couldyoube

Lucky stars

2011-11-01T20:28:00.000-05:00

In August, the daughter of a friend of mine was involved in a very bad head on collision. During her recovery, I spent time hooking a small wall hanging. I included a star shape because her mom had said how down she was about her injuries, which included compound fractures in an arm and a leg, and breaks in the other arm and leg as well...she was unable to walk and take care of the simplest things herself, and it was really hard for such an independent young woman. But I wanted her to remember how lucky she was (as in "thank your lucky stars"), that there had been no head trama, that all her injuries would eventually heal and that she was still here...with us. I added a small felt heart bc of all the love I saw from family and friends who gathered at the hospital and afterwards to hold her up, to remind her of good times ahead.

She's already doing much, much better and is able to walk on her own, attend classes and be a teenager again. Thursday she has what I hope will be her final surgery to repair injuries that happened as a result of the accident. I know she's feeling better and staying positive bc that's the kind of kid she is. And bc of the kind of kid she is, I know she will turn this all around and use it to help others...and I can't wait to see all that she does!!

...and once in a blue moon.

2011-09-28T17:20:00.022-05:00

Yes, I know...I said I'd be back "soon" in my last update, and that was April. Well, there's just a lot going on here, plus I'm lazy~~I'll cop to that. But I'm started to get fired up about ArtFest 2012~~wOOt, booking this and that and getting my plane ticket all squared away (no, I haven't started packing yet!). I also have a huge amount of pictures on this rickety old laptop so I thought I better get them off and into safe storage before a crash...and, of course I had to do a quick scroll through before they went into their little electronic book. I didn't want them to get away so here they are. Some of them. Timely...maybe not. Enjoyable...I hope so! ;)

I arrived in Seattle to meet, for the first time in person, Angela!! We had been in a round robin together and this was her first time to attend ArtFest. It was really neat to show someone around, especially someone as sweet as Angela is! This is us at a beautiful yummy restaurant in Seattle called Dahlia's.
I don't think I've ever written a blog entry about traveling to ArtFest without also posting a picture~~at least one~~of flowers from the Pike's Place...they are hypnotizing and I love them seeing them all together in a row like a giant bouquet!

Goofing around at Pike's Place...

Riding the ferry, getting closer to PT!

One of my many favorite things about Port Townsend is that you see deer everywhere. They're in town, in people's yards, at the fort, just all over...I love seeing and photgraphing them!!

Lana Guerra, artist and wig maker extraordinaire! She is such a cool lady and a fabulous teacher! I had so much fun in this class. It had a smaller count than all the other classes I've been in at ArtFest and it was GREAT~~fewer classmates meant more one on one time with the teacher, more interaction with the other folks...I had such a good time!

Ms. Lana, doing her thang!

My classmates from Let's Wig Out...wow!

The view from my front porch.

My favorite beach anywhere, first thing in the morning!

My santos from Santibelli Santos...I loved, loved, loved this class. Tory Brokenshire is a gem of a teacher!! It was an easy project to make but I didn't get finished during the class which (sometimes, okay most times) drives me crazy!

Heads in the oven.

One of Tory's awesome pieces

Classmate Mary's santos.

Another dear deer.

The awesome Lana and Jesse!

Officer's houses from the back...I love them all in a row like they are

Did I mention the deer??

I was so, so happy to be in Mary Stanely's Little Hooked Houses class...she is the nicest lady and a wonderfully kind teacher!!

Here are some of the beautiful treasures she creates...mine are coming along, slowly but surely!

Francie and me, having fun in Mary's class. Francie was definitely my favorite ArtFester of 2011!
I didn't go to the Common's at all this trip so Show and Tell was the only crowd I had to get through...as you can see, it get's thick!

Bird, Angela, and Kathy AKA Oklahoma celebrating after hours.

My super cool roomies, Anne and Nancy...I was a little nervous, not having my usual ArtFest peeps with me and instead of my usual off-campus abode, I stayed in the officer's housing. My roomies were great tho, felt like I had known them forever~~very funny ladies! I think this is one of those magical things about AF...being together with folks you have never met before and instantly hitting it off!

One last stop at the beach to pick up beach glass and special pebbles.

I didn't want to leave!

Diner stop while waiting for the ferry!

Big Star is also one of my recent favorites for music too.

See you soon!!

A year and a day...

2011-04-23T21:50:00.010-05:00

It wasn't on purpose, it just worked out that way but that's how long it's been since my last update. What can I say?
Here are some shots of opening night of the Book Arts 2011 show at the Arkansas Studies Institute. The books by AR artists are on display through 5/28.

Museum of Dead Pens by Beth Lambert.

Another piece by Beth.

My submissions for this years show.

Here's a closer picture of my Teesha Moore inspired fabric journal.

I've also worked on a couple of pieces for fundraisers....the heart was for a Center for Artisitc Revolution fundraiser and the mirror was for a silent auction at the kids' school.

If we're friends on fb, then you may or may not have seen these photos already, since I'm kinda partial to fb. But you definitely haven't seen my pictures of ArtFest 2011 and I know this b/c I have only just downloaded them from the camera, so check back...they'll be up soon!! xo!
Happy Earth Day and Merry Easter!!!

A fun giveaway!

2010-04-22T18:44:00.004-05:00

Check out this sweet little flower doll! She could be yours (or mine! hahaha)! Just leave a comment here by April 23rd!!

Book Arts Exhibition

2010-04-10T18:39:00.009-05:00

Today was the opening reception for the Book Arts Exhibition at the Butler Center for Arkansas Studies. Thanks to a little help from my friends, I have three books on display in this exhibition, my first ever to participate in. I was pretty nervous but managed not to think too much about it before hand, and kind of let it sneak up on me so it was only marginally uncomfortable (denial CAN be a wonderful thing)! After we got there, and friends started showing up, it was a lot of fun!

"Five"

All three books were made using techniques learned from sooper teacher Tracy Moore during the PLAY retreat this January (man, what a good choice it was to go to that). The books are coptic bound, with mixed media/polymer clay covers and watercolor-weight pages.

"Charm"

"Hugs And Kisses"

The view from the gallery where the book exhibit was...

More view (I had the kids taking pictures for me)...

Colin, Art Administrator; Beth, extraordinary pottery teacher and fellow exhibitor; and Darcy, beautiful daughter and sometime photographer.

Friends trying to dodge the camera but were back lit anyway!

Michael and Mom.

Me and one of my oldest buds, Chris.

I have funny friends but I'm glad--they make life so much more interesting!!!

More of the gallery.

Doug and Dar. SO glad they were there.

What an experience!!!!

ArtFest 2010

2010-04-04T19:58:00.010-05:00

ArtFest 2010 has come and gone, and I look back on it with much fondness and love. My teachers were great again this year and celebrating my BFF's big 5-0 only added to the crazy fun times.

Of course, we started celebrating right away with cake...

flowers....
and more flowers.

Good eats (the shots above and below are from the Fountain Cafe in Port Townsend, which had the 2nd best crème brulée of the trip)...

...and beautiful and delicious coffees from the Undertown, who's front door was cleverly disguised as Port Townsend's only subway entrance.

There were fabulous wigs...

...and red velvet cupcakes.

Did I mention the strategically placed flyers, notifying all of the celebration?

Front row on Wednesday night, y'all!

Hey, who took this picture?

Friday's class was a blast with Jesse Reno. I loved it!!

He's a funny guy and an enlightening teacher.

I was lucky enough to have Misty on both Thursday and Saturday. She's a very kind and patient teacher...thank goodness!

These are shots of some pages she was demoing during our Saturday class, Freshly Renovated.

If you ever have the opportunity to take a class from Misty, DO IT!!(!!!)

A Saturday view from Washington Street, PT.

One last yummy dinner out....in Seattle at the Dahlia Lounge.

It was all good but OMG, have the crème brulée--THE BEST I have ever had in my life!!

It was a wonderful time!! Tomorrow I am expecting delivery of the huge canvas that I worked on in my Thursday class and I will be back with photos of that and my little painting from Jesse's class! HooRAY!

Just a few more minutes...

2010-03-22T12:25:00.005-05:00

...and I will be wheels up, on my way to Washington, Port Townsend and ARTFEST!!!!! I am having the usual panicky feelings about traveling but it's a little better this time since I didn't have to be at the airport at 5 AM. A 2 PM flight is so much nicer....slept in, took my checked bag to the airport, got my seat assignments, and did a few last minute errands. It's all good. One of my errands was to the Art Center to pick up a little giftie for a BFFs birthday. At first I thought I wasn't even going to get in but I did, and on top of that, my giftie had been re-fired and was ready to travel!!!! YAY!! I am leaving you today with a picture of my ATCs for Bee Shay's book and some pics from my wonderful pottery class.
K, so Blogger is not cooperating today and it's time to hit the road.....pottery pictures and more when I return!!!

Here comes trouble.

2010-03-14T19:23:00.001-05:00

It has been pointed out to me (again) that I am woefully remiss in my duties here in blogland (thanks again, KIM!!). Really, it's only in this particular corner (my own blog) that I have fallen down on the job, as I am still reading away at most of my favorite haunts, though perhaps not as frequently.

