Panorama Photos

Route 17, Addison, Vermont
Snake Mountain (center)
Green Mountains in the distance
Left Photo

Right Photo

Cropped center left
Note the cumulus cloud

Panorma View
Route 17, West Addison, Vermont

To paint from photographs, I sometimes create a panorma image. 

I crop from a point where in both pictures, there is an identifiable feature. In the photo above, the cumulus cloud with the dome is a good place. From there I can see the section that overlaps in each image.

The scale of the painting is another story. I can condense, and lose the vastness of the landscape or I can go wide vertical to capture the breath of the image.

This particular landscape is perfect for a 4 season photograph. The fields in early spring will not all be plowed. In summer, there will be corn growing there. In fall the corn will be dry and in the stages of being harvested. In winter, there will be snow on the fields and/or on the Green Mountains.  

When the pictures were taken, the ground was in the process of drying out from lots of rain. You can see on the left center where some of the fields are plowed (dark soil).

🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷

Once again it is overcast, dreary, and raining. I managed to have a sound uneventful sleep last night, and a nap this morning. I'm reducing my stress by switching my get out around people more, (a chore for sure) by going to a library no hassles just show up gathering. For exercise today, laundry. For soul fun, a few watercolor sketches of the photos above.  And for the brain, watching the Moorsea calming video from the YouTube channel, My Tranquilitee.

Have a Lovely Day!

Reel, Shorts,Videos & Self Image

Altocumulus Clouds (Ac)
2000-7000 m (7000=23000 Feet)
1 April 2024, Vermont

I'm so homely! vs self image

One of the main reasons I watch Facebook Reels, and Youtube shorts and videos is to see fun grass roots image creator folks with a wider perspective than what's in the news. In other words, to cheer me up. 

As it happens, I notice that I'm not feeling cheered up. I've started to quickly scroll past dancing, in your face close up beautiful people, fitness, folks preaching they aren't old, and look at-me-ladies guys with tattoos (now that's just sad). After a while, it got to me that I will never be that young again. I didn't expect to think that way. 

Would an Over 60 website help? Yes. I say over 60 because being in your fifties, you are still young. I believe, the slide picks up momentum when you hit 60 years, no matter how fit or young you look. 

The closer you are to the end of your life, the heavier that vibe becomes. Being fit can hold you up better.

All those, younger by far, attractive people are denting my self image. I caution folks, especially the elderly, who watch a lot of reels, shorts and videos created by real people, try not to allow feeling inferior get a hold of your self image. Think...Everyone is beautiful...You included.

Instead of being dissatisfied with your appearance, feel inspired to become fit, lose weight, eat well, enjoy life out and about walking, talking with friends, engaging in an activity like bird watching or photography.

What pulls you down, creates a path you can use to find your way upward.

Day 81 of Week 12 in March 2024

March 2024 Crocus in Snow

The snow storm forecast to begin tonight has gone from a watch to a Winter Storm Warning here in Vermont.

A small patio table with a trash bag pulled over it will protect the crocus. The bulbs blooming in the open area will be all right as they aren't tall enough to break under the pressure of snow.

The colder temperatures for me are not a bother. I'm not ready to go out in sandals and no jacket. At a weight plateau, (scale doesn't change no matter what), there is time to lose a few pounds before the transition from spring jacket to sweater weather begins.

Flower sprouts. This season, once again, despite plenty of sunlight, the sprouts are trying to get leggy. I wave my hand over them to help the stems grow strong. The California Poppy are having issues, wanting to keel over between watering. The bachelor's buttons are doing well as are the nasturtium. Today I will sow the next set of seeds for cosmos, love-in-a-mist (nigella), and basil. The look this year I'm going for is a cotton sundress cottage vibe.

Feedspot. If  you want to promote your blog, then Feedspot.com is a good resource. I receive their emails with the recent news about the blogs I like as well as a snippet of this blog. I don't have stats to tell you if this blog's traffic has improved through the website. I do know it is an easy and informative website to use.

The sun is shinning as I type. Time for me to do errands, putter and be creative.

