July 30, 2013

Riding the Rails

The first railroad to connect the east and west coasts of Florida running from Fernandina Beach to Cedar Key.  This railroad is no longer used for commuters.  It does stay busy transporting goods and supplies to the local industries.


Original photo taken in Fernandina Beach, FL on Amelia Island.



"Organic" texture courtesy of Kim Klassen.

Linking to:

Texture Tuesday
Sweet Shot Tuesday
Tuesday Muse
Wordless Wednesday Bloggers
Wordless Wednesday
What's It Wednesday


July 26, 2013

Coffee Table Art...

A few years ago, I constructed this little doll using wood blocks, wire, found objects and carpenter ruler.  It's one of a series of three and sits on my coffee table.


What sits on your coffee table?

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July 23, 2013

Trike in the Garden...

I espied this adorable tricycle in a garden while walking around the historic district of Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island.  It brings back so many memories of my childhood!


"Dive" texture courtesy of Kim Klassen.

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July 19, 2013

Brimless...

I picked up this colorful hat at a street market in Funchal on the island of Madeira, Portugal a couple of years ago.  The hat is a round knit woven toque in bright colors with a flat top and embroidery - typical of the region.  It sits on a bookshelf in the living room keeping company with a doll I made many years ago.

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July 16, 2013

Under Lock and Key...

I can't really explain why I took this photo.  I guess I am just drawn to metal and the unexpected.


"Music Chart" texture courtesy of Kim Klassen.

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July 14, 2013

Home Again, Home Again, Jiggety Jig

I had a great time on my trip to Amelia Island.  Betty is the best travel companion.  We accomplished so much.  I with my photography and Betty with her paintings.  It was a wonderful get away.

We planned the trip around the opening of my art exhibit at the Ormond Memorial Art Museum in Ormond Beach, FL.  Fantastic gallery space - wonderful staff and the gardens outside the museum are really beautiful.  The reception was a great success - lots of people and positive comments.

It was my pleasure to exhibit with Antuco Chicaiza.  His mixed media art is so powerful.  Check it out! Antuco's family (wife and 3 children) were in attendance at the reception too.  It was so nice to meet them.


Other favorite moments on our get away.

Gardens at Ormond Memorial Art Museum

Lighthouse seen from Fort Clinch State Park

Sunrise on Amelia Island

 Sunset on Amelia Island

Reality is setting in - laundry - ugh!!


July 12, 2013

Amelia Island Adventure Day 4

There are a number of these beautiful fountains on Centre Street and neighboring area in the historic section of Fernandina.   It took several tries before I got the camera settings right to capture the water drops.  I get so frustrated sometimes that I am sorely tempted to switch back to aperture priority mode rather than manual, but I did get it right in the end.


The skies are so gorgeous just before dawn.  I couldn't resist taking my camera with me on my morning walk.  It gets a bit heavy hanging around my neck, but scenes like this are well worth it.


July 11, 2013

Amelia Island Adventure Day 3

Last night we ate dinner at the Salty Pelican across from the harbor.  The sun was setting - it was beautiful.


This morning, I was up early again for the sunrise. 

The architecture here is fabulous!

 Sea Turtle tracks

Lunch at Sandy Bottoms on the beach.  Betty enjoyed a Blue Moon beer.  Being the designated driver, I enjoyed a icy glass of water :-(



This afternoon found us at Big Talbot State Park.  The beach is filled with fabulous driftwood.



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July 10, 2013

Amelia Island Adventure Day 2

Up early to catch the sunrise.  The tide was still out - a breeze - no people - heaven!


Walking around Fernandina Historic District
The homes in the area are delightful.  Beautiful gardens and lots of picket fences.

Train Depot opened in 1899 and served as the railroad depot until the 1930s.  It now houses the Visitors Center.


 Nassau County Courthouse built in 1891
I thought it might rain - but it did not

 Back to the beach

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July 9, 2013

Amelia Island Adventure Day 1

My friend, Betty, and I are on our first annual girls' art week getaway.  We're concentrating on our art.  Betty paints - I plan to work on my photography skills.  It was a 7 hour drive from Naples.  We talked and laughed so much that the time few by!

We're renting a condo a couple of blocks from the Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island.  It is truly beautiful!

Seaside Beach


"Seriously" texture courtesy of Kim Klassen.


July 7, 2013

And the Winner Is...

The winner of Lark Crafts publication "Art Quilt Portfolio - People & Portraits" is

Theresa Merkling

Please email me your snail mail address Theresa so I can get the book out to you.  Congratulations!




July 5, 2013

Hanging Angel...

A number of years ago, I found this delightful angel at The Screen Door, an artisan shop, in Asheville NC.  She captured my heart and I brought her home.  She hangs near one of my quilts in our kitchen.



I have a growing collection of angels.  Some I've made others I have found when traveling.  Do you have any angels in your home?

Linking to:
Friday Finds
Sunday Snapshot

I also wanted to let you know about a special give away on my blog.  You can find out more here.  The drawing is on July 7, 2013.  Good Luck!


July 2, 2013

Dry Docked...

It was my intention to see if I could create my own "HDR" rendition of the photo using only the adjustment sliders in my Aperture software.  

Original photo taken in Nova Scotia.

Mouse Over to see Original
Original photo with the addition of Kim's "red" texture
I also wanted to let you know about a special give away on my blog.  You can find out more here.  The drawing is on July 7, 2013.  Good Luck!
Linking to:
Texture Tuesday