I’ve been a fan of food blogs for many years. I had started my own recipe website about eight years ago, and when blogs hit the scene I switched over to that method of updating since it tended to be a little faster.
Over the years as I got busier and the kids got older, the time that I spent on my site diminished and I ended up closing it down. However, since it’s infinitely easier to read others’ contributions rather than make your own, I’ve never lost my love of reading others’ food blogs!
Finding food-related blogs and sites online …read more

I had forgotten for a brief spell how much I love 1000 Words Photography.   From the breathtaking work of showcased artists to the interviews and book reviews, it is a quarterly treat for the eyes.

Recently I found that Photojojo has listed it as one of the 10 online photography magazines we love.  It is listed first, which I’m not sure means it’s the absolute favorite or not.  But guess what…it does mean that there are nine more online magazines for you to check out there.  Plus some runners up!

Techinically, this should be labeled as a “Wordy Tuesday” post, since I took the photo yesterday…
Take a close look at the evergreen in my front yard:

That’s right – there is snow on those branches!
I’d like to get started on my gardening (after all, flowers have been known to inspire fiber art in my studio!) but not today.
At least there is one good thing about cool days – I definitely feel like spending time in my studio and not outside
image: C Findlay-Harder

My daughter has become adept at taking interesting photos as inspiration for her quilting and fabric art.  Often these will be bits of bark, barn siding, flower segments, and other textural objects.
Then she incorporates them into many of her small quilts, utilizing a variety of techniques.
This photo of barn siding offers suggestions for textural ideas you may want to try.
Sometimes you might get ideas from a single photo.  Other times you can try combining a variety of close-ups.  Or you can vary the close photos with distant scenery to give you a fascinating combination.

Today’s Wordy Wednesday is about finding inspiration in everyday things.
How often do we go through our houses, without really appreciating all the lovely little details?
I found my favorite fruit basket today, and decided to pop some of my fruits and veggies into it – and then realized how beautiful the colors were together.
See what I mean?

I written posts about getting from photo to finished artwork, so I won’t get into that now – but next time you need some inspiration, why not check out what’s in front of you?
You never know what might happen…
images: C Findlay-Harder

Creating collages about spring provides enjoyment for youngsters and adults.  These can be very simple or they might be detailed, made with a great deal of thought.

Cut out pictures of birds and flowers from magazines and catalogs.  Arrange them haphazardly or planned to tell a story, on poster board.  This is fun to do with youngsters in school or at home.  Perhaps they can write a poem about spring to accompany.
Find around you in the yard, the woods (our yard is part of the surrounding woodland), or along a back road natural objects that remind you of spring and …read more

I have an online dating profile over at Match.com. I’m not officially “single,” but when my boyfriend refuses to answer the phone or an email, for weeks at a time I no longer consider myself committed. This has been going on, off and on, for a year now. If my boyfriend decides to pull it together, where I am concerned, then I feel that our relationship is salvageable, but for now, I’m open to meeting someone new.
Unfortunately, my profile is generating little or no interest. I do hear (rarely) from men who are 10-15 years older than me, but I don’t feel I …read more

While chatting with a close friend recently, a topic made it’s way into our conversation about keeping old photos and memorabilia from previous relationships.
I’ve known many women who would become so jealous they’d sneak into a man’s belongings and purposely destroy anything that had to do with former girlfriends.
This sort of thing never seemed to bother me much – It’s always been my opinion that IF someone is an EX of my partner, they are history for a reason.  Being that EX also means that person played some significant role in the person my partner had become.  Right?

When it comes to browsing the online personals ads, do you prefer to see snapshots or professional photos?  Let’s say the ad only allows for one photo – which one would you rather see?
I’ve read so many dating tips that recommend using professional photos, but during my online dating career I typically shyed away from the professional shots and went more for the snapshots.
I suppose it had more to do with snapshots seeming more “real” and knowing that anyone can take the time and effort to look their absolute best for a pro-shot.
The professional shot isn’t totally out of the …read more