tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81649048262220865892024-03-05T04:02:31.847-05:00Sherry's Rustique GalleryMy Ever-Evolving Art QuestRustique Gal http://www.blogger.com/profile/00437687948857614576noreply@blogger.comBlogger96125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164904826222086589.post-2425121925492020272015-11-30T17:45:00.001-05:002015-11-30T18:56:31.203-05:00Women of NoteWell, Howdy!<br />
I'm hoping you all had a nice Thanksgiving feast or whatever you might celebrate at this time!<br />
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The art show and the craft fair I participate in are over now. I made a modest amount selling my art pieces and greeting cards and my "WOMEN of NOTEbooks." Women of Note--I chose <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eleanor_Roosevelt" target="_blank">Eleanor Roosevelt</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annette_Kellermann" target="_blank">Annette Kellerman, </a><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sojourner_Truth" target="_blank">Sojourner Truth</a>, <a href="http://www.atlasobscura.com/places/madame-sherri-s-castle" target="_blank">Madame Sherri</a>, and a couple of Queens of the World.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWuj9H9NMOyaCSmrI0HuPEeMzFOuWNsq4asEevH1eoFHg6m8095VnYE_K89mtnTPXRCyFUyXTeAAfLlyEWcx5pbVKd86ZNbBAzKlhKmBAHXRosJt9KUFh9vY7FJ_iAeB_psjAzWfXAp0c/s1600/annette.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWuj9H9NMOyaCSmrI0HuPEeMzFOuWNsq4asEevH1eoFHg6m8095VnYE_K89mtnTPXRCyFUyXTeAAfLlyEWcx5pbVKd86ZNbBAzKlhKmBAHXRosJt9KUFh9vY7FJ_iAeB_psjAzWfXAp0c/s640/annette.jpg" width="374" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Annette Kellerman, <br />
Pioneered one piece swim suits.<br />
Arrested for indecency</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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It started with those cute little versions of the composition books sold at Staples. They have covers that beg to be decorated. A little rubber cement or the blue glue (Martha S), trim it neatly, rounding the corners and repeat on the back. I put the portraits on the front and a little blurb about each on on the back, along with my business name. I didn't take any pictures of the notebooks, but am enclosing some of the women here.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9gpBWGUono7DGFaxaWCHlmqfVIoAOoT4y-qOdFlOqzbMbM-HBT3MUP0wGkv39nZBdwpEhRaspqGtc0Uw6vLXohVnYrSmjaVpjkivEQWcLPJFuPkv3QGhCTaVY6g-5Cmrgwl0ehOJqD_g/s1600/queens+of+the+world.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9gpBWGUono7DGFaxaWCHlmqfVIoAOoT4y-qOdFlOqzbMbM-HBT3MUP0wGkv39nZBdwpEhRaspqGtc0Uw6vLXohVnYrSmjaVpjkivEQWcLPJFuPkv3QGhCTaVY6g-5Cmrgwl0ehOJqD_g/s640/queens+of+the+world.jpg" width="451" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Become Queen of your own World.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Annette and Queens were the first ones I collected and I loved their spunkiness, prompting me to find a few more strong and interesting women:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXMAluldvMHNtaO95n8-qZSy7gxiawJxXDF8gzuBlQ1aLJWphr8WwOftiYNK7Mei8Dl3caGGR0L1BLwh6l1SFFqXfyi2pvt7rdGpw-lyqujL7s7DQaxxaFPp0IL-pCR6bAG-qzOFXEVm8/s1600/Eleanor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXMAluldvMHNtaO95n8-qZSy7gxiawJxXDF8gzuBlQ1aLJWphr8WwOftiYNK7Mei8Dl3caGGR0L1BLwh6l1SFFqXfyi2pvt7rdGpw-lyqujL7s7DQaxxaFPp0IL-pCR6bAG-qzOFXEVm8/s400/Eleanor.jpg" width="330" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent"</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Eleanor was one of the most pro-active First Ladies in history. I have always admired her.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbOKMO9oN4OOcfdVcwQDdCXGoIc7W40r7anT_Qz6wXhzCddNOG_YD0vRdHBijBCBVRt9giHK4Q2U1tO1QPLKky-w0jEE2Ojw8tV6TU00lFYZ7ieHcG0o1rz_EdjEX5p-D3XP_YXCle61M/s1600/Sojourner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbOKMO9oN4OOcfdVcwQDdCXGoIc7W40r7anT_Qz6wXhzCddNOG_YD0vRdHBijBCBVRt9giHK4Q2U1tO1QPLKky-w0jEE2Ojw8tV6TU00lFYZ7ieHcG0o1rz_EdjEX5p-D3XP_YXCle61M/s400/Sojourner.jpg" width="282" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"The spirit calls me and I must go."</td></tr>
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Sojourner Truth traveled the country speaking against slavery, for women's rights, suffrage, <br />
religious freedom and pacifism.<br />
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And then there's Madame Sherri. With a background in Paris and NY theater, Madame Sherri built a castle in
Chesterfield, VT in 1931. She and her friends lived a life of parties and
scandal. Her castle burned to the ground in 1962 leaving the ruins, including
an arched stone staircase in Madame Sherri’s Forest. It appears to be haunted
with the remnants of music and party sounds.<br />
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Look up their stories in the links above. Seek your own heroes!<br />
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Have a great week!<br />
Hugs,<br />
Sherry <br />
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<br />Rustique Gal http://www.blogger.com/profile/00437687948857614576noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164904826222086589.post-70365005678788500472015-11-20T18:29:00.001-05:002015-11-20T19:02:37.009-05:00More Paintings.Happy Friday~<br />
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Today I taught myself how to do watermarks on Photoshop elements. Why that program is so difficult for me, I'll never know! How do you do watermarks? Is there an easier way?<br />
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Year after year, I question the wisdom of doing art shows/craft fairs. The last few years, it has been SO unprofitable, that I only do it for fun. I did much better last weekend than I have for a long time. Not a lot of money, but maybe 3x as much as past shows. I sold two of my old collage prints, many cards and altered notebooks. Of course, what carries me is my note cards.<br />
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I enjoy making my own cards, though it can be tedious. Printing, scoring, folding, trimming, stuffing the envelope inside and bagging. I keep thinking of having them printed, but they would look totally different with a white border. I enjoy controlling the colors and sizes and the whole look of them myself.<br />
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My next show is next Saturday, after Thanksgiving. It is more craft fair, so I am working on some crafty things that will sell cheaper than art. BUT I hope I sell some of my art!<br />
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My current passion is 10 x 10" canvases. They are recycled from cheap department store art. I spend so much on art supplies, that I'm thrilled to find this great source. Many of them are marked down to just a couple dollars apiece.<br />
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I'm still working on this piece. I think it needs more background complexity. The photo color is way off, it is soft green and turquoise, with teal birds. My computer photo editing program seems to have some trouble with greens. Even in my landscape photography the greens don't process the way I expect them to. <br />
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Still enjoying warm, lovely weather here in Massachusetts. Hope you have a great Thanksgiving with family and/or friends!<br />
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Hugs!<br />
Sherry<br />
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Trusting your heart is where the magic happens... and where destiny starts to unfold.<br />
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<br />Rustique Gal http://www.blogger.com/profile/00437687948857614576noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164904826222086589.post-83127915890062570862015-11-14T23:02:00.002-05:002015-11-20T18:28:28.136-05:00A New Look!Well hello, again! I hope to be a blogger when I grow up! With winter months approaching, I am once again thinking of life inside and connecting with friends on my blog. I hope you will join me as I expose myself -- that is, revealing my ever-evolving art to you and the world at large! P.S. I'm no photographer. These are pretty distorted, but a sampling!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgguGtzLfRJlmOGFGyAJgyyVs3HC4hRl6KWuaRIHgVnyh30zOhH-bIE6ixnhWlp4kdNhtPH75PmsjvVQIIGry3Ym61KkygxzGD3wSxORi0QsQSRNR5EfH0BFX4NWc1rvkvM8-i1oZNfybI/s1600/Julysend+15+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgguGtzLfRJlmOGFGyAJgyyVs3HC4hRl6KWuaRIHgVnyh30zOhH-bIE6ixnhWlp4kdNhtPH75PmsjvVQIIGry3Ym61KkygxzGD3wSxORi0QsQSRNR5EfH0BFX4NWc1rvkvM8-i1oZNfybI/s400/Julysend+15+009.JPG" width="398" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my first painterly ones</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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I have been on a quest to grow from a cut and paste collager to an artist who paints on canvas. In 2014, I took a wonderful on-line class by <a href="http://shop.kellyraeroberts.com/collections/prints" target="_blank">Kelly Rae Roberts</a>. It was such a benefit to see how she lays papers, paints and words onto a canvas and comes up with awesome complex backgrounds, sweet, fun and touching themes and beautiful mantras. One of the best things that came from that class was the community that we created as all 200ish of us shared our evolution. From blatant beginners like me to accomplished artists, each dared to try new things, and bravely posted our pictures on our facebook page. We continue to share and encourage each other as friends do. Sometimes we even meet each other and we already have so much in common that it is just like seeing your bestie after a long time away!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUOF6wrqjFf6WxzgHTY4TjBhfvMxd-UINcBl-nAZD0tTjMurgOkT7beVr5wsVUZlwEG5MtbW1dQeB3hbj-oBWrTtx1x2JtXKH6rxB1pvlgqL9HWl9jjYoguDr7Rddim0d5iavfV211lKE/s1600/Julysend+15+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUOF6wrqjFf6WxzgHTY4TjBhfvMxd-UINcBl-nAZD0tTjMurgOkT7beVr5wsVUZlwEG5MtbW1dQeB3hbj-oBWrTtx1x2JtXKH6rxB1pvlgqL9HWl9jjYoguDr7Rddim0d5iavfV211lKE/s400/Julysend+15+002.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still stuck on collage, but starting to play with paints. Sold it!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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My aim is not to become a landscape or a portrait artist, but to use my intuition and put my feelings out there in a way that others can relate to. I LOVE it when people come to my art show booth and laugh and show my cards, collages and paintings to each other. I LOVE it when people get me.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiju2t8mmZGHcuywPXfiT1D6mW-STGDOU6gxgNrRl9y7DLKzfcAkc0xjwQhW3XfXSGtI3gXprsMbewHkUu1Uj9vhkO5kzhFTTBJoYnhTAEkyXMctCQCPgaYp9m4vwjV_Jjg7YfdNObltCU/s1600/Julysend+15+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiju2t8mmZGHcuywPXfiT1D6mW-STGDOU6gxgNrRl9y7DLKzfcAkc0xjwQhW3XfXSGtI3gXprsMbewHkUu1Uj9vhkO5kzhFTTBJoYnhTAEkyXMctCQCPgaYp9m4vwjV_Jjg7YfdNObltCU/s400/Julysend+15+012.JPG" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bit anal with the rubber stamps!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Well enough about me, already...How about my studio? Older posts tell about moving into Dad's very dusty old carpentry shop. He's been gone for 11 years already and the 3 brothers had ravaged the shop and filled the corners with their own stuff, spare pianos (the piano tuner brother), big carpentry machinery and lots of sawdust (the carpenter brother) and old lawnmowers and icky old gadgets and gazillions of recycled screws, nails, and broken old stuff that my old Yankee Dad didn't throw away. Ever.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOCkGdjZs93Oa0b_RqbYnsReTGFZEQvBqlld60FVHMSQoCP_3aZ5uGW83_m47w3Q4LLSy0CWlsvt9noP5drwjm0D5LZh40aredU9I17yMNmEzJP1uu8WofC7YMw_6bbXd0f0u__vSJXbg/s1600/followyourheart+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOCkGdjZs93Oa0b_RqbYnsReTGFZEQvBqlld60FVHMSQoCP_3aZ5uGW83_m47w3Q4LLSy0CWlsvt9noP5drwjm0D5LZh40aredU9I17yMNmEzJP1uu8WofC7YMw_6bbXd0f0u__vSJXbg/s400/followyourheart+001.JPG" width="395" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing with drippies and stencils. 12" square. Sold this one!</td></tr>
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After all those years of sawdust, grease, spiders, mouse residue, old nasty chemicals and scary old liquids in cans and bottles...well you can imagine how daunting that room was. The good things were: the size, a large L shape with some oddly angled walls, plumbing for a sink, lots of electrical outlets and high ceilings.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwI2O4oPMYx9QQp6kM-lSATXYDqt1XtTZXR3iv0w-nGaJ3iF8mK-mhTTy_rAzHIy0QKwa0k6ztxqwdbAPEF8VEEtN7Z4GQK8PKVq25lTH4tzYlSvkOh_AEE0FbNGRJyYCSGzPLY4yeCco/s1600/Julysend+15+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwI2O4oPMYx9QQp6kM-lSATXYDqt1XtTZXR3iv0w-nGaJ3iF8mK-mhTTy_rAzHIy0QKwa0k6ztxqwdbAPEF8VEEtN7Z4GQK8PKVq25lTH4tzYlSvkOh_AEE0FbNGRJyYCSGzPLY4yeCco/s400/Julysend+15+011.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love how this came out. It is a big one, too.</td></tr>
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I hired Jim (the welder brother looking for work). His first project was to build an addition to the garage to house the stuff that no one could get rid of. Then after lots of cleaning and insulating, the room was boarded in with bead board paneling, the fluorescent lights taken down and replaced by overhead LED directional lights, I painted and painted it all white and Jim installed a kitchenette (donated cabinets with sink along a short wall). I put down a vinyl stick-down tile floor over the concrete and moved in. The wall over the sink and one stretch in the middle of the longest wall became soft turquoise. In came lots of storage-wall shelves and Ikea cubicle shelving units. I dragged Dad's old metal workshop bench in, which he had painted turquoise years ago (industrial chic!) and filled up with my art supplies. The room is now kitchenette, studio, office and sitting area with a back door overlooking a small yard and acres of woods. I love it!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6A0Z_YJd6xJhIU1eAPXiWOwFf0uw2XWu_zAnQLDNsH8zqgqrjiXZ8EY_ZOCxbMitE1pa7UvWBGWRNZhF-ObWmFy1DmDDGPsfaV1ONE3Jd-vG1OqUF8-EbL2rpII_rvJczhogHRLiIVYg/s1600/Julysend+15+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6A0Z_YJd6xJhIU1eAPXiWOwFf0uw2XWu_zAnQLDNsH8zqgqrjiXZ8EY_ZOCxbMitE1pa7UvWBGWRNZhF-ObWmFy1DmDDGPsfaV1ONE3Jd-vG1OqUF8-EbL2rpII_rvJczhogHRLiIVYg/s400/Julysend+15+007.JPG" width="318" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favorite so far. The layering effect I learned from Kelly Rae Roberts.</td></tr>
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Mom and I live in harmony, each with our own living room, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom. We use separate entrances and driveways, but our spaces are open to each other. I work one mile down the road at the Senior Center 15 hours a week and do freelance desktop publishing. I am starting to really feel balance in my life!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglwn_UgrIbOPRYt9sJBWHN9iUKJVr6flONOerhx86hkPsBZ-4nwayEuexexPUEH-OwOWgsCKCCZJiQZjbsDtoN-3e7ZO54JEngHhQwBkpOfjxtaJ2TCHxZv3w7zMUucj9pko1Rz5BTGU8/s1600/Art+show+11+15+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglwn_UgrIbOPRYt9sJBWHN9iUKJVr6flONOerhx86hkPsBZ-4nwayEuexexPUEH-OwOWgsCKCCZJiQZjbsDtoN-3e7ZO54JEngHhQwBkpOfjxtaJ2TCHxZv3w7zMUucj9pko1Rz5BTGU8/s640/Art+show+11+15+001.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Art Show this weekend, Old and new things</td></tr>
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I hope you will visit me here soon and often. I can't wait to hear "what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?" (Mary Oliver)<br />
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Hugs,<br />
Sherry<br />
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<br />Rustique Gal http://www.blogger.com/profile/00437687948857614576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164904826222086589.post-69805992799991930392014-09-07T21:53:00.001-04:002015-11-14T23:01:50.384-05:00Ummm, revised!Hello from Lalaland!<br />
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I have been a bad blogger. I don't know how I've managed to get so busy that blogging is nearly impossible, but I am and it seems to be!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHxI1b2Wh-1Zj5Y-6-npI7VSTzSpbBWi1rml-EqreDQ-RiJbTb4BNx1B_l05RVMUyGIzw4y_6_T-4pQjGSwqNSkP5d3PKv64oDeVFEXsEC3AOHVc5TmEQwWE0tPfwLJTEqhYquCqJCmo4/s1600/birch+forest+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHxI1b2Wh-1Zj5Y-6-npI7VSTzSpbBWi1rml-EqreDQ-RiJbTb4BNx1B_l05RVMUyGIzw4y_6_T-4pQjGSwqNSkP5d3PKv64oDeVFEXsEC3AOHVc5TmEQwWE0tPfwLJTEqhYquCqJCmo4/s640/birch+forest+-+Copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Floating in a birch forest</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipF4d7IQrTUldE9v8DGEy3P2kQhkELGDexGQ64Zo6OrU-Kqjd7zl3lkmJWfPKdJqQL2Gt7W6W9ovSwhGNdKoFgV1VZaP7KwEw1QUMCID_t_KxA9h14opVmJuO_-NBHLWm-yZOllNm-lhM/s1600/beaver+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="433" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipF4d7IQrTUldE9v8DGEy3P2kQhkELGDexGQ64Zo6OrU-Kqjd7zl3lkmJWfPKdJqQL2Gt7W6W9ovSwhGNdKoFgV1VZaP7KwEw1QUMCID_t_KxA9h14opVmJuO_-NBHLWm-yZOllNm-lhM/s640/beaver+-+Copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the engineers of the submerged forest-beaver!</td></tr>
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I am the epitome of the person of a certain age who lost her job a few years ago and now has a portfolio of part time options: two office jobs totaling 25 hours a week; LOTS of pet-sitting jobs, in which I am away from home from overnight to 3 weeks at a time; free-lance work in desktop publishing; volunteer work with the senior center; a home to establish in Mom's house, which consists of converting an old workshop into a studio/kitchenette--yes, I'm actually finally getting started on that project.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-O90YFKCitpk6hzaa7wutVlSLuxHH5N7QmxO4Ix02G9-sLzIYoYQVn-4dUuwXuaH5rN1Qyy7IF-J7MRyWjieGW4yWbBtI7vkFxKa25NMsKxTs3rl2RHpDwai4dd05qL66FA5lzgWZeaE/s1600/breakinguphousekeeping1+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-O90YFKCitpk6hzaa7wutVlSLuxHH5N7QmxO4Ix02G9-sLzIYoYQVn-4dUuwXuaH5rN1Qyy7IF-J7MRyWjieGW4yWbBtI7vkFxKa25NMsKxTs3rl2RHpDwai4dd05qL66FA5lzgWZeaE/s1600/breakinguphousekeeping1+-+Copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing with Magic setting on new camera</td></tr>
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I have been in limbo with that project, as getting brothers motivated is almost impossible without the moola to pay them, and thanks to a recent financial benefit, we are moving forward. I went on a scouting mission to Home Depot this weekend, looking at flooring, paneling, paint colors. I should be in there by Thanksgiving....HOPEFULLY!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breaking up housekeeping...</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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One of the coolest things I've done this spring/summer is take an e-class by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelly-Rae-Roberts/74777405991?fref=nf" target="_blank">Kelly Rae Roberts</a>! She is one of my favorite mixed media artists, and this class was just a blast. The best part was meeting so many like-minded artists and learning to be fearless and express myself with paint. When I get my studio back together, I hope to plunge back in and do lots of artistic stuff. I miss it. I had a great start early this year when I set up a temporary studio space, but that is gone now and everything is moving into the garage for the remodel.<br />
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So I hope to reconnect this fall and reestablish myself as a blogger once again!<br />
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Meanwhile, enjoy this lovely time of year!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Hugs,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Sherry </span></div>
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P.S. Thanks, Tammy, for noticing me here!</div>
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<br />Rustique Gal http://www.blogger.com/profile/00437687948857614576noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164904826222086589.post-29099480484918852962014-09-07T12:16:00.001-04:002014-09-07T12:16:46.538-04:00UmmmRustique Gal http://www.blogger.com/profile/00437687948857614576noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164904826222086589.post-90944430491381703942014-01-21T19:46:00.000-05:002014-01-21T20:06:56.137-05:00A Simple Twist of FateHi Folks,<br />
Well, Another month has passed, and it's a cold bleak day in New England. A simple twist of fate (circumstance, karma) has me stranded in my favorite home in the "wilds of Worthington" with 3 dogs and a yard full of birds. <br />
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The twist was that after staying in all day on Saturday watching it snow, I decided to drive to the Old Creamery and pick up some food, including a nice hot container of clam chowder. After driving a few miles, I regretted my plan, but carefully continued on. Coming back, I slid into a tree and smashed in the front of my car. Luckily I wasn't hurt! I gathered my wallet, my groceries and walked to the nearest house. Some very nice people took me in and called 911 to get help.<br />
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Their house was warm and cozy. I was invited to eat with them, but decided to eat my clam chowder, which had popped open and squirted most of the groceries with goo. I cleaned up the tote bag and the groceries and ate the remaining soup.<br />
