tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91826928658910134402024-02-18T12:32:56.026-08:00John a Lookin' AroundExploring my world with a sketchbook journaljohn.phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15561752999008175780noreply@blogger.comBlogger292125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9182692865891013440.post-21494728673245670272024-02-18T12:32:00.000-08:002024-02-18T12:32:19.303-08:00How Many Is Enough?<p> Over the years, things accumulate. We've had 40 years of travel and I like to buy coffee cups to prompt the memories as I get older. Thus, a huge selection of coffee cups. Wilma and I would always disagree on how many I NEED. With her gone, I can be guilt-free on how many I NEED. </p><p>So, I attacked my collection this week. I pulled them all down from the cupboard and set them on the kitchen island. This had to be sketched!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDpqJXk-bZCb_BFeutW4W7g45qK44H-LM2XGIMydmV3LZyv1fbAQNII3ukn_1sHaprgrnmJ3SY-T0NQJYox83mxzIATZSRyOhUaSswdE5brk2meVP5fw-F5f72a8___OrbqcPnlM0lIVmZn8pq8I9yPB1VrBNEK6T1bOPToghaSL7vcszD3r-EHkoPxw/s2973/LTJ_360a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2373" data-original-width="2973" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDpqJXk-bZCb_BFeutW4W7g45qK44H-LM2XGIMydmV3LZyv1fbAQNII3ukn_1sHaprgrnmJ3SY-T0NQJYox83mxzIATZSRyOhUaSswdE5brk2meVP5fw-F5f72a8___OrbqcPnlM0lIVmZn8pq8I9yPB1VrBNEK6T1bOPToghaSL7vcszD3r-EHkoPxw/s320/LTJ_360a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>If you read the sketch, I ended up with 70 coffee cups. BUT some have already been repurposed to hold pens, pencils and loose change, some are hot/cold travel cups (don't count since they are dual-use), and some are easy to give away.<p></p><p>Final count: 31 </p><p>Yes, I concede I only NEED one. But that's no fun. I love the memories in each cup. If Wilma's ghost haunts me, I will reconsider. </p><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>john.phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15561752999008175780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9182692865891013440.post-46678545905315411282024-02-18T12:22:00.000-08:002024-02-18T12:22:49.331-08:00The Homeplace<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdqTtyFAlbUJfy5mP7194yTbbbDhPra7hr1i-OR7J8TO-wYj9FXtBIZnDXh0f6JGvCKh33M2ZpVH_KZVMjM67eQsfF47MQsdt9i6pmo5cNXYysIA2t9sAr7ThdoyQDqXusPZEDMW934ntCdkdipjNNYnfQOCODGUAOTPnmcUF6_Rq6Pzk8zIGFLHVT_A/s2976/LTJ_361a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1811" data-original-width="2976" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdqTtyFAlbUJfy5mP7194yTbbbDhPra7hr1i-OR7J8TO-wYj9FXtBIZnDXh0f6JGvCKh33M2ZpVH_KZVMjM67eQsfF47MQsdt9i6pmo5cNXYysIA2t9sAr7ThdoyQDqXusPZEDMW934ntCdkdipjNNYnfQOCODGUAOTPnmcUF6_Rq6Pzk8zIGFLHVT_A/s320/LTJ_361a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> This is located in Land Between the Lakes in western Kentucky. We like to camp there. The "Homeplace" is an 1850 re-enacted farm. I stop here every time I'm in LBL. This time the house was closed for some roof repairs. So I found a comfortable rock to sit on and did this ink sketch. No pencil layout. I liked how it came out. It is in a sketchbook that I recently re-found. I was camping there last October for this sketch. This one took me a while but I love being in "the zone". I considered applying color but the pen and ink feel told me to stop.<p></p><br /><p><br /></p>john.phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15561752999008175780noreply@blogger.com0Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, 238 Visitor Center Dr, Golden Pond, KY 42211, USA36.857492 -88.071432199999998.5472581638211551 -123.22768219999999 65.167725836178846 -52.91518219999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9182692865891013440.post-36807211282494208642024-02-18T12:14:00.000-08:002024-02-18T12:14:57.289-08:00Resting Molly<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIfFflSBBKdRj0IrDBUM3UNHksMk9ifoqWNBUpbVcaUwLoAsIwbFsO-wKxgNHHAQHJzuVB-LCewFlMldpHhZiT9YKtuT2L7kbrBOfUIJCLpBQNkimPUqEbPjG4Y_YAg7twzI_ikjb7q3r23XOSOljsgtR79D6AbCCzAnuqi4ZL4CHSjmFMRv1kU0zCZQ/s2890/LTJ_362a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2087" data-original-width="2890" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIfFflSBBKdRj0IrDBUM3UNHksMk9ifoqWNBUpbVcaUwLoAsIwbFsO-wKxgNHHAQHJzuVB-LCewFlMldpHhZiT9YKtuT2L7kbrBOfUIJCLpBQNkimPUqEbPjG4Y_YAg7twzI_ikjb7q3r23XOSOljsgtR79D6AbCCzAnuqi4ZL4CHSjmFMRv1kU0zCZQ/s320/LTJ_362a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> I just re-located a sketchbook that had this sketch of my 1.5 year old Lab Molly. She is usually a ball of movement but toward evening she can stay still long enough to sketch. This was back in September. She's both frustrating and lovable to be with. This week she ate a stick of butter.<p></p><br /><p><br /></p>john.phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15561752999008175780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9182692865891013440.post-1375940565741840892024-01-24T10:15:00.000-08:002024-01-24T10:15:07.909-08:00Primed and Ready<p> 'Tis snow season. In eastern Kansas in the last few years we haven't received many big snows. But we did last week, with lots of wind and the resulting drifts. My driveway blew shut four times. Now that I have a side-by-side with blade I can handle most of the storms we get, but this was the first true test.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUSGR73WN85v5jApvWfWZKbnJ5_leosB_xANc9yN6DE-2tdArn-kZvvMuzA3IO6vYaNWvNupCnB1Mp3clLo6VKXRTele7dR5jDxGVxLYOpwZY5DA7lu5GMpTgDsNr-uaeMCtaUqdzkFhPx3ZsFbN2gBkw44Sv7jHESdCDQGoPzp6P2O5_kirIv7RYibA/s2940/LTJ_359a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2362" data-original-width="2940" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUSGR73WN85v5jApvWfWZKbnJ5_leosB_xANc9yN6DE-2tdArn-kZvvMuzA3IO6vYaNWvNupCnB1Mp3clLo6VKXRTele7dR5jDxGVxLYOpwZY5DA7lu5GMpTgDsNr-uaeMCtaUqdzkFhPx3ZsFbN2gBkw44Sv7jHESdCDQGoPzp6P2O5_kirIv7RYibA/s320/LTJ_359a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Since it's just me now, I have the luxury of dedicating one of my two garage stalls to this machine, ready for action on a moments notice.<div><br /></div><div>I only have this machine because I'm a volunteer in a trail group that maintains 15 miles of trail up my me. However, I will admit I have lusted for one even without the trail work.</div><div><br /></div><div>This year I decided to help out some neighbors. I live in a rural area where the roads are on a 1-mile grid (mostly). On my 'mile' we only have twelve homes. Most of us are self sufficient and have the equipment to push snow. However, four don't. Three I know and like. The forth one drove by as I was clearing my driveway and asked to hire me. I went over (they weren't home) and their driveway was really drifted in. They could not drive into their house for four days! It was -8F with -10F wind chill but after 2.5 hours of work I cleared it. The biggest job I've ever done. Left my contact info in their door. That was four days ago. They are back but haven't thanked or paid me. Maybe I won't be helping them in the future. The other three neighbors were very thankful and I was glad to help.