winns angels

reaching towards

2012-01-24T07:16:00.000-06:00

mindfulness ~
“In this moment, there is plenty of time. In this moment, you are precisely as you should be. In this moment, there is infinite possibility.” Victoria Moran

There exists a practice of numerous of my art friends to choose a word for the new year. While I have very mixed feelings about this, I decided I would choose a word for the year 2012. This word pretty much jumped into my lap when, after I had signed up for Misty Mawn's "open studio" workshop, I saw Misty's intro. Mindfulness - so clearly and beautifully stated. Over the years I have been attempting mindfulness and have been taught numerous methods to reach towards it. This year, perhaps more than ever, I feel the need to grasp it even closer.

The act of creating without putting a specific planned action with it, is extremely mindful for me, particularly if I allow it to happen. These papers I created for origami, once again inspired by Misty, are a recent venture in mindfulness. The actual origami process can be so very mindful in itself.

The papers were fun to create with old scrapbook pages, ink spray, ink and hand carved, or hand made stamps.

Now lets add some music and make some paper cranes.

beginnings

2012-01-16T21:04:00.000-06:00

An online art course with Misty Mawn - something I had dreamed of taking time and time again. Working with Misty in real life would be optimal, but that being unrealistic, I chose to ask for Misty's newest class for a special Christmas gift. Very little else interested me for a gift and very little else was asked for, besides dreams for family, which were more elusive than not.
And so I received my special gift request. I am thrilled to be in Misty's class. I have had little time for creating and practicing, but the preparation has been thrilling. The very first post I saw was exciting, even though nearly two weeks until the class began on January 9.
Enough for now. Much more to come in following days as my own studio awaits. My body and soul are so very ready for this.

Book binding thread was required for preliminary activities. I was starting to get frustrated as we went from shop to shop. Finally two different sources recommended a shop in a part of the City from which we had previously departed. But I needed that thread. We returned to the location required. There it was in three different colours. I was pleased. Now for the time to make some books. That time too will come.
Vintage thread I found at home that I hoped might work - not nearly what I was looking for however.

Waxed linen thread I purchased in three different colours.

Angels be with you my friends.

a different autumn dance

2011-11-10T15:03:00.000-06:00

this years dance of autumn
was so different

there have been so many
major transitions in my life
the past number of months

I thought this autumn
would be more calm
more art filled
more peaceful
more creative

but not.
instead filled with more arrangements
more meetings
more phone calls
ensuring peace
and safety
for those I love

still nature danced
all about me
in the familiar stride
which nature takes

my own dance
felt fretful
sometimes near frantic
sighting as impossible
this slower
stronger

dance of self

yet here I am
taking longer
courage filled strides
filled with the knowledge
accomplishment
pride
peace

if only for a moment
still certain
almost always
in self
in courage
in knowing the joy
of the dance

regardless

November 2011

2011-11-01T23:05:00.000-06:00

I was reminded this evening about November being a special month in which art, blogging, and art journaling are all encouraged as a daily activity. I have participated in Art Eevryday Month a number of times but have not been involved with the other two projects previously. While art is almost an everyday piece throughout the year, I have decided to try to share more of my projects with you this month. I might even try to show you some of the activities from the past few months just because I have not yet shared them.

Today's art involved further prepararion for a small trade show I will be participating in on November third in our local senior citizen's home. Some of the newer things I am working on is more tags. A few are for Christmas and others are just something lovely. The butterfly tags need to be cut out yet. Hopefully there will be some time tomorrow.

2011-09-02T11:18:00.000-06:00

summer
slipping
sliding
through my fingers
not only now
as the days grow chill
when the sky threatens
rain
perhaps just gloom
the winds
blow more chill
yet also through the sunshiny
heat filled days
beach days
seashore perfect days

for i had
well ~ this and that
i would not want to bore you ~
yet mostly
it was the change
the immensity of change
(i know that change is inevitable
normally i embrace change)
yet this
this was different
this was in almost all
areas of my life
too much to have to deal with
in one passing of a year
perhaps even too much
for one passing of a lifetime

yet i endured
i was courage
i was hope
i was guide
i was shoulder to lean on
i was present

i was crying
i was smiling
i was speaking
sometimes in a voice too loud
sometimes in a voice imparting hurt
i was present

i am present
yes
i am courage
i am hope
i am laughter
i am tears
i am smiling
i am laughter
i am encouragement
for self
for others
i am present

June Is

2011-06-19T14:10:00.000-06:00

bustin' out all over
and I love the excitement in the air
the birds are singing
baby robins are exploring and observing
daisies are dancing
peonies are near bursting
daylilies wave hello
and good bye
bachelour buttons stand proud
lilacs are glowing
allium stay tall
doves coo-ooo
baby ducks scurry
staying close to momma

************
June is a wonderful month. I love it particularly as I am able, every year, to do a retreat on my own. I find this to be extremely rejuvenating. I am preparing to leave at this moment.
When I return I will have much news to share with you from the past months and hopefully more art to share which is new, and also from the past months.

Angels be with you dear friends.

thoughts for a Tuesday

2011-06-14T08:09:00.000-06:00

time slipping by
moments to remember
moments to let go
moments to celebrate
moments to mourn

so much to share
so much to record
prepare to share
when the next moments
come slipping by

too much to remember
too much to share
choosing
to embrace
the moment
embrace it until the next

greening
of my world
babies
birds
blossoms
colour
bursting
breathing
beauty

embraces
yet again more
embraces
endings
beginnings
always prayer
so much pain
so much joy

always prayer
for our world
for our friends
for mere stranger
for selves
for friends

robins growing
doves cooing
black birds squawking
pedestrian crossing
duck crossing
robin baby
crossing

time slipping by
always prayer

as spring blows through

2011-05-18T11:16:00.000-06:00

I am embarking on new adventures
attempting to share my creations
in a more local
face to face way

opportunities have appeared
I have acted to affirm
my interest

this weekend presents
a chance to show in Regina
at tHe art of the Matter
with friends
in support of those
who have had ovarian cancer
and their supporters

hoping you will be with us also
to share art
and friendship

if it is impossible

for you to be in Regina on Saturday

I will be presenting numerous

new creations

in my shop at Etsy

as I have joined a new team

Angels be with you dear friends

subtle spring

2011-05-04T07:00:00.002-06:00

sometimes spring can be very subtle
as it enters our world

sometimes the world seems almost silent when suddenly the leaves burst forth
one sees the robins gathering worms
sitting softly midst the grass
sometimes the first crocuses peek through

the dry hillside without any announcement

sometimes spring can be very subtle

tomorrow

2011-05-02T14:10:00.000-06:00

a new day

a day to rejoice

in whatever peace

we may find

within our hearts

within our lives

a day to rejoice

for living

in a democratic land

where choices

are very available

at least

to most of us

though not all

a new day

tomorrow

shine

2011-04-26T11:02:00.000-06:00

a paint by number background

which has been

totally

transformed

"shine" for an exchange of postcards hosted by ascender rises above.

Happy Birthday

2011-04-24T00:05:00.003-06:00

I want to take this opportunity to wish a very dear friend of mine a Happy, Happy Birthday.

not only

2011-03-31T11:21:00.000-06:00

was the sun shining
but there were other visitors
as well

love never fails

2011-03-30T11:00:00.000-06:00

do I actually ever

2011-03-25T21:08:00.000-06:00

complete any of the works in progress? I frequently ask myself. And you may wonder also.

I have high hopes for these turquoise pieces. Actually one is for an exchange so I must complete it. Very soon. But not today or tomorrow. I have a little gathering I plan to attend tomorrow. There will be other artists, perhaps only a few. There will be a chance to visit, a chance to share experiences and creations. There might be an opportunity for showing some of the art to customers and EVEN selling some of it. Unfortunately our weather has been, ummmm, to put it nicely, disgusting. Road and travel conditions have not been good. And so the turnout at the first annual Prairie Earth Crafters Artisan Marlet may not be spectacular. Does not matter to me. I am looking forward to the opportunity to get out. I am pleased to have a chance to visit with like minded people. That does not happen very often in my real life.

These pieces go back to the turquoise theme which I have been toying with the last couple of posts. They are some very tiny canvases which I thought I might complete for tomorrow. Not sure if I still have time to finish them.

