half full

Halfway to London

2012-01-26T21:18:00.001-05:00

Here I am at the airport feeling a bit pensive for some reason about my trip.

The Julie Arkell class at West Dean will be great. I am looking forward to seeing Julie again and meeting Di and the other English women in the class...

But somehow I still feel pensive. I'm sure it will be great once I get there.

Bracelet Giveaway Winner:
Laurie you are the winner!
Here is the first grader who picked your name from my bag.

Email your address to me in the next two weeks and I'll send it when I return. Thanks everyone for your comments.
I'll send a London update soon.
Cheerio

Half packed/half unpacked

2012-01-22T11:48:00.001-05:00

My birthday was on Wednesday and I must say it went okay. Not much happened but I felt fine about adding another number to my growth.
Funny I started this calm page feeling at ease but all that hot pink made it a bit frenzied. Still I like it since pink and birthdays should go together.

Here is the sweater cat I made with the help of Mary Stanley's owls that she made for us in Seattle.My cat had the honor of being part of the kindergarten still life set up.

Here is Mary's owl next to my caowl.
This is the last week for the bracelet give away. Here's the little bag with all the names. I'll pick out a name before I leave for London on Thursday but won't be able to send the bracelet until I get back.

Stay tuned on Thursday for the winner. I guess I better start packing. Cheerio

Seattle artfull

2012-01-17T21:29:00.001-05:00

Okay here is just some of the stuff we/I did. First we all started a canvas.

Each of us added to the paintings throughout the weekend. My rabbit painting was brought home like this:

Pretty different. I love it and the colors.
Here is Teesha's painting that we all worked on.

Isn't it coolio? The houses below we're part of an idea Sid told us about.
Mary brought in a bunch of recycled sweater pieces and we each made a scrap fabric scarf. Mine is not finished yet but it looks like this so far:

I also made a cat puppet ( to be shown next time since I left it at school.) The collaborative painting was probably the hardest and most fun project we worked on during the snowy weekend.

Snowfull

2012-01-16T17:36:00.001-05:00

My trip to Seattle was wonderful. We did so many different art projects and got to just hang out.
I drew this picture in Sid's journal and really like it.

We went on a field trip and saw lots of these well dressed trees. Really nice colors. It was a good idea these trees were yarn bombed because look what happened while I was in Seattle...

And this was Sunday afternoon when it was time to say good-bye.

Next time I'll show you some of the things we made.

Halfy New Year

2012-01-07T18:06:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year Friends.
Here is my new years picture that I created in my journal. Quite a big face if I do say so myself.
First week of school went pretty well. Lots of kids are wearing their new sock monkey hats, very cute.

I wish you could see how sparkly I made this page. I'm taking an on line class with too much fun Jane called Draw Happy and I have been trying to draw using her style for my faces. This face is just a bit different than my usual, but hard to tell in this picture. It's interesting trying something else. Her videos are fun, especially how she carries on with her dogs. She lives in the most beautiful part of Australia. Well actually I have never been to Australia so don't know if it's the MOST beautiful, but it sure is breathtaking in the videos.

Ah what you have been waiting for... the winner of the bracelet giveaway. Good news, bad news, The bad news: I have decided to extend the giveaway until the end of January. Good news: You can enter again if you want. Each time you enter a comment I will put your name in the giveaway bag. More chances to win. OOh la la. I've even been working on some non leather bracelets shown in the picture. Looks like someone needs to take an online photo class so her blog photos will look better. Any recommendations?
Getting ready for Seattle. What to bring? A raincoat sure enough and some warm clothes. Footwear is always the problem. Any suggestions for Seattle footwear in the winter? Do tell.
Okay dinnee time. Have a good week.

half by hand in artful journaling

2012-01-01T19:42:00.000-05:00

It's here! I finally found it at one of our Barnes and Nobles so I just had to buy it. Riley came with me and was quite excited.

I'm even in the table of contents. As much as I am delighted to be represented in artful journaling and love how the pictures came out I am a bit baffled about one thing... In my article I was asked to write about my drawing style and my "characters," but half the pictures used don't even show my drawings or my journaling which I usually included on almost every page. I didn't know which pictures had been selected when I wrote the article. Oh well.

This Twig and Fig page just had some images I liked that I glued onto a journal page. I am surprised I didn't add anything to this page when I worked on it. Glad this page with the two rabbits I painted was included. It is one of my favorite pages.

I think this page was selected because of the cute rabbit made by the most wonderful Julie Arkell. When I was in France, my friend Sam was able to purchase this adorable rabbit from Julie. I was so mesmerized with her, I had to take photo after photo. Thanks Julie and Sam for allowing Rose Rabbit to be a published rabbit.
So all in all it's pretty cool to be in the magazine even if there were some better pages that could have been used from my art journal... Maybe next time.

full of impatience (hope I spelled it right this time)

2011-12-28T11:03:00.000-05:00

Oh no, not again. Sorry for the delay in blogging. The kidney stone procedure had a longer recovery period than I had anticipated. I think I am now thankfully back to normal. Not a fun thing to have a little kidney stone kicking around.
Impatiently waiting to get my copy of Artful Journaling so I can see my article in the flesh. Usually the magazines from Stampington come earlier than this, but since I am waiting ever so impatiently I guess it takes awhile.

Journaling has been hard with the kidney stone, but I managed to get a few pages done. Really hoped to do a kidney stone page, but just like the stone- it wasn't moving along.

This drawing was made by one of my second grade artists, Brooklynn (yes a double n). I think it has a very interesting look to it. She always comes up with interesting artwork.

Ah a glance at Portugal. Have my usual wanderlust for traveling, but I shall be busy in January with a mini trip to Seattle for a birthday gal celebration and than England at the end of the month. Remember to direct me to places to go in London. I have three Jamie Oliver restaurants on my list but think I must narrow down the field to one or two. Not sure which to pick. I guess I will have to try the Italian. Maybe 15 to see what is going on there. Trying to get Riley to apply to apprentice there but I seem more eager then he.

Alas vacation is winding down. I have been lucky to have so much time off. Hope all is well for all my blog readers. Oh yes bracelet give away is now in session. Leave a comment and tell me the first thing you would do in London/England. A random winner will be picked On January 6 to win a bracelet hand crafted by me.
cheerio

Farmfull

2011-12-18T18:50:00.001-05:00

I went to the farmer's market on Saturday morning and really enjoyed it. The vegetables were beautiful and it was a fun place to be.

I have been busy making these leather bracelets thanks to
My friend Ellen. I have many ideas for them. Also ready to attack a small bead bracelet project. Yay love when I have exciting projects to work on.

Vacation has started and I am ready with projects, reading, good food treats, and some DVDs. All I need is a trip. Tuesday, however, I will have to have out patient surgery. A bit worried about being put under. Hope I will recover quickly.
Paper Pumpkin Kathy: you're getting closer to your week. I feel for you.
Enjoy this busy week blogging friends.

Semi halves

2011-12-11T12:50:00.001-05:00

Looks like your little blogger friend has been delinquent again. I have been working in my journal- really, but nothing too blogable. Trying to get back into sewing and fabric but inspiration seems to be elsewhere- and not sure where that elsewhere is.

Today is the last step of our limoncello making except the chilling. Some spilled yesterday and I snuck a taste. Must say it was pretty good. Full report next week.

This is our last week of school for two weeks. Wondering what to do for two weeks. Any ideas? May drive up to NYC with my cousin. Don't you love this picture created by second grader Gus?
Hope y'all (my new favorite word) have a great week. Thanks for visiting.

trying to be half full

2011-11-27T10:23:00.000-05:00

Hope Thanksgiving brought lots of togetherness for many. It's never been my favorite holiday due to so many family issues, but I muddled through thanks to my friend Janet. She always brings out my best humor. Love the colors in this abstract flower/leaf page.

I did get some journaling done this break from school time and lots of reading. Still deciding if I should be making presents and what they should be. Ideas anyone? I always seem to figure it out a day before the necessary date. This page is one that opens up so I thought I should show both views.

Here's what I did and did not do during the Thanksgiving break. Also tried to figure out where I might go for Christmas break. Did you know it's almost $3,000 to fly from Charleston to Maui? Scratch that off the list... Have a good week and thanks for visiting.

lemonfull

2011-11-20T14:00:00.000-05:00

Ah delinquent no longer and back in the swing. Hope you had a good week. Well it looks official, I will be in the January issue of Artful Journaling. Interesting the pages they selected.

I seem to be going towards the purple and green colors these days. Not sure why that is. Maybe all the green paint I seem to have...
Yesterday I went to my new Italian friend Antoinette's house to make Italian cookies with her and Lori from our class. We made Italian love knots (lots of lemon in them) and some way too chocolate ones for me. It was fun listening to Italian music, eating an Italian type lunch (complete with Chianti) and laughing a lot. We even drunk a pre lunch jigger of limoncello. Next Italian adventure will be at my house to make limoncello, although I thought grapefruitcello could be interesting.

Rock bucket picture is from Portugal. Still have a lot of never before viewed pictures from Portugal so thought I would show one or two when I have space. Hope you have a great Thanksgiving week. There is so much I am thankful for. Could be a good journal page for the week...

Back at half full

2011-11-13T15:26:00.000-05:00

Hello from the delinquent blogger,
Here I am back again with some stuff to show although I am not wild over any of it. That's why I am trying to transfer to the state of positive pink. That is my goal starting... now. Maybe I will even wear pink all week. Pink makes me happy so here's hoping...
Listening to The Night Circus this weekend on audio and it is wonderful. I think I may have to even read the book. My friend Kelly the book guru recommended it. She always knows a good book.

This page was for drawing practice. Drinking my coffee every morning with heavy cream (yup you heard that right) and vanilla syrup is my biggest treat.

Today I managed to make granola and a berry crostata as I listened to the The Night Circus. May need to get into the kitchen more often to practice my cooking skills- although baking has never been my strong point. You know all the exactness one must follow doesn't work with me.

Hope you have a great week. I'll be sashaying in pink.

full half

2011-10-30T19:16:00.000-04:00

Not too much to show this weekend. Working on some other stuff but it's not here. Weekend was nice and relaxing. Saturday was pajama day until I went to my Italian group's pizza cook off. Carlo made a wicked pizza although I was forced to eat bacon- yikes. Today Riley and I made a mighty tasty kale, tomato, and white bean soup. It was nice to be cooking again. Then he helped me practice my Italian as he planned his puzzle party.

At last we are back to art studio work in the art room. I am glad the students can now work on their own projects again, although I must say they did a wonderful job on these more directed projects. I will miss the panda bears. Oops this painting is upside down- but at least it doesn't have spelling errors. Too impatient to look up the spelling of patience. Yes that would be me...
Have a great week.

Sweetfull

2011-10-23T20:10:00.000-04:00

Hope everyone had a nice weekend. We had some wonderful weather Saturday and Sunday but the house had a chill to it. Still there is no way I will turn on the heat when it's 65 degrees outside.
So that great blog template Teesha used didn't work so well on my blog. I only had it up for less than 24 hours before I had to change it, but I did switch the background color to my favorite Sally Jean blue- or close to it. Going to try the template again soon. It is really cool.
Here are some dessert drawings compliments of the second graders. Love the colors.

I was looking at my pictures from Portugal and wanted to use this picture of me dancing on the beach. I was so happy when we got to this beach. It was so beautiful and I was relieved to see nature and beauty after some hectic times. We had a lot of camera action there.

This page has some really cool vibrant colors but they don't show up too well on the blog. Ah if I only could learn patience. I wonder what my life would be like if I could be patient. Still muddling through Italian classes so I guess I am being a little patient. I hope the teacher will be patient with my pronunciation skills. Time to say arrivederci, comments welcome.

full of templates?

2011-10-16T15:48:00.000-04:00

Hello Blog Readers. Here I am back with more art to show you. Teesha mentioned a new blog template on blogger so I am trying it. Not sure how it will work yet- or if it will work, but it looked cool on her blog. Then again everything looks cool on her blog. Also, I just noticed there is no preview button today so I can't check and see how this posting will look before I press Publish Post. Sorry if it looks odd.

I used a piece of vellum over my journal page above and I am really enjoying the things I can do with a clear overlay. On another page I didn't like the painting I made of myself so I added some vellum and drew another picture over it. Coolzo.

