ASG Embellishment Challenge 2022

Recently I rejoined ASG in Jacksonville after our move up here in 2016. This year for the annual meeting we were given a challenge to create something and embellish it. I had this pattern for a dress designed by Diane Erickson and the linen from years back as well as the strips I had cut for a different project and an idea was born

Front of dress

                                                             Back of dress

Changed neckline

Hat I will be wearing at the luncheon

As well as the little purse made of matching fabric

Closeup of neckline

This dress took me forever to complete as I had multiple problems with it. Most of them stemmed from the neckline and how to stabilize it so it didn't stretch out of shape. I finally came up with the idea to use the fabric strips which I do like. I had already finished off the neckline so I had to take it apart and re do it. Finally I can call it complete and ready to model at the luncheon. 

 

LOVE

 My mind still talks to you

My heart still looks for you

My soul knows you are at peace

I miss you every single day

Love leaves a heartache

no one can heal

Death leaves a memory

no one can steal

SURVIVAL

Having survived a couple trips to emergency room with Bob and then the hospital for a few days, that was followed by bout of illness for both of us. Then the holidays came which can do even the hardiest of souls in but finally a reprieve from our "winter" of extra cold weather.

Buckman bridge from Manderin

It was a balmy 48 degrees Saturday so we fit a nice road trip in our week and drove over to Walter Jones Memorial Park . The museum, and old school house were both enjoyable as well as informative and the stroll around the park on paved paths felt especially appreciated after a few months of doing nothing. Usually I take a ton of photos when we are on road trips but this time I snapped only a few...Mostly of the beautiful ancient trees and their trunks. The weather was a perfect 48 degrees with no wind and lots of sunshine creating lovely soft shadows.

After a couple hours of enjoying the sun and scenery at the park we drove to 'Iggys Bar and Grill' and enjoyed a great fish and chips dinner with a glass of beer. A great day was had by all.

MOVING

is never an easy task  and dealing with the feelings  that are part of it is an emotional affair to say the least. 

The bamboo free to spread where ever it wants to go...

We have lived in this house only a short 15 years but during that time span I have had a love affair with my back yard which I affectionately called my garden. Bob helped me built a tea room off the one side of the house complete with walls made of jasmine covered lattice, mirrors and art work and seating for 4. A nice lace to relax in the late spring or early fall. 

Next to that I had an outdoor studio where I could work on messy stuff. It had a canopy made of mesh screening to help keep the sun off of me on sunny days, an outdoor sink with running water and a place to sit if a break was needed. 

Farther back on same side I had a pergola that housed all my paintings. Bob built it for me the first winter we lived here and I loved it dearly...It was covered in three types of jasmine and smelled so divine every spring. You could smell our back yard from the street. We had two benches where you could sit out of the hot sun if you desired. 

Next to the pergola was a section of bare ground that had acquired the name, on the first day of living here,  "The grave yard." That is where Bob put all the bird houses he made perching them on post in various heights. It was like a small town. It had a train station, church, school house, soda fountain and feed and seed shop. They were so cute poking up out of the tree branches like a town in the hills.

Then there is my ancient sand pine we named the 'ugly tree' that I dearly love and I am sure will be one of the first things to be removed with new owners...But I will try to not think about it since I have no control and need to let go. 

I walk around and look at the beautiful trees we planted that are finally coming into their own. In the spring the wild plums bloom but have not gotten fruit yet. The magnolia is finally blooming and looking wonderful. The Palatka Holly is 40 feet tall now  and my Mary Noll Holly has overgrown her space but is thriving. My pergola is in full bloom every spring and my wisteria surprised me and started growing a couple of years ago...full of beautiful hanging bloom every spring.  I am going to try to get one started from the seed pods...for my new yard.

I spent some of each day walking around out there taking photos of the daily blossoms and critters I found and captured with my camera. I had a number of ideas for future art but as happens, life gets in the way of our plans.

