Lady Bird Hope

My beautiful Mother and avoidance...

2012-03-06T23:40:00.001-05:00

This was my beautiful Mother. The tiny black-haired beauty... She was born Cornelia vanderBrugge in 1926. The cute little blond next to her was her sister, Magdalena... You may be wondering why the subject is my Mom and avoidance...But I have been avoiding you because of her...You see, my sweet Mama passed away on February 11th...and I want to write a tribute to her, just the right thing, just the right words...and have several pictures of her, my favorites...But I feel inadequate to express her worth, her value to me, her beautiful life...I have things to say to you, things to show you...But until I can accomplish what I want to, they seem so petty...
She was sick a very long time...with Alzheimer's...I have written about her before and who she was to me and about her dreaded disease...She slipped away as the years went by, more and more, until all that was left of her was her body...laying in a hospital bed, day in, day out...But I still loved her and needed her and as strange as it sounds, there was still comfort that her body remained...I don't mean that in a cruel way...I wanted her to be whole again...she knew where she was going and I knew where she was going and that I would see her again when my time came... I prayed for the Lord to take her home so that she would be healed...forever...I just didn't realize that I wasn't ready, not really ready to let her go...several people have told me that you never are ready...as much as you think you are prepared, as sick as they may be...to know that on this earth you will never see their precious face again...it makes it so hard to let go...But then there comes that time, that is their time to go...and you don't have a choice...
So for today, I don't have the perfect words, the right tribute... I just have...I love you Mama, I love you still so much...and you were the best Mother to me...an incredible example...a beautiful, beautiful life...lived for the Lord...lived for others...so giving, so kind...I will miss you on this earth until I take my last breath...I thank you for everything you were, to me and others...for everything you gave...my precious, precious Mother...I would not be who i am if it had not been for you...
Good bye sweet, beautiful Connie Jane vanderBrugge Vandenberg ...
10-21-1926 to 2-11-2012...What a beautiful life, inside and out...
I sang "Fly to Jesus" to her many times...and she did.
Your loving daughter,
Marianne

Rainy Op

2012-02-04T20:59:00.000-05:00

Here's a fun little rainy day photo op..a very shiny red truck, street lights, rain and ta-dah! A bit of silly, pleasing phone-camera fun...
Enjoy
Marianne :)

Another Encaustic piece...Mom and Dad...Random Arts and Patricia B. Seggebruch

2012-02-03T21:24:00.000-05:00

Here is another Encaustic piece that I did yesterday at Random Arts in Saluda, with Patricia Baldwin Seggebruch. What fun! This piece has a photo of my Mom and Dad on their wedding day. Didn't they make a handsome couple? They were so in love, you can even see it in the photo and that is how they stayed my whole life. What a privilege I was given, to have had that beautiful, loving example. Patient, kind, giving, godly...and they so loved and accepted me... encouraged, supported, helped...prayed for me... Thank you Mom and Dad for everything you were to me, for everything you did. I carry you in my heart forever and in my life...I lost my Dad more than 22 years ago to a heart attack, and my Mom's mind and strength to Alzheimer's. Although she technically still lives, she does not know me, nor does she open her eyes. Poor, sweet little thing...

all you can leave behind my children, my friends
is the mark you have left on the lives of others... is beautiful, make it kind...M

Ps. also in this piece: blue and green fibers, pan pastels, one of my photos, a couple of old Dutch postage stamps, a vintage Dutch advertisement and words, a stamped, painted and torn scrap of an old project, a punch shape from Tim Holtz, gold Pearl ex, some metallic thread AND a lot of wax! Yes, that about covers it!
I hope you enjoy and check out:

http:randomartsnow.com
http:pbsartist.com
http:gingerfetish.blogspot.com

Marianne :)

Encaustic!

2012-02-03T11:31:00.000-05:00

Encaustic. Sigh. Look at that beautiful texture! More to follow...
Enjoy
Marianne :)

Fun with focus...p.p.

2012-02-01T08:35:00.000-05:00

Here's a little fun with focus point. Or I should probably say-out of focus, cause most of it is...but it's still fun to me...yes, this is a bookshelf in my home...color coordinated, stacked books...I love how it looks and have had it like this for years, changing it up a bit from time to time...but with the same ideas or basic elements in place..it's one of my favorite places to look in my house... neat and every time my eyes hit on this shelf, with two of my favorite things, COLOR and BOOKS, it gives me a restful feeling... I mean, how could you go wrong with either color OR books?!
Hope you Enjoy and comment...
Marianne :)
Yep, there it is, my name and not a letter... ;)

Blessings...

2012-01-31T22:27:00.000-05:00

You can tell it was a beautiful day today, took several photos outside...phone pics ;)
Count your blessings, name them one by one...you'll feel better, blessed! I promise!
Enjoy!
M. :)

Furry Birds...

2012-01-31T22:18:00.000-05:00

A furry nest is the best! p.p.( phone photos)
Enjoy
M. :)

Daffy in January...

2012-01-31T22:15:00.000-05:00

Yes Virginia, there really are blooming daffodils in January! ;) ...sometimes...
Enjoy
M. :)

Feather Hope...(Still phone pics!)

2012-01-31T21:33:00.000-05:00

Hope

Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul,
And sings the tune-without the words,
And never stops at all,

And sweetest in the gale is heard;
And sore must be the storm
That could abash the little bird
That kept so many warm.

I've heard it in the chillest land,
And in the strangest sea;
Yet, never, in extremity,
It asked a crumb of me.

Enjoy...
M :)

Hydrangea Breath

2012-01-19T20:53:00.000-05:00

A beauty of a hydrangea, in January! Got to love my local grocery store. ;)
It feels like a breath of fresh Spring air. Now I won't be holding mine till Spring or Summer since I got to enjoy a taste of it here...
Enjoy!
M. :)

Just for fun...PP ( Phone Pic) of course!

2012-01-14T10:22:00.000-05:00

This ones just for fun... Because I like to be silly and we all need come comic relief at times! My son accidentally broke the top off this glass bottle and brought it up to show me. Don't throw it away I said, I want to take pics of it. Of course, I try not to miss an opportunity! Even if it's silly...Oh well, I like it...;)
Laughter doeth good like a medicine... :-0
Enjoy!
M. :)

Fun with Phone Photos...

