Taking Chances

This little gem arrived in my inbox Tuesday:

       Good Afternoon,

Thank you for your interest and submission of your artwork for this year’s Winter Park Art Festival poster. After careful consideration, we regret we are unable to utilize your painting for our event. While we recognize the exquisiteness of your paintings, we appreciate the time you have invested in the application process. We hope that you submit another drawing next year and continue to support our Art Festival.

It was signed by an intern who apparently needs more supervision. Filled with not only errors about my submission, the event is even mis-named! Every year emails are sent out asking for submissions, and every year I send in something. In this case, the event is actually the Winter Park Autumn Art Festival, not to be confused with the Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival, held in the spring. Because it is free to do so, I usually enter something, never expecting to be selected, however, there is always that slim off chance, so really why not? A fall, or Winter Park theme is what they asked for, so this year I sent in a photo of fall leaves which sounds pretty mundane, but is in all actually one of my best photographs. 

I decided to go with something very simple, unlike in the past when I was taking chances with my photographs. Looking through my library for an Angela request,  I realized just how many things I've tried turning into photographic art. My word--take a look at a few of them, taken over the years:

What do you think of the above? I remember getting clay, mashing it all together in what I thought was a pleasing color combination, then mashing the top with either waxed paper, or aluminum foil. 

And who could forget my milk, food coloring, and dishwashing soap experiments?

Here's a funny old one made with letters I bought at Big Lots, using finger painting as the background.

Anything around our home was fair game in those days, including a line up of little glass balls.

Who wouldn't want a photograph of Jelly Bellies?

The light is nice on them though.

I would buy small inexpensive props to use, such as these colorful vases from IKEA. Setting them up on my kitchen floor, using foam core below them, I positioned them under the skylight.

Here's a little gem found in a pack of stickers.

Care to guess what this is?

I can hardly remember how I made this, but as I recall, I cut up construction paper, layering the broken glass from our front door atop the paper, and heaven only knows how I used soap on there. I can make out the bubbles, but for the life of me, I don't remember the process. 

Here's colorful stirring sticks resting on aluminum foil.

I remember sitting on the bathroom floor, underneath the skylight, with tissue paper and a daisy, photographing it on the various colors, as quickly as possible with my little camera, eventually turning it into a collage.

More of our broken glass which I kept in a jar under the kitchen sink for years, thinking of experiments...

One day, while shopping at Ross, I came across a little jar of fish candies on sale--I could not wait to get them home to make some art! 

Actually that experiment has paid off, most of the others have never been seen by anyone but me until now. The above I called, "One of a Kind."

I tried selling this one of a mirror underneath Angela's tree, and I did have loads of folks remark on it, however, eventually I pulled it to make room in my baskets for other silly things!

Most people can hardly believe I take photographs every single day, but I view it as practice. I'm still such a beginner in this trade! 

Connect Four anyone?

I could go on and on, oh wait--I've already done just that!  Anyway, puzzling about why it is that I am accepted into art shows only occasionally, I think my conclusion is thus: I'm a square peg in the round hole of photography. I don't photograph the same thing all the time, I don't use Photoshop, nor do I have "big boy" equipment for the simple reason that I'd have no idea how to operate it! 

Really, I'm just a 60 year old woman having fun with a camera, and if the buying public like what I do, and fortunately it seems as if they do, all the better. Putting this blog post together has been a fun reminder of my journey. Now, to find something weird to photograph today!!! Wish me luck!

Out and About

Everyone knows that I pretty much always have a camera nearby. Perhaps it is my Olympus in my handbag, my Nikon on the kitchen counter or, the Panasonic in my bike basket. You just never know when a picture opportunity will present itself; horror upon horrors, I  should miss one.

Five years ago, when I named my little business, I never expected that the home front would provide such inspiration for my photo taking. In fact, in the early days, most everything I took was indeed, out and about. These days, as you've probably noticed from my blog, I stay closer to home, instead of rising early, early to go on a photo hunt. I'm thinking some of it has to do age, as I'm not quite as limber as I once was, nor do I relish getting up in the dark. You might think I began bike riding because I felt guilty about not exercising, but that couldn't be further from the truth. It was my knees-- once so easy to get down on the ground without hesitation--these days harder to accomplish, so I thought maybe bike riding would help, and it has somewhat. Now all I need to do is incorporate some arm exercises, because, despite being thin, my arms are getting pretty saggy which hasn't kept me from wearing sleeveless clothes, but maybe it should!?

