My Front Porch

Patrick, when we would talk on the phone you would often say how fast the time was going.  Well, it still is.  Four years ago today, you left us behind to begin another life in Heaven.  It seems like only a few months have passed.  Missing you always, remembering the good times, and carrying the joy of being your little sister in my heart. 

♥

In the 1960s, Patrick sent me this photo of him along with a letter that I still have and cherish.  He was in the Air Force ~ this photo was taken in the Philippines.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Careostar !!

I can't help but smile when I remember those days when we all lived in Ohio and were able to celebrate just about everything together.  We made a lot of great memories!  

Do you remember this Birthday celebration for you back in 1981?

I am sending hugs, love, and wishes for this day to be a blessed beautiful one for you!

♥

My Poor Right Hand

Put on my pretty paisley garden boots for a walk down in the woods next to the house this afternoon ~ Didn't want any ticks or snakes slithering across my feet.  Never made it to the woods.  As soon as I put my hand on our retaining wall in the backyard, I screeched with pain - hand/arm got attacked by a swarm of hornets.  Pain!!  Mr. Magic applied Benadryl to the stings and the pain has subsided.  Yesterday, I tripped through a doorway at the Habitat Store and the brick wall jumped out and sliced my arm right above the wrist.  Not going to show you that.  It is still pretty ugly.  I'm wondering if maybe I should tie my right hand to my side and not use it for the rest of the year.  Ever since my CT surgery, it has taken a beating!!

Exhibit in Connecticut

I was thrilled to get notice today that this piece of mine will be included in an exhibition in The Empty Spaces Project Gallery in Putnam, Connecticut.  Seth Apter, who initiated the 5x5 Project back in 2012 has the participating artists works in his possession and along with the gallery owners, Paul Toussaint and Ann Monteiro, will hold a small works exhibition during the month of December.  The pieces will be for sale.  I will post more information when the exhibit is in progress.

Throwback Thursday

June, 1952 ~ Meyers Lake Amusement Park, Canton, Ohio

I was 4 years old when Mom took me to Meyers Lake for the day.  Bless her heart ~ she would save bread wrappers all year long and then use them to take me to Bread Wrapper Day free admission to the park.  We had to take the bus to downtown Canton and then transfer to another bus to get to the park. I still remember how the excitement would build in me as we got closer and closer.  And through all the fun of the day, dear Mom would stand in lines with me so I could get on the really cool rides.

Like many amusement parks, Meyers Lake closed one day and fell to ruins until someone cleaned it up and built a condo community around the lake.  The landscape has changed, but when I drive past that lake, I can still hear the amusement park music, the old lady laughing in the dark, the sound of the roller coaster high in the sky, and children screaming with delight.  I can still remember holding Mom's hand, looking at her and seeing the joy on her face because she made her little girl so very happy.

I loved that park.  The memories will stay with me always.  I've had a hard time typing this.  The tears are falling and I can't see the screen.  I miss my Mom.

Photo by Audrey
OH, HAPPY AUTUMN DAY !!!

Outside My Window Tonight

The sky was outstanding this evening.  Everywhere I looked in all directions gave me spectacular color.  I took these photographs from my front yard in the span of 10 minutes.  It is amazing how different the sky can look in all directions and how quickly it can change.  By the end of the 10 minutes, almost all color was gone and it was close to being dark.  I was very happy to capture the beauty before it was gone.

Cypress

I purchased this painting/drawing from my friend, John Sokol.  Having painted it just last week, this 11" x 13" is titled CYPRESS and is painted with charcoal, coffee, and soluble conte' on paper.  It is going to arrive today ~ I can't wait to see it. Being the tree lover that I am, I couldn't resist.  It's a beauty!!

Pumpkin Time

It's pumpkin time!!  Makes me happy to see pumpkins everywhere ~ means all the joys of Autumn are on the way.

Mr. Toad

Our newest resident ~ front yard.  Mr. Toad is out there every night when we take Jake out before bed.

Happy Birthday, Amanda !!

I wish for you, my beautiful daughter-in-law, a day of fun celebrated with Casey and friends; and a happy, healthy year of dreams fulfilled. 

♥

Throwback Thursday

My little breakdancer ~ August, 1984 

As most boys that age, Casey was into breakdancing big time!!  We vacationed in Myrtle Beach every year when he was growing up ~ he would perform poolside.  How I would love to go back in time and have him 10 years old again. 

Outside my window tonight.

Good Monday Morning !!

The bluebirds had fun playing in the birdbath today.

Rest in Peace

Anna M. Theiss

8-23-1923  ~  9-10-2014
~~~~

Casey's Paternal Grandmother has been living in a nursing home in South Carolina close to Casey.  After 91 years of life, on Wednesday afternoon the Angels took her home to be with our Lord, her husband John, and her son Jim (Casey's Dad).

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Sue !!

Sending wishes to Ohio to you, my dearest friend of 50+ years.  You've been my confidante, my secret-keeper, the one who has held the bucket for my tears to fill, the one who has made me snort from laughing too hard, the one who was ALWAYS there to do everything with, to share everything with, to fill my life with joy and love.  Thank you for filling my heart with each and every memory.  It is difficult to live 400 miles away after having always been just around the corner.  But, I know that with one call, one email, or one quick visit, the months and miles melt away, and it's like I never moved away. 

♥ 

Jan., 1968 at BGSU

Throwback Thursday

1967 ~ College Days at Kent State University

Jake

We dropped Jake off at the Vet's at 7am this morning.  Just picked him up.  It has been a month since his accident.  He had Xrays, nails clipped, teeth cleaned and a tooth extraction, plus all the normal 6 month tests.  Having anesthesia and several medications throughout the day, he is feeling quite groggy.  All reports good, but one more month of inactivity and crate rest for the little guy.  So very happy to have him back home with us. 

One Human Family, Food For All

Based on an ancient story about hunger and sharing...   The "allegory of the long spoons" teaches us that when we struggle to feed only ourselves, everyone goes hungry.  But when we focus on our neighbor's hunger, we discover there are ways to feed everyone.

Whirlwind Week

I suddenly can breathe.  It has been a whirlwind week.  Getting the finishing touches done for the Floyd art show had me quite stressed.  My sister and her husband have been here from Ohio.  We spent two days in my consignment spaces reworking them and getting many items ready to take in for Autumn and Halloween.  Jake had a vet appointment and I had a doctor appointment.  And, of course, the day to day tasks are always with us.

I am going to take it slow today, enjoying every minute of the day, feeling no pressure to get anything in particular done. 

Oddfella's Cantina ~ Floyd, Virginia

 It was off to Floyd, Virginia, early this morning to hang our Living The Creative Life Art Show.  I hung the following 9 pieces in Oddfella's Cantina where they will hang through September and October.

 "Sunflowers"

8" x 8" Acrylics

 "Floral Pop"

8" x 10" Mixed Media

 "Remembering The Hostas"

9" x 12" Mixed Media

        

 "Starfish"

6" x 6" Acrylics

                                

 "Beaded Tree"

8" x 8" Mixed Media

 "Sunshine Fire"

                         Mixed Media                        

 

"Heart of Mine"

6" x 6" Torn Paper

"Sweet Song"

8" x 10" Mixed Media

"Surrender"

18" x 36" Mixed Media

RIP

JOAN RIVERS

1933  ~  2014

Actress, Comedian, Writer, Producer and Television Host

Throwback Thursday

Audrey with her "Miss Sniff" book

My sister, Patty, took this photo of me in August, 1952 (4 years old).  She entered it in a contest that the local newspaper, The Canton Repository, was having.  She won!  This must have been the beginning of my love for books.