get ready.....

this whimsical wednesday we shall look for the color purple.  where did you find it throughout your day?

photo friday

kid art!  refrigerator magnets!

thoughtful thursday

there is nothing as grand as time shared with very special people.

whimsical wednesday!

it's play your favorite kid game this whimsical wednesday!

when i was very young my favorite kid game was pick-up sticks.  the goal was to move sticks away from the others (that had been released onto a table to fall into a random pattern) without disturbing any of the other sticks.  one could pick up as many sticks as possible until another one was disturbed.  then it was the next person's turn.

with the grandchildren visiting we played pick-up sticks with 500 toothpicks!  that made for a challenging game as well as one that would last longer.  we laughed at each other's attempts to move the sticks without disturbing any of the others.  they laughed at me when i missed the simplest move.  we laughed just for the joy of having fun together.

play a few favorite kid games today and laugh, laugh, laugh!

get ready.....

we will play our favorite kid game this whimsical wednesday.  there was one i loved as a kid and played it over and over and over again......  

photo friday

this little critter was found in a parking lot while i was traveling.  he lives in my tote and gets his photo taken from time to time.  this photo was the first, taken at mom and dad's in tennessee.

thoughtful thursday

i looked out the window this morning to find megan in the hammock.  she was gently swinging, humming to herself and looking at nothing in particular but seeing everything the farm has to offer.  she was doing what ten year olds do; actually enjoying the moment without a thought beyond being right there.  i stood at the window and savored watching her doing seemingly not much but she was actually doing a great deal.

whimsical wednesday!

whimsical wednesday and magic carpet rides!  this activity is something i have thought about since monday.  where to go?  where to go on a magic carpet?  i would like to go to places on the earth that are natural and mostly devoid of human activity; wherever in the world these places are. places like easter island, new zealand, the galapago islands.  i want to see the world of plants and animals and breathtaking environments so wonderful it's difficult to believe these exist on planet earth.    (also, i would like the magic carpet to take me to visit family and friends quickly and without my need to drive!)

miscellaneous

the grandchildren have arrived.  the house is a mess and kid created chaos abounds. it's grand!

last week i beheld the most amazing "ugly" truck ever.  a dump truck as rusty as i've ever seen a truck.  that the truck was somewhat ugly wasn't the amazing aspect of the vehicle.  the dump truck was being utilized as a moving van.  it was completely overflowing with household items that were mounded in such a heap that it looked as if any bump or jarring would send it all spilling onto the roadway!  if a rusty dump truck filled with furniture wasn't amazing enough, it became even more amazing indeed!  behind the dump truck was a huge boat in tow.  ok.  rusty dump truck filled with household items pulling a boat isn't that amazing.  however, the boat was also filled to capacity with stuff!  the entire assemblage continued along its determined way looking like a very unique self-contained parade.  had an artist conceived of this for exhibit, it would have been roundly dismissed! sometimes that saying, "fact is stranger than fiction" is absolutely true.  life as art in the form of a rusty dump truck filled with household items pulling a huge boat also filled with stuff!  and i got to experience it!

get ready.....

for this whimsical wednesday, imagine a very windy day that takes you away on a magic carpet.  where would you go on this ride?

photo friday

revisiting a happy moment of spring!

thoughtful thursday

when younger, it was distressing to me if any of the items in the home, such as the furniture or dishes, were marred.  it seemed the only way for these items to be of value they had to remain pristine; perfect.  items didn't have to be expensive or rare, as that doesn't impress, however, they had to be nice.   as time passed and life brought children, pets and grandchildren, a discovery was made.  the dins, chips, scratches actually represented that the home (and what it contained) was lived in! as i look about my current home after fifteen years of living, i find the typical wear comforting instead of distressing.  there are stickers on windows, cupboard doors, in the closet courtesy of very wee grandchildren who thought stickers were the best ever and of course their grandmother would want them everywhere!  the front door frame is scuffed as are a few of the window sills.  evidence that the various dogs and kitties have been doing their dog and kitty thing; romping on the porch and using it as a chew toy, on hind legs with paws on the sill in order to look out the window or sitting in the sill to enjoy the view beyond the window for long periods of time.  the new teapot's spout was chipped slightly when my daughter was filling it with water. she was horrified and apologetic.  but every time i use that teapot (which i do daily), i look at that chip on the spout and think of her!  these are just a few of the many reminders that are present in a house that is lived in.  these reminders make a house a home; reminders of life lived that always bring a smile.

whimsical wednesday!

over tea this morning, i attempted to blind draw a frog, dog and hog.  all three were drawn side by side without peeking in between the figures.  when i did look, i was surprised at how well the frog, dog and hog turned out.  they were wonky but i could tell that each figure was a frog, a dog and a hog!  giggle....  a great way to begin the day; laughing over the silly results of blind drawing.

miscellaneous

the grand list for all the 50 state license plates and when they were sighted has been misplaced.  that prompted a look through the blog to recreate the list.  while looking for license plate listed as sighted, i paused to reread some of the entries. the year has been full and lots of fun!  it brings great satisfaction to be involved in the whimsey project.  back to license plates.....  another was seen in the grocery store parking lot late last week; west virginia.  that brings the total sighted to 42 states!  only eight more and all 50 state license plates will have been seen!

get ready.....

this whimsical wednesday, draw blind!

-- Choose frog, dog or hog-- Open the PAINT program on your computer [or similar program]

-- Make your tool choices [brush type, color of the line you'll make, all that]

-- Close your eyes and "draw" the animal you've chosen -- no peeking!

