Will Woke Up

and continued a post from the one earlier this morning.

Will woke up this morning after a few hours of sleep and felt a bit piqued besides he decided he didn't want to be plain anymore . So we pulled out some cheap eye makeup and painted his face. He streaked his hair and colored his eyes, he even painted his mouth. Now he feels better. Will doesn't hate plain, he just wanted something different today. He may get foiled tomorrow bc he is evolving. And I believe he needs a bowtie.

We also decided he won't visit QA this morning in the mail. Envelopes can get a bit stuffy at times and did he mention cramped, too. Besides his directional skills have landed him in the wrong place more than once. So he plans on remaining here a bit longer to play with me.

He is waiting on his sister to show up. She has been too busy to stop her creative arts to come an visit. But she realizes everyone needs to take a break now and then. So maybe tomorrow she will allow us to take her picture and post while visiting Will.

Go Green & Morning Song

Yesterday I came across this Native American song called Morning Song on YouTube. I fell in love with the beat and sound.

GO GREEN ART

I worked on this piece for Quilting Arts magazine. The challenge was to make a 5"square mini quilt out of materials you have on hand. It could weigh no more than 1 pound.

As some know when I walk my dog in the mornings many times I find unusual things, pick them up and bring them home. I have quite an unusual collection of what I call "MAN DROPPINGS."

This quilt is made completely of "man droppings." The backing is cut from a pair of men's boxers. I found them on the sidewalk one day when I walked an it was drizzling rain. It looked like someone had dropped them out of a backpack bc they were folded all neat and were definitely clean. Otherwise they would still be laying on the sidewalk.

That same day I found a pair of bedroom slippers near a bus stop by then it was pouring rain, I was soak and wet. But I felt compelled to pick them up too. I wish you could have seen me carrying a pair of slippers up the main road of my town in the pouring rain. Now wasn't that weird two unusual garments in two different places. If I had found the robe I would have wondered. h-u-m!! The center batting and front are made from the slippers after washing them and stripping the soles off. I hand stitched the quilt edging with orange waxed cording I found one day.

"Will's" face is made with a red pipe cleaner for his mouth and nose, a pair of broken glasses surround his bottle cap eyes and his irises are glass beads I found. The ear piece from the broken glasses make up his eyebrows - he has a uni-brow. I even found the name tag "Will" as I walked one day. My label on the back is a job invoice for a car dealership. I hand stitched it on the back.

Yesterday when I was walking I came across this nice piece of slab with feet. Man this will make a nice piece for laying things on to glue, heat and all-around work space. It was heavy but my doggie's walk was cut short so I could take my find home and clean it off. Oh yes I found the pliers too, but not together.

Mangled and Missing

Yesterday the weather was weird in this area. My son lives a little over a hour away in what is actually Chesapeake area. He and I were on the phone talking when the wind and rain picked up where he was. He needed to fix a tire that was going flat but decided to wait. He said he could hear the rain and wind pick up, it was weird. A few miles away a tornado decided to land in Suffolk instead of moving in my son's direction. It tore up an area called "Driver" and displaced the entire neighborhood bc of potential foundation and structural damage. Many were injured but no one was killed. I must say I am sorry so many are facing major life-changing decisions today but I am grateful my son was spared of this ordeal.

To look at the mangled vehicles and totally missing homes from their foundation is a surreal scene. People always amaze one another bc you see true heroes emerge to help their brothers and sisters; people that in everyday life they might see, never speak to and never get to know.

Two different people sent me comments about the wonderful song "Amazing Grace." What neither of them know is that its a song my FIL sung all the time with his own words. I've mentioned that on my blog before. There are days I feel he must be in Heaven talking to God about his daughter. In the Bible it says there are others "cheering us on." Boy do I feel the need to be cheered on right now. Here is a site my friend sent me to on one of the interesting stories of Amazing Grace. Its called "The Black Notes." Hope it sparks your interest to seek the Lord of all Creation today. It reminds me of another song "His Eye Is On The Sparrow." I don't know if that is the title but that is what I remember. Enjoy your life today. God has a purpose for you. And I'll close with this version of "Amazing Grace" in Cherokee.

I closed this post out and then it hit me. I bought the movie "Amazing Grace" two days ago bc I had really wanted to watch it. I quickly forgot about buying it bc I don't buy or rent movies. I feel a stirring in my soul this morning to watch it. It feels like the beginning of a tornado.

House of Belonging

I received a beautiful handmade journal from fannie on Friday. I have a hard time writing in new journals. But I was determined to use this beautiful journal as it was intended. So I played with neocolor wax pastels on the first page, then cutout a bird pic I had taken. I double exposed the picture going through the copier by accident but I used it anyway. What a breakthrough for me!!
I wrote this little haiku or that is what I refer to it as called "Birdie."

Birdie

sitting still,

looking down what do u c?

millions of humans

Just like Me.

Also this weekend I was reading about Rumer Godden and I love this axiom from an Indian proverb she used in one of her books.

House of Belonging

Everyone is a house within four rooms,

physical, emotional, mental and spiritual.

Most tend to live in one room most of the time,

but unless we go into every room every day

even if only to keep it aired,

we are not a complete person.

Hubby and I watched the 39th Dove Awards on tv. There is such an incredible difference from other awards ceremonys because everyone's music is so uplifting and God/Christ centered.

I didn't even know there was a Gospel tv channel. I watched a great interview with Kirk Franklin on the Fame and Faith show.

To see 2 C's

I love writing and when I found these altered alphabets I had to save them in a file for use later. I may see if I can photo transfer them on to a project.

A friend sent me a funny story about a pastor accusing someone in his church of doing something this friend just knew the person didn't do. The jest of the punch line was the person was his wife. I didn't think it was funny. But then again God is dealing with me on communication between spouses and between our children. No matter how long we have known our family they can not read our minds. We need to communicate our feelings, and say exactly what we are feeling. If our lines of communications are not kept open we begin to shut down and build up walls that have to be torn down later. Honesty in love is not easy but better in the long run.

The other "C" is courtesy. Always treat others as you would want to be treated. Along with courtesy I believe you need to have healthy boundaries set. Its funny how the same thing that might irritate a person may be the very thing they are most insensitive to and the very thing where they lack courtesy in.

