No Place Like Home

Inner Breath...~Pure Oxygen from Connie~

2011-08-15T10:05:00.000-07:00

Love Day Celebration!

2011-02-14T17:29:00.000-08:00

It is the day of love! I love my journal. Today I'm making my Valentine's Day shrine to celebrate. It's going to be similar to this one in shape:

I'm cutting out my own pattern and I have a drawing I might transfer to it along with some special paper to use for the background. It may even have a quote that I'm particularly fond of. I hope I can post it here before Friday. It will become part of my inspiration to begin each day.

Most of all I'm celebrating with Connie at Dirty Footprints Studio! My life has certainly changed this year because of becoming a part of her groups. I offer anyone my advice to sign up for the next class that you can. It's worth every penny~!

What did I do today? Anybody remember?

2011-01-11T19:25:00.000-08:00

Oh...yes...it was the getting up at 5 a.m. to go to Nashville with Hubby that made me forget. He had to have Endoscopy....well...it was a much longer word than that....but they took a close look at his hiatial hernia and all the damage from years and years of indigestion. Didja know that can cause cancer? Welp, what doesn't cause it nowadays? The doctor showed us where the area in question was and that he had biopsied it. He'll have to do the test every two years from now on. I have to have a colonoscopy about that often since my dad had colon cancer and I have had polyps removed already. Bah Humbug!

The good thing about this whole trip is that he's in a study at Vanderbilt Hospital that might yield results for others years from now! It's just a 24 hour test and the poor man is wired up like a robot, but he's being such a good patient...just a wee teensy bit grumpy.

I was nice to my dental receptionist today! That's what I did good! I actually forgot to call her back. *evil chuckle* But when I received her call I made an appointment to use up some of that money the insurance overpaid them! *rolling on the floor...with tears in my eyes* Now why did I do that????? Hahaha

Tiger horse wants to know where his pasture went last night? But he looks cozy anyhow. He isn't growing a lush winter coat, so when it dips into the low temps at night we let him have his "binky". Uh...yep...that's 5 to 6 inches of snow and more to come on Thursday, I think. Just what Nashville needs after the floods last year!

For the want of a nail, the shoe was lost...

2011-01-10T16:23:00.000-08:00

...and so on....
All I needed was ONE simple rubber band. Sounds easy enough. Two hours later I had a bag full of them, a box full of the most unnecessary crap on the face of the earth and an empty drawer in the kitchen! Yes, you're right, the evil "junk drawer"...you know, the place you find string, paper clips, a glue stick, the card from the plumber you called five years ago, assorted fridge magnets you took off when you got the new fridge, etc.
Gone...all gone, except for the goodies that had a place to live. They're where they belong now.
I gotta say, there's a new sense of humility in me lately.
Six inches of snow outside this morning. How crisp and beautiful it is.
The aroma in the kitchen is awesome now too. I'm making my favorite "camping meal"....Lite (with chicken in it, don't tell hubby) Smoked Sausage, potatoes, onion, carrots, a wedge of cabbage along with herbs on hand, a splash of wine and some pepper and chicken bouillion granules....wrapped up tidily in aluminum foil and thrown in the hot coals (or a 350 degree oven) for an hour or so. :)

New egg in California~

2011-01-09T11:51:00.000-08:00

True to form, our lady owl has added one more egg to the first clutch of the year. The next one should be added on January 11. Oh...that one will be 1-11-11s egg~ *grin*

For those of us who watched and waited through all their offspring of last year, this is so exciting! Doing the happy dance!

Oh...my "ONE" for yesterday was added to at bedtime when I spilled a whole cup of coffee all over the end of the bed (decaf at art time) all over my drawing board, and every project and magazine...along with the piles of books and magazines that had accumulated on the cedar chest! &)^$#)_*I+*(...so with help from Hubby Dear), it turned into the three dreaded piles: keep, trash, give away. Now it's not over, but at least they're in neat boxes awaiting the next trip. Yaaaay me....thanks to clumsiness I "WON"~!

Barn Owls of Starr Ranch...

