Praierie Papier Ponderer

Where Bloggers Create II

I know I'm forgetful, but seriously...I totally forgot about the second annual blog hop, "Where Bloggers Create!"  

So, without further ado, I thought I'd better share at least a couple photos from my studio...bear in mind I did not clean it up, nor did I stage it "magazine pretty."  This is literally where I create...

 
You'll notice that I have an affinity for pink and green...and white...and other pretty colors...most of my shelves and storage units are white...I love checking out dollar stores and the dollar section at Target for little pretties to store my supplies in.  I find that for most items, I do better with storage that is open and visible otherwise I forget what I have...this is some of my 6 x 6 paper pads...the little pink tins are actually for storing Quickutz dies, but I just love the little shelves and tins for storing small bits and bobs...

Some of my ink pad storage...the angel was a birthday gift two years ago from my two granddaughters...I also like displaying some of my favorite stamps...these are my collection of Flower Fairy stamps...

A small portion of my ribbon collection...I started winding the ribbon on old-fashioned looking wood clothespins...I have a ways to go...sigh...

I have three of these shelf units by Making Memories...two smaller and one large unit...I store things I try to use more often in them...paint, buttons, fibers...the buckets were a Target purchase....I love the bright summery colors, and the black polka dot bucket is one of my favorites...there was only one...another deep sigh...I keep some of my pens in them...

This is the larger Making Memories storage shelf unit...perched on top are pink enamelware canisters (the labels are facing the wall)...perched up there are a couple of dolls that were gifted to me by my best artist bud, Mish at "The Studio at Crow Haven Farm."  They keep me inspired!

 

Cropper Hopper shelving units and paper holders...at least something is organized and labeled!!

This is the first doll that Mish gave me...my birthday gift from last year...plus more ribbon storage (for the spools), and the "start" of an inspiration wall...I do have a page from a coloring book that my youngest granddaughter, Kristen, colored for me about six years ago posted there just out of view...

A portion of my button collection and other art supplies that didn't make it to their "real" home...also have some metal Tim Holtz tins that house paint and Stickles...

Where I "really" create?  Anywhere I'm able!  This is my daughter's kitchen, and I'm teaching Kristen how to sew with a sewing machine...this was taken just a couple weeks ago...Kristen choose to make a blanket for her first project...she sat on my lap for the first long row of stitches, but caught on quickly, and soon didn't need "Grandma's lap."  Her blanket turned out really cute, and she was quite proud of herself!

She chose black "minky" fabric for the top and very 70's fabric with a rainbow of peace signs for the bottom! 

Brianna, my oldest granddaughter designed her own knitting needle case and executed that without a problem...she's been sewing for several years now, and is very artistic!  She loves sewing, embroidery, quilting, knitting, painting and drawing...we were about to leave for home and I realized I'd forgotten to take a picture of her and her project, so I made her get out of bed...she chose beautiful fabric for her knitting needle case!  We had a blast at Hobby Lobby where we stocked up on things we needed and things we didn't!  When we visit "our girls" we try to get in at least one shopping trip to our favorite stores...Hobby Lobby is a must on our list!

Great job, Brianna!  Hope you make one for me!

And now, since it's Father's Day, I thought I'd show you my work in progress...I had intended this to be a Christmas gift for my mom and dad, then their anniversary gift, and then a Mother's Day gift, and then the Father's Day gift...uuummm, only about three and four months until their birthdays...anyway, I'm almost done with this and NEED to get it mailed!

and now, for the finale...this is where this blogger really creates...most of the time...instead of watching television, but still in the living room...I want to be with my dear husband when he's home and not down in my studio, so I usually have a project or two I can work on when he's home...this is my coffee table right now...OMG...

Yes, I read, sketch, edit video and photos, embroider and quilt, read, knock over my "piles", do my homework, read, knock over more stuff, stack stuff, knock over still more stuff, read, drink my coffee...has anyone seen my cell phone?

