Post # 2 of A Tree for All Seasons: Arboreal Unreal

Julie Prichard over at Land of Lost Luggage and JeriAnn have been hosting a great collaborative project on the life of a tree over the course of the seasons, titled Arboreal which you can learn more about here. We select a tree and photograph it three times- over the course of several seasons. Julie is interested to see both the changes to the selected trees and the environment that the trees live in. The first photographs of the tree I selected ( seen below) were taken during the week of August 23, 2009. It's one of my favorite trees in my neighborhood that I call Grandma Willow.

And, below are pictures of Grandma Willow now. It's the autumn of her birthday cycle and she loves this time of year. She glistens in the sun with her bright yellow leaves showing off her sunny disposition. Grandma Willow has so many stories to share but sits quietly, in all her spender, just waiting for you to ask- then look and listen to what she has to say!

She shines above all the other trees, making sure that she takes command of the neighborhood, watching out for and blessing all that pass her by.

Even as the other trees lose their leaves, Grandma Willow holds her own - in all her glory waiting for the silence of winter to materialize.

And now, we will wait for one last season to visit, watch, and observe our special trees!

Picture Perfect Central Park- Just An Unimaginable Autumn Day

It's not every day that you can capture the most exquisite sites in Central Park- a picture perfect day to gaze upon the brilliance of nature right in front of your eyes. It's so breathtakingly beautiful that it's hard to believe that you haven't stepped right inside a masterpiece painting- created out of the most dreamy of imaginations.

So travel with me into a palette of autumn colors, fancy full of shades and rich textures of the park's remarkable picturesque design and magical charm.

And as daylight turns to night, and the sun slowly sets, the city comes alive again with the lights of the city's energy - transforming it's magnificent daylight into the most showstopping nightlight!

And as the moon light shines bright with it's powerful watch over the evening sky and shadows over the city that "never sleeps", a new day wakes under its strength and begins anew. One filled with the wonder of a city that changes with each blink of your eye and every moment that goes by, mirroring the image of an autumn wonderland fitted in a covering of shear brilliance.

A New York City Walk and Crossing Over the Brooklyn Bridge

Walking from Battery Park in lower Manhattan to the Brooklyn Bridge, and then actually crossing over to Brooklyn on foot is a "stimulus package' grander than anything you can imagine.

And here is a Sphere by Fritz Koenig formerly at the WTC, which is now a memorial in Battery Park .

All you have to do is take a step and look up,

then down, side to side and then straight in front of you to be taken in by all of the unimaginable sites.

You can get swept up with building after building wrapped in ornate detail work , larger than life glass windows and architecture to make your head spin every which way - catching glimpses of sculptured angle after angle.

There is art everywhere!

And amid the rapturous architecture, you turn the corner, cross the street and there are poignant, reflective sites that are so touching - deep within your soul.

Before you know it, you are on your way to the Brooklyn Bridge.

And as you enter Battery Park, there is a draping over the fence that reads:

"Cut off as I am, it is inevitable that I should sometimes feel like a shadow walking in a shadowy world. When this happens I ask to be taken to New York City. Always I return home weary but I have the comforting certainty that mankind is real flesh and I myself am not a dream."-- Midstream: My Later LifeHelen Keller

Even in the unimaginable, there is beauty and art where ever you turn, where ever you go, and in what ever you do! If you can think it - imagine it - it is there to be seen.

Connections/ Orchestrations and a Birthday Celebration!

Everything is connected- our souls, our spirits and our energies all flow and intermingle with the outside world.

Through time, through thought, through our openness to create - we are all a weave of the universe.

Art and the broader "arts" allows us to communicate the intersection of all of these together- and with that, we find our "harmony".

It's a peaceful excitement -

total focus and immersion of your senses that consume you when you are engaged in the arts.

Explore, take risks, dream big, overlap, maybe even don your senses to overhaul yourself.

Start fresh. Begin - one step at a time. One action, one movement, seeing the perfect light, a sight for a photo, a brush stroke, a pasting of the right medium, the blending of designs, papers, inks, movement, color,

flowing texture, dancing images to create words -

I always feel it.

It's our inner rainbow reflected on the outside world.

It's our passion, our driving force to drape the world with a colorful cloth, form fitted, loose, bulky, boxy, flashy, moving, loud, noisy, singing, symphonic, orchestrated to play our own song to our own beat to our own specs to our our own rhythm in our own time.