The next is an older piece in the same colour theme together with a cd I am altering.

This is the piece I must complete soon for the exchange.

In my last post I mentioned needing practice with painting faces. Drawing and using pencils and charcoal pencil is more familiar to me. I'm thinking these faces are not so bad for some of my early attempts. Of course they are not complete yet either. This one is not quite turquoise but another older one that was very handy. That nasty habit I have, of almost always putting out too much paint, prompted me to work on it as well.

I will be adding many new items to my shop next week. Hoping you will take an opportunity to check back then.
Angels be with you dear friends.

as the dance continues to gravitate

2011-03-24T13:14:00.000-06:00

towards turquoise

with the above piece in its background
and about 30 smaller pieces
I worked with at the same time

"seek peace"
was a challenge to playing more with paint
even a very inexpensive children's paint set
playing more with body poses
as opposed to just faces
and a remembrance of how much I love to use stamps
and inks

"seek peace" my friend

turquoise dancing with

2011-03-22T11:27:00.000-06:00

other shades of blue

and pinks
and even red

something about
this time of year

spring has just
arrived
but in my part of the world
I see snow
and wind
and bigger wind
and more grey
skies
and thoughts
and more grey
and white
too bright
of snow
more grey
within my mind
would be so easy
yes so easy
to withdraw
within

instead
I choose turquoise
and creativity
and bright shades of pink

and copper wire
all
to warm
to remind
that spring
is just around the bend
at least
in my heart
and I rejoice
in the friendship
of art
of creativity
my own strength
my own courage
my own
hope

shades of green

2011-03-17T13:45:00.000-06:00

I do not often take time to think on the colour green. Yet green, well, green almost seems to reside in me, to be a part of me. I love, love, love nature and especially its multitude of greens. The recycling green seems also to be a part of me. Recycling comes naturally as an everyday part of life. I almost think more about it if I choose for some strange reason to not recycle.

For today, I have chosen to share just a few of my most favourite brighter greens which reside in our home, some of them quite newly acquired. Certainly my constant companion, Missy Hope, did not want to miss any of the excitement. Even though her eyes are most certainly blue, they do seem to have taken on a turquoise hue for the special occasion.

striding through March

2011-03-11T11:20:00.000-06:00

I have been trying
to stride through March
with all of its changes
all of its roaring
few of its calm "bleating"
moments

in some moments
I
have been trying to organize
my creations
and sharing
of them

in other moments
I
have been looking for colour
and joy

hoping your own striding
through March
brings much colour
and joy
and certainly
many angels

time for

2011-03-08T07:00:00.001-06:00

a happy dance

as the numbers align

and each new tiny step is taken

as I feel more free

to experiment and play

and the freedom to share

2011-03-03T09:41:00.000-06:00

as the new day dawns
I feel gratitude within
as the gift of creativity
burbles up
through my spirit
the gift of art
leads me on a path
of further
discovery

Over the past few weeks I have been busy preparing for a local "Women's Day" show and sale. Because the focus was on fashion, personal care, fitness and health, much of my art was not really appropriate. So I was focusing on making jewellery. I had hoped to do some painting of canvas bags also but ran out of time. I only started doing a wash on the inside of a bag on the very day before the show.

There were things I was made aware of through the preparation time as well as things of which I was strongly reminded.
1. I am very good at planning and starting projects. Finishing them is an almost impossibility for me. Thank goodness my dear husband is so dear to have helped me with every single one of the closures. My hands are not very good with jump rings and tiny pieces. Snaps would be very tricky for me also. YAY! Greg.
2. Doing the same thing over and over is extremely boring for me. Cutting and gluing papers to insulin vials - hmmmm - any volunteers to assist with these chores would be greatly appreciated.
3. Comical talk show hosts can be extremely helpful in uplifting my mood in a winter that has been very harsh. The ongoing snow, wind chills and extreme cold have been brutal. There been a few sudden heat waves which every time have resulted in freezing rain or blowing snow across road ways. When one lives in a very rural province and many activities require travelling, icy and snow blown roads put cancellations high at the list of very frustrating. Yes, it has been a very harsh winter all in all. And so I have been grateful to Ellen and STEVEN and CHRIS for bringing to me joy and laughter over the past few days, weeks, when I tired of listening to HGTV momentarily.
4. When I am uptight and very tense, it truly helps to try to sing. Sometimes I sing familiar tunes. Sometimes I make up my own words.
5. I must never forget how much I love to create and how much art saves me. Seemingly, I had not painted for weeks. On Saturday morning, day before the show, when I chose to splash a teal wash onto the inside of a bag, well, I felt enthused and energetic once again. On Monday, the day after the show, I did up the three art journal pages above. The backgrounds were completed and I had only to use a black pen and then fill in some extra colours with watercolour pencils. Immediately soothing.

as the new day dawns
I feel gratitude within

out and about

2011-03-02T07:00:00.003-06:00

being out and about in my own community

I was fortunate this past Sunday to have the opportunity to venture into my own community, locally, and display some of my art and share tiny pieces of what I do with people who had absolutely no idea. And they are my neighbours. Many folks recognized me, as I recognized them, from decades ago when I used to be a Public Health Nurse, aerobics teacher, and Nursing Coordinator with Home Care. Some of them were students in my prenatal classes. Sunday was fun. I actually sold just a few pieces of jewellery and I found a new young fan who was so pleased to win a signed copy of my "Autumn Richness" book in a dutch raffle. And the local photographer/reporter was there. She picked up my card. I have a feeling she will be getting to know me much more in the near future as I attempt to become better known in my own neighbourhood.

The pictures are from my display at Diva Kinnection. I also have numerous further possibilities for sales of these items. Some of this jewellery, and numerous of my other creations, will be slowly introduced to my etsy shop as well. So grateful am I to be able to share my art with you.

Angels be with you dear friends.

a deadline

2011-02-19T07:00:00.001-06:00

my apologies for not updating sooner but I have a deadline. I am not good with deadlines. so I have been trying very much to NOT procrastinate. I think I have been doing quite well with that, but there have certainly been many distractions as well as other "must do" errands and activities. I am also trying not to pressure myself to finish every single plan I have for the ``Diva Kinnection`` show in which I will be displaying jewellery and any bags that I might be able to make. the show is local and is on February 27. the real test will come in the last couple of days before. my plan is to not stay up through the night or even into the wee hours. hah! wish me luck.

below are couple of photos of items I am working with. the bottom is a bag. that one is very questionable for finishing.

a cuff

domino charms waiting to be completed

tiny fabric squares waiting to embellish cuffs

and finally, hints of the bag I mentioned

until next we meet, may angels be with you

winter time dreams and looking for focus

2011-02-08T07:00:00.001-06:00

sometimes

the winter months are

more about

dreams

and trying

to find focus

for if one chooses

to see only

the realities

the blues and greys

will be stark

too stark

the climate

will be cold

too cold

the ice

will be dangerous

too dangerous

but if one can see

the sparkle

the possibilities

the beauty

the miraculous

one will thrive

one will grow

one will flourish

light bright

2011-01-27T07:00:00.001-06:00

If you are newer
to my little community here
you may not be aware
of how much I love sunlight,
how much I need sunlight,
how much sunlight
brings me joy
and other things.

light bright
glow within
my heart this day
bring me warmth
bring me patience
bring me comfort
bring me courage
dearest light bright

I will try

2011-01-25T07:00:00.001-06:00

I so much love blues and purples and sparkly whites. Yet in January, in Saskatchewan, one feels sometimes that the blues are too cold, the greys are overtaking the sparkly whites. Essentially, I need to look for warmth at times. What better place to accomplish that than in my journal pages, in my art.

My wish for you this day ~ many warm angel thoughts blending together with createful colours to warm your heart and soul, in just the right way.

something different

2011-01-23T07:00:00.001-06:00

from me.

I had encountered some mixed media artists in the past year or two that have been doing different sorts of things with jewelry. I was intrigued. Also I have observed that people sometimes are more interested in purchasing something they can wear more than something to hang on the wall to decorate a space or to be admired as art.

Some of the newest mixed media for me involves working with sculpey clay. The above larger beads are my own. These groupings will be worked together to form a beautiful necklace. I will show you another day.

