The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY
February 18, 2010...

Outside my window...the sun is bright early this morning - melting the final snow from the storm last Thursday.

I am thinking...how today will be so relaxing - no place to go, no errands to run!

I am thankful for...the home my husband provides for his family

From the learning rooms...today we will be learning how to carry a number in addition.

From the kitchen...hmmmm - apple cinnamon muffins for breakfast.

I am wearing...jeans, white tank, red cardigan over.

I am creating...a mixed media piece featuring a nest - the theme is inspired by Pslm 84:3. I will post pictures of my progress soon!

I am going...downstairs soon.

I am reading...bits of many things - a paper on trauma therapy; a novel inspired by the hit series "Monk"; and a small book on teaching your children healthy sexuality. Of course, there is the daily quiet time - this week I am just really enjoying a deeper level of Psalm 139!

I am hoping...to get more art time in later today.

I am hearing...the washing machine in the other room.

Around the house...I will be putting the final lace curtain up in the living room.

One of my favorite things...the idea and feeling of sanctuary.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Scrubbing the kitchen floor, dusting, preparing soil in the garden.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...the steps from the lower driveway after the storm!

Red Thread Animation and Just What is Zakka?

I found this cool video at a blog I like - Zakka life....very cool! Any sewer out there will be amazed at the animation!



Now, do you wonder what the "Zakka" phenomenon is? I looked up the definition and here is what Wikipedia said:

Zakka (from the Japanese 'zak-ka'（雑貨）or 'many things') is a fashion and design phenomenon that has spread from Japan throughout Asia. The term refers to everything and anything that improves your home, life and outlook. It is often based on household items from the West that are regarded as kitsch in their countries of origin. But can also be Japanese goods, mainly from the fifties, sixties and seventies. In Japan there are also so-called Asian zakka stores; that usually refers to Southeast Asia. The interest in Nordic design or Scandinavian design, both contemporary and past, is also part of this zakka movement. Zakka can also be contemporary handicraft.

I have seen a lot of things labeled "zakka", and the idea of "contemporary and past handiwork" really sums up what I have found - tea cozies, cute little hand made slippers, funky magnets for the refrigerator, handmade apparel, quilts, etc....everything I grew up making, and still love to dabble in...everything CRAFTY! "Zakka" sounds so much more exotic than "crafts"! LOL.

That's it for now!

PS - More "linear animation" can be found here, and following the related videos!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VWcqILJam4&feature=PlayList&p=DF18408AEE7DFB43&index=1

The Simple Woman's Daybook

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY
February 24, 2010...

Outside my window...sunshine yet cold.

I am thinking...about new projects to create!

I am thankful for...

From the learning rooms...she isn't feeling well, so we will do make-up work tomorrow!

From the kitchen...Seven-up and soda crackers!

I am wearing...workout clothes (haven't worked out yet)

I am creating...still working on the mixed media nest - got sidetracked by other UFOs! But I did put the backing and hanging tabs on a cross stitched bell pull I had been working on for a couple of years!

I am going...to the post office later.

I am reading...Brer Rabbit stories to my little girl as part of Black History Month.

I am hoping...to finish another project by the weekend - either the painting or a small quilt project.

I am hearing...my little girl's voice as she does her "pretend play".

Around the house...I am doing good at keeping the kitchen neat.

One of my favorite things...the warm feeling from cuddling with my little girl under a fleece blanket.

A few plans for the rest of the week: catching up on school work.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...the bell pull

Altered Row Houses and Gothic Arches

Been browsing through mixed media you-tube videos and found these by sugarlumpstudios - I am thinking about trying some of these soon...



Here is an example of a book made with Gothic Arches by Sugarlumpstudios.etsy.com:



And finally, the Gothic Arches tutorial:

Sketchbook Project (My Life in a Yellow Submarine) - 6

This is just a closeup of the face for the last page of my sketchbook project...


The words in this submarine interior read:

Our spirit longs to be one with the Creator – the source of all life and love, so that life and love can flow in us and through us...





