Adorable

Ireland - from outer space

What is it about Ireland and the Irish that is so celebrated? The newscasters are already talking about the St. Patrick's Day parades, the "wearing of the green". Everyone wants to have a wee bit of Irish in them on March 17. You don't hear that about other nationalities as much. Having some Irish blood on my father's side...have to say I've always liked celebrating in some small way....wearing the green. I used to have a button that I wore that said "Kiss me, I'm Irish"....so where did that come from? You won't find the answer here because I don't know...maybe I'll google it when I finish this post. As a former Catholic...it used to be a day you went to church. An excuse for getting intoxicated is also tied into the day...unfortunately. That aside, look at this photo. The landscape of Ireland is so ...beautiful. When I decided I wanted to post something in honor of St. Patty's day, I started looking for an Irish artist/painting to feature since I love art. And I realized....no Irish artist comes to mind nor did I find a painting to post. Darn!
I think I've mentioned in a previous post the names of some of the dogs we had growing up...they had a "play" on our name, Shea, but were spelled differently....and the dogs were French...poodles to be exact. Touche, Ricochet, Sachet....maybe we should have spelled them Toushea, Ricoshea and Sashea!
I'm proud of my Irish roots and my Cuban roots and my English roots and my Swedish roots.....and everyday I am proud to be an American....because isn't that what we all are? A wonderful blend of cultures. And now that I look at the photo....it would make a great painting!

Tom's Birthday Journal

As Tom's birthday approached, I knew I had to get cracking and make his card...I make him a card every month just because I like to do it. But this wasn't just any card. So, as I sat down at the computer and started looking at photos for inspiration, one thing led to another and his "card" became a 30 page journal....and even that wasn't enough. Tom's birthday journal is really about a wonderful young man following his dream and his dream is to serve in the Marine Corp. A little over a week ago....he took the oath and is now in the Marine Corp Reserves. He will go for training this summer and then complete his senior year of college and then on to OCS. This picture from the journal is that of a pumpkin that I stopped to capture on a stone wall in Easton, Ct last October. And, as you can see, the message is simple and from the heart.

HAPPY 21ST BIRTHDAY!

At 8 pm on March 9, 1988, I checked into Norwalk Hospital to have this wonderful boy. But he held out until March 10 at 2:07 pm. I remember on the drive there realizing it would be the last time I would be part of a "couple" because when we left there....we would have a son. He finally made his appearance as La Bamba was playing on the sound system in the delivery room.
On Saturday, we went to a local restaurant to celebrate this milestone birthday of 21....I could write a dissertation on how proud I am to call him my son but lest I embarrass him too much I just want to wish him a happy life and a very happy birthday.

THE SUBJECT IS "WORDS"

The theme for February for Creative Every Day....is words. I could have put down all of those words that express....feelings....but I decided to take another route....one that I've always been curious about and that is.....where do paint companies come up with the names they give their paints/paint chips??? And are we influenced by those names when we choose our colors or are we beyond that...focused on the color we really want to select whether it's called "chocolate mink" or "lavender lipstick"? Speaking of lipsticks...there is a similarity there as well...I can remember my mother...back in the '50's and her favorite color was...Persian Melon. What color does that suggest to you? My den, where I spend a lot of time....is chili pepper red....and I love it! So....next time you head for the paint store....what's it going to be....how about "banana split!"

Tom & Boomer

Tom came home for a quick visit on Thursday to see the pup and bring his laundry home from school...but he actually did his laundry and I made him a huge pot of chili to take back to share with his roommates. He seems to have less "fur" on the top of his head since I last saw him!

JUST A DOG

My friend, Jan, sent this to me recently. The author is unknown, but I would like to know the person who wrote this and just what their dog or dogs were like. There are those of us who like dogs and those that like cats....not that I don't like cats....but to me, a dog has it "all over a cat". They definitely are a little more work, but they're worth it. I told myself that at 4:11 am today when my puppy was up and ready to eat and play....so here is what the unknown author wrote....it certainly speaks to me.

