Dec31Art

Dec31Art, originally uploaded by CaptElaine.

I am losing the battle of the bulge... I will not surrender without a fight...2010 is my year to fight!!!...
Happy New Year everyone... have a safe time tonight.

Dec30Art

Dec30Art, originally uploaded by CaptElaine.

My friend Teresa sent this to me a while back... since I'm comparing this years weather to the weather 100 years ago in 1909... I thought others might enjoy looking back... way back.. to 1909.....

One hundred years ago.

What a difference a century makes!

Here are some statistics for the Year 1909 :

The average life expectancy was 47 years.

fuel for cars was sold in drug stores only

Only 14 percent of the homes had a bathtub.

Only 8 percent of the homes had a telephone.

There were only 8,000 cars and only 144 miles of paved roads.

The maximum speed limit in most cities was 10 mph.

The tallest structure in the world was the Eiffel Tower!

The average wage in 1909 was 22 cents per hour.

The average worker made between $200 and $400 per year .

A competent accountant could expect to earn $2000 per year,

A dentist $2,500 per year, a veterinarian between $1,500 and $4,000 per year, and a mechanical engineer about $5,000 per year.

More than 95 percent of all births took place at HOME .

Ninety percent of all doctors had NO COLLEGE EDUCATION! Instead, they attended so-called medical schools, many of which were condemned in the press AND the government as 'substandard. '

Sugar cost four cents a pound.

Eggs were fourteen cents a dozen.

Coffee was fifteen cents a pound.

Most women only washed their hair once a month, and used Borax or egg yolks for shampoo..

Canada passed a law that prohibited poor people from entering into their country for any reason.

Five leading causes of death were:
1. Pneumonia and influenza

2. Tuberculosis

3. Diarrhea

4. Heart disease

5. Stroke

The American flag had 45 stars.

The population of Las Vegas, Nevada, was only 30!!!!

Crossword puzzles, canned beer, and iced tea Hadn't been invented yet..

There was no Mother's Day or Father's Day.
Two out of every 10 adults couldn't read or write and
Only 6 percent of all Americans had graduated from high school..

Marijuana, heroin, and morphine were all available over the counter at the local corner drugstores. Back then pharmacists said, 'Heroin clears the complexion, gives buoyancy to the mind, regulates the stomach and bowels, and is, in fact, a perfect guardian of health'
( Shocking? DUH! )

Eighteen percent of households had at least one full-time servant or domestic help..

There were about 230 reported murders in the ENTIRE ! U.S.A. !

Plus one more sad thought; 95 percent of the taxes we have now did not exist in 1909

Dec29Art

Dec29Art, originally uploaded by CaptElaine.

If I win the lottery... you'll find me shortly afterward, on a deserted tropical island... in a little white cottage... turquoise water... and sand instead of grass... in the mean time I just go there in my mind...

Dec28Art

Dec28Art, originally uploaded by CaptElaine.

Jack Russell's have a 'Bad Dog' reputation... I suppose they earn it... my husband and I find their antics entertaining. We accept their independent spirits and enjoy their fierce loyalty to us. They are smart and opinionated.. and we love them for it.

Dec27Art

Dec27Art, originally uploaded by CaptElaine.

Used a photo by Aquagloria as the reference for this sketch in my journal, I'm also working on a watercolor painting from this same photo... www.flickr.com/photos/aquagloriacouture/4203667192/

Dec26Art

Dec26Art, originally uploaded by CaptElaine.

My favorite winter drink... now all I need is a bit of winter... LOL

Dec25Art

Dec25Art, originally uploaded by CaptElaine.

Merry Christmas....
Great day with family and friends in Atlanta... now home in Charleston... it is good to be home.

Dec24Art

Dec24Art, originally uploaded by CaptElaine.

Merry Christmas to all my cyber friends... I want you all to know how much your friendship and encouragement means to me. Enjoy your family and friends during this holiday.

God Bless you all.

Dec23Art

Dec23Art, originally uploaded by CaptElaine.

The gifts are wrapped, and ready to load into the car for the trip to Atlanta tomorrow. I won't have access to the computer until we get back. Everyone have a great Christmas.
I did a Poinsettia last year too... thought you might enjoy seeing it too click here

Dec22Art

Dec22Art, originally uploaded by CaptElaine.

