"This Joy Of Art"

...and to all a good night

2011-12-26T21:16:00.002-05:00

a little paper fun with quilt patterns

2011-10-07T18:34:00.001-04:00

still "Waitin for the world to change?"

2011-10-06T19:21:00.002-04:00

Finally some protestors who realize,duh,there are power in numbers.

Supporters of a group called Occupy Baltimore are protesting U.S. economic conditions. They gathered peacefully Tuesday at the Inner Harbor, holding signs reading "People Before Profits" and "We're Here for the Needy, not the Greedy." Demonstrators stood quietly amid lunchtime foot traffic, while police watched from a distance. Many weren't a part of a formal organization, but wanted to speak out. Similar demonstrations are taking place across the country following the Occupy Wall Street protests that began last month in New York City.Occupy Baltimore Protest-John Rydell
Tuesday, October 4 2011, 10:56 PM EDT

When will the greed ever stop?

9/11 we will never forget

2011-08-20T19:33:00.001-04:00

I am in Dale Copelands book "portrait of the artist"

2011-07-31T12:11:00.005-04:00

Where my collages went the last 2 years of the exchange

2011-06-25T18:44:00.000-04:00

Dear Joy,
The collection from last year's collage exhibition/exchange (Ice 12) has finally gone to its new home.
To the new Musee du ArtColle in Plemet, France.
I got this email from Pierre Jean Varet:

Voici en photo le futur lieu du musée artcolle, mais c'est très dur avec les politiques de la mairie - car en attendant c'est chez moi.
une exposition du musée artcolle aura lieu dans ce batiment ( beau , très beau !! ) au mois d'aôut, j'y exposerai des oeuvres de vous, et de vos amis.

I'm not fluent in French so have to put his emails through one of the online translation sites, but I believe he'll be mounting an exhibition of your works this August. The new building looks great ... stone, the old mayor's building of Plemet. Nice.
Cheers
dale
PS the collection from this year, Ice13, has gone to The Learning Connexion in Wellington, New Zealand. And next year it will go to Aotea Utanganui, the Museum of South Taranaki, in Patea, New Zealand.

My little zen garden

2011-05-20T21:15:00.002-04:00

Happy Mothers day mama's

2011-05-02T21:11:00.005-04:00

I miss my mommy so much. These are pics from the last family outing of her life. She loved going out,babies,her grandkids,a good manhattan,helping women in the work world rise above,and her husband...for life.

Government employees

2011-04-08T18:21:00.003-04:00

Gee its so hard to feel bad about our gum smacking,cell phone talking government employees who don't deliver our mail,that may have jobs in peril. They send it back as non deliverable. I feel bad now for all the mail art buddies I accused of not sending me a return piece. please forgive me I don't work for the govt! This has been the 5 years I have lived here.

very affordable art...go see exhibition rooms

2011-03-31T19:41:00.001-04:00

http://virtual.tart.co.nz/default.htm click on and see all the wonderful affordable art to swap and to buy.

He was a "shell of himself" (a torn paper collage)

2011-03-02T18:41:00.002-05:00

Did you ever have an experience where someone you thought you knew so well changed so drastically one day. I did this collage when someone I knew so closely became "a shell of himself". I am only hoping he returns to the person I once knew.

My little baby PeterPan turned six already

2011-02-24T18:25:00.004-05:00

Where does the time go? Pete is as regal as ever as a pekepoo. He reminds us daily he is from the emperors era (kinda) and is smart like a poodle. He looks like the mother was pregnant by any dog that got in the yard. But he is ours right? PETE IS SIX YEARS OLD tadah. He is with his big brother cat Marley in the pics my all time favorite cat and his.

Enjoying the quiet indoor days of winter

2011-01-09T15:32:00.005-05:00

January makes me feel settled in, not having to go anywhere on weekends. Happy all the holiday hustle bustle is over...time to create. I am working on my international collage exchange series and a journal book for me. I am really into this round of collages! I have no desire to be around people right now so the cold air helps that problem. I am trying to lighten up on my colors too. Love to read alot this time of year too...loving Pat Conroys books. My favorite writers can make me feel I am right where to book takes place...the smells and sounds...ahh. I especially like how he writes about the bays and ocean, since I can't be there. How can anyone live where there is no tides table in their daily paper?

my fabulous wall of art by Lisa Bebi

2010-12-27T18:56:00.003-05:00

The best present of the year came from Lisa Bebi. I can't stop looking at this wall of art of my family. The wall had been waiting for just the right pieces of art. We just repainted to a better shade of gold, more modern then the last. Not liking to hang things too fast til they call out for a particular space this wonderful box of art of my family came in the mail! Thank you so much Lisa!!!
Today my book that Dale Copeland did for us of "Portrait of the artist" came and my self portrait collage looked so nice in it...thanks so much Dale for all you do for collage artists!

The wonderful Dale Copeland has our art online

2010-11-30T19:41:00.007-05:00

Please tell me what you think of my piece in the artist portrait exhibit online! Thanks! (click right above to go to the site)

A DAY AT THE HIRSHHORN

2010-11-14T19:18:00.003-05:00

Back aches feet ache but what a fun day in DC...Trying to get in a museum weekly, but it has been 2 weeks now. Takes alot to think about and recovering from walking.zzzzzzzz

Sometimes its the little things

2010-10-11T20:52:00.003-04:00

Lately all I have energy for is small projects. I loved Teesha Moore's videos on how she does her booklets. With weeding out magazines(hoarder of mags) and needing to try something new I did some of her style. I can't stop sitting out on the sunporch and enjoying these fabulous fall days of long shadows and changing skies. Knowing that I will miss these days of open windows and shade trees too soon...I have been doing lap projects...having alot of fond memories and enjoying the simple things of life.

WE WILL NEVER FORGET

2010-09-11T11:34:00.001-04:00

2010-07-19T20:22:00.002-04:00

Help my husband is retiring soon!!!!!

Things I adore about him...
1. He can watch the same movies 10 times but we can never agree on a new movie.
2.Mowing is meditational for him.
3.He watches movies SO LOUD but he can't hear me yelling for him.
4.He adores the dog but the dog growls at me.
5.Now you see him now you don't...he is all over the place when he is home.
6.He hates going out.
7.He thinks my movies or shows are too loud.
8.His snoring can't stand my snoring.
9.He loves food shopping...he is surrounded by the things he loves.
10.He can fall asleep when we (rarely) go out together...like I am that interesting to him.

Somerset Studio Gallery summer 2010

2010-06-05T18:50:00.002-04:00

An artist buddy in San Diego who I met online,Lisa Bebi, is in this issue of Somerset Studio Gallery,summer 2010. She does these fabulous paintovers of photo's, magazine pics,etc. I have admired her from her first article in these magazines and told her so. This issue is another set of my family she did in her wonderful style of paintovers. Though she teaches her techniques everywhere she has a style not to be duplicated...we all try. I so appreciate her using my family as often as she has. God knows I own the mother load of old photos.

