Photo-a-Day - September 2013 - Day 24: Space

Impressionism is one of my favorite periods of art.  Combined it with the water and boating, is my idea of perfection.  Upon entering the "Impressionists on the Water" exhibit at the Legion of Honor Museum in San Francisco, the first thing you see is the protective space created around an actual cruising gig believed to have belonged to Emile Zola and the model of a boat designed by Gustave Caillebotte (1848-1894).  I am embarrassed to admit that I don't recall the artist of the wonderful painting.

The main impetus for my attending the show, aside from spending an afternoon with a good friend, was the works by Caillebotte.  Yes, I love Monet, Renoir, Sisly, Boudin, Lepic and the others, but works of Caillebotte, a boat builder, yachtsman and artist, have always spoken to me.  From the first time I saw his "Paris Streets, Rainy Day" and "Planers 1875" posters of both I have framed, I was captured by the sense of being part of the paintings.

"Impressionists on the Water" provided me the opportunity to see the originals of three more of his works.  Of those, the one I most loved, but wasn't allowed to photograph myself, was "Boating on Yerres."

Photo-a-Day - September 2013 - Day 16: Frame

'

I love history.  It only made sense that, with my limited amount of time, I made a point of spending much of it at the Tower of London.  In my wandering, I glanced into a very dark alcove with spiral stairs and noticed a plaque attached to the wall.

I couldn't see what it said but, as I am want to do, took a picture anyway.  It wasn't until I returned home, had the film -- yes, film -- developed and did a bit of enhancement to the digital image that I realized what it said.

"The tradition of the Tower has ALWAYS POINTED out THIS as the STAIR UNDER WHICH the BONES of EDWARD the 5th and his BROTHER WERE FOUND in CHARLES the 2nd TIME and from WHENCE THEY WERE REMOVED to WESTMINSTER ABBEY."

I had long know about the disappearance of the two young princes.  [from Wikipedia]: 

"The Princes in the Tower were Edward V of England and Richard of Shrewsbury, Duke of York. The two brothers were the only sons of Edward IV of England and Elizabeth Woodville alive at the time of their father's death. Then 12 and 9 years old, they were lodged in the Tower of London by the man appointed to look after them, their uncle, the Lord Protector: Richard, Duke of Gloucester [who became Richard III]. This was supposed to be in preparation for Edward's coronation as king. However, Richard took the throne for himself and the boys disappeared. 

In 1674 workmen at the Tower dug up a wooden box containing two small human skeletons. The bones were found in the ground near the White Tower, which is close to one reported site of their burial. The bones were widely accepted at the time as those of the princes, but this is not proven. King Charles II had the bones buried within Westminster Abbey."

I had also, long before, read "The Daughter of Time" by Josephine Tey.  Still, to have come across the framed plaque was unexpected and just a bit chilling.  

Photo-a-Day - September 2013 - Day 15: Season

One doesn't realize how often you'll find the same word in book titles until there's a prompt.  Although it was relative easy for me to pull these five books, I found I also have:

- Open Season by C.J. Box 
- The Bridal Season by Connie Brockway 
- Off Season by Philip R. Craig
- Open Season by Linda Howard 
- Season of Storms by Susanna Kearsley
- Season of the Swan by Evan Maxwell
- In a Dry Season by Peter Robinson

Who know I had three books entitled "Open Season," each by a different author?

Photo-a-Day - September 2013 - Day 03: Lines

I hadn't intended for this to be my photo for today, but loved the three different directions of the lines on my local Safeway store.  You never know what you'll see until you take the time to really look.

Photo-a-Day - September 2013 - Day 02: Memory

There was a recipe on the main Facebook feed this morning that used German Pancakes as the base.  A friend of mine commented that she'd been looking for a good recipe and I remembered this.

Whenever we would visit Grandpa and Grandma Nissen, she would make Grandma Pancakes.  She always used a 10" cast iron skillet and would spread the batter very thinly across the bottom.  When done, the adults would have a runny-yolk fried egg on top and my sister and I would spread them with butter and sugar, than roll them to eat them.

I once made them with very, very thinly sliced apples in the spread in the pancake and, once done, sprinkled with butter and sugar and briefly put under the boiler.

