Creativity, Crafts, Books, Movies, Greyhounds & Favorite Things

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This is a difficult book with a complex structure; but if you love a challenge, Absalom, Absalom! will reward you handsomely.  William Faulkner created the fictional world of Yoknapatawpha County, Mississippi, the setting of several of his novels and short stories, including Absalom, Absalom!.  It’s here that you’ll get a taste of the legacy of the antebellum South…honor, heritage, the burden of the past, the Civil War, race, gender and class.  It’s the complicated story of the rise and fall of Thomas Sutpin and his dynasty; and through the story of this man, lies an allegory of the Old South.  Absalom, Absalom! is a masterpiece. 

 Art Every Day Month – Day 12

 

 Variegated Yarn Vase II

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This movie made me consider a historical character in a new way.  Opulent and visually stunning, Marie Antoinette not only lets you see the excess of the French court before the revolution, it allows you to see it with contemporary eyes through the use of 80’s New Wave music and energetic cinematography.  What makes this tragic fairy tale truly interesting, is the empathy you feel for Marie Antoinette, a teenage girl who was sent to the French court to marry a young boy who should never have been king.  Directed by Sophia Coppola, Marie Antoinette captures this ill-fated life in a fascinating manner.

This week, in addition to the Art Every Day Month challenge, I’m participating in Mayzie’s Rescue Me Week challenge.  Mayzie is the author of the most brilliant, Mayzie’s Dog Blog, and she is going to have a drawing on or about November 16 and award 5 rescue groups $100 each!  Mayzie is doing this in honor of her Grampa J who’s love of animals inspires his family to this day.  I’m playing for Allies for Greyhounds of West Michigan, the group who rescued Freedom, Casper and Nikki.  This is the final day of the challenge and today, I’m featuring Preakness Prince (aka Prince).

Prince is currently in a foster home, and here’s what his foster mom has to say about him:

“Prince…oh he’s just so sweet and loving and playful. He loves to be near his people. He has a spot right next to my computer chair that he likes to lay in. He occasionally stands up every once in a while waiting for you to pet him. He’s learning the house routine very quickly. He doesn’t mind his crate and has been crated for 8 hours with no problems. He pottys on lead, gets along with all the other critters here…lizards, fish, dogs, cats. He loves to go for rides and tolerates grooming very well (bath, nails, ears). He can sometimes be a bit unsure at first, the first day he was here he was a bit unsure, by the second he was playbowing at me to play with him. It just takes him a few to warm up…but don’t let that deter you…This Prince can’t wait to meet his new royal family!”

To find out more about Prince and other Greyhounds waiting for their forever homes, go the the Allies for Greyhounds of West Michigan website, click “Adoptable” on the left-hand side and scroll down the list.  If a dog is in foster care, you can click on their picture and you’ll see a link that says “Foster Profile.”  The Foster Profile will give you even more information about that particular dog.  Found one you want to join your family?  Click on the “Apply” link on the left-hand side and fill out an application.

 Art Every Day Month – Day 11

 

Variegated Yarn Vase

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Inspiration:

Martha Stewart – Button Wreath Ornament

 

 

Supplies:

Wire ( I used 22-gauge green floral wire)

Needle-nose pliers

Buttons (I used about 50)

Scissors

Ribbon for hanger and bow (I used rattail for my hanger)

1.  Cut a length of wire.  I cut a length of 6 inches.  Using the pliers, make a loop at one end of the wire.

2.  String on the buttons.

3.  Using the pliers, bend the straight end of the wire around the looped end.  Attach a length of ribbon for the hanger.

4.  Tie on a pretty bow, and it’s all done.

Like the Buttons Christmas Picture, you can do these big or small.

This week, in addition to the Art Every Day Month challenge, I’m participating in Mayzie’s Rescue Me Week challenge.  Mayzie is the author of the most awesome, Mayzie’s Dog Blog, and she is going to have a drawing on or about November 16 and award 5 rescue groups $100 each!  Mayzie is doing this in honor of her Grampa J who loved and cared for animals all of his life.  I’m playing for Allies for Greyhounds of West Michigan, the group who rescued Freedom, Casper and Nikki.  Today, I’m featuring Hank Moody (aka Moody).

Moody is currently in a foster home, and here’s what his foster mom has to say about him:

“Moody is a shy boy at first. It took him a few weeks to really come out of his shell. He’s a very happy, playful boy now. He loves his toys, he loves pets from the humans, and he‟ll approach me for attention. He gets along great with the other animals here (dogs, cats, lizards and fish). He also doesn‟t mind being crated for a typical work day so he’d do well in a working family. He walks nicely on leash, but the outside world still spooks him at times. He hasn‟t had any accidents in the house and is starting to use his “Alligator Snap” more often now. He’ll need a fenced in yard in his home simply because he’s still a bit spooky at sudden noises, especially on walks. He’s a sweet, lovey boy that can‟t wait to find a family.”