We are moving closer to my daughter to have better access to shopping and events in preparation for when we can't drive ourselves around...It is not something we like to think about but I can attest to the need for giving up your licence at a timely age every day when I read the accidents caused by elderly drivers..In my county 68% of the population is over the age of 65...You would think they would have planned this when touting it as being a place for retirement...planned shopping and transportation and of course being a healthy and active 60+ age I didn't think of it then nor did Bob who could keep up with the best of them. 

It was sad for me to watch Barry taking apart the lawn mower garage so he could move it to his place for the riding mower we gave him.

Barry hard at work trying to get the parking garage taken apart

Taking my garden apart and packing it up is one of the hardest things I have ever done with a home and we have had 3 homes to move from...Once I figure out what I want to keep and use up in my new tiny yard I will see if any one wants the remainder and after that it will go on the curb for free pick up...

Tonight as a car went roaring up the street with the music so loud reverberating from speakers and our two  neighbors have all moved, one from a rental but the other from relocating I knew we have made the right decision. Both house are large, 4 and 6 bedrooms and we have nothing against families but the neighborhood seems to attract unsavory and unsettled  kinds so will not mind leaving it all behind. 

It has been a long journey this year getting through all the paper work required to purchase a short sale home and now finally seeing a light at the end of the proverbial tunnel but I think we should be moved by mid to end of January.

DAY 3 of 21 DAY CHALLENGE

Today was a potluck luncheon for Bob's surveillance unit. I do not like potlucks or buffets since it seems I have less control over what I eat but today I did pretty good. Here is what I ate.

A few slices of ham and a bite of scalloped potatoes

pulled pork

a bite of coleslaw
and
corn pudding

A few bites left 

before

a

sliver of cheese cake and key lime pie

No bread, cake, cookies or soda!

No cream salads or icky green bean casserole!

No going back for seconds 

even though 

I really wanted another slice of pie!

GOOD CHOICES MADE TODAY

DAY 2 of 21 DAY CHALLENGE

 Today is not such a good day it seems. I went to bed early...early being by 11:00 pm and got my body out of bed by 7:00 am...that should have been a good 8 hours but my Fitbit  said I only got 5 hours sleep and my body feels like it today. I did good on breakfast, having my Shakeology and juice as usual the proceeded to move all the plastic filled storage boxes from these closet shelves and space to the  bedroom with all the other stuff that is stored  from yesterday...(see previous blog) Some of them were extremely heavy with fabric and now I am really tired out and I have a back ache. I probably should not have moved them but it is done now. Frustrating that we can't remove these shelves until I get the remainder of the books packed, my sewing machine cabinet moved and do not need my printer any more.

Lunch was a less then  a satisfying scrambled egg with salsa on it and then set about to figure out a dinner of chicken thighs that did not require much work. I found a crock pot recipe that didn't require but 4 hours to cook on high so it is on to cook will have those and a salad to go with for dinner.

BUT WHAT I REALLY WANTED WAS TO GO OUT TO EAT AND INDULGE MYSELF

Still working on getting enough exercise and drinking enough water but think I will do okay there also. I feel good that I didn't give in to eating out and got more packing done.

DAY 1...of 21 DAY CHALLENGE

Today is a good day if it is measured in what I accomplished. I enjoyed a Shakeology for breakfast along with some tomato juice to wash down my vitamins and the other two meals were equally good, sardines for lunch and sauteed cabbage and kielbasa for dinner...all within my allowable calorie count. I didn't get the extra steps in that I had wanted to do but got lots of extra exercise. I  needed to get serious about packing so with Bob's help we removed all the stuff from our large hall closet and packed it into boxes...then Bob took the wooden shelves down that needed to be removed. They will be replaced with the original wire shelves. Then more stuff was packed and stored for moving. All the boxes in this photo are from 3 closets and there is still more to pack up in two of the closets. Books, books and more books... 