</div><div><br /></div><div>The snow plow was a prime example of the brain telling me it's all black, but the eyes are telling me it has shiny very light value areas. I went with the eyes and it worked.<br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>john.phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15561752999008175780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9182692865891013440.post-78464454202441874442024-01-23T19:43:00.000-08:002024-01-23T19:43:06.673-08:00Denver REI Store Visit<p> REI is an outdoor gear store that is not focused on going out in nature and killing things. I say that as a hunter and fisherman, but it's true. I've been an REI member for over 40 years, and Denver has one of their flagship stores. If at all possible, on Denver visits I spend some time here. On this mid-December trip I had a couple hours to kill so I went. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXg8aWkAvJIA3roaOg525MxpdniUbMBO_gJHGA_WWrTSAi9c9S19tbERQqGPvf6drJs6nb69iI6BSVhtL-P512gbKO_WYBV725JL9S13FcVxlCbGjK712zLk77BviBu1i945U3ty2TjiFQ1suTf06X-_HOPtfjBDO4JXNZMSkvIqmrUIH3z26uLZXLlw/s2940/LTJ_358a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2382" data-original-width="2940" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXg8aWkAvJIA3roaOg525MxpdniUbMBO_gJHGA_WWrTSAi9c9S19tbERQqGPvf6drJs6nb69iI6BSVhtL-P512gbKO_WYBV725JL9S13FcVxlCbGjK712zLk77BviBu1i945U3ty2TjiFQ1suTf06X-_HOPtfjBDO4JXNZMSkvIqmrUIH3z26uLZXLlw/s320/LTJ_358a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>There is SO MUCH STUFF in a retail store like this so I needed to focus on something. The climbing wall wasn't being used but it always draws my attention. I found a spot on the stairs I could draw from, and incorporate people in the sketch (a weakness of mine that I'm working on). Very enjoyable time. The only drawback was the price of parking in their parking lot. I was over 2 hours here so the charge was something like $20. Rather punitive if you ask me. I spent plenty of money inside and outside of the store.<div><br /></div><div>I have a thing for maps and compasses. In Topeka, Kansas nobody has a serious compass. So, when I'm here I always check on them. This one was sketch worthy. Using one is a fading skill. I use a GPS, too, but you're depending on battery life to keep you alive and I don't like that. Worse yet is a trend of depending on your cell phone GPS and map to keep you alive. Never!<br /><p><br /></p></div>john.phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15561752999008175780noreply@blogger.com0Denver, CO, USA39.7392358 -104.990251-39.729022196030783 114.38474900000003 90 35.634748999999971tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9182692865891013440.post-65614650259325996682024-01-17T18:16:00.000-08:002024-01-17T18:16:40.560-08:00Sketchout with a friend<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDawzSbzsBD-KrOawM3pE8hiw2NsGSdFtNgo-jzsFckJZ8I7pe_8lPsB6paWejAdDeM-mby74KBCLv0BKtQRUeXvY_2bw8iKP_KRdmCBi0z55xWzxIyDMqOK1M7vAteF7RUnNDyqHWTIckHiX4HfVnuZUVvPrkxPD_5QSbjSacwNbU4vjYeqOzca9yzQ/s2963/LTJ_357a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2371" data-original-width="2963" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDawzSbzsBD-KrOawM3pE8hiw2NsGSdFtNgo-jzsFckJZ8I7pe_8lPsB6paWejAdDeM-mby74KBCLv0BKtQRUeXvY_2bw8iKP_KRdmCBi0z55xWzxIyDMqOK1M7vAteF7RUnNDyqHWTIckHiX4HfVnuZUVvPrkxPD_5QSbjSacwNbU4vjYeqOzca9yzQ/s320/LTJ_357a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> A good friend of mine, in a similar place in life, has done formal art many many years ago, before marriage and before kids. Then life happens. She wasn't familiar with the type of sketching I do in my journals. I figured we could go out to a coffee shop and I could show here what I do and give her some supplies to do it. She didn't buy into my no-pencil-layout ink first approach but that's OK. Once she laid pencil to sketchbook I could see it reignited those past days of emersion into the creative process. It made my day!<p></p><br /><p><br /></p>john.phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15561752999008175780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9182692865891013440.post-63080467734476161292024-01-15T09:18:00.000-08:002024-01-15T09:18:11.494-08:00More Bookbinding<p> I decided to make each of my five grandkids a sketchbook for Christmas. Then I could sit down with each one and design a vinyl sticker to customize their book using my Cricut machine.</p><p>First I tore down 25 sheets of Mohawk Superfine (regular bond) paper. I always feel good after they are gathered into signatures and holes punched ready for hand sewing. This is the first feeling of accomplishment.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzDVK-C5c_B-ET9KSxWa-WX1yRvFSWLHot1AL_UlU8p_qKZO7r_djCh_kXdvMJtqlUd_vFyKecGtEG7swth1sdPpcjAQ2SNUajsBHxur8FY1FDOk-BOtzoodOtByYEEuguLla8Fs5ZXNSHMbdpaj7zc5yPYA26Um3puueBgLrd82PAZDCK6yN7rdJczw/s2048/IMG_2949.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzDVK-C5c_B-ET9KSxWa-WX1yRvFSWLHot1AL_UlU8p_qKZO7r_djCh_kXdvMJtqlUd_vFyKecGtEG7swth1sdPpcjAQ2SNUajsBHxur8FY1FDOk-BOtzoodOtByYEEuguLla8Fs5ZXNSHMbdpaj7zc5yPYA26Um3puueBgLrd82PAZDCK6yN7rdJczw/s320/IMG_2949.JPEG" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p>Then sewing the signatures together, creating the textblock, then the case, casing the signatures, then book cover treatment. Five for the kids and two to use up all the paper. The finished products:</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsUuyk0HgVENM83ONd55L4uEXmA6NiBuQU8CYLdZ2KJmhS_rOqUNGoHDpXVqd5ooy0EwhTLdbxDZrB0i71-txanydnK_ui-wY3USzqL3svlIiwd6Tk-EhzpdxbfqTfTAfk5Bb0TzCYGnnUsZ7SPh0nzlu4QjwJFM1q83mFCCWE5ROfUrbfa6eHb1Ucpg/s2048/IMG_2953.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsUuyk0HgVENM83ONd55L4uEXmA6NiBuQU8CYLdZ2KJmhS_rOqUNGoHDpXVqd5ooy0EwhTLdbxDZrB0i71-txanydnK_ui-wY3USzqL3svlIiwd6Tk-EhzpdxbfqTfTAfk5Bb0TzCYGnnUsZ7SPh0nzlu4QjwJFM1q83mFCCWE5ROfUrbfa6eHb1Ucpg/s320/IMG_2953.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then we must have customization from each grandkid:</div><p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKF___0A2mTy7O9X8YwWoBpMKR1hQGggvgPpyP5dqfZYdjYxFoCDHIQMxucs023Q-EjU2padsMQ8fxeFL11E3FCx2vatDTYV0bg8P95x-vbhy7ctcbSA9sxvRPuLTlPGtNdo3Z2Rpc1GtiEolzdLiv2rkM-f681qo8WmTG8HleQaRosNze2inaAINUzg/s2048/IMG_2969.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKF___0A2mTy7O9X8YwWoBpMKR1hQGggvgPpyP5dqfZYdjYxFoCDHIQMxucs023Q-EjU2padsMQ8fxeFL11E3FCx2vatDTYV0bg8P95x-vbhy7ctcbSA9sxvRPuLTlPGtNdo3Z2Rpc1GtiEolzdLiv2rkM-f681qo8WmTG8HleQaRosNze2inaAINUzg/s320/IMG_2969.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The kids (ages 3-9) loved them! </div><p></p>john.phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15561752999008175780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9182692865891013440.post-82778220372397783662024-01-14T18:51:00.000-08:002024-01-14T18:51:55.334-08:00The Ships<p> After my night at the Androy Hotel I address the purpose of this part of my journeys: visit the shipping lane at Duluth at the southern tip of Lake Superior. I've been here a few times before and it's a trip requirement. The big lakes have a ship culture. The big lake freighters can exceed 1000' in length, carrying various cargos but an emphasis on iron ore and coal. Internet has a site with the canal schedule. I have two freighters I can witness: the Hon James LO Oberstar and the American Century.