On Friday (e:Springfairy) calls me and asks if I have anything planned. Just the usually clean and reorganize my home which is the current summer project. She just completed a title floor in the sun room. So we have something to celebrate. We both needed a sanity break and we wanted to head to the marina, so plans were set.
I completed my morming ablutions and headed to my cleaning for a few hours. Springfairy arrived and we chatted. Then it was lunch time so we headed to my parents for leftovers.
Our Sanity Adventure Begins:
I realized that I needed to start carrying the camera on me when I go places in order to post pictures. I thought this was a cool start
I believe this ship was called the uss Little Rock.
This was the first non-blurry shot of the lighthouse. It was actually a really bright day on Friday.
I really liked the clouds in this one. We headed to that part of the marina on our walk.
Here is my vertical lighthouse shot as we approached the Marina food area. We stopped at a bench here so that I could doodle in my sketchbook. We started talking about another tattoo design.
The Gardens of the Marina food area with the statues that (e:metalpeter) took in an earlier post, in the background. We decided to stop and have a snack.
(E:Springfairy) with a Strawberry Cheesecake Ice cream cone.
I choose the Rainbow Sherbet. We copped a squat at the triangular you are here sign and sat on the stones in the semi-circle across from the wooden statutes. The stones were actually really warmer than the benches.
To my left...
And to my right...
We decided to continue walking and enjoying the view. After our snack was finished we pondered what else we could do and (e:springfairy) remembered that the Ugly Truth opens today. We came upon a cool sculpture which I thought I captured the name of in the photo, which I did not, and I forgot it.
Passing us by as we continued to walk. We also realized we could take a Miss Buffalo trip, but we voted on the movie tonight and the trip another time.
We were heading toward the rocky shoreline and I snapped this photo.
Something here does not belong? Is that a sneaker? I wonder how it got there? You think someone threw it in there? Maybe someone lost it when they were out on the lake? Do sneakers float? Could have been sneakerwrecked? Needless to say we got pretty silly.
There was a lovely rock where the view was breathtaking and we wanted to talk about some serious stuff in our lives. She was telling me about a really cool party she had been to with some other friends and how she broke her shoe dancing the night away.
We both enjoyed the breeze with the wind blowing through our hair. We people watched as more arrived. We talked about many things. I was telling her about an art project experiment. So we headed back to the car to get supplies. We went to A.C. Moore the craft store for me to get the lead and color paint, but one was out of stock.
We continued onto the movie "The Ugly Truth". It was definately worth the money. I nearly passed out from laughing so hard. We could not believe the review only gave it one and half stars. What happened to a sense of humor? We talked about relationships after the movie until late in the evening.
Dimartiste's Journal
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07/27/2009 12:01 #49394
July 25th 2009 FridayCategory: sanity break
07/27/2009 10:50 #49393
Father Baker DayCategory: church
Yesterday was Father Baker Day at Our Lady of Victory Basilica & National Shrine. I sing in the choir. Father Paul led the mass with other clergy. At the end of mass one of the Lackawanna City resentatives was there with a Proclamation that this be officially Father Baker Day. A moment to honor Msgr. Wurtz who past last year. Then a Tribute to Father Baker by laying a wreath on his grave by two living Father Baker boys, which always brings a tear to the eye. A final Blessing by Father Paul.
There was a reception at the Elementary School. There were lots of lovely finger foods and desserts. We spoke witha lovely couple that drove all the way from Pennsylvania. They were visiting their aunt who livs in South Buffalo. We said out goodbyes and headed home for a small rest.
My mom started her latch hook project and I continued reading "Dead Beat" by Jim Butcher.
We headed Romenello's South for our annnual choir dinner. We milled around talking to other choir memebers getting caught up on their personal news. We started with bread and an amazing olive, garlic, roasted peper butter and ministrone soup. Then we had a mixed greens salad. The entree I choose was the Prime Rib dinner, with garlic mashed potatoes and veggies. I had a glass or three of Merlot to complement my steak. After dinner we spoke about what we have been up to. That's when I realized my batteries were out of their charge. So no pictures from my camera. bummer, dude!
The dessert I choose was vanilla ice cream with cream de menth. My grandmother's favorite. I could not belive it we left around 7pm.