I'm not really in love with this page. Too random. I like parts but ahh not my finest. I guess I could put a piece of vellum over it...

Hooray we are almost done with our fund raiser which means the students can soon create art of their own choice, but still these flower watercolors came out pretty nice if I do say so myself.

And here is another beautiful picture of me drawn by a third grader. I really wish I could get a make over and look like her. Those lips are of model quality.
Nice weather has returned which makes me so happy. Have a great week.

journalful

2011-10-09T15:47:00.000-04:00

I have been working on a lot of journal pages theses past two weeks. I don't know if it is to avoid studying Italian or it's just what I need to do, but I haven't done so many pages in a long time.

Nothing to really report. I finished the crostini(sad), wrote my article for Artful Journaling, Ordered some copic markers, actually made a real dinner for myself.... nothing earth shattering, but I am doing good. How about you?

Some girls in third grade came into class on Thursday with portraits of me. It made my day. Here is one. Love my pants and glad to see she designed me a pink apron to get rid of the usual orange one that I wear. I will show a few more next week next time.
Has anyone been to Bath, England? If so, should I go for a short weekend while I am in England? It looks like a crafty type of town according to my favorite mollie makes.
Have a great week. I think I will be singing in the rain according to the weather guide.

Lightly full

2011-10-02T15:53:00.000-04:00

Thank you everyone for your kind words of congratulations to my news about being in Artful Journaling. I was glad I could share it with those who knew what I was talking about.

My newest journal page is reminding me to take this week lightly. Lots to think about and I think that is what I need to do- just think. No action. The beach is a good thinking spot for me so I hope to get myself there tomorrow after school. It has been a bit chilly here since Saturday, but it should be warm enough for beach pondering.

Look what my friend Ellen helped me make. It's a crostini filled with black, blue, and raspberries and is very addicting. Too bad I will have to eat this whole thing by myself. Yum.

I'm taking an online class with Teresa Mcfayden on copic markers. I have collected quite a few and like them but don't really know how to use them. Since doodling is one of my favorite things I thought this class may help me. So far we have made some cute color swatches. Looks like my collection is a bit limited.

Oh I am so in love with these Kindergarten panda bears drawings. I do not want to give them back. They make me smile non-stop.
This is my show and tell for the week. Now back to Italian practice. Ciao.

Half famous (not really)

2011-09-24T17:30:00.000-04:00

Big news: I am going to be in Artful Journaling!!!(If I write the 800 word article). I am pretty excited and mystified as to which journal pages they will use in the article. I am not sure which issue it will be, but will let you know when I find out.
These two pages are from the new journal I bought with pages bigger than my normal little book. I like the size very much. Not too big or too small.

My Italian class is keeping me very busy. Not sure what I was thinking when I signed up, but maybe a return trip to Italy this summer is in the making. Carlos, the instructor keeps telling us it's going to get harder- seems pretty complex as it is. I do not do good with auditory things or memorization so this is a challenge.

Another beach picture for you. I have been going to this beach at Sullivan's Island fairly frequently on Saturdays, late afternoon and the amazing thing is that every time I go it looks different. Sometimes the water is so calm and other times roaring. The same goes for the wind. Didn't go today, but hope to get there next Saturday. Hope everyone is well. Thanks for visiting. Ciao.

two pages full

2011-09-11T12:59:00.000-04:00

I really love how this page turned out. The face was even better before I decided to add black pencil line but still I am really happy with the page. Yay. Now I just have to work on drawing me so I look like me. I think the pick background helped with the face.

I like how this page came out too except it is a bit busy. Didn't know what to do with all the white background, but I liked drawing on a white paper versus a colored paper. My friend Joni sent me some sweet gifties wrapped in paper that went well with this page so I cut out some of the shapes and flowers to add to the background. What else could I have done to fill up the background? I tried drawing in a background on the top left but things than got really busy. Love the colors- especially in real life. Both pages from my Pam G. journal book with big pages. Think it is time to visit small journal again.

Ah the beach again in Florida. Isn't the water beautiful? All those blues and greens. OOh la la.
Still trying to grasp on to the last of summer but it's speeding by with cooler weather.

Poor Lorraine- no handmade gift yet, but I still have a few hours on this beautiful Sunday. Hope you all had a great weekend. Thanks for all the comments. I love hearing from you.

No longer full of summer

2011-09-06T18:02:00.000-04:00

Alas Summer is officially over. No more long weekends or anything until Thanksgiving. I yi yi. I had a great summer traveling and seeing friends and was kept very busy which I loved. I always love summer but this one was extra good.
This is a picture of my stash box of things I collected mostly just this summer. I hope to use these things in projects but they are fun to just look at as well.

Trying to work on some more artwork but have been busy running around. I guess now that summer is over I may have time to buckle down and work on more things. Lorraine's birthday gift is first in line and than Joy's. Oh boy nothing like having tons of fall birthday friends.

School is going well and the fifth graders are really excited about the art journal they can bring home- even the boys. I think I may have to buy two more to pass out. Also started a blog about my art room. If you are interested in viewing it let me know and I'll give you the site address.
Trying to get ready for my trip to London. If you have any places, shops, bed and breakfast/hotels to recommend please let me know. I can't wait to get there.
Time to go visit my juicer. Hope all my readers are well and happy. More soon. xxoo

Full not oh art journal pages

2011-08-23T19:40:00.000-04:00

So sorry for the long wait for this post. I have been trying to finish some Pam Garrison pages that I started in her class, but haven't completed them . The pages in my book are big and I am having a hard time converting to Pam's style. I know my style is me and that is what I will ultimately stick to but I wanted to challenge myself and try to make a page (or two) like her. I am stumped. (Which is okay) So here is what I have so far.

You can tell that this page is so much more me than Pam. I loved watching Pam easily write out anything in her beautiful handwriting. It was amazing. Hopefully next time these pages will be finished but no promises. School has begun and they are keeping me busy with 8 classes a day. Perhaps that's why I could easily call it a night at 5 PM.

It was great seeing Lorraine and Renee at the Pam Garrison class. I spent Saturday at the beach watching the waves and surfers. It was really beautiful and calming. On Sunday I got a green juice concoction at the health food store which tempted me to purchase a juicer. So far so good. That juice bar had some amazing smoothies mixtures. One cost $16.50 for a glass.

Also saw this nice and shiny Airstream. I am wondering if I should follow what I love and buy one. I love these trailers and somewhat lust to have one. Even when I was a child I loved campers. I think I only played with my Barbies because they had a cool camper. So maybe... An air stream art studio would be the best.
Okay I have to click publish because I somehow have a draft copy of this posting already up and I want to get rid of it. (after just seeing a preview of this "new" posting, it looks like I have a mess on my hands- sorry about formatting etc. I am not sure I even have a title. The title is Full not oh art journal pages.
Hope everyone is well and crafty.

Arizona Roomfull

2011-08-16T20:37:00.000-04:00

Wow someone is way behind on her blog and that would be me. Sorry. Here is picture of me and Renee at a really good pizza restaurant that we went to in Scottsdale. Renee doesn't really like this picture of her but she is somewhat picky. I think she looks good. Thanks Renee for letting me put this picture on my blog.

Anyway, Renee has the most amazing old and artsie stuff in her house. It was a wonderful adventure of treasure hunting as I discovered so many beautiful things to photograph and oogle over everywhere I wandered. Here is a sample of her white dress collection for small folks and just part of her suitcase collection. She needs to produce a book called Household Objects. Actually, she really does have a cool book coming out any day now on schoolhouse sewing and quilting projects. I better stop rambling about her before she gets upset- just one more thing, Sorry Renee that I didn't take any pictures of your cute dogs. It wasn't intentional.

School started today. It was a good day and fun to see all the new and old faces. I'll be back soon with Pam Garrison class info, although I realized today I don't think I created very much in the class. Still I love Pam. She is constantly inspiring me. My new project is to practice my lettering everyday. You know starting tomorrow...

Jewelryfull

2011-08-07T09:18:00.001-04:00

Nope, I'm not in Paris, but with
My Paris friend Renee. I went to visit her in Arizona. It was really great. We took two jewelry classes taught by Diana Frey. Here is what I made:

And this necklace. Here is the choker part. I haven't attached the bezel yet but it will be one if these below. Which do you think would look better?

Next posting will be of Renee's beautiful house. About to get on my plane headed home.
Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Way too full of Peerless

2011-07-31T18:41:00.001-04:00

My friend Cynthia and I got a bit Peerless crazed in Portugal after we saw Jane (www.janedavenport.com) using them while practically walking. I happened to have some so we made a pallette of them but didn't use them very much.

Then I even ordered more colors, sent more to Cynthia and still no use, so this Saturday we decided to have peerless watercolor paper painting day and post on Monday. My rabbits actually took two days to finish. Can't wait to see what Cynthia has created. Check out her blog www.cynfulcreationscanada.blogspot.com (sorry can't figure out how to link from my phone) to find out. I know I will.

Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Scrap fulls on my desk

2011-07-26T12:53:00.000-04:00

I have been busy working in my two art journals today. This small journal is my everyday journal, but the pages are a bit tiny to expand my ideas. Some times I feel very crowded working in it. On the other hand it is easy to lug around. I love Teesha's girls. They remind me of myself when I was younger.
This page is from the journal I started in Portugal. This is one page from a three page spread I am working on.
I even had time to go to the beach this weekend. It was windy but hot, a good mix if you remember to bring a clip for your hair.
Raining today so no beach. I have to drill holes in my little resin pieces that I made last week. I'll show you them next time. Ciao bellas.

Half operable and Full of ideas

2011-07-17T12:15:00.001-04:00

I have finally been busy working on some journal pages from my mini trips. This one is from Tampa/St. Petersburg.

A few days later I went to Orlando for a wedding. Lots of rain there but still a good time.
It was a long drive after that to Spruce Pines, NC but I loved being out in the country. On the last day I woke up at 5 am to go to the flea market in Pickens, South Carolina. It wasn't quite like the markets in Portugal. Lots of Wonder bread and drugstore items available there.

Glad to be home for awhile. Loads of projects to work on. Thanks for visiting. Xxoo
Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Full of driving

2011-07-10T19:01:00.001-04:00

I have been too busy traveling to do any art work. I have been carting everything around and finally started something an hour ago. This is mostly from Portugal.
I am back from Tampa and Orlando but now I am here:

Spruce Pine, NC for an art teacher retreat. It is very pretty, green and serene here but I am looking forward to getting back home soon- working on art and helping Chloe with her driving (and shopping I assume...)
Hope you are all having some good summer times.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

TOO full of Portugo

2011-07-05T09:45:00.000-04:00

Ah this was the best place for me in Portugal. After a few days of not seeing any breathtaking beach (my favorite) we arrived at this beach around 5 PM. There were even beautiful sand dunes which I captured in black and white on one of Tracy's fun cameras. I was so happy to be on this beach that I had to dance around. Tracy managed to capture my excitement in a series of beach pictures. In fact the guy always took a great picture of me. (It was a bit windy there- hence the billowy shirt action.)
This was a calm beach closer to where we were staying. I do like the shadows of the palm tress on the sand but this isn't really my kind of beach.
Cynthia and I (well really Cynthia) managed to find this old abandoned mansion we kept passing by on our taxi rides. We walked up and took some great photos. The graffiti in this case really did not add much to the building. Maybe I can photo shop it off, especially the smiley place. There is ivy growing out of windows and it just looks like the best place for exploring and picture taking. It was fenced in and we didn't want to end up in a Portugal jail(we kind of had a preview of what it could be like) , but we both knew Tracy would have figured out how to get inside.
Still working on this page. Haven't really done any art work, but most of the others on the trip have at least filled up their little Portugal passports. I have been on the go to Tampa/St. Pete and tomorrow Orlando, Florida. I bring a lot of art stuff with me but never get to it. I love walking around new places, and than it's dinner and some wine, and before you know it it's a new day of walking and exploring. Hopefully in Orlando. Really want to finish some of this journal.

Still more Portugal pictures to show.

Half listening to directions?

