Jenny Stevning

Just A Reminder

2011-08-15T13:12:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone!

Just wanted to remind you all I am still blogging.

Come to MY NEW BLOG!

JennyBaio@blogspot.com

Where's Jenny?

2011-07-22T13:34:00.000-07:00

Here I am!
I'm here only briefly as I have a new blog home.
I've been gone a while getting settle into my new home and new life in Arizona.
And with all the changes (including my name) I figured it was time for a new blog address.

I have loved blogging here and I am most grateful to my faithful blog followers!
My wish is that you will continue to follow me HERE.

Thank you!

Graduation

2011-06-03T08:58:00.000-07:00

Last night, my daughter graduated!
She is third generation to graduate from her high school.
There she is with my mama.
We are very proud of her! She is a wonderful girl.

Moving Ain't Pretty

2011-05-31T08:19:00.000-07:00

Ha! My art table is still messy! (last photo)
I can't quite bear to pack every art supply away just yet.
My colored pencils are out and I left some wool felt and embroidery floss out to play with.

No matter how much you may try to "organize" a pile of boxes, they are still just that...a pile of boxes.

Yesterday, my daughter dove into her room. (phew!)
She got a great start - willing to let go of a lot of little stuff.
But there were some things that I quickly grabbed out of her pile. You can see them all there in the second photo. I have so many of Chloe's kindergarten pictures (on left) but I can't stand to part with one. Tomorrow is her last day of school. Thursday she is her Graduation. (sigh)

Notice the wee box of crayons next to the big box pile.
My daughter didn't want them anymore. I kept them.

Moving ain't pretty.

More Coloring

2011-05-27T05:20:00.000-07:00

Coloring

2011-05-26T17:25:00.000-07:00

Today I colored!
Coloring is my favorite!
My first love.

Back in 1977, when I started kindergarten, I went in the afternoon.
That meant I had the TV all to myself in the morning as my sister and brother were at school.
Me. A box of crayons. A coloring book. Sesame Street.
HEAVEN!
And it still is...even now as I approach 40.

By the next school year, it was all about hearts and rainbows.
It remained that way for a couple of years.

For this drawing, I brought then all together.
But this time I used my new colored pencils rather than my crayons.

Don't Forget...

2011-05-25T09:54:00.000-07:00

...to breathe.

New Chapter!

2011-05-23T10:17:00.000-07:00

Simple.
Sweet.
Courthouse.
Married.

The Arizona blue sky on the day.

Say Thank You

2011-05-12T06:17:00.000-07:00

"You cannot say good-bye until

you say

thank you."

I have been reading Kelly Rae Roberts e-book: FLYING LESSONS.
She shares this statement in her book; something she learned from a friend.

It melted my heart when I read it.

My moving day approaches!

Before I can say good-bye to my apartment,
Will say thank you for keeping my daughter and I safe, for being our home.

Before I can say good-bye to my downstairs neighbors,
I will say thank you for making us feel welcomed and for providing laughter in the early evening that would come up through our door.

The list goes on.
I will hold this thought - especially when it comes time to say "thank you" to my family.

Sweet Gray Monday

2011-05-09T10:40:00.000-07:00

Swimsuit

2011-05-06T09:41:00.000-07:00

she loved her new swimsuit

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

I am excited about the new resin rings I have for sale in my ETSY shop.
Click HERE to see!

Have a wonderful day!

Overalls

2011-05-05T06:27:00.000-07:00

standing in a wee pool of light

Lovely

2011-05-04T09:30:00.000-07:00

A friend sent this to me yesterday. I thought it was lovely.

Content

2011-05-03T09:43:00.000-07:00

she needed very little to make her heart content

Courage

2011-05-02T08:14:00.000-07:00

A poem my daughter wrote a couple of years ago:

Courage is a kite that flies among our dreams

Courage is a flash of genius that makes us smarter is seems

Courage is a gambler that risks his goals

Courage is a mother that uplifts our souls

Unexpected LOVE

2011-04-23T09:49:00.000-07:00

Hello All!
Here I am!

