Into the Woods...

It is peaceful living in the woods, that is once you get used to the night noises of the owls, and of course the serenade of the summer peepers.  The first time I heard a pileated woodpecker, I was waiting for something to come flying out at me swinging from vine to vine.  The cicadas song is a constant buzz, a seemingly distant sound, of which you don't even hear, unless you really listen.  For it is ever present.  There is nothing more peaceful than to awaken with the sun and the songs of so many different birds.  And of course, the black crows, or ravens who visit me, carrying a message from Nina, remind me of how to adjust my own life flight plans, when the winds blow into my life.   There truly is magic in everyday, and we must be ever watchful, lest we miss the opportunity to respond with creativity, and yes, PASSION!!!

Now this one must be a "passion" mushroom, heart shaped dual caps, MELD INTO ONE!

Sunday was a time for reflection.  I even walked barefoot in the light rain through the grass.  And walking through the woods always produces some thought provoking inspiration from which to draw on for yet another project.  For after all the rains, the tornado, hail, crazy weather of late, topped off by the 90 - 100 degree temperatures, there lies on the mossy woodland floor an array of beautiful mushrooms.  Yes, fungi...some so teeny tiny they are smaller than the smallest of acorns.  They are red in color, same color of "passion".  Some are yellow, and brown, some are spotted and there are white ones with the most amazing patterns under their CAPS.

 

 



They are beautiful in their own right, and some are even poisonous but yet, they sit undisturbed, reaching up out of the ground for me to capture

and share with you. 

  I think they smile at this destiny.  ENJOY!

 

Passion...unleashed!!!

In an effort to gain focus on "Now and the Future" I have vowed to move forward 

with my art.  And though I don't possess any particular talent or skill, 

like painting, or sculpting, or jewelry making,

I am reminded very clearly of when I began my journey into "altered books".  

For all 3 of my first books came about somewhat effortlessly, without much thought...

it just happened!  And my books came to life!

and they each had a very basic theme...passion.  

 Deep seeded...passion, that is apparent within my creative soul...

    

Creating something helps me to dig deep into my soul 

for additional strength as I seek balance.

  For now that my children are grown, they don't need me as much, 

and I feel somewhat lost and abandoned.

I feel my life going in a new direction, a direction that actually includes my needs and wants, something for ME...not MOM~ME/MOMMY...but just plain old ME. 

I've been busy taking more photos...walking in the woods with my 2 dogs...

picking up perfectly rounded  rocks to stack...

and acorns, still green...making paper cranes...

and blending and rolling my very own incense, thanks to Nina of HAPPY HERBS SOAP.

  So here, drying in my meditation bowl handmade for me by Nina, 

are my newly rolled cones of incense from a special blend 

that I created in the studio at Two Crow Cottage.  

This personal blend never had a name...until now...very simply...I named it, PASSION!

It is reddish in color, which I believe is the color of true passion.

  Red and burning hot!!!

Here are two paper cranes, that I named TRAV & JESS preparing for flight

as Nina's 2 incense crows burn that soaring instinct into their spirited souls.

I am on a mission...a journey to be happy, enlightened with new found wisdom 

that will bring me inner peace and joy, as I struggle to let go!!!

Summertime...grad party season

come in...stay awhile...

don't mind if I do!

the bentwood trellis from our earlier arty tea party...

Andrea's beautiful gardens are an impressive backdrop for a  party.

She even has "Sweet Annie" planted amongst the very tall butterfly bushes.

Can you see her back there?  SWEET ANNIE...

The party was a huge success, with good old-fashioned fun for folks of all ages...even the very competitive volleyball game.  I will leave those pictures and those stories for their families to tell, but it was a rejuvenating gathering of friends, ending with a campfire with Joe spinning some great tunes...I even danced...all by myself... a fabulous event!  THANK YOU ANDREA AND JOE, AND CONGRATULATIONS TO YOUR BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTER, NATALIE!

Bathing Beauty...

At the Arty Tea Party held at the wonderful gardens at Two Crow Cottage, Nina assembled a fine space for us to create "CAULK TRANSFERS".  Through Kitty's instruction, (thanks Kitty for jumping in there at the last minute), we made some cool image transfers using caulk, of all things. 

