Monday, December 31, 2007

Farewell '07


Are you like me in that turning the calendar from one year to the next makes you feel sad and happy all at the same time? Melancholy mixed with excitement, remembering all the things that happened that will never happen in quite the same way, if at all, again...while looking ahead and wondering about the new experiences waiting for us just around the corner. I will remember 2007 as a good year...a year I continued my journey with eyes that are a little more open. A year I got to know myself a little better, and came to the realization that I like the person looking at me in the mirror, I really do! It was a year I delved deeper into my spirituality, and my art...which really aren't two separate things at all. I made several new friends this year, but ended others. And still other friendships were deepened...layers were peeled back that showed me glimpses of what lies beneath, allowing greater understanding and greater respect and yes, greater love for the spirit housed in the physical bodies of those closest to me.

I end the year full of thankfulness to the Universe, for things past and things yet to be shown me. My hope for 2008 is that I will continue to open my eyes, my heart, my very soul...to experience moments fully...to inhale deeply and breathe in all that makes up this wondrous life...and I wish the very same for you!

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

oh johnny....


johnny_depp
Originally uploaded by stylinbabe1
Damn! It just doesn't get any better than this....The.Sexiest.Man. EVER. This pic has been the wallpaper on my work computer for a couple of weeks now, and every morning, even Monday! it makes me smile when my computer comes on...guess you could say I get turned on when my computer gets turned on....LOL Can't wait to see his new movie, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. He's all gouled out in it but still hot hot hot IMO....mmmmm....Johnny Johnny Johnny.....

Friday, November 23, 2007

Mr. Puss


Mr. Puss 11-20-07
Originally uploaded by stylinbabe1
Playing some more with pics and had to post this cutie....plus I think I've found a way to post pics here a lot easier!

Looooong weekend

What could be better? Yesterday was exhausting but wonderful...I had 3 friends over for Thanksgiving dinner and enjoyed every minute of it/them. Me and hubby received an invitation from some other friends of ours to join them at their beach place for the remainder of the weekend but we declined. I have a lot of catching up to do on homework (school sucks!!) and I want to get most of my web site completed this weekend. Hubby is busy too, and I have another MRI scheduled for Saturday morning, so there was no question that we couldn't go. I have been playing around with photos, as you can see on my sidebar...there's no way I can sit at a computer and not play a little bit! I've been a bum in my PJs all day, but now must get in the shower and make myself presentable...it's date night! Hope you are having a peaceful holiday weekend!

Monday, November 12, 2007

I wanna run away.....

I want to grab the human I love most on this earth by the hand and escape....maybe just take a big jump into the sky and float up into the heavens, locked in an eternal kiss....a hot passionate kiss...leaving reality as we know it in our dust....

Saturday, November 10, 2007

Gratitude Overflowing

One of the reasons I don't blog very often is due to the time it takes to upload pics to go along with the post. Blog entries are so much more fulfilling and interesting to readers if there is some visual candy for them as well, so I have tried to keep things interesting and add pics. I've been giving this a lot of thought though, and have concluded that writing in this blog is as much, if not more, for me than for any readers who stop by. Writing is so therapeutic for me...if I have something on my mind or in my heart, it is a tremendous help for me to get it out by writing it. I have a word document at work that I open from time to time and just type sentences, or paragraphs, or sometimes even just words...when I give my feelings an outlet, it soothes me. This is not only true of sad or troubling emotions, but joyful ones as well. I have to get them out, they have to released. So I have decided to post more often, and not be concerned with whether or not I have an interesting pic to share. That's not to say I wont ever share a pic because I will, but I wanted to let my little handful of readers know that there wont be a pic with every entry. Ok, now that the "business" has been discussed, on to the reason for this post. Gratitude--oh, I am feeling so much gratitude this morning! Those of you who know me know that I live for the weekends to sleep late...I love-love-love to sleep in. But today, this chilly Saturday morning, I didn't sleep as late as usual. It's only 10 AM as I write this, and I've already had 2 cups of coffee and am about to start on my homework! But oh yea, back to gratitude. I know I am blessed for many reasons, but the source of this feeling today is my friends...my wonderful, amazing friends!! Last night I had dinner with a new friend, who I already feel like i've known forever (hi Emanuel!). This morning I have spoken to Mia on the phone, and have recieved emails from Kathy and Louie, and sent an email to Ellen....and I am just bursting with the joy that having these oh-so-precious friends bring me. And it doesn't stop there--there are many more of you, and you know who you are!--friends that I love just as dearly, but this is just a sampling of those I've communicated with today. So let me say THANK YOU to all of my friends, near and far, who bring so much joy to this lifetime, and who also help me through the times when joy seems to be at a minimum. Namaste!

