Thursday, December 31, 2009
Happy New Year
This is my vision board I made last night. I was having a hard time finding images I liked or a focus but more joy seemed like something I would love to have. I also loved the idea of that writing nook and just chose images that pleased me. Things I want in the new year like better eating, a healthier body, time in nature, walks with my dog, more time for play and plenty of quiet time. I think its going to be a great year.
I haven't chosen a word yet but I think I will do another post on that.
As to whether this is the end of the decade or not I guess it depends on what year you start with. If you start with the year 2000 then it is the end of a decade it you start with 2001 then it will not until until next year. Not a big deal anyways.
More end of the year musings
I know some of you get The Notes from the Universe in your mailbox I discovered that Mike Dooley now has a social site. The link to join is here If you don't receive the
notes then go here to sign up. It is one of the best gifts you can give yourself.
One of the cool thing on the TUT site is an online vision board maker. Its full of fantastic images and you can upload your own too. What a great tool. Speaking of vision boards, today is the perfect day tohttp://twitter.com/leah_art/status/7238494938 do one. Today is just full of extra energies that make it more powerful.
* Its the end of the year
* Its the end of a decade
* There is a full Blue moon
* There is a lunar eclipse
* The moon is moving into Cancer which has strong feminine energy.
Now tell me do you need any more reasons to work on a vision board for 2010 today? You can join in at tut.com or do one the old fashioned way, with magazines and glue and poster board. Being the overachiever I am I will probably do both just because I can.
Another fun thing to do on the last day of the year is to do something you love to do and really want more time for in the new year. So I am about to take my dog out for a walk and then I will do some painting in the studio. We all want more time for creative pursuits so I will end the year doing them and start the new year tomorrow by doing the same. How will you spend the last day of the year?
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
A year in review
I have been thinking about the coming year and wondering what kind of year its going to be. I want to choose a word to focus on and have had difficulty choosing one. I am not sure why. To know where we want to go I really do think it is important to see where we have been. So I took a little tour of my blog to see what I did this past year and these are the highlights.
January
A new kitty came into our lives.
I joined in on the 12 Habits of Highly Creative Women book blogging group.
I participated in Art journal January with Misty Mawn.
Took a photography class.
February
I finished weaving a shawl.
I participated in One World One Heart, my painting went all the way to Israel.
I met my muse Zoe.
I interviewed author Jill Badonsky.
I painted a face on fabric.
March
I took a journaling class with Kelly Kilmer and did a journal page every day for the month.
I made ATC's out of cereal boxes.
I made Tree Flags using watercolor crayons.
I learned the coptic stitch and made a journal using it.
April
Took a stenciling class with spray paint with Mary Ann Moss.
I finished a woven shawl.
I had surgery on my hand.
I participated in a matchbox shrines swap.
May
I took Julie Prichard's Layer Love class.
I took a trip to Yellowstone.
I interviewed the artist Violette.
I went a wool trek to Utah.
I got a new lens for my camera
June
I participated in the Wreck this journal book blogging group
I wrote a guest post on Meet your Muse's blog
I hired a professional coach to work with me.
July
I started a new blog and became the Queen of Creativity
I decided to write a book on creativity
I was featured on Jamie Ridler's website
August
I participated in a magic wand and inspirational cards swap.
I ordered my very own moo cards with my art on them
I took Stitched and Stencil class with Mary Ann Moss
I made three aprons
I rediscovered cross-stitch and finished some projects
I traveled to some out of the way spots in Idaho
Sept
I did the Artist Way with an online group.
I joined the blogging book group on the Joy Diet. Did a weekly collage on the different chapters
I collaged a clipboard
I participated in National project the Aha Moment
I took Mystele's Gut Art Class
October
I visited the Laurence Rockefeller Preserve.
I celebrated my 24th wedding anniversary.
I got a new computer a Mac this time.
I participated in my first GPS Street Team challenge.
I took a Point and Shoot journaling class with LK Ludwig.
November
I participated an won Nanowrimo.
100th post giveaway.
I took Painted Layers class with Misty Mawn.
I painted a landscape.
I made Teesha Moore's journal out of 1 sheet of paper.
December
I made Star Garland.
I participated in the Create and pass journal project at Art from the Heart.
I made 3 dimensional snowflakes.
I drew a Zentangle.
I am amazed at all the things I did last year, You may also find it interesting if you take a little tour of your blog too. It may help you decide where you want to go next.
January
A new kitty came into our lives.
I joined in on the 12 Habits of Highly Creative Women book blogging group.
I participated in Art journal January with Misty Mawn.
Took a photography class.
February
I finished weaving a shawl.
