Mama In The Moon

Patience....

2011-06-17T12:05:00.001-04:00

What a month!
Hang on....let me catch my breath! Whew!

Today, Moon Mama and the Hannimal are featured on Offbeat Mama!
That candy wrapper dress we created is making a name for itself, it seems.

LOVE this site!
And its sister sites--- Offbeat Home and Offbeat Bride
My kinda stuffs.

So...perhaps you've noticed that I haven't been blogging so much lately....
We've been SO crazy busy!
Sam graduated high school, moved out and went to work, and will be starting classes at UGA in the fall.
Hannah is moving on to high school in the fall.
We got a pair of bunnies, then had to give them away (alas! my allergies!)
Hannah went to Orlando with her dad and step-family last week.

Oh and ....
have I mentioned that I'm about to open my own space in Athens??
Ah yes! Finally!
The Moon Mama gets her own fantabulous space to create and offer healing in!

The amazing space across the hall from the Canadian's studios became available, and he has been running himself ragged renovating it for me.
It's an awesome space all on its own, oozing with character, but it did need a bit of work...extending walls all the way up to the ceiling, expanding the electrical and such. It has an outrageously high ceiling, with three arched windows (at least 8' tall!) overlooking the city. The building, smack-downtown Athens, is very old, and burned in the early 80's, so the space has charred beams and window trim, and original cracked plaster.
Those things I'll be leaving alone, but I'm planning to paint the drywall, finish the flooring and ..... I'm so excited...the Canadian is building me a loft with a HUGE storage area behind it!

Of course, I'll be posting photos of the progress, but it has been slow-going thus far (it is HOT down here! It must be 400* in there in the middle of the day! Ok, not really 400*, but you get the idea...it's HOT).

I'm so excited to have not only a space in which to create to my little heart's content, but in which to offer both Reiki and coaching sessions, but more about that later.

I hope to have my new site up very very soon, which is located at Over the Moon Creative Possibilities

Patience....patience.....

Voila`!

2011-05-09T12:07:00.000-04:00

The candy wrapper dress is done.
The dance is over.
She didn't wear the outfit I'd worked so diligently on, but that's ok; she looked beautiful anyway.

Did it hurt my feelings?
Enh.. little bit, but all along I'd realized this project was as much for me as for her.
So now I have this amazing dress, which I'll soon place on Etsy. It's all good.

In my rush to get this project completed, I'm afraid I did not remember to stop and photograph each step.
After the last photos posted here, I sewed the bodice to the skirt, and was very unhappy....the wrappers on the bodice just didn't "match" the ones on the skirt; they didn't belong together.
I also realized there was no way a ruffled flounce was going to be attached to this dress. I created the sleeves/flounces and saw that it looked more like armor than a ruffle! Bleh!
At this point, I took the dress outside and hung it on the mimosa tree, spraying the entire creation with teal dye, letting it run and drip randomly. Awesome!
This not only filled in the "blank" spaces of fabric, but helped the wrappers to "blend" together better.

The flounces would've finished off the dress edges, and since that didn't pan out, I was faced with a new dilemma--- what to do with all those raw edges.
Enter the duct tape I'd purchased.
I trimmed the entire dress edge with hot pink duct tape. Ooooh----VERY unhappy!
It was far too bright and shiny compared to the dress itself!
I immediately added a teal tape edge over the pink. Better, but still SO shiny!
Mod Podge to the rescue!
A coat of matte Mod Podge saved the day, dulling that tape just enough to more closely match the dress.

This was a wrap-style dress, and to cut down on bulk, I chose not to add a tie-belt, but instead used snaps at the waist.
This left the dress a little plain, so I used one of the sleeve flounces to create a large rosette by rolling, pleating and hand-stitching. When it looked like a flower, I stitched it to a large safety pin and attached it at the waist.

I wasn't happy with the way the skirt hung (and with a real live curvy human being inside, it had a gap at the bottom of the wrap overlay), so I created a petticoat from muslin and hot pink tulle.
The plain muslin begged to be hosed down with that teal dye from earlier, so out it went to the mimosa.
The way the dye dripped and puddled into the tulle was delicious!

It was only then that I realized I hadn't remembered to take photos of the steps!
So I packed up the dress, the petticoat and a wig from my collection (don't you love the way it matches the dress?) and sent it all off to the studio with the Canadian to be photographed. His prissy little mannequin is just not the same as a real feminine body, but she'll do.

I love my dress, but now I have all these candy wrappers, and a million ideas....
I don't think this is over.....not yet.
All along I'd been contemplating a matching clutch and pumps.
And I'm in love with that petticoat....
No, I do not think this is over.....
*maniacal laughter*

As If...

2011-04-14T19:55:00.000-04:00

I don't have enough to do right now.....
I've been playing around with photos too.
I'd love to hear what you think.

photo of Asia and background by Timothy Schildknecht, Fringe Collective Artistic Studios

Photo of Rebecca by Kim Little. Background by Ana Rasha

photo of Moon Mama by Timothy Schildknecht

Photo of Melody by Timothy Schildknecht. Background by Enchanted Stock

Photo of Melody by Timothy Schildknecht. Background by Elena Dudina

A Little More Crazy....

2011-04-12T10:27:00.000-04:00

Just sharing the progress of the candy wrapper dress today----

The bodice back


Bodice fronts, also known as the "breast plates"


A portion of the skirt

Bodice front, all sewn together


Bodice back, attached to front

Today I'm heading up to complete the flouncing---it's ready to Mod Podge the papers on--- then we'll be ready to start sewing all the parts together!
We've also acquired some hot pink and some teal Duck Tape, possibly for binding the edges (I don't think that hemming is a real possibility).

More later....stay tuned....

Just in Case Y'all Were Wondering.....

2011-04-07T14:32:00.000-04:00

I feel certain that anyone who truly knows me, has no doubts about my sanity.....or lack thereof.
For those of you who weren't sure before, well.... Read on!

I'd been itching to dive in and thoroughly immerse myself in a huge creative project all winter; any medium would be just dandy. The opportunity presented itself (more like an excuse) when the 14 year old told me there was a big end-of-junior-high semi-formal dance coming up this spring.

So her crazy Mama decided to pull out all the stops for this one.
Sewing, painting, Mod Podging, dyeing, duct taping, ironing candy wrappers.
Wait....WHAT?!

I'd tried to keep this a secret from her, but the candy-snarfing friends and family I'd solicited for donations let the cat out of the bag, and after numerous stories, I had to eventually admit it....

I was planning a dress for the Girlie made from candy wrappers.

Yep, you heard me right. A candy wrapper dress.

It's coming along nicely I think.
Here's the beginning---

The first three photos are the beginnings of the skirt, and the last photo is the bodice back.

Let me tell you....we thought we had this thing figured out, but not all candy wrappers are created equal!
They have varying degrees of waxiness (which we ironed out on newspaper), and none were the same size! I thought at least all of the Tootsie Pop papers would be identical, but no.
The size variations made patterning like we'd planned a wee bit more challenging.
We were left with gaps where the plain muslin fabric shows through.
The plan is to spray dye over the finished dress to fill in the gaps a bit; if it's still not just right, then we'll be sewing random papers over the gaps.

The Girlio has a great eye for color and pattern, and she's fairly handy with the Mod Podge too.
Each wrapper had to be 'Podged onto the fabric, then sewn in place once dry.
We found that all the ironing and handling had left the papers a little fragile, and we don't want the dye spray to ruin them, so we 'Podged over them lightly.

The next phase will be to put bodice and skirt together, then apply the candy papers to the flounce, which goes all the way around (it's a wrap dress...didn't want gathers or too much detail to complicate things).
AND concoct a large paper flower where the dress fastens at the waist.
It's possible that we'll trim the whole thing out with some teal or pink duct tape (love that stuff!), and create a fluffy crinoline for underneath.

And of course, we'll welcome any comments/suggestions/helpful hints that you may have!
This is a much larger and more complex project than even I had imagined! But what fun....a crazy Mama/Girlie project!

In the Sky! It's a Bird; It's a Plane....No..Wait.... It's ALPHA GAL!

2011-04-07T10:40:00.000-04:00

No, I promise, I have not become some sort of twisted dominant female super hero, but you are not gonna believe THIS ----> Gut Wrenching

New post up on my other blog; this'll blow your mind.

Well, anyway..... it blew MY mind....

This creepy little bugger is a wood tick, or American dog tick

Big Energy Goin' On!

2011-03-19T16:53:00.000-04:00

What more needs to be said......?

Kinda Ironic....

2011-02-18T15:19:00.000-05:00

that I'm making a DreamWheel on the Full Snow Moon when it's 70 degrees outside, eh?


Love the glitter, don't you? Especially on Buddha's nipples ;)

I was having so much fun that my nephews decided they needed to get in on the action.

And here are their finished DreamWheels---


Logan, age 3

Dawson, age 6

My Messy Valentines

2011-02-16T13:22:00.001-05:00

So my friend Connie is having a Valentine Art Journal Love party through Friday over at Dirty Footprints Studio.

I haven't had time to do any art journaling this week, but I did take the time to create some fun Valentines for my Dearest Loves on Sunday. I thought I'd share them with y'all.

I have five kids.

Have I mentioned that before?

Five---count 'em---5.

Five kids.

And when Mama's an artist, it just wouldn't do to give them store-bought Valentines, no matter how lovely, or how thoughtful the sentiment.

Mama wouldn't do that anyway.

Mama rarely buys anything that she can make!

So for YOU, my Loves, I thought I'd share a quick little Valentine-Lovie tutorial, and show you all how I made five Valentines in a hurry (because Mama also does most everything by the seat of her pants.... oops!).

I started with some adorable little 4x6" canvas boards, some old book pages, a little sheet music and checkerboard paper, paints, bubble wrap, and good ol' Mod Podge (have I mentioned that my Secret Love is really Mod Podge ;) ??).

Supplies for this project:

canvas boards
sheet music
black and white paper
old book pages
paint: red, yellow, white, black, metallic gold
Mod Podge
Harlequin (diamond) rubber stamp
old credit card
bubble wrap
assorted paint brushes
paper towels
water
Pitt Pen, black, optional

I slathered those canvases but good with Mod Podge, ripped up the book pages and plastered them onto the canvas using an old credit card to press out any bubbles and make sure everything adhered properly.

Then I dry-brushed red paint over them messily, followed by scraps of the sheet music and the black and white paper, again with the Mod Podge and the credit card.

The next phase---bubble wrap (gosh I love bubble wrap!).

First I used the bubble wrap and a little black paint sponged on randomly.

When the black dried (and I'm extremely impatient, so I use a heat gun or a blow dryer to speed things up), I followed it with some white paint on bubble wrap.

No idea why this photo is sideways; it was correct when I loaded it :-/

Over the bubble-imprints, I slathered on a coat of yellow paint, on which I immediately dripped water.

I waited for a minute or so (I hate to wait! But this step doesn't work well if you try to rush it with a dryer), then blotted up the water and a great deal of the paint, until I was satisfied with the look of it. This step is tricky, and it sometimes has to be repeated.

And this photo is upside down....*sigh*

Here, I've used a bit of black paint on the edges, dragging it over the edge of the front a bit to "grunge it up" a little.

Next I used the gold metallic paint on the harlequin stamp to make random, partially-stamped images at the sides of the top and opposite bottom, again wiping off bits of the paint until I was happy (and you know what they say, if Mama ain't happy......).

The finished product---

For the finishing touch, I painted on a wonky red heart, highlighted a bit with the metallic gold.

The hearts seemed a bit flat to me, so I shadowed just a tiny bit on the right-hand sides with a black Pitt Pen.

Below is a variation for a daughter---

I added a layer of splattered blue paint after the yellow splatter, mostly wiped it off, then used purple and red for the heart.

I also used a touch of paper with French script instead of sheet music, and a scrap of pink paisley paper on the upper side edge. Looks a little more...ummm...girlified.

It Shouldn't Be So Difficult....

2011-02-16T08:16:00.001-05:00


Not a great photo, but this is the Valentine I made for my daughter Bonnie

One would think as much as I've been through in my day, both emotionally and physically, that compassion would come easily for me.
But it doesn't always, and I spend a great deal of time feeling ashamed, and punishing myself, doubting my sincerity.

I know that I feel Love...not just mushy Valentine-type love, but
real LOVE.

I truly wish that compassion was easier for me to express. Truly.

For those that are interested, the "other blog" I mentioned is now up and running! Visit Gut Wrenching here

My New Blog Debuts!

2011-02-15T17:12:00.000-05:00

Well, I did it!
It's not perfect (of course it's not perfect....I mean-- it's not exactly what I meant for it to be!), but if I keep waiting for my fingers to type exactly the right words, it ain't never gonna happen!

http://www.GutWrenching.blogspot.com

I feel such a need to share my journey through the hell of multiple chronic illnesses, including some deadly food allergies, in the hopes of helping someone else who is suffering as I have, at the very least providing them with some hope in the knowledge that they are not alone.

At Gut Wrenching I plan to share the ups and downs of this crazy, messy life, links to useful information, tips on resources, what has worked for me, and, of course, reaching my dream, my goal---HEALTH!

