Contemplating.

Contemplating.
Wayzata, Minnesota

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Alphabe-Thursday Celebrating the Letter E

THIS IS AN
        ALPHABE-THURSDAY POST

                                     today we are

                     CELEBRATING THE LETTER  "E"

                       " E " is for Elf  (plural elves)

An Elf does silly things....

but you'll never catch them when they do!

An elf - is a small and noble creature, dressed mostly in green, and are often mischievous and prone to be prankish.  They also have magical powers and move about secretly.


      Elves traditionally grow to 3 feet making them quite small, and they always carry a ladder.  But don't be fooled by their size; because they are enchanting little beings with great strength.  They have fat-round-little noses that tilt up at the ends, and their red hair is thick and they have smart-little-round brown eyes. 




Did you hear that?





You can call to them all day long, but you'll never see them!

...and although I'm sure you've heard this, Elves are not hired by Target

any elves there-are impostors!




They are, very clever and quite crafty!



One very good reason we can't ever see elves at work or play, is because they are very intelligent and humans just wouldn't understand some of the things they do. 

Like the photo above where an elf teaches a reindeer how to fly.


Mostly elves prefer to live below ground.  In underground caves, deep within hill mounds, inside trees, or barrows, and drains or cellars.  Of course elves are also busy working inside Santa's workshop.  Unless they are light elves (that you read about in storybooks) and they would rather live above ground in places like forests, woods, castle ruins and abandoned houses or people's barns, and they do meet mortals every now and then.

But if we were to peak inside of an Elf Village this is what we would find....



Lots of baking going on in an Elf Kitchen.


and then if we climb over a snow bank and dash into another woods




We'd see this sign outside the Elf School-House

Always remember.....

Elves cannot be sought out.

and

You can't ever marry an elf, unless you are an elf.

They learn how to be so smart in their classrooms.


and of course they learn the art of making toys.....


If only we could catch an elf hard at work this is what we'd see...




But, that will never happen don't you see...


Why?


Because Elves only come out at night and always keep to themselves.



If they are ever ready to appear, they will...but mostly they travel within their secret places that only appear on Elf  Maps...

google can't even find them.


I hope you enjoyed my tale about the noble and prankish Elf
which was originally told to me by another delightful creature

Mr. Mushroom-Gnome.....who is always willing to be seen.



Here he is hanging from our Christmas tree.....

and if you want to join in our classroom fun at Jenny's, Alphabe-Thursdays then please go here

http://jennymatlock.blogspot.com/2011/12/alphabe-thursdays-letter-e.html

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Thematic Photographic 174 Seeing Red

THIS IS A THEMATIC PHOTOGRAPHIC POST

Carmi has declared "seeing red" as our goal for this week's Thematic Photographic" and it's a color easy to come by...especially this time of year.


Need a lift?

When I first saw this, I was excited! A new age train to ride....then I discovered it just hauls people back and forth to their cars at Disneyland.

But it's free to ride!

How could I not stop to meet this darling little boy doggie....




There was music in the air and happiness on their faces...for all the crowd to see


Better a red face than a black heart....Portuguese Proverb

and it's better to dance and be merry
so why are you still standing?


and if you...



are a fan of seeing red, then you know like everything else
it comes in so many different shades...


So much depends
upon
a red wheel
barrow
glazed with rain
water
beside the white
chickens
by
William Carlos

BUT!
if after viewing so much red......
why just by 
seeing red
it

can turn a wheel barrow into a




PLANE!

If you really haven't seen enough red yet, then just go here

http://writteninc.blogspot.com/2011/12/thematic-photographic-174-seeing-red.html

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Saturday Centus Sixteen... a true......

THIS IS A SATURDAY CENTUS POST

This is also, A Moment From My Life......




Jenny, from "Off on my tangent" is asking for my tears, or in truth "our most treasured heartfelt moments...
from when we were sixteen (16) yes, you read that correctly, sixteen years old.......in just 16 words, and we can add other photos as well.
 

Mine begins....


"When I was sixteen, of course I knew everything, and said I do, on December eighteenth."


As you can see by this photo of my then husband, we had issues early.....
Luckily, I only ripped it once, so the photo was spared......

