I am participating in the Oh-So-Charming Art-e-Zine Exchange, this picture (courtesy of Dawn Sellers, hostess of swap) is one of the 35 charms I made. I'd bought a couple sets of these teeny tiny (they are under an inch in size, photo certainly deceiving) stencils at least a year or two now, if I recall they are made by Making Memories and found with scrapbooking supplies at Michaels or such. For this project I rusted, stamped, and glazed them, then added beads and wire for hanging. There are over 70 participants in this fun exchange, I will get 35 back for the 35 I sent to her. This is a huge undertaking on her part, not only in organizing and swapping them out but in maintaining the blog, my hat is off to her!

After I receive them I am thinking I will put them onto a bracelet which can also be turned into a necklace as you can find, from another swap done (of which I was not involved) earlier last year - if you scroll down you will find Deryn Mentock did a great job of making this piece so versatile.

hearts

These are a few beveled glass hearts I made this afternoon, a project found in Sally Jean's book.

workshop

This shrine is the result of a workshop I've taken the last two monday evenings at ArtBeat Gallery entitled, Gathering Spirit Guides on Your Soul Path, facilitated by Karen Godfrey and Linda Griggs. We explored these questions - Have you ever wondered about your higher purpose in this life? What exactly are you on this earth to do? Are you shining your light in the right places? Are you living in the shadow of someone else's expectations? Does your daily life support who you really are? The last few years of my life have been such a journey of discovery, and the timing couldn't have been better for me to take this workshop - at exactly a time I am needing to make some serious decisions.

I learned so much in these six to seven hours, and feel so much more confident about who I am and what I need do. Just an amazing and rewarding experience.

cookies

What's my favorite food group? COOKIES. My friend Deb came over this afternoon and brought cookies for me, and we all know - I love cookies! These are scrumptious (do you see the bites out of one of them), a new favorite - chocolate chip with walnuts, and dried cherries, yummy. We went out for a very l o n g lunch, time just got away from us. And what are the chances, when we got back to my house the phone would ring and it would be our very dear friend Janet, calling from Shreveport, LA?!! A very good day.

all decked out for the next couple icy months of winter. Gotta say, there's something about those pom poms I just love, probably they are like big polka dots!

((((hugs))))

You know how it is when you're feeling yucky - have a head cold, the weather is gray and dreary, that post-holiday time has arrived? That's me, I just have the blahs. Today I went out to the mail box and found a package all wrapped in vintage wallpaper mailed to me from Katie Kendrick. We met for the first time at ArtFest 2004, I think it was? Anyway, there was instant rapport between us. She is the most delightful person under the sun to be with and talk to. We both came to this mixed media art scene with no formal training, and I have been so amazed and proud of the growth she has had taking her art to higher and higher levels. Just love her and everything single little thing about her. She sent me this incredible collaged and painted box she'd made just for me and tucked inside a few treats as well, including tea and chocolate, all wrapped up in cheery hot pink! There couldn't be anything better I could have received today than all the love she sent my way. Thanks Katie!!!

One of my least favorite things to do is dismantle the christmas decorations. I don't ever contemplate taking them down until the day after New Year's as I like to keep the holiday feeling going as visitors drop in and out and the season officially over. The last day, New Year's itself, has traditionally been spent lying around in sleepy mode, football games on the tv, books and tea or coffee in hand and soup on the stove, while I gaze at all the twinkly lights and candles for the last time until next year - a totally comfy way to wind it all down. Well, things are slightly different these days all the way around, but not my putting this off and off and off. My procrastination seems to invade in full force the next day and true to form what's been happening here, I take a thing or two down, dust here and there, rearrange this and that - this goes on for days. It was always my goal to have it all boxed and stored again by January 7th, my youngest, Joe's, birthday so he can have his own celebration with things back to "normal". And even he is no longer living with me as he'll be 22 in just a few days (!) I realize I now have three days left - and alot still to do, ugh! Once accomplished I do though have a sense of relief and a sort of excitment about the clean slate so to speak, and ideas about new pillows or paint or whatever begin flowing. Today I am quite draggy as I seem to have the distinct possibility I might have a cold coming on and feeling more languid than ever. The sun's gone today, too, my energy with it apparently.