Friday, September 21, 2007

First day of Autumn





I have been a very bad blogger. I think it’s ok for a blogger to be away unannounced for say, a week, but not this long. I just simply haven’t felt like sharing anything with anyone, and there are many reasons for this. I have been a little disheartened in the recent past by some goings-on at other blogs--discussion having to do with stealing designs and original ideas and all that goes along with that sort of thing. I mean really, original ideas are few and far between, and even though we may think an idea is ours, chances are it’s been done. We are exposed to so much these days, and images that we don’t even think we pay attention to are bound to be absorbed into us at some level, so who are we to say anything is “ours”? These “discussions” had absolutely nothing to do with me, but the issue has gotten under my skin for some reason, and put a damper on the enthusiasm I have felt over blogging in general. I have also been struggling with my own inner demon…ANGER. Why do I have so much anger inside me? It comes out in waves that knock me down and take away all reason and logic. At those times I have the ugliest thoughts and say the ugliest things, and have feelings toward people and things that leave me feeling ashamed and small and pathetic. I want to believe that the thoughts I have and the actions I take during those times are not the real me, but I’m afraid it is. I know I have a good heart, and I have a lot of love and light to share with those I choose to share it with. But that’s only part of me, and, I’m beginning to think, a very small part of me. I’m afraid the ugly, angry demon part is the strongest, and is winning. LOL…for those of you who watch Heros, sounds like Nicki/Jessica, doesn’t it? So anyway, I’m trying to explore this dark side and understand it and find ways to keep it in check. I have days that I am very successful, and others....not so much. Late last week I started feeling strongly that I wanted/needed a Buddha for my garden. So on Saturday I went to a yard art place and found the perfect one for me. Isn’t he beautiful? He looks like he belongs in that spot, don’t cha think? An immediate feeling of peacefulness comes over me when I look at him. I think it brings to mind the Buddhist philosophy of detachment, and letting things go. When I feel anger rising up, it helps to step back and detach myself from whatever has triggered it. My higher self knew how helpful the Buddha would be to me, and I am so glad I tuned in and listened. I am planning on framing a small pic of him to keep on my desk at work....which, next to driving, is the number one place I need to practice detachment. On a lighter note, I decided very last minute to go back to school this semester, and barely had enough time to register before classes started. The curriculum I am studying is Web Technology; with the goal of getting out of the “administrative assistant” field once and for all. I have two classes, both online. This is the first time I have taken online classes and I love it, and I’m hoping most of the classes are going to be in this format. I am doing really well so far, and that makes me feel more confident and all that jazz, which is always a good thing, And although I detest my job, I am going to try to hang in there until I finish school because really, would doing essentially the same thing at a different place be all that better? Maybe, but probably not. However, I am keeping my eyes and ears open and if any opps come my way, I will be open to them! And lastly, I will be having surgery on 10/5...nothing too major, but I will be off work for a few days recuperating. I’ve never looked forward to surgery so much in my life! Oh, and happy Fall!! <>

Monday, August 27, 2007

Blue Monday



I found this image on Flickr ( http://www.flickr.com/photos/socialenigma11/384849717/) and I hope the person it belongs to wont mind me using it here. It goes along so perfectly with how I have been feeling lately....sad, parched, lonely, frustrated, jealous, and yes, heartbroken. There are lots of things causing all these feelings to surface, but the two most recent have pushed me over the edge. One friend, who after this post I will not be using that word to refer to him again, is not being honest with me about some things, and I just don't understand it. I have known for quite a while now that we really weren't friends, that it was all one-sided anyway, and this current situation is just the confirmation i needed to know once and for all that this is really the case. Reality bites. And today another friend called to tell me that he is moving away at the end of October, and while I am happy for him if this is what he wants, it makes me sad that he wont be working just around the corner anymore. Sometimes all I need is to know that a friend is just around the corner, ya know?

Writing my feelings always makes me feel better; gets them out of me and releases some of the pressure. I also just wanted to post something to let those of you who do check in from time to time know that I am still around, just going through an emotionally tough period.

