Best Foot Forward Paint Party Friday

So it's a New Year and I'm one step ahead of my tech savvy kids!! Yahoo for mom! I found Flipagram  app and wanted to share it with you! Only 15 seconds long, it's so easy to use on your android or Iphone! Just download the app you can use 30 seconds of any song.... I will credit Paolo Nutini  for 15 seconds of his song " New Shoes". I just found out we do own this cd.This App is not intimidating at all and opens up the creative world even more!! I hope you enjoy it as much as I think I will!!

I just wanna play, experiment, try new things!!

I decided to glean my old pieces of art into a very short flipagram called "Best foot forward!" I think this is  a wonderful quick way for artists to present their work in an interesting way!  Unlike youtube it's quick and simple to prepare, upload and add music to! Make sure you check it out at the beginning of this blog!!

Something New for the New Year!!  How fun is that?

Is there  something new you want to try this year?

And so I did!!

This is my Contribution for Paint Party Friday! 

Here is a recap of our Christmas season with our beautiful family!

  My 52 year old brother, my Niece and Nephew.

We had a wonderful celebration at his house!

We provided two of their favourite desserts!

At lot of laughs were had by all!

Cupcake with her Cousins!

Mom wished for tall grandchildren

that she never got to see. Cupcake in the middle

stands only a three inches

 taller than moms five foot frame!

 Here is Beardo at his moms with a Totem of his four 

out of six brothers all 6'3" and taller! 

They are a quirky fun bunch

that you can't help but adore!

With a family of ten children, spouses and grandchildren Beardos family picks names and they gather Christmas eve with eight of the ten children and their families to celebrate! I opt to stay home and make the deserts and breakfast for the morning!

 

 It was a lovely season but we really enjoyed the few months leading up to Christmas with the carols and decor! Which was less hectic and demanding than the week of! We were able to give more to those in need than normal, unexpectedly  everything came back ten fold! We drove purely by accident past a grocery store where a radio station was  collecting for the food bank. We quickly all but threw forty dollars at them,  immediately Cupcake was unexpectedly given concert tickets worth well over one hundred dollars!! The kids were given 4 tickets worth almost two hundred to another concert from Beardos customer and they also got Tickets to the singing Christmas tree which is booked months in advance, plus they were treated to high end steak house absolutely free!

We don't exchange gifts amongst each other  and yet all our needs are wonderfully met! I was given a gift certificate that will pay for lamps I had planned on buying for my bedroom! It has truly been a season of love, giving and surprise! We are blessed to have such  loving family and friends!

Now I look forward to purging, playing and producing art  in 2014......!!!

My First Video, 2013 Shoe Series!

   2013 
Shoe Series Completed! 

Shy one shoe....;0)My very first video... 

featuring an original folk song "Iron Bird" by Beardo!

He wrote it for Cupcake when she was away in London

on business a few years ago!

Grab your tea or coffee and stay awhile! 

 Or not..... I won't be offended!

Oh my, what a week! Creative interruptions and mishaps. 
If  I didn't respond to your email last week 
I apologize I had every intention to.

 Between the hairdresser, a birthday celebration, 
 costco, shopping with my daughter 
and a few other necessary jaunts,

I was spent, and needed a few days to recover!! 

Yesterday I had a brainstorm to make a slide show of all my icads!  

 After  I moved a few things around on photobucket

 I discovered I'd became a magician...yep...all the icad shoe photos

from the  last two months of posting had disappeared...Forcing me to

dawn my puzzle masters hat to get them all back up 

 in some semblance of order on my blog!

What a feat, since foolishly I hadn't  numbered them. 

I remembered where some of them went,

 the others I just guessed. It was like playing a game  of memory!

To say I was disappointed was an understatement!! 

Especially since moments before I was feeling 

so  proud of myself for sticking with this 

challenge for two  full months!

 

I think I even inspired my daughter! Who has been fabric!

painting real shoes for hubby and herself  lately! 

Beardo spotted these shoes that he wanted for work, 

but didn't like the color. The price was a tenth of what

 his normal work shoes are so Cupcake offered to paint them!

This is closer to the true color! The guys at work were

so impressed with his blue shoes one of them took this photo!!
You can see the seed nut doesn't fall far from the tree!!

 

Last year Cupcake painted herself these teal colored sandals that 

held up beautifully!! She's wearing them this summer too! It's

 hard for her to find comfortable sandals with a soft material

 lining that can stave off moisture! So at the end of the season I

found another pair she can paint when these ones wear out!

While shopping Cupcake strutted around in marked down 

dirt cheap, very high end, comfy brown shoes 
similar to the ones above! She insisted I  visualize them 
in pink and black.So I made them an icad instead! 
I look forward to seeing them done up!

