Take A Walk With Us

 

 

To The Field And Back

 

The field grass is very long right now. In fact, it's reaching the bottom boughs of the cedar that stands alone in field. So we aren't getting to actually walk 'in' field at the moment. That will have to wait until the farmer comes and hays it.

 

So for now we (the hound and I) just take a leisurely stroll along the field and back to the house. He's an old boy and that suits him just fine. Though he wishes he wasn't an old boy because really all he wants to do is run.

 

Yesterday we had beautiful sun. Then all hell broke loose mid afternoon. I had to shut the computer down and my last load of laundry on the line, which was damn near dry, got an extra heavy rinse cycle. The wind whipped up and it was a pure lashing of horizontal sheets of rain with thunder and lightning. My neighbor said she saw a couple of trees downed on the way home from work. 

 

This of course meant everything was still wet this morning and the grass that was touching the bottom bough of the cedar was all matted down now. Still, despite the wet, there was much to take in.

 

 

The Yarrow is blooming. Lovely.

 

 

She loves me, she loves me not. 

 

There's always clover. And then, that tall grass. Can you find the bug?

Then back for a walk around the house. My front door rose is about to go full bloom.  I've dubbed it 'Audrey' after Little Shop of Horrors because you just can't stop this rose from growing  and it has nearly eatten several people as they've come to the door. Seriously, I am not kidding. I have to warn people before they get to the door.

Crown vetch now in bloom. This pretty flower grows rampant. So if you plant it you better be ready for it to do whatever it pleases.

More roses out by the pool, as well has bright cheery primrose and pink fairy skirts, which grow like mad too.

At this time of year there is something new blooming every day.  It's worth taking some time to enjoy it while it lasts.

We're supposed to get more pop up showers today so I'm glad I took a few minutes for a walk this morning.  Thanks for coming along.

More design work on the plate today.  Logo adjustments, etsy shop banner design, and starting a new custom logo.

What's happening in your corner of the world?

Whatever it is, make it a good one.

Ciao for now,

From The Desk Of Pamela J. Bates

 

Logo Design and Business Branding

 

I've had my own 3D business (that is - off the Internet) helping other small businesses grow for 19 years. Whether it's Public Relations, Marketing or Advertising, I do it. That includes graphic design like logos, business cards, marketing collateral, etc.

 

Since it's something I already do, I've been working to incorporate more of it in my etsy shop Bates Mercantile Co.  It's always rewarding working with small businesses to help them establish a professional presence and brand to set them up for growth and success. Adding my graphic design work to Bates Mercantile Co., has allowed me to reach people across the world. Like knowing my illustration prints are in homes and offices worldwide, knowing I'm helping to brand businesses in every corner of the globe is something that really makes me happy.

 

Here's some of what I've been working on lately.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

....and my very latest design.....

Are you a small business owner? Do you know small business owners? If you are or if you do, and are in need of help branding a business you can get in touch with me via Bates Mercantile Co. or email.  Whether it's a premade logo or custom logo design, business card design, marketing collateral like post cards, or even etsy shop headers or facebook timelines, I'd love to work with you.

Currently, on my plate I am working with a wonderful photographer from Long Island, Steph Massey. We are updating her logo. If you're in that area, her family portrait and pet portrait work is fantastic.  Also customizing a premade logo design for a lovely French woman now living in the UK, and just shipped a customized logo to Australia. See what I mean about all corners of the globe?

What are you working on today?

Hey, how was your weekend? Ours was great. We did get a campfire in on Friday night with some of the neighborhoodlums.  It was a gorgeous night. Saturday we enjoyed a high school graduation party for our dear friends Ralph and Cathryn's youngest. We also watched the Bruins beat Chicago. Hell to the yeah. Yesterday I made rhubarb bread and rhubarb jelly for my Dad and spent some time with him and my Mom for Father's Day. All in all, a pretty full weekend.

The sun is out and shining today and I plan on heading out later this afternoon to do some work in the garden, if I get the work on my desk done. So, I must be on my way.

Ciao for now,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inspired Design: Gallery Walls

Bathroom Progress

We're making progress on the bathroom overhaul we had to do because of the infamous shower leak.

