Something Sublime

Texture Tuesday-Blues

This week's theme for Kim's Texture Tuesday is "gardening" and I've got a photo of blueberries for you, taken with my too-smart phone.  Turns out the silly little thing takes pretty good pics (the phone, not me...silly.) Wife Whisperer and I picked a boat-load of blueberries over the long weekend and I'm now in the process of, well...processing them.  If all goes well, there'll be more about that, later.  Maybe even a yummy recipe for blueberry chutney. For now, I've got jelly jars to scour and berries to wash...

Freedom Isn't Free

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. Jn 15:13

It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived. — George S. Patton

The dead soldier's silence sings our national anthem.  ~Aaron Kilbourn

Peace to each manly soul that sleepeth;
Rest to each faithful eye that weepeth...
~Thomas Moore

Lesson In Amber

Back in March I picked up some lovely Chiapas amber while in Mexico.  Chiapas, in the southernmost part of Mexico, is known for it's beautiful amber.  My friend, Pattie, kindly tutored me in the finer details of faux vs real amber as we strolled through the market.  While I have a pretty good instinct for faux vs real, I wasn't really familiar with the beautiful Chiapas variety.

I ended up purchasing several strands from a very kind, older man who patiently worked through our language gap with me.  Amber is strange and wonderful stuff.  When you hold it in your hands, it's light smooth feel is reminiscent of, well...plastic.  That's because it's fossilized tree sap. Which is perfect for me as I'm a bit of a rock hound and a freak for fossils. Kinda geeky, I know.  Fossils, rocks, gemstones, driftwood, shells...all good stuff. Back to the amber...typically, you'll see inclusions and fractures...possibly even an insect or two that's been encased inside the amber during the process of fossilization. Cool beans, no?

The Chiapas amber has a warm, honeyed look that's really irresistible.  That sweet little Mexican man relieved me of a dollar or two.  Bless his heart.

This is Baltic amber, in a raw or rough state.  I love amber in this condition.

Doesn't it lend a fab, rustic look to this compass?

I'd rather use the Chiapas or the rough version than the highly polished version...just because I like a lot of crackly texture to run my fingers over.  I can wear it on my skin and feel the honey warm vibe running through it.

This, right here, is faux amber.  Faux amber is often made of plastic, resin, amber powder or some combination of those. Chips and/or inclusions and color are added to simulate real amber.

These particular pieces are pretty easy to distinguish from the real deal.  Real amber can be pricey so, if simulated amber is what you're looking to add to your piece of jewelry, that's ok.  The price should be considerably less that real amber.  Just know what  you're looking at when you go to buy.  Other than looks, there are a few ways to test for real amber.  Click here for a few tips.

 Amber love.  Just one of my obsessions.  I have so many...

Texture Tuesday-Yesteryear

My contribution for Kim's Texture Tuesday challenge is this photo I took at the carnival in Sheridan, Wyo, a couple of years ago.  I love a carnival.  The smell of corn dogs and cotton candy in the air...  The feel of saw dust under your feet...  The rides and games...  Of course, I wouldn't be caught dead on one of these rides but they're sure fun to look at.

I couldn't stop at just one variation on the photo so here's a second.  Fun stuff!

Here's the original.  Not a great photo...it may have been taken with my phone.  My favorite thing about it is that I caught this cowboy kissing his girl, in the foreground.  Sweet!

The New Cool

The very first, infinitesimally small, step of our kitchen redeaux...is done.  Rapture day came and our new appliances came, as well.  

The new fridge is glorious.  The finish is something called "Platinum."  Not stainless, but a clever look-alike that's easy to clean.  See that little smudge on the right side?  Gone in a flash of 409 and a damp sponge.  We decided on this model that's a bit simpler than some...no water, ice, tv or personal computer in the door.  Wife Whisperer has a quirky aversion to what he considers unnecessary gadgetry and no amount of cajoling could convince him.  Turns out I like the clean, sleek look of the uninterrupted doors without the water dispenser...so it's all good.

