Birthday Art

This piece is something I did on a pressed wood board. Jeff had a big piece that he wasn't using, so I asked him to cut it into several different sized pieces. This is a birthday gift (or will be) for a friend of mine who is in the middle of doing some reflection and thinking about what the next chapter in her life will be. This piece has handmade papers as it's foundation with an inspirational quote that I found which I thought would be perfect for her. I added in some fun other papers, either serendipity or other handmade papers, some cool thoughts, a favorite vintage image of a woman with a suitcase just getting ready to start on an adventure, and my little muse who I hope will help her, with the first words of advice - have fun! I added in some stars on the top, just for some whimsy, with the obvious advice to "let the stars be your guide". Overall a fun piece, and I hope she really enjoys it and finds some inspiration from it! Enjoy!

For Jeanne

This collage is one that was inspired by my friend, Jeanne. She has hard a rough time of it over the past several years, and has endured some great sorrows. However, she is one of the most resilient and positive people I know. She is truly brave and courageous in light of what life has thrown at her. This piece is inteneded to reflect the sorrows in her life (the upside down heart shaped tears) that serve as nourishment for her new life with her children and friends who care so much for her (flowers). And, the basis for life, as I see it, is the ability to dream and envision better days.

I believe that dreams feed what will become reality. Another friend recently told me how proud and happy he was for the new chapter in my life that I'm beginning. As he put it, he saw that I once had a dream of what I'd like my life to be like, and it became a vision and a goal, that I worked to turn into a reality. I hadn't really thought of it that way, but I suppose that deep down inside, that's really what happens to most of us, whether we recognize it or not. That is, unless we're one of those poor souls who are, what I call, victims of their own lives. That, to me, is truly the saddest thing because it says to me they've given up and are just going thru the motions.

Here's to dreams - don't just go thru the motions!! And, thanks Jeanne, for being in my life!

Glorious Morning!

What a glorious morning it is outside today! I took Miki for an early morning walk, and I think she was extra-energized because of the great weather, too! It's one of those days when it's just wonderful to be alive. The photo for today is one of a flower that people generally don't want to see - a dandilion! We think of them as weeds, and pull them mercilessly. However, when we were camping last spring, I was wandering down the nature paths near our campsite, and the sun was shining so beautifully, the dandilions in the meadow just seemed to be little reflections of the sun in the meadow. I played with taking the photo while zooming my lens in and out, and this was the happy result! This morning just reminded me of that morning, where a humble little dandilion looked like a sun droplet! Of course, I still don't think I want them in my lawn.......enjoy!!