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Meanwhile, the fire dept. came and checked me all over, then the State Police came and asked me questions and called the ambulance. They checked me all over too and advised me to go to the hospital, which I refused, as I didn't feel any pain. Eventually, the tow truck came and towed my little Subaru away and these kind people drove me "home" to the dogs. I ended up with bruises on my shin and my breast (from the seatbelt).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1B1Bb_LFkKWiy85Z1RotjxVmi46j1DubpYSN2t0MAbSe98kyq928H-bK-kg2TCnLYwdQPlzLP5T3H1d8gDGVohCUx2khECdpSEQEm_jye2KPVEI1eB80wCxF5coQQHwVbF68ixiHMkPg/s1600/1+21+2014+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1B1Bb_LFkKWiy85Z1RotjxVmi46j1DubpYSN2t0MAbSe98kyq928H-bK-kg2TCnLYwdQPlzLP5T3H1d8gDGVohCUx2khECdpSEQEm_jye2KPVEI1eB80wCxF5coQQHwVbF68ixiHMkPg/s1600/1+21+2014+003.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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My insurance doesn't cover rentals, and I really can't afford to rent a 4WD car. Plenty of people have offered help, but with 6 miles of dirt roads and winter conditions, I haven't taken them up on it yet. My office sent me work to do, and I have a couple of consulting jobs on the computer too, so here I am!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_-UZ899hDN2cdJJ0kZAvcN7Vg_KaZ5U3CmL-VMSXos9SuW_h2ipRGlhTJi_rqsY7JOcsDrRiKJHSxvV1w6q0Rzgeq8hQsWHE1srUTwkPlT38-1cbjCbWhNbMem84zkzIJw9VPdT4a2kM/s1600/sat+1+11.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_-UZ899hDN2cdJJ0kZAvcN7Vg_KaZ5U3CmL-VMSXos9SuW_h2ipRGlhTJi_rqsY7JOcsDrRiKJHSxvV1w6q0Rzgeq8hQsWHE1srUTwkPlT38-1cbjCbWhNbMem84zkzIJw9VPdT4a2kM/s1600/sat+1+11.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Please excuse the poor indoor photography!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Another twist--Since I moved in with Mom in October, I haven't had any place to play with art. The room that will be my studio was all full of tools, wood, sawdust and cobwebs. Big stuff like Dad's old workbench and Richard's grand piano (for sale cheap) littered the room, not to mention tons of nails, screws, washers bolts, hammers, screwdrivers, etc!<br />
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So a few weeks ago I started condensing and cleaning the room. If I couldn't get rid of the workbench, I could use it for my own work table. I found a couple of pieces of plywood to cover the holes and dirt and put it in a corner of the room. I cleaned and de-cobwebbed till I was sneezing and coughing. Then I stapled up some sheets over the bare 2x6's and hung a couple of corkboards. I brought in a cubicle cabinet with red containers in each cube. I laid a couple of old rugs on the cement floor and set up a couple of card tables to work on. (Everything else is pushed to the other side of the room for the moment.) I dug out lots of supplies and bought a few more.<br />
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On Jan 11, I invited Emily to come and do some art, thinking company would help me get creative. Em didn't make it, so I did a piece of art anyway. She didn't show up the next day either, so I did another one. I determined to create one piece of art every day. Not only
to expand my artistic mind, but to help me be in happy mode during this
difficult time of the year. I can easily become depressed when it is
cold and gloomy, so I need to keep myself creative. It is so uplifting
to be playing with my art supplies!<br />
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Collage is my main genre, but I want to get more and more original. I also want my new art to be affirmative and to encourage people. I like to use recycled materials when I can. Eventually, I will get some painting lessons and mix things up.<br />
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I packed a pile of art supplies and brought them here to the "dog
house" and kept working (playing). Today is day 11 and I'm still doing it! For now I can say that being stranded with the dogs is, in a strange way, my own art retreat!<br />
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You can see my daily artwork and follow me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Rustiquegallery" target="_blank">Facebook.</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAW93KiXVOslMpXcYjqUrZdDsytUZSMpUwE0UU0P6el7FPi2byJS3fkliVH2DM_rD4ogufOy3m4r584AQFgYpHJYL6ZWyD2-XNtQRKCaUpVMWKtX9-hXXiSj2_A7PLLL4BJhJ5-gBu-uw/s1600/1+17+14+art+002.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAW93KiXVOslMpXcYjqUrZdDsytUZSMpUwE0UU0P6el7FPi2byJS3fkliVH2DM_rD4ogufOy3m4r584AQFgYpHJYL6ZWyD2-XNtQRKCaUpVMWKtX9-hXXiSj2_A7PLLL4BJhJ5-gBu-uw/s1600/1+17+14+art+002.JPG" height="400" width="328" /></a> </div>
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Meanwhile I hope your twists of fate are all good ones!</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Hugs,</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Sherry</span></i></div>
Rustique Gal http://www.blogger.com/profile/00437687948857614576noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164904826222086589.post-75664452345506347952013-12-21T22:58:00.000-05:002013-12-22T00:38:30.487-05:00Another Beautiful Day with my Best FriendIt has been a lovely day. After 2 or 3 long weeks of cold winter weather, we had a break today in the 40's with two more even warmer, though rainy, days coming up. A reprieve, as it were, on the solstice. When I lived in Colorado, we had these reprieves off and on all winter. Here, not so much!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0omqrDyF_Ciu8jXrFcMTC5s8xne9OofHraikx7-kJGx_tdwXOvl6ySVlL-X2jwoJKx0qrRrWGH73n8Fg9hry2SH_rykWKeM4RFtrmAgZPyBJvRmU3v3nWIH9S1a0mlcdqbeigdi4zXSg/s1600/colosno2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0omqrDyF_Ciu8jXrFcMTC5s8xne9OofHraikx7-kJGx_tdwXOvl6ySVlL-X2jwoJKx0qrRrWGH73n8Fg9hry2SH_rykWKeM4RFtrmAgZPyBJvRmU3v3nWIH9S1a0mlcdqbeigdi4zXSg/s400/colosno2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colorado snow!</td></tr>
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I worked late last night on a computer consulting project, so I got to sleep in till 10! Trisha called at 11 and said, "lets go!" and we went shopping. We stayed away from the weekend-before-Christmas crowds and headed for a little country town called Conway. We'd heard of a "pop-up shop" selling woven, felted and other lovely hand crafted items. This woman's studio and shop were beautiful. I envied her the organized, beautifully furnished space filled with weaving looms, a sewing machine, and tons of yarn and felting supplies.<br />
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After that we explored the <b>Field Memorial Library</b> in Conway. It is a wonderful green patina-domed rotunda with wings on 3 sides. It's ceiling is held up below the dome with marble pillars. Very patterned and veined marble. It also trims the doors and covers the walls. The floors are mosaics. This building was donated to the people of Conway by Marshall Field about the time of the industrial revolution when Andrew Carnegie was also building libraries around the country. What a wonderful sound our voices made echoing around under the dome. I think the librarian was happy to have us there, as we were the only guests. She never even hushed us. Unfortunately, I'd forgotten my camera!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDbxqU8646z4lutfV3JfdcC-EkHCrGqYs86HK8PBYyudhVIRzidu9bHJld8hbfNRSCpDtdt_bK9xYJibj89WqnlfLbwBFVV3sMiGfB2j0F72_0otOqWNEf84hTvGjIvuhMMhfUWdsg0k/s1600/Loot+keys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDbxqU8646z4lutfV3JfdcC-EkHCrGqYs86HK8PBYyudhVIRzidu9bHJld8hbfNRSCpDtdt_bK9xYJibj89WqnlfLbwBFVV3sMiGfB2j0F72_0otOqWNEf84hTvGjIvuhMMhfUWdsg0k/s400/Loot+keys.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loot</td></tr>
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But where I was really anxious to go was<b> <a href="http://www.loottheshop.com/" target="_blank">"Loot"</a></b>, a newish store in Turners Falls which carries all kinds of factory, school, office and other old building cast-offs. Being a mixed media artist, this was right up my alley, so to speak! We must have poured over that stuff for an hour! There were typeface letters, and all kinds of other lettered signage, there were old newspaper ad plates, skeleton keys, little tiny things, big industrial things, some new and crafty things and many tiny succulent plants. There were big nail bins filled with amazing little vintagy things: old matches, ephemera, tags of many colors, old photos, die cut metal hearts, onionskin and other magical papers and things...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfJtpqQUkn_K0T4CUbe6y116W9pffb7gadDPssgrbW4feq2VdxSTyBT5phv96Z0h9gQFg0vNBXUnC5UgOqBRL6TXudJmpOBnogVl4ZXSgPsA-mwGLsalZgAHipB4NO8RsUJsfDSU5l7Ek/s1600/Loot+shears.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfJtpqQUkn_K0T4CUbe6y116W9pffb7gadDPssgrbW4feq2VdxSTyBT5phv96Z0h9gQFg0vNBXUnC5UgOqBRL6TXudJmpOBnogVl4ZXSgPsA-mwGLsalZgAHipB4NO8RsUJsfDSU5l7Ek/s400/Loot+shears.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More loot</td></tr>
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Turners Falls is an old factory town on the Connecticut River. There are still lots of working mills, but most of them are either empty or repurposed. Imagine the loot you could find in the attics and cellars of these old buildings! Evidently the owners of <a href="http://www.loottheshop.com/" target="_blank">Loot</a> did just that. Now, instead of running off to Homegoods, I think I'll be visiting Loot regularly!<br />
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Then the Loot folks sent us around the corner to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/funkshunbychristalee" target="_blank">Funkshun</a>, which was fun too! They had aprons, potholders, various other stitched wonders made with these MAN fabrics. Trisha got an apron and a doll for Christmas presents. How fun is that!?! They had WOMAN things too, Wonder Women and cowgirls...<br />
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We had a late lunch at the deli of the local co-op and watched the people walk by. A woman set up a guitar outside and sang her heart out. "Halleluiah" by Leonard Cohen was the first one I heard and what a great voice!<br />
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One more thing I had to do was go to Trader Joe's and buy Pecans for my Mom's Christmas pie. (This year's requests were Pecan and Mincemeat pies.) What a zoo that was! The pecan shelf was naked! There were no pecans in the store. I grabbed a bag of raw cashews for myself and got out of there. Another back road to our little town and we were home in time for supper!<br />
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<b>I love a good weekend adventure with Trisha!</b></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Hugs,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Sherry</span></div>
Rustique Gal http://www.blogger.com/profile/00437687948857614576noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164904826222086589.post-2686443036567749642013-12-07T20:52:00.000-05:002013-12-07T23:04:07.843-05:00A New LookHi Folks,<br />
Well, the old pink background and header didn't call out to me, if you know what I mean, so I got a new look. Somewhere on the way to vintage Christmas, I came upon this nice fresh look and I decided to go with it. (I just love <a href="http://shabbyblogs.com/">ShabbyBlogs.com</a>!) I am pretty inept at photoshop, but I managed to resize the header so it would work well in the space.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My old garden</td></tr>
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It is a good time for me to be thinking about new looks! I've moved out of my old digs and into Mom's. My space is limited here, so I have been bringing only what works in the two rooms. I sold my purple couches and lots of other things. My new living room has dark foresty green tweedy berber carpeting and the walls are off-white.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Humble Abode</td></tr>
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In keeping with my wish to have sea glass colors in here, I'm gradually adding some color. I bought sheer curtains in a dusty blueish sage color, and white panels for the center. I really wanted nice turquoise drapes, but couldn't find enough matchy ones for the room, so the colored sheers will be the side colors, covering up the unfinished window frames. The next thing is to paint a lower half wall that has concrete blocks. It was going to be tiled, but for now, I think I'll just paint it a light tealish color.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pinterest </td></tr>
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Dad had plenty of work that never got done before his health failed him. Window and door frames and crown molding and floor trim in my living room and some upstairs trim work all need to be done. My 3 brothers are not so inclined, though at least one of them can be bribed with cash. So I'm saving my money, cause the honey-do list is growing.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6lqfpwrllj1JTcxLn7F4R3jzNMp__em2KG41bHJGGidiMqaPJpZ0FQb6pkpBGwX-YumV8RSAO9k80ygnAvElKin3iQvXq-5CUzWecdstFv1I_loHq6BuOXD8sMOLemPFfb4XdTigUdLY/s1600/6598c812b5122697f83d3a49c71bf994.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6lqfpwrllj1JTcxLn7F4R3jzNMp__em2KG41bHJGGidiMqaPJpZ0FQb6pkpBGwX-YumV8RSAO9k80ygnAvElKin3iQvXq-5CUzWecdstFv1I_loHq6BuOXD8sMOLemPFfb4XdTigUdLY/s640/6598c812b5122697f83d3a49c71bf994.jpg" width="364" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pinterest</td></tr>
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The last room of the house is Dad's carpentry shop, which has been used by a couple of brothers off and on over the 9 years since dad passed away. It will be my office and studio space. It is large with windows looking out the front and back of the house (woods all around). It is far enough away from Mom's loud TV, so I'll be able to shut the door, curl up in the old recliner with a good book, a cup of coffee with lots of cream, and daydream about my next project while listening to music--cozying up!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEZgGqWd5VvTlP5M3ackJri5YunRJvJLVzJUdbb2d1l_nK9T9SpAXUbjS63U6JuEe7Eey2BEJj0ogZKmR4Rq1vSuZmXEHRa7PLxR76-jXyAABz3P7VXpjzmP0nbjnVQVAm7Cjvhj2mjdg/s1600/coffee+and+books.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEZgGqWd5VvTlP5M3ackJri5YunRJvJLVzJUdbb2d1l_nK9T9SpAXUbjS63U6JuEe7Eey2BEJj0ogZKmR4Rq1vSuZmXEHRa7PLxR76-jXyAABz3P7VXpjzmP0nbjnVQVAm7Cjvhj2mjdg/s400/coffee+and+books.png" width="326" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pinterest</td></tr>
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A timely series of events must happen for me to get into that room: First the 2 brothers who still live around here need to enclose a roofed in space beside the garage; then they have to move all the tools and things into that space. It will become Richard's workshop. (He wanted it before the snow flies, but oops, it did already!) Then, I get to insulate the walls between the 2x6's and get Jim to put up some paneling or <u>beadboard</u>. Then I'll paint the cement floor and bring in the storage and work units from the old house and set up my space. I can't wait...<br />
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Well, I can, I have to!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLQu0e8fWkdP-yZm-_qaTz0g-7A3hyphenhyphenuoOYGUiC0rtsL3370B94uvVSBsaYGJvj-ZqJFOYlZlx3ME4qprKDZMQE1Cfg9k6UD5mIBegRFRcNgY-OT6D6lbD165hpNDws7kKHAPo8vRzyHBQ/s1600/f8dd847ceea3620f0a6463f05da3323a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLQu0e8fWkdP-yZm-_qaTz0g-7A3hyphenhyphenuoOYGUiC0rtsL3370B94uvVSBsaYGJvj-ZqJFOYlZlx3ME4qprKDZMQE1Cfg9k6UD5mIBegRFRcNgY-OT6D6lbD165hpNDws7kKHAPo8vRzyHBQ/s400/f8dd847ceea3620f0a6463f05da3323a.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pinterest</td></tr>
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And we have to close off one downstairs furnace vent and open the wall in the stairwell for another one up there. And... Mom has been cleaning out the closet and art studio she had in "MY" room and cleaning out centuries (50 years) of clothes from her own closet. Today we cleaned out a lot of kitchen cabinet space for me to use. We took 3 boxes and 6 bags to Goodwill today. More to come!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoFBj6sUPihSNw6sTDBVgKN0wunbii6UGWVIMEZ_j3Q1ImtgQvyQRBPZ75VH582f27VkDWJECdQx46w_K5TwJrrAjVNxOD11eYqKb0aubRNpYochNsQyFj_CGV03I37QJvZXuT4F13cO8/s1600/Nixon-lucky-turqoise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoFBj6sUPihSNw6sTDBVgKN0wunbii6UGWVIMEZ_j3Q1ImtgQvyQRBPZ75VH582f27VkDWJECdQx46w_K5TwJrrAjVNxOD11eYqKb0aubRNpYochNsQyFj_CGV03I37QJvZXuT4F13cO8/s400/Nixon-lucky-turqoise.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I'm dreaming of a soft turquoise mid-century modern sofa from <a href="http://www.thrivefurniture.com/nixon-sofa/" target="_blank">Thrive</a>. Maybe I'll settle for something cheaper, but for now I have a futon for a sofa, so my niece can come and stay over when she wants. She's 18 and driving already! I remember when she was four or five, I bought a recliner chair-and-a- half, so we could sit together and read and tell stories with the cats. I love that chair, but it is too big for my current living room. I do have a cozy spot picked out in the studio/office for a reading/music nook. That chair will be perfect there. Meanwhile I got a used recliner from my aunt. It's green and pretty comfy.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2LGp6FjaBFf2YIo7SYpCMqNFMXxHe0TvbY-OylZQJ4VOsVuxAHrFvUr0Lo8EGRgEouxon028NbgwiNXIH4R8_NT1EiomjuIo53EqywL2oxtPrG9Muf3uYqRYGvLGBTY-qRbZD3ne40M4/s1600/Snuggles.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2LGp6FjaBFf2YIo7SYpCMqNFMXxHe0TvbY-OylZQJ4VOsVuxAHrFvUr0Lo8EGRgEouxon028NbgwiNXIH4R8_NT1EiomjuIo53EqywL2oxtPrG9Muf3uYqRYGvLGBTY-qRbZD3ne40M4/s400/Snuggles.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snuggles</td></tr>
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One sad thing, though, is that I had to put Snuggles the cat down. She was getting old and sickly and I couldn't bring her here. It was sad, but I had the vet, Dr. Joanne, come to the house and do it with Snuggles on my lap. Very peaceful, and Jim, bless his little heart, took her away. I miss her and Fluffy so much, and I am sure that I see them out of the corner of my eye at least once a day!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pinterest</td></tr>
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Isn't this just the time for nesting and cozying up the home? I've been making lots of soup to share with Mom and getting all domestic here. Not wanting to leave messes, I've learned to clean up the kitchen instantly and not leave things in her living room.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pinterest</td></tr>
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I've taken my walking poles out for a trial run in my new neighborhood, and it's good walking here. My new neighborhood, indeed! I grew up in the house next door. But I haven't lived here since the early 70's. My friend Trisha built a house next door to her old homestead too, so we both live back where we came from. She's just up the road from me and our phone numbers are the same with two numbers switched. It's The Circle of Life!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1N-OWXkTxyaGdXPi8RJ81IWxg72rvF8pzThf-SnFkH29nEdhjd41DfwH4TqvA6bVOEjvP-dwc_4Z98jBeGbiiyGsi4Rj-O67NxXrt6HwYZw02y9urFoz0XCMN6KTMa28osQcJzDdvFc0/s1600/35.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1N-OWXkTxyaGdXPi8RJ81IWxg72rvF8pzThf-SnFkH29nEdhjd41DfwH4TqvA6bVOEjvP-dwc_4Z98jBeGbiiyGsi4Rj-O67NxXrt6HwYZw02y9urFoz0XCMN6KTMa28osQcJzDdvFc0/s400/35.jpg" width="316" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dawn of A Feathered Nest or Graphics Fairy...</td></tr>
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Hope you all have your nests feathered for the winter--Stay warm and cozy!</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Hugs,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Sherry</span></div>
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<br />Rustique Gal http://www.blogger.com/profile/00437687948857614576noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164904826222086589.post-78520883820215786372013-09-25T17:22:00.000-04:002013-09-25T17:38:14.798-04:00Cool and Crispy!<br />
Last weekend after my yard sale, my friend Paul and I loaded my two
kayaks on the car and drove to the nearest open swamp area. The beavers
have dammed it up by the road and the whole area is flooded and open. We
paddled for 3 hours.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entering the swamp by the road</td></tr>
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It was a perfect day, warm, sunny, breezy and
beautiful. I looked up at the sky and it was a huge round dome over the
pond. The water was like glass and we followed two blue herons around
the whole time. Once we got away from the road, it was so peaceful! I
have to go again soon. I think I need more nature time and more fun
time, like I had in Colorado.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blurry, but blue heron!</td></tr>
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September 25 and it's definitely a fall day-in the 60's and breezy. The maples across the street are tending toward yellow and the cherry tree is shaking loose a few red leaves already. I stocked up on chrysanthemums to pep up my entry, harvested my basil and made pesto, took the last tomatoes off the vines and ate them, hung the cayenne peppers up to dry. I keep smelling woodsmoke, reminding me of cool fall camping in the Rockies.<br />
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Yes, I used to live in Colorado and had a VW camper van named Vinnie Van-Go. And Go we did! I kept him stocked with sleeping bags, lanterns, food and water and took off every weekend or two. Other friends also had them, and canoes too. We had some favorite mountain lakes and some great times!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxcpSN9ygxzkqanQ5z7HS55exlH-MmaorLqSZvCaAFCq29c8P8_zOSUpfgQ4PzxNlNmf3DPhCzhZcKHvTx7Qq6939xxZKx4e4-3KJC8tBNmQHbcbDxXlhb1Dk8xwEVfsO5cSjU1Ev4-Ck/s1600/Late+summer+13+152.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxcpSN9ygxzkqanQ5z7HS55exlH-MmaorLqSZvCaAFCq29c8P8_zOSUpfgQ4PzxNlNmf3DPhCzhZcKHvTx7Qq6939xxZKx4e4-3KJC8tBNmQHbcbDxXlhb1Dk8xwEVfsO5cSjU1Ev4-Ck/s400/Late+summer+13+152.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lilies of the pond</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
