Grand Rapids, MI ArtPrize 2013

Last night I had a chance to go downtown to Grand Rapids, MI with my friend Renee and we set out to see some of the entries in at ArtPrize. Artist come from all over and many miles they travel. We even met a few of them.

This is Renee and I

At the Blue bridge in GR towards the end of our walk of viewing the entries.

There was a nice kid on a bike that saw us trying to take a selfie photo and he asked if he could help take one for us. We said sure! That was nice of him. 

Some of the entries really do amaze me as to how they ever think to come up with something  and then other times I am like "Really?" Everyone's view on art is always different. That is the cool thing about art. I might get something out of a piece that someone might get a different perspective out of.

We only got to see a few different entries as it was after 7pm when we got downtown and the city had it set up a little different this year. I guess there are a few different ways to see the town and art. One way might be so many miles with so many entries and another is either more or less.

I plan on going down there again sometime to check out more of the entries. It was nice going at night as we were able to see the displays in a different light! I will post photos so you can see a little bit.

 The above photo was on steel. Pretty cool!

 Firefighter bike

Like a park ranger bike 

 Boot Legger Bike

 I saw all these faces on this wall and told Renee to go put her head in that hole area. Of course she did it because we like to have fun and then that made this photo look really cute.

 Renee's friend from HS had an entry in at The Bob restaurant and the details  in this photo are pretty amazing. He came from NC I believe.

 This heart display was made with all kinds of signs that you might find displayed in someone's house with special meanings of encouragement, how to live life and whatnot. One that caught my eye was one that said: We didn't realize we were making Memories, we just knew we were having fun.

The big single ones say Actions Speak Louder

 I consider being able to play a musical instrument a form of art and this guy was having a blast playing  his Sax.

 The sign on the dog says Free Hugs. These two gentlemen were very good at playing their banjo and guitar. Loved it!

 Not really sure what animal this is suppose to be like but this was really cool. All of it was hung by fishing line and bamboo. It was all cut at different lengths to make this wonderful masterpiece. This is found in the Amway Grand Plaza.

 City lights

 Flame On

 More city lights with the moon.

 Always enjoy the view of the blue bridge.

All in all, we had a great time downtown. We had supper at a little Mediterranean Grille. I had a wonderful tasting Gyro and Renee had a Wrap. I would recommend this place. There are a few foods I might not try but HEY, it's all good Jack!

 

Wow! I have not been blogging for quite some time. Maybe I should get back into it. A lot has happened since I last blogged.

Sometimes I wonder how many really check out the blog and that is why I had quit writing on here for a while. I will have to see where I left off and see what I should post next.

Been super busy shooting photos of just about anything and busy with the kids schedules with sports and school activities. The summer flew by so fast and we were only able to go camping once this whole summer. That is really unusual for us as we try to go at least four times.

Have a great day!

Suzie Q The Soccer Dog

Snowing so  hard . We have  had snow falling since Sunday and this is what happens when we get lake effect from Lake Michigan.

 The snow is covering half of our back deck!

We have been lacking winter here with not very much snow at all. In fact, we have had only a few "dusting's" until this past week. Now we are blessed with the beauty of the snow.

Thursday we had a day of beautiful sunshine and blue skies!

 

When is warms up a bit, I will head on out somewhere and take some pictures. I love to get out and take photos!



Kelly Clarkson & Vince Gill - Don't Rush (Duet) - CMA's 2012

One of my favorite performances on the CMA's tonight.

Vince has always been wonderful to listen to and Kelly is one of my all time favorite song artist.

K-LOVE - Laura Story "One Life To Lose" LIVE

Thank you Lord for being my Savior and giving me a new life!

I also have to thank my friend Karen for guiding me and leading me to God the Father. If it wasn't for a God loving great friend like her that was willing to reach out to me, then who knows where my life might be today.

God is great!

K-LOVE - Laura Story "Blessings" LIVE

This song has been reaching out to me these last two weeks. I have heard it over and over while at work listening to the radio station there.

Thank you Lord for bringing this song into my life.

No matter what we are going through, good or bad, God is always there for us.

I hope that you all enjoy this song as much as I have.

Friendly Gathering!

I have had the privilege of knowing these two wonderful young ladies (Karen and Sue-L/R) for 30 years! Yes, that is a long time!

