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The process of creating my mosaic art pieces.

Saturday, June 30, 2007

Writing frenzy 

It all comes at once...
Yesterday afternoon, I wrote...

Two course outlines for 2 new mosaics classes for Lake County Schools
Beginning Mosaics...Terracotta Substrates
Decorative Mosaics...Wood 3-D Substrates

A thank you to the Dean at Stetson for help with my novel

A grant inquery letter (Dear Sirs, Do ya'll give out money? Can I have an application?)

And 2 scenes in the novel while the info the Dean gave me was fresh.


I did however burn the salmon filets for supper since I was trying to write and cook at the same time simultaneously and the pan went up in flames.

Thank goodness Plant Daddy likes "Blackened" Salmon!

Thursday, June 28, 2007

Trip to Stetson 

Today, I gathered up all my notes and my courage and drove over to Stetson to discuss my ideas on Oscar Bluemner with Roberta.

Very simply...I have no future whatsoever as an art historian.

Wednesday, June 27, 2007

On the move 

I have a friend who has moved a couple of times this year. She is exhausted from it.
I totally understand. Totally!

When I lived in Gainesville, I had a bunch of addresses.

First, I lived in the dorm. It was required in those days. I did a Summer, Fall and Spring there.

Second, the minute we could get out of our university housing contract, Kathy, a nursing student and I got a 2 bedroom apartment in a house. She quit school soon after that and the two surfer boys took over her room. What a fresh hell that was, so

Third, I moved to the other side of the house which was a one bedroom apartment, but the landlord got funky. I’d come home from class to find him sitting in my living room. Blech! So…

Fourth, I moved in with a friend of a friend named Dave. It was a one bedroom apartment but it worked out OK because Dave worked all night at a pizza place and I was out on campus all day. We rarely saw each other. I loved the terrazzo floors and the complex had a pool. But Dave found us a place closer to the pizza palace so we moved…

Fifth, somewhere out by the University Swine Research Farm.
I did not like it there at all.
Can you guess why I did not like it when the east wind did bloweth?
Oink! Oink!
So…

Sixth, I moved back to the old neighborhood. This was to a one bedroom apartment that was part of a quadriplex but I could sneak through the fence to the old complex’s pool.

The neighbors in the quad had a beagle named Alice who barked all the time,
barked all the time,
barked all the time,
barked all the time,
but the place had a garden of sorts, and terrazzo floors, so I loved it there.

I lived in the quad for a year.
I lived in the dorm about a year.
That means the other 4 moves happened in appx. 1 year.

I really, really know what you’re going through.

And I know how really. really good it feels to find the right place and root in!

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Mosaic Planter Box 

Here is the final view, finished results of the planter box mosaic with a mandevilla trellis.

Monday, June 25, 2007

End of the Spring Garden 

Last night we dismantled the tomatoe vines and the cucumber vines. I harvested the penultimate batch of green beans (I am optomistic to think that there will be more than a mouthfull to pick this week, but hey, gotta have hope.)

The okra is enjoying the heat. The eggplant is slowing down. It can't tolerate 95 degree days. The adzuki beans and the black eyed peas are coming along despite my overfertilization earlier in the week.

Plant Daddy's butternut squash is ripening. We ate one last week and determined that it mneeded more time...on the vine and in the oven...take 2.

So now we eat out of the freezer till Labor Day.
Let's start with the frozen Blackberry Cobblers!

Sunday, June 24, 2007

Yearly Bridesmaid! 

Last year on this date, Little Mind Escape was bridesmaid at her cousin's wedding.

Today I went with her for alterations on her dress for another wedding. This dress is georgeous...as is LME. The dress is midnight blue and highlights her eyes.

I was a bridesmaid twice, Had to wear yellow both times. Blech!

Saturday, June 23, 2007

Haircut Results 

Yay! It's short but it's even. I'm good to go!

Before I arrived at the salon, I dropped veggies off at the DiFiore's. I learn mosaics from him and great recipes for cooking from her.

Then I went to a lady's house to photograph a unique garden statue. However, it had vanished. Penny and I searched for it all over the yard, but nope, no statue. Bummer. It was going to be a magazine article. I'll have to do a write around.

However she had another cute statue I wanted a shot of. So I laid down in a bed of junipers to get the shot....not the best thing to do before you're due at the Beauty Salon.

I was a mess. Oh well. I got the photo!

It's going to be totally HOT HOT HOT today. I'll be in the pool. Cya!

Friday, June 22, 2007

Haircut day 

Pleeeeze God,
Let me get a good one.
Let me have 6 weeks of not having to think about my hair.
Amen.

Why is my self esteem so involved with those strands on the top of my head?
Nargh!

PS. Plant Daddy has a hair appointment today, too.
We're gonna look sharp tonight, baby!

Thursday, June 21, 2007

Happy 140th Oscar Bluemner 

This is painter Oscar Bluemner's 140th Birthday.