I have found Him by whom all things were created; both things in heaven and things on earth; visible and invisible things. All things have been created through Him and for Him. And since I have received Him, He has given me power...

He has poured love into my heart , so that I can love and receive love...


I really like the look of expectant joy in her face - I am looking forward to re-creating her on canvas!

And this is the end of my sketchbook submission! Hope it was enjoyable for you - it was great to experiment and document my thoughts on a spiritual journey!

A break from being "Yellow" - LOL - and Good Blogging suggestions

Really - just needed to paste a link here so I could find it again - a good post from the Etsy Storque on blogging tips - something I know I NEED!! Ha, ha - this is quite a commitment, and it is hard when the creative flow gets interrupted...it is just hard sometimes to juggle homeschooling a sweet girl with learning differences, part-time counseling (especially when a client hits a crisis), trying to make nutritious meals (at least in the evening)and keeping up with the two dogs, cat, housekeeping, and soon to start gardening and lawn maintenance!

Today has been rainy and cold - even had some sleet, a few flakes of snow, and some icy build-up so we got to stay tucked in all day - got all the school work done AND 3 re-runs of NCIS!!!

Anyway, here is the link to "Etsy's Guide to Blogging":



etsys-guide-to-blogging

Sketchbook Project (My Life in a Yellow Submarine) - 5

The words on this submarine page read Connecting with our own human spirit will ultimately lead us into a relationship with the wisdom of the Universe…



This "Face of Wisdom" is my first attempt at and African-American face. I am pleased with how she turned out - tho' I might have worked more on layers and shading if it were on a canvas. I know I kept telling myself, to keep moving to meet the deadline, that "this is just a sketchbook; it doesn't have to be perfect"! Her words are excerpts from Proverbs 8:

Does not wisdom call, and understanding lift up her voice?

At the entrance of the doors she cries out – “Listen, for I will speak of noble things. Take my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than purest gold. “ For wisdom is better than jewels. All desirable things cannot compare with her.

I love those who love me, and those who diligently seek me will find me.



From everlasting I was established, from the beginning, from the earliest time of the earth.

Now, therefore people, listen to me, for blessed are they who keep my ways. Heed instruction and be wise, and do not neglect it, for he who finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord.

Sketchbook Project (My Life in a Yellow Submarine) - 4

It is a journey beyond facades , masks, expectations – to a place deep within that is stripped of all but strengths, weaknesses, wounds, desires…



I lift up my eyes; from where does my help come?
When I pass through the waters, He is with me; and through the rivers He will not let me be submerged; and when I walk through the fire, He will keep me from being scorched or burned. He is gentle and will not crush my bruised places or extinguish my dimly burning spirit…

Sketchbook Project (My Life in a Yellow Submarine) - 3

The words read: Connecting with your spiritual nature requires risk and vulnerability and honesty.

Since that is sometimes a scary step to achieve, the words I chose to go with the face to express this idea say: I will be strong and courageous, I will not tremble or be dismayed, for the One Who created me is with me and is drawing me forward.




The pages were a little bubbly from using gel medium to glue several together to give the pages enough body to carry the paint...and the pictures seem a little yellow tinted - maybe that was meant to be!?

Enjoy!

Sketchbook Project (My Life in a Yellow Submarine) - 2

The text reads...
Yellow is a color that feels peaceful, happy, restorative…bringing a sense that all will be well.




The text continues...
Eternity is set in my heart…
My soul longs for the one who made me…indeed, my spirit within me seeks diligently…and yet, I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself in…

Sketchbook Project (My Life in a Yellow Submarine) - 1

Here is the text...
Ringo, John, Paul and George may not have intended their little song about a yellow submarine to be deeply spiritual (or even a tiny bit spiritual!), BUT, the art therapy theory I am trained in links the color of yellow to our human spirit and the attributes that our spirit man bring to our experience…so I took liberty with the song and defined it as a metaphor for our spiritual journey – a very loose metaphor!!! In this journey we must dive beneath the surface of our daily life to find what is profoundly at the core of who we are as individuals. This journey requires that we move past the superficial, that we move through denial, in order to find our true identity.