Wednesday, August 8, 2007

For the love of Earth

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I've been thinking a lot about the crisis our dear planet Earth is facing, and have been a little depressed about it. And then I get angry because I encounter people every day who seem to not even give a damn. So I've been on a soapbox at work about using disposable items when reusable items could be used instead. I am often the one who restocks our office breakroom supplies, and I announced that I will not bring another styrofoam cup onto the premises. The next day I brought, from my own kitchen cabinets, a coffee mug for the one other coffee drinker in our office to use. I sat it on his desk and told him I brought it for his use so he wont be contributing to the local landfill. He laughed, a really smart-ass laugh, and said I would die if I saw the amount his family contributes to the landfill. That only pissed me off, and I told him he was obviously a Republican since he has no regard for the environment...I know that was a little unfair because I suppose there are some Republicans who care (smile), but I was mad! And he has children...shouldn't people with kids care even more about the health of the Earth since their children and grandchildren will be the ones dealing with the consequences even more than their parents? Then the very next day we had 2 peeps from our former sister company over for a meeting. I brewed coffee as usual and one of the guys asked where our foam cups were cause he would like a cup. I told him why we didn't have any and explained why, then one of the other girls in the office offered to let him use her mug. The next day, the other guy (who didn't ask for coffee the day before) came to our office again for another meeting. He came into my office and said "Chandra you will proud of me. I brought a cup into work this morning so I wont be using disposables anymore. I hadn't even thought of it until you mentioned it yesterday." I was so happy that tears came to my eyes. See how little we have to do to help our planet? I know we are spoiled humans and don't like to make sacrifices, but even small changes such as this makes a huge difference when we all do it! There are numerous websites with information and tips on going green, so I urge you to check them out. Start small and urge others to do the same. Think of all the things this amazing planet gives to us...isn't it time we give a little love back to her? Here's a good place to start.

Monday, July 30, 2007

Changes

Today at work was the first day in our new office. It was tiring and hectic, but not nearly as bad as I had feared. That was mostly due to the hard work of Brandon, our sweet shipping clerk, who worked his ass off getting the stockroom organized. I really like Brandon, and tomorrow is his last day with us, as he is moving to Boone to go to college there. He’s been attending college in Greensboro but a school in Boone (Appalachia State maybe?) is better suited for what he’s majoring in, so he is moving. He will be sorely missed. We haven’t gotten his replacement hired yet, but we do have several resumes, and will begin interviewing ASAP. We received two resumes from retirees looking to work part time, and I hope one of them ends up getting the job. At lunch I visited the nearby Farmer’s Market that I had mentioned before and got tomatoes, cucumbers, cantaloupe and corn. I also discovered a fabric store that I didn’t know existed until today, so I will be checking that out soon. I have started gathering supplies to take to work for my lunchtime art making, and here is what I've got together so far:

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I wont be starting my art lunches tomorrow because we are having a lunch in honor of Brandon, but Wednesday I will shut my office door and lose myself in the paint.

Sunday, July 29, 2007

New Journal

Today the only artistic thing I've accomplished is painting the cover of a new journal. I am having a hard time taking the plunge into journaling so I think I'm just stalling by making more journals...LOL. But this one used to be Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs:

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This is what the front looks like now after several layers of gesso and paint:

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I planned on getting so many other things done today, but laundry and laziness intervened. Yesterday I got my new office all set up and talked to two friends I hadn't talked with in a while, so it's been a great weekend.

And just for kicks, here's a pic of my worktable:

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What a mess!

Thursday, July 26, 2007

Too much time on my hands...

Well, while I'm at work, anyway. Business is really slow right now, so I don't have nearly enough to do during my 8 hours here (yes, I am actually posting at work, a first for me). While this may sound good at first thought, trust me, it isn't. The days drag on and on, and my frustration grows more and more intense because there are so many other things (outside of work) I want to be doing! The office is moving Saturday, so most everything is packed and/or in a total state of chaos. I am a Virgo and therefore can't take much more of it! Thank goodness I will be leaving at 3 today...although the reason I'm leaving isn't too pleasant...let's just say it's medical, and leave it at that, shall we? I hope I feel well enough after my appointment to stop by Hobby Lobby. They have a 40% off coupon this week, and I want to use one to get some matt medium to keep at work for my lunchtime art escapes. And speaking of art, I have collected a box full of "stuff" that we didn't want to move to our new office that could one day end up in some projects...everything from hardware odds n' ends to old filters that we can't sell. If it looks halfway interesting, I'm keeping it! ***Sigh*** Two more hours to go till I can get out of here....