If there is a creative time of year, I think this might be it......it's is getting time to go to ArtFest!! I was also fortunate enough to attend the PLAY Retreat this year (and solo at that!) and have been taken pottery classes at the Arkansas Art Center from the awesome Ms. Beth Lambert (just re-upped for the next session too!). But, alas, my drive to blog about all that and more has been lacking, and I have not fought the urge. Now I'm getting back in the groove, I think, and will be posting more often about all the things I like to make and do....

Here are some pics from PLAY.

Beach view.

Sunrise at the beach.

North beach, part 1.

North Beach, part 2.

North Beach, part 3.

This is Marty, the NICEST lady at PLAY hands down. Sweet, sweet, sweet...so sweet, I thought she might be from the South but she was just sweet.

These are some of Keely's creatures, and I was delighted to get to see her work on maybe two dozen of these over the days PLAY took place. I am hoping to be able to purchase one at ArtFest........if something else doesn't catch my magpie eye!

It was really so much fun!

The beautiful, kind and oh-so-talented Maria.

Maria's beautiful journal...only one of the incredible things she made (she was on fire!).

Funny and generous Steve, who demo'd several polymer clay techiniques, like faux jade and bone. Very interesting!

Here is one of the books I made, thanks to the patience of teacher Tracy Moore. I learned a lot of the weekend....getting to watch Teesha demo journals, Tiphoni with the crazy blind contour drawing and watercoloring--those were fabulous but I was most pleased with the book-binding I learned from Tracy!

A view of the binding.

Me and Tracy.

Now, ArtFest is inching ever so close and it is time to do the big freak out I like to call packing. Oh wait, it's only Monday...I have five more days before I have to start that....hahahaha. This trip, I have two goals: start packing earlier and pack LESS. We'll see how it goes. In addition to the packing, my favorite daughter turns 13 and will have the usual two parties, I have some work to do on a submission for a book show here in LR, and I have yet to start on my trades. Where is that hat with the rabbit in it again????

Red ribbons

2009-12-01T18:00:00.005-06:00

In case you haven't heard, today was World Aids Day, and sections of the Aids Memorial Quilt were being displayed on the lawn of the Clinton Presidential Library. Volunteers had started reading the names of people who have passed away from HIV/AIDS some time yesterday and had been reading names through the night. They were reading names when we got there, and still reading when we left.

Thanks

2009-11-26T18:06:00.004-06:00

It is a busy weekend here, with much celebrating going on. We are remembering all the things we are thankful for, and gathering with our family and friends. We are also in the midst of a days long celebration of my sweet son's birthday...

One of two birthday cakes...

Some of the family that can to celebrate.

Our Thanksgiving table.

My daughter's first pumpkin pie. (It was delicious!)

The Thanksgiving cactus, in full bloom.

I am thankful for so many things....my children, my mother, a wonderful, warm home to live in, a good dog, my health and my friends. Thanks to all of you who give me something to be thankful for!!

Wow...

2009-11-23T12:50:00.007-06:00

it's been a few minutes since I've been here, huh? Did I mention I have a huge crush on facebook...but you may already know that, if we're fb friends. I have been having such fun connecting with people I haven't talked to in 20 years!! I haven't been doing a lot of art lately, due to other distractions in addition to the whole facebook thing but I think my muse has returned, thanks to a little help from my friends. I signed up recently for an online class with the ever so sweet Misty Mawn, whose talent and artistic generosity I had the chance to witness first hand last year at ArtFest (and have TWICE for classes this coming spring at the same location!). So far, she is doing the same bang-up job she does IRL, and I am thoroughly enjoying the class!! These are some of the pieces from week one (backgrounds)...

On a roll

2009-07-14T11:34:00.004-05:00

I managed to get August's charm done, and a whole 16 days early! The theme was "blue dreams". I used a hand made (by me) polymer clay bead, a couple of of tiny washers and some of the prettiest blue glass beads from my collection.
Two necklaces, on their way today! YAY!

Red button charm

2009-07-13T21:12:00.004-05:00

In typical Ellen style, I started late, spent a bunch of time making some red buttons for my charm, didn't use them and just now finished up....only 13 or so days after I was supposed to mail! YIKES!! Angela, if you're still reading here, it's on it's way tomorrow!!

Made with two vintage button, a lamp work bead, silver wire, washers and silver tone bells.

Happy Independence Day; or Mini-vaca, Day 2

2009-07-04T23:33:00.003-05:00

Walkin' in Memphis

2009-07-03T22:42:00.003-05:00

We are finishing up day one of our little mini-vaca today. Made the short, two hour run over to Memphis for a weekend getaway/Independence Day celebration. We got a late start due to last minute packing but traffic was keeping up a mighty fine pace and we had a slammin' rental that was so smooth I hardly noticed I was going 90! Luckily, I had Sweetie Pie there to remind me...when he wasn't dozing~~now that's a relaxed passenger!!

Of course, we had to test the firmness of the beds first thing!

On the way to dinner....

Dinner at Huey's downtown with my aunt and uncle. It was delicious. We had a blast shooting toothpicks at the ceiling and Dar wrote her name on the wall.

An after dinner stroll down to the banks of the Mighty Mississippi.

And, to finish out the day, an evening swim!

Tomorrow, who knows...but I have a feeling it will involve the pool, and we've got tickets to see the Red Birds play!
Happy 4th, y'all!!!!!

Dear Blogger, I have a huge crush...

2009-06-30T13:41:00.011-05:00

on Face Book and I have been neglecting you. Your staunch defender, Kim, has gotten on to me about casting you aside, and several times, but I have been too busy with my new obsession to listen. I think that, now, I have finally seen the light. Please forgive me and know that I will try to do better.

Big Love,
Ellen

P.S. Here are a few pictures of what I have been up to lately...

NYC

2009-05-19T14:28:00.011-05:00

I had the extreme pleasure of traveling to New York this last week. It was a great trip, and besides getting to travel with a great group, I had the pleasure of seeing old friends and a favorite uncle. I visited lots of touristy-type places that I had not visited during previous trips (Top of The Rock, St Pat's Cathedral, Ellis Island, etc.), along with some places that had been suggested to me by sources in the know (Tinsel Trading & Metalifirous), and was thrilled to get to see the Lion King again as well is Wicked on Broadway.

Hello stranger.....

2009-05-10T23:47:00.006-05:00

Wow~~I can't believe it has been almost a month...I can't even begin to tell you what I have been up to. Really. Mainly b/c I am about five hours away from leaving for NYC. That'll be blogged, for sure. And since it's almost midnight and I have to be up by four, I'll make this short and sweet with my favorite shot of late and my latest charm for a charmster's round robin that I am participating in...the theme for this necklace is "Make time for art."
See you all on the flip side or the plane ride!!

2009-04-12T09:35:00.002-05:00

HAPPY EASTER!!!

Photos from today

2009-04-11T21:21:00.007-05:00

As promised, here is a shot of one of my canvases from Misty Mawn's "A White Out" class at ArtFest. It was a great class and I learned so much! Misty was kind enough to sit beside me and coach me through painting the face...something I haven't done very often. She was very patient and I think I was very slow about it all--since I was so unsure about what I was doing!! The other canvas is not quite finished but as soon as I get 'er done, I'll be sure to put it up here.

We had a pretty good day today, eggs were hidden several times--we are expecting storms tomorrow so we did out hunting a little early.

oh..eM..gEEE!! ArtFest was a blast...AGAIN!!!

2009-04-08T19:27:00.014-05:00

Another fabulous visit to ArtFest and Port Townsend is behind me...I came away with a renewed inspiration, awesome ideas, and fresh eyes. In three years, I have not been disappointed, and this year was better than last and too close to call with trip #1. I cannot say thank you enough to Teesha and Tracy and their family who make it such a special, care-free time!!!!

Opening night--always fun...everyone gathering together to see all the teachers and pick up their long anticipated goodies. It seemed for some reason that there were a lot more people there...and when asked for a show of hands, it looked like there were WHOLE LOT more first timers. I highly recommend being a first timer at ArtFest!!!!!

We had a little time to goof before things got rolling, and I got the opportunity to practice shooting pictures of myself and friends--can you see the concentration on my face? I need longer arms!

Here's a shot of Ilene from the charmsters group...I saw her and immediately made my way over to say hi. At the time, I couldn't remember why I needed to speak to the lady with the octopus on her head but I knew I remembered SOMETHING about her, and that I was supposed to say hi!!

Thursday, we saw a beautiful bald eagle along the road to the fort. Always a good thing to see--a sign of an unusual and exciting day ahead!!

The lovely Ruth Rae was my teacher on Thursday, for Wind Coil and Curl. What a fabulous class--I learned so much!! Haven't finished my necklace yet but when I do, I'll be sure to share here!!

After class, it was back to our home away from home. So nice to have a place with all the comforts of home!!

We had a mini-polymer clay class where I was able to share a little bit of the limited tricks I have up my PC sleeve with the roomies. It was fun and I think I was a pretty good teacher too! Wine, art and house shoes--how can you miss with those?!