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2EvGpOcLZVViaXvECKBhvxIadk5Qwmzkeu-8BxoOSSqXF3iFumKd4OZwk_qIR5b8rV1-6TkqgHov2FBWgQtAQli206BQ6ukGDpDv5dZfYM505bcZg9IVL4WV4v5ihXQPJOe73Fm2tY_2-2rJruvbU1fOwjNC3CzN-z_2M6ykAMCx49bVAT2HhnQ8bkg/s7170/LTJ_354b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5630" data-original-width="7170" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2EvGpOcLZVViaXvECKBhvxIadk5Qwmzkeu-8BxoOSSqXF3iFumKd4OZwk_qIR5b8rV1-6TkqgHov2FBWgQtAQli206BQ6ukGDpDv5dZfYM505bcZg9IVL4WV4v5ihXQPJOe73Fm2tY_2-2rJruvbU1fOwjNC3CzN-z_2M6ykAMCx49bVAT2HhnQ8bkg/s320/LTJ_354b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>First up is the Oberstar at 8 am (give or take). She was built in 1959 and is the same class of freighter as the Edmund Fitzgerald, at around 700'. The control tower is at the bow. Therefore she probably has a fuel oil boiler that drives huge steam pistons to drive the propeller. They always have steam exhaust just like a steam locomotive has. I sketched her live (August 19) to see how far I could get. They come through the canal very slow, but still not enough time to do it justice. <br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; display: inline !important; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><p style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1268" data-original-width="1721" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh901mN_6wlrYCaM1ip4-AlctlAYP9RGiC9Z3qaJcVM6XjnNh1YdIheDNgrH_Yp_p7NCbyefxw3pit6-rBlvuzJHFtqOiWySl5bMsh9PJxZr4E4sml2YVkO8TU5iZaqikZ1dsOlGoAUQLmDdMhG61U1GLE-WWAV2FXkDxIoFp27FdWus-Ye7jqmMj4ANw/s320/LTJ_355b.jpg" style="text-align: right;" width="320" /></p><span style="text-align: center;">I had some time before the American Century came through so I sketched the walkway that the public can access. Trying to apply what I learned at the week workshop. People are tough but I'll slug my way through this skill. I learned here that the walkway does not fade away into the sky (like my brain was telling me) but it fades at just under eye level. Oops.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">Then it's time for the American Century. She was built in 1981 at 1000' long. This is the standard modern size of the lake freighters. For her I took pictures with my cell phone so I could do a realistic drawing back home. Being a newer ship, she has diesel engines that probably drive electric motors that drive the propeller shafts. These are much quieter and exhaust is minimal. Very impressive! </div></div></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGFxoiJX3VK_xSGFy7tH7gwzk58qxVUp3QDzRVGuNMLfMKUNiD6fcIwm4OYFxs93PhpjSq6IoGYRVgTspSj2SPaSFDK6PNyMad8uxuroPS-0TUjKWYv8qPVGkflIHxPRQl42ZgQsbite_j0saPG1pjwses9z95tUdYMRtpAyMT2zCvejIIX2WpeYihZw/s2964/LTJ_356a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2375" data-original-width="2964" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGFxoiJX3VK_xSGFy7tH7gwzk58qxVUp3QDzRVGuNMLfMKUNiD6fcIwm4OYFxs93PhpjSq6IoGYRVgTspSj2SPaSFDK6PNyMad8uxuroPS-0TUjKWYv8qPVGkflIHxPRQl42ZgQsbite_j0saPG1pjwses9z95tUdYMRtpAyMT2zCvejIIX2WpeYihZw/s320/LTJ_356a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>My usual sketching process uses fountain pen linework without pencil layout. Then watercolor pencil with a waterbrush. For this one I used just a little pencil layout. Then a fountain pen with a (new) fude nib. Seems to be the craze now. I hate crazes, but this one works out just fine. I can vary the thick to thin linework. I also used a trick I learned from the watercolorists at the workshop. I created a wash using pigment from the pencils in a clean half-pan with added water. This was for the water and sky. I also wanted to fade the colors of the bow as the ship gets longer and has subdued tones.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><p></p><p><br /></p>john.phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15561752999008175780noreply@blogger.com092 Main St, Superior, WI 54880, USA46.7478311 -92.099188446.700768339136239 -92.167852950781253 46.794893860863759 -92.030523849218753tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9182692865891013440.post-64179010801837040182023-12-02T17:58:00.000-08:002023-12-02T17:58:42.802-08:00The Drive Home<p> After the one week workshop it was time to drive home. Bayfield, WI to Topeka, KS. The route winds down the east shore of Lake Superior, but the lake stays hidden for most of the drive. An occasional pull-off does offer a view, though. Camera shots and sketches just don't capture the grandeur of this huge lake. The route drives by Superior, WI and Duluth, MN. I love the fresh water freighter culture in this area! I always stop at Duluth to watch freighters slowly exit Lake Superior southbound to either load or unload. That will be my next post.</p><p>For this post I sketched my overnight in Superior, WI, which is next to Duluth. I'm winging it for places to stay. Sometimes it doesn't go so well. The first three places had no room but the third one recommended the Androy Hotel. This is an old elegant hotel that has seen better days but refuses to die. Great ambiance and architecture! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH8gNlt4K1B7H-PzCwng-_RXRM0YdFW5alj3huq4NVSvwOFoMxKcbXkkrW-rvAff2IVMgdOj12tGvYH8FzP6uBmYKJjE5YAxYjjX11sTRDKbETNg_lODYHGcQyJ9HDKsij5VlYrwIg806G4ZI1h1MxyqdELvY7PiI1XzUIevveJYFXsvlH17IkB1vGiQ/s2976/LTJ_350a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2368" data-original-width="2976" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH8gNlt4K1B7H-PzCwng-_RXRM0YdFW5alj3huq4NVSvwOFoMxKcbXkkrW-rvAff2IVMgdOj12tGvYH8FzP6uBmYKJjE5YAxYjjX11sTRDKbETNg_lODYHGcQyJ9HDKsij5VlYrwIg806G4ZI1h1MxyqdELvY7PiI1XzUIevveJYFXsvlH17IkB1vGiQ/s320/LTJ_350a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>The on-line ship schedule says tomorrow morning we have two freighters coming through so I don't have time to eat in the restaurant in the hotel. I take time to sketch the bathroom (I was taking a shower and it spoke to me and demanded to be drawn). Still has the old fixtures but it was charming. Then the retired motel operator station was in the Lobby. If it could only speak.