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Two From the Road

2012-01-31T18:26:00.000-08:00

My plans changed just a bit. Taking an extra day to get myself to Los Angeles and was fortunate to view this amazing sunset at Carpinteria Beach, CA.

When I first arrived...

As the drama was underway...

The beauty of God is breathtaking...

I'm Going to Disneyland!

2012-01-29T18:45:00.000-08:00

Heading to L.A. for the week to hang out, shop, visit friends, and hope to fit in a trip to Disneyland while I'm there. Will also be taking a glass corsage class with Sara Sally LaGrand at The Mandrel in Redondo Beach next weekend.

See you all in a week or so. Until then, here are a few pictures from my last trip to Disneyland last October.

Love is Multiplying

2012-01-28T13:52:00.000-08:00

Here's a sweet little heart I made today.

Note to self: running stitch on denim takes forever and a day.

These little hearts are fun to make and go a lot fast without running stitches.

Trying to Find Focus

2012-01-27T14:52:00.000-08:00

I started these upcycled messenger bags last November and I'm finally getting my act together, or trying to at least, and sewing on the snaps. Three were just listed on Etsy and I have snaps that need attaching for a few others. It's about time!

Warm Red Wool Heart

2012-01-26T11:58:00.000-08:00

Every Christmas it seemed, my mom would buy my dad wool Pendelton shirts. After my mom died, I noticed those bare threads at the elbows of his shirts so my sister and I started gifting him with some for Christmas. After my dad died, I saved a few of the shirts with grand thoughts of making something beautiful out of them. Almost three years later I am just now cutting them up.

Here's one of my heart bags with a pretty red wool Pendelton heart.

Paper Bag Fun

2012-01-24T16:11:00.000-08:00

I saw a tutorial somewhere about making cute bags out of bits of trim. Decided to give it a go. Here are the three I've made thus far.

Rome Wasn't Built in a Day

2012-01-23T11:03:00.000-08:00

The saying, "Rome wasn't built in a day," didn't make as much sense to me before I arrived as it did after. Rome is like a living history site, archeological digs going on all around town uncovering treasures, partially uncovered treasures just here and there as you walk about town, new built on top of old, literally on top. If you don't believe me check out this photo. Take some ancient columns and use them as part of the side of a new church, not so new now, but still. My favorite photo of Rome.

I have tons of photos of Rome, but have decided to share a few

that actually have me in them.

At the Colosseum with my Australian friends

At the Pantheon with my friend Patti

Throwing my third coin in the fountain with such a look of determination.

Yes, I wore that coat constantly, it was winter you know.

And finally, a picture of Christmas Roma style. Lights of Fendi.

I have a final post to come to end my trip blogging: Pompeii

Vatican City: Glorious

2012-01-21T20:34:00.000-08:00

Rome wasn't built in a day and I have enough photos for ten days. Fortunately, Vatican City is its own state so gets its own blog post.

My first view of St. Peter's was at night.

I was to return twice more. My first and final full days in Roma.

On the first, a local guide took us through galleries, the Sistine Chapel where no photos are allowed, and St Peter's Basilica. On the last, I took a Hop On and Off bus.

From the ceiling of an art gallery on our way to the Sistine Chapel.

The beauty of the chapel is something I will never forget. As I said, no photos.

It's just through the door to the left.

Fortunately, photos (no flash) were allowed in St. Peter's.

Michelangelo's Pieta

Looking Domeward

Somewhere under there is the Vatican Necropolis

Michelangelo designed the uniforms for the Swiss Guards, who protect the pope,

but unfortunately the rain prevented us from seeing them.

Finally, the Vatican police. Love the police car!

Florence: A Feast for the Eyes

2012-01-20T21:33:00.000-08:00

I have to say that Florence was a gem and probably my favorite city. Hard to commit, I know.

Beauty at every vantage point, around every corner.

Angelic

A sense of humor. That street sign should have just a white line.

Final view before heading to Rome

I could show you one hundred more beautiful photos of Florence,

but I am going to be selfish and keep them for my own amusement.

Bringing in the New Year in Florence

2012-01-19T13:37:00.000-08:00

This was the best New Year's Eve of my life so I am going to write a separate post about it and Florence. We left Venice and headed for Florence. So fortunate to have arrived in time to see David, yes, that David. I had no idea how big he was. Come now, I'm speaking of his height. From the far end of the gallery, David stood practically calling out for my attention. Unfortunately, no photos can be taken. If in Florence, a visit to see David is a must.

From their we went to our rooms to get ready for the big night. A late night dinner with too many courses and too much red wine got our group in a dancing mood.

It wasn't until eleven that we left one party and headed for the next. We knew that there were five main squares with bands ready to bring in the new year. We did not know our way, even with maps in hand. We wandered and tried to ask for directions and eventually just followed the crowd. We did not end up in the square we were hoping for, but in hindsight, it didn't really matter. The streets were crowded, the mood light and celebratory.

Somehow I did not feel crowded or claustrophobic like I sometimes do. I was with friends and that's all I was aware of. The music was good, the countdown exciting, and we made our way back to the hotel without losing anyone.

I'm cheating a bit because these are photos from the following morning after a good night's sleep. Here's what the streets looked like even after the street cleaners made an initial pass.

This may be my favorite photo from Florence:

Thank You M.L.K. Jr

2012-01-16T12:07:00.000-08:00

I'm taking a break from blogging about my European holiday to pay tribute to someone whose life was admirable.

Thank you Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for being a man of peace during turbulent times. I like to think we have come far since your I Have a Dream speech. I pray that one day those of us who remain can make that dream come true.

Peace to all who come this way.

It's Hard to Beat Venice

2012-01-15T19:44:00.000-08:00

Got a chuckle out of the help cords in all the hotels I stayed at in Italy.

Everywhere I went, there were lights.

Magnificent lights!

It's why I chose the holidays and I was not disappointed.

So many wonderful masks.

One of my favorite memories of an amazingly wonderful holiday

was a night boat ride up (down?) the Grand Canal.

Kind of hard to get a decent photo while rocking and rolling, but this is the best of the lot.

How fortunate we were to have a gondola ride the following day.

No idea of his name, but I call him Giovanni.

