When the living becomes

too much

and the body drags

it's time to retreat

within finding soloace

and peace.

When the breathing becomes

too labored

and the body aches

it's time to cease activity

allowing the body

to cleanse and release toxins.

When the heart beats

too fast

and the limbs twitch

it's time to meditate

and pray and

listen for answers

from God the Father.

When the eyes become

cloudy

and can observe no more

it's time to close them

and see the landscape

within finding the joy

on the Holy Spirit.

When the ears become

stuffed

and the noisy world attacks

it's time to find the

quiet voice of nature

and thank your Savior

for a peaceful retreat.

Without art I'd be a TOTAL disaster. Here's another ZETTI page for the one page Zine swap I wrote about earlier.

Focus word for 2009 chosen

B A L A N C E

This has been a need for so long and I realized this weekend it was past due to focus on it.I did some research and learned that it's a problem for many. Trying to balance our life with work, relationships, self needs and creative time is always difficult but I think it is hardest for artists of all kinds. As an artist you MUST have uninterrupted time to hone your skills, research your projects, complete projects and find inspiration for them. Now as a writer as well as visual artist, I find the need even more important. The other side of the coin is that if you aren't balanced in other areas: nutrition, exercise, spiritual needs etc, then the creativity becomes difficult as well. SO it is a CATCH 22 situation. A balance of BODY, MIND and SPIRIT are necessary for the perfect balance. Two important things I have already learned: 1. the ability to find this balance is already within AND 2. perfect equality is not possible. One day the creativity may need the most of your time and another day it may be a relationship and still another day it may be work. SO IT IS POSSIBLE if we remain flexible and ready to switch gears when needed without worry or frustration. I will continue to share my thoughts and discovery as the year rolls forward. Here is a favorite quote already found to support my realization for the need to focus on Balance!

“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving.”

~ Albert Einstein

I invented this little graphic to help me stay focused. If you need to focus on balance in your life then feel free to download, use, save and share this graphic with others.

Happy New Year and may you find Balance in 2009!

Light Through the Fog

The wintry fog obscures

my view

but with my

soul I see

more clearly.

What matters most

is someone to love

and be loved by,

a place to retreat

when the world crowds in and

a clear spirit

to receive

inspiration.

Neglect fear.

Embrace faith.

Display joy.

Share love.

Mulitiply blessings.

Image is a quick art journal page with markers. Text reads: Walk in the fog on a winter morning, calms the nerves, opens the spirit, inspires the mind-just try it and see, be surprised, you just may find a new you. Nothing foggy about this little journal entry.

a season of Gifts

*** ties***jewelry***remote controlled cars***dolls***flowers***pajamas***underwear***candy***books***electonics***bicycles***coats***blouses***socks***shirts***games*** or the best gift of all****a tiny baby who grew to be a man, taught the world of His father and then died on a cross for our sins to save us and lead us to life eternal

Image is a digital collage of Christ on the cross and Mary at the manger.

Season of Memories

Past Present and Future!

Pics of and my son today and his first Christmas!

Lovely border is from todays

WWW.ARTELLADAILYMUSE.COM

Count your memories as you count your blessings.

The list will astound you!

Mine did!

A season of voices

Do you hear what I hear?

Santa's jolly laughter

children's choirs cantata lyrics

Pastor's sermons

Family chatter

Friend's greetings

Mary's magnificat

Joseph's dream

Elizabeth's wise words to Mary

Angels' hearalding

Shepherd's gasps

Kings's worshipping



What voices are you hearing this season?

This post was inspired by today's cantata "The Voices of Christmas"



Image is Mary from my Nativity.

a season of Knowing

the true meaning of Christmas

the love for fellow man

the hope of tomorrow

the blessings of life

the gifts of joy

the thankfulness of health

the mercy of family

the goodness of friends

the salvation of man

the generosity of God

the friendship of Jesus

the Holy Spirit within

Image is another fun Zetti page for a zine swap!

a season of sound

children's laughter

tinkling silver bells

choruses of holiday melodies

ho, ho, hoes

greetings from family and friends

silent snow fall

tearing tissue

tears of joy

praises to the new born babe

What are your favorite sounds of the season?

Image is my house lit up for Christmas!

a season of visits

to and from grandparents

to church

to nursing homes

to friends' homes

to the needy

from the angels

from the shepherds

from the magi

and so many others

Who will visit you and whom will you visit this advent?