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW0cBF9i2xbIGsA4KF_aQvxEKn4TPJai6ZWMrqdRM7mSvl72TD7Ji2Q4MGu8xvmZapMo49S-AHAmX2z1xbkwkeNBnukcmnm_OXjo7Ub73ZLhihEGKA1d2Fo-LUnjfA54sZSXZ09xvLFMsEu3kfB_MQwOL4zGfWANw7ksk-mJ_ly67FhUwTBS11mxUAiw/s2367/LTJ_351a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1456" data-original-width="2367" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW0cBF9i2xbIGsA4KF_aQvxEKn4TPJai6ZWMrqdRM7mSvl72TD7Ji2Q4MGu8xvmZapMo49S-AHAmX2z1xbkwkeNBnukcmnm_OXjo7Ub73ZLhihEGKA1d2Fo-LUnjfA54sZSXZ09xvLFMsEu3kfB_MQwOL4zGfWANw7ksk-mJ_ly67FhUwTBS11mxUAiw/s320/LTJ_351a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I'm having allergy-type symptoms. To rule out COVID I bought a test kit at a gas stop from their discount bin. It will be negative. Oops. It was positive! Haven't had it yet. Luckily it will prove to be a light variety. Had to sketch the kit. I learned that no matter how long you stare at the test strip, the results don't change. Ever. <p></p><p><br /></p>john.phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15561752999008175780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9182692865891013440.post-61454380479513060902023-12-01T07:46:00.000-08:002023-12-01T07:46:56.124-08:00MISA "The Lively Sketchbook" Workshop<p> I pampered myself in August and attended a drawing class at Madeline Island School of the Arts (MISA). Koosje Koene presented a one week class focusing on adding people to our sketches to add life to them, thus "The Lively Sketchbook". August was three months ago from this post so this post is late. Guilty as charged. I had a new version of image edit software to learn and it intimidated me. That, and life just gets in the way. Whine, whine.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiirp1IAbOixKLJkpChCsboLpeTZAgZS_Pyihv17lF8cHSY91NF3KVLKWW38NDghEAUL9vBBJ0197qtCUbZcV-7hyIWDjOhPUSK4Ba8A5H43UTCaq5Q1-Bf1hMyBhUeUa8lafwnDD46kZUo1k75d_I8V-P4PStS_bTVBlw77tWHtnmHFNb3Wrddd6w1BA/s3005/LTJ_348a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2381" data-original-width="3005" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiirp1IAbOixKLJkpChCsboLpeTZAgZS_Pyihv17lF8cHSY91NF3KVLKWW38NDghEAUL9vBBJ0197qtCUbZcV-7hyIWDjOhPUSK4Ba8A5H43UTCaq5Q1-Bf1hMyBhUeUa8lafwnDD46kZUo1k75d_I8V-P4PStS_bTVBlw77tWHtnmHFNb3Wrddd6w1BA/s320/LTJ_348a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>The workshop wasn't cheap but it was top notch. The "campus" is a re-made old dairy with housing available on-site. Madeline Island is up on Lake Superior and you need to catch a ferry to get there. The island is largely an art residential community. This was my second workshop there and I just love it up there. "We're not in Kansas". Students always develop their own dynamic. In this workshop we bonded well. </p><p>My sketch of the campus was made from a quarter mile field access road that I bicycled to behind the campus (MISA has bicycles to use!). A staff person told me about it when I was shooting the breeze with him. A nice quiet spot. I found the feather there, which I had to include. The sketch of the ferry ride was on my return to the mainland. I was too hyped up when arriving to do any sketch time.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinrgXZijua5CoFLV9bYAh3Rz5yvID47CjfvBCAV4bPq4T1S8TlQdxsheiuX-UucSIQorX2YAf2vCvMjIiwrLp1UPjg6K8VrFuusMlDN0hS1aYpHuL7vNNwBw2xBjJGZtxgVsJZbQ1w0mwCs5Jh7vNxsRWSg6On-3gIadLntIUZBZDRIwiQxIaWVhqxJQ/s3032/LTJ_349a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2372" data-original-width="3032" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinrgXZijua5CoFLV9bYAh3Rz5yvID47CjfvBCAV4bPq4T1S8TlQdxsheiuX-UucSIQorX2YAf2vCvMjIiwrLp1UPjg6K8VrFuusMlDN0hS1aYpHuL7vNNwBw2xBjJGZtxgVsJZbQ1w0mwCs5Jh7vNxsRWSg6On-3gIadLntIUZBZDRIwiQxIaWVhqxJQ/s320/LTJ_349a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>I'm not a water color artist. Watercolor skills were required for this workshop. However, I feel I can come close enough with my watercolor pencils so I bluffed my way through. In watching everyone else mix colors in a palette, I learned how to do that with watercolor pencils. Both sketches use a (primitive) wash for the background. Learning proper watercolor techniques is still on my bucket list. </p><p>The sketches were made on site. Fountain pen, water color pencils with water brush, multimedia paper in my own sketchbook. </p><p><br /></p>john.phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15561752999008175780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9182692865891013440.post-27230821940663307432023-11-30T13:32:00.000-08:002023-11-30T13:32:55.329-08:00More Bookbinding!<p> It's been a long while since I bound some sketch books. Wilma's passing put me in a creative funk. However, I'm slowly getting back into sketching and bookbinding. I used up the last of my sketch journals recently. I signed up for a one-week art workshop last August on getting sketches of people into your sketches and needed to have a journal to sketch in. That was the push I needed to make this batch of journals.</p>It feels great to be in the saddle again. Several in the class had Instagram accounts. When I got back home I created one, too. So, learning that application and having to replace scan edit software (mine became outdated) put me behind in sketching and posting, but I'm making progress. We'll see if I can keep the momentum going.<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfjqymgwqGm15Yw0VT59_ooc8MdYciBwW2eKiijtJB-_0_Ow3x6pmfok_H5wM_2-4hkNUeP8aXdLPy_hEx0Q0M1p9yP4SQTo5_3hHXFdsgKd9F_ZJJ3Vd_yMoTKJvtbAdJ0Egnf6bfOot4gKCLAc5aNegXRYgdi6VWv00nKiTaQFqnpRahPB2Bw4jNjQ/s2048/LTJ_347.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfjqymgwqGm15Yw0VT59_ooc8MdYciBwW2eKiijtJB-_0_Ow3x6pmfok_H5wM_2-4hkNUeP8aXdLPy_hEx0Q0M1p9yP4SQTo5_3hHXFdsgKd9F_ZJJ3Vd_yMoTKJvtbAdJ0Egnf6bfOot4gKCLAc5aNegXRYgdi6VWv00nKiTaQFqnpRahPB2Bw4jNjQ/s320/LTJ_347.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div>I retired a few short years ago. My post-retirement plan was to do some bookbinding for sale and set up an Etsy shop for it. I lost interest when the health problems arrived. Now I'm reconsidering it. Intentions don't necessarily equal reality, so we'll see if I pull it off. <br /><div><br /></div><div><br /><p><br /></p></div></div>john.phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15561752999008175780noreply@blogger.com0Topeka, KS, USA39.0473451 -95.67515759999999110.737111263821156 -130.83140759999998 67.35757893617884 -60.518907599999991tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9182692865891013440.post-57900662511996753062023-05-10T08:52:00.000-07:002023-05-10T08:52:03.008-07:00Ah! Wonder Fair<p> Wonder Fair is the name of my favorite semi-local art supply store. It's 15 miles away in Lawrence, Kansas. I decided I needed to set on a street flower planter and sketch it. It's an independent store, not a chain. It's one of those stores you go to just to look around. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinUBxkaYGp4Lz4SjKTlPawRaB5IwLS2DxlOaSMe69nN4EGYE4RIpfnM8y7fJNmb2cZyKV52XFMkeyhONNou8ZVM3TfXeY82KJg9GdJWTJ9VY9iCksdQ74hhIlSxSLUxEJ7sKspod6zuUssxANRZW_XkymVJmrVLdmVGluhuuBCFaPbkbuib6oUYb4/s792/LTJ_346b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="612" data-original-width="792" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinUBxkaYGp4Lz4SjKTlPawRaB5IwLS2DxlOaSMe69nN4EGYE4RIpfnM8y7fJNmb2cZyKV52XFMkeyhONNou8ZVM3TfXeY82KJg9GdJWTJ9VY9iCksdQ74hhIlSxSLUxEJ7sKspod6zuUssxANRZW_XkymVJmrVLdmVGluhuuBCFaPbkbuib6oUYb4/s320/LTJ_346b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I had business in Kansas City so I took my 11 month old Black Lab Molly to the doggy day care. That frees up time so I can sit and relax and sketch. I have noticed the pup, as much as I love her, does impede my ability to sit and chill and sketch. I'm hoping as she ages that she will be less demanding of my time.