Little Art Room in the Back

Inspired

2010-12-22T09:38:00.000-08:00

One of my driving forces is looking for inspiration. I see it in words spilled upon the page, in watching the birds, in the splash of paint on canvas, in the rust of iron on the pier, in the way the clouds move across the face of the moon on a windy night. Subconsciously I look for it all around me. The creative force that cannot be turned off at will, but that can, upon occasion go into hibernation, always looking at the world without and within for the next thing that ignites it's spark. My task is simply to be open. I love the surprise when it comes to me from some obscure place or event. Hoping that in the unfolding of your day you find an unexpected source of inspiration.

Hello . . . is anybody there?

2010-12-06T12:09:00.000-08:00

Creakkkkly the door opens, (cough, cough!! as the dust goes up my nose!), I slowly open the door to my little place here. I look inside to find dust has settled on every flat surface. The windows are dirty. The sun is trying to come in and light the corners of the room with it's yellow warmth once again. When I last closed the door to this little art room in the back, I did not anticipate I would have been gone this long. My going was a necessary journey. I needed some time away. A time of not sharing every little thing going on. A time to create art just for me. A time to reflect on where I was and where I wanted to go. I return standing better on my feet when I am on the ground. I return more comfortable in my flying wings when I am skybound. The art chair feels familiar, the contours of my body still embedded in it. I have been anticipating my return here with hopefulness. I always knew I would come back here. I am not disappointed.

Happy Birthday BFF!!!

2010-06-28T15:01:00.000-07:00

Some good things going on, like my BFF's birthday - Love that you were born xx years ago today! An email from my neice, which made my day - love you Chelsea and you made an auntie's heart happy today - it was really good hearing from you. I am looking forward to following along on your blog! A new little one has joined our family, a big welcome to little Fiona!!! And yes, even the swarm of bees resting at our house while they look for a new place to live is a good thing in my book.

I have been away from here for so long, I almost feel like I should not be allowed to post here anymore. But moving beyond that, I am here and hoping to get comfortable back in the saddle again. I have been playing with a fun art group, making some cool art projects and really enjoying the altered book group I have been participating in lately - love doing those altered books! I have a new camera to replace my old one which took a dive off the mountain on one of J's last hiking adventures - will get some photos up of some of the newer projects, soon. Good to be back in familiar territory, I've missed my blogging friends!

Another good day . . .

2010-04-23T18:47:00.000-07:00

Another good day! It was a wonderful day for teaching a PMC class at Stamping Details with two great women. This was the type of class where it felt more like play than work, and a good time was had by all! I am inspired to work on getting some more ideas out there and to put together a couple more classes that will bring some freshness to my teaching - I am ready for that (thank you Tamsie!). I am listening to the universe and my BFF - neither one of which has ever steered me wrong!! Looking forward to a relaxing weekend of reading, some more of Mystele's online art lessons and a couple of good movies I hope! See ya'll next week!

Rambling around in a familar space . . .

2010-04-22T15:21:00.000-07:00

I didn't want to write, "I can't believe it's been so long since I've been here!", but here I am writing that!! I don't want to explain why I have been away, I just want to jump back in and pick up with being in my blog space again. So that's what I am doing. I have been wondering about many things recently, one of which is how I want to spend my time. Isn't that a huge luxury, actually getting to chose how to spend it instead of not having any choice in the matter?! Reading, writing, creating little art pieces, all are wonderful ways I choose to spend the gift of time. I have also been recently increasing my physical phitness (love the play on that word!!) to keep my health moving in a good direction. The funniest thing is I couldn't wait for my birthday this year so I would be able to join the Senior Center so I could use their gym!! That cracks me up about myself!! I have not been the most physical person I have known, but I am starting to appreciate the benefits of moving my body around and finding a strength I didn't realize was there. I challenge you to get moving in the world today!

A shifting perspective . . .

2010-03-12T10:24:00.000-08:00

Carolyn, I too, am saying, "A month!!" I thought for sure I would have been back here long before now. Where have I been?! Really, not very far away, just out of sight around the bend. I've been reassessing some priorities, some things I want to let go off that no longer work well for me. I have been looking at art making and the role that plays in my life, writing and the role that plays, people I know and people I want to know better, books I know I will never read and can release, and books I can't wait to devour and savor, always on the hunt for words that speak to my spirit. I am getting more comfortable with who I am and trusting my instincts and searching out some new experiences. I am settling comfortably into my routine and trusting it is exactly where I am suppose to be right now, right here. The Universe has a way of letting you know when it's time for things to change. Oh and by the way, if you haven't seen Alice in Wonderland, run, don't walk to your nearest theatre!! The trip down the rabbit hole is so worth it!!!

Stepping away for a few days. . .

2010-02-15T17:49:00.000-08:00

Fantastic sunny day, birds chirping around the backyard feeders, a new book bag, pencil case and notebook to fill with the scribblings of my heart, yes, life is good. Checking in to say I am going to be visiting with my mom for a few days, playing Scrabble, helping her with some projects she wants help with, and enjoying the beautiful drive up the coast and back again. Catch up with you all when I get back.

Being aware of the potential . . .

2010-02-09T14:26:00.000-08:00

The dramatic sky today reminds me of unrealized possibility. I wonder at the quality in my life that lets me look at things and visualize the potential in them, and then how many I never bring into being. They are like gems waiting their turn quietly on the shelf of my mind. Sometimes I think it is not about the actual creation itself, but it is more about the ability to imagine them in the first place. The spark that says, I see this and it makes me think about that. The quality of seeing with new eyes and appreciating with an inventor's heart. Connecting the outside with the inside.

Artist Support

2010-02-02T16:22:00.000-08:00

What a fun afternoon I had! I signed up for Mystele Kirkeeng's Art Sentiments mini e-growth course and loved watching her videos this afternoon. She is such a warm artist, giving, talented and so down to earth! I am happy I signed up for this class and can't wait to go play after I am done chatting with you guys! Please stop by and check her out, I know you will love what you see on her site. She is offering an introductory price on the class so head over there before the window closes on that! She also has a blog I stop by regularly and see what she is up to. I know this probably feels like and infomercial, but I really do get inspired by Mystele's art and I would just like to lend her some support from my blog. This was totally unsolicated, I just like it when we can all share the good things we know about on our blog sites. So go check her out and see if this is something you just to have do for yourself .

Loving this rainy winter weather!

2010-01-21T10:03:00.000-08:00

We are having some different weather here in SoCal. The rain is very welcomed by me as we have been experiencing a lack of water here in the south land and this is helping to replenish our reservoirs. So when it rains I get to sit and sip hot tea, have glowing candles lighting the shadowed corners, little kitties curl up and sleep deep slumbers, I get leisurely reading time with good books, and I get to draw in my sketch book. Lately I have been interested in Zentangles and this is one I did last night. A meditative process with no purpose other than to just make marks on your paper and step into the left side of your brain. Hoping you stay dry and find a cozy place to sit out the storms.

Rethinking the green . . .

2010-01-13T20:06:00.000-08:00

Tonight I sit here with my fingers on the keys contemplating what I want to share with you. I find myself thinking of how I like to use my rose colored glass to view the world. I like my Pollyanna view most of the time, but I may need to light up the dark dusty rose to a more pinkish hue on those lens.
I am finding that even though I am in my 50's, I still think like a five year old when it comes to matters of finance. Now, you may think, how the heck can she do that?! I have been surrounded by people who are financially responsible and have compensated for my lack of wanting to be "mature" about money. Money burns a hole in my pocket. If I have it, I must spend it. What else are your wants for but to be instantly gratified?!!! You can imagine how frustrating that may be for those around me that see the bigger picture and are actually trying make sure our future is secure!! Thank God he blessed me with people who can do that! So in the interest of, gulp, growing up a bit, I am working on matters of finance these days. Wondering what some of the things are you are working on these days . . .

Playing around . . .

2010-01-08T16:00:00.000-08:00

Just stopping by to share a little playing around I did today. I created the bottom picture in a little journal I had made in December, but I never really liked it. So my adage is, if you don't like something, slap some gesso over it and work on it some more. I like this as a journal page much better. I have been an avid journaler, but not in art journals and this year I am hoping to transition more into the art journal world. I also want to let you know that La Fourchette is offering us some wonderful vistas of France to warm our hearts and minds as we start into the New Year. Check out the beautiful calendars Leslie is offering at the link on the right. The eye candy is worth the time!

Still of the optomistic mind set . . .

2010-01-06T17:07:00.000-08:00

My heart is feeling very full at the moment. An overwhelming feeling of well being and gratitude is coloring my perceptions and experiences. In the ebb and flow of life, I love this grounded feeling. I wish I could remember that it is always available to me, but for today, I am thoroughly enjoying it! On those days I am kvetching and ranting, will one of you please kindly point me back to this post?!!
The New Year is bringing with it a feeling of wanting to do some new things. Known to a few near and dear to my heart, I struggle in ugly ways with doing art shows. I have decided to listen to that small voice that has been my constant companion which says, I am destined to teach and to give up doing art shows. So this year, my actions will be more geared in that direction. I totally trust the teaching experience and how it unfolds, a more engaging fit for all of us! I am going to take a yoga class. I found one being offered at the local junior college and the timing is perfect. I have also researched finding a book group, and am happy to say I have found a potential one I will be checking out at the end of the month. These are a few things I am doing to not change who I am, but rather letting who I am unfold more fully. I am learning to make peace with my decisions and make the best of this journey called my life. Wishing lightness of spirit to you today.

Happy New Year!!

2009-12-31T16:18:00.000-08:00

I wanted to come in to this little space to post a final entry for 2009 and wish you all a very Happy New Year. I have a great deal of optimism for 2010! This past year has been one of learning and growing and change. I am looking forward to the experiences of the next year! As I think back on the year past I am happy with the changes that it has brought. I am healthier, more focused, and feeling lighter of spirit. My path is appearing clearer and I am embracing the journey ahead. Wishing all my friends and family a year full of adventure, self discovery and peace, both on the inside and the outside.

2009-12-11T14:04:00.000-08:00

It's a day for tea (Earl Gray), a good book (South of Broad), some laundry spinning around in the dryer (fresh jeans to put on warm after my shower)and kitties curled up snuggly in little kitty balls napping. Soup on the stove for dinner and that wonderful feeling after talking to my BFF that I do have the power to be the person I want to be. I don't know if she knows she has that influence on me or not, but she does. I have lots of tools for making positive moves in a good direction, but she infuses me with the belief that I can do it.
I am making this a homemade Christmas this year. I did that long ago, and times of more affluence moved me from that spot. This year I find myself thinking about what I want to make, and I feel so blessed to have creative options! The better part is, I have family and friends to make gifts for and the making of their presents causes me to think of them more. In this busy time of year, I hope you will find yourself taking time with a cup of tea to just sit back and think about why the people you love are important to your life.

The season of hope and peace . . .

2009-12-08T15:44:00.000-08:00

It's beginning to feel alot like Christmas . . . The little tree has been decked out in all the handmade ornaments, the Nativity scene is placed on the hearth, the decorations are on the mantle and the stockings are hung by the chimney with care. It is feeling like Christmas. I am still working on my cards, so if you haven't received yours yet, know it is on it's way! There is a thought that has been very prominent for me lately, the idea of needing to let go. To let go of ideas that aren't working for me anymore, to let go of things/stuff that is not serving a purpose in my space anymore, to let go of habits/and notions that are keeping me stuck. I am not one to take change easily, but I am starting to see the glimmer behind letting go of something so something else can come into your life. As long as I hold on to the status quo, I will be safe, but stagnant. The end of this year has made me realize that somethings are going to have to be different (daily exercise, diet, using what I have instead of buying more, connecting more with those I love and not taking it for granted they will always be here, looking at the spiritual side of things, and not always what the physical eyes see). These are the ideas floating in my head as I thoroughly enjoy my little tree, with the years worth of memories decorating it and ponder on this, the season of hope and peace.

Home from the turkey feasting . . .

