Thoms Daughter

A Citrusy Girl

2011-09-19T07:40:00.000-07:00

This is my most recent Book Girl doll... a commissioned girl, ordered and made as a birthday gift. I loved watching her evolve beneath my fingers and needle & thread. I have one more custom doll to finish this week and then all my focus and effort will be on my fall dolls. I've been sneaking in time to work on them... in between these commissions and so many other obligations and time-eaters.
Hope I can post photos of them very soon.

This Is Where I Work

2011-08-08T06:54:00.000-07:00

In the summer... it is damn near impossible--what with the heat and oppressive humidity-- to work in my studio, in the upstairs of my house. I chose the room--long ago--when we first moved in, for it's coziness and the fantastic light; two features that work completely against me in these New York summers. We don't do air conditioning in my house; ceiling fans, table fans, floor-standing fans, cool clothing and lots of icy drinks... but no A/C. So in the summer--more than usual-- I have a mobile studio arrangement. By mobile, I mean bags (lots of bags) of current projects that get carried and lugged around everywhere and set up as needed.

My 'cutting table'-- a simple cutting mat and sturdy card table I inherited from my mother-- sits in the hallway between the kitchen and t.v. room... next to a sometimes breezy window. This way I can work on tracing out patterns and measuring & cutting fabric and also keep an eye on my cooking in the kitchen and whatever movie or television show is providing 'background' inspiration at the moment.

This is my primary sewing space-- the couch in the t.v room. Summer or Winter, most often you'll find me right here, surrounded by "chaos in a bag"...bags of fabric, bags of thread, bags of felt, bags of beads and pom-poms, bags of whatever is required for the project I'm working on. With the computer nearby and the telly for background... I get a lot of stuff done and manage to keep connected with the world at the same time.

And then..... there's this....... one of my favourite sewing spots. On days when the weather is particularly perfect for working outside... I love my chair under the tree. Nature all around me and the way it lets my mind "go quiet and relax". I can fall into the rhythm of my sewing or my drawing and let it carry me for a while.

Recently, I had to express to someone the fact that my "office" is at home; I work from home. Probably because of the comfortableness of my environment.... it doesn't really seem like work at all.
I know different. Many long hours are involved. I have scars and callouses and have sweated & laboured hard for what I create. Looking at these pictures it's hard to think of these as 'work' spaces. But they are. And--maybe most importantly--they are spaces of great peace and happiness. I truly love what I do. And I truly love the spaces I am able to do it in.

Playing with Barbies* Again...

2011-07-26T12:09:00.000-07:00

See this little darling girl? In a few weeks she will be coming to live with me.... in my yellow house. And maybe someday.... in the old dollhouse that's sitting in the attic... but, that's getting ahead of myself. She's not here yet. This morning-for an hour or two- I thought that maybe the universe wanted to convince me that I'm too old to play with dolls.
Well............................. I'm not.
And I just have this feeling that, when this sweetie arrives, the little girl inside me will come completely out of hiding. That's important to me right now. Being a grown-up is stress and worry and more stress and more worry. We all need an outlet. Some way to just fritter some time and not think about to-do's and chores. Some way to be a little kid again.
When I was a girl, my sister and I had quite the collection of Barbies and Barbie-type dolls. We spent hours, on weekends--after the chores were done--playing with all our assembled dolls and their clothes, etc. We improvised a "town house" using the bookcases in the downstairs playroom. We "made clothes" from tissues and fabric scraps. We escaped...... for a tiny slice of time into our own little world.
Not that long ago.... my magickal little niece Madeline got a Coraline doll. She was so excited. Coraline was ordered off Ebay and Maddie counted the days until she arrived.
When Coraline arrived she was elated. Already, she's learning how to stitch little skirts for her. Little girls--when they can just be little girls-- often dwell in a magickal world populated by fashion dolls, princesses, faeries, elves, unicorns and little animals: sometimes there's an occasional truck or car.
We get convinced--as we grow older--that living in this world; playing in this world is something we should wean ourselves off of. We give up our magick...
I was never the little girl who easily gave up on those wonderful magickal things.... I think I'm lucky because I somehow managed to carry them with me into adulthood. I saw Madeline... so happy with her new doll and so excited about dressing her up and "playing" with her..... and I wanted to have a tiny bit of that. Something to dip into when I feel like everything's beating me down.
So............. after some few weeks thinking and looking and doing some research......... I made an impulse buy... and in a week or so.... my own little doll will be here. Maybe-- if I'm lucky-- Maddie (and Coraline) will play dolls with me.

* Of course my new "Barbie" is actually a Blythe doll. Miss 'Simply Mango Blythe'....

The Grey Lady (on the road to Burlington Vermont)

2011-07-20T05:13:00.000-07:00

Every time I make the four to five hour drive up to Vermont to either drop off or pick up my son from college; I look forward to seeing all the amazing old (ghostly) barns, houses, train depots,etc. that dot the roads.... set in the most stunningly beautiful pastoral landscapes. Rolling fields and farmlands with forested mountain back drops.

I have fallen completely in love with this one house. I pull off the road every time and just sit for a bit looking at it and "feeling" it's history. I swear it's as if I can see the people and the family it once sheltered and was a part of. It's such a gorgeous structure; backed by rolling fields.

This past spring, as we were heading back home (with a carload of college stuff) my son and I pulled off the road and took this series of photos. We didn't go onto the property itself (although I would love to explore around and inside that house); we stood on the roadside and took our pix.

The time of day (nearly sunset), the time of year (spring)-- all contributed to the magick of these photos. For me anyway. I would love to bring my dolls up there and stage a photo shoot around that house.

I don't think I ever will. But I am writing a story in my head ( and someday on paper) where my gray lady dolls live in this wonderful house and roam the fields and woods in moonlight.

Their gardens are full of white and silvery flowers and plants, such as lily of the valley and dusty miller and lamb's ear. To the unknowing eye it all appears as a tangle and an overgrown ruin.... but for them, it's lovely and cozy and warm and a perfect hideaway from the world.
Even if this house never holds another family within it's walls.... it will always hold my imagination and my creative heart. I think it is so beautiful.

I'm also going to get back into the habit of carrying my camera with me all the time. So, when I see some amazing old, abandoned building that captures me eye and imagination.... I can just snap a picture.... and have it forever to inspire me.

Getting This Blog Up And Running Again...

2011-07-18T08:33:00.000-07:00

It has been so long since I posted anything here... Not for lack of thinking about it and writing up notes and 'practice posts' in a journal. I've been on a journey.... through my own creative processes and struggles; a Heroine's journey of sorts. I had to focus on each step and task and creative struggle on my own. I needed to go into a kind of vacum and stop absorbing so much of other artist's processes and journeys.

Blogging is such a community activity. Even as you sit on your own, writing and contemplating, you are reaching out to others. You are becoming a part of a large circle. You feel that, when someone extends themselves to you through a comment or through their own art, you need to acknowledge and respond and you can't help but absorb their influence in some way. Artists are sponges.
I felt that I was becoming one of those overmixed, overblended colours we often get on a pallette.... something muddy and unsure; too many things together all at once. I needed to go away, find a cave, isolate myself and explore my own creative soul again.

The journey was long... (it's still ongoing) and I felt so bad and guilty for abandoning my blog... but the result has been wonderful. I found her again! That artist-girl/woman inside me who sees/hears/touches/feels the world around her and transmutes it all into fertile creative seeds. I found my own "girls/women" on the pages of old books. I found them in piles of colourful felt and fabric. I found my own niche again. I opened myself to EVERYTHING that inspires me... including dark artists and artwork, books, nature, colours, folklore, fairy stories, vampires, gothic fiction, herbal lore, traditional handicrafts.... on and on and on.
While this was all going on.... my sons went off to college; one in Philadelphia PA and one in Burlington VT. My "little birds" are grown into two beautiful young men now. I am adoring how-- every time they come home for a weekend, or on a break-- they are so new to me. They have their own experiences and these other lives and relationships... so many new facets to them and yet, they're still my two boys. That is inspiring me too. I'm not quite an empty nester yet, but I'm getting there.

Creative rebirth is a hard thing. I've been through it before... But I really feel that this time, this moment is my first true big step to being the artist I've always dreamed of and wanted to be.
This past spring myself and my art-soul sister Cindy... truly stepped out with our Sundial Sisters art biz. We did a MAJOR local craft show: Crafts At Rhinebeck @ Dutchess County Fairgrounds. It was a big deal for us. A huge investment of time and money to get it all done right. It was fantastic; we had a great time and got a great response to our artwork. The show was also a catalyst for me... to FINALLY get my stuff into our Etsy shop. There's more to list, but it was a really daunting step for me... it took a long time to feel confident enough to do it.
We're looking to the fall now and a full schedule of shows and even a Sundial studio tour with the local arts council. One step leads to another and another and another and another... and pretty soon, you're not just talking the talk.... you're walking the walk too! This is what I went into my creative cocoon for.

**these little gals are my Book Girl dolls... birthed from my own design and pattern based on my Book Woman drawings and paintings. They are entirely hand sewn... a very long process, but completely worth it. They are 'my little art daughters'; I love them... each one is so unique and has so much to tell me. I adore the way the hand sewing looks. And best of all............. when the girls made their debut at the Rhinebeck Craft Show... little girls loved them.... and wanted them!!! My inner little girl always dreamed of making/having dolls like this... I lovelovelove that other little girls love and want them too.

Are You A Mermaid...?

2010-09-22T07:29:00.000-07:00

I haven't been on here since the Spring; here it is--the day of the Autumn Equinox. Anyone still occasionally peeping into my blog must be wondering where I've been.
There are so many ways to tell you where, but the whole truth of it is.... I've been swimming in my own humongous little ocean.
I had been struggling with my art... trying to rediscover my own authentic voice again. I was feeling like so many other artists I'd been connecting with were finding their ways into my brush and pencil--- not a bad thing, mind you.....just confusing. I needed to be alone with my art and my soul and refigure who or what I was/am and how I want to tell that story.
Turning 45 this year probably had alot to do with these thoughts. I seem to be someone who unconsciously goes through major rebirthing processes at the zeros and fives in my life.
So....I stopped blogging and reading blogs (although I stuck w/ my FB page) and I tried to create my own little vacum of things that have always inspired me and triggered my art....
It wasn't working very well... I was still feeling more than a little bit lost.
And then....one day, while having dinner with my son at a local diner... a little girl shyly approached our table with her mother in tow. She came up to me and asked: Are you a mermaid?
I wish I could find the exact right word for how that simple question made me feel.
It seems that she'd seen me come into the restaurant and had seen my long hair and told her mother "that lady is a mermaid. See her hair? She's a real mermaid."
I wanted so much to be a real mermaid for her..... but I smiled and thanked her for the wonderful compliment. And told her how very much I wished I was a real mermaid.
The moment itself passed...but her question and the thought of being a little girl who is convinced that wondrous,magickal beings can live ordinary lives among the rest of us.... that has stayed with me.
And fed my art in ways I can't expres with words....
How often in our mundane lives do we get mistaken for a magickal creature? I want to keep and hold that moment, as if in a little sparkly, faerie-dust filled globe.....and every time I pick it up and shake it I will see that little girl. I didn't snuff out her belief in magickal things...I told her that maybe someday we'd both get to meet mermaids...
So....for now, I continue my swim in this familiar ocean..... the water is deeper than it used to be and I'm not as strong a swimmer, but age and experience are on my side. I know a little better how to save my energy and where the rocks are. We shall see how this all turns out.... maybe I will even end up sprouting a tail and flirting with Poseidon.

Welcome Carson!

2010-03-28T06:36:00.000-07:00

Nearly 24 hours home....he's fitting right in. Bailey was a little 'concerened' at first. I've watched enough episodes of Dog Whisperer to know that it was best just to let the dogs work it out on their own. They have.

Of course, it's just the very first day...but I think it bodes well. Carson is fitting in, as if he's always been here. He already has a battery of nicknames from toothless joe (he had 11 teeth removed!) to mini-me and teacup shih tzu. I call him monkey face. I'm absolutely in love.

This is one of his favourite spots in the house...lol. Even with losing all those teeth...he has no trouble scarfing up his chicken and kibble dinner. I'm going to take him shopping today for some soft little treats...he can't manage any biscuits or carrots.

Thank you Universe...this was definitely meant to be.

A Span Of A Week...

2010-03-26T07:05:00.000-07:00

A week ago today I was outside in my sunny,very-warm-for-this-time-of-Spring yard working at the picnic table; painting,sanding and prepping a frame for Violet. I had a request for a framed print of her and I wanted everything to come out just right for the sale of my first print. I absolutely love the way the frame turned out...after much sanding; layers of lavender paint,crackle glaze and white paint...and then layers of Glimmermist over that. Awesome. Violet was pleased w/ her frame and she has gone to a wonderful new home.This week I am prepping for a new arrival of my own. Bailey is getting a new little brother tomorrow. He has been so melancholy since Shelby died. We knew he needed a new little companion and we'd been looking through Petfinder. Luck of luck, last Saturday our town animal shelter posted a picture on Facebook of a little Shih Tzu boy, named Carson, who was in need of a home. I called them the second I saw the picture (which was just seconds after it had been posted), drove over, met him (what a mushy,lovey little sweetie) and put in an application right there. Monday we found out he would be ours. Tomorrow we go and have Bailey meet him and finally bring him home. Carson's had quite a week...he had to get neutered and have some teeth removed but he's getting a new family and a new brother and a humongous yard and home to explore. Hope he's as excited and happy as we are.

