Friday, November 18, 2011

Where have I been?


Some of you may not know that in addition to my art, I'm also
a certified Equinology Equine Body Worker, slowly working on a Master's in Equine Sports Therapy.
The last two weeks I've been up in Petaluma, California attending two classes.
Both classes were outstanding. The first was at the magnificent, Circle Oak Equine, with Dr. Kerry Ridgeway one of the top Accupressure/Alternative and IntegrativeVets, Narrelle Stubbs, Physiotherapist for the Australian Olympic Equestrian Team, and Nicole Rombach, Structural and Cervical Specialist from the UK. 
All of whom presented us with
amazing techniques, case studies and state of the art information, 
new to the equine world, and it was most enlightening. 
The second class was an extra thrill because I was the
videographer for the well known founder of TTouch,
Linda Tellington-Jones. Here she's demonstrating the proper techniques to me, 
and my classmates at Flying Cloud Farm.

 A Vibrant Petaluma Sunrise


I had a couple of free days to explore the countryside and came across this 
wonderful live steam attraction called Traintown, in Sonoma, CA.

If you ever have a chance to stop in, this is a wonderful relaxing place to take the
family. It's reminiscent of gentler times, with lovely ponds, waterfalls, a petting zoo, and of 
course the magnificent trains that take you on an ever changing ride over bridges, past waterfalls, with a stop at a little scale town to visit the animals... just wonderful! A must see for the little ones! 

Vineyards at 45 miles per hour!... Not too bad ay?

November blossoms in Sonoma.

Just had to stop in at Hales Apple farm for some fresh Apple Cider!

The California coast at the end of 116 from Sebastopol.

Trees a glow with Autumnal Glory!

A magnificent 19th century French puppet theatre!
only $18,000

More Sonoma, shops.
Yes, that was a real Cow, or Steer.

When I got home, I decided to tackle refinishing the front door. A word of advice...
I'd refinished this door about 7 years ago and was talked into using the then new, water based
Polyurethane.... Bad idea for an exterior door, as it just didn't hold up. So, I sanded it down and after staining with a nice Mahogany stain, I applied two coats of SparVarnish and Viola! :-) 

Ha Ha! It's not always that easy...
I'd applied the second coat of varnish late in the afternoon, and didn't
notice the heavy fog coming in. I went outside to find everything dripping with dampness and the
door was completely fogged over white. Ahhh! 
I quickly got the door in the house, and cranked up the heat hoping it wasn't too late to hopefully evaporate
 the moisture that had settled.
Success! 
After two hours the nice glossy shine had once again returned, apparently no worse for the wear. Whew!

So that's where I've been and what I've been up to. This has  been an eclectic trip tick, that's for certain.
I have a pile of tiny JOL pumpkins, snowmen ornaments, bird ornaments, 
grinning gourd goblins, some miniatures, and even a Christmas Chickie or two coming up shortly. Oh yes, did I mention, Jury duty? Dang.


7 comments:

BucksCountyFolkArt said...

You've been one busy lady! Great to hear from you and seeing how well you've been doing. (sorry about jury duty though!)

Jill

Len said...

That workshop sounded exceptional. It is too bad that you didn't make it to H&V, I would have loved to have met you in person.

TheCrankyCrow said...

Looks like - and sounds like a wonderful trip Deb - It's always so much better when you can combine business with pleasure. My father-in-law and step mother-in-law raised/bred/showed Arabian horses - I'm sure they would have been thrilled to hook up with someone with your expertise and background....And wow - looks so strange to still see images of fall - our leaves have been gone so long, I barely remember them being here. Wishing you a wonderful weekend - and a great Thanksgiving holiday! Smiles & Hugs ~ Robin

Leah said...

We love Traintown! We were there a few years ago...don't think Abby has been there, though.

Jennifer MacNeill said...

How exciting! Loved the pics. Your door looks fabulous, good thing you saved it from the fog. I would love to meet Linda Tellington-Jones, cool!

Anonymous said...

The door looks great. I took a class on varnishing boats this year. They recommend 5 coats minimum, 7 is better. Each year or two a light sanding and another coat of varnish. The varnish should be thinned with turpentine so it brushes well. Therefore the coats are not as heavy as they would be straight from the can.

Unknown said...

Thank you for the varnishing suggestion, who ever you are. 5 to 7 coats does sound like it would produce a luscious finish. Perhaps this summer I'll take the door down again and add a few more coats. :-)
Thanks again!
~ Deb