But I think the best camping trips were somewhere around 10,000 feet in the Rockies near Leadville, Colorado. We-(my cousin and her husband, my friends Virginia and Karen (and even a couple of my brothers one time)-planned on going to Leadville's Boom Days every August.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpz7IE__VXTCLKNtZadpgqJ36parp7AvCOcjSVwH97FTkryzNjeVzt7HGKenSiSbkQ-BxUmBKNfRne6a2MvAEgpf6yiXu7sxPsAFdB8oee_emDnU_A8UGMC1vuCBssLbHMXml4_sTyYtk/s1600/Late+summer+13+160.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpz7IE__VXTCLKNtZadpgqJ36parp7AvCOcjSVwH97FTkryzNjeVzt7HGKenSiSbkQ-BxUmBKNfRne6a2MvAEgpf6yiXu7sxPsAFdB8oee_emDnU_A8UGMC1vuCBssLbHMXml4_sTyYtk/s400/Late+summer+13+160.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Friend Paul, of the Glendale Falls Slideshow on right</td></tr>
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Leadville is a small town in the mountains, whose residents rely on the tourist trade and Climax Molybdenum Mine. When the EPA would close down the mine, which must have been a regular thing, they'd be out of work. There were a lot of bars there and people were always ready for a party. Boom days had a pancake breakfast, a burro race, a waitress race, a parade, lots of food and crafts and things to buy. But the best part was the mining competitions. Those miners were usually young and built and if it was hot, their shirts would come off while they pushed giant hydraulic drills into a marked off boulder or shoveled rocks into a mine cart and pushed it down the tracks, or hammered huge spikes into railroad ties. My cousin and I would hoot and holler, while her husband acted embarrassed by us. We had a blast. Then we took off to the campsite we had picked by the mountain stream and slept like the dead.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of many beaver huts</td></tr>
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I sure miss those days! In spite of my corporate job in the city, I was able to spend lots of time in the mountains, and I loved every minute of it. My life in New England is a lot different. Though I live in the country, I'm only 30 minutes from cities. Our little towns have rush hours and the traffic on Fridays and Saturdays is heavy.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and my boat</td></tr>
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Sadly, I left Vinnie Van-Go in Colorado. I never managed to get another one, nor would I have the money to do the annual upkeep on my retirement pay. I drive a small Subaru now and do little jobs all over the place. I have a 15-hour a week job at the Senior Center, I do pet and house sitting, I work in a community garden, coordinate a Senior home care program in my town. I do consulting work for my old office and I now design and publish newsletters for 3 other places besides my own Senior Center.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A perfect day!</td></tr>
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Meanwhile, back at the ranch...I have lived in an apartment in my brother's "house" for 14 years and now plan to move in with Mom, two towns away. I'm looking forward to the move, but there is much to do first! I've been selling things, on Craig's List and yard sales. But there is still sooo much!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joe Pye weed at the Graves Farm barn</td></tr>
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I recently bought a pair of walking poles and am practicing walking with them. After foot and knee surgeries, my walking has gotten bad. My back is out of whack and I walk crooked. I could use some physical therapy, but mostly I need exercise. What a difference the poles make! I can stand up straight and not lose my balance. I am looking forward to sightseeing with a Colorado friend who is coming out to visit. She wants to see about 25 waterfalls around here, and many require a hike. Not to mention that I NEED a vacation<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Out my window</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Well off to lay out another newsletter! And as I keep reminding myself, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Laughter is the best medicine!<br />
<br />
For a laugh, check out this video... </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=7xEX-48RHCY">http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=7xEX-48RHCY</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
Hugs,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sherry</div>
Rustique Gal http://www.blogger.com/profile/00437687948857614576noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164904826222086589.post-60985548871438075232013-08-14T22:55:00.000-04:002013-08-14T23:04:40.839-04:00Having a Moment...There I am, sitting on my porch recliner-breezes blowing a rather autumnal coolness all around me. It's late-afternoon-going-into-evening. The sky is BLUE and the clouds are marching quickly overhead. I hear a chickadee, rare here this month, and think, Man, I have to do those damn dishes!<br />
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I can't do a big kitchen full of dishes without music, so I turn on the local heavy rock station. <b>Sh** Yeah! </b>It's 1983--Red Rocks with Paul and Jeannie--Santana playing on the stage, early evening breezes scenting the air with sage and Denver spread out below us....<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Google images</td></tr>
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I fiddle with the equalizer and turn it up LOUD. I'm there! 30 years gone in an instant! Could that Kahlua Sombrero have done this to me?* Not quite the toot I had that night, but fine, nevertheless! <br />
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Dirty dishes disappear around me, that kitchen is nothing! I'm humming along, when I think to look out in the driveway. Jim's car is there, which means he's next door watching the Simpsons quietly, so as not to disturb me. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Simpsons watching Jim watching The Simpsons</td></tr>
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By now Van Halen is annoying me, and the spell is over. I grab the remote, turn the volume way down, switch the equalizer to soft. Do the rest of the dishes, listening to car ads, commercials for drag racing, etc., say why bother and switch it off. <br />
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Yes, I had A MOMENT. The Moody Blues urge me on--<i>Thinking is the Best Way to Travel</i>. I can do it every so often.<br />
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I remember another late afternoon-going-into-evening maybe 15 years back, on the porch across the street where I lived before. I was playing Otmar Liebert's, Nuevo Flamenco. The wind chimes were tinkling, my pinon pine incense was smoking, and BAM, I'm in Taos, NM! The desert breezes are stirring the wind chimes, the music on the plaza is mesmerizing! As the sun goes down, the stucco buildings glow a bronzy gold, stained glass windows sparkle in jewelled delight! And pinon smoke perfumes the air. I'm so THERE!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_A68JEUZ9FTeRH3KfZ2gjc4sOC9lgvQUwH30dxcqwwaRoTuBuQI1UTJKVkNN1NMtbSx5TxT_h9vCpJF3_p1S5aYGXd-2TMKwq145s9ipLkzDPEXgEUZ-EXrChNhQcNelE6mLUt_ydTlQ/s1600/IMAG1109.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_A68JEUZ9FTeRH3KfZ2gjc4sOC9lgvQUwH30dxcqwwaRoTuBuQI1UTJKVkNN1NMtbSx5TxT_h9vCpJF3_p1S5aYGXd-2TMKwq145s9ipLkzDPEXgEUZ-EXrChNhQcNelE6mLUt_ydTlQ/s400/IMAG1109.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doesn't do it justice!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji-wHbC1DTyEmOefRihT2h1teO0NlWwnKCzlWm3hj3LwH6s4GwdDQ-0eTV6ezw6o-B3rtR2cq3RbUH3L0yPE8OFJtTbUNTh22t0N6gyJX7fqFgZljqG1jIuUOd4MJs0rLoFXGdd61ci3g/s1600/IMAG1102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji-wHbC1DTyEmOefRihT2h1teO0NlWwnKCzlWm3hj3LwH6s4GwdDQ-0eTV6ezw6o-B3rtR2cq3RbUH3L0yPE8OFJtTbUNTh22t0N6gyJX7fqFgZljqG1jIuUOd4MJs0rLoFXGdd61ci3g/s400/IMAG1102.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm so There!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7jC8Jh1RLy7n7hLvbsx2D9NKCV3DpTgO3TrpXlk72ixffpqajF5DYc70u2a4XY_womU0ZveFBUi8QnJg0aD1dEiWgWmv0_f0-tlYHVJoiU3qrhKSj0HUqEoQYCpr-ZWUpe1dsbMENNJo/s1600/midtree2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7jC8Jh1RLy7n7hLvbsx2D9NKCV3DpTgO3TrpXlk72ixffpqajF5DYc70u2a4XY_womU0ZveFBUi8QnJg0aD1dEiWgWmv0_f0-tlYHVJoiU3qrhKSj0HUqEoQYCpr-ZWUpe1dsbMENNJo/s400/midtree2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pinon pine tree</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I haven't lived out west since 1994, but I have these sensory memories now and then. I can place myself there for a moment. Bow Valley Parkway, a beautiful pine-forested road between Lake Louise and Banff-same time, late-afternoon-into-evening. I was there for a few seconds just last week. A particular part of the Mohawk trail can place me in Clear Creek Canyon, going toward Central City. Route 9 in West Cummington sends me somewhere west of Vail, Colorado, late '70s, where we camped by a river right next to I-70 the weekend that the Big Thompson River flooded. We had been swimming in the Big Thompson the weekend before at a bluegrass festival...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUpGFg_HNvJuBImHfpgKoZ1ok8r_Nr_AAFYT22s2g0F9f8KeVD_1bkz7vI0aBud6BYNcyC019hK2zheKmMz2RxnsTWlu4JoHrsfXR-4_yGLz7fdD1GmOWTNC83epgUuj8-8-D0TPBv7Xw/s1600/bow+valley+parkway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUpGFg_HNvJuBImHfpgKoZ1ok8r_Nr_AAFYT22s2g0F9f8KeVD_1bkz7vI0aBud6BYNcyC019hK2zheKmMz2RxnsTWlu4JoHrsfXR-4_yGLz7fdD1GmOWTNC83epgUuj8-8-D0TPBv7Xw/s400/bow+valley+parkway.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bow Valley Parkway</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZqH66jYuAq1LIUqddv7P9P_MPOuDE-3N3MF4Y2WYegdh_Qn7Akqw37J8a2HTV4tUS64ItpEjbO2JQsIwKJ8sXpcTZSKEUa_qNR1Y-VvtjJgb4m9cSyav8gMZ5-wkztCxajcxDozHiUdw/s1600/IMG_1107.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZqH66jYuAq1LIUqddv7P9P_MPOuDE-3N3MF4Y2WYegdh_Qn7Akqw37J8a2HTV4tUS64ItpEjbO2JQsIwKJ8sXpcTZSKEUa_qNR1Y-VvtjJgb4m9cSyav8gMZ5-wkztCxajcxDozHiUdw/s400/IMG_1107.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Somewhere near Banff</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
*(Need I mention the Sombrero was made with almond milk? This is the 21st century after all.)<br />
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I say to heck with short term memory. If I can still zoom backward in time like this, maybe getting old won't be so bad! After all, who really cares what I had for breakfast?<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Dream on, Y'all! </div>
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<br />Rustique Gal http://www.blogger.com/profile/00437687948857614576noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164904826222086589.post-83489549532883249322013-08-03T11:56:00.002-04:002013-08-03T21:20:50.145-04:00Summer Whizzes By...<br />
Wow, how did it become August already?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAvsL84G5tEsG7pqpvKB5kvGC2AHW_pW8HWrPmHnNxBOXDZoNXIuxrOP2McT6rM0C88UhV8JV6rHsa2ARtdQzPVV4aWvk36Lih8xJj9rN-vL53HO_YdE2SrC-JDC_MevlyHP7y1w-9_EI/s1600/b98458e31680c9bfef04f729eca6f5b4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAvsL84G5tEsG7pqpvKB5kvGC2AHW_pW8HWrPmHnNxBOXDZoNXIuxrOP2McT6rM0C88UhV8JV6rHsa2ARtdQzPVV4aWvk36Lih8xJj9rN-vL53HO_YdE2SrC-JDC_MevlyHP7y1w-9_EI/s400/b98458e31680c9bfef04f729eca6f5b4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty porch edging</td></tr>
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I have been busy with pet sitting jobs, a couple of art shows, and work. That's been my summer so far!<br />
No, really...I have enjoyed my daily meditations in the garden. I have tomatoes, eggplants, peppers and swiss chard coming, plus as many herbs as I can eat while they are fresh!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhzkMOEIqx2MjK017qBP_ts29IsrHtf_qR1rj1OjZ_dNEdVmdYA3_tP0AaaVeZwyiP46zjICfqXnpuAcuadHoTJTqv4Zga7BqOpNiLxPyEy2TLj5cbQKFxRueWaD09jZ8nvJbHJHaOVmk/s1600/b7a9d5e5ad9c654099b3b3f63719af3f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhzkMOEIqx2MjK017qBP_ts29IsrHtf_qR1rj1OjZ_dNEdVmdYA3_tP0AaaVeZwyiP46zjICfqXnpuAcuadHoTJTqv4Zga7BqOpNiLxPyEy2TLj5cbQKFxRueWaD09jZ8nvJbHJHaOVmk/s400/b7a9d5e5ad9c654099b3b3f63719af3f.jpg" width="258" /></a></div>
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Don't you just love fresh basil, parsley, rosemary, sage? Or cilantro-people either love or hate it.<br />
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I'm also working on the garden behind our Senior Center, (where I work in the office part-time). I am trying to recruit seniors to help, but that's not going too well, even with the offer of free tomatoes!<br />
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We are enjoying a wonderful interlude between HOT and HUMID weather patterns. This last week has been Heaven in New England-in the 70's and 80's and relatively dry and breezy with a shower now and then.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoVyPB6X35mMEE8LvvuYf0oeC97Z1EU1ncyqkKUZzrR9rc8YyiuigdmYHHEVGbms35p71sB_46ZqRbQpF-DfToFSH7ayDLuTlaIL0PEXH1BEhIgVBGM3bMTpnNM-_TeviMOjdJm0m8Tcs/s1600/7c778ad644a030369705292393218ffb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoVyPB6X35mMEE8LvvuYf0oeC97Z1EU1ncyqkKUZzrR9rc8YyiuigdmYHHEVGbms35p71sB_46ZqRbQpF-DfToFSH7ayDLuTlaIL0PEXH1BEhIgVBGM3bMTpnNM-_TeviMOjdJm0m8Tcs/s400/7c778ad644a030369705292393218ffb.jpg" width="308" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not Highand Lake--Lake Louise, Banff, Canada</td></tr>
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Paul and I took off for a paddle in Highland Lake last week, very relaxing and peaceful on the lake. I dream of owning one of those sweet lake cottages. ~ I get up with the sun, put on my terry robe (!) take my coffee and grapenuts out on the deck and sing, "Morning is your time.....!" ~ (Mind you, I'm not a morning person and I don't eat grapenuts or wear a terry robe, but, what the heck, I can dream!)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOc5JW2p-5Utto7xs_rmk7MOjdgQcD1Pnc4IvXoSMSTZdgjwbFg9RKmf5KvyMLORgWiA-RiG4pcoo3S_BVvtQv9ZWuzT-12G6psgxzCWqUGANqO3gFyuO_I9ksQfqjTK7jZRqcTrY-gDw/s1600/e8ecf47fb64387a216b12c0f7e50a271.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOc5JW2p-5Utto7xs_rmk7MOjdgQcD1Pnc4IvXoSMSTZdgjwbFg9RKmf5KvyMLORgWiA-RiG4pcoo3S_BVvtQv9ZWuzT-12G6psgxzCWqUGANqO3gFyuO_I9ksQfqjTK7jZRqcTrY-gDw/s400/e8ecf47fb64387a216b12c0f7e50a271.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm dreaming!</td></tr>
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My brother Richard and I have begun cleaning out Dad's workshop at Mom's house so I can get myself moved in in the next 6 months or so. There is SO MUCH STUFF! Tools and tools and more tools, paints, mystery liquids, glues, NAILS AND SCREWS (a whole tubful) and wood and tools, did I say tools??? And if you've ever been in a carpentry shop, you know how dirty and dusty they are! We have so much more to do, but I think it's becoming possible, at least. Before spending that day with Richard, I would go in there and just cry. Too much stuff, and no-one wants to step on anyone's toes and take any of it. Dad's been gone 9 years, it is time.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT1GJdrv2cMqgqJ7rItUpw3SJaVL9Xt0B6L2lDISvokyhyphenhyphenZYPPRno2xmXpWHxtOSnVYp7bziw60UF7JbOYgrfu_MHRn1iRQ8Zm3rV2aATAygVF1YcMykrW-__rYaww01qg1gcuwqtGEdg/s1600/2752fdbb03d8fe6c7bd02c7204401f68.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT1GJdrv2cMqgqJ7rItUpw3SJaVL9Xt0B6L2lDISvokyhyphenhyphenZYPPRno2xmXpWHxtOSnVYp7bziw60UF7JbOYgrfu_MHRn1iRQ8Zm3rV2aATAygVF1YcMykrW-__rYaww01qg1gcuwqtGEdg/s400/2752fdbb03d8fe6c7bd02c7204401f68.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not this big, thankfully!</td></tr>
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Once I get moved in there, it will become an art studio with a kitchenette, I'll also have a living room and a bath on that level and a bedroom upstairs by Mom's. We will have privacy and togetherness at the same time. It should work out well for both of us. Meanwhile, does anyone want to buy an old hardware-lumber-store-converted into 2 rather rough apartments? (I didn't think so...) <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2-eYhuHwutT91EGuUPJiw6Rb68u2BZbwjncQah0fWeXcW6MShnnmSUlFz198WWYFQCXWxTz47cd4LAA7OwsX3zQNMsQkzbjaEGKomzW4T6ueEzrgY2TGxzxy7M-6kRYFYw6jJF2saB6A/s1600/f8dd847ceea3620f0a6463f05da3323a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2-eYhuHwutT91EGuUPJiw6Rb68u2BZbwjncQah0fWeXcW6MShnnmSUlFz198WWYFQCXWxTz47cd4LAA7OwsX3zQNMsQkzbjaEGKomzW4T6ueEzrgY2TGxzxy7M-6kRYFYw6jJF2saB6A/s400/f8dd847ceea3620f0a6463f05da3323a.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stained concrete</td></tr>
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The possibilities of a new place always keep me awake at night for months before, over-dreaming, thinking about all the possibilities--what do I want to bring, what to get rid of? Paint or stain the concrete? Drywall or beadboard or both? Where to put my craft space? How much kitchen do I need?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKB47QYRO8bLxNR9LluSFEuLr3OmEMJOtjIOEFVb9kC_OHTdrcXDOI60siu9uFHKBAgpygJ-e6kZnbZ4Uzc6p-M9QG-X1RMzOWaXp8qEfAVZKGGbFwdcqPdV0KUh6GK-KXMWtsFab9wLg/s1600/8190d19d5b73fe6ed7cf436f36d79f55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKB47QYRO8bLxNR9LluSFEuLr3OmEMJOtjIOEFVb9kC_OHTdrcXDOI60siu9uFHKBAgpygJ-e6kZnbZ4Uzc6p-M9QG-X1RMzOWaXp8qEfAVZKGGbFwdcqPdV0KUh6GK-KXMWtsFab9wLg/s400/8190d19d5b73fe6ed7cf436f36d79f55.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Large,</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDYmkbXVk0mVJ3zTA2tOv1DlWpwdl8ef-fi7jPpEN38L4BGOBtQpj9E8yAHI3dWH3Mre6qqX4DpuZsbb3w9zzoGorhFp-dZ17djQUs9_C3j2dJJQqCCcB9ct4dE7WqhA0o1oddJuX1MLs/s1600/4fd08ecda72be2b7e5b7ac3ab41172a5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDYmkbXVk0mVJ3zTA2tOv1DlWpwdl8ef-fi7jPpEN38L4BGOBtQpj9E8yAHI3dWH3Mre6qqX4DpuZsbb3w9zzoGorhFp-dZ17djQUs9_C3j2dJJQqCCcB9ct4dE7WqhA0o1oddJuX1MLs/s400/4fd08ecda72be2b7e5b7ac3ab41172a5.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Medium or</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ILroilli1UXYH4PSF-SCJr6YrkeJ3ZdZKjX_waNmBif0KWju3F5SpL1Ken31rkj6tS5R_sXVQHp9xB8cjxNP_24DUceXZmNhtxHGa34Eg8JZ4wOMes5oxobFtRMcn4SfkUvVa1kEbrk/s1600/2b990b6b278228762b0cac9b7858a976.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ILroilli1UXYH4PSF-SCJr6YrkeJ3ZdZKjX_waNmBif0KWju3F5SpL1Ken31rkj6tS5R_sXVQHp9xB8cjxNP_24DUceXZmNhtxHGa34Eg8JZ4wOMes5oxobFtRMcn4SfkUvVa1kEbrk/s400/2b990b6b278228762b0cac9b7858a976.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small Island?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK5ebQNREET9YEcY2KvjSnc8keDRt_o5M2_Em7zs3c4YPv8tsL6twcWFCxN8a6xapJOIxvy88w3HHivYeNf11IFrXSRM79Js30CJwzvY1ipDG1aJNAJLRnIb31vuaCVbzxiK701bjR5EQ/s1600/0d41cfd6640c3ed5ed79e22df12e410b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK5ebQNREET9YEcY2KvjSnc8keDRt_o5M2_Em7zs3c4YPv8tsL6twcWFCxN8a6xapJOIxvy88w3HHivYeNf11IFrXSRM79Js30CJwzvY1ipDG1aJNAJLRnIb31vuaCVbzxiK701bjR5EQ/s400/0d41cfd6640c3ed5ed79e22df12e410b.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Effiient storage</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxfhjqw1_Ps4iRdn8YKt4NDv121FZETaikP9LSv2bWnbV6NjCzC8Mnz8cdYXkG7IuT1Wj-SAP43HGatw8tT5D0RoVTRyTU19VPGXk7uglwUoci0zmztzg1jWnnyO7IytaxMbUavBhSy7w/s1600/1b8b671bb74003a22de487969d6e1c83.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxfhjqw1_Ps4iRdn8YKt4NDv121FZETaikP9LSv2bWnbV6NjCzC8Mnz8cdYXkG7IuT1Wj-SAP43HGatw8tT5D0RoVTRyTU19VPGXk7uglwUoci0zmztzg1jWnnyO7IytaxMbUavBhSy7w/s400/1b8b671bb74003a22de487969d6e1c83.jpg" width="285" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Craft storage</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW90yuKtiG0oBd_QHQ_cZMXQArgkzbue3ecbsQgyApekUehzINh35FaHTiu6kJnwzJXVNufu0P2ti6MKJXH41JGTNReCplihOjjX95ER29mfXMW6EnqP1aFYE39PoWDg7e9oMuduJ-PNw/s400/b1f2e79bbc5c94a146a0b3e50d933e6a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shelves for kitchen and craft space...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
How much bribe money will I need to get my brothers to do the work? Will Richard ever get that grand piano out of there? Will I have to part with
my cat? <br />
<br />
My dreams always come to, "What colors do I want to use?" How about SEAGLASS colors! Fresh restful pretty colors! With lots of natural touches.....retro, mid-century modern, or just plain pretty?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio5_jVLB-EykVX3JUT6tu2afhf5CcCwo6fdvJkhC2i8eEggVa5NohVaBVeF6ydVTijrhllFzBXKu6LsAankRHAKHO4UuDc41R0oV2uvdSab2loFgbk-43MH_1bP_dlV6UjKF8vsMA_KFU/s1600/80dd58ad1aa5ea31ee9bd3024cf1d43b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio5_jVLB-EykVX3JUT6tu2afhf5CcCwo6fdvJkhC2i8eEggVa5NohVaBVeF6ydVTijrhllFzBXKu6LsAankRHAKHO4UuDc41R0oV2uvdSab2loFgbk-43MH_1bP_dlV6UjKF8vsMA_KFU/s400/80dd58ad1aa5ea31ee9bd3024cf1d43b.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seaglass colors</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsCFvcGiPPWQa2fyhdHKf6BGg5HJ1_R_xmaXsosqLYKkYAdrgsMqN_jmoKHsTxeyVIH0MdjvCSUMCgDLIVnkkk7GOQVpIqwnz-gy5e5BW0X2SljITcTuMiWFyDTijx9pPSL90XAt0Wpr0/s1600/51dac305f36b5651d62bf0ac6a2c7212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsCFvcGiPPWQa2fyhdHKf6BGg5HJ1_R_xmaXsosqLYKkYAdrgsMqN_jmoKHsTxeyVIH0MdjvCSUMCgDLIVnkkk7GOQVpIqwnz-gy5e5BW0X2SljITcTuMiWFyDTijx9pPSL90XAt0Wpr0/s400/51dac305f36b5651d62bf0ac6a2c7212.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just Plain Pretty<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioqxNiJ_8uyXl3-w5Bg2hyphenhyphenyUSgUOONvCZcSe8h7Ar8ygQSkqTPXXsaNEH80RwNIMJhakraKk2WiU_9JBvOvgUMoQMywHGbyEjYN7gPaU4klKspFLB6R-zpRuvA8gQVeJJg8a2LAyVDCPg/s1600/0b971fc86c94f137e2df52843380a5aa.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioqxNiJ_8uyXl3-w5Bg2hyphenhyphenyUSgUOONvCZcSe8h7Ar8ygQSkqTPXXsaNEH80RwNIMJhakraKk2WiU_9JBvOvgUMoQMywHGbyEjYN7gPaU4klKspFLB6R-zpRuvA8gQVeJJg8a2LAyVDCPg/s400/0b971fc86c94f137e2df52843380a5aa.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Natural touches</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Now you know why I can't sleep at night. How about you? Do you over-dream??? Are your dreams keeping you awake at night? I'll let you know how mine are going along in upcoming months.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Surely, I'll see you in my dreams!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hugs,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sherry<br />
