momentsinaneye

A Winter's Day Blossom

2012-02-11T13:49:00.001-08:00

During this dull and overcast season, I needed something to brighten my blog, and close ups will do just the trick.

Zentangles...

2012-01-27T09:11:00.000-08:00

If you don't know what a zentangle is, it's a method of creating beautiful images from repetitave patterns. You can make them inside of shapes or freeform like I did. In some of my work I don't like to be restricted. All you need to get started is: medium weight paper, pencil and a permanent fine line pen. You can also add color or shading. There are no rules the choice is yours.

I find that it increases focas, concentration and well being.

We Finally Have Snow...

2012-01-13T10:05:00.001-08:00

Here in Michigan we were wondering when we would get our first major snow fall for this winter season. Last night we got 6 inches.

Didn't Mother Nature release a beautiful picture?

This is Winter?

2011-12-28T11:13:00.000-08:00

Usually here in Michigan, by this time of year we have about eight inches of snow on the ground.

So far we only had one and a half inches, and since yesterday our tempeture reached thirty five degrees, it all melted.

2011-12-20T08:51:00.000-08:00

Happy Chanukah

Shadows of a Night

2011-12-12T10:16:00.001-08:00

While at a celebration recently, I was intrigued by the light coming in the windows.

I couldn't resist placing my daughter in the light.

An Early Surprise...

2011-12-05T07:39:00.000-08:00

Oh my goodness, what a great surprise I found in my mailbox. The other day I received an early birthday gift from Stacy.
Her blog is: MagicLoveCrow . She paints some great original crows. I hope you blog hop over to her blog and see what is going on. She sent me two ACEO's and two cards.

Thank you Stacy.

On the way...

2011-11-18T15:42:00.000-08:00

On the way back from an appointment I spotted this building. I was intrigued, so I stopped. What was it and what was it used for? Was it a house? What do you think?

Great Giveaway Going On At :

2011-11-04T14:25:00.000-07:00

There is a great giveaway going on at Trash To Treasure, please blog hop over and you will see what you can win.

A Halloween Thank You

2011-11-02T07:40:00.001-07:00

A very special Halloween thank you to all of you who visited and made those wonderful comments on my blog. Your words were all so very kind.

I had a wonderful time visiting all of you. What an awesome job you all did.

I can't wait till 2012 to do it all over again.

Too bad it had to end so soon. I keep Halloween in my heart all year long, and I know that many of you do too.

This is what Halloween looked like at my house. Too bad that I can't show you the creepy music that went along with it.

Tea Party Under A Halloween Moon 2011

2011-10-28T08:56:00.000-07:00

Welcome...

Come with me

All Hallow's night

We'll frighten everyone in sight

Such pranks for you

are justified

And all fun and frolic amplified.

Full moon courtesy of October 11, 2011

Everyone is a moon and has a dark side which he never shows to anybody.

Shadows of a thousand years rise again unseen,

Voices whisper in the trees.

A thousand fearful images and dire suggestions glance along the mind when it is moody and discontented with itself

If a man harbors any sort of fear, it makes him lanlord to a ghost.

Double, double toil and trouble,

Fire burn and cauldren bubble.

Bring forth the raisens and the nuts-

Tonight All Hallow's Spectre

Along the moonlit way.

Deep into darknesspeering, long I stood there, wondering, fearing,

Doubting, dreaming dreams no mortal ever dared to dream before.

Deap into the darkness peering, long I stood there, wondering, fearing, doubting, dreaming dreams no mortal ever dreamed before.

A house is never still in darkness to those who listen intently, there is a whispering in the distant chambers, an unearthly hand presses the snub of the windo, the latch raises......

Ghosts were created when the first man awoke in the night.

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadiquete. Our deepest fear is that we are beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.

My candle was nearly burnt out, when, by the glimmer of the half-extinguished light, I

saw the dull yellow eye of the creature open.

At first cock crow the ghosts must go back to their quiet graves below.

Raise your spirits, cook up some ghost stories, and make eerie looking Jack-o-Lanterns

Halloween is fun for grownups and kids alike. Especially when you throw an eeire Halloween Party Under The Moon.

On Halloween, witches come true. Wild ghosts escape from dreams.

'Tis now is the very witching time of night....Beware!

'Tis the night- the night

Of the grave's delight, And the warlocks are ar their play:

Ye think that without

the wild winds shout,

But no, it is they - it is they.

From ghoulies

And long leggedy beasties...

Thank you to Anna at frostedpetunias for hosting this wondrous party.

Please check out her Blog for her party and more Tea Parties Under The Halloween Moon

Halloween Party 2011

2011-10-21T08:20:00.001-07:00

Welcome...

Backward, turn backward, O time in your flight. Make me a child again just

for tonight!

Come with me

All Hallow's night

We'll frighten everyone in sight

Such pranks to incense

Are justified

And the fun and

frolic, amplified.

Eye of newt, and toe of frog,

Wool of bat and tongue of dog,

Adder's fork and blind-worms sting,

Lizard's leg, and owlet's wing.

For a charm of powerful trouble,

like a hell-broth and bubble.

May jack-o-lanterns burning bright. Of soft and golden hue. Pierce throughout the future's veil and show what fate now holds.

.Tis the time is drawing near.

Shadows of a thousand years rise again unseen. Voices whisper in the trees.

Come into my home said the spider to the fly.

Tis now the very witching time of night when churchyards yawn and hell itself breaths light.

"From ghoulies and ghosties And long-leggedy beasties And things that go bump in the night, Good Lord, deliver us !

On Halloween the thing you must do is pretend that nothing can frighten you and if something scares you and you want to run just let on like it's Halloween fun.

You can discover what your enemy fears most by observing the means he uses to frighten you.