Can I say magnificent again?

The Swiss Alps: Magnificent

2012-01-14T22:17:00.000-08:00

From Paris it was on to Switzerland. Lucerne is a quaint town happily situated near a picturesque lake. So didn't spend enough time there. by the time we arrived, there were only a few hours of daylight left and most of them were spent in shops. The following morning we headed up Mt. Rigi since Mt. Pilatus was too stormy.

How funny is my hotel phone!

A view from Mt Rigi looking down at Lake Lucerne

Lake Side

Paris is Enchanting

2012-01-13T08:28:00.000-08:00

Feeling a bit bad at only giving London one blog post and Paris is already on number three, counting my A View from the Seine post. And how I do love London. Next time!

Paris was a mad dash from arriving just in time for dinner and our river cruise on the Seine to the following day at the Eiffel Tower, a bus tour of the city, Versailles, Christmas market shopping, ending with dinner and a show at Moulin Rouge only to leave for Switzerland the following morning. I left without visiting the Louvre or Musee d'Orsay or...

Keep in mind that some of these were taken from a moving boat or coach.

The Tower

The Dame

City Lights: My Reason for the Season

Celebrate Christmas

To prove I was really there, have to throw in some of the few photos of me.

At Versailles

I See London, I See France, I see...

2012-01-12T16:32:00.000-08:00

While in France, I did see someone's underpants.

At the Moulin Rouge of course.

When in Paris, Moulin Rouge is quite the experience.

One that does not need to be repeated.

Worth it though.

The leading lady reminded me of so many movies I've seen.

The aging star trying to hold back time

while the young girl is eager to take her place.

Let's Start at the Very Beginning: London

2012-01-11T08:55:00.000-08:00

How good it was to return to London. Four nights just wasn't enough! Lots and lots of walking: Notting Hill, Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park, Oxford Street...

Christmas: Sung Eucharist at Canterbury Cathedral, the white cliffs of Dover, back to Oxford Street...

Then it was onto a tour bus and the double decker hop on and off bus: Trafalgar Square, Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, London Eye...

Who Goes to Italy and Loses Five Pounds?

2012-01-10T10:01:00.001-08:00

Me!So much walking, even the chocolate and gelato I consumed did not pvent me from losing unwanted pounds. Looking and feeling better.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Creatively Made

2012-01-09T08:26:00.000-08:00

So much to blog about, but jet lag has me lagging behind. My mind is getting crowded thinking of all I want to blog about. Trying not to feel behind. Hoping to get into gear this week.

For today, I'll just introduce you to an e-course I signed up for: Creatively Made: Rediscovering the Beauty of your Gifts with Jeanne Oliver. It begins today and while cleaning house if part of the plan, I will make time for creativity. That's pretty much my goal for the year, leading an artful life.

A Night on the Grand Canal

2011-12-30T21:46:00.001-08:00

The highlight of my tour thus far. Blurry pictures due to the rocking and moving boat.

The colors of Italy.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

The Swiss Alps

2011-12-30T21:44:00.001-08:00

I'm doing some multiple posting since I am behind. Yesterday was a snowy cable car and cog train ride up Rigi, one of the mountains of the Swiss Alps. We got into quite a snowstorm at the top. How the wind does blow stinging snow in the face!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

2011-12-30T21:31:00.001-08:00

I have lots of chocolate in my bag. Wonder how much will make it home???

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Swiss Chocolate: Yum!

My New Family

2011-12-29T09:56:00.001-08:00

Here I am at Versailes with my new friends from New York. Beautiful home and gardens.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

A View From the Seine

2011-12-27T21:13:00.001-08:00

Spotty internet, having a wonderful holiday and will blog and bore you with pictures when I am home, if not sooner.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Paris

Welcome Home Heroes

2011-12-19T09:05:00.000-08:00

I bought my car the weekend after 911. It was a time of heroism, patriotism, and capitalism. Red white and blue was everywhere. I bought this bandana while emotions were high and tied it to my driver's seat with the vow to keep it there until... at that moment I didn't know what the until was. Once we went to war in Iraq, I knew it was there until I sold my car or the last of our troops returned home.

The bandana has faded over the years, reminders of the long battle. There were times it helped me identify my car, times I didn't even notice it, and times it reminded me of why it was there. Occasionally I thought of removing it, but couldn't break my promise.

The last of our troops are on their way home from Iraq and I hope their Christmas is the homecoming they deserve. I untied my bandana for the first time since placing it there in 2001. Still so many mixed emotions, so many lives lost. With time I will decide what to do with it, but I'm thinking something tastefully artsy crafty.

God bless the U.S.A.

Last of the 2011 Artsy Ornaments

2011-12-18T10:42:00.000-08:00

Blue Boy

Pinky

These are a little frilly for me and I could only find giant doves, but I think they are very sweet. I'll try again next year with smaller birds.

More Ornaments of Christmas

2011-12-17T11:46:00.000-08:00

These are from the 12 Artsy Ornaments of Christmas.

The teacher was Danielle Donaldson.

These are probably similar to a lot of ornaments out there. I was just playing.

The linen strings and bows are from my ancestors.

She Wore Her Hair up on Saturdays

2011-12-16T00:01:00.000-08:00

When I started making these girls with over the top hair, I was flooded with memories.

There was this girl I knew in college. She appreciated the simple things in life like bike rides through the park, splashing in puddles, midnight movies, and lots and lots of ice cream. She wished for things like boyfriends and dates on Valentine's Day. She learned that if a guy served you ice cream and you smiled friendly like, you got a bigger scoop. She created art and cards for the holidays and sewed many of her own clothes. She loved to laugh and be involved in the community. She had a best friend who shared similar traits. She wore her hair up on Saturdays to go shopping downtown, just about the only time she wore her hair up.

With these memories came a new found love for this girl, a love I didn't feel back when I knew her. Sometimes I still see her when I look in the mirror. Maybe one day I'll remember to wear my hair up when I go shopping downtown on a Saturday.

These girls are for the best friend who still shares the love of ice cream and so much more.