Double Dare You!

2011-02-09T10:48:00.001-05:00


Wishful thinking... wont' be long; it's almost time! Photo by Timothy Schildknecht

Every morning that I wake up and choose to do what's best for my body and spirit, choose to welcome change and growth no matter what that means, choose what's right in spite of what the world says, I feel like I'm living a tremendous dare.
It's frightening and exhilarating all in the same moment.

I've made several commitments to myself over the past few months, all leading toward better health in body and mind.
Have I made mis-steps along the way? Of course I have.
Have I felt my spirit lagging throughout these trials and changes? Most certainly.
But every day, I get up and start all over again.
In every moment, I try to choose what's best.

I wish to continue to dare to commit to this quest...every moment of every day.
Who's with me?

As many of you may know, I have suffered for years with several ailments, including lupus, multiple food allergies, diabetes, fibromyalgia and depression. The latest---strange digestive anomalies that have defied diagnoses.
Realizing that I had to take responsibility for my own healing, I've made many changes in diet and lifestyle, and have committed to 6 months with the lovely Kristi Skiles-Hyllen of Kitchen Witch Coaching.
I'm in the process of setting up a second blog devoted to sharing useful information with others in similar circumstances, while documenting my progress.
Watch here for an announcement when it's ready to publish.

A Whole Lotta Love

2011-02-08T11:24:00.001-05:00

So I'm feeling a little frustrated today.

OK, a LOT frustrated!

There's so much to get done, and it seems like everything is going wrong....one of those days!

I finally decided that I can sit here, frustrated, and accomplish nothing.

OR..... I can spread a little love around and change it all!

I can make a few other folk feel happy and make myself feel all better, with a coupla clicks.

So why not?!

I think I'll give away some love by giving my sweet, sweet readers some Valentine gifties---

I think I'll start with a box of my homemade chocolate covered cherries for you to indulge in...


And then I'll give away a little velveteen pouch filled with love you can spread around your neighborhood....


Then I'll throw out a mini-version of my Message in a Bottle, so you can share the love with your Love!

To clarify, this is three separate gifts, to three separate readers.

And all you gotta do is share some love with me here!

Your comments so often make my day...

You guys rock!

The Weight of the World

2011-02-02T08:51:00.000-05:00

~ Queen Bonnie ~

a page from the book I made for her

in honor of her college graduation last summer

It's Wishcasting Wednesday again, and our friend Jamie asks a pointed question--- What burden do you wish to put down?

Oh baby! Are you kidding??

There are so many!

I tend to carry the weight of the world on my shoulders (as I'm sure many women do...don't you?), to the point that it manifested physically---

Carrying everyone else's burdens as well as my own, has left me with arthritis in my neck and shoulders, unexplained pain in my arms, and fibromyalgia pain over my entire body.

Of course, as a wife and a mother, I'm bound to carry a certain amount of responsibility for those that I love.

But there is a line between what's mine and what's theirs. I'm learning to recognize that line and step back from it, allowing them to take responsibility.

A natural consequence of learning to live more fully in the present is realizing that it's not necessary for me to hobble around, all stooped over with the crippling weight of all of my own worries and fears.

More and more, each day, I'm learning to stand up straight, recognize and step into the power that belongs to me...that has always belonged to me.

Funny how we forget, and become blind to that power that we all possess.

I'm ready to lay it all down, stand upright and face the sun.

That's my wish for today....to lay that burden down and move on, to hold the world in my hand instead of on my back.

another page from Bonnie's book,

reminding her that she holds the world in the palm of her hand

Right Here, Right Now

2011-01-26T16:10:00.000-05:00

Just playing around---

a "pretend" album cover by a "pretend" band

Photo by Malvina_M

The lovely Jamie Ridler asks today "what do you wish to enjoy?"

Boy oh boy, do the answers flow!

I'm always tempted to just jump in and start writing, based on that first impulse; however, I've found that if I wait, and ponder a bit, the real answer comes.

How do I know it's the real answer, you ask?

Simple; it's the one that is soul-satisfying.You know what I mean.

The real answer for today folks--- I wish to enjoy my here and now.

I have such an annoying habit of either fretting over the past, or alternately dreading what's coming or glossing over my present in hopes that the future will hold something better.

Even though I know down deep that enjoying my now determines that future, I have such trouble with getting bogged down in the yuck.

I'm catching on--- I'm constantly reading up (and writing) on the subject; heck, I'm even taking an online course from Ram Dass called, what else---Being Here Now.

And I'm finding that the more I focus on the now, and actually LIVE it, and hopefully ENJOY it, the better life gets, and the more joy I experience.

Feeling Exposed...

2010-12-09T07:35:00.006-05:00

My final BIG project, an 8'x4' goddess
Big Blue in all her glory

Hey Hey Hey, Moon Mama is featured as a guest post-er over at Dirty Footprints Studio today!
Pop on over there and check it out!

I really can't say enough about the BIG experience...I've only shared just the tip of the iceberg, so to speak.
I didn't share so much about it here while I was participating; the experiences and processes were almost sacred, and I felt the need to contain them and digest them either alone or within the BIG Tribe.

Now that I've been outed, and my Big Blue Goddess has gone public, I'll be sharing more....
how she came to be, and how my life has changed since.

Transformation....Head First!

2010-12-08T08:13:00.014-05:00

~Our homely tree~
It bears an uncanny resemblance to Salad Fingers...

Seems everything is going through a transformation of sorts these days.
My home is being transformed as we speak....furniture being re-arranged to make room for all of our beloved Christmas decorations and a tree....my kitchen covered with a fine dusting of confectioner's sugar and flour as I create, from gingerbread houses to chocolate covered cherries.

We ourselves are being transformed in both mind and body, transmuted through the fires of adversity, learning as we go.

This Wishcasting Wednesday, dear Jamie asks "what do you wish to transform"?
Would it be too trite to answer with "my life"?
I pondered this question as I herded the kids out the door for school.
A more accurate response, after consideration, would have to be "my mind".
After all, what transformation could be accomplished in a body, in a life, without first a transformation of the mind?

Catching up on my email earlier this morning, I discovered this post from yesterday's Positive Thoughts. Slowly read and digest these words from the Dalai Lama regarding transformation and the mind---

The source and cause of peace and happiness is the mind.

Both positive and negative experiences arise from the mind, depending on whether your mind is transformed or not. Therefore, it is most important to control and discipline the mind.

All the fears and the immeasurable suffering that we encounter arise from the mind. The Buddha taught that there is no enemy more powerful than the mind. In all the realms of existence, there is nothing more frightful—nothing more to be feared than the mind. Likewise, he said that the disciplined mind gives rise to all excellent qualities. The source and cause of peace and happiness is the mind. Happiness arises from virtuous practice; sufferings arise from negative practice.

So happiness and suffering depend upon whether your mind is transformed or not. Even in the short term, the more you control and discipline your mind, the happier and more relaxed you will be.

Once the mind within is controlled and relaxed, even if the whole universe appears to turn on you like an enemy, you will not feel threatened or unhappy. On the other hand, if you are internally disturbed and agitated, even if the most delicious food is laid out on the table in front of you, you will not enjoy it. You may hear pleasant things, but they will bring you no joy. So, depending on whether your mind is disciplined or not, you will experience happiness or suffering.

Although my body is dealing with much less pain these days, I am struggling with some bizarre health issues. I may have mentioned my multiple food allergies before. My doctor has now suggested that I might be allergic to myself.
I thought that was the very nature of lupus... the body rejecting parts of itself as foreign, so I'm not entirely sure what this newest development means.
The possible medical treatments--- years of Prednisone (No.) or chemotherapy (NO.)
I'm scheduled for an esophageal biopsy on Monday to see just what's going on in there.

I'd have to be oblivious to miss the self-rejection that this condition must represent.
And I certainly realize that a total transformation of my mind is in order. But where to start....?

And so Dear Friends, I'd ask you to wish with me today (I believe I heard somewhere that, astrologically, today is the day to ask) ---
I'm wishing for answers. I'm wishing for help. And I'm wishing for support on that path to total transformation.
I know I can count on all of you to send your love my way, and for that I am so, so grateful today!
Thank you, and blessings to you all!

Stepping Into ME

2010-09-29T08:56:00.007-04:00

Me, glowing and electric today

What do I wish to step into, Jamie asks, catching me mid-stride.
How convenient!

I'm stepping....I have been stepping....taking small, even lazy, baby steps...but for the last few weeks, I have been making strides.
I have been stretching past my limits.
I have been learning to step into my potential, into my real life, into WHO I AM.

For the last five weeks, I have been participating in Dirty Footprints Studio's BIG--Fearless Painting.
Today I am beginning a bed-sheet sized painting, and I am not afraid.
In fact, I'm excited!
I'm feeling things-- energy, alive-ness, creativity--that I haven't in a long, long time.
And it feels good.

So thank you Connie.
And thanks for asking, Jamie.
I wish to continue stepping .... moving forward.....stepping into MYSELF.

Penumbra is Coming!

2010-09-20T11:57:00.005-04:00

Calling all artists, near and far!

Come join us for loads of freaky Halloween fun at this year's Penumbra
Halloween art show!

We had a BALL at last year's event, and wouldn't want you all to miss
this one.

Penumbra is a collaborative effort between me, Moon Mama and my husband, the
Canadian. It will be held at Fringe Collective Artistic Studios in Athens.

Local artists, the guidelines for submissions are as listed above.

Worldwide artist friends, the only difference is that no entry fee is required
for you since you must ship your work to us, but I would ask that you
send a shipping allowance for me to send it back to you in the event that it doesn't
sell.

I'm so excited, I can hardly contain myself!
I can't wait to hear from you.....tell me all about your Halloween art entry!

The Secret is OUT!!!

2010-09-19T18:05:00.008-04:00

Have you heard about 21 Secrets?
What? You mean the ripples of excitement haven't reached you?
You must've been under a rock! But I love you anyway, so here's the dealio---

Dirty Footprints Studio is offering an awesome art journaling series called 21 Secrets...
21 sessions, 21 different artists, and the list of artists/workshops is just too tempting to pass up
(and all of this awesome-ness is only $59!!).

And believe it or not, this gets even better---
my pal Connie is giving away TWO, not one, but TWO of these packages...one for a lucky blogger and another for the winner to give away to their own readers!!!

Every single workshop sounds amazing to me, but let me just share a few to get your juices flowing:

How about Surreal Journal Fun by Tami Chacon of Dream Wish Hope?

Or how does Typoholic---typography fun with Natalie Malik of Awkwardly Beautiful sound?

Maybe art postcards float your boat... Try Art Journaling's Sassy Little Sister with Lis Hofmann
of Dandelion Seeds and Dreams.

Registration for 21 Secrets begins September 20 and all the juicy fun officially starts October 1.
Read all about the excitement here!

And the Winners Are.....

2010-09-13T17:55:00.015-04:00

it's Tuesday....another self-portrait
My kids call this one "Old Greg"
Don't ask
Do you have the courage to grow up
and be who you really are?

And the winners are----
ALL of you!

SUCH love was poured out on me in those birthday comments that, after I'd picked the winners for the presents, I decided that ALL of you win!

Girlie Queue/Shamsi/Charlie/whichever personality she's wearing today, and my BIG sister, is the winner of the With Love, The Universe baubles!

The rest of you who commented will receive a Words from the Heart ATC!

Faerwillow
Michelle and Lisa, my friends from Black Mountain
Tracy (my BIG sister!)
BioMouse
Jenn (also my BIG sister!)
Cindy
Liz, my friend in Egypt
Monica

Thank you all so much for making me feel SO incredibly loved and appreciated!

send me your mailing addresses, Darlings, and I'll get your gifts out to you!

I Wish...oh How I Wish!

2010-09-08T11:49:00.009-04:00

Ahh...the view from my hammock on a lovely early-Autumn afternoon!
So peaceful, so relaxing...
I haven't been able to spend any time there this summer....just too stinkin' HOT.

But now it's cool, mornings and evenings. I can still hear the birds, the crickets, the frogs, but I can feel fall in the air, and it feels delicious!

Lying in my hammock, feeling peace wrapped around me like a flame-colored shawl, I know exactly what I wish for less of.....

CONTENTION.

Sick to death of contention...contention throughout the world, in my neighborhood, in my home, within my own heart.... so sick of it.

I wish with all my heart for more peace... AND LESS CONTENTION!

And dear reader, please scroll down and join me for my blog-birthday celebration!
Comment to share in the love I'll be giving away this weekend!

Happy Birthday to Mama In The Moon!

2010-09-08T09:05:00.002-04:00

Today is my blog's one-year-birthday, and I feel like sharing the love!
When I started typing one year ago, I wasn't so sure I was going to enjoy this little adventure. I certainly didn't believe I'd keep up with it for a year!

I did it though, and here we are...
Let me share my celebration with you; I want to give away some happy goodies---

If you live nearby, by all means, drop in and have a cup of tea and some cookies with me!
If not.....