Where there is no imagination there is no Halloween.

Witch and ghost make merry on this last of our dear October's days.

Everyone is a moon and has a dark side, which he never shows to anybody.

Nothing on earth is so beautiful as the final haul on Halloween night.

Raise your spirits, cook up some ghost stories, and make errie looking jack-o-lanterns. Halloween is for grownups and kids alike. Especially when you throw a bizare Halloween party.

I want to thank our very special hostess Vanessa at Afancifultwist for this very special party. Please check out her blog for more Halloween fun.

Fall In Michigan

2011-10-10T07:01:00.001-07:00

No words can express the beauty in nature.

October Artful Bag Challenge

2011-10-02T09:50:00.000-07:00

I started out with a small wooden pencil case

I used small pieces of torn pink and orange tissue paper. I made a solution of Elmar's glue and water. I then painted over the tissue. I added a knob, painted it gold.

I used small pieces of leopard print tissue paper for the inside.

I added a ponytail holder to hold the bag closed

This is the finished clutch purse. It's ideal for that evening out.
It fits nicely in the palm of your hand.

A big thank you goes out to Anna at Frosted Petunians for making this challenge possible. Please check out her blog for more Artful Bags

Your Wonderful Comments...

2011-09-27T12:12:00.000-07:00

I would like to thank each and every one of you, who stopped by and left so many comments on my Practial Magic post. Each of you left so many wonderful words of kindness. I smiled while reading them all. I went down the list of bloggers and made comments on your posts too, at least the ones I could get to. All of your parties were wonderful and showed me how very talented you are.

I hope that you will return to my blog soon and see the different things I've done.

Practical Magic 2011

2011-09-18T15:03:00.000-07:00

They feared her beacuse she had a gift, a power that has been passed on to you children.

She had the gift of MAGIC. And it was this very gift that saved her life.

"For two sisters from a family of WITCHES, falling in LOVE is the TRICKIEST spell of all."

"Well, that's what love is like. It makes your heart race. It turns the world upside down. But if you're not careful, if you don't keep your eyes on something still, you can loose your balance."

"She heard the beetle ticking for her husband's death all day long."

"In this house we have chocolate for breakfast, and never bother with silly little things like bedtimes or brushing teeth."

"I dream of a love that even time will lie down and be still for."

"I think if you lifted my heart to your ear, you could probably hear the ocean."

"Magic isn't just spell and potions."

"Jewelry in the ashes of the structure provided positive identification."
-Gary Hallet Special Investigator

"Put the lime in the coconut, drink them both up..."

"My darling girl, when are you going to realize that being normal is not necessarily a virtue."

"The moon tonight, there's a circle around it. Sign

"You get right over here and grab that spoon and dig right in."

"You know that stuff everyone whispers about me... the hexes, the spells?"

"Here is the thing. I'M A WITCH!"

"Can love travel back in time and heal a broken heart."

"Was it our joined hands that finally lifted Maria's curse?"

"I'd like to think so. There's some things I know for sure..."

A thank you to Anna at Frosted Petunias for hosting Practical Magic 2011.

It is one of my favorite movies and capturing for this second year was enchanting.

Traverse City State Hospital

2011-09-15T15:55:00.000-07:00

Built in 1885 and closed in 1989. The Traverse City State Hospital was an asylum for the insane. Also known as the Northern Michigan Asylum it is the last Kirkbride Building of Michigan's original four left in the state.

The asylum is made up of many buildings named by numbers. Building 50, the main building, was once a quarter of a mile long and the asylum in its hayday cared for approximately 6,000 patients at one time.

Under the care of James Decker Munson, the first superintendent from 1885 to 1924 the patients were treated through kindness, comfort, pleasure, and beautiful surroundings. Restraints such as straightjackets, were forbidden. Also, as part of the "work is therapy" philosophy, the asylum provided work opportunities for the patients to give them a sense of purpose. The asylum was self sustaining providing its own electricity and heat.

Starting in 2000, The Minervini Group began negotiating with the Grand Traverse Commons Redevelopment Corp. and agreed to renovate the historic building. Now known as The Commons the former building 50 is used for residential and commercial use.

Front of Building 50

(only partial still stands, most of the building was torn down due to fire hazards)

Like any old asylum from days past the reputation of being "haunted" proceeded quickly after the buildings had been abandoned for a number of years since through one of windows ofered a view of peeling mint green lead paint, rusty fixtures and and eerie look into the what was.

You can feel the energy just by walking ground and almost see the residents. It's like taking a trip back as if you were one of the patients.

While looking through these windows it seemed dark within the rooms and stairwells, but after looking at the photos the rooms seemed to be illuminated that didn't appear when I first looked in.

Building 28

(men's cottage)

Morbid wandering of a distorted mind.

If you are ever in the Traverse City area, it is worth a visit to this historical site.

Summer Fun 2011

2011-09-09T06:18:00.000-07:00

A spur of the moment trip to Traverse City, Mi. Four days of sun and fun.

Oh, how relaxing it was.

We took a day trip to Macinaw City to shop, see the Mackinaw bridge and the lighthouse.

If you didn't know, the Macinaw bridge is five miles long. It was built in 1960. The only other way across to the upper paninsula or the island was ferry service.

Lew and Sylvia getting ready to go kayaking.

Good-by Traverse City, until a summer not to far away.

A Special Package

2011-09-08T12:12:00.000-07:00

I was ever so excited yesterday when the mail came.

I had won a giveaway from Miss Vanessa at afancifultwist.

She ever so kindly sent me a very spooky book, two of her fun jar labels, a book mark, a card, two of her Halloween greeting cards and a very special key. I will have to wait and see what my magic key opens.

