Art and Play

Stopped at Borders today

2011-01-09T13:56:00.000-08:00

For the first time in a while, I stopped in at Borders while the family members were getting guinea pig supplies in the Petsmart nearby. I found these books:The one with the boots is one that I had been looking at when it first came out. The other two will hopefully spark my imagination. I'll let you know....

Free and Easy Turkey Chili tutorial

2011-01-04T19:17:00.000-08:00

Turkey Chili, made from things you probably have in your cabinets alreadyIngredients:2 lbs extra lean ground turkeytomato saucechopped or diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)2 onions2 big carrotscan of cornbeans (I used black and pinto)olive oilchili powdercumincayenneAdd some olive oil to the pan. (Got this oil and vinegar set in Barcelona)Dump in the ground turkey and start to brown it. While it is

Day of challenge from Carla

2011-01-04T19:04:00.000-08:00

It is pretty clear that I haven't been attending to this blog for a while. I couldn't decide whether to continue doing it, or let it go.... I've been in a major creative slump for a while now, so didn't really feel like posting the mundane parts of my busy but recently dull life. Today, I was given a challenge by my friend and sometime partner in fiber related crime, Carla. By the end of the

Mommy Is in My Heart!

2010-09-20T16:36:00.001-07:00

I am happy to announce that, Mommy Is In My Heart, is ready for ordering through www.heartandplay.com. This book is in honor of and in memory of my dear friend, Carol French Doughty, who passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. Written to help her young daughter and family who survived her loss, this book addresses the feelings, fears and concerns of children who have experienced the

Sailing trip part 4... where we have a few issues...

2010-07-25T09:08:00.000-07:00

Along the way we stopped at Cane Garden Bay to get some more drinking water and groceries at Bobby's (which had air condidtioning!). We had lunch at the Big Banana! When we went back to the dingy dock, there were some chubby little boys, swimming in their underwear. They asked us for some of our cookies, and were each satisfied with a handful of Nilla Vanilla wafers! as we motored away, I

Trip report, part #3

2010-07-16T20:22:00.000-07:00

< And we're off! My pedicure will not look this good in a few days! Hoist the main sail! Captain Joe Remove the bumpers! Leaving the harbor! So on our first morning, we woke up super early, not knowing what time it was. We went to a delicious breakfast buffet on the dock, and then waited for someone to come and fix the anchor light before we left. After some confusion, we got our pre-ordered

Vacation Part 2

2010-07-14T17:50:00.000-07:00

It was C! She stopped by on her way back from studying in Berlin and visited with the family before returning to Chicago! We traveled together on the SEPTA train, back to the Philadelphia airport! While she flew back to the midwest, I journeyed to Miami where I met up with Carla and Joe at the hotel, and we had a tasty Cuban dinner at a nearby restaurant. After we returned to the hotel, I had

Summer Vacation Adventure, part 1.

2010-07-14T17:29:00.000-07:00

We're back from our vacation, and I'm happy to report that we survived our sailing adventure in the Carribean tropics! It was a trip that exceeded our expectations and we're so glad that we did it! I left home with the Munchkin a few days before the trip and went to visit family and more family who gathered in Buck's County, PA at my sister's home. I had hoped to get together with some

poem

2010-05-15T13:46:00.000-07:00

Guided by your spirit's hand upon my shoulderInspiring me to move forwardso another life can be touched.In honor of the 1 year anniversary of the death of my friend Carol..do go check out the website for,"Mommy is in My Heart". Pre-orders soon...

Bye Bye Birdie

2010-05-02T20:02:00.000-07:00

So the kid performed this weekend in Bye Bye Birdie... she was stellar! Here are some pics from the event!

Chica go and have fun.

2010-04-10T10:15:00.000-07:00

So we went to Chicago. Stayed at Ray's Bucktown Bed and Breakfast, which I love! Had a great time visiting C. and playing in the city....

summer vacation fantasy....