Not My Fav 12 Artsy Ornaments of Christmas

2011-12-15T13:26:00.000-08:00

Maybe it's my dislike of glue guns and all their strings and things that I have to clean up, maybe it's because I used thin hemp rather than thicker twine, maybe it's just me, but these were not my favorite ornaments to make. The blue one took over an hour and the small one, probably about the same. Cute enough and with burlap ribbons they will be cuter, but not a big enough WOW! for me to make more. I'm okay with that.

Thinking about trying one with twine, but may have to wait a year.

Ode to a Redwood

2011-12-14T00:01:00.000-08:00

Oh majestic redwood

My beautiful neighbor

How I have enjoyed your beauty

While swimming in my pool

Working in the yard

Or looking out my bedroom window

Your towering strength has amazed me

You have brought me comfort

Reminders of my cabin in the woods

Oh majestic redwood

How very sad

That today is the day

I lose you forever

You will forever be in my memory

I hope there is a special place

For fallen redwoods

Where there was once your majesty

Will be a hole in the sky

I wonder how many birds will be wondering

where their home is tonight.

I'm Stuck Like Glue

2011-12-13T10:52:00.000-08:00

These snow girls are just too much fun to make and I can't seem to stop myself. I cut up a sheet of watercolor paper and started making little ones for cards. Sewed the girls right onto the cards.

These went to my Autism Spectrum Disorders teacher and a friend from class. Last night was our final and I finished these yesterday with a bit of time to spare.

Upcycling: Trash to Treasures

2011-12-12T01:46:00.000-08:00

Here's a quick and easy project: take a tea canister, or whatever one you have on hand, Mod Podge scraps of paper onto it. That's it.

My Three Little Hat Girls

2011-12-11T00:01:00.000-08:00

For some reason my favorite project from The 12 Ornaments of Christmas is these hat girls. Junelle of Yes and Amen Blog is the teacher and her girls are a lot sweeter than mine, but I love mine all the same. I'm so looking forward to making more. Thinking I need to make some cards using this technique.

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree....

2011-12-10T10:40:00.001-08:00

Another project from the 12 Artsy Ornaments of Christmas

I had started painting this canvas with no rhyme or reason last week and it suited this project perfectly. I so need to work on my photography skills for my artwork as there is a lot more contrast between the tree and background. It's on my "One Day" list.

Just back from outside. Maybe these are better???

I realized I was giving credit to the class, but not the artist. This project was taught by Christy Tomlinson.

Watercolor Hearts

2011-12-09T11:49:00.001-08:00

A bad cold found its way into my system so I have not been as crafty this week as I had hoped.

I have been absent from blogging as well.

Since these take little energy, I did whip up a few more.

I added a Maggie touch with vintage buttons,

but alas,

they still do not have hangers.

Part of the reason for being hangerless is I'm thinking they would be cute as either a garland

or strung like this:

What do you think?

I realized I was giving credit to the class, but not the artist. This project was taught by Alisa Burke.

First Artsy Ornament

2011-12-06T19:07:00.001-08:00

I'm sure I won't be making all twelve ornaments from the online class I'm taking, but I finished my first just now. Alisa Burke was the teacher for this ornament, I've been following and loving her blog for some time now. Still need to add a ribbon. Going to try pages of books next as the musical notes sometimes got in my way as I was adding dots.

Need to take a trip to Michael's before I try some of the others. Really excited about some of them.

The 12 Artsy Ornaments of Christmas

2011-12-05T09:45:00.001-08:00

Today is Day One of my 12 Artsy Ornaments of Christmas online class. I know (well, follow) and love some of the artists/bloggers participating and look forward to getting to know the others. I've watched a couple of the videos this morning and they are FANTASTIC!

It's my research paper presentation day at college so I can't start the projects yet, but after class.... I'll be sharing my projects and hope I've inspired some of you to join in.

Chico's Very Own "The Yule Logs"

2011-12-04T16:15:00.001-08:00

I'm posting from my laptop as I seem to have lost a post and the pictures are so small when sent from my iPad. This is worthy of a BIG picture. So, there's this fun and a bit wacky Chico group, who are also pretty amazing. Saw them perform Friday night at the town Christmas tree lighting and again today and an anniversary party for a local nursery (of the plant variety). They are high energy, fun, sign interesting variations of Christmas songs we know and love as well as some of their own. A little Hanukkah thrown in here and there also. Their Santa Claus is Coming to Town reminded me a bit of Tim Burton's Nightmare Before Christmas. Classic.

Here is the lead singer, Marty sporting such snazzy holiday wear.

And the band

Hoping to make some jar snowmen this evening if homework doesn't get in the way.

Harley Ride for Toys for Tots

2011-12-03T16:33:00.001-08:00

Happened across an exciting sight this morning. Hundreds of Harleys cruising the streets of Chico for a good cause.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Alison's "A Day in the Pen"

2011-12-01T23:23:00.001-08:00

Decided I needed to start blogging from my iPad for practice and this is a photo that was still on my camera.

This is the painting my sixteen year old niece Alison made for the art show, "Small World, Small Works." The feathers came from my friend Pam's chickens, dropped naturally.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Preparations!

2011-12-01T11:30:00.001-08:00

How did December happen? The excitement builds as I leave for London three weeks from today. Realizing it is so close makes me a bit nervous. Will I be ready?

One of the things I am doing to prepare is setting up a journal. I gesso-ed enough pages and I'm just throwing on some paint. The plan is to bring scissors and glue and markers and make some collages with my receipts, tickets, whatever comes along. Here is the page I just painted, simple, but just going for some color on the background. Hope to share some pages from the trip as I go as long as I have internet at my hotels.

Are we there yet?

Moving Furniture

2011-11-30T08:58:00.001-08:00

As I wait for my kiln part, I've been rearranging rooms, moving furniture from one room to another, in hopes of creating a better studio space for fiber, paint, and mixed media. I'm in the midst of the change and this photo is from last week. The table has since been cluttered with paper, paint, and glitter as my 16 year old niece and I worked on a couple of projects during her Thanksgiving visit.

Here's one of those projects. Haven't worked with glitter in years and

the new glitter has a learning curve I have yet to master.

And the winner is...

2011-11-25T09:20:00.001-08:00

I was lazy and rather than my usual names in a hat, I used a random number generator. Seemed a little silly to set the parameters from 1 to 4, but it is what it is.