I'd like to share some of my Encouraging Words; I'll be giving away a set of these:

Dejected and depressed, she trudged through the mud and relentless rain,

muttering to herself about how hard it all was.
A wee little sliver of white poking up out of the mud, shimmering with just
the slightest hint of magic caught her eye.
Curious, she dug it out and let the rain wash away the dirt.
'Twas the tiniest little magnet; it said only "play".
Beaming up at the grey heavens, her face splashed with raindrops and tears,
"Thank You" she said.
The reminder was enough.

Created from my deep belief that none of us can have too many encouraging words, these tiny glass baubles contain just one sweet word of encouragement amid a touch of sparkly magic.
I carry a bag of these with me so I can leave them for others to find---
at the doctor's, the library, wherever someone else
who needs an encouraging word might find them.

I'm also giving away one of these to three more of my lovely readers who wish Moon Mama a happy blog-birthday:

Just let me know if you want these with a magnet on the back

Here's the dealio--
I'll randomly pick the winners from the comments left through the weekend.
Leave a comment for me here to enter.
Visit my Etsy site and "heart" it; that earns you another comment. Simple.

My First BIG Mystical Experience

2010-09-02T15:15:00.008-04:00

Today's BIG painting
Big, bold, beautiful

OK, so I've had my very first "mystical experience" with BIG.
Don't know what else to call it.

Oh, I've been listening all along; paintings have been telling me what they've wanted....been doing just fine with all that.
But today's painting....OMG people!

I recalled what Connie had said about this one, and I thought yeah, I can see where this one might kick my a**.

I put on some music. Today's selection--- Raquy and the Cavemen (LIFE-CHANGING music btw; thanks Christine at Bliss Chick. I could listen to Obama Ayub all day long...and dance!)

Painting and dancing, dancing and painting....a whole lotta shakin' goin' on up in my studio this morning!
I painted the pretty flowers...yep 5 years old.
Look at all the bright colors!

Stood back and waited.....listened.
It told me BLACK.
Black for my background.
Uhh...ok. That's maybe more like me at 12, but ok.
But no emotion, nothing unusual.
Some serious hip rotation while I listened for more.
If nothing else is moving, this body sure is!

Red dots.
On the black background.

Ummmm...yeah ok; I'll play along.
And that's when I heard it. LOUD AND CLEAR.

PAY ATTENTION TO THE INTERIOR SPACES. NO ONE PAYS ATTENTION TO THOSE LITTLE INTERIOR SPACES. IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO LOVE THEM AND FILL THEM UP.

Now THAT was unexpected!
Tears welled up, then rolled freely as I filled up the little interior spaces with red dots.
The metaphor was not lost on me.

I thought I was done. I got still and listened somemore.
Nope.

RED CANDY STRIPES ON THE FLOWER STEMS. NO ONE LOVES THEM AS MUCH AS THEY DO THE FLOWERS

I'd intended to paint all day, but I am spent after that revelation.

I gotta know.....anybody else had such dramatic ..... well....DRAMA while painting???
Especially you girls who've done BIG??
C'mon, 'fess up!
Or am I just crazy?!

BIG Beginning----MY LIFE

2010-09-01T09:01:00.008-04:00

My very first BIG painting!
I guess that makes it my BIG BEGINNING! :)

On this beautiful, crisp, clear fall morning, perfect for new beginnings, Jamie asks "What do you wish to BEGIN?

How perfect! I know the answer to this question!!
I wish to begin MY LIFE!

Autumn has always been my very favorite time of year---
There's just something in the air that seems to rally even the faint of heart, with the promise of change, giving us hope for our future.
As another birthday approaches, with mid-life creeping ever closer, I've thought a lot, maybe too much about my life.... accomplishments, lack of accomplishments, what might be in store for the last half.

The first half, at first glance, was wasted, wandering around aimlessly.
Before friends and family jump in...YES, I DID give birth to five of the most beautiful, intelligent, creative and funny beings on this planet. I am well aware of THAT accomplishment, and very proud of it too.

When I focus on myself, there was a lot of aimless wandering.
All of my attention was concentrated on my growing family and their needs (as it should've been), but I was ignoring the basic needs of my own spirit.
It was screaming to be acknowledged....all that time. No wonder I've had such struggles with chronic illness! *shaking head*

And now nearing mid-life, it's screaming "now or never!".
I am learning to acknowledge, and at times even indulge, my deepest needs.
I've taken several art and writing workshops, gone away for a retreat, purchased "real" art supplies for myself.....and sometimes it's been a wrestling match with myself!
But I am feeling my spirit grow and stretch toward a new life...one I can call my own.

I'd like to thank lots of folks who've been supportive and have helped me to begin this new life (and if I leave anyone out, please forgive me!)----
Lisa Rough, Sarah Sullivan, Baraka Elihu, Carmen Torbus, and Connie Hozvicka
And of course there's our dear Jamie Ridler!
I'm participating in Dirty Footprints Studio's BIG workshop just now. My spirit (and several online friends!) told me that this was a pretty cool jumping off point.

Yep, I'm ready.....
ready to begin MY LIFE.
MINE.

Flaming Angels, Guitars and Indestructible Me

2010-08-27T08:26:00.008-04:00

This piece was created months ago as part of the Georgia Theatre art quilt, and as I'd hoped for all the pieces included in the quilt, it has a story.

The Canadian loves to shoot photos of statuary.
A couple of years back, he brought me an image of an angel loosely holding a palm frond. "Look at this Jennifer! Doesn't it look like she could be holding a guitar instead??"
He was excited, and he has more faith in my Photoshop abilities than I do, but to humor him, I played around with it.

I actually liked the angel/guitar creation; I had to use her on a quilt square. I'd been asked by the newspaper to demonstrate an example of a "no-sew" technique for them to photograph. Hmmmm...perfect!

As soon as I'd posted her originally, I realized there was an up and coming band in Athens called the Burning Angels.... no connection...I'd never even heard them play, but it amused me.

I've been thinking quite a bit about this piece over the last while....not so much in comparison with the idea of the Georgia Theatre rising from the flames, but on a personal level.
How many times have I just continued, playing on, oblivious to the destruction around me?
How many times have I been burned in the flames, only to reinvent myself and come back again?

“Only to the extent that we expose ourselves to annihilation

over and over again

can that which is indestructible be found in us.”

~Pema Chodron

Dreamboards with a Mind of Their Own

2010-08-24T07:43:00.002-04:00

All the images dripping in glorious color that I pulled, and this is what manifested on my board--
all black and white.
I'm always amazed at how my boards turn out. I think they're going in one direction, only to find the opposite when I'm done.
I'm pleased with this one; it's lovely, elegant even. I'm still contemplating what the numbers mean....

Sending Love on Gilded Wings

2010-08-11T07:57:00.008-04:00

from the Phoenix Rising -- Georgia Theatre Art Quilt Project
by Yours Truly

Where do I wish to send some love today?

Love being the most important thing that exists, where do I NOT wish to send it??

I wish to send it to all the parts of my body, especially to those parts that I tend to not find acceptable---not only that round, saggy belly, those seemingly ever-widening hips, but also to those tangled, knotted muscles that have been screaming for my attention for so long.
They have been slowly but surely responding to my love and attention, releasing their painful grip, and I feel deep gratitude to them for all that they are re-learning to do for me.

I wish to send love to all the hopes and dreams that I've let go of over the years of family-first, and physical pain, the ones who are daring to peek out, blinking, bleary-eyed at the glaring light of day.

I wish to send love to my bi-polar husband's darker side, accepting it as a part of him....embracing the shadow, learning to love and live with all of him.

I wish to send love to his estranged children, the ones that I have befriended, and the ones who remain separated from us. I also wish to send much love to his soon-to-be-born grandson (his first grandchild), half a world away from us, and especially to the daughter who carries him.

I wish to send extra love to each of my own children today---
those that are making their way out in the world, and those still at home who are struggling with tough school years (last year of jr high and last year of high school), and with depression.
I am so proud of each one of them!

Oh there are so many more places that need, want, deserve my love today!
I wish that I had time to list them all, but I will keep each of them in a special place in my mind and heart today.

Thank you Jamie, for reminding me today.......

Too Many Words

2010-08-10T07:30:00.010-04:00

self-portrait
Too Many Words

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

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

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

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

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

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

Inspiration!

2010-06-10T08:22:00.013-04:00

Don't mess with Hannah!
She's the Ambassador of Fearlessness.

Ok, so Miss Creative Juicy herself has outed me.
I have fear issues. There.....I said it.
Which is why I've retreated to a friend's lakehouse in the middle of nowhere, not really intending to blog, but now Connie has called me out.

I realized, of course, that fear is an overwhelming problem for me, but when I signed up for 3 online workshops over the last few weeks, it knocked all the wind out of my sails.
The first course did it (sorry Sarah!). I felt sure I could seriously benefit from a course labeled "letting fly--balance for the creative soul"....I think most of us could.I came up head-first against a brick wall when I realized just HOW out of balance my life had become! I couldn't even complete the assignments in any sort of coherent way.

Then there was Connie's workshop Art Journal Love Letters---what an awesome course!
This one I'd meant to get involved with for the longest time!
I was so excited to sign up, but then after watching Connie's videos, suddenly I was locked up with fear. WHY???Here I am....been art journaling for a while....teaching my own workshops.....and I can't do this??

My 13 year old, Hannah has also been art journaling for a while. She was looking over my shoulder at the videos; I didn't realize how much they'd inspired her.
She went straight out and bought herself a journal and supplies, came home and raided my studio....and just dove right in.
Watching her inspired me to actually get started.....seeing her fearlessness, her creativity...how could I not jump in with her?

Look at the mess we made!
Maybelline is terrified that we'll take over her window seat too!

A set of pages I finished

I've also signed up with Carmen Torbus for her Spill It Revisited workshop.
I didn't get any further than downloading the supply list and homework assignments. I realized I wasn't ready to get started....I had to overcome this ridiculous fear first.

So I'm holed-up here, alone with my thoughts and fears, doing my best to face them and make peace with them, looking forward to heading home with a different frame of mind.

And that Hannah.....
The Ambassador of Fearlessness is away at camp this week, and I look forward to "playing" with her when she comes home.
I'm so proud that she's not afraid of her creativity, and I'm hoping that by Connie's sharing her story with the world, others can be inspired to LEAP!

Ahhhh ...... Peace

2010-05-12T08:59:00.006-04:00

Sweet Rose
by John William Waterhouse
One of my favorites of all time!

I had decided I would not post today upon seeing Jamie's Wishcasting Wednesday prompt.
What do I wish to experience??
Come on!
The list is far too long!

As usual, upon further consideration
.... and I wonder if this is not Jamie's intention, to make us do more than pop off the first thing that comes to mind, realizing that there is more to the prompt...more to US than that......
the answer came to mind----

I wish to experience PEACE.

If I can experience even a small few of the items on my list, I will experience peace.
I wish to experience health.
I wish to experience some semblance of financial security.
I wish to experience the joy of using my God-given gifts each day.

And I wish true peace for myself, my family, my friends, all of us.

Yeah, Yeah.. It's Tuesday....

2010-05-11T13:41:00.007-04:00

Hannah doodled this lovely creature from
one of my cast-off portraits.
Wonder what she's trying to represent here?
Rage, depression, contempt?
Is this how my family sees me?
YIKES!

and I am not feeling myself today.
So I suppose that the awful UN-self-portrait is appropriate today.
This one was actually done by my youngest daughter. She snagged one of my self-portrait blanks and this was what she came up with. Unngh....

Changes in health, medication adjustments, changes in my body that appear to be beyond my control, changes in weather....
And FAR too much to catch up with have left me feeling....well....a lot like that creature that Hannah drew.

Instead of finishing a piece I intend to submit to a magazine (due Friday), or making a baby quilt (due before the baby actually gets here!), OR creating something of some substance for our wedding anniversary (which is Thursday---I've been married to that Canadian for 6 years!),
I've moped and slept today.

Patience is not what I'm known for, especially patience with myself.
At this point, I am in a position that I vowed I would never be in.
I hate taking pharmaceuticals in the first place, and stayed off them as long as I possibly could.
First it was meds for the diabetes.
Now it's meds for the fibromyalgia, but one of them is causing my blood sugar to spike, which means taking more of the other to compensate for the damage this one is causing.
I SWORE, after watching too many members of my family balance medications (for things that I thought they should just take responsibility for) that this would never happen to me.
Not only do I feel WAY out of sorts today, I am angry with myself.

It's Tuesday.
I posted a self portrait, as I'd committed to.
Now I think I'll go back into my lair and curl up under the covers.

Guest Post--- Happy Mother's Day, from My Canadian!

2010-05-09T10:20:00.010-04:00

Motherhood - "A seed of limitless potential which when nurtured...

blossoms in colors unimaginable... with benefits beyond comprehension"

Mother' Day 2010 is soon to be.

I am not ready for it.

I have often wished that Mother's Day was held on the day of ones birth. A combined affair where the event celebrates the birth of a new being, and the transformation of another.

