Macro Monday is easy to play, snap a macro (or close-up) photo, post it on your blog then go to Lisa's Chaos and sign Mr Linky.
You're in Luck!
To celebrate St. Patrick's Day last week, I made some more Artist Trading Cards. After much input from my daughter Jeanne and fiddling around with various media, the design was finalized.
This card uses homemade paper, watercolor, picot-edged satin ribbon, dried flowers, glittered stickers and a bit of my own handwriting done with felt pen.
There are 12 in this series, sent to my girlfriends and daughters. It's quite fun to make 'mini masterpieces' and share them. It's a great way to dig into the bowels of my studio, find some nearly-forgotten treasures, and spend an afternoon in creative bliss.
PostSecret is an ongoing community art project where people mail in their secrets anonymously on one side of a homemade postcard. I find it to be an insightful sociological experiment.
Today I related closely to only one secret:
My two oldest daughters are adopted by my husband. It's common to look at some of their trait and attribute them to him. I have to stop and remember that those traits cannot be inherited.
I've been able to make some significant progress on my stitchery this month, despite getting stuck for a couple weeks on the tip of the angel's wing.
Once again, it was a chart problem holding me up. The very tip of the angel's wing was a separate little chart that had to be lined up with the main chart. And once again, the dark lines on the little chart did not match up with the dark lines on the main chart.
I seem to have a problem with matching, because it was befuddling me to get the overlap line in place and count correctly to line up that angel wing tip. So I stuck my stitching on the other side of the room for a couple weeks and just glowered at it.
I made a couple attempts to re-mark the dark lines (failing miserably). I then tried to extend the chart and write the symbols in myself. That didn't work either. Or rather, it started out working, then got all messed up so I stopped and frogged the few stitches I'd put in.
I finally just took scissors to my chart (degradation!), lined the thing up, taped it in place, and marked the dark lines in the appropriate place.
All I can say is, I darn better like the finished product! This chart has given me far too many fits which kinda takes the fun out of stitching. But I'm back on track now.
The entire angel and background are in half cross stitch, so once I get going, the stitching proceeds fairly quickly.
I've got to say, this is probably the least methodically I've ever stitched a piece. I usually let the pattern grow from bottom to top. With this piece, I seem to be doing whatever is easiest first, just to see some progress so that I don't get discouraged all over again.
It's been a month since I last posted an update. It's nice to see the comparison. Ta Da!
I stopped at my favorite corner, and paid for another Lady of the Evening.
She was so inexpensive! Going rate?
Under $10.00 !!!
:: sigh ::
I have very little resistance to these lovely bejeweled gals. And this tart is not only dressed in satin, sequins and beads, but she wears a spray of embroidered flowers across her bosom.
She caught my eye from a distance.
As I approached, I was captivated by her beauty.
I'm smitten!
She tells me she's ready for her close-up:
I just might have to take her out for dinner and a dance.
Every Little Step I can't say enough good stuff about this movie! I just love it.
This documentary is a backstage, up-close look at the casting of a Broadway production. It follows hopeful dancers as they audition for coveted spots in the 2006 revival of "A Chorus Line."
This film draws parallels between the interactions of the aspiring actors and the events of the play. The filmmakers also intercut interview footage of composer Marvin Hamlisch and dancers from the original Broadway production.
The story is wonderful. The editing is spectacular. It makes a person want to get out there and try to dance.
PostSecret is an ongoing community art project where people mail in their secrets anonymously on one side of a homemade postcard. I find it to be an insightful sociological experiment.
Today's secrets have a common theme. Each depicts someone trying to understand why people react the way they do.
Who do they think they're kidding? What's so wrong about their natural color? They really think looking this way will give a better impression?
I say outlandish things tongue-in-cheek to make stick-up-the-'cheek' people uncomfortable.
... so my niece said. Who thought what about who's art?
Yeah. Neither do I. What's not to like? I'm incredible!
As a young adult, I didn't shave either. I was impressed by the honest reactions from kids. Adult reactions were a whole different ball of wax.
PostSecret is an ongoing community art project where people mail in their secrets anonymously on one side of a homemade postcard. I find it to be an insightful sociological experiment.
These three secrets gave me pause for reflection this week:
Every time I see a political family fail, I am saddened. Folks generally go into public service to make a positive difference in the community at large. Some have a golden touch. Edwards did. It's sad when their power goes awry and personal misdeeds derail entire careers.
This tweaks my curiosity and lets my brain play on a trampoline for a while. Should I dress slutty on my drive to California this summer? I'll have to ask my truck driving friend Don if slutty 50-something drivers sharing the road give him a rise. ;)
Indeed! But then ... laughing is the most important part of most relationships.
I may not get around to Macro Monday today, because my eldest daughter is visiting and I want to spend as much time with her as possible. Yet I'm posting now because a link to this video landed in my In Box last night, and I have a specific reason for sharing it.