The above necklace is unique, being made with an empty, sterilized insulin vial. I have had diabetes for 50 years now. I am proud of the fact. I am happy to have determined a use for some of the daily medication "waste" and happy to be able to recycle. "Hope" has been a very important word to me all along. I hope that you have found a place for it within your heart as well.

More jewelry parts made with sculpey clay.

Now I am away to more adventures with creating.
Angels be with you my friends.

the January dance

2011-01-21T07:00:00.004-06:00

is more about the music
that my heart is marching to
sometimes I prefer
silence
other times
something calm
slow
gentle
yet other times
it is more
like energy
overflowing
trying to release
some pent up
emotion

regardless
the January dance
is more typically
of trying
to keep going
trying
to step through
the cold
stormy weeks
trying
to remind myself
the days
are getting longer

my very first video
from three years ago
the January dance

my path

2011-01-11T07:00:00.001-06:00

January
so easy to forget
one's path
days
sometimes bright
and cold
sometimes dark
and stormy

I will try
try to remember

2011-01-08T07:00:00.005-06:00

Some days are about white snow and sparkle and crispness blue. Other days are about colour and flowers.

Inspiration for today.

a new year, a new day

2011-01-07T07:00:00.002-06:00

trying to add some sparkle to my life with a sudden interest in glitter

and sunlight with its various manifestations always brings sparkle to my life

wishing for you sunlight and much sparkle for your January days

looking forward

2010-12-16T07:00:00.001-06:00

sharing some art which I have not yet shared. some has been done more recently like this "peace" art quilt. some fun with paper, part of a vintage doily, fabric, some of which was from a shirt I did not care for any more, and some free motion stitching

some is from a few weeks ago. another fun sewing project with card stock, hand painted fabric, brads, free motion stitching, flowers, lace, ruffle, fabric scrap, a paper doily, paper scrap and little fabric squares which I was recently gifted

finally an art journal page with a bit of a self portrait

you may not see me here much more this year. I am mostly posting at my wonders of winterland blog.

I am truly looking forward to much more art sharing in 2011. I hope you will join me again on the continuing journey.

Angels be with you

sometimes my dance with autumn

2010-12-01T07:00:00.002-06:00

stanza 8

I look all about me on the misty, moisty, dew filled morning. The trees are covered with frosting, hanging heavy. I stop to be reminded, only November, still November. Sometimes my dance with autumn is more like a gliding, sliding, fairy ride skiing. On these days, I need often stop to do the math. Still November. Still autumn. Yes, each season has three months. There are four seasons. Still autumn.

That excitement building makes me dream on the winter wonderland. I must block those visions of long, cold January. I must block those visions of sometimes smothering March. As I glide in this seeming winter wonderland, though still autumn, I embrace the beauty of the day.

I grasp hold of the magic. Vow never to let it slide away.

stanza 1
stanza 2
stanza 3
stanza 4
stanza 5
stanza 6
stanza 7
SAD

trying though

2010-11-26T07:00:00.001-06:00

Occasionally I don't actually do art some days in November. Even so, I am almost always creative every day. Sometimes that involves thought and much creative problem solving.

At times, too, I get bored as I mentioned here. Then I tread on the wild side.
A journal page on which I had applied black gesso then stuck a magazine page between two before they were dry enough. Consequently I've got quite a lot of magazine page showing. That's all right. I like it. It's talking about "oot camp". I definitely saw the young lady and chose the page to use conte crayons on. It was tricky doing the eyes on the glossy part so didn't quite turn out as it could have but for a journal page - I was pleased.

I also completed this canvas, which had been nearly complete for quite some time. I needed to paint the face better as first it was done very roughly. I think this painted face was the first I did in somewhat proper colours on a canvas. She's looking a bit pale here but that's how copied images sometimes turn out.

These two journal pages were mostly done in September - the right one particularly. The left was started at the same time with words and the face just drawn with ink. I painted her face today. I'm not positive this page is totally complete, I think probably. I might add a bird sometime.

I've also been doing some bits of creative sewing this month. This is one of the pieces on which I was practicing free motion stitching.
"just be"

I hope fun has been a part of your art everyday month.
Angels be with you dear friends.

American Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T07:00:00.001-06:00

sometimes my dance with autumn

2010-11-24T07:00:00.003-06:00

stanza 7

I look up

see the path
which seems to beckon

I hesitate
one moment
only

then

a couple of skips

as the dance
continues

flowing

dramatic

encompassed
in grandeur

suddenly

stanza 1
stanza 2
stanza 3
stanza 4
stanza 5
stanza 6
SAD

sometimes my dance with autumn

2010-11-21T07:00:00.002-06:00

stanza 6

stanza 1
stanza 2
stanza 3
stanza 4
stanza 5
SAD

yellow beginnings

2010-11-17T07:00:00.010-06:00

art journal pages
hiding
in a journal

waiting

for inspiration
to arrive

some
near complete

others
merely yellow

now
arrived

a fabulous learning opportunity

2010-11-14T07:00:00.001-06:00

A few weeks ago I left my typical "angels be with you" closing at KC's posting together with other words, hopefully of encouragement.

Shortly after, I received an invite from KC to assist in spreading the word about some very special upcoming events for 2011.

My friend KC Willis says "You see...I have a vision....
To create a Movement that encourages Christian artists to make art that glorifies the Lord, but prove that Christian art can be sophisticated, smart, and collectible by the art community in general."

All of the art here is my own. The first two are from a number of years ago. They are my own meager offerings as to the very fabulous art which KC shares. Besides KC's fabulous vision she has some very well known artists participating in this learning experience. An experience which I am certain you would absolutely basque in the glory of. Jenny Doh, Sarah Fishburn, Rebecca Ersfeld, and Paulette Insall will all be speaking and/or teaching at one or the other of these workshops.

I sincerely hope you will take this opportunity to have a peek at KC's Colorado Collage Conference and Inspiration Congregation. I am quite certain you do not want to miss the opportunity to be a part of them.

Angels be with you dear friends.

sometimes my dance with autumn

2010-11-13T07:00:00.005-06:00

stanza 5

sometimes
my dance with autumn ~

they are beautiful
I recognize

yet the world

seems askew

I dance on
wondering
what will come next

in this dance

stanza 1
stanza 2
stanza 3
SAD

sometimes my dance with autumn

2010-11-12T06:30:00.004-06:00

stanza 4

sometimes

my dance with autumn

is about laying down

a bed of dry grass

beneath me

I look up

while the drying flower

weeds

are that goldeny hue

the sadness pervades

the seed heads

meaning

lost to me

in that moment

yet the brilliant blue

the sky

saves me again

brings to me peace

this day

stanza 1
stanza 2
stanza 3
SAD

sometimes my dance with autumn

2010-11-11T08:21:00.002-06:00

stanza 3

autumn

that dance

sometimes
a lot like grieving
a recognition
the sadness
approaching
the death
of so much
but in
denial

the beauty
lingers

near

everywhere

stanza 1
stanza 2
SAD

sometimes my dance with autumn

2010-11-10T14:17:00.002-06:00

stanza 2

sometimes my dance with autumn

is as

a grand entrance

a quick step

filled with joy

colours cascading

falling around me

flowing in grandeur

excitedly

a polka

free form

all about

I pause

exhausted

wait
alone
fading
watching
until the next

stanza 1
stanza 3
SAD

sometimes my dance with autumn

2010-11-03T21:20:00.001-06:00

stanza 1
sometimes my dance with autumn is about dancing

with the excitement

of blazing orange fading off into gentler

muted tones

with a wispy dress

floating around me

trying to carry me up

into the vast

beyond

I feel the need

to linger

to dance without thought
then meander

slowly

gently

into that glorious

pathway

stanza 2
stanza 3
SAD

sometimes

2010-11-01T09:37:00.000-06:00

a feather is more than just a feather
sometimes a new found friend
is more than just a freind

a few months ago I was
without
Debbie Smith Kaich Jones
in my life

when we both happened to pause
at the comment of Jenny Doh
an inquiry
about art saves

ever since then
I have been blessed
with Debbie's presence

no
she is not always an angel
neither am I

her words
her images
touch me
though
in a place
few touch me

I learned Debbie would be in the April/May/June issue of Somerset Life. As soon as I picked the edition up in the bookstore ~ I felt a shiver. I felt a calm. I felt a knowing. I had to calm my breath. I needed to take it all in.