I took this photo the other night. I got to the end of the toilet paper roll and there is was: unexpected LOVE!

Well, I now know moving day is June 8! That is coming right up.
I am excited. And just when I think I've done enough shedding of STUFF, I find I am willing to do another layer. Each time, I begin to feel the freedom of letting go of STUFF and THINGS.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Absent

2011-04-11T12:50:00.000-07:00

I have been terribly absent from blogging lately.
But I must be realistic that in the next couple of months it may just be that way as I get ready to move, my daughter finishes High School...and such.

I did create this painting last week.

And yesterday, I spent wonderful time with my sister, knitting in her backyard on a perfect spring day.
I have feverishly been knitting cotton dish rags.

I listed new items in my Etsy shop - like this ONE.

I have new Finger Pincushions like this sweet BIRD.
A boutique in Los Angeles, 8 Limbs, will be selling some in their shop, too.
I was honored they found me.

I hope you are all well!
Cheers!

Hello Toes!

2011-04-04T12:24:00.000-07:00

It has been a while.

Simplify

2011-03-30T07:58:00.000-07:00

Our life is frittered away by detail...Simplify, Simplify.

-Henry Thoreau

In anticipation of moving in June, I have been shedding old stuff.
I've taken many donation drop-off trips to the library and the Goodwill.
Alas...I think I've made a dent but it still seems like I have so much STUFF!

Simplify. I'm trying.

Breathing Spring

2011-03-29T20:22:00.000-07:00

Today I was walking home from an appointment.

I love hearing the sound of someone practicing piano through an open window.

Breathing Spring.

Something New

2011-03-26T12:56:00.000-07:00

I found this tiny old photo in a used book store.
It measures about 2 x 2.5 inches.
I love it!
So I decided to my interpretation of it.

My painting is 6 x 9 inches.
I may even be so bold as to buy a large canvas and try this again.

Have a safe and fun Saturday.
I have a new listing in my SHOP. Click HERE.
Cheers!

Grateful

2011-03-15T09:56:00.001-07:00

This past Sunday, this ITEM from My Shop was featured in four different treasuries on Etsy.
(A treasury being a collection of themed items from fellow Etsy sellers...if you're wondering.)

I was featured HERE...

and HERE...

as well as HERE...

and lastly HERE!

I am GRATEFUL!

Spring Sunday

2011-03-13T13:09:00.000-07:00

and still nothing could be found...

there would be no surprise,

but plenty of assumptions.

tiny little sorrows build up into a giant hug

love leans against God's leg

safe

Late Afternoon Outing

2011-03-10T11:19:00.000-08:00

Tuesday

2011-03-08T07:33:00.000-08:00

Sometime they'll give a war and nobody will come.
- Carl Sandburg

Monday's Art & Poem

2011-03-07T05:53:00.000-08:00

Good night! Good night!
Far flies the light;
But still God's love
Shall flame above,
Making all bright.
Good night! Good night!

- Victor Hugo

Today's poem, as well as the one from yesterday,
were pulled from an old book I have titled: Time for Poetry - A Teacher's Anthology, copyright 1951. It is full of good stuff!

Sheltered So...

2011-03-06T07:34:00.000-08:00

Within your heart
Keep one still, secret spot
Where dreams may go,
And sheltered so,
May thrive and grow --
Where doubt and fear are not.
Oh, keep a place apart
Within your heart,
For little dreams to go.

-Louise Driscoll

Pig

2011-03-03T05:14:00.000-08:00

I took this picture last Saturday.
We were at a wonderful petting zoo.

Some may find then unpleasant, but I loved this pig...or shall I say hog.
He was HUGE! And he made me smile!

