Lazy Saturday and a Sundae

“Progress isn’t made by early risers. It’s made by lazy men trying to find easier ways to do something.” ― Robert A. Heinlein

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It was a lazy, hazy, rainy Saturday. I love cool rainy days, especially in the summer. I like the quote above, “Progress is made my lazy men trying to find easier ways tomdo something.” I guess I’m making progress, because I’m pretty darn lazy today. 

I’m up visiting in Stillwater this weekend, so no possibility of having to do laundry, housework, or other tedious chores. For excitement, Jim and I went to Lowes and he bought some plants and lumber. I browsed the lawn furniture and outdoor lighting. The next stop was Braum’s. He asked what I’d like to do for dinner, so I was honest. My motto is “Life is short. Eat dessert first.”

 It was after 4 o’clock in the afternoon, and with only a cup of tea for breakfast, I decided I wanted a turtle sundae. Remember my motto? I ordered a double scoop turtle sundae. Kayden, the nice young man who waited on us was very cordial. He started scooping the vanilla ice cream. I asked, “Can I get different flavors?” He said of course. I got a scoop of sea salt caramel and a scoop of rocky road. He decided to spoil an old lady and put gobs of caramel and chocolate, a lot of whip cream, and five cherries on top. 

I ate a bunch before I remembered to take a picture.

Needless to say, I consumed the entire thing, and it goes without saying…I still have a belly ache. Ah, but it was worth it. So much for dinner. My lazy Saturday and a sundae.

Friday:) Funny Faces in Funny Places

You use a glass mirror to see your face; you use works of art to see your soul.

~George Bernard Shaw*********************

You would not believe the funny faces that I see sometimes. Well, yes you would. You guys know how crazy I am. Sometimes when I’m out walking, I’ll see an irrigation cover or some utility thing and say, “Wow, I see a face.” But then I get carried away and add a few props. Usually something nearby.

Here’s the latest.

This guy had a cigarette.

Look how cute I am! So serious.

Very simple, low maintenance, no makeup, just the real me.

I’m an elderly gentleman with a mustache,

Thursday:) The Art Club of McKinney

“Artists never get old. They just slap on a new coat of paint.”

~ Toni Armenta Andrukaitis

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Active art associations create a dynamic atmosphere that positively influence artists as well as the viewing community.

~ (Karen Honaker)

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Today was our first Art Club of McKinney meeting for the year after our summer break. We meet the second Thursday of the month at 9:30 am. I actually got there on time, a first for me. It was good to see all my old artist friends. And yes…most of us are pretty old. Just kidding. Artists never get old, they just they just slap on a new coat of paint.

Our first Fall meeting in August is always my favorite. I like to call it Show and Tell day. After the general meeting with minutes and business, then a short break for coffee and wonderful snacks, members have the opportunity to go up to the front and talk about what they’ve been working on lately, bringing examples, this show and tell. 

You can see everyone’s eyes light up because they are getting ideas for their own projects. That’s what’s cool about the club, everyone is always happy to share ideas and many offer classes and workshops to teach others their techniques, tips, and secrets.

Here are just a few artist friends.

Lynne Weinberger is normally a textile artist, but she has been going crazy with alcohol inks and other mediums.

Maribeth Jagger has taught alcohol ink classes to the majority of the city of McKinney, yours truly included. 

Kim Guthrie has such a funky style. She has a studio space at Orison’s Gallery on the square and teaches some cool workshops.

Here are a few more talented friends.

You don’t have to be an artist to join the Art Club of McKinney. You don’t have to be artistic or talented. Heck, they let me in! But, if you like art, you like people, you like learning about different art mediums, this is the place to start.

http://www.theartclubmckinney.com/

Wednesday:) What Wonders Lie Within The Sky

What wonders lie within the sky

Dark clouds disguise the sun

Soft grey will play with amber hues

To herald day’s begun.

