Paddling on the Chattahoochee

Paddling on the Hooch
We went for a paddle on the Chattahoochee River today near Uchee Creek on Fort Benning. The sky was overcast and there was a nice breeze. This is a good location for beginning paddlers. We paddled north for about an hour; about 2.5 miles. We were about a quarter mile short of Eddy Bridge. That will be our goal for next time.

Kayaking 101

Interest in kayaking is kicking up in the local area with the river restoration project. Needless to say, TOM and I are not immune to the hype, so we decided to give it a try. 

I did some preliminary research about lessons, local spots that are good for beginners, equipment rental fees, and the kind of kayak to rent...sit-on or sit-in.  

We opted for recreational, sit-on kayaks. They are slower and less responsive, but we figured it would be easier with my weak knee to get on and off, rather than in and out. I really did not want to end up the water, soaked from head-to-toe, before even getting started. 

We also purchased a disposable, waterproof camera. I guess we were expecting to get wet at some point :) I really did not want my Nikon to end up on the bottom of the lake. 

Lessons: I found a website, Smart Kayaking for Beginners, that was very helpful. That saved us about $50 for a lesson that would have taken place on the Chattahoochee River. You can watch the education video clips in the comfort of you home and hopefully, you will remember what they said when you have to put it into practice.

Buy vs. Rent: The obvious solution was to rent equipment. You don't want to buy expensive equipment and then discover that you don't like the activity. The local outfitters charge $40 a day per kayak, x2. $80, for a couple of hours (at most) of fun. Then I remembered that TOM is retired military and we can rent equipment from MWR at Fort Benning for $10 a day.

We headed out to Chewacla State Park in Auburn, AL for our first expedition; a small stream-fed lake. Because of the drought, the stream was low so we were only able to paddle up a short distance, but this is a good location for beginners to get the hang of things. The only disadvantage to this location was the hill that we had to carry/drag the kayaks down and up.

The waterproof camera had an 800 ISO so many of the shots are overexposed. Because of this, I tweaked the shots to give a warmer, aged look. Also, what you see is what you get, no zooming in our out. For the most part, I am happy with how they turned out. 

We spent 90 minutes at Chewacla. We got comfortable with the equipment and the paddling. The trickiest part was getting into the kayak. It would be easy to overcompensate and flip into the water. 

Interesting perspective...shooting from the water toward the land. Additionally, framing a shot could be challenging because the kayak would drift.

We saw some turtles and TOM saw a deer. He also brought his fishing rod and he appeared to be very comfortable with casting, and even did some 'trolling'. I am not sure what he would of done had he actually caught a fish : )

At the end of the day, we concluded that this is an activity that we would like to continue. It was quiet and peaceful on the lake. The activity was not overly strenuous, unless you to pick up your pace. In that case, it would be a very good cardio workout. 

We will continue to rent equipment for the time being. 

I did get a blister on one hand, so next time I will wear some gloves.  

Happy Paddling!

Weekend Project

After Jeremy moved out, we cleaned up the bathroom. New paint, new shower curtain, new rugs. It looks really nice, but I wanted to do something with the mirror. The original plan was to frame the mirror, but as TOM never got around to doing it and I know nothing about saws and wood-working, I opted for mosaic tiles. The project ended costing more than anticipated, it always does, and we had a few challenges.

The first shot is what we started with. Pretty bland/generic.

After the first row or so, we determined that if we put the glue on the tiles and let them sit for about 10 minutes, they adhered to the mirror better. We also discovered the strong odor of the glue in a room with limited air circulation. Not enough to make us pass out though. At this point (below) we decided to take a break to let the glue set and to watch a movie, "Love and Other Drugs".  

About two hours later we resume and get the final row of tiles installed. Let it sit overnight for the glue to really grab and grout today. It got pretty messy for a while there, but I think it turned out pretty well. I like the glass tiles that we purchased and they work well with the wall color. They are neutral enough that if we paint again at some point in the future, we don't have to tear out the tiles. 

*****

Orange Flower in Vase

*****

Acrylic on paper

Still Life

This is the first time I have tried to paint a still life.

*****

Now that the wedding is over, I can focus on the things that I like to do or that I want to do again. 

For example, get healthy. Get back to my exercise program. Watch my diet. Reduce stress. 

Start focusing on my future by increasing my contributions to my retirement accounts. I reduced contributions to help pay for the wedding expenses. Finally, I am going to continue to stimulate my gray matter in a creative way with painting and sketching.

*****

Flower Girl

 

*****

Technique: Wet on wet

Acrylic on paper

Inspired by a photo of a small angel that I found near a roadside memorial. 

*****

the Creative Arts room

 

*****

When Jeremy moved out we had an extra room in the house. Heaven forbid that we actually turn it into a guest bedroom. Actually, we can if we need too. We are going to purchase a blow-up bed that can be used when we have guests. 