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Temperamental Tuesday

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It was a struggle to get through the day at work today. I am so unmotivated to do anything I'm supposed to do there, and just had to make myself do the bare minimum. It seems that there is always so much tension there, and I think it's beginning to take it's toll. Another thing that is bothering me is our office is moving--Friday is the final day at our current location. For the last year and a half I have been able to come home for lunch, so no matter how bad the days have been I have had a reprieve in the middle of it getting to come home to visit the kitties, and recently my husband as well, since he now works closer to home. But starting Monday I wont have that to look forward to, and to make matters worse the new office is in a rather secluded area of town, with no restaurants or stores to get anything for lunch. So I will begin brown bagging it on Monday too. The only saving grace is the farmers market is 4 miles from there, so I may go on Mondays and stock up on healthy things for the week, and only have to bring a few things in to supplement the fresh fruits and veggies I can get there. Another thing I plan on doing is beginning an art journal, finally, to be worked on during lunchtime. I really need my "me" time during the day, so my plan is to close my office door with my lunch and my journal and have an hour alone. I just hope my office mates will respect that...they are much more social than I am, and want to talk talk talk, so we will see....I may have to take my journal and lunch and go sit in a parking lot somewhere in order to get peace and quiet, we will just see how it goes. Since I'm starting this journal, I ordered some Caran D'Ache neocolor II crayons, a small set of 15...I just love how they look all nice and new in their little case:

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And the pic at the top is another piece of mailart I am sending, which will include this ATC:

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I am still loving the vintage nudes!

Sunday, July 22, 2007

Lazy Sunday

I snapped this pic while Max was looking out the bathroom window yesterday:

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Hubby didn't get it, but I thought it was adorable. Here is a pic of my favorite piece of spray art I've created thus far. It was done mostly by pressing wet stencils over the page...as I use them on one piece, just slap the wet stencil on something else for a cool monoprint:

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And here's Mr Puss in his favorite spot...in our bed between my and hubby's pillows, where he knows he will get lots of lovin':

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Hope you're having a fab weekend!

Thursday, July 19, 2007

Crusade No. 10





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This month's crusade over at Michelle Wards's GPP Street Team blog is to send mailart, so I am! I apologize for the horrible pics, but hopefully you will be able to get the general idea of them. Two were spray painted and one was painted with acrylics. I used paint, stencils, stamps, homemade stickers, and holy paper.


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Two of the peeps getting them are expecting something, and the other one doesn't have a clue. I sent these three out today and am going to finish up a fourth this weekend that isn't pictured yet, but I will post it when it's done. These three contain an assortment of goodies, and an ATC will be sent in the fourth. It was a blast doing them!! I even painted the address labels to coordinate with the envelopes, then wrote the addresses on with a Sharpie. I got postage stamps with different values so I could load up the envelope with an assortment of them as well. I wonder if postal employees hate mailart or if it brightens their day?

Monday, July 16, 2007

The necklace





At long last here are a couple of pics of the necklace I made a few weeks ago. I tried to do a Nina knot to attach the key, and again on either side of the glass rondelles between the lengths of chain....doesn't look too bad, especially considering I haven't been able to learn from the master yet and just did my own interpretation. Click on the pics for a better look. Somehow I ended up with my maternal Grandmother's old foot-peddle sewing machine, the kind that has it's own base, and the top lifts up and you pull the machine out, etc. There are drawers in the base, and in one of those drawers I found two old keys, one of which ended up on this necklace. My Grandmother died before I was even born, so I never got to know her, and I don't have a clue what the key could have been to. But regardless of what the key opened up, it's fun having a piece of family history incorporated into something I can wear and tell people about if they happen to ask.

Monday, July 2, 2007

Big Love

Man, where has the time gone!!!??? The good thing about it going so fast is getting past some of the hot weather we've been having. If I could jump straight to September I think I would. I've had so much going on, and the best news is my "dark" state of mind is behind me, and my back hasn't felt this good since I don't remember when. Don't know what to attribute that to, because the main thing that's changed is my attitude....yea, I definitely think there's a connection!! We bought a sleep number bed but it is only being delivered tomorrow, so I may feel even better in a couple of days. And speaking of tomorrow, it's my anniversary! Twelve years married to hubby Jeff, and we dated/lived together a year before that, so we've been together thirteen years. We're going out to our fav place to eat, and who knows what else we'll get into...we will have a new bed, ya know! Over the weekend we moved furniture around, turning the guest room back into only a guest room, and moving my computer into my craft room. This took away some of the stroage space in my craft room, so I promtly installed a tier of wall shelves, and am now faced with having to organize yet again. It's a labor of love though, there's no other room of the house I'd rather spend time in. I'm still madly in love with spraypainting, and plan to do more of that Wednesday when I'm off work. I also made a cool necklace that I will post pics of soon. Now I'm off to watch one of the two TV shows I'm watching right now(the name of this post!). Ciao!

