Starting a new Climb…

Posted on February 1, 2012 by TommiaW

Bookcase Staircase, London - Levitate Architecture and Design

This month’s focus is on completing the piles of books borrowed from the library in hopes of not having to continually find fine money when the final renewal option fails.

I had high hopes of completing the “Big Climb” in Downtown Seattle this year, but I’m sure capacity has been reached for enrollment, the odds of fundraising this late are slim and I personally am not – slim that is. So, while the Big Climb marks near the top of next year’s list of things to aim for, I figured it was high time I got the piles of library books to shrink, if only for a little while.

In the meantime one fascinating, enlightening book I found was “The Staircase: History and Theories” by John Templer. The book published in 1992 is a detailed look at the history of stairs, the various configurations, illustrations and photographs for explanation and a glossary in the back.

Upon first reading of the book, I couldn’t help but wish I had kept my passport current. Not that I’d be able to afford to travel outside the country anytime soon, but nice to dream. Practicality is aiming for a return to Rome after a short vacation to Vancouver – some year

Back to the book – Templer compares the architecture of interior to exterior stairs, the defensive purpose of Helical stairs and the beauty of Baroque and Garden stairs.

A relatively local look at stairs – “The Portland Stairs Book” by Laura O. Foster is a fun read. What’s better is the author admits to having climbed every stair she discusses! There are several photos to go with tidbits shared – which staircases are the longest, steepest, oldest, newest, safest, fishiest, etc. There are suggested walks to take in as many steps as possible (pun intended).

While I have thought of an escape to Portland being nothing more than a chance to play at Powell’s Bookstore, I may have to find a decent pair of walking shoes and take a stroll, or two…

Posted in Ponderings | Tagged | 1 Comment

Dead Tired…

Posted on January 31, 2012 by TommiaW

Cover for “Forgotten Water Falls” by Tommia Wright

after crossing the line – the deadline for the Sketchbook Project 2012, that is. I learned quite a few things during this first-time project. Unlike my first NaNoWriMo – where I had no title, no plan, no character names even – my first Sketchbook Project had the concept, the categories, and a couple of lines of verse to be cobbled together.

The theme was “Uncharted Waters.” You may have read earlier about my musings of a project called “Got in; Falls for Water” – a picture book of favorite waterfalls and anything else pertaining to rivers, lakes, and oceans. Well, logic dictated that the title be changed to “Forgotten Water Falls.” A separate location of the actual book will be created elsewhere in the near future. With any luck, creations by others in the group may be made available as well.

Here are the things I’ve learned:

  • Rebind the book before doing anything else!
  • It is easier to sew with invisible thread than it is to thread a needle with it.
  • While this year’s theme was easy, finding the materials in a place they should have been wasn’t.
  • Make it a point to take a day off from work to make it to a sketchbook work party at least once!
  • When your crafty friend shares with you a material that she says will ‘stick like nothing else’ she means it.
  • Murphy’s Law states that when you use said product on the last page with the foolish feeling of completeness, something will go wrong.
  • When removing said page to fix the error, Fate is good in allowing a ‘grace period’ of easy removal.
  • First half of item two is a LIE!
  • All items I dismissed as nonsense during sewing lessons really do come in handy.
  • Remember to check pant legs for any possible stick pins before standing up.
  • The favorite art pen you own will be the one with the missing clear lid before the project is through.
  • Always have a second copy of the cover art to cover over the corrections made through the first cover.
  • It is probably best to have the book finished/shot/archived at least a day or two before the postmark due date.
  • Above all else, sketchbook projects are like mud pie making – the whole point is to have FUN!
  • Major learning for next year: collect/create art now, regardless of the theme options offered.

Am I going to do this again? Yes! Am I recreating the project I just dropped in the mail box? Definitely yes!

Two highlights from the book:

SBP – Center page by Tommia Wright

Posted in Play, Ponderings | Tagged | 3 Comments

Slow Going…

Posted on January 23, 2012 by TommiaW

Cherry Tree Clings by Tommia Wright

Good news – had time to write a new poem (found under the Poems page). Slow news – still organizing the shots of the cold week before.

