artyfacts

It's been a long time...

2011-05-31T04:52:00.002-05:00

...since I've posted anything. So much has changed, and yet everything seems to stay the same or has been before. what should I tell? I turned 50 this year. I was thinking that I would find myself celebrating on a cruise ship, happy to be alive. And where was I? Working. D. did take me to dinner at the local steakhouse, and I had two drinks, a rarety, and quite enough to make me fall into bed afterwards. I am not missing being young, and I don't feel exactly old, but when I look into the mirror, I don't recognize myself.

I am the one who hopes

2011-03-30T18:02:00.001-05:00

The Wind

2009-07-14T19:30:00.000-05:00

Peace Train

2009-07-14T19:10:00.000-05:00

Todays journal page

2009-06-04T19:16:00.002-05:00

Acrylics, colored pencil,collage

Memorial Day Weekend at Cumberland Gap

2009-05-31T10:27:00.007-05:00

In the tent:which lump is NOT a dog?

Hiking the Green Leaf Trail -- a delight for the senses! Lushious greens, dark and mysterious trees, that smell-- you know, of earth and living growing, things, bird song, chirping, twittering, silence -- beautiful.

Hungry Mother 2009

2009-05-16T19:29:00.011-05:00

Here we are again, for our annual trip to Hungry Mother State Park in Virginia -- one of my favorite spots in this corner of the world. This year, we couldn't afford a cabin, but didn't want to miss this wonderful get-together! (It's our fourth time going) So, we decided to camp out at the park this year. We had a nice spot right by the creek, here you can see how beautiful and peaceful it was:

Sweetie enjoying camp

The quiet creek

And then: TORRENTIAL DOWNPOUR!!!
I had barely five minutes to grab a chair and the dogs, and get inside the tent. Note to self: if the dog wants to go into the car instead of the tent, follow the dog.

This is rainwater pooling outside the tent door

The grey stuff is not fog, it's sheets of rain

Fiona is not liking this

...and the creek, three feet higher in less than half an hour.

The rain hammered so hard onto the tent, tat the rainfly was pushed down onto the tent roof, and so it dripped through. We had puddles inside the tent. Tink rolled on the sleeping bags to dry herself off, so we had damp sleeping bags. I was soaked.

Guess what we are doing Memorial Day weekend?
:::smile::: camping.

As the garden grows

2009-04-27T11:35:00.006-05:00

This year, I am helping more with the garden.
It's not the gardening that I don't like, it's the blistering hot sun. I can only take that so long, then I start to feel light headed and sick in my stomach. But the garden is in! We have green beans, lettuce, onions, tomatoes, butternut squash, sunflowers and cayenne peppers planted. We'll see what comes up!

The garden girls

Happy Easter!

2009-04-12T18:33:00.004-05:00

Wishing you all a very merry day! It was beautiful here -- blue sky -- sun shining, birds singing, Spring has sprung.

Oktapodi

2009-04-01T19:48:00.000-05:00

All went well

2009-03-19T08:46:00.005-05:00

waiting in pre-op

silly surgery pet

I'm out of the hospital; the surgery went well, and I was pleasantly surprised how tolerable it was. The staff was wonderful and made me as comfortable as possible. Sweetie was a gem and stayed with me at the hospital; she made so much difference. I could have muddled through on my own, but it was so soothing to have her there and to be able to lean on her for help. Not something that I like to do. But that was alright to do. Thank you so much.
Now onwards with healing.

More on that

2009-03-14T06:48:00.002-05:00

Well,now it is the weekend before surgery. I feel apprehensive and on the inside, if I would let myself, I'd be screaming. Sometimes there is something freeing in being able to scream. I had to learn that. I used to think that it was "undignified" to give your feelings that much vent. It's really quite primal. Maybe I'll pencil in some screaming for today.
What I'm thinking about:
*I've met the surgeon twice, and had to decide if I trust her enough to let her cut into my body.
*I don't like loosing any of me. It's part of a whole -- me.
*Anesthesia scares me. When I dream, I still am aware of me. When you are under, there is nothing. Just black. Totally irrational, I think: "What if I die, I wouldn't know that I'm dead." Because I can't feel myself.
* It's hard for me to give up control over myself and let someone else have it. Especially someone whom I don't know.

And there you have it. Say a little prayer for me, if you do pray. Or think a healthy thought.
Goddess willing I'll be back soon.

Going under

2009-03-13T07:32:00.004-05:00

I have to have some surgery on Monday. Removal of the uterus. I'm not happy about that. Some women I've talked to are envious. I don't feel that way. I'm sad to loose it, even though I never used it... More later.

Vase by stephanie rollins

chekere

2009-03-04T08:06:00.001-05:00

I want one of these! (pronounced sha-kay-ray, I believe)
Send me your gourds.

Purple Tree

2009-02-22T15:14:00.004-05:00

Another prompt from Milliande's artist date club.
colored pencil, watercolor crayons

Black, White, and grey

2009-02-19T07:40:00.004-05:00

An artist prompt from Milliande's site -- play with black, white and grey colors, think of birth, flow, new beginnings... I'm calling this "Begin where you are".
Hello out there!
water color crayons, pencil, ball point pen

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T09:18:00.002-05:00

Gratitude is a currency that we can mint for ourselves, and spend without fear of bankruptcy.

-- Fred DeWitt Van Amburgh

ARRR, Matey!

2008-10-25T20:24:00.001-05:00

My pirate name is:

Iron Anne Bonney

A pirate's life isn't easy; it takes a tough person. That's okay with you, though, since you a tough person. You can be a little bit unpredictable, but a pirate's life is far from full of certainties, so that fits in pretty well. Arr!