I participated in One World One Heart, my painting went all the way to Israel.
I met my muse Zoe.
I interviewed author Jill Badonsky.
I painted a face on fabric.
March
I took a journaling class with Kelly Kilmer and did a journal page every day for the month.
I made ATC's out of cereal boxes.
I made Tree Flags using watercolor crayons.
I learned the coptic stitch and made a journal using it.
April
Took a stenciling class with spray paint with Mary Ann Moss.
I finished a woven shawl.
I had surgery on my hand.
I participated in a matchbox shrines swap.
May
I took Julie Prichard's Layer Love class.
I took a trip to Yellowstone.
I interviewed the artist Violette.
I went a wool trek to Utah.
I got a new lens for my camera
June
I participated in the Wreck this journal book blogging group
I wrote a guest post on Meet your Muse's blog
I hired a professional coach to work with me.
July
I started a new blog and became the Queen of Creativity
I decided to write a book on creativity
I was featured on Jamie Ridler's website
August
I participated in a magic wand and inspirational cards swap.
I ordered my very own moo cards with my art on them
I took Stitched and Stencil class with Mary Ann Moss
I made three aprons
I rediscovered cross-stitch and finished some projects
I traveled to some out of the way spots in Idaho
Sept
I did the Artist Way with an online group.
I joined the blogging book group on the Joy Diet. Did a weekly collage on the different chapters
I collaged a clipboard
I participated in National project the Aha Moment
I took Mystele's Gut Art Class
October
I visited the Laurence Rockefeller Preserve.
I celebrated my 24th wedding anniversary.
I got a new computer a Mac this time.
I participated in my first GPS Street Team challenge.
I took a Point and Shoot journaling class with LK Ludwig.
November
I participated an won Nanowrimo.
100th post giveaway.
I took Painted Layers class with Misty Mawn.
I painted a landscape.
I made Teesha Moore's journal out of 1 sheet of paper.
December
I made Star Garland.
I participated in the Create and pass journal project at Art from the Heart.
I made 3 dimensional snowflakes.
I drew a Zentangle.
I am amazed at all the things I did last year, You may also find it interesting if you take a little tour of your blog too. It may help you decide where you want to go next.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Some of my gifts
Here I am trying out my new trekking poles. Dave and I took Flynn out for a walk so I got to try them out. I thought I would be waiting to use them when we go hiking in the summer, but now I realize how valuable they could be in winter too.
My sister Marianne was in Italy this summer and her gifts came from there. This Paisley shawl is one of them although it is more gold and purple than the picture shows. She also sent the bracelet and key chain below.
I was gifted with jewelry from several people. The beaded bracelet was made by my friend Kate and the fused glass pieces by my sister Peggy.
This quilt was done by my friend Celeste, Its here own design and was stitched entirely by hand. It is only her second piece, take a look at the beautiful quilting.
This journal or portfolio cover was also made by my sister Peggy, its just beautiful. I am not sure how I will use it yet, it will hold a legal size pad so some sort of notebook will live in it someday.
My daughter gave me this book, which I have been wanting. Its part of a series I talked about before.
What are your favorite gifts this year?
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Art Journaling is out
I found this at the store and its a wonderful issue full of great ideas. I have been wanting to get some of those Pan Pastels that Pam Carriker is always talking about but haven't done so yet. The first time I attempted they were out of stock and the second time I thought do I really need these, they are pretty expensive so I talked myself out of them. Maybe I will get a set soon because I really want to try them.
I pulled out my moleskine journal and took a pencil drawing I had done previously and added regular soft pastels to it, painted the background and then added words.
This page I just played with color. I painted the page with the same colors as the previous one but tried to make it lighter when I mixed the paint. Then I added some white gesso over it to tone the color down even more. I liked how these images blended well with the colors.
This is an exercise from the class with Misty. I had an extreme amount of difficulty coming up with the right shade for the skin tone and then to try and remake that mix was virtually impossible. I either need to make bigger amounts or figure a way to duplicate what I am trying to do. This face has a zillion colors buried underneath it. I finally got tired of working on it. Although the class is over with I am still doing the exercises.
Oh if you are interested in painting faces Misty is teaching another class, this one is on strictly on faces where the one I took was on backgrounds and collage too. Information on the class is here She is a wonderful teacher so the class will be great. I won't be taking it since I have decided to take a break from classes.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Christmas Eve
I woke up this morning to gently falling snow and all the trees in my yard all frosty and pretty. It really looked like Christmas once more. I spent the morning in the kitchen making apple pie and lemon bars and then headed out into the frenzy of last minute shopping. I was out early so it wasn't too bad.
