WingingIt

the Mabel Series and Kickstarter!!

2012-01-15T08:56:00.000-08:00

okay....it has been five months since my last confession...i mean blog. i am not a blogger, i am not a journaler, there i said it! hmmmm....but....i am creative.

i have launched a project on 'Kickstarter' and i have been trying to decide whether to blog about it or not. this morning i decided i would. check out the website....i even made a video!

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/lorrimarie/unblocking-my-arteries

i am creating 30 pieces in 30 days, which has grown to about 90 in 90 now. i am posting a few of the first pieces. this is the only post i will do with the images of the pieces i am making because, i want the project supporters to be surprised by the piece they are getting. this is so much fun i can barely stand it!

what this project has done for me is to allow me to create freely....no worries as to whether the art is worthy of making...will it sell??? i am giving my art away....i am creating the ideas that have been left abandoned over time....being replaced by creations that i thought would sell. it has been like turning on a creative faucet...i LOVE it....

any way....i apologize for not staying on top of this blog....but i have got to go play now!

Listening

2011-07-27T10:59:00.000-07:00

this is my latest mixed media piece....'Listening'...i love her...i have been teaching mixed media for several months now and the class has pushed me to limits that i would never have reached left to my own devices....i love teaching but i challenge myself way more than i challenge the students...it has been great for my own development....i have some down time today so i am using it to play on my computer....enjoy your day!!

Let It Go!!

2011-05-06T06:18:00.000-07:00

letting go of things that we worry about is so hard to do...yet we know that worrying about them solves nothing and we make ourselves a wreck in the process....sooo...i created a 'let it go! box', or book really. i love altering books...they just feel so great...lots of energy locked up inside from so many people that have read it, or owned it, or even just leafed through its pages.

this 'let it go! box' has a slit in the top so that you can write your worries on a piece of paper and slip it inside the box. the box does not open so you cannot 'take it back' either! sometimes i have to write the same thing down several times....trying to let it go each time!

a commission job from a four year old!

2011-05-04T10:17:00.000-07:00

a few weeks ago i was invited to a co-worker's daughter's birthday party....i was specifically invited by the darling 'to-be-four' year old...well....i am not so into store bought gifts so i told the mom that i was going to make her daughter something....'well', i was informed, 'she is into unicorns and that is about all'...hmmmm....never having made a unicorn....i was ready for the challenge....i used my usual 'patch style' and created a unicorn full of personality....(unfortunately i gave it away before i took a picture)...she LOVED it and has ordered a black horse to keep the unicorn company....she sleeps with unicorn every night....i am soooo honored....anyway....here is the black horse...the mane and tail are a fun purple but show up blue in the photo....i cannot wait to deliver the horse to the four year girl....

on line silliness class

2011-05-01T17:32:00.000-07:00

so this is the 'test' work sheet...which i promptly renamed as a 'play' sheet! the class starts may 4th and i am totally looking forward to it...so....this sheet came with one bird...one critter and some blank lines...i had fun...for more information on the class or to even sign up...http://carlasonheim.wordpress.com/2011/03/31/silly-4-registration-is-open/

i am ready to be a SQueen...Silly Queen!!

altered book

2011-05-01T17:23:00.001-07:00

I love altering books!!! i have just started this one but it is coming along quite nicely...the end project? oh no you don't get to ruin the surprise....besides....i am just winging it....as usual!!!!

an online class...yahoo!

2011-04-29T07:26:00.001-07:00

i have signed up for an online class with Carla Sonheim...she inspired my doodling while i was in greece...i even got to share that doodling with my sister in greece...what a gift....anyway...i love her style and i am so looking forward to taking the class....'the art of silliness'...sounds right up my alley! thanks to all the artists out there that encourage silliness and daily mistake making!!! it is so nice to know that i am NOT alone!

gotta love commission work!

2011-04-28T05:15:00.000-07:00

i have a friend who is healing from a broken heart...she found this image and asked me if i could paint it....usually commission work is hard for me...but this piece was really fun....i took 'mixed media' literally and started out with water colors, added a patch of polka dot paper, stitched it on, added a real bandage, and finished the piece with stabilo crayons....low lighting with stabilo pencil and water....very fun....sorry for the broken heart...but what a fun project!

Thank You

2011-04-27T05:33:00.001-07:00

Thank you to all my loved ones for the birthday wishes....i received so many greetings from Facebook, phone calls and snail mail cards....you have enhanced my life more than you know!!! Thank you for the boots, the flowers, the living plant, the colorful tote bag, the money and the wonderful celebration filled with many gifts (my favorite being my coffee mug!)....you know who you are...i love you all!!!

57 never felt so good!!!

2011-04-20T09:25:00.001-07:00

oh yes....i am a mere 57 today and it never felt so good!!! i have heard from many loved ones all over the world...thank you for being in my life...i woke up this morning at three and ofcourse my darling husband had the tables decorated for m birthday....thank you darling! i received cards and gifts from many....i got a new coffee mug that holds 21 ounces of fresh hot coffee....LOVE it! and my sister has made sure my feet are toasty with some new KEEN boots, i broke those in wearing them in greece...how perfect!

so thank you for all the love....i am humbled by your comments on my Facebook and i appreciate my friendships with you more than you could ever know...

my heart is very full today! happy 57th to me!!!

Greece

2011-04-12T04:49:00.001-07:00

ahhhh....vacation! my husband and i just returned from a glorious week in Greece...what? A dream come true! we met my sister, brother-in-law and my dad in Thira, Greece. on the island of Santarini. unbelievable! we have over five hundred photos to go through and pick out the 'best' ones. we arrived before the tourist season began, so we nearly had the shops, eateries, and beaches to ourselves! what a delight.

my favorite part? exploring the little fishing village, Amoudi.

it is true, there is no place like home, but now a bit of Greece is living here in California with me!!!

it's raining, it's pouring

2011-03-26T06:23:00.001-07:00

i am doing my first fair of the year today....and yuck....it is still pouring!

this is the newest generation of monsters....they are 'Dashboard Demons'...yes..they sit on your dash...so much fun!

anyway....everybody is packed and ready to go...the hostess of SWAN (support women artists now) has found a warehouse for us to show our wares in today, out of the rain...ahhhh!

so if you are out and about..333 Ferry Street in Martinez, California....come see me and my Monsters!!!

keeping me on my toes!

2011-03-09T12:06:00.000-08:00

the mixed media class that i am teaching is keeping me on my toes! they are devouring every project i set in front of them,,,i love it...

so this morning i decided to go back to grade school and use a paper bag as my canvas..what a treat! i used acrylic, a poem, 'the hat lover's lament', some burlap and my sewing machine....vioala...too much fun!!! (and too cool to use for a bag!)

Greencraft Magazine Ta Da!!