-- Only lift your finger off the mouse controller after you are finished with the drawing

-- Share your results!

or you can be very old-fashioned and use paper and pencil!

photo friday

twitter is a grand vehicle to spark creativity!  take a look at the art of twitter:
http://irkafirka.com

thoughtful thursday

there's something about the feeling that swells when returning home from a journey.  the anticipation that grows as home nears, is palpable.  once through the door, the envelopment of the familiar environment embraces.  then the ritual of settling in again begins.  when all is as it should be, a cup of tea and a visit with the kitty cats (who are so happy to see mommy again) completes the welcome home.

whimsical wednesday!

snatched sentence poetry.  my submission, composed of selected tweets:

got anything to perk me up?
i would like to eat 345 plums.
an exceptionally sharp type of cheese.
two lawn tickets should never cost $70.
i can speak some french, lady!!
real names can cause real damage.

a little music, a little dance, a little salsa in your pants!

keep 'em coming, guys, this is fun.....

i'll send it in a minute;
drinking coffee at benzhaus.
emma looked stunning.
unimpressed cat is unimpressed.
risk it;
luckily no damage inside.
maybe he was holding out for some ranch dressing.
words fail the civilized.
this made me feel smart today.
does anyone want to go halfsies on a giraffe with me?

get ready.....

everyone reads a great deal of bits of prose from various sources in the course of a day.  this whimsical wednesday, pay closer attention to what is read.  snatch sentences that really grab then assemble the sentences into a poem.  share your poem on the blog.

photo friday

what is more whimsical than to find a sunflower growing where none was planted? not planted by humans that is. but definitely planted when sunflower seeds in the bird food fell to the earth from the porch rail and sprouting!

thoughtful thursday

it's been so hot, the temperature almost pushes away everything wonderful about summer.  summer brings an abundance of everything! there are fresh fruits and vegetables, often fruits and vegetables we grow ourselves.   the art of gardening brings such satisfaction.  there is also the opportunity to makes pies, ice cream, jams, pickles, spaghetti sauce, salsa and other delights as well as "put up" fruits and vegetables to enjoy during the cold months of the year.  the variety of flowers that bloom is breathtaking.  flowers are everywhere.  gardens burst with shapes, sizes and colors that fill the senses like nothing else seems to.  particularly joyful are the wildflowers along the roadsides; happily growing where a flower shouldn't be able to grow.  the birds sing louder, the frogs croak and the insects scratch out their music incessantly, fireflies wink, butterflies playfully flutter midair, young animals learning about their world abound.  activities that are typically only enjoyed during the summer are eagerly looked forward to.  the summer evenings stretch into forever making the cares of the world fall away if only for awhile.  when it's cold and gray, the memories of the abundance of summer sustain.

whimsical wednesday!

home again from the excursion to town for lunch, errands and, the most important task of the day, looking for an ugly truck for whimsical wednesday.  my day was almost over before an ugly truck was spied.  it seemed i wouldn't have seen one at all when this one appeared.  it was old with a dull red color.  it looked as if the body had had the paint removed (perhaps rust?) and painted with a yucky orange colored primer.  the tailgate was black.  all the chrome was pocked and marred. overall, a decent ugly truck but also somewhat disappointing as i was primed to find a really ugly truck.  soon after i saw the ugly truck an extremely ugly car came into view.  wow was it ugly!  it was a large older car.  the original color was white.  all along the sides of the car were several different colors of paint.  these colors also seemed to be primer covering removed rust.  the windows were covered with cracks and decals of very shapes and sizes.  it's doubtful either of my ugly vehicle sightings would win any prizes in ugly vehicle competition, however, i had fun looking and was glad to have seen even one slightly ugly truck.  no doubt i stop searching for ugly trucks because i'm still on the lookout for the rest of the state license plates that have yet to be spotted!

miscellaneous

it is sooooooo hot!  we do what we can to stay cool.  choosing foods like salads, ice cream, fruit, popsicles and iced tea are just some of what we consume during the summer to be refreshed.  to add to the summer menu choices here are beverage recipes from my daughter, libby:

Frozen Hot Chocolate (makes about 6 cups) - 1.5 c milk - 1/4 c chocolate chips [or approx that amount chocolate of your choice] - 1 packet hot cocoa mix [or 1 oz from a can] - 3 trays ice [around 3 cups or just keep adding if you like the mix freezier] Melt chocolate chips in 1/2 c milk. Add cocoa mix & a bit of sugar to taste as milk heats; continue to stir & blend while everything melts. As with cooking of things dairy, don't allow to boil or singe, just cook on low until all ingredients are uniformly blended. Dump chocolate mixture in blender with the remaining 1 c milk. Give it a few whirls to mix. Add ice, as much at a time that your blender will happily crunch into, until all ice is gone. Whirr a bit longer to fully blend. Pour into containers of choice. Serve with a spoon, as it does separate a mite once resting. This recipe is easy enough to tinker with to your preferences. A bit more chocolate if you like it more chocolaty, more cocoa mix if it doesn't have enough of that cocoa flavor, add in mint liqueur or some other sort of alcoholic deliciousness.   (recipe inspired by frozen hot chocolate advertisement at dunkin donuts; saw the sign and thought I could do better!) Frozen Lemonade  (makes about 6 cups) Just lemonade and ice crushed in the blender. I start with 2 cups of lemonade, add lots of ice, and might add more lemonade if it needs more wet to blend easier.* *here's libby's fresh lemonade recipe to use as the ingredient in the frozen lemonade: 6 lemons, juiced 1 to 2 cups of sugar (to taste) 1 to 1 1/2 quarts of water (to taste) tip:  bring at least 3 cups of the water to a boil to pour over the combined sugar and lemon juice. stir until the sugar has melted.  add the rest of the water to the lemon juice/sugar/water mixture in a pitcher.  chill. ALSO....... check out the beautiful jewelry made by a twitter friend: http://www.etsy.com/shop/laurelmoonjewelry

get ready.....

wednesday is july 20th.  according to the calendar of daily observances it is national UGLY TRUCK day!  ugly truck day is explained as follows:

Ugly Truck Day
Today many States in the Union will be holding "Ugly Truck" competitions.  While the rules change from State to State, everyone agrees that Ugly Trucks deserve love too.  Entrants range from old wrecks hobbling along on three wheels to trucks ornately decorated with stickers, bugs and mud.


to celebrate, we will be on the lookout for ugly trucks!  happy ugly truck hunting and be sure to look for the whimsey!  

photo friday

today's photo features a card my granddaughter created for me when she was about four years old.  the drawing was so cute and happy, it was definitely a keeper.  about the time she gave me the card, i read the bit of wisdom written on the card.  that wisdom was also a keeper so the two were combined.  when megan saw that i had written on the card she asked me why.  my reply was that her card and those words were keepers so i decided to keep them together.  the card rests on a shelf in my room where it can greet me daily.  and megan is thrilled to find it there whenever she visits.  enjoy!