Today's my birthday- and I'm celebrating my art within.

Unparalleled Beauty

I recently had the opportunity to view the most breathtaking pictures of natural beauty- sometimes there are no applicable words to describe the sights we see, only thoughts and feelings and the emotions that they evoke.

These crystalline shining shapes are actually balls of hail which can be seen in the picture. They are the size of large marbles - almost incomprehensible as they were pouring down.

And as forceful as they pushed their way down, the sun appears, brilliantly glowing- and then setting in pure peace, without a memory of their presence to be found.

See the sights in front of you. But be reflective, because sometimes we travel at such a fast pace that so much of what we see is actually a blur.

Take the time to look- and taken in all that is really in front of you- for what's ahead may actually be found above.

Sometimes, our days may seem like we're just traveling in circles.

And other times, we feel like pinching ourselves because life just seems to be perfect -and it feels too good to be real.

Be available to try new things, explore, let your heart soar.

Sometimes, we need to just be. Feel the restful wholeness of peace by not moving, take a second to stay in one place, be in the moment, be alive in stillness.

Shine.

Discover- be surprised, feel the awe!

See the natural beauty all around- it can't get any better than this. Perfectly shaped grapes in harmony with each other, with shades of blue, a texture of velvet, and a taste of the sublime.

Beauty comes in all shapes, sizes and colors.

Let the light in- share your soul.

Let your spirit soar.

Where ever you look, there are hearts just waiting to be discovered.

Share yours today.

Friendship Time- Seek and You Shall Find!

I've just completed working in Veronica Funk's InnerWorks book on Friendship. In her post, she asks us to think about what makes up friendship? What maintains and sustains it over time? What keeps it alive, fresh, and growing?

Flowering?

What is it that makes some friendships weaken while others flourish? Does it depend on the kind of friendship it is- as subjectively defined by oneself? There are so many kinds of friends- including casual friends, best friends, work friends, school friends, close friends, distant friends, old friends, new friends, bus friends, train friends, street friends, friends in the making, girlfriends, boy friends, men friends, women friends, dog as man's best friend, animal friends, blogland friends, imaginary friends, ex friends and friends to the end.

Through our special altered book collaboration, InnerWorks, we've developed our own special kind of friendship. It involves the trust and understanding that we have with one another. Veronica has so generously gifted all of us with a MeeMee award which you can see here.

In honor of the very special relationship that we have with one another in our InnerWorks Collaborative, I've created replicas of our altered works- all winners in my book!!

With words - very special friendships are created.

Friendships, soulful, life saving, life creating - are the golden threads which maintain peace in our hearts, confidence in our thoughts, and so much joy in our lives.

Make it a point to tell your friends how important they are to you

and what a difference they make in being part of your life.

Black and White: "Lost and Found" in Altered Bits- All the Time!

The amazing and talented Alicia, from Altered Bits has created a new eZine with the theme of Black and White. I was lucky enough to submit and have accepted my first work in this edition which you can see here. You can also see a preview copy of this super eZine in yudu.com here.

This is the cover of the Altered Bits Zine.

The request for submissions was for a black and white work, which could include all shades of gray in between, and could be an artwork in any type of artistic medium. I chose to create a mixed media piece, with the central theme involving time, synchronicity and butterflies to represent a free flowing energy that encircles me. With clock in my work is fixed at 11:11. My mom died on November 11, 2004, and ever since then, I see 11:11 all the time.

Within this work, which I've titled "Lost and Found", I've included a mah-jong chip and dice that were my mom's.

A central focus of my artwork includes the line "The Only Thing Black and White in Life are the Colors Black and White".

This represents my philosophy of living - with flexibilty, ability to change, freedom for self direction and to move from one idea to another, aways open to life's infinite possibilites.

Here is my finished work.

It measures 19" by 13" and is constructed of heavy watercolor paper matted on cardboard backing, acrylic paints, a piece of a folding antique ruler, sections of musical notes, clock hands, and a mirror box identifying the reflections we "see" in life - all open to interpretation. A tiny replica of a poetry journal was made from the metal component of an old floppy disk.

There's so much poetry in me

Just working to unlock my energy.

