Another Simple Knit Shawl

Fall begins tomorrow, so we hear. Pope Francis arrives in the US today.

And another, yes another, shawl is in the works. Yarn, courtesy of Knit Picks, all acrylic, which goes against my yarn snobbery instinct for wool.  But it can't be beat for wash-ability.  

Julie chose her colors, neither picture showing up quite as the eye sees the pinks and magenta. The pattern is knitting up quickly.

When I show any knitting project to some of the women residents where Julie lives, they almost always comment on attached knitting markers.  It seems that the little markers catch their eye as much as the colors.  Or perhaps it is merely a conversation starter.

Hobby Lobby had some cute labels in a 9" x 24" panel.  You are supposed to cut them out and attach to clothing, after writing your name on the inside with permanent ink.  Clever.

Our roses have been prolific this year.  And they continue to bloom now.  I picked up several inexpensive glass bottles, vases, for give away rose containers, and it is again time to buy more since those roses just will not give up production.  The cup holders in the car make perfect little containers for the blooms in the little brightly colored glass holders.  The rose leaves are almost half eaten by some critters, so I probably have not been a good steward of feeding them fertilizer and bug killer.  Will rectify that this morning before the clouds roll in.

Pope Francis comes to the US today.  Interesting reads about the pontiff here and here and here (re-branding the faith?).  Gene and I are attending RCIA classes on Tuesday evenings, and there has been some good discussion there.

(almost life-like)

Brush & Palette 2015-2016 Begins Anew

Fall has arrived and it brings a new year to the Grand Junction Brush & Palette organization.

Last week, Sarah Dishong from Interiors, Etc. presented the September program, discussing current framing trends.  She asked that members bring in one finished, unframed piece of artwork so that she could make specific presentation and framing suggestions. Sarah discussed material trends, design and balance for matting and framing.

Sarah suggested the artwork sample above be framed with a lighter frame and either a fillet or white matt to offset the piece.

Trends for the coming  year include:

• using lighter colored fillet or matts so that the painted work is not distracted by colors
• using lighter colors around the artwork in a more neutral hue will not be off-putting to the buyer of the art
• using barn wood for frames has not come back into vogue
• metallic frames are still somewhat dated, not coming back soon
• likewise, colored metallic frames are also somewhat dated
• using lighter creams or whites for fillets/matts are suggested, especially for pieces that one wants to sell

Sarah Dishong, on the left, with Deborah Robinson, Show Coordinator for the Brush & Palette club.  (Picture taken at the Art Center, where monthly shows are held for the Brush & Palette organization.)

left to right: Emilie Olbert, Brooks Powell

Lise MacGregor, pastel artist, won the September Mini-Show

Next month, the Brush & Palette will meet on October 15, again at The Western Colorado Center for the Arts, aka "The Art Center."

The October presentation will be given by Ann Kurtz Chambers, mixed media artist.  Ann will demonstrate techniques of painting on miniature gessoed wood panels with oils.  She will also show how to prepare the wood panel, and show a fun, fast two-stage process that will create an abstract painting.  All are welcome, and we are always on the look out for new members and presenters!

Squint, It Makes Things Prettier

Trying to see things in a better light, here goes another rant. Why is it so difficult to get people to do their jobs?  

After over two months waiting for a physician specialist consult for Julie, the paperwork still has not been forwarded to the gastroenterology group practice.  Every time I have asked about when the specialist would see her, the answer was that it "just takes time" or that "it is in the orders, just wait."  Conceding that the inquiry had been made and we were just waiting for follow-up, I got fed up after waiting over two months with nothing happening. So in tears, I created a minor stir-up at the nurses' station yesterday. Sure enough, the orders were not sent to the physician group by the person responsible for this seemingly minor task.  

And that inhaler Julie asked for three weeks ago?  Still not in hand. Thanks to her diligent nurse, yesterday we at least got some answers and medication now is available for J's asthma.  We shall see if the consultation is forthcoming.

Sigh.  I hated to channel Shirley MacLaine in Terms of Endearment, but, yes, I was ranting.  JUST GIVE HER THE DAMN MEDICINE!  Thank you, Debbie.  Blessings on you. Maybe the consult will come through, also.

Julie asked for red highlights from the beautician at Mesa Manor, similar to Julianne Moore.  She got highlights for sure, but more like Cyndi Lauper...

Just squint...and the red looks softer

I can, with one eye squinted, take it all as a blessing.

The Habit of Being: Letters of Flannery O'Connor