Before the Stroke of Midnight

Hello Friends

2010-02-16T22:53:00.002-05:00

I just wanted to let you all know that I'm still around, but I seem to be running on empty these days. I'm not feeling very inspired, so I'm taking a break from blogging.

Maybe one of these days a new wind will blow through and lend me some new inspiration. Until then, rest assured that I haven't forgotten you!

Art Creations Friday - Marilyn

2009-12-04T00:20:00.002-05:00

Pepeetje from Art Creations Friday provided this beautiful image of Marilyn Monroe for this week's challenge.

Here's what I did with it.

The background is from Nicky Ryborg, and the filmstrip was googled.

Thanks for looking!

SoArtful Challenge

2009-11-28T20:39:00.003-05:00

Jeanette posted this pastel holly image for the SoArtful challenge. I made two different images from it.

I hope you all had a lovely Thanksgiving! Thanks for stopping by!

Three Muses Challenge - Time

2009-11-24T21:48:00.003-05:00

She still hadn't found that special someone to share her life with. Lost in the silence of her thoughts, all she could hear was the ticking of the clock...

Please click for a larger view.

The forest background is from Skeletal Mess, and the other elements were googled.

Art Creations Friday

2009-11-20T22:09:00.002-05:00

Background by 7 Gypsies, butterflies from Dover, Photoshop brushes. I don't remember where I got the smaller background behind the woman.

Three Muses Challenge - Keys

2009-11-18T21:13:00.002-05:00

The Knight of the Lake held the key to the castle. But was she brave enough to reach out and take it?

Background is from a wallpaper by Andy Simmons, and the maiden is from a painting by Edmund Blair Leighton. Knight's arm and key were googled.

Gothic Arches Challenge - Stars

2009-11-15T01:13:00.006-05:00

The women had enjoyed a day of walking amongst the ruins, but all too quickly darkness settled in around them. They should have been home long ago, but the wind whispered and weaved its way through the ancient arches, calling to them...enticing them to stay and savor the beauty of the night.

The women are both from Waterhouse paintings, and the other elements were googled and altered.

Three Muses Challenge - In Your Dreams

2009-11-10T21:28:00.003-05:00

My dreams take me to love in a different place and time.

I took a dark, yet romantic, painting by Gustav Klimt, and I replaced the male love interest with a man from a Lord Frederick Leighton painting...OK I admit it...because he makes me a bit weak in the knees! He might have to pop up in some future pieces as well. I don't remember where I got the echos background, but I really love it.

New Look

2009-11-09T12:24:00.001-05:00

You might have noticed a new look to my blog. I really loved the banner that my daughter made for me, but it was time for some redecorating. This time I made my own banner, and I'm really happy with the way it turned out!

Let me know what you think of the new look!

Gothic Arches - Tickets

2009-11-08T13:22:00.004-05:00

It's the Great Pumpkin!

2009-11-01T16:46:00.006-05:00

Pumpkins are one of my favorite parts of autumn. Orange, white, green or gray - I love them all. And if they have a mix of more than one color...all the better!

This year I hit up a few of my favorite pumpkin hot spots in the area and took some photos to share with you.

Gothic Arch Challenge - Lord Frederick Leighton

2009-11-01T11:20:00.007-05:00

It's been quite some time since I've participated in a digital art challenge, so I thought it was time I did one. Today's Gothic Arch Challenge was to use the artwork of Lord Frederick Leighton.

There were so many great paintings to choose from, but I picked this one, because I envisioned the mother and daughter sitting on the bottom of the arch.

I hope you enjoy it!

For the Love of Autumn

2009-10-31T10:57:00.012-04:00

Hello Everyone! I'm back...sort of. I'm putting in tons of hours at work these days, so I can probably only do an occasional blog, but it's better than none at all. I've missed you guys!!!

Autumn is my absolute favorite time of year, so I wanted to share some of my photos with you.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN TO YOU ALL!

(click on us...we look better close-up!)

Is this tree spooky, or what? It almost reminds me of the tree in the movie Sleepy Hollow with all those exposed roots. How appropriate that it's in a graveyard!

Farewell For Now...

2009-08-05T23:51:00.002-04:00

Due to the sad state of the economy, I'm going to have to say bye-bye to my home internet service. So I'm also going to have to say farewell to blogging.

I'm really going to miss it, and I will especially miss all of you. I'll still be able to check my email from work, so please feel free to say hi to me from time to time and let me know what's going on in your lives! I feel like I've made some wonderful friends through blogging, and I'm not ready to just let you all go!

Hopefully things will improve, and I'll be able to come back and join you all again! Until then...take care everyone!

Lots of love,

Lori

Nora the Piano Cat

2009-08-03T19:32:00.003-04:00

I'm sure some of you have already seen this YouTube video, but it's just so adorable that I had to share it! Conductor Mindaugas Piecaitis wrote a concerto (or catcerto) around what this cat was playing on the piano. Nora has quite an expressive technique, and I just love that this composer had the idea to write the concerto. I hope you enjoy it too!

