Fun Days Parade

I have to admit that I was somewhat disappointed this year in our Fun Days Parade. In years past, the parade seemed to be much better organized. This year, there were big gaps between the walking advertisements and bands. The bands were playing very sad music. I'm thinking, maybe it's the economy? I don't know.

On the plus side, there was still plenty of candy for everyone. There was pop given out. Even piizza was given out. There were some fun "floats." (I don't know what else to call them.) People were still having a good time, but so many kids and adults were saying, "Is this thing over yet?"

Not to be such a gloom and doom person about this. I know it takes a lot of work to organize and execute a parade that lasts just a touch over 2 hours. So, I'd like to show you some of the most enjoyable parts of the parade.

Horses, there are always horses! Note the top picture, but how about this little guy?
















Isn't he cute? He seemed to enjoy walking the parade route.

















Then there was AJ, a local photographer. He said that he didn't mind having his picture taken. He was taking photos for a local magazine.


















As always, "Pile it On" benefited the local food shelf. Donations of cash and cans were taken for this cause.



I only wish I knew the name of this group! They were great entertainers, and they did entertain! The would walk a few steps and play. Then they would cross the street and play to the audience. They were a hit! Everyone loved them and the way they played.

Meismama Etsy Featured Blogger

When you go to Etsy and find Meismama, you will find a wonderful store full of homemade goodness.












Look at this garland! Isn't this sweet?












I think we all know a sweet someone who would look wonderful in this headband.














As always, I saved my favorite for last. Look at this beautiful clutch. I could see this in my hand!

Oh, I almost forgot. Be sure to visit Meismama's blog, too. I just found a wonderful recipe for a Yogurt Cheese Pie with Berries. Oh, does that look good!

My Summer Favorites

Who doesn't like a tomato fresh from the vine?

Flowers of any kind are wonderful in summer!
Fresh herbs in the garden and freshly mowed grass. The smells are intense!
Spike enjoying the area "by his tree." A memory I will always cherish, and someday, I will miss!

Watching the living sculptures develop and change, what a show!
These aren't my only reasons I love summer,
but they are in my top 10,000.

Look What I Found at the Hardware Store!

The local hardware stores in town continue to amaze me with so many great tools for making lampwork beads. This is my latest find. You can find it in the paint department. It was called a flow chart for colors of paint. On this chart you have both the warm and cool colors in this palette. You also have colors that go together. Isn't that great, and it's all on one piece of paper.





So, I made some twisties. This idea continues to amaze me.












Here's another flow chart that I picked up.














Here are the twisties that I made using this flow chart.












Amazing, isn't it, what you can find and use in your creative challenges. I'm going back tomorrow to get more inspiration and coloration.

On Cleaning out Closets and Stuff

I haven't painted in about 5 years. This is the last painting I did, and it hangs in my bedroom. I really ended up liking it. It's an abstract painting, as you can tell, but it fits well with the room.













I remember painting as a child. My mother was trying to develop the artist in me. She would buy me a canvas and paints to use. I was cleaning out the closet in the room we now refer to as "Jenny's Shrine." I decided that, after cleaning as much as I could out of the room, Jenny needs to come home and clean out her shrine and take her things home, but that's another story.

As I was going through the closet, I found two things from my childhood. I am amazed that they are still with me. I remember the shock of finding them in the "shrine." I honestly didn't remember them being there.

The memories came flowing back into my brain. I actually remember painting both of these paintings. I was about 8 at the time. I know I spent a lot of time alone. There weren't any children my age in the neighborhood, and my mother had to work full time to support us. I think that was another reason she tried to develop the artist in me.

















This is "Lonesome." I started to look at the details in the painting, and it told me a lot about my life at the time. What jumps out at me first is the horse's name Lonesome. He's in a horse trailer driven by someone. Who knows who that is? His trailer is painted in my favorite colors--pink and light purple. In spite of the trip, Lonesome is happy. Look at the smile on Lonesome's face.

Lonesome is on one road, but to Lonesome's left is a road that forks. Maybe Lonesome is thinking about taking a road less traveled? If you look up in the sky, you can see the Big Dipper and the North Star. I think Lonesome had some plans in mind for the future. What do you think?












I've always loved the ocean! Even as a child, it was a place where the waves pounded and gave me a rhythm in my life. Look at the beach, it's deserted except for a rock that appears to have the moon shining on part of it. Again, in the sky, there's the Big Dipper and the North Star. I think I might try to paint this painting again. I wonder what it will look like when I'm finished? I wonder if there's a bead in this painting?