Wheel, Illustration Friday

Today's lesson in not so ancient history-
Once upon a time, there was no such thing as a "scale" tool option or even a personal computer, for that matter.
This was one of the "go to " tools of choice, the little proportional scale. By lining up the coordinates on the inner and outer wheels where the sizes of the original and desired sizes were printed, the required percentage of enlargement or reduction could be then viewed in the cutout window.
Good eyesight and a general working knowledge of decimals and fractions were all it took to get the rest of that project moving along. That and being allowed the use of the front office's copier, once they started making them with standard enlargement and reduction features!

Wings, Illustration Friday

Time flies when you're having fun...On to February! Where did January go?

Snow, Illustration Friday

Since it's only been a little over three months since the last post here, it seemed like a good day to take a break from all the red and green laid out before my eyes and do a little something new to participate in Illustration Friday's latest challenge.
Snow? Not too far a stretch of the imagination for me, as I shiver in shorts, holding out for that last glimpse of sunshine for the day. As unseasonably warm as it has seemed for the past few months, the crisp air is suggesting a shift in wardrobe choices will be necessary...Brrr!
Wishing everybody a peaceful holiday season, wherever you might be. Please remember those who are hurting or dealing with difficult circumstances. A little kindness goes a long way, it doesn't cost anything in most instances, and is always appreciated by its recipients!
Merry Christmas!

 

Identical, Illustration Friday

Well here it is, already several days past the Labor Day holiday weekend and the unofficial beginning of fall, ha ha ha! I know I should be getting all giddy about the autumn holidays and Christmas looming, but for those of us who live in a warmer climates (and ask any kid who's just returned to a new school year)- these days are still practically identical to some of the best of summer's. I just know there are a few more beach days, yet.
Along the strand just north of the Oceanside pier, two rows of tiny beach cottages face the Pacific Ocean. Built in the late 1920's and named "Roberts Cottages" for their early owners, Harry and Virginia Roberts, they've undoubtedly witnessed the passing of many seasons and the ebb and flow of both the tides and tourists who vacation at the shore.
Hello, September! I see those leaves starting to change to golden green! A few more weeks' worth of summer, that's all I ask...

Teacher, Illustration Friday

Many years ago, I thought I might like to be a teacher. Instead, I enrolled in this "crash" course, a non- elective, where recesses are brief and there's no graduation date in sight. Welcome back, live and learn, students. We're back in session...Again.

Freeze, Illustration Friday

Like everybody else, I spent a good part of the past two weeks spellbound by the TV as the world's top athletes gathered for the Olympic games in London. Of course, all this "activity" during summer's heat has invited much indulging in frosty confections, like popsicles, smoothies and my fave, ice cream. I think I've perfected the technique of timing my intake, savoring each frozen gulp or bite, so I can honestly say I've never really experienced the dreaded ice cream headache, It's just one of the skills that go with the territory, that's all, and not soon to be featured in any Olympic event.
This week's IF theme being "Freeze," I thought it was safe and appropriate to put my little deer out on a warm summer night, frozen in a slightly different way, and only for the moment as the headlights pass.

Thanks to all the nice people of London and the UK for graciously hosting the summer games!

Lonely, Illustration Friday

What good is one without the other?
One half of a pair, a flip without a flop or simply a flop?
This is not the end of the road for this very well worn and comfortable slipper! Just isolated it to stand by its lonely self for Illustration Friday.