Thank you SO much for stopping by today!  Hope you enjoyed part of the space I create in...and really...it doesn't matter what your space looks like!  Just create!!!  And then blog about it!!!

Toodles!

Anita

Living the Creative Life - embarking on a new adventure!

 

The beginning of a new year often means we're looking to make changes...losing weight, spending more time with our families, etc.  Sometimes it brings changes that we least expect. 

Last year I was contemplating working full-time as an artist again, however I was reluctant to give up my "day job" because it allowed me to work at home, it was easy, and I truly enjoyed it.  Sometimes decisions are made for us.

Last week Wednesday I was permanently laid off from my job.  Over 200 of us lost our work-at-home jobs as the company closed.  Now, while I search for another job it would seem that I "get to" live that creative life I only dreamed of last year.  I knew the layoff was coming...we were notified in March, so it wasn't a complete surprise (well, in March it was). 

One of my best friends, Michelle (of the Studio at Crow Haven Farm), and I had been talking last year about how wonderful it would be to create art full-time, and how cool would it be to do it together.  We met online a year ago...we were both in many of the same online art classes and quickly became friends.  I'm continually astounded how much we have in common, sharing so many likes and dislikes.  Michelle was laid off from her job just before Christmas.  Coincidence?  I think not... 

Michelle is SO talented, and earlier this year she taught herself how to knit...no sooner had she learned and she was emailing me, telling me I just HAD to learn.  She sent a couple of You Tube links...I watched them and began telling myself, "yes, I CAN do this."  That began another flurry of emails...we both addicted (years ago I tried to teach myself, and couldn't get the hang of it).  Not only that, but over Easter vacation I taught six young boys and girls how to knit as well.  Michelle is my art buddy.

Michelle would have me believe that I can do anything.  She's just that kind of person.  She's generous with her praises and compliments, and with helping me to figure something out when it's not working.  She is so talented, and she's not afraid to try something new.  She is an extraordinary doll artist, and creates the most wonderful character dolls. 

This is one of them; her name is Cotton Candie:

She got me to start drawing...seriously...we took drawing and painting classes together.  We've taken clay sculpting classes together.  And now she taught herself to crochet...I'm ready...I have my crochet hooks!  Michelle is my encourager.

Michelle knows that I have physical limitations.  She knows that I've had a chronic headache for over 5 1/2 years.  Michelle also believes in me, and she encourages me to work past the pain...to create...she knows that if I can just pick something up and begin, that soon the pain is pushed to the back of my mind, and before I know it, I'm enjoying myself...no, the pain doesn't go away, but when I'm being creative, I'm not focusing on it either.  Michelle is my therapist!

So, we've been busy readying our joint Etsy shop for our grand opening on June 1.  Collectively we're called, "Girls Artistically Together."  Michelle lives in Pennsylvania; I live in ND...we've never met in person, but talk frequently on the phone (thank God we have the same cell phone provider), and every day we're busy with a flurry of emails talking about new projects, planning, creating, teaching each other.  I love her dearly, and my life is definitely richer because of her friendship.  Michelle is my business partner.

"Hopefully" over the next two weeks I'll be sharing more info on our shop, and offering a few more "sneak peeks."  Guess what these are...

As always, thank you so much for stopping by today...I always appreciate visitors, and love your comments.  Until next time...

Toodles!

Anita

I'm a Prim and Whimsy Girl - Join the PWGL Little Tokens of Love Valentine Swap!

Two weeks ago, on the dawn of the New Year (I cannot believe January is half over already), I promised to share some good news...well, part of it I can, and the rest will have to wait for a bit...

First of all, before I forget, again, there is still time to join the Prim and Whimsy Girls "Little Token of Love Valentine Swap! 

Here are the details….

Anyone can join in! This Swap is open to all Artists and Crafters.

You’ll be creating a heart shaped Valentine item - using any medium, any art style - as long as the finished piece is no larger than 5 x 5 inches.