Get your own pirate name from piratequiz.com.
part of the fidius.org network

a visit

2008-10-14T19:40:00.004-05:00

I've lived in the United States now for almost 29 years. My folks never visited. (I kept asking... but there was always something else that needed taking care of first.
When Mama died, Dad came for Christmas. It wasn't much of a "vacation", since I was new here in Tennessee, had a house with no furniture, and we were griefing for Mama. Funny enough, it was one of the best Christmases I've ever had with my Dad.
Three years have passed, and Dad (now 73) wanted to come for another visit. But now he "wanted to see something" ! For the month of September, I was personal translator, chauffeur, attendant and american culture guide.

Here a picture of the fine art of viewing football and rooting for a team. Explaining the rules? Not a clue there. Dad with "Helga hat" and braids? Priceless.

the people are migrating

2008-08-26T06:21:00.002-05:00

Yesterday these folks arrived via priority mail at my place! this is Star Dancer's idea:
Originally, there were 910 people, and about 200 have migrated to different places or found permanent homes. You can follow them on their web site: http://www.myspace.com/peoplesmigration
The one on the right decided to stay on here.

What I made this weekend

2008-07-20T13:18:00.003-05:00

A zentangle for a black and white themed deco.
Rubberstamp image by Teesha Moore.

Earth Mother

2008-07-18T12:58:00.003-05:00

This little project is for a craft swap themed "handmade Goddess" It's my first attempt at sewing a doll. Fun to make, from a pattern by Ellise Peeples. I like her patterns a lot. She no longer sells them, but every once in a while I can find them on ebay.
I recycled a pair of yard sale shorts for the body, made a polymer face cab, and embellished with yarn, beads and a bit of fabric painting. I think I will make a few more -- for friends and one for myself.

The man can sing!

2008-07-11T21:13:00.004-05:00

Check out the beginning of the video! Wish I was there...
Still think it's a great loss that Freddie's gone.

first try at a dottee doll

2008-07-11T20:30:00.005-05:00

This is a little crafty project called a "dotee" doll, named after it's creator, Dot from Australia. It's all the rage amongst mail art swappers. This is my first try, for a swap over at swap-bot. Often I find that zen space where it is the process of making something with my hands that makes me happy, not so much the finished product. I'm good with giving the result away...
Although, I think she did turn out rather cute :::smile::: I named her Ruby. She is going to live in Indiana.

2008-07-09T05:20:00.001-05:00

adopt your own virtual pet!

One of my favorite quotes

2008-07-08T19:58:00.002-05:00

“This is what you shall do: love the earth and sun, and animals, despise riches, give alms to every one that asks, stand up for the stupid and crazy, devote your income and labor to others, hate tyrants, argue not concerning God, have patience and indulgence towards the people, take off your hat to nothing known or unknown, or to any man or number of men; go freely with the powerful uneducated persons, and with the young, and mothers, of families: read these leaves in the open air every season of every year of your life: re-examine all you have been told at school or church, or in any books, and dismiss whatever insults your soul.”
Walt Whitman

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

2008-07-06T15:40:00.003-05:00

And off into the mountains again!
We made camp at Cumberland Gap National Park. Got the tent up, and a tarp, and then came a thunderstorm and downpour of rain for the rest of the night. Not that it dampened our spirits! We had fun in spite of it.
It was beautiful, and peaceful, and there was a little show at the parks' amphitheater about Abraham Lincoln's Kentucky roots. Presented by Mr. & Ms. Lincoln themselves.
Ah, Life is Good, when you are camping. Wether it rains or not.

"Four score and seven years ago..."

Ms. Lincoln looks on

Our campsite (D18!-- good spot.)

Tinks' nap spot

Magic Wand

2008-07-02T20:51:00.004-05:00

Life is... busy. I have a lot of work at the moment. Not much time for art. Or, should I say, the muse is too tired at the end of the day, most days. But I have been working on this piece of assemblage art for a swap -- a magic wand. The picture doesn't show the detail very well, but it was fun to make and I hope the person who gets it, will find some magic in it. :)

Memorial Day Weekend

2008-05-26T19:45:00.006-05:00

What a wonderful weekend I've had! Sweetie and I packed up our camping gear and headed for the Great Smoky Mountains. We stayed at Cosby Campground -- and I can't say enough how soul refreshing the woods are. I napped under a canopy of green leaves and blue sky and every time I opened my eyes I felt I was in heaven.
Here a little picture show to get a glimpse of how beautiful it was:

The Canopy of leaves

Cosby Creek

Abandoned Birdnest

Now here are some things that my artistic eye found stunning. I like taking pictures of patterns and forms. I can't get enough of nature, once I'm out in it.

A diseased leaf, moss on a rock and a very gnarled tree.

And to close, here is a true mountain Man:
Mr. Curtis, who sold me a fabulous walking stick made out of juniper. (He is holding it in this picture.)
I feel very very happy.

Freddie Mercury

2008-05-12T20:12:00.002-05:00

We miss you, Freddie

Just 'cause.

2008-05-05T20:23:00.002-05:00

Morning View

2008-04-29T20:18:00.005-05:00

Before I left for work this morning, I saw that my spot in bed was being kept warm and cozy. There is just something about a nice cozy bed. I think Fiona (the dog)gets that from me.

Wish I was a dog in my household.

Hungry Mother Spring Fling 2008

2008-04-27T18:23:00.007-05:00

I had a few wonderful days here!

Once again, we were able to join the annual gathering of Women at lovely Hungry Mother State Park in Virginia. Cabin 20 was were we stayed. But the visiting and eating and laughing mostly happened at Monica's cabin, who organizes this get together.

