Window

I'm using this photo as an entry for an atcsforall monthly contest on windows. It's actually on the fence in our backyard, and trapper John's old rusty traps are hanging there. I took it before he had the walls up on his shop, which now blocks the view of the window from most of the backyard. I know that it's there.

I sold one of my itty bitty accordion books!

I had put it out for display at the store on Monday as a demo for an upcoming class. Am kicking myself for not taking a picture of it. Anyway, I'd left work and our assistant manager came running out looking for me... a guy wanted to buy one of my demo books. So I sold it. How about that!

This is another demo book that has received a lot of comments, for a class I'm teaching this weekend. It's a star accordion, which I'm using as a display journal for mail art I've received.

Family Reunion

We had a family reunion last weekend... it felt more like a chore to go rather than a fun time this year. My energy is in a low place right now, and I need to be around positive people with good good good energy. It was a mis-mash of whiny people who are always whiny and controlling people who take offense when you ask not to be controlled AND some loving supportive energy people... it wore me out.

I'm going to learn how to do this...

Recieved this lovely needle felted bird from an online friend, monarch... isn't she just adorable? :)

Sunshine today

Life is just a bowl full of cherries. Some fruit, some pits. Ya gotta remember which is the one to spit out.

My art has been saving my sanity the past few months. Being able to create something helps me when I feel so sad I can barely move.

I've branched out from ATC's and gotten into trading chunky pages - to make 4 x 4 inch themed books. (I'm collecting birds and nests and garden themed.) I've posted a couple I've made in the past month.

I've been working a few days a week at the Paper Zone surrounded by lovely papers and art supplies and a wonderful manager, asst. manager and co-workers. My work family is so much fun! It's another thing that is keeping me sane.

Although, sometimes, don't you think sanity is over rated? :)

Mothers Day

Appropriately, it's gray this morning. It rained last night. Jen's kind of weather. Odd feeling... today is the first mothers day without her. A week and a half ago she was still alive. She would call me mid morning to wish me a happy day, her card always arrived on Saturday.

She left a mothers day card for me with the birthday box that she never got mailed. It didn't say enough. She wished the sun to shine on me warmly. Now she's dancing with the light and the sun no longer hurts her eyes.

My niece found this photo from her Sept 2006 wedding and gave me a framed copy. It caught Jen unguarded, looking like the girl who was in her jammies having tea with me in the morning.

I miss my beautiful girl.

Artfest!

I can't even begin to describe how totally incredible an experience Artfest was for me. I shared House 15 with 9 wonderful loving people! We had pajama parties to share our day with each other every night.

My first class was with Misty Mawn. It was fast paced and I learned a lot that keeps coming back to me as time goes on. I loved her demos, very clear each step of the way. Second day was with Patricia Baldwin Seggebruch, a pouring frensy. Fun and messy and I made a new friend... my table mate from Seattle area. Lynn Perella was the final day, and was an incredible teacher. The picture is from that class... a very cool process and painted on red rosin paper. And I made another friend to stay in touch with from Colorado.

Did I mention the trades? Wednesday night at dinner is the official trading place, apparently. It was indeed a chaotic fun time. Many wonderful trades, and it was fun to see at home how many were from folks who ended up in my classes.

I will be going next year, and our House 15 will request we be together again. It was a kick... and apparently not all houses are as friendly. One of our neighbors came up to us the last morning saying she had been watching us have our pajama parties from her upstairs room, wishing she could join us. :)