Life On the Coast

Just up the coast from us in Carmel - a delicious sunset.

Cemetery Saturday

Graceland Cemetery in the middle of Chicago.



These wonderful shots were taken by my friend Destiny.



She kindly visited and took lots of photos expressly for Cemetery Saturday.



Thanks, Destiny!

Can you tell she loves Celtic crosses?

From the Bookshelf

It's been awhile since I'd looked through this book. I pulled it out the other day and remembered why I liked it so much in the first place. Fantastic techniques - including the peeling paint and peeling paper backgrounds - two that I love! The step-by-step instructions are easy to follow, the supply lists complete, and the eye candy delicious. I've been re-inspired!

Opening and a Sale!

Coventry Carol

"The Pity of War" opened last weekend at Linnaea's Cafe in San Luis Obispo. Close to 100 people came by and enjoyed the art. And, I sold the above piece - Coventry Carol. The buyer said she loved the message of hope it conveyed - that even though the cathedral was destroyed by nine straight hours of bombardment, the people of Coventry rebuilt and made a lasting memorial of the still standing walls.

The show runs through July 31
Linnaea's is open daily from 6:30am-11:00pm.

Cigar Box Wednesday

When is a cigar box not a cigar box? When it's a very clever wine box made to look like a giant cigar box!



I keep maps in here - old maps, new maps, sea charts, topo maps, road maps, you get the idea.



We all know how great these are for journal backgrounds, collage and assemblage. And so easy to find - thrift stores, swap meets, your glove compartment!

The "Perfect" Gift

Recently I was awarded with my service pin for 20 years with the County Library System. One of my co-workers surprised me with this wonderful gift.


A vintage printing set, found in a small shop in Paris. Complete with minuscule letters and numbers, a stamper to load them on,


a desiccated ink pad and a worn, crackling piece of paper with various words and numbers stamped on it. And all contained in this beautiful old tin box.

As you can tell, for me, it is the "perfect' gift!

Say it with Firecrackers!

Flags, Fifth Avenue - Frederick Childe Hassam

Have a grand and glorious!

Life on the Coast - 4th of July Weekend

It's a glorious three day weekend! Hit the beach.

Visit Art in the Park in Morro Bay.

Stop by the Peddler's Faire in Cayucos.

Cemetery Saturday

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More shots from Destiny's trip to the
Bachelor's Grove cemetery in Illinois.



I'm always fascinated by the aged and weathered stone.



And I find the over-grown greenery and
sense of neglect very poignant.



Wouldn't a rubbing of this one make a
great background for a journal page?

From the Book Shelf

It's here - the fifth book in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series. These books, by Ann Brashares, have become classic summer reads. Wonderful characters, that we follow through high school, college and beyond. I've read them and listened to the excellent audio versions. These are the friends we all wish we had.




Carmen, Tibby, Bee, and Lena - Spend the summer with them, you'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll look back and remember - and you'll never forget.