2011-01-08T11:03:00.000-08:00

We have just been blessed (on camera) with the first egg of 2011 at Starr Ranch Audubon Sanctuary! She should lay a clutch of, oh, four to seven eggs, laying one every two days until brooding the clutch begins. It's a fascinating thing to be able to watch online. Sometimes not so happy as the survival rate for the owlets is not 100%, but you do get to learn so much about Barn Owls there. I send warm wishes and many thanks to Pete and Sandy who have a lot to do in managing the Sanctuary for the Audubon Society!
The nest is a natural cavity in a eucalyptus tree, also visited by velvet tree ants, honeybees, and a variety of other birds just passing by. This is the female bird and they mate for life. The male will hunt for her and all the owlets when they're born. Both of them are in the nest during the day.

Did I mention...?

2011-01-06T19:24:00.000-08:00

The idea of "ONE" is absolutely great! Anybody can do it...even one teeny-tiny-itsy-bitsy thing...and guess what? You have "WON"! I extended it from a house cleanup to just one Random Act of Kindness and I have truly doubled my pleasure!

No, today it was only "Hank" the Labrador Retriever...

2011-01-06T19:14:00.000-08:00

But the "one" thing that happened let me know I helped a sick dog have an easier day. He was on the x-ray table looking miserable with his IV and a tummy full of barium. Daughter, the vet tech, asked me to roll my chair in there while visiting and to visit with him for a while. It helped. He didn't throw up, just gave me a very polite burp and stayed quiet the entire time. "Thanks Auntie Em!"I think I heard him say! Gee, makes me feel so "vettish" when I can do that. *LOL* {Follow up on Hank: Glad I wasn't there...he *ahem* passed a sock* that evening. They operated...found several more socks that weren't going anywhere...the vet took them out. Now you know where some of those solo socks go that the ~~clothes washer~~ (uh, dog) might have eaten~!}

It was therapy day, so that became the gift to me. I wish I could live my life without needing it. I went so many years without it. Did I mention I hate being allergic to Metformin? That's what started the downhill fall this time that led to the pit of depression. *sigh* Some good must come from this...it simply must!

Oh...here's hubby...the pet bed/lap therapist:

Today a bathroom...tomorrow the world~!

2011-01-05T12:43:00.000-08:00

*LOL* Who am I kidding? But I did clean the second bathroom's sink today...a chore I have not tackled in quite a while. You have that bathroom cleaner in your hand, the other bath is not far away. Why not give it a schpritz or two or more....grab those paper towels on the way. Yeah~

And for myself, the other "won" was the file cabinet next to me. Not the most inspiring thing in the world, but certainly better than it used to be! And that cedar candle in the back smells so good! A little "owl" shaped rock fits perfectly in the "Dorothy and Toto" tin.

PS: I thanks to daughter I let hubby be a big boy and take care of his problems all by himself. Not letting myself worry about it. Good for me!

The usual suspects...

2011-01-04T16:37:00.000-08:00

...what can I say...I run inside feeling the freezing effects every time I feed that doggone turkey!

Shameless plug for something that actually works! I bought a little sample tube in Walgreens of Curel Targeted Therapy Foot Cream. The tube says:"Noticeably smoother, softer feet in two nights." I'm astonished! My feet are actually rid of the stocking snagging, rough, cracked heels! How can this be?!

Won another day...

2011-01-04T16:06:00.000-08:00

Jehovah's Witnesses started my day. No offense, but we're not interested. I was more pleasant than usual and even shared a good word with them..."WON"! Running late to art club, a friend needed a special hug and I was happy to oblige.
Passed out five Hobby Lobby coupons today in class and in line at the store and used my own to buy the "Dimensional Magic" by Mod Podge that Emily showed us. Looks easier and almost the same as acrylic epoxy mixing and pouring.
Not the best day in the world. Hubby upset with primary care physician...for good reason. I'm not going to take that problem on as my own. Best way for me to be content and not upset.
And...as I should have, in ten minutes I had a picture framed (half price) at Hobby Lobby that I meant to do months ago. It is unusual art for me and I was tentative about framing it. Best of all, unlike others I've had framed, it fit perfectly! *lol* It's a combination of several contour drawings in various angles painted with acrylic.

