How Great The Art

Then in the beat of a heartbeat, (well, really two) our whole world changed.  Our world became a whirlwind.  We lived in the town where we went to high school.  We owned two homes in town and the one we lived in had a pool.  Our children were involved in every recreational sport they could join.  And, there was chorus, band concerts, and school plays to attend.  It was the good life.  I remember how emotional I would get at many shows.  I cried like a baby the first one.  Their recorder concert was another story.   Out of anyone in my family, I knew my dad would really enjoy it.  He was in the middle stages of Alzhiemers and I had to get up several times to bring him back to our seats.  That was the last show he attended.  We lost my dad when my children were eleven.  My mom and brother joined us every holiday.  We rarely went out unless we could walk there, and be close by.  And, we would go to fundraiser...

The longest car ride we took, was after I graduated college in the late eighties.  We were ready to start a family without much success.  I had surgery and had the worst cast scenario.  I had endometriosis and my fallopian tubes were completely full of scar tissue and weren't functioning.  It was a long surgery and the Doctor was able remove all the scar tissues on all of the organs.  But, I was put on a drug for six months and during that time it would be impossible to get pregnant.  So, construction work had come to a grinding halt.  And, believe it or not we were dreading another summer in house across the street from the beach.  It was loud, our neighborhood was obnoxiously rowdy and all the joy was gone.   We came up with a plan to buy a pop up camper and then sell it when we came back.  And, it was very easy to find tenants to rent our house out for the summer.  We had already taken a train and flew cross county that year...

In times of trouble, it is always good to know and feel like everything will get better.  This week my posts are about music and how it helped me through each decade of my life.  I am on my third decade.  This was probably the most stormy time of my life, but brought me the most rainbows.  At this point, I feel more control of my life.  But, there are times I can't control.  And, to deal with those times, it always involved a long car drive.  I remember when I looked to buy my first car.  I saved my money, and had my dad look with me.  It had to have a working radio, and I remember him vividly saying that is the last thing you should care about.  Well, that car needed a new engine and went through a can of oil every week.  But, it got me back and forth to a college three and a half hours away. But, anyway there is nothing to this day, that clears my mind like a car ride.  When I took a drawing class in the second round of co...

Listening to songs and painting is one of my favorite ways to start my day.  Especially, listening to songs that shaped my life.  I think attending shows in person were  life changing moments for me. My first concert was the Eagles.  But, it was pretty scary.  It was the last concert at Roosevelt Stadium, because of a shooting.  They were going to tear the stadium down.  So, there was a lack of security, inadequate rest rooms and an overall feeling of no one caring what happened to that place.  It was a mess.  I was mortified entering the rest room, and someone was actually squatting on a sink to go to the bathroom.  Then there were the many times we would go to local bars, to enjoy the bands.  Being underage, I was always afraid of getting caught.  Then there was the biggest and best bar with all the best bands and they were really strict about not letting anyone underage in.  But, then there was the fear of being drug...

I don't know about you, but I love the change of seasons.  But, the last few years,getting from January until Easter has been really challenging.  A couple of years ago, I would listen to music and paint from what I imagined,  as I heard the music.  I chose happy music, so the image would make be feel happier.  I love google home for this.  So far, out of all the Artists I ask google to play the Beatles is the best mix of music.  When I break my life down to decades, I am pretty blessed that this was the dominant music played on the radio, especially the first decade.  Their music was all about love, love, love.  This particular song Here Comes the Sun was played first and foremost every time we opened the store each morning.  Glen, especially made a point of playing this song.  I also, used this song when I was painting when the only light we had during the weeks of no electricity, after Superstorm  Sandy.  It is a ver...

So, the weeks are long, but go by so fast.  And, it doesn't matter what the weather is, but rainy days can really get you down.  The news is awful, and grim.  Your vision for the future begins to dim.  But, then you wake up to a sunny day.  And, say ok!  Ok, another opportunity to make the best of this day. How will I use today for the better.  It was really fun thinking about Disney, all last week.  I did get four scrapbooks finished from using old Disney covers.  I have pictures sorted to make an album each for Kaylyn and Ian.  I will have fun dropping off scrapbooks to two people this week.  I realized really how much music effects my mood.  If I am having a bad day inside, I do go out and take a ride and listen to music.  It helps ground me.  Yesterday, I came home and started the book:  Lettering for Relaxation.  These are the first two pages.  I can't wait to use all the different pens I reali...