An amazing experience

I just went outside to get my mail at the exact moment formations of military jets flew over the houses, group after group after group of them just as the sun is beginning to set. My entire body was instantly covered with goosebumps and tears came to my eyes. As many of you know, I now live in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where at the Ford Museum the final farewell and burial is taking place of President Ford this very moment. I've been busy with alot of things this afternoon and somehow it had slipped my mind as to timing, but I came in and turned on the TV and they were taking the flag off his coffin, handing it to VP Cheney who then presented it to Betty Ford and I saw the fly by as they reached downtown on tv. What I just heard is that they are F15's from Shaw AirForce Base in South Carolina. Seeing them go into the missing man formation, a tribute to a former President, was beyond words. You know, sometimes we do not seem to be all that much a patriotic country these days, what with cynicism and anti-war sentiments raging (and I do not agree with it myself) - but for you to see this town with all the flags half staff and what has been reported as over 60,000 filing through the Ford Museum to pay their respects over the last day, military helicopters parked in the fields all around the National Guard Armory which is just around the corner practically from me and which my dad and I drove by today - it does make me, at least, proud to be an American. This was a very powerful and emotional experience for me, totally taking me unawares.

The new year

This has been a very difficult end to another couple chapters of my life. Here's to hoping I develop enough strength and conviction to stick to my beliefs and to begin writing a few new ones. I just came across this quote, and leave it here as inspiration to keep on going, “From what we get we can make a living. What we give, however, makes a life" (Arthur Ashe). Happy New Year.

{love}

Here and gone, the time together disappearing so fast, but by far an enriching and rewarding time together with my two sons.

joy to all

The house is decorated, the smell of cookies baking wafting through the house, the kids arriving tonight and in the morning, and then the family descending later in the afternoon for our family holiday gathering (19 of us this year), the cards have been arriving in the mail, and as well as some wonderful surprises from some special friends. Here are two birdhouse ornaments made by Carla that I hung immediately on my tree, love them!! And today I got a package in the mail from Denise filled with birthday/christmas magic (even her handwriting is lovely)! I am in awe of all her generosity, very special. Lots of delightful things I will treasure from two dear friends - thank you girls, from the bottom of my humble heart - love you both - xoxo

when you're not feeling quite up to par

a free download from the multi-talented Keri Smith. http://www.kerismith.com/ask.html

where is the time going?!

Still so much I want to do and need get done for the holidays, packages to mail, gifts to buy, food to make. Argh!!!!

love the impromptu!

I bought this jar intending to put all my white/off white buttons in it - well, this is as far as I got in the sorting! One day my work table was strewn with holiday items and I stuck the bottle brush trees inside, then rummaged through my xmas postcards and stuck on in as well. Liked the look so took it upstairs to enjoy through the holidays.

tagged

I've been tagged by Carla, to list 6 weird things about myself:

1) I always eat the same thing every morning for breakfast, a bowl of cheerios with vanilla soy milk.
2) there are days I shower and put pj's back on if I'm not going out (guess I just love the comfort of pajamas).
3) I vacuum every day but cringe each time I empty it, can't stand seeing the dirt or the thought of it touching me.
4) I love christmas music and play it nearly constantly from thanksgiving to new year's.
5) I don't like the telephone much but have both a land line and cell phone.
6) I am a klutz, usually have all kinds of little bruises on me and most times don't even know where they came from.

it's a wonder land!

Has been snowing all afternoon, those large fluffy and puffy flakes that make everything so pretty. I haven't really driven in it for a couple years and decided to brave it today. My car isn't really the best for this situation but I did ok - whew, I was nervous to give it a go. This dog of mine just loves snow - tries to catch the flakes on his tongue, such a kid!

it's beginning to look alot like christmas...

