I am in love the with photographic/digital work of Pep Ventosa. He seems to have captured something of a fuzzy but clear memory. And his images have such a painterly quality to them; I would love to take a peek into his process.
see loads more here
One of our weekend surprises I mentioned yesterday was a trip to the country, specifically a visit to Gonzales, Texas. It’s one of those middle-of-nowhere Texas towns full of treasures. Our original purpose for the trip was to visit Discovery Architectural Antiques. If there is a building that has been torn down, they have all the pieces. It is the perfect place to find the missing parts of your historical home, or add some history to your new one. Also worth the drive was the town’s visitor center, which happened to be the old jail — working gallows and all! There were a few other shops and stops and I may or may not have come home with another typewriter! (Yes, I’ve got a problem!)
It was full of surprises: a visit from some very special friends, a trip to the country, and an unexpected date night. We are so filled with gratitude…
“Life is a series of surprises and would not be worth taking or keeping if it were not.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson
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We came back to wonderful, warm, balmy weather. I can’t say that our bags are even unpacked yet. There’s lots of photos to sort, laundry to do, and lists to make. It finally feels like the start of a new year and I’ve got projects on the brain. Very soon I’ll have a little brag day for a project that the hubs completed over break. It looks like it’s going to be a good semester. I had the revelation this morning that I’m 33 years old and I still speak of my life in semesters! Good grief.
Well it finally feels like a fresh start and I’m excited for new things to come.
“It’s an interesting combination: Having a great fear of being alone, and having a desperate need for solitude and the solitary experience. That’s always been a tug of war for me.” ― Jodie Foster
{beautiful image –and more– here}
A quick pop-in to say that our “winter wonderland” vacation has been wonderful, but sans snow! But really, I’m not complaining. The crisp air and sunny days have made for some beautiful hikes and other outdoor activities. Too bad it’s supposed to change tomorrow; no more 51 degree January days!
“There’s something about being naïve. Really interesting things come because you don’t know what the rules are, what you can and can’t do.” ― Steve Buscemi
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Anyone else out there having a hard time getting it in gear? My brain is still in relax and pamper-me mode. It doesn’t help that I have only one more day of work before I’m on vacation again…. (Uh, have a I mentioned how much I love my job?!)
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So, some folks think we’re crazy, but for the last two years family and friends have gathered at a ranch in West Texas to ring in the new year. One of the highlights is going to play in the junkyard. Doesn’t everybody like doing that? It’s always interesting to see what has turned up from year to year. Last year the hubs and I posed in an old Volkswagen, and it was still there… with a few additions. But just when you think you’ve thrown rocks at everything breakable and burned through all your BB Gun targets, the always creative hubs will find something else to do. This year he found an old bicycle tire and croquet mallet. This equaled a new competition. Just envision a Charles Dickens era street game with much less class and a lot more obstacles. And of course, as he does at all things: he triumphed valiantly. Even the littles got involved and found ways to enjoy a good ‘ol junkyard.
We rang in New Year’s at the same place we did last year — off the grid. Three days of no cell phone, internet, or t.v. The weather was much more cooperative this year as it wasn’t so bloody cold! Highs in the 70s, lows in the 30s — perfect for campfires. It really didn’t dawn on me that it was the beginning of a new year until it was here and we were driving home. I haven’t really thought much about my goals and wants for 2012. I’m sure it’ll include the usual: workout more, read more, draw more, improve this skill and that, etc. I always like new beginnings but I guess since the hubs is mid-studies it doesn’t feel much like a beginning. He is exactly halfway through now. We do have some things to look forward to this year, including a few trips; one of which will happen in a little over a week! I know — who really gets this much vacation?! (I really do have the best job ever!) I guess I’m just hoping to take it all a day at a time… and we’ll see what transpires.
“The object of a New Year is not that we should have a new year. It is that we should have a new soul and a new nose; new feet, a new backbone, new ears, and new eyes. Unless a particular man made New Year resolutions, he would make no resolutions. Unless a man starts afresh about things, he will certainly do nothing effective.” — G.K. Chesterton
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The packages… I used all scrap material: grocery sacks, twine, newsprint, tree trimmings, ribbon, paper clips, and a hole punch. There is even an upcycled pastry sack and Freebirds to-go sack! The tree trimmings were free from Whole Foods (which is where most of the grocery sacks came from). And I was so proud of myself for FINALLY using Martha Stewart wrapping paper (*confession — I’ve had it for FOUR years!). However, these packages didn’t stay pretty for very long…
I ventured into new territory with dying fabric. I picked up some white canvas and a little RIT dye. I quick sewed up a tote bag and then dipped away. I would like to have seen more of a gradient pattern or different levels or darkness, but I’m not displeased … especially for my first attempt.
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Well it was certainly one for the record books.
This year’s menu involved cajun flavors: the now famous Turduckin (Chicken stuffed in a duck, stuffed in a turkey) with shrimp and crawfish stuffing. Yes, that’s a whopping 5 meats!!! Our Christmas Eve meal included wonderful, homemade Crawfish Etoufee and Boudin balls. Friends and family gathered and exchanged presents, laughter and a series of unfortunate events with the rest of the meal. Just about anything that could go wrong did, including but not limited to — burnt lemon pudding, sticky sausage bread, the cake my sister forgot, a miscommunication about who was bring what sides, and a serious apple pie mishap. (Oh, and I forgot to mention that the hubs, myself, and the sis are all sick! ) But despite all of that (and the rain!) we still had a wonderful day and have MUCH to be grateful for. I’m just glad that I have the week off to stay in bed and recover!!!
“No space of regret can make amends for one life’s opportunity misused” ― Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol
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What a complicated time of year. What exactly is it that we’re supposed to be feeling anyway? Despite all the glitz, ribbon, lights, shopping, wrapping, baking and making…. life goes on. And it’s easy to forget that The Holidays aren’t always a joyful occasion for some. Life has hit them hard and all this talk of JOY and GRATEFULNESS and EXCITEMENT must feel like salt in a wound; especially for those experiencing grief. I have no consolation; I have no answers…just kindness and compassion extended, hoping for peace.
[lovely image here]
