Take a Word - Purple & Turquoise

I'm late posting this, but I wanted to try the colors Marie has suggested.   The quote is by Benjamin Franklin, and I do so believe life is all about our choices.   Wishing you ALL the happiest of new years and all good things in the year to come!

Three Muses - Queen of Hearts

What a fun challenge, Marie!    My "queen" is a composite of random "stuff" with one of my sketches for her head.   I must say she is a wonan ahead of her time -- she looks as if she belongs in February for Valentine's Day!   Oh well....

Take a Word - Moo

These little mini-arts are fun to do for a change.   I made three with varied themes!!  Thanks for stopping by.

Three Muses - Textures & Layers

This winterscene has an overlay from Lenabem-Anna, another of snow, and addition of one of my hand-crafted Santas, along with a couple of filters and a border from  my stash.    Great challenge, Ann!

Take a Word - Season

However you celebrate the holidays in your world, blog friends, may the spirit of kindness and love envelop you and your family.   'Tis the season!  

Three Muses - Gothic Arch

Ann challenged us to create a gothic arch and use a touch of red.   This piece is inspired by the work of Vickie Newfield.   I've used various googled images, a John William Waterhouse lady, and a crackle overlay.   Thanks for stopping by!

Take a Word - Mail

Mail is the appropos theme at Take-a-Word this week.   Time to be addressing those Christmas cards!   Here's mine to my blog friends everywhere!

Three Muses - Hat

This serious little lady wears her hat square on her head, and I'll bet she approached life just the same!  She looks like a formidable opponent at any rate.
Credit to B.Datema at Scrapbookgraphics for the framing, PixeldustPhotoart for the overlay,  and Morning Glory Antiques for the image. 

Take a Word - Fish

FISH is the word at Take A Word this week.   I took a flight of fantasy, just for fun.   Background credit to PixeldustPhotoart, passenger to Finecrafted Designs, flying fish was googled, and frame credit to B Datema at Scrapbookgraphics.  Thanks for looking!

Three Muses - Eyes

Marie has chosen eyes for our theme this week.   I went for stark simplicity!    The eye belongs to that English model of a generation ago -- Twiggy.   Thanks for having a look!

Take a Word - Angels

There have been times in my life I've felt angels are watching over me.  Yes, "there be angels among us"!   I think they're watching over me now, as I prepare to close one chapter of my life and start another!   Here are a couple, compliments of Kubivet, with background credit to B.Gilbert.   Thanks for stopping by!

Take a Word - Pink

Credit for the "munchkin" to Jesse Wilcox-Smith, the rest googled.    Thanks for stopping by.

Three Muses - Mask

Maquerade! Paper faces on parade
Masquerade! Hide your face so the world will never find you
Masquerade! Every face a different shade
Masquerade! Look around, there's another mask behind you.

The lyrics are from Phantom of the Opera.    If we admit it, we all hide behind masks of one sort or another at times in our lives....masks to hide our vulnerable selves.   Credit for the image to Vintage Resources, and for bits and pieces to Oscraps and Irene Alexeeva and Scrapartist.  Background by Tangie Baxter. Thanks for stopping by!



Take a Word - Steampunk

Credit to Maya at Scrapbookgraphics for various elements, others are googled. 

Three Muses - Time

Time is very much on my mind, as I sort through the accumulation of "stuff" in the 24 years I've lived in my present home.   It is a nostalgic trip through time, photos of baby grandchildren who are now in college; myself competing in a Toastmasters speech contest MANY years ago,  letters received and copies of letters written at certain times in my life.   I am eager to enter the newest chapter of my life, sharing a home with my son and his wife......if only I can get rid of all my "stuff" !!   The quote, of course, is from the Bible, Book of Ecclesiastes.   My time on the blogs is hit and miss, as there seems so much to do.   I hope to find time to comment on all the beautiful time pieces I'm sure will appear this week!

Three Muses - Wicked

If you see any resemblance to Munch's "The Scream" it just might be you're correct!    Personally, I avoid this street.   How about you?

Take a Word - Rose

The words are, of course, the lyrics from Bette Midler's song "The Rose".   I've always loved the way they depict the promise of tomorrow.   Thank you for visiting!

Three Muses - Vintage

What would today's mothers say if they had to wash by hand and iron such clothes for their children?   No doubt the children were threatened with dire consequences if they got dirty, and maybe that's why they always look so somber!   Credit for my open book to Maya at Scrapbookgraphics, and elements credit to TTS, which no longer exists, I think.  Thanks for stopping by!