This is an old window frame made over with a couple brackets and a shelf. I'd bought it years ago now ~ in another life time, literally ~ and is the first I've hung it as my house was for sale when I acquired it, and there never really was a place for it in the subsequent one I bought in NC. But the other day I dug it out of the basement as I was inspired to hang it over my red couch - because I'm in holiday decorating mode! For most of the weekend I've been having fun, played christmas carols, there was snow softly falling outside, a frenzy of activity as boxes were opened and favorite & beloved things discovered all over again. Last year I was up here looking to buy a house (this house!) and then had to bypass any holiday decorating as I needed to then get ready to sell one, so it's been awhile since I've seen these things - family mementos, old things that have been passed down, traditions upheld and new ones formed; a comforting time of year.

and...

The snow has subsided for the time being, may not have any more until sometime tomorrow (and the next day, and the next, and the next...). The storm wasn't nearly what they predicted in terms of inches of snow, but I went out and shoveled it and let me tell you, it is heavy from all the sleet and freezing rain underneath. Earned myself a cup of tea and a cookie for that job! Ernie has been out reveling (sp?) in the whole experience, I no sooner get him in and he wants to go back out - well, glad one of us is glad to be enamoured!

I have the most talented and thoughtful friends! The print pictured, titled "Peace Within" was created by Marie Otero, and she has just opened an ETSY shop where she has more for sale - check this out at http://lostaussie.etsy.com. (excuse the photography, that part is me)! And speaking of photography, the Journey to Creativity book and cards were put together by Cathy Anderson, a very talented photographer. You can find the book for sale on her website, www.catherineandersonstudio.com. These were my great gal pals from Charlotte, and although we all three are in different parts of the country now, continue to encourage and inspire one another. Thanks for thinking of me today girls, wish I could give you each a hug!

{retro}

Well, today's the day I turn, gulp, {49}; this obviously a vintage photo! I now have this cake plate, it is tourquoise - very retro cool right now. Guess that's how I will think of myself on this, the last year of my 40's - retro (as opposed to just plain old)!

We are beginning (I can hear on the windows) to get the first sleet/ice/snow storm of the season which will most likely curtail any celebrating I do - we're predicted to get anywhere from 6 to 12 inches of snow with ice underneath - just a mess and not a time to be out and about. Flights are already cancelled into and out of Chicago so I'll be spending it by myself as even driving across town for the breakfast with my family that was planned just isn't going to happen. I have had a serious headache all week which just laid me out flat so will concentrate on getting the house decorated for the holidays as all my good intentions to do it earlier in the week were derailed, will play christmas carols, and most likely romp in the snow with my shovel. Yee-ha.

Stranger Than Fiction

I just love this movie! Fun, wonderful cast, great music - all the goods.

{thanksgiving}

I just love these letter ornaments from Restoration Hardware! They come packaged in these wonderful envelopes (something else to use for an art project), come in either silver or gold, and at $5 apiece quite the bargain as they are a "twofer" (letter + envie)! Last year my sister and I bought J O Y and adhered them with scrapbook pop dots to a mirror over her mantel, it looked very cool. I've bought the letters M E R R Y, and although not sure yet what exactly I am going to do with them, am thinking of framing them to use in the holiday decorating I plan on starting this weekend.

this just might get me in the holiday mood!

snowman krispy kremes

for a swap

My charm for the Art Erratica Winter Solstice Danglie Swap

milestones

Two of my best friends are turning 50, Chris on Nov 9th and Annette on Dec 9th! We'll celebrate with a dinner at a yet to be determined date. I made these tins for them this weekend which I am going to fill with clinique beauty products.