Trees do look especially beautiful with some added snow to them.
I like the look of these two trees one virtually dead and the other full of life and both look beautiful all covered in frosty white. I just love mornings like this.
Its just about time to be putting Christmas Eve Dinner on the table so I would like to wishing you all a wonderful Christmas or whatever holiday that you celebrate at this time of year. Have a wonderful time with your family.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
A few snowflakes
I have been making snowflakes with my Cricut machine. I bought one of the limited edition cartridges the other day. It makes all sorts of snowflakes, both two and three dimensional. I made a series of them and then hung them in my house. They seem to twirl on their own and are kind of fun. I poke holes in the top and strung them with fishing line.
I love how these are all really pretty.
This one has birds cut into it.
This one has bunnies featured.
There are angels in this one.
Here are trees to delight you.
and even snowmen. The cartridge has a whole group of designs that are really fun to cut.
This is a cross stitched piece I finished in October, I finally managed to turn it into a wall hanging and put it up. Its been so satisfying working on these little decorations and getting them put up. I like to have something new each year. It makes the decorating more interesting and I do have fun making them.
Monday, December 21, 2009
A tote bag and some pages
Now that I have given this gift I can show you. I took a face I painted on fabric with Neocolor II watercolor crayons and I made a tote bag from it. I love how it turned out and the recipient was quite happy with it too!
I have been playing in the paper bag art journal and finished up a couple of pages. It felt good to be working in a playful mode again. Here I have used black gesso and I really liked the way this image looked on black, the colors are pretty true.
This one began with just the pink spray painting and evolved into talking about the faces we put on everyday. It is so interesting how pages evolve.
This page started with excess paint from other projects and then the images with the legs, I kinda like the way they look like ribs. The girl is an image I have used before and probably will again. I really like it.
Its great to be doing Art again. Sometimes just taking a few minutes a day to be creative really makes a difference in your entire day.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Finally Some Art
I am participating in this journal round robin over at Art from the Heart. It is done in one of those Japanese folded moleskine journals. The journal started in Norway and has been to England, France, Canada and now the US. They started with four journals and the postal service lost one of them. There was a lot of art in that one so its heartbreaking for that to happen.
I got the journal on Wednesday and haven't felt up to doing it but I knew the next person is anxiously waiting. I thought I could do it this weekend but I got a burst of energy last night and this lady was the result. I like her even though her nose is kinda wonky but that is sort of how noses are in real life so I decided to let it be.
I can't begin to express how good it felt to do this page. The background was fun to create and the face came together easily. I learned more about mixing colors which is something that holds me back. It felt so good to be creating again. I also managed to finish the last gifts I have been working on. It feels great to have the obligations over with and to be able to enjoy doing some fun holiday things.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
The Stars Have It
Its been a couple rough days with this cold. I thought it was going into my lungs so I made a hasty retreat to the the Doctor's office only to find out I was wrong. I did not have strep or fluid in my lungs just an ordinary cold. Could have fooled me, I haven't felt this miserable in a long time. Thankfully I am feeling better today.
On Tuesday I got together with my friend Kate and we made these garlands. Its a garland of metal stars. I glued on decorative paper to make it festive and added some ribbons and wala a new decoration. I haven't figured out where I am going to put it yet. This project took really a long time but it was fun doing it with another person.
Now you would think that a face like this would be innocent, don't let that sweetness fool you. This little girl chases everything and gets into to everything, but at least she hasn't climbed the Christmas Tree yet.
On Tuesday I got together with my friend Kate and we made these garlands. Its a garland of metal stars. I glued on decorative paper to make it festive and added some ribbons and wala a new decoration. I haven't figured out where I am going to put it yet. This project took really a long time but it was fun doing it with another person.
Now you would think that a face like this would be innocent, don't let that sweetness fool you. This little girl chases everything and gets into to everything, but at least she hasn't climbed the Christmas Tree yet.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Gifts of Gratitude
One of the things being ill does for you is besides slowing down you are forced to look at your life a little differently. I've spent more time doing nothing in the past couple weeks. I found reading again and picked up my knitting once more. When you slow down there really is time for more. This is a wonderful book on Gratitude that I have in my bathroom. I picked it up to read today and thought I am really grateful to be alive. Life is such a precious gift. Gratitude can put all your issues in perspective.
Today I am grateful for:
...The way my barren willow trees look orange when the sun hits their branches and there is a blue sky behind them. Its quite beautiful in its simplicity.
.
... the winter landscape this morning that looks frosty and cool
... the birds at my feeder busily chatting away.
... that I am feeling better today.
... that my house is almost all decorated.
What are you grateful for today?
