and the winds blew and blew...

I do like our seasons.  The sky blue is always the constant.  Winter is white and wonderful.  really!  Maybe cold but I'm inside playing!  Spring silently pushes up all the yellow greens.  okay, there is the mud.  Summer is green with dots of wild rose pink.  Grass to cut but also bouquets of flowers to collect.  Everyone sighs with the splendor of falling leaves.  The problem is they fall very fast and almost before they can be collected into piles they are all chased away by the wind.  If one likes tress and leaves- summer is the season.

 The two sheds we tried to combine into one shed is now a hybrid.  The second half is a modular effort.   We'll stand everything up and nail it tight as soon as the wind calms itself enough for the big day!

 Because I never have to rake leaves I do have time to play.     I always seem to choose way too many options as I settle down to actually using a small portion of them. 

I took the leaf masks from the previous project and a so-so canvas I'd made and let my ideas blow around.  I thought green would play a prominent part but ...

Trying to get some decent light!  Unfortunately it is a bit small for where I want it so I will be looking for a good large canvas sale!   And likely some better ideas will blow my way!  :)

A place to remember

The Rooster has a little black book.  He has had one for a long time.  It held important information concerning breeding dates, which ram went where,  ewes and their lambs, and successful pairings, etc.  Spare pages began to hold other info such as serial and parts  numbers.  The flock is gone.  The black book remains because the memory wanders off just like the odd sheep who tries slipping under a fence.

I am Queen of the Slips.  Slips of paper that is.  :(  I have tried day timers and annual journals but my attention span seems to last six months and then I'm back to scribbling on slips of paper.  :(   Now the slips piles of paper are threatening the kingdom.  :(  Time to abdicate! 

I don't have a small shirt pocket so my book must be bigger.  Perhaps if I incorporate various kinds of slips I won't wander off looking for options.  I luv themes.  I can do a book of the month and play at the same time.

So:

My fall scarf is the theme.

I coloured the cover and began to add layers. 

 

I gathered an assortment of papers from my stash.  Before stitching the papers in I added some details with stencils.

I added layers of text and texture to the pages.   Lots of fun!

 Some pages turned out good, I thought.  I even left space for documentation. :)

Some pages turned out bad but I think I can help them with some journaling additions and there is always gesso! :(

Some are ugly from when a thought was acted on too impetuously.   :O This was a image transfer whose black background proved troublesome.  The solution was evn moreso!  :( But its never a mistake and there are always creative opportunities to pull out of the bag of tricks. Or so I want to believe.   I debated moving into my default setting which is to start all over.  But November is marching along and this is a journey!  Hopefully I'll remember where my luggage claim tickets are soon.  ;^)

I also need to remember that my style is unfolding. I'm reminded of the slogan Calm Down and Carry on!   I get that less is more when it comes to the variety and number of options.  I had way too much fun trying too may things.  I am recognizing continuity.  Now I need to learn subtlety!  :O

I don't imagine this particular journal will slip anywhere.  It is pretty busy which pretty much guarantees visibility.  Perhaps I should jot down some restraints for next month on the last page as a reminder of what not to do.   you know, the what ifs...

Oh!  And I may need a reminder to post the rest of the story when this month slips from the calender. 

A Month to Remember!

The second month of fall has been revealed by a stiff cold breeze that tore off the October page.  The first month was a swirl of leaves and smoke as we stripped the first layer of forty years of Stuff from the yard site.  Feels good.

Now to tackle November's list.

I read The Happiness Project.  In fact I am passing my first copy around.  I think I'm generally a happy person but there is always room for more happiness and that takes some thinking and doing.  So I bought a second copy and I am going through the book again with an highlighter and with some specific goals in mind.  The first month is Boosting Energy- both physical and mental aspects of energy.  I'm all for that although I'm tweaking her plan which is what will make us both happy.  LOL 

Both my DD's and I have been talking lots about food.  In the manner of KISS, I'm going to try the 100 days of mini pledges from 100 Days of Real Food.  And, once again, make a conscious effort to drink more water.  First week is to add at least two servings of fruit and/or vegetables to EVERY meal.  I had carrots and parsnips and onions for breakfast and I'll sip on a shake during my work through lunch break!  ;^)

Because I have lots to do!

