Oh my gosh, am I tired!!!!!!! But the good news is the house looks really good!! More stuff done tonight:
*Most of the basement was swept and vacuumed (Dy, did I tell you how grateful I am for your suggestion to get a wet-dry shop vac? I love it!), with a focus on the studio and the stairwell.
*A fire has been laid in the wood stove for tomorrow, and both woodboxes are full.
*All the legos, knex, lincoln logs, and dollhouse stuff was cleaned off the toy table and put away.
*All the table surfaces in the studio have been cleared off, the supplies for all the homemade cards and gifts I didn't get around to making for Christmas have been put away, without any guilt attached.
Both kids are exhausted and tucked into bed- they have been helping me clean the house since Thursday! Such hard workers, really. There were some skirmishes, but overall, they have been helpful and obedient. They are both saving money for big things right now (Interlochen, and airfare for Speech and Debate National Comp.), so I will "pay" them each a hefty sum for all the hard work that was above and beyond their normal chores.
My big sister, her husband, and their son are coming over tomorrow at 3 pm. This is big, amazing news, and I am very excited. Their visit was the perfect excuse for this thorough deep cleaning (which I wanted to do, but really lacked the motivation for these last two months).
The menu for tomorrow afternoon's supper (thanks again Dy, for helping with this!) is as follows:
*Salmon poached in a thyme, basil,lemon, and wine concoction
*Roasted veggies (broccoli, golden beets, fennel bulb, cipoline onions, garlic, zucchini, etc.)
*Sundried tomato and garlic polenta rounds
*Homemade pesto-cream (mock)sauce
*Salad
*Rolls
*Ambrosia for dessert
I have everything done and ready, so I think I should even be able to get to church in the morning if I go to bed RIGHT NOW. Think good thoughts for our get-together tomorrow- my sister told me that if I tear up (over the loss of her youngest son in Nov.) that she wouldn't come over again, so wish me luck. My goal here is to be an open space for trust and communication for my sister and her family, and to start the healing process here.
TTFN,
LB
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Tidbits: Sinus headaches, and more cleaning
The Papa Dude got home about 9:30 pm last night, and he and my Mama stayed up late visiting and chatting over Auntie P's chex mix and beer. He was so glad to be home, and the four of us were very glad to see him, too. He woke up this morning, though, with a terrible sinus headache that he has been keeping at bay all week. I brought him breakfast of sausages and challah french toast and industrial strength coffee, as well as a handful of decongestants and sinus pills, and he is feeling a bit better. But I called the P family and canceled the wood gathering event for today.
Instead, the Girl is helping Gramma mop all the floors, and the Boy is down the hillside, carrying up some cut rounds that were felled last year. Last night, as we were all sitting around the kitchen table, I noticed a couple of places on the kitchen walls that did not get scrubbed as well as I would like, so I will tackle those.
I will be taking Mama home in a couple of hours, and then I think we will head down to the studio- it could use some cleaning too! What are you doing today?
LB
Instead, the Girl is helping Gramma mop all the floors, and the Boy is down the hillside, carrying up some cut rounds that were felled last year. Last night, as we were all sitting around the kitchen table, I noticed a couple of places on the kitchen walls that did not get scrubbed as well as I would like, so I will tackle those.
I will be taking Mama home in a couple of hours, and then I think we will head down to the studio- it could use some cleaning too! What are you doing today?
LB
Friday, December 28, 2007
Tidbit: cleaning update
My Mama has been here since about 11 am, and we have all been cranking steadily since then, with just a break for a lunch of leftovers and finger foods.
All walls and doors in the kitchen, living room and entryway, the foyer in the bedroom wing, and the bathroom are all clean! We have changed my bed linens, washed, dried, and folded many loads, and I hung up and put away all the clothes that were laying on my dresser and rocking chair in my room. The Girl's room is clean, and the Boy is currently working on the nightmare we call his room.
There is still a great deal to be done, but my mama is willing to stay the night, and help me again tomorrow, while the Papa Dude and the kids go over and chop and chip some wood with/for the P family. I personally think it will be a great deal easier to clean tomorrow without dealing with the kids.
I think I am going to be ready to start painting very soon! I really wanted to get a handle on the clutter and lack of organization still in the basement before I paint, but it is tempting to paint now that the walls are ALL CLEAN!!!!
Okay, Gramma wants me to take her to get her hair cut (maybe I should get mine cut too?), and we are out of tp, pt, and Magic Erasers. Man, I hope "Mr. Clean" got stinking rich off that particular invention! As Ree would say, I heart them. I love them, and want to marry them and have their babies. Not really, but they are so worth the cost! And FYI- don't use the brand that says it compares to Mr. Clean's Magic Erasers, because they don't! Ask me how I know.
TTFN,
LB
All walls and doors in the kitchen, living room and entryway, the foyer in the bedroom wing, and the bathroom are all clean! We have changed my bed linens, washed, dried, and folded many loads, and I hung up and put away all the clothes that were laying on my dresser and rocking chair in my room. The Girl's room is clean, and the Boy is currently working on the nightmare we call his room.
There is still a great deal to be done, but my mama is willing to stay the night, and help me again tomorrow, while the Papa Dude and the kids go over and chop and chip some wood with/for the P family. I personally think it will be a great deal easier to clean tomorrow without dealing with the kids.
I think I am going to be ready to start painting very soon! I really wanted to get a handle on the clutter and lack of organization still in the basement before I paint, but it is tempting to paint now that the walls are ALL CLEAN!!!!
Okay, Gramma wants me to take her to get her hair cut (maybe I should get mine cut too?), and we are out of tp, pt, and Magic Erasers. Man, I hope "Mr. Clean" got stinking rich off that particular invention! As Ree would say, I heart them. I love them, and want to marry them and have their babies. Not really, but they are so worth the cost! And FYI- don't use the brand that says it compares to Mr. Clean's Magic Erasers, because they don't! Ask me how I know.
TTFN,
LB
Tidbits: Insomnia, deep cleaning, and a cranky pre-teen.
It is 3 a.m., and I am still awake, which is weird, as I have been up since 4 a.m. this morning. I hate it when my Dude is traveling and away. I do love being able to sleep in the middle of the bed, but it is colder- I always seem to need an extra quilt when he is away, and it is hard to get to sleep in the first place. Tonight I am hearing things every 2 minutes. Hard to relax. I am glad he is coming home tomorrow. I need me some sleep!
We had a delightful time with the Godparents yesterday. Lots of food, and games, and catching up. Auntie P's sister was there, too, and it was a delight to get to visit with her, as well as her borrowed puppy dog. I do loves me a doggie fix. Almost as good as a toddler.
Today was not a super day. The Girly and I butted heads most of the afternoon. It was frustrating, and I do not feel like I did a good job having patience or grace. But, we did manage to get a bit of cleaning done. I washed the walls and doors in the entryway, and picked up and swept the living room. The kids (mostly the Boy- he worked very hard today) started working on the bathroom- they scrubbed the tub, inside and out, the ceiling, and 2 of the bathroom walls. We also did the dishes, and kept the laundry going. Tomorrow, I am getting Gramma (I hope), and she will focus on the laundry, while the kids finish the bathroom, and I work on the living room some more, and then hopefully move on to the kitchen- the walls need to be washed, as well as the cabinets and the floor.
I still haven't used my easel, which honestly is all I really want to do. I think that may be why I was crabby and easily irritated today. I need to create. Need to make time for it to be important in my day to day life.
Okay, I am feeling tired now, and need to take advantage of that, and get some rest! If I can crash now, I can hopefully get 5 or 6 hours.
We had a delightful time with the Godparents yesterday. Lots of food, and games, and catching up. Auntie P's sister was there, too, and it was a delight to get to visit with her, as well as her borrowed puppy dog. I do loves me a doggie fix. Almost as good as a toddler.
Today was not a super day. The Girly and I butted heads most of the afternoon. It was frustrating, and I do not feel like I did a good job having patience or grace. But, we did manage to get a bit of cleaning done. I washed the walls and doors in the entryway, and picked up and swept the living room. The kids (mostly the Boy- he worked very hard today) started working on the bathroom- they scrubbed the tub, inside and out, the ceiling, and 2 of the bathroom walls. We also did the dishes, and kept the laundry going. Tomorrow, I am getting Gramma (I hope), and she will focus on the laundry, while the kids finish the bathroom, and I work on the living room some more, and then hopefully move on to the kitchen- the walls need to be washed, as well as the cabinets and the floor.
I still haven't used my easel, which honestly is all I really want to do. I think that may be why I was crabby and easily irritated today. I need to create. Need to make time for it to be important in my day to day life.
Okay, I am feeling tired now, and need to take advantage of that, and get some rest! If I can crash now, I can hopefully get 5 or 6 hours.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
A day after Christmas plea
Dear Uncle M and Auntie P,
The kids are bringing games, toys, and cameras to share with you, can I bring my easel? Do I have to leave it at home? If you let me paint at your house, I will gift you with one of the paintings, okay? Not that you would want it, as I just have this craving to just get my fingers all painty and just play, so it would be very abstract. But I would offer, none the less.
We could work out a deal........ I could make you a double batch of my (in)famous biscuits that you love so much, and serve them to you with real butter and homemade jam, and then you could sit and watch me paint. Wouldn't that be fun?! No? Well, you can't fault me for trying. ;-)
Your loving friend, and the demented, er, devoted parent of your godchildren,
LB
The kids are bringing games, toys, and cameras to share with you, can I bring my easel? Do I have to leave it at home? If you let me paint at your house, I will gift you with one of the paintings, okay? Not that you would want it, as I just have this craving to just get my fingers all painty and just play, so it would be very abstract. But I would offer, none the less.
