Study in Pink 4

Study in Pink 4
Originally uploaded by Sylvia...Sometimes.

A strange sleepless night. With Kitty dying, then Sue, then my bike being ripped off, then the burglary...I feel empty. I sit down to do a collage and nothing comes. I know this will change...but for tonight, I struggle. Tomorrow I will remember that my losses are so little when compared to so many. My heart goes out to them.

Michael Leigh Collaged Bday card Sept 2005

Michael Leigh Collaged Bday card Sept 2005
Originally uploaded by Sylvia...Sometimes.

So, back from Montreal & Ottaway. If you haven't been to Montreal...stop!!!Right now start looking for a way to go, cuz it's an experience you won't forget. Why...food, charm, atmosphere, culture, Biodome, Insectorium, Botanical gardens...and did I mention shopping? Wherever you walk, you are sure to find fabulous little shops to browse, musicians on the street to entertain,and the people-watching is guaranteed to keep your interest. So, I did a little experiment...camera on, watching how people would react. Amazing how many strangers played into it...doing little bows and poses...total fun. People dress here...whew no nakies running around! But what I mean is...one sees it all. A charming joie de vivre. After a few days it was on to Ottaway. Massive, open-air feel...something interesting to see which ever way one looks. May I suggest dinner at the Fish Market? As we entered a satisfied customer exclaimed "Wow! The fish was FANTASTIC!!!". Downstairs is more formal and expect to wait...but upstairs offers most anything just as good. Reasonable prices and a view. Hated to leave, but back to Montreal at a B&B on Fontaine Park...different in feel...more residential. We actually enjoyed it more than being right in the center of the Latin Quarter. A serene place to wander about taking in wonderful old homes and spaces. After a death march walk across town to the Musee des Beau Art and back, our feet were refusing to walk further. Just in time...a pub to lift the spirits until dinner at L'Epress at 9 PM. Reservations just about mandatory. Prepare to be WAY spoiled by the staff...and anything, I mean anything one orders I am sure is superb! Two hours later we are sated. And the place is still lined up with people wanting to get in. Fresh cool air on the walk home. And what should we see? Budget hearts and brains on sell at a medical supply store. Jon is sure that is where his brain comes from. Oh, we will go back...maybe this winter to see the glow of night lights on the snow...
Lots of stops on the way home...taking pictures of landscape (hopefully fodder for futures paintings by Jon). Home...yes, sweet home. YEAH!!! Everything intact and welcoming...but holy cow-a BOX of mail. Some things one develops a radar for. Mailart!!! Michael Leigh has sent one of his great envelopes...always a treat. But oh wait...inside a delicate, beautiful collaged birthday card. THAT was my present and I couldn't have been more pleased, but Michael also included a Crosby, Stills & Nash collector's CD. Thanks to Michael, Hazel, & Archie for putting this big grin on my face!
I feel totally spoiled...thank you, Jonathan, for introducing me to Montreal. And thank you everyone for being you! Til later...

frame

frame
Originally uploaded by Sylvia...Sometimes.

So thanks to Michael (A1WastedPapiers), there was this new stamp toy to play with so I used an old collaged ATC and voila! Have to say I've been pleased with the flickr community...so much to see out there that is kicka** good!
Readying for the holidays...piles everywhere that will no way fit into the suitcase...but hey, we're taking the car. Oh man, passport picture is godzilla awful....and I'm stuck with it for 8 more years. Raining...could be worse and I shan't complain. And now it's time for dinner...Beef Wellington...um, slightly botched. :-)
Where ever you are...don't forget the galoshes!

Ed Giecek collage Sept 2005

Ed Giecek collage Sept 2005
Originally uploaded by Sylvia...Sometimes.

So, I was puttering about, head in the sand..."and then along comes Sally"! That would be the postman and looky, looky what he brought! Mail from Ed Giecek is a special treat...it's just full of energy & heart & fun. Changed my mood to "I'm walking on sunshine...yeah, yeah". Then we make a quick run to the market for snacks for tomorrow's family birthday celebration. My special choice is a baked bean & cheese dip...bit of cumin, oregano, chopped chilies, tomatoes, pintos, and sharp cheese. Yum Yum, I seez. Let me tell you, the skies were a brilliant deep blue...perfect for a picnic and that's what we all did...leisurely. Full of good talk and company. Sangrias for the ladies, and you name it for the gents. Eventually, it was time to share gifts (Jon's family has many birthdays in August but they get together whenever all can meet to celebrate). So, gifts were being directed to the honorees...when suddenly there were presents handed to me. I was puzzled...thought it a mistake! No...this wonderful family somehow learned I have a birthday coming up...and they spoiled me thoroughly!!! What a gracious people.
Later, a fire was built and we all gathered 'round...just enjoying.
I hope your day was as good as mine...and if not, hang in there...it will be soon. Wherever you are...if you are reading this, you are in better shape than so many. Stay safe.

Riding High

Riding High
Originally uploaded by Sylvia...Sometimes.

Well, fiddlely dee and fiddlely dum...What a day! We must not be the most observant people because yesterday we were burglarized...and didn't realize it until today. Doh. Jon noticed the contents of his carryall were dumped into a chair. "What the h***!!!" Then realized the carryall was gone...then the cameras...change jars, etc. Strange because more expensive items-computers, art, silver were here. Obviously they went for the smaller stuff they could dump into the bag. It wasn't until I called the police and reached into my larger handbag that I realized my wallet & contents were dumped all inside. Yep...credit cards. I usually use a smaller bag and the wallet doesn't fit. I just carry drivers license and debit card. So you know what I've been doing the last few hours...frantically calling. Turns out they have charged $700 already on one card!!! In a town 15-20 miles away. OHHHHH! I hope they get them. Thankfully I found out I have fraud coverage but that's not the point. Our home feels violated. And was this just a quick one time occurrence...or now they know what is here, will they be back. AND, we leave for holiday in 2 weeks. Just won't feel at ease the whole time. Well, I don't want to be totally down here...we are having brilliant weather and walkabouts to enjoy. Thankfully, New Orleans is getting help now...and from so many different areas that it makes one feel good. There is an auction that is doing well, where I and many more offered up art/autographed photos, etc...proceeds to the ARC. People all over our country are pitching in. So when I consider our little loss, it doesn't weigh much...considering. Our news here is giving primary coverage to Katrina's devastation...little on Iraq. Surely, it must be as dreadful as ever. Hopefully some progress being made there. Our world seems so turned upside down. Or maybe I should have my glasses changed. Where ever you are, I hope you are safe and happy.