Quick! Pick Up The Book That Is Closest To You Right Now!

This is one of friend's that I got to photograph this week-
he's grown into a fine looking young boy (or maybe a beautiful girl!)

I had probelms getting links to work today which is why I added the actual blog name below. Sorry for the inconvenience - it's either me or blogger!

I am, in general, not much of 'join in' kind of gal, but this one, posted on Judy Sall's, (tiedyejudy.blogspot.com) blog got me. Judy got the idea from Michelle's blog, (textiletraveler.blogspot.com) and before that I don't have a clue though surely it has been around before. I picked up a book that was on the floor near me and this is the fifth sentence on the page:

"...there is nothing on your life of significant value that you didn't risk to get..."

Ohhhhh... probably true since I have always been somewhat of a risk taker - though that is less & less evident as I get older - which I am not terribly happy about. The simple directions are right below - so give it a try and maybe give yourself come shivers! If you are wondering where I have been - I've had a bug that has left me with little ambition to do anything other than sit and stare aimlessly into space!


Closest book to you How to play: * Grab the book nearest you. Right now. * Turn to page 56. * Find the fifth sentence. * Post that sentence along with these instructions in a note in your BLOG. * Don't dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual... Use the CLOSEST

Milliande's Art Jornal Background Hints

I found this link on Pentamento's blog and thought it was such a good, idea inspiring little tutorial that I would share it too. Check out Milliande's website too - lots to see there!

Progress Along The Way: Week 4: Impasse?

Chapter Four of "The Artist's Way" started off well enough. The title of the chapter is "Recovering a Sense of Integrity". I like to think of myself as a person of honesty & integrity, but there is always room for improvement. I thought it an interesting question though when the discussion turned to ' when you say "it's okay" & you want to say something else - what does that mean? I always dislike it when people say, with tears practically streaming down their cheeks, "I'm just fine". Yeah! Right - sure you are! The discussion is mainly about 'self' and being true to yourself. I like that. I especially liked explanation of the the Sanskrit word "kriya" which, it is said, means spirtual emergency or surrender. This part of the chapter was worth all of the reading thus far. Fascinating stuff - the mind and what it can do! I progressed to "Buried Dreams, an Exercise" and, rather smugly, did the written exercise. So far, so good. Uh oh! The next sub-chapter is entitled "Reading Deprivation". No! No way, no how, is this ever going to happen! Is this a deal breaker? I understood the thought behind this - that when you are not spending time reading you are open to do other things - like knitting, drawing, mending, re-wiring an old lamp - you get the drift. There is no way though that this is happening in my neck of the woods. I have gone to sleep only after reading for all of my many years and this sub chapter is not about to change that. I think I manage to do enough other things to re-connect with myself that I am not going to feel any guilt about not following along with this exercise! I finished the 'tasks' at the end of the lesson and did the weekly 'check-in' and will continue on without an ounce of guilt over skipping the reading ban - maybe if I was, in fact, in a class room setting I might play along a bit nicer with this - but sleep & reading are too enmeshed together in me that I doubt I would be very good at carrying through with that ban on the book!

I have been making pen rolls this week too. Safe places to put beloved writing instruments. The black is the area that the pens are slipped into - it actually has small 2 inch 'bays' to hold the pens. I use the full width of kimono silks and so, generally, there is enough space for 6 pens to snuggle in. The black fabric is lined with wool felt. The black and white patterned silk is the outside fabric and the red dupioni is the lining - I'll take some better photos soon. This one is about to go to a new home and it is one of my favorites so far. I do use some think batting in between the outside fabric and the lining - it helps to stabilize the silks and also adds a bit of padding.

One of things that I had really wanted to do once again when our cat population had dwindled down was to once again feed my small feathered friends. Now that we are down to two well aged felines I have been able to put out feeders once again. My spouse feeds the 'mighty' birds every day - the hawks and the eagles - and I am now able to feed the small birds. They are so happy for the additional fuel at this cold time of year. I can watch them for hours. Each species seems to have a time of day that they prefer for grazing. Right now we have juncos, chickadees, house wrens, nuthatches & rufous sides towhees , among others. The juncos are more comfortable it seems, to feed on the ground and so I put a generous amount of seed on a protected stump and a large flat rock for them. They seem to swarm earlier in the mornings andlater at night than the others. I just ordered a wood pecker feeder. We have a lot of them around here and I think that they will enjoy peanuts.

