Coffee Meanderings

I don't write here much anymore. I don't know if anyone reads it, so it seems rather... pointless. However, writing in and of itself is never pointless, and thus I continue.

It's 11am on a Sunday morning. I stayed home from church because I am still recovering from surgery. I'm also shaky right now as I type this across the screen of my cell phone; I should eat something soon.

I am currently part of Mindy's Art Club, and have to paint the lizard rock for the lady who has been waiting for too long... I hate being a procrastinator. Everything seems great until I actually commit to it... Ouch, it hurts when I cough.

Ponderings

It's been a long time since I've written. It's been a long time since I've had anything to say.

The other night I was in the ER with a blood sugar of 720. 2 years since being diagnosed, and I'm still learning/adjusting/experiencing diabetes. I hope one day soon I will be fighting it but, right now, it is just a process for me.

As is my art. I have always wanted to "be" an artist, ever since I can remember. I had always assumed it would be my career. But it is not. Aside from some freelancing over the years, I haven't made significant money creating art. But, I am happy to say that, despite my lack of wealth and prestige, I am, indeed, an artist. I create, I paint, I illustrate. Just because art has not been my career does not lessen me as an artist. You see, I did become an artist, just like I always wanted to be. I became one when I realized I had always been one.

Illustration Friday: Women

SwIrL

My contribution to this week's Illustration Friday! It is about time things changed. The swirl of a new change is on the horizon, and this sick abortion garbage is going to change!

IF- Steam

The theme on Illustration Friday this week is "Steam." I recently completed this watercolor etegami that fits quite well :)

IF: Weapon

Hebrews 4:12

Bible Art Journaling

I had such a wonderful time on Saturday morning!

I had the pleasure of spending time at a Bible journaling event at my local Family Christian bookstore.

I created in my open cover of my Bible, utilizing paint, a little turtle, and heart stickers, all made by Illustrated Faith. Check out their products... fantastic! I saw the turtle and immediately felt "slow to anger" so that's what I went with. I even used washi tape by Illustrated Faith! I'm not done with this yet.

The bookstore even gave us coupons, and there was a raffle for a journaling Bible!

What truly made this event special and unique, however, was the four lovely ladies I was blessed to spend the time with. We created, we talked and shared, loved, encouraged, and prayed. It really was a beautiful experience.

I would write more, but I'm doing this from my phone (in html version), so I just want to thank Jesus for allowing us 5 women this time for fellowship and creativity. I can't wait for the next time!

Illustration Friday Sept 18, 2016

Rain

Remember

These things transgress. Today is what there is- a dried coffee cup, an unread newspaper (I only use the coupons, anyway.) Time is a concept dubbed elemental, but even little children understand- the sun daily must set, and sometimes, people are no more (but everything must remain the same.) Where I live these days, the moon nightly sinks in the sky after dark settles in. and everything is strange and nothing makes sense (yet I have long ago forgotten why.) Tomorrow no longer propels me as once it did, for here is now and present I must be. These years pass out of my control and often, I think of you (but the one I remember never you were.)

Almost a year?!

I can't believe it has almost been a year since I've posted here. After a long move from Long Island, NY to N. Charleston, SC, I believe we've finally settled in. I was staying at a motel for several months with my 2 kiddies and Mom, and then we moved into a house that we rent! Dad came down, too, and we are finally coming along. I have a great job at Starbucks, and Dad transferred to the Wal*Mart here. Both kids are in school, and things are finally fitting together. We also attend a fantastic church where the Spirit is really moving! Praise God :)

I do not have internet at my house, but I will try and update my blog more often. Just glad to finally be able to pop back on and say hi! Hope everyone else is doing great!!!

Spring is Coming!

Haven't blogged in a bit... rather busy as of late with two cases I currently have as a Home Health Aid. In fact, for 3 days out of the week, I'm gone all day, and my children are in bed by the time I get home. I realize that it is only 3 days out of the week, that the money is good, and that it is only until April 7th (when Mom goes back to her job and I'll have to switch up my cases/hours), but still... it's not easy to be away from your kids. In this day and age, it is a necessity for most to work as many hours as possible, and I'm really blessed in the respect that I don't have to do it all the time, but it still gets me aggravated when people drop such comments like, "Oh, aren't you GLAD for the break from the kids?!" I shake my head and hold my peace, but seriously? I didn't HAVE children to get away from them, and I realize that people often say such things in jest, but still... it is a statement that cuts to my core. I love my kids, and I miss them terribly on the days that I'm gone all day. OK, but I've ranted on enough...