Please visit Miss Vanessa's blog and find out what amazing things she is up to.
She is a very talented artist and so inspiring. She brings out the artist in all of us.

Where The Wild Things Are...

2011-09-05T13:00:00.000-07:00

What a surprise my daughter Sylvia found in the yard!

Two baby squirrels!

The first thing that she did was find out if they were alright. They were breathing, however thier eye were closed and ears still tucked in. They moved around slightly and made very tiny noises but seemed to be in shock, maybe from falling out of the tree.

The mother did not appear to be in sight. So she decided to take them in. She put them in a box with some bedding left over from ginuea pigs she used to have. After doing some quick research online about caring for them she proceeded.

There was one boy and one girl.

After reading she went to the local pet store and bought kitten milk and tried to feed them with a seringe. This was just until we could find the proper people to help care for them.

They seemed to take to the milk just fine. Suckling on the tip of the seringe.

Calling around she was able to track down someone locally who is certified in animal rehabilitation.

It is good to know that there are still kind hearted people in the world that love animals as well as nature to keep the cycle going.

September Artful Bag Challenge

2011-09-01T03:40:00.001-07:00

I used two types of paper for this bag, I used shinny poster board for the trim. I wanted to make it look like shinny metal, and I also used scrapbook paper for a textured look.

I used a pearl button for an embellishment and tiny pearls for fun.

I found a textured ribbon, and used it for the handle.

And here is what you get, a small elegant bag for an evening out on the town.

Please check out Anna at Frostedpetunias for more wonderful bags. She is doing a wonderful job with this challenge.

I hope you are enjoying yourself.

Artful Bag Challenge and ATC Swap

2011-08-24T06:15:00.000-07:00

Thank you Anna from Frosted Peunias for setting up this bag challenge. Please check out her Blog for more bags.

My swap partner was Penny. Look at the amazing job she did on her ATC.

Please checkout her blog for more artful things.

It even opens up and has a chain handle. Penny put a few extras inside.

This is the ACT that I sent her.

It was a lot of fun doing this challenge this way. I hope that you all like what you see.

Thank you for stopping by.

Mushrooms in the Morning...

2011-08-22T16:18:00.001-07:00

This morning at the crack of dawn I noticed something growing in the yard...Mushrooms

This one in particular looked like a star shape. When I got a closer look, it was just that.

Bangle Bracelets Made Easy

2011-08-01T13:37:00.000-07:00

The other day I was blog hopping and found, to my delight. A segment and tutorial on bangle bracelets. I found it at afancifultwist. Miss Vanessa did a wonderful job of explaining how to make them.

You should give it a try also.

Here are some of my creations.

You can add almost anything that you want to.

My Yard

2011-07-22T08:08:00.001-07:00

Welcome to my backyard

My first attempt at cucumbers

Thank you for your visit. Please come back soon.

Gifts From Across The Miles

2011-07-18T10:49:00.001-07:00

Lovely gifts from Dubai and my friend Xue. This item is an Obi Belt. It is fashioned after the belt used when wearing a Kimono. It is reversable and can be worn different ways. Please check out Xue's blog. She makes so many different things and is so talented.

This is my daughter Sylvia wearing the Obi. She wore it to work today and received many compliments on it.

The other items that I received were a zippered wristlet, two pouches for Kleenx, I can actually fit my cell phone in one and two hair scrunche's

My Find Of The Week

2011-07-13T07:03:00.001-07:00

I found these at my favorite second hand/antique store.

I love the workmanship.

I couldn't resist these cup and saucer sets, I think they are fun and whimsical. What about you?

July Artful Bag Challenge

2011-07-02T12:24:00.000-07:00

Here we are and it is July already and we have another bag challenge.

For this months challenge we were to take a bag that we either found in

one of our piles of bags or find one at the second hand store. I found

this one way back deep inside a bag of goodies marked for the second

hand store

Imagine that!

I give all the credit to Anna at Frostedpetunias for putting together this awesome

challenge. She is the hostess. Please run to her site and check out her bags and

that will point the way to other bags.

This is what I started with.

First I added an organza flower that I made, then I made a sculpy clay face that I molded.

I added some trim too.

I then stepped back and looked at what I made.

The bag already had a very long shoulder strap.

It was a great bag to play with.

Reeds Lake Run

2011-06-28T17:59:00.001-07:00

It was a beautiful morning for a 10k race.

Saturday June 25, 2011

Sylvia's running group from Gazelle Sports

Almost to the finish line. It was great catching her in action.

Sylvia's time for the 10k (6.2miles)

66 minutes

She ran all the way !

Mad Tea Party 2011

2011-06-22T11:39:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my Mad Tea Party 2011

Hosted by Miss Vanessa at A Fancilful Twist

"If I had a world of my own, everything would be nonsense. Nothing would be what it is, because everything would be what it isn't. And contrary wise, what is, it wouldn't be. And what it wouldn't be, it would. You see?"

LET THE MADNESS BEGIN

"We're all mad here."

"Curiouser and curiouser!"

"I'm late."

There was a table set out under a tree in front of the house, and the

March Hare and the hatter were having tea at it.

"It's always tea time."

I'm glad you had a chance to visit my Mad Tea Party.

Please visit A Fanciful Twist for more parties!

June - Artful Bag Challenge

2011-06-03T16:49:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the June Artul Bag Challenge.

First of all I want to thank Anna at Frostedpetunias for putting all of this together, she has done an amazing job. Please check out other bags there too.

Check out her other work also!

I franticly searched all around my house for an object that I could transform into a bag.

I finally decided on a Taster's Choice coffee container. It was the right size and shape for what I wanted to do.

First I pealed off the the outer lable and then drilled holes in the sides. For my handle, which is a silk rope with an orange/red colored bead.