We ate wonderful food, laughed, went for walks, talked, played -- it was the best!
There is just something about this place. It is quiet and peaceful, and very healing to me. When it's time to go home, I don't want to leave. I'm looking forward to next year already. Thanks to all who came and made this so wonderful!

Challenge site links

2008-04-16T06:01:00.002-05:00

http://gothicarches.wordpress.com/
http://tmta.wordpress.com/
http://wednesdaystamper.wordpress.com/
http://themethursday.wordpress.com/
http://4x4friday.wordpress.com/
http://makeamooortwo.wordpress.com/
http://thankgoditsfriday.wordpress.com/
http://stepoutsideyourboxsaturdays.wordpress.com/1 - Gothic Arches (Sunday)
2 - Think Monday Think ATC
4 - Wednesday Stamper
5 - Theme Thursday
6 - 4X4 Friday
6 - Make a Moo or Two (Friday)
6 - TGIF
7 - Outside Your Box Saturdays

Just something to check out for myself. Of course you can, too. :)

Zentangles

2008-04-15T18:40:00.005-05:00

It was only a matter of time for me to come across these! And of course, only a matter of time for someone to give doodles a fancy name and market a kit to go along with it. Check it out at www.zentangle.com
But they are fun to draw, and it's relaxing, and I passed the time in the doctor's waiting room nicely filling several pages in my mini doodle -- err -- Zentangle book.

Uploading of picture is not doable tonight. Will do as soon as techno gadgets cooperate.

Two hours later: Here they are!

Good morning

2008-03-26T06:20:00.002-05:00

Some days it just seems hard to get out of the sleep world and into the awake world.
I love the early morning hours, when it is still quiet, and dark, and the light slowly changes from dark to dawn to full day.
The seasons have changed also, although it seems more like April than March. Monday it snowed -- beautifully, heavy white flakes swirling, and now it's in the sixties and seventies for the rest of the week. I feel change coming.

Detail

2008-03-19T05:55:00.004-05:00

Nicci Mechler's "Body positive" chunky book

2008-03-16T20:02:00.004-05:00

Here's my contributions to the body positive book hosted by Nicci.
The batteries gave out on my camera, better pictures after recharging them!

Watercolor with wood grain textured background, pencil and charcoal drawing, polymer clay and fiber charm

One week later

2008-02-18T06:56:00.004-05:00

I know I haven't posted much art lately, but I can't help it -- puppies and kitties are just soooo adorable!
Here is Tink after one week of joining our family. And she is as impish as she looks. I think having a dog is just a wonderful thing. And two is even better. I napped yesterday with one plastered to my front and one to my back. Who needs a blanket?

A new addition to the family!

2008-02-10T12:18:00.000-05:00

Once again, we ended up at the animal shelter instead of the grocery store and this is what we brought home:

It was the honey colored, black ringed eyes that got to me, and before I knew it, I had a puppy on my lap in the car, and she promptly peed on me. Which is why we named her "Tink". I think she is going to be a little fire cracker and a nice addition to our family. Fiona is doing remarkably well with her, mothering and showing her how it works here. The cat, of course, is annoyed.

Voting in the primaries

2008-02-06T07:04:00.000-05:00

I still feel a sense of elation and pride when I go out to vote. I cherish that right, I worked hard for it! Of course, here in M-town I get to vote in a picnic shelter at one of the local parks! Now THAT is priceless! Even better, I took the dog with me, and she was asked if she wanted to vote.
Here is a picture of voters standing in line at the picnic shelter:

If you can't laugh at yourself....

2008-02-03T15:21:00.000-05:00

We had a fun girl's afternoon yesterday! Only the finest facials from Big Lots at 50 cents a piece. Featured are (left to right) Sweeties' Momma in Avocado and Aloe, Sweetie in Mud and Aloe, and me in Cucumber and Witchhazel.
Honestly, I think laughing is one of the best things in life....

Meanwhile, back at the ranch....

2008-01-26T03:27:00.000-05:00

... It is 3:30 am, and I can't sleep. That's highly unusual for me. Why???? You may ask? I certainly wondered. I had no orange juice on hand, but had these low carb fruit juice drinks that I like to drink. So I drank about 5 during the afternoon and evening -- only realizing about midnight that they had an energy booster in it! So, Zing! Out of bed, back to bed, out of bed, pace, to the potty, back to bed, doodle, listen to radio, read,repeat. I will try the TV next. That usually works.
Here are some of the doodles I doodled:

I like this one. Sometimes interesting stuff comes out with random intuitive doodling. I think I'll call it "Hag". I may use it in one of the decos I'm working on.

This one may have potential for that same project too. Lately I have been using bold frenzied strokes, especially apparent here.

And guess who can snooze any old time? Fiona. Only time I can actually attempt to draw her, because she doesn't move!

And here is what not to drink five bottles of:

Journal page

2008-01-25T18:55:00.000-05:00

This is a journal doodle drawn on what it feels like to have a fever. Hot bands of red holding the body captive, surroundings are fiery hot.

I'm home in bed, sick again (or still) with a raspy cough and wheezing, neatly summed up under the nebulous title "URI" at the doctors. Another shot of antibiotics in the tushi, and more horse pills to swallow. Sigh.
Send orange juice.

2008-01-24T17:35:00.000-05:00

We have a rather bizarre cat. She LOVES the bathroom! It is her personal domain. She likes to play in the bath tub, sits on the toilet like it was a throne, or takes a swim in the bowl, if we fail to close the lid. She likes to sit on the heater vent, and poke her little head out the door. When it is occupied, you can be sure that a little paw will reach underneath the door, fishing for the pants around your ankles. Today you can observe her lounging in the sink.
I wonder sometimes if she knows she's a cat.

