Beautifully Simple

 "The ideal of beauty is simplicity and tranquility."

                                                              --Goethe

Nature Unites

"One touch of nature makes the whole world kin."

                                       --William Shakespere

La Luna Llena

"Drag your thoughts away from your troubles...

by the ears, by the heels,or any other way you can manage it."

                                                                                                --Mark Twain

All in a Row

"I dream of wayward gulls and landless lovers,

rare moments of winter sun, peace, privacy, for everyone."

                                                                    --William F. Claire

An Autumn Welcome

"Autumn carries more gold in its pocket 

than all the other seasons."

                                      --Jim Bishop

Harvest is Here

Just in the past few days farmers in these parts are in the fields harvesting grain.  Some are first going for soybeans while others are starting with corn.  With folks combining crops, the sun setting earlier and a few leaves turning colors, it sure is beginning to feel like autumn in Iowa.

A Fall Tradition

In these parts of Iowa school has been underway for a few weeks and fall sports are in full swing.  A long-time tradition during this time of the year is the annual 'homecoming' celebration which culminates with a football game on Friday night and usually a student dance the following evening.  Throughout the week of festivities, most high schools have several other related events, including a parade.  This photo features a 'float' organized by mothers of the senior football players and some of those women can be seen riding on the structure during the parade.

They're Back

Fun on Friday

                   

Wondering what this photo is all about?  The answer is fake teeth that obviously appear in terrible condition.  The fun part is giving a set to each of my nieces and nephews and all of us parading around laughing at how crazy we look.  And yes, after all the fun, I collect them and do my best to clean/sterilize the plastic dentures so we can soon get them out again and have another round of laughs.  

Garden still Aglow

Ever been to the Dubuque Arboretum?  If not, make a point to visit while some of the summer gardens are still aglow.  Trust me, you won't be disappointed.  The price is right (free) and the views are delightful.  In addition to beautiful flowers, shrubs, trees and other ornamentals, several water features also make this a great, anytime destination.

Windmill or Giant?

Don Quijote:  "Fortune is arranging matters for us better than we could have 

shaped our desires ourselves, ... where thirty or more monstrous giants present

themselves, all of whom I mean to engage in battle and slay, and with those spoils we 

shall begin to make our fortunes...."  

Sancho Panza:  "What giants?"

                                                     --Miguel de Cervantes, 

                                                                 Don Quijote de La Mancha

B-I-G Blooms

Although much of summer has passed, some gorgeous blooming plants still remain.  Above is a dahlia (yes, they are related to daisies and sunflowers) and below a hibiscus -- aren't they gorgeous?  And, they're huge -- well beyond the size of my palm.  Today treat yourself to a jaunt outdoors and savor summer's splendor.

"The earth laughs in flowers."

                                                               --Ralph Waldo Emerson

Opens this Friday

Remembering 9-11

"...we've come back to remember the valor of those we lost -- those who

innocently went to work that day and the brave souls who went in after them.

We have also come to be ever mindful of the courage of those who grieve

for them, and the light that still lives in their hearts."

                                            --Former NYC Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, 

                                                                                         2006 at the World Trade Center site

Birthday Wishes

In a few days this little man turns six.  And, as a doting aunt, I must note that, even at a young age, he is very thoughtful, helpful, fun-loving, creative and giving and usually wears a smile that warms my heart.  Here's wishing a very happy birthday to one of my favorite little people.  Enjoy your day, buddy.

Spread Goodness

"The fragrance of flowers spreads only in the direction of the wind.

But the goodness of a person spreads in all directions."

                                                                                  --Chanakya

Venture Outside the Lines

"No one ever discovered anything new by coloring in the lines."

                                     --Thomas Vasquez

Fun in the Park

Although many summer celebrations are now complete, this image is one of my favorites from the season.  Yes, youngsters standing in pillowcases eagerly awaiting to jump their way to the finish line.  Of course, at this stage they all envision finishing first but soon after the whistle several tumble onto the grass and scramble just to get back on their feet.  As expected, much laughing ensues and all leave with smiles -- for both the participants and the onlookers.  

And, for those of us in the USA, it's a three-day weekend -- get out and play a little.

Exhibit to Open

The Salon Exhibition RECEPTION: Sat / September 5th 7 to 11pm @ Dubuque Area Arts Collective 902 Main St, Dubuque  / $10 Suggested Donation at the door Also featuring live music by Dave Zollo (Midwestern Indie Music), and an Interactive Video Installation by Jay Schleidt.  The DAAC's 4th annual Salon Exhibition provides a chance for redemption for artists anonymous and notorious alike who have been turned down by Dubuque mainstream galleries as Voices and the DUMA Biannual.
Rejection is not the end, as Edouard Manet and James Whistler found through a show featuring rejected paintings, The Salon des Refuses. That tradition continues today with the Dubuque Area Art Collective’s own “The Salon Exhibit”, opening this Saturday. This year, we are featuring works of new regional and local rejected artists, as well as the most recent work from artists of previous Salon Exhibits. For the first time, we are including artists that where not accepted in past juried exhibitions at the DAAC. Exhibit open until October 2, Saturdays & Sundays 12-4pm. Learn More / Facebook Event
And, if you attend the opening, please look for my work!

"Fields of Yesteryear"

Fields of Yesteryear by Stephanie Funke

Taken in rural northwest Iowa on a warm summer evening just after sunset, this image is tranquil and serene; however, I want to note that the mosquitoes were vicious and must have been thrilled to leave me with so many 'souvenir' bites.  Needless to say, I was annoyed with all the itchy red bumps but delighted with the photo.

Also, in the recent Light Space & Time Online Gallery competition, Fields of Yesteryear earned Special Recognition.  To see many outstanding pieces of art, visit the following:  http://www.lightspacetime.com/current-online-juried-art-exhibition/

                                                        

Beauty is...

"Beauty is not about how you wear your feathers.

It's about how you use your wings."

                                                        --Unknown

Welcome to September

"By all these lovely tokens September days are here,

With summer's best of weather and autumn's best of cheer."

                                                           --H.H. Jackson