I just know my parents love her and would be amazed they are in magazines and on peoples walls. The article she wrote about them was so touching to my heart. LOVE YA LISA, I am sure they do also!

back to some original forms of LOVE

2010-05-24T18:47:00.003-04:00

I've become a gardener and I never had a green thumb. It all started with some Irises that grew in my yard,from the previous owners of this house. I fell in love and read up on them. I dug up the old bulb in the fall and seperated and replanded these extras I got off the overgrown original bulb. They LIVED and flouished to my suprise. Now I am in love with Irises.

I also pulled out unfinished projects recently one of which is a quilt. "the OJ Simpson trial quilt" it was always called...when I started it the original OJ murder trial was on. Then my niece reminded me the second time he was on trial I worked on it more. You can't see the stitches but there are hand/glove stitched imprints in the centers of the color squares. I could elaborate more but I wonder if he is due for another trial ? because I am ready to finish up on it. I think I may add another outside border,even though this was to be a wall hanging,way back. I have always loved quilting.

Another unfinished thing is a large painting that needed colors changed for me to like it. No pics yet on it.

One of the pieces for the ICE exchange

2010-04-09T19:04:00.001-04:00

I really enjoyed doing my "Talking Heads" series this year for the International Collage Exchange. I often get stumped with backgrounds,being a minimalist. I used some saved papers from my collection and magazine art that resembled faces. I then added cut out words from old books that I normally turn into poems. The hands were to give a sort of expression to the words. I must say bizzare is my favorite way to express in collage. Pretty is not my thing. Hope you enjoy all 13 of them in the exchange folks,I sure do enjoy my return envelope of yours yearly.

Caught my collages on the wall at Climate Gallery

2010-02-14T12:52:00.002-05:00

So I can now add Climate Gallery in NY to my list of shows I have been in. I love seeing people looking at your own art in shows. I didn't add a price for the "rejection factor" lol. I am sure Dale Copeland will soon display our Internationl collage exchange on her site. I did a fun bizzare series called "Talking Heads".

Let it snow...let it snow...let it snow

2010-02-09T18:28:00.002-05:00

Small dogs hate snow! My dog held his bowels for 2 days til Ed shoveled him a pathway. As you can see by the car pic it's rather deep and more on the way!

Somehow I got thru December and January

2010-01-20T21:40:00.002-05:00

I have had my car plowed into and still not fixed by "her" insurance yet...took forever. Tomorrow the car finally goes into the shop. Never had a claim take so long,guess she thought my car went sideways into the front of her car....(seperate incident)Wound up in the hospital for what felt like true heart attack symptoms,including near syncope. Was on a monitor and had a stress test everything passed,whew it was scarey. I have a very high tolerance of pain too, so it felt very real.
Got myself into a very fun long term group collage with all the scrap goodies from many other artists. Sending that one in soon to Somerset Studio. Submitted to the "Climate Gallery's" upcoming mixed media show. Finished my 13, "International Collage Exchange" collages and they are almost in the mail to Dale Copeland in NZ for this coming exchange.
It's been a most unusual winter for me. Pretty sucky but I am managing to get some things done between facebook,online scrabble and naps. Missing all my blog buddies lately and all the amazing art online in their websites.

Stairway to heaven,a collage

2009-11-16T17:57:00.002-05:00

Oh how I wish this wasn't a reality in my life. The world has become a strange place. I just saw a special on "HAIR" the stage play. I remember how everything seemed possible back then and how our kids would be raised in love and peace...

My MUSE IS BACK!

2009-10-05T20:39:00.004-04:00

I love the fall/autumn and this weather. My crazed muse has returned all hungover,covered in tattoos and blood red and black hair. She gave up cigars and martini's ok and some wine and whatever. She is settling down since I cleaned her up and made her change her shortie tops and stopped dancing on bar tops late at night. (she is a mess) I am trying to write a book on all her activities,should be funny?

Tonight is the harvest moon! Warm days and cool nights,just perfect weather. Is anyone getting flu shots this year? I can't make up my mind.

Got an invite to go to peter Max's studio!

2009-08-31T20:51:00.002-04:00

Actually its a whirlwind 2 days of things...and I am too poor to go. Sniff. But I own a Max and his personally signed book and would decorate my walls in his art if I could. He was a true icon of the baby boomers.

Too hot and too painful

2009-08-09T20:24:00.002-04:00

The pic is my niece Molly and her boyfriend in front of the pyramids on her world travels this summer.
I have spent most of the summer doing nothing much but sleeping in air. All my joints hurt lately and my esophageal reflux has been nasty at night. OK I am hating this aging thingie. Spend my time looking at my nieces travel pics online,that lucky lady!
I painted the canvas for my big group collage piece and hope to start it soon. I vision it in my head and spent lots of time thinking it out. If anyone else is sending me painted scraps do so now please.
One nice hot weather thing is sitting on the sunporch and ordering from catalogs. Since I hate shopping this is the way to go.

Need some painted scraps art buddies!

2009-07-07T21:23:00.002-04:00

The painting is by Will Wilson one of my all time favorite pieces!

I need some painted scraps size 3,4,or 5 inches,just a few. I have a "idea" for a group collage and hope to finish it and submit it to a mag by January at the latest. Keep in mind I may need to cut and glaze the piece depending on the colors I get. I will give you credit if this happens at all. So far 2 people have sent me envelopes already. I will notify you when it comes in the mail and post a pic when its done. Don't make my muse mad she is a redhead!!!

Lovely mornings hot afternoons and nice evenings.

2009-06-29T18:58:00.004-04:00

I am going to Atlantic City for the fireworks this year! Got a couple of comps for rooms and I am excited! The ones who do olympics are doing the fireworks there. Not that the rooms are ever "free" with all the money you throw in their machines. I hear they aren't doing well so I must go help them out hehe. Their rooms and bathrooms are so fabulous and huge at the new chairmans tower at the Taj Mahal I want to live in them. Even the art all over is amazing. I saw fabulous pieces of art in a hallway of Bruce Springsteen and Jimi Hendricks,and Sinatra I wrote the painters name down and went to his site,lost the info sorry. The lobby and hallway art required some studying also. No wonder they have major guards all over.
Happy 4th and enjoy my flag collage above!

Summer heat and humidity!

2009-06-10T19:24:00.002-04:00

I got a few summer reads from the library yesterday. One of them is a Mary Higgins Clark book. Easy read and yet why can't I ever figure out the ending? I say oh thats the one when a new character is introduced,but no!
I added to my summer wardrobe at the Library also,T-shirts for sale. Don't know about you but its too hot and humid already. Good art show at Towson University so thats a fun trip one day soon. Spent 4 hours deleting IE8 last night,it's not compatible with much,so don't bother. Frankly I am already tired of facebook(my son talked me into that one)and Twitter,who knows those people??? I never even liked the phone,prefer in person chats.

