alisaburke: ANOTHER GIVEAWAY!

alisaburke: ANOTHER GIVEAWAY!: I've got another giveaway today! I am giving three of my new pouches each will be filled with my favorite supplies!!! To enter t...Congratulations on ten colorful creative years!  My favorite supply right now is my small collection of mark making tools.

Inspired

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?

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!!!

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 . . .

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 . . .

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 . . .

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. . .

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 . . .

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

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!

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 . . .

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 . . .

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 . . .

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!!

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.

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 . . .

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 . . .

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 . . . .

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 . . .

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.