Indybev

Sunday Postcard - As Time Goes By

2012-01-27T10:35:00.000-08:00

The young man in this collage is an anonymous ancestor from my great grandmothers photo album. It pleases me to give him a bit of a history, albeit a figment of my imagination. Other credits to K. Balint and Oscraps and my own stash.

Three Muses - Things French

2012-01-24T15:05:00.000-08:00

Forgive me for having fun with this challenge. Grumpy Napoleon (obviously not in the mood for hanky-panky) is from a painting by Paul Delaroche, his Josephine is a combination of a couple of Google images. One look at this Napoleon and the words "Not tonight, Josephine!" came to mind.
Topped off with a grunge overlay. Thanks for stopping by!

Take a Word - Moo

2012-01-22T07:33:00.000-08:00

I've always wondered how these little bits of art came to be called Moos. I've found they make dandy bookmarks with a hole punched in the top and a ribbon threaded through. I think I'll turn this one into a bookmark, and surprise some anonymous stranger by tucking it in a library book I return. Thanks for looking!

Sunday Postcard - Dragon

2012-01-21T12:54:00.000-08:00

Dragons are the theme at Sunday Postcard. My dragon is compliments of Webweaver Free Clipart, the rest compliments of Finecrafted Designs. This was a challenging challenge!! Thanks, ladies of SPA!

Three Muses - Altered Animal

2012-01-17T14:06:00.000-08:00

A warning to Red Riding Hood seemed to be in order for Ann's challenge to alter an animal. I know I've certainly met my share of wolves in sheep's clothing. Red needs to be alerted!!!

Collage Obsession - Dance

2012-01-16T10:52:00.000-08:00

In a secret forest glade, where the air was rich with the fragrance of earth and green, she closed her eyes and let her gypsy soul guide her in a dance of freedom, of hope, of anticipation, and joy of life. This moment, this special moment, was hers alone.

SoArtful Challenge 1

2012-01-16T09:20:00.000-08:00

The challenge images from SoArtful Challenges this week intrigued me. I imagined the young lady dancing carefree in the moonlight.....and wished I could join her! Thanks for stopping by. Your comments are appreciated.

Take a Word - Fish

2012-01-15T08:11:00.000-08:00

There is no doubt something fishy here. Credits to Finecrafted Designs and Dover. I wouldn't mind seeing some warm sparkling water about now. The chill factor here is 0 degrees, the wind is blowing snow flurries here and there in the bitter cold. Brrrrrr! Creating this piece was a pleasant interlude!

Sunday Postcard - Violets

2012-01-14T14:36:00.000-08:00

Did you ever pass an abandoned house, and notice flowers still growing there? Did you wonder who planted those flowers, and what their life was like when they lived there? The abandoned house is compliments of Swainboat, the overlay is by Lenabem-Anna (thanks to both), and the bit of poetry is my own. Thank you for your comments.

Three Muses - Map

2012-01-10T13:07:00.000-08:00

I learned to read maps as a youngster, when my father let me "navigate" to learn. Now all the young people have GPS's, and the mechanical voice telling them when and where to turn. To me, it's like driving with a bag over your head! I want to see my route on a map, and be able to follow my journey to my destination. Oh, sigh, I guess I'm getting old! Thanks for stopping by!

Take a Word - Nature

2012-01-08T14:47:00.000-08:00

Wolves are such magnificant and mysterious creatures. The George Carlin quote seemed appropriate. Thanks for stopping by!

Sunday Postcard - Swirls & Curls

2012-01-07T22:39:00.000-08:00

A bit of psychodelic fun for Sunday Postcard's theme of Swirls & Curls.

Three Muses - Lyric

2012-01-03T16:04:00.000-08:00

One of my mother's favorite songs was "The Little Brown Church in the Vale". When she sang it, it always conjured up mental images of a quaint little chapel snuggled amidst trees, like the one above. It's much like the church of MY childhood, except my little roadside church was white. These little country churches were the heart of the community. Sadly, they are becoming things of the past. It is pleasant to remember the ticking of the old wall clock as the minister brought his message of hope and love.....a balm to the spirit.

Take a Word - New Year

2012-01-01T14:13:00.000-08:00

I long ago ceased to make new year's resolutions. Now I just face each new year, grateful for blessings and hopeful for the future. I try to savor each day, and go to sleep knowing I'm at peace with God and with those I love. That's, after all, the most important thing.