JUST A DOG

"From time to time, people tell me, "Lighten up, it's just a dog," or, "That's a lot of money for just a dog." They don't understand the distance traveled, time spent, or costs involved for "Just a dog." Some of my proudest moments have come about with "Just a dog." Many hours have passed with my only company being "Just a dog," and not once have I felt slighted. Some of my saddest moments were brought about by "Just a dog." In those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "Just a dog" provided comfort and purpose to overcome the day.

If you, too, think it"s "Just a dog," you will probably understand phrases like "Just a friend,"Just a sunrise" or "Just a promise." "Just a dog" brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy. "Just a dog" brings out the compassion and patience that makes me a better person. Because of "Just a dog" I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the future.

For me and folks like me, it's not "Just a dog." It's an embodiment of all of the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment. "Just a dog" brings out what's good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day.

I hope that someday people can understand it's not "Just a dog." It's the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being "just a man or a woman."

So, the next time you hear the phrase "Just a dog," smile, because they "Just Don't Understand." ~

(Thanks to dogs I've known in my life: Buttons, Ricochet, Touche, Sachet, Gigi, Sam, Charlie Chan, Adolf, Max and my new pal, Boomer).

Thanks for sharing, Jan!

Boomer....

Another photo....
by popular demand!

Valentines

I created these Valentine postcards for my sisters and my son. Doing small projects like this keep the "creative juices" flowing and are so much nicer than a store bought card. The card for Tom includes a photo of a heart shaped box which he made in kindergarten 16 years ago....it was a class project that I did with another Mom. The kids made the boxes out of papier mache and then painted them and glued buttons and glitter and sequins, etc. on the boxes. It was a messy project! The box is very special and I keep it in my art space.

BOOMER - Week 1

Boomer has been here one week today. He is the cutest. We've been to Agway for food....and a toy....can't ever leave Agway without a new toy and we went to the car wash....a big trip for a little pup, but getting him used to riding in the car. Today we went to Petco so I could get a large pen so when I'm not home, he doesn't have to be in his crate...has more room to play. I think he grew 2 inches in one week! You'll be seeing his picture a lot here!

Meet "Boomer," (Boomerang)

This is the latest addition to our household...."Boomer", short for Boomerang. He's an Australian Labradoodle and he is 9 weeks old. I think this name suits him. His birthday is November 30, 2008.

He's really a good boy and so much fun.

After spending at least 6 months looking at all kinds of breeds online, I found "Boomer"right here in CT and it was meant to be. Listen to The Puppy Song...#1 on My Music.

He's home.

Breathtaking

Tom took this photo up at Stowe in VT a couple of years ago. He was in VT skiing this weekend...which made me think of this photo and I thought I would share it. Even though we often get tired of winter and the cold and snow....you have to admit....the beauty of it can take your breath away.

COLOR!

So, it's Friday night and after a long work day....there won't be any creating going on here but this photo is my reminder that I better DO SOMETHING this weekend. I haven't done Tom's January postcard and Valentine's Day is just around the corner. But at least I'm thinking of being....creative. Don't you love the smell of newly sharpened pencils?

The Sycamore Tree

I've driven past this tree so many times....you can see the incredible size of it....I had to stand quite far away to get the whole tree in the picture. This has been quite the winter thus far and I wanted to make sure I had taken a photo of this tree....in case anything happens to it as it's quite old. It sits right at an intersection and in the fall when it's ready to drop leaves....they land all over the intersection! This tree has stood the test of time so I hope I remember to take its' picture when the leaves are on it. Somehow, though, the true beauty of a tree is revealed when you can see it's skeleton. That's my creative activity for today!

Winter View

I don't usually put multiple posts on my blog in one day... I guess I have the time today....but I was working on the art journal pages for today and I glanced out the window at the snow and it was so beautiful. The crocheted valance kind of adds to the look...it was done by a Dutch friend of mine...over 20 years ago....how could it be that long ago...but it is. Quite lovely and special. Cozy day. No need to venture out.

