Desperate But Still Here

I miss blogging and speaking with you all. However, the summer was spent mostly hanging around and being busy with the kids, especially the little guy who is a handful but so adorable. As you know they are the light of my life. So there wasn't much time for blogging. Nor was I in the mood much for blogging with the way things are going.
You see, our finacial situation is absolutely DIRE right now and we are trying to stay one step ahead of foreclosure. My hubby has been fortuante enough to get a bit of work here and there with local laborers and I still have my Sales job though I couldn't work it much over the summer and the income just is not enough.
Believe me, we have looked for more work and continue to do so. I tried getting public assistance, but was turned down. I don't understand teh system at all! Last year they gave us emergency food stmaps and now this year they are ssaying we are not applicable. Our income is less now then it was last year! Go figure.
And of course our heat and electric and water has gone up, like everything else. SO I'm doing a lot of praying, especially that we make it through the winter. Some heat is a neccesity after all. (:
As is food and water.
Funny, we're not materialistic people, and we're basically good people, with three great kind kids. And I'm sure that the economy is taking it's toll on others out there as well.
I hate to write such a down post but wanted to let you all know where I'm at, why I haven't been blogging - never mind creating. It's all I can do to just keep putting one foot in front of the other each day and not be overcome by fear but try and walk in faith.
AND I hate to do this, really I do, but if any of you are so inclined for a bluejude print, NOW would be a great time to stop by my ETSY shop. As EVERY little bit would help to at least keep food on the table and the neccesary bills paid. PLEASE DO NOT go to my Cafe Press Shop as I have not been able to pay the fees but for some reason its still up.
Also taking any donations in my paypal if anyone is so inclined. At this point anything as small as $10.00 is a huge help. I know how incredibly awful that must sound but that's how desperate I am right now. Also all prayers and blessings are welcome and appreciated. Thanks so much for your understanding while reading this desperate post.
Still keepin the faith...and tring to stay hopeful. Miss you all and hope everyone is well.
Big BlueJude Hugs!

COMING BACK!

Just wanted to let you know I'll be back soon to fill you all in on the latest and greatest and not so greatest. Just caught up with some stuff. Miss you all. I'll be back soon. Hope everyone is well!

RAW ART

Thought I'd share some "Raw Art" that I've been working on. Some are still WIP's and most are photographed poorly. Definately not my forte! And as you can see, one is actually laying on its side as I forgot to rotate it. But all in all, there you have it! Some of my latest oddities. AND I might actually have some exciting news to share for a change, but I will fill you in as things become more definate. I know, I know, you're hanging on the edge of your seat. (:

Happy June All!

May Days

I seem to have been consumed by the month of May. AND that is why I have not been around blogging world much. Kids, life, and I don't know what else have had me busy. Well, actually, I'm helping the hub plan a big annulment party for an old friend of his, at the Village Underground in NYC. The hubs old band will be playing- called The Laughing Dogs. I included the invite - just for a little visual interest. The funny looking guy in the middle is actually a Joe Head - something goofy they used to use in their gigs. Don't ask.

Other than that, the days just seem to be whizzing by! How did May get here so quickly anyway? OK I will return with some raw art wip's to show. Warning: They can be a little scary! (:

Happy May Days All!

The Best Laid Plans

Well, it looks like the whole art class thing is being put on hold. Just found out that hubby needs some major dental work that is gonna cost a small fortune. And the money situation, being what it is, I don't think the timing is right just now. But you know what they say about the Best Laid Plans, right? Anyhoo, that's not to say that it won't happen down the road. Perhaps in Fall. I believe in God and Fate and that He will see us through this and things will fall into place when the timing is right.
Meantime, I got a few more jobs for designing business cards and magnetic car signs. SO I'll put some flyers up around town and try to generate some more income with that. Easy enough. Just need me and my computer! (:
Hope everyone had a GREAT Mother's Day! I spent the day planting my tomatoes and cukes and flowers. Enjoy the week and may each new day bring blessings and sunshine!

NAME IT!

Looking for a name. The whole Art Classes for Kids things is coming together a bit more (see two posts down for details) and now it's time for a name. I don't want anything that sounds too much like a Gallery, yet something that encourages a bit of curiousity. SO having said that, so far we have.....(drum roll please)

The Art Factory, Art Attack, Art n Joy Studio, The Little Art Studio and ahhh...that's it. Keep in mind, that no matter what - there would be a tag line like - Art Classes - Workshops - Parties For Kids - kind of thang.

