{Echo} Week 25 - Homestead

" Sugarcane on the Prairie"

I have a good friend named Agnes.  You may remember her from the Marburger Farm post.  She is a most talented lady who owns a business called Wilde Weedze.  Agnes  grows  a beautiful assortment of flowers, ornamental grasses, trees, and more.......all located in and around her home.   She is also an antiques dealer, who has a great space in Nothing Ordinary Antiques & Oddities, in Bellville, Texas.

She and her husband Michael own a 72 acre farm on the Katy Prairie.  The property, which at that time was about 1,100 acres, was purchased by Michael's great-grandfather H.F. Granau.  Later Michael's grandmother, Lottie Strauss, inherited the property, then passing a portion of it down to Michael.  Agnes & Michael now own 72 acres of the original property, and have lived there for 25 years.  They raise healthy fat Texas cattle,  but during the 1970s, like much of the Prairie, rice was raised in most of this area, 
as well as corn in the 1990s.

This part of Texas is also part of my life, as I too live on the Prairie, just much closer to Houston, in the small growing larger, town of Katy.  The unincorporated parcels of the Prairie, continues to be home to all things that the Katy Prairie Conservancy is trying to save, which includes native quail, dove, deer, and of course, geese (in season).

In autumn, just after the huge rice crops have been harvested, the Katy Prairie become the site of one of the most incredible natural spectacles in North America, as thousands, then millions of migratory birds arrive~especially waterfowl.  For most of them, the Katy Prairie is a winter home until March, when they return to nesting in the upper Midwest and Canada.  Others use the Prairie as a staging area on their way south, or may choose to remain here for the entire year.

"Lacecap Hydrangea" 

Be sure and check out Susan & Chrysti's diptych for this echo prompt, and look for more pictures from the group here. 

I must say......this was one of my favorite prompts to date!

among us

  I know I have been quiet here of late.  

It is was not intentional.

Not one bit.

I do believe that inspiration sometimes can be like the ocean's tide.  

It is either in.

~or~

It is out.

 

Echo {Week 19} - Blur

(Please go here to see Chrysti's post and here to go see Susan's.)

Mine has been in.

Which by the way, can does travel faster than a speeding train.

I have been working on a couple of class proposals 

for 2011.

It pushes me 

beyond myself.

It is can be both addicting 

~and~

frustrating.

To see trust what lies just beyond what I see know,

and then to go with it.

 

"trust" 

 

At the same time, 

I have been am designing and preparing to sell my jewelry 

at Marburger Farm, with one of my friends,

Agnes Strauss

of 

Wilde Weedz.

 (Moo card designed by Diane Cook)

Agnes & her friend Carla, have their very own tent, 

"Tent W"

Agnes designs the most gorgeous dried arrangements and wreaths.  

She sells flowers, real bird, duck & emu eggs, peacock feathers, and so, so much more.  

Plus, her tent will be filled with beautiful antiques.

Marburger will be open September 28th ~ October 2nd.

It is one of the best shows during antique week.

This is such a wonderful opportunity, which I have known about for some time, 

but thought about not shared.

Do you remember the fast moving train I told you about earlier?

One more wonderful thing happened just this last Wednesday,

as four of us met to make art, for the very first time.  

We had a real organized make art day!

 Yes, we finally did it, after talking about it for(ever).

I am determined to continue meeting with this group of ladies each month, 

who have art on their minds as much as I do!

Our group consisted of:

Nancy Lawrence, of Nothing Ordinary Antiques & Oddities, Agnes, Carla, and I.  

We met at Agnes' house, and had the best time!  

Our logo picture (above) is one I took of Agnes' cat, Rowdy, who truly does live up to his name.

He was so much fun to watch,

as he tried to climb up a table right outside Agnes' back door.

Oh, yes...we had a great day!

(Moo Card Designed by Diane Cook)

All the Wilde Weedz photos were taken in Agnes' gardens.  

I can't tell you how much fun I had designing these moo cards for her.

Just because....

{Echo} Week 18 - Stripes

  Photo Credits: © Diane Cook (left) © Laura Harrison (right)

Week 18 brings us to a new echo with Chrysti and Susan.
:Stripes:
(Click on picture to enlarge)
Won't you join us?  You can post your pics in the Flickr group, and leave a link to your interpretation in the comment section of either Chrysti or Susan's blog posts.

Once again I turned to my fellow Texas friend, Laura of White Spray Paint, to send her interpretation of the echo, and just as before, she has such a sweet story to tell.

Laura says this:

So many things in my home are tied to memories of my mother.
These plantation shutters may as well be a doll propped on my bed, just as I did as a little girl; they are that memorable.
They remind me of my mother.
Why? Because she wanted these for me.
In her wonderful, eclectic, elegant, traditional way of bringing a house to life, she too dreamed of the day when I could have them too.
Aren't mothers that way?
And so, years ago when they were installed, and she was no longer here to physically stand next to me, I stood in the middle of the house with workmen all around, and I wept.
They were indeed so beautiful.

My picture comes with a story as well, but at the same time I thought I'd share a little more about where I have been for the last week. 

