"Beach Reflections" Digital Triptych

(Double click on the image to see it larger.) Now that Justin is a little older I've had the chance to dive back into my creativity. I love to write, read, listen to music, and be out doors, but art is by far my first love. Besides painting and doing mosaics my next love is digital art. I took a class in college and was amazed with the diversity and creativity it lends itself to. The fact that you can manipulate images and add just about any effect you want is amazing to me. You can make pictures come alive and create a mood that no other medium even comes close to creating. I plan to go back to school in about a year and a half, (when Justin goes to pre-school), to get my degree in studio art, with an emphasis on digital art and design. I'm starting to get excited about finishing a life long dream to get my art degree, but that's another story for another day....

The Story

When the kids and I were up in Oregon this past summer I was determined to out to the beach and hunt for agates. My Grandma used to take me to the beach to go agate hunting when I visited her in the summers, and while I lived in her town for a few years. A visit just wouldn't be the same without a beach outing. So, my Aunt Mimi and Ruthie and I loaded the kids into the car and off we went. We made sure to go when it was low tide, so we had the best chance to see the rock beds. We got to the beach and the wind was whipping so fast it took my breath away. I had forgotten how cold and sharp the Oregon wind can be. But that didn't stop us. My aunts and Sarah looked for agates, and I looked after Justin and got a load full of pictures!

The Process

When I got home and saw the middle image (yellow coat), I knew these pictures were meant for a digital image. At first I was going to make three separate pictures, but decided a single triptych (meaning 3 images), would look best together in the same picture, (thanks for the advice Allison!) I've never done a digital image that turned out so simple, but I'm happy with the crisp lines and simplicity of it. I think my favorite part of the image is the upper left picture. I love the fact that there is a shadow and a reflection in the water at the same time, very cool.

Farmer's Market

This morning we headed off to our local farmer's market to buy some local organic veggies and breathe in the culture we know and love. The market is always set up at our town plaza, right smack dab in the middle of town, surrounded by the charming historic buildings and beautiful landscape of our town. The thing I like the most about our market is the amazing sense of community and culture I feel every time I go. I love being able to see friends I haven't seen in a while, friends I see a lot, and even acquaintances. Today we got to hear our area's best blue grass band, Huckleberry Flint, playing. We know most of the band members, so it was fun to get to come out and support them. The kids love farmer's market just as much as we do if not more. They like to run around and feel all the fruit and veggie textures, (much to the owners dislike at times!), watch the juggling acts and eat the home grown goodness. I love being able to just sit back and watch the sights, and for a moment I forget about all of the weekend's to do lists, chores, and mommy duties and get to soak in the flavor of our quaint little town. Today we filled our basket full to the brim with yummy fruits veggies, and even bought a gallon of locally made chai, yummy stuff. I'm glad I dragged myself out of bed and decided to go today, it was well worth it! (Sarah was here today, but she's in the "don't take my picture" mode now, and I wasn't able to steal any shots, which is why you don't see her here, ah well.)

There it is, our farmer's market in all its glory

Ron checking out the tomatoes he planned to use that night in a mozzarella/basil/tomato dish

Justin asked dad for a honey stick, and of course he got one

I love the look on his face here

Congratulations Honey! (This is the big news)

I'm bursting my buttons with pride over Ron's latest achievement at work. After only about three months in his position at the hospital he has been promoted! He is now the Materials Supervisor for Redwood Memorial Hospital. Way to go babe! He has been told by his bosses that his attitude has changed his department substantially for the better.


I am so proud that he has worked incredibly hard and accomplished so much in such a short period of time. It seems that whatever endeavor he undertakes he pours his heart and soul into, and he manages to make the best of any situation no matter how difficult. From graduating in hopes to become a teacher and not being able to find a teaching position locally, then starting a coffee shop from the ground up and managing it well for two years, to working in hospital management - whatever circumstances life throws at him he is determined to make the best of it. He has been told by people that he "encourages them to be a better person." I am so blessed to be married to such a man of integrity and character! Thanks so much for all of your hard work and dedication to our family Ron, we love you!

To celebrate this great occasion I baked Ron a carrot cake (his favorite kind of cake), and decorated it with our garden flowers. Sarah hand made him a cute congratulations card.

Life Group

Recently we started hosting a life group for our church. We meet once a week at our house and discuss Sunday's sermon, pray, build relationship and eat cookies! It's been great having that mid week fellowship and encouragement, plus we love having people over too. Once a month we have a fun night, so a few weeks ago we lit a fire in our new above ground fire pit and roasted marshmellows and made smores. It was great fun!

Here is our group shot. The guy on the left is Jacob. He is planning to go on the mission field to Brazil in the fall, but he's here in the mean time.

"Violet"

I just finished my latest creation, it's a cute spaghetti strap sun dress. I fell in love with this Amy Butler fabric and knew I had to do something fun with it! I had this vintage embroidered piece and thought it went well with the fabric. I create my patterns, and this one was a bit harder than I had thought. The bodice is completely lined - lots of work, but it turned out well!

"Violet" Size 2T Created from Amy Butler fabric and vintage embroidered piece.

A Berry Fun Day

Yesterday the kids and I went black berry picking at the Arcata marsh and had a great time! The black berries are just getting ripe now, so we didn't get a ton, but I got a good 4 cups worth. I made a cobbler with them that afternoon and used pie crust for the "lid." We took the cobbler over to a friend's house for dessert. Here are a few pics of the day:

Justin on the trail having fun

Look at those beauties!

Mmmm, cobbler

Angel's Trumpet & more blooms

My all time favorite flowers have finally bloomed! I am in love with Angel's Trumpet; they are so beautiful and I love their delicate peachy pink color. Ron just informed me that they are deadly if consumed in large amounts though! So don't let your little ones munch on these beauties. I snapped a few more pics of the other pretty flowers in bloom right now. I love the fact that when one flower stops blooming another one starts!

Blooming Angel's Trumpet

Butterfly Bush - These smell divine!

Sweet Peas - These will add sweet fragrance to an entire room!

I love the coral color of these roses

Sunflowers - I never get tired of them