Image is from a new swap I am doing Zetti pages for a joint zine. Send in 10 and get 10 back from 10 different artists. This zine is being hosted by a fine artist named Bill Charlebois and Artella Waltz of Words and Art website for artists. This is my first page, 8 1/2 by 11 inches, watetcolor background, matboard, ribbon and hand colored zetti image from Tisha Moore and my own digitally created zetti figure.

a season of gratitude

• thankful for parents who taught me the true meaning of Christmas


• thankful for a kind, generous husgand who celebrates Christmas with me in traditional style


• thankful for a grown son who enjoys our traditional Christmas


• thankful for friends who up up with my tendency to cocoon so often, even at Christmas


• thankful for a church family who really cares for one another all year not just at Christmas


• thankful for artists who inspire me and validate my creative expression


• thankful for having ALL I need and so much of what I want


• thankful for all the opportunities I've had for work, art, and love


• thankful for a Savior born in a lowly stable who came to save me and the whole world of sinners


• thankful for so many things I can't even name them all here

Make your own gratitude list over the holidays while sipping cider and eating gingerbread people. You'll find that the best gifts you already have.

Image is a watercolor mosaic angel. Did her for a public art proposal a few years back. It was declined since it was considered a religious issue. Yet the local school did a series of church steeples that were considered architecture and okay. Go figure! Feel free to use the angel on cards, in altered art, for ATC's and such with my blessing. Since the town didn't use it, the world may as well enjoy it!

One other note-BLESSINGS to you all who read this blog and frequently comment on the things I am doing here. Have the MERRIEST of CHRISTMASES and the HAPPIEST NEW YEAR ever!

a season of Flavors

* juicy oranges * spicy gingerbread people * bitter chocolate fudge * tangy lemon drops * salty pretzels * minty candy canes * sour apple cider * rich dark coffee * sweet hot cocoa * delectable sugar cookies with sprinkles * sweet communion juice*fresh pecans * smoky cheeses * homemade oatmeal cookies *

What flavors are your favorites?

Send me a note and your email or snail mail and I will send you a Christmas card!

a season of words

peace on earth

joy to the world

good will to all

fear not

good news to all people

born this day a Savior

Merry Christmas

Happy New Year

Happy Birthday Jesus

Emmanuel

What words do you enjoy hearing during advent?

Image is a photo of my nativity lit by a tiny candle.

The ICE Altered Books Cheering Squad

Our yahoo group formed nearly a year ago and we are going strong. About 10 great artists from around the world started a great altered book round robin and we are soon nearing the end. A second group have begun yet another great robin. The previously posted page from the School Days themed book will be missed by those who have already worked in the book or on the other list so I am posting the image of altered cheerleaders for all to enjoy and those who are in the group are welcomed to borrow the pic to keep for their creative files or use in other art work providing the others do not mind. Regardless...ENJOY all!

Note: I am on the bottom left. Notice I and the one next to me are the same body. I had to cut and add one member to the original pic. I also changed the letters on the cheerleaders to AB for altered books.

a season of M I R A C L E S

Latest altered book page

This page was designed for the altered book round robin I am doing with some fine ladies from around the globe. This one is for the book themed schooldays. I have covered the page, added trim to the edges, stickers of school items and have made a pop up of cheerleaders with some of the participants heads on the cheerleaders. If you don't find yours it was because I didn't have it. Feel free to add one if you haven't had the book or send one to Dawn later to add.

Three cheers for the altered book cheerleading squad. I always wanted to be a cheerleader!

a season of Giving and Sharing

your gifts

your service

your time

your heart

your love

your forgiveness

your witness

your treasures

your hope

your joy

your SAVIOR

How much are you willing to give and share this Christmas?

Image is a quick pencil sketch of the jolly old giver of gifts himself, sketched while watching Fred Claus, a good little movie about the spirit of Christmas and giving to and helping others.

A season of love

LOVE for:

Family

Friends

Home

Health

Life

Art

Music

Nature

Snow

TRINITY

God, Son & Spirit

what and whom do you love this season?

Feel free to borrow this image of a Christmas tree for your holiday projects!

Wise Winter Bird

The winter bird

is wisest of all,

He sits on high

where he observes the world.

Both good and bad

he sees all and knows,

understands the whys,

ponders the hows;

he tells us what

to value and share.

He shows us where

to go and grow.

He guides us to whom

we should all follow-

the Christ Child.

a season of wishes

a white Christmas

the perfect gift for someone special

health and happiness

kisses and hugs under the mistletoe

the spirit of love and peace

dreams fulfilled

What are your holiday wishes?