Here is mine...She is sweet!

And here are some pictures of the great gardens of HAPPY HERBS SOAP!

So very inviting!

Come, come into the garden...sit a spell...

Now, use your imagination to discover what's through here...

Affectionately posted by: VICKI, who was completely outofhand yesterday...and for that matter, today, too:)

 

Determination

The chaotic side of my creativity is sometimes counter productive.  For at this moment, I have more unfinished art projects than I care to admit.  I think back to my first altered book that I named, "PASSION'S SLAVE".  It was a tiny little board book that came to life quite effortlessly.  I didn't think about it, I didn't plan it...it just happened.  And my 2nd altered book named, "YOU'RE MY THRILL", came to life the exact same way.  They are tucked away in the bottom drawer of a dresser in my abandoned attic studio.  I have shown them in public only once a few years ago when I participated in the ALTERED BOOK/BOOK SHOW at Hamish and Henry Bookstore in Livingston Manor.  They were not for sale...they were a part of my soul then, as they are now.


Well, tomorrow, I will take them out and put them on display in a very prominent location so as to kick-start the creative chaos into high gear again and dig down deep into my soul for some loving inspiration to perhaps finish some of these projects.


It's late...tomorrow's another day...

Walking Labyrinth

While vacationing in Delaware, I found Lavender Fields and a wonderful
Walking Labyrinth.  

Here I am in the center of it feeling absolutely happy!  Can you tell?

 And below is my lovely daughter in deep thought...always...a Philosophy Major.

For more on the Labyrinth and the beauty of Lavender Fields, visit 

http://lavenderfieldsde.com/

More beauty of the vacation is this terrific cactus that bloomed
just for us on our last day.

It hangs inside the outdoor shower next to the pool, 

and we were careful all week long not to disturb the buds.

Voila...it bloomed for us on our last day! 

And here is my very own personal REHOBOTH BEACH PATROL...

Oh my darling daughters just loved putting those t-shirts on!  

I think the only reason they humored me was so they can say,

"Remember when Mom made us where those goofy shirts?"

I definitely created a memory!!!  And isn't that what

MOMS DO BEST???

Light Verse...

Behind the work of any creative artist there are three principal wishes: the wish to make something; the wish to perceive something, either in the external world of sense or the internal world of feeling; and the wish to communicate these perceptions to others.


These are words found in an introduction by W. H. Auden in The Oxford Book of Light Verse.  This book was at the book sale, and as I check daily at the book sales for some great treasure, I found this.  It speaks volumes to me.  I plan to use copies of these words in my next altered book project.  


Currently, I am working with newspapers and magazines...and have even made some new labels out of brown paper grocery bags.  COOL!

SPRINGTIME...HOORAY!

SPRING HAS SPRUNG in the Hudson Valley.  The blossoming trees are so beautiful.  After such a mild winter, I wonder if we will actually have a full spring.  Spring is my favorite time of year, for it is when all 3 of my lovely daughters were born.  I only hope that we are not plunged directly from this special time into full blown 80 - 90 degree days by the beginning of May!  For it is the promise of new life, the budding on the trees and surprise shoots and blooms peeking out in the garden, that give hope when we need it most.

While visiting the gardens of my friend Nina, of Happy Herbs Soap who can make anything grow, I found inspiration for making a new garden space in my rock bed.  Where I live, I have limited sun and more rocks than I know what to do with.  Yes, I have a rock wall that lines the entire front of my property.  When I try to plant anything, it is always a chore because of the large rocks that I encounter while dig...dig...digging.  The rock wall gets taller and taller each growing season.

I am hopeful...every Spring I am hopeful!!!

HAPPY SPRING TO ONE AND ALL!

Winter in the Northeast

Well, it is 60 degrees this late February day here in the Northeast.  And we are all enjoying this wonderful, mild winter.  Especially after last year and the 3 feet of snow in one storm days...  The crocus and the daffodils are already peeking out.  Hopefully they will not be damaged by the freeze that is expected this evening along with a bit of slushy mess.  It won't be long now!