So, if you want to read all about other Saturday Centus bloggers, or feel the urge to submit your own just go here okay?

http://jennymatlock.blogspot.com/2011/12/saturday-centus-sixteen.html

Six Word Saturday - 3 December 2011

THIS IS A SIX WORD SATURDAY  -  

Does the season have you down?

 MOSTLY WE NEED COURAGE TO BEGIN

I feel pretty, oh so pretty, I feel pretty and witty and bright.....really, just look at my adorable feet!




Honestly,

I have issues to resolve, bury, destroy, change, forget about.....

There are great books out there

Everything Good IN Life - You Learned in Kindergarten.....

or, All I Need To Know About Life I learned from my CAT or Dog, or Star Wars, or Star Trek...

I GET IT!

BUT! I think the Wizard of Oz got it right, wouldn't you agree?

The Scarecrow-  thought he needed a BRAIN,

The Tinman -  thought he needed a HEART,

The Lion  -  thought, he needed COURAGE

Dorothy -  thought she needed LOVE and FAMILY



I have all five of these and I'm gonna use them to the fullest.....right now...this very moment.


Cate, from "Show MY Face, blog" asks for just six words, about what ever is happening, happened or gonna happen in our lives...and you can too go here

http://www.showmyface.com/2011/12/starting-to-prepare-for-holidays-last.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+showmyface+%28Show+My+Face%29

Sepia Saturday 103 : 3 December 2011

THIS IS A SEPIA SATURDAY POST

                Welcome, this week Alan offers a stylish and most picture perfect nurse (from Richmond Virginia) on her way to administer, well something...... I will stay slightly afloat with his theme, by bringing as near perfect human nature (as his nurse displays)  with honest to goodness children of several ages (even college) most without hats, but all the same
       perfect in their own special way!



   These two charming young classmates, (she appears like she's waiting for her shot from a nurse) but together they are examining, bees!


Anybody else think her hair style is very much like Shirley Temple?  Photo is from 1940, at Calhoun School learning first hand how to make honey.  This glass Bee case came to them on loan from the University of Minnesota for them to put in a window for study.   This allowed the bees access to the hive from the outside and students to observe safely from their classroom.  -  Courtesy of Minneapolis Public Library




      These precious little girls aren't wearing hats, and are clearly not of school age, but from the human aspect they are just what I had in mind......These two little girls are from the true everyday life of growing up on the farm in Northome, (a town now of about 200) and even back then not so much going on.....
      They were living life so carefree.......and yes, Mommy is watching from the doorway......

Courtesy of a Minnesota Historical Society book, and the Library of Congress.



I wonder how many children today would be seen wearing any one of these charming hats?
This group of children grouped around their teacher were from Washington D. C. in about 1899.


A classroom school field trip in those days consisted of walking about their own school.  Photo courtesy of The Library of Congress Washington, D.C.




Meet a few of the fifteen young men that in the summer of 1877 formed the Lurline Rowing Club.  This photo was taken on the shores of Lake Calhoun.  their club became very prestigious and each member paid ten dollars annual membership fee supplemented by one dollar monthly usage fee.


Photo - Courtesy of Minneapolis Public Library.




People of all ages came to enjoy the lake.  As a matter of fact, they still do.


Were these young girls (in the distance) already seeking the attention of these boys who clearly had their minds on fishing?
Photo courtesy of Minneapolis Public Library




Lake Calhoun in Minneapolis, Minnesota, around the turn of the century.  Much of the area was still undeveloped land and these young University of Minnesota law students spent their summer of 1901 at this campsite.  As you can see they still believed in luxury even while camping.

Funny they almost seem to appear rather snobbish! (oh, right law students!)
                     If you go to the link I've provided you can check out other Sepia Saturday posts and I'm sure you'll enjoy your visits.....

http://sepiasaturday.blogspot.com/2011/11/sepia-saturday-103-3-december-2011.html

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Alphabe-Thursday - Celebrating - The Letter D

THIS IS AN ALPHABE-THURSDAY POST

       In celebration of the letter "D"  I offer  "decoration"
and Jenny from Off on my tangent blog, allows all week to complete our "Letter D" assignment.

