tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90943914119746781622024-03-05T20:55:52.651-05:00Emerald Covemichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17757389045798739976noreply@blogger.comBlogger277125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9094391411974678162.post-50818365369038902832012-12-31T11:51:00.000-05:002012-12-31T11:51:03.769-05:00Happy New Year<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Hello my friends!</div>
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How are you?</div>
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I know that it has been a long time since I have posted, Aug I think.</div>
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I am doing ok, anxiety and depression are still by my side and I am fighting my way through day by day.</div>
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I am sorry this isn't going to be a happy post or one with pretty pictures, but I wanted to say to you all that I am so grateful for everything you have given me these last three years of blogging.</div>
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I have met some wonderful friends, some near and some far and some that I will have forever.</div>
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I thank you for those that have emailed to check up on me, I really cant' tell you how much that means to me.</div>
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I have been absent from my computer, using it mainly for printing pictures for my paintings. Painting has helped me and I can get lost in it and not worry what my brain is thinking or not thinking.</div>
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I have sold a few to friends and hopefully this year, when I am ready, I can get them out there.</div>
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Depression is so up and down and there are days that my brain can't stop racing with things that I need to do, what to do, don't want to do, should do, I get pulled into so many directions that I can't concentrate on one thing. I feel like there are so many ways to go, so many choices, but at the same time I feel bound or tied up like in a straight jacket struggling to get a sense of a normal feeling or direction.</div>
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I know that many of you struggle with the same thing, and for that I am so very sorry. Please know that you are not alone.</div>
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I never know what the day is going to bring for me, sad, happy, angry, numb. All of these run through me. I cry, I yell, I shut the world out at times. I feel alone even though I am surrounded by people. I can't make them understand something that I don't even understand. Frustration plays a big part in it too as well as physical pain, which does not hinder me but it is just one of those reminders that the depression is still there.</div>
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I am set off by things one time and then another I am fine.</div>
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The meds are helping but it could take up to a year or so. So while they work on my chemicals I struggle to work on my heart and soul.</div>
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I see a therapist, which is ok but the most help that I have gotten through this is my Spiritual Director. She has been amazing and she is an artist as well, which helps so much. She has shown me how to put my words that I cannot find into my art and writing, although I am not much of a writer.</div>
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There are good things that have come from this thing called Depression, I have learned many things about myself, even relearned things that I have long put aside. I have done things that I normally would not have done, like fly all by myself to see my best friend. Believe me that is one huge leap!! :)</div>
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Anyway, I know we all struggle with something, that's life I guess, no one is shielded from the hurt. But we are also made to conquer things, get through them the best we know how. Who knows, we may even help someone else who is struggling with the same thing.</div>
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We do our best as mothers, fathers, sons and daughters and I have realized that there are no "super" people, just people living their lives, feeling pain, sorrow, regret, happiness, joy, anger and love and doing what is best for them. </div>
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I suppose struggles are good for us, make us stronger and make us look deeper if we choose to and maybe, in the end, in the light, we will find peace and joy and a better understanding of who we are, who God really made us to be and closer to Him.</div>
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I long for the top of the pit that I am slowly crawling out of and I know I will gt there one step at a time, one day at a time. I am aware of set backs and I aware that this may be something that I deal with the rest of my life. But I guarantee one thing to myself, that I will never let it fully consume me and I will fight because fortunately for me, I am too stubborn to give up and my heart and soul are strong because I know that He is carrying me until I can walk on my own two feet again.</div>
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I am also writing this to tell you that this is my last post.</div>
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My heart has been drawn into a different direction and I must listen to it for now.</div>
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I can't thank you all enough for all your amazing support through the years, I am so blessed to have been a part of a wonderful network of woman who truly care.</div>
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I will leave my blog up for a while and my email is always, always open.</div>
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I will also be stalking you from time to time, seeing what amazing things you have come up, what inspirational words you have written from your heart and just to say hi.</div>
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Today is not a good day for me but tomorrow is a new day, a new year.</div>
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I wish you love, blessings, joy and yes, even struggles because without those, we cannot truly appreciate the joy that He has blessed us all with. </div>
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Stay positive in this world of hurt and never lose sight of the light that He shines for us.</div>
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I love you all and may God bless you in many ways.</div>
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Many, many hugs to you all!!!!!</div>
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michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17757389045798739976noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9094391411974678162.post-20283874814793413282012-08-23T10:48:00.000-04:002012-08-23T10:48:44.172-04:00My Long Hot Summer<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I know that it has been a while since I last posted.</div>
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It seems like this summer has gone fast but also drug on like no other I have ever had.</div>
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We had HOT temps in the high 90's and 100's which is rare for Michigan and we had no rain for months, a drought that shriveled up fields of nutrients, grass, trees and one of the most important things to me,</div>
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my head and my soul.</div>
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I have told you about my panic attacks and even took a break from blogging. What I didn't know that all these were leading up to something that I never imagined myself in the midst of....</div>
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depression, obsessive thoughts and severe anxiety.</div>
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I withdrew from everything that I loved to do, blogging, painting, decorating, family and friends. I didn't really know it at the time but as I look back I could see it all spiraling down. I only wanted to be in my house, safe. However, I thought that moving would be an answer so we put our house up for sale and I threw myself in to cleaning and packing things away, which I think only made things worse. I didn't need the added worry.</div>
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I went to see my doctor about medications because nothing else was working, we tried some meds and they only made things worse. I cried everyday and something as simple as putting socks on my sons feet made me fall to my knees and cry, an overwhelming feeling of the day, things I needed to do but could not gather myself to do them. </div>
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June was horrible, I couldn't even look at myself in the mirror. I didn't get dressed for days and I lost my appetite. Days went by and my family would come help me, encourage me that things were going to be ok. But what they, nor I knew, was that something worse was bubbling up inside, a feeling of deep despair, a feeling of no longer wanting to be on this earth, not suicide or hurting myself or others, but if I didn't wake up in the morning that would have been fine with me. </div>
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I held that inside of me until I could no longer stand it. I called my dad and told him one morning and my parents were over right away to comfort me, help me, try to guide me the best that they knew how.</div>
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Days went on like this until my dad did some research on a drug that didn't give horrible side effects. I called my doctor and got a prescription. Unfortunately it was too late, because the bottom suddenly dropped out from under me. I had a severe panic attack and sobbed and cried uncontrollably. My husband called my dad and he came over and decided to take me to the ER.</div>
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Once there they evaluated me and offered me one of two choices; I either go home and continue on the medication and get a therapy appt or I check into the Behavioral Health Center on the sixth floor.</div>
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I decided to stay knowing that I needed help now.</div>
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It was scary being in a place that you see horrible things on TV, but I can tell you it was no way like that. Everyone was amazing, caring and truly concerned and wanted to see us get healthy. I was admitted July 3rd and stayed until July 6th.</div>
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It became a place of safety for me, knowing that there were others who knew what I was feeling, a place to talk freely and listen to others who had advice.</div>
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It was a positive experience for me.</div>
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When I came home, that was hard, leaving my security and the friends I had made in a short time, wondering and probably never knowing how they are doing. I had distractions and coping skills to get me through that next week, my daughter played basketball all week and that was wonderful to watch.</div>
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Mornings were the hardest for me, anxiety would stay with me for most of it until the meds kicked in.</div>
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We then went on vacation to my most favorite place in the world, Glen Lake with my family. I healed, I cried, I struggled and I laughed.</div>
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As of today, I feel good, I feel not normal but the closest I have been to it in a while. The meds are working and luckily with few side effects, I am really tired all the time and find myself napping, which I never do. I have more good days than bad and I even started painting again.</div>
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We decided not to sell the house, I don't think I could go through that right now so I am slowing putting back all the things I have packed away.</div>
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I haven't been on the computer much, just not ready for it. I have been taking things day by day, trying not to worry about what is next. I am trying not to be so hard on myself and always feel like I should be doing something. If my body says rest, I rest. The weather has lifted its hot spell and I am trying to enjoy what is left of summer but I am so excited for fall, crisp clean air, cool nights and just a new season not only for Mother Nature but for me. </div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">The</span> reason for what happened to me was the depletion of serotonin in my brain. Events since my heart attacks never allowed them to build back up and slowly, unknowingly I was heading towards the events of this summer. I know it will take time and help, which I am getting on a regular basis not only from a therapist but also my pastor, I have lots of guilt from my heart attacks and many many questions.</div>
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I know that I could not have made it without my family and friends. My dad was over almost every day, helping me with the kids and just encouraging me. My mom was supportive and listened to me everyday cry on the phone. For those of you who wrote to see how I was doing, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.</div>
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I know that God is carrying me through this and I know that He will let me walk soon never leaving my side.</div>
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I am not sure if I will be the same person I was, my biggest fear is not being able to recognize that girl. Maybe I will be stronger, maybe not. But I do know that I won't give up and I will try to be the best person that I am, not the person that I think I should be.</div>
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Depression can take you quickly and sometimes you don't even know that it is happening. Depression is a disease that needs to be treated like any other medical condition. Sometimes meds are needed to balance out the chemicals in your brain, just like diabetes needs meds to balance out what your body can't produce. You are not crazy, you just need help, and there are people that can help. I truly believe that if I did't have the help that I did or did not choose to check myself in, things would have been worse and that scares me more than anything.</div>
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I won't be blogging much, maybe here and there, I am still healing and taking it day by day.</div>
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Please forgive me if I don't answer you or it takes me a while. I love you all and miss you very much.</div>
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Thank you for letting me share my story and I know that I may always struggle with it but now I know that I can control it and perhaps conquer it.</div>
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Many hugs to you!!!!</div>
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michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17757389045798739976noreply@blogger.com51tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9094391411974678162.post-69526195323150420802012-05-01T08:30:00.000-04:002012-05-01T08:30:02.490-04:00Hello and Guest Post<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Hello Hello Hello!!</div>
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How are you? I am missing you so!</div>
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I am doing well. I still haven't heard from my results yet from my monitor but hopefully this week I will. I have been feeling better but still have small episodes every now and then. </div>
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I have been painting alot and loving the therapy that it gives me.</div>
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Here are a few that I finished.</div>
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Again these are still from the step by step book by artist Jaqueline Penney, but for my next painting and I am stepping out on my own!</div>
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OOOOOOOOOoooooooo!!!! ;)</div>
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We have been busy with kid things again, which is good and the kids are loving it!</div>
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I just wanted to pop in today to say hello and to let you know that I am over at <a href="http://asortoffairytalegirl.blogspot.com/"> A Sort of A FairyTale</a> with my house tour. Stacey is so sweet and while you there, take a look at her home, it is so pretty and she has been working hard.</div>
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Anyway, I hope you are all well and enjoy the rest of the week!</div>
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I can't believe that May is already here, I am so excited for summer!!!</div>
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Hugs!!!</div>