2011-03-07T05:06:00.001-08:00

so i went to barnes and noble yesterday and finally bought the current 'greencraft magazine' and ta da! there are my pants and my article! they did a great job with the photography and the model looks way better in the pants than i do....hmmmmm...the magazine has some amazing things in it and i have devoured every page. i did learn that it is okay to get flowery and toot your horn loudly when you are submitting your artwork....they ask you to write about yourself...once again i had little to say about myself in comparison to the other creators in the magazine....next time i will blow my horn my loudly....don't misunderstand me...the article is adorable....but i could have done a bit better in describing my juicy passions around my creating....next time!

looking for the right words

2011-03-02T03:35:00.001-08:00

i got to play a bit yesterday after a full day of work, coffee with a delicious friend, the dentist, and having my #4 son over for grilled ahi! a great day! the piece is done except for some fun words...i just have not been able to take the time to hunt for the words yet. i have my class tonight and i will be teaching them another layering technique....they are sooooo wonderful! we are more than halfway through the class and they have asked me to teach another class...i love it....it has kept me on my toes, creating, creating, creating!

so....here are the girls that i gather with every six weeks. starting from the left...meet

Lorrie, Lauren, Kris-ten, Myself, and Mika....they are truly precious to me!!!

no time to play this morning! wah

2011-03-01T04:17:00.001-08:00

i got to play a bit yesterday but this morning i am running a bit late.....i have incorporated some pilates into my morning routine...trying to relieve some pain in my back by strengthening my core muscles...but the trade off is...no play time before work....i got some of the hair going now....the one on the right is too dark and flat for me....hmmmm....i will work on that....they are coming together nicely...i love the process and i have enjoyed documenting it with you....have a great day!

the girls are coming to life!!

2011-02-28T06:42:00.001-08:00

oh yes they are!!!

this photo is a bit dark....maybe tomorrow's will be better!

anyway....the girls are starting to get their personalities...i am inspired by the four female artists that are contributing to this book...any similarities to thosebeautiful women? purely a coincidence! or is it??

gotta go to work....wah!

2011-02-27T05:17:00.001-08:00

got up early so i could play a bit before work...i am having too much fun to head off to work....but...yeah...reality!

my girls are coming along nicely and they will be here when i get home today, right??

have a great sunday and may your dreams come true today!

finally....the book!!!

2011-02-26T17:38:00.000-08:00

i am

lucky enough to have four delicious women in my life that are willing to get together every six weeks and play, create, cry and inspire one another....

we started a book project over a year ago, each one of taking a chunky page of a VERY large book, and doing with it what we want...i am humbled by their artwork, but i carry on....

i have had the book for over two months and had not started it yet....yikes...they were understanding and said to take my time...well....the mixed media class that i am teaching has thrown me back into that realm....thank goodness...and YESS...i have started the book....using the techniques that i am using in my class....here are where the book is today....i am having a blast...as usual, right?!

dashboard demons/dashboard divas

2011-02-25T06:18:00.001-08:00

oh my goodness i am having way too much fun!

the front row of monsters are the dashboard demons...they are half filled with rice with a velco sticker on their bottoms so they will stay put on your dashboard....i am loving them...and my new favorite fabric is FLEECE! love it....

maybe someday soon i will get these listed on etsy...but until then...i am gonna play!

Greencraft Magazine

2011-02-14T18:10:00.001-08:00

that is right!! the newest edition of 'greencraft' has hit the bookstores and i have a couple of patched pants in there! wow....i have not seen them yet, but i hear they look pretty good...and there is a fun story about 'yours truly' too...if you get to a bookstore...check it out....i know i am going to!!!!

"A Remarkable Peaceful Journey" mixed media class

2011-02-07T16:49:00.001-08:00

i am teaching a mixed media class here in benicia starting wednesday night. Kelly Rae Roberts has been such an inspiration to me, and i am using some of her techniques in the classroom.....thank you Kelly Rae. i am very excited to share these simple techniques with others....before i tried Kelly Rae's great tips, i could not draw a face...now...voila!

we are starting out the class by answering three questions

1. I feel fearless and creative when.

2. I am afraid to make mistakes in my creative art work because..

3. If I were not afraid, I would…

the "B'Mine" Series!!!

2011-01-17T17:14:00.001-08:00

i am in love with the new series of monsters!!! they are the valentine series called "B'Mine". I have sold several all ready...i am supposed to be making them for a store but i cannot keep them quiet...they are screaming to be adopted! anyway...from reptiles, owls, girls and skullies...these monsters are a lot of fun! i might get some on etsy...but who knows...it is still quite foggy here...another great day to play in the studio!!

ahhhhh that is better!!!

2011-01-13T17:40:00.001-08:00

now this is how my studio should look, right??

i am once again having a blast with my monster dolls, and that means a lot of fabric strewn everywhere...gotta see my choices, right?

if someone wants to see the house...there is a big basket that all the evidence of my fun can be shoved into..and then into the closet with it!

it is rainy here...i have tomorrow off....and i have four new monster dolls for my husband to stuff for me....this guy is not done yet...but here is a skin from the "B'Mine" Series that is being sent to Dandy Lion's Boutique!

finding a new niche

2011-01-11T19:42:00.001-08:00

okay, so i have not gotten away from the dolls....but now i am trying some new things and finding out what feels fun....i am represented in Dandy Lion in the Midwest and they have requested some valentine dolls....so here is the "B'Mine" series....

big eyes....gotta love them!

teaching a mixed media collage class!!!

2011-01-10T18:41:00.000-08:00

________________________________________________

MIXED MEDIA COLLAGE: WINGING IT

Learn layering techniques, the use of color, and have fun with mixed media supplies you probably have at home. We will use old books, favorite images from various sources, family pictures or small artwork that you have created. We will get messy, inspire one another, and learn to accept that there are no mistakes while creating collage work. We’ll start by getting to know each other, setting goals and looking over the supply list and looking at some samples of the instructor’s collage work.

Instructor: Lorri-Marie Jenkins

Wednesdays, Feb 3- March 10, 6:30 - 9 pm

Fee: $60 member | $70 non-member

Six 2.5-hour sessions

Lorri-Marie Jenkins, a self-taught artist, has been a part of the Benicia Community for over 20 years. She has managed and was a chef for the First Street Café. She opened her own catering company, “Some Enchanted Eatings”, and managed an art gallery in the home she shares with her artist-husband Rob Jenkins. After raising four boys, she found a lot of creative time on her hands. Being a woman of great ideas and little money, she chose ‘found object’ artwork. Lorri-Marie started creating found object sculptures in 2004. She now finds great pleasure in mixed-media collage work, fiber work and playing with what other people consider ‘trash’. She loves sharing her ideas, her supplies, and her studio with other playful artists. She finds that she is usually the student, not the teacher! See: Wingingit-Wingingit.blogspot.com

terrible tragedy

2011-01-08T18:41:00.000-08:00

i am proud of myself for not following the news....i am just better off not knowing all the bad news...but today is a sad day in arizona....the shooting of their congresswoman. i would not know about this event except my eldest son was first on the scene as an EMT and a Firefighter. i got to speak with him this evening...he is a good man...i am glad he was there to help others...but this event has changed the lives of many, many people.

i am praying for all the loved ones that have been affected...

and i am proud to be Jeremy's Mom!

here is a photo of Jeremy, his wife Jeannie, daughters Sophia and Violet.

I am in love with this family!

yikes....a foto AND a biography....blah!

2011-01-08T04:20:00.001-08:00

i have been asked to teach a mixed media class at Arts Benicia, here in town. they need a photo and a biography....ooooo....not so good at that....all info was on my husband's computer that crashed after a power surge a couple months ago....

so winging it at it's finest...

i took a photo of myself in my bathroom this morning and made an attempt at a bio....blah!

