Tree Frogs

I have been busy in the backyard the last few days preparing the flower beds, transplanting and enjoying the Fall weather as I plan and consider possible changes to include a fire pit and patio. In all of the cleaning and preparations I stumbled upon a visitor, thankfully it was not a snake! Tucked down between the leaves of my Banana Tree was a very large green tree frog, about the size of a small chicken egg. I see green tree frogs occasionally but never this late in the year. Which has me thinking, what other wildlife is lingering and hanging on to the last warm days of the year? It won't be long before we have our first frost and the garden and flowerbeds will have their longer winter's nap.

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© 2018 Carol Lane Fleming

Merry Christmas!

I know, a little early this year for my Christmas Greetings. However since Christmas Decorations have been in a local craft store since May, I can only assume I might actually be behind schedule. Seriously though, I have been 'bitten' by the Christmas bug.

Last Christmas one of my smaller artificial trees dropped more needles and small limbs than a real tree. Not wanting to toss it in the trash, I left it outdoors to weather and hopefully drop the remaining loose needles. This week, I have decided to transform the little tree in hopes of granting it new life. The tree is four feet tall and is secured to a basket with concrete, did I mention it is heavy?

Phase One: Using my all purpose heavy duty work scissors I cut off all of the needles down to the artificial tree limbs. The tree now looks twiggy and has a short scrubby limbs. Basically I gave the tree a 'crew cut'.

Phase Two: I brushed and cleaned the tree scrubbing it down and removed yet more loose needles. Ran to the store and grabbed multiple cans of spray paint, disposable gloves, a box of cat litter and a large plastic planter.

Phase Three: I sprayed the large plastic planter silver and set it aside to dry. Then the transformation~ No more Green Christmas Tree. I sprayed the tree Aqua! Three cans of spray paint was used to cover the trunk, the limbs and remaining scrubby needles.

Phase Four: I placed some of the dry cat litter in the bottom of the planter to raise the tree to the desired level. After I was satisfied with the placement, I used the remaining dry cat litter to secure it in place.

I just LOVE IT! I love when what I see in my imagination works and actually looks better than what I had imagined. Now the hard part, waiting to decorate the tree. Only red and white decorations will be used and the tree will be placed in the center of my round oak kitchen table. I can hardly wait!

How early is to early to set up and decorate a Christmas tree?

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© 2018 Carol Lane Fleming

Summer Reading

Summer vacation is a time to reboot, adjust schedules, game nights, explore, day dream, journey into the unknown, escape, feast upon tasty treats, late nights and reading. A tradition for as long as I can remember, I have binged on books, reading for hours upon hours during Summer vacations. The thrill of trips to the library and carrying home stacks and stacks of books. The cozy reading spots shared with a cat or dog and an occasional horse as company as I read. No lists or mandates of what should be read just the pure pleasure of reading by choice. I've read of far away places, fantasy, the classics, romance, how-to's, historical non-fiction, poetry, travel, an entire series, biographies and.... The list goes on forever. And yes, I have a confession, there have been times I have chosen a book by it's cover. Gasp!

Summer vacations were created for binge reading. I'm headed to the library later today to collect stacks of books. I have snacks prepared and meals arranged for the reading marathon. As we all know the #1 Rule for Summer Vacation is No Cooking!

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© 2018 Carol Lane Fleming

Happy Birthday America!

I have only a quick moment this morning to write as I am quite busy preparing for our 4th of July Celebration. Red White and Blue as far as the eye can see, what a wonderful display of patriotism as the nation is celebrating The United States of America's Birthday. The sound of firecrackers are already popping the anticipation of the firework display is growing!

What are your traditions as you celebrate the 4th of July?

