The feather...

I haven't a story to tell you today.

All that I have is a feather.

The passing of a dear friend's brother just last night was heavy on my mind all day.

I painted feathers on sympathy cards...

and this one in my art journal.

I let the watercolors run...

Which to me, represented tear drops.

He was only a couple of years ahead of me and was often in our teenage business, as big brothers are.

Back then, we were quite annoyed.

My heart aches for my friend and her other siblings.

Art always puts things into perspective for me.

Life is short and should be cherished every single day.

I ended today with the final chapter of a book...

On the patio.

Admiring the sky and the sound of the wind chimes.

Peace to all!

XO

 

A Traveling Twist...

Home Sweet Home!

I find myself whispering these words,under my breath, often this week!

A trip to visit my now 50 year old friend, Lori, turned out to be a 9 day journey to 2 different cities in Kansas...

and not really knowing exactly when I would be returning back home since I was a passenger!

We will start the story in Wichita, Kansas.

 

Once I arrived at Lori's house, we did not waste any time in starting on the huge, wood photo booth bus for her hippie themed 50th birthday party!

We painted for two days, on her patio. We had sunshine, we had a few patches of grey, overcast skies. We had 70's music playing.

We had wonderful grilled meals, along with oh so pretty salads.

We had fun and good conversation.

Once the project was completed, we did get out to a few shops in Old Town.

I did not get to stay for the big birthday bash.

My uncle passed away...

So on to my home town I went to attend the funeral service and to enjoy time with my family.

I absolutely love hanging out with my parents!

We spent a couple of days exploring small surrounding towns, visiting antique malls and shops. We dined out, visited friends. Found serenity and I always find a new appreciation for the landmarks that I passed nearly daily for 45 years... but never really observed.

It's the little things and this place, these people...

Will always be "home" also.

Home sweet home.

Back in my own bed at night, loving our newly remodeled kitchen and living room!

Trying to get our home clean now and re-decorated has been my primary focus. Laundry, grocery shopping too!

My wonderful hubby and I catch up over coffee and food from "The Waffle House" on a cold, rainy night in between errands.

I am trying to get back into my routine, but have committed to some substituting at school. (Now just wishing to be done with that because I need my quiet, creative lifestyle more so).

I know me.

I long to just journal with a cup of tea.

No commitments for awhile.

Soon.

Very soon.

I hope that you are loving life!

Until next time,

XO

 

Fun art & swapping...

Well, hello there!

How are things in your corner of the world?

Is your weather playing tricks on you, as mine is here on the prairie? One day it is 40 degrees outside but then on Friday and Saturday it was a glorious 70 degrees here! I wore sandals! Oh, joy!!!

Cold and raining today. Seriously.

Perfect days for Happy mail, wouldn't you agree?

I sent this "Bird theme art swap" out just last week.

My recipient did get it and it did brighten her day! I think that it is safe to say that I am enjoying this group very much! I cannot seem to link it to this post, but if you would like to join in on the swapping of art, search for " Art Exchange, Happy Mail Love" on facebook. Several new theme swaps were just posted last week so you will have plenty of time to look them over and select the themes that interest you!

Here is a peek of some ACEO's that I painted over the weekend...

many of them for the theme swaps.

"CIRCLES" theme.

" CROWN" theme.

" DEER GIRL" theme.

And these vintage trailers were painted simply for fun! You see, my best friend, Lori (Also in the " Art Exchange, Happy Mail Love" facebook group), came for a three day stay! Yay!!!

We spent many many hours painting.

We tried our hands at abstract...

sipped coffee.

watched 80's movies.

laughed out loud.

instagrammed.

and painted again and again.

Oh, how I love these girly visits and yes... I got teary-eyed when I watched Lori pull out of my driveway on Monday. I never want the fun to end!

I am so glad that Lori was here to witness this pretty sky. The photo does not show the lovely pink that was quite present.

Breathtaking.

Yesterday I returned to my routine. Smiling as I reflected on the new memories made with my special friend.

Grateful for them and for her.

I do hope that you created your own wonderful memories over the weekend!