Friday's class was outta sight! Misty is everything you would expect from reading her blog: sweet, patient, and very generous with her talent. I learned so much in her class, and unlike some classes I have taken before (which were good classes but did not instill the feeling that I could/would do it again), I left very confident that I would be able to reproduce the technique when I got home. Those who know me might can tell from the messy hair, I had a hella good time in class!!

Here are a shot of Kim's masterpieces....LOVE the bouffant hair with the windows in it!!!

Isn't she a ham?!!

Friday night was vendor night and although it is always way too crowded for my taste, I cannot pass up a chance to drool over my favorite artist's offerings, say hi to my teachers and get elbowed by a few over-zealous shoppers! I purchased an altoid shrine from Karen Michel (another photo for later) and seriously eyed one of Misty's creations but when I came 'round again, it had sold...I guess that old rule about getting when you see it at the flea market applies to vendor night at Artfest as well!! Lesson learned!! I also had a nice visit with Kari (Hi, Kari!!) so all in all, it was a great night!

Saturday was Nina Day, and instruction on a beautiful treasure box...ANOTHER winner!! Having had classes with Nina last year, I knew I was in for a treat and of course, she was up for the task. I was so pleased with what I left with--both the project and the time spent. Nina is definitely one of a kind!!

The weather was not perfect the first few days but by Saturday, the weather-mojo was working and it was a beautiful day! This is the view from Washington Street in town.

Sunday morning was my last chance to catch the sunrise--thus far in the journey, I hadn't managed to make it up early enough! It was gorgeous and so worth missing the extra minutes of snooze time! Julie picked the perfect spot and we went in search of sunshine and beach glass.

The beach is a wonderful place with so many things to see and find...I wish we had one here!

Here's Julie, the best tour guide/driver/barista EV-AH!!

One of my favorite views in PT--when the stacks from the paper mill are blowing the right way! I love the lighthouse with the mountains in the background...

So after a good lunch, it was time to catch the ferry and head to Seattle...I was (still am) pretty pleased with myself and the time that I had! Goodbye, Port Townsend....til next year!!

I think if I lived in Seattle, I would have flowers in every room. I love to visit Pikes Place Market...and just for the flowers! The shopping is an added bonus, of course!!!

So many teas, so little time.

Okay, so here's probably the oddest coincidence I have experienced in a long time. Julie and Kim were staying at the Edgewater in Seattle Sunday night. Kim and I were goofing around in the lobby when all of a sudden, across the room, there stands one of my highschool buds whom I haven't seen in 20+ years!! He just happened to be visiting Seattle and just happened to be staying in the same hotel, AND just happened to be hanging in the lobby at the same time we were...how weird is that??! It was so cool to see him!!

Drinks at Six Seven....

The view from our table in the Six Seven dining room.

The view from the room...it was a really nice hotel. Wish I could have stayed the night but I was sleeping on the plane--blek!!

One last shot before I go....goodbye, Seattle!

And, as promised, pay backs............ 8-)

Celebrating earth hour

2009-03-28T21:49:00.005-05:00

Tonight, at our house we celebrated earth hour. We turned off all the lights and all non-essential devices for one hour. The kids were in bed already but the books on tape had to wait, at least for tonight. The hall light (which acts as the night-light) was out, with Daddy standing by to ward off any monsters. I turned off the t.v. and stopped cleaning/packing/scurrying for an hour and played a bit with the camera to commemorate the event. It was nice to have a truly quiet house for a little while--and to know I could turn the lights back on if I really needed to. Don't tell Sweetie Pie (who only grumbled a little) but we may have earth hour more often!!!

Celebrating again~

2009-03-22T20:31:00.007-05:00

We had another birthday party yesterday...as Kim always says, when it's your birthday, the whole month's a party! This one was a family shindig and as usual, Mom had her party ON--the photo above was before we really got rolling!
The cake was a little lop-sided but as I always say, who cares what it looks like as long as it tastes good...and it was DELICIOUS!!
Miss Big 1-2 had a blast, got even more cool presents and I caught the bouquet!!

Thanks, Auntie and Tommy!!And thanks, MOM!

Long overdue

2009-03-12T20:05:00.010-05:00

Okay, it's been a while!! A three day out of town conference, sick kids, sick me, checking in on Mam-maw on the fly, new Taekwondo lessons for the boy and a b-day party for the girl (and yet another to come!!) --still I have managed to get a few things done....my ATCs for the ArtFest ATC book are in the mail, finally. My charm for Kim's necklace for the RR we are in is completed and mailed, I have the next necklace in my hot little hands and I managed to FINALLY make progress on my OWOH giveaway!! I KNOW~~that last one is an eyebrow raiser but it has been a doozy as I have been having all kinds of weird troubles and thrown a lot of polymer clay in the trash b/c of it!! It's so hard to work on something that you know how to do, have done before perfectly well and not be able to get through basic steps!! Luckily, Nancye is a peach of patient person!!

I have managed to take a few photos....

Here are my ArtFest ATCs for the book that Bee Shay hosts each year. This will be my third year to take part and I think I am happier with these than either of the previous years. =)

This is the charm I made for Kim's necklace. Her theme is "Shades of White" which had me a little dumbfounded on what to do but I think it worked out okay....next is "Great Romances thru History." I'm feeling a little less clueless on this one!

Here are the party girls....

and here's is the kick that produced the first broken board.

Through it all, I have managed to stop and smell the roses, er ah, crabapple and tiny bell flowers.

Okay, if you're still with me, (THANKS!!) I'll have more--sooner than later!! I promise!

First doll

2009-02-17T11:35:00.004-06:00

Here are some shots of my very first doll! She is made from cloth and paper clay, using a technique from this class on ning. A lotta fun, I must say...and although I don't think she's particularly beautiful, I DON'T think she looks like a blow up doll (WILL!)!!

A few little projects....

2009-02-14T18:18:00.011-06:00

Some of you who know me, know that I have trouble focusing on any one thing for very long...I call it being "flighty" or lack of focus. One of my resolution this year was to be less so and sharpen in on finishing projects and focusing in on the ones I really enjoy. Besides trying to figure out what the heck I am going to do for the ArtFest ATC book (which I don't even have a picture of, that's how behind I am in the whole process on that front!!), I have a few other little things I am working on right now. The first picture and the one below are from a journal round robin I am (slowly) participating in....actually, I think I am mostly holding things up, you know, gumming up the works. Luckily, all the participants are kind and beautiful fairy princess types who are willing to overlook my short-comings in this area. The pages are for Julie's journal....I won't link to her journal here as it has been MONTHS since she has updated it. Ahem. And, of course in true Me fashion, the bottom one is not quite finished.

Here's a new little project I just started. A work in progress, this cloth and clay doll is something I am learning from a class on Ning. Jane DesRosier is the teacher and the class is very informative!! She has a really great video on her blog right now of her doing a HUGE painting so go by and check it out! She's not finished yet, so you are getting a little peek into the process...I'm about to start painting and dressing her, which is giving me a case of nerves just thinking about it!
Here she is with a few friends....they don't have their crowns yet, among other things!

February is the beginning of the Charmsters'round robin. I somehow managed to get my necklace mailed off on time (partially b/c I mailed it with out the pretty little box, which is on the way) and Kim's arrived shortly thereafter. Here it is, in all it's glory. Her theme is Shades of White.

And aren't these pretty? This is something I started back before Christmas with some friends in mind but, as usual time got away from me, and here they sit. Now that the weather is really getting nicer (highs in the 60s!!), I thought I would try and get them drilled and on their way to where they are supposed to be. The drilling makes a bit of a mess which was a good excuse to put them aside at the time....
The tutorial was from a very generous lady named Amy, who makes these lovely stacker beads.

Oh, and I've also got a special encased heart for my OWOH winner, Nancye!

AND, one more thing.......I need to wish you all

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!!!!!!!!

And the OWOH giveaway winner is............

2009-02-12T20:25:00.003-06:00

Nancye

at Art and Beautiful Junk.

Congratulations to Nancye, and thanks to all who visited my blog during the giveaway! I hope to see you all again soon!!!

xoxox

2009-02-04T09:11:00.003-06:00

I was checking in on my favorite blogs this morning and found this over at Teesha's. It made me smile--a few times--while I watched so I thought I would save it here for you to see (in case you don't happen visit Teesha, which you should!! =)).
ENJOY & have a great day!!

Necklace round robin

2009-01-31T14:31:00.004-06:00

Today is the beginning of a round robin I am participating in, thanks to the coaxing of my friend Kim. There are nine participants who will make a necklace with a charm to start things off. It will then go to eight other artists, one per month who will create charms according to the theme of the necklace they have at the time. The necklace is accompanied by a book that the participants can make notes in and describe their work.
Here is my necklace and book...

Here's a close up of my little necklace and charm....

I haven't finished the box for my necklace and I needed to mail the necklace out today, so I will send that later...that's me though, almost always a day late and a dollar short!!
xoxox

One World One Heart Giveaway

2009-01-28T21:35:00.001-06:00

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After surfing to several blogs today (okay, MANY more than several) that were participating in the One World, One Heart event, I decided to go for it!!