What I most remember is seeing Gram, sitting at her--now my--drop front desk, typing this recipe up with her little Smith Corona typewriter.  I shall always miss my Grands.

Photo-a-Day - August 2013 - Day 14: Original

This is my latest project, shown with my handsome T.S. Elliot, for Stitches from the Heart, a charity which donates baby items to over 1,400 NICU centers and hospitals around the country.  There is a story behind this blanket.

I don't know when I first learned about Hudson's Bay points blankets.  [from Wikipedia] "A Hudson's Bay point blanket is a type of wool blanket traded by the Hudson's Bay Company (HBC) in British North America (now Canada) and the United States during the 18th century and 19th century. The blankets were typically traded to First Nations and Native Americans in exchange for beaver pelts."  Being one who loves history and the Northeast US and Canada, they always appealed to me but they are expensive, so I've never had one.

When I started looking for my next blanket pattern, I thought of the Hudson's Bay blanket and decided I'd base mine on that.  Off I went.  I didn't have quite the right green, but thought it would do.  I worked relentlessly for two days and finished the traditional four stripes.

And then I went back and looked at a photo of the actual blankets:

Do you see the problem?  It took me a minute to realize I had reversed the navy and green stripes.  I nearly cried.  Then I took a deep breath and weighed my options.

1.  Frog (take out) all the stripes I'd stitched.
2.  Ignore it and assume that whomever received it wouldn't know about Hudson Bay blankets.

Neither of those options really appealed to me.  Then, the light went one and, once again, I believed that there are no problems without solutions waiting to be found.  

Thus, I have created the Oakland Bay Blanket!  It's my own original design of reversing the stripes back out from the center navy stripe.  It's not quite half done, but I have to say, I really do like it.  

Problem solved.

Photo-a-Day - July 2013 - Day 31: Swing

I don't know who this prompt was such a challenge for me, but it was.  Finally, I decided on:

"Caution! Men Swinging"; an album I rather permanently "borrowed" from my parents when I moved out at age 18.  It was the first jazz album I really liked.  I'm happy to say, it wasn't, by any means, the last one I loved.

How could I have forgoten my wonderful swinging fairie.  She's from the Myth and Magic collection by Tudor Mint.  I have about 100 pieces, if anyone might be interested in buying some of them  I really could stand to divest.

Photo-a-Day - July 2013 - Day 28: Perspective

The perspective in this wonderful trompe l'oeil mural, created by artist Andrew Johnston , in the Woodminster District of Oakland California, makes it appear as though we can walk down the path into a redwood forest.  However, since it is a flat wall, I don't recommend trying it. 

Photo-a-Day - July 2013 - Day 27: This Is New

Crocheting for charity is such an important aspect of my life.  It keeps me mindful that no matter now hard my life may be, there are millions of people whose problems are much worse then mine.

This is my newest blanket for Stitches from the Heart, a charity that donates baby items to over 1,400 NICU centers and hospitals around the country.  The items are given to family who often have nothing else nice for their baby beyond what they receive from us. 

I loved this pattern.  It's easy, quick, fluffy and completely reversible.  I'll even make a hat, or two, to go with it.  And then I'll make another in little boy colors. 

Photo-a-Day - July 2013 - Day 25: Ground

Looking down to the ground and the turtle pond, from the tower of the new DeYoung Museum in San Francisco.

The pond, statue and vase are the only things left from the original DeYoung.  I must admit, I liked the old museum better, but then, I'm an old-fashioned girl.

 

Photo-a-Day - July 2013 - Day 24: D is for.....

Dawn dishwashing liquid and, most importantly, my Doctor Who T.A.R.D.I.S. dishcloth.

Yes, I am a major fan of the BBC show Doctor Who.  I didn't grow up with it, although I'd seen the random episode or two over the years.  However.....

December 31, 2009, I was finishing up a needlepoint project and had no interest in watching the usual New Year's Eve shows.  I had seen the ads that the SciFi channel, before it became SyFy, was doing a Doctor Who marathon starting with the first Chris Eccleston episode from 2005 and ending with "The End of Time" episode at midnight.