 After I got over the initial shock at how thin flimsy  the new school

 index cards were I thoroughly enjoyed creating new cards weekly!

These last few icads complete my Shoe series!

I'm sure many of you are relieved!

I'm kind of sad  and will miss them,

but have a few new things on the horizon.

I painted all my cards with acrylic paint, then

 added the quotes digitally so I could preserve the 

originals without words! 

Possibly using them later down the road.

  This challenge has really opened my spectrum.

Now  I plan to gesso and paint the back of each card,

 then adhere the quotes that way!
I'd like to redo a few that I despise too!

My daughter recommended I put my series into photo album. 

Originally I was going fix them to a binder ring

but feel hesitant to punch a hole in them....

Any suggestions of how to preserve
 and display them nicely?

Sorry, very long post with 
nothing very sage to share this week!!

Did you ever join an art challenge that took you in a new direction?? 
This is my contribution to Paint Party Friday and icad Challenge!

Shoes and More Life Questions

We all live such incredibly unique lifestyles.

What kind of environment do you need to strive?

Do you like an action packed home, 

or a relaxed one?

First and foremost I need Peace...probably why I have a metal peace sign hanging from my car mirror and  in  few discreet spots in my home. I have ornaments for my Christmas tree and a revered piece of blingy jewelry shaped into a peace sign.   If you've ever lived in a home that was fraught with arguments, and grumpy frustrated over worked people craving a cocktail then you will understand the exhale factor when life is filled with peace, compassion and laughter!!

 What is your most comfortable situation to 

develop your talent in?

You won't find me creating in a plein air group. I just don't enjoy painting with others present, even though it can be so much fun! I have yet to produce anything I was satisfied with. I tend to need complete alone time in the quiet of night with the lull of television (mostly informative shows) or music in the background.

There has never been a more accurate quote to describe how I found true happiness. I love creating things.  It's what got me through loads of grief, my childhood, and divorce! It fills me up to produce something useful, meaningful or fun! Years ago it was sewing, painting furniture, changing decor and cooking,  now it's art and writing.

 What are your goals and dreams?

The most surprising thing about life is discovering who you really 

are late in life, then realizing  you still have dreams worth pursuing! 

Dreams different than you ever could have imagined

when you were young!!

What is something you changed your mind 

about that took you by surprise?

I have prided myself on changing my mind many many times over the years!
That's why I like to surround myself with people who are strong in their convictions with often differing opinions. It introducing me to different perspectives!

I had tunnel vision about men and often lumped them all in the same category. My wonderful son-in-law has really helped me to realize there are amazing, kind, special men out there who are so undervalued!! Thanks buddy for changing my mind!

 What was the biggest sudden change

 that threw you into the worst pain of your life?

I have been through so much loss in my life, but an unexpected rift in two very important relationships several years ago are what produced drastic changes for the better!!
So sometimes, after the pain comes great reward!

 What is one of the most memorable 

lessons you have learned?

I have learned that I am stronger than I thought and that faith and courage can get you through the toughest situations! No matter how hard life gets, and trust me there can be really rough spots, there will always be better times, better situations, and better people to help you through it all!!

I had a struggle with sage and sepia
 for this weeks Summer of color.
We just have no chemistry. 
Plus they're always hanging out with 
my nemesis's  beige, taupe and brown,
who seems to loiter  in kitchens and powder rooms!!
 I find them boring wall flowers! Not in  a good way either! 
They haven't much to say, and no sense of whimsy.
In fact they look rather dull beside all the other colors.  
They seem grubby too. As though my favorite green 
decided to roll  around in dirt then   thought it 
wise to  change his name to sage!   
  I can't be sure, but I suspect they don't even 

 wear deodorant! Just sayin...

"They're no my favorites"...( said with an Austin Powers accent)

All kidding aside...hope you all have a great weekend!

   This is my contribution to Paint Party Friday, SOC, and Icad where you can find many talented artists!!

Shoes and Questions for Paint Party friday!

So funny how blogging is! This post took on a life of it's own
bringing about many questions and memories!
This is my contribution to Summer of color week four red and yellow, ICAD
and Paint Party Friday all amazing blogs to visit!

Are you someone who needs or wants to be noticed?
Do you think it's important to be noticed?
I once had a friend who was so meek, no matter where we went
they always forgot to serve her coffee or take her  food order!
Since she's gone through menopause she's less tolerant
and  found her voice!

What do you focus on?
 I have always focused on my immediate family even when I worked full time
they were always my priority.  When times were tough I took solace in their support.
 In turn I have been paid back ten fold with a really loving close knit  family!
Now I focus on art too!!

Do you celebrate your creativity by making fancy cakes,

dressing funky, decorating your house with color,

 putting on the Ritz for special occasions?

