Rohling Studios

Eat Apples

   The kids were here from Arkansas.  We went to the Apple Farm.  I sat out on the apple picking this year... but...I look forward to walking through the apple orchards next year.  In two weeks I get my new knees!!!  I am looking forward to next year at this time.  Mostly I just want the six weeks after the surgery to pass quickly).  They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away....so....I'm planning to eat a lot of apples during my recovery. 

   The grandkids put up the halloween decorations while they were here.  We hung orange lights in the bathroom and my Little Man said it was like having a festival when you go to the bathroom!  I love it!  I think I should leave out lights in the bathroom year round.  I like the idea of it being a festival in there.      

My Very Own Son!

(I can't take credit for these pictures...my son and daughter-in-law are the creative ones here!)  This is my oldest son, Paul.  I love this picture.  I have it on my laptop right now.  Paul is the kind of guy everyone would love to have for a son because he leaves the world a better place wherever he goes.  Laura captured him at work when they were in Door County.  I love these pictures....I love his creativity...and...I love them both!   

 

Creative Souls

Visit Creative Souls

My blog friend Izabella has started a wonderful group called "Creative Souls".  I met Izabella when I began my blog two and a half years ago.  I loved her work immediately and asked her if I could feature it.  Now Izabella has gathered over four-hundred creative souls all in one wonderful site!  It is a diverse gathering of people who love creativity, a place she has made where artists can help promote each other.  She says~All creative people welcome~

Don Adams, Sally Fields, and Elizabeth Montgomery

   This week has been a blast from the past. My sister and I have been reminiscing about our childhood and going through some old boxes with cool found items. First we found our old comic books, many in good condition featuring old TV shows. We decided to put the up for auction on Ebay just for kicks to see if there is any interest in the old Silver Age of comic books.  Both Gidget and Get Smart feature photographs of Sally Fields and Don Adams (respectively).   

   We both have fond memories of lazy summer days with an orange or cherry pop, perched on a chair in the sun, devouring the latest comic books.  In our house, Archie ruled but so did Dennis the Menace, and lesser known Spike and Tyke.  Perhaps some of these old comics were the start of my interest in all things illustrated - who knows?  Meantime, we do confess to re-reading some of these fine old comics with a root beer popsicle in one hand, trying to recreate those special moments from the past.  I guess we both agreed our tastes in "literature" have improved some (grin), but I thought it would be fun to share this pastime with all of you.  What were your favorites?

My Niece Needs Your Help

   My niece is an undergraduate student at the University of Westminster in London, UK.  She conducting a study.  The aim of the study is to understand how thinking about concepts impacts your views of yourself.
If you have five to ten minues please take part in it. It would really help her out!  All of your replies are anonymous and will be kept strictly confidential.  The link to survey is:  http://www.surveygizmo.com/s/44295/1

If you have any questions you may contact the researcher by emailing  westminstersurvey@hotmail.com.   Thanks!

After Work!

  Did you like cracker jacks…not so much for the tasty treat but for the surprise inside? Is the best part of your Chinese takeout the fortune cookie? Then these books are for you because each one is like opening a new present! No two are alike!!! I was given a handmade journal by someone very special to me. It meant so much to me that I had to sit down and play with the process of making more of them for myself. This month my sister and I spent some time making these one of a kind altered journals especially for PFATT. Now understand that we believe in coloring outside of the lines and that mistakes are a part of life so please know that each book is made with love and care; however, we accept no responsibility for tiny imperfections and will not admit as to whether they were intentional or not. We hope you enjoy our sense of humor. Journals can be used to jot down your day's highlights, write your music, draw your designs, keep your secret thoughts, or store addresses. You might even use your journal as a place to write down your favorite recipes or simply keep your grocery lists and carry them to the store in style.

Cindy made this journal for the creative soul and fun at heart. It’s vamp dancer on the front cover.  It also has Typewriter Keys below her that spell out “DANCE”. The back cover has a long red envelope to hide your innermost secret of dreams. The book is definitely for the person with an off beat sense of humor. It also contains many surprises inside.

And lastly this little pink journal is for a sweet someone special. With its vintage ephemera and feminine touches it would be perfect for anyone’s inner child. Once again we stress that these journals are all one of a kind .  All of them are available through PFATT this month only along with work from numerous other artisan's and crafters.   To see them click HERE

PFATT Time!!!!

   It's time for PFATT's new releases again!  I love it when all the Halloween items come up for sale!  (Halloween items go quickly!!)  Did you like cracker jacks...not so much for the tasty treat but for the surprise inside?  Is the best part of your Chinese takeout the fortune cookie?  Then stop by and see our offerings this month!

  Where has the summer gone?  My time went into fast forward once we hit mid June.  It was the Fourth of July and now it is NOW!   Yikes!  In six weeks I am having double knee replacements.....scared I am!  The reality is that before I know it....it will be  Thanksgiving....and ...by Christmas I should be back to work!  If you believe in prayers.... so do I....and....any you send my way would be appreciated.  My sister is staying with me and that is a great relief. No more said about that!

