Twinkle hearts

Quick craft of the month.
I found these glass stars and hearts in the loose bead bin at my favorite beading store.  Unfortunately, I find that beads are as addictive as fabrics.  It's just that you can imagine so many things to do with them but then get home and have limited time and/or ability to execute the thing in the way you imagine.

Spring still

Spring

Wow it has been a LONG time since I posted anything.  Too busy.  Spring is here in the western part of the state.  I wish it would stay forever this way.

New hobby

Dinner with the chair of a department in the Pacific Northwest.  Me: how do you get so much done?  Him: I don't watch tv.  I try not to use the internet.  Weekdays are for working.

Me (thinking to myself):  gee.

I picked up a new pasttime, wire-wrapping.  Here is a simple piece I made of sterling silver and jasper.  Twisting the metal is somehow therapeutic.  Please excuse the wife-beater.

The Doors

For those of you who asked about the Door Project, my brother and I have been photographing doors of Old Town Alexandria with the intent to eventually assemble the photos into a poster. So far we've only had time to get together and do this once or twice. It's difficult to get good lighting on the doors and also not cause people to think we are reconnoitering their property. Here are the doors we have so far, retouched...

ABC

If I ever finish my doors of Alexandria project (different doors from Old Town) then I would like to commence an alphabet project!

He shed She shed

Surprisingly, while taking this photo my allergies did not go beserk as expected

Shoe fetish

So, at said wedding, I snuck around as agilely as possible on my heels, and snapped several pictures of this man's feet. I was quite taken with his footwear. I hope he did not find me to be odd. Do you all prefer the B&W or the color? And do you think I ought to crop it more? I like the contrast with the pants.

Colors, spices, fun

In May, I had the privilege of attending my first Indian wedding. Amazing. Unfortunately, I only had a point and shoot with me, as I was traveling. Big regret. Anyhow, here are a few shots. None of them were exactly quite right (in 3 kids, would prefer not to have legs of 4th kid, for example) but I had a great time. Congrats N&M!

Mr. Toad's

State Fair, 2006. Unfortunately, overexposed, however I rather like it that way. As if the passengers are flying above the tent tops, the street lamps, suspended in a happier time.

It's what's for dinner

When I was assigned to the Western part of the state, as previously mentioned in prior installments of this irregular online periodical, I took a photo and "posterized" it in GIMP. Kinda liked the effect.

Looking ahead

I wonder what lies ahead in 2010. The days go so quickly now, running alongside the years. This is Diana's finger. And her pointer. (the dog AND the finger, ha ha). I used to ravenously read and read Greek mythology in elementary school. I knew exactly who had sprung from whose head, and who they poisoned later with the help of what beast after having fathered how many children with which water sprite. Sadly this reading time has now been replaced with highly technical jargonese that is nowhere as entertaining. Yes I know Diana is Roman.

Goodbye, 2009

famous American estate, western part of the state

Happy Thanksgiving to all

Cherub at sunset

The dew on the lawn in front of the home where I stay is chilly in the early mornings now.

Dandelion Wine

I've been sent out to the Western part of the state for part of my training. There is a large estate here with beautiful grounds that was built by the young scion of a wealthy American family over a century ago. It's been a lovely place to visit.

I arrived at the last note of summer. These were the only blooms on a mile long stretch of wilted sunflowers.

My mom loves peonies

Here are some beautiful ones. There were more, but it was hot and I was thirsty. Photos nothing special, but I know she and my dad will like to see the varieties. Happy Mom Day Mama!!

Lollipops

I don't know what these flowers are called, but I was obsessed with them last year. The way they bop up and down remind me of notes on sheet music. do re mi fa so la ti do! I took a LARGE number of photos of them, but none of them really turned out quite right. Have to wait a whole 'nother year.

Friends of a...

Perhaps this came from the fine-feathered fowl below.

A goose for BGriff

Hi everyone! While I have been absent for an inexcusably long time, my faithful following of about three (you know who you are) have no doubt been questioning my dedication to this blog. This goose is from the gardens at the place I work. I should have been writing a review, but spent all day and night at work and decided it was more fun to take photos today. The goose was very cooperative. Watch out Naomi Campbell.