* Princess of the Mist

Princess of the Mist has just given birth to her first child, a little girl, named Princess of the Bubbling Water. Crow, of Tall Red Tree has come to present her with a heart of gold. This symbolic token speaks of love with such strength it can never be broken. As the child sleeps, the traditional dream catcher stops any illness which may try to enter, therefore keeping Bubbling Water free from evil spirits and in good health.

Thanks for coming over today.  Enjoy your comments so much.  Hope all is well and the beginning of 2013 has gotten off to a great start.  Take care.

 

* Another surprise ...

Before I reveal the 'other surprise', I got hooked on the painted hearts which you may have seen in the latest issue of the paper and scissors magazine. This time I made it into a little wall hanging, which I think would look nice in anyones studio (mine included, if I could find some wall space). I'm sure it would look better with some batting in the middle, however I had to substitute paper towel because that's what I had.

Had to go and purchase a couple of canvas's just in case some idea ran through my brain.  I got a couple of smaller ones this time which I thought might be interesting.  Sure enough, as soon as I got the red undercoat on the canvas an idea began to emerge - one that frankly surprised me.  Not because of the subject matter, but just because it is far and away from the Iconic Women which usually show up on my canvas.

I have no idea where this is going.  I just blocked it in today.  She has not spoken with me as yet.  I'm hoping to get some guidance soon.

Nice to see all your wonderful comments - thanks so much for dropping in.  Spring is on it's way here - my bottle brush tree is in bloom, and my hummingbirds are in love.

In life you’ll realize there is a purpose for everyone you meet.  Some will test you, some will use you, and some will teach you.  But most importantly, some will bring out the best in you.

 

* Play day ...

As we all know, Valentine's day is coming, so Pat and I spent the day making cards. Pat brought the feast - Lebanese food (YUM) and I supplied whatever was needed for the cards. We sat in the sun on the terrace enjoying our food before heading up to the studio.

Upstairs, we giggled, made cards and wiled away the afternoon with idle chatter most of which seemed extreemly funny!  A few cards did result from our efforts though.

We both ended up with three (you can tell we worked like dogs)!

This was fun to make.  Instructions are in the last issue of cloth, paper and scissors.  I think I'll try making some more.

Well, m'dears, it's 3:15 AM and no sign of sleep.  Hope you are all in your little beds snoring.  I think I'll write some letters now.  :o)  Thanks for dropping by.  Help yourself to the sangria.  I LOVE your comments. thank you so much.  Take care and care about creating.  It's good for all that ails us. :o)

"When love is not madness, it is not love." 

Pedro Calderon de la Barca

I whole heartedly agree with this quote.  I feel so blessed to have known the madness.

 

* Love is in the Air ...

Still don't know her name. Her messages were thus. "I have come to be with you so you will never be lonely. My essence is part of a past time you experienced in this country. You must never sell the original. This painting is so full of love, it could never possibly run out. When you feel the need for love and caring, come to me. I will always be there for you. The Parrot in the painting makes sure we are supplied and full of love. He strings hearts and makes sure they are close to us so their essence will fill us completely with love. When you are with me, nothing else exists but love.  You are filled with it and overcome by it and will never want the feeling to end.  Love heals all wounds.  Simply allow."

Thanks for coming by today.  Hope you are all well, happy and filled with your own special kind of love.

"You are amazing!  You should never let anyone else tell you otherwise.  No matter what.  ~Bryant Collins

 

* And now for something completely different ...

OMG, whenever I say that, it takes me directly back to the Monty Python years when I never stopped laughing. I miss those guys! I'm not sure humour like that exists anymore, even in Britian. Alas and Alak. I did play in the studio today, however not on my painting. I made a couple of cards for friends, which was a nice break.

Thanks for dropping in today.  Spring will be here soon, I promise. Already my bottlebrush tree is blooming and one of my plants, which I know not what it is, is about to bloom.  All promising.  Hope you are creating wonderful things, as I know you are.  Take care.  See you soon.

"If I had my life to live over, I would start barefoot earlier in 

the spring and stay that way later in the fall."  ~Nadine Stair

 

* Keeping on Keeping on ...

Definitely made progress today in the Studio. It's cold here. Had the fireplace on. Amazing. I've done quite a bit today, however still must attend to many little details. Here she is, so far.

Still need more definition between the calle lilies, and I'm not at all happy with the parrots wings.  Need to work on the background behind the flowers in her arms ... just lots of little things, which take a lot of time.

So ... so hope you were albe to make some time to create something today.  Thanks for dropping by.  Always a delight to read your comments.  

A good painting to me has always been like a friend. It keeps me company, comforts and inspires. 
Hedy Lamarr 

* In the Studio Today

I enjoyed working with my lovely lady today. She is a delight. Not telling me her name though. Today she asked for a gold ring with a ruby in it - square, surrounded by gold, to fit her second finger. I'm workin' on it. Here to oblige you know. Obviously she is from a fairly well to do family. Here is the progress made today.

