Day 403: At the Convention

I added a new photograph to Creative Journey in my Photography section, Aladdin Books

Ah, my home away from home. Here's where I spent the largest chunk of time during the convention. That's my buddy, John, doing his "all business" thing. Surrounded by his wares. Makin' deals on the cell phone.

Not a lot of customers in this photo ... there was one just to the right looking at the books, but I cropped him out. But there were plenty of times when the booth was full o' folks, looking for interesting and unusual DVDs (the best sellers of the weekend), movie posters, books about film, photographs, and digging through the other memorabilia.

By far, the most fun was when the other dealers would stop by and pay their respects. John's been in business for quite some time and is well respected by his peers. It was fun to meet the other dealers ... and explain over and over, "I'm an old high school friend. Came down from Idaho to help John out and spend some time with him."

By the end of the Hollywood Collector's Show, the show owner, Ray Courts, even stopped by, gave me a kiss on the cheek and quipped, "I didn't know John had any friends!"

When I wasn't helping out in the booth, I got to wander around the convention. The main hall had the stars. The headliner was Patricia Neal. When she was present, a long line of fans would form waiting for her signature. Among others present were Linda Blair (teeny), Lou Ferrigno (smaller than you'd think), Morgan Fairchild (another small trim creature), Johnny Whitaker (huge), Rip Taylor (walked to the bathroom a lot), Ken Berry (kind, old and crumbly) and my personal favorite, Barry Williams. I even ended up getting a hug from the former Greg Brady!

Really was fun to see the stars-that-were and be around the Hollywood scene. It was quite a change of pace from my homemaker's life in Idaho!

Day 402: California Flora

I added a new photograph to Creative Journey in my Photography section, Mass O' Flowers

A little over two hours later, I landed at the Burbank, CA airport. It was actually cooler in Burbank at 9:45am than it was in Post Falls, ID at 3am! (We've been having one heck of a hot spell).

My friend John met me at the airport and we headed off to the Airport Marriott where this beautiful mass of red, orange and purple flowers greeted us.

I grew up in southern California and the gorgeous flowers and the palm trees were just a normal part of my youth. But having been away for such a long time, when I see these now, I go absolutely ga-ga.

Since I'd arrived so early, our rooms were not ready. So we just went on in to the convention center for the Hollywood Collector's Show. John and I finished setting up his vendor spot where he sells movie memorabilia and other collectibles under the name Aladdin Books.

I got to be John's assistant for the weekend. This mostly required me to be security guard while John was running around doing his thing, and chatting up his customers. Plus, we had a lot of time to talk and catch up as old friends are like to do.

Day 401: Hop Through Seattle

I added a new photograph to Creative Journey in my Photography section, Seattle Space Needle

The first leg of my trip was from Spokane to Seattle, Washington. Short half hour layover. Changed planes. Short delay. And then back into the air.

As the plane made its way south from the airport, this is the view out my window. The harbor with cruise ships. The many buildings. And the Space Needle.

So, OK. The quality of the image is not that great. But wow, what a view!

Day 400: My Trip Begins

I added a new photograph to Creative Journey in my Photography section, Sunrise Over Eastern Washington

I'm still about a week behind in posting my photos, but I thought with the start of Day 400 [!] that I'd post some of the images from my recent trip to Burbank, CA.

My day began early! I had to get up at 2:30am to leave for the airport at 3am ... get there by 3:45am to get through security. My flight left at 5am.

So though I got up in the dark, this is the view out my window as the plane took off. A beautiful sunrise over eastern Washington and northern Idaho.

Day 399: Purple and Yellow

I added a new photograph to Creative Journey in my Photography section, Hothouse Flowers

I saw these as I walked through the Wal-Mart nursery. Liked the way they lined up in a row, reaching for the light.

Day 398: The Bee Thing

I added a new photograph to Creative Journey in my Photography section, Fertilizer

Amazing how this fat little dude looks suspended in air with barely a flutter of his wing.

Oh, for the chance to float above flowers that way!

Day 397: He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not ...

I added a new photograph to Creative Journey in my Photography section, Welcome Home Gift

He Loves Me!

After finding the sign on the garage door, I walked in the house to a dozen red roses on the table.

Ahhhhhhhhhh!

Day 396: She's Baaaaaack!

I added a new photograph to Creative Journey in my Photography section, Back From Vacation

I had an awesome long weekend, off to visit a friend and help him sell his wares at a convention. We had not seen each other for eight years and thoroughly enjoyed each other's company, wit, humor, and stories.

I got home yesterday. My sweet husband picked me up at the airport. When we got home, this sign greeted me on the garage door.

I feel so very loved. Life is good!

I'm about a week behind in my Creative Journey photos again, so may post more than one per day for a while as I catch up.

Day 395: Feel Like Cheering?

I added a new photograph to Creative Journey in my Photography section, Mini Pompoms

When I saw these little flowers in a neighbor's yard, I thought they were just so sweet.