                Decoration defined, is an addition that renders something more attractive or ornate, adornment.....


                      Oh yes, tis the season to pack away our autumn delights in exchange for all things bright and out of sight - since about this time last year..... farewell for now autumn decorations.

Decorations don't always have to cost a bundle either.  See these delightful musical figurines?  They came from the "Dollar Store"....yes, really.  Most everyone who sees them, begs to know where I found them....please don't tell, okay!


I will be most pleased, if my children continue to create as many of their own decorations locked within their imaginations and share them with the rest of us.....


                    
......and what could be more delightful than.....

to hang something fresh from your own backyard, not too much just a whisper of something alive.....keep them guessing - are these decorations real or not.....that shall be the question of the hour.....

         A person always feels better when they create......

     I especially like moving about my house late at night while every ones fast asleep, while visions of whimsy dance through their dreams...before they awake to see.....


our tree decorated with so many pretty bulbs in the hopes that kitty cat paws and little fingers won't break too many again this year.....

                 One of these days I'll have too many decorations.  Some are from my childhood, many from my own children's hands, or that of friends and loved ones.  Best are they that come from the heart of someone special...and once in awhile I'll buy just one more.
      Soon there will be no more room for tree......oh no!


    Funny how things happen, every year one or two disappear either by breakage, or tucked away in the hands of someone cherishing their Christmas past...and I'll see it again on another tree dear to us.



                   Everybody knows just how wise owls are, so why not include as many owls as you can when you decorate!

On a snowy moonlit night I shall wish upon an owl......
as he hides inside our tree
oh how I wish I might see an owl tonight.



           When you're decorating with your very own delicious treats, why not serve them on something filled with festive spirit, like....

                                       A Frosty Platter.......
Even if you don't put anything on your Frosty Platter - he's still such a delight to see!

                      Oh no! A bare Frosty!

Decorating with angels, musical or not, is always a wise thing to do....


To decorate something festive and of your own design, why not look inside your goody bag of bits and pieces and ribbons and bows and other artsy things.   You can create within less than an hour if you wish to that quickly, your very own Whimsical jar for candy or those long candy canes you just don't know how to store.....
I will be using this jar, but you could use a vase, or glass or any other object you can find!



....this is the end result for my decorated jar ... yours is what ever you wish it to be!

You can give it away or keep it as one of your special decorations!


You know your child is all grown up when they tell you, "Mom, it's not so much about the presents, but more about the decorations and all the things we share....like climbing in the truck and going to cut our tree...."

Yes, Virginia, those decorations are special, aren't they?!

So if you haven't got the link to turn in your assignment here it is

http://jennymatlock.blogspot.com/2011/11/good-morning-class.html

Whimsical Wednesday 30 November 2011

WELCOME TO ANOTHER
                           WHIMSICAL WEDNESDAY POST

                         Hooray for quick hand-crafted delights designed to please any whimsical spirit.  It's as easy as 1 - 2 - 3 and you can put it all together in less than an hour....if you believe!

See below how this festive jar came to be......



Any jar will work, this just happens to be a jar used for canning....and your style of lid is of course, up to you!

You may not even want to use a lid -

Maybe you want candy canes to stick out for all to see!

The next step is bring together any bits and pieces you have tucked away in your artsy box for decorating!

as much or little as you desire
have a picture or two of someone you love
go get it.....
Remember his is your creation .....




Are you ready for some more Whimsical Wednesday posts...or do you want to post your own?
Then please do go here....

http://dthaase-lines.blogspot.com/p/whimsical-wednesday.html

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Thematic Photographic 173 A flash of color

WELCOME TO ANOTHER
                   THEMATIC PHOTOGRAPHIC POST


                                     Carmi, from Written Inc. has announced a "flash of color" as this week's theme and we'll be flashing as many colors possible all week long....so why not join us too?

              Unlocking the secret to light....and colors....through art... and



Through the darkness comes, a sudden burst of light.....followed by a series of sounds......if you're lucky, you might....walk away with more than you arrived with...

Walking along a busy avenue viewing copies of ancient designs....in an explosion of flashing colors...right before our eyes.....