2010-03-29T21:45:00.000-07:00

In the midst of all kinds of crazy family stuff going on, we've committed to taking a summer vacation without kids. YES! It's true. We have been invited to go sailing in the BVI with our friends, Carla and Joe! We're not sailors yet, but Carla and Joe are, so we figure we'll be learning as we go! We'll be doing a bareboat charter, going from island to island, beach to beach yo restaurant

Another embarrassing moment...

2010-03-21T12:52:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I was out to lunch with my parents. The waitress comes over and says, " How are you doing?". My father responds, "doing everyone we can and the waitress twice". After I got over the intitial embarrassment and apologized profusely to the waitress, I got into a laughing fit that would not stop! It felt good to laugh, even at my dad's lack of verbal monitoring. Aging has not been

Leprechauns made dinner

2010-03-18T07:40:00.000-07:00

What a Game!

2010-02-28T16:13:00.001-08:00

I've been caught up in olympic fever, and have also been working on some super cool projects, but today caught the Gold Medal Round of the Men's Ice Hockey! Though Team Canada ended up winning, I must say that the US team was indeed awesome and stellar in their performance. And now, I am hearing some strance noises in my house, so I better go check out the situation. I'm guessing it has

Happy Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T11:45:00.000-08:00

It's a beautiful, warm and sunny day here in So Cal and it couldn't be a better day to celebrate Valentine's day with my loves! We're mostly hanging out around home today and I plan to cook up a festive dinner of ribs and sides for the family! DH loves to eat ribs, and the kid actually will eat them, so it'll work for tonight. Tomorrow, the kid and I will go to visit my parents...it should be

getting it together....

2010-02-07T10:45:00.000-08:00

so happy to have a day today to work on my own stuff...doing some metal, maybe some fiber, and get my paperwork together....fun day, maybe.

What I was going to say at Capril's celebration...

2010-01-27T17:25:00.000-08:00

Every once in a while, you cross paths with a new person and you know immediately that you have met a spirit whose soul connects with your own. That's the way Capril was for me. You might not think we'd have much in common, based on our backgrounds. I knew that I liked her the minute I met her. Lucky me to have found a kindred spirit along my path! Capril and I shared creative interests, a

saying goodbye...

2010-01-25T11:53:00.000-08:00

Saturday was the Homegoing service and celebration for my friend Capril. Her family did a wonderful job of arranging the events. I must admit that I found the service to be very dramatic at times and there was a moment or two during the eulogy that I found to be really funny. I dared not to make eye contact with Lauren (a friend of Capril's that I had heard much about, but not met before) or I

Happy 2010

2010-01-17T17:28:00.000-08:00

It's hard to believe that it is the year 2010! Sounds so sci-fi! I was hoping that the year would start off well, but that was not to be. My dear friend Capril passed away last Wednesday after after two week battle with pneumonia, complicated by H1N1. Her unexpected death has been very difficult to deal with and so painful. She touched many lives and mine was just one on which she had a profound

Happy Holidays to all!

2009-12-21T19:40:00.001-08:00

Just wanted to take a few minutes and wish anyone who might be reading this, a very holiday season! I've been crazy busy for the last little while, with the paying job...and the one that isn't paying yet...THE BOOK! It is coming closer to publication and I am hoping that the illustrator and I can send it to PRINT in the next few weeks... As soon as it is right, it will go to press! Thank you

Who is that old lady, looking at me in the mirror?

2009-11-07T17:15:00.000-08:00

My grandmother once said that when she looked in the mirror, she didn't know who that old lady was who was staring back at her. As I age and see myself looking more and more like her, I sometimes think the same thing. The lines on my face. where did they come from? The graying hair-thank goodness there is color for that! (Actually, I no longer know what my hair color is, since I've been doing

Cured

2009-10-27T07:11:00.000-07:00

I think.... hopefully the flu outbreak is over in our house! c. had it for a couple of days... she bounced back so quickly!I've been doing some glass fusing...gonna make some pendants for the holidays! I hope this weekend to pull out some silver and get back to that!