The smaller space is the one available. But workable. Around 11 x 28. Not that it matters but it obviously couldn't be called The Art Center as it just would not be appropo (nor very exciting).

So put your little creative thinking caps on and let it rip! All suggestions are welcome.

Hope everyone is having a spiffy week!

New Beginnings

Just love this Self Portrait my daughter took! Definately says, Think Spring! Don't ya think? And with Spring comes New Beginnings. Not exactly sure what mine will be yet, but I wanted to say Thank You for all your input, advice, and encouragement on my last post.

Still looking into all the details and haven't made any final decisions yet.

Whatever Spring's New Beginnings may hold, I am so happy and thankful for the love and support of a great family and great friends!

May your day be Sun Kissed!

A New Endeavor?

I've been thinking of doing children's art classes. Anyhoo, a couple of months ago, the idea came up in my little head when I came across a book that I bought when my teens were younger about Discovering Great Artists. A manual of sorts with different projects to do with kids based on different great artists like Picasso, Matisse, O'Keefe,etc. There's a lot of diversity, with projects for all age groups.
When my daughter's Brownie troop broke up years ago, and she was so crushed, I had formed a little art club of sorts for her and her friends and it was quite successful.
So...the idea has been in the back of mind and has now resurfaced big time. A lot of the locals here complain there is nothing for kids to do. (Now mind you, some of these people have kids that are grown and now have their own grandchildren, as most people our age don't have 5 year olds! ) SO I mentioned this idea to my neighbor Sue and she seemed bubbling over about the whole thing and I guess got me kind of enthused and thinking this just might work.
She suggested that I do it out of our huge pretty wooden shed to save on overhead. Initially, I thought this was a good idea, but I would need ventilation- windows and such- (which of course would not be so big an obstacle). However, I realized there is no bathroom in there- and where you have kids - you need a bathroom! lol Then of course there was the whole zoning thing. (Which btw is possible to get around- maybe)
SO, low and behold, I go around the corner yesterday, onto the main avenue to talk to a little cafe about my sales gig, doing their take-out menus - as I heard they were moving to a larger space two blocks over. WELL, it seems that their little spot will be available for Rent as of July 1st. SO I called the owner about it and it's $500.00 a month. BUT she also mentioned that the guy who owns the Little Comic Shop next door was thinking of taking that spot and his place would be available for $400.00 a month!!!! (Cause it's a smaller spot, silly) BUT it could be just right for what I have in mind.
WHICH IS to do three seperate classes for three different age broups. Say ages 7 & 8, 9 & 10, 11 & 12. I would limit each class to 6 or 8 kids. (Not sure about that one yet) Any ideas? My daughter has offered to help out when she can, as she is great with kids.
Also unsure about the insurance thing. Really, don't want to spend the money on it, as well money is very tight. AND I never did have insurance when I owned my children's boutique in Westchester, but yes, I know it's an important thing to consider.
I feel certain that I could do this. As far as the instructing end. And Sue (my neighbor) thought that summer would be a great time to kick it off. My only reservations are, days and times. As I'm sure a lot of working people send their kids to daycare or day camp. SO I say, will this work? And as you know, this is not a rich town...just working class. BUT like everyone says there's nothing for kids to do. AND as some of you may know - Milford - down the road is a very artsy community with a bit more money.
My first thought was to spread it out over the 6 weeks of Summer with one class a week for each age group. But now I'm thinking that I might be better breaking it up into a four week thing, with overlaps. As people might have vacations planned, etc.
That's where I really have my reservations, and am a bit perplexed. Any input on that one?
At the moment, my plan is to talk to the old pre-school owner as she is well versed in these things. AND to see what kind of schedule the Dance Class place across the street has for summer, since they are already established.
My other thought is - aside from having a 4 week package thang -is to maybe have a Pick A Project day. Where the studio space is open for drop-offs or maybe walk-ins (: would be a better way to put it. So if Mom had to run to Walmart or the Hair salon or the Supermarket down the road, or if the kid is just plain bored and driving Mom nuts, she could drop her kid off with moi!
I'm also still figuring out what to charge, obviously taking into consideration covering the neccesary art materials. I would like to do about $20.00 per class, but don't know if the locals can bear that kind of cost. Each class would probably run about an hour and a half.
Hub and I thought that even if I can bring a part-time income in, like $300.00 a week, that it would be great as there is nothing else out there as far as emplyment opportunities.
And the fact that the space available is just around the corner is ideal - no gas money needed!And another boon for me is no fancy clothes needed either! (:
Of course, I would continue in the Fall doing an After School thing and I'm toying with the idea of doing an Art Journaling class for teens, as I have taught my daughter about it and she loves it.
I would be available for parties as well.
My marketing strategy is to get the word out through the girl and boy scout org., mucho flyers, camps, daycares, church bulletins, etc.,and ads in the small cheap local papers. I also belong to the Pike County Arts & Crafts Organization in Milford, (though I have to confess I haven't been a big participant in recent years)so I could pump it up there.
Now that I have written you a short novel, I'm curious about your input and also ask that you send a little prayer out into the Universe.
Though I don't want to put the cart before the horse, and jump in too quickly, if I'm going to do this I would like to secure one of the small spots soon, as the rent is SO cheap. (And it's got Main Avenue exposure).
So what do you all think?? Mucho input, opinions, advice is much appreciated.
Hope everyone is having a Springy week bursting with blooms and creative ideas!