Have a Wonderful Weekend

Drive Safely

Bake biscuits 

Shop for local honey

Read about bar shampoo

Browse summer shorts online

Sketch your ideal garden

Sing to your stove

Have Coffee Ice cream 

with a splash of Kahlua

A Quiet Weekend

Sunset Over Vermont
13 January 2024

Mozarella Over Black Bean Chili

January 2024 Flower Bouquet

 

Thoughts About a Milkweed Seed

A Milkweed Seed

On a very windy afternoon, one lone milkweed seed caught my attention. The wind is blowing towards the east. I thought to let it go because it is on its way to Vermont. Windy or not, I catch the seed and put it in my pocket. I hope to sow it in the spring to encourage milkweed to grow in my tiny garden. Alas, heartache follows because when I searched, the seed is gone.

It was a windy afternoon.

Here's the thing though.

As soon as I held it, I began to wonder, given picking up wild bird feathers is prohibited in many American states, if picking up a seed pod is not allow, falls under a regulation of some kind.* If something is blowing around in the wind, are you allowed to catch and keep it?

Silly question? Maybe not because nowadays, there are so many things that are regulated, take what we can say for example, there's no telling what is against the law to do or even say.

A solution. Save up the money to buy a plot of land. That way I can capture all the milkweed seeds that fly by.

I'll be a milkweed seed harvesting fool, arms in the air, twirling around, singing, and laughing.

* Reading a few pages, I have yet to find information about collecting seeds or picking flowers in Upstate New York.

Frost, Sleet & a Bit of Snow

Last night the ambient temperature dipped. 

In the morning, there was a thin layer of frost to clean off the car windows before I left for the out and about errands, get windshield wipers and a vehicle inspection. Nearer noon, I had to prepare for an hour's drive to pick up a lovely desk chair found on Craigslist.

Side note...windshield wipers are expensive!

Yesterday and last night I had to relax as well as be careful what I ate. I need to make sure nothing is going to give me issues with cramps and such because that triggers an anxiety attack. Anxiety will trigger cramps. I also don't wear any cologne or turn on the car radio lest they also trigger an anxiety surge. I don't take anti anxiety medication if I am driving. I suffer through it. That is why I prepare so carefully days before.

On the road home, I feel good. Rest a short while before leaving again, check the map again,  pack up and off I go. The weather forecast is a possible wintery mix. It was sleeting lightly when I got in the car.

The scenery is outstanding, open fields, cattle, cows, rolls of hay, bare branches, green grasses, old houses, newer houses. I'm happy and amazed how much of Vermont is undeveloped. About 20 minutes into the ride, the sleet stops. Clear skies, good dry road. And more road. Near Orwell, asphalt is being put down on the northbound lane. There were 2 stop stations when I went through. Made it a little late, but got the chair and head back home. Fair Haven is a cute town.

On the trip back, the asphalt area is one stop, and mere minutes waiting.  

Why did it feel like such a long drive there, and a really short drive home?
I have no clue.

As I enter Addison, Vermont, I see a huge cloud over and below Snake Mountain like a white fluffy blanket. It was gorgeous. No photographs because there was no safe turn off.

I stop at the grocery store to get something for dinner.  I get out of the car and it is light snowing. Salmon or beef? I got both. I can make stew tomorrow. Looking for tarter sauce because I like dill with fish, I found none. Instead I got dill relish.

It is nearly 4 PM EDT. I'm exhausted.

How was your day?

Identify Trees by Fall Foliage!

Informative video about autumn foliage identification

Thoughts On Creativity

New brushes in the light, shiny ferrules, clean shafts, leaning like friends chatting about their weekend inspired me to create a blog banner years ago. So long ago that I don't remember when the picture was taken. Maybe 2009ish. 

In those days I sat at my dinning table (2 inch thick old pine) aka my desk, thinking, painting, crafting, blogging. I took photographs of whatever was nearby. I felt comfortably creative there.

Brush & Paint. The image for the series this fall I will post about in progress has been decided, The New Haven River in Bristol, Vermont photograph is the one I will paint from.

New Haven River in Bristol, Vermont

Both banks will extend into the woods for a large canvas. My primary focus is the relationship between hues, water and rocks. The color story flowing as the rivers flows, that connection is what I want to achieve in my painting.

A few pencil sketches, splashes of color, and I will be ready to begin the first session this week.

Here's the thing about creativity.

I believe anyone can be an artist that wants to be, and, puts in the work. There is no such thing as, "I can't draw." You can. You just haven't gone the distance with drawing. 

Composition can also be learned. Even people with natural talent have to sketch, plan, practice. Creating the art is the key to being an artist. How talented you are is another story. As long as you reach a level you like, then that, I believe, is good enough. 

There is always talent at the top, those with a natural ability to create artwork that wows the majority of us. 