2011-06-30T06:12:00.000-04:00

Ut oh someone didn't follow Teesha's directions when making the cover to their journal. As I said, I love Teesha's style but it will never be me. Not sure about the aesthetics of this cover but it sure makes me laugh. The glasses are removable and I am going to make a glasses case inside the front cover flap.
So here is what I got. Not much. The cigar box in the back is very old (according to the flea market vendor). It is quite beautiful, Thanks Jane (Can't seem to link to Jane but it is www.janedavenport.com) for not buying it. Cynthia and I bought a zillion religious cards and split them. Not sure what I will do with them all. Might be time for a give away soon. Small photo album had some very nice portraits of women. One even looked a little like me.

These are my two favorite photos that I took on the trip. Lots more photos to show. Laying low at home. Chloe is out of town on a camping trip. (Camping, Chloe? Yeah that's what I said too)

Back soon. xxoo

Full of backalhau

2011-06-28T12:54:00.000-04:00

Hey Blog Readers,

I am back but am first posting my blog from 2 days ago that wouldn't post. Just pretend I am still in Portugal and tomorrow I'll post my back in the USA blog entry.

Portugal adios. Today is my last day in Portugal. Had lots of backalhau (cod fish) prepared several ways. The best way was with eggs and potato.

We have been able to see some amazing places and take some wonderful photographs.

My favorite part has been working with Tracy and Teesha on art journaling. SIDEBAR: Realized in my last posting I talk about a style but don't say who's style I was not able to do even though I loved it. If you haven't figured it out.. the word missing was Teesha's style)

Last night a few of us went to a cafe and journaled with sangria. It was one of my favorite parts of the trip. More pictures and adventures when I return home.

Also wanted to thank the blog readers who sent me comments when I was away. I'm sorry I didn't directly respond, but I really appreciated hearing from you.

I shall be back very soon. Just have some laundry to do...

Full of palaces

2011-06-24T20:28:00.001-04:00

Here is how my art journal is shaping up. I seem to be easily distracted by other projects and the drama of the group.

It's funny... I love style, but even if I wanted to be a copy cat I couldn't. My style seems to have evolved so much it is hard
To be anyone but me even when I try. This page is not compete yet.

Here I am in Sintra. We went to two palaces. The one with the
Mystery garden was incredible. We went to a Fado music performance tonight. They don't start until 11 PM so I better get some sleep. See you soon.

Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

A walk ful

2011-06-21T18:07:00.001-04:00

Busy days in Portugal continue. Today we went to Lisbon. There were a lot of decorations for the sardine festivals. There are sardine images everywhere. It is a very old city.

Here is some of the work I have started in my new journal. I have a long way to go on these pages, but it's a start.

The food has been pretty good. Last night I got to eat fresh mozzarella cheese twice. Who would have thought.
Until next time...

BlogPress from my iPhone

jet lagful

2011-06-19T12:47:00.001-04:00

Guess where I have sneaked off to...

Portugal
So far the weather is great- haven't seen much yet but beautiful flowers. Today only photos to show but tomorrow the art begins with Teesha and Tracy.Plenty of art to blog.
All I need now is to learn how to say ooh la la in Portuguese.
Be back soon.

Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Full practice

2011-06-15T11:10:00.001-04:00

Just practicing to see if I can blog on my phone.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Just half full

2011-06-12T19:08:00.000-04:00

Hi Friends,

I finished coloring in my people doodles and copying them so I am ready to make stuff with them. My big hope is to free motion sew some of them. I think they would look cute as fabric people. Meanwhile they are very handy to have around for collages. Hope you had a great week. Mine went well. Still taking Little Miss (who is not too little) out to practice her parallel parking. That is her only problem and quite honestly there isn't too much parallel parking going on in Charleston. Anyway hopefully she will pass the test this week. Then we get to open the bigger can of worms called, " I want a car."

I've laid these pieces out to try and make a bracelet. I have a piece of leather, a silk ribbon, lace, and velvet pieces. As soon as it all comes together I'll show you what I have come up with.

Flowers flowers I love flowers.

What are you guys up to this week? Let me know.

Half Blind

2011-06-04T17:16:00.001-04:00

Hello Bloglies,

It is finally here! Summer vacation. OOh I love it more than words can express, but this year I seem to be faced with a dilemma which I am a bit timid to admit but in the hopes of rescue I shall spill the beans. I am in desperate need of some friends to pal around with in my Charleston area. If you know of anyone who would like to be friends with this introvert of a gal please let me know. I don't think I have too many odd qualities- just don't know where to meet friends (not looking for "dates").

I hope this blog makes sense once I press publish. I had to get a higher prescription on my glasses and was not happy with the frame choices (Million dollar question: how can people who can not see, successfully pick out new frames anyway? ) so I am just upgrading my current frames. Consequently they needed my glasses for about 10 (!) days. I am using an old pair from when I didn't think progressive lens did anything. Oh was I wrong. Honestly my nose is about 5 inches away from the screen and I still can't see.

Lucky me, one of my students found out where I live and has been bringing the gang by everyday to visit. I don't mind but I don't want them to start ringing the door and running and shenanigans like that. Tradd even commented, "Would you be mad if your house was TPed?" Next they want to come in and see my TV. I didn't know that would be the main attraction.

As you can see I am missing Italy a bit and have been drinking some of the limoncello I got in Positano (I have since received another bottle, so I figure I better use one). I almost feel like I am back there with my little frozen shot glass after dinner. Don't worry, it's only one shot a day and not everyday. In the picture the yellow is lemony-er and the green limee-er.

I can see (barely) I have many typos to fix so I better attend to that. Hope your weekend is balmy. Please send your friends my way if they live near me.

Half way spotted this week

2011-05-29T18:48:00.000-04:00

Spotted in my brain: confusion.
Spotted in Georgia: an entire sock monkey family.
Spotted in my classroom: a fabric sock monkey.
Spotted in Seattle: more lovelies from Maxine's. Jone you have to go. Look there are your mushrooms.

Last days of school this week. It has gone pretty quickly. Not sure what I will do this summer. I guess there are many possibilities. I am lucky to be given such a big chunk of time, which is probably just what I need right now in my life, at least I hope so. Enjoy your week.

half and half

2011-05-21T14:32:00.000-04:00

Seem to have a lot of journal working time and motivation these days. I have been busy. I think this small journal lends itself to short thoughts and many pages. I did 6 pages this week! OOh I may be catching up with Kelly.

Worked on these silly drawings while testing a few weeks ago. We weren't suppose to do anything but watch the kids taking their tests, but I couldn't just stare at them so I snuck in some drawing. Going to finish coloring them in and than work on different projects using these drawing friends.

Beach time again yesterday. The waves were calm and I enjoyed the ocean sounds. No cute dogs to watch. Maybe next time.

Next weekend I am visiting my friend Jill on the Georgia coast so I will have new beaches to explore. We are going to do art stuff too. I'll even bring my camera. Maybe I'll have a beach summer. Thought about going everyday and taking a picture each day and thinking of one thought, lesson, etc learned during the beach encounter- like a beach blog. Yesterday's lesson was maybe don't wear a skirt on a windy day unless you have nice undies on.

Hope you are enjoying your weekend.

half glad

2011-05-15T15:53:00.000-04:00

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. Mine started out wonderful on Friday with a movie, jasmine smelling and good talks and laughs. Saturday was great too, going to the farmer's market, eating a delicious mini salad with feta cheese and walnuts and just hanging out with a great friend. I think we both had a good time despite unpredictable weather, lives, and circumstances.

I finished my bracelet but don't think it came out that well. The glass beads are too big for my wrist and it's all topsy turvy. OOps I forgot to show you the other side with the stone. Maybe next time. Wonder what shall happen to it. Definitely a man's bracelet but would a man even wear such a thing?

I went to the beach yesterday at at round 6 PM. The tide was very high and there were white caps galore. It was quite invigorating and reminded me that I need to get outside more and walk around to enjoy the beauty of South Carolina. The wind was whipping around and then I got behind some shrubs and it settled. It was comforting here hearing the wind and knowing how something as small as those shrubs could protect me. I took pictures, but somehow I guess I didn't. At least this picture came out and reminds me of my time spent there. Windy yet calm.

Hope everyone has a good week.

half energy level

2011-05-08T19:08:00.000-04:00

Hello hello,

Here is another picture from Maxine's in Seattle. Love the colors. The baby doll almost looks like she is flying.

This page doesn't look so great here. Color pencil doesn't seem to show well unless I go in and saturate color etc and I forgot- sorry. I got a little Pam Garrison crazy here and started cutting out all the do-dads from her wrapping paper. She is my doodling diva.

Deciding I better buckle down. I am using a lot of non working time in not the best way and I could accomplish a lot more if I would just get started on things so I am hoping I will start doing that. First step is threading my needles so I can just start sewing at a moments notice.

Going to send my old journal to Somerset Studio for the Art Journaling magazine. Cross your fingers.

Chloe made me this (well actually she made it in art and thought hmm I can give mom this for Mother's Day) and I really like it. She does some great things in art class. Wish she wanted to take more art classes. Alas, maybe in college...

So it's time to say good-bye until next time. Have a great week. xxoo

More than half in love with orange

2011-04-30T11:16:00.000-04:00

I love these pinch pots that the second graders made. I think it was the color selection. The orange makes me so happy. I had to make my own after I saw how these came out. The colors are even more vivid (and shiny as the kids keep saying) in person, but these pots have already eagerly been taken home. I haven't loved orange this much since I asked my mom if I could paint my walls orange as a child( answer: no.) The other classes used different glaze colors which came out nice too but not like these winners.

The jasmine smell is still enveloping me with calm. Every time I go outside it is there to welcome me. My new neighborhood should have been called something like Jasmine Hollow.

Alas my fellow teachers have corrected me that now we have 5 weeks left of school. I can not believe I have no travel plans this summer. Well... I am going to AZ in August which will be fun since I get to stay with my favorite Renee, but no 12 hours on an airplane trips and sifting through different languages and/or currency. There are many choices, but not sure why nothing is materializing. Who knows maybe I'll go to Italy at the last moment. You can never go wrong in Italy.

probably only HALF of what I got in Seattle

2011-04-23T13:05:00.001-04:00

Looks like Spring Break is just about over. I'm afraid I didn't do too many things on my wish list so if you are in the same boat don't feel too bad. Today I did manage to go to the beach with Riley. Dogs were having a very good time.

So here is what I bought in Seattle minus some.

4 sheets of Pam Garrison wrapping paper.

This cool Jesse Reno silkscreen print. Even though I love all his colors I like the focus of just two colors here. This was bought at the Artfest vendor night. Hope to frame it soon. It's still stretching on the table from being rolled up.

Little things picture. let's see: granola, two packages of velvet scrap fabric, several Japanese books- the rest will be here in a while, they had a detour at Renee's house, striped Japanese tape, a stamp set that had a vespa in it, also a Nathelie Lete photo book and some velvety clothes that are not pictured.

Last, I bought this necklace at artfest from Nina, one of my favorite artists and these bags came with some if the Japanese books I bought.

Don't forget the head from Maxine's and assorted ribbon and buttons and ice cream. So it seems plenty of, too much indulgence on my part.

Yeah that's enough show and tell. Next time more art I hope. Back to school on Monday. Oh boy gotta get into the groove. Hope you are all well and humming.

Full of Mozart

2011-04-19T20:05:00.000-04:00

Well it's just me and Mozart tonight. Got carried away taking pictures of things today with the help of the music so I have this blog posting and another one for the weekend ready for action. I guess I need to listen to Mozart more often to increase my motivation.

I bought this beautiful head at Maxine's in Seattle and she is lucky enough to wear this bracelet my friend Danielle made as a crown. Check out Danielle's blog and her etsy site to see her creations http://www.ragtale.blogspot.com
This is a cool collage I made at Artfest. I love the face. The magazine model is part of the picture too. The flowered paper below the feet is some wrapping paper we bought created by my favorite artist Pam Garrison. http://pamgarrison.typepad.com It's just under the collage being unrolled. OOh I just checked and Pam's sampler fabric is back on her etsy site. I better hurry and finish this posting so I can get one before they are sold out again.

You missed this dinner tonight. Don't worry, Chloe ditched me too- not that she would have eaten it. I thought it was pretty good: cod, baked potato, and a mix of spinach, onions, and mushrooms. Tasted better than it looks, but thought I should document my eating habits when I go all out.
Fantasy journal drawing of me in my pink kayak. Ha that will be the day. Okay off to order the sampler. Next post is What didn't I buy in Seattle? See you soon.

