Three years today

A prayer Angel

I did this illustration for a friend going through some difficult medical issues. Although I'm not religious, I'm very spiritual and find prayer somewhat effective and comforting. When I'm at a loss at how to help that person I pray about it, sending my blessings and energy their way! I do beleive collective prayer makes a big difference, as we focus on sending united positive energy in the direction of those in need. Today my head and heart is with my dear friend and her family. I often keep my friends troubles close with me, saying little prayers throughout the day!


Today is the anniversary of my third year of blogging. Not in a million years could I have imagined there would be something as much fun as scrabble. I am so pleased to have met so many amazing bloggers. I even found a cyber soul sister.When we speak on the phone I feel like I've known her my whole life.Blogging of late has been sporadic as I try to catch up on art and revamp other areas of my life. Hopefully in this next year I will be getting things back into routine as I get ready to share more art.

The intimate life of blogging has been such a joy. At times my posts can get way too wordy, yes on those tired nights there are spelling and diction errors too. I am mortified when I spot them. Unfortunately google reader doesn't reconize my late edits. I can't express how grateful I am for each and every person who drops by my posts. I find the days often run into each other without having time to read blogs myself, so I really appreciate the time others spend reading my words. Much of my blog is a legacy so future generation can enjoy my perspective on our family. Blogging really has turned into way more than I could have anticipated! Thank you to all who have taken interest in stepping though the looking glass of my life!

Absolutely Involuntary

This is the little bag I made for my friend who has two daughters.

It's say "In the cookies of life, sisters are the chocolate chips"

We all know that's not always the case but as least some sisters are!

This is probably a story a lady shouldn't tell, but with reality television and all, I figure what the heck.... this is what happens when you get old.

I was trying to explain to the kids about my involuntary spontaneous combustion, or gassy assy during my lunch date yesterday. It's not like they don't experience this side of me in the confines of our home.... I couldn't verbally demonstrate the sound, because I was laughing so hard. I said to Bryan " think of it this way....IT WAS A SONG" I conveyed how my purse fell under the table, I bent over to retrieve it...my butt started singin, A ...WHOLE.... VERSE long, and I couldn't get back up....that's the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth....I may have saved my friend the humiliation had I been able to pull myself upright in a quick motion.....of course...there she was, all alone...my head under the table......OMG.....I was just praying it wasn’t any relation to the one I let go in the garage before we left....which sounded off like the car backfiring, and mirrored the garbage can...after two weeks in the sun!

Soon as I pulled myself erect in the seat, I glanced around to see only one other Asian couple sitting directly behind my friend. They didn’t seem too affected, at least they weren’t holding their noses, or giggling. After I composed myself best I could, my friend and I laughed so hard we were almost crying.I wish I was a fly on the wall to hear her side of the story! Other than that, it was a great visit, the Italian food was excellent!

The back of the bag has two hockey quotes on it,
"Half the game is mental, and the other half is being mental. " Jim McKenny
Then a Gretzky quote " you miss one hundred percent of the shots you never take"
Made especially for the girl who has love hockey her whole life!

My pal gave me an entertainment coupon book she doesn't use. When I showed my daughter you'd think she won the lottery .........I've now dubbed her the "Crazy coupon lady" She was so tickled, organizing them into little piles of mine, and hers. Calling out each eatery and entertainment establishment offering a savings. It was hilarious watching how excited she got! ...She was so thrilled, I now know what to get for her next birthday....I figured out the scratch and win thing for Christmas....I guess a coupon book is next! I've always been one to economize whether I was flush or not.Unlike my daughter I would forget to use the coupons, by the time they got to the checkout counter they embarrassingly looked like they've been in dog fight. Glad to see my daughter respects every penny!

Sunday Scribblings Where I came from

Sunday Scribblings prompt this week is " Where I come from"

It took me years to realize my parents were probably artists. Mother the hairdresser sculpting styles with pin curls, father with melodic voice, playing the harmonic by ear.. Growing up mom would polka dot old lamps or revamped a piece of furniture with a coat of paint. Her first self indulgence as an adult was a brand new singer sewing machine bought in the 1940’s, used to tailor her suits. (I still have that machine too!)

She made me a coat out of dad’s old clothing, many dresses, shorts and blouses.

Although dad had very little education, I’m embarrassed to say elementary level; he bought a how to book and built a house, in his thirties.A few years later made me a playhouse to match! Both parents were Jacks of all trades. What one couldn’t do the other would try. Tenacious in nature Mom went into labor six weeks early with my brother while painting her living room. Together they built a cozy home.