In my friends post this morning at the very end was this scripture. "He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, but those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint." (Isa. 40:29-31)

I found this quite interesting since I just blogged this very scripture two days ago in the story about the healing quilt God dropped into my heart in 2000. This was such an encouragement to me. WAIT - Wait on the Lord. I pray that your strength will be renewed this day as you wait upon the Lord.

Unfinished Projects

This project with molding clay was put aside and never finished. I really like this little piece and want to finish her. But I'm not sure how I want to finish it so I wait.

But there is one thing that was finished - Jesus' work on the cross. Another friend sent me a site about a pastor learning about "luminin" from a molecular scientist. He learned that the substance that holds all our inside body together is in the shape of the Cross. Truly when Jesus died on the cross and cried out "It Is Finished" He completed the way for us to get to God once and for all. Personally, I love the fact that its not about works that decides whether or not I get into the Kingdom of God. Its so simple - just accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior.

In my growing I have found it was easy to accept Him as Savior but harder to acknowledge Him as Lord everyday. Lord of all, of my everything - whatever everything was for the day. But I am learning and He is merciful and full of grace.

Desire To Transfer

This little journal is a "green" journal given to me by a friend that moved away 4 years ago. She moved to Wisconsin to be near her son she gave up for adoption when she was a young teenager. He was able to connect with her after all those years, but if he had not had that desire she would never reunited with him.

The journal is corrugated box and string with felt on the cover with a little button and button hole stitching.

Photo Transfer
This little picture on the right is a photo transfer on to muslin. My first one I have ever done. It is of a young child in Jamaica. What struck me was this beautiful little child behind a barred window without glass. I pressed yellow tissue paper over the area while it was drying, then decided to iron it to speed things up. Some stuck to the fresh, wet transfer. I love this happy accident. I think I will call it "trapped." It represents someone within myself that wants to be freed.

Prayer

Changing the subject and turning away from my art. I buy books at B&N and Bks-a-Million every time I go there. Well not every time but almost. I bought this book at the beginning of the year titled The Prayer Diet by Matthew Anderson. Its funny because I have never dieted before. I have exercised to tone up but I don't care about what I weigh per say but how I feel and how my clothes fit. This book is very interesting in that he challenged people to "pray" a prayer for weight loss but the book is so much more. He has little boxes of questions and comments throughout the book. One is -

What if forgiveness could come as easy as prayer?

What if forgiveness was as natural as breathing?

Who and what would you forgive first?

Fly Like An Eagle

This is a WIP from at least eight years ago. I hand-dyed this piece. When it was finished the background reminded me of a pond. So I appliqued a lily pad and frog on it. I expanded the frog idea by showing the life cycle of a frog by adding frog eggs, a tadpole and then the frog. I also added cattails, which are fuzzy. I don't even remember how I added the texture to the cattail. What I do remember is the fiber was flying around everywhere. It still is not finished. I had more pieces of hand-dyed panels I wanted to add to make the quilt larger. But if it is a wall hanging that probably would not be practical. I pulled it out this week, hung it up in my studio to view from time-to-time. Maybe it will become a finished work soon.


Yesterday I shared about a fast I did in 2000. I want to share another encounter I had during that time. The quilt I was led by the Lord to do for a handicap girl was my first totally spirit-led quilt. I knew it had nothing to do with me. It was what God called a "Healing Quilt." I finished the quilt on March 16, 2000; a friend stopped by my home and I showed her the quilt. She looked at the date and immediately John 3:16 came to her mind. When the quilt was finished in the early morning hours I was led to pull out a Native American tape and directed to dance on the quilt to this tape. When I realized the song I was dancing too it really shocked me.

God had a plan bigger than me. The scripture verse threadworked around the quilt was Isaiah 40:31 and the song I danced to was called "Fly Like An Eagle" which was Isaiah 40:31 put to song and music. Some would say that was totally an accident but I know and God knows who directed the entire experience. I was only a willing vessel and one experiencing the hand of God even deeper for the first time. What an experience!! And one I shall never forget. Orchestrated completely by the love of the Father.

p.s. - while finishing this writing I was reminded of what the cattail was made from

a pompom cut up.

Soul Searching

I received a request from Nadia in Netherlands to trade two ATCs. So here are the two I have been working on. One is my version of a kachina doll. I named her Hope and embellished her with pink breast cancer beads. Her dress is fine wool roving. Her face is an antique crocheted medallion I cut up. I'm getting braver about cutting up and trying new things. The other atc is my version of a flower in the marshland from a beautiful postcard I have had for a while. Its roving and thread work. The background was a play day of various paints.

Soul Searching

Yesterday I was looking for a book of Promises for my hubby to share with a neighbor who is "going-through". But instead I stumbled upon my journals from 2000. Everyday I journaled and the journals are many. It was during a deep time of soul searching and a fast that took me straight into the arms of God Almighty. It was a depth I had never known before in prayer and fasting. On this particular day, March 17, 2000 I was in the shower when it seems God decided to download quite a bit into my spirit. One of those downloads was a business my hubby would start having to do with security. A long story short, I expressed that thought to my hubby and he received it. The thing is he was a state employee working in law enforcement and had never thought about beginning a business, much less retiring from his job. I realized what Mary meant when the Holy Spirit told her she would bear a son and she had never been with a man. Her comment "Be it unto me" and she pondered these things in her heart. My pondering began that day but we did not force anything to occur. We trusted God for what He had spoken and lo and behold it seemed suddenly, several years, the timing was right, the decision was made for him to retire and he had already started a business part-time while working. Change is hard for him and probably for most of us. But when God does it there is no need to fear but as Proverbs 3:5 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto thine own understanding." I like that I can rest in that Word of God.

Fishers of Men

I had this little cheap fish rubber stamp for a while. So I figured if I ruined it on this technique no big deal. But I didn't ruin it. I love this little toilet paper cast I learned to make in Technique Week on FAT with Michelle. She is a great teacher. Her directions are easy to follow. I painted it with lumiere paints. I don't think I am going to trim it but instead work it into the batting of a FPC and see if it will lay flat.