TAW - Crime Scene Poster

I've always been fascinated by the lore of the curse on those who disturbed King Tut's tomb.   Cobras were said to be the guardians of the tombs, and on the day the tomb was opened, Howard Carter's pet canary was swallowed by a cobra.   Coincidence?  Perhaps.  Within weeks, Lord Carnovan (who financed Carter's exploration) died after being bitten by a mosquito.  There are many versions of the demise of various members of those involved in the exploration.  Most stories are said to be products of over-zealous journalists of the time.  Nonetheless, they make for an interesting story!

Three Muses - Ocean

On occasion, I feel just like this fellow,  all dressed up and out of my element.   Yes, it's true, sometimes life's a beach!
This fine fellow is constructed of bits and pieces from Flickr Collage Images.    Thanks for stopping by to visit!

TAW - Balloons

Balloons with a seasonal flare!   The "balloonist" is my creation, the balloons are googled.  Thanks for stopping by!

Three Muses - Quote

Some elements here compliments of Cemerony.   I'm late posting, but life is a bit hectic right now!  Thanks for visiting.

Take a Word - Manuscript

Thank you, Sim, for introducing me to the term palimpsest, which I had not heard before.   My manuscript is a letter written by Galileo in 1609, so it seemed only proper to include a likeness of Galileo and some heavenly bodies to accompany it.   All googled.  

Three Muses - Bird

It appears these two are trying to decide who has the best headwear!!   The lady is a freebie from the most generous Terri Kahrs.  The bird is from Karen's Whimsy.    Thanks for stopping by!
As an addendum, keep me in your thoughts, blog friends.   My son and wife and I have bought a lovely home together, and I am sorting a lifetime of "stuff" and getting my home ready to put up for sale.  This is a momentous time in my life which I approach with joy and anticipation,  but the logistics of making it happen are a bit overwhelming!   I have lived my life in joyous chapters,---my married life, my widowed single life, my retired and independent life, and now the next chapter of being a cherished (thank you, God) elder free of the cares of maintaining a home.  Our new home just happens to have a wondrous den with a huge L-shaped desk and built-in cabinets and shelves which will be my Bev-cave for creating art.  How blessed am I!   Thanks for your thoughts and prayers!!

Take a Word - Blue

The beautiful lady in blue is  a Terri Kahr's freebie, her bouquet is Googled.   When I saw the challenge "once in a blue moon" came to mind.   Thanks for stopping by!

Three Muses - Autumn

In the autumn of my childhood, the air was crisp and clear, Vs of gees were flying South overhead for the winter,  the fields hummed with farm equipment busy with harvest,  and the yard boasted one of mother's favorite fall displays---a shock of corn in the midst of pumpkins and gourds.   We always took a trip to the apple orchard for mother to purchase apples for the winter, some to can for pies and some to store in the storm cellar where shelves were lined with canned garden bounty, and there were bins for potatoes and apples.  I loved the apple barns, where bushel baskets of a variety of apples released their sweet fragrance, and there were always free samples of sweet cider.   Happy memories.
Credit for the boy with wheelbarrow goes to Jesse Wilcox-Smith, and the quote is by Robert Schuller. 
(I'm posting quite early, since I'll be gone for the rest of today).   Thanks for stopping by!

Take a Word - Zetti

I never seem to be able to achieve what I consider "true" zetti, but I sure have fun trying.  Background here credit to Tangie Baxter, and the zettigirl is a figment of my imagination.  Thanks for your comments!

Three Muses - Turquoise

Ann has chosen turquoise for this week's challenge at Thrfee Muses.   I went for serenity and peace!  Thanks for stopping by.

Take a Word - Hearts and Flowers

Well, I got the hearts and flowers, but somehow it turned out looking like Autumn, which is what is approaching in my world, as Spring approaches in the land "down under".   Elements are from Scrapbookgraphics, and image is a freebie, I can't remember from where.   Thanks for stopping by.

Three Muses - School Days

I attended a one-room country school, grades 1 through 8, at a time when they were fading from the scene.   I have fond memories of those days, and Mr. Zehr, our teacher for 7 of those years, who somehow managed all subjects in all grades while being coach and playground supervisor, drama teacher for our holiday programs, and pianist for our morning renditions of America the Beautiful or other patriotic songs.   I owe him for my love of the written word, and for reinforcing the morals and values of my parents.   He was a great influence in the lives of those of us who attended Columbia School, Livingston County, Illinois in those days of long ago.   This collage, elements from Flickr Collage Images, is a tribute to those days.  Thanks for stopping by. 

Take a Word - Numbers

If you're looking for this to make sense, don't!   It's just a random gathering of elements from Scrapartist and Scrapbookgraphics, an experiment in page design.   It was great fun!   Thanks for your comments.

Sunday Postcard - Doors

The next time you're in the woods, be alert for fairy doors!    My tree is from DeviantArt (Witchycraft), the doors from my stash, and the fairy from Lorie Davison at Scrapbookgraphics.  Thanks for stopping by!

