Walkin' in a winter wonderland

Hello all, it is a fantastic day here in Maine. Yesterday was our first snow storm and this morning it is beautiful outside. I've take pictures and if you are on Face book, you can go see them.

Last night I left the front outside light on, turned out the inside lights, and watched the snow fall in the night sky. Amazing is God's artistry. Imagine how much He cares for us seeing as he puts so much into making all those tiny snowflakes. Each flake is an individual and beautiful. He has done the same with us - each an individual and beautiful. Oh but He loves us so very much more than a snowflake. He loves us beyond our understanding and I am very thankful that He does.

As I sit here at the computer and gaze at the sky, I see clouds just zooming by. They are moving quickly and keep making amazing pictures framed by the window. It is sort of like looking into a Kalaidascope. Every changing and always a treat to the eye.

Speaking of ever changing, I have been making Christmas cards for the two Christmas Craft Shows that I will be doing this year. Thanksgiving weekend at the Augusta Civic Center and December 12 & 13 at the Augusta Armory. The ever changing part is that every card that I make is completely different from the last. This is putting my brain to the test as I want each piece of art to be unique. I do not make duplicates.

I have been shopping for Christmas charms, ribbons, bows, and ephemera. It was a bit difficult to think of Christmas when it was warm and it was not easy finding the items that I needed. But now, there is a plethora of what I need and I am on cloud nine.

I have been listening to Christmas music and singing carols. I think that I may even what a Christmas video today to help me get more in the holiday mood. In doing this, sometimes, I also get ideas. If you have any ideas for Christmas cards, please let me know. I am always open to new and unique ideas.

Well, I am off to create. Hmmmmm, what video should I watch?

Have an extra special day. I love you.

Hello, greetings, salutaions

Hi, It has been awhile I have been busy creating for the Christmas shows that I will be participating in and my mind completely forgot about blogging.

Michelle's visit was great. I so enjoyed having her here and we had lots of fun. We went shopping at my favorite store, Goodwill. She found pants for work and jeans and saved a bundle from the prices down in the DC area. Food, we ate such good food and had wonderful conversations while we ate. We thought that she had a car but when she check for the car insurance, it would have cost her $450.00. It was a 2008 Kia. The reason for the high rate was that she lives in an area that has an extremely high vehicle theft rate. I miss her very much. She's thinking of moving back to Maine and that would be great for me. I am leaving it in God's hands. He knows what is best for her and for me.

Autumn is here and the beauty of nature has enveloped me. I have been out and about with my camera and enjoying every minute of it. The cool crisp air is so inviting. I am not a hot weather person. It is raining and cold today but I don't mind - put on warm fuzzy socks and a sweater and I am good to go. The one thing I don't like about the rain is that it will take many of the leaves off the trees.

After many years of taking my diabetes medications, I found that I was taking it wrong. I was told by a doctor that I used to go to to take this medication at lunch and supper. I just found out that I should be taking it at breakfast and supper. I was getting low blood sugars levels in the very early morning from the meds accumulating in my system. My blood sugar levels are much better now.

I have also started to eat healthier. Snacks are almost out of the picture. I do not say no snacks because that sets me up for failure. I do allow an occassional snack or sweet but that is all. Hopefully, this will lead to a healthier body and better control over my diabetes.

Since I am always tired, my doctor is sending me for a sleep study. I am not looking forward to it. I wonder how anyone can sleep with "things" stuck to their head and body and knowing that some one is looking after you. But I will get the questionnaire sent in this week (I have been procrastinating) and go through with it.

There is much to be done to get ready for the two Christmas craft shows. One is during the Thanksgiving weekend show and the other is mid December. That one is called the last minute shopping show. My prayer is that I will do well with both shows.

Have you ever tried to create Christmas items during the hot weather? I could not get into the creative mode. But have been working lots now that the weather is cooler. There is till so much to create so that I will have a surplus of cards and items for both shows.

Some friends are gathering to make cards for Operation Write Home. This used to be called Cards for Heroes. It will be a fun afternoon of creating and fellowshiping. These cards will go to the military over seas so that they have cards to send home and some are send with messages for our heroes to encourage them and let them know that they are loved. If you want more information on Operation Write Home, check out this site: http://www.operationwritehome.org/ Perhaps some of you will make some cards for them also. It must make these heroes very happy.