Maides Treasuries

2009-07-26T14:49:00.002-04:00

I made a new blog discovery today, and I just had to share it with you! Maide makes such beautiful things, from cuffs to spats. You heard me right...spats! Just take a look for yourself at these samples, and then run over to visit Maides Treasuries to take it all in for yourself! Tell her I said hello!

Something for the Marie lovers!

She has even been published in Vogue!

Idyllhours Award

2009-07-26T14:25:00.003-04:00

Karyn from French Charming has honored me with this award. Thank you so much, Karyn! You're so sweet to think of me! By the way, Karyn was the very first recipient of this particular award, in fact it was created just for her! So please go visit her and offer her your congratulations!

Following are the details of the award:

Copy the award and post it on your blog 

Link it back to the person you received it from 

List 10 things you love about blogging 

Pass it along to 10 blog pals

I had decided a while back that I'm no longer going to choose people to pass awards along to, because I hate leaving everyone else out. Each of you is deserving of your own award, so just know that I would like to pass this on to all of you.

1. I love the people I've met and the friends that I've made. You all are the BEST!!!

2. Blogging challenges me to be more creative and take risks.

3. No matter how lame I feel one of my posts or art pieces may be, someone is always there to encourage me and give me a kind word.

4. The sense of community. It's such a wonderful way to connect with people who share the same interests.

5. The opportunity to encourage other people with comments. I hope I've been able to do that with as many of you as possible. I know how much your encouragement means to me, and I love returning the favor.

6. Getting inspiration from other bloggers. I've never seen so many talented and creative people! Your ideas never cease to amaze me!

7. Being mentored by the experts. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank two women in particular - Indybev and Ozzstuff. It was through seeing their fantastic artwork that I decided to give it a go myself. These ladies have encouraged me in my art and are always so uplifting. Thank you so much for helping me learn the ropes of digital art!

8. Eye candy...You all have such beautiful posts, and it's so nice to come home from a hard day at work and just immerse myself in lovely things!

9. Surprising myself. When I first started doing art challenges, I didn't think I would ever be creative enough to be able to do them. While I don't feel I'm up to the same level as so many of you, at least I have something to aspire to with time.

10. Hopefully making someone smile or laugh when maybe their day hasn't been so good. If I can bring any cheer to your day, that is fulfilling to me!

Thanks again, my sweet friend Karyn!

Gothic Arches - Bathing Beauties

2009-07-26T11:17:00.004-04:00

My Bathing Beauty decided to go for a ride on a swordfish and ended up hanging 10 on a huge wave. She looks remarkably calm, but then she is the adventurous type!

The wave and swordfish were google images, and the woman is from Luna Girl.

Not An Opera Fan?

2009-07-25T22:36:00.013-04:00

I'm not sure that I can call myself a die-hard opera fan, but every now and then a song will just reach out and grab me.

My favorite piece I've ever heard, and probably one of my favorite songs of any genre, is "Je Crois Entendre Encore" from "The Pearl Fishers." The first time I heard it was in the Johnny Depp movie "The Man Who Cried," and it is so hauntingly beautiful that it has stuck with me ever since.

I have also found an English version of the song called "While Floating High Above," which you can see by clicking here. This is a gorgeous, gorgeous video that was put together by BluEyedDaizy using clips from "Phantom of the Opera."

So what do you think of the song? I'd love to hear from you!

Teaser Trailer for Alice in Wonderland!!!

2009-07-23T08:46:00.003-04:00

For all of you who just can't wait for Tim Burton's Alice In Wonderland to come out, here is a link to a teaser trailer for you...it looks AWESOME!!!

Just click here.

Three Muses - Incredible Journey

2009-07-22T20:07:00.004-04:00

"Incredible Journey" is the theme that Ann came up with for this week's Three Muses challenge. I chose the incredible journey that music can take you on, and who better to orchestrate that journey than Ludwig van Beethoven?

All images were obtained through google searches.

Saturday Surprise - Games We Play

2009-07-19T14:33:00.002-04:00

One of my favorite games used to be Clue, so I wanted to use it for today's Saturday Surprise theme.

The billiard room and the clothes were both googled and layered together, and then I posterized it for a game-like feel. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

Sunday Postcard Art - Vintage Children

2009-07-19T12:33:00.003-04:00

Today's Sunday Postcard Art theme of "Vintage Children" was selected by Gayle.

I started with a scan of a piece of scrapbook paper for the background, used some Photoshop brushes, and added a vintage photograph (that's my mom on the right). The Crayola box was googled.

Gayle's lovely piece can be found by clicking here.

Gothic Arches - Marie Antoinette

2009-07-19T00:22:00.002-04:00

I created two arches for the Marie Antoinette theme today.