Lot's of space in here to keep my pudding cups and cans of fizzy water.  Oh, wait....I'm off fizzy water. And pudding cups.

Best part...freezer drawer (nose level for Miss Maggie.)  No more deep knee bends to get my fruits and veggies from the bins at the bottom of my old fridge.  These days, deep knee bends are not my friend. Neither are pudding cups, which is why I'm off them.

Btw...I want to thank you all for your kind comments and tips on this redeaux.   Super helpful!  Several of you have recommended under countertop drawers,  cabinet configurations, deep breathing exercises and one of you even recommended forgetting the whole thing.  Oh wait...that was Wife Whisperer.  Seriously, though...thank you.  You're the best! xxoo

It's The End Of The World As We Know It

J k...lol! Why can't I get that dad-gum song out of my head?  Anyhow, it's the end of this kitchen as we know it.  Here it is, in all it's pre-apocalyptic glory. I'm embarrassed to say, I even tidied up a bit before shooting these photos.  Just a bit, mind you. No sense in going overboard when the whole thing will be under construction shortly.  Since my guys are here for a few more days, you see our dueling laptops on the breakfast bar.  I have a plan for that but...more later.

 Here we go for the tour...the gruesome truth...my kitchen is cluttered.  And I don't care.  Well, I do care.  A little.  I think I've given up.  The debris of 16 years is hidden behind those cupboard doors and some of it has overflowed onto the countertops.  So, my goal with this redeaux is not only to update but also to squeeze every last bit of storage out of this little space. And purge.  Stuff. In my defense, things are out of order.  I've got stone and granite samples lying about and appliances and bananas misplaced. So, just ignore the chaos and hang with me.

The first thing to go will be the fridge.  If this earth is still intact from 5 to 7 this evening (and I feel quite certain that it will be ;)  our new fridge, will be delivered and installed.  The other new appliances will be delivered, as well, but will have to wait for cabinet installation and other boring stuff like that.  They'll be in the garage, in boxes....bleh.  So, I need to get off my keester and get going on this redeaux thing.  My plan for said fridge is to have the cabinet builder make a large cabinet unit next to, and over the top of, the fridge...sort of like a piece of furniture.  It should almost make the fridge look built in.  Also, that area to the left of the fridge, where you see the tile backsplash, will be a recessed appliance garage going back into the wall space (there's an under the staircase closet back there.)  All I have to do is open the garage doors and slide my small appliances in and out to use them....no loss of counter space, at all.  Slick, right?

I promise you, this area doesn't always look like this.  Well, okay...I'm lying a teensy, weensy bit.  But, it's a little worse because Wife Whisperer has decided to use that pass through bar as his catch all area.  

We're hoping to lower the pass through to counter level, remove the vertical support (unless it's load-bearing) and make this a large island/breakfast bar area.  We'll see how that shakes out.  If it does happen that way, I'm going to have to greatly improve my housekeeping skills.

Ok...now for my catch all area.  One of these belongs to Number One so it will soon be gone, but one of them is mine and has grown roots right here, in the kitchen.  Maybe that's how coffee got spilled on my old laptop.  So, my plan is to have cabinet guy put in a small desk over here...

...in place of that baker's rack.  Our cabinets have seen better days.  The guys have just beat the tar out of them and, let's face it...builders don't put in the best quality. So, I'm wading through a plethora of cabinet styles, colors, woods...and countertop choices.  Yikes.  It's almost as bad as choosing toothpaste.

Our adjacent breakfast nook has been taken over by some messy jewelry maker.  Hmmm...  My thought is to have cabinet guy build some nifty banquette seating under each window.  Not sure if I can convince Wife Whisperer on this one.  For him, this idea is a little squishy...no place to lean back...whaaa?? cushions? pillows??....you know, not a guy thing.  Also, I do like my table and chairs.  My guys have been unable to destroy the cast iron and oak.  Not for lack of trying.

