Halloween Faces

A face that stands to greet those who come trick or treating to my door.  No pumpkins but a face in keeping with the Halloween tradition.   It is part of a metal candleholder on my porch.

In keeping with that tradition, the last book I finished reading is called "The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane" by Katherine Howe.  Not my normal type of book since it is a novel about the study of witches in Massachusetts in the 1680s but it was recommended to me at the "Bookbeat" where I usually go book shopping.

The author is working on her PhD is American and New England Studies and is a descendant of the people who were involved in the with trials.

It reminded me that women who were different or knew how to treat people with plants and herbs were frequently labelled as witches.  Not so sure today that we don't label those women who are different by todays standards as crazy, mad or call them witches.

Not all Fall Leaves - Some Flowers Hang On

Hadn't had the camera out in a while.  Took a few snaps in the back yard.  Not all fallen leaves - still some remains of the flowers

Both ends of the rainbow

I don't believe anyone really sees the ends of rainbows (always trees or houses in the way in this area).  But did see a full, gorgeous, brighter than I remember ever seeing, rainbow this evening on the way home from work.  Sun shining on the rain covered trees on the way to work - a full rainbow on the way home.

Can't ask for a better day.

10 10 10

I was reminded today that today is a 10 day.  It certainly is weather wise.  Sun is out - a bit cool but no wind.

Finished another book (I had 4 going at one time - now down to 2).  Another thrift store find by Jane Goodall titled "Reason for Hope: A Spiritual Journey".    It is a memoir about her life from the time she was a little girl to how she ended up studying chimpanzees to her current work.  She seems like a gentle person who I would like to know.    One of the quotes:  "Each one of us must take responsibility for our own lives,  and above all, show respect and love for living things around us, especially each other."

Red Bugs

I was telling someone about the natural dye workshop I took this summer when I was in Albuquerque at the weavers conference.  I mentioned we started from the original substance instead of the extract.  That included grinding bark and "bugs".   I women I know said she had a book that I might like so she brought it in to work and lent it to me.  The title is "A Perfect Red" by Amy Butler Greenfield.  It is the history red dye - primarily from cochineal.  For those who do not know what cochineal is - it is a snail like bug that grows one type of cactus.  It was a fascinating book.  I enjoy reading about history in this way - how one factor influences history.

The picture is from one of my trips to Mexico.  A demo was given with the person just squishing some of the bugs and applying it to the envelope.

Windy Wedding

Just went through my pictures from my niece Jacki's wedding in Arizona.   Beautiful wedding.  I think it's best to have something to be able to talk about that didn't go as planned.  In this case - it was the sand storm that started just before dinner.  But it appeared that everyone had a good time.  

I liked this picture brother  Jim and Carol with the Jacki & Jeff.

You can see some of my pictures from the rehearsal at this link http://gallery.me.com/susanlolli#100201

....and the wedding at this link http://gallery.me.com/susanlolli#100193

The gallery is set up so you can download pictures from it.