Knitting and Fibers

I have to brag on my sister Catherine.

She is so talented and so creative and is in business, at home. As a self employed cottage industry of authorship of knitting books, home manufactured tools and instructions, the designer of the now famous spindolyn, (a new drop spindle for spinning) and a fiber artist one wonders if she ever sleeps. http://www.knittinganyway.com/

The small farm alone is a full time job, with critters, and yard work and repairs. Her inventions are many-drop by her web site and see what is happening. You might also be able to buy her instructions for " I have to have a greenhouse now." or "what I have learned building and maintaining a filtered pond for when the spring runs dry/endangered frog habitat" You see our family is all about invention, and making lemonade when you are given lemons, and finding a better way, and experiments, and brainstorms. We are fascinated with most everything, and we love to learn. Feel free to follow our journey- it's never dull, and always changing.

The Kitten Fairy

Life comes at you fast. One minute you are the proud human of three adult cats, well cared for, sterile, complacent and satisfied (one supposes) And the very next minute The Kitten Fairy comes- out of the blue, depositing one in the front yard and one in the back. No mother, no other kittens, smelling of old dog house, but otherwise healthy. It's a mystery and it will remain so. They are a lot of trouble (kitten milk supplement- especially for the runt, black and white "Miss Moppet") and a lot of fun- the wild wacky antics of "Midas" as in King.

So here's to the Kitten Fairy ! We have absorbed them into the fold for now at least, and even Andy having taken the ever interesting job of chef for kittens, cracks a smile more often.

White Hollyhock

This Hollyhock just appeared one day. I have other colors, but I believe this one came from the old parsonage yard where the church parking lot now is and was bulldozed to the edge of the exhisting parsonage. This morning's sun was too beautiful not to capture blooms in the yard...

The birds always watch to see what is going on, and patiently wait for me to find their faces again after zooming in way too close. I am blessede

Simple Fountain

Found a large basin type shell at a yard sale today for $1.00. It was just what I needed to add an extra spill way and to provide the birds a place to drink. A 25 gallon tub, old black plastic sled (the shallow type) Rocks from home, NC, and various expeditions provide flow and sound. Conch shells from VA, freshwater driftwood from TN, 7 goldfish @ 27 cents each, and a $9.95 pump from harbor freight- Serenity.

Fountain Detail, enjoy quiet moments today, Mary

I won't grow up !

Outside our living room window is a bird feeder "rack" that's like a tall big saw horse where various bird feeders hang. There's also this little screwed in tuna can where I put nuts and treats for both birds and mammals. This baby Downy woodpecker was being fed by his parents, up and down the posts, first one parent and then the other, til he got tired and thought that ol tuna can being nest shape and snuggle size would be a great place to wait to be fed. When his parents saw this, they both stopped and stared, morsels in their beaks, disgust on their faces. Progress was being impeded by natal memory, and they had had about enough. When the morsels stopped coming, he looked around for his folks, took the hint and flew off. Can't blame a kid for trying, though. Sometimes I just feel like doing the same thing- cept I have WAY outgrown my tin can...

June is almost over

Garden Grows

LIFE IS LIKE A GARDEN

I have not posted on my blogs since March, and that is a bit telling so I will be up front. It's been one heck of a journey full of grief, joy, and change. After Mom's death during the Christmas holidays I sort of went into a tail spin. I gave myself two months to get it together. I thought I was being generous.- surely the riot of drama in day to day living would hold off a bit, let me hide, wait on me. Everyone would understand... Nope- Life just came zinging along, full tilt, and ever challenging.

You wake up, and morning still comes.

You ignore it and weeds take over.

You plan for better yields and the rains come drowning.

You discover the beauty moments, and you walk to the house with bug bites.

You forget for the moment your original plan, the garden sees this and takes advantage

BUT

While you are weeding you unearth something you have lost

And while you are planting, a friend stops by

While you are shopping some seeds you need are on sale

Taking out the garbage you see the robin's nest

Crying at dusk your tears nurture the earth

Watching the news those hungry children are not your grandchildren

And you think, the sun still rises, and the garden still grows, and you match your pace with the

rhythm of life and go on.

White Goose What Kind?

This wildlife area often has migrating birds. Any one have a clue as to what type of geese these are?