My motto is ‘Winging It”

Lorri-Marie, a self taught artist, has been a part of the Benicia Community for over 20 years. From managing First Street Café, to being a chef there…then she opened her own catering company, “some enchanted eatings’, then on to having an art gallery in the home she shares with her artist-husband Rob Jenkins.

After raising four boys, she found a lot of creative time on her hands. Being a woman of great ideas and little money, she chose ‘found object’ artwork.

Lorri-Marie started creating found object sculptures in 2004. She now finds great pleasure in mixed media collage work, fiber work and just playing with what other people consider ‘trash’.

She loves sharing her ideas, her supplies, and her studio with other playful artists. She finds that she is usually the student, not the teacher!

Wingingit-Wingingit.blogspot.com

LorriMarie.etsy.com

lorrimarie@sbcglobal.net

an open house? yikes!

2011-01-07T06:32:00.000-08:00

oh my goodness.....we are showing the house tomorrow and an open house on sunday! my studio looks like it ate too much fabric and has thrown up on itself! yikes....

i am having so much fun with the new dolls that i cannot bear to stop and clean up!

well....here is to hoping the house sells....oh yes...i will clean up the studio...again!

happy new year!!!

2011-01-06T20:09:00.000-08:00

has it been that long since i blogged....really?

well....the house is one the market....we are actively looking for a new home in martinez, ca...i have sold almost all of the mini monster key fobs...and sworn off monsters forever...well....until tonight!

i have been invited back to a fun open studios in june and they want what? you guessed it....monster dolls....sooooo....with new courageous ideas in mind...here we go!

may all your dreams come true this year...2011....

it is time for our holiday arts and crafts fair!!!

2010-11-28T18:51:00.001-08:00

yippeeeee!!! a few of my artsy/crafty friends are doing a holiday fair again...it is always so much fun....we have it here at my house. we warm up spiced cider and serve cookies....there are so many goodies to choose from and everything is priced affordably under $50! i wish you could all come and see the fantastic workmanship that these ladies have in their jewelry, clothes, purses, hair pieces, and of course my monsters will be there!

let the parties begin!

making little girl headbands!

2010-11-24T05:48:00.000-08:00

happy thanksgiving everyone!!!

my in-laws flew in from chicago yesterday and i dragged them through 'show and tell' of all the goodies i have made...they were very good about it...really!

up early this morning with lots of ideas rolling around in my head....so here is the first project of the day....a little girl's headband! the fun, sparkly fabric is actually floral wrap...fun huh? i got the extras from work with high hopes of something entertaining....and voila!

my studio is entirely packed up so i have to keep opening up the boxes looking for that perfect something-something to complete a thought...

enjoy your holiday....so many things to be thankful for!!

bloom where you are planted

2010-11-20T17:16:00.001-08:00

on my walk with savannah yesterday i spotted a pile of cacti that had been cut down. it was apparent that it had been a while, since the cactus bodies were withered and yellowing....but that did not stop this fantastic bloom...it just reminded me how powerful our will to survive can be!

i have always been one to 'bloom where i am planted' and i am busy cutting the strings from the house we are in and moving on to the next adventure. soooooo exciting!

a little child shall lead them....

2010-11-18T17:36:00.000-08:00

i have been invited to a baby shower on saturday and i love to create for the new little beings that are coming forth. and i know that there will be plenty of baby photos to be put into frames. i made this fun frame for 'parker'...great name huh? i love the frame with it's scrabble pieces spelling out his name. he is due to arrive in a few weeks....so exciting!

all is well here....took a few days off from the purging, but did some organizing....i am sooooo excited to move into a smaller house....and in the neighborhood of some really great friends too....no we have not found the house YET....but it is like a twinkling star in the sky.....waiting, pulsating...ready for us to be ready for it! how can that NOT be exciting?!

rain? bring it on!!!!

2010-11-15T18:54:00.001-08:00

last year when we worked the berkeley arts and crafts show it rained, and rained.....i was ill prepared with no rain boots....yuck! but not so this year...i found these fun loving rain boots in the kids section of a department store. one of the things i really like about them is that they do not go up to my knees....they are loose and fit the way i remember my rain boots fitting as a kid! soooo....rain? bring it on! (although our sunny california was about 80 degrees today!)

what a fun day!

2010-11-12T17:13:00.000-08:00

i loved today....got to have lots of miracles happen in front of me!

i got to talk to my favorite sissy in jordan, she is always a delight! then i got to help someone set up their etsy shop....two 'girls' sitting at a table at starbucks with our noses buried in each others laptop computers. both of us wearing clothes that we had re-designed, sipping on 'overpriced' coffee....it was great fun! she got her shop set up and has listed four items..woot woot!

then i decided what i was going to make for my precious grand daughter Violet...i am going to make one of my fabric flowers and put it on an elastic band for a head band for her....she is a darling 3 year old blonde....how cute will that be?

then, while playing at starbucks, i ran into the antique dealer i wanted to talk to about some of our antique furniture. we are downsizing and there will only be room for the functional furniture. she said she will swing by next week....yippppeeee

and i also ran into a realtor that might have someone that interested in our house.....no peeking until after thanksgiving tho....

what a grand day!!!

and now a day off???

2010-11-10T03:59:00.001-08:00

this is a fun 'vintage style note book' i fell in love with this image and had to do something with it. i had an old leather 'date book' or 'note book'. it has room for a spiral notebook and identification, etc. the leather is so soft and yummy. it measures about 8"x6" and i am going to list it in my etsy shop today. my studio is a MESS and i am supposed to be organizing it....yikes! i am so easily distracted by fun things to do!!!!!! ooh and the rain definitely makes me wanna snuggle down in my studio with some fun music and more projects....well i have committed to packing one box today....i best get to it!

day light savings time.....arg!!

2010-11-08T18:20:00.000-08:00

so i guess my darling little pooch did not get the memo about daylight savings time....this morning at two o'clock? oh yeah baby! "c'mon mama....get up....feed me....walk me...." so....you bet i did!

the local police man must have thought i was out of my mind, stone sober, walking my dog at two o'clock in the morning! ha!

so.....oh yes...even more time to play today right? i am having a blast with the recent series of flowers....they will be going to berkeley with me to the arts/crafts shows there in december...plus i think i will be holding a holiday arts/crafts show here in the casa....soon!!

enjoy that daylight savings time...i know savannah and i are!

another delicious day!

2010-11-07T17:27:00.001-08:00

happy rainy sunday!!!!

after work today i got to gather with my great friend and off to IKEA we went....only a best friend would accompany you on an adventure to IKEA. i needed to purchase some window dressings for our rental...making it look yummy before the 'for sale' sign goes up!

now i am in the studio filling my 'one box a day'...the studio is the hardest. i am having my artist girls over the first weekend in december and they can go through the things that are not going to make the move with me....it helps to know that the mixed media goodies will be adopted by good friends!!!

enjoy your cozy evening!

chaotic clutter

2010-11-05T05:45:00.000-07:00

so i am preparing the house to list it for sale this month....oh my goodness....that means it is time to organize the studio....what? i have been purging and organizing one drawer or one cupboard at a time....other wise i get so overwhelmed.....well today it is time to start the studio....sounds like fun? hmmmmm.....okay....whatever i say, right? i have many people in my life that will use the things that i have not used in my creative world....yet...so that makes me feel good. i will tackle one shelf or drawer today....i am not going to tackle the floor, that is where all the good stuff is!!!

something new!!!