I feel the hold of a magical magnetic electricity

Living, breathing, touching, seeing

It's synchronicity

It's true alchemy.

Live like you mean it-

Believe that you have wings that will take you where ever you choose to go!

A Tree for All Seasons- A Surreal Arboreal Experience: An Insider's Glimpse of A Matriarch Tree's Life

Julie Prichard over at Land of Lost Luggage and JeriAnn are hosting a wonderful collaborative project on the life of a tree over the course of the seasons, titled Arboreal which you can learn more about here. We select a tree and photograph it three times- over the course of several seasons. Julie is interested to see both the changes to the selected trees and the environment that the trees live in. The approximate photographing dates are:

Week of August 23, 2009

Week of November 8, 2009
Week of April 4, 2010

With so many trees to pick from, I decided on one of my very favorites which is across the street from where I live. It's not a flowering tree or perfectly formed, it's not standing upright and true to form. But rather, it's very old, weathered and bent all the way over. Here's her run way shot.

And moving a little closer to her.

Her branches are so far outstretched that when I look at the picture, it almost seem as if it is the trunk and needs to be rotated upright.

The tree has the most wonderful layered, textured, multi toned bark, has injury sites, worn out limbs, and has seen the neighborhood change over what must be the most amazing lifespan.

Since the first time I saw this tree, I've called her "Grandma Willow". Although she's not a willow tree, my first glance of her reminded me of the tree in the story of Pocahontas- wise, all knowing, and one to be revered and honored throughout its life.

Even when you look up to her, you never quite see her crown!

It's roots must be far underground since they are nowhere to be seen. It's as if she just magically sprout up from the earth.

This tree bends over backwards to hold her own, and makes no joke that she is the matriarch of the neighborhood. This beautiful tree is not moving for anyone or anything. Although the one way and yield sign are standing strong, this tree is not obliging or moving aside. As a result, you might be able to see that the sign has actually now found it's way into the tree's branch.

Cobwebs have settled into her crevices- finding comfort, security and shelter within her.

She has joints where ever you look.

When the autumn comes and she must shed her clothes, I'll show you the strength and backbone that she truly carries! Right now, she dons a beautiful rich green ivy which encircles her body-reaching up across her spine.

She bears her own beautiful leaves- large strong and shining for all to see. They carry a single point, almost to make a point.

Here, Grandma Willow has put on her party clothes, ready for her last hurrah of the season. She promises to be back in the Fall!

The "Beautiful Heart Award" to Seth Apter at The Altered Page

In celebration of Seth Apter from The Altered Page's second year blog anniversary which took place on August 10th, 2009, I thought it would be fitting to present him with the Beautiful Heart Award. The award is given to those bloggers who uplift you with their positive words and spirit. It is also for those bloggers who put their hearts, mind and soul into their blogs and give us a glimpse into their worlds. They are positive and lead by example. They inspire with their words, educate and inform. They are welcoming, helpful and friendly and no one is a stranger, whether you've commented once or a million times. They are ever so wise and giving. Most of all, they have a Beautiful Heart.

Seth is such a generous soul who has brought so many people together through his inspiring and creative collaborations and by providing such thoughtful comments to so many artists. He continues to provide unending venues for people to release so much of themselves within their works of art and he never ceases to provide attention to other artists and their blogs.

For all these things, and of course, for his loyal support and encouragement to me - this Beautiful Heart Award, from My Two Blessings, is for you Seth. Different from other reward recipients, you need not give it to others, but of course you may, and you need not say anything else about yourself, but you certainly may as well. This is a celebratory gift award- from me to you with nothing asked in return! You've already given a million times over- and so with tremendous gratitude and appreciation, I say thank you- for myself, and I'm sure, for the thousands of other people who come to look at your blog to be enlightened, explore, reflect, be "wowed" and want to be a part of your adventurous journey!

Cheers!

The Maine Event - In Pictures

I spent a few days in Maine - and experienced such natural beauty all around me.

The flowers were shining without a care in the world, showing off their brilliant petals, colors and vibrancy for all to see - and looking on was a dancing bumble bee.

With gentle fluttering butterflies for all to see.

And colors so inviting that they looked as if they were just mixed on an artist's palette.

With fruits of the earth equally vibrant in their color and form.

Maine was also a haven for antiquing - and how I loved looking at all the beautiful reminders of yesterdays. Old objects leave a special glimmer for all who can appreciate them - with memories still afloat in remnants of vestiges from long ago.