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
December Delights
Its been bitter cold here but its supposed to end in a few days. I ventured out yesterday and had lunch with a friend, ran some errands and managed to pick up a sore throat somewhere. The meds I am on lower your immune system and I had forgotten that. I don't recall being near anyone who was sick so I don't know how I got it. It is annoying to say the least. So today I didn't even get dressed and slept most of the afternoon away, I am sure I needed it.
After seeing these wonderful lists on a few blogs like Kim and Sherry I thought I would try one of my own. Just a list of things you like about the holidays, a focus on the positive.
WHAT BRINGS ME JOY THIS TIME OF YEAR
Hearing my favorite carols once more. This is my favorite.
Beautiful falling snow that covers my trees in a blanket of white
Real Christmas trees - We always have a Grand Fir because it smells the best
Peppermint Bark
Seeing little kids excited about what Santa might bring
Seeing the lights in my town, people have some amazing displays
Fresh baked cookies
Getting Cards in the mail especially those with hand written notes
Wrapping my gifts, making gift tags.
A Miracle on 34th street with Natalie Wood B&W version
Those sappy Hollywood Christmas movies on Lifetime
Candle light
Afire in the fireplace
My daughters smile on Christmas Morning
Gatherings with friends
Sending out Christmas Cards
Some years actually making all the cards
Making my own snowflakes
Decorating the house all a new
The years I have had a sister come for Christmas.
The list goes on and on..... What's on your list.....
After seeing these wonderful lists on a few blogs like Kim and Sherry I thought I would try one of my own. Just a list of things you like about the holidays, a focus on the positive.
WHAT BRINGS ME JOY THIS TIME OF YEAR
Hearing my favorite carols once more. This is my favorite.
Beautiful falling snow that covers my trees in a blanket of white
Real Christmas trees - We always have a Grand Fir because it smells the best
Peppermint Bark
Seeing little kids excited about what Santa might bring
Seeing the lights in my town, people have some amazing displays
Fresh baked cookies
Getting Cards in the mail especially those with hand written notes
Wrapping my gifts, making gift tags.
A Miracle on 34th street with Natalie Wood B&W version
Those sappy Hollywood Christmas movies on Lifetime
Candle light
Afire in the fireplace
My daughters smile on Christmas Morning
Gatherings with friends
Sending out Christmas Cards
Some years actually making all the cards
Making my own snowflakes
Decorating the house all a new
The years I have had a sister come for Christmas.
The list goes on and on..... What's on your list.....
Monday, December 7, 2009
One ornament on the tree
We got our tree on Friday but due to a lot of things its not decorated yet. On Sunday I found this cute Eiffel Tower ornament that reminds me of my trip to Paris. Its the only ornament on the tree.
I also have a small aritficial tree that I like to do a theme on and this year its birds. Here is the cardinal that I bought in honor of my mom. She really like to see the cardinals in our yard back In Michigan where I grew up. We don't have cardinals here and I miss seeing them. Lately though I am seeing the image everywhere.
Then I saw these cute felt birds at a craft store, this one has a glittery hat and wings.
This one had a cute knit stocking cap on that I couldn't resist. I usually go for birds I can recongnise but these two were so fun looking I had to bring them home.
Of course I have to have a crow too, so its on the top. I will be taking them off adding lights and more birds but just thought I could share a little of what is going on here.
Yesterday we bought a new TV so now my house in totally disarray. We have the new 46" TV on a table. The old entertainment center next to that. Then all the DVD's and VHS Tapes out of the cabinet are in laundry baskets or on the kitchen table. Stuff that was also on top of the entertainments center piled onto my fireplace mantel. So I can't really do any decorating till will figure out how everything is going to work and where I am going to put it. TV guys come tomorrow to set up the HD and DVR. Its a slow process so I may not get to decorating till the weekend. It will be great when everything is set but for now we deal with chaos.
I have been trying to take it easy which is not real easy for me. I have been working on Christmas Card addressing and a little cleaning. I've got some sewing projects to work on so I just do them a little but at a time. This removing stress from your life is a real challenge.
I hope you are all finding some quiet amongst all the hustle and bustle of the season
Friday, December 4, 2009
I love this
I found this on Rice Freeman-Zachary's blog and its wonderful. Get the tissues out. Rice also has done a whole group of posts on getting organized that are wonderful. Scroll down to find them, they are well worth reading.
I am feeling a little better, getting used to the meds I am on. Thanks for your support.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Contest Winner
I finally got around to choosing a winner for my 100th post giveaway and the winner is Kim from Queen of Arts I chose the winner with a random number generator. I will pack up the goodies and send them to you when I am feeling a little better.