I had long known of the show and thought I'd give it a try.  By the end of the fourth episode, "World War Three", I was hooked.  I am sorry Russell T. Davis is no longer writing for the show as he wrote some brilliant episodes but Steven Moffat has served as a worthy successor with Mark Gattis and Neil Gaiman also providing excellent episodes.  Some of the other writers, not so much.

Doctor Who is a remarkable show in that it is beloved by both children and adults, men and women.  It is funny, scary, moving and fantastic.  Doctor Who definitely made my 2009 New Year's Eve unforgettable. 

Photo-a-Day - July 2013 - Day 16: Bottle

Growing up, I always aspired to afford real perfume.  The day finally came.  I bought this lovely, small bottle of Opium perfume.  However, be careful for what you wish.  It turns out, there's something in my body chemistry that neutralized the fragrance.

Still in all, I fulfilled the dream, bought my perfume, and can now be very happy with eau de cologne.  There's a lesson there.  

Photo-a-Day - July 2013 - Day 15: Outside the Window

I love the view outside the kitchen window of a friend's house.  There's just something very  zen about the contrast of the symmetry of the window with it's dark wood and the glory of the huge redwood tree and green vegetation outside.  Looking out that window is the best relaxation therapy I know, especially when combined with the company of a good friend.

Photo-a-Day - July 2013 - Day 13: Influenced by Andrew Wyeth

Andrew Wyeth "Wolf Rivers"                                             LJ Roberts "Oakland"

This was a definite challenge.  I'll bet Andrew Wyeth didn't have to iron his wall, but when you life in a place with all white walls, you get creative.  However, the greatest challenge was duplicating the graininess and coloring. 

Thanks go to Cindy for the chest hand-made by her grandfather.  I promised her I would keep and love it as long as I possibly could find a place for it.  It fits perfectly in my guest room.  Thanks to Linda for the hand-crafted angel from Williamsburg Plantation.  Thanks to Kate for the rustic, hand-made basket.  The "fruit" is Japanese glass floats found in an antique store.  And the wall?  It's a tablecloth I used under my good Gram-made crochet table cloth.

One does the best with what one has.

Photo-a-Day - July 2013 - Day 12: A Bad Habit

I certainly don't lack for bad habits.  However, these two lept immediately to mine, and view.  Prior to taking the photo on the left, I count barely see over the printer of my desk as that is where I tend to stack new books I've received. 

I am fortunate, now that I am unable to buy new books, to have authors, publishers, review sites and a friend who send me books for review.  That is the plus side.  However, the bad habit side is that I now have more than 7,000 books in my house and have run out of shelf space.

The second bad habit is Coke--Classic Coke, in a can, no ice.  I drink one a day, every day.  While that's not as bad as it could be, the thought of not having that daily Coke is more than I could bear. 

Photo-a-Day - July 2013 - Day 10: Smooth

The smoothness of silk is always wonderful.  I so loved the contrast of timeless patterns with the accents of modern in these scarves, I bought two color palates.  They not only reflect the different seasons, but the different sides of my personality. 

Photo-a-Day - July 2013 - Day 09: Three Things

Three things.  What three things could I choose that would be interesting, attractive, a bit different?  This is the question I asked myself when I arose this morning. 

Three things.  I thought about this through breakfast.  I considered photographing my breakfast.  No, I've photographed my breakfast before.  It's just not that interesting.

Three things.  I do take three pills every morning.  Possible, but no.

Three things.  The thought ran through my mind as I got into my beloved morning shower.  I opened the window, as I always do so I can hear the wind chimes as I shower. 

Three things.  And then I reached for the shampoo.  There they were:  THREE THINGS!!!  My shampoo, cream rinse and juniper breeze shower gel; neatly lined up on the sill waiting for me, as they are every morning.

Once again, my three things are an example of how often we look at things without truly seeing them.  Hello, my three things.

Photo-a-Day - July 2013 - Day 08: Path

Strolling down a path through the redwoods on a foggy morning is peaceful and meditative.  It's a lovely thing to have only 10 minutes away.

Photo-a-Day - July 2013 - Day 07: What it is!

Although I should never want to give up the conveniences of our time, there is a large part of me that loves the idea of the elegance of the past.