I then got out the black spray paint and sprayed the container.

I then got out my water color paints and started mixing colors for the poppy theme that I wanted to get across.

They are my favorite flowers.

I started cutting out the poppies that I had painted.

I started gluing everything in place.

For the large silk poppy I wired that on from the inside.

I threded the silk rope with the orange/red bead on and tied knots on the inside so it will be secure.

Here is my finished bag.

It has enought room inside for a small wallet, sunglasses, keys and a comb.

The Great Race..

2011-05-15T15:39:00.001-07:00

On Saturday May 14, 2011, my daughter participated in the Fifth Third River Bank Run 5k. Here are some shots before the run and celebrating after. This was her first race and we are looking forward to her racing in the Reads Lake 10k in June.

It was a very wet race, but the runners all pushed through.

A well deserving beer after the race.

For My Daughter

2011-05-05T08:50:00.000-07:00

When Sylvia (my daughter) started her new job. She asked me to design/make her something for the wall in her new office.

So I went to work gathering items that reflected her.

This is what I came up with.

She is a little bit of everything you see here.

Artful Bag Challenge-ATC Swap

2011-04-25T07:48:00.000-07:00

Oh my , what a fun swap. This is my first international swap. My swap partner is Selma from Finland. Her work is amazing. Please see for yourself.

It took a long time to reach me but it was worth the wait.

This is the ATC that I sent her. I call it "Vintage Shopping"

This beautiful ATC is the one she sent to me. I think this is so unique, with all the detail and extras. It makes me want the bag that this person is carring.

This is a nice one too. I love the artwork involved.
This is a bonus. I was very surprised to find this one.

Also, look at all the wonderful things in this wall hanging. Selma really puts a lot of detail in all of her work I now have an angel watching over me while doing my artwork. It is so very special of Selma to make all the goodies for me. Please go to her Blog and check out her work.

Thank you so very much Anna from Frosted Petunias for making this Artful bag challenge a success.
You bring out the creativity in us all.

Fun In The Sun

2011-04-17T07:48:00.000-07:00

A Mother & Daughter Vacation

Fort Lauderdale, FL.

5 days of sun, fun, shopping and water adventures

Our hotel; the only resort with direct access to the beach!

View from our room, overlooking the ocean.

At one of the pools!

Sylvia enjoying the sunshine!

Waking up to a beautiful sunrise.

Largest yatch in the marina, has its own heli-pad.

Beautiful homes.

Fun in the sun!

One of the restaurant where we ate at. Forest Gump theme.

Heading out for the night!

Another restaurant! Our favorite P.F. Chang's!

A sunset, a perfect way to end a great getaway!

Spring

2011-04-03T05:30:00.000-07:00

Here she is, the first great sunset of Spring. I hope we have many more like it.

The weather is definitely changing for the better. It is still cool out but there are many more blue skies.

Who Would Have Thought?

2011-03-23T08:17:00.001-07:00

This is so typical for Michigan. Once you get a taste of Spring, Mother Nature plays a joke on you when you least expect it. First she offers you nice 50 degree weather and when you look the other way, she plants an ice storm in your back yard.

We have to stay calm and be patient...Spring will return.

When you ask? Mother Nature knows, she has many tricks up her sleeve

Spring is Here

2011-03-15T15:40:00.000-07:00

The Robins Have Returned to Michigan

It may not officially be Spring yet, but the first sign of it for me is the

return of the Robins.

As I peaked out my window the other morning I saw one pearched on the tree just outside of my kitchen.

So, in commemoration of thier return I dedicate this post to the coming of Spring!

Happy Spring!

March Artful Bag Challenge

2011-03-02T09:24:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the March Bag Challenge. This month's challenge was to find a bag that you haven't used in a while and have fun and embillish it. This bag challenge is sponsored by Anna from Frosted Petunias.

Please check out her embellished bag as well as others.

This is the before picture of my bag. This little coin purse was an impulse buy. You know those days that we absolutly have to buy something before we leave the mall.

I added pearls from an old necklace

Vintage ivory cord.

For the finishing touch I placed a pendant from a vintage jeweled necklace,
just above the clasp.

Here is my finished coin purse.

Size is 4 inches across by 3 3/4 deep.
Inside has a zippered pouch where you can keep your money and a drivers license. It will easily fit in your pocket.

I now have to go somewhere to use it.

Catch Them When You Can...

2011-02-18T08:30:00.001-08:00

It's nice to see the blue sky again.

I had to snap these before they melted away. We are having a real heat wave today, temperatures in the upper 40's. I am sorry to say that Winter hasn't left us yet. It may come back for a little while next week, but it's a sure sign that Spring isn't far away.

With Love

2011-02-13T13:12:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentines Day to All my Readers

Hope you all have a special day filled with love and friendship.

Chocolate and Flowers

" I cannot leave this place without saying a few words to you... Your happiness, your life , even, depend, you say, upon my ever loviong you."

Denis Diderot to Sophie Volland

"I have not spent a day without loving you..."

Napoleon Bonaparte to Josephine

"So shalt thou find me ever at thy side, here and hereafter, if the last may be..."

William Hazlitt to Sarah Walker

"So, with abounding affection for you..."

Mark Twain to Livy

"Ever Thine,

Ever Mine,

Ever Ours."

Ludwig van Beethoven

Blizzard of 2011

2011-02-04T09:48:00.000-08:00

The blizzard started sometime after 11:00 p.m on Tuesday the 1st of February and lasted until 2:00 p.m Wednesday the 2nd. By the time it was over we had 13 inches of snow. This snow drift is as tall as I am. it is about 5 feet tall.

The city told it's residents to say home. Don't go out unless it was an emergency. Almost everything was shut down.

This is my neighbors house. Notice the snow is up to the windows.

