Armchair Traveling

Last year I wrote a post on Greg Davis, the globe wandering photographer. Greg is still at it, taking amazing photos of faces and places around the world. I keep up with his work and travels with no small amount of envy. His latest images of India do not disappoint. 
If you haven't been following his journey, it's time to take a look at his website and see the world through his talented eyes.

www.gregdavisphotography.com

 Another way I satisfy my wanderlust is by following Barbara Weibel's blog, "Hole in the Donut". This gutsy lady transformed her life; trading an unsatisfying 70 hour work week for a chance to trek around the world. And trek she does, alone and undaunted, wherever her curiosity and passions lead her. Her blog is filled with cultural insight and wonderful photographs. Makes you want to grab a backpack and go.

Photo taken by Barbara of the Monkey Temple in Kathmandu

  Barbara believes that travel is not so much about pleasure but discovery. She lives simply on the road, and will be the first to admit that trekking has its hardships. Often the conditions are less than ideal, but she wouldn't have it any other way.

Americana Artist

On this Fourth of July it seems appropriate to mention the work of one of my favorite artists, Betsy Nimock. I think her art can best be described as narrative collage. She has combined iconic images of Americana; flags, 19th century quilt fragments and old photographs in unique ways that pay tribute to American values. 


Betsy's work has been nationally recognized, featured in museum collections and sold in galleries across the country. Although known mostly for her quilt collages, it is her "Flag Series" that first drew me to this talented woman.


In 1992,while doing some antiquing, the St. Louis artist found some old and tattered examples of children's penmanship lessons from the early 1900's. The flag project back then was sponsored by the National Institution for Moral Instruction of Washington, D.C. (yes, I realize that this is an oxymoron). With her creative eye, Betsy blended the handwriting exercises with the old flags and photos because in her words, "It is my feeling that this is what our country is all about."

The flags used in the original 1920's project have 48 stars. The series includes character traits like honesty, self-reliance and clean play, described in the words of the children. I wish I had more of Betsy's art to show you, other than this print, but I haven't been able to locate images of her past projects.

Wishing you all a happy 4th and a grand finale.

     

Island Beauty

When summer rolls around my thoughts inevitably wander back to Nantucket. It's a special place for me filled with wonderful memories.  Gray shingle cottages, window boxes overflowing with flowers, cobblestone streets-it is quintessential New England Americana. So in anticipation of July 4th, here are some photos. Enjoy..

Downtown Main Street with its cobblestones

Brant Point Lighthouse

A rainbow fleet

 Most all of the houses in Nantucket have gray shingles. So when giving directions to newcomers, the humorous response is, "take a left at the house with the gray shingles".

The area called "Sconset", that lies along the Atlantic side of the island, is known for its rose covered cottages. Does it get any better than this?

WHERE DID MAY GO?

It's hard to believe that May has already come and gone. It has been a busy spring around my house and there is much to show for it. The house has been painted, and after trying many shades of gray, I am super pleased with the results. Goodbye pinky taupe; hello soft gray.

After finishing the front yard landscaping, it was time to turn my attention to the backyard. I was at a loss as to what to do.  It was pretty much a blank canvas, flat and rectangular with a couple of huge oak trees. Where to begin?  For years I have been looking longingly at pictures of garden sheds, and wishing I had a place for one. The ones at Home Depot were not at all what I had in mind, and the custom sheds were prohibitively expensive. In stepped Brent who said,"Oh, we could build one ourselves, no probem".


So we began talking about the design possibilities and making plans. I use the term "we" loosely. It was Brent who did all of the work, with a little helping hand from his son, Reed. Working weekends and the few remaining daylight hours after work, it began to take shape. It is still not complete, but it is coming together and I can finally see the shed I have imagined.


It has been a wonderful gift in many ways. A gift of time and work to make this happen. The chance for father and son to spend time working together on this project, and the opportunity to get to know Reed a little better. This is what I would call a "win, win".


Here are some photos of the shed in progress. I can't wait to post the final pictures.

Thank you Brent, for all of your hard work, tenacity, and amazing good nature.