"Yule" Haiku and Fiber Art - December 30, 2011

"Yule"  Haiku and Fiber Art - December 30, 2011

Sparkling baubles...
Glistening upon the tree...
My eyes dance with cheer...

       A designed and made this fiber art piece to go with my "yule"  haiku.  I made thousands of beaded icicles for my Christmas tree over the years.  I took a digital photo of some of these icicles in a crystal vase on my coffee table and then printed it on fabric.  I then quilted it and added real  red beads to the tree and many of my beaded icicles onto the photo of the vase.   This gives it a 3-D effect.   Fifteen of my beaded icicles were attached to this fiber piece.   It does glisten brightly.

      I participated in an internet Haiku Fiber Art group for 2011.  I made a fiber art quilt and wrote a haiku every month,  after a key word was e-mailed to us at the beginning of each month.  I'm so proud that I stuck with it and made a quilt and wrote a haiku for every month of 2011.

Evening Sky - December 29, 2011

Evening Sky - December 29, 2011

        We had a beautiful sunset two days ago on Tuesday.   I took this photo standing on my front porch.  The pink and blue colors were vivid.

A Close Up of My Tree Ornaments - December 28, 2011

A Close Up of My Tree  Ornaments - December 28, 2011

       This is a close up of a few of my tree ornaments.  I have made many Christmas tree ornaments over the years to put on my tree and to give to friends and relatives.  I have made cross stitch ornaments,  painted ornaments, needlepoint ornaments, beaded ornament covers, crocheted ornaments, painted cinnamon sticks, photo in glass bulbs,  and over 3000+  beaded icicles and many more different things to place on the tree.  I have about 400 of the beaded icicles on the tree this year.
    I enjoy doing all kinds of needlework, quilting and crafts.

Inside the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington DC - December 27, 2011

Inside the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington DC - December 27, 2011

     Here is a photo that I took inside the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center about ten days ago when I was in Washington DC to go to see the White House decorations again.  We parked under the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center and walked through the main lobby to go outside.  It had a very "art deco"  feel and look to it.  There was also a small museum dedicated to  911 off the main lobby that I got to visit. 
http://www.itcdc.com/

Ceiling Inside the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington DC - December 26, 2011

Ceiling Inside the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington DC - December 26, 2011

      I took this photo of the ceiling inside the Ronald Reagan building in downtown Washington DC about ten days ago.  It had a mesh look to it from far away, but it is really a cone-shaped, horizontal glass skylight that soars from 35 to 125 feet over the 170-foot-diameter Atrium. The skylight comprises an acre of glass.
 http://www.itcdc.com/about.php?p=12

Oh Christmas Tree - December 25, 2011

Oh Christmas Tree - December 25, 2011

        I took this photo of my Christmas tree before the packages were opened.  I love to decorate the tree and it is  "dripping"  with at least four hundred beaded icicles that I made.  I love how it sparkles.

Christmas Eve Good Cheer - December 24, 2011

Christmas Eve Good Cheer - December 24, 2011

       I hope that everyone has a cheerful Christmas Eve..  A toast to you all.

Christmas Goodies - December 23, 2011

Christmas Goodies - December 23, 2011

       This is a photo of some of the Christmas goodies  ( cookies and candies)  that I made this holiday season.   Everything taste delicious.  

La Paella Spanish Restaurant in Los Angeles, Ca. - December 22, 2011

La Paella Spanish Restaurant in Los Angeles, Ca. - December 22, 2011

       I took this photo last Wednesday night when I ate at La Paella Spanish restaurant in Los Angeles, California.  I enjoyed tapas and sangria.  It was delicious.
  http://www.usalapaella.com/www.usalapaella.com/Welcome.html

In-N-Out Burger in Hollywood, California - December 21, 2011

In-N-Out Burger in Hollywood, California - December 21, 2011

       After leaving the Beverly Wilshire Hotel last Thursday night,  I got to enjoy a burger and strawberry shake at  In-N-Out burger in Hollywood, California.  It was delicious.