Credits: Finecrafted Designs and CreateWings Designs.

Sunday Postcard - Open Theme

2011-12-31T09:23:00.000-08:00

Open theme this week at Sunday Postcard. My skater is compliments of Miles Beyond the Moon (thank you!). Happy New Year everyone!

Three Muses - Me

2011-12-27T15:01:00.000-08:00

You might think that's Mary Poppins, but actually it's me! When I'm bored, I just go up, up and away for a change of scenery. Truthfully, on rare and wonderful occasions, I've had flying dreams very like this, in which I just seem to elevate and fly upright over the world below, gently landing on my feet when and where I please. I wish I could recall those dreams on command. They were wonderful!!

Collage Obsession - Winter

2011-12-26T10:22:00.000-08:00

So far my world has escaped snow, and our Christmas day was sunny and crisp. I've taken one of the images and put her in a new setting, and added a bit of green compliments of CreateWings Designs. Thanks for the challenge, CO! Happiest of New Years everyone!

Take a Word - Print

2011-12-25T16:07:00.000-08:00

There's nothing like nosing through a used book store and finding treasures. I love the scent of old books, and I always wonder from whose library they've come. My lady here is courtesy of Ms. Inman, book page from Maya at Scrapbookgraphics, elements from Irene Alexeeva. Thanks for stopping by!

Three Muses - Angel

2011-12-20T17:02:00.000-08:00

Sunday night my son and his wife picked me up and we drove about town looking at Christmas lights and displays. I love this time of year. It's as if an angel flew over the neighborhoods spilling jewels of light and magic. My angel is a clip art freebie by Pamela Perry. Her jewels are from Lorie Davidson at SBG, and the holly sprig is from CreateWings Designs. May the peace and magic of Christmas be with you and yours, my blog friends!

CO - Candle

2011-12-19T15:54:00.000-08:00

Candle is the theme at Collage Obsession this week. May the light of peace and good will lighten all the dark corners of the world this holiday season!

Take a Word - Sepia

2011-12-18T12:47:00.000-08:00

Sepia is the challenge at Take a Word this week. I caught Santa on the fly over the prairie. Credit for house to Swainboat (thank you!).

Sunday Postcard - Vintage

2011-12-17T08:44:00.000-08:00

This sweet image of children is from Flickr Collage Images. It made me think of my son, who could NEVER go to sleep on Christmas Eve. It made for some late nights for Mr and Mrs Santa, waiting for him to be sleeping before they put the gifts under the tree! There's nothing like the eyes of children on Christmas morning to bathe us in the warmth of love and good cheer.
Credits: CreateWings Designs.

Three Muses - Tis the Season

2011-12-13T14:40:00.000-08:00

Each of us has our own special Christmas memories, traditions that vary from family to family, from religion to religion, from country to country. It's a time of good cheer, love for our fellow man, and a time to savor the gift of giving. It's about worship and gratitude, children and magic, good food and family,,,,,,,and a time of year that brings out the very best in us. I wish we could bottle up these good things and make them last all year!.

Credits: Santa is from Flickr Collage Images, the window from Jenn U Designs, and the child from Jesse Wilcox Smith, and the background is mine. All else is googled.

Collage Obsessions - Trio

2011-12-12T10:11:00.000-08:00

What a fun challenge at Collage Obsessions! My three blind mice seem to have finished decorations for the holiday, and appear to be in a festive mood.
Credits for the mouse trio: Richard Curtis

Three Muses - Oddities

2011-12-06T15:22:00.000-08:00

My "odd bod" came together with a face from Tumblefish Studios, eyes from another Tumblefish Studios, body from Land of Nod, hand from my own stash, and some bits and pieces from Holliewood Studios. Such fun!! Great challenge, Ann.

Take a Word - Numbers

2011-12-04T17:28:00.000-08:00

Background compliments of Lorie Davidson (SBG), image is, I believe, a Rockwell. Thanks for stopping by!

Sunday Postcard - Christmas Fairy

2011-12-03T15:46:00.000-08:00

My first Christmas art of the year. Can't believe it's time for it! Arch compliments of Jen U Designs, fairy from Flickr Collage Images (SuzyQ). And so, the season begins ..... Thanks for stopping by.