Here is the picture that was posted on Facebook. How could I resist that face?

I am a tremendous believer that things happen for a reason and that you can tell when they are meant to be.We had been worrying about adopting through a Shih Tzu Rescue group on Petfinder--we were concerned it would take a very long time because they have an extensive process of approval...understandably. Last Saturday I'd been spring cleaning and had just taken a break for lunch when I popped onto FB and saw Carsons picture. The way the chain of events happened I just knew it was meant to be; I'd had that same feeling when we adopted Bailey and Shelby. And my son, Warren, is home this week. He was home the week Shelby got so sick and had to be put to sleep. I remember driving to the vet and Warren cradling Shelby in his arms and we were both just sobbing our hearts out....so it seems absolutely right and perfect that he gets to be here to welcome this new little family member.
The Universe knows what we need...we just have to have faith in it.

The Gift of Spring

2010-03-19T16:20:00.000-07:00

I have been incredibly lax in getting on here and posting. So many things in my life are demanding attention right now.One of my jobs--I work with teen moms in an art and literacy program--has gotten more complex and that has demanded alot more of my time. I have been trying in every spare minute to paint or sew or sculpt or something... Here are two recently finished poppets...they will be going into The Sundial Sisters Etsy shop very soon.

It's the same every Spring...I find a renewed sense of creativity and just need to keep moving and working and getting it out... It's as if my muse spends her winter in a half-slumber and at the first inkling of Spring she stretches and fully awakes.

This little lady is The Duchess of Agony. I began her in the week following the snowstorm... She took alot of concentrated effort. She's sculpted from polymer clay and handpainted; her limbs are attached with satin ribbons. She's painted with acrylics and inks. I hand sewed and trimmed her dress and her headdress. Her hair is washed lambs fleece from a friends farm. She has a black tulle boa and a tulle bustle to her dress. I kind of think she might be a little inspired by Lady Gaga. She has a handpainted corset and stockings too! She's going into the Sundials' shop as well. She has several sisters in various stages of work... One--a Mardi Gras Queen named Talulah-- will be finished in a few days. I'm having so much fun with these new little dolls... I've been doing tons of research on 1920s silent film stars and things like that.

This little jennywren nest was woven into one of the floral wreaths that I hang on my door each Spring. I must have put it away in the attic last fall and never saw the nest. This morning when I went up to get my Spring decorations...there it was. It has a wee little bird skeleton in it...which I find so delicate and beautiful....but also sad. Poor lost baby of last spring or summer. I'm keeping the nest in a pretty little robin-egg blue pot.... I think it's my Gift of this Spring.

Februarys Last Blast

2010-03-01T06:50:00.000-08:00

We got socked with major snow last week...lost power for 60+ hours. In spite of the frustration; it was incredibly beautiful. Fairyland to the tenth power. My house looked like a big frosted cake. Some of these photos were taken from my attic window...overlooking my neighborhood. Also got a picture of a snow-befuddled visitor...who bustled off into her thicket after 'posing' for me.

Ondine Makes Her Debut

2010-02-17T07:53:00.000-08:00

I first introduced you to this little girl way back in October. Since then she sat, partially completed, on my drawing table. Not for lack of wanting to work on her...but because I was stumped as to how to acchieve the effect I wanted. And I couldn't decide whether to do her in 'straight' pen and ink or to add delicate hints of watercolour to her. Finally...I worked out an arrangement with myself.

Complete her in pen and ink...and then have a copy printed onto watercolour stock paper and add the hints of colour to that. So.... here is Ondine....making her debut:

I'm absolutely in love with her...and excited to do the watercolour version very soon.

Valentine, My Valentine...

2010-02-14T06:51:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentines Day to everyone. And most especially, to my husband Kevin...my best friend, my sweetheart and my rock. Though we are less those two babies in our favourite wedding photo...and more like the couple below...The Weasleys. There is a romance in the comfortableness and familiarity we share. Candy and cards are lovely, but I'm much happier with the everyday blessings you bring to my life.

***I've just changed my comment setting for blog owner approval due to seeing a post on a blog I follow about 'spam comments' and attached viruses etc. I went thru some recent posts and found two comments that may have been something similar. As this is currently, the only computer in my household, I need to take precautionary measures. Thank you in advance for understanding. :) Kelly

Violet

2010-02-08T12:08:00.000-08:00

This is Violet... Aside from the possibility of an antique wash to really make her 'shabbiness' pop...she was finished yesterday pre-Super Bowl. Another angel. And again, she was somewhat unexpected... She seems a bit quieter than her sister... more of a shy away from attention kind of girl. Except for those shimmery wings...

Sneak Peeks...

2010-02-07T12:23:00.000-08:00

It's Superbowl Sunday and amidst all the football and feasting we should be able to squeeze in a little art. I had promised new paintings at least a week or so ago.Unfortunately, even while I consider my art to be my primary focus and work, so many other things conspire to make it secondary and even-in a few cases-a distant third on my list of jobs. I have been griping about this the last couple weeks...I think this must be the curse of the artist who is also a woman,wife,mother, etc. I know that these are the roles that have afforded me so many blessings in life, but some days I wonder if I would be more prolific and productive in my art if I could be-I don't know- Pablo Picasso or Jackson Pollack....and have Lee Krasner or anyone of a dozen mistresses to make my meals and clean my house and do my laundry for me.

So, here I am on Superbowl Sunday, taking a moment between squeezing in some art-time and needing to make nacho dip and brownies to take to a Superbowl feast,to show you some glimpses of the art I'm working on...so excruciatingly slowly.

My response to the responsibilities and whatnot that won't let me sneak off to the studio for more than a couple hours here and there...is to move the studio into the parts of my life that won't give up. Hence, my kitchen table is completely consumed in decoupage ornament making...and has been for over a week or so.

They are coming along.... They started out with an intent that they would be one thing and when that wasn't 'gelling', I took a day or so to reconsider what I wanted to do. That's the part of being an artist that--to outward appearances--doesn't seem to be actual work. But at the end of those couple days, I knew what I wanted and how to achieve it. And now I'm back on track, getting these little hand drawn and painted ornaments nearer to completion. They're being sealed in beeswax, so that's an entire long process too.

Apparently, even though I truly do strive for simplicity in my life, I'm destined to make things more detailed and complex. Fun.

The topmost picture in this entry is a sneak peek at a painting I only just finished today--about an hour or so ago. As soon as she's dry and moveable I'll get some decent pictures of her and post them.

Glue In My Hair...

2010-01-27T09:24:00.000-08:00

Forgive the bad photography... The only way to get a picture of all my hair is in the mirror, which means zero flash and also shaky-blurry pictures.
I have alot of it--hair that is. It's very long and has-over the years-gotten thicker and wavier as it grows, which I guess isn't usually what happens. When I was younger my hair was thin and super straight and my mother cut it for me in her own version of a 'shag' haircut. It wasn't the best look. So, for most of my adult life I've had my hair varying lengths of long... I've cut it a few times but I always grow it right back. I love long hair and I know for a fact that I would never be one of those ambush makeovers who gets convinced to cut off all their hair for a new look. Nope. No way. However, long hair plus messy art is not a comfortable mix. I've accidentally dipped my hair in paint more times than I can count. I think I know why Frida Kahlo and Georgia O'Keefe pinned their hair up.
Yesterday, while gluing together dollar-store cardboard coasters to prep for painted ornaments I managed to glue a few into my hair.

I managed to get them out and rinsed the glue out of the ends of my hair. Then , a short while later, I accidentally dipped my hair in the glue and that has not been so easy to get out. I should mention that ponytails and braids don't always help this problem.

In the eighties, I had one of those wonderful asymetrical hairdos with enough spray or mousse or whatever in it to hold it through anything. Glue shouldn't be a problem for me...except for how nearly impossible it is to try to comb or brush it out. From now on I'm wearing a shower cap in the studio!

On another note: I'm hoping to have some ornaments and a new painting to post by this weekend or early next week. Provided I can keep my hair out of it.

Unexpected Angel

2010-01-17T14:44:00.000-08:00

I'm not completely sure where she came from. This painting...begun kind of vaguely with old book pages and smears of acrylic paint...didn't seem to have a defined personality. I really didn't know why I needed to paint it or what it was I needed to paint. It wasn't until I took out a piece of charcoal and started sketching that I even could see a face in the canvas. A layer of gesso and then paint and last night she began to take shape.

I still wasn't sure I liked the look of her. This morning I sat with her, just staring at her...getting to know her a little better. This afternoon, I picked up the brushes again and now...I think she is done. I will sit with her for a little while to be sure...

I don't even have a name for her. She was that much of a surprise. She feels like peacefulness and early thoughts of Spring to me...

Eclectic Creative Chaos

2010-01-15T07:23:00.001-08:00

Credit where credit is due: I 'cribbed' this phrase from Milliande. In one of her lovely videos, she made mention of her "eclectic creative chaos" and I swear a lightbulb came on in my brain...That's it!!! That's the perfect name for my studio! In it's current state...it is the absolute personification of eclectic creative chaos...it just can't help it. It has me as a caretaker, resident messmaker/artist. I have tried--so fruitlessly--to organize,label,winnow out the junk, but all that ever comes of these efforts is that I seem to lose track of my muse. I get so swallowed up in the cleaning that the creating just doesn't happen.

I work best in a mess. I should put this on a sign and hang it on my door. I should take a jumbo Sharpie and write it on the wall as a reminder. I should stop wasting my time fighting with my messes and I should just let it go. Within reason, of course.

So long as there is seat surface enough for my rear and table surface enough for my supplies...the rest can stay as is. I get more inspired "shopping" (rooting really...) in the bins and piles, looking for one thing and then finding three or four alternatives I hadn't even considered. I have finally made my husband realize that his occasional vacuming forays into my studio are unneccessary; whatever (paper,yarn,beads,what-have-you) is on the floor is still a potential supply. Vacuming it up just creates stress.

I am happy in my disarray. If I had one of those uber-clean and perfect studios that are often shown in the magazines...I would just have to mess it up before I could create.

Here's to a Perfect Mess!

Staunch Character: A Self Portrait In An Art Journal

2010-01-09T08:33:00.000-08:00

I made only one resolution this year. I made it in my head at first and didn't speak it out loud for a few days. That resolution is to make or work on art every day. In the days since I finally made the resolution real by speaking it, writing it, enacting it... I also realized that this year I need to explore who/what I am. I need to reconnect with myself in a way I haven't truly done for quite some time. I used to almost exclusively paint and draw self portraits. I recreated my face and form on paper over and over again. I made myself a gargoylesque she-creature, a vengeful goddess protecting her planet, a mystical woman who stares the viewer down, a primordial creatrix, and even a blinded version of Lilith feeling her way through thorny woods. Some day perhaps, when I'm feeling a little braver in my blog I will show you these pictures/ paintings and reveal these faces/aspects of me.
The picture I use as my blog profile photo--called Grandfather--is from that period of my art. I think it's one of the tamer paintings I did at that time.

I have started up an art journal in the last week or so.

I'd kept one or two before, during my self-portrait period...but never kept them up for very long. I think, in my head, it was hard to see them as truly being art because I was already receiving alot of flak about my paintings being "nothing more than coloured pencil on paper" and "why don't you try canvas...it's more painterly" blah,blah,blah....

I had people (mostly men, but also some women) ask me why I didn't paint "nice" things like flowers or landscapes. I was young--in my 20s--and it was hard to keep hearing this kind of commentary over and over. When I'd been in school, I'd felt like the short end of the stick too...it seemed that my art teacher just couldn't see me as I saw myself (an artist) and he tried his best to make me see that my art wasn't enough for the world. Good enough, bold enough, innovative enough...whatever.

My father was always my loudest cheerleader. He would boldly tell people at his own art shows that he thought I was more talented than he was. I never felt like that was true. I still don't. I like to believe that, in truth, we were equals in art. We both had visions. We both had obstacles. And we always tried to keep working over and around those so we could keep creating our visions.

I also sometimes felt that...well, he was my dad. Of course he thought I was talented. He was supposed to, right?

This year, as I begin a new year, a new decade without either of my parents here on earth... I am drawn to re-exploring who I am and what I am. In the years since I'd last done my self portrait work, so much has happened. My children have grown and are learning to fly the nest. I have grown and am reaching beyond my nest as well. My personal icon list has grown: Frida Kahlo, Georgia OKeefe, Little Edie Beale,Louise Bourguois.......etc.

My personal universe is very different.

Expanding into the internet and the blogosphere and meeting/seeing all these other like-minded artists has helped me to stop hearing only the voices of the naysayers..."You can't be an artist. You're good but I don't see you as an artist." I'm tired of hearing that voice.

I AM AN ARTIST. period.

I have tried to be creative everywhere in my life that I possibly can... No. Wait. That's not right. I haven't actually ever had to try. It just came out of me like that. No matter what I did. That's the way I did it. I can't NOT be creative.

That makes me an artist.

I live breathe eat sleep work dream drink art in some way every day.

So... I am beginning this year...this decade...this art journal with the declaration.

I AM AN ARTIST!!!
No more second guessing or doubts or questioning if what I do is truly art. IT IS. AND I AM...

My word for the year is : MANIFEST... does that make this my 2010 manifesto? I don't know. I do know I am going to manifest these dreams this year and for the rest of my life. No more waiting for the perfect moment or to receive some sort of permission from some 'expert' somewhere. I am doing this. I can do this.

