Out All Over

I added two new photographs to Creative Journey in my Photography section.

Yesterday I was hunkered down in my Studio, working on a writing assignment for my former employer. She's building a new website for her company and asked if I'd write the copy.

It's a good thing the steam was rising off my head ...I was not angry ... just thinking hard! It kept me warm, which was needed. Springs in north Idaho are unpredictable. The day started with the sun shining. We got a hail storm in the afternoon. Then it snowed into the evening ... enough that there was still some white stuff in the flower beds this morning!

Between the variable weather and my concentrated writing efforts, I didn't get out for a walk. But give it a day and the weather changes.

Today was partly cloudy and a bit blustery. I finished first draft of the writing assignment, then took a break for my walk.

The hail and snow were great for the early flowering plants! They are budding out all over.

So the photo above is Lilac Bud [2]. When I took the photo for Day 264, I received a request for updates as the lilacs start to bloom. This is what a month gets you.

The photo to the right is called Bicolored Cluster Lily (or Douglas' Triteleia). It's a cousin to Glory of the Snow (a much prettier name!)

I found the sweet tiny flowers in a neighbor's yard, right by the curb. I wasn't sure of the flower's name, so tried to find it on the web. Hope I got it right. None of the other photos that I saw had the blue veining that these gems do.

I love the Springs in north Idaho and the promise of hope that the flowers represent!

Day 289: My Little Bud

I added this new photograph to Creative Journey in my Photography section, Bud of the Grass Widow

I walked through the woods in the nearby Kiwanis Park, and found some Grass Widows in bloom on the forest floor. This little bud was likely to open later in the day.

Thanks to my daughters, I learned the name of the flower today. In our local high school, the students are required to do a unit on local wild flowers in their sophomore year. It's a big project where the kids collect (or photograph) specimens of about 50 wild flowers and create a notebook with their scientific names, common names, where they can be found, what months you're likely to see them in bloom, etc.

Even Mom goes tramping around the countryside, looking for rare wildflowers. It's a big project, but one that stays with them for life. And it gives the kids a real appreciation for the beauty of north Idaho.

Wish List

I spent some time over at the Hoffman Distributing website this morning, looking at all the new cross-stitch charts that are available. Then I updated my Wish List on my website.

This is my favorite chart of the day. It's called outsideBox by Monsterbubbles.