Home with the flu!

2009-10-15T12:13:00.000-07:00

i've been home for the last day and a half with a lousy fever and a crappy mood! I am bored, but can't get myself moving enough to accomplish any task that requires a focus.... how sad is that?Just a little update, that the children's book I'm writing and Teri is illustrating is going forward, full steam ahead at this point! I'll update you with more information as it gets closer, so if you

The pink collection

2009-09-19T17:41:00.001-07:00

A baby gift from the creative minds at Art and Play design.....

And one more thing!

2009-09-13T19:50:00.000-07:00

Did I tell you that I was a winner of a blog contest! Yes, It's true! I won these great books from Settler's Peace, the blog of a very kind and talented artist who I've had the opportunity to do art and play with! Juanita is wonderful and so is her blog, so do take the time to check it out! One more thing! The card here was made by a different artist, Tammy Gilley, who you can check out here.

some things I've made recently...

2009-09-13T19:45:00.000-07:00

Earrings that need some wires attached! Sterling and copper. that go with this piece: Peace, love, hope. Copper metal clay and soldered silver and copper wire. copper necklace.

Gymnastic competition day

2009-09-13T19:36:00.000-07:00

My kid and me in front of gym. no comments on my appearance. It was still early! level 4 girls before competition Cara on the beamWaiting for awards!After a fruitless first year of gymnastic competition, the kid has started her second year! In today's competition, her scores were high enough for her to place in two individual events and get trophies in two team events!This was a great change

Artistic opportunity-ATC challenge!

2009-09-06T16:31:00.001-07:00

I HAVE A VOICE! Artist Trading Card (ATC) Challenge Domestic Violence Awareness MonthThey say a picture speaks a thousand words.At Be A Voice Arts, ninety four paintings butchered in an act of domestic violence exist not only to have a voice, but as a means of potentially saving lives through outreach and advocacy. BAVA challenges ATC artists, victims, survivors and other supporters to

Hair color disaster

2009-08-29T11:45:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I went to my hairdresser for a final cut and color bef0re she goes on maternity leave! of course, i let her do the color and the cut and said it was fine to let it air dry. She told me that she did the color so it would "pop". And I put on my eyeglasses and drove away after handing her a hearty payment and a very nice tip! After lunching and doing some errands and getting home

Do not forget to put the liquid in the cake recipe...

2009-08-24T10:43:00.001-07:00

especially if it is a gluten free chocolate cake mix. tastes like gravel. just saying....

The dog is sleeping on my lap...

2009-08-21T11:32:00.000-07:00

and I am here at the computer! Her snores are comforting in a strange way. Lately, I've been really searching for comfort in a lot of places...whether it is the fabrics I am using, the foods that I am eating (hello, mashed potatoes and chocolate chip cookies-gluten/dairy free) and the books that I'm re-reading. The changes that are happening in my life, and that of my family seem to be

The abyss

2009-07-25T12:37:00.000-07:00

My father's memory is fading quickly and what was once a brilliant mind has become a mixed up web of confusion, where memories of decades past mingle with those of more recent times and none of it makes sense. It is a place where reason no longer matters and logic is useless. Who is this person who resides within my father's body? I'm not entirely sure. All I know is that I want my daddy back,

Hair of the dog...

2009-07-19T15:35:00.000-07:00

The patchwork pooch started at AFF is pretty much done now, except I think he might need a collar! He got a lot of attention at the local fabric store today, when I was picking out his eyes! Perhaps I should say, selecting his new eyes...

Good News!

2009-07-19T15:03:00.001-07:00

The floss collection is heading out to the Wodaabe on August 9th, escorted by Leslie Clark, founder of the Nomad Foundation! Here are some photos of the floss sorted by color! It's a lot of fiber, thanks to all of you! Hooray for us, makiung this happen!