We headed back home for some much needed rest and relaxation. Mom continued on the latch hook project. I finished the book and started another.
There was a reception at the Elementary School. There were lots of lovely finger foods and desserts. We spoke witha lovely couple that drove all the way from Pennsylvania. They were visiting their aunt who livs in South Buffalo. We said out goodbyes and headed home for a small rest.
My mom started her latch hook project and I continued reading "Dead Beat" by Jim Butcher.
We headed Romenello's South for our annnual choir dinner. We milled around talking to other choir memebers getting caught up on their personal news. We started with bread and an amazing olive, garlic, roasted peper butter and ministrone soup. Then we had a mixed greens salad. The entree I choose was the Prime Rib dinner, with garlic mashed potatoes and veggies. I had a glass or three of Merlot to complement my steak. After dinner we spoke about what we have been up to. That's when I realized my batteries were out of their charge. So no pictures from my camera. bummer, dude!
The dessert I choose was vanilla ice cream with cream de menth. My grandmother's favorite. I could not belive it we left around 7pm.
We headed back home for some much needed rest and relaxation. Mom continued on the latch hook project. I finished the book and started another.
dimartiste - 07/27/09 12:44
Yes! The very one. They give tours. My mom used to be one of the tour guides. The history on the basilica is crazy cool, if you like historical information on buffalo. Currently the basement is under some construction so the bathrooms are outside. I will have to find my pictures of OLV, especially the inside and post a journal for you. This may take some time! When you go somewhere regularly during the year they get mixed in, but I took a friend whose not from the area there last year. I have to find the folder. It is also a fun place to visit. The Botanical Gardens are just down the street. There are several great diners to catch a lunch could even make a day of it!
Yes! The very one. They give tours. My mom used to be one of the tour guides. The history on the basilica is crazy cool, if you like historical information on buffalo. Currently the basement is under some construction so the bathrooms are outside. I will have to find my pictures of OLV, especially the inside and post a journal for you. This may take some time! When you go somewhere regularly during the year they get mixed in, but I took a friend whose not from the area there last year. I have to find the folder. It is also a fun place to visit. The Botanical Gardens are just down the street. There are several great diners to catch a lunch could even make a day of it!
lauren - 07/27/09 11:19
is that the gorgeous church on ridge and s park road? I have always wanted to go inside, I am sure it's beautiful!
is that the gorgeous church on ridge and s park road? I have always wanted to go inside, I am sure it's beautiful!
07/15/2009 10:43 #49296
Summer ProjectsCategory: home improvement
This summer I have decided to bite the bullet and attempt to complete a project that I have returned to 7 times previous only to lose focus and move on to other things. I have to decided to clean my attic, apartment, and basement. This sounds so simple, but it has been a battle for me. See I have inherited several generations of personal belongings. First my maternal grandfather, those most of hs stuff fits in a drawer and several piles of misc tools. Second was my paternal grandather and most of his stuff fits in my closet. Third was my great-grandmothers personal belongings, this is more stuff but all in places all over the house. Dishes. Cookware. Photos, which need to be put into lignen, acid-free, archival scrapbook albums. Clothes, towels, jewelry, etc. So much of her stuff is all over the place. Fourth was my maternal grandmother and that means an entire household of personal belongings split three ways and I have 1/3 of her things. So same as Great-gram's but they always remind me of home or someplace safe and loving. Fifth was my paternal grandmother and most of her stuff is still with my uncle. We did share photos and crocheting. Then lastly there are my parents stuff that is still stored with me. Never mind the 30 years worth of stuff I have managed to accumulate. Now that I have split careers there is even more stuff.
Recently on one of those TLC's home improvement shows I saw something that struck a cord with me. Take photos of stuff you want to remember and do not have room to store. I am in the process of rezoning in my head of what I have, what I need, What I want versus the space I have to house it all. "Everything in it's place and a place for everything." This was a motto that my grandmother used to help keep her things neat. I am hoping this will work for me as well.
Clutter. Have you ever noticed that force of nature that when you have a clean surface that somehow, someway, someone (including yourself) can manage to clutter that clean space up? Something about nature abhors a void and will work very hard to fill it.
