Bodhisartva ..... Art/Spirit/Life

CSI, Los Angeles

My last post ended with an angelic little boy, sound asleep and looking saintly.  But there is another side to this paragon. Oh, yes, there is indeed.

The Scene: Science Center.  Desert Habitat.  Flash Flood Exhibit.

The Culprit: Clever Grandson. Third visit to Exhibit.

Even with the  poor photography, it's obvious that the look on this face surely spells trouble for someone.

  

The Victim:  Innocent Grandfather. 

"Stand over there, Bappo! - in the Splash Zone."

The Crime:

 

Note the disloyal daughter in the foreground, bent over laughing hysterically.  Credit the sneaky wife, ready with camera. Camera inadequate.  Degree of wetness is way beyond what is seen here.  Soaked.  Drenched.  Dripping.

Oh, what the world has come to.

Malibu Magic

This was not the beach weather we were hoping for in Malibu.

But apparently, some people didn't mind.

Too bad the boy doesn't know how to have fun....

Of course, it wasn't ALL fun.  Ms. Armfield's teaching experience was called into play.

And the time in the hot tub was a real drag, obviously.

A lot of energy burned up on this day...and a tuckered out little fella.  California Dreamin'......

Amma Bliss

As I sit here aching with my youngest daughter's departure, I need to remember to put things in perspective.  Count my blessings.  As Jessica said tonight, "This is one of the bad things about having such a great family".  Yep, it hurts sometimes because you love each other so much.  A high quality problem, as my friend Gina says.

See you soon, Kato....Brooklyn does not deserve you.  But then, neither does L.A. - or any place else for that matter.  You are a rare gem.

It helps that a few nights ago, Jess and Bodhi and I received a precious hug from Amma.  She is such a pure soul and spending time in her presence is uplifting and calming.  I don't know how many thousands of people were there, but we got there at 5 p.m. and received our hugs at 4:30 a.m!  A hug from Amma is always worth waiting for and there is lots to do while you wait. 

I brought my journaling supplies to pass the time.

  Bodhi was so proud of himself for staying up all night (well, he had a little nap) that he's telling everyone about coming home as the sun was rising.  If you ever have a chance to visit with Amma, I recommend it highly. Her North American Tour continues through the end of July.

Tonight, he saw a newly bloomed rose in my garden, took a sniff and said, "It's smells like Amma!".  Yes, everything about her is sweet.

Maui Love

 After two years of living in Maui, my daughter and grandson are back in L.A. for a long-anticipated visit.  A lot can change in a small boy's life in that time frame and we weren't sure how he would respond to us. It's been a long time. 

We needn't have worried.

The Three Graces

On Wednesday, for the first time in 2 years (That's right - TWO YEARS!), all three of my lovely daughters will be home together.  As an added bonus, my grandson will arrive as well.  My cup overfloweth...

June Flea Market at PCC

It was a hot day in Pasadena Sunday and not very crowded.  I made fast work of the two outside areas and ducked into the parking structure for cooler climes.  I do wish they would get better lighting in there, however.  I suspect the dimness hurts the vendors' sales.  Now that I think about it....most of my purchases were from the outdoor vendors. But the trade-off is the blessed relief from the sun.

Not much to show for four hours, but the fun is in the hunt! I haven't added a pitcher to my collection in a long time and this one is the neatest color of mottled green.  The leather boxes are for camera lenses and I got them for $1 each!  The tin box is hysterical.....

Isn't this a neat leather box?  It holds a travel clock, but I'm more interested in what looks like a tiny shrine, just waiting for me to fill with something magical. 

I had to have this worn velvet Autograph book, for it's beautiful illustration and the inscription.

My daughter Katie was born in 1988 - one hundred years later.  What amazing handwriting people had then.  Even with the nuns drilling us in the Palmer Method, mine never looked this good.

This leather needle case will travel with me to classes and hold my bookbinding needles.

These are old curtain rings, but I think I can turn them into charms.

Practicing Metal-and patience

I fell in love with metal years ago. First, Tracy Moore and his heavy metal book covers.  Then, Nina Bagley and an affair with copper.  Keith Lo Bue - oh, thank you - a new drill that WORKS!  Stephanie Lee and getting over the fear of solder.  Melissa Manley and a whole new world.  And finally, Susan Lenart Kazmer - breaking free.  Each of these teachers has given me something, but now I'm experimenting and let me tell you - it's not so easy to step off your regular path.

I usually do these with leather spines and linen thread stitching. 
But I spied some thinner brass in my stash and thought I'd try it instead.  But, I'd already drilled the cover for stitching, so I ended up with a whole lotta rivets!  These are tiny screws and nuts. 

The metal spine is interesting and I may do more of them.  I didn't want to do the screws for the back cover, so I practiced my other riveting.

These are escutcheon pins, snipped off and riveted.  I had to get to the very last four rivets before I hit my stride. I obviously need a lot of practice - what a mess!  I'm having an interesting time trying to make the closure work.  I fabricated a piece of copper that holds a vintage ivory pick but it's not cooperating.  I also need to finish the spine decoration.  I'll never be able to sell such a mess, but it was fun to practice.

What was missing

Remember I gave you that little hint?  Of the big find from Long Beach?  Did you guess?

                              TA-DAH

Is this not wonderful?  It's the most lovely celadon green, with creamy yellow trim. I've wanted one since I saw and used one at my friend Carol's house.  I haven't decided how to use it, but I can't wait to hang some vintage towels off the side.  Maybe get some pretty washing things for the shelf above.  But, the plants look pretty good there, don't they?

Long Beach Flea Market - Extra Day!

I love when there are 5 Sundays in a month; Long Beach always throws a bonus market!  And this one was fabulous.  We got there later than usual, but I can't imagine I missed out on anything, as you will see.

It's going to take a few posts to talk about everything - and I am saving the big reveal for later as well. Don't you love that big pencil?  You can see a close-up of the magnifier "third hand" in the previous post. 

And the weird wire thing - hmmm...what could that be? 

Let's have a contest!  Tell me what you think it is and I'll draw a winner from the correct answers.  Just leave a comment.  The prize will be a copy of "Bookworks", by Sue Doggett - great book on making books.

I have no idea what I can do with this, but I had to rescue it from obscurity.  Thirty something years ago, I began my art adventure when I discovered rubber stamps.  It seems fitting that I acquire this box, with five colors of ink for stamp pads and a pile of cotton pads, with a price list to boot.  Too cool.

I'm so fascinated by the blue colors I find in tins. The Hamilton Watches tin is particularly sweet.  And I love the blue of those Edgeworth tobacco tins.

Cigar box full of a pile of Bingo cards and markers - and two smaller cue balls.

 
I wish I could somehow photograph the incredible sweetness of this Dutch prayerbook.  It would have been a treasure for someone, with it's protective wraparound cover and tissue thin pages.  I can't read the inscription but love the fact this it is there.

I collect old brushes and I love the little clothes brush with the metal top. But I had never seen anything like this set of hat brushes.  They have their own case, as you can see. The vendor gave me the advertising page for brushes, which will add to my display. You will be appalled by how many I have when I show it to you.

Another Mother plaque for my wall of Mothers.  And finally, this little pencil box (oh, yes, I collect them also) with the most interesting hardware.

I wonder if the hinge gives a clue to the age of this piece?  I've never seen one quite like it.  I must ask my brother Rob who is a whiz at these things.

OK, here are two final teases.  I can't wait to share the goofy innards of this:

Both Californians and "Elsewherians" will get a laugh.  And here's a hint of my big acquisition.  I'm so excited I finally found one.  What could it be?  Any ideas?