<br />
<i>BTW, I didn't take one of these pictures, they all came from
Pinterest. You can find them or follow me on Pinterest in the right hand
column. </i><br />
<br /></div>
Rustique Gal http://www.blogger.com/profile/00437687948857614576noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164904826222086589.post-83385215089961417072013-06-19T01:18:00.000-04:002013-06-19T01:30:04.319-04:00Whereas Sherry & Trish go to the Country Living FairFor many years, I've wanted to go to the <a href="http://www.stellashows.com/cgi-bin/texis/scripts/showpromo_info/stellashowdetail.html?idnum=ZJD1463&showabb=clfrhinebeck" target="_blank">Country Living Fair</a>--but Ohio and Atlanta are so far away, that I never managed it. This year I got lucky -- it came to Rhinebeck, NY, a little over 2 hours from me. I've subscribed to Country Living Magazine for about 30 years and it seemed like the year to do it. I quickly got on line and got two weekend passes. I called Trisha and said we're going to the fair!<br />
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We made arrangements to stay in Kingston, NY, a town on the other side of the Hudson, just 13 miles from the fairground. Planning for purchases, we brought out wheeled shopping bags, straw hats and sunscreen. The weather was perfect! As we got closer and closer to Rhinebeck, we kept hearing this odd humming sound. Trisha thought it was my car, but I was convinced that it had to be the 17-year cicadas. They are out and about this spring. It was, and we heard the buzzy humming noise all through the fair.<br />
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Saturday, we walked and walked. The first exhibit was <a href="http://www.sistersonthefly.com/" target="_blank">Sisters on the Fly</a>, a bunch of vintage trailers all fixed up with vintage wares for sale. I love those trailers and would love to have one! I imagine it outfitted as a guest bedroom in the back yard.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii5Pu-FJwIErCR4RtrLJZBB36Aw4Iz4S7aztXaN0qOGBMAGO2nrmuEOjom-srRjjC394LPUINIpspRJZ0OdVObHjZb3PINaL1Y-rgoNpdTUYKui14Pq5r4xFV0gHcDT44AedfpnfxguaA/s1600/June13+039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii5Pu-FJwIErCR4RtrLJZBB36Aw4Iz4S7aztXaN0qOGBMAGO2nrmuEOjom-srRjjC394LPUINIpspRJZ0OdVObHjZb3PINaL1Y-rgoNpdTUYKui14Pq5r4xFV0gHcDT44AedfpnfxguaA/s400/June13+039.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm not a princess, I don't need saving. I'm a queen, I got this s..t handled!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There was something for everyone! Junque, vintage stuff, new art and gorgeous crafts! Jewelry, body care, carved wood, rustic metal, you name it!<br />
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We didn't see everything, but we did a lot. I was limping and hobbling by the end of that day. We went to the hotel, checked in, then explored downtown Kingston. What a charming little downtown area--covered sidewalks and cute little shops and restaurants. Music on the street, friendly people. We had a nice dinner in a <a href="http://www.ecce-terra.com/menu.html%E2%80%8E" target="_blank">great Mediterranean restaurant</a>, chatted up the shop owners and I bought a new hat. I slept well that night!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who was that man?</td></tr>
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On Sunday, we took it a little easier. I put my wallet and camera in my cart and we went to the barns we hadn't seen.<br />
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We sat for a while at the appraiser's tent and Trisha got some WWII postcards appraised. If you've seen Country Living Magazine, there is a section called "<a href="http://www.countryliving.com/antiques/appraisals" target="_blank">What Is It? What Is It Worth?</a>" and that was them. Contributing editor Helaine Fendelman lead the show. Some people had some valuable old things. Trisha wasn't that lucky, but you can't put a cash value on sentiment! It was a fun experience.<br />
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Next we enjoyed two shows in the main barn. The first one was <a href="http://www.earthangelsstudios.com/Laurie-Meseroll--C54.aspx%E2%80%8E" target="_blank">Laurie Maseroll of Mud Cakes</a> and Earth Angels Studios demonstrating her artistic short-cuts. She told us how to save money on paints by getting sample paints in the hardware store. She bravely mixes her own colors and uses all kinds of short-cuts in her paintings. She really made me want to come home and play with paint!<br />
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We also saw Cari Cucksey from HGTV's "<a href="http://www.hgtv.com/cashandcari%E2%80%8E" target="_blank">Cash and Cari</a>." She told us how she got into the business by following her Grandpa around as a kid. He collected everything so he could find homes for it all. She shared video clips from the emotional program she did about organizing the estate sale at her grandparents' home. We really enjoyed her talk!<br />
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The last barn we went through had <a href="http://www.willmoses.com/" target="_blank">Will Moses</a>' exhibit. I love his paintings-our favorite was "<a href="http://www.mtnebogallery.com/willmoses//itemlist.aspx?cats=4,-2" target="_blank">Girl's Night Out</a>" featuring witches on Halloween. Trisha had him autograph a book she bought for her grandkids.<br />
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As I ogled piles of Somerset Magazines, I noticed Jo Packham autographing "<a href="http://wherewomencreate.com/" target="_blank">Where Women Create</a>" mags. I picked up a couple and had her sign one. After I told her about having to downsize for my upcoming move and new studio space-to-be, she wrote, "The happiest place to be is between way too much and not nearly enough." I love that quote and it is just what I needed to hear! <br />
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We had a great time and decided to go back again next year. I think we'd better get in shape before that, as it promises to be much bigger than this one was!<br />
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And what did I buy? Some magazines, 2 yards of sweet artistic fabric designed by <a href="http://www.pbtex.com/html/love.html" target="_blank">P. Carter Carpin</a> and two very adorable little pillows by <a href="http://www.terripalmersigns.com/" target="_blank">Terri Palmer</a>.<br />
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Now, I'm getting ready to do a couple of art shows on the 4th and 6th of July. All the ideas I got at the fair are brewing in my brain and I don't have time to do them for the summer fairs, but hopefully I'll have lots of new stuff for the fall shows I do. I'll keep you posted! Meanwhile,<br />
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<i>Create, Inspire, Follow your Bliss!</i></div>
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Hugs,</div>
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Sherry</div>
Rustique Gal http://www.blogger.com/profile/00437687948857614576noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164904826222086589.post-20794342053183004852013-05-31T00:55:00.003-04:002013-05-31T00:55:45.931-04:00The Daisy PinMy new background by shabby blogs.com is cute and hip. I love the daisy on it. It is sooo familiar as daisies go, and I just remembered why. In the late 1960's I had a daisy pin which was exactly this daisy. I remember exactly the way it looked and this is it. So I looked up daisy pin on Google Images and found it. It is the same!<br />
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Eventually I had a daisy ring that was the exact same design only smaller, though I doubt that I wore it much. They matched my yellow raincoat and my daisy covered pillbox hat. Of course I wore white gloves with the hat...<br />
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My first home-made dress was a sky-blue shift with daisies all over it. I was 11 and Mom was teaching me to sew. She said that she'd show me how to put the zipper in after she got groceries, but when she got back I had done it and done it right. I made all my clothes for about 20 years.<br />
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When did it get to be so cheap to buy clothes and so expensive to sew? When all the sewing went overseas! Don't get me started on that--It's just criminal how those garment workers are treated!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/36515399/vintage-singer-sewing-machine?utm_source=google&utm_medium=product_listing_promoted&utm_campaign=">http://www.etsy.com/listing/36515399/vintage-singer-sewing-machine?utm_source=google&utm_medium=product_listing_promoted&utm_campaign=</a></td></tr>
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I always kept a sewing machine and in later years I mostly used it to recover pillows or zip up some easy curtains or lavender sachets. I haven't used a pattern in years, and frankly, making my own clothes seems silly now. All my clothes are sporty these days. Pants and shirts, always knit and no ironing. Expandable and shrinkable at will. Dressing up is easy--Dressier knit pants and nice tops. Change out the denim bag for the pewter leather...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxan5zfnyVx9dUhT0ljWxXdpW149yiEGLmcpugSm3b3BDkOpJKWPTxyKTJQW4e_JpvaEVyP9FhaDPgFkRaffjmBS2FdEKEgBIiwRg-kN1tU7xVrVjtq2v9Otd6xu9KDJNyaXwfYcrQKoI/s1600/529475-p-MULTIVIEW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxan5zfnyVx9dUhT0ljWxXdpW149yiEGLmcpugSm3b3BDkOpJKWPTxyKTJQW4e_JpvaEVyP9FhaDPgFkRaffjmBS2FdEKEgBIiwRg-kN1tU7xVrVjtq2v9Otd6xu9KDJNyaXwfYcrQKoI/s400/529475-p-MULTIVIEW.jpg" width="342" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">google images</td></tr>
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I've always been a shape-shifter. I've gained and lost tons of weight over the last decades. Knits won't shrink much if you line dry them, but if you get smaller, just throw them in the dryer. I'm no style horse like I used to be, but I do pretty well with my knits! Every year I update my basic pants and buy a few newer shirts, as knits do show wear. Sometimes I even splurge and get a nice one at Macy's or Lands End!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwdqhv-W9cmg0NIVYjLeihdDoL1obwoxFsKEKJv6tuYf8PJHufRUxFttg-yEJ-NoqB2fH1HhUlVcN8PTp6b30vLIvN_C51sXx7IxtU7B9KWYJ4VPljCnA4riBmomlfQ3RKYqfzgxoj7ZQ/s1600/Sherry68.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwdqhv-W9cmg0NIVYjLeihdDoL1obwoxFsKEKJv6tuYf8PJHufRUxFttg-yEJ-NoqB2fH1HhUlVcN8PTp6b30vLIvN_C51sXx7IxtU7B9KWYJ4VPljCnA4riBmomlfQ3RKYqfzgxoj7ZQ/s400/Sherry68.jpg" width="280" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me at 18</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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All this thinking of sewing reminds me of my teen years. How I poured over Seventeen magazine! I was pretty sure I looked like the model Jean Shrimpton. I would experiment with hair and makeup in my 3-way mirror. I was pretty, but not quite Jean. I had hair and lips like hers, but she was chiseled where I was round and smooth. She had lots of contour makeup and heavy false eyelashes. She had "the glamour", as my sister-in-law says. I went for the more natural look.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfnDIHjyWL5kmfnp2TkWzlb0ZikloSqRTPiEwdIvQgmlPBH2ZhOLOUTKLWbEVDWE8F44MW-kAJqw-_qXjPW3Civ5-xo_G6FtBTntx21KyTrSSHjBypKTcdrFq1Dn2jpo38q9lLil8st6c/s1600/tumblr_lykp3uvy2v1qbj2qdo1_400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfnDIHjyWL5kmfnp2TkWzlb0ZikloSqRTPiEwdIvQgmlPBH2ZhOLOUTKLWbEVDWE8F44MW-kAJqw-_qXjPW3Civ5-xo_G6FtBTntx21KyTrSSHjBypKTcdrFq1Dn2jpo38q9lLil8st6c/s400/tumblr_lykp3uvy2v1qbj2qdo1_400.jpg" width="302" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bit tinier than me?!</td></tr>
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Back then I used to LUV my Polaroid Swinger camera. I still have piles of those small black and white pictures in my files. I found it in G. Images and it took me back in time! I could buy one for old time's sake, but you can't get film now. I even found the link for the commercial featuring Ali McGraw- <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9lvcFlUBxM">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9lvcFlUBxM</a> -the jingle was so much in my head looking at those pictures. I think I was developing my "good eye" for photography back then.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnOuQ6T5mScapkDrXbkmDi8PiDrAmKaYrJR3QKx_6ucumrhdLV_MqmnAJUTqUi1fjN4miW51MC-DxH6aEF1_7B_Y2GI8_40hohYBo84bzE_oNRjpA3_wAGRc1nqUhKF3aWbwnmhXeDYA4/s1600/800px-Polaroid_Swinger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnOuQ6T5mScapkDrXbkmDi8PiDrAmKaYrJR3QKx_6ucumrhdLV_MqmnAJUTqUi1fjN4miW51MC-DxH6aEF1_7B_Y2GI8_40hohYBo84bzE_oNRjpA3_wAGRc1nqUhKF3aWbwnmhXeDYA4/s400/800px-Polaroid_Swinger.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Gotta run. A busy weekend is coming up and I'm spending tooo much time on my computer!<br />
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Have a great weekend, Y'all!</div>
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Hugs,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sherry</div>
Rustique Gal http://www.blogger.com/profile/00437687948857614576noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164904826222086589.post-32598373062104177082013-05-24T00:41:00.000-04:002013-05-24T00:49:55.390-04:00I'm Still Here...or A Rainy Day In May<div style="text-align: center;">
Yes, I'm still in Heaven taking care of the dogs.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9hiozH62GsMP1RQUOPJrgWPbVG_r39Iop_2g5P2BP7F4-IHrLEGV0aPTssEDvRlyMEK0yoVTIXqQo8MwcPITAF7wOwFLIydqPtOG7dSCb4m2Y-HhJNTUqrPpCLovDraXtLFKm0MrarDc/s1600/Rainy+day+in+May+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9hiozH62GsMP1RQUOPJrgWPbVG_r39Iop_2g5P2BP7F4-IHrLEGV0aPTssEDvRlyMEK0yoVTIXqQo8MwcPITAF7wOwFLIydqPtOG7dSCb4m2Y-HhJNTUqrPpCLovDraXtLFKm0MrarDc/s400/Rainy+day+in+May+001.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely old stone walls snake through the woods</td></tr>
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It's been rainy and thunder-stormy, and they get weird in the stormy weather. I was able to calm Brio by crating him, then Zoe, the sweet female jumped into bed with me at 2AM on Tuesday night. It took 2 hours of trying to calm her before I finally threw her out and shut the door. After a few minutes she stopped panting and whimpering and went to sleep. Lucky Zoe, I was up for another hour trying to relax my chattering mind. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbE2FoLMinq0Pxx4qAWq_vl5FCqQaz_QNWQR3XbQbAYgNsLvO5MT70I1wR4rIOwVh4OeZDlqpzX54ya9OiKHhFg0VDhfRx-akiNG7uMXUWlTYzAnjqPO4agQGhwEBCa_qM9hCNTzUq574/s1600/Rainy+day+in+May+018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbE2FoLMinq0Pxx4qAWq_vl5FCqQaz_QNWQR3XbQbAYgNsLvO5MT70I1wR4rIOwVh4OeZDlqpzX54ya9OiKHhFg0VDhfRx-akiNG7uMXUWlTYzAnjqPO4agQGhwEBCa_qM9hCNTzUq574/s400/Rainy+day+in+May+018.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After the first day of showers</td></tr>
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Tomorrow I move back home. It's been almost 3 weeks away, and my house is seeming more and more like a comfort. I will need to clean cat fur off of every soft surface, but Snuggles will be like velcro for a while, till she gets used to having me home.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS_8FiSjGBbMcLpJrORrEWGBn1eg1OVvXC4CqHoJ3tUk5OIXDFBMsxQLIQi5D1JdAuvzXGak4-EGBtex98WfHsniM9i0jUE0AtAbj3u4zAv4MMB6KRrn_Lcu9OPJh2gKov53ciCJ9Ffks/s1600/Rainy+day+in+May+027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS_8FiSjGBbMcLpJrORrEWGBn1eg1OVvXC4CqHoJ3tUk5OIXDFBMsxQLIQi5D1JdAuvzXGak4-EGBtex98WfHsniM9i0jUE0AtAbj3u4zAv4MMB6KRrn_Lcu9OPJh2gKov53ciCJ9Ffks/s400/Rainy+day+in+May+027.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After the second day of storms</td></tr>
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Meanwhile, in my daily commutes, I can't resist taking pictures of this little waterfall and other special fairy-woods vignettes. Hope you enjoy them. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3uuSRv5tG3iFISYI4TpoJ2_IvklhO5Ses3XKjMD8LlKTh6x7-oA1BXLGMyO6N5rgRhL4iAmqiLFMNfZKGX9Gj2z4GOD7sEt4caSWiT3lqXREA7K1yQ0fraBUf8oVl1KDv2PlQgkl1lTA/s1600/Rainy+day+in+May+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3uuSRv5tG3iFISYI4TpoJ2_IvklhO5Ses3XKjMD8LlKTh6x7-oA1BXLGMyO6N5rgRhL4iAmqiLFMNfZKGX9Gj2z4GOD7sEt4caSWiT3lqXREA7K1yQ0fraBUf8oVl1KDv2PlQgkl1lTA/s400/Rainy+day+in+May+005.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie3mNYkR4SSiL7Ni6Hku6viqymfsVk3xOsJqggOALyUzxB5FcBLT1CqHC51wjRk3dFEHSxqsNzxl2TKvv8BCpFSdEpbPmKCZ-HlKN8qtL_5qAlRlTaN7y5AXWjLyQvLO3ZjoYX4LiACP8/s1600/Rainy+day+in+May+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie3mNYkR4SSiL7Ni6Hku6viqymfsVk3xOsJqggOALyUzxB5FcBLT1CqHC51wjRk3dFEHSxqsNzxl2TKvv8BCpFSdEpbPmKCZ-HlKN8qtL_5qAlRlTaN7y5AXWjLyQvLO3ZjoYX4LiACP8/s400/Rainy+day+in+May+007.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0vXBAGbqP-mx-eOALIHh69CCZ7nxceMJvFqV90iYvlCzjMMT9GjRFMejKXewA2rdmcH1I2wz9x4PObFLWq985lXYPDKKtJR-XGDnLyomREvt6QxO0oU0MBNLCLahSdPtNQ_BSFYaz82A/s1600/Rainy+day+in+May+025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0vXBAGbqP-mx-eOALIHh69CCZ7nxceMJvFqV90iYvlCzjMMT9GjRFMejKXewA2rdmcH1I2wz9x4PObFLWq985lXYPDKKtJR-XGDnLyomREvt6QxO0oU0MBNLCLahSdPtNQ_BSFYaz82A/s400/Rainy+day+in+May+025.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIsgmChSzN9pFoxFReWBu5rO9VGGRKOzBljj7tm9CecW_XnJsDxv0IY3tizySJT3-4bSuy2zZP8UIFoHvy46fLlh8-1GzATqOlx3BK57CKHvz0yhtQOY37e64PsbLpO_iNGDl5wVGjNJw/s1600/Rainy+day+in+May+039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIsgmChSzN9pFoxFReWBu5rO9VGGRKOzBljj7tm9CecW_XnJsDxv0IY3tizySJT3-4bSuy2zZP8UIFoHvy46fLlh8-1GzATqOlx3BK57CKHvz0yhtQOY37e64PsbLpO_iNGDl5wVGjNJw/s400/Rainy+day+in+May+039.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm pretty sure fairies live here!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRLsrZ2Tvpo3oeVG9NbbiTXHz6ynPsfes1joxRu_Uo_jzB-nx9JPfOhPu5UDKtIdI2YBRJA3c088XbvJE1kTjZIzutL6L1903VxwDX-1111gk8OSc8Io5i2zsb7hR0NF5TlCPDf-NwCGU/s1600/Rainy+day+in+May+043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRLsrZ2Tvpo3oeVG9NbbiTXHz6ynPsfes1joxRu_Uo_jzB-nx9JPfOhPu5UDKtIdI2YBRJA3c088XbvJE1kTjZIzutL6L1903VxwDX-1111gk8OSc8Io5i2zsb7hR0NF5TlCPDf-NwCGU/s400/Rainy+day+in+May+043.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Have a great holiday weekend!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Hugs,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Sherry</span></div>