I'm grateful that today was warm! I know it'll get colder by Thursday again, but at least today is hope that the warmer days, they are a comin'! So, I fiddled around last night with some crayons and paint on a notebook journal page... not done yet, but kind of liking the fun, free way this is turning out. I got the idea for this little guy while watching Bubble Guppies with my children yesterday, and it kinda stuck with me, so I figured I'd create something with it.

What have you created in your journal lately? Do you ever just do it to have fun? I'm getting there more and more... and glad for it.

Create- Perchance to Live

Finished this spread last night... had a lot of fun with this one. It was more of a progressive effort than a one-night deal, but I like that. When you come back to a piece after some time, you have a slightly different perspective, and you can see things you didn't initially. You can see what needs to be added, or what the whole compilation could represent as far as a unifying theme... the possibilities are only limited by your own imagination :)

Stay safe and dry in this impending storm that seems to be effecting everyone!!!

Nothing But... Sea Life?

Recently, one of the few blogs that I avidly follow, Diana Trout, posted her Friday Tutorial and I dove right in for a perfect evening experiment last night!

It was a lot of fun to just cut loose and not be so worried about the outcome. They are technically supposed to be flowers, but I felt myself naturally gravitating towards sea life... so I went with it. I do have to admit, however, that after I added the pen lines (as you can see in the background of the first image), I thought that the thick, dark lines took away from the color of the watercolors. So I ended up painting thin gesso over the background lines, which muted them without fully taking them away. I much preferred this effect. What do you think?

Just Because!

Did a little more work in my "Just Because Mini Journal" from Suzi Dennis!

Did this a while ago but hadn't shared it yet... collage, paint, washi tape, and a doily. So much fun in such a small space! I love Suzi's journals... :)

Prayer Journal?

For many years now, I've heard the term "Prayer Journal," but never really gave it much thought. I've never really been a "journaler"... but, in Feb 2012, I learned about art journaling, and my world has never been the same since. I fell in love with art journaling, and never looked back! But, "prayer journaling?..."

I tend to do more art in my "art" journals than writing, but that's ok, as there are no rules. That being said, I recently began looking into what exactly were these things called "Prayer Journals," anyway?

My Moleskin journal

I mean, was it a record of people's prayers? Or was it more? Could one be creative with one, or would that be... sacrilegious?? As I did more searching, I discovered that many people ARE creative with their prayer journals, and while many do record their prayers in them (and subsequently, the answers to said prayers!), the prayer journals were so, so much more!

Important notes from a Christian book I was reading

Pertinent notes from a sermon

You can write prayers in your prayer journal, Christian song lyrics that particularly move you, thoughts to God. You can "spill" write... just think/communicate with God and write down a fluid stream of thoughts that flow through you as you pray/meditate upon Him. You can write scripture verses, and also what they mean to you, how they matter to you specifically at this point in your life. Date your entries. Look back later on and see where you were now, and see how you grow. Consider words that are special to you... "grace"... "salvation"... "peace." Decorate your pages- make them your own. God gave you the gift and desire to be creative... use it and give it back to Him :) Honor Him with your efforts.

A tag a made with a "power thought" from Joyce Meyer- "My words have the power to create my reality!"

Journal spread I created based on the word "salvation" with the scripture verse Psalm 62:6- "He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved."

The wonderful thing is that a prayer journal is uniquely yours, and it is what you feel God wants it to be to you. He wants to have a closer relationship with you, and this can be a wonderful way to increase that! Enjoy the gift that the Lord has given you... He loves you. Use it as just one way to show Him how much you love Him right back :)

I am participating in the wonderful Art Journal Every Day hosted by artist Julie Fei-Fan Balzer. Come join in the fun!

Art as Expression

I love my art journal(s), but sometimes, even WITH prompts, you get caught up in not knowing exactly what to do with a brand-new spread... you have your time, your materials, but no motivation!

But! If there is a lot going on in your head (as there typically is, let's be honest), and you even have the motivation of some good music, then give it a little time, and something will begin to come together... below I have a spread I worked on today. I had SO MUCH going on in my head, that I thought an interesting aesthetic with various words might be fun. It was!

But! One of the great things about growing older is that you learn that just because you've a lot to say, doesn't mean you should. Thus I included a little reminder to myself as a finalization of the piece ;) I like it. How about you?

I am participating in the wonderful Art Journal Every Day hosted by artist Julie Fei-Fan Balzer. Come by and visit her blog! Thanks, Julie!

Creative Challenges Open a World of Possibilities!

A new year, fresh perspectives, an abundance of inspiration! Funny how the idea of a fresh beginning always accompanies a new year... and I'm embracing it with arms wide open!

The wonderful Tammy over at

Daisy Yellow

is offering up another one of her fantastic and inspirational challenges:

So far I've participated in one (see my coffee rings below), and am finding that I'm inspired to create more from just that one challenge. There really is a wealth of creative and motivational goodies over there, you should check it out! Even if you are new to art journaling, you can "jump right in!"

