Funky Blue Malaise

That's what I've been in for the past week. First the allergies kicked in, mold, oak pollen, etc. whatever else, it does me in. So that makes me feel like sleeping all the time, even though I don't, I still feel like I'm moving in slow motion. I am a task driven person, so when I don't get my stuff done, I feel bad. Add to that not being able to do even a wee bit of art, after a few days I feel the effects, and get a little cranky. So I decided to do a little work in the garage, organized, cleaned off an old shelf, decided to paint it. All the moving about did a number on my damaged shoulder, so I haven't been able to sleep comfortably. Don't like adding pain killers to the allergie meds so have just been suffering. Poor hubby.......when I am cranky he gets cranky. Friday night he came home and saw what a mess I was in, so after dinner he grabbed me and fairly tossed me into the car and off we went on a drive downtown, a walk and photo shoot.

Some of the results.

Inside a darkened closed Carpet Gallery.


Us, reflected.


Discovered a new shop that had amazing things that were just our style. How cute would this little green cafe set look on my front porch? Even with the pink table.


On the way home, the skies are amazing. The Frost Tower and reflection of sky.


Back home, on the porch with an iced tea, and the sunset.

Anthro Obsession

No trip would be complete without searching out the local Anthropologie. It's an art experience in itself, like going to a museum. This one was in a mall, and was a really large store, so had an overwhelming array of eye candy. Not only would I love to just live in one of their stores, I think it would be so much fun to be on one of their design teams. Imagine playing with all that recycled stuff they use!

Their wall finishes are divine, here's my "blue" again.


Love these staghorn ferns and the wall finish.


This tree was awesome, it was a real trunk, and the strips hanging down were pleated and gathered fabric, and there were some light globes in it also.


Collection of mirrors.


One room was decorated with vintage wallpapers that were torn and peeled and the effect was really great.


This was pieces of cardboard painted different colors. Have seen similar in my local Anthro.

Peace Lantern

Here's the photo that blogger wouldn't let me upload earlier. Since it is working now, I'll add a couple more of the garden. This is such a beautiful and peaceful place. There were only a few other folks there when we arrived, but even as the place filled up, I still had the feeling of being there all alone. It is very easy to cocoon oneself in the hushed serenity and I got the feeling most folks felt it as well.

09/09/09

Month nine, day nine, year 09...I love these repeating numbers. There is a name for that, but it escapes me right now. I am not really into numerology, or doomsday prediction hoaxes. I just like repetitive things. Years ago I did have my chart done, for numerology and astrology, but have forgotten most of it. Other than knowing that today is the release date for the remastered Beatles collection, and the Beatles Rock Band game, and that 9 is considered lucky in Chinese culture, and UNlucky in Japanese culture, I couldn't tell you much about these numbers. This year I have been more focused on double digits, as this is the year that the hubster turned 55, and a week ago I turned 66. I did do a numerology look-up and here's what I found about those two numbers.

55 It is extremely freedom-loving, and likes to travel. It is social, but can also be selfish and lonely. It represents success for anyone in sales.

66 Generous to a fault, this number brings financial ups and downs. It is extremely loyal and loving. Often successful in spite of itself.

But this morning,in keeping with the 9-9-9 hoopla, the hubster did leave the house at 9 a.m. with a promise to call me at 9 p.m. tonight. I have the day to putz around artistically, maybe get a journal page finished to commemorate the day.

I leave you with this photo I took of the Peace Lantern in the Japanese Tea Garden in San Francisco. Wouldn't it be a wonderful thing if there were peace in the world in my lifetime and yours? It seems doubtful some days, but I still cherish the hope that it will one day be a reality. Hmmmm...I am having an internal blogger problem right now, and can't upload any photos. So the Peace Lantern will hopefully come later.

Wheres My Link?

Geez...I feel really dense. I tried to put a link to those Mechanics lights in the last post, but it did not show up. A friend has explained to me how to do it, but I guess she is going to have to physically come over here and do it for me. Still so many things I want to learn about this blog thing.

I am still crushing on blue though. I came out of a store a few days ago, and parked right next to me was this adorable little car. First one like this I had seen. It was stopping traffic, in fact a lady almost ran me over while gawking at it. A lot of peeps were stopping to take a gander, I guess they had never seen one either. But I was the only one who had a camera.



This close up fills 3 categories. The color blue, the reflection of my car wheel, and the shadow of my hands.



And then there is my ever favorite blue, right above me. I never tire of the changing blues of the big wide sky.

Those Hanging Lights

I couldn't stop thinking about those lights I saw last time at Anthropologie. Husband hinted that he might buy me some for my birthday in a few days. "Some" as in two or three, as where would you hang just ONE that it wouldn't look odd. He knows me so well, as I never buy just one of anything, but a cluster or a group! HA
So I take a peek in the catalog and can't quite believe my failing eyesight, so go online and yes it is true, they are $148.00 each. The real name for them is Mechanics Beacon light, but they aren't vintage, just "Inspired by Vintage", and imported...but it does not say from where. I don't know why I was surprised by the price as it is so "Anthro" but actually I have gotten some accessorie things there that seem quite reasonable in price. But I could never justify that price for a few hanging pendants. Sooo..glad I have a photo of them. Take a look...

That Fine Blue Wall

Every time I go into Anthropologie I am drawn straight to this blue wall. They change the display every month or so, and I love seeing whatever they put in front of it and the shadows that are cast upon it. Today they had a collection of hanging lamps, very low tech...they look like cages just hung on brown extension cords. Interesting, kind of like bare bulb shop lights. But the wall...hmmm. A photo just does not do the color justice. Even w/o a flash it looks more washed out than it really is. It is kind of a chalky blue, that looks like gesso was the undercoat in places. I keep imagining how I can duplicate a color like that as a background for a canvas or a journal page.