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</div>michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17757389045798739976noreply@blogger.com59tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9094391411974678162.post-48174482063691368032012-04-15T13:45:00.002-04:002012-04-15T13:46:01.842-04:00Taking a Leave<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: center;">Hello everyone!</div><div style="text-align: center;">I hope you are all well.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I wanted to tell you that after long and heartfelt thinking, I came to a decision that I need to take a long break from blogging. My heart has been telling me things here and there and after an ER visit the other day, I decided it was literally screaming at me. Everything checked out well but I am being monitored right now to make sure that they aren't missing anything. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLOGH048-6jREqMeFtdCo9qUe5_UqmgWfn_eq_4Dg4hP2T0xGd-sM1kI7L3jNRFpYlKrqFJ5LyjbVyZOsZf-ZMoG426CQFnIXKQpDNG7huCkNqHVBvkAuCiHAw7XaHNh_eTMF5wamXNao/s1600/IMG_0760.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLOGH048-6jREqMeFtdCo9qUe5_UqmgWfn_eq_4Dg4hP2T0xGd-sM1kI7L3jNRFpYlKrqFJ5LyjbVyZOsZf-ZMoG426CQFnIXKQpDNG7huCkNqHVBvkAuCiHAw7XaHNh_eTMF5wamXNao/s400/IMG_0760.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">If you are new here, about 6 years ago I had two heart attacks and open heart surgery due to my pregnancy. Everything turned out well in the end and I have felt really good but it seems like stress and whatever seems to settle into my chest which gives me the feeling of having a heart attack, panic attacks and just weird palpitations. Things have always checked out good but I need to stop feeling like this and start taking care of me. I need to concentrate on my health and my family for now. I will visit from time to time because I love you all and you have been nothing but supportive and wonderful friends and you inspire me. </div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">I hope to come back, but I think it will be a while before I post again, well except for May 1, I was invited to join Stacey at <a href="http://asortoffairytalegirl.blogspot.com/">A Sort of a Fairytale</a> for a house tour a few months ago, I am excited for that, she is so sweet. So I will be doing that, but otherwise not so much in between and after for a bit . I am very sorry and believe me it was a hard decision and after talking to some friends, I think it is the right one for now. </div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">I hope everyone stays well and enjoys their Spring and thank you again from the bottom of my wonky heart, you are a wonderful community of friends.</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioEBPa_kkro3s02F309UmmozPk2ts8poHM0bL3IDGFdJYVsC_IXzbyOXGH5-inqAH3jtFjUq6nQkM9k_11ed8PXr5nWVeJ5-s5nY_1MSgnnocz2CYYHvo-V0Kba2uzfw5ONaOnCy8aED8/s1600/IMG_0785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioEBPa_kkro3s02F309UmmozPk2ts8poHM0bL3IDGFdJYVsC_IXzbyOXGH5-inqAH3jtFjUq6nQkM9k_11ed8PXr5nWVeJ5-s5nY_1MSgnnocz2CYYHvo-V0Kba2uzfw5ONaOnCy8aED8/s400/IMG_0785.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I will see you again!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hugs!!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s743.photobucket.com/albums/xx73/michelleg9968/?action=view&current=signature2.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i743.photobucket.com/albums/xx73/michelleg9968/signature2.png" /></a></div></div>michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17757389045798739976noreply@blogger.com60tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9094391411974678162.post-41446072876691572002012-04-12T11:14:00.000-04:002012-04-12T11:14:53.123-04:00A Brighter Place to do a Dark Job<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"> Alright, so it's not that dark of a job but at least now it is a bit brighter. I painted my entry/laundry room over our break and it looks so much cleaner and fresher. Last year sometime in one of my painting fits I painted that room a muddy gray/brown color. It just felt so dark in there and just dirty. </div><div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">This is what it originally looked like about two years ago:</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2zzcqn61aazwhIpTmRRLEMj8Kn0ayHyRqzSD3cuK3wNLnFjDTjlauHHOUVW9pxLwrO6rTVJBfAGfZMy8NWZkA-wYC0c2dggqAYxTESDLpjarFR54foULwPZJUVfRaldFVPyxIC6s7BMw/s640/IMG_5068.JPG" width="480" /></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">A bit crowded, the dogs stayed in here as well and it just wasn't working for me.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here is what it looked like after the painting fit with the muddy color.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzKnswSqfqrISVAlFkIkC2Okw6KjsRrGK0ae9s4rW2hJuwyjNbzrFiXUuc99ZMKEvSOG-t_iZn926lf9Bnq60doZwvMVmP1pU4OTR2aDxf2FOE9Yk2Gcmn2_5uumRbDuIXQxv-umEyCvo/s1600/IMG_5207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzKnswSqfqrISVAlFkIkC2Okw6KjsRrGK0ae9s4rW2hJuwyjNbzrFiXUuc99ZMKEvSOG-t_iZn926lf9Bnq60doZwvMVmP1pU4OTR2aDxf2FOE9Yk2Gcmn2_5uumRbDuIXQxv-umEyCvo/s400/IMG_5207.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Now it was just dark and small and still no room.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRLFudnj3GWf8OIQe6ghVqnclTDnkNhmhEDvsjLt5DTxPnUgkxNKP2Tc900iPkYYj9N_QwE-mXPJOWTmrjnLurQGA3pnyn5rwvP3kvHPokxT2fexMMZ6JsuclSyVRRismn8WwDel4r1EM/s1600/IMG_5128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRLFudnj3GWf8OIQe6ghVqnclTDnkNhmhEDvsjLt5DTxPnUgkxNKP2Tc900iPkYYj9N_QwE-mXPJOWTmrjnLurQGA3pnyn5rwvP3kvHPokxT2fexMMZ6JsuclSyVRRismn8WwDel4r1EM/s400/IMG_5128.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> So we built a little locker to put our shoes, hats, mittens, etc.</div><div style="text-align: center;">That seemed to work well but every time we opened the door we would get hooked on the chicken wire and or the kids would get scratched.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmnk7-E69AP7X4A9zz7eNHhLDt2e_VT7kZV0V08cWd3fnd3QWnsFBZge8w1_xi8_1gm1qR-eQPszpyssQGU9cWy8ZEv0y9DpHhE_2zc1Oez6D_lzyOEZjlmMud9Mz5471fvKXN_r9b7Ns/s640/IMG_5305.JPG" width="480" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So I had enough and last Friday we went and picked up some white paint and went to town.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here is what it looks like now.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxVNo61J8Gg4p2dk2mnCmlbg6CUxOCGr_cluSqzuT7kCOn8rLiEuIX1jja-SWZGcjrqpStHU5KyQCfJzE7b64ljJOTsJhBjjn1GEkx-bh2G3odjLfFDLkH3H4GE4VhGpNDGi9WOhcya-s/s1600/laundry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxVNo61J8Gg4p2dk2mnCmlbg6CUxOCGr_cluSqzuT7kCOn8rLiEuIX1jja-SWZGcjrqpStHU5KyQCfJzE7b64ljJOTsJhBjjn1GEkx-bh2G3odjLfFDLkH3H4GE4VhGpNDGi9WOhcya-s/s640/laundry.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">I took off the chicken wire from the locker and we replaced it with beadboard. </div><div style="text-align: center;">No more poking and scratching and I just love the look of it, much cleaner lines for me.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXpfRvjQsj0Bi77kTnaOVrFD62WkmnAbxnixSr0Sio3K-ebVi8SN3YVyc079CRfbrzs7P4b6V8aFkOmUahSode-Zj6axMCVUMQgMXSqP7JeMW7F-Qtk-dqc8UJsPaOfkGSmVaPUhm34rE/s1600/laundry1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXpfRvjQsj0Bi77kTnaOVrFD62WkmnAbxnixSr0Sio3K-ebVi8SN3YVyc079CRfbrzs7P4b6V8aFkOmUahSode-Zj6axMCVUMQgMXSqP7JeMW7F-Qtk-dqc8UJsPaOfkGSmVaPUhm34rE/s640/laundry1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Picked up a few baskets from Meijer and TJ Maxx to give it that natural coastal feel,</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjND2DrxHFADcMSLI5453kJBBKse3LmdHCV-vghTIQQzl8lTXHunauzZrg0t6yMCxKmrIZ6WHhEHecvbdZEcuZs4OecWIZgOQ_Yh-ISgU4SljBxSq-2L7p2Lbk7Yk1VISKT_t4UhXUcu54/s1600/laundry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjND2DrxHFADcMSLI5453kJBBKse3LmdHCV-vghTIQQzl8lTXHunauzZrg0t6yMCxKmrIZ6WHhEHecvbdZEcuZs4OecWIZgOQ_Yh-ISgU4SljBxSq-2L7p2Lbk7Yk1VISKT_t4UhXUcu54/s640/laundry.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">and shopped around the house for some other treasures to add like my whale and some beach grass and rug.</div><div style="text-align: center;">(not sure why there is a phone plug in the laundry room, for the life of me I can't imagine why they put it there)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-H68eXNUQLBLDWtVN__KpS8nuLUZeGfbEN6y2z36OoOtdnHA29C3VMgKaI7cCnx9PXeKAH2KZ4Sgy9duh_KfroBSmmsyKjMAGPhjkMYyXJPNY4bH1CspZjTiV2G-kdi2mUFBX-IOTUhU/s1600/laundry1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-H68eXNUQLBLDWtVN__KpS8nuLUZeGfbEN6y2z36OoOtdnHA29C3VMgKaI7cCnx9PXeKAH2KZ4Sgy9duh_KfroBSmmsyKjMAGPhjkMYyXJPNY4bH1CspZjTiV2G-kdi2mUFBX-IOTUhU/s640/laundry1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We also got a new washer, I was done cleaning up floods and having my clothes smell nasty. The salesman said that the biggest complaint of the front load washers is the smell but he couldn't tell us why the dumb thing flooded all the time, he thought perhaps we had a lemon......no kidding!</div><div style="text-align: center;">I love my new top loader and now with a bright clean room and a new machine, washing is actually tolerable. :)</div><div style="text-align: center;">There are still a few details that I would like to do like a new light and I have to paint the ceiling which probably would have been smart to do first, but I don't think that way. I can see by the last picture that I need an outlet cover too. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Details, details. :)</div><div style="text-align: center;">I love how how it turned out and even though there is less room with the washer and dryer having to be side by side now, it still feels bigger to me.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I heart white paint.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s743.photobucket.com/albums/xx73/michelleg9968/?action=view&current=signature2.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i743.photobucket.com/albums/xx73/michelleg9968/signature2.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div></div>michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17757389045798739976noreply@blogger.com42tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9094391411974678162.post-76734327013116433192012-04-08T17:26:00.000-04:002012-04-08T17:26:25.926-04:00Summer/beach Mantel<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: center;">Hi everyone!</div><div style="text-align: center;">How are you and how was your Easter and weekend? </div><div style="text-align: center;">Good I hope.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Since Mother Nature decided to skip over Spring, I decided that it was ok too and put together my summer mantel. Actually my mantel always looks like summer but for grins and giggles we will call it my summer mantel. :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I had this mirror that belonged to my grandparents sitting in my basement waiting for me to do something with it. The mirror is starting to crack in places but it is solid and HEAVY!!! I didn't want to get rid of it so it sat and sat and sat until last Thursday for whatever reason an idea popped into my mind.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5I54fJwN7UQYNERKpNCZlq23h0-V-5lum2axgfeWWSZ3NSM_34BYRkQW4xVJuGSYNc_OnpizXWHGXRweAtjtF3SauxKm0Y8FpgsMRpbKWqCye9hforMQsNiL2MXb4p1dOpQQ8XRQxyzE/s640/mirror.jpg" width="640" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have seen driftwood mirrors on line and the prices range anywhere from $60 - $350.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I did mine for free.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I dipped into my bucket-o-driftwood, got my glue gun and went to town.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I first painted the frame grey to blend in with the driftwood.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKnyvxw9iExhJNGtEVLQ2qz1uxmJ3pZtQ113ldR8BpxfYB1ZHmgQpGU9qu1cJOIPecqklM6c43UYAm2hOytRP4OyIWpQ0X9lB3aM3JgfxbThVmAuQK5ebL9fg5JR2OlPHaDz_7K8RHTgA/s640/mirror1.jpg" width="640" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwmLC8jpp0mAr8UJjftOmEaQegzevryyU0_ilH7fEHhhRR5VBYTe-BzIBTQAIRvxDQ_YCym45fn14lq4-nFVD16zO7IXlyp22rhtDAC8LsG3an3jONRz4LA4VZ_BLGEanhSkcmmmwYqeQ/s640/mirror2.jpg" width="640" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I LOVE it! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I also have a hernia lifting it up on the mantel but at least I can admire it while recovering. :) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Just kidding, but it was really hard to get up there and I think we need to anchor into the wall so it and others will stay safe.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKnyvxw9iExhJNGtEVLQ2qz1uxmJ3pZtQ113ldR8BpxfYB1ZHmgQpGU9qu1cJOIPecqklM6c43UYAm2hOytRP4OyIWpQ0X9lB3aM3JgfxbThVmAuQK5ebL9fg5JR2OlPHaDz_7K8RHTgA/s640/mirror1.jpg" width="640" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I added some beach grass in a sisal/rope vase and kept my birds and sign that my daughter made and </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">voila, my summer/beachy mantel.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I don't know if I ever showed you my honking big piece of driftwood that I lugged out of the lake last year, it makes for a great coffee table center piece. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4O8mUvxg7jvm0mjPIJJ8aSZT3CMXwWgyBW4Ax9FfwUqEIUc22D1CYbHI8Yao3bJs0f11alxnhE-gVuOoDlc2wPowkfFILaAytnZqsicMXydzF1zaCD-l9J74GUbYjm0gm594933MVBQ8/s1600/mirror.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4O8mUvxg7jvm0mjPIJJ8aSZT3CMXwWgyBW4Ax9FfwUqEIUc22D1CYbHI8Yao3bJs0f11alxnhE-gVuOoDlc2wPowkfFILaAytnZqsicMXydzF1zaCD-l9J74GUbYjm0gm594933MVBQ8/s640/mirror.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"> I now need to replenish my bucket-o-driftwood.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://s743.photobucket.com/albums/xx73/michelleg9968/?action=view&current=signature2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i743.photobucket.com/albums/xx73/michelleg9968/signature2.png" /></a></div></div>michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17757389045798739976noreply@blogger.com58tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9094391411974678162.post-75124759606159577522012-04-04T10:11:00.001-04:002012-04-04T17:32:52.997-04:00Spring Break<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: center;">So sorry I have been away, we are on Spring Break.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Nothing too exciting going on just little things here and there. (Although I have been dreaming of far away beaches and the smell of the water and salty air)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.viralenvy.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Top-Romantic-Beach-Destinations-Visit-of-the-top-destinations-in-the-U.S.-for-romantic-beach-300x225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://www.viralenvy.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Top-Romantic-Beach-Destinations-Visit-of-the-top-destinations-in-the-U.S.-for-romantic-beach-300x225.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> It has been sunny and mild here which is nice.</div><div style="text-align: center;">My brother in law is still in the hospital, getting off the vent was a bit slow but he has been off now for a day and going strong so I am crossing my fingers.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I hope you are all having a wonderful week and I hope you have a beautiful Easter.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hugs!!</div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://s743.photobucket.com/albums/xx73/michelleg9968/?action=view&current=signature2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i743.photobucket.com/albums/xx73/michelleg9968/signature2.png" /></a></div></div>michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17757389045798739976noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9094391411974678162.post-36419136055434181242012-03-28T11:20:00.000-04:002012-03-28T11:20:55.434-04:00A Birthday Trip<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">hello!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was painting this morning and getting frustrated so I thought I would walk away for a bit and come and tell you about our weekend, or at least our Saturday.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The 18th was my daughters 14th birthday. Where does the time go?!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She wanted to go up to Glen Lake for the day with her BFF and since it doesn't take much for me to say yes to going there, I was happy to grant her birthday wish.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So my daughter, her BFF and her mom, which is also my friend, climbed in the Jeep and off we went!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was a cloudy day and around 55-60 degrees, not too bad. It is about a 2 1/2-3 hour trip but beautiful all the way up.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We stopped at a lighthouse in Benzie County called Point Betsie. It is the oldest standing structure in that county and was built in 1858. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As of today it is managed by a group of volunteers that make sure that this beautiful historic lighthouse is kept up and cared for.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvLKivZF4qFfv9fYt1c8c6toRwUUednUgoX6yqhdlsNKqm0ZrZdTpbficD69orNbE1C1gYF2Un2WSKP9H1zKMyUsM3JuOYiKvrJGlkQ7eMoQJVe8cp24iMAYMXU4aKgPMO8BA70BZaBZY/s1600/pb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvLKivZF4qFfv9fYt1c8c6toRwUUednUgoX6yqhdlsNKqm0ZrZdTpbficD69orNbE1C1gYF2Un2WSKP9H1zKMyUsM3JuOYiKvrJGlkQ7eMoQJVe8cp24iMAYMXU4aKgPMO8BA70BZaBZY/s640/pb.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeIHpETUPBbP0q4Agv-Ma4w1XlvhlbZmRO3VTZjWR6jOXITuPC9Dgp-zXb1ac_W1of8VnZAuEG488JSIgCpqIWuhPiH2S2oy36uX_5w-rPyNsS6k7MFM-1fYzwBW-MvLuOzE1kPlKpH20/s1600/pb1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeIHpETUPBbP0q4Agv-Ma4w1XlvhlbZmRO3VTZjWR6jOXITuPC9Dgp-zXb1ac_W1of8VnZAuEG488JSIgCpqIWuhPiH2S2oy36uX_5w-rPyNsS6k7MFM-1fYzwBW-MvLuOzE1kPlKpH20/s640/pb1.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrle2h5n9cqcXDodOohXqjeWW0AzPJ4Ky5R4BiyQEi3h75c7FLo8yT76r8VOCNcpoD1yp1z40Lzf2dHIlsKJoKRpmKfGwk0ZKGMh78nLew2BLjEqSS8qmOeQXXiyXj4iZM8XFpaT83Aww/s1600/pb2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrle2h5n9cqcXDodOohXqjeWW0AzPJ4Ky5R4BiyQEi3h75c7FLo8yT76r8VOCNcpoD1yp1z40Lzf2dHIlsKJoKRpmKfGwk0ZKGMh78nLew2BLjEqSS8qmOeQXXiyXj4iZM8XFpaT83Aww/s640/pb2.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioYR0MICZMJl3tH6sRztxWfua_yu4y3sZbt9ZbuaEk3Pe7yFAiafTQlJTMfuhk1aEBMdsitAxMg5t2zMA3gAWF7-e_pOHRUq1aZgVlKpg5OYTYkn9-9m3WB2aJlkMj4zDyzSDfO8AX13o/s1600/pb3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioYR0MICZMJl3tH6sRztxWfua_yu4y3sZbt9ZbuaEk3Pe7yFAiafTQlJTMfuhk1aEBMdsitAxMg5t2zMA3gAWF7-e_pOHRUq1aZgVlKpg5OYTYkn9-9m3WB2aJlkMj4zDyzSDfO8AX13o/s640/pb3.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After our stop there we made it to Glen Lake and had some lunch and then ventured off to a few beaches along Lake Michigan where the girls looked for treasures in the shore.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">(my daughter is in the blue sweatshirt)</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzpxKvjwEWK4HgSpKO1WbLkJmMp15BJwH25PThZIzVywLCN2lElwLWHocO4uusZTRS95xA4IJek5e5Nfk3R-FdCRXKYkJ5Jc6lDEYpnYk6Ea0exZpePxf8J_IDjhqc_STHh7M0ZGGTbIs/s1600/gl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzpxKvjwEWK4HgSpKO1WbLkJmMp15BJwH25PThZIzVywLCN2lElwLWHocO4uusZTRS95xA4IJek5e5Nfk3R-FdCRXKYkJ5Jc6lDEYpnYk6Ea0exZpePxf8J_IDjhqc_STHh7M0ZGGTbIs/s640/gl.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpfcgsaHrahV4Hd55GK_7BBRAW3bxKPhhgglpNwMNxXX-zCdlr8-pDL7jxVKsjTd0KcZD45Cjao_9uUSyFSpluhH8xwcSGbc2hkNYYoGc4CUjBgB_EgoWKcsCs7R50H3jK1n5YYNUvwuA/s1600/gl2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpfcgsaHrahV4Hd55GK_7BBRAW3bxKPhhgglpNwMNxXX-zCdlr8-pDL7jxVKsjTd0KcZD45Cjao_9uUSyFSpluhH8xwcSGbc2hkNYYoGc4CUjBgB_EgoWKcsCs7R50H3jK1n5YYNUvwuA/s640/gl2.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We then made our way up to Leeland.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was really cold there so we didn't stay too long<span style="font-size: 12px;">.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjShEmo6S8WBbvzrMmhH1vU8A9THky3qD6jDGhm3eoQGOdp0-0IjtBZSCllADd2THdK5PLJ5kFbZqB17f4Sj3MreeexoLpC9xYp5k71rpC6kFCjMgUTEdSuEGq_H0cm_CaOSxUsnhd81K4/s1600/gl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjShEmo6S8WBbvzrMmhH1vU8A9THky3qD6jDGhm3eoQGOdp0-0IjtBZSCllADd2THdK5PLJ5kFbZqB17f4Sj3MreeexoLpC9xYp5k71rpC6kFCjMgUTEdSuEGq_H0cm_CaOSxUsnhd81K4/s640/gl.