"don't get older, get better.  live realistically.  give generously.  adapt willingly.  trust fearlessly.  rejoice daily."
                                                                                                                 ........charles r swindell

thoughtful thursday

being interested in a wide variety of what is floating about in the world, everyday i discover something to be surprised and excited about.  because i want to hold on to as many of these discoveries as possible, i began keeping a "notable notebook" in which to record these gems.  the notable notebook is an eclectic blend of quotes, words and definitions, observations of experiences, comments on culture (art, music, theater, dance, books), interactions with others or nature, and anything else that inspires the reaction, "this must be written in the notable notebook!".   it is not uncommon for a morsel from someone i know to be inscribed in the notebook and they are told.  this usually prompts the necessity to explain what the notable notebook is all about and, once understood, they are pleased.  me too.  it's grand to browse through the notebook and enjoy moments all over again.  you can have a notable notebook too.  enjoy!

whimsical wednesday!

our activity for whimsical wednesday is to select the one word that we feel denotes HAPPY; then find related words in the thesaurus.

the word that most denotes HAPPY for me is CONTENT.

the related words to CONTENT found are:

blissful
satisfied
thrilled
comfortable
elated
gratified
delighted
fulfilled
tolerable
pleased
joyous
serene

the range of emotion encompassed within the words mined from the thesaurus to denote CONTENT is revealing as well as somewhat surprising.  my whimsical wednesday word hunt leaves me "content" with the outcome.

what's your word for happy?

get ready.....

words describe.   for whimsical wednesday, think of the one word that best describes any happy feeling you experience.  (please don't rely on the word happy!) after choosing your word, use the thesaurus to find the array of additional words that convey the meaning of your single selection.  you'll be thrilled at all the words you discover that describes your feeling!

happy anniversary!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY WHIMSEY PROJECT!!!!!!!

the whimsey project celebrates its first anniversary.  one year ago, an idea that had floated about for quite some time, became a reality with the first blog post at the newly created whimsey project blog.  over the course of the last year, the rhythm of the blog and what was to be presented unfolded.  a twitter and facebook presence was established.  whimsical wednesday grew to include many persons in many places.  whimsical happenings took place in the local community as well as in other cities such as chicago.  the list of future events and undertakings is long and continues to grow.  please stop by the blog and add your happy anniversary greeting!  thank you for sharing the whimsey project with us.  and remember to keep whimsey in your daily living.....

photo friday

http://www.wimp.com/catdolphins/

this is a very sweet video of a kitty and dolphin getting to know each other.

thoughtful thursday

yips.  noun.  a state of nervous tension affecting a person in the performance of a crucial action.

the yips is that uncomfortable, unsettling, nervousness that one feels in the buildup to taking action.  release from this state of being only occurs once action has begun. everyone has experienced this.  it's negative only if one does not heed the yips and take action!  create that art, write that book, call that friend, tidy that house, plant that garden.  it matters not what action one takes, just do it!  think not of perfection or the outcome or what others might think.  taking action is living.

whimsical wednesday!

an early rising friend was the recipient of my whimsical wednesday phone call. we haven't talked in awhile and it has been even longer since we have seen each other. as soon as i heard her voice i could "hear" her smile!  we had a lovely half hour conversation, catching up on each other's doings and vowing to get together soon. in the meantime, my hello to her and her smile to me will last until we are in each other's company.  "hearing" someone smile over the phone was so endearing that there just might be more calls throughout the day.

miscellaneous

along with the gold finches, blue finches have appeared.  blue finches are beautiful. blue finches and gold finches present at the same time are even more beautiful. guests and i saw many of both while porch sitting, along with the dog and kitties, during our july 4th gathering.  we also watched the hummingbirds vie for superiority at the feeders (even though there's always plenty of feeders that offer plenty of nectar for all of them) and the ducks laze on the calm, mirror-like reflective lake.  we cheered each time the fisherman caught, then released, fish. better than fireworks!  a wonderful holiday shared with friends, both human and otherwise.

get ready.....

call someone this whimsical wednesday.  make them happy and "hear" them smile over the telephone.

photo friday

this little guy is so whimsically cute, i giggle every time i look at him!

can you see me?

thoughtful thursday

summer is newly arrived.  the beginning of the season is when summer is at its best. if there has been enough spring rain, all the vegetation is lush; vibrant in various hues of deep green.  the flowers are vivid and perky.  the wee offspring of the animals that inhabit the land are beginning to emerge from nests.  they are so cute in their awkwardness in learning how to navigate the environment.  butterflies, lightning bugs, seasonal birds, lady bugs. frogs and insects making music.  most days are still comfortable as there isn't yet unrelenting heat and/or humidity, making it possible to enjoy being outdoors.  early summer is fresh and new yet with a fullness not present during spring.  welcome, summer!

whimsical wednesday!

our activity this whimsical wednesday was to pay careful attention to the sounds that occur around us as we go about our routine day.  the focus was on sounds we create or sounds that are made around us in the environment.

once the activity was posted on monday, it became impossible for me to NOT to hear those sounds that appeal to me; making my whimsical wednesday activity an ongoing process since monday.  no doubt others have also experienced this.

one of the twitter followers offered that listening to the sound of rain pinging on the roof and windows while snug in bed was a favorite sound.  that is indeed a grand sound.

these are my favorite sounds to date ("to date" for, as with other whimsical wednesday activities, this one will continue to be something something i am very aware of):

the sound of the refrigerator ice maker dumping ice cubes, then the ice tray refilling with water.

the sound of the ceiling fan whirring on high speed.

the sound of the dishwasher rumbling when it is washing the dishes.

