Who Hung The Monkey?

As I was paying for goods in Jo-Ann's this weekend I ended up having the strangest conversation with the checkout assistant.

She'd noticed that I was British and mentioned that a friend of hers had a similar accent.  When I enquired where this friend was from she couldn't recall but knew it was the place where they 'Hung The Monkey'.  I had to giggle, what a strange response.

Naturally I was confused but intrigued.  I honestly thought the woman may have got her wires crossed but strangely enough, after searching online, I found a place called Hartlepool where legend has it that they did in fact hang a monkey!

Hartlepool Legend

The story goes that during the Napoleonic Wars the British feared a French invasion and were concerned about the possibility of French infiltrators and spies.  In amongst this fear the fishermen of Hartlepool kept a close watch on a French vessel as it struggled against the storm but when the vessel was severely battered and sunk they turned their attention to the wreckage washed ashore. Among the wreckage lay one wet and sorrowful looking survivor, the ship's pet monkey dressed to amuse in a military style uniform.

The fishermen apparently questioned the monkey and held a beach-based trial. Unfamiliar with what a Frenchman looked like they came to the conclusion that this monkey was a French spy and should be sentenced to death. The unfortunate creature was to die by hanging, with the mast of a fishing boat (a coble) providing a convenient gallows.

Isn't it funny the things you learn through random conversations with people?

Sketchbook Project 2011

Over the last month I have been contemplating ideas for my sketchbook project and was surprised when I found myself off to a bumpy start.

As a newcomer to the wonderful new world of art journaling, it's been a struggle to get my visions down on paper.

 

I made the mistake of comparing my creations to those of more talented journalers which left me feeling nothing more than an amateur and plagued with apprehension and self doubt.

 

I've had to remind myself that art journaling is not about comparing yourself to others.  I chose to do this so that I could change and grow.  It's my journey, and I need to recognize that those I see as more artistic and talented are on their own journey's and that it's different for each of us. 

Instead of using their work as a stick to beat myself with I can choose to embrace their skills and techniques, draw strength and learn from them.

I'm not sure whether these will make it into my final sketchbook but this is me, putting myself out there as I face this interesting, challenging yet wonderful journey of discovery.

Getting Ready For Fall

With Fall fast approaching I spent this week organizing my scarves, retaking photos and creating new hang tags for each of them. 

 

 

Scarves

Those of you who are familiar with my artwork will realize that I'm drawn to texture so you may not be surprised to find that spilling over into my knitted creations too.  Not only was the yarn fun to work with but it's so soft to the touch, love it.

These are just a few I've begun adding to my shop but you'll find additional scarves becoming available over the next couple of months.  Enjoy.

Wide Open

Some of you may remember me signing up to do the Sketchbook Project back at the end of July.  It was my way of pushing myself out of my comfort zone and trying something new. 

I was feeling pretty good about things until my sketchbook arrived and panic set in.  I can't draw, I've never art journaled and the type of art I create doesn't translate into a small book format.

I figured I just needed a little inspiration so after searching on Amazon I  ordered 'Wide Open: Inspiration & Techniques For Art Journaling On The Edge'.  Surprisingly this isn't in the traditional book format but that of a kit.  Delving into it felt new, somewhat strange and yet oddly exciting.  I found myself falling in love with this unique bundle of inspiration.

The kit contains 50 cards that offer up a wealth of ideas and techniques but one that really resonated with me was where the author talks about journaling in a book vs on  loose pages.

"Loose pages can be shuffled, tossed, crumbled, prearranged . . . it's hard for them to represent something substantial. Often they end up as preconceived, acceptable pages saying all the right things, written for others to see and smile and tell you how wonderful you are" . . . . . .

Have you ever read something that felt like a slap upside the head (in a good way)?

It was like her words jumped off the page and were meant specifically for me.

Interestingly, as I read this I had already started working on loose pages for my sketchbook, finding myself unable to commit to the book itself for fear of making a mistake. 

I'm going to continue working on loose pages for this project but I hope at some point to commit to journaling in a book.

I'm curious, if you art journal do you do it in a book or on loose pages?

'Splat' Mixed Media Art Canvas

Having fun with this new art canvas . . . . .

 

 

Splat Mixed Media Art Canvas

by Kathryn Dyche Dechairo

Bike Ride In The Country

Since rekindling my love of bike riding, one of the goals I set myself was to reach a town called Brunswick someday. 

It was one of those goals that seems way off in the distance, just a little out of reach, so when my husband and I made it there this weekend I almost fell off my bike in surprise.

What better way to celebrate this milestone than with a bite to eat at a place called 'Beans In The Belfry'. 

It's this wonderful cafe that's located in a 100 year old restored church in the downtown area.  With it's overstuffed chairs and church pews it reminds me a lot of the UK. 

 

 

 

Refueled and raring to go we headed back along the C&O Canal to our starting place at Point of Rocks.  I was so excited when I realized that I'd covered 13 miles that day and blew one of my goals clean out of the water.  It was a great reminder that we can all do things we don't think we're ready for or capable of.

Solitary Tree Mixed Media Art Canvas

Inspired by nature . . . . .

 

 

Solitary Tree by Kathryn Dyche Dechairo

It's The Little Things

When I first moved to the area, and began driving to and from town, I began to notice a field that was home to several horses.

There was one horse in particular that stood out and caught my eye, the one you see at the forefront of this photo.  I've affectionately named him 'Patch' although I'm sure his real name is something a little more original.

Now as I drive by I find myself looking for him.  Seeing him, as I go about my daily errands, always brings a smile to my face and lifts my spirits.

Are there things that you look out for when you're about and about?  What random things make you smile?

Trying Something New

This weekend I experimented and tried something new.  I'm usually all about creating texture and dimension but this time I went with purely paint on canvas board.

  

 

Blue Trees by Kathryn Dyche Dechairo

I'm really happy with how it turned out but what do you think?

Grow Your Own Drugs

While I was visiting the UK a few months back I stumbled upon a TV show called Grow Your Own Drugs.  Have you seen it?  This personable guy called James Wong talks you through how home grown herbs and plants can be used to treat common ailments, I was intigued.

When I returned home I did a little research and found that there was a book to go with the series.  I'd made a mental note to add it to my Christmas List only to find a copy of it in my mailbox a few weeks later.  My mum had seen how much I loved the show and had ordered a copy for me, how great was that?

Grow Your Own Drugs

I can't wait to try out several of the recipes which cover a whole range of common conditions including: digestive disorders, skin complaints, aches and pains, female-specific problems, under the weather symptoms, and face and body ailments.

Have you used herbal remedies before?  Do you have any particular success stories?

Moon & Sun

 

Moon

bright, mysterious

shining, mesmerising, illuminating

hazy, warm, bright, intense

shimmering, dazzling, blinding

Sun

by Kathryn Dyche Dechairo

Raven II Mixed Media Art Canvas

Raven II Mixed Media Art Canvas

by Kathryn Dyche Dechairo

When Tools Attack

I swear I should come with a warning - hazardous to own health.

Yesterday afternoon I managed to slice my finger open with a metal palette knife.  Ouch!  Funny thing is up until now I'd been using plastic palette knives and only just recently purchased a metal one.

It was my own fault . . . I was trying to scrape something with it and was applying just a little too much force when it slipped and ended up slicing my finger.

This isn't the first run in with one of my tools either.  I've burnt my hair with a wood burner, cut my hands up when I had the bright idea to make a sculpture out of broken glass (I know what was I thinking) and I can't tell you how many times I've stabbed myself with sewing needles.

Am I just a clutz or merely unfortunate?  Please tell me I'm not alone.  What misadventures have you and your tools got up to lately?

Change Is Near

can you feel it, change is near

why do you hold back, what do you fear

nobody knows what the future may hold

just go with the flow, let the story unfold

by Kathryn Dyche Dechairo

Hershey's Gone & Done It

One of the things that you may not know about me is that I have this insanely crazy sweet tooth.

It's hard to control at the best of times but having tried the new Hershey Bliss chocolates I think my body has all but given up the fight.

Each time I pop one of these little babies into my mouth it's like a piece of heaven, I swear I can hear harps and the sound of angels singing!  Someone sure knew what they were talking about when they called them 'Bliss'.

A little tip, they taste even more amazing if you put them in the refridgerator.

Ok, off to mop up my drool.  What's your weakness or addiction?

Terrible Mom

It was time to take one of my cats to the vets this morning for his annual checkup.  It's days like today when I feel like such a terrible mom.

Connor hates trips in the car and visits to the vets even more.  Each cry that comes out his little mouth is like a stab to my heart and he cried the entire way there and back.

Isn't it funny how time seems to slow down when you're in the midst of something like that.  A fifteen minute car journey suddenly feels like it's two hours long.

Thankfully he is blessed with a short memory and now that he's back home he's our happy little love bug once again.

Raven Mixed Media Art Canvas

Raven Mixed Media Art Canvas

by Kathryn Dyche Dechairo

Happy Anniversary

A mixture of emotions unfold today as I celebrate two anniversary's.

It was exactly a year ago today that I tentatively dipped a toe into the strange new world of blogging.  Wow, what an amazing journey the last 12 months have been, time really does fly when you're having fun.  

I've met some truly amazing people along the way and wanted to take the opportunity to thank all of you who stop by and spend time reading and commenting on my posts.  Much love.

The second anniversary is tinged with sadness for today also marks what would have been my parents 40th Wedding Anniversary.  As most of you will know, my father passed away several years ago from cancer and my family and I miss him terribly.

Below you will find a poem that I wrote for my mother during our first year of loss.  It seemed like the right time to share this with you.

A FUTURE UNKNOWN

Who can comfort the woman, who’s lost a part of her?

Who can comfort the woman, who grieves for the times that were?

Who can comfort the woman, through her tears and her pain?

Who can comfort the woman, whose grief is all to plain?

Who can comfort the woman, who is still in part a child?

Who can comfort the woman, who is hurting deep inside?

Who can comfort the woman, who feels she’s all alone?

Who can comfort the woman, whose future is her own?

by Kathryn Dyche Dechairo

Happy Anniversary mum and dad. xoxox