When Art Meets Journal The Result Is Perfection And It Is Called A "Rag & Bone"

Who would think that something as simple as a journal would elicit an "Oh WoW!!" as I opened the box? This journal/notebook did! This is a one-of-a-kind, totally handmade journal from Rag & Bone Bindery. The company makes a wonderful array of journals, photo binders, guest books (weddingd,showers etc),address books, brag books, growth charts for children - well, you get the drift. This company has special occasions and everyday ramblings covered - heehee. That's the thing with Rag & Bone - their covers. They offer an amazing variety of cover fabrics for your journal or notebook. This fabric is a new pattern called 'Pomegrante' - there are also some dupioni fabrics that I have my eye on for a future journal! The paper is heavy weight: I used fountain pens, water colors, Sharpies, pencils & acrylic paints and I found the paper is almost "bullet proof as far as no bleed-through. I am planning to use this journal for mix media explorations because the paper is so hefty that I think it will take that kind of treatment easily. Even the paper is hand cut for these little beauties !

Rag & Bone is located in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.

Here is what the company has to say about themselves:

" Rag & Bone Bindery creates Photo Albums, Journals, Guest Books, Baby Books, and other fine bindings distinguished by their craftsmanship and enduring beauty.We've been creating handbound books since 1991 in our Rhode Island based Bookbinding Studios.

"Made By Hands" Skilled artisans handle every aspect of the production process from start to finish, resulting in quality, archival, well constructed books.Our Books, Albums & Journals can be found in fine Gift Shops, Stationery Stores, Photo Studios and Galleries across America.

Not A Faceless Corporation As a studio, we're dedicated to the fine art of Bookbinding, paper arts, book arts and journaling. We enjoy what we do and take pride in producing well bound books at an appropriate cost. Please browse our site to find out more about our products, who we are, what we do and where we work. "

Have at a look at their great web site - I doubt that you will be able to resist ordering a beautiful, extraordinarily well made journal of your own!

A New Creative Tool From Exaclair: DecoPatch Meets An Exacompta Basics Sketch Book

My journal craze. The newest Exacompta Sketch Book is second from the top

It has happened. I have succumbed. I am a journal junkie. Granted I do write in my journal everyday & I have even found new reasons to require more journals. I use one for books I am currently reading- as a convenient place to write down words I want to look up, concepts that interest me or quotations that seem pithy or useful. I use another journal to take notes for things that I want to write blog posts about, and yet another notebook is used to record daily things - hum drum lists and what not. Karen Doherty from Exaclair has helped me along the the way. She has become one of my suppliers of my mood adulterant of choice - journals & sketchbooks! Most recently she sent me an Exacompta Basics Sketch Book to 'play' with along with some of Exaclair's newest product called DecoPatch. The DecoPatch papers are beautiful, just a bit heavier than regular tissue paper, and they make covering things - lots of things - just plain fun to do. Karen included a variety of papers, a jar of DecoPatch satin finish/glue & a DecoPatch brush to complete the the fun filled bounty box. I was beginning to salivate just thinking about the things I could cover with these fun, happy papers! The most likely candidate was lying right there - the Exacompta Sketch Book.

The Exacompta Basics Sketch book comes in two sizes, 5.5" X 8.25" (the size of a Moleskein) or 4"X5.5". There are 100 sheets/200 pages in the book. The creamy paper is similar to laid paper - slightly textured on one side & smooth on the other. It's beautiful to draw on and is also just about impervious to bleed-through. I have used watercolors, various fountain pen inks (more on this in another post), colored pens, & Sharpie xtra fines. The Sharpies bled through just ever so slightly - and that is amazing for any paper! The cover is black hard board - pretty plain all in all.

Not a lot of product branding on the covers. A nice colored book mark is also included.

Here's is the selection of DecoPatch papers, glue & the handy little brush

Here is the same Exacompta journal after I played with the Decoatch paper! Using the DecoPatch was easy & it was lot's of fun. I enjoyed combining papers, designs & colors but a project would look just as well using a single paper because each paper has variety & color variations in the pattern You could decorate boxes, journals - well, even chairs or dressers with this stuff! It's a great new product from Exaclair - you should give some a try - and will be happily surprised at how much fun it is to work/play with!

The 'new' journal - opened up.