I have juxtaposed my imagination’s rendition of the interior of the submarine using childlike simplicity between the exploration of the spirit I have been through using images of women in fields of blues…no matter what your spiritual persuasion, let’s walk a spirit journey together. Come and…




Open your heart, your mind, even your spirit…to new possibilities – to New Life!



The words read...
We are a tri-partate being, comprised of our body (the 5 senses), our soul (which is our thoughts, will, and emotion) and our spirit (which is conscience, communion, and intelligience).
Our spirit experiences the world through the 5 senses, and the resulting beliefs, decisions, and feelings are what comprise our soul.

UFOs and UFBs - one of my New Year's Resolutions

/>

You might think it is a little late to address those famous promises we each invariably make at the beginning of each year...but for me, it seems to take most of the month of January to truly iron out what I want to focus on for the next 11 months! It has been that way since 1986!

Any way, ONE resolution is actually a carry over from last year...finish up all the UFOs (Unfinished Objects - art, quilting, home decorating, etc.).

This will include UFBs - unfinished blogging ideas! Remember the covenant series? I promise I will finish that! Soon! Really! But first, I will post my sketchbook project...yes, true to form, I finished it just in time to get it in the mail before January 4th. Actually, I did it in about 3 days between Christmas and New Years...Oh, I had great intentions of posting each step of my progress, but....

I did make a video of the finished product, and have spent a good part of the next two weeks trying to learn how to upload - oops, too big, have to edit it...have to learn how to use the movie-maker program...decided it was too geeky that I read EVERY LAST WORD I HAD JOURNALED IN IT for the video...so captured finished images of each page...and now I am ready to post the text and the images...so Sketchbook Project is up next!!!

I am "Making a Wish" at Milliande's Art Community

Milliande's is a wonderfully diversified group of artists (or artists in training)and is full of creative inspiration.

This Christmas Eve, Milliande is granting Christmas Wishes!

Click here to see all the wishes fellow artists have...

Something I want to remember forever

This was so funny!

Angel had a little friend over Sunday afternoon, and they were going to sneak into Poppa's room above the garage (affectionately called "Manland") to read the (extremely organized) list of Christmas presents and where they were hidden that Angel had discovered just the day before - and hadn't had a chance to open it to read yet!!! BUT, the girls had to change out of church clothes to play clothes, and that gave Poppa JUST ENOUGH TIME to run up there AND....instead of hiding the list or deleting it (because believe me, he keeps multiple copies of these sorts of things!) he just changed the present name...so the girls could read a revised list...this is a copy of the list they read:

1. Slingshot Flying Chicken With Cockadoodle Scream Sound (Opened 8 Dec ‘09)
2. Wii (Hidden in Mike’s Room)
3. Memory of a sweet childhood (Hidden in Mike’s Room)
4. Memories of fun and happiness (Hidden in Mike’s Room)
5. Love (Hidden in Mike’s Room)

6. Hugs (Hidden in Mike’s Room)
7. Kisses (Hidden in Mike’s Room)
8. Safety (Hidden in Mike’s Room)
9. Security (Hidden in Man-Land)
10. Knowledge (Hidden in Man-Land)
11. Sweets (Hidden in Man-Land)
12. Warmth (Hidden in Man-Land)
13. Clothes (Hidden in Man-Land)
14. Book of Lifesavers (Hidden in Man-Land)
15. Friends (Hidden in Man-Land)
16. Adventure (Not delivered yet)
17. Happiness (Not delivered yet)
18. Games (Not delivered yet)
19. Skills
20. Education
21. Responsibility
22. Maturity
23. Kindness
24. Awareness
25. Wisdom
26. You can’t love enough not to have problems. You can’t ignore a problem and just hope it goes away.
27. The only way out is through.
28. Integrity isn’t a guarantee against hardship and heartache, but true contentment cannot exist without it.
29. Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger
30. Talk low, talk slow and never miss an opportunity to keep your mouth shut. Even a fool looks wise until he speaks.
31. Even a blind pig finds an acorn once in a while


I guess Poppa was feeling particularly wise, and had to add those last 6 lines!!! The girls didn't even mind not finding the "real" list!

