A Bit O Background Fun

Yes, still avoiding doing any REAL art, just playing around with some backgrounds. God only knows what their fate might hold. I just love the relaxing, playfulness of doing backgrounds. The one in the center I kind of futzed and fiddled with in Adobe and now it almost looks like a painting in itself. At least to me. And lastly, we have Ursula. A left over Mixed Personna from last year, that has just been hanging around, buried under more unfinished pieces. Poor thing. Didn't even come into being, and reaching her full potential, before meeting her unfortunate destiny of being smothered and buried amongst the daily activities of life. Hmmmm...kind of like how I feel at times. Maybe that's why I like her so much. She does a look a little pale, dontcha think? Well, I guess you would too, after all she's been through.

So what does fate have in store for all of you this week? I'm still hoping for that winning lottery ticket! Happy Tuesday!

What's In A Name

"What's In A Name?" D.Altaville aka BlueJude

I did this for the Challenge - Art Ya Name at the Mojo Art Group on Yahoo.

It was a funny thing, cause I had doodled a few sketches, then after the fact, realized that I had used Darcy instead of BlueJude. Of course, that is my real name, but I suddenly felt so exposed! Just about everyone on the net, knows me as, and refers to me as BlueJude.

I guess I also felt a little unsettled because growing up, I never really felt comfortable with my name. It was just so....odd. There was never another Darcy.

And for those of you old enough to remember the TV show Romper Room, whenever she looked into her Magic Mirror, she would see all the Kathy's and Christine's, and Linda's and Lisa's, but NEVER a Darcy! Hmmm...wonder about what repercussions that might have caused to my psyche. lol But we won't even go there!

But now, finally, I'm okay with it. I am who I am....(said Popeye the Sailor Man!...sorry, couldn't help myself)

Anywhoo, if you could change you're name what would YOU choose?

Happy Monday all! Hope it's a creative, and prosperous week, full of blessings....whoever you are!

Here Comes The Sun

"Sunflower" D.Altaville c.2008

This is actually a watercolor I did years ago and kind of funked it up on adobe, as my daughter wanted a Sunflower for her room. So this is a tribute to her, as she always makes my days a bit sunnier, a bit brighter. And as you know from my last post, I definately need to be reminded of that! So cheers dears, here's to sunnier days ahead!

Oh yes, and this print is available on Art n Joy etsy (sans the watermark of course) for those of you who could use a little sunshine in your life!

http://www.artnjoy.etsy.com

A Sign Of Hope?

Tired. Depressed. Want to paint REAL art, the stuff from inside of me. Too tired. Want to curl up on the couch with a book. No- not really. Want a miracle transformation. Want to feel strong and full of hope, want to feel like my good ole self from long ago. Tired of the discheveled mess, I've let my life become. Tired of the discheveled house, that seems inpossible to stay on top of with three kids. Tired. Last night, in my dream, I was looking up at a grey blue evening sky with my son and a vision of Jesus appeared with His arms outstretched and John the Apostle at His side. There were others too- apostles, I'm assuming. My son and I were in awe. The vision was mostly in shades of white. No technicolor here. When I woke up, feeling like someone might just have to peel me from the bed, I remembered the vision clearly and pondered the meaning of it for a bit. Was it a sign that I would soon meet my Maker? As crappy and forlorn as I felt, I decided not. There was too much of a happy, hopeful, peaceful feeling, when we witnessed the vision. So I'm going with that. It was a sign of hope. That things will change for the better and the transformation will come.
And now, I'm off to deal with the discheveled house, and try to remember to just keep doing the next right thing, try and put my best foot forward, keep the faith and clean house within myself, one step at a time. The light will shine down on us once again.

January Doodle Journal Page

"The temperate time of television - of how we are now - shadows & remnants of what we once were - static electricity - too many neutrons microns - or whatever you might call it! Rainbows are not always what they may seem! It doesn't matter."

A January Doodle Journal Page. They seem to be ebbing into February. What does it all mean? No clue! Not very uplifting though, eh?

OK I'm off to tame the little beast. I think he needs food. I know they say that music tames the savage beast. Not here, it's a good ole PBJ! Later gators.

MY LOVLIES

Here they are...the love's of my life. What makes my heart go pitter patter. The pic to the right is my daughter and I showing off our silliest Valentine's Do's! And yes, that is me and the hub at a Christmas Party but it was the best pic I could find at the moment.
And the rest is just silly eye candy!

A felt heart made in tribute of my youngest son when he was one adn a half years old and just loved hearts!

