Too Many Words

self-portrait
Too Many Words

There are still too many words buzzing around in my head to even begin to say what I'd want to today.

I spent the weekend with the lovely Baraka Elihu of WomanSpace, and a beautiful group of women writers, for a retreat so appropriately called Courting the Inner Artist
How inspiring!
And what a learning experience. My head is still spinning.

I felt such admiration for these women!
There were women of all kinds---
Young mothers...one totally devoted to her writing, to the point of scribbling as she wandered the hall during lunch....
Another just finishing her doctorate in anthropology, creating detailed visions for us of her travels to exotic places....Another young single woman, totally adorable, not sure of her direction just now, but absolutely sure that she wants to be in control of it for herself....
Another at mid-life, similar to me....starting to remember.

I realized just how much I miss writing....REAL writing (as opposed to writing strictly for money)
I wrote for survival, for companionship as a young girl, but writing fell by the wayside as I had children, and the demands of life overtook me and swallowed me up.

I realized that I still have something to say.
And that I have a right to say it.

Beautiful Beautiful Women
Rebecca, Katt, Susan, Baraka, Autumn

Art Every Day---DAY 17

As much fun as those journals were to create, I am glad that they're behind me and being loved by those they were created for.

Now it's time to focus on Christmas gifts!
We traditionally create most of our family's gifts, but this year's circumstances dictate that we make as many of our gifts as possible. Fortunately most of the recipients appreciate handmade!

I was just interviewed by a writer from the Athens paper yesterday about "artsy/craftsy Christmases", or How an Artist and Her Family Enjoy Christmas. We've been making ornaments since the first three kids were just toddlers, and have now for many years aspired to gingerbread house building. I'll share some photos (and hilarious stories) later on in the season.

Though I need to make gifts and work on that mural that is waiting, my heart wants to sew....
I feel a strong pull to create something just for me. And of course, my body is screaming "are you crazy???"
We'll see what happens....

But for now, for Art Every Day, here is Phase 3 of the secret Christmas project


I think I liked it more with just the black stamping; what do you think?
I'm also thinking I might enjoy making something to wear from this, painted on a softer fabric, of course.
Ahh well....the next phase of this project involves cutting and sewing, so maybe I'll get my sewing fix there.....hmmmm......We'll see, we'll see.

Art Every Day---DAY 5

I'm loving seeing the variety of art from the participants of Art Every Day!
There were 85 participants listed there last night! 85! How exciting to think of all of us, all over the world, creating together!

More journal pages finished, ready to share this morning.
My girls, just like so many girls these days, struggle with self-esteem issues. I added a little "meat" to these skinny-minny silhouettes I used. And I chose the quotes for their journals carefully. I loved this quote from Dr Seuss--
"You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. You are the guy (girl) who'll decide where to go."

I'm hoping to work on a long-overdue mural later today, and will post photos of it as I work.
What will you create today?

Art Every Day--- DAY 4

stacks of painted papers await embellishment

a finished spread, featuring Queen Hannah
(idea from last issue of Somerset Digital Studio)

It's still Art Every Day month at www.CreativeEveryDay.com. Or rather, it's Day 4 and I'm
still in!
Still working on journal pages, with a few digital note cards thrown in for good measure.

It is decidedly good to hear from other artists that it's ok...no, not just ok....
It's downright IMPORTANT to play, and to sometimes create really bad stuff!

I'm fairly pleased with the way the journals are coming along, but yeah, every now and again, a page is well.....just crap. :D