So, there you have it.  Since the end isn't coming and my new fridge is, I should probably get going and clear a path for it.  Love to hear your tips and suggestions!

xxoo

Eye Of Newt

Hello small, green and sticky!  

Well, not exactly a newt.  What is a newt, anyway?  As I grabbed my cup-o-joe and headed for the backyard, this little critter was there to greet my morning.

How are you, my friends?  I have to say, I'm not quite ready for the predicted "end of the world" tomorrow.  I've got new kitchen appliances coming and, I'm wondering, would you like to come along with me on my kitchen redeaux?  After 16 years and a bit of tussling, Wife Whisperer has agreed...we're quite in need of a remodel.

Also, I feel like I can say "redeaux" instead of "redo" because we used to live in Louisiana.  Only for three years, but still.  One of my babies was born there so I feel I have the right to use fun words like "lagniappe" and "sussie."  And throw in an "eaux" suffix here and there.  It's fun.  Try it.

 This right here is how the whole thing started.  Well...actually, the whole thing started with the weather.  It's always the weather...right?  We had another unusually cold winter, in Houston, and the wise-and-glorious-powers-that-be decided it was a wise-and-glorious idea to impose rolling electrical brown/black outs on our humble households.  Chaos ensued.  In our case, in the form of electrical surges...causing an ongoing tiny-but-dangerous campfire in our breaker box...resulting in the eventual failure of our oven and our air conditioning units...well, you get the picture.  It seems one thing leads to another in the world of the homeowner.  We weren't really planning this redeaux at this moment but... The thing is, we got all excited over a big, giant appliance sale and went ahead with it and now have appliances coming to our house on exactly the day the apocalypse is set to happen (best sale of all time + insurance check = super duper dream range and other super duper dream appliances...somebody pinch me.)  Huh. I was really looking forward to this new range.

If anyone tries to flag you down, calling out, 'Here's the Messiah!' or points, 'There he is!' don't fall for it. Fake Messiahs and lying preachers are going to pop up everywhere. Their impressive credentials and dazzling performances will pull the wool over the eyes of even those who ought to know better. But I've given you fair warning. So if they say, 'Run to the country and see him arrive!' or, 'Quick, get downtown, see him come!' don't give them the time of day. Mt 24:23-26

But the exact day and hour? No one knows that, not even heaven's angels, not even the Son. Only the Father knows. Mt 24: 36

The Best Flush Cutters In The World

I've said it before and, yes, I'm sayin' it again...I'm cheap.  It's not my fault.  Really.  My people came from modest means and that's what I grew up knowing.  Plus, when you marry an engineer, well...let's just say, engineers are known as a thrifty bunch.  Put us both together and we like to save a buck.  I get a little thrill every time I discover a less expensive way and, if it's a better way, then...all the better! On the other hand, I like quality and am willing to splurge if necessary.  But, only if necessary.  I know, it's confusing.  I even confuse myself.

When it comes to tools, my mantra is "Buy the best quality you can afford."  Typically, better is, well...better.  But, when it comes to flush cutters, it's not necessary to splurge.  Let me introduce you to my very favorites.  You can spend tons of money on a good pair of flush cutters that will give your wire a nice flat, cut surface but, guess what?  You don't have to spend any more than about $8.99.  Aren't you excited?  I am.  What?  You don't make jewelry?  Well then, you have my permission to tune out, here and now.  Come back later and I'll have something interesting for you.

Probably.

See that nice flat edge?  That's what will give you a flat (flush) edge when you cut a piece of wire, which is desireable when making jewelry.  A flush cut is smoother and therefore needs no filing/sanding or less filing/sanding.  Excellent tip:  place your wire as far back into the jaws of the cutters as you can, when cutting.  This will give you more power.  You won't have to squeeze as hard and the wire will cut more easily and cleanly.

