Taking it Easy

 I'm taking it easy, and that fits right in with Vladi's plans.

His little belly fluff is so silky soft, and along with the vibrating
purrs and occasional kitten-mews, its really hard to stay awake.

Oh No, Spots!

Nope, this isn't a blog about handsome brown-spotted Tanjiro,

this photo is a place holder to say there are some slightly

gross photos below.

Five days after starting my amoxycillin antibiotics,

I broke out in a rash.  By day seven...

The spots were pretty much everywhere and other symptoms had

arrived: flushed skin, temperature, and mucus in the throat.

Back to the doctor...

Yep, an allergic reaction, at least I had something for show and tell.

We took lots of photos for our biology class.

My drug arsenal has increased and now I'm armed with steroids,

anti-histamines and my epi-pen just in case.

Its been a long two months!

Layers of Color

 Walking in the field, I'm realizing how drawn I am to layered colors.

There is an irresistable richness to the parallel twists and folds.

Layers of wildflowers, layers of minerals, and of course...

...layers of sweets.

Nine Muses

The ancient Greeks introduced the muses, Zeus' nine daughters

who inspired and informed mortals pursuing knowledge and the arts:

For epic poetry, Clio and her writing tablet;

For history, Thalia and her scrolls;

For love poetry, Erato and her lyre;

For song, Euterpe and her flute;

For tragedy, Polyhymnia and her tragic mask;

For hymns, Calliope and her veil;

For dance, Terpsichore and her lyre;

For comedy, Urania and her comic mask;

and for astronomy, Melpomene with her globe and compass.

How do the muses reach us in the modern day?

I'd like to think they come to us in many forms:

family, friends, people we randomly meet,

and even objects that cross our paths.

 For me, this gorgeous ruby ring has become a muse.

I can stare into her like a crystal ball, and my thoughts take off.

 My mind dances from one idea to the next.

Maybe its Erato, bringing her passion and warmth.

 And I'm lucky enough to have a few other muses around too :).

Picture Books

 My favorite books are a mix of illustration and writing,

with witty and whimsical touches that appeal to all ages.

And thanks to Goodwill's 49 cent books, I get to collect

and study the work of the best writers and illustrators.

Plus, searching for the books is a blast!

Return of the Doe

Good Morning to you!

Our doe seems to have returned, and she wanders by the

windows, nibbling leaves and checking us out.

While our whole family visited the garden (3 Bengal cats, 2 humans),

the doe came out of the woods and joined us.

I have a suspicion she sees us as odd curiosities that are fun to watch.

Star Burst

 The best pick-me-up came in the post: Little Love Letter Arts stars.

A tranquil fairy pool Ultra Blue swarovski star...

 ...and a red-hot blue sphinx with extra pizazz.

A gorgeous centerpiece cabochon by the artist.

 

The backs are as sensational as the fronts.

I'm not the only one who is intrigued...

 While I twirl this pretty pink garden fairy star...

 Our little Bengal imp appears.

There's even a bright sparkle for the hair

(Thank-you D!)

The royal showstopper is this Jumbo quartz and crystal star,

measuring 3.5 inches, it feels so substantial in the hand,

I could just carry it around all day (and probably will).

With these amulets I feel ready to enjoy everything.