PRELUDE TO 21 DAY CHALLANGE

I AM AN APPLE

Today for a 21 day challenge I joined I assessed my mental, emotional and physical health and took measurements of my body…I am definitely an apple…Albeit a  crab apple but soon to change that…I have also made a list of goals I will work to accomplish during the next 21 days and forever after…Here is what I am going to do;

·        Strengthen my core and improve my balance. Important at any age but especially my age

·        Add 500 or more additional steps each day to my daily total until I reach 10,000 plus a day

·        Lose inches overall especially in my waist

·        Lose pounds

·        Journal each day if only a few lines listing my accomplishments and struggles 

·        Spend some time each day doing art

·        Post a daily gratitude affirmation

I have three days to get ready, set,  go! 

WEEK 4 PHOTO CHALLENGE~2015 Outdoor In Nature

~Manmade in Nature~

Came across this old structure in a small town in Rural Florida. Love the contrast between the foliage and the wood.

#‎photochallenge2015‬

WEEK 3.. PHOTO CHALLENGE 2015~Outdoor in Nature

~TREES~

Lichen growing on the base of a tree

#‎photochallenge2015‬

WEEK 2.. PHOTO CHALLENGE 2015...Outdoor in Nature

~ NUMBERS – 10 and Under~

‪#‎photochallenge2015‬

WEEK 1~PHOTO CHALLENGE 2015~ Outdoor in Nature

~MACRO KITCHEN~

It is always nice to add something new into the coming year so I have joined a photography group and since I am enjoying a resurgence of my 'love for photography' this will be fun. Especially since it is only one photo a week. http://photochallenge.org/

AUTUMN EQUINOX FREE FALL CREATIVITY.

10 

Days Of Continuous Creativity Countdown

I am going to spend many of  these 10 days of the challenge working on improving my sketching with different mediums.

Day 1 

 Graphite pencil using decorative a ball as a model..

Day 3

Colored pencils from a photo I took of my Passion Flower

MONDAY FUNDAY BLOG PROMPT #13: THE SOLSTICE AND NOTING CHANGE

This week Denise ask us to reflect on what has happened since the last winter solstice and what our aspirations are by the next winter solstices

Wow...lots of things have transpired in my life since last solstice in December  2013.  I am celebrating having more time to do what I want.  I dropped out of my Altered Minds art group and filled my time with sewing and some art projects I wanted to do but put off.  I tend to be hermit like so I am trying to find outside activities to join in but so far I have not found any that appeal to me. We are soon to become a one car family so I have to take that into consideration when looking. 

...CELEBRATING...

Art

Exercising

Sewing

...CHANGES...

Decluttering

I will know when I have succeeded in my quest to declutter when I no longer feel like I am drowning in stuff

...TO DO LIST... 

(Things I want to finish by years end)

Wedding book

Life Book 2013

Trip to see daughter in Washington

Finish that damn hand sewn tee shirt

There are other things I want to do but these are the ones nagging at me far too long.

...CHALLENGES...

 The biggest challenge in my life,  in everything I do,  is to learn to let go. Physically, mentally and emotionally. 

********************

Continuing with the theme of changing seasons, at the end of this week we will celebrate the June 2014 solstice.
I invite us to think back six months ago to the last solstice, December 2013.
What has happened in this period that you would like to celebrate? What has happened in this period that you wish had been different? Is there anything else significant you'd like to mention?
Now think forward to the next solstice, December 2014.
What do you hope to accomplish between now and then? How will you know you've achieved success? What will it look like? What challenges do you anticipate? How will you help yourself over them?
Answer all, some or none of these questions. Perhaps the simple theme of 'change' resonates with you more.

MONDAY FUNDAY BLOG PROMPT #12: SIGNS OF SUMMER

Trish asked us to do post on Summer related photos or anything we wanted related to summer...I live in Florida so summer to me is the least desirable time of year...We have bugs, heat, humidity and storms. The storms I like the most. I love when the clouds swirl overhead and the rain bombards us with drops the size of bullets: and if you go outside it feels like you are getting pelted with bb's...Did I say I love the storms? Sometimes the thunder is so loud you can not hear yourself think. The poor dog runs for cover or cowers and tries to climb onto your lap for protection and solace. Then the rain stops, the heat builds up until you feel like you are in a sauna. That is summer in Florida.