The Sound of Music To My Ears

This morning I awoke as usual to feed my dog but when I opened my back door I heard a sound. My ear was more in tune than usual to the sound of the singing birds in my backyard, actually they were all around me singing. What a beautiful natural sound, not one man-made. I want the song God has placed in my heart everyday when I awaken and to keep it in my heart throughout the day. photograph by me

At B&N I bought a book to read for the next few weeks amongst others. The Ideals Treasury of Faith and Inspiration has a short post by Charles Spurgeon on faith and here it is:

The Faith of A Mariner

Look at the faith of the master mariner! I have often wondered at it. He looses his cable - he steams away from the land. For days, weeks, or even months he sees neither sail nor shore; yet on he goes day and night without fear, till one morning he finds himself exactly opposite to the desired haven toward which he has been steering. How has he found his way over the trackless deep? He has trusted in his compass, his nautical abilities, his glass, and the heavenly bodies; and, obeying their guidance, without sighting land, he has steered so accurately that he has not to change a point to enter into port. It is a wonderful thing - that sailing or steaming without sight.

Spiritually it is a blessed thing to leave altogether the shores of sight and feeling and to say "good-bye" to inward feelings, cheering providences, signs, tokens and so forth. It is glorious to be far out on the ocean of divine love, believing in God, and steering for Heaven straight away by the direction of the Word of God. page 64

this is my desire - to be so in love with the Maker of Heaven and Earth that i know without a doubt i am on target with the course He has set for me. With the Holy Spirit as my compass, God's love in my heart and the Word of God I hope to experience that deeper in the next few days. Going deeper - i can only say it reminds me of being in the Caribbean waters and the water being so clear i can see to the bottom without getting in. Then you desire to go a little deeper bc you want to see more so you snorkel. But even that is not enough to quench your desire to go deeper so you learn to scuba dive to go the deepest.

Shapes

I love this shape. I love black and white although I have never worked in it but I long to make a black and white quilt. I found a pack of paperclips yesterday at Walmart on sale for .75 that was in this shape. Of course I had to buy them if not for their shape I loved the yellow color. I thought about putting them on a project I am working on but the truth of the matter is I'm not going to make the deadline. But its a trade that I didn't sign up for yet. Just wanted to see if I could get my idea into completion.

That brings me to a deeper "shape." What shape am I in spiritually. I really didn't like how I came across in the wedding pics. My waistline seems to be non-existent at this time. I stopped exercising and look what happens. That's about my physical shape. But truly, God is readying me to look at my shape spiritually. I don't think my flesh likes where this is going. But I say "let God be God!!" That said He is making decisions for me that I would not have made for myself. Stay tuned for some tough blogging in days ahead.

Yellow Roses

Here is my corsage from the wedding. Yellow Roses. It reminds me of a song "The Yellow Rose of Texas" and a friend that resides in Texas.

My son didn't like the silk daisies picked out for the wedding so they changed and went with real roses and blue flowers.

It's a late bedtime for me since using the herbs. I am getting sleepy and I just came back from getting a peppermint tea. But that has not awakened me. So this post is short and sweet.

Unity

I chose this pic to express my feelings from the day. What began as two today became one. One family, one marriage, one life together, one love.

My son is now a married man. The wedding was beautiful and of course when my oldest son extended his hand to escort me down the isle I began to cry. I wish there had been cameras everywhere. We did get two people to video at the last minute. But the behind-the-scenes shots that were missed, well there were some amazing ones. I can't focus on those though. My focus is on the tons the photographer did take. Starting at 2pm she took all she could before the wedding. My biggest surprises of the day - my sister did not think she could make it but surprised my son and me by making it. And the DJ had not been able to get the song I wanted. So I let that go too. I was not the focus of the day. A few minutes before the wedding he sought me out and told me he kept trying until he was able to retrieve the song and surprisingly I was able to dance with my son to that song. What an amazing day, with amazing characters. I'm tired so I will retire until Monday.

P.S.-I found 2 pennies, a blessing to represent my son and my DIL. GOD IS AWESOME!!

The Man You've Become

I think this says it all today for me. This is a special day - our first wedding - my middle son. The one I knew would always be married first. I picked this song for his special day to dance the mother/son dance.

Lyrics are:

Big wheels, hot wheels

Little trucks and cars,

Skinned knees, climbing trees,

Wishing on the stars

Moments may be lost somewhere in time

But the sweetest memories are never left behind

Now you’ve grown so fine. And come so far…

CHORUS...

I’m so proud of who you are. The man you’ve become.

Thrilled to share your deepest joy

To know you’ve found the one.

For the great things you will do.

I’ll be blessed ‘cause you’re my son.

But I’ll always see the boy In the man you’ve become

School days, sleep-aways

Driving all alone, Phone calls,

shopping malls. Late coming home.

It was hard to know when to let you spread your wings

When to let you go to face the challenges life brings

But you’ve grown so fine. And come so far…

CHORUS...

And you are probably wondering why I am up at this hour of the morning. I was fixing favors for the rehearsal dinner. And when I went to take the bride's gown and my dress out to the truck my dog decided he would jump on the bed and over to my work table to devour a 2lb bag of M&M's. Now he is drinking tons of water and going in and out of the house to heave all of the junk.

By the way the rehearsal went very good. My camera is acting up bc I bought a new type of battery that the salesman said would work in my camera. Oh well, I did have the old one in my camera bag. So I changed it over and for what time I have life in it I will take a few pics. My youngest tux pants had to be rushed back to the bridal shop for last minute alterations. My DIL's wedding band had to be driven up from the beach. It was supposed to be here Tuesday but not sure what happened, it didn't fit and had to be stretched. BUT overall everything is going good. I bought a beautiful yellow bouquet of roses to present to my DIL's mom to say "Thank you" for rearing a daughter that my son would fall in love with and become our new daughter.

This is the sweetest little girl, the flower girl's sister. She is enjoying the hymnal. Her mother said she loves books. And that is obvious. She is so oblivious to all that is going on around her. This is just one of the pics I was able to capture before the camera acted up. Her little sun dress and sandals are so cute.

My Knight In Shining Armor

Every Little Girls Dream

I felt the need to show this quilt today. I made this in a MAQF (Mid-Atlantic Quilt Festival) class with Esterita Austin many moons ago. Of course my knight is my hubby and the three small stars at the top are each one of my sons. They have helped to shine the light on so much of my life's lessons. They have given us purpose when sometimes one wondered what, why, when, how.

