Showing posts with label Photos. Show all posts

Mosaic Monday: Hey There Gorgeous!

I was feeling pretty good about my gorgeous self this past weekend so I decided to snap a few pictures.  I have wanted to play around with head shots so I have a few pictures in the line-up ready to go to update my social media profiles.  All of these were taken with my digital camera and me looking into my bedroom mirror while setting up each photo looking at the digital screen on my camera for placement.

I had a little too much fun making faces and clicking away.  I am so glad I was inspired to bring out my sunglasses.  I think that is my favorite shot of all of them.  Enjoy!




Mary of Little Red House is our hostess for Mosaic Monday
Each mosaic is unique and has it's own story to tell.

Mosaic Monday: Fall Afghan Inspiration

Fall is definitely here and the weather in the Midwest has started to get pretty chilly at night.  It's time to pull out your favorite afghan or start working on a new one.  Today's Mosaic Monday is a little fall afghan inspiration from my Grandma Harvey's collection that I mentioned last week here.  I love the warm colors and neat textures.  Enjoy!



Mary of Little Red House is our hostess for Mosaic Monday
Each mosaic is unique and has it's own story to tell.

Mosaic Monday: Thrifted Granny

My Grandma Harvey has an amazing afghan collection.  She has been collecting afghans mostly from thrift stores for decades.  The last time I visited I made sure that I snapped a few pictures of these yarn beauties.

Today's mosaic is of a thrifted granny square afghan that has every color in the rainbow represented.  the granny square is such a versatile pattern.  It's a great way to use up yarn leftovers to make something both functional and beautiful for your home.

I have to be honest here and say that I have never actually attempted to make a granny square.  For an active crocheter that's pretty embarrassing I will admit.  I do have it on my list of patterns to work on in the future though.  I have been saving up those left over yarn balls that come after so many finished projects.  I know there is a granny square in my future.      



Mary of Little Red House is our hostess for Mosaic Monday
Each mosaic is unique and has it's own story to tell.

Mosaic Monday: Bras Across the Kaw

Hundreds of bras line the bridge over the Kaw river in Lawrence, KS each October in an installation entitled, "Bras Across the Kaw".  Last year I was able to snap a few photos of some of the many hundred bras that were donated to promote breast cancer awareness month and women's health.


Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/2013/10/07/4538629/hundreds-of-bras-line-kansas-river.html#storylink=cpy




Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/2013/10/07/4538629/hundreds-of-bras-line-kansas-river.html#storylink=cp

Health Care Access Clinic of Lawrence, KS serves low-income Douglas County residents and provides much needed health care to the many uninsured that would otherwise go without.  Shelly Wakeman, the clinic director was quoted in a recent Kansas City Star article promoting the 2013 installation.

"The whole purpose is to catch people's attention and, if they're a woman, hopefully get them to schedule their mammogram.  Or, if they're a man who loves a woman, to get them to encourage her to schedule one." 

We have all been touched by cancer in some way either personally or we have a family member or friend that has been effected.  It's so important that we rally together and support those battling cancer and those who are fighting along side their loved ones.  I have a grandmother that is a breast cancer survivor.  She is fighting a different cancer battle know like so many people and could use your prayers of healing and strength during this time.
  

Mary of Little Red House is our hostess for Mosaic Monday
Each mosaic is unique and has it's own story to tell.

Mosaic Monday: String Theory

This summer at the Lawrence Arts Center there was a fascinating display inspired by string theory.  I am not a particle physicist so I couldn't even being to fully explain what string theory so I will let Wikipedia take a crack at it.  Each of these pieces was created by a different artist or group of artists.  Each piece represented to them the essence of string theory.  I loved all the colors and each unique take on a complicated subject.      




Mary of Little Red House is our hostess for Mosaic Monday
Each mosaic is unique and has it's own story to tell.

Mosaic Monday: Fairy Retreat on the Water's Edge



I so wish I was small enough to enjoy this little retreat I found while visiting Water's Edge in Lawrence a couple months ago.  They have the cutest collection of fairy and gypsy furniture and accessories that I have ever seen.  The stories we could share while sitting by the water and tending to the plants...



Mary of Little Red House is our hostess for Mosaic Monday
Each mosaic is unique and has it's own story to tell.

Mosaic Monday: Exploring Water's Edge

Water's Edge in Lawrence, KS is one of my mother's favorite spots to spend an afternoon.  She took the kids and I along on one of her recent visits and I was able to take a few pictures of the many beautiful gardens.  I just love the ceramic toad stools.  Enjoy!





Mary of Little Red House is our hostess for Mosaic Monday
Each mosaic is unique and has it's own story to tell.