Only full of black and white

2011-04-16T13:10:00.000-04:00

This is the black and white book I started in Misty's class at Artfest. I have not written anything in it yet and it isn't finished (what is?) but I knew if I waited until I finished it you may never see it. I carved this stamp of me and Chloe. It's from a picture that is on my blog, but Chloe looks a lot older in this version. can you find the Eiffel tower stamp that i carved? I really love working in black and white. There was some amazing work in this class.

Spring break has begun and I am so glad about that. Somehow I managed to wake up at 6:30 AM today in celebration, I guess.

I am so proud that my lovely Chloe was selected to be in the high school art show. Her collage turned out really nice. She even had some shading in her picture. Ah if only she were interested in the visual arts- or any of the arts...

I guess I need to get busy soon and finish my bracelet. Pictures next time of what I managed to purchase in Seattle. Thanks for visiting.

Never Full of Seattle

2011-04-11T17:03:00.000-04:00

Back from Seattle and Artfest. Had a great time with my friends as usual.

I had plane trouble on Tuesday but managed to get to Seattle just in time for Lorraine and I to go to Maxine's where I took this picture of a beautiful wood carved woman. I love her and the bird's nest hat. Other pictures from Maxine's are available if you are interested.

The next day, after more heavy shopping, we arrived in Port Townsend where Artfest is held. It was a cold evening and our room had no heat or even a heater. (Whoops Lorraine, we forgot to take a picture of that memorable room.) We didn't even get a trash can. We did manage the three nights with the help of a borrowed sleeping bag and quilt. Luckily the weather warmed up a bit so our room lost some of it's chill.

On Thursday I took this bracelet class with Nina Bagley. The beads look plastic in the photo, but they really are recycled glass beads from Africa. The stone was found on the beach in Port Townsend. I enjoyed the class and have almost finished my bracelet. I can't wait to wear it. Only two band aids were needed.

That night Lorraine, Renee and I went to the journal party in a little hut by the beach. It is very cosy and dark there. Happily we ran into Jill and she let me use her new sparkle markers in my journal (a later blog showing). We waited for Lisa but she was busy socializing in the dorm.

The next day I took a wonderful black and white painting class with Misty Mawn. I will post pictures of my book next time. Renee and Jill were in the class too which made it extra fun.

The last day I took a painting and college class with Roxanne Padgett. This is one of the pieces I made. There are a few more as well that I have almost finished up.

Sadly on Sunday we had to go home.

Stay tuned soon for more on the Washington treasures I bought, the black and white book, and more. Have a great week. Hope I can unpack before it is over. Next week is spring break, Too bad I am not going anywhere then I wouldn't even have to unpack. Be back soon.

Old halves

2011-04-03T16:07:00.000-04:00

Whoops someone didn't do too much art this week except oogling over magazines. Luckily I do have some oldies to show. This is a page from Silver Bella. I had my teachers write on the pages as well as my journaling about the weekend. I love the pink and cupcakeness of Silver Bella.

Next is a page of people doodles. Do you think my style has changed(notice I didn't write advanced) in three years or so? Hmm I am thinking it is still pretty much the same.

These are some pages I painted awhile ago. I love them but the pages stick together(no water added to my paint). Not sure what to put on top of them either. Which reminds me. I pre-painted some of the pages in the journal my students are using and none of the kids want to use those pages. I might have to do a demo about working on a non white page.

Getting ready for Artfest. Have to pack. Leaving Tuesday AM. OOH OOh I can't wait. Japanese book store and the best ice cream here I come. Also get to see so many friends. That is the best part. Looking forward to taking a bracelet class from Nina. Yes I am trying a jewelry class again.

Look at these shoes. I am no longer a small fry when I wear them, but still getting used to the walk. Chloe has critiqued the walk and I think on a scale of 1-10- ten being beauty pageant walker, I might be a 2 if I am lucky according to expert Chloe. She only suggested I buy the shoes so she could have them. I should have known.

Have a great week while I am gone. I'll have lots to show when I return. Maybe even my bracelet.

Small pages full

2011-03-26T15:16:00.000-04:00

Another day with my sewing machine sitting idle on the table. Not sure why I am not playing with it as I expected. Things are going well here. Journal pages are slowly dancing with color instead of black and white. The first page has me and my mom sitting on the big chairs.

Here is my new working desk. Look how big and clean it is compared to the previous table. It is very inviting to have so much more space to work on.

Gathering for Artfest.

Softened up that clay just a bit with tons of water. It is hard work chunking off clay pieces from a 25 pound block of semi hard clay. Most students got there clay blob formed into a pinch pot without too much cracking. Unfortunately my artist who made the practice kitchen pot was not able to turn his clay into anything and gave up. I was sad about that. Fifth graders did some very amusing portraits of me. I'll try and post one or two next time.

half and half

2011-03-20T11:28:00.000-04:00

First off I want to thank you friends who offered me positive and kind words on my last blog post. It means a lot to me. Things are going well. I like these two journal pages but am wondering if this journal may be turning out to be bit too small. I really liked the idea of carrying out a black and white theme throughout the book but as you can see it didn't happen that way. Maybe after Misty's black and white class at Artfest.

I promised you a mini tour and here it is. We are still getting settled. Love this picture Chloe took of me. Not sure how she did it. Maybe I was spinning and dancing and didn't even know it?

This one was my makeshift window curtain in the bathroom. I doubt anyone was looking but shower taking was a bit show offy. Since than I have added a real curtain type of thing.

I haven't gotten all my art stuff and storage is not abundant so I have these three trays/boxes to keep my stuff all together. That way I can carry it around to the room I want to work in. One is art/writing, another sewing and the last jewelry. Guys you have to know I have way more than this but these were the essentials.

Teacher work day tomorrow and I will spend most of it adding water to all my earth clay to try and soften it up. Second grade will be making pinch pots (one second grader when we were practicing the pots made a cooking pot instead. It was pretty funny and well done). Hope you all had a great weekend.

Full bags

2011-03-16T19:07:00.000-04:00

Well it took a lot of umpf and lolligagging but Chloe and I have moved into a new home. It just had to happen and I was finally brave enough to do it. It meant looking at all of this stuff and knowing somehow it will get done

and it also will take a lot of unpacking ( a small amount of Chloe's stuff- could she take after her mother?)

but it will be good. I miss my house but I like not having to worry so much about dinners and cleaning up (I even gave Chloe some chores) and most important I welcome the time to be me again.

This weekend I will give you a short inside tour and hopefully have a journal page ready to post so please come back soon.

An Ellen full

2011-03-12T09:09:00.000-05:00

This posting all has to do with my friend Ellen. I met Ellen because we were both going to Artfest one year(years ago it seems) and were on the yahoo artfest group. We decided to meet before Artfest and than discovered we were taking the same plane to Seattle. Ellen is probably my only art friend in South Carolina and she is always making cool stuff in many media- even food. Last Sunday I went over to her house and played around with free motion sewing. I finally caught on to the technique. These are my first two trys. Still working on the woman(my Aunt Leda). Not sure if I should have filled in the hair or not. It sort of looks more like Ellen than my Aunt with the hair filled in.

And then while I was at her house I just had to take a photo of her beautiful buttons that I will lust over until eternity.

And guess what.. Ellen's husband Ed is an artist too. He is an excellent painter but is good at most anything artistic. Her made me this rabbit. I think it's pretty cool. Oh and he is just as nice as Ellen (but not as good in the kitchen).

Thanks Ellen (and Ed) for being such a wonderful friend.

Fulled up

2011-03-05T19:06:00.000-05:00

My journal is finally finished and I am ready to go on to the new one!!! I had to go back and fix up the collage woman face page

and work on the blue squiggly line page which has been sitting vacant in the journal for years.

It has taken longer than I suspected as the journal was originally called the 365 page journal since I had planned to do a new page everyday. Well not quite(hmm maybe anew page very month?) but it's done. I have already started my new one. So far everything is in black and white and I am deciding if I should keep it that way(even though I love color). It is pretty cool in just b and w. Sewing tomorrow if I'm lucky...

Full of Sunshine

2011-02-27T13:48:00.000-05:00

This weekend is making me think Spring is here, but I know there is probably some coldness left to return. Still I cannot wait for Spring to arrive even with it's pollen glory.

I can't believe that my journal is almost finished. One more page and than I get to start another one. My friends at Artfest will be shocked when they don't have to look at the same pages once again this April during journal night.

My throat is almost better which is great because I discovered a new Ben and Jerry's ice cream flavor- Maple with blondie brownies and carmel. I didn't buy it yet but I sure am thinking about it. I am a maple girl. Should have probably married a Vermont sugar guy who had a cow or two. (Yeah I AM reading The Pioneer Woman book) Okay enough lusting for love and maple.

Chloe is bugging me to go to the pool with her and tan. (That will be the day) Maybe I should offer to let her take the monkey instead. Hmm perhaps not. I don't think chlorine would do well on his fur.

Making dinner with black rice tonight. Have never used it before. It seems to be all the rage, but not too easy to find. Whole Foods was the place. also found some $2.99 wine there that I really like (Three Wishes). If you have a fine palette it may not be for you but it works well for my one a day. Well almost time to pour. Have a good week and leave me a little note if you have time. xxoo

not full of food

2011-02-20T15:50:00.000-05:00

Hello.

To say my throat is bothering me is an understatement. The only thing good I can think of about this throat thing is that I may lose a few pounds. Swallowing anything is agony. It's been going on now for about four days. ENT doctor, who wears a bow tie, is clueless to the problem. No samples for me at Costco today. Glad I am not in Italy right now. Hopefully soon I can eat, drink, and be merry again.

Yeah tried to come up with inspiration this weekend but so far nothing is calling to me(except several too many magazines that I bought at B and N and a new book- The Elemental Journal.) I still have a day to make some things, if I put off paying taxes. Which would you pick?

This is how my poor monkey was found hanging in my closet AFTER I allowed darling(?) daughter to borrow two articles of clothing. I even feel bad posting this neglectful photo, but you have to know what I am up against. Can you believe how cruel she is? I guess she thinks I love the monkey better than her. Maybe I do? (No, just kidding). Have a good week and wish good thoughts for the poor monkey.

somewhat half full

2011-02-13T12:37:00.000-05:00

Here I am again. Glad you are too.

More journal pages. Think I should get back to sewing for awhile or the famous jewelry adventure I am suppose to start.

So doesn't anyone want to go with me to the dotty angel workshop in England? I know it will be fun. Please. We can stop off at all the cool shops in London. I am a research queen so I will be sure to find all the great places to shop and eat.

Here is my new monkey. His given name is so bad, Jocko, that I think I shall keep it. Chloe seems to have something against the poor monkey and is forever torturing him. I have to hide him. It's very sad.

This may be the week I start clay with my students. I love having them work with clay and they love it too, but it isn't easy to start 28 kids on a project(sometimes under the age of 8) and clean up all in 40 minutes. Now I just have to figure out which grade to start with. Sometimes I think I should just do clay with everyone at one time, but I sense that could be a nightmare in more than one way.

Oh yeah, hope you have a good Valentine's Day tomorrow. Wear that pink, red, and white and tell your sugarcake something sweet. xxoo.

Full of pieces

2011-02-06T14:39:00.000-05:00

Hello again.

Another week has left me. I like how the jar page turned out in my journal. It is so simple and uncluttered. I'm a clutter gal who sometimes wishes she were not so full of abundance so I am pleased with this page and the colors I used. I had to saturate the colors on my scanner to make them show up on this page but they are actually much more muted.

Played around with my camera and my new bracelet (that I adore) for some possible blog photos but than decided to cut up most of the pictures and put them into the jar.

These are some of my bathroom art images that I look at when I brush my teeth and count the wrinkles (kidding). As a child I was obsessed with trolls so I was thrilled to find this Polaroid transfer of a troll with rabbit ears by artist Terry Berg.

Yey my favorite holiday is on the way. This week in art for the Kinders we are doing Valentine centers. Have to collect all my hearts and pink and red. Maybe some heart printing with the first grade wild things. Don't forget to start making your sweetie a Valentine- homemade is the best- I better get started on mine. hee hee.