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibTsFptupdkmnCKkYwL8Tc8106Mo6yptYI9U5f5oVQHCZOQIMVNV7JlgBVQujZPKp9eU3XyKg07bl9qiSbQ5wfWLQR88zAxY3P1zHmDVFfmn-NWA2zt1oNslaIDZWQv8xUDcTJ4MaBq40/s1600/gl1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibTsFptupdkmnCKkYwL8Tc8106Mo6yptYI9U5f5oVQHCZOQIMVNV7JlgBVQujZPKp9eU3XyKg07bl9qiSbQ5wfWLQR88zAxY3P1zHmDVFfmn-NWA2zt1oNslaIDZWQv8xUDcTJ4MaBq40/s640/gl1.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We even stopped to photograph a local. :)</span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijdV1mEoOnT5NsarTqz7dXi7p0Zcqeg55h7DsRTONfKydJbwk9ksHGIScXbHN5ef8N6DinrXkPmzTBNzhq82Skdd8KOX8Xw6io9fEmiORLq6ewwsXJWNINvBLJFa2S_0frn0BUlEpubqc/s1600/gl2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijdV1mEoOnT5NsarTqz7dXi7p0Zcqeg55h7DsRTONfKydJbwk9ksHGIScXbHN5ef8N6DinrXkPmzTBNzhq82Skdd8KOX8Xw6io9fEmiORLq6ewwsXJWNINvBLJFa2S_0frn0BUlEpubqc/s640/gl2.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All in all the trip was fun and the girls and myself and my friend enjoyed getting away for the day.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I can't wait until the summer when I can go park my buns on the dock there and just relax in the sun by the water. :)</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have a wonderful week!!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s743.photobucket.com/albums/xx73/michelleg9968/?action=view&current=signature2.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i743.photobucket.com/albums/xx73/michelleg9968/signature2.png" /></a></div></div>michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17757389045798739976noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9094391411974678162.post-45627930772155166002012-03-25T17:06:00.000-04:002012-03-25T17:06:36.277-04:00Update<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: center;">I wanted to thank you all so much for your thoughts and prayers for my BIL.</div><div style="text-align: center;">He is still in the hospital but getting better. They have started to try to get him of the ventilator and hopefully he can come home some time this week.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I don't know if I have shared much about my BIL with you and his situation.</div><div style="text-align: center;">16 years ago he was in a car accident that left him what they call an incomplete quadriplegic. He has no feeling from about mid chest down and he can only move his arms some, his right more than his left, and has limited movement in his wrists and fingers. </div><div style="text-align: center;"> Basically he has no fine motor skills.</div><div style="text-align: center;">He has adapted to life very well, works on a computer, NOOK operates his chair and so on. He is the most patient guy I have ever met and has taken all of this with great attitude and determination.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Anyway, when he gets a cold that you and I can just take medicine for, it is a bit more complicated for him. It usually turns into pneumonia and a hospital stay is normally in his near future. He has had so much done to him over the years, it breaks my heart. It seems like being in the hospital sometimes causes more issues and things can snowball pretty quickly.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Anyway, this stay brought on some new issues and we just weren't quite sure what was going on for a while. My MIL does not leave his side and takes care of him like no other could. She is amazing!</div><div style="text-align: center;">I would love to tell you more about him, maybe in another post one day.</div><div style="text-align: center;">But please know that your prayers meant so much and they are being answered.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Thank you.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I tried to keep busy last week and it was nice that the weather here was summer-like so we were able to go outside and do a bit of gardening, sit on the deck and just play in the grass.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Things are green around here and it feels so good!</div><div style="text-align: center;">We had a few days where the clouds were amazing!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Distant storms and beautiful sunsets that casts amazing colors on them.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Below is a shot that I took coming home from the hospital one night. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I actually captured a lightening bolt with my Iphone!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy_zUXTxTvr5TrGpT8CIeaetlu23gxJsRrMU9ewWmIO3D3xPH7SIiu26To5g516luT9YreBIRHDZ8kOP1xgxMmOzt_zZ7uFP9MXqgb79XI_BOR5cZSuYLIY7mQBebFfoY6ogfbxZfitS4/s1600/IMG_1562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy_zUXTxTvr5TrGpT8CIeaetlu23gxJsRrMU9ewWmIO3D3xPH7SIiu26To5g516luT9YreBIRHDZ8kOP1xgxMmOzt_zZ7uFP9MXqgb79XI_BOR5cZSuYLIY7mQBebFfoY6ogfbxZfitS4/s640/IMG_1562.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">I also found myself painting quite a bit, it relaxes me and keeps my mind busy.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I finished the painting that I shared my frustrations with earlier,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPjeq-4SvT8h38Ao-v_oKP3aFnUhxe2IRRABcju8wqDNTveV2PYl1AAnalzDE8JfkDIZ_jq7JrozV-MLgrBIGfSgsiEpNRFLuzkJ1XvnqbOitc2cLDa9DnbaWPlyrICXm_977OlFAdPh0/s1600/IMG_1571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPjeq-4SvT8h38Ao-v_oKP3aFnUhxe2IRRABcju8wqDNTveV2PYl1AAnalzDE8JfkDIZ_jq7JrozV-MLgrBIGfSgsiEpNRFLuzkJ1XvnqbOitc2cLDa9DnbaWPlyrICXm_977OlFAdPh0/s640/IMG_1571.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">and I also started and finished another painting.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFeBNiFMMl3QHqsX5dMo9wPUAqO5fi2_prwAQ2hoNAtncNqU4xDkIEvp6U_qlNryD1yZmjY5j69T6Iho6ZaOynGAUJ1hQ6bglAVelXiwlYjBXzFXSmPJNAah_MGinSDURMRgA-VSX7yfQ/s1600/IMG_1577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFeBNiFMMl3QHqsX5dMo9wPUAqO5fi2_prwAQ2hoNAtncNqU4xDkIEvp6U_qlNryD1yZmjY5j69T6Iho6ZaOynGAUJ1hQ6bglAVelXiwlYjBXzFXSmPJNAah_MGinSDURMRgA-VSX7yfQ/s640/IMG_1577.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">This one was fun with the splatter painting, although I am still finding paint all over. :)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxJix_4UuspLsUlhXAuA6ga-vnvjvKEW5ukmvCK3YeLSivJ6ir_pSsCq9LKIpe1zQFtSR5pZ3mAZ6ro3l92ihklMsZHPBsDLU7QDhBaeK_so9Bf-TAeB7LAYy6HxWxlMUH8i-1QFWiJFM/s1600/IMG_1584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxJix_4UuspLsUlhXAuA6ga-vnvjvKEW5ukmvCK3YeLSivJ6ir_pSsCq9LKIpe1zQFtSR5pZ3mAZ6ro3l92ihklMsZHPBsDLU7QDhBaeK_so9Bf-TAeB7LAYy6HxWxlMUH8i-1QFWiJFM/s640/IMG_1584.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The splash over the rock took me a few tries but I got a chance to learn how to use some different brushes and see which ones that I like the most.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwwgPZzr7j930Cd09HKRwFWrg6gl_0KISoGbJDMmJPcj6cdUsKDu4abHPyMPfdpv0fB8Q3rB9pZDQJtFv_h56luGrHm9h8kWabuU1FzOi-6Jk38vf8e8zMij9tuzwjYMgyatfjlCecKc4/s1600/wave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwwgPZzr7j930Cd09HKRwFWrg6gl_0KISoGbJDMmJPcj6cdUsKDu4abHPyMPfdpv0fB8Q3rB9pZDQJtFv_h56luGrHm9h8kWabuU1FzOi-6Jk38vf8e8zMij9tuzwjYMgyatfjlCecKc4/s640/wave.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I started yet another painting on Friday, but I just started the sky so I will share that one later.</div><div style="text-align: center;">(These are all paintings from the step by step book I am still working from by <a href="http://www.jacquelinepenney.net/">Jacqualine Penney</a>)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am sorry that I haven't shared any home projects with you, I honestly haven't done any.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I hope to paint my entry way soon and now that it is nice out we have turned our attention to the yard and garden.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I hope you have had a wonderful weekend and the week ahead is beautiful for you.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I miss visiting and hopefully this week I can have some time to come see you. :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hugs!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://s743.photobucket.com/albums/xx73/michelleg9968/?action=view&current=signature2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i743.photobucket.com/albums/xx73/michelleg9968/signature2.png" /></a></div></div>michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17757389045798739976noreply@blogger.com45tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9094391411974678162.post-39621727026738321942012-03-18T16:20:00.000-04:002012-03-18T16:20:40.698-04:00Hello<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: center;">Hello everyone.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am just stopping in to say that I will taking a bit of a break from blogging.</div><div style="text-align: center;">My brother-in-law is in the hospital, has been for about a week now.</div><div style="text-align: center;">We are not sure what is going on so I am just taking some time to be with my family.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hopefully we will know some more tonight after they run more tests and they can get him feeling better and get him home.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Thank you all so much for your friendship, it means the world to me.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s743.photobucket.com/albums/xx73/michelleg9968/?action=view&current=signature2.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i743.photobucket.com/albums/xx73/michelleg9968/signature2.png" /></a></div></div>michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17757389045798739976noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9094391411974678162.post-63530086806876473452012-03-13T07:38:00.008-04:002012-03-13T07:38:00.053-04:00Homework<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: center;">This past weekend it was beautiful here in Michigan and it is supposed to get up to 73 on Wednesday!</div><div style="text-align: center;">WOO HOO!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;">We took advantage of the weather and headed out Saturday late afternoon/evening for a little drive to visit the beaches so I could do some "homework" for my paintings.</div><div style="text-align: center;">It was still really windy (hubby is still doing well, no repercussions from the run-in with the downed tree) and it was a perfect time to take some photos of the waves out in the lake, how they roll up on shore, how the light hits them and just their overall movement.</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixfI36JdfBpHDKDnIhzPj3nJV6KD0EhRvejew0LR05fyqzDZs1bN9rIm2Nz24QFKuUN_vNAwIBWxI6MpexMaAIuRwEYScN7fL4COD1dJi44khpoRZFTBihRrFnVR3n-PiyOOiFEXaNVDU/s1600/lighthouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixfI36JdfBpHDKDnIhzPj3nJV6KD0EhRvejew0LR05fyqzDZs1bN9rIm2Nz24QFKuUN_vNAwIBWxI6MpexMaAIuRwEYScN7fL4COD1dJi44khpoRZFTBihRrFnVR3n-PiyOOiFEXaNVDU/s640/lighthouse.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">It was interesting because in the town that I live, which is about 20 miles south from where the photos above were taken, the waves were not as big. </div><div style="text-align: center;">However, that did not stop the surfers from trying to catch a few waves.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Mind you the water temp is still in the 30's. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNkJzxrOzLlqO3cRFa8Cfur2qNyx-BAyuIE0zYIntMcAAXw40OCTLEIlKuhgzbhogxjkfUIzG_Hwpj1bY10OHUr2Uqkjwmh1r9QWZ06VRUjErfzJnHfrvYr9HjMf-ShtnfrVpAbapm7eY/s1600/surfers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNkJzxrOzLlqO3cRFa8Cfur2qNyx-BAyuIE0zYIntMcAAXw40OCTLEIlKuhgzbhogxjkfUIzG_Hwpj1bY10OHUr2Uqkjwmh1r9QWZ06VRUjErfzJnHfrvYr9HjMf-ShtnfrVpAbapm7eY/s640/surfers.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLXzN4j2mhzJF3TUL4mSn_KGXccNCx0itgkaO3hjcalsOl_RRWqkAuhGktzChyphenhyphennEZTx1ePDpeqVagIoylsU-zcKNtLJBRkjMZovyn0pby-hB2LTBqWvqydoCKiH1zZ2AQZq6EBhokaJ74/s1600/surfers1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLXzN4j2mhzJF3TUL4mSn_KGXccNCx0itgkaO3hjcalsOl_RRWqkAuhGktzChyphenhyphennEZTx1ePDpeqVagIoylsU-zcKNtLJBRkjMZovyn0pby-hB2LTBqWvqydoCKiH1zZ2AQZq6EBhokaJ74/s640/surfers1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIzWEz8QHhkzLjYGvl6YC2e9czaB_EOcPPYm9nR-A_cmpuDj22nMSB1hpc3PUmoORuxoCXF8PHxMf4V3xau-En7XjaX1hY3wZgCIXuGjyRXPhjoP3wDbVjY8fEzE2XawTx9tO1hZidtnY/s640/IMG_1464.JPG" width="640" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;">(the kids thought it was cool that they could jump over the fence)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Monday was rainy and humid and some severe weather came rolling through late afternoon. </div><div style="text-align: center;">We actually had to leave my daughters basketball game due to a tornado watch, school policy for the area. We haven't had a tornado in our town in a LONG time but better safe than sorry. </div><div style="text-align: center;">After the storms passed my daughter and I went out to the lake to do some more "homework". </div><div style="text-align: center;">I wanted sunset pictures and to see how the sun displays its colors on the clouds and water while setting. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Here is what we got.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg5QUPGHKpZ6TyRO9D2TfDpShjA9XG0dU1ZKQNNHGmihLMGU-6IJdaV0FSxfQ6i3QxeIiMzHQ1Exu86LliSs9EaBwhS4p62HibgdpYEpsMjFmxSmSVhoIBJjkh2_6VlOW0gFyVyihzxPE/s1600/sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg5QUPGHKpZ6TyRO9D2TfDpShjA9XG0dU1ZKQNNHGmihLMGU-6IJdaV0FSxfQ6i3QxeIiMzHQ1Exu86LliSs9EaBwhS4p62HibgdpYEpsMjFmxSmSVhoIBJjkh2_6VlOW0gFyVyihzxPE/s640/sunset.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZU2asgcNIP80OxBxQ-hvGJE4kH-q4XKA1_jQ7DIVnY0zJqIuQFgeI2UmoQ6LEg6lB8RO9mQk7ddulspeAIPPjJZd8Oj2X1uqOccrquVV6OK6R50NlBX41OcPU4VrXeeVzCJC7uVvetFU/s1600/sunset1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZU2asgcNIP80OxBxQ-hvGJE4kH-q4XKA1_jQ7DIVnY0zJqIuQFgeI2UmoQ6LEg6lB8RO9mQk7ddulspeAIPPjJZd8Oj2X1uqOccrquVV6OK6R50NlBX41OcPU4VrXeeVzCJC7uVvetFU/s640/sunset1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">I love these and may have to attempt a painting in the future. </div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcD3CX0Q99jiQ8qbXA6byuhXJEqBvO2R_vJmIKsGNfR52G2Ft5XVVnblW10cOlO37jnJ7wsy-XBeoiNWCL5T-FznOdL3J7mKB9oPXFqtSMjsZbshIyri-Brn36Zs-yWA9rzvU0ns2mIak/s1600/sunset3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcD3CX0Q99jiQ8qbXA6byuhXJEqBvO2R_vJmIKsGNfR52G2Ft5XVVnblW10cOlO37jnJ7wsy-XBeoiNWCL5T-FznOdL3J7mKB9oPXFqtSMjsZbshIyri-Brn36Zs-yWA9rzvU0ns2mIak/s640/sunset3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiC4CREkVlm6qgNnfIyLQiPquwkJI3i6z84of0XNo-BfKgFJv7EXSYTdpFWZE71I44kjw1KzMENnRvebfH2wE4osAcKWUStQafRPYyARRD4B0pD95kqZdKfQg0fyrf1y5WeKK3esLYfwk/s1600/sunset4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiC4CREkVlm6qgNnfIyLQiPquwkJI3i6z84of0XNo-BfKgFJv7EXSYTdpFWZE71I44kjw1KzMENnRvebfH2wE4osAcKWUStQafRPYyARRD4B0pD95kqZdKfQg0fyrf1y5WeKK3esLYfwk/s640/sunset4.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjamYa4Evw5qWkGPH0VyEHmxPGbvyFONvR6YaMbXmRe240bmjBJ6t0LoLeR0Xya35gqhGOeieJOmRm08XPTZcJrDSFTGKGFA0EIgKjuSVYX4Pbm1Ycngp-U-PXeIGLz43QrXvknB5kKUlM/s1600/sunset5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjamYa4Evw5qWkGPH0VyEHmxPGbvyFONvR6YaMbXmRe240bmjBJ6t0LoLeR0Xya35gqhGOeieJOmRm08XPTZcJrDSFTGKGFA0EIgKjuSVYX4Pbm1Ycngp-U-PXeIGLz43QrXvknB5kKUlM/s640/sunset5.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW48yCyZUf0KRxW97LjkZb1P5EwDn4yKpCdAln2HMUQDuK3MRZT6Vfz2C1z4yIJutpRlZPA-qoHJa4cndfyRJr8uUZDHi2DE91CDo_l2Om8FSmvOEQy9Tsk1xl-SObbfNUWqNN7ZZA8i4/s1600/sunset6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW48yCyZUf0KRxW97LjkZb1P5EwDn4yKpCdAln2HMUQDuK3MRZT6Vfz2C1z4yIJutpRlZPA-qoHJa4cndfyRJr8uUZDHi2DE91CDo_l2Om8FSmvOEQy9Tsk1xl-SObbfNUWqNN7ZZA8i4/s640/sunset6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">It was interesting to see how the colors changed from different angles and depending how much I zoomed in and out as well as when the sun was sinking lower.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am so blessed to live in such a beautiful area.</div><div style="text-align: center;">My goal for myself for painting, after I become more confident in my abilities, is to go up and down our coastline and paint the places that I love so much here in Michigan.</div><div style="text-align: center;">My friend <a href="http://artbyrt.blogspot.com/">Ral</a>, an artist that I featured a while back, mentioned in one of our conversations that she could paint one stretch of beach there in Hawaii and never get the same picture. </div><div style="text-align: center;">She is so right! </div><div style="text-align: center;">The beach, water and sky are ever changing and seem more and more beautiful and inspiring every time I look.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Sorry this is such a long post, I got really excited and inspired.</div><div style="text-align: center;">So I thank you again for letting me share this with you.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">xoxoxo</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://s743.photobucket.com/albums/xx73/michelleg9968/?action=view&current=signature2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i743.photobucket.com/albums/xx73/michelleg9968/signature2.png" /></a></div></div>michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17757389045798739976noreply@blogger.com44tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9094391411974678162.post-69323831520294650792012-03-09T15:06:00.000-05:002012-03-09T15:06:26.144-05:00Back to the Drawing Board<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: center;">Hello.</div><div style="text-align: center;">How are you?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Good I hope. :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We are starting to get better around here, thank you so much for all the well-wishes, and it looks like the weather is hopefully going to be a bit more consistent in the next weeks....perhaps Spring is Springing? </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This last week has been interesting. It started off pretty mundane and then Wednesday night shook me a bit. My hubby, who had to run into work with his boss at 11:00 pm phoned me and proceeded to tell me that they are ok. I was sleeping and it took me a minute to figure out what was going on but then it hit me.</div><div style="text-align: center;">WE ARE OK???</div><div style="text-align: center;">WHAT HAPPENED?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Well, it has been extremely windy here the last few days and as they were driving down the road they came across a tree that had fallen over the road from all the wind. Unfortunately they didn't see it until they were right up on it and hit it. The air bags went off and thank God they just "jumped" over it and landed on the other side....although not good for his bosses car. No one was hurt but I was shaking so bad at the thought of what could have happened. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This morning our wonderful washing machine decided to leak AGAIN so I spent the morning cleaning up water AGAIN and trying to figure out why it was leaking AGAIN. I have a front loader and will never ever get another one. They are great for some things but they smell and they get plugged really easily, at least mine does. I use all the right soaps and try not to wash anything weird, I do have two children so I can't guarantee that weird things don't go in from time to time but this machine has done this about 8 times in the last two years. I am not happy about that. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Does anyone else have issues with their machine?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I have also started volunteering for an organization that my dear SIL is director of. It is the Down's Syndrome Association of West Michigan. I am their new Volunteer Coordinator. It is not a paying job but that's ok, I love helping and it gives me a chance to do something for others. This week I spent some hours trying to figure things out and setting things up, sending out emails and other little things. I still have a ways to go to get in a groove but I think I am headed in the right direction.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I also had a few hours to try to paint.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here is what is going on in that world.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This is what I am trying to paint.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9kA12uGigCVpUjGh3yFzm7K9G6fgFdzSlGcMMokyHujZtGy607hdyY4G79k-fUVOKs1eEI7zluTVyFIam2LiakQ_XwQvbaGK2MHlpryyzh8EZ6V5ZxG62mtk9X5IkmBeAvn3NucO4R4/s640/photo.jpg" width="640" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This is what I ended with today, didn't even finish it, and decided to start over.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAxStTp-t8VdYnal_TavJxi9XQDqTeEJX7HsHEgwRUQ4usmcVj6IJ189DRdgQewGxEQG8I3fZdGmZmL_tv7sFEjYHNyT_miSHvXYEr1ZnMcE7ZyWurmPshTEDjSWYozgKyyiZMSOwsJL0/s640/painting.jpg" width="640" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am having the worst time with this area with the grasses and shadows,</div><div style="text-align: center;">I just can't get them to look right.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvi1Tc-gRKK0RZ7JWVgnuxmbvOHP0w_5CWV_PUytlJbrvIu2gB2tM2zsRKPFB_7rUoz02qH0vjE6MOcgeuUfe6PZ2tVvIhypBV-0tNYZ2I54WUBWQ6J7P5Tk3rfOGMV4owsViDSb8HW9A/s640/photo1.jpg" width="640" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This was the first attempt....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOCwVAdSlcx8JmLQwhCQTDgjtjHVQs4Z_28bFyhAOYHp_SV5HNgzdj71pFEwsg0P9GTPELtlLanUrRZgsYt11cDqynXAJWvr-XVaqCtV3_XP9g10bE0wNb5rO5Uo5qA8YD7UUgfQ1DKl0/s1600/firstatt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOCwVAdSlcx8JmLQwhCQTDgjtjHVQs4Z_28bFyhAOYHp_SV5HNgzdj71pFEwsg0P9GTPELtlLanUrRZgsYt11cDqynXAJWvr-XVaqCtV3_XP9g10bE0wNb5rO5Uo5qA8YD7UUgfQ1DKl0/s640/firstatt.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"> and second attempt.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI5wCv_fiz6J_1VHr-nT8JTfu5ur6MuMeOuxk4qKC36zlKRoBsn_tN2UxQdfKrihZdt71p3AZDdSKzziJnAzPG73BPDiIaGhbvFdUD7_a-7_jgbVVNOH2LqQ9IdTquMrTIz3tX4hckX10/s1600/painting1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI5wCv_fiz6J_1VHr-nT8JTfu5ur6MuMeOuxk4qKC36zlKRoBsn_tN2UxQdfKrihZdt71p3AZDdSKzziJnAzPG73BPDiIaGhbvFdUD7_a-7_jgbVVNOH2LqQ9IdTquMrTIz3tX4hckX10/s640/painting1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"> The second attempt was better but not what I had in mind.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I need to practice my grasses as well as techniques. I still have to get over some things like the feeling that I am wasting paint and learning more about mixing colors. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I will not give up and if anyone has any great books to go from I am all ears and eyes.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I hope you have a wonderful weekend and please forgive me if I am a bit absent in the near future, I have some things coming up that will be taking some of my time.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hugs!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s743.photobucket.com/albums/xx73/michelleg9968/?action=view&current=signature2.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i743.photobucket.com/albums/xx73/michelleg9968/signature2.png" /></a></div></div>michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17757389045798739976noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9094391411974678162.post-77583452897868758892012-03-04T12:31:00.000-05:002012-03-04T12:31:51.158-05:00If I had a Beach House....<div style="text-align: center;">..it wouldn't be too ginormous.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I would want something where I can enjoy each room and make the most of those rooms.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Something with character and charm.<br />
Where the beach was my front and back yard.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/181199584977137115/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="600" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/92112754848257005_ThQFU8oB_c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="http://sdoople.info/sp-house-trim-ideas" style="color: #76838b;">sdoople.info</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/mickey9968/" style="color: #76838b;" target="_blank">Michelle</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div><br />
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<br />
Where tall beach grass swayed in the sea breezes.<br />
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<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/181199584977421014/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="600" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/198932508509775295_5Y3Dqmv7_c.jpg" width="464" /></a></div></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="http://www.sarahklassen.com/2011/09/giveaway-belmondo.html" style="color: #76838b;">sarahklassen.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/mickey9968/" style="color: #76838b;" target="_blank">Michelle</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div><br />
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I could either sit in the sun and soak up its warmth</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/181199584977333124/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="460" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/181199584977333124_hs21gt8N_c.jpg" width="360" /></a></div></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="http://alifeofbeautyandgrace.tumblr.com/post/9395012552" style="color: #76838b;">alifeofbeautyandgrace.tumblr.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/mickey9968/" style="color: #76838b;" target="_blank">Michelle</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">or under a porch to nap or be sheltered as I</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/56295064061628787/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/56295064061628787_1oEFH7mf_c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="http://www.coastalliving.com/homes/decorating/beachy-porches-patios-00414000071440/page20.html" style="color: #76838b;">coastalliving.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/noellemanasco/" style="color: #76838b;" target="_blank">Noelle</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">watch an incoming storm</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/181199584977410416/" style="line-height: 0px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="458" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/88946161360069948_xer00hYA_c.jpg" width="600" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Source: </span><a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?q=storm+on+the+ocean&hl=en&client=safari&rls=en&biw=1024&bih=619&tbm=isch&tbnid=yhPdp5uRGdmU_M:&imgrefurl=http://www.dpchallenge.com/image.php%253FIMAGE_ID%253D716947&docid=nLCJLNe-WZ-avM&w=720&h=550&ei=eag-Tqb3EIjx0gHzgr3_Aw&zoom=1&iact=rc&dur=424&page=1&tbnh=131&tbnw=171&start=0&ndsp=12&ved=1t:429,r:1,s:0&tx=99&ty=78" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">google.com</a><span style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> via </span><a href="http://pinterest.com/mickey9968/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" target="_blank">Michelle</a><span style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> on </span><a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;"><br />
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</div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">or the moon rise over the sea.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/181199584976963119/" style="line-height: 0px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="500" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/181199584976963119_E9mJclAv_c.jpg" width="393" /></a></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="http://tinywhitedaisies.tumblr.com/page/11" style="color: #76838b;">tinywhitedaisies.tumblr.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/mickey9968/" style="color: #76838b;" target="_blank">Michelle</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div><br />
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I would have stairs that lead down to the beach and then<br />
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<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/181199584977410937/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="344" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/204139795578906427_auZUB3Wn_c.jpg" width="383" /></a></div></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="http://www.songbirdisnesting.com/2011/08/funny-captions.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+songbirdisnesting+%28Songbird%29" style="color: #76838b;">songbirdisnesting.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/mickey9968/" style="color: #76838b;" target="_blank">Michelle</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div><br />
<br />
<br />
to a dock where I could sip my morning chai and watch the sun rise.<br />
(of course a Starbucks would be walking distance away :) )<br />
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<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/181199584977114406/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="332" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/20477373275349105_sCgw8tkK_c.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="http://seasidestyle.blogspot.com/2011/12/key-west-dreamin.html" style="color: #76838b;">seasidestyle.blogspot.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/mickey9968/" style="color: #76838b;" target="_blank">Michelle</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div><br />
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<br />
The inside would have rooms with character as well. <br />
Planked walls and ceilings</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/181199584977333148/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="743" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/181199584977333148_m9vLChsQ_c.jpg" width="450" /></a></div></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="http://houseandhome.com/design/white-galley-kitchen" style="color: #76838b;">houseandhome.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/mickey9968/" style="color: #76838b;" target="_blank">Michelle</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">with floors covered by old wood that squeaked when you walked on them, telling a story of<br />
a time before.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/181199584977007612/" style="line-height: 0px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="506" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/181199584977007612_L7GADcL7_c.jpg" width="355" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="http://bellacosas.tumblr.com/post/9769219823" style="color: #76838b;">bellacosas.tumblr.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/mickey9968/" style="color: #76838b;" target="_blank">Michelle</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div><br />
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Windows would have sheers billowing in the sea breezes.<br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic8btcvsJHPku2kv6uK4gqbfrXYFooAYy9jz0Wt5YoCpRVhXFl6uu10BthFQ_0L9l8wRkVaaiLJMdxppudkkYTMwqDw-E_6tDMN-mMdl1APv2Kn4fmalZ-t-eBO_OQKBj1xkHNBz_dlQM/s600/breeze.jpg" /> <br />
(my photo)<br />
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<br />
I would have a place to retreat to<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/191473421626957208/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="600" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/191473421626957208_giSHJoIO_c.jpg" width="450" /></a></div></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="http://starsmasquerading.tumblr.com/post/10347305378" style="color: #76838b;">starsmasquerading.tumblr.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/ktpittson/" style="color: #76838b;" target="_blank">Karen</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">to soak my cares away.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/148970700143596252/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/148970700143596252_A1BQpqKf_c.jpg" width="460" /></a></div></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="http://chiccoastalliving.blogspot.com/2011/03/white-california-beach-house.html" style="color: #76838b;">chiccoastalliving.blogspot.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/cbrunings/" style="color: #76838b;" target="_blank">Claire</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Romantic rooms with views and fireplaces to cozy up to on a cold night.</div><div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/181199584977420948/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="749" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/181199584977420948_A1wC1f2n_c.jpg" width="500" /></a></div></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="http://www.houzz.com/beach-house/p/32" style="color: #76838b;">houzz.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/mickey9968/" style="color: #76838b;" target="_blank">Michelle</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">A room that feel like you are outside yet sheltered.</div><br />
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<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/181199584977410960/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/36662184436046831_fiOm7Wbp_c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="http://www.coastalliving.com/homes/decorating/25-comfy-cottage-rooms-00400000065404/page17.html" style="color: #76838b;">coastalliving.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/mickey9968/" style="color: #76838b;" target="_blank">Michelle</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Every room with a view of the sea.</div><br />
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<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/181199584977380966/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/181199584977380966_DfqPd265_c.jpg" width="451" /></a></div></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="http://www.mydesignchic.com/2012/02/things-we-love-aged-leather.html" style="color: #76838b;">mydesignchic.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/mickey9968/" style="color: #76838b;" target="_blank">Michelle</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">A place to hid and paint.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/181199584977420964/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="332" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/181199584977420964_Elv6pTWy_c.jpg" width="500" /></a></div></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/215707/Woodmeister-Master-Builders---WestWind-contemporary-bedroom-boston" style="color: #76838b;">houzz.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/mickey9968/" style="color: #76838b;" target="_blank">Michelle</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div><br />
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<div style="padding-bottom: 2px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A bedroom that starts and ends my day with the most beautiful view.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I would surround myself with treasures from the sea</div></div><br />
<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/208713763950454677/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="600" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/208713763950454677_ZlszhuCK_c.jpg" width="401" /></a></div></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="http://www.save-on-crafts.com/driftwood4.html" style="color: #76838b;">save-on-crafts.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/katwalksplaces/" style="color: #76838b;" target="_blank">Kathleen</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div><br />
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<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/179651472605086865/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/179651472605086865_tQfwj44e_c.jpg" width="310" /></a></div></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="http://www.completely-coastal.com/2010/09/starfish-decor-hang-them-with-twine.html" style="color: #76838b;">completely-coastal.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/normaweekman/" style="color: #76838b;" target="_blank">Norma</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">I would want to be close to a town where I could stroll along the docks</div><br />
<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/269512358919949520/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="600" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/269512358919949520_wJT0hGoR_c.jpg" width="436" /></a></div></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="http://www.whatkatieate.blogspot.com/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">whatkatieate.blogspot.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/emilysylvester/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Emily</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">and little stores on a wharf.</div><br />