I am still trying to get organized. The more I try it seems the behinder I get. Any suggestions. I usually am not organized (except when I worked in an office. Then my desk had to be just so.) It has helped going through things; as I am finding stuff that I don't need and I have boxes full to go to Goodwill.

Well, I would enjoy going for a walk in the rain; with an umbrella of course, but duty calls and I must get some work done around the house and more Christmas cards created.

I love you all and my prayer for you is that you will find the peace that goes beyond all expectations. This peace is only available through our Heavenly Father. God bless you all.
ps. How many of you know what bean hole beans are?

Yes, it is me - I have not fallen off the face of the Earth

Hello, This has been a busy Summer. The art shows are lots of fun and lots of work also. For the most part, the shows were successful and I am very please with the results. However most of the Summer was rainy and our usual weekend picnics did not happen.

The weather for the shows was good but for two of them it was too hot for me. I am not a hot weather person. Give me weather 70 degrees and under. Therefore, the thought that Autumn is near is very welcome. It was so nice to open the windows and let in the cool air last night. Ahhhh, fresh air; nothing compares to it.

Creativity usually falls by the wayside during the Summer due to being so busy. However, I did have to create as so many cards were sold that I had to make more to sells. I love that. Customers are falling in love with my cards. Many buy the cards and then get a mat and frame and have a gift and card all in one.

Being out with the public and hearing there comments makes for an encouraging time. So many times, I hear "Thank goodness you are here. If I'd see another painted lighthouse; I think I would scream." I am not saying that the other artists are not good. They are very good but so many of them paint the same thing and people are looking for something different. If the economy were better, I would have sold more art. Too many people just don't have the money for extras and I see and hear their frustration.

One day this we went to Fort Knox and went up in the observation tower in the new bridge there. Well, I did fine getting off the elevator. However, when I started up the stairs that to to the observation room, my legs turned into jello and I had to go back down. It is beautiful up there but this fear of being up high just took over. I was told that there are several people every day that look out when the elevator doors open and say, "I'm not going out there.

The elevator door opens to about three feet of floor space and then there is a glass wall from floor to ceiling. There are about twenty steps to the the observation room and that is where I lost it. I have a habit of looking at the stair as I walk. This came about because of falling down stairs and breaking my ankle when I was in high school. Now I watch every stair I step on. Looking at the steps, I could also see through the glass walls to see how high I was up. Couldn't do it. Oh well, Jim went on and took my camera. I have pictures to see the scenery.

Now I am trying to get ready for my daughter's visit in September. There is also a show on September 12th in Portland. It is called the Picnic and it is at Lincoln Park. It should be a fun day as they are having band playing all day and there are 100 artists and craftsmen going to be there. Much needs to be done and I am lacking the energy to accomplish my to do list.

How do you increase you energy? I have tried so many different things from vitamins to exercise and nothing seems to work. I am open to suggestions. Feel free to respond and give me your suggestions.

Why is that the older I get the more I miss my family in Maryland? It is on my heart more and more as time goes by. Living in Maine is very enjoyable. The laid back lifestyle goes along very well with my views on life. My Church is wonderful. The scenery here is terrific year round. However, there is something missing and that something is family. It weighs heavy on my heart that we are so far apart.

There is much to look forward to this year as far as my art is concerned. I will be participating in two holiday craft shows for Christmas. One will be on Thanksgiving weekend and the other will be the last minute Christmas shopping mid December. I have already started gathering Christmas items to make cards and have created a few. Making Christmas cards is difficult when it is hot out. The whole feel of the holiday is not there for me. Don't think that I could live in a place where it is warm all year long.

I am looking forward to hearing from you. Please take a few minutes to send a message. Perhaps this will help with my longing for family and friends who are far away. Thank you.

May you find peace, joy, and many blessings coming your way. I pray that our Heavenly Father watch over you all. God's blessins always. All my love to you.

What a wonderful day.