We could work out a deal........ I could make you a double batch of my (in)famous biscuits that you love so much, and serve them to you with real butter and homemade jam, and then you could sit and watch me paint. Wouldn't that be fun?! No? Well, you can't fault me for trying. ;-)
Your loving friend, and the demented, er, devoted parent of your godchildren,
LB
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Merry Christmas update
Merry Christmas to you!I have a cold, was up till 2 am wrapping gifts, and then woken up by the kids at 6 am. So I am tired, and headed to bed- we have to be up and moving tomorrow morning, as we are off to celebrate Christmas with the kids' Godparents.
But I did want to pop in and say a very merry Christmas to you, and to share with you my fabulous gift. This is pretty much what mine looks like, but it came with a canvas carry bag, brushes and an acrylic paints set. I was not expecting this, and it was an amazing surprise. It it way cool, because it means the Dude thinks of me as an artist- as someone who needs an easel. I love that.
We had a wonderful time at the Christmas eve service last night, and tonight we had an amazing meal of pork roast marinated in an orange-fig jam glaze, with roasted root veggies (long red radishes, organic baby carrots with the stems on, red and gold beets, a fennel bulb, and a whole head of garlic cloves), roasted fingerling potatoes, and homemade challah. We forgot the pie, and the butternut squash, but we had plenty of good food to enjoy without them.
It snowed a bit today, and the kids were very excited, especially Piano Girl. She is so very much a snow bunny, and thought that snow on Christmas day was just about as perfect of a gift that there ever was.
We just finished watching Stardust, one of our new movie acquisitions from Santa, and it was very enjoyable, even though I haven't read either the book or the graphic novel. The Dude has both of them in our downstairs library, so I think I will put it on my reading list for next year.
I also have some good news! I already wrote it up and posted it on the WTM boards, so go here and read how proud I am of myself!
Much love to all of you, and wishes for a Happy New Year.
LB
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Field trip and Christmas stuff
Today, one of my former Nature Study students and her mama picked us up and took us to The Museum of History and Industry to see the Audubon exhibit. It was a wonderful exhibit, and great to see his work framed and hanging up rather that just photos of his work in our coffee-table book about Audubon. We had a great time, and it was so much fun to be with our friends. I have to admit that I do not miss teaching Nature Study, but I do miss seeing these folks every week.
When she dropped us off, my friend was nice enough to let her daughter stay to work in the studio. Our friend PonyGirl came over for the fourth and last time before Christmas to finish her oil paintings. So we have had a wonderful afternoon of making and wrapping gifts. I of course spent most of that time messing around on the computer, so I have nothing to show for the three hours the girls were creating. Oh well.
So far, for holiday happenings, we have made Ree's sugar cookies and taken them to a cookie exchange party, the Dude and I went to his company Christmas dinner here, and we have done a tiny bit of shopping. We went with a dear family friend to Molbak's and drooled over the bright pointsetias, and the kids also decorated the living room and it looks so bright and festive. I feel like I wasn't in the Christmas spirit until the Dude and I walked into the bright, light-filled room last week. Now I have to scurry to get ready for the holiday! I know we don't have much longer, but I want to find some more fun stuff to do before next week.
I will try to take some photos of our tree and decorations to post tomorrow. Gotta go for now- dinner needs to be early so Boy can eat before I take him to the basketball game (he plays his french horn in the pep band.) in an hour or so.
LB
When she dropped us off, my friend was nice enough to let her daughter stay to work in the studio. Our friend PonyGirl came over for the fourth and last time before Christmas to finish her oil paintings. So we have had a wonderful afternoon of making and wrapping gifts. I of course spent most of that time messing around on the computer, so I have nothing to show for the three hours the girls were creating. Oh well.
So far, for holiday happenings, we have made Ree's sugar cookies and taken them to a cookie exchange party, the Dude and I went to his company Christmas dinner here, and we have done a tiny bit of shopping. We went with a dear family friend to Molbak's and drooled over the bright pointsetias, and the kids also decorated the living room and it looks so bright and festive. I feel like I wasn't in the Christmas spirit until the Dude and I walked into the bright, light-filled room last week. Now I have to scurry to get ready for the holiday! I know we don't have much longer, but I want to find some more fun stuff to do before next week.
I will try to take some photos of our tree and decorations to post tomorrow. Gotta go for now- dinner needs to be early so Boy can eat before I take him to the basketball game (he plays his french horn in the pep band.) in an hour or so.
LB
Hi. I'm here.
Hi. I am not even going to apologize for not blogging for the last while. It has been crazy busy here, and I have been feeling quite overwhelmed. I have been dealing with grief-induced panic attacks, a wet basement (We are so blessed- The flooding was mild, and the basement is dry again, but we are actively praying for no more storms!), crabby teens, a hardworking Dude who is struggling with his work company's lack of moral ethics, and three toddler-cats who cannot seem to be in my studio space without barfing up hairballs on my newest works. Sigh. I won't even mention the decluttering and organizing that hasn't happened, the cookies that haven't been baked, the gifts that have not been yet made. Sigh.
But the deal is, I am here. I am blogging today, and I will try to retrain myself here to post daily. I need to get back into the rhythms and routines of our life. I do feel quite lost, lately, but I know I will feel better if I am expressing myself here and through art.
For now, I will sign off- I have three tween girls all down in the basement with me, all working on making Christmas gifts. Now to get *me* going on the homemade gifts!
Thanks go out to those of you who still come and check out the blog- I do appreciate you, but you also fill me with blogger-guilt when I go for long times without writing!
TTFN,
LB
But the deal is, I am here. I am blogging today, and I will try to retrain myself here to post daily. I need to get back into the rhythms and routines of our life. I do feel quite lost, lately, but I know I will feel better if I am expressing myself here and through art.
For now, I will sign off- I have three tween girls all down in the basement with me, all working on making Christmas gifts. Now to get *me* going on the homemade gifts!
Thanks go out to those of you who still come and check out the blog- I do appreciate you, but you also fill me with blogger-guilt when I go for long times without writing!
TTFN,
LB
Monday, December 03, 2007
Tidbit: Flood
Hurricane force wind-storm-flood warnings all over the whole state. The basement is flooding, I will check in when I can.
LB
LB
Friday, November 30, 2007
Okay. Okay. Fine. I will blog already.
I am here, and I am alive. Thanks for thinking of me. I was depressed, and I dug myself a hole (or actually a warm bed) and stayed there awhile. My neck going out didn't help at all. I had no use of my right arm and severe upper back spasms most of this week.
I haven't created, I am behind in every facet of my multi-faced life. I promise to blog. Again. Soon. But right now, I need to go climb the laundry mountain (Note to self to ask Papa Dude if a laundry-chute is a possibility.), and be available for the kids. The Girl has a friend coming over who has an oilstick painting in progress, so I will most likely be decluttering both the basement, as well as the studio.
Say hi if you want, and I will be in the comments soon.
And if you want to, it is ok to call- I am here and trying to get back into integrity, so a kick in the pants (ha- I accidentally typed paints!) now and again is most useful.
LB
I haven't created, I am behind in every facet of my multi-faced life. I promise to blog. Again. Soon. But right now, I need to go climb the laundry mountain (Note to self to ask Papa Dude if a laundry-chute is a possibility.), and be available for the kids. The Girl has a friend coming over who has an oilstick painting in progress, so I will most likely be decluttering both the basement, as well as the studio.
Say hi if you want, and I will be in the comments soon.
And if you want to, it is ok to call- I am here and trying to get back into integrity, so a kick in the pants (ha- I accidentally typed paints!) now and again is most useful.
LB
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
I got a hitch in my git'along.
I feel a cold coming on. This presents a larger problem than it would seem.
My sister has reumatoid arthritis and has a suppressed immune system.
Hmmm. Put on your thinking caps, folks. I need to be there for her, but not be physically near her. I am not panicking, but this is my Question of the day.
I need to get this family well, fast.
Plan: When done updating you, I will make tea, and then nap. Call *FYM in sick. Just rest up. cook. eat. read.talk, drink tea. Throw in algebra and piano for good measure. Find time to visit the studio depths together by a warm wood stove. Enjoy my babies.
Funeral Planning: Be ready to accept whatever Sister #1 needs when she knows what that is.
Offer to do phone things, or errands. Work out any transportation needs ahead of time with Dude (sigh. again with the nicknames.). He needs his car to WORK. Breathing Now.
So. I am going to go work those plans. I will check in with you later. Where's my naturopath when I need her? Wanna call me around noon my time, Dy? What homeaopathics could I use today?
*Ireally have been wanting to use FYM's real name on the blog lately- all of them, but have stayed as "anon" as possible. I think my family likes that. Thoughts?
**But we picked out really cool names that really fit the kids, and we use loving nicknames, and would love to call them that, but it might get consusing to everyone in blog-land, so I stick with just one or two lovey names, blah blah blah.
Thanks for the prayers and well-wishes. This love is powerful stuff. I am tired, but we will make it. I feel lifted up by it.
And like the Green Dragon says, Life is a journey, not a destination."
Hugs back to you.
LB
My sister has reumatoid arthritis and has a suppressed immune system.