Congratulations Ms #4, rosebud101, Ms Mallory! I'll be sending out your heart tags soon.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T00:30:00.000-08:00

To all of my blog followers, whether you leave comments or not, I am thankful that you take the time to stop by from time to time. To my fellow Americans, I wish you a very happy Thanksgiving. May you take time to think of all your blessings. So many things to be thankful for.

Here are pictures of my niece and I at the Chico Art Center gallery showing of Small World, Small Works 2011, each of us standing by our piece of art.

Real Life Sometimes Gets in the Way of Creativity

2011-11-23T10:25:00.001-08:00

Here's what I was working on last night so my niece Jenny can have a real bed in "her" room when she comes to spend Thanksgiving night:

When I bought my house, these beautiful hardwoods were covered with dirty, old, beige carpet. Blah!

This is stage one: uncovering. Hopefully next year they will get sanded and prettied up. For now, they are so much more beautiful than the carpet. Moved the bed in this morning and have some other furniture to move around a bit.

After a visit from my brother and sister in law:

I'm switching furniture from room to room today and will have a real "studio" very soon.

Modern Steel Structure

2011-11-22T10:28:00.001-08:00

I wonder what my dad would think of my using his

1941 engineering textbook

to make

tags!

I like to think it would make him smile...

My mom would totally get it!

Just 4 You

2011-11-20T11:04:00.001-08:00

I was supposed to do this about a week ago,

but better late than never.

Here are three tags I've made over the last couple of weeks.

Looking for a new home.

So, just leave a comment for a chance to

have these sent to your house.

I'll randomly pick a name on Thanksgiving.

P.S. I've decided that some photos should show my reality.

In this case, a messy work area.

Carpet of Leaves

2011-11-18T16:34:00.001-08:00

The winds they are a blowing and with them

comes a gorgeous carpet of leaves.

The funny thing is,

I have no idea where some of these leaves came from.

Birthday Slashing

2011-11-17T11:33:00.001-08:00

No worries, just slashing the prices in my Etsy store. I either changed prices to $5.00 or slashed the prices in half to celebrate turning 50. Prices good until the end of November, though I will probably leave them as is until I go away for the holidays.

Here's one example, this shell for only $12.50.

What if...

2011-11-16T09:38:00.001-08:00

What if you had this canvas before you...

What would you add to it to make it magical?

I'm trying to NOT put a heart on it as much as I love hearts.

I have something in mind if I can pull it off.

Seriously, I have more than one thing in mind.

Don't be surprised if...

it ends up with a heart on it.

(I really want to put the Eiffel Tower on it, but think I should wait until after I come back from actually seeing it.)

Progression

2011-11-15T14:31:00.001-08:00

A little dot play

I just love Dabbers

This looks like a hot mess, I know, just wait...

A bit of paint

and, we get this

and this

I did add a bit more paint after this photo.

Background is ready for some action.

Where to go next?

Where Have I Been Hiding?

2011-11-13T13:49:00.001-08:00

I have been researching, organizing data, writing, editing, rewriting a five page research paper that turned into a six and a half page paper, not including the title page, abstract, introduction, and reference page. It has been electronically submitted so it's time to play again!

As my kiln is still broken, it will be fiber, fabric, and mix media play. After tomorrow's class I pretty much have a two week Thanksgiving vacation so I hope to have lots of things much more interesting than my title page to share with you.

Heroes Wear Dog Tags

2011-11-11T12:14:00.001-08:00

I know it's not cool to use pictures without giving credit. Believe this originated on Facebook and I apologize for using it without permission, but I do so with good intentions.

This picture speaks 1000 words, if not more. Honoring the brave men and women in service to their country fighting or having fought for their country. You make me proud. I know the United States is not the only country who is celebrating their heroes today and I salute the men and women who have served their country for the greater good, many times along side us Yankees.

Rumor Has It

2011-11-10T15:57:00.000-08:00

Can't tell you how much this speaks to me. LOVE it! Looking forward to next week's Glee.

Art Therapy For My Soul

2011-11-10T08:37:00.001-08:00

Today I bring you my art therapy table. Lots of mess, some organization, some cards in the works. I seem to be gradually leaving hot glass and finding myself loving the feel and look of paint on my hands. It just makes me happy. I just want to learn more, experiment more, get messy more often. I can't get my hands on glass the way I can with paint, paper, fiber.... I think that's why I always knew torching wasn't the "it" for me, as much as I enjoy it. Don't worry, once my kiln is fixed, I'll still be working with glass occasionally.

Art therapy is my theme of the week as I write a five page research paper on Art Therapy and Autism. I need a jazzier title than that, but it will come as the paper takes shape. It always does. Research is complete, most research has been read and highlighted. Today I begin more organization, decide where I want my research to lead, and start filling in the blanks of my outline. Tomorrow I need to have the first draft near completion if I want to have any fun over the weekend. Hoping for a near perfect piece on Saturday and a polished piece on Sunday. Baby steps and goals is how this ADD mind works best when I have a large task at hand.

When we had to choose a topic for a paper on Autism, I knew mine had to be about art. So often art has been my therapy. I will go as far as to say it probably saved my life at my darkest time when death seemed a feasible solution. So long ago and a period I don't like to think of often. I know it keeps me balanced and helps bring back my fading spirit when the blues try to sneak in. I feel as though I am an instrument of God when I am creating art.

A Different Cup of Bead Soup

2011-11-08T19:50:00.000-08:00

Think I already blogged about the beads shown above.

They were sent to me as part of a bead soup exchange. The twist on this exchange is you send the finished piece(s) back to your partner who sent the beads.

Here's what I did with the yummy soup.

It was hard to send them back.

The above was the first necklace I created. It's a simple stringing style, but it just worked.

This is necklace number two.

To begin with I really wanted to make a multi-strand necklace using all of the beads

and keeping the focal as the centerpiece,

but as I went along some of the beads just seemed too big to include.

It's much prettier in person, this one was camera shy,

but I really like the way this turned out.

Bling and simplicity.

