Thinking Orange and Halloween

Thinking Pumpkin here! These are Mac-O-Lanterns from Indestructables.

I wish we had little ones around because I used to love to decorate the house up. It was an all out front porch festival….bales of hay, lights, pumpkins, corn stalks. I just loved it. Now…well, we don’t even have neighbors with kids. Mine are grown. Really, I need to move – this is retirement villa and I’m prepared for adoption. I don’t care if they are the neighbor’s kids….send them here and I will bake cookies. Uh, I can also do carrots if you’re into the vegetarian thing better. And I’m damn crafty and entertaining.

Today an email from Indestructables arrived and reminded me of the whole holiday thing. This reminds me I need to get my “Nightmare” Christmas tree out; but first, about the email. Sometimes they (Indestrucables) just crack me up. I’ve posted a photo from there. They’ve a whole section of Halloween ideas.

I’ve also added a link to one of the best pumpkin carvers I have ever seen. I’d carve one but no one would see it here. Instead I gave money to the local Halloween party given by the Lion’s club. Actually, it’s a huge bash I’ve mentioned before that’s held at the High School.

Enjoy the links…….

Ray Villafane - This is a link to the greatest pumpkin carver of all time! His U-Tube tutorials. This is his site: Villafane Studios

Post Flu....YES!

Where’s Sharon now that she is feeling better. I’ve listed some new lampwork on my site – holiday items. It’s fun to make snowmen while it’s still Fall weather. I doubt I’ll feel that way about January – about then I’ll be making flowers and wishing for Spring.



It’s still clay time too…kind of like play time? Here is the plate full of goodies to go in the kiln for bisque fire. And a photo of the newly fired stuff that just came out. I’m still considering the options for using it. It’s like having a brand new writing tablet and getting that first line drawn on the paper….sometimes it’s just agony. But, once the doodle begins the pages are fair game!







I’m learning some things about packing the kiln. I ruined four pieces when I strung them on kanthal wire too light to hold the weight. The wire bent and the pieces either touched the bottom of the kiln or each other – POOP. Lesson learned. I’ll need to get out Jennifer’s great book again and look some things up. Since I’m only making a small quantity of things to use it would be great not to lose too many.



This is so much fun. I'm hoping to create some mixed media projects when I have an assortment to choose from in metal, clay, and glass.

Snowshoe Cat

Snowshoe was developed by breeder Dorothy Hinds Daugherty in Philadelphia in early 1960. Snowshoe is the result of cross breeding of the American Shorthair with a Siamese cat, and the result is a sturdy cat with white markings on the face, chest and legs. Another farmer, Vikki Olander, write a standard for a new cat and pressing for recognition, achieved in 1974.

Appearance
Snowshoe has bright blue eyes and his head is shaped like a wedge and topped with a medium-size ears are slightly rounded. Snowshoe cat is a cat of medium size with a body type between a strong and muscular, not slender or petite. The fourth leg Snowshoe cat looks like a cat who was wearing white snow boots besides Snowshoe cat's face looks like a mask. Snowshoe cats this age can reach about 12 years.

Coat Color
Snowshoe has a coat with white markings on the legs and the face begins to spread across the forehead and muzzle. Snowshoe short coat comes with a distinctive color-Siam seal, brown, purple, blue, red, cream, cinnamon and brown-and in two patterns, committed and bicolor.

Temperament
Snowshoe is a very active cat and one cat who is not afraid of water. Snowshoe has a shyness of strangers. Snowshoe has a loving personality and loved being around people. Snowshoe usually gets along well with other cats if socialized properly. Snowshoe is an intelligent and trained cats. Snowshoe Snowshoe cats can swim and is like being in high places.

Snowshoe Cat Pictures

Cheetah

The cheetah is one of the big wild cats. The cheetah is the fastest animal in the world, taking only 3 seconds to go from 0 to 60 miles (96 kilometers) per hour.

Even at high speeds, the cheetah is nimble and can make quick and sudden turns in pursuit of prey, using its tail for control.