There were so many old artists' posters and prints to make your heart pound-

And where ever you looked, there were so many faces of all kinds - clowning around.

And is it possible that even statues can have their own secrets to laugh about?

There were classic styles of a bygone era-

And heads of time past-

With an old Fanny Brice Doll cheering us on, telling jokes

Knowing who will laugh last!

And faces from long ago- from other lands.

And, of course we had to see the sights of what Maine is noted for -

Its gleaming sea - just picture perfect

Filled with playful rowboats of all colors and sizes!

And coastline waters seem to jump right out to meet and greet passer's by-

Letting them know who's boss by its lion roar and sound of thunder

As its waves crashing against the shore's rough and rocked jagged edges.

And shells filled with stories from a time not known to us are sold: imparting their royal looks to the lucky buyer with a heart of gold.

And everywhere, there are fisherman's traps for catching lobsters

The royalty of the water's purse.

And to accompany them are the colorful buoys- to lift your spirits and make you smile.

And when the hustle and bustle of the day is enveloped into the quiet time of early evening... When the sun starts to gently fade away

With thoughts of reflection on our day's happenings,

Our tomorrows comings will slowly unfold.

The time comes for all to sleep

With the freedom to explore unlimited possibilities

And dream - larger than life

And all of our energies bonded together with grace and style

To spontaneously break out into a gentle soulful smile.

And then, when the sweet morning gently peeks its head out,

We wake to the start of a new day of opportunity

To explore the world before us,

To create and think

As far as our imagination can travel

And as wide as our mind can soar.

The Big Reveal: Disco Discovery from Seth Apter's Disintegration Collaboration

The big day is here!

What started out as a DISINTEGRATION PROJECT of Seth's from The Altered Page turned out to be a huge international collaboration of over 100 bloggers who have participated in what may seem like a very unconventional three part project.
Part one - was to prepare a bundle of whatever you wanted and leave it out in the elements to weather over time. Here was my bundle from February 2, 2009.

Part two - was the reveal of what the bundle looked like after a few months outside - You can see my original post here and a picture of what my bundle looked like on May 1, 2009.




Part three- is actually the big revelation- to show what you've made from your bundle. It's the process of building something new from items that have gone through a disintegration process by weathering and time. Seth has posted many of the most amazing projects and works of art in his blog. He's also continuing to have a rolling posting of new participating artists which you can see here.

You can see the mixed media painting I created from my original bundle below.

I've used the original materials from the bundle including the pages from the National Geographic Book, the leather butterfly, the metal link chain and star, and material from the book cover. Additional materials include the cloth lettering from the book, rocks, small frame, Terra cotta clay from a sign being dismantled from a restaurant in NYC, labels, dye cut butterflies, found metals and a found replica eagle in Maine, wood from Hawaii, a feather, metal hearts, old keys and assorted other ephemera. Just as exciting as the materials used is my base canvas which you can see below. It's the first "background" piece I made in Julie Prichard's Layer Love On-line class .

The process of putting this mixed media piece together was such a joy- filled with fun, challenging thought and wonderment on what we can do with materials around us and what I would actually end up creating. Here are some additional close up shots.

What a great gift it is to be part of this amazing collaborative project, inspired and created by Seth Apter. It's been a treasure trove of meeting other artists' stunning, soulful and creative works, finding shared experiences, and reading about and seeing picture filled wondrous heartfelt stories to savor, reflect upon and learn from.

Barron Storey Exhibit at The Society of Illustrators

A few weeks ago, Seth Apter from The Altered Page posted about his visit to see the Barron Storey exhibit at The Society of Illustrators, consisting of 100 of Storey's actual journals. Seth's wonderful post can be seen here. A couple of days ago, Michelle Ward posted on her blog details of her visit to the show which you can see here.

Something inside me was triggered- and I was intrigued to go see the exhibit for myself. Below are some of the photos I took of individual pages from Storey's journals. Just as Seth and Michelle have indicated, seeing and holding the journals in person is an amazing experience. Below is my own mini photo journal souvenir from my visit.