And some simple Valentine cookies as my daughter needed 75!! of them so I took the easy way out!
And lastly a GREAT BIG VALENTINES KISS FOR ALL MY LOVELY BLOGGING BUDDIES! Hope you had a great day!

And yes, I spelled Valentines Day wrong in my little collage, but hey, what can I say? All the lovelies are home from school because of the bad weather, and it's pandamonium here at the BlueJude Residence!
And one day, I might actually figure out how to get my pics uploaded to blogger the way I would like!

Doodling Ass Backwards

"Which side to you wan't to be on? Only you can decide. A wall of bricks and confusion or perhaps the side of gentle flow, and rainbows, where love can seep through, even when it rains."
"Time-Time-Time-An Abjunction On Her Mind"
Let's just make it clear that I have no idea if "Abjunction" is even a word. It just came out of my little head. I HAVE been meaning to look it up, but well, just haven't gotten to it and it obviously didn't seem that important.
It's a funny thing with these journal pages, as I kind of started them ass backwards. For those of you who have been following this oh so serious endeavor; you know that they started out as doodles. Which means that I just used a black pen, marker, whatever and doodled away. After I did about twenty-five of them, I realized I wanted to play with color. SO the backgrounds actually came last.
The other funny thing (I know your rollin off the chair now huh) is that they are SO reminiscent of stuff I did in High School. I went to Art & Design HS in Manhattan, and instead of graffitti on the bathroom walls, you would find little paintings, illustrations, or well -doodles. (Nothing to intricate mind you, as we weren't supposed to be cutting class and hanging out there in the first place!) Anyhoo, some of these became like a signature of the artist, and when sketch pads, journals, or jean jackets got passed around, you would have your own little motif? to add, and everyone knew it was YOU. Well, I used to enjoy doing these pen and ink and watercolor drawings that look much like these. There was one in particular, that I did over and over again. And it found it's way into this journal as well. But you'll just have to wait for a future post to see that one as I think I've rambled on enough.
OH and BTW, these pages are appearing in no particular order as they were done on the cheapest of sketch pads, the ones that aren't even coil bound and the pages just pull (or fall) right out. So I've just been "coloring" whatever calls to me at the time.
And if you haven't been bored enough already, there are two silly ones on the post below.
Happy Doodle Doo Monday All!

Silly Journal Pages

Yes, some silly journal pages from January's Doodle Journal. Obviously, I'm still trying to quit smoking. And again, the scanner cut off some parts. But as you can see I spelled Face wrong on the blue page. (I can be a bit dyslexic at times!) On the bottom left and right I wrote "She couldn't even spell Face right. A four letter word that meant nothing YET meant everything at all. Got it?"

Well personally, I have to say I don't get it at all! lol Have no idea where I was goin' with that one. Just more BlueJude Madness Musings I guess. Anyhoo, it is a frigid windy day here, so I am going to have some lunch, then wastes some more time at the puter and make another post. Scary thought...but I'll be back with more journal pages. Toodles.

January Doodle Journal

"If This Is Where It's At" D.Altaville c.2008

Yes, the first page from my January Doodle Journal. (the scanner cut off the perimeter)

The words read "If This Is Really Where It's At Then What Does That Mean Exactly?". What does it mean?

Not really sure, as when I do my journal pages, I sometimes just have this one liner, cryptic thought that kind of sums up what I'm thinking. Perhaps, this particular night, it pertains to my life and the current state it is in. However, I'm sure it could be interpreted in other ways, by the viewer. Though we're obviously not talking serious art here, just me doodley dooing.

Looking back at my journal of 2007, most of the images don't even contain words. Instead, I kind of scrawled them on the side spread. I think sometimes the words take away from my images, or I just used up so much space there's no room left for them!

Anyhoo, my intention at the moment, is to follow a different path each month, for this years journal. But you know what they say about intentions, right? So I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

So read into the quote what you may....and have a wonderful day, wherever you're at!

Climb

"Climb" D.Altaville c.2008

A recent piece that sums up by Birthday Wish for this year. Climb. Climb to new heights.

Birthday was on Thursday and had a rootin tootin time with the hub and some friends.

However, today I woke up with a stuffy nose, sore throat, the works. So I think I'll just be climbing under the covers!

And of course this print is available at Art n Joy on etsy here:

http://www.artnjoy.etsy.com

Happy Weekend All!