Here's a look at the smooth, creamy pages about to be doodled on. It's a pleasure to draw on this paper - now I want to try one of the ruled 'Basics' journals (I think they also have 100 sheets/200 pages). This large size is most similar to the size of the ruled Moleskein journal that I use for daily ramblings. For some reason it is the size I have become most comfortable with. Anything smaller is too small and another larger seems too large. I may have found a perfect alternative! I love my Moleskein journal but the paper is too thin to support my favorite fountain pens or colored pens without a lot of bleed through to the back side of the paper - so this "Exacompta Basics' may be the answer I have been looking for with it's nearly "bullet-proof" paper. Were I to grade this Exacompta Basics Sketch Book I would give it a 4.5 out of 5 stars! The ruled journal mught even garner 5 stars - we'll have to wait and see!

Progress Along The Way: Chapter 3

This week the reasons behind doing things like the morning pages & the artist's date are becoming more obvious to me. As I spontaneaously write my morning pages or, often ,evening pages), patterns begin to emerge. Interesting. As I begin to understand more about the process, I find that I am much more interested in continuing through the book. I am a person who does not take well to being told to simply do something without having an explanation about 'why' I am doing it! Most likely I drive my physician batty because of that particular personality trait! This week the meat of the chapter was several things that I am not fond of thinking about. Anger for instance. I think of anger as an emotion that eats energy - I try to control it - which I suppose we all do in a (more or less) civilized society!

Synchronicity is also included in this chapter and this is something that I most definitely DO believe in wholeheartedly. One of the more meaningful quotes from this chapter is from Stella Terrill Mann; "Desire, ask, believe,receive." Oh! Yes we can! Under this heading Ms. Cameron notes that one must "understand that the what must come before the how. First choose what you would do. The how usually falls into place of itself."

This was a really 'beefy' chapter. Shame is a sub topic, as is 'dealing with criticism' - both of which are things that I would prefer not to get into, but both are good areas for me to work on. A very interesting thing happened as I worked through this chapter. One of the exercises (requires writing) for the chapter is called 'detective work' & there are 20 questions to answer. I found the separate sheets that I had used long ago when I first tried to work my way through this book - the odd thing being that my answers to the 20 questions were exactly the same both times.

The final section of this hefty piece of weekly reading is about growth - again including some written questions. This was, for me, the best part of all. It reconfirms my understanding that, although frustrating, growth requires some dormancy in the process - those times when we experience a block - and feel that nothing is working - or that no ideas are flowing. Yes! This too is a good thing, a necessary thing for growth. Salient points from this sub topic include:

Being open accepting help.

Being open to solitude.

Being alert to support and encouragement that may come from
channels other than you would expect them to.

Taking care of yourself - or is perhaps taking responsibility for yourself?

I am finally beginning to look forward to doing the next chapter in this book - somthing I was not completely sure I would at the beginning of this journey. I am becoming fascinated with the process. I am accepting that there are some topics that I would prefer not to pay attention to - but that by paying attention to them I am opening myself up to bigger & better things. as well as to more self understanding. This is becoming a very interesting little journey into the me of "me".

Taste Tempting Thursday: Chocolate Blackout Cake

Do any of you remember the blackout in New York City that occurred in August 1972? I do!
This cake was named for this famous moment in New York City history. It was originally made by Ebinger's Brooklyn bakery. There was a bakery just down the block from us though that sold this cake - and I remember it fondly - even though I am more of a vanilla cake fan! Thanks to Cook's Country magazine (about my favorite food magazine these days) this recipe for this magnificent chocolate extravaganza has been preserved. I enjoy making it once or twice a year.

It's a four layer affair. Three of the layers are used and one is crumbled and sprinkled over the top and side of the pudding filling/frosting (my favorite part of this ultra rich cake).

Here is it finished. A choco-holics fantasy come to life!

It's A Wordless Wednesday

It's My Thing Tuesday: What In The Heck Have I Been Doing All This Time?!

There are times when it feel like I am not accomplishing a single thing. I have nothing much to post and nothing at all to 'brag' about! This is one of those alow times for me. Things are 'in the works' but nothing is really finished so I though that I would, at least, share with you a couple of the things that are not quite there yet!

First is this fabulous hoodie scarf. It was not as easy as I thought it would be to find a hood pattern so I was thoroughly pleased when I found this one from D-Made. It's under the free patterns. I love having some cabling running the length of the scarf - I needed some practice in cables anyway and this was the perfect amount to do. The hood part itself will have a cables edging to it when all is said and done. The cabled scarf part will be 7" when it's done. I am using Knit-Picks Worsted yarn in Fire Brick.