Carol in Sweden's obituary

2009-07-16T18:48:00.000-07:00

Was posted yesterday, in preparation for a memorial service to be held in Florida on August 1st.I am posting it below in honor of the friend who touched my life in so many ways, and whose ideals and values touched people around the globe.CAROL FRENCH DOUGHTY (1963-2009)Carol Doughty, 45, died in Helsingborg Sweden, May 14, asleep and at peace when her struggle with cancer ceased. The daughter of

Floss is sorted

2009-07-09T06:54:00.000-07:00

Just want to let you all know that the floss for the Wodaabe is sorted by color and we are donating at least 30 lbs of it! Woohoo!

Quote of the Day!

2009-07-09T06:53:00.001-07:00

Promise me that you will always remember: "You're braver than you believe, and Stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." Christopher Robin to Pooh

Slideshow Artfiberfest working!

2009-07-04T12:59:00.001-07:00

A miracle!

2009-07-04T12:44:00.001-07:00

still working on putting up a slide show. no luck yet.

click below to see AFF photos!

2009-07-02T17:24:00.000-07:00

Artfiberfest photosCan't figure out how to do a slide show yet, so you'll have to look at Flicker

It was great!

2009-07-02T10:25:00.000-07:00

Back from Artfiberfest in Portland! Reed College was beautiful and the campus setting fostered great camaraderie and so much fun! Was it the best ever? Maybe! I missed those who didn't make it this year...and am eager to see them at next years event! A wonderfully inspiring time was had! I'll post pictures later! I'm struggling with re-entry to my world!

some of my pre-AFF creations

2009-06-23T09:25:00.000-07:00

My hand beaded orbnament View from the top of orb inchie for the exchangegive-a-ways...covered buttons worn as a bracelet till they are gone!Orbinary person to go to the gallery!

Counting down till Artfiberfest....

2009-06-19T21:15:00.001-07:00

Portland, Wednesday. Be there!

someone bad mouthed a friend of mine in the comments

2009-06-11T19:43:00.000-07:00

so I deleted the last message. Don't be talking smack on my blog, people! If you have an issue with someone, deal with them directly! I'm not here to judge...

From blue to purple

2009-06-05T07:30:00.000-07:00

foot color has changed from blue to purple. Even prettier!Went to doctor and for x-rays....I still don't think it is broken...

Someone needs a pedicure

2009-06-03T22:10:00.000-07:00

Guess who didn't have a pedicure before a big piece of plexiglass fell on her foot? While shopping for thread of all things.Murphy's law...Hobbling around. PS: Yes, my feet are the size of Andre the Giant's. Yes, the right foot is blue.

Thinking about my friend...

2009-05-29T20:53:00.000-07:00

There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.Edith Wharton, Today was the funeral for my dear friend Carol, in Sweden. Too far away to be there, but close to my thoughts and heart today. The quote above, reminds me of Carol. She was the candle for so many people. She spread light to so many...children and adults alike. I am hopeful that there will

so sad...

2009-05-14T21:37:00.001-07:00

My dear friend Carol passed away this morning at the hospital in Sweden. She was surrounded with love when she passed away.Carol lit up the world with her smile and kindness and compassion, and will be missed by those whose lives she touched. I am just one of the scores of people who were fortunate enough to have their lives impacted in a positive way by this incredible woman.For now, I mourn and

A few pics to show what's going on here...

2009-05-12T15:33:00.000-07:00

I've been working the metal and making some jewelry. My studio is a disaster, so I have to do the torching in the kitchen so I son't burn down the house. And my little munchkin helped me to put my thread racks up in their new position! They are in rainbow order now....

Whole lotta nothin...

2009-05-06T16:21:00.001-07:00

I've been busy here, doing a whole lotta nothing, and I am amazed at how much time I can waste while getting absolutely nothing accomplished. I've got lots of ideas of things to do and stuff to create, but haven't lifted a finger to start on even one of them. I don't really even have any excuses. The busier I am, the more I can accomplish. I think I need a jumpstart here.And while you are

2009-04-25T09:10:00.000-07:00

send positive thoughts to Carol in Sweden who is in the hospital fighting off an infection before she can start her treatment for the big fight against cancer...

fixing things...