"The soul becomes dyed with the color of its thoughts....."
Marcus Aurelius

so why not let a "flash of color" brighten your way.....

Just a momentary brightness....a flash of color, and if you look into the reflection....

you'll find just what you're looking for....



If you're staying here, the front desk is just through this looking glass....or, is it really behind you......!


Colors, like features follow the changes of the emotion....Pablo Picasso



....even for the fish....I think Charlie is trying to say something....."Yes, what is it Mr. Fish?"


So if you are curious for a bit more flash of color or have your own to add go here

PLEASE! ......before the lights go OUT!

http://writteninc.blogspot.com/2011/11/thematic-photographic-173-flash-of.html

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Saturday Centus - Would you

THIS IS A SATURDAY CENTUS POST

                     This week it's no more than 100 words plus the prompt, (106 total) and only Miss Jenny's scrumptiously delicious photo is allowed.  Any style writing.....our prompt is (nothing to do with turkey Thank goodness!)
                     "Would you like fries with that...."

Notice, these are not your everyday fries either!



My answer to Jenny's Saturday Centus request is this:


Mrs. Snodgrass, an exceedingly snooty billionaire suffered a troubling week. First, while dining at the Waldorf 16 attentive waiters showered her with the utmost attention. When they asked if she required anything else, a tiny voice spoke from behind her.



“Would you like fries with that?”


She turned to see a milk faced toddler grinning at her.

"GRRR!"


Next, her brief nightmare followed, landing her at NYPD’s 5th Precinct after being hurdled from a moving sedan while blindfolded and gagged.


Officer DuGood asked, “Do you remember anything about your capture?”


“Yes, a crackling voice over a bad intercom said, “Would you like fries with that?  Who eats fries?"


You know the drill, if you want to read some more really awesome posts.....or if you'd rather just have more fries, or care to share your own version please do!  Just go here okay?

http://jennymatlock.blogspot.com/2011/11/saturday-centus-would-you-like.html

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Sepia Saturday 102 : Saturday 26 November 2011

THIS IS A SEPIA SATURDAY POST 

      Greetings to all.....my post is in honor of Thanksgiving Day celebrated in America and always on the fourth Thursday of November.  I have a "somewhat" Thanksgiving theme for you all.  Even Canada celebrates a similar national holiday on the second Monday in October.


                     I open with what many people will be celebrating this Thanksgiving and have many times before as well...


Football, and The Northfield High School football team, 1894, and as the photo shows, apparently they were champions that year! - photo courtesy of Minnesota Historical Society. They do appear to be older than high school age to me....

...We also must remember those troops of service people all over the world who will not be gathering around their family's table this year....






Dinner for the 36th Infantry at Fort Snelling....in Minnesota. 
     Strangely enough, like all holidays there seems to be several stories or celebrations for one holiday.  In short, this day in the United States is a national holiday in acknowledgment of divine favor, celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November.
            Or, another definition is, from 1863, what Americans have termed the First Thanksgiving which celebrates giving thanks to God, for safely guiding them to the new world. The First Thanksgiving lasted for 3 days and provided food for 13 Pilgrims and 90 native Americans.


               Another version says in 1621 when the Pilgrims settled in Plymouth, Massachusetts, the U.S. tradition was celebrated with a meal held at Wampanoag.  In any event Thanksgiving Day in modern times is still celebrated with dinner, usually always turkey and pumpkin pie as just two of it's forever dishes!



     Another much anticipated event in November is hunting and trapping season, especially for deer.


An unknown couple posing with a dear head in Morrison County, about 1900.  I'm real curious about the papers he's holding for this picture.

Yes, hunting is a tradition for many families, as is my favorite (since childhood) tradition is:  watching the Thanksgiving Day Macy's Parade.  Although for all the years I grew up, stores didn't open for business on Thanksgiving Day.  Oh heavens no.  But apparently there are some companies that just need more, and they are going to open on Thanksgiving Day.....to get a jump start on what our next celebration is....Black Friday.....where stores compete for your sales.....


I will leave you with this thought...... at my house we do gather together as family and friends and we are all very thankful in so many ways and yes, we share in a really delicious meal.  We also give thanks to those not able to be with us, like my son-in-law who is deployed with his unit.  We do support his and every other service person everywhere.  