Simple Pleasures

This is a painting I started prior to the holidays and never got around to finishing. Another work in progress, like yours truly. I think she has potential, and would like to continue on with it. (Yes, I know that I said I was gonna let go of last year's unfinished pieces, but this ain't one of 'em! Besides there's plenty more. Ha!) The scan didn't do it much justice. It's time for a new scanner/printer. But alas and alack, I'm still waiting for that winning lotto ticket to come in.

Anyhoo, for the month of January I've been keeping a Doodle Art Journal. I just kind of stumbled on to the idea one day, while sitting around with my five year old, wanting to create but unable to delve into anything too serious. (Anyone, with an active five year old will relate, I'm sure) Besides I've been in a sort of creative funk. So, this was just simple playtime, with a black pen, some colored pencils and cheap watercolor cakes. It was rather therapeutic. And anyone who knows me, knows I can use all the therapy I can get!

So I'll be sharing those soon. I know, your on the edge of your seat, right?

In the meantime I hope everyone enjoys the simple pleasures of a creative week.

HOPE

"Love Life; It's A Ladder To Hold Onto" D. Altaville c.2007

This is just a silly little ditty, that I dittied recently. Nothing outstanding, just a primitive, naive, silly with a message I rather like. AND since I woke up today, with this wonderful feeling of HOPE, I thought it would be fitting. Why did I wake up this way? No clue. Why is it, that some days, you awake with a feeling of bliss, or hope, and others, you simply dread facing another day. And since I've had my share of those, especially with our rather rocky situation here, it's like a little treasure, to awake feeling this way. I'm just Thankful for everything around me. Even my kid's little messes. (How's that for feelin' good! lol)

AND a few days ago, I ws the lucky recipient of the "You Make My Day Award" from Windy, who definately knows how to spread Angel Love. And now I ould like to pass this award onto, Turquoise Cro, Self Taught Artist, Bad Kitty, Katie Kendrick, Pink Crayon, Norah's Art, garden Painter, and Art Junk Girl.

These ladies make me smile, make me think, and provide me with inspiration and hope.

LOVE LIFE nad Have A Blissful Day!

Stretching and Reaching

Just some unfinished pieces from the year's end of the Journal of 2007. I'm not sure what to make of them. They're very raw, almost scary, but still there's something I like about them, even though they are yet to be complete.

I need to get a new journal to kick off 2008. If only I had thought of this before my dear hub left for WalMart. (Yes, I prefer the cheap coil bound kind, as I get pretty down and dirty with them! No respect I tell ya! lol) And I guess like everyone else, I can't help but wonder what 2008 will hold for me, creatively speaking. I want to try and let go of the unfinished works of 2007, just let them be, as I really have no inclination to finish up most of them. Yet it gnaws at me to leave them that way. Maybe something from childhood, and being taught to finish one task before starting another. But this is art, right? Not a chore to be done. So I am going to try and go forward, uninhibited, and let the colors and paper, and paint land where it may, trusting that it is a path unfolding, leading me to new discoveries and hopefully, joyful destinations. Knowing too, that this is my therapy. This is good for my soul. That is the plan. And I will try and keep my emotional rollercoaster parked-so it cannot interfere with the neccesity of diligently showing up, most evenings, to let it all out on canvas and paper, whatever IT may be. Yes, this is my plan. Hopefully, life won't throw us too many curve balls this year and I will attain the mondo beyondo words of the post below, though so many times they seem like brightly lit stars, beyond my grasp. Stars to be reached for. Stretching and Reaching. Yes, this is my plan. Creative wishes all! Reach for your stars.

MONDO BEYONDO WORDS

ABUNDANT

*BALANCE * FamiLy TiME
*UninhibitedSelfSatisfyedCrEaTiViTY*

*Financial Stability* FAITH*HOPE*

*TIME ChErisHED*

HEALTH

BLESSINGS & BLISS

Digi Collage

This is just a funky little digi collage that I made using photographs of peoples shoes at the New Year party I went to at my neighbors house. Anywhoo, this one is for an art mojo. But my original is for a Thank You for the hostess. I just changed the words to read Steppin Into 2008 (on top) At The Kalin Party (on the bottom) I have it sized to fit into the front sleeve of a mini 4 x 6 photo album, of which I will also put some candid shots of the guests, while leaving room for her to add her own. Pretty nifty eh?

So that's about as creative as I've gotten since the New Year started but hopefully all that will change soon. Everything in due time. Meantime, I have been inspired by all the creative endeavors I've been seeing on your blogs.

Happy Saturday Everyone! Bliss and Blessings!

