The Way I See It

Good Night, Young Man

2010-04-06T17:49:00.000-07:00

Rest in Peace, Dad and know you were loved by so many.
Anthony Eppolito October 13, 1930- March 30, 2010

Street Games

2010-02-07T17:02:00.000-08:00

Remember when all we had was a pink .25 cent ball,
a wooden broom handle, white chalk, crayons, bottle caps,
Yoo Hoo's and Suzi Q's. Those were the days.

My heart warmed when I came upon this chalk drawing
at Shore Road Park in Brooklyn. It really reminded me
of the day when life was simple and carefree.

We fired up our imaginations.

Anyone remember the street game "Skelly"? now this
board here is a sophisticated screen-printed permanent
park floor installation.

When we were kids we'd draw this out with our white
chalk. It never looked this good but we got the idea. We
would melt crayon wax or tar into our soda bottle caps to
give them weight, then we would scuff them up on the
street to make them slick enough to slide.

There was a start line some 2 1/2 feet away from the actual
square. You'd slide your bottle cap from the start line
into the square marked number 1 and work your way
around until you made it into the center, number 13.

There were many quirky, fun little rules to make it
challenging and you always had to remember to grab
your skelly cap out of the street before a car would
run it over.

If you want to learn more about this awesome street
game and others check out: New York Street Games.

Let's keep these street games and our child spirit alive.

Thanks for stopping by and reminiscing with me.

~ Andrea- my other blogspot is here "ThE ArTful EyE"

Verrazano-Narrows Bridge

2009-10-25T20:11:00.000-07:00

This bridge named after the Italian Explorer
Giovanni da Verranzo, the first known European
navigator to enter the New York Harbor and the
Hudson River while crossing 'The Narrows'.
Completed in 1964, it was the longest suspension
bridge in the world at that time.

Today the Akashi Kaikyō Bridge in Japan is the longest
suspension bridge in the world at 12,831 ft.

The Verranzo-Narrows bridge is still the largest
suspension bridge in the U.S. at 4, 260 ft. in length with
it's double decker bi-ways -6 lanes on top and 6 lanes
on the bottom it spans the body of water known as
"The Narrows" from Brooklyn, N.Y. to Staten Island.

My dad lives across the street from this beautiful
bridge, so during our recent visit we took a stroll
shortly after daybreak, to enjoy the view.

"We do not remember days, we remember moments"
~ Cesare Pavese

I have alot to be thankful for.
Thank-you for your kind words, your visits, for being you.
~Andrea

My other blogspot : "ThE ArTfuL EyE"

2009-10-12T19:20:00.001-07:00

Laguna Beach, CA 2009

I heart old windows and vines.

Windows encourage us to look further,
our imagination conjures a story.
The vines like the peeling paint remind us
it's been a while. The heart never forgets.

Vacation photos coming soon, promise.
Sorting, reflecting.

My other blogspot where artful things happen:
"ThE ArTfuL EyE"

Multnomah Falls

2009-08-29T18:07:00.001-07:00

Multnomah Falls- Benson Bridge built
by Italian stone masons in 1914 under the
guidance of Simon Benson

located just 20 miles east of Portland,
Oregon along the Scenic Columbia River Gorge.

It is the second tallest waterfall in the U. S.
The waterfall cascades an incredible 626 ft.

This was just one of the many beautiful
stops along the way on our vacation last year.
North by Northwest.

This year we are heading east to N.Y., and D.C., southeast
to Cape Hatteras and the Carolinas, winding our way back
west to Nashville, Tennesee.

I was just reminiscing, excitedly thinking about all
the wonderful old and new places we'll explore.

Looking forward to visiting the Great Smoky
Mountain National Park in Gatlinburg, Tennessee
and photographing the many beautiful waterfalls in
this area.

We'll return home late September and
I'll have many wonderful photos to share until then...

May you find peace in every step.

Cheers!~ Andrea "ThE ArTfuL EyE"

Dos Picos Park and Vintage Cars

2009-06-28T16:50:00.000-07:00

Dos Picos Park is a lovely park, campground
and picnic area located just 7 miles west of our
home. Last weekend they held their annual
vintage car show. I love vintage cars and my
husband loves to restore them.

What intrigues me most when taking photos
of these oldies but goodies are the details.

This is what I saw.

Not sure how I got double image of myself
in this grille. I like seeing the clouds and landscape.

Another self-portrait.

I saw a couple hugging in the center of this
bumper.

You can see my reflection in the fender as I took
this photo.

Another self-portrait and beautiful day
in the country captured on the trunk
of this beautiful car.

The way I see it, there is always more to what
we initially see, if we open our eyes wider,
look deeper, and linger more intently.

My best to all of you and thank you for
stopping by! Happy Summer!

Be sure to check out my other blogspot:
"ThE ArTfUL EyE"

Orange/Bug

2009-04-12T10:21:00.001-07:00

This week's challenge over at 2things is Orange/Bug.
Click on image to enlarge.

A Tarantula Hawk visiting our back yard. This species
of spider wasp is one of the largest in the wasp family.

They are known to prey on Tarantula as food for their
larvae. Yes, we do have tarantula and they aren't small. I
just wonder how these delicate wasps tangle with the big
hairy beasts. I just pray one never lands on me.

While this insect is really beautiful in person, it scares
the heck out of me as it flies by with it's long dangling
legs and iridescent body.

You can read more about he Tarantula Hawk here at
Wikipedia.

Nature at it's best!

For those hunting eggs, chocolate bunnies, and Sunday
buffets.

"Happy Easter"

My other blogspot is here at: ThE ArTfuL EyE"

Solemn/Playful

2009-04-05T07:31:00.000-07:00

This week's challenge over at 2Things is Solemn/Playful.
Anyone can play along, won't you join us?

A ghostly rendition of Leonardo DaVinci's Last supper
taken in the ghost town of Rhyolite, Nevada at the
Goldwell Open Air Museum. Click on image to enlarge.

I was so excited to see these sculptures amidst the ruins
of this ghost town.

Rhyolite ghost town, 35 miles east of Death Valley was
originally founded in 1904. There was speculation of a gold
and lots of it. 85 mining companies moved in with plans
to prosper. It had a population of 10,000 in it's day. 1907
financial panic set in, the town went bust, by 1920
only 14 people lived here. In 1924, the last resident died.

Today there are quite a few remnants of the buildings,
train tracks, a bank, grocery store and abandoned mines
that remain in this town and share the land with this museum.

Now for playful:

Barbie, Ken and friends on a Romeo's Holiday

Click on image to enlarge.

Romeo's Holiday Bed & Breakfast was just across the
street from where we stayed in Provincetown, MA.
On one of my early morning walks I discovered this
party still going on. It really made me laugh because
of it's playfulness.

Thanks for the visit.
My other blogspot: "ThE ArTfuL EyE"

Window/View

2009-03-22T19:22:00.001-07:00

For this week's challenge over at 2things is Window/View.

We were sitting bayside in a restaurant about one table
back, we had asked for a table with a window view.
This was best she could do, I liked it for it presented
this still life.

I also like the soft pastel quality added by the window
screen.

Happy Spring!
My best to all. - Andrea

My other locale: "ThE ArTfuL EyE"

A Walk Out Back

2009-03-05T19:39:00.000-08:00

9" X 13' mixed media collage

"Floating Bridges"

Oh what a crush of People
Invisible, reborn
Make their way to into this garden
For their eternal rest

Every step we take on earth
Brings us to a new world
Every foot supported
On a floating bridge

I know there is no straight road
No straight road in this world
Only a giant labyrinth
Of intersecting crossroads

And steadily our feet
Keep walking and creating
Like enormous fans
These roads in embryo

Oh garden of white
Oh garden of all I am not
All I could
And should have been

I know there is no straight road
No straight road in this world
Only a giant labyrinth
Of intersecting crossroads

Comprendo que no existe
El camino derecho
Solo un gran labertino
De encrucijadas multiples

~ Federico García Lorca

Another journal page in The Book of Eve, I must
be on a sabbatical and don't realize it.

Enjoying my days, working on projects and
exploring new ideas.

My best to all of you and as always, gratitude for
your kind words and visits.

Andrea~ "ThE ArTfuL EyE"

2 ThingsChallenge - Corner/Door

2009-02-15T06:57:00.000-08:00

A stroll through the archives for this challenge.

The corner jailhouse in Shoshone, Wyoming.

Front door beach cottage in Truro, MA.

In the window's reflection you can see the corner of the
cottage next door.

phone booths- Old Faithful Inn, Yellowstone

Remember when phone booths had doors for
privacy? Old timey look with modern day price
$1.00 (4 min.)

A quote I felt apropos:
" When one door closes, another opens; but we often
look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door
that we do not see the one which has opened for us.”
- Alexander Graham Bell -inventor of the telephone

Interested in others interpretation of this challenge,
look here at 2things Challenge.

My other blogspot: "ThE ArTfuL EyE"

A Different Point of View

2009-02-06T19:59:00.000-08:00

11 x 14 canvas board, acrylics, molding paste
collage fodder

"Everything happens for a reason it's just a matter
of moving your point of view around until you see it"

You can see the beginning workings of this canvas
in my previous post.

Today I'm thinking about "Karma" a Sanskrit word
which means "action."

Karma is neither judge nor jury it is simply the
universal law of cause and effect that says every
thought, word and act carries energy into the world
and affects our present reality.

Karma can also refer to the "work" we have ahead of us,
which includes lessons from both our past and present
lives. Part of our life's work is to understand our
individual relationship to our universe, our
connectivity to each other.

Based on the principle that individual behavior
mirrors universal patterns, the tiniest act -- a thought,
for example -- can have enormous impact.

The energy our thoughts and actions produce can cover
the entire planet, or even beyond, in the blink of an eye.

Buddha has said: "Do not overlook negative actions
merely because they are small; however small a spark
may be, it can burn down a haystack as big as a mountain."

Similarly he said: "Do not overlook tiny good actions,
thinking they are of no benefit; even tiny drops of water
in the end will fill a huge vessel."

Karma does not decay like external things, or ever
become inoperative.

It cannot be destroyed "by time, fire, or water."
Its power will never disappear, until it is ripened.

--Sogyal Rinpoche, The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying

Today, be mindful of your karma. Remember... "what goes
around, comes around."

I am grateful for your visit and kind words.

My other blog locale is here at "ThE ArTfuL EyE"

Untitled

2009-01-22T21:48:00.000-08:00

11 X 14 canvas board

This acrylic abstract is the beginnings of a mixed
media collage. I am collecting and gathering
ephemera to be incorporated onto this board.

I wanted you to see this painting before
it was transformed into something else.

I'm now off to see the snow. I know you
Nor easters are saying "what?" are you crazy but
those who know me, know I love the snow
fresh mountain air, the smell of pines,
and evergreens, skating, skiing and sleds.

So I'm dusting off my mittens and heading to
Lake Tahoe, CA.

I do appreciate your visits and commentary.
Thanks for stopping by and I'll be visiting you
all real soon.

My other blog locale: "ThE ArTfuL EyE"

New Day, Renewed Hope

2009-01-20T06:00:00.000-08:00

As I looked East from my backyard this jubilant morning,

there were cotton-candy skies, good enough for a parade

and the American flag. It was perfect.

As dawn breaks,

so begins a new day

of renewed hope.