2009-04-16T21:38:00.000-07:00

Today at the job, a little boy says to me, " The doctor cut me, do you want to see?" Before I can respond, he pulls down the waist of his pants to show me a scar. Then he says, "They fixed my balls".so go the days of my life...

facebook...

2009-04-15T07:28:00.001-07:00

So, I've joined. friend me up at Lorisc

Last night's adventure/comedy

2009-04-11T11:00:00.000-07:00

Last night, we went out to a local restaurant for dinner. It is not one of my favorites, but DH was in the mood for ribs, and ribs they have. While we were waiting for someone to take our order, someone came by and knocked a planter off of the top of the booth wall behind me and it fell, hitting me on the head. I was fortunate in that it was fairly light and the leafy part of the plant is

Today I was thinking about someone...

2009-04-09T16:37:00.000-07:00

Someone who I met at the first Artfiberfest and found to be charming and talented and interesting and just the kind of delightful person that you would love to have in your life. And when we renewed acquaintance at the second event, I was equally impressed by her courage in making changes in her life that would make her more fulfilled as an artist and as a woman. I had heard that she married soon

spring break!

2009-04-06T09:08:00.000-07:00

And wow, am I glad to have some time off! Last night, I went to a very interesting meditation class and also had the opportunity to participate in some creative imagery. I left the class feeling inspired and affirmed... a nice and unusual thing in my life of late! A funny little story.... c. has a friend who has a lot of tics and some quirky behaviors. We don't really discuss it, so as not

Pensive moments and incomplete thoughts...

2009-04-02T19:06:00.000-07:00

So I've been thinking about all kinds of things lately, as I go about the routine of my life. I've been thinking about those special friends-the kind that hold a place in your heart and even though you don't get to see them often, when reunited it seems like no time has passed. It doesn't matter that you've gained poundage equal to a few sacks of potatoes the size you can get at Costco or that

Good news today

2009-03-26T16:52:00.000-07:00

C. was awarded a substantial merit scholarship to the art school she is transferring to, in Chicago. I am so happy and so proud of her! Yay for my girl!

Sunday, sunday...

2009-03-22T17:52:00.001-07:00

A nice and relaxing day, after the early morning trip to the airport to drop C. off. This just might be her last trip back to Boston for a while, considering her plans to transfer to SAIC in the fall. I had a really nice time with her this week. It feels like she has changed from a child into an adult, and spending time with her feels more like being with a friend than ever before.And c. was gone

Working on getting it together...

2009-03-19T21:33:00.001-07:00

My disorganized and over scheduled life, that is! I've been worried to distraction about my dear friend, Carol. Pop onto her blog and send some strength and good wishes her way. I am thankful that she is open enough to share her challenge with the world through her blog... Her positive attitude has helped me a lot, getting past the tears and doing something more productive. Selfish me,

Feeling like I was punched in the stomach...

2009-03-13T19:29:00.000-07:00

One of my very dearest friends needs all of your thoughts of strength and love and kindness headed her way, as she faces a significant health challenge. She is the mother of a beautiful six year old and one of the most loving and caring people I have ever known. So please mentally send your positive thoughts and wishes across the sea to the village where she resides...

ArtFIBERfest confirmation arrived

2009-03-12T16:16:00.000-07:00

And I am excited as all get out! Not only did I get my first choices in each time slot, but there is an inspiring theme that is starting to trigger my imagination! I can't wait for this event, and now, you my frineds, must make sure that you sign up so you can join me in a frenzy of creative fun! Woohoo! And keep on collecting embroidery floss for the Wodaabe!