Rustique Gal http://www.blogger.com/profile/00437687948857614576noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164904826222086589.post-80667015189130080122013-05-09T20:55:00.002-04:002013-05-11T23:48:09.390-04:00Having a CUTE Day in Heaven!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm in Heaven! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9TtLDvjMBrgTwdtNVOzBJeeQdKKPza6JWY3mXEOnkZhMoKt42Tw8GNEwMUQiZXGgA8S8SnbDggqKcMRZbFetooJZT5jJ56vxdCEEM7XeG1AlGEOSWNGyxNaiirT18HH1IyM7d1bb7vvM/s1600/Spring13+044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9TtLDvjMBrgTwdtNVOzBJeeQdKKPza6JWY3mXEOnkZhMoKt42Tw8GNEwMUQiZXGgA8S8SnbDggqKcMRZbFetooJZT5jJ56vxdCEEM7XeG1AlGEOSWNGyxNaiirT18HH1IyM7d1bb7vvM/s400/Spring13+044.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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That is, I'm house and dog sitting at the most fabulous place. It's about 25 minutes from my house and the last 3-4 miles are a lonesome dirt road and a long driveway. The dogs are two Australian Shepherds-we love each other!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zoe</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNf0DTPNpZud6BiMSsF9JSCvSEzkeCSx4dqNXlgHH5yZzBnTua6cTyeqTc8DArNM_1OjG6O31wmpCuaIIefplfIuMFJ1DQQXjhbeifRWFPUix1GpJNsOCz0d1LtEDRYfScT8oONychi_s/s1600/May+9+13+056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNf0DTPNpZud6BiMSsF9JSCvSEzkeCSx4dqNXlgHH5yZzBnTua6cTyeqTc8DArNM_1OjG6O31wmpCuaIIefplfIuMFJ1DQQXjhbeifRWFPUix1GpJNsOCz0d1LtEDRYfScT8oONychi_s/s400/May+9+13+056.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brio</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The grounds overlook layers of Southern Berkshire mountains. Flowers have popped open this past week, and the yard abounds with hyacinth, daffodils, tulips, and beautiful flowering trees of many colors. The garden is already feeding me with fresh asparagus and lettuce. I love staying here!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcFwB_SdE7GvV_41NoUhQbb002xxWq_m5bVYnqvlK84GeN6syxU5zDFr4xpktcgTEvo_DxsOriZo7GC3Xl3yr-iJM65uKwIe5KmWOXZIIijBdzRWLpfTNUpd7wQcJQJs6ujYWpbpbYPXI/s1600/May+9+13+054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcFwB_SdE7GvV_41NoUhQbb002xxWq_m5bVYnqvlK84GeN6syxU5zDFr4xpktcgTEvo_DxsOriZo7GC3Xl3yr-iJM65uKwIe5KmWOXZIIijBdzRWLpfTNUpd7wQcJQJs6ujYWpbpbYPXI/s400/May+9+13+054.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Supper with feta cheese</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Sitting here at the dining room table, the only place my computer wants to work, I look out on a small flowering tree beside several bird feeders. Yesterday I spotted bluejays, mourning doves, goldfinches, a nuthatch, rose breasted grosbeaks, and a Baltimore oriole-all coming and going at the same time. I watched them through dinner and into the evening. What a wonder to see them all together~I don't see that at my house! I even spotted a bluebird the day before.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifkIvc_DZrR7RtHUN7TG2nvhWXopWsGJM4amWnP4LwIDoj-Jtxmwh7idOWkHmVx1henDfc274AQyuNC0VHS2WTSJuEGsrAByz9nOdVy0RpMNbsTNAWfo7EkY6CUsTDpAwKw67r6m5JbJY/s1600/Spring13+072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifkIvc_DZrR7RtHUN7TG2nvhWXopWsGJM4amWnP4LwIDoj-Jtxmwh7idOWkHmVx1henDfc274AQyuNC0VHS2WTSJuEGsrAByz9nOdVy0RpMNbsTNAWfo7EkY6CUsTDpAwKw67r6m5JbJY/s400/Spring13+072.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cute fern fiddleheads</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It rained last night, and the forest is especially lush and green. Cute little plants are uncurling and blooming everywhere: violets, trillium, cowslip, vinca, fiddlehead ferns. Fresh little leaves unfurling, uncurling, poking through the carpet of last year's droppings. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYjYGu8dS_XH11nGC6nudjLd8_aDVAoFTBtsVukQtC1dNP4N3aeEWBrLi1F0MWOhnUZvsltpxmOr-ouPVEXUrnTUAaJML7-4HX4eNqpXDar660QbRlVDs-AH6anhnbWOetCaL5lcUqzV0/s1600/May+9+13+020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYjYGu8dS_XH11nGC6nudjLd8_aDVAoFTBtsVukQtC1dNP4N3aeEWBrLi1F0MWOhnUZvsltpxmOr-ouPVEXUrnTUAaJML7-4HX4eNqpXDar660QbRlVDs-AH6anhnbWOetCaL5lcUqzV0/s400/May+9+13+020.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Acres of vinca</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiyJRaS1ZnuzX5VocbG0cB2Sb-QR_5v6P_hfM6rcNcziTGB2M1RsWq3S0HFhmquAvNc5nMjsIXqBIuMVXLn0-PJkgucyf8XrWcXNBhsgzGxLKgO2jtE9rQ6NNt9MfWWOw7rpqmhqnRLp8/s1600/May+9+13+017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiyJRaS1ZnuzX5VocbG0cB2Sb-QR_5v6P_hfM6rcNcziTGB2M1RsWq3S0HFhmquAvNc5nMjsIXqBIuMVXLn0-PJkgucyf8XrWcXNBhsgzGxLKgO2jtE9rQ6NNt9MfWWOw7rpqmhqnRLp8/s400/May+9+13+017.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So cute!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe-Bj1fbB9FTugQShhZhXrtCky7Z7yUJm5jiMf90hkQvowPySrQjQXp3fXfjWYxWLKsiFbsjM0vBEQt63wy9vYLCEXPemDYoS3AVy76-wr7oU_8YOr1DeQdIqXo4tLLx15r6K8iRvFUJc/s1600/May+9+13+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe-Bj1fbB9FTugQShhZhXrtCky7Z7yUJm5jiMf90hkQvowPySrQjQXp3fXfjWYxWLKsiFbsjM0vBEQt63wy9vYLCEXPemDYoS3AVy76-wr7oU_8YOr1DeQdIqXo4tLLx15r6K8iRvFUJc/s400/May+9+13+010.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We used to call them cowslips</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJaS3dAfm0rgeflMyXyulZDY_PpsA6gZ7WbXgfDHuYN2cSpj2zCsFXn0BaQprwvJ-ZpJOss3iBPaGRp2pXlAaRWlcI7F4iJkQuTcBS17ZDhQ86QauL-vN8oM7YjEHs_O2h9dhIo-LBIKg/s1600/May+9+13+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJaS3dAfm0rgeflMyXyulZDY_PpsA6gZ7WbXgfDHuYN2cSpj2zCsFXn0BaQprwvJ-ZpJOss3iBPaGRp2pXlAaRWlcI7F4iJkQuTcBS17ZDhQ86QauL-vN8oM7YjEHs_O2h9dhIo-LBIKg/s400/May+9+13+002.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trilium</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYQ32EleqHrfbHtsxHHOONLQTOxMvhEmK9P94FhYObiWvG5O0AQ7zF9CvNmvkiBiW2laYWw4NMfAb6Y29adiPNXNDiDwHnDOWzpqKhRFtG68eCYzeqRoK2FpSj7wyzGU2SdSMl7kdJvkk/s1600/Spring13+083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYQ32EleqHrfbHtsxHHOONLQTOxMvhEmK9P94FhYObiWvG5O0AQ7zF9CvNmvkiBiW2laYWw4NMfAb6Y29adiPNXNDiDwHnDOWzpqKhRFtG68eCYzeqRoK2FpSj7wyzGU2SdSMl7kdJvkk/s400/Spring13+083.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Violets in clover </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Cute little waterfalls in the ditches and chattering squirrels in the trees. Peepers jingling a chorus in the swamps and ponds. A hawk makes a game of flying with me as I drive down the last stretch of road. Like I said, Heaven!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheQ8HjEGU9g1AKJj-0VVfSCIL8t6Ogb6oaV2PquXHUcJ8di7l24eMxIHh6rOzhR4OzFduNZRRWZNurI2YZFe2CGuquDqJBKZFYPIIuvJyZpBCI9lmxfHMSeZvvLVciXjQrYBjr6Du-wJ0/s1600/Spring13+061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheQ8HjEGU9g1AKJj-0VVfSCIL8t6Ogb6oaV2PquXHUcJ8di7l24eMxIHh6rOzhR4OzFduNZRRWZNurI2YZFe2CGuquDqJBKZFYPIIuvJyZpBCI9lmxfHMSeZvvLVciXjQrYBjr6Du-wJ0/s400/Spring13+061.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Worlds tiniest waterfall</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Coming home this evening, the sky was wonderful! Big bunchy gray clouds making fluff over all. Sun peeking through the holes and lining the edges. I love this time of day, when photos can't do the lighting justice, but I just have to take pictures anyway.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHCFc2D8ipbYvnXgK8q0gnKuRK2MiPbMh5HeoNHEoI8sXCnNMaUcaaKtKbKG5YNF-lSOw5iU8liLZ6WWYwkAuNE8X0W1di81UeYzqcw0AsaFQFvOmzlWHhTrFhyphenhyphenpDb3kYvMRlX8du3hSg/s1600/May+9+13+040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHCFc2D8ipbYvnXgK8q0gnKuRK2MiPbMh5HeoNHEoI8sXCnNMaUcaaKtKbKG5YNF-lSOw5iU8liLZ6WWYwkAuNE8X0W1di81UeYzqcw0AsaFQFvOmzlWHhTrFhyphenhyphenpDb3kYvMRlX8du3hSg/s400/May+9+13+040.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'm here for 2 more weeks. I wonder what will unfold by then? Birds nesting and leaves maturing, fawns born. Maybe the 17-year cicadas will be out by then~we're expecting gazillions of them in the Eastern states.<br />
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My camera is taking a beating. I dropped it today onto the stone-floor of the mud-room and now the battery pack won't close completely. It still seems to work okay, these digitals are amazing. I am hoping to have a new crop of greeting cards and photo prints ready for my summer art show in July. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
I hope you find your own spot of Heaven on Earth this spring!</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Hugs,</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Sherry </b></div>
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<br />Rustique Gal http://www.blogger.com/profile/00437687948857614576noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164904826222086589.post-16619257134961847762013-04-06T21:30:00.002-04:002013-04-07T01:33:43.371-04:00Emergence<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yes, it IS Spring, and everything is emerging from beneath the snows of New England. Today Mom, Emily and I went to our favorite sugarhouse for a late breakfast. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbrzVSNsAptnCcyNzdpydqyLU96UTO-TrVGIhb5QDHHdvLoTnvu_EDaAPwUS4H3XbFZbUgdRw_IBuP-rhqImwlrzNZaVxgGaORFGRYwdY2ltppxoI_rBoOmOz84aFDzmgeM64TmDLW9Nw/s1600/april6+027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbrzVSNsAptnCcyNzdpydqyLU96UTO-TrVGIhb5QDHHdvLoTnvu_EDaAPwUS4H3XbFZbUgdRw_IBuP-rhqImwlrzNZaVxgGaORFGRYwdY2ltppxoI_rBoOmOz84aFDzmgeM64TmDLW9Nw/s320/april6+027.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our favorite!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As soon as we opened the car doors we could smell the maple infused steam coming out of the boiling tanks. Whole wheat pancakes, waffles with blueberries, bacon, and corn fritters! All to be smothered with just-made warm maple syrup. The sun shone in through the windows as we ate. My first gluten meal in 6 months, but I had to do it-a once a year treat!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXjfVguqix1GTHHg1i9ANwgeMWTZ5iS4XsmZyyi1DmCH0gxOWsJHZDmyI7NnyQJwoRbX2XmexTZGoCTSQoe609MmhRnqCcXLwKzJTPSVH1pDaUBgM_mLY7SQ_m5UoiUTlpmy3fmZ_r2V4/s1600/april6+017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXjfVguqix1GTHHg1i9ANwgeMWTZ5iS4XsmZyyi1DmCH0gxOWsJHZDmyI7NnyQJwoRbX2XmexTZGoCTSQoe609MmhRnqCcXLwKzJTPSVH1pDaUBgM_mLY7SQ_m5UoiUTlpmy3fmZ_r2V4/s200/april6+017.JPG" width="167" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emily</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDxGtG9zt-WHV7K0MDxdc-Je5ot4SFt4d1UJLBsTA6OgipuYi0ZJ8C3eW4PS61JAIi7YtDhhyJLXl0TgrO8pRDUNDAhtgbd4cUDXHbxyazCV50dIGQhX9KaymXtYnp9VL-T4f6LvTCKTA/s1600/april6+019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDxGtG9zt-WHV7K0MDxdc-Je5ot4SFt4d1UJLBsTA6OgipuYi0ZJ8C3eW4PS61JAIi7YtDhhyJLXl0TgrO8pRDUNDAhtgbd4cUDXHbxyazCV50dIGQhX9KaymXtYnp9VL-T4f6LvTCKTA/s200/april6+019.JPG" width="151" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq9HcMVaSGcoiDo1C1RKsDL0eU5LGKr2M0pj75nAiquQHad2w8aoabq39GPqUSz_Q-oLXcWzyWOs9DD7s4gLa6FwlqDXj4wOtSjS1u7bcAWGf8e8W4B5SOszCpiqswc8s736JkpVbHiu8/s1600/april6+018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq9HcMVaSGcoiDo1C1RKsDL0eU5LGKr2M0pj75nAiquQHad2w8aoabq39GPqUSz_Q-oLXcWzyWOs9DD7s4gLa6FwlqDXj4wOtSjS1u7bcAWGf8e8W4B5SOszCpiqswc8s736JkpVbHiu8/s200/april6+018.JPG" width="165" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lookin' a bit goofy</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
This time of year is not really pretty, but there are miracles springing up all around us! The birds are coming back or migrating through, and I hear their various calls every day. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGM-zGSzFurzRDPMf9UXts01I1SpcrhYBeHtRRxWmpli0hVSmMavFb-KWc_rlD8i8ocI-XIWBINfDyPI41885Wh18HOh4E24pRxH2RAwLjXblGWZDrN4J2a9AvZ_UJnW2QYoQFW33qZ1g/s1600/april6+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGM-zGSzFurzRDPMf9UXts01I1SpcrhYBeHtRRxWmpli0hVSmMavFb-KWc_rlD8i8ocI-XIWBINfDyPI41885Wh18HOh4E24pRxH2RAwLjXblGWZDrN4J2a9AvZ_UJnW2QYoQFW33qZ1g/s400/april6+001.JPG" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Through the screen</td></tr>
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The protective plastic on my porch shredded in the wind and cold. I guess expecting 2 winters out of a sheet of plastic is a bit much! But it did keep most of the damaging snow and rain out when I needed it most, and protected that part of the house from some of the winds that pound us throughout the winter and spring. I cut it all down yesterday, exposing the mess that I will have to freshen up over the next couple of weeks.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEionY8ARYU_ZvapKfAtwjz0bI0s7c2RdIIwM0PqfqiLaMoVmh9lhlQIDp-FeNrZPW3tjyMAA_mL_mE_Nz_ugda75O5CCP1SCc-7VnwitXxQ6WtJFsdhNvrIIc0vvNpRZCi5l8H37C69akQ/s1600/april6+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEionY8ARYU_ZvapKfAtwjz0bI0s7c2RdIIwM0PqfqiLaMoVmh9lhlQIDp-FeNrZPW3tjyMAA_mL_mE_Nz_ugda75O5CCP1SCc-7VnwitXxQ6WtJFsdhNvrIIc0vvNpRZCi5l8H37C69akQ/s320/april6+014.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The neighbors must have loved this!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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My "garden" has emerged from beneath the piles, relatively intact. But it looks horrible at the moment! The hardy pansies are out in the garden centers, though I'd better wait, as the soil is still cold and hard. Then I'll cut back all the dead stuff and amend the soil in all the containers. I've been saving my coffee grounds and egg shells for that.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8gdIWYjNlGT959JMP_Nk2ENv0j9uWzZAm6NAkc4g_r1UEnaE0t84h_j3dFl1I2zTI6w95K-TM94PIHvBuBrTIUWGLjGWJQHhLHohMvB2SDbyzrBZQkAORI7Q_o96zuK-_MuWj7DqCKvs/s1600/april6+138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8gdIWYjNlGT959JMP_Nk2ENv0j9uWzZAm6NAkc4g_r1UEnaE0t84h_j3dFl1I2zTI6w95K-TM94PIHvBuBrTIUWGLjGWJQHhLHohMvB2SDbyzrBZQkAORI7Q_o96zuK-_MuWj7DqCKvs/s400/april6+138.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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I look forward to the gardening routine-going out every day to water and trim and fuss with it all. Reading on the porch, surrounded by my houseplants, which become porch plants when it gets warm enough, flowers and herbs and tomatoes growing in my big pots.<br />
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Also emerging from the winter blanket is the local forest and brooks. Before pictures are 3 weeks ago. The after pictures, in the same places, I took today.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwxe5kdbVgDiz0QgNKg-Bs1KBDlog8C1dsRrVeZYrSo2TknqvD-kyI92qZiwrTJyxD2MPW1d3ywwU19AgHrWM9igs5ubqmnWBXfi1VNfECvd2_s4RnTIjxiLUFXTmHBNHK7heu6Z9DTfk/s1600/Winter+scenes+3+13+107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwxe5kdbVgDiz0QgNKg-Bs1KBDlog8C1dsRrVeZYrSo2TknqvD-kyI92qZiwrTJyxD2MPW1d3ywwU19AgHrWM9igs5ubqmnWBXfi1VNfECvd2_s4RnTIjxiLUFXTmHBNHK7heu6Z9DTfk/s400/Winter+scenes+3+13+107.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4iTIQPVaojFuv4_f6MQIRZu-cRWkEAioLNQbJrIgC3ZkQxXZoEkshUy_txIL9gy7f-X0M0dinMPuqGEUMj7D9Jog3UPVsZh67hRahykU5z-iXWPjweCh4aG6955rEiYCkAjQt7Gg0Fck/s1600/april6+035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4iTIQPVaojFuv4_f6MQIRZu-cRWkEAioLNQbJrIgC3ZkQxXZoEkshUy_txIL9gy7f-X0M0dinMPuqGEUMj7D9Jog3UPVsZh67hRahykU5z-iXWPjweCh4aG6955rEiYCkAjQt7Gg0Fck/s400/april6+035.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After</td></tr>
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I love how these two brooks emerge from the woods and join to go under the bridge, then they flow into the Dead Branch of the Westfield River, which flows right by our house. It isn't much more than a brook, until spring floods come through.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIKT1mnW7pcdyoZz0kmYq6Zm8qffuzNBTrcSqFWnpWrfKmiXIlt3Q5U-lin8pis3TcaSFjy6s8ZLIysj3J8SFVQEAZ9IyNIEVp5TVD3qHmgo16rihyphenhyphenIX0kI2Vnah3ZB_WRiFVWkfWicUE/s1600/Winter+scenes+3+13+099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIKT1mnW7pcdyoZz0kmYq6Zm8qffuzNBTrcSqFWnpWrfKmiXIlt3Q5U-lin8pis3TcaSFjy6s8ZLIysj3J8SFVQEAZ9IyNIEVp5TVD3qHmgo16rihyphenhyphenIX0kI2Vnah3ZB_WRiFVWkfWicUE/s400/Winter+scenes+3+13+099.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOX2-oW6korNgNTDzb8rQVI3RzHXXO6c139C_CcToedBtDwA8iYCufxnJSv5tokjhj7xd7d01_Z25KpcTcXVx-m5NnatmAnl2AM4znQIwtct9eahPWophikPRjQXYQeiJZQDf7ne_CNhI/s1600/april6+031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOX2-oW6korNgNTDzb8rQVI3RzHXXO6c139C_CcToedBtDwA8iYCufxnJSv5tokjhj7xd7d01_Z25KpcTcXVx-m5NnatmAnl2AM4znQIwtct9eahPWophikPRjQXYQeiJZQDf7ne_CNhI/s400/april6+031.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After-Still snowy!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVdWX1HWBcmRDUFh9lnUvXvjV4O9Cek0UtXBpwN0o4Fz-o3URJMTq8CP-EHFUKFN_56kjSs_EVRK7jNymME329XspJzaVjjOYG8X0LpVyOHD1zzmYbkSpDzX-GtDvS2xVcO0dJKpj-zGo/s1600/april6+041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVdWX1HWBcmRDUFh9lnUvXvjV4O9Cek0UtXBpwN0o4Fz-o3URJMTq8CP-EHFUKFN_56kjSs_EVRK7jNymME329XspJzaVjjOYG8X0LpVyOHD1zzmYbkSpDzX-GtDvS2xVcO0dJKpj-zGo/s400/april6+041.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Straight down off the bridge</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoL6E7EX1VmzXUFrueQYmi4Xl7ow9maIJOIujZ41-13QwgNSKMNtfnfKQxdcJzRT0k193ikJkUq8KT9eeogVlcueQra0PQhfG4XWZGcr4dK5tN_z2PQhwlmPdqntp5dNOPDgf3IIdLK_A/s1600/april6+043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoL6E7EX1VmzXUFrueQYmi4Xl7ow9maIJOIujZ41-13QwgNSKMNtfnfKQxdcJzRT0k193ikJkUq8KT9eeogVlcueQra0PQhfG4XWZGcr4dK5tN_z2PQhwlmPdqntp5dNOPDgf3IIdLK_A/s400/april6+043.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The forest is waking up again...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh37cDhS08-ZpRKpdJPjCgbPrt-gQkqVhbkBIRUP1AsayXHfMP6b77kr8VyXPHCX3pkrM9nGVG3oTKeq44Iok4DECdy8TVvhGXffxR3qT6xGN_chMB17NmWcuVEmiQjerf3BfnmuenBkiE/s1600/april6+126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh37cDhS08-ZpRKpdJPjCgbPrt-gQkqVhbkBIRUP1AsayXHfMP6b77kr8VyXPHCX3pkrM9nGVG3oTKeq44Iok4DECdy8TVvhGXffxR3qT6xGN_chMB17NmWcuVEmiQjerf3BfnmuenBkiE/s400/april6+126.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">with Spring color</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD-8OCsdM2U8bAZvaAAM5hAPDm974324PMG662dSpVOrgq_0d4rUjgsemPWDyQN-qjYepICbbuF0-DahI3HHLpJVQI4aUHy7FDh4-383CQevgfuc0G_u32oqypZrOFXbUNennc9j8exEA/s1600/april6+123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD-8OCsdM2U8bAZvaAAM5hAPDm974324PMG662dSpVOrgq_0d4rUjgsemPWDyQN-qjYepICbbuF0-DahI3HHLpJVQI4aUHy7FDh4-383CQevgfuc0G_u32oqypZrOFXbUNennc9j8exEA/s400/april6+123.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and Pussy Willows!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig-GLB4dGmJ-saS-6U_3hEsC_zFu8RNHBvY8_MJDGQvkxko0zs-SUiwcNbANXF7ElVxBChl_x9iAZ5dL4T1flYWar9F3pvx1BfODTerpEkGNZxUAeAE4UYpWG-o8_C9wN7AN1yR4SmnFg/s1600/april6+116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig-GLB4dGmJ-saS-6U_3hEsC_zFu8RNHBvY8_MJDGQvkxko0zs-SUiwcNbANXF7ElVxBChl_x9iAZ5dL4T1flYWar9F3pvx1BfODTerpEkGNZxUAeAE4UYpWG-o8_C9wN7AN1yR4SmnFg/s400/april6+116.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I took a meander across the street to the old mill museum. It is closed and in poor repair. There are a few pieces of old mill and farm equipment in the back, emerging from the snow, merging into the earth. There's an old snow plow, some sort of turbine equipment and some field machines. Their forms fascinate me, as do their wonderful patinas!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy3s8vQBDcbVeflgbBIhSnAbDkDFrxE7BLpqGOeLBLX4gspwI2gob25ntaJjoCs4OD5lRP1F0fXE8TVRgacNDHzNIsx-w6uZ2WnrTaaL2Ybt07u8NfYfOYBttMSGKvE-a7yYRDAIAAloc/s1600/april6+072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy3s8vQBDcbVeflgbBIhSnAbDkDFrxE7BLpqGOeLBLX4gspwI2gob25ntaJjoCs4OD5lRP1F0fXE8TVRgacNDHzNIsx-w6uZ2WnrTaaL2Ybt07u8NfYfOYBttMSGKvE-a7yYRDAIAAloc/s400/april6+072.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What is it?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv-uC0dvg91-r5fuGyemtQ3JFfkMKWxw5_tYVfQPUEfIabe4Cvem1qtCqNQdl_raxPUWeWP7D1DautjdYato9KkhLWPBV16_6V8q3J3nMGNcvhyphenhyphenHr5aqeXRoDb-26HR7xJOkVGg-SVPwk/s1600/april6+056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv-uC0dvg91-r5fuGyemtQ3JFfkMKWxw5_tYVfQPUEfIabe4Cvem1qtCqNQdl_raxPUWeWP7D1DautjdYato9KkhLWPBV16_6V8q3J3nMGNcvhyphenhyphenHr5aqeXRoDb-26HR7xJOkVGg-SVPwk/s400/april6+056.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tree-locked!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9HaSjv1Kw3BeCQZy57tTRwawEVz0sKA5TpE8YCu-f0P19cb9hwepRTF3UCmj_HTR6Pt_nlMxzMSPSKxleGNTPwqE-OWdxKwsMh4wqL53FpHBDskykW0kPCpzSuvgM998lyFgzEiRWo6Y/s1600/april6+066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9HaSjv1Kw3BeCQZy57tTRwawEVz0sKA5TpE8YCu-f0P19cb9hwepRTF3UCmj_HTR6Pt_nlMxzMSPSKxleGNTPwqE-OWdxKwsMh4wqL53FpHBDskykW0kPCpzSuvgM998lyFgzEiRWo6Y/s400/april6+066.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2wF8Vht5hVwe2qr_4hKGy4ksDDy6jtHEggaGk84sFGGdi7O9g09fA_xD15HuXbkgh9e2MWU4J-ht-3Agtjml-L0l56YCs0GbAmh0lVXQDM5DUwRU-VbbP5xfOKsfmOEqVUuSF1Yd0GaI/s1600/april6+067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2wF8Vht5hVwe2qr_4hKGy4ksDDy6jtHEggaGk84sFGGdi7O9g09fA_xD15HuXbkgh9e2MWU4J-ht-3Agtjml-L0l56YCs0GbAmh0lVXQDM5DUwRU-VbbP5xfOKsfmOEqVUuSF1Yd0GaI/s400/april6+067.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rust and Rivets</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_fYBFpunAsilzf7ReZizky2gjglKejDd_M8UVIkj1Mk1Xnb2n-lUSVWl-D9KXtcma8jkkqhuA1P63es9ZRhVXXJc4lFIFKUmlT4Oc1M6B2gUfZ3nYUqjTVvDF-3VxA9XRkKMMFupNDLM/s1600/april6+068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_fYBFpunAsilzf7ReZizky2gjglKejDd_M8UVIkj1Mk1Xnb2n-lUSVWl-D9KXtcma8jkkqhuA1P63es9ZRhVXXJc4lFIFKUmlT4Oc1M6B2gUfZ3nYUqjTVvDF-3VxA9XRkKMMFupNDLM/s400/april6+068.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ah, that patina!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD2ALXbvi862hrRKfL4YUZUJ1qlUjvvxy2OcJr1OVL8GN1fDXDRh9P6siaxbJL6wVj8Gd4nEzYwkEEl7J6g9uRqwfN94lB86MzW-bDNb-CoQQauxeRMoxL3AVU1KltGUVZlcu2n0_mX6I/s1600/april6+071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD2ALXbvi862hrRKfL4YUZUJ1qlUjvvxy2OcJr1OVL8GN1fDXDRh9P6siaxbJL6wVj8Gd4nEzYwkEEl7J6g9uRqwfN94lB86MzW-bDNb-CoQQauxeRMoxL3AVU1KltGUVZlcu2n0_mX6I/s400/april6+071.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emerging and merging</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Just across the Dead Branch is this old building which used to hold the turbines that harnessed the hydroelectric power from the river. Its roof fell in a bit with the huge storm we had in January, almost 3 feet of snow in 2 days.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizvaUWGfuCEYKG7EuebVkxY8-mM3XcczdgUuQNUysGlH7JE42UCmoSzZdK4GaMr0-SdDYEkAMZO3Mx9ZuEkUhlwXhKf_3LXmJrR795A4P7E7RF9WQ5II4cOtjf3v_iH0_LRc6u7ianBdg/s1600/april6+083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizvaUWGfuCEYKG7EuebVkxY8-mM3XcczdgUuQNUysGlH7JE42UCmoSzZdK4GaMr0-SdDYEkAMZO3Mx9ZuEkUhlwXhKf_3LXmJrR795A4P7E7RF9WQ5II4cOtjf3v_iH0_LRc6u7ianBdg/s400/april6+083.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still standing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAVyves_MVZWVDhOOkOYV-r-d4d5rW9PENm_OUxlaYLJsEBp35PvccCxzVVi2IOSPJhUUYWKDPstYqtarro9aaVWDGtvDMz_SiGjnvTrNll29NYaKlxSfkC20RbdFdZXIhinp_w4iL0zA/s1600/april6+090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAVyves_MVZWVDhOOkOYV-r-d4d5rW9PENm_OUxlaYLJsEBp35PvccCxzVVi2IOSPJhUUYWKDPstYqtarro9aaVWDGtvDMz_SiGjnvTrNll29NYaKlxSfkC20RbdFdZXIhinp_w4iL0zA/s400/april6+090.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bottom rot and bittersweet vines</td></tr>
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The post and beam structure is still standing, but the walls are rotting
from the bottom up and the bittersweet is encroaching on the tongue and