February Artful Bag Challenge

2011-02-01T07:10:00.000-08:00

Artful Bag Challenge

The objective for this month is to take an object that is not a

bag or purse and make it into one.

The object that I chose is a chinese to-go container. I wrapped it in scrapbooking paper that had a whimsicle touch with the glitter. A purple ribbon for the strap and to create a lock where the purse would open I added a button cover. I kept my purse simple as I would see it being used as a clutch for a fancy night out on the town.

Please visit at Anna at Frosted Petunias, our host for the Artful Bag Challenge.

Winter Wonders

2011-01-20T10:41:00.001-08:00

As though time is standing still.

Only one leaf is left and stands alone..A time to reflect.

Just after dawn was the time I started taking these photo's. It was a very crispy 6 degrees above zero. On this day the temperature rose to be 15 degrees.

Find of the Month

2011-01-14T12:33:00.000-08:00

You know sometimes when you look at something and you look away, then you look back again? I did that the other day. I was at the second hand store looking for possibilities for art sake. I was really surprised at what I thought I saw, and looked again. It was a small kate spade handbag. I wasn't sure if it was authenic but bought it anyway. My daughter works with some designer bags and looked it over and YES...it is the real thing. I am not sure what I will do with it so, for now I am going to put it on a shelf, for art sake. You never know what you might find at the second hand store, so stop and look around once in a while or your going to miss the world passing you by.

Winter Sunsets in Michigan

2011-01-11T12:10:00.001-08:00

I don't know what it is about our sunsets. Maybe not so intense but, could it be the cold crisp air, smoke from fireplaces, car exaust or a combination of all these things? Help me out. What do you think? There is never a dull moment when the sunsets here in Michigan.

The Artfull Bag Challange 2011

2010-12-30T16:31:00.000-08:00

January's Theme: "Playing With Paper"

Crafted bags or purses from paper. Any paper; be it scrapbook, book, magazine, wall paper, cardstock, etc... And embelish the creation however you'd like!

Made out of wall paper, I chose my "fabric (background)" and proceeded to embelish it with a zipper, larger handle, extra flap, silver buckles and a pocket. This bag would be a large "carpet bag."

See other bags HERE.

New Calandar

2010-12-27T16:40:00.000-08:00

Just In Time For The New Year

All the way from Tokyo from Xue. She is presently moving from Tokyo to Dubai. She has sent many fun things before and I really enjoy getting them. The colors, decorations, symbols all are so interesting.

Thank you Xue

Christmas and Birthday All Rolled Into One

2010-12-22T11:13:00.000-08:00

A Whimsical and Wonderful Surprise

A wounderful package came to me from across the country. It was filled with goodies for my birthday and for Christmas. It came from the very talented Anna from Frosted Petunias. She does so many creative things. I am hoping that you will stop by her blog and see what she creates and how talented she is!

Thanks Anna

The Snow Finally Came

2010-12-12T15:43:00.001-08:00

Snow finally came to West Michigan. We didn't get hit as hard as was expected but snow fell none the less. Winter is here.

Same Blog NEW Look!

2010-11-26T14:39:00.000-08:00

Momentsinaneye has a new look! Just something new. Enjoy.

Let me know what you think!

One Man's Junk...

2010-11-21T08:41:00.001-08:00

One persons junk is certainly my treasure. Any chance I get I go into the second hand store. One never knows what you might find. I found these two decanters. The larger one is nine inches tall and the other is five. I bought the doily too. Not sure what I am going to do with them, but time will tell. Maybe include them in one of my many photo shoots. Any suggestions?

Last Sunset...

2010-11-12T07:02:00.001-08:00

Well... Here it is, the last great sunset of late fall. We call it Indian Summer. This occurs in autumn. It is sunny, clear, warm weather, after the leaves have turned following a heavy frost, but before the first snowfall. Enjoy it while you can. The wonders of winter is on its way.

Crispy Morning...

2010-11-04T06:07:00.000-07:00

A very cold and crispy morning indeed.
At 8:00 a.m. this morning it was 32 degrees
Even the last of the fall flowers are showing signs of the big chillWinter is coming soon.

Sunshine In A Package...

2010-10-31T15:32:00.001-07:00

What I Won and then Some

I entered a Practical Magic giveaway and WON!

Anna from Frosted Petunias randomlly pick my name. I won 3 Practical Magic Themed ATC's, and a small, glass bell jar.

She also sent me some extras and other goodies!

Please visit her blog when you get a chance, you dont want to miss it!

Anna, being from California, knew that the weather here in Michigan was dull and gloomy so she also sent some sunshine in the package!

The Bewitching Hour Is Here...

2010-10-30T13:31:00.001-07:00

Happy Halloween From My House To Yours

Bella Corona

Penny Lane

May spooky delight be with you tonight

Happy Halloween

By The Side of The Road.....

2010-10-24T12:57:00.000-07:00

Out for a Sunday drive

You never know what you might see at the next bend of the road.
Halloween wishes and apple sider dreams.

Oh Look...

2010-10-21T13:50:00.001-07:00

Look what I received in the mail. I got a mail bag full of goodies from my friend Xue in Tokyo.
Plase check out her blog xue-originals.blogspot.com. She sews amazing quilts with equally amazing fabrics.

Halloween Party 2010

2010-10-12T07:54:00.001-07:00

Halloween Party 2010

Halloween is the Night

For Magic to Come Alive

This is the Night For All Witches

To Dance and Sing Around The Fire

And Monsters to Come Alive

They Will Gather and be Merry

------

Backward, turn backward, O time, in your flight. Make me a child again, just for tonight!

There is something haunting in the ligth of the moon. It has all the disapassionateness of a disembodied soul, and something of it's inconceivable mystery.