Three Muses - Steampunkery

2011-11-29T13:46:00.000-08:00

It was fun to visit steampunkery again! Credits to Maya at Scrapbookgraphics.

Take a Word - Blue

2011-11-27T11:41:00.000-08:00

Blue is my favorite color, so this was a pleasure! Image is from Csaba Markus.

Three Muses - That's Entertainment

2011-11-22T13:29:00.000-08:00

I lost a dear and long-time friend yesterday, and my creative juices seem to have shut down. I confess this is mostly recycled, but it seemed to fit the theme. Drapes courtesy of Tangie Baxter. Thanks for indulging me!

Take a Word - Umbrella

2011-11-20T14:52:00.000-08:00

Thanks for the background to Swainboat (altered), and other elements thanks to Kubivet.

Sunday Postcard - Framed

2011-11-20T08:59:00.000-08:00

This was a fun experiment. I wanted it to appear as if she'd stepped out of the frame, but I don't know if I accomplished that or not. Backgtound credit to Ruby Blossom. Anyway, thanks for looking!

Three Muses - Mail Art

2011-11-15T14:02:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure which is more fun --- to create mail art or to receive it. Credits for this one to Lorie Davidson at Scrapbookgraphics for the background. Stamps by me, images googled. Thanks for stopping by!

Take a Word - Moonstruck

2011-11-13T06:49:00.000-08:00

Moon River, wider than a mile
I'm crossin' you in style someday.
Old dream maker, you heartbreaker,
Wherever you're goin', I'm goin'your way.

Credits: Ruby Blossom
John Wm. Waterhouse

Sunday Postcard - Poppies

2011-11-12T14:29:00.000-08:00

So many white crosses in so many battlefields, so many young lives cut short by the warring ways of men, so many prayers for peace. A day of remembrance....and reverence.

Armistice Day .... Memories

2011-11-10T18:35:00.000-08:00

Long ago and far away, November 11th was called Armistice Day, in commemoration of the armistice signed between the Allies of World War I and Germany. In the part of central Illinois where I grew up, it was also the first day of pheasant season. My mother looked forward to it with excitement, because her brothers would come up from the southern part of the state to hunt the pheasants who lived in the fence rows and wooded areas near our farm. They would set off at dawn, dressed in hunter's gear, and walk the fields. While the men were out hunting pheasant, my mother was preparing a huge family dinner. People didn't travel so much in those days, and she treasured the times she got to be with her brothers. I still remember those family times. Today, November 11th is still a day of remembrance, but it's called Veterans Day. It's still a time to remember all the brave young men and women who've sacrificed their lives in time of war. In central Illinois, the fence rows are mostly gone, and pheasants are seldom seen, and those days are held only in my memories.

Three Muses - Window

2011-11-08T13:59:00.000-08:00

In my part of the world, cardinals stay around during the winter. Their flashes of red are always such a stark contrast to the snow. I always wonder if they are dreaming of Summer, and if they see things just this way???

Take a Word - Sewing

2011-11-06T16:28:00.000-08:00

I learned to sew on my aunt's Singer treadle machine. The harder you pedalled the faster you sewed! That old Singer probably STILL works. They never seemed to wear out.

Sunday Postcard - Vintage

2011-11-05T17:23:00.000-07:00

It's good to put Halloween away for another year. Vintage is such a nice change. Credits here to Oscraps (Ophelia), and the image is by Guillame Seignac. Thanks for stopping by!

Three Muses - Vintage

2011-11-01T15:24:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure this qualifies as vintage, but it is evocative of days gone by. In rural Illinois where I grew up, the landscape was dotted with manicured little farms, each almost self-sufficient. Today, many of these little homesteads are vacant and have fallen into disrepair. The tidy barns are neglected and falling down. It saddens me to see this bucolic style of life becoming a thing of the past. This is a tribute to all those Illinois farmers of long ago....such as the one remembered in this Carl Sandburg poem....

Bury this old Illinois farmer with respect.

He slept the Illinois nights of his life

After days of work in Illinois cornfields.

Now he goes on a long sleep.

The wind he listened to in the cornsilk and the tassels,

the wind that combed his red beard

zero mornings when the snow
lay white on the yellow ears

in the bushel basket at the corncrib,

The same wind will now blow

over the place here where his hands
must dream of Illinois corn.