<div><br /></div><div>If you follow my posting, you'll see that I had a quiet spell, but I'm getting back in the groove. I bind my own sketch books and I've used them all up. Need to get back to book binding. These last few sketches have just been on sheets of mixed media paper. <br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>john.phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15561752999008175780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9182692865891013440.post-5520811957117134802023-04-01T12:36:00.002-07:002023-04-01T12:36:50.375-07:00Celebrate Clumsy<p> Before things green up is the best time to do trail work. We needed to scope out trail conditions of part of our Landon Trail south of Overbrook. I was checking out a culvert and fell, hyperextending my wrist. Got the job done but need to baby my wrist for a few days. This drainage is not a real creek. It's just run-off from a pasture, so it will be dry most of the year. Cattle can use it to cross between pastures. The railroad built this in 1930 and it's still rock solid. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFBU_UyQG-bdv4e1QtWEkYn_UvUYUnmhScLL3lS4pjLKmiyMTNS7U4i49IG8Waz0b4Vx7vA1H06CaKthsSq7mUPh-dNrRmdlHufMBv7-lOyRuI1cphvFfYwrJ1LL53Wph8bqfrfHm50G6t6KUFGSYQRzUev9qQfj1alubX8WpiOfrUHlsH8Bv_ZZg/s780/LTJ_345b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="780" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFBU_UyQG-bdv4e1QtWEkYn_UvUYUnmhScLL3lS4pjLKmiyMTNS7U4i49IG8Waz0b4Vx7vA1H06CaKthsSq7mUPh-dNrRmdlHufMBv7-lOyRuI1cphvFfYwrJ1LL53Wph8bqfrfHm50G6t6KUFGSYQRzUev9qQfj1alubX8WpiOfrUHlsH8Bv_ZZg/s320/LTJ_345b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>When I sketch, I don't use pencil first. "Lead Free". It's faster but riskier. I concentrated drawing the hand so much that by the time I was drawing the wrist, I was getting sloppy and not checking my proportions often enough. Thus the long skinny arm. I still like lead free. Every time I look at this it reinforces the idea that I need to stay aware of proportions the whole time I'm sketching. This was drawn with my long Lamy fountain pen. I sure like that pen!<p></p><p>Anyway, it was still fun to sketch it. When the quick-med place put on the brace I immediately knew I had to sketch it. I'm right handed so the sketching subject could just sit there as I sketched. I liked the straps and grommets, too. It gives me a gothic bowler rock singer look. </p><p><br /></p><br /><p><br /></p>john.phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15561752999008175780noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9182692865891013440.post-36675668241981779292023-03-26T11:52:00.000-07:002023-03-26T11:52:11.795-07:00Maintenance Work<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic2GxIS3aV6fDNhHiH4mnUU0xkFrSnrBPFhPwsk37ZFZ0-kPV46tKEMrRwygFGHB8re35CeYu2VqVj3cuOU49Ltjn6HGvOq8eLYskPDqXnPFyD4zkscceQ2d8dWD_gyExRE7MK8UdabwjdTocoJuRYBjo1_qhzKxggHP1OIHb0voo3TIIJQPyQmWI/s792/LTJ_344b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="792" data-original-width="612" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic2GxIS3aV6fDNhHiH4mnUU0xkFrSnrBPFhPwsk37ZFZ0-kPV46tKEMrRwygFGHB8re35CeYu2VqVj3cuOU49Ltjn6HGvOq8eLYskPDqXnPFyD4zkscceQ2d8dWD_gyExRE7MK8UdabwjdTocoJuRYBjo1_qhzKxggHP1OIHb0voo3TIIJQPyQmWI/s320/LTJ_344b.jpg" width="247" /></a></div> Finally took time to sketch. The pasture cedars are more visible now since the grass/hay hasn't greened up yet. They keep on living, even though they are stunted from being mowed all the time. I pulled one here to get some satisfaction and noticed the intricate root work and decided I needed to sketch it.<p></p><p>The railroad spike is from our Landon Trail. Seems impossible to pick them ALL up. They're sneaky. When I do find them, I carry them out so bicyclists and horse riders don't get hurt.</p>Now I need to bind my next sketch journal. This sketch is just on a sheet of drawing paper. We'll see if my binding notes are good enough to do it again. It's been quite a while.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>john.phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15561752999008175780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9182692865891013440.post-45542779040770066162023-01-14T10:18:00.000-08:002023-01-14T10:18:19.807-08:00January USKC Sketch Crawl<p> It's been a few years since I've made it to a Kansas City sketch crawl with Urban Sketchers KC. Wilma and I went a few times before. She liked to kill time as I sketched and enjoyed the common meal afterwards. It was time to get back in the saddle. As I've said before, I'm not an urban type guy, but we don't have a Rural Sketchers organization. I like the KC group, even though I'm pretty much anonymous. We gathered at the Kansas City Museum (never heard of it). It's a restored mansion in old Gladstone just north of downtown, with a focus on telling KC history. </p><p>We had over 30 sketchers, which is more than I've ever seen! Too large to be personal but if I knew anyone I could fit in. The architectural details with all the hardwood trim were great! Some great stained glass windows, too. I found their Library & Gentlemen's Retreat with a great fireplace and oak trimmed book cases with leaded glass doors. The owner, Mr. Robert Long, preferred this room to all others.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz90NflUhcQ_uWAzlLFIYEJZORx_QBjp6wxhXzpG2ltmRZz45SCf0KXHv7Kwe5lkVEaz18DHsZJayQQpqk5JPzce1whc1VeK6R7MQpDrBVw7NyPDKVunLLwk256AtdncQS7HeZaYHAn7ainy3LcVMGISxv5Cbt46ukfdrBTuivn0vD3nvT16vP0tM/s711/LTJ_342b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="573" data-original-width="711" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz90NflUhcQ_uWAzlLFIYEJZORx_QBjp6wxhXzpG2ltmRZz45SCf0KXHv7Kwe5lkVEaz18DHsZJayQQpqk5JPzce1whc1VeK6R7MQpDrBVw7NyPDKVunLLwk256AtdncQS7HeZaYHAn7ainy3LcVMGISxv5Cbt46ukfdrBTuivn0vD3nvT16vP0tM/s320/LTJ_342b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>We sketched from 10-noon. I met in the lobby at five 'till noon for our "throw down". It's my favorite part, where we network and share our work. Nobody there?! Only three other sketchers who didn't know where anybody was, either. I found out later they all met in a room upstairs that I didn't know about. I packed up and left. Ate at a restaurant I liked that was a former sketch crawl location and drove the 65 miles home. Still a nice outing, just diminished because of failed communications. <br /><p>My scan came out too light. I used Noodler's Lexington Gray ink, with a light tough. Not good for contrast in reproductions but fine on the original.</p><p>Sketching has made the short list of things I want to continue. I want to keep doing the hobbies that let me enjoy today rather than rely on the future to enjoy life. </p><p><br /></p>john.phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15561752999008175780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9182692865891013440.post-22848721013548466462023-01-09T13:33:00.004-08:002023-01-09T13:33:42.850-08:00The Home Place<p>This was a camping trip back in April. Wilma died three months prior. I'm hoping I can still enjoy camping without her so this is a trial run. Long story short, I'll continue camping. I miss her and would rather do this with her, but in her absence I still enjoy it.