I hope you will all join me in knowing that you are all artists...wonderful and creative and you bring a multitude of gifts to the world through your creativity.
Art is a neccessity of life.

Feeling My Way Into The New Year

2010-01-05T07:59:00.000-08:00

It's been about a month since I last posted here. Christmas has passed. New Years too. I had a lovely holiday...but also a very melancholy one too. Missing my mother so much this year. My sister and I tried to soldier through in our own respective ways. We went through all the family ornaments that had been collected and hung with love each year on moms' tree. It was bittersweet. So much of the way we felt this year could be summed up with that word; which is ironic and sad. The name my parents' gave to their boat was Bittersweet; they said that it was a perfect summation of life: which is both bitter at times and also sweet. Seeing some of those treasured ornaments on my own tree was comforting; so many memories...
But this holiday season was also sad and heartbreaking for us. My little dog, Shelby, went into kidney failure and had to be put to sleep. Our hearts were truly broken. She was our sweet little girl; she and her 'brother' Bailey were adopted into our home 3 years ago from a local Humane Society. At 7 and 8 they were considered senior dogs. Shelby was actually quite sick when we got her. She had a history of bladder stones and, in the time we had her, had to have two surgeries to have them removed. After the first surgery--shortly after we adopted her--it was as if she was having a second puppyhood. Her personality came out; her spark and joy at being a little dog in a loving home. She loved to be contrary and stubborn. She loved to gambol about our huge yard, with Bailey...and sometimes my husband, at her heels. She loved to give the squirrels endless grief. She loved dinnertime and petite carrot treats. She loved to meet other people and dogs. She was a gem. I'm glad we took the chance and got to know this amazing little dog. But I have to admit, I might think twice about taking another dog with an unknown health history. It seems Shelby also had a history of kidney stones and had had a kidney removed some time in her past. We didn't know until she became so sick.
We are considering getting another little dog. Bailey is so melancholy. He lived his entire life with her; he seems kind of lost without her. We are looking into a Shih Tsu rescue organization and the possibility of a younger female. I've been going through pictures and profiles online on Petfinder. Of course they all tug my heartstrings, but I want to make a considered choice and not just an impulsive one. No more heartbreak...if possible. Post Christmas...I have been sick myself. What seemed to start as a typical cold; took root and has had me pretty well laid up for the last week or so. I am only just starting to feel like myself a little bit. These pen and ink drawings were done last week-- Thursday, Friday, Saturday--as a way to distract myself from how bad I was feeling. And as a way to make good on my personal New Years resolution to make or work on some kind of art every day...no matter what.

They are loosely based on the idea of a zentangle, but not really a true zentangle... I think they are very stream of consciousness though. I tried not to think too much about what I was drawing as I was doing them. I love the black and white; the starkness of them.

I am really trying to keep to my resolution.

I should also resolve to be more dutiful in my blog entries.

Winter Wonderland

2009-12-06T08:22:00.000-08:00

No words. Just breathtaking beauty everywhere I look...

Took some of these last night at midnight. Today we're going to get our tree and set it up. But none of our decorations can top Mother Natures' Winter Finery.

Snow!!!

2009-12-05T12:28:00.000-08:00

First snowfall of the season.... Went to a local artisan craft fair...when I went in it was barely spitting snow; when I came out a couple hours later it was a winter wonderland... perfect for pictures of all the Christmas decorations I've been setting up...
This is my kitchen/mudroom door... with its urn of cut greens and the Christmas toad. Can't remember where I found him--maybe Target a few years back--but he's a christmas tradition now.

Rudolph and the vintage sled (not named Rosebud) next to the front door...

The cubeman and wee tree...plus Santa Gnome on the other side of the front door...
Remember that glorious maple tree I wrote about in the Spring/early summer? Here she is, all magickal and lacy in winter...
The yard looks so wonderful...very Currier and Ives...

I just couldn't put these two pumpkins out on the compost yet; they were still perfect...so I painted one red and the other green...voila! Christmas pumpkins...

Here is the front porch view...

Tomorrow we're going to a local tree farm to get our tree. I would love to go tonight...with the snow falling ..... but we have my hubby's company Christmas party to go to... oh well.

I'd rather be home setting up a tree and decorating it; having hot buttered rum, with Bing on the stereo and the snow falling outside. The first snowfall just brings out the romance of the season... everything is more wonderful and magickal right now.....I'm looking out my window at fairyland.

let it snow,let it snow, let it snow...

It's A Wonderful Life...

2009-12-02T07:00:00.000-08:00

I will tell you something about me..... I married George Bailey. I really did. Not literally, of course--but if there was ever a perfect fictional persona for my husband Kevin it's George Bailey. They are two of a kind: sweet,dependable,honest,hardworking,true,romantic-in their own way,boyishly handsome, simple, wonderful small town men. Like George and Mary, Kevin and I grew up together. We met,as kids(I was 12,he was14)at my fathers' model railroad club. I had such a crush on him. Like Mary, I pined for him while he dated other girls and hardly knew I was there. We were friends long before we dated. He was the boy next door. I was the girl right under his nose.

On our first official date, we went to dinner w/ my parents on their sailboat. At the end of the evening, I fell into the river while trying to dock the boat. Kevin rescued me...and the rest was inevitable. We dated for a while, got engaged at Thanksgiving (he asked my father for my hand)and got married in a small,simple wedding the following September. It hasn't all been roses. Like George and Mary, we've had rough times.....but also like George and Mary, we have had the blessing of wonderful family and friends to see us through.

I adore this movie. I adore George and Mary and their journey and the way it speaks to my own journey. This movie has become my own myth; I know in my heart that I am living the best life I can, if I always remember the true blessings of family and friends and being able to give and relish the simple joys of life.

I could go on and on listing all the parallels I see between George and Mary and myself and Kevin. But I will just tell you that the moments that speak most truly of my husband are the moments of George Bailey as a loving father.

They say that every girl wants to find and marry a man like her own father. If that is true, Kevin is so like my dad in his love of his children and the way he has always taken the time to help them, teach them, be with them....I could completely see him being the man who 'fixes' Zhu-Zhu's flower. A real man, in my opinion.

And he is always the man whos' greatest joys are being surrounded by the happy embrace of his loving family.

This post was originally going to be about my December inspiration: It's A Wonderful Life....and, in a way, it still is. It is a wonderful life. Kevin's birthday is just round the corner: December 12. I am so grateful that he finally saw 'the girl who was right under his nose' and that I get the opportunity to grow old with this sweet 'boy next door'.

Happy Birthday Kevin....my George Bailey. Many,many more...

And this Christmas season, let's all take the time to really savour this wonderful life we've been given.

That's my December inspiration.

Post Thanksgiving Post

2009-11-30T08:49:00.000-08:00

This isn't going to be the wonderful post holiday post I was planning on. But that's the trouble with planning...the universe generally has other things in mind. Best laid plans and all of that...
Thanksgiving itself was busy and slightly crazed for me...but turned out wonderful; an awesome feast. It truly was worth all the stress and work. Both my sons were home plus my sister and her family and my in-laws. The house was full...and so were we.
You might know (from occasional mentions in our respective blogs) that Cindy of Vagabond Artistry is my sister-in-law...as well as my best and dearest friend. We truly are partners in crime. She is married to my husbands brother. Saturday, her hubby--Bob-- had to have emergency surgery on a badly infected knee. He's doing well and is still in the hospital; we're hoping to have him home today. I would truly appreciate it if you all could pop into Cindy's blog and send her some thoughts and prayers. This is an unforseen complication for them and we are all hoping it turns out okay. Her blog is http://vagabondartistry.blogspot.com

I do truly love this holiday season. I have such wonderful memories from childhood. Of course, as a child you've no idea the work and time and stress involved in the creation of this wonderland of family and decorations and parties, etc. As an adult, it sometimes seems like there's no where to turn where there isn't another thing to do or make or send or clean,etc.

Tomorrow I have the oil man coming to service our furnace and tanks. At first I was irritated because I have to be home waiting for him to come and then home while he works, which wouldn't be getting my errands and such done when they needed to be. Then I took a breath and thought...well, I have to be here anyway so, tomorrow I'm going to head up to the attic and start hauling boxes and bins down. I have one half of a farmhouse attic full of bins of Christmas decorations and stuff. Time to Deck The Halls....and everything else.

I'm not planning on joining the rush to the mall any time soon. This year money is super tight and I think it's more special to either hand make gifts or purchase handmade from any number of the wonderful artists I've encountered in blogland.

All I really want for Christmas is that feeling I get whenever I watch It's A Wonderful Life...which is fairly often. You know...the part where everyone comes together for George Bailey and his family and the bell rings and we all know Clarence has finally gotten his wings.

Just put that in my stocking...with a candy cane or two and I'll be all set.

Please don't forget to send thoughts and hugs to Cindy @ Vagabond Artistry....I know she could use them.

These lovely glowey photos in this post are ones I took last week of the setting sun coming in my kitchen window and shining clear across the house to the bookcase in the family room. I think that glow is the personification of the feeling we all wish to carry through the holiday season.

I recently recieved two lovely blog awards. I promise I will post my thank yous and pass them on very soon.

Thankful Things

2009-11-24T07:01:00.000-08:00

Thankful this year for family and friends and this wonderful old house that welcomes them and shelters them and shares love and caring with them. Thankful for the stresses and work of this holiday season because it means I have plentiful blessings to share thanks for... Thankful for all the wonderful people I've met on this recent blogging adventure I've been on...

Thankful for being able to remember to be thankful for these simple, yet awesomely wonderful things in my life.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Cinnamon,Coffee,Vanilla...oh my...

2009-11-20T08:27:00.000-08:00

I love a good mess. I think I became an artist so I could have a great excuse to make lots of messes. When I was really little, my mother attempted to have me be the quintessential sweet little girl. I had darling ruffled dresses and pretty hairbows and fancy shoes with lace trimmed socks. And I climbed trees, jumped in the mud, picked fights with little boys and found a thousand ways to make a mess. My father hand painted signs in our garage as a supplement to his other income; I would hover around watching everything he did and managing to get as much paint on myself as possible. My poor frustrated mother... So...we come to today. I am in my kitchen with a big bowl of coffee-vanilla-cinnamon, dredging fabric through it and soaking fabric in it. I have grounds and drips everywhere, but I am having so much fun.

I'm like a kid,trying different types of fabrics and different colours and prints to see what will turn out.

The mess is fun, but the baking is the best part. My kitchen and now my whole house smell absolutely awesome. Of course, the clean-up will come eventually and it will have to be a good one. I'm having a small party tomorrow night and it would be really difficult to explain why theres coffee grounds all over my floor.

Meanwhile...my inner little girl is having almost as much fun as if she was making mud pies.

Girls Day Part Two

2009-11-15T06:13:00.001-08:00

I've been rediscovering my love of pen and ink. As much as I love seeing my little girls done in colour, in paints and pencils...doing them in black and white brings them even more to life for me. It brings back memories of being a little girl and watching my father at his drafting table working on pen and ink illustrations. I found it so fascinating to watch him create all these shades and textures with just this one thing. In his pen and ink work...everything was so fine and delicate.

Of course, I've also always loved the work of Edward Gorey. Not just for his dramatic pen and ink, but also for the wonderful names and titles he'd give his drawings and books.

I am so happy with the way these have turned out.

From the top they are: Ondine (still in progress), Hester, Alice and Arabella. These are the first things I've done where I am seriously considering having prints made...and maybe finally getting an Etsy shop underway.

I spent yesterday divided between these girls and my poppet dolls. I feel like I am finding my own 'voice' again and not just following every beautiful inspiration. I think the dolls and these girls are very connected with my inner world; the one that gets fed with books and romantic, old movies and fairytales and visiting amazing historic houses and places. I love the unusual, but I also love the simple and ordinary. I love to juxtapose one with the other and see what results.

Maybe magick, maybe a mess...but always something interesting.

This Girls Day In was wonderful. I spent time with myself and really listened to the directions my heart is giving me.

A Girls Day... Part One

2009-11-14T09:04:00.000-08:00

Today I have the entire house to myself. Hubby is away overnight at a model railroad convention and I'm relishing my chance at a Girls' Day In.To celebrate, I took some pictures of my favourite 'girly' spots in the house and a few 'girls' in progress who are spending the day with me.
This is my bedroom. Kevin and I both love this room so much. Its beautiful and bright and spacious. The bay window holds one of my favourite sitting/reading nooks. The colours of this room just fell into place; the wallpaper and curtains were already there and everything else just fit. The furniture was my grandmothers and the bed was a 1st anniversary gift from Kevin to me.

I love this little scene, set atop a chest of drawers given to my mother by an Irish sister, Sister Josita, who was like a beloved aunt to us.This was my mothers Anne of Green Gables doll. She got her on Prince Edward Island.The teacup she gave to me one Mother's Day. The teapot holds the 'toss' bouquet from my wedding.

This is another of my poppets. She's being very patient, waiting for me to finally stitch the lace trim in place on her skirt. I pinned it there two days ago.
Here's a closeup of my sitting/reading nook.

And last, but not least, here is a closeup of Hester. You might remember her from an October post. She was just a pencil sketch then. Now she's been done up in pen and ink; which has brought me so many memories of my father. Pen and ink was one of his best and favourite mediums to work in.

I actually have several girls done in pen and ink right now. I think it's part of my November inspiration...the gothic charm of pen and ink and finding ways to work changes in tone and texture with it.

Right now, it's rainy and dreary outside. I have the kettle on and as soon as I make a pot of tea I'm going to get back to my girls.

