Fossil Evidence

Nothing quite captures the imagination like being face to face with dinosaur fossils.

Looking at these huge skeletons you can not help but wonder about them.

 What did these creatures look like while they were alive? 

 What would it have been like to see these enormous creatures roam the earth?

 

 There are many unanswered questions about dinosaurs. That is part of their mystique.

Subject of many horror movies T-Rex is portrayed at as a blood thirsty killer. One of the largest land carnivores to have ever lived on earth,  Tyrannosaurus translates to "Tyrant Lizard" and Rex translates to "King".  

Looking up and seeing how big this creature is in person, it is easy to see why the Tyrannosaurus Rex  has taken the villain role in stories.

The dinosaurs pictured here and many more can be found at the Smithsonian Natural History Museum.

 I hope these photos inspire you to go out this weekend and explore a museum near you.

DIY Fruit Crate Makeover

Photo Source

One of my favorite winter treats are tangerines. The fresh citrus sent and bright color of tangerines bring a smile to my face on cold gray winter days. I have acquired a small collection of wooden fruit crates from my winter treats. 

In an attempt to get organized this spring, I started looking closer at the fruit crates. I noticed the shape and size of these fruit crates are perfect for organizing craft supplies, or creative projects that are in the works, and best of all they stack together nicely.

                                 

                         

Before                                                                                    After 

Get your paint out. It is time to get crafty.

 I found that the original pigment used by the manufacture to paint the fruit crates was quite vivid. After two coats of acrylic paint the original underlaying image could still be seen. A top coat of spray paint was needed to completely cover up the outside. The spray paint also left the outside of the crate with a nice glossy finish.

To dress up the fruit crates a little metallic copper paint was hand panted onto the outside of the four supports,

 and brushed along the top edges to add a bit of contrast. A little bit of glimmer goes a long way.

The end result is a stack of nicely colored wooden crates that will help to keep projects organized.

 I hope this idea encourages you to get crafty and organized. 

New Week, New Order

Monday has arrived in a snowy white coat. Spring is technically here, however it seems

 old man winter is having a hard time saying goodbye. No matter the weather, my mind is set 

on springtime. With snow outdoors,  I will be spending more time indoors doing a little spring 

cleaning and organization. The quote above by printmaker M.C. Escher is my inspiration for the week. 

I hope it helps to encourage some order in your week.

First Day Of Spring

                   

The official first day of spring is March 20th. I for one could not be more excited. 

This spring I actually have yard space to start a vegetable garden.

Starting a garden from seed takes time but it is easy and rewarding. 

An easy way to start your spring seeds is using biodegradable seed pots. 

This makes later transplanting of the grown seeds into the ground simple, 

the seed pots decompose as the plant grows.

These biodegradable seed pots are simple to make. 

All you need is an empty bathroom tissue roll, and a pair of scissors. 

Using the scissors snip the cardboard roll the in half.

Place the sniped cardboard tube into a plastic bowl. Add soil to the inside of the cardboard tubes, this forms a biodegradable seed pot. If needed add a rubber band around the outside of the cardboard tube for extra reinforcement. Add seeds, and place in a well lit windowsill. Remember to keep the soil moist. 

In a week or so your seeds should begin to sprout.  

I hope this encourages you to start a few seeds for a garden of your own.

Hello Monday

A new week is upon us. 

Sometimes it can be difficult to get excited about Monday, 

however there is something wonderfully refreshing about starting anything new. 

The quote above is a great reminder of the inspiration that can found in a new day. 

I hope that it brings some inspiration into your new week.

Take A Hike

Old man winter gave us one last show. 

As excited as I am for the warm days of spring ahead, I had to go out one last time and say my goodbyes 

to the final days of winter in the woodland.

following a icy trail into the woodland.

A reminder of last spring, the flower of a tulip poplar tree emerges from the icy snow. 

A strikingly marked ladybug caught my eye, serving as a reminder that spring is on the way.

 Along the woodland trail a waterfall emerged, carrying the newly melted snow down the hillside. 

I hope these photos inspire you to go outside and explore a woodland near you.

In Pursuit

Sometimes it is all too easy to get caught up in the happiness game. 

We humans are hard-wired pleasure seekers. We all want to feel good. Pleasure can be easy to find. 

It can be found in a piece of art work, music, or even in a nice walk in the woods.

Experiencing true happiness, by contrast, can be a bit more difficult. 

Happiness, it seems cannot be pursued directly. It is more of a by-product. Each of us has the potential to create happiness in our lives. However, It can be a bit of a mystery discovering what it is that creates happiness. Encourage yourself to go out and find a slice of happiness in that big old world this week.

 You might be surprised where you find it.

Rock Out!

I am fascinated with mineral formations. The unique organic shapes, and colors are truly amazing.

The National Museum of Natural History has one of the best collections of gems, and minerals I have ever seen.

There are over 4,900 known mineral species on earth. The formal definition of a mineral is stated as "An element or chemical compound that is normally crystalline and that has been formed as a result of geological processes".

It is inspiring to see that seemingly chaotic events in nature can help to create such stunning formations.

The closer you get to each piece, the more activity you can see has taken place. It is amazing.

I hope you get a chance to take a closer look at nature's handy work this weekend.

Marching Out Of Winter

March has arrived with a chill of winter in the wind. 

The days are slowly getting longer, and soon spring will make a much anticipated arrival. 

The quote above is a reminder that with time all things change, patience is key. 

I hope it helps to bring patience into your week.