I know I told you I was leaning towards a shade of Robin's egg blue for the new bathroom color, but I changed my mind. Completely.  I chose a lovely neutral called chocolate foam, which is really a shade of white. I did bright white on the window trim and the vanity to set it off.

I'm at the point where I'm deciding what I'll be putting on the newly painted bathroom walls and I know just what I'm going to do.

Here's some of my inspiration.

top row via: imgur; the design files 

middle row: nest decorating ; wng magazine; breakfast at toast

bottom row: the every girl; apartment therapy

 

 

Now, our bathroom is eency weency, but I'm still leaning toward doing a floor to ceiling gallery wall. Of course, I may change my mind on that too. I don't think it will make it look any smaller than it is and it may fool the eye creating more height.

 

I'm actually really excited to plan it out and choose the art and elements that will make up the gallery wall.

 

So, that's the plan. What do you think? I personally love gallery walls. Do you have one in your house or would you like one?

 

Did you see the nice cubby G built me in the bit of space we had left next to the shower. Extra storage is always needed in a small house. It will fit a bunch of towels, tp and such. Love it.

 

Hey, guess what? It's not raining and the sun is out. Holla!

 

Freeform Friday

 

So, as I told you, my parents gave us tickets to see Billy Idol and Steve Stevens as an early anniversary present. Boy, did we have a great time Sunday night. The best rock and roll show around. I can't even count how many times I've seen Billy at this point, but I can tell you this......the man has still got it. I didn't have much voice left after the concert.  Thanks Mom and Dad!  This video is a little rough because it was taken by someone in the audience at one of his concerts, but it's a really lovely song. Click here if you're reading via email.

 

 

 

  

Plans for the weekend include a campfire out back tonight. I haven't told G that yet, but I'm sure he'll be on board. Tomorrow night we're off to a graduation party.  Other than that, we'll be winging it.

 

How about you? Any plans for the weekend?

 

Whatever they are, have a good one.

 

Ciao for now,

 

 

 



Still Life: From The Garden

A Rose and Peony

I really love still life. So much so that I have pinterest board dedicated to still life and I also share ,y own versions of still life here occasionally. There is something calming about them. A quiet snapshot of a small moment. It makes me wonder what else is going on outside of the frame.

Today's still life comes from my gardens.

 

We all need a little still life.

It's a moment to stop and remember to just breathe.

Which do you prefer.....rose or peony? I don't know if I can choose. Each is so lovely in their own right.

Seize the day.

Ciao for now,

 

PS- are we connected on pinterest yet? If we're not, I'd love to be. You'll find all of my boards here.

What Inspires You Wednesday

Art & Life

It makes me happy to discover new artists. I know I've come across Elsa Mora's art before on etsy, I think specifically her paper cutting sculptures. I had not, however, stumbled across her blog until last night and I'm so glad I did.

Her 'welcome page' bowled me over. All I kept thinking was......exactly!

Take a look at Elsa's wonderful blog intro.

above artwork via art is a way/Elsa Mora

So, I'm and taking Elsa's lead and opening up. This time last week I was in a serious funk. The past year has not been easy and there continue to be challenges. It's literally been one of those one-thing-after-the-other years. I am lucky though. I get to face the challenges with G and I know that it would be a lot harder alone.  I've done pretty well facing these challenges, but I've also had my moments. Last Wednesday was one of them.  We're all allowed to have one of those days, aren't we? You know, the days where you just can't get out of your own way, it feels like everything is weighing you down, and nothing is right with the world? I'm sure it's something we can all relate to. You muddle through, even though you don't feel like it, because you know in your heart of hearts that this is not the worst that could happen. That there are so many people worse off than you facing much greater challenges. That every cloud, has the proverbial silver lining. That the sun will come out tomorrow.

Then, I read this post on Elsa's blog and it really resonated with me. Generally speaking, I'm very thankful for all I do have. I focus on the positive. I love life and the people in it. I love to laugh. I appreciate the little things. Sometimes though, just sometimes......things just get in the way of all that. When it does, we need to stop, take a look around and be thankful for everything, or even just something.