My child is 41 today

2009-06-06T16:46:00.002-04:00

Above is a fav pic of Paul in Key West a few years back. Where did this time go? I am so glad Paul is turning his life around and making me proud. I am glad I was there for his birth,the whole thing,ouch. He came out 9lbs 5 oz and I was not much bigger then,lol. He has always been a clothes hog,now in suits and ties for his job. Paul you have aged me quite a bit but somehow you came out more sensitive and improved and I am again happy. Love you,mom!

The Yale graduation of my niece!

2009-05-28T20:08:00.002-04:00

What a campus,what a time! To top it off Hillary was there for her honorary degree in law. My niece was stunning and her boyfriend very handsome. OK so can I now say I attended or went to Yale on resumes?

AHHHH gardening weather.

2009-05-18T14:54:00.002-04:00

The collage I did above I call "Age of aquarius". I used to love reading my horoscopes daily but our newspaper,"The Baltimore Sun" has become pretty tiny and shoddy. I now wait for the "City paper" to come out on Wednesdays to read their unusual take on horoscopes. I always get a laugh when I read them.

I admit I am a fair weather gardner. I get a few new plants and take care of them til the weather is so hot I don't want to go outside. Unless I sit out 15 min a day for the sun,I will burn from the house to the car. I am a whiter shade of pale. I may be part vampire also,I prefer going out after dark. But having been a redhead my whole life I lusted after a good tan. I am loving the mixes of the races nowdays and the lovely skin colors around. So my new flowers burn like I do in the hot summer months.

remember MOMMY day!

2009-05-09T14:51:00.002-04:00

Having fun with paints,bubble wrap,crayons,pastels and papers! Happy mommy day!

My niece graduates YALE end of may!

2009-05-06T20:39:00.003-04:00

My smart stunning niece Molly (the redhead)graduates YALE the end of May. Carpe Diploma Molly! I will be there with bells on. She also sings solo the night before graduation. Can't wait!

SPRING! Life returns in music and art

2009-04-25T19:04:00.004-04:00

Don't you love when you hear words to songs in a different way. Or when someone sings along all wrong. This collage is titled "Every time you go away,you take a piece of meat with you",you know the song...I am doing some songs in collage,as I hear them.

Speaking of songs,you must listen to "Breathe Me" by Sia on youtube,if you haven't already. Just downloaded a few of hers onto my Ipod,love her voice and music.

Best new drink from a local bar "Mamas on the half shell", the orange crush...OJ,vodka,triple sec,and a splash of sprite...YUM with their Sunday brunch menu!

I had a vivid art dream last night

2009-03-22T12:21:00.003-04:00

I wanted to stay in my dream til the lesson was learned. I dreamt I was in a oil pastel class and was so excited. I was learning all about oil pastels from a major artist. His work was so stunning and detailed in my dream. I rarely remember dreams so this was unique. I am guessing this is a sign of a need to try out oil pastels right away. I took one couple of hours class under a local artist but never really spent any time trying them out. This is how my portal series came to me,then had to be done. Maybe my muse is waking up for Spring? The piece above is a paper scene "Ocean at night".

Self portrait

2009-02-28T15:50:00.002-05:00

This was a long drawn out project I finished recently. I used a photo then drew squared lines on the printed enlarged photo and on the canvas board to use as a guide. I improvised alot with magazine prints cut out to the size and colors needed. I played around with this piece alot til I was happy with the finished piece. There are alot of patterns and printed magazine pieces I haven't counted them all yet. It's one of those projects you do some of put away forever,then do more another day. What do you think?

My larger art that I sold in shows ("portals")

2009-01-16T20:01:00.001-05:00

Back to life, post holidays

2009-01-10T12:23:00.003-05:00

Thrilled the holidays are over. Something doesn't occupy my mind constantly like the holidays do. There is such fantasy to live up to around the holidays,which now starts at Halloween on tv. When that music starts on a daily basis it sets off panic in women. If we left it up to men it wouldn't get done. That may be just the ticket,let them do it all. In fact since my sister left,my brother in law had us there for Christmas and seeing the kids. No ornaments on his tree just lights. I brought a few annual handmade ornaments fortunately,and my youngest niece made a few. I made alot of food and bread and my homemade cranberry liquor,along with presents. It was a nice mellow time and I loved seeing my nieces and nephew,and my son. It made me think that maybe women create the chaos of the holidays? Stopped over at my sisters for a few minutes and then it was time to drive home,avoiding the most heavily deer populated highway around. Made it thru another holiday and another year. The collage above is an older collage, more to come in the new year. Happy New Year and New Prez all!

Beth's mosaic guitars

2008-12-18T18:28:00.005-05:00

I often think the whole world is super creative at some point and time. These guitars are done by my buddy (many many years now) Beth. We were comrads in mischief when we worked at the dental school. The things we got into when the students were off. She has had these guitars on display locally at a gallery near her home. I have only seen her mosaics by emails since I haven't seen Beth since one of the art shows I happened to be in. Time sure flies! Beth you have always had the best smile,I can see it now granny. Great Work Beth!

Collaged christmas balls

2008-12-03T19:30:00.004-05:00

Every year I make a new ornament for the tree. These are some of my old ornaments I made in the past. The tree is decorated and hanging on the wall,yes hanging...found an ideal tree in a catalog that hangs from a hook on the wall,a half tree. My dad was years ahead of himslef,he thought this idea up years ago when we called him the grinch. It makes perfect sense in a smaller house. The tree takes up no floor space.
I made a couple ornaments this year as gifts and one for my tree. Went to my favorite mall for train displays,a yearly event. What a fabulous display at Kenilworth,a small but favorite mall. Found an ornament in a shop there I just had to get. It took me an hour to decide since they reminded me of Cirque de Soliel(?)sp. Each ornament was amazing. My trees are eclectic like my home is,nothing is a set. I must admit that was one "set" I could have bought if each one wasn't in the ten dollar range. What a fun day my friend and I had watching trains and kids eyes as they watched the trains. That was the best part of the holidays.

The afternoon nap

2008-11-21T21:05:00.002-05:00

After several cups of coffee and the morning paper,I readied a few art journal pages. Then I showered for work and already I was thinking about how good an afternoon nap would feel. It was blustery snow and cold this morning. On my travels I watched a bum feeding pigeons out of his pocket. Then he bent down and took a piece for himself off the sidewalk,from the pile he fed to them. I really love observing people from my car. You certainly catch a patchwork of life in the city.

Brrrr it's here again,winter!

2008-11-17T19:40:00.002-05:00

My exchange collages have arrived in New Zealand,yay. I really love the series I did this time. This piece is similar in style but not same subject I used in the series. I am enjoying recycling old brown bags I have. This piece stands out to me as the crazy gift shopping time of Christmas. Times are tight and it won't be as lavish as previous years for most folks. But again remind ourselves of winter solstice. I noticed there aren't as many people in the malls and stores as in the past. The pet shop was the busiest with on lookers. Amazing how their puppies are on sale,not their typical over charged prices. I don't know why I torture myself going in and wanting each one more then the last one. So cute! My body feels ready for hybernation now,how bout you?

