1/14 - The Art Of Letter Writing

Remember the days before email, text messages, and instant messaging when a letter was the means of communication?  An actual piece of paper that you could hold in your hands to feel like you had part of that person with you while you read their story, with the sound of their voice forming the words.  

I received such a letter today from my Aunt Frances.  I could actually picture her sitting at her kitchen table, looking up from her writing to catch a glimpse of what was happening outside the window.  

She told of every day events, but made them sound almost magical.  She asked me questions about my life and I know she awaits the answers in my response. 

It's been a long time since I wrote an actual letter and I'm thinking that I should make some stationery for a truly personal touch. 

Sorry to get all Andy Rooney on you, but I just had to take that nostalgic stroll.

10/01 - I AM OUT OF CONTROL!

Not only me, but I'm rapidly running out of room for all my photos in the Gallery section of the BRB.   I've just started working with another site where there is plenty of room for all my photos (approaching over 1,000) and not only that, but you can get any of those shots on mugs, mouse pads, t-shirts...pretty cool, huh? 

So, what is the name and address of this site of which I speak, you ask?  It's called Sympholio and you can get there from here ~ http://www.sympholio.com/

There are a lot of BRB note cards out there who's photos do not appear in the Gallery and I've been asked how to go about ordering more cards through the BRB if the photo is not in the shop.  There is a number code on the back of each card at the very bottom that identifies that specific card.  You can email or call me with that number and/or the name of the card (also on the back). 

If you didn't get that info before you mailed out the card, don't you worry your pretty little head....just give me a description and I'll do my best to find it.  If I can't pin point it, I'll just email you the choices and you can tell me which one. 

 We'll figure this all out together, I'm not scared.  

9/15 - Caught In The Act

Oh look ~ here's proof that I really do work! 

9/2 - Butterflies Are Free

My friend, Pat began raising monarch butterflies this summer.  Yeah, I asked the same thing. 

It's quite an interesting process that takes remarkably less time than you would think from egg to butterfly. 

Their name comes from the gold dots, resembling a crown that circle the top of the chrysalis.

I was fortunate enough to see this beautiful piece of nature and Pat was gracious enough to allow me to photograph her "baby".  I thought you might enjoy seeing it too ~

8/10 - Repressed Ramblings

Gosh, it's been quite some time since I've rambled (well, out loud anyway). 

So, what's been happening with everyone?  Hopefully your summer hasn't flitted by like mine seems to have. 

You know that summer is winding down when you see a back to school display at the grocery store.  Peanut butter, jelly, and brown paper lunch bags took up the entire area between the bulk candy and the bakery.  Strategically placed, I'm sure.

Anyway, getting to some sort of point ~ remember the beginning of this journey when I shared some recipes with you?  Well, I'd like to share another one that will take care of that sweet tooth, but not heat up your kitch, because there is no baking involved.  Cooking, yes.  Baking, no.  It's the perfect treat for summer and/or back to school.

My mom made these a lot during the summer.  She called them "No Bake Cookies".  My brother and I 
called them "Cow Plop Cookies" because that's what they looked like to us, which of course horrified mom and because of that we've been calling them "Cow Plop Cookies" ever since.  We're nice like that. 

No Bake Cookies (a.k.a. Cow Plop Cookies)

2C granulated sugar

1 stick butter

2T cocoa

1/2C peanut butter (mom used creamy, but I suppose it will work with crunchy....live on the edge)

1/2C milk

3C rolled oats

1t vanilla

Put sugar, butter, cocoa, peanut butter, and milk in saucepan and cook until it comes to a boil.  Boil 1 minute.  Remove from stove and stir in rolled oats and vanilla.  Mix well.  Drop from teaspoon onto cookie sheet or wax paper and allow to harden.

Yields:  about 40 cookies

6/16 - Art Show Ramblings

The Arts & Wine Fest in Kent, which was on the 5th was a great show....for a couple of hours until the rain started....then the tornado alarm sounded...and then the show was shut down.  

Of course the rain (and the tornado alarm) stopped the second all my items were packed up, but then the second I got to my car to bring it to the spot to pack up my items to head home the rain started again.  I honestly thought that I would never get everything dry, including my own self. 

The good news (aside from getting dry again) is that the show has been rescheduled for July 24th.  Don't you worry your pretty little heads, I'll send out a reminder.

This Saturday, the 19th I'll be at the BAYarts "Artistic By Nature" Art Festival.  It's in Bay Village, across from Huntington Park (where there's Honey Hut ice cream!) from 10:00am -4:00pm.  The weather forecast is calling for 90 degree temps, so hopefully my items won't melt from the heat.  I might, though.

And yes, I'll send a reminder about this show as well.

6/3 - Photo Show

Hi, everyone!

Well, I guess I'm an official-like photographer now that I have a show of my own...nah, I'm still just me. 

But I do have a show of my own at Mojo's Coffee House at 600 Dover Center Rd. in Bay Village. 

My photos (said with snobbishness) will be at Mojo's throughout the month of June.  I tried to pick the pics that would appeal to everyone, so there's quite a variety,  So, would that make this a variety show?  I crack my own self up.

Anyway, hope you can stop in to take a peak at my pics.

Thanks for your continued support!
L.