Thank you for visiting, and sharing my nostalgia!
Credits: Background - Ruby Blossom. House and silhouette googled.

Take a Word - Time

2011-10-30T17:00:00.000-07:00

That old demon time. We wish we had it.....we never have enough .....sometimes we have too much.... sometimes it hangs heavy on our hands....but it's always a key part of our lives.
Credits: Clock parts: Jen U Designs; border B. Datema at SBG; silhouette is googled; flowers from Christina Rene' Designs.

Three Muses - Wings

2011-10-25T15:10:00.000-07:00

Don't ask me to make sense of this.....my Muse made me do it! The jaunty little boy is a freebie from Rian (Freubel), background from Holliewood, bear from CreateWings Designs. Thanks for visiting!

Take a Word - Black and White

2011-10-23T16:54:00.000-07:00

I can never do a black and white without putting in a punch of red! All elements here are googled with exception of red ribbon which is courtesy of Donna Miller. Thanks for stopping by!

Gothic Arch - Blue

2011-10-23T09:29:00.000-07:00

Kris has chosen blue for her Gothic Arch challenge this week. I let my mind wander a bit ..... well, a lot! Some elements from Finecrafted Designs, others googled. Thanks for the challenge, Kris!

Three Muses - Circles and Squares

2011-10-18T14:14:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it's fun to just play around with shapes and colors, a change-up from our usual style of arting. No kits, no photos, no blending, no layering, just shape and color, another kind of challenge. Thanks for stopping by!

Take A Word - Childhood

2011-10-16T10:13:00.000-07:00

I hadn't done a vintage piece for a while. Little Jane Elizabeth's mother pressed these mementoes between the pages of a book.....special memories of a sweet little girl.
Credits: Jane Elizabeth - Land of Nod Studios; background from Maya at Scrapbookgraphics; and other elements from Linda GB at ScrapArtists.

Three Muses - Home Sweet Home

2011-10-11T21:11:00.000-07:00

The word "home" is often nostalgic, and conjures up memories of parents, grandparents, and loved ones long gone. The poem is mine, the images are either googled or from Flickr Collage Images. Thanks for stopping by!

Take a Word - Blackbird

2011-10-09T16:25:00.000-07:00

I guess it's the spooking season, and my blackbird is out twig or tweeting! Thanks for stopping by to visit!

Three Muses - Bottles and Jars

2011-10-04T13:12:00.000-07:00

Ann's given us a challenge to include bottles and/or jars in our work this week. My background is courtesy of Finecrafted Designs, and the little explorer is by Jessie Wilcox-Smith. The birds are brushes. I'm glad you stopped by. I love comments!

Take a Word - Wall

2011-10-02T09:49:00.000-07:00

The challenge this week at Take-A-Word is to include a wall in our work. My wall is a freebie from the very talented and generous Elizabeth Golden ; background is by Finecrafted Designs; antenna and flowers by Holliewood ; and the little graffiti artist is a sketch of mine. I'm glad you stopped by!

Three Muses - Moon

2011-09-27T15:01:00.000-07:00

Ann's theme this week is "Moon". I was in a quirky state of mind, and my muse led me to juggling! Credits to Finecrafted Designs and Google! Thanks for stopping by!

Take a Word - Album

2011-09-25T12:57:00.000-07:00

This is a photo of my parents during their courting days. My mother's name was Madaleen, but my father teased her and called her Maggie, so the song reminds me of them. They had over 50 years together, and were treasured by all of us lucky enough to be privileged to learn from their example of hard work, honesty, integrity, loyalty to family, and respect for God's world and those in it. Thanks for the theme this week, Marie, and the opportunity to share them!

Three Muses - Doorways

2011-09-20T14:26:00.000-07:00

I love the wide and innocent eyes of children. They are so trusting and so believing. This piece portrays my prayers for my grandchildren and great grandchildren, and for children everywhere. May the doorway open wide and free their dreams, may they face the world with open arms, daring to be all that they can be.
Credits: Finecrafted Designs for background, the umbrella of dreams is a freebie from Bliss Angel (thank you much!). The girl image is from my long-ago stash, and I failed to record the source. If you know, please let me know! Thanks for stopping by.