I created the script background, used an arch from IndyBev (altered color), a Google image of Marie, the butterfly is from Dover.

This arch is from Irene Alexeeva, the background from Itkupilli, and the Marie image is from Blissfull Elements.

SoArtful - Angel's Tears

2009-07-18T19:25:00.004-04:00

When I saw June's theme for SoArtful today, I knew exactly what I wanted to do. The theme is "Angel's Tears," and I immediately thought of a painting my daughter, Ashley, did back in 2001 when she had just begun taking art classes in her freshman year of college.

The angel I used is from her painting, and as you can see it's perfect for this theme.

I took the angel and digitally transferred it onto an image of a painted tin ceiling tile. Then I added some roses from Dover for a finishing touch.

It's a shame Ashley doesn't have more time to work on art these days, because if she painted something this good eight years ago, I can only imagine what she could accomplish now!

Thank you to June for coming up with this theme that's so close to my heart, and to Ashley...thanks babe for letting me use your lovely angel in this piece!

A Peace From Heaven

2009-07-17T21:32:00.003-04:00

Bev's TGIF theme is "A Piece From Heaven." I took a bit of liberty with the theme and titled mine "A Peace From Heaven." I figured there is no better peace than knowing you're being held in the hands of the Creator of the universe!

Art Creations Friday #35

2009-07-17T19:58:00.004-04:00

This was the challenge image for today at Art Creations Friday.

I wondered what this little one could have been up to, standing on a chair with a tennis racquet, and this is what I came up with.

The butterflies are from Dover, and the font is Curlz.

Theme Thursday - Stripes

2009-07-16T23:41:00.003-04:00

I had the image of this woman in my collection, and when I saw her striped sleeves I knew she was perfect for my Theme Thursday entry for Stripes. I added her to a digital piece of scrapbook paper, striped of course, and added the word "stripes"...just in case you didn't pick up on the theme. ;)

Let Them Eat Cake

2009-07-16T13:19:00.005-04:00

If you've been blogging for any length of time at all, you've probably noticed that there is quite an obsession with Marie Antoinette for many people. I was visiting Nancy at Fete et Fleur today, and she did a post about a Bastille Day celebration.

She reminded us that Marie Antoinette never actually said "Let them eat cake," which got me curious about how this notion started. In case anyone else is curious, I found an interesting article here.

Please be sure to visit Nancy to see the photos she took at the celebration by clicking on the Bastille Day link above. Here are a couple of samples.

Three Muses - Word Salad

2009-07-15T21:33:00.003-04:00

Bev's challenge this week for the Three Muses was to use a word or words, expressed in any way we choose. I picked a quote/poem from the movie Neverwas.

I don't remember where I got the image, but I altered it and added the lower part below the rocks.

Giveaway at Painted White

2009-07-14T20:32:00.002-04:00

The lovely Alice from Painted White is having a wonderful giveaway. I would really love to win this one, but the competition keeps growing. So you may as well enter too! Just click here to go to Alice's blog.

SoArtful Challenge

2009-07-12T22:43:00.008-04:00

June gave a us a great background to work with this week for the SoArtful Challenge.

I pulled out parts of it and decided to have a little fun with them.

I didn't have listed where I got the vintage photo from. If it's yours let me know, and I'll credit you. Thanks for looking!

Gothic Arches - Roses

2009-07-12T21:24:00.005-04:00

Today's gothic arch theme is roses. I decided instead of adding multiple roses to an image, that the whole background would be a rose.

The image of the woman I used is from 1st Floor Flat Freebies.

Gothic Arches - ATC

2009-07-05T09:08:00.003-04:00

Today's Gothic Arches challenge was to make an ATC in the shape of an arch.

My background is off of a digital sheet I purchased from Whimsical World of Fairies, and the added elements are from Dover.

Artarazzi Challenge 30 - Winnie

2009-07-04T16:10:00.002-04:00

Today's Artarazzi challenge is to use this image of a woman named Winnie.

I thought she looked very quiet and shy, so I thought she perhaps she would have watched the world go by from her window.

The background was used by permission from Janet at Housepeepers.

SoArtful Challenge

2009-07-04T15:52:00.005-04:00

June made the background image that we used for the SoArtful challenge today.

I just added some sunflowers and applied a filter to come up with my entry.

Saturday Surprise - Abstract

2009-07-04T15:36:00.003-04:00

Risa is the guest host for Saturday Surprise today, and her theme is Abstract. Now, I'm not an abstract kind of gal...I can appreciate it when I see it, but to create it? Risa, you definitely put the challenge in Art Challenge for me today!

I started with this great background from June at Art Freebies.

Then I used the liquify filter to create an ocean scene.

So there you have it. I doubt that it will be hanging in an art gallery anytime soon, but I did have fun with it!