It's time for CHANGE !!!

2008-11-08T17:32:00.005-05:00

I feel a wonderful change in the air! I woke up so happy after election day. Yes I voted! This larger collage of mine (hanging in my living room) is called "Odds and Ends",since it was made from scraps of painted and printmaking pieces I had left over. I just love the richness of printmaking inks. Although the rich browns aren't showing as well in this. It makes me think about how long will it take for Obama to clean up all the odds and ends left over from the last 8 years. Boy does he have a challange ahead of him. But with his charisma and willingness I think good things are coming our way.

a FUN altered book page

2008-11-01T10:53:00.004-04:00

Is it just me or does everyone get excited over a unexpected day off? I am like a kid when I don't have to be at work for a day. My job only pays me when I am needed which is sometimes 6 days a week. So on Thursday there was nothing on the board for me to do so I had the day off. Oh and did I play! I did this fun page in journal 5,yes 5. Alot of my pages are personl writings about life,some are just fun pages. Not planning it, the page reminded me of some Teesha Moore's works I have seen. My inner child was having fun on her day off. It reminded me of the snow days when we were young and school was closed. It is rare as an adult to get an unexpected day off,since we will all probably work til we die.
Thanks for all the comments everyone left on my Halloween page. Love ya for that.

Scarey cabinet card huh?

2008-10-26T19:54:00.002-04:00

This looked like a grandma that shoulda been run over by a reindeer,but wasn't. Hoping she isn't a real relative. I've used her in so many funny pieces but I think Halloween was her calling in life.
When I was little we had a big old house up the road that we thought looked haunted. Someone would dare the others to knock on the door. A women came out throwing hot water (oil?) at us,she looked like this woman in person. You became scared to walk by the house. Then again I've had nuns in grade school that looked worse then this woman...I had the special order of biker nuns teaching me. HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Leftover sentences

2008-10-23T19:59:00.005-04:00

This is another "altered book" journal page I enjoyed doing. I came across these unrelated book pages I cut from a few books I've used, to make space. If you do altered books you know how you must make space for bulkier pages you will be doing. Spent alot of time browsing and cutting out great sentences to compose feelings I've felt. A kind of poetry/prose to go on the desolate tree page I painted. Loved how it came out,such "re-recycled" use of a book.I really feel this poem it sounds like a written collage to me. Here is what it says...

this winter in my life/ retreat of sound and sight/
that so bogged me down/ yellow shivering through/
as when in my childhood/
the nostalgic edgelight of an afternoon/ whirling through the streets/
and somewhat like a bird/ they keep taking away your future/
from a lifetime of guilt and worry/
too charged with inner light/ I should have taken more risks/
at the tail end of a delicate cycle/
between potential and a finished work/
as if hands were enough/ on everything paper/
after a week of long rains/
sails gleaming towards the stars/

Notice the ID badge

2008-10-18T12:40:00.002-04:00

Another art journal page about hospital work. My handwriting is awful lately so it says...
Some people are just hospital people and some aren't. Mom and I worked in hospitals most of our work lives. We loved most everything about it. The hustle and bustle of the days and the quiet calm of the evening shift except the ER's. She did alot of transcription and managing. I did alot of clerical transcribing of doctors orders for the nursing stations. Try reading doctors handwriting all day,not easy! Mom went on to managing in Philly and I wound up in admitting patients. I know we both became burnt out when the hospitals became more about the money and not patients.

My ideal art studio.

2008-10-10T20:40:00.000-04:00

This was a fun collage of layers of doors stairs and vegetation,as if a tree house. It was rejected by "Somerset Studio" but hey they have printed others I did in their lovely magazines.
OK question,I need your attention for a short story here...today as I am backing out of a parking place a car pulled up behind me,the couple kissed and she got out. The guy driving was n a hurry to not block me any longer so he helped her get her bags out of the back seat. He hit his car door with one bag and I heard a loud smash. He got back in and was driving off when the woman looked into the bag and yelled "That's the one I needed" and broke down and sobbed. I had a deadline and had to leave but I spent the whole day wondering...what would make a younger woman break down and sob in public for some time,about "the one I needed" that broke in her bag??? Give me your opinion please. "Needed" is a heavy word so I am not thinking it was something monetary. "Wanted" would have been less heavy a word I would think had it been replaceable.

Colorplay in my art journals

2008-10-02T19:14:00.003-04:00

I have been having a blast with my art journals. These pages are what I call just for fun color play. I have been readying up more art journal pages as well as starting a new journal book. These are things I do between major art projects. Whats fun is I can still sit outside on my beloved sun porch,as autumn is in the air. If you have never tried an art journal warning they are totally addictive. So much to them then just a plain ole journal of thoughts. You can paint or clip pieces to capture feelings,no one needs to see your finished projects til you...um,are gone. Like Bob Dylan says "If my thoughts and dreams could be seen,they'd probably put my head in a guillotine". But it's nice to tell someone,if only a journal.

Feels like it's raining all over the world.

2008-09-27T20:03:00.002-04:00

Today it rained so hard we had a basement water problem. Like Brook Benton sang "feels like it's raining all over the world". Out on the sunporch I watched the rain and looked at magazines. The pooch hates to get his paws wet on walks in this mess. I find rain a cleansing experience even with the basement wettage. I am coming outa my funk a bit. Stocked up on wine today and have found recent;y as much as I love shiraz it gives me major esophageal reflux in bed. So I am back to white wine for evening sippings. I am doing alot of new art journal backgrounds for writings in the winter. Wonder if most artsy folks go thru such ups and downs as I do?

My brother and his grandson

2008-09-21T19:15:00.002-04:00

This is my brother Kevin and grandson Aiden. Kevins son,the father of Aiden,is returning on his Navy ship from overseas now. We can't wait for Eric's return. I am sure he can't wait to see his son again. HI ERIC,thanks for all the pics onboard.

Recent art journal page

2008-09-13T16:40:00.002-04:00

Hopng everyone in Texas is ok and utilities will be up and running fast.

If there weren't pets in the world... (Pete)

2008-09-10T20:28:00.002-04:00

Among various things going on in life to worry me lately, 2 baby lovebirds died. They just weren't thriving and each died on different days,one survived this batch. "He" looks blue like his dad so I am sure I will keep him,just because. I am sinking into art just to get by.

sad sad very bad week

2008-09-06T21:44:00.002-04:00

Leaving you with my digitally manipulatd collage of hearts I had called "ode to Jim Dine".

My wall is dancing with color right now

2008-09-01T17:14:00.003-04:00

I happened to look up on my "studio/computer room" wall and saw this amazing color dancing around. The photo doesn't do it justice naturally. It"s being reflected from my cars tail light red cover. I had to grab the camera for this momentary event.

