The Mail

"What a wonderful thing is the mail, capable of conveying 

across continents a warm human hand-clasp."

                                                                --Unknown

Colorful Creation

Currently at Reiman Gardens (on the campus of Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa) is the Nature Connects:  Art with LEGO Bricks Exhibit.  The extremely talented LEGO Brick Artist Sean Kenney has constructed numerous sculptures from LEGOS and placed them throughout the property.  Unlike most of the structures, this peacock is housed indoors and measures 81" x 36" x 62" -- it's spectacular.  And, in case you wondered, 68, 827 LEGO bricks were used to make this piece.

No Means No

The sentiment expressed in this lawn ornament is somewhat humorous yet very direct.  Although I see numerous responsible dog owners who pick up after their pet, several individuals simply do not and the mess is left for the homeowner or for the public to deal with on bike paths, in parks and even on tennis courts.  Do the right thing and remove your pet's waste from any public space or from a property other than your own.  

It's Summer

"Summer afternoon -- summer afternoon; to me those have 

always been the two most beautiful words in the English language."

                                                       --Henry James

A Doodle from the Heart

                       

Today my husband and I celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary, and this doodle is a visual that honors that milestone.  A heart occupies the center as everything in our relationship stems from how we care for each other and make one another feel.  The outer layers represent all the other emotions and events that frame our marriage and the work we do as individuals and as a couple.  Truly, I am blessed.

Unusual Sculpture

During a recent garden tour I came across this sculpture made of lawn and garden tools and topped off with an urn.  Displayed on a tall brick wall, this item was very popular among garden goers and left most talking about which items they used as youngsters and/or still possessed.  So, if you find your garage full of outdated, rusty tools, consider reusing them in a similar fashion that would enhance your outdoor space and leave guests asking all sorts of questions.  Why not?  Be creative.

Doodling

                                 

"No matter how old or young, creating your art makes a happy heart."

                                                            --Barbara Simon Sartain

Instead of a photograph, this image is of one of my original Zen Doodles.  These creative tangles are easy to do and require just a few simple supplies -- paper and a black marker.  In addition, to give the piece more depth, I added some shading -- need a pencil.  Since I'm a definitely a novice with perfectionist tendencies, I am challenged most to persevere and not worry about making mistakes -- they're going to happen and I have to be ok with that...can anyone relate?

Which Piece is Which?

As a jigsaw puzzle, this would present a few challenges -- repeating patterns and colors.  As a youngster I really enjoyed jigsaw puzzles but as an adult rarely take time to do so.  Some of you readers enjoy digital jigsaw puzzles, and I thought today's image would be particularly interesting to those folks.  Nevertheless, I took this photo at the Iowa State Fair and it is a colorful ferris wheel on a bright, summer-blue sky.

Need Votes

If you are an Our Iowa subscriber, I would appreciate your vote for my picture that is a finalist in the "Iowa Humor" category.  To do so via email, type in the subject line "Vote Iowa Humor" and in the message type "I vote for #2."  Send to hotline@OurIowaMagazine.com

Or, mail your vote to:  Focus on Iowa Photo Contest, Iowa Humor Category, Our Iowa, 1510 Buckeye Avenue, Ames, IA 50010.

Thanks for your vote.