images first

I have downloaded images but haven't gotten poems and thoughts from journal....I will get to them eventually. Enjoy this moment captured. Take yourself there in your mind. Relax and leave all your cares behind....

The vacation glow is back!

I can't wait to download my pictures and share my trip. It was a perfectly wonderful time of relaxation, art, and time with hubby. Kiawah Island for a week does me more good than almost anything in the world when it comes to putting things in perspective. I realize that I am truly blessed and have more than I could ever dream possible to be thankful for. I hope to be able to hold on to the glow that is around me right now through the rest of the year and my life. I always think "what if it's the last time I get to go there..." Well, once should be enough but I've gone over 20 times and it gets better and better. I am fortunate to have gone twice this year.

Thanks to the good Lord and my wonderful husband.

Image is from Kiawah past....sunset over the marsh....

Family-Nothing Compares

I had the good fortune to celebrate my Mom's 78th birthday yesterday along with my Dad and husband. If our son could have been with us it would have been complete. We laughed, ate, talked, and had such a wonderful time at a favorite restaurant. Took photos, opened her gifts and cards and enjoyed it so much. It made me wish for days like on Walton's Mountain when the whole family lived under one roof. Everyone worked close to home and were always together for family celebrations.

On a sadder note, I heard of a lady losing her husband in an accident. How sad for her and her children. It made me value my special family time even more.

I'm heading to Kiawah Island, SC with my husband for the week so I'm checking out for a while from blogging but hope you will check back with me on my return. I should have some great photos and new art to share.

Blessings dear readers and thanks for sharing your wonderful comments. God loves you!

Photo of Mom (Vember) and me.

Pain is NOT my friend

After two nights of pain keeping me from sleep, I have to ask how does someone with trully painful conditions survive. When 2400 mg of ibuprofen doesn't help, where do I turn?

I hate the idea of more wasted doctor visits and meds. Plus I'm leaving for a week at Kiawah in 2 days and want to feel like enjoying it! Do I just smile and keep making art?

ART has always been my mental therapy. Maybe it can be my physical therapy also.

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:5

Praise and glory to God the Father, Jesus, His Son and the Holy Spirit.

Image is of acrylic textured ATC's.

God is with us

Where do you draw the line?

between stating your own beliefs in your own words for no one to read unless they choose and being considered intolerant. I happen to believe I am extremely tolerant of other's beliefs. I also feel that my blog is as my personal hand written journal, a place where I can be completely honest and who I am...a Christian.

I certainly respect other's beliefs and do not feel I have ever shown any disrespect to any one in what I write here. I apologize if it has come across to someone in that tone. Blogs may be written as the writer wishes and no one is made to read them, as far as I know.

I do plan to continue to express my beliefs about God and Christ and the Christian way of life. I suggest that if my words upset you, then just don't visit my blog. I usually invite others to view images on my blog and I do use many Christian ideas and symbols. If you see or read somthing you disagree with, you are certainly welcome to express your own opinion in the comment section but please do not suggest that I do not tolerate others ideas. I happen to admire many other religious groups for their consistency in their practices. I think Christians are often not that consistent and we could certainly learn from others.

It is my sincere desire to express my own thoughts and ideas and images in this blog and NOT to offend or upset anyone.

Comments are always welcome and you may wish to comment on other's comments as well.

Image is a pencil sketch of Mary and Jesus.

Trying but ....

It seems I am always trying to do what it is right but the older I get the harder it gets. I continue to come up short. I say the wrong thing, do the wrong thing, think the wrong thing. I just want to live peaceably and happily, love God, produce art, and be with my family. I want to find comfort in my Lord and Savior, offend no one, worry less, strive to be the person God made me to be....but I continue to fall short. My prayer is this...as a Christian lady whom I admire once said...

"God let me be who You want me to be this day;

God help me do the things You want me to do this day;

God make me who You made me to be this day."

I believe

I believe in

the Trinity- Father, Christ and Holy Spirit

TRUE LOVE

dreams and wishes

family

friendship

sharing your gifts

creating art

Prayer

What do you believe in?

image is from Frida Kahlo ATC series

I wish...