the sound of a new email message to the inbox alert.

the sound of tea being poured from the teapot into a cup.

the sound of the screen door creaking as it is pushed open.

the sound of the scoop being plunged into the bin of shell corn when getting the ducks their breakfast.

the sound of chopping vegetables for a salad or stir fry.


what are your favorite sounds?

miscellaneous

the whimsey project also posts on facebook and twitter.

it was decided to stop posting on facebook, therefore, we have invited all facebook friends to follow us at the blog or on twitter.

the number of followers on twitter is approaching 150. thank you twitter friends of the whimsey project.  it's great to have you with us.  your participation in whimsical wednesday activities is gratifying.  and daily tweets together about birthdays, rainbows, sunsets and other happy experiences have been wonderful to share.  you are welcome to also post here on the whimsey project blog.  

get ready.....

there are everyday sounds that we hear but don't pay much attention to.  however, these sounds are often whimsically pleasing to hear; musical in fact.  listen carefully to the sounds created from your everyday actions and those that surround you this whimsical wednesday.  which ones made you smile, giggle, happy?!

photo friday

the bird feeding station that attracts all the birds i delight in observing.

thoughtful thursday

the big move for my sister prompted a discussion about the stuff a person has.  the conversation was a different take on the topic of possessions.  it was agreed that the items a person fills their home with is, in and of itself, a statement regarding the people who dwell within that environment.  she and i agreed that we both enjoy being in the home of others and observing what they have about them:  the furniture, the accessories, the wall colors, flooring and all the rest.  a home filled with an abundance of art, books, music, photographs of friends, family, places speaks volumes about a person's personality and interests.  so does a home that is devoid of any or all of these items.  of course, there is no value judgement associated with a home that is all, nothing or somewhere in between.  it is just another opportunity to get to know about a person.  it becomes an avenue for conversation as, when i visit someone's home and something catches my attention (curiosity), i want to know all about it.  my desire to know allows the host to share the history of the object and what it means to them.  a connection is made!  for me, it's a fascinating treasure hunt.

whimsical wednesday!

creating was the assignment for whimsical wednesday; in any medium with any materials.  this was given consideration for part of the morning until it was decided to create rose shaped pins with strips of fabric.  my sister, the fabulous paper crafter, had given me the directions for these and other flowers about a year ago.  while i have made some of the other flowers, the fabric roses hadn't yet been attempted; even though this was one of the flower projects i most wanted to tackle.  

here are the directions for the fabric flower:

cut fabric 1 1/2" wide and 14" long.  begin with the center of the rose by folding down one end of the strip on an angle and then fold fabric in half.  the flower is formed by twisting and folding fabric into a spiral formation.

those innocent seeming directions should have yielded several flowers in a short period of time given that i pulled fabric from my stash that was already cut into strips.  it would seem so.  however,  after two hours of attempting to twist, fold and roll the fabric strip into a spiral formation, only one fabric rose was created!
what it is about this particular manipulation of a single piece of fabric that i could not master is beyond my comprehension?  the effort has left me tired, perplexed and feeling somewhat defeated.  then i look at the little flower i did manage to create and think, "i did it!".

now my determination to master this craft is intense.  however, i will need reinforcements in the form of another person to create with me.  next time i am able to visit with my sister, we shall have a fabric flower creating session.  maybe mom will play with us as well!  =]

miscellaneous

summer begins today!  and it's the longest day of the year.  on the other side of the earth, it's the shortest day of the year and winter begins.  isn't that amazing?     happy summer!  happy winter!  today you both arrive having changed places from one side of the globe to the other.  on this day in the mid1990s i was in australia.  it was hot and steamy and didn't feel like winter at all but it was winter nonetheless. modern life afforded the opportunity to experience winter in australia while everyone at home was celebrating the coming of summer.  experiences are priceless.

get ready.....

create!  create this whimsical wednesday.  create anything that you desire; be it simple or complex, with any medium and any materials.  be surprised by what others create and surprise yourself!

photo friday

dragon/soda can pull tabs

as a found object artist, i am struck by how awesomely whimsical this piece is!

thoughtful thursday

thoughtful thursday is coming to a close as evening is here.  this is the last task of the day.  and it will go incomplete as i find i have nothing to talk about today.  not that there's nothing to talk about; there's just nothing i want to talk about.  see you tomorrow for photo friday.

whimsical wednesday!

the cosher planned for this whimsical wednesday was a small going away party for my sister, who is moving to another state in a few days.  wednesday is the usual day a friend and i have lunch at a favorite restaurant.  my sister sometimes joins us. since today would have been her last opportunity to participate we decided to make it special and surprise her. 

however, today was the day the moving company was to pack her belongings and load them into the moving van.  with this in mind we made the meeting time an hour later than usual, indicating we would wait for her even if she couldn't get there at the appointed time.  there we were with balloons and presents, anticipating her arrival so one of us could meet her at the door in order to pay for her meal.  alas, it was not to be.  she called to inform that the moving process would last much longer into the afternoon than would be practical for us to wait for her. 

we ate our meal, then gathered the goodies and made our way to her house.  if she couldn't come to the party, the party would come to her!  she wasn't surprised to see us as we said we might come by after lunch, however, she was surprised to see balloons and gift wrapped presents!  she liked the balloons and loved the presents.....the ingredients for m&m casserole and a wall hanging our mother cross stitched (and i framed) for her new house.  it was a special way of saying farewell; cosher "mission accomplished" this whimsical wednesday.  

miscellaneous

heat, heat,and more heat was ever present for the last few weeks.  it was summer before spring had an opportunity to shine.  over the weekend, the heat broke and it's been marvelously cooler since.  perfect weather for sipping tea and watching the hummingbirds, gold finches and other friends of feather that visit the farm.  imagine my excitement when, yesterday, i verified three hummingbirds visiting the feeders.  wow!  that's one more than has visited the farm over the last several years.  this morning i thought i saw a fourth hummingbird!  this has not yet been confirmed; it could be a wishful sighting on my part or just confusion in the very nature of how the hummers zoom from feeder to feeder and feeder to trees.  however, the time will come that will allow for independent verification of the new visitor.  my friend has over 200 hummingbirds visit her many, many feeders.  certainly there needn't be that many here for happy hummer viewing, however, more than one or two sure increases the pleasure of watching these amazing little creatures.  this time of year much of my conversation revolves around hummingbirds because they are so delightfully whimsical.  are you feeding hummers as well?

marvelous milestone.  the whimsey project has reached and exceeded 100 followers!  we love our twitter community and invite them to visit the blog!  everyone welcome!

get ready.....