2012-01-07T23:07:00.001-05:00

I'm really have fun with this "Phone Pics" self challenge! It's amazing how your eyes are opened to new things and ideas when you look at them in a new way, through a new lens. Pun intended. ;) So far, I've only had a couple of problems. Number one, I dropped my phone yesterday and totally shattered the back of it. That was the bad news. The good news is that I have insurance and I could still use it to chronicle my day. Also, after a lot of hassle today and shards of glass breaking off, it's fixed! I need this tool now, it's my camera of choice and we are joined at the hip. ;) The second "problem" is that I'm having a hard time picking just one favorite pic of the day! There are so many that I like. So, I'll probably be posting more than one most days...and I hope you will
Enjoy!
M. :)

Unfettered...Phone Pic of the Day

2012-01-05T18:04:00.000-05:00

So far I'm loving this 'challenge'! Day two (actually I've taken pics everyday this year ;) Anyway, who would have thought it would be this fun and that one could think of a thousand, well hopefully 365 ways of being really creative with a phone? I'm actually excited and really looking forward to this...I may have to post more than one pic a day, I'm having a hard time choosing just one!
Are you stretching yourself creatively?
Enjoy!
M. :)

Wishful Thinking...Phone Pic of the Day challenge

2012-01-04T17:16:00.000-05:00

Phone Pic of the Day. (Yes again!) I decided to make it a challenge for myself. Instead of fretting and apologizing that it IS a PHONE PIC, why can't I try to take different, interesting and hopefully unusual or beautiful phone photos every day? I always have my phone on me, don't we all? And with all the options that are available, why not? Yes, WHY ever NOT? This way, I'm not lugging around one of my cameras, different lenses, or bags and at the end of the day, I don't have to upload photos to my computer...Hum... Sounds interesting and easy! It's seems almost sacrilegious though for a self confessed photography nut, megapixal maniac, color crazy, art loving "artist" and photo perfectionist to decide to take PHONE pictures everyday. Really? Yes! Therein lies the real challenge. Stretch yourself, even with something that is subpar or less than one is used to. Make something good, hopefully really good, out of something functional. Ok, I may come to regret this, but for now, here goes! Care to join me? Today, my favorite PHONE pic of the day is called, Wishful Thinking. I'm quite happy with it. Love it actually. It just makes me want to laugh. Cute Kitty...
Enjoy!
M. :)

Orchid...Pic O' the Day...

2012-01-03T21:44:00.000-05:00

It's a phone pic again! Instagram...
Enjoy!
M. :)

Journal page... T.H2o's

2012-01-03T17:07:00.000-05:00

This is the companion journal page to the flowers below(2pics). The water colors are Twinkling H2o's, of course! :) I like that in this photo you can actually see the sparkles...Vibrant!
Enjoy...
M. :)

Good in Life...

2012-01-02T21:52:00.000-05:00

More Flowers...

2012-01-02T21:49:00.000-05:00

I am so loving water colors, ink and flowers lately, I can't get enough of them. ( Or should I say, make?) This is in my current favorite journal. It's a water color Moleskine and will take just about any medium. It doesn't buckle or warp, wonderful! I'm really experimenting with the water colors also and have tried about 5 different varieties. I'll post the types. My favorite ink pen is a thin Sharpie! Anyway, it is great fun and I hope you...
Enjoy
ps. This is a phone pic. I feel like I need to put up a disclaimer when I use one. Because, well, I am pretty picky about my photos since that is one of my main art forms...
M. :)

Art Projects in Progress...

2012-01-02T19:32:00.000-05:00

See, I have been "Arting" as my son calls it! This is a piece that I'm working on for a friend. Hum, haven't named it, what would you call it? It is Twinking H2Os(water color) and ink...
Enjoy!
Marianne :)

New Beginning...Happy New Year 2012!

2012-01-01T21:56:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year!
I choose this photo because it signifies new beginning to me...The light pouring out of the dark clouds seems to be saying, "There is hope"..."There is a new beginning, a fresh tomorrow"...and I do love beginnings, fresh starts, starting over, hoping, wishing, praying, planning, charting, journaling...moving on, going forward...making lists! Oh, how I love to make lists, check it off, that feeling of accomplishment! Now, that's not saying that I always accomplish, I often fail, try, trip, stumble, try again, cry, yell out of frustration, forget, forgive and try again...I love beginnings, but often find it hard to get to the finish line... Not because I do not care or plan well, not because I am lazy, but most often because I over plan, over commit and run out of energy or steam...So why do I still love beginnings? Because I love HOPING! Hope...A beautiful word, an even more beautiful concept...A light at the end of the tunnel, a rainbow after the rain, laughter after sorrow, wellness after pain...A hope for tomorrow, fresh, new, happy...Light streaming through the dark clouds...
May 2012 be a beautiful year for you, full of hope and blessings, full of laughter and joy, and yes, full of plans and accomplishments!
Enjoy
M. :)

Silly Photo

2011-12-27T20:43:00.000-05:00

I know it's technically past Christmas, but this photo is so funny that I thought I'd share...It was a "self portrait" that I took last year on Christmas day. We actually had a white Christmas! Only one I can ever remember, so it was pretty special...
Hope you enjoy!
Marianne :)

Check out this New Zealand children's Christmas Story...Adorable!

2011-12-26T15:31:00.000-05:00

We had this sweet, sweet video in church yesterday. It is the Christmas Story told and played by young New Zealand children. I know it's technically past Christmas, but it's worth it. It is sweet and funny and so adorable! Please click on the utube link below. There is not a photo below, but I tell you, it's so cute, take a look!
Hope you enjoy!
Marianne :)

The Christmas Story (HD version)

2011-12-26T15:20:00.000-05:00

Check out this video on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zduwusyip8M&feature=youtube_gdata_player

M. :)
Marianne

Good enough to eat! December 22nd, 2011

2011-12-22T22:33:00.000-05:00

Winding down to Christmas...Just a few days to go...wrapping presents, making cocoa, s'mores and wishing for snow...I know it's not going to happen, at least here in warm NC, for we've had steady rain and even lightening and thunder today! As you go about your errands, with a million things to do...don't forget what it's all about, a Gift for me and you!

...for unto you is born... a Savior, Christ the King...
Enjoy
Marianne

Twinkling H2o's

2011-12-21T23:50:00.001-05:00

Love these Twinkling H2o's! Just discovered them recently and I'm having so much fun with them. The color depth is wonderful and the sparkles are fun. This is a recent page from my journal, see how the colors just pop?