Buried Treasure ... In A Wonderful Day of Sharing Words

Seth Apter, from The Altered Page has offered us the wonderful opportunity to be part of his latest collaborative project titled Buried Treasure. The premise is to re-post one of our favorite posts from a previous time. You can see his invitation here. As there are no rules, I selected my post from November 19, 2008, which was a collaboration by LK Ludwig - who sponsored A Day of Words. It was a day where bloggers posted a poem with the intent to spend a day seeing "new words", meeting new poets, reading new poems, and finding new ways for our hearts to beat. It was a special posting for me in which I was able to share some of my thoughts- not previously expressed before - enabling me to find my own 'Hidden Treasure" within myself.

What it is that takes us from that dark uncomfortable place in our mind-

Where nothing sits well and our anxiety, paralysis and pessimism continue to rewind-

The feeling that makes us want to put the covers over our head,

When we feel empty and not a spark can be found.

When our inner most place of abundance is silent, without the faintest sound.

What is it that takes us to that moment and place in time when we’ve crossed over?

To that smile place where every moment’s vision is shining.

When we want more of everything, when time is too short for each second that goes by.

Where colors are vivid and there’s so much more we want to do.

When we become overwhelmed with excitement, energy, creativity and everything seems new.

When there’s so much stimulus surrounding us that we can barely take it all in-

When we want to capture every moment - and hold on so tight-

When we can’t seem to let go of every vision within our sight.

When that magical inner peace is there.

When our body is still, quiet, resonating confidence and assurance that we matter and count.

We’re heard. There’s someone out there that appreciates us -

And help us find that special life force

To discover our own voice, our own dynamic, energy and soul.

Empowered to fly to the limitless places of the dreams we have-with no defined roles-

A place where we are free- where we can accept the gift of others,

Where we are whole.

It is our leap of faith, our courage, the understanding

That our isolation is a false image within our imagination-

That it's an illusion of separateness that can feel so real.

What is the trigger?

Is it something that we can see, or hear, or think or touch or taste or smell?

It's a spark- which can be in a smile, the touch from someone-

That special look that speaks louder than words...

That we are special, appreciated and are being heard-

That our creativity and artistic expression is limited only by the doors we place in front of us.

It’s the realization that our true wealth resides within ourselves,

And whose value is only worth something when it’s given away.

Thank you- for enabling me to expand my horizons, my world of what I'm able to do or say.

I've come out of my cocoon, shed my insecurities, my own filters for who I am or will be.

Now each day is a haven for exploding creativity, electricity, and continuous synchronicity.

I now take risks - and can travel into my uncomfortable zone.... Giving myself the gift to participate in each day

With words, with art, and with a display of thoughts.

And within this special collaborative day of artistic expression -

I know I am not alone.

A Little Heaven On Earth

Give me a rainbow, sunrise and sunset and I've almost crossed the gates to heaven.

Here's two of my three

- a beautiful sunset and sunrise in Ponte Vedra Florida.

As the sun sets, and the day quietly settles down,

We can be thankful for all of the good that has happened to us, and all that we cherish.

And feel the earth readying for slumber- to renew its energies, for a new day to begin.

Showcasing itself by the light of the crescent moon shining above.

And so, as the morning begins to wake, and slowly comes to...

As does the beginning of our thoughts for the day. Ideas, poetry, a new opportunity to create and feast on the sights before us.

With a brightness that slowly comes forward to reveal itself

Moment by moment, you can see the sky changing, trying to peak through the early morning's silent fog.

Shimmering- with reflections of water brimming with beautiful life.

Filled with amazing treasures- moving- at their own time, in their own space,

often hidden from us, not leaving a trace.

A breathtaking sunrise before me

Glittering, with a surprise gift in view.

Converting to a peaceful solitude where sounds reverberate, where you can hear the water's waves crashing, sounds of birds chirping,

as I feel the wondrous beach air -

softly

dancing around me.

And caught within eyes' view- look around - see life's perfectness in its quiet serenity.

See what's right in front of you- that may be speaking without voice.

Expressing what's the most important emotion, feeling, thought, and sense that contains the essence of life's most brilliant moving energy within us all - love.

And for the moment that it takes to say "I love you" to someone,

It can fill their heart for an entire lifetime's journey.

It's everywhere you look, you just need to see.

And in case you don't see the signs in front of you, listen...

For they may be in the sounds around you.

For the symbols are everywhere-when least expected, like the buzzing of beautiful dragonflies.

