Art Therapy ATCs

A while ago I had a post about an ATC swap hosted by Gretchen Miller and the Art Therapy Alliance. Well, they are at it again. This time, the lovely Melanie Glassey was the host of the Art Therapy Alliance ATC swap. And this time the theme was "collage unleashed."

A Picasso Album, sponsored by Art Therapy Without Borders, has posted all the submitted ATCs.

Unfortunately, due to the top coat of medium I added to ensure my collage's safe keeping, my ATCs didn't scan well. Thankfully, I took photos of them before sending them off and had the time to make sure there was no reflection/glare.

Here are the 4 I submitted:

(the ^ above was inspired by An'Angelia's collage that I just adore that was part of her summer party. Go check her blog out if you haven't because she is very inspiring and provides prompts and such!)

(PS. Marz, every time I see Royal Mail now, I think of you!)

Post Secret Sunday.

Post Secret is an ongoing community art project where people mail in their secrets anonymously on one side of a postcard. Each week I am filled with anticipation to see which few postcards were selected ontheir blog. I always seem to find one or more that I can connect with. Some even seem like they were written by me and I just forgot I'd done it. Others I connect with in different ways.

This week, I really liked:

Just goes to show that finding a healthy loving relationship makes all the difference. I remember I stopped singing during one of my bad relationships. Funny thing is, I didn't pick it back up when we broke up, but after I met my husband.

And having met my husband, even though there are bad days, I've always found something to be grateful for and enjoy. Plus, I swear, not a single day has gone by where he hasn't made me laugh.

Happy Friday: #4 Netflix and Hulu

My new schedule has me fairly exhausted and slightly overwhelmed. So today's post is short and sweet.

One thing that makes me incredibly happy, particularly when I am feeling tired, bored, needing distraction, procrastinating, happily making art but still able to watch something, in the mood to exercise but don't feel like leaving the house, or when I'm awake but laying in bed, is Netflix and/or Hulu.

I am the proud owner of a Netflix account. For only $14 bucks a month (and no I'm not being paid to advertise... although it would be nice, hint hint Netflix) I get my 2 movies in the mail on rotation PLUS all the freebies of instant que, which I can watch on my computer or through the Roku on my big TV screen.

Since we don't have TV, movies and TV shows available through Netflix are pretty awesome. Oh, and Hulu keeps me up to date on my current shows for free! And free means even better!

Last night, I got to do adaptive healing yoga and an ab exercise video through Netflix. It was the perfect reminder to just take a moment to stop freaking out about getting everything done, focus on the present moment, and breathe. And since I am so out of shape, it will probably continue to remind me of that each time I move today.

Movies are such a great escape from the otherwise fast paced world. I can't wait to finish up work tonight, cuddle with my dearest, and watch the movies that have been sitting on the counter in their little red envelopes waiting for the weekend to officially arrive.

HAPPY FRIDAY!

What is something that makes you happy?!

Wee Bit Thursday

Doesn't have the same ring to it as Wee Bit Wednesday, but I am going to blame the start of school, internship, and my nanny job for making my days a little out of wack!

{one} what was your favorite birthday gift?

My great grandfather was a jeweler. His pieces have been handed down the generations. On my siblings and I's 21st birthdays, my mom gave each of us girls a ring he made. I'm the youngest and I remember being so jealous when my eldest sister got the opal ring and the next sister got a beautiful unshaped pearl ring. But then I turned 21, and I got the ring that meant the most to me and my mom. It's rose gold with a flat rectangular setting (very art deco) and it has a garnet, a diamond, and a sapphire (red, white, and blue). My great grandfather had given it to my grandmother when her husband, my grandfather, went to World War II. When my father, an Air Force pilot, died serving, it was given to my mother. This ring has such significance to me that I have had many dreams of it.

{two} have you ever been cow-tipping or snipe-hunting?

I had to google snipe-hunting. And while that is hilarious, no, I've never done either.

{three} what’s the strangest talent you have?

I'm drawing a blank. I think others would be able to answer this about me better than I could. But for now, since I hate not having an answer I will say it is my crazy aptitude for working with gang members, cons, and other "questionable" populations. ha.

{four} what are your favorite kind of chips?

I'm not that big into chips. I do like tortilla chips with salsa and guacamole, but I think thats because I really like salsa and guacamole!

{five} do you know any tongue twisters?

no. I can hardly speak without getting twisted as is, why torture myself? ha.

{six} what was the last movie you saw in a theater?

penny pinching = very few movies in a theater. It might have been the latest James Bond, like 2 years ago.

{seven} do you collect anything?

nontraditional art supplies, in other words, Junk.

{eight} what is something you wish you were better at?

I think I could use improvement in every aspect. But if I had to choose one thing, I wish I was better at avoiding participating in gossip. It such a dislikable quality.

{nine} what’s the worst habit you have?

probably blogging and reading blogs when I should be doing something "productive". ... err, like right now.

{ten} when you wake up, what is the first thing you think?

"just five more minutes, Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease"

now it’s your turn!