Take a Word - Male

2011-09-18T13:48:00.000-07:00

This week's theme is "Male" and I found this wonderful , arrogant fellow at My Daguerrotype. Isn't he splendiferous? The qyote is an old English proverb, and seemed to fit. Background is googled. Thanks for stopping by!

Arch Challenge

2011-09-18T08:27:00.000-07:00

Kris is starting a new gothic arch challenge. See http://nostalgiccollage.blogspot.com/ It's good to see a new challenge coming along. It was fun to return to the arch format, Kris!
Credits: Image is from vintage magazine. Ribbon: Donna Miller

Sunday Postcard - Pierrot

2011-09-17T16:27:00.000-07:00

My Pierrette is a composite of googled pieces, the bling and butterfly are from Lorie Davidson at SBG. Thanks for the challenge SPA!

Three Muses - Autumn

2011-09-13T14:05:00.000-07:00

Autumn is the Marie's theme this week, and I decided just to give you a peak into my world in autumn last year, because this year will be more of the same.. There's a view from my window at home, a drive down the street, the entrance to a charming little farmhouse restaurant where my friends and I ate lunch, and a view of one of the tables. I love autumn, when the skies are cobalt blue, the trees are a riot of golds, reds, burnt sienna, and yellows, and the air is crisp and bracing. It's the time of Jack-o-lanterns, apple cider, weiner roasts, falling leaves, pumpkin pie and hayrides. JOY!

Take a Word - Music

2011-09-11T13:59:00.000-07:00

The theme this week is "Music". My sample is my version of MOONLIGHT SERENADE. Background thanks to Joe's Sistah, characters are from the late SuzieQ at Flickr Collage Images.

Sunday Postcard - Pink

2011-09-10T13:20:00.000-07:00

I've always been partial to pink and black. The silhouette is credit to Kubivet and the "bling" to Lorie Davidson of Scrapbookgraphics. Thanks for stopping by!

Three Muses - Words

2011-09-06T17:13:00.000-07:00

Ann has chosen "Words" for this week's theme. I've used a background by Maya at Scrapbookgraphics, the image is one of my own sketches, the "bling" is credit to Christina Renee Designs. Thanks for visiting!

Take a Word - Butterflies

2011-09-04T14:51:00.000-07:00

The word this week is "Butterflies". My flowers and butterflies are courtesy of Dover images. The image is from a painting by John George Brown (and thanks to June for introducing me to this artist). Thank you for stopping by!

Three Muses - Newspaper

2011-08-30T13:54:00.000-07:00

One of life's difficult lessons is to learn not to let what others think influence who we are. Sometimes you just simply have to be fearless to hold on to who you are. There are so many influences in our materialistic world. "If I am what I have, and I lose all I have, who, then, am I?" (Erich Fromm) This fearless little lady is made up of bits and pieces of former art, with a face from Tumblefish Studios (Thanks, Marsha!).

Take a Word - Time

2011-08-28T08:14:00.000-07:00

Background is a combination of two from Rubyblossom. I "constructed" the boxes. The fisherwoman's body is from a magazine, her face from Tumblefish Studios, the clock from Jenn U Designs, and the fish from Dover. It took some TIME to put it all together......YUK YUK!

Sunday Postcard - Animal Kingdom

2011-08-27T11:29:00.000-07:00

I took a zetti look at the animal kingdom challenge at Sunday Postcard this week. Bird is a freebie from the ever so generous Terri Karr, animals are from one of my softwares, other bits and pieces from my stash. This was fun! Thanks for stopping by.

Three Muses - Window

2011-08-23T18:20:00.000-07:00

My Muse sort of took over on this one. Don't ask me what the message is!! Background is by MaggieMe and some elements from Holliewood Studios.

Take A Word - Old Fashioned

2011-08-21T09:52:00.000-07:00

Oldfashioned is the word of the week at Take-a-Word. My bicyclist is a freebie from the ever-generous and talented Land of Nod (thank you SO much!). Bicycle and ad were googled. Frame is from my long-ago stash and source is lost in the pages of time. When I was a child, one of my favorite pasttimes was riding my bike down country roads past fragrant fields of new mown hay, with the evening breeze in my face. I wish I could bottle that experience, and take a nip now and then!!

Sunday Postcard - Davinci

2011-08-20T12:36:00.000-07:00

Sunday Postcard challenge this week is Leonardo Davinci. Aside from his painting, Leonardo was known for his inventions and sketches. I've chosen two of his inventions, and a medallion sketch of his fascinating Vitruvian man. I thought they made for interesting page design. Thank you for stopping by!