TGIF - Apples, Pears and Peaches

2009-07-03T17:55:00.003-04:00

Today's TGIF challenge is to make a piece featuring apples, pears and/or peaches. I chose pears for my entry.

My background is from Deliciarum, the butterflies from Dover, the woman from 1800's Ephemera, and the pears are public domain.

Art Creations Friday

2009-07-03T16:53:00.005-04:00

We were given this image to work with for Art Creations Friday.

Here's what I came up with.

The book image is from Deliciarum, and Einstein is from a Google search.

Theme Thursday - Red and Black

2009-07-01T19:11:00.005-04:00

Red and Black is the theme for the Theme Thursday challenge. My entry is titled Forbidden Fruit. Care to take a bite?

The apple and flourish branch are from a Google search, and the hand was taken from a Twilight poster. Let me tell you...it wasn't easy piecing together the hand with the apple! I finally decided on using the facet tool, and I think it brought it together nicely.

Three Muses - Up, Up and Away!

2009-06-30T19:58:00.003-04:00

Ann picked the interesting theme of 'Up, up and away' for this week's Three Muses art challenge. I originally just wanted to do something with a hot air balloon, but then my quirky wheels started turning, and I ended up doing a twist on 'Hey Diddle Diddle.'

I used elements of the children's illustration by Caldecott, the hot air balloon is from a vintage card, and the moon is from Whymsical Musings (altered color).

Sunday Postcard Art - 4th of July

2009-06-28T12:20:00.002-04:00

The theme of Sunday Postcard Art is the 4th of July. May we never take our freedom for granted!

God bless America...but not just America. May God bless all countries, and may we all learn to love each other!

Gothic Arches - Wings

2009-06-28T08:06:00.003-04:00

Before I get to the Gothic Arches art challenge, I just wanted to take a minute to tell you about my new blog The Maiden's Quest! I am using it for digital art that is not done for challenges, even though this arch I created is on there. I decided it was perfect for today's theme of Wings.

So make sure you check it out...I've only just started it, so there are only a couple items posted, but there will be plenty more to come!

This is my first attempt at a Gothic arch. I used the image of Pandora by John William Waterhouse, who is one of my favorite painters.

The arch is from Irene Alexeeva, the moon is a freebie from Becky at Whymsical Musings, and the butterflies are from Dover.

I hope you enjoy!

SoArtful - Gypsies

2009-06-27T14:50:00.003-04:00

Lovely June has chosen the theme 'Gypsies' for this week's SoArtful Saturday art challenge.

The background I used is from The Sum of All Crafts (I added some elements), and my gypsy is from a CD I purchased from Luna Girl Images. I also included some of the lyrics from "Gypsy" by Fleetwood Mac.

Artarazzi #29

2009-06-27T12:54:00.004-04:00

Faye generously offered her own painting of a sunflower for this week's Artarazzi challenge.

I found a little imp at Chicks57 colorized her and gave her some wings. I also changed the color of the background from The Sum of All Crafts.

You can view the other entries by clicking on the Artazzi link above. Enjoy!

Art Creations Friday - #32

2009-06-27T01:36:00.003-04:00

Art Creations Friday posted this image for art challenge #32.

Don't even ask what was going through my head for this one...it's late, and I'm tired!

TGIF #91

2009-06-27T00:57:00.003-04:00

The alphabet is the theme for the TGIF Challenge this week.

I immediately thought about being a child in school, so this is my entry.

Theme Thursday - Time

2009-06-24T23:09:00.002-04:00

The theme for the art challenge at Theme Thursday is "Time."

Time...it's the one thing that is contradictory to itself. Like the way it can pass so slowly, yet you look back and wonder where it went and how quickly it went by. Lost moments can never be regained. This challenge reminded me to Snatch Fleeting Pleasures.

The sheet music is public domain, the clock and girls are from Chicks57, and the flowers are from a photograph.

Three Muses Challenge #3

2009-06-24T01:38:00.003-04:00

Bev chose the theme "Wild Things" for today's Three Muses challenge, and this is my entry.

The background is American Gothic by Grant Wood, and the elements I added are from Itkupilli, except for the Viking helmet and leopard print from a Google search.

You can see the other entries by clicking here.

SoArtful Challenge

2009-06-22T10:05:00.003-04:00

June from Art Freebies posted this image Friday for her SoArtful Challenge. It's a beautiful background to work with!

Here is what I did with it. I hope you like it, June!

Just remember that what happens in the forest STAYS in the forest!

TGIF - Secrets

2009-06-21T19:08:00.009-04:00

Marie at Ozstuff Online came up with the theme for TGIF..."Secrets."

I'm a couple days late...still trying to get caught up. When I was browsing my collection and saw this photo of Lauren Bacall, I knew what my entry would be. I played around a lot with the background I added, and I thought it ended up looking a bit like satin sheets. I thought that was a very befitting look for Ms. Bacall.