Photo from untitled album-missing...

2011-12-21T09:21:00.001-05:00

Marianne :)

LEAF...Oct. 20th, 2011

2011-10-20T06:52:00.000-04:00

A simple, imperfect fall maple leaf, a few Scrabble letters, a bottle of Modpodge, a teacup saucer, and a camera... It doesn't have to be perfect, or all set up. Just a few items and you can save a lovely or fun memory...
Let go of the perfect, so the wonderful can begin... mvw
Enjoy my little imperfect set-up and photo ;)
<3's to you
M. :)

"Penny Girl"...

2011-10-19T21:29:00.000-04:00

This a my "Penny Girl" in progress. I can't call her a Curly Girl. Yet. ;) Her crown is one of my photographs, of a South African penny, with an American penny to top it off. She is "in progress" because there is so much to be done yet...background, a canvas would be nice, details, maybe some hair, paint, wax...Humm, lots to do, but I still like her. Especially her eyes and mouth...
Enjoy.
M. :)

Leaves of Splendor...

2011-10-15T21:11:00.000-04:00

Water color leaves again, I couldn't resist! They will soon be gone so I might as well enjoy them as much as I can now. Hope you enjoy too!
M. :)

Fall Drawing, painting...

2011-10-14T22:16:00.000-04:00

I did a little fall drawing, painting and photographing yesterday...So relaxing. Don't you just have a NEED to make something sometimes? I do! It was stunningly beautiful yesterday, as it usually is here in W.N.C. in the Fall. Perfect, crisp, sunny, slightly windy weather...with leaves floating down to the still very green grass. The mountains, trees, leaves and ground are turning shades of: saffron, pomegranate, salmon, ocher, vermillion, scarlet, golden, crimson, ruby, rust, peach, cherry, apple, coral, terra cotta, tangerine, and garnet! The leaves are spotted, swirled, lined, halved, and marked with varying patterns of these colors...What a masterpiece by the Master Artist. I've heard it said that all art is an imitation of nature. I couldn't find the exact quote or author, but it's pretty "spot" on. ;) Oh, the leaves on the left are "mine" (copy of nature!) and the leaves on the right are God's...
Enjoy.
M. :)
ps I used a fine Sharpie to draw the leaves and water color to paint them. This from the girl that could never write or draw anything unless it was in pencil. In case I made a mistake. Oh well, glad I out grew that one! ;)

Brave Girl Lake Photo & Lara Blair

2011-10-14T21:40:00.000-04:00

Here is the awesome-freezing-lake picture that I mentioned the other day from Brave Girls Camp. It was taken by the amazingly talented Lara Blair of Lara Blair Images and http://modernprairiegirl.com Check it out, you will love it! She said that I could share this pic with you. I am the Brave Girl in red, with the pony tail flying out and the arc of water! I love this photo! It gives me such a sense of freedom and brings back wonderful memories...isn't that why we take photographs? To capture a single, wonderful moment in time, to preserve memories, to bring back memories, to have proof of something...Lovely...
Enjoy.
M. :)

A little mess...

2011-10-13T21:50:00.000-04:00

A little mess in my art room, but a lot of fun!

Climb...Pic O' the Day (PO'D) Sunday, Oct 9, 2011

2011-10-09T22:00:00.000-04:00

First of all, I want to say that this quote is Melody Ross' from www.bravegirlsclub.com/ . The pic and tag on canvas are mine but I love the words, so inspiring. I'm feeling very nostalgic today. A year ago, I went to the amazing and inspiring and wonderful, lovely, delicious, artistic, healing adventure that is Brave Girls Camp! Wow. I can see it all and smell the smells and feel the wonderful feelings all over again... The chilly Idaho air, the cozy and beautifully decorated cabin, the delicious food, the smell of Mod Podge, every tiny, little detail in that art room. The music, the singing, the sharing, the wonderful, accomplished and artistic women! They need a few more exclamation points!!! I love you ladies! (and miss you and wish we could do the whole thing over again with every person and detail the same) Ahhh! ... I didn't even mention the lake! That freezing lake that Margie wanted to jump into and I said I'll go if you do, and we did! Several of us. Freezing, absolutely freezing but it felt so exhilarating and freeing and like such an accomplishment. Really. There is an awesome picture, not mine, but if I could get ahold of it, I would love to show it to you...so that is what I am thinking about today, remembering, longing, hoping to go again some day...but until then, there is always BraveGirlsClub.com and the online classes that they offer. I'm really wanting to do the Soul Restoration 2 classes...check it out...
M.

Pic 'O the WEEK! Spilling...

2011-10-08T11:19:00.000-04:00

As one of my friends says to me, even though she has lived here for 10 plus years..."Can you BELIEVE we GET to live here?" Yes, we get to live here! For us, it is Western North Carolina. For you, it may be England or California, or Wales, or Holland...Austria or Australia, New Zealand, Texas somewhere in Asia or Africa, a beautiful island, or hot and blistering desert. Earth. We share the same sky, sun and moon. Oceans and rain, light and darkness, in it's millions of variations... We get to see things like this everyday. Because, no matter where you live, there is some combination of the above. Light. Dark. Wet. Dry. Sun. Moon. Good weather, bad weather. Mountains. Plains, valleys, dips and swells in the land and landscape. We GET to enjoy the seasons and the ever changing weather, AND the beauty in all shapes and sizes that it produces. We GET to see the light, the sunshine: spilling, poking, glowing, dabbling, shining, heating, radiating, lighting up the sky and day and setting it ablaze, into a color palate as it lowers in glorious Golden Hour...GET out there! Enjoy. Consider. Take a few pics!
M. :)
When I look at your heavens, the creation of your fingers, the moon and stars that you have set in place- what is man that you remember him, the son of man that you take care of him? Ps 8

Lavender Blue, Lavender Green

2011-09-29T23:01:00.000-04:00

lavender blue, dilly, dilly, lavender green, if I was king, dilly, dilly, you'd be my queen...

