August 7 Birthday Weekend

     My "birthday weekend" began with a drive on Friday afternoon the 6th; a hot and tiring ride because the sun was bright and of course shining on my side of the car... so, when I reached Anchorage, I pulled over to view the Potter Marsh sightings and to walk the Boardwalk. The kids weren't off work yet and it was perfect timing. 
     The photos are not retouched and all done with my iPhone6. But they give you a perspective of the view with the "Hillside" in the background dotted with homes, the birdlife, and spawning of salmon. Enjoy.

     Alicia treated me to a "fermentation" class at Zucchini's Cooking Store Saturday evening and Lynette joined us. We had so much fun. The first photo is the "final product that I transferred to green storing jars that will reside in my frig over the next several weeks." The transfer occurred two weeks after the process began and the vegetables are delicious. It was a simple salt/water brine and I reserved about another cup that I will use in soup this weekend. 

     Dae and I will begin another jar tomorrow for her family. The girls love them, too. When we were in Anchorage last weekend for school shopping, we tried Alicia's gallon jar and Jason/Lynette also dug into their jar. My kitchen is cooler and therefore fermentation slower. I am totally happy with the outcome and looking forward to the "eats."

Books, Books, Books

     I truly do not believe I have a lot of books after moving from a huge oversized two car garage home four years ago. That's when I really got rid of a tremendous amount of "stuff." Woah, what we choose to retain - way too much, even now!

     So, here I am with what I believe is "not too much" and the need to simplify more. Marie Kondo says her initial book reduction was to retain about 100 books. There are only 40 books in her current collection. I am not sure my "spark of joy" can retain so few; however, I am taking all of this from the shelves and putting on tables in the middle of my livingroom to begin the selection. Quite the task.

Clothes Sorted - Continued

     Here are final photos; finished with clothes "tidying up." Woah; two days in and "fun" turned into "work" - LOL. Had to continue since I had such a mess. Is definitely worth it! Imagine that I "sparked joy" in more pieces than necessary, but I only have a 637 sqft apartment with a small bedroom and only 1/2 closet space - the other half houses mixed media art supplies. Am sure more items will be discarded as time passes.

     Books are next, then documents, then the "komono" (miscellaneous), and mementos. Once I have completed I will be giving away the "book" that explains how to do this method. Hugs.

Tidying Up - Kondo Method

     The last couple months have seen me getting my health in order. Kidney stones (after sonogram and CT, thinking a blast would be needed) are clear for six more months when another x-ray is due; dermatology biopsy came back as psoriasis so continuing treatment and will see the doctor in six weeks; and, sciatica improving with exercises though I still can't lift as I used to... However, "with that said" (ha) I am moving forward with downsizing and "tidying up." The ultimate goal is to get this done so I can focus on some art projects. This is so exciting!

     Lynette did an FB post on a book by Marie Kondo, "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up," the Japanese art of decluttering and organizing:

     I went to YouTube and watched a couple videos, one with a Marie Kondo interview and a couple others showing her method in use. Here are pics from today's initial start. One works at selection by categories - first is clothing. So, I am to take ALL of my clothing wherever it might be and put it in one place. Next, I eliminate by keeping what brings a "spark of joy," handling each item. 

     The book says that everyone is amazed at the amount of clothing (indeed); but, I am having fun and finding clothes that I really like and forgot I had - hidden somewhere back in a drawer or in my half closet. 

     So, a "wee bit" embarrassed at the amount of this pile; I still have to bring the clothes on hangers out, and the shoes (but I got rid of some of those last summer). 

And, the pile keeps growing:

Actually have "empty" drawers. Soon, "empty" closet.

Then, to choose what to keep and "sparks joy." 

Stay tuned - will post pics of the "folding" and outcome!

Have a Blessed Easter

Sony Nex7 Practice

     Using macro extensions with my e-mount lenses for the Nex7 that I bought almost two years ago.

     There is so much to learn about adjustment of the focal point and lighting, but will keep trying. The first two pics are from a 3-hour macro class Mark Pierson teaches that I took a couple of weeks ago; and, the last (pink Easter cactus bloom) was shot on my own last week.

Tooting My Horn

     I am really excited to say that before I left on my holiday to Palm Springs, I leased the marketing and advertising rights to one of my photos that I took of the Kenai River in Cooper Landing, Alaska.
     Friends have collaborated in a coffee roasting business, called Kenai River Coffee Company. 
     My "Alaska Blue Moose" is reserved with the State of Alaska and so my business license should arrive soon! I am not 100% sure yet how I will go about marketing some of my other prints and/or photo-acrylic art pieces, but suffice it to say I may get something in the works - or may not. But, at least the option will be available.
     The website for the roasted coffee beans should be "live" soon and I am putting the link below for your perusal. 
     Thanks for celebrating with me! Hugs.

www.kenairivercoffee.com

2015 Palm Springs Trip

     Trip to Palm Springs this year commenced on Feb 3rd (all day travel, arriving at 1015pm) and ended with return to Anchorage at 3pm and overnighter with Alicia and family on the 19th (all day travel again, leaving PSP at 8am). Didn't take as many photos at I anticipated and only brought my iPhone6 with me. But, was able to capture a few snaps for sure. I did not alter any of the photos shown but may take a few into CS6... and, some were taken by others - lol - if I am in the photo! Enjoy.

(As always, click on the pics for a larger view. Hugs)

First stop on the 4th was Rubios with Nadine; doing errands. 

Here are a couple of pics from Nadine and Owen's

rented 5th wheel, this year staying at Two Springs

about eight miles down the hill from Hidden Springs, DHS.

A group of approximately 16 of us visited Integratron,

up the valley from PSP. We had a special "sound" session

and it was an enlightening and fun outing.

Visit the link below for more information.

http://integratron.com/

I divided my time between Two Springs and Hidden Springs;

sleeping at Hidden Springs and enjoying the amenities of both

places for the pool and aerobics (HS), hot tub (HS),

tai chi (TS), the Iler Cup Golf Tournament that

Nadine and Owen participated in with dinner conclusion (HS),

and many other gatherings 

(Appie Hours, picnics and karaoke).

Thank you to all the hosts and hostesses for the many invites

that included me along with Nadine and Owen,

great food and fun times.

There were two movie outings each with eats afterward:

The Most Violent Year 

Selma 

Here's a pic of Nadine teaching, the
T'ai Chi Yang Long Form (the Terence Dunn way), first third of form.

Nadine graciously asked me to help a few times.

Of course, a very special "Thank You"...

to June, Charlotte, and Char

(for putting me up in sleeping accommodations)

pictured here at our special ribs, my Mom's mac and cheese,

and Charlotte's divine lemon meringe pie dinner...

Was able to connect with Sox (Socrates), a friend

I met in 1999 at a workshop in Medford, OR, along with

a mutual friend Liz... we have had good times together

doing three lacebook collaboratives the last few years.

Sox has a special showing at the Lon Michels Gallery in PSP.

Her paintings (shown right in photo of me and Todd Olsen) 

and jewelry are showcased at the gallery.

And, finally, Joshua Tree National Park... 

Yes, I was knitting in the sun/shade; covered up but

have a camisole under - forgot my sunscreen!

Fabulous Trip...

The San Andreas Fault (1/3 from top of photo below).