Before we head out and about let's take a look at the promised under the sink clean up, shall we?

Beginning with emptying everything out, I trashed a bunch of stuff whose usefulness had come into question. I threw away some candles that if Isaac does cause us problems, I may regret. As well, I finally put this into the recycling bin:

Do you recall the broken glass door? For two years now I've saved some of the pieces thinking I could put them to use for a photography project which never materialized. Gone now!

We'll see how long this lasts, however, even with my good intentions, oftentimes before long, things are back in disarray.

We haven't discussed the squirrels lately. Rectifying that situation, take a look at their latest acrobatics, giving new meaning to the term, hanging by a thread, or in this case wire!

For the last several weeks they've been content to feast on the budding pine cones, however, after leaving about two hundred empty ones on our yard and in the street, they are back at the feeders. Not, however, the Nuttery, which has been pretty much squirrel-free since I put Vaseline on the little baffler. Woohoo!

Finally, the last of the shots from home, here's a Brown Bud Allamanda, which is aptly named:

So let's see what has interested me in the wider world:

Here's one I've been meaning to show you from when I stopped at the Polasek last week to check on the inventory:

Looks like a cool art installation doesn't it? Apparently they painted all the shovels this bright yellow enabling the volunteers to see them at a ready glance when they are lying in the grass. I suggested they put this display out in the middle of the big front lawn and watch folks reactions. :)

Several friends have mentioned a new little spot on South Orange Avenue, which we tried on Friday night. Cheap food+tiny little space = fun.

The Gnarly Barley, as you can imagine, has lots of beers which as you may also recall, I don't drink. Bruce, on the other hand likes beer, and is always game to try something new. The young server brought him samples, some of which he liked, most he did not. The glasses were cute though.

My friend Kris, who I used to work with at the hospital, arrived with friends, adding to our fun. The owners, 23 year old FSU grads, seem to be making a go of the place as it was nicely crowded. I'm thinking Jonathan and Alissa might like it when they are visiting in December. After the hard week Bruce just finished, it was a nice little diversion.

Lasting, maybe two weeks, all around town the bromeliads were blooming, as in this shot of Lake Gem Mary, which is two doors down from us.

Once they are tired, they lose that great reddish color. but prior to that, it is quite the sight.

Steve and Barb had another get-together last night which is always a good time.

You may remember Bruce's boss Tracy, who was diagnosed with acute leukemia a year ago on the weekend of his wife's 50th birthday party. Happily, his stem cell transplant seems to be working and he's returned to work, cancer-free, albeit 50 pounds lighter.

It has been a very rough go for Tracy and Liz (pictured), but they are hanging in there, and hoping for the best.

Glancing out the window as I type this late Sunday morning, the sky is pale gray and the palms are swaying in the breeze. Yesterday morning Dana called with the news that the city was canceling the market because no one knows how Tropical Storm Isaac will affect us. Time will tell as it always does.

Speaking of time, has anyone read, "A Visit from the Goon Squad "? My, oh my.

Good Question

Tuesday afternoon, while chatting with Petra at the museum, she asked me what I'd been up to for July and August. I drew a blank. Seriously, at that moment I couldn't think of one interesting thing I'd done. Good question Petra. Happily I thought to myself, self--you've got a blog to remind you! It's kind of sad though. There must have been something to report!

A few days ago I tried my best to do something with my jar of saved broken glass:

I agree with you--not all that great. No doubt I'll keep trying.

We now have a holding pen. Say what? Yesterday I made not one, not two, but THREE trips to my new nursery. I'll tell you what, the Element comes in mighty handy when you've got to haul stuff. My first trip we packed twenty 3 gallon plants in the back! Next trip the same. While unloading the plants into our holding pen, I could hear the phone ringing inside the house. Lorraine was calling to let me know they could get the other plants we were looking for sent up on a truck from Miami today if I wanted to come and pay for them. Well, that's just what I did. Three trips=30 miles total. Not bad huh? One trip to Lukas is about that. Because I went over budget on my tile selection I'm looking for ways to make it up. So far, so good.

The plants are so cheery; I just love them! I might as well introduce you to the cast of characters who will be working around here for the next three weeks or so. This way you'll know who/what I'm talking about.