2010-11-02T17:47:00.000-07:00

with a few weeks left before the holiday fairs, and many-many-many monster dolls available....what is a girl to do? ahhhh.....take the leftover fabric, singe the edges, add some beads, and voila! a fantastic flower broche! oh yes, i am in love with these unique, oaak pins that look great on lapels, hats, purses, and the hem of a sweater or skirt....limitless places for these wonderful embellishments, really!!

life is great when i listen to my creative self...

back on my feet again!

2010-11-01T17:14:00.001-07:00

five days later and i am nearly back to normal! went back to work today, and that felt good.

this is a photo of the art teacher and one of her students....it was pat's birthday and this is the amazing cake this student created for her! i have one more visit with the kids, we will be waxing their secret compartment books...it has been so much fun working with them.

i was down for the count on saturday night....a big event....girl's roller derby in richmond, california. i was to wear my fun costume and sell lots of monsters....it was halloween after all...the monsters LOVE halloween! but no go for this girl. so my darling husband dressed up as a 'white collar' zombie and he sold lots of monsters!

i did not get to wear my fun costume....i listed it on freecycle and it was claimed by an adorable teenage girl....it made me feel so good to see her eyes light up when she saw the 'princess of flowers' costume...

life is grand today!

flat on my back

2010-10-30T11:29:00.000-07:00

my back seized up on tuesday and i have been in bed ever since...yikes! i have a fair at a local roller derby event tonight and there is no way! wah!

i am hoping my darling husband will take on the task of adopting out many of the little monsters....it is a costume event...my costume is ready....me? not so much!

so i posted a picture of happier times...my sister and i in bisbee, arizona...on a rainy day...at the vintage trailer park. the memory makes me smile....

i am heavily medicated so that i can rest...something i am not too good at really! better everyday, right? have a good weekend!

the things we find while purging!

2010-10-27T05:52:00.001-07:00

i found these fun, fuzzy monster pins while purging. i had forgotten about them, and when i saw them, i instantly fell back in love with them. but they had been forgotten....sad. well, they are in the forefront of my mind today! i will list them on etsy for a few bucks and maybe they will be adopted soon....

i get to go play with the eighth graders again today....how fun!

there is a box of 'freebies' at the end of my driveway....it is like the black hole there...i put things out and they disappear almost at once...i am glad not to throw things away....yikes...heaven forbid!!

i have today off with a 'to do' list as long as my arm....so i best get to it! have a wonderful day...

and then there was Marta

2010-10-25T17:48:00.001-07:00

i have someone interested in a girl, mini monster key fob...viola....Marta. i am hoping the vintage pink lace makes her look like a girl...we shall see....

still purging the house a drawer at a time. i purge, i clean, i list the goodies on 'freecycle' and away they go...ahhhhh....

the studio is going to be the biggest challenge. i have two dressers....one for fabric and one for mixed media...if it does not fit in the appropriate dresser....it does not go to the new house! i am having a play date with the girls on december 4th and they are going to be exposed to a plethora of 'stuff'...and i expect them to take lots of goodies home with them....until then? i will purge a drawer at a time!

big hugs to all...

the queen

2010-10-24T04:19:00.001-07:00

i am adding fun flowers to the full half slip that is to be my costume for halloween....i thought i was going to be a princess of some sort. but...yesterday while talking to a girl child about her costume...i revealed my idea....oh no! she said with enthusiasm....you must be a QUEEN! i like that a lot....i can feel my queenship right down to my toes....sooo...a queen i shall be!!!

see you tomorrow...

working with eighth graders!

2010-10-22T13:14:00.001-07:00

these are photos from a local middle school where i have the opportunity to teach some wonderful eighth graders how to make a secret compartment books. these are photos from our second week....i think they are finally getting used to looking at me. i am having the time of my life!!! i committed to three sessions, this wednesday is our last class together and i am not ready to stop seeing them....i will get photos of their completed books to share with you...i am loving these kids....they have not yet learned that there are no mistakes in art....especially when i am the instructor!!!

happy weekend!

gotta start someplace!

2010-10-21T19:00:00.000-07:00

so this is the beginning of my halloween costume! i was given a half slip that was worn under a wedding dress....it fits me more like a dress....so i have put some elastic straps on it...next i will embellish a tiny bit with some handmade flowers...and i will make a headband to match....i cannot wait to see how this turns out...we are encouraged to wear costumes to work on halloween and i am gonna do just that!!! all right...i had better get to making some flowers!!

today was my friday and i have set up to have coffee with my best friend tomorrow...now that is exciting...

life feels really good right now...i am like a kid in the morning....i cannot wait to get up and start playing....ahhhhh!!!

ahhh....a day off??

2010-10-20T19:24:00.000-07:00

i swear...we work harder on our days off don't we? well mine started out with savannah needing to start her day at three...doesn't she take a day off? got 'judo' off on his journey to new mexico, dropped a self addressed envelope off to a shoppe in washington (hoping that will make it easier for them to send the check that has been promised since august)...cleaned out a drawer and made up a 'freebie' box by the road...went to the middle school to teach eighth graders how to make secret compartment books, (this was our second out of three classes)...the kids are great!!!

then it was nap time...ahhh indeed! then i finished this reconstruction job on a pair of jeans that belong to a coworker. the length was too short for her,sooo, viola...capris. And, there was a gaping rip in the upper left thigh....what a great place to have fun with 'LOVE' patches.

i wanted to share my day with you....and now i am going to call in DONE!

enjoy life....it is pretty terrific!!

judo moves to new mexico!

2010-10-19T20:17:00.001-07:00

etsy has been very good to me....little judo has just been adopted by a family in new mexico....he starts his road trip tomorrow. how exciting for him/her...gender is to be determined by his new family.

had a great day today...started in the usual fashion of walking the dog at three this morning...usual work day....then off to my american sign language class. i am having a blast learning a foreign language, but the quizzes just about paralyze me. well i got a terrific grade on my latest quiz. my teacher said she was very proud of me....me too!!! then home to daily chores here and i even got to do a haircut. (another fun thing i get to do...and make money too) cleaned out another drawer and now exhausted i blog....but i did it today, right? sweet dreams to all!

halloween time!!

2010-10-18T19:09:00.000-07:00

this divine, creepy photo was taken by my darling husband in his studio....how divine!!! the sun was just right to capture the spider web in its full array of chaos!

we have, as empty nesters, to sell the big house and move into a smaller house with a smaller yard....and smaller monthly payments! we are going to rent for a while and TRAVEL! there is a whole world out there...rob and i great traveling partners, soooo....i am purging the house, one drawer at a time. we will list the house right around the thanksgiving holiday...we are very excited!!! it feels a bit naughty, not doing what my parents did....hold the same job for life, (be a company man), buy a house...even pay that house off in my life time...hmmmm...

so we are on to the next chapter of our lives! create your own joy!!!

a monster in a tutu?

2010-10-17T18:13:00.000-07:00

here is one of my latest creations...i am still making the mini monsters with heart...key fobs....i have several fairs coming up...and once again...i think these 200 monsters will be my last...tee hee!

had a great day....got to work and THEN....got to go over to an artist friend's of mine for our monthly play date...ahhhhh! the ride over and back was great...it gave me time to visit with one of my favorite people...and then a few hours of playing, creating, laughing and being inspired by the girls.

we have a big book project where we take turns filling the pages with our own creations...it is my turn again, so i will get some photos for you...hope your weekend was grand!!!

recycling--loving it!

