A Littlle Bit of Whimsy

I had fun doing these silly birds for a swap on Swap-bot.com. The interesting part of swapping there is that your creations go all over the world. I sent something to Mexico not long ago and I've also sent creations to Africa, South America, Australia, Canada and various European countries. None to Russia yet, still waiting.

Visual Journal Online Workshop Series - Strathmore Artist Papers

Visual Journal Online Workshop Series - Strathmore Artist Papers Check this out folks as this is a free workshop.

2010 Life Path Challenge

Here it is, the last week of October, the 10th month of the year 2010. It is amazing how quickly life passes. One day we are children in our parent's home and then we are adults with our own children. Then those children become parents and on and on the cycle goes. The question today is a good one to consider in light of how short life is on this planet.

HOW EASY IS IT FOR YOU TO FORGIVE THOSE WHO HAVE CAUSED YOU PAIN?

The lack of forgiveness we carry in our hearts is more damaging to us and those close to us, so whatever it is, I pray you examine it and let it go.

Kindness

I snapped this picture of the coffee my dear husband brought me one morning while I was waiting for him in the car. He happened to mention to the sweet lady at the shop he wanted a coffee for "his wife." Sometimes it's the little things in life that are precious.

TRAVELING ARTIST'S GUILD

As of the first of October I became involved in an art adventure called the "Traveling Artist's Guild." This will go on for one year and we will not only be creating art, but writing a story of our adventure. Anyone can play along, but the core group of 28 artists, myself included, will be posting our stories and work to the Traveling Artist's Guild blog. You may click on the title to visit the blog.

Susan Letham originated this idea. She is from England, but living in Germany now. We have artists involved from all over the world.

I see the creation of my story as an allegory of the Christian life and would so appreciate your prayers for me that I would be sensitive to His leading in the story and art. May all honor and glory go to Him that He be lifted up. http://travellingartistsguild.wordpress.com/

Traveling Artist's Guild

As part of the Traveling Artist's Guild we are to make some sort of traveling box or luggage to put our travel items in. Immediately this old vintage suitcase came to mind. Someone gave it to us almost 17 years ago as we were preparing to move to Ukraine. You can see how the hardware dates it. I wanted you to see it before I started decorating as it will look quite different soon.

2010 Life Path Challenge

As we speed through this life there are things we like and don't like about our lives. The truth is that we are better off to accept how it is and make the most of it. Those who have a habit of doing so are simply happier in life. Nonetheless, today's topic is one to look at and see if there is something we can do to create life as we would like to have it.

IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT YOUR PRESENT LIFE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

If you can't find anything to change, then you are a rare person and blessed beyond measure, for that means you are content. A great virtue to own in this world of turmoil. Thanks for those of you who have written in.

OWLS

I love birds as is demonstrated in the fact that I am doing an altered book in that theme. Now owls are very interesting critters and I know a lot of artsy folks are really into making them. I have been the blessed recipient of two such night creatures. The top one I received in a swap on Swap-bot.com and is called a dottee doll because of it's small size and beaded dangle at the bottom. The bottom one I just received from a friend, Sally Joy, in England. She is one of the most versatile crafty ladies I know. They are both so cute. Thought you'd enjoy seeing them.

Swap-Bot

If you've never heard of Swap-bot.com it is worth check out if you like to do crafts to trade around with folks from all over the world. It has been such a blessing in getting me to stretch in what I do. I've tried so many new fun things. Right now I'm also doing swaps like Kiwi's Blogger Follower Swap, Vintage crafts and Zentangles. So much fun. It gives me new experiences that I can use in my teaching here in Ukraine and that is very valuable to me. Above is an Artist Trading Card (ATC) done for a swap. If you are crafty, check it out.

2010 Life Path Challenge

I looked at my calendar today and saw there are only 11 weeks left of this challenge and the end of the year. Can you believe it? Where has 2010 gone? Life just moves too fast and soon we will be in a new year.

This weeks topic is one we've thought of before so I'm going to change it a bit.

IF YOU HAD TO EVACUATE YOUR HOME BECAUSE OF A NATURAL DISASTER, WHAT THREE THINGS WOULD YOU TAKE WITH YOU?

Ok, so everyone has thought of this to some extent and the obvious one is photographs, oh, and kids are not included. So beyond the kids and photos, what would it be? Those of you who are writing this challenge I really appreciate what you've shared with me. Some great stories. Have fun.

By the way, that is a photo of my almost 88 year old dad in case you were wondering and yes, they did do photos back in 1923. Can you imagine?

Some Local Color

2010 Life Path Challenge

As of my writing this today we have 83 days remaining until Christmas and 59 days until Hanukkah. It is hard for me to believe that we started this challenge almost a year ago and it soon will be over. If you are new here then look at the art in the header. There are also people writing this challenge. No obligations or sign ups, just play along if you'd like and upload your art to the Flickr account by clicking on the header to go to Flickr. So here's what we are writing or creating on this week:

THE HOLIDAY TRADITIONS I MOST LOOK FORWARD TO.....

I guess this is a good time of year to consider this idea and why. Where do your traditions come from? Remember, let your heart show in what you create. Someday it may really speak to someone.

Garden

Despite the cold we still have roses in the garden. No freeze yet so the leaves are just barely beginning to turn. It's this time of year when we must relish the fading shades of summer for soon they will be gone. It's this time of year when I pick more of the flowers and bring them inside since I'm not out in the yard as much. My garden work now consists of cutting back many things in preparation for the coming snows that will deeply cover everything. It is so amazing to me how the summer flies.

Journal Pages

Just sharing a bit of the fun from my art journal. Some are drawings and some are zentangles. And soon, very soon, I'll be back to tell you about an exciting journey I'm getting ready to go on. Some of you might want to come a long so pack your bags.