When it started raining last night, I thought, "Oh no, another rainy day to come." Well, it was a gorgeous day. It does wonders for me to wake to blue skies and sunshine. I got up and proceeded to get ready for Church. Due to several things, I had missed Church for a few weeks.

Going to church was another thing to give me a boost. It was so refreshing. Pastor Brent and the worship team sang songs that just lifted my soul. The sermon was informative as well as being enjoyable. Then of course there is the fellowship with friends that brings joy to me.

There were no plans to go anywhere today. Yesterday, we went to Mt. Blue State Park for a picnic and today was just going to be a stay at home day. When I got home I asked Jim if he wanted to take a ride to Freedom. We were going to visit the three sister at Beaver Ridge. What I call the three sisters are three wind turbines.

We drove around Freedom, trying to find these giants. We could see them from some places and not others. We drove down dirt roads that turned out to be dead ends and some roads were in pretty bad shape. We kept trying road after road and finally went down the first road we thought might be it but rejected it at first. After driving in a huge circle, we proceeded down that road and voila, there they were.

Two of them were in front of us and the third could be seen after taking a short walk. They are beautiful. The three sisters were perfoming an aerial ballet. I was mesmerized with them and thoroughly enjoyed watching them dance. My camera came out and snap, snap, snap. The photographs are on Facebook.

I have heard many people say that they make a lot of noise. There was some noise but it was similar to a white noise machine. It was a relaxing sound for me and I could have take a nap. While I was walking about a family walked by with two beautiful German Shephards. They were so friendly and came up and started giving my hand doggie kisses. It was nice to feel dog drool once again. Can you tell that I miss the dogs we had?

Today was as near to perfect as it could get. In my prayers tonight, I will be thanking God for all the good things that He had placed before me today. May you find that God is putting good things in your life also.

Good night.

Hello, There has been sun for two whole days and I have enjoyed it. However, they say the rain is returning tonight. BLAH

Oh well, we can't change it so just roll with it.

I have come up with the idea of a Challenge as a fund raiser. There is a $5.00 entry fee. This fee will go to the Quirion's who are working with the orphans at the Sara Lee Center in Swaziland, Africa.

This challenge is open to any style of art - quilting, mixed media, collage, paint. You name it and you can enter. It can be a card, a pillow, framed art, let your creative brain lead you to what you will enter. Please be careful not to use words, phrases, or images that would be a copywrite violation.

1. The theme is "The Window of Your Soul".

2. Sign up by July 31, 2009.

3. A low resolution picture of the completed project, no bigger than 4x6 inches, needs to be emailed to me at ibelieve20045@hotmail.com before October 3, 2009.

4. The Winner will be notified on October 11, 2009.

5. The submitted pieces will be judged on creativity, style, neatness, and how well it fits the theme.

6. When submitting your picture, please send a paragraph explaining how your piece fits the theme. How does this reflect "The Window of Your Soul."

7. The entry email also needs to have your name, address, and email address.

8. The size of your piece of art is up to you. Remember though that only a low resolution 4x6 inch picture is what will be entered.

9. You can only submit one entry.

10. Make your check payable to Leadership for Africa and in the memo/subject line of the check write in Quirions. This is so that the money goes to them.

11. When you email to let me know you are entering this challenge; also mail, using the good old US Postal service, your check for the entry fee to:

Patricia Byther

870 China Road

Winslow ME 04901

12. Prizes

First place will win a piece of art created by me. It will be a mixed-media assemblage piece.

Second place will receive two of my mini-art cards.

Third place will receive one mini-art card.

Well, hello. Between computer problems, blogging problems and life in general, it has been awhile since I've been on. Much has happened and I will start with the most recent and work in reverse.

Today started with me over sleeping and missing Church. I am sad and dissappointed that I did not make it. Church is fun, a learning experience, fellowship, I get to sing out loud in praise and thanksgiving and no one complains, and mostly it is connecting with God. My relationship with Him grows and I become closer to Him when I attend Church.

Probably would not have retained much this morning as I feel like a Mack Truck ran me over. Yesterday was the Corinna show. All the carrying, lifting and sitting in a wet, mud sodden field has done a number on my bones and muscles. Stiff, achy, and feeling tired; that's me this morning.