Packrats - are usually people who have lived through hard times especially a war and learned to live without. There is also a side effect they also learn to hang onto things because "You never know when you might need that..." philisophy. Most packrats that I have meet come from living through war times and are children of wartimes. From having to tighten their belts and living a life where they constantly have to choose between what they need versus what they want. I am learning to recondition myself and my thinking to limiting that perspective to a small area. It seeps into you and you do not even know you are doing it.
Art - I guess I am a jack of all art trades learning to master some. I have many things that I do with my time and energy. Scrapbook, Crochet, Knit, Weave, Draw, Paint, Sculpt, Photography, Computer Graphics, Portfolios, Poetry, Journals, Jewelry, Collect Art books, Comic books, and so much more. I have to spread it out all over the house into little work zones because I have tried one room and there is never enough room for all the basics let alone an inventory. I am also planning my artisitic vision for my life in accordance with my space. My dad and I are into serious negotiations about how to sell my art and what ways should we attempt next. Galleries are important and part of that plan, but what else? So there is time and energy and paperwork into researchng that part of the plan.
Entertainment - Did you ever notice when you go into people's houses or apartments that some people have no media. The main areas are for conversation and having people over. I love that idea, but I do too much other pastimes that included tools in order to create. I read. I love music. I love watching movies (both VHS and DVDs). So I have a great deal of media.
Clothes - always an issue for women. They say you need to dress for the job you want not for the job you have. I get that. Budgets. (and then the pack rat moves in - i like that, oh, i'll fit back into that, and so on ...) I might have learned to let go of more with siblings. My ex, broke a great deal of personal belongings and that taught me about children, but also about letting go.
This is the crux of the problem. I need to not only rearrange and reorganize, but also get rid of a portion of whatever it is I am cleaning. This is the game plan. Everday for 4 to 6 hours working with one focus at a time. My allergies determine the length of time in high allergy areas and sometimes cut my day short. Either way I am trying to be firm, but gentle with myself.
Recently on one of those TLC's home improvement shows I saw something that struck a cord with me. Take photos of stuff you want to remember and do not have room to store. I am in the process of rezoning in my head of what I have, what I need, What I want versus the space I have to house it all. "Everything in it's place and a place for everything." This was a motto that my grandmother used to help keep her things neat. I am hoping this will work for me as well.
Clutter. Have you ever noticed that force of nature that when you have a clean surface that somehow, someway, someone (including yourself) can manage to clutter that clean space up? Something about nature abhors a void and will work very hard to fill it.
Packrats - are usually people who have lived through hard times especially a war and learned to live without. There is also a side effect they also learn to hang onto things because "You never know when you might need that..." philisophy. Most packrats that I have meet come from living through war times and are children of wartimes. From having to tighten their belts and living a life where they constantly have to choose between what they need versus what they want. I am learning to recondition myself and my thinking to limiting that perspective to a small area. It seeps into you and you do not even know you are doing it.
Art - I guess I am a jack of all art trades learning to master some. I have many things that I do with my time and energy. Scrapbook, Crochet, Knit, Weave, Draw, Paint, Sculpt, Photography, Computer Graphics, Portfolios, Poetry, Journals, Jewelry, Collect Art books, Comic books, and so much more. I have to spread it out all over the house into little work zones because I have tried one room and there is never enough room for all the basics let alone an inventory. I am also planning my artisitic vision for my life in accordance with my space. My dad and I are into serious negotiations about how to sell my art and what ways should we attempt next. Galleries are important and part of that plan, but what else? So there is time and energy and paperwork into researchng that part of the plan.
Entertainment - Did you ever notice when you go into people's houses or apartments that some people have no media. The main areas are for conversation and having people over. I love that idea, but I do too much other pastimes that included tools in order to create. I read. I love music. I love watching movies (both VHS and DVDs). So I have a great deal of media.
Clothes - always an issue for women. They say you need to dress for the job you want not for the job you have. I get that. Budgets. (and then the pack rat moves in - i like that, oh, i'll fit back into that, and so on ...) I might have learned to let go of more with siblings. My ex, broke a great deal of personal belongings and that taught me about children, but also about letting go.