Men say that in this midnight hour, the disembodied have power. To wander as it liketh them, by wizard oak and fairy stream.

A gypsy fire is on the hearth. Sign of a carnical of mirth. Through the fields and from the glade. Flash merry folk in masquerade, for this is Halloween!

Stir the fire till it lowe. How like a queen comes forth the lonely moon. From the slow opening curtains of the clouds. Walking in beauty to her midnight throne.

"Eye of newt, and toe of frog, wool of bat, and tounge of dog, adder's fork, and blind-worms sting, lizards leg, and owlet's wing. For a charm of powerful trouble, like a hell-broth boil and bubble." -Shakespeare, Macbeth

A house is never still in darkness to those who listen intently, there is a whispering in the distant chambers, an unearthly hand presses the snib of the window, the latch rises. Ghosts were created when the firt man awoke in the night.

On Halloween, witches come true. Wild ghosts escape from dreams.

May jack-O-Laterns burning bright. Of soft and golden hue. Pierce throught the future's veil and show what fate now holds for you.

'Tis now the very witching time of night, when churchyards yawn and hell itself breaths light

Shadows of a thousand years rise again unseen. Voices whiper in the trees.

Shadows of a thousand years rise againunseen. Voices whisper in the trees.

"Tonight is HALLOWEEN."

Once in a young lifetime one should be allowed to have as much sweetness as one can possibly want and hold.

A special thank you to the Halloween hostest Vanessa from A Fanciful Twist.

A Long Day's Journey Into Night...

2010-09-30T08:57:00.000-07:00

Three and a half days with no power and no water. This is what nature can do. Not a nice few days. We hunkered down and did what we had to do. It wasn't pleasant but made it through it.
We were greatful that it wasn't winter time. The storm that came through brought rain and seventy five mile an hour winds. We read by candle light, played cards, ate and did what we could. This tree took down all the power lines on our street. ripped the power off of a neighbors house and blocked the street for ten hours. We were thankful that it wasn't any worse and became closer with our neighbors. One learns to appreciat the simple things in life.

Practical Magic 2010

2010-09-19T10:14:00.001-07:00

Practical Magic 2010

Adapted from the movie

"They feared her because she had a gift, a power that has been passed on to you children. She had the gift of magic. And it was this very gift that saved her life."

"She was vanished to this very island. With her unborn child growing inside her belly. She waited for her lover to rescue her. But he never came. In a moment of despair, she cast a spell upon herself that she would never again feel the agony of love. but as her bitterness grow the spell turned into a curse. A curse on any man who dared love an Owens woman."

"FOR TWO SISTERS FROM A FAMILY OF WITCHES, FALLING IN LOVE IS THE TRICKIEST SPELL OF ALL."

"Well, that's what love is like. It makes your heart race. It turns the world upside down. But if you're not careful, if you don't keep your eyes on something still, you can lose your balance. You can't see what's happening to the people around you. You can't see that you're about to fall."

"She heard the beetle ticking for your father's death all day long. She knew that when you hear the sound of the deathwatch beetle the man you love is doomed to die."

"Blood on the moon! Blood on the moon!"

"In this house we have chocolate for breakfast, and never bother with silly little things like bedtimes or brushing teeth."

"And this is what comes from dabbling; I mean you can't practice witchcraft while you look down your nose at it."

"I dream of a love that even time will lie down and be still for."

"Sometimes I feel like there's a hole inside of me, an emptiness that at times seems to burn. I think if you lifted my heart to your ear, you could probably hear the ocean."

"Magic isn't just spells and potions."

"Office hereby concluded James Angelov's cause of death was accidental. Jewelry in the ashes of the structure provided positive identification. Sincerely, Gary Hallet special investigator."

"Put the lime in the coconut, drink them both up..."

"My darling girl, when are you going to realize that being normal is not necessarily a virtue? It rather denotes a lack of courage!"

"The moon tonight, there's a circle around it. Sign of trouble not far behind."

"You get right over here and grab that spoon and dig right in. Doesn't that look great? And the fumes are great for the pores. Not to mention sealing his nasty spirit back into the grave."

"You know the stuff everyone whispers about me... the hexes, the spells? Here is the thing. I'm a WITCH!"

"Can love travel back in time and heal a broken heart? Was it our joined hands that finally lifted Maria's curse."

"I'd like to think so. There's some things I know for sure..."

A thank you to the blog Frosted Petunias and La Boheme Magique for hosting Practical Magic 2010.

Mushroom Moment

2010-09-14T06:28:00.000-07:00

By the side of the road where the grass meets the gravel, were these wonderful mushrooms. I couldn't resist that photo moment. So, here they are, to share with you.

My Photo...

2010-09-07T11:13:00.001-07:00

Many thanks go out to all of you who voted for my Quiet Solitude photo in Mi Michigan photo contest. I appreciate all of your votes. The contest is over with and the judges will take it from here. Then on October 15th the winning photos will be announced.

It's a Sign...

2010-08-31T08:40:00.001-07:00

Yes, it is the first sign of fall. We can not escape it. Fall is coming to western Michigan. It has been such a wonderful summer that I hate to see it end. There will be hot days, then cool and cooler days will approach.

Flowers Of Late Summer

2010-08-25T15:46:00.001-07:00

Enjoy these now, for in a few weeks summer will be leaving us, making way for fall.

Up North Tradition

2010-08-17T05:55:00.001-07:00

Every Summer the family take a vacation to Northern Michigan. This Summer was no different. Welcome to our UP NORTH TRADITION!

Time was not an issue and the adventures mapped out our days...

Our first stop... Robinson's Senic Garden - sculpture destination.

We took day trips to different places.