BE STILL MY BEADING HEART...

Found great inspiration today...http://treasures-found.blogspot.com

Check out the Earrings Everyday Love Fest... http://earrings-everyday.blogspot.com/

You will be inspired, too.  I promise!!!

More Doodles Unleased

Arty Tea Party Project...Doodles Unleashed workshop with Traci Bautista

It was fun to watch everyone get started.   Some of the ladies had a very hard time stepping outside of their comfort zone and just "LET GO".  Now, I will make a photocopy of it and cut it up to use on other projects.   This was great fun.  Creative Art Play...

Visit the Talented Chics of the Arty Tea Party at http://artyteaparty.blogspot.com

And if you want to see what Janet is doing while she is enjoying the mild, midwest winter, visit her at  http://janetsartplay.blogspot.com/  She, too, has taken the online workshops with Traci Bautista via Strathmore Artist Studio.

HAVE A GREAT CREATIVE DAY!  Aloha ~

Where's the snow???

This is a picture of a few winters ago...here in the northeast, we have had some very strange weather.
At the end of October, we had a freak blizzard that crippled the entire area, downed trees, leading to power outages for a couple of days.  Quite bizarre.
And just last week, the end of January, there were kids out in 55 degree weather in shorts.  Now that it is February, the chill goes down into the 20's at night, but right back up again today in the sunshine to around 40.
So, in order to feel the winter that many here wish we had, I am posting an old photo.  And honestly, I wouldn't mind a nice big snowstorm.  The soup is on, and game day plans are underway...

Nina is at Rosendale Winter Market today with her Two Crows...Hope she is having a fine day!  Her "winter's spell" incense crows are keeping me company today as I sort and organize while waiting for the Super Bowl.

Friday Fill-Ins

And...here we go!

1. Go ahead, there's some paint for you, too

2. A new car, I'll get that soon!

3. Don't worry, BE HAPPY:)

4. The cat is in charge for the day.

5. Pretty much of what's happening with me is peaceful.

6. It's okay with me.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to movie night, tomorrow my plans include art play and Sunday, I want to watch a GREAT SUPER BOWL!

Want to play Friday Fill-Ins...go on...you can do it!!!

 Friday Fill-Ins...

Creative ArT Play...

It's a bright cold, snow covered day here in the Northeast.

A great day for "CreAtiVe aRt pLaY".

I joined an online workshop with Tracy Bautista at

Strathmore Artist Studio and though, I had a different 

idea in mind, this is the end result.  

I will continue to play with this at our next

ArTy TeA PaRty on Feb. 2 at Kelli's house!

Lots and lots of layers!

I'll make a copy of it, cut it up and use for other projects:)

Give it a try...It's GREAT FUN!

HAPPY HERBS SOAP GIVEAWAY

Nina, of Happy Herbs Soap is hosting

 her first blog giveaway!  Visit her @ http://happyherbssoap.blogspot.com to enter 

and read all about how to fight the winter blues!

Art Journal Page

When trying to keep up with the blog and creative play, all while working and being a domestic goddess..well I found myself at 9:00pm diving right into this piece of paper.  It just took me away.
It was inspired by Roben-Marie, and what I really like about this page is, that my youngest daughter sat quietly watching me, and just said..."I'm so loving how you do this."  It made it all so special!

Hot Fun In The Summertime

Another lovely tea party at Dear Sweet Nina's Two Crow Cottage. 

                                 A creative day all around.                                          

Nina's grape arbor just whispers...

"Come, come into the garden...come see what awaits!"

 

      

Good Friends, Good Food, Good Cheer!  Nina is the BEST!

Check out more at http://artyteaparty.blogspot.com/

http://happyherbssoap.blogspot.com/

My Inspiration

Have been missing in bloggin' action lately.  Not sure why, or where I've been, but I know that I must return to my artistic side, and writing here.  College graduations, recitals, all beautiful events that make me happy and busy at the same time.  So, as a member of Roses On My Table, it was just what I needed to find inspiration in the Kindred Sprits Project for Betty.  Here are my pages for Betty's Book...

This is part of collaborative book by the members.  This is the front of my page.