Hmmm. Put on your thinking caps, folks. I need to be there for her, but not be physically near her. I am not panicking, but this is my Question of the day.
I need to get this family well, fast.
Plan: When done updating you, I will make tea, and then nap. Call *FYM in sick. Just rest up. cook. eat. read.talk, drink tea. Throw in algebra and piano for good measure. Find time to visit the studio depths together by a warm wood stove. Enjoy my babies.
Funeral Planning: Be ready to accept whatever Sister #1 needs when she knows what that is.
Offer to do phone things, or errands. Work out any transportation needs ahead of time with Dude (sigh. again with the nicknames.). He needs his car to WORK. Breathing Now.
So. I am going to go work those plans. I will check in with you later. Where's my naturopath when I need her? Wanna call me around noon my time, Dy? What homeaopathics could I use today?
*Ireally have been wanting to use FYM's real name on the blog lately- all of them, but have stayed as "anon" as possible. I think my family likes that. Thoughts?
**But we picked out really cool names that really fit the kids, and we use loving nicknames, and would love to call them that, but it might get consusing to everyone in blog-land, so I stick with just one or two lovey names, blah blah blah.
Thanks for the prayers and well-wishes. This love is powerful stuff. I am tired, but we will make it. I feel lifted up by it.
And like the Green Dragon says, Life is a journey, not a destination."
Hugs back to you.
LB
Monday, November 05, 2007
Hi. I'm here.
Hi! Piano Girl and I are sitting on my bed with laptops, listening to this wonderful article.
Having a girl's night in. Orange juice and a Cherry Tootsie Roll. Aroma Therapy: Patcouli Lime Shea Butter. Refueling and resting. Asked the Fine Young Man to get a ride home from his class tonight, so crossing my fingers I won't have to get out of bed.
Family is good, funeral planning in process. Meals delivered, flowers arriving. Navy supposed to be there tonight (been waiting all day). Long day. But we're good.
Thanks to MomBob and Rover, that was a recharging visit, for both of us. Thanks for being there.
Thanks for all the phone calls Dy, the emails Andie, and everyone who has dropped by and sent me love today. I will address comments tomorrow. My Girly is waiting for me. :-)
Back at ya' with the hugs.
LB
Having a girl's night in. Orange juice and a Cherry Tootsie Roll. Aroma Therapy: Patcouli Lime Shea Butter. Refueling and resting. Asked the Fine Young Man to get a ride home from his class tonight, so crossing my fingers I won't have to get out of bed.
Family is good, funeral planning in process. Meals delivered, flowers arriving. Navy supposed to be there tonight (been waiting all day). Long day. But we're good.
Thanks to MomBob and Rover, that was a recharging visit, for both of us. Thanks for being there.
Thanks for all the phone calls Dy, the emails Andie, and everyone who has dropped by and sent me love today. I will address comments tomorrow. My Girly is waiting for me. :-)
Back at ya' with the hugs.
LB
Update
I just posted this on the boards:
A meal is packed, dd, Gramma and I will drop it off at Sister's house, and touch base to see if they have received the Naval visitors that should have been here YESTERDAY.
Nephew is keeping in touch and we will see what is next so far as a service, and whatever is next (will they press charges? will there be some kind of trial?).
Piano GIrl has done latin review with Gramma, and has practiced twice, and my Boy will take the bus home from school and do schoolwork.
Papa is in Spokane working, and Gramma made it through yesterday, and the 5 of us really got how much we love each other yesterday.
Thanks for the continual prayer- your love is sustaining. So was the bath I just took- aromatherapy today was Herbal Citrus Sorbet for bath, and Candy Cane for the hand-washing pick-me-up.
Will update again tonight.
Hugs and gratitude to count you as my invisible friends,
A meal is packed, dd, Gramma and I will drop it off at Sister's house, and touch base to see if they have received the Naval visitors that should have been here YESTERDAY.
Nephew is keeping in touch and we will see what is next so far as a service, and whatever is next (will they press charges? will there be some kind of trial?).
Piano GIrl has done latin review with Gramma, and has practiced twice, and my Boy will take the bus home from school and do schoolwork.
Papa is in Spokane working, and Gramma made it through yesterday, and the 5 of us really got how much we love each other yesterday.
Thanks for the continual prayer- your love is sustaining. So was the bath I just took- aromatherapy today was Herbal Citrus Sorbet for bath, and Candy Cane for the hand-washing pick-me-up.
Will update again tonight.
Hugs and gratitude to count you as my invisible friends,
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Nights this week
Dang! Another week gone by with no posts and no studio time. Sigh.
Today is Thursday. My Boy (ok, so yesterday was his half-birthday and he is now 15.5 and taller than me- he is still my little Boy, and that *is* his nickname) is not feeling well. He has been plagued with bad dreams for the last week, and is sleep-deprived. He also ate a whole package on Muenster by himself this week, and seems to be experiencing the same dairy-induced cold I had earlier this month. He actually came upstairs as I was crawling into bed last night for an extra hug, and after telling me how small he felt, crawled into my bed, and asked me to sing to him. (Don't worry, Boy. I won't tell any of your high school friends that you needed your mama last night.) This has always been the only sure fire way to get this kid to sleep for the last 15 years. He was out like a light in no time. He is still there, and I am going to call him in sick, and let him sleep the day away while we are at Piano lessons all day.
Last night, Halloween, we drove over to Gramma's, punkin in tow, and visited with her while she handed out candy. The kids didn't really even ask to go Trick or Treating, so I didn't offer. They carved the punkin all by themselves, too. Gramma supervised this while I was outside (I can *not* get any phone service inside my mom's house) talking to Papa and sweeping the driveway. Papa left for Spokane on Sunday, and was supposed to come home Tuesday, and then last night, and now will hopefully (hard to type with your fingers crossed!) actually come home tonight. So I chatted with him a bit so he wouldn't be so lonely in his hotel room last night.
On Tuesday night, we represented Interlochen at this college fair. Interlochen was the only high school represented, so that was cool. The kids went around collecting information from many arts and music colleges. Unfortunately, Juliard was not there, as promised. They were disappointed, but collected pamphlets from many other good schools. It's a starting point.
On Monday night, I was not feeling well, so went to bed very early. That is all I can even remember about Monday.
We spent Sunday night at Gramma's, as I had to take her to the Dr. on Monday morning for a blood draw.
Ok, that is all I have, and I gotta get in the tub if we are going to be on time for Piano day. Sorry no art this week- mostly sorry for me, not you. I am craving it, and once I skip it for this long, it is hard to start.
I have a couple of art posts to do, so will try to get to them soon. And a disclaimer- I wrote this entire post without my glasses on, and although I did proofread it, I may have made some mistakes. That's what happens when I type blind.
LB
Today is Thursday. My Boy (ok, so yesterday was his half-birthday and he is now 15.5 and taller than me- he is still my little Boy, and that *is* his nickname) is not feeling well. He has been plagued with bad dreams for the last week, and is sleep-deprived. He also ate a whole package on Muenster by himself this week, and seems to be experiencing the same dairy-induced cold I had earlier this month. He actually came upstairs as I was crawling into bed last night for an extra hug, and after telling me how small he felt, crawled into my bed, and asked me to sing to him. (Don't worry, Boy. I won't tell any of your high school friends that you needed your mama last night.) This has always been the only sure fire way to get this kid to sleep for the last 15 years. He was out like a light in no time. He is still there, and I am going to call him in sick, and let him sleep the day away while we are at Piano lessons all day.
Last night, Halloween, we drove over to Gramma's, punkin in tow, and visited with her while she handed out candy. The kids didn't really even ask to go Trick or Treating, so I didn't offer. They carved the punkin all by themselves, too. Gramma supervised this while I was outside (I can *not* get any phone service inside my mom's house) talking to Papa and sweeping the driveway. Papa left for Spokane on Sunday, and was supposed to come home Tuesday, and then last night, and now will hopefully (hard to type with your fingers crossed!) actually come home tonight. So I chatted with him a bit so he wouldn't be so lonely in his hotel room last night.
On Tuesday night, we represented Interlochen at this college fair. Interlochen was the only high school represented, so that was cool. The kids went around collecting information from many arts and music colleges. Unfortunately, Juliard was not there, as promised. They were disappointed, but collected pamphlets from many other good schools. It's a starting point.
On Monday night, I was not feeling well, so went to bed very early. That is all I can even remember about Monday.
We spent Sunday night at Gramma's, as I had to take her to the Dr. on Monday morning for a blood draw.
Ok, that is all I have, and I gotta get in the tub if we are going to be on time for Piano day. Sorry no art this week- mostly sorry for me, not you. I am craving it, and once I skip it for this long, it is hard to start.
I have a couple of art posts to do, so will try to get to them soon. And a disclaimer- I wrote this entire post without my glasses on, and although I did proofread it, I may have made some mistakes. That's what happens when I type blind.
LB
Friday, October 26, 2007
Why haven't you been blogging, LB?
I am here. Sorry for the lack of posts this week. I have been very busy with life. Not very interesting, but busy as anything!
I have been up at 4 am several days this week, in order to take the Dude to the airport. I actually stayed up after I got home, resulting in feeling low-energy and tired most of the week. From now on, I go back to sleep when I get home! It works better for my body.
I had a lovely toddler fix yesterday while Piano Girl had a lovely lesson (she is doing very well right now). I am reading Mere Christianity with her piano teacher, and loving it.