This is the crux of the problem. I need to not only rearrange and reorganize, but also get rid of a portion of whatever it is I am cleaning. This is the game plan. Everday for 4 to 6 hours working with one focus at a time. My allergies determine the length of time in high allergy areas and sometimes cut my day short. Either way I am trying to be firm, but gentle with myself.
dimartiste - 07/27/09 09:31
Thanks Jenks! I know and understand all of this, but it is not just my clothes! Yes! You are 100% correct. I have been going through my clothes. 2 and half bags. I do regret some brand new going out shirts, but I have not been going out. SO - I got rid of all my clothes I do not wear or were damaged in storage (leak in the basement). I still have the other half to go through, but I really need to file. I can not believe the amount of paper one person can accumulate!
Thanks Jenks! I know and understand all of this, but it is not just my clothes! Yes! You are 100% correct. I have been going through my clothes. 2 and half bags. I do regret some brand new going out shirts, but I have not been going out. SO - I got rid of all my clothes I do not wear or were damaged in storage (leak in the basement). I still have the other half to go through, but I really need to file. I can not believe the amount of paper one person can accumulate!
jenks - 07/16/09 18:25
ugh, that's a formidable task. Good luck. I am a horrible packrat. And I took the opportunity to purge (some) when I moved. I have a hard time throwing things out. Like I'll have all these clothes that don't fit and I haven't worn in years. But they're 'nice' or 'expensive' so I can't bring myself to get rid of them.
Then my mom made a good point. She said first of all, donate it to the salvation army or something. Then you know your 'good' stuff isn't wasted. But also- just let it go. Chances are you won't even notice it's gone. And if you do: then it's an excuse to go buy a new one!
So with that in mind, I got rid of tons of stuff. And she's right- I haven't missed a single thing yet. But now my closet is more organized, AND, since I don't have tons and tons of clothes, I don't feel bad about buying new ones that 1: fit properly and 2: are more stylish/work appropriate. I have stuff from HIGH SCHOOL that I still wear! Ack.
ugh, that's a formidable task. Good luck. I am a horrible packrat. And I took the opportunity to purge (some) when I moved. I have a hard time throwing things out. Like I'll have all these clothes that don't fit and I haven't worn in years. But they're 'nice' or 'expensive' so I can't bring myself to get rid of them.
Then my mom made a good point. She said first of all, donate it to the salvation army or something. Then you know your 'good' stuff isn't wasted. But also- just let it go. Chances are you won't even notice it's gone. And if you do: then it's an excuse to go buy a new one!
So with that in mind, I got rid of tons of stuff. And she's right- I haven't missed a single thing yet. But now my closet is more organized, AND, since I don't have tons and tons of clothes, I don't feel bad about buying new ones that 1: fit properly and 2: are more stylish/work appropriate. I have stuff from HIGH SCHOOL that I still wear! Ack.
07/11/2009 00:34 #49259
Charlaine Harris / Sookie StackhouseCategory: books
I recently was introduced to this author by (e:springfairy)'s mom who had found a bunch of series by this author first was with the main character called Harper Collins who has the ability to find dead people. There will be more coming I guess.
Now I have just finished the 8th novel in the Sookie Stackhouse series, she as the ability to read peoples minds. This is the book series that the HBO TrueBlood Series is based on. I do not have HBO so I have to wait until it comes out on DVD. I am interested in how they are going to stay true to the characters in the book and yet develop the show with some of the new ideas. I do like the series. When I like a series it usually gets cancelled. For example the Dresden Files based on the Jim Butcher books. I digress.
She also has the Aurora Teagarden Mysteries and the Shakespeare Series with several books in each series to her credit, there are no supes in these just good ole fashion mysteries, but I will be deciding in a little bit what I will read before bed.
I really enjoy her novels and I thought I would pass that on to any avid readers out there looking for a good read.
Now I have just finished the 8th novel in the Sookie Stackhouse series, she as the ability to read peoples minds. This is the book series that the HBO TrueBlood Series is based on. I do not have HBO so I have to wait until it comes out on DVD. I am interested in how they are going to stay true to the characters in the book and yet develop the show with some of the new ideas. I do like the series. When I like a series it usually gets cancelled. For example the Dresden Files based on the Jim Butcher books. I digress.
She also has the Aurora Teagarden Mysteries and the Shakespeare Series with several books in each series to her credit, there are no supes in these just good ole fashion mysteries, but I will be deciding in a little bit what I will read before bed.