20 years ago

2009-03-09T20:00:00.000-07:00

20 years ago, (yesterday), I was taking a shower at about 11:15 at night. DH had already hit the hay, because those were the days when I used to stay up later than him and not feel it the next morning. He'd just gotten himself into relaxation mode when I got out of the shower and announced that my water had broken. He laughed at my little joke, and then bolted upright when I started dialing the

Limerick for March..

2009-03-05T18:47:00.000-08:00

May those who love us, love usAnd those who don't love us,May God turn their heartsAnd if he can't turn their hearts,May he turn their anklesSo we will know them by their limping!

Creative energy has returned

2009-02-22T18:07:00.000-08:00

Once I got myself back in the right time zone, after my Chicago jaunt, I have found myself full of creative energy, which I've put to good use over this weekend. I've been fusing glass to make handles for my new cabinets in my art studio which my DH finished installing while I was away. What a guy! Anyway, after some trial and error, I decided I would make them rectangular. So far, I've completed

And I'm back

2009-02-18T20:49:00.000-08:00

Chicago was fun and a whirlwind trip, busy, busy,busy, trying to get the lay of the land and dealing with school related things for C. She was accepted into the school and is being recommended for a merit scholarship by the admissions staff. We'll see what happens. We had some good food, some laughs and did some shopping in the downtown area. No time to explore my artistic interests, only

And we're off...

2009-02-13T19:51:00.000-08:00

Heading to Chicago in the wee hours of the morning to brave the wee temperatures. While there, will spend time with elder daughter C. and visit the school she is thinking of transferring to. I'm not looking forward to braving the cold. not at all.

Little history lesson

2009-02-08T10:37:00.000-08:00

Little history lesson. 3 minutes.

Weekend doings! Fun with Suzette! Super Bowl!

2009-02-02T16:42:00.000-08:00

I had a wonderful get-a-way this weekend when I cruised down to visit with one of my most creative friends, Suzette! I had stopped by her house last week, and she wouldn't let me leave until I promised to come back asap so we could play! And play, we did.We started out with some thrifting at some of her local places where we appropriated wool sweaters and some interesting fabrics for use in the

Who's going to Artfiberfest with me?

2009-01-29T21:04:00.001-08:00

Artfiberfest 2009 Classes are posted!

2009-01-28T17:00:00.000-08:00

I came dragging home from work today, but was happily, joyfully, enthusiastically re-energized when I saw the CLASS LISTINGS POSTED for the 2009 Artfiberfest! I already have my registration form filled out, though it could possibly change in the next month! So many great classes to choose from!I'm over the moon in anticipation of this years event!

once upon a time...

2009-01-25T19:50:00.000-08:00

This picture was taken at a rubber stamp convention. You probably can't tell who these glamorous women are, but if you squint your eyes a little, add a chin or two and take away some of that blonde chicks big hair, you might be able to figure it out.You never know what you might find while cleaning out the studio.....

Earthquake, I think @7:43pm

2009-01-23T19:43:00.001-08:00

"Being part of something bigger than one's self is a wonderful thing"!

2009-01-22T16:03:00.000-08:00

This afternoon was made especially lovely by the arrival of the first package of donated floss for the Wodaabe women! It arrived at my house, courtesy of Pattie Mosca from Rochester, NY. check out the surface design that she does!

Today, I am hopeful and emotional and proud.

2009-01-20T16:02:00.000-08:00

Barack Obama (Click here and sing along)!44th President of the United States.

Hand to Hand Project!

2009-01-19T12:51:00.000-08:00

I just want to let you know about a project that I am doing in coordination with Artfiberfest. I am organizing a collection of embroidery floss which will end in late June! This collection will be donated to Stitches of the Sahara, part of the NOMAD foundation. I was thinking that those of us who are privileged enough to be able to purchase copious amounts of supplies to create our own art, might

Creative Adventure week pictures part 1

2009-01-14T18:13:00.000-08:00

Here are some of the things we did last week, in no particular orderthis is what happens when you forget to take copper out of the etchant for three days.Canvases in process Ipod bag made from above canvas carla and the mystery creator three tired but creative women... fabric bowl #1 fabric bowl 2Carla's beautiful basket. blurry chainmaille braceletsMore from my other camera, later... Carla, of

Creative adventure week is in full gear...