Yes, I have been blessed with Debbie's presence. I have been very inspired. My own feather collection, at least part of ~

And a couple of images from my very own copy of Somerset Life ~ my tiny little part of Debbie which I can touch with my own hands ~
Today Debbie is being recognized for her wonderful blog in Artful Blogging. Some friends and I have chosen to honour Debbie for all of her accomplishments and to bring her to the world's attention for her fabulosity. Dear freinds I introduce to you Debbie Smith Kaich Jones.

Happy Halloween or so much to share

2010-10-31T18:04:00.003-06:00

Some words from a journal page background ~
"It is the day before Halloween and I realize the only thing I have done in preparation for it is to buy some Wagon Wheels and fruit snacks to give as treats. There are three small pumpkins that have been sitting on the back step for the last few days getting almost totally buried in snow. Today it is melting quite a bit but just something else to get in the way of "the best laid plans".
Time so often seems to be running past me at full speed. It seems like there is so much to share. It seems like I might never get caught up with all the sharing. There are all the projects so close to being finished also. And plans, plans, plans for my Etsy shop, for local exposure and for my newly started Group ~ Winn and friends.

But here I am today. I share with you a tiny piece of what is happening. I look forward to sharing more over the next days. I will not agonize over it however. Here's to sharing whenever we are able. Here's to a Happy Halloween."

The page opposite ~

The thoughts roll on ~ a treasure trove having arrived in the mail, signing up for an online workshop, completing finally painting the front of the drawers in my upstairs studio, trying to make videos but not having the proper connection to my computer, finally getting that resoved, working through grieving of my parents moving into a Private Care Home and being down trodden with arranging for transitioning of our daughter to another City, even though her social skill issues and other challenges.

Angels be with you dear friends.

serendipitous sunset

2010-10-15T15:56:00.000-06:00

serendipitous sunset
sliding serenely
into the sea

sending shivers
through my spine

Ah, how sensuous ~

Actually I live in the wide expanse of prairie in central Saskatchewan. Sometimes the autumn golden fields look more like a wide expanse of sea.

And truly our province is diverse.

Wishing you much saffron serendipity as you traverse the autumn pathway.

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-10-08T16:00:00.000-06:00

To all my Canadian friends I would like to extend wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving.

Happy Autumn and Happy Day to anyone not in the autumn season or in Canada.

Angels be with you.

birds

2010-09-20T13:29:00.000-06:00

“The reason birds can fly and we can't is simply that they have perfect faith, for to have faith is to have wings”
James Matthew Barrie

Some words from Emily Dickinson.

Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul,
And sings the tune--without the words,
And never stops at all,

And sweetest in the gale is heard;
And sore must be the storm
That could abash the little bird
That kept so many warm.

I've heard it in the chillest land,
And on the strangest sea;
Yet, never, in extremity,
It asked a crumb of me.
Emily Dickinson

The words of Richard Bach ~ one lone quotation from the inspiration of Jonathan Seagull.

"My High Flying Bird"

a few moments with nature

2010-09-08T09:23:00.000-06:00

I stepped into the bright sunshiny morn
caught a glimpse of a feather
stooped down
picked up
my first feather for the day

saw that lone young dove rise up
wondered at its loneness once again
where had the others gone
why was it alone
how would it manage

walked in the grass
damp from the cool night air
paused at the tiny perfect intricate spider web
thought how perfect how tiny how resplendent
saw the numbers of them
each tiny
individuals
shining in the light

trying

2010-09-03T21:15:00.000-06:00

I know that for my own well being I must do art on a regular basis. Sometimes I feel almost like climbing the walls if I have not had a chance, for a number of days, to create. This past few months have been extremely busy and I have frequently gone for days with very little opportunity for art. Fortunately we have done a great deal of travelling, with Greg driving. I know that there are certain things I can readily do as we drive, that will satisfy the need to create. I can crochet or put beads on crochet cotton. I can write or do simple things in a journal. We have also spent much time at our farm, just as we typically do in the summertime. I tend to have some times when I can also be creating. There are not quite as many phone calls to be made, appointments to attend and household things to organize.

Following are just a couple of examples of journal pages from the summer and a photo of a roll of fabric torn to lengths ready for piecing.

Angels be with you . ♥

ten minutes of time

2010-09-02T15:43:00.000-06:00

a nap
a dream
a visit
with myself
awake
asleep
pressure
at my chest
panic
go away
i am stronger
than you
asleep
papers
gesso covered
book pages
swirls
rolls
fabric
bright coloured
my own
downstairs
the studio
a glimpse
huge
book pages
papers
covered
a journal
fabric
and fibre
covered
words
a bird
inspired
papers
cut
shaped
transformed
a book
a bird
long legs
a sculpture
a paper mache
a nap
a dream
a visit
with myself
awake

Billy pooch

2010-08-27T14:05:00.001-06:00

Our Billy pooch is almost six years old. As I was taking but only a moment to rub his ears, give him that minute attention, I was reflecting the day we had chosen him from a group of puppies situated in a garage. We were determined to choose a puppy that would preferably not be aggressive. We knew that we were to look for probably the runt of the group. Billy, definitely not the runt, probably the largest, was very shy. He was hiding beneath a larger set of shelves. Our hearts opened. He was pulled out and we gave him what loving we were able.
Billy has grown to be a wonderful caring pet. Unfortunately as any signs of stress become evident in our house, Billy grows concerned. Circumstances as they are, this situation arises much more frequently than we would like.

In the past days, I have told near our entire story to four different individuals. Each sharing session was one hour and a half to two hours long. You will probably recognize the strength and courage required to do that. So often the question arises, "What helps you to get through all these challenges?" I have come to the place where I can easily and freely talk of that which has helped me and continues to assist with finding strength, finding joy, in my moments and hours.

I often think of friends who struggle also with challenges, with situations, that would frequently pull a person down, sometimes, down into a place from which one can no longer get back up again.

One of the people I very truly admire is Chrysti Hydeck. Besides being an extraordinary artist, Chrysti has been given the chronic challenges of Bipolar Disorder and Tourette's Syndrome. While Chrysti has stated that she knows it is not appropriate to carry on about challenges on her blog, she has made no secret of the fact that she has these disorders. I appreciate that tremendously. On a very rare occasion Chrysti has shared letters of appreciation which people have sent in recognition of her honesty, her sharing, her helpfulness in what she shares, in what she teaches. If you have not had the opportunity to meet Chrysti I would like to recommend her to you as a "must meet".

I have stated this before and I will say it again. I believe that art saves. So you would not be surprised that one of the very first answers I give to the question of "What helps you to get through all these challenges?" ~ ART.

What about you? What do you choose to help you through the rough spots, through the challenges?
My wish for you this day is that you might choose art. My wish for you this day is that angels be with you as you look to health and joy, love and comfort.

so many projects

2010-08-16T14:01:00.000-06:00

Dear sweet friends and followers, and everyone that just happened to stop by ~
I am lamenting the seeming departure, at least for this day, of the summer. Summers in Saskatchewan are frequently short. For me, however this one was quite different in that I had SO many projects on the go. Many of these projects were not crafty or art projects, but projects in which I certainly had to gather in all my powerful personal resources. Much of what I was doing required creative energy in communication skills to assist my self and mainly my family, immediate and extended, in working on the path of developmental milestones.
"What of the art creations?", you are asking. They have certainly not fallen by the wayside. Instaed they have assisted hugely in ALL of the other projects.

I have been very much influenced in the past six months or more by the jewelry, and other art of course, of people like Rebecca Sower, Kelly Rae Roberts, and "Danita's Art". More recently I was fortunate to find the book "Ancient Modern: Polymer Clay and Wire Jewelry" by Ronna Sarvas Weltman at a very reduced price. I had not seen Ronna's art previously, at least not that I recalled. In the past few days I have become very excited and inspired by her creations.

Now you know some of the directions my planning and creating have taken. I have the supplies I need to do jewelry creations with my own art such as Danita and Kelly. That will take a bit more time. Below are pictured a few of my pieces nearly completed. The first are inspired by Rebecca Sower. The last is my own design.

