Farewell to 2011

What an incredible year it has been.  Feel grateful for friends, family and a true sense of purpose! I wish the same for you in the New Year. Blessings and love!

Lisa & Lola

I finished this Christmas Eve, delivered it Christmas morning, with the paint still wet. Lisa was very surprised, as this painting has been sitting half forgotten and unfinished in my studio for longer than I care to admit. My husband was the one to urge me into the studio saying, "Just get it done!" He has more faith in me than I do sometimes!                                                                                        





Merry Christmas

Wishing for you

 a full heart,

a peaceful heart,

                                        love in your heart

                                         in whatever way

                                 you celebrate the season.

1 Day

As the anticipation and expectations rise, may you find peace in this day.



2 Days

I've been invited to see an IMAX 3D movie with kids and grand kids today? Can I be as excited as if I were headed to the studio? After all, the studio is a safe haven, always there for me.

3 Days

I'm working today but then will have 3 lovely days to enjoy my family. A special time also to reflect on the past year, on each area of my life, where expectations were not realized, where goals were met. I like to use an illustrated journal to do this, filled with inspiring quotes I find, images I like or make right on the page. Maybe I will post at the beginning of each month a page from the journal. I'm thinking out loud...

4 Days

Some of the ladies from The Portsmouth Arts Guild  volunteered to wrap gifts at the local Barnes&Noble. We brought brochures about the Guild and our Spring classes brochure.

 

Dinner last night with husband, 4 kids and 2 grand kids! Now that's joy. Little ones remarkably well behaved, toasting love to each other.

5 Days

When I made this collage I used the famous blue from a Tiffany ad, but cut the letters from an image that looks like rubble. I'm thinking that the little blue box won't ever fill the vessel that longs for love, human touch, and kindness. That's what I wish for each of you today.

6 Days

Today my son comes in from San Francisco where he has founded a design company. Check it out. Seth Quest. Can't wait to see you!

7 days

A few years ago my sister and I decided to change things in the gift giving department. What do we need anyway? So now instead of exchanging gifts and buying for our husbands, we all contribute and Adopt a Family  through our local Child & Family Services. It's a tradition for us now.

9 Days, oh no, it's really 8 days

Checking dates, see that I'm off by a day on my countdown to Christmas. Hence, the correction. I am at peace with myself, even when I make mistakes. Mistakes link me up with the rest of  humanity.Yes!

10 days

The guys went up to the mall Wednesday afternoon. They said it wasn't too bad, ie. crowded. I'm not much of a shopper and didn't feel like I had missed anything. However, let me loose in a nice art supply store and that's another story.

11 Days

When I made this card I wanted to convey how one can find peace, and be at peace when in a crowd, when chaos surrounds us, when the world doesn't feel peaceful. It's an inside job, and I like that.

12 days



I wanted to share the cards I collaged, wishing I had time to paint,but knowing I will be back in the studio after the holidays. Two sons visiting from California, my life is abundant and beautiful. I wish you joy...in the simple things that surround us each day.



Bella's Book

This handmade book was so much fun to make! I used foam core for the front and back cover, which I wrapped with fabric that had been in my mother's sewing box. I wrote a few words for each letter of my great-granddaughters name, Isabella. There is art and collage on the reverse side. I thought I would share it as this is the season for handmade gifts and could be personalized for whoever YOU love!

Hilton Head 11.17.11

Time to ride home!

Low Tide Ride

This trip was a wonderful break from work and  responsibilities, giving me a chance to connect with my husband, nature, and my art spirit! I found this method of art making while away from all my usual materials, studio, and my beloved artist  friends  invigorating and very satisfying. It reminded me that doing things in a different way gives me a new slant on everything. Thanks for looking!