I've got a stack of 'girly' dvds: Pride And Prejudice, Sense And Sensibility, Notting Hill, The Lake House,Hope Floats. I've been washing fabric all morning and going through books for sketch inspirations. I didn't tell hubby how much I was looking forward to this weekend, but I was secretly hoping for 'nesty' weather. You know, the kind that makes you want to stay in your jams or comfy clothes and light scented candles and do cozy things like sew or paint or sketch and drink tea and eat sweet warm baked things...like muffins and cookies. I'm so happy that it's yucky and rainy out right now. Nothing to lure me out of my jams and slippers.

The kettle is boiling so, I'm off to make tea. I hope you are all having an equally wonderful Saturday...

November Inspiration

2009-11-12T07:13:00.000-08:00

I actually took these photos in late September--on my anniversary--at Lyndhurst, in the village of Tarrytown. Lyndhurst is just one of the many gorgeous 19th century gothic mansions that dot the hills of the Hudson Valley. It's one of my favourites. If anyone is familiar with the Dark Shadows series and movies; external shots were filmed here as well as some interiors too. This place is just breathtaking. I come here and I want to be every heroine in every Victorian gothic novel I've ever read. Walking around in jeans and a sweater doesn't seem right. Every time I've visited this house, the weather has been 'perfect': rainy, dreary and chill, which obviously adds to the atmosphere.

The house is stunning and the grounds are also breathtaking...with so many scenes and vignettes to photograph and keep for future inspiration. These are just a few of the many I took on this past visit. It's such a romantic and amazing place.

I am completely inspired right now, by Lyndhurst...esp. as captured in these pictures. It probably helps that I'm currently rereading Jane Eyre. I can picture the whole novel taking place here. I think I was secretly waiting for Mr. Rochester to come galloping up...no offense to my sweet husband. (He loves Lyndhurst too, because it was owned by the 19th century railroad baron J. Gould. My husband is a tremendous train and local history buff)
I think this house feeds my romantic heart; I can see pre raphaelite heroines roaming the grounds and every setting seems as if it was lifted from a painting.

So, for November my inspiration comes from this gorgeous place...with a sprinkling of Poe and Barnabus Collins and a liberal dose of Jane Eyre.

Remember These Two?

2009-11-09T08:22:00.000-08:00

Remember these two? My 'naked' little poppet dolls stitched together that seemingly long ago October day...sitting in the sunny yard with my little dogs 'keeping guard'.
Yesterday afternoon...on another glorious,sunny,warm fall day--albeit unexpected in November--I sat in the yard and finally gave these two lovelies some clothes. Hand sewn skirts from coffee,vanilla and cinnamon dyed fabric accented with bits of vintage lace and antique mother-of-pearl buttons.

The poppet on the right has been claimed by my sister already.

They look so pretty in the setting sunlight...and also in my red chair...

Hooray for unexpected lovely November weather and another opportunity to sit outside and sew and eat apples and watch geese fly overhead and listen to the peep of chickadees and nuthatches. I even saw a last robin of the season! Truly something to be thankful for: this wonderful day...

The Sundial Sisters' Successful Craft Fair!

2009-11-09T07:34:00.000-08:00

I haven't had much time in the last week or so to update my blog...because I was hard at work getting ready for The Sundial Sisters' sophomore effort at craft-fairing! We really should think about changing our name to The Doubtful Sisters, because right up til our first sale of the day we were doubting our display and set-up; we were doubting our wares (or lack there-of) as compared to the tables and displays around us. We were telling each other that we should just pack up and go for breakfast. And then.....surprise! Cindy (http://vagabondartistry.blogspot.com) sold a parliament of her wonderful owls as well as a den full of cozy little teddy bears and more. I sold out my wool yarn Yule wreaths and a sweet little flower fairy named Zu-Zu. We gave away loads of business cards; plugged our blogs and our website....and met some wonderful fellow artists and crafters. It ended up being a wonderful day that was capped off with a trip to IHOP for a pancakes and coffee dinner and then a trip to Hobby Lobby where we basically spent the days earnings. Well, we're encouraged enough by this sophomore effort to do another fair in December, so back to the grindstone.

Day Of The Dead...My Memory Altar

2009-11-01T07:56:00.000-08:00

This year the Day Of The Dead...and actually this particular time of year is laced and woven through with so much emotion for me. Both my parents have passed; my mother this past April, my father six years ago. He died on October 28th and my mother's birthday was November the 4th. This period of days, this particular year is full of ghosts and memories and emotions. I think of them everyday and miss them every moment, but right now the ache is almost a living thing. I will set extra places for them at my dinner table, I welcome them into my home. I have no formal graves to visit. My parents wishes were for their ashes to be scattered in the Hudson River. So I go sometimes and stand by the river and watch her changing face and moods and marvel at her beauty and thank her for carrying my parents to a happier place...somewhere beyond the horizon.
I keep this altar year round, in what is essentially, our family room. It began as a memory altar to my father and, following my mother's death, became a place for both of them. The things gathered there have great meaning to them individually and to them as a couple. I feel a comfort looking over these things and including them in my life and the continuing life of my family. The harp was my fathers, given to him by my mother. The painting on the mantel was done by him using his harp as a model. It is called Song Of Ireland and tells of all the sons and daughters of Ireland and their marks on the world.It's fitting that these things can be gathered together before a cozy hearth in a room that welcomes family and friends. These were things that my mother and my father both held dear: the warmth of home and the love of family and friends.

In this season, On this day....I remember you Thom and Carole; mom and dad. Know that I love you and carry you with me always. You are always welcome in my heart and home. I miss you.....

Of Wyeth and Arabella...

2009-10-29T05:30:00.001-07:00

There was a time--between my late teens and early twenties--when I knew, in absolute, who I was as a young woman, as an artist, as a human being. I was so utterly certain of my identity and the paths it would lead me to...nothing could make me believe otherwise. I had spent so much of my formative teen years doubting myself: my identity, my looks, my talent; that this newly birthed confidence was something I wasn't going to give up without a fight. My father told me he admired my 'fire'; he said that it would make me a better person and artist.
I was in Vermont this past weekend, visiting my son Wyeth at his college. Seeing him there I was struck by how 'in his element' he seemed. When we toured Champlain and Burlington last fall I had this moment where I knew-in my heart- that this was where he needed to be. I knew it was the right place for him to 'find' himself and his own way as a young man. My other son,Warren, is going to school in Philadelphia and I have the exact same feeling for him. It's where he needs to be. People have continuously asked us how it would be for the boys to be 'seperated' when they went away to school. I never had a clear answer, because how could I explain that I knew in my heart that this was what they needed and that they would be okay.
Spending the day with him Saturday, I could see that he is becoming more of himself as Wyeth and not just as half of 'the twins'. I can see the sprouts...the tiny shootlets of this man-to-be and I'm confident he will find his own surety and 'fire'. It took most of the day before he truly began sharing stories with me about his new life...but we poked about in an art supply store and I swear I could feel my dad with us, looking at all the nifty things. We strolled the pier on the lakefront watching the rain and wind move across the water and I could feel my mother with us, marvelling at the beauty of it. I wish my parents could share this with me here on earth and not just in spirit. It's such a marvel. I've often felt that my personality was a burr-in-the-side for my sons; something they had to work around and get away from. I can see now, that maybe it's something they'll grow into for themselves...the way I've grown into my parents personalities. It honors them when I can clearly see how I echo them in my life.
Wyeth is named for Andrew Wyeth. Both my parents were great Wyeth fans. My father saw himself as a kind of N.C. Wyeth figure and my mother loved the works of Andrew and his son, Jamie. Do you see where this rambley post is going? I went to Vermont with my sister to see my son....and I found this amazing thread that winds through generations and binds us in an amazing tapestry of life.
I came back home and sat down in my studio...and wondered where I'm taking myself creatively? Have I stayed true to that 19-20 year olds surety of who and what I am. Am I at another point in my life where I can truly express my heart and soul without having to mute it or couch it in sweeter phrases?
My 19-20 year old self was railing against all the people who'd told her that although she was talented, she wasn't talented enough. As a young mother, my creativity spread into my life in so many ways. Now, as my sons' fly away...I am finding myself rediscovering parts I'd thought were long gone from me. I don't know what to think. No.That's not right. I know that I shouldn't think about it too hard. I should just let my soul lead for a while and see where it takes me.

This is Arabella. I did her on Monday...in the afternoon, still fresh from my Vermont journey. She began, in pencil, and then took shape in ink yesterday. I thought of my son, while I was working on her...so, in some small way, she is tied to him. She is on the cusp of something, waiting and watching for the moment when she will truly be her own...

Homemade Playdough...

2009-10-23T04:59:00.000-07:00

I made a batch of homemade playdough a week or so ago...and Nephew Brian and I have been having lots of fun, sitting at the kitchen table in the mornings and afternoons making all sorts of things: animals, snowmen, trains, faces... The recipe is one I found online; very easy and makes alot of playdough. I coloured it with food colouring... they also reccomend colouring it with Kool-Aid which will give it a great smell..
4 cups flour
1 cup salt
4 cups water
1/2 cup cream of tartar OR 1/4 cup baking soda and 1/4 cup baking powder

Mix all ingredients in a saucepan. Cook and stir over low/medium heat until the dough is completely formed and no longer sticky. This took about 20-25 minutes for me.
Let the dough cool slightly before storing in either an airtight container or zip bags.

I made a 'portrait' of Brian. It looks exactly like him don't you think?
I am heading up to Burlington,Vermont this weekend to visit my son at college. I'm going to be traveling with my sister, Brian's mom. It's our first road trip together which should be interesting. We're planning some farm market and antique store stops and hoping for halfway decent weather.

Can't wait to see Wyeth and catch up...and tour Burlington too.

Have a great weekend everyone.

Lovely Day

2009-10-20T16:37:00.000-07:00

As much as I loved being snug inside my house this past weekend curled up with extra sweaters and blankets and many,many cups of tea watching Dark Shadows dvds while the cold wind and rain beat at my house...today was so wonderful. Bright, kind of warm...just a lovely quiet sort of October day. I took my little poppets-in-progress outside. They fit just perfectly in the basket I'd picked my grapes in. All their little torsos and limbs... The first two to be sewn together, basking in the afternoon sunshine. Their naked for now...but don't tell. I have to sew up a batch of petticoats and maybe aprons. Their mismatched. All the fabrics came from a wonderful little fabric shop in Hyde Park; the fabrics are Civil War reproduction prints. My picture doesn't do them justice. The prints are so wonderful; you can immediately picture a ladies' or young girls' dress made from them. That's my story for these little poppet dolls; made from the leftovers after the new dresses are sewn. Sweet little rag dolls made with love. I think they may even carry tiny nosegays or sachets when they're done. I don't think I'll do faces though. I'm hoping to connect with a friend who has sheep and get some washed fleece for little wigs. And I'm going to 'gently' age and prim-ify them.

So I sat outside this afternoon with my dolls and my little dogs, enjoying the autumn day. I got alot of sewing done too; much more than I'd accomplished in the house over the weekend.

However, over the weekend I refined these sketches a little and right now I'm deciding exactly what to do with them. I want to do pen and ink, but also watercolour paintings and little canvases too. The beauty on the left is Ondine; the one on the right is Hester. They have sisters who are currently in progress.

While I adore Ondine...Hester is the belle of the season. I am hoping to finish her by early next week. She has a story, which slowly unfolds as I work on her and decide what medium suits her. I have written some of it out and when she's done I will post it with her.

So...this was my lovely peaceful October day. I'm glad I got to have it and that I was able to truly be inside it and enjoy it the way it deserved.

A Little More Halloween-ish Decor...

2009-10-16T08:45:00.000-07:00

Thank you so much for your wonderful comments on my last two posts. This will possibly be the last post of my Spooky Decor Tour. I really need to take decent pictures of the sketches and dolls and paintings I'm working on and post those. The Sundial Sisters (myself and Cindy of Vagabond Artistry) have a craft fair coming up in November and we're both burning alot of midnight oil trying to complete things and get ready.
This picture below is my kitchen door... I can't remember where I got the lacy witch panel and it seems like she's been there at least as long as we've been in the house. She welcomes friends and loved ones to come and sit a spell; and she warns off door-to-door salesmen. My happy jack-o-lantern cookie jar. Another wonderful Target find...post holiday clearance. The wallpaper in my kitchen is this awesome 70s orange, brown and ochre pattern. I really love it. So all my accent pieces are orange and Happy Jack looks perfect there.

Yes, this is a vulture on a cow skull. It hangs in the hall next to my front door. I find it amusing and actually, so do most of my visitors and family. The vulture was Halloween decor that never left. I loved it too much. The cow skull...well, I used to live on a formerly very rural road, next to a small family farm. They kept a few cows, chickens and geese and a slew of barn cats. My husband and I loved to go hiking in the woods behind the farm... We found this skull and several other bones on one of our hikes. We actually have three cow skulls from that farm, but this one is the best. At the time that we found it, I was in what I call my 'Georgia O'Keefe period'. I was doing lots of paintings and pastel drawings of animal bones and skulls, so the cow skull was such a prize to me. Sometimes I think my hubby and I have such an odd romance about us. On the table beneath the skull is a bouquet of teasel that he brought me home from one of his trainspotting jaunts. He came in the door and presented it to me, saying: "Here you go Morticia." Much better than chocolates or roses.