Postcards From the Past

2011-11-07T20:42:00.000-08:00

Somehow a box of postcards ended up at my house a few months ago. A big box. Very big. Apple box big. It went from my Nana's house to my parents house to my house. I choose to call it serendipity, because it's my favorite word and because as I started sorting through the box my siblings did not want to deal with, I found a few postcards written by my Aunt Ruthie in 1957 on this amazing European adventure she went on with my grandparents. Unfortunately, it was also the trip where my grandfather was killed while crossing a street in Germany. Also unfortunately, my Aunt Ruthie, like a second mother to me, died after fighting a brave battle with cancer when I was 21. Enough with the sad, for the most part this is a happy story, tears involved, but happy all the same.

My cousin Alice is a couple weeks younger than I am and she hasn't quite reached that 50 mark yet. I got into email convos with her about her mother's postcards on my birthday. Alice shed tears realizing these cards would make their way to her and she would have a little piece of her mother back. Turned out my aunt collected postcards big time and the entire box in filled with her treasures. What must have happened is when Aunt Ruthie returned, my parents, aunt and uncle, and great aunt gave back the cards she had written and that's why we didn't figure out the mystery of the box sooner.

The above photo shows the postcards that I will be sending Alice for her 50th birthday. I know how much they will mean to her having lost my mother to cancer when I was 29 and finding precious every reminder of her. I did find one postcard in the box from Rome that my mother sent in 1950. That one stays with me. My hope is to drive to Scottsdale sometime next year to deliver the rest of the box to Alice in person. I have a feeling there will be more tears.

ThE HAppY DaY PRoJecT WeEk OnE

2011-11-05T09:17:00.000-07:00

Monday: Bring something to my teacher today. Hmmm...Dry Erase Markers Check

Tuesday: Made handmade cards to send to my cousin with her postcards and to someone I am doing an exchange with. Mailed today. Check

Wednesday: I'm getting some Secret Santa things organized and they will at least be organized and ready for shipping. Check

I decided to just list things I am thinking of for this week. I had planned a bead drop around campus Friday, but we are in for rain. Made me rethink. These are subject to change due to whatever, but going to try to stay true to my list. Sometimes random acts just present themselves.

• Blog Give Away. Stay tuned.
• Gift Card Something
• Leave some of my beads around Chico State campus with a note of inspiration.
• Randomly pick someone who has bought beads from my Etsy store and send them a thank you surprise.
• Hmm... Working on one more.

ThE HAppY DaY PRoJecT

2011-11-05T08:51:00.000-07:00

One of the blogs I love to follow is Homegrown Hospitality. I'm not even sure how I first found Stephanie's blog, but it was her art work that caught my eye. The more I read her blog, it is her faith and kind heart that keep me as a follower. She has been blogging about helping others and random acts of kindness lately. Because of something I read on her blog last week, I paid the toll for the car behind me on a toll bridge.

This is one of those heard it from a friend who heard it from a friend thing. Stephanie follows Julie's blog and Julie and a friend started The Happy Day Project. I'm not sure what I want to do yet to make some happy days for others yet, but I know I'm in.

I'm hoping some of you reading this now will join in. Giving feels good, it doesn't take a lot, and it should always be the season of giving.

Half a Century

2011-11-02T05:00:00.000-07:00

I'm spending my 50th birthday at one of my favorite places: the California Coast. This area, known as the Central Coast, has rolling hills leading to the ocean. I was fortunate to have lived on the Central Coast for ten years and often enjoyed walks on its many beaches, looking for sand dollars and seashells. Every beach in this area is unique and spectacular. I love returning to its beauty and this is the perfect place to celebrate a monumental milestone.

What Will the Future Bring?

2011-11-01T17:37:00.000-07:00

Today is the last day of my 40s.

I am excited about discovering new paths in my 50s.

This is Halloween!

2011-10-31T14:17:00.001-07:00

HaPPy HAllOwEEn!

Reflections

2011-10-28T22:18:00.000-07:00

There's something about reflections. This one almost looks like an impressionist painting. Another view of Cinderella's castle. Didn't I tell you I just love that place?

Another sort of reflection. I'm so happy I decided to make this trip down south to spend a couple days at Disneyland. It's a magical place the first and twentieth and fiftieth time. Not sure how many times I have actually been, but it's more than twenty, possibly less than fifty. Every trip shows me something new, something unexpected, and always a wonderful day. No wonder it is called, The Happiest Place on Earth.

Bippedy Boppidy Boo

2011-10-27T15:20:00.000-07:00

As you can see from the brilliant blue sky,

it is a perfect day at Disneyland.

I didn't see Cinderella, but this is her castle.

Simply lovely,

one of my favorite Disney sights to see.

On the Road Again, Just Can't Wait to Be on the Road Again

2011-10-23T22:47:00.000-07:00

I'm going to be visiting Jack and Zero at the happiest place on earth later this week. Beginning my travels tomorrow and hope to do some blogging while on the road. Call me excited!

Time to Party Like It's Halloween!

2011-10-22T00:00:00.000-07:00

Don't be afraid. Come on inside.

All witches and merry makers are welcome.

Masked friends are welcome too.

We'll be serving up some eyeball stew

and spider web tea.

Want to know your fortune?

What do your tea leaves say to you?

When the moon rises and the room darkens

we'll tell ghost stories by candlelight...
and when we are scared out of our minds...

to all a goodnight!

Please join the fun at other parties.
Links found here:
A Fanciful Twist

get ready to party tomorrow!

2011-10-21T12:00:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is the Halloween Party 2011

Enjoy the parties and save some room for dessert.

See you then!

life is a bowl of strawberries

2011-10-20T10:47:00.000-07:00

Hoping the intended does not frequent my blog as these are to be a Christmas gift for a very special someone. I'm working on filling this bowl with glass strawberries and I'm starting to see progress. Made four strawberries yesterday. Hoping to make more today, but I seem to have done something to my kiln and I need it to cool down before I can proceed.

Soup of Another Kind

2011-10-19T12:51:00.000-07:00

Are those beauties or what? I am involved in another bead soup project, this time with Lampwork Etc. This exchange has a twist: the beads you send, you will receive back after they are turned into a fabulous piece of jewelry.

Not sure how my partner feels about me using her name, so I'll just say that Karen from L.E. made the gorgeous dragonfly focal and glass beads as part of the soup she sent. Don't think she realized that pink is my favorite color and how difficult it will be to give these back after I whip them into something special!