Life was simpler

Pain didn't exist

Your best day lasted forever

You could keep those you love close

No one was hungry

Everyone loved everyone

War could end

Happiness and contentment reigned

Wishes came true

What do you wish?

image is a real ATC with wish added digitally

A Message from God

If you are reading this and don't live in the piedmont of NC, you may not realize but we are in a severe drought. Only a trace here in Alexis for nearly 3 months. We have had teeny tiny showers the last couple days. I've prayed for rain. I even told God I wouldn't complain about my frizzy hair when it rains. I wouldn't complain if it rained everyday we are at Kiawah week after next but....we need rain. I miss the sweet smell of the earth after a good rain. I miss the droplets hanging on to leaves and branches. I miss the swirly Payne's gray skies. I miss RAIN!

Well, while walking this morning in the early light as the sun was rising and the mist was in the air, my husband pointed out a rainbow in the sky. I've never seen one in the sky with so little light and so little rain and no storm. I took it as a personal message from God. He was reminding me that He was still there and it would rain again! What a sweet answer to a heartfelt prayer.

The photo is from another rainbow day!

Favorites

Thought it would be fun to list favorite things....

• Spiritual life


• family time


• creating art


• studying art


• sharing art


• movies - Moonstruck, Steel Magnolias, Sleepless in Seattle, any Nicholas Sparks movies, any Sam Elliott or Keven Costner movies


• books - Bible, art books, Nicholas Sparks novels


• music - christian, pop, jazz, James Taylor, Carpenters, Eagles, America, Norah Jones, John Mayer, Michael Buble


• photography, digital art, quotes


• icons-hearts, crosses, ferns, mountains, angels, vessels


• corny jokes


• chocolate


• grilled cheese sandwiches

There are lots more but that is enough for now.

Here is another set of Zine images.

Link to Artella website

http://www.artellawordsandart.com/

Browse and enjoy!

More MEDLEY ZINE pages

These pages show the fun of mixing and matching images, adding real photos to art images, using leftover bits and pieces and keeping it simple.

MORE IMAGES

more on Medley Zine

I have photographed all the pages and today will pick up rings to finish binding.

I'd like to show some sample pages and describe some themes and techniques I used. Imade 5 zines to mail out and will receive 5 different ones back. This swap is through the Artella site.

(If you still haven't checked out Artella, do it soon. It's getting bigger and better all the time.)

I chose to name my zine Medley since it is a medley of images, colors, themes and things I love. I first did all the backgrounds in red, yellow, peach, orange and white with acrylic paints, stamping images of a flower over and under various layers. Then I chose to clean out my stash of images, hand painted pages, and saved artwork. I used many of my own original art pieces, scraps of papers, photos, and clip art pieces to fill the pages. Basically, including something family oriented, an original one of a kind ATC, small watercolors, jokes, fun images, words, icons and symbols I use over and over in my work, a landscape collage, quotes, some original poems, my handprint and an envelope of goodies. This is only a simple list. Even though each zine is similar, none are exactly the same. So each person is getting an original zine of artwork compliled just for that particular zine. Look at the photos and if you have specific questions, I'm happy to reply. I will post several images over the next few days for you to enjoy! It was a real blast doing it and can hardly bare to swap them out now but I think I will certainly enjoy getting the returns.

Medley Zine Covers

Here are the other 3 covers:

It has been fun to layer and add. I added more yesterday, transparency flowers and pop up butterflies. How do you ever say enough? I used to do art with the less is more idea (still do with watercolors) but this wild mixed media collage stuff just explodes. I have to finally just put it away or in the mail to stop myself!

medley zine update

I have my zine's for Artella's first zine swap finished except for binding. Think I will simply punch holes and use rings. Here is another cover.

Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his own nature into his pictures. ~Henry Ward Beecher

Message for Sunday-wish I had written it!

Never give up

No matter what is going on

Never give up

Develop the heart

Too much energy in your country is spent

developing the mind instead of the heart

Develop the heart,

Be compassionate

Not just to your friends

but to everyone,

be compassionate

Work for peace in your heart and in the world

Work for peace, and

I say again

Never give up

No matter what is happening

No matter what is going on around you

Never give up.

