Overcoming my struggles

It's been a long time since this blog has seen a post from me. It has been awhile since I took the time to sit down and create something. Once again my life and time has been thoroughly preoccupied on just trying to survive and be a good Mom. There has not been much me time and certainly not enough time to paint, collage or make jewelry. Allowing a person to control your life and make it impossible for you to be yourself is so wrong on many levels. It is hard to believe that I had once again allowed that to happen. The compassionate side of me wants to believe in what people say and I had hopes of change. No change came...again!


So...I made the change. I also did something for myself. I adopted a horse! My daughter rides and I have wanted to re learn to ride, but it has always been about my daughter. An opportunity came up for me to adopt an ex three day eventer who is just a good guy! His name is "Jerry" and he is just what the doctor ordered. I have been taking lessons and am so proud of myself. I am just so happy when I am with the horses. Every stress in the world leaves my body. So onward I go through this life's journey and hoping for more good things to come.

Vintage Girl Holiday Ornaments

Here is one of the ornaments made from a vintage girl picture with beads & baubles added. The other will follow as soon as I get the pictures up.

More ACEO's and Christmas ornaments

I have been making more ACEO's and incorporating them into holiday decorations. These satisfy my need for instant gratification. This is fun and I enjoy these mini portraits on whatever subject I feel like at the moment. The mouse is just a little whimsical fella and I did the angel with my sister Kathi in mind who just got the news she is cancer free! ACEO is an acronym for Artist Card Edition Originals. They are also called ATC's short for Artist Trading Cards. Sized to 2.5 x 3.5 inches, they are a perfect way to collect art work like some collect baseball cards or incorporating in other work. I am incorporating them into Christmas ornaments to sell & give as gifts.

ACEO's

I have been playing with artist cards and working small! I am going to incorporate these into Christmas ornaments, but wanted to share my progress so far. I have used acrylics, pencil, markers, glitter, paper in my little creations. I have had a blast with this!

My Art Journal

I have my little sketchbook and I have been practicing my portraits and journaling in it with different media. I am drawn to woman, animals & birds in my pages. My faces are improving but I have a long way to go. I am going to be brave and post a few of my pages. I finally have a few days off in a row and art will be big part of my time. I can loose myself in the process and just create. The best stress relief I have come by yet!. Today is Thanksgiving and I am thankful for my family and friends. I am also thankful I have a job as so many do not. Even though I struggle, there are those much worse off. I am thankful that my sister is "cancer free" and my children are beautiful, smart ( honor roll for both ), and funny. I am thankful for my animals who provide me endless amounts of joy and my husband, Dan, that I love in spite of the rocky road we are always on. Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Vampires , Tigers & Bears...OH MY!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes, yes, I have succumbed to the vampire frenzy. I got into the Twilight books awhile ago through my 14 year old daughter, who had also read them. Coincidentally , I just finished New Moon last week and cannot wait to see the movie. I am not big into crowds & waiting in line. Once some of the hype is gone, I will be all over that. In the mean time I will pick up the 3 rd book, Eclipse, which I am told is the best, and fulfill my hunger ( pardon the pun ) for Edward. It has been a long time since a book has pulled me in like this. I find myself thinking about the story now & then through my day. I saw on Oprah, the author , Stephanie Meyers. What an inspirational story. It all started as a dream and she acted upon it. Makes me think of all the possibilities. My daughter, Mariah, has the most vivid imagination of anyone I know. She has been writing stories for as long as I can remember. She illustrates them as well. I tried talking to her about Twilight's author. She just dismissed me and said that her books are not any good and no one would want to read them. I emphatically told her otherwise! Everyone including myself needs to believe in the possibilities.

UPDATE

I am on a business trip and left my Found Art in a Barnes & Noble in Nashua, NH. I hope it makes somebody feel good.......:}