COSHER (KOSH-er) verb;  to treat with special fondness.

isn't this a great word?  cosher someone in any whimsical way you desire this whimsical wednesday!

photo friday

the photo is a baby numbat, at the perth zoo.  before seeing this numbat i never heard of the creature!  the name of this critter is very whimsical to me.  there might be a future dog or cat or water fowl here on the farm graced with that name.  numbat!  numbat! numbat!  (say that three times fast! giggle.......)

numbat!

thoughtful thursday

just do it is more than a slogan.  it is an emphatic call to urgency (overly dramatic perhaps?  giggle!.......).  not an urgency that is hurried and NOW but the suggested necessity to live in a way that encourages doing; involving oneself in those activities that are valued as important to the individual.  there is so much that must be done, making the "want to" happen is the balance that life requires.  additionally, it is also important not to let the urgency make the doing a chore.  each day just do it, however briefly.  for even a few pages of that great book read or one row of knitting added to a piece or bird watching for five minutes is time spent doing what derives  pleasure..... which makes life whimsically grand.

whimsical wednesday!

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; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ;

;;;;;     ;;;;    ;;;   ;;  ;

miscellaneous

travel over the weekend was very fruitful in the state license plate game department.  the list of sighted plates grew to include nevada, new hampshire, iowa and wyoming.  it was a hoot to spy new hampshire while driving through nashville instead of having spied it in the northeast during a recent visit there.  it seemed we had spotted alabama when going south  months ago, however, it hadn't been entered or dated on the list so when it came along this weekend, alabama was officially included as sighted.  i can't remember if i declared somewhere on the whimsey project site that new york, new jersey and massachusetts have been seen.

it's very hot.  licking sugar free fudgesicles like a little kid is one of the few pleasures of a very hot day!

should anyone have an idea for a whimsical wednesday activity, please share.

get ready.....

do you have a favorite punctuation mark?  i do.  this whimsical wednesday create a design or pattern using the punctuation mark favored.  it will make a neat yet simple blog post.  no words necessary! 

photo friday

my family enjoying the new hammock during memorial day weekend......

.  

thoughtful thursday

memorial day weekend was spent mostly on the screened porch.  meals, tea, visiting, watching the activities everyone was involved in, enjoying sunrises, sunsets and the wildlife.  so peaceful and relaxing;  so "other" time and the world disappeared.  each moment savored.

whimsical wednesday!

blind spinning photo taken in the living room

the living room, full of art, was selected as the site for blind spinning photo taking.  several were snapped and all that were captured were neat, however, this was my favorite.  enjoy!

miscellaneous

last week's whimsical wednesday activity was sending postcards to celebrate national postcard week.  since the five i created were mailed, three responses were received; two email messages and one phone call.  no responses were expected so each was a great  treat.  it was a pleasure to catch up with three postcard recipients.

get ready.....

let's play with our cameras this whimsical wednesday.  with your camera or phone plant yourself somewhere, close your eyes, spin around a few times and when you stop take a picture (keep your eyes closed!).  then look at the image.  what did you capture?

photo friday

decorated doggie

oh what a compliant and patient little dog.  the get up made me giggle.

thoughtful thursday

most days we have a set agenda and work diligently to accomplish the day's tasks. for me, some days are all about puttering.  meandering through the day, giving attention to small details that are often ignored in the general routine of the house chores or just working on tasks that i want to do instead of what i must, gives the day the feel of a day off.  beyond choosing what to do for a change in routine, at the end of the day, much more than expected has been completed.  a day of puttering is a day of relaxation that one can feel good about that provides the added bonus of accomplishment.

whimsical wednesday!

wednesday is the day a friend and i have lunch.  we eat at the same place every week and sit at the same table.  since we are regulars, we have become friendly with the servers.  with that in mind, planning for the JUST BECAUSE celebration for whimsical wednesday included them.  a small basketful of heart shaped "ornaments" wrapped in a cloth the way a bread basket would be prepared and a small bright yellow smiley face balloon were taken to the restaurant.

when my friend saw me in the parking lot (yes, we park in the same area either next to or close to one another) she giggled at my armload of goodies, asking what i was up to this week!  i just smiled.  we enjoyed our lunch with the balloon (on a stick stuck in a paper cup) and basket decorating our table.  we ate and talked and enjoyed our visit.

at the next table was two young boys with their mother and grandparents.  they finished eating before we did.  as they were leaving i held out the balloon to the younger boy and asked if he would like to have my balloon. his eyes  grew wide and he nodded yes.  as he took it from me he was asked to please share with his brother.

it was just before we prepared to leave that i told my friend it was JUST BECAUSE celebration day and that meant balloons and prizes.  the basket was offered and she was invited to have one (three choices: red, green, blue).  she was delighted as she selected her favorite color green.  as we left we paused to offer a JUST BECAUSE celebration gift to all "our" regular servers.  they were surprised, then excited to be able to select a heart just for them!  we got hugs and thank yous.

light-hearted and grinning, i drove from the parking lot.  at the stop sign i was behind a car with a license plate from the state of virginia; a state not yet sighted so could be added to our list.  what a perfect way to end whimsical wednesday!

get ready.....