Dads dancing abilities wooed the women, who fought to have him as their partner. Years after he died women still spoke of his incredible dancing skills. Athletically he was profound, cliff diving in his youth; he also bowled, curled, swam, could skate, and perfected his golfing skills to always being one of the best. You name it; he could do almost anything he set his mind to. Yet he had a deep seeded insecurity, stemming from his low level education. Extremely wise, with amazing common sense, he became an avid reader in his mid years, making up for any previous deficiencies.

Mom with the rolling pin, her sister, and best friends!

Along with sewing, mom could have been the Rachel Ray of today with her envied cooking skills and perfected pies. There was always a soup on the back burner, a book on the table and some creation ready to emerge. My mother was a spitfire go getter like my daughter. She made things happen, working full time while still being a dedicated homemaker too! When I was thirteen she crocheted me two gorgeous dresses,that I loved . She saved them for years in her sewing trunk, silly me I let them be carted off to Big Brothers. I feel sick about it now! I could kick myself for being so nonchalant about such craftsmanship! There are no photos of them, only memories.

A similar style to this one, except the top was

empire waist,completely crocheted and lined,

in this exact stitch and color!

The second dress was the same pattern

in variegated purple wool.

I think I come from a long line of creative souls. My maternal grandfather was a carpenter who played the fiddle at dances and told jokes. My paternal grandmother played the piano. My mother’s mom made crafts out of what ever she could find, was an incredible cook and loved gardening. I often wonder if there were a few gypsies in the mix on her side.

Would my parents ever have thought of themselves as artists? NEVER…and they would have thought it frivolous to chase such a dream. Introduced into poverty at a young age, both parents, raised by single mothers, felt making a decent living should always be priority! Because I spent years chasing a buck, on a fast treadmill of life, got sick doing so, was forced to change, I now have a different philosophy. Do what you love, love what you do, the money will come secondary! Now that's where I come from!

Altered Jean bag

I revamped this plain jean bag for my sister-in-law. Originally she wanted one of my angels on a bag, a girl with red hair and blue outfit. I am surprising her with this plain soccer player with her team colors, her number and nick name! I'm hoping she gets a kick out of it! I did one side in gold to match her accessories of late, with turquoise stamping a color I know she likes. I may revisit that white looking nose.... sure don't like it in the photo!
The opposite side is a little funkier, done with a variety of blues she wears, as well as a hint of gray. I like the bag better in person than I do in these photos! I enjoy toting a decorated bag as I try to be more environmentally conscious. This bag reminds me a of the seventies, and a tie back top I saw her wear a few month ago.

Nuture Clip

Please check out this short Scott Stratten clip "The Nurture Movie" which I dedicate to my friend Tamara at Queen- sized funny bone! A daily blogger who clomps through the thick mire of her life with a winning sense of humor, a few tears, and big heart full of love and kindness that she never talks about!

International Womans Day 2009 Sunday Scribblings

With so much going on lately I missed International Woman's Day. I'd hoped to have a collage to accompany this post written for Sunday Scribblings on March 8th. My computer has been so slow, with many frustrating attempts it took forever to complete. It's still Women's History month so I thought I'd share it in the hopes of some feedback!

Sunday Scribbling prompt this week is "Do you have something you want to get off your mind?"

Written for March 8th 2009

Today is International Woman’s Day albeit we have come a long way in North America woman in less developed parts of the world are still suppressed. We're the lucky ones, with many opportunities at our feet, yet our own inhibitions can hold us back from being our true selves. Whether it’s voices of our family, from the media or judgment from our peers, we often suppress development of hidden talents, or unique skills because of insecurity or obligation to others. Sadly becoming our own worst enemy!

There are covert ways society has suppressed woman. Woman's Liberation in actuality cost women dearly. Instead of just taking on the home front, raising children and maintaining the home,with time left for self endeavours, women were freed to juggle a job, children, extended family while still keeping the house maintained, making it difficult to pursue dreams with mandatory obligations pounding at our front door. Families are now dependent on that second wage, and life in many ways has run amok.

I just heard on the news men embody the largest unemployed in North America, forcing some women to hold down the financial fort completely. It’s sad really. While some men can easily slide in the homemaker role, many men are feeling displaced in these tough economic times, while many women are feeling overwhelmed.

Now I ask, what are we really teaching our children? Do you see overwhelmed women in your circles? What about the men are they adapting to their new role? Is life better for Women? How many women share in wage parity with men?