They're all of about one inch in diameter and a perfect little pompom shape.


I'm sure that when the fairies in the garden start their annual relay races, the little girl f airieswill pluck these flowers and start cheering their favorite flying athlete!

Day 394: Happy Birthday, Jodie!

I added a new photograph to Creative Journey in my Photography section, Jodie's 14th Birthday

When Jodie was in New York recently, she and her classmates got to go to the Broadway show Wicked. She's been singing its praises -- and its songs -- ever since!

Today my youngest turns 14. We're celebrating her birthday with her boyfriend, her sister Julie, and a lasagna. Can you get any better than that?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JODIE!

Day 393: Wow Quote

I added a new photograph to Creative Journey in my Photography section, Treasure Chest

Today's photo was inspired by the following quotation. On this Creative Journey of mine, I find myself digging into my past, rummaging around, blowing the dust off old memories. I shine some up and put them on display. Others, I find it best to make peace with and toss.

"In the cellars of the night,

when the mind starts moving around old trunks of bad times,

the pain of this and the shame of that,

the memory of a small boldness is a hand to hold."

-- John Leonard

Day 392: Meow!

I added a new photograph to Creative Journey in my Photography section, Roaring Tiger

This beauty lifted it's head, shook its mane and bellowed its bright colors against the drab fence. He caught my attention and begged for a picture.

Day 391: Crushed!

I added a new photograph to Creative Journey in my Photography section, Irony

Check it out! Found this on my doorstep yesterday.

Looks like bad karma to me!

Book Review: Bet Me

Here's a fun and sexy summer read!

Or ... listen, in my case.

I just finished the audio version of Bet Me by Jennifer Cruise. It's enough to make a summer evening warm right up!

Day 390: Foliage

I added a new photograph to Creative Journey in my Photography section, Leaf Platter

This tree intrigues (or is that in-tree-gs) me. I don't know what kind it is, but I pass it on my 1-mile walking route. I've taken a photo of it before:
Day 115 - Shadow Flower

The leaves are enormous and open flat to catch the sunlight. I just love their texture and shape. On this photo, I messed with the saturation levels as well as the light and contrast.

It reminds me of Disney's The Jungle Book animated movie, when Mowgli goes to sleep wrapped in the enormous leaves of a jungle bush.

Day 389: Hot July Evening

I added a new photograph to Creative Journey in my Photography section, Reaching for a Breeze

We had a scorcher of a day today in north Idaho. The temps were in the mid 90s, and very little breeze stirring the air. I took a walk after dinner, just trying to feel some air circulation.

When I saw this flower straining upwards, it looked like it was trying to catch a breeze, too.

Kindred spirits.

Zebra

Yesterday I finished stitching this zebra for a black and white charity quilt. I think I'm just about caught up with the stitching that has deadlines. You can find out the details of this chart in Cameo's Corner.

Sunflower Bookmark

I finished stitching this bookmark for charity. You can read more about it in Cameo's Corner.

Latest in Cameo's Corner

Look familiar? I finally posted the information about this project in the Stitcher's Studio in Cameo's Corner 2007.

Day 388: Fruit on the Way

I added a new photograph to Creative Journey in my Photography section, Come the Berries

Summer is in full swing and the fruits of the season are on the way.

What I love about this photo is the way you can see the little bug legs sticking out from under the petals of the flower.

Day 387: For Colleen

I added a new photograph to Creative Journey in my Photography section, Skirt

Now it's Colleen's turn! On Day 383, Colleen left me a comment asking to see more of my new skirt. Her wish is my command!

So here's the pretty floral embroidery on my black linen skirt, and (at least in the larger version of the photo), you can see the pretty black jet beads scattered among the embroidery and along the hem.

And no, I didn't make this one. I was lucky enough to find it -- on sale! -- at a local shop. But it is so me! I feel lovely when I wear it.

Day 386: Poor Thing

I added a new photograph to Creative Journey in my Photography section, Baby Bird

Hard thing about nature — the survival of the fittest.

There is a small spot under the eave between our front porch and the garage that is the perfect hollow for a tiny bird nest. For the last three or four years, we watch mama and papa bird dive bomb into that hole, build a nest, and carry pine needles and worms into it.

After several weeks, we start hearing the peeps of the babies. If we're real lucky, we see their tiny heads peek out every now and then. That miracle of life took place again this year.

Until yesterday. Yesterday, the peeps were louder and more frequent than usual. And on the front step, this little baby sat, huddled. Not a good sign. He'd been thrown from the nest. The rest of the family didn't seem real happy. They made a lot of racket.

This morning, we found him dead on the driveway. Dale buried him in the fairy garden.
:(

Miracle of life.
Miracle of death.

Days 384 & 385: Beaded Evening Bags

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

Red Beaded Bag and Maroon Beaded Bag

When I was up in Sandpoint on Sunday, I went shopping at the famous Cedar Street Bridge. Sandpoint is an artsy little tourist town that boasts of an amazing music festival in the summer and some of the best snow skiing in the inland northwest in the winter.