I love this piece and it has hung in my downstairs bathroom until recently when it fell off the wall and broke. Now I must find another way of framing it. This was a very hard piece at the time when I did it. And I remember her showing us how to highlight areas with paint. Boy! back then I was very intimidated. But today I would use the paint and not care whether is turned out right or not; I would be willing to plunge ahead and at least try. I can see I have grown.

That brings me to the next part of my life. My "grown" son at 22 gets married tomorrow. "Grown" that seems such a strange word. More like a word I need to use for my plants not my son. I think I will change that to "Mature-Beyond-His-Years" son. As long as I can remember he has always been that way.

I was listening to a song that I will post tomorrow for the big celebration and this song says it all for me. I wish I could ask to have it played at the reception for our dance - if they do that part. Anyway, if not, my plan is to make a cd with pics of him and DIL growing up in different stages and wedding pics and put this song on it for myself.

I hope you have a knight in shining armor or maybe your

"night in shining amour." Its always about LOVE.

The Spirit and The Bride

I am working on DIL's table runner. My camera is having a breakdown. lol. So I have scanned in part of the runner for you to see the fabrics she picked out. The runner is a flying geese pattern. The tuxes are in and I pick those up this am. I will pick up the wedding dress and my dress on Friday morning.

The herbs I am taking are definitely working. I retired to bed last night at 9pm and slept like a baby until 4am this morning. I'm a little sore as I helped my son and his friend load a trailer full of tree and shrub debris. After he finishes with the yard there will not be much left standing in that yard. He wants to plant his own selection of flowers and shrubs and he said lots of grass. He put up a privacy fence on his far right side of the yard too. He does not let any grass grow under his feet.

There is a song I love and it's called "The Spirit and the Bride". I can't find it this morning online but here is a site about the Bride of Christ. I hope you enjoy it and spend some time this morning reflecting on Jesus and His Bride. We are His Bride. And here is I can only imagine what it will be like to stand before Jesus one day in all His Glory!! I wish I could have picked out some of the songs for their wedding. I may have a friend put some pics of my son and DIL growing up and wedding pics after the wedding together and pic songs I like; put them on a dvd for myself of this great day.

Over-The-Hump Day

that's what they call Wednesday. Well, the gown was delivered to the cleaners and I was shocked at what it cost to press the wrinkles out. Even for a formal dress it seems expensive. I know the owners of the store and the manager. She was so cute - she looked at me and said, "Do you know how much it cost?" at which I replied, "Does it matter at this point? it has to be done."

One errand down and many more to go before 3:30. One important stop yesterday was to the naturopath practioner I see. Boy was I glad to make that stop. She gave me 3 different herbs to get my body back on track for sleep. After taking the first dose with dinner I was ready for bed at 9pm and I must say I slept through until 4 this morning. Either they work fast or I was so exhausted it would not have mattered; I just needed to sleep.

Early in the morning I realized I was not focused on what God wanted me to focus on - HIM. His faithfulness, His love, His protection, His promises. I found myself praying in the car - Lord help me to bring my focus back around to You and You alone. The wedding and life in general had moved in to take my PEACE away. And I had let it. After I prayed I figured everything would get done for this day that was suppose to get done and everything else would wait until another day. Why am I putting pressure, unnecessary pressure I might add, on myself? I went to Michael's to pickup almonds to put in a little favor for the rehearsal dinner. I also wanted to insert a picture of the couple in a candle. Whether that happens before or after the wedding - does it really matter? What matters is the bride and groom. The little extras are special and nice but not necessary. Life will go on without those things.

I do thank all that have prayed for me during this special time in our lives and that celebrate with us whether you be far or near. I use this time to reflect back on my own beginnings in marriage and the joy that special day brought to me. I pray it will be that joyful for my son and DIL. Thank you everyone!

MY ART FOR TODAY

I liked this picture of a entryway/doorway. What kind of entryway/doorway are you? I was thinking about that question when I saw this door. Are you solid, with a firm foundation? Are you a revolving door? Are you closed off to all? Are you stain glass, clear glass or solid wood? Fancy or plain?

Personally I think I want to be a stained glass revolving doorway. Stain glass always reminds me of the circumstances that shapes us and makes us who we are. And well revolving to me - means I am open to let all come in and leave as need be. I don't want to hold on to relationships that need to be released but I want to make room for new ones that are waiting to happen. The adventures of a life time.

Celebration Getting Closer

Well here it is 3:16am Tuesday. It reminds me of John 3:16. God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whoever would believe in Him would not perish but have everlasting life. Wow I am definitely not God but the realization for me that we give our son away on Saturday is hitting. We don't give him away but the Bible says he is to leave his parents and cleave unto his wife.

Today I take DIL's wedding gown to cleaners to get them to steam the wrinkles out. Oh boy!! Is that an honor or a scary thing?! So close to release something so important into the hands of a trusted cleaners.

But isn't that what we do everyday? release something important (our children, spouses, friends, loved ones) back into the loving Father's hands. I mean they are His anyway but we have to release at times bc we have started to cling to tightly to something that was never ours to begin with.

I have to share here. When I had my first son I gave him to the Lord to do whatever He wanted. I have always felt my sons would all be missionaries. Probably bc I love foreign lands especially China. I have always had a love for China. Something draws me there. I have never been there but I hope to go one day.

Today I will celebrate the wonderful life God has given me. I will not take for granted anything but will purpose to be very aware of all that is around me.

Peace, My Peace I Leave

Do you remember this sign from the '70s? I look around and it looks like its back, of course, with a twist on this generations take of it. I find it interesting that the Bible says there's nothing new under the sun. I want the peace spoken of in the Bible, not the world's understanding of peace. I'm not sure why I even started my post toward this direction. It's not what I had intended. But
I will do as I feel the Lord leading me today. His Peace!

That leads me to my blog header and why I started blogging. This blog was really intended to be a personal conversation between me and God. I know so many blogger statements refer to their art and expression. And that is part of mine but really the only purpose originally was to express my love relationship with God in conversation and show some of my creativity along the way.