The new monthly journal is ready for assembling and documenting as soon as I insert the project page.

I want to get my needle felting project completed.

I have been a slacker in the Drunkard's Path project and hope to stagger back on the path asap!

The school project/job is not short of ideas.  There is an interest in knitting!  The grand kiddie also has an ambitious project to make a 'dress' for her mum.  :O  I need to dust off some old and forgotten skills!

It looks like a memorable month!!!

Back to normal???

I've been falling into Fall.

 

I am working on my fall wardrobe and this scarf has the colours and feel of fall that I am after.  I am purging my closet to reflect this look.  I am NOT a clothes shopper so I'm adding a few basics via the Internet.  Gee, I hope they arrive before the season is over!  lol

I rehung this shower curtain as it is so very much my fall look.  It was made a long time ago on my old serger.  It is the Yellow Brick Road pattern which I neglected to read carefully.  But I think it is better for the 'modifications! 

The Grand Farmer's new toy is a big hit.  It is a great help for fall work.  Of course, enthusiastic helpers make the job much more interesting as well.   I said. "All three?".  And he said who was he going to ask to get off!!! 

Now I have finished my classes and I seem to be settling into my new work schedule.  I had vowed I'd only post 'finished' projects so hopefully I can leave my new book where it lies and get sewing!  :O  I'd like to return to my normal posting schedule.  Next post will tell if things are really back to normal!!!

Sorta Falling

I think, pardon my language, SNOW will be a welcome event around here.  The Rooster has had us on a big push to remove clutter and simplify.  We collapse into bed rather tired, awake a bit stiff, but otherwise feel tremendously invigorated by the progress we are making! 

It is wonderful to see scrap leaving the yard and smoke billowing!   I was concerned about the 'good' wood but the Rooster says not to worry, he can make more scraps.  LOL  I can relate!!!  Dust in the corners bothers me but the focus is on primary purging and we'll go back next spring/summer to clean and reorganize of the important stuff.

The new job has resulted in a bit of reshuffling.  Looks like two full days rather then one full and two half days.  Not to mention the 'meetings'!!!    But even those are looking to become shorter and not so frequent.  Of course,  I'm also readjusting expectations and daily plans as we sort through all the possibilities and try different things.  The Artist's Statement is taking some time but sorting through favourite styles, techniques, and purpose is fairly enlightening.

I have always liked the concept of the seasons.  I'm a bit behind switching into fall but I have to say that things are really 'Falling' into place.  I scooped up seven canvases at the thrift shop which I can use now and then paint over later.

I've been reading The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin.   It is helping my focus and hopefully my productivity.   I've been jotting down thoughts and I plan to begin in November.  She starts with clutter.  Well, actually energy!   Lots of things deplete our energy.  Hello, clutter.  :(  Good bye clutter!  :)

I've been through my closet before.  Its a challenge because old houses don't have much in the way of closets.  But then a link which led to another link which led to something called a Capsule Wardrobe uses a seasonal concept.  Aha!  I have some more sorting to do!  :)  I'm not sure I want to put stuff under my bed as I finally got all the books out from under there.  :(  But surely I can find a place to store out of season coats and sun dresses besides the back of a full closet.  Make that a stuffed closet!  :O

I've had to spruce up the wardrobe a bit with the new job, don't cha know!  A few key pieces and then I want to use my new embellishing skills to personalize my clothing.  Perhaps if I look like an artist, I'll feel like an artist! 

Looks like I'll be sorting things out for the first  month of Fall with the hope of harvesting and preserving good stuff for the clear white look of winter!  I'm hanging onto the good weather though just like these late roses!

On to October

I'm trying to appreciate the influences around me.  Fall isn't my favourite season although I do like all the seasons. Ours is mostly yellowy green and the colourings are often brief.  It is mostly bare trees and cool, wet weather.