A Wednesday

2011-03-02T09:28:00.000-08:00

she knew how to keep her serenity

Thank You

2011-03-01T13:14:00.000-08:00

Thank you for the prayers for my pa!
He should be going home soon.

I have been fun working larger (6 x 9 inches) and in more pattern work.
Even when I am painting, I am really coloring.
Coloring is good medicine for me!

Cheers to you all!

A Thursday

2011-02-24T08:27:00.000-08:00

love

and rest

and forgiveness

and gentleness

and another reason to laugh

and a moment to weep

and a pillow to rest your head

and a shoulder to cry on

and a silly song

and a goofy comment

and a sandwich to share

and reason to reminisce

It will be a good day.

Please keep my dad in your prayers. He is still very sick.
Thank you!
Hugs!

Striped Shirt

2011-02-23T06:51:00.000-08:00

the day wore a striped shirt

with laughter

and heart ache

New Art & Hafiz Poem

2011-02-22T08:01:00.000-08:00

The heart is the thousand-stringed instrument.

Our sadness and fear come from being
Out of tune with love.

All day long God coaxes my lips to speak,

So that your tears will not stain His green dress.

It is not that the Friend is vain,
It is just your life we care about.

Sometimes the Beloved takes my pen in hand,
For Hafiz is a simple man.

The other day the Old One wrote on the Tavern wall:

"The heart is a thousand-stringed instrument
that can only be tuned with LOVE."

-Hafiz, translated by Daniel Ladinsky

My Gift

2011-02-18T07:30:00.000-08:00

Michael Leunig is a wonderful artist I was introduced to by my fiance.

After sharing some of his quotes in blog posts, a fellow blogger offered to send me a gift.

You see...in Australia, Leunig is a national living treasure.
At the new year, there is a free calendar and a sheet of wrapping paper available to all.

Betsy B was kind enough to offer to send them to me!!

I was thrilled! I love them!
I am still basking in the unexpected kindness of another!
And all the way from Australia!

THANK YOU, BETSY B!

I am so very grateful!

Rainy Day Prayer

2011-02-16T06:16:00.000-08:00

God help us

to live slowly:

to move simply:

to look softly:

to allow emptiness:

to let the heart

create for us.

Amen

-Michael Leunig

Tomorrow I shall share the wonderful gift I received from a fellow blogger.

Today it rains! I LOVE it!

YES!

2011-02-15T05:18:00.000-08:00

Life was meant to be lived, and curiosity must be kept alive.

One must never, for whatever reason, turn his back on life.

-Eleanor Roosevelt

A simple prayer: YES!

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T06:42:00.000-08:00

love
love
love
love

You Just Know

2011-02-09T21:21:00.000-08:00

for brief moments...

you love beyond the pain and smile at the tiny picture

you hear the old man talk on the phone
he speaks of Jesus and baking cookies

...and you know...

you just know

The Constant Friend

2011-02-01T06:27:00.000-08:00

speak softly for the threads that weave

hold tenderly to the threads that break

if a robe of fear hides your belly of laughter,

take it off...

find the grass with your bare feet

hold the hand of the Constant Friend

boldy ask for a thread from His robe of love

and tie it around your finger to remember

Happy Monday To All

2011-01-31T06:51:00.000-08:00

This day is enormous.
With what shall it be filled?

Drawing Fun

2011-01-27T11:44:00.000-08:00

Carla Sonheim wrote a wonderful book with easy and fun drawing exercises.
On page 64 is a delightful exercise: Modigliani Parent Portraits.
The drawing is my dad as I remember him when I was little.

Last week while visiting my DearHeart (we are in different states) we kept ourselves amused with Carla's book. The newly purchased pack of colored Shapries is what inspired my coloring.

Click HERE to see my self portrait at my other blog!

Also...my blogging/airport friend, Jean, is having a generous giveaway for her one year blogversary. Check it our HERE.

