The Third Act

rediscovering the past

I was perusing the book shelf to look for more meal time company.  Generally, I don't want something to "read" read...I want something I can skim through, maybe the pictures make me feel comforted, cook books, gardening books, architecture books.  Today I came upon these old Good Earth Almanacs.  Who remembers when they used to run a strip in the Sunday comics?  I think I was a teenager at the time.  This was also the same period when I got into looking through all my brother's Mother Earth News!  Anyway, I brought them down and enjoyed rereading them.  I enjoyed them so much, I found a full set of 8 on Etsy and decided to add them to my motley collection of this kind of thing (note my Foxfire books).

 

 

 

 

landscapes

There's a photo gallery up in Vermont that put out a call for entry for landscapes.  I know the juror (as an acquaintance) and like her, so I thought, "what the heck".  I haven't entered any shows in forever.  It's something I'd like to be less hesitant about doing.  Fear of failure much?  Anyway, I was printing out some photos today and am rather pleased.  The application to enter requires jpgs only, but I needed to make some decisions about the images I plan to use and their dimensions.  In addition to that, there's another cyanotype hanging to dry.  Not a bad day.

 

(these are little teasers)

 

 

 

 

 

changes

Life seems to be coming together in such a way, that has given me the impetus to ease into some changes.  It seems like forever I've spent most meals with a screen in front of me.  Whether that's a computer device or a flatscreen for movies/tv, it's become a habit.  I know why this is...it's a way of compensating for lack of companionship. For the whole time I was married and the kids were in the house, we ate at the dinner table together (except for occasional movie nights with pizza).  This was one of my favorite things. That being the case, I've always been pretty gentle on myself for my current routine.  But I'd like it to change.  I'd like to be more mindful again.  I'd like to unplug for longer periods of time.  Whenever I attempt this path of change, it doesn't seem to last very long.  So we'll see how this goes.  Even a little bit of change is good, even if it has to keep happening over and over.

 

 

 

 

not a bad day

It's getting slightly warmer, but today was still lovely.  I managed to accomplish a few things in the garden, work on sourdough bread (rising now, but won't be ready for dinner) and made another wet cyanotype.  Today's cyanotype is more what I'm after, rather than the one I made yesterday.  Trying to form an approach...a re-approach?  Anyway, no complaints on this Friday.

 

 

 

 

 

 

return of the fuzzy robe

The house was 68f this morning.  I've been leaving the windows open at night and only the fan in my bedroom on.  Yesterday barely made it out of the 70s.  Hence, I brought out my fuzzy green (even though it looks blue in these Instax photos) robe.  It feels cozy and like a harbinger of cooler days to come.  But...not before a heat up next week...bah!

Today will be a good day to make some prints and to work more in the garden.  There's so much to do.  I need to take advantage whenever cooler days occur, because this summer really burnt (no pun...or maybe?...intended) me out on humid heat.  It won't be long, though, for the seasons to transition and I'm here for it!!  I love fall.  I love winter...especially if there's snow.  It's different every year...I have my hopes though (which I carry for many things).

 

 

 

 

 

 

it felt like autumn today

The morning was in the 50s and I think we topped out in the upper 70s today.  The air was dry with a slight breeze.  It really did feel like autumn.  I wish it would stay like this and move on into the cold months.  But...that is definitely wishful thinking.  Next week is supposed to be hot again...not as hot as it was earlier this month though.  

All that being the case, it was the perfect day to work in the garden and to get the lawns mowed.  I could even wear long sleeves and pants, thus avoiding the need for bug spray.  Yippee!!

 

 

 

 

waiting for the rain.

and then it came...

 

 

 

 

 

Holga around the house

I really need to get myself out more to shoot.  In autumn, for sure.  In the mean, I use what's nearby and familiar...and what I love...for subject matter.  Keeping up the practice...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Friday

Sleep was crap last night.  Consequently my day has not been terribly productive.  

However, I'm pleased with these new wet cyanotypes made yesterday.  I keep trying different approaches with these prints and when I hit on something I like, I start to think about going bigger.  I haven't used an 18 x 24" piece of paper for quite some time (these are 9 x 12").  Coating a few of those will be next on the list (after processing the roll of film I shot in the Holga today).

The weather has turned warm again.  The humidity is bearable, though.  We might get a little rain over the weekend after which some cooler temps may be coming our way.  Even a little taste of drier, cooler air (combined with the changing angle of light) gets me in the mood for autumn!

 

 

 

Matka Boska Zielna

It's the feast day of Our Lady of the Herbs (not a direct translation of above, but means the same).  I didn't pick any herbs or flowers today (I did pick a few okra, tomatoes and a cucumber though), but I did take pictures.

A lot of plants have been transitioning out of the garden.  The tall, multi mini sunflowers are actually looking rather shabby but I'm leaving them because the gold finches love feasting in there.  Some plants are growing larger, like the roselle and red Mexican sunflowers, which I hope will last through the autumn.  I've also planted some fenugreek seed for greens and will be getting more kale and arugula seeds in the ground soon too.

It's warmer today than yesterday, but this morning was the coolest it's been for months.  It's also dry (as in, not humid), which makes a huge difference.  I can almost trick myself thinking it's starting to feel like autumn!

There are another two wet cyanotypes out exposing on this lovely day.  Which means that all in all, it's been an appropriately garden centric day.