Winter Sky

2008-01-19T11:46:00.001-05:00

These are pictures taken yesterday afternoon in the play yard at work. A lovely blue sky, with a wintry sun shining, and a cool wind breezing. Just cold enough to wear a jacket. And there... the moon!

And yet, and yet
This very wind, the winter birds
The glory of the soft sunset,
Come there to me in words.
Claude McKay

Strep throat!!

2008-01-13T09:55:00.000-05:00

That's what I got! Fever, roaring head, whole body aches, can't swallow, tongue looks white as a sheet -- quite miserable.
I made it to urgent care yesterday -- I was first in line! Got a huge ol' shot of antibiotics in my tuckus and some horse pills to take and a shot glass of liquid Motrin that tasted like manna from heaven and acted like it too. Bed is sanctuary and I'm resting and dozing and listening to book on tapes and making brief ventures out of the bed to sit up a bit. Doggy has hardly left my side and Sweetie has been fluttering about making sure that I drink lots of fluid and eat something. I'm lucky to have them.

Across the big pond, part 4

2008-01-06T09:32:00.000-05:00

My camera really did not do it's usual fine job -- maybe it is time for a new one soon. I didn't get very many good pictures.
I visited my very favorite aunt Christa. She has the most beautiful, calming place. I called it "Oasis Christa". And it is. Peaceful, tranquil, regenerating. I always enjoy my visits there tremendously. Here is the view from her balcony:

Across the big pond, part 3

2008-01-06T09:22:00.000-05:00

Here you can see the Bergmannskapelle give it their all for their annual Christmas concert. They had a blast, and so did the audience. Unfortunately, I had trouble with my camera, but you get the idea. Hurray for music in all it's forms and efforts!! :)

Across the big pond, part 2

2008-01-06T06:06:00.000-05:00

We spend a wonderful afternoon at the Christmas Market in Freiburg. The sights and sounds and smells spelled only one thing: Weihnachten!

This is a detail of a life size, hand carved wooden nativity scene.

And here you can see ol' Santa taking a spin on the Merry-Go-Round.

Across the big pond

2008-01-05T09:07:00.000-05:00

Papa asked me to spend Christmas with him. Well, when your Papa asks -- what else can you say but yes?
I left on December 18th from Knoxville at 11:00 in the morning and arrived the next day at 11:00am in Germany. I kept telling friends that I had to take a plane, a train, a bus and a donkey to get to my home town. Most people here said wide eyed: "Really?" and believed the part about the donkey, much to my amusement. Little did I know that I was not that far from the truth. Papa met me in Frankfurt at the airport, with tickets for the bullet train in hand. We had a little time before the train left, so we had a bite to eat. Ahhhh -- German Wienerle! Beats hot dogs hands down any time. Anyhow, we got on the train, I've forgotten how pleasant riding the rail system can be, made it to Freiburg in a couple of hours, where we had to wait for the regional train. Of course we had a beer while we waited. I had been traveling for a long while by then and was pretty tired and punchy. We got on the regional train, when Papa remarked "I left my bicycle at the train station!" Oh-oh.
I knew what that meant! There would be no bus ride home. We would have to walk with my hefty suit case, back pack and bicycle from the train station to home. It's a good mile and a half. So we arrived in my home town, Papa hefts my 50 Kilo suit case onto his bicycle and proceeds to push the bike (aka the steel donkey!) along. The weight gave him momentum and he clips along at a pretty good pace, me in tow with my back pack on wheels, and an ever widening gap between him and me. And it was bitter cold, and I was not exactly dressed for a trek like that. We arrived about a half hour later at Papa's place, me huffing and puffing, and shaking my head. That's my Papa! Heavens forbid he would ask someone for a ride!
But when we got there, there was a nice hot cup of tea for me and a "chraettimann" waiting. Papa had not forgotten how much I liked this local Christmas treat, a slightly sweet bread that you can only get at Christmastime. Made me smile all over. My Papa!

My magic wand from Ollivanders'

2007-11-13T19:25:00.000-05:00

Wood type: holly
Length: 11½ inches
Core: Unicorn Hair

get your own wand!

Swish and flick!

Weird.

2007-11-06T06:23:00.001-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6e3xow3iqk

15 heart pages

2007-11-05T06:54:00.001-05:00

15 heart pages created for a chunky book collaboration, based on a poem by e.e. cummings.
Hosted by Nicci Mechler. I enjoyed this challenge and look forward to the returns.
Watercolor and stamped backgrounds, lace doily paper, ribbon and one of a kind polymer clay heart. On the back there is contact information and a secret pocket with a tiny painted wooden heart.

2007-10-08T05:30:00.001-05:00

Rainbow Bridge Poem - Another Version
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, they go to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who have been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; his eager body begins to quiver. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together. Author unknown

For Sadie and Sarah (aka Cyd) Sadie is ill, and it looks like she may have to leave Sarah. She will be waiting at the bridge for you, dear friend.

Klimt 9 pieces

2007-09-23T13:17:00.000-05:00

This is my interpretation of a Klimt painting, it was cut into nine artist trading cards for swapping. A project over at nervousness.org. I juxtaposed a Scherenschnitt watercolored tree over Klimt's tree. Puzzy work, but I like the outcome. It didn't help that I was sick and tried to work on it, I almost cut it to ribbons! It was nice of the swap hostess to give me a little extra time. Thanks Sirius.
Scherenschnitt pattern by Jenn Minnis

2007-09-19T05:44:00.001-05:00

Forget Everything
By John Squadra

If someone says, “To be enlightened you must
fast and pray all night,”
Have dinner and go to bed.
If you see a sign, “This way to salvation,”
run the other way.
If someone says, “This book is the truth,
you can buy it from me,”
Take your money and buy grapes and roses.
If someone says, “He’s talking tonight,
thousands will be saved.”