We welcome our new president Mr. Barack Obama.

Cheers- my friends, I hope you find gladness in this day.

You can visit my other blog locale here at "ThE ArTfuL EyE"

Searching for Blue Sky

2009-01-09T09:32:00.001-08:00

Just playing, manipulating digital photos and having
fun.

It was a dark, dreary cold day and I was meandering,
through this deserted, dusty town. I stopped the car
to peer inside the windows of this old barn
and much to my surprise, I found blue sky.

Thought for today-
"Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds
of men that the defence of peace must be constructed."

Thanks for your visits and kind words.
My other blogspot is here: "ThE aRtFuL EyE"

Happy New Year!

2008-12-30T22:26:00.001-08:00

12x12 white doodle on black construction paper
w/ digital manipulation

I've laid my hand on the coming year and I'm officially
ready to take on whatever comes my way.

I am looking forward to our new elected administration
with hope that our country can begin to heal itself.
We must be mindful however, as Gandhi once stated,
"We must be the change, we wish to see in the world."

We can do this, one person, one act of kindness, one day
at a time.

Let's strive to make a difference in the New Year!

All of you my dear friends, have made a difference
in my life this past year. I am grateful and blessed.

Happy New Year!! - Andrea

My other blog is here: "ThE ArTfuL EyE"

Beaded Collage Pendant

2008-12-20T21:46:00.001-08:00

It has been awhile, but trust that I've not been sitting
on my hands. In addition to my treasure trove of
interests, I am also a beader. Beading takes time and
patience, which I find myself short of these days.

I enjoy working with beads and just in case the thought
crossed your mind, I am by no means an expert. There
are many professional artist beaders out there.

I'm a bead dabbler.

Now for a longest time I have wanted to learn how to do a
Peyote stitch. I have tried tirelessly to teach myself
through magazines like "Bead and Button" and online
tutorials only to find my fingers tied up in knots and no
where near closer to executing this stitch. It took
some hands on training and a wonderful patient
instructor. I found Melanie teaching a class at one of
our local bead stores The Bead Gallery. Check out her
beautiful work here at "The Magpie".

This two-sided pendant is made up of (2) 1" X 3" microscope
slides, size 11 /15 japanese delica beads, collage fodder,
and LOTS of patience.

The piece is done in an Odd Count Peyote stitch. The
length of each side is beaded for a total of 4 sides, then
all pieces are stitched together around the glass.
The bail was added once the entire glass pendant was
framed.

I must admit there were moments that I thought
ingesting Peyote would be easier than stitching Peyote
but I managed to keep my resolve through the bitter
learning curve.

I'd still like to add few baubles to the bottom of the piece
otherwise I am very happy with the results.

Once I learned the stitch I decided to try a pattern I had
seen in Feb. '07 Bead and Button. It is a pattern of
the face of the Mona Lisa.

Here is my start. This pattern is done in Even Count
Peyote and size 11 japanese delicas. I've started this
piece over several times as I've had to learn how to keep
the tension consistent.

Next on my agenda... to encase (2) of these lovely glass
buttons back to back using the same Peyote stitch to
create a two-sided button pendant. Wish me luck!

Thought for today:
"It's up to each of us to get very still and say,
'This is who I am.' No one else defines your life.
Only you do."

With much gratitude, I thank you for stopping by,
your friendship and kind words. PEACE.

Please check out my other locale: "ThE ArTfuL EyE"

2Things Challenge- Textures/Shapes

2008-11-02T06:15:00.000-08:00

For this week's 2thingschallenge-Textures/Shapes, I defer to
some landscape images I took on my trip last month.

If you look closely you'll find that our landscapes are much
like quilts with many textures and shapes.

White billowy clouds, with ever-changing shapes we imagine
to feel like cotton. Golden hills shape the land, mounds of
earth covered with rocks and vegetation each in its own
shape. This glassine-like body of water in its organic shape
surrounded by spindly triangular shaped evergreens
and tall slender grasses. Do you see what I see?
Click image to enlarge.

Flathead Lake in Polson, Montana

In this next image you can see that the water's texture has
changed as it is pushed through the narrow gorge. It
becomes thick and opaque as it churns and foams, unlike the
tranquil glassine water of the lake. Each rock or boulder's
shape is constantly evolving, by wear and water erosion, as
rock and water exchange places. Click image to enlarge.

Columbia River Gorge- Oregon

You can see the many different shapes in this pool of
colorful rocks. This image was taken at the water's edge
looking into the lake. Under water their texture is slick
and smooth, once removed and left to dry they are
rougher. Click on image to enlarge.

Lake McDonald -Glacier National Park, Montana

What I know for sure is when you don't look, you can't see.

Please exercise your right to V O T E-Tuesday, November 4

Thank-you for your visits and kind words. -Andrea
My other blogspot "ThE ArTful Eye"

Shore Memories

2008-10-26T19:56:00.002-07:00

9 x 12 mixed media

This mixed media piece began with a few fish image
transfers randomly placed and adhered with gel medium
onto a plexiglass sheet. I then painted over these images
working in the reverse, on the backside of the plexiglass
laying down an array of transparent color. The front of
this piece looked like stained glass. I took a photo of the
plexiglass mixed media painting and incorporated a vintage
photo of two bathers. Using PS craquelure filter, and
adjusting the opacity of the images I created this digital
piece from my original artwork.

I was thinking of the sea and the shore and for some reason
those stretchy bathing caps we had to wear. Mine had flowers.
There was something about the struggle to jam
my long hair into this small tough rubbery cap and wrangle
the chin strap across my neck as though I were going to swim
the English channel. The rubber had a smell, a good rubbery
smell if there were ever such a thing. I can remember it and
I felt fancy in my one-piece seersucker suit. I was 5.

Summer is waning and fall waits in the balance.

Thank you for your visits and kind words.
Cheers! My other blogspot ::: "ThE ArTfuL EyE"

Found Object Bling

2008-08-29T20:44:00.000-07:00

Dabbling with bits 'n pieces of chain, buttons, charms and
baubles. I'm just scratching the surface with this jewelry
assemblage stuff and have lots of ideas mulling around my
head and quite a number of pieces started and strewn about
my studio. No expert here, just having fun and enjoying the
journey.

This past weekend was busy with 3 day PMC certification
class at The Shepardess with a wonderful mentor/teacher
Barbara Becker-Simon.

Life's been busy and hectic and the 8-5 has somewhat
morphed into what seems like a never-ending day.

The good news is my husband and I are off for the next
2 weeks and will be traveling the great Northwest, away
from email, cellphones, computers the craziness of the
everyday doldrums.

I've been amiss at visiting most of you my dear blog
friends and am pummeling myself daily. I do want to thank
you all for your visits and most wonderful kind words.

Jack Kerouac once said, "All of life is a foreign country "
I'm off to be an explorer in this uncharted territory.

My best to all of you! "ThE ArTfuL EyE"

2 Things Photo Challenge - Window/Shop

2008-08-17T19:46:00.000-07:00

For this weeks' challenge over at 2things it's
Window/Shop. I had to dredge the archives.

From the living rooms of Hearst Castle located in
San Simeon, CA. So many notables in the day of
William Randolph Hearst including Mr. Hearst himself
have peered from these windows, gazing into the glorious
golden hills of San Simeon.

and from the libraries into the courtyards reminiscent
of the ancient Greeks and Romans adorned with beautiful
sculptures and lush landscapes.

A table with a window view at Bayside Betty's in
Provincetown. Great hospitality and wonderful seafood.

I couldn't resist this photo. "John's Only"
Food and Chachkes (aka knickknacks, souvenirs, stuff)
and when you can't find Burger King there is always
Burger Queen.

No cheap burgers here. I took this pic early morning
we rode our bikes here and stopped for lunch the
place was packed.

The craziest head shop I've ever seen. Three floors and all
the paraphenalia you can dream of, black light posters from
the '60s, clothing, jewelry, incense, pipes you know what
I'm talking about.

Thought for today:
"Wherever you decide to go, go with all your heart"

My best to all! My other blogspot "tHe ArTfuL Eye"

2Things Challenge - Over/Under

2008-08-10T10:48:00.000-07:00

For this weeks "2Things" Over/Under challenge.
It's a visit to California Adventure Park.

The "Sun Wheel" has gondolas that remain static as the wheel
goes 'round and 'round and then for the more adventuresome
there are those gondolas that break free to swing and drop
as the wheel goes up and over.

under the ferris wheel waiting for the {shaking} car

here we go up....

and over....

A replica of the Golden Gate bridge looms over my head..

and while living "A Bug's Life" I found myself under large
over-sized plants.

"That's all Folks! Have a great day!

I am grateful for your visits and kind word. Thanks for stopping by.

At my other blog locale, a new polymer piece: ThE ArTfuL EyE"

Flower Fields

2008-07-20T20:56:00.001-07:00

9 x 13 collage
Golden acrylics, collage scrap, Caran d'Ache
Neocolor II crayons

"There are always flowers for those who want to
see them"- Henri Matisse

If you just look, you will be surprised at what you can
see.

Today as I was meandering around the house, I saw what
appeared to be a very, very teeny, tiny baby lizard, on the
white ceramic tile of my dining room floor. Sure enough...
this little creature was frozen in this stark unnatural
environment. He let me pick him up, so I quickly took him
outside, snapped his photo and wished him well on the
beginning of his new life in the wild. Maybe it was a her?

Enjoying the summer, how about you?

Wishing you well and many thanks for your visits and kind words.
My other blogspot: "ThE ArTfuL EyE"

Now for some Fireworks

2008-07-05T08:11:00.001-07:00

I think fireworks are amazing, because they can never be
duplicated. Random works of art in the sky.
Here are a few I captured last night.

Firework Mandala for Sue

Cheers! "ThE ArTfuL EyE"

It's the 4th of July

2008-07-04T09:24:00.001-07:00

Our flag- this picture taken from the deck of
"Old Ironsides" the USS Constitution in Boston.

Here's to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness
wherever you are... may it be in peace and
with tolerance.

"ThE ArTfuL EyE"

2 Things Photo Challenge - Round/Square

2008-06-28T20:33:00.001-07:00

This week's challenge at 2things-"Round/Square"

Since I'm a collecter of old cameras and projectors
among many other things...you know we artists are
collectors, right?! I'll begin by presenting some
that I've owned or currently own to show
off their lovely round/square attributes.

very old oil lamp projector

Agfa Isolette 120

4 x 5 Viotlander

Yashica -A

Kodak Anastigmat Compur folding camera

Let the games begin...

old dice, new dice, fun dice, letter dice, tiddly winks
and dominoes.

Photo taken this morning in full sun. I wanted
to cast some rounding shadows and look it made cubes
out of the dominoes.

and lastly a round/square digital collage using some
aquarium and landscape images.

I do hope your day will be solidly square and rounded off with
many good things. As always, thank you for your visits
and kind words.

My other blog locale is here at: "ThE ArTfuL EyE"

Parallel/Perpendicular-2Things Challenge

2008-06-22T12:19:00.001-07:00

Sock Monkey crawled quitely out of his tent, trying
desperately not to disturb his neighbors and travelled hither
and yon to meet this week's challenge over at 2Things-
Parallel/Perpendicular.

Friday on his way into town for some bananas he discovered
these parallel mailboxes with perpendicular notices and
perpendicular shadows, it was perfect.