Torch Lake

Mackinaw City

Charlavoix

Northport - My husbands family had a cottage up there 40 years ago.

Our Putt-Putt Golfing Adventure at Captain's Cove.

The Beautiful Traverse City. Our final destination.

Waves crashing against the shore.

Beautiful Sunsets each night.

Fun Sand Creations.

We spent more time in the water then out!

View from our Motel - The Sands

We couldn't have asked for a better vacation. Only wished it could have lasted longer. But isn't that how it always is...?

Hope you had as much fun as we did.

A Summer Day...

2010-08-06T17:11:00.001-07:00

I could't resist some of the beautiful flowers in my neighborhood. So many different varieties of flowers. It was hard choosing which ones to share.

We are on vacation for about a week. Hope to run into great weather and beautiful scenes of Northern Michigan.

By The Side of The Road

2010-07-29T16:13:00.001-07:00

I have driven past this abandoned shack for years and years, always interested in what is inside, what it was used for, and the story behind it. Finally, one day I stopped, parked my car, and walked around with camera in hand, of course. It has electricity and what appears to be a large lawn mower inside. It seems to be well kept on the outside. There was a NO TRESPASSING sign so I didn't want to stay too long, just enough time to take some pictures and have a look around. Trying to gather what this places' story is/was.

Great Day At The Zoo.

2010-07-21T14:51:00.001-07:00

What a fun day my family and I had at the zoo. I decided to show you an upclose and personal look. Hope you like what you see.

Can You Imagine...

2010-07-09T07:18:00.000-07:00

Oh my, there were so many lawn and garden ornaments that I couldn't choose.. I did finally choose three. Now I have to decide where in my yard they are going to be placed. Of course inside is also an option. Too many decisions. I spotted this store a few weeks ago and finally went there. It was a fun place to be. It was hard for me to leave.

Happy 4th of July

2010-07-04T06:03:00.001-07:00

Please support our country. We need to stand together and become one nation. There are too many distractions, pay attention to what is happening.

It's Time... It's Time!

2010-06-25T15:51:00.000-07:00

It's Time for the annual Mad Tea Party! The original Mistress of Ceremony is Vanessa from http://afancifultwist.typepad.com/

Welcome to MY Mad Tea Party!

Enjoy some tea, have some sweets, meet some new friends, lookout for the faries, and stay awhile, but watch your time!

"Begin at the beginning and go until you come to the end, then stop."

"No wonder you're late. This watch is actually two days slow."

"Oh! But it's loads of fun!"

"If you don't know where you're going, any road will lead you there and here."

"We're all mad here."

"If you look real carefully and be really quiet you may actaully see the faries."

"Read the directions and you will be directed in the right direction with is right here and there."

"Oh my ear and whiskers, it's getting late!"

"You can stay as long as you wish but make sure you lock-up when you leave, follow the White Rabbit on the way out and you'll be brought right back in."

Thank you for visiting...

Artisns Day At The Farmers Market

2010-06-21T11:03:00.000-07:00

Each Sunday between May and October the city opens the Farmers Market to Artisns only. It's a very exciting place to be. As long as it's made and not pre manufactured and it's in good taste, you can sell it. I try to go every Sunday. There are new things to see each week. I have met some wonderful artists and have made many new friends. One of these Sundays I will be selling some of the things that I make. I will let you know when.

What Do You Do On A Rainy Day ?

2010-06-16T14:03:00.000-07:00

What do you do on a really rainy day? You make new friends. You make fairy friends. They are so very easy to create. You need a small wooden bead, pipe cleaners or plant wire, a few tube beads, and some petals from a silk flower that you have taken apart. Fold in half a 6 1/2 inch wire, then cut a piece 2 1/2 inches long. Lay the short wire cross wise on top of the folded wire about 1/2 inch down from the bended 6 1/2 top. Fold that top bend down and and around the cross piece, bringing it back up to form the head. Now you have arms, legs and a head. Place the wooden bead where the head should go and glue it onto the wire. Now thread a tube bead through the legs and push it up as far as it can go. Then thread a flower after it and as many as you want..different colors are fun to add. Add one more tube bead to hold all the petals on, and glue it. Add embroidery floss for hair and use colored pencils for facial features. You may want to make loops for hands and feet. Now you have a fairy friend to play with on a rainy day.

Beauty of Summer

2010-06-10T13:46:00.001-07:00

No words can express how beautiful these flowers are. Take a walk and look around once in a while. It is amazing what you will see.

Phill's Stuff

2010-05-31T08:11:00.000-07:00

Special Windows

Glass Doorknobs

Roosters

Toy Cars

Mermaid Hooks

Licence Plates From Bygone Days

Suns Moons And Star Hooks

Brass Doorknobs

Pins

What a great place to go on a Saturday afternoon. I decided to go picking. I could have spent hours....oops I did. I got lost in what I was looking at. There is SO much to look at and so much to see and so much to buy. I had to restrain myself. A very stimulating and fun place to be. I had such a fun time. I did buy some marbles, keys, and key hole plates.

Every Picture Tells A Story...

2010-05-25T07:27:00.000-07:00

Saugatuck, Michigan. Located on the Lake Michigan coast. There is art, flowers and displays everywhere. A very arty town with lots to do. One of the coolest small towns in America.

Some Of My First...

2010-05-17T15:46:00.000-07:00

Their here, their here. Some of my first roses of the season. I am so excited. Our weather is changing for the good. Lots of warm and sunny days ahead with many more roses yet to bloom.

New Arrival...

2010-05-06T12:35:00.000-07:00

I would like to introduce Penny Lane. She is a rescue and yes, she was neglected. She warmed our hearts right away and we could not say no. She is about a year old. She is a Chi-Poo. Chihuahua and Tea Cup Poodle mix. Right now she weighs 2 lbs. 7oz and is staring to put on weight. A real sweety and gets along with our Toy Poodle Bella. She is full of energy and is very playful.