JUST BECAUSE will be the reason to have a celebration this whimsical wednesday!  make it fun!  make it a huge surprise for those you bring into the celebration!  and if you find you'll be alone, have a just because celebration just for you!  i'm already planning......

spring!

this sunday morning has dawned as the most wonderfully perfect spring day......

the sun is shining,
a gentle breeze is blowing,
the temperature just right,
wildflowers are blooming,
birds are chattering,
ducks are lazing on the lake,
the trees are full with bursts of green leaves.

the day is a poem!

sipping tea on the screened porch, savoring it all, creates a very special whimsey.

photo friday

kitty and i enjoy bird watching from the sunroom window.  

thoughtful thursday

for the last few months it has seemed that the weather consists only of rain.  rain means dark clouds and dreary, gloomy days.  monday i awoke to sunshine.  it was so bright and overwhelming i felt as if i had awakened some some place other than earth!  and thought i needed sunglasses even in the house, so unaccustomed i had become to the brilliant light of the sun.

later in the morning, at the volunteer quilting group i work with, we commented on how wonderful it was to have the sun shine once again.   one of the ladies remarked, "remember, the sun is always there; we just can't see it sometimes."  how true that observation!  it prompted me to think how often we think something in life is absent.  however, if we pay attention we find that what we thought was missing has been there all the while.

whimsical wednesday!

in honor of national postcard week, postcards are being made this whimsical wednesday.

the morning began with making a pot of tea to sip while considering postcard making options.  post tea and thinking, five postcards were created using a variety of colored card stock (a standard sheet of card stock, cut into four pieces, makes the perfect postcard).  festive stickers were applied to the side that the note was written on.  simple but lighthearted and certainly postal delivery friendly.  the postcards are being sent to unsuspecting recipients.  hopefully there will be responses!

a postcard stamp costs less than 30 cents.  a stamped postcard can also be purchased for a few cents more.  a very economical way to make someone happy when the mailbox yields a handwritten hi.

miscellaneous

the first batch of ripe strawberries were picked yesterday!  strawberry season is sooo wonderful; so rich in flavor and warm from the sun.  yum!  yum!  after sampling a few, the rest are prepared for the freezer.  when the grandchildren arrive for their late summer visit we will make jam.  then strawberries will be enjoyed all winter as the homemade strawberry jam will remind us of spring.

the hummingbirds have returned.  the two that have been observed are enjoying homemade nectar.  if you'd like to attract hummingbirds to your landscape make nectar.

the recipe:  one part sugar to four parts water.  pour measured hot water over the sugar and stir until the sugar is dissolved.  after the nectar cools, pour into any hummingbird feeder (these can be purchased rather inexpensively) not more than halfway full.

why only halfway?  because more hummers will be attracted to the feeders if the nectar is changed often (be sure to wash the feeder before adding fresh nectar); especially when the temperature exceeds 80 degrees.  giving them less per fill keeps the waste of nectar to a minimum.

begin with one or two feeders.  hang them from a tree or by the house on a plant hook or get a feeder that attaches to a window with a suction cup.  then enjoy the peace and whimsey of observing hummingbirds.

get ready.....

the month of may hosts national postcard week.  in honor of postcard week this whimsical wednesday, make a postcard or two (or five) and send to people who would least expect them!

photo friday

my recent travel to new york city to visit libby netted this photo. did you spy the little frog figurine living in the planter amid the leaves?  it's just one bit of whimsey found in her apartment.

thoughtful thursday

be a better you instead of trying to be better than anyone else.

that is, compare yourself to no one.  no one else is you and you are no one else.  you are your own standard by which any change should be measured.  if the need to be more or different is present, be gentle with yourself.  and always have a touch of whimsey within!  

whimsical wednesday!

whimsical wednesday had participants trying something new.  my efforts took many hours as trying to think of that something new occupied much of the morning.  after a few false starts i decided to learn new crochet stitches.  doing such usually isn't very pleasant for me as i find reading patterns and stitch directions difficult (that's why i typically make up my own!).  however, this was the something new i decided upon and i was going to see it through.  i fumbled with my attempts initially as i couldn't get myself situated with what to learn or how to learn it.  finally i decided to create a small crocheted piece that would be a sampler of the different new stitches i was going to learn.  and i began at the beginning of the "how to" of stitches in one my crochet books.

first came the row of chain stitches, the stitch that begins most crocheted pieces.  then a row of single crochet between each row of the rest of the stitches.  the first stitches, half double crochet (my favorite crochet stitch) and double crochet i already knew how to execute.  from those rows i learned how to crochet the triple crochet, any stitch (i used the half double crochet) around the front of the stitch post, then around the back of the stitch post as well as stitches in the top front loop and the back top loop.  the cluster crochet stitch, the popcorn crochet stitch and the puff crochet stitch finished the project.

when the last single crochet stitch was finished, i lifted the small sampler piece to examine and admire.  big grin!  collectively, i learned eight new stitches for my learn something new activity.  some i had to do over and over again until i crocheted them correctly.  i was quite pleased with my efforts and the results as my knowledge of crochet expanded today.  my mom would be pleased too!

miscellaneous

more license plate sightings from my recent travels to both new york city and chicago:  connecticut, alaska (yes, alaska!) and arizona.  we have seventeen more state license plates to sight and the entire united states will have been accounted for.  we have also seen four canadian provinces.  it's fun, a challenge and always exciting to see another new plate to add to the list.  wonder if we'll manage to see a plate from hawaii.......

may brings the hummingbirds so it's beyond time to hang the feeders full of nectar that will bring them to the farm.  i'm on it! hummingbirds are very whimsical.  hopefully you have the pleasure of the company of these delightful creatures.

get ready.....

this whimsical wednesday try something new.  it matters not what the new is, just do something you have never done before! 

project whimsey in chicago

EMBODY:  IT'S WHAT WE HAVE TO WORK WITH  was performed by the LUNA TROOP dance company in chicago over the weekend.  the whimsey project offered an opportunity for the audience to become active participants during the performance with the piece, BODYWORKS.

each member of the audience was given a card that depicted a muscle of the body and what area of the body that muscle was connected to.  audience members then gathered on the dance floor and stood in the "correct" place to correspond with that of the body.  after every body was in place and adjustments were made, photographs were taken.  a portrait of a human body composed of bodies featuring the part of the body that helps the body work.....muscles!    