These celebrations would big like Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas, and have a spiritual tone rather than a secular one. The original event of our birth was a very spiritual one. A soul expanding, unifying connection, that unleashed a flood of emotion that, in reflection still holds it's original enchantment and surrealism. These events would be held several times a year, corresponding to the number of births a Mother has experienced. I would not label these celebrations as Mother's Day or Birthday. They would rather be called Love Day, for it is memorializing the first day of loving and being loved.

Lets face it. We were not born with a concept of love. We learned it from our Mothers. We nursed, cried, messed, slept, got sick and then well again, all because our Mother first loved us. As we got older all the hugs, kisses, and snuggles from Mother brought us warm feelings that we enjoyed experiencing. We found that giving hugs, kisses, and snuggles to others also felt good. We may not have understood why these actions created emotions in us, or what these emotions meant, but we would label them as love and continue to grow from there.

As we grew together, Mother would (without any thought or expectation for repayment), express her love for us through her ongoing sacrifice. Sacrifice was a condition that was occurring right from the beginning, starting with morning sickness, emotional disorientation, physical discomfort, cramping, the issuing of blood and water, overwhelming pain, and relentless fatigue. That was your beginning, and now with time, maturity, and understanding, you came to see that her hugs, kisses, and snuggles, may have reassured us, but it was in the sacrifices that she laboured on your behalf that her true love lived and grew.

We emulate what we experience, and when we couple our behaviors with an understanding what they mean, we begin to thrive. Her love for us taught us to love others. Love is what is most important, and is the true measure of greatness in an individual.

Are Mothers perfect? Of course not. But I believe that the concept of Motherhood is perfect, and that all mothers who struggle to do their best in delivering hugs, kisses, snuggles, wiping dirty faces, driving to and experiencing recitals, games and doctors appointments, and issuing forth blood sweat and tears, makes the world much better place than it otherwise would be, and a simple one day a year commemoration celebrating Motherhood seems completely inadequate in comparison to their accomplishments and sacrifice.

Thank You ...Mother.
Thank You... Wife.
Thank You... Mother of Our Children.

Make 'em or Break 'em

2010-05-05T08:57:00.015-04:00

"Heh Heh...."

The Canadian laughed when he heard today's Wishcasting Wednesday prompt....
What rules do you wish to make... or break.

"This is going to be hard for you .....You don't like rules. You want to break ALL of them!"

Off the cuff I thought "yeah, he's right. I don't like rules".

Upon further consideration, I decided that it's not RULES I don't like.
Rules must exist, correct?
Certain universal laws exist.....it's not the laws I dislike; it's what happens when I don't follow those rules that causes me trouble!

What I dislike vehemently is authority.
No, let me clarify---I dislike authority for the sake of authority....rules just for the sake of having power over someone else.
Now THOSE rules I'll break every chance I get!

I find myself breaking more and more rules as I learn to just be myself, not listening to others' opinions, not concerning myself with what they might say.
And I'm not feeling remorseful; I'm not feeling guilty.

If I could make my own rules (and I can, can't I?) ---
LOVE would be the basis for everything else....the reason for and the thought behind every other rule.
Love is THE most important thing there is.
If my rule were in place, there would be little need for any other rules.
Think about it.

Self Deception....the Worst Lies of All

2010-05-04T08:37:00.029-04:00

The quote about masks/truth I used on the last self portrait
spawned this portrait, with an actual mask.
My face is in pencil, with a digitally created mask, eye color, and
flower-hair, all attached to a painted background.

We swallow greedily any lie that flatters us,

but we sip only little by little
at a truth we find bitter.
~Denis Diderot

Let's talk about TRUTH, or rather lies.....specifically--- the lies we tell ourselves.....
been on my mind lately.
A lot.

It's been difficult, painful even, to think about; I can only imagine how difficult it will be to write about....to confront the lies, admit them, take responsibility for them.
Frightening as it is, it must be done. I'm convinced that I won't get better, my life won't get better until I own up to this foolishness.

Man has always sacrificed truth to his vanity,
comfort and advantage.
He lives... by make-believe.
~W. Somerset Maugham

I'm guessing that this will be a process, perhaps lengthy...a peeling of layers...
dropping all that is false, all that is not me

Truth, like gold, is to be obtained not by its growth,
but by washing away from it all that is not gold.
~Leo Tolstoy

Funny thing, the way this started...Suddenly I could see so clearly how others' self-deception kept them from achieving their goals and desires---stopping their addictions, losing weight, regaining health.
How could they not see it? How was it not clear to them if it was so clear to me??

REALLY---
*how could those fancy new shoes make them firmer if they didn't get up off their a** and out of that recliner in front of the tv??
*How could they possibly lose any weight if they continued to get up in the middle of the night and consume whole cartons of ice cream....not only was that poor nutrition, but it was feeding their addictions, filling that empty hole....

Hmmmm.....really.....Indeed.

If you cannot find the truth right where you are,
where else do you expect to find it?
~Dogen

And then one day it hit me smack in the face....
Who was I to jump up on my soapbox??
Who was I to point fingers???
How true that old adage....when you point a finger, remember there are three pointing right back at you.

The greatest enemy of any one of our truths
may be
the rest of our truths.
~William James

This day I am committing to ponder those things that I lie to myself about (and the truth is, if I'm lying to myself, then I'm lying to you too).
I know what some of them are off the top of my head; I'm just guessing that there are more lurking under the surface of those lies....even more layers to peel away.

We do not err because truth is difficult to see.

It is visible at a glance.
We err because this is more comfortable.
~Alexander Solzhenitsyn

*I know already that I lie to myself about my diet (big secret! extreme sarcasm)---
I do try to eat healthy foods, but I am not ever-vigilant.
In and of itself, that's not really an earth-shattering confession; how many of us are totally committed to a healthy diet? Truthfully, I mean.
The underlying problem is that I am a diabetic.
And I have severe food allergies.
And I have lupus, and fibromyalgia.
A healthy diet is crucial to my getting well and staying well. Period.

*Exercise---ouch!
SO many lies!
I'm in too much pain (really? REALLY?).
I don't have time (REALLY REALLY?? And what am I doing? Just sitting here, vegetating.....Truthfully, I got nothing BUT time!)
I live out in the boonies; my driveway is too rough...I might injure myself; I have no car today; I can't afford a class/group; I really am afraid I'll injure myself, again.
Ok, some of those are truths, but I feel certain that they could be worked around if I wanted to do so.

*I claim that I don't use my illnesses as an excuse.
The real truth is that I do sometimes. I don't want to; I don't mean to. But sometimes I do. Like when I'm afraid. Or when I have unresolved issues.

*Spirituality.
Oh Dear!
The very place where lies are the most inappropriate.
Lying to God???
I can't lie to God; God knows my heart!
How can I be an example to my family, or anyone else, if I'm lying to myself??

The truth will set you free,
but first it will make you miserable.
~attributed to James A. Garfield

Now that I've exposed myself to the world, confessed my sins, as it were, announced my deception, even though I'm guessing I'm not confessing anything that wasn't already known publicly, I'm feeling a need to retreat into myself again, take the time to mull these lies over in a lot more depth than anyone else would want me to share.

I know that I am not alone in this self-deception.
Will you share with me as you look into your own soul and start peeling back those layers?

Sometimes....

2010-04-28T16:42:00.014-04:00

the best laid plans....
you know what I mean.

I've been regaining a bit of strength the last few days, so I had a little more planned for today.
I was behind, naturally, so I had no Wishcasting post for today, nor did I have my full pink moon dream wheel completed.

Ahh....home alone today; I could easily accomplish those things this morning.

But first came the phone call from an Athens musicians wife, giving me some great ideas for the next step in the Georgia Theatre art quilt project. Of course my mind started racing, expanding on those ideas and planning, planning.

I also had a call scheduled just before noon with the delightful Lisa Rough of Sacred Circle Creative Coaching
No problem.....I knew that the call would leave me refreshed and feeling able, ready for the rest of my busy day.
We had a lovely conversation, which would've allowed me to have the afternoon to myself, with not a shred of guilt....and I fully intended to take it.

And THEN.....
good ol' DB showed up on my doorstep, grinning from ear to ear with our latest project in hand.
How can I possibly turn down an adorable 5 year old who claims that he loves to come to Aunt Jennifer's house just to see what she's creating??

Papa had built a wooden tic tac toe board for him, and DB had very particular ideas about how it was to be finished. Could I help him?
You bet I could! That's just what Aunt Jennifers are for!

He completed his paint job--- yellow on the inside, green on the outside, mauve and gold on the bottom. The game pieces were painted a lavender-ish color.
DB had seen some of these games that I'd painted years ago, so he wasn't going to be content to have mere x's and o's on the pieces....oh no.

His first idea was....I kid you not.... angels vs. devils.....I half expected him to give me a lecture on the age-old battle between good and evil.
Soon he'd changed his mind---- cats and dogs; they go together....dogs chase cats you know.

While paint dried, we made oatmeal cookies, but we included several "extras", again at his insistence, to ensure that no one else in the house would like them. I was thinking that maybe the devils and angels were the better choice.....

Oh dear....the artist in me kicks in.
I just happened to have puppies and kittens that I'd drawn years ago. We dragged them out, scanned them, sized and printed them, cut them all out, then decoupaged them onto the lavendar squares.
Then there was a stern lecture about being sure I used the clear spray finish outside, because it was "fume-y" and therefore bad for my lungs. But of course.

Needless to say, the blog post wasn't done; the dreamboard wasn't finished, but you know what?
I had a great day!
I let go of my "grown-up" plans with no guilt; I had some fun, and hopefully, I created some life-long memories for this little guy.
What could be more important?

So I suppose a wish was granted today after all---
I invested in family, relationships, memories, and love....all in the space of an afternoon.
Beautiful!

MUSE-Day.....The Power of the MASK

2010-04-27T08:39:00.017-04:00

Man is least himself when he talks in his own person;
Give him a mask and he will tell you the truth.

Oscar Wilde

Remember when you were a kid and you couldn't wait for Halloween?

Sure, the candy haul was a lot to look forward to, but truthfully, wasn't it the idea of the costume, the mask, of becoming someone else for a few hours, of playing a role, acting out and not being responsible for it because it was someone else?

Certain of my children still does this, at the age of 25 with a real job, and adult responsibilities, and doesn't always wait for Halloween. He revels in the opportunity to allow that other side of his personality, that other persona, loose on an unsuspecting world.

I have often wondered if this is how he stays balanced and in control...
the behaviors of this "dark side" are not considered socially acceptable without the costume and the make-up.

The truth....I myself still delight in opportunities to become someone else for a while, whether through costume and make-up, or a mask. There are parts of my own personality that can only see the light of day when guarded by a mask, whether real or perceived.
Maybe we want to "try on" a different personality; maybe we're just trying to "fake it till we make it", attempting to learn new behavior.

Much of the time, though, our masks are simply a front that we put on for others, either to impress them or to hide what we consider our imperfections or shortcomings, those parts of ourselves that we feel we need to hide from others.

What masks do YOU wear?
Are you wearing them for fun, to attempt a change, or out of fear?
Please share with us! We really want to hear what you think and feel!

Healing Maggie Grace---My Auction Contribution

2010-04-26T14:28:00.007-04:00

I've finally chosen my contribution for the Healing Maggie Grace raffle, benefiting my friend and 2-time cancer survivor, Teresa (read her story here)

What would be more appropriate than some Encouraging Words?

I'm donating a set of 10 glass bubbles, including the words courage, pray, hugs, live, yes, heal, rest, hope, stillness, and service.
Also included in this special Moon Mama package-- 5 wooden Words from the Heart ATCs/magnets, including the encouraging words courage, hope, heal, love, and live.

You can bid to win these items or any of the delicious creations that have so lovingly been donated by our fellow artists at www.HealingMaggieGrace.blogspot.com

SWEET! Latest Georgia Theatre Art Quilt Submission

2010-04-23T10:14:00.010-04:00

Our most recent submission for the Georgia Theatre art quilt is AWESOME!
At least that's the general consensus at my house....everyone who's seen it, loves it.
How cool--- a guitar, cut from a vinyl record album (remember those, kiddies?), labeled with a photo of the Georgia Theatre, the neck of the guitar making the statement "Rise aGAin"!
I love it!

And this masterpiece was created by none other than my pal Teresa Atkinson of MaggieGraceCreates !
Believe it or not, she hurried to finish it before she had her surgery, "just in case", she said.
She dropped it off the day before tripping off to the hospital to have her kidney removed, bless her.
She is doing just fine, by the way.

the "Georgia Theatre" label

the guitar's neck--notice the shiny GA

Please remember folks--- the absolute LAST CALL for submissions is one week from today!
The deadline is FRIDAY APRIL 30!!
Contact me to make arrangements for drop off, pick up or mailing in your quilt squares or band t-shirts.

I Double Dog DARE You...!

2010-04-21T08:40:00.010-04:00

Jenz Happy Dance when the Canadian's
studio was finished

Oh BOY.
What do I wish to dare?

That Jamie Ridler really knows how to stir it up, doesn't she?
Every Wednesday with her Wishcasting prompts.... my mind, my spirit... all churned up, going in first this direction, then that, until I finally gain enough clarity to write it out.