Cheetahs are known as the most efficient predators in the wild. Cheetah approach prey slowly with its spotted fur camouflaging it among the savannah bushes. When the prey is within range the cheetah will chase and pounce quickly. This animal is quite smart with its ability to detect the weakest animals. The cheetah will need to end his hunt quickly because it is a sprinter, not an endurance runner. But the speed at which the cheetah runs down its prey usually results in the prey tipping over and falling, which leaves its throat vulnerable for the cheetah’s killing bite. Cheetah hunts last usually less than a minute.

Cheetah have a short and coarse yellow fur with round black spots measuring 2-3 cm. The coat is a very effective camouflage when the cheetah is hunting.

Cheetahs have a small head with high eyes. They have a pattern of "black tears" from the inner corner of each eye down the side of the nose to the mouth to keep sunlight out of the eyes and to assist in hunting and seeing long distances.

Cheetah females usually have a litter of three kittens and live with them for one and a half to two years. Young ones spend the first year learning from their mothers and practicing the techniques of hunting through playing games. Male cheetahs live alone or in small groups, often with their littermates.

Most wild cheetahs are found in Eastern and Southwestern Africa. Perhaps only 7,000 to 10,000 of these big cats remain, and those are under pressure as the wide-open grasslands they favor are disappearing at the hands of human settlers.

Cheetah Family

Cheetah Face

Cheetah Running High Speed

Sunday Silly

I'm feeling much more like myself again. The cold, aches, and boiling fevers are gone...whew! So now I'm just pondering what to do with my day. I have made some clay beads to add to my lampwork but they haven't even reached the kiln for the first firing. I'll get some photos of the stages they go through later.

I had a good laugh at myself - Jennifer Heynen is such a great teacher and wonderful artist. She posted the new photos of her studio and gallery on line. In the photos you can see the racks of air drying items getting ready for the kiln and all of her luscious hand painting. When I go in my kitchen - - - - I see my paper plate of drying items.....LOL. I'm such a geek.

But, at least, I'm a nerd without the flu!

American Pitbull Terrier

American pitbull terrier comes from a fighting dog breed and is popular in the late 19th century. These dogs are deliberately bred as fighting dogs during those times and was quite a spectacle during the reign of England's Queen Victoria.

In fact, the American pitbull terrier is a purebred (a breed that has not been crossed with any other breed). The present American pitbull terrier dog is "The Original Bulldog" which has existed since the 15th century and is the next generation of Molossus, a popular dog breed back in the Roman times.

• American Pitbull Terrier Appearance

The American pitbull terrier has a stout body and muscular built on the outside with strong bones on the inside. It's head shape resembles a brick - and it looks like one too, tough. Their ears stand upright and their eyes are relatively close together. They have smooth and short hair making them easy to maintain and manage. The American pitbull terrier's coat usually comes in white or brown with a distinctive marking of another color on the head, feet, and part of the tail.

• American Pitbull Terrier Temperament

American pitbull terriers are very intelligent dogs. They are very loyal dog and will always strive to please their owners. The APBT is also sweet, full of curiosity, clever, and is an attention seeker. They have a tendency to be aggressive with other dogs and animals but generally not to humans. The American pitbull terrier has a submissive nature and they are naturally suitable for use as guard dogs given their cunning ability to detect the bad from the good.

• American Pitbull Terrier Care

Because they are short-haired, American pitbull terriers do not need frequent washing of their coats. They can be bathed as needed.

American Pitbull Terrier Pictures

 American Pitbull Terrier Video

******FLU******Get Your Shot!

No, didn't fly anywhere. It's the flu. Get your flu shots. I got the flu on Sunday (I have not been sick in over four years). Okay, I'm lucky - I take precautions. Washing hands is no problem. Getting shots - no problem but I hadn't done that yet Unfortunately, Sunday the FLU knocked me right on my ass and has not been letting up.

Last night I felt a little better so I started to work on some wax pieces I want to cast in brass to go with the ceramics. I was able to drag a brush across a few bisque pieces. Okay, I said to myself, "you're a little weak but this is a 24 bug and on its way out the door."

I guess flu didn't get the message and today I had a fever spike to 102. I felt like the princess and the pea. I had plenty of cushions, blankets, and pillows. Still I could feel the awfulness of my aching shivering body.

Tonight the fever has broken.

Can tomorrow be the demise of this miserable stuff? I hope so.

Or, tomorrow some people in white coats could show up at my house and take me away - maybe even my Turkey. If a Flu Virus was a bead - well it would be pretty....but in a body with it's prickly things just working away on you - it's not. I've been watching to much SciFi while on the couch.