Speaking of events,I am just finishing up a series of collages for the annual "International Collage Exchange" this year. I am thrilled with these pieces since they were inspired by "my secret place" at the Johns Hopkins School of Health. The first time I catered there,I walked into a gallery of 2 of my favorite artists,Jim Dine and Robert Rauschenberg. I could not believe my eyes,and I was alone with them,each time since. This secret place of mine is so unused and hidden that I feel it's mine all mine. I regret even telling anyone about it. Only Hopkins and their vast array of art could thrill and suprise the unexpectd viewer like me. They can afford it,I am just glad it's presented to me in my very own gallery. Tables around but no one even eating lunch and admiring this art. I have happened upon the most wonderful and inspirational art all over the nooks and crannys in that huge complex of medicine. Why can't they just let me have one piece for my collection,obviously no one would miss it? Instead I made myself a larger collage from my series this year entitled "When Dine met Rauschenberg" (in my secret place)

So school starts huh? Poor teachers!

2008-08-24T19:42:00.003-04:00

My ole' buddy Pat and apartment neighbor wayyy back,was a teacher for years. I had done this collage for her to remind her why she is glad to be retired. I am so looking forward to going places without kids all over.
Speaking of GREAT kids my niece Delaney just turned 10!! I have a large bag of presents to take to her whenever I can get an appointment with her. She is again at her beach house this weekend. Her sister Molly returns from Barcelona and enters her final year in YALE. Jake our dear boy goes back to Vermont to college. This is when I will miss them til holidays.

Springsteen ROCKS Hershey Pa.

2008-08-20T21:24:00.003-04:00

Isn't a good rock concert enough to get the blood flowing? I haven't been enough of a fan of Bruce to catch a concert of his,but my friend is. I had a great time,it was a blast! I do love some of his songs enough to let someone else pick up the tab for me to see his concert. If nothing else watching the crowd,and adding to my ever growing list of concerts was reason to get out of town. It was a lovely breezy moonlit eve in the arena, and he was very energetic with his tunes. His concerts are always sold out within minutes of opening sales. For being my age the man had energy!

One of my favorite buildings in Baltimore

2008-08-16T11:19:00.004-04:00

This is a digitally manipulated art journal page of the "Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower" constructed in 1911. It"s on the National Registry of Historic Places. It was at the time sporting a large Bromo Seltzer Bottle on top and was the tallest building in Baltimore. They have turned it into state of the art studio spaces, for artists. I wanted to capture the Bromo Seltzer blue,with studios all lit up with creativity going on inside those windows. It was fun to play with in my photo program. Whats fun is I own a antique bromo-seltzer bottle in that cobalt blue they used in those times.

A study in shading in watercolor class

2008-08-09T11:36:00.002-04:00

Saw her sketches of shoes in "This disordered life" blog and it reminded me of my piece from watercolor class 1999. I used flipflops and a well worn sandal of mine. We had to concentrate on shading and picking up color from a piece of still life. I found water color to be hard and unforgiving. Yet I always loved this piece of reflected orange on the wall.

The perpetual worrier,me.

2008-08-05T16:42:00.003-04:00

Last Sunday doodling in my altered book on the sunporch,I was also weeding out magazines. I am someone who gets these "ominous feelings" at times,that I jst can't shake. This photo popped out since I knew that feeling well. I am often told that I can always find something to worry about in the world. So I created this page to capture how I was feeling that moment. It was only a couple days later when my son called with the horrible news about his friend Zach dying in a car accident. My son has known Zach for a very long time. The rest of the week my son came down to stay and we waited for the funeral plans together. I showed him this page,I often don't show pages from my journals. There was a very large and sad funeral that Friday. My son had a chance to see many old friends from his past,on that unfortunate occasion.

My son just lost another best friend Zach

2008-08-02T22:39:00.003-04:00

This is a pic of Zach,who we will miss terribly. He left behind a wife and two small children. Rest in peace "Zazu".

Me meeting Peter Max (yeah sure it's me!)

2008-07-25T19:10:00.002-04:00

I finally got my pic and certificate of authenticity,for the art I bought. I almost cried at the pic of me under this pic...anyway. I loved meeting him and buying this piece of art and his book of art. Who did I think I was having a pic taken? From now on I am hiring a stand in for all photos.

I LOVE JAMMIE DAYS!

2008-07-20T13:26:00.005-04:00

Actually it was a Jammie weekend. Too hot to do anything but wake up late,read,and do projects. This is my altered book page for the weekend,too large for the scanner. But yes it was a large weekend of so many projects. I love getting down and grundgy and playing with paint,collage and some times just reading. I read Nora Ephrons book "I feel bad about my neck" and loved it,small,funny and so right on,for aging women. She is a wonderful writer of books and movies. But Nora,I still have a "Bill thing". Who in their right mind would have a "George thing"? Lots of great group collages over @ "Scrapiteria" go look!

Baby lovebirds again !!!

2008-07-16T19:35:00.003-04:00

It's that Barry White music,I'm tellin ya! My lovebirds John and Yoko (above) have hatched 3 more eggs! I'm a grandmother again! My lovebirds are very busy ummm making love, ALOT! So once again it's been a blast watching 3 more eggs turn into tiny pink babies. It's been quite awhile since the last 2 babies,one empty egg in between. This is really exciting to me and I get very attached to the babies as well as John and Yoko. They take turns babysitting on the babies while the other is out eating or rolling papers on the bottom. They roll papers and then carry them under their wings to the nest box. The nest box has one clear plastic side to it,so with a flashlight you can look in. I am closest to John,he is more personable and whistles with me. Poor Yoko I guess doesn't have much time. They love to ride on the hamster wheel,like it's a ferris wheel. Back to my ongoing projects. More later,thanks for coming by all,and all the nice comments!

How I went about this collage.

2008-07-08T19:56:00.004-04:00

OK Neda you asked for it,here is how I did this collage,my dear! I came back from a trip to Ocean City Maryland. The land of the kazillion shops on the boardwalk. I grabbed a bunch of brochures when leaving, of places around the town. The next day I sat down to play,as I cut out the colorful ads. I decided on the size and placed down a piece of star covered paper I had saved. Then I made a centered strip of boardwalk out of a cut brown piece of paper. I added a piece of torn art paper with flecks in it, to mimic sand and still show reflection of the stars in the ocean. Then I had fun placing all the colorful shops and restaurant words trying to give a tight ocean city effect as if seen from the ocean. This was one of the most fun pieces of collage I ever did. Kind of a surreal Boardwalk at night.

Renwal of faith in mankind!