Well let me just tell you what I DARE---

I dare to just BE ME.....
to be who I am, no matter what.....
No matter what anyone else has to say, or even think about it.

And I dare to look my enemy FEAR right in the eye, until he blinks....
and slinks right out my door, dragging his sorry tail behind him.

YEAH.
That's it.
That's what I dare.
So THERE.

What do YOU wish to dare today?

PS---
I borrowed this video from Lucy at Mixed Media Musings
Gotta love the wolf (wolf = lupus)!!

Tuesday---Muse-Day

2010-04-19T16:19:00.020-04:00

Moon Mama, self portrait, age 12

The quote at the bottom reads:
What other dungeon is so dark as one's own heart!
What jailer so inexorable as one's self!
Nathanial Hawthorne

Look at that face----
SUCH sweetness, such innocence.....
Yet forlorn and frightened...
Part teenager, but still part little girl...

What a beautiful age.
What an awful age.

This was the first actual self portrait in the series I've started, a replica of the original photo.
Some of you may have seen it before, when Christine of BlissChick and I talked about the sad transformation that takes place around the time a girl turns twelve.

Even though there was a bit of the wild child left in me at this time in my life, look more closely and you'll notice a certain hesitancy, a slightly bitten lip, a sadness in the eyes.
I had discovered that who I really was could be frightening to others, unacceptable, uncomfortable at the very least.
This is the time in my life when that door had been slammed shut so many times, it stuck closed.

As Teresa of Maggie Grace World commented a couple of weeks ago, I've got my foot in that door, and now it's time to kick it wide open!

**************************************************

Speaking of Teresa, her kidney was removed on Friday and she is home from the hospital today!
The miracles of modern medicine coupled with a strong, unstoppable woman wrapped in a blanket of prayer from friends and strangers alike......and WOW...amazing things happen.

Teresa's blog friends have started a blog on her behalf---www.HealingMaggieGrace.blogspot.com
Artists from all over are making donations of their work to be auctioned off, and there is a PayPal link if you'd care to donate funds to assist in Teresa's care.

Because This IS What We Do---

2010-04-15T09:09:00.013-04:00

Yes I Can spoon pendant by Teresa of Maggie Grace Creates

Although this has weighed heavily on my mind for the last week, I have, maybe foolishly, refrained from writing about it.
I've needed time to process, I suppose; but now's the time to stop feeling angry and helpless and share with all of you Dear Folk, and ask for your help and support.

My dear friend (who happens to be Sam's girlfriend's mom) and fellow artist, Teresa has kidney cancer. She thought she was struggling with a kidney stone just last week, only to find that there is a huge mass in one kidney, and that she will lose the entire kidney.

I've sat here all week, wondering what I can do for the person who does it all for everyone else.
Fortunately she has other artist/blogger friends who did more than sit---they created this blog to help Teresa and her family out--- www.HealingMaggieGrace.blogspot.com

I know of your goodness and your generosity, and it's time to call on you to show them.
Please do what you can to help!
MaryAnn and Jen are asking for donations of artwork, gift certificates to your Etsy sites or to other retail establishments, anything appropriate for a raffle which will be held Mother's Day week.There is a link on the blog to a paypal account if you prefer to donate cash.

Teresa has no idea the support she's been to me; she's one of my biggest cheerleaders!
So it's time to return the favor.

original painting by Jennifer Schildknecht, aka Moon Mama

What Do You Wish to Be Gentle With Today?

2010-04-14T08:49:00.009-04:00

Georgia pollen, actual size
No wonder we're all suffering so! ;)

Seriously, I haven't had such a rough spring as far as allergies go....a little bit of a stuffy nose, and crunchy eyes first thing in the morning....not nearly so much as most Georgians are suffering right now.

I've been sick since Monday, thinking it was just another lupus-thing, compounded by allergies, until I started running a fever last night. That's when I knew--- this is a COLD.

Having lupus/fibromyalgia, I have to be extra careful with even little things like colds.
I tend to push myself to keep going, rather than wallowing in my pain or weakness, but I'm learning (after HOW long?!)....I HAVE to take it easy sometimes!

When Jamie asked today "what do you wish to be gentle with", my answer was obvious---
I wish to be gentle with myself!
And I'm betting that "myself" will be the number one answer on the Wishcasting circuit today!
I'm learning that I need to be gentle with myself far more often than I allow, but I especially need it when I am sick, or it can lead to serious complications.

So it's another cup of peppermint tea and back to bed for me.
Go and enjoy this gorgeous spring day for me!

2010-04-13T08:14:00.007-04:00

original photo borrowed from the internet, artist unknown,
and altered by Jennifer

Quote: I feel my body, my mind,
weighted down --- all is heavy---
but my blood, my inner fire,
my passion,
the little unburdened kid in me,
patiently wait to burst free.

Some of us die never having burst.

Drew Sirtors

I can't bear the thought of dying, never having burst!
I'm ready; I'm ready to explode!
There's too much to be and do....

Come on! Let's play!

The Georgia Theatre Quilt Project Takes a New Turn

2010-04-12T08:35:00.014-04:00

the fabulous Vanda Guthrie

...and all because of a comment on Facebook when I posted the last block submission!

The lovely, lovely Vanda Guthrie (wife of Michael Guthrie and mother of the late Jon Guthrie) has graciously offered to help me out by prodding local bands to submit their band t-shirts for the Georgia Theatre art quilt.

Michael and Vanda Guthrie

I had originally asked her to create a memorial block for her son Jon, and one for the Michael Guthrie Band (a mainstay of the Athens music scene). She, apparently being the total sweetheart I've heard she is, took the idea and ran with it, vowing to "make this happen".

I've been begging for submissions from anyone and everyone--- bands, artists, businesses, school kids....locally and globally.....anybody!
But Vanda tells me that all bands have t-shirts; this is free publicity for the bands (who can't use some free publicity???!!) and, hello....how hard is it to hand over a t-shirt??!!
Vanda will even cut your quilt square out of it for you! Come on!

My original plan was to have enough squares for a quilt to auction locally, a quilt to auction on ebay so that we could open the bidding up globally, and of course, one to hang in the re-built theatre.
It's entirely possible that, if we receive enough band t-shirts, that a BAND ART QUILT can be put together just for the theatre!
Come on folks----if you've ever played there, ever wanted to play there, or just want to show your support for the Georgia Theatre, hand it over!

To learn more about this project, and see examples of previous submissions, search my blog;
just enter Georgia Theatre.
You can also read about it at the official theatre site.
Please note that the absolute last call for submissions is APRIL 30!
If you have any questions at all, or to arrange to submit your block, don't hesitate to contact me.

For further reading on the Athens music scene, visit here.

I'm Doing It!

2010-04-07T09:11:00.005-04:00

How do I wish to bloom today?
That is the question from the always effervescent Jamie Ridler today.

I realized, after a bit of thought this morning, that I'm already doing it.... I'm blooming!
Day by day, little by little, just like a blossom unfurling from a tightly wound bud.... often seemingly against my will, but I'm becoming more of the flower I was meant to be.

I'm working to better my health through spiritual as well as physical means, strengthening spirit, mind and body.
I'm coaxing myself to create on a more regular basis.
I'm putting myself "out there" more and more, learning to tell fear to step aside--- I'm sharing more, writing more, holding small workshops, spearheading a community project.

The ironic thing is--- I seem to be blooming, and heading in the direction I've always wanted, even though I don't feel ready....even though a part of me is being dragged along for the ride!
The Canadian laughed when he saw my full worm moon dream board; he pointed out that it prominently stated "ready or not, here we come".
He's noticed it too....

By the way, all you Wishcasters--- the Canadian wanted me to mention to those of you who noticed his wish last week and added yours to his----He got his motorcycle that very evening.
Thanks folks!

Tuesdays are Now MUSE-Days for Moon Mama!

2010-04-05T17:14:00.008-04:00

A while back, I began a series of self-portraits loosely based on an idea proposed by artist Nic Hohn in the March/April 09 edition of Cloth, Paper, Scissors Magazine.

I chose one of my favorite photos of myself and, using Photoshop, extracted my face. I removed the color and altered the contrast, leaving a pale and washed out version of myself. I made multiple copies in various sizes to play with.

It has been a remarkably enlightening process, this recreating myself --- trying on, not only new hairstyles or clothing, or re-forming features, but trying on new personalities (even a different species once!), wondering how those women would behave.

Today I feel comfortable sharing these portraits with you (I already shared one way back).
Some are playful and silly, but others are quite personal.

From this day forward, Tuesdays will be Moon Mama's MUSE-Days.....
I'll share a portrait and you can find out for yourself just what's inside....
what secrets are hidden behind that smiling Moon Mama...if you dare!

The first page in this journal of self-discovery isn't really an altered portrait, at least not like the others. This is what came to mind when I contemplated what I was about to jump into---
another favorite photo, taken when I was five years old, at my sassiest.
What were YOU like when you were five?

Journaling:

I remember being so full of life as a kid--- energetic, mischievous, creative,
sassy, exuberant, inventive, playful, fanciful, spirited,
but at the same time a dreamer---
deep, sensitive, imaginative, even spiritual.
I had not forgotten who I was.
I guess I was told too many times to stop being that person;
so in order to be accepted,
I forgot...
And the door shut.

Latest Georgia Theatre Art Quilt Submission---Artist Sarah Cook

2010-04-05T16:41:00.009-04:00

Boy oh boy, this is a great mixed media piece from Danielsville artist and my friend, Sarah Cook!

There is still time to submit your piece!
I can't wait to see all the exciting contributions, especially after inviting Jamie Ridler and all of her listeners/readers to join us in our quest to rebuild the Georgia Theatre!

The absolute last call deadline is approaching ---APRIL 30
Read more about submission guidelines here or search this blog for Phoenix Rising or Georgia Theatre art quilt.
For more details, contact me, Jennifer (aka Moon Mama) at MoonMama61@aol.com or at 706-540-2712.
Or just go ahead and send your submission to Jennifer Schildknecht, 1035 Hwy 29 N, Danielsville, GA 30633

What Do You Wish to Accomplish?

2010-03-31T08:24:00.009-04:00

Aren't these mini sweet peppers adorable?
I bought them just to photograph them.....there's something not quite right about that. :D

"I am a very accomplished person, and I deserve to succeed. I accept success as my Divine right." Louise Hay, I Can Do It calendar for March 31

How interesting that Jamie's Wishcasting Wednesday question is "what do you wish to accomplish?"
It's also a question that I regularly do my best to avoid; herein surely lies much of my problem!

I have lists of things I wish to accomplish; doesn't everyone?
My lists are so long, and I'm so far behind that it's hard to get to the more esoteric items.... you know....the ones that involve spiritual growth or figuring out what my life's work is meant to be.

Today's list is quite long and tiring (grocery shopping, helping the Canadian find a motorcycle, entertaining kids out on spring break.....dreaming about some help with yardwork and that outdoor cob fireplace that I fully intend to build but can't do it all on my own....).

I was planning to say I'd pass on the wish, but who wants to pass on the chance to make a wish?!
And besides, now that I've mentioned the cob fireplace.....

These photos are from a park in Toronto---it includes an outdoor kitchen, all cob.
I'm shooting for something a little more "elegant", but these give you an idea of what
I'm trying to ACCOMPLISH

Full Worm Moon

2010-03-29T21:58:00.008-04:00

I finally got around to finishing my own dream wheel for this full moon, amid dream wheel circle, being sick, getting the kids off to a camping trip, then trying to catch up, and finishing a painting.

As what tends to happen, my board took a completely different direction from the one I'd intended!
I thought I was headed in one direction---an all-round health, well-being, move forward kind of direction, but no!

I used a bigger board than usual, got all my images and text cut out...laid it all out....I was pleased with it. As I began gluing, I noticed that pieces moved around, and didn't seem to be taking up nearly as much space as I'd planned...hmmmm.... OK, I thought; I can add more goodies!

But no, it was not to be.
I had spray painted the board itself a purpley/maroon color, as it was large and I was concerned that I might not fill it up.
Somehow I felt that it should not be filled with images and words.
Funny thing about the words....I used a LOT of text, with only a few images this time....apparently I need to really push forward in the direction that I'm headed!
Well alright....

Then something unusual happened---- I felt compelled to really bling this board up!
I pulled out the 3-D glitter glue, silver stars and let loose!
I played and played until every empty spot was filled with MAGIC!

I'm assuming that I should sit with this one for a while and ponder its message.....

Full Worm Moon Dream Wheel Circle

2010-03-29T16:53:00.009-04:00

I believe that my first dream wheel circle on Saturday was a success.
We had a blast, talking and playing together, and in the end, learned a few things about ourselves.
I'm really excited with the idea of holding full moon dream wheel circles every month!

Creating these collages seems like such a simple thing, and yet each one tells so much about its creator. Each and every time I make one for myself, I'm astounded at how the collage seems to take on a life of its own....telling me itself what the theme is (it's most always a totally different direction than the one I think I'm headed in!)

Below are photos of participants with their finished dream wheels.

What Do You Wish to Take a Break From?