Three Muses - Hats

2011-08-16T10:59:00.000-07:00

Ann has chosen "Hats" as the theme at Three Muses this week. I've always been partial to the beautiful hatted ladies by Harrison Fisher, who did many illustrations for Cosmopolitan and books in the early 1930's. Books illustrated by Fisher are highly collectible. The image above is a Fisher illustration, and the background is from Flickr Collage Images. Thanks for stopping by!

Take a Word - Celestial

2011-08-14T14:07:00.000-07:00

Deann's challenge word this week is Celestial, so I decided on some celestial cheesecake! I used a couple of photos from NASA, wheels from Maya at SBG, and the lady riding the shooting star is from a vintage magazine cover. Thanks for looking.

Sunday Postcard - Orient

2011-08-13T11:16:00.000-07:00

Sunday Postcard is taking us to the Orient this week. I decided to make my entry into a stamp. Thanks, ladies, for a fun challenge.

Three Muses - Maps

2011-08-08T13:48:00.000-07:00

In May, 1804, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark set out on an amazing expedition across the Louisiana Territory. These true American heroes faced unknown people, harsh conditions and unexplored lands to secure a place in history as two of the world's greatest explorers. The expedition traveled over 8000 total miles over a period of 2 years, 4 months and 10 days. When the expedition reached the Pacific the party voted on where to spend the winter. York, Clark's slave, is allowed to vote, nearly 60 years before slaves in the U.S. would be emancipated. Sacagawea is also allowed to vote, more than a century before either women or Native Americans are granted full rights of citizenship.

Then president, Thomas Jefferson purchased the Louisiana Territory, 820,000 square miles, for $15 million. After interest the final total came to be $27,267,622. That still works out to be only about 3¢ an acre! Thanks, Lewis and Clark!

Credits: All images are from net-surfing. (Any resemblance of Merriweather's body and that of my pirate in an earlier piece is purely coincidental.....)

TAKE A WORD - Faces

2011-08-07T09:46:00.000-07:00

Thomas Browne said, "It is the common wonder of all men, how among so many millions of faces, there should be none alike." Did you ever sit in a busy airport or shopping mall and wonder at the different faces. How can it be they are never replicated? Red, yellow, black, brown, white, old, young, smiling, solemn, yet each a unique individual. One of my favorite quotes is by Anthony Rapp...."There is only one you for all time. Fearlessly be yourself."
Credits: The background for this piece is a Persian carpet, and the faces were found web-surfing.

Sunday Postcard - Pirate

2011-08-06T16:28:00.000-07:00

Avast ye hearties!! The ladies of Sunday Postcard have given us "pirate" as a challenge. My background, body and pirate ship were googled, the face is from a Cornflakes box, the frame is from B. Datema at SBG.
Thanks for stopping by!

Three Muses - Angels

2011-08-02T14:00:00.000-07:00

Angels are thought to be creatures of good and spirits of love. Some believe there are guardian angels who look after us. Isn't that a comforting thought? I like to think angels look after the sweet, pure spirit of children.

Take a Word - Song

2011-07-31T13:52:00.000-07:00

Though I've lived most of my life in the city, I still have fond memories of my rural childhood. There's nothing so beautiful as sunrise, accompanied by bird song. I wish I could again experience those wonderful mornings on occasion, the quiet solitude and the reassurance I'm one of the children of God. The lyrics of "A Morning Song" capture that moment so well. Thank you for sharing my nostalgia!

Theme Thursday - Man

2011-07-28T09:08:00.000-07:00

This is a sort of homage to Stonewall Jackson, a Confederate general during the Civil War. He led the "Stonewall Brigade", made up of units from the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Most elements are googled. Stonewall's photo is from the Library of Congress.

Three Muses - Zettified

2011-07-26T14:57:00.000-07:00

Julia Roberts is one of my favorite actresses. I just saw her in "Larry Crowne" with Tom Hanks. Here she is zettified. What fun, Ann! Great challenge!
Credit: Background and brick wall: Holliewood Studios

Take a Word - Sepia

2011-07-24T13:26:00.000-07:00

The theme this week at Take a Word is "Sepia". The bumblebee (Graphics Fairy) is harvesting honey. I hope it isn't true that his numbers are dwindling for reasons unknown!

