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!

Basement Art

"The Man In My Basement" D. Altaville c.2007

I did this piece earlier this year, came across it over the weekend and decided to sell prints of it at Abstract Joy on etsy. I LOVE THIS! The reason for the title is because he ACTUALLY was created in the basement! (Now Understand I have an UNFINISHED basement, but excess art supplies are down there. SO, while I was waiting for the dryer to stop one day, I started drawing this. Then just continued intermittently, when I was down there. Adding a stroke of color here and there and well, you get the picture.

So he is available here: http://www.abstractjoy.etsy.com where I still have my SUPER SALE going on. AND there is some new relisted stuff at Art n Joy here: http://www.artnjoy.etsy.com also on SUPER SALE!

Anyhoo, I had a lovely weekend and the best part was the day I spent with my daughter yesterday. We spent some time looking at her fave photographers on the net, went out for pizza and played PacMan and generally did a lot of talking, bonding and lots and lots of laughing!

Nothing is better than laughing with your child.

And if you wanna know what I finally ended up naming the piece in the post below, well, you'll just have to use the link to Abstract Joy on etsy to find out!

OK enuf rambling. Hope everyone has a great week filled with lots and lots of laughter. I feel truly blessed.

Name That Piece

I am having a SUPER SALE at both my etsy shops all weekend long, including Monday.

All prints have been marked down, so take a peek while you're doing your holiday shopping!

The above piece is momentarily titled, "Stck Lady & Her Nest" though I'm not terribly fond of the name. Any other suggestions?

Hope everyone is enjoying their holiday weekend! I am so thankful for all my blogging buddies!

IN BETWEEN

"In Between" D. Altaville c.2007

Yup, this is how I'm feeling right about now. In Between the Tears I Can Face My Fears.

At least that was the journal entry for this one.

And yes, it's available at Abstract Joy here: http://www.abstractjoy.etsy.com

AND I am having a storewide sale at Art n Joy here: http://www.artnjoy.etsy.com

so you can add a little joy to the lovelies on your gift giving list!

Sorry for the shameless promoting but times are tough and every little bit helps!

Hope you all are having a JOYOUS and Creative Sunday cherishing those you love.

Out Of The Blue

"Out Of The Blue" D. Altaville c.2007

No clue. Don't ask! lol Just another BlueJude-ism. I do like it though. And it is up on my etsy shop Abstract Joy, here: http://www.abstractjoy.etsy.com

And yes my Art n Joy Shop is still in existence as well.

Not much new to tell here. I cannot believe that Thanksgiving is next week! How does that happen every year that it just creeps up on you so quickly?

And contrary to the post below, I actually do a kick- butt turkey and actually enjoy doing it! I guess all of us can have our contradictions.

Ok, if your looking for a good read check out EAT PRAY LOVE.

And if you need a good movie, check out Georgia Rule.

And of course have a great week, and add a little art to your life! Preferably mine! {:

Me, Cook?

"What Ya Got Cookin" D.Altaville c.2007

Just a silly journal page I did recently. The real kicker is that I hate to cook- So I have no idea where this came from! The only thing I've been tryin to cook up lately is some new art.

Hopefully I'll have something to more substantial to show soon. In the meantime, I hope everyone has a great weekend, filled with great food, from your kitchen or someone elses!

It's A Scary Life!

This is the little guy trying to look scary and maenacing. A tough job with such an angelic face, dontcha think? lol

Me thinks he should put the mask back on!

My daughter chose to be one of the Seven Deadly Sins. The Sin of Wrath. And yes, being a teenager, I have certainly experienced her wrath first hand! However, I think her only sin is that this child is another one too beautiful to look very menacing. Tho I think her outfit is uber-cool! Fun was had by all. Oh and if you're wondering where my 16 year old son is- well, he begged off from the festivities as he was busy with major schoolwork. That guy is definately gonna take care of his mama in her old age! I want to thank you all for the well-wishes on the post below. I'm still chugging along, and keeping the faith that God will see us through this storm. AND I have been trying to do SOME creating. Will show and tell soon. Happy Week All!

Shelter From The Storm

"Shelter From The Storm" D.Ataville c.2007

This pretty much sums up how I'm feeling lately and explains why I haven't been blogging much. We seem to have hit an all time low here financially, and though I do have a job now, my hub is unable to find work, and we're on a rapid decline. I am now looking into food stamps and assistance for my family as this is how bad things have gotten. It's a very scary place to be when you have three children. Though I am trying to keep my faith, and believe that God's promises will hold true and give us the financial means we need to see us through the winter.

So as you can surmise, I have been feeling very scared and out of sorts.

But thankfully, we are all healthy and will always have each other, and are not suffering the pains of those going through the devastation of the California fires. My thoughts and prayers go out to them. And I hope they too will find Shelter From The Storm.

Hope all my blogging buddies are doing well! Hopefully my next post will be a bit more uplifting. Until then, Have a Spooky and Spectacular Halloween!

LOVE BONDAGE

"Mother And Child" D.Altaville c.2007

I believe, there is no stronger bond of love than that between mother and child. I did this piece a few years back and was quite attached to it for some reason. However, I finally decided to let it go and put it up on etsy. Wish it were that easy to do the "letting go" thing as my own children get older. They have given me so very much and I am so grateful for them and the memories I will always have. See the post below, for my latest sweet memory I will always hold dear.