On his way back home on this HOT Friday night, he decided
to do Cruisin' Grand in Escondido, and check out some
COOL vintage vehicles. He began to notice that lots of things
were parallel and perpendicular. It appeared that perhaps it
was going to be a particularly perfect and practical, parallel
perpendicular kind of day!

Do you notice all the parallel and perpendicular here?

How 'bout the fins on this 1960 Eldorado for parallel...
He liked that the paint was so shiny it captured image of the
tree.

...and this 50's Chevy parallel parked, just look around the
perpendicular tree trunk.

...now for real manly-monkey types- this small block Chevy
has parallel stacks and a few other parallel nuances.

...and how 'bout that little Deuce Coupe '32 with it's
perpendicular decal and parallel trunk lines.

...exhausted Sock Monkey came to this chair and was going
to rest his tired monkey peds when he noticed, the parallel
open lines in the chair and as he began to look around he
found all sorts of parallel and perpendicular.

Well this particularly perfect and practical, parallel
perpendicular day was nearing an end. He was pooped...
and it was HOT so...

He decide to go home, take the weight off, relax and keep
COOL.

Maybe even shoot a few hoops!

Thanks for stopping by and visiting! I hope all is well
in your neck of the woods.

Cheers! My other blogspot: "ThE ArTfuL EyE"

Fireplug/Flagpole-2ThingsChallenge

2008-06-14T11:18:00.000-07:00

For this week's challenge at 2Things Fireplug/Flagpole
I take you to Cape Cod, MA.

I found a bit of humor in this one because I realized that
I had some affinity for these objects. I didn't have just one
but several images of poles and plugs.

Commercial St. - Provincetown, MA

Shankpainter St. Provincetown, MA
A bit worn, but not as short and stubby. I liked how the
Alyssum hugged the base.

Commercial St. -Provincetown, MA
This was Provincetown's first firehouse. Notice the traditional
1/2 cape architecture. Only ghosts live here alongside
that sparkly red and white hydrant.

Firehouse #5 Commercial St.- Provincetown
This firehouse is still in business. I took this pic because the
street has my father's name and coincidently the street
diagonal was Mary St. which is my mother's name.

Hyannisport, MA
JFK Memorial Park

Hyannisport, MA Cape and Islands Korean War Memorial

St. Andrew's by the Sea- church of the Kennedy's
Hyannisport, MA
I don't believe I have ever seen a flagpole on top of a church.

Edgartown, MA
Quaint, quiet Victorian streets adorned
with flagpoles at every residence.

Edgartown, MA boat harbor for Chappaquiddick Ferry

"Fancy a flagpole, a fireplug or two, have a cheery day
my friends and I thank-you.

My other blogspot: "ThE ArTfuL EyE"

Symmetrical/Abstract

2008-06-07T17:15:00.000-07:00

This week's challenge over at 2Things is Symmetrical/Abstract.

Abstract "Sitting by the Window" 11 x 17 acrylic on manila folder

I usually bring a small bag of goodies (fluid acrylics, glaze,
collage material)to work each day so that I can feed my
creative muse on my lunch break. One day I found myself
without my journal or any strong substrate to paint on so
I reached for some manila folders. I really like how the paint
and glaze reacted with this paper.

I don't usually paint abstracts but when I do, the enjoyment
comes from gazing at the image, spinning it around, and
seeing if something emerges. I'm seeing a seated female figure
in the right hand corner, poised, gazing out a bedroom window?

Abstract "Waterfall" 11 x 17
acrylic on manila folder

A waterfall spray, over a cliff beyond a brown rugged boulder
submerged in a pool of turquoise/green water... or a man
with a hat, fishing from several poles while seated upon this
boulder in a lake. Can you see what I see? or am I just crazy.
I'm okay with crazy by the way.

My intention now is to use these backgrounds for another
project in the works. More on that to come.

Symmetrical "Sunrise, Sunset"
8.5 x 11 heavy cardstock, stencil, mask, spray paint

During my stencil burning frenzy, I used one of my
Stampscapes rubber stamps, enlarged the image and
then burned a stencil into mylar, which in turn presented me
with a mask (positive image). I took both mask and stencil
outside and then proceeded to spray test the several colors
of Montana Gold I had recently purchased.

Something to think about:
"Many would rather be ruined by praise, than saved by criticism."

May your days be filled with mystery and wonderful surprises!
Thank you always for your visits and kind words.
My other blogspot: "ThE ArTfuL EyE"

In the Sky/On the Ground

2008-05-24T11:53:00.000-07:00

This week's challenge over at 2things :
In the Sky/On the Ground

In the sky ... this cloud image was taken from our airplane
just minutes before our descent into Logan Airport in Boston, MA.

In the sky... test missile launch from Vandenburg AFB taken
from our front yard in Santa Maria, CA. This was what the
contrail looked like in the night sky.

In the sky at dusk from our side yard in Santa Maria, CA.
For logistic inquiries - Santa Maria is located just 40 min.
north of Santa Barbara, 15 min south of Pismo Beach.

On the ground... King St. downtown Boston, MA marked the
actual spot where tension grew between the American
colonists and the British on March 5th, 1770, resulting in the
Boston Massacre.

On the ground... at Jalama Beach in Lompoc, CA
We found these unusual tide pools with all sorts of colorful mollusks.

On the ground...Jalama Beach, CA my dear husband
surprised me with this message of love. Can you spot our
mysteriously tall shadows looking back and admiring his
creation?

Open space behind my mother's house in Broomfield, CO
I thought it would be fitting to end with a mirror image of sky in the ground.

I really enjoy looking for images to post for these challenges
as it gives me a chance to revisit all the wonderful places,
I have enjoyed living and visiting.

Glad you stopped by and thank you.
My other blogspot: "ThE ArTfuL EyE"

Noisy/Peaceful

2008-05-18T09:46:00.001-07:00

This week's 2thingsphotochallenge "Noisy/Peaceful"

Pics from a road trip on Hwy 5 and Hwy 101.

Peaceful, serene wildflower fields- Gorman, CA

Peaceful- California Poppies and Wild Daisies - Gorman, CA

Noisy -in contrast a close-up of these wild lupine and daisies.

Peaceful- a valley of lupine, mustard, california poppies

Peaceful - taken on the Cuesta Grade in San Luis Obispo, CA

Noisy -(visually) a close-up through some hibernating vines
along side the road.

Hope your day is Peaceful!

Thank you for your visits and kind words.

My other blogspot: "ThE ArTfuL EyE"

Mom, we love you.

2008-05-11T00:00:00.000-07:00

My feeble attempt at a digital collage.

...and a warm wish for a "Happy Mother's Day" to all my dear friends, near and far.

I was ecstatic when this flower bloomed on Mother's Day. I don't know the name of this plant and its flower is so amazing and fragrant. My dear mother-in-law Ada, gave me this plant years ago and I waited patiently for it to flower.

She passed away this past Thanksgiving and today it bloomed. A small, special miracle. I know she's watching over us.

"Whatever beauty or poetry is to be found in my little book is owing to your interest in and encouragement of all my efforts from the first to the last; and if ever I do anything to be proud of, my greatest happiness will be that I can thank you for that, as I may do for all the good there is in me; and I shall be content to write if it gives you pleasure."
Louisa May Alcott - "Letter to her Mother"

Have a wonderful day and thank you for your kind words.

My other blogspot: "ThE ArTfuL EyE"

Eve's Peril

2008-05-06T21:05:00.001-07:00

9 X 13 watercolor paper, magazine image transfer,
Golden Fluid acrylics, paint pens, assorted collage fodder

In every good piece of fiction you will find conflict, the antagonist, the protagonist, a beginning, a middle and the end, oh... and let's not forget conflict.

This is my "Flash Fiction Collage".

"Don't stand in the place of danger, trusting in miracles"

Thank you for you visits and kind words.
I'm grateful for this community of wonderful talented people.

My other blogspot: "ThE ArTfuL EyE"

2 Things Photo Challenge - Rough/Smooth

2008-05-04T15:44:00.001-07:00

Bryce Canyon National Park located in Southern Utah

South Rim of the Grand Canyon, in Northern Arizona

My contribution to 2thingsphotochallenge.

These photos were taken on a road trip we took last year through Arizona and Utah specifically to visit Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, South Rim Grand Canyon and Sedona.

While both terra's are vast and expansive, the buttes of the Grand Canyon, lush with lichen and rising from the Colorado river seem smooth. In comparison to the rough terra at Bryce Canyon, where the landscape is vast with rugged spires and pinnacles that rise from the deep canyonlands.

Have a wonderful week!

Thank you kindly for your visits and kind words-

My other blog playground: "ThE ArTfuL EyE"

Thirteen

2008-04-26T08:27:00.000-07:00

9 X 13 journal page
Golden Acrylic paints, collage fodder, paint pen, stamps

Thirteen was the turning point in my youth and in no particular order, everything was changing, mind, body and soul. There was lots of daydreaming, about boys, marriage, future, family, all the things you dream about at this tender young age.

Afternoons were spent playing with make-up and trying to look pretty. I begged my mom to buy me some make-up and she came home with Yardley of London, pink cow lipstick and pink twinkle blush and I remember being aghast because this was just not hip enough. I wanted Mary Quant, this was hip and va va voom. My mom wouldn't have it. I would have to begin this transformation, demure and sweet. There was talk about pink ribbons in my hair and eating apples everyday to stay healthy. I was coming of age. I was lucky.

and speaking of luck... I had decided that '13' would be my lucky number. It was an awkward number and that's why I liked it. For many cultures it was considered 'unlucky', especially on the 13th day of the month, when it coincided with Friday.

My dad's birthday is on the 13th of October and I would get such a kick out of it when it would fall on a Friday. I thought it was so cool to have a birthday on Friday the 13th. My dad's not at all superstitious, you see... because he informed me that 13 is actually a lucky number for us eye-talians. So there you have it, besides you can't divide evenly into it, so something or someone was always left out and as luck would have it, we always had a referee.

I'll leave you with this quote:
"Never trust a man who tells you all his troubles, but keeps you from all his joys"

I love her voice, the music of Alison Krauss here is
"The Lucky One" for your listening pleasure.

Have a wonderful weekend and thank you always for your visits and kind words.

My other blogspot: "ThE ArTfuL EyE"

Masculine/Feminine

2008-04-19T14:40:00.000-07:00

Bougainvillea in my side yard

My contributions to Masculine/Feminine for 2thingsphotochallenge.
Most plants have masculine (stamen) and feminine (pistil) reproductive organs. This bougainvillea's filament stamen are surrounded by beautiful fuschia bracts, paper-like leaves. The white flower is the pistil.

I spent the first 5 hours of this glorious Saturday playing in the dirt, gardening, which is something I really enjoy doing and have not done for some time. There is something about the smell of potting soil and earth that is so refreshing. I needed to repot my planter boxes and tend to all my flower pots that had struggled through our winter cold spell. Yes, winter in our neck of the woods, sunny SoCal a 22 bone chilling degrees.

We have a difficult demographic to cultivate here in zone 20 according to my Sunset Western Garden Book. We have unusual thermals and micro-climates that come through our canyons due to marine/coastal influence and the interior desert climates. Our winters can be frosty and our summers extremely, dry and hot. Most of the surrounding area of our home is in full direct sun, so I have to be mindful of what will survive the summer heat. It's taken 4 years to find the survivors. This Bougainvillea is one of them.