As a fairly young girl, I feel in love with fountain pens.  I loved watching the words form as the nib moved across the paper.  There's a gracefulness to writing with a fountain pen.  And then, of course, it does rather fit with my love of Jane Austen and large shawls. 

In addition to fountain pens, I do have a couple lovely glass dip pens and various colors of ink.  Upon visiting my favorite pen shop, I also found this beautiful ink blotter.  I couldn't resist it.  Yes, I do have a small writing desk that holds papers, fountain and dip pens and all my inks.  And on the top, along with a candle, in a place of honor, sits my lovely ink blotter.

Photo-a-Day - July 2013 - Day 06: What is it?

All I will say is that it is not what you think.  You'll learn the answer tomorrow.

Photo-a-Day - July 2013 - Day 05: Love

I may hate wearing things on my feet, but that doesn't mean my feet get cold.  Love is knowing that, every morning, my Tigger will come under my desk and lie on my footrest while I tuck my toes under his very warm, soft belly. 

Photo-a-Day - July 2013 - Day 04: Red, White, Blue

On July 4th, it has become my tradition to watch the movie "1776".  I shall be doing that this year, as usual, while making a second square for the member of my SASsy Stitchers Facebook group.

She asked our help in making a comfort afghan for a woman whose son is immanently dying of adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD), the same disease as depicted in the film "Lorenzo's Oil".  The woman is a travel agent who helped out our member.

It turns out our member's son also has the disease.  He LOVES the Boston Red Sox and was granted his wish by the Make-a-Wish foundation to travel to Florida and see the Sox at their training camp.  When the travel agent learned of this, she arranged for the family to have 2 extra days in Florida as well as visit Sea World and for the boy to swim with the dolphins there. 

In addition to the blanket we're making for the travel agent's son, who loves Superman, on the sly, the group decided to also make a blanket for our member and her son. Naturally, the theme is the Red Sox.

The white center, of each square, will have overstitching to make it look more like a baseball.  Each square will then be bordered in blue and the entire afghan joined in blue. 

There is a decided urgency to these projects, as it is very likely neither boy will be with us much longer.  We hope, however, the blankets give the boys a bit of comfort now, and their mothers, later on.

Crocheting for others keeps me very mindful that no matter how hard I may feel my life is, there are millions for whom life is much more challenging.

Photo-a-Day - July 2013 - Day 03: Cold

Even in October, one can find show at the Grand Canyon.  The roads were open but the trees and ground were covered with a fair layer but it started snowing again shortly after I took this.

Although dead trees always make me a bit sad, I loved the contrast between it and the live trees behind it. 

Photo-a-Day - July 2013 - Day 02: Shoes

I've never been a "shoe" person.  When I was younger, I wore a size 5AAA with a quad-A heel and those were almost impossible to find.  Whatever the reason, I don't have the same love of shoes many women do.

However, when I say these very cool sandals on a friend of mine--sandals not being something I wear either--I just loved them. I think it's the sparkles; I do love anything that sparkles.

Photo-a-Day - July 2013 - Day 01: Machine

Not mine, but my neighbor's Ford which he keeps polished and buffed. 

Photo-a-Day - June 2013 - Day 30: Photographer's Choice

Although a large, pink hydrangea is lovely, what makes this photo my choice is being able to take it.  

No longer having an income, being able to obtain things which allow me to do the activities I love has become a real challenge.  However, I am blessed by the angels in my life.  Some of my angels have sent me yarn for charity crocheting, some have made books by my favorite authors available to me, one sent me a painting by her husband that touched my soul, and one is providing me with additional asthma inhalers. And there are others.

A new angel remembered that I had desperately been wishing for a new camera.  My little PowerShot SD100is, bought for $25 on eBay, has been great but it has a permanent dark spot on the lens that I have to frame and crop around.  Not always idea.  My angel is a professional photographer.  She and her husband were going through all the equipment and realized they had a camera they no longer use.  Thanks to them, I now have a Canon Powershot SX10is. One thing I love, that I've always wanted, is that it has a 28-560mm zoom lens. 

This photo was taken from my very dirty second-story window down to the patio below.

Thank you to all my special angels.