Now for my not so great news, I will probably be blogging less and not visiting your blogs as much so if you don't see a comment from me its not that I am not looking or don't care about you I just have to focus my time elsewhere for awhile.
After a little incident at my neighbors house on Tuesday where I was almost turned over in a ditch. I know again already, I am saying the same thing to myself. I thought my neighbors horse was outside the corral and went to look. Anyways a farmer neighbor of mine pulled me out. In looking at things now it was perhaps one to many stressful situations for me.
The past few months I have been doing too much but thought I could do it all but I am realizing now I need to step back a little. To make a long story a little shorter I have developed Bell's palsy which is an inflammation of a nerve that causes paralysis on the right side of my face. Treatment includes taking steroids for a small amount of time.
Usually when I am taking medicine it seems to affect me stronger than most people. So now I don't have the pain in my face but nausea and that cloudy feeling in my head that lets you know you are on heavy meds. I know that will go away in a week as soon as I am done with them. It can take up to two months to really heal this and I have a 20 percent chance of it reoccurring. So I have decided to slow down my life a little. I won't stop blogging but I probably will only blog a few days a week.
I am still in Misty's class which has one more week and in a new one on Revising a Novel which lasts 4 months but they are both self paced so I plan to do what I can and not put any undue pressure on myself. Maybe slowing down a little won't be so bad after all.
Now for my not so great news, I will probably be blogging less and not visiting your blogs as much so if you don't see a comment from me its not that I am not looking or don't care about you I just have to focus my time elsewhere for awhile.
After a little incident at my neighbors house on Tuesday where I was almost turned over in a ditch. I know again already, I am saying the same thing to myself. I thought my neighbors horse was outside the corral and went to look. Anyways a farmer neighbor of mine pulled me out. In looking at things now it was perhaps one to many stressful situations for me.
The past few months I have been doing too much but thought I could do it all but I am realizing now I need to step back a little. To make a long story a little shorter I have developed Bell's palsy which is an inflammation of a nerve that causes paralysis on the right side of my face. Treatment includes taking steroids for a small amount of time.
Usually when I am taking medicine it seems to affect me stronger than most people. So now I don't have the pain in my face but nausea and that cloudy feeling in my head that lets you know you are on heavy meds. I know that will go away in a week as soon as I am done with them. It can take up to two months to really heal this and I have a 20 percent chance of it reoccurring. So I have decided to slow down my life a little. I won't stop blogging but I probably will only blog a few days a week.
I am still in Misty's class which has one more week and in a new one on Revising a Novel which lasts 4 months but they are both self paced so I plan to do what I can and not put any undue pressure on myself. Maybe slowing down a little won't be so bad after all.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
My first Zentangle
Why I was in Missoula, I thought I would try a zentangle. There is a nice article on how to do them in Cloth Paper Scissors. After doing a few patterns I could see a woman so I left that blank and drew a face in pencil This was really fun. I think I will be doing more of these. If you are interested in these I suggest you check out the zentangle website. In all their old newsletters they have different patterns you can try and all sorts of great information.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Thirty Days 50,000 Words
Ladies and gentlemen I have done it. I did some marathon writing today, 4500 words to get me over the top. Also with 2 days to spare.... Am I ever tired. This year was really hard but I managed it in the end so I am happy about that. In the morning I take Sarah back to school. I'll be back to blogging on Tuesday. See you then.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Look what I found
Happy Thanksgiving.
Its early all the hustle and bustle has not begun yet. I have to make pies this morning before the turkey breast I bought goes into the oven. Sarah is asleep in her bed downstairs, that feels comforting. To have your child home when its been a long time is quite the pleasant feeling. There is nothing else like it. I makes one really thankful for the simple things.
I am grateful for each and everyone of you who stop by to read my blog, to those who take the time to comment and to those who have become friends. You have enriched my life, Thank You.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving. If you don't celebrate that in your country then please have a wonderful day today.
I am grateful for each and everyone of you who stop by to read my blog, to those who take the time to comment and to those who have become friends. You have enriched my life, Thank You.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving. If you don't celebrate that in your country then please have a wonderful day today.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
My 100th Post
Its my 100th post as the Queen.... Time for celebrating so her royal majesty is going to give away a collage packet of some of my favorite things. Scrapbook papers, paste paper, spray painted scraps, embossed wallpaper, red rosin paper,collage images, ribbon and whatever else I can think of. I will also include a little book and paint the first page so you'll have some of my art in a book you decorate for yourself.
How to enter, Just leave a comment on this post I'll choose the winner on December 1st.
Here are a couple faces for a little project I am involved in. They are painted on cardboard from a granola bar box.