Now for a little tool time, masculine/feminine.

I don't remember how I came upon this pink hammer, but I've loved it ever since. It wasn't initially pink, it's a Craftsman and comes with a lifetime exchange for a brand new hammer. No way am I exchanging this hammer, it has a little electrical tape around it's neck and has a time worn, lovely feel. I am a hammer junkie, I may have mentioned this in an earlier post. A girl can't have too many hammers, once I learned that not all hammers are created equal. One blue hammer secretly absconded for this post.

I thank you for your kind words and visits.
I hope you are all doing what you love and loving what you're doing.

My other blogspot: "ThE ArTful EyE"

Domicile

2008-04-13T19:06:00.001-07:00

9 x 13 journal page
Golden acrylic paints, Montana spray paint, college fodder,
custom stencils (made by moi) and word stencils by Stamper's Anonymous

Let me begin by saying that stencil burning is not as easy as you might think. I've sucked in enough toxic mylar fumes to choke a horse and still haven't produced anything to brag about. My dear friend Julie here at Lost Luggage is an expert though and she's been trying to teach me the tricks of the trade, but to no avail, I have not been a good student. Michelle Ward is responsible for starting all this craziness here at GPP Street Team a.k.a. Green Pepper Press. Thank you both for the push and inspiration.

now on to the matter at hand, "Domicile" pg. 6 in "The Book of Eve"

You've heard the sayings, "Home is where the heart is" or "Where your story begins,"

My story begins in the first house that I can remember, the house where I was born, 2324 E. 73rd St. Brooklyn, New York, Bergen Beach to be exact. The dwelling was split level, we lived in the upstairs. Last time I was in N.Y. the house was still standing, small, very small quaint charming little house in a neighborhood now overrun by ungodly mansions and a complete disregard to any sense of community or architectural informity.

In the 1950's this was the new affordable community to raise your family. The streets were not paved, nor were there sidewalks. I lived in this house until my sister Linda was born and then we moved around the corner upstairs in my aunt Mary and uncle Tommy's house, I believe the address here was 2348 E. 74th street. We liked living here. My uncle Tommy had a pool in the backyard and this is where I learned how to swim. I love swimming, even today. Soon my sister Gina was born and we needed more room so we moved to a larger flat across the street 2357 E. 74th St. This was the last stop. It would be here in this domicile, where my heart would grow, and my wonderful childhood memories would unfold. I lived here 13 years.

We moved from this home in 1974 to Denver, Colorado.

When I think of all the places I have lived in my life, I realize today that I'm still searching for the home where my heart lives. Please don't get me wrong, I have a lovely beautiful home with a wonderful husband, but there is a feeling you have when you and your domicile are one and I have not had this feeling for a long time. Home is definitely where the heart is.

I hope your heart finds you home.

One final thought,
"Once you are outside your door, the hardest part of the journey is behind you."

Thank-you for your visits and kind words.

Have a wonderful week! My other blogspot: "ThE ArTfuL EyE"

Telling Fortune

2008-04-08T19:23:00.001-07:00

9 X 13 journal page
Golden acrylics, collage fodder, image transfer, paint pens, real fortune

Do you believe in fortunes? things that happen or are predicted to happen in our lives? Is it fate, destiny, or purely chance?

We should not live our lives by 'maybe's' or 'what if's', instead we should write our own fortune, tell it to the world, then live our fortune and watch it unfold.

Here's what I wrote for myself:
You will find joy in the strangers you meet and help them seek their potential.

If you wrote your own fortune, what would it be?

Buona fortuna a tutti!
Thank-you for your visits and kind words. My other blogspot: "ThE ArTfuL EyE"

Numbers/Letters

2008-04-05T08:27:00.001-07:00

In response to this week's 2thingsphotochallenge Numbers/Letters, abound.

On a recent road trip to Idyllwild, CA from inside the car.

I thought this sign was interesting for the description of the towns people.

and just as we rounded the bend on this small country road,
before entering the main town of Idyllwild we came upon this sign
in front of a local artist's home.
My mouth dropped open, and my immediate thought was 'this is the town for me'.

Idyllwild is a small alpine village about 2 hours from our home in San Diego. There is a wonderful art community here Art Alliance of Idyllwild.

Here's (1) thought for you:
"Mind your p's and q's, but let your a's and b's run wild."

Have a wonderful day! Thanks for your visits and kind words.

My other blogspot: "ThE ArTfuL EyE"

WS- Purple

2008-03-30T20:58:00.001-07:00

9 x 13 journal page
Golden Fluid Acrylics, rub-ons, acrylic ink, metallic pens
collage fodder

This week's Wednesday Stamper challenge is the color "Purple".

Some trivia about the color Purple:

This color associated with royalty, nobility, spirituality and funk.
I'll take spirituality and funk.

This color has been recognized to have mystical and spiritual qualities, in such gemstones as Amethyst and Tanzanite and has a very strong, color vibration in the spiritual realm, in connection with the (7th chakra), it also has a sacred place in nature, with flowers such as lavender, orchid, lilacs and violets.

Purple was Cleopatra's favorite color.

Purple robes are worn by people of authority and high rank.

The Purple Heart is a U.S. Military decoration given to soldiers wounded in battle.

I enjoy the color purple next to green.

When I paint in these blue/red spectrums, I am definitely not in my comfort zone. I find it challenging to manipulate these colors and yet I don't feel any tension.
There must be some truth to the calming effect of this color.

My best to all of you. Have a wonderful week!

"ThE Artful Eye"

How Green is My Valley?

2008-03-26T20:19:00.000-07:00

9 X 13 journal
hand carved rubber stamps
collage fodder

For awhile now green has been the color of my soul. I began thinking about the color green and what did it mean to me.

What did the color green feel like?
It feels waxy, stiff, and full like a short stubby echeveria, and sometimes it's prickly like a teddy bear cholla or nopales cactus, or it can be as soft as the leaf of a wooly lambs ear.

What did the color green sound like?
It sounds like the trees quaking in the wind, it sounds like aluminum cans being crushed for recycle. It's sometimes silent.

What did the color green smell like?
It smells like Christmas, pine, fresh cut grass, life

What did the color green remind me of?
It reminds me of trees, leaves, thin blades of grass, a lime, Kermit, money, a Praying Mantis, Lisa's Chrysalis,

What does the color green taste like?
Like a wheat grass smoothie, a mountain dew, a granny smith apple, jiggly lime jello.

Do you have a favorite color? What does it do for you?

"I've never seen a guy so green, have the blues so bad"
- Fozzie Bear about Kermit

Have a wonderful day!

Thank-you for your visits and kind words, "ThE ArTfuL EyE"

The Book of Eve

2008-03-24T20:01:00.000-07:00

9x13 journal

I've started my journal and decided to name it "The Book of Eve". I had chosen the name Yvette, for myself at the tender young age of 8 for my Confirmation name. (Confirmation a ritual in Catholicism.) I've since defected.

It sounded French, sophisticated and in short, I could be Eve. I loved the sound of Eve. Eve would be my muse. I never did much with this third name over the years and I grew up as Andrea Gabrielle.

I've decided to get this name out of the closet. The name has great meaning in Hebrew 'chavvah' "to breathe and 'chayah' "to live" in other words life-giving. This is right up my alley.

So I begin "The Book of Eve", breathing life into each page. I'll post these pages as they are accomplished interpersed with other works of art. I hope you'll join me on my journey.

L'chaim-- To Life!

Thanks for your visits and kind words. My other blog local: "ThE ArTfuL EyE"

It's Easter Peeps!

2008-03-23T10:38:00.000-07:00

The Just Born company started in 1910

To all my peeps out there, it is here that I will make my confession that "Peeps" those sugary, squishy, marshmallowy, gritty critters are my favorite Easter candy of all time. Note: The chicks came on the scene from 1940's-1950's. Look here if you want a "Peep in Time "

There are only two exceptions to my favorite candy rule on Easter and that is my Grandmother Lucia would always give us a round tin of Droste chocolates along with some Perugina Baci chocolate hazelnut kisses. I'm not sure how my Italian grandmother discovered these Netherland's chocolates but I loved these round disks of goodness that would melt in your mouth and miss receiving them from her.

Well that's all I have to say about candy, because on any other day I'd much prefer a crusty baquette.
Now for some creative Peep art:
I know there are some Project Runway fans out there. Have you seen this video?

Project Peepway

Look here at these crazy wonderful diorama's created for:
Peeps Show II

*You may need to listen to 5 sec. commercial, but it's worth the wait.

Happy Spring! and thanks for stopping by!
My other blogspot: "ThE ArTfuL EyE"

Dead/Alive

2008-03-22T13:28:00.000-07:00

My contribution to this week's 2thingsphotochallenge -Dead/Alive

This lifeless slate rockwall, intertwined with living ivy.

Newport, Rhode Island

Mariposa Grove- Wawona, CA "The Fallen Monarch"
located nr. the southernmost tip of Yosemite Valley

What is depicted here is the dead root base of a Giant Sequoia tree named the "Fallen Monarch". Biologists suspect this tree fell somewhere around the late 18th century. Notice however it is surrounded by some very much alive Giant Sequoias. It is here where you will find some of the oldest living trees in the world, some of which are currently 3000+ years old.

The dead root of this tree is approximately 50 feet in diameter and some of these living trees have bases 92 feet in diameter. The tallest of these trees has been measured at 368ft.

Mariposa Grove is also the home of the famous California Tunnel tree which was tunneled through in 1895, so that stagecoaches could pass through and today you can still drive your car through one of these trees.

A beautiful, fascinating place to visit.

Thanks for stopping by! My other blogspot: "ThE ArTfuL EyE"

Sun/Shadow

2008-03-12T04:37:00.000-07:00

Here's my contribution to this week's 2thingsphotochallenge. Sun/Shadow

Couldn't decide which to post, so enjoy.

reading our community paper while driving to work (doesn't that sound safe)
actually husband is driving ms. daisy
note headline: Snow Day in Country Estates- that's right we had 3-4 inches of snow

window shopping at a faux Hollywood confectioner's window in
California Adventure Park at Disneyland-Anaheim, Ca

When we stopped to look in this window I couldn't resist this photo collage before my eyes, there were so many reflections and images.
"I'll take one photo collage to go, please."

ground hog saw her shadow in this informational post

glimpse of life in the shadow of the Anza Borrego Desert

a single panel at Vietnam War Memorial- Washington, D.C.

When we visit these memorials we bring the light back, for a moment, we resurrect these souls, from the dark shadows of war.

Let us never forget the men whose lives were lost while fighting for the freedom we enjoy today.

Thanks for your visits and your many kind words- My other blogspot: "ThE ArTfuLEyE"

The good 'ole Red, White and Blue

2008-03-07T21:07:00.000-08:00

Longmont, Colorado 1980

My contribution to this week's 2thingsphotochallenge Red, Blue or Purple.

Imagine... "for purple mountains majesties, above the fruited plains...

Now this pic below was taken of the ceiling at The Greek Palace"
Comedy Club here in San Diego,CA. I should have been paying attention to the comedians because they were quite hilarious, but then I happened to look up and whipped out my camera and the comedian yelled, "Hey, lady ...I'm over here.

Thank you for your kind words, and visits.... Vaya con dios, mis amigos!

