WHAT I'VE BEEN UP TO

Summer is slipping away. Between the trip to Florida, Barb's visit , the art expo, parties and just everyday living makes time fly.
I finally received my "DIVA CUSTOM CORD MAKER" from the the Fiber Goddess. I ordered it at the Bead and Button Show. It took forever to get.
Above is a sample of what I've been making:

It's kind of mindless, but fun.

I'm still beading. I'm trying to finish the bracelet for Shari's mom. It's been a slow process.

My little flower garden is doing well. I've been faithful to it and am out there watering every day. Hopefully my tomatoes and cukes will be ready soon. Nothing like freshly picked veggies!

I ended up buying stuff at the Art Expo last weekend. New pastels, paints, a Groovy Mouse (just what I need), paper for pastels. That's ENOUGH!

Have I used any of it yet ?, of course not! I still have bottles of paint etc.

that I haven't opened from last year.

It's really a pitty ! Lot's of money spent just for the sake of it. I need to slow down. According to the media, we're in big trouble! I hope they are wrong, and it's all hype. Anyway, I don't want to get into my tyraid about our government. I GET SO ANGRY! We are not stupid!!!!!!!!

PHOTOS OF FINISHED BRACELETS

The pictures are not that clear, but it shows what I have created lately.
It's time for a better camera or learn how to take more time to focus. So what else is new?

BEAD SOUP

A perfect Metaphor for my recent trip to Naples, Florida.

The highlights of the trip were Beading, Bead Stores and eating.

There was a store going out of business. Everything was 60 to 80% off. Shari and I spent all afternoon digging thru bins of beads. WHAT FUN!

We also went to a bead store in Bonita Springs. We took a class and made a Conffetti Bracelet. Will post pictures later!

I beaded at night and I finally finished my Casablanca bead embroidered bracelet.

Shari's mom loved eating out, so we spent much of the time going to restaurants that she reccommended.

We also visited different resale shops. All in all, it was

a fun time.

Now I have to sort through all my new stuff and hopefully use it. Thank goodness BEADS are small. There is always room for one more!

IT'S BEEN AWHILE

I haven't posted in ages. I guess life gets in the way.
Went to the Bead and Button Show in Milwaukee with Cindy. Had a great time and spent lots of money. We stayed two days.
I would love to go back to Milwaukee and spend time sightseeing. So far, all I've seen is the downtown area and the convention center.

Of course I'm beading again. I got some great ideas at the show. I'm creating a bracelet from a kit. I'm actutally following the instructions word for word. It 's turning out well.

I'm leaving for Naples, Florida on Saturday. Shari's mom lives there. We are going to visit her for a week. It should be an interesting trip.

I'M HOOKED

Can't get enough of this photo manipulation stuff. Below are more images I've created. I've been leaning new techniques and applying them.

The sun is out, the weather is finally normal and I'm going out to Enjoy it.

My garden is doing well. The flowers are colorful and my vegetable garden

is thriving. I planted tomatoes, cucumbers, sweet basil and arugula. Can't wait to start using it.

THIS IS MY MOST FAVORITE TIME OF YEAR!!!!!!

STILL PLAYING AROUND WITH DIGITAL ART

The pictures below are my newest attempt. Every time I think I'm beginning to learn something, I run into a problem. I guess experimenting is the only way for me to learn.
I have many books on Adobe Photoshop elements, but do I use them? Of course not.




This week-end is Memorial Day. You would never know it! The weather is abnormally cold. I can't believe I'm still walking around with sweaters and socks.

I'm hoping to have my family over Sunday for a Barbeque. I still don't know what I'm going to serve. I have one more day to decide.

Not much else going on or worthy of talking about. Except the economy and the price of gas (OUCH!)

DIGITAL ART ATTEMPT

What fun! I'm just experimenting and learning at the moment. The photos below are a sample of how I intergrated diferent images. I still have a lot
of learning to do.
Somehow, I love the challenge and when I get to the point where I think I've learned enough I move on to something else. I guess that's why I never perfect anything. I don't give it a chance. BOREDOM sets in. This newest obscession will go to the wayside also. I guess it's just who I am!

