Old Stuff

If you’re an old typewriter fan like me, isn’t the header photo today just the most fabulous thing you’ve ever seen? It would be fun to have those on a wall in the home office, right here in Gretna. Trouble is, they’d have to go in my craft room downstairs. Up here, I have other things. Such as:

When the Babe painted this room, I ordered all these stencils to adhere to the walls. I didn’t know I’d begin writing, thus making this not only a sewing room, but an office/studio for writing too. I’m working towards incorporating a shipping department in here, too, to ship off my books when folks order them. I’m looking ahead with positivity, and that’s what I see. I do have a couple pictures to hang, like the antique typewriter with the magnolias on top of it. I’d certainly buy some more little doo dads that reflect that if I come across any.

I saw this the other day, and it made me smile. It’s from the Typewriter Guy’s Facebook page. He does some rather fine things, check him out! Also, a fellow named Topher Kearby does typewritten verses, sayings, etc. on original artwork. I like his work, too. Check his beautiful renderings out, too. I enjoy his work, also.

Goldie wore a path in the grass playing fetch.

We had an absolutely delightful time on the deck this morning. The Babe was out there earlier than me, and he reported seeing a huge owl flying out from the trees, the height of the shed, and fly south and back into the trees. I so wish I could have seen it! We had three pots of coffee in the two hours we lollygagged and dawdled around before getting ready for the day. It was so nice. With him doing what he does at the Post everyday, we don’t get that extended, uninterrupted time together too much. Those are the best times, aren’t they? Impromptu hours that could go on forever? I think so.

Goldie wore quite a path in the grass from a whole spring and summer playing fetch, hasn’t she? She plays at least three times a day. I swear, she can run down the steps from the deck to the yard, pick up her toy, then run to the outer edge of the yard, by the fence, and back up the stairs and eventually give it to you to throw again, upwards of a hundred times. Sometimes, she’ll stop and go potty, but not often, then back to the business of playing. It’s wonderful to see a dog so healthy and happy.

It’s going to be a busy weekend for us. We have plans to take care of a lot of stuff at home we haven’t had time to do this summer. Some deep cleaning, then we’ll be good to go. And of course, my writing, my quilt, hanging my kimonos, and all the good stuff. First action after this post, it’s clean up my work surface my Chromebook is on, and all the papers, books, folders, etc. A straightened up work area makes the work go better.

My conference with Sam, the book coach, went well. I seem to go in and out of a good writing mode. I still try and cram so much backstory in, it distracts from the story’s message. I need more discipline and practice, so that is what the next two weeks will be about. I hope my brain can empty itself once we do the chores around the house I’ve been neglecting. Just dusting and a little shining things up, we’ll be good. It’s tough with two dogs, but they live here, too. I expect dog hair and dander. I’d rather have them than a spotless house. They’re good for our hearts and souls.

I hope you all have a safe weekend. Don’t get the COVID-19 virus from too much togetherness at gatherings this long weekend. The safer we make each other, the sooner we can put this behind us. Whenever the vaccine is made available, things will look up. Let’s make sure it’s real before we set out hearts on it. Disappointment will not be good at this point. I feel so badly for the people who feel forgotten and deserted in the nursing homes. They give up, and have a high mortality rate. Send a note, card, whatever you can, make a call. Do something for those old folks who gave us the world.

Until I see you tomorrow, thank you for reading today. I appreciate your interest and support so much. It helps more than you realize. Stay safe, be polite, appreciate the hot but beautiful weather.

Rainy to Sunny Wednesday

We’ve had all sorts of weather already today. Rain, chilly breeze, and now it’s partly sunny day. Great week is on tap. We have a wedding on Friday, so the weather will cooperate for the beautiful bride and her groom. This couple was fortunate, their wedding and reception was not postponed or cancelled due to COVID-19. Her sister’s was, and they will have their reception next month. It all works out.

We’re kind of wondering what to do with ourselves. Gavin’s Mom took vacation from today until next Thursday, so we won’t get to have him today or next week. Hard to believe school is starting. He and his sister attend Papillion/LaVista schools, so they are taking the plunge, right back to a full schedule, onsite, masked, no lockers for older kids. I think they need it, psychologically. They need the safety of school, the friendships, the learning to get along with others in a large group, and the learning you can only have in a classroom. The impromptu discussions that happen randomly are important to learning, too. Sometimes you get more from those than from textbooks. My only hope is for all students and teachers, staff, aids, resource officers and the like to have a safe year.

Tomorrow is my conference with my book coach. I shared my list of books I’ve purchased randomly to learn about writing, publishing, Legalities of self-publishing, etc. The list is about 30 books. So much to learn! I also have a GREAT COURSES class on writing. I forgot I had it, I only watched the one I bought about drawing. Time to rotate the writing one out to the DVD player.

Way back in the old days, before we knew about COVID-19, I ordered some cute paint by number canvases. Didn’t realize they came from China. Never got them, I emailed them frequently to let them know I had not received what I paid for yet. Finally, this week, they arrived. I think they look like a lot of fun. These will be a winter project for sure. Here they are:

This is for my granddaughter Kayla’s room.

This one is for our home.

It’s the time of year again the butterfly bush is huge right outside my studio window. The Painted Lady butterflies are beautiful! It makes me feel calm, sometimes there are ten or more lighting on it. Such a sight. We have a bush that is nearly as large as the butterfly bush. It has large leaves, had a few little white flowers in the spring. The fall and winter isn’t supposed to have red berries. We’ll see what it does this year. It may end up transplanted to the back, near the Wetlands. The Hydrangeas are almost large enough to place in the front flower bed as well. We’ll see how the Babe feels about it. Fall is the best time to transplant all this stuff, I think.

Today is a take it as it comes day. I’m going to work on my quilt again. It should go well. Hopefully, photos tomorrow! Stay safe out there, wash up and mask up. The kids need us to all cooperate, so they can learn, feel safe, and get on with their education. Be Kind, Be Thoughtful, Be Courteous. Your day will go much better. See you tomorrow!

Oh Honey, You Have No Idea!