Thanks for the great theme, Marie!

Art Creations Friday #31

2009-06-20T23:51:00.004-04:00

This was the sample image at Art Creations Friday for challenge #31.

And this is my entry.

I didn't see this in time to get it done for Friday, so I'm posting late. The image of the child is from a drawing by Walter Russell.

Lovely Surprise

2009-06-20T12:56:00.003-04:00

I won a giveaway at Quill Cottage, and I got the package in the mail today! I have to tell you, I'm just so delighted with it...it's even more lovely in person!

Sandy included a tag with the bird journal.

The journal is made of super heavy cardboard...this is no flimsy paper journal.

Front view

Back view

I have to zoom in on some of the details for you.

Here it is all spread out so you can see how many pages are in it.

And here is what the pages look like on the inside. I told Sandy that I don't know if I can actually bring myself to write on it!

And last, but certainly not least, is the gorgeous tag she included in my package.

Thank you so much, Sandy, for your generosity and the beautiful work you put into these pieces. I just LOVE them!!!

My Sweet Savannah Giveaway

2009-06-20T10:09:00.003-04:00

Click here for a pretty and generous giveaway at My Sweet Savannah!

Artarazzi Challenge 28

2009-06-19T21:34:00.004-04:00

OK bloggers...This art challenge stuff is SO addictive!

This is my entry for the Artarazzi Challenge 28. This is the background image provided by Kelly at Artazzi.

And here is my entry.

Alice and the bear are from my collection, and the cat is my daughter's photo of her beloved Jinx. This piece is in honor not only of Jinx, but my daughter's love for Alice in Wonderland.

Do you think curiosity killed the cat...or the rat?? My vote is for the RAT!

Be sure to check out the other entries!

Theme Thursday - Beauty

2009-06-19T01:49:00.004-04:00

I'm rather late in posting this...Photoshop woes! Anyway, I decided to join in on Theme Thursday, and this week's theme is Beauty. This is my entry. Click on image for a better view.

The background was from a Google search, and the image of the woman is from Green Paper (altered).

Lovely Blogs Abound!

2009-06-17T18:36:00.005-04:00

My sweet friend Kim from Ruined Art gave me this One Lovely Blog award. Thank you Kim!

These are the rules:

1. Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award and his or her blog link.

2. Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you've newly discovered.

3. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

And here are the bloggers I'm passing the award on to:

1) Blissfull Elements
2) Enchanted Serenity of Period Films
3) Magic Moonlight Studio
4) French Charming
5) Dream In Cream
6) Everything Vintage
7) The Apothacary Shop
8) The Vintage Dragonfly
9) Art Freebies
10) French Garden House
11) Miss Maddie's
12) Laughing With Angels
13) Musings From Harmonie House
14) My Romantic Home
15) Whymsical Musings

Withdrawn Entry

2009-06-16T22:54:00.001-04:00

This was may original entry for the art challenge, but when my daughter saw it she said the fortune teller looks like Sean Penn! Now I just laugh my head off every time I look at it!!!

Three Muses Art Challenge #2

2009-06-16T18:15:00.004-04:00

This week's theme for the art challenge from Three Muses is doors. This is my submission called 'Lured'.

I never used to keep track of where I had found my images, so all I can say is that they were both from a Google search and have both been altered.

Make sure you check out the other participants' work. It's sure to be an interesting week!

Great Photography Blog!

2009-06-15T23:10:00.003-04:00

If you follow my blog, you know how much I love photography. So I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce you to my daughter's newest blog, Ashley Covelli Photography. Unlike me, she actually knows what she's doing!

She has some awesome shots from NYC...one advantage to living close. Here are some samples of her work.

So hop on over and check out her blog!

Note...photos are added by date they were taken, which means new photos will pop up in "older" posts. So you might want to subscribe so you don't miss anything! She has tons of photos to add when she can find the time.

Also note...the photos titled "Little Ashley" are not of her!

One more...she does freelance work!!!

On The Way to a Small Town

2009-06-14T12:13:00.004-04:00

I've always been intrigued by this storybook cottage that pokes it's top up from behind a hill. Unfortunately, the only way to see all of it is to turn into their driveway.

A country path...

...and the gate that leads to it.

This barn sits right outside my addition, so I see it every day when I go to work.

The wind hasn't been so kind to it as of late.

Have you ever seen a golden yellow barn before? The people who built it are Purdue fans. I love the vines that have almost overtaken the whole side of the barn.

That's actually a pond just beyond the weeds. Someone call the Algae Patrol!

Small Town Charm Pt 4

2009-06-13T16:02:00.003-04:00

I found a little subdivision called Sherwood Forest...

...and what other street name should it have?

The local auto salvage yard has a really cool sign.

This was in the Sherwood Forest neighborhood.

I just love flowers that climb.