2009-01-08T19:57:00.000-08:00

We have been super busy, but i'll give you a little teaser of some of the things we've done... Tuesday: bead store, fabric shop, supply gathering, worked on making chain maille bracelet Weds: Swap meet, fabric store, painted on canvas to make into purses, more chain maille... Thursday: Etched copper to make into charms, tumbled completed chains, added more paint layers to canvas, started

Creative Adventure Week Starts Soon!

2009-01-03T20:25:00.001-08:00

I'm getting psyched up or the arrival of my good friend, Carla on Monday! She will arrive on Monday and we'll plow through the week creating wonderful things from when we wake up until we drop with exhaustion in the early hours of the morning! We call this event, Creative Adventure Week. I have a bunch of ideas, and am well stocked with supplies for fiber, metal and glass projects. i'm going

Before and After Shots

2009-01-02T19:44:00.000-08:00

So, let me be one of the few who admit that I am starting to look like my parents. one of these days, the munchkin will probably say the same thing.Let me know if you think I should add some highlights to my color.

No phone, no bike, no motorcar, as primitive as can be...

2009-01-02T15:17:00.000-08:00

Today has been an amazingly unproductive day, and I couldn't be happier! I got up this morning to see my dear friends at 7 am at our usual Friday morning coffee location. Because of the holiday week, we actually went an hour later than our regular 6 AM. I love those girls... They are so worth losing a little sleep for.When I came home, I putted around for a little while and then caught up on my

One more thing...

2008-12-29T14:46:00.000-08:00

Does anyone know of a twelve step program for the game addicted? In the days since Christmas, I have been playing like crazy with the Bejeweled 2 game on the Itouch that I was gifted with. I think I might need intervention. I have reached level 26 with my superior skills on this game.' I would never have thought this could happen to me.

Trip to the MOCA

2008-12-29T14:39:00.000-08:00

Yes, it was a trip alright. We went to see a retrospective of Louise Bourgeois work..four of us. The art student, the mother and two little graders. I went in with high hopes, as I had really liked what I had previously seen of Bourgeois' work, but came out feeling bothered by her imagery and disturbed by some of what I saw. Provocative? Yes, definitely. Did it create for me what the artist

Glass fusing

2008-12-28T15:00:00.000-08:00

I've been working with glass for the last few days, cutting it, putting together, then fusing it in my kiln. Although I don't quite have the art of this perfected, tonight I'm going to start working on combining it with the PMC to make some jewelry pieces. Here are some pics of the fused pieces.these were made by c. Unfortunately, she cut her finger while touching some of the glass.

A HollyJolly Christmas

2008-12-26T21:28:00.001-08:00

c. reads the rules for the gift card memory game...Cousins all vie for gift cards...Guess who got the most?Here is the whole family.C. gets the lomo camera from the grandparents! c. and grandpa GilLast year, we didn't think he'd be around for another holiday season!@ Doesn't he look good?.I cooked up some cinnamon rolls for breakfast! Got to go back to configuring my new ITouch that I got

my holiday song..

2008-12-22T19:56:00.000-08:00

Santa BabySanta babyJust slip some surprises under the tree, for meIt’s been a challenging yearSanta baby, so hurry down the chimney tonightSanta baby, fill 2009 with health, and wealthWe’re hoping for a better new yearSanta baby, so hurry down the chimney tonightThink of all the challenges that we’ve facedKeep our parent’s health in placeNext year could be even betterIf you check off our

Mysteries of Life

2008-12-22T15:46:00.000-08:00

This afternoon, I've been home, pondering some of the great mysteries of the world. I am long done with my holiday shopping, and I spent the morning dragging the munchkin to the eye doctor and waiting at the car dealership while my car was serviced. But this afternoon, after a lovely and much appreciated nap, has been spent thinking about solving some dilemmas. All of which have to do with the

Giving twice and Fair Trade

2008-12-13T20:16:00.000-08:00

This season, i've tried to make many of the gifts that I am giving. Those that I haven't made, I've tried to purchase from Fair trade companies and places that benefit others. I wasn't so successful with stuff for the kids, but for the adults in my life I've done pretty well.Today, I went with my friend Judy and her daughter Megan to an incredible event where I purchased some "to die for items".