  

I used to have pink seat covers in my jeep, and several bumper stickers! The only ones I remember are  "Princess" for my daughters side and "Goddess" for my side, plus"Mean People Suck" and " Mean people breed little mean people"along with a license plate holder that said " Love Goddess"  

The best part was watching in my rear view mirror as people discussed or chuckled at my window stickers! Now that I create art I no longer have any bumper stickers!

Do you know your worth, to your family, your friends, your community, your blog buddies?

My friend told me that her daughter, a single mom of two children had taken a poem off my blog,  printed it out and framed it. Each day she'd read it to  get through the tough times!  I'd have never known had my friend not told me!

I was honored!

Are you Happy?

My friends baby died six  years ago, 
I was so upset that I had no way to help her.

Her younger friends busied with organizing the funeral
and family watched her disabled son. 
 I wrote  a poem in a blog post to honor my friends child. 

When I arrived at the funeral 
everyone in attendance was handed a leaflet.

 I read the leaflet shocked to see only my poems  
with the photo I had posted to my blog. 
Beardo looked over at me, tears streaming down my face
 and said,"Well, you wanted to help, looks like you did!"

To read an abridged version of their beautiful story of joy after grief go here!
 

Are you able to show your true self to the world?

Weird 

 

I’ve  never fit in my  family

With my quirky little style

Colorful, brass and brazen

I stayed just a little while

I must have been an Indy kid

Back in the hippy day

Swimming tumultuous waves at home

Just to find my way

Different clothes, shoes and tastes

A philanthropist at best

Misunderstood by many

Neutral with all the rest

Life took a glorious twist

I found my own tribe

People who could appreciated

My unusual vibe

My parents died not knowing

The artist trapped inside

Creating funny  characters  

With a monumental pride

Often an embarrassment

Not willing to conform

Wearing Christmas lights at a dance,    

deflecting  the norm

Weird is wonderful I say

Not boring or contrite

It’s the act of artistry

It makes the colors bright!!!

Written by Happy tiler 2009

Do you ever feel like a weirdo?
  When I was eight months pregnant I went to a little restaurant across the line.  Of course pregnant ladies always have to pee. When I returned from the  bathroom my husband asked, "whatcha got there?" I turned around to see a trail of toilet paper leading from the rear waist of my pants all the way down the isle around the corner to the bathroom..Unbeknownst to me, my inner weirdo came  out to play without my permission!  I laughed so hard I almost peed my pants!!

Are you a homebody? Do you love your home?
 With an recent  train derailment explosion that took out most of a town in Quebec and the  floods in two major cities in Canada rendering people homeless, we have been so in love with our home which isn't always perfect, but it's perfect for us!

Over half of my index cards done for the month of June!

  Many people needing love and comfort this week, 

just know I  am thinking of you and sending you love and light!

More Shoes and a Mug!

Illustrated by Tracey Fletcher King

Last week I forgot to post the amazing illustration of my favorite mug done by my friend Tracey Fletcher King !!  I am such a fan of Tracey's humorous fun blog and always stunning visuals!  Tracey always deserves top billing, be sure to check in on her icad cuppa series of bloggers cups she's illustrated.

 This is my summer of color contribution for the purple and lime green theme. A digital edit of the following acrylic I did!! Unhappy with my last two SOC I'll be replacing them with colorful shoes too!!

When I was three, long before car seats,  mom enrolled me in ballet lessons. Another lady drove us to the studio since mom didn't drive.  Dressed in a black leotard, ballet slippers in hand  I opened the car door  and fell straight into a very deep ditch. I was full of muddy goo and very traumatized. I don't remember ever taking another ballet lesson after that!

original done in acrylics

During the seventies I bought a  pair of very high platform sandals. Proudly strutting  out of the store down Granville street  I fell flat on my face.... a grungy looking hippie stood stared down at my stunned self repeating," Hey Man, what's happening man, what's happening?"  Meanwhile a suited business man, twice my age ran to my aid, scooped me up making sure I was okay! I hung my head, hobbled to the bus,  with my bruised leg and ego!

 When my daughter was five we went on holidays with my perfectionist cousin and her family. All day we swam in the motel pool and dined out each evening. One night we  arrived at the restaurant where my cousin proceeded to tell the story of her previous visit. She had mispronounced the  Grand Prix Burger, ordering a Grand Pricks  instead. Causing quite a commotion  in the male dominated kitchen. All the servers came out to to put a face to  the awkward blunder.....Just as the tears were running down my face in laughter at her faux pas..I looked down at my shoes only to realize I had mismatched flip flops on my own feet....They were completely different colors  and style.  We laughed so hard I almost peed my pants!!  Seems like faux pas fox paws run in the family!!

Happy Canada Day to my Canadian Friends!

