Tag Archives: creative

Neighbors be crafty.

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It started innocently enough with me texting our neighbor this picture.

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She’s a retired psychiatrist who’s taken up stained glass as a hobby. While I appreciate the work that goes into such things, I’ve never been a fan of those run of the mill sun catchers… and the few pieces of her work that I’d seen left a lot to be desired.

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So when I saw that fun pot of glass agave leaves, I passed it along because she’s always looking for ideas. Next thing I knew she was texting me pictures of some of her latest projects…

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And I have to say….

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Her work has come a long way. (That frog!❣️)

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I was so impressed with this owl I offered to buy it, but sadly she had already given him away. But then she sent me this…

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And the husband fell in love, immediately pondering its placement the man cave. While I’m thinking this eagle might be a little large, our neighbor now wants us to visit her studio and browse. She even offered us a custom made piece. How great is that!

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I love my town… Part who cares anymore.

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Our town has come up with some marvelously creative ways to keep kids active and engaged during the Covid months. This is the latest.

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Businesses and public areas are all displaying clues.

In other news, people are offering free treasures.

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Dirty, smoke stained old cups from a discontinued set? Christ, don’t tell my husband.. he’d be on them like white on rice.

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An icicle contest. Most excellent!

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Our big one had grown to 5 feet so I proudly entered it to take the lead…..

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Until Robert showed up.

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Damn you Robert. You and your massive projectile.

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A little out of my league.

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While I adore the Drinking With Chickens blog and Facebook page…

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And was thrilled that the author published a cocktail recipe book…

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Loaded with fabulous birds…

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And beautifully crafted drinks…

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I have to admit her concoctions are a little out of my bartending comfort zone.

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And as much as I’d love to dazzle our friends ( if we ever see them again post plague) with these truly gorgeous creations..

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I fear the barn bar, which will be fully stocked with assorted liquors and accompaniments, will more than likely be devoid of fresh persimmons and kumquat thyme syrup.

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Calendula blossoms and cardamom pods? That might be a bridge too far, even for me.

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Still in love!

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Yeah, yeah… still the husband. Soul mate, best friend, whatever.

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But today I’m talking about critters.

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Whimsical…

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Magical….

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Absolutely adorable….

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Little critters.

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Yes, even the pesky red squirrel.

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And the mice that make their winter nests in our garage.

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The fact that these creatures are ephemeral and disappear with the first gust of wind just makes it bittersweet.

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I’m in love!

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With my husband, yes… of course.

But also with these:

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Gorgeous little masterpieces made with leaves,twigs, blooms and berries.

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Called land art…

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Because as soon as the wind blows?

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They’re gone.

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Each of Bullen-Ryner’s pieces comprises locally sourced and foraged materials. Nothing is glued or tethered, which means her work might only last a few minutes before parts begin to fly away with the breeze. So, why does she choose to work this way? “People often ask me why don’t I make something more permanent or they say it’s such a shame that it’s temporary,” Buller-Ryner shares. “But for me, it is the ephemeral nature of what I do that has become like therapy for my soul. I get to put down all my anxieties, my fears, all the chaos from my brain and turn it into something beautiful to honor Mother Nature. I take some photos and then walk or cycle away, leaving it all behind and feeling calmer, more connected, and truly lighter.

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Such beautiful little treasures.

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Yes.

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I’m definitely in love.

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Admit it….

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You are too!

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Re-created art…. the finale.

 

Here are the last 3 examples I’ll gleefully share with childlike enthusiasm bore you with.

The original…

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The re-creation…

 

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I’m going to go out on a limb and say this fellow might have enjoyed the exercise a little too much.

The original….

 

 

The re-creation…

 

 

Proof positive modern life is lame.

And because this one literally made me snort, I saved it for last.

The original…

 

 

The re-creation…

 

 

Hope you enjoyed these as much as I did.

Because we all need a little more laughter these days.

A limited afternoon series.

 

For the next few afternoons I’m going to be my usual helpful self and give you something to do while you’re quarantining yourself at home like a good viral citizen.

Lately the net has been filled with clever and creative ways to occupy your time…. but I’m going to share one from the Getty Museum that really made me smile.

Since visits to their museum have been cancelled for the near future, they challenged their members to re-create their favorite works of art.

Here are some of my favorites:

The original…

 

 

The re-creation….

 

 

Kudos to this couple.

I don’t know what the hell he put on his head, but damn.

It works.

The original…

 

 

The re-creation….

 

 

I’m not sure Dali would approve, but I’ll give them an A for effort.

And finally, here’s one that’s better seen by side.

 

Brilliant, I tell you!

Simply brilliant.