It never gets easier..

2008-12-09T06:22:00.001-08:00

Back in the days when i was a Child Life Specialist, I attended too many funerals for children with whom I had worked. Always painful, always difficult, and a piece of my soul or spirit went away with the lost child. Last night I attended a beautiful memorial service for the sweet baby who passed away a few days ago. It wasn't any easier. I am hopeful that I will never again have to

Today, my baby is ten...

2008-12-07T16:31:00.000-08:00

Today is the double digit birthday of my younger daughter-the one who is a constant challenge. She is a creative and relentless girl likes to test her limits and those of her parents.... Happy 10th birthday to c!

Tonight there is another star in the sky...

2008-12-03T21:02:00.000-08:00

The baby for whom we did the fundraising passed away peacefully yesterday. Tonight there is a new star in the sky....

forwarded by my mother..

2008-12-03T15:37:00.001-08:00

Ok, so I usually don't pay attention to forwarded stuff, but this was interesting to me.http://www.stservicemovie.com/

kindness

2008-12-01T20:10:00.001-08:00

I received another unexpected check in the mail today, another one that will go to the family of my coworker... and once again my heart was touched by the kindess of another. How ironic that I was reading today about genocide and horrors going on during the last century in locations around the globe-from Cambodia, to Rwanda, to Bosnia-Herzegovina to Europe... One person can make a

Thanksgiving weekend coming to an end...

2008-11-30T19:47:00.001-08:00

We've had a nice relaxing weekend around here...after the big feast, we've mostly puttered around and relaxed. Today, I started taking on my art studio mess, and made a little dent in it. Not sure if it will be in shape for creative adventure week when Carla arrives, but we'll see.Today DH fixed the lock on our bedroom door. We've been having one hell of an issue every night when c comes into our

Happy Thanksgiving...

2008-11-27T11:25:00.000-08:00

I'm taking a little break in between getting stuff ready for our Thanksgiving celebration.My Father-in-law called early this morning and said that he wasn't coming up here, so we are a little disappointed about that. But the prep and celebration will still go on!Here's the menu:turkey, of coursegarlic mashed potatoesbutternut squash pureestuffing baked in muffin tins instead of in the turkey3

Things to be Thankful for...

2008-11-24T19:28:00.000-08:00

We're in the home stretch before Turkey Day, and I've been doing a little reflecting on all I have to be grateful for this year. The year has not been easy in many ways, but I feel that we are coming out of the shadows into an open door that has a lot of light and hope on the other side! So, yes, there is much to be grateful for.... For my family, especially DH Larry, who is the most

I done good...

2008-11-22T13:22:00.001-08:00

My little fundraising attempts ended up with a good chunk of change for the people who it will go to! Thanks to my friends for their help!

Ashes, ashes, they all fall down...

2008-11-18T15:18:00.000-08:00

The air quality over the last few days has been lousy in southern California, due to the many raging fires... It is not a good sign when it looks like there is snow covering your car and there is a gray haze outside. But, in the midst of all of this bad stuff, I got a call from my pal, Carla! It appears that she has just about finished quilting the dragon quilt for c's room. To get the full

Working hard..

2008-11-16T20:17:00.001-08:00

I've been getting stuff ready for Tuesday night's meeting and fundraiser. I have the jewelry....some purses, an apron, some kleenex holders and pincushions....and I'm going to finish up a few more items tomorrow night. Right now, I'm exhausted.... .