One of the few red leaves our province produces and I have the little shrub between two birches  in front of a red barn! :(   There is an oak tree that I transplanted a few years ago behind the spruce but the poor thing struggles as inevitably the sheep that prefers the 'other' side of the fence finds it and nibbles the poor thing.  I need to add a fast growing large tree behind it to help deflect wind off those barn shingles.

A busy and productive weekend outside. The stringers are fastened, the posts trimmed to size and the boards are ready. The Rooster has admitted that this has taken longer than anticipated.  vbsigh  We are older and slower!    The weather was wonderful and the bit of rain came just as we were heading off to a well deserved sleep.  

The grand kiddies arrived Friday and have been helping. The pigs were a source of distraction as far as actual work went.   They are busy working on their third break out!  

If her brother can touch them then by golly, so can she!

I did manage to keep the calendar somewhat up to date and now I need to get the pages all finished.  I am not sure I can keep up with 7 tags and 2 full pages so I may be tweaking this again.  Or maybe I just need to better organize my time.   I will be wrapping up September and carrying October forward during this week. It is a brand new month with lots of possibilities that can fall into creative places.

Falling into good weather

With all the changes in weather patterns, I must say we have been perfectly delighted with the gorgeous Falls we've had these last couple of years. Just marvelous! These daisies that I brought from my parent's place always mark fall for me. They seem to come into bloom just as everything else is succumbing to the first frosts. They actually make a nice hedge, about 4-5 feet tall. They are perennials but the stems are very tough and are very hard to cut back. So I have only a couple of clumps in a few strategic places.

Our trees don't colour up too exceptionally. We get a few shrubs that are kinda red but the majority are the yellows. This year the trees seem to be keeping their leaves longer.

I figured a quick clean-up from the weekend and then some playtime before I gathered up my paint supplies. I got busy editing our bedroom of all the blue greens that were confusing my attempts at a golden rose colour scheme. I was interrupted by a call from my friend to come help edit her 'man cave'. We got a goodly bit accomplished and she will be helping me later this week to get my veranda painting all finished up. We did have a lovely coffee break out on her deck which looks out onto the river that meanders about our municipality. I should have taken my camera! I really must learn to carry it to capture momentous moments!

Mixed up Monday

In an effort to be more productive, I am trying to think office job and the blogging needs to be happening before the work day begins, during the lunch break or after the homeward rush!

So as I am munching I will explain why seasons need to do what they are supposed to do and in their designated time. I guess I must admit that summer did finally show up but it is messing up fall and the winter preparations something awful. I should not even have to think about cutting grass, landscaping etc. and here I am still diddling around outside.

My farmer is still playing catch-up from a monsoon summer as well. Things are still very wet but the frosts are doing their work. Of course you then need to do what needs doing before the sun warms and softens the mud. :) It also means he is not doing my projects. :(

He did have time to have a trench dug which will divert some of the water that insists upon seeping into the basement. Dry would be lovely! But the resulting mounds need spreading about now or else I will have a bigger job next spring.

And speaking of the basement, which I'd like to slam the door shut on and nail shut... ( rant happening) Well, I need to get it ready for the primary paint, dye, spray and stamp preparations for my art work. My laundry area is off in the farthest, darkest corner but it is all I have. So I tried to work fast, focused and somewhat frantically as I pitched out all that stuff that insists on congergating in corners. I need to get stuff up and out to the storage area in the big barn. That is the first step and last chance to be useful or your next move is O U T. And I mean OUT!

So after lunch I must be outside but I'll be thinking basement and how to turn a sow's ear into a silk purse.

At a government surplus sale we got 2 metal tables, lots of metal bookcases and some black lab sinks. I snaffled my share before hubby grabbed them all. My dearie put the biggest sink which is a one piece sink and counter into a wood frame but I need to get a tap up and functioning. The drain is right over where the grey water collects and is pumped out.

