Focus On Life 2014!

Week 18: In Their Hands

MY first thought of hands were of the wonder I get at seeing how fast my grandchildren grow before my eyes. It is one of the joys of "the second generation." I know when my five children were growing up I had my mind on a million other things that always seemed to need doing to see they got where they needed to go, but with these guys I can just sit back and enjoy the journey (well for the most part, anyway).

 

The picture I took for this week's theme shows my oldest grandson (Can't believe he will be driving next year!) playing rough house with his sister (above his head) and his cousin (on his knees). I still remember when his hands were smaller than theirs. I know his sister doesn't seem to like the idea of him holding hers so tightly and yet am sure in the years to come she will have moments when she will cherish that hold when it's needed.

 

Right after this shot was taken, Jadyn, the cousin, slipped off his knees and was aiming for the floor head first. It was beautiful to see how fast his hand shot out to make sure it was beneath her head before that happened.

 

See you next week.

 

Now please take some time to visit the others in this weekly blog hop at: The Studio Sublime

Focus On Life 2014!

Week 17: Evening Moments

"There is a moment when the day begins to quietly slip away from the earth and the calm of evening floods over the land. Colors deepen, stars peek through pin holes in a twilight sky. We begin to exhale and slowly let the world of the day slide from our shoulders." ~ Sally Russick

 

It is that wonderful time of day when the young and the young at heart walk through tall grass sending fireflies aloft to illuminate the way, and dream of far off places full of mystical faeries and the magical stories surrounding them.

 



but even Faeries need to rest.

May you always remain young at heart!

 

See you next week.

Now please take some time to visit the others in this weekly blog hop at: The Studio Sublime

Focus On Life 2014!

Week 16: A Moment Best Captured in Black and White

 

Not so much a moment in time as a lifetime of moments. For this week's photo I decided to focus on another of the numerous plaques hanging in my home.

 

 

During this Holiest of weeks the words on the plaque are those that I have tried to share with my husband, instill in my children, and attempted to live my life. I am not claiming to be a saint, and have failed many times, but believe we all are merely humans attempting to do our best.

 

See you next week.

Now please take some time to visit the others in this weekly blog hop at: The Studio Sublime

An InLinkz Link-up

Focus On Life 2014!

Week 14: A Moment of Focus

 

It's late at night, or should I say very early in the morning. For this week's theme I set my mind on this plaque hanging in my bathroom. Why there? My thought was focusing on one of the main reasons we decided to retire to this part of Florida. One of the most popular beaches (Daytona Beach) is a mere 30 minutes from our home, more for our children's pleasure than ours, as neither of us are avid swimmers. In truth we have not been to the shore much, but didn't mean the allure still wasn't there, so our master bathroom is done in a nautical theme with the above mentioned plaque as a focal point.

 

I couldn't resist playing with the photo I took (Photoshop is addictive). So when I came back to my computer to put this post together the lamp on the credenza caught my eye. This manual photo I snapped is indeed a true moment of focus. That is what a night owl I have always been.

 

 

 

See you next week.

 

Now please take some time to visit the others in this weekly blog hop at: The Studio Sublime



Focus On Life 2014!

Week 14: Morning Moments

 

It's been a crazy week for me, and due to some personal issues, I have missed several deadlines. This post being one of them.

 

Now I have to admit the topic had me slightly thrown, and I couldn't decide in which of several directions I wanted to go. Sally's suggestion as to photograph something meaningful in life during the early morning hours had my mind muddled. Truly anything I thought of was only temporary: that oh so needed cup of coffee; the checking on the computer for the latest banter from friends; even the enjoyment of the sun on the stream in my backyard; a picture of my phone before I used it to check up on the kids and grand kids. I almost decided it wasn't going to happen for me this week.

 



But as you can see, I finally realized the one morning moment that has meant the most for me over the years, and hopefully for much longer. It's when I first open my eyes and realized I have been blessed with one more day to enjoy all the others moments. 

 

See you next week.

Now please take some time to visit the others in this weekly blog hop at: The Studio Sublime

Focus On Life 2014!

Week 13: Eye Level

 

Did you ever have a dream of having that one special accessory for your home? I can't remember when I first thought of it. Probably when I saw it in a magazine, or maybe on a school excursion to one of the many museums in our area but for me, it was one of those world globes that sat spinning on its metal frame. It seemed so "old world" and full of romantic ideas of travelling to all the exotic places it displayed.

 

My dream came true a few years ago at an estate sale in my neighborhood. I would have paid ANY PRICE they had on it. Happily it was very much affordable and soon sat proudly in the corner of my family room. Perhaps not the most prestigious place, but it was where I could see it daily.

 

 

I have long since given up the dream of visiting all those exotic places, although I have been fortunate enough to have been to several. My greatest joy now is when the grand children come over and on occasion one or two of them will go over and spin the globe in its holder. I often wonder if it holds the same magic in their heads of the travel I once dreamed. I can only wish it for them, but then again, there really is no place like home, and dreams.

 

See you next week.

Now please take some time to visit the others in this weekly blog hop at: The Studio Sublime

Focus On Life 2014!