groove boards. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs6-MxYRFK3soFfaGwaGmuB9PeEprWViZBKLDM1MH6SlZ7cyKzI-u5AZq0_-MRPbjP8c3sk-EXJlEpBI0F9gznA8eultdSuLy7O4AKKDZ8Oarowu9u7K2kBJgzcX6GLX9fzAt4rSqBhRs/s1600/april6+088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs6-MxYRFK3soFfaGwaGmuB9PeEprWViZBKLDM1MH6SlZ7cyKzI-u5AZq0_-MRPbjP8c3sk-EXJlEpBI0F9gznA8eultdSuLy7O4AKKDZ8Oarowu9u7K2kBJgzcX6GLX9fzAt4rSqBhRs/s400/april6+088.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6urGoDKSqghudFHjKkrXHRW6WdOgc7SnMeE8DxgbINXk6oBtUtGI8abFR03Lv3aBHINi_nrwC1CDritoUm_1WxtJYB5xMbis65B-cmgLCRKIUO8TZXESzJ3kLa6Kl1jbMtyi0oDQW3Qc/s1600/april6+091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6urGoDKSqghudFHjKkrXHRW6WdOgc7SnMeE8DxgbINXk6oBtUtGI8abFR03Lv3aBHINi_nrwC1CDritoUm_1WxtJYB5xMbis65B-cmgLCRKIUO8TZXESzJ3kLa6Kl1jbMtyi0oDQW3Qc/s400/april6+091.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I want that sign!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8JfD2cmYcAg6cdWX17JVJezZjZTTBZf2bOP5v3Z3Mxzbph4WWsDw-uzpLizPD3R9jTZXBADapXJVhyylGtDiQqESBrjDsIsqf6kCUJgOI-4HqYJOAs_OzkaG-mMYm6n-bXMAJIquRbas/s1600/april6+105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8JfD2cmYcAg6cdWX17JVJezZjZTTBZf2bOP5v3Z3Mxzbph4WWsDw-uzpLizPD3R9jTZXBADapXJVhyylGtDiQqESBrjDsIsqf6kCUJgOI-4HqYJOAs_OzkaG-mMYm6n-bXMAJIquRbas/s400/april6+105.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bittersweet curliques</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOM6eOpEPuEJ6_6uKmRPN21Cj7Otp0aPBlDGFqRdWK5UoMF-FJOAkhRlIwjwWVMp9kB2SZLUjoIt85LE-l9-beLxuaB53dOfRO5mLzYk3ZCMmB-UGE_eWfy1rarEVoMPcVG_PLLLmqKL8/s1600/april6+100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOM6eOpEPuEJ6_6uKmRPN21Cj7Otp0aPBlDGFqRdWK5UoMF-FJOAkhRlIwjwWVMp9kB2SZLUjoIt85LE-l9-beLxuaB53dOfRO5mLzYk3ZCMmB-UGE_eWfy1rarEVoMPcVG_PLLLmqKL8/s320/april6+100.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More bottom rot. The flooding comes through here.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggEFtbz65LSt3P_hRTaETnmJq-saplLh6WBlc3LXPcYcB4bK-bpinUscrur9yPMXQtsSpbaRI_xfWfiZhgWUXNpsWA9UGDfrySeb1uQOK4WqdYzaIIZ-yjg2slbHYS4Sh4P77mrs7uyVI/s1600/april6+097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggEFtbz65LSt3P_hRTaETnmJq-saplLh6WBlc3LXPcYcB4bK-bpinUscrur9yPMXQtsSpbaRI_xfWfiZhgWUXNpsWA9UGDfrySeb1uQOK4WqdYzaIIZ-yjg2slbHYS4Sh4P77mrs7uyVI/s320/april6+097.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skylight!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Talk about patina! I wish I had a way to use some of those boards when or if they take the building down. There are birds nests and wasp nests in the rafters. Mud wasps have made their little gothic arches on the walls and ceiling.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxFQlrLHrMuUj0z-N5Pt1bOFxeSEeK8GHZT6CXShrcJyEopV6qqS9NEW3pgPjF0VS7E9Db8N9H_jbTyw_0mBtTmv-fbdKQ6pvYAo5-R7Cm4v2mwkO6iSBpyJUsTfPW0cK0WHjWK3OOV_4/s1600/april6+106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxFQlrLHrMuUj0z-N5Pt1bOFxeSEeK8GHZT6CXShrcJyEopV6qqS9NEW3pgPjF0VS7E9Db8N9H_jbTyw_0mBtTmv-fbdKQ6pvYAo5-R7Cm4v2mwkO6iSBpyJUsTfPW0cK0WHjWK3OOV_4/s320/april6+106.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I will get in there when the light is softer and get more pictures. I want to see those turbines in the basement.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Till then, have a sweet April!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4GbsmLlUOLbyr3rohfPykfuC8b4KKZxrFsUa_YWuiTG1mHjKwS3sXUVQi_aS14eM5SUfhcYTM9PiKmK5vgO9cTdwP8tFX6MS3L2KBYGkX464qx3WPOnmc9msSDIFDWaBwbbBNKeVqt5Y/s1600/5257993ae304c051324b9d1f2653e9c8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4GbsmLlUOLbyr3rohfPykfuC8b4KKZxrFsUa_YWuiTG1mHjKwS3sXUVQi_aS14eM5SUfhcYTM9PiKmK5vgO9cTdwP8tFX6MS3L2KBYGkX464qx3WPOnmc9msSDIFDWaBwbbBNKeVqt5Y/s320/5257993ae304c051324b9d1f2653e9c8.jpg" width="259" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b>Hugs,</b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b>Sherry</b></i></span></div>
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<br />Rustique Gal http://www.blogger.com/profile/00437687948857614576noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164904826222086589.post-15444244808067743012013-03-21T21:58:00.001-04:002013-03-21T22:39:46.962-04:00Spring, Or Not...?<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy Spring, I think!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhotTDA8BK7u0W0tcTX4RHxun2yf5sglchD-ZHAWLYW5znnQjZv-0qaDWaX9kDer9mIjQqHQ8CLZP7koyV-FF9P7BIIyZt5N2JhV2bvXih26RFaUQgXsufu9KLUVRWhhfMWqoSSFCcEffo/s1600/Winter+scenes+3+13+086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhotTDA8BK7u0W0tcTX4RHxun2yf5sglchD-ZHAWLYW5znnQjZv-0qaDWaX9kDer9mIjQqHQ8CLZP7koyV-FF9P7BIIyZt5N2JhV2bvXih26RFaUQgXsufu9KLUVRWhhfMWqoSSFCcEffo/s400/Winter+scenes+3+13+086.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My neighor's shaggy horses</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
First of all, I want to thank all of you who send me emails and Facebook comments, or subscribe to my Pinterest boards. I love your comments, you encourage me so! I feel like I'm getting to know some of you very well! There are so many ways to connect now, it is amazing. I love my computers--it's great to visit each other this way.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSkuQZdJpe7IH1KuJ_AKUREYOXanS4fs6Re8SRmA_s-14mChMfZ6V40QV_HnY8kJ80MKtzPiI3PzF6n_mhg3L4o_mGrTe2Q590UdVzzedfEcBRGg8t_VTkRHQFy9mR9lTTxwRsfYZN_2Y/s1600/Winter+scenes+3+13+087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSkuQZdJpe7IH1KuJ_AKUREYOXanS4fs6Re8SRmA_s-14mChMfZ6V40QV_HnY8kJ80MKtzPiI3PzF6n_mhg3L4o_mGrTe2Q590UdVzzedfEcBRGg8t_VTkRHQFy9mR9lTTxwRsfYZN_2Y/s400/Winter+scenes+3+13+087.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas trees gone wild</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Today is the second day of Spring. In the last three days, we've gotten 6-8" of new wet snow. Some are disheartened by it. I must admit I'm tired of it too, but it sure is pretty!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjstZ3Nc5Js_hqcZ_oeZ9ZqrcZ93D6OBbMLsUbbeiQA5xPtWwevK3nsW6gSM-7P1Aq6IkHXTO_MtORS79Ue0Iox-YKZr7SrlPdzKX_BtNsqzZzk8uxq_OQJYifD_X7pn-m8oBHn0lWgN74/s1600/Winter+scenes+3+13+107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjstZ3Nc5Js_hqcZ_oeZ9ZqrcZ93D6OBbMLsUbbeiQA5xPtWwevK3nsW6gSM-7P1Aq6IkHXTO_MtORS79Ue0Iox-YKZr7SrlPdzKX_BtNsqzZzk8uxq_OQJYifD_X7pn-m8oBHn0lWgN74/s400/Winter+scenes+3+13+107.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One tributary to "our brook"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The thing about point and shoot digital photography, though, is that the camera compensates for the bright lighting by darkening the picture, leaving you with a mostly black and white composition. I took these shots this week.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRItlak1KCzqz62dWMdOIcR1LiQuupFJzeMc6LkTvbTexvp8sGgHW5VZM5ZikMo1EiaR1wTL-8hkrMxbnFjo2tatmgJebnT-aFnXgVcw_5tFtBQBsyrjHWiuMyU069k5VaDBRe3iKiCpU/s1600/Winter+scenes+3+13+106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRItlak1KCzqz62dWMdOIcR1LiQuupFJzeMc6LkTvbTexvp8sGgHW5VZM5ZikMo1EiaR1wTL-8hkrMxbnFjo2tatmgJebnT-aFnXgVcw_5tFtBQBsyrjHWiuMyU069k5VaDBRe3iKiCpU/s640/Winter+scenes+3+13+106.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looks cold!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We live in Western Massachusetts, in the foothills of the Berkshires. Our house is about 1100 feet above sea level. As you leave the Connecticut River Valley and start driving up into the hill towns, it gets colder, windier and whiter. In the summer, the cooler air is welcome. Now, not so much!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs-1hGjBLqS-yVFSvvdlkx2ZW9-YLKM2fohv1zV1tYOohQ3EZKOi8mqA6ohycPxwYA_RituDtQcepl-h1LiEjetKPhk2XWizInlT_uOZgNE8Pza5yHcUh7AcIXgbwbFgwJLidzGIUAyyg/s1600/Winter+scenes+3+13+096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs-1hGjBLqS-yVFSvvdlkx2ZW9-YLKM2fohv1zV1tYOohQ3EZKOi8mqA6ohycPxwYA_RituDtQcepl-h1LiEjetKPhk2XWizInlT_uOZgNE8Pza5yHcUh7AcIXgbwbFgwJLidzGIUAyyg/s400/Winter+scenes+3+13+096.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My garden is in there!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So in order to get into a spring mood, I intend to plant some seedlings this weekend. I've been saving TP rolls and food containers.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXO-mYTsqAUySAGuMLpwj-H0FaPBhuL1Z-1v6EwvgD0eEtKQB1OZ3HT00FRFOaPVnkIM9X-mpKHm0RzT1vmMrKWnLj6UdDSnovHRMosYySMuWRdumZcAuOaaJNk3W3KbISgbytXu693r4/s1600/c62bd4c62406f4d01edd477667f52443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXO-mYTsqAUySAGuMLpwj-H0FaPBhuL1Z-1v6EwvgD0eEtKQB1OZ3HT00FRFOaPVnkIM9X-mpKHm0RzT1vmMrKWnLj6UdDSnovHRMosYySMuWRdumZcAuOaaJNk3W3KbISgbytXu693r4/s640/c62bd4c62406f4d01edd477667f52443.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toilet paper rolls and food containers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDUUkh8ooZkptkLS_2KxnSLpV7M27pK4pu26NoETjlwg4cXniispQ5JrZq3QST3tDOzS2pKVlV9zdEgYEJ5TFGaWPoMAuem_FkR4JqPflLiIlfclKfdEPSvWGAHDOFM9lXAjLEwn9bw2A/s1600/1f743f757b0cae12bd4dd3ee229c99c2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDUUkh8ooZkptkLS_2KxnSLpV7M27pK4pu26NoETjlwg4cXniispQ5JrZq3QST3tDOzS2pKVlV9zdEgYEJ5TFGaWPoMAuem_FkR4JqPflLiIlfclKfdEPSvWGAHDOFM9lXAjLEwn9bw2A/s640/1f743f757b0cae12bd4dd3ee229c99c2.jpg" width="416" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Recycled cloches</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I have been collecting garden pictures on Pinterest, and share some of
my favorites above and below, to set the scene and to inspire you
(and myself!) To link to these pictures, click on my <a href="http://pinterest.com/rustiquegallery/gardenstuff/" target="_blank">Gardenstuff</a> board and click on the picture till you open the source, usually 2 clicks. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdPzwFRr5q0KJrU7OgJk6t9O8FxHcnfM89XeRBvR65uolGp9PmrLQsW4t5OV6ikHowZje7oLjMo8npVFgp0fICFStpldO4atspNaq21kMuocEqGYiTnCjKNcp_k8vGKAvFd8DZuR7u70I/s1600/1a1c2fcbe3d0793627c40151b954ec82.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdPzwFRr5q0KJrU7OgJk6t9O8FxHcnfM89XeRBvR65uolGp9PmrLQsW4t5OV6ikHowZje7oLjMo8npVFgp0fICFStpldO4atspNaq21kMuocEqGYiTnCjKNcp_k8vGKAvFd8DZuR7u70I/s640/1a1c2fcbe3d0793627c40151b954ec82.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I want to try vertical gardening</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQvs64hZWSdMmyxLDj1xDLKsVQyCrUTUDAGv1KUz002n-uE1vGgnxtMB_gHmz8dKCcstEX83OrM62l_w484YSjdFp6Dad0dDSAYFjskWFff1oXJ4OEObVjsrg2ZCHYoX6LuFg2av0tA8/s1600/b7672a440dc8760646401a4583983b07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQvs64hZWSdMmyxLDj1xDLKsVQyCrUTUDAGv1KUz002n-uE1vGgnxtMB_gHmz8dKCcstEX83OrM62l_w484YSjdFp6Dad0dDSAYFjskWFff1oXJ4OEObVjsrg2ZCHYoX6LuFg2av0tA8/s640/b7672a440dc8760646401a4583983b07.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
<br />
I look forward to digging in the dirt and seeing which of my potted
perennials will be back this season. Lavenders, clematis, peonies,
daffodils, iris, purple coneflowers, hardy mums, oregano, coral bells, and a small pink willow. Sometimes the johnny-jump-ups, or pansies-gone-wild are among the
first to be seen. But, as you can see in the pictures above, that is a
while away!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy16Yv8N9wvZkfw29-3RyZPBlLnDul2L__YvlJCIq7omnhotOudknJvRBJ2VIQH0-p5KpMlKl_s3MQ2GcovFJyq1Rh-7SI4p9XYNSdEwgLImaKSOSYJMMJMjoUre3jXbxLq7oRMbtUFIk/s1600/bfb3a4b5c2d337badde04d712744ed71.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy16Yv8N9wvZkfw29-3RyZPBlLnDul2L__YvlJCIq7omnhotOudknJvRBJ2VIQH0-p5KpMlKl_s3MQ2GcovFJyq1Rh-7SI4p9XYNSdEwgLImaKSOSYJMMJMjoUre3jXbxLq7oRMbtUFIk/s640/bfb3a4b5c2d337badde04d712744ed71.jpg" width="475" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wild rose</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX4lJShS2nRFoDAZGIeLgFU0HXZ-SR2PPZ_ziX0ADmyvDSwGAbQ3hO-1iZd0bZNvf28R3ppga5DxHSR_LuuAec0xnU0_0PEjQaOihLD5NNIhuV8rkhAtrFUFj3nld_wPdt3MMGKXzQlo0/s1600/2122db4a61f3ed9fecc9bd98b71769ba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX4lJShS2nRFoDAZGIeLgFU0HXZ-SR2PPZ_ziX0ADmyvDSwGAbQ3hO-1iZd0bZNvf28R3ppga5DxHSR_LuuAec0xnU0_0PEjQaOihLD5NNIhuV8rkhAtrFUFj3nld_wPdt3MMGKXzQlo0/s640/2122db4a61f3ed9fecc9bd98b71769ba.jpg" width="449" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just need a drink and a good book!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidwU92aWj1T3FNcEHIJxFL5yfiBeEldTZu6jSDm8LqOeS7WH3dBfRJJHIk1HURtCC9n7Xvyba3Hs4oYvP3RyLURMslw6i4eI2i19aLRXEicVOdOnbHexhCpggfTd3toKu19f1SjkRW53g/s1600/2196a63cd3370a56163e2f237635ef98.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidwU92aWj1T3FNcEHIJxFL5yfiBeEldTZu6jSDm8LqOeS7WH3dBfRJJHIk1HURtCC9n7Xvyba3Hs4oYvP3RyLURMslw6i4eI2i19aLRXEicVOdOnbHexhCpggfTd3toKu19f1SjkRW53g/s400/2196a63cd3370a56163e2f237635ef98.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty corner</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtrGj8cbyrKcZLkMe-CgGxljRFIJJDBlYUxf1rwQD-NDrJMJnUWClmJioAfn9sEvfNIhlobZblNwy4cYVBCT6FhiDd9Yv7TB0ZkNIgpyVf3VCo4Y2J59BCtm_wjK0WXcmlrIsahv9wFWE/s1600/645904e2a98609e785c35041597bfd25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtrGj8cbyrKcZLkMe-CgGxljRFIJJDBlYUxf1rwQD-NDrJMJnUWClmJioAfn9sEvfNIhlobZblNwy4cYVBCT6FhiDd9Yv7TB0ZkNIgpyVf3VCo4Y2J59BCtm_wjK0WXcmlrIsahv9wFWE/s400/645904e2a98609e785c35041597bfd25.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have to convince Mom not to cut back the Wisteria!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUSzHx_cPu9_3xGhW6htwo6NqM5vXatw0gsAot6BqJsh5AG3TD_iv7nC8VxALBABgfazFsrDDgGzI5_Y9Lq-f0ftK6_tT59B0hOIhYseFtQ_Z3HTqCevRSt5O24sxpG88W3VoFzCiUOKU/s1600/830478780781e9da4b838c5c1c1eec9f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUSzHx_cPu9_3xGhW6htwo6NqM5vXatw0gsAot6BqJsh5AG3TD_iv7nC8VxALBABgfazFsrDDgGzI5_Y9Lq-f0ftK6_tT59B0hOIhYseFtQ_Z3HTqCevRSt5O24sxpG88W3VoFzCiUOKU/s640/830478780781e9da4b838c5c1c1eec9f.jpg" width="484" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty border</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwWS_ObIkEglTlG6p9sBzMtlK9wacMYENCcO5FjgoYFriczwr51_D8Un0NGFmbiN7i1alxyg4v3-KwnEUUxRtPoMf1TUgLlNDZJiJVcx03uUbbeg2HBBvzf_iFb6w3M6cI_vOvklxdnjY/s1600/0e3283f051ceca2382f19320033459f5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwWS_ObIkEglTlG6p9sBzMtlK9wacMYENCcO5FjgoYFriczwr51_D8Un0NGFmbiN7i1alxyg4v3-KwnEUUxRtPoMf1TUgLlNDZJiJVcx03uUbbeg2HBBvzf_iFb6w3M6cI_vOvklxdnjY/s640/0e3283f051ceca2382f19320033459f5.jpg" width="467" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pink Poppies!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgccQpSwml-IyOkBvAg_zFrakkc9ZTsUCqDmVAODG1hnkCeMZKkErmIrXRin_asOk6PrwPePsq2KUjcPddrxMtBxPalrW8Cdmy0o1cHJWng507bNb2zu72Vqt9LY_Ydbs6cHDrg4myiOTo/s1600/9fe1bca0da048597c1737e44800ef5ed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgccQpSwml-IyOkBvAg_zFrakkc9ZTsUCqDmVAODG1hnkCeMZKkErmIrXRin_asOk6PrwPePsq2KUjcPddrxMtBxPalrW8Cdmy0o1cHJWng507bNb2zu72Vqt9LY_Ydbs6cHDrg4myiOTo/s640/9fe1bca0da048597c1737e44800ef5ed.jpg" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And on my deck....</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSFX05rk14eKL0j4h_HfL6uEkUPZehhheemNHm2N5xqY-9uwxsy5bYwnfqDwejUulzLkNX9QQtkJEOPG_VFDL8y9L8_ZX5EQwAH-qcz-fqwdf8KOAAdO0HTH533g2Yl4cR8AjUqbcUmSQ/s1600/23457063e34b815e046e170b52f70f83.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSFX05rk14eKL0j4h_HfL6uEkUPZehhheemNHm2N5xqY-9uwxsy5bYwnfqDwejUulzLkNX9QQtkJEOPG_VFDL8y9L8_ZX5EQwAH-qcz-fqwdf8KOAAdO0HTH533g2Yl4cR8AjUqbcUmSQ/s640/23457063e34b815e046e170b52f70f83.jpg" width="515" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pop up aquarium!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizHMgjO5UueRJOWuymwbvNcJunNO9V8NAIq5w9cLH3o0EDZ65JyLlc1_mFNj8n7bTer9jidO6JJJ1tSUFXh3vZVDjQJNpVE0JeSwydXLIWZgKbGXMuAlqueJtDqNzu5YMll2wmrgAGOYY/s1600/e78f324134bbd7605658f8930886c912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizHMgjO5UueRJOWuymwbvNcJunNO9V8NAIq5w9cLH3o0EDZ65JyLlc1_mFNj8n7bTer9jidO6JJJ1tSUFXh3vZVDjQJNpVE0JeSwydXLIWZgKbGXMuAlqueJtDqNzu5YMll2wmrgAGOYY/s640/e78f324134bbd7605658f8930886c912.jpg" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pick 3 plants and repeat</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVV4X8yTkoEIlikoB2NMln3x6ZPXaBnXSqcsSCUUIQfAGXx0ys2Vq-Z_enL5_Zic1Ry7H5ZUy0BrEn0JMZ9SomRjj3Keuz79EBTW900L0t3ydw_NzLDZoSpCmUn7UrchyphenhyphengxcH16-HXRkY/s1600/dff60ef338d1a4212c6cdf5495a26d27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVV4X8yTkoEIlikoB2NMln3x6ZPXaBnXSqcsSCUUIQfAGXx0ys2Vq-Z_enL5_Zic1Ry7H5ZUy0BrEn0JMZ9SomRjj3Keuz79EBTW900L0t3ydw_NzLDZoSpCmUn7UrchyphenhyphengxcH16-HXRkY/s640/dff60ef338d1a4212c6cdf5495a26d27.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Locally grown food!</td></tr>
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Happy Spring to all you Northern Hemispherians!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSo42Z9X0QxBgdiROBJ4bpHYS8p-e7sg3gdHojBev0hD_FNoYw6SKybJLyNFtVAuduoZamRE4mdP6l0zWObEGXR2dUcUrhS4cw7BG-8BWu1IIj4b87eDMqb6EJ8S96kPreac10msvaYWc/s1600/6f2850a8fdd8de5e626826ab9fbd42d2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSo42Z9X0QxBgdiROBJ4bpHYS8p-e7sg3gdHojBev0hD_FNoYw6SKybJLyNFtVAuduoZamRE4mdP6l0zWObEGXR2dUcUrhS4cw7BG-8BWu1IIj4b87eDMqb6EJ8S96kPreac10msvaYWc/s640/6f2850a8fdd8de5e626826ab9fbd42d2.jpg" width="440" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OMG, I'm breathless!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>Hugs,</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>Sherry </i></span></div>
<br />Rustique Gal http://www.blogger.com/profile/00437687948857614576noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164904826222086589.post-86654319466720951322013-02-24T19:52:00.001-05:002013-02-24T20:09:18.810-05:00Creative Daydreaming<div style="text-align: center;">
Hello Everyone,</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2lLhyphenhyphenRIeRSGdJHW760i1sB3bD6i_lYJovvFpvTE32m3C3v7HZYIyT2Ce2DdAqfcJUvkjGy6R7eug538Tmdr_3Wbgd4KiTQ26yzLaRh8o3D9ta8iqYP1HDbfK0lCTew9tX06me_DEUb10/s1600/2+23+13+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2lLhyphenhyphenRIeRSGdJHW760i1sB3bD6i_lYJovvFpvTE32m3C3v7HZYIyT2Ce2DdAqfcJUvkjGy6R7eug538Tmdr_3Wbgd4KiTQ26yzLaRh8o3D9ta8iqYP1HDbfK0lCTew9tX06me_DEUb10/s400/2+23+13+001.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My shabby-unchic front entry</td></tr>
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I hope this season isn't dragging you down. I often get a little shaggy about now, not seeing any signs of Spring and dreaming about my garden~as you can see, we are not even close! So I took a few quick snapshots (sorry, the quality is questionable!) and got busy cheering myself up...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3M9UUEWRrkiE4sneIuDzO9NA_x8bzKBB_K0BIfGidLpa8DqNcEbTGRsYr9FPbSgdS67Orz_vEVcmFOoC23gJOfel8MuD7LP9voDpNim4yu990UzJ2IthQ9eqVE0Ops6yR1AhEbSaQybM/s1600/2+23+13+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3M9UUEWRrkiE4sneIuDzO9NA_x8bzKBB_K0BIfGidLpa8DqNcEbTGRsYr9FPbSgdS67Orz_vEVcmFOoC23gJOfel8MuD7LP9voDpNim4yu990UzJ2IthQ9eqVE0Ops6yR1AhEbSaQybM/s400/2+23+13+013.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Please excuse the yellow! It really is a soft aged-look beige...</td></tr>
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What brightened up my week was finding out that I won one of Sweet Dawn's adorable lavender sachets! Dawn's blog, <a href="http://the-feathered-nest.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">~The Feathered Nest~</a> is one of my favorites. She blogs daily and shares her wonderful artwork, sweet downloadable pictures, and best of all-stories and pictures of her family and their wonderful farm. Thank you Dawn~I'm thrilled, to say the least!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKKTVCENHCucULyWWBroT6BYftMCuMNCTxbGokkrBqgOSAXlXq-yUv8RL-6hhtVADzU6J6MvFKRsoBe3-H-du4KEKXDVXkKc-lnzms2vAToJghzGU1duVXRRaZz2wlz34TPsTQDhpF8Bg/s1600/2+23+13+015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKKTVCENHCucULyWWBroT6BYftMCuMNCTxbGokkrBqgOSAXlXq-yUv8RL-6hhtVADzU6J6MvFKRsoBe3-H-du4KEKXDVXkKc-lnzms2vAToJghzGU1duVXRRaZz2wlz34TPsTQDhpF8Bg/s400/2+23+13+015.JPG" width="335" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My weekend "fix"</td></tr>
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As we were expecting another Nor'easter this weekend, (which turned into just rain) I ran out and got myself some inspirational magazines. I'm not a TV watcher, as we have no reception here, so I needed a decorating "fix". <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhky2pYD5nrB98PEX9kJ_ZSZQMze8zQqDTAkyTreCLrsWMFi7m1vOSdbyuFwWlPQ4zK7f4wZHbLbnPPsPXU3qhQgTWE1l_6CTyU_KICJQVWpjabXC8iv7WeLTS6iDgKnYvP4m9eCWmNhjI/s1600/2+23+13+016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhky2pYD5nrB98PEX9kJ_ZSZQMze8zQqDTAkyTreCLrsWMFi7m1vOSdbyuFwWlPQ4zK7f4wZHbLbnPPsPXU3qhQgTWE1l_6CTyU_KICJQVWpjabXC8iv7WeLTS6iDgKnYvP4m9eCWmNhjI/s400/2+23+13+016.JPG" width="273" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I LOVE this idea and the COLORS! (MM)</td></tr>
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As I've mentioned before, I hope to be moving this year into Mom's house and I'm seriously getting excited about the change of scenery and the upcoming fresh start on decorating my nest there. Matthew Mead's style is right up my alley! His magazine, though a bit pricy, is chock full of beautiful decorating style, with tutorials for almost everything and no ads! It is more than a magazine, and I will keep mine as a reference.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfBP0C-GuBRV2lESQ_SDDI3ntS3ouPiewwfsURZCXfrgjzs3w2aNms137LRY-JloAl62hIgs7ZjyWTKqqzgYYqOQqWP8w5KNHKM1adKrebrLNCjIG_Hmx2po71FUSoppOg4a0OIMq1GzA/s1600/2+23+13+018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfBP0C-GuBRV2lESQ_SDDI3ntS3ouPiewwfsURZCXfrgjzs3w2aNms137LRY-JloAl62hIgs7ZjyWTKqqzgYYqOQqWP8w5KNHKM1adKrebrLNCjIG_Hmx2po71FUSoppOg4a0OIMq1GzA/s400/2+23+13+018.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lamp tutorial (MM)</td></tr>
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Not only how to make a lamp, but to make a sweet shade too.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv0J_ksOHprf_S7RVnU9rPe0Z1N9iDnADpEAh88XynltxPHc6sOHO2S-z5mCTllKAW3OCoqa4FIAG_XqyQFmCJRmpjgKCql7XVHcIenucYX3TIBB1H0DlIW1Sf_CgiBFg7RIrnC-0En3E/s1600/2+23+13+019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv0J_ksOHprf_S7RVnU9rPe0Z1N9iDnADpEAh88XynltxPHc6sOHO2S-z5mCTllKAW3OCoqa4FIAG_XqyQFmCJRmpjgKCql7XVHcIenucYX3TIBB1H0DlIW1Sf_CgiBFg7RIrnC-0En3E/s400/2+23+13+019.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ooooh!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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AND complete directions on refinishing a table in my favorite color. What can I say?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVCChkKUU3K-8ghFEqY0mfdimH3kVeQYv1xVeEG4wpCLpRxor2tu7mt6iGqOX53TS_nY3SCUfjigcNbOTv3QJ1fLKzv6z7-sLf2MgFG_lEbQHOHBJ0d7cn8ywBGQypxwPdoUhfqtEpDF0/s1600/2+23+13+020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVCChkKUU3K-8ghFEqY0mfdimH3kVeQYv1xVeEG4wpCLpRxor2tu7mt6iGqOX53TS_nY3SCUfjigcNbOTv3QJ1fLKzv6z7-sLf2MgFG_lEbQHOHBJ0d7cn8ywBGQypxwPdoUhfqtEpDF0/s400/2+23+13+020.JPG" width="278" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great idea for old useless books! (FMS)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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I always wait with bated (not baited) breath for Flea Market Style to come out. It is bi-annual, so it's a long time coming. It started 3 years ago and I haven't missed an issue yet. Ki Nassauer takes us flea marketing and shows what to do with all that great junque~the book shelves above speak for themselves! I have a huge collection of junky books I've picked up to collage out of or alter in some way or another. This is a fun way to use some of them up. And there is a great guide to the best flea markets around the country in every issue. This year I am hoping to get to a few!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB60nVTM7nwM__jAecuP3zLZcVDzM3SQUe4_jNLqTOXjLL1hRfaPXLtSyB0n5uxnKsoMZOu-M5wFeTNSgex8DM2Kp6Vxf9SV_Jn41muiolh5AzcgCbibyJXO9-pIPFwK9f2lTdsbx0iTs/s1600/2+23+13+021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB60nVTM7nwM__jAecuP3zLZcVDzM3SQUe4_jNLqTOXjLL1hRfaPXLtSyB0n5uxnKsoMZOu-M5wFeTNSgex8DM2Kp6Vxf9SV_Jn41muiolh5AzcgCbibyJXO9-pIPFwK9f2lTdsbx0iTs/s400/2+23+13+021.JPG" width="278" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Things to make with old quilts-love the soft colors! (RH)</td></tr>