2008-07-02T19:39:00.003-04:00

So I am sitting in my car at work this morning trying to catch the end of a song...a man walks out of his townhouse with a great poster celebrating Baltimores Bicentennial dated 1797-1997. The man with him carrying more framed posters of Baltimore by other artists. On his way back to his townhouse I stopped him and said where did you get that great colorful poster saying "Celebrate Baltimore". He said would you like one I have an extra? I said sure, having just been paid. He went in his house and brought out a nicely blue framed poster,said he was a collector. I was telling him, I have a poster of when Harborplace opened in 1980 that many have wanted,but I can't part with. He was impressed with that. But I am an artist and I have some cityscapes in spray paint that happen to be in a 2 page spread right now,in a magazine. I said would you want one in exchange? He said sounds interesting and sure! After more talk we parted ways and I promised to bring him my art soon. Now how wonderful was that? Someone was going to give,for free, a nicely framed poster,not just a rolled up poster that you admired? Made my day!

Just got Tickets ordered to see "The Boss" in August. My friend is a huge fan so ok I said yeah. I love concerts anyway,and he and I did the "Asbury Park" the "Stone Pony" T-shirt trip from Atlantic City this past winter. Last year we saw Bob Seger in D.C.,previously Fleetwood Mac,2 Eagles concerts,Foreigner,Greg Allman,and a Stevie Nicks. My husband sends us with his blessings and isn't into concerts.

Thanks to all of you for the compliments!

2008-06-28T12:41:00.002-04:00

Why is it that it means so much to artists hearing someone,anyone else likes their art? As if we need constant approval. I know a few of us have discussed this. It's even hard for us to release our art into the world and not hear how it's doing or if it is still loved as much as when the person bought it,if not why,or send it back home please. I know we give "birth" to it so to speak,and want it to be loved,as we loved it. But we artists need that constant approval,why? Yet we really,in most ways, don't let it get in the way of a new idea. Hmm...
I am so happy having a 2 page spread in Somerset Studio,July Aug. It inspired me to keep going again. I spent a hot day on the sunporch making this thank you to Jenny Doh for liking my pieces enough to publish them. The idea came together when my niece said mermaids were "the thing" at the beach,and that her boss (in the gallery where she works this summer)liked my blog and art things I did. I really had a blast using Jennys face cut out from the magazine to personalize the finished mermaid,and stuff painted gold,and a tiny seahorse necklace around her neck. I love the inspiration and techniques from that magazine,it gives so many of us amidst the other creations we have going on. I am trying to utilize all the little goodies in my "stuff" to add on to things I am working on. Recycled art is a collage artists dream and what we thrive on more then "bought" goodies. It would take me a lifetime to use all my accumulated found and given trinkets.
Thanks again for all the happy compliments,it means so much,unfortunately! I have grown to love my little blog buddies so much. We are there for each other in computerland,due to distances.

Thank you Somerset Studio and Jenny Doh!

2008-06-16T12:37:00.002-04:00

I was just thrilled to open this months magazine "Somerset Studio" and come across this whole spread of my art. Also my article of my love of cities. When I saw what everyone was doing with spray paint these days I got an idea. I have always loved cityscapes especially in the fog or mist. The two just came together for me and my cans of spray paints. Jenny Doh another city lover wrote to me and said she loved them. I do love the city,all cities. It's funny when I take a ride anywhere through country roads I think to myself "where do they go and what do they do?" I am sure working on projects can occupy alot of time in the country,but my inspiration comes from cities. This was a fun article for me to see in a magazine as lovely as Somerset Studio. THANKS!

New collage for Fathers day

2008-06-13T18:34:00.003-04:00

There is a call on "Scrapiteria" the collage blog I am part of,for fathers day. I sat down and did a collage today of my dad. It made me think of all his gentle ways. I still hear all his advice in my head. We finally became very good friends towards the end of his life. I spent many waitings in doctors offices with him. He had so many things wrong with him since his car accident and WWII,that it just wasn't fair. I had to explain constantly that each doctor takes his own history and physical and you must update and go over all your symptoms with each. He grew weary of all the surgeries and probes into his body. I was there in the ER the day his aneurysm burst. He was so afraid of dying and yet tired of living. I always felt safe when he was around,and we firgured out alot of answers together. He and mom almost got to their 50th anniversary. Nothing was the same when he was gone. Moms zest for life went with him. I had little time to mourn since I had to keep mom strong. I miss him so much,he didn't have a mean streak in him. He asked me to take care of mom and I did. He told the docs in the ER "no heroic measures" and it was sad when they informed us he was gone. Dad was given a military funeral in Arlington National Cemetary along with moms ashes. When they blow the bugles and the 21 gun salute you know it's over. He so deserved all that. He was a good man and a gentle man.

I made my first stamp yay!

2008-06-11T14:04:00.003-04:00

Twenty years ago when my nephew was born I made this cut out in blue background matted and framed it for his room. So one recent hot day I printed out a smaller version and printed it onto those great rubber squares from dickblick.com. I then carved it out and had my very own stamp. I have since done a few more,one is a coffee cup with steam rising. Oh the things you finally get to in life. So much easier then carving wood blocks or linocuts.
HI MOLLY! Thanks for stopping by. Hope work and summer and your trip coming up relieve some stress for you. I am thinking of you kids so so much lately! More nana stories soon I promise. (HUGS auntjoy)

This collage print is up for auction.

2008-06-08T15:49:00.002-04:00

I had 2 prints of this digitaly altered collage. I traded one with Neda and donated the other at "Art for Autisim". Can you believe the original collage colors are browns and murky colors. It is amazing what photo programs can do when you play with them. Lately I am playing with my bikini dolls,making up a batch to sell in multiple colors. "Rainbow girls" I think I will call them. I gave one to a very sweet and generous bartender in my favorite spot,when I ever get out for drinks. It helps to get cuts on the bar tab.
My son turned a wicked 40 on June 6th. He was born the day RFK was shot. I remember all the nurses coming in my room not to see my adorable baby but to check out my tv screen.
I've been seeing tattoo's everywhere. I was suprised at the fabric store yesterday when I saw a woman older than me with one. I figured her grandchild talked her into it. I remember the day my mom was going out to birthday lunch with her siblings,dressed as usual in her suit and heels. She had a sleeveless top under her jacket. So I got a washable tattoo out and put it on her arm. She just turned 70 so when she discretely removed her jacket her siblings howled when they saw it. It's one of my all time favorite stories of my proper mom.
If I ever got a tattoo I tell everyone I want nursing home instructions on my chest. "Feed me,call the doctor,change my diaper,I have bedsores on my back,where are my meds." You get the idea.

Just like a little girl (from a Dylan song)

2008-05-31T15:44:00.003-04:00

So I spent the rainy morning making my "Bikini Girls". They measure about 4X14 inches. If I had a photo of faces I could customize them and the colors I use. Wonder if these would sell in a craft show or a shop or in Etsy? I could copy the persons face and roughly the haircolor they wanted on them. What'cha think? I have been too busy to blog lately since my son is closer to home I can spend more time with him. Once again it was fun to visit with my nieces and nephew recently. HI Molly! Molly will be a senior at YALE in the fall,after a trip to Barcelona in July. Enjoy your summer kids,love aunt Joy. (now that I know you read my blog kids)
OK so blog readers tell me what you think of my movable arms and legs bikini dolls? Think they have a chance?