2009-11-30T16:14:00.000-08:00

It is feeling good to sit and chat for a minute as I sip my vanilla nut coffee, watching the setting sun blaze across the dining room wall, and looking forward to working on my Christmas cards tonight. I am a creative person, but I have never had the desire to make my own cards. However, I love to buy cards for other people. I especially like to sit and write notes in my Christmas cards. The start of the Christmas season started the day after Thanksgiving for me. Since my dad died 20 years ago, I lost my huge love of all things Christmas. My dad would not have wanted that for me, but I really miss his presence at the Christmas holiday time and have gone years without decorating the house or putting up the tree. This year I think I want to put up the tree. Merry Christmas, Dad.

A heart full of gratitude . . . .

2009-11-23T18:15:00.000-08:00

I am feeling very thankful today. My heart is happily anticipating spending time with my family, my health is dramatically improving and I am feeling a deep sense of peace and goodwill.
I had a burst of creative energy today. I took my 4 1/2 mile walk, washed the car, washed the windows at the back of the house (now letting in lots of light and sunshine!). This afternoon I brewed a cup of tea and savored Joyce Tenneson's Wise Women. What an excellent book. The photos are beautiful and it makes me proud to be an aging woman embracing this part of my journey. I even had time to play in the art room. I know, it's a pretty darn good life.
Wishing you and your family peace in your hearts and homes this Thanksgiving season.

What I like to do when I don't know what I want to do . . .

2009-11-16T18:08:00.000-08:00

Showing one of the little pieces I worked on in the art room today. I love to create tags when I don't know what else I want to work on. It gets me into my paints, rubber stamps and words. It helps me develop my skill of looking at something and deciding if it needs more, and if so, what or deciding it is finished. I don't know why I have such a fascination with these little pieces of paper, but I just love cool tags on boxes, presents, books, anything that a tag can be attached to. It felt good to sit in the room with the sun streaming in the window, music playing in the background and losing myself in realm of potential for awhile. Doing what I love today.

Peace in my soul today . . .

2009-11-12T06:17:00.000-08:00

Earlier this week I had an opportunity to let the 9 year old in me come out and play with another 9 year old. Not being a mother/grandmother, and not having access to being around children very much in my more adult life, I wasn't quite sure how this get together was going to go, but let me tell you, I had a blast! One of the things we did was to create little books to paint in and here is one of the pages from my book. The quote is from one of my favorite books, Life 101 by Peter McWilliams. I hope I can remember this more often. Wishing you peace in your day.

Choices about the journey . . .

2009-11-06T17:13:00.000-08:00

I am sitting here with my cup of green tea, my pumpkin spice candle glowing, and some random thoughts wafting around in my head. I am being mindful that we are on a journey here. There is a beginning, a middle, and an end. We have choices to make along the way that will determine how that journey is going to unfold. Some things will be beyond our power, like the choices others make that impact us or the random acts of life that we need to participate in. I want to be more mindful about the decisions I make from here on out. It's not that I have been a bad person, or a mean person, or a rude person (well, maybe once or twice!), but I guess I am feeling the need to live my life more on purpose. I don't mean more structure and less spontaneity. I don't mean every minute planned, all the days of my calendar filled in with more tasks to be performed. I mean, when given the opportunity of looking at a full day in front of me when I wake up in the morning, I want to see the beauty in my morning routine, noticing the sun shining in the window, the cats purring their good morning, the smell of the coffee brewing, the peace that comes from reading my morning devotional. Acknowledging the gift of time I have been blessed with to create with that room full of art supplies, the baskets of yarn I get to knit and the journals that lay open waiting for more words to be spilled across them. Being present to the people who love me and let me know that I am loved, and actively returning love to them. These are the conscious choices I want to honor within the rest of my journey. These are the things I don't want to be unconscious of as I move through my days.

Today, life is good . . .

2009-11-01T10:08:00.000-08:00

Today, life is good. Despite the fact that I only had about 10 trick or treaters last night (down from 100's we've had in the past). Despite the fact that my latest art project practically crumbled apart in my hands. Despite the fact that several of my friends are going through very trying times right now. So lots of Halloween candy for the hubby to finish off. I saved the art project and it will probably look cooler than it would have originally (it will definitely be stronger!) I am happy to say I am feeling strong, resilient and able to be there for my friends that need the support right now. They have stood beside me during my last few trying months and I am happy to able to be present for them. I am feeling more present in my own life right now, focused and more purposeful. I love the strength that can come out of adversity! The picture posted is one I did after my most recent hiatus from creating. I had the faces penciled in, but nothing done with them. Then one day not too long ago, I found the urge to add the color to the page and finish it. I realized my art muses had been waiting for me all along, and they are very patient ladies indeeed.

My molecules are buzzing . . .

2009-10-28T10:49:00.000-07:00

Today is a very clear and windy day and I love the gusty, blustery wind! It makes me feel like all the cobwebs are getting swept out of my spirit, fresh air is blowing in, and if I listen well, I will hear something important being whispered to me on the wind. I love windy days, they make me feel very alive and energized! I respond to it like some people do to a full moon, I can't resist the pull to the energy swirling all around!

I am posting a picture today from my sketchbook that I made last night. I love using Pentel Energel 0.5mm pens in black to draw with. What I have discovered since taking Suzi Blu's on line class, is that I also love using my Prismacolor colored pencils with my drawings. My sketchbooks in the past have all been done in black and white, but I have come to love that splash of color in there now. I know it is autumn, and I love the fall, but somewhere in me these little spring flowers just wanted to bloom. Listen consciously today and see what is being whispered to you.

Loving the pumpkins of autumn . . .

2009-10-26T18:35:00.000-07:00

I love this time of year, autumn being my favorite season. One thing I especially love about it, are the pumpkins. I love the look of stacked pumpkins in pumpkin patches, jack-o-lanterns carved for Halloween, pumpkin bread, pumpkin pies with handmade whipped creme, and the lovely burnt orange color of all things pumpkin. I really love the exotic white pumpkins, and the fairyland pumpkins being sold at Trader Joes this year. If I were a wee Thumbalina type being, I would love to live in a hollowed out pumpkin house!
Just taking a minute to appreciate this lovely pumpkiny time of year!!!

Trying something new

2009-10-15T17:01:00.000-07:00

I have been wanting to paint some new faces for awhile now and while I loved what I learned in Suzi Blu's class, I am really a lover of a more imperfect, edgier, more raw type of art. I recently discovered a blog written by a woman of color and I loved the idea of doing some paintings of women of color myself, so here's what I have played with the last two nights. I think I have a long way to go in the pursuit, but I love seeing these faces looking back at me when I wander into the room. As primitive as they look, they are not quite edgy enough for me, but I will continue to work on it. I am happy to have my hands back into my art supplies!

A turn in the path on the journey . . .

2009-10-13T14:36:00.000-07:00

Wow, I don't even know if I have any readers left. I've been away a long time. I have been in many different places over the last few months, and I don't mean like to Paris or Rome. I have been in a crappy place with my health, both physical and mental. I'm sure they are connected. They have taken me away from the things that I had used to define myself with. My art has suffered, my friendships have suffered, my relationship with myself has been on a downhill slide. I truly did not know if I would want to write about it here, but I feel a need to share my journey honestly with you. The reason I can write about it now is, I have turned the corner into a better place. I am becoming a firm believer in the body/soul connection. Taking care of myself allows me to be better at being the kind of person I want to be. Truth be known, I have not been taking good care of myself for quite some time. I allowed myself to gain a lot of weight, I didn't eat to nourish my body or my spirit well, I put my head in the sand about health issues because I didn't want to deal with them. Well, that has had a way of catching up with me. Diagnosed with diabetes, fatty liver (sounds awful doesn't it?!), and still a few more things to check out, I have had to come to grips with my health and I am feeling better for it. I don't want this blog to be about my health issues, and I personally will find this very boring if I have to write about it much longer, but I feel I need to explain my absence from this place I have liked to come to and have been missing. My creative juices are starting to flow again. I am listening to an urge that is telling me to create with my own voice. I am glad to be back. In my isolation, I have missed being with you.

Checking in and tuning out!

2009-09-04T08:44:00.000-07:00

I have just given myself the luxury of spending two whole days reading a wonderful book by a new author, The Help by Kathryn Stockett. I could not put this book down, and while it was a pretty big book (444 pages), I loved every minute of reading it! I came to have a great fondness for the characters and their responses to their lives and I can not wait for her next novel to be released (I hope there will be a next one!!). The experience of tuning everything out for two days, relaxing under the fan, drinking iced teas and totally losing myself in this story was a treat for body and soul! Funny how I am using my blog for book and movie reviews!
I am seeing an odd pattern of once a month posting to my blog and I am wondering what that has to say about my relationship to this space. I know I have been sitting quietly these last couple of weeks, not creating at the usual pace. At 54 I am practicing my right to not have to do things that no longer feel right for me. I am getting better at listening to my heart and while I am not graceful at it yet, I am clumsily practicing voicing my desires out loud. I am realizing that while something may be not be right for me, it does not mean that it makes you wrong. I am getting the opportunity to practice loving kindness. Ahh, so this is where I find myself today, happy to have a wonderful story settling inside of me, grateful that I am able to continue to stretch and grow into my potential and making my peace with the heat of the summer!

Wow, summer is flying by!

2009-08-10T19:21:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's been this long since I last posted here! I have been having such a creative time this summer and I'm loving it! It reminds me of the carefree days of summer of my youth and while I don't like the heat of summer, I love the carefree feeling of summer. Today was the day to digest the fun and information learned in the Suzi Blu's class I was gifted from my BFF yesterday! I have been learning tons in the on line class, but it was a big help to have in person instruction and feedback. Suzi brought her friend Mara to help and that was an excellent decision. She also brought her little friend GiGi who was the absolute best with that large group of women all clamoring for Suzi's attention! I also was able to take another class with Karen O'Brien recently, and loved taking the next step with her techniques. So I am working on trying to keep it all in balance and took myself to see Julie & Julia today. I loved Meryl Streep's performance - award winning in my book! All that delicious food made you drool during the show! I am reading a good book right now, The Five Things we Cannot Change and the Happiness We Find by Embracing Them by David Richo. It's the type of book I am highlighting like crazy and writing notes in the margins. When I finish it, I am going to go back and read it again. So in the forward movement of my life, I am happy. Making satisfying art, good reading, and there are rumors that another trip to Paris may be happening - it's all good today!

Lesson 5 and at the half way mark . . .

2009-07-17T13:30:00.000-07:00

Wow, it's been a busy week or art, b-day celebration, reading and a new online class starting up with SuziBlu. The pictures posted are the 5th lesson in Julie Prichard's Layer of Love class. The object was to find a picture as inspiration and use the colors to create our piece. Well, my inspiration was a bit lighter in color, but I love the richness of the purples and golden colors my finished painting turned out to have. By the fifth lesson I can tell I am getting more comfortable with the process and can't wait to use these pages in a journal at the end of class. Julie is starting a journal class in September, I think I may just have to take a stab at that one, too! Yesterday I saw the Body Works exhibit in Balboa Park and it was fascinating! A fun day of lunch at the Prado for Linda's B-day and then an afternoon at an excellent museum exhibit. Last night was the Affirmation Card exchange group and after that - home to bed, it was a full day! My days are filled with art and at night I find myself dreaming of colors and shading and mastering technique. I am visiting with my mom and sister next week, but will be home in time to take another Karen O'Brien class at Stamping Details - I love her classes, can't wait to show you what we do in there!

Adding a little fiber art to my summer. . .

2009-07-10T08:03:00.000-07:00

I mentioned a few posts back that I am also working on KC Willis' Collage Camp piece. Well, I am not quite done, but am posting what I have done so far. A few more additions to this and I will be able to call it complete. This was a fun project and I would like to work on this on a smaller scale and put some into a book form. I also signed up for a clay working class online and will post my pictures from that class when it has dried a bit more. Oh, and did I mention I also signed up for a face sketching/poetry journal class online, also? Okay, now you see how obsessive I get when I find something I like. I couldn't just buy one pair of cute shoes, I'd have to buy them in 3 or four different colors! I'm not the only one am I?!!! This creative spurt is keeping me up until after midnight these days. It is nice that these are the long days of summer . . .