Another romantic gesture: this display table was a Christmas gift from him so I could display my animal bones and skulls.(Please know that I haven't gone around killing little animals for their bones or anything gruesome. I find these things on hikes around the local woods. I consider them to be like gifts from nature for my art.) This little case sits in the library and recently, I found a companion for it at the local Habitat For Humanity ReStore. That one holds my shell collection...which is alot less spooky.

This is the fireplace in the library. Library sounds so grand. But really this was a front parlour room or even the 'good' living room. When we moved in we just knew that it would be the room to house most of our books.Someday I will manage to take a decent picture of the shelves, but for now...here is the fireplace. Obviously...the (self)portrait on the mantel is me, surrounded by candles and Jack and Sally votive holders and snowglobes. It's hard to see but, there are little glass Halloween ornaments strung through the leaves and a wonderful carved wooden bat too.
I think this might be my favourite spot in the house, but it's always so hard to choose.

More Frightful Decor...

2009-10-11T07:53:00.000-07:00

This "Jane Austen-esqe" bust was from Micheals Halloween aisle a few years back. I have her out year round,usually in the library on a pile of Austen books. This year, for Halloween, I let her wear my Professor McGonagle hat. She looks better in it than I do. The painting is a primitive Hudson Valley landscape that my father did. It's painted on two barn siding planks. This was one of his favourite views to paint...looking down the Hudson River towards Storm King and Breakneck Mountains.

These bony friends inhabit my CD shelf. The skeleton in the back was a clearance find in a funky import shop in Woodstock NY. He's missing half a leg; but I had to have him when I saw him. He looks like the Fluke creature from an early X Files episode--that was one of my favourites and that made me paranoid of port-a-potties forever. I love him. The skull on the wall is actually a mirror.

This is the back of my stove. I love this sign. The tiny cauldron on the stove is from Ireland; full of Irish coins. My parents brought it back from one of their many trips to the Emerald Isle. I collect salt and pepper shakers. I had an aunt who collected them and when I was little we would visit her house and I was always fascinated by all the sets she had. Hundreds. The devils are a salt and pepper set I found at a garage sale.

This isn't a great photo, but I love these gals and their chair. The chair I found in a corner of the attic of this house. I love it's sculptural- ness. I knew it was the perfect spot for these witch dollies.They sit in the upstairs hall. They can watch the comings and goings on the stairs, plus they have a lovely view out the back window. On a clear day, we can see to the Catskill Mountains. They like it there and have told me so many times. They don't even mind the dust.

Halloween Year Round

2009-10-08T09:03:00.000-07:00

I love Halloween. I always have. As a child, in spite of having to dress up as either a hobo or a bag of garbage year after year 'because that's what we have for costumes for you'... I still loved it. I secretly dreamed of one day having the best witch costume ever. As a (so-called)grown up I've dressed up as Jessica Hahn(remember her? I won a prize for that one), Galadriel from Lord of the Rings, my version of a Corpse Bride, and--many many times over--as a witch. I technically only get to sport my costume once a year, but my house....well, that's a different story. My house wears her Halloween garb--inside at least--year round. It suits her. It suits me. I like to think that I'm living in my very own Munsters or Adams family house, here in this lovely corner of New York suburbia.

This was a view down the hallway towards the back of my house. I took this picture this morning. No Halloween decorations in sight, but views like this were how I knew my house was suited for Halloween year round

This Day of the Dead style skull was a post-holiday clearance aisle find at Target a few years back. I have four of them--2 orange, 2 white. They're out year round...not always in the front window or the front room. I find them kind of cheerful.

The doorway from my kitchen to the hall. This is a year round display. I especially love my "Witch Is In Casting Spells/Witch Is Out Being Wicked" sign.

I collect teapots. I have alot of them, including several gorgeous autumnal ones, plus a wee jack-o-lantern one from Cindy,my fellow Sundial Sister (http://vagabondartistry.blogspot.com) . This is a favourite. It's such a perfect pumpkin. It's sitting on one of my best garage sale finds ever: a silver cake plate that I got for 25 cents. Seriously. It's a little off kiltre; I think that's why it went so cheaply.

I took too many photos for just one post so, over the next few weeks, til Halloween I'll post them here and there. I really love this time of year.

Jelly Making

2009-10-06T05:14:00.000-07:00

Last Wednesday I took my little nephew Brian (the cheeky character in the knit hat, one post down...) to a local orchard to pick apples and 'punkins'. It was a blustery, chilly kind of gray day, but we made the most of it. He led me over hill and dale (literally) picking apples, peppers, pumpkins and 10 pounds of concord grapes. We had so much fun, but once I got home I thought "Oh no. Ten pounds of grapes?"I had it in my head that 20 something years ago, in the early, halcyon days of married life, I'd made a tiny batch of wild grape jelly that actually turned out great. Well, Friday I searched through my cookbooks and found an 'easy' recipe for grape jelly. After a quick trip to the store for extra jars and pectin I set to work. Brian helped, as only 2 year old boys can, by questioning what I was doing at every opportunity and by watching Thomas DVDs to give me the time I needed for the jelly.
This is the pot of boiling jelly...after I'd sorted the grapes to weed out the yucky ones, mashed them a bit and cooked them to release their natural pectin. They then had to be pressed through a sieve to remove seeds and most of their peels. Then 4 1/2 cups of sugar, a dash of lemon juice and a box of powdered pectin and voila! I had to improvise a canning bath, so I used my largest turkey roasting pan, with a cookie cooling rack in it to set the jars of jelly on...filled it with water and used 2 baking sheets for cover. It worked like a charm.

I love the colour of the jelly. It was the most vivid and amazing shade of red-violet. My bamboo spoon is now permanently dyed. I had to take this picture of the jelly pot so I could remember that colour. The smell was pretty incredible too. It just made your mouth water.

And here are the 'fruits' of my labour... 24 4oz jars of jelly. "Mama KK's Great Grape Mess" Jelly.

It's delicious. Esp. on marble rye toast with butter.

So, I think this is how I'm dealing with being an 'empty- nester'. Later this week I'm sending off care-packages to my sons...I'll definitely include at least one jar of jelly for each of them. The rest I'll keep on the counter for a while, to admire...wow. I actually made jelly. And it's good.

O, October......

2009-10-05T08:46:00.000-07:00

It's October...the first glorious, beautiful, chill days of October. Why do I love this month so much? All the good things that have come to me as a woman--my marriage, my sons--came to me in the month of September. But October and I have had a kinship that goes way back... Maybe--being a redhead--it's the way that Nature finally adopts my own hues; maybe its the chill of the air and the luxury of cooking and eating squash and apples and pumpkin; maybe it's the most favourite of all my favourite holidays...Halloween: a time of fun and mystery, laughter and a bit of fright; Could it be that the Celtic half of me remembers the ancient celebration of Samhain and still 'sees' this as the New Year? Or is it that I feel most of all, at this time of year, the touch of those loved ones who have passed beyond this earthly life? I feel an urge to set extra places at the dinner table and offer an extra cup of coffee to the Autumn mornings in honor and love to those I miss most. I want to welcome them...in this month when the veil between the worlds in thin; I want them to know they are still welcome in my heart and in my home. I want them to feel the joy I have in this beautiful colourful glorious mysterious month and know that it came from them.

It's October...and I feel on fire creatively. I have so many ideas and inspirations; there is no way I can tend to them all. Everything excites me; it's so beautiful... all of it; the smells, the colours; the chill air; the sky in the daytime; the sky at night; leaves; harvest; pumpkins; gourds; candy; apples; cider;skeletons; ghosts; witches; haunted houses;creepy graveyards;trick or treaters, the fall of leaves ;the fade of the summer colours and flowers...everything. I stop at farmstands and local pick-your-own orchards and pumpkin patches and I want to have as many of the apples and pumpkins and gourds as I can. I can't get enough of them. The pumpkins are always my favourites. I love them; their moony roundness; whether perfect or not; their colour; the feel of them under fingertips or in hand the weight of them. I feel sorry for the ones that get left behind ; passed over because of some 'imperfection'. I want them all. And apples...I can't pick enough apples;make enough sauce; bake enough pies...such a simple and perfect thing.

I'm endeavouring to capture all of this; this feeling and get it onto paper, canvas, fabric, whatever...while it's fresh and full of energy.

It's always been the transition seasons that have held my heart; Spring and Autumn... Summer and Winter are lovely, but there's something about Spring and Autumn. Especially Autumn....especially October...

Lost Summer, Mislaid Camera and Other Travails...

2009-09-02T20:49:00.000-07:00

I know I have been away for quite a while; well over a month, at least. Iwas beginning to wonder myself, whether I could find my way back to my blog. My Sundial Sister Cindy told me I was taking a blog-cation; stepping away for a while in order to focus on other things.

Those other things--namely getting my sons off to college and getting our first tuition payments, etc. under our belts--have taken most of the summer. I feel like it was a lost summer...for so many reasons.

My sons and I would always go on wonderful daytrips and adventures when they were younger. Our summers would be filled with everything from trips to The Bronx Zoo and New York Aquarium to hikes on local nature trails and visits to some of the many historic sites that dot our part of the Hudson Valley. On really hot days we'd splurge on matinee movie tickets and soda and popcorn and go see the summer blockbuster--whatever it was.

This summer...they've been holed up in their respective rooms or off with friends. Last weekend we dropped Wyeth off at Champlain in Vermont. Warren has a little over two weeks left before he heads to Philly to start his term. I've been swamped in paperwork and mothering. Getting in my last licks before they truly become the men I can already see in them.

I've also been completely sucked in by the world of facebook. I joined up, ostensibly to keep up with my sons in college and to connect with other college parents and I have been hypnotized by being able to reconnect with long lost friends and the games. Who knew I was a game maven? I now have a few virtual apartments, a few virtual pets; I'm a supermodel and a restaurant owner among other things. It's very distracting and time sucking, but also the perfect easy go-to-spot to destress.

I haven't abandoned creative pursuits. I'm actually pursuing them harder than ever. I have a series of handpainted pressed paper boxes done and another one in progress. I'm painting Day Of The Dead skulls and also doing handpainted ornaments for Christmas. I'm experimenting with materials. I'm also working on a series of simple, hand-sewn prim-style dolls...flower faeries and the like.

I'd have oodles of lovely photos to show you......only I've managed to mislay my camera for the third time this summer. No idea where it is. I had it in hand a week ago; I was taking self-portraits for my facebook photo. I set it down--most probably in some clever-at-the-time spot and now I've been pacing round and round my house looking for it and desperately wishing it had some kind of tracking device on it. I have pictures of my recent painting projects and was intending on posting them.

So.....for now, all I can give you is this texty post reassuring you all that I haven't abandoned my blog or my art.

I promise I'll post pictures as soon as I can. And I won't be away for nearly as long...

Forgive my absence and neglect and forgive my lack of pictures if you can.... (the photo of the rose was taken by my husband...I just couldn't post w/o a picture!)

Giveaway Winner

2009-07-22T16:53:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone... I didn't vanish from the face of the earth. I actually had a wonderful trip to Philly with my son; with only the minimum daily allowance of angsty teen. And since we stayed in different buildings and had to attend different programs during the orientation, we were able to 'avoid' each other for large portions of time.
The GPS worked perfectly with only one hiccup-- at the end of the trip it tried to send us into the heart of NYC instead of onto the Thruway North. I ignored it and we made it home fine.
Since the trip, I have been swamped in college preparations and loan paperwork, etc. It's all very overwhelming and daunting and very nearly took all the 'creative sauce' right out of me. I haven't blogged because I've just been plain exhausted. I have all these lists of things I need to remember and/or do and I carry them with me with a click Sharpie in my other hand , crossing things off, adding more things in... I'm back to wanting to find a cave to hide in. **sigh** But the real reason I am here tonight is to anounce the winner of my giveaway. This afternoon I wrote all the names down on paper slips, folded them up, put them in a bowl, mixed them up and had my two year old nephew Brian draw the winning name.

The Winner is............................................purplecat!!!! CONGRATULATIONS.....and thank you to everyone who posted and linked an entry.
I will be in touch--via email--to get your address and info. I'm hoping to be able to get this sent out by the weekend.
I'm also hopeful that I'll have some new art pieces to post by the weekend too. I'm working on some little handpainted boxes and a new doll pattern. Stealing moments here and there.
Until then, I hope everyone is having a wonderful summer. I try to take a moment or two each day to relish the beauty of this season. I have a jenny wren nesting next to my front door; who sings to me every morning to remind me to be in the moment.
Even this craziness, worry and stress is a gift.
I should write that on my list so I remember it.

Gone to Philadelphia With Warren And Homer

2009-07-12T05:26:00.000-07:00

This afternoon Warren and I are heading down to Philadelphia to attend college orientation. This is going to be an interesting trip for a couple of reasons : 1) Warren and I have a fairly contentious relationship.I think it's because we have similar dispositions and he's definitely pulling away in order to flex his independence. Lately, we seem to spar constantly over ridiculous, often trivial things. 2) This will be our first ( and maybe only) mother/son road trip. I'm excited and also a nervous wreck.
We're inaugurating the 'new' Tomtom GPS that my hubby gave me for my birthday LAST year. I hadn't taken it out of the box until Friday!My husband Kevin-- or MapBoy as I call him--has a briefcase full of Rand McNally maps which he pores over for every trip and claims to be excellent at directions, but we get lost more often than not.
I am going to print the directions off the college website and set up my GPS and take a deep breath and try like the dickens not to argue with my son. And any time we think we're lost, we'll just find a Dunkin Donuts and regroup over caffeine and sugar. Which is appropriate, because my Tomtoms' voice is Homer Simpson. WooHoo! D'oh! I can't stand the bland voices they program the GPS with so I purchased Homers voice at the Tomtom site. I'd rather laugh while getting lost, than feel more stressed.