life-long friendships

Lunch today catching up with two girlfriends I've known forever - one since the 2nd grade, the other since 7th. We went all the way through high school together in the 70's; let's just say, if during that time period I was doing something where I could get into trouble, was dangerous, illegal, wacky or just plain fun - these two were probably near by - very near by. The other two, one a teacher in Grand Haven (and probably close to if not the most grounded girl in our class) and the other, a very succesful architect in Louisiana, weren't there but I include them at this juncture in the discourse as they are just guilty by past association - and always will be! Notice no names have been exchanged here, and this picture is NOT us (to say the least) - in fact very far from to protect our status in the communities where we reside. There are good reasons for being back "home" and today was one of them!!

seasons

Although we've had quite a bit of cold, a few days of snow and flurries, we are now having a bit of a warm spell. Today I noticed my shrub roses are actually budding and blooming right now. Unexpected, and so beautiful!

new reading material

This is the first I've seen Mary Janes Farm magazine (bought the book last year and love it - although I am probably the farthest from a "farm chick" as can be). This issue is called "Artists in Aprons" and is chock full of beautiful aprons and patterns. It is also the Special Stitchery Issue and features many artists and their art. It's pricey, $7.99, but I was very enamoured with it - so bought it. You can receive a subscription if you order some of her products - www.maryjanesfarm.org. And, I was excited to see Nick Bantock has written a novel, just published, titled Windflower. I am looking very forward to digging into this, it looks fascinating (as soon as I finish my current book, Myla Goldberg's Wickett's Remedy).

bOO

a little book

This is a little 7 gypsies coin envelope book I arted up yesterday. A little scrapbookie, but I absolutely fell in love with the Bohemia papers and rub-ons I'd found a couple weeks ago. I mixed quite a few of the lines together (as they were all so delicious I had to buy a large lot) and ~ voila ~ this is the result. I think it's quite precious, myself!

saturday, part 3!

It is very, very windy today, we are losing the majority of our leaves. Ernie is having the time of his life chasing them! It is cold out there, but can there be anything more heartwarming than watching a puppy play?!!

and another thing...

What is blog etiquette as far as blog links go - I finally made a list of some of the blogs I read daily and put on this blog of mine (if ever there was a procrastinator or inept computer user, I am it and would take the prize. Guess I'd like there to be a prize - I never win anything!). It got me wondering, should I only put down those of people I know (which I did, albeit a couple mere acquaintances), or is it ok to link those that I also just absolutely love reading and visualizing due to talents I admire but who would have no clue who the heck I am (as I have become nearly hermit-like, in which case, who will know as I am sure my readership is infinitesimal??). And if I do, should I email them and tell them I am linking?? (Secret - I have 244 on a list I look at [just counted] - not of course daily, but obviously I am addicted. As addicted as I am to magazines and books it has become apparent). And need I say - I most probably need to get a life?!!!

is this a terrible admission?

I don't want to do halloween. My house is decorated, I love halloween decorating. But I don't feel like going and buying tons of candy, candy I am not even sure will get given out to trick or treaters as I have no clue how many kids would actually come down this street - we have no kids up here excepting one house, and another with a newborn. Because if I do then I will, 1) have wasted all that money on stuff that, 2) I will eat which will, 3) make me fat thus, 4) feel bad for having eaten. But I know I will because I love candy! I am thinking instead of going to Barnes and Noble, doing a bit of perusing and then sitting and having coffee from 6-9pm on tuesday. But, I, for some odd reason do feel guilty, I know how excited my kids always were to do halloween, how excited I was at a young age for that matter, and we were the recipients for many, many years of that kindness and fun, albeit in a different place, state - so it's not as I have particular people to repay the gratitude.

Why do I make things difficult, debating moral decisions with myself (is this exactly an important moral decison - I think in the scheme of things in the state my life and the world in general NOT). So guess I will go to the bookstore.