(the whimsey project thanks the LUNA TROOP for being included in this performance......)

photo friday

not only do i find whimsey at libby's new york city apartment, i also find whimsey at sarah's home in chicago!

thoughtful thursday

after arriving at my chicago destination yesterday early afternoon, i decided a walk on a lovely spring day was just what was needed to relax from the journey.  out of the neighborhood to the nearest busy street i walked along.  at a major intersection, i found myself amid lots of persons out for a walk on a lovely spring day just as i was.  and, while waiting for the light to change so i could cross the street, i examined all the stores in the four blocks that bound the intersection of the street.  what i found, in both building and human, was that they seemed to be from everywhere all over the world.  as with new york city, such an environment is a living united nations; not just an idea or a building or an organization but actual life and all of us living it together.  as much as the lovely spring day warmed and renewed me, so did finding variety in life that actually finds us all so similar there are no true differences. 

whimsical wednesday

the whimsey project has arrived in chicago!  whimsical wednesday was observed along the way.  today's activity was to note nouns along the drive and to create new "names" with the found words.  because the drive is long, 40 words were gathered (stopping once coming close to the city as driving becomes such that playing games isn't a very good idea! and 40 seemed a lot to work with).  because there are lots of nouns, parameters were established; with the names of towns, counties or the names on 18 wheeler trucks being eligible for inclusion.  the following was created after arriving at my destination:

mcgrif schiber
bradley bourbonnais
will renegade
hetzel manteno
buckley roberts
moc quast
paxton lagrou
beelman rantoul
heyl tiphook
dart gilman
chatsworth onarga
averitt mcnay
clifton iroquis
ashkum hapag
pontiac coles
dix chebanse
momence sherwin
salem n'dair
kankakee prime
arthur mattoon

would you like to have any of these names?  i'm partial to mcgrif schiber, hetzel manteno, paxton lagrou, heyl tiphook and averitt mcnay.  (actually i like them all!)  it's neat how random words found along the road can be configured to create names that could belong to characters in books or movies or authors of paperbook books, like romance novels.  giggle.......

miscellaneous

the whimsey project will be on the road this week.  we will be participating in the performances of the LUNA TROOP dance company in chicago.  there will be lots of wonderful dancing and fun with the whimsey project!

get ready.....

wednesday will find me on the road so let's play a roadtrip game for whimsical wednesday.  you can play even if you aren't on a roadtrip.  note the names of towns or streets or stores (or whatever is in your view).  take those names and blend them to create new and different  "people" names.    

photo friday

http://theberry.com/2011/04/06/daily-awww-laughing-owls-will-make-you-smile-26-photos/>

these laughing owls will make you laugh too!

thoughtful thursday

a person's birthday is the most wonderful and special day of the year for them.  christmas, thanksgiving and other holidays are, of course, wonderful and special.  however, only a person's birthday belongs just to them.  when the opportunity presents, help make birthdays wonderful and special for everyone you know.  and make your own just as wonderful and special too.  happy birthday!

whimsical wednesday

rain, rain, rain!  sooooooo much rain.  my alternative means to walking this whimsical wednesday was such fun.  i put on my knee high rain boots and tripped along the driveway (which is very long), splashing in the puddles.  i skipped to the puddles then jumped into each with both feet and created excellent splashes!  from the house to the mailbox and back to the house again, all of the puddles and i became well acquainted.  when it's hot and dry this summer and i kick up dust as i walk along the driveway to the mailbox, i will think of this day.   

get ready.....

this whimsical wednesday instead of just walking......

skip, hop, jump, gallop, leap, slide, run! 

(or any number of alternative means of locomotion!)

photo friday

to celebrate easter, photo friday brings an array of very whimsically crafted easter eggs. 

http://blog.amyatlas.com/2011/04/pantone-inspired-egg-contest-winner-egg-cellent-easter-inspiration/

a thank you shout out to windygirl for bringing these happy eggs to our attention!

thoughtful thursday

i have not been well this week; suffering from a spring cold that has knocked me flat.  although unwell isn't what anyone would think of as a good time, there are benefits when minor illness strikes.  staying home from work or school gives an unplanned break from routine.  the comforts of illness are many:  family concern and attention, hot tea, soup, ice cream, favorite movies while blobbing on the couch, naps and no expectation that anything other than getting well is to be accomplished.  none of these comforts are unique to illness as we have them otherwise as well.  however, they are all the more special when they are offered as remedies for the restoration to health.  and minor illness, if we pay attention, can remind us just how wonderful good health is and how we must take appropriate action to protect it. 

whimsical wednesday

it is mismatched sock day at the whimsey project!  mine are happily snappy:  one argyle, brightly colored with pink, purple and gray; the other solid (dilos for windygirl!) purple of a different hue with sparkly dots.  and different shoes:  light blue quilted closed toe slipper and one black sandal with buckles.  whenever i look at my feet, i giggle!  what are your feet wearing this whimsical wednesday? 

miscellaneous

this is my last morning in new york city.  soon it will be time to catch the bus at central park west to make my way to laguardia for the return flight to chicago.  new york city is a very whimsical city.  everywhere one looks there's something to marvel at and, more often than not, be very surprised by.  going "somewhere" in the city really isn't necessary to having a great time because just being in the city is entertaining.  new york city is, contrary to popular belief, a very friendly place.  from the moment i stepped off the plane to this moment commenting on my time here, residents have been so pleasant, kind and helpful.  as a whole, i'm thinking, they have a lot of patience to put up with the constant stream of hapless tourists (who speak all languages!) that inhabit their city continually.  you haven't witnessed a hapless tourist until you have witnessed one in new york city.  fortunately, i have come to the city often enough over the years to be now be a visitor as opposed to a tourist.  it's a badge of honor to have made the transition.  i am looking forward to being a visitor again as soon as possible. 

get ready.....

we shall pass whimsical wednesday wearing mismatched socks!  if you are bold, daring and very whimsical, you could wear mismatched shoes as well.  go for it.....

photo friday

my friend, david, has created a very whimsical and unique cairn.  (the photo is presented as he posted it on facebook).

for those who do not know what a cairn is.....

a cairn is a stack of rocks that are supported only by the balance created in the stacking.  a cairn is a tribute (honor) to someone.  therefore, each cairn is unique in size, shape, material.

enjoy david's cairn!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-whimsey-project/162704880448301#!/photo.php?fbid=202553369779462&set=a.202553323112800.49951.100000744006894&type=1&theater

thoughtful thursday

as life progresses there are many places in which we find oursevles.  some want to return to some or all of what has been left behind, others only go forward and never return.  for all the persons there are, there are that many reasons for taking either course of action.  typically, i fall into the second category.  however, yesterday, i was somewhere i thought i would never return to.  it felt strange and good at the same time.  as i left it behind once again, i was very grad that i had ventured into the land of the past.  no doubt, doing such will yield equally unpleasant feelings at some returned to locations, however, it seems that perhaps going back it worth that risk more often than not.  to where do you wish to return?

whimsical wednesday

my daughters had a classmate who could instantly read a word backwards!   she spoke sentences, indeed paragraphs, backwards fluently and it sounded like a foreign language.  while it was very funny, it was also amazing.  never before or since have i known anyone with this skill.  the rest of us would have to write words backwards and read them in order to than speak them. 

it's backwards day for whimsical wednesday.  i have begun the day writing then speaking my name and the names of several of my furry friends' names backwards.  oh, what a hoot!  my own first.  i am revoltgkt!
a selection of the dogs and cats are newly named (in no particular order or distinction):

stacnrab
palrub
ydneb
orez
nottum
romur
fiaw
hetocsrettub
ailongam

of these, i especially enjoyed saying palrub and nottum! 

what new words did you create this whimsical wednesday?

miscellaneous

i have just arrived at my destination post air flight!

seeing the clouds up close and personal brought to mind our whimsical wednesday activity of cloud watching and what could be found in what we observed.  there were whispy clouds that reminded me of gentle waves lapping the shoreline.  the thick, puffy clouds always look like one should be able to perch upon them.  that would certainly be something if it were possible.

what was really thrilling for me, as the plane approached the city and airport, was being familiar enough with the geography and landmarks that i could name all that passed under me!  although this isn't home i don't feel like a stranger.

because i'm in a completely different part of the country, it occurred to me that i should be able to spy license plates to add to the list we began in december.  i shall feel accomplished if i see even one new plate!

get ready

write your name backwards this whimsical wednesday.  not only your own, but those of family and friends as well.  say those "new" names out loud.  you will be surprised at the results. 



ps....i will be in route to other destinations tuesday, wednesday and thursday of this week.   i will post on the blog whenever possible this week.  in the meantime, have whimsical days!

photo friday

grriiiiiillled cheese! featuring jovey!

http://yfrog.com/h2ulpqkj>

thoughtful thursday

this has been a week of the ever expanding, never ending to-do list (don't most weeks feel that way?).    it occurred to me sometime in the middle of it all today that, in addition to all the urgent tasks at hand, it's very important to include a few "tasks" that are not taxing.  and these should actually be written on the list or they will be overlooked.  take time for that cup of tea or sending an email or watching the birds or taking a short walk or whatever it is that is relaxing.  at the end of a day filled with the chores of the to-do list, the goal is to feel productive and accomplished, not harried and frazzled!

whimsical wednesday!

we are celebrating national GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH month at the whimsey project this whimsical wednesday!  so many options for that seemingly humble delight, yes?  there is something very humble about a grilled cheese sandwich but it is richly satisfying.  grilled cheese sandwiches are great to eat when one doesn't feel well, needs to be cheered with a simple comfort food or wants to be reminded of how simple delightful can be.  it also conjures some of the best memories of childhood if your mom (or dad) served grilled cheese sandwiches for lunch or supper.  it was a staple on our meatless catholic fridays when we were growing up; grilled cheese and tomato soup.  it never seemed much of a sacrifice to me!

so many options indeed!  some like pickles on their grilled cheese sandwich, others a slice of tomato.  some put butter on the bread before grilling.  mom always used crisco (shortening).  she was convinced that it made the difference (and she was correct!).  some are "healthy" and coat the pan with vegetable spray before grilling.  some grill in a pan, others on a griddle.  no doubt some bake their "grilled" cheese sandwiches.  some like american cheese, others cheddar.   however it is prepared it's a grilled cheese sandwich!

my whimsical wednesday began with a new take on the grilled cheese sandwich. because i cannot have gluten anymore, bread was out of the question.  it's difficult to eat a blob of melted cheese without a base so i had to come up with something else.  an apple slice was a great substitute for the bread.  a pan, skillet actually, was given a coat of vegetable spray and allowed to heat on medium briefly.  then thick apple slices were added.  these were allowed to cook for a few minutes then were topped with sharp cheddar cheese.  the "sandwich" was finished when the cheese began to melt.  tasty!  tasty!  tasty fine!  my grilled cheese sandwich made an excellent breakfast.

did you have your grilled cheese sandwich this whimsical wednesday?

miscellaneous

last tuesday there was no blog post because there was nothing to share.  that's something i am pleased about.   no need to yak without there being something to yak about.    oh wow!  that word, yak?  it just gave me an idea for a whimsical wednesday activity.  i love thinking up activities for whimsical wednesday.  and should no one play but me, i still enjoy the anticipation as well as the doing and sharing about the doing.

thank you, twitter followers, for sharing the whimsey project with me.  the number of followers continues to increase and there are more tweets about the project all the time.  thank you!  thank you!

come friday i'll be traveling for a few weeks.  it'll be interesting to take the whimsey project on the road for that length of time as well in more than one location.   next month the whimsey project will be participating in the performance of the chicago based LUNA TROOP dance company.

get ready.....

april is national GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH month!  how whimsical is that?  this wednesday munch a grilled cheese sandwich; the usual or one you create.

photo friday

the first flower to bloom on the farm this spring!