Sunday, June 17, 2007

Save a horse, ride a cowboy

That's one of the songs played at the reception, and it's just stuck in my head since last night's wedding. It was a very sweet, emotional ceremony, with both the bride and groom crying heartfelt sobs while exchanging vows. If there were any dry female eyes after Gisele said her vows, that wasn't the case when Jr. finished his. It was incredibly touching seeing a man break down while communicating his feelings to the woman he loves...if only more would follow suit and prove to us girls once and for all that males really do have emotions (I know, I know, but MOST men never show them!!). Wedding ceremonies are usually always short, but this one was VERY short, with no songs played during it. I liked that, cause I hate sitting there listening to some sappy love song while the couple stands there gazing into each other's eyes. Another thing that was way different from the weddings I've attended in years past was the cake--there was only one cake, instead of "the" cake and a groom's cake, and it was chocolate with chocolate icing, and there wasn't a plastic person in site! It was delish too! After dinner was served the tables were pushed back and dancing commenced. I was one of the few who stayed in my seat watching others twist and shout. It was too hot for all that movement (the whole event took place outdoors) and besides, it was nice being a spectator. Here is the happy couple during their first dance:

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There is a shadow on Gisele's face, but that's what I get for remaining in my chair trying to get a picture. It's sad, but the only other pic I took was of the centerpiece on our table. It was 3 Mason jars, each with a candle, with ribbons tied onto the mouths, sitting on 2 squares of fabric with a few silk daisies scattered about. After it got dark the whole area was just transformed by these simple but beautiful arrangements, on every table, and I wanted to capture a little bit of that:

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I am becoming such a social misfit that it's hard for me to take pics when people know I am taking it, even if it's of people I know and love. Another one of my quirks I guess. I wanted to get pics of Jr. and Jeff, who have been friends since they were about 15. I wanted to get pics of Jr.'s mom, Karen, who is our dear friend as well, and her new husband, Earl....but that just didn't happen. Both couples (Jr. & Gisele, and Karen & Earl) have each promised to come spend a weekend with us sometime in the near future, so that is added motivation to get the guest room in order! But not today, and not this week, even, as next weekend already has it's plans made, for the most part. In the meantime, though, I bought some new "stencils" at the $1 store I am itching to try out...with the spray paint of course!!

Thursday, June 14, 2007

Into the Light

I have been in a dark, dark place lately, and I don't mean because I've run out of light bulbs. It's been so bad I can barely stand myself at times. Usually when I get this way--which is a lot less frequently than I used to, thank you Universe!--something will happen, something small, that will snap me out of it. Today that something was an email from a friend that I haven't known that long, Jane. She reminded me of something that I already know, and believe, but had somehow lost sight of in all the blackness that had engulfed me. She reminded me that I can change the way I think. That one little reminder ignited that little spark down deep inside me, and like any fire, it burned brighter and brighter. And as it melted those frozen parts of me, I began to think of various other beliefs I hold, like my philosophy on forgiveness and being a victim, etc. (which I don't have the energy to go into right now) and thinking about all those things have put me in a much better place tonight. So thank you Jane--thank you so much for being the messenger of that one little thing I so desperately needed.

And no, I haven't forgotten the pics of the pants:
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The swirl design in the first pic is the stencil I made. I got carried away and sprayed too much paint for it, and when I wore the pants yesterday the paint began to crack and flake off a little, so I know when I wash them quite a bit of it will come off. I scratched an area off though, and I think even if it does fade in the wash it will be ok. I thought there was too much contrast between the black paint and the beige pants, so I over-sprayed a little, and kinda let the paint nozzle drip to get some little blobs of paint here and there. I like the way they turned out, but before I wash them I'm gonna put something on the back side. It looks funny because the front is decorated and the back is naked.

This weekend we are off to Tennessee for a wedding, so this will be my last post for a few days. Tonight I am thankful for ALL the friends I have who help me through this crazy life. Thank you--Thank you--Thank you!!!