The Skaters Waltz

Today we went on a drive to a local wildlife area to look for signs of Spring. The Canada Geese looked active and cheerful. Upon closer examination we realized that they were "skating" on a thin layer of ice seemingly in unison. I heard the skaters waltz in my mind. The temperature was in the upper 40's. We are all ready for spring.

Snow Embraces All

The snow has been beautiful, and though the weather is very cold, it seems that I have seen more "playing" in the snow, by all creatures, this year 2009. "Delight" is my word for the month. I am looking for it in others, everywhere I go, and in everything I do.
May you find it also, Mary

Snow from Our House 2009

This is unedited, a first attempt, with what was playing on the stereo in the background. I'll get better, learn how to film without sound, splice, fade, insert dialogue or music...all takes time

The Sunset

Found this on pictures I took in Tennessee in December- A good reminder of the beauty at the end of the day

A Fleeting Moment

When you are little, time drags. Will you ever get big enough for a 2-wheel bike? How long till we get there? Is it my turn yet?

They are right you know about the older you get the more time flies. Mom died on Christmas Eve. In this photo the little girl on the right is mom. She and we never imagined how quickly it would pass. I hope it was a good journey for her, and that she never regrets the fight to try and make it last. For in her bravery in chemo and pain we all learned, yet again, how precious is life.

Thanks mom

Dried Apples

This year we finally have apples! Spring came and blossoms came and bees came. We didn't spray because we don't do that, so we have surface spots on some- but we don't care- they eat the same. Two little trees on a city lot, purchased at the little local grocery down the hill, five years ago. They were supposed to be two kinds, Macintosh and Jonathan- but they are both Jonathan. Someone must have switched the tags- don't care, we are thrilled.

Dried Apples 2

"Mom, you've got weeds, and more ripe tomatoes and...what is that?

"OK we'll get the low ones first and then set the ladder... climb? Maybe"

Daughter and Grandson figuring it out

Dried Apples 3

You know when family turns out to help, it is a good feeling. In our family, tasting is as important as picking. Sweat is a part of a job well done. Amazement that those little trees did so well, encourages the planning of apple sauce, apple butter, apple pies, dried apples, and the experiment for this fall...(you've got to experiment!) apple preserves. It should work right?

Dried Apples 4

So far this has been the easiest part of drying apples. Once they are peeled and sliced and on the trays of the dehydrator, you just turn that puppy on and relax. Soon the slight aroma of apples fills the kitchen, and Maynard and Andy come sniffing around to see if I have baked a pie. Maybe tomorrow....

Crabtree Falls NC

Summertime in NC

What a surprise- the beauty, majesty and sound of Crab Tree Falls! A long (for me) and hot hike rewarded us with scenes of liquid bliss. May you be refreshed!

Apple Blossoms! It's Spring!

We might have apples this year, if we don't get a freeze. That's good because if we have apples I will make sauce and pies and dried and try and stretch the food budget a little farther. In some ways I think the high gas prices will be good for us. I'll stay home more, I'll walk more, slow down, create more. I'd still like to nominate the oil barons for an extreme makeover, I think I would start with their household budget...But oh how thankful I am for spring!

Cold Fuels Creativity

From out of frosted windows, I gaze on a world where lately hunkering down brings joys of it's own. Crisp clear nights, streets devoid of traffic, finding people at home, animal tracks leading no where- such times are made for creativity. It is the wonderful void of quiet and curiosity. The moon looks different, the stars stare back unaffected, the snow squeaks your passage- but oh the mind spins in possibilities of whispered ideas untried. Which medium? Which Project?
I have about 2 months to get my stock built up for a space in the gift barn at Carolee's Herb Farm in Hartford City, IN. Its motivational to think of garden related art, and have a place to take it. It will add more stock to my web site as well. Perhaps the most important element when you are home schooling a high schooler is the lesson of both witnessing and participating in the creative process. He is older than the last time I did a marathon session. I wonder this time what he will learn and what will he create himself? I know he will help with cooking some meals, making observations and questioning about how do you do this or that. Yesterday a trip to the Indianapolis Art Museum with friends inspired both of us. My patient husband always understands and encourages. I am so blessed and so thankful. This time I will have Andy take some photos of the processes to share with you all so you may be inspired as well.

Holiday Greetings

Love Came Down At Christmas
For all the Children of God

OK we are not ready for the holidays here. The tree is not up, all the presents aren't made, and many things that we intended to do have been shelved. Why? Life quality, priorities, and savoring the season. Today I guess we will put up the tree, and bake some cookies. This task is made ever more challenging by the temporary handicap of an arm splint. But hey, I've got help, and that is a blessing!