Happy Day all! Make it memorable.

Sweet Memories

Well, here is my darling daughter, after a wonderful night with her boyfriend, at the Homecoming Dance. The pictures don't do our bargain dress justice but the little beading you see on the neckline is scattered throughout the dress.

I have been busy with my new job, so haven't been posting much. But after just three weeks they have named me Advertising Sales Consultant of the Week! And I got a cash bonus to boot! YAY! Unfortunately, today I woke up with this sinus/flu thing happening so it's slowed me down for now. But hopefully, sometime soon, I will be able to catch up on what you all are up to.

Until then I hope you are having a wonderful Fall and making Sweet Memories of your own!

Hoping

" Three Thoughts For A Fond Hope" D. Altaville c.2007

Just an old piece that I recently finished up and put up on my Art n Joy etsy shop.

I'm back on that emotional roller coaster again. Feeling oh so uninspired, and just not motivated artistically. I started a part-time job selling ad space, to try and help out with the bills.

I'm thankful for the job, but well, yes I have to admit I'd rather be home delving into paint and paper and trying to wake up the muse.

I did have a beautiful day yesterday though. I went shopping with my lovely daughter for a homecoming dress, visiting some of the funky, chic boutiques in a nearby town. AND God must have been shining down on us, as we found the most beautiful dress, that fits her like it was tailor made and the price tag was $60.00. BUT it was my lucky day, because the dress was marked down to $10.00!!!! It seems the woman is clearing out the summer stock for Fall. Woohooo!

We were so excited. And we got some lovely jewelry to boot!

So as I start my day today, feeling wonky and out of sorts I will try and remember the beautiful things. My daughter and our beautiful day together and how lucky I am to have such a wonderful family and a God that is awesome, that is always looking out for us.

Cheers all! Here's hoping you all have a beautiful week!

Cover Girl

"LISTEN" D.Altaville c.2006

I'm a cover girl! This piece made the cover of the Summer Issue of ARTitude!

And I have to say the issue is simply faboo. Lot's of good stuff and eye candy.

My daddy use to say that people who talk the most, usually have the least to say.

And I sometimes feel that people do talk to much, when they really need to listen more. (Myself included!) Listening is so important. It's learning, it's caring, it's inspiring.

And of course you can have your very own print of "LISTEN" by going to Abstract Joy on etsy here:

http://www.abstractjoy.etsy.com

Happy Day All! And remember to listen to those around you, show them that you care. Listen to the sounds of music and nature and be inspired. Listen.

New Mood...New Work

" Autumn Dreams" D.Altaville c.2007
"Winter Lies" D.Altaville c.2007
Thank You All for your well wishes. My blogging friends rock! And I guess all those good vibes paid off, as I'm feeling a bit better and more peaceful.
These are just a couple of pieces that I managed to finish up and get on my Art n Joy etsy site.
They are also my favorite seasons. Hope everyone is having a great week.
Thanks again and blessings to all of you!

Slumpin

Thank You Windy for this award and may Angels be with YOU!

I have to say I'm really not feeling very nice today. I feel depressed and in a slump.

Like one would, sitting in an overstuffed, oversized, bean bag chair and being unable to get out of it! I feel anxious and vulnerable. I don't like feeling this way.

Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day.

Spread The Love

"Spread The Love" D. Altaville c.2007

Yes, even during the toughest of times, I believe that's when it's most important to Spread The Love. So I'm trying to stick by that motto at the moment, even though part of me wants to hide from the world, under the covers, and stay there till the bad stuff passes.

But what good would that do to my kids-who have the biggest hearts I've ever know and my dear ole hub. SO I'm trying to stay grateful and loving, for there really is a lot to be thankful for and a lot to love about this life.

And I did Spread SOME Love the other day, by giving out the Rockin Blogger Girl Award below. (So what are ya waiting for ladies...come on by!)

And of course, this print is available at Abstract Joy on etsy here:

http://www.abstractjoy.etsy.com

So Spread The Love, and Buy Some Art! Preferably mine! muhwahha

Have a Happy and Loving Weekend All!

I've Been Awarded!

I was given this Rockin Girl Blog Award by Bad Kitty (Thank You Very Much) and now I must pass it along to five other people. SO here are some of my ROckin Blogger Girlfriends!

Katie Kendrick, Garden Painter Art, Turquoise Cro Thyme, Self Taught Artist, Windy Angels

Now you all must pass this along to five other people! Have Fun!

Of course I think all the people on my blog links rock, but there's my picks for now!

Happy Tuesday!

NEW SHOP!

I have opened a second etsy shop to try and sell some of my abstract works of recent times and not so recent times. So, go take a peek at Abstract Joy!

http://www.abstractjoy.etsy.com

And of course the link is to the right as well.

And now I'm off to spend some time outdoors as it is a beautiful day!

Happy Weekend All!

Pathways

"Pathways To A Whole" D.Altaville c.2007

Just BlueJude getting into some abstraction.

This of course is available at Art n Joy on etsy, where you can also see some of my other abstracts! http://www.artnjoy.etsy.com

Hope everyone is on a good path as we head toward the Fall season!