The painting continues . . .

2009-07-08T16:39:00.001-07:00

Today I am posting lesson 3 and 4 from Julie's class and I am loving this! I feel like I am learning so much and I love the way Julie has structured her class. I can see the progress I am making from my first attempts to just working through the 4th lesson. I am learning to trust my intuition and to find my way with the paint. That is a good feeling.
Speaking of good feelings, I have been lucky enough to work with a couple of groups of women this week and I am loving the sense of art community. I do like my alone time to create, but there is something fun about being with other people and chatting about the process. Ahhh, life is good.

Again, with the painting, lesson 2 .

2009-07-04T11:05:00.000-07:00

This is my painting from Julie's online painting class, lesson number 2: The Old Sea Calls to Me. I love the blues and greens, and I have to say, the colors are richer in person than the scanned image is portraying. I am learning a lot about layering and blending and creating interest in my pages, and I am loving it! I can't wait to work my way through all 9 lessons. Yup, you are going to have to see all nine! The next one is in golds and browns, loving the rich colors we are using and learning how to age my work.
Today is a very quiet 4th of July here in town, Happy Birthday America! J is on a long hike. I am trusting he is where he wants to be on the trail at this time. I am looking forward to hearing from him stating that he has completed his hike and is on his way home. I am doing painting lessons, finishing up some pieces in the art room that are waiting for final touches and making ribs and potato salad for our dinner! A pretty darn good day I would say!

Take a little red, a little blue . . .

2009-06-30T17:52:00.000-07:00

I have been excited about an online painting class that Julie Prichard is offering in her land of Lost Luggage! Today I took the plunge and did my first lesson and created a couple of fun pages! I was nervous to start, but it is not hard and it is actually very fun! Julie is a great teacher! this is my first attempt to do a painting class online and I like it! The class is still open for registration, so head on over to http://www.landoflostluggage.typepad.com and see what all the hoopla is about! I can't wait for the journaling class that starts this fall!
I also am doing an online class with KC Willis of Lipstick Ranch and I am almost done with my first piece for her Collage Camp. I will get that wrapped up and post a picture in the next couple of days! My summer vaction is definitely off to a good start!

Little bits and pieces . . .

2009-06-19T09:34:00.000-07:00

The piece I am sharing today was made with little bits and pieces I've picked up over time. When I thought about the words bits and pieces I was reminded of life and how the little bits and pieces of our days become our lives. Some of the pieces on this doll were given to me, likewise the wisdom given to me by my mom. Some were picked up off the ground, like things learned through the school of hard knocks. Some were bought to be used one day, similar to good times shared with those we love which carry us through the tougher times we have to face later.
When I first made this doll, I liked her. Then I looked at her and thought she looked too much like a robotic type warrior. Then I looked at her some more, and I softened to the way she is. Now when I pass her on the wall, she makes me smile. Thinking today about the bits and pieces and how they come together to create our lives.

Sunday morning reflections . . .

2009-06-14T11:50:00.000-07:00

Settling back into the comfort of sitting here with my blog and letting a few ideas "spill on to the paper." I realized that I am resistant to being here when I find I haven't been creating and don't have new pictures to share everyday about my current project. I want to move beyond that and post new things when they happen, but give myself permission to come here when it may just be my words that I am creating with on any given day. I find myself wanting to take a time out with all the competition I have been imposing on myself in the creation process and allow myself the joy of just being in the process once again. I have missed that. I don't want to be justifying what I have been making or not making, and I want to honor my walk on my own path of discovery and achievement. And I want to stay connected with anyone who finds themselves on this page on any given day and wants to share where they are on their journey. It's the connection I crave, not the competition. Already my heart feels lighter for having shared this and I am happier for having been here today.

Some color in my art room . . .

2009-06-04T07:49:00.000-07:00

I have been in the mood for flowers lately. It may be because it is spring, it maybe because I can't resist the splash of color. The flowers I posted are made of silk, chiffon, organza, and tulle. I love the way the material responds to heat and creates that ruffled edge. The plaster flowers are just something I had to experiment with to see what would happen. I like the way they turned out and am happy to have a little stash of them to use on upcoming projects. I like it when I respond to that inner urge to just try something with no goal in mind other than to see what will happen. I am not always so brave in the real world, but it is easy to do in the art room! Hoping you have color and/or courage in your day today.

What did you do today?

2009-05-27T20:21:00.000-07:00

I have been without my digital camera and I have to say I have missed it! I have been working on flowers, fiber and plaster and I want to share them in pictures with you. The camera returns home on Friday so I can get some pictures posted over the weekend or the first part of next week. Today I went to the Visions Quilt Museum in San Diego and I love buying fibers and books there as much as I like looking at the exhibits. Today was no exception. I bought hand dyed cheese cloth in my favorite colors (pinks, purples and greens) and two very cool books, Fabric Art Collage by Rebekah Meier and From Image to Stitch by Maggie Grey. I love every book Maggie Grey has done, and this one makes me drool as well! My heart is leaning to fabric these days. I am blessed to have lots of choices when it comes time to creating! What are you working on these days?

While the cats away, the mice will play . . .

2009-05-22T08:32:00.000-07:00

My hubby is gone on his annual vacation to the "Old Time" music festival and that gives me total freedom to play any way I want! The first part of the week was rocky as he had cancelled flights, missed flights and way too many drives back and forth to the airport. But, it has settled into a good pattern from there! There was ATC group last night and I always enjoy spending time with this group of women. Wednesday was a play date with Debi and Kathie, each of us working on jewelry projects. Tuesday was lunch with Garnet and time spent playing in the art room working on plaster flowers and coloring some altered tins. I have been reading the new Stampington magazines, Sew Somerset and Art Quilting Studio, both have been making me drool. With uninterrupted hours of reading time, I have also been devouring Have You Found Her by Janice Erlbaum. For those of you familar with my quest for the Frozen Charlotte dolls, I finally was able to get them at Glitterfest in Tustin last weekend! I am a happy camper! Sometimes with all this unstructured time I find I don't focus and I feel like I am wasting time. But then my attention will light onto something and I relish the hours I can just be in the zone and not have to be in the real world for hours at a time! Today I have plaster flowers to color and little projects wanting to be finished on my art desk so I will wander to the back of the house and see what the day holds for me. Hoping your day holds some time to create for you.

Rich to have a mom and sister!

2009-05-14T08:59:00.000-07:00

I have been gone the past week visiting my mom and sister. May is the month of birthdays and Mothers Day and it's a tradition to head north to celebrate! What a good time we had. It's been a long time since I was able to celebrate my little sister's birthday with her on the actual birth date and we went to Morro Bay for the day in her honor. It was fun to play Scrabble together, I like it when the three of us get to play it together. I don't have a big family, but I feel rich with the family I have! I didn't create any art while I was gone, I read, played Scrabble, took walks and ate, oh my gosh, how we ate! This morning I read the following: ". . . what we're really after in life is a feeling, or a set of feelings, or an endless ocean of feelings, rather than piles of what George Carlin used to call "stuff"." My mom calls it creating memory bubbles to be stored up and treasured. I liked the memory bubbles built this past week. What feeling are you after today?

The little things that make our lives matter . . .

2009-05-06T16:50:00.000-07:00

I was thinking about the little things that matter in our lives. I was thinking about good health and feeling strong on my morning walk. The love of and for my pets. The sound of the birds at the feeder in the backyard. Being able to pick up the phone and hear the sound of someone I love who is just a little too far away to reach out and give a hug to. Looking up into the blue of the sky and feeling the sweet breeze that caresses my face. Smiling at paint on my arms from a fun day of creating. The bittersweet feeling of finishing a book I have really enjoyed reading and am sorry to have ended. Feeling grateful that I am able to feel rested and rejuvenated each morning. The smell and taste of that first cup of morning coffee. That I get to be here now, having this experience at this time. Will you share a little thing that matters to you?

A little lunch, a little shopping, a little art . . .

2009-04-30T17:11:00.000-07:00

Today was a good day! I met a dear friend for lunch and was able to get caught up with her. Then a hop, skip and a jump over to Stamping Details to schedule more classes to teach in June, to sign up for a book making class in May and to purchase the lovely gold encaustic wax you see here. Boy, life is good!! Every since taking the Karen O'Brien class on Friday I have been chomping at the bit to get my hands on some new glazes and since I was half way to San Diego anyway, I went down to Dick Blick and purchased the other supplies you see here. Man, I feel rich with new art supplies! Love it!! The cover piece to my project from Karen's class is coming together. Yesterday I spread out all my papers and painted the backs of them to reinforce the techniques I'd learned and to get these pages ready to put into a book. Ahhh yes, life is good today!

Wow, what a weekend!

2009-04-28T18:40:00.000-07:00

The pictures posted here are from the class I had on Friday with Karen O'Brien at Stamping Details. The class was on background techniques, and I loved it. I have taken a class with Karen before, and she is an excellent teacher. I learn a lot from her and I like her teaching style. I think DiAnn has talked her into coming back in July, and I'll definitely be signing up for that class, too. In addition to the class I took, I also taught my Birds of Whimsy class this weekend, and it was a great group of students! I truly do get blessed by having the best students in my classes. The thing I love about this class is, they are all given the same kit to start with, but every bird leaves looking very different from her neighbor and each bird is fabulous! One day I will get it together and bring my camera so I can take pictures for you guys from my students. I also participated in the Encinitas Street Faire, and I have to give my partners big kudos for taking care of everything since I had to teach that day. I did get to show up for a glass of wine and the last hour of the show! Sales were not so good for us in this show, so we will continue to look for shows that are a better fit for our art and talents. It was our first show together as a group and it was well worth the experience. So, today I am catching my breath, doing a little laundry, picking up the art room, and mowing the lawn. It is a good day.

A little something from the knitting needles . . .

2009-04-21T11:29:00.000-07:00

Today I am sharing photos from two felted bowls I made recently. There's just something about that felting process that intrigues me no end and when I received a felted bowl as a present from my friend Teresa for Christmas, I knew I would have to make some more myself. My favorite is the little brown/pink one. I love this yarn and when it felts, it is just yummy!
Bette, I am sending healing thoughts out to you this morning, please get well soon!
I am feeling good today. It has cooled off a bit, I have taken my walk this morning, I have art projects waiting for me in the art room and I have a Birds of Whimsy class coming up on Sunday. I hope your day is going well, also and I want to leave you with these words today: First keep the peace within yourself, then you can also bring peace to others. - Thomas A. Kempis 1420

Some works . . .

2009-04-14T17:08:00.000-07:00

Today I was empowered. I had issues with my computer, which I determined to be a modem issue. We happened to have a new modem laying around (who does that?!!), and I was able to connect the new one up. But alas, it didn't allow me to connect to the internet, so a call to the high speed internet provider, an hour of my time later, and still no internet connection. Remember the low battery problem from many months ago . . . well, after J patiently walked me through how to open up the computer, I located the battery, went and got a new one, came home, installed it, went through the process to connect the new modem to our provider and walla! I am able to post a new entry on my blog today! The whole point to all these words is I am not a computer tech person, none of this is in my realm of comfort, but it all came together with help over the phone and I did it!!! I don't feel smart per se, but I do feel a little bit less intimidated! Ahhh, let's get on to art where I am much more comfortable!! The pieces posted are a hodgepodge of things I have worked on and am currently working on. I don't normal post works in progress, but what the heck!

The purple container is a favorite piece of mine that I recently dropped on the floor. I was fortunate in that it only broke along the edge so in contemplating how to rescue it, I was able to glue the pieces together and then solder over the cracks to create this cool metal against ceramic look! I actually like it better now!
The little altered tin is a piece I have been playing with for a bit, I love the colors on this piece.

The book cover is from a book from the 1880's I picked up as one of my treasures from Paris to the Moon last Friday. It is in process, but I love the direction it is going in.