I really enjoy her novels and I thought I would pass that on to any avid readers out there looking for a good read.
dimartiste - 07/27/09 09:33
Thanks I will have to do exactly that! I would love to watch them online!
Thanks I will have to do exactly that! I would love to watch them online!
metalpeter - 07/15/09 20:00
Not sure how she watches them online but I know Dana watches them, I forget her name here I think of her as piercedgyrl if you go to (e:theecarey)'s posts you will see her name, she could tell you where you can see them.
Not sure how she watches them online but I know Dana watches them, I forget her name here I think of her as piercedgyrl if you go to (e:theecarey)'s posts you will see her name, she could tell you where you can see them.
dimartiste - 07/15/09 10:07
Yes, the books advertized the Season 1 on DVD so that is how I watched them. So bummed I have to wait until Season 2 DVD to watch. Yes, (e:springfairy)'s uncle has read the books as well as I have and he has HBO. He said season 2 is completely different from the books. I will have to see them to decide. (E:springfairy) has not read the books because she did not want to be disappointed. Season 1 stayed close to the books, but had several changes that I am completely curious how they are going to resolve those threads in the story line. Hey if you hear about online so I can watch let me know!? Please!?
Yes, the books advertized the Season 1 on DVD so that is how I watched them. So bummed I have to wait until Season 2 DVD to watch. Yes, (e:springfairy)'s uncle has read the books as well as I have and he has HBO. He said season 2 is completely different from the books. I will have to see them to decide. (E:springfairy) has not read the books because she did not want to be disappointed. Season 1 stayed close to the books, but had several changes that I am completely curious how they are going to resolve those threads in the story line. Hey if you hear about online so I can watch let me know!? Please!?
metalpeter - 07/11/09 11:17
The HBO Series is Very Good. The first season is on DVD all ready. Not sure if there is any way to watch the show online there could be. I never read the books. I have heard not sure if it is true or not that there is at least one thing different all ready in season 2 then in the books but I didn't read the books so I'm not sure if I understand that correctly.
The HBO Series is Very Good. The first season is on DVD all ready. Not sure if there is any way to watch the show online there could be. I never read the books. I have heard not sure if it is true or not that there is at least one thing different all ready in season 2 then in the books but I didn't read the books so I'm not sure if I understand that correctly.
07/10/2009 22:39 #49257
Thursday Take Down Friday CatalogueCategory: art show
My dual artshow has officially been taken down on thursday in the afternoon.
I went with my mom and dad to the doctors to see how his foot is reconstructing itself due to a medical condition called Charcot, which is a bone degeneration disease. His foot has to be immobilized in a CROW cast to keep his bones in a single position to allow him to be mobile and have quality of life while his body creates better and stronger bones which is happening very slowly. So we has good news at the doctors.
On to the gallery we went. My fellow artist was taking down her half of the show. We worked together to take down the display. Tallied up this is yours and that is mine kind of thing. We kind of made it a family moment. Mom helped to repackage the framed pieces and the labels so we know what piece is which. Dad supervised. We all talked about the Opening reception. I went through all my inventory and packed up all my bookmarks, greeting cards, posters, prints and papework for the originals.
We went out to dinner to celebrate the completion of an artistic accomplishment. Niagara Cafe has great Puerto Rican food. Maybe even better than my grandmother used to make. God rest her soul! It was definately a comfort thing.
When you come to the end of the road of a path that you have travelled for several months it is hard to believe you have made it to the other side of that moment or event in your life. Graduation and your diploma. So to create a sense of closure instead of loss I created a catalogue of the show from beginning to end. It was like an art scrapbook. I wanted it to look professional and be a tool to used to show what I am capable of as an artist.
I have some ideas I am mulling around with still to add or make the catalogue better. I also am enjoying several good books this week. But I decided to take a break and catch up with all the epeeps. I need to keep my battaries recharged for my camera. I am very excited about journals and pictures. I did not take that many pictures at the opening reception so this journal is lacking that special touch but I am rethinking my journaling.
I went with my mom and dad to the doctors to see how his foot is reconstructing itself due to a medical condition called Charcot, which is a bone degeneration disease. His foot has to be immobilized in a CROW cast to keep his bones in a single position to allow him to be mobile and have quality of life while his body creates better and stronger bones which is happening very slowly. So we has good news at the doctors.
