Wisdom

Doodle Catalog

 I spent the day watching crafting and political videos on YouTube. To keep my hands busy, I added some patterns to my Zendoodle Catalog. I've found examples of patterns on Pinterest, then tried to recreate them. I also riffed on some of the patterns to create my own. 

I like doing the patterns that are not too complicated ... or when they don't make my head hurt from the attempt. This particular pattern wasn't hard, but I didn't enjoy making it. However, the end product turned out to be one of the most aesthetically pleasing to me.

Eventually, I'll draw some doodles combining patterns. But for now, these squares are keeping me occupied.

On the Side

 This week Dale and I picked out the side tables for our living room. We surprised ourselves by choosing modern lines in chrome and glass. We like them because they are visually light, rather than the heavier wood pieces they are replacing.

My favorite designer, Mr. Kate, calls metals and glass the "jewelry" of a room. The chrome works with the grays of the walls and carpet while it shines and glistens in the light of the many windows in this part of the house.

We put the short square table in the corner where the sofa and love seat meet. We still need to find a better-matching table lamp.

The small C-shaped table tucks in on the other side of the sofa.

The long, tall table graces the entryway.

We also picked out a very modern coffee table which will arrive in a few weeks. We want to use it in juxtaposition to our "granny couches" and the traditional glider/rocker. We hope it works in this setting. We're definitely taking a gamble with the style. I'm looking forward to sharing it.

Doris Ranch

Jeanne and I decided to take a walk at Doris Ranch during her visit this week.

The ranch houses a working filbert (hazelnut) orchard. There were a scattering of nuts on the ground, but look up! The trees are filled with ripening fruit.

We learned that there is a geocache along one of the trails. We didn't find it. We'd have to wade through too much spider-laden underbrush. But near ground zero is this superb fairy garden nestled in an old stump.

Inside the hollow, a treasure trove of painted rocks and trinkets.

One day, I'll return and add some rocks of my own to share.

Throwback Thursday: Photo Slump

I've been in a slump where taking photos with my "big girl camera" is concerned. So to buoy myself up, Dale suggested that I take a look at some of my old photos that received recognition from professional photographers. Sounds like a #throwbackthursday activity to me.

2013 - Peppercorn

2014 - Piano Soundboard

2015 - I Shall Wear Purple (self-portrait)

2016 - Dragonfly

2017 - Tall Grass

2018 - Rose

2019 - Orange

2020 - Sunset Clouds

Summer Puzzle

I had the opportunity to buy three more small jigsaw puzzles, and the time to put one of them together. It was a bit harder than I anticipated. Perhaps I'm out of practice.

The name seems appropriate for the season.

Hanging Out with Jodie

 Jodie invited Jeanne, Dale and me to join her and Kenny for dinner. We feasted on taco salad, conversation and laughter. I looked around the table and realized that if/when Jeanne moves to Oregon, this kind of gathering can take place more often. I like hanging out at Jodie's house.

Apparently, this talented weaver does too.

Jeanne at Sunset

 Look who came for a visit and to share a sunset with me! We hadn't seen our oldest daughter in months. 

She saw our new home for the first time ... including our evening view. 

SO good to hug her tightly!

Love Bell Peppers?

 I cut up a bell pepper for stir fry. The pepper top had a surprise waiting for me. Do you see it?

They follow me wherever I go, I tell ya.

Then, as Day Ended

 Last night's sunset, looking southwest.

Oregon skies as Drama Queen.

Trying Something New

 When my brain goes into a swirl of repeating and negative thoughts, I find that doing something simple and repetitive is helpful. It's why things like counted cross-stitch and crochet and knitting work so well for me. More often, I find myself playing Spider Solitaire on my phone ... W-A-Y too much. Honestly, I've WON over 11,400 games.

So last night I thought I'd try a new kind of repetitive activity. The art of Zendoodle:

Zendoodling is the art of drawing designs using structured patterns... When you draw a Zendoodle, you're creating a work of art, but you're also deliberately creating a mood, focus, and state of mind.

[It's] an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns... It increases focus and creativity, provides artistic satisfaction along with an increased sense of personal well being.

When I doodle, I usually use repetitive shapes. This practice could expand on a thing I already do, and take it to another level. I'm hoping I'll doodle instead of incessantly playing solitaire.