And Tamsie, the last piece is the one from you. Nothing is committed on this piece yet, but I like the feel to the direction it is going in.
So, that's some of what I have been touching in the Little Art Room in the Back lately. I have a few other things in process, but thought you might enjoy a peek into a little corner of my world. Today has been a good day . . .

A view of the little art room in the back . . .

2009-04-08T19:22:00.000-07:00

I forget whose blog I was looking at recently, but they posted pictures of their art room. I thought while mine is cleaned up I would take some pics and post for your viewing pleasure! To give you an update on the frozen Charlotte dolls, I drove the 50 miles to Whimzy only to find the store dark and the door locked - they are on vacation until the middle of the month!! I can only hope they went to Paris on vacation and are busy finding cool treasures for us to purchase for our future art projects!

Yahoo!!! The winner is . . .

2009-04-07T08:48:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all who entered into my giveaway! This morning as I was fixing my coffee I pulled the name of the winner and it is Doreen!!! Congratulations Doreen! Please email your address to me and I will get your prize on it's way to you! What a fun way to start the day, I will have to do more giveaways! Carolyn, thank you for posting about my giveaway on your blog, that was very cool of you!
This morning I am off to Whimzy in Tustin for the express purpose of getting some Frozen Charlotte dolls. One of my students this weekend tipped me off about this place and I am so anxious to get some of those treasures in my hands! I was already to take off for this trip yesterday, but at the last minute decided I had better check the days and times they are open, and good thing I looked because they are closed on Mondays! So I mowed the lawn and pulled weeds instead! Today I am making that trip and I will post my treasures for all to see! Congratulations again Doreen, and a big thank you to all who played!

It's my turn to do a giveaway!!!

2009-04-02T09:29:00.000-07:00

In honor of my birthday, of having posted over 75 blog entries and of having such a fun time doing art, I am having a giveaway!!! The piece I am giving is the one pictured here. I made this piece on wood and it comes with 7 cards of inspiration created by me for you to tuck somewhere in your art space. All you have to do to be entered in the drawing is to post a comment on this entry and give me a word that you use for inspiration. I love it when the authors of other blogs have done giveaways, and it is exciting that now it is my turn!! I will post the winner on April 7th! Good luck!!!

Little things adding up = happy !

2009-03-31T10:55:00.000-07:00

Ahhh, today is already starting out to be a good day!! I am feeling full of well being! Lots of little things are contributing to that feeling. Well, residual effects from Tamsie's visit last week, for sure. I had great students in my class on Sunday (glass slide soldering). Barnes and Noble has their new designer bags out for spring and I bought one yesterday along with Life is a Verb by Patti Digh (a book I have been wanting to read for some time now), Succulent Wild Woman by SARK and Throw Out Fifty Things, Clear the Clutter, Find Your Life by Gail Blanke. I started Life is a Verb last night, and it is as interesting as I wanted it to be. I love the title of this book. It intrigues me to think of connecting the word life with an action rather than as a thing. A very enticing change of perspective. After Tamsie's visit last week, I had a great day with Denise and Linda as we went to the salvage yard in Rainbow and bought the treasures in the photo above. I can't wait to use them on the houses. I came home from my walk this morning and a package was waiting on the front step. It was a gift from my friend Michelle who works at a fabric company. Inside were the most yummy fabrics for me to play with! What a treat! I can't wait to do something cool with them! Thank you again, Michelle!! And tomorrow is my birthday and I love my birthday. One thing I do for myself on that day is to take time to write about what I have learned about life (the verb as well as the noun!) and reflect on where I would like to go in the next year. I like where I am and where I am going. I like being a woman of age, 54. Trying to live my life as a woman of integrity. Thinking of the things I can do to make the world a better place. Being a good friend (and the richness of the good friends I have). Being a good daughter to a mom who teaches me and stretches me to live from my heart. Sharing in the sisterhood of being a big sister to my two sisters and honoring who they are as women. Hoping that in expressing the gift of my life, I am in some way offering encouragement and hope to the people I met on the path. Celebrating the simple and feeling very blessed to have been given another birthday upon which to reflect . . .

What a fun time!

2009-03-26T16:05:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned in my last entry, my BFF has been in town visiting from Minnesota. Monday was the day she came to stay with me for a few days and we hit the ground running. Quick trip to Starbucks for coffee and then on to the art house workshop hosted by the lovely Denise! This was the perfect way to introduce said BFF to the wonderful group of women artists I am privileged to create with. What a fantastic time we had! I love the dynamics of working with this talented group of women. The picture posted is of the houses we created. Tamsie's is the green one (isn't it pretty?!) and mine is the ochre colored one. I now have a set of three of these houses hanging on my wall and I love them! Thanks to all the ladies for making this such a fun time! I feel truly blessed by the richness of my friendships!

The next fun project was to create the little journal books. Tams fell in love with the process and finished product and I see more of these in her future for sure! No trip would be complete without an journey to the art supply stores here in the San Diego area so we did that on the second day. Lots of beautiful handmade papers purchased by both of us at Dick Blicks, fun finds at the Architectural Salvage store in Little Italy (can't wait to work with the treasures I found there!), and lunch at the Beach House in Solana Beach sitting in the sun and soaking up the ocean view right on the beach! The Paper Source was our next destination (yup, we bought more paper)! Then home to play with the colorful polymer clay mosaics I learned to make in Laurie Mika's class. The pieces we created actual have spiraled wire coming out the top of them for inserting a couple of photos or ATC cards. We were able to take in a good walk in the morning of her last day, and a trip to the pier for more ocean viewing. One of the last things we did was to sit down with a couple of my art books and select projects we are going to both work on throughout the year to improve our artistic techniques. It was the perfect time. I will admit, my hostessing skills were not as honed as they could have been as I didn't prepare one meal for us! It was all dining out or lemon squares, another small contribution to stimulate the success of the local economy!

I missed her this morning when I got up for coffee and there was no art project spread out on the table waiting for us to sit down in our PJ's to work on. I can't wait until the next time already!

Stepping back up to the plate . . .

2009-03-20T16:27:00.000-07:00

What an awesome day! My gift today was my BFF flew in to town yesterday to visit with her mom and this morning we were able to meet for coffee and hugs! There is nothing in the world better than hugs and coffee chat with your best friend! We will get to have several days next week when she will come stay with me. We are going to get to play in the art room every day! Can't wait to post our creations.
Keeping it short and sweet today!!

The House of Blues . . .

2009-03-17T08:24:00.000-07:00

Well, I am back! I truly thought after my last post I was going to be visiting here and posting on a much more regular basis - I don't know how to explain that I didn't. But, I am here now and I want to snuggle in and share with you guys again. I have been playing a little in the art room and here is one of the most fun things I have done lately. Inspired by Lisa Kaus, some friends got together and created our own version of her art houses. I love them!! I can't get enough of making them. Not having worked with wood before, I am loving that, too! I actually used a power saw for the first time and wonder why I waited so darn long to do that! The house measures 18"x10"x1". It is a true mixed media piece, painted in acrylics and oil pastels, enhanced with collage and found metal objects, and coated in beeswax. I have several fun things looming on the horizon for the near future. I am looking forward to sharing more of my art soon!

Monday blogging . . .

2009-02-09T09:15:00.001-08:00

It seems to me that I have fallen out of favor with the blogging scene lately. This is disappointing because I was so smitten when I first started. I have noticed that the other bloggers I visit have been cutting back on their blogging entries, too. Maybe we have just run out of words?!! Could it possibly be that we have really already said all we need/can/want to say?! Anyone who knows me will attest that I don't usually lack for words. For like writing, I do love to talk! Just look at my phone bill each month!
It appeared a bit of my passion had gone underground. It happens. What I count on is that it will come back, and with renewed energy. One way I can tell if I am getting back on track is the desire and ability to create returns. I have been playing in my art room. Things have been bubbling up in my brain and actually finding their way out of my fingers and into the real world. This is making me happy. I am able to let go of some things I know I won't do again and I am entering into some things that are enticing me to take them further. I am finding the sweet spot in my art again. And while it is raining here today, I smell the scent of spring in the air and warmth of the sun on my face.

Soar on Wings of Love . . .

2009-02-03T19:22:00.000-08:00

Here's the spoon I mentioned in a prior post. I found it on my morning walk the other day. I ran it through the dishwasher and then added color with alcohol inks and rub-n-buff. I then added wings made out of copper wire and deli paper and colored with paint and mica powders. The little heart is created out of paper clay and colored with acrylic paint. Add a few beads, some copper wire swirls, some words and I have a whimsical piece to add to my wall. I think these spoons are fun to do. I really liked the addition of the wings and heart.
Today I went to see Slumdog Millionaire - a great movie! You owe it to yourself to see this movie if you get the chance.
Well, off to play a bit more in the art room, but I wanted you to see the finished spoon!

Spring is on it's way!

2009-02-02T10:24:00.000-08:00

This morning as I took my walk I saw two big V's of Canadian geese flying home! They were honking in all their glory and it made me smile wide to see them. Seeing the geese on their northbound journey is always a highlight of my year. There is something in me that stirs to the sound of their honking, the dedication to their journey and the thought of how happy they must be to be heading home again. This is the third time I have seen them in their migration in the last few days and it definitely brings a happiness to my soul.
This past weekend I taught a glass slide solder class and had a great group of students. This is always a very satisfying class to teach because everyone is happy to learn this technique and take it with them into their future art projects. It's amazing what type of mini masterpiece you can create between two 1"x3" pieces of glass!
Pam, if you are reading this, I want to wish you a Happy Belated Birthday! I hope you did something fun to celebrate your special day! And to the rest of my readers, I wish you a satisfying day and the hope that something will make you experience a happiness in your soul today.

Can January really be coming to an end already?!

2009-01-14T13:03:00.001-08:00

Boy, what the heck happened to this month?! I can't believe we are already through the first month of the new year! I feel a bit remiss for not having posted more this month. I have felt as if I am in a state of semi hibernation, and I am not even living where it is cold and I would be justified for withdrawing from life for a bit! Today as I sat on the patio eating my lunch, I thought, "Gee, this is a real treat! So many people are dealing with the hardship of bad weather right now and I feel like I am on retreat!" I relished sitting there and closing my eyes in the sun and listening to the little birds chirping all around me.
I have been in kind of a funky space the last month or so, I don't really want to bore myself or you with that, but I feel the need to address it as I have put myself out here with a blog and I feel an obligation to share I haven't been wanting to connect with anyone. Wanting to be isolated is not a normal state for me, so while I have been working through it, I haven't wanted to be working it through with anyone else. Suffice it to say, I am coming back around.
Yesterday in the art room I played with altering some tins and some paper clay elements. The most fun thing I did though was to play with a spoon I found last week while I was on my walk. I colored it with alcohol inks and rub-n-buff, some wire and beads and some wings I learned to make from Kelly Rae Robert's new book. It isn't quite done, but I will post it as soon I have added the finishing touches. There's something quite fun and whimsical about those darn spoons that makes them irresistible!
I am happy to be writing here today and wanting to leave you with this quote I read this morning: "If you want to meet someone who can fix any situation you don't like, who can bring you happiness in spite of what other people say or believe, look in a mirror and say this magic word: Hello!" - Richard Bach

OMG (Oh My Gosh!) . . .