Maybe not half full

2011-01-30T15:12:00.000-05:00

I am dreaming about going to England. There is so much to see and do craft wise, shop wise, art wise, friends wise and last but not least Jamie Oliver. There are two workshops I want to go too also. One is Julie Arkell but that is in February and I would have to miss a week of school which I don't think would be such a good thing (for school not me). The other one is by Dottie Angel (Tif) on the Sussex Coast (where ever that may be- I'll have to look it a up) Does anyone want to go with me? It is in July.

Rough week for me. I hope next week is better. Middle age angst I guess. And teenage son intense love issues. And...ah the list goes on for the week. Okay off to think about family meals.

school full

2011-01-26T19:31:00.000-05:00

Here are two pages from my school "1000 journals" project. These two students did a nice job working in the book. The journal is getting more popular these days. I think the students like seeing what others have created in the book.

The next picture is from a fifth grade art project where the students created a face from magazine pages. They come out really good. I wish I could show you them all. One picture I can see from the small window on my classroom door in my classroom and I always think it is a parent waiting to talk to me.

The last photo is one of the rooms a second grader created. We talked about van Gogh's painting of his bedroom in Arles and then they could make either their own bedroom or copy van Gogh's room. So that's it for this as promised posting. I'll be back soon with some art, hopefully by me.

Full of me to my blog

2011-01-22T17:05:00.000-05:00

Greetings lovely blog readers of mine,

Thanks for visiting. I love visitors- in real and virtual life.

I drew another self portrait from a photo. I do look old in the drawing but there is something I like about it. I'm afraid to say so, but I resemble my grandmother in the picture. Oh well it's the year of being brave and bold so here I am. I added feet and legs and they fold out when you open the page. The second picture shows the photo I used to copy my face, on the back of the fold out legs. That's Joy in the picture besides me in Chicago at Einstein bagels.

I got all my jewelry stuff so I guess I need to start on that. Even have a little space for my torch.

So yeah the birthday happened... none to spectacular but I am older.

Even have some pictures of the school journal that I will show in a few days. Don't want to overload you with pictures. Until then... au revoir

Janufull

2011-01-16T11:51:00.000-05:00

My birthday is coming up and I want to live bolder and braver. I want to live with purpose- and find purpose (I guess that is the first step).

Here are the newest journal pages. First one is a self portrait. I tried to copy from a picture of me in Italy. I don't think it looks like me (more like Lorraine in a way) but I do think I did pretty well for me.

Why does the temperature say 59 degrees when it has been cold for so long? How can that be? Oh well I think I should should just gather a smile and use it.

The school 1000 journal is doing good, but just like any round robin it takes ages for the book to be returned. I will try to show pictures next time. Some students are really into it and others not.

Trying to get ready for my make jewelry mode. I tried once before and cried failure but am trying again. (You know be brave) Treated myself to some tools for my birthday.

Enjoy the week.

full of paper

2011-01-09T12:47:00.000-05:00

New journal pages.

Think I need to go through and work on my idea board? What a mess. Today I was going through many papers and decided how less cluttered my life would be if I didn't do collage. For a minute I thought... hmm, but no, just found another place for all these papers. Where do you keep all of your collage papers? How do you keep track of them?

I guess that is all I have to say. Have a great week. Play in the snow or stay warm inside.

2010 full

2010-12-31T18:55:00.001-05:00

Ah the last post for 2010. Hope your year was great. Sad to see 2010 go since I like writing that number but 2011 may have better things to offer so I'm welcoming it in with a big hello.

Worked on journal pages today and tried to think about lesson plans. I feel like I have not been in school for months. Once I return I am sure that feeling will quickly disappear. Self portraits with the first graders the first week will be jolly fun.

My Moo cards came and I love them. Here is a picture of some of them lined up on my art table. They look bigger than they actually are. I can't wait to give them out to people.

Had a fun time visiting my friend Nada(talkalatte) in Charlotte. I can't believe how much snow was still on the ground when I got there. Nada is Italian and she made a tremendous tiramisu and veggie lasagna for her re-gift party. We had fun going to IKEA and Trader Joe's (scrumptious flat bread pizza with mushrooms and black truffles. So earthy tasting. I want more).

Two more days before school and I have books aplenty to read. Right now it's the Emperor of all Maladies (A Biography of Cancer) which is pretty interesting.

Hope y'all have a great first day of 2011 tomorrow. I will be back soon.

me full

2010-12-25T12:56:00.000-05:00

Happy Holidays everyone. Hope you are all having a wonderful day with family and friends. This is my favorite present made by my friend Ellen. She suggested I turn it into a purse. I am not sure yet, but I am in awe as to how she made it look like me.

This is the picture I made for Ellen.

And here is another one for someone else who wants to go to Venice.

Waiting patiently for my moo cards to arrive(not that patiently) and deciding what to create next in the kitchen next. I thought the scones turned out pretty well. Guess I will go check out some recipes. Still looking for a good peanut butter cupcake recipe. Hope you got some pretty snow. xxoo

lluf

2010-12-18T20:43:00.000-05:00

Love these two with their legs sticking out. Thinking about adding arms next.

So excited that vacation has begun, even if It has been raining steadily since yesterday. Almost finished making all my gifts. Next stop Monday morning postal line blues. Only other thing I have to do soon is make the scones I bought all the ingredients for. When I lived in Berkeley, CA I used to indulge myself with a scone from the Cheeseboard Collective, a cheese and bread place on Shattuck Avenue and than a latte at the French Cafe. Those were the days ( pre-Starbucks I might add). Anyway I thought fondly of those scones last week and found the recipe, but need to make them before the buttermilk gets sour- but isn't it already sour?

Journal pages here too. Big time art blog entry.

Next project is going through my at least 500 children's books to send most to my friend Loreen in South Africa who would welcome them at her school. So hard to get rid of but I think it is time to say good-bye to some of them. James Marshall, William Steig, Olivia the pig and others will be staying.

sewfull again

2010-12-12T15:50:00.000-05:00

Here they are... part of my finished sewing creations. The rest will be up next week. Had a Coldplay marathon as I sewed. It started with one song but kept on going on the Ipod. Songs I hadn't even played in awhile. Good sewing music.

The second photo shows the backs of the characters. It's kind of like a rough version of patchwork. As my Violet Pantry friends know (and probably everyone else) I am a sloppy, not exact artist so these definitely have my trademark style on them.

These are my classroom sock monkeys. Each has it's own name and personality. The student of the day for each class gets to pick one for sock monkey entertainment. Each monkey has his/her own repertoire of amusements. Yogi's head bop and the twins' dances are the most popular these days. Yes, I could be going off the deep end but it's fun. Last week of school for two weeks. Wish us teachers luck. Toodles.

Full of the neighborhood

2010-12-05T14:37:00.000-05:00

Welcome to my neighborhood. The other week I decided to walk to the grocery store and take some pictures on the "long cut" to the store. It's quite beautiful here when not too hot and buggy or cold and rainy. We live besides the Wando River and near many marshes where boats can mosey on by when the tide is high.

Working hard on my sewing. I have many faces almost completed- just adding the embellishments. I'll be showing some of them in the next blog report.

Today I spent 3 hours with daughter shopping at the malls. Blah. She had birthday money to spend. ( I kept suggesting she save it for a car fund but nope.. nothing to wear...) I think the older I get the less interested I am in mall shopping(notice clarification of mall shopping) . Besides everything at the mall that annoys me it's walking by the pretzel booth that really makes the experience short of wonderful. Why do they always smell so good?

Well I am off to pay the bills, make no knead bread, tortellini soup and do some sewing. Have a great week creating something, I hope.

energy full

2010-11-27T19:07:00.000-05:00

Here's the dress I fell in love with (on the hanger). It is just a little poofy at the waist for me (not that I'm flat as a pancake...) My friend Ellen said it would look good on a 12 year old. Yeah that's probably where my mental age is these days but I still had to stay good-bye to the dress of my dreams.

Finally into the holiday gift groove. Going to make different things with my drawings. Here are some of them- you may recognize a few faces from my art journals. It's actually quite fun to have all these faces out and about.

Here's my pile of add-ons for embellishing. Photography lesson number one- face scan labels to the back. Ah wish I had more time to retake but I want to keep working on my new projects.

I told my pal Kelly that I wasn't too into Liz Lamoreux's new book, inner EXCAVATION (I hope my link links. If not I'm sorry. This is my first try) but then today I got totally hooked on it and have grand plans to work through the whole book. The idea of making a conscious acknowledgement of expressing myself seems like just what I need to be doing. I think I will get a lot out of it so I can't wait to begin reading, writing, taking pictures (avoid scan labels) and mixing media. I'll let you know how it goes. Well, as you can see I have a lot to do so I better get busy.

Thanks so much for reading my blog. Send me a comment saying which face you like the best and you just may end up getting it as a giftie for reading my blog.

Ta Ta friends. xx00

not so full

2010-11-20T12:22:00.000-05:00

Rough week through and through. I am thankful for the weekend where maybe calm will settle through. Only two days of school next week so time to collect my thoughts. Procrastinated starting my gifties by working in my journal. I think that is a pretty good procrastination trade off. Hope everyone is doing well.

kidartfull

2010-11-14T11:37:00.000-05:00

No art by me this week, but my busy artist students have been working hard on their work. I had the third grade do these torn paper collage animals just as an exercise to practice using the collage materials (glue!) and most of them came out really good. Can't get the color correct on the cow. It has a very pink nose and utter. Turns out the boy's sister is crazy over cows.

Here are two self portraits. I love the self portraits the most of everything they do. These are both by second graders.

The pass around journal seems to be going well, but slow. The first artist did a great job on her two pages. Artist number two is taking some time but hopefully she finished and has passed the journal on.

Ah my wisteria. How I miss the spring. Winter and cold is not for me.

I am actually about to start an art project- holiday gift thing that I am quite excited about. Today I hope to make the prototype and I will show it to you devoted readers ASAP. And off I go to start (after laundry, bills, child pick-up... no I'm going now to start... really). Have a great week.

slight journalfull

2010-11-06T16:56:00.000-04:00

Here's my cute little house that in fact is not for sale. So sad, not that I could have bought it, but it was a nice fantasy.

Worked on some journal pages this week. Amazingly I have two to show. I think I would be doing more but alas it has finally become cold in South Carolina so I am almost in my hibernating mode. You laugh at me I am sure my Vermont and NY friends thinking I don't even know what cold is. Oh I know- that's why I live in South Carolina but I think I need an upgrade to an even warmer place.

The school journal is being passed around. I hope it is a success. We shall see. Luckily no one asked- do we have to do it?

OOH next Tuesday I get to sample the supposedly most incredible brownies at Family Math Night. I can not wait to try one.

That's about it except I do recommend Cline wine- the red one was very tasty.

never too full of vermont

2010-10-31T10:58:00.001-04:00

Seems like months since I was in Vermont. And it has been, but still I want to post these now ancient pictures since it is so beautiful at Anne's house and I always have such a wonderful time. Anne lives the life I wish I had, but could probably never handle with all those chickens and snow plowing and weeding... I get to go and pretend it is my life for a few days. She pretty much laughs at me and my non-rural skills while I am there (especially my complaining about mosquitos in the house).

Anne makes bagels that sell out within the hour she drops them off. Here are some she was making in her kitchen. Very tasty at any time of the day.

Funny when I tried to get my chicken shots the hens and roosters were not very thrilled. They kept walking away from me as I got closer to them so this is the best I could do.

One night I got to sleep in the milk room a few yards from the house. It was pretty incredible sleeping there with the noises of the country and the moon shinning down. Almost like camping, but no tent.

I've been reading a lot about blogs and how it is best to have some type of theme or subject you stick to so you don't confuse your readers, like all art or all cooking. I am sorry readers, but I obviously don't do that. Thanks for sticking with me when you don't know what you will be reading or seeing from week to week. Think of It as a potpourri of unpredictable accounts from this most likely ADD blogger.

Ah I am in love with a house. It is white with blue trim. I will have to take a photo of it this week. The only problem is that I am sure it is way out of my budget (as most things are out of my budget- even a new bike), but I just feel this is the house I should be in, so I am trying to figure out how I can buy it. Any ideas? Yeah I know, if you knew you would be doing it...Still it is my new dream. I guess I should go look inside of it

Since this was a surprise post I guess I should say goodbye. Thanks for stopping by. Have a good week and of course remember to vote.