I have washed dishes, done laundry, bought groceries, and vacuumed rugs. My house is really run down right now, and I need to give it some attention. With what time?
I have been engaged in high-level teenage parenting all week. I find this exhausting and worrisome. I hope I am doing this right. Being a teenager in this day and age is very different than it was 30 years ago, and I am trying to be there for my kids, but I feel out of my element. I am good with babies. I am not sure I relate well to teens. But we have them now, and I am coping. We all made it through the week in one piece, and that is what matters.
I used up an entire tank of gas playing taxi driver, which on Wed, for example, looked like this- Take the Dude to the airport, home for a bit, to the high school, to the bank, up north to run an errand, back to the school, home to pick up other kid, to the post office, across the lake to church for youth group, stop at Mom's, downtown to take her to supper, drop Mom off, back to the church, down to the airport, and back home. On Wed. alone I used a half tank of gas. Thursday involved two hour-long drives to and from piano lessons. Saturday will be more taxi driving- drive one kid and several speech and debate kids an hour south to speech tourny, get the other kid to group piano lessons 2 hours north. Then reverse the directions to get everyone home. Sigh. I love my job, I love my job.
I have done no art at all this week. I feel empty and stressed on this subject. I need the release of creating art, and I haven't made it happen. No blogging either. Sigh. No wrong-making here, just need to do this for me, and haven't.
That's it. That's all I have for you today.
LB
I have been up at 4 am several days this week, in order to take the Dude to the airport. I actually stayed up after I got home, resulting in feeling low-energy and tired most of the week. From now on, I go back to sleep when I get home! It works better for my body.
I had a lovely toddler fix yesterday while Piano Girl had a lovely lesson (she is doing very well right now). I am reading Mere Christianity with her piano teacher, and loving it.
I have washed dishes, done laundry, bought groceries, and vacuumed rugs. My house is really run down right now, and I need to give it some attention. With what time?
I have been engaged in high-level teenage parenting all week. I find this exhausting and worrisome. I hope I am doing this right. Being a teenager in this day and age is very different than it was 30 years ago, and I am trying to be there for my kids, but I feel out of my element. I am good with babies. I am not sure I relate well to teens. But we have them now, and I am coping. We all made it through the week in one piece, and that is what matters.
I used up an entire tank of gas playing taxi driver, which on Wed, for example, looked like this- Take the Dude to the airport, home for a bit, to the high school, to the bank, up north to run an errand, back to the school, home to pick up other kid, to the post office, across the lake to church for youth group, stop at Mom's, downtown to take her to supper, drop Mom off, back to the church, down to the airport, and back home. On Wed. alone I used a half tank of gas. Thursday involved two hour-long drives to and from piano lessons. Saturday will be more taxi driving- drive one kid and several speech and debate kids an hour south to speech tourny, get the other kid to group piano lessons 2 hours north. Then reverse the directions to get everyone home. Sigh. I love my job, I love my job.
I have done no art at all this week. I feel empty and stressed on this subject. I need the release of creating art, and I haven't made it happen. No blogging either. Sigh. No wrong-making here, just need to do this for me, and haven't.
That's it. That's all I have for you today.
LB
Monday, October 22, 2007
Tidbit: Parenting is a rough gig.
Whoa man! I cannot believe how stressful, challenging, and exhausting this parenthood gig is. I cannot believe I thought newborns and toddlers were challenging. Teenagers are tough- and not so tough. This is taking all my energy today. I have some art in my head, but it will have to wait for a bit while my hands and heart are working so hard with these kids. These amazing, beautiful, inteligent people who are inbetween childhood and adulthood, and for whom life is so big and scary and exciting.
God grant me the serenity to parent them with grace, patience, and understanding.
LB
God grant me the serenity to parent them with grace, patience, and understanding.
LB
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Tidbit: Papa's comin' home!
Yay! We are just leaving to go pick up the Papa Dude from the airport. Yay! I hope he's not too tired to make up! ;-)
And yes, I had a delightful day with my borrowed toddler. Oh how I love him. He so reminds me of when my Fine Young Man was little. He is very sweet and very intelligent, and makes Thursdays so much fun and very relaxing for me.
I came home, did the dishes, folded a bit of laundry, helped both kids do some school (history, latin, biology, and math), and then did a tiny bit of art journaling. I will try to do and post more tomorrow.
As Pooh says,
TTFN,
LB
And yes, I had a delightful day with my borrowed toddler. Oh how I love him. He so reminds me of when my Fine Young Man was little. He is very sweet and very intelligent, and makes Thursdays so much fun and very relaxing for me.
I came home, did the dishes, folded a bit of laundry, helped both kids do some school (history, latin, biology, and math), and then did a tiny bit of art journaling. I will try to do and post more tomorrow.
As Pooh says,
TTFN,
LB
Tidbit: piano day and toddler fix
Hey! Good Thursday morning to ya!
We are supposed to have winds up to 40 miles today. I am just hoping it doesn't stop my Dude's flight home today.
Off to all day piano lessons (Piano Girl has a performance this weekend!) and my toddler fix for the week.
Hugs,
LB
We are supposed to have winds up to 40 miles today. I am just hoping it doesn't stop my Dude's flight home today.
Off to all day piano lessons (Piano Girl has a performance this weekend!) and my toddler fix for the week.
Hugs,
LB
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Tidbit: tar gel and Mama time
Between dropping the kids off at youth group, and seeing my Mama, I stopped off at Daniel Smith, and bought myself some Golden clear Tar Gel, some sepia walnut ink, and a teensy-weensy skinny brush. I am so bad. I don't want to wait to play with these new "toys", but tomorrow is our all-day piano lesson day, so I do have to wait. Sigh.
My time with my Mama was spent plucking her chin hairs (don't laugh! Someday *I* may be old and blind and need my Girl to do this for me!), and setting up her fancy-dancy new books on tape system (through the Washington Talking Book and Braille Library). Her first selection: Nathaniel Hawthorne's House With the Seven Gables. I hope she likes it. It was a great visit, and she seems to be doing well. I love her so totally, I am so blessed to be able to spend time with her and do things with/for her.
Okay, gotta get up very early, so it is off to bed with me- the whole big bed, all to myself, sans snoring. I love my man, but could do without the snoring.
My time with my Mama was spent plucking her chin hairs (don't laugh! Someday *I* may be old and blind and need my Girl to do this for me!), and setting up her fancy-dancy new books on tape system (through the Washington Talking Book and Braille Library). Her first selection: Nathaniel Hawthorne's House With the Seven Gables. I hope she likes it. It was a great visit, and she seems to be doing well. I love her so totally, I am so blessed to be able to spend time with her and do things with/for her.
Okay, gotta get up very early, so it is off to bed with me- the whole big bed, all to myself, sans snoring. I love my man, but could do without the snoring.
What goes up must come down, and then go back up.
I felt so on top of the world last night, things were going great, but then just at bedtime, I got into an argument with the Dude. Don't get me wrong, I love him to pieces, but I HATE fighting with him. It puts me in a foul humour, and I end up all puffy because I don't rest all night, and I am puffy enough as it is! Hate going to bed when someone is upset with me. Hate it. Hate the example it sets for the kids, too.
We've talked since this morning, and we're ok, it's all okay, but I was still very upset when I got up this morning- a dark, dark cloud over me. That is what inspired today's art journal. I was so upset, I forgot to even gesso my pages, just took black and red paintsticks to it, making a big jaggeddy broken heart on the paper. Then I gessoed over it, making sure to let some angry black and red peek out. I then used pink, bright red, and dark crimson to make a pink heart- very rosy and happy-looking, over the black broken heart. Drizzled and brushed Lumiere around the edges, one side silver and darker, the other gold, with pinks and blues. I used a match to scratch words into the heart- "How many times can a heart be broken and then mended?"on one side, and "Love, peace, grace" on the other. The black and red shows through the scratch marks. I like the contrast between the warm and fuzzy pinkness, and the angry black underneath.
I may add more to this, but not today. We are headed out for the afternoon/evening. Kids have youth group, and I get to go see my Mama. That will be all the salve I need.
How is that for opening oneself up on the internet. I am all for just keeping it real, ya' know? The breakdowns happen to us all, and without them, the breakthroughs would be fewer and farther between. Ya gotta have those downs to appreciate those ups. And I knew that people used art for therapy, but as I experience it for myself, I can see how powerful it can be!
Keeping it raw and real,
LB
We've talked since this morning, and we're ok, it's all okay, but I was still very upset when I got up this morning- a dark, dark cloud over me. That is what inspired today's art journal. I was so upset, I forgot to even gesso my pages, just took black and red paintsticks to it, making a big jaggeddy broken heart on the paper. Then I gessoed over it, making sure to let some angry black and red peek out. I then used pink, bright red, and dark crimson to make a pink heart- very rosy and happy-looking, over the black broken heart. Drizzled and brushed Lumiere around the edges, one side silver and darker, the other gold, with pinks and blues. I used a match to scratch words into the heart- "How many times can a heart be broken and then mended?"on one side, and "Love, peace, grace" on the other. The black and red shows through the scratch marks. I like the contrast between the warm and fuzzy pinkness, and the angry black underneath.
I may add more to this, but not today. We are headed out for the afternoon/evening. Kids have youth group, and I get to go see my Mama. That will be all the salve I need.