Dots & Stripes

2011-01-26T09:35:00.000-08:00

Growing larger...
This paper is a whopping 6 x 6 inches! :)

Recently a blog visitor asked if I viewed dots as feminine and stripes as masculine,
and was I trying to portray that in my art?
Honestly, I hadn't thought about it.
If I do, it happens subconsciously.
In this drawing it seems to be so!
Good question!
In fact, if anyone has any other questions about my art or how I create, let me know!

Faith & Love

2011-01-25T10:25:00.000-08:00

These two things seems to be the antidote
for when I feel fearful or when I am being a Know-It-All:

FAITH
LOVE

Thank you for the lovely comments & support from my blog followers,
as well as those who have just stopped by!
I appreciate it greatly!
Cheers.
Hugs!

Washed In Love

2011-01-18T08:10:00.000-08:00

Wash everything in Love!
Hang it out to dry with clothes pins
of Forgiveness.

Monday Night

2011-01-17T22:38:00.000-08:00

Forgive me as my posting has been very spotty at best.
And it may continue for a wee bit longer.

For me...all is well! In fact, I am engaged!

Life comes along too.
My dad has been in and out of the hospital for the past two weeks.
Currently, he is home and mending.

But it is the tiny Glories that keep the heart soft and the soul steady.
For instance:

hearing the laughter of my daughter and her friends
having an impromptu picnic with my mom and a walk through the park
hearing my dad laugh in spite of tremendous physical pain
the kind cashier that gave me two waters for $1.35 rather than the $2.00 I owed
my dad's hug after our 4 hour stint in Urgent Care

Love.
Hugs.
Learning everyday new meanings of kindness.

New Stuff & Cupcakes

2011-01-14T06:44:00.000-08:00

Top Photo: Some new stuff.

Second Photo: Yesterday was my niece's 16th Birthday.
My daughter baked her these cupcakes...from scratch! Delicious.

Have a wonderful day!
Cheers!

Song Lyrics I Adore

2011-01-13T06:23:00.000-08:00

It started out as a feeling
Which then grew into a hope

Which then turned into a quiet thought
Which then turned into a quiet word

And then that word grew louder and louder
Until it was a battle cry...

Lyrics by Regina Spektor: The Call

Another "large" creation: 5 x 7 inches.

Hahaha!
After I made this post this morning, the window was left open and my daughter saw it.
I was served up an audible UGH! followed by an eye roll.
"Mom? Song lyrics? I hate that! People do that and they think it's so deeeeep."
I couldn't help but laugh.

Happy To Change

2011-01-12T05:40:00.000-08:00

This new drawing is 5 x 7 inches.
For me, this is BIG!

The Comforter

2011-01-11T10:44:00.000-08:00

I love the Comforter.

Friday

2011-01-07T15:06:00.000-08:00

be the hug ready to give

be the love ready to serve

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

My 4 year old nephew came to visit me this morning.
We walked several blocks to a coffee shop to meet my mom.
The whole way he had one of my finger puppets in his right index finger, held perfectly upright.
Be still my heart.
Love.

Just What I Needed

2011-01-05T08:06:00.000-08:00

live simply

love generously

care deeply

speak kindly

leave the rest to God

I skimmed though a chain email I received last night.
Don't usually care for them.
These words were at the bottom.
It was worth finding them.

Chloe's Chair Photo

2011-01-04T10:39:00.000-08:00

My daughter took this photo with her new Diana Mini camera she got for Christmas.
She takes wonderful photos and has even started blogging.
See her other photos HERE.

Happy New Year

2011-01-02T09:34:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!
I hope you all had wonderful holiday time.

I pray the New Year be:

simple
gentle
loving
kind

Rain...

2010-12-21T07:26:00.000-08:00

a striped scarf and a warm coat was all He needed

Here is Southern California it has been raining and raining!
I love it!

The winner of the GIVEAWAY is LulaPie!

My Own Finger Puppet

2010-12-19T13:52:00.001-08:00

I fashioned my own finger puppet today.