The fair was great but sales were not good. Last year sales were bad and this year it was worse. Alas, the day was not a total loss. I made friends with a Heifer, Daisy May. What a sweetheart. First she tried to eat my dress and then she proceeded to lick my hand and give me sloppy cow kisses. It was wonderful. She liked listening to me talk to her. I also met two young calves and enjoy a short conversation with them to. The owner said that I was a "cow whisperer".

Cora, my sister-in-law, arrived and had lunch with us. She always get the grilled chicken and I always get the pulled pork. It was delicious. Having here visit for a bit was very nice. It helped make the day seem not so long. Cora is a good friend and enjoyable to be around.

The other high point of my day was a customer who bought one of my military cards. He was up there in age and needed a walker to get around. We had a facinating chat about when he was in the Army under Eisenhower. He was looking for a card with a tank on it as that was his job during the war. You know more people should take time talking and listening to our senior citizens. They have so much to share and we have even more to learn.

So my gain for the day was a lovely conversation, a new friend - Daisy May, good food and friendship, aches and pains, bug bites gallore and $18.75.

Creating has taken a back seat to trying to organize. Goodwill received a big load of stuff on Friday and there is more to go. I am being brutal with things. If we are not using it and don't plan on using it in the near future; it's out of here.

We traveled to Maryland for a Bouchat family reunion. The drive down and back was worth it. Such a joy to see those that I haven't been around in ages. It was sad that some could not come but I understand that it will never be a complete reunion. We are spread out and have families. Life also steps in and changes our plans. Hopefully, we will be able to do this more often.

It was great to spend time with my daughter, Michelle. She was living in Washington DC at the time. I will never know why people live in that place. It is too crowded and noisy. How do they sleep? All night long there were sirens, traffic and loud people on the streets. Again this year, we went to the National Zoo. However, this year it was not pleasant. It was way too hot and the animals were not moving. I spent a small fortune on cold drinks and snow cones and then we left to have dinner in an air conditioned restaurant. Ahhh, the BBQ ribs were super. Then it was another night with Michelle and the ride home.

I have been to the KISS crop again.It used to be in Albion and is now in the Masonic Hall in China Village. It is a much better place; brighter and cleaner looking. I will miss the wonderful women there. Summer is much too busy with art shows, so I am putting a hold on the crop until this coming Fall.

The search in on for some old small Mason canning jars; dings and chips are welcome. I want to try a new angle to my art. Also, I am searching for Military postcards and ephemera. What am I saying? I am always searching for things and always welcome these treasures. Remember me when you clean house, go to yard sales, or whenever you come across something unique, unusual, even bizarre. If you think it can not be useful, it probably can be used by me.

Later today, when I am feeling better, I think I will go to the Antique Mall in Fairfield, ME. It is raining again and what better way to get away from the rain than looking at aged treasures.

Thank you for reading my blog and may God bless you all.

BUSY BUSY BUSY

Life has stepped in and taken over. I did not give myself time to work on my blog and I missed it. What have I been doing? There is still the organizing and sorting a room full of art supplies and other things. The first show of the season is coming up for me and I need to get ready for the trip to Maryland for the Bouchat family reunion.

Organizing is not a strong point for me. I can work in chaos and seem to thrive in creating when things are not neat. However, this does not make my home and work area a pleasant area to be in. Plus, I must admit that it makes for a difficult time when trying to find things. Wish there were some magic wand to wave and everything would be in it's place. Was it Mary Poppins who could do that? How does one learn to be organized? If you send an idea and it works, I will send you one of my cards. Don't offer the idea to have some one do it for me as I've thought of that and can not afford it. hee hee

So, I keep plugging away at a room full of supplies and other things. I have been able to share items that I will not be using and filling boxes with items to sell at a yard sale. Also, Goodwill or Salvation Army will be getting some boxes of things for their stores. The idea of organizing has flowed over to my clothing and all the clothes that I have that I don't like or don't want are going the way of the thrift store also.

My first show of the season is at the Old Port Festival in Portland, Maine on June 7, 2009. This is an exciting event and last year was the first year to have artists and craftsmen there. It was a huge success for my art and I am hoping it will be more so this year. The Old Port Festival has lots going on; not just vendors selling. If you can come on down, I believe you will have a good time. There are also shops and restaurants in the Old Port that are fun and exciting. Please pray for good weather for all who participate and come out for a day of fun.