Checkmark...done...got her address...

2011-01-03T10:42:00.000-08:00

...as for the rest of it:

Searching becomes "won"...

2011-01-03T08:58:00.000-08:00

While searching for my friend's snail mail address, (which I lost when computer crashed and also threw away envelopes)I found my #1 item for the day. The neatly arranged top of the file cabinet next to me. ~ick~

I'm working to restore it to its former glory...well...at least to a nice "inspirational" space anyhow.
I will call my friend to find her addy. *lol* She will laugh at me.

An unintentional "one"...

2011-01-02T12:29:00.000-08:00

While trying to move a loaded bookcase just a wee bit,(note to self: Unload books first.) hubby and I dumped that sweet little tray full of all the teeny-tiny beads I had been working with. It's amazing how far they can bounce on carpet! Finally...contained at last.

Takes care of the "ONE" for today for myself. When I get that corner of the bedroom straightened up, I'll do a RAOK for someone else today.
AHA! For my good friend Gradie in KY:

And one more good deed for "Lucy Lu" the only wild turkey brave enough.

1-01-11 Good day to begin my "Won" year...

2011-01-01T19:59:00.000-08:00

I wrote "one" letter thanking the company for a pharmacy staff that is simply outstanding. I'd put it off for a long time.

And...I began organizing files and transferring them from my old computer to my laptop. I even installed "one" copy of Paint Shop Pro!

I think I should add a picture of the number one feline in the house:
"Marigold"

I love Handbells...

2010-12-15T11:27:00.000-08:00

I just didn't know they were High-Tech now!

The best way to begin 2011

2010-11-27T09:00:00.000-08:00

Intention and awareness...

2010-11-03T10:55:00.000-07:00

I don’t know where I’m going with this post…probably where I go when I journal honestly, except this time with words instead of art.

I know that watching these women work on the tapestry in singular purpose, with intent and care; joining each other in song reminds me of our Taizé service. I put the link there so that if you are interested, you could read and see what it’s about. I consider what we did a form of meditation. Even though it takes place in a religious setting, it lifts your heart and soul to wherever it needs to be…kinda like painting?! Hmmm…have I thought that?

I had attended a different one for a long time before I was asked to help with getting my hubby’s church involved. I attended a Taizé service for the first time at another very Gothic chapel and heard the voice of an angel, Sally, begin each chanted song. Our voices were creaky and faint as they joined with hers, but they were a part of our meditation.

I used to set up the small chapel at my husband’s church for this service. It gave me peace and joy to draw the art for the bulletin, arrange candles, fabric, icons, paintings I had made, and peace and calmness to light the candles, lower the lights and wait for the very few people who were our regulars. Just the gentle guitar and our verses repeated together, sometimes with Spanish or Latin sung along with English.

We finally gave up when, even after four years, we didn’t seem to get any of his church members to attend…it was those of other faiths or even no particular religion who joined us. I miss it very much. One lady even sent me thank you cards to tell me how she loved what we provided in her busy life. A place of peace.

I’m beginning to believe that my art needs that sense of divinity in creation that Connie spoke about. I need intention and purpose to accompany my work. I need that sense of dedication that I had when I set up for that very special celebration and meditation.

Whether attending or creating that space for worship and peace, I believe it’s a wonderful thing to create your art in that way. I want to remember these words when I begin my next fearless adventure.

A sad Monday for Dee-Dee...

2010-10-06T15:56:00.000-07:00

My friend forever, Dee-Dee had one of the saddest Mondays of her life. On October 4th, she had to have her two horses put down. Magic, the Arabian gelding, was the full brother of my horse, Tiger. Magic was more beautiful than Tiger and so kind around children. Cafeto was her very first Paso Fino horse and she rode him in many parades. Magic had an intestinal blockage, most likely cancer. Cafeto was simply very old and arthritic. Life was not what it used to be for him.
They went quietly and together...and one will not be left to mourn the other's passing. They join all our other wonderful pets at the Rainbow Bridge. May they rest in peace.