2010-10-15T10:50:00.000-07:00

so i took a pair of blue jean cut offs, added patches, patches, patches, and an exposed zipper replaced the broken one. wow....i love this skirt! the cut offs, zipper and all the patches have been 'up-cycled'. as you can see there are some fun fabric pieces on this skirt. the waist band (hangs on hips a bit) measures 34"...hip line, 40"...front length, 18"...the back to hemline is 40", it flares a bit for a rustic, feminine look. it has gone through the washer and dryer twice to get the real 'frayed' look of the patches.

i had a lot of fun making this skirt....you might remember the pants i made for my best friend? this was a snap...no legs to deal with!

have a great friday!!

i am trying!!1

2010-10-14T19:20:00.001-07:00

i am trying to blog everyday....hmmm....i guess i now have one in a row. it is so hard for me to think that what is happening in my life at this point is interesting enough to blog....get up, walk the dog, go to work, come home, nap, bathe the dog, walk the dog, make a monster....exhausted...go to bed....

but in there someplace i have visited with friends that have made a difference in my life....someplace in there i have (hopefully) passed my ASL (american sign language) quiz, well, she calls it a quiz...yikes, what will the exam be like? someplace in there i have contacted a local roller derby queen to see if i can be a vendor at their halloween event....someplace in there i have talked to my darling granddaughters while there were in disneyland....someplace in there......well...you get the idea....so...with the help of my blog i am going to look at the interesting things that are going on in my life....thank you lorrie for your undying support....and julie for the 'oh yeah!'

A Harmonizing Weekend

2010-10-13T10:06:00.001-07:00

my darling husband and I drove down to bakersfield, california to hear my 83 year old father participate in a 'barbershop' competition. what an amazing world that is!!! young men that could be part of 'boyz to men' right up to those men that need to sit on stage, cuz standing that long is impossible...most amazing performances!!

this photo is my sister from michigan on the left, my papa from arizona, me and my darling husband rob from california...

if you ever have the opportunity to listen to these harmonizers, don't miss it!!! Just AMAZING!!!

oh yeah baby!!!

2010-09-03T10:10:00.001-07:00

soooo....this is how the story goes. i love to patch/embellish jeans. i do my own...i do my coworkers and their friends (for a small fee, ofcourse)...then one day while at work...a customer was walking toward me in what?...patched jeans....maybe six cute little patches. i said, 'love your jeans...did you do that?'...'oh no', she replied...'i am not that creative....i bought them at.............The GAP' what? oh no, my patched/embellished jeans have gone mainstream! so...patches, smatches....i started covering pants completely with patches...try that The GAP! i have been having a blast! i am sending two pair off for possible publication in 'GreenCraft' magazine. the pants that are on this blog are a commission job for my best friend Lorrie. she has not seen them yet....i put a little packet of lavender in the hip pocket and they will be delivered on sunday....i cannot wait to see her face....that is right bloggers...you get to see them before she does....but i warned her of that!

happy creating everyone...and sorry i have been out of touch for soooooo long...

home from my travels

2010-07-29T05:07:00.001-07:00

i went to arizona and spent a few days with my sissy and my neice...what a great time we had....lots of highlights! haircuts, hair coloring, facial masks, arts and crafts, and laughing together until we almost wet our pants!

one day we took a road trip to bisbee, arizona. ever hear of it? anyway...my sissy and i stayed at the Shady Dell. a vintage trailer park. you can rent these amazing old 'airstreams' for a night, a week, a month....we stayed one night...what a great walk down memory lane...actually i have no memories of ever staying in one of these trailers as a youngster...but....if i had....it would have felt just like this...it rained a bit while we were there, we sipped on bubbly water, ate cinnamon roasted cashews, and played games. there was an old graveyard next to the park and we trompsed through that by the light of a full moon. the next morning we ate at 'dot's' diner...right there on the grounds, also a vintage experience. this little 'shady dell' was on my bucket list...and it more than met my expectations....thank you to jennifer and justin for being so creative with the trailers....it was totally a step back in time...to when things were a bit more simple....i loved it!!!!!

commission piece

2010-07-13T19:50:00.001-07:00

my friend's son is celebrating a very important day in his life....so she has commissioned me to cover a book of his. here it is....mixed media....acrylic, watercolor, ink, glitter, charcoal, and, ofcourse it has been glazed with organic beeswax! LOVE that beeswax!

looking for arts and crafts fairs

2010-07-13T19:36:00.001-07:00

okay...i have lots of mini monsters up for adoption....anybody know of any arts and crafts fairs coming up in the San Francisco area? we did well in the berkeley area.....help! i am lots of lookers on etsy but not much selling action....any tips? thanks fellow bloggers!

happy saturday!

2010-07-10T17:10:00.001-07:00

i have fridays and saturdays off now....i have returned to a five day work week....that is okay for now..at any rate...i have had a great weekend...not over til bedtime tonight, right?? so rob and i have knuckled down and created a new crop of mini monster key fobs. now i get to photograph them and get them into my etsy shop. i have 'pandora' playing on my laptop to keep me focused and entertained....gotta love 'pandora'...so...i have procrastinated as long as i can...away i go!

I made it into "Stuffed" Magazine!!!

2010-07-08T04:41:00.000-07:00

WOW! I got my current edition of 'Stuffed' Magazine....and there they are...my mini monsters with heart (key fobs)...on page 132...amongst many fun filled pages of stuffies! what an honor! we are there in the gallery....with a little article on how those monsters are assembled...how fun is that! ENJOY!

(i am so excited that my monsters got published!)

gotta love etsy!!!

2010-06-25T04:31:00.001-07:00

this is colby....he is a special order for a young boys birthday...this person found me on etsy....thank you etsy. i would like to list it on etsy and mark as saved so this person can just go through paypal but i have not figured that one out yet...hmmmm....anybody got the answer?

i have today off from work and i need to get ready for a big fair weekend....i wish i had more purses to sell...but alas....

have a great and creative day!

now what????

2010-06-23T20:41:00.000-07:00

so back at the sewing machine i find myself....i am working at the mixed media AND sewing...so....i got this fun project done....inspired by chris roberts-anieau (no comparison to her artwork might i say....but inspired by her) and now i have a red piece of fabric with one of my fun girls appliqued to it....my question is....what next? i am looking for fun ideas, so if you have some....i would love to hear them....this is priscilla...she has not been embellished with vintage buttons yet...but she is a cutie pie...with her checked wings...love her....she measures about 17" x 11"...a wall hanging would be fun...i just do not know what my next step is...sooo....help!

happy anniversary!!!

2010-06-21T20:39:00.000-07:00

today rob and i celebrate seven years of marriage....a very fast seven years! full of travels, victories, lessons, inspirations, tears and laughter.....but most of all....it has been seven years of peace with this man....he is wonderful. we have invested in a new roof as of late....no budget of a dinner out...sooo...my darling husband got out a long ladder...we climbed up on the roof and drank a toast to...the new roof....and seven wonderful years....thank you rob for making my life better!!!

oh no ....not the sewing machine again!!!

