Another Coloring Meditation

I tried something a little different when coloring this time. I did a bit of shading on most of the leaves and petals. I also restricted the color pallet to greens and blues, with just a touch of purple. The result is very pleasing to me.

[click for larger image]

I used Crayola colored pencils on this piece. Afterward, I scanned it into my paint programs, played with the saturation, contrast, light, shadow, and noise reduction. This was colored on white paper, so in the paint program I turned the background black, leaving a little white just around the center. It truly makes the colors pop. Beautiful.


Drawing by Thaneeya McArdie from her book Flower Mandalas

Persistence

This little volunteer took up residence in the crack in the driveway right in front the spot where the garage door closes, right in between where our two cars drive in and out, right among the weeds, the stray pine needles and spent pollen cones.

Spunky little beauty, isn't she?

Sundown

with Dale's profile

Party Time

Square Mandala

Since I was in the mood, I kept coloring. Then I played a while in my paint program with the kaleidoscope feature.

Here's the original.

Drawing by Thaneeya McArdie from her book Flower Mandalas

Summer Mandala

Instead of fidgeting while watching TV last night, I got our my crayons. Wise choice!

Drawing by Thaneeya McArdie from her book Flower Mandalas

#TBT

I was looking for a particular photo of our quilting group, and ran across this previously-unedited photo from ten years ago of my daughter Jodie with my adopted grandmother, Katherine.

So. Many. Feels.

I'm incredibly grateful for the women who helped me through that year, and for the love bestowed on Jodie when we needed it most.

I miss Katherine.

Hosta Forest

The hosta forest in our front yard is in full bloom. It's such a strange plant, with lush wide green leaves below, then multiple flowers on a single stem which rises high above the leaves to catch the breeze and attract the critters.

I especially appreciate how the stamens - especially the outreaching longitudo pistilli - taunts the bugs with a "come hither" crook of the finger.

The Newest Family at the Wedding

Here's another of my mother-in-law's photos from Jodie and Ken's wedding. Little Melody was only 2 weeks old and made the long trip across the state to be at her aunt's wedding. As you can see, she even has her own corsage ... that we smilingly referred to as a "Buttonniere."

Dale and Joany

Father-of-the-bride with his mom at Jodie and Ken's wedding.

Photo courtesy of Joany Steffan

The Hungry Couple

A few more photos from my daughter Jodie's wedding in early June are starting to surface. My mother-in-law took this one of Ken and Jodie during dinner.

It was an outdoor wedding, and the weather held during the ceremony. Then the clouds opened up and it started pouring. As I show the photos, you'll notice that many of us were wet. We all scurried into the little barn for the reception. It made for a very cozy celebration.

I like that you can see a bit of the lace and beading detail on Jodie's dress in this photo. That's Jodie's bouquet front and center.

Two of my Favorite People

The last photo from Father's Day 2017.

Melody with Grandpa Dale

No, Grandma, NO!

Melody just wasn't having any of what I was giving.

[Photo courtesy of daughter Julie Otto]

Prepping for the 4th

My brother-in-law is moving back to the area after being in western Washington for 10 years. We'll celebrate his return and my mother-in-law's birthday on the 4th of July. Jeanne popped by to help set up a photo booth for the party.

Then we had to have a bit o' fun with the props.

First Blush

My rose bush opened its first bloom today

and lifted its face into the sun.

While I was photographing, a visitor stopped by.

The Little Family

Jeff, Julie and baby Melody

A Berry Good Time of Year

Mmmm! Summer! The yummiest fruits ripen at this time of year.

One of my favorites? The juicy sweet-tart strawberry.

I hear tell the strawberry is the only fruit to have its seeds on the outside.

A Calming Voice

Grandpa helps Melody settle in

Father's Day 2017

Three Generations

Another photo from Father's Day

Dale, Julie, Melody
Grandpa, Daughter, Granddaughter

Hands say so much

First Father's Day

Melody and her parents stopped by on Father's Day. I caught a sweet moment between Jeff and his baby girl.

Amid the Green

... a spot of white

[click for larger image]

Iris

Most of the irises boomed and faded while I was out of town for the wedding. I was lucky enough to photograph this one during the Golden Hour.

I wouldn't be me if I missed a year looking down it's throat.

Hawthorn

Our hawthorn tree's tendrils are so beautiful every Spring. It's my favorite non-evergreen tree in our yard.

The flower clusters are gorgeous. Just watch out for the branches. Those thorns don't fool around!

This year the tree bloomed at the height of the pine pollen season which made for some interesting freckling.

A Simple Card

I put a card together for Dale for Father's Day. I like the way it sparkles.

I added coordinating washi tape to the envelope for some extra flair.

---

Inspired by Ashley Olsen Crafts

Grandpa's Visitor

Look who came for a Father's Day visit!

The whole family is doing well.
More photos of the day to come.

Tiptoeing Back into Blogging

I took a week off from blogging out of utter exhaustion.

A week ago, my youngest daughter, Jodie, married the love of her life, Kenny. It was a lot of busy-ness in preparation. The bouquets. The corsages. The boutonnieres. Her gown. My accessories. A lot of travel. A lot of days away from home. Then the big event.

Our little Melody and her parents were able to make the long trip, too. That's quite a spate for someone only 2 weeks old.

In this last week I've been curled up in my sweats in the comfy armchair in the living room, watching TV and stitching, mostly. It's my best way to recharge. Plus, this is such a good look, don't you think?

So, I think I'm back, but slowly.

Air B&B

I had my very first experience with AirBnB this week. Jodie and Kenny's house filled up with out-of-town guests and members of the wedding party, so I stayed a couple nights at a bungalow in the historic part of Springfield, OR.

Every amenity was available, from soaps and towels to a fully stocked kitchen complete with food for breakfast. Books galore. Candles. Comfy beds. Plus the conveniences of WiFi and laundry facilities. It's absolutely charming and homey with little surprises in every room. For example, these roses were waiting for me, freshly picked from the yard!

I could live in a place like this.

I admit that I was very trepidatious when Jodie made the suggestion. But these accommodations far exceeded my expectations. I do believe I may try this again. It's been a home away from home, and a piece of peace away from wedding prep madness.

Trying

When I'm exhausted, I am trying — but I try.

When I'm achy, I am trying — but I try to be active.
When I'm distracted, I am trying — but I try to be productive.
When I'm cranky, I am trying — but I try to be grateful.

Try leads to trying leads to try leads to trying.

"Are you excited? You're marrying your best friend! You will be surrounded by people who love you both! It is so joyous!"

See my tired eyes? Please don't try me. I'm too busy trying to quit being so trying.

For Your Lapel

behbeh tootsies

Time for another granddaughter photo!

Bouquet Day

I spent today making the bouquets for the bridal party. A few last touches and they'll be done.

Tomorrow I take a crack at the bridal bouquet.

The Greeter

I arrived at Jodie's home this evening as we count down the days to her wedding and complete last minute preparations.

When I walked into the guest room, this little penguin pal popped up to greet me.

Jodie has definitely leveled up on hospitality skills - cruise ship style!

No Space Alien After All

It's you, my lovely columbine, hiding in the shadows.

And here are your baby brothers and sisters.

[click for larger image]

Smile for the camera!

Finishing Touches

My part is complete.

All can be revealed after next weekend and trip to Oregon for a very special occasion.

Antennae Up!

The space creature has made its annual return to our yard