even when it's not perfect

Sometimes the words aren't perfect but you must share from the heart. Sometimes the images aren't perfect but you must share an idea. Sometimes life is not perfect but you move forward and live it. This is not one of my favorite poems but the message is there.

God of day

direct my way

God of night

hold me tight

God of sun

you're the one

God of moon

please come soon

God of hope

help me cope

God of love

send mercy from above

God of peace

help worry to cease

God of all

on thee I call

God of joy

Your guidance I employ

God of the living

I give you my thanksgiving

another cross mosaic and collage, watercolor, prismacolor and rubbing

just wondering

image is from the word journal...quotes, paint, ink and hand carved bird stamp

the birds sit on the power lines like notes on a music staff

wonder if I played the tune it would match their melody

trees dance in the storm like flamenco dancers

do they have the same music

butterflies bob from bloom to bloom

do they sometimes just breathe the aroma

life goes on

do we stop to enjoy it before it's too late

journey through words

Journal Cover-inexpensive find at Walmart - 2 for $5. Great font found for free download on web. Fleur de lis is a stamp. Embellished with prismacolor stix and ink.

ups and downs
smiles and frowns
cares and fears
joy and tears
mercy and grace
here on my face
God's flowing love
constant from above

why I journal

unclutter mind make choices

release fears create ideas

calm nerves remember events

record life play journeys

reveal soul find self

preserve history sort problems

chart progress maintain sanity

admit failures site goals

dream dreams

Image is a page from a current working journal titled Journey Through Words. Words were pasted onto each page and now as I work I choose a page and respond to the word in whatever way I feel like on that particular day....writing, quoting, designing, creating collage or paintings etc. It's a great way to start a creative session or work between projects. It really opens up your imagination to new ideas and new ways of responding to the process.

early prayer

As the sun peaks through the early haze

I realize my blessings of all my days.

Yes, I whine and complain like all the rest

But I know from where my blessings flow is the best.

God alone is my own personal supply

And to Him I will remain faithful till the day I die.

So start each day with a simple prayer of thanks;

Believe, have faith, trust and on that you can bank.



another cross mosaic collage with tape transfer

sometimes the words come from others' pens

These thoughts came from various readings today.

live like a poet
in your own space
don't be afraid of layers
journey through an open door

like attracts like

art is my drug of choice: i must have a daily fix

delegate to survive

accept life as it is - good enough

let go of perfection

work from the heart

live life like it depends on it

listen to your inner guidance

another cross image mosaic collage, packing tape transfer and prismacolor of watercolor spattered background

bright sky ablaze

my spirits doth raise

giving rise to hope for the day

following me all the way

till evening sky silences

my spirit balances

a soul at rest

and blessed

Finished spread for Altered Book Round Robin-History of Art

The World...It means Life to me

air for my lungs

seasons for my spirit

sunrises for my soul

love for my heart

friends for my journey

peace for my nights

joy for my days

grace for all eternity

Image is the background for an altered book spread in the round robin I am participating in.The book theme is History of Art. This page will be about St. Francis.

Unexpected Inspiration

I attended a funeral yesterday of an artist friend, Wilma Allen. She lived an artful life of 96 years. She was always honest and frank but you never wondered what she meant by her words. You knew. She was a talented artist but also an encourager of others' art. She was a dedicated Christian. One of the pastors told a neat story about her. He said he was there under false pretenses as her pastor. He was not her pastor. She had attended his church for maybe 20 years but never joined. She was still a member of the church she helped form and felt she should always be but she had been very active in his church as a leader, Sunday school member and always present until she could no longer attend. The chaplain from the nursing facility where she had resided read the words from Psalm 139- " O Lord you have searched me and know me." The former recited these beautiful words from Rudyard Kipling.

L'Envoi

When Earth's last picture is painted,

and the tubes are twisted and dried

When the oldest colors have faded,

and the youngest critic has died

We shall rest, and, faith we shall need it--

lie down for an aeon or two,

'Til the Master of All Good Workmen

shall set us to work anew!