Until next time ~ angels be with you.

broken wing

2010-07-29T12:52:00.000-06:00

This poor lovely soul has lost a wing. I dropped her and alas she has only one.

Myself, I feel broken too, as if without a wing. I did not drop myself. I have been spread far too thinly though. I have been pulled in so many directions. Mostly others needs have pulled me away. I have been pulled away from art. I have been pulled away from myself.

YET, I am amazed at how strong I have remained. At times, when my thoughts are seemingly filled with concerns, questions, and possible solutions, what one could call worry, I can mostly manage to pull myself out of that dificult place with a walk outdoors where I can admire the flowers, pull a few undesirables, quite easily find feathers or hear the cooing dove. There is even a dove at the farm. At least I have heard it. An even greater life saver is my art. At times I have really not felt like doing art. I have practically forced myself to do it. I know it will bring me peace and contentment, further strength. Sometimes I just need to think about art. I can think of possibilities of art quilts and canvas bags. I remember lovely examples at Amy Butler's or Cath Kidston's "homes". (Sorry I don't have time to grab the links. I know you can find them).
So now I will dream of the future of my art. I know I will soon be able to share my many new adventures in jewelry design and production. I will have completed altered books to share as well as vintage style designs.

As I leave you with angel blessings I hope that you will continue to keep me within your thoughts and prayers. I also hope that you will remain strong as well and especially remember that ART SAVES.

Angels be with you.

a little list for today

2010-07-12T11:37:00.000-06:00

some days

2010-07-09T15:06:00.000-06:00

some days just feel like everything is asunder. everything topsy turvy. everything kind of askew.one day even brought me momentarily a world tipped sideways. what does that mean I wonder? how am I to cope with all the dis comfort, all the dis ease?
it feels that I am grieving so many people - not all dead but just gone.
it feels that I am grieving joy and jovial. they too seem just gone.
it feels that I am grieving nature.
I am tired of grieving.

kitty cat sits beneath legs of my chair. I hear her subtle movement. I find another feather. I carry it with me as I am taking Billy for his walk. it belongs with my collection. that is where I place it. I see angels and colours and sunsets. I hear the dove cooing. a sigh escapes me. I wonder when I might feel like getting back to art. I have played with technology. is that art? it always feels like cheating to me. I know it is not. it feels it is.

I hear the clock tick tock. I see the "I am amazing" sign turn in the breeze. I wonder who I am. I wonder if anyone cares. I know they do but I wonder.

retreat time

2010-06-06T14:14:00.000-06:00

Every year in June I am very fortunate to go on a retreat at nearby Manitou Beach. I adore the solitude and opportunity to do art and writing. This year I am taking my sewing machine along and jewelry supplies. Of course I will also take a few paints.
I hope to return feeling refreshed and energetic. I know that inspiration is always close at hand.
May angels be with you.

let your heart

2010-05-29T11:10:00.001-06:00

I totally love to use vintage books for art journaling. The above page was made over the past weeks, as the challenges continue to seemingly push me off balance. I am so happy that I have learned about how art can save me. I am grateful for an abundance of art supplies and a muse who rarely lets me down. Ideas are typically abundant.

What about you? Are you inspired to play with vintage books? Regardless of whether you have tried it or not I would like to suggest this artist - Jason Thompson.

Please remember to "let your heart lift you".

I saw a field

2010-05-17T23:02:00.000-06:00

of flowers
dancing in the wind
I saw colours
twinkling
in the breeze
I sang notes
of love
as I floated
on the clouds

sunlight dancing

2010-05-16T13:30:00.000-06:00

The good thing

2010-05-08T17:05:00.000-06:00

about having a number of works in progress available is - when you do have a larger block of creative time available, you can get right to the art of it.
This is a smaller canvas in progress.

I started on this large piece of wood a number of months ago.

All the other canvases are in various states of creativity. Realize that the bright colours will most likely be covered over by large amount of layers. I paint what the heart needs for colours. As I work on the piece, the colours tend to get much softer and typically much darker.

Works in progress are a very good thing.

tickled

2010-05-03T08:00:00.001-06:00

I absolutely feel tickled pink when any of my friends are published in magazines. Today I purchased three of the Stampington publications.

I do not often encounter these fabulous treasures on my journeys to Saskatoon but today I was very fortunate - such a special treat. More about the magazines another day.

Even more special is when any of these art friends have a book published. Susan Tuttle has recently published her second book. I am SO happy to announce that Susan is having a give away. Please visit Susan's blog to enter for the fabulous give away she is doing of her new book - Digital Expressions. This book can also be purchased right now through Amazon at this link.

Angels be with you dear friends.

all this excitement

2010-05-02T08:30:00.000-06:00

Besides sharing my website yesterday and working on a new site with tips and tutorials, I have recently been interviewed by my very dear friend Dale Anne Potter. I have had the pleasure of meeting Dale in person when I attended an art retreat she held in April of last year in the southern portion of Saskatchewan, the province in which we both reside.

You can find the interview here.

Following are two pictures from the retreat last year. I learned some really neat creative tips from Dale and am sincerely looking forward to more shared creative times with her.

nature and art

2010-05-01T18:10:00.000-06:00

I love nature and every opportunity to be a part of it. I suppose I often think that everyone feels the same way about it that I do. I forget that I grew up on the farm, in the country, and that nature was "just" a huge part of it. Our farm was a distance from the hi-way and so walks on roadside were always quite possible. We were also fortunate that though we live on the prairies, the land around us was somewhat rolly. We own pasture land which is part of a beautiful creek.

Sunsets and wildflowers were, and still are, a favourite.

I am hoping you will join Billy and me for this little stroll.

And I will briefly share some other wonderful news. I now have my own website. While I need to still do some fine tuning, I hope you will stop by to share with me in the excitement.

changes

2010-04-16T12:02:00.000-06:00

Exciting developments with my recently introduced daily affirmations and angel blessings site. I am also working nearly daily on my own website. I hope to introduce it shortly.

Dear yellow,

2010-04-15T18:08:00.000-06:00

I love you so much. I always think of sunshine and soft buttery smoothness when I envision you. Lemony brightness and creamy yellow custard enter my thoughts.

My dear, dear friend yellow ~

I love you so much.

I was inspired by my dear friend Susan Tuttle for this post. Thank you Susan.

the calendar says

2010-04-13T09:18:00.000-06:00

April 12. And the saying goes "April showers bring May flowers". Saskatchewan though - a beautiful rough land, where the winds blow the dry grass

and leave the tiny little shoots of plants to struggle and push their way through. Where the winds blow warm and dry one day

yet very cool with snow the next. Where the winds blow dust into your nostrils at one moment and sweet scented grass the next.
Saskatchewan though - a beautiful rough land, where you are looking for colour one moment then spinning

in amazement at the clouds,

the sunsets,
the chirrruping birds the next.
Saskatchewan though - a beautiful, rough land where my spirit grows, where I thrive midst the winds and the contrasts.
Saskatchewan though - a beautiful rough land which I love.

Easter blessings

2010-04-03T22:49:00.002-06:00

For me spring officially arrives at the same time as Easter.

This year Easter is a little bit earlier than normal so I am pleased. I am so happy to welcome spring. I am so happy that "Christ arose".

Dear friends, I want to wish you Happy Spring

when nature speaks to me

2010-04-02T14:32:00.000-06:00

Sometimes nature touches me and my skin tingles. Sometimes nature touches me and I see angels. Sometimes nature touches me and I feel exhilarated.
last night
Maundy thursday
7:31 p.m.
we walk with haste toward the Church
we are late
but others as well
I feel the shiver

race up my spine
the angels are dancing
in the west
as the dark clouds meet with the sun
setting hesitantly

midst all the excitement
of clouds and sunlight colliding
spring rain cloud kind of dark clouds
the pinkness of the wings is so vibrant
I smile
I wish
to worship outdoors
with the energy of nature
as it touches me
Three nights previous, the thunder clapped two times for me. Again I smiled.
Two years ago, the dove cooed from on our roof. I smiled, knew that all would be well.

these roaring lion marchy days

2010-03-26T15:42:00.000-06:00

I feel like climbing
right back into my cocoon and hiding
I suppose within that cocoon
would be growth
how can I allow that to happen

maybe some archived photos

maybe some transformation

of those photos

maybe some long lost sketches

maybe some lovely music

to bring comfort

for these roaring lion marchy days

one week that March

2010-03-19T13:39:00.000-06:00

i was playing with fabric
lots

and photoshop

i realized how totally much
i

days fleeting by

2010-03-17T09:17:00.000-06:00

the days lengthen and my heart yearns for spring. yet I know that I am feeling more peace within. regardless the time of year. I am mostly energized. my emotions are more relaxed. I can accept that when the tears flow they flow for the sadness. they flow not out of loneliness or self despair.

the visions in my sight rarely change. they only grow in loveliness within my line of vision. as I allow.

and then
a bit more spring with a graceful helping hand

I KNOW that I am strong

2010-03-10T09:04:00.000-06:00

Often time I forget. Yet deep within my being there is a place, a place that is growing every day, that knows "I am strong."