Photo-a-Day - June 2013 - Day 29: Zone

It was hot.  It was getting dark and I as tired.  Yet I was determined to find a "zone" sign.  Driving along a narrow, windy road up in the hills, I knew I was in a school zone yet the only such sign I'd seen had been covered in graffiti.

Suddenly, up ahead, I saw it.  That was the sign for which I had been looking.  However, it wasn't until I downloaded and looked at the shot, I realized the shape of the tree limbs behind it.  Perhaps it was my fatigue, but images of creepy movies started running in my head.

Happily, I am now home, tucked safe in my own cozy apartment and all is well. 

Photo-a-Day - June 2013 - Day 28: Red

You don't need to go far to find red in my house.  Along with blue and green, it is everywhere.  Even some of the most basic things are red.

As I arose this morning, I looked into the drawer of my night table.  There as my red calculator, ChapStick and inhaler.  I think they go perfectly with my red flannel sheets, decorative pillow slip and red satin nightshirt.

Photo-a-Day - June 2013 - Day 27: Into the Sun

As the song says, "It's gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright) Sun-Shiny day.".  Unfortunately, it's also going to be the start of several hot days. 

Standing in the shadow of our Trumpet bush, helps keep things just a little bit cooler.

Photo-a-Day - June 2013 - Day 26: Empty

 All gone!  I drink one Coke each day with lunch and I enjoy every single drop of it.  Seeing this empty box makes me sad.  Seeing I still have another 12 pack in the cupboard, makes me very happy again.

 

Photo-a-Day - June 2013 - Day 25: Sharp

The bristles of this kitty brush are very sharp.  Too sharp, really, for my kitty's skin.  Instead, I use this brush for pillows and the upholstery on which my boys sleep.

Photo-a-Day - June 2013 - Day 24: Negative Space

 

According to the Art History Glossary, "The simplest way to describe it is as: "space where other things are not present."   On one hand, this is a photo of our plum tree full of fruit.  On the other hand, it is an arrow pointing to the sky.  Don't you just love nature?

Photo-a-Day - June 2013 - Day 23: Last

Imogen Robertson is an English author of historical mysteries.  Her series is one I particularly love.  

Her newest book, "Circle of Shadows" did not disappoint.  I'll post my full review soon on my blog "It is purely my opinion," but suffice it to say I found this to be an excellent read.

Photo-a-Day - June 2013 - Day 21: Train

The Montclair Egg Shop in Oakland, California opened in 1974 and has only changed hands once.  Ed, the original owner, is still around, but sold it in 2000 to then-manager Miguel Barron, a business student at SF State who started washing dishes at the egg shop as a teenager.  It is, by far, my favorite breakfast spot with my favorite being their Sweet Cheese Crepe--a crepe filled with cheese, topped with bananas, strawberries and sauce.  However, their omelets are also wicked good.

In addition to staff that has been there forever, a gas fireplace that's perfect for chilly mornings and excellent food, it's eclectic decor is a delight.

Vehicles are a particularly theme with trains taking a predominant role.  This Amtrak train, which runs along the back wall behind the kitchen, is only one of them.  And run it does, back and forth, along with the ski lift gondola.

The quote below the train is from Henry David Thoreau:

"If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away."

There are many more wonderful things to be seen, and tasted, at the Montclair Egg Shop.  Join me there.

Photo-a-Day - June 2013 - Day 20: Wind

It's a well-known fact that I love wind chimes.  So much so, that when I saw this wind chime/mobile in a shop near the Russian River, I knew it was meant for me.  An indoor wind chime is a wonderful thing.

Note:  You may have to press the "Play" icon on the bottom left to start the video.  Don't forget to turn up the sound.

Photo-a-Day - June 2013 - Day 19: Inspired by Man Ray

Man Ray (1890-1976) was an American modernist artist who spent most of his career in Paris, France. He was a significant contributor to the Dada and Surrealist movements.  Several of his photographs were of a woman with a mask.

While at the Tower of London, I took several photographs of their displays of the death masks of the kings through history.  What I had forgotten, was that in one the reflection of a fellow tourist superimposed itself over one of the masks.

I'd say that surreal enough to quality as inspired by May Ray.