I will return soon!

XO

 

Let's talk journals...

Oh, dear.

January is moving so quickly (but I am okay with that because I do prefer sunny and warm months).

I live in my own little corner of the world, quietly painting. I do not get out much, especially when it is so cold outside...

however, this past three day weekend I did have a reason to throw on some jeans and a real blouse.

Since this rarely occurs, I felt the need to snap a selfie to send to my darling husband, who was off on one of his "guys trips". Just after taking this photo, my best friend, Lori, arrived with all of her luggage and art supplies! Yes, indeed... it was time for our "Girls' weekend" and we kicked it off with a Friday night outing in downtown Lawrence. We were on a mission to seek out some vintage books from the used book stores.

We found this fabulous childrens' book! A perfect cover for creating a journal with!

Of course, while downtown, we popped into the "hippie shop" and I added two new t-shirts to my wardrobe. We also had sushi at my favorite sushi restaurant! My mouth is watering all over again just typing this! Delightful!

Once back home, here on the prairie...

we changed into our weekend pajamas and for the next few days it was all about art, creativity, more yummy food, coffee, late nights, scary tv programs, great conversation, and laughter!

Childrens' book was turned into a new art journal filled with lovely watercolor paper pages.

The fairy lights shined brightly wee hours of the nights.

We were on a roll and on Saturday we created a smaller journal with a hand made cover.

We were so very proud of our creations and naturally, we had to just sit and admire the journals for awhile.

We even crammed some online mixed media classes into our weekend!

We always feel that the time goes by too fast. I absolutely love our girls' weekends and cherish each memory made with Lori. (friends since 7th grade... we have certainly made quite a collection of memories)!

Monday was a difficult day for me emotionally, when Lori left...

and I was once again alone in my very quiet reality. (hubby was still working).This happens to me every time loved ones come... and then must go. This is truly the most challenging thing about leaving a home town to begin a new life, miles away.

I pulled out my current journal and spilled my sadness onto the pages.

Sometimes it takes a day or two before I bounce back to my happy self, loving this beautiful life and feeling very blessed. Right down to the simple pleasures that I thrive on, such as hanging laundry out to dry so that I can smell that fresh outdoors while sleeping!

I will always miss my family, friends, and many things about my home town. I was there 40-something years.

But then I realize that what I have now, is everything that I once wished for.

I look back through my art journals and witness the growth, the pain, the sacrifices, the change...

yes.

My reality rocks!

Blessings to you!

XO

 

Celebrate Halloween!

The wind is howling just outside my windows.

A crisp chill has made it's way into the house. That old familiar chill that forces me to quickly jump out of bed in the morning hours and grab my fleece robe that has hung on the bathroom door hook for months.

 

It's such a beautiful season, indeed.

I cannot even imagine living somewhere else, where there are no Fall colors and the sound of crunching leaves beneath my feet when I venture out.

 

To me, this is the season that excites and reminds me that the holidays are soon upon us!

Here in Kansas, it usually begins now.

Halloween.

Start digging out the sweaters, mittens, boots, and ear muffs because it's coming.

 

But let's not jump to far ahead.

In leu of this wonderous, spooky time...

Let's stay in the moment and celebrate Halloween!

I have enjoyed many opportunities to play and prepare for this "holiday".

Shopping with friend from Texas...

(Pure silliness and fun as we tried on masks and hats)!

A trip back to my home town recently led to more dress up fun with my special cousin, Tonya...

and, of course, my immediate family whom I miss so much, especially during holiday months.

Yes, life has been blissfully busy lately.

Art sales.

Some substitute teaching.

Friends. Family. Chores.

A trip to Arkansas. Flea markets. Off road riding. Dining.

Selling out of Hand painted Christmas ornaments already!

 

I even watched my very first World Series game on tv!

(I have never been a fan of sports, but did enjoy game 7)!

I try to be a very open minded person and expose myself to new things. Watching the game with hubby made it even more enjoyable!

I wish each and every one of you a safe and happy Halloween!

Stay warm!

Xo