Week 12: Expressions

 

The hardest part of retiring to Florida is leaving family behind.

 

 

This is a picture taken not by me, but of me and my husband with his brother and his wife. My husband is the oldest of 4 brothers and the other is the youngest. They were down for a visit recently, and the joy of catching up as well of reminiscing is obvious on our faces.

 

See you next week.

Now please take some time to visit the others in this weekly blog hop at: The Studio Sublime

Focus On Life 2014!

Week 10: The Big Picture

Although Sally's suggestion of a wide angle shot brings to mind a wide visage, my thought turned to a slightly different perspective.
 

 

This building is one that has been looming in the city next where I live for about 12 years. You probably notice it's not finished. It was originally celebrated as the beginning of a new era of business prosperity for that city. Unfortunately it was started just as the economy and everything else went bust. A Televangelist was having it built on the basis of donations. He staunchly refused to use any types of mortgaging, or business financing to have it completed. Perhaps he thought a religiously based structure should remain completely non-secular. In any case here it is limping along too many years later. Who knows someday and some way Faith will get it completed.
 

See you next week.

Now please take some time to visit the others in this weekly blog hop at: The Studio Sublime

Focus On Life 2014!

Week Eight: Capture Color



My original thought for this week was immediately drawn to the over flowing draw of unopened packages of polymer clay sitting in my craft room. Then I thought about it and decided why take a picture of something man made when it's Mother Nature who has no comparison in this category.

 

Not all of these pictures were taken this past week (I wish), but they have all been taken by me at one time or another over the past year of the orchids on my patio.

The backgrounds on many of these photos have been blackened but all of the colors of the blooms are untouched. The two that aren't blacked out are in bloom now.

 



 

Mother Nature wins!

See you next week.

Now please take some time to visit the others in this weekly blog hop at: The Studio Sublime.



Focus On Life 2014!

Week Seven: Capture a Collage of L❤ve

This is something that has been taking much of my time lately. I mentioned prior I had started my adventure in writing a novel (Yes, you guessed it, a romance story).

 

 

Well I finished writing this week. Now it has to be proofread and edited, but I am one step closer. I must say I had my own love story getting it done.


P.S. The collage comes in because the pictures of the hearts are from the box of candy Hubby got me for V-day!

See you next week.

Now please take some time to visit the others in this weekly blog hop at: The Studio Sublime.

Focus On Life 2014!

Week Six: Quiet Calm

My husband has had an aquarium (actually many) over the years. I can't think of anything that is quieter, except for the bubbling of the air filter, but even that is a soothing sound.

Watching the fish glide back and forth calms like nothing else can. That is, if you can get them to cooperate and come to the front of the tank for a picture!

See you next week.

Now please take some time to visit the others in this weekly blog hop at: The Studio Sublime.

A Creative Challenge To All

I just read an email from Pam Sears about a Challenge she threw out to us all. It intrigued me, especially since I am currently in a writing frame of mind. Here are the details: A Creative Challenge To All.

Here's my entry:

New Bling

Ricco, actually his name is Randall but unless you’re his grandmother, don’t call him that, sauntered into the corner bar. One of those cheap places smelling of three day old beer, with lousy lighting. Even the beer nuts on the bar were stale. It was a cold day but he was wearing his usual leather vest, no shirt and worn out jeans, with holes in several places. His scraggy black hair hung unruly, too long on the back of his neck, in spite of the rubber band holding it. A ragged old scar on his jaw told you what you needed to know about him. Yeah, he thought himself quite the bad ass. So did a lot of his friends.

Two equally looking goons came up behind him. “Hey dude! Thought you were told to stay out of here!” spat out one in his ear.

“I go where I please!” He spat back.

“Maybe we gotta show you where you’re gonna go,” hissed the other.

“You can sure try, but why don’t you look at the new Bling I just picked up before you do,” as he held out his fist, showing off a silver two finger ring, with four teeth imbedded, where normally jewels would be found.

“Whadja just come from the dentist?” sneered the first guy.

“Nah, they're from the creep’s mouth that was pickin’ on the kid down the street. The one with the club foot.”

He ambled up to the bar and ordered his rye whiskey.

Polymer Clay Collective Conversations

A while ago I signed up to answer questions for the Polymer Clay Collective Conversations on Facebook. It got postponed, but the day is finally upon us, so here goes:

 

• Tell us a bit about where you live



I live in Longwood, Fl, although the first 50 years of my life were spent in New Jersey, and no I don't have breathing problems.

 

• What do you do when you're not polymer claying?

 

My other interests are eclectic. I have a patio of orchids that I have loved tending to, several of which have won ribbons at my local Orchid Society.

Currently I am deep into writing, working on the next Great American Novel (doesn't everyone dream of doing this some day?)

 

• What did you want to be when you were little and do you think you ever will be?

 

Easy one! I am the kid who immediately undressed her dolls, so she could bandage them up. Then I grew up and became an RN.

 

• Tell us something about yourself that we don't know.

 

A lot of my husband and my extra time is taking care of my invalid brother, who lives with us. Something in our genes won't allow any family member get put into a Nursing Home. I love my husband even more for his devotion to my family.



