Inaugural Exhibit

With the inauguration of our 44th president this week, I thought I'd share some pages from my First Ladies altered book I did over the last several months. Still got to add our newest and a few other goodies. It has images, pockets, fold outs, paint, stamping, bios, quotes, and more. It's been great fun and a wonderful learning experience. As I researched and tried and failed and tried again to find lots of different ways to make pockets, doors, and holders for the info. I used the book I loved as a young girl: Portraits in Courage (about Jackie Bouvier Kennedy- a favorite 1st lady).
The pages posted today are the cover and a standard folded/laced pocket (especially for my AB sisters over at ICE AB at Yahoo).

Friday Feelings

A chilly breeze kisses my cheek
my spirit awakens.
The warm sun embraces my shoulders
my heart is warmed.
A Carolina blue sky greets my eyes
my soul is assured.
God's own voice speaks to my ears
my body is healed.
His praise is on my lips
my core is strengthened.

Image is another secrets journal page. It's all paper, paint, stamped letters, and computer lettering

Thursday Thoughts

My work is joyous
When God is there.
My life is peaceful
When God is there.
My family is strong
When God is there.
My mind is serene
When God is there.
My body is healthy
When God is there.
My spirit is relaxed
When God is there.

Image is from one of my art journals.

I had fun putting al the textural designs in this piece.

Given by God

With time and patience God speaks.

With a quiet heart and mind you will hear.

Take that time for yourself and it will lead to balance of soul and body.

These words were given as I walked in that solitude this cold morning in NC.

With the warming sun on my face
I am transported to a sacred space,
Where ancient knowledge in my heart
Teaches me God will never depart.

With the healing sun on my back
I know I will fear no lack;
God meets my every need
In return His commandments to always heed.

With the waxing moon on my face
I once again find the holy place;
Where God is waiting for me above
If only I continue Him to love.

With the waning moon at my back
I search and find no slack
Of God's eternal blessing
And His only sacred less'n.

With morning comes new hope
And no reason to mope,
For God will never leave me
Since I hold the key.

With night's advance
I take no chance
And utter my plea
To the Holy Three.

Image is from my art journal, a sketch in ink and prismacolor art stix.

Balancing Ideas

Balance is found when you realize that it is possible.
If you just remember that you are in control of your own thoughts,
You can control your own thoughts. Decide that you will be happy.
Know that your circumstances can be altered. Believe in the power of
positive thinking. Trust your own instinct and it will never fail you.
Do your best to realize your true calling and you will be more
content in your own skin than you ever thought possible. Do not let anyone else make you believe anything differently. Just be willing to compromise when it's absolutely necessary and flexible when you can. Give your best and God will take care of the rest.

Lord in Your mercy

Give me hands to do your

work

Give me feet to carry your

message

Give he eyes to see your

path

Give me ears to hear you

guidance

Give me mouth to tell your

story

Give me time to do your

will

a quick little painting in acrylic inspired by a photo I took at Fernwood recently of a group of Doves resting in a tree....thus "Resting Place"

How to stay balanced

is sometimes the simplest idea...take a snow day, even if it doesn't snow.....remember those carefree days of childhood when school was canceled and suddenly you had the whole day for yourself. Well, do it! It's a grand gesture for making yourself feel pampered, calm, peaceful and yes, balanced.

snow day

free choice

stay in bed

cocoon

hybernate

play

see where it takes you

trust your instinct

believe in your self

rest

go within

find answers

know truth

realize

feel

evaluate

repeat as often as possible and needed

Image is a digital image from a simple tree drawing.

More Secrets Exposed

Here are the three images for the Secrets Altered book for the ICE Altered Books yahoo group. Third one is not added to the book as waiting to see if it's okay to do three spreads. Two was the original agreement for this group but nearing the end I think it may be possible. My son shared the quote in number 3 abouth rivers that inspired the piece but the river is actually the broad river near Cliffside, NC not the Neuse River. Just decided I liked the look of this pic better than my Neuse River pics.

cocoon

home

haven from troubled world

cocoon

older assemblage I really identify with

quote inside reads

"Adopt the pace of nature;

Her secret is patience"

Secrets

Just worked on a neat altered book for the Yahoo Altered book group I belong to. The theme was SECRETS. It was such fun I got into it and started doing some other journal pages in my own books. Here's a little simple one. Secrets are for keeping and mine are sandwiched between a section of one side of the page and an entire copy of the page on the reverse. Chances are the pages would tear if someone tried to get into it to see what the secrets are. I'll share more secret journal pages soon.

Maybe you will want to put some of your own secrets in a hidden place in your journal via a pocket that is sealed or a folded page or other unique hiding place. Enjoy saving your secrets.

balance with nature

When the moon

beams bright

My spirit fills

with its light

it's like music

in my soul

healing my heart

making me whole

When the sun

sends its heat

my heart skips

a beat

warming my body

with its life force

giving me hope

from a higher source

image is from a recent journal series

of self exploration

Eureka!

The tall mighty oak

silhouetted against

a wintry gray sky

looks cold and frail

just like me after

a restless night but

morning comes after

a night of sleepless rest....

restoring the possibility

of a new start....

creative ideas

keep me awake some nights--

after working on a collage

on and off for weeks

between holiday commitments

and other distractions

it finally fell into place

and here it is!

(A submission for Somerset Studios Sisterhood issue-my sisters are all chosen through friendship)

Balance

Balance is knowing when art will sell and when art is for the artist alone.

recent journal page

(pens, markers and prismacolor art stix)

Mini Valentine Banners

For a new swap at the In this House yahoo group! Fun and different for me. Acrylic paint on watercolor paper, with stamps and splatters and beaded embellishments. Fun faux fur trim.

an angel for you

an angel

to protect you

to guide you

to inspire you

to lift you

to help you

to walk with you

to give you courage

to give you hope

to give you peace

enough

May 2009 bless you with

enough joy to share

enough strength to complete

enough love to bestow

enough peace to survive

enough grace to know

enough kindness to demonstrate

enough healing to feel

enough prosperity to give

enough beauty to see

enough creativity to show

and enough of all the wonderful things make you happy, unique and blessed!

Image is recent sketch of angel with Micron brush.

a day in the rain

the silence

quiets my restless mind

peace and balance

my heart finds

the peace

stills my soul

leading me closer to healing

the balance

rights my heart

giving me hope for

the serenity

I so desperately seek

image is from my rainy Fernwood

New ATC Swap

The Eye Knows

gray sky

focused eye

quest for hope

i will cope

blue sky

wondering eye

cloudy mind

faith i'll find

sunny sky

bright eye

balanced life

survive strife

image is all the zetti zine pages (front side) Backs are simpler with a pocket holding what else? A ZTC. Right. A Zetti Trading Card.

Happy New Year!

from Chris and Terry

a fun little digital collage

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 2 Corinthians 5:17

New Year's Day is every man's birthday. ~Charles Lamb

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