2010-03-24T08:56:00.010-04:00

photo by Timothy Schildknecht 2010

You know, I've been so busy lately---with kids, with doctors, with putting my art-work together, with family things....birth, and now death----my first thought this morning when reading today's Wishcasting Wednesday prompt was, of course, "I wanna break from real life!".

And now I've spent the entire morning thinking "oh Jennifer; that's a lame wish"...."who doesn't wish for that?"

After all of that boiling in my head and heart today, I've reduced my need down to it's purest form---
I DO wish to take a break from real life---but not for just the rest and relaxation.
I wish to pull back, to spend some time considering REAL LIFE.
I don't want my head swimming with all those appointments and obligations, the have-to's or even the want-to's.

This week I have come face to face with REAL LIFE.

As many of you know, I lost a dear cousin unexpectedly this weekend.
Janet was a beautiful, vibrant, loving young woman (hey, to me, anyone between mid 40's to early 50's is still a young woman!), with a husband, with two beautiful children, one of whom was just married a few months ago; with four beautiful, adoring sisters.
Those five sisters are very dear to my heart, some of my favorite people, and all near to my age.

Losing such a beautiful soul was especially painful; burying her on such an incredibly gorgeous spring day with the flowers blooming and the birds singing was especially poignant, poetic even.

I am, however, having the most difficulty, I believe, with someone my age... a peer...leaving this life so suddenly and unexpectedly.
I think about life's silly details, all the things left undone....
and of course, do my loved ones KNOW how much they're loved??

I wish to take a break....
to let some of these feelings wash over me, cry if I need to...
to lie in my hammock this beautiful spring day, listen to the birds sing...to contemplate the beauty, the poignancy, and the preciousness of REAL LIFE.

**********************************************

I also wish to thank Jamie Dear for allowing me to share with all of you through yesterday's Creative Living with Jamie my take on what can happen when we don't listen to our Spirit, of learning to live a creative life in spite of the resulting physical pain, and that old familiar demon, FEAR.

I extended an invitation to all of you, Jamie's readers/listeners to join me in the Phoenix Rising--Georgia Theatre art quilt project. Listen on Creative Living, or read more about it here.
I'd be pleased as punch to have you participate with me!

AND I made a special Etsy offer....you'll have to go to Jamie's to find it ;) !

We'll Miss You Janet!

2010-03-21T12:19:00.003-04:00

Love,
Jennifer

Better Luck Next Time...

2010-03-20T10:18:00.004-04:00

Sadly for DB, the leprechaun did prove too cunning for us and our trap!
The trap was sprung; the gold jewelry bait had disappeared....there was nothing but a trail of glittery magic dust left behind.

He went on to pre-school , taking his trap with him to ...ahem...demonstrate for the class.
Much to his surprise, the elusive leprechaun paid another visit during school....leaving him some green ribbons and some "danged ol' plastic" gold coins.

The little guy was SO disappointed! He was just sure if anyone could catch a leprechaun, it'd be him.
Better luck next time fella!

Happy Saint Patrick's Day Y'all!

2010-03-17T08:48:00.008-04:00

My comical little nephew Dawson came home from pre-school yesterday talking about building a leprechaun trap. He knew to come to his Auntie Jennifer for such a project, and over a shared pizza, we made our plans.

While he napped, I painted our little pizza box green and dug up some appropriate embellishments for him to choose from (he had specified some of my jewelry for bait!). Hannah painted a pair of chopsticks glittery gold.
Then I whipped up a batch of green sugar cookie shamrocks for him to share today with his classmates.

Shown above is his finished creation, a pizza box decorated with glittered paper coins, finished with alluring golden chopsticks to prop his trap open...all awaiting the cunning and elusive leprechaun.
I can't wait to hear his story of the leprechaun's visit later today! *wink wink*

************************************************************************

This St Patrick's Day Jamie Ridler asks: What do we wish to pay attention to?
A couple of Wednesdays ago I brought up the idea of taking the time to listen to others' needs, to be a loving and supportive friend. This, of course, is still my wish, and it does require paying attention.

Recently though, I was speaking with Lisa Rough of Sacred Circle Creative Coaching about being still and paying attention to the ways in which I was compromising.
Lest any of you jump to conclusions, let me clarify---compromise is a good thing, an essential thing for getting along in this world, especially in intimate relationships.

However, when one starts to compromise themselves....giving away pieces of themselves to satisfy another's wishes or needs....THAT'S when there's a problem with compromise!

Compromise is meant to be a win-win situation, right?
Never should there be a "winner" or a "loser"!
True compromise also requires effort on the part of both/all parties involved (which again requires attention!).

Since that conversation with Lisa (thanks Lisa!) I am focusing more, paying more attention to how much of myself I give away in order to please others.
I've been shocked!
And I'm sure I've left several people confused, if not downright angry, by learning to say "now wait just a minute....that's NOT what I want" or "hey, my needs are being trampled here"

It is my wish this Wishcasting Wednesday for myself, and for all of us, that we might learn to pay more attention to just how many pieces of ourselves we give away, diminishing our own power and light.

The Full Worm Moon

2010-03-16T10:46:00.010-04:00

According to Farmer's Almanac, as the temperature begins to warm and the ground begins to thaw, earthworm casts appear, heralding the return of the robins. The more northern tribes knew this Moon as the Full Crow Moon, when the cawing of crows signaled the end of winter; or the Full Crust Moon, because the snow cover becomes crusted from thawing by day and freezing at night. The Full Sap Moon, marking the time of tapping maple trees, is another variation. To the settlers, it was also known as the Lenten Moon, and was considered to be the last full Moon of winter.

Celebrate this last full moon of the winter with me, Moon Mama!
Through creative collaging, using words and images, we'll declare our Spring intentions to the Universe at my very first Dream Wheel Circle!

We'll meet Saturday, March 27 from 10-12 at Fringe Collective Artistic Studios, 159 N Jackson St, Suite 34 in Athens.

There is a $5 supply fee for this event.

I do need to know how many of you will be coming for this morning of fun and creativity, so please contact me to reserve your spot at 706-540-2712 or at MoonMama61@aol.com

I'm looking forward to this casual, relaxing morning with you!

Full Moon Dream Wheel Circle

2010-03-11T17:15:00.011-05:00

Join me, Moon Mama, Saturday March 27, 10 am- 12 pm
(before the Full Worm Moon on Tuesday) for my first full moon dream wheel circle.

We'll play with images and words, setting intention through creative collage.
Ages 8 and up are welcome for a relaxed and casual but inspiring morning.

We'll be playing at the Canadian's studio, Fringe Collective Artistic Studios----
159 N Jackson St, Suite 34 in downtown Athens

There is a $5 supply fee.

Contact me if you have questions, or want to register---
MoonMama61@aol.com or 706-540-2712

What Do YOU Wish to Say No To?

2010-03-10T08:27:00.007-05:00

image borrowed from www.VisionsMagazineOnline.com

As I've been challenging the Canadian to participate in Jamie Ridler's Wishcasting Wednesday group, I suppose I'd best give today's wish some thought....

Today Jamie asks what do you wish to say no to---
The answer came easily: I wish to say no to anything that depletes my time and energy.

Lately my life seems to be jam-packed with time-wasters and Energy Vampires. I've lost track of how many doctors' and lawyer's appointments and court dates I've had over the last few weeks, not to mention all the fires I've had to put out just to keep life running smoothly.

Is this what happens when you say it out loud.....put it out there for the Universe to hear?
I choose to drop the past and live in the now; I want a better future.
It seems that all hell is railing against me since I said it and meant it.
SO let me tell you something hell: You can all leave me alone now. I refuse to play your game. I am saying NO. N-O. NO. Do you hear me?!

Now back off and let me have some peace.

What Do I Wish to Make Time For

2010-03-03T09:36:00.006-05:00

photo borrowed from the web

Maybe some of you would say I should wish to make time for keeping up with my blog... ;)
I do....I wish that; like so many of us, I wish I had time for all the things in my life that need doing, or that I want to do. It just seems so often that there's just not enough time for it all.
Jamie asks today "what do you wish to make time for".....Well Jamie, I'm glad you asked!

In my attempt to be honest with myself, authentic even, these past few weeks, I've noticed that very few of us are taking the time to listen, really hear what those around us are saying. We're not paying attention and living in the present moment.
And this disturbs me.

I sincerely wish to make time to listen, to be a friend....to do what I can to uplift those around me who need a bit of sunshine in their day.

And I wish that more of us would wake up and take the time.....

Georgia Theatre Quilt Block from Athens Artist Ali Sabin

2010-02-09T10:56:00.009-05:00

I wanted to share one of the latest entries for the Georgia Theatre art quilt.
Ali Sabin of Athens has created this hand-pulled marquee print for us.

Ali started making block prints about two years ago, due to her interest in traditional art techniques. She begins by designing the image, then carving the block before hand-pulling each piece.
Her "location" prints mimic mid-century tourism designs, thanks to, Ali says, her obsession with vintage advertising and propaganda.
Ali sells her work at local markets in and around Athens, and online.
See more of her designs at www.IPullPrints.co m and at www.IPullPrints.etsy.com

Thanks for your contribution Ali!

What STORY Do You Wish to Let Go Of?

2010-02-03T09:55:00.005-05:00

Boreas, another Waterhouse
seems to me she's holding onto her story...
I think she needs to let go

This Wishcasting Wednesday Jamie asks "what story do you wish to let go of?"

Come on; admit it.
We all have them.
The stories we tell ourselves.
The stories we tell others.

What's really real?
Be honest with yourself.
I've reached the conclusion that recognizing our stories and admitting the truth about them is the only authentic way to live.
What would happen if we all decided to live authentically? Tell the truth and take responsibility?

As for me, I wish to let go of the story of lack and pain.
How about you? What do story do you wish to let go of today?

LAST CALL

2010-01-28T17:55:00.011-05:00

paint, paper and pencil on canvas

Ok folks, it's time to put out a last call for quilt squares for the Phoenix Rising--Georgia Theatre art quilt project.
To hear more about the project, see this Athens Banner-Herald article from December.

I know we've all been busy busy busy, and I know it never ends.

But in order to actually complete this quilt, I'm going to need more blocks and I'm going to have to have an absolute last call for submissions.

paint and paper/digital art on canvas, unfinished

I will be a guest on the Creative Living with Jamie podcast at www.JamieRidlerStudios.ca on March 23, and we'll be talking about the quilt project. So in order for Jamie and our blog-friends to be able to participate with us, I'm pushing the deadline all the way out to APRIL 30, 2010. But that's it, last call people!
If you'd like to get your own artwork into this project, APRIL 30 is the last day that I will accept submissions.

I can pick up local submissions, or they can be dropped off with me, or at the Canadian's studio at 159 N Jackson St in Athens (Fringe Collective Artistic Studios).
Other submissions can be mailed to me at 1035 Highway 29 N, Danielsville, GA 30633.
Feel free to contact me for further information.

Paint and paper on canvas, with rubber stamping

To view submission guidelines, see the first project announcement link above. I created the above squares specifically to demonstrate no-sew methods.

Awaken!

2010-01-27T08:24:00.007-05:00

Windflowers by one of my favorites,
John William Waterhouse

Jamie asks today "What do you wish to awaken?"
A perfect question for this point in my life!

I wish, and have wished for a while now, but only now realize that I can truly do this, to awaken the wildly authentic creative goddess spirit that I know dwells inside me.
To finally slay the dragon of FEAR, whose smoke blinds me and keeps my spirit wandering blindly.

Yes M'am, that's my wish, and I'm stickin' to it.
I'm ready.
I'm ready for amazing things!

I will be attending the Creative Women's Retreat with Lisa Rough of Sacred Circle this weekend as a jumping off point for this quest and I can't tell you how excited I am!
I expect to have wonderful things to tell you when I return.

Branching Out

2010-01-25T19:01:00.005-05:00

Words of Encouragement
new items posted to my Etsy site
all suitable for Valentine gifts for the Loves in your life

Major computer problems, along with internet problems, and family illness have interfered with my bloglife for too long now; I'm losing patience fast!
I really meant to have all of the Valentine items posted on my Etsy site at least two weeks ago, but alas, here they are today.
But don't let me discourage you! There's still plenty of time to order!

Lately I've discovered the power one simple word can hold, hence my new creations--
"Encouraging Words". Visit my Etsy site for details.

The Canadian is encouraging me to branch out.
As you may know, he sponsors weekly life drawing sessions at his studio. He's been encouraging me to participate. Drawing is my first love, but I have moved away from it over the years. He's planning to offer a life drawing course very soon, and wants me to teach beginning drawing classes in preparation for the bigger and better things that we foresee.
I have finally agreed to take a small step out of my cocoon, er, comfort zone. We'll be starting very soon.

What do I Wish for My Family Today?

2010-01-20T08:04:00.007-05:00

After far too long a break (we'll call it my winter's hibernation), what better way to return than by answering Jamie's Wishcasting Wednesday question---

I naturally wish for my dear family all the gifts and qualities that any wife/mother would:
love, joy, peace, abundance, perfect health.