Fun!

Don't forget my GIVEAWAY! Click HERE.

Finger Puppets

2010-12-18T17:20:00.000-08:00

I made finger puppets as a gift for two great kids I know.
They are very fun and easy to make!

I was inspired by an artist on Etsy: Abbey Christine.
She makes wonderful puppets of unique movie and TV characters.
Someday I would love her Bob Ross finger puppet. (see here)

Don't forget! There is still time for my latest GIVEAWAY!!
Click HERE to see the item and how to enter!

A Giveaway & A Smile

2010-12-17T11:01:00.000-08:00

Don't these knees make you smile?
They belong to my grandma. She is now 85 but was 3ish in the photo.

This is my latest GIVEAWAY!
I created this Christmas collage in 2006. It is time to share it!
(size: 8 x 10 inches on masonite board)

If you would like a chance to win, simply leave me a comment.
I will leave the Giveaway open until Sunday evening.
Monday morning, the 20th, I will announce the winner.

Oh, and in the original photo of my grandma she is holding a tomato.
For this collage, I tinted it orange.
My gram was once a wee girl on a farm in Arkansas.
For Christmas, she would get an orange.

Smiling!

2010-12-16T05:52:00.000-08:00

I just like to smile. Smiling is my favorite.

-Buddy the Elf

This morning I saw a post by artist, Juliette Crane.
She shared a medley of photos that made her smile.
I smiled, too.

For the past week, this piglet has made me smile!
He is on my desktop...my cellphone...on Facebook.
I love him. I can't help but smile.

My dear friend reminds me to keep smiling.

I do. I will.
SMILE!

Love & Faith

2010-12-14T08:45:00.000-08:00

Strong faith brings happiness.

We feel at home in our lives and in touch with something larger.

-Joan Duncan Oliver

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Love to all!

alone
waiting
worried

happy
joyous
fun

glum
sad
fretting

LOVE
LOVE
LOVE

Show Me the Way...

2010-12-12T22:25:00.000-08:00

Take me into your hands

Make me into your prayer

Take me away to the land of Christmas

And dismiss my fear

Show me the way

-Carly Simon, The Land Of Christmas (1st Stanza)

Winner & A Story

2010-12-10T07:25:00.000-08:00

The winner of yesterday's giveaway is:

SARA of Sara's Art House!

Many thanks to those who left comments.
I shall do another giveaway soon!

Regarding the bottom photo...
This is one of my favorite Christmas ornaments.
It is a clear plastic star with the photo I cherish inside.

On the left is my older brother.
In the blue one-piece is my older sister.
My grandpa.
Me on the right.

My siblings and I were swimming in my grandpa's pool.
He arrived home and came out to say hi.
There we were; three heads bobbing in the water pleading, "Grandpa! Come swim with us!"
We begged and pleaded!

Just when we were about to give up, we hear a sudden, "Here I come!"
My grandpa came flying through the air, diving into the water, clothes and all!

Pure joy.
Pure silliness.
Happy love.
A moment of utter glee!

Giveaway!

2010-12-09T05:28:00.000-08:00

I am baking cookies for my daughter's dad.
He did something kind for me.

Yesterday, I received an unexpected gift from a landlords!
So lovely! Kind.

The other day, I received love and support when I needed it most!
Loving kindness.

Blog followers, new and old, have left me wonderful, kind words in comment to my post.
THANK YOU!

Soooooo...
I would like to giveaway this new drawing.
Simply leave a comment.
Tomorrow morning (Friday) I will draw a name out of my Pyrex bowl.
Then I will announce the winner!

Have a wonderful day!
Cheers!

Sailing

2010-12-08T05:32:00.000-08:00

he sailed the seas

with an open heart

and a patchy sail

YELLOW

2010-12-07T08:35:00.000-08:00

Yellow was the color of the day during my walk yesterday!