ChChChChanges...

2011-10-17T10:55:00.000-07:00

The more I worked on my Small Works gallery piece,

the less I like it.

Here's how it looked two days ago.

Somehow my cottage turned into a birdhouse on a hill.

So.....

I tore it apart and made some chchchchanges...

Much Better.

I think it's finished.

Small World, Small Progress

2011-10-13T15:41:00.000-07:00

This canvas was ignored for a couple of days, but I am back at it today. I started cutting out some elements for the house and put down the main piece. I'm doing a music image transfer on it and hope it turns out as planned. I have some black hardware I plan on adding and think those finding will be a perfect way to add interest. There's the roof, chimney, and a heart to be added also. Think that's it, but I never know until the work tells me, "Enough."

As much fun as I am having, I look forward to this to be finished so I can go back to making beads.

Small World, Small Works

2011-10-11T11:25:00.000-07:00

My local art center is hosting a November exhibit called, Small World, Small Works. It tours four cities once it leaves Chico. After attending last year, I had the crazy idea to join in and submit a piece. Now their idea of small is 12" x 12". To me, that is huge as I have always preferred to work small.

It's been years since I painted anything other than walls, probably stopped after my last painting class in art school. As much as I have always told people I don't paint, I do enjoy working with the colors and texture paint can offer and there's just something about having those colors on my hands.

Bought my canvas for this show almost a year ago and started playing with paint about a month ago. Now you know why I have been dabbling with mixed media. I've been gradually working up in size and I'm just starting the one for the show.

Originally I was going to do a mixed media heart of some sort. Now I'm thinking a house, but a heart will definitely be present. Those cut outs are just me playing. I need to work on form and size and details and position and and and...

Topsy Turvy Dream of Love

2011-10-10T09:45:00.000-07:00

Here is Topsy Turvy all finished:

Finally finished the Dream of Love piece also:

Unnamed Heart

2011-10-08T10:16:00.000-07:00

I really thought I was going to make beads this week, but it just didn't happen. Next week I need to make it a priority. Artistic juices have been flowing though. Here's a second small heart piece I am working on. Last night I painted and applied the transfer. Today I rubbed away most of the transfer, there's still some more that needs to be removed, but it's looking good.

I know, so where's the heart?

That will be the next step and it will go something like this:

When I cut the heart out of the French book, I didn't realized I was cutting it so the words would be upside down. No worries. I'll be adding some color to the heart and sometimes love turns your life upside down so why not the words?

Hmmm, I'm thinking when I name this piece I might have to reference upside down, topsy turvey kind of love.

Hail, Yes.

2011-10-05T20:15:00.000-07:00

I'm a native born and raised Californian and I've never been in a storm like the one that just passed. Lightening, thunder booms at their loudest, and hail plummeted down for what seemed like forever. Tornado warnings, which thankfully, I don't think panned out. There's a black haze at the bottom of the pool near Rover which turned out to be leaves that were pulverized.

Bag Lady

2011-10-04T14:57:00.001-07:00

If the photo is a bit blurry, blame it on me trying to use my iPad as a camera. Yes, I'm practicing again for when I blog from the road.

I'm sewing up bags this week to try my hand at selling some as soon as I can build up a small inventory. I love this one made from the leg of a pair of old jeans. A lot of trial and error as I make my own pattern on the fly.

Teesha Moore Style

2011-09-30T00:17:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I found a blog link to Teesha Moore's Journaling Collage tutorials and fell in love. So much so that today I started cutting up the Vogue magazine I just received this week so I could dive right in. I'd already been prepping a journal, smaller than what I should be playing in, but hey, it was on hand and ready to go.

Here's a link to one of her videos and what I was working on until just a moment ago:

Here is my page so far. I still have a lot of cutting, pasting, and ink work to do, but it's so fun. Child's play that we should do more of. She kept mentioning going with your gut and not over thinking things. That is eggs-actly (hee hee) what I did. I found the hand and legs first and the hand just reminded me of a puppet master. I was stuck on what to use as a body and it just came to me that I had seen eggs earlier while flipping the pages of Vogue. Maybe my egg needs to sit on a wall!

Dream of Love

2011-09-29T14:37:00.000-07:00

Migraine day so I'll keep this short and sweet. Here is where Dream of Love is today.

Originally the bottom left corner was going to have a butterfly. After the disastrous attempt of adding a butterfly wing transfer, I started rethinking the idea. The heart has a key hole, so what about a key? Here are two possible choices. Do you prefer one over the other or is a key the wrong direction?

Image Transfer Play

2011-09-28T10:44:00.000-07:00

There's a lot of vintage sheet music on this mixed media snip-it of a piece I am working on. Most is buried under layers of paint, but it is the musical notes you can see that are transfers. The upper left corner shows a mirror image of musical notes. The bottom right shows step one of a transfer, it's waiting for me to pull the paper off to reveal the underside music.

There are many ways to apply images to paper/canvas. One is to just glue them down and there's nothing wrong with that. Using modge podge, as I did in this piece, leaves the image while still seeing the layer below. I'm not crazy about the film I still see from the modge podge, but I plan on masking it somehow.

My words are sounding too technical today and perhaps a bit dry so I hope you are still with me.

Basic steps: Apply gesso or modge podge or even paint to the area you want to apply the transfer. Apply transfer, face down, onto the wet surface. Allow to dry completely. When you are sure it is dry, spritz with water and gently rub away the paper with your fingers. Be patient with this last step. I rub away some notes with my enthusiasm. Fortunately for this piece, it still works.

Keep in mind that the image will be a mirror image. If you are using originals, they will be lost so you may want to use a copy. If you are wanting words, print them in reverse first. Experiment and have fun.

I'll be back when the paper is off and we'll see what it revealed.

Going to see if I can get this to post from my iPad. The tansfer was a success, but I'm a bit worried about the latest. It's a copy from my printer and I can always paint over it if it is a mess. I'll post the whole piece tomorrow as a work in progress. Yay! It worked! The image isn't as sharp as it could be, but it is straight from the camera and I read that images from BlogPress aren't the best, but I'm happy.

tesing 1, 2, 3...