Have a wonderful weekend! My other blogspot: ThE ArTfuL EyE"

IF-Leap

2008-03-02T09:32:00.001-08:00

8.5 x 11.5
Caran d'Ache Neocolor II crayons,
Golden Fluid Acrylic, rubberstamps
and a good ole pencil.

Here is my contribution to this week's Illustration Friday challenge "Leap"

I have always associated the word 'leap' with faith. I like taking chances and am not afraid to fall, most believe you should not tempt fate. I personally have never learned anything by playing it safe, as a matter of fact, I'm a 'big ole' risk taker and I enjoy the thrill of the challenge.

I believe fate should not tempt me. What about you?

Thought for the Day:-
"If you don't know your limits, then you don't know the heights of what you can achieve."

Happy Sunday! and a BIG thank-you, for your visits and kind words-

My other locale: "ThE ArTfuL Eye"

Miriam

2008-02-24T23:17:00.001-08:00

8.5 x 11.5 mixed media

My contribution to this week's Illustration Friday challenge "Multiple"
This piece has multiple layer's, multiple elements and Miriam is wearing multiple bracelets.

Who is Miriam anyway? Good question...because this is the name that came to mind when I was creating this piece. So now I'm in search of Miriam.

Here's what I found:

Miriam, a Hebrew name meaning either "wished for child", "bitter", or "rebellious" but it may have been derived from an Egyptian name myr "beloved or mr "love" or Meryamun "beloved of Amun". Miriam was the older sister of Moses and Aaron.

I found this blog Miriam's ideas very interesting, Miriam has a lot to say.

Miriam Webster is an Australian gospel singer/songwriter and no relation to Merriam Webster.

There is a restaurant name "Miriam" in Park Slope area of Brooklyn, N.Y.

Miriam is a font.

A myriad on Miriam.

Miriam is someone's great grandmother, grandmother, mother, aunt, cousin, sister, niece, a wife, daughter, a girlfriend.

Thanks for visiting! Do stop by "ThE ArTful EyE"

The Empty Apartment No. 7

2008-02-18T18:07:00.001-08:00

9x12 canvas board, collage ephemera
image transfers with fine pumice medium and glass bead gel medium
fluid acrylics

My cut-up diddy:

-lonely on my way home,
on the street, having conversation.
I drop my eyes and rest boyishly on my hands, I slowly near my building. Stillness.
I don't have to speak. You're No. 7, she said. I pay attention.
this sets me free. Like meditation.
I closed the door.

Now for inquiring minds:

"The cut-up technique was invented by Brion Gysin January 19, 1916 - July 13, 1986 who was a painter, writer, poet, and performance artist born outside of London.

This technique is also known as fishbowling, is an aleatory literary technique, or genre in which text is cut up at random and rearranged to create a new text."

Gysin introduced writer William S. Burroughs to the technique at the Beat Hotel. The pair later applied the technique to printed media and audio recordings in an effort to decode the material's implicit content, hypothesing that such a technique could be used to discover the true meaning of a given text. Burroughs also suggested cut-ups may be effective as a form of divination saying, "When you cut into the present the future leaks out."Burroughs also further developed the "fold-in" technique.

"After one look at this planet any visitor from outer space would say "I want to see the manager." -William S. Burroughs

Thanks for stopping by! My other blogspot: ThE ArTfuL EyE"

Necco Dream

2008-02-16T17:44:00.000-08:00

6x11.5 mixed media collage, renaissance art stamps, candy hearts, paint

My offering for Wednesday Stamper's-"Valentine" challenge

Here is the same image manipulated with filters in photoshop.

and here again manipulated using Glowing Edge filter.

As I mentioned in earlier comments, I am not one for the "V" day hoopla, nor all the commercialism that follows this holiday, but I am nostalgic about hearts cut from paper, paper laced doillies and the old timey candy hearts from Necco.

I loved receiving these as a child and I love receiving them as an adult. When I arrived at work on Thursday, I was greeted by a box of these Necco Sweetheart candies and a cut paper heart with a lovely handwritten sentiment on the back, "Happy V Day" from Gracie. Imagine my delight.

Unfortunately these sayings aren't stamped as clear and sharp as they were a long time ago but the sentiment and feelings are the same. I don't even like to eat these candies, they just make me smile, so I thought best to memorialize them in a collage.

You can learn more about the candy confectioners who have been making these candies since 1847 here at Necco.com

I leave you my sweet hearts and thanks for stopping by!
My other blogspot: "ThE ArTfuL Eye"

Chased by Meme..ster's

2008-02-12T20:01:00.000-08:00

"Are you looking at me? " Broadway and Prince St. Prada Store/ New York SoHo

I've just been tagged by Neda and John for the Book Meme.

What on earth is a "meme" you might ask?

According to the American Heritage Dictionary a meme pronounced m(long e)m as in meem is:
n. A unit of cultural information, such as a cultural practice or idea, that is transmitted verbally or by repeated action from one mind to another.

posted on Jargon file a hacker term:
/meem/ n. [coined by analogy with `gene', by Richard Dawkins] An idea considered as a replicator, esp. with the connotation that memes parasitize people into propagating them much as viruses do.

[Shortening (modeled on gene) of mimeme, from Greek mimēma, something imitated, from mimeisthai, to imitate; see mimesis.]

Andrea's take in short...a replicating, virus of tags for more memes.

So here I meme, broken hearted, found my read and just got started.

What to do next?
1) pick up the nearest book, in my case books that I'm currently reading 123 pages or more.
2) Find Page 123.
3) Find the first 5 sentences.
4) Post the next 3 sentences. Tag 5 people.

Since I've been tagged by (2) I'm giving you double the dose.

I am reading:
"ZEN and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" an inquiry into values
by Robert M. Pirsig /First copyright c. 1974

excerpt: "That's also in someone's mind...Ghosts. That's really what Phaedrus was talking about when he said it's all in the mind. It sounds insane when you just jump up and say it without reference to anything specific like an engine."

My take so far... it's modern day Greek philosphy, life altering, thought provoking motorcycle ride and examination of how we live and are led by our beliefs.

I am also reading:
"Getting Things Done" The Art of Stress-Free Productivity"
by David Allen, Penguin Books /copyright 2001

excerpt: "You may find you have a tendency, while processing your in-basket, to pick something up, not know exactly what you want to do about it, and then let your eyes wander onto another item farther down the stack and get engaged with it. That item may be more attractive to your psyche because you know right away what to do with it-- and you don't feel like thinking about what's in your hand. This is dangerous territory."

My take so far: I desperately need this book. There are way too many good thoughts going on here that need attention. "Mind like Water"

So there you have it my friends, I will ask unconventionally, respectively and with love, that you tag yourselves if you are interested in playing memely along.

Carpe Diem! "ThE ArTfuL EyE"

Love/Bird

2008-02-11T06:00:00.001-08:00

This weeks response to 2things photo challenge Love/Bird.

and as you can see we have plenty of birds to love.

another pic of our wild finch. My husband is placing him on the thistle bag.

This baby hummingbird is no bigger than one inch and he's perched in his nest in our Queen Palm eagerly awaiting his mother's return.

For those of you who have seen my earlier post, here's another shot of our little wild finch who spent two weeks visiting us and landing happily in our hands.

This photo was taken from inside the house. Can you see the Red Tail hawk perched on the fence, he's patiently waiting for a family of Quail to emerge from the shrubs. This pic doesn't do this bird justice he's well over 18" in size. I went outside and eventually scared him away so I would not have to endure a Quail massacre.

and what we have here are five baby Western Bluebirds. We had 6 eggs and one never made it.
We watched these birds from from the time the parents set up camp until the time they fledged. We have Western Bluebirds visiting all the time and hope we'll see more mating soon.

Have a wonderful day! Thanks for the visits.

My other blogspot: "ThE ArTfuL EyE"

Feeling Nostalgic?

2008-02-10T18:33:00.000-08:00

c. 1963 Bergen Beach- Brooklyn N.Y.

Won't you consider joining us at Yesterday's Pictures

Let's share our memories, the houses we lived in, the games we played and all things nostalgia, music, stories of our past. Post photos of family and friends, your holidays, old romances, idols, the world in which you lived in yesterday and long ago.

Feel free to invite others to join. All you have to do is head on over to Yesterday's Pictures and send an email with the text: I want to join, and they will send you an invitation.

Hope to see you there.

Thanks for stopping by! My other blogspot: "ThE ArTful EyE"

Ode to A Mermaid

2008-02-09T18:35:00.001-08:00

Mermaid by definition:
(in folklore) a female marine creature,having the head,torso and arms of a woman and the tail of a fish.

I was recently asked if I'd be interested in participating in a Mermaid swap by Michelle at Hold Dear. I have never participated in one of these swap events, so I thought it would be fun to give it a try. I was assigned a swap partner, Heidi. You can visit Heidi and her wonderfully created treasures here at Fancies, Musings and Whimsies. The objective was to put together a package of mermaid and seaside inspired ephemera, and to also include a handmade item for exchange with your partner. Below are the items I created for Heidi's package:

3x5 acrylic block reverse painted and collage ephemera
and text transparency

cigar box painted with Golden Fluid and Heavy Body Acrylics
text transparencies and other collage emphemera

used piece of Abalone shell for clasp with pearl

inside box - a mermaid diorama- shells from my travels, sea moss,marbles, sea glass, sand and glitter awash with Golden titan buff.

I created the undulating sand with gel medium, beach sand and used dryer sheets. I did not initially intend to create what has become the mermaid's tail. I saw this once the bottom layer was completely dry and and realized all it needed was a head and torso. Viola!

Here are some snippets of the ephemera that were included in her package.

Have a swimmingly good day! Thanks for stopping.

My other blogspot:"ThE ArTful EyE"

Paper or Plastic?

2008-02-08T00:15:00.001-08:00

I went outside this a.m. to scout around the property before heading off to work and found these paper whites had pushed through the frozen hard earth. I used the plastic wrap filter in PS to alter the image which you see here below the original. It's reflects how I think these delicate flowers should look in 28 degree temperatures but as a matter of fact it's the cold snap that helped these fragrant flowers along. I found these in the wild behind our house a couple of years ago and pulled up some bulbs and replanted around the house. These little gems come back every year after the cold snap.

Here's to Spring in the horizon or your step whichever comes first!

" Worry takes just as much time as work and pays less"

Thanks for your visits! My other blog: ThE ArTfuL EyE"

Day/Time-Death Valley

2008-02-05T05:36:00.000-08:00

My contribution to 2things weekly challenge Day/Time.

This photo taken in the spring just after heavy winter rains in Death Valley, CA. I stood in amazement, seeing this fragile flower amidst the dry desert floor, it's survival seemed effortless in this harsh landscape.

Thought for today:
" A man who dares to waste one hour of time has not discovered the value of life"

Thanks for stopping by!
My other blogspot: "ThE ArTfuL EyE"

IF- Blanket

2008-02-03T12:57:00.000-08:00

"Blanket" is this week's theme at Illustration Friday

This blanket idea came to me as I was sipping my cuppa coffee and reading the Sunday paper. Why not just weave my own tale? If the media can do it, why can't I? So I embarked on creating my own blanket editorial- snip.weave.snip- to obscure and obstruct those skewed opinions presented before me. Much better reading, I'd say.

"Freedom of expression is the well that sustains civilization"

Now how about a little Cream with that coffee?

