Julie Magerka

OMG! When I was a kid free roaming in our small town, my Dad would do his loud whistle with a knuckle in his mouth to call me home. If I didn't hear, someone in town did and let me know to get going! I know I had it good when/where I grew up.

The history of European places (like Wales) is so deep and rich, and l-o-n-g compared to North America. The house (and life) you described during your childhood sounds so wonderful and magical. When I was a kid, I disappeared for hours on end (in the summers) and feel very privileged to have had that kind of upbringing. I have always assumed that "bats in the belfry" referred to the real thing. I didn't realize the UK is rabies-free! That's a great thing. And yes, shame on Hollywood and Disney and others who malign nature's creatures.

I wanted to get in here early on this month's projects. This is a simple one, an ode to one of my favourite months. The quote comes from a poem called "September" by Helen Hunt Jackson (1830-1885). She was friends with Emily Dickinson and Harriet Beecher Stowe. If you wish to read the whole poem, just google her. It's quite lovely. As a child (and teen), we had to learn "memory work", usually poems or passages from Shakespeare (in high school). Those things are deeply embedded and don't fade away. Every year, as I pass the corn fields or the orchards near me, the poem leaps into my mind. Even when I was a "big city girl" for many years, I would recite it. The background has a texture of wet autumn leaves applied, and I used it again for the font on the title. The image is from online with added borders. The label is from DS, colour adjusted.

I watched some of those episodes as well. Great work she was doing, and very moving sometimes. I've never had a fear of bats or reptiles, only 8-legged arachnids, but I have overcome that for the most part. I still do the web-dance if I happen to pass through one!

My mom died young in 1971. That's so many decades ago, but I still talk to her and miss her terribly some days. I only wish we'd had more picture-taking back in those days so I would have more pictures to look at.

Doesn't matter how many years go by, does it? They are missed and in our hearts forever.

Wow! the pix are beautiful. If I reached out, I could almost feel the snake's skin.

What size canvas do you start with Sue?

Years ago I was at a friend's cottage in a popular lake area of Central Ontario. A bat got in and everyone went crazy trying to KILL it with tennis racquets. I was running around trying to stop them. I said just open the doors and windows and it will find its way out! I have never forgotten that.

D = decaff (but then is it really coffee?)

They are so cute and adorable. Here's one for you. Pic posted on a friend's FB page.

You speechless? I can't picture that! We will miss your pithy and funny comments if you go "crickets". (since it's mostly insect photography being discussed)

Even though the town I live in now is bigger than the one where I grew up, it still has only one traffic light. And that's the point we use to give directions! It's kinda reminiscent of the "old days".

And bats too should be allowed out after dark!

I also have a wonky right eye since birth. It has an astigmatism and what's called Dwayne's Syndrome (muscles are stuck so it doesn't move beyond midway looking to the right). I always assumed that corrective laser surgery would do nothing for that. The left eye has learned to compensate for the weak right eye, and I've learned to live with it. But when I was younger, I was really self-conscious about it. I don't usually sit to the left of people so they won't notice if I have to turn to the right! Amazing the things we share on here!

Here's what I came up with for the numbered items. Couldn't think of anything else and wanted to do something. I grew up in a really small town, moved to the big city for many years, then came back 11 years ago to a small town. I love it. Trouble is, everywhere is growing so fast and it changes the nature of the place. I think I should live in a cabin deep in the woods away from developments. The frame at top is from Melo Vrijhof at DS, the phrase strips from Cassel, the background image from online somewhere. The font in red is Boring Showers. Made the little numbered squares.

Funny how life can get in the way of our plans, eh? Happens to me a lot.

It's almost a rite of passage for kids to do the mason jar thing in areas where these little critters show their lights.

I was reading about them, captured in jars. They will last longer, apparently, with something damp placed in the jar. But they must be released or their little short lives will be much shorter!

When I first moved here and walked the dogs near dark, the fireflies would be all around. Now, only a few in the yard. But I'm happy to see them nevertheless.

Thank you, Jannette, but I'm not even aware of the palette challenge! I was just trying the cutout text and decided it should be in "What are you working on?"

This layout came about b/c I wanted to do some cutout text. I found Lab5-11 and had a go. It was straightforward and I made a made a few of them for future use. I like easy and fun. So then, last night I was watching fireflies (which are actually beetles) flitting across my backyard. They just make my heart sing and lift my spirit every time I see them. Sadly, there aren't as many as even a few years ago, but they are so delightful. Of course, it takes me back to childhood when we chased them through the fading light of dusk. The photos are found online; background has a radial gradient. Pretty basic overall. But I enjoyed doing it. (I gotta wonder if Sue T. has ever captured them on her camera or if she has them out in the west.)

Years ago, I watched friends who flailed around and flapped their arms and screamed....and I thought, I don't want to do that. So I have rarely been stung or bitten b/c I just sit quietly and don't move much. I have no intent to harm them, and I hope they can sense that. Sue's wonderful philosophy is something I admire and respect.

I think I wish I'd used a picture of a katydid in my layout instead of the preying mantis! I thought we had them around here, but I've never seen one big enough to make me run!...or pray. They do look like big walking pieces of sticks.

Years ago I was learning python; it made my head explode. I kept at it for some time, and then just gave up. Not my thing, obviously.