What is BEAUTIFUL?

Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumble bee, the small child, and the smiling faces. Smell the rain, and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams.
Ashley Smith Robinson
American Author and Speaker

from Inspiration Peak


I have observed art journal pages by other artists done on a black background. I have admired. But I have this interesting habit of pouring out too much paint. In this case it was black gesso. I had primed a few pages and then in my typical haste got a bit carried away. Two pages were quite overladen with black. I had chosen torn out magazine pages to put between to "protect" the pages from each other and perhaps do a tiny bit of transferring. Fun! I then took it upon myself to apply pressure as well. The next day, when I finally got back to the pages the two which had been especially laden with gesso were, of course stuck. This was my special journal. I do mixed media. So I ripped and tore - came up with an interesting composition of black and white for a background. Then looking for that to glue on top - the word "beautiful". How perfect - especially combined with the word "home".


The above is a work in progress. I have to wait an hour and half tomorrow while Greg has dental surgery. The next day I have to wait an hour while my daughter has an appointment with the therapist. What better time could there be for writing in my journal, especially on prepared lovely pages with images already attached.

Until next time ~
Angels be with you

about mothers and daughters

I had a wonderful day with the opportunity to complete some more journal pages and ... well, here's one I just completed. To learn more about this presentation check my last post.



And speaking of mothers and daughters ~

there's something about

birds, and journaling, which I love. I have been inspired hugely by the ARTjournaling magazine which I mentioned in my last post. Birds, a favourite of mine, seemed to be appearing in numerous hints and splashes in the pages presented within.





At about the same time I was able ... well read about it on the journal page. Click on it to get an enlarged version which will allow you the reading.



And when I think about angels I cannot help but think about the folks over at Partners in our very own fair city. "The Partners for Rural Family Support Centre opened its doors in September of 2001... The Centre has offered support groups for many survivors of family violence in the rural Humboldt area since its inception in 1997".
I have been very honoured to be allowed to present an introduction of myself and especially about art journaling at the Building Assertiveness for Women workshop being held tomorrow. I am very excited and pleased. I know it will lead to something even more promising for myself and those involved.

I have been doing many journal pages in the past days as well as working on a couple of canvases and preparing for another couple of surprises. I am hoping to post more in near future. Until next time - angels be with you.

"ART journaling" AND Susan's giveaway

So much inspiration: I love mixed media art and I tend to find bundles of inspiration around me. Sometimes I am almost overwhelmed with all the fabulous ideas available. Sometimes I am bursting with enthusiasm to try my own spin with the inspiration I receive from books and magazines.
I have not actually seen this book yet but I know it is overflowing with inspiration. I originally encountered Susan Tuttle with "artwords" when she was providing weekly prompts. She then informed that she was working on a book, so would have to discontinue "artwords". While somewhat saddened I was also excited for Susan. Susan's book "Exhibition 36: Mixed Media Demonstrations + Explorations" was published last fall. Susan is now offering a second giveaway at her blog. I am so proud to invite you to view this book at its Amazon location.


If you are not familiar with Susan's art you must also take time to have a look at her blog. Susan's photographs and descriptions, I find, are absolutely amazing.

And then there is this "ART journaling by Somerset Studio" magazine.



Yummm. My body is only able to absorb a couple of pages at a time as I get so tingly all over when I look at it. I long to jump directly into my journal and continue experimenting. I want to grab my tools of the trade and create.





Until next time when I hope to return with more on journaling.

If you want the truth,
I’ll tell you the truth:
Listen to the secret sound,
the real sound,
which is inside you.

Kabir, 1440-1518
Inspiration Peak