Ornate Ceiling Inside the Biltmore Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles, Ca. - December 20, 2011

Ornate Ceiling Inside the Biltmore Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles, Ca. - December 20, 2011

       I took this photo of the ornate ceiling inside the Biltmore Hotel in downtown Los Angeles, California last  Tuesday night.  I enjoyed seeing all their "over the top"  holiday decorations and also enjoyed a "rusty nail"  at the cocktail bar.
      It is always interesting to walk down one hallway and see all the historical photos from all the early "Academy Award"  events that were held there.  Some of the photos are from the 1930s.  It's a walk back in history.

Capitol Records in Los Angeles, California - December 19, 2011

Capitol Records in Los Angeles, California - December 19, 2011

      I took this photo of Capitol Records in Los Angeles, California last week.

The Red Room in the White House in Washington DC - December 18, 2011

The Red Room in the White House in Washington DC - December 18, 2011

       I took this photo in the Red Room in the White House in Washington DC.  Each room is decorated so beautifully this year.

At the White House in Washington DC - December 17, 2011

At the White House in Washington DC - December 17, 2011

       I got to go back to the White House in Washington DC to see the holiday decorations again on Saturday afternoon.  It is always fun and interesting  to visit the White House.  It looks beautiful this year.

At the Christmas Tree on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills , California - December 16, 2011

At  the Christmas Tree on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills , California - December 16, 2011

       This photo was taken at the large Christmas tree on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, California.  I had just enjoyed drinks at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel.   It was a wonderful evening.

At the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. for Cocktails - December 15, 2011

At the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. for Cocktails - December 15, 2011

      I love having cocktails at the bar in the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly  Hills, California.  I enjoyed a wonderful martini there.

At "The Grove" Shopping Center in Los Angeles, Ca. - Santa's Gingerbread House - December 14, 2011

At  "The Grove"  Shopping Center in Los Angeles, Ca. -  Santa's Gingerbread House - December 14, 2011

     I love going to "The Grove"  shopping center in Los Angeles, California, by the Farmer's Market,  to shop and watch them film the  "Extra" TV show.  This is a photo that I took of the Santa's Gingerbread House in the center of the street.   You can see the very large Christmas tree in the background.  

Stagecoach in the Wells Fargo Museum in Downtown Los Angeles, Ca. - December 13, 2011

Stagecoach in the Wells Fargo Museum in Downtown Los Angeles, Ca. - December 13, 2011

      While walking through the Wells Fargo Bank building in downtown Los Angeles, California,  I saw a sign for the Wells Fargo Museum.   This is one of the stagecoaches in the tiny museum.  It was great .

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery - December 12, 2011

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery - December 12, 2011

      I took this photo on Saturday at Arlington National Cemetery when I was attending the opening ceremony for "Wreaths Across America" -  the laying of the wreaths on the grave sites for the holiday season. The amphitheater, where the ceremony was held,  is just behind this area.  There were thousands of volunteers/people there for this event on Saturday morning.  So next December,  just make your way towards Arlington National Cemetery and follow the crowd.  You will end up here for this very special event.
http://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/events/escort-to-arlington/

Placing Wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery - "Wreaths Across America" - December 11, 2011

Placing Wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery - "Wreaths Across America" - December 11, 2011

        Yesterday I volunteered at Arlington National Cemetery for "Wreaths Across America".   A friend and I went to participate and place the wreaths on the grave sites for  the 20th anniversary of this event.  Anyone can show up to volunteer without signing  up.  The opening ceremony is at 8:30am and thousands of volunteers show up from all over the country.   Here is a web site that tells about this event.  
http://www.armytimes.com/news/2011/12/ap-100k-wreaths-headed-to-arlington-cemetery-120511/

Wreaths Across America - Arlington National Cemetery - December 10, 2011

Wreaths Across America - Arlington National Cemetery - December 10, 2011

     Today I was up very early to go to Arlington National Cemetery for the 20th anniversary of the placing of the wreaths on the graves,  known as "Wreaths Across America".  After an opening ceremony ,  over a thousand volunteers fanned out to place wreaths on the graves for the holiday season.  I took this photo in the section where a friend and I placed wreaths today.  Here is a web site to read about the history of this volunteer project.  I have three family members buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
http://www.armytimes.com/news/2011/12/ap-100k-wreaths-headed-to-arlington-cemetery-120511/

Full Moon in Northern Virginia - December 9, 2011

Full Moon in Northern Virginia - December 9, 2011

       I took this photo of the full moon in northern Virginia tonight.  It really glows through the trees.  It's beautiful.