However, at the top doesn't mean the artist belongs there. Popularity, especially from trusted art critic voices, has a strong say in who are the artist at the top, collectible, worth investing money into buying their art. I've seen online extraordinary artists, mega talented, that aren't in the news, big sellers, at the top of the high end art community network.

Who is versus What is.

Think Mona Lisa (1503). I've seen just as good if not better smiles on many portraits, old and new. Yet, she is one of the most famous paintings in the world, and, I believe, always will be. She deserves it. But, what about the others? Well, that's the art World, and, there's only one Leonardo da Vinci. 

Ever read about a lawyer, doctor or other professional with a well paying career give it all up to become an artist? If you haven't, then you haven't been reading about the artists. 

They have an edge because they have, I believe, the money to change careers, a following from the get-go, a good resume, and, many have talent and/or develop their talent.

If I had a nice well stocked studio space, there is no guarentee I would paint more than I do because depression doesn't work like that. I have over a dozen unfinished canvases and creative projects. I do the best I'm able with what I have. Trying is doing.

You can do the same if you want to be an artist.

Indigenous Peoples' Day

 

Indignenous Peoples' Day Rocks Foundation 

Held in Stowe, Vermont on 8 October 2023, 

as a yearly event, the celebration has 

next year to plan for. Sign up to 

volunteer, particpate or sponser.

Check you local area for IPD events.

The Enjoyable Excursion

Have your heard somebody say that they don't like to plan ahead because when they do something always goes wrong? The future looks grim with an attitude like that. 

Others are set on serendipity. That route does have a flare of adventure, but it may not be the best way to maximize your potential for an enjoyable excursion.

I love the word, excursion, sounds classy, chic, a mellow way to travel out and about. Autumn is excursion city! Being outdoors to view the foliage in the Northern Hemisphere is the season to be jolly, not grumpy. Sure curmudgeon is a cute word as well, but who likes to ride along with a bah humbug vibe? Not many is my guess.

Check out your local travel websites. In Vermont, Happy Vermont is a favorite because they cover traveling in the state so well, one stop excursion planning. I also read websites for travel in New England. Cover your area as best you can to enhance a fall excursion.

Happy Vermont, 25 Things to Do in Vermont in Fall

U.S. News & World Report, Fall in New England: Where and When to Go in 2023

Yankee Magazine, 10 Places to Visit in New England in Fall

No plans to travel this fall? Staying home doesn't mean you can't enjoy the autumn. There are windows to look out, photographs to view, decorations to do, hot toddies to create, fluffy slippers to wear, shawls for  your shoulders while you sit in a cozy reading spot reading a Stephen King novel.

Walden Pond, Lincoln, Massachusetts

Tis the Season to Shop Coffee Mugs

 

Bennington Potters Tankard Mug
Made in Vermont, quality and style for a crisp and robust morning

Crate and Barrel Lina blue stripe mug
Pretty round shape, wear a stripe tee and dream of summer sailing as the snow falls

Etsy, Woodland Forest Mug
A beautiful cozy and rustic design ready for a dash of cinnamon

Pottery Barn, Pumpkin Mugs set of 4
A lovely bright orange pumpkin favorite

Target, Wild and Free Mug
Colorful birds and fruit fun design

Sheepscot River Pottery, Maine Isle Barrel Mug
Made in Maine barrel mugs in various designs

Deneen Pottery, Love + Protect Your Parks, National Parks Series
Footed, green glazed and sturdy with a beautiful park design

Blanket Creek Pottery, Rustic red mug
Curved with wonderous shape, a mug for day dreaming

 

Walmart, Stoneware mugs
Set of 4 Rustic and colorful at a good price

⁕⁕⁕⁕⁕⁕⁕

Autumn craft fairs will probably be back this year. 

Check out your area for local potters. 

Set a budget, and write a gift list. 

Select a special coffee mug just for you and your daydreams

Not a sponsored post

Art In Autumn Redux

Autumn in Vermont 2019

I was undecided about going on an foliage excursion this year until I took a look at what I have posted in the past. This year's tours will range from walking to going into the mountains.  Weather permitting. 

What do I want from autumn is the theme. An important part of the season is not just the foliage. It is also the many people that gather with the common desire to embrace the beauty of Nature while harvesting the experience that with others, they build the autumnal community of leaf peepers. People smile at each other. License plates from all over. Pumpkins everywhere. Apples galore. And, touching my heart, are some of the best fall jackets in the world. 