The Bouchat family is having a reunion this summer and it is on a day that will make it possible for me to attend. Living in Maine can get to be a lonesome place when all of your family is in Maryland or beyond. Well, I should not have said all my family as I do have my husband, his sister and their small family here in Maine. Getting away for a few days in never long enough to see everyone or do all that I would like to do when I visit. The reunion will take care of seeing many family members.

Things that I must do when in Maryland is to eat my fill of MD steamed crabs, crab soup, crab cakes, crab .... Kind of remind you of Forrest Gump and the shrimps. Maryland blue crabs are the food I miss the most since moving to Maine. Sorry Mainers, but Maine crab meat doesn't come close to Maryland blue crab.

I will get to see my daughter. There is never enough time visiting with her. She lives in Washington, DC. DC is not a place that I would want to live in. Too much noise, traffic, rudeness,and smog. choke, cough, sputter! Once again this year, we will spend a day at the zoo in DC with Michelle. Hopefully this year I won't take away one of their critters. Last year I found a tick on my back after being at the zoo. Fortunately, it was checked and was only a dog tick.

A must this visit is a footlong hotdog at Ann's Dari Creme. It has been ages since I've tasted one of those tantalizing tastebud treats. It will have to be one with the works. YUM! That will mean having salad for the rest of the day as it must contain a full day's worth of carbs.

As always I will have my camera with me and will take tons of photos. You can be bored with all my photography by checking my photos on Facebook. Believe me I will share whatever I take while in Maryland. You will get to see my family and much much more.

With all this busyness, I did take time for myself. The KISS crop in Albion was this past Saturday and it was a remarkable day. The pot luck food was scrumptious. We had homemade spaghetti sauce with meatballs, corn chowder, salads, a homemake cheese cake (perfect) and more. The best part is the pulchritudinous group of ladies that are there.

This was my second time to participate and it was even better than the first. The more I get to know these women, the more I want to learn. It is a must to thank Kim Young for all the work she does it putting these together.

Well, it is time to get back to work on the house. I will say goodbye for now. Until next time, keep thinking positive and be creative. All of you have creative ability. You may not be and artist but you can be creative in your cooking, home decoration, playing with your children and there are many more ways. I look forward to hearing how you are creative. Take care and God bless.

First picnic of 2009

Hello,

The weather lately has been just delightful. This past Saturday, I went on the first picnic in 2009. We drove over to Thompson Island which is a part of Acadia National Park. It is just a small area but nice for picnics. It was so refreshing to be outside in the sun and to feel the cool salty breezes.

When we arrived, we picked a table that was out in the sun as it was a bit cool. So, I donned my blue leopard fleece and went about setting up the food. We had a lunch of tuna sandwiches, some chips and oatmeal raisin cookies for dessert. Yum! Isn't there something about eating outside that will make a plain old sandwich taste so much better.

After eating, I grabbed my camera and went walking about the park. There was so much too see. I tree had recently fallen giving me a photo opportunity. Then down to the water. The stones were pretty and were being washed by the small waves. There were snails coming out to enjoy the Spring day and a few Seagulls fluttered here and there.

As I was walking along the water going from rock to rock, my foot slipped and splash. Boy, is that a wake up call. The water was so cold!

However, that did not deter me from my search for nature's beauty. There were so many eye-catching clusters of bits and pieces of earthy items. Shells were sparkling at the water's edge. Feathers floated lazily in the lapping waves. The rocks and stones formed geometric patterns that would be pieces of art in themselves.

It was an inspiration to my creative mind to just take all of this in. My brain is on overload with ideas and I have photos to help me remember what I saw. The digital camera is an amazing device. I can take all the pictures that I want and when I get home, I delete those that did not turn out the way that I wanted. What a grand time I have once I have the photos downloaded onto the computer. "Should I keep this one?" "No, this one has to go." I also have the opportunity to go over the days events; to relive and marvel at all that I have seen and done.