Enjoy the photos - This is the enemy! Wash your hands and get a flu shot.

Africa National Park

In Africa there are many different species of animals and their whereabouts are still growing, although some populations declining numbers of certain animals. Therefore animals in Africa are protected by the government, even from other countries like America, Autralia and the other countries involved to help and preserve the animals that still live in Africa. In Africa there is a huge zoo of "Kruger National Park" located in southern Africa, where "Kruger National Park" is the largest zoo in Africa. The animals in the zoo's nearly all been terbisa with humans so that they are tamed, although when we visited in which we must obey the rules made by the zoo, so that does not happen it is in want, because basically animals have a wild nature.

Cheetah in feed by pungjung in Kruger National Park, Africa.

Walk with young lion

Meet the elephant in the Kruger National Park

Bison population

Rhinos eat on the road in Africa National Park

Population of hippopotamus were swimming

Meet with a lion who was walking across the street.

Giraffes

Lion

And many more animals are very interesting, such as reptiles, insects, aves species ect.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Pembroke Welsh Corgi originated from South West Wales. It is believed that the ancestors of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi were brought into Wales by the Flemish Weavers in the 10th century. The 'Pem' (as the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is affectionately known) is one of the two types of Welsh Corgi, the other one being the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, believed to have come from the same ancestor with the Dachhunds. It is also believed that the Pembroke Welsh Corgi shares the same ancestry as the progenitor of the Keeshond, Pomeranian, Schipperke and Swedish Vallhund.
Welsh Corgis (also translated in Welsh as "dwarf dogs") were used as farm guardians, and eventually became sheep and cattle herders—a role they still play to this day. Today, owing to their intelligence and sociable instinct, Welsh Corgis primarily act as companion dogs. Ask the Queen of England—she has 16 Pembrokes. Welsh Corgi's Appearance Pembroke Welsh Corgi dogs are long bodied, with short legs, large erect ears (with a head like a fox's) and no tail (due to being naturally docked or docked at an early age). Eye color generally depends on coat color. If a Pem has light coat color, the eye color is rather bright and vice versa. Welsh Corgi's Temperament Pembroke Welsh Corgi are famous for their barking, so these dogs are very suitable for use as guard dogs. Pembroke Welsh Corgi dog are not aggressive in nature, so they don't need to be chained. Pembroke Welsh Corgi are ranked as the 11th most intelligent dog in Stanley Coren's The Intelligence of Dogs—they are actually intelligent enough to allow you to think that you are the boss. This, combined with their eagerness to please their masters, makes Pembrokes easy to train. Their sense of humor make them popular with everyone—they always want to be close with humans and cannot resist every chance to play with people or with other dogs. They make obedient, protective, active family members—especially around small children. Welsh Corgi's Grooming Despite their full furry appearance, Pembroke Welsh Corgi are very easy to maintain and require no more than simple fur brushing and combing twice a week to remove dead fur. They only need to be bathed when necessary. Welsh Corgi's Health Being around people most of the time, Pems have a tendency to be obese, which will later put pressure on their long spines.

Friendly nature of the Pembroke welsh corgi dog.

Pembroke welsh corgi pictures

Pembroke welsh corgi dog wallpaper

A color blast of Ceramics

Fall gets me all colorful - can't help it - we all know my favorite color is orange. So here I am looking out the window and decide with all of this color going on outside I ought to try a little inside. If DH wasn't such a "neutral" kind of guys the walls would be a color riot.

Clay is interesting addition for me. I'm still not over the texture and getting it all over my hands. It's okay to work with. It's not okay as it dries on my hands - ick! I prefer wax work for casting or making lampwork. But, I like the colors you can get with glazes and it a kind of "glass".

I was taught how to do this from Jennifer Heynen (Jangles) at the Bead and Button Show one year. I thought it would be useful to mix with glass beads in necklaces and other things - heavy on the bead work and not a copy of Jennifer's incredible work. More like a variation on a theme and definitely not a wholesale item.

These are fun - colorful. I guess when it's fall and bright you want to capture that last flower and make it last until spring has returned you mimic the colors. I'm going to be doing some riveting - maybe some waxed linen knotting. Truly I'm not quite sure how it's all going to go together but I know I'll never get there if I don't get some components ready. Wish me luck!