After my idyllic winter post I had to laugh since things went considerably downhill after that. I went to go to a write-in that evening and ended up in the ditch about 3/4 of a mile from my house. I almost got out but not quite. Called my husband 4 times and he never picked up. So I grabbed my purse and started walking home on the icy road. Silly me, I left my gloves in the car, so it was cold and slow going and then I fell on the ice. So I ended up limping my way home.
Is there a happy ending to this story. Well we got the car out, it has no damage, I am fine and I did not kill my husband. He tells me the phone never rang. I never did get to the write in, just stayed home. I had swerved from one side of the road and back again several times and did a 360 before I ended in the ditch. So at that point I was scared to drive again. All is well now but I am surely not looking forward to driving this winter. I just hope this is my only incident and it will be smooth safe driving out there. Be careful everyone.
How to enter, Just leave a comment on this post I'll choose the winner on December 1st.
Here are a couple faces for a little project I am involved in. They are painted on cardboard from a granola bar box.
After my idyllic winter post I had to laugh since things went considerably downhill after that. I went to go to a write-in that evening and ended up in the ditch about 3/4 of a mile from my house. I almost got out but not quite. Called my husband 4 times and he never picked up. So I grabbed my purse and started walking home on the icy road. Silly me, I left my gloves in the car, so it was cold and slow going and then I fell on the ice. So I ended up limping my way home.
Is there a happy ending to this story. Well we got the car out, it has no damage, I am fine and I did not kill my husband. He tells me the phone never rang. I never did get to the write in, just stayed home. I had swerved from one side of the road and back again several times and did a 360 before I ended in the ditch. So at that point I was scared to drive again. All is well now but I am surely not looking forward to driving this winter. I just hope this is my only incident and it will be smooth safe driving out there. Be careful everyone.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
It's Snowing
It snowing today, lots of white fluffy stuff on the ground. The sheep have been fed and the birds are flocking to a newly filled bird feeder. I am sitting on the couch, computer on my lap doing all I can to avoid working on my novel. I can sit here for a long time just watching the birds. There is something so magical about flight.
The two bald eagles were back on their perch in a tree overlooking the Snake River. I saw them on my way to town this morning. I love to see them so I am glad they've returned. They go somewhere else during the summer.
I heard there was a pumpkin shortage so I ran to town to get some pumpkin for my pies. I love pumpkin pie and of course it has to be one I make myself. Its not a special recipe or anything. I just follow the Joy of Cooking's advice. Thanksgiving wouldn't be what it is without it in my opinion. Oh and I have to have real whip cream. I always whip it right before serving just like my dad always did when I was a kid. The last few years I have been buying those already made crusts from the store. They don't taste as good as the real thing but they do save time. This year I decided that I would do it all from scratch and I am actually looking forward to it.
Now I ended up driving through a snowstorm to get my pumpkin so do you think there was shortage at the store... of course not. I am still glad I went because now all that shopping is done. Oops I forgot the whip cream....as Scarlet would say oh tomorrow is another day.
My girl will be here for thanksgiving this year. I can't wait to see her, D is going to pick her up on Tuesday. She is doing Nanowrimo too so we'll have some fun time writing together.
Do you have any special plans this week.
The two bald eagles were back on their perch in a tree overlooking the Snake River. I saw them on my way to town this morning. I love to see them so I am glad they've returned. They go somewhere else during the summer.
I heard there was a pumpkin shortage so I ran to town to get some pumpkin for my pies. I love pumpkin pie and of course it has to be one I make myself. Its not a special recipe or anything. I just follow the Joy of Cooking's advice. Thanksgiving wouldn't be what it is without it in my opinion. Oh and I have to have real whip cream. I always whip it right before serving just like my dad always did when I was a kid. The last few years I have been buying those already made crusts from the store. They don't taste as good as the real thing but they do save time. This year I decided that I would do it all from scratch and I am actually looking forward to it.
Now I ended up driving through a snowstorm to get my pumpkin so do you think there was shortage at the store... of course not. I am still glad I went because now all that shopping is done. Oops I forgot the whip cream....as Scarlet would say oh tomorrow is another day.
My girl will be here for thanksgiving this year. I can't wait to see her, D is going to pick her up on Tuesday. She is doing Nanowrimo too so we'll have some fun time writing together.
Do you have any special plans this week.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Playing with texture
Another one of the exercise in my painted layers class. I had so much fun with this background. I layered down old book pages, tissue paper, sewing pattern paper, embossed wallpaper, sanded some on the pages, add acrylic paint and re-inkers and played around with the color.