OK I have a fun "question" for all.

2008-05-20T21:48:00.003-04:00

Have you ever had a very unusual experience with "the other world". An after life experience?

I have had a few but let me start with one. My grandmother and I were very close. She was my confidant in my teen years. We also talked of after we died stuff and she read alot of Edgar Casey books,think I spelled his name right. So we made a pact that if one of us died the other would come back to tell if there was life after death. She died one winter down South where my parents lived at that time. I came to visit them, many miles away, not long after she died. I was very tired from the very long drive and slept on the sofa that night. At some time during the night I started having a conversation with my grandmother,like we did about fashion,whats new in the family,like we did for years before. This conversation was not verbal but somehow unspoken. Then I heard a rubbing noise from the chair where she always sat(she had lived with my parents) She always rubbed the chair arms and left slight marks in it. The noise unnerved me as the talking did,at this point. I turned over and saw a misty,smokey vision of her in that chair across the room. I panicked and ran down the hall past her to my sisters room. I jumped into bed with her and in the morning everyone wanted to know what happened. I felt like I was betraying a confidence with my grandmother but finally explained my night.
Please tell me your experiences.

Added a new slide show of some of my collages.

2008-05-19T19:11:00.001-04:00

Help me decide which pic to use on my blog please! This one or the one I have on it?

Back to my city and harbor.

2008-05-14T14:58:00.003-04:00

A friend and I got away for a few days to Atlantic City. I lost alot as usual. He won $500. It always makes me glad to return to art and the real world. It's a lovely time of year here. I am just enjoying my sunporch again,and journaling out there too. I've done more in my altered book journal,mostly my private thoughts. Hard to leave the sunporch long enough to do real art. I have a large piece I need to ready and send to my nephew who is in the Navy and overseas right now. Hope it's surely ready when he gets back. More later. Neda has an interesting art discussion on her blog,check it out.

Mama Mia for Mothers Day! (new collage)

2008-05-10T10:33:00.001-04:00

Happy Mothers Day to all!

I am now the proud owner of a PETER MAX

2008-05-04T18:07:00.004-04:00

Well today I met "the man" and bought a piece of his art. I even asked if I could hug him he said sure,and we hugged. The package was an authentic piece of acrylic painted art on paper,8X10 in size in a amazing frame,which he signed to me on the back and doodled more art. I also got my photo with him by his photographer,which was kewl and will be mailed to me. I also was given his new book (you gotta see it) signed inside to me again,and more artsy doodles by him. The dear man is now 70,and his show was fabulous, but I couldn't swing the 20-75 grand range. I am beyond thrilled to own a PETER MAX! The gradiated colors of orange on the piece are fab as well as the heart. The hearts were done after the Berlin Wall came down,he was born in Berlin. People were there with old posters etc for him to sign. I got front of the line since I bought a piece there. One man I chatted with had one of thirteen pieces he bought in the 70's. It was impressive. It was like a rock concert with all the music and him bopping,and us enthralled.
A piece I loved was a cow,in his style...story behind it is,the cow was headed to the slaughter house and she ran and jumped the fence,so Peter Max got her and took her to his place to live! Can you not love this man?

"The May Queen"

2008-05-02T09:55:00.002-04:00

Laying low this week. Here is my "May Queen" for the season. She was one of my favorites that I did. This is a season to be outside,now if I can just find energy. Happy May to all.

"Bride of flower child"

2008-04-30T14:31:00.002-04:00

OHHHHHHHHH I saw Peter Max art yesterday,spent well over an hour looking! I was enthralled and am going to see the man in action on Sunday. This is the first time his art got to Baltimore I was told. No one but me was in there for an hour,then a few folks came in. This sure isn't a art town,but I have known that. I was apologizing about this town to his people. Anyway I had a blast,learned alot and spent all the time my meter would let me. Then Ben and Jerrys gave free ice cream cones yesterday,so that was a nice treat. Wish Baltimore would catch up to NY and DC for art followings. Maybe it's the economy this week,I tried to rationalize buying on of his pieces. But no spare 8 grands for the one I would love. I pleaded when I got home but nope. They won't let you take a camera in.
The above collage I just did matches my "Last flower child" in size and they are a cute couple on my wall.

Peter Max has a show all week at Harborplace

2008-04-26T18:14:00.004-04:00

It is next weekend Peter Max is here! I called for a reservation for next weekend to see the man in person. They said he will be working on art while he is here at his show! Is that so beyond exciting? They said his karma is all around him. Ok hold on one more week my heart.
Latest collage is "Leaving the dream behind". I finished t this morning.

Guess who is in town this weekend!

2008-04-24T09:14:00.002-04:00

I am so excited about this art show in Baltimore this weekend. I know our generation has always loved Peter Max. His colors are so vivid and gave hope to us all. His art is part of our culture and he is a household name. I actually know an art friend with a "real" Peter Max in her apartment. This is an exciting show,he is now 70 and the works are timeless and speak of PEACE. Just the thought of possibly meeting him in person and seeing his art is making my weekend.

Whew couldn't sleep last night.

2008-04-17T14:48:00.003-04:00

I was sweating all night thinking of today and turning 25+25+9. Maybe it was a warm night but how often do we wind up on the brink of the big one! This really sux,I am this old? I have way too much to do and time flies on. Now that I am middle age,har har,weeks become months,and well we know the rest. I feel good,hope I "wook mavelous" and HAPPY BIRTHDAY to me!

I really miss my old printmaking classes

2008-04-13T15:24:00.007-04:00

I had a wonderful time yesterday visiting my sister and niece and mostly my son. It's been a year since I saw him and he looks healthy and buff. Paul will be 40 this June so I gave him an early present of my Ipod filled with old music memories I know he will enjoy. We always loved the same music. He in turn gave me a cd of his latest fav which it turned out I already liked. Maybe we can see eachother more often now that he is living closer to me. I sure need that since he always could make me laugh and cheer me up. I LOVE YOU PAUL!

I did this print in classes oh so long ago. It's where my heart was then. I love the inks and textures you can get from printmaking. Reminder to self take more classes in that art field. I was overwhelmed there was so much to learn. So many techniques and inks. I can't even decipher my notebokk,lol. I still carve the easy to use rubber blocks and make prints in journal pages. But if you have never tried printmaking it's worth while.

Hands

2008-04-12T12:40:00.003-04:00

Seems the subject on a few blogs this week is hands. I had mentioned how much I wish I had photographed my moms hands. They were strong hands powerful as she was. Even as I held them as she was dying I couldn't help but think this about them and all they have done. No she wasn't a manual laborer but she could have been if she chose to be. She really had no fear of anything including death. I have my fathers hands more then hers. Sensitive hands. Not feminine hands that I admire but hands that quilted and did art. I think of them as overly sensitive hands. Dad and I could get our feelings hurt so easily but not mom. Mom rolled with the punches. Have I mentioned how much I miss my parents lately?