I always think of this child's verse when I see this picture...I know it's not Spring, but I just couldn't resist. Went through some of my old favorites today and wanted to share this one with you. Don't those bright colors make you happy? They do me! I'm a color fanatic, addict, enthusiast, and lover of all things colored! How do you feel when you get a new set of paints or markers or pencils or pastels or paper?!?! Doesn't it just thrill you to drink those colors in with your eyes? Or how about an incredible sunset or sunrise, tinted clouds, a rainbow, birds, eggs, leaves, flowers? I can't get enough, and I don't want a cure! :). Last evening, we were driving home right at magic hour and I was marveling at the low setting sun, how it's bright yellow rays slanted across the Blue Ridge Mountains and how it just lit them up to a delicious orange! Orange! Orange mountains, really. I hope you've seen a sight like this before. Pure pleasure to the eyes, mind and soul! Even the thought of it now gives me joy...
Show your colors! And truly
Enjoy!
M. :)

Little is Much... Michael Nobbs... and Copic Pens

2011-09-28T22:15:00.000-04:00

Just tried Copic pens for the first time this week! Was so excited to try them and they did not disappoint! They are so colorful and controllable. Meaning, it almost feels like painting but with a pen which IS easy to control. You know already that I love doodling, and they are perfect for filling in those doodles and making them come alive! Oh! I even colored a Curlie Girlie with them. (no pic for that yet, sorry)
I've been enjoying a website, http://www.sustainablycreative.net/ by Michael Nobbs for some time now. I was searching for "Drawing Blogs" , and his site came up. Not only did I love his drawings but I was so intrigued by his words and methods of getting things done. He has little energy but keeps up his work, blog, drawings and even write books by just doing a little at a time. Check out his site!
When I was reading one of his books tonight, I thought of this little chorus that we used to sing in church years ago, Little is much...Little is much is much when God is in it, labor not for wealth or fame, there's a crown and you can win it, if you go in Jesus' name...
Hard day. Very hard day. I said I would be honest here, so there it is. Super tired. Like uber, can't even explain it, tired. Didn't get much done, read, sang one, yes one tiny little chorus. Had a nice dinner with 2 of my favorites guys and blogged this post. Nighty all.
M.

Oriental Bittersweet Vines...P'OD Sept 27...

2011-09-27T23:27:00.000-04:00

Bittersweet. Beautiful, but invasive...How can one resist the Curlie-Q vines, the lush green foliage than melts into lemon yellow leaves, or the icing on the cake: a yellow papery covering that bursts open to reveal cherry red berries...I can't! I love them! If they are not a sure sign of fall, I don't know what is! ;)
Enjoy!
M. :)

Another on the "Keep Calm" Series...

2011-09-26T22:21:00.000-04:00

Keep Calm...I've been needing that reminder lately...I've also been enjoying learning about and experimenting with some digital drawing and altering... ;)
Enjoy...
M. :)

Snap...

2011-09-18T20:05:00.000-04:00

> Snap, draw, doodle, play!
> What are you going to create today?
> A little paint
> A brush or two
> It doesn't matter
> It's up to you!
> Be it art, or family fun
> A lovely walk in the autumn sun
> A good book, a cup of tea,
> It may just be a nap for me!
> Lazy, lovely Sunday noon
> Mid September, who cares for June!
> Snap, draw, doodle, play!
> What are you going to do today?
>
> mvw 9/18/11 :)
>

Create On... P'OD...9/17/11

2011-09-18T00:29:00.000-04:00

A little digital creating fun. My photo, drawing and words...
mvw :)

9/16/11 P'OD Romance in the Mountains...

2011-09-16T23:46:00.001-04:00

P'OD 9/24/11 Mnts in Utah

2011-09-14T19:20:00.001-04:00

Never be sorry for tears, either happy or sad, for they are healing and always serve a purpose.
mvw.

Pumpkin No Show!

2011-09-12T16:17:00.001-04:00

So, I did go to my "local" grocery store, to get my Pumpkin Spice Latte...And I asked if they had PSL in sugar-free...no, they said...ok, I'll just have the regular then, decaf and with soy milk...ok...whip? No...I watched as he foamed the soy, sprinkled the topping on, snapped the lid, and...I walked happily to my car, not taking a sip so as not to burn myself while I was walking...Got in the car and drove away to my next appointment...Took a quick sip, a longer one...Guess what? The pumpkin was a "No show"! It was hot, it was decaf, it was soy and even had a little spice on top, BUT, it was NOT a Pumpkin Spice Latte! Argg. Ok, IF I believed in Murphy or his law, I would say that this was pretty suspicious...But I don't, so it was a simple, although sad, mistake that I hope to remedy tomorrow!
So many words for such a sad little drink ;(
M. :)

Pumpkin!

2011-09-12T08:50:00.000-04:00

Today I think I shall have my first "Pumpkin Spiced Latte" of the season...Yeah! Why the heck have I waited so long? Oh well! Hello Fall, I look forward to drinking with you...and wearing sweaters...boots...leggings...hats...Chocolate chip pumpkin bread! Yes, I have the recipe, I've shared it before, but if you ask me nicely, well maybe I can be persuaded to share it again...oh shoot! I'll have to make it gluten free this year...ok, I can do it, just a few adjustments...
Anywho! Hope you have something to look forward to this crisp, beginning of fall season...(even if it IS a Monday!)
Enjoy!
M. :)

Open to the possibilities...PO'D...9/11/11

2011-09-11T22:15:00.001-04:00

Here is an open tulip, "painted" from one of my photographs... It's open because a few of it's petals have fallen off...Instead of making it ugly or incomplete, I think it makes it more beautiful! Now you can see what's inside of it, it's inner beauty, it's details, what its "made" of...They were there all along, you just couldn't quite see them clearly...
Is that not true about people too? Ourselves? A few "petals" have fallen off...the years have had pain or hardships, lessons learned, loved ones lost...but wisdom and beauty were growing too...
All those possibilities...all that inner beauty...let it show...
M.

9/10/11

2011-09-11T00:38:00.001-04:00

Beautiful wedding today...40's theme...lovely weather...lovely neighbors...amazing flowers...beautiful old chapel...

PO'D...Smile...Sept 9/9/11

2011-09-09T21:34:00.001-04:00

We came
We saw
We ate
Yum.
Loved this wall and thought you might too. Saw this little famous pizza place on FoodTV and got a chance to go there, Little Italy, NYC. It was as good as they said it would be!
Enjoy! Too bad you can't have a slice of pizza with it! ;)
M. :)

Tea for me...PO'D...