I am ending our week in Disney with this picture of how most days ended at the park, when Ian and Kaylyn were toddlers.  The best part of the entertainment was how it would make everyone happy.  Ian didn't like the rides as much, but he loved the parades, live shows and movies.  The Muppet Experience was his favorite.  Ian and Kaylyn have both enriched our lives with their love of music and performing.  When Ian was in eighth grade, he joined the high school band.  They were going to Disney that year, and we were very excited to go witness this.  It was so much fun.  We were able to spend time with family from Florida and catch up with our own high school classmates.  Then there was the next trip, when he was was the drum major, and he lead the band walking backwards through Walt Disney World and Universal.  That last trip Glen and I would stay at the Swan, which we could enter at Epcot.  What a great experience that it is, to be...

The last few months have been a whirlwind.  Thinking of my daughter as a new mother brought all kinds of new emotions into my life.  With my mom, not doing too well it became pretty tricky trying to deal with it all.  I think one of the most challenging times, was being down in Maryland.  While feeding my new grandson, I got a call my mom was brought to the hospital.  I heard a quote that went something like if you are going through a lot of losses, think of a tree.  Think of the leaves they lose, and then spring brings new growth and renewal.  So, looking forward to Spring, I thought that might help.  I started thinking of my roots and my foundation and how strong that makes me.  I went to bed thinking I was really strong.  Then the next day life slapped me in the face.  Every aspect I was going through, more loss then I care to talk about.  I couldn't really take it, and I  felt weaker then ever.  And, I realized...

Approaching life as if you are on an amusement ride, is how I have been handling life, lately.  It has it's ups and downs and how you find joy in the downs is just as important.  I remember the first time Glen and I put Kaylyn and Ian on a ride and the ride started and took them pretty far away from us.  I sort of panicked.  I realized this was the farthest they were ever away from us.  Were they going to try to jump out,  do they like it, are they having fun, and why does the pit of my stomach hurt?  Then the ride came towards us and they had huge smiles on their faces as they approached.  What a relief.  Then as they got older it became harder and harder to just watch. Especially, Kaylyn she wanted to get on everything as soon as she was tall enough.  I would still get that stomach ache watching her, and then I decided to start going on the rides with her, instead.  Because, just watching and being on a ride is a whole differ...

I know I am really lucky.  Because, each time I look at pictures from a Disney trip, I think that was the best time ever.  I love the idea of a group of adult friends enjoying Disney together.  Talking to one of my friends at work led to this trip.  Talking to another friend led to having breakfast with the Princess's in Cinderella's Castle.  At this point I had been to Disney about a half of a dozen times.  I didn't even know there was a restaurant in the Castle.  I love everything about the Castle.  The trip where my daughter and I arrived by ourselves and stayed in hotel on property was the one of the best. We stayed at Port Orleans and you could take a boat to the Ferry to Fantasyland.  As we approached the Castle I was overcome with emotion.  I got chills, my legs got weak and I thought I was going to cry.  I always am at awe at the courage it took to build this place.  And, appreciate all the joy it brings to the mas...

This vacation, Glen planned the entire trip.  It was one of my favorites.  We had Las Vegas as our base, horseback riding at Red Rock, visited the Grand Canyon and rented a car to go to California.  I never thought I would ever end up at Disneyland.  So, I was very happy and the kids were a great age for this trip.  Once, children start school it is difficult to plan trips to Disney.  Because, the parks are so busy during school breaks.  This was probably the last summer before they both started working, also.  Once they entered High School, they started working ,and became active in band and Drama, it was impossible.  Except, when Ian marched with the High School band in Disney World, we went each time to witness that.   One day was enough for Disneyland.  It is much smaller and compact then Disney World.  We spent most of out time in the California Park.  We were able to go on Soarin' before it went to Epcot in Florid...