<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/244883298457798179/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="395" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/244883298457798179_SedAIDkv_c.jpg" width="588" /></a></div></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="http://intelligenttravel.nationalgeographic.com/2011/09/08/cape-cod-road-trip/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">intelligenttravel.nationalgeographic.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/amy_brodnax/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Amy</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Small town charm.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/181199584977180723/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="675" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/117938083961496140_9HlcmVB9_c.jpg" width="450" /></a></div></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="http://littlebangtheory.wordpress.com/tag/hy-line-ferry/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">littlebangtheory.wordpress.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/mickey9968/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Michelle</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Is there such a place?</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Honestly I would love to live in Cape Cod or Nantucket, that would be my dream. </div><div style="text-align: center;">If I could just convince my family and friends to move with me that would be perfect!</div><div style="text-align: center;">oh yeah, and win the lotto. :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Thank you for letting me dream a bit, I had fun looking at all the gorgeous beach houses and rooms.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Maybe one day it will happen, until then</div><div style="text-align: center;">thank God for Pinterest and blogs!!! :)<br />
<br />
I will taking a little break this week, I am behind on things and I am still under the weather and pretty convinced that I will be sick until summer. <br />
BUT,<br />
I did see a Robin the other day which, in Michigan, means that Spring is not too far away.<br />
Let's hope. :)<br />
<br />
I wish you a happy and healthy week!<br />
<br />
hugs!!!<br />
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</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://s743.photobucket.com/albums/xx73/michelleg9968/?action=view&current=signature2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i743.photobucket.com/albums/xx73/michelleg9968/signature2.png" /></a></div>michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17757389045798739976noreply@blogger.com60tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9094391411974678162.post-67153497004188363532012-03-01T08:00:00.007-05:002012-03-01T08:00:09.122-05:00Gift Exchange<div style="text-align: center;">Happy March!!</div><div style="text-align: center;">I can't believe it is March already, this year is flying by which is ok because then we can get to summer quicker. </div><div style="text-align: center;">This week has been busy with sports and I am still sick but finally went to the doctor and now I have some good stuff to knock this cold out.<br />
Of course now the boy is sick so we are off to the doctor again.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Yesterday my hubby turned 11!! </div><div style="text-align: center;">He is getting so big! LOL!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Yup, he is a leap year baby. It was kind of funny, he and my daughter both turned 10 on the same year. They even put something in the paper about it and their photo was on the front page which she thought was pretty cool!</div><div style="text-align: center;">And yes, he does act his age sometimes.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Anyway, a while ago my friend Brandi from <a href="http://bet1975.blogspot.com/">Don't Disturb This Groove</a> contacted me with a gift exchange idea for those that wanted to participate and I thought that it would be fun so I said yes!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">My gift exchange friend was Comeca from <a href="http://shanswife.blogspot.com/">Shans Wife Meme</a>. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I met Comeca about a year ago and she is the sweetest and has such a beautiful blog full of love and ideas for the home. We have exchanged emails every now and then and I love her style. If you have not met her please stop by and say hi, she is beautiful inside and out!</div><div style="text-align: center;">You can also see what gift I sent her.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Monday I was having a bad day and then a knock at my door changed my mood.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I saw a box sitting at my doorstep and when I opened it up I smiled from ear to ear at what was inside.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Not only did I see something but I could smell, even with the cold, this beautiful fragrant.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Inside was this gorgeous shell wreath, a sachet of Seaspray scents to put in your home and these beautiful seashell tablecloth weights that I can't wait to use on our deck this summer along a sweet little note.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> (does she know me or what. :) ) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0fKAVOBGDKtw-DmGSM3p64HTzPgGClu_3FhyphenhyphenQ-DHpRQ7ZfUo8aKRXR4qfGVwWZ2eQi7pkZuM0rnQVEQBFnIQ0uVLfie9NoG9Ob4PcY1I-WxVg8kIwNiVYEoEyQcF5x1vzlhabbW5dJGI/s1600/gift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0fKAVOBGDKtw-DmGSM3p64HTzPgGClu_3FhyphenhyphenQ-DHpRQ7ZfUo8aKRXR4qfGVwWZ2eQi7pkZuM0rnQVEQBFnIQ0uVLfie9NoG9Ob4PcY1I-WxVg8kIwNiVYEoEyQcF5x1vzlhabbW5dJGI/s640/gift.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Aren't they beautiful!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx9xASzuhtF-SSOnz9YvPkBwTmmfLdlVEfK2bcja7xToyWeJYopqhJVKe1p_59j1-THDT26NcRlrJSPw_prjckcn29uzSV3WiK9ymuBi_WtHsnQi8DurqXMsFEqr3f0P-srrsDF7tzUa8/s1600/gift1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx9xASzuhtF-SSOnz9YvPkBwTmmfLdlVEfK2bcja7xToyWeJYopqhJVKe1p_59j1-THDT26NcRlrJSPw_prjckcn29uzSV3WiK9ymuBi_WtHsnQi8DurqXMsFEqr3f0P-srrsDF7tzUa8/s640/gift1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Just look at all those shells!!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgubnrMKkcdtRjO8hDv-fBkJq6TAc1H2bmQVi892BQQb-FFK1KlIPVEaX6I-cpCIZp3AIb3dUusGzn6WGv-BvSid-6a7k0uA4T8YA0JbnE27etmXXOCf-YW50dn8hNFgTHrEM6U8m8uKpw/s1600/gift2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="582" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgubnrMKkcdtRjO8hDv-fBkJq6TAc1H2bmQVi892BQQb-FFK1KlIPVEaX6I-cpCIZp3AIb3dUusGzn6WGv-BvSid-6a7k0uA4T8YA0JbnE27etmXXOCf-YW50dn8hNFgTHrEM6U8m8uKpw/s640/gift2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I can't wait to find a place for it, I have so many spots to try out. :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Thank you so much Comeca and Brandi for this, it was so much fun.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Please stop by <a href="http://bet1975.blogspot.com/">Don't Disturb This Groove </a>to see what everyone received and I do believe that Brandi has a little giveaway.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s743.photobucket.com/albums/xx73/michelleg9968/?action=view&current=signature2.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i743.photobucket.com/albums/xx73/michelleg9968/signature2.png" /></a></div>michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17757389045798739976noreply@blogger.com39tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9094391411974678162.post-26042648092092968322012-02-23T18:03:00.000-05:002012-02-23T18:03:03.433-05:00Art 102<div style="text-align: center;">Hello everyone!</div><div style="text-align: center;">I hope you are all well today.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am doing good, still fighting with this cold that doesn't want to go away completely but, oh well, such is winter time I guess.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I have been painting more this week and I wanted to show you two paintings that I finished up on.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The first one I completed about two weeks ago. </div><div style="text-align: center;">It is ok, nothing spectacular, I was learning about reflections and practicing my beach grass and just playing with colors. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWV7_BDoN60BjtcI1xU75BEbqnWSOhKImC7NRS1puI8pu6Kjn1tgfSEB5vdvMuRTQmPHECzCIpJ3yOsRqIHhgYEeioboRxYxFZ7T0IXRLuX1dMZw-7ktI1IqRlRptIBZbVIExxQxQ1hTQ/s1600/IMG_1185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWV7_BDoN60BjtcI1xU75BEbqnWSOhKImC7NRS1puI8pu6Kjn1tgfSEB5vdvMuRTQmPHECzCIpJ3yOsRqIHhgYEeioboRxYxFZ7T0IXRLuX1dMZw-7ktI1IqRlRptIBZbVIExxQxQ1hTQ/s640/IMG_1185.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am not thrilled with how it came out but that's ok, I learned about distances and details and trying to reflect a time of day or type of weather.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn3SkNCifMU-hPThYhv2gzkFlJEeDKCaqP1TrpnVXeItccmPv4rEaDE_NG0c8UmUBvMJoVnzyJH9ofTXpaVUQlBy1-OadBfS_YdcVotPcUHXUSyQMfuJRF2-k4ksinC-a2Xscx2XhtXlY/s1600/IMG_1186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn3SkNCifMU-hPThYhv2gzkFlJEeDKCaqP1TrpnVXeItccmPv4rEaDE_NG0c8UmUBvMJoVnzyJH9ofTXpaVUQlBy1-OadBfS_YdcVotPcUHXUSyQMfuJRF2-k4ksinC-a2Xscx2XhtXlY/s640/IMG_1186.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">My next painting I did on a bigger canvas, 12 x 24.</div><div style="text-align: center;">This one took me a while and a couple of do-overs. </div><div style="text-align: center;">That is what I love about acrylics, if you don't like it you can paint right over it and start again.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwxjpTiX0iL1A24Y4tn7VpMREyfgOhXftMOcFVFKynbtr2hWdEnoJGJNTQmGqQjYyZd49gKrSsOiKj9CdhyAnF5KUGHdlQRgUB2pHWjxUKySMBJzzzsrQFnrSLaFSd2iXngpSILTtpbgI/s1600/paitning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwxjpTiX0iL1A24Y4tn7VpMREyfgOhXftMOcFVFKynbtr2hWdEnoJGJNTQmGqQjYyZd49gKrSsOiKj9CdhyAnF5KUGHdlQRgUB2pHWjxUKySMBJzzzsrQFnrSLaFSd2iXngpSILTtpbgI/s640/paitning.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I found that I love masking tape. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It really helps so much.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsPDtHyAYxFOdDiVnL5kLJAoO6KWRYP7YCLI7mg8hzL0uv-zfdxC9GPNIMbJDT4GWgbeDNJqvC3F1j1sd7BtAnziYG38rmNBUyOBWKSpIT0Hi-QtHMSmgbVyGqP9lOkUPp8rHg91jQk60/s1600/painting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsPDtHyAYxFOdDiVnL5kLJAoO6KWRYP7YCLI7mg8hzL0uv-zfdxC9GPNIMbJDT4GWgbeDNJqvC3F1j1sd7BtAnziYG38rmNBUyOBWKSpIT0Hi-QtHMSmgbVyGqP9lOkUPp8rHg91jQk60/s640/painting.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was fun trying new things with colors, especially with the sand.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I would have never guessed that you would used blues and purples in the sand but when they are mixed with other colors I was having so much fun applying them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was really nervous about the driftwood and I have found that blocking in colors and then layering really helps. Above I blocked in the driftwood and then later added the details.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEils_tJJYw5hMmuK_-GJV1TU6Uq0VFP2sLjKPx5avrSrDZuA54w2WwTG_LmlRI1_w4mvahsrF7qVDRXAQtUAu3GPVIu50DnTkKpgeOFBnEs8lB9XOa7y5Uq5eEY17lI7INmtKlmF_A_Ggk/s1600/IMG_1345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEils_tJJYw5hMmuK_-GJV1TU6Uq0VFP2sLjKPx5avrSrDZuA54w2WwTG_LmlRI1_w4mvahsrF7qVDRXAQtUAu3GPVIu50DnTkKpgeOFBnEs8lB9XOa7y5Uq5eEY17lI7INmtKlmF_A_Ggk/s640/IMG_1345.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Same with the grasses (though I still need to work on them) blocking in a section and then building on it works much easier than painting every blade of grass and gives depth to the area.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi691gxPkFMczsPECdTkiSJUKpBbGV9LVWLxE2Q17zUhHFQvV1Dfk1KX_fwkOKsWqXUPg3mjePwokLMJfDmIeXG_sfQIo4PK-mycq-wn58s8akAqrKTptT9Pdpa1uO8yLbrl1IbwyMJNVA/s1600/IMG_1354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi691gxPkFMczsPECdTkiSJUKpBbGV9LVWLxE2Q17zUhHFQvV1Dfk1KX_fwkOKsWqXUPg3mjePwokLMJfDmIeXG_sfQIo4PK-mycq-wn58s8akAqrKTptT9Pdpa1uO8yLbrl1IbwyMJNVA/s640/IMG_1354.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am pretty happy with how this turned out, there are still lots of things that I need to improve on like waves, grass, color mixing and glazing.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I had a good time with this one though and took my time completing steps on different days and it helped that I could walk away when I wasn't doing so well.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhweWs5AmuV4Lv8AEfckeDQmTWNjjZMguUzka81OLtGRsfqwe8flPlAOw4qYdHaHFTIvDmYcEYnkPAxhZaN95hMUeha0oUGP_cjUVD-pxEH7ciPi9jhnp56YIEx-CWrS5BGhVmeDtF-TjU/s1600/beach1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhweWs5AmuV4Lv8AEfckeDQmTWNjjZMguUzka81OLtGRsfqwe8flPlAOw4qYdHaHFTIvDmYcEYnkPAxhZaN95hMUeha0oUGP_cjUVD-pxEH7ciPi9jhnp56YIEx-CWrS5BGhVmeDtF-TjU/s640/beach1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Some of you expressed your interest in picking up that brush again and I say go for it!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am really enjoying this and find myself actually finding myself!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Does that makes sense? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am happy when I am painting and I have even found myself thinking about what kind of painter I want to be, finding a style and a certain feel to my paintings.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">More on that later though,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> right now I am enjoying the journey and seeing what I can do. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s743.photobucket.com/albums/xx73/michelleg9968/?action=view&current=signature2.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i743.photobucket.com/albums/xx73/michelleg9968/signature2.png" /></a></div>michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17757389045798739976noreply@blogger.com58tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9094391411974678162.post-41423352643157797432012-02-20T10:59:00.000-05:002012-02-20T10:59:41.143-05:00More Eagle Photos!! YEAH!!!!!<div style="text-align: center;">Good Monday to you! </div><div style="text-align: center;">It is sunny and freezing here today but that's ok cause I am so excited!!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Yesterday I went for a ride to the lake and was so bummed because there were about 20+ Bald Eagles, both adults and adolescents sitting on the ice in the middle of Lake Mac (the small lake that flows into Lake Michigan) and I didn't have my camera!!!!! GRRRR!!!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">BUT!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Fear not!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I went out this morning with camera in hand and as I turned the corner towards the lake I could see in the distant that they were there again!! </div><div style="text-align: center;">I was so excited I about peed my pants!</div><div style="text-align: center;">It was another gorgeous sunny morning so I went clicking away at all the wonderful wildlife that visits us each winter.</div><div style="text-align: center;">We get quite a few varieties of birds including Loons, Swans, mergansers, bufflehead and of course Bald Eagles. I have only seen the Loons on occasion and while some of the birds stay for the summer, most head farther north away from the more populated areas. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Anyway, here are my photos, they are a little blurry because I don't have a telephoto lens, but you get the idea. :)</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeYPz6vMjpdtr-R01Mo97NH4DKfJLmeu9-_UMSTRoAaCcdI9Lvvljr6o-2UuevoIKxm9CHF8SFfJiHlL_tf7ddtPYI9oeETulDGj9sbLriHGtfggjDXAlYYDftjfhDZeoBCtrS874oqWc/s640/eagles5.jpg" width="640" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">These are mostly adolescent eagles just hanging out, possibly warming themselves</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD1tXePwjXJxz-mrc2cXuTDdnrarJsftny-NcGwv3b2IWBsroNAddPxLdejX1xvhpBGajP1PfNqCef3I3aKV0jVc3un6oN0pVZ3l1zEZjFOM-GTO9h4lmyAcmB9Dim5y_j3PKu8f9jMa4/s640/eagles4.jpg" width="640" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">or waiting for some of the adults to come back</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjss1wPPuvZ4JVOF1kj9W4FIx8d8nPLhs3j9kAUaui96gtizRI09YhppXQZeVAYuCaRlYgwHTWqz1Nwk-jMB5SRyFSItCse-0GNvcfEf1nTqZHRXFrKTUQaaQ206VMWlv-I9KCxi8KxVc/s640/eagles2.jpg" width="640" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">with breakfast.</div><div style="text-align: center;">It is so amazing that they feel safe to come here to breed and raise their young.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Over the years they have increased their population quite a bit.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I spotted the adults across the channel high in the trees </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWR319lLiPWbOUAB-Olb1UNWUlkrfFCFmen0GotPqPRpLsGnbLVRb8qVXzNd1vU4rJzOZBQNHkR4xXOFsGg3EFHSx4QsLksvpHu2MZNeVlUD9uDo_fYcFpNhXPNPTEJx6l7rX7dKsburc/s640/eagles.jpg" width="640" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">and flying around looking for that perfect fish. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFmyFbm-79ou2yVDajtw60QjTf0uxV1ma4NR7uITIvg6N3jlFFYsVU8JUwFMCiEBDbuM9FjAs_fp38LJJtSMzZ0MmiyHBkiaNJNduCoBv1cRREhmahdPZiPM1KX6NlWGdBCwkxkNOOuGw/s640/eagles1.jpg" width="640" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDFgzbMWWRAtwMZatS3AA6UySj6OAsh09dc1ptwnyGsliwPYuI0-W5sVGh5H0uQBKqgSqr_e1C4aDXqv4hwl0sOHJhoLsBg_JVHs1Zjhs1B-7euSZgxS9BAmnnCPFvhofLq-OJXPlnU5Y/s640/eagle6.jpg" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I also caught one even higher up in the hills.</div><div style="text-align: center;">(he is at the top of the photo)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9z64KsXBhQJXCZTAZng4nS3ivHjbNK28oqUWbqPGBUYwvkhZLu5U5JUa5v0HnB7NzO6aaXrQWFYBKW_VtqSBApkUAFjnlDb8D6LDhCshwC4GvP7_EokTKj0inZ11OYG1sK50IpZOKR18/s640/eagles7.jpg" width="480" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">and he was sitting above this gorgeous house/cottage.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG2wCIp23JRj0O6GV1hR26c5IguqWSXb8v91wZejBUBbL_muSO4_zsdUStH5-cJ-b9_gG6xCR0sZONSEVVfI_UB7FnU9sVGRAof11_ujh8ZZca_CIPHaiTCepXeImGdGpU-5jbFBar-nw/s640/eagles8.jpg" width="640" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This was my perspective, they were in the trees on the other side there. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBsPgqi2MzTBjfccFE9UWFpwgT7eregFob_1Y0KmCcyczHGfPVLt6bgnsgnc5WqZt3JfFHyFnT_tFdu33NUAqO3b1mvUNyIS_zOVWrS_hrx25kfllwCJhzMy-C3DcBgKGe6-L4OLoDwcc/s640/seaguls.jpg" width="640" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Had to get a close up of the seagulls. :)</div><div style="text-align: center;">I love seagulls or as my mom calls them 'Jonathon Livingston'</div><div style="text-align: center;"> or rats with wings.