And that leads me to another topic: copyright issues. I know I've posted on this briefly before. But Fannie ask me a question about the pic I used for my profile. It was a drum cover partial pic from another artists drawing that I did as a gift for a drummer in a Native American band. I never asked to use it on my blog. The pic is my quilt top but still the original belongs to him. So I do need to request permission to use it for another purpose other than the quilt. I remember my friend Ruth told me once when I was going to use a song printed on the back of a quilt for a sick friend, the quilt title was "Bridge Over Troubled Water", to ask permission from the composer/producers of the song. I wrote to them and they gave me permission only for that sole purpose. To have used it for something else would have been copyright infringement.

I don't understand all of this but friends help me to understand it. And I have read magazine articles about patterns/etc for quilters. There is so much to understand, I guess my gauge should be if I feel there is any question about using something then take the time to ask permission. It is better to be safe, full of integrity and honesty than to be sorry. Still I need friends to remind me and bring me back to ask - Is my gauge working? I'll get off my soap box. And all that to say this: when Fannie ask me the question it brought to remembrance the real pic I wanted to use but could never locate in my over 9000 computer pics. So I finally found it today and changed it to what was intended all along. Thank you Fannie for the extra push.




Here is a PIP I am working on. I started two nights ago. This is a picture of a pansy from the basket of flowers my hubby bought for me. I am experimenting with thread painting. I started with neocolors and then began to play with threads in pinks. The center is a deep burgundy. I haven't finished the yellow stamens in the center. I believe that's what they are called. I need more colors of pinks and then I do the leaves. From there I plan on cutting it out and finding a fabric with a trellis pattern to mount the pansy too.

Having A Party - Son's Home

FAT will be three (3) years old in May. So we are having a party. To celebrate it's birthday deb is hostessing a FAT Hat Party trade. The hat becomes a favor when turned over. We get to add three things to our favor to do a one-on-one trade. This little hat is only 4 1/2" round. I am working on mine. I can tell you I started with some fun fabric printed with bananas and the words "Let's Go Bananas". Then I ran a piece of bamboo yarn down each side in one continuous piece to form the basket handle/chin strap, hand stitched on. Oh boy was that stitching hard. I chose a fuzzy/furry yarn to wrap around the edge of the hat and continue to the point. Now its looking like a party hat. But I'm not finished yet. I am attaching some dangles but I won't say anymore bc I don't want to spoil all the fun. Besides this may just be a demo for the real thing. The favor is filled with tissue paper, thread, charms and one other thing. But that's not what will really go in mine. I just wanted to show you what could be put inside. This is so much fun. This was created around 2am last night when I could not sleep.

No Sleep For The Weary

And as you can see I am up again at this time. Yesterday my middle son was sitting on the couch talking to his older brother. He looked at us and then said, "Man, I'm getting married next Saturday." It was like an epiphany. It finally hit him. I started to chuckle bc I wondered when it would really or if it would really phase him. I'm glad I got to see and hear him. It was so cute.

My oldest came home for the weekend again. And of course I was the recipient of his practicing his guitar music for church. I don't mind listening to him play any time. He seems to be sleeping about as much as I am. He had an injury to his neck several years back while surfing. He told me he is in pain most days. I'm not sure what can be done, but I do know the Greatest Physician of all can heal him. That's a prayer request for anyone reading my blog. He also had a tough day at work on Friday. He continues to let God work things out for him. I am so thankful for that.

And all this reminds me of a story in the Bible about the Prodigal son. The oldest son wanted his inheritance, sort of demanded it and then left home. He partied and enjoyed all his new found friends that is until the money ran out. Then he was left all alone. He became so down and out the only job for him was slopping pigs. Most days that was where his food came from too. Finally he had enough and figured even his fathers workers lived better than he was doing. So he went home.

Every day his father prayed for him. This particular day his father saw him coming down the road to home. He ran out, greeted his son, and threw a party. He clothed him in the best.
The Prodigal had come home.

But it doesn't end here for me. There was another son, the son that did everything his father ask, the son that kept his nose to the grind, the one most would say was "perfect". This son was angry and became bitter bc their father decided to throw a party for the oldest coming home. He had an "attitude". He refused to come to the party to celebrate his brother's safe return. Which one do you think most pleased the father - do you think there was a favorite child? We grieve decisions our children make, we want to head them off at the pass but sometimes they just need to go through. Hidden attitudes and judgments are more deadly than the outer appearance of sin. I've come to realize the saying "Don't judge a book by its cover" to be very true. Again I wonder if no one could see others physically and relied only on hearing what changes would occur in how we treat one another?

My youngest arrived home sooner than planned from his mission trip. They were able to get an earlier flight home and of course he called 45 minutes out and said he was starving. So we all ate in at our home salad and pizza for dinner with another young couple that's been married only a year. I missed my son while he was in Jamaica. But now he is safe and sound at home. His doggie missed him too. He was able to hang out with his older brother for a short time before he went home.

Artist Break Through

I am posting this pic with a happy heart. Not bc it is great but bc I broke through an artist block. I was working on Latest Trend CS workshop "Seascape." I have not followed the directions in Celebrate Your Creative Self on this one at all. I collaged tissue paper with modge podge, fabric cutups underneath to give texture and finally here is the biggie. I cut the piece to insert a pic from one of my Caribbean cruises. The colors are not close yet but I will work the colors to blend into the pic. By accident I had dropped a square piece of flower fabric on top of the collage. Whola! Pieces of the picture I inserted became the stem and leaves of the flower. I imagined I'm looking from a boat into the water and on top is a flower floating, but beneath I can see a turtle swimming around. The breakthrough is the fact that I just did it and didn't care if it turned out or not. I just cut it up. I think I will enjoy finishing this piece.

Once upon a time I sent many cards of encouragement to people. This is a gift God has given to me. I enjoy encouraging others. This was a gift that passed down from my mother. I always noticed she sent many cards out each week. She was a single mom with five children and though we did not have lots of money she found the time to send cards to others. Through time I became maybe a little more self-centered and stopped writing other than journaling. But God is encouraging me to remember others and let them know when I am thinking of them. So FAT has what is called Hearts-n-Hugs, where we send FPC out to members. Diana is going through a tough week of losing many (5) in death in one week. So I am sending her this little card. I hope it cheers her up some. Of course we all have to grieve in our own way. The Bible encourages us to mourn with those that mourn and laugh with those that laugh. I pray I will allow God to work through me to encourage His people. We all just need a little boost once in a while.