A little something from the Home State!

I found this incredible post at Darla's beautiful blog - go see her sometime! But why I wanted to share this with you is 1) so I could always find it again, and 2) I grew up with John Deere tractors in the good old mid-west - Iowa in fact - on a farm near "the Limestone Capital of the World"! How's that for famous! LOL!

This incredible machine was built at the University of Iowa. Amazingly, 97% of the machines components came from John Deere Industries and Irrigation Equipment of Bancroft, Iowa. Yes, farm equipment.

It took the team a combined 13,029 hours of set-up, alignment, calibration, and tuning before filming this video but as you can see, it was WELL worth the effort.

It is now on display in the Matthew Gerhard Alumni Hall at the University and is already slated to be donated to the Smithsonian.

New food dishes for our Thanksgiving feast!

Just thought I would share two great new recipes that I will be putting on our table on Thursday...(I know I have still been a little quiet - decorating for Christmas, school activities, and making art minis for the gallery).

But anyhoo - here is a great way to do cranberry salad...called "Cranberry-Pineapple Minis". Click here for the recipe!

The other one is called "Citrus salad with bacon and red onion" - and can be found here. Look at this yummy picture!



I really, really, REALLY want to post pictures - but Kraft Foods is using some sort of flash player that I am unable to grab the video on their website to go here : (.

Have a happy Thanksgiving anyway!

Gratitude and Happiness Quote

Well, I must be getting ready for Thanksgiving with the ideas of abundance and gratitude floating around in my heart the last few days!

This quote was the "signature" at the bottom of a friend's email today:

"In daily life we must see that it is not happiness that makes us grateful, but gratefulness that makes us happy." Unknown

So true!

By the way, I have many of my "miniature" (as they are technically defined) paintings at the Weatherford Firehouse Art Gallery miniature show here! (No painting photos here, just the Gallery info). We will see where the Lord leads next!

The Idea of Abundance

Obviously I have been taking an "online" break! But I promise, promise, PROMISE I will finish the covenant series! (And there is another one cooking in my head!)

But for tonight I want to share with you a great blog that I have subscribed to - "Daily Worth". It is an intriguing place and is an encouragement to me in our present economic times....

I posted today's article here - but click on the link for more interesting thoughts from this gal:


FROM SCARCITY TO INFINITY
By Ali Berlin on Monday November 16, 2009

Abundance is not something we acquire. It is something we tune into. ~ Wayne Dyer

Abundance is a state of heart and mind. When we can't perceive life as being good or even fantastic, we repel money, love, beauty, friendship and everything else we think we really want. Some of us feel more at home in chaos, so we invent problems and collect evidence to support what's wrong in our lives. No, we can't ignore reality altogether. Living abundantly merely means being able to accept our blessings without unconsciously sabotaging them. If you live in a constant state of sabotage, deal with it now. Your life is worth it.

Abundance starts with our willingness to see what’s real and wonderful now.

We have the capacity to shift our perceptions from scarcity to infinity. When we ignore the presence of family, friends, employment, money, food, water and health, we negate the basic expression of abundance in our lives. There is always something to appreciate. Instead of looking for what you think you want out of life, notice how you are looking at life. Then, consider what you can give to, not take from, this world.

Approval, appreciation and acceptance will lead us to a peaceful state of mind.
The more you approve of who you are, the more you'll feel invigorated, the more you’ll move with the current of life instead of against it. That's how you know you're on the right track. It takes practice, so be patient -- you may be undoing years of negative thinking. Take it one day at a time. Let me know how it goes, and how your bank account responds to your altered states of abundance.

