Give me “Your” Eyes

Do people annoy you?  They do me.  Like today, I was in line ordering my burrito bowl when the guy puts black beans in my bowl.  I didn’t want black beans, I wanted pinto beans.  And when I told him that he didn’t ask which beans I wanted, he was annoyed with me because he had to start over with a new bowl.  I just wanted to lash out and set the guy straight.

And then the other day…

I can’t be addicted

Daggum you Hurricane Sandy!  Being without the internet was hard.  What did you say? I’m not addicted.  Why would you say that?  Who wouldn’t change their clothes three times in one day so that you’re not recognized by the Panera Bread people?  Pfff…  It’s just something I enjoy.  I read the news, the weather, the sports, my daily inspiration, Facebook, funny cat pictures, the Instagrams, and all the DIY blogs I find on Pinterest.   And the videos, I love the videos.  That one about the Sweetie girl who was going out to get a cold pop and thought somebody was BBQing.  Haaaa Haaaa! I die laughing at that one.

Why I'm in New Jersey Part One

Because of the construction economy, Jeff had been working on out of town projects since the first of 2010.   It began when Jeff was talking with my brother who does business with an engineering firm in Boston. They offered Jeff the position of a Utility Safety Inspector for some of their large natural gas pipeline projects. He started in California, Utah, Nevada, and Colorado, and then New Jersey.  So, Scott took over running the company, and anyway there just wasn't enough work to support us.

Peach Cobbler

Now I didn’t can all those peaches this summer for nothing. 

Pumpkin Junction

What we didn’t know when we bought our ticket today on the Black and Western Railroad, was that we needed a kid.  It was a people with kids trip. There may have been clues, OK fine, “pumpkin junction” was our destination.

Plein Air Painting

This fall I am taking a plein air painting workshop here in Stockton.  It is taught by Ty Hodanish at his studio at the Prallsville Mills.  From what Mr. Hodanish said, there has only been one time that he had a student that just couldn’t be taught. Dear Lord, please don’t let me be number two.
Ty Hodanish

Painted Coffee Mugs or Who is “Really” the Most Creative?

My sister in law Cindi and I are both relative newbies to the coffee set and just love talking about all the best ways to enjoy our new little morning friend.  While walking around Ogden, we wandered into a paint your own pottery shop.  Neither of us really needed or wanted to paint a garden frog or chip’n dip, but coffee mugs, why yeah. Let’s stop right here and say that of the two of us, I’m the creative one …we clear on that?  OK, then here’s how it went down.

Temporary Home

One of the ways that I have enjoyed my time in New Jersey is by making this rental loft our home.  The pieces I used were extras or cast offs from our home in Winter Haven.  I finished off the space with a few things people kicked to the curb and spent a couple of dollars on drastically reduced items at Home Goods.  Several of you have asked for pictures, so here you go...

The island was a potting bench that I had on my lanai in Florida and the white dresser was buried in the landlord's garage.

The kitchen...the stools came from my craft room and I chose a new color which I spray painted.

There are chickens in the yard so I painted one of the little ladies.  And I don't know why I felt the urge to do HELLO , but this little cutie now sits on the dresser in my TN guest bedroom.

My artist tool box, had to bring that , and the headboard that divides the living from sleeping space is actually a door turned on it's side.

Weekend at Paper Road Farm

How was your weekend?  Mine started out like this....

Saturday I  had the best time hitting the local flea markets....which

are amazing......

I bought a variety of flowers, herbs, and vegetables to add to my garden.

When I got back home I went inside the farm's little combination potting shed/chicken coop

and I bah-reed some pots.  That's what we say in the south bah-reed and just because I am here in New Jersey, don't think I'll start saying borrowed.

Like my little plant area?   Ah, do....still in southern girl talk.

and the herbs....

 and a shot of the garden....

But hold on, saved the best for last.....I  saw these little guys when I returned from the markets on Saturday.
Did you say Awww in your southern accent?

You'ns Pick?

Last weekend Jeff and I went to our favorite little music spot near our home in Shady Valley, TN.  It is in a little backroads town called Laurel Bloomery, TN.  The Music Hall is located in the old Morefields Country store building.  Seating consists of a collection of cast off sofas and chairs and there is always a crowd so come early for a seat.  Some of the regulars congregate on the front porch and if they don't recognize you they will ask..."you'ns pick"?  This means did you come to join in, because that's how it's done at the Little Ole Opry Store.  The music is down home authentic and if you are fine with a hot dog and some root beer then plan to eat ....I say, nothing finer.

On My Way Back To The Old Home

Afternoon Snow

 These images of Stockton were taken on a snowy afternoon with a slow shutter speed.  I wanted to capture the  old sense of place that is so much a part of this area, especially in the winter. Yes, I did have a hot cup of tea when I returned home. 

New Creation Home Staging - Zen Man Cave

Before

Before

Pictures of first completed project.  The customer wanted to surprise her husband with his own meditation and massage room.  Nice wife, huh?  and how fun? Take a look at the before and after pictures.

The Plan

Now if only the customer would let me try it out...sigh

Snow at Paper Road Farm

1/22/12