When I was young girl runners were about a dollar ninety nine with not much selection they were plain tie ups in either red, blue, black or white. I NEVER liked them. I pleaded with my mom to buy the stylish square toe five dollar runners. She balked. 
 After a lot of nagging and whining, (which normally never worked and resulted in a smack,)  she conceded! Every time I tried to wear those fancy runners she'd say "don't wear your five dollar runners" eventually I outgrew them in their near new state!   I have hated any kind of runners except Chuck Taylor converse runners ever since!!!  Which I have never worn either!

The only runners I ever bought Cupcake were a mock pair of high top pink chuck taylors, (now she has every color imaginable) but as we all know little kids get dirty. So I threw them in the wash and the navy blue stitching ran into the pink canvas, rendering them tie dyed. So I bought her an outfit  to match and she continued to wear the shoes anyway.  Everywhere  I went moms begged me to tell them  where I bought them.... now that's what I called a happy accident!!

When  Cupcake was a toddler she was obsessed with " My shoe book" She made me read it repeatedly. Not only was I a bad influence, buying her way too many cute shoes, she also had her own inbred affinity for them as well!! Yesterday she added two more to her obscene Chuck Taylor collection!!

Over the last five decades there is one comfortable shoe that I have probably worn the way people wear white runners, and that is the clog.... I loved clogs in the sixties and I still love them today!  Only now I wear a replica type clog in the form of a merrell! 

Cupcake was a baby who could crawl so fast I looked haggard chasing her!   One hot summer day her dad was sitting on the couch in his flip flops enjoying a television program when Cupcake motored up to his feet and munched down so hard on his toe he screamed. No toes were safe from that girl until she learned to walk!

Thanks to those who shared your shoe stories and preferences last week!! Do you remember anything you over indulged your child in that has continued  on over the years?

This is my contribution to Icad and Paint party Friday where you can find many more wonderful creatives!! 
 

Summer of color, Paint Party friday Icad

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Pink Trees SOC

 Paint Party Friday and Summer of Color week two, orange and Hot pink!

I'm Happy to say I am all caught up on my Icads/ Index Card Shoe Series! 

Although at times it can seem daunting to find the right words!

I hope you enjoy this rather long post!

On many occasions, unplanned, my friend, whose birthday is eight days after mine,  would be wearing the same color as me! One time we unknowingly bought the exact same shoes for a staff Christmas party.  So  I whipped up a couple of  bows to match my dress and  attached them to my shoes. No one was the wiser, and my friend and I still giggle about it 28 years later!    

 When my daughter was eight I bought her  purple doc martins, it was ridiculously extravagant. But we all enjoyed her wearing those treasures! One of the moms at the school asked if I was an artist because of the way my daughter dressed. I laughed an emphatic "NO"   ten years later I picked up my first paintbrush! 

My  dad only ever  wore black florsheim Imperial Oxfords when he dressed up. Once  they wore out he replaced them with the exact same style,  which he wore until he  died. Can you say boring!

For several years when I was a teen I wore mens leather sandals that crisscrossed a  certain way at the ankle. Wearing them with  bare feet, rain or shine from the beginning of spring right until it snowed.

  I wore flip flops all summer long when I was a little girl.

I constantly stubbed  my toes! 

One time my mom bought shoes for herself but told the cashier they were for me. Frightened she may make me wear them  I yelled out "those aren't for me,". Mom   kicked my leg as a terse warning to shut up. Instead I yelled out "Why did you kick me?" The shoes were cheaper if you were under fourteen, and I was a big girl with a little mom!

 At ten my mom bought me a pair of really sturdy ugly shoes that refused to wear out no matter how much I abused them by jumping in puddles, scuffing my feet, and bending them in half!  All the kids got new shoes at the six month point. I was so disappointed that mine lasted the whole school year!

 When I was eight I had a pair of patent leather shoes.  My friend had saddle shoes, we wanted to be the same so we traded  one shoe. As soon as I left the house I'd be wearing one saddle shoe and one patent leather!

 At eleven I got my first pair of pointed shoes. I was so excited, they were one of my favorite pairs of shoes ever! When I proudly showed my dad, he said I looked like a duck!

When Cupcake was little I once dove to the bottom of a bin digging to find the match for the perfect little lime green jellies. This week, Twenty three years later a trendy young woman just bought the very same shoes in black!

 I have never liked white runners. As a proud twenty four year old I bought a pair of fancy netted pink canvas shoes so I could pitch on a company baseball team. I was embarassed when a young man I admired from afar noticed my inappropriate shoes the moment I hit the field. They were filthy by the end of the game. I tried to wash them  and they shrunk!

Cupcake had the only pair of size twelve  red Fluvogs  shoes shipped across Canada as a wedding gift for Beardo. They both wore red shoes when they said their vows!  He reveres those  red shoes and only wears them for special occasions!

Have my shoe stories sparked any of your own?
Please share!