ATCs

Two very creative and inspiring bloggers, Janet and Lee, hosted another swap. Remember my awesome 6x6 collages from Little Messy Missy? Well, that was the first great swap Janet and Lee hosted and I had so much fun making my two collages.

So of course I signed up for this swap too. This time the swap called for two ATCs; one has the theme of summer and one with the theme of fashion.

I must have been off my game some, because fashion just was not working for me. First I came up with this disaster. And while its true that the "sexy" look most models give look either very constipated or like they are about to throw a tantrum, the ATC was just as yucky as her expression.

So I tried again with a little fashion design. -sigh- FAIL. There are days I feel like my art resembles a preschooler's.

Finally I produced this dress and called it a day, because eventually these things do need to get in the mail!

The summer theme didn't cause nearly as much trouble, I guess I was in the flow at this point in the process. And I came up with this radiant sunny girl
These last two made it to Lee, my swap partner; the first two will keep Oscar the Grouch company I think!

Mail overload!

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^My eight year old nephew, Colin, is an art genius. Actually, the kid is a genius all around and has been reading since he was a toddler - seriously. I'm so excited he sent me "Wolf"; it immediately went from envelope to refrigerator, thus the magnets around it.

^ Postcard from Micaela and note from Claire.

The lovely Micaela was so thoughtful to think of me while visiting Baltimore. She loves local artists (me too!) and shared delight in some of our coincidental similarities!

The fabulous Claire sent along this sweet note. It is wonderful to hear how well her life is after facing some stressful months of uncertainty! Claire, my darling, I am so happy for you!

Not only did her note include so many sweet little tidbits, but the envelope also arrived with a baby bump. That's right, my envelope was pregnant with this adorable pin bird! I LOVE IT. So cute.

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My love for writing convinced me to sign up for the Dear Darling Penpals hosted by the lovely Melissa at Oh, My Darling. And I am so glad I did. Look at the bountiful results thus far:

^ Letters from My Dear Darlings Alex, Jill, and Chantele

I'll have a special post this week for you to "meet" my My Dear Darlings.

My Dear Darling Alex's note had a sweetie pie on the back of the envelope. I love details like this!

If you too would like to correspond with such creative and fabulous bloggers please go visit Melissa and sign up. It is still open and the sooner you sign up the sooner your penpals will be assigned! What fun!

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I delight in making new friends and connecting with old friends. But I sure do love getting love from my family too!

^This little piggie is from my Mommy. She is a huge supporter of my life and my academic pursuits, it was nice to have a little card to welcome me home from my trip to take care of my grandparents and to wish my luck on the semester.

^ My aunt sent my hubby and I a shared package filled with books and a cute little glittery purse. She knows I like the extra excitement caused by opening each thing separately.

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Remember my post about the photo hunt for a swap. The images I received came from Tish and Kathleen.

Tish took photos in Florida which included Charles Ringling's grave from the Circus Ringling.

And some folks who appear to have been tight rope walkers at the circus. Tish says, "I just love that great quote! Life IS a circus :)."

The last one shows a decapitated Mary. eep!

Kathleen stated that she visited several cemeteries but that all her photos came from one in St. Louis, Missouri. She included a note which described the history of the cemetery. It was established in 1853; new laws made after the cholera outbreak in 1849 stated that all cemeteries, including this one, had to be made outside of the city. The photos she included:

"slightly creepy" monuments of the Sarpy/Morrison baby cribs.

The General Sherman, famous for setting fire to cities during the American Civil War.

And a headstone that has been used in numerous artworks and re-stylings. I too am intrigued and touched by the heartbroken angel.

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My mailbox is just as happy sending things on as it is consuming letters from others. The comings and goings of mail makes me sigh with happiness.

My mom in Virginia and my nieces and nephews in Texas are each getting this fabulous little postcard from the Buffalo Bill Museum. I liked this postcard and the interesting day associated it with. So I have several more copies for various penpals.

Little notes to my three nephews in Pennsylvania.

A birthday card for sweet Claire. With a mini magnet that reminded me of her and her shoe obsession.

Some silly little notes to introduce myself to My Dear Darling Alex, My Dear Darling Jill, and My Dear Darling Chantele.

^A note to Micaela, and then because sometimes I just can't stop writing, I sent along a postcard too (inspired by our favorite Pride and Prejudice of course)!

Some ATCs for the Art Therapy Alliance, who hosted an exchange based on "Collage Unleashed." You'll see these in a post soon.

And two more ATCs for Lee who organized an exchange based on the prompts "Summer" and "Fashion." I'll post pictures of these in a different post also.

And of course there were photos from the haunting hunt and Buffalo Bill's grave mailed off to my swap-bot partners, Bonnie and Dee.

There were a few cards here and there that I forgot to get a picture of, but by now you are probably praying for this post to be over! ha.

and so it begins

School resumes today.
The start of my third and final year of my masters program in transpersonal counseling and art therapy.
Including many hours of internship and writing a thesis. While still taking classes full time.