Monday, June 11, 2007

Cryin' in the rain

That's what I did...but let me start from the beginning....today was an awful day from the start because I was in pain from the moment I stepped out of bed....hell, from the moment I reached to turn the alarm off. I have no idea what's going on with my back, but that's another story. Work is never pleasant, simply because I am in close proximity to people who drive me nuts on a good day, and who I fantasize about running over with a truck on bad ones. So that combined with the pain made for one helluva Monday. BUT THEN....I pull into the driveway at home right in front of my hubby. I am getting groceries out of the car as he gets the mail, and we walk in together....he says "you've got 2 things here", referring to the mail. One glance at the envelopes and I know exactly what they are. So I hurriedly put the groceries away, make myself a STIFF vodka & cran juice, and take my drink and my mail to my favorite chair. The smaller envelope is from Jane--the prize I won in her random blog drawing. It a package of various handmade papers, included some she "rusted", and a little pouch that looks to be made out of sisal. It is adorable and the papers are FAB! Thanks Jane!!! Then onto the bigger envelope, which is Gina Armfield's new zine, Artful Purpose. It is the very first issue and is dedicated to art journaling. There are tons of ideas and tips, and also interviews with several artists, including Nina! Well you know I loved that, since I love Nina! Gina also included other goodies with the mag--an alphabet stencil, an altered tag, a moo card, some joss paper, and some tabs. Check out her blog if you are interested in getting this mag, if there are any left, or a future mag if she does anymore. So by that time I was feeling much better, and to top things off it had started to storm....just some mild thunder and a few flashes of lightening, but since I love storms, I wanted to be closer. So I went out on the deck, where it was just sprinking rain, and sat down in my adirondack chair. It was so relaxing, just sitting there hearing the storm, with rain falling on my legs (my upper body was protected since it was under an overhang on the house). Then I started to cry. I am a real big cryer if I let myself get started, so I really try to keep the crying to a minimum. During a cry my eyes always swell up, and my sinuses start pitching a fit and I feel like shit later, so I would rather just avoid all that by not crying. But tonight it was like I was making up for lost time, because the stronger the storm got the harder and louder I cried. I was thinking about reading the magazine, with all the stories and tidbits about artists who are following their dreams and doing what they love, and then there's me, going to a job every day that I can barely tolerate. I have hopes and dreams, but don't have a clue how to make them happen. Why can't I be doing something I love, something I look forward to, instead of waking up with dread every day. Yea, I was having one big pity party. I sat there and cried for about 20 minutes, and then realized my jeans were soaked and I was shivering, so I reluctantly came inside and went up to change clothes. I cried a little more before I got it all out of my system, and then I was ok. I had read something in Gina's mag about how to use an existing book as a journal by ripping the guts out of it and going from there, so I got involved in doing that and felt back to normal. I did spray paint those pants yesterday, and I will post pics tomorrow, hopefully. I like them but don't know how they will hold up in the wash, because I think I used too much paint, but I am gonna wear them tomorrow, which hopefully will be a better day....no, it WILL BE a better day!!!!

Sunday, June 10, 2007

Finally!




I finally did some spray painting! I sprayed 3 sheets of regular printer paper because I didn't want to mess up my card stock till I learned the ropes. The biggest thing I learned is how the force of the paint coming out of the can can move the stencil around. As a result I now have a partial spray paint manicure. Next time I plan to have something, like a wooden skewer maybe, to help hold stuff down and also to wear rubber gloves. I kept worrying about the camera because I would get carried away spraying and then think OMG where is the camera? Luckily I managed to keep paint off it. Two cool stencils I used were made of fabric--a piece of lace and a piece of mesh-like fabric. Here is how the lace looks:
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I stopped after 3 pieces because my table was in the sun and my shirt was getting wet from sweat, but I left everything out so when the deck is out of the sun later this afternoon I can paint some more. I am finished with the stencil I made to use on my pants, it is drying as we speak (I had to glue 2 stencil blanks together because it's so big). I may even try that this afternoon.....!!!!!

Tuesday, June 5, 2007

Evening storms.....

...I absolutely love them. Last night I sat at the open sliding glass doors till it rained so hard it started splattering in on me and the cats. Tonight I practically hung out my craft room window watching the lightening and feeling the wind as it blowed the trees in my backyard around. Storms just mesmerize me, and help me connect with something deep inside me, which is exactly what I need right now. Something else I sorely needed was the amazing massage I got earlier this evening. My back still isn't well, but after that it is tons better. I have been going to the same massage therapist, Steve, off and on for about 4 years now, and he does amazing work. He pampers me and gives me exactly the kind of massage I want...deep tissue here, soft touch there.....lights low so I can zone out, hot stones on my spine....YUM. I go once a month, and I wish I could go every 2 weeks. Besides relaxing me, it makes me feel more in touch with my body, making me feel more present in it, somehow. If you don't get regular massages, start immediately. Find a therapist you are 100% comfortable with who will give you the kind of massage you want, not just a cookie cutter treatment everyone gets. You will be amazed at the difference you feel, both physically and mentally. Tomorrow night is book group, and of course I am looking forward to that. This month we are discussing "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls--a very interesting book that should make for some interesting discussions.
Ciao!

Sunday, June 3, 2007

I won!