Tenzin Gyatso

Maybe I can live it!

digital self portrait

art, life and the real world

In art we can create the dreams we really want.

In life we try to make our dreams come true and learn to accept life as it comes.

In the real world, dreams are just dreams.

BUT I say: Never NEVER quit dreaming.

Dreams do come true.

I have a wonderful life with many of my dreams realities.

Go and seek your dreams and the life you want TODAY!

Great Weekends

I had the blessing of visiting my son over the weekend in New Bern, NC AND going to a Nicholas Sparks book signing. I now have all of his books and all are signed.

His latest book is The Choice and I can't wait to start reading it.

Attaching a photo of me with him at the signing.

Always Over Inspired

I see so many wonderful arty things I want to do. I have so many arty things going on.

I have so little time to complete them all. I really need to get my time mangement better organized. I try to cram too much into most days and of course that leave little energy for the art. I usually do fiddle with something when I finally stop in the evening but it always leaves me wanting to do more and I'm just too pooped. I joined a zine swap through Artella and I am so excited. I make 5 to send and receive 5 different ones back. Well, you know me, I have to be over creative. I've chosen one set of ideas and am making each of the 5 different in content. I have three months but if I only had 3 weeks uninterrupted I could make even more.

Please if you are reading this, tell me some ways you find more time to create.

Here's the cover of Medley Zine 1.

This is the day the LORD has made

REJOICE and be GLAD! It is a beautiful day indeed! A new day brings hope and promise of a closer walk with Christ and His glory fulfilled. One of my daily devotions talked of being ready. Ready for what comes your way! How does anyone without Christ in their hearts make it through any day? I know I couldn't. The old adage of "if you don't feel close to God, guess who moved" is very true. If you have a single doubt in your heart, STOP, right now where you are and confess your sins and unbelief. Turn to HIM and BELIEVE! Ask Him into your heart and He will never leave you!

Walking in the Light

The world is dark enough so find your own inner light from God. Then you will never be in darkness again. Christ is the light of the world and if we make Him part of us, we are light too.

Chase away the darkness in simple ways:

pray

sing

dance

create

help

guide

ask

show

tell

believe

Do the things that make you happiest and do them often.

Image is a digitally altered photo.

Thanks for all the lovely comments and would you like to trade or barter?

I'm sorry to be so slow to reply to comments on this blog. I do appreciate them each and everyone; I just forget to check when I'm posting.
To comment on several:

I do write the poems I use; when I don't I surely give the author credit.

All the artwork and photography are mine (again unless otherwise stated).

I love to share my work, trade my work and sell when it happens.

Most images on the blog are for sale unless stated as something made for trade.

If you have an interest in trading with me, let me know. Bartering is good too.

I'm in the process of cleaning studio again and have way too much ephemera, leftover bits etc.

If interested send me a self addressed envelope with two 41 cents stamps and I will stuff it with some bits for you to use in your notecards, ATC's, Inchies, mini works, etc. If not satisfied I'll send a second envelope filled for free.

Here's a little Halloween character you may wish to use in your upcoming Halloween art.

Just right click to save it or click to download the full size.

Enjoy!

in regards to YOU KNOW YOU ARE AN ARTIST WHEN

Linda says:

When you pick up strange things off the ground because you might want to glue them to something!

Anyone else care to add?

Praise is what it's all about

Each day give God the praise for all the good in your life. Thank Him for the many blessings and show Him your love by spreading his message to everyone you meet. If like me, a quiet witness, then simply show others the way by your own quiet voice, smile, word of encouragement, sharing of blessings and talents. You will be blessed and be a blessing to others in ways you can never fathom.

Follow the Leader

God is my leader in everything I do.
I sometimes fail to follow His nudgings and that

always lands me in trouble. When I listen and

do as He would have me do, things always

work out. I must do a better job following and less work whining. What will you do?

Mountain Top Experiences

Just returned from a nice visit to the mountains.

Stayed at our favorite bed and breakfast which has changed owners since we were there last.

Still a great, economical B & B. Check it out. Alluring View B&B at Jonas Ridge, NC.

