Remembering

This weekend is the Memorial Day holiday in the US.  It is when we remember those that have served our country to keep us free, and especially those that have given everything to keep us free.  My brother and sister's father was one of those people.  He never came home from the Korean war and their lives were never the same.  They had their freedom but they didn't have their daddy.  

I want to take this opportunity to thank those of you that have given of yourselves to serve our country.

Dreams of Africa and a Sophisticated Safari

This is a self portrait.  Well, not really.  But I wish it was.  There is just something about Africa that calls to me.  I love Africa, yet I've never been there.  Sophisticated Safari is an original digital collage that has been embellished with pastels.  She has a wistful look as she scans the map of Africa.  Perhaps she is longing for days gone by.  You may find Sophisticated Safai in my shop in 8" x 10" size ready to be framed. 

And since we're on an African theme, I'll share with you once again, my Lion portrait Wild.  The 24" x 36" original hangs in my living room.  But you may purchase an 8" x 10" archival giclee print in my shop.

Starting today and running through the month of June, I'll be donating 10% of all my sales to the Berkeley East Bay Humane Society in West Berkeley, CA. The shelter was destroyed by fire on May 20. They will need much help to rebuild.

A Moose, a Mountain, and a Garden Fairy

Yesterday hubby and I took a day off for a trip exploring the Wichita Mountains.  I know, I know, I know.  If you are from just about anywhere but here, you would not consider these "hills" to be mountains.  But technically they are.  Maybe just barely, but yes, they are mountains.  

I bring this up because I wanted to show you this wonderful moose.  

This is probably the biggest moose you'll see.  I would guess that he was about 15 feet tall.   I thought he was so fun with his crooked legs and wide antlers.  I have a friend from Canada that makes handmade paper using real moose droppings.  Hmmm.   Her name is LizAnnaOnTheLakes.  You might want to check out the beautiful handmade papers in her shop.  I bet this guy would create shiny metalic papers.  

Here is my entry for this week's Collage Play with Crowabout.   Butterfly Fairy is an original collage created digitally.  It brings summer right into your home.  You may purchase it in my etsy shop in 3.5 x 2.5" ACEO size ready to be framed or displayed creatively.

Cat Sitting with Kingsley

I've been at my daughter's for almost a week now.  I'm cat sitting.  I brought all kinds of art supplies with me and thought I'd get a lot of work done.  It hasn't really worked out that way.  I also brought clothes for warm May weather.  But it hasn't worked out that way either.  It has rained daily and is unseasonably cold.

  It has been a good week though.  Kingsley and I have relaxed, watched the rain, gotten to know each other better, shared yogurt, and spent time with old friends.  Well, Kingsley didn't come along for those visits.  But I told him about them.  And possibly the very best thing is I've learned how to roast fresh corn on the cob in the oven.  It is soooo simple!  You just put it in the oven husks and all at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.  That's it!  Can you believe it?!  It tastes wonderful.

Here is my latest Collage Play with Crowabout challenge piece.  I created it digitally and it is for sale in my Etsy shop as an ACEO and in my 1000Markets Shop in 5" x 7" size.  Kingsley helped me design it.  He approves - mostly because it falls within his color theme.

  

Happy Mother's Day

These are the munchkins that made me a mother.  What fun they were with their dancing eyes, sweet grins, and vivid imaginations.  The years have whizzed by like a Spring wind.  Their legs are longer now and their imaginations have taken them on into their futures.  But in my mind, in my heart, they will always look just like they do here in this picture.

                          

Here is a lovely journal hand embellished with a print of one of my paintings.  It is enhanced with acrylic paint and oil pencils.  The lined pages of this journal would be a great place to record all those wonderful memories you have of mothering or being mothered.  You may find this in my shop.

Here are some visions of Spring from my garden today.  Feel free to use the day lily and the luna moth images in your art.

Melange Challenge

The challenge for the Melange Team is Chit Chat.  I'm thinking this couple has no time for chit chat!  I have created this hand embellished moleskine journal.  I created the original image digitally using several vintage images then I enhanced it with oil and watercolor pencils.  The journal is also embellished with vintage lace and a touch of bling.