Deadline to sign-up is January 15, 2010. You’ll receive your partners info on January 17th.

All Valentine’s MUST be mailed out by February 8, 2010

So, there you have it...one day to sign up...the PWGL swaps are wonderful and you don't want to miss out!

Okay, on to some more good stuff...for the past few months I've been busy in my studio...I decided to get back into designing and making my own line of folk dolls again...after 20 years...I can't believe it's been SO long...way back in the day we were wholesaling the dolls to over 100 gift shops all over the US, including Disney World in Florida...we also sold dolls to the ND State Heritage Center (our state museum), and Japan.  We sold some dolls to a Hollywood prop company to be used in a movie...I never did hear (or see for that matter) what movie it was...and no, it wasn't Chuckie! 

This is what some of my dolls looked like:

These were part of a line called "meadowlake folke tales."  Pictured are Goldilocks, Mary Mary Quite Contrary, Little Red Riding Hood, and Little Bo-beep...you probably guessed that they were based on fairytales and nursery rhymes...well, my new creations will look nothing like this...

Right now, a kazillion ideas are running through my head...there is so much I want to do, but trying to focus on an idea or two has proved difficult...plus...I'm going to be putting some of the new skills I've learned over the past year to use, and that's a bit scary since I totally stepped outside of my comfort zone!  However, I will not be deterred, and I continue to press ahead!  I'm getting closer to completing a few pieces...

I will let you in on a little secret...they are going to be mixed media art dolls...and that's all I'm going to say (for now!)...they will be for sale in either/or my Etsy shop or my own selling blog...details later!

I've also been busy with some new classes, and some new projects...a couple involve doing more art journaling.

I have a new doll class that starts this coming Monday (making Izannah Walker-inspired dolls (totally cool antique-looking dolls!).  The class is taught by Dixie Redmond, and this is one of the dolls that she made.  Awesome, huh?

 

...and of course, my school studies in graphic design...I'm learning more about Photoshop (and right now I am NOT having much fun with it...OMG!)...but I know that I'll enjoy the new skills I'm learning with more practice.  It's just that right now it's a bit overwhelming...

So, that's what I've been up to...

Thanks for stopping by!  Be sure to sign up for the swap!  And, hopefully before long I'll have some new art to show you!

Toodles!

Anita

We Will Never Forget - 09/11/01 Remembered

I can't believe it's been eight years since that dreadful September day...09/11/01...

Our two youngest sons were still at home...seniors...I was home schooling...we were in the middle of our class day when our daughter called from work...in tears, crying...saying that planes were crashing into buildings...told us to turn on the television...we tuned in just in time to see the first World Trade tower collapse...we watched in horror...in disbelief...it looked like a Hollywood movie...we sat glued to the television...heard about the other hijacked planes...listened to the news as it was announced that all flights were ordered to be grounded...heard the local news about our area power plants and the Garrison dam being put on the highest security levels...got the call that our oldest son, who had recently completed his tour of duty with the US Army and had enlisted in the Army National Guard, was put on high alert and had his equipment stowed in the trunk of his car in case he was suddenly called up...wondering if the madness would stop...being comforted by the many prayer meetings that sprung up all over the country...feeling tremendous sorrow for all the families who lost loved ones in the attacks...feeling proud of the way our country pulled together...of the outpouring of patriotism, of the increase in the displays of the American flag...feeling sadness and loss from watching the memorial services...and then watching as so many of our local young people entered the military, including our two youngest sons...many of them serving in Iraq and Afghanistan...

...feeling proud yet possessing a certain sadness that our youngest son just re-enlisted for six more years in the US Navy...

We remember the horror, the heroism, the tremendous cost of our freedom...and we honor those who paid the ultimate price with our memories and our unending gratitude...we will never forget you...and may we never forget that freedom isn't free...

Thanks for stopping by today...

Anita

History of the Apron

One of my younger sisters, Gail, sent me this...and asked if I remembered sewing an apron for Home Ec...I sure do!  I don't have a clue as to who started it, but with Mother's Day just around the corner, I thought I'd share this...it brought back so many memories.  Also, aprons are a hot, hot item now...