The Simple Woman's Daybook - Friday, September 13, 2013

Outside my window...Things are green outside from the little bit of rain we received earlier in the week.  It's been pretty warm here which makes me wish for fall just a little.  I do realize that when fall and winter are in full swing I will probably be missing summer.  I will enjoy these warm temperatures while I can.

I am thinking...about the lovely conversations that I had in Target today of all places.  I went in to get my glasses adjusted and while I waited a nice gentleman and I made small talk about glasses and it grew from there.  It was surprising to me how easy it was to spark a quality conversation.  I later spoke with two different Target staff members that were genuinely nice and interesting.

I am thankful for...Friday night dinner and a movie time with my kids.  I couldn't get enough of the good food and cuddles.

I am wearing...A black cotton 1950's inspired dress with a raspberry tank peaking through.  It's time to do laundry around here so I thank God that this was clean.

I am remembering...old friends and good times.

Mosaic Monday: Back to School

We have survived the first full week of school in the Elliott house.  My daughter is starting to enjoy being a second grader and I am getting back into the routine of backpack checks, homework and making lunches.  I have attended my first PTO meeting and had a meeting with the principal (Not what you think.  They wanted a parents perspective on the school).  I am looking forward to another exciting year!





Mary of Little Red House is our hostess for Mosaic Monday
Each mosaic is unique and has it's own story to tell.

The Simple Woman's Daybook - Friday, August 23, 2013

Outside my window...it  was a sunny day in Lawrence, KS.  We are wrapping up summer with warmer temperatures.  There's still time to hit the swimming pool before it gets cold again.


I am thinking...about all the things I haven't checked off my to-do list due to a yucky upper respiratory virus I got a couple weeks ago.  I have been to the doctor twice and I'm taking an antibiotic finally.  I've tried a cough suppressant and that doesn't seem to be helping that much.  I also have tried Zyrtec to rule out allergies and that just knocked me out the next day and made me feel like a zombie.  I am hopeful about the antibiotic.  Keeping my fingers crossed.      

I am thankful for...my Mom.  Even though we get on each other's nerves and know just how to push each other's buttons she is my biggest supporter.  I love you Mom!

I am wearing...A cute knit dress in gray, navy, yellow and orange color blocking.  It is so comfortable.  I just throw on a pair of sandals and a couple jewelry accessories and I am good to go.

I am remembering...my years in elementary school.  My daughter started second grade this month.  I was reminded of my second grade teacher.  She shared a little bit about herself that first week on an About Me board that we all got to do sometime before the year ended.  She had a black belt in karate, a dog or cat named taco and loved to read books.  I also remember her special chalk holder that she used when writing on the black board.  We read "The Velveteen Rabbit" that year and counted to 100 on paper.  

I am currently reading...I have done a ton of reading this summer both personally and with my kids.  Both kids and I finished the Lawrence Public Library's reading program in July with one more month to go in the summer.  I usually have a few books going at once.  Here's what I am currently reading:


For the past couple years I have signed up for the Reading Challenge that goodreads offer.  I decided to double my reading goal this year so I could also start tracking the many children's books that I have been reading with my kids.  We read a minimum of two chapters a night together right before bed and I thought I should be getting credit for that, too.  Here's my progress:


2013 Reading Challenge

2013 Reading Challenge
Emily has read 31 books toward her goal of 48 books.
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Mosaic Monday: Stigmeric

Happy Monday!

Have you ever wondered what you would look like with your head put on an insect body?  I got a unique opportunity to try it out with a hand printed art piece.  I took a printing class last fall at the Lawrence Arts Center and met the artist, Patrick Vincent.  Patrick has an on-going collaborative project where you submit a photo of your face and a bug suggestion and he creates an image on linoleum.  He is inviting us to connect with a part of the natural world that is often ignored.

Before Patrick concluded his artist in residence at the Lawrence Arts Center he shared his recent works in a gallery show called Stigmeric.  It was so exciting to see not only my face on an insect but the faces of my two kids as well.  Enjoy!




Mary of Little Red House is our hostess for Mosaic Monday. 
Each mosaic is unique and has it's own story to tell.

Mosaic Monday: Summer Concert Experience

For this post let's pretend this is Monday and I am not late in posting.  Thanks so much!

One of my personal goals for the last couple years is to take in as much live music as I can.  It has been slow going but I am still keeping this goal high on my list.  Catching a free summer concert in the park makes meeting this goal a piece of cake.

Bring your favorite lawn chair and join me!  




Mary of Little Red House is our hostess for Mosaic Monday. 
Each mosaic is unique and has it's own story to tell.