What a party!!

I am offering a made by me polymer clay encased heart (something I learned from a class given by the very kind Tejae Floyde). The winner will be able to choose three colors and two to three words to be included in the design of the heart, which will be mailed within a week's time after I received their choices. Also included in this giveaway is a $5 Starbucks gift card for a coffee on ME!

If you would like to win an encased heart like the one pictured below, please leave a comment (on this post and only this post) with

your email address included,

before midnight CST, 2/11. This giveaway is open to active bloggers with a vaild email address. I will randomly choose a winner and get in touch. If I do not hear back from the first pick within 48 hours, I'll pick again so be sure to check your email after the 11th!!

Thank for stopping by!!
And THANK YOU, Lisa for hosting this lovely event!!
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

The artisit, the legend: Mr. Warhol

2009-01-24T18:04:00.004-06:00

I had a fitful night last night--bad dreams--so when my friend, Chris called me at just after 9:30, I was still trying to catch up. He wanted to know if I was interested in going to see this exhibit..and at the time, I wasn't sure. But after I drug my stove-up, sleepy self out of the bed, I decided it was a FINE idea! I tried to get Sweetie Pie and the midgets to go with but there was no interest...why force it, right? So after a double espresso, Chris and I headed on down to the art center to see Andy Warhol's work in all it's glory--and it was pretty glorious!!

This piece, Details of a Renaissance Painting was especially beautiful...I wanted to touch it but the angel on my shoulder (and Chris) told me I better not. It's better when not viewed via my cell phone and much, much better in person, OF COURSE!

There were Marilyns and soup cans everywhere...I got to see the Brillo Pad boxes (a little weird to me), sketches, photos~and the silver clouds~~WOWWEE!! Liza, Ingird(s), Grace, a haunting Jackie, several editions of $, and lots of others were all there to be drooled over.

After a little while, I guess that angel on my shoulder decided to take a nap b/c when I got my cell phone out to snap a picture or two, all I could hear was "do it, do it, do it" in a little devilish voice. So I did!! Usually I am a pretty big chicken...but not today. The guard in that particular gallery was TOO predictable, walking in a circle round and round the gallery so I figured why not--I mean, besides the fact that the sign said don't! Unfortunately, my cell phone takes crap photos so this will be the only one I'm sharing....but what a beauty, eh?

I had Chris in stitches but when the small but butch guard with the flat top came around the corner, talking into her sleeve, he really started to roll. So we didn't look too guilty, we didn't break out into a run for the door but slowly made our way back to the entrance. When we got there Sleeve-talker and her boss were there chatting...I heard him say, "Well, we can't really do anything about it." and her saying back, "But we've got them on video tape." $@!#! We headed out quickly, waiting for someone to say STOP! But they didn't and we headed to the free galleries....laughing about the little adventure---only to find Sleeve-talker right behind us! $@!# again!! But she was on her way back to the video room apparantly...either that or to alert the rest of the security team. The other galleries were nice...they have the beautiful Two Women by Diego Rivera in the permanent collection, a Picasso that I'm not too found of (yes, I said it!) and lots of other stuff. While we were near the Rivera and a facade of the original museum, A-NOTHER security guard approached and I asked her about the facade...she didn't know much but told me I could take a picture if I wanted!! WHAT A SET-UP!!
And no, I didn't fall for her tricks!!

"Everything is beautiful."~Andy Warhol

So are you, Mr. Warhol, so are you!!!

100 things

2009-01-09T22:01:00.007-06:00

I've seen this list on a several different blogs in the last few weeks. I saw it again tonight on The Creative Clown while I was killing time, waiting to pick up my favorite Girl Scout from the annual cookie ralley--which ends at midnight (gRRRRRRRRRoooaannnnnnn!).
Since I have two more hours to go before p/u time, I thought I'd do it!!
The ones in bold type are things I have actually done.

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelos David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Read an entire book in one day

Baby, it's cold outside!

2009-01-05T15:08:00.003-06:00

One thing about Arkansas, if you don't like the weather just wait a day or two and it will be different~~yesterday it was 65º and today, the mercury has been stretching to break the freezing mark....and it's been raining since early. The ice is starting to build up on everything above ground and the low tonight is 28!! I'm beginning to think Skipper Man's never-ending winter break may see an extra day and Tiny Dancer may be home too! It's pretty but it gives me the urge to grind my teeth as well.

Happy New Year and all that jazz!

2009-01-02T19:35:00.012-06:00

Christmas was kind of a blur
--please accept most heartfelt belated glad tidings from CYBL Blogdom--
#1 midget headed down to New Orleans to help build a playground, only to fall victim to a nasty little stomach bug on her day of departure. She returned, puny after heaving in the car all the way home, and just in time to pass it along. First me, then Sweetie Pie and somewhere in between, her BFF and her BFFs mom all ended up with the same thing. IT was horrid. All last minute shopping was forgotten as we prayed to the porcelain gods....a command preformance was given Christmas morning and I have to say, it did perk me up a but to watch the midgets rip open presents from Santa and all...but it didn't last and I was back in bed. The next day, off to the big O to see Kim and Julie.
WHAT AN ADVENTURE!!!!!!!

We visited and the kids got to know the poopies--I had told them all about them but I don't think they really believed me when I said "big."

I got a MACRO LENSE for Christmas!!!!!!! Thank you, my sweet family! And just look at Kim's cute snow guy!So many nic-nacs, so little time!!!

We shopped, and bowled and ate California Pizza Kitchen pizza, and watched Bedtime Stories....and shopped some more, ate some more, and played with the dogs some more. Kim and I made some very pretty necklaces, and I was fortunate enough to get a quick soldering lesson...

We visited Julie's mom and had some yummy chicken and noodles.

I'm not sure which the one the midgets have talked more about...the fact that Miss Kim and Miss Julie have eight dogs (and then counting off all their names) or the trip to Snow Trails for some tubing after dark. Both were pretty huge for them....as it should be, of course!!!

Our final day brought the arrival of Julie's 29th birthday, a special delivery from her sweet mama, a visit to Sharon (all I can say is WOW--that studio is one dreams are made of, Sharon!!!!).

Goodbye for now, dear friends...see you soon!!xoxox

And HAPPY NEW YEAR, everybody!!!!

HoHoHo!

2008-12-19T18:41:00.002-06:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

This TOTALLY cracked me up!! And if you are a fan of Lani, Kim and/or Julie, this is a MUST SEE!!!!!! And since Julie made such a darn cute elf, she gets to be TWO!!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Hohoholiday giveaways!

2008-12-16T14:42:00.006-06:00

Here are a couple of holiday giveaways I've come across lately....

Lisa Vollrath's holiday printables and

this one on MerMag(see the entry for 12/15).

ENJOY!!!!

Christmas tree adventures

2008-12-15T22:56:00.006-06:00

We went out Saturday to our favorite farm to get our Christmas tree...it was as fun as we'd hoped and we came home with a lovely tree, almost like it was grown just for our music room!
The weather was perfect and the company divine!

Can you see the hawk, riding the wind at about ten o'clock?

Here's a closer view so you don't have to go get your glasses....

Magic and her buds.

Sweetie Pie and the kids tooling around in the mule.

Three generations.

Not a chance, Skip!

Our beautiful tree!!

Mail Goodness

2008-12-13T12:56:00.007-06:00

Look what I saw on the way back in the house today! I had just slipped out for a minute to help Sweetie Pie with the ladder--he had hoisted it from the ground to the porch roof and was trying to get back down...he REALLY didn't need my help but I thought he did, so there I was! Anyway, I missed it on the way out but stopped to beam on the way back in. My rusty little mailbox hasn't looked so sweet in quite some time!!

Lovelieness!!! It's Lani's journal for me to work in (after I finish mine and get it off--I know, I'm behind, a terrible round robin participant!!)! But look what else is there................
mmmmmmm, my favorite!!

chocolate covered espresso beans!!!!! Which is why I'm still up...just got the music room tidied up enough to bring in our Charlie Brown Christmas tree, which we went out and got today from our favorite farm (pictures of the adventure tomorrow). Look at them. Is your mouth watering? And Sweetie Pie doesn't like them, I'd never even think of feeding them to the midgets, soooooo they're mine, all mine!

Thank you Lani!!

2008-12-11T22:28:00.000-06:00

Gettin' in the mood

2008-12-06T21:50:00.005-06:00

As promised, shots from the parade, fireworks for the capital lighting ceremony (no tripod but I liked them anyway) and fun with Auntie and Tommy.

Check out the little guy's moves!

The view from Mom's back porch.

Santa's helpers

2008-12-06T15:45:00.003-06:00

Today is the local holiday parade and Tiny Dancer and her Girl Scouts are participating. They spent the morning making their costumes and are probably just now starting their march. It was supposed to be a drop off sort of thing but I lingered, and the OCD thing kicked in and I couldn't bare to leave until every last speck of glitter was just right on my girl's frock. They had a ball and I got to show off some of my best "sewing" skills with the hot melt glue gun--and only burned myself once!!

Skipper Man was happy b/c he got to hang out, chew gum and pester girls all morning.