On to the gallery we went. My fellow artist was taking down her half of the show. We worked together to take down the display. Tallied up this is yours and that is mine kind of thing. We kind of made it a family moment. Mom helped to repackage the framed pieces and the labels so we know what piece is which. Dad supervised. We all talked about the Opening reception. I went through all my inventory and packed up all my bookmarks, greeting cards, posters, prints and papework for the originals.
We went out to dinner to celebrate the completion of an artistic accomplishment. Niagara Cafe has great Puerto Rican food. Maybe even better than my grandmother used to make. God rest her soul! It was definately a comfort thing.
When you come to the end of the road of a path that you have travelled for several months it is hard to believe you have made it to the other side of that moment or event in your life. Graduation and your diploma. So to create a sense of closure instead of loss I created a catalogue of the show from beginning to end. It was like an art scrapbook. I wanted it to look professional and be a tool to used to show what I am capable of as an artist.
I have some ideas I am mulling around with still to add or make the catalogue better. I also am enjoying several good books this week. But I decided to take a break and catch up with all the epeeps. I need to keep my battaries recharged for my camera. I am very excited about journals and pictures. I did not take that many pictures at the opening reception so this journal is lacking that special touch but I am rethinking my journaling.
dimartiste - 07/15/09 10:02
Dad keeps moving as long as he is able. He was forced to retire and is a complete failure at doing nothing. So he keeps moving supervising construction and helps as a consultant. The CROW cast is removeable andstablizes his leg so he can be mobile throughout the day. So though there is a problem, we hope and pray that he will heal by recreating stronger bones. Obviously we have to monitor this closely.
Niagara Cafe is like better than my grandmother's Puerto Rican food! I love to go there when the mood strikes. They used to deliver, boy did I get lazy. Now I walk or convince my parents we should all go. But thy have to watch what they eat.
Dad keeps moving as long as he is able. He was forced to retire and is a complete failure at doing nothing. So he keeps moving supervising construction and helps as a consultant. The CROW cast is removeable andstablizes his leg so he can be mobile throughout the day. So though there is a problem, we hope and pray that he will heal by recreating stronger bones. Obviously we have to monitor this closely.
Niagara Cafe is like better than my grandmother's Puerto Rican food! I love to go there when the mood strikes. They used to deliver, boy did I get lazy. Now I walk or convince my parents we should all go. But thy have to watch what they eat.
paul - 07/11/09 11:10
Sorry to hear about your dad. Niagara Cafe has great food, I went there for lunch with (e:enknot) a while back.
Sorry to hear about your dad. Niagara Cafe has great food, I went there for lunch with (e:enknot) a while back.
Tiny - we could do that, email me, what your schedule is and we could totally hang out.
The Ugly Truth was funny! I laughed so hard I almost passed out! Don't get me wrong it is definately man humor, but it is really good. The reviewer was like don't waste your money. Maybe she is happily married and forgot what dating was like. *shrug* When you do see it, let me know what you think.?!
Oh and I am seeing that movie next (whenever it comes out on DVD). I thought the the trailer was fun.
I would love to come with you someday to watch you sketch and maybe sketch some myself. :)
Thank you! I thought they were good photos. I had more but I was trying to illustrate the event, Kinda like blog scrapbooking... We love the Marina. I still want to go down with chalks and go to town in my sketchbook.
When I was in high school I was the yearbook editor and one of the exercises I did to help my staff was to take an interesting picture and tell them to give me the scoop, what is going on? Getting them to attempt the 1,000 words the picture may or may not be worth.
I have not. I am a poet. I haven't written much recently, but since I started blogging I am back to a handwritten daily journal and I am trying to blog at least every two weeks. I like commentary, it helps you grow as a person.
Yes, we did (e:metalpeter)! I am so glad my batteries did not die until later.
I loved your commentary. :) Thanks so much for the photos. Walking on the edge of the marina is my most favourite outing in Buffalo. I often go there to look at the sunset and make up stories, loves, lives and wonder about riff-raff on its shores.
Have you ever seen the poetry wall in the Metro station on Allen and Main? Somehow that poetry wall captures every sentiment you can have traipsing through downtown... If you compare your post to the poetry wall, you are bound to nod in agreement. Its a beautifully put together piece of art and life.
Nice Pictures glad you had a good time.