And those that were good will be happy:

they shall sit in a golden chair;

They shall splash at a ten-league canvas

with brushes of comet's hair;

They shall find real saints to draw from--

Magdalene, Peter and Paul;

They shall work for an age at a sitting

and never be tired at all!

And only the Master shall praise us,

and only the Master shall blame;

And no one shall work for money,

and no one shall work for fame;

But each for the joy of the working,

and each, in his separate star,

Shall draw the Thing as he sees It

for the God of Things as They Are!

Rudyard Kipling

The only thing missing was music (it was a graveside funeral) but I think I heard angels humming in the breeze.

Image is another angel paperdoll piece I am working on. I think it just may be Wilma's angels. Maybe she's in the chorus.

Evening words

Evening falls.
The light fades in the west.
The orange circle of sun recedes.
Birds go to roost and their song sleeps.
The busyness of the day diminishes and
People find rest and quiet for nightfall.
May this peace remain for the next day's tasks.

Image is ATC's included in each Zine for swap.

Morning Words

Morning has broken.
Through clouds and mist light enters a sleepy world.
A sliver of orange sun peaks through the clouds giving heat.
Birds waken in song.
People begin a busy day of tasks and responsibilities.
May this light shine on each and all.
May the song of the birds give encouragement.

Image is from Artella Fall Zine Swap.

Sunday Reflection

Quiet afternoon

Process

Blessings

Praise and Worship

Thankful

Time well spent

Good Life

image is a work in progress....watercolor angel paper dolls

quiet...........ahhhhhhhhhh!

Have you ever noticed how quiet the mornings and evenings are. It seems at the start of a day everyone is hush hush and speaking softly so as not to disturb the universe, but as the day wears on things and people are louder. Once evening comes things quiet down again and when night falls, it's all hush hush again. I just love that!

Image is a sneak peak at 10 finished zines for the Artella Fall Zine Swap!

thoughts on love

Afriend's upcoming wedding anniversary resulted in this greeting card I made for her. It will be given in a vellum envelope.

Here are also some thoughts on love....

love comes to the patient and faithful

we can't force it; for some it comes only once and

it's so much sweeter

guard your heart and share it

when it comes completely

without fear or reservation

it will give you more happiness than you can

imagine

Rain is good

a walk in the rain
good for the soul
a walk in the sun
good for the heart
a walk in the woods
good for the spirit
a walk by the shore
good for the mind
a walk in the mountains
good for the body
a walk in the moonlight
good for inspiration

Published again!

Just got a great surprise in the mail. The newest edition of Somerset Holidays and Celebrations 2008 came and my witch I submitted last year was included finally. Here is a peek at the image and cover of the magazine. It's usually available at Books a Million and some craft stores. You can also order it online at http://www.stampington.com/html/holidays_celebrations_2008.html






Image is about 9X17 inches. Paperdoll mounted on foam core which was painted and then etched with words. I call it Key to the Coven (notice the key at the top) I don't really believe in witches and witchcraft as a Christian but I do believe women are a coven of great supporters and encouragers to one another.

wanderings from the walk this morning

picture the perfect painting by a master artist

cad orange circle

on a pale lavender canvas

with an irregular streak of a special mixture of blue and payne's gray

God's sunrise

why can't the whole day be as peaceful as a morning walk as the sunrises?

image is a spread from a recent AB RR book themed what I love.

day in life

the day dawns

the morning awakens

birds melodies crescendo

i am alive

midday commotion

time is cramped

people rush

i am fatiqued

evening falls

the day quietens

people relax

i am at peace

image is pages from Artella Fall Zine swap, a foldout with the word imagine

Breathe in and out

breathe in

breathe out

God is here

and all about

inhale

exhale

in my soul

all is well

breathe

breathe

life's troubles

God will relieve

breathe

breathe

trust Him

Just believe

Image is a spread from the altered book round robin I am particpating in.

interview on Artella

Janice Rogers has posted a fun interview she did with me last week on her blog at Artella.
Thanks Janice!

It shows one of my ATC's with a recent swap. Here's another view of the ATC. Secret Door Studio.