I leave you with the International Woman's Day poem I wrote a few years ago and post here annually!

Mother, daughter, Sister, Lover

I am a woman, and I cry when no one can hear
I have huge dreams, I never share
I have fantasies, I dare not reveal
I have unrequited love, that is never recognized

I am the white noise in the home
Persistently preparing, repairing and doing at all times
I love deeply, with vision, constant hope, pride and joy
I have a relentless faith, in life, in god, in family, in future

I carry the burdens and secrets of others
Hold guilt to my heart, where empathy,
Forgiveness and optimism obstinately reside
Often suppressing passion, and creativity

I do my duties without fail, or resentment
I stand alone in my failures and regrets
I give, even when there is but a pittance
I get less, expect less, and take less, feeling like I am less

I am taken for granted, heard with rare acceptance
I am courageous, beyond my expectations
I am the unpaid teacher, waitress, homemaker, and psychologist
I am the solver of problems, and scarcely put first

I have thoughts, I feel ashamed to share
I have wants, I will never reveal
I have needs that no one will heed
I have a lonely soul, which I can not seem to feed

I am a woman, and I cry alone, about what isn’t
What will never be, what is lost, forgotten, not forgiven
Not recognized, or realized, or capitalized, I cry about
Poverty, and love forlorn, for loved ones, and love forgotten

I am a woman, resilient in majestic proportions,
I am a woman, of maternal magnificence
I am a woman, with imperial abilities
I am a unique woman, the queen of my family
And heart of my home!

Memorable Day

Happy Saint Patty's Day!

My father who passed away 23 years ago on St. Patrick's Day is remembered today with fondness...very fitting for a man half Irish who loved to party!

His Memory lives on. I'm his true legacy, my wisdom is born of his roots!

As you can see my world is green everyday!
Just ONE of my favorite colors! Calming and joyful!
Everyday is St. Patrick's day for me, minus the green food and drink!

Better After

This is my friend Fairy goddess in Oct of 1995 at 37 years of age!
Eyes without sparkle!

(Check out the orb on her shoulder, pretty sure that's
her deceased dad hanging around!)

This is my friend two days ago, one month before she turns 51! With three lovely daughters and two adorable grandchildren, I think she's more beautiful now than she was in her thirties. Doesn't she look amazing?

Her lovely slim figure is not without a cost. She works out diligently several times a week and is training for her second triathlon. She really is a gentle soul and a beauty from the inside out! And yes she loves food just like the rest of us goddesses, but disciplines herself to work it off! I'm so proud of her, and love her dearly!

Pssssst.... she's had a hot boyfriend for two years now too....guess what? It's her trainer! Uh huh!!!!

You are worth the time!

Please watch this quick video and tell me how it made you feel.
It's about the creative process!

You are worth the time!

Sunday Scribblings Dear Past me, Dear Future me!

Sunday Scribblings this weeks prompt is Dear past me, dear future me!

Dear Past me!

Dear Little Sherrie

I know your mother expects you to befriend children at school who are teased by others. Forgive her naivety. She couldn’t possibly know you’d be singled out in those ugly dated hand me downs she forced you to wear against your will. Don’t worry you’ll never do that to your children. Your mom holds a lot of credence in authority, a mindset you won’t have as an adult. You are learning dear child by her mistakes.

You’ll look back and realize you looked pretty cute, even though the spark is void in your eyes. It will return on the birth of your own offspring. This lonely sadness you feel now will foster a future heart for children. A profound empathy and understanding that will overtake you, turning you into a haven for kids forlorn! Don’t fret, happiness will be yours.

You are learning from what you live. Do not repeat mistakes of those adults in your midst dear one. You’re heart is so big, you care deeply that your mother works too hard, and that your brother is teased also. You are constantly helping and nurturing others without acknowledgment. Unfortunately this will continue into adulthood, some will take advantage of your patient nature. Don’t worry; stay kind and you will be rewarded ten fold.

Always remember just how much you love coloring! I don't have to remind you the spirit is with you, because you always knew that!

Dear Future me

Dear Ms Giggle Goddess

You have come a long way baby! Evolving into the woman you were always meant to be. An Artist, a children’s author illustrator! Never imagining this is where you’d be today. When you felt the dream of being a musician die, you gave up and chased the money instead. Oh it was fulfilling for a time. You were fiscally more comfortable than your friends, but sincerely you had big chunks of void nestled in your soul.You worked too hard, played too hard, chasing empty happiness.

