* It's a lovely day in the neighbourhood

I don't seem to sleep much anymore.  At least not through the entire night.  I've just given in.  I usually get up and do something.  Last night was one of those nights, so I was up and running about 4:30 am.  That makes it an early morning in the studio, although I usually wait 'til it's light to go up.  I got an early start with My Lady of Broken Hearts.   Still more work do be done however, she is evolving.

I haven't done any work on her hand.  That will be next.

You will notice there are little hearts growing on the vines.  I wonder if she grows new ones.  Good idea, si?

Ran errands and have a lovely long lunch with friends.  Food and company were both five star.  

Took a few photographs is centro.  

Independence Day Celebrations coming right up.

beautiful hand woven rugs from Oaxaca

Thanks so much for coming in on your way by.    I have dropped in on most of you tonight.  Each and every one of you INSPIRE me!  Thank you.  xxoo

One's mind, once stretched by a new idea, never regains its original dimensions."
Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.

* Keeper of Broken Hearts

Today she revealed to me that her job is to heal broken hearts.  She is the Keeper of Broken Hearts, until they are healed.  Other than that, she's not talking, except to tell me which kind of head dress she prefers.

For whatever reason, I am having a terrible time getting a good photograph which depicts the colours properly.  I think it could be the metallic gold I used in her head dress, however, really, I have no clue.  She is looking better today.  Still needs work.

She requested the symbol for harmony be placed on her forehead.  I didn't know what it looked like, so had to google it.  I was told harmony is mandatory for healing broken hearts.  hmmmmm.  Makes sense to me.

Thanks for stopping by all my lovelies.  I wish I could see you all in person.  Wouldn't it be fun.  Have a wonderful day.

When love is lost, do not bow your head in sadness; instead keep your head up high and gaze into heaven for that is where your broken heart has been sent to heal.  ~Author Unknown

* Not what I had planned ...

A few more 'Sweet Tweets' and a new painting.  I have decided the 'Sweet Tweet ' sentiment will be good for just about any occasion :o), so I made a few more.

 I bought a canvas on Friday.  24" X 48".  It was for "My Lady of New Beginnings".  A woman in long robes with a golden chalice in her hand, toasting the Universe.   I had it all figured out in my head. 

I tried, honest.  It just didn't work.  This is what happened.  I've only got her blocked in.

I wanted to thank all of you who dropped by and left comments about "Keeper of the Faith".  You truly are my inspiration.  Thank you so much for your support.  It means a great deal.  xxoo

We are told never to cross a bridge till we come to it, but this world is owned by women who have "crossed bridges" in their imagination far ahead of the crowd. Speakers Library

* "Keeper of the Faith" .. Complete

For those of you dropping over from The Butterfly Effect, this piece is what I have chosen for this weeks theme "Music and Art".   May I introduce "Keeper of the Faith".  She brought with her a message which you can read just above the painting.  Interestingly enough she also came with music imprinted upon her heart.  Music which she says will lighten our hearts if we are sad and bring us happiness.  The music which she asked to be written is "You Are My Sunshine", which was also interesting.  As I was humming the tune and trying to write the music, I missed a note.  Perhaps she is also saying it's OK if things aren't quite perfect.  Hope you enjoy this piece.  She was truly a gift to paint.  Thanks for stopping by. 

Finished her yesterday.  Couldn't put my brush down for long.  She brought a lovely message with her, and told me what she wanted in the picture as far as symbols go.  A candle represents inner light, Music for happiness, oak leaves and acorns for strength, spirals for healing, birds for hearing and giving messages, key for unlocking the secrets of the Universe.  Moon and stars represent the many gifts available to me.

It was quite a lot to work to get all these bits and pieces into the painting, however I like 'busy' paintings anyway.  Keeper of the Faith brought her own special message to me.  For those of you who missed it before .. it went like this.

I bring light.  You will never be lost.  I have strength.  Even in your weakest moments, you will have this strength to draw from.  Music is with me to fill you with happiness and warm your heart.  Even when you think you cannot hear, and are disconnected from the Universe, I carry the connection for you.  If you become quiet and listen, you will always be able to hear.  I carry the key to the Kingdom.  If you would like the moon and stars, all you have to do is ask.

Thank you all for dropping by my blog.  It is with great pleasure I read your comments which you take time to leave.  These last few paintings which have come through me, are a different breed.  I am surprised.  I am excited.  You have no idea how much I appreciate your support.  xxoo

Each day comes bearing its own gifts. Untie the ribbons.
~ Ruth Ann Schabacker

* "Keeper of the Faith"

Today she introduced herself.  "Keeper of the Faith" she said.  When you aren't feeling strong and you think nothing is ever going to be right again, I will have enough faith for both of us.  I have light to share.  You won't get lost.  I have strength.  You can have extra whenever you need some.  I have music.  That will cheer you up.  And most of all, I have unwavering faith that everything is going to be OK.  I will hold that until you can feel it again.