How is that for opening oneself up on the internet. I am all for just keeping it real, ya' know? The breakdowns happen to us all, and without them, the breakthroughs would be fewer and farther between. Ya gotta have those downs to appreciate those ups. And I knew that people used art for therapy, but as I experience it for myself, I can see how powerful it can be!
Keeping it raw and real,
LB
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Tidbit: Believing in ME
Funny- Three different people today reffered to "finding your bliss". I seem to have found mine, and it seems to show. I am still round, I still deal with migraines, and I still have two teenagers, a Dude, 3 cats, and 8 chickens as well as this farmhouse to cope with daily. But I am not the same, or if I am, I am newly acknowledging a deeply hidden part of me.
Interesting- a year ago if asked, I would describe my heart/self as restless and apathetic, with a powerful yet undefined yearning". Today, and many of my nowadays, I am left with a comfortable feeling in my heart. Of knowing contentment, bliss and passion. And all it took was the finishing off of one corner of my basement, several hundreds of dollars' worth of paint, paper, and pretties, and a tiny belief in my heart that I *could be* the artist I *knew* I was as a five-year-old child. I just had to believe in myself to find her again. May I model this love of life and self-confidence for my children on a daily basis.
Interesting- a year ago if asked, I would describe my heart/self as restless and apathetic, with a powerful yet undefined yearning". Today, and many of my nowadays, I am left with a comfortable feeling in my heart. Of knowing contentment, bliss and passion. And all it took was the finishing off of one corner of my basement, several hundreds of dollars' worth of paint, paper, and pretties, and a tiny belief in my heart that I *could be* the artist I *knew* I was as a five-year-old child. I just had to believe in myself to find her again. May I model this love of life and self-confidence for my children on a daily basis.
So when last we met, this is where my art journal was. I had covered up my doubts and excuses of why I couldn't be an artist with gesso and bright and shiny new Shiva paintsticks.
Here is how it looks now. I got to use my new Lumiere paints for this! Yay. I don't know if you can read the words on the right, or if they just look like a big grey cloud, but they are there, and say basically what I said in the paragraph above. The photo is of me at about five years old, when I KNEW I wanted to be an artist, and believed I could. I again believe I can, and that I am.
That's it for today. I have to take Papa Dude to the airport at 5 am, so it is off to bed with me. See you tomorrow.
LB
art supplies
The goodies started trickling in on Saturday. First I got a back issue of Cloth Paper Scissors. The box it came in got very crumpled, as did the magazine, but that is ok. I am excited to read some new ways to use lutradur in this issue.
Ooohh, now look at these fun goodies! These are the wool felt beads I was telling you about. Don't they look wild against this batik fabric? Can't wait to start playing with these!
Another fun thing is this daisy-chain lace. This will be great for more work with the lutradur, but I may keep one or two out- the pastel centers are so pretty.
And the paint! The colorful painty jewels have arrived! Here they are upside down, so you can see the bright colors. The 11 bottles on the left are the silk paints- Dye-na-flow. The bottles on the right are the Lumiere metalic colors. Yummy!
I also received the undyed silk cocoons, but didn't take a photo of them yet.
Talk soon, I am fixing some hash browns for lunch, and then I am headed back down to the studio depths!
TTFN,
LB
Ooohh, now look at these fun goodies! These are the wool felt beads I was telling you about. Don't they look wild against this batik fabric? Can't wait to start playing with these!
Another fun thing is this daisy-chain lace. This will be great for more work with the lutradur, but I may keep one or two out- the pastel centers are so pretty.
And the paint! The colorful painty jewels have arrived! Here they are upside down, so you can see the bright colors. The 11 bottles on the left are the silk paints- Dye-na-flow. The bottles on the right are the Lumiere metalic colors. Yummy!
I also received the undyed silk cocoons, but didn't take a photo of them yet.
Talk soon, I am fixing some hash browns for lunch, and then I am headed back down to the studio depths!
TTFN,
LB
Random stuff
Okay, so I was so inspired by the video (I ended up watching about 20 of SuziBlu's art videos this morning!) that I started an art journal. I have been wanting to do this for awhile now, but had lots of excuses why I couldn't start it just yet. Now the excuses are all gone- or rather, I covered them up- I wrote them on these pages, then covered them in gesso, and then played with my new irredescent paintsticks. This isn't done yet, but I started it. Yay for me. I am so an artist!
Today's workspace- lest you thought I would leave it all pristine and nice. No such luck. My friend (for whom I cleaned this all up last week) did not come today, sigh, but I didn't let that stop me. Looky the great fun mess I made! See all my new ink stamps? The fabric paper I started last week is looking so colorful and different now.
See? Lots of stamped images (even more now than what you see here) and layers of paint and gesso. I am liking it more and more. I cut the big sheet up into several smaller pieces, from which I can make other stuff.
Here is the pinky-purple-orangey one, too. I really didn't like this one, but it is so pretty now.
And as usual, my partner in crime who keeps me company whenever I am in the studio depths, Sassy-Cuddlepuff. She is probably cleaning the paint off her fur in this photo- she had just laid on my freshly painted fabric paper. Sigh.
That's it for now- I still have an art supply post to get up today.
Today's workspace- lest you thought I would leave it all pristine and nice. No such luck. My friend (for whom I cleaned this all up last week) did not come today, sigh, but I didn't let that stop me. Looky the great fun mess I made! See all my new ink stamps? The fabric paper I started last week is looking so colorful and different now.
See? Lots of stamped images (even more now than what you see here) and layers of paint and gesso. I am liking it more and more. I cut the big sheet up into several smaller pieces, from which I can make other stuff.
Here is the pinky-purple-orangey one, too. I really didn't like this one, but it is so pretty now.
And as usual, my partner in crime who keeps me company whenever I am in the studio depths, Sassy-Cuddlepuff. She is probably cleaning the paint off her fur in this photo- she had just laid on my freshly painted fabric paper. Sigh.
That's it for now- I still have an art supply post to get up today.
LB
Tidbit: New inspiration
Found the video below at Donna Downey's blog, Simply Me. I don't know her, but I already love her. Very inspiring.
LB
LB
How To Keep An Art Journal by Suzi Blu: #1
My inspiration for the day- I now share it with you. More about where I got this later.
TTFN,
LB
Monday, October 15, 2007
Tidbit: sorta here, sorta not
Hey all,
Hope you are all well, and that none of you get the crud that is sneaking it's way through our house right now. It never really grabs you all the way, but for about a month, all of us have been fighting something low level. Tummy symptoms one day, then runny nose and a cough for a week, then ache-y joints and a sore throat. I think my poor immune system just had all it could take and I seem to be getting all the yucky symptoms at once. Very headache-y, tummy troubles, aches in my joints, etc.
So, I haven't been on the computer, haven't downloaded photos, haven't been in the studio since Saturday. But that's ok, rest is good. My art supplies are starting to trickle in, all the rainbow colors of paint came today, as did the undyed cocoons. I will take more photos tomorrow, and try to be a good blogger and artist. But for tonight, I have 2 new books (Fabric Leftovers, and How to Paint with Jacquard- I know, how interesting!), a sketchbook and pencil, and some StarTrek episodes to watch. I am heading up to my warm bed, and my Dude is cooking something to spark my appetite. I smell zucchini, olives, and sausages. We shall see if I actually eat any.
So that is my day- what have you been up to?
LB
Hope you are all well, and that none of you get the crud that is sneaking it's way through our house right now. It never really grabs you all the way, but for about a month, all of us have been fighting something low level. Tummy symptoms one day, then runny nose and a cough for a week, then ache-y joints and a sore throat. I think my poor immune system just had all it could take and I seem to be getting all the yucky symptoms at once. Very headache-y, tummy troubles, aches in my joints, etc.
So, I haven't been on the computer, haven't downloaded photos, haven't been in the studio since Saturday. But that's ok, rest is good. My art supplies are starting to trickle in, all the rainbow colors of paint came today, as did the undyed cocoons. I will take more photos tomorrow, and try to be a good blogger and artist. But for tonight, I have 2 new books (Fabric Leftovers, and How to Paint with Jacquard- I know, how interesting!), a sketchbook and pencil, and some StarTrek episodes to watch. I am heading up to my warm bed, and my Dude is cooking something to spark my appetite. I smell zucchini, olives, and sausages. We shall see if I actually eat any.
So that is my day- what have you been up to?
LB
Saturday, October 13, 2007
tidbit: studio progress halted by migraine
Worked in the studio a bit today, till the headache really sunk it's teeth in to my temples. Have photos to post but need to rest- will get back to work asap.
LB
LB
Tidbits: Run-on sentences, and Questions of the Day.
Cat-lovers, what can I do to keep my cats off my tables? Is there some "place" I can create for them in my studio that they will be able to share my space with me, in a way that doesn't mean cat dander on my art and art-making space? That was my run-on sentence of the day, and my sincere question of the day to you.
Peace from the studio depths,
LB
Peace from the studio depths,
LB
Friday, October 12, 2007
Unread books meme
The below listed books are the top 106 books most often marked as being unread by LibraryThing users.
The instructions are simple: Bold what you have read, and italicize books you have started but couldn’t finish. Add an asterisk* to those you have read more than once. Highlight (or underline- i can't seem to locate my underlining feature!) those on your ToBeRead list.