To find out more about Moody and other Greyhounds waiting for their forever homes, go the Allies for Greyhounds of West Michigan website, click on “Adoptable” on the left-hand side and scroll down the list.  If a dog is in foster care, you can click on their picture and you’ll see a link that says “Foster Profile.”  The Foster Profile will give you even more information about that particular dog.  Found one you want to join your family?  Click on the “Apply” link on the left-hand side and fill out an application.

 Art Every Day Month – Day 10

 

Green Yarn Vase

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Uri Geller is a Greyhound owner.  His Greyhound’s name is Barney.  Uri Geller was born in Israel and is most know for his trademark television performances of spoon bending and other psychic effects.

 

Uri owns a 1976 Cadillac adorned with thousands of pieces of bent tableware given to him by celebrities and pieces that have significance to him.  He lives in England and is a supporter of many charities, including Greyhound charities. 

Uri Geller’s website has more pictures of him and Barney, along with his other pups…Chico the chihuahua and Joker the wire-haired terrier.

On November 7, Uri tweeted, “Our Barney is not well, he has been in and out of hospital please send him your prayers and healing.”  Hope you feel better soon, Barney!

This week, in addition to the Art Every Day Month challenge, I’m participating in Mayzie’s Rescue Me Week challenge.  Mayzie is the author of the most extraordinary, Mayzie’s Dog Blog, and she is going to have a drawing on or about November 16 and award 5 rescue groups $100 each!  Mayzie is doing this in honor of her Grampa J who had a big heart for animals.  I’m playing for Allies for Greyhounds of West Michigan, the group who rescued Freedom, Casper and Nikki.  Today, I’m featuring Jim Lotus (aka Jimmy).

 

Jimmy is currently in a foster home, and here’s what his foster mom has to say about him:

“Jimmy is a very energetic and lovable boy. He is one of the more active fosters that we’ve had but he’s also one of the youngest. He loves to play with people and other dogs and does well with everyone he comes in contact with. He’s adjusting to the home well and is learning quick. He’s learning how to climb stairs and getting better with house manners each day.” 

To find out more about Jimmy and other Greyhounds waiting for their forever homes, go the the Allies for Greyhounds of West Michigan website, click on “Adoptable” on the left-hand side and scroll down the list.  If a dog is in foster care, you can click on their picture and you’ll see a link that says “Foster Profile.”  The Foster Profile will give you even more information about that particular dog.  Found one you want to join your family?  Click on the “Apply” link on the left-hand side and fill out an application.

 Art Every Day Month – Day 9

 

Blue Yarn Vase

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This month is a special twist on 4 Faves – Friends Version.  Every week, I have special guests who will share their favorite things…4 pet and 4 people things.  Today, I’d like to introduce you to one of my newest friends, Declan (also known as Deccy), author of Declan’s Dogs Blog.  Deccy was born in Ireland, but raced and retired in England.  I first visited Deccy’s blog after I noticed a particularly funny comment he left on another blog.  I’ve been a follower of his ever since.  Without further ado, I’m pleased to introduce, Declan.

Hi everyone, Miss Lori has kindly asked me to guest blog on the 4 Faves spot. Mum wasn’t around, so I’ve used my initiative (always dangerous…) to come up with her  favourites as well. Anyway, me first!

My Pillow

This is me getting comfy on my sofa with my pillow. It’s all soft and filled with feathers. Well, I wouldn’t want to get a stiff neck!

Chicken Roll

My view of chicken roll: It’s really smelly and mushy and sticky and gorgeous. I LOVE it!
Mum’s view of chicken roll: It’s disgusting and foul and has never been within a mile of a real chicken. It should be banned!
Mum just has no taste. Hehe!

Wine

Obviously I’m not allowed this. a) it’s not good for me, and b) I’m not old enough to drink. Fortunately Mum sometimes forgets and puts her glass on the floor whilst watching TV, which means I can sneak up (not easy when you’re my size) and steal some! Hic! Clearly I am a Greyhound with sophisticated tastes.

KC

This is my cat KC. I love cats…but I’m not sure I could eat a whole one…Mum says I WILL learn to love her (and she has a bit of a nasty glint in her eye when she says it.) Now what is that chant she’s told me to repeat?? ” I will not pin the cat against the wall…I will not pin the cat against the wall…”

Now for Mum’s list compiled by me…

India

Mum loves to travel; she’s been all over the place. As long as she realises she’s not going anywhere without me! This is a picture over looking the tea plantations in the Western Ghats, Tamil Nadu in southern India. India is Mum’s favourite country.