Image is a mini watercolor -Snowy Night

a season of textures continued

It dawned on me in church today that I missed a lot of necessary textures in the Advent season. Here is the list continued:
the sweet straggly straw as was in the manger for the Christ Child
the scratchy hair of the donkey thay Mary rode to Bethlehem
the rough hewn wood of the stable where Christ was born (and of the cross where on which he later died)
the smooth gold brought by one of the wise men
the gritty frankincense brought by another
the silky myrrh of the third
the smooth robes of the angels
the rough weave of Joseph's robe
the softer weave of Mary's veil
What textures can you think of that remind you of that special night in Bethlehem so long ago?

a season of textures

slick shiny gold and silver ornaments

feathery evergreen trees

smooth red berries

white cottony angels

craggy yule log bark

silky chocolates

thorny green leaves

crinkly white tissue paper

gooey sugar cookies with speckled sprinkles

I hope these images conjure good memories for you as they did for me.

Enjoy the attached image to use in your holiday art projects. It is an original from a photo that was taken when my son was just a little boy not quite sure of Santa's goodness yet.

a season of WONDER

a bright star

that let the way

to a lonely stable

a scared young woman

and her husband

travling a great distance

a tiny baby

who can save

a world from sin

three wisemen

defying an evil king

to honor that tiny baby

a chance to feel

and know the

WONDER

of it all!

A season of PREPARATION

It's the season of preparation!

not gift giving and getting

not baking and decorating

not cleaning and wrapping

not performing and watching

not going and coming

but preparing the heart

to receive the gift of Christ

preparing the hands to reach out to others

preparing the feet for closer walk with Christ

preparing the mind to understand the truth of Christ

preparing the voice to proclaim the good news to all

preparing the ears to hear the still small voice

of one crying in the wilderness

"prepare the way of the Lord." (Isaiah 40:3)

A season of DISCOVERY

Enjoy the words and use the background image for you holiday art projects and gifts.

a season of PEACE

I dreamed of a place
Called peace,
Where worries never happen.
I hoped for a destination
Called calm,
Where I could find
Healing of mind.
Instead I found Life
Called usual,
Where troubles are
Not unusual.
I found that Mecca
Does not exist.
I learned that problems
You cannot escape.
I know now what
Matters most.
With God by my side,
For all of life
I can survive
All things that come my way.

image from Fernwood and my own words

a season of HOPE

computer generated text and computer altered drawing of tree

A season of J * O * Y

This digital collage of elements created by me except for hair and body of character gave me great joy to create. Hopefully the words and images will inspire you to find your J * O * Y this season.

Advent is a season LIGHT

Advent begins tomorrow. How does one allow it to illumine a life in a world of problems?

Advent is a time to allow Christ full reign to:

Strengthen the faith

Permeate the soul

Dictate the heart

Guide the feet

Saturate the existence

Protect the ones who matter

Let's journey together to find the many blessings of Advent and the Christmas season.

Image is pencil drawing of moonlight....much like the moonlight shining on the night Christ was born.

Thankful

So thankful for another wonderful holiday with my family...

Here are some fun pics of my mom who is 79 years young!

'Twas the Night before Thanksgiving

' Twas the night before Thanksgiving and
All the through the house
Only the woman was stirring
And scaring the spouse.
She moved rather quickly from this to that
And he knew any moment she would scream
"Oh no!" and go splat.
For her energy was fading
And the chores were still growing
With only her faith
To keep her going.
She was even working on Christmas gifts
Not needed until the second Saturday of December
Believing she could never finish
Let alone everything remember.
So the tale pauses here
For this woman on Thanksgiving eve
Is retiring for a day of gratitude and cheer.

Digital image of me and spouse as pilgrims.

the sun fades in the east

bands of blue and sienna embrace the sky

a near winter chill sends shivers up my spine

butterflies dance in my heart

an angel whispers in my ear

the message is clear

in my soul I know

dreams really do come true

image is a grouping of new mixed media twochies for note cards (Just learned that twochies are 2 inch inchies)

Why we are blessed

Attended Southern Christmas Show with a friend yesterday!It always puts me in the Christmas spirit as if I need a reason. I listen to Christmas music throughout the year and love when the radio stations start playing it full time. But why do I fuss when the store puts out Christmas paraphernalia at Halloween? Maybe it's the commercialism I dislike. The TRUE SPIRIT though is quite different. Just as we should honor Thanksgiving every day of our lives by living in gratitude for all the good things in our life we should also honor the Christ Child every day of our lives as the reason for all the good in our lives.

Image is a pencil drawing inspired by two separate images seen in a magazine.

My Spa

Fernwood is an emotional spa for me. The mind frees itself of fears, worries and troubles (mostly woman made.) The pent up tears release the fatigue and gratitude for blessings abound and I am overwhelmed. The tears now flow out in pure peace, love and joy for my life. Why did God bless me so much?!

