We Grow them Big in IOWA

I seem to have odd nature experiences. It also seems strange that this trait is apparently inherited from my father. 

This morning I opened the front door and saw this beetle. It's huge!

I would say at least 2 inches long. So I took these pictures and spent a little time looking it up. I think it's a Grapevine Beetle. And they are supposed to be 1 inch long.

I might also mention that while standing in my doorway, holding my camera to my face with my zoom lens zoomed, a bird flew right at me and smashed into the glass door! 

If I hadn't screamed and jumped 2 feet I would have had some really neat action shots.

p.s. Bird is fine, but my blood-pressure is not.

Before and After

Before and After pics... because I love before and after pics.

 

Before---- One very ugly, old, 1960's bathroom.

And then presto magico!

 Well, not exactly magic. More like tons of plaster dust later...

This is an old medicine cabinet that we re-purposed. It's huuuuuge and recesses way into the wall.

I bought this wonderful shower curtain from West Elm.

It served as the inspiration for these cool wall decals that I had made. They're from very old engravings. I had them printed here.  

I especially love this beetle. He's even got a needle and thread. 
This is the kids' bathroom. Next we need to recover and start on ours. Ughhghgh... wonder what wall decals I can make for in there?

---ation

In order to have creation we need inspiration.

Motivation.

Imagination.

Observation.

Determination.

Not procrastination.

A Matter of Importance...

 

I've noticed a prevailing them in my work---Taking something insignificant and elevating it to a level of importance. 

 After all, it is quite arbitrary and subjective as to what art really is?

What is beautiful?

 What is important?

This is my entryway. The table is a magical and memorable table from my Grandmother's house. On it sits a destroyed and haphazardly repaired (by her many years ago) porcelain cherub. I change the items on the plate to suit the season... or my whim. 

I've found these amazing little boxes lately. Isn't it funny how you seem to find things in batches? As if the planets and stars all align in some weird, "stunning box" order? Two are old prescription boxes from an extinct Iowa pharmacy. One is an antique 'mourning pins' box from Germany. And the lovely little jewel box--- with a mother of pearl button--- you push it and the top springs open. Bugs from my friend, Mark, at Decorum.

Nothing valuable.

Something precious.

Under an old glass department store display,

Because they're important to me.