Check it out.
http://artellacafe.com/blogs/theres_always_hope/archive/2008/08/05/now-showing-chris-tessnear.aspx

Time to Breathe

Retreat to the mountains for our 28th anniversary was perfect. Time to breathe, relax, just be...what could be better?

If you are in the NC area and looking for a great retreat at a great value I recomend Alluring View B&B in Jonas Ridge NC. It's breathtaking and quiet and the food is great! Check out the website at http://www.alluringview.com/

Here's a photo of one of the beautiful sunsets.

not consumed

The trees' silouettes are burned away by the heat of the sunrise
Yet not consumed.
Much as my very soul is burned away by the heat of life
Yet not consumed.

Brings two things to mind:

• 
  Verse:

Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed for his compassions never fail. Lamentations 3:22

• 
  Quote from William Wordsworth:

Though nothing can bring back the hour of splendor in the grass, we grieve not, rather find strength in what reminds behind.

I will be away from the blog a couple days. Mountain retreat for 28th wedding anniversary. An attempt to regain strength and not be consumed any further.

Image is a view from Jonas Ridge, NC, where I am heading, digitally altered.

random thoughts

bone tired

weary mind

restless heart

battered soul

the week has been a path

of least resistance

go and go

don't think

the floodgate of tears try

to drown the deafening

silence in my head

one step onto Fernwood

peace is slowly restored

balance is found

hope returns

grace is met

face to face

i am thankful

image is a thistle at Fernwood

comfort comes in many forms

Comfort is in words, scripture, prayer, and fun.

Image is me playing around with my son and his Rock Band for PS2 while visiting last week!

I did alter it a bit. Calling it Rockin' Mama!

Comfort comes from within
Given through God abiding in our hearts
Sustained by the peace of His spirit
Shared through the love of the Son

Thanks for all the prayers for my Dad. He is doing so well.

as the sun's rays filter

as the sun's rays filter through the trees

my spirit is lifted and my heart is warmed

like God's own breath entering my lungs

a moment of peace is found where none had existed

in life there are seasons of bliss and turmoil

but God remains the same and we are blessed

take it all in for it defines who we are

image is me at Union Point Park in New Bern, NC

As the dust settles....I am THANKFUL

THANKFUL that Dad is recovering well and should be 100 % soon!

THANKFUL that trip to see son was pleasant!

THANKFUL that all were okay while away!

THANKFUL I have such a neat and wonderfully kind, supportive and agreeable family!

THANKFUL I have a loving SAVIOR!

THANKFUL I am about to celebrate 28 years of marriage to a fine man.

THANKFUL I have art to keep me sane.

THANKFUL I have a couple days in the wonderful NC mountains to enjoy next week!

Image is of the front covers of my newest zine for the Artella FAll ZINE Swap-Medley-Imagine issue.

times like these

Dad is home from the hospital and doing pretty well. Still unsure of therapy and preventing a recurrence but praying hard and think he pushed for the right decision about the trip but I must admit it's been hard to concentrate on enjoying very much of it. I've tried but my mind continues to drift back to him. I've been calling about 3 times a day. It makes me feel better at least and hopefully it's helping him know how much I wish I was there sitting and talking and making sure he's okay.

a few days of uncertainty

After planning for weeks to visit my son, my dad had a mini stroke and we delayed it. He's doing well except for getting the full use of his right hand. I would like to request prayers of any and all readers. We are in New Bern and will be heading back home on Wednesday. Hopefully, as I am typing this my dad is going home from the hospital. He and mom insisted we go ahead with our plans. He is an amazingly strong individual. I hope to eventually be more like him. It's hard to spread yourself around when you are needed and wanted in more than one place at a time but sometimes it's necessary. Maybe one day I will be able to just do what is needed and not worry or feel guilty. Anyone else have these problems of being torn?

of God

the word of God

for guidance

the peace of God

for health

the love of God

for joy

the power of God

for strength

Image is of inchies I did for an Artella Swap.