Fall?

The trees on either side of the church drive are changing color. They don't care if it was 95 degrees yesterday. They are just doing their thing anyway. I keep thinking, what else can I squeeze in garden wise before first frost? Indiana weather can turn on you at a moments notice, but I think I will still go outside and see what can be done.....

Kittens

When life has got you down

no solace you can find

find kittens you can play with

shun exercise of mind

Just the simplest of time

relaxing in it's way

adventures you can share

to save your daunting day

See YOU can be a kitten

watch life through tiny eyes

the wonder of a bubble

the pleasure of surprise

A twitching stick-a fast mouse

a leaf to bat and pry

inspecting some refreshments

a can of pop, a fly

See YOU can be a kitten

the simplest tasks to try

exploring with all wonder

EXPECTING a surprise

Free Morning Glory Seed

You have to really like Morning Glories to plant them. They spread with reckless abandon and joy. Planted near yellow Lance Leaved Coreopsis, their complimentary colors are "sunny" and "tranquil". The hummers seem to like them too. If any one would like some morning glory seed, just send me a self addressed stamped envelope, and after the vines die this fall, I would be happy to send you some! My mailing address is listed in my profile.

A Gift From the Drought

I guess you could totally freak out at the dramatic changes one can even now observe in one's own back yard, but sometimes beautiful blessings come to cheer you up. Such is the case above. This is not a planted "flower bed". This is an area along the church parking lot that grew nothing but an "un-sprayed mixture" of grass and ambitious vegetation. This pastel yarrow, seeded on it's own, from another far area in a flower bed, to spread, unimpeded by the very dry grass to the area shown. I put a little "push in the ground" fence around it to protect it from over zealous mowers. It is thick and beautiful and a great beginning to a prairie meadow lawn. This summer of long dry spells allowed it to show me how pretty that type of lawn "covering" can be- not to mention, the bees and butterflies are having a blast. Nice height too.

This week's unsung Hero, David McDonley

Wednesday morning, Henry County Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.
In the yard of Volunteer David McDonley one of several small orphan fawns gazes in interest at the strangers who came that day and held bottles while they nursed. "Now that I am fed, just
"Who are you?"

"I don't recognise your smell, but I know sniffing you is important!" " Hey, you smell like ... I don't know, a flower?"



"Who cares how you smell, my tummy is full and all is well, and this warm sun.... Well, I'm starting to feel kinda drowsey..

Thank you David for all your hard work!

In Memorium

No matter how you feel about the war, this is what I would say to those who continue to give the ultimate sacrafice in both Iraq and Afghanastan.

To The Fallen

In silent sleep you rest, for all

the weary soldiers trudging home.

The acclimation of your deeds, helps them

stand tall where ever they roam.


Not in vain do you lie here

amidst the tears of family and town.

Another child is born this day,

far safer in his native home.


And when these children read of war

and see the faces of Bagdad's young,

there in their hearts, security,

knowing those children are not alone

Mary Goodwin Powell

Taking your brain from mush to granola...

Not counting the days when technology does not scare me, I am plodding forth to keep up with what young people regard as simple as brushing your teeth. Each day approaching the computer with trepidation, I tell myself that these new challenges are not going to squelch my creativity, that indeed it will enhance my ability to communicate my thoughts and work to a wider audience. It's a funny thing about creativity. It is all about the balance and skill of inspiration and communication. At 55 I count the time I might have left in actual days and years and know it is a finite amount. How will I spent it? Certainly not chained to the computer, but trying for a balance of needed skill and inspiration. Here I am veryfortunate. My sister Catherine has spent hours and hours learning this stuff by trial and error. She is a blessing to me fielding often misworded questions in a way I can understand.But not wanting to pester her too much, my postings might be sometimes fraught with error. Thank you for your patience in advance!

My very first post

This summer my creation time has taken a variety of directions. The garden, somewhat under control, calls for interesting elements, and a new inexpensive water pump. The first order of business is to find a clear coating for my little people gourds that will withstand the sun, and weather, and allow me to create a "neighborhood" of my art work. No product I have tried so far has worked. Here are some examples of the gourds that I make, use and sell. If anyone has a suggestion, it would be appreciated.