2011-09-08T22:57:00.001-04:00

Mini teapot, photo, altered to painting...Tea for me...I like mine hot and sweetened with honey...
M.

Lazy Clouds...Morning Glories

2011-09-07T17:52:00.001-04:00

The clouds are lazy this early autumn morn. They don't seem willing to push themselves past their mountain beds of blue. They are choosing not to skirt the skies today on the brisk winds, but rather are content to nestle into the shadowed valleys.
Everything seems slow and quiet in these wee hours...Are they trying to decide if they should untangle themselves from summer's warm nest, or fully grasp fall's splendid glory?
The crickets song is even softer and less assured...Corn tassels have turned to amber, waiting for their turn with the rusty, red farm equipment, to be stored away from the coming breezes and chill...
The last rose bud peeks it's perky face up for the tiny drops of dew, glowing with her find...
Only the Morning Glories still shout, "Summer, Summer!" , with their magenta, heliotrope and lily white faces turned towards the struggling sun...They have had almost their last warm dew bath...but do not let them know...The frost will come soon enough and shock them back into their earthly hiding places, where they will wait patiently for the next spring and summer to show their vibrant faces and twist their vines up towards the rising sun.
MVW 9/7/11 8:24 am

Oops! 2000+ PicsO' the Day... Sept 7th...

2011-09-07T12:46:00.001-04:00

While looking for a photo to illustrate my (following) poem, I thought I'd make a little collage with some of the photos in that file...it's a very large file....a very, VERY LARGE file, and somehow, when I just wanted to add one more photo, the others all wanted to come along. This is the result. Strange but interesting. I can pick out so many photo sessions, people, flower favorites and specific events...
Anyway, even though it's technically a mistake( I make a LOT of those ), I hope you still
Enjoy!
M. :)

A Monday Doodle...

2011-09-06T09:58:00.001-04:00

My First little "Curlie Girlie" Creation...

2011-09-05T14:23:00.001-04:00

Cute little " Introduction to Music " Curlie Girl...

Curlie Girl Details...

2011-09-05T14:19:00.001-04:00

Background canvas details ( black embossing paint ), tiny painted butterfly, vintage book page "hair", and the words of how I feel we should be treating each other and what it does for us...The lemons below will also give you an idea of her size...she's on a tiny canvas, whereas the Curlie Girl above in my banner is quite large. ( I know, I know, I just don't remember the size of canvases! It's a minor, unimportant detail to me! )

Curlie Girl side view

2011-09-05T14:10:00.001-04:00

Here's a side view so you can see how her hair, wings and little butterfly "pop" out...

Pic of the WEEK!

2011-09-05T00:53:00.001-04:00

Yes, I've been neglecting you. Yes, I've been busy. Yes, I do have a very good excuse! One of my daughters got married this weekend in a beautiful ceremony in our yard! Now I'm too tired to say anything else...except...
Enjoy the photo... ;)
M.

Tomorrow, well almost today, is...

2011-09-01T23:47:00.001-04:00

...a very special day in our family...it will be crazy busy, as the last several have been...it will be beautiful, it will be rewarding...I'm sure it will even be tiring, but tomorrow will be full of friends, family, hope and laughter...work but with a lovely rewarding end...
Can't wait to tell you about it, and oh, the photo opps! ;)

Nothing is...So let GO! Aug 30th...

2011-08-30T23:16:00.000-04:00

Geese!

2011-08-30T20:45:00.001-04:00

Oh nooo! Just stepped outside and I hear geese! It's still August! Please tell them that they really don't need to leave for a while. Thanks...

M. :)
Marianne

Pink Peony turned White...

2011-08-29T21:26:00.000-04:00

Oh, I couldn't resist! Here is the same peony, the beautiful pink one, from below, that turned white as it aged. Love it. Hope you do too... (Wouldn't these make awesome postcards, or canvas' or pages to work on?) I've wanted to do this forever and see, you've inspired me without saying a word! Look for artistic updates soon...
ps. By the way, I have been painting and creating, just not showing you yet because I'm working on the major project of my new ART SPACE, ( boy, that's a lot of work!) and some BIG family news that is requiring my time and attention at the moment. Sorry to, nah... it's kinda fun, to keep you in suspense! So, we, I mean you, will see or hear soon! Also, I really can't wait to show you the finished product of my art room! It's awesome! So colorful and eclectic! You are gonna love it, almost as much as I do! :)
M. :)
Shhhhh! Leave a COMMENT and we will have a quiet, little contest for one of the above...

Some "Old Fashioned" Eye Candy... P'OD

2011-08-29T20:36:00.000-04:00

Notice how the "Pic of the Day" saying is getting shorter and shorter... ;) Here is a digital of today, made to look like an instant Polaroid of the past...The wave of the future is the puddle of the past...What goes around, comes around, ect... I say poTAYto, you say poTAHto...I say Pea-Oh-ney...Do you say, Pe-on-ee. I wonder if thats a Southern thing, or country thing or what...Any way you say it, they are beautiful! This one went from a hot pink bud, to bright pink petals, all the way to almost pure white petals. Many photo oops!
I hope you Enjoy!
M. :)

First... pic'ODay...Aug 27th...

2011-08-27T23:29:00.000-04:00

This is one of my first attempts to draw digitally. Silly but fun...Happy weekend...
M.

Wish...pic O the day...Aug 26th...Friday

2011-08-26T21:57:00.000-04:00

Wish I could follow this advice tonight...hope you can and have a wonderful weekend...

Different is Good...

2011-08-25T17:52:00.000-04:00

Do you ever think about variety? Just take a moment and think of all the differences in this world...spices... from basil to cinnamon, lemon sage to saffron, cumin to nutmeg, mint to chili...flowers and trees and all the different sizes, shapes, colors and fragrances...birds and insects...I mean, there are ostriches and humming birds, worlds apart...and stink beetles and honey bees! And colors, we can't ever forget about the shades and tones and subtleties of blues and greens ands reds and oranges! Oh, how about music and the stirring rendition of a powerful march to the soft gentle sounds of a lightly played violin...Whats my point? There is beauty in it all! Every change, difference, color, shade, taste...different is good! I'm in a lovely art group in a social community and I just marvel at how different everyone is and how different and beautiful everyone's art is! It fascinates and impresses me..If we are all so different and the things in this world are all so different, shouldn't we appreciate those individualities and celebrate those around us? Can you even begin to imagine how boring the world would be if we didn't have choices? All grays, and bland foods...See, there is another example, did you know that both grey and gray are correct? grAy is how it is spelled in America, and grEy is how it is spelled in England...lovely, and fascinating! Celebrate the differences and varieties and people and art in this world! You are different from me and I am different from you. Yeah! Yea! Yay! (Now, those are not all correct...I'm going to let you guess on that one...)
Enjoy!
M. :)

1978...( inspired rose)...Pic'O Day...Aug 24th

2011-08-24T11:57:00.000-04:00

Just 'cause...
Just cause I loved it, just cause I waned to share, just cause I hope your day is great...to my friends, everywhere!
Enjoy!
M. :)

Mini Travel painting kit...