Vermont, New England, Upstate New York, the whole Northeast region is pure magic in the fall.

Reposted from September 3, 2020, Art in Autumn (edited)

Notes for Autumn Art Excursions

1.    Write down pictures that I want to take. 
2.    Use a perspective frame to focus on composition. 
3.    Of the same scenes and subjects, draw ink, pencil, watercolor and color pencil sketches.  
4.    Set a schedule for hours of the day and specific locations. 
5.    Seek out the best spider web on the planet, but don't get too close. 

6.    Sketch leaf people scenes and buildings

7.    Splurge on a good coffee to fill the thermos from home

8.    Don't harvest locations like apples. Spend time embracing the atmosphere of one place at a time.

9.    Include early foliage as well as post peak foliage photographs when possible

 Are you planning an autumn excursion? 

Lincoln Road, Bristol Vermont 2020

Summer Fields & Summer Rain

At the Dead Creek Wildlife Refuge visitors area on Route 17, Addison, Vermont, the Champlain Valley floor is delightful to see, flat land stretching to the horizons north and south, and mountains west and east.

The heavy rain clouds can be seen for miles rolling towards the east from over the Adirondack Mountains in the west on their way over the Green Mountains.

On the one afternoon I thought to take a short trip to the visitor's viewing area parking lot, there were  pockets of downpours, less than a quarter mile visibility, with road ruts deep in water. Three downpours I drove through. Exhausting. I am grateful to God there were tailgaters behind me.

 

Route 17 Addison Vermont

Looking north towards Panton, Vermont, the line of mountains visible just above the tree line resembles the visibility in the downpours. It was unreal.

After the Thunderstorms

The sky this evening had a golden glow*. There was more blue and silver lining some of the formations, mostly the fractus pieces. A large thunderstorm system passed through this lower elevation of Vermont. The thunder rumbled, but wasn't as severe as I expected in my local area. 

In the Montpelier area and the mid section of Vermont had a severely devastating flooding this week. 

Wherever you may be

Stay Safe

Enjoy your weekend

Pray for Peace

Embrace Summer

*The original golden glow photo is replaced with the bluer one.

Edited to reduce yellow
Original photo posted

Strawberry Moon, June 2023

3 June 2023, 11:41 PM EDT 

Northern Hemisphere 

Strawberry Moon

~~~~~~~~~

2 June 2023, 9:57 PM EDT
Over Vermont
Strawberry Moon
98.8% Waxing Gibbous

If your skies are clear tomorrow night,
then have your camera ready.

Week 20, Day 139 May 2023

Addison, Vermont

Have a luscious Weekend!

Summer is 33 days away

Sing to the wind

Assemble a veggie sandwich

Eat your sandwich outdoors

Read about America's fish industry

Sow birdhouse gourd seeds

Perfect homemade custard

Find your daily calorie count

Draw a row of rowboats

Buy sunscreen

Browse bead making online

An At Dawn Song From a Robin

At dawn, the window of opportunity is short before too much light pales the Moon. A tripod is better than bracing against a patio door. 

2023 Week 17, Day 118

April On Route 17
Addison, Vermont

There are days when as if by osmosis, you flow into the outdoors  feeling a soul smiling familiar telling you all is as it is meant to be. Look at what renewal nature's path has for us. Adventures, hopes...and really nice weather more often than not!

Have an adventurous weekend

Draw a robin in the wild

Sing to an apple

Visit a local park

Shop summer jackets online

Make stir fry

Read about botany

Take a nice nap

Reflection Monday February 2020

 Ambition, goals, objectives

One late January 2020 day, 

I set off to take photographs of the Adirondack Mountains covered in snow. 

There is snow, but in the lower elevations, not as deep as I hoped. 

Not all is lost...good coffee, pleasant people, beautiful scenery.

On the way home, as I'm getting closer to

the Addison Four Corners Store, that has homemade donuts

on Monday, Wednesday and Friday,

I realize, it is Wednesday.

 Snowy peaks in the higher elevations of the Green Mountains of Vermont

Reflection Monday June 2015

Water, water everywhere! 

Rain isn't welcome, IMHO, in the quantities that is falling in New England the last couple of days, with more forecast for tomorrow. 

Please, Don't drive over high water on the road! 

Water is very powerful. Reflect on your Safety before you leave the house. 

See water on the road...

 Turn Around, Don't Drown! 

Flood Watch for parts of Vermont