Wonderful news from Brazil tonight, it sounds like the Goldman boy will be reunited with his Dad at long last and allowed to come home. What a wonderful Christmas gift for them both...

Dec21Art

Dec21Art, originally uploaded by CaptElaine.

Shortest day of the year... ring the bells... every day from now to June 21st will have just a bit more sunshine...
Playing with my watercolor crayons... there are a lot of things I like about them... and some things I don't like....

Dec20Art

Dec20Art, originally uploaded by CaptElaine.

We had a lot of fun again this year at the Summerville Christmas Parade...

My-Jeep-Christmas-Parade-2009

My-Jeep-Christmas-Parade-2009, originally uploaded by CaptElaine.

Took this picture of my Jeep, after the Christmas Parade... the bear was a hit :-)

Dec19Art

Dec19Art, originally uploaded by CaptElaine.

Our hockey team won again tonight... that's 14 wins in a row. Starting early tomorrow to get ready for the Christmas Parade.

Dec18Art

Dec18Art, originally uploaded by CaptElaine.

Rain was coming down in buckets this afternoon... it's slowed down now... and is supposed to quit... Hopefully the parade that was rained out last weekend, will happen this Sunday without a hitch.

Dec17Art

Dec17Art, originally uploaded by CaptElaine.

Happy Birthday Ashton, you're such a grown up young lady. Your grandmother loves you, and I'm so proud of you. Hope your day was full of fun and friends.

Dec16Art

Dec16Art, originally uploaded by CaptElaine.

Spent the morning at the court house, the two men that stole my scooter were pleading quilty today, they were sentenced to 3 years in jail and 2 years probation in large part due to their long criminal records of similar offenses.
This page proved a learning experience. I tried to simulate snow using salt on the blue while it was wet... while I got interesting granulation... it does NOT look like snow. And while checking to see if the paint was dry (it wasn't) I drug my knuckles thru the red paint... some days are that way I guess.

Dec15Art

Dec15Art, originally uploaded by CaptElaine.

don't think the 'Greens' expected any opposition to their 'plan' for Charleston... including to just name a few things, higher taxes on cars based on co2 emissions, banning gas lawn mowers and weed trimmers... and no outdoor burning... so no BBQ grills or oyster roasts... it was a plan with a few 'carrots' and even more 'STICKS'... in the end they voted to table the measure for 60 days... a minor victory... since the 'Greens' thought they had this sewn up and in the bag.

Dec14Art

Dec14Art, originally uploaded by CaptElaine.

Spent the day in bed, Gracie and Beau loved spending the day in the bed with Mom.... couch potato Jack Russell Terriers... give the breed a bad name being such snuggle bunnies.

Dec13Art

Dec13Art, originally uploaded by CaptElaine.

I meant to draw something in that big white space... but fell asleep... and well don't feel like it now...

Dec12Art

Dec12Art, originally uploaded by CaptElaine.

Spent the morning learning about aquaponics, visit fastonline.org to see the farm we visited.
Hockey game tonight!

Dec11Art

Dec11Art, originally uploaded by CaptElaine.

Happy Hanukkah, the festival of Lights starts today... I hope you have a great holiday.

Dec10Art

Dec10Art, originally uploaded by CaptElaine.

Big snow storm raging... but not here in Charleston ... Stay warm up there.

Dec09Art

Dec09Art, originally uploaded by CaptElaine.

I was planning to paint Rudolf, but I liked how he looked not painted...
Maybe I'll draw him again later and color him not the background.

Dec08Art

Dec08Art, originally uploaded by CaptElaine.

Ho Ho Ho... Busy day today called for a simple page... Santa..

Dec07Art

Dec07Art, originally uploaded by CaptElaine.

The bombing of Pearl Harbor was a defining moment for my Mom and Dad's generation... my father always woke us up on December 7th, saying 'Wake up it's Pearl Harbor day'... he wanted us to remember the day... and so I have and always will...
The effect seen on the 'Mon' at the top of the page was caused by a bracelet I was wearing dragging thru the wet paint... I kinda liked it and tried to do the same with the date... but it wouldn't work :-( So a happy accident there.