I surprised myself with how many of these I have read, and also notice that there are a great many titles I haven't even heard of before. It also makes me realize how many art books I have read in the last 5 years- the time I spend reading those means less reading from lists like this, but that's ok. On the other hand- I have made my highschooler read many of them- does that count for something?! Hat tip to Carrie @ Mommy Brain.
Ta Ta For Now,
LB
Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell
Anna Karenina
Crime and Punishment
Catch-22
One Hundred Years of Solitude
Wuthering Heights
The Silmarillion
Life of Pi: A Novel
The Name of the Rose
Don Quixote
Moby Dick
Ulysses
Madame Bovary
The Odyssey
Pride and Prejudice
Jane Eyre
A Tale of Two Cities
The Brothers Karamazov
Guns, Germs, and Steel: the Fates of Human Societies
War and Peace
Vanity Fair
The Time Traveller’s Wife
The Iliad
Emma
The Blind Assassin
The Kite Runner
Mrs. Dalloway
Great Expectations
American Gods
A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius
Atlas Shrugged
Reading Lolita in Tehran
Memoirs of a Geisha
Middlesex
Quicksilver
Wicked : The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West
The Canterbury Tales
The Historian
A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man
Love in the Time of Cholera
Brave New World
The Fountainhead
Foucault’s Pendulum
Middlemarch
Frankenstein
The Count of Monte Cristo
Dracula
A Clockwork Orange
Anansi Boys
The Once and Future King
The Grapes of Wrath
The Poisonwood Bible
1984
Angels & Demons
The Inferno
The Satanic Verses
Sense and Sensibility
The Picture of Dorian Gray
Mansfield Park
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
To the Lighthouse
Tess of the D’Urbervilles
Oliver Twist
Gulliver’s Travels
Les Mi'serables
The Corrections
The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
Dune
The Prince
The Sound and the Fury
Angela's Ashes
The God of Small Things
A People’s History of the United States : 1492-Present
Cryptonomicon
Neverwhere
A Confederacy of Dunces
A short History of Everything
Dubliners
The Unbearable Lightness of Being
Beloved
Slaughterhouse-Five
The Scarlet Letter
Eats, Shoots & Leaves
The Mists of Avalon
Oryx and Crake: A Novel
Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed
Cloud Atlas
The Confusion
Lolita
Persuasion
Northanger Abbey
The Catcher in the Rye
On the Road
The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Freakonomics
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance
The Aeneid
Watership Down
Gravity’s Rainbow
The Hobbit
In Cold Blood
White Teeth
Treasure Island
David Copperfield
The Three Musketeers
A Thank You Post
One of my loyal blog readers and commenters is the kids' Godmother, Pamela. She is one of my fave humans, ever. I love her with all my heart, and hope she knows it.
Well, for my birthday this year, she gave me a really beautiful, yummy gift that I was saving for just the perfect occasion. Well, I never really came up with a perfect occasion, butI used it this week, and I loved it. She gave me some some lovely green tea from a company called Tea Forte', called Oasis, in these beautiful silken, triangle bags, and two cute little Tea trays to catch the drips. I used my fave mug, and the cute tea pot I gave Papa Dude for his birthday, and took it downstairs to the studio to have while I was working. Wonderful flavor, and very fun ritual.
This was a wonderful gift, and I still have the cute little trays- guess I will have to get myself some of this fun tea so I can use them again.
TTFN,
LB
Tidbit: WIP snippet for Amy
Amy wanted to see this- this is what is pinned to my design wall at the moment, and is the next part of my WIP screen project, using my Lutradur and Lace challenge pieces. Hoping to finish this before my rep. friend comes on Tuesday (yes, I thought she was coming last Tuesday, but I was a week early!), so I can show it to her. And Amy, this is what I do when I am talking to you on the phone!
TTFN,
LB
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Coming soon to a studio near you: new art supplies!
I hate shopping. I really really hate it. Unless of course it is for art supplies. And frankly, I don't much enjoy it then, it is just a tad bit more interesting to me than the other items I shop for: looking for clothes to fit my chunky short body, or buying expensive food that I am going to have to cook later, and won't last very long in this house of teenagers, or really pricey text books that my kids will only get half the way through, but thoroughly use enough that they lose their resale value.
So, it took me all day, to be tough with myself and only order what I felt I really need, in small enough quantities so as to be frugal, but large enough that I won't need to order again for a couple of months. Here is what I ordered, all online. I can't wait till it all gets here.
First, from JoAnn, I ordered a Crop-a-dile. I was able to use my 40% off coupon, and saved myself $16. I was so proud of myself. I plan on using this specifically for making screens and wall-hangings with the lutradur and lace panels I made. I hope it works like it says it does, if so, it will save me a lot of noise and aggravation!
Next, I needed more lutradur and wanted to get it in a roll, not folded, and in quantities larger than a yard. That really limited me when I was working with it. It took me so long to find the manufacturer, but once I did, ordering was easy. I was able to order it in two different weights (thickness), so it will be fun to experiment with this again.
Then I needed more paints. I found that I could buy both the rich and sparkly Lumiere and the bright, dye-like Dye-na-flow paints for significantly less moolah at Dharma Trading company. They also carry the irridescent Shiva Paintsticks for less, so I ordered one of those to try. Those puppies are so pricey! But I love what they do, so I will just order one or two at a time. You get a discount if you order ten or more of each type of paint, so I did that- I ordered the smallest size jar in lots of colors so I can experiment and see what I like and use the most of. The next time I order, I can do it in larger sizes, and get what I really use.
I also needed undyed, uncut silk cocoons, so ordered some of those here. I love this company, because they ALWAYS offer free shipping! Works for me.
Next, I put in an order at Joggles. If you have never visited this site, you are in for a treat. So many art supplies, so little time. I ordered a lot of wool felt beads in many colors. I have been wanting these for so long, and I can't wait to use them! This was probably the most frivolous purchase I made today, but what the heck? An artist (hey, that's me!) needs materials to work with, to inspire them. And although it seemed like I spent a lot, I thought about how much this same amount of supplies would have cost me if I had gone out and bought them locally, and I realized I really saved darn near $50. by comparison shopping on the internet. Maybe shopping isn't so bad after all.
I also bought Biology tests, but I will not post a link to those, lol.
TTFN,
LB
So, it took me all day, to be tough with myself and only order what I felt I really need, in small enough quantities so as to be frugal, but large enough that I won't need to order again for a couple of months. Here is what I ordered, all online. I can't wait till it all gets here.
First, from JoAnn, I ordered a Crop-a-dile. I was able to use my 40% off coupon, and saved myself $16. I was so proud of myself. I plan on using this specifically for making screens and wall-hangings with the lutradur and lace panels I made. I hope it works like it says it does, if so, it will save me a lot of noise and aggravation!
Next, I needed more lutradur and wanted to get it in a roll, not folded, and in quantities larger than a yard. That really limited me when I was working with it. It took me so long to find the manufacturer, but once I did, ordering was easy. I was able to order it in two different weights (thickness), so it will be fun to experiment with this again.
Then I needed more paints. I found that I could buy both the rich and sparkly Lumiere and the bright, dye-like Dye-na-flow paints for significantly less moolah at Dharma Trading company. They also carry the irridescent Shiva Paintsticks for less, so I ordered one of those to try. Those puppies are so pricey! But I love what they do, so I will just order one or two at a time. You get a discount if you order ten or more of each type of paint, so I did that- I ordered the smallest size jar in lots of colors so I can experiment and see what I like and use the most of. The next time I order, I can do it in larger sizes, and get what I really use.
I also needed undyed, uncut silk cocoons, so ordered some of those here. I love this company, because they ALWAYS offer free shipping! Works for me.
Next, I put in an order at Joggles. If you have never visited this site, you are in for a treat. So many art supplies, so little time. I ordered a lot of wool felt beads in many colors. I have been wanting these for so long, and I can't wait to use them! This was probably the most frivolous purchase I made today, but what the heck? An artist (hey, that's me!) needs materials to work with, to inspire them. And although it seemed like I spent a lot, I thought about how much this same amount of supplies would have cost me if I had gone out and bought them locally, and I realized I really saved darn near $50. by comparison shopping on the internet. Maybe shopping isn't so bad after all.
I also bought Biology tests, but I will not post a link to those, lol.
TTFN,
LB
Two more after photos
This is now how the pantry area looks. The brown cupboards hold all my canned goods. The chair and table were just there for photo taking, and can go out into the room now. I still need to sort some of the stuff in those tubs on the left there, but most of them are empty. Yay! I made the Boy mop the floor and clean up the litter mess, too.
This is my painting table, near the back door. Look how neat it is! This is the only table that has stuff under it, and it is all organized neatly. Yarns and fibers, angelina fibers, ribbons, etc. in the plastic drawers, and all my painting supplies neatly in the wire shelves. I love those wire shelves and want more of them. When I am painting, I can just pull out the bucket of brushes, and the box of paints specific to my need, and go for it.
Okay, now I am done showing you my after photos, and can get on with the creating!LB
new WIP- Fabric Paper
This Work-In-Progress is one of the October Challenges from the Fibre and Stitch online magazine, issue #1. This is the first step in making fabric paper. This consists of a crumpled sheet of tissue paper laid out on top of muslin. I soaked them both with a PVA (glue)/water mixture, and then sprinkled my brand-spanking new Dye-Na-Flow paints on them. I watered the paints down some, and think I would like them better full-strength next time. I used a brush to blend the colors all together. Notice the crinkly texture that the srinkled tissue paper gave the fabric. I know it doesn't look too spectacular yet, but it isn't finished. Now I will add some more detail to it- a little gesso, some stamps, maybe a bit more texture with some bubble wrap, etc. That will give it lots of texture. This will be a background fabric, in a paper quilt, and I will probably use it for postcards as well. And Pammie, these photos DO look better when you click on them!