2009-01-14T13:03:00.000-08:00

I can't believe I have let a whole month go by with no postings to my beloved blog! I don't even have a good excuse/reason to give for not being here of late. So, to not beat a dead horse (an awful expression!), the good news I have returned in the New Year! Here are a few things I have been up to lately. I taught a class this past Sunday on altered tins. What a great group of students! I was a little nervous because I haven't taught this type of class before, but it was perfect! Thank you so much to the creative women who made it so fun! I will be teaching it again in March. I have been fortunate to schedule more classes in the upcoming year. On the calendar is a year's worth of PMC classes, glass slide soldering, a mixed media bird project, and if I can get my act together, a book class. I was going to slack off on teaching this year, but if the interest is still there, I will show up for sure! I have also been given the opportunity to join a very talented group of women artists for the purpose of playing, experimenting and doing shows together this year and I am very excited about that!
I have been taking a look at being kinder to my body these days. This means eating well, taking my walks and getting good sleep. I have found my days go much better when I start with my morning readings, my daily writing (a good idea from Julia Cameron, The Sound of Paper), followed by my walk, then a good healthy breakfast. What comes after that is always better balanced by that good start to my day.
I have been reading and just finished Jodi Picoult's Nineteen Minutes last night. I have Sue Monk Kidd's When the Heart Waits and Susan Tuttle's Exhibition 36 on my reading table at the moment. Over the holidays I finished The Story of Edgar Sawtelle, which I really enjoyed. I always feel rich with a stack of good books by my side. And I have been knitting, making socks and chemo caps. I love my hand knit socks! This is funny because I really resisted making them. I thought is was silly when you could go buy them so inexpensively and yet, I can't wait to replace all my store boughts with hand made ones now, they are just so much cuter!
So, it is good to be settling back into the blog seat again. Thank you to my blog friends who have continued to stop by and say hi, I am warmed by your presence in my little corner of the art room. I am very hopeful about the new year, excited for the adventures to come and feeling blessed by all that has been. It's good to be back.

Just checking on you guys . .

2008-12-19T14:53:00.000-08:00

I hope you are all enjoying the pre-Christmas festivities. I have been happy with the arrival of Christmas cards in the mail box and hearing Christmas songs in the stores. I love that this time of year encourages us to reach out to connect with others. It is a perfect time to pause and reflect on the blessings we have, and think about how to help those who may not be feeling so fortunate. As you go about the extra effort that goes into the holiday season, remember to take time for filling yourself back up. And yes, you can do it with Christmas cookies, See's candy and homemade fudge! But I hope you will also include time to take a walk and breath in the clean, crisp air. Listen to the birds chirping and the happy sounds around you. Remember to take time to pray for those in need and for yourself. Read passages of inspiration. Snuggle with your four footed friends. Turn off the TV, light the candles and just bask in the glow of being secure in your home. It is a good life we live.

Its cold (for So Cal!), rainy and I think we need cookies . . .

2008-12-15T14:16:00.000-08:00

Today was one of those rare days in So Cal with lots of rain and wind. It was the perfect day for starting the Christmas cookies I love to make only at this time of year. So I lit all the candles in my living room, got the mixing bowls out and and turned on the oven - yummy!! The house is toasty warm, good smells are in the air and my nest feels cozy and comfy! This is a big part of what Christmas is about to me.
Then I had a most unexpected surprise in the mail today. The house next to us had been abandoned by the former owners many months ago, such a sad sign of the times. In the interest of keeping things looking as normal as possible I would mow the weeds when they got too high. J. would go over and pull the weeds growing up in places we couldn't get to with the lawn mower and we would take in the newspapers that continued to be delivered in spite of my calls to have them stopped. We just generally kept our eye on the place. Well, a couple of weeks ago it was bought at auction and the lovely man who bought it totally fixed it up to sell. He sent us a check for taking care of it before he even owned it! I was blown away! What a nice man! It makes my heart happy to know this man fixed this house up right, and he cares about us wanting to have nice neighbors move in next door. I was very humbled and happy. The real estate situation has so many people feeling callused and cynical these days, and it just made me feel warmed to know it wasn't going to be that way for the house next to us.
Here's another story that warmed my heart and humbled me. I am teaching a class in January using tins to make altered art. I have three class samples in the store and this weekend a customer really wanted to buy one of them. It just so happens that it was my first one and my favorite one, but something told me to let her have it. When I asked if it was for her or someone else after she purchased it, she told me it was for a friend of hers in Colorado who is battling cancer. She bought it to send to her as encouragement. My heart just immediately melted. I am blown away when something from my heart and hands touches someone's heart. It really makes me believe in the power of the Spirit, and man, how that humbles me.
So today I wish you the peace of a quiet, cozy day, filled with your favorite smells and sounds, candles adding gentle light and a heart touched by the Spirit of the season.

It is the busy time of year . . .

2008-12-10T10:01:00.000-08:00

We are all in our busy mode these days. Things to be done for Christmas rather it is presents to give, items to make for shows or just the internal need to create, we are all doing it! This morning I was reading this:

"You are blessed because of the love you give forth. In coming days such blessings shall you have that you will feel you have no more room in your heart to receive them. Go now to the tasks that await your hands and I will work with and through you as you fulfill your daily portion of work."

This really speaks to me. I am reminded that the creations we bring forth with our hands, starts in our hearts and brings that love to the people we share our art with. And it's not just our art, it's the way we go about using our hands throughout our day. We drive, do chores, we touch and hug our family, friends and pets, we are cooking and cleaning, planting and writing. Our hands are there to express the love that flows through us in all the actions they take. I don't know about you, but that offers me great comfort as I go about my day today.

Home, happy and hopeful . . .

2008-12-03T10:38:00.000-08:00

I am home and had a great time with my family for the Thanksgiving holiday! We ate turkey (and many turkey sandwiches!), played lots of Scrabble games, and enjoyed each other's company. A good time was had by all!
I am happy. I cleaned house yesterday, washed windows to let the sun shine in, filled bird feeders, caught up with friends on the phone, and in blogland. Putting order back into my world.
I am hopeful and letting the excitment and anticipation of the Christmas season start to flirt with my thoughts. I am going to a Christmas party this Friday, which is called Craft-O-Rama!! It will be my first time attending and I've heard wonderful things about it in the past that I can't wait to get to go play there this year!
I love this time of year. The season is about hope, love, the promise of good things to come and appreciation of the good things we have already.

Giving thanks for the blessings that are mine . . .

2008-11-24T16:07:00.000-08:00

This morning I was reading my one of my favorite books and this line jumped out at me: "Let quietness be in your heart today, peace be in your soul." I just really love the cadence of this sentence. I thought this would make a wonderful replacement for my typical, "Have a good day.", but my BFF suggested I may want to rethink that! I guess I will just keep it as silent mantra for traffic jams and long grocery lines! I wouldn't be surprised to see it show up in one or two of my pieces of art one day, though.
I taught class this weekend, and one of my students was given the class as a birthday present from her friend. That really touched my heart. I have been working on my journals for the gallery and will deliver them tomorrow. I have been having fun with them and want to make more when this batch is done to have on hand for future shows.
I know we are getting ready for the Thanksgiving holiday this week, so I want to wish all of you that quietness in your heart and the peace in your soul as you celebrate your gratitude for your journey. I'll catch up with you all next week! Hugs from me to you!

Light of heart . . .

2008-11-21T09:24:00.000-08:00

Today finds me feeling light of heart, hopeful and happy! I am feeling on track and on purpose and it feels good! I know this is a feeling that can change on a moment's notice, but for right here, right now, that is how I am feeling. Yesterday was such an art filled day. It started with dropping off the little ornaments you see here at Studio Maureen then a much anticipated trip to the Grove for inspiration and a few early Christmas gifts for some of my knitting buddies. Next it was lunch at the Beach House in Solana Beach with 3 wonderfully talented artist. We sat outside, watching the ocean and planning all kinds of road trips, future shows and having fun inspiring each other to go for the gusto in life! The next trip was off to the ATC group I belong to at GeeGee's in Carlsbad and trading art and stories. Yes, life is very good to me. I am breathing in, I'm breathing out and I'm enjoying every second of the journey.

11-17-08 Monday afternoon reflections . . .

2008-11-17T16:02:00.000-08:00

I am sitting here today with the sound of birds chirping outside, the dryer running in the background and the shadows of the afternoon sun playing on the dining room wall. I am posting pictures of a couple of little journals I made because last week I had some good fortune. I was accepted to sell my journals at a new art gallery here in Southern Calif called Artists by the Sea in Cardiff. I made these journals a couple of years ago, and I just love them. I love the long narrow shapes, perfect for use as a gratitude journal, or for writing your favorite quotes. I make them with a variety of papers, paints and encaustic wax. I am excited the gallery accepted them and am happy I get to make more of them. My good fortune did not end there, I was privately commissioned to make a couple of PMC pieces, also.
So I was thinking today about the idea of where my thinking comes from. Is my heart in a place of abundance, or is it coming from a place of lack? Do I see the blessings of doors that open before me and walk through them with excitement and expectation, or do I stand back and hesitate, letting fear and doubt keep me on this side as I watch those doors close before me? These are all choices I get to make, and the choices I make will determine the flavor of my life. I have to admit I am a lover of vanilla, but sometimes I have to go out there and have the "death by chocolate"! I wish you your favorite flavor today . . .

11-13-08 What's with the date in the title?!

2008-11-13T08:18:00.000-08:00

I don't know if anyone has noticed, but the date of my last several blog entries have all been dated October 14th. That's because the computer needs a new battery and I've realized that it in no way interferes with me posting if a new one has not been installed! I am not a techno whiz, so I am saving this project for my IT man to take care of in his leisure. It was his suggestion that I could manually post the date of my entries. At which I balked, and then thought, hmmm, maybe I should . . .
So my thought for the day has to do with something that I wrote about in my gratitude journal the other night. The presence of the friends I have in my life. I know I am loved by these women who make sure to talk to me and make plans to spend time with me on a very regular basis. These women enrich my life beyond words. They are one of the cornerstones on which my life today is built - their love for me and the encouragement they extend to me colors my world in ways I can't imagine living without. They are each treasured gifts of my life. While reading, "The Voice of the Master" this morning it was reinforced with this sentence, "My love manifests for you in many ways - in ways of health, strength, wisdom of mind, soul understanding, in friends with whom I surround you; all are manifestations of My abiding love." I do feel very loved today.

Do you smell a cake cooking around here somewhere?

2008-10-14T14:00:00.005-07:00

This morning as I felt a deep sense of calm and peace. I am not even sure what I want to share with you today, but I feel the need to post. I am feeling more and more comfortable in my own skin (literally and spiritually). It may just be a wisdom that comes with aging, or a feeling that comes with acknowledging the need to search quietly within.
So here's the image that comes into my mind. We put all the ingredients into a bowl for making a cake - everything is there for the success of the cake, but without stirring it up, it is just a pile of raw ingredients (we are born with the right stuff). Then comes the mixing and stirring (life works on us and through us). Then things start to come together in a completely new way, smoother and more integrated - a form that can now be poured into a pan (we start to put our life experiences to work for us and others). If we pay attention and cook it for the specified amount of time, we have a delicious treat!
I know, I have a simplistic view of the world most of the time - and that's not something I think is always a drawback, by the way. In working with that spiritual principle of simplicity this week, I have been feeling those cake ingredients getting stirred into a smoother batter. And yum, I am anticipating the smell that cake cooking now . . .

Spiritual Practice . . .

2008-10-14T14:00:00.004-07:00

First, I have to say I am ecstatic about the election of Barack Obama as our new president! I am so hopeful about the change in the future of our country, and the world. I know not all of you voted the same way, but I truly believe he is going to do great things for all of us.
I have been giving more thought to the idea of living my life from spiritual principles. My starting point is the art of living simply. It's about releasing things (literally) and ideas that are not supporting who I am today. Starting at the front door, I am working my way through the house "releasing" to the thrift store and the trash. I feel better already! I want to make my house cleaning chores go swiftly and easily. Really I don't want to do house cleaning chores at all! Less things to take care of, less things cluttering my environment and mind = more time for the things I want to do like make art, knit, read, lunch with friends. It is about being present in my life. My life today, not my life yesterday and not my life tomorrow, my life today. I suspect this may lead to things like eating less refined foods and adding more simple foods to my diet. Maybe even less clutter in my art and more refinement of what I want to express with it. Who knows where this will lead, but already on the path and I feel my breathing getting slower and deeper.

No complaining ?!!!!!