Not sure why I'm so worried over a three hour trip to Philly...when I once drove 12 straight hours from North Carolina to New York by myself at night...but I also figure, if you don't fret and worry beforehand that's when things happen.
We won't be back til Tuesday evening. I won't be back here until maybe Wednesday.
Please don't forget my blog giveaway...a few posts below.

See you all in a few days!

Apologies...

2009-07-07T07:26:00.000-07:00

I had every intention of coming back here yesterday--and even this morning--and posting my picks for the two lovely blog awards I recently recieved...but yesterday afternoon the very first bill for my sons college was waiting for me in the mailbox. I knew it was coming. But it was a bit of a blindside when I opened it. Right now, I'm completely wrapped up in figuring out this maze of loans and whatnot so that my mind and stomach can stop twisting.
I know that there are lots of parents all over feeling exactly the same and wondering all the same things I am....
Hopefully I can do some good research today and feel a little sounder about this by tonight.

Lemonade, Premio MeMe, and Tag

2009-07-06T04:29:00.000-07:00

Well, it's Monday. I've recovered (mostly) from turning another year older. Ice cream cake helped. Alot. And this morning I discovered I'd been tagged by Cindy and awarded by Suzi and Silke. Plus, there seems to be some interest in my little blog giveaway...Yay!
So... in response to the TAG, here is the 1st photo in my 10th file (or was it the 10th photo in my 1st file...? I'm only on cuppa joe #1 for the day...so bear with me).
This photo is from my 20th anniversary. Hubby and I took a little trip to Lancaster County, PA and spent a weekend with trains, historic sites,pastoral scenery and great food. This picture was taken by me at a gorgeous historic home whose name I've forgotten. They were having a Civil War weekend with crafts and reenactors. These lovely ladies were having a chat on a bench at the kitchen entrance to the home. I love this photo. Thanks to Cindy of Vagabond Artistry (http://vagabondartistry.blogspot.com/) for tagging me. And Thank You to Suzi of Art With A Touch Of Whimsy (http://suziart.blogspot.com/) for the Lemonade Stand Award.

And also a Thank You is due to Silke of Metamorphosis (http://silkepowers.blogspot.com/) for this Premio Meme Award; which means I have to share seven things about myself with all of you. Hmmm...this is harder than it looks.......
1) Trains are very important in my life. My husband is a tremendous train buff and a model railroader with an HO scale railroad layout that is rapidly taking up the entire circumference of two rooms of my basement. I met him at my fathers' Model Railroad Club. Nearly every family vacation we've ever taken was planned around proximity to trains.
2) I was 12 and my husband Kevin was 14 when I first met him. I had such a huge crush on him. We became friends and didn't actually start dating until he was in his last year of college.

3)Cindy of Vagabond Artistry and myself are Sisters-in-law; as well as best friends. She's married to Kevin's brother Bob. Bob is the one who coined our 'Nome-de-Craft': The Sundial Sisters. We're notorious for going out on Saturday afternoon jaunts 'for a few hours' and then losing all track of time and coming home sometime after evening has fallen. Can we help it if there are so many crafty fun things for us to do when we're kid and hubby free?

4) I got my driver's license the year my sons' started school. I learned on a Cadillac Coupe DeVille. I adore Cadillacs, but I also love my current car: a Ford Taurus wagon.

5)I love long hair. My hair currently hangs to my tush. It's been longer than that at least once; I cut 2 and 1/2 feet of it for Locks of Love. I've also had super short pixie-cut hair when I was pregnant with my sons. I looked like Mia Farrow in Rosemary's Baby. Long hair is better on me.

6) Even though I'm Scottish and Irish (on my dad's side), I get my red hair from my Swedish great grandfather on my mom's side.She was also Italian. What a mix.

7)When I get annoyed and/or frustrated, I swear like a sailor. Actually, I might swear worse than a sailor...I don't know. I'm kind of like Ralphie's dad in A Christmas Story---I've invented some new variations and words.

Okay, those are my seven things. I think I may have worked in a few more than seven, but there you go. I know I'm supposed to nominate seven others...but I haven't thought that far ahead. I'll come in later and post my choices.

Once again thanks to all for the awards and tag.
Oops! It was supposed to be the 10th photo in the 1st file! I knew I'd screwed it up. Here is the 10th photo in my 1st file. It's my nephew Zachary--Cindy of Vagabond Artistry's son--at his first communion. I'm leaving the other picture up anyway.

Birthday Month Giveaway

2009-07-01T04:58:00.000-07:00

It's my birthday month. I'm a Yankee Doodle Dandy baby; born on the Fourth of July--which some say, accounts for my red hair and fiery temper! When I was little, my mother got out of having too many kiddie birthday parties by telling me that I was so special everyone in America celebrated my birthday and the day was one big party...with fireworks to boot.
This year will be my first birthday without my mother calling me up to wish me a Happy Birthday and then tell me the story of how she missed the fireworks that year to have me. My dad would always tell me I was my own kind of fireworks. I think maybe, my long suffering hubby concurs with that.
But I digress... The purpose of this post is really to let everyone know that for my birthday month...I'm having a giveaway on my blog. Starting today--this art box/art book is up for grabs. It's called 'Flower Of Inspiration'. I created it over a period of about a month or so in the early spring.

It's entirely hand-painted; with four muses around the sides of the box and a goddess of Inspiration on the bottom. The top of the box (which I forgot to photograph) is done in flowers and hearts.

Inside the box is a fabric flower which is the actual book itself. I took the flower apart; adorned each petal with a word or phrase cut from old books. The words and phrases are randomly chosen for inspiration: key to life, fragrance, cake, blackbird, snow are a few examples. I hand stitched the flower back together. It nests inside the box, but is removeable in order to be read.

The inside of the top lid has 'directions to the muse'--cut from old books.

I made this with the intention that it would be a sort of trigger for my own muse; for my own inspiration...but I want to pass it along and send on the inspiration.

So...here's how this will work:

To enter to win "The Flower Of Inspiration" post a comment here and I will count that as one entry. If you post a link to this post on your own blog, that will count as an additional two entries. On Wednesday, July 22nd I will put all the names in a hat and draw a winner. That way--with shipping time--you should have the Flower in your hand by month's end.
Good Luck to everyone...and Happy Birthday month!

The Graduates

2009-06-30T05:11:00.001-07:00

Here they are: Wyeth and Warren....as photographed by Jeff Goulding of the Times Herald Record. This wonderful photo was taken by our area newspaper and is up on their website. I was able to email it to myself and save it. I was too far away to get any great shots like this. I still have to upload all my pix... Interestingly enough, on their very first day of school--all those 12 long years ago--they had their picture taken for the paper. Sundial Sister Cindy pointed out how it's all come full circle. Neat.
It was a great night; the ceremony was held outside on the school athletic field; the thunder clouds held off until just after the ceremony finished so, unlike my graduation 25 years ago, everyone actually got their diplomas.
We didn't actually manage to get seats. It was packed. But we had a great spot overlooking the whole field and not obstructed by anyone's head. My sons happened to be seated almost directly in front of us,so that worked out well.
The Saturday BBQ was hectic for me but, everyone had a great time and that also turned out really well. And now....I have a few days to pause for breath and maybe even celebrate my own birthday and then we're into prepping for college and all that fun stuff.
So...for the moment...join me in admiring these two high school grads. Class of 2009......Huzzah!

New Painting: Camillia

2009-06-24T09:07:00.000-07:00

Sunday, I wished my hubby a Happy Fathers Day; gifted him with a beautiful train photograph (not done by me) and a silly card (an audio card of Napoleon Dynamite listing all his 'skills') and then spent the day in the studio painting this little girl above. Her name is Camillia; she was inspired by my Edward Gorey calendar. And I had Interview With The Vampire playing on dvd in the background so maybe she has a bit of Claudia in her too.
She's painted on heart shaped wood that I covered in torn up phone book pages and sanded down. I love how the wrinkles and creases give it almost a stone-like texture. I love her mixture of rough and delicate. I'm planning on adding a little bit of charcoal detail to her wings and coating her in beeswax.
I also spent some time tweaking Theodora a little...and here she is.

I overlayed her hair and eyes and the lighter part of the background with Perfect Pearls...also painted some into her rabbit suit. I love it. It's hard to convey in photographs (for me, anyway) but she has a glimmer to her now. She really catches the light and glows.
I'm glad I had a fruitful studio day Sunday, because the rest of the week is just crazy. My sons are graduating tomorrow night. I'm up to my eyeballs in cleaning and shopping and prep for a celebration BBQ we're having on Saturday. Luckily, it's all close friends and family and they all know that dust is an accessory in my house...but I still have tons to do.
I'm stealing this moment and hoping for at least one or two more before Saturday. I know this busyness is a mother's defense. In a couple months my sons will be 18 and college freshmen in different states. Wow. It boggles my mind.
Well.....off to 'chore-land'.
I think Camillia is laughing at me...

Some Sunny Pictures For A Dreary Day

2009-06-19T05:48:00.000-07:00

I'm always facinated by the way the sunlight comes into this wonderful old house and plays with everyday objects, making them into something different to the eye. These photos were taken in late afternoon this past Sunday. Something about these pictures makes me feel like they're almost images from my houses' past. Quilt rack in the bedroom. The quilts actually are from the houses past: they were handmade and embroidered with the names of my husbands family(on his fathers' side).

Sewing table in my studio. When we first came through this house before moving in; I knew this would be my art room/studio when I saw the light that came through the windows. It's not a very big room, but the light is so awesome. At certain times of day, this room absolutely glows.

Cabinet in the back of the hall; between the kitchen and the family room.

Another view of the cabinet with the reflection of the lace curtain on it.

New Painting: Theodora the White Rabbit

2009-06-17T04:55:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was 'gifted' with an entire day in my studio! I pretended that there wasn't a bathroom to be scrubbed or laundry to do or groceries to shop for and I spent the whole day working on Theodora.

Originally she was going to be done all in varying shades of white; as a kind of experiment. But, that didn't last long. Forgive the terrible photos...I was in a rush to get her posted.

Thank you to everyone who posted their love of my sweet maple tree. I am going to give it a big 'ol hug later this morning.

View From My Kitchen Window

2009-06-15T18:56:00.000-07:00

These last few weeks, I've been feeling particularly grateful for the lovely view I have out my kitchen window. This is what I've been seeing (on the sunny days) as I wash dishes or brew coffee. This little garden is oh so lovely looking from a distance, but it's really a tangled mess. The lush looking half is peppermint; then we have my attempt at repelling woodchucks: I planted a tremendous patch of catmint and catnip...which cats from far and near come to visit. Actually, I planted it for my cat Mr. Jinx. What you can't see is the little square of paving bricks I put in so he could lounge on sun-warmed bricks in the catnip. Mr. Jinx is gone,but his kitty-spa lives on.

This maple takes the brunt of every storm that blows across our hill. It's been scalped by wind and lost more than a few good branches. I love this tree. For it's perseverance and for it's imperfect perfect beauty.

I am always inspired looking out this window...no matter the season. It makes a chore like doing dishes...almost something to look forward to. .....Almost.

Back In The Studio Groove

2009-06-14T17:57:00.000-07:00

To tell you the truth, I'm not sure there was much of a groove to the studio at all, before now. My creative endeavours were only coming in fits and starts and it seemed like as fast as an idea or inspiration would come to me, I'd pick up the pencil and it was gone. I felt like things came to a creative 'rest' of sorts after my father died--nearly six years ago. Our art was something we shared with each other; we belonged to the same gallery groups. We did shows together. Even though our styles were very different, our artistic temperaments were similar. We would sit and talk and throw ideas out and hash over paintings and sketches and things that were inspiring us or blocking us and it always came out right in the end. After he died I felt lost artistically. I couldn't find my muse for a while and then when she did return to me, I just couldn't find my groove. It's strange that somehow my mother's passing has initiated this fire in me right now. I'm back to keeping a sketchbook by the bed and a few Moleskine books in my current purse and another sketchbook downstairs and one in the studio...just so that I'm never without something to hand to put all these ideas into. The photo above of is one of the easels in my studio, loaded with works in various states of progress. There is also a worktable with wood blocks being prepped for more pieces like this one below. This is an inspiration that hit me late last week. She's a little Christmas-In-June angel done in coloured pencil on a vintage book page.

Her name is Juniper...as in the wonderful smelling berries and branches. She's a lovely thing who flowed so easily from my pencils to the paper. Thank you Juniper. Her wood block came from a huge bag of precut blocks that I'd bought ages ago to mount rubber stamps on. Anyway, they sat in my studio like so many other things, gathering dust...and then, the other day, in a fit of straightening up I found them again. And here's what came of that re-discovery.

I think she is just so sweet. I'm off to draw some sisters for her. It feels so good to be back in my studio with a strong sense of direction for my art.

I wonder if--in some way--bringing in all the things from my mothers craft room--her easel, her sewing machine, her sketchbooks and paints, etc. has re-invigorated me.Having these things around me, with me...along with old brushes and paints from my dad...has made me feel like they're encouraging me to keep creating. And there's also the thought that you truly have to sieze this one day and make the most of the gifts it brings you.

Carpe Diem.

Most Wonderful Favourites...