This is a great illustrated video.

Thanks for stopping! My other blogspot: "ThE ArTfuL EyE"

...more of the Cape with a sprinkle of Newport, Rhode Island

2008-02-02T08:28:00.001-08:00

Welcome back, Mwahh...

I took this pic on one of my early morning "the way i see it" strolls through Provincetown, window shopping before the town was awake. I liked seeing the reflection of image across the street it had a double exposure feel.
For an earlier post of another mannequin window take a look here.

This photo was also taken early morning just as the sun was going to rise. I liked it alot because it was out of focus and actually has a pastel feel to it.

I've embedded the following slideshow of assorted images for your perusal.

It's a small compilation of "The Way I Saw It" in the Cape Cape and Newport. I have so many wonderful photos of this area, and these are just a few snippets taken from catalog. I have added captions so that you would know where these photos were taken.

My husband and I had taken a side trip to see the Newport Mansions. I have include some photos of these mansions and the beautiful cliff walk that surrounds the area. These were the homes of The Vanderbilt's,The Cortlandt's,the coal magnates of the Colonial Era through the Gilded Age. You can learn more about the mansions here.

Newport Rhode Island is also the home of "The International Tennis Hall of Fame", and the oldest Synagogue in America "Touro Synagogue" a place that is symbolic of the religious freedom for all Americans, "that the right of the individual freely and without governmental restraint to follow the dictate of his own conscience in religious worship could be exercised without danger to the state."

Another great find was the National Museum of Amercan Illustrator's which houses the works of the master Illustrators such as, Maxfield Parrish,J.C. Leyendecker, N.C. Wyeth,Norman Rockwell, Howard Pyle,Jessie Wilcox Smith to name a few.

I hope you learned a bit of trivia you didn't know and enjoyed your visit.

You can click on this slide show to view larger images.

I leave you with this thought:
"Learn to listen or your tongue will keep you deaf"

Please stop by my other blogspot, "ThE ArTfuL EyE"

Cape Splendor

2008-01-30T05:06:00.001-08:00

This past September I traveled back to one of my favorite places to celebrate my 50th birthday, Cape Cod, Massachusetts. This is a wonderful place to visit as an artist, photography or if you just want a little chunk of peace in your life. Many wonderful artists, writers, photographers have lived here and continue to find this a place to nurture their creative spirits.

My disclaimer is that I am not a professional photographer but I like to look.. closely... observe my surroundings, always searching for the beauty in all things.

Here are some of my favorite pics.

"Uncle Tim's Bridge" Truro, MA

a private marina in Truro, MA not far from the house Edward Hopper lived in for many years.

The water's edge ebbs and flows and each time presenting to us the earth, beneath our feet, each time a little more worn but beautiful nonetheless.

I am going to post a few more of my favorite pics in the days ahead. Just thought you'd like a sneak peak into this little jewel on earth.

Thought to ponder: Where does a dream go after you've dreamt it?

Thanks for stopping by and as always for your kind words.

My other blogspot: ThE ArtFul Eye"

Sock Monkey DNA

2008-01-27T17:26:00.001-08:00

Today was Monkey Day or Monkee's Day.

Perhaps what started me on this kick was John at Typos.Daylight.Fate. I'm laughing myself silly, but when I got done altering this fractal and rotating the image around, first thought that came to mind was...my what colorful DNA strands, then I saw what looked like an outline of a monkey. ...well I suppose a sock monkey might just have such colorful DNA and...I love sock monkeys and recently came across this fun sock monkey site. Don't sock monkeys make you smile?

Can you see the resemblance?

I also love "The Monkees" as in Davey Jones, Mickey Dolenz, Peter Tork and Michael Nesmith. As a matter of fact these vintage mags are expected to arrive at my doorstep any day now. The exact same magazines I held in my hands as I daydreamed of a secret date with Davey Jones and made gum wrapper love chains (look here for instructions) that I mailed to Mickey Dolenz. Sorry Peter and Mike you were off my radar.

love chain - looked like this but much longer

Signing off for now - Monkey Love a.k.a "The ArTfuL EyE"
Thanks for stopping by!

Intermission

2008-01-26T13:00:00.000-08:00

My attention deficit disorder kicked in and I found myself in the garage, I came out here to look for something, am easily distracted when I stumbled on a pile of wrapped canvases. Hmmm... wonder what's in here? I had these plastic wrapped bundles, labeled canvases to rework, canvases for framing, canvases for cocktails, so many labels must have been a past episode of obsessive compulsive disorder.
Here's what I found:

21" x 17" acrylic painting from collage

The year was 1971. I was 14 years old and a student at Roy H. Mann Jr. High school in Brooklyn, New York, this was my assignment- A study in tonal grays and blacks. I stretched this odd shaped canvas myself, hence the odd size.

For as long as I can remember I have always enjoyed collage and especially drawing or painting from them once they were created.

"Snow Days"
15" x 20" acrylic painting from collage c.1975

This is a painting of a collage I had done with magazine images, cut and torn paper. I had moved to Denver, Colorado and was attending George Washington High School. I was 18 years old. I loved to ski, and at the time it was all I could think about.

18"x 24" acrylic painting, heavy molding paste
c. 1983

Another painting from a collage. It was my freshman year at the University of Colorado, Boulder. I was 26 years old. I still have all these collages.

I have since stopped painting from collages.

Well I hope you have enjoyed my little time travel and thanks for the visits.

My other blogspot: "ThE ArTfuL EyE"

WS- The Poet King

2008-01-20T17:58:00.001-08:00

"My name is Federico Garcia Lorca"

8 x 11.5 mixed media- for Wednesday Stamper challenge "Kings"
molding paste, golden fluid acrylics, glitter,
asst'd. ephemera, B Line rubber stamps

"Great art depends upon a vivid awareness of death, connection with the nation's soil and acknowledgement of the limitations of reason" - Federico Garcia Lorca

For inquiring minds: Federico García Lorca (June 5th, 1898 - August 19, 1936 ) was a Spanish poet and dramatist, also remembered as a painter, pianist, and composer. He lived in Granada, Spain. He was a member of the "Generation of '27" an influential group of poets in Spanish literary circles from 1923-1927 with a desire for the Avante Garde art forms. He was close friends with Luis Banuel (known as the father of cinematic surrealism ) and Salvador Dali (Spanish surrealist painter) . He was killed by Nationalist partisans at the age of 38 at the at the start of the Spanish Civil War.

Here is one of his paintings.

...and a poem

Floating Bridges

Oh what a crush of People
Invisible, reborn
Make their way to into this garden
For their eternal rest

Every step we take on earth
Brings us to a new world
Every foot supported
On a floating bridge

I know there is no straight road
No straight road in this world
Only a giant labyrinth
Of intersecting crossroads

And steadily our feet
Keep walking and creating
Like enormous fans
These roads in embryo

Oh garden of white
Oh garden of all I am not
All I could
And should have been

I know there is no straight road
No straight road in this world
Only a giant labyrinth
Of intersecting crossroads

Comprendo que no existe
El camino derecho
Solo un gran labertino
De encrucijadas multiples

Thanks everyone for your visits and kind words!
My other blogspot: "ThE ArTfuL EyE"

At the end of the rainbow...

2008-01-19T18:53:00.000-08:00

8 x 11.5 mixed media collage, layers of fluid acrylic paints

collage ephemera, colored markers, Caran d'Ache Neocolor II crayons

rubber stamps

Have you ever tried to get to the end of a rainbow? I have and guess what, I'm still on the road some 50 years later and haven't gotten any closer or maybe I have and I just didn't know it. What did I think I would find? a pot of gold, a farmhouse, field of poppies, the afterlife.

::::::: I interrupt this regular scheduled programming to say that my 'dear husband' who has been working tirelessly to restore my 1963 Mercury Meteor in the garage, just walked in the house and presented me with a special gift... a handful of assorted transmission springs for use in my art projects, he sure knows the way to my heart :::::: now back to our regular scheduled programming.

Whenever I see a rainbow I ask my husband do you think we could get to the end and he reminds me by his scientific mind that it is not possible that a rainbow is a phenomenon, a refractory of light, that it would be impossible. Geesh, I don't believe a word he says, why should I let him burst my rainbow bubble?

Now look here at this person below. Don't they seem close?

Double Rainbow in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Alaska

Image by photographer -Eric Rolph at

Wikimedia free usable media files

Well in the meantime, I'll keep dreaming because Dorothy says, "the dreams that you dare to dream, really do come true."

Thanks for stopping by! My other blogspot, "ThE ArTfuL EyE"

A Stroll in the Park

2008-01-16T06:13:00.001-08:00

"Poppy" digital photo enhanced using PS colored pencil filter

Sunday, January 13th, my friend Julie and I took a stroll through Balboa Park on our way to the art supplies store. Balboa Park is located in downtown San Diego, CA. Follow me here to see my photographic journey.

Thanks for visiting! My other blogspot "ThE ArTfUl EyE"

Green Apple ala Seurat

2008-01-11T06:12:00.001-08:00

Here's my contribution to Rima's digital workshop challenge on her blog Marazine.

After saving the apple image I imported into Mac's iPhoto and gave it two effects Antique and Vignette. In photoshop under the filter gallery menu I chose artistic pencil and manipulated the pencil effects. I edited the color gradient. I then selected pointillize under filter gallery menu, sharpened edges and added glow edge. The title of my piece is dedicated to Georges Seurat who was one of the greatest pointillist artists of the 19th century.

Have you stopped by my other blogspot:"ThE ArTfUl EyE"

WS- Gothic Arch Diptych

2008-01-08T22:09:00.000-08:00

gesso'd A6 templates layered with dryer sheets adhered with gel medium, acrylic paint,collage imagery, misc. ephemera, sewing

"off we go daydreaming"

It's the ninth hour-as the bell tolls on a new day for Wednesday Stamper and I'm tossing in my contribution to the Gothic Arch challenge.

Hope you'll visit my other blogspot "ThE ArTfuL EyE"

Early days at the MOMA

2008-01-01T19:28:00.001-08:00

I present to you one of my journal covers.
Mixed media, vintage photo - 11 X14

"Everyday lived well makes yesterday a fond remembrance,
and every tomorrow a dream of hope"

There are many layers of paper, tissue, Golden acrylics, punched/stamped images stuck on this page. Here my sister Linda and I are visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the year 1962.

Growing up in New York with two artists for parents brought us to the museums on a regular basis. By the looks of things, sis appears distracted. Dad's behind the camera.

Have I mentioned my loving husband bought me a Paragon Kiln? with a bead door for annealing beads. I've got so much learning to do. It's back to work tomorrow...aarrgghh...after 10 glorious days off.

Be sure to visit my other blog: "The ArTfuL EyE" and thanks a million for stopping by.

So Long, Farewell 2007

2007-12-31T17:29:00.000-08:00

I took this picture on the hiking trail to Cedar Creek Falls in Ramona, CA a stones throw from my backyard. It reminded me of "The Sound of Music". It's not Salzburg, but it is another beautiful place on this earth.

I just love "The Sound of Music" by Robert Wise and the music of Rodgers and Hammerstein and it just so happened it was on last night... so my husband and I sat and watched it. I'm not sure how many times I have seen this movie but when Julie Andrews floats over those hills in Salzburg, Austria and belts out the title song I get goosebumps and tears come to my eyes. There is magic in this music and it lifts my spirit and how can we forget one of our fellow artists "Angela Cartwright" who played Brigitta von Trapp, such a talented woman.