2008-10-14T14:00:00.003-07:00

I have read a few articles lately that addressed the activity of complaining, or rather, the desire not to. Boy, that made me sit up and take notice. I don't think of myself as a whiner. I like to think I pretty wear my rose colored glasses with panache. But you know, I do have that part in me that is quick to leave a nasty comment out in the universe if something isn't going my way.
I read about a couple who made a commitment to not complain for a month! My gosh, I have to set the bar a lot lower than that! I am just going to try it for a day, and I think I have to start tomorrow, because I may have already complained about something today!!
Today I am going to watch for those situations in which I immediately want to be critical and/or judgmental. When they happen (and trust me, I know they will!) I will use the opportunity to replace those thoughts with being an observer and wishing peace into those situations. Even a day seems like a long time to practice this, but I am going to give it a try and I ask you, the reader, to let me know if you try it and how it works for you!

Gorgeous Day in Paradise . . .

2008-10-14T14:00:00.002-07:00

Boy, today is one of those days we love in Southern California. The sun is shining, but is not too hot, the birds are singing, and the out of doors is just calling my name to come out and play! Okay, I really need to be out there mowing the lawn, but the fresh air and sunshine make it worth it!
I was gone last week visiting with my mom and little sister. I had a great time and it seemed especially sweet to get to spend time with my sister because she has not always lived close enough for me to get to visit with her. Turns out she surprised me by being a better Scrabble player than I thought she was . . .
The art room has been lonely for awhile, but I threw caution to the wind and played around in there all morning. No masterpieces to speak of, but I did practice with the collaging techniques I learned in Karen O'Brien's class the other weekend (a most excellent class by an excellent teacher, take a class from her if you ever get the opportunity!). I am working on an art journal and played with some of the pages in there. It felt good to get paint on my hands!
Yesterday I played hookie to go see the movie, The Secret Life of Bees. It was good, and followed the book very well. It was cast perfectly and definitely worth your time to go see it. The cinematography was a touch too Hallmark for me, I had imagined it being a just a bit more edgey when I was reading it. But hey, they didn't ask my opinion when they were filming. Still worth your time and money!
It's good to be home. I have missed my blog, but today I have this thought going around in my head that I want to share. Our thoughts and actions are like little pebbles getting dropped into the pond of life. We don't know how the ripples they create are going to impact the those they touch, so drop them with kindness, good will and the truth in your heart.

I am better!

2008-10-14T14:00:00.001-07:00

I am feeling better!! Life is getting back into the place that I know it to come from! Man, nothing like having a few days of temporary poor health to make you appreciate what feeling good is! Unfortunately I have given this to J., so he is going to have to deal with this for a few days. I will pamper him and nurse him back to good health, though.
Today I meet with my friend for lunch at St. Germain's in Encinitas. I love getting to do that. The ride home up the coast is like icing on the cake. While in Encinitas I went to The Black Sheep and bought some new yarn for more chemo caps. I got a hand dyed cotton yarn from Chile, and a gorgeous deep purple Debbie Bliss bamboo/merino blend. While at lunch, one of my students from this past weekend came into St. Germain's to have lunch with her husband - how cool was that! This morning I came up with a great class idea. I am excited to get the details worked out and will post a picture of it when I get the sample finished.
Yes, life is still good! I feel blessed and hope that you are feeling likewise. Today I want to leave you with this thought: "Authentic empowerment is the knowing that you are on purpose, doing God's work, peacefully and harmoniously." Hoping you all have that sense of inner peace and harmony today.

Sniffle, sniffle . . .

2008-10-14T14:00:00.000-07:00

Ah, I write today with a fistful of Kleenex in one hand and a glass of orange juice in the other. I have succumbed to a nasty cold and it is kicking my butt! Good thing for you guys germs cannot travel in blogland. Did I mention I sprained my ankle last week while I was taking my walk? Within the last 5 days we also have had two fires on Camp Pendleton and I could see the flames moving in the direction of our house from our front door. I have the box of important papers by the front door and the kitty carriers in the corner in case we have to make a fast get away. I think the good news is the ground has now all been burnt so there is nothing for a new fire to use for fuel. Sounds like my charmed life is falling apart!!
But there have been bright spots, too, as there always is in life. I had such a good class this past Sunday, three ladies who made teaching PMC so fun. I love how the universe puts such nice people in my path - I always get the best students! I also am scheduled to teach at Studio Maureen this coming Saturday and Sunday I am taking a collage class with artist Karen O'Brien. Today I received the funniest card from my BFF, I love unexpected mail sent with love and a laugh inside! So see, life is still good and I am going to be good as new in no time (cough, sniffle, cough)!!

Interesting times . . .

2008-10-10T10:39:00.000-07:00

Wow, it is such an interesting time in our country's history right now. The election, the economy, the weather around the country, one's attention has a lot to focus on these days. In finding balance it helps me to get back to the basics, making good wholesome soups, reading great books, spending time journaling, meditating and communing with God, spending time with the people I love, and working on my art. I am fascinated to see what is happening at this time. I have a deep feeling that we are going be okay.
I am posting a picture of the chemo caps I have been working on. I have found a local oncology office I can donate them to and I feel honored to help comfort someone in such a small way. It's all about helping each other as best we can.
So today I hope you find some way to do something that makes you feel good about yourself, taking care of who you are, creating something artful, spending time with those you love. It's all about making meaningful connections.

Ahhh, the sweet smell of success . . .

2008-10-06T12:57:00.000-07:00

I am happy to report that this weekend's art show was a huge success! The vendors all made sales, the weather was perfect, it felt like fall and this artist came home very happy! My beaded spirit dolls were a big hit, I only had two left! I can't wait to make more! I saw lots fellow artists I haven't seen for awhile, enjoyed meeting new people and just really had a good time.
I have some ATC cards I need to make, one group is doing a Halloween theme, and the other group is doing fabric with Shiva paint sticks - both should be fun to do. I am working on my knitting still, I have 3 and 1/2 chemo caps done and I finished one of two socks for my second pair I am knitting for myself. What is it about that ball of string and two sticks that is so darn alluring right now?!!
Well, just wanted to check in after the show to let you know how it went and to send a smile your way today!

My little art room mascot . . .

2008-10-01T10:05:00.000-07:00

This is my little girl kittie, Gwen, doing what she loves to do best in the art room - sitting in my chair! It is not uncommon for me to be working with my back to the door and I will hear and feel this big thump as she jumps up on to the back of the chair and sits behind my head and decides to keep me company and take a nap. It is one of those feelings that makes my heart feel complete and content. Note the in progress work on the art bench for the upcoming show!
I am still knitting like a fool. I am loving the projects in the Knitting for Peace book I got and another book I picked up this last weekend by Nicky Epstein called Knitted Flowers. I am doing a field trip tomorrow to the Yarn Lady in Laguna Nigel - an awesome yarn shop I can't wait to introduce my friends to! I can't wait to see what yarn calls out to me in light of the new projects I have been knitting. There's something about knitting that makes me think of old ladies (and I am getting up there, but don't consider myself old yet!!), and yet there is something very calming, and meditative and grounding in doing it. I don't want to be like the old auntie that crochets doilies for everyone and they smile as they take it and then put it in the Goodwill bag! Hence, I will not be making scarves or doilies!!!
Well, I'd best get back to my projects for Saturday, but just wanted to share a picture or two of Gwen with you.

Prayers for my blog friends . . .

2008-09-28T13:16:00.000-07:00

Today my heart finds it's self being called upon to say special prayers for several people. I am a big believer in the power of prayer and I feel it is an honor to pray for those we care about. I don't always know exactly what I should be praying for so I just ask they be given the strength to carry the heavy weight in their hearts and to feel the hugs of those that are caring for them during their hard time.
Today feels a bit like fall and there are yummy smells in the house from the pot roast cooking in the crock pot (anticipating J's return from his hike on Iron Mountain). I had time this morning to work in the little art room creating more beaded figures and squeezing in a little more knitting.
I have wanted to comment on Kelly Rae Roberts new book, Taking Flight. It is an excellent book! My thanks to her for giving us fellow artists such an inspirational and technique filled book! I think it is up there with some of my very favorite art books - way to go Kelly Rae!!! If you haven't had a chance to check it out yet, it is now in Barnes and Noble and is worth looking for on the shelves.
I feel the need to leave you with the following words today: "Love is warm about you, for you shall function through spirit and there is all strength at your command."

Some things for the upcoming show . . .

2008-09-21T11:38:00.000-07:00

Just a short post to give you a peek into what I have been working on lately, in addition to my knitting projects, that is. These figures are what I am making for the upcoming art show. They are very rewarding to create. They are the perfect combination of things that speak to my heart, rich colors, metal, inspirational words and cool faces. They range from about 5" to 8" tall. This is my first time putting these up for sale so I will be interested to see how they do. There is a feel of fall in the air and I am loving that!! Fall is my very favorite season and it energizes me in a way no other season does.

The knitting fool . . .

2008-09-19T10:13:00.001-07:00

Well, you can see how I have been spending my time lately! I have been working on the other projects I wanted to make for Josiah. I love to sit and knit so it hasn't been a struggle to get into this! I need to finish up one more bootie and finish off the bear I am making then I can mail everything.
A funny thing to tell you. I have a cat named Sam who loves to sit on my printer while I am on the computer. The printer is off my right side and behind me. He sits up there purring and keeps reaching out and tapping my shoulder to make me turn around and pet him. He is very insistent about it and it always makes me smile because he has this sense of routine about "our" computer time. I don't really think it's a good idea to have him sitting up there on the printer, so please don't tell Dell in case I need to return it because it mysteriously quits working one day!
I don't think I 've mentioned that I am in a local ATC group. At our meeting ast night our challenge was to create a card using vinyl. I had fun with this one and just wanted to share another little piece of art from the little art room in the back.
Well, as you are all aware, these are interesting times for our country. I am feeling calm and secure, kind of like being in the eye of the hurricane and watching things swirl around me. So I leave you with these words for today: "At the heart of our essence and being is the place where all intention, thought, word and deed rest, and prepare to become the full manifestation of themselves." I just love those words, ". . . at the heart of our essence and being . . ."

Welcome to the family little one . . .

2008-09-11T10:48:00.000-07:00

Life is good today! I have been working on creating these last few days. My knitting needles have been calling my name and I made this little sweater for my nephew and niece's newest family member, Josiah, born on Monday morning - welcome to the world little one! I am also making him a couple of hats, some booties and a teddy bear. Knitting baby sweaters is one of my favorite things to make. They are just so dog gone cute! I picked up a new book called Knitting For Peace and it is whetting my appetite for doing even more knitting.
I am going to participate in an art show on October 4th, so I have been working on things to take there. It's been quite a while since I have done any selling, so this should be interesting! I've been working until about 1:00 a.m. and watching the Science channel - just getting into the creative flow.
My BFF is leaving on her trip to France to visit with her sister for a couple of weeks - ahhh, I can taste that French bread now! Check out my link to La Fourchette, perhaps Leslie will post a little something about what they are up to while she is there!
I am feeling like life is full these last couple of days, a good place to be and I leave you with this thought, "Anything less than compassion doesn't serve your highest good." Wishing you the opportunity to practice your compassion today.

Another lazy weekend

2008-09-01T14:46:00.000-07:00

Spending the weekend with leisure on my agenda. I have been rereading The Secret Life of Bees, one of my very favorite stories. I don't often take the time to reread something, but I was just in the mood for walking beside Lily as she triumphs over her circumstances and hearing the words of wisdom that come from observing the community of the little bees. Today I picked up Wicked to read after this. The Wizard of Oz is one of my other favorite stories.
I am working on some things for a craft show in October. I am thinking of making some of the jewelry that we have been creating from the jewelry challenge with Deryn. I think it will be a big hit! I am also in the mood for knitting and am finishing one of the two socks for my second pair I have ever knitted. Something draws me to knitting baby sweaters and I pulled out my patterns to start another one. My hands are feeling the need to keep busy and my mind wants to wander . . .

Dyed and Toted . . .