2010-06-19T18:49:00.001-07:00

okay.....so i have a million projects going at one time and that darned sewing machine will not leave me alone!!! so this is my first real attempt at quilting-applique..this is a purse for your favorite teacher! i had some apple fabric....so away i went...her face is appliqued on (complete with sexy lips and sunglasses) and then she has crazy, loopy hair...i love her, but i hope she does not live here long! she took a while to make...will i try again? who knows...but i love her just the same!

meet the girls

2010-06-18T06:30:00.000-07:00

ahhhh....i have been playing with my mixed media and it feels good....the room is full of fabric but my heart is not in the dolls right now....i have a couple of fairs coming up....hmmmmm....i am thinking of taking tiny easels and setting up the girls as 'small art'...they are also greeting cards with a place to write a greeting on the back...how much will someone pay for a 'small art' mixed media piece? hmmm....i never know how to price things!

the image on the left is on an easel and has been glazed with organic honey bee wax....love that wax....she is now listed on etsy for 22.....good luck to her!!

i have a good inventory of the dolls to sell....and the mixed media is screaming my name right now....so....i have today off with my darling husband and we are going to play...together...separately....ha! have a great weekend!

what? a playdate with the girls!

2010-06-12T11:47:00.000-07:00

ahhhh...today is the day to hang out with the girls and take on the task of listing things on etsy! boring to do by myself, but it should go fast with the distraction of the girls and the inspiration!! oh...and i brought my hula hoop and some hooping music...how fun is that?

so here is hanna...the first mini monster fob to be listed today....thanks for being here!!!

and the winner is...

2010-06-07T18:48:00.000-07:00

georgina of lloronaarts.blogspot.com is the winner of the 200+ blog giveaway....thanks for all your support!! i will be sending this her way as soon as possible....loving you georgina! hang in there...your creativity is just on a little vacation!!!

amazing weekend!!!

2010-06-07T04:58:00.001-07:00

ahhhh....lots of art...amazing art....sunshine, community and inspiration this weekend! i got to hang out with ten incredible artists in richmond, california. don and melissa opened their lovely home and cactus filled property to us and promoted an eye popping open studios. we all showed up saturday morning with high hopes of sunshine and lots of sales. i think no one was disappointed! one of the metal purses wanted to come home with me again this year, but there was this voice in the back of my head screaming 'roof! roof! roof!' so i did not buy anything...wah...but we are hundreds of dollars closer to our new roof....aaah!

and....if anyone sees the new 'stuffed' magazine? i am in it....have not been able to find it...yet!

Big Day Today!!

2010-06-05T06:24:00.001-07:00

heading out soon to the big event of the year...east bay open studios. i am honored to be amongst these artists this weekend...they are amazing! the address is 674 35th street in richmond, california. if you are in the neighborhood, stop by. amazing art, and yes....food and beer! i hope to have many monsters adopted today!

i could not help myself!!

2010-06-04T06:59:00.001-07:00

i love bags....all kinds of bags...back packs...reusable grocery bags....purses....heck even brown bags...i love them....i have a crazy collection of bags that i could never fill...hmmmmm.....so last night.....i made a bag...i have been carrying a fun yellow and black striped purse...for nearly a year...hmmmm....time to change....i have a big open studios tomorrow and i just wanted to have something fun....so....out comes the sewing machine...old jeans...and imagination...i love this bag...but i am as fickle as can be...but for today....she is my new favorite bag!!!

200+ post giveaway

2010-06-03T04:45:00.000-07:00

Really? my last blog was my 200th posting...wow...that went very fast...and so much has happened within that time span. i am giving away a hand made card for the celebration of my 200+ blog. just leave a comment and i will pick the winner on monday. i will contact the winner and get the information i need....how fun!

all is well here....i am texting cameron everyday to tell him that i love him....i am not hearing much back from him....but that is not the point....the point is that he knows he is loved.

a day to remember our loved ones....

2010-05-31T18:43:00.001-07:00

i did get to work today...but this evening i have had a bit of time to reflect on this memorial day...in the past i thought it was strictly for our armed forces that have passed on..those that have protected their country in some form....i do not know if that is true or not....but today....i am remembering all my loved ones...those that are still walking on this earth and those that are not....i am blessed with so many wonderful people. thank you all for being part of my life...my life is richer because of the people that surround me...their love, thoughts, inspirations, experiences and patience.

i have been trying to figure out whether to contact my cameron....it is now working up to six weeks since he left. what i know is when the answer comes on what i need to do....i cannot 'not' do it. what became clear to me is this...NO ONE should ever feel like their mother does not love them....NO ONE...i wanted to make sure that cameron knows that i deeply love him....mad at him? perhaps...but i love him....anyway...i texted him...with no expectations....i told him i was holding him in my heart today and i loved him deeply...and to my surprise...he texted back....love you too mom...thanks....wow...break through? i think not....but atleast he knows in his heart that his mother loves him....quite a memorial day!

steam punk hamlet??

2010-05-29T07:54:00.000-07:00

yesterday my darling husband and i had the day off together....i played with my 'other' best friend until he got up...we got a text in the middle of the day....'i just found a 'steampunk hamlet' wanna go? hecks yeah! it was a very small theatre in concord that i did not even know existed. the actors were dressed...yes...in steampunk attire. the delivery of the play was magnificent!!! i am so glad i peeled myself out of the house for this play!
earlier in the day i finished my youngest sons birthday present. it has been over five weeks since i have seen him or heard from him...but his birthday is june 5th..sooo....i made him a secret compartment book. i will gather a little 'care' package of deodorant, facial wash, toothpaste, etc...and drop it off at the house he is living in. no need to see him until he is ready...but it is...after all...his 17th birthday...and i love him dearly!

ordered but not adopted :(

2010-05-28T07:15:00.001-07:00

how sad is this....someone on etsy fell in love with 'bella' a full sized 'monster with heart' doll....she custom ordered a mini monster looking like 'bella'...i appropriately named her 'baby bella'. she is a key fob and adorable. i sent the buyer a photo...she loved her...when it came down to her placing the order and paying through pay pal....ohhh....so sorry....too much going on in my life..love her...don't want her...wah...now 'baby bella' is heart broken and up for adoption again....i will put her in my etsy shop and hope the best for her. it happens i know....i just feel bad for 'baby bella'

from an amazing friend!!!

2010-05-25T18:54:00.001-07:00

a great day today....i got to work a few hours, off to the dentist for a bit of restoration work, stopped by target and got only the items on the list...i am so good....then home to hang out with my darling husband. we have the day off together....ahhhh...then...ding dong....what? company? but no...it was the postman delivering a package...addressed to 'the beautiful lorri marie jenkins'...it was a piece of artwork from one of my favorite artists...lauren sharoody...also one of my best friends...and an inspiring woman...i LOVE her work!!! that was the icing on the cake...for on the back of the juicy water color paper was a lovely letter from lauren. thank you lauren for your support....my life is better because you are in it!!!

mixed media....gotta love it!

2010-05-19T04:19:00.000-07:00

a fellow artist, julie ke, is doing the art fair in napa with me on saturday. she makes amazing earrings with copper pennies. she took two photos of my mini monsters with heart and created fun earrings for me for my birthday. this is the thank you card i created for her. it is great to be getting my fingers messy again....and thank you julie ke for my fun earrings!!

ahhhh....the paints are out!