Street Art

I've just been enjoying the weather, creating drawings, and getting the leaves raked up. What I miss right now is being in Detroit. I am the city girl at heart. Alley's intrigue me - although since I'm not one of Charlie's Angels I don't wander down to many. Ah, memory lane.....

Part of what I miss are the great sporting events. Wow, the Detroit Tigers against the Texas Rangers. Baseball at it's finest right now - equally matched teams makes for a great sporting event. My Dad took me to games - a lot.

Another thing I miss - street art. People do crazy things with their environment. I even like gang signs and graffiti. Although it would be nice if it weren't done as an act of destruction. But then, if it was less destructive they'd be more like the Rotary or Moose.

I added some great street art photos here....fun stuff. You have to love how creative people can be.




Aren't these inflatable sculptures just the greatest? Created with garbage bags and left on subway grates or where there is wind. Love it!

Skye Terrier

Skye terrier is one of the most ancient terrier. Skye Terrier originated on the island of Skye off the west coast of Scotland. Skye terrier dog was first developed to kill pests breeding, hunting raccoons, otters, and foxes.

Skye terrier came to prominence in the 19th century. Skye terrier dog famous for this dog symbolizes fidelity.

but the history of the Skye Terrier is still debated. Some believe that the Skye Terrier originated from the story of a shipwreck. It is estimated that in the 1600s, a Spanish ship from crashing into the stone from the island of Skye. When this happens, the victims included a Maltese dog who later married the local terriers.

• Appearance

Skye Terrier has a double coat, undercoat shorter and softer as well as hard and straight upper mantle. Skye Terrier is a beard and around the mouth and face are fine.

Skye Terrier is a powerful and agile dog with strong bones and muscles strong. Long double coat and excessive hair around the face Skye Terrier serves to protect them from injury and bad climate.

coat color is the Skye Terrier, Blue, Black, gray, brown, silver, or cream with black muzzle, ears and tail tip, is preferred. Skye Terrier has a height of about 10 inches. Skye Terrier male body weight between 35-40 pounds, while Skye Terrier female about 25-30 pounds.

because a lot of fur fur Skye Terrier then this should be frequent in the brush.

• Properties

Skye Terrier is a dog that has properties very kind, loyal, polite, full of love. Skye Terrier is a bold and vibrant dog. Skye Terrier can be a little stubborn. Skye Terrier can socialize well with different people.

Skye Terrier is a loyal dog to his own family. Skye Terrier is not friends with anyone and would prefer people to take their time in approaching him. Skye Terrier dog that is reserved and cautious toward strangers, qualities that make it very nice to be made in watchdog. Skye Terrier is a dog that is sensitive but does not comply with his own thoughts. Skye Terriers always wanted to be part of the family and will become bored, deliberate, and unhappy if ignored. Skye Terrier need socialization to help ensure that you grow into a Skye Terrier dog either.

Size Skye terrier dog

Skye terrier dog is very nice if we train a smart dog, but his appearance is funny and interesting dog will be able to be a friend to play with children, as well as a guardian of children, gathered around a child who dispersed around the house.

Trolling Along

Last year while at Faerie Con and talking to Brian Froud he mentioned he was on his way to Abram's (his publisher) after the festival. A new book it seems will hopefully be about Trolls. How exciting a character to be writing about and illustrating. Since Faerie Con is virtually here I've been pondering that conversation and thinking about the Trolls.

This conjures up some great reverence and laughter. Since I live in Michigan - the "Mitten State", as it's referred to, sometimes people forget we have a whole Upper Peninsula that isn't shaped like a mitten at all. Here - below the Mighty Mackinac Bridge we call the people who live in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan "Yoopers". Well, actually - they also refer to themselves that way. My DD attended Northern Michigan University and delightfully called herself that too. She even picked up the lingo. For example, "We're having nice weather, eh?" Lot's of people up there of Finnish and Swedish decent.

Okay, so I am on my own merry memory lane here...let's get to the Trolls. If you live below the bridge we are called "Trolls". LOL.

Anyhoo - I decided I ought to attempt a few Trolls in honor of that conversation and my honorary position as "troll in residence." These are fun!