The next thing that I have been working on is something that I doubt too many of you will have an interest in - but it is fun for me! Thisis my first fountain pen restoration project. I am wokring on an old Shaeffer pen. I have to replace the sac (the thing that holds the ink) and also a small washer in the top of the blind cap. Unfortunately, no one makes the washers so I am trying to figure out what matieral i can use to fashion one from. This is truly, a mercury retrograde kind of thing, I can't finish the repairs until i figure out what to do about the washer. Arghhhhh..... Other than this irritation though it is really quite interesting to discover how pens are made. I had never taken one apart before. The book, fondly referred to as "Da Book", was given to me by a kind person on the Fountain Pen Network. This is one amazing site. Friendly people willing to share all of their knowledge and information - no no one knows where to get washer material - everyone has made their own!

Last, but not least, in the on-goingprojects is some painting. I am taking another on-line calss from Paulette Insall called "Enjoying The Journey". The first lesson was on creating backgrounds. This was the first background that I made (there have been several) and, since it was rather pale & relatively boring, I decided that I would start another in my 'cat series' on top of it. I am working on a few painting projects right now that will, ultimately, become whole cloth quilts. The 'cat series' is one of those "soon to be quilt" projects. I am playing with color & facial variations for the cats. This one is really just a flicker in my eye at this point - but what else can I say I am working on things - but nothing is 'presentation' worrthy yet!

Historical Monday: Well At Least The Fabrics Are!

I had thought that I would make Monday's posts have a historical flavor, and in a way that is actually true for this post, although at first glance you might not think so! I am a self confessed silk addict & I have a pile of silks in my sewing area. I often sit on the floor & just take them all out. I look at them, feel them, marvel at them. They make me happy. All of the odd bits have a historical flavor because they are old - vintage that is. My silks come from Ah!Kimono!. Cheri, the owner of Ah!Kimono!, supplies silk addicts like me with a plethora of possibilities. Cheri offers all types of beautiful silks on her website and, in addition, she also offers various 'clubs' - a monthly 'hit', so to speak, that is sent to you automatically. I stopped getting the monthly mailing for a time, but soon realized how much I missed it - so I've re-upped. It's my monthly treat to myself! There are clubs to fit any budget or any needs. If you are a 'silky' kind of person like me have a look at the possibilities that Cheri offers - you won't be sorry that you did! I have never really known what I would do with these bits of fabrics. I hold out the largest pieces for a jacket that I am planning to make & I have found the smaller pieces to be a real resource ,that I am glad to have had on hand, for the pen rolls that I have been making recently. Just being able to marvel at these fabrics is good enough for me - they are amazing small works of textile art and the variety that I now have is fabulous - well worth the cost of the club!

I thought that it might be fun for you to enjoy the monthly offerings along with me. Cheri gets to know her club members; what colors they like, what sizes they prefer. It's rather like having a friend shop for fabrics for you. She has a knack of choosing just the right fabrics to make you smile as you open the package. The top photo shows the five pieces of silk that were selected for me in this month's treasure pack. Below is a photo of two of the exquisite pieces. Notice that my favorite colors run through the variety? Cheri also knows that I love greens and teals as well!

I like this piece because it is reversible! Look at those two amazing sides to one piece of fabric!
These last two are a bit more green than the photo shows - the piece on the left has some green 'smudges' running through it and the piece on the right is just a bit greener in general than the light managed to capture. The golden color is quite correct though - they are beautiful.

Progress Along The Way: Week 2

Well, I have at least managed to keep on track this week with Week 2 of The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron. This week there is a lot of talking & writing about the people that are in your life. "Crazymakers", "Poisonous Playmates" etc. I am, I believe, blessed in that the friends that I have are all very understanding of me and all are also very encouraging as well. They accept me as I am, which includes the parts of me that surely must at times drive them crazy! Friendships take time to nurture - so maybe that's why I have some very close friends and many acquaintences. Other topics that are covered are "Skepticism" and "Attention". Both of these sections were very helpful to me - as this is the year I have set aside to be a year of increased focus and a decrease in unnecessary wastes of energy. At the end of each week there are questions to work through. S0me of them are difficult for me as they dredge up some of the little child I want to keep silent! One way or another things come up - and I have to believe that this is a good thing. I may not think that I am blocked, but I am beginning to understand the idea of this book. We may not believe that we have blocks as an artist, but dang but we all do - in one form or another!