Now that Spring is here, I want to be outside more and more. I want to go about and see God's art work. He is the Master Artist. Take time to look around in wonder at the things that are placed before you. May God bless you all.

Earth Day 2009

Hello, Today is Earth Day and since some of my customers call me the "Green" Artist, I though I would write a little bit for today. The reason they call me the green artist is that I reuse and recycle things in my art. It is to the point where I find it difficult to throw things away. My home proves this; boxes everywhere. In fact, today, I am going through the boxes and sorting things that I will use and things that I will sell at a sale. I am finding many duplicates that I will not use and items that are not my style but could be for some one else. These items I will hand on to those who can use them to create with. Keep checking my blog and I will let you know when and where the sale will be.

It has been rewarding going through all the boxes and sorting. I am finding things that I did not know that I had. My mind is working overtime thinking of all the art that I can create. My goal with sorting is to get somewhat organized. I know that I never will be totally organized but to have a bit of order will help.

The extra bedroom is going to be my storage room for my supplies and tools. So far, one wall is paneled with peg board so I can hang the tools and will be able to see them. The rest of the walls will be shelving to hold my supplies. It will be nice when it is completed. Say a prayer that I can keep the momentum going to complete the project.

When this is done, I will be able to see all the things that I will recycle into art more easily. Creating will be more pleasurable, if that is possible. Creating is always a pleasure now. Also, the living room and dining room will be free of the clutter of boxes stacked here and there.

Remember me when you are doing your spring cleaning or sorting your old jewelry. I use everything- jewelry, knickknacks, postcards, cards, bead, findings, found objects, ephemera, and etc, etc, etc....

Have a beautiful and may God bless you.

Oh what a beautiful morning....

Good morning, It is so beautiful out this morning. The air is crisp cold and frost lightly covers everything. When I walked out to take out the trash, it just amazed me at how beautiful my ordinary yard can be. I heard a woodpecker rat-a-tat-tating away and thought I must get my camera. He/she was at the top of the utility pole. Try as I might, my photo did not turn out as I had hoped. It is time to start saving for a better telephoto lens. Since I had my camera I took a stroll around the yard and saw nature's art work. Thankful for the invention of the camera, I was able to capture some of it.

Spring has come to Winslow, Maine. Flowers are blooming and the birds are singing. If I could, I would sit outside and just take in the art work and the music that nature provides. Does nature amaze you? The creation of nature is just so awesome. Weather I look at a tiny fragment of moss that has broken off or look at the wide expanses of the sky, it is just so very breathtaking. At times it is difficult to take in the vast splendor of it all.

On another note, my creating has taken hold and I am making my Mini-art Cards. I was invited to a crop this past Saturday and it was so much fun. It was the K.I.S.S. crop in Albion. From 8:00 am to 8:00 pm I was able to create. Well, we did stop at times for food and for fun and then of course for talking. I had never thought about going to a crop because I do not scrapbook. However, this crop welcomed me with open arms. What an outstanding group of women. They were jolly, positive, creative and good cooks too. We had potluck for lunch and dinner - super yummy.

How nice it was to be able to work on my art without the phone ringing, or my husband interrupting. You know the deal, "What's for dinner?" and the like. It was a productive day; as I finished 9 mini-art cards. Joy filled my heart when I realized at the end of the day that I had accomplished so much. Next month, the good Lord willing, I will be returning for more creating as well as getting to know these women better.

Till next time, go forth with a positive attitude, look for beauty in the smallest of things, and give thanks for all things. God bless.

Oh what a beautiful morning, oh what a beautiful day.....

It is a good thing that you are not here to hear me sing this. It has been a rough few weeks of allergies and my voice is gruff and raspy. However, this is a wonderful day and great gift from God. It has spurred a mass of ideas. My brain that has been gone for about two weeks is now humming away like a behive on a hot day. There is so much that I want to do now to find the time and all the needed things to accomplish them.

When I walked outside this morning to feed the birds, it was delightful. The air was crisp with a hint of winter still there and it was so fresh. I just stood there looking at the baby blue sky inhaling. The clouds were like wispy cotton puffs just leisurely floating by and all of this started me singing. Being very grateful to be alive and able to appreciate all the beauty that surrounds me, is an amazing gift. What a blessing!