Mosaic Monday: Terrazzo Coffeehouse

Happy Monday everyone!

For today's Mosaic Monday I am sharing a few photos of the Terrazzo Coffeehouse I took while visiting family in Iowa this past June.


 

Terrazzo Coffee House is part of The Dream Center in a former hotel in downtown Spencer, Iowa.  The Dream Center is a volunteer-driven non-profit organization that provides social services and outreach programs designed to meet physical, spiritual, and long-term needs. They also provide food, clothing, shelter, life rehabilitation, education and job training.  The Dream Center reaches hundreds of hurting and needy children, families and adults across all races and cultures each week.

Part of the beautiful dining facilities of the original hotel on the main floor have been renovated for the coffee shop which serves Starbucks coffee, has space for live music and comfortable overstuffed furniture. It is a great place for the community to gather and enjoy their favorite beverage.  I thoroughly enjoyed my soy chai latte with a shot of hazelnut syrup.

So, if you are ever in the area make sure to stop by!


Mary of Little Red House is our hostess for Mosaic Monday. 
Each mosaic is unique and has it's own story to tell.

Mosaic Monday: Bookworms & Water Bugs

Our public library is pretty amazing.  We are lucky in Lawrence, KS to have such a committed organization for multi-generational enrichment and I can't wait until our new facility is completed in 2014.  A couple weeks ago I took my two kiddos to a summer program sponsored by our library called Bookworms and Water Bugs.

Bookworms
We all started out at Watson Park near the Lawrence Aquatic Center for story time and a little singing.       


Water Bugs
Then we all headed to the pool for a free swim.


These photos were taken with my digital camera.  I used Picassa to do a little editing and collage creation.


Mary of Little Red House is our hostess for Mosaic Monday. 
Each mosaic is unique and has it's own story to tell.

Mosaic Monday: Roads and Fields of Iowa

I visited my sister and her partner for the second time this summer and took these pictures of Iowa on the way home while riding shot gun in the car.  Last time I went through I was asleep and didn't get to see the wind turbines in all their glory.  This time I tried my hand at taking pictures in a moving vehicle.  I was surprised that quite a few turned out as nicely as they did.    
  



These photos were taken using my digital camera.  I used Picassa to do a little editing and collage creation.  


Mary of Little Red House is our hostess for Mosaic Monday. 
Each mosaic is unique and has it's own story to tell.

Happy Fourth of July!





Happy Fourth!

I hope you are getting to spend some quality time with your friends and family, enjoying some tasty food while you sit back in amazement at your local fireworks display.  

Mosaic Monday: Red Shoe Self Portrait

I found myself sitting alone on a concrete bench in downtown Lawrence, KS waiting for a ride one day and looked down to ponder the composition I was making.  Red shoes, lines in the concrete and a touch of vibrant green grass.  These photos were taken using my Android smart phone.  I later used Picassa to do a little editing and make this collage.  Enjoy!  




Mary of Little Red House is our hostess for Mosaic Monday. 
Each mosaic is unique and has it's own story to tell.

Mosaic Monday: Habitat ReStore Visit

Lawrence is so lucky to have a Habitat for Humanity  ReStore.  My mom and I drove by the other weekend and decided to turn around and just spend some time exploring the store.  We had been talking about going in for months but hadn't done it yet.


I am so glad we stopped.  This store has given me so many neat ideas for home decor and furniture projects.  I was pleasantly surprised about all the furniture I saw.  The prices were quite reasonable.  If you know you are shopping for heavy items make sure you bring friends or have them on stand-by because you do have to arrange for your own pick-up and hauling.  Otherwise be a kid in a home improvement supply candy store.  Enjoy!


Mosaic Monday: Chicago Mosaics

This past July I made a special trip to Chicago for a friend's wedding and had some fun with my camera capturing the mosaics I came across.  I even managed to get a few shots of myself.



Mary of Little Red House is our hostess for Mosaic Monday. 
Each mosaic is unique and has it's own story to tell.

The Simple Woman's Daybook – Saturday, September 15, 2012

Outside my window... Clouds have rolled in but no chance for rain. I sigh because I had hoped to wash some plastic tubs and let them dry in the nice warm sun before I store them. I will just have to see.

I am thinking...That is has been awhile since I have put my thoughts into this kind of entry. I have been sadly absent from my blog. My life has gotten quite busy and complicated in the last year and I'm starting to straighten some of it out finally. None of it has been easy but I am stronger because of it. You should be seeing me around the blogosphere more. That's my plan anyway.

I am thankful for...musical memories. I was able to upload all of my music that I once had on my computer this week and it has been one big trip down memory lane.