This page was so much fun to do, I love it when I can use many of the things I spend time collecting all in the same piece. I bought the embossed wallpaper a long time ago and this was the first time I have used it. I love the stuff. It really added great texture and I loved the way the ink seeped into all its crevices. I am having so much fun in this class.
Nanowrimo is going good, I have 33746 words with 10 days left to get to 50,000 so I am in good shape. This year I have been just trying to make my goal every day and that seems to be working for me. Its a lot of work I will be so glad when Dec 1st is here.
Friday, November 20, 2009
The Joy Diet - Connection
I had a profound experiece with the Joy diet twice this week. First see this post Its where I talk about what happened earlier in the week. After that I had started reading the chapter about connections. I decided to use the process with a person at one of my Nanowrimo write ins. It was very powerful. When I thought of this person and came to the tell the truth area and I really had to discover what was it about the person that was driving me nuts.
As in most of the cases of telling the truth I discovered I had made up a story about the person in question. When I faced the truth I decided that he pushed all my buttons, but what I was thinking about him was not true, it was a story I had made. I stepped back and looked at it all objectively and it was not that big a deal. I was able to let go and realize the relationship for what it was. Then when I saw this person again, I was fine, the person had not changed but I had I was able to deal with it logically and creatively and now the relationship is so much better. thank you Martha Beck.
Several times throughout this book I would think I don't want to do this but persevered because I was committed to the book, I signed up for the duration and I wasn't going to be a quitter. I am glad I stuck with it. This last chapter really showed me how to use all these ideas in the context of my own life. Thanks to Jamie for hosting this group.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Further Explorations with Paint
I've been taking an online class with Misty Mawn called Painted Layers. Its a pretty awesome class so far. I thought I would show the work I have done so far. These are the first two backgrounds I did.
I liked how this turned out.
I never liked this one no matter how often I worked on it. I think it was the colors I started with. They are just an odd red and blue to use together I guess.
This is one using a silhouette. I used a stencil for the butterfly and swallow. I like the bird but I think a smaller butterfly would work better. I had taken a swallow stencil I had and cut it smaller so I could use it on different sized pages. I like this tiny one.
Here is my first landscape. I like how the sky turned out. I kept trying to put a house at the base of the mountains but it never looked right and after painting over it the third time I gave up. Overall for a first one I like it very much.
I've been really putting art on the back burner while I work on my Nanowrimo novel but I am find if i don't get to do some art I really get cranky and the writing gets harder. Today I decide I would do art until noon and then write and I think that is working well. I just can't give up this art stuff no matter what.
I liked how this turned out.
I never liked this one no matter how often I worked on it. I think it was the colors I started with. They are just an odd red and blue to use together I guess.
This is one using a silhouette. I used a stencil for the butterfly and swallow. I like the bird but I think a smaller butterfly would work better. I had taken a swallow stencil I had and cut it smaller so I could use it on different sized pages. I like this tiny one.
Here is my first landscape. I like how the sky turned out. I kept trying to put a house at the base of the mountains but it never looked right and after painting over it the third time I gave up. Overall for a first one I like it very much.
I've been really putting art on the back burner while I work on my Nanowrimo novel but I am find if i don't get to do some art I really get cranky and the writing gets harder. Today I decide I would do art until noon and then write and I think that is working well. I just can't give up this art stuff no matter what.
Monday, November 16, 2009
I've had an Epiphany
I think I have had an epiphany. Yesterday I was having one of those awful writing days where you wonder why you even bother. I ended up at Hastings and I bought this book:
I think I was going through some steps in the Joy Diet without consciously thinking about it, I was working through a few of the steps
Desire - being a writer who writes well enough ot be published
Risk- should I buy this book, it will either be just another book that ends up on my shelf or it will be a book that will really help me.
Creativity-Read through 75 pages yesterday and did the exercises after each chapter. I am really finding the book helpful So I a glad I took the risk.
The second thing happened this morning in doing my morning pages. I was thinking of how I struggle with writing concepts like show not tell and description and then it hit me. I have been a journal writer for years and how do you write in a journal, you tell what happens to you. I apparently have been transferring that way of writing to fiction and that is not they way fiction is written at all. Now of course I already knew that fiction was different I just never realized why I was doing this and that makes all the difference in the world.
I really like this series on Writing Better Fiction so much that I am going to use it like my own writers curriculum. There are other volumes on plot and dialogue and character that I will tackle next. I would always tell writing friends oh I have trouble with characters or description but I would never do anything about it. Never find a way to learn those skills I needed. That is changing now and its exciting. Knowledge is power and I am really glad I had to go through this to find these sources that will only make me better at what I truly desire. Life is Good.