I sent a birthday card with a little "gift" tucked inside. I invite you to do so also. It goes towards building a gallery to house this artist's work.

See the thing is this here...

Bluemner's daughter Vera saved all Bluemner's works. Everything. From when he was in high school till he died in his 70's. Over 1000 paintings, sketches, diaries, everything. She never broke up the collection.

So when you go see his work you see how an artist goes from being a traditional landscape painter to becoming a modern artist.

Modern art...that jumbly stuff you look at and say "What were they thinking?"
Well, because we have all Bluemner's works and diaries, we know what they were thinking. It's such an important collection and it deserves a permanent display.

So send Oscar a Birthday card , care of the Art Department at Stetson University. Woodland Blvd. Deland , FL 32721 ...and tuck something small in the envelope!
Thanks.

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Yay! Sumter Electric! 

One of the joys of my life...one thing that cocsistantly works perfectly is my power company...Sumter Electric Cooperative.

They are always timely, polite, professional. A-plus.

I had phoned a few weeks about having this palm tree trimmed before hurricane season and they were on it yesterday. And they did a beautiful job.



There was a step down transformer completely engulfed by fronds. It's free now. Not going to get bashed in high wind.

Tuesday, June 19, 2007

100 Word Story #3 

“What is denature?” Julie shouted to the Jeopardy contestant on TV. “Like when cooking hardens an egg.” She reached for pretzels when his wrong answer lost the round.

“Denaturation,” she mused, “something changes then never changes back.”

Church counselor Sister Betty, had whispered Cecelia’s secrets to Julie who first felt pity, then horror realizing her own confessions would become gossip. Bonds of human trust snapped under the betrayal. Embarrassed, she fled the parish, the service clubs, the gym, all social contact. Did every eye know her shame?

TV peopled her reclusive life now. Alec Trebek was smiling just for her.

Sunday, June 17, 2007

Happy Father's Day to Plant Daddy 

Little Mind Escape came home yesterday. We had Family Movie Night watching "Hitch" followed by "Men in Black". Great Fun.

Today Plant Daddy got 3 shirts!!! which he really really needed! and an order of custom printed M&M's...which he really really didn't need, but they are fun!

Plant Daddy also got a movie from Little Mind Escape. It is "The Professional". It is about a hit man hired killer who only loves one thing in life...his houseplant.
Guess what plant it is in the movie?
Yep, one of Plant Daddy's hybrids called "Stripes"

We think we should get paid for product placement here. What do you think?

Happy Father's Day!!!

Saturday, June 16, 2007

Gopher tortoise 

Grandma Gladys the Gopher Tortoise goes for a walk.

Actually I intercepted her as she trotted through the field and I moved her to the blackberry patch. I had heard they like to eat blackberries.

Gladys would have none of it. She had been on a mission and I had interrupted her.
She hissed and trotted back to her burrow.

Friday, June 15, 2007

SAMA News 

The next SAMA meeting is to be in April 2008 in MIAMI!!!

Here's the press release I got today!!!

SAMA 2008 Conference Announcement - MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
We are excited to announce that the 2008 Conference will be held in Miami, Florida, April 2-5th, 2008. The 2008 Conference committee is working very hard on all the preliminary details for what promises to be a very inspiring and invigorating conference. If you are in the South Florida area and would like to volunteer to be on the 2008 Conference Planning committee, please email us


My wallet is throbbing!!!If I start saving now, maybe I can make it!!!

Thursday, June 14, 2007

Plant Daddy Mosaic 

Just in time for Father's Day...a mosaic of Plant Daddy!!!


Cool fisherman Plant Daddy...
With and without shades.

Wednesday, June 13, 2007

Bye, Bye Bob Barker 

I've been watching The Price Is Right as long as I can remember.
And I watched Truth or Consequences before that.
I'm really going to miss TPIR...but only in the format that it's in. No good to jazz it up and insert a new host. They tried that once and it was awful. Better just to let it go.

It's classic Americana.


Have your pet spayed or neutered.

My favorite was PLINKO!

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

Mom Scores Invasive Plant! 

We went over to Lowe's tonight. Lo and Behold there was a Cuphea in the garden section. Prayer answered and that weed was into my cart faster than you could say "Committee Approval".
Here it is...Mexican Heather...

Monday, June 11, 2007

$#@&%!^** Customer Service 

Back on June 4th, I was on it! I called up the company and ordered a LaTiDa for Plant Daddy's Father's Day gift. I knew it would take 10 days to ship, so I was just on time. The girl said it would go right out that day. I was looking for the UPS truck to arrive any moment.

Lo and Behold, I get my Visa bill today and there is no charge for the LaTiDa, so I know it hasn't been shipped. I phone the company.

"Oh Mrs. Plant Daddy. We don't carry those any more. We're sorry nobody called to tell you so."

I am now in panic mode to find a LaTiDa and have it Air Express shipped in here by Friday. But in the long run, they are the ones who suffer because I'll never darken their day with another order.