 

"The principal use of Grandma's apron was to protect the dress underneath because she only had a few..it was easier to wash aprons than dresses and they used less material, but along with that it served as a potholder for removing hot pans from the oven.

It was wonderful for drying children's tears, and on occasion was even used for cleaning out dirty ears.

From the chicken coop, the apron was used for carrying eggs, fussy chicks, and sometimes half-hatched eggs to be finished in the warming oven.

When company came, those aprons were ideal hiding places for shy kids, and when the weather was cold, Grandma wrapped it around her arms. 

Those big old aprons wiped many a perspiring brow when she was bent over the hot wood stove.  Chips and kindling wood were brought into the kitchen in that apron.  From the garden it carried all sorts of vegetables.  After the peas had been shelled, it carried out the hulls.  In the fall, the apron was used to bring in apples that had fallen from the trees. 

When unexpected company drove up the road, it was amazing how much furniture that old apron could dust in a matter of seconds.  When dinner was ready, Grandma walked out onto the porch, waved her apron, and the men knew it was time to come in from the fields for dinner.  It will be a long time before someone invents something that will replace that "old-time apron' that served so many purposes. 

Remember when Grandma used to set her hot baked apple pies on the window sill to cool.  Her granddaughters set theirs  on the window sill to thaw."

On 02/01/09, art and crafting publisher Stampington and Company released their premier issue of Apron*ology, an annual special publication that focuses on artfully-made aprons.

 

Apron*ology is available on newstands or directly from Stampington & Company online at www.stampington.com or over the phone at 1-877-782-6737.

Thanks for stopping by, and if I forget to come back before then...Happy Mother's Day!

Hugs!

Anita    

Aaah, Those Wonderful Scents...and Other "Stuff"

Aaahhh, the scents of spring...actually, spring here in western ND is quite late, but finally, after enduring over five months of snow on the ground and two floods, it is finally here!  The grass is green and growing and buds are appearing on the trees and shrubs.  And, there is nothing quite like the smell of freshly mown grass...Chris just finished mowing the lawn and it smells so good outside...to me, that smell signifies spring is officially here!  I love spring and the promise of of new life it brings...from the oh so very cute calves and lambs that are born to the beauty and smell of lilacs...spring is my favorite time of year.

This past week was a difficult one...I suffered through another 2 1/2 days of an excruciating headache, and my mom had an unexpected open heart surgery...but the headache is much better and my mom is on the mend...I'm sure she has a long, painful recovery ahead, but hopefully she will be in better health and feeling good in a couple months. 

I'm still in physical therapy, and although the therapy is painful and seems like it's taking forever, in actuality the headache is improved and I'm hoping I won't need my tri-monthly nerve blocks this month...that's one of the first goals my therapist and I set at the beginning of my sessions.  I'm not having as many bad days...before the headache was extremely painful at least two or three days a week on average...this bout came three weeks after the last one...so I'd say I have much to be thankful for.

I did manage to find and/or complete some projects that I've been working on...bear in mind the ATCs were supposed to be completed a month ago or more...but here they are...these are for a spring swap at Altered Designs, a Yahoo group I belong to...the altered spoon is also for a mingle I hosted at Altered Designs...enjoy, and have a great week!

 

Hugs!

Anita

Lipstick Ranch - KC Willis Collage Camp

I'm a workshop junkie...there I've said it!  This year has been absolutely fabulous!  While I have always loved learning, this year I've made it intentional by focusing on the skills/crafts I've always wanted to learn but was too afraid to try...but now fear has a new name, and it's name is freedom.  Free to dream, free to create, and free to (hopefully) inspire someone else.

I have long admired collage artists and their ability to "put things together."  I always felt that it took a special skill or talent to "do collage."  I am so appreciative that there are so many wonderful classes "out there," and so many professionals willing to share all they've learned.  One of those gifted artists is renowned collage artist KC Willis and she is beginning a new online class (her first) called the KC Willis Collage Camp. 