And below, is the flipside.  As it turns out, so many participants in the project will make not only 1 book for Betty, but 3 books.
All unique, beautiful and full of get well wishes for our artistic friend.

Check out all the other pages, and other projects on Roses.  It's truly inspirational.
rosesonmytable.com





I am looking for inner peace and inspiration to continue on my artistic journey.  If you have any ideas or tips to help me along, please do share. I need a creative kick... Thank you!

TIME FLIES WHETHER YOU'RE HAVING FUN OR NOT...

Well, Spring has Sprung...and so much is going on!  Oldest daughter graduated from college...and I am desperately trying to get back to some form of art.  I need "ME TIME"...

Perhaps I will get out my copy of "Artistic Mother" for some inspiration.  And I can hardly wait to go to the next "Arty Tea Party" at my dear friend, Andrea's.

Yes, Spring has Sprung!!!

JOY!!!

Cabin Fever

This winter is dragging on.  Last week we had a 60 degree day and the ice mounds dwindled down to just 2 feet from about 4 or 5.  Now we are back into the deep freeze again.  I do love the snow, but the solid ice and the dirty, yucky frozen slush can just disappear!!!

POOF...BE GONE!

Enjoyed a nice long weekend off with the family.  Got absolutely nothing creative accomplished, however!  Need inspiration for a new project...

Any ideas???  Do share...

I LOVE WINTER...I REALLY DO...BUT...

I truly love the snow and all its pristine beauty.  There is nothing more peaceful than walking outside at night through the woods when the snow is falling.  There is not a sound. Something very therapeutic and cleansing about it all!!!
And since old man winter seems to want to keep dumping all this glorious white stuff all around us, I am forced to focus on my art studio space.  Purging and finding the proper homes for all the items that have been pushed aside as I search for just the right piece of fabric or the perfect button to add to a project is becoming quite the chore.  And since my altered book projects, 3 of them in progress, are at a standstill, I will share some of the ones that I have completed!  The beginnings of the "Creative Chaos" in my home!

My favorite things...books...I suppose that is why I work in a library!  The used book store has so many possibilities.  And I know the books I have chosen to alter, enjoy the new journey they have embarked upon!   Several are now on display at  a 1759 Revolutionary War Farmhouse for a Valentine's Day Open House.  They invite the visitors to touch and become immersed in their new journey.  Once I get "my space"organized, I shall get back to the true passion of my artistic side!

THINKING SPRING!!!

Oh, the weather outside is frightful!  Those of you in the northeast know what I'm talking about! 
Enough said about that!

And since we have no place to go...we sew, we sew, we sew:)  Made some cutesy valentines today!
Tomorrow's another day!  Hope we have no place to go again so I can play some more in the studio!

Did you check out Nina's cute little crows?  http://www.etsy.com/shop/happyherbssoap LOVE THEM!

WINTERSPELL...

More snow today...and my woodstove is doing its job! And you all must go to http://www.etsy.com/shop/happyherbssoap and get some of Nina's WinterSpell incense...It is so enchanting!  I need a new batch already, as it has been burning nonstop.  SWEET!  Too bad I have to leave it soon to go out into the cold!

Baby, It's Cold Outside...

Ok, here is my favorite impromptu journal page, from last spring.  This came about by a book I received from my children for Mother's Day, The Artistic Mother.  It is made from an old bookcover, with gesso, acrylics and water soluble crayons; topped off with some rubber stamps, paper scraps, vintage trim and an old family vacation photo with a hanging heart that tells it all!

Here is:  MY FAMILY: FOREVER BONDED!

I decided to post it after following the Journal Journey on Roses On My Table.  And since my art journal has some experiments gone wrong that are not really post-worthy, this is a better choice.  Also, Betty's last post/giveaway from her blog jumpstarted me. 

Visit Betty at http://bloubell-alteredexpressions.blogspot.com/

And you can find Shona Cole's book, The Artistic Mother on Amazon...

Let It Snow...Man

Well, it's a good thing we love the snow here:)  Another 7 inches or so, no school, no work...a wonderful day to play in the art studio!

The wood stove is burning hot~and so is Nina's incense.  Candles are lit all over the house as the wind picks up.  IT'S ALL GOOD!