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfTGgDpBc9qoxZFIat1KLt7pN6tO3L3nMXvIE4_eIIJiOK9z-WaF7NqGS7SzTaoFHePQ9-s632A61hcQPw_Le0g84GZBA4Dn3rSGg18uQfvAsTXglbNH1nTFEgmfuDO8r2ZDqRbNa6K28/s640/seaguls2.jpg" width="640" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">The swans were in close this morning so I was able to get a few photos of them as well.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> I love swans too. :)</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifwcRpDtgY0uMegIJFPDgOJ688YH3mvje-_NBYqkbM3m_wRqKvNd90LndFxDABoT7aJ4Y4tqs4QFJvJ-b3FKUEkvhyK6vyt-4bZS1WjBNJy25AE0jgJcwRDjqxiyRCdorfCYitgrHj4bA/s640/swans.jpg" width="640" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihkOzIsfJzChq8IBoYTZ8yv45PRqJhRP2NRaCXT2N2Qb3zP0wv69Js0DeqcAjc3gfjbrry2flahN9KcyFomSW4UmbkGTyQDugnG_1vwieEF-YoJ4vYxNWqqqdsGPKAu7dxuxik54FWCEg/s640/swans1.jpg" width="640" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is Big Red and the channel that leads out to Lake Michigan.</div><div style="text-align: center;">The ducks like to hang out in there but I was getting cold and being already sick I didn't venture any further.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaI_bSuEFG6PkzMhW07hI56DS22u0CUKy5y4yuuCaUlqdUcz2Qp9M1lrFoLPSwegYWB1xW6Xuz_y9RMvf3F2zilz5Hm5ljh58K_LgEF7OxRdoZY-T8U-X6BOt6JRBtYqbOyoflaT2G65M/s640/IMG_1279.JPG" width="480" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Mallards flying around. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7rsDBtbdraxiJZelTmocm9_pGIB5g2RlPnud4HEWQOlLd6uAha6ykM0VYClk9S83ZN0EaXezTKtJz_wpWGjyOb_SrS2jJck1qS22dtRKJtHSD8mYcbBI1qTQt__U2xd72gjv-vbVsBDY/s1600/IMG_1285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7rsDBtbdraxiJZelTmocm9_pGIB5g2RlPnud4HEWQOlLd6uAha6ykM0VYClk9S83ZN0EaXezTKtJz_wpWGjyOb_SrS2jJck1qS22dtRKJtHSD8mYcbBI1qTQt__U2xd72gjv-vbVsBDY/s640/IMG_1285.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">There was so much activity going on it was so fun to see.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Nature is really incredible and I am so lucky to live in an area where it is only a short drive away.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I hope one day that it is right at my doorstep, I could sit on a deck or dock all day and watch everything that goes on. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"> And speaking of watching nature,</div><div style="text-align: center;">these little snots have figured out the squirrel-proof bird feeder. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzOszyUD4IQkF1c01IT6NnO4YoBhM4Ere38TUgx0cteO7RLSIMmbea_mUiOyMItGC_vuan9yPlQJyNcK1vBZ6_h7VmybNzqpCL2GWucLdUgqzxBzS5EkWagBXkrMH17C6mUCXHTWfshdU/s1600/squirrel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzOszyUD4IQkF1c01IT6NnO4YoBhM4Ere38TUgx0cteO7RLSIMmbea_mUiOyMItGC_vuan9yPlQJyNcK1vBZ6_h7VmybNzqpCL2GWucLdUgqzxBzS5EkWagBXkrMH17C6mUCXHTWfshdU/s640/squirrel.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">I should probable get a latch for that. :)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6T4GMuWO4DvAnpPdzwehD0aW8juJahsJE_TeZtzk4sRNCs_iuGU02HoawrMay1Q8Cy9YMwKNjGba1kKVQM7QOeeKLaEqs5YYV0mT2THheSTOK709Zr0fCZPkotYeJj79piQ3eFaCMOOE/s1600/squirrel1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6T4GMuWO4DvAnpPdzwehD0aW8juJahsJE_TeZtzk4sRNCs_iuGU02HoawrMay1Q8Cy9YMwKNjGba1kKVQM7QOeeKLaEqs5YYV0mT2THheSTOK709Zr0fCZPkotYeJj79piQ3eFaCMOOE/s640/squirrel1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Thank you for letting me indulge in more photos.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I truly love the water and all that comes with it.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am feeling much better today, thank you for the well wishes. </div><div style="text-align: center;">My voice is almost back and the cold is on its way out.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I hope to show you some more of my paintings that I have been doing later this week.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Until then, have a wonderful start to your week!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s743.photobucket.com/albums/xx73/michelleg9968/?action=view&current=signature2.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i743.photobucket.com/albums/xx73/michelleg9968/signature2.png" /></a></div>michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17757389045798739976noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9094391411974678162.post-45248078300283017092012-02-17T10:51:00.000-05:002012-02-17T10:51:03.920-05:00I Got Him, I Got Him!!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hello!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sorry I haven't been around lately, I am nursing a cold that we seem to keep passing around the house. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> I feel a bit better today but still stuffed up and now my voice is gone.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I wanted to share my joy with you today.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On my morning drive out to the lake, I spotted that elusive Bald Eagle that I have been trying to get decent photos of.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I turned into a little parking lot, quickly grabbed my camera and to my delight, he landed in one of the trees that surrounded the parking area.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkVZP7P1RVd49UYHcgZx6Eru2nAEBc1xw7pvADb-D010lAXhLhBmrr6rC1D0ILhWaJN3SkeX5Xdq2BAGTvQ0oUYPWj7VM5WJbwYUV0bUQ_f5VLpSvAQ-brAfkC1JOZfbWnWb-63Y-ayzk/s640/eagle2.jpg" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They are so magnificent and just amazing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8kCbr-o1jBDpqyuLylZjRVm6v6WOPBaXIRNwJpPVflu_ZLjGWr_BYfihZCuy_NJMtBt33onSRczFzejsBASa91f6pxgzCg2-csq_fAzcRWjIobRBT-czHiIuScpscjnkLYH3qPRyY4NA/s1600/eagle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8kCbr-o1jBDpqyuLylZjRVm6v6WOPBaXIRNwJpPVflu_ZLjGWr_BYfihZCuy_NJMtBt33onSRczFzejsBASa91f6pxgzCg2-csq_fAzcRWjIobRBT-czHiIuScpscjnkLYH3qPRyY4NA/s640/eagle.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Everything about them is so majestic.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_0VU7WOZzAUrGfCbfx3ZmxVdwhjMvbJ6iQSUPvmomDXruSNSj9QrC2xMhMG0V4azP8Lisn1ymmd_sYh-t6mtqImWXDk6OIuYLvv_OJxltsyVZmebB5AmmgnyH_YHs_cxs_y9qKKWbR-Y/s1600/eagle1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_0VU7WOZzAUrGfCbfx3ZmxVdwhjMvbJ6iQSUPvmomDXruSNSj9QrC2xMhMG0V4azP8Lisn1ymmd_sYh-t6mtqImWXDk6OIuYLvv_OJxltsyVZmebB5AmmgnyH_YHs_cxs_y9qKKWbR-Y/s640/eagle1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">The sun was out this morning </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnTyTXn0QdDhof7o39-kxvZPez317erTQ8smZSKKVve9_XG5C4GWi6eoQNq9ycIXSgTzvS_nLxGSp-YbFVSui8RFpvVINEvjYgjWbJCM4EZAfSDG1QbMhm73_rSmT1llAzDixchnniBmM/s1600/eagle3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnTyTXn0QdDhof7o39-kxvZPez317erTQ8smZSKKVve9_XG5C4GWi6eoQNq9ycIXSgTzvS_nLxGSp-YbFVSui8RFpvVINEvjYgjWbJCM4EZAfSDG1QbMhm73_rSmT1llAzDixchnniBmM/s640/eagle3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">and I think that he was fishing</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwfhgwlsGDDQlETq3XKJ_yKLxR-iimsizzM53yGeZU7DuKpj8mV2Rczh4fY942ukUOae4jRh29ybzMCVfpDQTZ5AQ7tKpom51VpNysKP3rXZH151g0Eqy1JfGqEdrX45G9ENjPNVD8fU4/s1600/eagle4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwfhgwlsGDDQlETq3XKJ_yKLxR-iimsizzM53yGeZU7DuKpj8mV2Rczh4fY942ukUOae4jRh29ybzMCVfpDQTZ5AQ7tKpom51VpNysKP3rXZH151g0Eqy1JfGqEdrX45G9ENjPNVD8fU4/s640/eagle4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">from high atop the trees,</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYfb1huI4j9vKGuTLCu5bzAGUILR1tDJBmw2hwlKtsGW8ERcnNPTOcpJw5ZT-HLz7zIcu01rbCqruv8RMeikr7pQstpUE1Vh6z3wc996NLB6TOs9ilQkgqkou7peIuPmIIfdRQup2xAhw/s1600/eagle5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYfb1huI4j9vKGuTLCu5bzAGUILR1tDJBmw2hwlKtsGW8ERcnNPTOcpJw5ZT-HLz7zIcu01rbCqruv8RMeikr7pQstpUE1Vh6z3wc996NLB6TOs9ilQkgqkou7peIuPmIIfdRQup2xAhw/s640/eagle5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">a great view of the waters all around him.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgidtaaSQcULBQXx3vsGkMt8i9EuMJMAiV78MbFN0JDF6sD8BXFGHU5mFDHuzK5g08Te32vrRHP-KFnf0-DNBuG49Ae08FdttRDaUuuZc8IgcPJSD5HmwteCBPiIksEZImfDX8rhCW5acs/s1600/IMG_1201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgidtaaSQcULBQXx3vsGkMt8i9EuMJMAiV78MbFN0JDF6sD8BXFGHU5mFDHuzK5g08Te32vrRHP-KFnf0-DNBuG49Ae08FdttRDaUuuZc8IgcPJSD5HmwteCBPiIksEZImfDX8rhCW5acs/s640/IMG_1201.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">I think he picked a pretty good spot.</div><div style="text-align: center;">He could see the Lake Michigan, the channel and the smaller lake, a perfect place where all the fish seem to congregate.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibBeuTp-xa-Ukc1QNg08XpInHuSEKmrIeMjWk2jPnAUG4rnvCzOFKm1hJiro9VlilYESIXCwI3-nIj2eG3q26jBdx0g-vwJ_XFEpVj6ujqeoQ-tPO_hOyjg705cecfBhQVQfRt14mrgvY/s1600/IMG_1210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibBeuTp-xa-Ukc1QNg08XpInHuSEKmrIeMjWk2jPnAUG4rnvCzOFKm1hJiro9VlilYESIXCwI3-nIj2eG3q26jBdx0g-vwJ_XFEpVj6ujqeoQ-tPO_hOyjg705cecfBhQVQfRt14mrgvY/s640/IMG_1210.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">I love watching them and I could have sat there all day I think.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Although my sneezing and blowing of my nose might have been a bit distracting. :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and I will see you next week!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://s743.photobucket.com/albums/xx73/michelleg9968/?action=view&current=signature2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i743.photobucket.com/albums/xx73/michelleg9968/signature2.png" /></a></div>michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17757389045798739976noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9094391411974678162.post-59210987176172981542012-02-14T06:07:00.001-05:002012-02-14T06:07:00.293-05:00Happy Valentines Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI_gfB3tPs65ttA62fT1LhyphenhyphenzkKbUr8VKPDKqbEGmn4E2vv2YyB5nw555Y-DTjmm6emT54HaKwHHVn_wAAF4yXt01wZQmBiJbGrN6Yf0P0NdEcwGBT5iWEvHrQy-dyjGq3-AqWw33VqSv0/s1600/vday1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI_gfB3tPs65ttA62fT1LhyphenhyphenzkKbUr8VKPDKqbEGmn4E2vv2YyB5nw555Y-DTjmm6emT54HaKwHHVn_wAAF4yXt01wZQmBiJbGrN6Yf0P0NdEcwGBT5iWEvHrQy-dyjGq3-AqWw33VqSv0/s640/vday1.jpg" width="484" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I hope your day is filled with </div><div style="text-align: center;">Warmth</div><div style="text-align: center;">&</div><div style="text-align: center;">LOVE</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://s743.photobucket.com/albums/xx73/michelleg9968/?action=view&current=signature2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i743.photobucket.com/albums/xx73/michelleg9968/signature2.png" /></a></div>michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17757389045798739976noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9094391411974678162.post-20016227001093588672012-02-13T07:02:00.002-05:002012-02-13T07:40:54.357-05:00Come Take A Looky-Loo!<div style="text-align: center;">Hellooooo!</div><div style="text-align: center;">I hope you had a wonderful weekend!</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Today I wanted to just share some blog love. </div><div style="text-align: center;"> I have come across a few new or new-to-me blogs and I just wanted to share them with you.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lavieenrose0927.blogspot.com/2012/02/vintage-match-box-holder.html">La Vie en Rose</a> is a beautiful blog by Keity. She has beautiful photography and loves to garden and create beauty around her home.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1X25mz3de538zCjvO1eQ019TAmb7pJUW_zcRf4L5cfMvqdMqoJZxhE_kCho9TxLxnKVua8DYgCQ276IlOr4S6Ide-aNhYAT7SSONIYRsPv02Eb9HSywbvqHN3s4pzNC8EoNDwABzMYRh9/s640/IMGP6752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1X25mz3de538zCjvO1eQ019TAmb7pJUW_zcRf4L5cfMvqdMqoJZxhE_kCho9TxLxnKVua8DYgCQ276IlOr4S6Ide-aNhYAT7SSONIYRsPv02Eb9HSywbvqHN3s4pzNC8EoNDwABzMYRh9/s640/IMGP6752.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://coralandcoast.blogspot.com/">Coral and Coast</a> - Kirsty shares her love of the sea and decorating, she live in New Zealand and takes amazing photos of the world around her.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBhZSqCNytJFMrPhx2oE10IpeOc1eetrxci2MfAr0OCLPhyphenhyphen3rsc03fJxc5dyuK6P4FevTLFgAr6j5Op3YHZVz3iRoLv6yWgtH9m4aBd0vPgmej8a8ydYr44lD4GsbblhbRNlMUqNl_EkZJ/s640/mahurangi4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBhZSqCNytJFMrPhx2oE10IpeOc1eetrxci2MfAr0OCLPhyphenhyphen3rsc03fJxc5dyuK6P4FevTLFgAr6j5Op3YHZVz3iRoLv6yWgtH9m4aBd0vPgmej8a8ydYr44lD4GsbblhbRNlMUqNl_EkZJ/s640/mahurangi4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sommerwhites.blogspot.com/">Sommerwhite</a> - Gaby, who also lives in New Zealand but is orginally from Sweden, shares her love of the sea as well as Scandinavian design.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhawqlAHRob2e5wC7U7UK4jL-Gd6LpSk3tVWzlFuvGv42HmUT8TCNa725Kx-bCTHyV3Yw7a9csr4yHE1dZjJsMogGDMQuE3PZ6c7PNsKjmEO44_xJ0kiapE3L-r__aY9_Vkfu3qUbmt6X0/s640/IMG_1330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhawqlAHRob2e5wC7U7UK4jL-Gd6LpSk3tVWzlFuvGv42HmUT8TCNa725Kx-bCTHyV3Yw7a9csr4yHE1dZjJsMogGDMQuE3PZ6c7PNsKjmEO44_xJ0kiapE3L-r__aY9_Vkfu3qUbmt6X0/s640/IMG_1330.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://artbyrt.blogspot.com/">Art By Raliegh</a> - I featured Raliegh a while ago and her beautiful watercolors that are inspired by her home in Hawaii. To my delight, she has created a blog to share her inspirations, paintings and island living with us.</div><div style="text-align: center;">(she also has an <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ARTbyRT?ref=ss_profile">Etsy</a> Shop)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggK9i8uV2fA3cXDzfqzrBKHw8w2bjUIa0T2_bDRFHEcxTZA63QE7xMhqS_N5rA3UDJsm8pFeXBoobe6cQEDz-0oL_xWzR9lRKxhLzOID6ZWkdq1n2IGRq_HR3TThC8-qkSUI5Si_iHR21A/s320/sold+etsy+811+NC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggK9i8uV2fA3cXDzfqzrBKHw8w2bjUIa0T2_bDRFHEcxTZA63QE7xMhqS_N5rA3UDJsm8pFeXBoobe6cQEDz-0oL_xWzR9lRKxhLzOID6ZWkdq1n2IGRq_HR3TThC8-qkSUI5Si_iHR21A/s640/sold+etsy+811+NC.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I hope you can take a minute to go take a looky-loo and say hi!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I also wanted to thank Debra from <a href="http://www.thebungalowblogonline.com/">Bungalow</a>, she featured my home in her Feature Friday series. She just finished her guest room and it turned out beautiful!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vp022iAib8o/TzCYQriThhI/AAAAAAAAM4w/Ja_Nkha8IrQ/green%252520and%252520aqua%252520room_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vp022iAib8o/TzCYQriThhI/AAAAAAAAM4w/Ja_Nkha8IrQ/green%252520and%252520aqua%252520room_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">She painted the fabric on the <a href="http://www.thebungalowblogonline.com/2012/01/painting-fabric-on-chair-part-3.html">chair</a>!</div><div style="text-align: center;">So cool!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Also, a while back (I am sorry that it has taken me this long) Carolyn from <a href="http://sweetchaoshome.blogspot.com/">Sweet Chaos</a> passed on the Versatile Blog Award to me. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Thank you!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Carolyn has a gorgeous home!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Check out their <a href="http://sweetchaoshome.blogspot.com/2011/03/master-bathroom-reveal.html">mater bath renew</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibn7eO9WJIhcBm8fVUqrYQ9lXUcy73RVAxuzwwubbuO9DDeb60BZicW940QqwJoevo2XG1WDGC7EqwfteA07rZHveCZa3ANlKgwi1ClMQQPNpiZRMtvYunHy2cH9HachmoYsK-IGPf38Q/s640/DSC_1761-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibn7eO9WJIhcBm8fVUqrYQ9lXUcy73RVAxuzwwubbuO9DDeb60BZicW940QqwJoevo2XG1WDGC7EqwfteA07rZHveCZa3ANlKgwi1ClMQQPNpiZRMtvYunHy2cH9HachmoYsK-IGPf38Q/s640/DSC_1761-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Ya, I know!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Thank you to all of you who read my blog, say hi to me and leave encouraging notes.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I can't say enough how much this community brings joy to me on a daily basis.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s743.photobucket.com/albums/xx73/michelleg9968/?action=view&current=signature2.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i743.photobucket.com/albums/xx73/michelleg9968/signature2.png" /></a></div>michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17757389045798739976noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9094391411974678162.post-8240771931764496292012-02-09T10:56:00.000-05:002012-02-09T10:56:34.481-05:00Sunshine On My Shoulders.....<div style="text-align: center;">...makes me happy!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;">I love John Denver, he was always my favorite guest on the Muppet Show!! :)</div><div style="text-align: center;">He was an amazing singer and songwriter, and another brilliant soul taken too early.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The sun has been shining here for a couple days but it is too cold to go out and thoroughly enjoy it.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am longing for the days where I can go to the beach and feel the warmth of the sun on my shoulders, my feet buried in the sand and listening to sound of the water, making this girl VERY happy!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Since it is supposed to snow again this weekend I thought I would leave you with some rays of love shining down to warm you up.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Have a wonderful and warming weekend.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">*Thank you so much for all your kind comments about my Papa's carvings. It means so much to me that I can share them with you. <br />