Yes you had to shed a husband, some fear, and grappled with a hell of a lot of grief. But you made it through! Your resilience has taken you to a higher plane! A life of joy that played out by loving what you do, and doing what you love! Congratulations……you have unlocked the secret to true happiness! Surprise! You had the key all along! Now you are truly RICH!

Illustration of Rosey

I did this illustration for my blog friend Rosey. It's been in the works for several months now. She finally debuted it yesterday so I can now reveal it with the link to her blog! I hope you enjoy the antics of Rosey as much as I do. I was introduced to Rosey through my blog friend Keith, but I'm not going to say much about her, instead I'd rather you visit for yourself to find out her allure!

Bras For A Cause 2009

"Mountains of Courage"
dedicated to Lynda Newson

My acrylic painted bustier bra for
Soroptimist's "Bras for a Cause 2009"Done in honor of my friend Lynda who won her battle with breast cancer.
Today is her birthday and she'll be so surprise to see the bra I have dedicated to her!
Happy Birthday Lynda
Although it's been years since we've hung out,
I'll never forget what a dear friend Lynda has been
through some of the most trying times in my life.
She is a kind and loving friend to all who know her, an
amazing mother and grandmother. It's only fitting to honor her
on this special occasion with something I know
she will find extremely meaningful!
My daughter is sponsoring my creation with a hundred dollar entrance fee.

This is my first creation for this cause and I hope it won't be my last!
Thank you Lynda for all the love you have shown us!
Life is full of great memories because of you!
Much love to you and your family!

You can click the image for a larger view

Glad it's today!

This was my horrible scope for Sunday (horoscope)
You've got some quiet strength under the surface that is keeping you focused and alert through some rather strange times. You may need to show more of your cards than you would like.

Yesterday I drove my son in law to work with my dress inside out. Stopped off at Walmart to buy a set of plastic drawers with wheels to house my paint.

On my trek I returned a receipt at Shoppers drug mart because the employee from the night before forgot to give us a ten dollar gift card for spending over fifty dollars. The bill was two hundred and thirty seven dollars. 143 for two monthly bus passes,30 bucks for a fido card, along with a bunch of miscellaneous items adding up to over fifty dollars. Add 173 plus 50 you get 223 less than the 237 on the bill, not a hard one people.....but mental moron kept me waiting almost half an hour for a ten dollar card to a coffee shop.

Instead of subtracting the bus passes and phone card she is painstakingly adds all the other items, subtracting each of the discounted numbers. After waiting ten minutes, I suggest she subtract the three numbers (that anyone, even me, a numbers hater, could add in their head) off the big number, that is the total. Believe it or not I spoke pleasantly with kindness even though I was frustrated. This supervisor girl, couldn't do it. My large presence sent her to the office to finish the task....twenty minutes later......I get the card which is my daughters not mine anyway!

Came home filled up my new drawers with paint and art supplies, surprise surprise, the wheels break off. So I now I have drawers with no wheels...it's okay though because it still works and might have been too tall otherwise.

Around noon my daughters employee doesn't show up, so I quickly run her...well not really run her, but drive her to work. With my dress right side out this time. I arrive home, finish cleaning the huge mess from pulling my art supplies apart, debate whether to meet my friend for dinner, opt out, pick up my daughter instead, grab a pizza on the way home. Decide to have a quick bath previously poured, because I really don't want to do another thing until I do. Then settle down for pizza and a movie.You'd think that would be it for the evening right? But NOoooooo!

In the middle of watching Bill Maher's movie Religulous , ( that my son in law picked out I might add, a guy who has been through the Christian school system and faithfully attended church twice every Sunday almost his whole life) around eight thirty, his mom, who rarely calls the house, (I mean maybe once a month and always with a reason) and wants to come over.

I adore her and she is always welcome, but I had three loads of laundry on the powder room floor, residual mess from cleaning my art supplies, my hair was wet and disheveled from my bath, Pepper was sick with a horrible head cold, and Bryan had worked seven days plus overtime, but we said sure. Because after all she rarely comes over.

We all scattered, Bryan ran up to put my hot rollers on (because of my knee) I cleaned the bathroom and put another load of wash in, Pepper picked up anything laying around and made tea, Bryan got a banana loaf from the freezer and finished up the dishes, I blew my hair dry and set it, threw on some mascara all in fifteen minutes. They stayed until about eleven...it was a lovely visit, she managed to impeded her son watching a controversial movie which I'm sure she'd not a prove of, ... what a weird day! Still think there's no god?

Two thousand and nine is proving to be very frenetic at times with so many surpises!