</p><p>The campground I chose was in Land Between the Lakes. We've camped there a few time and always loved it. That also gave me a chance to visit Paducah, for the National Quilt Museum. I always loved going there. They have good coffee shops and craft beer, too.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> I still intend to return to sketch journaling. It will be sporadic but I can't give it up. </div><p></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixliXaQyv6F2UUIy1Wfu7if5fv2AWC0ycLxyB3m_5wXI3dcjyUUcl-lZE-GG3KBKa0UmPwITEjvhoEsJf-uNuKABC8T8Fjk68lPOBf7a9AYWbVA8S0PC_Oq0yABjHgOzPgxPCvwzd3r0vY6L0Qqea2jO4zNYt_fOtQXKtw2-L6cGm3PJcFhVzrsoQ/s707/LTJ_341b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="707" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixliXaQyv6F2UUIy1Wfu7if5fv2AWC0ycLxyB3m_5wXI3dcjyUUcl-lZE-GG3KBKa0UmPwITEjvhoEsJf-uNuKABC8T8Fjk68lPOBf7a9AYWbVA8S0PC_Oq0yABjHgOzPgxPCvwzd3r0vY6L0Qqea2jO4zNYt_fOtQXKtw2-L6cGm3PJcFhVzrsoQ/s320/LTJ_341b.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>john.phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15561752999008175780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9182692865891013440.post-7456356926600982062022-02-20T10:12:00.001-08:002022-02-20T10:18:38.782-08:00Get'n Out<p> It's been about two years since my last post. It's been oh so long but oh so heavy. Sketching was not in me. Wilma's surgery went well, but, long story short, the cancer came back in spades, and she was diagnosed with behavior variant frontotemporal dementia. Each one is fatal, but, combined, they are more quickly fatal. She didn't stand a chance, and passed away January 20. It sucks! My prostate cancer surgery went well. It's a wait-and-see game but the prognosis is good. Enough gloom and doom. I only share it because health impacts sketch journaling. On to sketching.</p><p>Urban Sketchers Kansas City had scheduled a January sketch out at Boulevard Brewing Company in KC (60 miles from me). I was planning on going but they cancelled. After the funeral I thought I really need to get out sketching for therapy. So, I went solo. I got down on the drive, thinking of Wilma, but once I got there and started sketching, enjoyment came back. It was a calming and enjoyable outing. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMnCvGYrmw8BZp4pZvVMYNTeavUfOh0vxp_KVfAoLpoF_rtmPYj2kK3xbLZODdxGDmMGnUEcsx0Ep8o9kF7Vq4V2ZBqsEbkSR1tmIWyYoZurDmXW_0T0pc5DrZhmpByw3fQUBSw3UufQWmYIv-ttHo9o0G2-EgYnYUqKffEvIXUwg9MvVm9do9KN8=s719" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="571" data-original-width="719" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMnCvGYrmw8BZp4pZvVMYNTeavUfOh0vxp_KVfAoLpoF_rtmPYj2kK3xbLZODdxGDmMGnUEcsx0Ep8o9kF7Vq4V2ZBqsEbkSR1tmIWyYoZurDmXW_0T0pc5DrZhmpByw3fQUBSw3UufQWmYIv-ttHo9o0G2-EgYnYUqKffEvIXUwg9MvVm9do9KN8=s320" width="320" /></a></div>Today I'm working on my yearly planner. I use the bullet journal technique in a Midora Traveler's notebook. I use a fountain pen to lay out all the months by hand, then do daily entries with fountain pens. There is some hand stitching to build the booklets as I like them. I found this process to be calming and enjoyable, too. I think I'll continue with the fountain pen and journaling adventures.<p></p>john.phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15561752999008175780noreply@blogger.com42501 Southwest Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA39.082097 -94.59673639.078765678275467 -94.601027534423835 39.085428321724528 -94.592444465576179tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9182692865891013440.post-50972170006135119522020-07-13T07:09:00.001-07:002020-07-13T07:09:04.981-07:004th of July CampoutUsually, by this time of year our extended family has had two camp-outs, but not in a COVID-19 year. We finally make it out for our July 4 traditional camp-out. Bathrooms were open this time but labeled "Use At Own Risk". We use the one in our trailer. Most of our regulars were here but, as we are all growing older, fewer are still active campers. I had the chance to get jamming in with Ed to entertain the clan by fireside. This is a high point for me! It's the perfect setting.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXFXRJElgDnCHz30GAgA3A2KxuK3HNBiiEzdiUnj9bVZLpOXZCk7Aj9Y-VurGN0rz5w6Wz3L8oaSINQjnQ4DJl3dxQAo8U_uKi9cHFH4uERCdi2wQSQKy0-UIktEx8kq1n_ACwHbpKVJw/s1600/LTJ_500b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="574" data-original-width="713" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXFXRJElgDnCHz30GAgA3A2KxuK3HNBiiEzdiUnj9bVZLpOXZCk7Aj9Y-VurGN0rz5w6Wz3L8oaSINQjnQ4DJl3dxQAo8U_uKi9cHFH4uERCdi2wQSQKy0-UIktEx8kq1n_ACwHbpKVJw/s320/LTJ_500b.jpg" width="320" /></a>On the second night Ed was busy with other family obligations. We had a fire at our camper and some others came over but left early. I had some time by our fireside to do some solo playing. However, it was into the Quiet Hours (10 p.m.-6 a.m.), and a park ranger came over to shut me down after a half hour. A regular occurrence for me. I'm always amazed that playing and singing is considered illegal behavior. It's acoustic! The sound doesn't travel that far and I may not be professional but I can hold a tune, but we are still breaking the law.<br />
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Trivia - it's never too hot for a fire! We sweat through the day but we love the fire at night. And my wife and I had Smores one night. Timeless!john.phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15561752999008175780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9182692865891013440.post-77536661074797747482020-07-11T18:18:00.000-07:002020-07-11T18:47:54.606-07:00A New RoutineI think this place will be seeing a lot of me in the following months. It is the Cancer Center. Today is just a bone scan to assess any possible spread of the cancer. The radioactive injection is three hours before the actual scan, and I'm on my own for that time. So - SKETCH! I set up my lawn chair out in the parking lot and bought a high-end coffee from the Roasterie kiosk and immersed myself in the process. It's been too long since I've sketched. It's like meeting an old friend to spend time.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW2-LdESnBFPxYG1Df7uygt-6hVAnNRN-2-ymEuhQtQDHfdV8Nej0Pxze-7W7zUm67ZhybkWaKOqULzUEbix-heUi88yOWQdeesLM8_IQwuhVaoX6utJsAouTyQUSJsQMMZpd8QiHPbF8/s1600/LTJ_499b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><img border="0" data-original-height="573" data-original-width="714" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW2-LdESnBFPxYG1Df7uygt-6hVAnNRN-2-ymEuhQtQDHfdV8Nej0Pxze-7W7zUm67ZhybkWaKOqULzUEbix-heUi88yOWQdeesLM8_IQwuhVaoX6utJsAouTyQUSJsQMMZpd8QiHPbF8/s320/LTJ_499b.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Trivia - this building does not have a blue roof on the middle section. I felt that the grey on brick color scheme needed to be spruced up. Seeing the finished sketch I don't think blue was the correct accent color, but it's still better than grey on brick. I'm always amazed at how hard cars are to sketch. I have long realized I just need to go out and sketch them more often, like my need to sketch people. Just don't seem to get it done, though.</div>