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!!!

Winter In The Big Woods, Again...

YAY! SNOW DAY!...No school, no work (means no pay), but a day in pj's drinking hot chocolate and making peanut butter/kiss cookies and sitting by the fire watching Nina's "Rebecca" dvd...well, nothing could be finer!  Perhaps I can even persuade the little darlings to make a snowman named, Just Bob!

Had a wonderful day at Nina's soapmaking studio yesterday at Two Crow Cottage.  I got to grind up all those lovely roots, and herbs and flowers and such that she uses in her all natural soaps and incense.  Then the sifting process, which is much more tedious, as the grind must be a fine powder for incense blends.  I even got to mix my own blend.  I made a batch of it up last night and my cones are drying nicely on my shelf making me smile:)

OH, TO LIVE IN THE NORTHEAST!  COULDN'T LIVE ANY PLACE ELSE ON EARTH!

Here's wishing everyone a "Great Creative Day"!

Affectionately posted by:
Vicki, who is outofhand today with papers, fabric, and lots of ribbons and lace.

Winter Wonderland...

Oh, to live in the Northeast!  The remains of the blizzard are melting away. It's a brand new year... Putt putt in the foreground has a new driver...and me, well I have a few new gray hairs as a result.  It has been so comforting to have everyone home all at the same time.  Yet, the time has passed too quickly and we must all reconvene back to schools and work, etc...
The crafting corner has been in full swing over the holiday season in preparation for an upcoming Valentine's Day event.  This year will be full of new milestones.  May they all be positive and uplifting and bring everyone great joy!
I want to thank all of my friends for their continued support of my "artistic" endeavors.  It gives me inner peace to be able to use my hands, envision in my mind, and draw from my heart and soul that which becomes my art.  I am an Artistic Mother, and you can join my friends and I on our journey.

http://happyherbssoap.blogspot.com
http://artyteaparty.blogspot.com

I WISH YOU ALL A VERY HAPPY AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR!
(And as I burn Nina's "Prosperity" incense, I wish everyone a PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!)


Affectionately posted by:
Vicki, hula-la

Cold Night ~ Warm Hearts

Christmas Caroling is the most rewarding and selfless acts of random kindness around town!
Last night, with my family and many old friends, some new friends, some complete strangers, a group of over 30 people gathered to walk the streets of our small town and sing of the joys of Christmas...

Starting out at the Pine Bush House Bed and Breakfast was true inspiration as Barbara and Mark's house party guests were all out on that big front porch singing and dancing right along.  It was the perfect start for our venture, and a great way to kick off their Christmas Party.

Proceeding along through the neighborhood, with candles in hand (battery operated, though the flame of real ones would have been welcomed in the 26 degree temp),  we sang to those who were sick, and to a dear old woman who had just lost a loved one.  All alone in her house, she joined us outside (in 26 degree weather) with tears in her eyes as she sang along.   One of our carolers, a sweet and selfless young lady of 18 years,  returned to this house later with cookies and stayed with this dear old friend for the evening listening and telling tales of Christmases past. 

Oh, and not to forget Mike and Jillian's stop...cookies and drinks were brought out on trays for everyone!  (Advance notice is not required when going caroling, but it sure was a nice treat to have them expecting us with warm shots, wine and cookies).  And little Ronan wih his Jingle Bells in hand shaking along.  Sweet stop!

Finishing up at everyone's favorite HS English teacher's house, (oughta be worth extra credit for some of the students with us) they, too came out on their front porch that was all decked out with white lights and festive decorations. 

To our extended family for hosting the event...you continue to touch the hearts of so many people.  We are very thankful this holiday season for all that you do...always!

CHEERS AND MERRY CHRISTMAS ONE AND ALL!

Affectionately posted by Vicki...who is in the Christmas Spirit!  FINALLY:)

Holiday Open House

Join us for some Holiday Cheer!

Dec. 9 - 11, 9 - 5

542 Lattintown Road

Marlboro, NY

1753 Revolutionary War Farm House

Check out Nina's new Lavender/Patchouli Soap and

view my Altered Books. 

