Sometimes, two steps back gets you back on the right foot

Although my next paycheck may be a little slimmer than I normally expect, getting the day off and using it to go to the Big Lake was well worth it.

I was having a hard time finding any lake glass, something I usually brag about with my keen eyes and hound skills. I blamed it on the sun at my back, I blamed it on the calm waves, having walked a great stretched with nothing to show for it, I decided to try my search again as I headed back. Stopping before really, truly starting (again), I thought, "maybe walk a couple feet more and then begin," and what did I find? -lake glass; and what would I continue to find?- lake glass. After all was said and done, I ended up with a wet sock and shoe, and sand in between the cuff of my sock and ankle skin...a free exfoliant courtesy of a rogue wave.

The Free Flow of Paint on Wet Fabric

Wet paint on fabric creates instant memories of U.P. blue skies. The fabric is stretched into old vintage frames distressed slightly more than they already were. If my world could consist of nothing but blue skies, I think I would be quite content and quite artistically productive. Oh, U.P., how I love your scenery.

All I Need is a Tree Against a Cloud Infused Blue Sky to Make me Happy

I'm making up for my recent lack of posts and photos. Holidays take up a lot of my time, as well as figuring out the dynamics of trying to purchase a home.

Here are trees and clouds, some of the simplest God-given beauty out there.

If the Sky were a Paint Swatch, it'd be called U.P. Spring Blue

Originally this blog piece was going to be about temperatures warming up and the frozen lake reappearing in it's free moving form, but upon driving out to thrift stores, taking in the views of the sky, and letting my thoughts come and go, I realized there is no other area I'd like to be, for me, my son, my family.

The night before, Bits looked out the window and saw two deer walking through the front yard.

During the day, when he wasn't running, running, and running, he walked, face turned downward, searching for acorns (Mommy prefers to find pinecones, of course).

Yesterday, on our drive along US 2, a coyote (I think it may have been a wolf, but don't want to make such a strong claim) came walking across our driven path.

I was driving a little askew as my eyes and camera took in the pure sky. The shade of blue in the sky was so appropriate for the brisk spring U.P. day. I found fabric at the thrift store close to the exact color in the sky, it must have been saved for me to find.

It was one of those days, where I wasn't quite dressed for the temps., but the day itself made me think about all that this quiet area of the U.P. really has to offer.

Nothing like Driving Home Eating a Chocolate Dipped Vanilla Ice Cream Cone with Mittens on and Heat Blasting

Here's some blue skies to share and an inspiration photo for spring colors ever so similar to a pic. I had seen by a professional photographer.

Think purples, greens, and aquas for spring entertaining. More to come with definite uses of vintage fabric and papers. Oh yeah, and I got some DQ ice cream tonight.

Ahhhh, to Do Nothing at All

I may be doing things (meaning a whole lotta nothing) less than blog worthy, but I still look up at my blue skies.

If I am up early enough, have opened the curtains, and drank at least a cup of coffee, I'll peek out the windows to see the sun coming up casting its warm orangey pinks on the snow. If my caffeine is really kicking in, I'll even tilt my head up to see the sky coming to life on a new day.

I captured these beauties the other morning. Save this pics. for yourself to view on those gray, cloudy days that remind us to expect more snow for many more weeks to come.

I'd Rather be Sitting Outside Staring at the Sky

We received some snow yesterday evening and today. I can't remember how many days we went without a fresh falling of snow, but it just didn't seem right, living in the U.P. and all. I'm somewhat glad to see it return. I went outside with Bits bundled and tackled another bout of shoveling. Have I mentioned that I loathe (deeply loathe) wet, heavy snow. My arms hurt, back aches, and wrists are sore over shoveling only a few inches. Here's hoping the weather goes back to the cold, light stuff and makes my job somewhat easier. I have been quoted as not really minding shoveling, and actually appreciating it for the exercise it gives me, but I'll have to eat my shovel if this heavy mix keeps up.

The lighthouse paintings are back on track, but are at that frustrating, getting into the groove of the painting point.

I had a couple blue sky photos hidden in my back pocket from last week, so that's what I give to you all.

Tree Confections

Yesterday the sun was out and the sky was clear. The sun warmed up the snow and melted the snowmans' features, but the air was cold enough to leave frost on the far tips of the trees, looking like the trees had been dipped in coarse sugar.

Bits and I had to venture to the Post Office yet again and of course driving is always so troublesome when I just want to be staring up and out at the sky. I've been getting better at remembering my camera when I go out, so after our errands were done, we took not one, but two drives around the lake. I snapped a few more pics of blue skies.

If you know me and know my lighthouse and beachscape art you know I have a soft spot for a nice bright blue sky. Today we have even more places to run and shop and that means a drive all the way into Ironwood. Looks to be another beautiful day, cross your fingers I don't drive off the road while enjoying the view.