Eastern Utah
EMAIL ME AT: mgypsy97 at aol dot com

Tuesday, October 4, 2016

Not much going on

I made only one outing today - to the gym and then to the library.  I wasn't feeling up to the gym at all and only walked 1.2 miles, and was glad to leave.  I picked up a book on hold at the library - it was about flowers and is from the children's section.  Not a whole lot I can use in there, but a couple of the other books have given me some ideas.

I'm looking at the books right now to get ideas for sketching/drawing.  I've never tried it before and thought I'd be terrible, but I'm not too embarrassed to show my work so you know it could be worse.  I think I've always known where my true strengths lie, and always just skipped over artistic endeavors.  I'm getting too late a start to ever be even halfway acceptable, but I've discovered a "new me" and I like it.

I will paint the apples in class tomorrow, but in the meantime I'm finding things to sketch.  My kitchen is a good source, and I did a not-bad drawing of three tangerines, and another of two lemons.  One of the library books is all about plants and has a great page of various leaves.  I think I might try a few of them.  I have colored pencils but they don't really work well with the paper in the sketch pad, so I think I will just use the black pencils for now.

Today has been gorgeous, cold in the morning and warming up to a high of 72.  I had to get out my little space heater for when I get up in the morning, and I also have one in the bathroom for when I shower.  The cost of the electricity they use is far less than the gas furnace, although when it gets really seriously cold in the mornings I will need the furnace on for just a few minutes now and then.

I'm dreading Friday when I'll have another molar pulled.  That will be at least 2 weeks of recovery, based on the last one.  I am feeling rotten enough as it is.

I had an unusual treat when I got up in the middle of the night last week.  On my way back to bed I glanced out the window and saw way more stars than are usually visible.  Looking closely (as closely as I can) I spotted the three stars that indicate Orion's belt and was astounded that all the rest of the main stars in the constellation were plainly visible.  I could see Orion's entire outline and stance.  Never saw it before, and have not seen it since.  It's almost impossible to remember back when there were a lot of stars visible in the sky; when I could make out certain constellations such as Casseiopia (I know the spelling is wrong on this one), could see the big dipper and lots more.  Now there is too much pollution in the atmosphere, plus the light pollution, and our beautiful night skies aren't visible to much of the population who live in cities.

I can't remember if I mentioned it or not, but I have a birthday coming up in another month or so.  I will be 24!   That is 24 Celsius!  I like the sound of that much better.



13 comments:

  1. "...I have a birthday coming up in another month or so. I will be 24!" That caused a chuckle. I on the other hand am 64 and have absolutely no desire to be 24 again, too much heartache and pain between then and now.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I wouldn't want to go back either, as 24 threw me right into the mid-sixties which I hated. I like where I am, although I wish I had more time.

      Delete
  2. You sure are having fun with your projects.

    Isn't this weather glorious, It was a little warmer here in the afternoon but still only in the 80's.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love the weather. I think we may get up to the low 80's a few times in the next 15 days, but no heat waves.

      If only I had more energy I could take on lots more projects. I'm really flagging lately and I don't understand why.

      Delete
  3. LOL at 24 C! Great way to do it. I have a friend who, when she reached 65, just started counting backwards. She'll be 60 this year. I love it. How wonderful about the stars. You are right that very few people see the stars and many children today will never see the milky way. The problem with cities is not only the air pollution but even worse, the light pollution. Why do we need to have everything lit up all night long. Pretty sure it doesn't deter crime if that's the excuse and it sure wastes a lot of energy.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Your last remark, Sherry, great point. I always question the waste too. I live 10 miles from town yet can walk around outside at night as well as I can in the daytime. Ridiculous wastefulness. And consider all the high-risers with thousands windows lit up -lights burning in each and every building in all the cities. More than ridiculous, isn't it? I bet no one has ever questioned the issue...another "ridiculous". Millions$, even billions$$ could be saved, when considering the whole of our planet!

      Delete
    2. ..."as well as I can in the daytime" - from neighbors outside lights. Far as I can see, the lights only disturb those night creatures doing their nightly movements.

      Delete
    3. You are both so right. Sacramento isn't as bad as some cities but it's starting to get brighter at night. Most of my neighbors keep very bright lights burning at their side doors all night long. Maybe they think it keeps them safe, but I'm just as safe without it.

      Delete
  4. Casseiopia -Perfectly spelled. Gypsy, you have many subjects to draw! Consider everything you see in your home...4 walls good examples. A simple book on 'Perspective' will give you a great jump in your learning. One graphite #2b pencil is really all you need for drawing/learning. Over years I've bought and bought tools for my learning and can't say I've used or needed 1/100 of any...(grin)Yet.
    Loved looking at the night sky in those times I could raise my head and look UP. Now it's a useless wish of mine to watch the stars or any of those lit objects streaking across the sky - What are they?! I kept wondering. Swish and spit with warm salt water after your tooth extraction. Heals quicker. I'm ugly now but no more tooth problems! I'm happy with that, ugly or not. Dentists fast get very wealthy from we fallible mortals!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have begun to look around me for potential painting subjects. And my dear niece who reads my blog, Jen, sent me a photo of a beautiful flower she took in Switzerland. I think I will try it next week, if the apples go fairly well tonight.

      Delete
  5. Gypsy, I don't know if this site might be useful. Try going to flickr.com.
    hit the explore button and you can see photographs.....you can search for flowers to narrow it down.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. And you don't have to sign in or join anything

      Delete
    2. I appreciate the link and will check it out.

      Delete