Like most tourist towns, it is filled with little specialty shops and interesting places to eat. So while I was in town for the day, I took some time to browse the little shops.

I found these two beautifully beaded evening bags at a shop called Where the Wind Blows specializing in handmade items from Nepal. These were only $5.00 each!

I love beaded bags ... even though I rarely use them to go out on the town, I have my collection on display in my studio right above my computer so that I can admire them all the time. You can see a few of the others in my Ladies of the Evening photo.

Day 383: For Kathryn in NZ

I added a new photograph to Creative Journey in my Photography section, Sexy Mama Feet
OK, Katheryn! Your wish is my command!

Here are my sexy new shoes ... the sexiest I've worn since my college days.

OK ... give me a break. I'm almost 50. Them gams look gamn good!
:: grin ::

Back on Day 379, I wrote that I bought myself some sexy new shoes. Kathryn commented that she'd like to see 'em. So here ya go!

This is part of the outfit I wore to the anniversary party. I was overdressed for a BBQ, but
:: ahem ::
I did catch the eye of some of the older gentlemen. They needed to drop by where Duane and I were talking to see who this "young" woman was that had garnered the guest of honor's attention!

Check out the skirt! Linen with embroidery and beads. It's hard to see the beads in this photo, but they are scattered among the embroidered flowers and a band of the jet blacks runs around the entire hem of the skirt. Very pretty! Very Cameo!

Day 382: Beautiful North Idaho

I added a new photograph to Creative Journey in my Photography section,
Lake Pend Oreille

Yes, this gorgeous view is just an hour from my home!

Driving home from East Hope just before sunset, the wind in my hair, a wonderful audio book on the CD player, and sweet memories filling my brain, I had the addition of this view.

Just had to pull off the side of the road and snap a few shots.

I get to live here.

I GET TO LIVE HERE!!!

Life is Good!

Day 381: My Music Prof

I added a new photograph to Creative Journey in my Photography section, Duane

You know, I have quite a lot of friends over 70 years old. Most of the gals in my quilt group are. My mother-in-law has a birthday today, and she's nearing that age. And my old teachers have reached Act III, too.

I love the look of age. The wisdom and humor in the lines of the face. The spark that is left in the eyes. The signs of years etched at the mouth.

In another 20 years when I get to be 70, I hope I have a ton of laugh lines because my life has been filled with wit and humor. I hope the twinkle is still in my eye. And I hope I have 50 year old friends that will take close-up photos of me and still see my beauty.

Day 380: The Gift

I added a new photograph to Creative Journey in my Photography section, The Gift

It's been a few days now since I've posted, so I have a lot of catching up to do.

Sunday was quite a wonderful day for me. I jumped in the convertible and headed north to Sandpoint. Managed to find the church where my former teacher was singing with his barbershop group. Enjoyed the service quite a bit. I haven't been to a Lutheran service since my mom's funeral. This was a simple praise and worship service, rather than the more formal liturgy. Very small congregation. Very personable pastor.

After services, I chatted with the pastor for a while, then headed downtown to find some food. Per usual, I got sidetracked. Enjoyed shopping at the Cedar Street Bridge where I found two pretty beaded purses for only $5.00 a piece! Maybe I'll take photos of them, too.

On the way back to my car, I bipped on in to Coldwater Creek. Wow! Did I have some fun there! For no good reason at all, I tried on all kinds of clothes and found several pieces to buy. QUITE unusual for me!
* A pretty teal sweater and cammie set ... the sweater made from ribbon yarn
* A simple white shell with bits of lace
* A beautiful white cotton a-line skirt embroidered all over in white floral
* And a very sexy purple surplus blouse. When I put it on, I look like a WOMAN!

The nice gals in the shop gave me directions to East Hope, where the 50th anniversary party was being held. I managed to find the place without too much trouble 35 min later.

When I arrived, I didn't really know anyone, so introduced myself and was invited to plate up at the bbq. Duane finally managed to wander down to the lakeside, cigar in mouth (as usual!), and we had an excellent reunion. That's when he opened his gifts from me ... the pillow, as you see. He and Pink were touched that I'd take the time to make something special. And in his hand a gag gift ... a cartoon book of "what women want vs what men want for their anniversary." The disk is Duane's birthday gift ... a slide show of my "Belly Flowers" ... compiled for Duane because he was my original inspiration to learn to take macro photos of flowers 25 years ago.

After a while, the barbershop group sang some more. We had cake. Then went up to the condo to watch home movies of Duane & Pink's wedding 50 years ago. I got to show them the photo slide show on my computer. Then it was time to go.

Before leaving, I stole Duane away to give him a short ride in the convertible. We had some more nice conversation and a memorable ride into the woods. Then I returned him to the condo, and made my way home, filled with lasting and excellent memories. Now that we're back in touch, maybe it won't take another 24 years for me to see him again.