I've since cut up the paper I've done the coffee rings on, and am beginning to create the collage below. That is one thing I also have to try and somehow address this year... I know that we artists create because, well, most of us can't help it. It's just our nature to do so. But what do you do with WHAT you create? Any ideas? At least if you are doing art in an art journal, then it's got a home... IN the journal. But I just don't want a proverbial box of my art sitting around, you know?

Anyway, what are you doing on the computer?? Go create something! ;) And join in with Art Journal Every Day if you'd like! I have :)

Bring On the New Year!

This year has been a doozy, but yay!!! It's over :)

Looking forward to a wonderful and blessed New Year with no limits. I hope each and every one of you feels equally as optimistic about your New Year! Please enjoy the picture above that I created in my journal, and my Christmas gift to myself below is my new Inkoos :)

#inkoos #artjournal #artjournaling

Happy New Year!!!

Visual Contemplation

I usually am a very careful artist. Not so much with staying in the lines, per se, but I like my pieces to look great visually. Not that they always do, mind you, but I try.

With art journaling (or visual journaling) it's about the process, not the end result. I've read that statement, in one form or another, so very much these last 2 years, both in books and here on line. And I still have an issue with it, lol, but that's a story for another day.

Tonight I had a lot on my mind. There's a big decision that I need to start addressing more seriously, and in so doing, I need to accept that it is a decision to begin with. In other words, I need to stop avoiding it and acknowledge it. This quickly done journal page is a step in the right direction... right?

IF: "Spirit"

Here is this week's creation for Illustration Friday. Inspiration taken from 2 Corinthians 3:17.

Depression

I don't know much about depression. I do know that so many people these days have a diagnosis with this or that, but that is a post for another day.

I know that depression is a real problem, and many people are truly affected by it. I am curious if it a steady, consistent situation, or if there are highs and lows. In other words, are there people who are depressed, but can feel happy sometimes? Or are they always down?

The art above is a journal page I've begun based on Tammy Garcia's I'm utilizing the colors of orange and yellow, and creating patterns and doodles with them. Art is theraputic, and it's nice to take a little time each day, if possible, to do something creative.

Do you know someone who may be suffering from depression? Pray for them. But do something nice for them, as well. Maybe create a little art for them. Or, better yet? Take some time out, grab a journal and some materials (markers, pencils, etc.) and go create a little art WITH them. Take the time to let them know you care, that you're praying for them, and that God loves them. Let the Lord use you :)

IF: Pattern

There are many ways to interpret a single word. Inevitably, a word will mean many different things to each person. Illustration Friday is a great, creative site that encourages artists from all over, regardless of talent, to take a word that is provided each Friday and interpret it as they will= through art.

This week's word is Pattern, and my illustration is indicative of a young girl who, despite her best intentions, keeps winding up in the same proverbial pattern of behavior. We've all been there, and can each relate on some level or another. The design in the background of the illustration is one of Tim Holt'z Blueprint stamps, which I stamped repeatedly in several different directions. My brother ordered me these stamps for Christmas and I am already loving the ideas of what I can create with them.

Where are you today in your emotional lives? Do you feel that you keep "falling into" the same patterns? Is that a good thing, or not? What can you create today to portray how YOU feel?

Hello

IF: "Tail"

Here is my illustration for this week's IF. Deuteronomy 28:13 :) God wants to make you the head & not the tail!

3am on Decaf...

So, it's a little after 3am and I'm awake, in my little kitchen, on my laptop because I need to stay awake all night for some test tomorrow. A sleep-deprived EEG. Most people would be upset about having to be up all night, but I'm actually grateful for the chance to get a little stuff done...

Time is a luxury. I'm a full-time Mom who lives in a very small space with my family. I have a laptop which only comes out of my closet maybe 1 or 2 times a week. I'm with the kids all day and at night, I work. I usually don't have a lot of "me" time. But I'm not complaining... my kids mean the world to me :)

That being said, there is a lot of technology out there that I'm completely ignorant to. A friend was telling me that there is a new phone that comes with software where you can literally do your drawing/sketching directly ON the phone, and even has the capability to color and adjust it at will. A PHONE. Only a few years ago, people were clamoring to get into colleges to learn the latest Photoshop and Corel... now you can do that stuff on a phone. It is incredible.