Right now she is offering a discount on the class price...watch the video (the second one which is titled "KC on HGTV) on her class home page (http://collagecamp.ning.com/).  You can't help but be inspired...once you register for the class, watch the video explaining how she assembles and finds her supplies...this takes "trash" shopping to a whole new level...and especially with yard sale season upon us, there is no better time to get out there and find goodies to recycle.

Do yourself a favor... with Mother's Day just around the corner, gift yourself with this amazing class.  Register before the first three videos of the class go up on Saturday and save $23!  Hope to see you there! 

Hugs!

Anita

April Flood...Chris and Buddy

As you may remember me mentioning, we've had two floods within the past month as well as snowstoms...the second flood was largely the result of the snow received during the blizzard.  While we were very fortunate (and extremely thankful) the floodwaters did not reach our home, there were over 80 homes flooded in the south end of our small town, and six more that have been condemned because of flood damage to foundations and basements.  The flood came within 1 1/2-2 blocks of our home the first time, and about three blocks the second...the day before the second flood crested, my dear husband took my black cockapoo Buddy for his daily walk, following the bike path to Riverside Park...this is very much a daily ritual for Buddy and Chris, and has been since Buddy was a puppy...he's six now...he LOVES to walk...and if he's unable to go for even a few days due to inclement weather he becomes obnoxious...very obnoxious...

Because of the first flood and then the blizzards, Chris and Buddy were unable to go to Riverside Park for a least a couple weeks...until the day before the second flood...it was relatively nice except for the water spilling over the Knife River's banks...and Buddy was becoming very obnoxious...so Chris put the leash on him and figured he'd take him at least as far as the floodwaters so Buddy could see for himself that there would be no fun romp in the park...Chris said it was hilarious when they reached the edge of the floodwaters that were running over the bike path...Buddy stepped into the water and barked and barked...sounding as angry as a little black cockapoo can sound...what Chris didn't know was that there was a newspaper reporter standing on the edge of Highway 49 (which runs through Beulah) taking pictures of the rising water for the newspaper, and this hilarious moment is forever enshrined in our small weekly newspaper, The Beulah Beacon.

I'm thankful that the floodwaters have finally receded and we've received no snow for a couple weeks now...truly...over five months with snow on the ground is extreme even for ND...however, there are still many communities in our state that are still suffering flooding...damage and loss to homes and businesses, farmers and ranchers suffering huge losses to their livestock, equipment and pastures...sewers backing up...roads and bridges washing out...and even human loss which is the most devasting...our hearts and prayers go out to those who have lost so much...certainly worse than a little dog's daily walk to the park...

Thanks for stopping by!

Hugs!

Anita

Have a Blessed Easter!

Usually, when we have a late Easter, the grass is getting green, birds are singing, tulips are starting to bloom, and if you take a drive in the country you're sure to find some crocuses...but alas, not this year! 

We still have quite a bit of snow on the ground, and we are in a flood watch through Monday...I really feel for the people that live in the south part of our little town, as they've already suffered through a flood just a couple weeks ago (we were fortunate as the flood waters stopped about two blocks south of us)...the day after the worst of the flooding it started to snow...a lot...and within one week we had three snowstorms...this has been a very long winter...we've had snow on the ground for over five months now...

However, no matter what the weather, Easter always signifies spring, and the promise of new life...it especially is significant to those who believe that Jesus Christ died and rose again, and if one is a believer, it also signifies the new birth and promise of resurrection for us as well...for many, Resurrection Sunday is central to the Christian faith...without the sacrificial death and the resurrection of Jesus Christ, there would be no Christian faith.

About ten years ago I received this short story by email from Mikey's Funnies (Mikey's Funnies is a clean humor list and can be found at http://www.mikeysfunnies.com/). Every year on Thursday of Holy Week, Mikey sends it out...hope you like it.