But also, as in many other areas, summer includes swimming and BBq's... and beautiful sunsets. Here are some photos of summer...

MONDAY FUNDAY BLOG PROMPT #11: METAPHORIC OBJECTS

Not having read Peter London's book "No More Secondhand Art"  I am just going to follow Ruth's list in order and see what I come up with.  To start here are a few of the words I chose to describe me and use for my metaphoric objectification. I am sure there are many more.

Stubborn
Curious
Restless
Determination
Tenacious
Faithful
Creative
Compassionate
Reflective
Moody

The first object that came to my mind when I spent time contemplating this prompt was a map. I love maps. I can get lost in maps, reading the exotic names and places, looking closer at the shapes of countries and the information given on each one. Dreaming of what it would be like to travel there or live there. Local maps show the many roads to adventure. I have never made a wrong turn on a road. It may not have been my original intention to turn down a particular road but once I do I just consider it an opportunity to see whatever is there or have an unscheduled adventure. Maps pretty well represent four of my personal characteristics. Stubbornness, curiosity, determination and restlessness. You've heard of restless leg syndrome, well I have restless feet syndrome. These characteristics have gotten me into trouble more than one time but I love that they are inherent in me all the same. I love and will always take the road less traveled literally or metaphorically.

The second character I picked as one that is inherent in me is tenacious. I looked it up to make sure I chose correctly and all the synonyms listed for tenacious fit me to a tee. Persistent, determined, strong willed, patient, etc...I have been accused of being  obstinate on more than one occasion but once I make up my mind 'it don't change'. The object I chose for my tenacious character is my wedding ring that I have worn for almost 58 years. . My persistence, determination and strong will, sometimes called obstinance  has worked well for me on many occasions during my  lifetime when without those character I may have given up many times over. It also represents continuity which my life has been and faithful, another words that describes me. 

I chose a pencil and sharpener as my metaphoric object for creative as that is where I turn to when I first start my creative process. Sometimes the ideas come to me in my dreams, or when I am driving down the road and now when I am dancing intuitively or I'm walking around my block but always they go on paper first after that. I either sketch them or write down ideas so a sharp pencil (I detest dull pencils)  is what I need to get started. I love this pencil sharpener which has been my faithful companion for so many years. When Bob ask me if there was anything special I wanted for our 25 anniversary I said I wanted a pencil sharpener.( I told you I take the road less traveled.) You can only imagine how happy I was to receive this workhorse. It has sat beside my work space for 25 plus years and has never failed me.Unless I forget to empty the shavings out.

I chose this mirror as my object depicting my moodiness and tendency to be reflective when I get into a 'mood'.  I tend to dwell on events and over think.  Trying to work out the outcome or see if I could have done something differently, changed the end result or just not let it happen. I also have chosen this particular mirror because it is hinged and can be open or closed and because of the seashell decoration on the face of it. Sea shells have always reminded me of the open water and to look beyond the horizon, to dream the impossible. The freedom to just be.

The hinges on the mirror show the two sides of me. I am the mirror. Sometimes I am open and give freely of myself and other times I am closed and want to be left alone.  I don't like being moody but I am and when I get into a mood I just need to be left alone and allowed to sink into it and work it out.

So now I am at the end of my week of putting together my metamorphic objects and their meanings. I have only the 5 objects but I think that must be all I need. A map, a ring, a pencil and sharpener and a mirror.

I am using the map as a base since movement and adventure are a big part of my life. Movement for physical health and adventure for mental health. The other metamorphic objects are all of great value in my life so they are placed together  in the middle of my map. The wedding ring because it is most important to me. It cautions me that I need my persistence, determination and strong will to help me navigate through what remains of my life. The pencil sharpener goes smack in the middle also so it is readily available to capture any and all creative images and words that may flit through my consciousness and record them as my own. And lastly is the mirror. It is my anchor. It reminds to take time to be reflective and time to be open, free and giving.  It is what keeps me grounded and sane.