 

We were lucky to go to the same High School in Cadillac, MI. Great times!

There is something to say about the bond of friendship that one makes while playing on the HS Varsity Softball team. Not only do you have each others back out on the ball field, but you also do in the real world!  It is always good to support one another and cheer on for the best for each and every one.

I pray that we will be able to stay in touch for many years to come. Maybe we will be able to get the SENIOR DISCOUNT when we go out eventually. LOL

Thanks for the great day today!
Love you!
XOXOXO
 

Shawn's First Deer, 9-23-2012

 Shawn is excited to show me the deer that he shot.

Pretty good hunter I would say!

 See!

Awesome! A little button buck!

 You will always remember the first deer you shot Shawn!

Your Dad would be so proud of you. He use to talk about how he would like to take you hunting someday.

You make me proud of you in the young man you have become!

Field dressed, loaded up, moving on out and up to the house you go!

 

Happy boy!

Mitch's HS Homecoming-9th grade

 Mitch is in 9th grade now. Time sure does fly by!

He is all dressed up to attend his first HS homecoming.

Looks so handsome! I love those dimples!

Tom is a proud Daddy! We were laughing because I said, show that you love your son. Then Mitch leans in and Tom grabs him and yes, this is the awkward stage. :)

Also, Usually Tom is the one not looking at the camera or his eyes are closed. This time it is Mitch. Oh well, makes for a good conversation. :)

I hope you had a fun-filled night Mitch!

Mitch in the Allendale High School Marching Band

 Mitch is in the Center of the picture holding his mouth in a funny way.

 We were really impressed with Mitch in how he was able to learn the steps and play the trumpet at the same time. :) He is doing a really great job and we are very proud of him.

 It has been so nice to have Mitch excited about doing marching band. He loves it and it shows!

 In the spring, the marching band will be going to Disney World. That will be an awesome experience for him. The trip is expensive but the payments help so it doesn't hit as hard. Plus, the kids try to sell items to raise money for their trip. This will be an awesome experience for Mitch and we are glad that he will be able to go.

 Position, ready, play!

 Little swaying going on!

Great job Mitch!

We are so proud of you and love you very much!

8th Grade Rocket Football

 My son Shawn is the one with his arms wrapped around the opponent.

I really enjoy watching the kids play their sports or and activity that they get involved in. I love to run them to their practices and go watch them participate in their events.

It is really neat to see how much Shawn has grown and how he really loves to play sports.

Keep up the good work buddy!

Love, MOM

New Family Member

We have a new addition to the family! Fuzzy little thing named Chloe.

This is Mason with his new kitten.

 I like my new owner.

Chloe

 Suzie Q and Chloe playing and getting to know each other.

Suzie would rather paw her like she does to the toads.

 You aren't a puppy. What are you?

So, we are happy with our new little addition to the family.

Chloe is very playful and has a very fun playfullness about her. Seems really sweet!

Crumb Topped Apple Pie

Crumb Topped Apple Pie

An apple pie with a streusel topping

Crust:

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 cup shortening

1/4 cup cold water

Filling:

5 large tart apples (if smaller apples use up to 10 apples), peeled and thinly sliced

2/3 cup sugar

5 tsp. all-purpose flour

1 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon

Topping:

2/3 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup sugar

1/4 cup cold butter

1.  In a large bowl, combine flour and salt;, cut in the shortening until crumbly.  Gradually add water, tossing with a fork until dough forms a ball.  Wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 1-1 1/2 hours or until easy to handle.

2.  Roll out pastry to fit in a 9-in. pie plate. Transfer pastry to pie plate. Trim pastry to 1/2 inch beyond edge of plate; flute edges. (pinch between thumb and first finger).

3.  Peel and core and slice apples. I have an apple/peeler/corer, slicer that works awesome.

 4. Once the apples are peeled, cored and sliced, place the apples in the prepared crust.

5.  Then finish the touches on the filling by combining the sugar, flour, and cinnamon; sprinkle over the top of the apples.









6. For the topping, combine the flour and sugar in a small bowl; cut in butter until crumbly. 

Should look like this.

7.  Sprinkle streusel topping on top of apple filling.

8.  Bake at 450` for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to 350`; bake 50-60 minutes longer or until topping is golden brown and filling is bubbly. Cool on a wire rack.  (Remember to reduce the heat to 350`).