The White House Gingerbread House - December 8, 2011

The White House Gingerbread House - December 8, 2011

     I took this photo of the Gingerbread House in the State Dining Room at the White House in Washington DC  when I visited at the end of November..   It is covered in white chocolate and weighs about 400 pounds.  It took six weeks to make.  Here is a web site that tells all about this gingerbread house.  It lights up and has four decorated rooms.
http://obamafoodorama.blogspot.com/2011/12/executive-pastry-chef-bill-yosses-on.html

Gates to the White House - December 7, 2011

Gates to the White House - December  7, 2011

      I took this photo of the decorated gates outside the White House in Washington DC last week.   Very impressive

The Blue Room Christmas Tree at the White House - December 6, 2011

The Blue Room Christmas Tree at the White House - December 6, 2011

        I took this photo a week ago of the main Christmas tree in the Blue Room at the White House.  I was there to see all the holiday decorations.  The tree was decorated to honor the military.  It was beautiful.

Chocolate Covered Pretzels - December 5, 2011

Chocolate Covered Pretzels - December 5, 2011

     I love making chocolate covered pretzels. I buy white and milk chocolate almond bark.   I  heat chunks of it in the microwave ,  dip little pretzel rings or pretzel rods in the melted chocolate < a few at a time>   and lay them on wax paper or foil.  I then sprinkle them with colored sugars.  They dry very quickly and are ready to eat.
   There  is nothing like the taste of a salty pretzel covered in chocolate.   Everyone loves them.  Yum...

Cookies and Tea at the White House - December 4, 2011

Cookies and Tea at the White House - December 4, 2011

       I took this photo last Wednesday when I was at the White House to see the holiday decorations with other military families.  Mrs. Obama was showing the decorations to the media for the first time this season.  The cookies were delicious.

Waiting for Mrs. Obama to Come to the Press Room to Talk About the White House Decorations - December 3, 2011

Waiting for Mrs. Obama to Come to the Press Room to Talk About the White House Decorations - December 3, 2011

   I got this photo take of me when I was at the White House last Thursday.  I was there with the Gold Star Wives and Mrs. Obama was showing the White House decorations to the press/media the first time this season.  She was also honoring the military families.

"Gnarled Coral" - Haiku and Fiber Art - December 2, 2011

"Gnarled Coral" -  Haiku and Fiber Art - December 2, 2011

We're safe and secure...
Hidden from the world's dangers...
Is it just a dream...

   I designed and made this fiber piece with cotton fabrics, fancy yarns and beads.

Mrs. Obama at the White House - Greeting the Military and the Press to Show the Holiday Decorations - December 1, 2011

Mrs. Obama at the White House - Greeting the Military and the Press to Show the Holiday Decorations - December 1, 2011

    I took this photo of Mrs. Obama at the White House yesterday,  when she greeted the Gold Star Wives, Gold Star Mothers and some military families and children  and the press/media to show the decorations in the White House for this holiday season.   The  theme this year is "Shine, Give, Share"  and also has a theme to honor the military
    I am a Gold Star Wife and was invited to attend.  All the media were taking photos and filming from the back and side of the room.   We  were each given a souvenir booklet when we were leaving the White House.  I got to take a lot of photos while I was there. We were allowed to walk through all the decorated rooms at our leisure and take photos.  Guides were on hand to tell the history of each room that was decorated.

At the White House in DC for the First Lady to Show the Holiday Decorations to the Military Families and the Press - November 30, 2011

At the White House in DC for the First Lady to Show the Holiday Decorations to the Military Families and the Press - November 30, 2011

    I got to go to the White House today with the Gold Star Wives, Gold Star Mothers and some Military Families to see the First Lady, Mrs. Obama,  show the White House decorations to the "press and media" for the first time this season.
   I am a member of Gold Star Wives and this is a photo of me in front of the Gold Star Family Tree.   The decorations honor the military throughout the house this year. 