I feel a mix of emotions. Including panic, excitement, anticipation, dread, thirst for knowledge, accomplishment, doubt. Its going to be a hell of a ride, but I'm happy to be on it. I already know that it will be worth it, and I'm curious to see what lies ahead of me this year.

Pictures via WeHeartIt

Post Secret Sunday.

Post Secret is an ongoing community art project where people mail in their secrets anonymously on one side of a postcard. Each week I am filled with anticipation to see which few postcards were selected ontheir blog. I always seem to find one or more that I can connect with. Some even seem like they were written by me and I just forgot I'd done it. Others I connect with in different ways.

This week, I really liked:

After spending the week helping my grandparents, this postcard rang particularly close to home. I watched my grandfather and grandmother continue to share sweet moments with each other. "Dears" and "Darlings" were a plenty. Kisses goodnight and goodbye were shared often.

This is particularly sweet if you saw them.

My grandfather is a renal diabetic who utilizes a wheelchair after requiring an amputation up to his knee on one side and a couple of toes off the other (because of his diabetes the blood flow to extremities is a problem). He just had his 11th heart attack (Yea, you read that right... 11th!). He is physically falling apart. He goes to dialysis every other day for failing kidneys. So he is either extremely fatigued from the dialysis that day, or weak and ill the next day from the process (and since he goes every other day this means he is sick and tired every day of the week). He is on the verge of blindness from horrible cataracts. Despite being dependent on nurses to care for him, he is still incredibly smart, sharp, and witty. He still sits in on board meetings through teleconference.

My grandmother is the opposite. Physically she is doing well. She has arthritis and uses a cane, but she can get around fairly independently. But unlike my grandfather, her age is showing in her mind. She has Alzheimer's. She is in between the 5th and 6th stages, so it is getting pretty severe.

However, every night, despite their illnesses. He shakily leans toward her and she remembers him and they kiss goodnight.

It makes me want to smile and cry at the same time.

And I hope my husband and I are so lucky to have each other by our sides when we reach that stage in life. I hope we always hold onto our playfulness. In sickness and in health. In youth and in old age.

Warm, Fuzzy, and Honored beyond measure

(this post was originally written on Monday while I was traveling, but for some reason the pictures wouldn't load. So now as I am traveling back home... it will give you something to read! I'll try catching up on blogs and comments soon.)

One of the main reasons I started blogging was the inspiration I found on other blogs. With comments a fabulous artists' dialogue begins. While my busy schedule means I haven't been producing much artwork myself, I so love stopping by other blogs to see what my creative friends have been up to. Occasionally I am honored by the fact that my interactions with these fabulous people has led to some of their AMAZING artwork.

Just yesterday, Sung-Hee Regina Hong posted artwork created from the thoughts she had around my comment on a previous post, "It is still an image with its own voice demanding to be created." Look what she took my simple comment and made it into:

Oh my! I am so honored to be a part of this process. I am in love with this piece! Like - so in love I can't find the words to describe it. Sung-Hee Regina Hong has her own thoughts around this piece, and I encourage you to read them.

Another talented blogger I follow become friends through the artist blog hop (see the links at the bottom of my blog) is Kelly. I am often inspired by her in my attempts to begin art journaling. So I was very excited and honored when she was inspired by my blog name. It inspired her to use peacock blue and come up with this lovely Peacock Blue Girlie:

Wow. Is she fabulous or what?! I love the shades of blues. While Kelly would say this is new for her since she likes Earth tones, I am in love. And the mask! The feathers! The Vine! the "Bliss"! Did I mention that I'm in love?!

I feel so very honored to be a small part of Kelly and Sung-Hee Regina Hong's artwork. I wish I had the money to offer to buy them, as they are both really fabulous pieces of work. Things like this are great examples of why I love the blogging community so much! It is wonderful to have my voice heard. It is equally as great to hear your voices. And I do so appreciate the dialogue that begins between us all.

So, feeling all warm and fuzzy, I bid you a good day!

xoxo,

stuck in limbo

I'm frustrated. I've traveled since infancy and probably at least once or twice a year I've been on a plane. This is my second time EVER missing a flight (other than when it is the airlines own fault). All 4 of my alarms did not go off early this morning - apparently on my phone if it is the weekend, you have to push a different button for the alarms to work. CRAP.

I've had to try to get on multiple flights since then, they are all full.

I just want to get from one picture to the next.
Hopefully I will soon. I'm crossing my fingers the next flight has one open seat for me...

Meanwhile, I am trying to not wallow in the bitterness and find the positives to being in limbo for a little longer - I need to stop and remember that the present moment is a beautiful thing and I should stop wishing it away. -sigh-

But that last photo looks so nice...

images via WeHeartIt

Post Secret Sunday

Post Secret is an ongoing community art project where people mail in their secrets anonymously on one side of a postcard. Each week I am filled with anticipation to see which few postcards were selected on their blog. I always seem to find one or more that I can connect with. Some even seem like they were written by me and I just forgot I'd done it. Others I connect with in different ways.

This week I really liked the visual dialogue these offered: