Thursday, June 3, 2010

Tying up some loose threads and some blog related questions

I'm not sure how relevant this post is going to be considering I mostly sat at my computer and blog hopped yesterday. However, now would be a good time to get some of the photos off my camera, so I can take more when I take Wendy on her first shopping trip today. After all, we gals have got to eat.

Wendy was willing to join me in the garden, yesterday. Can you see her peeking through the peas? Looks like it will be a bumper crop this year. Wendy doesn't have a hat, nor do I, so we both need to keep in the shade. She is being protected by the pea vines. I'm not so fortunate.

Since I hadn't shown my now overgrown garden for about two weeks, I got some help from Wendy. You can barely see her face and boots, because her skirt might as well be camouflage material.

From this angle, you can't even see Wendy, but you can see the lettuce which is trying to grow back after being cut twice. I fear its days are numbered, since we've had a full week of 90 degree F days and more on the way. I look for it to bolt any day now.

Everything is starting to become overgrown. The peas, originally planted in neat rows, are now developing a life of their own.

As the sun came out, Wendy decided she'd had enough excitement outside for one day, and wanted to return to the cool of the craft room.

Bleubeard guarded the porch while Wendy and I picked peas and spinach.

He looks so intense here,

and defiant here. At least I've been able to take photos of him.

Switching gears (and days), here are some photos you might enjoy.

Monday Bleubeard also stood guard on the porch. He watched as neighbor after neighbor took off for the cemetery or started barbecues in their back yards. I on the other hand, had other thoughts

which originally involved black and day glo orange spray paints. When the day glo refused to glow or spray, I switched my plan to gold on both the inside and outside.

As I returned to the house, I noticed Bleubeard had moved to the steps, where he defiantly forced others (OK, guess it was only me) to walk around him.

Once inside, I prepared to make my sewing machine cover. If I only had a hardcover, as one WOYWWer suggested, I would not have made this. However, you can see the materials I used for the stencils. And yes, I put a flat rate envelope in between the two layers of fabric to keep the fabric paint at bay. I found I didn't need to protect the fabric from the stencil cream, which is very similar to my Shiva Paint Sticks, but doesn't require curing or ironing like the paint sticks do.

Now for a blog question.

I've seen "Links to this Post" on so many of the blogs I visit. I used to allow them on mine, but then I noticed that the links never linked to anything that pertained to my post, but were automatic and sent the reader to a blog that had nothing to do with my blog or that day's specific post. I no longer allow links on my blog. I would love to, if they were actually relevant to my post, or my blog. I believe this is a blogger (blogspot) feature, not wordpress or typepad. So, does anyone know what these links are for, who uses them, or why they appear when there is no relevance to the current post? I would love to understand more about this.

Guess that could be considered a multi-part question! Thanks so much for your thoughts and comments on this subject.

Since I have so little art content (or substance) in this post, I thought a blog from a serious artist might be just the thing today. Gera Scott Chandler takes her art very seriously. She is a mixed media artist who works in polymer clay, resin, and nature inspired art. I found her blog during OWOH and took the time to revisit last night.

Much of her art supplies come from nature, specifically near her home in Victoria, Canada. She is known for her beach stone pendants, bracelets, and mixed media wall hangings. She is also an environmentalist, something close to my heart. Her blog, aMused Studio is a great read for anyone who plays with polymer clay or resin. She offers detailed first hand information on these products and processes. Hope you'll check out Gera Scott Chandler's blog today.

13 thoughtful remarks:

Healing Woman said...

Your garden is looking good Elizabeth! I enjoyed seeing your little muse peeking in and out of the peas and other veggies. Also, thanks so much for sending me to Gera Chandler's blog. I love her polymer clay ocean pieces. Very unusual, enchanting work.'

As always, you know the best places to go!

Best,
Cheryl

Terri Kahrs said...

Can't believe how your garden has grown, Elizabeth! Nothing tastes as good as something freshly picked from a garden. Bleubeard's pics are wonderful! He certainly has "cat-titude"!!! LOL! (I couldn't resist.) Not sure about the link thing with Blogger - personally, I found it to be very confusing. Hugs, Terri xoxo

Julia Dunnit said...

I stopped allowing links too - almsot for the same reasons...I felt churslish about it, but was a bit miffed that people would link their blogs to my post without even bothering to comment on the post! I don't know if it's automatic or not actually, but willwatch your answers with interest! Your garden is a lush tangle of green...bet the lettuce has been gorgeous. I just love the look of your porch....bet Wendy is very happy in her surrondngs!

Kathy said...

Your garden is looking wonderfully green and healthy

I don't think I've got that links thing switched on - but now you've mentioned it I think I'll go and check!

~*~Patty said...

I really Love Bleubeard's pic sitting on the steps!
Lots of growing going on in your nice garden! It must be nice to pick your lettuce fresh!
Wordpress actually also offers the related link thingy ... I had activated it some time ago and thought about changing it back to no links, BUT can't find my way there LOL
I do like that every now and again it will link to other of my bbb links which makes more sense than some of them. Not much help in your situation.
Happy Thursday!
oxo

Unknown said...

OK I am loving the garden last year we sis lots of home grown stuff this year hubby couldn't be bothered, but is now regretting not getting it done (I can't or I would do it my self)he is missing out fresh toms and luettice. we still have the annual stuff though Strawberrys and apples rhubarb and all the herbs so not completely befreft oh home grown!

BB looks stunning great photos of him! I have no idea about the back links but having heard I think I will stop them now!

Love Dawn xx

Marlynn said...

Wendy Wendy quite contrary - how does your garden grow! Well, we do know how Elizabeth's and Bleubeard's garden grows! - beautiful and lovely. Hate to break this to you but Harley is eyeing Wendy..... oh oh. Linky links - I don't have a clue. Loved your post and loved you Wendy. This one is good, word verification: gasma! Hmmm Gas and Ma.....LOL

Lori Saul said...

Wow Bleubeard is quite the handsome cat and so photogenic! Your veggies look great Elizabeth- time for a lovely salad. One year I had jalapenos, onions, tomatoes and cilantro all growing and made a wonderful homegrown salsa. Gardening is a lot of work but rewarding. Great photos!

Caterina Giglio said...

your garden looks just spectacular! and bleubeard is handsome as ever!!

Gera Scott Chandler said...

Hi Elizabeth...I love your garden- it's looking so vibrant!

Bluebeard is a looker... I adore grey cats!

Thanks for the kind words about my blog- happy to say the canvas is close to completion and I can change the subject soon!

cheers!
gera (with a grey cat too)

Martha's Favorites said...

Hi: You have a wonderful garden. Your veggies look so good. I noticed you had a Tea post on Tuesday. I want to invite you to join our Tea Cup Tuesday too. I know the ladies would enjoy you tea cups or mugs. Thank you for always leaving me with such kind words. I am very grateful to you. Blessings, Martha

Unknown said...

your garden is amazing!!! Bleubeard looks like he comes from a long line of king cats :)

Halle said...

The garden is looking really good. I've have to photo my progress as well one of these days.

Bleubeard looks very regal and handsome in his photos. Makes me want to snuggle and pet him...so soft looking. Never mind the allergies and 600+ some miles separating us. :)