*****

When not being used as a guest room, we are using this as a place to get creative. I have a table with my paints and brushes and portable easel. A cabinet that we purchased at the flea market. We do have to repair one door and replace the glass, but the price was right and it was the right size for the room. I am trying to decide if I want to paint it or not. 

*****

Next to the cabinet is an easel that TOM built for Jeremy a few years ago. He was trying his hand at painting and being the supportive parents that we are ... well you know. He did not take it with him so I am using it as a stand for a book of flower paintings by Georgia O'Keefe. 

*****

Along the wall, I have a bookcase with photo boxes, books, candles, and a boom box. There is also a chaise lounge tucked in the corner if you want to sit and read or just relax. So now maybe I need to get off this computer and go get creative...

*****

I case you're wondering what that 'thing' is hanging on the wall with the stripped fabric, it is a headboard for the inflatable bed (or the real bed that used to be there). We made it about 5 years ago when Jeremy moved out the first time. Well, actually the second time, but who's counting?

***** 

Steelhorse Music Hall

 

*****

Water color on paper. 

My interpretation from a photograph taken in Reynolds, GA

I am pleased with the result. The lettering was challenging and the bench needs some work ...

... yes that's a bench.

*****

Vintage - Colorado

 

*****

I found a box full of old negatives in the attic earlier this year and asked for a negative scanner for Christmas.

I have scanned about 800 so far. As you can see, some of the negatives are damaged, but I like the effect. 

This is a shot of me and my oldest son walking across the Royal Gorge Bridge in Colorado.

Circa 1982.

*****

Purple Mountains

 

*****

I copied this from an art book I purchased.

*****

Pastels on paper.

*****

Sunshine Peace

 

*****

My husband and I don't really 'need' anything so it is always a challenge to find the perfect gift. With my newfound interest in painting, I figured that was the way to go. I was also making a couple of mix tapes so I needed some cover art. As children of the [almost] 60's, I was trying to capture some of that spirit. This is what I came up with. 

*****

 Acrylic on canvas board.

*****

  

*****

 

***** 

Salem-Shotwell Bridge

 

*****

Salem-Shotwell Bridge, Salem, AL

Pastels on paper

This bridge collapsed a few years ago and was rebuilt in another location. 

I have tried to locate it, but have been unsuccessful. 

*****

Broken Cannon

 

*****

I call this broken cannon because I had some trouble with the barrel of the cannon; it is bent. I did sketch this out before I painted it and was having trouble with the sketch. I could not 'see' what was happening until I painted it. This painting is a composite of two photos that I took; one of the cannon and head stones in the Conferderate section of Linwood Cemetery and some wisteria blooms.

***** 

Things I need to work on: Scale of the wisteria. These should have been larger. The cannon, not sure if the problem is DOF or vanishing point. Can you have DOF in a painting? Does vanishing point apply here?

***** 

Things I like about this painting: the headstones, specifically the large one that represents General Benning. The rocks in the foreground and the grass. Both add visual interest.

*****

So it's back to the drawing board.  

*****

Water color on paper

*****

Red Sky Sailing

 

*****

I think I am learning a little more, or should I say am I applying the idea of 'composition' here to keep the eye moving in the painting. The scale of my boat is better in this one that the previous one and I like the shape of it better. I also tried to make my bird look more like a bird. I am still not really crazy about the clouds...partly because I have the scale wrong.

*****

Golden Sail

 

*****

I am gaining a better understanding of 'layering'. I like the color choices in this, but the water got a 'muddy'. 

I like the birds. I also like the boat, but I need to work on scale. 

I did not sketch this before painting. I will be sure to sketch my next attempt.

*****

Watercolor on paper. 

Cap St. George Light

 

*****

MMy second painting. I have a lot of work to do when it comes to clouds (and a few other things). 

I plan to keep practicing. The good thing is is the subject is easily identifiable and currently hanging in a place of honor in the repainted bathroom. From a photograph taken in May 2010. 

Cap St. George Light

St. George Island, FL

*****

Painted on canvas board with acrylic paint.

*****

Almost Finished

 

*****

This project consisted of:

Paining - cabinets and walls

New - light fixture, faucet, rug, shower curtain, bowl brush and trash can

Nice to do - frame the mirror, glass tile on the counter top

*****

The Octagon Barn

 

*****

Drawing practice with water color pencils. 

I have a long way to go when it comes to trees. 

*****

Bathroom Touch-Up

 

*****

Now that Jeremy has moved out, we are going to clean up/repaint the bathroom. 

The walls will be painted Oyster, the cabinet will be painted dark brown. 

We are not changing the floor as it is in good shape. However, we are updating the other fixtures. 

Lighting, faucets, shower curtains. Maybe art. 