Sunday Postcard - Squares

2011-07-23T15:01:00.000-07:00

Squares are the theme at this week's Sunday Postcard. My squares are sure to make your head spin, but it was great fun!

Three Muses - Oriental

2011-07-19T13:16:00.000-07:00

The antiquities of China have always fascinated me -- the Great Wall, the ornate temples, and the wonderful terra cotta soldiers, who guarded their emporer for centuries beneath the soil of obscure farms until they were discovered in 1974 when a farmer was digging a well. There are said to be 8,000 life-sized soldiers, 120 chariots, 520 horses, and 150 cavalry horses, many still buried in the three pits that were discovered, still standing guard since about 250 B.C. Amazing! (All elements were Googled)

Take a Word - Flight

2011-07-17T14:05:00.000-07:00

This young man (a freebie from Land of Nod) looks as if he's giving the matter of flying some serious thought. His feathered friend seems to be giving him encouragement and wise input. The hardest part of being a parent is to allow your children to leave the nest, try their wings, and establish their own flight pattern! Great challenge, Ann!
Credits also to Maya of SBG, and Holliewood Studios.
*****
(If you have a moment, you might like to read my thoughts on growing older in the post below).

Thoughts on Growing Older

2011-07-17T13:59:00.000-07:00

This week Mary Ann Moss (Dispatch from LA) (who has a wonderful blog) asked for thoughts from readers who were in their 70s.   It reminded me of a poem I wrote over 20 years ago, when I was about 55, and I shared it with Mary Ann.   It occurs to me some of you might enjoy it as well.   I may not be as spry as I was when I wrote this poem, but inside I feel the very same as I did then.   When my mother was in her 70's, she used to look out the window at her neighbor lady, who was in her 50's, and called her "that old lady who lives next door". Maybe age IS relative after all!    Thank you for stopping by, and thanks for reading my little rhyme.

     GROWING OLDER

It’s wonderful to be older,
And oh, so very wise…
But I observe I have acquired
Some bags beneath my eyes.

My years of diligent labor
Have made me efficient about the house…
But now, when I look in the mirror,
My knees appear to blouse.

After all my years of practice,
I know quite the proper thing to say…
But I note on close inspection,
My hair is turning gray.

Seniority has its privileges
Of travel beneath foreign flags…
But, when I check my silhouette,
I believe my bottom sags.

When youth defers to me,
I think it’s really sweet…
But, along with that, it’s sad to see
My skin’s begun to pleat.

I’m now loaded with self-confidence
When before a group I speak
But, as I leave the podium,
I hear my joints begin to creak.

Yes, aging has its privileges
And all in all they’re not so bad…
But they would really please me
With that youthful body I had.
***************

Three Muses - Steampunk

2011-07-12T13:55:00.000-07:00

What a fun challenge, Marie. I decided to punk George! Credits to Finecrafted Designs and Google! I've had house guests for most of the past three weeks, so it's good to get back in the swing of things. Thanks for stopping by!

Three Muses - 1920s

2011-07-05T13:24:00.000-07:00

I loved this challenge, Ann! My images are from Flickr Collage Images with a bit of alteration and "tweaking". Thanks for looking, blog friends!

Take a Word - Stars and Stripes

2011-07-03T13:53:00.000-07:00

I cannot think of the Stars and Stripes without thinking of all the young men and women who sacrificed their lives that we might live in freedom, and wondering why men make war. I love the song "Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me". If only........

Three Muses - Stairs

2011-06-28T14:36:00.000-07:00

I have always been fascinated by deserted houses, abandoned barns, and remnants of the past. I wonder what stories they'd have to tell, and how they came to be in their present state. Sometimes they inspire me to write poetry, as was the case with this abandoned stairway to.... what do you suppose? Thanks for indulging me!

Take a Word - Beach

2011-06-26T19:24:00.000-07:00

Credits: Finecrafted Designs or brass; Jen U Designs for bottle; Kubivet for Lighthouse and Bird; Shadowhouse Creations for Bird Brush; and grunge crackle overlay mine own. The little guy in the foreground is my great great nephew. Thanks for looking!