I am ready to step into boundless worth as a human being.

Step Four - The Exchange of Weapons (covenant series)

Armed and ready for war - 

Click on the link to see Gwen's description - 

she says "YES!" to art being warfare in the Spirit!

4. The exchange of weapons

Think about how we "battle" our fellow man...we might avoid someone, gossip, speak unkindly to them, even speak maliciously. We might yell, slam a door, even strike someone physically. Unforgiveness, hatred, bitterness, and wrath become the internal fruit of such behavior. In this step, we give up our weapons in exchange for God’s. The qualities of His weapons are listed in II Corinthians 10:3-5:

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ,

Some of these weapons are:

Praise - Check out these verses!
Isaiah 30:32
Psalm 149
Psalm 22:3

The Sword of the Spirit - which is the Word of God (Ephesians 6:17)...one author I have read said that the original language could be translated as "swords of the Spirit", meaning that any portion of Scripture could be used as a weapon, depending on the situation....

The words of our testimony - Revelation 12:11. Remembering what God has done for us and for others sure helps when the attacks of the enemy threaten to overwhelm our life and faith!

The Blood of the Lamb - Revelation 12:11. Remembering the price of our Redemption is a phenomenal weapon on any day!

Not loving our own life, even at the point of death - Revelation 12:11. Now this is a tremendous picture of someone who understands covenant! They are willing to lay down everything IN their life, as well as their VERY life, for the sake of the One they are in covenant with! There is so much more in the Bible about loving the world, loving the Lord, loving our fellow man...and each passage can be considered insight into this weapon of warfare.

The Name of Jesus - Philippians 2:10. At the name of Jesus, EVERY knee will bow!

I am sure I have missed one or two - of course any prayer is a weapon against the enemy!

Following the commands in Romans 12:14, 17, 19 makes room for God to fight our battles. See what these verses say:

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. (verse 14)
Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. (verse 17)
Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, "VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY," says the Lord. (verse 19)

Enjoy your thoughts as the Spirit brings more insights to your mind!

Step Three- The Exchange of Belts (Covenant series)

Together in battle (hands lifting the rod) - 

Click on the link to see Gwen's explanation of her picture.

3. The exchange of belts
The belt is the symbol of strength - see II Corinthians 12:9.

Belts were used to hold weapons (bow, arrow, sword, dagger). The belt also holds my armor together. So symbolically I’m giving you all my strength and pledging you all my support and protection. As I give you my belt, I’m saying, “Here is my strength and all my ability to fight. If anybody attacks you, they are also attacking me. Your battles are my battles and mine are yours. I will fight with you. I will help defend you and protect you.” And you do the same to me. (This paragraph is adapted from the book “The Miracle of the Scarlet Thread” by Richard Booker)

Wow, this is a little daunting - I like the idea that God will protect me, but the idea that His enemies are also now my enemies???? But yet experience says that this is true...I have to fight a spiritual enemy who hates me simply because I am made in the image of his enemy, and now that I am in covenant with the Enemy, the other hates me doubly! I think I REALLY need God in my life!!!!!

Step Two - The Exchange of Outer Garments (covenant series)

Clothed in righteousness - click on the link to see Gwen's description of this picture

2. The exchange of outer garments

Scripture says that He has given us His divine nature - II Peter 1:3-4.

To the Hebrew, a person’s robe represents the person. By taking off my robe and giving it to you, I’m symbolically saying, “I’m giving you all myself. My total being and my life, I pledge to you.” And then you would do the same to me.

Also read Colossians 3:8-10; 12-14 for more information on His garments that are given to us, and that we need to reach for and put on ourselves!

Step One - Counting the Cost (Covenant series)

Behold -A New Thing - artwork by Gwen Meharg. 

 Click on the link to see her explanation of the painting!

1. Count the cost
Read Luke 14:27-33. This passage is about considering the cost of entering into a covenant with someone...
God initiates covenant with us - read John 1:1-5; 9-13.