Barb returned to Phoenix and life is back to normal.
I'm trying not to drive anywhere I don't have to. Instead of going on road trips, I've decided to stay closer to home and just drive when necessary.
The price of gas is ridiculous! I hate contributing to the pockets of thieves!

INSIDE MY BOOK

These are just a few samples of what I did insie my book.
I guess I'm still into GRUNGE.

FINISHED TWO MORE PROJECTS

I pulled out my sewing machine and made a fabric book. It's a combination of fabric and paper. All the pages inside are papers I've made in workshops

the past few years. I believe I used one made by Belinda. She was kind enough to share. This project was fun. I loved sewing on paper. I just might try making something else. Maybe an art quilt.

The funny looking woman is a needlepoint canvas I just finished. That was fun also. This is the canvas I started in Phoenix. It replaced the canvas I planned to do in Tony Minieri's class. This is more whimsical and colorful.

It's called " Monkey Business"

Barb is visiting from Phoenix. It's nice to have her here.

We've been stitching and watching Dancing With The Stars and American Idol at night.

Christian De La Fuente sure is HOT!

Anyway, no big plans this month.

I'm looking forward to the Bead Show in June and maybe some workhops this summer...

IT'S TIME TO START USING WHAT I ALREADY HAVE

I've been going thru my stash again.
I feel guilty that I keep buying stuff when I have so much here.
Aside from needlepointing, my brain has
been busy thinking about making a fabric journal , using fiber , paper and fabric. Of course I'll need to quilt some of it.
My challenge to myself is to only use what I have accumulated and put in the basket. (Attached photo)
Oh, I need to include beads too!
I love the planning stage. I think even more than actually making it. It's exciting and stimulating. The creative juices are flowing.(In every direction)
We will see where this project goes.

Life has been fairly normal. SPRING
has sprung and so has my mood. I think being in Phoenix really helped. We got back just as the weather started improving here. Snow birds have the right idea!!!!

HOME AT LAST!

After three weeks in Phoenix and 6 days on the road, we made it home safe and sound.
It feels good to be home in my own house, but I miss the weather, abundant sun , beautiful flowers and of course Barb. She will be in Chicago next month and twice this summer.
If all goes well ( if I don't change my mind again), we will spend the winter months in Phoenix next year..
I'm trying to catch up with chores and business. I'm almost done. One more thing to do tomorrow and than I can start relaxing.
Attached are pictures of my newest needlepoint I finished and my new collection of heart milagros . Like I need more stuff!

MY NEWEST INTEREST

Since I've been in Phoenix, I've noticed a large amount of Hispanic religious art. Santos, retablos, nichos, milagros. I did a needlepoint heart milagro (below). I actually finished it. It was small and went fairly fast. I want to do another one.

I've also started collecting little metal milagros. The other picture above is from one of my many quests to find milagros and other hispanic artifacts. This is the Pedegral shopping mall in Cave Creek. Went to the "Town Dump" also. What a place! I hit the mother load. I found a wood santo , a tin nicho, an etched tin mirror and of course more milagros. I hope there is room in the car to bring home all my new acquistiions.
I found more milagros in Old Town Scottsdale yesterday.
Went to Stampers Frenzy and Old Town Needleworks! What fun! I needed more time to browse. Bob was outside pacing.
My class is this coming Monday and Tuesday and than I guess we will be heading home. I have mixed emotions. I want my own house, but would like to move it here. If I could only bring my family and friends here, LIFE WOULD BE PERFECT!

NEW CAR FEVER

SOMETHING ABOUT THE ARIZONA SUN! IT MADE ME BUY A NEW CAR... While I was waiting for my CRV to be repaired, I went browsing and sure enough this tangerine Honda Element caught my eye and I had to have it. So far, I love it. Got a very good deal and knew I wouldn't be able to do any better back home. Actually, it feels the same as the CRV. I believe it might be a bit higher.
Life has been great here. Bob and I do something different everyday and we feel very relaxed. Haven't been to the Grand Canyon yet. That's on the agenda for this week. I really am not looking forward to going home. I'm liking it here more and more. I seem to have more energy! There are a ton of houses for sale in Phoenix and surrounding areas. I thought the prices would be crazy, but they are not! Some are very affordable and really nice.
Haven't been doing much art, just stitching, eating, watching movies and touring the area.
I miss my Chicago friends, but not the weather.