Three Muses - Masculine

This week's theme is Music.   My musician is courtesy of My Daguerrotype Boyfriend, all else from net surfing.   Thanks for stopping by!

Take a Word - Time

The thene this week is Time, and don't we all marvel at the passing of time!.   Credit to Jenn U Designs for the clock parts.  The quote snippet is complements of the ever generous Elizabeth Golden.   Thanks for stopping by.  I'd talk more, but I don't have .... time ....  (Sorry, couldn't resist!)

Sunday Postcard - Comic Character

Remember the undying love of Popeye and Olive Oil?   Sigh.   She was his woman, and he was her man!!

This was a fun challenge!   Thanks for stopping by.

Three Muses - Black and White

I've had houseguests for a week, and haven't had time for art, so (again) I decided to post a spread from my Sketchbook Project journal for this year.   I guess the fleshtone of the faces will have to serve as the dollop of color!    Thanks for looking.  (The faces are copies of newspaper cartoon caricatures).
If you're interested in the Sketchbook Project, check here  http://www.arthousecoop.com/sketchbookproject/

Take a Word - Tattered

I've had houseguests this week, and no time for art.  I'm participating in the Sketchbook Project 2013 this year, and I decided to post this photo of a spread from that journal for this week's Take A Word challenge..   This page is done in pan pastels, and for some reason they don't scan true to color.  Sorry about that!  The images are ATC size, and tucked into pockets.    If you're not familiar with the Sketchbook Project, have a look.  It's an exciting and fun project.  You might like to participate!
http://www.arthousecoop.com/projects/sketchbookproject

Take a Word - Wings

I've always thought the guy angels must feel a little silly wearing wings.   I couldn't resist having a bit of fun with the challenge.   He's mine, all mine, such as he is, except for his wings, which are credit to Create Wings Designs.   Thanks for stopping by!

Sunday Postcard - Travel

The folks at Sunday Postcard have chosen Travel as the theme this week.   I have a "thing" for vintage autos, but I can't remember where I got this one.   The driver is a figment of my imagination, and the map is from an old calendar.   Thanks, ladies, for a fun challenge!

Three Muses - Strawberries

Couldn't resist having a little fun with this week's theme.....well, a lot of fun actually.   I hope everyone else had a good time with it too.    Thanks for stopping by!

Collage Obsession - Oriental

For 2200 years, beneath a field in China, 8000 terracotta warriors in full battle regalia guarded the tomb of Qin Shi Huang, the first emporer of China. Villagers digging for a well in 1974 discovered this astounding archeological site. Each warrior is about 6 ft tall, and no two are alike. They are accompanied by horses and wooden chariots, as well as other artifacts. Who knows what mysteries might be buried beneath our feet?

Take a Word - Memories

I had fun with this, foraging for ephemera and a treasured old photo, taken in about 1943 or so.  In the background is the one-room school I attended.  My friend, Kenly, and I have "Old Kate" hitched to a home made wagon, taking a cool drink to the men working in the field.   My life encompasses a quantum leap from a time before electricity and indoor plumbing to my life of comfort in a large city today.  Oh my, how times have changed!   Thanks, Deann, for occasioning my trip down memory lane!

Sunday Postcard - Quirky

This should be quirky enough!    Background, border, and "lovely" sign-carrier are mine....and what a fine time I had!

Three Muses - Window

The lovely image is from Moonlight Journey, the window from Jenn U Designs, and the newsprint from Maya at SBG.   Thanks for stopping by.  Your comments are appreciated.

Collage Obsession - Orange

I haven't participated here for a while, but decided to "avvago" at orange.   Credit for the mask to Kubivet.  All else mine.   Thanks for stopping by!

Take a Word - Butterflies

My wee beauty is from World's Greatest Photos, Monarchs have been in my stash for so long I've lost the source.   I love the sweet look of wonder on her face.    Thank you for visiting us!

Sunday Postcard - Sports

In the midst of this interminable drought and heat, my thoughts turned to a "cool" sport.   Ahhh, it makes me feel refreshed just to think of it!   My skier is from Flickr Collage Images (Plaisanter).   Thanks for visiting!

Three Muses - Steampunked

I'm sure this distinguished old gent would be horrified to find himself steampunked.....then again, who knows?  There are "a million stories in the naked city"! 
Credits:  Finecrafted Designs and Maya at SBG.   Thanks for stopping by!  Your comments are appreciated.

Take a Word - Messy

Oh my goodness, this was fun!   Thanks to Rian for a unique challenge.   Credits here to Finecrafted Designs, my stash and Google.

Sunday Postcard - London

Sunday Postcard chose London for their theme this week.   As things are gearing up for the Olympics it's a timely theme.   I tried to put the Olympic torch as an overlay in this piece.   Great challenge!
Credit: Finecrafted Designs