~Painting Missouri~

If you've been reading Back Porch Musings any amount of time, you know how J and I feel about our beautiful state of Missouri.
I recently heard an interview with Karen Glines about a new book, featuring paintings, done en Plein Air, by Missouri artist, Billyo O'Donnell. Glines provided text, which includes historical information about each of Missouri's 114 counties. O'Donnell, over a period of several years, created paintings showing particular aspects of each county.

I was thrilled to receive my copy of Painting Missouri, last week. It's a beautiful book. We recognize many familiar places between the pages. The paintings are absolutely incredible.

Sometime ago I heard someone say Missouri is flat with prairies and that's about it. I invite those who believe that to come explore Missouri, from top to bottom. Not only are there beautiful prairies, the state includes gently rolling farmland, riverways and lakes, the foothills of the amazing Ozark Mountains and state parks that are out of this world. Missouri state parks are free to the public. While there are camping fees, there are no admission fees. Saint Louis and Kansas City are wonderful cities with lots to see and do. Smaller cities like Springfield also offer so much. Plus the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. Missouri, rich in history and beautiful scenery in any season is a feast for all the senses.

My advice; take the road less traveled. Detour from the Interstate and explore Missouri. I guarantee you will find much to enjoy.

I recommend, in the meantime, you have a look at Painting Missouri in your local library, online, or in bookstores.

Recently J had to have a MRI of his neck. The neurologist, who at first thought J had a disease of the muscles, has concluded it is a pinched nerve. J will begin physical therapy the first week of November.

On the way home we stopped at Lake Saint Louis and a couple of other places for photo opportunities.

This photo and the two above were taken at Lake Saint Louis. The road that runs beside the lake here, is named for J's family who farmed in this area. Another branch of the family farmed at the other end of the road. J's cousin and his family still reside on the remainder of the old farm, which has been in the family for at least 100 years.

Other photos were taken at a farm, along our drive home.

A barn located along Highway 61, north of Wentzville Missouri.

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~Upcoming Events and Posts~

This photo is a hint of a post to come. Recently J and I were at All About Home, helping prepare the shop for the Holidays. I put together the display, shown in the photo. Next month I'll post more about the preparations.

Some of you might recognize the gate and the building in the background of the photo below. We'll be celebrating a special date at this beautiful and peaceful place, soon.

~A Note~

The pumpkin plates, in the tablescape post, are from All About Home. They are a set of four, showing how to carve a pumpkin. The raven is from the same shop. The candelabra is from Mary Carol Garrity's shop, Nell Hill's, in Atchison KS.

The transferware plates are Spode. I purchased them at Marshall's.

~Saturday in Historic Saint Charles~

Buildings on North Main Street, St Charles, reflected in the window of Framations Gallery.

Our friend, JoAnn, told us about artist Mary Ann Yeamans, a few years ago. Although we live only a few miles north of Mary Ann and her husband Ron, we did not meet them, until Saturday afternoon, when we attended the opening reception for an exhibition of Mary Ann's work, at Framations Gallery.

We were delighted to meet the artist and her husband, visiting with them and viewing Mary Ann's lovely paintings. We hope to get together, sometime soon. Mary Ann and Ron Yeamans are seen, with J and me, in the first photo. Mary Ann's work is in the background of the photo.

Framations Gallery is located on North Main, in Saint Charles Missouri. On the ceiling, just outside the door, a mural depicting scenes around Historic Saint Charles.

Mary Ann Yeamans' painting of Ronald McDonald House, an organization close to the artist's heart, is seen in the window of Framations Gallery. A signed and numbered art print of this painting was donated, by the artist, for a Ronald McDonald House fundraiser. Prints of the painting can also be seen in area McDonalds Restaurants. More about Mary Ann and her work can be found here.

The dome of the old St Charles County Courthouse can be seen in the distance.

The east facade of the old Saint Charles County Courthouse. The statue of San Carlos Borromeo (St Charles Borromeo) is seen to the right, in the photograph. San Carlos Borromeo is the namesake for Saint Charles Missouri. Also, on the grounds, a red-granite bloulder with a bronze tablet, marking the alleged starting point of Boone's Trail. The courthouse was constructed in 1903, of native limestone. Although court is no longer held in this wonderful old building, it is home to several county offices.

As we were leaving Historic Downtown Saint Charles, we drove, on Jefferson Street, past the old courthouse. Beautiful old homes, of varying ages and styles are seen on Jefferson Street. This home sits on the corner of Jefferson and 3rd, across from the old courthouse. I photographed several homes on Jefferson and will share them, sometime this week.

Anneliese: Beader Extraordinaire

During early 2002, I discovered Great Impressions, an online decorating board. I became a member of the group, in June of that year. The members are interested in all aspects of interior design and decorating. Great Impressions is where I became acquainted with Anneliese.

Anneliese and her fiance have restored a wonderful adobe home in New Mexico. Having watched this fabulous project, through the years, I knew Anneliese was a talented designer.

Earlier this year, I found that Anneliese had begun designing jewelry. She is an amazing talent. I happily own several of her pieces. Anneliese's Santa Fe is pictured above right. The ensemble also includes a bracelet and earrings.

When I was putting together an outfit for the wedding rehearsal and dinner, I contacted Anneliese about designing a custom piece to accessorize my dress.


Pictured at left is my rehearsal dress. This dress, from Coldwater Creek, is similar in style to the Chico's dress, I'll wear for the wedding. The black jacket is unadorned. The dress is longer length, about mid calf and has a light brown leaf outline on black background. You can see Anneliese's skillful use of tiger eye and silver, in the necklace and earrings. She also included a smaller pair of earrings to match.





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The necklace, in the photo below, is called Indian Market. After a visit to the Market, Anneliese was inspired to design this beautiful piece. This ensemble includes a pair of earrings made of stacked turquoise, coral and silver and a smaller pair of coral earrings. This is my latest purchase.

These photos show two of my earlier Anneliese purchases. Leaf Me In Ruidoso is made of turquoise and silver with silver leaf pendant and earrings.

The last necklace shown, is made of aquamarine and silver.

I also own several pairs of beautiful Anneliese earrings.







For more about Anneliese's beautiful designs, visit her shop:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5082501

Rocks In My Pocket, listed in my side bar, is Anneliese's blog.


All the jewelry photographs in this post were taken by me. The two photos of myself...were taken by J.