The quotes that surround the pages of the book continue to be a source of inspiration to me - and I have written many down in my journal. The books comes off at first glance as a bit too 'religious' for my tastes- but I am finding that one can interpolate the religious sounding words to more closly align with one's own belief system. So - that problem I have had with the book is melting away. I am, however cautiously, optimistic about working through this book. and the positive effects that it will have on me as a person and as an artist. I am beginning to see how the lessons and the writing parts could, in fact, really help me to discover so much more about myself, which in turn can be funneld into my art work. Very interesting - far more so than I had originally anticipated. On to a third week !

Taste Tempting Thursday: Dutch Almond Cookies

This is one of my favorite recipes.
I love almonds & these are simple
but perfect almond cookies. Enjoy!

Dutch Almond Cookies
a recipe by a woman named Rita Gyswit that my boss, Marion Melville shared with me.

Ingredients:
1 C butter
1.5 C granulated sugar ( plus some extra for top)
2.5 C flour
2 Tbs Almond extract
1 egg plus 1 yolk (save the white)

Mix together the butter, sugar, extract & egg & the extra yolk.
NOTE: do not grease the pans or sift the flour.
Add flour.
Press into two 9 inch cake pans.
Pour the remaining egg white over the tops & sprinkle (or place in a pattern) slivered, un-blanched almonds into the egg white. Sprinkle the tops with some additional sugar

Bake at 325 for 30 to 40 minutes.
After the pans cool a bit, slice the cookies. Cover the tops of the pan tightly and set them in a cool place to ripen for two weeks.
After two weeks : AHHHHHHHHH!!! Enjoy. I have been known to shorten this time !

As the New Year dawned I really thought that I had a plan to post something every day. It just is not happening. I really don't know how people who post - and post with good content - manage it on a daily basis. I come home from work just too tired to think creatively. One of my thoughts for the year - rather than call it a resolution - is to try and concentrate on doing things that bring me joy. At times that means not allowing myself to get caught up in feeling that I should do something. I am going to make art, in whatever medium strikes my fancy, as the muse moves me to. I am not going to worry if I am accepted into a show or an exhibit, or if, indeed, I have made anything worthy of entering to begin with. I am not going to worry about whether or not my work is salable or good enough. I am not going to chase rainbows. I am just going to eliminate that kind of stress & I am going to try to relish the moments as they present themselves. That means that there are times, like now, when I have projects in the works, but they are not yet worth sharing. In lieu of trying to have something creative to share all the time I will be sharing some of my favorite recipes, photos, thoughts on some of my favorite subjects; color, scents,history & textiles. I will probably not post very often mid week, but will on my long weekends that I so enjoy. I am really excited about this year & about the possibilities that I will find as I try to slow my mind down. I am aiming for quality not quantity - in every area of my life. I hope you will continue to enjoy the moments with me.

It's My Thing Tuesday: A "Just Because"

Today I was going to write something about one of my WIP's. There really isn't anything much to show though - all of my projects, both fiber & paper are in varying states of 'becoming'. It isn't my birthday, nor is it an anniversary, so imagine my delight yesterday when DH came home & presented me with this lovely bouquet. When I asked "why?", he said "just because". The colors are just so fresh & uplifting! Oddly enough he chose the colors associated with both of our birth months. White for may and purple for April. White can also be associated with air, light , simplicity and- marriage! Purple can denote sirrituality & creativity. Symbolically, he could not have chosen more perfect colors! As I was snipping the ends & carefully putting the flowers in water a pungent scent of summer wafted to my nostrils. I breathed in deeply and felt sun, happiness and love. Thank you my "just because"!

Historical Monday: The Color Blue

Square of blue from Wikipedia

Who doesn't love the color blue in one form or another? While the cool side of the color wheel may not be my favorite, I do favor using and wearing teals and dark blues of all sorts. I have been trying to learn a little about the history of colors. I hope to make Historical Monday a regular blog title, although I am not sure that it will always be about color!