2011-09-27T09:31:00.001-07:00

If you are looking for Bead Soup, you can dish up a bowl here: Soup Time.

I'm writing this from my new iPad to see if i can blog on the road. Not on the road now, but i will be in the near future. More on that on my birthday.

Going to try to add a picture that I just took while sitting on my bed looking out the window. Not anything worth noting, it wa just convinient.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Adding this in from my laptop: so happy I was able to make it work! Looking forward to leaving my laptop at home when I go on trips and just taking my iPad along. I think I'm in love.

Macro Monday

2011-09-26T11:10:00.000-07:00

While there are still signs of summer trying to hang on in my backyard,

autumn is trying to show her true colors.

First of all, I have this awesome macro lens for my Cannon Digital Rebel XTi. I finally looked up macro vs micro to see what the difference is, if any. If you'd like to know more, here's a great, easy to read article: Macro, Micro, Close Up Photography. Added that in because some bloggers blog Micro Mondays, since today I used my macro lens, it's Macro Monday for me. I may mix it up, but I like the ideas of photography 101 Mondays.

Guess I need a second of all. These pictures were resized, but not cropped and I have a lot to learn to use my macro lens, and my camera, to its potential.

How Do You Know?

2011-09-24T00:05:00.000-07:00

One of the hardest parts about making are is how do you know when it is finished? I'm at that point right now. I'm really liking where this is at, but is it finished? I've thought about writing words. She Will Be Loved came to mind. I think the bottom right corner is fine, but a part of me thinks it needs some "magic" as one of my art teachers used to tell me.

I think I'm calling it finished for now and maybe in a day, a week, a month, a year.... I'll decide it needs something and will get back to it. This one is going on my wall.

Funny what photography shows. I really thought I was finished. Now I see those green dots and they need something. Those spots will be changing somehow, someway.

After writing the above, I played more. I changed the dots, I tried the words, I ended up with my finished piece. I just wish I could get the colors right in my pictures. Thinking it's the indoors with flash, but here you go:

And after taking this pic I thought of one more thing I want to do! Geesh!And now it really, really is finished, I think!

She Had Three Hearts With Christy

2011-09-23T11:22:00.000-07:00

I'm a sucker for hearts. Maybe it goes back to all those Valentine's exchanges as a kid. Whatever it is, I collect hearts and they make my soul happy. When I found Christy Tomlinson's online workshop, She Had Three Hearts, I just had to join in. I'm on week one and here's what I'm making right now.

Keep in mind, I haven't painted since I left art school in 2000, unless you count painting the walls of a house. This is how my canvas looked this morning. I kind of just wanted to leave it as is.

This is where it is at now. Keep in mind that bright pink is just the base of the heart. It's going to get grunged up.

Lots of layers to go and not sure what the finished piece will look like, but I'm having fun.

Ragged Denim

2011-09-22T17:14:00.000-07:00

I think I first wanted to make a ragged denim quilt a little over a year ago, has it been two years already? Last summer was my move north and figuring out my life, but my sister was gathering jeans for me from thrift stores. This summer my goal was to finish this quilt. Since today is the last day of summer, I finished the quilt yesterday! It's not quite five feet by five feet.

Next one will be bedspread size, but this one is for picnics, a day on the beach, wrapping around myself on a chilly morning, Next one will have a red flannel backing also. This one is just the jeans layer, no need for bulk or extra warmth and easy to wash.

Skulls to Celebrate a Life Well Lived

2011-09-21T10:27:00.000-07:00

It may seem strange to many of us, but Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a celebration of loved ones. A way of remembering and keeping the spirit alive. Families build shrines, bring food and drink, and have parades to the grave of one who has gone on before them. It is done with love, humor, remembrance... and yes, it is a bit strange.

Day of the Dead is November 2, why am I talking about it already? In preparation for the festivities I have begun making skull beads. I need to make some of these for myself so I can create a tribute to those I have lost and want to honor.

Celebrations begin November 1, which this Catholic school girl was raised knowing it as All Saints Day. In countries that celebrate this feast day, it is the day the souls of infants are celebrated. November 2, again I was raised calling this day All Souls Day, is the day to honor deceased adults.

Side note: I was born on November 2 and as that Catholic school girl, was relieved I wasn't born the day before. Why? Because All Saint's Day was a Holy Day of Obligation, meaning we HAD to go to church on that day. I knew my birthday was All Souls Day since as far back as I can remember and I was just glad I didn't have to go to mass every year on my birthday. Looking at the two days as an adult, for me personally, All Souls Day is the day which holds the most meaning to me.

Art on the Farm

2011-09-19T11:20:00.000-07:00

You may or may not know that I am a lover of vintage and antique almost anything. My best friend introduced me to antique shops when we were college roommates and I have been a lover of primitive furniture, flatback cookie cutters, kitchen gadgets, milk glass, vintage jewelry, old photographs..... ever since.

I recently started following Gypsy Brocante blogs when I saw her use of all things vintage in her bags and jewelry. LOVE her style. Along with na. da. farm life with Anne Marie there will be an Art on the Farm girl's weekend October 7 and 8. Yes, soon, very soon.

How fun would it be to take classes in Vintage Art Journaling and Vintage Mixed Media Art! Oh, and how could I forget Salvaged Treasures Jewelry by Gypsy Brocante? I'm doing a little promotion here to do just that, by blogging about this wonderful experience I have a chance of winning a trip to the event. Even though I usually say I never win anything, this is worth crowing about just in case my luck has change.

Time to Dish Out Some Bead Soup

2011-09-17T00:01:00.000-07:00

How exciting is this! Welcome to my Blog Soup. Marge of Rock Creek Creations recently began making ceramic pendants and beads and gifted me with tons of them. Interestingly enough, I used to make hand built ceramics years ago and have a fondness for earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain.

Besides the ceramics, I was gifted chain, ribbon, seed beads, semi-precious stones... Love the moon pendant, but I was at a loss as to what to make. After a few failed attempts, I decided this was a chance to get out of my comfort zone and try something fun and funky. Here is the result. So not me, but it is growing on me.