The Work Of His Hands

I felt the need to post this pic. I have been working on the altered book using my hands. I'm left handed so that's all you'll see. Smearing, smushing and just kind of playing like a child. For some reason I feel this is what God wanted me to do - just use my hands like a brush. What an inventive tool (lol) and What a master piece - white gesso and blue acrylic paint. I like to feel with my hands, even gardening I tend not to wear gloves; so you can imagine what my hands and nails look like. My rings take a beating too. I never take them off.


I haven't posted for a while my found objects - man droppings . Not sure I should post this one. I found of course coins, one dime and one nickel, a washer/bearing, two clasps, some plastic cording (I plan to use it to stitch my "green" quilt together. And my most interesting find - the orange (it doesn't look orange) tube with words "White Owl - blunts" on the band. I loved that orange thing, it was bright orange. Oh my I probably could have been arrested bc inside this container were little plastic baggies of some white substance. Hubby knew exactly what it was since he worked on a narcotics/drug task force for years. I decided I would throw the whole thing away. Now doesn't that beat all. Maybe I better look more carefully at what I pickup or like my friend said "wear gloves".

I know you are thinking "Why pick up anything at all." Our country is becoming a garbage dump. We have had crews from VDOT and a contracting company working on our roads. The workers take a lunch break and throw their leftovers and thrash from lunch right on the side of the road. I think I will call/write to the companies and ask them to pick up their leftovers. What happened to pride in what you do and pride in the places where you are working. And the philosophy to "leave the place better than it was before you got there?"

I realize the difference between the works of The Master's Hands and man's hands are vast.

Riveting

This morning on my walk I heard the most interesting sound. It was the sound of a jack hammer. Ok not exactly but it peaked my interest. I stopped to look up on a power pole and sitting on the plastic box was a big woodpecker. He hadn't figured out that the box was plastic not wood. Everytime he went to peck is sounded just like a jack hammer. Riveting!! The fog was rising as I walked and by the end of my walk my hair was drenched. The find mist amazes me. But what amazes me even more is the sun burns it away. The Son of the Father burns all that fog out of our lives too. Now THAT is riveting. Thank You God for eyes to see, and ears to hear and feet to walk along the path, and laughter you place in my heart.

Altered?

The Artist's Circle started a new workshop altering a board book. I have never altered a book before so I was struggling a little bit. What's new!

Then the light bulb went on last night as I was looking at an art book. I

came up with the title "Windows 2 My Soul". The original board book had pics of children playing. I lightly gessoed some of them so they would peek through the page.

This is going to be another healing session for me pertaining to my childhood. I guess there's another layer that needs to be peeled away. Gee I thought I was finished with all this. Children need security, safety, and a sanctuary. They need to be able to be children full of innocence knowing that they are loved and will be protected. A safe environment.

There are just some words when I hear them I cringe. One of those words is molestation. I can't even write it yet without tearing up. Maybe one day but not today.

Lighting Up

I am realizing lighting plays such an important part in creating.
If your lighting is off your creation looks totally different. And casting shadows proves to be an interesting challenge. Here is a
postcard I did the other day but when shooting with my camera it produced a green effect. Any ideas on what caused it to come out green?

The word "light" is very important to me. Some phrases you may have heard are "light of the world", and here is an old Debby Boone song "You Light Up My Life." I like this verse found in Genesis 1:3, 4a

"And God said , Let there be light: and there was light.

And God saw the light, that it was good..."

and

"Jesus spake, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness,

but shall have the light of life." John 8:12

I hope you have a great day and enjoy all the light around you!!

More Heart Hugs & Goodie Box

Here are two more Heart Hugs. Both are using interfacing/stablizers for front and back. But I don't know what they are. I lost the receipt that tells me what they are.

The one on left has the Elmer's glue resist for window pane. Then I used the neocolor yellow in the background for window. I used a new stamp I received from Jacq today for the vines, then colored with neocolor. I stitched the window with varigated thread. The little bees are stamps brightened with neocolor. Sandwiched in between the two pieces is a piece of orange tissue paper.

The FPC on the right I started by using roving inside the heart, then perle cotton to outline the heart. The stem/leaves are perle cotton too. I used a stamp for the flower with glue resist, then neocolor inside each petal. I used a stamp "for you with tiny hearts". After stitching around the edge of the FPC I used neocolors on top of the thread. Also I think the white background is too stark so next time color it.

One snafu: I wanted to color the back using neocolors. But I wet the interfacing to blend the colors. Big mistake!! I should have colored both sides and wet them separate then sewed them after letting them dry. Lesson learned, noted for future attempts.

The orange tissue paper background is some of my goodie box from Jacq yesterday. It was like Christmas. Thank you so much Jacq for the stamps, gift cards/envelopes and wow all that tissue papers to pack it in. My mind is rolling on projects.
In the morning my middle son came over and ask me to ride with him to the beach. Oh that was another great time with him too. When I got back from the beach I wanted to put my stamps and paints in one plastic container so I could see them. Organizing myself.

Then the door bell rang and I yelled out "wait a minute, oh come on in". Oops I thought it was my son but the mail lady had left the package on my porch. So when I went to email Jacq a "thank you" her blog popped up right on my screen bc I had never closed her blog from the morning. It was as if God was letting me know what was on His agenda. It was a wonderful day and not what I had planned!

Pear-fect Day

Pear-fect

Yesterday proved to be an interesting, fun, unexpected day full of improvising. Seems the teacher's email for supplies to bring did not reach any participants. She was so great, she went to work gathering supplies and we didn't miss a beat in creating in the class. Except for one thing - we all had to pick fabric out of a left-overs bin. How fun! Now that will get you out of your comfort zone. The piece we worked on - the Pear. You needed a background and seven small pieces of fabric. I had to leave on time from class to get home for another appointment. So this morning I laid out the pieces and they seemed too stark. So I decided to chalk them.
The background is more a pale blue but I am thinking of using the purple plaid for the border. What do you think? Any suggestions for a border?! I am enjoying more and more experimenting and improvising. Like someone said, "If you don't like it, paint over it, or chop it up and use on another project. Just have fun!!

