Love, Direction and Care

I made a quilted wall hanging years ago. It is a wine bottle on the front, Mariners Compass on the back and it was for Larry. When I look at it, I cannot believe that I had such patience to envision it and then complete it. I was much younger then….I am laughing.

Photo: Front of the piece.
Photo: Back of the piece. Mariners Compass

The piece is hand quilted…and the design is “Wine Glasses”…..You can see the shadows of the stitched wine glasses in the front view.

I adore the Mariners Compass design. Its meaning exudes all things good. LOVE, DIRECTION, and CARE.

We need to be reminded that at some point in our lives, we need love, direction and care….or perhaps share love, direction and care with someone who is struggling.

Love you beyond the moon.

Me

My Heart In Pieces

The new painting is finished. Titled, “My Heart In Pieces” complete Feb 2022. Oil on canvas.

Photo: “My Heart In Pieces” 18″ X 24″ Oil on canvas. Feb 2022

I love this painting. It came together quickly as it was just meant to be. It needs a gray frame. I might have one made for it…

Happy Valentines weekend. May your heart be full.

Love you. Me

Monsters On Main~Filming a Commercial

https://monstersonmain.com/

Yesterday, Larry and I drove to Denison, Texas to be in an adventure. We were going to film a commercial.

We did not know much about the shop where we were to film the video. But I must admit, we found out soon enough and it was the most amazing morning I have had in a very long time.

The film crew was wonderful…and the business that we were doing the commercial for, is charming. The shop is called Monsters On Main. Nitia Musico is the owner ARTist and is quite a talent. Nitia makes, Custom Rugs, Bedding, Ottomans, Headboards, Cornice Boards, Pillows and Cushions, and she repurposes furniture. The front of the store is filled with charming MONSTERS and the back is where she does custom pieces.. The monsters are made from designer fabric in a unique, way and each Monster has a name….

Photo: Monsters and Retro furniture makes the showroom special.

The commercial went very well. It was a fun experience and I discovered a new, wonderful shop!

Photo: Do you see the ottoman on the lower right? It is made from men’s ties! It is perfection.
Photo: The film crew was absolutely wonderful

During filming, I had to carry some of the Monsters as I acted like I was shopping…and I fell in love with a few of them. It is interesting how a person can make a connection with one of these sweet monsters.

Photo: Lauren and Matilda, and in the background is the ARTist Nitia Musico.
Photo: Nitia gifted me with a monster. I love it so much.

To be honest, yesterday was rainy and dark. Being in the showroom with the ART and Monsters brightened my day very much.

Photo: Robin, Matilda and Larry. Filming a commercial for MONSTERS ON MAIN

You can find the link to MONSTERS ON MAIN, Here—> https://monstersonmain.com/

It is a wonderful site and Monsters On Main, can ship a Monster anywhere!

Did I mention that Monsters On Main is a shop for adults too? Larry and I adopted “Chester”….

Chester has found a new home sitting on the leather chair. He grins at me as I walk through the room…we are both remembering yesterday and how much fun we had.

Have a happy day. Please check out Monsters on Main.

Love you beyond the moon.

Robin

Sleepless in 1993

One hot Texas summer day in 1993, Mother babysat Lauren and Jami. Larry asked me out on a rare date. We were quite poor and outings were few and far between. There was a movie that I had been waiting to see….

Yes, Sleepless in Seattle. We went to a little burger joint for dinner. Larry was in the food service industry then as a street rep. We had dinner at one of the restaurants that he serviced. It was a wonderful dinner out.

Then we went to the movies. Movies in 1993 were different than they are now. I loved the process then, they were movies that you could not see on TV and the popcorn! OH! That popcorn. Larry took me to see Sleepless in Seattle. It was during the movie, I saw something. It was in Annie’s apartment. I will not share where the object is in the movie, as not to spoil it in case you will watch the movie soon.

But….after the sweet movie, I went home and within the week, I made the object. Larry cut the piece of wood for me and I hand painted the angel.

It was the summer of 1993. Each year until recently, it would hang in the entry of our living room at Christmas. Angel has been in storage for a few years. (We do not decorate at Christmas any longer)

My daughter, Jamison and husband Jared have moved into their new home. While sitting in their living room last week, it occurred to me that maybe they would like the angel for their next Christmas?

Yesterday Larry and I went to storage and brought the angel home. I have not asked Jami and Jared yet….

Photo: The Angel From Sleepless In Seattle

The Angel measures 5 1/2″ X 3 1/2′. It is acrylic on wood and handpainted by me. The Angel has watched over many Christmas parties and celebrations the past 28 years.

I hope that Jami and Jared will adopt her.

Photo: The Angel On Matilda’s Doll House

Now, the question is, where does the sister angel hang in Sleepless In Seattle?

Love you beyond the moon.

Me

Yesterday and Today

Can you believe that it is Tuesday already? Yesterday flew by so fast that I cannot remember what exactly I did.

Perhaps it flew by because I am trying diligently to bypass the news during the day. My days are spent testing recipes, ART, reading and knitting a sweater for Larry. OH! Yesterday I also played a video game with Matilda! She was at her house one hour away, and I was home. We played Terraria. An hour with (granddaughter) Matilda always brightens my day.

I am up early this morning and have a DRs appointment. The house is dark and I can hear Good Morning America on the bedroom TV.