So Long, Farewell 2007 ... so long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, goodbye

To all my old friends, new friends and to those I have yet to meet.
Be gentle with yourselves and remember to stay with PEACE in the coming year. This is a great big beautiful planet from afar but when we zoom in, we see we have work to do!

Thank you for your kind words on my blogs "The Artful Eye" and "The Way I See It" and I look forward to your visits in the future.

Let's make some GREAT ART in 2008!!

Lost and Found

2007-12-29T14:58:00.001-08:00

My mom was here visiting from Denver, CO this past week so we took a trip up to Julian, CA. .. for those curious minds Julian, CA is located just east of San Diego in the Cuyamaca Mountains.

This is a beautiful, quaint mountain town which has lots to offer and the best apple pie you'll ever sink your teeth into... now unexpectedly on this glorious winter day while we casually strolled through town we came upon this chilly scene. The sun was shining, the air was a crisp 25 degrees.

Right there before our eyes, laid out on the rocks, dirt and fall leaves- was teddy. My immediate thought was "Oh, my!" how could anyone... *gulp*... leave behind this teddy and in this condition. Next thought, "CSI" Julian".
How did this teddy meet such a demise? eye missing, arm ravaged.

I looked around for any immediate suspects but it was apparent he had been here for some time. I knew what I had to do next and that was to snap a photo of him so that he could live on in our spirit. I contemplated picking him up, but then thought what if the perpetrator had second thoughts and decided to come back and rescue him. Give him new life?

We continued our stroll,snapping more pics along the way and then stopped for a nice warm meal in another one of my favorite places
"Romano's Dodge House"

I guess this picture summed up how I was feeling on this cold, wintry day.
A bit lost and a little found.

Hope your holidays were grand and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Please stop by to visit my other blogspot, "ThE ArTfuL EyE"

My Christmas Tree

2007-12-12T21:14:00.000-08:00

5X5 beveled acrylic block reverse collage painting

The scribble you see off to the right actually says, "Merry"

I just forgot I was doing this in reverse and hadn't revved up my

backwards writing skills so, there you have it. It's merry nonetheless!

Tomorrow- I'm off early from work and heading to my favorite

local tree farm "Pine Tree Acres" to select this year's tree.

Can't wait..

Be sure to stop by an visit my other blogspot "ThE ArTfuL EyE"

It's A CiRcUs Out There

2007-12-11T05:23:00.000-08:00

4X4 canvas, golden fluid acrylics, collage ephemera

This little canvas is one of a clown series I'm working on.

I love clowns, always have and never quite sure why some people have a feared them. What they should fear is the circus out there!

This canvas earned it's title from thoughts of my yesterday. The holiday frenzy is in full swing and people are trying to multi-task more than ever and they're not good at it. Ever try to run a few errands on your lunch break the weeks before Christmas? It's like American Gladiators out there. I was so fra-dazzled. I just made this word up, it's state of being, cross between frazzled and dazzled, basically overcome by stimuli of all sorts, traffic, people, carts, glitter, holiday sounds and food.

My only saving grace was I knew at the days end I'd be taking class to learn how to faux paint a unique burl wood design on wooden memory box using Ranger distressed inks, Memories stamp pads and satin varnish. Also learned was how to make minature journal books using an origami fold. I'll post finished product soon!

Thanks for stopping by and hope you're not fra-dazzled.

Be sure to visit my other blogspot: "ThE ArTful EyE"

The Rain, the Park and Other Things

2007-12-07T21:33:00.000-08:00

The Rain,

"Rain Today "photo originally uploaded by macprohawaii

the Park,

Boston Public Garden- the nation's oldest park

West end Provincetown, MA

and Other things...

Oh, beehave..

I so love the rain and today it rained, but not enough.. Please rain some more.

I thought of this song, when I thought of the rain. For those of you who remember "The Cowsills" for your listening and viewing pleasure and for those neophytes hope you enjoy.

Feel free to mosey on by: "ThE ArTfuL EyE"

Out of My Gourd

2007-12-06T19:21:00.000-08:00

So a couple of months ago I decided to try my hand at
yet another art medium "Gourd Art" -as if I didn't already
have my hands into so many other wonderful mediums.
I took one class, learned two techniques, a closed coiled
and basketweave. Learned how to grow, clean, cut and dye a gourd and I was immediately hooked. I made this one specifically for a wedding gift and have since completed two others. I still need to take pics of the other two I've recently completed and will post them soon..

Here's another view.

If you ever get a chance to travel to Fallbrook, CA
the "International Gourd Art Festival" is a must see.
I had the chance to go this past summer and I'm still reeling at the beautiful, talented gourd art that I encountered at this event and talk about supplies...geeeshh a feast for one's eyes.

Another reason I'm out of my gourd...

Last night when I left work I drove directly to the Apple Store
in Fashion Valley and bought myself an 24" iMac. I'm a convert!
Did I say out of my gourd?! because the last time my fingers
touched a mac I was using an Apple IIe. Now I'm dating myself.
What this means I'll soon be transferring files from my current Dell PC (don't know how) and installing and teaching myself a whole new operating system. So... if I vanish from sight for awhile you'll know I fubar'd things up and I'm trying to wrangle my way back.
I consider myself a pretty savvy PC user but this whole Mac experience is new to me.
Wish me luck!

OH and BTW...have I mentioned that this daylight savings time stinks because I leave for work at o'dark thirty and return home at o'dark thirty. It feels like it's way past my bedtime.

Ciao! Please visit my other blogspot: "ThE ArTfuL EyE"

Holiday

2007-12-04T21:41:00.000-08:00

4x4 canvas board collage, text transparency
torn copy of vintage postcard- Santa Barbara, CA Hwy 101
Golden Fluid Acrylics, gel medium

There was something about today that was magical.
Perhaps it was "a day of freedom from labor". I took the day off
and decided to work on finishing some journal pages,
a little bit of sewing and a stroll by some local antique stores to see what I could rummage.

Items found:
-vintage Atlas jar of old buttons, more vintage handpicked buttons.
-old vintage glass sign- "small deposit needed to hold items"
- a handful of beautiful vintage cabinet photos
- a framed vintage hand cross-stitched saying,
"Let me have a little space where maybe I can come and go"
- small vintage wood sign,
"There is always, always, always something to be thankful for"
- a cast iron weathervane
- small cream white cast iron birds nest with blue robins eggs
-2 extremely large childrens board books for altering 24 X 36

It was a glorious day bathed in sunshine and well needed.
Hope your day went well and thanks for stopping by.
My other blogspot: "ThE ArTfuL EyE"

Artist's Reflection

2007-12-03T18:01:00.000-08:00

First I'd like to thank Tim Holtz and Ranger for adding distress to my life. These products are awesome. I created this little collage journal book from plain 'ole chipboard utilizing distress inks, 9 X 9 double-sided cardstock, distress embossing powders, bits of ephemera, vintage photos, collage etc.

The cover of this journal is created using foam core to raise window template and mica to cover the three individual windows.

On the inside, there are several pages with pockets to add other fun stuff.

This is the back. It' put together with small binder rings and ribbon.
Metal tabs are crimped around the edges.

Thanks for stopping by! Don't forget to mosey on by my other spot: "The Artful Eye"

Wednesday Stamper- WORDS

2007-11-28T19:51:00.000-08:00

I hope you enjoy my contribution to this weeks
Wednesday Stamper challenge WORDS.

This journal page is 8 x 11, white gesso base, golden paints,
adirondack daubers, an assortment of stamps, sharpies, and torn text.

Stroll on by my other blogspot: "The Artful Eye"

Feeling Blecch

2007-11-28T11:07:00.000-08:00

Blecch...should be a word somewhere. I pronounce it like blegth, somewhere between, black, bleek and death. I've been ill since the day after Thanksgiving. Yesterday felt like I had pneumonia, today- I just feel like I have a bad cold. Nonetheless...I just want to stay horizontal and not move but then...I feel like I'm missing out on something. I like reading blogs and seeing what everyone is up to and having time off to do this is extremely rare. Unfortunately I'm finding it difficult to keep my body in an upright position. Tomorrow we head to Monterey, CA for a family funeral. Can it get any worse?!

For now, I leave you with this photo... because it's blu..ish and how the inside of my head feels right now, which I took of the inside stairwell of the Pilgrim Monument in Provincetown, MA as my husband and I trekked the 255 steps to the top lookout.

Here some pics of what we saw, I hope you enjoy.

of the top

from the inside out

to the east- the Marina

to the west -Cape Cod Bay

to the north -Cape Cod National Seashore

to the south- Provincetown High School

A diorama of what Provincetown, MA
looked like when the Pilgrims arrived

The Pilgrim's Story

The Mayflower- A room size diorama

Please ferry on over to my other blogspot: "The Artful Eye"

Etched Pendant Necklace

2007-11-26T20:55:00.001-08:00

Pendant necklace made using steel and brass washers. I drew a design on the washers with a black enamel based Sharpie and then etched the pieces in PCB etchant for about 1/2 hour. The areas of the washers that were covered by the enamel did not etch, while the areas 'not covered' by enamel were etched. I then combined the washers with some misc. jewelry findings, a button, assorted glass beads and a few spacers and viola!

I'm beginning to like this blogging thing-- because I know that most of the time I'm talking to myself and I'm okay with it. Free therapy. Apologize in advance for the crappy photos of the artwork. Maybe in my next life, I'll be an artwork photographer.

Do stroll on by "The ArTful EyE" my other blogspot.

My First PMC Jewelry

2007-11-25T16:33:00.001-08:00

I took my first PMC class last Sunday and what you see here are my first pieces.

Clockwise, starting from top left:

I created a 'grunge type' nameplate for a pendant I'm going to embellish for my dear friend Irene. Using metal letter stamps and stamping directly into the clay. The back of this piece is also textured. Stamping the letters was a bit harder than I thought. You need to get the right amount of pressure.

Small charm was created from a mold I had made earlier in the a.m. prior to attending class. I used a vintage button and created the mold using "mold n pour" by Suze Weinberg. Pressed in silver clay and popped it back out of mold. I then inserted a small garnet cabouchon into the center of the flower.

Small silver owl pendant with bale. I created a mold using same technique from above this time using a vintage owl rubber stamp and baby powder for a release.

One pair of earrings using plastic template for clay impression.

...and last but not least, a large silver hand rolled bead, stamped using my Judi Kins Klimt bollio

I'm officially addicted and have purchased all but a small kiln to produce more pieces. If you have any interest in working with silver jewelry this is the way to go.

The pieces are all .999 fine silver when finished. All these pieces were dipped into liver of sulphur for some level of patina.

Stay tuned... in the meantime be sure to stop by my other blogspot: "The Artful Eye"

Heart Heavy

2007-11-23T15:00:00.000-08:00

I found this heart shape rock on the beach in Provincetown,MA-it needed protection. So I built a fortress of dry reed.

Today, my heart aches.

