SNOWING ON RATON.......

In the words of the late Townes Van Zandt, Texas famed singer-songwriter.......it was "snowing on Raton" as we returned from a visit to friends and family in Austin, TX. It was a crisp and windy morning, as the shingles flew off the motel where we had spent the night on Tuesday, and the power chose to shut down and create havoc in the local restaurant!! However, the pass that joins New Mexico to Colorado remained open, and we traveled on our merry way toward home. Although we saw a bit of snow along the way, there was no sign of snow at our castle, nor any signs that we had missed the first snowfall. YEA!! As many of you know....I LOVE THE SNOW!!!! Enjoy the pics!!

ROCKS, TREES, WILDLIFE, CLOUDS.....................

Nature. What a joy it is!! I am always at peace when driving in the country, wandering down a little dirt road, hiking through the forest.....and there are soooo many things to see and wonder about....Tonight I am sharing some recent shots of some of my favorite things....rocks, trees, wildlife, and clouds!! Enjoy!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JOHN!!!

Being a HUGE Beatles fan, how could I not say Happy Birthday John Lennon!!! If you ever have a chance to attend a showing of his artwork, don't miss it!! I have had the pleasure when the touring exhibit was in Austin many years ago.............and could afford only a t-shirt!! The display is quite inspirational and educational, and wouldn't I love to own one of his framed works!! Happy Birthday, Dear John!!

FOUND THESE COOL GRAPHICS!!!

While taking a break from show preparation tasks, I came upon this blog that has some cool graphics for use by those of us not blessed with the knowledge of how to create such things!! Take a peek, and create a link, and we'll all have fun!!

I LOVE APRONS!!!!

Just what I should NOT do.........add another task to my long list!! But.....I LOVE APRONS and came across an APRON SWAP while blog hopping one day recently....and the rest is history!! The Hot Mamas swap is now closed, but for any of you apron addicts out there....the Sassy Apron Winter Swap is still open!! So come join the fun!!!!

FALL IN THE MOUNTAINS...................

I love Fall!! I especially love Fall when living in a location that actually has a true change of seasons....all four of them!! Colorado is definitely in that category, and this Fall has been spectacular!! I love the changing colors, the crispness in the air, the scents of dampness when walking in the woods, and of course pumpkins!! In anticipation of a big, windy storm coming through that was predicted to blow all the leaves off the trees, we headed up toward Mt. Evans last Saturday for some good shots of the aspens. I love the aspens. I love the sound their leaves make when blowing in the wind. I love the shape of the leaves. I love their bark, which reminds me somewhat of the look the birch trees had in Alaska when I was growing up. I have shared just a few shots from our little outing, from one camera. I'll try to get to the other camera's card soon, where there are many more pictures!! Enjoy!!

UPDATES ON LEMON POPPY SEEDS!!

Happy Fall!! Happy getting ready for Halloween ~~ the most fun time of the year!! It's a busy time here in my raggedy and primitives factory....busy, busy, busy. Much to do, much done, and much more NOT done!! HA!! I hope you can take a minute to peek at my new listings, and old listings (heeheeee!!) over at my Poppye Shoppe on Lemon Poppyseeds website!! There's sooooo much fun stuff to see and BUY over there in all the wonderful shoppes!! I'm sure there is something there you just HAVE to have, or something to inspire your own creativity to flow!! Enjoy the day!! Hugs, Trudy

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NASA!!!!

Gosh....I am amongst those that can recall dashing outside to view Sputnik going overhead!!! The Russians launched their satellite on October 4, 1957. This event became a catalyst for then President Eisenhower to create legislation to establish the National Aeronautics and Space Agency (NASA). NASA was officially open for business on October 1, 1958!! HAPPY 50TH BIRTHDAY, NASA!!!

IKE AFFECTS A FELLOW FOLK ARTIST......

Although the news media seems to have moved right on past Hurricane Ike, those that were caught in its path have not moved on. They are still suffering the affects, and will be for some time. I hope that we will not forget them, and will continue to help in any way that we can. I want to bring attention to a fellow folk artist, Susan Dean, of Threadbare Primitives. Susan is located in Anahuac, TX, just East of Trinity Bay, where Ike traveled through on it's way North. Anahuac is in Chambers County, which suffered great destruction from the winds and the water of Ike. Susan and her husband are now back in their GARAGE, but their home is not structurally safe for living. As they await word from their insurance company, they must do what they can to bring their lives back toward normalcy. One of the ways that we could help Susan, a working artist that depends on her business for her well-being, is to visit her website and MAKE A PURCHASE OR TWO!!! Yes, just that simple!! Susan has many wonderful patterns, as well as finished goods and supplies. Her designs are whimsical and easy to use, and I should know!! I own most of them!! HA!! Pattern addict #1 here!! I encourage you to visit Threadbare Primitives, do some shopping, and keep Susan and her family in your thoughts and prayers. Prim Blessings to all, Trudy

The Presence of the Crow.............

I love crows (oh, really?!).....and almost always have two or three that come to visit on a regular basis. As Mike left for work one morning recently, he saw this guy on the neighbor's roof, and low and behold.....there were actually two of them visiting!! I hear their distinct caw...caw....caw....while I am working, and have to stop, get the camera, and try to find them. They are wise and beautiful birds, and one of my favorites!!