~Toni Armenta Andrukaits

Tuesday:) Today, Two New Friends

“Every person is a new door to a different world.”~Six Degrees of Seperation
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Today after Zumba, I stopped at Pioneer Ridge retirement facility. Gina, our new Art Club of McKinney president called me the other day, and asked me if I’d consider coordinating some outreach volunteering for our club. It’s fine that we have our monthly meetings, but she feels our group should be doing more in the community. She thought because I’ve been volunteering at Towne Creek Senior Apartments for over ten years, that I’d be the perfect candidate to coordinate volunteer activities. I don’t need or even have room for another place to volunteer, but I’d be happy see if we can get some volunteers from the art club.

Gina said that she talked to Andrea Wyatt, the activity director, at Pioneer Ridge. It’s a very large looming building in Stonebridge Ranch, tucked away behind Walgreens and the bank. At first I thought, why should I even bother arranging volunteers for a fairly affluent facility. They could afford to hire someone. Then, I remembered my senior group at Towne Creek. Their federally subsidized housing and meager living spaces doesn’t change the fact that many seniors, wealthy or just barely getting by, most are lonely. Many have no family, friends or visitors to spend time with. Everyone deserves some companionship, friendship, and fun activities to brighten their day. Yep! Let’s see what we can do.

A gentleman sat in a rocking chair out front. He smiled and said hello. I walked into the beautiful entry and saw the huge finely decorated dining room. I was impressed. So, here’s the thing, the elderly people shuffling past in walkers or wheel chairs all had one thing in common. They looked lonely, sitting by themselves, just staring and sitting. Our society really does ignore the elderly. It’s a shame.

I met with Andrea and we discussed possible art projects and activities. I certainly hope we find some volunteers to visit and share some time with these charming folks.

When I left, I stopped to visit with the gentleman in the rocking chair. Now, he was smoking a cigar and apologized when I sat next to him. We chatted a bit.

Mr. Dan was a very charming man. A few minutes later, a lady passed by and Dan offered his chair to Miss Becky. I asked her how she liked Pioneer Ridge. She said it was wonderful, but when I asked what kind of activities she enjoyed, she said she usually just walks around the building a few times. They have movie nights and other programs, but they really didn’t have any craftsmlr art projects. Personally, I think people, of all ages enjoy, creating and learning new things,

Let’s see if we can add a little spark and fun to these lovely lives. Perhaps, make a few new friends.

Montage Monday:) A Week In A Peek

“If my week flew by any faster, I would have to consult the air traffic control tower.”

~ Toni Armenta Andrukaitis

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I can’t believe it’s August already. Where did Spring go? Summer is in its full and furious sultry swing. Here’s my week in a peek.

I must be pretty respectable, because I’m feeling pretty lazy these days. Too darn hot out!

Sunday Sermon and Other Stuff

“The transfiguration of matter occurs through wonder.”~James Hillman
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It was another very warm Sunday. After missing last week’s  greeting at the door because I was at the CRHP retreat, it was wonderful to see a lot of my new CRHP sisters and friends. It was neat to see their families, too. Lots of hugs. 

Today is the Feast of  the Transfiguration Sunday. Today’s Gospel is story of when Jesus appeared to the three disciple and was transfigured. 

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Jesus took Peter, James, and his brother, John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light……..

While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” 

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My take on it, Jesus wanted to show his disciples something miraculous so they might believe and keep their faith and share His word. We are asked to keep our faith and believe through the teachings of the disciples. Sometimes we can be transfigured and changed through faith alone.

In a way, our retreat last weekend, was kind of a transformation. Very appropriate for today’s Gospel. A nice Sunday.

After Mass, I stopped at Sprouts and bought a whole bunch of vegetables so I could roast them for dinner. I am trying to eat healthier, BUT, I also bought a couple of pounds of chocolate covered peanuts. So much for healthy. I came home, popped in the veggies, and went for a long walk. 

Oh yum! As soon as I post this, I’m eating. 

Have a great Sunday!