Lots of Handmade Gift items and much more. 

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO CAROL FOR THE INVITATION AND PEGGY FOR THE GREAT PHOTOS! 

Autumn Art Tour

It was a LOVELY DAY in the neighborhood for the

Autumn Art Tour!

Great friends all around!

Thanks to everyone who came out to the

Happy Herbs Soap/Arty Tea Party stop!

Look for Nina at http://happyherbssoap.blogspot.com/

http://happyherbssoap.etsy.com/

http://artyteaparty.blogspot.com/

Grahamsville Little World's Fair

NINA is the BEST FRIEND IN THE WORLD!

While my busy schedule that is "Motherhood" is really crazy of late, she manages

somehow to keep me grounded and in touch with my artistic side...

this for my own sanity!

Thank you for inviting me to attend the Grahamsville Little World's Fair! GREAT FUN!

And if you are an "Artistic Mother" trying to find time for your passion...

check out this book on Amazon, ON SALE NOW!  It is my sanctuary when I need inspiration!

Artistic Mother

I have been blessed as a mother!  I had a fabulous mother...and having my children recognize my passion for creativity in artistic ways, well, is just icing on the cake.  I received this book for Mother's Day.  It has been a soulful journey savoring the pages from day to day, and not rushing through it.  I create on a daily basis for my own well being.  If others enjoy my creations, it sure does make me smile:)  It gives me inner peace to know that  my heart, my soul, my mind and my hands can connect without much effort.  I am an Artistic Mother and I am happy!

A Brand New (HOT) Day

All is quiet and extremely hot on the homefront. Busy, busy family are we, going in 5 different directions today. I, am not going in the direction I prefer, but my time will come. My time to create on a whim, to divert my direction to follow art, or time to just sit and dream! Today, however, is for work, needs of others and in all of this, sending good karma to my Arty Tea Party Friends, Nina of Happy Herbs Soap, and Rosebud Sandy who are at the ART WALK IN PORT JERVIS. I also wish I had tickets for Santana up at BETHEL...ooooweee...Mary and her family and Rose are in for a fab time! ENJOY!

High School Graduation

As my middle daughter graduates from high school, I reflect on the swingset days. The days when everything was oh, so simple. The days when we could take a nap after preschool or take our good old time walking home from elementary school; when we could celebrate birthdays with M & M cookies in the classroom. I still remember her dancing on her toes at age two while admiring her big sister at ballet. She is dancing still. I remember how she took care of her little sister going off to Kindergarten, then through Middle School, and this year as they were together for one year in the big High School. As she graduates and embarks on a whole new adventure, I am pleased, I am very proud and I am very happy to be a Mom. WE ARE BLESSED!

And at this moment, as I burn "Blessed Be" incense from Nina at Happy Herbs Soap, I know that it doesn't matter that my fridge is dead, that my hubby's pickup needs fixin', the graduate's car is well, let's just say idle, but that we remain a beautiful family unit, intact, with giggles and heartaches and joys abound.

Rain Rain Go Away...

Out came the sun and dried up all the rain.....NOT!

Relay for Life was, once again, a beautiful event here in Pine Bush...until the rains came bringing thunder and lightning and finally the call of the event for this year! While the majority of funds were raised by that time, around 10:00 pm, the effort that everyone puts into this community gathering was short changed by having to pack it in. Not that the nice warm shower, and the cozy warm, dry bed wasn't a welcome treat, but when we gather yearly for this Fundraising, Cancer Awareness event, we plan for the whole overnight experience.

All in all, we were brought together for one common goal, and we are all better for participating!

Thanks to everyone who donated to our teams on our behalf!

Supporting American Cancer Society

As Pine Bush prepares for the upcoming Relay for Life, my whole family is busy with their fundraising efforts for 2 different teams. It is such an important event, and we all have been affected in one way or another by cancer. Here are just a couple of items that I have created for my daughters' teams: PBHS National Honor Society Team 1, and Real Estate Solutions. GET INVOLVED! TOGETHER, WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Artist Trading Cards and set of 2 Friendship Bracelets; 1 for you and 1 for a friend!

Suggested Donation $3.00 each...