EASTER CELEBRATION

Bob spent EASTER with six women and 4 dogs. What a trooper. He did well!!!!! It was chaotic.
Alice and Carol were enjoying cocktails before dinner. Nancy, Martha,.Barb and I were also there on the other side of the bar. We had a delicious dinner and a good time was had by all.
We have been enjoying beautiful weather. I'm so glad we decided to come. Bob has been doing his golf thing every day and I'm stitching, beading, shopping and just relaxing...
My car is still in the repair shop. We were given a Toyota Prius as a rental. It's really a nice car and we're saving on gas. I guess the damage on my CRV was more extensive than we thought.
The repair man couldn't believe we actually drove from Albuqurque to Phoenix without problems. We were probably stupid to do so.
Off to Old Town Scottsdale today!

MADE IT TO PHOENIX

After three days on the road and an accident, we finally made it.
All was going well until we were about 40 miles west of Albuquerque and all of sudden rubber, chunks of metal and little pieces of who knows what started flying towards our car. A semi truck blew a tire and we were one of the cars hit with debris. The car in front of us really got hit hard and had serious damage. My car ended up with a broken front grill and a dented radiator.
Luckily. no one was hurt. We had to wait for the state police for a report. That added another hour to our trip. I guess Bob and I have a guardian angel! The car was drivable and we were able to finish the rest of the trip. I need to replace the radiator and fix the grill. The truck company is responsible.
Sunny was a perfect little passenger. He caused no problems at all. He slept alot.
When we arrived at Barbs house we were greeted with a wonderful home cooked meal .(YUM).
It's hard to believe we're actually here. NOW IT'S TIME TO RELAX AND ENJOY OUR VACATION!!!
More later

ROAD TRIP

A long one at that!
Bob, Sunny and I are leaving for Phoenix .
I had a severe case of cabin fever last week. I really wanted to go somewhere. I Called Barb and asked if she minded company. She was happy to have us visit, so our plans began.
We're driving and taking the dog. That way we have no time restraints.
Who knows when we're coming home. Hopefully all will go well and we will stay 3 to 4 weeks.
I guess this is one of the benefits of being retired. JUST DO IT!
As long as the money doesn't run out.
Can't wait for warm weather and lots of sun

IS IT SPRING YET?

I' m so sick of winter ! More snow tonight.

I can't remember what the color green looks like. I guess I'm dreaming of the good old days of lush lawns, full bloom trees, colorful flowers, etc, etc etc. I'm learning what it's like to be a hermit. It's too much trouble going out in this. Oh well, at least I have choices.

Speaking of choices, I chose to do more beading . This time a necklace.

Check it out! This one took about 5 days of sitting around the TV at night and going blind! Am I bored yet? NO. I'm starting a new project tomorrow...

SOUL COLLAGE WORKSHOP

I had a wonderful experience yesterday. It has really uplifted me.
Thanks to Peg Lentz for conducting the SOUL COLLAGE WORKSHOP.
The entire event was well planned and most of all, it connected me to a part of myself I have lost.. Met some wonderful woman and connected
with old friends too.
The cards in the picture are the result of everyone's experience. We had a circle of meditation and song to honor them at the end.
Since I've been involved with Soul Collage for many years, I focused more on social issues than myself. What effects others also effects me on a collective level.
I'm so happy I participated and hope to go again....

SOMETHING DIFFERENT

I just finished the above mask. I made it in the ceramics group at the clubhouse. I am giving it to Bob's mom for Mothers Day . I'm in the process of making another one to match it. She loves those colors. This sure is a departure from beading.

Surprise Surprise, another bracelet! It seems as if I've been using the color turquoise alot.

I'm beading a free form necklace next, with neutral colors.
Can't wait for tomorrow!. It's the Soul Collage workshop. I hope I get alot out of it

MY FEELINGS EXACTLY!

Made this yesterday on a dreary. rainy day. Go figure, RAIN? Now it's snowing again...

I love this photo. Exactly how I feel. Someone was playful and made use of the snow! Brrrrrr! IT'S TIME FOR SPRING