Even Emma got in on the act!

We are off now to the parade and I'll be bach with some more photos. Oh, and yesterday I had some fun playing with clay...a little tutorial I found on the net from someone who I thought was so dang nice to share it but more about that later, Dears.
xoxox!

Catching up on recent comings and doings

2008-12-04T09:15:00.008-06:00

We've had a lot on the calendar this last week and I have been wanting to share some pics but didn't have the time to sit down and do it til now. Thanksgiving, Skipper Man's big sixth birthday and a little auto trouble made for some fun shots....

My mom has always set a beautiful table.

Yummy bacon wrapped green beans swimming in butter and brown sugar.

Homemade cranberry sauce and deviled eggs--why are they called that, Skipper wants to know.

Banana cherry cream pie from my best girl and pecan pie a la Jackie. Both delicious!

The Christmas cactus that I gave up on some time ago, thank goodness--it would be long dead by now if I hadn't pawned it off on Mom!

A little brake problem presented an opportunity to visit a specal farmhouse for some mechanical magic (THANKS, MSM!!!). I got a couple of shots of the fish barn.

And Penny's truck.

And sisters Blackie and Brownie.

Back to Mom's for a little family celebration and some delicious Italian creme cake. Mmmmmmmmmm.

Can you tell he's thrilled to be six?

On to my new favorite game place (it soooo beat Chuckie Cheese!!) for classmates, cake, more presents and some fun.

The doting big sis and Skipper's favorite "older woman."

One of the favorite attractions, bumper cars!! They also had mini-bowling, laser tag, glow in the dark putt putt, two floors of games and a pretty good buffet!

Mr. Felton was in attendance, sporting a new 'do. He spent quite a bit of time here only to be later spanked on same game by a four year old, and shortly after the photo below was taken.How quickly we can be brought back to gamer-reality.

So thankful for all of these people and the good times we've had recently...so thankful for you all too!!
xoxox

No name yet...

2008-12-01T18:45:00.002-06:00

but Stinky is working just fine for me!!!!!!

Peakin'

2008-11-17T11:14:00.003-06:00

Our fall foliage peaked this weekend...or so the weather man said. It has been very colorful due to a wetter-than-has-been summer and I thought I would share some of the pictures I have taken around town.

Beautiful crepe myrtle, outside the nursing home.

Bunches of crabapples.

One of the nicest trees downtown, I didn't do it justice.

The view from up high, looking down on the river.

The view from our back stairwell. I love this window.

Sweetie Pie and Mam-maw, who we visited on S.P.'s birthday.

This is our new kitty. He was sitting outside on one of our pumpkins, crying in the night....some of you who know what happened to our last kitty will think I'm crazy--and I'm right there with you but we are going to try again, with caution this time. He doesn't have a name...maybe you have an idea?? Leave a comment, I'll pick my favorite and even if we don't use it, I'll send you a little something in the mail.

Never forget...

2008-11-11T08:58:00.006-06:00

all those who went and came home...

and all those who didn't...
and their families.

Thank you for your service and sacrifice,
today and everyday.
Because freedom isn't free....

Twinkies

2008-11-03T10:14:00.004-06:00

Sweetie Pie and his twin brother, Chad.
Can you see the family resemblance?

November rocks!

2008-11-03T09:25:00.005-06:00

So I am pretty excited about it being a new month, and November. The leaves are starting to turn, we've had a few nights that got down in the mid-thirties and fall is in the air. The only down side is, being a 100 pounds lighter, I don't have that built in extra layer to keep me warm and therefore get chillier earlier in the year. Wool sweaters and polar fleece are my new best friend. I expect to be cozying up to hats and gloves real soon as well.

Trick or treating was a hit and I think the kids enjoyed their costumes very much. Thursday we went to a carnival at Skipper's school and Friday, we were all around town, trying to hit all the hot spots. This is a shot of Will and Bryan's very scary front yard.

It was a banner night with a double Elvis sighting!!!

Elvis, The Mummy and a Goth Angel.

One of the stops on the Halloween Express is in a neighborhood near Big Girl's school. We have family friends that live over there and we always start at their house (thanks, T & J!) and make a couple of blocks before moving on. Pretty much the whole neighborhood does it up in style, including masked scary folk hiding in harmless looking bushes, only to jump out and rev their chain saw!!! Plus they give the best candy!

Hope you all had a safe and Happy Halloween!!!!!!!

Some of the little man's work

2008-10-30T14:11:00.006-05:00

Here's some school work from the Skipper-man. His reading has really taken off and it looks like 'riting is not far behind. I thought it was so cute that he started at the bottom of the page and when he ran out of room, he simply started right above the beginning of the sentence. He's definitely got some of his mama in him...check out the all the times he erased and re-wrote his work!!

xoxox

Halloweenies

2008-10-26T20:07:00.002-05:00

Was fortunate enough to be invited to Casa Thomas-Felton last night. Lots of fun, food and friends....
Above is Scary Guy in a Sweater, Bride of Frankenstein, Dr. Frankenstein, Disco Cowgirl, and the Mad Hatter.

M. Hatter and B of F.

From the left....D.C., Department of Erections escapee (yes, the back of his jumpsuit said exactly that and no, I won't tell you what he was holding on to with the hand that was not on D.C.'s shoulder!!!) and.......I forgot to ask Mr. Far Right's i.d..

Thanks so much to Kim for the great costume idea and wig!!

Pages for Kim's journal

2008-10-22T21:51:00.006-05:00

WIP pages for a journal round robin that includes Kim, Lani and Julie AKA Playah J. Starting on mine later today!
XOXOX

....at the Arkansas State Fair!!

2008-10-20T20:00:00.006-05:00

Camp out and other fun things

2008-10-16T11:16:00.009-05:00

Friday, I headed out with the Girl Scouts and Troop Leader to the Ozarks for a little camp out. Our destination, Mt. Nebo; our goal, hiking and outdoor cooking badges for the girls.

Due to our departure time, we had a sack lunch upon arrival and then made camp. After the tents were up and the fire was roaring, the s'mores came out. I've never been a huge fan of s'mores but I DO love a toasty marshmellow!!

I finally got a chance to try out my camera at outdoors at night...the tripod is the key!

Saturday, while the girls hiked, I visited a few junk shops and the local cemetary, located on the road up to the park. It was sad and not well kept, weird and all discombobulated. But I liked these metal headstones even though the names were long gone. I wonder what happens when headstones and markers wear down to nothing & unreadable...does someone keep track of those graves and the people in them?

Sunday, I managed to drag myself out of bed(?) before sunrise and woke mine and Troop Leader's daughter up to see the sun come up. It started out very nicely but as you can see...

a fog bank quickly moved in and made me wish I was back under the covies! (My camera was in basically the same spot in the two pictures directly above!!)

Our final stop before heading out...the visitor's center and one of two launch pads for the hang gliders that frequent the mountain. Unfortunately, there were none to be found but the view was still quite impressive!!

And today, the best, most enthusiastic, dedicated (and all around cutie-pie) teachers that I know, won an extra special award. Will Felton received the coveted American Stars of Teaching Award which was presented by a representative of the US Department of Education, all the way from D.C.! They only award one per state, per year and it was WILL!! And, to top it all off, it was a sUrPRiSe!!!

Delights from India and the Menagerie d'Felton

2008-10-10T15:35:00.006-05:00

DD and I are headed out to the mountains for a Girl Scout camp out this weekend so I thought I'd leave you with a little photographic entertainment for the weekend. Earlier this week we received special treats a la Jason that he picked up for us while yoga-ing across India....cool, huh? And the rest are shots from the Felton Zoo, one of the best science labs in town...

special gifts (finally posted!)

2008-10-02T07:57:00.009-05:00

Yes, I know...I let this get moved to the back burner and I've been promising. Here it is, better late than never and still as appreciated as on the day they were received!!
Thank you to all who made my big 4-0 so special!!!

A necklace from the super talented, always-there-for-me Kim. This is my second in what I hope will be a vast collection of Kim Griggs Originals.
(wink, wink, Kim!!)
A simply lovely painting from the newest BFF, Sharon. She was working on it in our room at Squam (using a few tips she picked up in Misty Mawn's class that weekend) and was so sneaky...
but I knew she was up to something good!!

Beautiful earrings from my favorite teacher, Nina. The message is "my path" and the background is a photo of a tree outside her father's office.

Something fun from Sweetie Pie and the kiddos....the game consists of rolling a ball around that sticks to everything smaller than itself...as the ball gets bigger, you can pick up bigger things. It's timed and you have to make the ball a certain size to move on. Sounds dumb, I know, but it makes me crazy!!

A little something from me.
To me.

An edible bouquet from my bro and sis-in-law in Boca.
Pretty and fun to look at, too!!!

Not shown (because I've already cashed them in), a gift card from Michael's from Will and Byran and a fat check from my mommy, who also made the scrumptious, juicy cake shown at the top....and she only put four candles on it--wasn't that sweet?

Thank you so much to all who made me feel so special on my birthday!!
YOU GUYS ROCK & I LOVE YOU ALL!!!!!!

Also promised, a picture of my project from Nina's SAW class. Here's my necklace....
My book is not quite finished but will be soon and I'll post pictures of that when it get it done.
Later!!
XOXOX!

Is that a Jheri curl?!

2008-09-30T10:13:00.011-05:00

Okay, so I get up this morning and hit my favorite internet sites, one of which is Kim's blog. WIthin seconds (after hitting the mute button), I am howling with laughter at the site of Kim in various states of yearbook-ness. You have to go check it out, especially if you know Ms. Kim....that only makes it all the funnier!!

In honor of the big laugh a la Kim, here's my shots for the day~~ENJOY~~and don't forget to come back and post the link to your photos when you get 'em up!!!!
Get yers at yearbookyourself.com

Special people, projects and presents

2008-09-17T08:04:00.007-05:00

Of course, I have to start with the catalyst for this trip, Ms. Kim. Only a light snorer, always there, encouraging me, helping me grow...and tell me to "shut it" at just the right times.

And here's the super talented, gracious and sweet Sharon, a wonderful addition to the crew. It was a real bonus to get to know her on this trip!

Julie and Joy....Julie is so considerate and caring, she is always upbeat and ready to laugh. Joy was just that--a real joy to be around. Her accent and colloquialisms made us all laugh, eh?

Our last morning together in NH and my birthday! It was so much fun to be with these guys and share the big 4-0 with them!!

A final gathering at the airport, my new favorite teacher to my immediate left, and the sweetest Heather I know on the end in red.
Oh, what fun!!!

Okay, blogger is giving me fits....or maybe it's the computer so tomorrow (or the next), I'll put up my class work and the special gifites I received. Stay tuned....

Squam Lake Scenery

2008-09-15T22:38:00.005-05:00

I was lucky enough to spend most of last week at Squam Art Workshops in New Hampshire. Here are some shots of the beautiful scenery...

Tomorrow--
pictures of special people, beautiful projects and lovely presents.
<3

trip to the zoo

2008-09-08T21:52:00.004-05:00

I think it was the great Raffi who said, "We're going to the zoo, zoo, zoo. How about you, you, you? You can come too, too, too--we're going to the zoo, zoo, zoo!" It was one of those kind of days when we visited the zoo yesterday....
I got some great shots and I hope you like them.
Beautiful bee with lilly.

I can't remember the name of this one but I bet WIll knows--he's a science teacher!

Tigers.

Ask Will.

The Meerkats were awesome, so alert, looking right at everyone with the funniest faces. I'd love to know if I could have a few for the house.

Will and Bryan....and the camera shy Skipper-man.

This was a great show!

Pea-pie, Buddha and Skipper. I love the look Skipper is cutting over at Buddha.

The two week old giraffe who was only 5'7" when it was born!!!

This little girl was in the buttery fly exhibit and got so tickled when I asked her if she was a butterfly whisperer. It turns out it was the butterfly who was a human whisperer as it landed on Sweetie Pie after she left, then on me after Sweetie Pie left....I think it was trying to hitchhike out....

They were all so lovely.
It was a great day--the butterflies were my favorite.

Get ready, get set...

2008-09-06T21:38:00.005-05:00

Today was all about housework and making trades for my upcoming excursion to the North East and Squam Art Workshops. In addition to tackling a mountain of laundry, giving Magic a long over due bath, changing all the bed linens and towels, I managed to have several long phone convos with friends and make a few charms for trading at the art retreat. Tomorrow we're off for a trip to the zoo and then Monday, I hope to finish off my trades. I am getting excited and nervous, worried and thrilled at the upcoming trip to New Hampshire--all the things I feel when I fly away and leave my family behind to go to on a wonderful art adventure. It looks like Ike will not be a big problem as far as my travel schedule goes which I am very happy about! I will be gone for the peak but the spider lillies are beginning to bloom and my little Sweeties picked some for me (and Big Sweetie) yesterday....aren't they pretty?

Did you know Kim can be a pest and other things going on right now.

2008-08-24T20:13:00.007-05:00

I have been sooo busy lately but not too busy to talk to Kim, of course. All of our conversations, emails, etc include the question of when I'll be updating my blog....I'm tired of hearing about it so I'm relenting, and KIM, I'm updating my blog~~so SHUT IT!

My oldest started middle school on Monday and I have been a nervous wreck about it...not sure why 'cause she's the smartest, bestest kid I know and I am positive she can handle it but still--I can't help myself sometimes. I've told her I'll go "hand that rocks the cradle" on any little snot that crosses her. I think she knows I mean it too.

As usual, I said yes to too many things this week, was stretched thin between big'un and lil'un's schools. At one school, traffic duty every day this week except Tuesday (early dance class that day) and the first "social" of the year at the other school. Traffic duty was bad enough--confusing, chaotic and crazy. The lil'un goes to school downtown so you can imagine.... The school "social" at the big'un's school was way scarier than any downtown rush hour traffic--I have resigned myself to the fact that she will never attend another unless I am chaperoning which I will try to avoid as often as possible. Gawd.

So, in addition to all that mess, the SAW retreat is coming up very soon, as are several birthdays and a very important anniversary....I'm behind on my shopping and the trades I was planning on making are on hold b/c my oven is currently out of commission (and in Oak Grove--Thank you, Michael!!). Sooo, I am just in a snit. Kim tells me often these days how crabby I am and it's true. BUT, tomorrow is a new day and I am going to make the most of it. I've enrolled in SuziBlu's online class and I plan on working my assignment for that, and I guess I'll be schlepping my pc stuff over to Mom's so I will have a trade or two for SAW.
Later, Chicas!

2008-07-27T21:45:00.004-05:00

Welll, I know I haven't been blogging much but I haven't been just sitting around with my feet up either. Summertime has been busy 'round here and I haven't had a lot of time for my own kind of fun....I'm not complaining, just stating the facts, Ma'am.

July has seen the senior midget finish a month of math camp (which she thoroughly enjoyed, much to my delight!) and the little man playing his favorite v-games and doing tricks off the back of couch (today he got a hand-held fan tangled up in his hair!!)--he's now started school so my guilt on his lack of activities has lessened, but only somewhat. Sweetie Pie is taking a summer course at the local college and Sweetie Pie's grandma celebrated her big 9-5 with family from all over, looking on as she blew out her candles (see her cute face below). We're planning an end of summer vacation (shorty-style) and working on a few other simple but huuuge projects.

I'm hoping August will be a better month for making art but I guess that's prolly gonna be up to me, huh? It has been really hot lately which has me wanting to lay around and not only not do the things I need to do but not do the things I want to do either. I have to snap out of it, Sistahs, as there is a new art retreat just around the corner!! You can read more about it here. I am so excited to be taking a THREE day class from the super-wonderful Nina Bagley!! I am nervous, thrilled and have moments of incredible anticipation!!!!

wOOt!Sooner, Taters (rather than later, ehem!)!!

Arte y Pico Award

2008-07-02T21:18:00.004-05:00

I am so honored to be chosen by the sweetest puppetmaker I know, Lani, for the Arte y Pico Award! I have never received an award before from any of my blogging friends, and Lani is such a talented sweetie that I am truly tickled about it!! To know I inspire her is well...just CRAZY!!!!Thank you, Lani!((curtsying sweetly))

Some of you may know, I'm an avid blog surfer. I spend way TOO much time hunting and pecking in blogland and I know it. Alas, this made my choice somewhat difficult....in the end, and since Miss Kim was also nominated by Lani, I was able to narrow the long list down to five:
Teesha Moore

Heather Powers

Tejae Floyd

Mary Stanley and

Suzi Blu

Go by and say hi! I promise you won't ne disappointed!!!

Now, here are the rules as copied from the Dr.'s blog....

If you have been selected for the award, please pay it forward, following the steps below:
1) Choose 5 blogs that you consider deserving of this award based on creativity, design, interesting material, and overall contribution to the blogger community, regardless of the language.
2) Post the name of the author and a link to his or her blog so everyone can view it.
3) Each award-winner has to show the award and put the name and link to the blog that has given her or him the award.
4) The award-winner and the presenter should post the link of the "Arte y pico" blog so everyone will know the origin of this award.

5) Please post these rules!

The Arte y Pico blog is in Spanish. To read it in English, click here.

AND...b/c I have been sick--and before that, busy with the oldest cherub's dance recital, here are a few things I've been working on in my convalescence, for your enjoyment!

One lonely journal page...
but more are on the way!

Some practice cocoon beads, inspired by Kim (she made me the coolest necklace that I get tons of compliments on EVERY TIME I wear it), via Miss Nina. I'm feeling like something is not quite right with them but I will call for an expert consultation and get it figured out--then, of course, I'll post the finished piece here later!
Ciao, Chicas!!

Tiny Dancer

2008-06-14T21:19:00.005-05:00

The tiny dancer is growing up....and as it does sometimes, that realization fell on me like a ton of bricks during this year's dance recital. She did great and had a blast. She was a joy to watch, as everyone could see her joy as she danced.
She really loves it!

Here she is with some of the girls.

Performing her lyrical routine during dress rehearsal which was set to Leavin' On A Jet Plane.

They danced their tap number to Hit The Road, Jack.
Aren't they cute?

Tiny Dancer and her dance partner during their ballet routine, set to "Georgia On My Mind."
This number and lyrical were my favorites....I like the costumes, the routines and the songs they were set to, plus you can't beat being the girl that gets to dance with the guy!
Tiny Dancer with studio founder and teacher, Joel Ruminer.

Family day

2008-06-08T11:36:00.008-05:00

Yesterday, Sweetie Pie, the kids, Mom and MM headed north to the hills of the Ozarks and my dad's favorite place in the world (besides where ever my momma happened to be), the Buffalo River. We met my sweet Uncle Jim, Auntie and T, and went to the river and a spot where my great grandma used to frequent for family reunions. It was a beautiful day with a special twist--a bittersweet goodbye to my father. It was good to be together with everyone and in such a special place. The kids and Magic Dog had a ball, and we managed to keep the sunburns to a minimum.
Swim, little fishies!

The river is very clean and clear, perfect for making new friends!

I spent a little time making little rock sculptures, which I do enjoy. The coolest ones I have ever seen in person are here (http://couldyoubelove.blogspot.com/2007/07/rainbow-day.html).

More wildlife...can you see him?

Here he is!

DD, Jim, J and Magic, who is re-defining the term "dog-a$$ tired!" Her poor little feet were raw in places from all the running around she did.

Final effort on rock sculptures.

On the way back down 7, we stopped at a beautiful overlook. It was so windy but the view was divine...it looks like a postcard, yes?

Also on 7, a place where the highway had slid down the side of the mountain. The road was one lane, which was freaky enough amongst the twist and turns winding down the mountain but then when you got right up to it and got a look, all I could think of, was get the heck outta here!
Photo courtesy of Sweetie Pie, who wasn't driving.

So much....

2008-06-04T15:25:00.009-05:00

We have had so much going on lately that it boggles the mind. Not much time for art but I guess if the days are filled with fun, family and friends, I don't mind it too much....a couple of weeks ago, I hosted a party for Will and Bryan's birthdays, which are three days apart. It was a surprise for Will but Bryan knew and helped me get the guest list together.Will and his cake...

Bryan and his cake...

My sweet BFF, Wanda, who showed up just to help me with the festivities--and was only a little late!!

Here's a shot of the boys at their new digs. It's quite a dandy of a house. I can't wait for the first party!!!!!

It took me a few years of DD being in school to realize that they try to cram in every little thing that they didn't get to during the school year, right at the end. I have learned to anticipate (and brace myself) but this year, with two enrolled, I hadn't braced quite as much as I should have....
The family at J's pre-K graduation ceremony.

Another pretty big event here is Riverfest. Although it is usually too hot for my taste, this year it was almost mild. The kids had a blast as there was a lot of fun stuff for them to do and see...
As you may have guessed, Riverfest is held on the banks of the river.

The trampoline/bungee thingy is always a hit.
J was finally big enough to jump!

There were lots of things to see, too. They tried to get me up to fire-limbo but it was too hot for me to be playing with fire!!

This was probably the coolest attraction of all--a new fountain added by the city that the kids (and grown-ups) could play in!

And, of course, on the way out--ICE CREAM!

And most recent in the blur of events is DD's graduation. She is entering middle school next year and leaves behind quite a legacy at her beloved elementary school: straight A student throughout, festival orchestra three years running, EAST student extraordinaire. What a kiddo!
She was also one of a handful of speakers at graduation!
I am so proud of her!
One final bit of good news...she will be attending middle school at my alma mater, with her BFF! HOORAY!!!!!

And I had a couple of shots of my favorite uncle who came for a visit but suddenly, blogger is cooperating. Perhaps my uncle has somehow put the kibosh on my uploading of his photos?? Better go dig out my foil hat.....

pictures from the side porch & back yard

2008-05-09T19:30:00.004-05:00

Here's what our house guest has been up to....

Pretty peony...my neighbor (my mom) takes such good care of the flowers!

Some roses....

Some more....

Another peony...

The basement door...

changing the name of the post b/c it's getting spam comments (???)

2008-05-01T23:12:00.006-05:00

Have I mentioned that I've been staying up tooo late lately? Way too late. But I have been doing fun stuff late at night. Last week, I signed up for Secrets of the Encased Hearts class with the talented Tejae Floyde. I am having a very large amount of fun with it all and have happily finished two encased hearts with more under construction!! Below is a heart for a very special person and I can't wait for her to see it, all finished and ready for her. The other will be posted in a day or so as it is on it's way to another special someone who I want to surprise and since she occasionally reads this blog, I am waiting until USPS declares her present deliverd... =)

Here's a shot of our most recent house guest, Mama Bird. She's made her home above the door on our side porch and I'm so glad she's gotten used to me walking by, and that I'm remembering she's there. I think it helps that I bow my head (really, really low) as I go by--a couple of times with her flying wildly out of the nest and right over my head has helped me to remember that she's there. Isn't she sweet? And for Mother's Day, Lisa Vollrath is celebrating with a free image a day until then. You can download them at her site . HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!

new journal pages

2008-04-24T21:43:00.005-05:00

Here are a couple of new journal pages that I finished this evening. My scanner is acting funky and I had to resort to using the old one (thank goodness for pack rattedness). I'd love to see what you've been making--got something to show me??

Spring has sprung!

2008-04-23T18:49:00.003-05:00

I can't believe a whole ten days has ticked by w/o an update...but here I am, albeit a little late! Last week, we went to eat at Cajun's Wharf with Will, Bryan and my mom. The food was good but not the awesomeness I had anticipated. Gotta love this fish though! It's right on the banks of the river.
The flowers are blooming around the house, and my favorites are the irises especially the purple ones.
This weekend was BEAUTIFUL here...and the kids got in some good fun outside. Scads of bubbles were blown and many grains of sand tracked in from the sand box.

Here's another one of my favorites from the yard...one of the little ferns that pop up here and there. Stay tuned for some art tomorrow, my sweeties!!

And ONE MORE THING....for all you AI watchers out there (and I KNOW you're out there!), have you noticed how much Jason favors ol' John Travolta?? Check it out!! They even sing alike! I wonder if Jason is actually his long, lost son...hmmmm?

lottapics

2008-04-13T16:47:00.009-05:00

Here are some more of my pictures from my adventures in the great Northwest. I had such a blast but was wiped out when I got home....I've been sleeping a lot since I've returned but I'm thinking I'm about back in the routine of all things home. I can't say enough about my wonderful teachers. All four were a total hoot and I loved every minute of my time with them, starting with Laurie Mika. What a great lady...she kind of reminded me of my mother in law--in the best of ways, of course! And check out her work in the second picture!
Here's the lovely Linda O'Brien. She and Opie were true characters. I loved what I was able to accomplish during their class, thanks mostly to them but also to the fact that I skipped lunch and then snacked on chocolate covered espresso beans a la Lani. She left me with the phrase of the trip....when asked about what to do here or how to do something there, she'd say, very matter of factly, "It's your party." I loved it!!

One of the beautiful O'Brien bracelets

Susan Lenart-Kazmer is like some crazy art-cheerleader. She was so supportive and enthusiastic about everyone's stuff!
For those of you who are familiar with our beloved Razorbacks, doesn't she look as though she just might be calling the Hogs with my projects in each hand?!
Cyndy, a friend and one of my roomies from last year brought a newbie, Maya to ArtFest with her this year. Maya picked some great classes--I was in two with her!! Haha!
My sweet home away from home in Port Townsend. We shall definitely stay here again!! It was perfect!
And apparantly I was not the only happy student at ArtFest. Look at the grins on all the faces!
Here's Lani's supper, a beautiful flower of salmon from the Galatea on Washington in Port Townsend. They had just the yummiest (and potent) margaritas too!
Peace out, BFFs!
Another friend from last year, Kim Carney, who turned me on to my new favorite store, Bryn Walker. Luckily, I've discovered their stuff is offered here in LR in two boutiques!

What a good sport this one was. She doesn't like heights but went up to the top of the Space Needle and she doesn't like water but got out of the car for a couple of shots on the ferry. Luckily, our popparatzo was there to catch all the important moments!
Just had to post this one as I said I'd get you, my pretty....can you say "And I ran, I ran so far away, I just ran, I ran both night and day-a-a, I had to get away?" Heh heh!
These three definitely made the trip for me!
And I can't say enough about our driver/barista/popparatzo/
chica with the best smile.

When I got home, I was so excited to have my in-laws visiting from Florida. They were here most of the time I was away but we managed to get in a nice little visit and lunch at one of my favorite restaurants, the Starving Artist Cafe.

And although they were past their peak, the dogwoods were in bloom when I returned. This beautiful bloom is from the tree in my courtyard where I have loved it since I was a kid.

Day 3 & 4 (looking forward to my home-twenty)

2008-04-07T00:40:00.007-05:00

Yesterday was day three of ArtFest classes and it didn't disappoint. Susan Lenart-Kazmer was great and the class was a winner. The prayer boxes or containers we made are beautiful and unusual and I love them. Show and tell was a hoot, thanks to the tasty Galatea margaritas and all the great art on display at the fort. Although we had to say goodbye to Port Townsend, it was time to get back home...by way of Seattle, of course! Tomorrow will be a long day but hopefully a better trip than on the way out. Can't wait to see all!!

Kim, Cyndy and me in SL-K's class.
The fountain at PT.
Chocolate shake lovers.

A quick hello...day two

2008-04-05T09:23:00.003-05:00

Had another terrific day yesterday, on day two of AF '08. Linda and Opie O'Brien did a most fantastical job teaching Flat to Stacked. I managed to finish my project in class this time but only b/c I worked through lunch and ate chocolate coated espresso beans--but it was totally worth it!! They were awesome--totally patient and what a funny couple--and so is my bracelet (awesome but not patient and funny). Vendor night was hairy as always but o-so-kind Teesha opened this year a little early for the students so it didn't seem as bad on the body count....until seven and then it felt like the room shrunk by about three sizes! I was fortunate enough to purchase a Laurie Mika Shrine and a Nina pendant/charm thingy and a few other bobbles. After that we came back to our humble abode, ordered pizza and arted out. I managed to finish my shrine and the rest of my trades, and had a very good night! Missing you all! Enjoy the photos!!

My Flat to Stacked bracelet!
My Shadow Box Shrine!
One of a pair of sweeties that were outside the Art Asylum. I got my camera and just keep taking steps closer and closer. I was able to get to within about 25 feet of them....then I started thinking of that show "When Animals Attack" and decided I had plenty of deer pics!
Peace out, y'all!!

First day of ArtFest classes!

2008-04-04T09:46:00.005-05:00

Yesterday was the opening day of classes at ArtFest '08 and what a blast it was. The weather has been really nice so far and it was a beautiful day. My class yesterday was Shadow Box Shrines with Laurie Mika and it was FABULOUS!!! She is wonderfully sweet and such a patient and laid back teacher! I am still working on my project so you will just have to wait to see what I made but I have lots of other things for you to look at. Above is a photos of a bush outside our home away from home...it has the sweetest little flowers that look like tiny paper lanterns. Anyone know what it might be?Laurie Mika and a beautiful shrine.
Super-happy student and teacher.
SOme of the gallery items.
Trading frenzy in the commons.
A view of the beach.

Port Townsend bound

2008-04-02T09:39:00.003-05:00

We're headed out to Port Townsend today after a couple of stops, one being the bead store in Bellevue....yummy. I'm not sure how much time or internet access I'll have in the next few days so I thought I'd leave off with a couple more photos--one of the what the view from the ferry will look like and one of the two best kids in the world (who I am missing very much this A.M.).
Later, Taters!

Seattle adventures....

2008-04-01T20:22:00.003-05:00

I finally arrived in Seattle yesterday after 12 hours in the Chicago airport...it was hell on wheels with a migraine. Anyway, we're over that except for hoping that it's better on the trip home. Our hotel is awesome--the Alexis. So swanky, I love it!!! I think Bryan would be pleased. So far we've been to Pike's Place Market, De Medici Paper, the Japanese dollar store and bookstore. Right now, we're all hanging in the swanky room, working on trades for Artfest--we're heading out tomorrow. Missing all you special people at home and looking forward to seeing all my Artfest gang tomorrow. Here are some pictures for you to see.
Smooches!!!

Atlanta fun!

2008-03-26T09:10:00.004-05:00

Greeting from Savannah! We are having our first coffees in Savannah this morning and scoping things out. Yesterday we were in Atlanta and visited the World of Coca-cola and the Georgia Aquarium. Both were very cool but for different reason. Of course, I took lots of photos but since we're on the run, I'm only posting two....right now anyway! We're talking about heading over to Bonaventure Cemetary (ewww, google it!)! Dinner at the Pirate's House tonight and Tybee Island tomorrow. Love yous!

Special delivery!

2008-03-22T00:04:00.005-05:00

Look at what was in the package I found on my front door step this afternoon.... lovely treats from Miss Kim! The most special fabric collage, a beautiful charm with sage words of wisdom and just the right stuffed friend to get me all psyched up for ArtFest!! I love it!!!!

Happy birthday Pea-pie and the rest of you Pisces!!

2008-03-20T08:16:00.011-05:00

We have survived the big 11 and the bunkin' party that came with it...I think it was quite a lot of fun for the birthday girl. She received an ipod shuffle, a new outfit from Justice, more of those crazy webkins, $$ and other treasures....I think she was pleased. A big happy birthday shout out to Cousin Jason, Uncle Robert, Mr. Bret, Ms. Kim and all you other water babies! We are now gearing up for our Savannah adventure which begins on Monday. In the meantime, I am working hard on my trades for ArtFest and preparing to take my work on the road. I am hoping that, if I can get everything ready with the polymer clay, I can do the wire and bead assembly in the van on the way to Savannah. Did I mention that we're stopping at the aquarium in Atlanta?? Did I also mention that this is a trip with the Girl Scouts?? It's gonna be quite a ride but alas, I'm drifting Dory. So the charms & pendants are a variation from the charms I made last year for my first visit to ArtFest. This year's charms are a bit different (and better) with the current logo on the front and a stamped and pearlescent'ed back. Only the one on the lower left is completed so you can see how much more work I have to do...I'm hoping to get about 100 ready before Sunday night (which means I better get to work, huh?!!). While I'm whipping up some more of these bad boys, you can check out some pictures from my last trip the great NW and ArtFest here and here. I'm so thrilled to be in Laura Mika's class on Thursday, the O'Brien's class on Friday and Susan Lenart-Kazmer on Saturday!! Are you in any of my classes with me?? And watch out, my people, I HAVE A NEW CAMERA!!!!!!!

New do....

2008-03-07T14:10:00.004-06:00

Bryan colored (same color as the original but no gray now), cut and straightened my hair (with a flat iron) today....what do you think? Photo by DD

Catch up

2008-02-28T15:35:00.005-06:00

I'm a little behind on my posting....Baby Girl has been home sick all week which makes it hard to get anything really important (like blogging) done! I've also been a bit blue which usually makes me turn inward rather than out, and stingy--not wanting to share in my elaborate pity party......but here I am, back again to blogland with all kinds of pictures and some art!

The EAST World Conference has come and gone. It was very entertaining on several fronts but a little sad too, b/c it was Baby Girl's last trip to the conference with the beloved Felton....luckily Skip will get his chance next year (okay, Felton, the year after!!). The kids and chaperones did a great job but were not justly recognized by the judges (IMHO).
Above is a picture of their booth...very creative, I thought!

And Mr. Felton, our very own human Dory, swimming right along.

As always, the Skipper Man was ready for a picture. He was having mucho fun at this point--nothing like jumping on the hotel bed!!!!

The banquet was okay...not all that much fun but I did enjoy the speech from our governor, Mike Beebe (shown below, through my awesome zoom lense). And damn, we looked good!

Some beautiful cherry blossoms along side the main drag into Hot Springs.

I was fortunate enough to have the company of the T-Fs over at the house and although I will probably end up dead meat on a stick for posting this picture, I couldn't resist....check out the Wii-English on this move! The extended arm, the tongue, the concentration--this guy is a pro!

One of the many talents of Bry (besides Wii) is great taste....I was totally smitten with this lover-ly flower arrangement. The colors and the beautiful Fiesta vase really caught my eye and of course, I had my camera with me!! I love the close up below....

Here's is a beautiful paper puppet a la Bryan (look out Martha, he's coming for ya')....I think it's going to be part of a journal spread. She's small enough to fit in a pocket. Isn't she creepy-licious?!

I just realized I sat down to post this w/o scans of my latest journal stuff....I guess you'll just have to check back later, Taters!! Smooches!!!!!!

ATCs & BFFs

2008-02-17T21:31:00.004-06:00

Here are my atcs for the ArtFest ATC book....I am pretty pleased with them which is about as good as I feel about any art I share with "strangers," even kindred spirit "strangers." My name and blog addy are located on the back side under the paper with butterfly on it. About five cards before I finshed them all, I realized that tomorrow is a holiday and USPS will not be open...so I may tinker with them a bit more, possibly with some sand paper but maybe not.
I also delivered lots of cookies today in the twin cities area. One of my stops was at my bff's house. Wanda has been my best bud for almost thirty years and is a real gem. Don't you just love her coat??

more cookies than I can eat....

2008-02-17T12:09:00.004-06:00

In addition to cranking out my ArtFest ATCs (pics of those babies later today), this week has been mostly about cookies...sorting, delivering, eating cookies and treating sore muscles.....

Here's our fearless troop leader and good friend, and me at the fair grounds with the thousands of cookies in the background.

Here are the girls at our booth sale in front of our local grocery store....

Here's our secret cookie sales weapon~~he's very hard to say no to, BTW, and most effective on the grumpy old codgers who wouldn't have given our girls a second look.

This was the other big project this week....the booth for the EAST World Conference in Hot Springs. The kids who are attending have decided on a tiki theme, so our booth is a tiki hut. (The legs of the frame are lowered so the kids can reach the top to decorate...more from HS later this week!)