Yes, she has a pet parot who's name I have not been informed of yet.  They like to tease each other.  

A long way to go on this painting yet.  Having never painted calla lilies before - believe me it's a challenge to get the shadows and shading right so they will show up.  All the same colouring.  I'e got them blocked in.  Tomorrow I will work with them.

Tomorrow is another day - we will see what happens.  Thanks for the visit and your wonderful comments.  It's still chilly here - I've resorte to my flannel sheets tonight.  :o)  Be well, and be happy.  Looking forward to seeing what you've been up to tomorrow.

Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at it's destination full of hope. 
Maya Angelou 

 

* A little progress

Worked on my new painting most of the day. Until it got dark. I really must to do something about lighting in the studio so I can continue painting after dark in the winter.  It annoys me when I have to stop so early in the day.

 Let me see. What can I tell you about her now. As I may have said, she has indicated she is here to keep me company, so I will never be lonely. Another interesting thing she has said is she is part of myself from pervious life time in this country. She says I will one day feel very much at home. She is a very old soul. I have also had instructions that I must never sell the original painting. It is important I keep it. I have no idea what her name is yet - or for that matter any  more about her. I'll keep you posted.

lots more to be done

Thanks for dropping around today.  It's been really cold here!  Sort of like Scotland in the winter.  I put extra blankets on the bed tonight and had the fireplace on for a little while.  Hope it doesn't freeze - I don't have the ficus trees covered.  I must be adjusting to this climate, because believe me this really feels COLD.  (at this moment, which is 3:05 AM, it is 45 degrees F)  I'm not quite as bad as the people who live here though.  If it hits 70 degrees, they get their parkas out.  :o)  PS:  I love this quote!  I'll take the plane any day.  Not going to help me move forward in the art department though is it!  Ratts!  Have a great day, everyone.

“Daring greatly…is stepping up and letting ourselves be seen. Jumping out of a plane would be easier.”

 

* I am so surprised ...

at this painting! I don't really know why. There is something ever so familiar about her. She told me she's here so I won't be lonely. She wanted her hair braided with ribbons in it. WOZZA .... hold on - how the heck do you do that? We are getting there. I have worked non stop all day and I'm beginning to fall in love with her.

You are all so lovel y to 
come and see me. Much appreciated and I adore reading your comments.  Keep them coming.  :o)  Take care and create something.

JoAnne Kenrick

Have you ever met someone for the first time, but in your heart you feel as if youve met them before?

 

* Another Lady ...

... has shown up on my canvas. Honestly, I'm always to releaved when another appears. The in between time causes me so much restlessness, which of course I fill with other creative things. Nothing, though, and I mean nothing, settles me like painting. I worked all day yesterday and I still see more which has to be adjusted. She is barely blocked in. I know you all have great imaginations. It always amazes me how the paintings look so terrible in the beginning and then gradually improve. There must be a metaphor in there somewhere. :o) I'd like to introduce her to you. I have not heard a word from her as yet, so I don't know who she is, or what her message is. I will have to wait.

Hope you are all having a great creative day.  If not, find a little time for yourself and do absolutely anything.  It's important.  Art is not optional.  Thanks for dropping by.  It's a beautiful day here - I know many of you are suffering from what is known as 'winter'.  The sangria is always on here... :o)

If you don't go after what you want, you'll never have it. If you don't ask, the answer is always no. If you don't step forward, you're always in the same place.

~ Nora Roberts

 

* Journal Binding

Finally got my journal together today. Haven't finished decorating the inside covers - so will only show you the binding and the outside. Double Diamond Stitch, the newest stitch in my repertoire, learned in Ticket to Venice with Mary Ann Moss. I only had red book binding in stock which I was a little disappointed in for this particular book because of the maroon corners on the journal, however I'll get used to it. A fun binding to learn and execute.

That's all for today.  Thanks for stopping by. 

“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to 

live forever.” 

― Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi 

  

* Word for 2013

I've been having issues settling on my word this year. Tons of them have taken the route through my mind.  None of them felt right. Then I thought of 'uncover', ... that turned out to be a no. Then 'reveal'; that didn't feel right either.

A couple of days ago my inner voice got involved. "Both the words you have been considering indicate to you have 'do something' to make things happen. This year is not going to be like that for you. It's my impression your word is "Allow". Light bulb moment. It just felt so right. Nothing to do, nothing to resist, nothing to stress over, simply ALLOW life's opportunities to come, then do the work involved for completion.  YEAH!  Sounds good to me.  Perhaps I can RELAX this year.

I'm in the middle of making a hand bound journal. I have my signatures ready, however have not done the stitching or the binding. Still, the photographs will give you an idea of what it's going to look like.

The cover is a vintage ledger cover.  I LOVE it!