Just a reminder, mark your calenders for June 26th The Mad Party. It is hosted by http://afancifultwist.typepad.com/

Mad Tea Party 2010

2010-04-28T17:23:00.000-07:00

I am SO EXCITED on SATURDAY, JUNE 26, 2010 there is going to be a very SPECIAL party! Please check out http://afancifultwist.typepad.com/ Miss Vanessa will be escorting all on an AMAZING, MAGICAL JOURNEY. It is the 3rd annual MAD TEA PARTY. There will be links connecting us. You are guarenteed a WONDERFUL time!

Fairy Tea Party

2010-04-23T05:10:00.000-07:00

The Fairies have since flown away, but there's still a spot of tea left to share.

Yummm Continued...

2010-04-14T08:53:00.000-07:00

I have expaneded the figment of my imagination to include mini cupcakes as well as candy.

Yummm.....

2010-04-03T06:19:00.000-07:00

Look at the wonderful treats I've prepared for you. Rich creamy frosting with special candies bought for only you in mind. Tasty moist cake in various flavors. All for you my special friends. A very special surprise...They are calorie free, because...they are not real. A figment of my imagination of the non edible kind. Enjoy

Sundown...

2010-03-25T17:38:00.000-07:00

It's magical when the sun goes down and all is at peace during a spring time sunset.

Self Taught

2010-03-21T16:28:00.000-07:00

If you have the confidence in yourself to learn something new, you will do it. I wanted to learn how to make crocheted flowers for the longest time. I looked through books and studied videos. It took me 2 and 1/2 weeks...and what do you know, I did it. I put them on gifts, hair bands, barretts and whatever else I can think of.

Springs Coming Ball of Fire

2010-03-12T13:16:00.000-08:00

The brilliance of the sun illuminates the clouds at the closing of another day yet closer to the coming of Spring.

Round and Round

2010-03-07T16:00:00.000-08:00

I wanted to step out of the normal square format. Working with different shapes and patterns I came up with these.

Glitz and Glam

2010-02-26T12:21:00.000-08:00

On these dull winter days I need a pick me up. Something to brighten my mood. I collected sparkly, glitzy and shiny objects and set up this glitzy and glam scene. I get a "Breakfast at Tiffany's" vibe.

Last Great Act of Defiance...

2010-02-18T15:31:00.000-08:00

In spite of what the forecast shows this week more winter weather is on it's way... I woke up early this morning and definatly heard birds churping. The sky was blue all day, not a cloud in the sky, a nice change from the grey days we have had. But today it looks like Spring will be here soon. There is hope.

Happy Valentines Day...

2010-02-13T12:00:00.000-08:00

Just a little Valentines Day greeting and some of my doodles to go along with it. Hope they make you smile and spark your creativity.

Here We Go Again...

2010-02-09T17:20:00.000-08:00

Another winter storm has past through, and although the cold, snow covered roads and blustery winds make me blue. I have to admit it certainly is beautiful when photographed.

In Response To my Last Post

2010-01-31T15:16:00.000-08:00

I had such a great response to my last post that I decided to add more of my drawings. For some reason I have always had a fixation with drawing mushrooms. The shapes, sizes and colors that they come in have intrigued me. I feel that I can be very creative when drawing mushrooms.

Something New.....

2010-01-19T07:26:00.000-08:00

I feel as though I have complained about winter long enough. I decided to try to get inspired and get out of my winter blues. I picked up my colored pencils and started to draw. I came up with these.

Defiance....

2010-01-12T15:02:00.000-08:00

I stand in defiance of winter. All around me are crushed by winter's heavy hand. I choose to stand tall.

Winter's Beauty..

2010-01-07T05:30:00.000-08:00

I couldn't resist this photo opportunity this morning. I didn't want to miss this natural pattern. Knowing that winter is here to stay for at least three more months, I need to focus more on it's exposed beauty. Hope all of you see winter's magic too.

More Of The Same

2009-12-29T05:27:00.000-08:00

I never tire of taking pictures. It is part of my life, but I am very tired of the weather. I am so ready for Spring. Unfortunately we still have three more months of winter left.

Warm and Toasty..

2009-12-20T13:07:00.001-08:00

I am sure some of you have gotten quite a bit of snow in the last twenty four hours. Here in Michigan we only got one inch. It is very cold here. Eighteen degrees was the tempeture that I woke up to this morning. To keep myself warm and toasty my husband made a fire in the fireplace. I want to share it with all of you. Please enjoy.

Bbbbburrrrrr....It's Cold Outside.

2009-12-10T09:06:00.000-08:00

It's not that it is snowing so much because it isn't. It's the wind. The tempeture is 14 degrees with a wind chill of -4. The wind is blowing at 20 miles an hour. It is still clasified as a blizzard. Not many cars on the road today. They are saying if you don't have to go out, don't. I am sitting in my comfy house with the heat turned up and watching old movies. Hope you enjoy the pictures.

Just a side note, The top picture was featured on WZZMTV that same day.

Winter is Here...

2009-12-04T07:35:00.000-08:00

I woke up this morning to this beautiful site. I never would imagine that the first snow fall would be this amazing. We woke up to eight inches of snow. Because of this all the schools were closed in west Michigan area. That means the mall will be busy with shoppers and children.

Leaves are all gone...

2009-11-27T16:05:00.000-08:00

While taking a walk with sweet Bella the other day, we ended up by the river. This scene tells me that since the leaves are gone, winter is going to arrive soon. Winter is beautiful here in Michigan. I will take some pics, as the snow flies. Kind of bitter sweet.