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Then there's Romantic Homes-I love it! Such beautiful pictures, great ideas and daydreams galore! I have been just sitting around here daydreaming for three days. Well, I've watered my jungle, done a few batches of laundry, cooked, ate, done dishes, and spent hours on <a href="http://pinterest.com/rustiquegallery/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>, too!<br />
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I found a new way to unstick labels from jars on <a href="http://pinterest.com/rustiquegallery/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>, so I worked on my big stash of saveable storage jars. The recipe I worked out is 1 part coconut oil, melted and mixed with 2-3 parts of baking soda. Make a paste, smear it on the glue and let it sit for a few hours, then scrub it off under hot running water. It works best if you peel most of the paper off first. I envision my "new" kitchenette to have open shelves with everything stored in recycled jars. I may spray the covers with black chalk paint, so I can label them. If you want to check out my daydreams, follow me on <a href="http://pinterest.com/rustiquegallery/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> with these links or the button on the right. (I take no credit, I only collect what I love)<a href="http://pinterest.com/rustiquegallery/" target="_blank"> Pinterest</a> can consume hours, so use caution!<br />
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Well, I hope you all have a great week or 3, till I "see you" again!<br />
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<i><b>Hugs,</b></i></div>
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<i><b>Sherry</b></i></div>
Rustique Gal http://www.blogger.com/profile/00437687948857614576noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164904826222086589.post-50989079045231715142013-02-09T14:05:00.003-05:002013-02-09T14:39:23.867-05:00Some Rose in my CheeksHere I've been sitting since my knee replacement surgery, January 10th. Recovering well, taking short rides to the store, thinking about going back to work Monday. It has been a quiet winter, weather-wise until yesterday!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5RObyAYeAUJpwmskFvo2pyIs32aKXCiLNQXrlLw7fMKOj8_3thcMAe1kH5jP2ece3MWsVGXCNMjgXMNTjldsoDU7Ne8suSERp0o87BaniSXWPfSd7wwAx-zt2Ii5HxounGQjjcn55rEM/s1600/Winter+13+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5RObyAYeAUJpwmskFvo2pyIs32aKXCiLNQXrlLw7fMKOj8_3thcMAe1kH5jP2ece3MWsVGXCNMjgXMNTjldsoDU7Ne8suSERp0o87BaniSXWPfSd7wwAx-zt2Ii5HxounGQjjcn55rEM/s400/Winter+13+012.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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We got "dumped" with 2+ feet of snow. I didn't attempt to go out and look at it till the sun came out this afternoon, then I needed to shovel my car out and get the camera! Carefully walking with my walking stick and carefully shoveling, I got into the back seat and found the camera. I thought it would be dead from the cold, but it had enough "juice" to give me a few pictures.<br />
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I remember when I was a kid, we lived in the house as Dad was building it. He never did finish it, and we had to hustle a lot to make it look done enough to sell in 1995. There were always wires hanging out of future switches in the walls. Big black or white covered wires. He would tell us they were safe, cause they had no juice in them.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nephew, Jason</td></tr>
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I, of course, thought he meant orange juice...I had a limited diet back then and it was the only juice we commonly drank...We still call it juice when there's no power in a line, and I live in an old place that has some holes in the ceiling with those big black and white cords cut and hanging out. But, don't worry, there's no juice in them!<br />
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It felt so good to get out in the sun this morning that I may try to venture out again after I eat lunch. My cheeks are still cold and rosy.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Out my plastic protected porch!</td></tr>
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Hope you are all safe, warm and cozy, and that you have juice!</div>
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<i> Hugs,</i></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Sherry</i></b></div>
Rustique Gal http://www.blogger.com/profile/00437687948857614576noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164904826222086589.post-69344656007777338122013-01-22T21:13:00.001-05:002013-01-22T23:25:33.917-05:00I Missed the Blog Party...!Goodness!<br />
I have received many comments from new people this week (THANK YOU!) and it only today came to me that I had signed up for Two Bags Full Blog Party!<br />
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How could I forget? I had a whole post in mind and whoops! A Senior Moment? A sudden trip to Paris? A new Love?<br />
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No, hardly--I had knee replacement surgery on January 10th. I was home on 1/13 and got sick from the pain pills and got better and exercised 3 times a day and had a VNA nurse in every day and a hospital person twice a week for blood draws, and suddenly, it's January 22nd! Well, excuses aside~<br />
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Welcome to Sherry's Rustique Gallery! I started blogging about 3 years ago and made many lovely friends around the world! Friends who have inspired me with their stories, their arts and crafts, their homes, their pictures and their wonderful attitudes!<br />
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I had no idea when I started blogging that I would find an art colony of my own. I am a bit of a rebel in my area, I don't paint scenery like so many people here do, but I call myself an artist. Several years ago I received a couple of old family albums. I didn't know who most of the people were, and the ones that were identified were very distant, mostly from the late 1800's. The smaller album was made by Aunt Hallie, in the early 1900's, with my Grandma and her sisters and brother and their friends in it. What fun that one was! They had lots of fun with their friends, camping, hiking, mugging for the camera, dressing up and down--all the things I never would have imagined. They had fun like us!<br />
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I started to make up stories about them and if I didn't know their names, I made them up. I collected old pictures at yard sales and antique shops. Pretty soon I had a line of cheeky, slightly twisted greeting cards. I digitally enhanced them or made them big and put them on backgrounds and told their stories, as I imagined. I've had a lot of fun with that and have morphed into what I call my "Slightly Twisted" collage art. I am dreaming up bigger and more original ones now. I hope to have a body of gallery-ready pieces in the next 6 months to a year.<br />
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About the same time as the collage discovery, I started taking digital pictures. My friend Trisha and I took a trip out west and we each took over 1200 pictures. I finally got up the guts to enlarge and print some of them on my large format Epson, and WOW! Many of them were really good. How fun it is to actually make big prints that you can frame, not just stick in an album and forget about! Most of my pictures in the past were boring and dull. With digital, I came into my own. I started bringing my camera everywhere. It is so beautiful in and around my little town in Western Massachusetts and everywhere I go I see beauty! I show my photos in local venues and sell them and their corresponding note cards at craft fairs. <br />
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So, you see, we are all artists! Whether we stitch up something sweet, grow a kitchen garden, design a room or put a pretty bottle in a sunny window, recycle tee shirts into rugs, take pictures or paint them, we are creative!<br />
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I remember my Aunt E. telling me she wasn't at all creative and she decorated her little house so cute I just loved it. My Mom made pretty flowered curtains in our unfinished house even though the walls were ugly old gray wall board. My Grandma's quilt scraps and button jars are as beautiful to me as any fine art.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Circle of friends</td></tr>
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And this is what blogging is about for me, sharing the beauty that is around us. Opening ourselves up to new friends and new experiences. Telling stories we might otherwise just forget. Meeting and getting to know YOU!<br />
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Remember, it's a wonderful world!</div>
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<b><i>Hugs,</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Sherry </i></b></div>
Rustique Gal http://www.blogger.com/profile/00437687948857614576noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164904826222086589.post-52347288158190259182012-12-27T21:12:00.001-05:002012-12-27T23:42:39.584-05:00A New Look!Well now, how do I look? I loved my old background and header, but needed a change. This time of year, I like to look at things in a different way. It is good to refresh things, isn't it? The thought of facing the whole winter in the same digs inspires me to rearrange and redo. <br />
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Still cleaning out things. The only problem is it looks like nothing has changed. Many of my weedings and sortings are inside cabinets and bins, or in corners that had somehow stuffed themselves with things and stuff! This week I got rid of the dying exercise bike and cleaned out the old computer armoir (how DO you spell that word?) and made a sewing center in it. It works nicely and tucks away without a mess. I also put a chair in front of my cubey cabinet in the kitchen and cleaned. Without changing the looks of it at all, I filled a whole trash bag! It is amazing how papers pile up and seemingly important things lose their value over time. The thing about cube shelves is having enough matching containers to hide the stuff!<br />
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We got a lovely blizzard last night-I got up early and shoveled my way out of the driveway to go to work. I was about 1 foot from the street when my brother Jim came out and said if I waited a while, he'd plow it. Too late-I wanted to get my hours in at work, as I won't get paid while I recover from my knee surgery (Jan 10). I was the only one in the whole building for the first hour. I'm sure it is haunted! That old heating system with its clanking pipes and water dripping sounds...! I work in my old grammar school building, which now contains our Town Offices and Senior Center. I work in the office of the Senior Center part time. A nice little job to supplement my meager retirement.<br />
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<u>Craft Fair Rant</u>: This year I sold my collages and photography at 4 different craft fairs. I had nice matted photo prints, framed photos, and greeting cards. I made a new line of cheeky victorian collages, called "Slightly Twisted," which I scanned and made note cards and gift tags. I used them and my photos to make theme banners. I made nifty bookmarks from the spines of the books I altered to make my collages. I covered little composition books with collage themes. People loved my collages. Many laughed out loud and bought a card or two. If the photos struck a cord with them they looked for a card to buy. I sold many $3.00 cards, some gift tags, a couple of original collages and 3 matted prints in four fairs! I packed my car, set up and took down everything by myself. I had fun with the other crafters and bartered for some nice Christmas presents. So what is wrong with this picture? Well, I spent 2-3 times what I took in on materials. Kind of depressing!<br />
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I guess the whole rant really is to say I loved doing those little inexpensive gifty things, but should I continue? I've dreamed for years of having an Etsy store. Just got to take the first step, I guess!<br />
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I am trying to look at my art in a brand new way. I hope to be able to make more sincere art-starting with large canvases, painting, texturing and incorporating collage elements to tell a story... I am ready to start my first one and I'm pretty excited about the process. I will keep you posted. Meanwhile I am exposing you to my Slightly Twisted collages. <br />
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Have you heard about the Grow Your Blog Party at 2 Bags Full? <a href="http://vicki-2bagsfull.blogspot.com/2012/10/my-grow-your-blog-party-all-bloggers.html" target="_blank">Check it out here</a>. We hope to meet lots of other bloggers and make many new friends. A great way to expand our blogs. Join us if you can!<br />
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I hope you can look at things in a "different way" now and then, too--</div>
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Refresh your life!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Hugs,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Sherry</span></div>
Rustique Gal http://www.blogger.com/profile/00437687948857614576noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164904826222086589.post-37431013887949275672012-12-10T19:05:00.001-05:002012-12-10T21:31:32.405-05:00Different MeHi All,<br />
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For some reason, this title seems appropriate. I have been concentrating on my health, issues with weight loss, arthritis, bad knee. I have also been at a new job, lots of pet sitting away from home, considering moving in with Mom, etc.<br />
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It's almost Christmas, and I long to entertain. But I have come to the conclusion that I am a bad, bad, bad! hoarder. I can't get my house cleaned up enough to have a holiday or a studio open house. I look at pinterest pictures of lovely holiday decorating and drool, but not this year, not here<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmwnP6J8b6XDCWlZcvo517NxySVbzukct7YvyoW8mISySq-ZT60-Wky5U0iQgTGLuWiq64E9UGol9bEveZ3ChILrXWoNL2evKXtQdCxoMw0aCcXnmRIp0mBg72-MJWLKwb83IPJUF4ENI/s1600/IMG_3506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmwnP6J8b6XDCWlZcvo517NxySVbzukct7YvyoW8mISySq-ZT60-Wky5U0iQgTGLuWiq64E9UGol9bEveZ3ChILrXWoNL2evKXtQdCxoMw0aCcXnmRIp0mBg72-MJWLKwb83IPJUF4ENI/s400/IMG_3506.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was neat once...</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span">I can't seem to get rid of things, which I have to do in a MaJoR wAy! I have been really thinking and rethinking the move to Mom's next Spring-I will have two main rooms. One will serve as bed, kitchen, craft studio, and the other a nice living room/office. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmCD8_TuPaC49zzSMx_Puv4-cqiBL6BQXyJmorLuHQkc6gJBJfkwMZY__pkA4b7qocyNLRkoqkuHVTjjC_yXXy4mpI6T0-vk0oUGn9ZdVkX4wUSwZ3x-a_nLo5ca4KDmhFM0RVI0LQTaM/s1600/IMG_2985.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmCD8_TuPaC49zzSMx_Puv4-cqiBL6BQXyJmorLuHQkc6gJBJfkwMZY__pkA4b7qocyNLRkoqkuHVTjjC_yXXy4mpI6T0-vk0oUGn9ZdVkX4wUSwZ3x-a_nLo5ca4KDmhFM0RVI0LQTaM/s400/IMG_2985.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What to get rid of?</td></tr>
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As is my way, I have started to obsess about how I will live there. How to arrange which furniture? How much kitchen do I need if I can use Mom's too? Do I need ALL that craft stuff? How can I make it neat? Those thoughts keep me up at night and I plan and replan. Every time I go over there, that big room gets smaller. I really need to measure it out and plan accordingly.<br />
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Most of us find our clutter growing and growing. Many manage it on a regular basis. The clutter management cells in my brain seem to have shut down and I've become overwhelmed, but I'm not yet ready for the TV show, Please!!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGlmWuVAC1obJrfvPAErITyc7phomzjHr6HzQUvzXY4HSxP4WxCndbD00AiOy0Swzp167LdnaBx6pE-OkNzHXRTdkATwK89LOuQvXLBx0cW6Lx5D1NOlI6ZDP3UnW9ectaK43j4Sn5khE/s1600/IMG_3011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGlmWuVAC1obJrfvPAErITyc7phomzjHr6HzQUvzXY4HSxP4WxCndbD00AiOy0Swzp167LdnaBx6pE-OkNzHXRTdkATwK89LOuQvXLBx0cW6Lx5D1NOlI6ZDP3UnW9ectaK43j4Sn5khE/s400/IMG_3011.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The former screenporch</td></tr>
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In September I had a tag sale in my old screenporch, which is now my warehouse. I made $300, but it doesn't look like a dent out of the whole. Where I live, it is hard to get people to stop and buy. If my brother hadn't set up an outside area with lots of car parts, motorcycles, musical instruments and electronics, I probably would have had half the traffic.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfKM-O_zu_w2JQyWph-r2mIijpLVcsVlUHCP1_ZIPw6zDJJGEdEa3rnJq0OAVV1DWvJkt0_5ooPI18z7OZiWioU2ZdNXnGBpRUMRjNgTIDWDOc56dS71NSnwVgmeWr7AL8CO5RMadLn_Q/s1600/IMG_3537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfKM-O_zu_w2JQyWph-r2mIijpLVcsVlUHCP1_ZIPw6zDJJGEdEa3rnJq0OAVV1DWvJkt0_5ooPI18z7OZiWioU2ZdNXnGBpRUMRjNgTIDWDOc56dS71NSnwVgmeWr7AL8CO5RMadLn_Q/s400/IMG_3537.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My craft room in better days...</td></tr>
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I have a plan, though. A girl's gotta have a plan! This winter, including about 6 weeks of recovery time for knee surgery, I hope to go through and box everything I can for keeping and for selling. What I don't want to bring with me goes to an auction house. Yes. I want out! I have emotional issues surrounding my stuff. I keep ... well you know. All I have to do is make two choices: keep, sell. Someone else handles the selling and it all goes at once! Good plan? I hope so!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXIk-LyZl0NADhkGzhd2lT-LmJ1Kon0DPdqvdrTyQQEdB5CZDGWXrTIH6B2cer8iX1AHmJ46mEmZmAHHhSQDsX9SpXSk748rUMAWNUXhvzzuCX1hse4Ugm9CwpJb7rC16lphnAq2fiCtY/s1600/IMG_3542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXIk-LyZl0NADhkGzhd2lT-LmJ1Kon0DPdqvdrTyQQEdB5CZDGWXrTIH6B2cer8iX1AHmJ46mEmZmAHHhSQDsX9SpXSk748rUMAWNUXhvzzuCX1hse4Ugm9CwpJb7rC16lphnAq2fiCtY/s400/IMG_3542.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But you should (NOT) see it now!</td></tr>
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Sorry I have been a bad blogger lately, but I feel like a transitional time has come over me. I need to change and grow my art into something bigger (literally) and more original. I have a lot of ideas, but not the motivation or the space (I know) to carry it out. The clutter is not only in my house, but also my brain! I am trying to straighten out so many things at the same time, and I realize that remaking everything all at once might be a bit much, but it is also a different path which is exciting to explore!<br />
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I will be back with an update soon, along with new ideas as they come up. I hope to make this blog a creative outlet for myself and for you. I have gained sooo much from visiting your lovely sites over the years. You are the art community I have longed for. You are my inspiration!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXcwCcb7fH4rlJHPiBTbMcRaK2-1Cyf6Vo8MHjSZkKdZjj-FSoQQBbfWk0yPERX65bu9Y_qOZC39zC3ngu0UCHpgplBeXyiQXqVQKK3HbSRIHmiXZWpcpyjdKbwKcNW8EqJ_-mDZg-VkI/s1600/MyPicture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXcwCcb7fH4rlJHPiBTbMcRaK2-1Cyf6Vo8MHjSZkKdZjj-FSoQQBbfWk0yPERX65bu9Y_qOZC39zC3ngu0UCHpgplBeXyiQXqVQKK3HbSRIHmiXZWpcpyjdKbwKcNW8EqJ_-mDZg-VkI/s200/MyPicture.jpg" width="183" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me in better days</td></tr>
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Thanks for helping me be a <b>DiFfeReNt</b> <b>Me</b>!</div>
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<i>Sherry</i></div>
Rustique Gal http://www.blogger.com/profile/00437687948857614576noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164904826222086589.post-11384109927875411662012-07-28T10:23:00.003-04:002012-07-28T23:07:13.150-04:00Happy/Sad DayThis morning, I had a good laugh reading my friend Joani's blog, <a href="http://www.mysecondwindblog.com/wordpress/2012/07/27/the-british-lady-rap/" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;"></span>"My Second Wind"</a>. She tells how she took a sad situation and started goofy new family traditions with her grandkids. I started thinking about my little French Grandma, who died in the 1970's. Grandma was cute and funny and often the instigator of big messy food fights at the picnic table. I can see it like yesterday, her filling a plastic spoon with yellow mustard and shooting it at my uncle. He of course escalated the affair into a full blown fiasco involving all of us, while Grandpa grouchily hollered, "Stop! Food is sacred!" Whereas we found grandma leaning against a tree laughing so hard she was peeing her pants. As kids we were a little scared of Grandpa, but Grandma always found ways to break the tension and make everything fun.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My little Grandma</td></tr>