Go for a walk…listen to the birds
and watch the clouds, and leave
your backpack, your Bible and your Buddha
under a tree and hope
they will be gone when you return.
Where we are going you can’t carry anything,
not even your name.
If there is logic in the above,
be afraid, it’s a lie.

But if you feel something in your chest
as beautiful as the grass beneath your feet,
be grateful…open your arms
and forget everything
you ever thought you knew.

Source: This Ecstasy

I found this over at Kirbanita's blog... so true.
Unfortunatly, blogger won't let me upload pictures today. Maybe later.

The color purple!

2007-09-04T06:47:00.000-05:00

What color is your soul painted?

Purple

Your soul is painted the color purple, which embodies the characteristics of sensuality, spirituality, creativity, wealth, royalty, nobility, mystery, enlightenment, arrogance, gaudiness, mourning, confusion, pride, delicacy, power, meditation, religion, and ambition. Purple falls under the element of Earth, and was once a European symbol of royalty; today it symbolizes the divine.

Click Here to Take This Quiz

Quizzes and Personality Tests

someones' little nest

2007-08-29T18:03:00.001-05:00

I found this under the pine tree in the yard today.

The girls

2007-08-12T08:42:00.000-05:00

These are my other two canine friends (besides my beloved Fiona!)
The brown one is named Ashley, and has sort of a home -- she is outside all the time, and runs loose, but she gets fed regularly, has her shots and is spayed. She visits with lots of people in the neighborhood.
She is a sweet heart and Fiona's best friend.
The little chihuahua is named "Diamond" and belongs next door. But she is not so well taken care of. She is skinny and has a bad leg that's not been seen to, she often seems hungry and just wants to be a lap dog and be loved. When I put Fiona out in the morning to do her business and play a little before I go to work, Diamond takes the opportunity to scamper inside, give me a lick, swat the cat, and hide under the couch. She sooo wants to be a part of our family. We have asked to buy her from the neighbor, but she was not very receptable, and thinks that she takes good care of the dog. Breaks my heart. Now I just wait -- I guess if we are meant to have her, the neighbor will come to her senses.
Meanwhile, I get lots of doggie hugs and kisses. When I turn into the drive way after work, I usually see two little sets of ears peaking out of the grass, and when they realize it's me, they come running for ear rubs and belly scratching, and the occasional treat.
Give your pets some extra lovies today!

thought memory

2007-08-01T06:27:00.000-05:00

"you will dive back down into the dark deep of the water. You might be at the surface playing for a while with the light, but you belong in the deep were people like us dwell."
Someone said to me once, about depression and relationship.
Oh, I so want the light...

If I was a tarot card...

2007-07-31T06:25:00.001-05:00

You Are The Lovers

You represent ideal love: innocence, trust, exhilaration and joy.
You demonstrate the harmony of opposites, two sides coming together.
At times, you also represent the struggle between what is right and what is tempting.
Control is an issue for you, especially when you don't know your reasons for choosing something.

Your fortune:

You have an important choice you need to make about love, and it will be a difficult choice to make.
You are likely struggling between the love you crave and the love that is right.
In the end, you will choose what you crave, even if it's bad for you.
Because without what you crave, you will feel empty and incomplete.

What Tarot Card Are You?

K.D. Lang sings Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah

2007-07-29T08:03:00.000-05:00

Some things -- sounds, words, sights, I guess whatever strikes you -- reach deep down inside your soul and touch you. I feel quite touched by this song -- I know it's chord, so to speak...
I can't tell you which one I like better... what a voice. Enjoy.

Harry Potter and the deathly hallows

2007-07-22T22:48:00.001-05:00

I just finished reading the final Harry Potter book in a marathon reading frenzy this weekend. I love reading so totally immersed that this world fades for a while, and another is created in my minds eye by the authors' words. I don't get to immerse myself into a book like that very often anymore. I greatly enjoyed myself just reading, reading, hanging on to every word, turning the pages faster and faster. But I don't want to be a spoiler for anyone that hasn't read it yet.
Let me just say: YAAAAYYYYYYYY, HOGWARTS!

Some of my art work from this weekend

2007-04-29T17:49:00.000-05:00

A little greeting in deco form for a sick friend

Handmade art papers for a swap

"Night tree at Hungry Mother" - a journal page contribution for beehive22

Thank you all that came to visit here and were wondering where I am. I tend to hide and get quiet when things change in my life.
More on that later, perhaps. Some things are just too private to put out onto the web.
At least that's what I feel right now.
But, on the bright side of life: I got to spend a wonderful three days at Hungry Mother State Park in Virginia with some very nice folks. It's so blissful there! You can rent cabins , and there is a lake to fish in, or swim if the weather allows. Good company, good meals and conversation together, a fire in the fire place, and I did as much art as I wanted too. These are a few of my artistic musings that I made while enjoying the peaceful, sweet energy at this place.

And for a bit of very good news: I found work! Starting tomorrow at a local daycare as teacher.

2007-04-05T20:19:00.000-05:00

If I would take my paints out and color my world, it would be blue. Deepest darkest blue.

Or maybe it would be green -- deepest darkest green, like some old forest that no one ever sets foot in. Or maybe it would be black as space, with no colors at all, or so you'd think, until you find the first star, or a colorful nebula. I feel shadowy and strange. I didn't create anything today.

Except for altering this picture of me. Time to rest, I think.

G'night.

Volunteering is a good thing!

2007-04-04T14:44:00.000-05:00

Sweetie got volunteered to be the Easter Bunny at the local Moose Lodge's kids Easter party. Here is the costume try out. I laughed so much, I had tears streaming down my face. I am so glad I'm the artsy one, not the funny one. All I need to do is put an Easter basket together and make corsages for the Ladies.
Sweetie, you ARE a good sport! You ought to make Moose of the month for that!