Looking back

We keep so many memories put away in picture album's. You should take them out and look at them from time to time and share them. They are full of wonderful memories and moments in our lives. With email it's so easy to just send them on to people who would appreciate them. Use them in your artwork (I did a whole series of women in my family in collage style and called it HER). Alter books with them. Make copies and paint over them. Resize them into ATC's. Lots of people are sharing vintage images on their blogs and in their websites. Here's a great image of my husband's parents who are no longer with us. I love this picture of them.

The power of THREE

Walking this morning after a big thunder storm (and much needed rain-nearly an inch here in the drought area of western NC), I found two groups of three leaves. These from a hybrid poplar. I began to think of all the importance of THREES.

• the THREE in ONE - Trinity- Father, Son and Holy Spirit


• the THREE graces - Faith-Hope-Love


• the THREE in families - my husband, son and me and my mother, father and me


• the most special THREE little words - I Love You

What special threes are in your life?

Oh, and to answer a reader of my blog about the program I use for the ATC backs: Couldn't get to your blog or email: I use Microsoft Publisher. It's easy to use with text and picture boxes. So much easier than using Word. You just center the box or drag it where you need even to the edge of the page. You can then group it all and save as a jpeg image. Then you simply line all the images up on the page as you wish them to print.

comfort

an early walk

brings comfort to a stiff back

the cry of a hawk

brings comfort to my soul

the word of God

brings comfort to my heart

the beauty of life

brings comfort to my sprit

knowing comfort in a world

where little comfort is found

is a true gift from God

image is an old watercolor titled comfort

ATC Signature Back

A member of the Artist Trading Card Yahoo group is looking for signature stamps for the back of ATC's. I created a backing on my computer and just write in the date, title info and sign it. It works so easy for me to not have to write in all the website and email stuff. Plus I included my pic. I like knowing what the artist who created each looks like myself. Others may wish to leave that part off. Hope this helps. Here is my back. Oh, and if you use the template for printing 10 ATC's on a page. You can print 10 of these backs on a page. I use cardstock to reinforce the card. If you don't like using lots of printer ink, just have them copied at an office supply store.

A Sunday morning vignette

a chorus of song birds, crows and roosters

the pink and gold sunrise

a sweet aroma of gardenia and mimosa

happy rabbits enjoying the sweet clover

a peaceful walk

inspiration from above

blessings abound

life is sweet

Imagine

Imagine a day of happiness

Imagine a family of love

Imagine a neighborhood of tranquility

Imagine a workplace of support

Imagine a world of peace

Imagine a life of joy

Then do unto others as

you would have them do unto you

It is possible

Image is a digital cross. Feel free to use image in your graphic projects.

scripture inspired

stand in the presence of the Lord

wait in silence

for a gentle whisper

all day long not just

when you are in need

Image is acrylic layered with prismacolor

scripture inspired

scripture inspired

Faith not sight

I've always been a person of faith and hope but I must admit it is not easy. In the baby years as a Christian we often forget that it takes constant work and patience and persistence. Even though you know choosing the way of the cross is not a cure all for the world's troubles, you somehow continue to secretly think it is and then a trial comes and you sometimes lose it. Well, that is normal. No one, with exception to a few souls, is perfectly content, faithful and persevering all the time, 24/7. It takes daily practices of prayer, scripture study and just plain old faith...believing in what you can't see but believing anyway. I hope this gives many of you some blessed hope. Without faith it is impossible to please GOD. Without faith it is impossible to make it through any situation. So go forth with faith and keep on keeping on!

Image is another recent watercolor cross. Enjoy! Feel free to save image and share with others the faith it represents!

10 Favorite Things

1. Making zines


2. Photocopy transfers over watercolor


3. Cross images


4. Journaling through writing, collage and responding to nature.


5. The book of Psalms


6. Blogging


7. Cool summer mornings


8. Instrumental music


9. Walking


10. Word studies

a breath away

I realize heaven is only a dimension away,

as close as the next breath I take,

but when I look into the billowing clouds

with the sun's rays slicing through,

It's like a glimpse into heaven's gate.

light...love...peace...joy

The light of God

illumines my path

on this journey called life.

The love of God

warms my heart

when the world gives me strife.

The peace of God

feeds my soul

in a world of starvation.