October is special ~

2010-10-02T20:38:00.000-07:00

Madness...

2010-09-29T11:43:00.000-07:00

Thanks to "66 Square Feet" for posting this quote:

"I know it's a great temptation to go mad, but don't go in for it, you wouldn't like it."
...George Eliot, Middlemarch...

God dislikes a vacuum...

2010-09-28T16:12:00.000-07:00

I think that on his way to the Rainbow Bridge on August 6th due to a poisonous snakebite, our Bubba cat, "Mirage", (note the markings)

had to send his spirit back for just a minute to flip the "VACANCY" switch on the barn roof.
Before he left us, we had seen a shadowy figure slinking around the barn and the back yard. God does know what he's doing. Hubby started putting cat food out in several places. Last night, she decided to turn on the "NO VACANCY" sign. I was sandpapering a piece of art and realized who was meowing at me. It took about three minutes for her to decide we needed a replacement. I couldn't keep her far enough away from me to take good pictures! *lol* She likes to tuck her head in my elbow and stick her paw out to make "air biscuits"...*knead knead*!

And no, she's too young to be his offspring...he was neutered 9 years ago, but when he arrived back in those days, he was as thin as she is right now. We believe she's about 9 or 10 months old...maybe a year old. Taking her to visit daughter vet tech tomorrow or Friday for tests and to be spayed. "Marigold", house cat, has decided she feels the same way she did with Bubba...*GRRRRRRRRRR*! Gonna have to get over it!

Zen Habits...

2010-09-19T13:29:00.000-07:00

~ The Beginner’s Guide to Zen Habits ~

"Smile, breathe and go slowly."
~Thich Nhat Hanh~

21 Secrets! A workshop...

2010-09-16T20:04:00.000-07:00

The absolutely amazing 21 SECRETS goes on sale MONDAY!!!! Wahoo!!!

21 Artists :: 21 Art Journaling Secrets :: One Inspiring Playground

Videos galore!

More downloadable .pdf's than you'll know what to do with!

And even mp3's!

I want to learn some *BIG SECKRETS* from:

Connie Hozvicka :: Dirty Footprints Studio

Because she is one FEARLESS teacher

Who will enable you to put your fearless ART onto paper!

Paula Phillips :: Journal Artista

Because her mind sounds SO interesting

And Paula will teach you to open doors and windows into your soul!

Heidi Newstrand-Dilley :: Heidiology

Who is going to keep you looking in cabinets for

household supplies to use as wonderful art journal HELPERS!

PSSSST....you won't believe who else is teaching these classes!

Just think about it...*TWENTY-ONE* fantabulous *ARTISTAS*!

Check it quick...don't miss one single secret!

Never forget...

2010-09-08T13:15:00.000-07:00

Practice tolerance.

Find more videos like this on Lovin Mixed Media

Big Bucky...

2010-08-28T11:22:00.000-07:00

Big Bucky isn't really very big, but he's beautiful. Hubby was in the barn taking pics with the good camera and the big lens. I don't know the settings or the lens size, but he was about 100 feet away from the group of deer that showed up in the morning. Such lovely antlers in velvet!

Tiger in the sunlight...

2010-08-28T11:05:00.000-07:00

He has been spending most of his time in the barn where the fan blows cooler air. The heat is awful here this summer and we have a bumper crop of huge horseflies. He eats, then bucks and runs back inside.

This morning, hubby heard him talking to his paint mare next door. (Yeah...she started it...neigh, neigh!) He's missed her since we had to keep him off the big pasture. It's such a shame to have a horse who is an "easy keeper" (read that: gets fat and founders if he eats too much!). The only food Tiger gets is some carrots in the morning, all the not so good quality grass hay he can have and the little bit of good grass in the small pasture behind the barn. We love him, but he's become a big pet now since Big Al (my riding horse) developed cancer and we had to put him down. Tiger is just has too much spirit for me to ride. (He's an Arabian gelding, by the way.)

Paintin' in the Rain...

2010-08-21T11:50:00.000-07:00

We had one of those "pop-up" thunderstorms this afternoon. I knew it would probably be done soon.