THE RICH FAMILY IN CHURCH
By Eddie Ogan

I'll never forget Easter 1946. I was 14, my little sister Ocy was 12,and my older sister Darlene 16. We lived at home with our mother, and the four of us knew what it was to do without many things. My dad had died five years before, leaving Mom with seven school kids to raise and no money.

By 1946 my older sisters were married and my brothers had left home. A month before Easter the pastor of our church announced that a special Easter offering would be taken to help a poor family. He asked everyone to save and give sacrificially.

When we got home, we talked about what we could do. We decided to buy 50 pounds of potatoes and live on them for a month. This would allow us to save $20 of our grocery money for the offering. When we thought that if we kept our electric lights turned out as much as possible and didn't listen to the radio, we'd save money on that month's electric bill. Darlene got as many house and yard cleaning jobs as possible, and both of us babysat for everyone we could. For 15 cents we could buy enough cotton loops to make three pot holders to sell for $1.

We made $20 on pot holders. That month was one of the best of our lives.

Every day we counted the money to see how much we had saved. At night we'd sit in the dark and talk about how the poor family was going to enjoy having the money the church would give them. We had about 80 people in church, so figured that whatever amount of money we had to give, the offering would surely be 20 times that much. After all, every Sunday the pastor had reminded everyone to save for the sacrificial offering.

The day before Easter, Ocy and I walked to the grocery store and got the manager to give us three crisp $20 bills and one $10 bill for all our change.

We ran all the way home to show Mom and Darlene. We had never had so much money before.

That night we were so excited we could hardly sleep. We didn't care that we wouldn't have new clothes for Easter; we had $70 for the sacrificial offering.

We could hardly wait to get to church! On Sunday morning, rain was pouring. We didn't own an umbrella, and the church was over a mile from our home, but it didn't seem to matter how wet we got. Darlene had cardboard in her shoes to fill the holes. The cardboard came apart, and her feet got wet.

But we sat in church proudly. I heard some teenagers talking about the Smith girls having on their old dresses. I looked at them in their new clothes, and I felt rich.

When the sacrificial offering was taken, we were sitting on the second row from the front. Mom put in the $10 bill, and each of us kids put in a $20.

As we walked home after church, we sang all the way. At lunch Mom had a surprise for us. She had bought a dozen eggs, and we had boiled Easter eggs with our fried potatoes! Late that afternoon the minister drove up in his car. Mom went to the door, talked with him for a moment, and then came back with an envelope in her hand. We asked what it was, but she didn't say a word. She opened the envelope and out fell a bunch of money. There were three crisp $20 bills, one $10 and seventeen $1 bills.

Mom put the money back in the envelope. We didn't talk, just sat and stared at the floor. We had gone from feeling like millionaires to feeling like poor white trash. We kids had such a happy life that we felt sorry for anyone who didn't have our Mom and Dad for parents and a house full of brothers and sisters and other kids visiting constantly. We thought it was fun to share silverware and see whether we got the spoon or the fork that night.

We had two knifes that we passed around to whoever needed them. I knew we didn't have a lot of things that other people had, but I'd never thought we were poor.

That Easter day I found out we were. The minister had brought us the money for the poor family, so we must be poor. I didn't like being poor. I looked at my dress and worn-out shoes and felt so ashamed--I didn't even want to go back to church. Everyone there probably already knew we were poor!

I thought about school. I was in the ninth grade and at the top of my class of over 100 students. I wondered if the kids at school knew that we were poor. I decided that I could quit school since I had finished the eighth grade. That was all the law required at that time. We sat in silence for a long time. Then it got dark, and we went to bed. All that week, we girls went to school and came home, and no one talked much. Finally on Saturday, Mom asked us what we wanted to do with the money. What did poor people do with money? We didn't know. We'd never known we were poor. We didn't want to go to church on Sunday, but Mom said we had to. Although it was a sunny day, we didn't talk on the way.

