Easter Blessings!

Happy Thursday to all!

I'm trying to get back into my art/ work routine. It felt fabulous to have the morning java in my art studio again!

Today I have listed in my etsy shop, a package of eight EASTER greetings, blank inside. The front of each card showcases a print of my "Emily" piece.

Oh, how I love Spring and all things new!

Wishing you a glorious day!

Absence...

 I have missed my blog. Quite frankly, I miss many things in my life right now. It's been a past year of LOSS and change. It really hit me hard after my family left last Sunday. We were all together for 7 glorious days...
but now, so many miles apart all over again.
I often miss my "home" and the life that I once had (when it was happy and stable). I miss my former job, my friends and co-workers,...not to mention, the precious children. I really miss my family.
Yes, I made this decision to move so far away, but only because I really did not have many other options, and because the divorce was a painful one, I did not feel that residing in the same small town with all of the reminders and memories would be healthy.
I wanted a fresh start and pretty surroundings to inspire me with my creative goals.
Everything in life has it's "trade-offs". Do we ever really know which ones are the right ones? I suppose only time will tell.
Until then, I savor these photos and precious memories!
I am so blessed to have this wonderful family!

 We went to Cape May, NJ on the Lewes Ferry. We stayed together in a darling beach house.
We also hit the crazy streets in New York City, we saw our breath-taking beauty, "The Statue Of Liberty".

Of course I had a backpack full of camera equipment and enjoyed taking photos of everything colorful and interesting.

We spent some time in Baltimore, MD...

saw a dolphin show at the amazing aquarium!

We went to Assateague Island and got to mingle with the wild horses! Amazing!

I took it all in.

I do love to explore.

I will carry these memories with me...

for the rest of my life.

Nikon D90

Hello out there!

It's been awhile, yes, I know.

Sometimes I wander off and neglect my blog. I've also neglected my art, however, I am always using my creativity in some way! Right now I am enjoying my new Nikon D90 camera and lenses! So much to learn yet.

I'll get plenty of practice this next week. My entire family will arrive here in Maryland on Sunday! They decided to spend Spring break with me! We have so much planned and I will once again be busy so I may not be in blogland much...

but I promise...

I will return with many new photos and much to tell!

Wishing you all a glorious Spring break!

Rose...

Last night I had completed this piece. I call her, "Rose". I then altered the colors and saturation in Photoshop to give her a vintage look with very dull hues. As I looked at the results over and over again, I realized that her original colors were just too pretty to be tweeked! So, here you have the original "Rose", and actually, the monitor screen shows the colors even brighter than the original piece of art. It's a very soft pencil piece, on Stonehenge art paper. 8"x 8".

Hey! It's Friday!

I woke up to a peaceful rain here in Maryland. I can hear it tapping against the window. The kind of rain that I like....

the kind that brings out the creativity in me!

Happy weekend to all,

Creativity in Annapolis...

Creativity comes to us in so many different ways...we just have to use it. I hear so many people say, "I wish that I were creative". Well, you are. You just have not discovered how to use yours yet.

You don't have to know how to paint a picture, sketch, or put together a collage. If you ENJOY doing these things, then DO IT. Art is supposed to feel good...there are no rules in art, and no one is pressuring you to become a Picasso!

Do not critique your art or creativity. Instead, admire the beautiful colors or the textures of the paper or canvas. If you are not enjoying the process, then this form of creativity most likely isn't for you, so continue to search.

Maybe you will find creativity through cooking. I will share a secret...

I so want to learn how to make pretty cupcakes, pastries, truffles, etc. The thought of decorating the tops of these sweets with various icings, textures, and colors, really excites me! I just haven't followed through with this desire yet because I honestly don't have room in my life for another hobby! Notice, I did say, "yet". I believe that I will eventually get around to this!

Try your creativity in scrapbooking, preserving family memories, or another craft.

Possibly you will find pleasure through decorating your home or gardening. (Keep in mind, it's all about PLEASURE).

Another passion of mine is Photography. It's like playing a game with myself, even when I just go out to run icky errands, I always have a camera in my bag...

and the "scavenger hunt" begins. I kid you not, I do convert all of my outings into a scavenger hunt. I am seeking out interesting people, places, objects, colors, groupings, or themed items.

Last night, I used my camera creativity in Annapolis!

I love the boats, especially when the owners of the boats use THEIR creative spirit and decorate them! I couldn't wait to capture a shot of this Love boat!

It wasn't the boat that caught my eye here. It was actually the yellow bike...

on top of a yellow boat. All of the colors together made up an interesting picture to me.

Because this is still the month of love, I couldn't resist taking a picture of this couple, sitting...

sharing tranquility, by the water. In a sense, they too, were using their creativity. They had found something to do to share time together. They are not texting, watching television or spending alot of money (that I can see). They are simply soaking up nature, together!

Keep searching.

You will find yours!

Greeting Cards!

Greetings to all!

At last I actually do have some greeting cards available for purchase in my etsy shop!

These 5"x7" Boutique shapes were professionally printed from my original, "JOLIE". I love the ornate design!

They sell in sets of 3, with envelopes, of course. Then, sealed in a plastic protective bag. Oh, and I must point out the ivory fluff! I have wrapped each package with a pretty netting. Oooooh la la! I'm pleased!

My mind also races with ideas!

These would make neat gifts, bridal shower or wedding party favors!

Ok, on to other news.

I'm thrilled to see the sun out this week and we are having fantastic, Spring like weather here in Maryland!

I've been busy preparing for my family's visit (in March)! So many fun events ahead!

I could go on and on but I must confess...

I'm ready to get outdoors for awhile!

Oh happy day to you!

Valentine's Day...

I woke up this morning with a cold.

Why would that come as a surprise to me? No matter how hard I wished it away...

It was indeed, Valentine's Day.

For those of you who know me, know the story. Valentine's Day has never been a day of celebration or even romance for me. Instead, it's been a day of chaos, strange happenings, illness, and even some rather funny happenings through the years. I can, and do laugh about it now. It's really just another day to me anyway, and it IS going to arrive whether I want it to or not, every 14th of February!

I read about Valentine's events in our local newspaper (above). I did really like the front cover! Ok, so I CAN find some positive things out of this day of love.  

I have also seen some very cute Valentine decorations in different shops.

I received some very sweet cards from family and friends~ much appreciated!

And,

I will say that THIS Valentine's Day turned out to be one of the best!

It looks as if I'm going to see "Plain White T's" in concert this Friday night!

My cold isn't too bad either and I have ended this Valentine's night with a box of chocolates and some art! YES...

I ate a BOX of chocolates!

Happy Love Day to all!