Remember, if a person has considered the cost, and chooses to walk away, there is no covenant...if the parties move on to step two, the covenant is initiated and binding. Can you see how this applies to a person who has heard the Good News, and doesn't take the step to receive Jesus into their heart?

heARTfilled blessings,
Cindy

A little fun interruption

My dh and I love Don Francisco and his music....well, here is a fun little piece by his wife!

Covenant - the ancient steps

Here is another image by Gwen Meharg - a friend and inspiring artist.

I chose this image to illustrate a new study series I am posting about covenants as they were understood in Biblical times. Understanding the process of covenant deeply enriched my Christian walk, and helped me dig out even richer truth from well loved scriptures!

For today, I am giving you a simple list of the steps of covenant, and in the days that follow, I will explain in more detail each of these steps...

7 Steps of a Blood Covenant:

1. Counting the cost (you can decide not to go through with the covenant at this step. If you progress to step two, the covenant is initiated and considered binding to both parties.)
2. The Exchange of outer garments
3. The exchange of belts
(the belt is a symbol of strength. It was used to hold weapons.)
4. The exchange of weapons
5. The walk of death: Berith (walking in a figure eight between the pieces of a sacrificed animal)
6. Covenant mark - Part 1

    Covenant mark - Part 2
7. Covenant meal

Intrigued? I bet the Holy Spirit is already whispering the details to your heart!

Hooray!

I added a third column!!! Go here for the best instructions I found - after all, since I am not a computer geek, and I could actually get the codes to work, it must be a good tutorial!!!

I was just checking my favorite art blogs and....

Thank you so much Julie Ann for featuring me!

I wanted to hurry back here and post something that she inspired me to do...there are three...so keep scrolling down!






These are wooden crosses, about 8 inches tall...

Julie-Ann is always a blessing with heARTfelt paintings and in sending messages of love out to the world...

I hope you enjoy your visit to my blog

Casa and Heelys!

Last Friday (October 9th) was our first Casa (the local theater that features plays for children throughout the year) field trip for the year - The Jungle Book! It was great! After that a trip to Central Market for lunch with Susan and Catherine and families. Sophia had her new heelys on, and told Angel that she got them at Ross...well Angel had been wanting Heelys for - like forever!....so when no one could come over for a playdate, we decided a shopping adventure was just what we needed...and we found two pairs - one pink and one blue. The blue ones were closer to Angel's size, yet still a little large but that was OK because she could just wear thicker socks for a while till she grew into them....


When we got home and Angel was trying them out, she remembered that Rosetta had a pair of heelys...and that is when we discovered that God had been ordering our steps all along! Rosettas heelys (purchased at the beginning of the year) were the same light blue color as Angel's!!!! She was so delighted! God is so good!

What I've Been Doing...

Well, today has been quite productive, after a week of being under the weather! Now fall is in the air, and I have the "re-organize, inventory, purge, simplify, sort" bug! Clothes - both Angel's and mine - have been sorted and some given away, some in a pile to embellish, and mostly, inventory for the cool weather has been accomplished!

Now today, the kitchen!!!! I have counters once again, the plastic container cabinet has been R.I.P.S.S. as well - mostly initiated by my younger son's generous donation of RUBBERMAID STACKABLE STORAGE CONTAINERS! Wow! That WAS organization!

I have decluttered countertops, decorated for fall, and even lit an apple-cinnamon candle....ahhhh, caramel apples coming up!

Here is the proof, my counters are clear! This is my first attempt to upload a video - and I think sound and video may not be working together...but at the very end, you will see my little girl's "Science Genius Lab" a.k.a a Barbie kitchen!

(Note the fall centerpiece - yes, I was on a roll!)

I just reviewed the video and there are dishes in the sink!!! Seed dishes...know what I mean?

Come check out ETC's Design Challenge - "Enchanted"

Y'all Come on Over Now, ya he'r!