Great Night

Last night was another great time with my hubby. He felt like eating Italian. When I was seated the waitress came over and ask me if I was from Italy. She thought I looked like her friend who she had not seen in a very long time. My hubby was quite amused and teased me all night.
We stopped by Books-a-Million on the way home and I bought another magazine. He purchased a Virginia Birdwatching book and a Word power book. Our next door neighbor came over to visit for a short time before retiring to bed. Our son was so funny! He called to talk to his dad and ask if he could come over. He just wanted to share about his day of dirt bike riding. How fun!!

Rainy Day "Sun"day

I made another Hearts-n-Hugs FPC. I used the back of a ceramic tile for a stamp and coated it with gel resist. Applied it to interfacing, let it dry, then used neocolor in between the window slats. I chalked the edges and placed another flower stamp in the center. The words were written using a Sharpie fat pen. I'm gearing up for a class in "Art of Lettering". I realize my true love is writing mixed with art. I should have been a journalist or a commentator, since my family feels I have to make a comment on everything, hahaha!

The background fabric is red velvet hand-dyed. Um what could I do with this? we'll see.

Art Quilt Study Workshop Class

I'm off again this afternoon for my Art Quilt Study Workshop class at Quilting Adventures. I'll take my first "Car" theme busy small 9x12 quilt for show-n-tell. My layout on quilts definitely needs improvement but I know through making the small ones I will begin to practice and improve on my layouts. I'm encouraged and isn't that what classes are all about - learning, improving and of course having fun.

P.S. - A friend ask what YWAM is? Youth With A Mission - a group of young adults that go around the world to help in different countries. Last year they worked in construction in Jamaica. This year I'm not sure if they will be doing that again. They are being sent to a different region in Jamaica further inland. I won't hear from my son until he is back in the US.

P.S. - To This Day

I left the guild meeting early to spend time with my son visiting from the beach. He and I watched a movie together. What a great time. If you have not seen the movie "August Rush" you should check it out. I plan on buying it for his birthday along with a Casting Crowns cd. These are two of his favorites. So many times it is hard to find just the right gift. The best gift - TIME.

Hugs, Kisses and Time With The Father

My youngest son is on his way to Jamaica. I pray all the group will have a safe and productive trip. They are going over with a YWAM group from Florida. His oldest brother arrived home

in time to see him and spend a little time with him before he left. He mentioned how much his brother had grown spiritually. I love watching my sons interact with one another. My home was filled with guitar playing last night. I love hearing my sons play music. My heart was full of delight. I received such a blessing in my family last night. And the joy of seeing sons want to spend time with their father is wonderful, too.

I know the greatest Father, Father God, wants us to spend this kind of time with Him. He delights in us and desires to see us come to him just for pure fellowship. Have you made time in your life for HIM?

Heart Hugs

I worked on two FPCs for FAT Heart Hugs. I love how this little process in techniques turned out. I used two different types of interfacing for my front and back of the postcards. I foiled, inked, and stamped them. I used gel pen on the back along with a flower stamp for the center divider. Before I put them together I used a polyester colorful pink flower fabric in between to show through the front interfacing. I stitched around the hearts. I am going to make more of these and have them ready to send when needed. They are so colorful.

Also I think I will tinker with Neocolors on the interfacing using the fabric in the center as a base to sketch using thread on the front. Fannie does a great job of this.

Today I have a guild meeting and our special guest teacher is Karen Combs from TN. We had to book her 2 years in advance for today. I hope all the participants in her class enjoyed it. I have finished putting 2 borders on charity quilts for our Service Projects. It has been so much fun doing their projects. They went to many companies and ask for gifts to give out to members who bring back finished projects each month. The first month they did this I won some gorgeous fabric. The Service Project Chair couple hope to finish over 100 quilts this year. I think we have a great chance of doing just that.

200 Post and Counting

I hit my 200 post yesterday. That's not a mile stone for me. I never planned on measuring my blog by the posts I make. When I have been on a year that will be a milestone. I have posted everyday so far. That is a milestone. I love writing!!

Yesterday was an exasperating day or I should say my focus was lost. Remember I said God has been working on my thought life. Well, I couldn't find a receipt for something that we have had only a week and it broke so I needed to take it back to the store. Hubby told me I filed the receipt. But I remember when my hands have touched something. I didn't remember this receipt or what it looked like. So my frustration level shot up without "even" giving thoughts a second thought. I began to grumble a-n-d complain. But then I stopped what I was doing and called my prayer partner. We prayed together on the phone and while she was praying for me I went upstairs, sat at hubbies desk and ruffled through a few invoices and guess what I found. You are so right - the receipt. I knew I had never filed that thing.

But oh the feelings that I had after finding it. I felt very sad that I had let something so minuscule change my focus, my thought and my peace. I should have kept on my original task and came back to that irritation when I could be more calm.

I had to ask God to forgive me for my attitude. It is a good thing my hubby had to run errands while my complaining was going on or I would have to asked his forgiveness too.

Permission2Play

was abbreviated by "N" to P2P. I love it!!

And on FAT "N" is hostessing a FPC trade called P2P. So you can do anything you want on this card. I worked on mine last night and came up with this.

I started thinking about P2P and what I wanted to do on my FPC. The thought that popped into my head was as a child playing with my siblings. In the back of my house was a hill where we loved to get cardboard boxes and ride down. We did that for as long as the box lasted. It was so much fun and didn't cost anything.

When I won Noel's goodie box there was a tea sleeve in it. I use it all the time when hubby takes me to B&N to treat me to a cup of peppermint tea. I always keep the corrugated sleeve B&N puts on my cup. You know in case I want to make something. Ok, I am a junk collector. Well I had one laying on my work table so I cut it up in the shape of my sassy play girls. I painted them with chalk.

Since they express attitude I had to put some loose, wild hair on them out of bundles of thread, what a tangled mess. That reminded me of a beautiful little 3 year I knew that had the most gorgeous golden hair which she hated to comb or let anyone else comb. Her hair was always a tangled mess. But she loved to play and play. My little sassy girls have beaded arms. The top girl's face didn't turn out too great. So I'll just pretend she found mama's makeup and redid her face.