However, having lived most of this life behind a shield of fear, my greatest wish for them is that they might fulfill the measure of their creation, their life's purpose, with all their heart and soul, finding immeasurable happiness in so doing.

This day I would also wish for my extended family all that they might stand in need of.
My dad is experiencing some serious health problems this week (a possible stroke) and has not received the care from healthcare providers that he deserved. We are struggling to get answers and appropriate care, and we, as adult children, are having to come to grips with the idea that roles are beginning to reverse, that we will soon be caregivers for our parents. Dear friends, please keep our family in your prayers.

And while you're praying......
One of my dearest lifelong friends just called: HER mother just had a stroke yesterday!
Please also hold LeAnne and her family in your prayers.

Check me out!
I remember this amazing girl!
She's still in there, somewhere....
Hey, I MADE that jacket--olive green twill with orange, white and dutch blue flowers...SO 70's!
Wish I still had some of that fabric.....

Georgia Theatre Art Quilt

2009-12-10T07:59:00.010-05:00

Recent quilt submission from Patty Altier of Akron, Ohio.
These blocks were created from remnants of hand-dyed fabrics originally
included in a birthday quilt for Micheal Stipe of REM

Thank you Athens Banner Herald this morning for helping to get the word out about the
Georgia Theatre Art Quilt project! (and here)

Here's an opportunity for, not just musicians, but the entire community to show their support of the Georgia Theatre, and it's rebuilding efforts.
I've extended the deadline for submissions through the end of the year. I realize I announced this fundraiser project at the busiest time of year, especially for all us artists, so I'm cutting us all a little slack and pushing the deadline out a little farther. Hopefully this will allow more artists to participate.

One point not mentioned in the ABH article-- I'm hoping for TWO completed quilts, one to auction here in Athens, and one to auction globally, perhaps on Ebay.
Therefore, I'm asking artists, if possible, to contribute 2 identical/similar quilt squares.

I'd like to hear, not only from artists, but any fan of the Theatre---bands who have played there in years past, businesses who'd like to show their support, the general public, anyone at all!

Send any questions my way, via this blog, or email at MoonMama61@aol.com, or feel free to call me, Jennifer, at 706-540-2712.

What Does My Spirit Wish For?

2009-12-09T08:44:00.009-05:00

The Canadian, intently helping me put together gingerbread houses this morning---
well on his way to becoming Santa Claus, wouldn't you say?

What does my spirit wish for, Jamie asks today...

My spirit wishes with all of its being to soar....
to express itself creatively, lovingly, joyfully....
all despite the confines of this stiff, unpredictable and unreliable body!

I thank each one of you dear Sisters in advance for your sweet wishes...I need them today!

My Winter Wish

2009-12-02T06:33:00.008-05:00

Winter, and the holiday season, are traditionally the time to settle in, enjoy hearth, home and family.
Even though fall is my favorite season, I enjoy spending time with my family over the holidays more than any other time of the year. I love the spirit in our home as we prepare for Christmas, engaging in our longstanding traditions.

As I created a Full Moon Dreamboard from part of a painting of mine (appropriately titled Winter Moon), I realized that the old subversive fears around a lack of money are keeping me from fully enjoying my family and the holiday. It's true that the Canadian still hasn't found work, that my work is slow because of my health, but I still have a beautiful, loving family and a cozy, safe, warm home, and much to be grateful for.

This Wishcasting Wednesday, Jamie asks "What is your Winter Wish?"

It is clear to me from my choices in my collage that my Winter Wish is for more hope of prosperity, not just for me and mine, but for all of us!

Here's wishing for abundance for us all this Full Cold Moon!

So I'm a Saint.....

2009-11-29T15:36:00.005-05:00

No, I'm not. Far from it.

But here's what happened---

We had all the kids and most of their "significant others" over on Thanksgiving; what better time for a family portrait?
Do you have any idea how difficult (and frustrating) it is to organize 10 unruly folk and get them to all be still and smile at the same time?!
Let me just say that we did NOT get the portrait.

The closest thing to it was a shot of all the kids and their girlfriends/boyfriend, with me sitting in front of them. THEY all looked great; I, however, was sitting there with my hands clasped in my lap and my eyes rolled up toward Heaven----reminiscent of all those Renaissance Madonnas from my college art history course (oh dear!).

After a long hard day, I decided to have a little fun at my own expense---

AND It's On!

2009-11-28T13:32:00.028-05:00

After so many days of sitting here and staring, sighing forlornly, tempted to title my post "AND I Got NOTHING"....
I am back to the land of the living, and ready to share!

I could make a number of excuses for not being creative, for not posting over the past week, all of them legitimate ----comforting my husband through illness and a hospital visit, comforting a dear friend through not one but TWO traumatic experiences, teaching the Boy and his girlfriend how to make chocolate covered cherries, then pie crusts, the busy-ness of the holiday, pulling together a Thanksgiving feast without being still enough to BE thankful, but we'll just leave it there and get on with it. Though too busy to even think, I was where I was supposed to be, being friend, mom, lover and nursemaid.

But today, it's on....
Well, I'm doing my best to ease into being ON....listening to Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters' Christmas cd (one of my all-time favorite holiday listens) and sorting through discs of Christmas pictures to post here. The kids are at their dad's for the weekend; the Canadian is upstairs, hopefully scouring the attic for decorations; the dogs are lounging on the window seat watching squirrels---it's quiet. And yet, I don't quite feel like being Santa's elf today.

The "crafty family Christmas" article in the local paper came out yesterday.
Have a read; it came out quite nicely. It also features my friend Teresa of Maggie Grace World.

In it I was asked about any family Christmas craft traditions---one of our favorites is the gingerbread house, which is mentioned in the article, but WITHOUT the infamous punchline.
Care to hear the WHOLE story?

I'd always wanted to build a gingerbread house, but I had plenty of excuses--too many little hands, not enough space, not enough money...but the REAL excuse was that I knew how I'd handle it---I'd take it FAR too seriously, and spend HOURS laboring over it, oblivious to anything else around me.

And yep, when I finally decided to do it, that's exactly what I did....went above and beyond....designed my own pattern, tested it out in posterboard before cutting and baking, perfected the dough, bought every kind of candy I thought the perfect gingerbread house might need, even went all Martha Stewart and cut out the windows in the dough and filled them with crushed hard-candy to melt into stained glass windows. Of course one would need lighting inside to make the most of those exquisite stained glass windows, right?

We'd just tested all of our strands of lights before putting up our tree, and we had a couple of strands left over. I carefully coiled up a strand on the tray I would be building the house on, then proceeded to construct the house over the lights, making sure to leave an opening for the cord and enough length to reach an outlet.

It was dinner time (DINNER time?! Ooops! How'd that happen?!) when I stepped away to admire my creation.
I had just created the gaudiest monstrosity of a gingerbread house you could imagine!
And now for my moment of glory.....
I plugged the lights in......

WHERE did those FLASHING lights come from?!!! We didn't have any flashing lights when we tested the strands!!!?
The look of horror on my husband's face said it all, but it was soon followed by "Oh my. A gingerbread whorehouse".

Sixteen years later, and I have YET to live that one down.
Somewhere there are pictures; if I find them, I'll post them. I'm not ashamed; I've come a long way since that day.

Needless to say, my gingerbread houses since that Christmas have been, well, let's say a lot more thought and planning have gone into them.

As the kids have gotten older, they've participated more each year, first getting their own small houses to decorate, and eventually being allowed to contribute more to the building of our main house.
As much as they enjoy the creation of our houses, I'm afraid that the kids find the act of demolition much more satisfying.....

finding new and creative ways to destroy the structure, playing with the pieces of stale gingerbread, picking off their favorite candies, flinging rock hard bits of royal icing at each other.... GREAT family fun on Christmas morning!

Last year, we brought my young nephew into the fray. He thoroughly enjoyed himself, building a chimney that rivaled the size of his house and later smashing his creation with a hammer along with us.

What artsy/craftsy Christmas traditions does your family share?
Care to share them with us?

Now if you'll excuse me, the Canadian and I are about to embark on another tradition.....
getting the tree up and ready to decorate when the kids get home---lots of hot chocolate (even if it is 65 degrees here!) and longstanding holiday favorites on the stereo.
Starting to feel it now! IT'S ON!

Art Every Day---DAY 18

2009-11-18T09:51:00.007-05:00

I mentioned in yesterday's post that I've been feeling that old familiar itch to sew.
If I don't deal with it now, it'll take over all my thoughts completely and prevent me from accomplishing anything else until I create something for myself.
Meredith advised me to just do it...Just go ahead and make something wonderful for myself, and free myself up for all the holiday creations. Probably a brilliant idea Meredith!

Over the past year, my body has become a pretty accurate barometer. Since there was rain moving in, I didn't accomplish a great deal, and likely won't again until it moves back out. But I did do some creative thinking and some planning.

I'd already decided on a pattern... a flow-y peasant-style dress and a vest.
And I did mention how attracted I am to the fabric I've been painting on.....
It's far too stiff to make clothing from, but I had an idea, so I started rummaging.
I found just enough of some lovely purple linen (these photos are WAY off; each photo is a different color, neither of them right...it's a deep, delicious, juicy purple) that would make a great dress.

Now why couldn't I cut some little circles out of my canvas and applique them around the bottom of my dress?
For Halloween I made myself an orange dress and appliqued little handpainted spooky silhouettes around the bottom to dress it up.
What a fun idea! I was likely going to have to paint more of that canvas anyway....

Now that idea lit my fire!
I remembered that I'd tucked away an old black wool blazer that I'd felted. I cut the sleeves off, decided I couldn't use it as is and would have to cut a vest from it.
Not sure if I want to leave the collar on it.
If I'm feeling really ambitious, I could even trim it with the painted canvas. Might be a bit much though; what do you think?

What Do I Wish to Embrace?

2009-11-18T08:05:00.006-05:00

the view from my hammock on a fall afternoon

As I lay awake at 4 am this morning, I was composing today's post in my head...so I was REALLY wishing that today's wishcasting had something to do with "letting go".
But alas, today Jamie asks "what do you wish to embrace?"
Ironic, wouldn't you say?

Based on what I had going on in my head, it wasn't hard to turn that around and find the answer to that question.
I wish to embrace what is.... who I really am, what I'm meant to do here, as well as all that's going on in my life.
I'm learning more each day about who I really am and what I'm supposed to be doing, but the rest of it....frankly, it's hard.

For so many years I have actually been either running away from, or battling my physical ailments, when what I need to do is learn to accept them as part of me, to embrace them, and learn from them, maybe even learn to love that part of myself.

I need to accept that my husband can't find a job, and that his own creative endeavors haven't started to pay off for him the way he'd hoped just yet.

I need to accept that things just haven't turned out the way I had hoped, in many areas of my life.

I wish to embrace all of these things, and more....embrace what IS, and who I am.

Art Every Day---DAY 17

2009-11-17T07:23:00.006-05:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

Art Every Day Month---DAYS 14, 15, 16

2009-11-16T09:11:00.022-05:00

Except for finishing up the 2nd birthday art journal, I didn't DO a lot of art, but I did PARTICIPATE in a whole lot of creativity over the weekend!

Saturday was the big day here for the Madison County Artist Market. After trying to straighten up the house for the kids' Sunday visit, I spent the afternoon appreciating all the local art, visiting with artist friends, and hanging out with my friend Teresa, the Queen of up-cycling, who had a booth there.

The kids came yesterday and the Girl and I presented Art History Major with her journal.
Dinner was uncomfortable; she had an 8 page paper in her landscape class due today (that she hadn't even started), so she wasn't the best company and she hurt our feelings. But I just got a text message that said "sorry I was such a bitch yesterday...I do love the journal"
Awww..... I'm so grateful my children know how to apologize!

This is how her book turned out---

notice the little map of Italy, especially for the Art History Major :)

Art Every Day---DAY 13

2009-11-13T14:18:00.007-05:00

The Girl, helping me cover a canvas for the mysterious "next project"

We're almost halfway through the month, and for a minute there, I lost some steam.
I was starting to question my motives (never mind my sanity) for working so hard to participate in Art Every Day month, starting to wonder if maybe I was becoming too driven, working too hard to gain the notice and praise of the other artists participating.

I was grateful to be reminded of why by Miss Leah herself. Says Leah, upon being asked by her husband how she manages this huge undertaking: "I see the beauty radiating out from your creations. When you create from your heart it, it shows. And when we receive support and encouragement, we grow, we take greater leaps, we gain confidence in ourselves as artists, and we encourage others to follow in our footsteps. And oh my, that's a beautiful thing. That's why doing this in a community is such a powerful thing. We can all encourage each other and help each other grow and stretch and take those leaps."
Enough said. I am back at work!

Today I am putting the finishing touches on the 2nd birthday daughter's art journal, so that we can present it to her on Sunday.
Here is the next project at hand. I'm not going to say what it is just yet, as I mentioned earlier that it would be Christmas presents, only to find that my child reads my blog! :0
I'll just show it to you as I work on it, step by step.

--phase 1--
Wet canvas, painted randomly with acrylics
Love love love the way the colors blend, like rain on sidewalk chalk!