Image is of a favored spot where a tree grows out of a group of rocks. If God can make this possible...well, then anything is possible!

A Gift

Leaves fall faster than you can gather them; much like life passes so quickly you can miss it and miss its value. One day you are young with your whole life in front of you and the next moment you wake up and your life is speeding by like a freight train. With many dreams realized, a few forgotten and others well, never possible, you realize that you have all you need, most of what you want and much to be thankful for. God has let me live a pretty wonderful life and I am thankful to Him. Life is a gift.

Tomorrow I turn 53 and it really has me thinking about all the blessings in my life. My gifts of a wonderful husband, son, parents and friends. Opportunities to grow and learn and be who God intended me to be. Life-it doesn't get any better than this.

Thank you God and Happy Birthday to me!

Image is a mixed media collage in progress-acrylic scratched background with watercolor paper dolls on an old print out of text.

In my Soul

In my soul
There is peace.
In my heart
There is love.
Through my eyes
I see Jesus.
With my hand
I can touch the world.
With my mouth
I can praise my God.
I can live
In harmony
Finding God you see.
In my world
It's only God and me.
In my mind
There's only good.
I will know
My Savior lives in me
Sharing His love.
In my sight
I see blessings
Everywhere.
In my ears
I hear angels.
I can live and
I can love.
I can know God is above
But He's also in my soul.

Image is a recent collage I call "Make Believe World" It combines a beautiful arch at a cemetary in the town of New Bern, NC and the beautiful sunrise at Kiawah Island, SC.

The crows fly
In threes
Gather in trees.
The crows cry
To all
Careful nto to fall.
The crows hop
On ground
Making little sound.
The crows fly
With care
No worry of what is fair.

short thoughts are powerful

chilly and damp

a foggy morn

mercy and grace

a soul reborn

peace and joy

a heart lifted

hope and promise

a life lived

Sometimes you just can't leave an idea alone...

This time a piece of writing. I love trees. The little bit I shared recently has been transformed into another work of art. Digital but I have also started a watercolor of the images and may even try a canvas painting. When something really appeals, you just go with it. Stretch it as far as you can take it. In every conceivable form and maybe just maybe when the idea is exhausted you learn something. You realize a new skill. You can then let it rest and move on but I have to admit there are many themes I am still working with and never tire of. Vessels, ferns, women, words, family, heroes, home, leaves, ....I always seem to find something new and fresh with these familiar old friends and I will continue to study them and explore the possibilities of them and their meaning for my life until I quit breathing or quit being an artist. Which do you think will come first?

The words are mine and the images are all from my beloved Fernwood except for the fall tree and that one is here in my own yard at Watergate! Don't know if the words will be part of the paintings or not. Maybe yes and maybe no and maybe still another piece that will be mixed media to incorporate the words.

notecards for sale

Many folks ask where they can purchase my notecards. I am in the process of setting up an Etsy shop at http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=15547. I will have a variety of one of a kind notecards for sale. Watercolor and mixed media. Each one will be ONE OF A KIND. They will sell for $5 each +s/h. Here are a few samples. I will take Paypal or Money Order.

You can also contact me by comment here or email for purchases. I will also do custom cards for $6 each. You choose color, style, custom paperdoll, etc.

What I've been up to....

I've really been doing lots of journal pages. WHY?

• it jumpstarts other projects



• it works out ideas to expand



• it inspires



• it results from inspiration



• it's fun!

Here are a few recent ones in three different journals (one to hold samples of all my kind of work, one based on responses to words and one with altered photos.

a paperdoll collage and words from my backyard

The trees are always my friends
Cool shade
In the heat of summer
A canopy of emerald & jade.
Colorful palette
For a fall day
An inspiration from a Master artist.
Stalwart spires
In the dead of winter
A map to heaven.
Promised life
To an ode in spring
A lesson in constant hope.
The trees whisper:
"keep seeking,
Searching,
Knowing,
God is still with you."
I am encouraged daily
By my friends

The trees.

Font and Word for thought

A real Autumnal Joy!

Altered book spreads for the ICE round robin

I finished these two spreads for Linda's book "Where the Green Fern Grows." I love ferns and even call our retirement property Fernwood. I've done lots of art, writing, journaling and dreaming there. I did a mini zine back on 03 and have incorporated it into the one of the pages, along with transparencies, transparency pop up, digital ATC's, stickers and pockets. It was great fun!

Rampant Muse

Here are a few of the projects brought on by the Rampant Muse:

a spread for the altered book round robin, perfect subject since ferns are my passion

a paper doll collage on canvas board

a freshly painted bathroom

I worry when the muse gets this busy. I'm afraid something bad is about to happen to stop me dead in my tracks.