Our Etsy Texas Crafters group is hosting their design challenge RIGHT NOW - till midnight Wednesday, September 30th! Click here to see all the entries for this months theme "Enchanted"...you have to scroll all the way down to the bottom to find the "vote" link...there are some really clever ideas here, plus, I DO have an entry...another item that will be at ArtsGoggle this weekend...

OMG - My little fledgling has just graced me with a BEAUTIFUL lullaby

I wish I could include the melody - but I don't have the capability!!!

Here it is...


Moonlight, starbright
My light is shining on you…
Somewhere,
out there,
Someone is praying for you!


Is she awesome or what!!!!???

Check out these projects!

You know I have an 8 year old fledgling....and any of you who have little girls (or not so little girls!) might enjoy this post by Sharon Tomlinson of AllNorahsArt. Especially check out the Castle Towers - wouldn't this make a great art activity for girls of all ages?!



Be sure you click on the link and look at all the photos of her art party to get inspired!

Genius Defined!

Another one with a vintage novel page from 1891 and mounted on mahogany. The text of the page has some adjectives that define what is NOT a genius, but in the story, the one this is written about achieves all that he had hoped to...

You know, I think I already posted this, but I can't find it! Who knows! I don't know if it is the anesthesia left in my system or the fact that I am 50 - or maybe it is simply trying to prepare for this upcoming art thing!

heARTfilled blessings,
Cindy

A Gift Tonight

Tonight I was gifted with new friendships - deep friendships - some that I have had for quite a while, and others that were new...but the thing in common was our hearts for God. We are a group committed to prayer - we are women - of various ages - of various life stages - all with unique giftings and leadings and anointings - all with the same passion for Jesus! Thank you Julie for being such a wonderful leader; for being such a transparent vessel; for being pure of heart and hearing from God!

I came home and continued painting a new piece for the upcoming ArtsGoggle - and as I was painting, I began to "see" another painting - my head and heart were still full of joy and anticipation over what God is putting together! The painting would be a tribute to this group, to prayer. I could "see" our hands, the hands of our hearts, lifted to the Lord in worship and prayer...

And then I remembered my friend Gwen and her inspired paintings! Perhaps she already had something like what I was seeing! And she did!

You can see more of Gwen's work here

I will paint what I saw in my spirit, but for now, this will commemorate tonight's knitting together of hearts.

Getting ready for ArtsGoggle

Just thought I would share another mixed media piece I finished up tonight - getting ready for ArtsGoggle on October 3rd. You can read more about this Fort Worth Near Southside Event here.

The vintage novel page is from a book published in 1891. The things you can find for a quarter at a garage sale!!

THE STUDIO

Here is my messy office/studio. You can see some "works in progress" leaned up against the case of my embroidery machine. Note the knee space with carpet showing!!! And the box full of kindergarten memorabilia still in place!!! Some other "works in progress" leaning up against a desk leg (to the left of the box), some of Angel's artwork - definitely inspirational - to the right of the laptop. I have a great window that you can see (sort of - the gleam of light at the top), and Angel's desk and chair is positioned in front of that window. She likes the "wall of separation" that the sewing machine creates - and she added some shoeboxes...no wonder things get a little cramped!!!

Below is a close-up of my carpet showing under the knee space - hooray for a little bit of organization lately!



Uuuuuummmmm, can someone get my cleaning lady to vacuum in here? Ha, ha!

Creative Studio Spaces!

Today Pamela Angus invited all readers in to her studio - so pristine and beautiful - shows off her glass exquisitely!



Tomorrow I will show where I create - the infamous home office/art studio! But till then, you can check out other creative spaces here...

To "CafePress" or Not To "CafePress" - that is the question

sidesaddlecard2, originally uploaded by Deb Trotter - Cowboy's Sweetheart.

Ready for things a little bit Cowgirl? I loved this!

Check out this little bit of interesting info about Cafepress I found on Deb Trotter's "Cowboy's Sweetheart" blog

Flickr

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

I thought I would go ahead and leave this in - though as it says "This is just a test". I highly recommend you install this in your blogs if you are going to blog your own photos or promote what others have done - it is soooooooooo easy!