Creative Every Day....

ART JOURNAL PAGES
It's a snowy day here in CT, so what else to do....look at art blogs. So, I came across the wonderful website, Creative Every Day and decided this was just the nudge I needed to get moving....I love to create art, have lots of ideas in my head....so why is it so hard sometimes, to execute them. I read some of the blogs....and it seems like everyone is so ....prolific! How do you do that! So I created these two pages this morning. The portion of the page with the two ladies eating the blueberry cobbler is actually a paper napkin and the art is by Erika Oller....it suited my theme. I'm working on the "healthier me" in 2009...the layout of this post is not perfect....still technically challenged.

Like A Dutch Painting....but not

This picture appeared on the front of the Int'l Herald Tribune and it's the first time in a long, long time that the canals have frozen in Holland. The skaters came out in droves to enjoy this favorite pastime. This photo has the look of an old Dutch Master painting to me.

Andrew Wyeth, An American Icon

Geraniums, a painting by Andrew Wyeth. The son of a painter, the father of a painter, the brother of a painter and an inventor....the Wyeth family are all very talented. Andrew Wyeth was known for painting the land and people in his immediate surroundings. Best known for his painting, Christina's World....who isn't familiar with that painting...and The Helga pictures. He passed away yesterday, but what a legacy he left behind.

Knowing What Your Passion Is....

This is some art work created by Tom when he was in kindergarten. It's a jigsawed wood teddy bear that he colored with markers and, no surprise here.....the bear is dressed in....CAMOUFLAGE! I just find that so incredible. His passion for the military goes back that far. He'll be 21 soon!

There's A Full Moon Out Tonight

I decided I needed to add another post after the last one I just did....so you don't think I've fallen into the abyss....just slightly reflective.

At any rate, Tom left to go skiing in Vt tonight and while he was outside loading up his car, he could hear coyotes howling just beyond the edge of the property....and he started howling at them....and it seemed to go back and forth. He would howl, they would howl back. Rather eery. It upset dogs on the street because they started barking.

There's a full moon out tonight.

GOODBYE 2008

I want to put 2008 to rest. We're already into the new year, but I haven't really, officially said goodbye, or is it good riddance to 2008. Last year on January 6, the feast of the Epiphany, I received my paper "ring" at church with the word "laughter" written in it....At the time, I thought....what a great word to have selected! I journaled about it. But....I never really found the "laughter" in 2008....far from it. So, this year on Epiphany Sunday, I chose my "ring" and my word is...."surrender". That word has so many meanings. What am I surrendering to exactly? It gives me pause for thought.

I really like the movie "You've Got Mail" with Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan...I've seen it many times and watched it over the long holiday. And there is a song, sung by Harry Nilsson in the movie that lingers with me. It's from the scene where Meg Ryan is worried about her book shop closing and wishing her mother were around to ask "what to do".... and the book store has to close. The song is called "Remember" and that's what Christmas 2008 was about for me.

"REMEMBER"
Long ago, far away
Life was clear, close your eyes
Remember is a place from long ago
Remember filled with everything you know
Remember when you're sad and feelin' down
Remember turn around
Remember life is just a memory
Remember close your eyes and you can see
Remember think of all that life can be
Remember--
Dream, love is only in a dream, remember-
Remember life is never as it seems. Dream
Long ago, far away
Life was clear, close your eyes

Dianne's Talent

Christmas is a few days past, and I've already "de-trimmed" my house and put everything away. I can only look at it so long and now I can "start anew"....We consummed a lot of food...Dianne was the master of the Christmas dinner....and the Christmas Eve soup...and pretty much kept things running smoothly in the meal preparations! But I have to share what she's been up to with her beading, because her creations are amazing! This is a cuff bracelet...took many hours to complete. Her first attempt at bead embroidery. The local bead store owners were "ga ga" (is that how you spell that??) over it. I keep telling her to get a blog started to show her stuff...she's the techie, after all!

