Duct Tape Prom Dress Contest

Today, when I heard about this contest,  I was immediately taken with the idea.  I had visions of a series of silver dresses–a surreal space age look repeated in different shapes.  Well, I couldn’t have been more wrong.  These students conjured up some of the most smashing outfits out of the most mundane beginnings–rolls of duct tape.  Vote for your favorite in this [...]

Spring Beauties

Taking a bit of liberty with the language here, (what else is new?) there is a real flower known as a Spring Beauty.  To see a picture of a genuine Spring Beauty take a peek at http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/woodland/plants/spring_beauty.htm
My spring beauties were the result of hard work and some luck,  but the result has been very enjoyable this  spring:
Sand Cherry Bush               
Cherokee [...]

Weather Obsession

One common denominator that crosses all economic, cultural, ethnic, religious and social lines?  (Drum roll, please.)  The weather!  All kinds of weather, although the temperature of the moment around here is cold paired with more unpredictable cold.  The forecast is for rain, followed by freezing rain, sleet and ice followed by a changeover to snow and dropping temperatures. 
No matter who you are, your day is [...]

Happy New Year

As the wind blows  a light dusting of snow this New Year’s Eve, I have been reminded of a poem by Robert Frost.  New Year’s is a time for fun.  It is also a time for reflection of the recent past, and, of promise for the future.  2008 has been a year that will be remembered, not only for it’s challenges, but [...]

Yuletide Carols

The Long Road Home

Yesterday, my travels took me on a 228-mile round trip journey for a special job related project.  The destination was in and through the mountains to the east–the majority of which skirted the topmost ridges.  What a view!  Riding the highest peak for at least a 25 mile stretch offered clear lines of sight that stretched north and south. 
My [...]

Fall Bouquet

Enjoy.

Autumnal Appreciation

A few purchased silk sprays packaged with leaves and berries scavenged from my yard.  The week’s vacation has fast dwindled to a few hours, but part of the joy of some time off, was the opportunity to meander through the yard, casually picking the bones of an arrangement.  It happens during normal work weeks, too, but [...]

Seasonal Appreciation

Each season of the year has its own set of unique attributes that combine to make the time special in our hearts and memories.  Spring has a multiple green palette showcased in each leaf and blade.  Summer has the tastes and smells of corn on the cob and tomatoes, blinking fireflies and chirping crickets.  Winter is quiet and dark, the solitude [...]

Breathing Room

For the first time in a very long time, I’ve taken a whole week off from work.  The busy work that is usually reserved for the evening has already been completed.  The newspaper, read, has been transferred to the recycling bin.  All the tedious necessities of life for this day have been addressed.
The evening invites and tempts with magazines, puzzles, [...]