I jammed this old bookcase in to hide the fuel tank and it stores stuff. The clothes horse can do fabric when its not drying socks! I have my seasonal accessories in the metal shelving units and the backs are facing the laundry area. It is a good thing I'm short as we put a wood floor over the half finished cement and gravel floor and the ceiling beams are low. But slops won't be an issue and most days I won't be wearing my heels so clearing the beams won't be an issue either! It is pretty cramped but it will have to do. Maybe one of those old half full paint cans can brighten things up a bit but that'll have to wait for another to-do list. Now if I can just figure out what to do with all the laundry!!!

Focusing on a Funky Fall

The theme for fall is Funky and Folk arty. The colours are golds, rusts and some purple. I seem to be gravitating to lots of pumpkin orange as well. I try to carry an element of nature from room to room so grapes and leaves work.


Once upon a time I was all over the place. Since I've identified a couple of basic things I've found my life is still interesting but certainly simpler and more focused. I now consider if something I want is the right colour for the right season's theme. I luv change and I luv a few very diverse design styles. I need to consider my budget, my lifestyle and my hubby. So four specific themes and colours works for me and it is not hard. It mainly takes a bit of analyzing. Spring is slightly modern, very simple, lots of white ornaments, plain glass and blues and greens. Summer is slightly Victorian cottage with pastel colours, battenburg lace and old quilts. Fall is folk art, wood, cider mugs, soup tureens and rusts, golds, purple. Winter is more traditional, cranberry/navy, china, candles, brass, all those layers of classic Stuff!

Our house is old farm house. The main entrance thru the veranda, the 2 story layout, re purposed front room and dining room, the worn wood floors, and casually cluttered look and some neutral pieces of furniture work for us. When the four seasons change I can have 4 distinct themes by changing colours and styles of quilts, tablecloths and pillows; reshuffling vases, ornaments and pictures, and adding the season's leaves, flowers and fruits.

So fall means putting my pretty tea things behind cupboard doors and showcasing chunky mugs, candles, pottery and my chickens and roosters. The lacy fabrics make way for plaids, tapestries and rich solids. The sweet peas and roses become asters, squashes, grapes, dried leaves and grasses.

Downstairs is more traditional with the golds, rusts and purples. Any sewing projects will use these fabrics. The grey skies have arrived so these are showing rather dull. I want some new table runners and a big quilt for the front room. Perhaps a sampler with some fun houses, wonky trees and winking stars.

Upstairs is less traditional and lots of orange has found expression. The hall rug has encouraged the playing around with orange. Who'd have known but I'm liking it. The nine patch will be for our room, the stripes are for the 2 bunk beds and the gorgeous floral has found a home and a purpose in the guest room.

I MUST get some older UFO's done but if the urge overwhelms me to start something new, at least it will relate to where I am headed. At least, I am hoping so! 8)

A little more...

Some things are still green but a lot of the fall colours are showing. We have mostly the yellows and golds with very little red.

I had taken the last of my shavings for this path thru the arbor which leads to a woodland meander. I think I need to widen the end so the stones fan more on the left. Not a big deal.

Then I need to continue to work on this curved corner of the yard. I'd put in some low juniper for a ground cover years go. They have grown but are hardly seen as I also put some wild currents in and they have gotten totally wild so I cut them out. I moved the very lowest juniper up front. I have 2 lilac seedlings I can put into the back. I just need to do more trimming, raking and brush removal and then some fall/winter fertilizing so they are good to go come spring. And if that taller juniper doesn't improve it'll be trimmed out as well.Lots of composted manure have made the soil here pretty good.

But the art isn't so good. I definitely need some more instruction!

I had bought a Japanese paint set from Lee Valley a few years ago. No instructions but I think I can do some stamping as there is some wax and a tiny dipper. ??? But I did try the brushes. I'll try again tomorrow because the brushes still have some stiffness in their centre and I forgot to shut the lid on the palette so all the paints are REALLY dry. I think I'll just wash it all out and after I'm finished doing a 'little more' yard work I'll google some 'how to's!

Time to switch from water and brushes to wind and rake.