Cooking & Curry

Mum loves cooking  and a real favourite in our house is curry. We have great access to Indian and Pakistani grocery stores, so spices and fresh ginger, chili and coriander are readily available and cheap. This is a Karhai Gosht with a vegetable samosa. I’m hoping she might forget and put this on the floor as well. Hehe!

Declan

Well, a list of Mum’s favourite things has got to have me in it. Nuff said!!

The Local Pub

This is me in the beer garden of our local pub, The Hare & Hounds. Mum likes to spend an hour or two (or 3 or 4…) here on a summer afternoon, chatting with friends and indulging in the odd pint of beer. I like it too as I usually get a pig’s ear.

Thank you, Deccy!  On a side note…when I asked Deccy to be one of my guest bloggers, he very quickly emailed me his guest post and pictures.  You might be interested to know that in between the time Deccy sent me his guest post and today, he experienced a little weakness and didn’t heed his own good advice.  Check out this post to see what happened when Deccy decided to pin KC to the wall.  Hope you’re all healed up, Deccy!

This week, in addition to the Art Every Day Month challenge, I’m participating in Mayzie’s Rescue Me Week challenge.  Mayzie is the author of the most fabulous, Mayzie’s Dog Blog, and she is going to have a drawing on or about November 16 to award 5 rescue groups $100 each!  Mayzie is doing this in honor of her Grampa J who loved animals all his life.  I’m playing for Allies for Greyhounds of West Michigan, the group who rescued Freedom, Casper and Nikki.  Today, I’m featuring Dave Conrad (aka Dave).

Dave is currently in a foster home, and here’s what his foster mom has to say about him:

“This guy will make a great addition to any type of family. I think he would do well as a single dog or with a pack. He likes everybody, sweet natured, happy and trusting. I think he will be fine with kids because he likes to play. He settles down quickly when told to do so.”

To find out more about Dave and other Greyhounds waiting for their forever homes, go the the Allies for Greyhounds of West Michigan website, click on “Adoptable” on the left-hand side and scroll down the list.  If a dog is in foster care, you can click on their picture and you’ll see a link that says “Foster Profile.”  The Foster Profile will give you even more information about that particular dog.  Found one you want to join your family?  Click on the “Apply” link on the left-hand side and fill out an application.

 Art Every Day Month – Day 8

 

Burnt Orange Yarn Vase

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I started writing What Remains Now in January 2011.  One of my dreams for writing a blog was to get back in touch with my creative spirit.  Every Monday, I’ve been exploring that quest.  Currently, I’m working my way through Creative Time and Space by Ricë Freeman-Zachary.  This week’s reading was “Stuck in Time: When You Need a Tow Truck to Get Out of a Rut.”  Ricë talks with the featured artists in the book about what happens when there are no ideas, no spark.  Some of the artists didn’t know what this felt like.  Their concerns dealt more with an overabundance of ideas.  But some of the artists did struggle with this problem and offered up suggestions on how to ride out the dry spells.

One of my favorite quotes from this chapter was from Theo Ellsworth,  “As I see it, we as artists have an ongoing working relationship with our own imaginations, and with any long-term–life-long–relationship, there’s going to be a waxing and waning.  The big thing is to just keep showing up.  When you’re making a long journey on foot, you’re going to hit some rugged terrain, some beautiful vistas and some desolate, muddy vacant lots.  All of this becomes valuable when you see it all as part of the creative process.  And your work can only become richer for having stuck with it.  I feel like our own art is always trying to tell us something, and doing the work is the act of listening.”

I consider myself a “baby” artist.  I’m still trying to figure out who I am and what I’m doing.  I do know one thing about myself; I need structure.  Currently, I’m participating in a challenge called Art Every Day Month.  This has been surprisingly good for me.  It has “forced” me to produce something every day.  Good, bad or indifferent, I have to make something every single day.  I can see very clearly that if I am to be successful, I have to work within a structure; but I want to keep in mind that the most important thing is that I keep showing up.

This week, in addition to the Art Every Day Month challenge, I’m participating in Mayzie’s Rescue Me Week challenge.  Mayzie is the author of the most excellent, Mayzie’s Dog Blog, and she is going to have a drawing on or about November 16 and award 5 rescue groups $100 each!  Mayzie is doing this in honor of her Grampa J who was a great lover of animals.  I’m playing for Allies for Greyhounds of West Michigan, the group who rescued Freedom, Casper and Nikki.  Today, I’m featuring Vandyke.