{time flies}

time flies - whether you're having fun - or not. This was a blah kind of week, and this is how I felt - kind of flat, smooshed. Headachey, cold. Did get out today with dad and the seesters for breakfast, then the girls went to the mall for a bit. They had me buy cuticle conditioner. And Peggy was on a mission to find a ginger-scented candle. I came home and made gingersnaps. Looking forward to a yoga class I am starting in two weeks - bacon and cookies all in one day, yikes.

autumnal splendor

The colors are beginning to peak, I grabbed my camera when I went out to the mailbox this afternoon. So gorgeous.

sunset

Last night's sunset on Lake Michigan, they're getting earlier and earlier each day.

a taste of what's to come

This is what I woke to this morning, gone are the 70 degree temperatures of the past weekend, nanook of the north swept in during the night apparently. When I looked out to see if Ernie was ready to come in I felt he had the same look on his face I did, that "what the...?!" Ahh well, this is reality but it too shall pass - in about 7 months!

weekend

Just spent an extra long, extraordinarily gorgeous weekend doing a color tour in the upper penninsula of Michigan. Full moon and gorgeous sunsets reflecting onto Lake Michigan, rock hunting on Lake Superior, the falls at Tahquamenon beautiful as always, the trees in peak color, the weather absolutely all you could ask for in October. And even took the Lake Huron drive home for more spectacular views. So fun, so relaxing, so perfect. Now if blogger would only let me load some photos (@$*&#@!!^**!@~) ADDENDUM - photo added later today, this is a pic of the sunset last friday night near St. Ignace.

There are some words you just don't hear much anymore - like hunker. Any old way, it sounds as if the next few days will be a hunkering down kind of time, a time to stay inside, feather the nest and pull out the throws, keep the coffee pot full, and the pjs on! I woke up this morning at 6:30 to the sounds of heavy rain and thunder, and it is still doing so. I actually kind of like it - but give me a couple more days and I'm sure I'll be changing that tune.

Where in the world has September gone?! Hard to believe this is the last day of the month. But - I just love halloween, such a fun, silly time of year. This is the banner I've just made and hung over my kitchen window - easy peasy, just some cardstock, book pages, ribbon, buttons and pom poms! Now to go into the basement storeroom and try to find my box of fall/halloween decorations and decorate the house up while I watch some football. Love fall saturdays!

This is wonderful, one of those rare books that transports you from the first sentence into its world and upon reaching the end and looking up, find yourself surprised and a little disoriented to be back in your own. I all but read it in one sitting, could not put it down. Just the type thing for a rainy day.

it's beginning to look alot like autumn!

There are days I wonder why I didn't buy a condo! I just finished power washing the house, whew. Took about four hours, a big job, which included moving all the furniture off the front porch (and putting it back), taking down all the screens, moving things around on the deck and back patio, etc. The worst part of it all though is hauling all the cords and hoses around with the dang thing - but the house was filthy from the build and dirt and mud of the landscaping, and it is a good thing to have done. And one I felt I had no choice but to tackle today as it most likely will be our last warm one for quite some time (although am crossing my fingers we have some semblance of indian summer yet) because the temps for the coming week are to be in the 50's, quite crisp! I do hope to get my doors painted this week, something I have been waiting to do until I came into possession of the power washer. Luke brought it with him last week from his dad's as he was swinging back around and heading back to Seattle after having enjoyed a two-week vacation. But it started raining the day after he left and although we've had a couple nice days now this my first chance to get at it.

Anyway, I'm filthy and a bit damp and in need of a shower but wanted to drink a diet coke and catch my breath a minute so sat down for the first time today to see what is happening in the cyber-world. Might then bake an apple pie with some apples I picked up at the farmer's market on friday. Also picked up this stack of squash which I just put on the now sparkling clean porch - aren't they cute?

This Thomas Merton quote seems appropriate as I work at taking charge of my anxiety - "You do not need to know precisely what is happening, or exactly where it is all going. What you need is to recognize the possibilities and challenges offered by the present moment, and to embrace them with courage, faith and hope."

totally - cute overload!

Some days you just need to smile, ya know?! This website (www.cuteoverload.com) never fails to warm my heart, and it definitely drew a laugh today. Given it has been dark and dreary for days now I have had a hard time staying out of the kitchen so as to avoid moments like this for myself, lol!