PROCRASTINATION!!! Or, the Pre-K Scrapbook is DONE!

Finally! I have the pictures, artwork, and those special worksheets I saved from my daughter's Pre-K year placed in a "scrapbook" - not just any scrapbook mind you, but a big 11 x 17 inch legal binder...special to hold those big sheets of construction paper art projects that the teachers of younger children are so fond of using!

You would think that it was elaborate, creative, beautiful...but it's not...functional - a place to have it all contained neat and organized and in some sort of chronological order...

Did I mention that all that STUFF lived under the desk in my home office/art studio? In a low, yet long and wide cardboard box? Kindergarten and VBS crafts for those two years still live in that box - still under my desk! My toes always bump the side of the box! The good news is - Pre-k is finished. The stack of folders that leaned up against the side of the desk (between the box and the desk drawer) can now fit inside the box - yep - that is how I kept Kindergarten and Pre-K separate...

Now - you will just be amazed by this - do you know how old my daughter is? Go ahead, guess....whew, well, OK, she isn't a teenager YET! But she is 8!!!! I have had Pre-K under this desk for FOUR WHOLE YEARS!!!! And it took me about 3 hours to organize it in the scrapbook...what do you think that says about me??????

PROCRASTINATOR!!!!

But since it is a holiday weekend, I may get Kindergarten done too!!!! Just need to find some more adhesive!!!

HeARTfilled blessings,
Cindy

A fun little art video from YouTube

I was browsing around some artists' blogs and found this really clever little video on one...at Gritty Arts Studio Blog.







Andyradorfman is one creative person!

First of September

We have been having something of a "cold snap" for Texas at least! Around 80 degrees in the day, dropping to 70 degrees at night! It feels like it is finally time to go out to the garage and do a little stained glass work....I did have to battle the mosquitoes a little (thank you Avon Skin so Soft bug repellent!)

But, I did manage to fix Angel's kaleidoscope that I had made her a couple of years ago (lead-free solder of course). You know, I should have taken a "before" picture! It had gotten quite oxidized for some reason (even tho' it was kept inside our house!), and the last time we tried to turn it, the little brass piece that holds the wheels to the scope actually broke off! Well, I have it soldered REALLY good now!! Almost couldn't get the mirrors back in!



The first image is a side view - pink is the color of choice for this little girl! I enhanced the next picture a little, so that you could really see the way the glass looks!



Finally, I took a picture through the eye-piece to see if I could capture some of the kaleidoscope images...I love the changing beauty of the images!!!! Remember you can click on any image to have it enlarged in another window of your browser!

Finally!!! The final fruit of the Spirit picture (for now!

Here is the last installment of the "Fruit of the Spirit" art creation I was inspired to do during Paulette Insall's "Faces" class...not all of my art was faces, but having seen the collection all together, I may add four more faces as inspiration leads me...I do think I like this face the most, and next is the Angel face attached to "Love"...

And of course I am busy on other half- finished canvasses/boards started before my surgery...speaking of boards - I still definitely need a pillow to sit in the chairs in my counseling office/art studio for any length of time!!!

HeARTfilled Blessings!
Cindy

Next up - Gentleness

I usually scan my canvases, but the only way to do this one was to photograph the picture, as the nest and eggs are copper wire with beads woven in...

No face, but the next to the last piece of the "Fruit of the Spirit" series!

Joy is...love smiling

I am finally back in my messy home office/art studio and creating! Although, I still need a pillow to sit on, but a small price to pay to get to so many unfinished projects! So many backgrounds and half-completed faces...I will feel like I am whizzing through to some of these finished paintings!

Anyway, here is the next (and almost last) installment to the "Fruit of the Spirit" series I started in the spring! Yippee!

Hey, I just figured out that you can click on the image and it will enlarge in the same window that you are viewing the blog in! I am getting so computer literate!!!