BLUE:

It's interesting how the word 'blue' seems to sound much the same in many languages. Originating form Middle English 'blue' or 'blwe', although the French word 'bleu' & the English word 'blue' both originated from the Germanic. The English language has used the color blue to denote sadness, in part because the Greek God Zeus would cause it to rain when he was sad (crying). Blue was used to symbolize Zeus' tears.

Blue pigments include azurite,ultramarine,cerulean blue, cobalt and Prussian blue (milori blue).
In Renaissance Italy, Ultramarine the the most expensive color of all - next to gold

In Hindu philosophy blue represents the fifth chakra - which governs the throat. In Thailand, blue is associated with Friday (in the Thai Solar calendar) and anyone born on a Friday may adopt blue as "their color". Blue is the most preferred color for men.

The earliest blue pigment used was Lapis Lazuli which is found is very few places in the world. Mines are located in Chile, Zambia, a few are located in Siberia, but the bulk of the mines are located in Afghanistan. The ancient Egyptians believed that blue had healing powers and that it was the color of truthfulness & honesty. Blue was the color of eternal life in ancient Egypt, & was worn only by Pharohs & kings. Horus represented the color blue because he was the keeper of the heavens and the sky.

Cobalt blue:
Smalt is a pigment made from cobalt blue and has been known of and used since the Middle ages. It is only since 1777, however, when two men named Gahn and Wenzel discovered the color that we know as cobalt when they were researching cobalt compounds for other uses. The color cobalt as we now it was not produced, however until 1803-4.

If any of you have more "blue" history and lore I would love to hear about it!


Sources used :
Wikipedia, Colors:
The Story of Dyes & Pigments By Guineau Delamare and Ber Francoisand
& Color: A Natuarl History of the Palette by Victoria Finley

Progress Along The Way: The Artist's Way That Is: Week 1; Chapter 1

"...So you see, imagination needs moodling ----
long inefficient, happy idling, dawdling & puttering..."
Brenda Ueland

As a few of you may remember I have tried to wade my way (say that three times fast!) through the Artist's Way by Julia Cameron before; never making it much past Chapter 3. I thought that it might make for more progress if I progressed with other people & posted about my progress with each chapter in the book every week on Sunday. A couple of weeks ago, in a post, I asked if there were any other folks who might want to join me in this jaunt into creativity, two other intrepid travelers, Judy & Sandra, have decided to give it a go with me. This will be a no stress journey and, if one of us decides that life is getting the upper hand, they can stop & start again or stop & not start again! This is the first week and is, therefore, about about Chapter 1. One of my favorites things about this book is the wealth of quotations that it contains. I love quotations. Most people can think of much better ways to say things than I can - and I like reading what other people say about the more meaningful aspects of living life to the fullest.

One of the reasons that I have had a difficult time with this book in the past, I think, is because of it's 'spiritual' aspect. I am one of those people that may, in fact, have a hurting little kid stuck inside of me - but I want that "inner child" to keep her mouth shut. So process' that verge on opening up that potential for angst are generally not on my hit parade. I can, I hope, look at most of this is a somewhat less spiritual, and somewhat more 'grounded' way. Or, perhaps,being grounded will allow for more spiritual work to be done.

We begin.
Morning pages &artist's dates. Easy enough for me since I write in my journal daily (as I grow older I surely would not want to forget any of the choice gems that make up my humdrum life now would I!) and I love to let my mind wander into the ether realms - isn't that an artists date? Hummm, well, maybe I can work on that aspect a bit - with 15 miles of pristine natural beauty surrounding me, and the mainland far far away, I have lots of artistic inspiration close at hand. The problem with the "morning pages", for me at least, is the 'morning' part. I don't do mornings very well. To compromise on that aspect I do write a bit as soon as I get up in the morning and then write lots more in the evening, when the air outside stills and thoughts come more easily. I do Evening Pages. It works for me.

Artist's date? Well somehow this too smacks at taking that little inner beastie child out for a nice little bit of meandering.... but meandering for me is easy and I don't mind too much if the past is along for this kind of ride. In fact, I think that it's a good thing. My artist dates thus far have been having fun tinkering with my vintage fountain pens, playing with pens, inks,paints & papers. I go outside to feel the caress of the clean cool air on my face. I listen to the crows & eagles & sea birds. I smell the pungency of wet, winter earth & brisk , soothing cedar and pines. I like these dates - I want more dates like this !