• Tell us your polymer clay story: What made you first try polymer clay and how long has PC been part of your life?



Another easy one! A dare got me started. My son and daughter-in-law got involved with making polymer creations on a retail basis, and at one point I suggested they branch out into jewelry. His reply was "No, why don't you." That was about 5 years ago.

 

• What's your favorite PC technique?



Off the top of my head I would say the most fun is the Natasha effect, because the final result is always such a surprise, but lately I am loving the antiquing and aging effect of all of the patinas available, and playing with them.

 

• What are your art/design inspirations? 

 

Hate to be as redundant as with everyone else, but it has to be mother nature. Imitating it, capturing it, being captivated by the best artist around.

 

• Show us something you’ve made with polymer clay.

 



This was a donated prize to my local Garden Society

 

• [Additional question from the preceding featured member]

What is your favorite polymer clay style to work in? from Andrea Glick

 

 I can honestly say I don't have a favorite. I kind of go with the flow. When the muse strikes I just follow it.

A PC replication of one of my orchids      A faux antique porcelain technique     

Thanks for taking the time to read a little about me (It's a miracle you are, because I hate talking about myself).

 

To the next glutton for punishment, I ask:

 

Do you create just for yourself and friends, or do you sell? If you do sell, please share your best advice for others to read. Thanks in advance.

 

Focus On Life 2014!

 

 Week Five: Get Outside

 

 

 



Now don't think I'm gloating, and I really feel terrible about the horrid winters so many of you are suffering through. Just wanted to bring you a little joy, 'cause this is what is happening outside at my house.

Yep, the azaleas are blooming! While most of you are waiting for crocus and other signs of spring to start sprouting, it's happening already here.

They're not supposed to start until mid- to late February, but with this wacko winter even for Florida, they have been at it already for the past week and a half.

See you next week.

Now please take some time to visit the others in this weekly blog hop at: The Studio Sublime.

Focus On Life 2014!

 I promised myself I wouldn't miss a week this year, so, sorry I'm late, but eyes are just getting better. Thanks for all the well wishes.

Week Four: Words

 

 We are bombarded daily by words:

Words that excite us.

Words that bring us joy;

 

 

and Sorrow.

 Words that heal our body;

 

and our Soul.

Words written by others;

and by Us.

 

But Words like this, will always be the best!

See you next week.

Now please take some time to visit the others in this weekly blog hop at: The Studio Sublime.

Focus On Life 2014!

Week Three: B&W Self Portrait

Sorry to be a downer this week, but unfortunately it can't be avoided.
Listing the reasons:

1) Somehow managed to get a fungus infection, which spread to my eyes. Probably because I did what we all tell the kids not to do(don't touch your eyes).

2) Said eyes are so red they would make Dracula's pale in comparison.

3) Even if you say, so what, we want to see your face, no can do. I can't focus the camera, take the shot, or edit it appropriately with only one eye working right.

4) So you know I'm not kidding I am typing this at 200 zoom magnification, just so I can see it.

Time to go put the hourly eye-drops in my eyes, but I'll see you again next week.

Now please take some time to visit the others in this weekly blog hop at: The Studio Sublime.

 

Focus On Life 2014!

Week Two: Silhouette

 

 

I think a lot of us will focus in on trees for this weeks prompt from Sally, and that's exactly what I did. Only my concentration was on the indoor kind this time of the year.

 

 

Yep, time to take the Christmas Tree back down.

 

It's funny how somethings can really get to you. When you first get it up, and by that I mean getting it straight, and remain standing (We won't mention the year I was on a step stool, straightening one last ornament, when it decided to join me flat on the floor.), you are so full of excitement with all the anticipation of the Holidays.

 

 

But once all the ornaments are back off and it's sitting there naked, it almost feels like you are saying bye to a dear friend.

 

 

Good thing there is always another December, right around the corner.

 

See you next week.

Now please take some time to visit the others in this weekly blog hop at: The Studio Sublime.



Focus On Life 2014!

Week One: The Minimalist Photograph

 

Happy New Year to you all. So thrilled to be joining you again, for another of Sally's adventures. Even though I have missed several weeks for the first go-round, I will promise to try and do better this year.

 

Now, with the New Year, there are always "resolutions" but I am not one to make them. First, I don't have the patience to keep them going; Second, That's if I can remember what they were all year; Third, I am much more of a "live in the moment" kind of person (planning gives me a headache!).

Last year, I offered up several of my literary attempts, and thank you all for your encouraging comments about them. It is something I have always dabbled in through out my life, and lately the bug has bit me rather badly.

That's why I have taken a picture of a pen. It's one of the oldest I have in my house (like me). I am back at it as we start our 2014 journey, except, I am not putting pen to paper (Does anyone do that anymore?) but tapping away in my Word Program.

It's a novel for a story I have had in my head for some time, and believe me, I am no expert on anything. Well, other than reading EKGs, but doubt there is much audience for that, although I did write a beginner's manual at one time.  Hopefully I will finish it sometime this year. You'll be the first to know!

So HI again friends, see you next week.

Now please take some time to visit the others in this weekly blog hop at: The Studio Sublime.