Painted B&W of mom and dad in 1948

2008-04-09T18:17:00.002-04:00

Mom and dad in 1948,Doris n Roy. I am enjoying painting the copies I make of old b&w photo's. How I do it is copy photo and print onto cardstock usually get in 2 photo's on a sheet. Then I paint them with the liquid bottles of acrylic,the ones AC Moore carries cheap. It's hard to do great detail the size I am doing (about 6"x4") but like Lisa Bebi says to do is enlarge them then paint them. But I am thick headed and I don't follow rules well. I like how they look on the K&Company paper background. Seems to catch the colors of the times. It was fun painting one of dads old cars too. He rarely took family pics of anyone without a car in the background. He loved his cars!

One baby lovebird is left and going to it's new home this coming weekend. As I said these lovebirds are at it again (too much Barry White music) so we shall have more lovebirds again. When they are tiny they make sounds like a squeeky shopping cart.

This morning was misty and smelled real green out. Spring is near. Everything is blooming. The doves are around again. Robins are trying to build nests on my windows. I am feeling somewhat manic and getting projects done. Mailed off my art donation to Art for Autism,a good cause. Started a new collage series for next years International Collage Exchange. Life is good this week! Thanks for leaving comments folks and emailing me nice comments.

Wonderful collage link GO SEE!

2008-04-05T12:12:00.002-04:00

Dale Copeland does this amazing collage exchange yearly. This year is the 10th annual Internet Collage Exchange with hundreds of artists. She has an online gallery for us and a collages for sale showcase as well. I find it an amazing way to collect art from all over the world and exchange with other collage artists. I have been doing this exchange yearly and I donate the sale of my collage that's for sale to her for all she does for us. I generally work with a series in mind to get together 13 collages to send off to Dale in New Zealand. I start on the next exchange shortly after sending off the current exchange. Each collage is different and original. Please go see her amazing website of her art as well as ours. http://virtual.tart.co.nz/

My back is out this week,OUCH. More later.

2008-04-02T18:57:00.000-04:00

Painting old black and white photo's

2008-03-28T22:10:00.003-04:00

OK here is my newest thing,inspired by online buddy Lisa Bebi. I am so in awe of what she did with old B&W photo's I had to try it myself. Everytime I saw her stuff in Somerset Studio's I was amazed and thinking I must try that. I have so many great old photo's and a very colorful family of redheads. Also in my drawers tons of wonderful K&Company papers to use. The whole thing just went together for me. I love the effect and these two darling little girls,my mom(the redhead)and her sister. I have also done others of mom and dad,dad little etc. More to come.
The first born lovebird "Sean" is now flying,and may be moving to a new home. I adore him but it seems we will be having more babies soon. The second born is promised to another also. I know I will cry when they go.

Could the BIG apple be far?

2008-03-22T21:09:00.003-04:00

OK still working on another fun art project but had to do a new collage for you. Sean the first born love bird went flump to the bottom of the cage Friday. He doesn't know how to fly yet so like a worried mom I lowered the nest box to the bottom. Now they all walk around the bottom of the cage in their Easter finery. I may have the first walking lovebirds. Now both babies like this idea alot since I also moved the seed down to their reach.
I had on some Barry White music the other day and the adult lovebirds went to town so bad I had to turn off the soul music. I guess Barry gets to everyone!

Working on more art...here is an older collage

2008-03-16T12:23:00.003-04:00

Done with paper and acrylics,on matboard. More later,got new things in the works.

Sean is getting ready to leave the nest!

2008-03-12T13:04:00.004-04:00

This morning Sean has been peeking out of the nest box. He is also practicing wing flapping inside and chirpies. The other baby is a few days behind. I hear them in class practicing all kinds of communication skills. John and Yoko are outside the nesting box much more often,leaving them alone. It's almost time!!! We have a taker for the second one I want to keep Sean with us,since he is my first born lovebird. But it appears there may be more on the way,ykes. I may need a boy/girl cage before much longer. Since I bought my 2 for $25 each I think it's a fair price if I sell some,huh? Opinion? Looks like Sean has Yoko's colors.

Playing with old photo's.

2008-03-10T19:19:00.002-04:00

This is an old photo of my maternal grandmother. I love the photo and the saying so I put them together. I am really having even more fun with old photo's I will show them soon! Been busy learning a new technique and having great results,be back soon!

My recent collage.

2008-03-05T21:56:00.003-05:00

Blown off the campground!

A must post pic I found in old photo's of moms

2008-03-02T19:38:00.002-05:00

Now this is a very old photo of who knows who these folks are. Tell me if the boy way over on the right is playing the ummm "air guitar". Some things never change huh? Is that just too funny? Wish I had the story behind this photo. It was like it just appeared in the box,never saw it ever ever!

OK I've been tagged by Gypsy Froggie and Neda

2008-03-01T15:24:00.002-05:00

The Rules:
1. When tagged, place the "tag-er" URL & name on your blog.
2. Post Rules on your blog.
3. Post 7 different things about yourself.
4. Name 7 of your favorite blogs.
5. Email or leave a comment for those 7 people so they know they've been tagged.

A me-me about me! YAWN!

1.I have been an extra in 2 John Waters movies..."Serial Mom" and "Desperate Living".In fact in "Serial Mom" I spent 2 days about 4 feet away and facing Kathleen Turner thinking to myself "imagine how many men would die for this spot I am in"
2.I have lived my whole life in Maryland other then a few months in Missouri when my ex.had to finish military duties.
3.Mostly men buy my larger pieces of art. One of my largest pieces was sold to a "big wheel" in T.Rowe Price a large financial institution in town. (My larger art is nothing like my smaller art.)
4.I have one son although I always badly wanted to adopt but never got around to it.
5.I prefer cities to country living. Or beachfront to mountains.
6.I was thrilled to be published in Somerset Studios and Legacy magazines and have another piece in an upcoming article that Jenny Doh personally wrote to me for.
7.I am dying to do a road trip across country to New Mexico.
I am now tagging 7 others below:
Jen Worden/Kathy Wasilewski/Kris Cahill/Lindsay Brackeen/Maria Avila/Sarah Winkler/Tracy Roos

What I am reading now.

2008-02-27T15:27:00.002-05:00

This is a great book for creative minds! It is the kind of book that makes my head wander off to another place. You must have read books that prompts your brain to relate to something in your life,by something mentioned in reading. I am slowly digesting what I am reading because I can't stay with the book since I get diverted to another place and time. Love the book though. The writer sounds very creative and makes these box journals. Tell me if a book ever does that to you. (makes you relate to something in your life,while reading it)
The third birdie egg hasn't hatched yet,I am sure it won't. But we have 2 cute babys getting bigger now. Wonder if I should remove the unhatched egg?