2009-06-12T05:37:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Julie Ann of http://heavenleighart.blogspot.com/ for my first ever blog award. What a wonderful thing to recieve and share over my morning cuppa joe and english muffin.
Now I have the daunting task of passing this on to eight other wonderful blogs. Especially daunting because I know I have barely scratched the surface of art-blog land.

So....my eight are as follows:

1)http://mystele.blogspot.com/ little glimpses studio

2) http://countryfolkart.blogspot.com/ country folk art

3)http://sascalia.blogspot.com/ sascalia

4)http://vagabondartistry.blogspot.com/ vagabond artistry/half the sundial sisters

5)http://therubynest.blogspot.com/ the art and life of the ruby nest

6)http://peachycheek.blogspot.com/ peachy cheek

7)http://reverieart.blogspot.com/ audrey eclectic

8)http://primoriginals.blogspot.com/ primoriginals

If each of these wonderful bloggers could, in turn, share this with eight others and spread the inspiration far and wide that would be awesome.I know lives are busy and time is in short supply,so I understand if you can't. And if you haven't already, please visit these wonderful blogs. There are so many more I wanted to name...and as I said I've only just started journeying in this blogosphere.

I also want to be sure to remind everyone of the Silent Art Auction going on at http://countryfolkart.blogspot.com/ . This auction is for the benefit of children with cancer. Please go and take a look at the donated artwork and make a bid. Bidding is open, as of today and closes on Sunday night at 9 pm EST. There are many wonderful donated works of art. Myself and my fellow Sundial Sister, Cindy @ Vagabond Artistry have made donations: a OOAK owl doll and OOAK mixed media art box, but there are also paintings and prints and many great things. It's worth a look.

Rainy Days and Prom Kings...

2009-06-09T04:34:00.000-07:00

These two super suave, sophisticated Bond-like gentlemen are actually scruffy 17 year olds in disguise. This was Friday night before they left for prom. Much to their eternal torture I made them pose for a 'GQ' photo shoot in the front hall. And yes, that is a 'Funeral ...No Parking' sign. It was an anniversary present from hubby last year.Found it in an antique shop. I have an odd sense of humour. I think it's very funny having it there in the front hall as a kind of greeter.

This morning is dark and dreary and rainy and thundering...I've been running up and down stairs closing windows through out the house. The best part of rain like this (the sheets of rain, deluge kind) is the tin roof. It has a few drippy spots, so I have to go into the attic and strategically place containers and the sound up there is just awesome! Rain on a tin roof makes the most amazing racket. I love to go and sit on the attic stairs and listen to the rain beating on the roof. Somehow it makes you feel like your right inside it.

The thunder is making the house and the windows rattle. And it's making my little dogs very nervous. They haven't left my side all morning. The scruffy 17 year olds had to take their chances sloshing down the hill to the bus stop, but the dogs and I have other plans. A pot of Irish tea and a day in the studio sounds about right.

I love rain.

Alexis, Robin Red and Generous Hearts...

2009-06-08T07:36:00.000-07:00

This little beauty is Alexis. She's just turned three. Alexis has cancer. To read her story please go to http://countryfolkart.blogspot.com/ where Tammy (one of the generous hearts in the title of this blog) has set up a Silent Art Auction to benefit Alexis and other children with cancer.Here is a link to Alexis' mom's blog:http://prayerservant.org/ps_alexis/ . Many artists have donated works to the auction. They are also the generous hearts from the title, as are anyone who has made bids on these artworks. Myself and my fellow Sundial Sister, Cindy (of http://vagabondartistry.blogspot.com/ and http://www.sundialsisters.com/) are donating items as well. Cindy is donating one of her awesome original owls; Lament the Blue Who Owl and I am donating the Robin Red art box; which I just finished this weekend. This is how the interior came out.

I deco-ed pieces of dandelion pattern scrapbook paper, then overlayed that-in the center-with cut up pages from a vintage book...painted the eggs and nests. They are also stamped and heat embossed with sparkling copper powder.

Robins' face was painted over deco-ed vintage book pages...then sanded and worked with coloured pencils and oil pastels and ink.She was also rubbed over with a walnut ink antique stain. She is sealed with a matte finish and will also be sealed with beeswax.

The back of the box--the figure of Robin--was also painted over vintage book pages. (I sketched the face and the figure onto the box and then cut the vintage book pages to fit the outlines of the sketches.) She's been overlayed with a one-step crackle medium that only crackled a little, but had the interesting effect of bringing the book text back to the 'surface' of the paint. I love the effect. She was also worked in coloured pencil, oil pastel and marker and rubbed with the walnut stain as well.

The sides of the box have been painted with a mixture of gesso and paint over deco-ed squares of vintage book pages. I also stamped scrollwork and inscribed the edge of the lid with a handwritten phrase: "Gather your eggs of inspiration,keep them safe in the nest of your heart...they will open to reveal your true joy..."

The artwork is protected with a matte finish, but I am also sealing it with beeswax. This is an art piece, so I didn't add any new hardware like handles or a new latch. It's done on a basic blank square cigar box; about 6"X 6" and about an inch deep.

I will cover the cost of shipping. To bid on Robin Red please contact me at yellowhouse36@gmail.com . I will let the winning bidder know on Sunday.

I think Robin Red is very happy that she will in some small way help little Alexis.

I really hope everyone will check out the Auction items at Tammys' blog.

Robin Red was 'won' by my own sister, Heather--who made a wonderful bid/donation to benefit Alexis and Seattle Childrens Hospital. Robin has already gone to her new home...and I'll even get to visit her sometimes. Thank you Heather.

Treats...

2009-06-03T12:19:00.000-07:00

Well I made it through the weekend; all the moving and hauling. I've very nearly 'absorbed' all the stuff I'd brought home from my mother's house into my own house...or into the attic. (Thank goodness for humongous farmhouse attics)
Yesterday, as a reward to myself, I paid a visit to the local A.C. Moore with a wonderful coupon in hand and bought myself this set of Windsor & Newton coloured drawing inks. Plus a small new set of brushes (because none of my hundred or so old brushes would 'do' for these new inks) and some other fun things from the Clearance aisle.
But the inks are truly the thing...
I have a love affair with Windsor & Newton inks that goes back to my dad. The paintings I used to do--ten or so years ago--on watercolour paper were these intensely crafted pieces that layered ink on coloured pencil on ink on coloured pencil and so on...until I had gotten the intensity of colour and the depth of detail I wanted.
I want to revisit that style again and see what happens. I'd believed that I'd never paint like that again, but I've been inspired by the wonderful blog http://littleglimpses.blogspot.com/ and Mystele's journey toward a simpler, more playful way with her art.
It's funny what a struggle it can be to try to get back to the simple act of play in my art. I watch my two year old nephew draw with crayons and sidewalk chalk and his utter joy at having made a mark and his complete surety of what that mark represents (it's a car; it's a plane;it's a dinosaur) are just marvels to me. I know I still have that feeling inside me. When I see something like Robin Red or Anais 'come to life' beneath my fingers I feel it.
Monday night I went to a digital media art show at my son's high school. All the seniors were presenting their work...everything from graphic design and print ads to fully produced and scored mini-films and computer-animated movies. I was blown away. These kids are so hugely talented at 17 and their work still reflects an ability to just play. They're not afraid to try new things.
I'm barely computer able with the few things I do--like blogging--so no worries there. But I want to 'remember' what it was like to just open a bottle of new ink and play for a couple hours.

A tremendous hooray and thank you to Julie from http://therubynest.blogspot.com/. I came online today to catch up to date on blogs and such and discovered I'd been drawn a winner in her lovely giveaway. A print of Princess Fauna. I'm very excited and happy. I knew birds were 'speaking' to me this spring....

Will This Ever Be Over...

2009-05-29T05:33:00.001-07:00

This weekend is (hopefully) the home-stretch;final inning (insert appropriate sports analogy here) of emptying out my mother's little--but packed with more things than I could imagine--house. She wasn't a hoarder of every bit of everything; She was a collector--of somewhat discriminate taste. She had a doll collection, a tea set collection, a ladybug collection, a lucky cat collection, an Irish china collection. You get the idea.
I've spent the better part of the last month, nearly every night and some days, spending hours...sorting, boxing, tossing out, lugging home stuff. Endless stuff.
My little workhorse of a station wagon has been packed with stuff from dashboard to rear almost every day. My house is swamped with boxes,bins and bags.
Nearly every room--except the bathrooms--has been invaded with stuff.
In my studio, I've only just managed to keep enough space 'open' so I can reach my easels and paint a little.

Right now, my most desperate desire is to get some small semblance of order back in my house and life. This coming month is my sons' senior prom and then graduation and accompanying celebrations. There's college to plan for...but I know I can deal with all of this and handle it all...if only I can get out from under this influx of stuff and spend some quantity and quality time in my studio.

Anais Reworked...and FleaMarket Finds

2009-05-27T08:29:00.000-07:00

After I posted her the first time, I just knew 'something' about Anais wasn't just right. I think that sitting at the easel with her, seeing her every day, knowing the little story I'd spun about/around her made me think she was more done than she was. Putting her up on the blog was the objective step-away that I needed.
She went back to the easel and has spent some time gaining some new colour and (I think) depth. Oil pastels, coloured pencils,paint,paper,Sharpie markers...
She hasn't got the luminous quality of Robin Red; I think she's more of a moonlight kind of girl.

I can't say she's more mysterious than Robin; just different mysteries. Anais is more inclined to secret rooms in big old houses and Robin Red is all about the wild woods and meadows. Anais would be the girl watching from the walled garden or the library window.
Now, these three beauties here...

I found on a folding table in a booth full of wonderful old junk, among many other booths full of wonderful old junk at the Stormville Flea Market. The sister in the middle was the one who first caught my eye. I'm calling her Jo. The blond sister is Amy. The sister in red is Beth. That leaves me to find Meg. I'll keep a lookout the next time I'm flea-marketing...

The sisters can sit atop a table or be hung in a group. They are little vases; the tops of their heads are open and I'm thinking about delicate bouquets of violets and ivy for each of them.

These awesome spools were another of my flea market finds this past Sunday; although I owe the credit for the actual finding of 'the spool booth' to my flea market partner in crime and fellow Sundial Sister, Cindy.

Right now, I am just loving looking at these spools over and over...the wood and the paint and the brass and all the details my mediocre photography skills can't capture. They're beautiful.

Perhaps in a while I'll have some idea of what I want to do with them...perhaps something Halloween-y for the orange ones. Hmmm.

Nearly Finished...

2009-05-15T05:04:00.000-07:00

The "Robin Red" box is almost done. I'm working on the inside of the box...and tweaking a few details on the outside. I love the way she turned out. She seems almost like a variation on Red Riding Hood...but currently, I have alot of little girls in cloaks in my journal/sketchbook.

This is Anais; she's my violet eyed 'cat' girl...finished except for a flower or two on her hat and in her hand. And maybe a bit of a poem. Her sweater is decoupaged snips of scrapbook paper...a sepia flower print. Her blouse and hat are pages from a Japanese book.I love the uniform pattern of the characters. It took some time...but was well worth it.

This was Anais a month or more ago. I never pre-sketched her in my journal. She was done right onto the canvas. I love her. She's so mysterious to me. Maybe it's the dramatic curtain behind her.

Sketches

2009-05-13T10:33:00.000-07:00

This Frida sketch may make it to a canvas by this weekend if time allows.

This sweet little girl is inspired by a sweet little girl in my life: my niece Madeline, who has such an inspiring demeanor and such a magickal outlook on life. I think of her as my own little muse.

And--last,but not least--I would love to turn this sketch of Shelby into a little doll...or softie. Complete with the little 'toofies'.

I am moving forward creatively...slowly,by inches... But at least I'm moving.

P.S.-- Yay for me! I just figured out how to get the text 'tween the photos. I'm really a very smart person. I swear.

Leaky Shi Tzus

2009-05-13T04:26:00.000-07:00

I have two for-the most-part wonderful and adorable little dogs; Bailey and Shelby.Bailey is the black and white cutie in the pics above; Shelby is the cream coloured 'little princess'. They came as a pair. I adopted them nearly two years ago from a local Humane Society. At ages 8 and 9 they're considered to be 'senior' dogs, but I really question the accuracy of those numbers. Since settling into my home and getting much needed medical treatment and TLC...they seem like dogs half that age.

They're not actually brother and sister.....more like a married couple. They bicker and squabble and occasionally Shelby feels the need to let Bailey know that she's most definitely Queen of the house. At night they join my hubby and I in our bed...curling together in what I call the 'dogpile'.

I love them dearly and can't imagine my life without them....however...

I'm dreaming lately of a life without surprise pee stains and poop piles to clean up.

Last night I spent a good portion of the evening at my mom's house boxing up stuff, throwing away junk, sorting and cleaning out. Finished up sometime after 11; got home close to midnight.

Bailey greeted me guiltily at the door. Oh no.

Sure enough. Poop in the living room. I cleaned it up and headed to bed...only to step in a pee puddle just outside my bedroom door. Grrrrrrr!

And of course--if I believe my hubby and my sons--the dogs 'went out for business' practically every hour while I was gone. uh-huh.

I really believe that being cute is a survival technique, because if these two 'ewoks' weren't so dang cute.................. bang! zoom!

I really should make them 'earn their living' by painting their little mugs onto something. Simple Solution Odor And Stain Remover isn't cheap!

Numb,But Not Comfortably So....