Do you remember doing that as a young girl? I remember clip-clopping around in my mother's high heels and playing dress up. That was so much fun.

I took a copyright free pic and chalked it with color. Then I added the words "Play house" from my Scrapbook program. The "You're Invited" and "dream comes true" words are a stamp. I like the spontaneous idea that became a FPC.

One other thought popped into my head. Young children that are placed in orphanages. I wondered do they have to ask permission to play? I wonder if they are so strict on them that they take all the spontaneity out of children just to maintain order. It made me sad to think of so many children in orphanages that do not have parents and a single home. I am sure the caregivers for the children love them very much and do their best. It just seems every child should have a home with a mom and dad. I know you say I am living in a dream world.

But dreams really do come true!!

Hot Pink and Loving It

Theme: Cars

This Sunday I will go to another Art Quilt Workshop Study class. The theme I chose for this project is "Cars." I will try to produce quilts in a Series on Cars. We are only through Chapter 2 which discussed color use and perspective. When Kathleen, our teacher, ask us what colors we liked at present; I said, "of course, Orange but then out of my mouth came purple and yellow. She mentioned working with a controlled color palette. Oh boy!! Here is my first quilt on cars. This is a busy little 9x12 quilt. I started with all these techniques and couldn't quit. Its suppose to be a learning experience but she didn't mean all on one quilt. lol!!

I began with 2 photos I took of a car for sale - Betty Boop in February. The photo was manipulated with a bleach pen and stamped with lime green and deep purple ink. I used a technique from Cloth,Paper,Scissors Winter 2004 issue. Then I printed the photo on a fabric sheet. It was framed in with strips of purples sewn together that a friend gave me. Ok leftovers! Decorative Radiance frize purple glitter yarn for roadway. Embellished with lots of dryer threads in pink and purple in the right corner. Textiva was placed over it and decorative feather stitches added. I glued a real key I found on one of my walks in the middle. The Betty Boop wheel well cover with bumper tag reads "Pink & Lo." In the bottom left corner I used Judikins Kalidescope embossing powder edged in beads to look like a license plate. It will read "Betty Boop" either in pink or purple lettering. Blanket stitch in purple thread around the edge of the quilt finished it off. I should have used a different background but I didn't like black, pink or purple. Oh well next time.

When all my quilts are finished I plan on binding them into a book. Here are the books mentioned in the above techniques.

PANSY ON PARADE

And here is the purple and yellow I spoke about. Isn't she a beauty to behold? This flower is out of the basket my hubby bought me last week. I had to get a closeup. "Pansy On Parade" is what I call this pic!!

The center reminds me of an eagle in flight.

Dress Form & Design

Here is where I get to become a designer and create something I might wear. My Blogging Runway!!! lol. I finished two FAT bookmarks. I decided to keep with the theme of "Women and Design".

My base was pellon, and I used chalk to paint the dresses and give it shape. Added a chalk belt and crystal for bling. Fiber to the neckline was added, it's my idea of a boa. I love the free-flowing shape. On the back I used wonderful mixtures of orange/yellow leftover messes of fabric from other projects.
I liked using them. I had wanted to do something with them for quite a while now. I also added a fabric rose on the top back of the one showing on the right. And the final reveal, as they say, was my tulle to the back to keep it all in place and give it a little stiffness. My bookmarks are long enough to use in a magazine for marking pages.


Then I added the words "Read" and "Read Prose" on the back of the book marks. I edged the side of one dress with the words, "Women want to be taken seriously" and at the bottom
"Read Me Or Not."

My playful spirit had so much fun designing my book marks. I may try this again. It was sort of inspired from my first trade hostessing for Flat Fiber Dolls and my Jackie O fiber book. Then 'tis the season for proms and wedding dresses, formal wear. So I may keep on this for a season. I do need a creative sign to hang over my artistic room. This is the beginning to creating one.

Which reminds me. What were you created to be? I read on a group site yesterday about two ladies that are in their second half of life and are working on degrees in college. What is it that you always wanted to do but were afraid to step out and try? What keeps your spirit stirred up and longing to begin? My hubby from time-t0-time goes back to the desire of becoming a lawyer. I think that is one thing he really should pursue. He mentioned it two days ago. Maybe I can encourage him to begin - B-e-g-i-n!!

Happy April Fool's Day

I forgot to say

"Happy April Fool's Day"!!

When our boys were little each year my hubby would jump up out of bed early to pull one over on us. We always fell for it. We never seemed to remember April Fool's day but my hubby did and he would laugh and laugh after he pulled a prank on us. The boys would laugh and say, "oh dad, you got us." Then they would spend the rest of the day trying to pull a fast one on their dad. Oh what wonderful memories.

When Is Sunrise?

Well its 3:37am on Tuesday morning. And a good day to you all! My visit at the accountant went great. Better than expected. My hubby drove me down and afterwards we visited the mall. I had prayed specifically to find the dress and shoes for my son's wedding. I h-a-t-e to shop. We walked into the first store and found 3 dresses. I tried on the second one, a pale pink and it was a perfect fit. And I do mean "perfect" fit. Then we walked over to the shoe department and another match. The shoes were pink and matched the dress. Hooray! God answered my prayer. And I have to tell you I even ask God to help me find a free-flowing princess-style dress. I hate the tight straight lines in a formal dress. I feel like I am in a straight jacket. He answered that prayer too. My hubby was happy we didn't have to spend a lot of time searching. He loved the pink dress. Then he and I enjoyed a lunch together and explored the books in Borders. We each found a new book to treasure; his on the Caribbean and mine on paper techniques. It was only $2.99. What a find!

Here is another handmade Christmas ornament on a tree in the Caribbean. The butterfly was just lovely. Sparkly and full of glitter. I loved all the decorations on Antigua last year. We won't be visiting that island this December. The itinerary has changed somewhat. We've never been to Dominica or Bonaire; so we are looking forward to new adventures together.

I must say my hubby was so cute yesterday. Like a little boy after a great find. He truly is a hard worker and never buys himself anything. He bought a new pair of golf shoes, hat and golf balls. He kept apologizing for spending the money. Oh my he so deserves them and so much more. We topped off our day by going to his home place, taking our doggie and letting him swim. We walked and talked together, sharing our dreams and making another great memory.