I may appear fragile but

Are YOU feeling strong this day?

illuminate

2010-03-09T11:21:00.001-06:00

There is a light deep within my soul. If I but allow it to shine, my own path will be illumined. All those whom I encounter may find the way, as well, because of that light which I allow to beam brightly.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us most. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and famous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in all of us. And when we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”Used by Nelson Mandela in his 1994 inaugural speech

Illuminate:

This one for whom my light especially shines:

"Better to illuminate than merely to shine, to deliver to others contemplated truths than merely to contemplate."
Saint Thomas Aquinas

With many special thanks to Susan Tuttle and Chrysti Hydeck for their {ECHO} prompts. Week 9 "Illuminate".

"Illuminations"

Should I stay or should I go?

2010-03-08T11:34:00.000-06:00

"should I stay or should I go?"

I am speaking of blogging. I have not been nearly as diligent lately about posting - that is in the past year or so. Many people do not seem to have time to pause here or take time to comment. Yet I know for myself there are numerous fabulous places to visit. In only but a few moments one may click click click and find countless worlds in which to become totally lost - near transported.

I was so encouraged when I remembered I had seen an article by Crafty Chica, aka Kathy Cano-Murillo, about Blogging. I found it. I am going to review Kathy's wisdom. I am going to make some choices.

I DO want you to know that through my wondering I have already decided to stay.

Hoping to see you soon with some changes.

Angel blessings.

Alice in Wonderland

2010-03-05T22:48:00.000-06:00

With many thanks to Alisa Burke who recently reminded me with her playful renderings

image of Alisa Burke

that play and imagination are very important at any age.

From

where Alice decides to drink tea

and finds many strange occurrences.

She makes choices

leading to unusual encounters with critters such as the Cheshire Cat.

The Mad Hatter appears frequently, leaving Alice with much

uncertainty

yet also a need to continue on her path.

Hoping that you will remember the three rules throughout your years:

have fun
have more fun
have even more fun

As always ~ may angels be with you.

light

2010-02-24T11:15:00.000-06:00

still so often feeling like i flounder these days. wondering if that will ever change. having to remind self that i have been trying to organize for years now. the time draws near. completion. what ever might it be like to not have to keep moving things around to have a place to create.

in the meantime i continue to look to the sun for light and energy. i remind myself as often as i can that i might let the light shine from within.

a burst of juiciness

2010-02-23T14:04:00.000-06:00

Amidst trying to do final (as if) organization in my creative spaces - I mean what kind of artist would one be if always organized? I have still been trying to create. I know that "art saves". Of course organizing spaces within which to create can be creative in itself BUT - well I think you understand what I'm trying to say. If not, just skip to the picture.
While I have not been very participative in {ECHO} recently I just could not resist the word juicy. At first I mulled the word around in my brain and thought "everything in Saskatchewan is either grey or white right now." What kind of juiciness can I possibly find? Then I remembered the indoors. WOW! Then the sun was just not shining. How much juiciness might I be able to capture indoors without sunlight? OK already. It is February - very winter in Saskatchewan - no snowdrops, no tulips, no bare earth - outdoors anyway. Then the sun came out - only briefly. My world started to consider the possibilities. I have seen so many fabulous pictures of colour - particularly art supplies. I needed to do it my own way.

a burst of juiciness

With special thanks to Susan and Chrysti for this {ECHO} challenge.

even

2010-02-22T14:25:00.000-06:00

when the barriers seem too great
I will continue on my path

about love and hope and art

2010-02-13T08:41:00.000-06:00

Some new art pages using pretty tape. They make it "pretty" easy to create a lovely journal page. The first picture is from a 1967 issue of Chatelaine.

The following includes an image of my very dear friend - husband Greg - and myself, taken a couple of years ago on the occasion of our 25th wedding anniversary.

This art journal page for "HOPE" is my favourite of this group. I found the picture in a 1966 issue of Photoplay. It's about Carolyn Jones and her struggle with "mental illness".

My wish for you today is that of love and hope and many creative dreams, as well as the usual ~ "angels be with you."

true love

2010-02-12T07:58:00.000-06:00

I met a new friend in the last few weeks. Her name is Christina. I visited her blog a few moments ago and was reminded of true love. As Valentine's day approaches and we take pause to remember our loved ones, I thought of this collage I made a number of years ago.

I would like to remind you this day to think of those you love. I would like to remind you most of all to love yourself.

May angels be with you as you remember how much you are loved and also what your own love means to others.

the library book

2010-02-11T09:09:00.000-06:00

that book
I adored it
eye candy
for a pattern loving
soul

came from afar
a library

must return
sigh

what shall
I do
needs to be

on my table
coffee

wait
I do not drink
coffee
nor have time
to admire

so I will find another
book
of my own
shelves
an older book
different very

will suffice
for the time
I do not have
to look at
eye candy

drink tea
vanilla hazelnut

create
in my mind

Above design images from Colefax and Fowler: The Best in Interior Decoration by Chester Jones.

eclectic

2010-02-07T08:52:00.000-06:00

Some days I feel SO in love with graffiti. Others I want to see vintage. Some days are photography. Others are transfers. Some moments are sewing. Others are writing. Some seconds bring flowers. Others bring rust.
I think sometimes ~ they will observe me to be so in a muddle. Sigh. There are just countless artful pursuits I love. I used to tell folk that I do "mixed up media".

Cath Kidston - bright and cheery - playful prints.

fabrics
loveliness
tablecloths
aprons
dust cloths

I near drool at the memories. I remember the middle bedroom ~ the cottage at Manitou. Truly in the middle.

two windows
openings just
to the room
more a hallway
lined with couches
that could open
for sleep
leading to yet
another bedroom

those window openings
covered
with curtains
trees
a pathway
red
green
black
yellow
all on white
fluttering in the breeze
to cool me
as I nap

two windows

January Simple Things

2010-01-27T21:45:00.000-06:00

though January
sometimes wraps
with bitter cold

I choose
the simple things
bringing light
and love
to my soul

I choose
chocolate eyes

Billy’s snow covered nose
after snuffling
through the snow

I choose
the written word
pages crackly with age

sepia toned photographs
ancestors

notes
loved one’s
old school books
lovingly saved
passed down

by mother
a family
love
laughter
tears
giggles shared
hugs

from friends
both near
far
snuggles

Missy Hope
purring
on my lap

I choose
sunlight

on my shoulder
in my vision
the light of new day
a whisper

of angels
dancing through

pink clouds
with the wind
in the chimes
music

touching
every breath
of my being
embracing
emitting from my very
own vocal

chords
of love
hope
courage

spreading out
as angels
touch gentle
yet strong
through the world
its sadness

a word simple
yet not

console

For Simple Things ~ the creation of Christina at Soul Aperture.

Angels be with you.

I love vintage

2010-01-22T21:55:00.000-06:00

A few years ago I saw many friends collecting vintage - fabrics, papers, books. I thought because I did not have opportunities to attend flea markets or to go to this kind of shop I did not have opportunities for this kind of collecting. I did know that there were some antiquish kind of things in the very farm home where I grew up. However I was not aware of the extend of the possibilities until I started asking, until I started snooping. AH - treasure found. There were fabrics. There were papers. There were books. I am so fortunate. And I have started to find other opportunities. They are there.
Just a few days ago my friend Sherry introduced me to the art of Cath Kidston. I had not been aware. Ummm - exactly the kind of fabrics and styles and ideas I love.
From the book Cath Kidston's In Print:

And just a couple of examples of the lovely fabrics I have in my possession or very close at hand.

