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!

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!