So, here's the scooby on these:  I use these cutters on all types and gauges of wire, including my 16 gauge steel wire...which is some darned tough stuff.  Yes.  It really does cut through it...very nicely.  Of course, with all this rough use, these cutters don't last forever but, hey, they only cost me nine bucks.  So, when they get dull, I throw them into my student bag (sorry students!) or throw them out (if I've really abused them.)  Then I hop into my car and take myself to my local craft store, which in this case is Hobby Lobby, and get another pair.  In fact, Hobby Lobby offers a 40% off coupon...bam.  So now my thrifty Scottish ancestors are doing the happy dance and so am I.  And you can join in, if you care to. Check your local craft store and grab a pair of these...it doesn't have to be this brand.  But, just in case your burning to know...

...there's probably something similar at a store near you.  Happy flush cutting!

Waxing On About H2Os

The Twinkling variety...not the kind that comes from your faucet.

I hope y'all aren't tired of hearing about how dad-gum fantastic I think they are cause, well...I just do. Plus, I figured out a cool way to use them as part of my new "Wax On" class at ArtBliss.  

In case you're curious, the kind Luminarte folks let me jabber a bit about it here.  

How To Quietly Enjoy Your Mid Life Crisis

Abacus earrings

Step 1:  Absorb birdsong and sunshine while drinking favorite beverage (coffee) on bizarrely cool-for-Houston May morning (60 degrees...seriously?!)  So far, so good.  If I get enough caffeine into my system, I may be able to make it through the day.

Step 2:  Surround oneself with loved ones.  Again, good.  My guys arrived from College Station last night...SO happy to have them in the house again!  However, many of the trappings of college life are now packed into our smallish home.  At this point, every surface is covered with, well...stuff.  Must close eyes...don't think about stuff.

Step 3:  Medicate.  Some of you might remember that I had an MRI recently to address my longtime migraine issue.  Turns out my brain is there...and it's clear.  Good brain.  After putting it off for many years, I asked my Dr. to prescribe Topamax for me, and she agreed.  It's actually a seizure medication but it's also used very effectively for migraines.  Bonus side effect...loss of appetite/weight loss!  Bad side effects...memory loss, confusion, suicidal thoughts, tremors, kidney stones, blah, blah, blah.  So, the good news is that I've not been having the killer migraines AND I've lost 4 pounds.  I'm pretty sure it's a fluke but I'm claiming it anyway.  The bad side effects have been pretty minimal so far.  Most strangely...some foods, including my beloved sparkly water, no longer taste good.  Turns out that sparkly water is very bad for me anyhow.  Who knew carbonation is bad for the bones?  I mostly bumble through life just paying attention to the very important things:  God, family, friends, Miss Maggie, my art, my students, the micro business I've been nurturing step by teensy, weensy step for years.  To tell you the truth, I don't put a lot of thought into what I eat.  So now I'll be on plain water...my favorite, gone.  Also, my fingertips and toetips are tingly.  Yes, tingly...very.  I feel a thrumming through my whole body, especially at night. I think it will pass.  So, you take the good with the bad, yes?  The secret to life.

Step 4:  Try to forget that loved ones will be leaving in two weeks.  What did I just write?  I forgot.  Oh, all right...they've both got jobs at Philmont Scout Ranch for the summer.  I'm so very proud!  But, dang...I won't be seeing them at all...all summer.  That's what happens though, isn't it?  They grow, they fly, they live their own lives.  And we admire them from afar.  Today is Number Two's nineteenth birthday.  I'm making him a German chocolate cake.

Step 5:  Be grateful...stay positive.  Of course, life throws it's challenges at me...just as it does everyone. I've never been a "dear diary" type gal...I guess that's reflected here.  And, while I know I don't often delve into the realm of super-personal, I can tell you that I'm extremely thankful that you all are here with me, reading my words.  As an artist, almost all of my work is done alone in my studio.  Many days, you are my only contact with the wider world, so I can't even tell you how much your comments and emails mean.  I read every single one of them and try to personally answer them all.  The truth is, I'm grateful that I have the opportunity to be able to do what I love and to share it with you.  What a blessing!  Thank you.  Thinking. Positive. Thoughts.