2011-08-23T23:35:00.000-04:00

Just wanted to show you what I have been taking along with me lately. It's a simple, tiny, cheap watercolor pallet. I believe it was six dollars and change at Walmart. I thought of putting water into an old medicine bottle because it won't leak. See, I set in upside down to show you. The colors are very vibrant as you can see in the little (Suzi Blu) inspired mermaid painting. Love the brightness of her hair and tail! I'm not finished with her yet, but will update when I am... Also, I take one little brush with me, this is my current favorite. I have taken these three things in a very small purse, on a plane and the time just flew by! When I'm home, I leave the paint set, brush, med bottle of water and a journal next to my chair. Then at a moments notice, I can be painting and relaxing...

M. :)

Write on

2011-08-23T20:01:00.000-04:00

I'll write on anything...post-its, scrap paper, the newspaper, church bulletins ( I'm listening, I promise! ), napkins, receipts, um, I've been known to write on a table(check out doodle table)...
Journals, journals galore! Calendars, date books, you name it. When an idea strikes, you've got to get it down. It could be a poem, as in this case...I'll "translate" it for you when I get back from the grocery store...a song, an art idea, story line, doodle, drawing, or decorating idea...If I don't put it on paper, I'm libel to forget it...I have learned, most of the time to carry a little notepad with me, which helps, but if I don't have one, then anything will do! So, when an idea strikes, write on!

Flexible Beauty

2011-08-23T18:43:00.000-04:00

Isn't it fun how "old" is new again? Rusty and crusty is valuable. Vintage is The thing. Antique is even better than brand new. Retro is moving forward, and used, reused, and repurposed is the best. If it's scratched, worn, used, bent, rusty or broken, it's beautiful. This seems to be particularly true of artists or anyone who appreciates art and history. Beauty IS in the eye of the beholder, and I for one appreciate this trend and am glad that "beauty" is so flexible!
Enjoy!
M. :)

Peppermint...Pic of the Day...Aug 22nd

2011-08-22T09:04:00.000-04:00

Peppermint Patty with Lemon and Ginger...
Enjoy!
M. :)

So this is Heidi...Pic of the Day...Aug 21st

2011-08-21T16:50:00.000-04:00

This Curlie Girl is named Heidi...none of the other girls have names, but hers came easily...Do you name your art if there is a person in it? I name most of my photos, well the ones I'm going to show, otherwise I would be busy for weeks coming up with them...Heidi has a colored pencil drawn face...(I will have to say I do love her face the most). Her eyes are liquid and she seems to be looking right into your thoughts...her hair is, yes, you guess it, felted balls! I got this idea at Inspired just looking in the quilt store...This is actually just a detail of her...she is on a full canvas, 36 x ?... She has a full outfit, with a lovely flowing skirt...will have to see where those photos slipped off to...she lives in CA now, otherwise I could snap a few right now...She is also on a painted, mixed media background....with the words, Forgiven and Loved, a song I love, sung by Jimmy Needham...Any questions?
I hope you
Enjoy!
M. :)

Encapsulated...Pic of the Day...Aug 20th

2011-08-20T19:07:00.000-04:00

Not sure what to say about this picture...other than I ADORE it! I love the COLORS, the flower REFLECTED in the RAINDROP...the SWIRLS...the SUNSPOTS shaped in, humm, hexagons? No, I can only see 7 sides...I DO hope that you...
Enjoy!
it as much as I do...
M. :)

Bumper Snicker...seen today...

2011-08-20T15:29:00.000-04:00

HAVE YOU EVER STOPPED TO THINK,

...AND FORGOT TO START AGAIN?

Silly, but this one seriously made me LOL!
I hope you are having a good Saturday...
Enjoy!
M. :)

#1 Altered Pic of the Day...Aug 19th...

2011-08-19T23:25:00.000-04:00

I'm loving how the "plastic mode" on this app is turning my photos...

#2 altered...

2011-08-19T23:22:00.000-04:00

...turns my photos with blues and reds all funky!
Enjoy!
M. :)

#3 altered

2011-08-19T23:20:00.000-04:00

...It's called CameraBag...

Illustration form vintage Robert Louis Stevenson book...

2011-08-19T22:08:00.000-04:00

This is one of the illustrations from the little book I was telling you about last night. I wish I could tell you who illustrated it but when I looked it up again, it was attributed to multiple people...anyway,
Enjoy!
M. :)

Choices...Pic of the Day...Aug 18th

2011-08-18T20:17:00.000-04:00

Self explanatory...
Enjoy!
M. :)

Wind...Pic of the Day... Aug 17th

2011-08-17T19:29:00.000-04:00

As I was putting things away in my new (almost finished) Art Room today, my eyes fell across this little book...of course I had originally picked it up because of the beautiful pen and ink drawings...I'm flipping through (very gently, as it's falling apart), and I was captured by this beautiful poem...You may have heard of the book before, ;) , A Child's Garden of Verses by R.L. Stevenson...There is no date in it as I believe it's been recovered, so it does not have value, except to me, for the value of the lovely, intricate ink drawings and the timeless verses...It seems to be a 1905 copy, as far as I can tell...I will have to show you some of it's details and etchings in another post...Until then, sometimes words, as in this case, are as beautiful as any photograph...I hope they inspire you, as they have me...
Enjoy!
M. :)

The Wind
I saw you toss the kites on high
And blow the birds about the sky;
And all around I heard you pass
Like Ladies' skirts across the grass-
O wind, a-blowing all day long,
O wind, that sings so loud a song!

I saw the different things you did,
But always you yourself you hid.
I felt you push, I heard you call,
I could not see yourself at all-
O wind, a-blowing all day long,
O wind, that sings so loud a song!