Otherwise, upon further assessment, things aren’t quite as bad as they seem. Things don’t look as bad as they had once night gives way to light.

Posted in Poetry, Ponderings | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Never take Power for granted….

Posted on January 22, 2012 by TommiaW

Tree Down by Tommia WrightIt takes something like an ice storm or heavy snow fall to lead one to focus on what to be thankful for.

Having a wood stove and fuel to feed it is something not to be taken for granted as routines are defined by Nature’s clock, not mankind’s. When daylight exists, tasks are easier to complete. When night falls, sleep is the logical chioce.

Never take a warm shower for granted, either. Then again, if I had to choose between being without power or being without water, I could do well without power. Water is far more vital.

Support of neighbors and a chance to keep company with those around as best as able – crucial, considerate, common sense. To see who needs help in uncovering a car or trying to make some sort of path from house to road – that’s when it’s great to see the strength of community, in helping others in need.

For those coming out of the dark, may warmth quickly follow!

Posted in Ponderings | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Snow Cake

Posted on January 17, 2012 by TommiaW

Nothing says ‘comfort’ like not having to drive to work Snow Cake by Tommia Wrighton a very snowy day. The birds preferred the shelter beneath the table. I found it enjoyable to shoot the scene above it. Granted, what was there this morning grew by nightfall.

After all practical errands were done for the day (having given up on the slipping and sliding in slippers a whole six feet from the door), I decided to indulge on an enjoyable film: Snow Cake, with Alan Rickman, Sigourney Weaver, and Carrie-Anne Moss. Three lives that intertwine in ways unimaginable, discoveries made, hope renewed – all following a tragic death.

It isn’t a surprise that Rickman and Weaver are capable of comedy (watch Galaxy Quest ). The chemistry they have as a couple brought together by unfortunate circumstances is real – the happiness and heartache shared convincing.

I could ramble on and risk spoiling either movie. Or I could prepare another bowl of popcorn and check out “Snow Falling on Cedars” next.

Posted in Ponderings | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

A Tree that Leans

Posted on January 16, 2012 by TommiaW

'Tween Two Trees by Tommia WrightA great deal of snow is falling and eventually its weight will bring things down. While that wasn’t the case for the tree on right (its downfall-mishap happened long before that), the weight of the white will be worth watching.

Snow people and forts get built up; snowballs flung, cars spin. It’s amazing what the colder version of water – not quite ice – can do. While it’s a skier’s delight, it’s a walker’s daring. While it means good news for reservoirs, it could bring trouble to residents.

There is another leaning tree down by the river, one that some say will ‘see it last winter’ year in and year out. I think it’s a great sign of determination, of holding on despite the currents, despite the odds. It will be interesting to see how well it stands the next time I pass it.

In the meantime, I prefer to view the whitening of the earth from the warmth and comfort of the indoors. For now.

Posted in Ponderings | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

First Snow

Posted on January 15, 2012 by TommiaW

First Snow by Tommia Wright

“Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” ~ Isaiah 1:18.

Nothing like going to sleep to the plain greenery and waking up to find a blanket of white. Then again, as adjustments are made to routines – longer drive times, more layers of clothing, leaning towards warmer foods against a winter night – one must not lose sight on the meaning of the color, as what was once dark is made light.

Truth be told, no amount of cleansing on our own can wash us of our sins. Thankfully, God sent his Son to live the perfect life we can’t; paid the price that should be ours; and stands in our place to redeem us.

Am I saddened by the fact that the landscape is about to be buried in white? Sure, because of lack of confidence in driving and uncertainty of other drivers. Am I saddened by what Isaiah’s verse has to say? No.

Posted in From the WEL | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Smith Tower is Shrinking

Posted on January 14, 2012 by TommiaW

Smith Tower by Tommia Wright

Today’s entry is short, sweet and makes a minor point.

Sadly, Smith Tower is shrinking. Once the tallest building in Seattle, amybe the west coast, the Tower is dwarfed by the Columbia Tower and others

What is with the obsession of things going up and out? Who knows. I know I’m still confused by the number of vacant buildings on Main Street while construction continues on the outskirts of town.