Because no matter what's happening or what's going on, life is too precious to not do our best to make the most of every day.

Today, Elsa Mora is inspiring me with her art and her words.  Thank you Elsa.

What is inspiring you?

I'm so happy you're here. Really I am.

Have a great day in your corner of the world and I'll do the same in mine. On my plate there is creative stuff including logo design and printing/packaging/shipping some of my illustrations. It really makes me happy and thankful that today I get to do work that I really love with people from all corners of the globe.  How great is that?

Peace out.

Ciao for now,

From The Mercantile Muse Kitchen

Rhubarb Cake

Have I told you my neighbors don't like rhubarb. More importantly, have I told you that we love rhubarb and that our next door neighbors, Lauren and Jay (who happen to not care for it) have a big bed of rhubarb and that we get to take as much as we like? In all fairness, they didn't plant the rhubarb. Our previous neighbor did.

Hello gorgeous.

It was high time I did something with their glorious harvest of rhubarb.

I was going to make my friend's mom's rhubarb bread recipe, but I'm out of brown sugar. So where do you think I went to find a new rhubarb recipe? Yup. Pinterest.

What I found was Oma's Rhubarb Cake on allrecipes.com. 

I baked it last night and it came out pretty darn good. Hot out of the oven we gave it 8 out of 10 stars- we only waited long enough to not burn ourselves while holding a piece. Be forewarned, the fruit inside is hot to eat even when you can hold it. Learned that the hardway.

This morning I thought it had gotten a little bit dry. I think my oven must bake on the high side, so next time I'd check the cake before 45 minutes. Also, I didn't have sour cream and used yogurt instead,which I'd probably do anyways. I like the tangier bite of non-fat yogurt.

The topping really made this cake. Decadent. Golden brown when baked and delicious.

Rhubarb Yogurt Cake ala Oma

1 1/4 cupswhite sugar

1 teaspoonbaking soda

1/2 teaspoonsalt

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 eggs, beaten

1 cup non fat yogurt (or sour cream)

3 cups diced rhubarb

topping:

1 cup white sugar

1/4 cupbutter, softened

1/4 cupall-purpose flour

cinnamon for dusting

 

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.  Grease and flour a 9 x 13 cake pan (note: I'd be more generous with the greasing than I was). 

 

In a large bowl combine dry ingredients (sugar, flour, baking soda, and salt) and mix.  Add wet ingredients (beaten eggs, yogurt- or sour cream if you prefer) and mix until smooth.  Fold in rhubarb a little at a time until it is incorporated into batter. Pour into cake pan and spread evenly.  Set aside.

 

In another bowl mix topping by adding sugar, flour and butter. Mix together with fork until crumbly. Sprinkle topping over entire cake. Dust cinnamon over top if you like.

 

Bake 40-45 minutes. Insert cake tester or toothpick in center to check for doneness. Let rest. Cut and serve. 

 

 

 

All and all, a lovely cake recipe to make use of our neighbors' rhubarb.

 

Do you have a favorite rhubarb recipe? There's still more to be harvested and I hate to see it go to waste. I might do a little searching for a jam recipe, but I'm open to suggestions.

 

 

Raining cats and dogs here. It really lashed overnight. The sump pump is now working overtime.  So glad I cut my peonies before it started to get heavy.

 

Today I'm working on some logo design adjustments, among other things.

 

How about you? What's on your plate today?

 

Ciao for now ,

 

 

 

Take A Walk With Us

 

Around The Bates Estate

 

The weekend was busy. Well, busy enough. In a good way. The week ahead looks to be more of the same.  There was a lovely glow as the sun went down last night. This morning the sky was pink to the East, and the sun is still out for now. There is rain heading our way, which we could do without since we got a good bit the other day. In fact a really good bit. The sump pump is still running.  Better than not running if you needs to be, know what I mean?

 

But before the next rain..........a stroll. Take a break and come along.

 

 

 

 

If you have a second, check out this lovely feature on Bates Mercantile Co. over on Eyelah. And while you're there, wish her happy birthday! Happy Birthday Aylah!!!

Happy Monday. Make it a great day in your corner of the world and I'll do the same in mine.

Ciao for now,