Dec06Art

Dec06Art, originally uploaded by CaptElaine.

Lots of tall skinny pine trees here and across the South... I don't think I captured it very well... guess I need more practice.

Dec05Art

Dec05Art, originally uploaded by CaptElaine.

Happy Birthday JeAnna... my baby girl... my only child... mother of my grand children, she has been a blessing to me a joy like none other. She's in Orlando playing at Universal this weekend....
Today I played with my new Neocolor II crayons... I think I like them very much...

Dec04Art

Dec04Art, originally uploaded by CaptElaine.

Trying to get in the spirit of the season. My Christmas tree is pretty lopsided...and I didn't really know how to do outdoor ice, since I've never seen any in my entire life ... so imagination was in play big time.

Dec03Art

Dec03Art, originally uploaded by CaptElaine.

I found out over Thanksgivings from my Mother, that my Grandmother (her Mom) kept journals, she didn't draw in them like I do, but she kept them... so I'm from a long line of Journal keepers :-) I like that.

Dec02Art

Dec02Art, originally uploaded by CaptElaine.

What's with the fire hydrant you might wonder... ok, here's the story... I really admire the artists that do urban sketches of buildings ... and I fancied trying to draw the building across the street from the range while I was waiting in my car... but there were school buses in the way, and buses are hard enough to draw, and there were funny looking young palmetto trees planted too close to the building and, and, and... it was too much so I sat there looking at it, thinking I can't do this... it's too much... and while my inner critic is beating me up... I notice the fire hydrant between me and the street... I've painted it much nicer looking than that rusting old thing was... but it seemed a doable drawing... and there it is.

Dec01Art

Dec01Art, originally uploaded by CaptElaine.

Maria Balcells posted a December challenge for Watercolor painters... this ornament is my entry in the challenge.

Nov30Art

Nov30Art, originally uploaded by CaptElaine.

Well, well, did I mean to say Bye, Bye November... or Buy Buy November... LOL I didn't realize until I started adding color that I'd make an error... and then I thought... well it is Cyber Monday so maybe buy, buy is an ok message.

Nov29Art

Nov29Art, originally uploaded by CaptElaine.

My daughter and grand-daughter made me a little pocket paint tin the lid has the picture of a boat and this sea captain... inside my daughter used clay to make 12 little cup dimples for color...My friend Rita only carries 3 colors (red, yellow and blue)... I gotta have WAY more colors than that.

Nov28Art

Nov28Art, originally uploaded by CaptElaine.

So what is the green blob you might wonder? I watched a You-tube video today on how to paint a Water Drop... didn't quite work for me like it did on the video... LOL guess I need to practice a bit huh?

Nov27Art

Nov27Art, originally uploaded by CaptElaine.

We're so glad to be home... went for seafood for dinner... now, for a good night's sleep in my own bed :-)

Nov26Art

Nov26Art, originally uploaded by CaptElaine.

The interestate system didn't exist when I was born, I can remember when parts of it were graded and the culverts under it were big enought for an adult to walk thru without bending over, my cousin Barbara and I used to walk thru the culvert to visit a friend that lived on the other side. Today, there is not a hint of my Uncle's house nor of the friend's house that we used to visit... progress to be thankful for... and a little nostalgic about too.

Nov25Art

Nov25Art, originally uploaded by CaptElaine.

Packing up and getting ready for our trip to Atlanta tomorrow. Hope everyone has a safe and happy Thanksgiving Day tomorrow.

Nov24Art

Nov24Art, originally uploaded by CaptElaine.

The good cook gene didn't get passed to me... the eats too much, gains lots of weight gene I got just fine.
Amazing that I started checking the temperatures at the same time hackers were braking into servers in England and revealing the whole Global warming game is a Scam and a hoax. Check it out here whatreallyhappened.com/WRHARTICLES/globalwarming.html

Nov23Art

Nov23Art, originally uploaded by CaptElaine.

I can't even begin to imagine how hard it must be to be far from home, and in harm's way during Thanksgiving and Christmas.. but I am so thankful that they are there protecting freedom for all of us.