As I listen to Canada for Haiti ~ finding beauty in this time of sadness, finding beauty in this time of hope.

empty pages

2010-01-18T14:21:00.000-06:00

without cease

2010-01-16T16:21:00.000-06:00

These words come to my mind so easily this day. How many people in the world are still thinking, and praying, without cease, for the situation in Haiti? Most certainly there are those with seemingly "no heart". Yet I see around me so much good, so much thought, so much consideration, for these people, this land of Haiti, which was already so impoverished.
I choose to not listen to the news. I choose to not see the pictures. My heart already bleeds for all the sadness in the world. Instead I will try to concentrate on peace and calm and joy, that my prayers, my thoughts, may perhaps impart some tiny bit of calm to those in fear, in grief, in suffering. I will concentrate on sending angels to whatever poor suffering souls may recognize some tiny bit of light within their darkness.

I will try to share with you some of the people whom I have encountered online who are trying to help, some who are, or have been, very near geographically, and still others who are near in spirit. Please put thought to ways in which you may be able to help. Every tiny bit makes a difference.
The Livesay [Haiti] blog was brought to my attention a couple of days ago. I find it more comfortable to read than looking to ongoing news coverage. I know the tragedy is immense. As I said - trying to maintain for myself some calm.
Jenny Doh at her CRESCENDOh blog has written a thoughtful article where she also introduces Rebecca Sower who recently visited Haiti and speaks to the importance of trying to assist crafters of Haiti at the recently opened Haiti by Hand etsy shop. At the time I am preparing this post I observe there are currently no items for sale. I am certain Rebecca will be attempting to list more hearts as soon as possible.

There are numerous ways of assisting fiancially. We chose to donate to Unicef as that is a place we have been donating for many years. Where will YOU choose to donate? How will you choose to assist? I know that you will be helping through thought, and prayer (if that is what you believe).

Angels be with you dear friends as you continue to hold hope within your heart for those near and dear to you as well as for those most needing hope in this time.

~ ((((Haiti)))) ~

comfort

2010-01-12T14:15:00.000-06:00

I have never before chosen to have a "word" for a New Year. Yet I have observed many of my friends doing so when January rolls round. Sometimes I see these words even before the New Year has begun. For myself, it typically seems that I believe in taking each new day as it comes, each new moment as it arrives. Please do not get me wrong. I am not criticizing. I think that recording dreams and goals and "to dos" is a very marvelous way of being organized and very much working towards these ends or perhaps more preferably stated as "beginnings".

This year seemed different. I had no intention of picking a word though perhaps I felt I could. One day as I was reclined on our bed, not quite ready to begin my day officially, I was thinking about those things I MUST remember to do. I reminded self that I must remember to drop my shoulders frequently. I must remember to get up from my computer (or sewing machine once I get back to it) on a regular basis and do some stretches. I must move from one foot to the other occasionally while standing that I might be more grounded. And then my list of not quite 100 dreams. So many of those dreams ~ dance, sing, relax, create ~ seemed to lead me to one word. The word practically jumped right into my conscious. I thought - IT'S MY WORD! I will share it. I will make art with it. I will try to remember it - everyday!

of dreams

2010-01-09T22:25:00.000-06:00

I was invited to participate in a group. Not only was I excited to enter because it is new and sounds exciting, but I am enthused because the young lady who invited me, Andrea, is also from Canada, actually from Winnipeg and in the scheme of things Winnipeg is not so very far away. I am dreaming of meeting in person more of the on-line friends I have encountered and I believe that if they live closer to me and in Canada, there is a much better possibility of that happening.
This group is about making dreams come true. Because I've not been doing much art lately and because I prefer that to spending more time at the computer typing, I decided to journal my list of 100 dreams which Andrea has suggested.

I actually ran out of time today so my list only has about 70 so far.

I believe that is a good start considering my "word" for this year, which I will share with you in a day or two. I only started the list today. I was also working on some other art for another post.

My list of dreams:

OH, do not pay too much attention to some of these dreams. I am getting a bit old(er) and ... Maybe I should say that this list should be rated perhaps a PG13. And please note that I just wrote as things came to mind. OK, I am talking about number 14. It all fits together with my word.

Number 17 is quite important. I'll need to explain more about that in another post as well.

I should also comment about the grey area between dreams and "to dos". I think sometimes the list slips more into a "to do" but maybe that is part of what dreams are about.

Happy dreaming dear friends.

angel blessings

2010-01-06T19:56:00.000-06:00

Over the past few years I have so frequently felt angel blessings showering down upon me.

I decided, perhaps subconsciously, to start sending the angel blessings on to others as well.

In the past days I have received physical gifts of angels. Suze and Serena were very kind to send me angels - lovely pictures, words and music. Thank you both so much.

All angels are appreciated, hopefully never overlooked.

I would like to share with you some details of my life, my situation. I choose to do this only because I want you to understand to some extent how important the angels are to me and ways in which they have touched my life. I want you to feel surrounded by angels as you read this. I would like for you to disregard huge feelings of concern you may experience. You might pray for me and send further angels if you choose.

January has almost always been an extremely difficult month for me. About seven years ago I was nearly suicidal. The angels did not seem apparent to me, yet I must have felt their presence. Now seven years later, even with a red sore nose and major sinus congestion, even on days which have been cloudy or very cold, I am near filled with energy and enthusiasm. Please note I write this early in January of the year 2010.

At the time seven years ago when I was so very depressed,

I was allowed the opportunity to do some writing. I found it to be very therapeutic. A number of months later I found the visual arts again. I also discovered a world of friends available to me through the online world. That is where many of the angels have been sent to me and where I often choose to share angel blessings.

You are wondering why the depression. I could go into great length. I actually started writing an autobiography within the past seven years. Then I realized I was ready to move forward. The angels had assisted with the initial healing.

I discovered that art could bring the angels to me in such a playful manner. Rather than a long and detailed narrative, I will try to collapse the specifics into more digestible chunks.

Probably the main factor affecting my health, my psyche, is the diabetes which I have had since I was 3 1/2 years old.

Some 49 years ago there were not the same methods and understanding of treatment. Yes, there was insulin, but not nearly the specialized types and knowledge of how to use. There were no insulin pumps. There was no easy method of checking blood sugars other than going to a lab and having blood drawn. Diet was, even more so, strictly controlled. There were other influences. When he was much younger, my father had an older sister who had diabetes requiring insulin.

She had died at the age of 13 years. Twenty years prior to my developing diabetes there was this trauma. Now that I think about Winnie, I recall that she had died in January.

So you see, my entire family, both those tightest to me as well as the whole extended family, knew of Winnie's life and death. I suspect they were a bit apprehensive.

My diabetes has never been well controlled. Instead, the diabetes has controlled me. Even now when I am 52 years old I must practice very much to not let the diabetes take control. I have been fortunate. I have no complications to this time. I did get a scare when a couple of months ago I got a call from my Doctor to say that I needed to have monthly urine tests because some protein had appeared in a recent urinalysis. With only a telephone call in my busy life, I did not initially grasp the possible horrific possibilities that could have been suggested. I did not ask questions. Only a few days later did the angels help me to realize the possibilities and to then round up more angels within myself to attempt to NOT let the diabetes take control. The prevention of complications for a person with diabetes is of utmost importance. I started to feel yet again that I had failed.

Angels to the rescue. I would not allow myself to believe that I was starting into kidney disease.

About three weeks later I met with my diabetes educator who helped me to understand that the test is extremely sensitive and might not really be indicative of any problems whatsoever. That is why the need for the repeat tests every month. Loretta and I decided to waste little time on complaining about the Doctor who had neglected to tell me about what the test might and might not indicate. Instead we let the angels guide us in trying to look at minute ways in which we might still deal with the ever erratic blood sugars and bring me, even at this stage, to a more wonderful state of healthiness.