Here is a little inspiration from there.

Mountain Top Experiences

You can tell you are an artist if

• you have paint on most of your clothes


• you think about art most of the time


• you see art ideas in the simplest of things


• you buy things on sale or with a coupon even when you don't need it


• you think of art before sleep and when you wake


• you want to check out art stores everywhere you go, even if it's the same chain


• you never tire of browsing other artists' sites and blogs


• you visit museums and galleries over and over again

there are many more of these....respond with your own.....

Image is of a watercolor and crayon melt note card. I've really been into doing lots of art with crosses lately.

Regaining Balance

"If you are exhausted when you quit working, you've worked too long." It's a reminder to quit working - or at least take a break - before total exhaustion sets in. Like how we should eat before we get totally famished...same idea. If I work til exhaustion, it takes a while to bounce back...not very efficient in terms of time or energy."

I read this on Marney Makridakis' blog.

It fits me to a T.

I had a wonderful Labor Day weekend (family, friends, cooking, sharing) and kids' art classes began immediately after ... last night and this morning, I found myself crashing.

I often just keep with the momentum when there is so much to do and see and share but when it's all over I'm so exhausted I just stop completely. How do I get off the Merry-go-round earlier and take time for me during all the craziness of cramped calendars and speeding clocks.?

I thought I had been doing better but this past weekend proved I have more work to do on simplifying and slowing down so as to not miss the good times. I advise anyone reading this to do the same.

Next week we are going to the mountains for a couple of days. Then to Kiawah next month. Maybe I'll regain my balance, composure and energy there.

Image is a collage on watercolored mat board with altered clip art geishas, transparency pagoda and stamped letters on paper towel. Was going to send to Somerset for green theme but sent something different.

Accidents happen but GOD is good!

Remembered Little Miss Sunshine was due at the video store yesterday evening. I had watched it with a friend and kept it to watch with my husband. Matthew, my grown son was home for the holiday weekend and we decided to watch it, and then I went to return it a little after nine (PM). Got behind an old beat up truck at the fork, driving eratically.
Got to the stop light. Stopped short to give him space, not wanting to follow him to Stanley (4 miles) and suddenly he started to roll back and right into my bumper before I could even shift into reverse.
In Matthew's car (old Camry), just roughed up bumper. I was okay (I thought but got up before the chickens with my back and sciatic nerve hurting into leg.) When the driver got out he was acting shaky and drunk. Younger man with him. Both claimed he had a bad clutch and wanted me to back up. I said "No, I'm calling the police. Dialed 911. Lincoln county answered. They decided to transfer me to Gaston. Stanley police responded.
I thought the old man was drunk. I told the police what happened. The old guy admitted he rolled back into me. They asked him how much he had been drinking. He said "Just one beer." They questioned him saying they could smell it on him. Tested him and asked about drugs. Both men appeared to have prescription drugs with them and the officers tried to determine what it was but was not completely sure without their ID book. Meanwhile, I had called Matthew while waiting for police. He came and took the movie back. Got to the store as they were locking up and told him he'd have to put it in the drop box. His watch and the clock inside said 9:59. They would not budge. I will take care of the late fee today. (But I went by this morning and it had been checked in with no late fee incurred.)
Officers said I could get a police report today. They said they had other reports of this guy that evening and I happened to be the one to help them get him. I said, "lucky me."
Of course the mind was going through all the what ifs and if onlys. I finally decided it was meant to happen this way. Maybe I saved him from killing someone. Oh, and the police report had errors with my phone number and drivers license number. Got to wait till Wednesday to get one now.

God is good all the time and all the time God is good.

Here's a recent hand painted note card reminding us to TRUST God in all situations.

Home is my Haven

In other's words...