Found Inspiration

Your Alive So Live
Enjoy Who You Are
Don't Hate Yourself For What You Aren't
Trust Your Instincts - Take Control
Just Think Love
Let The Power Of Love Replace The Love Of Power
I found this sitting on the printer next to our computer, written in my daughter's handwriting. Don't know where she got the quotes or of they belong to her, but I liked it. So I thought I'd share. Taking Control, is pretty much where I'm at these days. Trying to take control of our dire situation and come up with a solution. Maybe it's in asking questions that I will find the answers.
For now, this is all that I have to share, no art, just some found written inspiration.
Happy Sunday all!

Escaping Velocity

"Lonely Man's Door" Harley Altaville c.2008

This is just one of the photographic prints available at my daughter's new etsy shop called Escaping Velocity!

In the spirit of encouraging a fellow artist...Please take a peek at her shop and IF you like her work, please take a moment to heart the shop. We're hoping it will also help to cover some of her personal expenses, as you all know things are tight here.

She is passionate about her photography, which is probably why she's so talented!

See for yourself by clicking here:

http://www.escapingvelocity.etsy.com

Her link is also to the right under BlueJude Central.

Thanks so much my wonderful creative friends! Hope everyone is off to a wonderful week!

Like Mother Like Daughter

These are some pieces done by my favorite artist, my daughter. Just fifteen years old, and she is not only talented in art, photography, and writing; she is also one of the wisest and kindest kids I know. She sometimes has more depth and insight than the adults I know, including myself!

Anyhoo, the top piece was done for a music festival that ended up getting cancelled. BUT the art teacher liked it so much, that she sent it to be featured in a supplement of a local paper. They showcase the High School kid's art once a month.

The second piece was done in mixed media and the little writing all about says He loves me...He loves me not.

The scanner as usual, doesn't do them justice. But I think they are spectacular...much like her!

I am very proud of you Sweet Pea!

And soon, you all can look forward to seeing some of her photography on etsy. That will really rock your socks! The kid's a natural.

Ok Happy Week All!

WIP

This is a really bad scan of a work in progress. It actually has more pinks in it and the yellow on the left is not so bright. And the sun is not just a chunk of brown/orange. OK enuf said on that!

BAD SCANNER! Anyhoo, it needs something more, but I'm not sure what. What do you think? Any ideas?

OH and BTW, I watched the movie Across The Universe with my two teens and hub the other night. This is a great flick! Much better than I had anticipated. It's a kind of musical, using all Beatles tunes, though they aren't sung by the Beatles. The people who do sing them however, do a GREAT job on adding just the right twist. There's also a love story involved, but it's not a sappy kind of thing. I almost wanna say, think Hair meets Quadrophenia, though that doesn't cover it either. (I'm good at this, huh lol)

In any case, my description probably will not do it justice. If you're a Beatles fan, or not, just simply like these kind of films, or just looking for something a bit different and entertaining, by all means, check it out!

Now back to the painting. What does it need? What does it say to you?

Happy Tuesday All!

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.