I think I was going through some steps in the Joy Diet without consciously thinking about it, I was working through a few of the steps
Desire - being a writer who writes well enough ot be published
Risk- should I buy this book, it will either be just another book that ends up on my shelf or it will be a book that will really help me.
Creativity-Read through 75 pages yesterday and did the exercises after each chapter. I am really finding the book helpful So I a glad I took the risk.
The second thing happened this morning in doing my morning pages. I was thinking of how I struggle with writing concepts like show not tell and description and then it hit me. I have been a journal writer for years and how do you write in a journal, you tell what happens to you. I apparently have been transferring that way of writing to fiction and that is not they way fiction is written at all. Now of course I already knew that fiction was different I just never realized why I was doing this and that makes all the difference in the world.
I really like this series on Writing Better Fiction so much that I am going to use it like my own writers curriculum. There are other volumes on plot and dialogue and character that I will tackle next. I would always tell writing friends oh I have trouble with characters or description but I would never do anything about it. Never find a way to learn those skills I needed. That is changing now and its exciting. Knowledge is power and I am really glad I had to go through this to find these sources that will only make me better at what I truly desire. Life is Good.
Friday, November 13, 2009
The Joy Diet - Laughter
Well I flunked at laughter this week. Now that doesn't mean I did not have any laughter I meant I never read the entire chapter. I got half way through and just never finished. Too much going on that's for sure I am pretty sure I don't get thirty laughs a day but I would love too. I think some days I laugh more than others
Martha asks to pay attention to when we laugh. I go for the simple things not the real dark humor. I have been laughing at the jokes others tell on their posts this week. I think when its a joke about the pitfalls of another person I tend to laugh if I have seen myself in that position, if I can relate to it on some level. I have to admit that I spent hardly any time on this. This coming week we talk about connection and hopefully I will get the chapter read and have more to say.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Two Women
I haven't posted in a couple days now. I have been so busy and I am so tired. I have been keeping my Nano word count up to date but the writing has been so hard this time. I have been reading blogs and there is so much art I want to do its driving me nuts that I can't do it right now.
This is the last art I have done and I think that was Sunday. Entitled Two women it was found art, I think there is something else there on the left and I may add more later if I feel so inclined. I never seem to know when a painting is finished. I did clean up the studio a little so I will be ready when I get some time. That is what is keeping me going.
I am finishing some things and starting new ones. The Artist Way is done and I was so happy doing that book. The Photo class I took was a disappointment so I am glad that its over with. I have one more class coming up this year and that is with Misty Mawn, Its starts Saturday and it is going to be really good. I had most of the supplies but had to get some new hot press watercolor paper. I have always worked with cold press paper so this will be interesting using a new surface. I have no idea how I am going to do this while doing Nanowrimo but I will manage somehow.
I made one of these journals and painted the pages with watered down fluid acrylic paints in all sorts of color. I painted it before it was sewn together. I didn't get the pages painted in the right order. You do need to remember how its being folded if you paint it ahead of time. On the other hand once these pages are worked on you won't know the difference anyways. This journal is made with a single sheet of paper which is quite inventive if you ask me. Teesha Moore is brilliant.
Here are some of the pages in my journal
Some of the pages fold out.
Here you can see the pink flap from the cover.
I love all the colors. This journal has 16 pages and will be lots of fun to fill up. This was a fun and easy journal to make.
This is the last art I have done and I think that was Sunday. Entitled Two women it was found art, I think there is something else there on the left and I may add more later if I feel so inclined. I never seem to know when a painting is finished. I did clean up the studio a little so I will be ready when I get some time. That is what is keeping me going.
I am finishing some things and starting new ones. The Artist Way is done and I was so happy doing that book. The Photo class I took was a disappointment so I am glad that its over with. I have one more class coming up this year and that is with Misty Mawn, Its starts Saturday and it is going to be really good. I had most of the supplies but had to get some new hot press watercolor paper. I have always worked with cold press paper so this will be interesting using a new surface. I have no idea how I am going to do this while doing Nanowrimo but I will manage somehow.
I made one of these journals and painted the pages with watered down fluid acrylic paints in all sorts of color. I painted it before it was sewn together. I didn't get the pages painted in the right order. You do need to remember how its being folded if you paint it ahead of time. On the other hand once these pages are worked on you won't know the difference anyways. This journal is made with a single sheet of paper which is quite inventive if you ask me. Teesha Moore is brilliant.
Here are some of the pages in my journal
Some of the pages fold out.
Here you can see the pink flap from the cover.
I love all the colors. This journal has 16 pages and will be lots of fun to fill up. This was a fun and easy journal to make.
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