I still don't have a definitive way of storing my files. God forbid something should happen to this laptop, and a lot of my pictures (of my children AND artwork) would be gone. One of these days I'll get around to doing what is necessary to putting everything where it belongs. It's funny how people take space and equipment for granted. I share one bedroom with my 2 children (lol)... I have to cut back on art supplies and what not because I've simply no room to keep them. And as far as what I've on my computer, I would need a lot of computer time to go through everything and try and categorize/organize what I've got on there, and then decide what to keep, and finally, HOW to keep them. I don't have a scanner, nor a printer. I don't even have a PC. These days, most of the previously mentioned items are standard in a household.

And don't even get me started on apps... there is an app for everything. And the popularity of things like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. is astounding. I was online last month at a Dunkin Donuts and EVERYONE was on their phone... even me. Talking to someone? Oh, no... typing or whatever on it. It's as if all the latest gadgets have become greater extensions of ourselves... an extra appendage, if you will.

Christmas time is vast approaching, and a commercial I just saw featured a young boy talking about presents. He basically showed two items: a scooter, and a computer tablet. Then, he pretty much said NOT to get the scooter for your kids this Christmas, because it won't be used. He told the parents to get the kids the electronic device because that is something that WILL be used. I'm not exaggerating... this commercial was LITERALLY promoting getting your growing child an electronic device rather than something that they can use outside, to keep healthy, and have fun playing in the fresh air and sunshine like we used to when we ourselves were kids... oh, the times, how they have changed. The more technology advances, they say the better it is for us. I'm not so sure.

Our Own Steps

We walk. We stumble, we trudge, we plod, trip, shuffle... you get the idea. Often times, we do it all with our own two feet. I know I'm prone to that... I do it with "my" steps. "My" way. And I fall, many times, flat on my face.

I'm reminded of that popular saying, "Let go and let God." But I'm not looking at God. I'm looking at others. I'm looking at women who have little children, full houses to run, and still have flourishing craft businesses, plus time to write blogs, Tweet, Pin, etc. And here I am, sitting on the couch (also my Mom's bed), watching tv with my 2 little ones. I nap when they nap. I draw (sometimes) at work (I work 3 hours a night) taking care of an old woman who generally sleeps. I rarely have time to ever bring out my computer at home.

Where am I going with this ramble? I have no idea. I just know that so much is missing. I need to increase my relationship with God. I need to learn how to begin working with Kyle (4) on reading. I need to clean rather than tidy up. I need to make dinners rather than chicken nuggets or hot dogs (how did people exist before microwaves?) I need to learn how to play with my children... they won't be little forever. I just always feel so tired and am putting one step in front of the other, plodding on, in my own steps...

It's time for a change. I want to be a better mother. I want to be a better Child of God.

For AnnMarie

Ever have something you mean to do, yet you never seem to have the time to do it? You know, one of those things that's in the back of your mind, but kinda just stays there, perpetually on your "to do" list? Well, this was one of those things. But I did it! :)

Today, after I got off of work, I finally visited the Barntique Village, a place just up the road from my home where they sell all things, you guessed it, vintage! I only wish I'd had more time to peruse at my leisure... it really was a lot of fun, being that I'm not an aficionado of vintage items. I really went because I'd been meaning to get over there and grab some pics for my friend, AnnMarie.

This whole little village is comprised of about 20 shops selling various antique items, everything from pottery, collectible statues, bedding, clothes, toys, even James Taylor albums! (OK, so James Taylor is NOT technically "vintage", but I was thrilled to see it, lol). Here are the pictures I was able to grab, being that they were closing up... I mean to definitely go back!

Creative Interpretation- The RESULTS!

Hello everyone :) 2 weeks ago, I proposed a challenge for my readers and friends to take some fun time and grab a couple of photos of their personal interpretations of the words below... and I'm so glad for the entries that came through! I hope you had fun taking the pictures, as I had a blast seeing everyone's take on the words :) Here are the wonderful results!!!

URBAN

Jennifer Morrison

Kim Eyeberg

Rita Mascaro

AWAKE

Jennifer Morrison

Kim Eyeberg

Rita Mascaro

Yolanda K Degraff

SALVATION

Jennifer Morrison

Kim Eyeberg

LOVE

Kim Eyeberg

Rita Mascaro

Fred Baumbach

NEW

Kim Eyeberg

Rita Mascaro

Yolanda K Degraff

Pam Hardy

INSECURITY

Kim Eyeberg

Rita Mascaro

Yolanda K Degraff

1970

Jennifer Morrison

Kim Eyeberg

Rita Mascaro

Yolanda K Degraff

Art

Jennifer Morrison

Kim Eyeberg

Rita Mascaro

Yolanda K Degraff

So, which ones do YOU like the best? It took so long for me to go through the emails, divide up the pictures into their respective desktop folders, then upload them into the html code where I write my blogs... altogether, took me an hour and a half. LOL! No wonder I don't write on my blog all the time...