I also wanted to apologize for the confusion, my Papa is my grandpa, I called my grandparents Grammy and Papa, sorry about that.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s743.photobucket.com/albums/xx73/michelleg9968/?action=view&current=signature2.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i743.photobucket.com/albums/xx73/michelleg9968/signature2.png" /></a></div>michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17757389045798739976noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9094391411974678162.post-76108508996491345832012-02-06T13:18:00.002-05:002012-02-06T13:20:19.514-05:00Carved With Love<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">I have often talked about my Papa on my blog and how much influence he has had on my life.</div><div style="text-align: center;">One big influence was how much he loved to create things and use his hands.</div><div style="text-align: center;">He was always doing something, painting, reworking things, making things for my brother and I whether it be a scooter, a t-ball tee, a picture made with felt, a canopy for my bed or simply just fiddling away in his workroom on his workbench filled with anything and everything you can possible imagine.</div><div style="text-align: center;">(I like to think he was the MacGyver of his time, which he also LOVED to watch)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">It wasn't until later in his life, not exactly sure when, but he started to carve birds and ducks.</div><div style="text-align: center;">He LOVED birds and ducks and he could name almost all of them and if he didn't know, he had books and books that would tell him.</div><div style="text-align: center;">It was something that he started before my grandma passed and something that kept him going after.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">He taught us to appreciate wildlife and the outdoors, a bug that has really bitten my brother most of all.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Anyway, I wanted to show you some of his carvings that either my mom, my brother or I have in our homes. After he passed some of them were given to loved ones and some to a Senior Citizen Center where he would go from time to time and these were the ones that we kept.</div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">As you scroll through, keep in mind that he carved all of these from blocks of wood using hand tools, not power tools. He would then use a burning tool to create detail in feathers and some he painted, some stained.</div><div style="text-align: center;">He would work hours and hours on these and enjoy every second. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">There are a quite a few photos, so relax and enjoy. :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"Red Tail Hawk"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio-HCUYXFqTK-Q0uWhzayEu6Tq9b72QhseZH-udsOWFDUApfj5Jw1BPlYz8s3B9REuA2P-hnC9BT8CoXu0edEt7s0EsePCTqh_FmhYgEis6jPgYPGQW7sjT95C_F4qfBoIMUFdnsXxEDo/s1600/papa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio-HCUYXFqTK-Q0uWhzayEu6Tq9b72QhseZH-udsOWFDUApfj5Jw1BPlYz8s3B9REuA2P-hnC9BT8CoXu0edEt7s0EsePCTqh_FmhYgEis6jPgYPGQW7sjT95C_F4qfBoIMUFdnsXxEDo/s640/papa.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">He created the bases for them by replicating natural surroundings using real and artificial materials.</div><div style="text-align: center;">(He did not carve the bases)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCjxVUl91WXxPZK9LjEGOjzC4X3l3d5g40kfCMxRNXXGL7qAOT9lBok-se-1FU6St1HDygKz7CiKQwHZMgpBHSoc7J_NUYQCH4UzpiRlzZva3T_9bhl4nwA08PPpB8pTnsQ9faJEgbvso/s1600/IMG_1108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCjxVUl91WXxPZK9LjEGOjzC4X3l3d5g40kfCMxRNXXGL7qAOT9lBok-se-1FU6St1HDygKz7CiKQwHZMgpBHSoc7J_NUYQCH4UzpiRlzZva3T_9bhl4nwA08PPpB8pTnsQ9faJEgbvso/s640/IMG_1108.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtWcDFMTHjToaWVe1umFpjefG7nyCKS9E8GHkZaKh4zkfrANgZBcjCBgVq0eruzjTJRADHcrQlz5m_pfjWWDkEEYXrWO6MRfCpVgRkon1x8WPqOdR9F8fU2grdtg_poAp6KShXw4f8yRk/s1600/IMG_1109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtWcDFMTHjToaWVe1umFpjefG7nyCKS9E8GHkZaKh4zkfrANgZBcjCBgVq0eruzjTJRADHcrQlz5m_pfjWWDkEEYXrWO6MRfCpVgRkon1x8WPqOdR9F8fU2grdtg_poAp6KShXw4f8yRk/s640/IMG_1109.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">You can see the details in the feathers from the wood burning tool.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOhu5ucK1ylMOkifNILXXvg8mLsA3WN4f2LjC_Xyvfl872T0IEyRafT4bYaXRmpXl6jK6duOgryuaSeU945Acqwwd3tickeEddrF8_LmvGWOal_LCaElWVwHQnctW1trwRJzXtOeuFH2c/s640/papa1.jpg" width="480" /> </div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">This is a chickadee or wren, can't remember.</div><div style="text-align: center;">He is a bit beat up through the years and you will notice an unfortunate theme with them,</div><div style="text-align: center;">cat bite marks and chewed up areas.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <img height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHas2O-I0PVvEfrNYUAw0IjECPpnzX3oj1FKZ7gFRSQFid3WYdbPRFBUgJwSG-201DXfiyoww8RkXgwB5zBPP-g8ESnXXRriYY1HSAA9-z8KZUC5cA7eaZhXKEr0HqTfsdWc7uzLM0ly0/s640/papa2.jpg" width="480" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx3foe32dYOz3iGTzJD1VCwF27hNvi-eVJ9bCCgBg1hjewxQAauuUc6ibzv9PxT5c0QWUkslQleHGpLYAJulFTKLWAbfsZlB-fzHYNxLGxBYTjet1bKCdikGxocycoHqVh7RA5eyvxHMI/s1600/IMG_1113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx3foe32dYOz3iGTzJD1VCwF27hNvi-eVJ9bCCgBg1hjewxQAauuUc6ibzv9PxT5c0QWUkslQleHGpLYAJulFTKLWAbfsZlB-fzHYNxLGxBYTjet1bKCdikGxocycoHqVh7RA5eyvxHMI/s640/IMG_1113.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Not sure what it is with cats and wood.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">"Hummingbird"</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1iqmEdSb2zcVoulSua82vFhYV9-Wqo1sXCVkHyzc2QN2y8RolQX81oJ4QEL4sxctT_AZS_1Fslrapz6EYzzn-4y4Rgk5Jh3Zf5hDklDoxMY8e7NjkvcL5fddhBJsXxeNjQUtwMejJC7E/s1600/IMG_1118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1iqmEdSb2zcVoulSua82vFhYV9-Wqo1sXCVkHyzc2QN2y8RolQX81oJ4QEL4sxctT_AZS_1Fslrapz6EYzzn-4y4Rgk5Jh3Zf5hDklDoxMY8e7NjkvcL5fddhBJsXxeNjQUtwMejJC7E/s640/IMG_1118.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">He did carve the flower are well.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSNIBhBuwBFeDBugLbHAVBc9IEPNhyphenhyphenJ98t6Fy15gIeKo_AswCG0L9lbLGa8q3_VxEJlnL7OxORcquX_7GWCf-5MMAkOURV7OfleY_MN9MVPGuvu3EBmgw9Nh9L4ovLlZk4sz9i6JJXKR4/s1600/IMG_1120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSNIBhBuwBFeDBugLbHAVBc9IEPNhyphenhyphenJ98t6Fy15gIeKo_AswCG0L9lbLGa8q3_VxEJlnL7OxORcquX_7GWCf-5MMAkOURV7OfleY_MN9MVPGuvu3EBmgw9Nh9L4ovLlZk4sz9i6JJXKR4/s640/IMG_1120.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ocgDgHCcxGY_aXIDmSNa_0EVNKSV3JwjHO_WxEV44xTRYBxi99tQQBqa0l-UMjM8M0mB3OVH32YDwpCImbvykW1aJjWMaq78uDtYIC7GEU2J7FfRJUlXl9885yyZAKvYpo7G6laNjkw/s1600/IMG_1121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ocgDgHCcxGY_aXIDmSNa_0EVNKSV3JwjHO_WxEV44xTRYBxi99tQQBqa0l-UMjM8M0mB3OVH32YDwpCImbvykW1aJjWMaq78uDtYIC7GEU2J7FfRJUlXl9885yyZAKvYpo7G6laNjkw/s640/IMG_1121.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">"Sand Piper"</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBlSL8FykJIPpO886hN-gTAtAyIWmKaurnoCE7E9db9t_sskpAQSH0CnDft0kaGbPrWGcWjzbhL-PEx4GpyPzFrp1HL-Sb0ptgtEpnwtcClVcCF1hkOHuMayp2Zazi8UpyxwQCuF3eVdg/s1600/IMG_1123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBlSL8FykJIPpO886hN-gTAtAyIWmKaurnoCE7E9db9t_sskpAQSH0CnDft0kaGbPrWGcWjzbhL-PEx4GpyPzFrp1HL-Sb0ptgtEpnwtcClVcCF1hkOHuMayp2Zazi8UpyxwQCuF3eVdg/s640/IMG_1123.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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He carved the feet for the Sand Piper and glued the pieces together.<br />
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<br />
"Pin-Tailed Duck"<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFFJ6J0H1BEIEifX_4sOkIFjg4WiE3Xwe1wjJDDMtsoDG23Gm6wCQ3O8fRlaWp8OzEfA9v7DarD6MIQ9qpM2NwL8a6VgiyTy6ZbuP5BTObeEltIZxj5NBLQH9sbgH82FLMrUD6zQDh62g/s1600/papa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFFJ6J0H1BEIEifX_4sOkIFjg4WiE3Xwe1wjJDDMtsoDG23Gm6wCQ3O8fRlaWp8OzEfA9v7DarD6MIQ9qpM2NwL8a6VgiyTy6ZbuP5BTObeEltIZxj5NBLQH9sbgH82FLMrUD6zQDh62g/s640/papa.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
You can really see the detail on him.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC-w7yrTk7oJ2PnV67s2oFF_cmDEfGOx_ezumhRPhcaAaUZqZiPaGzdWZf6__zKTYimxYfPZGFrEo5FNulyzTLiO9aoey0LeyTrlilVhyfA6XEt84YjE3GLNZcS4A4jvuJNiUD3yIOMg4/s1600/papa1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC-w7yrTk7oJ2PnV67s2oFF_cmDEfGOx_ezumhRPhcaAaUZqZiPaGzdWZf6__zKTYimxYfPZGFrEo5FNulyzTLiO9aoey0LeyTrlilVhyfA6XEt84YjE3GLNZcS4A4jvuJNiUD3yIOMg4/s640/papa1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<br />
"Loon"<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-MPpUalAIk6_t6aY4mHJXbXQrptyk_r6m21foNVIYWnEC7MY-s103uXTi4o3qmD8S9aZY8AJNKbwHRiBQQL_UJc6SXxCzG4vNv4Y1XWGp6TX71nxecSZUDqmAUQp9wrfJkR2CoS1Ip0o/s1600/papa2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-MPpUalAIk6_t6aY4mHJXbXQrptyk_r6m21foNVIYWnEC7MY-s103uXTi4o3qmD8S9aZY8AJNKbwHRiBQQL_UJc6SXxCzG4vNv4Y1XWGp6TX71nxecSZUDqmAUQp9wrfJkR2CoS1Ip0o/s640/papa2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp5GxVNVzBkJYOzZ7S5m84wbWEke2mBRobJn59-F7z9nRDNKDvkmqtWdimYYKevlvem8nhlEdg9_ktm0X9JcpSiHlqJrQTYugZl_8eg5NAqougeNS_hX_m61RrhZ2mXHZtRvj7Q3ki-6M/s1600/papa3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp5GxVNVzBkJYOzZ7S5m84wbWEke2mBRobJn59-F7z9nRDNKDvkmqtWdimYYKevlvem8nhlEdg9_ktm0X9JcpSiHlqJrQTYugZl_8eg5NAqougeNS_hX_m61RrhZ2mXHZtRvj7Q3ki-6M/s640/papa3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCU_EiCQ7__AalE-d6YfDYsgVSVJGup1d33KM1zSlDaKdmWtG2XLpTAn8LHDAA99G1mTHP2EV1pZcDGF1zZoqONSmIDbwcoWfjRyc_Kvo9R-p3Lh78FBDjtPf1h4Hr4bzziaTQJHBaPCU/s1600/papa4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCU_EiCQ7__AalE-d6YfDYsgVSVJGup1d33KM1zSlDaKdmWtG2XLpTAn8LHDAA99G1mTHP2EV1pZcDGF1zZoqONSmIDbwcoWfjRyc_Kvo9R-p3Lh78FBDjtPf1h4Hr4bzziaTQJHBaPCU/s640/papa4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
He had to stop carving a few years before he passed due to some medical issues but I will never forget him working on these beautiful birds and how happy he was and proud of them he was, as he should be, if I may say so. :)<br />
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I am pretty positive I could never do this but I am happy to know that part of his creative ability lives in my heart and soul and the desire to work with my hands will never fade because of him.<br />
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Thank you so much for letting me share these with you.<br />
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Hugs!</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://s743.photobucket.com/albums/xx73/michelleg9968/?action=view&current=signature2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i743.photobucket.com/albums/xx73/michelleg9968/signature2.png" /></a></div>michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17757389045798739976noreply@blogger.com47tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9094391411974678162.post-90223356983194157742012-02-03T10:28:00.000-05:002012-02-03T10:28:44.569-05:00Two Steps Back<div style="text-align: center;">Yeah it is Friday!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;">This week has been good except for yesterday when I had a minor meltdown.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I have been learning so much from <a href="http://willkempartschool.com/acrylic-landscape-painting-techniques-lessons-for-an-absolute-beginner-part-1/">Will Kemp</a> and his website and all his tips and I was ready to try another painting using some of the things that I have learned so far.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This is the photo that the lesson is based off of,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://willkempartschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/clouds-for-oil-class-e1322832119526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://willkempartschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/clouds-for-oil-class-e1322832119526.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">very pretty. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So it first started when I tried to print it off and my printer wouldn't work. No big deal I will just copy it off the computer. My laptop is dying a slow death so this Christmas we got a new computer. Yeah, fun, exciting but it is an all-in-one and not able to be carried around. </div><div style="text-align: center;">SO,</div><div style="text-align: center;">I use my crappy laptop and take it upstairs to my area and proceed to follow Will's videos. However, crappy laptop = doesn't play videos very well and keeps freezing up. </div><div style="text-align: center;">After about 1/2 hour messing with that and a few choice words, it finally worked.</div><div style="text-align: center;">All is wonderful now I am painting, I am trying new things such as this,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyNM-kA1YwG2VZVno5tTZhwN8KIhymQ-6JhRiE83d0tEoHmYeTIvZGTLcdIjzgt2DxklWz2C_mPzf4y8E0K2O5OiXBgI8C4cmeb3iCEavpFaPGRfrOJfHTVDIKakrJMtRYsaVyrclXB40/s1600/IMG_1100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyNM-kA1YwG2VZVno5tTZhwN8KIhymQ-6JhRiE83d0tEoHmYeTIvZGTLcdIjzgt2DxklWz2C_mPzf4y8E0K2O5OiXBgI8C4cmeb3iCEavpFaPGRfrOJfHTVDIKakrJMtRYsaVyrclXB40/s640/IMG_1100.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">setting a ground color.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am used to painting on a stark white board and Will introduced me to this, which is great and makes total sense.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I can roll with this even though everything in my brain is telling me</div><div style="text-align: center;"> WHOA! Bright color that is NOT even in the photo!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;">I proceed with sketching the lines in and even started to add darker and lighter areas first and building on the painting.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV3IFhWNaOBwM1YiOLQfjcVqtFmL7I6r_iwK4gAEvVJiObuUrItU6S_Dz38Ku3mOiPeJfgtxKhHZQOIpZSB_J2g8NMc9tPNeAg5VBV0Tl5yZ2YgfmGvxagcZw7ILXeHSg2O9JmStLOkWw/s1600/IMG_1102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV3IFhWNaOBwM1YiOLQfjcVqtFmL7I6r_iwK4gAEvVJiObuUrItU6S_Dz38Ku3mOiPeJfgtxKhHZQOIpZSB_J2g8NMc9tPNeAg5VBV0Tl5yZ2YgfmGvxagcZw7ILXeHSg2O9JmStLOkWw/s640/IMG_1102.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Again something that I kind of did, but not correctly, so this was all great!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Right? </div><div style="text-align: center;">Wrong!</div><div style="text-align: center;">I started mixing colors and this is what did me in for the day.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Before I found this amazing site, I went out and purchased paint and some supplies, which was fine, but I didn't realize the importance of quality paint, believe me, it makes a difference. My paints were thin, they wouldn't mix and the feel of them on the canvas was not smooth and flowy. I felt like each time I mixed the paint, the paint actually disappeared!</div><div style="text-align: center;">I got here and ran out of one color that I mixed and there was no way in my state of mind that I could match that color again so I pouted, cried a bit and stopped.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL4rOVCv7MQfTikYO69c2v8006TOCJXiBwf3iHnn7lrkV5MX1D5LU4dBinlfe59DwMOwxxQJCX2390n-1-GFIA4UU4vgOTfpKafveoei2hZv1Ozpbkn_gnfNfnQM6L8_t0sg6fXqbXKOY/s1600/IMG_1104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL4rOVCv7MQfTikYO69c2v8006TOCJXiBwf3iHnn7lrkV5MX1D5LU4dBinlfe59DwMOwxxQJCX2390n-1-GFIA4UU4vgOTfpKafveoei2hZv1Ozpbkn_gnfNfnQM6L8_t0sg6fXqbXKOY/s640/IMG_1104.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">A bit dramatic? </div><div style="text-align: center;">Um, Yes </div><div style="text-align: center;">Does it really make a difference in the grand scheme of things?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Nope, not really. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Does it help me become a better painter? </div><div style="text-align: center;">Yes it does. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I have to remind myself that I am learning and part of learning is doing things wrong, in fact that is how I learn the best, I just need to keep reminding myself of thhat. My new motto should be: </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">"Keep Calm </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">and </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Make Mistakes".</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Anyway, I grabbed my little coupon to Michaels and went and picked up a few professional quality paints (in the colors that Will suggested I start with) that will help me a bit more and I can mix those with the basic paint to help.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I will try again this weekend.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">*I am not being paid or given anything for mentioning Will's site, I really just love it that much and have learned so much from him already that if you are wanting to pick up that brush again, which I know some of you are, that you will wander over there and have a look-see. :)</div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">I will leave you with a couple images of my drives to the lake this week and I hope you have a wonderful weekend and make some mistakes. (nothing too serious though) :)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEOzoDAoY8vwY8RhP2fPJepfYSD0IZ63Ej0ix7jPn8Z3-qkDPSPHhmcv5XAtpbtwhqWkfn440UwYwgmOFl-nk1Kk1Y0JnoWIIk5vlNerLvZge3JO6ZOklrbh3D1j3-xbuMcaimI3KaXGI/s1600/IMG_1092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEOzoDAoY8vwY8RhP2fPJepfYSD0IZ63Ej0ix7jPn8Z3-qkDPSPHhmcv5XAtpbtwhqWkfn440UwYwgmOFl-nk1Kk1Y0JnoWIIk5vlNerLvZge3JO6ZOklrbh3D1j3-xbuMcaimI3KaXGI/s640/IMG_1092.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6S1J0vdRjlxaseEYjaO5oVIRQOpdc0qFU3OyteXyye2HSWsDkgIiiTLlA-Knf-Bnvog_Xy1w65McIWKnqUBCzy2nlp0cS7mBxGjAN09_sg0ZgjUHunUdG27-FryrYMCUXjfnwZeJSA0/s1600/IMG_1072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6S1J0vdRjlxaseEYjaO5oVIRQOpdc0qFU3OyteXyye2HSWsDkgIiiTLlA-Knf-Bnvog_Xy1w65McIWKnqUBCzy2nlp0cS7mBxGjAN09_sg0ZgjUHunUdG27-FryrYMCUXjfnwZeJSA0/s640/IMG_1072.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://s743.photobucket.com/albums/xx73/michelleg9968/?action=view&current=signature2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i743.photobucket.com/albums/xx73/michelleg9968/signature2.png" /></a></div>michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17757389045798739976noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9094391411974678162.post-80714428036938967852012-02-02T20:35:00.002-05:002012-02-02T21:22:36.737-05:00A New Way to Follow<div style="text-align: center;">I was just visiting Heather and Vanessa over at <a href="http://www.atthepicketfence.com/2012/02/big-news-for-google-friend-connect.html?showComment=1328206766385#c5552187966712061847">The Picket Fence</a> and they have introduced a new way to follow your blogs since I am told that Google Friend Connect will be no more as of March 1st.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">It is called<a href="http://www.linkyfollowers.com/default.aspx"> Linky Followers</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I have it set up on my sidebar.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I will let them explain it all because they do it so well, so click<a href="http://www.atthepicketfence.com/2012/02/big-news-for-google-friend-connect.html?showComment=1328206766385#c5552187966712061847"> HERE</a> to find out how you can add this and join up for FREE!!!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://itssoverycheri.com/2012/02/02/tips-to-navigate-the-new-linkyfollowers-tool/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+itssoverycheri%2FVlwe+%28ITS+SO+VERY+CHERI%29">It's So Very Cheri</a> has some more great info about it as well.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">You can also still follow along through email of RSS feed if that is preferred.<br />