"Christmas Fair"

It's Beginning To Look Like Christmas

The kitchen is the heart of the home and it's where I start the Christmas decorating. It's where the wonderful aroma of cookies baking in the oven comes from and the scent of evergreens placed here and there. As you get older & reflect on Christmases past...it's the time spent with family and friends, the fun decorating cookies and the meals that were shared that you think about. Although, I will never forget the Christmas that my sister, Dianne and I, got our English Racers. Her bicycle was black and mine was red. That was the best!

I remember wearing dresses with "itchy" petticoats. I remember seeing the presents wrapped in my parents bedroom...the ones that weren't from Santa...and reading the tags to see which ones were for me... I remember Mom setting up the kitchen table with bowls of frosting and sprinkles for the cookies ...which were not only on the table, but on the floor as well. I remember Dad taking us to purchase the tree.

Christmas is all about the memories. I still think Christmas Eve is the best night of the year...it doesn't matter how old you are. Merry Christmas to my family....this one's for you.

Silent Night, Holy Night

Thanksgiving Day

What is Thanksgiving Day without Macy's Parade...the official start of the holiday season!

New Journal Pages

My latest journal
pages, inspired by an interview
I read about a book written by Daniel Pink called AWhole New Mind: Why Right Brainers will Rule the Future. Mr. Pink is a business & technology writer! Being a "right brain thinker, I loved what he had to say.....

Night Birds

This fabric art by Chris Roberts-Antieau is so wonderful! It's full of life and color and just plain fun. I've recently started a new art journal about birds, trees and birdhouses....this "painting" is a real inspiration.

Pumpkins Galore

Letting Go.....

"The Parable of the Trapeze" by Danaan Parry

Sometimes I feel that my life is a series of trapeze swings. I'm either hanging on to a trapeze bar swinging along or, for a few moments in my life, I'm hurtling across space in between trapeze bars.

Most of the time, I spend my life hanging on for dear life to my trapeze-bar-of-the-moment. It carries me along at a certain steady rate of swing and I have the feeling that I'm in control of my life.

I know most of the right questions and even some of the answers.

But every once in a while as I'm merrily (or even not-so-merrily) swinging along, I look out ahead of me into the distance and what do I see? I see another trapeze bar swinging toward me. It's empty and I know that this new trapeze bar has my name on it. It is my next step, my growth, my aliveness coming to get me. In my heart of hearts I know that, for me to grow, I must release my grip on this present, well-known bar and move to the new one.

Each time it happens to me I hope (no, I pray) that I won't have to let go of my old bar completely before I grab the new one. But I know that I must totally release my grasp on my old bar and, for some moment in time, I must hurtle across space before I can grab onto the new bar.

Each time, I am filled with terror. It doesn't matter that in all of my previous hurtles across the void of unknowing I have always made it. I am each time afraid that I will miss, that I will be crushed on unseen rocks in the bottomless chasm between bars. I do it anyway. Perhaps this is the essence of what the mystics call the faith experience. No guarantees, no net, no insurance policy, but you do it anyway because somehow to keep hanging on to that old bar is no longer on the list of alternatives.

Transforming my need to grab that new bar, any bar, is allowing myself to dwell in the only place where change really happens. It can be terrifying. It can also be enlightening in the true sense of the word. Hurtling through the void, I just may learn how to fly.

Melancholy Autumn

Mother Nature

This is the bark on a Birch tree trunk....
fabulous in it's casual design and color.
Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder...
thanks to Mother Nature.

Autumn

O suns and skies
and clouds of June,
And flowers of June together,
Ye cannot rival for one hour,
October's bright blue weather.

Inspired

These are difficult times and I am comforted by this piece that I painted this summer.... the Holy Spirit "Dancing" ....
it makes me smile! The inspiration is from a Celtic blessing...."In the sunlight, watch the Holy Spirit dance....

Rabbit Rabbit, Tibbar Tibbar

Saying rabbit rabbit, tibbar tibbar as the first words you say, on the first day of each month....is supposed to bring you good luck for the rest of the month!

GOOD LUCK!