This is the back of a house, and it reminded me of some of the old houses in New England.

This lovely bay window is on the Chamber of Commerce building. I like the pedestal in the window.

A couple of porches...

Beautiful Victorian architectural details peek out from behind some trees. I'll have to go back after the leaves have fallen to capture the rest of the beauty.

Small Town Charm Pt 3

2009-06-11T23:38:00.007-04:00

Believe it or not, even after this post I'm still not out of photos of Columbia City! There's a lot there for such a small town!

I just think this church steeple is so pretty! I'd like to visit that little room up there, although I'm not sure it would be big enough. I'm not very likely to climb up there to find out!

For the flower lovers...

This beautiful replica of an old street light caught my eye.

Close-up detail on the base...

More lions!

Do you think they'll share whatever is in there? The girl looks like she has her doubts.

A little birdie visits his guardian angel...

And this little angel looks like he's been into some mischief and got sent to sit on the porch steps as punishment! Do angels get time-outs?

I absolutely fell in love with this garden statue...I've never seen one like her before, but she's just beautiful! I wonder where they found her?

More to come...

Small Town Charm Pt 2

2009-06-10T23:19:00.004-04:00

More sights from Columbia City.

This house is on the brick paved street I posted about yesterday.

Lion statues are very popular around here. I seem to find them all over the place.

Out by the sidewalk in front of the house, there is an area with these unique pavers.

Beautiful stone urns full of flowers.

And this was the view leading into the back yard. I would have liked to wander back there to see what else awaited.

Then I drove down the street and turned down an alley...

It was worth the detour!

Small Town Charm

2009-06-09T21:28:00.003-04:00

Columbia City is a nearby small town that's just full of charm. There is still a street or two that is paved with old bricks.

Doesn't it take you back to another time and place...perhaps to a place you know only from books and the wanderings of a daydreaming mind?

One of the churches has beautiful gothic arch windows that I'm sure look lovely when lit from within.

In the summer the street lights are always decked out with hanging baskets of flowers, inviting people to come and stay for a while.

The courthouse is an architectural delight.

A peek through the alley...

Some of the details that make it so gorgeous...

I think I could live in there!

I'll have to go back another time, because I realized I didn't get any full-view shots of the courthouse. Until then, I have more pretty things from the area to share in another post (or two...or three).

The Three Muses Art Challenge #1

2009-06-08T12:04:00.003-04:00

OK everyone, I'm stepping into unchartered waters here. I was invited to participate in an art challenge over at The Three Muses - a new blog that I'm very excited about!

I've never done anything like this before, but I decided it was time to bite the bullet and step out of my comfort zone. I'm a novice at Photoshop, so please overlook any sloppy work that I may have done!

The first challenge was to do something with the Mona Lisa - link to this challenge here.

This is my submission for the first challenge. I call it 'Anatomy of the Bona Lisa'.

I think I got the skeleton image from Dover, but I don't remember for sure.

Taluula, Marie and Bev...I can't hope to live up to your caliber of talent, but I hope this will do!

Harper's Bazar

2009-06-07T23:12:00.006-04:00

Hello bloggy friends! This is my favorite image from the great vintage Harper's Bazar magazine that I won. The issue is dated May 12, 1900.

Polly might want a cracker, but I want that gorgeous tea gown!

Feel free to copy this image and use it however you want. Enjoy!

Quill Cottage Giveaway

2009-06-06T14:11:00.004-04:00

Miss Sandy at Quill Cottage is hosting a giveaway for her 300th post. There will be three different prizes, and she has posted two of them so far.

The first is a bird journal...

...and the second is this beautiful collage.

The third is still in the works. You can enter her giveaway by clicking here.

Something's Lurking!

2009-06-06T11:42:00.006-04:00

Duh duh...

Duh duh...duh duh...

Duh duh...duh duh...duh duh...duh duh...

DON'T PANIC!!!

It's just a sign at a restaurant called The Beach in Huntington, Indiana! Now that's what I call a Land Shark!

When Ashley and Dino were home for a visit, we had driven to Huntington to Nick's Kitchen to try their famous sugar cream pie which had been featured in Bon Appetit magazine...but they ran out before we could get any! It was disappointing, because Dino had never had sugar cream pie before...I think it might be an Indiana treat. So we ended up getting a frozen Wick's sugar cream pie from the grocery, and it was delicious! Anyway, when I saw the shark sign my shutter finger started itching, and I had to get a shot of it.

Random Shots

2009-06-04T18:00:00.005-04:00

So posts don't have to have any rhyme or reason, right? Here are some random photos I took.

Giveaway at Couture de Papier

2009-06-04T17:56:00.002-04:00

Here's another giveaway over at Couture de Papier. Click the link to enter!

More Giveaways

2009-06-03T22:19:00.003-04:00

Sandi at Wayside Treasures is having a beautiful giveaway to celebrate over 300 posts. Look at all the great stuff! You can enter by clicking here.