$#@&%!** or in other words GRRRRR!

Sunday, June 10, 2007

Cobbler Gobbler 

We've had 3 Blackberry cobblers this week. We are happy but our pants are tight.

Kidlet and her friends came home this afternoon to help us get one eaten. It's fun to have company at the peak of harvest season.

There's not been much else going on besides massive caloric intake. Not much to blog about. Palm writers group meets thursday. Then there'll be a report.

This is the saddest week in America...the last week for Bob Barker and the Price is Right. Don't call me between 11 and noon this week. I won't answer the phone.

Friday, June 08, 2007

Another 100 Word Story 

A. This doesn't have a title yet.

B. Am I a better mosaic artist or a better writer or equally crappy at both?

C. I read too much Sylvia Plath and Dorothy Parker and Joyce Carole Oates in my youth.

Oblate Betty transferred fresh, hot coconut cookies from the oven onto the counter to cool.
“The Sisters will enjoy these,” she whispered, grinning and tossing aside the hot pads.
Newly widowed, Betty felt sheltered and loved by the cloistered nuns at the Convent of St. Dymphna. “Their holiness might rub off on me,” she’d said when hired to live in as a nurse’s aide.
“Don’t forget the sacramental incense, pleasing to God’s nostrils,” cooed thin-lipped Sister Matrona, the convent’s cook.
Batting dark eyelashes against the thermal blast, Betty opened the oven door, smiled, and laid her wrist across the rack.

Thursday, June 07, 2007

My First 100 Word Story 

There's a guy I read on the web who writes 100 word stories. I am fascinated by that art form. It has taken me a while, but I finally wrote one! Here it is...ta da...

The Window Pain/Pane

The psychiatrist squinted angrily, blaming the ultra-marine sky for 124 days of water rationing. Clouds he hoped held promise of rain were merely forest fire smoke.

Sobs jerked his attention from the window pain/pane to the aging hippie patient in a fetal position on his tufted divan. “You say the plants have talked to you since the 1960’s?” he asked, jotting notes.

“One tree too many!” she wailed. “Four years ago, they said we downed one tree too many and irreversibly tripped environmental disaster. We are damned to die of drought.”

“Here’s a tranquilizer prescription,” he yawned, dismissing her hysteria.

Wednesday, June 06, 2007

St. Dismus, pray for us 

It was thunderstormy this afternoon so I cooked a blackberry cobbler and edited Palm Writers Group stories.
There was one story that included intercession to St. Dismus. It was interesting but won't get an imprimatur!
St. Dismus is the patron saint of prisoners.

Tuesday, June 05, 2007

Skeeter? 


What are you doing over here, you cute boy?
Go home, now.
Good Boy, Skeeter.

Monday, June 04, 2007

If you post it, they will come... 

I posted about the ripe berries at 10:10 AM. Kid and her friend Dorothy were here after berries at 4:10PM. Pretty good response time.


But here's a problem:
WOMEN IN HORTICULTURE

MONTHLY MEETING
Wednesday June 6th 2007
11:30 - 1:30

UF MREC
RM# 185 of the Administration bldg.
2725 Binion Road
Apopka, FL


Topics: YOGA

Spring has sprung and summer’s almost begun……..
What better time to work out the kinks and relieve some stress with Yoga
Please bring comfortable clothes and a towel or mat.
Cost: $15.00

This meeting announcement distresses me. Why?

A group of women who want to be considered professionals in the horticulture industry proposes to show up at the University Ag Center in yoga pajammies? To do yoga? at an agricultural university cite?

Do you want to be considered "the girls" forever?
"The girls" are doing their yoga in room 185. Let's go take a peek!

I feel this is so unprofessional that it is unspeakable!

In 1974 I was THE...only...one woman in the Ornamental Horticulture Department at the University of Florida. There were enormous barriers to overcome at that time. I cannot believe the mentality now is "us girls get together and play at yoga in front of the men and women professionals at the university"!

Sunday, June 03, 2007

Black Berry Harvest 


Today's chore list...
1.harvest blackberries before the racoon does.
2.cook and eat blackbery cobbler before Little Mind Escape does.

The photo is a few days old. The berries ripened seemingly overnight.

Yay! It'll be good to see the kid again. We've all been waiting for this crop to ripen so we can have cobbler. The rains from Tropical Storm Barry did the trick. The harvest is in.

Also on tap for the day...apply sealer to the mosaic bench, scrub the kitchen floor and ugh! Pay bills.

Friday, June 01, 2007

Mosaic Car Wash Stand 


This project is not going well.
We needed a place to park buckets. Fertilizer buckets, baskets of harvested veggies, but mostly car wash buckets of suds.

It is in the full sun and I am sunburned from working on it. Grrr.

The base was hard to get the tiles applied evenly, so I took them off and started over yesterday.

I have to get this finished before the "big rains" arrive this afternoon. Nargh.

Why is everything easy, not?

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