Every month Jane at Random Arts picks a name from all those who left a comment on her blog the previous month and sends them a surprise, and my name was picked for June! I can't wait to get my surprise, cause anything from Random Arts will be way cool! Thanks so much Jane!! I have been meaning to take a day and drive over to visit, but now I'm thinking I should make it an overnight trip to make it easier on myself. And speaking of myself, my back is at it again! I woke up with it hurting a little yesterday, and as the day wore on it only got worse. I took pain pills and big glasses of wine to try to get relief last night and while it eased off some, it didn't go away. This morning was OMG!!! pain...I think this is the worst it's ever been. I took a muscle relaxer and 3 ibus, and am sitting here with the heating pad on it. So needless to say there will be no spray painting today. Besides, we're getting much needed rain here today (thank you Universe!) so I couldn't spray paint if I was able. So I am going to work on my naked collage sheets...LOL. I did go to Sadies yesterday and got some soap and jojoba oil. I love that shop! I was gonna take my camera and get a pic inside the shop because the soaps are just beautiful but I forgot it, so I took a pic of the soaps that came home with me (though not a very good one) :
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From left to right is Lemon Tea Tree Sage, Rise N Shine (with peppermint), and Rosemary Zinger. They all smell FAB!!

Saturday, June 2, 2007

June 2nd

I've got some fog in my brain today and didn't want to think about a title for this post....LOL. Hard to believe it's June already. Being a cold weather kinda gal, Summer is my least favorite time of year and I am already dreading the smoldering days ahead. I've been trying to stop that--dreading things--and just deal with life on a day-to-day basis. It sure makes things easier when I manage to do that, but like anything it's taking some practice to learn a new habit. Artistically (is that a word?), I plan on trying my hand at some of the spray painting techniques like those published in Somerset Studio by Michelle Ward and Lisa Hoffman (check out their blogs via the links on the left). I am so good at buying all the necessary things to do a project, but when it actually comes to doing it, that's another story. I have a pair of capri pants that I love that got bleach on them, and my plan is to spraypaint a design over that spot. The main thing standing in my way is the stencil I want to use, because I have to make it since I can't find the design I want to use. I have it drawn out on paper, now it's just a matter of tracing it onto the stencil blank and cutting it out. If I play with the paints I will post a pic. I have also been gearing up to make some ATCs. I am so into vintage nudes, and I purchased a 3 cd set of pics off Ebay...30,000 images!!! So I am in the process of compiling my own collage sheets with my favorite images and going from there. I also found a book at Goodwill, called "Charm", copyright 1964, that has all kinds of tips for ladies ranging from how to assemble the proper wardrobe to how to keep those pesky emotions in check at the office. It's a hoot to say the least, and I'm gonna head over to the new FedEx Kinkos near my house to make some copies to use in my naughty ATCs.

Thursday, May 24, 2007

Artist Eyes





Lately I've been perceiving everything through what i've been calling my "artist's eyes". Most everything I come into contact with is sparking idea after idea, and I've never felt more creative. It's hard to explain, but I like it! Now I just need to go with it and actualy make something! I have a zillion things to do tonight to prepare for my Vegas trip, so I gotta keep it short. Today's pics are: The cover for the journal I am putting together tonight to take on my trip; my sweet little Mr Puss eating and looking through the glass door; and lastly a shot from my garden, which is a little washed out due to the way the sun was shining through the surrounding leaves. Have a FAB holiday weekend!!

Sunday, May 20, 2007

Uninspired

That word sums up how i've felt this weekend...no inspiration, no motivation, no nothing. I intended to put a little journal together this weekend to take on my trip to Vegas next weekend, but keep getting stuck. I know what my biggest problem is: FEAR. Although I know better, I get upset when I make something I'm not happy with, and when this happens, I get in an even worse place mentally than I was when I started. Why can't I free myself from fear, and just play and create and have fun? I keep telling my inner critic to go f**k himself, but so far he hasn't listened. Are you ever held hostage by fear, and if so, how do you overcome it? I would love to hear what you have to say on this. In the meantime, I'm gonna go try to coax my inner artist out of hiding...

Thursday, May 17, 2007

I scored!




I know a lot of you reading this can relate....I was driving through the neighborhood on my way home for lunch and noticed a big pile of stuff by the curb that someone had put out for the garbage collectors. I always slow down to take in these heaps of potential to see if there is something I need to rescue. Today nothing jumped out at me, but there was a door with a ripped screen in it standing up by the garbage can. I continued on home but it dawned on me that I could cut the screen out of it's frame easily with my exacto knife and just leave the frame there to be picked up, and that's exactly what I did! What a rush! The screen has tons of potential uses, I got it free, and I kept a little something from going to the landfill! YEAH! Here are some pics of what I discovered on my deck this past Saturday. Click on the images to make them bigger. I told Mr. Snake he could live peacefully under my deck if he didn't harm the babes....so far he has kept his end of the deal.