Photo-a-Day - June 2013 - Day 18: Street

My faith in Oakland has been bolstered.  Last Tuesday, I submitted a problem notice to the City of Oakland.  We had a pothole on our street that was in danger of becoming a major issue as the surface had broken to the point where you could see the sewer pipe beneath it.  I received a confirmation saying my notice had been accepted but that they were very busy. 

Imagine my delight and surprise when I drove down the street on Thursday and found the hole had been filled and patched.

Yeah, Oakland!

Photo-a-Day - June 2013 - Day 17: Centered

When I first moved in, I was overwhelmed by the white walls and complete lack of architectural features in my 1968 apartment.  Even the kitchen, with it's lack of backsplash, really bothered me.

eBay was my friend.  I decided on a slightly country French theme for my kitchen.  Within one month I had a set of decorative plates over the corner sink, numerous copper molds over the two doors and counters, and assorted other items.  But there was still that backsplash.

Finally I found a woman who had a hand-painted sign saying "Bon Appetit".  Unfortunately, that one had a large rooster on it.  Not being a rooster fan, I decided to chance it and sent an email asking whether she'd do a custom design. 

I was thrilled when it my piece arrived.  Custom colors with wine and grapes.  Okay, so she was clearly not a wine drinker as the glass is the wrong shape, but who cares.  The most amazing part?  This delightful custom sign came to me from Tennessee for $22, including shipping!  Now my kitchen has the perfect backsplash and person touch for which I was hoping. 

Photo-a-Day - June 2013 - Day 16: Every Picture Tells a Story

Of them all, this is my favorite photo of my dad and me.  We just adopted a new cocker spaniel puppy and I was less than certain about it.  I love that my dad came down to my level and, in his shelter, reassured me that Corky was very nice and it would be just fine.  He was right.

More than this incident, I always knew my dad was, and still is, there for me.  We didn't always agree, especially during the turbulent 60s, but I have never questioned that I am loved. 

Happy Father' Day, Daddy!  I may not have been able to see you this year, but I could hear your voice and tell you how much I love you.  May I have a few more years where that is true.

Photo-a-Day - June 2013 - Day 15: Wire

While at the DeYoung Museum, several months ago, there was a small alcove by an elevator with numerous wire sculptures.  As much as I loved the gold and copper wire pieces themselves, I was fascinated by the shadows they case on the concrete walls behind them. 

Photo-a-Day - June 2013 - Day 14: Texture

One of the many things I love about crochet, is the breath of pattern and textures one can make.  Did you know that crochet is the only fiber art that cannot be done by machine?

Photo-a-Day - June 2013 - Day 13: Pull

One of the first things I do each morning is to pull open the front door to greet the day.  Today will be lovely.  It's 56 degrees right now, but we're expecting a high of 77 degrees and partly cloudy.  I can work with that.

Photo-a-Day - June 2013 - Day 11: Push

We live in an age where the majority of our communication comes via pushing keys; telephone keypads, television remote keypads, and certainly, computer keypads.  How sad it is to think how little time we actually spend sitting down and talking with one another, face-to-face.

We have gained instant communication and the ability to connect with people throughout the world.  We have lost the intimacy of sharing ideas and/or thoughts with another person.  We've lost being able to watch their expression and touch their hand.

Although both methods of communication have their benefits, I'd like to see us have a bit less of the former and a lot more of the latter.  How you do feel about it?

Photo-a-Day - June 2013 - Day 10: Mood

to many people, a cloudy day is somber and depressing.  To me, it is peaceful and relaxing.  The world is a bit more quiet and there is a restfulness to it.  It's a perfect day to read and crochet.  But then, every day is a perfect day to read and crochet.

Photo-a-Day - June 2013 - Day 09: Curl

T.S. Elliot's very long tail has a natural curl at the end.  And yes, he is eating on the dining table.  It's a special cat that eats at the dining table with a cloth and crystal candlestick holders.  Take heart, there is a plastic mat under his dishes.

His buddy, Tigger, is very overweight--we have food issues in this house--and the only way to ensure Tigger didn't eat his food and then eat T.S.'s was to separate the food bowls.  Since I almost never use my dining table any more, I figured someone should enjoy it.