Chicagfull

2010-10-28T18:59:00.000-04:00

Chicago was a fast but mostly pleasant trip. The purple ribbons on this tree symbolize the number of victims of domestic violence. Looking at all that purple in one place was quite amazing. Mostly it was a shopping trip for Chloe who had shopping depression once she ran out of money and no longer wanted to shop. Here she is with her goods in our hotel room.

We did not really buy anything from Juicy Couture. She saw the bag outside a hotel room and made ME take it- It was empty.

Poor Chloe was dragged to a vegan restaurant. Here is a picture of the carnivore with my father at a different restaurant that was half vegan/veggie, half meat called Earwax. She got a killer mocha milkshake. When my father got the vegan version it wasn't nearly as tasty. I doubt anyone from South Carolina would even go to a restaurant called Earwax.

I must confess, I snook off to the American Girl store for a few minutes which horrified Chloe. I love watching the little girls walking into that place. It is also good for entrepreneurial (is this word actually spelled correctly?) ideas. Now you can set up a time for a hair appointment for your doll and watch her get a new do. Some of the dolls came in looking very scraggly. I also got to see the new American Girl doll's semi-vintage trailer. I wish I could live in it.

I got to see my friend Joy for a few hours. She was in town for a family thing and we were both staying in the same part of town. We went to Sprinkles, a cupcake store with yet another cupcake line. I had a very delicious peanut butter and chocolate cupcake.

My family took Chloe and me to Second City and some of the skits were quite funny. Not all appropriate for a young lady of Chloe's age but I am sure she has seen similar on TV. I was also fortunate enough to go to a cool book/zine shop called Quimbys. And hence, Chloe was less fortunate to have to come with me. Would have liked to stay there longer...

This is my school journal page(almost finished) for a project I am starting at school based on the 1000 journal project. I will be sending this journal home with a different child each time for him/her to work in. (Families can help). I think I may also make one that will wander around school and when you find it you can take it home and work in it. I hope the kids will be as excited about this as I am.

So that's about it for this week. No trips for awhile a except to the throat doctor tomorrow.

Great week-ends to all.

3 full pages

2010-10-17T15:18:00.000-04:00

Journal page(s) from NYC. I used a bus map of NYC as my background page and since it was folded I actually got three pages out of one. This page below is inside of the first page you see.

Next weekend I am going with Chloe to Chicago. Please offer any suggestions of great places to visit (shop, eat). I heard we are going to Second City on Friday night.

I know you hear an awful lot about Chloe. Here is the other one. Riley with his beloved girlfriend before they left for a dance.

I'll be looking forward to any Chicago suggestions. Have a great week.

New yawlk full

2010-10-11T18:53:00.000-04:00

Back from our New York City weekend. We had a great time and the weather was wonderful. Spent a lot of time walking around and shopping. I did the most damage within the first hour of getting into the city when we hit the Japanese bookstore. Oh boy that was heavy duty. I couldn't even think how to rationalize it, I just had to do it.

Later we walked over to Soho and went into Bloomingdales so my friends could purchase some new make up. Some how they got me involved and I actually am now the proud owner of three make-up products. Who knows, maybe on our next trip I will get a hair make over. Chloe would be happy about that.

Lorraine wanted top spend some time photographing so I managed to take a few pictures myself, but not many. I am anxious to see her pictures. I took a photo of this cute pink door near NYU at Washington Mews. It reminds me of France.

The restaurant we ate at on Friday night was so loud that we couldn't even hear each other so we mostly ate in silence(very sad). I'd tell you the name but we are trying to forget it- permanently.

Luckily, the next morning Renee spotted a cute restaurant, Le Pain Quotidien, which became our most favorite. Just look at this granola! We also discovered there are quite a few in the city (and elsewhere) but of course not South Carolina. I am still trying to figure out how such a nice cafe can also have so many branches and nothing near me.

Saturday night, first we had a slice (of pizza) and then waited on line at Magnolia Bakery for cupcakes. They were really delicious. I was the only one who managed to make mine last longer than 10 minutes. I wish I had taken a photo of mine.

We managed to visit many of the wonderful shopping spots such as anthropologie, Tinsel Trading, Purl Soho (fell head over heels in love with some $70 a skein cashmere), ABC, the lomography store, and Renee's favorite Muji.

Aren't Renee and Lorraine the cutest? We got rather gloomy towards Sunday knowing our trip would be over but we are thinking of a new place.

The worst part of the trip was getting on my flight home and finding out it was cancelled after listening to the flight attendants tell us we all needed to be seated so we could take off. That made 250 passengers trying to deplane and find a way to Atlanta at the same time. It was insane. There was nothing to Charleston and I needed to get back to work today (finding a sub is not as sweet as a cupcake) so I flew into Columbia, SC and rented a car for the two hour drive. Gotta love air travel.

Thanks for reading about my travels to NYC. Let me know where you suggest for the next week-end trip.

full to do

2010-10-02T11:11:00.000-04:00

Woo hoo (rhymes with moo moo) - Here's what a gal buys at the store for her weekend alone. It is such a thrill to be home alone. I can leave stuff out, buy ice cream and know it will be there the next day, plan my very own non chauffeuring day... it's amazing.

Only problem was with my wine when I realized that I did not have a corkscrew so I had to trudge back to the grocery store to buy one. This after being a good citizen and walking to the store (and taking pictures of my town) to avoid using the automobile all day. Ah well c'est la vie.

Love how this mostly red journal page came out on the top of the post.

I made this Queen picture for two teachers at my school who are expecting a Khloe Elizabeth (How did they know my Chloe's middle name was Elizabeth too?). I put it in a wild van Gogh Iris frame. Hope they liked it.

So next on my list for today is organize for NYC next week-end and to finish up some other art stuff. Tofu for dinner. You may be cringing at that but I love tofu. Hope you are having a great weekend aussi.

The full story of Paris

2010-09-24T13:47:00.001-04:00

The Last of Paris: Well here we are at the end of la rue. Also of the pictures. On our last Saturday Lisa and I wanted to go to the big flea market at Clignancourt. It looked okay when we left from our apartment but no sooner had we gotten off at our Metro stop did we encounter a huge downpour. The kind that it seems like it has to stop any second. Well that any second never came. We tried to still shop/browse despite the water running down our bodies, closed for flooding booths, and river walkways but it just wasn't a successful outing and we left after a good 90 minutes of trying. I don't think I have been that wet in quite awhile. Renee definitely made a good choice by skipping that one.

Later that day Renee and I went over to Nathalie Lete's studio just outside Paris. I had planned to ask to take pictures but we both forgot. Her studio is incredible. She is so talented and busy with a zillion projects. I purchased her book version of Little Red Riding Hood. My favorite part is a photograph of her when she was a little girl wearing a red cape.

So that is the gist of the trip. Who knows where I will end up next... Spain? England? After looking at Mary Anne Moss's blog pictures of Turkey I am quite intrigued to go there. Lorraine wants to go to Bali... Hmm all I know is that in two weeks it's off to NYC for a long weekend.

Au revoir bellas.

sorrowfull

2010-09-19T11:14:00.000-04:00

Had to take a break from travel. Here are two pages side by side in my journal. Love the color. Oops the other one is at the end of the post.

Today is the memorial for my Aunt Leda who died in August. She was my last female relative on that was still alive and she lived in South Carolina. I miss her and being able to talk to her, travel, go out to dinner and hear her opinions on just about everything. These are all the women on my Mom's side except Chloe and I. My Mom is on the left and Leda on the right. My grandmother is in the foreground and our beloved Aunt Dot in the back. Many happy times as a child visiting them in Greenwich Village. They always wanted to feed me and play cards. My grandmother liked to take us to the Lower East side for bargains and pickles and then we would go to Chinatown and watch the dancing chicken. I wish my own kids could have had those experiences. My Aunt Leda was the closest they had to an active grandparent and I thank her for that.

A very full day in Paris

2010-09-15T20:37:00.001-04:00

Bonjour mes amies,

Today we venture first to the Louvre. Lisa and I had a great time here as we started our self guided tour viewing the Northern European art wing where there were no crowds. Ah I love this period of art.

Lisa and I were both interested in finding some portraits of Marie Antoinette. A guard asked if we needed help so we asked were we could find any portraits of her. He put his hand to his neck and said something like, "Do you know what happened to her?" and made his hand pass through his neck as he said "Kapute." It was quite humorous (all week) and I guess that was why she wasn't represented at the museum. On the other hand, this guard did not know where the Spanish art collection was and we found it so maybe Marie is actually hanging on a wall somewhere at the Louvre.

Then it was off to the Italian Renaissance wing (you know where Mona Lisa hides out)where we were met with crowds as large as a Renaissance feast. Lucky for me, I prefer Early Renaissance but I still had to fight through several slow walking tour groups.

I was interested in finding my little Margarita painting in the Spanish gallery. On my last trip to the Louvre she was on loan. I almost didn't find her, but here she is:

Next Lisa and I decided to go to Angelina's for their world class hot chocolate. I yi yi. What was I thinking? Okay, first off it's like at least 80 degrees outside, second I am not a great fan of hot chocolate, third I don't usually drink too much at one time and fourth we had just eaten lunch. We each got our own pitcher of hot chocolate as rich as could be. It was good- well the first swallow or too. All I can say is if you are a chocolate freak order it on a cold day- other wise I recommend une glace instead.

The Japanese book store was the next stop and we were able to catch up with Renee there. (She had already been to the store and had bought some books. This was her second round.) Lots of oogling and credit cards being put to good use. Then it was a maze like walk to Ultra Mod for some beautiful ribbon.

More museums on the agenda as we went to the L'Orangerie to see Monet shine as well as some other wonderful Impressionist work. We were a bit tired so we slowly dragged ourselves home. Later that evening we went to the Pompidou art museum but someone read the times wrong (moi?) so we had to rush around and "see it all" in twenty minutes. I went back a few days later. Great views of Paris from this museum.

Fear not, only a few days left to this trip. I shall be back soon with the last installment of my summer vacation.

Fully Versailles

2010-09-12T11:18:00.000-04:00

I really hate to leave the food blog but we must venture off to Versailles where I seem to have taken an abundance of photos. It was amazing to think about Marie Antoinette and others actually living in such a large estate. I wonder if Marie had even been in every room in the palace.

We patiently awaited noon so we could also see Marie's country retreat, another massive property that was incredible. I especially liked her "little" theatre. She had beautiful gardens on her grounds that are still tended today.

While on our visit I was able to practice my assertive skills when a woman tried to convince Renee to give up her Versailles map as she had lost hers. Reluctantly Renee did, but I could tell she was upset by this. I told her I would get it back and had no choice but to ask the woman for the map back. She did not want to budge so I had to use my french language skills to say, "Je regret," as I took the map back out of her hand.

This sign makes me laugh. Especially at Versailles where you just have to sit down every so often.

The gardens were quite beautiful and massive. I tried to find this cool grotto with a waterfall but it was closed due to a television production.

There were also many wonderful paintings along with drippy chandeliers, and wonderful wall murals inside the buildings. Ah next stop the Louvre and Angelina's for a spot of hot chocolate.

Full and tasty

2010-09-10T18:40:00.000-04:00

Did someone say food?

Look at these dream pastries. This is where we started our planned macaroon tasting tour where we would visit many bakeries of Paris to compare macaroons, but turns out that after this first tasting none of us were that crazy over them. Lisa and Renee had a thing for the pain au chocolat and I think I was favoring a bit of wine.

We tried to take a picture of the macaroons at Laduree but they said no pictures inside. Lisa was so upset she wouldn't even buy one there after that. We also tried the McDonald's macaroons. All in all they taste sort of the same and there are many more things that taste far better- like la glace. I had the most wonderful la glace at Berthilon. Worth the wait for a cone of apricot.And don't forget the gelato at Grom. C'est tres perfecto.

The best place was the Rose Cafe. Renee and I ate there three times and each time I ordered this fruit crumble which came with a delicious creme anglaise that tasted like eggnog. Oh that was a little piece of heaven for us.

ah the sweetness. Next is Versailles. avoir.

crowdfull

2010-09-10T18:02:00.000-04:00

Okay I am on a mission. Paris over by Sunday. I have to move on to Vermont and the present. I can't keep living in the past so I will be having posts galore (are these famous last words?).