The joy of God

raises my spirits

through elevating creation.

Image is a fun crayola marker and clipart collage.

Moonlight Message

Night time is sacred and beautiful.
A clear crisp night makes you draw inward for warmth and in so doing you may feel closer to your maker. He also made the moon and He will shine His light and His moonlight right down on your head and into your heart. It is His way of touching your very soul and giving you a taste of the way life can be if you draw close to Him. He will never leave you nor forsake you. He made the moon and He made you. The Lord protects His own.

I find answers

I find answers when I listen

I listen and I find contentment

I find contentment 'cause I have everything I need

I have everything I need 'cause I am blessed

I am blessed 'cause God is my ALL

God is my ALL and I am at peace

Image is a mixed media cross on a greeting card. When finished painting, spread leftover paint on scrap card stock. Dry and layer with more paint, prismacolor, pastels whatever you want. Cut into great shapes to make mosaics or greeting cards.

A Question I have been asking lots of family and friends

If you could go back to any point in your life and start over where would you go?

Maybe you'd like to journal or do an art piece in response. I'd love to hear from you when you have an answer. I've heard so many neat answers but still think the one from my dad (75) was best. He would not go back nor change anything. His life has been good like it is! Wow what a great answer. Maybe lots of you feel that way.

Me? I'd go back and major in art. I would be afraid of jinxing all the neat things I love about my life, like my wonderful husband and son but I sure wish I had the pedigree to go with the love of art making and creativity.

Let's hear it!

Just had to share this gorgeous picture of my Mom who is 78!

LIFE

Life is

a dream of the past

a mirage of the present

a vision of the future

and many intervals of

Joy

image is a woven cross of leftover watercolored scraps of paper

results to questions about art

What makes you purchase a piece of art? -
It has to inspire me beyond the norm, to make me want to look at it again and again
When is speaks to me...well, when it SPEAKS to me...kind of like a toddler trying to get your attention- they will NOT be ignored. Seriously, when a piece grabs me and won't let go...usually when the message touches me deeply.
A piece of art has to touch something deep within, and I have to sort of feel like I cannot live without it. I try never to make impulse purchases, even of art, so I usually have to see if the piece still calls to me, and if I still want it, after a week. Also, I have to feel like it is worth the price I'm going to pay for it, and that is wholly subjective. How much I am willing to pay is totally based on how badly I want the piece.
It speaks to me in some way and it symbolizes who I am as a person (and it matches my home and I have somewhere I can put it)
I buy art I can't make myself...or if I can, I like the artist.
I think the same thing that attracts me to make art. Colour, textures, shapes which draw me towards it.
It speaks to my deepest emotions, and won't shut up! Oh, and I can afford it
I only buy art that "speaks" to me. It may be an emotional or a spiritual tug, or a response to the theme or just the colours, but there has to be some sort of spark of recognition that goes on between me and the artist.

Does art have a place in everyone's life? -
Yes, even photographs are art, and most everyone has a photograph in their home or place of business
Oh, I certainly hope so! Art has been such a soothing part of my life...especially since committing myself to our Lord. I'm still doing more art in my head, but I really do feel everyone's life would be improved with the addition of art.
I think that it should and that it does, even though people don't always recognize it as such (that is as "art"). Pictures on the wall, flowers planted in the garden, particular styles of shoes and clothes are all forms of art.
I believe art has a place in everyone's life. In fact, I think everyone is surrounded by art -- not always art created by a human artist! I believe that it enriches the life of every person to look at, wake up to the value of, and learn to appreciate, art of all kinds.
Yes of course art has a place in every life...even if it is just appreciated and not owned. And nature's art is the best!
Probably in some people's lives it may be unnoticed until something wakes them up! For me it was a progression from a creative embroidery course and then a desire to take art further.... I am sure that everyone has something which could awaken them to art.
If we use recycled materials as much as possible and always ask ourselves "can I use this" before throwing something away! It is hard for those who need to make a living with their art ....but we all need something beautiful in our homes somewhere even if it is just one piece!
It should, but it doesn't.
I truly believe art has a very necessary place in everyone's life. When I couldn't buy art for financial reasons, I did buy a book of full colour reproductions of famous paintings and pinned the ones I liked on the walls so my children could grow up with art. Visiting art museums and galleries is all very well, but there is no substitute for living with art.