My brain has come up with a new piece of art and now I am on the look for a large fancy key. In a box that I bought from an auction, there was a bag of keys that have been cut into pieces. What I want to do is use these keys for the background and then paint the large key that I'm looking for bright gold and that will be raised in the center. What do you think symbolizes? I don't normally share my own ideas about the main idea of my art because I like others to come up with their own "story" about the art itself. If you have any thoughts on this idea, I welcome your response. Receiving input from others inspires my creativity.

This past weekend, I went to a Pampered Chef Party and had lots of fun. The food was super yummy and being out of the house and spending time with other women was refreshing. It was like springtime for my soul. Sometimes, it is forgotten how important just being out and about is. Cabin fever can set in without realizing it and I get into the rut of just going along; day after day after day.....

With this weekend and today's weather, I am ready to move forward and greet the world. To be creative and productive and to embrace what comes to me whether it be great, good, or not so good. What is placed before me is there for a reason and hopefully I will learn from it.

To all my readers: go forth, greet the day, embrace the happenings for what they are and broaden your thoughts, your creativity, your brain power, and grow!

May God bless you with an abundance of love, peace, good health, and JOY.

How do I create with so much going on

Greetings, Much has been going on in my life for a long time. Family matter weigh heavy on my heart, health issues need to be addressed, and yet I find the creativity within me is still pouring forth. How does this happen? At times when you would think that the mind would be so bogged down with "STUFF" that nothing creative could possibly surface.

This is an easy answer for me. I have full trust in the Living God to see me through. He is always there for me and has helped me to come up with some unique ideas. I was stuck in a rut and only rehashing old ideas that I did not want to work on. So, I asked Him for help. Then there was the "aha". No big AHA, just a quiet aha. There was a soft gentle voice speaking to me. One of the things that I heard was "hands and color". This led me to scan my hand and alter the colors. Then I thought where to go from here.

What should I do with these hands. I must say that I love all the color; but where do I go with them. There were a few ideas, as helping hands (physical therapists), loving hands (mothers), working hands... There was another "aha". Working hands was the answer. I am going to make a piece of art with hands of many colors and many occupations. It is a work in progress and is taking longer to put the idea together than most. I feel good about this one; hopefully, something unique and bold.

I have a friend who asks me what does each piece of my art mean. For most of my pieces there really isn't a meaning from within - no hidden deep realities. Does the hands piece have a hidden agenda? NO, my art just is. I find from talking with people viewing my art: that each person finds their own "meaning" from the art. Little children can tell me whole stories about a piece of art. It is a joy to watch people explore my art at the shows and to express their opinions. I even enjoy listening to those who don't care for my style of art. Listening to the public opens my eyes, heart and mind to other possibilities. Listening to God helps me to handle all that is happening in my life. God bless you all.

SNOW and CREATING

Once again, it snowed on a Sunday night into Monday morning. As I listened to the news, people were griping about the snow. "It's March already. It shouldn't be snowing." I beg to differ. If you live in Maine, I would have to say, "Get used to it." It can snow into April.

Snow can be a pain in the patooty for some. However, I have been blessed that I am an artist. Since I don't have to travel to work, it is wonderful to stay home and create. My work table faces the big window in the living room. I was able to watch the snow and the birds raiding the feeder. I also get to watch my cats watching the birds.

Perhaps, I should use that as a piece of art. Make it look like a window looking outside with the cats inside. Hmmmm, nice idea. Maybe one day.

I have been creating and using my new Pazzles to make words and die cuts that I normally wouldn't be able to find. Purchasing the Pazzles (an electronic die cutting machine that hooks up the the computer.) has been a wonderful addition to my supplies. It is an expensive tool but it is paying for itself. No longer will I "have" to purchase dies or die cuts. I can make die cuts that can not be found elsewhere. Will I buy dies and stencils for my BigShot (personal die cutting machine)? Yes, because there will be dies and stencils that I enjoy working with. Dreamweaver Stencils and Spellbinder dies are two of my favorites to work with.

Using the Pazzles to create a die cut from a picture was much easier than I thought. Now I can also use my photography to make die cuts. I am having way too much fun.