Do you ever find comfort in someone else trying to explain your thoughts and feelings?
This happened to me while reading an article in a publication from the Association of Research and Enlightenment (Venture Within, May-June 07). The article was about Julia Cameron (The Artist's Way author). She said "Creativity is the natural order of life. Life is energy, pure energy…We are to give and be of service…Balance is the key" This has been my goal for the past 4 years in trying to simplify my life, having fewer meetings to attend and social functions to satisfy. Giving me more time for my creativity and art practice. She also stated that Creativity is God's gift to us. Using our creativity is our gift back to God." She also quoted Bruce McArther, "A person who becomes drained by giving too much to others is not able to fulfill his or her own destiny." This is all so true and expresses beautifully what I have only attempted. O the joy of someone else's words explaining and expressing your own inner thoughts and beliefs.
I know my art is a mission and service to myself and others. Selling enough to support it is the least important battle. Making it and sharing it is what I do best with it and I know that it is what God expects me to do with it.

Simple Days are More Valued than GOLD

Today was a taste of Terry retiring. He worked short hours early and was home by the time I was up and going. I had walked, had breakfast, devotions and was checking emails. I got lots done this morning and had a lovely lunch of leftovers with him and watched a movie. What a luxury for a Wednesday.

I also had time to sit and browse the mail. Pasticcio (Angela Cartwright and Sarah Fishburn's new zine) came and I have devoured half of it. I was excited to see an invitation to submit work. I certainly will. Having been published in several Stampington magazines, I have become confident to submit to others. Choosing something to try is the hard part.

I really like the work I am doing now and hope to continue to grow and improve and find purpose in it and chances to share it and hopefully sell occasionally if only to cover costs.

Well, I am rambling today but it is a calm and peaceful day and I just had to speak of it.

Image is another Dia de Los Muertos tag for recent swap!

Art Books for Sale

I have many art books for sale. I have reduced prices again. If interested send me your email and I will send you the list. These are traditional art books about watercolor, landscapes, drawing, etc.

Another freebie

Here are some magazine altered faces for you to use in your art.

If you want to make your own, then just choose an image, lightly gesso over it, then add your own colors and alterations to the image. No one could ever know it was from a magazine.

• Have fun with art.


• Use all you can from what you already have.


• I know there's a ton of wonderful embellishments to find and purchase and I do give in sometimes but I also try to manipulate what I already have in order to be frugal. My studio still runneth over because I do save so many pieces of ephemera and stuff but hopefully I'm saving some bucks. Of course you buy your favorite paints, pens and adhesives too but use what you have.


• Your creativity and imagination can grow by using what is there. Sometimes I just choose a stack or bag of scraps and go with it.

Firsts

It's the first day of school in the area and I remember my own first day of school, my son's first day of school, his first day of college and his first day of work. Firsts are exciting. A chance to do things right. A chance to be happy and know your own strength and even better, the strength provided by a God who is stronger than anything else. Each day can be a first. A time to start over, do better, give more, love more, be more. Make today a special first and make it the best first yet. Remember that saying from the 60's?

Today is the first day of the rest of your life.

Believe it and make the most of it.

Art piece is a collage of watercolored papers and paper beads.

Wouldn't Change a Thing

about my life....I've always over thought things but one thing for sure. I would not change the wonderful things of my life. I am married to my soul mate. I have a wonderful grown son who is smart, sweet and kind. I was able to stay home with him as he was growing up. I still teach a little but now the passion of my life...ART! I have my art for therapy. It keeps me sane. I have wonderful parents and I'm lucky to still have them into their 70's. I have many friends. I have a relationship with my Lord and Savior and He is the reason for all the rest.

Here is another tag from the Frida/Dia de Los Muertos Tag swap.

Art completed

Sometimes when I'm working of something great, I hate to finish for fear I'll never do something good again. At other times each piece sends me to the next idea and project.

Sometimes good sometimes bad. Maybe that's why I always hold on to some pieces for a while before I finish so there's always something to work on. I have many ideas but just can't get them all to be successful.

The image is part of a new tag swap I just finished. The theme was Frida Kahlo and/or Dia de Los Muertos.

tag is made of mat board with acrylic paint, fibers, clip art head, stickers, watercolor painted dress

Life Changes

We change. The world changes. People around us change. Nothing really stays the same. That's good I guess but I get very comfortable in my own little world and don't like change too well.

I deal with it but inside I shake.
Changes I'm learning to deal with:

a grown son,

a soon retired husband

building a retirement home

aging parents

menopause

Maybe you should face your changes and pray for guidance to deal with them.
I do. Everyday. It's working.