O you that are so strong and cold,
O blower, are you young or old?
Are you a beast of field and tree,
Or just a stronger child than me?
O wind, a-blowing all day long,
O wind, that sings so loud a song!
R.L.S.

Tiny (reflective) Bubbles...Pic of the Day...Aug 16th

2011-08-16T23:10:00.000-04:00

Well, I hate to tell you all of my secrets, but, what do you get when you add: a cereal box, water, glass and a macro lens? ...This picture... ;)
Enjoy!
M. :)

Little Beauty...Pic of the Day...Aug 15th

2011-08-15T23:08:00.000-04:00

Look what I found when I opened the door to my back porch...it had just rained and I was about to step out when this tiny, downy peacock feather caught my eye...it was splattered with minuscule rain drops...and just it's tips were colored with this incredible shade of blue/green...little miracles are everywhere...keep your eyes open!
Enjoy!
M. :)

Curlie Girlie Part 2

2011-08-15T19:49:00.000-04:00

Hummm..Where was i? Just kidding, i know exactly where i was...i had started off by telling you about Suzi Blu,
Brave Girls Club , and left off telling you about the lovely Christy Tomlinson...I took Christy"s online class: The She Art Workshop . Again, rebellious student that i am, Christy said-Don't put a face on the girls...Well, of course, what did i do? Yup! i put a face on them! And as beautiful as Suzi's girls were, i wanted to make the eyes look different, a little "smiley" :) When i had been at Brave girls camp, i'd had such a problem with my art being flat. i could not get past the fact that all these ladies were making art that was, gasp, dimensional! So one night i was laying in bed, thinking and not sleeping...How can i get over this "raised" art 'problem'? Humm, when i suddenly had the idea of making my Curlie girls with 3D hair! ( i DO happen to have curlie hair, so maybe that came easily to me!) Could i do it? How could i do it? What materials would i use? And then you know what? i did it! And the ideas kept/keep flowing. Sooo, remember that this is the short version! At BGC, i met Elana Etcheverry from Scrapbook Royalty (Charity Wings.org). Elena is awesome and beautiful and smart and talented and runs a charity organization. She is friends with Suzi Blu. (i don't even know how they met, 'forgotten to ask either of them). Elana was having her first annual Seaside Soiree (check under EVENTS), and asked me to come.(Last Dec). She said, 'You'll get to meet Suzi' and of course i could not resist...So i did meet Suzi last December and then got to see her ( and Christy) again at Donna Downeys Inspired event in Charlotte, N.C. this past June. ( Must tell you about Inspired at another time, because this is getting way too long already)... i wanted to show Suzi one of my Curlie Girls, so i brought it along, and she, sweet thing, saw it and asked if she could put it in her book...HELLO! Could she? Well of course the answer was a resounding YES! (with a bit of silent screaming inside!) and a lot of beaming outside. So, thats my little, itty, bitty brag. Sorry. Just a little one...ok, i'm done...i can't wait for Suzi's book to come out. She was in the absolute last stages when i first wrote this, but it was sent to the publisher July 1st. i want to see it not only because of my one little picture, but because Suzi is so amazingly talented and has so much to offer! Way to go Miss Suzi Blu! Thank you to each and every lady mentioned here, by name or not, for helping me make my artistic journey..and for the inspiration!
Enjoy!
M. :)

Here She is! Favorite Curlie Girlie...Story Part 1

2011-08-14T22:09:00.000-04:00

Curlie Girlies...Curlie Girlie Creations...
This is what i do...Well, one of the things...So how did i begin making C. Girls? Long story...i'll try to put it in a nut shell...a really big nut shell ;) About a year and a half ago,i had an operation. It ended up being much more tramatic than i had anticipated and the recovery was long and hard...i was down and wiped out and in bed a lot! No energy, anxious, depressed, with major ADD. My attention span was about 2 minutes. i mean that. i altered pics for, 2 minutes, listened to audio bible for 2 minutes, played word games for, you guessed it, 2 minutes. Then, i discovered YouTube. i did a search for journals or or art journal or altered art, that i dont remember exactly... But what i found or i should say Who i found was Suzi Blu . And suzi Blu was so interesting and compassionate, accepting, encouraging and oh so talented! I can't "unbold" this. real professional. sorry. Any way, i loved, loved, LOVED her Petite Dolls and saw all her videos, i believe, multiple times and i was hooked! I took her online class of the above dolls, which i highly recommend and learned how to make her beautiful faces...i could not get enough. Then, being the rebellious student that i am, i had to change things up a bit. First of all though, i must say that i think its good to be a rebelious ARTISTIC student. Why? Because after you have learned the basics, you change it up and discover your style, make it your own...i need to back up a bit. Suzi did a video about
Brave Girls Camp . i had never heard of it, but it was so lovely and appealing that i got it into my head that i just HAD to go there...So, last October i flew out to Idaho and met with a bunch of very lovely ladies, both those attending and those that were working there. We were so pampered at this "Woman's Life and Art Retreat". Had a blast! Did i mention how talented each and every one of these women were? Oh my goodness, SO talented and accomplished and BRAVE, i felt a little like , idk, Cinderella in her rags...Anyway, they were all so amazing...and it was So good for me and really got my creative juices flowing again...Oh! The art supplies ! The food! The decorations! The leaders and creators of Brave Girls, Melody Ross and Kathy Wilkins, two beautiful, beautiful ladies, did an AMAZING job!!! Everything there was personalized: gifts, name tags, curriculum papers... Wow! This really doesn't even begin to cover it! ...Next part of the story...Enter,
Christy Tomlinson . She was working at the October camp. What a Dear, sweet, beautiful (inside and out), talented and genuine person! She has classes too and i took her online "She Art" class and learned so much about backrounds, ect... Must close for the night and pick up the story tomorrow...Part 2

This is the Day...Aug 14th...Pic of the Day

2011-08-14T10:25:00.000-04:00

This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!
Enjoy
M. :)

Page ?

2011-08-13T23:53:00.000-04:00

Old Calendar page with paint chips...Can't throw away Anne Geddes...too, too cute!

Which number was I on? ...

2011-08-13T23:51:00.000-04:00

I love this one!!

Page #6

2011-08-13T23:49:00.000-04:00

And here is the quote...