I worked on her some more today.

I'm so happy when you drop by, my lovelies. Thank you for your comments.  Have a wonderful day.  

Be like the bird that, passing on her flight awhile on boughs too slight, feels them give way beneath her, and yet sings, knowing that she hath wings. – Victor Hugo

Who is she?

Who is she?  I don't know.  She won't tell me.  When I first put her on the canvas, she was definitely a child.  Since then she has morphed into something in between woman and little girl.  ??  Who knows.  She's not talking.

She did tell me this.  I come with light for the journey so you won't loose your way.  I come with strength.  It will be there for you even during your weakest moments.  Music is written on my heart.  It will always lift you up.  You can have the moon and stars if you only ask.  I hold the keys to the Kingdom. 

She tells me to put a candle in her hand with a large flame which reflects onto her face.  Her heart is too big, so she carries it wherever she goes.  An oak tree stands beside her bearing acorns, a symbol of strength.  I have a feeling there are flowers on some of the branches so I will always be surrounded by beauty.  Music, literally will be written upon her heart.  Always visible, always there whenever I need it.  A Key hangs from one of the lower branches.  Perhaps there is a bird sitting at her feet, offering her insight and messages when she cannot see for herself.  Perhaps symbols of the moon and stars are on her cloak.  I don't know yet.  She has just appeared on the canvas.  I will keep you posted.

first draft

Thank you once again for coming for a visit.  I do love company dropping by.  For those of you who leave your lovely comments, I have to tell you they mean the world to me.  They are my support.  They keep me going.  xxoo

"It is always with excitement that I wake up in the morning wondering what my intuition will toss up to me, like gifts from the sea. I work with it and rely on it. It’s my partner.”Jonas Salk

* It's Christmas (yet again)

I am so SPOILED.  So many people have sent "stash stuff" for me since I've been here in Mexico.  Today, at the post office, yet another huge, heavy box appeared.  I could hardly wait to get home.  I wanted to rip it open right then and there.  I did refrain however!

It was absolutely chocker block full of incredible vintage things.  Things I could never find here in a million years.  Here we go ....

I actually have some antique spindles from the woolen mills in Scotland.  I have, however, never seen a top like this.  It is so beautiful!  Can't stop looking at it.

Wild an wonderful fabric from the 70's!  WOOOOOSa!

You are no doubt wondering who this wonderful culprit is.  So generous, so giving, like most artists I am finding out first hand.  The lovely lady's name is Nancy Lynn.  Nancy I cannot thank you enough.  I feel like a small child at Christmas.  I just keep looking at everything and seeing the possibilities.  

You will love Nancy's blog. Using Up All That Stuff.  Nancy is having a whole bunch of fun over there, so I do hope you will drop by and enjoy!

Thanks for popping in, my lovelies.  It is indeed an honour to have you here.

 Even after all this time,
The sun never says to the earth,
"You owe me."
Look what happens with
A love like that.
It lights the whole sky.  ~- Hafiz of Persia

* A Lazy Summer Afternoon

"Un vino, por favor, sauvignon blanc."

My Spanish is successful.  It has arrived.  All sparkling and tempting in glass so clear it doesn't seem real.  I wait.  Did they receive my message?  Will they know where I am?  Will we have lunch together, or will I dine alone.

I have a yellow flower on my table.  We introduce ourselves.  We bond.  She wishes to return home with me.  I explain she must stay here, this is her home.  She pouts.

I brought my camera today.  Fabrica Aurora, now full of artists, art galleries, restaurants, and antique shops, was once a thriving textile factory.

I feel free.  Taking pictures of this and that.  Enjoying the coolness and light of this old building.  I purchased one only ruby red wine glass.  Just for me, just to be special.  It felt good to treat myself to something special, something red, something just for me.

In they come.  Smile.  Ah, it is good to see their faces.  We wile away well over three hours, chatting, laughing, enjoying the food and the company.  A truly lovely way to spend a long lazy summer afternoon.

Thanks again for coming by.  The door is always open and we welcome you with open arms.  xxoo

Oh, and one more thing.  If you ever need to talk ...

He's a great listener.

The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances: if there is any reaction, both are transformed.   Carl Jung

* Sweet Tweet morfed into cards ..

Sweet Tweet No. 1

Sweet Tweet No. 2

I've been working hard on Sunday Afternoon for the past week.  I have finally found their bodies and am happy with them.  Am now in a glazing process to change the colours a little.  His eyes have to be moved over so he's looking at her - that's why they are in 'white out' mode.  :o)  Nina was here today and we decided to trash the background and go for an activated block in type.  Not sure how it's going to look, however I think when I get the colours I want it will be good.  Time will tell.  Hopefully, I can finish this soon and move on.  There is another painting whirring in my head.