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<br />john.phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15561752999008175780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9182692865891013440.post-3596117856303494802020-06-22T05:19:00.000-07:002020-06-22T05:34:39.195-07:00PatienceAs you can see from my posting rate, I've been very quiet. This COVID-19 has me in an artistic funk. I could easily be sketching around the house, but I'm not in the mood. Other things on my mind, and the post elude to. But I'll always be sketching. I can't walk away from this form of expression. I suspect I may have lost all my viewership, but I'll still post. Hope somebody is out there.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjimsooSgBSusBN_ZHfFMSc3Um_kGusSwkSAaLPTPEmofzbeXkQrb_9S4BJ85ifLAvu-1S1C9JvswqJiuP3KEXYtvEsHrxz-9cp9RHNCYzlNhyphenhyphenZOwgqiRt6pOgTpSEpSGtLDpFYKT1eyfw/s1600/LTJ_498b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="575" data-original-width="729" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjimsooSgBSusBN_ZHfFMSc3Um_kGusSwkSAaLPTPEmofzbeXkQrb_9S4BJ85ifLAvu-1S1C9JvswqJiuP3KEXYtvEsHrxz-9cp9RHNCYzlNhyphenhyphenZOwgqiRt6pOgTpSEpSGtLDpFYKT1eyfw/s320/LTJ_498b.jpg" width="320" /></a>I found this wicker ball in an antique store and couldn't stop looking at it. It's the type of object that would take forever to sketch in detail but still called out to be sketched, so I bought it. Some time has passed since I bought it, as I was looking for the right time to sketch it. Today is the day. It's Father's Day and our kids live out of state. So, it's quiet, just Wilma and I, and a COVID-19 isolation weekend. It will be a treat to myself to do it today! I had planned on doing a full pencil rendering in 100% detail and then inking it in, but it just grates me wrong to spend that much time on one drawing. The drawing would look great but I don't have the mindset to spend that length of time on one drawing. I'm a sketcher of daily life, not a formal artist. So, I did the old some detail-some implied method, and I like it.<br />
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If you read far enough you'll see I included some gloomy news, too. I did not start this sketch to be about cancer, but as I was writing the text, it just came to me. I saw how it all tied together, so to speak. It's been heavy on my mind since the diagnosis last week. And, good or bad, this journal is about daily life, so it had to be said.<br />
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<br />john.phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15561752999008175780noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9182692865891013440.post-24785943244598208222019-08-26T17:10:00.000-07:002019-08-26T17:10:26.213-07:00New At Last!I love my bicycle! Haven't changed my opinion since childhood. This summer I haven't ridden near enough, but I love it when I do. Big miles are enjoyable. Cycling gloves seem to last forever, but given enough years they do wear out. That makes me happy. Worn out gloves are proof that the rider has put in the miles. Can't fake that. Mine finally started pulling apart, so I had my excuse to go out and buy a new pair, guilt-free.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtGESN4a7N7NZqcTcOiG3jGtbns0JpchHRTui24pWAql75GMIdcfDCXQZpXYVgcrtEnfLs7X_DlKVP4N0CwqU7hMUmLjWR0Kr5Zx_eRsFQiYpfYfX1H18FpRNCIHxDJwB-858KUq9cUSo/s1600/LTJ_497b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="573" data-original-width="719" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtGESN4a7N7NZqcTcOiG3jGtbns0JpchHRTui24pWAql75GMIdcfDCXQZpXYVgcrtEnfLs7X_DlKVP4N0CwqU7hMUmLjWR0Kr5Zx_eRsFQiYpfYfX1H18FpRNCIHxDJwB-858KUq9cUSo/s320/LTJ_497b.jpg" width="320" /></a>This is my first pair to have the gel padding, and they were the most comfortable. Not cheap, but cost per mile isn't bad. I went for a ride on our rail-to-trail near our house. To go toward Topeka the trail has the proper limestone screenings (fine gravel), but away from Topeka and I quickly run into the original granite ballast. This stuff is rough and loose, and easy to loose control and wreck if you don't focus. I made it to the trail's end and then jumped up on the asphalt road to circle back home. This was my first time to do it, and it felt good. I belong to the organization that's building the trail and we plan on laying down limestone screenings this year or next.<br />
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In a couple weeks a local bike store has organized an overnight bike ride, with camping at a local lake's campground. I hope to pack some sketch gear and have something to report later.john.phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15561752999008175780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9182692865891013440.post-15009604356328652662019-06-23T16:13:00.001-07:002019-06-23T16:13:23.045-07:00No Spark JoyI've been making strides to get rid of "stuff". Our daughter gave me a copy of Marie Kondo's book on "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up". I can't bring myself to apply it everywhere, but she makes a persuasive case that we don't need to keep all the things we have. I even like the challenge it presents to think it all through and question the past. She has a better way to fold cloths in your dresser. Her acid test for keeping something is great. Does it "spark joy". Love it!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQpWDC1FV-5cAvyTum9UTfTfzXJSoPYqKkx4HyRLnOr3y15J96_IxphzGohHkt6TKq-CGnQZK0MirSVziGVXMy7fs_z4t3DYN2dJLXzoHxzkB7CuS-F-YsXwivxWepVNTlVdCM1hokJPc/s1600/LTJ_496b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="571" data-original-width="710" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQpWDC1FV-5cAvyTum9UTfTfzXJSoPYqKkx4HyRLnOr3y15J96_IxphzGohHkt6TKq-CGnQZK0MirSVziGVXMy7fs_z4t3DYN2dJLXzoHxzkB7CuS-F-YsXwivxWepVNTlVdCM1hokJPc/s320/LTJ_496b.jpg" width="320" /></a>So, I made this sketch for some things that don't spark joy anymore. The CD player is very very old by technology standards. It was the first generation mobile player. It still plays but the sound skips with the slightest bump! Not sure if there is someone out there that would find joy in this or not. It's not junk, though (yet).<br />
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The mini waffle iron never really sparked joy. I found it in a discount bin. Such a buy! Really marked down . . . such a steal! That little voice in my head said 'don't' but I did. Never used it.<br />
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The coffee mug I never wanted. I found it at a local art/craft fair. The artist had two mugs. Both different but roughly similar. I fell in love with the other one and she made me a (marginal) deal if I bought both. The other one still 'sparks joy'. This one not.<br />
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So, these will all go to Goodwill. Every little bit helps clear the house. We have a basement, though, that I need to hit, and I've been avoiding it. I want to develop my editing skills before I/we hit it to improve my confidence because it will be tough.<br />
