"Gather ye rose-buds while ye may." Robert Herrick

"Gather ye rose-buds while ye may." Robert Herrick

Hello Friends!

Friends, Romans, countrymen...y'all. Foodies, gardeners, artists and collectors - let's gather together to share and possibly learn a thing or two in the mix.

Donna Baker

Sunday, February 23, 2014

Saturday, February 22, 2014

Wild Cherry Tree


Found something new in the Henry Field's seed and plant catalog.  It is a wild black cherry tree.  I have never seen one for sale before.  
Grandma Great had one in her front yard and used to make jam with the cherries.  She said she watched birds come eat them, then fall out of the tree onto the ground like they were drunk.
I found a wild cherry tree by the lake once.  It was very gnarled and old, but had a few cherries still attached.  The aroma of wild cherry was something I'll never forget.  So strong and wonderful.  I can't wait to get mine.  I'll just have to be careful where I plant it because these trees can reach 80 feet tall.  I am excited about this tree. I'm going to make jams, liqueurs, tarts, syrups... The juice has been used for ages as a cough remedy and the bark can be used too.  I will have to read up on why the birds get drunk from eating the cherries.  Don't want druggy birds flying around the farm.

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

A Plate Excuse


I call this my Goonie Bird plate.  Bought it at Round Top. Though I love it (I'm a bonafide bird nut and love all things bird),  it has been shelved in a closet.  I don't know where it should go.  The painter/artist did a wonderful job.  It is fairly old, but not dated.  I wonder if the bird is extinct now?
Truth be known, I am really just piddling around, trying to find things to keep me from doing the things I should be doing; a lame excuse to use a plate, I know.  Do you feel guilty wasting time and not being productive?  Oh well, guess I'll piddle some more and find a wall to display it on.

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Breaking Bad


I'm a late bloomer - didn't get on the Homeland or Breaking Bad train until later.  If Breaking Bad was a drug, I'm hooked.  On a bad binge for both.  Finished Homeland and now on to Breaking Bad.  I can't quit you, Walter White.  It is that good.  Just hope Homeland hurries up with the next season.  Love these shows!

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Field Sculpture


We go years without snow and this is what we've had for so long, I can't remember when the ground wasn't covered.  It will be melting by the weekend.  I will be in Tulsa or I would go outside naked to feel the warm sunshine on my skin.  

I made these armillary spheres (not quite finished) from old rusty wheel forms (don't know if that is what they are called).  They were used to hold wooden wheel pieces or wagon wheels.  We have tons and I figured they would work as field art. By the way, armillary spheres were early celestial globes. Wish I could find an old airplane to put out in the field.  A rocket perhaps?

Sunday, February 9, 2014

To Mope Or Not To Mope


Trying to brighten up my day (and keep from doing the things I should be doing).  This white bisque rabbit came from Anthropologie.  I guess it is glazed inside to keep water from leaking out.  I also got a goose head.  Just loved these and the gerbera daisies. But, take a look at the paper basket.

I went to Hobby Lobby last week.  I  usually just go there to buy art supplies.  All the rest I consider stuff. I have more stuff than one should have, and am trying to give it away.  Nevertheless, I was amazed at all the cute things they have. They had these paper baskets in different shapes and sizes, and made in China of course.  They were so cute.  Grandma Great used to make paper bead necklaces with a string chain to entertain all the grandchildren. Guess that is what hooked me.  They looked like her necklaces. If you haven't been recently, I suggest you go.  I can't tell you how many things I wanted to buy. 

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

The Funny Farm


Banana In Snow

"They're coming to take me away ha ha
They're coming to take me away ha ha, ho ho, he he,
To the funny farm 
Where life is beautiful all the time".
(And warm?)

 The first use of the term, Funny Farm, was used in John Knowles 1959 novel, A SEPARATE PEACE, set in New Hampshire (no wonder).
"You might start to believe it, then I'd have to make a reservation for you at the Funny Farm."

Well, they don't call it the funny farm for nothing.  This winter is killing me.  Going to go try and work on a painting, but I'm afraid my muse is frozen outside somewhere on my Peaceable Hill Farm which is why I put a banana in the snow (a lame attempt at an art installation piece/joke). Pitiful.