Oh, just look...

 

Oh, just look at that creamy, vibrant red!

My fingers are dirty today as I paint.

It all began early this morning. I bounced out of bed, prepared the coffee and paused to snap this photo...

You see, I always stop at this window, each morning, so that I may peek out at the sky, the pond, and our land. I never want to miss out on any magical happenings taking place on the other side of this window!

Then I saw the assembly line that I placed onto the dining room table the night before. My "to do" for today.

Christmas ornaments.

Yes, it's time if I want to stay ahead of the game. Several of these are custom ornaments for a client who orders every year...and, a year in advance.

I have some fresh ideas and changes coming soon! I will certainly tell you all about it soon!

It has been a very quiet past few days here with my hubby being away and only having myself and two dogs to tend to. We have been outdoors, in the garden...

 

Harvesting salad!

We have been walking, patio sitting, reading, playing, shadow dancing.

Thinking about this guy...

Going through more pictures from last weekend's trip...

I have enjoyed a few naps too!

Enjoy your weekend, my friends!

XO

 

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 Bicycle journey through pages...

Something different. Change.

We all crave that occasionally, don't we?

This week I have gathered the necessary art supplies for my latest commission and have created a work space in our kitchen. I enjoy the corner nook, surrounded by sunny windows, big plants, and the coffee pot, of course.

This job is a gift. The client's friend recently challenged herself, along with her boyfriend, to bicycle across Kansas. In addition to the challenges that came with this journey, the woman has also suffered some back problems for quite some time now, causing her great pain. In fact, her journey on the Kansas roads has ended, and she is now at home, recovering from back surgery. Oh, how I want to get this surprise art journal completed soon so that her friend may get it to her, to enjoy and hopefully smile big while she is stuck in bed.

Her bike ride began on July 3rd.

I am stalking her Facebook page to capture the dates, the towns that she has passed through, and the highlights of their trip!

Right down to the meals that they cooked on their tiny camp burner!

Although I cannot fill every page in the moleskine journal, I like the idea of the recipient having the extra pages to add her own photos and journaling.

This commission is so much fun and quite different from my most common work- painting on a canvas and acrylics. For those of you who have followed my blog consistently, know that I am very passionate about art journaling and frequently dabble in my own personal journals. This is a huge part of my life as an artist...

and a person.

I am loving this ride and the change in "scenery"!

What's new in your corner of the world?

Be a sweetie, won't you...

and leave a comment and share!

Xo

 

The Documented Life Journal Project...

Hello, dear ones!

Did you have a lovely Valentine's Day?

For those of you that know me or who have followed my blog through the years, know that it is not my favorite day of the year...

although I have now, a wonderful husband to share February 14th with, and it has certainly been a more pleasant event, I still feel sad for those who are alone when this big, commercialized holiday rolls around. I have been that person too.The one who sees the big, beautiful bouquets of flowers being delivered to co-workers and hearing them talk about dinner plans with their sweethearts...

while I went home to an empty house and sat alone all evening.

I learned to pamper my own self. It got easier! Then, one year, I realized that it really is okay to be alone and the chocolates that I purchased for myself tasted just as great as anyone elses!

My art journals tell of all of my loveless Valentine's Days.

I cherish my journals...

and now I am thrilled to be a part of "The Documented Life" art journal project!

I jumped in late and started with a journal that happened to be sitting on my shelf. I then found the large "Dylusions" journal at a hobby store and loved it instantly, so with a coupon, I got it for 40% off! Oh my... it's big, pages are heavy, but I really admired the way that this journal is constructed. It has a large envelope mounted on the inside of the front cover, an elastic closure band, and several pages to work on!

(Now I was really behind with the journal prompts, provided by the Art to the 5th Academy website).

Hey! Why don't you click on the link and join us?

Each week, a new prompt is given, along with a medium or technique to follow.

Example: the photo above was for a prompt using the color wheel and layers.

Notice my stress ball? I just wasn't "feeling it" on that day and since then, that page has undergone many transformations!

Take a peek at some of my other journal pages...

I am really enjoying the project and it gives me a nice break from commission work. I tend to play in the journal while paint on a canvas dries... but this weekend, it has been all play!

Hope to see you there!

 

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