Hands

2007-04-04T09:41:00.000-05:00

This is my contribution to a deco on the theme of "hands". Some days I can actually kind of draw!

deco-mania

2007-04-03T08:16:00.000-05:00

A deco for one inch art squares -- affectionately called "inchies". This one will circle at Original Art Decos group.

This is a little book called "Wintertime fairies" for a round robin over at the Destiny Art Deco group.

I can't help myself! MUST make books!

The Lady Marion

2007-03-25T20:10:00.000-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-scwW3EM1E

I cannot for the life of me figure out how to put a You Tube Video on my blog. All I get is error messages. ::grumble::

If I was a song, that is what I would sound like. I listened to Clannad when I was younger, back home, and found them again here in America, making music for "Robin of Sherwood". It was like a song from home, even though I'm not from Ireland.
I've always liked the Robin Hood legend, any fairy tale at all, really. This one I liked especially because the Lady Marian was a spunky sort and could shoot a bow and wield a staff if she had to. A fair but independent maiden!

Once, a hair weapon was made for me, because it was thought that I was such a woman. I still have it. I can't wear it in my hair anymore because it is no longer long enough. I ought to find a way to keep it with me. The top is Herne, the Hunter, who was Robin's guiding spirit. One of the old Gods, of the old ways.
The song is sweet and haunting, with an underlaying sadness and great destiny in it's heart. Now maybe to someone else, it may sound like just so much harp string plucking, but to me... it sounds like a song in my heart. I listen to it, and all this memory comes to my thoughts, you know, the kind that is more image than word.

Do you ever feel you have been born into the wrong time?

tiny book

2007-03-23T22:30:00.000-05:00

From big to little -- another little deco I made today. My latest interest is book making! Always something new to try. It's very satisfying to make something out of next to nothing, and to make it beautiful to my eyes. It's really the process, more than the product, because once it's done, I send it out into the world. And on to the next project.

I spent happy times down in the art corner today, I was listening to a book on tape while I was working on art, the sun was shining and a gentle breeze came in through the window. Very blissful. It felt really really good.

Goddesses Of The World Journal

2007-03-23T13:35:00.000-05:00

This is the cover of a journal I created from scratch -- it's bigger than any book I've made so far. It's about 5x7, and it will be traveling in a round robin of fabulous artists.

I had fun making it, and I can't wait to see what beautiful Goddesses it is going to be filled with.

Zetti Deco

2007-03-22T14:10:00.000-05:00

I like the idea of Zettiology -- the seemingly random images collaged and doodled together to make another meaning. Or maybe it's just randomness sometimes. Hard to explain, more fun to make. Think Monty Python's Flying Circus, and of course for more contemporary artists, there are Tracy and Teesha Moore.

I made this little deco for a "Pay It Forward" challenge for beachstudio in PA.

On this first day of spring

2007-03-22T10:07:00.000-05:00

(Well, ok, that was yesterday! I took the picture yesterday, just didn't get to posting it.)

For winter's rains and ruins are over,
And all the season of snows and sins;
The days dividing lover and lover,
The light that loses, the night that wins;
And time remembered is grief forgotten,
And frosts are slain and flowers begotten,
And in green underwood and cover
Blossom by blossom the spring begins.
Algernon Charles Swinburne

Say NO to free Art!

2007-03-21T09:15:00.000-05:00

Say NO to free Art!
- Author Unknown
“Every day, there are more and more Craigs List posts seeking “artists” for everything from auto graphics to comic books to corporate logo designs. More people are finding themselves in need of some form of illustrative service. But what they’re NOT doing, unfortunately, is realizing how rare someone with these particular talents can be.
To those who are “seeking artists”, let me ask you; How many people do you know, personally, with the talent and skill to perform the services you need? A dozen? Five? One? …none?
More than likely, you don’t know any. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be posting on craigslist to find them. And this is not really a surprise.
In this country, there are almost twice as many neurosurgeons as there are professional illustrators. There are eleven times as many certified mechanics. There are SEVENTY times as many people in the IT field.
So, given that they are less rare, and therefore less in demand, would it make sense to ask your mechanic to work on your car for free? Would you look him in the eye, with a straight face, and tell him that his compensation would be the ability to have his work shown to others as you drive down the street? Would you offer a neurosurgeon the “opportunity” to add your name to his resume as payment for removing that pesky tumor? (Maybe you could offer him “a few bucks” for “materials”. What a deal!)
Would you be able to seriously even CONSIDER offering your web hosting service the chance to have people see their work, by viewing your website, as their payment for hosting you? If you answered “yes” to ANY of the above, you’re obviously insane.
If you answered “no”, then kudos to you for living in the real world.
But then tell me… why would you think it is okay to live out the same, delusional, ridiculous fantasy when seeking someone whose abilities are even less in supply than these folks? Graphic artists, illustrators, painters, etc., are skilled tradesmen. As such, to consider them as, or deal with them as, anything less than professionals fully deserving of your respect is both insulting and a bad reflection on you as a sane, reasonable person. In short, it makes you look like a twit.
A few things you need to know;
1. It is not a “great opportunity” for an artist to have his work seen on your car/’zine/website/bedroom wall, etc. It IS a “great opportunity” for YOU to have their work there.
2. It is not clever to seek a “student” or “beginner” in an attempt to get work for free. It’s ignorant and insulting. They may be “students”, but that does not mean they don’t deserve to be paid for their hard work. You were a “student” once, too. Would you have taken that job at McDonalds with no pay, because you were learning essential job skills for the real world? Yes, your proposition it JUST as stupid.
3. The chance to have their name on something that is going to be seen by other people, whether it’s one or one million, is NOT a valid enticement. Neither is the right to add that work to their “portfolio”. They get to do those things ANYWAY, after being paid as they should. It’s not compensation. It’s their right, and it’s a given.
4. Stop thinking that you’re giving them some great chance to work. Once they skip over your silly ad, as they should, the next ad is usually for someone who lives in the real world, and as such, will pay them. There are far more jobs needing these skills than there are people who possess these skills.
5. Students DO need “experience”. But they do NOT need to get it by giving their work away. In fact, this does not even offer them the experience they need. Anyone who will not/can not pay them is obviously the type of person or business they should be ashamed to have on their resume anyway. Do you think professional contractors list the experience” they got while nailing down a loose step at their grandmother’s house when they were seventeen? If you your company or gig was worth listing as desired experience, it would be able to pay for the services it received. The only experience they will get doing free work for you is a lesson learned in what kinds of scrubs they should not lower themselves to deal with.
6. (This one is FOR the artists out there, please pay attention.) Some will ask you to “submit work for consideration”. They may even be posing as some sort of “contest”. These are almost always scams. They will take the work submitted by many artists seeking to win the “contest”, or be “chosen” for the gig, and find what they like most. They will then usually have someone who works for them, or someone who works incredibly cheap because they have no originality or talent of their own, reproduce that same work, or even just make slight modifications to it, and claim it as their own. You will NOT be paid, you will NOT win the contest. The only people who win, here, are the underhanded folks who run these ads. This is speculative, or “spec”, work. It’s risky at best, and a complete scam at worst. I urge you to avoid it, completely.
So to artists/designers/illustrators looking for work, do everyone a favor, ESPECIALLY yourselves, and avoid people who do not intend to pay you. Whether they are “spec” gigs, or just some guy who wants a free mural on his living room walls. They need you. You do NOT need them. Say NO to free art. And for those who are looking for someone to do work for free…please wake up and join the real world. The only thing you’re accomplishing is to insult those with the skills you need. Get a clue.
If you agree with the above important information, please pass it along. The more people know, the faster we can correct this.”
So, what do YOU think about that author’s post?