Humble, Simple and Filled With Love

Well here are my very humble Christmas Eve Buddies that I made for the kids. You can click on it to get a better view of such magnificent artistry! lol They each have a button heart and stars incorporated on them, to remind my children to keep those great big kind hearts they have and to always reach for the stars. The red one is for my daughter. It has spriral eyes to represent the creative ways in which she sees things. The green stripey is for the little guy. I put an angel button in his hand, as he is my angel and he's definately a child who needs some angels watching over him! lol The black one is for my teenage son and I added a plastic hand button to that one, as he is always willing to lend a helping hand. I tried to give then all a jewel like button as they are the precious jewels of my life! And there you have it. Probably much more than you wanted to know about these things.

And the black and white photo will be our Happy New Year's card this year. It's probably one of my most conventional yet. Tho I wanted to use the word "cherish", my dear hub thought they all looked like mug shots....so we went with the WANTED theme instead.

Simple, humble and full of love and good wishes. Kinda like I hope 2008 and will be.

Which BTW, started out at a New Year's Eve Party at my dear friends and neighbors, Sue and Hal's house. You can see some pics below. There was actually a good one taken of me and my hub, which is a rarity, but it is on Hal's camera. So I will have to wait for that one. And since HE IS nicknamed The Turtle, it could be quite some time! lol Good wishes all...hope everyone is off to a wonderful and creative start! Hugs!

New Years With Friends

Okay - we have, from the top, my little guy and his favorite buddy neighbor. Then it's Trish and Moose chowing down. The the famous Ricky Rick...aka Uncle Buck.... who BTW makes a superior Elderberry Wine...surrounded by Sue and Debbie. The it's my hub Ron and Master James sharing some deep conversation and a smoke outside. Yes and there's James again with his gal pal Judy, whose wondering Hey, Why did I get the shorter beer? And our dear friend Gary, whose home is always open to all the neighbors. Tho this party was actually held at Sue and Hal's, who for some reason I have no shots of. Hmmm......And finally it's Eileen and Diane sharing a laugh, of which we did a lot. There were many more in attendance, of who at the moment will reamin anonymous. For no reason in particular except that I'm running out of puter time. A good time was had by all! I am blessed to have such wonderful friends and neighbors! Thanks guys and cheers to us all in the New Year of 2008!

2008

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

Sorry I have been so absent from your blogs but will catch up once the kiddies go back to school as they are sucking up all my computer time. Hope 2008 is filled with Blessings of Good Things for All!

Fading Into December

No I haven't been attacked by a Giant Snowman.....or fallen off the roof while hanging my Christmas lights, I simply faded into December Madness! A good kind of lunacy, though somewhat exhausting. Ya, know doin' the tree thing, wrapping gifts, hanging lights, having Magic Tree time, wrapping gifts, planning Christmas menus, picking up Stocking Stuffers and did I mention wrapping gifts?
And I played a long overdue game of Scrabble with my teenage son and daughter, and my hub the other night. Well, my son actually exclaimed the next day, "Gee I never realized you were so smart!" lol (Obviously I kicked everyone's butt!)
Another ha ha, is when I mentioned to him if he wanted to get a gift for his favorite, very cool world studies teacher, who happens to be a big Dylan fan, like my son. I told him, "Well, I have a Bob Dylan print I did for your dad years ago, and if you want, I can make a copy." He agreed that it was a faboo idea. (What I didn't know was that he was a little skeptical) SO I showed him the print yesterday and he says "WOW that's really good! Much better than I thought it would be. I thought I would have to squint to tell who it was, but it really loooks like Dylan!" TOO FUNNY! You see, my son is used to seeing my funky weird art, and not much realism, so apparently, not only am I smart but I'm a better artist than he thought! HeeeeHeee. I guess Mom is full of surprises. Gotta love kids.
AND I have been busy making their Christmas Eve gifts. Simple and humble and fun. Will show a photo when they are done.
Until then.....
HAPPY HOLIDAY HUGS TO ALL & TO ALL A GOOD DAY!

#5 Meme

OK Suze of Pink Crayon tagged me to list 5 fact about myself. so here ya go!
1. I am prone to anxiety attacks
2. My favorite food is Sushi
3. I drink water all day long
4. I watch the weather channer every morning over coffee. Then my hub will ask, "what's the weather look like? And my reply? I'm not really sure! (he finds this baffling)
5. My favorite singer is Bob Dylan

Ok not so ineresting, but I'm a bit under the weather, and well a little brain dead.
Happy Wednesday!