Lasagna - November 29, 2011

Lasagna - November 29, 2011

       I made this homemade lasagna over the past two days.  I called a friend and ask if I could bring it to their  house to share with them.  They made a salad and we all had a wonderful dinner together this evening.   It turned out delicious.

Morning Sky - November 28, 2011

Morning Sky - November 28, 2011

        I took this photo of the sky from my front porch. 

Decorated Back Deck - November 27, 2011

Decorated Back Deck - November 27, 2011

         I have white lights and metal yard art on my deck for winter with a wreath to bring holiday cheer.

"High Noon" - journal quilt - November 26, 2011

"High Noon"  - journal quilt - November 26, 2011

     I designed and made this  8 1/2" x 11"  journal quilt in July of 2005.  I made it for the Journal Quilt Project  for the Houston International Quilt Festival.  It did travel to some of their other venues to be exhibited.    I used cottons, fancy yarns and beads.   I also hand painted cheesecloth an olive green to use for some of the leaves.  
    I used this design as a "jumping off"  point to make a large quilt .  I will show that quilt soon.  A lot of times I will make a small designed quilt that will lead to a bigger piece later on.  
     This quilt was also chosen to be featured on page 161 in the book   ""Personal pages and Inspirations -  1000 Artist Journal Pages"  by Dawn DeVries Sokol.   ........................
 http://www.dblogala.com/1000-artist-journal-pages/

Shadows in Side Winter Garden - November 25, 2011

Shadows in  Side Winter Garden - November 25, 2011

        I took this photo of my side winter garden.  All the flowers are gone for the season.  You can see the shadow of the neighbor's deck reflecting on my wall.

Thanksgiving Dinner - November 24, 2011

Thanksgiving Dinner - November 24, 2011

         I got to enjoy Thanksgiving day and dinner with very special friends.  As you can see,  I think I ate a little too much.   I tried a spoonful of everything.

Evening Sky - November 23, 2011

Evening Sky - November 23, 2011

          I took this photo from my front porch of the sunset .   The sky was beautiful.

"The Eagle Has Landed" - journal quilt - November 22, 2011

"The Eagle Has Landed"  - journal quilt - November 22, 2011 

       I made this "Journal quilt" to hang at the Houston International Quilt Festival in  February of 2002.   It was also chosen to be featured on page 49 in the book "Creative Quilting - The Journal Quilt Project" by Karey  Patterson Bresenhan.   It is made of cotton fabrics and has embroidery and beads on it. I was inspired by the full moon and the 25th anniversary of the moon landing. 
http://softexpressions.com/software/books/4L0200.php

Beaded Insects and Fish - November 21, 2011

Beaded Insects and Fish - November 21, 2011

     I took this photo of some beaded insects and fish that I made.  I drew out some shapes on graph paper and then beaded these insects and fish on thin gold  or black wire.  I'm having so much fun designing and beading these treasures.  I have a lot more drawn out that I can't wait to make,

Homestead Gardens Holiday Display - November 20, 2011

Homestead Gardens Holiday Display - November 20, 2011

         I took this photo this morning at Homestead Gardens  in Davidsonville, Md  (  by Annapolis). 
They had their Christmas opening yesterday.  The flowers and Christmas decorations were wonderful.  I bought a tiny poinsettia and a few tree ornaments.   I  have a great time going their every year with my niece.
http://www.homesteadgardens.com/about-us/about-/homestead-for-the-holidays/

First Gingerbread House - November 19, 2011

First Gingerbread House - November 19, 2011

     I can't believe that I never tried to make a gingerbread house before.   Two friends and I bought these little gingerbread house kits and made them yesterday.   We had a great time and  I think it turned out pretty good for my first try.  Oh,  by the way,  I ate way too much icing and candy yesterday.  <grin>