Posted in Ponderings | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Assembly Required

Posted on January 13, 2012 by TommiaW

In keeping with the short shot of fiction for Fridays – here’s this week’s tidbit inspired by adventures in shopping, assembly, and serious assessment required.

Assembly Required

 

            Eighteen dollars did better in my pocket than it did padding the cost of the office investment. Out with the particle-board precariously balancing – well, now bowing – between two rusted-shut filing cabinets with the keys long lost and the contents in files, folders, fishing gear and other frivolity definitely forgotten – and in with the new corner desk designed to be the perfect workspace.

            Nope, I didn’t see the need for handing the annoying clerk eighteen dollars to let someone else put together the desk I had yet to wrestle into the vehicle before getting home – high hopes of beating the rain. I was a pro at puzzle-problem solving! Pictures, pieces – what were a few parts and panels?

            The desk was purchased Friday- before caffeine, before breakfast, before a practical amount of sleep was acquired from the long workday before. Foolish thinking in believing the excitement of a real piece of furniture would keep me alert, awake and – anyway….

            The desk. Friday took the entire morning of identifying the pieces. Easy. Assembly accomplished by afternoon’s end? Instructional steps A1 to M. Pieces tacked together? A to M (why I skipped ‘K’ for now is not okay with me). But I see the basic frame taking shape!

            Saturday: serious seeping of strong tea with lots of sweetener; stringing up any and all lights, flashlights, screwdrivers, hammers and magnifying glasses. I’m glad the stereo works because country songs lamenting ‘hard luck lives’ beats the preferred utterances of unbelievable nonsense in how, on step M32, the panel placement of part M to panel C didn’t mention having to contort oneself around parts D through L without dislodging part J. By the time I called it quits, I made it to Part Q, instructional step Q1. I think I thought I saw the semblance of a shelving system.

            Today’s Sunday. Anything but sunny outside as snow white flakes dot the grey sky, removing any practical daylight needed for me to see what I was doing (flashlights flung out of frustration and now fruitless).

I spy the corner desk slanting towards the south wall creating more unusual angles that didn’t exist in the instructions. On the floor, stepstool and cardboard box I find more nuts, bolts, screws and lettered parts than a basic Lego set a kid gets at Christmas. Wincing, I found the short shelf I couldn’t find the day before. Oh, and the baggie of nails that were meant for Parts R through U. And beside that are the instructions now stained, torn, stabbed, and soon-to-be-smoldering if I can get the stove started.

Eighteen dollars versus eighteen hours plus… Maybe the eighteen-year-old student who succeeded in shop class and can lend a hand…

 

Posted in Ficlet/Fragment, Prose | 2 Comments

Silly Steps

Posted on January 12, 2012 by TommiaW

Today’s January: One-two, one-two.

            I tried dancing once or twice – maybe a few times more if I was honest with myself and I really spent time thinking about it.

            The first time of major indulgence would be during the early years of my first profession. My choice of subject as student? Swing Dancing. Did I come prepared with a dance partner? No. Did I know the music frequently used for the style of dance? Yes. Was I even coordinated to combine the steps with the songs?

            I remember gymnastics. Not because I wanted to go (or if I did, I’ve successfully told myself that wasn’t the case) – but because of the chaos in the middle-school gym to find the group, to learn the steps, to wonder why parents permitted such punishment.

            I remember school dances. Not because I wanted to go (really – I would have been more content sitting in the library) – but because of the boredom of standing by the wall trying to make sense of the songs screeching overhead.

            Back to swing dance lessons that spring – I surprised myself in discovering that I could learn the moves and not step on anyone’s toes. I was surprised (and greatly relieved) to learn that I was one of many who came to class solo – which made for a new dance partner each class.

            Have I boldly gone out onto the dance floor since those lessons of long ago? Of course not. Have I considered challenging myself with a new rhythmic endeavor? Maybe – I could take a turn at tango – although it’s been said that it takes two to do it.

Posted in Ponderings | Tagged , , | 3 Comments