Billy pooch

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

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

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