A Day at Elitch Gardens in Denver, CO!!

What a fun day was had by all, as we rode the light rail into Denver, and spent much of a day at Elitch Gardens, the famed amusement park!! Granddaughter Sadie had the most fun of all!!

IN THE DAYS AFTER IKE........

We must not forget all those that were so badly affected by the hurricane just days ago.....many that will never be able to return to their homes, since no homes remain. When I see the photos from areas like the Bolivar Peninsula and Galveston Island, I wonder how anything survived such destruction. Two organizations that are at work to provide assistance and aid to the victims of Ike are the American Red Cross, and the Humane Society of the United States. With this disaster coming right on the heels of Hurricane Gustav, both organizations are badly in need of donations to help fund their missions. Every dollar makes a difference. If you haven't had enough media coverage, here is a link to a gallery of photos that will certainly bring the level of the affects of this storm into reality for you. Please keep the victims of Ike in your prayers and thoughts.
http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2008/09/the_short_but_eventful_life_of.html

HALLOWEEN FUN!! TAKE A PEEK!!!

Hop on over to Johanna's blog, Johanna Parker Design, and scroll down a couple posts to find out how YOU can get these great labels to use and enjoy on some of your Halloween projects!! Thank you for sharing your talents with all of us, Johanna!! And....for anyone that happens to be in the Denver area this weekend....Johanna will be offering her fine works of art at a fun show in an even more fun shopping area!! You can find all of the specifics for the show on Johanna's website!! For those of you that love Halloween, you will find lots and lots of superb works of art to add to your collection in her wonderful work!!

Beautiful Lilies!!

Mike brought home a beautiful bouquet of lilies for my birthday a week or so ago, and this morning I want to share a couple shots. Sadly, I apparently failed to take a picture of the entire bouquet!! Guess he'll have to buy more lilies!! :)

Sharing and Passing Along!!

Thank you to Kim of The Smiling Goat for awarding me with another special honor award!! I love awards!! I have finally made time to search my bloglist for those that have not yet, or not recently, received this award, and here goes!!

The rules for this award ....... to choose 7 bloggers whose blogs I love to visit, let them know that I have chosen them, and post the links here!!
What a hard decision!! I have a giant list of blogs that I love to visit, full of creativity, photos, and all kinds of info that is such joy and inspiration, fun and relaxing, and a great way to rejunenate, too!!

So.....I will randomly chose 7 blogs, in no special order, and want to honor them with this fun award!!

Annie of Annie Beez Folk Art

Erika of Erika's Cupboard

Peggy of Hidden Haven Homestead

Donna of Moonchild's Primitives

Suz of Surprise, Delight, Joy

Cindy of The Gathering Room

Mo of Wings and Paws Primitives

The award rules, ladies, are pretty easy!! Have fun!! I know.....the choosing is the hard part!! We are blessed with soooo many cool blogs out there in blogland!!
1. The winner can put the logo on their blog.
2. Link the person you received your award from.
3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs.
4. Put links of those blogs on yours.
5. Leave a message on the blogs of those you’ve nominated.

HAVE FUN!!! KNOW THAT YOU ARE SPECIAL!!! Hugs, Trudy

IN THE PATH OF IKE.....

Thoughts and prayers go out to all those in the path of Hurricane Ike. Being somewhat of a news addict, I was glued to CNN most of the night, hoping that all those in the path of the hurricane would be okay. I am amazed at those folks that chose to stay behind, and not head to safer surroundings. I'm even more amazed at the nerve of the reporters. Not sure if that is heroism or stupidity!! I lived in Southern Florida during David, and that was enough for me!! Then came Andrew. Although my many years in Austin brought bad weather days from the hurricanes in the Gulf, it seems that Austin has been spared from this one.

While the hurricane was making the move across the Gulf, a front moved through Colorado, bringing fresh snow to the high country. This is a picture of what I saw this morning, as the overcast skies and clouds had cleared during the night, bringing my wonderful view back to life...although the humidity haze still lingers. Fall is definitely in the air!

Let Us Never Forget ......

As we take a moment to reflect on this day 7 years ago, and send prayers and thoughts to those directly affected, may we never forget that we were all affected, and America was changed forever.

God Bless America

United We Stand

Land of the Free, Home of the Brave

HELLO, SEPTEMBER!!

Goodness!! Where does time go??? Here it is already the middle of September...and much has taken place since I last posted......my birthday, my computer dying, my new computer purchased, my continued fighting with change, my not liking the new operating system, the new operating system not liking my printers, and on and on and on and on and on!!!!

But......Fall is arriving rapidly here in the Front Range, and snow has arrived at some of the upper elevations. Today is our second cool and dreary day this Fall, with one day last week bringing morning temps in the low 40's!! YIKES!! This morning it is still only 51 degrees, and I have not seen the sun. That's rare. I love sun!!

A couple mornings ago I dashed out early to attempt to get some shots of the very interesting fog bank that was following the lake and river, hanging in the valley, looking most interesting. I didn't get good shots, but am sharing some interesting ones from the morning with you. Enjoy!!