From Skilled Hands » Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad

Friday Musings

fromskilledhands — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 13:45:44 +0000

This media has given me the opportunity to connect with people all over this fine planet. It’s become the backyard fence, as we tappity tap our wishes, lies and dreams. I am sipping my morning coffee (with steamed milk and foam), considering the day, and listening to the sounds of folks from the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad getting ready for the Polar Express.

I have a slab of porcelain ready to carve, this year’s ornament to design and gallery things to think about. We’ve had our first snow of the season, and the air is fresh and clear. The sun is shining on the beautiful Cuyahoga Valley. It’s all good.

What’s happening in your neck of the woods?

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October in the Valley: A My Town Monday Post

fromskilledhands — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 01:01:59 +0000

Lots of folks think that Ohio is a place you drive through on the way to somewhere else. Until they come to my Valley and feast their eyes upon it’s beauty. Take a look at a bit of this place we call home, the Village of Peninsula, population 602. Feel free, as always, to leave me a comment, or a stone (o), to let me know you’ve stopped by.

Take a walk on over to My Town Monday to see what others have to say about the places they hang their hats.

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Make Your Own Kind of Music: A My Town Monday Post

fromskilledhands — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 12:57:50 +0000

“A painter paints pictures on canvas. But musicians paint their pictures on silence.” ~Leopold Stokowski

Week before last, my town, the Village of Peninsula, population 602, was filled with the sound of music: the music of 18 different musicians during Music on the Porches, the music of the train whistle of The Nickel Plate Road 2-8-4 Berkshire No. 765 steam engine during the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad’s Steam in the Valley , and the music of artists letting their spirits soar as they painted their impressions of this Valley called Cuyahoga during the Peninsula’s Third Annual Plein Air Competition.

We were lucky to host 2 sessions of live music in the Gallery. Kent, Ohio’s Crane Willow Lake, an acoustic indie folk trio, and 11 year old blues guitarists, Paul Kolbus and Mark Ray. Take a look at some sights of the day.

As always, please feel free to leave me a comment, or a stone, (o), to let me know you’ve stopped by. And take a look at My Town Monday to see what others have to say about the places they call home.

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Plein Air Is Back in the Valley

fromskilledhands — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 15:44:15 +0000

Painters are an intrepid bunch. Rain—lots of rain, doesn’t seem to be deterring them from participating the the 2011 Peninsula Plein Air Competition. Take a look at what I’m seeing out my window:

The Plein Air Competition will continue throughout the weekend. Tomorrow, Music on the Porches will fill the Village with the sound of music. The Village of Peninsula, population 602, is a vibrant place. As always, feel free to leave me a comment, or a stone, (o), to let me know you’ve stopped by.

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Not So Wordless Wednesday: Steam in the Valley

fromskilledhands — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 15:07:55 +0000

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then a video with sound! must be worth at least 1001. The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad has been celebrating the steam engine. Take a look at what we’ve been seeing and hearing.

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My Town Monday: Plein Air Returns to the Valley

fromskilledhands — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 14:01:33 +0000

For years, artists have tried to capture the beauty of the crooked river that is called Cuyahoga. Painters, photographers and artists with sketch pads are regular sights in this Valley.

On Saturday, September 24, 2011, a group of regional artists will converge on the Village, canvases, easels and paints in hand. They will be participants in the second annual Plein Aire competition that is sponsored by Peninsula Area Chamber of Commerce. En plein air is a French expression meaning “in the open air.” It is used to describe the act of painting outdoors. Plein air painting has it’s roots in 19th century Europe. The invention of tubes that contained pigments made painting portable, and the introduction of the steam engine gave painters a way to travel for their art.

If you’re in our neck of the woods or are in the mood for a beautiful drive, come on over and see us. You can watch the painters, take a hike in the amazing Cuyahoga Valley National Park, listen to music during Music on the Porches, take a ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, and explore the Village of Peninsula. We’re looking forward to meeting you.

For more information on the Plein Air competition, visit here.

And, as always, please feel free to leave me a comment, or a stone, (o), to let me know you’ve stopped by. Wander on over to My Town Monday to see what others have to say about the places they call home.

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Wordless Wednesday: Steam in the Valley

fromskilledhands — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 12:47:28 +0000

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A Foggy Beginning

fromskilledhands — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 13:09:34 +0000

Last night was, as my mother used to say, good sleeping weather. Cool and clear. The morning’s chill was softened by a blanket of fog. Take a look.

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Not Exactly Wordless Wednesday

fromskilledhands — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 13:10:21 +0000

After a hiatus for track replacement, the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad is back on track, running from Peninsula south, to Akron and back. Riders and bikers are delighted to be able to ride the train once again in the beautiful Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

Saturday will be Peninsula Python Day. Lots to do and see in my Valley, including the annual Deep Lock Quarry Hobo Days.

Here’s a look outside our door this morning.

And here is a look at last year’s Peninsula Python Parade:

Take a minute and leave me a comment, or a stone (o), to let me know you’ve stopped by. I’ll enter your name in a drawing to win the story of the python that panicked Peninsula.

And take a look at our newsletter. Let me know what you think.

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Turning Points

fromskilledhands — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 19:53:46 +0000

Platter by Joseph Smith; photo by Ron Wayton; graphics by Sarah Bures

Turning points. We all experience them in our lives. Moments in time when things just change. And so do we. This show, a show of wood, is just that: a time to show new work and a renovated gallery.

We are looking forward to showing new work by Brian Becker, Jim Duxbury, Dave Kish, Larry McCardel, George Raeder and Joseph Smith. Join us on Saturday, June 25, from 4-7 pm; have something to eat and drink, and meet some of the artists.

Lots to do in the Village of Peninsula, population 602. Artists’ reception for Visions of the Valley, at the Peninsula Art Academy; Desserts and Designs at Ohio Hardwood Furniture; Summer Comforts at the Log Cabin Gallery, the Wine Bar at the G.A.R.

Explore Peninsula

There’s antiques and collectibles at the Downtown Emporium , CVNP and nature related items at Park Place. Yellow Creek Trading Company has a great selection of design and gift items, and there are books at Fire and Water Books and Bakery. You can rent a bike at Century Cycles, ride the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, hike in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Hungry? Grab a bite to eat at Fisher’s Cafe or the Winking Lizard.

The Village of Peninsula, gently resisting change since 1837.

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