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© 2018 Carol Lane Fleming

Famous Last Words

I think it needs just a little more paint, these were the famous last words spoken before yesterday's mess-terpiece happened. I was alone in the studio preparing supplies for a session of Acrylic Pouring which sounds innocent enough, when suddenly out of the blue there was a flash of fur and the angry growls of 2 house cats fighting on the work table.  Somehow between the tumbles and growls, scratching and snarls there were uncontrolled paint spills. Paint went flying, I'm sure I will be finding splatters in unusual places for some time. Paint on my face, in my hair, some on canvases, and yes, the cats too were splattered in paint. Paw tracks across the table, on the floor it was a real big mess. Some days just do not go as planned yet, in the end, the results are similar. I had hoped to have a session of Acrylic Pouring yesterday, truthfully, I did! Just not in the manner or using the methods I had planned. All was not lost, I was able to use the mess to my advantage creating prints of the spills.

Creativity happens occasionally it is messy!

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© 2018 Carol Lane Fleming

Dandelion Wishes

Dandelions are more than flowering plants with a tenacious ability to grow and flourish within hostile environments. Their bright cheerful golden yellow ushers in spring, celebrates summer and is reluctant to leave when the frosty mornings of fall return. The delicate patterns among the petals is worthy of a masterpiece to be hanging in the finest galleries and yet, the Dandelion is considered by many to be a weed! Shocking right? Everyone knows Dandelions are made for childhood fantasy and fairy wishes.

Dandelions have an amazing ability to instantly restore childhood delight to busy adults willing to bend over and gently pluck the wispy wand. Somehow more magical than birthday candle wishes or coins tossed in a fountain, Dandelion wishes are visibly carried upon the wind, sometimes lingering dancing and twirling before silently vanishing into the realm of fairies and pixie dust where they are certain to come true.

As you are out and about today, capture the images of Dandelions. Grab a magnifying glass and inspect their regal beauty and if you are fortunate enough to find a bloom that has gone to seed, by all means, gently pluck and cast your wishes upon the winds.

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© 2018 Carol Lane Fleming

Curiosity and the Cat

Are you a curious individual? Do you ask a lot of questions? Do you actively seek the answers to the silence your curiosity? Humanity could learn by observing cats and their methods of exploring and satisfying their curiosity. Cats can be sly and sneaky, bold and courageous, they are persistent in their quest using many available tactics and even creating methods of discovery when the need arises.

Yes, there are times when satisfying one's curiosity may lead to disaster. As in the case of one curious cat and a bullfrog. Grizzly the Cat was an explorer and great detective and a very curios cat, he had to investigate every thing that somehow caught his attention. On this particular day he had been out in the yard with us when suddenly he bolted towards the spring only to freeze motionless like a statue. It seemed like an eternity frozen in time before he made is unfortunate pounce. Grizzly was quite curious concerning the activities of a giant bullfrog in the spring. You guessed it, when he finally decided to take action he sprang and landed in the water, right where the bullfrog had been. Grizzly swam to the edge, crawled out and promptly returned to the house soaking wet.

And then there are times when satisfying one's curiosity can lead to purring satisfaction. As in the case of one curious cat and a pile of fabric. Sarah Jane has all of the characteristics of a spy. She is observant, quiet, moves about unnoticed, clever and innovative throughout her day and persistent in the pursuit of satisfying her curiosity. Often is the case each time new fabric arrives at the house, she will investigate the packages with a thorough sniff, a taste, a poke and then she quietly follows the fabric to the next destination for the final testing. Sarah Jane knows from her past encounters all fabric is not created equal, some fabrics must be napped upon to determine the quality. She slinks, she waits until no one is looking, and then she proceeds with the final test. Climbing, jumping, crawling or even pouncing to land in the center of the pile of new fabrics for napping. Like I mentioned earlier, not all fabric is created equal in her eyes, there are fabrics she will avoid, others are good for a pounce, her favorites result in long lazy naps.

How curious are you? Do you find the need to uncover all the information down to the smallest detail or are you satisfied with the big picture or possibly a combination of facts can satisfy your curiosity? Are your curious thoughts led by your imagination and solved through your minds eye or do you actively engage in the pursuit of solving the questions, riddles and puzzles of curiosity?

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© 2018 Carol Lane Fleming