This is about 1900....and courtesy of Minnesota Historical Society...  and Thanksgiving Day is a jewel, to set in the hearts of honest men; but be careful that you do not take the day, and leave out the gratitude, - E. P. Powell. 

                                                          He who thanks but with the lips
                                                          Thanks but in part;
                                                          The full, the true Thanksgiving
                                                          Comes from the heart.

So if you wish to view other Sepia Saturday posts, I know you'd be thankful you did!
Just go here
http://sepiasaturday.blogspot.com/2011/11/sepia-saturday-102-saturday-26-november.html

Whimsical Wednesday - Happy Thanksgiving Blogosphere

THIS IS A WHIMSICAL WEDNESDAY POST

                         and A HAPPY THANKSGIVING DAY TO ALL

           I just want to thank you for stopping by and sharing in this wonderful world of whimsy and our great Blogosphere connection....I thank you from the bottom of my heart!

THANKSGIVING is the holiday of peace, the celebration of work and the simple life...
a true folk-festival that speaks the poetry of the turn of the seasons, the beauty of seed time and harvest, the rip product of the year - and the deep, deep connection of all these things with God.  - Ray Stannard Baker (David Grayson)

Thanksgiving comes to us out of the prehistoric dimness, universal to all ages and all faiths.  At whatever straws we must grasp, there is always a time for gratitude and new beginnings.  -  J. Robert Moskin

If you would like to play along too, or just view other whimsical creations just go here

http://dthaase-lines.blogspot.com/2011/11/its-whimsical-wednesday-come-and-add-to.html

Monday, November 21, 2011

Thematic Photographic 172 Muted


Take a second to study this photo.  Did you hear anything?  Or is it just the sound of your own heart beating that you heard?

Well, you shouldn't hear anything really.  Why?  Read on and see why.....


THIS IS ANOTHER THEMATIC PHOTOGRAPHIC POST

    .....and we seek to find Carmi's new theme of " muted " in the things that we do or the places that we go or have gone before......
Muted are the voices we never need while enjoying a walk with our dog.........



        Meet a muted Grumpy, one of the Seven Dwarfs, while he patiently waits for his artist to bring him to life..... He really wants to hop off this paper....

Muted- Is the growth of this tree that will finish living life as,
 a table.

Muted- is this cockpit and any future pilots that shall never again fly amongst the clouds from inside this cockpit.

Muted are the sounds of a busy airport, with planes landing and taking off on the other side of this dirty glass.

"The past is only the present become invisible and mute;
and because it is invisible and mute, its memorized glances and its murmurs
are infinitely precious ......we are tomorrow's past."  - Mary Webb

If you have your own version of "muted" why not post it with us!
 We'll be playing this all week long
so why not check this out.

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Saturday Centus Curiously.... We Gather Together

THIS IS A SATURDAY CENTUS POST

Welcome fans and followers of Saturday Centus hosted by Jenny at "off on my tangent" blog....
        
Welcome to our Rabbit-Fest....won't you come inside?

Miss Jenny is feeling the spirit of giving and sharing as many gather together for a  Thanksgiving celebration... So with no more than 108 words, any style of writing and up to 3 photos we begin.
The prompt is
"We gather together to ask the Lord's blessing..."


If you care to join in or view other posts
please go here

http://jennymatlock.blogspot.com/2011/11/saturday-centus-we-gather-together.html




We have gathered our goodies from this garden of rosemary and thyme....

and so my story begins.....
in less than 108 words



Hopping out from underneath rolling fields and grassy knolls,
they arrived from all over the countryside.
All bright eyed and bushy tailed these delightful bunnies were
to share this day's bounty together.
Having survived a succession of victories
from so many hunters
this large circle of kindred souls united together
while father bunny announced
"We gather together to ask the Lord's blessing"
while dining from a cook who makes
grass taste yummy.
We're thankful but curious
what are the humans doing
this Thanksgiving Day?

Shall we take a look-see .....


"It's my ball now...."

If you're going to add football to your celebrations
may your team do well
and to all I'm sending a
Happy Thanksgiving Day!