2009-05-07T06:17:00.000-07:00

It's been a rough couple weeks (?) since I last posted an entry... I'm not even sure that's an accurate estimate ---of time or feeling. I've been moving through these past weeks and days in a way that swings from complete numbness and doing what needs to be done because that's what I have to do to keep life even and solid for my husband and sons to feeling like the surge of emotion (sadness,anger,regret) will send me curled in a ball into a cave somewhere so I can just let the sorrow take over.

My mother passed away on Saturday, April 18. She passed in her sleep. For that I am happy. Her last full day was Friday...the day I posted about being Carole's daughter. I was able to be with her the entire day.....from 10 a.m. til nearly seven at night. She had a wonderful last day...as wonderful as anyone can hope for. We threw open the window in her hospital room....sunshine and a warm spring breeze. Her friends came to see her and spend time with her. (She'd 'ordered' me not to tell anyone that she was in the hospital. I decided that I'd spent much of my life rebelling against her dictates and orders, so I'd just keep that going. I called her friends Thurs. night. They came the next day.) Initially, she was rude and kind of b___y, but we all laughed at her and said it was good to see her being herself. She ended up laughing and joking and making plans to attend a party "just as soon as she was on her feet again."

When I left her that night, she was tired from a great day. She was smiling. I told her I loved her. I gave her a back rub. I hugged her and thanked her for being my mother. I told her I wouldn't be half the woman I am today if not for her.

My regret is that I didn't--at some point--go home and get my sons. I can't help feeling that I should have brought them to see her. I have to remind myself that, in many ways, I think Easter dinner was for them. She came, despite being in incredible physical pain and discomfort and she talked and joked with them. She gave them a last memory of their grandmother that was not shadowed with tubes and bags and IVs and hospital beds. They're seventeen. They understood about her illness; they wouldn't have been 'put off' by the hospital, but I believe that she truly didn't want to have them see her that way. And--for a change--I did what she wanted me to do. I can live with my regret.

My sister and I have been on such a ride of emotions.

Saturday the 18th was also my nephew Brian's second birthday. We went ahead and had his party. My mother would have found a way to kick our rearends if we hadn't. And it felt genuinely good to be able to celebrate a continuation of Carole's life on this earth...her grandson's birthday.

This month her oldest grandsons--my boys--will graduate from high school. I have to prepare for Senior Prom and plan a graduation party. I feel as if I've had no real time to grieve. And I wonder if this isn't Carole doing this...reminding me that this life and these annoying everyday and not-so-everyday events are really what it's all about. You only get one chance at these moments...there are no do-overs. Make the most of it.

I think the 'cave' I need to curl into is my studio. I need to draw and paint and create and do something to vent all this emotion I'm feeling. There's genuinely been no time. And I desperately want to forget everything else and just go in that room and shut the door and have at it. My studio is in what was once a small sitting room/bedroom next to my own bedroom...so every day I pass by it's door and think....I want to be in there.

But there are too many things that require me elsewhere.

This is the real struggle in being a woman and an artist. I am needed in so many ways, in so many other places, by so many people..... I can't just go in the cave and hide and wallow and vent my grief and anger and whatever else I'm feeling. I have to keep this in check and maintain the equalibrium of my home and family. I have to keep this all going as smoothly as a I can.

I know that my husband and sons would understand if I did do the cave thing... I just can't be that selfish right now.

Recently I had two events I had to 'dress up' for...you know, fancy clothes,heels,makeup,nice hair. Somehow, in my search for an inexpensive route to a new dress....I invoked Frida. I found a 'Frida-like' shirt at Target that could be worn with a voluminous skirt I have. I bought two--one purple,one black. For each event I carefully braided my hair and pinned it up--not top of the head,but behind the nape like younger Frida. I placed a flower in my hair. I wore carefully chosen earrings,necklace,bracelets.I wore red lipstick. Somehow, I felt that it gave me a strength--in this moment when I felt most painful and vulnerable--to 'be' Frida and invoke her strength and resillience as my own. It made me feel safe. Thank you Frida... viva la vida.

Give me time...I will get back into that little studio and throw open the window and let the sun in again. I promise.

P.S.--The pictures I posted...Frida, Brian,Wyeth,Warren---faces that give me strength and remind to live life as fully and beautifully as possible.

I am Carole's Daughter too....

2009-04-17T05:32:00.000-07:00

My mother--after a contentious battle with cancer--is in the last days of her life. She is in the hospital; they are making her 'comfortable'. I can't be sure what 'comfort' there is...esp. when I realize that she is only 65. Such a relatively young age. Five years ago, my father succumbed to cancer;he was 62.

Every day the news is full of stories of children,teens,young people whose lives are all too brief and end too soon. In the context of that.... my father and mother at 62 and 65 have lived reasonably long lives. They have lived wonderful lives that were filled with family,friends,children,grandchildren and so many experiences that most people never have. They were, in their way, blessed......

I have had a lifelong tumultuous relationship with my mother. There were times when we felt like we were competing with each other; there were times when we were almost friends... Through it all, I have never lost sight of the fact that my mother was always a strong,independent and fiercely loving person... My father--who we lovingly called 'the bear' always pointed out that my mother was 'the she-bear': she would take on anyone and anything in her protection of family and home. And she often did.

I think, even as I know that I am a reflection of my father...I am more my mother's daughter than I wanted to admit when I was younger. We railed against each other; we fought for control, but we were both trying to be our own women. She had ideals for how and what her daughter should be and I had aspirations and dreams that fell somewhere outside of her ideals. We battled mercilessly. But we also found ways to love each other and forge a respect for each other.

We battled with each other throughout this illness. What I wanted and needed locked horns with what she wanted and needed. And again, somehow we managed to make moments of peace and joy within our family.

I had had little idea that my mother's health was deteriorating as rapidly as it had been. (That was one of our battles: her secret-keeping when it came to her health issues.) Easter Sunday I knew she hadn't been doing well. She came to my house and shared a wonderful family dinner with us. She ate little, but she talked and laughed and joked with my boys. The Saturday before Easter, she'd done the same with my sister's family. She obviously knew something.

By Tuesday night she was in the hospital.

Wednesday she told my sister and I that she realized she was a rich woman where it counted...she cited the loves of her life: my dad and her partner John; her daughters; her sons-in-law and her beautiful grandsons and all her friends.

And that was when it became absolutely clear to me that I am Carole's daughter too. I too believe that my family and my friends are my wealth and I am a rich woman for having them. AndI am richest of all for having had her for a mother.

Tollipop Giveaway...

2009-04-14T12:24:00.000-07:00

If I do this link thing correctly then clicking here: http://www.tollipop.com/ will take you to a lovely little blog with some adorable artwork being given away.
That, in itself, would be worth the effort...but the blog is so worth a read and a look---several, in fact. It's wonderful. I know I will certainly be going back there again...

Easter Blessings...

2009-04-11T08:29:00.000-07:00

Every year--for the last four years--I host an egg hunt in my yard for my nieces,nephews and friends kids, as well. At least 200+ eggs get filled with candy and hidden around my yard. And I spend weeks planning themed gifty-knick-knacky baskets for the kiddoes and the moms too.

One year, I did mixing bowl 'baskets' for the moms with recipe cards and colourful spoons, etc. Another year, I decoupaged terracotta flowerpots with layers of tiny scrapbook paper squares and then glazed them in sepia tones and filled them with flower seed packets, garden gloves and tools from the dollar store.

The kids get plastic pails filled with toys or craft stuff. This year--for the girls--I've put together little scrapbook kits with books and paper and glitter glue. And for the boys--it's bags of magic tricks and gag items (like plastic dog poop). For the littlest boy--my nephew Brian--it's little toys he'll love, like trucks and little animals and bubbles.

It sounds like a lot of work, but I love doing it. I love seeing the kids tearing around the yard searching for the eggs. I love hearing from the moms about how much they all look forward to it every year.

This will sound a bit odd, but I think my big old house loves it too. There's something about this house--ever since we bought it and moved here (and maybe even before that, when I'd drive by it and imagine one day living in it)--it loves family. The chaos and squabbles; the quiet calm; the mess; the fun; the sorrows; the noise...everything. I think this house thrives on it. It just glows from within and radiates a love and joy. Is that true of all old farmhouses or just mine in particular? I felt--from the first day we realized that our dream of owning this house might come true--that this house wanted us as much as we wanted it. Soulmates with a house? I told you this would sound odd.

This house has been in my hubands family for over 100 years and maybe, that's it....the echoes of all previous generations of this family...experiencing life in all it's aspects and it continues and moves forward and new generations live and eat and sleep and work and play and run around the yard searching for hidden easter eggs and retrieving baskets of goodies....

A cycle, a renewal, a continuation.

Yesterday morning I dyed eggs with my little nephew Brian with food colouring and white crayons and rubberbands. We had so much fun. He was overjoyed to be able to watch the eggs turn colours and reveal designs we'd drawn, etc. I remembered doing this same thing with my own sons when they were his age. They're 17 now. I asked them if they remembered dyeing eggs with me. They did; they recalled making egg animals with stickers and such. And I knew that that was my Easter gift...that, even at 17, my sons hold a memory of something so simple and special. I think that someday they will carry that forward...and this sweet old house will never have to echo with anything but continued generations and cycles of family and love.

My Easter wish.

It's All Going To The Birds...

2009-04-04T18:30:00.000-07:00

My father taught me --and I've always believed--that nature has ways of 'speaking' to us. In the past, when we lived lives that were closer to and more in tune with the Earth we could 'hear' Nature's voice so much easier. My father was a tremendous history buff and storyteller who extensively researched and studied the lore of the Native peoples. He loved Nature and animals; had spent part of his boyhood on an uncles farm and once dreamed of becoming a veterinarian. Life had other plans and instead of becoming a vet; he found an expression for his love of animals and nature through his art.

He believed in totem animals; as known by the Native Americans and also by his and my own Celtic ancestors. And he believed in 'animal wisdom'. That if an animal keeps appearing to you it has a wisdom to share with you; a message for you; something that will guide or help you in your life.

For me---right now---it is birds. Robins,turkeys,my neighbors...the crows... and just today a happy bluebird and his mate, cavorting and flirting with each other despite a chilly,gusty wind and rolling overcast sky.

I have several books that will tell me their individual wisdoms: robin wisdom,turkey wisdom, etc. But for me...right now, in this moment in my life and art...I think it is the wisom of flying. Of leaving the safe nest and spreading wings and seeing where that gusty wind takes you. I think the birds are telling me not to be afraid... and I am listening with all my heart and soul.

I can also feel them speaking to my sketchbook and canvases.... I can see them. I need to draw and paint and do whatever I can to let them speak. I've been seeing nests made with string and sticks and paper and bits and eggs with speckled skins and these bird-girls and they are little and strong and delicate and they seem hopeful.

So I will be too. I'm going to go, right now, and make a cup of tea and sit down with my favourite graphite pencils and my journal and get these little girls onto paper.

I'm going to remember what my father taught me about 'truly seeing the beauty around you' and I'm going to listen to Nature's winged voice as she teaches me to fly all over again.

First Robin of Spring...

2009-03-20T12:33:00.000-07:00

A little over a week ago I saw my first spring robin hopping over my boggy winter brown lawn. I know they're everywhere and you even see them sometimes during those winter warm spots...but robins in the Spring always make me feel a little optimistic.

No matter the human events that are wringing us all out emotionally (and maybe financially)...year in, year out there they are. These fairly ordinary--yet beautiful and even magickal--little birds.

I felt inspired enough by my own little Spring ambassador to immediately sit down and sketch. The first idea to hit the paper was exactly as I wanted it to be---which, as you know, hardly ever happens.

Now, I've been buying and hording these blank cigar boxes for a while. They sit in different corners and drawers, waiting for me to figure out what I'm going to do with them. I've done all sorts of things so far...flowers,decoupage,covered in buttons and beads; lined in fabric and paper and even a dollhouse rug.

This one I've decoupaged first--with scrapbook paper for the background and cut up pages from a vintage book filling in the form of the central figure; which I'm now painting: Robin Red.

She is still in progress, but I'm so happy with the way she's turning out.

She represents a return to an old style for me; something I thought I'd left behind--not intentionally,but because I just couldn't find that muse anymore.

I love her... I don't want to jinx her progress...but I'm hoping to have her done by next week sometime. We'll see.

When an art piece is going so well, it's hard to bring yourself to stop. I don't want to deal with chores or cooking dinner or running errands. I just want to sit in my studio and paint and watch her come to life under my fingers.

Where I Create

2009-03-19T08:44:00.000-07:00

This is it...my special little nest of creative endeavours.

Sometimes too warm in summer and not warm enough in winter and ,inevitably, the best light of the day comes in right when I'm off making dinner or running errands,etc.

Chaotic and messy, despite my best intentions and many feeble efforts otherwise....

But it's mine--all mine! And some days--and nights-- I just go in there and sit and thank the muses for how lucky I am to have it.

Most often I love being in there--with my little dog curled nearby--working: painting,glueing,tearing,cutting,sewing,sculpting,sanding,stamping.... what-have-you...

The one supply I seem perpetually in short supply of is TIME!

A beginning of sorts...or maybe a kind of closure

2009-03-18T19:28:00.000-07:00

It's fitting that it's almost spring.

What are we? Only a day or two away...

New life; the rebirth of the earth after the cold sleep of winter...

A rebirth of my creative heart...

The leaves unfold and push through the soil; reaching for the sun...

A new path is unfolding for me...in more ways than one.

This is going to be a momentous year. It's well on its way already...