Friday Favorites

These are a few of my favorite Etsy jewelry artists. I am drawn to sterling silver and I love what they have done with it. They are truly gifted. Check out their shops to see more of their works of art. Enjoy!


Aqua Ocean Blue Earrings
by kathiroussel


Keep Close Ring
by lisahopkins



Floral Littlebird
by modernbird

Colors of fall

autumn reflection

My goal this last weekend was to capture the autumn leaves before they fall. It always happens so quickly. The first two photos are from Shawnee Mission Park and we just had our first freeze. The grass was frozen and so was I! The last photo is from Atchison, Kansas, the birthplace of Amelia Earhart. As it so happens, the movie Amelia, starring Hillary Swank and Richard Gere, opened this week. I can't wait to see it.


the park


fall sky

Annapolis Day 2

Ivy

Our 2nd day in Annapolis was sunny and warmer, so we did lots of walking. We worked off all the crab cakes that we ate! I love wandering the side streets looking at the houses and local architecture. We checked out many of the shops in the historic area. My favorites were the jewelry stores and art galleries...not surprising. McBride Gallery is one of the best my husband and I have ever seen. I'm partial to pastels and photography, while my husband is drawn to oil paintings and sculpture.


Morning in Annapolis


October Doorstep

We also visited the Naval Academy for the first time. My Dad served in the Navy, so it was an honor to look around. I've included a photo of him while he was stationed in South Korea. If you are ever in Annapolis, I highly recommend taking the time to see their campus.


Navy Chapel


My Dad Stan

Annapolis

Mast and Sails

Our first day in Annapolis was cold and cloudy. Even though the weather didn't cooperate, I was thrilled to be there. I've always loved the historic part of town. Here are a few shots from that day.


Annapolis Sunrise


Parish House


Steps

Maryland

Maryland Sunset

My husband and I just returned from a trip to Maryland after attending my nephew's wedding. Congrats to Chris and Angela! We wish you many years of joy and happiness. We had a wonderful time with family and friends. It was a gorgeous celebration.

Before flying home to Kansas City, we went to Annapolis for a few days. I'm still working on those photos and will post them soon.


Morning

In An Exhibit Together

My husband, Warren, and I are in an Art Show together. "Common Ground" is the first ever exhibit showcasing visual art education at Lawrence Arts Center. The nearly 400 entries range from student to professional level. Warren and I have each enjoyed taking classes there and were asked to participate in the show. Back in 2005, I asked Warren to enter another exhibit together, but he declined. I am so happy that he finally agreed. I hope there are more to come.




Mosaic in Water


Sunflower Surprise
by Warren Ludwig


The Plaza


Morning At The Bonfy Farm
by Warren Ludwig

An afternoon at the park

I crave the sea, but since I am land-locked in Kansas, I seek out area lakes. Yesterday, I grabbed my camera, a lawn chair, and Nicholas Sparks' book, Message in a Bottle, and headed to Shawnee Mission Park. I needed some alone time and found the perfect spot. There was no wind and the water was like glass. I so enjoyed my afternoon in the sun.

Autumn is around the corner

Bittersweet


Golden Apple

My favorite season is almost here. I love the sights and smells of that time of year. The sun is still warming the days but it's sweater weather at night. When the kids were little we always went to the apple orchard to pick bags and bags of apples. Time stood still when we were in the fields. Such sweet memories! What are your favorite memories of fall?

I missed my Gallery Show

Last Friday, I had to go to the ER instead of my show. I was having severe stomach pain and I just came home last evening. Good news is that I should be totally healed in 6 weeks with medication:) I'm lucky that this is the first time I've had to stay more than a few hours in the hospital with an illness.

Here are some of my thoughts while sitting in my hospital bed:
• I have the most amazing husband, 2 daughters, family and friends.
• Nurses and aides rule!
• Be grateful for the small things.
• Kindness goes a long way.
• Independence is good up to a point. Learn how to receive from others.

I am so thankful to be home and sleep in my own bed. Can't wait to see what life has to offer!