Winged heart

2007-03-07T12:06:00.000-05:00

Here's a little creation for a fund raiser. I used a mold purchased on e-bay from " crowsnest".

I like the way it turned out.

Victoria Don't Look!!!

2007-03-07T10:54:00.000-05:00

This is a little art squared deco that I've made for my friend VK Soaplash over in Oregon. Poor girl is going through the joys and tribulations of moving. I can soooo relate! I still have boxes that need unpacking. Can you believe that? (:::giggle::: I can...)

It's Naptime!

2007-03-05T14:06:00.000-05:00

...say the fur children. I think dogs and cats have it figured out. Eat, nap, play, groom, nap, get your belly scratched, nap, go potty, repeat.

Here are my two "favoritest" four leggers:

Journal pages

2007-03-05T13:35:00.000-05:00

This is Saturdays' Journal page: "You are here" Started out as a doddle, and turned into a collage.

This is Sunday's Journal page. Mama's death day was 3/2, and I didn't think about the significance of the date on that day, although I think about her every single day. May the Goddess keep you in her arms, Mama.

And this is today's Journal page.. I think it needs something, still. The day is not over, yet.

Other doodle-ies

2007-03-02T18:45:00.000-05:00

These little squares are 1x1 inch art squares -- the latest rage in mixed media. I just wanted to try out making some of them. Small is putzy to work with. But you can get them together fairly fast.
And this is a page I did for a housewarming deco ( a hand made booklet) for someone who is moving. More fun stuff.

color play

2007-03-02T15:48:00.000-05:00

The challenge here was to pick two colors and work with them only. My choices were burgundy and copper, although in the picture it looks more red and orange. I used acrylics for the background, applied with a credit card ( a very fine use for visa/monstercard!) and made the female body with burgundy colored Fimo and copper perl-ex, and a push mold. Add an asian style stamp, and Voila! a finished art squared page. Fun stuff.

Two more journals ready to travel

2007-02-28T23:34:00.000-05:00

This journal is going to be sort of a fairy tale collage book, and have works from artists over at nervouseness.org. in it. "Verzaubert" means "Enchanted".

This journal is part of the 1001 Journal project, it's #1601. Anything goes!

I have been very fascinated with traveling journals lately. I like the open, no rules style of them, and the fact that it's a shared enjoyment with others. I like the richness of the pages that people create, wether they are accomplished artists or not. There is just something freeing about letting creativity flow.

You can see some of the pages I've created for "imagine" here. I can't wait to see what else is going to be in this book!

Now showing at the Louvre

2007-02-23T09:34:00.000-05:00

An Original Etayne!

The Sacred Stones

2007-02-14T20:59:00.000-05:00

I don't know why I like swirls and round things so much... spirals and circles, and such show up often when I doodle. This little collage doodle is in the "just 'cause" journal, which is now traveling to Oklahoma for its' first guest artists' contribution.

Cover for a traveling journal

2007-02-13T13:49:00.000-05:00

This is a little 5x7 journal I picked up at the dollar store. I embellished with art papers, stamped image and polymer clay face.

I call it "just 'cause" -- a free themed journal for everyone who wants to participate in it to be as creative as they like, in what ever medium they like. Just 'cause.

For now, it will travel amongst the nervousness community, and when I get it back, I may send it out on yet another adventure.

:::happy sigh::: Aaaahhhh, Art!

"I believe in fairies"

2007-02-05T16:09:00.000-05:00

I participated with this art squared page in "a book of joy" for a seriously sick little girl. I will send happy, healthy thoughts along with it.