Awaken your senses- they are the nourishment of our souls.

Rain's Pitter Patter Goes Wild over Sidewalk Chatter!

It's been raining in NYC almost every day for the past few weeks. While most people might say that it looks so gray and sad outside, I see so much life and energy in the rain. The best part is when there's a light mist in the air, I just love the feel of the spray of water all over - it's nature's own unique way of sending out a hug.

Rain, rain, rain- sometimes, pitter, sometimes patter, and sometimes, like in the photo- it's the roaring sound as if thousands of feet were marching in sync with each other. And when you wake, there's a beautiful, ephemeral feel- almost as if you are in a Wuthering Heights novel, immersed in morning fog within the moors.

Then as the fog starts to burn off and the morning starts to wake, the city starts to stir. A new day opens before us, to think, to begin, to contemplate.

We find another day of rain. But not just any rain, it's a rain which creates beautiful patterns and works of art right in front of us, if we just look.

And as I look down at the ground, new beauty and more treasures in the streets are found!

And when you think you've seen everything you can for one day, for a moment the sun appears- shining down to create shadows everywhere.

And for a moment, the flowers are seen shining, dripping with beautiful raindrops, ready for the evening sky to close out for the night and get ready for it's new dawn.

And then the sun begins to set,

ready to turn in, when again, the sky darkens, and the rain begins.....Soft pitter patter is heard, and I'm ready to go out and explore another day's finds amid the wet new york streets and the down pouring sky above. There's always some light somewhere to be found- if we only open our eyes and really look at what we see. There is beauty everywhere.

Bubbling Over!

I'm bubbling over with excitement!

Seth Apter, from The Altered Page,  posted a beautiful video, titled Labuet- Paint a Song - about, as he says, "Bursts of colors. Bursts of birds. Bursts of words. And bursts of so much more."  You can see the video  here.  It's a "must super see!" In front of my house,  I saw a  streaming line of water from the non stop rain we've  been having.  The first thing I thought of was the  captivating streaming ink line from the video.

The rushing movement caught my eye as well as the intricate geometric patterns and sparkling reflections of light.

Delicately submerged just beneath the surface,

I glimpsed some leaves-  a gorgeous site!

In a previous post, Seth  showed us his vibrant art filled  Inspiration Boards that you can see here.  I thought about having a board of my own  as I  looked at the boards of the talented artists which Seth included in his post.  It was great to see all of the boards and inspiration shelves, walls,  and spaces  shown, but I didn't feel  the emotion of being "inspired".   I concluded that  it was because the boards were sights that touched the hearts of the artists - and "spoke to them".   I was left with the question, could I have an inspiration board or wall to inspire me too?  The answer was -not exactly... but- I was inspired to photograph  some of my pictures and nick knacks that I  love.  But the inspiration came from Seth's words.

 I realized that  my inspiration  comes from two places: people  -  through their thoughts, words, acts and energy, and from nature. There is nothing comparable to the sunrise, sunset,  our trees,  the sky,  our  land and all that grows on it, the air we breathe,  rainbows and now, one of my favorites  - walking in misty air -feeling the tiny raindrops of water touch my skin- surrounding me with a halo of softness that is just unmatchable!

Inspiration is such a personal emotion.  No matter where or from whom  it comes to you  - nourish and  appreciate  the amazing strength and power it has on our creativity,  artistic expression and  within  and throughout our daily lives.

Enjoy every moment!

Expressions of Helen Keller

A short while back, I posted my work in Supria Karmakar's On Paper Wings Altered Art book from our Innerworks collaboration. Thought I'd post some of my work here as well.








It's almost impossible to really convey the amazing person that Helen Keller was, blind and deaf at the age of 19 months. With support from many people including her teacher Anne Sullivan, she learned braille in many languages, was an advocate for women's rights and a world champion for the blind and deaf.

Helen Keller is such a "larger than life personality", that in New York City, there was a billboard showcasing her steadfast optimism with the words, " Helen Keller could only see possibilities". We should all be as fortunate as Helen was - to see light in total darkness, hear sounds in deafening silence, and receive the greatest gift of all- being deeply loved and respected in return.

Layers, Colors, Patterns and More-All the Things That I Adore!

Layer upon layer- that's how are lives are built. One layer and then another.