Vandyke is currently in a foster home, and here’s what his foster mom has to say about him:

“Vandyke is a sweet boy that’s waiting for a family. He loves to play with his toys. He likes to go for rides and rides great in the car. He walk nicely on leash and crates just fine when I’m working. He also has the world’s biggest smile when he’s happy. He smiles at me whenever I let him out of his crate in the morning or when I come home from work. That accompanied by his vigorously wagging tail tells you he’s so excited to see you! He’d do well with larger dogs and wouldn’t mind not having a yard-He’ll potty on lead very nicely. He’s a sweet boy that despite his age will make a wonderful family a wonderful pet. He’ll be waiting patiently for a lucky family to take him home!”

To find out more about Vandyke and other Greyhounds waiting for their forever homes, go the the Allies for Greyhounds of West Michigan website, click on “Adoptable” on the left-hand side and scroll down the list.  If a dog is in a foster home, click on their picture and you’ll see a link that says “Foster Profile.”  The Foster Profile will give you even more information about that particular dog.  Found one you want to join your family?  Click on the “Apply” link on the left-hand side and fill out an application.  I highly recommend adding a Greyhound to your life.

 Art Every Day Month – Day 7

 

Purple Yarn Vase

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Back in September, I was thinking about what What Remains Now will look like in 2012.  For some reason, I can’t link back to that specific post (it was September 18) so I’ll recap here:

Currently, I write about a recurring set of subjects each day of the week…Mondays – Creativity, Tuesdays – 4 Favorite Things, Wednesdays – Greyhounds, Thursdays – Crafts, Fridays – Favorite Movies, Saturdays – Favorite Books, Sundays – Whatever.

I want to revamp that schedule in 2012 to keep things fresh and to give myself a new challenge.  Here’s what I’m thinking about:

In the Kitchen -  I’m not good in the kitchen or with entertaining.  I’d like to make peace.  This would encompass a variety of things…not just recipes.

If I Died Today – What would I wish I’d taken care of, if I died today?  When my ex-husband died recently, it made me think of a lot of things.

Lori’s Lists – Lists on all types of things.  I love lists, and I think I could have a lot of fun with this.

Creativity – Currently, this is one of my favorite days to write, and I’m not finished with this topic. 

What I’m Working On – A peek inside my “studio” and what I’m working on.

Love This – All the things I love…always or just today.

Whatever - A day to write about whatever I’d like.

I haven’t settled on these categories, so I’d love to get some feedback and suggestions from you.  What do you think?  What do you like to read about?

You may have noticed, with some dismay, that I don’t have a Greyhound day!  If you didn’t notice, I assure you, three hounds around this house did.  Although there is plenty of room within these subjects to talk about Greyhounds and pets,  Freedom, Casper and Nikki want more.

“I need smart words to go under pictures of my cute face in 2012.”

So, I’m thinking of including a picture at the end of each post with a quote.  Many, many days, that picture will be of Freedom, Casper and/or Nikki.  Here’s my question…What is your favorite quote?  Do you know of a great source for quotes?  Let me know, either by leaving a comment or emailing me at whatremainsnow@gmail.com.  I would love to hear from you.

 Art Every Day Month – Day 6

 

 Pink Yarn Vase

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I love mysteries and I love books, so when the two are combined, I’m interested.  This is the first in a series of mystery novels by John Dunning featuring his Denver cop turned bookshop owner, Cliff Janeway.  You get a first-class mystery, plus you learn a thing or two about the rare book business and collecting first editions.  All around fun for mystery lovers and bibliophiles.

 Art Every Day Month – Day 5

 

Felt Flower 

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A young couple buys a large Victorian fixer-upper in San Francisco’s exclusive Pacific Heights district with the plan to rent out two apartments on the bottom floor to help pay the mortgage.  Enter, Carter Hayes played by Michael Keaton.  Carter seems like the perfect tenant, until he moves in.  This film is creepy, thrilling, suspenseful…and infuriating.  It doesn’t make you want to become a landlord.

 Art Every Day Month – Day 4

 

Organza Flower (made using Clover’s Flower Frill Template) 

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Inspiration:

Better Homes and Gardens Special Interest Publications (Christmas Ideas 2010) – Pg 117 (All Buttoned Up)

 

 

Supplies:

Buttons

Picture Frame

Felt

Scissors

Pen

Glue

 

1.  Cut a piece of felt the size of the frame opening.

 

2.  Arrange the buttons on the felt.

 

3.  Glue the buttons on the felt.

 

4.  Glue the felt on the picture backing and insert into the frame.

 

5.  That’s all there is to it.  Mine are small, but imagine how striking this would be in a larger size.

 Art Every Day Month – Day 3

 

Fringe Flower