Dear Autumn,
Thank you for finally arriving.
I love you.
From: Jenny

Sweet Visitor

2010-12-03T11:56:00.000-08:00

love
love
love

in its Glory
in its pain
in its negelct
in its Forgiveness

love

love

love

New Stuff

2010-12-02T07:35:00.000-08:00

These are some new items! They soon will be in my Etsy store.

I love fabric and simple sewing and wonky stitches.
Plus, creating like this allows me to use my supplies rather than hoard and save them.

The bottom photo is my Holy Family paper doll garland.

LOVE!

Undress The Day

2010-12-01T08:07:00.000-08:00

when the little day is done

I can fill your well with the Hand of God

and breathe a small breath of Gratitude

linger on the threads that the tiny day has worn

undress the day

and hang her garment of Sun and Doings

in the closet next to my heart

which hangs to the left of your garment of Forgiveness

New Drawing

2010-11-30T06:46:00.000-08:00

tear my dress

make a mess

lift me up so High

Click HERE to see my other new drawing - a hummingbird in a sweater.

Late November...

2010-11-27T10:19:00.000-08:00

...it was all she needed.

Peace begins with a smile.

-Mother Teresa

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T11:19:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

I took these photos this morning while on a very cold walk!
The morning was stunning.
My heart is thankful for big things and little things. Truly. Deeply.
Have a wonderful and sweet day.

Cheers!

Man With Bread

2010-11-24T07:32:00.000-08:00

...and he was thankful...

Click HERE for another kind of thankfulness.

Old Man

2010-11-22T11:43:00.000-08:00

Something different...
Drawing what I see...
Old man in a coffee shop sitting across the way.

Kindness wins!

Where Did Jenny Go?

2010-11-20T09:58:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone!

I was down with a sinus infection for several days.
Then I was out of town for a wee bit.

I am coming back!
Monday I will have new art to share.

In the meantime, follow this LINK.
My dear heart introduced me to this author and artist, Michael Leunig.
Enjoy!

Cheers to all!

Color

2010-11-10T12:15:00.000-08:00

Color is the fruit of life.

- Guillaume Apollinaire

In the past year and a half, my artwork has been tiny - 2.5 x 3.5 inches.
I love the size because I can work quickly.
Lately I began craving a larger size. It is still small by most standards but this 8 x 11 inch piece was fun to work on.

Click HERE to see the full painting.

A Place To Pause

2010-11-09T06:44:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we were met with a rainy morning.
It let up fairly early but it left raindrop treasures.

If you click twice in the bottom photo, it will enlarge it enough
for you to see the perfect leaf reflection in the water drop!

Yesterday

2010-11-08T08:25:00.000-08:00

"Don't let yesterday use up too much of today."

Saturday's Sunrise

2010-11-07T11:39:00.000-08:00

I was grateful to see it.

Acting Out The Whisper

2010-11-05T14:00:00.000-07:00

she heard the call and answered,

acting out the whisper

she bowed

she cried...

you may like this

but first let me sweeten the great sadness

with more sugar and cream

Need something silly? Click HERE.

100°

2010-11-03T21:37:00.000-07:00

she remembered there is no Golden day

It was close to 100° today in Southern California.
It was hot! I wanted to complain (and probably did)
but I couldn't deny it was a very beautiful day.

Sunshine is delicious,

rain is refreshing,

wind braces us up,

snow is exhilarating;

there is really no such thing as bad weather,

only different kinds of good weather.

-John Ruskin

Click HERE to see my other new drawing! :)

As Much

2010-11-01T07:20:00.000-07:00

he sailed in his steady boat

knowing the truth

job well done

Love must be as much a light, as it is a flame.

-Henry David Thoreau

Happy Halloween

2010-10-31T14:08:00.000-07:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Halloween, 1976.
That is me on the left.
My brother is The Fonz, not Ronald Reagan as it may look at first glance. :)
My sister doesn't look totally thrilled to be a prairie girl.
Thankfully, my mom always let us pick what we wanted to be, so I am gonna assume my sister is happy.