I found a few patterns on Pinterest and gave them a try last night. 

This is my favorite of the bunch so far:

Throwback Thursday: Hearts

 Happiness expert and author Gretchen Rubin has all kinds of tips to help people build happier, healthier, more creative lives. One of her tips is to cultivate a "signature symbol." Mine is a heart.

I like to doodle them, stitch them, make cards with them, and decorate with them. I find them everywhere. It's like they follow me around or call my name. And when I see them, I like to take photos of them.

So for today's #throwbackthursday, I share some of my favorite hearts from the past.

2008

2010

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

They're Not All Winners

 I was surfing around YouTube to see if they had a beaded wreath ornament tutorial to replicate an ornament I took a fancy to in a catalog.

Rabbit Hole!

I didn't find what I was looking for, but with a sense of fun and curiosity, I saved off a few other ornament ideas. I tried one last night.

It's a very simple wreath ornament made from pipe cleaners. It looks pretty cute in the video.

Mine came out ... OK ... but it's not one I'll replicate. I probably won't bother keeping this one. It's about 3 inches in diameter, which is an OK size for an ornament, but I think this looks clunky. 

Not bad. Not great. Worth a try.

Sometimes, an attempt is all that's needed.

Head's Up!

 This afternoon, I stitched the cat's head and the bubbles.

The entire You Are What You Eat piece is done now, and ready for framing.

Signed by the artist in the lower left corner.

The good news is that our daughter Jeanne is one step closer to getting an apartment in town! I hope to have this piece framed as a housewarming gift.

.

We had other great news today, too. Dale had his follow-up visit with the surgeon. Everything is healing nicely. The tumor is benign! We're celebrating today.

:: Happy Dance ::

Beheaded

 Or maybe ... unheaded? It's not that I lopped his head off. I simply haven't stitched it yet.

In any case, hey look! The cat has legs now!

Maybe I'll have time to stitch his head tomorrow.

Mama's Little Helpers

 On days when The Sads come for a visit, these honey wheat pretzel sticks are my buddies that help me through.

I realize the ups and downs are a normal part of the Bipolar II syndrome. But the down days, when tears lurk just beneath the surface, are no fun. I don't drink alcohol. I don't misuse prescription meds or self-soothe with party drugs. But pretzels? That's what I lean on. Well, pretzels and romance movies on the Hallmark Channel. (Plus, Dale and I found a geocache out in the countryside).

I made it to the end of another day in Covid isolation. 

Click for larger image

Tomorrow will be better. I have to keep believing.

In The Weeds

 It was a beautiful morning for a walk around the wetlands. Clear skies. Not yet hot -- it's likely to get up to 103 degrees today! Not too many people out and about that I had to dodge without pulling up my mask. I'm listening to a good book that I only listen to while on a walk. The practice of book-plus-walk is a strategy that gets me outside for some fresh air and change of scenery, much needed during isolation. 

The wetlands are looking crispy instead of lush right now. Tucked among the cattails, thistles, Queen Anne's Lace, and bachelor buttons are some wild blackberries. I stop to gather a few on each lap.

It was at about this spot when a bee (hornet?) stung me just above my left wrist. That was over a week ago. The swelling finally went down and my skin is not as red and angry-looking as it was for several days. But nine days later, my forearm is still pink and itchy.

Yet, I'm not angry. The natural wildlife was reminding me that this is their territory and I'm a guest. I really do love living here.

Make A Wish

 Dale and I had a most unremarkable day. Friday was devoted to rest and recovery for Dale, helping him rest and recover for me.

Then right before heading upstairs to bed, we stepped out into our back yard to look up at the sky. I'd found the Big Dipper, and was asking Dale about a couple of the brighter stars and planets that were visible. It was a clear night.

Just as we were heading back inside, we saw a shooting star. I think, perhaps, we both had the same wish: to be healthy, to get through this time of isolation and unrest, and to get to the other side so that we can become full contributing members of our new community.

This photo is from the Chicago Sun-Times
The shooting star we saw looked a lot like this.

Butt 'N Tail

 I spent several hours stitching the cat today as Dale rested on the couch, recovering from his surgery. 

He's doing well ... an excellent patient.

An even more excellent husband and partner.