So m'dears.  Thanks for dropping by.  Was the coffee hot?  Been having a little problema with the pot.  Might need a new one. I know, you like the sangria on the terrace better!  So do I.  Come again, any time.  Love to see you and your wonderful comments on my pages.  xxoo

"I grew up pretty much as everyone else grows up and one day seven years ago found myself saying to myself--I can't live where I want to--I can't go where I want to--I can't do what I want to--I can't even say what I want to.  School and things that painters have taught me even keep me from painting as I want to.  I decided I was a very stupid fool to not at least paint as I wanted to and say what I wanted to when I painted as that seemed to be the only thing I could do that didn't concern anybody but myself--that was nobody's business but my own."  Georgia O'Keefe

* Two Postcards ... and a Tag?

The final two post cards from the "Liberate your Art" swap arrived today.  I am sorry I didn't do 10 for 10, they have all been so interesting.

This post card had the best quote.  "When it's all over, I want to say:  All my life I was married to amazement.  I was the bridegroom, taking the world into my arms."  Signed Mary Oliver.  I honestly don't know if that's the author of the quote or the creator of this card.  There was no other information with it to get in touch with whoever sent it.  So sad.  I LOVE it!  Thank you.

On the back it reads.  "Plant a picking garden!"  Aren't the colours smashing?  The creator of this work of art is Elaine Millar and you may find her at Photoworks.

I made a tag today. I know, you may have to sit down and catch your breath.  It's a rare occasion.  I was pondering how some of the bloggers who inspire me would deal with this tag.  Let me see:  VALERIE would have corrugated cardboard as a base, hand painted it with texture paint, and burned it with a heat gun.  Then she would have hand painted, cut out and stuck on beautiful images created from rubber stamps.  I'm sure a few more pieces of 3D material would have made it onto the surface.  Hmmmm .... nothing like mine.  MARIE. Well, Marie in a past life was a florist, so the cage would definitely have been filled with flowers which had been high glossed to give them body. Perhaps the cherries would still be blossoms.  It would be dramatic. Hmmmmm .... nothing like mine.  Then there is GERRI.  Her tag would have been pink trimmed with gold German scrap.  The cage would be covered in glitter and the bird would be wearing diamond earrings.  Hmmmm ... nothing like mine.  LENNA might have used her water colour crayons on the base.  She would have cut the die from a transparency photograph she took herself of an old wooden barn.  The bird is made from a leaf with a feather she found on the beach for it's wing.  Lenna would teach us the process.  Hmmmm ... nothing like mine.  CAROLYN'S tag would be very sophisticated, and beautifully executed in every way.  The theme might be Asian.   hmmmm, nothing like mine.  DONNA'S would have 22 kinds of you know whose ink on them, 6 different techniques on the same tag, and full of embellishments and stamps from 3 different companies.  Is all this causing a little smile yet?  :o)

So I've been thinking ... isn't it simply grand we are all so different?  Isn't it simply grand each of us is a totally unique being, capable of creating in our very own personal voice? Don't compare.  There is no better or worse.  There is 'different', there is 'unique'.  There is absolutely wonderful in it's own right.  I do think it's incredible.  Here's mine ... :o)  (Forgot to punch the hole -- see I told you I don't do this often.)  Thank you all for your uniqueness.  It is an honour for me to have crossed your paths.  

Oil Cloth and card stock.  A couple of you know whose distress inks, a little stamping and it's over. 

Since you are like no other being ever created since the beginning of Time, you are incomparable. ~ Brenda Ueland

 

* The Erosion Bundle Project

It was fun participating in the Erosion Bundle Project this year.  I learned so much!  The results I wanted and expected were illusive, however, that's the point isn't it?  Learning a little so it will be better next time.  Speaking of which, I should be putting another bundle out right now.  It's the rainy season here in Mexico and it would be good timing.

Having said that, I did want to make something with the contents of my little bundle.  I decided upon a hand bound journal, as I'm in the middle of a journal frenzy because of the Full Tilt Boogie class.

In the bundle were a lot of maps, a little material and assorted oddments.  I got out the sewing machine and sewed a flat piece together mixing the paper and fabric together.  Then I added whatever seemed interesting.  Some more fabric, stamps, a tag and some metal pieces.  Stamped "Write" on a piece of copper, glued the rusted pen nibs on to the copper, added old rusted keys.  Here's the result.  It was a fun project.  Collaged a back cover, then hand bound it with five signatures in an open spine binding. Enjoyed every minute of it.

Here are some of the things I started with.

Everything used is from the Erosion Bundle except the closure ribbon.  I thought a shot of colour would be great, so added orange gross grain.

Five signatures, hand bound.

Back Cover

Each day, awakening, are we asked to paint the sky blue? Need we coax the sun to rise or flowers to bloom? Need we teach birds to sing, or children to laugh, or lovers to kiss? No, though we think the world imperfect, it surrounds us each day with its perfections. We are asked only to appreciate them, and to show appreciation by living in peaceful harmony amidst them. The Creator does not ask that we create a perfect world; He asks that we celebrate it.  ~Robert Brault