Creating structure and content- filled with people, our life experiences , memories, skills we've learned, and the goals we've achieved. Creating textures, creating depth- layers to build on and layers to take apart. Sometimes we want to shed our layers - one at at time, to start all over.


Our layers can weigh us down.

Layers can make us strong. We may feel like we're stuck in stone and can't get out- even if our layers have a beauty all their own.

At times, we may love to just close our eyes, make a wish, and have them all magically disappear.

Sometimes a group of them slide off like a child shooting down a sliding pond creating such a light feeling. Sometimes they come and go- like a see saw- up and down, leaving us confused and in a state of flux -coming and going at different times and at different speeds.

But if you look at them as a whole, despite what may look like a chaotic appearance, they can be a beautiful masterpiece, colorful additions to our lives- like an intricately woven tapestry to take us further in our lives.

Taking one layer at a time,
One day at a time
One moment at a time. We are all a mosaic of layers. And, if you look closely, there are even shadows in our layers.

Sometimes, the layers of our lives seem endless -

But if you take a closer look and really study them, you can be surprised to find out that each one is wonderful unto itself- like a four leaf clover!

Or a beautiful flower, layered-

Or one of my favorites- the layers of color within a beautiful rainbow. Just when it seems darkest, the sun comes out!

And shines blasts of rays- making layers of colors- brilliant in all their glory. And if you look closely, sometimes you can even see layers of rainbows!! The layers of our lives- so masterfully built on trust, understanding, friendships, and strengths. Within our core, they are all the gifts we give ourselves, receive from others and what and how we see and interpret what's in our lives.

I try to always see the double rainbows in my days - regardless of how faint they may seem or be! Embrace the layers in your life- and those that hold you or keep you down-exchange. Those that enable each day to be enjoyed and treasured, savor and for those that may seem transparent and you really don't know they exist, be appreciative.

Find a rainbow in your life today- no matter how fleeting it may be. There is always color to be found - poetry to hear and so much to be touched by, connect with, and discover!

Art Thrills!

National Arts Program First Place Award


This past month, I entered one my paintings in a National Arts Program Exhibit and to my great surprise and joy, my painting, titled JazWorks, won first place for the amateur mixed media category. As this was my first public exhibition of any of my work, it was such a surprise and tremendous thrill!

For thrill number two, Julie Prichard from the wonderful The Land of Lost Luggage will be teaching an on-line class titled Layer Love which I've enrolled in. The first class starts today so I'm sure I will have lots to report on as the weeks go by. It was designed to learn Julie's layering styles and techniques in painting- and as she says, turn our "blah into rah"! Can't wait!

THE BIG REVEAL of Seth Apter's Disintegration Project

It's time.

As the new year of 2009 unfolded, so did the creative sparks of Seth Apter of The Altered Page in his Disintegration Project which you can learn more about here. I created my bundle on February 2 to weather both time and nature which you can see in a previous post here.

BEFORE PICTURE:

May 1 was the big REVEAL day. After several months of my bundle being outdoors in New York City, the only change that I can see is that the ink faded a alittle on the cover page and the pages are ever so slightly a drop more aged looking.

AFTER PICTURE:

The gold toned chain remained the same as did the "vanishing wildlife" material ribbon. There was also no change to my heart in the corner.

This leather butterfly also did not change. In fact, I think it's ready to take flight right now!

So for all great stories, there is a beginning- which was the creation of the bundle, the middle, which was the weathering and big reveal today, and lastly, the end.... we think... Seth???? which will be the creation of something new with our May 1 reveal to be shown on August 1. Now if you were able to follow all of this, you're ready to start your own disintegration project so -

let the fun begin!

Earth Tones to Touch your Heart!

I am so lucky to be able to have worked in Roxanne Evans-Stout's altered book. It's been such an amazing experience. Just love her book and the pages she has created on Earth Tones which you can see here. As I thought about how I wanted to express this them, the musical aspect of our earth came to mind - with the inner sounds of its silence, melodies and rhythms in nature.

Following Roxanne's lead, I was taken by the mystical aspects of the dragonfly.

The earth has its own songs to play for us and with us.

Some people wake up to the sounds of birds singing and chirping.



Mother earth is magical, sending us messages from within its core.