Next I needed to make a piece that was more me so I chose the green dragonfly beads that I loved best. Again, I tried a few different things with different combinations of the matching beads. Finally just decided to go with the pendant and found this wonderful metal dragonfly. As much as I hated to cover up the original design, this just worked. The clasp I was gifted is such a perfect touch!

Make sure to visit all the other wonders of the BLog SoUp BLog PaRtY!

The Big Reveal is Tomorrow!

2011-09-16T16:43:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is the big day! The Blog Soup Blog Party Reveal. To see all the wonderful creations people have been making with other peoples beads over the past month, make sure to stop by:
BLog SoUp BLog PaRtY!

Here's a reminder of the beads I received from Marge of Rock Creek Creations:

and here's a sneak peek of what I'll be revealing tomorrow:

And the Winner of the Curtains Clutch is...

2011-09-15T12:50:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Bugeyedmonster2! Congrats Bug Eyed!

Now I just need your address and I'll get your new bag in the mail.

Whoooooo Has a Birthday Tomorrow?

2011-09-14T11:31:00.000-07:00

My niece Alison turns sweet sixteen tomorrow.

This sweet little owl is for her.

Tomorrow is the day I chose a name for the clutch purse I made

to celebrate her special day.

Different is the New Normal

2011-09-13T13:12:00.000-07:00

Different is the New Normal (2011) - Trailer from Hourglass Films on Vimeo.

You may or may not know that I am back in college working towards an Educational Specialist credential. My current Autism Spectrum Disorders class is teaching me new ways to look at disabilities. We've been talking about how those with autism are children/people first, a child with autism rather than an autistic child.

You know how when you are immersed in a subject it has a way of popping up everywhere you look? Well, I was just looking at an American Idol site I frequent and they had a link to the documentary Different is the New Normal, the story of a young man with Tourette Syndrome. What's the connection with American Idol? One of the contestants from last season, James Durbin, has Tourette's and he is included in the movie.

The documentary plays this Friday night on a New York public station. I'm hoping I'll find a link to it later on to watch it myself. Different should be the new normal.

First Wrapped Bead Bracelets

2011-09-09T12:41:00.000-07:00

I love the look of those leather and wrapped bead bracelets and was lucky enough to find a video tut on how to make them from a blogger I follow: Make Bracelets. The steps were clear and I had enough materials on hand to give them a try.

My first attempt was the pink bead. I couldn't find my thinner bead string, so I used one strand of what I could find. I didn't wrap the loops quite tight enough so the beads wiggle a bit. The second attempt was with thinner leather for the cage and thinner bead thread so I could double it and use a needle. Not sure how I feel about the thinner leather, seems a bit wiggly overall. Third attempt was a charm: back to the thicker leather, thinner bead thread, and each "stitch" pulled just right. It's my favorite and the one I may actually keep.

If you are looking for a fun and pretty bracelet, give these a try!

Labor Day Weekend Fun

2011-09-06T15:51:00.000-07:00

It was a beautiful weekend for a Labor Day picnic at Lassen Volcanic National Park, or Mt. Lassen as I call it. Our national parks are treasures indeed. A twenty plus decrease in temperature was a nice change also. I met this little bee along a short walk beside a babbling stream.

Bowl of Strawberries

2011-09-01T19:58:00.000-07:00

Today was my first attempt at strawberries and I was surprised at how easy they were. Think it is because the shape begins much like when I made seashells and I'm a pro at seashells. Red is a beautiful, yet tricky color as it often burns. Something I am also a pro at. Fortunately red and I played nicely today.

Upcycle Give Away

2011-08-31T12:50:00.000-07:00

This bag was once curtains and a pair of jeans. If you watch Project Runway you may have heard judges say, more than once, "That looks like it was made from old curtains." Well, this was! I purchased many vintage curtain segments while on my summer holiday.

I forgot this piece has a bit of a stain on it so I didn't work around it. The fabric was washed by me so it is clean, just a bit of history is showing on the back oh so slightly. Something you would miss if I didn't tell you, but I know it is there so I won't sell it.

That's where you come in. Interesting in this small clutch? It can hold a wallet and keys; your camera; iPod; cosmetics... All you need to do is leave a comment on this post. I'll pick a name of my niece Alison's sweet 16th birthday, September 15.

Blog Soup Sneak Peek

2011-08-29T11:55:00.000-07:00

I have finished three pieces with my bead soup mix from Marge. She was so generous with her ceramic beads that I can easily make three more. This is a peek, hope not too much of one, of my favorite creation. This one is all mine. Can't wait to reveal it on September 17th.

Postcards

2011-08-27T11:57:00.000-07:00

I made a couple more ATCs this morning. This one will be part of an ATC/Bead exchange on WetCanvas. I am hosting it so I'm trying to be a good example and getting some cards made for inspiration. My task with these cards is to design a bead/bead set to go with the cards I make. The beads I make to go with this card will probably be romantic, but possibly fun. I'll be sure to post them when I get to the point of execution.

August in Paris

2011-08-26T17:55:00.000-07:00

No, I'm not in Paris. Sigh. Though I am in California, a destination for many. I've been playing with Artist Trading Cards (ATCs) this summer and this one was just created. Paper, fabric, and trim. Fun stuff!

Funky Flowers

2011-08-23T20:13:00.000-07:00

Wasn't at my torching best today, but I found this flower tutorial yesterday and wanted to give it a try. Not too bad for first attempts, but I have a long way to go to perfect these and make them my own. I'll have fun trying.

Back to School

2011-08-22T09:54:00.000-07:00

Fall semester classes start today. Thanks to wacky California budget cuts, there is only one class I can take for my special education prerequisites. Hope it's a great class for the money I'm paying. Haven't even seen the cost of textbooks yet. Rant over.

I am really looking forward to my class and hoping it lives up to my expectations: Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorders. I wouldn't mind a service learning experience as I miss working with students.

Wishing a good school year to all.

Pink and Hot

2011-08-21T11:54:00.000-07:00

It's always fun to wake up to Etsy sales and to discover I have been featured in an Etsy treasury. Here's a treasury I woke up to today: Pink and Hot. Anyone who knows me well, knows that I am a fan of pink so that makes it all the more sweet. That and the fact that my pink posies sold in thanks to this treasury.