• Mark is the general contractor who is working in Bruce's stead. He'll schedule the workers and find all the sub contractors. 
• Danny is the window guy. He's ordering the windows and will have a crew install them, possibly as early as next Wednesday.
• Mike is the tree guy who worked here a few weeks ago. He'll be removing the plants as well as  grinding the stumps of both the Spanish bayonet and the Schefellera tree. 
• Phil is the pool guy. 
• Bill and Lorraine are the nursery people. You well know that most times I can get anyone to reveal their life story don't you? Yesterday Lorraine told me Bill is 80--no wonder he's a touch cranky. As well, Lorraine had her own story to tell. Makes life interesting.

Here is what Mike will remove tommorrow:

Just a tad overgrown wouldn't you say? There is a house somewhere behind all that greenery that I've not seen for years. Actually, no doubt there will be an adjustment period being able to see the windows from outside, not to mention being able to actually look out the window and not be greeted by a jungle!  This photo may resurface as a comparison shot once things get underway.

Sadly I was mistaken about my swimming schedule. Today will be the final swim before next year. To the far right of the photograph there is one of the stumps that need grinding which will effectively ruin the plumbing, which in turn means that, although Phil won't be starting until a week from Monday, the pool will no longer have filtration after tomorrow. Obviously, I hadn't counted on that.

Remember how I wrote that I had a slew of canvases to sell. I wasn't kidding:

Fortunately three left me on Sunday. As you can see, I still have my green chair! Notice down the hallway into the back bedroom will you? Behind that dresser, a wall unit air conditioner lurks. For some unknown reason, the previous owners elected to leave two wall units in both this bedroom and ours. All these years I've arranged furniture to hide their ugly appearance. Guess what? Next week Mark has someone coming to remove them, fixing both the block outside, and the plaster inside. Woo Hoo!

Yesterday while heading out front with Baxter to retrieve the paltry mail, I found this on our porch:

As you can see, one torn wing, rendered this beauty somewhat helpless. HOWEVER, returning later for a look, it was gone. After observing it slowly scratching it's way across the planks, I've no idea how it went anywhere.

Earning those pesky continuing education points will take up tomorrow at Florida Hospital. At least I won't be taking any tests!

Until next time my friends..........

September 1, 2010

This evening I'm meeting with Mr. Roger to plan the order. I'm trying to edit, I'm trying to edit, I'm trying to edit! Maybe if I repeat it often enough it will sink in?

I don't know about you but I miss snail mail. Yep, I do. I know that sounds old fashioned, but it's the truth. I believe it was Monday afternoon, while working at the computer, the little email notifier popped up with a message from DeLand Art Festival. Great news--I got in! That said, to me there's nothing quite like the anticipation of opening a sealed envelope. Reaching into the mailbox, seeing something in print that's intriguing, and for me, while walking back to the front door, ripping it open. Using our senses, you know? As fast as things are changing I'm sure it will be no time before snail mail becomes obsolete, but that's not a good thing in my book. Lisa is dying to show us all the letters she's saved from our father who died in early 1982. Somehow I can't see our children printing old emails to reminisce over when Bruce and I are long gone. Change may be inevitable, but I don't have to like it, now do I? Originally I'd thought to print this on canvas, however, I'm thinking maybe not.

Before I continue, let me just tell you that I was nearly done writing when I hit the wrong key, deleting everything aside from the previous two paragraphs. Trust me when I tell you that I had a good opening.

The week is flying by with renovation meetings. Mark came by Monday night, staying way longer than I'd anticipated. Silly me. He was here late the previous time! We've scaled back much of the work he was going to do for us at the moment. We are however replacing the glass with stronger, insulated, not to mention tempered glass. Although we've lived here nearly 15 years, accidents happen as we all well know. After watching the front door shatter I can only imagine if the same had happened in the back yard. Instead of crackling, large pieces would be the result.

