Gate Exhibition at Rockwell Museum

Gate Exhibition at Rockwell Museum, originally uploaded by Roberta Warshaw.

Another of my favorite Berkshire destinations are the Norman Rockwell Museum grounds. Every year they have a delightful, themed sculpture exhibition. It is free to the public. You can wander around, bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the spectacular views from the top of the hill. Rockwell's studio is also there but they moved it to the hilltop from it's original location in Stockbridge. He never actually painted there but it is still interesting and a beautiful location.

Another cactus skeleton

Another cactus skeleton, originally uploaded by Roberta Warshaw.

Cactus are just as interesting, if not more so, when they are dead. As in this cactus skeleton.

Saguaro Cactus deformity

Saguaro Cactus deformity, originally uploaded by Roberta Warshaw.

A wonderful magical place in Tucson called the Tucson Botanical Garden. It used to be a private home and is now owned by the city of Tucson. This is a photo taken in the Desert Garden. Apparently some Saguaros grow with defects, like this one.

Tucson Botanical Garden Bench

Tucson Botanical Garden Bench, originally uploaded by Roberta Warshaw.

They had so many wonderful mosaics and mosaic benches at the garden, but I really loved this one the best. It is a very poignant reminder of loved ones we have lost.

Cocoon Necklace

Cocoon Necklace, originally uploaded by Roberta Warshaw.

I saw this necklace in a wonderful place in Tucson called Tohono Chul Park. it is made from cocoons but it didn't say what kind. I always find it amazing at all the wonderful things that can be used to create jewelry. Let's hope they don't hatch though while wearing it! That could be weird!

Up close and prickly

Up close and prickly, originally uploaded by Roberta Warshaw.

I love these prickly pear fruits!

Hedgehog Cactus

Hedgehog Cactus, originally uploaded by Roberta Warshaw.

Of course it is! This little guy cracked me up! It looks just like a hedgehog, hence the name!

Cactus skeleton

Cactus skeleton, originally uploaded by Roberta Warshaw.

Photos from my recent trip to Tucson. I fell in love with all the many varieties of cactus. Even the skeletons.

Pin Weaving

You never know what you are going to find when browsing around in used bookstores. I love finding something wonderful and recently on one of my excursions I came across a book on pin weaving. I had never heard of pin weaving. In fact I don't consider myself a weaver really. I have done some card weaving in the past with threads and of course my fine silver weaving for jewelry, but that is about it. So I bought this book called "Beads and Threads" by a weaver named Helen Banes. Her weaving is with fibers but when I saw the book I thought, "what if...." So I proceeded to start a weaving in fine silver wire. I loved it right away. It has so many possiblities. And you can do any shape you want. This is my first try at it. I also love the zen of weaving. I needed it right now because I am suffering terribly from cabin fever. My creativity is at an all time low so this is a good project for me. I am hoping too, when I return from Tucson, I will feel invigorated.