2008-08-27T18:12:00.000-07:00

I am back from my trip to Santa Cruz where I learned to dye fabric with Lorri Scott and to create a tote with DJ Pettitt style. Linda and I started out early on a sunny Saturday morning from San Diego and headed up to Santa Barbara to pick up Bette. There we stopped for lunch and a quick shopping trip in the Art From Scrap store. They had an exhibit by Charlotte Valestra entitled Anything Goes, which was very interesting to see. Wow, that was fun! I can tell that will be a regular stop for me when I go up to my mom's from now on! We had a nonstop talk fest on the rest of the ride! We met up with Karen in Santa Cruz and the four of us spent the weekend creating together.
It started on Sunday morning at Lorri's studio. She introduced us to arashi shibori and tie dying on silk, cotton and linen fibers. Lorri was good enough to set up an indigo vat so that we could also experience that. The day was hot and we were busy all day long playing with color and texture. We created treasures to use in our totes which we were going to make on Monday and more to take home for future creations. My favorite was the shibori dying. That night it was off to the wharf for a chance to unwind and eat dinner watching the sunset.
Monday morning we were off to the same general location for our workshop with DJ. We spent the day learning how DJ goes about composing and constructing her purses. Unfortunately we didn't have enough time to finish our projects, so the pictures I am posting of mine are still in the beginning stage. I will continue to work on it and will post the finished project once it's completed.
The frosting on the cake was the ride home yesterday. We came all the way down the coast on Highway 1. This is my most favorite drive in the world. If you have never had the good fortune to make this trip, you owe it to yourself to make this happen before you leave this earth - it is beyond words. It always fills my soul to overflowing when I get to do this. I posted a picture of Linda, Bette and myself at the spot we stopped for morning coffee and the chance to sit and soak it all in as we started at the north end near Big Sur. Life doesn't get any better than this!
I had a really good time, laughing till my stomach ached, getting to meet the infamous DJ Pettit, good times with the girls sharing about life, art and funny stories. After the long day of driving, it was good to get home.

Fun in the Sun with Fabric Weekend . . .

2008-08-22T18:35:00.001-07:00

I am off in the morning for my weekend workshop with Lorri Scott and DJ Pettitt. Can't wait to see the cool stuff we are going to create! See you guys back here the middle of next week!

Vintage Spoon Book Project done with my BFF

2008-08-20T18:58:00.000-07:00

I know these pictures don't do this project justice, but I so want to share about this on my blog. Several months ago, my friend Tamsie and I decided we wanted to start growing as artists by picking projects to do together. The only problem is I live in California and she is in Minnesota. Okay, it's not really a problem, we can use the mail to get things back and forth and the element of surprise is a big bonus. Tamsie picked the first project and it turned out to be one that we both initially agreed to,(something to do with a lot of blackness and we found that we couldn't really get into it after all.)
So the next pick was from Cloth Paper Scissors May/June 2008 edition. It's a Vintage Spoon Book by Kelli Perkins. This was just the ticket! We used alcohol inks, fibers, vintage spoons, vintage buttons and text. We both made one complete spoon for each other, and then we just colored one and sent it on to be decorated by the recipient. My spoons are the pinkish ones, and Tamsie's are the adorable little ones done in browns and moss greens. I put my "book" on an antique key I picked up at the flea market in Paris last year. What fun this was!!! It is my turn to pick the next project. I'll keep you posted!

Lazy Summer Days . . .

2008-08-19T11:40:00.001-07:00

Today finds me in the mood for love - not like you're thinking!!! Well, there is nothing wrong with that kind of love, but right now I am thinking about the love we express when we use our time. I was fortunate last week and found a used commercial paper rack for my art room. Most of you don't know I have been hoarding my papers in a rubber maid container, that wasn't really working out very well for me. I am ecstatic to have a real live paper rack for the art papers I am addicted to buying. Of course, the next thing was putting it in the room and then moving everything out of the way for it. One thing leading to another, total art room clean up. Ahhh, such a good feeling to have things at my disposal and the clean work spaces to play on!
I had such a fun class on Sunday. I taught a PMC class and the students were great! I love watching how people express their creativity using the same mediums. I don't know why, but I get blessed with the best students!
This weekend I am leaving for the Santa Cruz area to play at a workshop with Lorri Scott and DJ Pettitt. I am excited about a girls road trip with the express purpose of making art! Other than getting to go back to France, my next favorite kind of trip!
So today I have posted a picture from the first page of my new sketch book. It makes me happy to think I have already used all the pages in my other book and am now starting on a new one! Today, life is good and I hope a little of that joy finds it's way into your corner of the world.

Another jewelry challenge piece . . .

2008-08-12T15:14:00.000-07:00

I finished this piece for the summer jewelry challenge a couple of weeks ago, but I never got around to posting it because I thought I would be making more. Well, this is the only one I made and because I am wanting to get on with the other projects I am posting this today. I had a dickens of a time finding my book yesterday because I put it in a spot I don't normally put books. I must have searched high and low for at least an hour last night looking for it. I finally gave up and put my cranky self to bed. Then low and behold, this morning I found it sitting on that shelf I don't normally put books on!! What a relief! I am looking forward to continuing on the jewelry challenge journey. Yesterday I had the opportunity to do some more metal etching and I know I will find good uses for it in the projects to come.
I have been working on cleaning up the little art room in the back. It has become a bit unorganized and I have found myself wanting to create outside of it, so I know it is time to get it back into shape and make it the space I love to be in. I am not a neat freak by any means, but I don't like not having any open space to set things down on. It always feels good to get things back in order.
I realized I haven't left you with any inspirational words lately, so today I am leaving you with these: "Life is love, beauty and wisdom, as well as energy and imagination. You will be able to use It's power in exact proportion as you embody Its essence." - Ernest Holmes, The Art of Life

Hi from SoCal

2008-08-07T15:39:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's been this long since I last posted. Wish I could tell you I've been out of town, or busy in town, but the truth is, I've just been hanging out. I have been working on trying to develop a class or two, finished one of the pod projects for the jewelry challenge, and have been reading a bit. I've been combing through my art books for some inspiration and direction. I'm trying to look within and get accountable for myself (urghhhh!). Summer is my least favorite season of the four. It's hot, it can be humid, and I just feel very lazy and not very productive. My time in the summer makes me feel like I am just waiting. I don't know what I am waiting for (fall?), but maybe in the natural rhythm of cycles, we need this down time, too. What are your thoughts on the season of summer?

My latest project with Carla . . .

2008-07-31T10:03:00.000-07:00

Well, I finally took some pictures of my latest clay creation with Carla. This is my prayer altar box that I worked so long and hard on and now sits proudly on my mantle. There are a couple of cool things about this project. It has a removable lid and the view inside (all though a bit blurred in my photo of it!), is very interesting. The inside is glazed and the drawer that slides into the piece contrasts very well with the black interior. The other feature I like is the shrine placed into the piece on the bottom. The removable drawer was a real challenge, but I love the face on the back wall of the inside and the word "serendipity" on the drawer front. The box measures 14" x 6".

2008-07-30T14:07:00.000-07:00

I am experimenting here today. I was surprised when I returned from my mom's to find out that I had been selected to receive a blog award from this nice lady. I am new to the blog world and have not received such an honor before, so I am trying to follow the directions to get my links in where they are suppose to go. Hope this is going to turn out the way I want it to!
I need to nominate other people for this award so here is my list of people who inspire me.
1. Leslie at La Fourchette S'est Emballee she will make your mouth water and your eyes happy while she shares her experience in France with us.
2. Deryn at Something Sublime who inspires us all with her jewelry creations and fun jewelry challenge this summer.
3. Liz at Be present, be here a grounding soul who always makes me feel happy that I have checked out her blog.
4. Andrea at The Artful Eye a very accomplished artist whom I am always happy to see in a class we may be taking together.
5. Katie at Joyously Becoming a very talented artist who's work inspires me on a deep level.
6. DJ at DJ Pettitt a very sharing and wonderful artist who posts very faithfully to her blog.
7. Joanna at Moss Hill a very inspirational spirit and artist whose creations touch my heart.

So with a humble heart I thank Molly for nominating me for this blog award and encourage you to visit with the very talented women I have linked for you above. I hope they will appreciate how much pleasure they have given to us by sharing on their blogs. If you have been nominated and would like to pass on this award, please add the logo to your blog. Link back to the person who has nominated you. Nominate seven other worthy receipents. Add links to their blogs and then leave a message for them to let them know. Enjoy passing along the good feelings!

I'm back in the land of blogs!

2008-07-29T15:50:00.000-07:00

I am home and back to blog posting! I spent last week with my mom. She was in a bad car accident earlier this year, but now seems to be fully recovered and up to her old tricks. A big relief for me! Mom doesn't have internet access so it's always a step out of the mainstream when I go to her house. I don't mind, it is actually a great way for me to slow down and unwind. I had hoped to have some jewelry pieces to show you for the jewelry challenge, but J. has been home all this week and it hasn't afforded me the time I have wanted to play. He will be back at work on Thursday, so maybe by Thursday night or Friday?
I went to the Quilt Show in Long Beach on Friday and it was excellent! The vendors and the art were almost overwhelming, but so cool to see! I picked up a few things to play with, hopefully to be pictured in future postings. One of the highlights was to get to meet Beryl Taylor and watch her create some of her material paper. There was also some of her original art from her book and and it was a treat to see it in person. The art quilts were fabulous and made me want to just sit at my machine all day and play with fibers and material. So little time and so many projects!
Today I picked up the newest issue of Somerset Studio's Artful Blogging magazine, and it is as good as the first two issues. I love that publication. In fact, I was driving to the store to buy it when the earthquake hit just before noon today. I didn't feel a thing, but plenty of other people with their feet on the ground did! I have already sat down with the magazine and gone cover to cover looking at the pictures, but now I want get a cup of tea and actually read the articles. The fun thing to do after that is to go check out all these new blogs I haven't been to before.
It's so good to be back. I leave you with this thought. Do something fun for yourself today. It may just be 15 minutes to paint with one of your favorite colors, or to write a poem, or to watch the birds at the feeder in the backyard. But do take the time to do something just for you today. You'll be the richer for it.

Wow, this week went by fast!

2008-07-20T22:35:00.000-07:00

Boy, this week was a bit busier than usual for me! Funny how I've gotten use to life in the slower lane! Some fun stuff happened this week. I was able to get my prayer box glazed and it now sits proudly upon the mantle at home. I am happy with it, and I'm very grateful to Carla for being so patient with me in making it. Friday was a great day of show and tell with two local artists and lunch on the veranda, an excellent day! I am super excited about plans being made for a workshop in August with DJ Pettitt and Lorri Scott in Santa Cruz! A girl's road trip with the express purpose of having fun and making art!!! Speaking of road trips, I am going to visit with my mom this week and will be checking back in with you guys at the end of the week. Just in time for the Quilt Show in Long Beach on Friday!! I am hoping the following week to pick up with next projects in the jewelry challenge. Did I mention I had a great group of women in the PMC class I taught today? We all had fun and created some very cool pieces! So until the end of the week, I'll leave you with this thought, "Your miracles are an inside job. Go there to create the magic you seek in your life."

What a cute kitty!

2008-07-13T16:32:00.000-07:00

This picture makes me smile:) This is the little kitty who came to our front door crying one night earlier this year and decided to stay. We named her Gwendolyn, I affectionately call her Gwennie. She is very loving and is a much loved part of our family. One of the sources of pleasure for me in my day is to watch the birds at the bird feeders in my back yard. I don't think Gwen gets it that we won't get to see the birds if she continues to have a front row seat to the show.
This has been a very nice relaxing weekend. I had a girls day of art and lunch on Friday. What a great day with two cool ladies. Yesterday was spent watching movies with my honey and doing some knitting. Today was kind of a repeat of Saturday - no complaints from me! I have been looking through LK Ludwig's new book, True Vision and it is making me itch to get into some art journaling. Something I have a big interest in, but have not taken the time to get my hands dirty with yet. Perhaps this week . . .
Okay, keeping it short for today, just checking to say hi.