First and foremost I find having a purpose is the most important factor getting through a day when you are labeled non-essential.  You know you are important, but in order for you to contribute to stopping the spread the virus, you must stay home.  We thought this would be a couple of weeks and now we realize it will be more.  And, the light at the end of the tunnel has dimmed already.  Knowing that so much is going to change when the cages are opened.   So, what I find helpful during times I struggle with being positive, is finding my purpose.  And, most times that means using my imagination.  I need to be inspired.  I need something to change my mood.  When I was very young and I was sent to my room.  I would storm off crying.  I would punch my pillow and, wallow in the thought of life being so unfair.  I would start looking around me and at the pictures I had thumbtacked to the wall.  I would eventually get my re...

Hoping you all had a good week.  We ate take out almost all week.  So, I would have time to set the table.  Are you being kind to yourselves?  This is a time like no other.  I have had this attitude this week, of trying to stay focused on the good. I have been using the good dishes and my waterford.  If not now, when will I use it?   It really helps.  Yesterday, was a good example.  I set out to start new projects for this week. So, I spent the morning putting together everything I would need.  Before I knew it, it was 12:30 in the afternoon.  I ate my lunch and started the project, but wasn't very motivated and then it was 4pm and I didn't get my walk in.  So, I decided to try a video of a site I just found.  I loved it!!!  I am so happy I found something I will follow through and do.  The music is great and one of the songs is my favorite.  I was just talking about the song on Facebook within the hou...

I was so excited to come home and complete this the other day.  So, all of the shells were collected on my walk on Wednesday. I did the painting in 2018.  I had challenged myself in 2018 to listen to a song, and write with watercolors a verse and paint of picture from my mind.  I used really good watercolor paper.  But, in the end I just had a new pile of stuff I didn't know what to do with. I will still use it for scrapbooking.  I also love the thought of using it in the shadowboxes. I used to only pick up seaglass.  But, I am not finding much anymore.  I found a lot of the little shells that are called mermaid toe nails by some.  They are so pretty and reflect a lot of different colors in the sun. I know we are only supposed to be out for essential travel.  But, I really think sunshine and breathing in the sea air is essential for good health.  The news yesterday was encouraging.  But, as time goes by more freedom is taken aw...

Yesterday was such a good day.  It came after a poor night of sleep, but it ended pretty well.  The first surprise was the weather report said:  Partly cloudy with showers.  By noon, there wasn't a cloud in the sky and it was in the mid-fifties.  This time of year that would mean it would be cooler at the beach.  It was a perfect day for a walk on the beach.  I collected some shells to use in projects and knew just what I was going make with them.  I was happy with the two mile walk and what I gathered.   This framed piece is a painting I did in March 2018, and what I gathered from my first beach walk this Spring.  I wrote on the back the dates.  The stones I found and the feather is covering a stone that says Soul Driver.  I song I heard the day I went for a walk.  I have never heard it before.  Since, I drive Kia Soul, it is becoming one of my favorites.   I came home and worked on another one of these f...

One of my goals was to buy frames, for artwork and family photographs.  I didn't want to spend much money and I wanted a certain kind of frame.  My mom had a bunch of little things, I didn't throw away.  So, going back three years I was thinking I wanted shadowbox frames to mix with the photographs.  Also, I would like to do the same with shells and stones, I pick up on my beach walks.  And, lastly, I wanted to frame my felting projects from April Cornell .  When, I was still working a few weeks ago, I stopped at Whole Foods.  As I was loading my trunk, I looked at A C Moore.  And, the one who has only been open for one year had a sign up.  Final days, 90-95% off everything.  Well, that should mean something good for me.  But, I am trying to get rid of as much as I can.  I made a point of not using a cart and buying only what my arms could fill.  I mainly wanted to buy some fake flowers for some filler on my patio....

Dear Chocolate, First of all, I would like to thank you.  Thank you for always being there for me.  Whether, it is to celebrate a holiday, share with customers and co-workers or help me in I a time of need for comfort.  You are always there for me.  I tried to give you up for Lent this year.  It got off to a rocky start, when I realized I had a hot chocolate at Cafe du Monde in New Orleans.  But, that might have been the best hot chocolate I had in my life.  I had a bunch of candy in my bag for the airplane ride and did better not eating that.  I made it through for a while, and then there were the chocolate chip cookies.  Oh, and I left the girl scout cookies at the store, so I wouldn't be tempted.  But, then came the threat of a lock down.  So, the cookies came home and those thin mints and tag alongs were gobbled up in a minute.  I didn't bring anything in the house for awhile.  But, then driving by dairy quee...