Secret - or not so secret wishes

2007-02-05T15:01:00.000-05:00

I found this via Izabellas-Blue blog, and it's a wonderful idea. Why not? Together we can always accomplish more than alone:

I’d like to ask you to both make a wish (as many as you'd like) and to support each other’s wishes. It’s very simple. Just post on your blog something you really, truly, deeply (and maybe even secretly) wish for and leave a comment here to let us all know that you’ve done so.
Then everyone who is participating in Create a Connection, and anyone who sees this post, please go to each and every one of our wishes and in the comments write, “As _______ wishes for herself, so I wish for her also.” Encourage people to go over and do the same.

And just in case people come to your blog who aren’t yet a part of Try Day, feel free to ask them to join in. Just include something like, “For Try Day, I’m posting this wish of mine. A part of the experience is having other people support my dream by including in the comments, “As _____ wishes for herself, so I wish for her also.” I’d love it if you’d take part and help bring my dream come to life.”
There is great power in knowing our dreams, in saying them out loud, in having them witnessed and in the shared enthusiasm of believing in and hoping for each other.

From:

http://www.bealivebelievebeyou.com/create/2007/01/saturday_try_da.html#comment-28360491

*I wish for better health, and not need to go on yet more medication.*

*I wish to be a recognized, successful artist*

*I wish to find the monetary means to go to school for my teaching certificate.*

:::smiling::: I'll be checking on your blogs so I can support your wishes!

She imagines...

2007-02-03T16:30:00.000-05:00

she imagines with
wild woman sense
vivid shimmer dreams
the surreal silhouette appears

Unfinished

2007-02-02T14:28:00.000-05:00

When I look at that doodle from the last post there, it seems so BRIGHT. Did I do that?

I feel much much darker today.

Like this.

The colors are not represented well because of the artificial light, it's quite grey today. A fine drizzle of snow is descending....

Doodles

2007-01-30T21:18:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I doodle in bed before I go to sleep instead of reading.

Here are some examples of that. It may not be the most noteworthy artwork, but I sure like the way it makes me feel. It definitly puts me in right-brain mode. And I love these soft pencils, the way they feel on the paper and how you can shade with them.

It's the process, right? Not the product.

ONE

2007-01-25T22:29:00.000-05:00

ATC for a "Buddah" swap

Soul Smile

2007-01-23T13:54:00.000-05:00

Detail from yesterdays' art squared page.

Watercolor, mulberry paper, digital and stamped images, pressed flowers, gel pen.

And the kitchen sink.

Sunday art-ing

2007-01-22T10:28:00.000-05:00

"Vessel"

This art squared page was made for an artzine over at Nervousness. I used hand painted paper, mulberry paper, paint chips and a digital image. And lots of ModPodge. Love that stuff!

What is in the vessel? I feel like I should know. Hope, dreams, thoughts or other lofty stuff?

Or a gallon of beer, as my sweetie might guess.

What do you think is in there?

One of a kind ATC

I made this for a 1 for 1 ATC chain.

Turns out this one goes to Drachenfrau in Germany!

Detail on 4x4 "Human Body"

2007-01-17T15:47:00.000-05:00

Two peek-a-boos

2007-01-17T15:23:00.001-05:00

Here are a previews for two swaps I signed up for over at nervousness.
This one was (obviously) called "CAKE" and who better to grace my ATCs than Martha. I can't help it, I like her! Although my house is a shambles, and I don't like to cook all that much.
Now this swap is an art squared (page size is 4x4 inches) called "Human Body". I really liked working on these, and am not entirely enthusiastic to part with them. Good thing I usually make one extra for myself, but these -- I like them all. So you get a detail on all of them.
In the next post, since blogger doesn't want to upload the images to this post.

Red Moon

2007-01-15T21:49:00.000-05:00

Luna red Luna....

Valentines

2007-01-13T11:09:00.000-05:00

I made these little Valentines for an ATC swap over at Nervousness.org.
You had to include pink and/or red, a heart, a piece of a love letter, a feather, a key and the word love. I like the way they turned out. Here is a blurry peek , I just couldn't get a sharper picture!

Friday Morning In the bathroom

2007-01-12T10:56:00.000-05:00

Then again, about any morning in the bathroom!
Kitty has her routine...

...which I interrupted...
..so I could scare myself upon looking in the mirror!

Thursday Hello

2007-01-11T20:06:00.000-05:00

Isn't it amazing how fast the time goes by? What's in a day... Get up, give sweetie first wake up rattle, make coffee, give sweetie the second wake up rattle,feed the four legged people living here, give sweetie the third wake up rattle, let dog out, cuddle with cat, let dog in, rattle sweetie, send the dog in to wake up sweetie, and wait with coffee in hand until sweetie stumbles to bathroom. By the time four legged people have settled down for their morning naps and sweetie is out the door, I could potentially crawl back in bed, too. I usually don't. I work on art projects, play on the computer, try to be just a little bit domestic, and before you know it, the day's half over. Then it is DEFINITELY time for the one o'clock nap. Or so I'm being informed by a sighing dog, and a rolled up cat laying in the sun. I do join them for a half hour or so. Very peaceful. Usually dog is on my feet somewhere, cat in the crook of my elbow, and we are all scrambling for a piece of the blanket.
Today I didn't though -- I tried setting up an Etsy shop. More on that later. It's not as easy as they make it seem, but I think I almost have it together.
And I had an appointment at Tusculum College, where I would like to enter the education program, to be a licensed elementary schoolteacher. What do you think? Should I do it?

This is something you'll be able to find in my Etsy shop, once it's up and running!

Guess what it's doing!!!!

2007-01-09T09:47:00.000-05:00

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!