2010-05-18T06:28:00.000-07:00

oh yes....it got the mixed media and paints out...i made a birthday card for a dear loved one....it was fun....it feels weird to make artwork with no intention of selling it...hmmmm....it is like i have to 'earn my salt' so to speak....i am just going to play tho....my darling husband and i have the day off today....i wish there were two of me...i would play with my best friend lorrie today and my best friend husband...but for today...i get to hang out with hubby....ahhh...

baby bella

2010-05-16T17:06:00.001-07:00

meet baby bella...she is a custom order. someone saw 'bella' on etsy and wanted a key fob like her...soo here she is!

no new news here....just holding it together a day at a time...the studio has been cleared and i am ready to do some mixed media now....really this time....i miss my husband, who is now working nights...and i miss my sons....i raised my boys to be independent....hmmmm....i guess i did a good job! ha ha

Grand Finale? For now...

2010-05-13T05:02:00.001-07:00

these lovelies are the last of the series that i have been working on...there is a bride...and a princess and a jester. they are waiting for names and stories. my studio is purged of fabric that is boring me right now....the sewing machines are covered and ready to be replaced with paints, papers and glues...on to mixed media...i think...well....that is the plan anyway.

tomorrow is my darling husband's birthday....we are off to see 'iron man 2' and then out for sushi. i cannot wait....i was able to find some fun birthday gifts...both luxurious and functional...ahhh...gotta love birthdays!

Meet GRACEANN and now I am Monstered Out!!!

2010-05-11T07:03:00.001-07:00

I have five monsters to name....three monsters to sew, stuff and name...GRACEANN is a finished product from yesterday....and oh yes....I am Monstered Out! i don't have any fun fabric bits that are inspiring me right now....so....i cleaned up the studio yesterday. i have the day off today so i will finish up the 'unfinished' and march on. i am ready for the two upcoming fairs...and the monsters are to be published in the july edition of 'Stuffed' magazine. hopefully some quilter will share their scraps with me and i will be inspired again.

the day after

2010-05-10T04:10:00.000-07:00

i do hope everyone had a great mother's day. it is amazing to me, really, i think i am not going to fall into the commercialism that surrounds those 'hallmark' holidays...but...i show up with expectations. how easily am i controlled?! at any rate, i was not disappointed...my husband decorated the kitchen table with flowers, a handmade card, gluten free granola (thank you) and a four pack of ginger beer...my favorite. i got cards from three of my sons, with a promise from the other one that he will swing by my work today...extending my mother's day joy another day...con man....i did hear from all four boys yesterday...three of them told me that they loved me....the teenager is still too mad at me to spit out those words...that is okay...i can wait. this is the first mother's day since the death of my moms...i thought alot about them. it was a great day...lots to be grateful for...again...it may have been a 'hallmark' holiday, but i enjoyed being pampered a bit...just the same!!

happy mother's day!!!

2010-05-09T04:02:00.000-07:00

so this is MARIETTA and i....a photo taken with my laptop....not so great...but fun! i am off to work but not before wishing all you mothers out there a happy day! do something nice for yourself...and pat yourselves on the back for hanging in there through the good and the bad times....it is by far the hardest challenge any woman can take on!

monsters, monsters, monsters, hula hoop

2010-05-08T04:52:00.000-07:00

it is saturday...ahhhhh....oh yes my plans for today are just that...monsters and hula hoop! rough day huh? i have over fifty big monsters and about sixty of the mini monster key fobs. i have an art sale in napa, california the 22nd of this month....oh i am ready you bet!

the weather has been divine here. lots of hiking with the savannah pooch. loving it. have a great day today....and remember....be kind...be honest...be true....my mantra!

days turn into weeks

2010-05-06T04:00:00.000-07:00

days turn into weeks, weeks turn into months. i have not heard from my son in two weeks now. i am clinging to 'no news is good news'...he is not in jail or the hospital...i would know...so....'no news is good news'! i am dealing with some emptiness in my heart....my homework is to find a way to feel loved and supported by the 'givers' in my life. i was reminded by my best friend that there are givers and takers in this world...i choose to hang out with the givers....and be a giver too. my soul is full today....a bit shaky at times...but most of the time...quite full.

i am grateful for

1. my intimate relationships with my god, my husband, my family members and my friends...that i have the freedom to be me

2. a 'real' job that pays for the 'real' bills

3. a car that i can rely on...daily

4. my dog...who gets me out walking in the sunshine every day

i am at peace...at this moment

Sunny Sunday

2010-05-02T17:56:00.001-07:00

what a glorious day here in sunny california! i had a great play date with my girlie friends yesterday...time goes so quickly with them...i got a few monsters made...ahhh...and lots of soul inspiring! today i got to take my pooch to the dog park and then for a walk...she is doing so well off leash..i love that...the walk is much happier when we are free from one another. i got some monsters named....it is now time to fix a yummy dinner of yogurt and trail mix...list a mini monster on etsy....go out in the back yard to hula hoop to some fun music...read for about one minute...and then lights out!

hope your life is just the way you want it today!!

happy saturday

2010-05-01T06:54:00.000-07:00

i sell dolls at 'alice's consignments' in napa. along with the last check that they sent me...i found this adorable note! what a keeper...

hi i'm one of the people who buys your dolls I love thim so much. thank you love isabel (heart)

that just warms my insides!

all is well here....i spent over an hour vacuuming the car out yesterday. i am sure i have mentioned that my teenager has a big white fluffy dog....well....i de-'bliss'-ed my car. i am sure there is something very symbolic there...and i am taking it!

i have a fun day planned.....my art group that gets together once a month (or so) is coming to my place to play today! i have to go cut bagels and make a little fruit salad...

i am grateful for the delicious life i have today...enjoy your saturday!

meet LOIS

2010-04-27T06:15:00.001-07:00

things are really different around here....i picked an 'angel card' yesterday and it said 'transformation'....no kidding! rob is working afternoon and evenings...sleeps later, of course...so i have to really be quiet in the mornings...hmmmmm.....but i will adjust! he loves his job...and i love him...so there you have it! i have not heard from my son...but do not know what i would say anyway...so that is okay. i meditated on it and GOD said 'you will be fine'...i believe him.

so there you have it...i am fine...i am enough...i do enough...i have enough....

meet LOIS

My name is LOIS

I love watching scary movies

but then I have nightmares for weeks

I love buying new clothes

but I hate wearing them...they are too stiff and uncomfortable

I am charming in my own way

My name is is LOIS

she is an adorable 11" stuffy and i am going to post her on etsy..right now!

Baby Proof Monster?

2010-04-26T04:29:00.001-07:00

i have only two minutes before i have to leave for work...but i could not leave that pathetic post up another day....here is ZOOLIE..the baby proof monster doll....she likes being a baby...but her wet diapers get itchy....she tries to tell her mama that she is hungry but all that comes out of her mouth is wah...wah...

all is well in my world today...i am full of gratitude for the things i have...too many too list...my world is just as it is supposed to be today...ahhhh!

I Surrender!!!

2010-04-24T06:35:00.001-07:00

what a week....geez! i had a great birthday...as you know...i am soooo loving my iphone....who would have thought...me!!!

then the saga of the 'lost teenager' continues. we have one simple rule in the house...i won't go into it...but....it is an easy rule to live by...or so i thought. over the past month that stinky teen has broken the rule three times...three strikes and you are out! so yesterday i cleaned out his room, put everything in the driveway....he is to pick it all up (including the huge -huge dog kennel) by noon or else i am donating it...hmmmm....a bit harsh you might say? i think not...i might think so later...but for today...not too harsh. i feel sadness, anger and peace all at the same time....this too shall pass...there is a bigger plan, and i do not know what it is...and i will love my son from afar...for today..i surrender..