   

Michael Phelps Fan

Sorry I have been gone so long but I've been enjoying the Olympics! Ok...I admit, I've been enjoying viewing one olympian....Michael Phelps!

 

What an amazing athelete!  It has been soooo fun to watch him achieve his dreams!  Let's face it...it's just fun to watch him!  Congratulations Michael!  We are so proud of you!

My Racine

          

I saw Super Woman yesterday as I drove down High Street.  A quick glimpse imprinted her in my mind.  She was small framed, thin, wearing a skirt and a perky white blouse.  She looked to be in her late 80's perhaps even her 90's.  She was mowing the hill in front of her house with a hand mower....and as I continued to drive  I knew I had to turn around and tell her something...I didn't know what but I turned my truck around and headed back.  As I pulled up she was sitting on her concrete step pulling weeds growing on the hill next to her.  She looked up as I rolled down my window.  I smiled and yelled out of the window,"I just had to stop and....". 

"I can't hear you!" she yelled back to me with a look of concern on her face.

I moved closer to the window and I yelled louder, "I just had to stop to....".

"I still can't hear you!", she yelled again....only this time she was smiling.  At this point I was thinking to myself..."Ok...if I drive the truck away now I may frighten her but if I get out and talk to her will I frighten her more???...And... what was it I wanted to say that was so all fired important two minutes ago???"  I turned the truck off and got out.  She smiled and I sat down on the step next to her.   "What can I do for you today?" she asked me. I noticed the frame of her glasses was yellowing with age and she had large thick squared lenses that made her eyes look huge.  And that in turn made the twinkle in her eyes look even larger than life. 

""The freshly cut grass smells so good without the smell of gasoline from an electric mower....I saw you mowing your lawn and I just wanted to stop and tell you what an inspiration you are!"  I looked at her mower.  It was shorter than most mowers and it was made of wood.  The handles were smooth, stained dark from years of use and they were worn with age. 

"I have used it my entire life.  I like to get the yard ready before Sunday when everyone comes."  She pointed to the church next door. 

"Well, it certainly looks great and your flowers are beautiful as well!  I don't know why I stopped...it's just that I saw you working and I just wanted to tell you how nice your yard looks and what an inspiration you are to me!"  I stopped and slowly got to my feet.

"Well....thank you for stopping by today,"  she said as I walked back to the truck.  I got in, shut the door and we waved to each other.  Then I pulled into traffic and saw her in my rear view mirrow waving.  I tooted my horn and that was it.  She really WAS Super Woman I am sure of it!

Arte y Pico Award

                                  

Oh My!  Thank you Sam!  An Award for Rohling Studios!  I don't know what to say...I didn't have any cue cards because I didn't see it coming!!!  Really...Thank You to Sandy Wood...one of my favorite bloggers, head of PFATT...and a very creative friend in my own personal blogland!  Sandy...or Sam...however you may know her is the creative mind behind SAM I AM CREATIONS and she has awarded me the "Arte y Pico"  award.  I am far from speechless!!!!   The rules are:

1. Choose 5 blogs that you consider deserving of this award based on creativity, design, interesting material, and overall contribution to the blogger community, regardless of language. (I am taking this to mean Spanish, French, English, etc. not "*%$#@!")

2. Post the name of the author and a link to his or her blog so everyone can view it.

3. Each award-winner has to show the award and put the name and link to the blog that has given her or him the award.

4. The award-winner and the presenter should post the link of the Arte y Pico blog so everyone will know the origin of this award.

5. Please post these rules!

My Nominees are:

1.  Loretta at pomegranatesandpaper who is an inspiration to all of us with her charm, wit and creativity...not to say anything about how wonderfully consistent she is in posting!!!  She is a wonderful artist and writer!...Her blog is a MUST!  It has been great fun getting to know her and learning from her.

2. Catherine at Red Shoes is a shop owner (go see it!!!), blogger, mother and artist!  I am in awe of her energy!  He blog is colorful and fun!  Her work is unique and just as colorful as she seems to be in her writing!

3.  Lori at Faerie Window  who is one of the nicest people I have met in blogosphere!  Her work is every bit as sweet as she is!!!  Go meet her!  She is a pleasure to know!  You will know what I mean when you meet her!

4. Izabella at Izabella's Blue is a most wonderful artist, and creator of a great new group on Ning called "Creative Souls".  It is a wonderful place for us all to network and share.  I am sooooo proud of her accomplishments here!!!!  I love to spend time over there!

5.  Last but not least....saved till the end because she was one of the first people I ever met in blogdom!  The one...the only...the legendary...JoAnnA from Moss Hill Studios ...artist, teacher, publisher, survivor and all around great person!!!  Her blog is an inspiration on so many levels.

Wow! Or should I say Whew!  This was a challenge to my ability to focus!  LOL!  Thank you again...and thank you to each of the above for sharing themselves!  Love ya all!