At the beginning of this year, I decided that instead of writing up some hard-to-keep New Year's Resolutions, I would pick one activity each month and make it into a habit.
In January, it was "stop complaining." I was so tired of hearing the whine in my voice, that I wanted to make a significant change. That was a tough habit to start, but got easier as the month went on. Now, each time I do hear myself complaining, I catch myself quickly and find a way to turn the complaint into something else. Finding a way to turn it into an action that removes the reason I complained in the first place seems to be most effective.
In February, I added the habit of 15 min meditation each day. This one is also a little difficult. My mind is so busy, that I find it hard to settle down and simply be quiet. This is one habit where I had to force myself to honor this promise I made to myself. I think I missed only five days.
I do use the term 'meditation' very loosely. Most of the time I have a particular piece of music I listen to. I start out with some full-body stretches, then sit quietly on the couch with my eyes closed. I've gone up to 30 min this way. Other times I used guided imagery / self hypnosis. Still other times I use my walks or time on the elliptical as meditation. This morning I read an e-mail that I needed to ponder, so took my meditation time with a bowl of cereal and then just sat quietly thinking about my friend's situation and the response that might be most appropriate.
I also thought a lot about my husband and the changes we've made in our marriage in the last three years that have helped us grow closer than ever. Talk about a nice thing on which to spend some brain power!
For March, the habit I want to acquire is to write a note each day. Why? Because it makes my day when I receive a personal something in the mail, rather than simply the usual junk mail and bills. I figure a personal note might perk up a friend or two, too.
To that end, last month I decluttered a desk drawer. Now it holds only pretty notecards and stationery (I had a bunch tucked away in various places in my office). I gathered my nicest return address labels (and threw the ugly ones away!) I placed my favorite pen on top. I made sure to buy some postage stamps (so I don't have that excuse). I culled my sticker collection and kept some fun ones I can use on notes to people who are young at heart. I even found my sealing wax and rose stamp in case I want to send an elegant card to a friend.
I've decided that e-mail notes and letters are OK ... and I'll allow that to suffice if my time is short. However, most of the time I want to write a simple "Thinking of You" note or perhaps a "Thank You" card. I hope to write to a number of the folks on my Christmas card list -- these people are important in my life, yet I usually contact them but once a year.
That, of course, is how the video above fits into the habit I hope to hone this month.
So, Readers and Friends, I offer you a challenge. Can you go out of your way just ONCE this month to send a hand-written note to someone you love? It need not be long. It can be as simple as a greeting card with a signature, a two sentence thank you note, a "Having a good time, wish you were here" post card or even a long newsy letter. Don't think about it too hard; simply follow through on your good intention.
If you do write, let me know! You will inspire me to press on with my own writing habit.
* * * * *
Weekly Gratitude
For 52 weeks, count your blessings and document them once each week
PostSecret is an ongoing community art project where people mail in their secrets anonymously on one side of a homemade postcard. I find it to be an insightful sociological experiment.
This postcard hit the bullseye today.
I choose to live in balance, logic and wholeness each day. I choose to live my life in artistry.
I've mentioned my mentor, Flylady, many times on my blog. I read an essay from her today that touched my heart. She became a mentor to a half million women because she's been through hell and come out the other side. Now she teaches others what she learned along the way.
In this essay, she shared the secret of her darkest hours. It's worth sharing, because at the end, there is hope.
We have to do something to break this downward spiral. I am going to tell you a secret of mine. Several years ago, I was severely depressed. They admitted me to the hospital, because I was suicidal. Things just kept piling on. I needed help, but I didn't know it. A friend made me think I was helping her by going with her to her psychologist. She had made the appointment for me. I saw the therapist and then the next thing I knew I was in a 10 day treatment center. It happened that fast.
I looked awful; sweat pants, long stringy oily hair, over weight, no makeup, and a don't care attitude. I was in a room with a flight attendent and another lady that was beautiful. My first assignment was to clean up, it was their job to give me a make-over. WOW
I never dreamed that changing a few things on the outside could make me feel so good on the inside. Now I am crying as I remember the overwhelming difference this exercise has made in my life today. I would carry myself different; I had a confidence that came from some where. I didn't know where at the time. My walk had changed, along with attitude and spirit.
I know what it is to wander through days in depression. Because of Flylady's help, I was up, showered and dressed by 6:30 this morning. I'd cleaned the bathroom and mapped out my day before computer time.
Little steps, certainly.
But these little steps have led me to this fuller, happier life. It can happen for all. It's up to you to take that first step.
In the words of Padre Pio:
Be content to progress in slow steps until you have legs to run and wings with which to fly.
Bob is one of my heroes. He's already made over 400 Kiva loans. When I grow up, I want to be like Bob!
