Saturday, May 29, 2010

To Honor Their Memory

It's Memorial Day weekend in the U.S., and a time to remember those who have given so much, and those who are spending this day serving our country with honor and bravery. This montage is courtesy of Wayne State University.

I'm off for an old-fashioned family reunion picnic in Pontiac, Illinois (on the famous Route 66). Well, the picnic isn't on Route 66, but Pontiac is! See you all Tuesday with my feathers all fluffed after basking in family love!

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Kimmie's Challenge

A new challenge blog by an old friend, Kimmie at Digital Whisper. For this challenge, Kimmie gave us 5 elements to use in any way. Visit her site to see the great entries!

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Three Muses - Cards

So many artists are generous with their talents. In this piece, I've used borders created and offered by Astrid and Norma Frances of the Flickr Collage group. This is such a warehouse of wonderful images and special elements that can be used in our art. The Queen of Spades and jesters also came from those images. The black and white background is by Robyn England, and the flowers from Christina Renee Designs. Thanks for your comments!

This week I lost one of my dearest friends of over 50 years. During our long friendship, we took sewing lessons together, and oil painting classes. For over 30 years we enjoyed a "girls' getaway" with two other friends, when we spent joyous hours in Gatlinburg, Tennesee, shopping or sitting on a balcony over the Little Pigeon River discussing life's happenings while sipping wine or snacking on taffy apples and fudge! Gloria had such talent in her art and crafts, and loved color. I think she might have liked the blast of color in this card. This one's for you, my dear friend. Go well. There will always be an empty chair.

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Mixed Media Monday - Marie


Bits and pieces for this collage of things French are from Flickr Collage images. Marie was googled. Thanks for stopping by!

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Sunday Postcard - Show Biz

I stole Mae West's line for my showgirl in purple. Borders are from my past art. Background is mine. Legs are compliments of Robyn England, I forgot where I got the hat (sorry), and the rest is mine. Fun to put together, Marie! Thanks.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Theme Thursday - Hands

So many ways to go with the challenge of "hands" at Theme Thursday. This is sort of a tribute to the outpouring of caring that follows world disasters, and reminds us that people are innately good.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Three Muses - Relationships

A background by Rubyblossom and one of my own photos comprise this entry for Marie's challenge "Relationships". Nothing brings into focus the special relationship of family more than holding a new baby. This wee fellow is my great grandson, Andrew. Thank you for stopping by!

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Sunday Postcard - Mirror Mirror


Once again I forgot and created my piece in a 6x6 format, then had to figure out how to fit it into a 4 x 6 postcard!! I "borrowed" the cover of a vintage Ladies Home Journal, put my art piece in the middle, and added the phrase at the bottom. The background and mirror are from Kubivet, the trunk from Jenn U Designs, and the lady and wardrobe from Flickr Collage Images Victorian paper dolls (SuzieQ). Best seen enlarged. The script reads "Taking joy in living is woman's best cosmetic", a quote from Rosalind Russell. Thanks for looking!

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Theme Thursday - Butterflies

The Hubble Telescope site has some of the most amazing images. This one is a Cat's Eye Nebula. I just "released" some Dover freebie butterflies into the cosmos to accent it. Thanks for looking!

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Three Muses - Legs

My little Crazy Legs is a freebie from Ragamuffin (thank you!) with a new pair of tights and boots. Background B. Datema, border from Crowabout, tights from Donna Miller, and drapes from Fidlette, submitted to a filter or two. Thanks, Ann, for the fun challenge!

THOUGHTS ON WEDDED BLISS

I attend a Writer's Workshop from time to time. The challenge of Wedded Bliss brought to mind a brief essay I wrote in workshop about my parents. I've decided to share it here.
***
She was never the same after he was gone. In the last few years of their 55 years together, it was he who reminded her of the day, the week, the names of their grandchildren, and the many miscellaneous facts that had faded from her memory as snowflakes disappear when they fall on a warm surface. When he was gone, she spent her days in a gentle state of bewilderment. Sometimes she tried to retain her grasp on time and place. I know this, because I saw written on her calendar "This is today". They're together again now, no longer solitary halves of a pair honed and weathered by time. What a reassuring thought.
***

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Mixed Media Monday - Wedded Bliss

Wedded bliss? Anyone who's been married for a few years knows it's part bliss and part blitz! Divorce is too easy, however, and many couples give up, not knowing if they weather the storms they forge a strong and satisfying relationship. You will be grateful to know that's all the philosophical wisdom I'm going to share from the standpoint of my advanced years!! This piece came together with elements in Flickr Collage graciously shared by Takeabreak, and a gradient background. Thank you!

Saturday, May 8, 2010

Sunday Postcard - Umbrella

I made this the wrong size, and had to fiddle around resizing this to postcard size. Hope that's not too obvious (but of course it is, now that I've pointed it out). Oh well, it's raining here -- and rainy days and Sundays .... well, you know the rest!! Background and umbrella are courtesy of Kubivet. Thanks for indulging me.

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Theme Thursday - Vintage

It's such fun collecting vintage bits and pieces for a vintage collage. Pieces here are from Art-E-Zine, Google, OScraps, CR Designs, Flickr Collage Images, and Bernie Datema. I was impressed with the young lady's waist. Just how tight do you think her corset was laced?! Thanks for the challenge!

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Three Muses - Stars


My father always told me to hitch my wagon to a star, and convinced me I could do no wrong. What a cheerleader he was! This one's for you, Dad! The background and village are mine, the overlay is from Rubyblossom, and the wee lass is from a painting by Jesse Wilcox-Smith. Wagon is googled.

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Mixed Media Monday - Mothers

Mothers come in all varieties, and I've always felt this particular photo is very touching, and speaks volumes. I've blended a background and an image of jungle fabric overlay, along with a border. I'm glad you've stopped by! Thanks for your comments.

Saturday, May 1, 2010

Sunday Postcard - Sewing

I used to sew frequently; not so much any more. I see more and more beautiful fabric art in the blogs, however. My stitchery in this one is digital, with bits and pieces from more than a half dozen of my kit stash. Thanks for the challenge. It was fun!