Detroit

Detroit, the motor city. I have been thinking about the place a lot over the past few weeks...if not years. All the hopes and dreams of so many are struggling for survival. I heard last week that the holdings of the Detroit Institute of Art are being considered  to deal with the bankrupt situation of the city. In the early 1960's, my mother used to drop my brothers and I off to explore the magic of the place for hours as she was on business elsewhere.  The three boys ran around and chased each other up and down a circular staircase as I gazed at the perfect rooms behind glass that were set up complete with silver tea services and doilies. Did we take in the works of art? By osmosis I suppose. It was a haven for us in a tumultuous world.  Art works and the places in which they are held, mean more to many than one can imagine. I hope that the folks in Detroit persevere through these difficult times. Interesting as they are, urban gardeners cannot save a city in so much debt with no tax base. The grandeur of the capitalist dream gone to prairie. What now?

Summer Flowers

Wow! The beauty of nature. I get lost in the garden as I gaze at it. Trying to keep up with the Swiss chard!

The Workshop is Perfect

I am thoroughly enjoying the shed workshop that I have at Lake Baptiste in which to pursue my arts and crafts interests. It is hard to believe that we have kept warm with  a fire in the wood stove on the long August weekend! The stock is building for the United Way sale! Found choke cherries at the side of the road. Great crop this year. The birds will have to do with a few less as we are attempting chokecherry jelly once again. Last time, I spilled it and still find the sugary red residue in the cracks of the stove. 

August arrives at Lake Baptiste

Celebrating the long August weekend at the cabin at Baptiste Lake. Attended the  Bancroft "Gemboree" which is an event full of rock collectors, jewellery makers and all their admirers. Collected more stock for my little industry. The Bancroft arena truly turns into Aladdin's cave for a few days every year! The evening roughy brought a sunset rock concert complete with fireworks to the lake. Some dedicated youth  put on a concert from their boathouse balcony every year. Toasted marshmallows by the bonfire was a great finale to the day. 

The End of the Rainbow

Yes, I must be channeling the Wizard of Oz. After I thought about Dorothy yesterday, a rainbow appeared in the back garden in the evening. I do feel that I am living somewhere over the rainbow these days. In the thrall of jewellery making as I explore the new possibilities of hammering silver and copper. Finally tackled the sea glass.  Wire wrapping is harder than I thought but perseverance and patience brings results. The stones look  good too. Memories of Livingston Beach in Nova Scotia where I collected them. 

Culture Close to Home

There's no place like home said Dorothy! I continue to have new adventures in my own town and neighbourhood. Last week  I saw the 1930's musical, "Anything Goes" which was as good as anything that  I saw on the London Stage on my travels earlier in the year.  Really upbeat and of course the tap dancing was marvellous. Then a lovely Sunday afternoon at the "Guild Alive with Culture" festival on the grounds of the historic Guild Inn overlooking Lake Ontario. Artists, sculptors, painters, authors and musical performances scattered among the architectural relics of old Toronto buildings. I really hope that all the levels of government and various community groups are successful in their efforts to preserve and revitalize this Scarborough gem. 

Cooler Weather

Even the bunnies like the cooler temperatures. A mother and a baby pop out of the flower garden from time to time to eat clover. No more forays into the vegetable garden. I am enjoying practicing some of my new jewellery making skills and am gathering tools like an anvil a drill press and balpeen hammers. A whole new world of tools! Started building my stock of jewellery for the annual United Way sale at work which provides a market for my creations and a way to participate in philanthropy.