I quickly tore a sheet of watercolor paper, added dabs of liquid acrylic, ran to the deck with bubble wrap under it and let the rain do some painting for me:

The thundershower was almost over in 10 minutes, so I took it down to the concrete patio and began spritzing and dripping alcohol on it, then decided to try some kosher salt and a bit of clear gesso:

I'm soaking wet, but at least tried something new today! *lol*

Miss Kay's Art...

2010-08-19T17:34:00.000-07:00

Wow! I was traveling home from a trip to Nashville today and was behind a white van with a logo and a website address on it. When I saw it, I wanted to see more...the picture on her homepage was on the back of the van along with the addy. Evidently she was on her way to Bowling Green, KY for this:

•International Newgrass Festival Bowling Green, KY
August 20th,21st, and 22nd

Glad I had that Starbuck's napkin and a pen handy in my truck! *lol*

Y'all go meet: Miss Kay Her work is fun and fine!~

One big happy family...

2010-08-15T10:21:00.000-07:00

...with a few exceptions.

Sometimes the turkeys chase the deer.

Occasionally the bunnies chase each other.

Now and then the horse chases them all!

Mr. Velvet...

2010-08-14T11:11:00.000-07:00

Oh, I gave up. I couldn't decide on which one to share.

I just grabbed one of the hundreds of hubby's pics.

There's a hen turkey on the same rock, two feet behind this buck!

Two of the four bandits...

2010-08-13T18:34:00.000-07:00

The birdfeeder pole is greased...this time with "Ben Gay" ointment! So are the lids to both of the sunflower feeders! Science is discussing the theory that an ingredient in Sunflower seeds acts as a narcotic to both adult and juvenile raccoons! The photographer (husband) is merely five feet away taking the photos. Auntie Em has been cropped out of the last picture to get the full effect of the joy of the little thief during his stolen meal. I am just to the right bent over double with laughter.

Happy....

2010-08-12T06:05:00.000-07:00

Happy 71st Anniversary, The Wizard of Oz!

And remember:

There's No Place Like Home!

Freedom to do something new...

2010-08-11T11:17:00.000-07:00

How interesting that the class I've taken online has made me feel the freedom to do some artistic images I would never have tried before.

"The Lost Beret"...is a long story, and sad for me. I suppose it is journaling without words. Still needs to be finished...the wings in white need shading. It's done in a variety of watercolor pencils. I'm debating whether to touch it with water or leave it as is. I'm thinking leave it.

"Blue Butterfly"...is a first for me. It's a beeswax transfer onto pre-painted canvas. Thanks to our friend, Sheila, yesterday we had five members of our Art Club all working with this process for the first time. We enjoyed ourselves and made some wonderful art pieces.

BIG "Scribbles"

2010-08-11T10:50:00.000-07:00

In our online class, BIG with Connie Hozvicka, I felt the need to show some of the work that developed when I started to let myself really take charge and paint.

The Loss...

2010-08-11T10:34:00.000-07:00

I put his picture up here on August 1st, when he lay at my feet and purred his love, but now I'll put the picture back of my foremost art critic. The kitty is "Mirage" (aka "Bubba") named for his habit of appearing and disappearing so easily.

The painting that follows is a large one that I had to make to express my feelings when Bubba died as a result of a poisonous snakebite just 5 days later, on August 6th. He had received much care, two blood transfusions, pain and clotting factor shots, but nothing was going to bring him back.
For at least nine years, he had been the guardian of the ranch, bringer of mischievious rodents and smart enough to stay inside each night with "Marigold" kitty to avoid the coyotes and things that go bump in the night. He was never going to accept inside life, so we finally had to give in to his decision. The painting is titled "Big Joy...Big Sorrow":

Freedom to post this...

2010-08-05T10:34:00.000-07:00

It's a very odd and off-putting composition, but I have fearlessness to post an unfinished piece today.
I began with several contour drawings from various magazines, using a black Inktense colored pencil. Keep working it with liquid acrylics. We'll see what happens.