Saturday, May 12, 2007

The weekend is here!




Oh, how I live for weekends...it's sad really, that the other 5 days of the week are spent wishing for the all important 2 days to get here. I try not to wish them away, but always end up doing so. I love getting up when I want to get up, being able to lounge around gazing out at my garden with a cup of coffee, no rushing at all to be anywhere or do anything. I like having a whole day before me to do what I want to do, not what someone else dictates I have to do....ahhh, maybe tonight's the night I win the lottery!! Then my days will be filled with artistic pursuits and runaway creativity.....Those of you who are able to live your life day in and day out doing what you truly want to be doing are so lucky, and don't ever forget how blessed you are!! I have started to rearrange my studio (aka the guest room I took over!) to make more space for storage. My workspace is always so piled up that I can't find a clear space to work, so my goal is to create more storage space so things can easily be put in their place and not accumulate on my work surface. I hope to have this project completed by Sunday night. Today I am also going to play with the techniques I learned in Traci Bautista's class, with the goal of creating a manilla folder booklet like she demonstrated in class. I am going to Vegas in a couple of weeks and thought that would be a lighweight alterantive to a journal to take with me, and it will have pockets to store any ephemera I happen to come across while there. Here are pics of a few of the altered "doodads" from Art & Soul....they were simpy amazing. I don't know which one ended up winning....if anyone knows, leave a comment! Have a fabulous weekend!!!

Thursday, May 10, 2007

A disappointing day





Oh, where do I begin? I woke up feeling good and looking forward to the day. I was to meet my friend Imran for lunch and my friend Debbie later tonight at the Barnes & Noble cafe to hang out and catch up. Then I learn from hubby that he thinks our air conditioning unit isn't blowing out cool air as it should, but he's got too much on his plate right now so can I deal with it? He started a new job on Monday...more on that later. So of course I say I will take care of it. I called the heat & air place first thing, and they have a guy in the area who can come to my house late morning, and will call me when he's on his way so I can leave work and meet him. My boss had a meeting today at 1:00, so I knew I had to be back at work by then, because there are only 3 of us in the office and the other person went home sick. That means meeting the heat & air person is going to be my lunchtime. They called at 11:00 to say the guy is on his way. On my way home Imran called to finalize our lunch plans, so I told him what was going on and we decided that it would take him at least 30 minutes to get to me, so it would be better to reschedule. So that was disappointment #1. Now, about hubby's new job....it's a great opportunity for him, but the company is in a transition stage, so long hours are going to be required for the forseeable future. I understand that and I accept that. What I can't accept is going all day without getting so much as an email from him, let alone a phone call. He told me this morning he would call if he could, but I didn't think about him not being able to. I knew he was working with someone today to learn more about things, but didn't he take a lunch break? Didn't the guy he was working with go pee at some point? So all day, no word from him at all. Not even to check progress on the condition of the air conditioner, which is fine by the way. I am hurt deeply by this. Disappointment # 2. So after work I come home and freshen up, then go to Target for new filters for the AC unit, then to B&N to meet Deb. Although that was the highlight of my day, it was also disaappointment # 3. Without broadcasting too much of Deb's business on the WWW, I will say she is having some health issues. And today she looked so tired and worn out that it made my heart ache. So we didn't get to spend much time together, and that, combined with seeing her so fatigued, was a real bummer. I love her so much and I want to do something, anything, to help in some way, but I don't know what to do. I feel so helpless. So I came home. Meanwhile hubby had tried to get me 3 times on my cell....well, would you have answered?? I sure as hell didn't!! So we had words when I got home, and now here I am writing this while wiping away tears. Oh, I'll be ok. Check out these pics of more fabric collages from Leslie Riley's class. I’m gonna go have a beer mug full of wine…..

Wednesday, May 9, 2007

Happy hump day




Today was a much better day than yesterday, and I can think of 2 possible reasons why: first, I slept better last night and therefore felt more energized today, and second, I think it was good for me to get everything out by writing about my emotional state in yesterday's post. There have been nights that I have had something on my mind and just can't rest until I get up and write it down--just get it out of me. So I know how therapeautic blogging is going to be for me. Here are a few pics of some of the fabulous works that came out of the class I had with Leslie Riley at Art & Soul. Notice how the clothing is pleated and all the other details on the figures, although my picture-taking skills do not do them justice. I have others to show you, so just keep tuning in!

The Eve of 51

Just writing the title made me burst into tears.  Not for growing older...I'm thankful for every day in this lifetime.  Not for physical...