"Yakkaichi City" - Japanese Manhole Cover Quilt - November 18, 2011

"Yakkaichi City" - Japanese Manhole Cover Quilt - November 18, 2011

    This is the third Japanese manhole cover quilt that I made.  I was given a small black and white sketch of a a manhole cover from Yakkaichi City in Japan by Shirley MacGregor, a quilt artist from Oregon.    While living in Japan,  she discovered the beautiful manhole covers that the streets of most cities and towns have.  This inspired her two books,  Quilting with Manhole Covers and Treasures Underfoot.
http://shirleymacgregor.com/about

    I made this quilt using batik and cotton fabrics  in 1999.   I also sewed on many beads in the background.   The quilt is  18" x 19" in size and was published in and featured on the cover of  Shirley MacGregor's second book,  "Treasures Underfoot".   This quilt traveled with a "trunk show"  around the world and was exhibited in many galleries, quilt shows and museums. 

"Yamagata City" - Japanese Manhole Cover Quilt - November 17, 2011

"Yamagata City" - Japanese Manhole Cover Quilt - November 17, 2011

        This is the second Japanese manhole cover quilt that I made.  I was given a black and white photo of the design of the manhole covers in the Yagamata City.   by Shirley MacGregor , a quilt artist from Oregon.  She was living in Japan at this time.  She arranged a trunk show for these manhole cover quilts to travel around the world to be exhibited in galleries, quilt shows and museums.
   I made this quilt using batik,  cottons and moire fabrics.  I also used cording and did silk ribbon embroidery on this quilt.   It is machine and hand quilted and is  18" x 19" in size.

"Fukui City"- Japanese Manhole Cover Quilt - November 16, 2011

"Fukui City"- Japanese Manhole Cover Quilt - November 16, 2011

     This is a photo of the first Japanese manhole Cover quilt that I made.  I was given a small black and white sketch of a manhole cover from Fukui City in Japan by Shirley MacGregor,  a quilt artist from Oregon.
While living in Japan she discovered the beautiful manhole covers that adorn the streets of most cities and towns. This inspired two books, Quilting with Manhole Covers and Treasures Underfoot.
 http://shirleymacgregor.com/about

     I made this quilt using hand painted fabric and black ultra suede.  I machine quilted it and it is 14" in diameter..  I  made this quilt in 1998 and it is published in  Shirley MacGregor's book,  "Quilting With Manhole Covers".  This quilt has traveled all around the world and was shown in many shows and museums.

The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites, Los Angeles - November 15, 2011

The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites, Los Angeles  - November 15, 2011

        I took this photo of the outside of the Westin Hotel in downtown Los Angeles,  where I was staying.  There is a plaque outside of one of the external elevator shafts,  saying that the fight scene from the movie  "True Lies"  (  with Arnold Schwarzenegger )  was filmed there.  The elevators go up on the outside of the building.

Hakata Ramen Shin Sen Gumi Restaurant in Los Angeles, Ca. - November 14, 2011

Hakata Ramen Shin Sen Gumi  Restaurant in  Los Angeles, Ca. - November 14, 2011

     When I was in Los Angeles, Ca. last week,  I went to this Ramen restaurant in the Little Tokyo section of downtown Los Angeles.   I had the pork ramen soup and some dumplings.  Everything was delicious  and the atmosphere was wonderful.  I took this photo inside the restaurant of it's decor.
http://gastronomyblog.com/2011/10/16/shin-sen-gumi/

Lake Mead, Nevada - November 13, 2011

Lake Mead, Nevada - November 13, 2011

      I took this photo of Lake Mead, Nevada a few weeks ago while visiting the Las Vegas area.  The water was so blue.

Hoover Dam, Nevada - November 12, 2011

Hoover Dam, Nevada - November 12, 2011

    I took this photo a few weeks ago when I visited Hoover dam  in Nevada.   It was huge and very impressive.

Ceiling in the Palazzo Hotel in Las Vegas, Nv. - November 11, 2011

Ceiling in the Palazzo Hotel in Las Vegas, Nv.  -  November 11, 2011

    I took this photo of the ceiling in the Palazzo Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada  a few weeks ago.  I got to see the show "The Jersey Boys"  that night.  The hotel was beautiful inside.