"Filling The Well" is another part of Chapter 1. The directions are easy. "...do what intrigues you, explore what interests you; think mystery not mastery...". By George, THIS I can do & do with relish. My well is going to be overflowing - in fact I have thought that it has been overflowing for some time - I think I need a mind sluice! The books talks about any regular, repetitive action,like embroidery, knitting, crocheting, sewing etc as means of "priming the pump". Meditative actions tend to do that I think ! Julia Cameron also suggests listening to differnt music &, perhaps, trying new candles or incense. I like it! I can do this !

The end of Chapter One includes a "contract". It goes like this:
" I_________ understand that I am undertaking an extensive guided encounter with my own creativity. I commit myself to the twelve week duration of the course, I _____, commit to weekly reading, daily morning (evening) pages, a weekly artist's date, and the fulfillment of each week's tasks.
I_______,further understand that this course will raise issues and emotions for me to deal with. I, _________commit myself to excellent self care,diet,exercise, and pampering - for the duration of the course..." Sign/Date

Uhoh - here we go with my commitment issues! I can only say that in my book I have penciled in the pertinent name and that I will strive to complete this course - and will post about it each Sunday. I will not, however, feel a failure if I falter along the way. I take the word 'commit' strongly though - so I am, truly preparing to give this a good go. I want to find out all of the things I should have been and still can be. Art if life and life is art. That's it until next week. Bored yet?!

Feel free to joing us if the creative spirit should move you. No strings, no guilt, no have to's - just sort of a "let's see what if .......".

It's My Thing For Friday: Vintage Embroidered Pillowcases

I love hand embroidered pillowcases! All cotton bliss. I remember my grandmother making them and we always used them at home. If memory serves, it must have been in the 1950's when she was actively working on them. I can't sleep on anything else now! I thought that I would make some for myself, but it is impossible to find 100% cotton pillow cases anywhere. All of the ones that I have found available are a cotton/poly blend which simply won't do! I have found some gems at antique stores and on EBay at times as well. Sleeping on an all cotton pillowcase does not make your skin dry out as quickly overnight. Sweet dreams are almost gauarenteed. These beauties were actually hand ebroidered as well as appliqued - those red flowers are not just colored in. THe hand work is beautifully done.
Here is another excellent set. Never used. Colors bright and crisp and, once again, avery nice example of fine hand work.

Looks at these corcheted hems - this is the part that really gets me! How long did it take to corchet these colorful little edgings? They add so much to "language" of the case. So now you know another of my secrets. Beautiful, hand embroidered, all cotton pillowcases sore sweet dreams and soft skin!

Taste Tempting Thursday: My Favorite Rum Cake

This is my favorite rum cake of all time. I am sure that there are many variations of it. Mine is called AA Rum Cake, because my co-workers and I enjoyed every holiday season when I was working For American Airline.


Use a Bundt pan for this recipe. Bake at 350F for about an hour

Ingredients: FOR THE CAKE
One yellow cake mix - I like Betty Crocker - but I think they are all about he same.
4 Eggs
1/2 C Dark rum - I use Meyer's
1/2 C Wesson Oil - I use any canola oil I have on hand - light tasting oil is the key here.
1/2 C Water
Cup of chopped walnuts
Pam - or other non-stick cooking spray. I like to use the Pam one that has flour in it too.

Ingredients: FOR THE GLAZE
1/4 C water
1/2 stick of butter - melted
1 C sugar
1/2 C dark Meyers Rum


Spray the bottom of the pan lightly with Pam. Spread the chopped nuts evenly in the bottom of the pan . Mix the packaged cake mix, 4 eggs, rum,oil &water together. Bale in a 350F oven for about an hour or until a bamboo skewer or cake tester comes out clean.

To make the glaze. Put the water, butter and sugar in a pan and boil for about 5 minutes. Stir constantly until the sugar is well melted and blended. Remove the pan from the stove and add the rum to the 'brew'.

Poke holes all over the cake with a skewer or cake tester and brush the glaze all over the cake. It will take several coating and some patience to get it all used up. I generally add more skewer holes as I go and fill them up with the glaze. Let the cake sit to absorb all of the glaze mix. Serve as you like and enjoy! It really is one of my favorite and most easy recipes. Making it always reminds me of the late shifts I used to work, when holidays were just another work day - but little things like this made us all feel more like family. Good memories and a good cake! No! You simply cannot get tipsy at all from this cake ..... well unless maybe you drank the glaxe rather then putting on the cake !!