It will all tie together at the end!

  You see, my husband and I have been away on a mini RV trip to a nearby lake.  Big Creek Marina on Lake Sommerville to be exact.  

One of a couple of trips we take each summer with my BIL and SIL. 

We each have a RV,but my BIL and SIL have a beautiful '03 Airstream they bought from an older couple, which was and still is, in perfect condition.  They love it, and I love to take pictures of it, as the shiny metal exterior always puts a gleam in my eye! 

Each morning we rolled out of bed, poured our coffee into a stainless steel carafe and headed outside to sit and look at the water.  We'd sit there soaking in the fresh air, talking about our plans for the day.  Most mornings we were the only people stirring, so all we could hear was the clean sound of nature and a faint engine roar from fishermen heading out to fish somewhere in the distance across the lake.

 I can't tell you how relaxing it is, to not get up at before the crack of dawn, get dressed, catch the Metro bus to downtown Houston, and get to work by 6:30 a.m.  Early yes, but the great trade off for me is I get off work at 3:30 pm!
Ahhh, this was the best remedy to the fast everyday pace I live in.

Lake Sommerville proved to be the perfect place to 
watch children build sand castles.

 Watch people go by in fast moving boats.

 

 Watch birds looking for breakfast,

which included our state bird, 

(the mockingbird)

white egrets,

and my favorite,
scissortails
(which should be our state bird =)
I haven't seen this many

scissortails since I was a little girl.   
Each day I would systematically try to count the number of scissortails I would see.  
I always lost count.

We actually did have one planned event each day.  

We would walk each morning around 9 o'clock.  This particular day we walked down around the park and past the boat ramp.  While passing by a large wild blooming shrub, I noticed all the butterflies

and bees, busily feeding on the bright white blooms.

Bees are quite elusive.  I didn't have the lens to capture it as closely as I wanted, 
but I actually can see all the pollen on its body in this shot!

So, here I am at the point of sharing my interpretation of 
:stripes:
  You see, my BIL and SIL always have a patriotic theme at their campsite.

It begins with their picnic table cover and their party lights, 
and now to a new set of river, or in this case,
lake chairs.

Yes, we use them while sitting in the water under an easy up tent!  
And, there are more stars and stripes there too!
Each day, right after we finished our walk (and breakfast), we would trek down to the water, where my DH and BIL would set up our tent.  Just shy of the water's edge, 
but fully in the water. 

You know this is how we cool off in Texas! 
In the summer.
If we can't go to a flowing river, we get in a nearby lake!

Talk about relaxing!

God Bless Texas!   

{Echo} Week 17 - Market

 This time of the year brings images such as this!

I am jumping back in for the bi-weekly Echo prompt hosted by Susan Tuttle and Chrysti Hydek.  This time I reached out to fellow Texas blogging friend, Laura Harrison, of White Spray Paint, as I asked her to share a favorite market picture for the prompt.  She sent a gorgeous shot of a mound of yellow bell peppers on the right, and describes her photo as this (please click on collage to enlarge):

If given the choice between a market or store, I will pick market every single time.

This speaks pretty accurately not only of my preference, but also of my personality. 

I enjoy the simplicity of it all, including the people. I enjoy speaking Spanish to the vendors, as remedial as my Spanish may be.

In South Texas markets are an explosion of color, food, flowers, wares of all kinds, and music.  I took this photograph at La Pulga (translation:  the flea), a flea market in a small community near where I live.

On an early Saturday morning visit, you can find seasonal fresh fruit and vegetables, Mexican candy, and freshly squeezed juices , and if you are interested in buying a goat, or cabrito, hay for your cattle, a cantera fountain, or a new rose bush, you can do that as well.
It is the simplest form of shopping pleasure for me.  I have on my baseball cap, no makeup, money and keys in my pocket, and a smile on my face. 

My picture is on the left, of freshly dug carrots sitting in a vendor's booth last May as we visited the Austin Farmer's Market.  It was a beautiful day as we went along with our daughter to meet one of her best friends, Laura =), who had just recently moved back to Texas, and now lives in Austin.  

We loved touching and smelling the beautiful produce and enjoyed talking with the vendors that sunny day.  What a sense of pride we felt from them, as they described the produce they had brought in to sell, displaying it in bountiful heaps on their tables.

What to join in?  Go here to see Susan's post and details on the Echo.
You can also peek in here to see all the pictures in the Flickr group.
You will likey =)
BTW....one more day before this little guy (who's coming to visit tomorrow)
picks a name for

 the drawing I am having here!

My Jewelry Affaire

echo:collections

There is absolutely no denying that vintage rhinestones give me a warm & fuzzy feelin'. The thrill of the find is almost as heart pounding as using one of them in that special piece,
AND then having it published.
If you look in my studio, you would say I have an infatuation with vintage rhinestones. I choose to call it my collection thank you =) Every once in a while it all comes together. Know that feeling? It is when you take that certain piece, lay it down on the table, take it apart, and then start adding pieces back to it. Ultimately it becomes a whole. A piece worthy to be worn or sold....or sent to a magazine in hopes it will be published.