Montmartre day: I was looking very forward to this day as I had never been and heard how great it was- you know the shopping, atmosphere and all. First we arrived at Sacre-Coeur, along with the rest of Paris and shuffled through the church. It could have been beautiful but I really feel these buildings lose their awe when the tourist shuffle happens. Anyway after we left we went to the equally touristy artist section where you can get a portrait drawn of your face or pick up a souvenir painting of Paris. I did like the fact that being here made me feel like I was in a technicolor movie from the 1950s, berets and all.

Next we had the never ending where should we eat question. (unknown to me there was a Rose Cafe quite near by) We ended up eating at some crepeish place with a french name that probably equalled something like bicycle tire. While it wasn't the best meal, things seemed okay until Lisa and I went upstairs to the rest room (see enclosed picture of me walking downstairs from the experience).

Lisa wanted to take a picture of one of the memorable stalls, but a rather drunk man came into the bathroom to relieve himself without closing the stall door and she thought that wouldn't be the best time to take a picture. Yes I can say it did at least leave us with a few laughs. We continued to walk down the hill but most of the shops seemed to no longer be there or not as I thought. There was one nice high end bocante that had some nice things. Lisa got a cute antique watercolor set. I almost bought a photo album with cute kid pictures but used a small amount of resistance. Yeah yeah not much excitement going on in this posting.

Fear not next post is food galore- now we're talkin'.

First full day in Paris

2010-09-05T13:42:00.000-04:00

Paris Paris who remembers Paris? I had to peek at Renee's blog to try and remember the order of Paris.

Okay so when we last left off, I had a happy reunion with my friends and was allowed inside the apartment.

The next morning we took off for the flea market. There was a lot to see there and we all managed to do some serious shopping. Even Renee got into the act of "combien?"

Next we rushed to Mamie Gateaux which has a small boutique and a cafe. We really went for the shopping, but the restaurant looked tres belle so we went inside to eat. (Oh the store was okay, but not like the flea market) I am sorry if I spelled the name wrong. I tried to get a menu to take home as a souvenir but the waitress was not keen on that and even when I asked to just look at it after we ordered it made her nervous and she promptly took back the menu- spots, food residue and all. Not so sure why those menus were so priceless.

We then walked back to our apartment stopping at the Bon Marche.

Later Lisa and Renee wanted to check out the Eiffel Tower. We arrived to quite a mob scene. Turns out it was the memorial celebration for Michael Jackson (faithful readers of my blog may recall that last year when I went with Chloe to Paris we got caught in a Michael Jackson parade due to his death, also by the Eiffel Tower). It was a mad house as you can see from these pictures. It was also the site of the World Cup massive TV screen to watch the soccer games.

Final stop on our first day was to a Thai restaurant which we found unsettling as we sat there as we were the ONLY people there, but the food wasn't that bad.

Readers, I have some sad news for you... I don't really have that many great pictures of Paris. I have a few more to show you but really nothing that spectacular. What a tease I was telling you Paris stuff would be soon and finally it arrives and isn't that breathtaking. Versailles seemed to be a heavy picture taking day and a few other places but nothing earth shattering. Sorry, but I shall keep at it.

Faithfully yours in Paris...

sewfull

2010-08-29T19:37:00.000-04:00

Aww, I know guys you were counting on Paris but I have been sewing all weekend and want to show you what I made. I promise you Paris is not going anywhere. I sewed so much yesterday my arm was sore when I went to bed.

This doll is a giftie for my friend Lorraine's birthday that was yesterday. I thought it fitting that I work on the project on the day she was celebrating. You can see the front and back view. She can decide which side is the front for her.

And ta da I finally finished my sampler to give to my so generous friend Ellen. This gift was due to her last December, but she is very patient. Some of the idea I got from Teresa's on line class, but than I deviated. I have trouble following someone else's ideas even though her sampler is gorgeous. I think I was pretty busy this weekend. Even managed to whip out two hunks of play dough for the kindergartners.

Thanks for the comments on my boring Can't Get to Paris post. Forgot to say I was slightly distracted on this day by the charming Alessandro that I met at the Marco Polo airport and had to help him get into Paris on the metro. Ooh la la

unhopeful for a day

2010-08-26T20:39:00.001-04:00

Welcome to Paris... well almost. First we have to get out of Venice.

I arrive at Marco Polo airport in Venice with plenty of time to spare to find out that the flight has been cancelled due to a strike. To put it sweetly nothing can be done and either I wait two more days in Venice and fly out than to Paris or take an Air France flight later that day for (yikes) 600 Euro. What is a gal to do when her friends are waiting for her in Paris? For some reason I do not have their phone number(left my phone at home) to let them know where I am and wifi will not work at the Marco Polo airport. Well I had no choice but to take the Air France flight 5 hours later (donations now being accepted- jk) of about a 45 minute duration.

Finally land in Paris and rush to get to the apartment. (Also in the back of my mind I am worried about not knowing the apartment number to the apartment in Paris once I get there.) Arrive at apartment and just as I had suspected, I have no idea how to get inside the apartment and find my friends. It is about 8 pm and I am feeling a little panicked standing outside on the street with my suitcase. It is also quite hot in Paris. A man opens the front door and I sneak in. Ah I am in this courtyard:

but now what do I do? There are 3 different buildings inside the courtyard. I yell, "Renee" several times (because it sounds frencher than Lisa) but there is no response. I sit and think. I try to use the free wifi with my Ipod. Nothing cooking. I wonder did the strike effect Lisa and Renee? Are they still in the USA and I am waiting for nothing? Hmm it's getting dark out... do I risk leaving the courtyard- where I guess I could sleep (note I am sitting on that little step) to find an internet cafe to email them? I keep yelling, "Renee." I hide my suitcase (well kind of hide it) and decide to venture outside the courtyard. I leave and try to figure out where an internet cafe could even be. I go up the block a bit and think not this way.. I go back towards the apartment and just as I pass the front door Lisa comes out for one last look. Never have I been happier to see her. I am saved. (They were about to go to sleep because of jet lag and planned to call the embassy in the morning). Turns out the apartment windows face out directly to where I was sitting in the courtyard but the curtains were closed.

And that is how I arrived in Paris. Just like me you will have to wait for the first days of Paris post. Sorry.

Note: We never found an internet cafe near our apartment until our last day in Paris.

artyfull

2010-08-21T19:55:00.000-04:00

Okay guys I'd say it is time for some more art on this blog so here is a big dose(or as big as you are going to get right now.) I know we still have Paris (lots and lots of Paris) and Vermont with some beautiful chicken pictures, but you will just have to be patient.

First page above is my secret page. It has secrets all around it, but I'll never tell.

This page is about my gaga over the saints these days. I feel the need to adopt my own saint. In Italy they are all portrayed so beautifully and look so different. Any ideas which one would be fitting for me?

This is the never ending stitching project that is a gift to someone. They may be in their 70s by the time I finish it. I know I don't have that much to do on it, but it seems to be a struggle. Chloe's orthodontist thinks I'm a sewing fanatic when the truth is I'm always bringing the same project.

Ah I am a working gal again as school has begun. I have decided to do my own 1000 journals project(but more like 5 journals) with my students. I am excited about it. Just have to find time to do the first pages of all the journals so they get the idea.

And that's about it until we meet in Paris. Au revoir.

never too full of Venice

2010-08-15T19:27:00.000-04:00

Welcome to Venice. I am so thankful that my friend Pat agreed to go to with me even though it wasn't really part of her plan. I loved Venice and would live there in a heartbeat, although one waiter said I would be extremely bored. I don't know, he was also jealous of his brother who lived in Texas. Not me. Venice is beautiful and like a wonderful dream even with the tourist aspect. I felt like I was in a movie.

Pat and I managed to get lost no matter where we were going but that was part of the fun(and also why I am bringing map reader deluxe Renee with me next time).

Mostly we walked and boated around to many parts of the city. We had some delicious gelato. Sadly there were no memorable dinners (well memorable in a positive sense) but we just didn't know where to go. We saw the place we should have gone after we finished our last meal.

These pictures are from the market. Ah the produce looked delectable. Many photos were taken. I bought some baby strawberries and drooled over the tomatoes. There was also a huge variety of seafood. I have never seen so many octopi before.

I enjoyed visiting the Academy. There were some wonderful paintings there, many that I wanted to take home.

Ah Venice pictures and music describe it better than my words. I'll be back.

mucho full

2010-08-11T19:34:00.000-04:00

Well here I am in the companion photo that goes with the picture I posted last time. It's the same fountain, but I look a bit cuter as a five year old. That is my uncle who lived in Rome at the time.

For those of you how liked my swanky hotel in Rome here is a photo of a different room I stayed in. Actually the first room was the nicest but I didn't take a good picture of it. Maybe I will show it anyway one day.

The last photo is at Paestum- somewhat near the water buffalo.

Okay I'll try to be back soon for Venice and a gift. Right now I have to go learn how to draw Homer Simpson. Who would have thought that would be on my list of things to do. Ciao.

full-o-Roma

2010-08-08T11:12:00.000-04:00

Ah Roma, Roma what a busy city. Not my favorite, but I loved seeing the massive ruins everywhere. It was like being on a movie set. Walk down a side street and see a huge broken column just sitting there. Roma also had beautiful shoes.

I didn't get to the doll hospital in Naples, but my friend Ellen told me about this place in Rome. I walked by and tried to go inside. The man said he did not sell anything, but I asked if I could look around inside. I think he said yes and I didn't think I should take pictures. No doll arms to buy, but this window was intense. More unloved dolls- wait until you see my Paris collection. I guess I collected pictures of dogs and dolls on this trip.

This is the swanky hotel I stayed at in Rome. All the rooms were quite beautiful. I had trouble regulating the showers though and one night managed to flood the whole bathroom. I'm glad I wasn't kicked out.

This picture of me by the fountain has a twin. The other picture is of me when I was 6 in front of the same fountain. (I think it is called Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi) I will scan it soon so you can see how I have grown. There was also a trip to the Vatican where I somehow developed some sleep illness and don't remember much about the 2 hour tour except it rained that day. I did enjoy the Sistine Chapel and hearing the guards fruitlessly tell the crowds no talking. Brought back to me my teaching days. Other sights were also seen in Rome and a good meal was had at Hostaria Del Moro in Trastevere. The mushrooms were incredible.

It seems so long ago that I was in Italy. Now school is ready to start and beautiful summer is ending for me.

I haven't forgotten about my gifts. Just a bit busy right now They will be back soon as well as Venice, Paris (10 days worth) and Vermont. Until than Ciao Bellas.

not that full

2010-08-03T19:33:00.000-04:00

Just a little something to make you glad you came back (well I hope so at least). Newest journal page. Color doesn't look the best but I still like it. The girl looks a bit off kilter and I sure can identify with that. I got hooked on this scrapbook paper/embellishment series by Brenda Walton(?). She has some images I really like in a hand made look. The bird is from the collection.

This silly sock monkey was found in Kentucky. He cracks me up but was too $$ to take home to join the others.

Soon soon soon I will write my Vermont posting as well as finish the trip to Italy and France. I know it's dragging on, but I shall get to it soon. Thanks again for visiting and your sparkling blue comments.

Full day at Capri

2010-07-26T09:48:00.000-04:00

Welcome to CAY-pri aka Capri, a beautiful island off the Amalfi Coast. We took a small boat from Positano to Capri, docked and took the funicular up to the main town, Capri. Most of us decided to take the beautiful but uphill walk to the ruins of Villa Jovis. This was where Emperor Tiberius lived long ago. He who a bit crazed and if he was upset at a servant he simply ordered someone to drop him off the cliff. Anyway the walk was hot yet beautiful and well worth it. When we got to Villa Jovis there was the most amazing breeze like built in outside air conditioning which was very cooling. We climbed higher and had a wonderful view from the top. On the way back down to Capri we stopped at a little cafe and I had one of the best drinks of my life. It was an iced tea (or maybe lemonade) with sliced peaches inside the glass. After drinking the beverage I was able to eat the peaches- sort of like a dessert. (Wish I had taken a picture) Later I walked down the rest of the way by myself so I could stop and finish the last of my buffalo mozzarella with some fresh tomatoes and bread. I almost felt like I lived in Italy sitting on a park bench greeting the old Italian men who walked by in Italian.