Nov22Art

Nov22Art, originally uploaded by CaptElaine.

We had a covered dish reception... all my friends Southerners one and all, brought food for the wedding party, we provided the keg, champagne, and wedding cookie...a big custom chocolate chip cookie cake. It was a day I'll always have fond memories of.

Nov21Art

Nov21Art, originally uploaded by CaptElaine.

Living in the South we don't see much snow here. Last time was about 20 years ago, while living in Atlanta it snowed pretty hard one night. The next morning my neighbor (obviously a Northern transplant) had gotten up early and shoveled his driveway, he then knocked on my door and offered to shovel mine for me (sweet really, me being a single lady at the time)... anyway, I thanked him and said... "Bless your heart that is so sweet of you to offer to do that for me... but, God put that snow there, and God will take it away... and nobody is going anywhere until he does!" It was a hilly neighborhood, and sure enough a pile of cars ended up at the bottom of the hill because even a Jeep can't get traction on Ice. That's how we do snow in the South.

Nov20Art

Nov20Art, originally uploaded by CaptElaine.

Continuing my week long list of things I'm thankful for. Family had to be first, my husband, daughter, grand children, Mother, brothers... but my chosen family...my friends are very much a part of who I am. I have some friends that are very near and dear to me... we will be friends till death do us part... of that I am certain... that is something I am very thankful for.

Over the Top Award

Barbara has very kindly given me an award! Thank you!

The rules are:
I need to pass this award on to five people, post on their blog to let them know I left this award, and then I need to answer a list of questions in ONE word.

So here we go:

1. Where is your cell phone?…purse
2. Your hair?… ponytail
3. Your mother?…Alive
4. Your father?… heaven
5. Your favorite food?… Beef
6. Your dream last night?… forgotten
7. Your favorite drink?…beer
8. Your dream/goal?… touchdown
9. What room are you in?… office
10. Your hobby?… sketching
11. Your fear?… bugs
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years?…here
13. Where were you last night?… here
14. Something that you aren’t?… short
15. Muffins?… biscuits
16. Wish list item?… studio
17. Where did you grow up?… Atlanta
18. Last thing you did?… dinner
19. What are you wearing?… jeans
20. Your TV?… House
21. Your Pets?… various
22. Friends?… yes
23. Your life?… good
24. Your mood?… relaxed
25. Missing Someone?… always
26. Vehicle?… Jeep
27. Something you're not wearing?… shoes
28. Your favorite store?… art
29. Your favorite colour?… Blue
30. When was the last time you laughed?… lunch
31. Last time you cried?…forget
32. Your best friend?… Ron
33. One place that I go to over and over?… work
34. Facebook?… sorta
35. Favorite place to eat?… Chillis


I pass this award to:
1 Suzanne Cabrera-an Open [Sketch] book
2.Kazumiwannabe - Incredible artist
3. Barbara –One Happy Fool
4. Speck –So talented
5 Annie - Lazy indeed!

Nov19Art

Nov19Art, originally uploaded by CaptElaine.

Nov18Art

Nov18Art, originally uploaded by CaptElaine.

Gracie can do this any time, any place, and she can hold that pose for a VERY long time... she knows I can't resist.

Nov17Art

Nov17Art, originally uploaded by CaptElaine.

Political cartoonists draw the Capital often in their comics... it's a very complicated building...so I just drew the dome bit... to illustrate a cute joke I got today... hope others think it's funny too.
If the Indians had given the Pilgrims a donkey instead of a Turkey, we'd all be having a piece of a-- next week. LOL

Nov16Art

Nov16Art, originally uploaded by CaptElaine.

I'm so glad Ikon finished his UD, I know how special that title is, how hard it can be to achieve, and the bond you forge with a dog trained to that level... is like no other. I'm so glad Vail liked the portrait.

Nov15Art

Nov15Art, originally uploaded by CaptElaine.

I find 'political correct' speech very annoying. Where is all this double speak taking us? What is the point? Just whose delicate sensibilities are being protected? Who started this nonsense, that's what I'd like to know?

Nov14Art

Nov14Art, originally uploaded by CaptElaine.