I knew Jewlery Affaire was in the works. Jenny Doh and Stampington had talked about it for months. Beth Livesay gave out a call.

But, it wasn't until about two weeks before deadline that I saw it. The box.

Gorgeous creamy velvet on the outside, luscious soft satin in the inside....with a topper that almost made my heart stop.

The satin inside had the most soft buttery glow.
My mind drifted to a day.....
A day I would see my daughter in her wedding dress.

And, that is where it all began.
Often there is so much more behind the piece that's not shared in the magazine. I understand, as there are space restraints.
But, just like Paul Harvey would say..... here is the rest of the story.

"Wedding Necklace"
I sponged the textured box, which held the necklace, with Ranger Distress Ink~Tea Stained. Then I used a favorite swirly design stamp, using more Distress Ink~Walnut Stain, to add additional depth to the box.
I wrapped the necklace in soft creamy tissue before placing it inside. Tied it up with just the right color of vintage seam binding.
Then, laid it in the box.
But, there is still more......

~Tucked inside~

:the poem:

To my Daughter

How can a satin lined box hold all my wishes?

Or velvet coverd one

be filled with years of hugs and kisses?

I have you know,

they are all tucked inside,

Waiting for you to find this little box

and open it wide.

This jewelry was made for your wedding day,

oh, what a surprise!

To see the joy on your face,

and the love in your eyes.

I know of your thoughts,

What if this day would never come?

But I knew all along,

He had patiently been waiting

for just the right one.

So, please wear this necklace on your wedding day,

but, then don't keep it safely tucked away.

Wear it with your t-shirts and jeans,

and little black dresses.

Perhaps with your hair up,

or with your long flowing tresses.

I love you my daughter.

You know it's so very true.

Just remember the day

I gave this wedding necklace to you.

~mom

{Echo} Week 8 - Juicy

I can hold out for a surprise to the very end. No peeking for me.
I can do it. No problem.
But, lets just say maybe you can't, won't, don't, or all of the above.
I am okay with that.
If you are one of those who like seeing what's coming, what's up ahead....well, I finished a few pieces this weekend.
I love to share, and this is a simple little taste of what you might see
Vendor Night,
Friday, March 5th, Adorn Me! 2010.

"juicy"
(I am constantly amazed with the beauty of a czech glass bead. This one reeks of juicy to me.
Go to Susan or Chrysti's blog for their interpretation of the prompt for Week 8).

"czech princess"

"icicles"

"hearts of carnelian"

{Echo} Week 7 : Whisper

"whisper"

As I share my interpretation of the echo prompt given to us by Chrysti and Susan for Week 7,
I am reminded of the glory of God revealed to us in the soft whispering flutter of a butterflies wings.
My shot was taken in south Texas during Thanksgiving weekend.
My prompt partner Lani, shares with us the inukshuk, which just so happens to be the emblem for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.
Lani says this~
"The inukshuk image was from our course. There's an ancient wall built with rocks from when white folks just arrived in the area. It's part of our morning walk. Someone had taken loose rocks and built inukshuk or inuksuit (plural) which means "in the likeness of a human" in the Inuit language. They are monuments made of stones that are used to say "Someone was here" or "You are on the right path." I love these little figures and wonder about all the various peoples that have lived on this land.
The walls and rocks whisper to me "someone was here" and "you are on the right path."
(texture used: les brumes)
Click on photo to enlarge!

{Echo} Week 6: Face

Lani and I are sharing our sixth bi-weekly prompt
with Susan and Chrysti -- face.

Lani explains her interpretation: Edward came down this morning with these miniature daffodils and there was never a more beautiful or welcome face as that of these little flowers in the middle of all our snow and ice! Oh, I agree.
What could be more welcoming than the bright yellow face of a daffodil?

Daffodils have their own little special place buried way down deep in my memory of memories. When I was growing up, my grandmother (Josie) had the most beautiful creamy white daffodils magically appear each Spring in her front yard. They lined up, like a row of soldiers, straight and narrow down the front of the large wooden house where my mother lived as a girl.

On occasion, I was even allowed to pick one...or maybe two!

My contribution is a photo of our beautiful grandson, who will be one in just a few short weeks.
He is growing so fast.
My husband and I travel to see him at least weekly. Grandparents are meant to be a part of their grand children's life. I do know that so very well.

Be sure and visit the Flickr group for more beautiful diptychs.
You will enjoy!
(texture used: les brumes, click on photo to enlarge =)

{Echo} Week 3 - abundance:light

This week's Echo prompt: Abundance.

I chose abundance:light.
Abundant and so very important in my life.
Something I take for granted.
Color would no longer exist without it.
What a bleak thought.

It helps me find my way.
The Brenham House B&B
Brenham, Texas
September 28, 2009

It brightens a dark spot.
Excess
Warrenton, Texas
September 26, 2009

It helps me share a beautiful day
with one very bright light of my life.
Excess Field
Warrenton, Texas
September 27, 2009
And, as always, visit the originators of Echo:
Chrysti and Susan
for (more) abundance.
You will be blessed.
Addition to post:
The collaboration can be seen here.