Have fun! Be safe!

A Quiet Autumn Walk

2010-10-30T10:10:00.000-07:00

Forgive Me

2010-10-29T00:24:00.000-07:00

Please forgive me! Yesterday I forgot to
announce the winner of the giveaway! I am sorry.

The winner is: Jenn of Noodle & Lou Studio!
Congratulations Jenn!
Jenn's blog is delightful and warming! Check it out HERE.
Love and prayers to Jenn as she just lost her sweet grandma.

Another wonderful blog that just launched is:
Sadie Inspired.
Enjoy Sadie's first post HERE.

Cheers!

Daily Bread

2010-10-28T09:00:00.000-07:00

God's Handwriting

2010-10-27T09:33:00.000-07:00

there was reason to move in the
cold morning air

there was reason to uproot in the
middle of congealing

there was reason to claw at the
dirt stuck in the pot

she held herself until she wiggle free
kindness was the answer because
kindness had been forgotten

come play with me
laugh until we cry
but let us not forget to return to love
softly on the back of my hand

Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything beautiful,

for beauty is God's handwriting.

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Click HERE to see my tiny Toaster Oven Holy Family.

Halloween Giveaway

2010-10-26T07:24:00.000-07:00

Hello All!

I am sorry for being late.
Here is the HALLOWEEN GIVEAWAY I mentioned.

What will you win?

Color copy of three different altered photos.
A handmade pumpkin paper doll.
A Halloween garland.

How do you win?

Leave me a comment sharing your favorite Halloween costume of the past.
I will pick a random name on Wednesday evening.
Check back in on Thursday morning to see who won!
(Please make sure I have a way to contact you. If your email is linked to your blog - great! If not, you can email me. My email is linked on my profile page.)

Thank you!

Quick Note

2010-10-21T14:01:00.000-07:00

Hello All!
I will be gone for a few days.
When I return Monday, I will have a fun
Halloween Giveaway
with some of my creations.

Stay tuned.
Cheers!

Morning is Mine

2010-10-20T10:03:00.000-07:00

the morning is mine
where the silence settles in
and kindness seeps from the bones

the morning is mine
where grayness falls softly
and whispers can be heard

find me here
ripe with stillness
gentle and sweet

the morning is mine

Thinking New Thoughts

2010-10-18T08:25:00.000-07:00

the faucet of her sadness

was turned on

but only for a moment

then she thought of simple things:

pumpkins

rainy days

fresh bread

big open hands

and bales of hay

Click HERE for a very important message! :)

Lunch Sack Collage

2010-10-14T05:46:00.001-07:00

Why is it so much more fun to create freely when you
use supplies that belong to someone else?

I collaged on a white paper lunch sack. It ended up being a wonderful surface!
Now I have either a fun luminaria or an interesting, handmade gift bag.

If you'd like to see my BirdBunny, click HERE. :)

Peace & Hat

2010-10-13T08:35:00.000-07:00

It is a good day for me to remember to lighten up.

In the photo I am modeling my latest project - a candy corn hat.
It is almost done but I couldn't wait to share it.

I'm knitting!! I'm doing it!

One Loose Thread

2010-10-12T06:44:00.000-07:00

the wee bird

kept her eye on the loose thread

it wasn't often she revealed to anyone

even the smallest of her unravelings

. . . . . . . . . . . .

Will you not open your heart to know

what rainbows teach, and sunsets show?

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Click HERE to see my fish in a sweater. :)

Winner

2010-10-11T10:56:00.000-07:00

The winner of the weekend giveaway is:

DAVID B of Pixels Ate My Homework

Thanks to all! There will be more giveaways soon!!

I will be back tomorrow with new artwork.

Have a peaceful and safe day! Cheers.

OH! And don't forget to see who won the elephant in the apron at U.Du.Art!!