After Capri we went back to our boat and a few of us (not many) decided we wanted to participate in the Blue Grotto tourist trap. (Picture taken of Blue Grotto by photographer expertise Kate). The deal was for 12 Euros you take a small boat with a guide into a cave that reflects blue light. The guide is also suppose to sing to you (For more tips I assume.) Our guide only sang at the end, Ole Solo Mia of the two minute adventure. The scariest part is you have to sit/lay on the bottom of the boat and duck down as you go through the opening of the cave. I am surprised there have been no decapitations.

So that's Capri. Definitely worth the trip. Oh gosh I am way behind. There is still Roma, Venice, and Paris. I better get going with more postings. Stay tuned although a journal page may be next.

another giftful

2010-07-21T19:24:00.000-04:00

Someone is getting a giftie. Yes, I am back to trying to make and send a gift a week. This one is an encaustic collage that I started at artfest but never finished until this week.

If you are a secret browser of my blog you may want to introduce yourself. You never know if maybe you could be the gifteee. (I'll ask for your address after you send greetings) You may have to be patient- but it's worth a try. After all I'm taking up crocheting (don't laugh Lisa and Renee) and I have some great ideas in my vision.

Other pictures here are of Italy. The one above is on the Positano coast. Get a look at those lemons and those are smaller than some we saw.

Next time we will travel to Capri. Hope to see you there. Remember your sun screen- not like some of us- oops.

Ciao

Dog full

2010-07-20T10:21:00.000-04:00

Pompeii was a very cool spot (well actually it was quite hot), but I fell in love with the dogs and neglected to take too many photos of the site. Dog photos I have, but not the ruins. It was quite amazing seeing a time etched in history so long ago. I can't imagine digging through so much ash and dirt to uncover an entire city.

Anyway the dogs. When we first got to Pompeii I noticed a sign about adopting dogs. Then while there, Tiffany and I discovered them roaming around the grounds. There was something about them all wandering that grabbed me and I fell in love. For the rest of the tour I focused on finding the dogs and photographing them.

When we got back to our hotel I researched how I could adopt one. They come with their own European passports and it seemed like they could travel to the US. These are abandoned dogs that are allowed to live in Pompeii as they practice living again with people. After about 3 months the adopter comes back to Pompeii to meet and get his/her dog and learn the dogs history. On the site you can see which dogs are still available. None of the cuties I photographed were still available, but there was a cute black one with big ears like a rabbit.

When back in SC I kept thinking about them (Oh big note: I am allergic to dogs so having one was really not in my lung's best interest, but I really wanted one). I emailed the foundation, but they told me that in reality the dogs of Pompeii could not relocate to the US and I should check my local shelter. I don't know... which would you pick an Italian dog or a Southern one? I was going to call him/her limoncello with Chi Chi as the nickname.

Oh so sad... au revoir Dogs of Pompeii.

Photofull

2010-07-15T19:45:00.000-04:00

Here is my little Italy book(below) and a journal page. I think the journal page needs a bit more work but thought you might want a change from all my photos. Next time I'll be covering the dogs of Pompeii. One of my best loved subjects(really).

Today I saw some cool looking Buffalo Mozzarella at Whole Foods. It was quite $$$, but I think I shall have to try it. After all, it is cheaper than going back to Italy. Ciao.

Never too FULL of mozzarella

2010-07-12T20:37:00.000-04:00

Okay here is the low down on the day I had waited months for, the reason I went to the Amalfi coast- to go visit the mozzarella farm. Well things did not start out great. We were very late for our appointment (accidents and traffic on the winding Amalfi roads equals wait time in motor vehicles- unless you are on a scooter or motorcycle) Anyway we got there and our tour person said we had probably missied the production so hurry up. We had 5 minute to watch the men make the cheese. It seemed kind of "cheesy" since we had to watch from a window and I was in a pouty mood about getting there late. Then as she explained how popular the cheese was she mentioned they were most likely sold out of m. cheese and we could not purchase any. WHAT? I probably shouted. I had planned to get some to go. She rushed to the salesroom to see and came back with a report that most likely they were sold out. Pouty face got even more pouty. If you have seen my pouty you know it is not an uplifting sight.

Next we headed to the inside pasture to meet the water buffaloes. I guess they were cute for what they were, but I wasn't oogling and hoping to bring one home with me. (just the cheese please). We waited around to see them enter the turnstile for the computer milking and watched them get a massage.

These water buffaloes have it pretty good I think for bovines. They can eat as often as they want as long as they go through the milking machine first.

Later we were treated to a delicious lunch with a salad containing the best tomatoes I have ever eaten, buffalo mozzarella, the most wonderful fresh ricotta and bread. I do think it was my favorite or second most favorite meal in Italy this trip. The woman also came back to report that there was still a kilo of cheese left so as I ran to the storeroom she said not to worry they would save it for me. I must say I think I was maybe a tinsy bit hysterical. For dessert we sampled the buffalo milk yogurt (very creamy) and gelato- fantastic. I walked out with my cheese happy that I had some for the next day (and the next day too...)

It was pretty interesting driving in this area of Italy because everywhere there were signs for buffalo mozzarella. Ideally where I should relocate to- but it didn't look to pretty on the roads.

I am not sure if this is before or after the buffalo licked my ear. All in all it was a nice outing, but I think I needed a longer time in my little heaven.

Full of dinner almost every night

2010-07-08T20:33:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the Amalfi Coast. Most of these pictures were taken in Positano. Did I tell you my mom had taken me to Positano when I was about 5? It was cool to go back although I don't remember being there. I must have whined about all the uphill walking. Positano is a wonderful little hill town. Not hill town like Tuscany but mammoth hills and small windy roads with fast crazy motorcyclists. A major issue on the trip seemed to be 4 potential to get car sick women and only 1-2 front seats.

The woman next to me in the picture is Nada or Nadaatalkalatte as I renamed her. She was a lot of fun and knew how to make us way to full after a meal. (note to Nada: I am afraid you are right- you do look like giant next to me).

The best things about Positano were the caffe lattes in the morning, beautiful flowers, limoncello, tomatoes, and scenery.

Stay tuned next time as I describe the outing to the mozzarella farm. We all know who wants to go there again...

ciao ciao ciao

Traveled full

2010-07-06T13:13:00.000-04:00

Bonjour/Buon giorno,

I am finally back home and as much as I loved both places it feels welcoming to see the marshes and open spaces of South Carolina. It actually looks prettier than ever. I have lots to tell you about the trips, but don't know when I will get to it with unpacking, bills, restocking EVERY grocery item (umm... the family really did not buy any food items while I was gone) so it could be awhile.

First picture of me is goony but don't you love the pink Vespa?

Venice was everything I had imagined. Next time (and there will be a next time) I will be going with expert map reader Renee so I don't get as lost- although that was part of the fun.

Lots of fun times with Lisa and Renee in Paris. Renee saved everyday with her map reading skills and both of them always managed to direct me towards another pair of shoes. I may be catching up to Chloe(don't tell).

Unfortunately I created not one thing while away but I hope to make stuff this week based on the trip. I am kind of home bound with a cracked tire that won't be available for repair until Friday.

Back any day with more pictures and tales of travel.

au revoir/ciao

piena

2010-06-07T19:41:00.000-04:00

Still working on my Italian journal but I have made the cover and painted the pages. I found a picture of me in Rome when I was six that I put on the front cover and another of me in Positano for the back. That is my favorite part. It's going to be a chunky thing. I will have to find a heavy duty rubber band to keep it shut. I have put notes in it- especially about mozzarella places, how to get from the hotel to the airport and good shopping. Here is a not so good picture of the inside:

Renee made me a beautiful French journal that I had to gravel for, but now I think it might be too large to bring with all my other stuff. OOh she won't be happy. The countdown is almost here and I have to get packing. Do you think I can pack everything in a carry on? I hope so. I have to keep in mind that the less you bring the more you can bring back.

Gift of the week is an encaustic painting for a special friend who does the best job in making me laugh. No more handmade gifts for awhile due to the voyage. I hope to do some stitching while there so maybe when I come back(chuckle chuckle- do you think I will actually come back?) there will be some lucky gift getters. (is a gift getter better than a go getter?) Okay enough from me. Enjoy.

Facefull

2010-05-31T18:37:00.000-04:00

Who's getting a present this week?

The clue is in the wrapping (but not exactly). This lovely is my go to gal for book info. She has cost me a pretty penny, but she is worth it. Happy presenting. I know you know who you are. The gift is an encaustic panel I made at Artfest.

Way above are some face birthday cards I worked on this weekend. I had great hopes of having a whole art day filled with fun and projects, but umm well I got caught up in a book (Every Last One- that might not be the right title) and it wasn't even that great in my opinion. Oh well.

Best thing I ran into this week were chocolate covered mint Oreo cookies. OOH they are tops. Also found some shoes I think will work for Italian walking (if I can't talk Italian, I have to at least walk Italian). They are Merrells with a lavender and light pink combo of straps. So far so good. Have a great week- I know I will. It's the last day of school and my last teaching day is tomorrow!

Full of Kentucky

2010-05-25T19:57:00.001-04:00

Hey gang,

I'm back. Had a great time in Kentucky. Here are Marilyn and I with part of dog Phoebe outside her house. When I got to Marilyn's, she surprised me with two vases of peonies in the guest room. How did she know I love peonies so much? They were beautiful.

The next day we went on a shoe mission for my trip to Italy. We ended up at the Zappo outlet. Whoa they had a lot of shoes but not as many as we thought. It is hard NOT to find shoes there, but still no perfect shoes.

The next day started out with a garage sale at her friend Gaye's basement. Gaye is a talented artist with an amazing studio. Hubahuba. At the sale she had a lot of cheap junk. Stuff I don't need but bought anyway. (see first things photo).

Later we devoted the rest of the day to antique malls (see above second things photo) and saw many goodies and a few scary things. People left and right are unloading their clown stuff it seems. Yikes. Isn't that pink tablecloth divine? My new profile picture shows the dress I saw at the Crazy Daisy last year but didn't purchase. Well it was still there so I decided I better just get it. Where I will wear it I do not know...

All in all we had a great time. I wish I could go back today...

School is almost over- yippee and how much Italian have I learned? nada or better yet- niente.

No gift this week but I will have one by the weekend. Have to catch up on a few things. Hope everyone is well and playing with paint.

Arrivederci

Pieno di Italia

2010-05-15T16:27:00.000-04:00

Greetings friends,

Here is the last book gift for awhile. This is for a spiffy friend who has the best collections of everything (no Kelly, not book collection- but your day will be here soon...). She has the best taste in clothes, Julie A, everything. Hope you can add this book to a collection that you start creating.

This has been a hard week, but luckily the jasmine has been intoxicating, especially when I am running through the tree path. What a fragrance.

Starting to get ready for my trip to Italy. Trying to learn some Italian. Not easy. I was listening to one phrase CD and it went on and on about how to say: the toilet overflowed, there is no toilet paper, I did not get any towels, the windows won't open, I asked for a private bathroom... Sounds like a disastrous hotel visit for someone.

Here are some clay Picasso faces made by the second graders. Oh my favorite painting from last week was top row almost in the middle. 5th from the right I think. Off to make my own pizza bianco. Ciao.

Full of Jasmine

2010-05-09T11:33:00.000-04:00

Greetings,

Things are looking up. No National Board to worry about, my chin is looking better (and I don't think I contracted tetanus) and best of all the jasmine is intoxicating the air. Jasmine is my most favorite smell (I may even prefer a jasmine plant to a wisteria if I had to pick) It is probably the thing I miss the most about moving from Berkeley, California. We had the most amazing jasmine plants.

Above is my Please take me to the U2 concert booklet for the lucky giftie of the week. I sure am hoping it works.

The art show is over and done with. Here is some first grade art work. I hoped to purchase one girl's painting but her mom beat me to it. Can you tell which painting it is? The students really created some wonderful work.

Trying to practice my Italian now. What a challenge. The hardest part for me is saying things (when not alone in my room- that's easy). I am such an introvert in that way I don't know if I will be able to ask for anything in Italian. Wish I could just write it down. Ciao.