Sunday Postcard - Gnome

2011-06-25T15:45:00.000-07:00

Wikipedia says Gnomes are a fabled race of dwarflike creatures who live underground and guard treasure hoards. Hmmm Do you suppose???
I scarfed this little guy from the pages of a coloring book, colored him with pan pastels, and plopped him in the woods. Great fun!

Theme Thursday - Borders

2011-06-23T07:33:00.000-07:00

My collection of borders is from previous art pieces, the lady's face is from Tumblefish Studios, body from Flickr Collage Images, and the fence from Jen U Designs. This was great fun. Thanks for the challenge!

Three Muses - Quirky

2011-06-21T15:15:00.000-07:00

The background for this bit of silliness is from Joe's Sistah, giraffe from Finecrafted Designs, tiger and monkey googled, bodies Flickr Collage Images, faces from vintage art, hats googled. I know they're overdressed for a safari....but then it wouldn't be quirky otherwise, would it?

Take a Word - Fantasy

2011-06-19T16:01:00.000-07:00

Here's my fantasy....a mystical horse and a beautiful maiden, out for a midnight ride under a butterscotch sky..

Thanks to Finecrafted Designs for background. Other elements googled.

A Journal Page

2011-06-18T17:09:00.000-07:00

I recently treated myself to a set of pan pastels. This journal page is one of my first efforts with these wonderfully fun little pots of color. I have long looked for a method of getting color onto my journal pages without the pages buckling, and this seems to be the solution for me. They don't dry out and they blend beautifully. I was quite proud of my effort, until I opened the journal and realized I'd created this masterpiece UPSIDE DOWN! "Dear Journal.....Mea Culpa...."

Sunday Postcard - Vintage Man

2011-06-18T12:55:00.000-07:00

This dapper fellow looked rather bookish to me, so I placed him in front of a bookshop.
Credit: Finecrafted Designs

Three Muses - Postmark Paris

2011-06-14T17:02:00.000-07:00

A little joie de vivre from my corner of the world for Ann's Three Muses challenge this week. Assembled from web surfing. Thanks for visiting!

Collage Obsession - Ship

2011-06-12T20:03:00.000-07:00

Looks like my ship's come in! I like this to-your-door service. Thanks, Eila, for the challenge.

Take a Word - Insects

2011-06-12T09:42:00.000-07:00

This was great fun. I used a background from Land of Nod, the book pages are from Flickr Collage Images (Jerseybarb), the little insect person is from Kubivet, and the spider and book were in my stash. (I have not invited the ants to visit me, however)!

Three Muses - Exotic Bird

2011-06-07T18:09:00.000-07:00

I hope you'll all bear with me, I seem to be in a bird phase! I found these wonderful bird images at Flickr Collage Images and just had to find a home for them. The lady is from Reusable Art, and the background is from Cinzia at Digichick. Metal corners are from Lorie Davidson at Scrapbookgraphics. Thanks for indulging my fantasy!

Collage Obsession - Time

2011-06-06T15:41:00.000-07:00

The theme at Collage Obsession this week is "Time". I chose to take it down a rather dark route! The background is by Lenabem-Anna, some elements are Finecrafted Designs, others googled. Bird brush is from Skeletalmess. Thanks for the challenge, Tiffany, and thanks blog friends for stopping by!

Take a Word - Stars

2011-06-05T05:51:00.000-07:00

Long ago and far away in the land of my childhood, there were outdoor movies on Saturday nights on the lawn behind the drug store in our little town. My childish heart was captive to a farm boy in the area. I'd spread my blanket, sit down, and as dusk fell and the first star appeared I'd whisper, "I wish I may, I wish I might, have the wish I wish tonight....I wish Willard will come and sit with me tonight". Most times it worked and, as dark fell, he'd settle beside me. Sometimes....sometimes, our hands even touched! So long ago, those innocent childhood days.......
Credits: Flickr Collage Images

Sunday Postcard - Boat

2011-06-04T16:39:00.000-07:00

In my search for something for this challenge, I came across this lovely Longfellow quote. It seemed fitting.
My mother had a dreadful fear of water, which she passed along to me. I've therefore spent little time in boats of any sort. When I think that the hardy 102 souls who came over on the Mayflower, along with the crew of 25-30, spent 66 days on the bounding seas in a boat that was 90-110 ft. x 25 ft. it makes me marvel at their courage.
Shell and starfish credit to Kubivet.   Thank you for visiting.