And speaking of the front door, Mr. Bowles, our pool contractor came by last evening to finalize plans. Last week, while visiting the tile store  with Bill, I found the shiniest, prettiest, most awesome glass mosaic tiles for the pool edge. Mr. Bowles reminded me of my tile allowance which this far exceeds. You know that most excellent husband of mine--he said, sure honey! Anyway Mr. B. went through the house to his truck to get a box of Pebble-Tec samples, the material which will be sprayed on the pool interior. Oops! Apparently he must have shut the door just a bit too hard. Returning via the gate he told us the glass had finally given up the ghost! About two thirds of the glass fell in hundreds of pieces, both in the foyer, and on the front stoop. Broken glass is sure pretty. Bruce, of course, was unafraid to tape what remains of the glass, keeping the rest of it in place for when the glaziers arrive. Hopefully tomorrow!

The trees are done for now. Here's what the guys took away with them, although with how low that truck is sagging, I imagine it was a slow ride!

I lost my momentum with that deletion I'll tell you that much! Tomorrow, on the other hand, is another day. In fact, it's September 2, 2010. Can you imagine?

Inspiration

Can you believe I've never used that title before? Amazing really considering what I've been up to these three years. Well, I'm using it now!

Yesterday while driving to the Polasek I heard a piece on Morning Edition about a Latino children's alphabet book. Hmmmm..........

Previously, the museum never allowed outside events inside the gallery spaces, however, that is all about to change. Or, at least that's what they are hoping. As I've mentioned, the new folks are loaded with all kinds of energy and ideas.Whereas before there was tension in the air, these days people seem genuinely excited. There are a lot of new volunteers for both the gardens and the galleries which will add even more energy. Arriving before 9, I figured it would take maybe two hours. I was wrong!  Here's how things looked with the first set up:

As you can see, I was shooting towards the window which is a bit of a challenge, however, yesterday's overcast skies, and a little later torrential rains, helped somewhat. Cindy is hoping to use some of these for a brochure advertising the space.

Here's the last of  the four set ups:

This one was a bit garish for me but I'm just the photographer so what do I know?

After the photo shoot another volunteer, Susan, arrived to help with the gift shop set up--pricing and whatnot. I finally left around 3:30 only to get stuck in traffic on I-4. I immediately exited onto Orange Avenue, an excellent choice as there was smooth sailing.

I'm not much for talking on my mobile while driving but I hadn't heard from Bill for a few days and wanted to check up on things. He asked if I wanted to stop by after voting, which I was happy to do. While we were chatting the call came through with the offer for a new job, which, although it isn't his dream job, in this economy, a job is a job! I left all kinds of happy.

So, here's my latest screw up--I put my camera card into the CD slot on the side of the iMac. Yes, the brand new iMac! I was left speechless, which was probably just as well because only Baxter would have been listening. How, pray tell did this happen? I'll tell you how. The card slot is about 1/3 inch below the disc slot. I placed my hand on the side and it pretty much just slipped into the wrong place. Apple Care to the rescue!! Placing my call I was prepared to wait forever, however, this time that was thankfully not the case. Although the young man on the other end of the telephone line hadn't heard of such a thing before, he assured me they could remove it at the store. Thus, I'll be heading over to the mall, once again carrying my computer. My appointment is for 2:15 at the Florida mall store. As I type I'm puzzling about what is the shortest route.

Inspiration Gail, isn't that what today's title is? Why, indeed it is. So glad you reminded me.

Returning from a morning walk with Baxter, which by the way was fairly pleasant. He trotted along pretty nicely and if you can imagine the weather was a touch cool. Anyway, it was then that I recalled yesterday's radio story. Why, I said to myself, there's an excellent collage just waiting to be made. Picasa allows you to write text on the photo so I gave it a try. Still needs work, but here's where we are so far:

Q and X were quite a challenge! I still don't know why the fonts are different sizes as I set them all the same....

While typing the above I heard a big popping noise. Jumping up from my chair, I was shocked to discover the front door's middle glass panel was completely cracked and still cracking. Turns out while using the weed eater, Gerry, our yard guy, hit a rock which flew into the window. Seriously, it's astonishing. He was oblivious. I called out to him until he saw what had occurred. As I stood there the sound of it cracking was really something. Very difficult to photograph but this gives you a little idea:

Bruce just happened to call while I was standing there with my mouth agape. He instructed me to put tape on it in a basket weave fashion, however, I was a little reluctant to touch it;  instead I covered both sides with freezer paper in case it started falling out. Wouldn't you just know this would happen when I've got my Apple appointment! Gerry will stop by the glass place and have them contact me for replacement. I'm still in awe. It was really something both watching and hearing the cracks continue one after the other.

Still cracking......