Here is the blue-green one. Reminds me a bit of a Monet's garden scene.
Close up. I do think this one would have really stood out more with full-strength paint.
The purpley-pink-orange one. Note- too many colors make it look muddy.
Close up. Reminds me of a rainy day- a little dark, but not too dreary.
Look for more photos of this fabric paper next week- and hopefully they will be more interesting! I really like this technique and am looking forward to doing more of this.LB
Studio After Deep Cleaning
From the back door again- sorry about the lighting- it was bright and I couldn't get it right. Notice the clear table surfaces, the lack of crap on the floor, and the empty space under the tables.
Hey look! You can see (and use) the stove! And there are no big piles of junk next to it anymore! Look at that freshly vacuumed carpet!
Neat and clean table tops- ready to get messy with new projects! And everything that was piled here and there is put away and neatly stored.
Here is my paper cupboard. The plastic drawers and baskets on top are all full of collage materials- mostly cards, paper napkins, and specialty papers. In the bottom of the cupboard are kid-oriented craft supplies- perler beads, stuff to make flower fairies, felt, etc. The small drawers next to the paper cupboard hold more collage materials- chipboard shapes, skeleton leaves, paper flowers, etc. I love these little drawers- they are easy to access and keep these supplies (relatively) neat.
These are the shelves on the stairwell wall. They are tucked behind my design wall- two 4' X 8' panels covered in cotton batting and on casters so they move like closet doors. I can have both panels open, or one or the other only. I can move them to access all the shelves, or close them. I love this feature of the room. I really use the whole design wall. Notice how neat the shelves are- from top to bottom we have everything from silk rods and cocoons, to buttons and beads, to every issue of Cloth, Paper, Scissors and Quilting arts, as well as other art technique books. I also have bottles of water (no sink in the studio yet) and wipes for easy cleanup, and cd's to listen to.
I think you can get an idea of how much better it looks, but I think I still have more pics. Do you want to see more?
LB
Hey look! You can see (and use) the stove! And there are no big piles of junk next to it anymore! Look at that freshly vacuumed carpet!
Neat and clean table tops- ready to get messy with new projects! And everything that was piled here and there is put away and neatly stored.
Here is my paper cupboard. The plastic drawers and baskets on top are all full of collage materials- mostly cards, paper napkins, and specialty papers. In the bottom of the cupboard are kid-oriented craft supplies- perler beads, stuff to make flower fairies, felt, etc. The small drawers next to the paper cupboard hold more collage materials- chipboard shapes, skeleton leaves, paper flowers, etc. I love these little drawers- they are easy to access and keep these supplies (relatively) neat.
These are the shelves on the stairwell wall. They are tucked behind my design wall- two 4' X 8' panels covered in cotton batting and on casters so they move like closet doors. I can have both panels open, or one or the other only. I can move them to access all the shelves, or close them. I love this feature of the room. I really use the whole design wall. Notice how neat the shelves are- from top to bottom we have everything from silk rods and cocoons, to buttons and beads, to every issue of Cloth, Paper, Scissors and Quilting arts, as well as other art technique books. I also have bottles of water (no sink in the studio yet) and wipes for easy cleanup, and cd's to listen to.
I think you can get an idea of how much better it looks, but I think I still have more pics. Do you want to see more?LB
Studio Before Deep Cleaning
Okay, Dy convinced me that my faithful readers would still love me if I posted before cleaning pictures of my horrible basement. I will test the waters with before photos of my studio. I have one corner of the unfinished basement, that as most of you know, the Dude finished and presented me with this last Christmas. I have filled almost every inch of this space to the brim with art supplies. I have some art that I love, but I haven't put that up yet. Pamela, you can enlarge these pics, but it will embarrass me to no end, so just don't tell me that you did, ok?
First off, before I could do much of anything else, I had to deal with the piles of stuff. There were piles everywhere, 3 to 4 feet wide, and 3 to 4 feet high, of stuff that needed to be thrown away, or put away.
This is what my fabric cutting/sewing/ironing table looked like. No room to do any of those things- and more piles.
This table came in very handy this summer, and fit right over the stove, giving me more usable space, but as we are heating our home with the stove this winter, I needed to ditch the table. You can see the chimney in the center, and the basement door to the left. The chimney is the "wall" of my studio, and where it ends. Back in the left corner behind the basement door is where the laundryroom is going to be, hopefully soon.
This photo is taken from the basement door area. You can see my messy tables, and my fabric wall. The wood cupboards on the left and in the middle hold all my paper/craft supplies.
Lookie here- more junk piles! And a filthy floor, and a view into the messy pantry area under the stairwell. On the right of the photo is the paper cabinet you saw in the last photo. It was so messy in the pantry area- this is where the litter boxes are, and there were so many boxes and piles of junk, you couldn't even turn around in there. Really yucky and a waste of space.
Notice how there are just boxes and piles everywhere. Not very efficient use of space at all. Check out the next post to see what it looks like now.
LB
First off, before I could do much of anything else, I had to deal with the piles of stuff. There were piles everywhere, 3 to 4 feet wide, and 3 to 4 feet high, of stuff that needed to be thrown away, or put away.
This is what my fabric cutting/sewing/ironing table looked like. No room to do any of those things- and more piles.
This table came in very handy this summer, and fit right over the stove, giving me more usable space, but as we are heating our home with the stove this winter, I needed to ditch the table. You can see the chimney in the center, and the basement door to the left. The chimney is the "wall" of my studio, and where it ends. Back in the left corner behind the basement door is where the laundryroom is going to be, hopefully soon.
This photo is taken from the basement door area. You can see my messy tables, and my fabric wall. The wood cupboards on the left and in the middle hold all my paper/craft supplies.
Lookie here- more junk piles! And a filthy floor, and a view into the messy pantry area under the stairwell. On the right of the photo is the paper cabinet you saw in the last photo. It was so messy in the pantry area- this is where the litter boxes are, and there were so many boxes and piles of junk, you couldn't even turn around in there. Really yucky and a waste of space.
Notice how there are just boxes and piles everywhere. Not very efficient use of space at all. Check out the next post to see what it looks like now.LB
Monday, October 08, 2007
Tidbit: Studio is cleaner than ever!
I got the studio cleaned up! It took all day, but it is very, very clean! I took some before and after shots, will try to get them up tomorrow- right now I have a burger cooking, and some fresh corn on the cob waiting for me- dinner at 8:30.
TTFN,
LB
TTFN,
LB
Tidbit: new project, WIP, and cleanup
Hi. I see it has been awhile since I have posted again. I seem to really be struggling with this! I feel like someone just learning to juggle, but I have been handed 7 balls instead of two, and can't seem to keep them all in the air.
I have a friend coming over tomorrow to see the studio and to look at some of my work. She has a business selling fine art and gifts and knows of a show I could have some art in that happens in February. She hasn't seen the studio yet, and wants to see where I work, and what sorts of things I work with in case she can help with anything.
I started a new project in the studio, too. I am hoping to take pics today. It is another challenge from the first issue of Fibre and Stitch. So there is paper, and fabric, and paint everywhere.
So I need to get the studio cleaned today- a deep vacuuming with the shop vac (to get the stoopid cat litter out of the grooves in the stoopid carpet), dusting, and decluttering. Need to get rid of the piles of boxes, and I need to move the table that I had standing over the wood-burning stove, so we can start using it soon.
I also need to mail my charms for September's swap, help the Dude pay bills, get flea treatment for the cats, do laundry and dishes, change the linens on the bed, and figure out what is for supper. Not to mention that the tomatoes need to be pulled, the potatoes dug up and stored, and the punkins picked.
Too many balls, to few juggling skills. Think good thoughts for me.
Ta Ta For Now,
LB
I have a friend coming over tomorrow to see the studio and to look at some of my work. She has a business selling fine art and gifts and knows of a show I could have some art in that happens in February. She hasn't seen the studio yet, and wants to see where I work, and what sorts of things I work with in case she can help with anything.
I started a new project in the studio, too. I am hoping to take pics today. It is another challenge from the first issue of Fibre and Stitch. So there is paper, and fabric, and paint everywhere.
So I need to get the studio cleaned today- a deep vacuuming with the shop vac (to get the stoopid cat litter out of the grooves in the stoopid carpet), dusting, and decluttering. Need to get rid of the piles of boxes, and I need to move the table that I had standing over the wood-burning stove, so we can start using it soon.
I also need to mail my charms for September's swap, help the Dude pay bills, get flea treatment for the cats, do laundry and dishes, change the linens on the bed, and figure out what is for supper. Not to mention that the tomatoes need to be pulled, the potatoes dug up and stored, and the punkins picked.
Too many balls, to few juggling skills. Think good thoughts for me.
Ta Ta For Now,
LB
Friday, September 28, 2007
September trade: autumn charms
Hello friends. As I told you last month, part of my vow to be an artist instead of wishing to be one, was to partake in a trade and/or challenge each month. Here are the results of September's trade. I really enjoyed making these- it took me back to my sculpting days. I made most of these while talking to Dy, Amy, or the Dude on the phone- they were easy and enjoyable to create. They consist of silk coccons and silk rods (go here to see photos of both), painted with Lumiere here and there, and embellished with silk wool. You probably won't want to click on these- when they are big, they are just fuzzy blobs.