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Now, understanding the family dynamics, his alcohol addiction and all the issues that lead up to that time, I see Grandma, the sweet positive influence of our lives, as somewhat of a saint. Her three children often got the brunt of his abuse, but her fun-loving nature got them through their childhoods with strength and humor. Grandpa lived on for another 20 years, a time that was healing for my Mom and him, something I didn't foresee.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Their wedding day, 1926ish</td></tr>
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Back to the present...Two weeks ago my baby brother, Dave, got married. He met his beautiful wife, Clarita, while participating in Native American ceremonies in Florida. She is from Argenina, living in Florida with her 6 year old son. Their wedding was in the ceremonial tepee that Dave made a few years ago. Friends came from Florida, Colorado, Canada, and Vermont to his little cabin on a hill in Western Mass.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn2Uqf1hZB8WPQAC4CnLFDI4lhu7pK0U-jbQyukrlChUZQHhyIv_ZbOk42JxGthhHhr_OaoVsm3Q3hSJrIAxt_XoHPT76xudu_mkWMeG1D65bxiutk495Bd6hiqAm5dj1aWrBSuMctKcg/s1600/IMG_6804.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn2Uqf1hZB8WPQAC4CnLFDI4lhu7pK0U-jbQyukrlChUZQHhyIv_ZbOk42JxGthhHhr_OaoVsm3Q3hSJrIAxt_XoHPT76xudu_mkWMeG1D65bxiutk495Bd6hiqAm5dj1aWrBSuMctKcg/s400/IMG_6804.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A beautiful day!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQVNJ3Ncb9BzwVMVMMAzVpfyXiOOs7-S3qHlSs4ANdoYg5iSEDVUhG-hcR9JvoLWKvJVO_T0-8rz1ka4STB9GT7Idw3HzeI8XjecX02QJAIF_53YF9dEWZYyIeOhYhG_iTn87OYG5POPg/s1600/IMG_6766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQVNJ3Ncb9BzwVMVMMAzVpfyXiOOs7-S3qHlSs4ANdoYg5iSEDVUhG-hcR9JvoLWKvJVO_T0-8rz1ka4STB9GT7Idw3HzeI8XjecX02QJAIF_53YF9dEWZYyIeOhYhG_iTn87OYG5POPg/s400/IMG_6766.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tepee on right with its bottom raised for the breezes. 36' diameter</td></tr>
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They had an overnight ceremony two days before with all their friends who participate, then they invited all of us to the wedding in the tepee. The wedding ceremony combined traditions of North and South America. Tibetan prayer flags and wind chimes flew from the tepee. It was very beautiful and sweet. They asked me to take pictures, and I got almost 400 great shots of all the action.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0hU0Ownjp5lGIQfki0pycgNQ-rweE8UWOIbRMzBNo1ngM07H_f-aJ1ldKp6viFcifQmQSG3cNMSYxUySIA8QR3DqeunSUfjyCo1vdXxi40nGoX0Y-zAkkSBfNyxj_QTn1O5eAEcJ_Gk0/s1600/IMG_6830.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0hU0Ownjp5lGIQfki0pycgNQ-rweE8UWOIbRMzBNo1ngM07H_f-aJ1ldKp6viFcifQmQSG3cNMSYxUySIA8QR3DqeunSUfjyCo1vdXxi40nGoX0Y-zAkkSBfNyxj_QTn1O5eAEcJ_Gk0/s400/IMG_6830.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fire ring and altar as wedding begins</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq13tadfsXrIJ1168UJ3aQ5qW2uxqiqY6ziemdbMgWOwQoQgT9E3Sv6_YIB6NI3mvxTKEbbHyUGH0P_ubm4eYe9FU4xHbdL9rC8XfWIELBpn1q_l6xW5EfkerLqitJXyBCRbGTg2oawXg/s1600/IMG_6861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq13tadfsXrIJ1168UJ3aQ5qW2uxqiqY6ziemdbMgWOwQoQgT9E3Sv6_YIB6NI3mvxTKEbbHyUGH0P_ubm4eYe9FU4xHbdL9rC8XfWIELBpn1q_l6xW5EfkerLqitJXyBCRbGTg2oawXg/s400/IMG_6861.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hands tied together</td></tr>
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I have enjoyed getting to know this wonderful woman who is my new sister. Her son is adorable and loves Dave. Dave is so happy to have a new family and a new life. Today is the day they are driving away to Florida. He will pack light and leave a lot behind for another trip, but he can't go without his cactus! Last night Jim had to go up and help him get the cactus in the car. (There are several of them and they are BIG!)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyCJY6x0bkhK09IGvvdKBW1Z8nXSBJN1XBX2lyVQ2cPdCKOEXRH8liR-kRy6wtUq7fSaAInP3MLzgykMClATIzGUOpXnZ0LMdN2kuKFqLZOOnadIWC4fwh0zuNSOHIDyQff67i_0EKrpM/s1600/IMG_6909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyCJY6x0bkhK09IGvvdKBW1Z8nXSBJN1XBX2lyVQ2cPdCKOEXRH8liR-kRy6wtUq7fSaAInP3MLzgykMClATIzGUOpXnZ0LMdN2kuKFqLZOOnadIWC4fwh0zuNSOHIDyQff67i_0EKrpM/s400/IMG_6909.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She sang him a beautiful song in Spanish</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsXiLka_8AxPCs-ZP9-QuDNr-KNx3EUK8DENvXPDAexhxtWmtZwyn5ZABU-cjHdmIZRR7HrPQVHW-qtaCazU520sKvwmSI_BsUrF5W-MDl1gqj57TjD-Jh9ns_TlRtDmp46vTZ2RZeIws/s1600/IMG_6914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsXiLka_8AxPCs-ZP9-QuDNr-KNx3EUK8DENvXPDAexhxtWmtZwyn5ZABU-cjHdmIZRR7HrPQVHW-qtaCazU520sKvwmSI_BsUrF5W-MDl1gqj57TjD-Jh9ns_TlRtDmp46vTZ2RZeIws/s400/IMG_6914.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> A little sniffle or two! </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjClZGYLoELQQ8gR8FI7fibZ_9_AsZJXlzqJjDevsurs0TNAZ4gSvsCh13ESpDoMNTNxWYi9MAABa_eQr5RfMIe0-NWnAbyG-n8uG0VCx5Rgx0zoWj5RRkG1In2tCP9FE5mhftbzxV_m3I/s1600/IMG_6967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjClZGYLoELQQ8gR8FI7fibZ_9_AsZJXlzqJjDevsurs0TNAZ4gSvsCh13ESpDoMNTNxWYi9MAABa_eQr5RfMIe0-NWnAbyG-n8uG0VCx5Rgx0zoWj5RRkG1In2tCP9FE5mhftbzxV_m3I/s400/IMG_6967.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After lighting the fire</td></tr>
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I wasn't sad about the move till Mom mentioned it with a quiver to her voice. Now I'm remembering that little kid who I had to babysit for. Holding his big warty hands as we crossed the street, taking him to the county fair. He cried all the time and had terrible tantrums. He was skinny in a chubby family, circles around his eyes and his tummy distended. No one knew what was wrong with him, till as a preteen, he ended up in the hospital with terrible allergy symptoms. After learning what to avoid and how to take care of himself, he lived much more healthily. He became a strong man, whose big square hands do the most remarkable artistic carpentry. He has done pottery and art fabrication and installations, he has designed and executed beautiful kitchens and bathrooms in fabulous houses. He can look at something, then draw it in great detail from memory. He is what I call a renaissance man-anything he attempts he completes with beauty and grace.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOPuzG8zv77RusJSyIHjyqz1T4DFQUc_QOgXXM7QVV43bqbrzIFXFXCYhivOUtxlUcqrTQiYG-ub_zCCfZZtVoYprARIqWTMNhAZl88ZNsMmZibFsE8qkkcHRb0GL5PbPE0Co7Gj8L2yA/s1600/IMG_6986.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOPuzG8zv77RusJSyIHjyqz1T4DFQUc_QOgXXM7QVV43bqbrzIFXFXCYhivOUtxlUcqrTQiYG-ub_zCCfZZtVoYprARIqWTMNhAZl88ZNsMmZibFsE8qkkcHRb0GL5PbPE0Co7Gj8L2yA/s400/IMG_6986.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The blanket ceremony</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIrSFgl1usekj30g0Di5Idl0SRZe1DL8iE-TCnBKS2eECxSKnBvgjytvlC7a5pnIJLeF5IUsPEC7U-91AuqKvm9viiWVqvHvRjRRRpl8nY7uDXHxFGzK2tavWEbQ7Hsc4RczY0b4iaAxU/s1600/IMG_7006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIrSFgl1usekj30g0Di5Idl0SRZe1DL8iE-TCnBKS2eECxSKnBvgjytvlC7a5pnIJLeF5IUsPEC7U-91AuqKvm9viiWVqvHvRjRRRpl8nY7uDXHxFGzK2tavWEbQ7Hsc4RczY0b4iaAxU/s400/IMG_7006.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was 90 degrees that day!</td></tr>
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As the youngest child, Dave has his annoying little habits-but we will all miss him in our own ways now that he is moving away! Mom is used to having all her chicks under her wing since I moved back from my 20 years in Colorado. She will have to make the biggest adjustment. I think I'd better get her set-up with internet, so they can skype.<br />
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So today is happy/sad. But what it portends is hope for the future! We can make the most of each day or let life defeat us. The choice is ours. This I believe.<br />
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<i>Best wishes for Dave, Clarita and Benjamin!</i><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Hugs,</i></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Sherry </i></span></b></div>
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<br />Rustique Gal http://www.blogger.com/profile/00437687948857614576noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164904826222086589.post-83343178747771670942012-06-26T13:59:00.000-04:002012-06-26T14:05:43.232-04:00Texture TuesdayHi Folks,<br />
Just playing with Kim Klaussen's latest texture for Texture Tuesday. I have been saving these textures and not doing anything, so I wanted to give it a try.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnevkWJSWk5rOGsUDdpCCzwcwW1WiS3X2AKNDb6bwg29fEj7eDgVfm9pHywBuXeFSQpBJhVMmNNRBvMviucn70ZsNA5nhJrykOC6VioH5NGkcWnScTbIMIw8E4ZNv7soi6QbMSXGnb9PA/s1600/may31+2012+021textured.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnevkWJSWk5rOGsUDdpCCzwcwW1WiS3X2AKNDb6bwg29fEj7eDgVfm9pHywBuXeFSQpBJhVMmNNRBvMviucn70ZsNA5nhJrykOC6VioH5NGkcWnScTbIMIw8E4ZNv7soi6QbMSXGnb9PA/s400/may31+2012+021textured.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soft</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I happened upon these pink poppies in a friend's garden. They were so beautiful, I just had to take tons of pictures of them. These are just a couple.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN4SK1j3-fGucfkFFPyMvQxb5tJ0sY6bbaHCTo7TKd0IPRwwBU6Vb7-gxDWjI_474Yn-LNP1bfNu795mKkYaSrZbEApEsf6SAv8EblTDlgszetbrXy-FAupyHGTANtbdV_UratShL24fQ/s1600/may31+2012+021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN4SK1j3-fGucfkFFPyMvQxb5tJ0sY6bbaHCTo7TKd0IPRwwBU6Vb7-gxDWjI_474Yn-LNP1bfNu795mKkYaSrZbEApEsf6SAv8EblTDlgszetbrXy-FAupyHGTANtbdV_UratShL24fQ/s400/may31+2012+021.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Natural</td></tr>
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I really love the intensity of the natural picture,<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN9SEVD2Nq30nD4QSwd-R-s0I0JX4g7ghs4FLdx3Bse2G5VHhbqnLM3dlJOWWthJu4eWcfmtIBQF9tN4GgwniP42B46ouOjm9mfFpS13HpQwHaqdhCWq3KqezyUDes28qps2MoWWnIEZg/s1600/may31+2012+033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN9SEVD2Nq30nD4QSwd-R-s0I0JX4g7ghs4FLdx3Bse2G5VHhbqnLM3dlJOWWthJu4eWcfmtIBQF9tN4GgwniP42B46ouOjm9mfFpS13HpQwHaqdhCWq3KqezyUDes28qps2MoWWnIEZg/s400/may31+2012+033.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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but I also think the softened one is sweet.<br />
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Or maybe a bit over done! I think I need more practice with layering and light.<br />
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And a couple more in natural mode...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW7lpx-ugVw3y500gdb4WlzG6F7OQRQ30rx4m3F1dnSl2CkTqCLe3llYbFBhZ74dZiJhWVYkhCsQLzuCQX7aii201AZU3RIyQKAgWaQNbEi3xbVD-GgQezowW30dgk248RfvPEWp1JkRQ/s1600/may31+2012+032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW7lpx-ugVw3y500gdb4WlzG6F7OQRQ30rx4m3F1dnSl2CkTqCLe3llYbFBhZ74dZiJhWVYkhCsQLzuCQX7aii201AZU3RIyQKAgWaQNbEi3xbVD-GgQezowW30dgk248RfvPEWp1JkRQ/s400/may31+2012+032.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-3yvKfA7SiPdpuvNOZ2BXI1h4sRHs6eJIs6cWB9-BbYx67eLLelravr0fFfb9EVP1dNZ2IgojB9y1ymvuD_1sOXeD2NkHJUdhGGr8tpV3EfzsKIuHtIWQnf3Si-gmB8Hyeed1JjKK93U/s1600/may31+2012+030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-3yvKfA7SiPdpuvNOZ2BXI1h4sRHs6eJIs6cWB9-BbYx67eLLelravr0fFfb9EVP1dNZ2IgojB9y1ymvuD_1sOXeD2NkHJUdhGGr8tpV3EfzsKIuHtIWQnf3Si-gmB8Hyeed1JjKK93U/s400/may31+2012+030.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Which do you like best?</div>
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Hugs,</div>
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Sherry</div>Rustique Gal http://www.blogger.com/profile/00437687948857614576noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164904826222086589.post-8750914497672406882012-06-12T23:37:00.001-04:002012-12-27T23:40:42.716-05:00Loopy for LupinesHi all,<br />
I ran into my old friend Cass today-it's been years since I've seen her. Met her new husband-I didn't know she had a new life! I've been thinking about her all day. It is so nice when people pop back into your life.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg71dYmTvVUWtTbvuFjWWEiugA0sUYigoNDvBXW2lPMick8d5XVFMeDtPKG0IGitaSdyMseVuJVu9mCrrEsZBqcLZlXHtQqGrE-83Y6zmm1bKnbIP42IcyJSKD11Lkta5HrcDRCPdtuS5M/s1600/June+9,+2012+031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg71dYmTvVUWtTbvuFjWWEiugA0sUYigoNDvBXW2lPMick8d5XVFMeDtPKG0IGitaSdyMseVuJVu9mCrrEsZBqcLZlXHtQqGrE-83Y6zmm1bKnbIP42IcyJSKD11Lkta5HrcDRCPdtuS5M/s400/June+9,+2012+031.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hummer in my garden</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Overwhelmed by computer work and petsitting duties, I decided to take a drive to Pudding Hollow and look for the fields of lupines I'd heard about. It was overcast, but bright, and I thought it would be a great day for taking pictures. Pudding Hollow is the name of a tiny old settlement on the edge of Hawley State Forest.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUINqMkB6d1vb4z6WMwALNUCCrI_KyQB-XNZTQrv_b5wlOa_eAQYmrfrlqEx0Dk2W1IwKNLKwmvCOcvUmUCXF-dqlGvhPd_okCZh6LrgkE0GwSQCha7s1-G81s-XwXfJSLn88e_ZLU5gs/s1600/June+12+12+079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUINqMkB6d1vb4z6WMwALNUCCrI_KyQB-XNZTQrv_b5wlOa_eAQYmrfrlqEx0Dk2W1IwKNLKwmvCOcvUmUCXF-dqlGvhPd_okCZh6LrgkE0GwSQCha7s1-G81s-XwXfJSLn88e_ZLU5gs/s400/June+12+12+079.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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As I followed route 8A north of Plainfield, I noticed that the little brook beside the road was all bulldozed and the banks lined with new-looking rocks, new guard rails and patches of new pavement on the road. There were lots of dead trees and boulders along the bank. This little stream had turned into a raging monster during Hurricane Irene last August. Another stream, tinier yet, had a boulder bigger than a car balanced in it, along with dead trees. Amazing, the force of water!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5P-NAuHooacNlw3Jnjo4Xx6vswew_N5ihpaMjkMAmP9z6rzDtOsSsDjD3iCm4RVl9zwyPZ5bSxA_BwjeRzEqQRxS9Bf6vkwMQqpBtfzegY3XCvSwbdkdXsff_IEWdvWVHw7sEIiKL_dc/s1600/June+12+12+080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5P-NAuHooacNlw3Jnjo4Xx6vswew_N5ihpaMjkMAmP9z6rzDtOsSsDjD3iCm4RVl9zwyPZ5bSxA_BwjeRzEqQRxS9Bf6vkwMQqpBtfzegY3XCvSwbdkdXsff_IEWdvWVHw7sEIiKL_dc/s400/June+12+12+080.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you see that tiny trickle?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I crossed a new bridge, went past Middle Road and drove up the hill to Pudding Hollow. There is an old meeting house and a town building of sorts. The road goes up the side of a very steep hill with beautiful old homes on either side. Beautiful homes, beautiful gardens, beautiful view! But no fields of lupines.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU-vg21SkRPwC5CEd1JYzQSCdiGkW_IiP_wyJJeZ0NFiEMCYsXMhFb9HdYwBRWi1TJNE4CiEAkiNEN-QLIcyDYczViPzO-Qi43aN9vSdpuqdT6UdifYukOYEYZakLUGFgyiMsOBBU4qi0/s1600/June+12+12+040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU-vg21SkRPwC5CEd1JYzQSCdiGkW_IiP_wyJJeZ0NFiEMCYsXMhFb9HdYwBRWi1TJNE4CiEAkiNEN-QLIcyDYczViPzO-Qi43aN9vSdpuqdT6UdifYukOYEYZakLUGFgyiMsOBBU4qi0/s400/June+12+12+040.JPG" width="317" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On Forge Hill Rd.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Eventually the road turns to dirt and diminishes to a one-lane trail overlooking a gully on one side. I never ventured up it before, but as I have a Subaru now, I thought I'd give it a try. Surely there were no lupine meadows up here, but maybe I'd find myself on one of the state forest roads. Then it started down, steep, winding and pitted, around a hairpin turn, a lovely house! Then pavement. More houses and suddenly, fields of LUPINES! It was heaven, I stopped and took pictures-50 or 60 of them. I won't show you all of them, though.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRZ4P1_NWXdBjh5egkPu-OwMi25NbtvMRDDiqJU_eSyMZNKg-ziAqmMMsyo8Kwq0mAUxhrDemfJTscso7ue0dKC-tICHL6yrQBBT7H3jwyZ-G8Tt3Sc1ScNA_tOYPFkIlKwt_IXozxjaI/s1600/June+12+12+061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRZ4P1_NWXdBjh5egkPu-OwMi25NbtvMRDDiqJU_eSyMZNKg-ziAqmMMsyo8Kwq0mAUxhrDemfJTscso7ue0dKC-tICHL6yrQBBT7H3jwyZ-G8Tt3Sc1ScNA_tOYPFkIlKwt_IXozxjaI/s400/June+12+12+061.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi28AbCoMMCQ9OwBnN4lM6MDPRw0aGdiD5H-rnuNkMQVMEBNhWdVhiGnYXaE0rlNN0g21RWOZep0S80MlX3OTbx1mp7H21HwfuUYNyCw6L1drxwZXW6Vxc9lRZeaCt1YGFInGGVcx522Cc/s1600/June+12+12+065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi28AbCoMMCQ9OwBnN4lM6MDPRw0aGdiD5H-rnuNkMQVMEBNhWdVhiGnYXaE0rlNN0g21RWOZep0S80MlX3OTbx1mp7H21HwfuUYNyCw6L1drxwZXW6Vxc9lRZeaCt1YGFInGGVcx522Cc/s400/June+12+12+065.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcu0VFv6dJ_adPV630Lz1Q-hzsRRtJbJ-GOHZqibHx1jHnd_22r1B13v-ZbwQl-0mQem3L7oAGnmpQYjOC9jjEWjVbv2NiTTL9mQxWMZ2bjXv9VUeOuD-9Xi1HWLM6FAaEZXYNd8atl3Q/s1600/June+12+12+069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcu0VFv6dJ_adPV630Lz1Q-hzsRRtJbJ-GOHZqibHx1jHnd_22r1B13v-ZbwQl-0mQem3L7oAGnmpQYjOC9jjEWjVbv2NiTTL9mQxWMZ2bjXv9VUeOuD-9Xi1HWLM6FAaEZXYNd8atl3Q/s400/June+12+12+069.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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After getting my fill of lupines, I found myself back on the new bridge via Middle Road. I had made a big loop in my quest for lupines-looping for lupines! I remember taking Mom and Trisha and her mom, Helen, on Middle Road one time and wanting to take that steep hairpin dirt road. That old car with 4 of us in it never would have made it, and Helen was going to cry if I did it. I turned around and always wondered where it went...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGNCQFk3TKGNF746f_n6dAzpeYpn_GavhLfjUwtg-eFxkJsnTyiJe-1wtPSjx9-nZGn07vf_Vd-Uw5hdwlT13gmagO2B0mn4DEJpVzH9HzBIyluFK3-5vfru419dWSD6aQfkiCS38hHnU/s1600/June+12+12+077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGNCQFk3TKGNF746f_n6dAzpeYpn_GavhLfjUwtg-eFxkJsnTyiJe-1wtPSjx9-nZGn07vf_Vd-Uw5hdwlT13gmagO2B0mn4DEJpVzH9HzBIyluFK3-5vfru419dWSD6aQfkiCS38hHnU/s400/June+12+12+077.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Then I stopped at Plainfield Pond for pictures of the Mountain Laurel on the other side of the lake.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrNZZdm_VzQm1ytxd2_k9lxlDPq3H5Z-8HaiSEUxErcSQl_SabIJXU4qFO-e0sDP3nOHiWPP1bxHUzjN0FzOgFbDpvgqnfGyfcs0NZ0NpL3YTk4xWS1V0jmvQIB-oxH_Mko2cdhewr2xY/s1600/June+12+12+084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrNZZdm_VzQm1ytxd2_k9lxlDPq3H5Z-8HaiSEUxErcSQl_SabIJXU4qFO-e0sDP3nOHiWPP1bxHUzjN0FzOgFbDpvgqnfGyfcs0NZ0NpL3YTk4xWS1V0jmvQIB-oxH_Mko2cdhewr2xY/s400/June+12+12+084.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'd live in this cabin by the lake!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDvj7tg-ilU4b2F2AOjBCXmgn5W-ilgMPWqiFjLKhobFH24z9pn61OKLV4ZOCIl7NRiOlG1CJCJnMA0fbkA-eHJceB7rEKx9MY5Y7pEGyVv_DxjCOBFoiaKNvJNeESvYFYLqDUnPclEA0/s1600/June+12+12+104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDvj7tg-ilU4b2F2AOjBCXmgn5W-ilgMPWqiFjLKhobFH24z9pn61OKLV4ZOCIl7NRiOlG1CJCJnMA0fbkA-eHJceB7rEKx9MY5Y7pEGyVv_DxjCOBFoiaKNvJNeESvYFYLqDUnPclEA0/s400/June+12+12+104.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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So pretty! Later today I drove by a small roadside swamp and found this sweet family of Canadian geese.<br />
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In the last few days I've spotted a moose, a cooper's hawk, a scarlet tanager & rose breasted grosbeak, many deer, one wild turkey and 6 turkey buzzards. I love living in the country...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4whPc1WgjDhsTjDvTccJIuYVII4wDBqljHRiqa9DP8dMahTbm0LG4Dt_aSrA7MjGXgSvScH2lCulST1ayJwvdQuC-QnLNVlZS_6IPPgMzSRfxtH4U3yTHsKPqzTinAt4iVfhlyuEv8PU/s1600/June+9,+2012+026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4whPc1WgjDhsTjDvTccJIuYVII4wDBqljHRiqa9DP8dMahTbm0LG4Dt_aSrA7MjGXgSvScH2lCulST1ayJwvdQuC-QnLNVlZS_6IPPgMzSRfxtH4U3yTHsKPqzTinAt4iVfhlyuEv8PU/s400/June+9,+2012+026.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Got too excited to focus!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Finally, summer in New England! Just driving around gives me a thrill. The weeds and wildflowers on the side of the road are lush and glorious. The smell of the tiny white wild roses permeates the air--around the next bend someone is haying, and that smells even more heavenly! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIzeh2aOTUndtSNUXDJrQqc7XQ-8BSwoDJER94eQcZf3G3FbQuVxdJfndD8tLRLIbWOsUfX_LV42cCAN7gT2ZnL926DN8G9T32M147puzmRhNDHy-fTYVb_VBK4NbKRyk8a38TDnQXKZI/s1600/june+1+2012+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIzeh2aOTUndtSNUXDJrQqc7XQ-8BSwoDJER94eQcZf3G3FbQuVxdJfndD8tLRLIbWOsUfX_LV42cCAN7gT2ZnL926DN8G9T32M147puzmRhNDHy-fTYVb_VBK4NbKRyk8a38TDnQXKZI/s400/june+1+2012+004.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side of the road</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
One year for a craft fair I made potpourri and pillow stuffing I called
"side of the road" - lavender, pine needles, hay, tansy and sweet fern
were some of the ingredients. Tansy and sweet fern have scents
reminiscent of sagebrush, strong and resiny. Can't resist! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz_yeHnsDByycp8-j2lH5hHDQcMdDG_wDPyjDwxVH1sZY-mPo_Sv5ItAGPCQlQw6SL6caNREImPby_9vx9bMPZvCSNGGQ4QKnSPzorBhbWS3UldomXmtIaO-BQoPmDr00KODWkMyj5fN0/s1600/June+9,+2012+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz_yeHnsDByycp8-j2lH5hHDQcMdDG_wDPyjDwxVH1sZY-mPo_Sv5ItAGPCQlQw6SL6caNREImPby_9vx9bMPZvCSNGGQ4QKnSPzorBhbWS3UldomXmtIaO-BQoPmDr00KODWkMyj5fN0/s400/June+9,+2012+004.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A gentle stream</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<i>Confucius said</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Wherever you go, go with all your heart.</span></b></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Happy trails!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Sherry </span></div>
<br />Rustique Gal http://www.blogger.com/profile/00437687948857614576noreply@blogger.com7