Jennie at The Artistic Stamper is also having a giveaway. Check out her blog candy here and enter to win these goodies.

Goodies

2009-06-03T19:29:00.006-04:00

I'm a little late in posting this, but I won a giveaway at Clearly Vintage. Inside my package was an original copy of Harper's Bazar magazine, a vintage photograph, some lovely bits of lace, a sprinkling of pretty buttons, and some Clearly Vintage clear stamps. Thank you so much Cora...I love it all!

And just in case anyone was wondering, I will be posting some images from that great Harper's Bazar for you all soon!

On top of that, when I got the mail today, I had a lovely gift from Blanca at Magic Moonlight Studio waiting for me! She gave me these tags simply for leaving a comment on her blog! Wasn't that so sweet of her???

I wish I could describe to you all how yummy these tags smell! I'm not sure exactly what the scent is, but it's like a combination of coffee and vanilla. I'm probably way off base from what it actually is, but suffice it to say...they smell GREAT! Anyway, she gave me 4 tags she had decorated, and 4 blank ones for good measure. Be sure to stop by her blog...she's also having a giveaway.

I'd like to thank all the wonderful people I've met through blogging. You all are so kind, generous and talented, and I've made some great friends. I appreciate all of you who read and follow my blog, and I especially love getting your comments...you make it all worthwhile!

Beautiful Giveaway

2009-06-02T20:59:00.004-04:00

Check out the giveaway at Shardon Exclusives in celebration of her 100th post and birthday! The drawing will be on June 7th, so go check out the rules to be included.

Sunday Drive

2009-05-31T16:37:00.002-04:00

I was passing this marshy area, and I had to do a double-take. The water was white! I stopped to take a closer look, and it was millions of white petals floating on the water.

More unusual yard art...

Pretty street sign.

Lovely trellis.

Free Victorian Images

2009-05-27T22:29:00.003-04:00

Here are some free images from Dover for you to use. Enjoy!

Memorial Day

2009-05-25T23:38:00.004-04:00

I'm almost too late to get this in for Memorial Day, but this photo was taken at a local veteran's shrine.

God bless all the men and women who have served our country.

Down on the Farm

2009-05-23T09:28:00.003-04:00

Breaking My Heart!!!

2009-05-21T20:46:00.012-04:00

So I posted a photo of this house that's for sale the other day. I went back and took some more pictures to let you know why I'm so heartbroken that I can't buy it!

It was built in 1900, and the upstairs was added 15 years ago.

It has a great yard with beautiful trees...

...perfect for things like this swing. It's even right beside a cornfield, and I love to hear the wind blowing through the corn...especially in the fall when the leaves are all dried out.

It has a deck off the back...

...and really great old windows. You can even see a bit of the carved stone that's around the door in this shot.

This little side entrance is so adorable!

And lanterns like these are hanging on every side.

I found some pictures on the realty website of the inside of the house, and it's even painted colors that I love!

This house was made for me!

*
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In case you're wondering about some of the comments, I had gone with a completely different look for my blog, but then decided to change it back. I just lightened the background a bit.

Yard Art

2009-05-20T23:10:00.007-04:00

This photo is for Terry, who left a comment about enjoying the photo of the tractor. I went back and got a better shot for you. Notice the sign off to the side!

The next three photos were all taken from the same yard. These people have a very unique art style, like this little guy. You might need to click the picture to make it big enough to see. He reminds me of the Tin Man.

I'm not sure what to call this one.

And lastly.....

You might be a redneck if....

YOUR MAILBOX IS SHAPED LIKE A SHOTGUN!!!

What's the most unique mailbox you've ever seen?

I Saw the Light (In Black & White)

2009-05-20T08:28:00.006-04:00

For a little something different today, I thought I would post some B&W photos I took.

There is a country antique store that I love to visit and get away for a while. The two lantern photos that follow were taken in one of their outside buildings.

I found a neighborhood that had these lovely street lamps (one of my obsessions). I love how you can see the bulb inside. Click on these to see the great texture of the glass.

This one is in someone's yard...lucky them! One of the lion photos I posted a couple of days ago sits at the bottom of this lamppost.

This one doesn't have anything to do with light, other than I like the play of light that made such a great shadow on this photo. I thought there was something a bit haunting about the remains of a playground from the past.

After Work Drive

2009-05-19T22:35:00.005-04:00

Another cute house for sale.

Gargoyles, Guardians and Goddesses

2009-05-18T23:11:00.003-04:00

St. Vincent's Cemetery

2009-05-17T02:39:00.001-04:00

Things Along the Way

2009-05-16T07:25:00.004-04:00

A lonely bridge in the middle of nowhere.

The phlox upon the rocks.

Lovely ladies enjoying the morning.

Some unusual yard art.