This is my sunflower. 2 silk cocoons, which I cut into to form the petals, nestled in part of a silk rod, with a button to hold the layers together. This one has the metalic Lumiere on the petals.
This acorn was the first one I came up with. A cocoon, with a bead attached at the closed end, and part of a brown rod glued on the open end, with some embroidery floss wrapped around to make the stem.
This one is a tassel. Some lace glued onto the cocoon, silk fibers, some with leaf bead, glued inside the cocoon.
Punkins! A bit of curly brown silk rod to make the stem, and silk wool stuffed into the open end of orange cocoons. Couldn't have been simpler!
Hope you liked them.LB
WIP finished (sorta) L & L challenge
I last wrote about this challenge here. You can see how different the pieces look finished.
What I meant by sorta in the title of this post, is that I am done making the "fabric", but I haven't done anything with them yet. I have a plan, just need to execute it. As usual, you can click to enlarge.
So again, this is lutradur, an interesting fibrous "fabric", with lace and cheesecloth applied with many layers of acrylic paints, the last few layers being Lumiere, which I just adore for their iridescence. That's it for this post.
Ta ta for now,
LB
What I meant by sorta in the title of this post, is that I am done making the "fabric", but I haven't done anything with them yet. I have a plan, just need to execute it. As usual, you can click to enlarge.
So again, this is lutradur, an interesting fibrous "fabric", with lace and cheesecloth applied with many layers of acrylic paints, the last few layers being Lumiere, which I just adore for their iridescence. That's it for this post.
Ta ta for now,
LB
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Tidbits: Toddler love and a link or three.
For Tami, here is a better shot of the mural. I haven't worked on it in several months, and I really should- I find that even though I have very little experience painting, it is very freeing, and makes me happy. I need to do more of it, how else will I get better?
Also, if you haven't met Lemondrop yet, you may want to head over and check her out. Tami is her creator, and the kids and I love to see new bits of Lemondrop's story every week. If you have littles, they will love the illustrations. My tweens are hooked!
I took a 2 hour nap yesterday, so was awake till about 2 this morning. It's all the Birthday Girl's fault, really. Miz Booshay posted links to the current Dancing with the Stars show, and I went over to YouTube to check them out. 2 hours later, and I had watched a LOT of ballroom dances featuring Mario Lopez. I can see why you folks with tv reception and cable could get sucked into this show. Good thing we don't do tv- probably a good thing Netflix doesn't have DWTS.
I had the most wonderful time with my borrowed toddler today. While his mama, TBPTOTP (The Best Piano Teacher on the Planet) and Piano Girl worked for 3+ hours downstairs, we did puzzles, and played trains, and read, and read, and read some more. We played our special games, the "I like/do you like" game, the "woof/meow/oink" game, and sang lots of nursery rhymes. Once a preschool teacher, always a preschool teacher. He calls me nanny (my 3rd person name for myself) now, and is just so sweet. And if all that wasn't enough, get this- every week, I sing him lullabies and rock him to sleep, then lay him down for his nap. I know he is way old for this, and I am the only person who puts him down for nigh-nights like this, but hey- he will grow up soon enough, and his mama lets me spoil and enjoy him this way. Anyway, I always say, "Goodnight, Abe. I love you. See you next week." as I lay him down, whether he is asleep or not. Today, he was really tired, but fidgety, so after about 20 songs,I lay him down awake, and said my usual. He snuggled down into his crib, and said, "I love you too.". Now if that just wasn't enough to keep me glowing all the rest of the day, I don't know what else would.
Edited to add this pic of Abe. It isn't the best, but he moves constantly- I took over 20 photos of him yesterday, and this is the only one that even sorta came out- but it is cute- notice his Thomas cap, and James the red engine- classic Abe accoutrements.
I have more I could update you on, but we are headed out the door to pick the Papa Dude up from the airport. I took tons of photos at the fair, and have some art to upload too, will try to be better at posting in the next couple of days- been fighting some bug, and actually sleeping!
TTFN,
LB
Also, if you haven't met Lemondrop yet, you may want to head over and check her out. Tami is her creator, and the kids and I love to see new bits of Lemondrop's story every week. If you have littles, they will love the illustrations. My tweens are hooked!
I took a 2 hour nap yesterday, so was awake till about 2 this morning. It's all the Birthday Girl's fault, really. Miz Booshay posted links to the current Dancing with the Stars show, and I went over to YouTube to check them out. 2 hours later, and I had watched a LOT of ballroom dances featuring Mario Lopez. I can see why you folks with tv reception and cable could get sucked into this show. Good thing we don't do tv- probably a good thing Netflix doesn't have DWTS.
I had the most wonderful time with my borrowed toddler today. While his mama, TBPTOTP (The Best Piano Teacher on the Planet) and Piano Girl worked for 3+ hours downstairs, we did puzzles, and played trains, and read, and read, and read some more. We played our special games, the "I like/do you like" game, the "woof/meow/oink" game, and sang lots of nursery rhymes. Once a preschool teacher, always a preschool teacher. He calls me nanny (my 3rd person name for myself) now, and is just so sweet. And if all that wasn't enough, get this- every week, I sing him lullabies and rock him to sleep, then lay him down for his nap. I know he is way old for this, and I am the only person who puts him down for nigh-nights like this, but hey- he will grow up soon enough, and his mama lets me spoil and enjoy him this way. Anyway, I always say, "Goodnight, Abe. I love you. See you next week." as I lay him down, whether he is asleep or not. Today, he was really tired, but fidgety, so after about 20 songs,I lay him down awake, and said my usual. He snuggled down into his crib, and said, "I love you too.". Now if that just wasn't enough to keep me glowing all the rest of the day, I don't know what else would.
Edited to add this pic of Abe. It isn't the best, but he moves constantly- I took over 20 photos of him yesterday, and this is the only one that even sorta came out- but it is cute- notice his Thomas cap, and James the red engine- classic Abe accoutrements.TTFN,
LB
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Where is LB?
I am here, I just have been spending time doing things that don't involve a computer! First off, I have met another man, and he and I have been spending waaaayyy to o much time together recently. Have to say, the Dude doesn't seem to mind. I have been engaged in a thorough deep cleaning of this old farmhouse, from top to bottom and stem to stern. It is taking up much of my time and energy, and doesn't show any signs of being over any time soon, but I am actually sorta-kinds enjoying it . At least I like the way a room looks and smells when I am done, and I don't seem to be reacting to the chemicals in the cleaner this time. 
And secondly, I have been spending lots of time teaching and supervising lessons. It is going good so far, but is time-consuming and challenging. A lot of the time, it looks like this, only imagine a kid sitting there, staring out the window, or getting up every two minutes to go downstairs to sharpen the lead that you would swear they keep breaking on purpose, etc.
One of the reasons cleaning and schooling can be draining to me is that I would really rather be here. I have been in the studio in little fits and starts- putting on a paint of coat here and there between lessons and laundry loads. My L & L challenge is coming along, I haven't taken photos of it lately, but my pieces have many layers of paint, and are just about done. I am now at the point where I am ready to make some things with it. I have a few ideas but will show them to you later.
It seems every time I get a few loyal readers coming to the blog, I stop blogging. I apologize for that way of being. I tell the story that I am too busy to do it, with everything else I have going, but the truth is, sometimes I feel like it, and sometimes I don't. I do hope that you continue to check in now and again, as I will be making a supreme effort to do this regularly. Thanks to those who always comment- that means a great deal and keeps me blogging.
Hugs. TTFN,
LB
And secondly, I have been spending lots of time teaching and supervising lessons. It is going good so far, but is time-consuming and challenging. A lot of the time, it looks like this, only imagine a kid sitting there, staring out the window, or getting up every two minutes to go downstairs to sharpen the lead that you would swear they keep breaking on purpose, etc.
One of the reasons cleaning and schooling can be draining to me is that I would really rather be here. I have been in the studio in little fits and starts- putting on a paint of coat here and there between lessons and laundry loads. My L & L challenge is coming along, I haven't taken photos of it lately, but my pieces have many layers of paint, and are just about done. I am now at the point where I am ready to make some things with it. I have a few ideas but will show them to you later.It seems every time I get a few loyal readers coming to the blog, I stop blogging. I apologize for that way of being. I tell the story that I am too busy to do it, with everything else I have going, but the truth is, sometimes I feel like it, and sometimes I don't. I do hope that you continue to check in now and again, as I will be making a supreme effort to do this regularly. Thanks to those who always comment- that means a great deal and keeps me blogging.
Hugs. TTFN,
LB
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Sunset Walkies, part 2
Okay, so I told you we were walking out behind Boeing. There are several buildings, and hangars. Here is one. As usual, you can click to make it bigger.
Over to the left, you can see an airplane. It started from over here, and traveled across our line of vision. I don't know just what about this was so fascinating, but I shot tons of photos of it, and had a really good time. Maybe it was the cool color of the jet before it got it's final paint coat.
Here it is in a close-up. Isn't it pretty? For a plane, that is.
It was pulled by this tiny vehicle. What a contrast!
There it goes, over to the main airport. What fun!
That's it! Other than the plane, I took tons of photos of berries. There were berries everywhere along the walking path- all different colors and sizes.Talk soon,
LB
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