Photo: In the Dark Hallway. 5:30 am

I am going to try to have meaningful moments all day today. (And remember them tomorrow)

Love you beyond the moon.

Me

Dun, Dun, Dunnnnnn

Last year, Larry and I “happened” to be at our Granddaughters school during ART Show. I took the photo below while Matilda was having fun with friends. I have been going through old photos and old memories…

Photo: My favorite girl

The image makes me happy. You can see Matilda’s fingers at the side of the painting…and it reminds me of the silly, spooky kids TV shows from years ago, where someone would hide behind a masterpiece painting and their eyes would follow you around the room. The music would be dun, dun, dunnnnn.

Have a wonderful day.

Love you beyond the moon.

Me.

Dear Hoda Kotb

Wednesday. I have made it to Wednesday. Christmas thank you notes beg to be written and the day is gloomy with fog and drizzle. I hope that Thursday will be better.

Yesterday, on his lunch hour, Larry took me to the Dallas Zoo. We walked for an hour. {with breaks} And took a wonderful lunch break near the giraffes, where we nibbled popcorn and drank a Dr Pepper. {I gave up caffeine awhile ago and now it is a treat to have it} It was a beautiful day and we talked a lot, did not solve any world problems, but we talked about them.

Today I am painting. Matilda invited us to come to her house on Sunday January 19 because it is her 1/2 birthday. We have celebrated this occasion since she was tiny. I am painting her a rock. A paperweight. I found the rock at the zoo yesterday.

Photo: Rock Painting sketch

The sketch is simple and fun. I will post the completed project photo later.

Last Saturday, I had stepped outside onto the porch, and there was a box. We did not hear a delivery man…and found this sweet box on the porch behind Garfield. {Garfield is 3′ tall and is a concrete gnome. He is the Tolbert welcoming committee} Inside the box was a book for me!

I am obsessed with this book and pick it up whenever I am near it. I REALLY NEEDED THIS TODAY~ words to live by~ Hoda Kotb.

Photo: My new obsession.

Reading this book and its interesting contents, gently reminds me that I am OK. I am not the only person in my situation and it is OK to be feeling what I am feeling.

As you can see, Hoda’s book is in my work room. It is a book of support, kindness and quotes! Each day {yes they are dated} Each day has a quote. They are positive reminders, nudges and downright comments on what is going on in your life and the life of the people around you. It is so unlike my devotionals that I am in awe of how the quotes work into my days.

Dear Hoda. Your book was sent to me by a sweet friend and her Mother. Honestly, I have been struggling lately and your book is a bright spot in my morning. {or afternoon if I need to read it again to just smile} I find the quotes instrumental in my daily attitude.

The times in our life, when we are the most vulnerable, I have noticed that the most wonderful friends make themselves known. Hoda, I have to consider you one of these friends now. Thank you for sharing your wisdom.~ Toujours, Robin

So, comes the end of today’s Post. I never know if I will post tomorrow. The blog is one of my favorite things and I dislike how it is “up in the air” right now. Completing goals are difficult right now but Larry says that I am getting better every day! If he says that it is true, it must be, right?

Love you beyond the moon.

Me

My Blurring Days

My days have been passing in a blur. Life is touched by my best of friends. They ask: How are you. That is when you know that someone cares. Just saying: How are you and then listening to the answer makes someone, very special in your life.

My Larry took me to the Kimbell Museum last Saturday. The Renoir Exhibit was open to members and Larry took me to ART and lunch.

I like Renoir, but his work does not “thrill” me. I do have a favorite Renoir. It is a beautiful piece and it gives me a calm feeling.

Photo: Title:Girl Crocheting

I took this shot on Saturday. I wanted to share the painting in the lighting as I saw it…..calm. Right? It makes me sigh.

It is Tuesday morning. The sun is not up yet….let the blurr begin.

Love you.

Me

Dog Days Are Over

Photo: Paris at sunset

Larry and I go on Fall Holiday next month . Why does it feel like we leave tomorrow? { just wishing, I suppose?}

Today, I am starting the prayer list. Each year, Larry and I gather a list of names of people who are in need of prayer. While on holiday we light candles and pray for each person. We call this, “First Night Prayers”….if you would like your name or someone whom you know, who is in need of prayer put on the list…..Please email me at: [email protected]

Along with Prayers today, I am finishing another Christmas gift. Getting everything finished early feels “right” to me this year. Fingers crossed that I can manage it all.

At least, the dog days of summer are finally over.

Photo: The Atlanta Areboretum

Because the season has changed, I feel inspired to get things organized and some ART completed. When I feel this way, I usually like the ART I create. That is unusual for me to like anything I create. You can smile.

Taking about ART. Larry and I saw a movie last weekend. It was titled, Pain And Glory. It is a Spanish movie with English subtitles. I loved the movie….and in the movie was the most amazing ART. I am planning to see the movie again, just to look at the ART. Check it out..the movie is great.

Photo: Last weeks movie

Please have a good Thursday….it is my favorite day of the week.

Love you beyond the moon.

Me

London Sky

Photo: London Sky, 2010- by robin-oil on gallery wrapped canvas

I adore the UK. This is one of the tributes I created in honor of London. I have been to England a few times and cannot seem to get enough. I will be going again soon. Can you hear/see the excitment in my font?

The painting above is for sale. It is 24″ X 30″. If you are interested please email me. Other available ART is at the link below.

Love you beyond the moon.

Me