Enjoy hearing from all of you. Take care of yourself and may God watch over you.

The envelope please.....

....and the winner is Deb Clark!

The winner was chosen by a random pick. So Deb, your card is on it's way.

It feels good to be creating again. I have been working on cards and enjoying the time spent with my treasures. One of the suggestions to get the creative juices flowing again was to stop working on my art and start organizing my supplies. Wow! It didn't take long and I was finding things that I wanted to work with. Now the organizing is put on hold and little pieces of art are being made. Thank you, Charlene, for the idea.

It is beautiful today and I wish I could walk through the woods and take pictures but the snow is too deep. The sky is such a pretty blue and there are some wispy clouds on the horizon. The wind is shaking the trees and snow is falling in which startles the birds resting on the branches. When I was filling the bird feeder, the birds were flying around and I could hear the soft flapping of their wings; such a gentle, peaceful sound. Hearing this has me thinking of how to convert that sound into a piece of art. How would you convert sound into a silent piece of art? And even so that it is silent, it speaks volumes!

Much can be said in silence. There is that quote, "a picture is worth a thousand words." This is one of the things that pleases me about my art. Each person that gazes at my art creates their own words about that piece of art. Some people have told me stories about a piece of art. Isn't it amazing that two people can look at one piece of art and come away with two completely different concepts. Little children are so very good at making stories from my art. Their minds are free. They have no preconceived ideas about what things should or should not be. They just let their thoughts flow and thus create.

Once again I must say good bye and get back to my art. Take care and may God bless you.

The snow is falling by the buckets full and I am sitting inside watching it fall while I create Easter cards. Not what you would think of as a setting for creating Easter things but it is for me. As I sit here with the wind blowing and the snow keeps coming down, I think that it is not much longer till Spring will be here. Close your eyes and imagine warm breezes, green grass, budding trees and blooming flowers. Ahh, what a nice "take me away moment." This is where my brain is today. I'm "tiptoeing throught the tulips" with my art supplies. It is a delight to be looking at bunnys and flowers, to touch soft fuzzy lambs, and swirl colors of pink, yellow and green.

I enjoy getting glue on my fingers and paint spots on my clothes. My table is covered with ribboms, lace, cards, charms and paper, paper, and more paper. I am in my element when there is a clutter of things in front of me. Creations blossoms out of the piles of of what some call chaos. Having a neat work space does not work for me. I work well when there is an abundance of ideas before me. Then I whittle it down to one thing at a time. Well, it's time to get back to work. I'm posting two of the Easter cards that I've created so far. Have a beautiful day.

A new beginning

Greetings and Welcome,

This is my first blog and I am learning as I go along. Please bear with me and give advice if you so desire. Creating a blog is something that I have been wanting to do but have a tad bit of fear that it would not be done right.

I am an assemblage artist and want to use my blog to share my art, ideas, and creativity or lack there of. Lately, there has been a lack in my ability to get ideas into pieces of art. Do you ever have times when your brain is like Grand Central Station? Ideas are coming in and going out so fast that they have not time to take hold? That is where my brain is right now. So, how do I slow it down enough for creativity to be productive and not slow it down to the point of no ideas at all?

Then there is always the monkey wrench that life throws into the plans of creating. Alas, that is also part of the problem. My husband has been on sick leave since mid December. Nothings is as it should be; nothing is normal. Though there is little that is "normal" in my life and that is where some of the ideas come for creating my art.

Thank goodness for my cats. They help keep me sane. There are times when they do drive me a bit buggy. Like when Kai Li wants to help me work on the computer or create. Have you ever tried to glue things together with a cat who wants to sit in the middle of it? This keeps life interesting and at times makes things better than what I first had planned. There are no mistakes in my art; just wonderful journeys to art that is at times serene, or art that tends to be uniquely original, or somewhere in between. What a wonderful journey this is. I do enjoy creating art to be appreciated by others.

Being that this is my first blog, I want to do something special for you. So, if you will email me a message stating what you do when your creativity fails, your name will be put in a drawing and I will send this card to you. (Ending date is midnight on 2/20/09.) I am looking forward to hearing from you and perhaps you will be the lucky one to receive this blog bonus.