Another chapter requires me to tell you of our daughter

who came to live with us at the age of ten months. Katherine had experienced severe asthma when she was a baby, the main reason we were not allowed to adopt her at an earlier stage of her existence. Katherine is now 18 years of age. Together with the typical teen issues our beautiful angel of a daughter

has been given the labels of ADD together with ODD to name a few. Please do not get me wrong about the "labels". The only reason I share them with you is that you might get some inkling of the complexity of our daughter. I by no means want to belittle her. I hate labels.

Because of our daughter's sensory issues, not as severe as someone with full blown autism, her brain frequently does not make the proper connections. Over the years I, and Katherine's Dad,

have done everything in our strength and capabilities to assist her. This has not been easy, yet our daughter

is a wonderful young lady. I truly believe that she is an angel

on a difficult path and that I have been given the privilege of trying to assist her on her path.

Most certainly her future is uncertain but it is no more uncertain than any one of ours.
Seven years ago I was neglecting my own health in the struggle to assist our daughter. My feelings of self esteem were most certainly at an all time low. Together with believing, as ever, that I was not doing the best for myself because of the ever present diabetes, I felt also that I was a failure as a parent (actually a very typical feeling of parents with children of ODD). This, even though I was giving all my energies to daughter. We were not yet fully aware of our daughter's issues and the school system was still struggling even more so to get some grasp of how to best help her. Our daughter was beautiful and charismatic. Contrary to her father and mother's personalities, she was, and ever continues to be, totally extroverted. The normal hormonal influences continued to lead many of her teachers and support staff to believe she was a "normal" child going through an extremely difficult transitional period. I frequently felt as though I was banging my head on a brick wall when trying to "teach the teachers" (as I was asked frequently to do by one of the main school staff angels who DID understand).

A call went to the angels to carry me in their arms. They responded. I know they have always been with me but there are those times when they were especially needed.

The angels have truly guided me along the path I have chosen. All of the angels you have sent to me in either a physical or spiritual form, have assisted me in each tiny step. I thank you whole heartedly. I will continue to treasure each and every one. I will also continue in whatever way I can for as long as I am able to share those blessings with you.

And so dear friends, I offer that "angels be with you."

Remembering

2010-01-04T20:49:00.001-06:00

The year is new. The week is new. The moment is new. Somehow I have lost track of much of the art I created in the past year, the past weeks, the past moments. Or perhaps I could say I lost track of how to share it with you.
Today I was remembering some of that art. I think I have convinced myself that I could move on to new thoughts and ideas. I have convinced myself that I do not have to try to catch up on all those thoughts left in my brain and not shared with you. The pictures however - they are timeless.

I will endeavour to spice my sharings with some of that art left forgotten. This particular young lady is from a canvas I was painting in July, or maybe it was early August. I introduce to you Angelina from "Fragility of Life".

my Christmas wishes for you

2009-12-23T14:33:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas dear friends.

"What about peace?"

2009-12-19T15:56:00.000-06:00

Please find my most recent post called "what about peace?" at my "wonders of winterland" blog.

so cold has been the weather

2009-12-15T23:29:00.002-06:00

it's crispness
that of the air
almost makes
one's eyes smart

all is so brilliant
the dogs
of the sun
ring bright
and true
bout the orb

might i dare
to breathe

Finally some relief after four days. Felt much longer. And now the clouds too, have returned.

in search of some one

2009-12-08T20:34:00.002-06:00

in search of some one
any some one
only just one
even one small one
with whom I might share
my surprise

I can fly
I can actually FLY

A newish creation for the {Echo} challenge presented by Susan and Chrysti. The word was "surprise". Please pardon my tardiness once again. I have been working frantically to finish painting all the surfaces, including ceiling and floor, in my main level studio space. My computer and all the storage units have been in the living room for a few months. I have only a tiny bit of painting yet to do and then I can start decorating for Christmas. Oh, and quite a bit of reorganizing first as well.

Hoping that for you the realization that you too can fly - comes as no surprise.

ABUNDANCE

2009-11-24T14:58:00.005-06:00

light
love
laughter

abundance

November in my life

2009-11-19T11:43:00.009-06:00

"Even if something is left undone, everyone must take time to sit still and watch the leaves turn."
Elizabeth Lawrence

As this month of November goes crunching past, blending through,

I take pause to give thanks for the opportunities I have to be outdoors, midst the sunshine, walking with my dog.

I contemplate the many tasks to be done. I treasure any moment that I have for peaceful moments .

Our November this year is unusual. Typically I refer to November as "the candle month".

This year we seemed to have our more grey, more coool sullies

in October. November has brought us glorious weather to allow for completion of the harvest.

While the days are growing shorter,

the sun wants to shine gloriously. The birds want to be atwitter.

Christmas

is approaching and I look forward to the preparations with great joy.

And in this typically grey, rushed month of November, I have chosen once again to participate in Art Everyday Month. I have mainly been taking scads of photographs for using with Visual Poetry. I have decided to do a slideshow which depicts most of the creations from my first two weeks of Art Everyday Month.

Wishing you a very happy November.

touched

2009-11-16T14:45:00.009-06:00

Today's world in which we live is so amazing. Since I have been blogging and vlogging and flickring, I have made so many new friends. You are probably familiar with the little verse about all the friends we encounter. Some of them are only for moments. Some of them are for the rest of our lives.

With the worldwide web this number of people we touch, and are touched by, is huge. One simple little comment on a blog or photograph, marking as a fave, or saying "like", taking time to view someone's video, or participating in a swap, can make that tiny bit of difference in, often, a total stranger's life.

I started writing therapeutically about six years ago. I chose to share all of the writing, with a friend at the time. The question came, "Why did you share them?" My response was:

"Why Did I Share Them?

You asked me a question.
I might have responded with one.

Why did I share them?
A baring of my soul.
Maybe.
But much, much more

Art is to be shared.

I am helper too.
I want others to find
A part of themselves.
A part that may be
Difficult to find.

I want others to recognize
In themselves
A creature
Of strength
That needs to rest
And indulge in self
Often.
Not Occasionally.

Why did I share them?
I want to be heard
To share thoughts
Feelings.
I want you to know
My friend
What is inside.

Friend
I want you to share more
About yourself.
In talking of this
Maybe more is possible.

Maybe you can see that, truly ~
Things you thought
No longer concern ~
Do.

Maybe you can see my pain,
And yours,
More clearly.

Why did I share them?
All is well Friend.
The answer is simple.
God asked me to."

© Wendy B Burton

A time after that, in March of 2006, I started my blog which led to other adventures with visual arts and photography. Being into mixed media, and still loving words, I chose to make my own videos as well. I would never have dreamed that any of my own videos would have reached over 10,000 views.

Flickr ~ I am not certain what to say.

I have met such very wonderful friends through flickr. This picture

from an earlier time, and the words I wrote with it, are especially important because of a special friendship I made ~ someone with whom I feel nearly joined at the hip. While Suze and I have never touched each other in the flesh and have not yet been able to look each other in the eye, we have shared many moments, many angels, many hugs, many tears. Angels be with you Suze. I love you.

I also had a very difficult experience which started through flickr. It affected my life also.

The following picture has been very difficult for me to look at since.

I try to look at it though, to remind self that I make mistakes. I am not perfect. However, I must be able to forgive myself as well. I would forgive anyone else, why not myself?

I could probably carry on forever about lives being touched, friends being made. There are just so many instances I could site, so many souls touched.

For today, I would like to share with you my newest dear friend, Patti. I have no recollection of how I came to her blog. You understand ~ so many clicks and there you are. On the day I happened to encounter Patti she was doing a give away. Some spirit danced within me and I typed words which probably never even totally touched my conscience. She asked each commenter to speak of their favourite season. My mind and fingers spun together some tale of which I do not have clear recognition. In my haste I forgot almost totally about Patti and the dates for the give away recipient to be chosen. On another, probably blue, day (so often I forget that I can stand tall)

I received the most beautiful e-mail from Patti to say that I had been selected randomly as the give away winner. Since that day, or more likely, the day I found Patti's blog, I have been blessed with another wonderful angel friend.

Wishing for all ~ a multitude of angels and blessings. Hoping that I may have touched you in some way with this post and that perhaps I will have touched someone new that especially needed a gentle word, an uplifting of spirit.

dancing into dreamland

2009-11-14T23:50:00.004-06:00

looking up
within the sky
spirits ~
dancing
into dreamland