Our earth - a magical sphere of sound and sensations. It's a playground to explore, be in awe of, create in, appreciate, and adore. Earth tones- if you let them, they can touch your heart and soul so you can hear your own inner core's spectacular songs. The best part is that we are all our own musicians.

We have the power to write our own music, in our own key, at our own pace, in our own time, and in our own unique and breath taking tunes!

A Key to Uncovering the City's Grand Cover-ups!

Anyone walking the streets of New York City would be scorned upon if they didn't look up at the amazing heights of the buildings, signs, lights and shadows.

But to look down is to see a key to some of our other amazing city treasures.

Take a look and feast your eyes on our special street art right under our feet. We just need to look down instead of up! Here 's a beautiful Manhattan sign that no one would ever notice!

Look at the extraordinary New York Utlitiy Covers!

New York Con Edison Cover - MADE IN INDIA! Look closely.

See the extradinary detail!

Water Supply covers:

Drainage Covers:

Even Traffic has gotten into the act!

And some, I just have no idea what they are for. Advertising ????

Sometimes, instead of covers, there's actually just writing on the street. But, this one I know: My favorite # 13!


So the next time you step out in New York City, "watch your step" can have a whole new meaning! There can be art, excitement, energies, discoveries and creative new ways to see the world each and every day!

Can a Wednesday be a SUNday?

For some people, today is a day to honor the sun, it's beauty, its value to us and its creation.


Every day, the sun rises in the east and then sets in the west. It renews itself and resets the balance for a new day. And like the sun, each and everyday is an opportunity for us to start fresh, find new meaning in each day and the lives we carry out within it.

Why wait until new years , that special holiday or our birthday to change ourselves or our lives, or our perception of them. For inspiration, we just need to wake up, reflect and count ourselves lucky to be here. From this morning, here's a picture of the sun rising -to a new day- and a new beginning for all of us. If you look, with a little imagination you can see the sun gently being handed to us- as a beautiful gift each day to behold.

Our sun, shining down on us- providing us with the warmth and comfort that we all yearn for.

Our Magical Sun - just miraculous...

News of My Day!

I was just talking about rights of passage - paths we take with unseen destinations or planned courses. Roads we can't see the ends of but may see the beginnings to.

Sometimes, we know what's ahead of us, in front of us, or where something usually is- but it's just covered up.

Sometimes, we are asked to see things that just aren't there. But, if we use our imagination and picture them, perhaps we can make their presence appear.

Yesterday morning, I never could imagine the amazing surprise I woke up to when I saw that Seth Apter from The Altered Page spotlighted my blog in his Inspiration Station sidebar column.

It was Seth who first inspired me to create my blog. It's been quite a journey, one where art really does imitate life. It's a little over a year since I started my blog, and only a few months now that I have felt comfortable leaving comments. For me, it took time to cross over that uncertain bridge from being an outsider to feeling like an insider. It's unlocking those feelings and thoughts that we are too timid to reveal, and finding the confidence to know that they have worth because we wrote them.

We never really know what makes us who we are, what we are made up of- all of our parts- from our experiences, genetics, our environment or even the confidence given to us as we are growing up to evolve into who and what we want to be throughout our whole life.

Sometimes, all of the keys we need are right in front of us. We just need to look, listen, think, or be open to others who may be guiding us knowingly, or at times, unknowingly.

Sometimes, I just have to marvel when nature imitates life and it is just pure art.

And then, there are times when we feel we are as free as a bird- soaring across the sky as each new day greets us. And for those times, we are humbled to know how special these moments are, knowing that they will come and go, but confident that they are always around.

We just need to learn how to find them.

Rights Of Passage

Sometimes, life seems to present us with a clear path in front of us.

And sometimes, our destination seems a little less clear. There is no particular entrance way or markings for where we should begin or start or path to take.



Some times, what initially seems clear, ends up with twists and turns that we never anticipated- presenting us with challenges that are unforeseen in life. Then when we least expect it, we may see a shelter or a place to rest that catches us totally by surprise. It may be in the shape of a friend, helping hand, way to express ourselves as with pictures, poetry, writing, talking or even within our silence.

There's always beauty to be seen, but what's equally beautiful, is not always what's on the surface. Look down, underneath, peel the layers away and see what's there.

Often times, we're surprised by the view, turn we take, new reality we see, and it was right in front of us- just waiting to be seen. Look beneath the surface and you might just be surprised at what you see.