About This Weather

Today has been a very confusing weather day.  It started cold.  Then it got sunny, with no wind, and so warm I actually had to put on shorts while doing yard work.  Before I got through with the yard work, the wind picked up --  a really cold wind - followed by some scary black clouds and a few drops of rain.  Then it cleared off again but it never got quite so warm again.  Somewhere in the middle of all these changes, I ran down to the beach and got this photo.

Take a closer look.

I think the photo pretty much says it all ... dark clouds, rain, sunshine, wind ... it's all there.

Prints in Black & White & Sepia

Did you know all of my artwork can be ordred in black and  white or sepia? It's a special order which you can order on-line or through my vendors in and around Paris. (Look under "Where To Find Lee") When ordering, please note that you want the print in b&w or sepia under the note to seller or you may email me.

Here are a couple of examples just to give you an idea of how they look.

Henry County Courthouse in black and white

Henry County Courthouse in sepia

Jack's Wall in sepia
From series on Jack's Pool Room

Jack's Wall in black and white
From series on Jack's Pool Room

Let The Fishing Begin

I was awakened this morning from my peaceful slumber by the sound of .... what I thought was thunder but turned out to be fishing boats going down the road to the boat launch ramp.  The temperature today is supposed to be in the 60's, 70's tomorrow.  It's a beautiful day in my neighborhood. 

Stained Glass Lamp

Years ago, (1980's) I used to work in stained glass and made this lamp.

It is my own interpretation of a Tiffany style Trumpetvine lamp.  It's 27" tall including the base. The shade: 17" tall, 18" diameter.  It's large and also quite heavy.  And ... it's for sale  ... probably to some one who can come by and pick it up as shipping would require a specially built crate.  The price is $1,800.00.  If you are seriously interested, you should contact me.

A Trip to Paris

Went to Paris today just to spend a few hours.

The weather was gorgeous!!!

First stop - Merison's.

Checking up on my artwork when I noticed a piece by one of my favorite artist.

I think this is called "The Year of Our Ford" and it's by Eleanor Baker.  She does these large watercolors that are really unique.

Also found these nesting bowls by a local artist.  (My intention was to photograph their business card, but as you can see my camera flash just blew it out.)  I'm sure the folks at Merisons could tell you the name of the artist.

After Merison's I headed to the library.  As I was leaving I spotted these gorgeous

Nandina's next door at L.I. Smith's & Associates.  Just had to get a photo.

Then over to Lee School Academy of the Arts to check on some of my artist friends.

Took a quick trip to the Riverwalk at San Antonio ...

 .. via this colorful Ann Stapp painting.  (Visit her blog.)

Then ...

off to Italy for this unique architectural view by Ken Alexander.

Donna Revelee was busy on a new painting.

There's Gene McWherter just painting away.

Ken Alexander digging through his box of ideas.

Ann Stapp

Ann Stapp's paint brushes.  Look how clean they are!

And - saving the best for last.

Gene Snowden's portraits always blow me away.

Button, Button, Who's Got The Button?

Dangly earrings made from tiny recycled
black buttons and red glass beads.

Each piece of my jewelry is a one-of-a-kind creation. Materials may include recycled paper, beads, repurposed vintage buttons, cloth, metal findings, and other doo dads. Designs on paper are hand-drawn or painted by me and sealed to make them moisture resistant.

Buttons are recycled vintage buttons, many from my Grandmother’s sewing basket. Some do show wear but I think it adds to the character of the jewelry.

You would never know these faux Emerald Green leaves were made from water color paper. Sealed to be water resistant and light as a feather.

Midnight Blue & Brass - These are actually made from heavy weight art paper,
sealed to be water resistant.   And feather light!

 These vintage red buttons with clear glass beads would make a great Valentine present.

There are necklaces too with matching dangly earrings.
These are jade green with tiny little brass beads. Eye catching and fun to wear.

Fun, unique, one-of-a-kind.

You really need to see this jewelry in person to appreciate it. 

Rice's Store

When I was a little girl and we started coming to “The Lake” - Rice’s Store was sort of the end of civilization as we knew it. It was the last place to stop and get groceries. And to a little kid from the big city of Memphis it really was a fascinating place. It wasn’t like the Big Star Store or Kroger’s. In addition to the few staple type groceries they sold, they also had some fishing paraphernalia, straw hats (the original sun screen) and I think they even sold minnows.

But I think the thing I found most fascinating was that they would actually make you a sandwich right there on the spot from groceries they had in the store. Bologna with lots of mayo was my favorite. 

Rice's Store - a Paris Landing Landmark

The store has been closed for quite a while now but if you’ve been down the Lake Highway lately you are bound to have noticed some interesting activity. Rumors are rampant all over Paris Landing.

Yes! Rice’s Store is going to re-open under the management of the Rice family. It will have a new name and a different type of merchandise. Watch for a grand opening in April. More info later.