*****

 

*****

We have several holes and divets in the walls that need to be patched. 

We are hanging a curtain to keep as much dust as possible in the bathroom. 

*****

 

*****

Approximately 5 hours later, the holes are patched. 

The cabinetry is sanded. Everything is ready for primer.  

*****

Painting 101

 

*****

For a while now I have wanted to translate some of my photography into paintings. I have absolutely no painting experience, with the exception of bathrooms, living rooms, and kitchens. This is my very FIRST painting. Very juvenile, I know, but at least I got some paint of the canvas (after a couple glasses of wine and some loud music). This was done with acrylics. I have also tried pastels, which at this point in time seem to be a better fit for me. I have more control of the color and blending. And I can work on my drawing a bit.

Stay tuned. 

*****  

It's About Time

*****

My son's cat, Kat. She has been evil for a week with the packing. 

She knew something was up, just not sure what.

I wonder how she will like being an 'indoor' cat?

*****  

*****

The room Jeremy is leaving. Actually, he has left it 2x before.

They say the 'third times the charm'.

Let's hope so. 

***** 

 

*****

The moving of the possessions has started. 

Considering he worked 13 hours the day before at the Seafood Fest, he was up bright and early.

***** 

 

*****

I am not sure what they are talking about, but it must be something important--notice the arm gestures. 

Jeremy is the quietest man in the family. His dad and brother talk enough for 10 men. 

***** 

 

*****

The new place. An efficiency apartment, just right for a bachelor.

We ran back to the house for a while (we needed to get his laundry from the machine).

Four hours later, everything was put away, pictures were on the wall, and he had his first visitor.

*****

 

*****

A minor repair needed to be made.

***** 

 

*****

As well as the bed. At about this point, Jeremy said 'no more pictures'. 

*****

 

*****

A few months ago I injured my knee (during boot camp, running stairs) add in a bit of arthritis and you have pain. After a couple of visits to the doc and ultra sound therapy my knee was still swollen and inflamed. I finally got my referral to the orthopedic doc and for an MRI. 

*****

Now this drawing is not of my knee, but of my ankle. When I went to get the MRI for my knee, I stumbled on the last step on my way out of the clinic and turned my ankle. (There was a blackberry involved, but I did not tell my husband that.) Yup. It hurt so bad I almost yakked up my b'fast and passed out. Pretty pathetic.

*****

Well, when I went to the ortho, I asked if they could look at the ankle too as the injuries are related. Well, they are. The red arrows point to the tendons that I stretched/tore when I turned the ankle. The blue arrow points to some bone chips; however these could be from a previous injury (I fall down a lot). The red lines at the top are the syringe that he is going to jab into my knee in about 2 minutes.

*****

I walked out of there with a soft splint that would probably pay for a year's tuition at a community college, a cortisone shot in my knee that better reduce the swelling, some fancy x-rays, and a line drawing by my doc. And I only had to spend 3 hours at the drs office.

*****

Bonding and Baking

 

*****

While at work one day, I got a call from Jeremy:

J: Hi, Mom.

M: Hey, Jeremy, what's up?

J: I brought your cookbook to work with me today. I want to bake a cake.

M: Which one?

J: The one with the red cover.

M: OK. What kind of cake are you going to bake?

J: Not sure yet. I'll bring the cookbook home next week.

Instead of bringing home the cookbook, he brought home all the ingredients for the cake for us to bake over the weekend. Let me just say, this is the first ever from scratch cake I have ever made. It tasted fine, but it was a little flat. He took it to work and they even sold a few pieces to their customers.

It was nice to spend a few hours working on a project with my son. A few years ago, this would

have been a highly unlikely event. I guess we are all growing up.

*****

Window Installation Redo

*****

The Farr's ala Grant Wood

I knew tensions would rise once we got started with the removal

of the old window and the installation of the new and that we needed to

have a couple of laughs before we started so I took these first two shots.

It's been about four weeks since we ordered the second window. I don't 

know why it took so long, the first window was ready in two weeks.

The waiting time did allow us an opportunity to mentally prepare ourselves for the upcoming task.

*****  

 

*****

The window came out relatively easy. I was on the outside pushing in and

TOM was on the inside yelling 'push harder'. I'm not giving birth to a baby dude! Anyway, it

finally started to break loose and he's still yelling to push harder. I finally dropped the

'F' bomb and boy did it feel good. Did I mention it has been a couple of really rough

weeks at work? Story for another day. The window is out and it's time to install the

new window. We lift it up into the frame and we find we have some bricks that need to be

chipped away. Scary...new glass, hammer, and chisel. You figure it out. 

Finally, the new window is in place. A few screws, some caulking and expanding 

foam and phase one is complete. TOM gets started on the finishing work. Two hours later and

the job is fini. Not the hardest project we ever worked, but one of the longest.

***** 

*****