I gotta tell you - I upgraded (??) to Google Chrome and doing this blog has never been so frustrating!  None of the photographs are in order -- they seem to land exactly where they want to and won't budge. I've had to cut and paste text because it wouldn't behave either.  Anyone else had these issues?  I think I'm going back to simple Google.

It's a rainy day in San Miguel, dark and dreary.  I'm not used to it anymore.  Hope your days are not too dark and dreary.  Love seeing all your creations.  Thanks for stopping by.

“You will find that it is necessary to let things go; simply for the reason that they are heavy. So let them go, let go of them. I tie no weights to my ankles.” 
― C. JoyBell C.

 

* First creative venture of the year ....

Felt like doing a journal spread. Felt like doing something significant which I've been working on for some time now. I'm making progress, I can feel it deep inside. I've been holding on to 'old stuff' so tightly. It's been affecting my health. Thought somehow I might loose it, but now realize I don't really have it. So, I set an intention. Now I will put it in writing. Always very powerful for me.

I've chosen my word for 2013 - or rather, it has chosen me.  I was pondering two words, 'uncover' and 'reveal' for a long time.  Neither seemed to be a perfect fit.  The word which was given to me today feels right - you know that feeling, I know you do.  We will discuss more about this tomorrow.

Hope your weekend was a great one.  Thanks for coming over for a visit.  Always greatly appreciated.  

Allow your life to unfold naturally

Know that it too is a vessel of perfection

Just as you breathe in and breathe out

Sometimes you’re ahead and other times behind

Sometimes you’re strong and other times weak

Sometimes you’re with people and other times alone

all of life is a movement toward perfection

So what need has he

for the excessive, the extravagant, or the extreme?”

Tao Te Ching, Verse 29, Translated by Jonathan Star

 

* Digging in the past

I've been digging through a box of old papers today. When I moved to Mexico, somehow I couldn't leave my writing and journals behind. I ripped them from their moorings and piled all the loose pages in a box. A couple of weeks ago, inspiration struck and I decided to rebind the journal I had from my trip to Australia in 2004/5. I'm still working on that, and many pages and photos are missing, much to my disappointment. Today, I dug some more, simply because I was curious. Most of my treasures, photographs and writing were destroyed in a flood. That was hard to take. Today I came upon a painting my husband had scanned into the computer for me. The year was 1990. I didn't value my art at that time and thought nothing of giving it all away with no record of what I had done. When we lived on Vancouver Island and had the small gallery, I actually sold quite a lot of paintings, and thought nothing of it. DUH! Going down memory lane - here's my painting style in 1990.

One of those old English bridges I love so much.

Here's an old poem I came across - I would say, written probably in the mid 60's.

"To feel the glow of the morning sun

To see a day that has just begun

To jump and dance and swing so high

I feel I can almost touch the sky.

To walk and see such wonderful things

To see a bird and long for wings

To wonder what the flowers say

And look for where the fairies play

To just be me - in every way

and not worry what the others say

For I have never seen the world

It's heartbreak tears and sorrow

I've never felt the loneliness

Or dreaded a tomorrow.

I've only seen the lovely things

The robins nest, the birds that sing

The kindest voice, the softest hand

The playing of a big brass band.

For I am only five - so young

So happy - isn't everyone?

And, just for fun, a paragraph from the news letter put out by Allsop & Co., my last employer in London, England.

..."Mrs. Naida Flower, formerly Personal Assistant to the President, has now left work to be closer to home, and has been replaced most ably by Miss Donna Parker, who originally hails from Canada, but is working in this country to gain, as she puts it, "experience in the English way of life"."  Ha! Ha! That was a fun place to work.  All the west end stars used Allsop for their housing needs.  It was never a surprise to see the likes of Diana Rigg pull up in her rolls and take Harold out for a spin.

 Enough of the past.  It's a new year.  Time to look forward and set my intentions.  I am, however,  considering gathering my writing together into a book.  For that, I need to look back.

Thanks for dropping by today.  Always lovely to see you here.  Hope you all had a wonderful creative day.  

Look not mournfully into the past. It comes not back again. Wisely improve the present. It is thine. Go forth to meet the shadowy future, without fear.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

(I'm on it, Henry) :o)

 

An Afternoon with Mario Mizrahi - Artist extraordinaire

Mario Mizrahi's work is intricate, colourful and fascinating!  My eyes stayed glued because I wanted to see every detail.  Mario is a charming, outgoing and frankly quite a character.  He entertained us with fresh fruit and bright conversation.  Here are some of his paintings I particularly fell in love with. If I could own one of Mario's pieces, it would be this one.  LOVE! Jackie collects Mario's work, and so we wiled away the afternoon enjoying Mario's company, his studio and his art.  All in all, a lovely way to spend the day. Thanks for dropping by my blog today ... and thanks for all your wonderful comments over the holiday season.  Hopefully this week I will get back to the studio to create.  I am missing it.   Francis Bacon The job of the artist is always to deepen the mystery.