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<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">**Update: GFC will be discontinued for non-Blogger blogs, like Wordpress. (Thank you Tricia)</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">There is so much going on right now but if you read Heather and Vanessa's post and comments there are some helpful tips in them as well. </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Take a look around and see what would work best for you but at least there is another option if GFC does leave Blogger as well some day.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">I hope I don't confuse anyone, just take your time and look around and see what you think.</span></b></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://s743.photobucket.com/albums/xx73/michelleg9968/?action=view&current=signature2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i743.photobucket.com/albums/xx73/michelleg9968/signature2.png" /></a></div>michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17757389045798739976noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9094391411974678162.post-68751186986389479522012-01-29T19:39:00.000-05:002012-01-29T19:39:07.446-05:00Art 101<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So earlier this year, like three weeks ago, I mentioned how I wanted to pick up a paint brush again.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Not one for the walls, but one for canvas.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I took art classes all through high school and college and have always loved to paint and draw.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have been a bit nervous since it has been about 17 years since I have painted and "learned" how to paint.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have so much to relearn and so much to learn that is new.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk2cRtDPHezSyjebYkwb82A-tZFqKTp5R85Olyla6-DwBWhoNobYd_woSb7mnK5U5m73p0DEI0fCTOlPJY1C1onz2IUQq26iH_CaiUAuARjG5NrcqFBUX1-cErE4G7T6XLqPjLvZXp3hk/s1600/IMG_0972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk2cRtDPHezSyjebYkwb82A-tZFqKTp5R85Olyla6-DwBWhoNobYd_woSb7mnK5U5m73p0DEI0fCTOlPJY1C1onz2IUQq26iH_CaiUAuARjG5NrcqFBUX1-cErE4G7T6XLqPjLvZXp3hk/s640/IMG_0972.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Since I am a very visual learner, I picked up a few books and found a wonderful website that hopefully will start me on my way.</div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmT55C4mnyWiVsRGT596VjaQXMMe8Fnv1Cp1pvik2AKtUW75S_kCPsRaniPduW9Ih1tm-9PG_URsUxvSX0NY1ktPyg29gC7ikWDC7sbD15KbXIKZkA7nYs-QPsKhpRvKMbhiTqkfr_E-M/s1600/art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmT55C4mnyWiVsRGT596VjaQXMMe8Fnv1Cp1pvik2AKtUW75S_kCPsRaniPduW9Ih1tm-9PG_URsUxvSX0NY1ktPyg29gC7ikWDC7sbD15KbXIKZkA7nYs-QPsKhpRvKMbhiTqkfr_E-M/s640/art.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"Color Mixing Recipes" is great. </div><div style="text-align: center;">This book shows what colors and how much of each to use to make almost any color under the sun.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">"Paint Charming Seaside Scenes" is a wonderful step by step guide. </div><div style="text-align: center;">"<a href="http://www.jacquelinepenney.net/ORIGINALS/Jacqueline_Penney_Original_Paintings.htm">Jacqueline Penney</a>'s <span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Century Gothic', 'Century Gothic Bold', 'Century Gothic Italic', 'Century Gothic Bold Italic'; text-align: left; white-space: nowrap;"> love of the ocean is always</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Century Gothic', 'Century Gothic Bold', 'Century Gothic Italic', 'Century Gothic Bold Italic'; text-align: left; white-space: nowrap;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Century Gothic', 'Century Gothic Bold', 'Century Gothic Italic', 'Century Gothic Bold Italic'; text-align: left; white-space: nowrap;">present in her art, which feature sailboats, </span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Century Gothic', 'Century Gothic Bold', 'Century Gothic Italic', 'Century Gothic Bold Italic'; text-align: left; white-space: nowrap;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Century Gothic', 'Century Gothic Bold', 'Century Gothic Italic', 'Century Gothic Bold Italic'; text-align: left; white-space: nowrap;">sandy beaches, ocean views and warm </span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Century Gothic', 'Century Gothic Bold', 'Century Gothic Italic', 'Century Gothic Bold Italic'; text-align: left; white-space: nowrap;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Century Gothic', 'Century Gothic Bold', 'Century Gothic Italic', 'Century Gothic Bold Italic'; text-align: left; white-space: nowrap;">tropical vacations. Her award winning </span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Century Gothic', 'Century Gothic Bold', 'Century Gothic Italic', 'Century Gothic Bold Italic'; text-align: left; white-space: nowrap;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Century Gothic', 'Century Gothic Bold', 'Century Gothic Italic', 'Century Gothic Bold Italic'; text-align: left; white-space: nowrap;">paintings include a self-portrait entitled, “Me”, </span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Century Gothic', 'Century Gothic Bold', 'Century Gothic Italic', 'Century Gothic Bold Italic'; text-align: left; white-space: nowrap;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Century Gothic', 'Century Gothic Bold', 'Century Gothic Italic', 'Century Gothic Bold Italic'; text-align: left; white-space: nowrap;">that is in the National Association of Women </span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Century Gothic', 'Century Gothic Bold', 'Century Gothic Italic', 'Century Gothic Bold Italic'; text-align: left; white-space: nowrap;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Century Gothic', 'Century Gothic Bold', 'Century Gothic Italic', 'Century Gothic Bold Italic'; text-align: left; white-space: nowrap;">Artist’s permanent collection housed at the </span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Century Gothic', 'Century Gothic Bold', 'Century Gothic Italic', 'Century Gothic Bold Italic'; text-align: left; white-space: nowrap;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Century Gothic', 'Century Gothic Bold', 'Century Gothic Italic', 'Century Gothic Bold Italic'; text-align: left; white-space: nowrap;">Zimmerli Art Museum."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Century Gothic', 'Century Gothic Bold', 'Century Gothic Italic', 'Century Gothic Bold Italic'; text-align: left; white-space: nowrap;">You can click on her name to see some of her beautiful seaside paintings.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Century Gothic', 'Century Gothic Bold', 'Century Gothic Italic', 'Century Gothic Bold Italic'; text-align: left; white-space: nowrap;">She also has two other books that I hope to get my hands on one day as well.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', 'Century Gothic Bold', 'Century Gothic Italic', 'Century Gothic Bold Italic';"><span style="white-space: nowrap;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSfJW_NxBf8Z9fzzffS8BCYgELSnAEm_1QOpI2gKdX3nqp0-O9R3Wvt6L9-JJRIKq1ww5NNMr2a3VJo3D7ExNL88WplD00eJeydZie-q-8mRmUcNiVjV4FEs5nwLvfWJL1scMrqIn5Ff0/s1600/IMG_0981.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSfJW_NxBf8Z9fzzffS8BCYgELSnAEm_1QOpI2gKdX3nqp0-O9R3Wvt6L9-JJRIKq1ww5NNMr2a3VJo3D7ExNL88WplD00eJeydZie-q-8mRmUcNiVjV4FEs5nwLvfWJL1scMrqIn5Ff0/s640/IMG_0981.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">She starts off by telling the reader what brushes, paints and other supplies that she uses in the book for all her lessons.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr4LhwW5TOtKJ6G_k8CN875RW16Oq3_SQqNxSLiG5881B9vv00g_tQ7xHazfK0aaieAyXP-uVA_Fj3aipXw5-vqna3RCdAU5M5eDvOZBJOjoiEfH7zsDKCsBNsmg-aclACQUGS_DPxYfw/s1600/IMG_0983.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr4LhwW5TOtKJ6G_k8CN875RW16Oq3_SQqNxSLiG5881B9vv00g_tQ7xHazfK0aaieAyXP-uVA_Fj3aipXw5-vqna3RCdAU5M5eDvOZBJOjoiEfH7zsDKCsBNsmg-aclACQUGS_DPxYfw/s640/IMG_0983.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">She lays out each step by telling the reader which colors to use with what brush and how to do strokes and/or techniques for that step.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhabdGYOP8RYQN5PV2Q6A_TfCcyJZtSw3IrGcXnd3RmCizI641JZ6ibF3XHS3ECJpKr2O7TzQGsm68HykacVsHtW87qjLZqqOrV5OJmNH1_ypwND2h0loVTQgdMXsISd-JJL0TADihhG_k/s1600/IMG_0988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhabdGYOP8RYQN5PV2Q6A_TfCcyJZtSw3IrGcXnd3RmCizI641JZ6ibF3XHS3ECJpKr2O7TzQGsm68HykacVsHtW87qjLZqqOrV5OJmNH1_ypwND2h0loVTQgdMXsISd-JJL0TADihhG_k/s640/IMG_0988.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Before each "lesson" she tells us what colors and what brushes/supplies she will be using for that particular lesson.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Great for me because I am be able to have what I need instead of guessing what brush or color I will need.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I don't normally guess well.</div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">So, I lined up my supplies and jumped right in!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDfT6Vwq5pduPGc6rmmtgWqidGheoHwiiV93x06x4n9XimRlIxqk9i4Un_RFsLS1aCW-n4-EmgTRJW_FdDuOki75BcwJuhcFy5J_qdxi4bA-tur5nCMdqZl72amtVCadZ9NCkGF1U92Bc/s640/IMG_0994.JPG" width="640" /> </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Learning new ways to lay out your paint.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdoPMgPGPnoUToZ0kjUwpykqxcu3rfsu_OXOzsK6zhq5ooLgZZhArzJZoCXKxbGZXh-c5HSD5r9apIgzFzZ8RXRq9rgLusfAF9gcLmNtMSdP6HZt8Zeu_p2v9BE427iSzLiIWhNVV-1ck/s1600/art2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdoPMgPGPnoUToZ0kjUwpykqxcu3rfsu_OXOzsK6zhq5ooLgZZhArzJZoCXKxbGZXh-c5HSD5r9apIgzFzZ8RXRq9rgLusfAF9gcLmNtMSdP6HZt8Zeu_p2v9BE427iSzLiIWhNVV-1ck/s640/art2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Of course I have my little helpers.</div><div style="text-align: center;">He is doing his watercolor, the dog is apparently deep in thought or bored out of her mind. :)</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKWYWQyh5d8E68xq337sFSX3SOvQIPi7SQTdA-K_MtGDHE6wxGDrWyjKSlw1HzPC2L6waSlJmBAaM8c-7ZYWOeV1I06WUY3wt9Pu-XGCdi_FafWmVFGiKz-AB4Wkbfz5ZKu4C1PhGSfO8/s640/IMG_0993.JPG" width="480" /> </div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">After a few hours of reading, rereading, trying, retrying I finished my first lesson.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2hCn97iV86e5jNwg63PC5pfgrKVWYtXU4-Olsl8Kmock5TxDKts5JBu6j-4XxWRlhVsbD3dOSAaWdS7dcAx0f2Rv5Sj3Qx0MOsbCcniP3mP-svv1alahyDtmAP3GnuqkiMivm3zGU-Tc/s1600/IMG_1015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2hCn97iV86e5jNwg63PC5pfgrKVWYtXU4-Olsl8Kmock5TxDKts5JBu6j-4XxWRlhVsbD3dOSAaWdS7dcAx0f2Rv5Sj3Qx0MOsbCcniP3mP-svv1alahyDtmAP3GnuqkiMivm3zGU-Tc/s640/IMG_1015.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">I have to say I have a LONG way to go but it was so fun and felt so good to pick up a brush again and create something,</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIgB6Roksjb1tKy3UKQRe8kHyKAB__Tmdv5kwr5-xrknDY4wi1YvPpjA88km59DWJvoi5R7VdKB0Rw8oWkANRsTAekqOKtuv0iw9Z9RjzGb7i1-AgOGXUwUIVL38db48UlReOvuo1tEDc/s1600/IMG_1016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIgB6Roksjb1tKy3UKQRe8kHyKAB__Tmdv5kwr5-xrknDY4wi1YvPpjA88km59DWJvoi5R7VdKB0Rw8oWkANRsTAekqOKtuv0iw9Z9RjzGb7i1-AgOGXUwUIVL38db48UlReOvuo1tEDc/s640/IMG_1016.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">even if it is a copy of someone else's work.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVWaXlvkWcT2VIueonmmasid-Cqt0t8a_dxMfsxvzLUqS-teI1HX9BSKx01lZUrXn6TkKv_u2k8SY2aEKwc2_dxwHKsP8gjBVaNaP0zGNHiCblirYOgBS8XThH9MC7mN3MncQWzMQzh6k/s1600/IMG_1019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVWaXlvkWcT2VIueonmmasid-Cqt0t8a_dxMfsxvzLUqS-teI1HX9BSKx01lZUrXn6TkKv_u2k8SY2aEKwc2_dxwHKsP8gjBVaNaP0zGNHiCblirYOgBS8XThH9MC7mN3MncQWzMQzh6k/s640/IMG_1019.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">The website that I am in love with right now is <a href="http://willkempartschool.com/">Will Kemp's Art School</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;">He is amazing and give's both written and video tutorials and goes from beginner to advanced.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I have to tell you that I have learned so much already from him and he is so kind and always answers questions and his wonderful accent and enthusiasm for his work just makes me want to learn more.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hopefully I will begin another lesson this week and it is good for me to take things step by step. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I have learned a some patience (which is not easy for me sometimes) and I am ok that I am not a master artist in one week. :)</div><div style="text-align: center;">It is the journey, right?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">I also wanted to welcome my new friends and THANK you so much for joining me on my crazy journey!</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am having so much fun getting to know you.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://s743.photobucket.com/albums/xx73/michelleg9968/?action=view&current=signature2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i743.photobucket.com/albums/xx73/michelleg9968/signature2.png" /></a></div>michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17757389045798739976noreply@blogger.com61tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9094391411974678162.post-89151034151069487252012-01-28T19:28:00.000-05:002012-01-28T19:28:52.362-05:00Cool Change<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Saturday morning we took another drive. I know I have shown lots of lake photos but I love, love taking photos on a windy day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It seems that when it is windy the seagulls love playing by the mouth of the channel, riding the wind and dodging the waves.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuMbeJrOelB4MoMekUXbQddeoGv5S_JiIQj6X-83cA2dKVLFLm6TI0Euu6QqRGxbCVlXp75rxvIdNxSuL_whRuEg0_aRr5yh62dW6n2sqrgwCFhRp1KOYn3E0JT0QgqgAi5A5lxjV_ihg/s1600/IMG_1032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuMbeJrOelB4MoMekUXbQddeoGv5S_JiIQj6X-83cA2dKVLFLm6TI0Euu6QqRGxbCVlXp75rxvIdNxSuL_whRuEg0_aRr5yh62dW6n2sqrgwCFhRp1KOYn3E0JT0QgqgAi5A5lxjV_ihg/s640/IMG_1032.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkFoyC7eWGvu2xEWCg4Svd9ccAMzn9_-ls0Hi-ZUgxe8FdS1Dt45E_3VArKbJHfkFVP1D87nGSv4C_Kk8U-ig3RjWVjY842sEYHdq85Tbqckd37AEDNDOuxSWevxShHf-INO69ghkNjBw/s1600/IMG_1037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkFoyC7eWGvu2xEWCg4Svd9ccAMzn9_-ls0Hi-ZUgxe8FdS1Dt45E_3VArKbJHfkFVP1D87nGSv4C_Kk8U-ig3RjWVjY842sEYHdq85Tbqckd37AEDNDOuxSWevxShHf-INO69ghkNjBw/s640/IMG_1037.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2MIZriqoA8KKMrx3mW5JmGMJ-2r7NutC2T4382DHb8dS9m78NGAOJjBP0PpT_AVsv7X3elnVjuKay5KuHZNfIKIrjkxP3KiH0f8tHRzsVzJ-IASaNNy5hQe8mPRJmy_jT6rPj51W0QzE/s1600/IMG_1038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2MIZriqoA8KKMrx3mW5JmGMJ-2r7NutC2T4382DHb8dS9m78NGAOJjBP0PpT_AVsv7X3elnVjuKay5KuHZNfIKIrjkxP3KiH0f8tHRzsVzJ-IASaNNy5hQe8mPRJmy_jT6rPj51W0QzE/s640/IMG_1038.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">We have another lake by us, a much smaller one compared to Lake Michigan.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Lake Macatawa. The lake is long and narrow and runs into Lake Michigan.</div><div style="text-align: center;">It is a bit more secluded but some seagulls where riding the wind, soaring high up into the sky perhaps fishing or just enjoying the sun that peeked from behind the clouds from time to time.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0-mZTOeU4mOcLVUiwejoRVHZytHlbtvSTYz3j9mzB0AZqn1ZUPG7q-gC8za3T1xHwiaH5Hwx7UR-oA1gAsC_OxYsEltELTlmZMqv85hPGLwlzG-pq6OYTDB0h01nI_Vghug6R3tt1FVc/s1600/IMG_1045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0-mZTOeU4mOcLVUiwejoRVHZytHlbtvSTYz3j9mzB0AZqn1ZUPG7q-gC8za3T1xHwiaH5Hwx7UR-oA1gAsC_OxYsEltELTlmZMqv85hPGLwlzG-pq6OYTDB0h01nI_Vghug6R3tt1FVc/s640/IMG_1045.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcJgvKAE4WW-ODy9u3M_d4LfhXzUcqow30UACSSvmq3LOTayhtFftYqJRKYBPLzuGq5RC3n7e0OgWnPhbwYU0e2__qYlvYM_vw-t5Jz2ac-PzIWoHKRjqmMr38wF3quV6SwWCj8xgml20/s1600/IMG_1051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcJgvKAE4WW-ODy9u3M_d4LfhXzUcqow30UACSSvmq3LOTayhtFftYqJRKYBPLzuGq5RC3n7e0OgWnPhbwYU0e2__qYlvYM_vw-t5Jz2ac-PzIWoHKRjqmMr38wF3quV6SwWCj8xgml20/s640/IMG_1051.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">The sky was so beautiful..</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiXEBm7LDdKl4TGMTWhuhvvHLh96v9-hEMbKgA2VZkAHO2Wx4wVPwYjDVFA5otAqr9xf3wkbWcbvmqHv-nhXJ1HyFo1qFTbY9dAcpTifOFwOkMCVjC5EYNJ_YSGssapY1KT-xwv6cQ5aU/s1600/IMG_1052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiXEBm7LDdKl4TGMTWhuhvvHLh96v9-hEMbKgA2VZkAHO2Wx4wVPwYjDVFA5otAqr9xf3wkbWcbvmqHv-nhXJ1HyFo1qFTbY9dAcpTifOFwOkMCVjC5EYNJ_YSGssapY1KT-xwv6cQ5aU/s640/IMG_1052.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">and I even managed to get a shot of one of the Bald Eagles that was joining in.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh64f22e9uD190FRXPgya-m5d0HAwMd2B2QAsyhZaI3-lgLW5PiOJBBJMXYOtc_y7_vd1jGDcB5vok01kuCzO5z1FEfom2vcOiWQTX4GI2lS34f0_M879K4Nb9y7q-XlzNEGQUlb81UTS4/s1600/eagle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh64f22e9uD190FRXPgya-m5d0HAwMd2B2QAsyhZaI3-lgLW5PiOJBBJMXYOtc_y7_vd1jGDcB5vok01kuCzO5z1FEfom2vcOiWQTX4GI2lS34f0_M879K4Nb9y7q-XlzNEGQUlb81UTS4/s640/eagle.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Not the clearest photo, but one of these days I am going to get that "perfect" picture. :)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYA3Pk7JDKEKoXf75mtn56Gh1jhr6dtogRpGQ9hOVAYFmrPbc7TLHmPlvsoaYsgi4vRnCMYAJ4fV_sYgUBQnSHQ5oF45CZq-nQLUTB_jg8HuyeW5py9tVgOR4krvRe4A1PTHWjMYPtK-E/s1600/IMG_1061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYA3Pk7JDKEKoXf75mtn56Gh1jhr6dtogRpGQ9hOVAYFmrPbc7TLHmPlvsoaYsgi4vRnCMYAJ4fV_sYgUBQnSHQ5oF45CZq-nQLUTB_jg8HuyeW5py9tVgOR4krvRe4A1PTHWjMYPtK-E/s640/IMG_1061.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">I also wanted to share a a little video with you that I found on YouTube.</div><div style="text-align: center;">It is one of my favorite songs by one of my favorite bands;</div><div style="text-align: center;">"Cool Change" by The Little River Band.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> The photos in the video are amazing!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">To listen, just pause my music and my sidebar first. :)</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/rgubITgGPBw" width="560"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://s743.photobucket.com/albums/xx73/michelleg9968/?action=view&current=signature2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i743.photobucket.com/albums/xx73/michelleg9968/signature2.png" /></a></div>michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17757389045798739976noreply@blogger.com26