Mom started to sing, but no one joined in and she only sang one verse. At church we had a missionary speaker. He talked about how churches in Africa made buildings out of sun dried bricks, but they needed money to buy roofs. He said $100 would put a roof on a church. The minister said, "Can't we all sacrifice to help these poor people?" We looked at each other and smiled for the first time in a week.

Mom reached into her purse and pulled out the envelope. She passed it to Darlene. Darlene gave it to me, and I handed it to Ocy. Ocy put it in the offering.

When the offering was counted, the minister announced that it was a little over $100. The missionary was excited. He hadn't expected such a large offering from our small church. He said, "You must have some rich people in this church."

Suddenly it struck us! We had given $87 of that "little over $100."

We were the rich family in the church! Hadn't the missionary said so? From that day on I've never been poor again. I've always remembered how rich I am because I have Jesus!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *  * * * * * * * * *

Have a blessed and joyous Easter celebration!

Hugs!

Anita

Milliande's Creativity Club Community for Women

Wow...I can't believe how lax I am with my blogging lately!  It's certainly not because I haven't been keeping busy...and I'll really, really try to do better...

If you've ever wanted to attend classes by those uber-talented artists...but lack either time and/or money, then on-line classes may be the answer to your dreams!  It truly presents the opportunity to learn a new craft or technique from the convenience of your own home, and oftentimes at your own pace and your own schedule.

I'm going to attempt to feature some of my favorites...if I don't forget!  This post features Milliande...and her online community for women...one of the best features of Milliande's Creativity Club for Women?  It's FREE!

Milliande's community offers something for practically everyone.  Want to learn how to begin art journaling (one of the most popular new art mediums today), Milliande offers videos, one-on-one help, and special groups.  Want to learn how to use "real" art supplies?  Help and tips are available.  Want to create art dolls?  Paper dolls?  Mixed Media?  It's all there...

Here is just one of the many videos Milliande has produced.

 

You can check out Milliande's Creativity Club for Women here:

Feeling Inspired? Me too!

This year, 2009, I'm dedicating to paying more attention to my world, and I especially want to pay attention to the things that inspire me...I've been asked that a lot...through groups I belong to, from artists' blog posts...and from the inspiration art journal that I'm making in Paulette Insall's Inspiration Art Journal class.  Now, I can tell you what my favorite colors are, at present anyway.  I know what some of my favorite foods are...my favorite clothes...my favorite movies...but really paying attention to what inspires me is more difficult.  I don't pay close enough attention...is it that ADD thing?  Maybe, but not entirely...because we live fast, and many, including myself, just go from one day to the next without paying much attention.

My now deceased father-in-law, whom I loved greatly, once commented to me that I needed to stop wishing my life away.  I had made a comment about wishing the time would pass quickly...I don't remember the event I was anticipating, but I do remember the comment...and it occurred to me that I did that a lot...wishing for tomorrow, next week, next month...instead of appreciating today, and living today to it's fullest...would I take more care of today if I knew I had only one more day to live? 

Webster's dictionary defines inspiration as this:

inspiration \ˌin(t)-spə-ˈrā-shən

Function: noun

Date: 14th century

1 a: a divine influence or action on a person believed to qualify him or her to receive and communicate sacred revelation b: the action or power of moving the intellect or emotions c: the act of influencing or suggesting opinions2: the act of drawing in ; specifically : the drawing of air into the lungs3 a: the quality or state of being inspired b: something that is inspired <a scheme that was pure inspiration>4: an inspiring agent or influence

 

Well, I must say I'm not entirely enlightened, and I don't entirely appreciate everything I should, but I am trying to pay more attention, and I do want to remember what inspired me.  Inspiration can come from many sources of course, and I found this video to be very inspiring...a favorite song, sung by no one I know...many musicians, many singers...no rock stars, no opera houses or stadiums, but beautiful music performed by beautiful people...without fancy costumes or makeup...no divas here...enjoy the artistic journey!