Can art survive in these economic times? -
Yes, but it has to be tailored to the times as well in some fashion; for example, in devotionals that deal with hardship and surpassing that hardship
I would say yes...the 'experts' say that comfort items do well during stressed economic periods...and that people usually can find money to buy things that make them feel good.
Yes, art can survive in difficult economic times. In fact, it MUST survive in time like these. I think the harder the times, the more necessary it is to have beauty that helps lift you out of yourself. I try to live by this: If I only have $1, I will spend 50 cents on bread and 50 cents on flowers.
We all need dishes and furniture, for instance (and we generally pick out a design we like when purchasing--both are a practical form of art)
Art can certainly survive hard economic times, though making a living at art may be very difficult!
Yes, but it will be tougher, at least for those who try to make a living through their artwork. The emphasis will need to be on using what we've got on hand rather than adding all the new tools and materials to the stash. For buyers, there will need to be an even deeper emotional connection and a reasonable pricetag.
Art will always survive. The question should be, "Can artists survive in these economic times?" We all know that creating art is far from being the best way to achieve financial security. Very few people will be able to make a living from their art in these or any other times. Faced with economic worries, people will be less likely to spend their money on art, and artists will have problems being able to afford the better type of supplies. There will be no poverty of ideas and no lack of creative urges, however.

Image is from black and white art journal.

Let Freedom Ring!

Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD,the people he chose for his inheritance. Psalm 33:12

Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom, must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it. ~Thomas Paine

Image is free to download for your art!

Why the freebies?

It is more blessed to give than receive; that's Biblical. God gave me my art to share and I try to do that as much as possible. It feels good to give and share. You always get more than you give. Giving out of abundance is a principle for living. If people of the world were better givers, maybe the world would be a better place. God placed it on my heart to do this. I hope I can keep up with the response. I will post answers to the questions in a few days. Funny how similar they are so far. Folks are more alike than different I guess. Blessings this day!

Another freebie but different

I make little zines and devotionals from my art work. I sell some but give most of them away.

If you would like one (my choice and there are about 8 now) just email me with your address and a comment and I will pop one in the mail to you. One more catch: answer three questions!

1. What makes you purchase a piece of art?


2. Does art have a place in everyone's life?


3. Can art survive in these economic times?

Blessings to you this day!

Give till your heart is full!

NOTE: many of the zines have a Christian theme!

cqt144w@mindspring.com

image is from my recent trip to the beautiful mountains of NC

right out the back door

my neighbor likes to sit in the swing on her screened porch...i wonder what she daydreams about. my husbands uncle likes to sit on the picnic table, summer or winter, i wonder what he thinks about. my son and i both love places to retreat and clear our heads and write and daydream. if you don' t have a little spot near your back door to retreat then i strongly suggest finding one. spend as much time there as possible. here's some suggestions of how it can help you:

• read


• journal


• sketch


• pray


• listen


• plan


• watch nature

this should get you started; it doesn't have to be a complete setting, it can simply be a chair in the yard in a quiet place. i understand that carl sandburg sat on the large rock at the back of his house to write much of his poetry.

Image is from my little house book.

obsession with cross continues

There are so many styles of crosses. Most have Christian beginnings. Eventually I may write about them but for now I just love the different shapes and what can be done with them.

I've made a few new cards I will share as well but this one is pure watercolor allowed to run the entire shape but you can still see subtle outlines of the celtic icon.

I've started putting special images in a wonderful watercolor journal I found. I'm calling it MELANGE since it will be a look at the images I use again and again. Landscapes, crosses, seascapes, ferns, collages, altered ideas, profiles, shadows and even simple handprints and more. I never tire of certain images and will continue to use them again and again until I can no longer hold a brush or glue stick.

eyes to see the wonder of God

ears to hear the music from His soul

mouth to sing His praises

nose to smell the sweet aroma of His world

hands to share His love with all