"Darling, what would you think of yellow carpet in the great room?"

Maybe this swing is for garden gnomes? It doesn't look like much else would fit under those ropes!

What a wise old tree. Do you think any fairies live here?

Tea Party at The Victorian Parlor

2009-05-14T19:02:00.004-04:00

My friend, Kim, at The Victorian Parlor is having a blog tea party on June 6. Click here for details, and come join the fun! I've heard that Kramer will be attending...

Photo courtesy of The Victorian Parlor

Country Roads II

2009-05-12T22:46:00.003-04:00

Country Roads

2009-05-11T23:35:00.005-04:00

You never know where a country road might lead you.

Beside still waters...

To the heart of an Amish community...

To a display of antique farm equipment...

Or even to the farm itself.

If you stick around, maybe someone will start a bonfire to warm a chilly night...

And top it off with a good old-fashioned weiner roast.

These are just a few of the places country roads have taken me to recently. Glad you could come along!

Cedar Creek Cemetery

2009-05-11T07:39:00.004-04:00

Highland Park Cemetery

2009-05-10T20:05:00.003-04:00

Staples of the Midwest

2009-05-09T18:17:00.005-04:00

Nothing says "Midwest" more than barns. Here are a few of my favorites.

I still haven't gotten photos of all my favorites yet, so there will be more to come later.

Sights and Scents of Spring

2009-05-08T20:14:00.004-04:00

Rainy Days and Thursdays

2009-05-07T20:09:00.003-04:00

When the skies are gray, even an angel can feel a bit down...

But a few clouds weren't going to keep the sun from bursting forth.

While trying to catch some rays, I caught something else without even knowing it.

I've loved this farmhouse from the first time I saw it, and today the goats were out for a snack...

...wondering who the lady in the car is and why she was stopped in the middle of the road like a fool!

This one is for Kim from The Victorian Parlor. If you know Kim, you're familiar with Kramer. This little guy reminded me of Kramer, so I stopped and had him pose for a photo shoot. Sorry it's so out of focus!

An Unexpected Shower

2009-05-06T20:43:00.006-04:00

I went out to pick up some lunch today, and while stopped at a traffic light next to this beautiful tree, I got an unexpected shower of white petals raining down over my car. One of them even drifted in through my window. I wish I could have stayed there for hours. It reminded me of a romantic scene from the movie 'Til There Was You, where petals were floating down all over a beautiful courtyard with a fountain in the middle of it.

I hope the orange paint on the trunk doesn't mean they're planning to cut it down! What a shame that would be! Maybe if I leave a note on it, they'll come plant it in MY yard! LOL

More photos from this evening's drive.

Spencerville Covered Bridge

2009-05-03T11:01:00.006-04:00

On my drive yesterday, I decided to get some photos of the historic covered bridge in Spencerville, Indiana. It makes me so sad that there are so few of these gems left standing.

This is the view from the highway that runs parallel to the bridge. Scenic, huh?

The bridge was built in 1873. It amazes me that you can still drive a car over it.

Click on this picture to read the historical marker.

From inside the bridge, you can see the highway...old meets new.

The bridge is constructed almost entirely of wood, right down to the planks on the floor. I have to admit that standing on this bridge totally put me in mind (once again) of the Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Now this is the type of bridge I imagine Ichabod raced over to flee from the Headless Horseman. I would love to hear a horse going across this one!

There Goes Another One

2009-05-02T21:14:00.003-04:00

Another house I've always loved is on the market. When is somebody going to give me a very large sum of money????

I love the lanterns...

And the vines are divine...

As are all those angles...

Please send funds now!!!! =)

From June

2009-04-26T20:39:00.005-04:00

June at Art Freebies has given me the Kreative Blogger award. Thank you June...you're so sweet to think of me, and I'm truly honored!

Since I've received this award before, I'm not doing all the steps that are supposed to go along with it. As far as I'm concerned, everyone deserves this award! There are so many creative people out there!

Please keep June and her family in your prayers, as they are going through a very difficult time. She will be taking a leave of absence from her blogs to take care of her family and herself. She's such a giving person, so if you can please stop by her blog and leave her an encouraging comment.

Lindenwood

2009-04-22T21:20:00.002-04:00

More sights from Lindenwood...

Lady of Lindenwood

2009-04-21T18:31:00.005-04:00

I hadn't intended to dedicate a whole post to one statue in Lindenwood, but I just find this one so fascinating. I call her the Lady of Lindenwood.

Ron Pierotti Needs Your Help!

2009-04-20T19:02:00.004-04:00

JoAnna from Moss Hill has an urgent need. Her husband, Ron, needs immediate surgery for a massive brain tumor. They have had some really tough times financially (click on the Moss Hill link to read more of their story). If you're able to help them please go here to make a donation. Even if you can't help in a monetary way, please keep Ron and JoAnna in your prayers.