Around the House

Visual artistic endeavors have been minimal of late for a few reasons: 1) I've had some shoulder issues and have been trying to let that heal and using my arm for painting and scrimshaw doesn't allow for healing; 2) I've been spending more time on music and have been practicing with three bands, all quite different; 3) it's summertime and that means I've been spending lots of time outdoors in the garden and with the chickens; and finally 4) I have a solo exhibit in Banner Elk that I'll be hanging on June 25 with a reception that evening, so I've been preparing for that.  Preparations have included creating promo materials as well as a slide show presentation, which will include some of my music.

In light of that month-long exhibit and show, I'll be closing my Etsy shop for several weeks... so if you're interested in anything, now's the time to buy... before it all gets carted further up into the mountains of North Carolina.

While my other activities have kept me busy, it's hard not to work visually, so that means I've been taking photographs of things around the house and in the yard. Because I feel that I gain insight into others by how they decorate and what they collect, what kinds of things fill their homes, I decided I'd give you a little view of what you might see if you stepped into my home.  And yes, there's dust.

Kitchen Windowsill... wine cork from Bully Hill Vineyards in New York

Coffee Time

Glass Objects in Dining Area Window

Lizard (a gift from a wonderful friend) and The Boss

Clay Lizard and Leaf in the Kitchen/Dining Area

Ummm.... Kitchen Sink 

Mike Mussina (my daughter's), Bottles Awaiting Hanging in the Bottle Tree, and a Lizard Plate (another gift)

More Windowsill Objects with a Flower Made by My Son

On the Back Porch, where we spend most of our down town in the summer, Potted Flowers

And One of Many Rock Cairns



In the Living Area, Chinese Lanterns

I'll continue to share bits and pieces of my home in the next post.  Until then, enjoy life in the summertime, kiss the ones you love, and share a smile with a stranger.



Look What Came in the Mail!!

My husband had some chores to do this morning, one of which was a trip to the post office, and when he returned home, he came in bearing a much-awaited package, dressed in a very pretty aqua blue! I couldn't wait to get it opened.  It was even better than I imagined, and I can't express how glad I am that I made this purchase.  I love shopping on Etsy, but I am also selective with what I buy, especially now when my sales have been slow.  But when I saw this lovely screen-printed tee in a treasury, I knew I had to have it.It came from the shop of angeldamico on Etsy, and it is so, so soft and lightweight.  The color is a rich teal green, and the V-neck style and longish, hip length is often what I look for.  But the original design with birds in flight...well, what more can I say? 

But wait... look closely....

 Not only are there birds in flight, but there are constellations, and they are named!  This shirt's design is called Night Birds, so of course... the night sky and birds.  A combination that speaks to me since out here in the rural woods, I see millions and zillions of stars on a clear night and so many different kinds of birds throughout the day.

I like how angeldamico's shop is set up as well.  It is sectioned with sizes, so you can go immediately to the size you would wear and view the various designs and styles.  She's got great selections.  I love the Evergreen Trees and the Deer and Trees designs.

I'll be wearing this shirt next time I leave the house.  Those who know me know that I am rather a hermit who stays busy at my home in the woods with songwriting, music, painting, gardening, chickens, dogs, and such, but I'll make a point to get out in my new shirt soon!