So last night I made my 34th Kiva loan. This time I got to help Luafitu Tusagi in Samoa buy supplies for her sewing business. Luafitu buys fabric, prints it in bold designs, then creates traditional garments called lavalavas and puletesis.
Won't you consider making a loan, too? I'm part of a Kiva lending team called Needles for Change. Our goal is for female needleworks in the developed world to help needleworkers, sewing professionals, embroiderers, tailors and fabric merchants in the developing world. When you decide to make a loan, I hope you'll consider joining this lending team . Leave a comment and I'll send you an official invitation.
I've been going through my craft/hobby/needlework library all afternoon. Time to bless others with some of my stash.
Edited 2/25/10: This booklet found a new home. Thanks to all who showed interest.
I have an extra copy of Janice Love's classic book on Hardanger embroidery, Basics and Beyond.
It's in like-new condition and originally sells for around $15.00. I like it to find a new home with someone that can use this excellent reference tool.
It's free to the lucky recipient. I'll pay shipping ... US only, please.
I had some fun playing in my photo/paint program today. First I turned it into gray scale. Fiddled with the contrast. Colorized it. Added a hot wax coating.
I like the way the veins stick out ... the toes look gnarly ... the blemishes are pronounced ... and the strips of light play across the leg.
[ click for the high res image ... it's worth it ] Quite the artsy effect!
PostSecret is an ongoing community art project where people mail in their secrets anonymously on one side of a homemade postcard. I find it to be an insightful sociological experiment.
These three secrets gave me a smile today.
This card was an "Easter Egg." The name of the image is "iknowaderek."I know a Derek, too. A daughter's friend acts like she knows everything, but continues to make immature choices. My daughter finally came to realize that her friend was full of hot air. It only took half a decade.
This was another "Easter Egg." The name of the image is "fakeittillyoumakeit."That was my exact thought when I read the card. When I'm in the midst of a crisis, I just try to soldier on. I don't feel courageous. I feel like I'm faking it. Years later, looking back, I can see how courageous I was.
The good thing about giving your the passion of your adolescence is that you can pick it up again when you get older and stop caring too much about what other people think. It's not too late to live your passion. It might, however, reveal itself in a metamorphosed form.
He called me from work yesterday. Asked if I'd like to join him for lunch. I popped into his office and waited as he finished up a task.
The light from the Venetian blinds cast interesting shadows on the wall and across his face. He allowed me to snap a few pictures with my phone's camera.
I'm incredibly grateful for this man. He works hard and provides well for his family. He's smart. He's funny. He's kind. He's forgiving. He's generous. He's a visionary.
He is, quite simply, the best man I know.
And I get to be his wife -- a label I'm proud and honored to bear.
Each day as Dale heads off to work, I ask if there's anything I can do for him here at home. Today's answer?
"Yes." [pause] "Have a Starburst Day."
Meaning, take the day to stitch and be creative and indulge my soul. When I've had a Starburst Day, Dale gets to return home and start the weekend with a very content partner.
So today, I'm grateful for my husband, my mate, my partner, my lover, my friend, my confidant, my nemeses. He keeps me safe and loved and challenged. Always challenged.
I am filled to overflowing.
* * * * *
Weekly Gratitude For 52 weeks, count your blessings and document them once each week
Macro Monday is easy to play, snap a macro (or close-up) photo, post it on your blog then go to Lisa's Chaos and sign Mr Linky.
Artist Trading Cards
I tried my hand at creating Artist Trading Cards.
Card stock, homemade paper, recycled ribbon,
lace, aida, silk ribbon embroidery, words of inspiration.
I made a series of 15 cards.
14 of them already have homes.
If you'd like to receive an ATC from me,
leave a comment with your e-mail address.
I'll pick one lucky winner on Friday, February 19.
I'll send you this ATC.
If you like,
you can send one back to me in exchange.
Artist Trading Cards (or ATCs) are miniature works of art about the same size as modern baseball cards (2.5 inches by 3.5 inches). Cards are produced in various media and are usually traded or exchanged rather than sold. Artist trading cards can be seen as the modern incarnation of several much older artistic forms. Because of their small size, they have been linked to portrait miniatures, which flourished in the 14th century and to the cards traded between artists to study each other's techniques and explore new art movements.
PostSecret is an ongoing community art project where people mail in their secrets anonymously on one side of a homemade postcard. I find it to be an insightful sociological experiment.
To celebrate St. Patrick's Day last week, I made some more Artist Trading Cards. After much input from my daughter Jeanne and fiddling around with various media, the design was finalized.
This card uses homemade paper, watercolor, picot-edged satin ribbon, dried flowers, glittered stickers and a bit of my own handwriting done with felt pen.
There are 12 in this series, sent to my girlfriends and daughters. It's quite fun to make 'mini masterpieces' and share them. It's a great way to dig into the bowels of my studio, find some nearly-forgotten treasures, and spend an afternoon in creative bliss.