Finished below:

Connie, Effy, and freedom

2010-08-04T10:48:00.000-07:00

*big sigh* You dear people...too many to thank. You are freeing my life, my emotions, *lol* even my Belly~ I paint from my soul, not my little pen or little brush or little paper....although I can if I desire, and it's more art and more soul no matter what the size. Take a look! For Auntie Em, please!

People...please let them become part of your lives, and hearts, and ART! "BIG" is beginning again with Connie. I urge you to become a part of the best Tribe of artists on earth!

Connie Hozvicka

Effy Wild
(Effy...I am also a recovering "nicotine addict"...and I'm laughing because it's been 5, that's FIVE, whole years!)

"Belly Love" for my She-roes~

2010-08-02T09:47:00.000-07:00

This post is for the fine "Fearless She-Roes" of "the tribe of BIG".
I can't stand chickening out of a really BIG dare!
I did it there, now I really want to be brave for the world.

I send you "Belly Love"

When I woke up from gallbladder surgery at
Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville, TN in August of 2005
(thank you, Dr. Russell and staff!)
this is what I found:

After all, some of my FEARLESS friends

have shared Belly Love too!

The BIG Queen of Belly Love: Connie.

Then:

Lisa did a BIG Self-Portrait.

Our friend:

Lis took up the challenge in the usual BIG way!

Connie finished in grand style

with an Embody Mental Health interview.

How nice to find him...

2010-07-30T19:37:00.000-07:00

Just when I needed to hear some words that touched my heart, I found Gary Reef...
...and read about "His Artist Cup"

If he sees this post, then I want him to know how much I thank him for that video tonight.

Fabric Journals

2010-07-17T16:09:00.000-07:00

These quilted fabric journals were a joy to make. Just work on one little pillow at a time and put them all together at the end. Most of them are not finished yet. Some will have watercolor pages, others will have lightly padded quilted art pages.

Much gratitude to Teesha Moore for her wonderful set of four videos that started me on my way.

Teesha, I did try a different method for adding the fringe. I hand-sewed bits of fabric (and yarn) to the edge of the front of a journal. Once it was all layered in place, I carefully cut it into fringe. I think it will work just fine.

Fabric Journals

2010-07-17T15:56:00.000-07:00

This one may be my favorite journal, so far. Wish I had taken some close-ups of the stitching detail, my handmade bead and the little gold stars on the navy fabric.

Fabric Journals

2010-07-17T15:50:00.000-07:00

This journal, like some of the others will have some added decoration, probably buttons and beads.

Fabric Journals

2010-07-17T15:45:00.000-07:00

The back of this one is Iris flower print fabric with the leaf quilting. More to come on it. Who knows what it will be? Maybe more butterflies. These were cut from b/w fabric and colored with Derwent Inktense watercolor pencils.

Fabric Journals

2010-07-17T15:40:00.000-07:00

Not sure if this will be the front or the back of a new journal, but I like it~!

Inside The New Day

2010-03-07T12:34:00.000-08:00

These pages seem so much better to me since I added

the text to the song (see and hear below) and the pictures.

The New Day

2010-03-07T12:32:00.000-08:00

Having trouble with this post, but I'm persistent. *lol*

Under the flaps in this journal page are lyrics to the song:

You Are The New Day

I will love you more than me
and more than yesterday
If you can but prove to me
you are the new day

Send the sun in time for dawn
Let the birds all hail the morning
Love of life will urge me say
you are the new day

When I lay me down at night
knowing we must pay
Thoughts occur that this night might
stay yesterday

Thoughts that we as humans small
could slow worlds and end it all
lie around me where they fall
before the new day

One more day when time is running out
for everyone
Like a breath I knew would come I reach for
the new day

Hope is my philosophy
Just needs days in which to be
Love of life means hope for me
borne on a new day

You are the new day

The Venemous Toad.

2010-03-07T12:17:00.000-08:00

Guess the only way to do it is to just...do it.

Posting my ol' critic that lives within.

A new beginning for an old blog...

2009-12-30T08:25:00.000-08:00

Wonder if beginning a blog with a cow painted at Starbuck's is a good idea? It's certainly a good test subject for me to see what I need to do with the new editor on Blogger.