BUT...on a lighter note...and a creative one....the BIG monsters with heart...are back! i have some fairs coming up and the big monsters sell well...sooooo....meet BUSTER

My name is BUSTER

Everybody always asks me why i am so sad

I am not sad...this is just how my face looks

I want to grow up to be a cowboy

but I hate cows, horses, campfires, sleeping outside and singing around a fire

I am charming in my own way

My name is BUSTER

I have not listed anything on etsy for a while....i am gonna do that right now...

be grateful today...be peaceful today...be humble today....those are my goals!

the best birthday ever!!!

2010-04-21T04:04:00.000-07:00

oh yes indeed....absolutely the best birthday ever!!! i woke up to some flowers rob had picked out of the garden at midnight when he got home....i had some alone play time before my family got up...had coffee with my darling husband...took the itchy dogs to the vets...allergies...(thank goodness for benadryl...i think we can all sleep now)...went on a blind trip with hubby rob...a surprise...i got to pick out an iphone....what? loving it....took a nap....heard from many many many friends...got a pedicure...talked to all my boys...got a custom order for a baby-safe monster doll...and played on my new phone! ahhhh...yes...i am blessed...

a magical day...i am so glad i was born!

2010-04-20T05:08:00.000-07:00

it is absolutely pouring outside...so i grabbed my trusty umbrella and took my pooch for a walk...and my thoughts were..'i am so glad i was born'...today is my birthday....56 delicious years of many, many experiences....no regrets! i started my family very young...have experienced more marriages than i dare mention, have had five sons, have followed many, many dreams...and have lived life to the fullest! i have a god in my life today that helps with the heavy loads, and allows me to celebrate the gifts i have recieved...more than i deserve really! i have many supportive friends and a husband that has filled the kitchen table with handmade gifts and lovely bouquet of flowers....lots to be grateful for??? you bet....so when i am feeling sorry for myself...remind me of the good things, ok? life is good....the earth is getting a drink...and i am getting a pedicure today...ahhhh!!!!!

the sun is shining and my soul is joyous

2010-04-18T18:06:00.001-07:00

back to work today after a challenging art fair yesterday...no complaints though...i got a fun walk with my pooch...did a fantastic hula hoop work out...went to work ( i really do work with some great people)...had coffee with my best friend...then home to walk the dog...yes...again...played in my studio...burnt some monsters in the oven...oooops...i may have left them in there a bit too long after staining their little monster faces....now i am blogging and listing a monster on etsy...then i am going to crawl into bed with some trail mix and my new favorite book...'the tao of Pooh'...i have discovered i am very much like winnie the pooh....more will be revealed in my posts as i read more...but so far...yep...i am quite Pooh-like....very simple minded...i do not over think things so therefore it is alot easier to be happy! i have had a great day today!

back in the saddle again

2010-04-17T05:34:00.000-07:00

thank you one and all for your positive thoughts yesterday....i have totally messed up my studio...AGAIN..and i had a blast doing it! i got some skins made to work on today at the art fair...of course i will not have time, because i will be so busy selling those monsters..right? i have lots of mini monster key fobs...larger monsters with their personality tags...and mini monster key fobs that are ready to be customized...ahhh...life is grand..AGAIN! i guess you gotta have the lows so that the highs stand out....right? thanks again for the positive energy...it worked!

change is good?

2010-04-16T05:32:00.000-07:00

my husband worked his first night shift last night. i was looking forward to the alone time to work on my monster dolls....i have an art fair tomorrow in danville and i thought the time would be well spent. my teenager touched base with me when he got home from work....gathered his dog...and went about his life...hmmmm...i was left with me...and my dog, of course...but where was my motivation? i had a really hard time getting settled in with just me to motivate me...wow...rob got to bed after midnight so he will sleep in this morning...so i must be self motivated again...where did it go? have i lost that too? (oh by the way...i did find the missing stamps and stamp pad) hopefully i will find my motivation today!

lost and never found

2010-04-14T04:21:00.001-07:00

'of all the things i have lost....i miss my mind the most'...well...it has been a heck of a week....i have misplaced so many things this week....what is that about? i lost my wallet....i found that..thank goodnes....i lost a joann's gift card...not found..yet...and i lost my ink stamp pad, alphabet letters, and heart stamp....how does a person do that? dunno...but i have...so i have to head off to the craft store and replace them...i have an art fair this weekend and i am personalizing my mini monster dolls....with my alphabet stamps...yikes....what a week....when we went to bed last night....my husband asked of me a huge favor....'don't lose anything tomorrow' he said....i will try! blah!

there is always 'hope'

2010-04-12T04:54:00.001-07:00

i am taking 'hope' with me today!

got to walk the dog in the rain this morning...i took an umbrella and i always love the sound of the rain against an umbrella. life is good as long as i remember that things are just as they are supposed to be at this moment.....and this moment....and this moment!

i have an art fair this weekend in danville, california...the event is indoors so the weather is not an issue. i have been busy making the larger monsters....i had forgotten how much fun it is too work on a larger 'canvas'.

life is fun and exciting today...my darling husband starts a new job today...our schedules will be opposite....me? 5-1...him? 2-11...just think of all the dolls that are going to come to life!

i am grateful today!

ahhhhh...TGIF!

2010-04-09T07:32:00.000-07:00

what a week! i picked up an extra shift at trader joe's to help a friend out...now i remember why i only work four days a week...i could not wait for my friday! my son has moved back into our home after having to leave due to breaking a signed trust contract with me....i am sure he is home because he needs a dog sitter while he works...but...things are just as they are supposed to be today, right? AND..we got a new bed last night...sweet dreams are a coming!

SO...if i stay in the moment...have faith that everything is just as it is supposed to be...then...i have serenity!

i told myself this week that if god needed my help with anything, he would call me...and you know what? not a single call...not a single voice mail...i guess he has got it covered...tee hee...that makes me laugh!

enjoy life...one moment at a time....that is where we find peace and serenity....i am loving it!

Tuesday...and all is well!

2010-04-06T04:19:00.001-07:00

so meet faith....she is the newest mini monster with heart...she is carrying her message in her name and she is here to remind me that all is well...in fact great! things in my life do not look like i thought they would but i am adjusting...i have faith that my loved ones are on their own divine path...maybe not the path that i chose for them...but their path...i really would have chosen an easier path....but hey...i do not get to vote on other peoples' lives....i am staying centered today...with the faith that life is just as it is supposed to be today! peace and serenity to you...

here we go again!!

2010-04-03T08:16:00.001-07:00

so we had company for dinner last night...some dear friends from the oakland area. they have a fantastic open studios every year in june. my monsters and i have been invited to participate....yahoo!!! it has been brought to my attention (again) that the larger monsters with heart are also favorites amongst all ages...especially with their own personal stories that i type on my old typewriter..soooooo....up early this morning cutting out fun monsters...i have lots of rescued fabric to use...that always makes for eclectic monsters with heart. so here we go again....the goal? who knows! i am off to the craft store to replenish my supply of thread, ink and stuffing....ah...life is grand...again!