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<br />john.phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15561752999008175780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9182692865891013440.post-67415568462756406242019-06-18T18:43:00.000-07:002019-06-18T18:43:13.512-07:00And A Seat Belt, Too!We live just outside of town. A quarter-section parceled out like a mini-suburbia of five homes within a pasture section. The lots are bigger than suburbia, though. We (more precisely I) mow three acres. I like mowing but don't like the lost time that I could be doing fun things like sketching. My latest mower (zero turn, or ZTR) is in its sixteenth year and burning oil for the last three years and an idler pulley just worked itself loose. The last time I mowed, I popped the belt about ten times. Frustrating. I've not putting any more money in repairs.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFu0akgu2p4IssODYvvt5alhwjgej8xoT9raEdutjxiLvt7zX2o00VOSrvyxT7d-1ZOlKsMbSlRPAtaid4Uqz2aiYaLfedInFiVkOICuNxc-Wdo9JbyVPOqqBy0AAymxk1vfhohY0ND58/s1600/LTJ_495b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="574" data-original-width="709" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFu0akgu2p4IssODYvvt5alhwjgej8xoT9raEdutjxiLvt7zX2o00VOSrvyxT7d-1ZOlKsMbSlRPAtaid4Uqz2aiYaLfedInFiVkOICuNxc-Wdo9JbyVPOqqBy0AAymxk1vfhohY0ND58/s320/LTJ_495b.jpg" width="320" /></a>I've been looking at mowers in recent years to determine what my next mower will be, so after popping the belt so many times, I spent a couple lunch-hours talking to a local retailer and pulled the trigger. I still get sticker shock but I'll use it for many years. I chose one a little wider and faster than my current one. The three and a half hours needed to mow the yard is just too painfully long. We need to speed it up.<br />
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I've just mowed once, and it's taking some time to get the feel of it. It's a ZTR, too, but from a different manufacturer so it's different. It's going to work out nicely. It will be faster. This thing is so fast that it comes with a seat belt. It's raining right now or I'd be mowing now!john.phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15561752999008175780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9182692865891013440.post-88105748617367367262019-03-02T20:08:00.000-08:002019-03-02T20:18:08.832-08:00March Sketch CrawlTime for the USk KC sketch crawl! I missed the last one, and will miss the next one, so I made it a goal to hit this one. I like going to this Bass Pro store in east Kansas City. I've sketched there with a prior sketch group that has folded. This store is loaded with nick-knacks to draw. This Kansas City group is a nice group. I've always felt welcome, even though I'm not a local.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggkKQi5fCOgBV0YPqrYtre8UopfHVb4M0GywVglzyWcihaJbU8a107Jj9hPBfYEPxuJIgzDPWaequeJ5U7JKBd768cuo2REuh4CLY4-KFZs__NQho3oZOLtv6kqIYU85g1p5l032_czRc/s1600/LTJ_494b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="574" data-original-width="712" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggkKQi5fCOgBV0YPqrYtre8UopfHVb4M0GywVglzyWcihaJbU8a107Jj9hPBfYEPxuJIgzDPWaequeJ5U7JKBd768cuo2REuh4CLY4-KFZs__NQho3oZOLtv6kqIYU85g1p5l032_czRc/s320/LTJ_494b.jpg" width="320" /></a>I had a real failure to draw the inverted canoe mounted above my head. Total mental process meltdown. The eyes could see it but the brain hijacked that message and forced what I THOUGHT I was seeing and threw off all my angles and lengths. I just couldn't handle the foreshortening and non-typical position. Seems like a good challenge I need to try again.<br />
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What I DID like was the antlers. I've tried them before and only had limited success. If I were to lay it out in pencil I could be assured success, but I lay it out in ink. It's tough to catch the graceful symmetry and curves and balance with ink. I feel good about this one.<br />
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<br />john.phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15561752999008175780noreply@blogger.com118001 Bass Pro Dr, Independence, MO 64055, USA39.040119643220166 -94.37041282653808639.033953643220165 -94.38049782653809 39.046285643220166 -94.360327826538082tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9182692865891013440.post-17341638464228421052019-01-25T18:46:00.000-08:002019-01-25T18:46:11.097-08:00Quality NotThey just don't make things like they used to! In the last two months we aged out our coffee maker and toaster. I still try to support local stores, so we went to Walmart to replace the coffee maker. Mr. Coffee has been at it a lot of years so I purchase a standard 12-cup version. It brewed fine, but the built-in clock ran three times faster than normal. The 2-hour hotplate shut-off in under one hour. That also meant the timer start fails. Many tries - many fails. I then did a Google search and found that this brand has had this problem for the last 1.5 years. But they have great customer service. A quick message chat on their Facebook page and they sent a replacement. The replacement works great. It just seems like a good quality assurance program would have caught this and saved everyone a headache. I also had to throw away the new-but-defective brewer. That's a lot of landfill!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihj4XspGzfdR2nM0sU_4wFosEbtTmuP8U3yLmqVQh8Mu1UebANOIgGBGEEf7lBvtliwufwpEGvTcVaC6fhE32DgSeBX5mLGBLMIvIZOnl7uyZsclTkyrLDJI9xPsH_JfLOsoSd9RzQZOo/s1600/LTJ_493b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="574" data-original-width="716" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihj4XspGzfdR2nM0sU_4wFosEbtTmuP8U3yLmqVQh8Mu1UebANOIgGBGEEf7lBvtliwufwpEGvTcVaC6fhE32DgSeBX5mLGBLMIvIZOnl7uyZsclTkyrLDJI9xPsH_JfLOsoSd9RzQZOo/s320/LTJ_493b.jpg" width="320" /></a>Then the toaster gave up the ghost. Both of these had over 10 years of service so I don't fault them. The new toaster from Target wasn't the entry level so I expected it to work. However, the lever to load the bread failed to stay down after a couple days use. I had to hold it down manually to complete the toast cycle. It's junk, too! And yet such a pretty thing. The Oster company isn't as helpful. I need to deliver it to the local authorized service center, which is 60 miles away and requires proof of purchase. Who keeps receipts these days? Things should work! The credit card printout for the month lists it, though. Tomorrow we're going to KC for some shopping. The service center said they will determine if they can fix it or have Oster send me a replacement. I suspect it will end up OK, but what ever happened to quality construction!?<br />
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This is my first home sketch of the year. It feels great! I don't like being away from sketching for as long as I have, but that's life. The font I used on the title and the appliance descriptions came from a fountain pen Facebook group posting. I thought it was a beautiful font, so I'm trying it out.john.phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15561752999008175780noreply@blogger.com0