We are all vessels and if we keep open to collect God's goodness and gifts we can all deal with any change that comes our way.

Home-no place like it

It was a busy week and I did not get to spend as much time home as I like.

I can be happy just being home with my familiar favorites, my art, my family and peaceful life.

If you are always busy running to and fro and working and doing for everyone else and neglecting your home life you can really become quite ill (tempered, physically and mentally). If you don't believe me just try it. Take one whole day. Stay home. Relish your surroundings and blessings. Find time to reflect on your life and realize how good it really is.

more inspiration from the getaway

whether your getaway is in your own backyard, the beach, the mountains or some exotic place...I highly reccommend journaling in phrases, poetry, spilling from the soul consciousness writing or even through images you photograph, sketch or collage....it's a great way to find your center and come to that place where there is perfect peace.....

Hope Returns

free clipart

Here are some crosses I made for a series of ATCs, cards, etc.

They are watercolor and could be printed on watercolor paper or any paper you choose or used for patterns for your own work. Enjoy!

Look to the cross

I worked on several ideas concerning crosses this past weekend. There is an interesting history behind crosses. ATC's, notecards and a larger canvas in the works.

Here is a sampling of the ATC's

Blessings!

journal page

recent obsession with mermaids.....

digitally enhanced collage on watercolor background with gel pen text on the edges

I use my own head and family's for lots of my collages since most of my work will end up with my family....

More ATC's

These have watercolor backgrounds, paper beads and cut designs from leftover watercolor pieces. Trying to save money and use as much as I can of what I have on hand to make my ATC's and art these days.

I've been tagged

by Linda (http://craftygallinda.wordpress.com/) to post 5 random facts about myself.....

I love chocolate.
I play piano but haven't practiced in years and want to start.
I'm a sucker for romance...today is my 27th wedding anniversary.
I wear a cross necklace everyday to witness to anyone I pass of the love of Christ.
I secretly wish I had my own gallery/studio for classes, shows, and sales.(it's not a secret now)
thanks Linda.
That was rather fun and freeing!

Invitation to swap ATC's

I'd love to invite any and all who are interested to swap 2 ATC's. Each makes the choice and each pays own postage. I hope to hear from lots of you! I have just finished a several series of new ATC's and here is a sample. I have so many and want to make more and am anxious to swap. Please contact me at cqt144w@mindspring.com if you are interested.

TIme Away is Refreshing

Time away can really help one find perspective for life.

My new focus is on:

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men...

Colossian 3:23

My new mantra is :

I commit my way to the Lord; I cannot fail.

Long weekend Getaways

So excited that we are going to see our son this weekend (Sat - Tues actually-thus long weekend). He lives near the coast in a beautiful historic town called New Bern. Traveling NC? Got to check it out. Home of Tryon Palace, first governor's mansion, home of the first printing press, home to Nicholas Sparks the great writer of love stories such as Message in a Bottle, The Notebook and more, and the second oldest town in NC. Beautiful park on the Neuse River and lots of historic homes and buildings....and while you are there read the Sun Journal newspaper, where he is a reporter of education and the town of Havelock.

This will be my last post for a few days so I am posting another freebie to use in your art to tide you over till I am back. I call it watercolor drizzle. To make your own just saturate the paper with drops of wonderful fluid watercolor and tilt to run until you like the pattern. Lay flat to dry. Enjoy!

Creating with old tricks

When I was a girl I used to make paper bead necklaces and my mom would sell them at work for a $1 a piece. I recently started making the beads again to teach my kids classes. Well, it was a bit too much for their patience and dexterity but it rekindled the fun of it in my own studio. So I made lots from magazine and clipart pages and formed them into a Beaded lady on canvas.

Here she is.

hump day and counting

We are going to visit our son in a couple of days and I can't wait.

He is the light of our life and doing such a fine job working and living on his own.

We are so proud of him!

Is there someone you are very proud of?

Tell them.

Image is a mermaid collage of me from my latest art journal.

It's fun to use your own face in collages and you don'

t have to worry about copyrights.