Weekend Giveaway

2010-10-08T16:14:00.000-07:00

This weekend give away is inspired by two things:

1. Noelle of The Angel Wears Fins posted a poem by Naomi Shihab Nye. The last line is was stuck with me: the hands are churches that worship the world.

2. I have a friend, Carolyn. About 5 years ago she suffered a severe aneurysm and had 4 brain surgeries in one year. In August, Carolyn's sister, Neta, also suffered from an aneurysm but sadly, she passed on August 6th.
Today is Neta's birthday! Her family is honoring her by urging people to remember to stop and do acts of kindness - even the smallest thing.

No matter what Faith we walk, or if we even do, we can all create kindness.
Our 'hands are churches that worship the world.'

I offer the above artwork as my giveaway today. It will be sent to you along with a mat that will fit your average 8 x 10 frame. (The mat will either be white or black - your choice.)

To win, simple leave me a comment on this post sometime this weekend.
Monday morning (10/11/10), I will pick a winner by pulling names out of a "hat."

I also have a giveaway on my other blog: U.Du.Art.
This blog is where I share my more light-hearted art. Earlier this week I posted a drawing of an elephant in a sweater. There is a new elephant drawing that you could win!
Click HERE and follow the directions to win.

Have a wonderful, kind weekend! :)
See you all Monday!

Be Kind

2010-10-07T08:51:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago, my mom showed up with flowers.

Dan of A Mindful Heart sent me a gift after I sent him the art he won in a give-away.

I saw a side of my daughter I don't usually see while she was helping the boy who lives downstairs with his homework. She was so patient and kind.

My friend was kind enough to pick me up from the airport and then treat me to Starbucks on the way home.

My birthday is coming up. My step-grandpa sends me a card with kind words and it always arrives two days early.

I got a parking ticket in front of my friend's house. She offered to pay for it.

Since I started blogging, I have experienced nothing but kindness.

Unexpected

2010-10-06T09:26:00.000-07:00

it was just what I needed to See

Absolute attention is prayer.

-Zen saying

New Heart

2010-10-05T08:11:00.000-07:00

the drone of the vacuum allowed
her to hear the still, small voice

she knew her heart was embellished and adorned in a new way
new earrings didn't matter

it made her smile in the empty room
as she stood by the dusty window

You know, God does visit us.

A lot.

It's just that most of the time we're not at home.

-Anonymous

Finally Home

2010-10-04T17:28:00.000-07:00

she was rooted
she was home
and she was grateful

you could see it in her eyes

but only the bird in her pocket
knew how truly grateful she was

Just a Reminder

2010-10-01T12:50:00.001-07:00

Velvet Painting & A Blogging Friend

2010-09-28T22:30:00.000-07:00

My mom, Heather, moved into her new home today. For the past 3 years this St. Bernard painting on velvet has been hanging in the garage of her old home - a rental. This artistic gem belongs to the landlord. For three years, my mom has looked at this every time she got in, or out of her car. No doubt it drove her crazy! It doesn't belong to me, but I had a strong urge to take it. It makes me chuckle - so hideous it's glorious. :)

My fun news...

I have a new blogging friend! Her name is Jean.
She is a writer, a knitter, a mother of 4 grown kids, a wife, a business coach...
I envy her knitting skills and marvel at the fact she has written 8 novels.

Jean is my first in-the-flesh blogging friend. We met in the Ontario airport.
While waiting for a flight, I had my iPod stuffed in my ears and my nose stuffed in a copy of Artful Blogging. Jean, thankfully, struck up a conversation.

"Do you blog?" she asked.
"Why yes, I do," I answered, but felt all swoony as if I was some dainty Southern Bell.
Wow! A fellow blogger - in the flesh!

We chatted all the way to Arizona.
Four days later, on my flight home, there was Jean again! The chances!
We chatted all the way back to California.
FUN!