Inspired by project 3

2008-07-09T14:15:00.000-07:00

Today I am posting a couple of the pieces I was inspired to make from the third project in our jewelry challenge with Deryn. I loved the design of the third project although it is a bigger piece of jewelry than I am comfortable wearing. I loved the concept and thought if I could scale it down a bit it would be a great design to play with. I am a certified PMC instructor and have many pieces of silver generated from demonstrating in classes. I wondered about adding some of these pieces to the shelf design and I am pretty happy with the results! I think some of my friends may just be looking at one of their Christmas presents here!

This has been way too much fun . . .

2008-07-08T15:07:00.000-07:00

Okay, here is the 4th project from Mary's book for Deryn's challenge. This one was so fun and easy, I had to make two at the same time! Haven't we already recognized that these make a great earring design, too? Every time I make one of the pieces in this challenge, it becomes my favorite piece! I am really having fun with this, thank you Deryn! I love wearing the pieces I have made, and I always get a compliment on them. Both of these pieces were made with etched copper On one of them I did a heat patina on the brass and on the other one I stamped random letters on to the brass. Again, I love that the pieces in Mary's book have such great movement, it makes wearing them very fun. Don't you just love making the little balls on the end of the wire and turning it pink? I have also branched out on the third project design, and will post some of those results later this week. I am now contemplating the pod project and can't wait to see what everyone comes up with. If I were 10 and had to write a paper when school starts in the fall about what I did on my summer vacation, this would be one of the best things I would write about!

Happy Birthday America

2008-07-04T13:54:00.000-07:00

I always love a birthday celebration! Today we say happy birthday to America. We will be celebrating in our quiet little corner of the world with a BBQ of ribs and chix wings, potato salad, corn on the cob and popsicles! If we are lucky we will be able to see the fireworks they shoot off the end of the pier from our backyard. We are being lazy, watching movies, reading, blog lurking and enjoying life in the slow lane.
The picture I am posting today is my project from Laurie Mika's class a few weeks ago. I really liked working on this piece. It measures 8"x8" and one of my favorite things in it is the little girl who is made from ceramic clay and has "be yourself" stamped on her. I find working on these polymer tiles very relaxing and it is easy to get into a zone, stamping, painting, and thinking about what you want to do with them. It helps to have a stash of tiles made when you go to put a piece together, so doing a bunch in advance is a good idea. It's one of those projects that doesn't have a right or wrong to it so it feels very playful when you are engaged in it. I highly recommend Laurie's book Mixed_Media Mosaics. It is very well written, lots of pictures, excellent instruction and very inspirational. It's one of the best art books I have seen in awhile.
I have been working on several more jewelry pieces, to be posted later this weekend. I have been having fun with them and I am wearing one of project four pieces as I type! So today, remember take pause, think about what it means to you to be an American. If you are not liking what you think about, then think about what you can do to help make it be the America you want it to be.

Here's number three . . .

2008-07-01T17:53:00.000-07:00

Today was such a good day. The weather was perfect, not too hot, not too cold, just a perfect day in Southern California. I finished up my third project for Deryn's jewelry challenge, and I think so far, this has been my favorite piece. I am already thinking of some variations I want to do on this one (lucky for my mom and friends!). I am really grateful to Deryn for putting this challenge out there. I probably would have sat with this book for a long time and maybe only done one or two of the projects, even though I love looking at it. The projects are all doable and I am using beads I have had for years. It is making me look at my large collection of other books with new eyes and enthusiasm!

We all need watching . . .

2008-06-30T15:10:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I took a class with Lisa Bebi at Stamping Details. I was disappointed in the class, but I am happy with the way I was able to save this painting. Isn't it funny how we are? I woke up several times last night so obsessed about the way my art turned out in class and I was so determined that I would be able to salvage it. I know at worse, I can gesso over the whole thing and begin again, but I am working harder these days on making mistakes work for me. When I came home with this piece yesterday it only had the three ladies in the middle, floating in space and time and looking very lost. But as I worked with the idea of adding the nest and eggs, and then the lady on the side, I realized I really liked where these three ladies ended up in this painting. The picture is more dimensional now and I am really happy with the 3-D effect it has. It reminds me that we all need someone watching out for us who is on our side. Sometimes we do that for each other, and sometimes we need a larger force out there who can see the bigger picture.
I am almost done with the third project for Deryn's jewelry challenge, so I am going to end for now and go get that done. I hope you find some time in your day today to play, too!

Live life, Inspired to dance . . .

2008-06-27T11:09:00.000-07:00

Today I was working on a little candy tin piece and I was blocked about layering within this piece to get the look I want. I took my walk, no inspiration sprang forth from that activity, but I did work out a very cool texture process using aluminum flashing, chemical patina, beeswax & mica powders! I don't know where that will take me, but I am happy with the piece of metal I created. I'm thinking possibly I can use it in the jewelry challenge somewhere down the road.
The picture I am posting today is the second one I created after reading Kelly Rae's article in Cloth Paper Scissors. I don't know what it is about these girls, but I don't seem to be able to paint enough of them! I keep tweaking them as time goes by, adding shading, elements, etc. There is something very therapeutic in creating them.
Happiness awaits me tomorrow as my BFF celebrates her birthday and we get to open her presents in the morning on the phone. I love our birthday ritual of sending gifts which we put out and look at all wrapped up for several days, and then on our birthday morning, with coffee in hand, we call and open our gifts. I love celebrating life with my BFF!!!
I am still thinking of the 5 things we need to be grateful for and today mine are:
My Best Friend
Little Kitties who love spending time with me in the little art room in the back
The thought of recreating my home to be the home that nurtures my dreams
The color green
Artists Blog sites which inspire

What are your five today?

Project Number Two . . .

2008-06-26T11:35:00.000-07:00

All is well and I am happy to post pictures of project number two for Deryn's book challenge. I didn't like designing these earrings so much, but once they were done and I wore them, I actually liked them. They have a little sound to them because the pieces on the inside have movement. I have already been asked to teach them as a class! I love that I have a stash of etched metal which is ideal for the projects in this book! Yesterday I played all day with patinas and I am such a lover of green patina on copper. Today I get to start project number 3, a personal favorite!
Life is good today. I have my walk completed, my front yard mowed and I am playing this afternoon with art projects. I miss my friend Linda who is on vacation, and Linda, if you are reading this, come home soon! I am working a thought around in my head regarding volunteer work. I have done hospice volunteering before, but I am wondering this time around about doing something with art therapy. There is a very cool center in San Diego, but I was hoping to find something a little closer to home. I will have to put my feelers out and see what happens. (I get a funny visual when I think of myself with feelers - the kind moths have!). I'll keep you posted.
For today I will leave you with this thought (and I hope you are still acknowledging five things to be grateful for!), "Being a spiritual being involves being able to touch your invisible self." Let your light shine in the world today!

A Little Something Shiny . .

2008-06-24T17:45:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite artist is Mary Hettmansperger and she has a new book out called Wrap, Stitch, Fold & Rivet. Deryn Mentock, another artist I admire put out a challenge to create all the projects in Mary's new book, and I took her up on it. So this piece is the first project, the Stacked Spinner Necklace. I apologize for the quality of the photos, but it should give you a good enough view to see what this piece is all about. I used textured brass, etched copper and copper that was treated with a chemical patina. I actually think this piece turned out kind of cool, and I really like that it has great movement. I really love the third project, but I will now move on to the second one which is Folded Earrings. Just thought you would like to see what has been occupying my mind and hands these days.

My first visiting artist picture . . .

2008-06-24T12:09:00.000-07:00

Remember a few weeks ago I told you I had a present arrive from my BFF? Well, this is the fun picture she made for me! I am such a techno nerd! I just today figured out how to scan pictures into my computer. I am loving that process now that I know how to do it! No wonder all the cool artist keep their work to the 5x7 or 8x8 size - then they can just scan away and make mega prints to sell! Man, I am definitely not on the cutting edge - just push my walker to the side and speed on by! There is a personal story to this picture that makes it all that more meaningful to me, but I think my BFF needs to share that story on her own blog (if she ever starts one) in her own time.
Today is an artful day. Funny how much you can get done when you wake up early! I had a great glass solder class this weekend with 4 very cool ladies. They made teaching feel like it was play time for me, what great energy they had. I am taking Lisa Bebi's class on Sunday at Stamping Details and I am looking forward to posting what I make with her. Especially now that I know how to use the scanner!! After speed reading Bellie Lett's new book, Made in the USA this past week, I am now attempting the Ken Follett tome, The Pillars of the Earth. I am loving that this book is 973 pages long!! I am still working on my jewelry challenge by Deryn Mentock, and so far I am still on project number one. Results to be posted here when completed.
Okay, I will confess, I am a Bachelorette fan. Thank goodness DeAnna let Grahm finally go home last night! That bad boy would only have given her years of heartache down the road. So today, think of five things to be grateful for in your own life and try to make it a daily practice. Here are my five for today:

The heat wave has passed for now.
I took a walk early this morning.
The birds are chirping happily in the backyard.
There's a tunfish sandwich calling my name for lunch.
I have a wonderful art room to play in after that sandwich is eaten.

Wishing you blessings of your own.

Easy summer days . . .

2008-06-17T10:50:00.000-07:00

Life is good today. It has the feel of lazy summer days, no high pressure to get a lot done, plenty of time for reading and even the occasional nap! My big concern for the day is the health of the stray cat that hangs out at our house, affectionately known as Siamese Kitty. It is hard for me to diagnose him as he doesn't let me get close enough to touch him, but it appears something may have bitten him in the mouth. Poor guy! It seems he always has to bear the brunt of taking the hard knocks in the kitty world. He has the gentlest of blue eyes and I can tell he wants to be included, but he just can't afford to let his guard down completely. We work it out as best we can, keeping a respectful distance for his comfort.
Last night I was having a hard time getting to sleep, so I got up to read and started reading Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer. I don't normally go for this type of book, but I am intrigued by this story of a young man who turns his back on what he knows and goes out into the wilderness of Alaska for a "raw, transcendent experience." There is something that pulls at you to want to know if he found what he wanted. He dies out there by himself, so I don't know if we will ever really know the answer to that one. I typically like happily ever after endings, this is not going to be one of those. Is it a coincidence that I have also started reading Finding Your Own North Star by Martha Beck? If I start giving away all my art supplies and talking about taking off for the great outdoors, someone give me a wake up call and a reality check please!
So, today it will be a time of reading, a bit of art room play and keeping my eye on Siamese Kitty. My thought I leave you with for the day is this: "Each place along the way is somewhere you had to be in order to be here." Do you like where you are?

A Day in the Life

2008-06-12T13:19:00.000-07:00

Greetings and salutations! (I always think that sounds so funny!!) Today has already been a very productive day. I have mowed the front and back yard, filled the bird feeders, worked on the weeds in the rocks on the side yard, and am now all cleaned up and ready to rock! Last night I was trying to read the Deepak Chopra book I was telling you about and I swear, my brain felt like it was stuffed with cotton. I just could not wrap my mind around the third secret which is four paths lead to unity. I am not totally dumb, I did get it, but I just had a hard time following the dialogue on this chapter. Secret number 4 is flowing better for me, what you seek, you already are. I will admit, a big draw of this book for me was the cover and the fact that I have not read any of his books before. I should know by now, I can't judge a book by it's cover!! Anyone has been a book group with me knows I have been a sucker for books with cute shoes on the cover and they haven't been the best of books!!!
I am also reading Dorthea Benton Frank's book, Land of the Mango Sunsets. I am a big fan of Dorthea's and there is another book of hers waiting for me after this one, Bull's Island. Her books take place in the south and like Anne River Siddon's, I love them. There is something alluring to me about the life style and the description of the country and the effect it has on the people who live there. I remember one of my fondest memories growing up was reading. In the summer, on a blanket in the yard, in the shade, a glass of Koolaid by my side and I was in heaven. I am so grateful to have been raised by parents who valued the activity of reading and encouraged us to go for it.
So that's where life is today. A lazy summer afternoon stretches before me, I may substitute the Koolaid for a glass of wine, and I think there is a book calling my name . . .