Page #5

2011-08-13T23:48:00.000-04:00

A photo of one of my photos...with a quote on the side...

Page # 4

2011-08-13T23:47:00.000-04:00

I love the colors on these...art paper and some magazine pages, simple sewing...

Page #4

2011-08-13T23:45:00.000-04:00

My photo collage with stickers and map...

Page # 3

2011-08-13T23:44:00.000-04:00

#2

2011-08-13T23:42:00.000-04:00

These are not in any particular order...music pages, vintage, with tags and one of my photos made into a card...Simple, simple...

Here are some of the pages from my sewing challenge... #1

2011-08-13T23:39:00.000-04:00

They are very simple but fun and in need of much scribbling, doodling, photos, and or paint! Just the basics, a few articles of paper and some thread...This is actually a little coupon book that I had saved because it's just so funny!

Settle?

2011-08-13T23:28:00.000-04:00

Will you settle for another picture of a Curlie Girl and not the whole story? This is not my favorite one, still saving that, but I do love her eyes...And I do love to sing with joy! Had a great day and am working on a lot of projects, so I'm a little bit spent now, but very happily so...
Enjoy!
M. :)

My first Curlie Girlie... Pic of the Day...Aug 12th

2011-08-12T23:36:00.000-04:00

Finally! A real Curlie Girl photo! Her face is vintage book paper, as well as her hair, which is also: 3D! I have a LONG story that goes along with this...tomorrow...But here's the really, really short version... My art has always been vertically challenged. For some reason, I wanted it to be very flat. I loved it when I saw other people's journal pages or mixed media and it had layers and fabric and dimension! But for some reason, this just did not come naturally to me...When I started drawing faces, ( long story version- Suzi Blu...), I was thinking about it one night and thought-how can I make the hair stand out? This idea popped into my head and the ideas have not stopped coming... Her little wings and the butterfly on her shirt pop out too...I'll show you my favorite girl tomorrow...until then, I hope you
Enjoy!
M. :)

"Ready, Set..." pages...

2011-08-12T23:04:00.000-04:00

Here is a quick, crummy shot of the "sewing pages" challenge that I worked on last night. They are by no means done! They need words and more photos, paint, ect. I sort of hate to show something that's not finished because it's not my best...but just so you get an little idea...I need to take some individual shots of the pages also...
M.

Ready! Set! Sew!

2011-08-11T20:40:00.000-04:00

Here is your mission, if you choose to accept it...Well, duh, I have to accept it, it's my idea and I'm not letting myself off the hook... It's a learning experience...I going to have a creating- sewing sprint! Why? Because I over think things. WAY over think them, and it holds me back. I plan and plan and plan: pages, lay outs, ideas, ect and then can't get to them because I run out of time or energy. Then I have to put it all away and start over the next time. (Thus, the awesome craft room that in the works...I won't have to put away, exactly, I can just shut the door and come back and pick up where I left off.) SO, I am having a "sprint" in order to break myself of this annoying habit! Heres the plan, or the rules...Create- put together as many layouts as possible in the allotted time. This doesn't mean completely finished pages, I can adds words or photos or paint later. It means, match up some things, or not...they don't have to match, just put together and ready to be sewn and put into a book...Next rule: sew. Third rule: Do this all in an hour! Really. I've already gathered all the supplies..I'm good at that...I gathered and gathered...now I have have enough for, umm, about fifty pages. At least...I'll set the timer and speed create. You can try it too. Do not pass go, do not collect...any more notions, do not get a drink of water...ok, well maybe one...do not run out of thread, oh shoot, where is that thread? I hope it lasts!...I will say, if someone comes over or calls, or the cat needs to be fed, oh, I already did that, I'm going to turn the timer off. I have to have the whole hour! that I am short on material. Not materialS, cloth. Oh well, whatever I have is what I will use. AND, I will go outside of my own box. Different things, things I haven't tried before or that aren't perfect. Gasp.! Ha! I can do it! You can too!
I'll post some pictures...
PS. What does this pic have to do with sewing? Nothing. Totally random. I don't have any sewing pictures. That in itself is shocking...
When I'm done, I'll mention it in the comment section...
Ready? Set! Sew!
M.

Post or Sew... Today is the Day! Curlie Girlie Debut!

2011-08-11T18:14:00.000-04:00

Hummm....Post or sew, sew or post...post/sew...sew/post? Ok! I'll do a little post and then I can sew and then I can write a longer post...Today's the Day! Finally! I'm going to introduce you to my Curlie Girls! Why have I waited this long? IDK! But, anyway, it's here and this little tag is just to get you to wonder about what the rest looks like...They are 3D!!!..... Excuse me, I have some sewing to do....I WILL try to get back here before midnight...try being the key word here... :)
I can't tell you to "ENJOY" here cause I'm just making you curious...
M. ;-0

Talents...Aug 10th...Pic of the Day

2011-08-10T23:23:00.000-04:00

I hope you are singing...or creating...or helping or doing whatever you do...not the best in all the world but the best YOU can do, using the talents you have...come on, the woods (and the rest of the world), need your voice, need you! Show us what you've got...Oh, I think I hear singing...!
Enjoy!
M. :)

Stormy Beauty...Aug 9th...Pic of the Day

2011-08-09T23:00:00.000-04:00

Short and sweet, to the point...
Enjoy!
M. :)

After the rain...

2011-08-09T22:55:00.000-04:00

I love to go outside after a hard rain and see the steam rolling off the earth...the crickets begin chirping again and the birds are softly singing...I love to come into the garden and see
several lovely ripe tomatoes waiting for me... I love to gather eggs and hear the chickens gently clucking, and the baby chicks scurrying around...I love to walk back to the house and see the clouds trimmed in glowing pink...the fireflies flutter in the darkening shadows of the trees...ahh, a good end to a steaming hot summer day...looks like tomato soup and an egg dish are on the menu for tomorrow...
M. :)

Interesting...Aug 8th...Pic of the Day

2011-08-08T23:24:00.000-04:00

Isn't this an interesting photo? I did not cut, blend or fuse photos together...it is not warped, nor is it a collage...Can you guess why it is like this? Facebook followers will have to come back to the blog and check the comment box...( ladybirdhope.blogspot.com ) Or, you'll just be nagged with curiosity...Blog followers can just check the comment box right away... While you are there, leave a "Hello" please...Thanks &
Enjoy!
M. :)