Stroll by "The Artful Eye"

Our Reflection

2007-11-22T18:39:00.000-08:00

On this day, we reflect on so many things for which we are grateful.
We seek comfort for those who are not well.
We think of family and friends who have gone before us.
We find compassion, where there is none.
We pray for our soldiers who are fighting for our freedom.
We pray for shelter and love for those without.
We are blessed, and we are thankful.
Godspeed.
Please stop by "The Artful Eye"

Window Shopping

2007-11-20T20:17:00.000-08:00

I took this picture and it read my mind. Looks scary, eh?
Have a wonderful day and don't forget a drive by "The Artful Eye"

Bauble

2007-11-18T07:20:00.000-08:00

I'm in the jewelry making mode so I thought I'd share this little gem I made just recently. Assorted glass beads, wire and found chain. I'm off to make a clay mold I want to bring to the PMC class today at Stamping Details. Stay tuned... I'll be posting pics of my first PMC projects. Don't forget to visit me at my other place, The Artful Eye.

pLaY

2007-11-17T12:01:00.000-08:00

3X3 pre-gesso'd canvas, layers of transparent Golden Fluid Acrylics , wiped on, then off. Clear transparency of text applied with gel medium and a black and white image of schoolyard hula'ing cropped with postage stamp Fiskar scissors.

It's play time, do you remember "Hula Hoops"? Have you tried to Hula Hoop in your adult life? Well if you're like me you've put on a few pounds since you were 5 yrs. of age and the circumference of the hoop is a lot closer to your waist and there's not a whole lotta room to get this thing going. Check out the beginnings of Hula Hoop. Now I was thinking, why don't they make these things so we adults can get back into Hula Hooping and by golly, I got into a Hoopnotic trance here. There is hoop. (hope)

Don't forget to drive by my other blogspot for more fun and frivolity - "The Artful Eye"

Crazy Daze

2007-11-12T21:12:00.000-08:00

Another day working for the man. What's 'crazy' is that our entire company is loaded with Veterans and most of them were working. So I ask? How is that celebrating Veteran's Day.?! There were a few wise men missing but for the most part we were all in the trenches.

Speaking of wise men. Can you believe there are only 42 shopping 'daze' until Christmas?

Remembering Our Veteran's

2007-11-11T18:45:00.000-08:00

The American Cemetary in Normandy, France has to have been one of my most memorable experiences. I was fortunate to travel here with a man named Douglas Walker. I'll never forget this story nor this man, as he wiped the tears from his eyes as he recounted the events of the day he as a young man was ordered off the back of an American U boat, armed and facing the enemy in countless numbers. Thank you for your service to this country!

To all our Marines as we celebrate and give thanks on the "232nd" Anniversary of the USMC.
Semper Fi

2004-01-22T09:52:00.000-08:00

Christmas in New York and All Good Things Must Come To An End

Sheesh....it's been awhile hasn't it. It seems as those these past six months have grabbed me and tossed me to the wind. So much has gone on here. We are still living in our apartment. Temporary job has come and gone. I've worked this temporary job for 6 mos. and my time ended on Dec. 5th. We (G) and I were leaving for N.Y. yes, the Big Apple on Tuesday the 9th.

Two things. 1) I love Christmas in N.Y. and 2) New York will always be my home. There is something so remarkably special about this city, other than the fact I grew up here.

Let's see a rundown on all the places we visited. We arrived 6 a.m Wed. on a red eye. Of course I didn't sleep a wink. The day ahead was full. We left for the city just a few short hours after our plane landed. So a coupla cups of cawfee and we were on our way, again.

Times Square. This was centrally located to where we were going to see a matinee broadway show. At the Shubert Theatre, it was "Gypsy" starring Bernadette Peters. She is fantastic! Early dinner at Ollie's across the street. Interesting Chinese restaurant with hostesses that remind you of life-like anime characters. Of course all the gals were legs from here to there and very exotic looking.

Before during and after we walked around and saw ABC, NBC,CBS, MTV, FOX television studios, We strolled Broadway oohing and aahhing at the lights and interesting folks. G had never really spent much time in N.Y. so this was exciting for him. Even tho I'd seen it all there is always something fresh about the city and I love, love, love it.

We walked over to FAO Schwarz, hmmm interesting tidbit. They are filing Chptr. 11 bankrupcy. This is a travesty because this is a fun grandiose store. I would hate to see this institution go. We walked into Toys R Us. We had to see the indoor ferris wheel. Too long of a line to ride but fun to watch.

We walked 5th Avenue, 6th Avenue strolled past the wonderfully decorated windows, and we strolled to Rockefeller Centre. We gazed at the beautiful Christmas tree and Christmas statues. We watched as ice skaters graciously and some not, skated around to Christmas music. We saw Santa and Sponge Bob Square Pants. Hey, what more could you ask for! By evenings end we were bushed. I hadn't slept in two days.

Thurs. - We were off to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Got to love this subway travel. There are so many great people to see and talk to and what a great way to travel. We strolled up Park Avenue, Lexington Avenue and stopped for lunch at a Greek Cafe. Great food and fun, fast, friendly service. We headed to the museum and walked through about 1/4 of the museum in 3 hours. My feet were burning. Of course today was the day I decided to look a little stylish and now I was paying the price of my new look. We were going to meet my cousin Barbara and Chris for dinner and I was having reservations. I was tired and my feet hurt terribly. My dad came with us to the museum. He decided to head back to Brooklyn on his own and leave us to a fun night in Manhattan. The wind had kicked up and it was beginning to rain. We walked from about 79th and Park Avenue all the way to 52nd and 8th. I was ready for a foot transplant. I begged and pleaded we find a shoe shop to purchase something comfortable for my tired dogs. We headed towards 5th Avenue and I knew we good shop there, only problem was finding a pair of shoes for less than $500. was like trying to find a needle in a haystack. Thank God! for Ann Taylor Loft. They came through and with a sale of $29.99 plus tax I was the proud owner of some comfy suede flats. Except by this time my feet were in sooooooo much pain that I could have put on bedroom slippers and it wouldn't have mattered. I was able to pick up my pace a bit now and we were getting close to my cousins apartment she lives in the theatre district and works up the street as a VP for BNP Paradis (a French Bank) just walking distance to her quaint two bedroom apartment at "The Ellington" yes, doorman included.

To be continued:

2003-06-25T11:26:00.000-07:00

In Other Words

Isn't is funny how we all have a way with words. Y'all have a way with words. Y'ouse guys have a way with words. When I first moved to the midwest from the Big Apple I was at times at a loss when I wasn't able to communicate with my fellow mates. I had asked someone in a local store where the soda was and they pointed me to club soda and said they have "pop" also. I thought for a moment. Pop? What on earth is pop! I then asked for a bag and they told me we only have "sacks". Beginning to get perplexed by the strange vernacular I became more curious. I was invited out for some sporting event and was told I could where my tennis shoes. I thought for a moment then explained that I didn't own a pair of tennis shoes but I did have a pair of sneakers. It made me laugh cuz I tried to think of the sport one might do with a pair of sneakers. You could be a super sneaker, sport sneaker, jr. olympic sneaker. Recently a friend and I were having a conversation many years later I mind you and we are in Costco. I said I'd go get the wagon and she chuckled and replied, "you mean "cart" right? No wagon, I replied and laughed again. In another conversation we were talking about registration renewal and tags were permits and plates were tags. Just the other day I asked for a regular cup of coffee and the clerk responded with, "Fresh Drip" okay?

2003-06-23T13:00:00.000-07:00

Insightful Linquist

I just learned by taking a simple IQ test I have the natural fluency of a writer and visual spatial strengths of an artist. Hmmm... I have always thought of myself as a creative writer and definitely an artist. I might be struggling at these two parts these days but I know that soon it will all make sense. My IQ 126. What is that supposed to mean? Average folk between 70-130. So I'm average? I'll need to do some research on this Intelligence Quotient stuff so that I'm better informed about my intellectual status.

I had my first call for an interview the other day and I was sooooo excited to actually feel like I might have a chance at the working world. The interview lasted a little bit over an hour and I really felt like it went well or perhaps I was delusional. I got home really expecting that I'd hear from the employment agency that sent me out to the jungle and nothing. The phone rang for the next two days every hour on the hour only to drive me to insanity as I waited for the one call, the one answer to my prayer that I actually qualified myself to someone. No luck. Then of course you go through all the justifications with WHY they may not have called and try to make sense of it all. Oh woe is me!

It's a new week. I'm on a different mission, as a matter of fact many missions. I'm feeling pretty focused and setting my trail ablaze reading a couple of good books along the way. If you're interested Seabiscuit by Laura Hillebrand and Running in Heels by Anna Maxted.

2003-06-10T10:19:00.000-07:00

No More Excuses

Someday is not a day of the week. What up? I had a truly unproductive day yesterday even though I did help a friend produce a workout CD. I'm good at procrastinating and I need to get ungood at it. I'm meeting with resistance because I'm not good with resume writing. It is like nails scratching against a chalkboard. I would rather be pumping gas or ironing then writing and rewriting my resume. An those of you who know me know how I despise these tasks.

2003-06-05T19:09:00.000-07:00

"Now We Are Cooking on Gas" Originally uploaded by Sifter

Cooking with Gas

A funny little phrase a good friend of mine recently tossed at me. I take it to mean something like, "Now we're moving" we've got fire beneath us. I felt like I made some headway today. I managed to get another resume out and am making strides in my job search. The gas does need to get turned up though. I could be doing so much more and have lacked the ambition to do so. Not sure what I'm afraid of, maybe the dark? The dark world of unemployment...no callbacks, rejection, tough interviews. Heck, this is old hat stuff for me. I need to get going and put together the ammunition to send up the flares. I know I have what it takes and then some. There I go letting my vulnerability show through that tough skin.

Nothing wrong with being vulnerable. It builds character, one character at a time.

2003-06-05T19:00:00.000-07:00

"A Fairy Cake" Originally uploaded by Zalita

Spirituality and Cake

Is this supposed to be a kinda soul searching while having your cake and eat it too type of deal? I picked up this little two-bit phrase from my favorite show Sex in the City. I can say that I haven't done too much soul searching lately cuz getting down to the nitty gritty is too confrontational for my little ol' heart these days. You heard it hear...yes and from the queen of confrontation hez self.

I need to get back into finding out what's really going to "chime my clock", "tickle my fancy", "put a red shiny apple at my feet" kinda life. I was journaling for awhile before we moved down here and that got tossed by the wayside. Journaling always takes you to meet the unknown.

Cake..well I've been having my cake celebrating birthday's, anniversaries and any other celebratory event that comes my way. Funny cuz cake is not one of my favorite things to indulge in. Maybe it's a sign, a sorta spiritual sign that is trying to tell me that sweet things are coming my way. Something to think about, anyhow.

2003-05-27T21:25:00.000-07:00

Another Day in Paradise

Yes, it was another glorious day here in sunny So. Cal. I awoke abruptly realizing that I had overslept 6:45 a.m. Correct. Oversleeping for me, as I'm usually up from 3 a.m. on any given day. It wasn't five minutes later that I was running my 2.5 on the threadmill, good breakfast, ready for class on time and off the two of us went. The day went rather quickly and I had moments that I felt productive and others that I felt like I was trudging through the day.

Thinking about work. How I miss it. Thinking about mid-life and how it muddles my mind. But then I look around and realize it's just another day in paradise. How lucky I am!

2003-05-26T20:10:00.000-07:00

This is a test.
This is only a test. I cannot believe I have finally reached the point of bloggerdom. I'm excited and apprehensive as I'm not sure what might spew from my mind.