--Phase 2--stamped randomly with black paint--
I kind of like it just like it is, but no, not done yet!

Art Every Day--DAY 12, Yes She's the Most Like Me

2009-11-12T11:20:00.004-05:00

I may be exhausted and have hit a wall with the art journaling, but the Girl is on a roll!
Two journals in such a short time, working on the mural, being out past my bedtime last night, and just LIFE....I'm tired.
We'll talk about all that later, after a nap.
But in the meantime, have a look at some of the pages that the Girl has created, all by herself---

Day 11 of Art Every Day Month

2009-11-11T11:01:00.007-05:00

my original mural--an Asian flair for the Reflexology room.
I never liked that panda-guy anyway.

Beginning the background for the new mural, which
will be the UGA Arch (hey, we live in Athens...it's a common theme)

So.....
since I was feeling better yesterday, I actually started putting in a background for that mural that has been hanging over my head forever.

The art journal is still all over the kitchen table, waiting to be finished, and the fabulously juicy Connie over at Dirty Footprints Studio just reminded me with her post about a "traveling studio" that I've got to get that finished and clean up around here before Birthday Girl and all her siblings and their significant others show up for dinner on Sunday! YIKES

What Do We Wish to Dare?

2009-11-11T10:17:00.010-05:00

Raquy

From Jamie Ridler--

"You can be a maker of magic and a tender of wishes. It’s easy. Answer the wish prompt. Support wishes by visiting other participants, leaving a comment. It’s that simple. There is great power in wishing together."

Today's Wishcasting Wednesday prompt--
What do you wish to dare?

Wow Jamie!
Do the wish prompts always have to bring up so much stuff?? :D
All the prompts over the last few weeks have brought up lists of wishes, from which I'm never able to pick just one.

Today's is no different.
There is much that I wish to dare. But having been practically an invalid for the past year, and ill for many years, even the small dares are huge to me.
Starting my blog, participating in Wishcasting Wednesday each week, producing my own Halloween art show, sponsoring what promises to be a gigantic community art event/fundraiser, and now being involved in Art Every Day month.... All a big, BIG deal for me!

Tonight, I'll be living a huge dare (for ME).
Tonight I'm going to a concert, probably all by myself (that's how badly I want to go).
Sunday I discovered Raquy and the Cavemen (thanks Christine!) and I re-discovered how great it feels to move my body! Lupus and fibromyalgia keep my body pretty well locked up, so it's been years since I've gotten up and moved like that. I danced around the house all afternoon; I cleaned and danced on Monday, and yesterday...well, yesterday I realized that I didn't feel too bad!

Yesterday I discovered that this group is playing just 20 minutes away, TONIGHT!
Coincidence? I think NOT!

My ticket is in my hand, and I'm ready to go. I may not last for the whole show, but I am so excited to hear this drumming live and witness the beauty of belly dancing, and actually feeling it all in my body. I'm excited to think that this is something that can actually help me to feel well again.

Thank you friends for all your sweet wishes, sending healing my way---they're working!!

AHEM....
I am hereby amending this post.
What I wish to dare really, truly----to be ME, to just be ME.
I think that just might fix everything.....

Art Every Day--Sharing the Spotlight on Day 10

2009-11-10T08:47:00.004-05:00

Since the Canadian was kind enough to run out and shoot the purple berries for me yesterday, I think I'd like to share some of his art this morning.
I'll share more of mine and my girl's work later today.

Those of you have visited this blog before might be familiar with a friend's calendar project that we were helping out with.
Marion was having 12 artists paint 12 pregnant bellies, which were then shot by 12 photographers, all for a March of Dimes Fundraiser.
Most of this took place at the Fringe Collective Artistic Studios; one of the bellies was painted by yours truly, and at least a couple of mamas were photographed by Tim.

This particular mama had a great henna tattoo on her belly---a glorious tree of life. In preparing her photo for the calendar project, Tim has been playing around with it, creating all sorts of beautiful art. He decided that it was starting to look like a planet, and he started thinking along the lines of creation, earth mother, mother earth and on and on, until we were both knee deep in this piece.

Without further ado---the art of Mr. Timothy Schildknecht of the Fringe Collective---

For Kathryn

2009-11-09T17:58:00.003-05:00

Kathryn (aka Collage Diva) has inspired me today with her deliciously juicy berry photos.
I discovered a bush I'd never seen before down my driveway a few autumns back---almost chartreuse leaves with clusters of the most delightfully purple berries. I looked it up and found that it is called Purple Beautyberry

I promised Kathryn pictures of it earlier today, but couldn't find the ones the Canadian had taken for me once before. I went out and shot some with my iphone, but they were pitiful.
All the leaves have fallen off and I'm not the best photographer.
Bless his heart, the Canadian came home from a long day, dead tired, went out and shot new ones for me.

So here you go Kathryn, just for you---

Art Every Day --DAYS 7, 8, 9

2009-11-09T09:04:00.009-05:00

wishes and dreams for my girl---from little girl to teenager!

Whew! What a weekend! Guess we were just all being too creative here to actually post it all on Creative Every Day! :D

We finished up the Hannah-journal, with the help of friends and family. What fun to get them involved in all the creativity flying around!
Girlfriends contributed their efforts to several pages. It was interesting to watch them--their initial reaction was "what in the world is this crazy woman asking us to do?!" to "omg, this is so cool; can I do ANOTHER??!"

Then we got the siblings involved (I have 5 kids, plus the girlfriends/boyfriend), and they had their fun with some pages too.

And then when all was said and done, Hannah paid me the ultimate compliment---
She needed to take something to a youth activity at church later this week that would demonstrate what she's all about, and she was so excited to be able to have this journal to show! Made me just tear right up....I did something right! So much for ruining teenagers' lives Kathryn! ;D

Apparently she's not quite ready for this project to end. I took some photos of her last night, making more pages for her journal, and helping me with the other one (it has become a gift from her too). I'll share those later.
She also helped me paint a huge piece of canvas yesterday (more photos coming)......she kept asking me what we were doing with it, what was it for, and I had to work to keep my answers as vague as possible. It will eventually be made into Christmas presents for her and her siblings! Shhhhhh!

She said to me last night, "I'm the most like you of any of your kids, right Mama? I'm the most creative". There are moments like these that make me realize just how worth it it all has been. *SIGH*

We Are Born to Create

2009-11-06T08:01:00.006-05:00

If I had any doubt before, I've just been re-assured.
Not once, but TWICE within a few hours, and so powerfully that I want to share it with all of you.

Curled up on the sofa last night, devouring the current issue of Somerset's Artful Blogging, savoring the delicious photos and feeling connected to the rich words of fellow bloggers, a name I recognized jumped up off the page and startled me from my reverie.
Seldom in "art circles" do I see leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints quoted, so I was caught off guard, but I read on with great interest.

Melissa Phillips of LilyBeanPaperie.typepad.com quoted Dieter F. Uchtdorf beautifully; his words resonated with me, as I'm sure they will with many of my creative friends:

"The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul. No matter our talents, education, backgrounds, or abilities, we each have an inherent wish to create something that did no exist before.
Everyone can create. You don't need money, position, or influence in order to create something of substance or beauty. Creation brings deep satisfaction and fulfillment. We develop ourselves and others when we take unorganized matter into our hands and mold it into something of beauty....You may think you don't have talents, but that is a false assumption, for we all have talents and gifts, every one of us. The bounds of creativity extend far beyond the limits of a canvas or a sheet of paper and do not require a brush, a pen, or the keys of a piano. Creation means bringing into existence something that did not exist before---colorful gardens, harmonious homes, family memories, flowing laughter."

I pondered this reminder overnight, only to find the following posted by a friend (thank you Kathy!) on Facebook this morning. "Someone" must be trying to tell me something! Talk about being hit with a "spiritual 2x4" !!

If you or I have entertained any doubts about what we're doing, I think it's time to step back and re-think. There are valid reasons that we have the inclinations we do!
You and I were MEANT to create!

I have reason this morning to take stock, to stop running from my very nature and to move forward in my God-given abilities and desires, and to give thanks for them.
I can also thank Leah yet again at CreativeEveryDay.com for her challenge to us all to live up to our nature and create each day this month.

Let's go create something beautiful!

Art Every Day DAY 6

2009-11-05T18:16:00.006-05:00

one more silhouette (quotes by Buddha and Einstein)

Sooo....the mural activity didn't happen yesterday as planned.
Had a 3.5 hour dental appointment, grabbed lunch and realized there just wasn't anything left.
Waiting for all that vibrant health wished my way on Wishcasting Wednesday....
come on!
These pages are simple simple---

a little pastel over paint, some rubber stamps, quotes by ee cummings and MOM

Art Every Day---DAY 5

2009-11-05T07:04:00.007-05:00

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

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

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

Art Every Day--- DAY 4

2009-11-04T18:09:00.009-05:00

stacks of painted papers await embellishment

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

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

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

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

What Do I Wish to Experience?

2009-11-04T08:03:00.005-05:00

one my "many faces"

Up until today's Wishcasting Wednesday, I could read Jamie's prompt and immediately know what my wish would be.
But today....ahhh....today's wish is more difficult for me.

There are SO many things I'd like to experience--actual experiences I'd like to enjoy, but also feelings and states of being!
A few that slammed my thoughts this morning...
abundance/prosperity---I'd love to be able to experience the blessing of being able to pay my bills regularly!
success---not only financial success or success as an artist, but I wish to experience success as a parent and as a human being.
true peace---The world has become so very busy; I know I'm not the only one who feels like she can't keep up! And of course, if I experienced prosperity, I'd be able to experience more peace!
studio space---One of my most fervent wishes is to have enough space of my own in which to create. Yes, I have a room upstairs.....far too small, but a room of my own.....but it is upstairs, and I often cannot climb the stairs. The kitchen table works for me, up to a point, but I often can't find my supplies and have to interrupt my creative process to find the table for my family's meals. I know that if I'm creating regularly, and feel the freedom to do so, my body will feel better. So yes, I wish to experience the luxury of enough space of my own.

But the thing that I think I wish most to experience, the thing that weighs most heavily on me, and the very thing that I believe the above blessings hinge upon---

a return to health and strength

Without health and strength, I have difficulty obtaining the other blessings that I aspire to.
Some kind of Catch 22, ain't it?!
I need the health to obtain the other experiences I wish for, but those things I wish for would help me to obtain the health and strength! Just one of the many paradoxes of lupus.....

Either way, today I wish to experience a return to health and strength.

Art Every Day??!!

2009-11-03T18:00:00.016-05:00

Yes, I realize it's Day 3, almost Day 4, but I haven't posted because I've been busy creating!

November is Art Every Day Month at Creative Every Day.
I'd decided months ago, when I discovered www.CreativeEveryDay.com and couldn't keep up with the monthly challenges, that there was no way I'd consider participating in Art Every Day for a month! Come on---this is my busiest time of year; I just finished up an exhausting show; I have 2 daughters' birthdays to prepare for, a holiday coming up, oh and what about Christmas coming way too fast??!

What about turning this idea around?
What if I just documented all the projects that I have to complete anyway, blog about them and link up with CE as often as I could?
Sounds like a plan, eh?

SO, I started out the month with a bang---
I combined Art Every Day, Jamie Ridler's full moon dreamboard AND Lisa Rough's Dream Wheel for not one, but TWO dreamboards for the first two days of the challenge.

Can you tell where my head is? Or my heart?
I've been feeling a little lost, I suppose...trying to remember who I am, and where I'm supposed to be heading.
The first wheel has a mountain view background that I shot in Waterton Park (on the Montana/Alberta border), with a portion of an Anne Brigman photo (never heard of Anne Brigman? Look her up! Fascinating work from the early 20th century).
The second wheel, a bit more fantasy/fairy tale---Rapunzel strokes her gorgeous auburn locks, with a fairy tale castle in the background. The quotes -- "Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending" from Maria Robinson, and "Women lose their lives not knowing they can do something different. I claimed myself and remade my life. Only when I knew I belonged to myself completely did I become capable of giving myself to another, of finding joy in desire, pleasure in our love, power in this body no one else owns" from Dorothy Allison (Thanks to Kathryn at CollageDiva.com for that one). Other accents urge "Take your turn" and "Whatever you're dreaming, It's time."

Both of these pieces felt good; I felt something opening up inside me (heart and soul memory?) as I completed them during this full Frost Moon.

DAY 3---GETTING READY

Since there are 2 birthdays to manage, I'm working on 2 art journals. One would think those projects would last me the entire month, but no! I have to hurry and finish them by the 15th!
Here is where I started:

Necessities
notice the 90% chocolate is included!

Show's Over Folks....

2009-11-03T12:11:00.015-05:00

Sam, Karrington, Alicia and Will

Sam as Edward Cullen??

Sam's girlfriend Molly, and their friend, Dr House, ...errr... Jordon

Below are photos of all the rest of the fun artwork from Penumbra.
Many of the pieces are still available; feel free to contact me with any inquiries!

A Quick Wish

2009-10-28T06:50:00.006-04:00

Jennifer and Tim at the Penumbra reception
photo by Rachel Kelley

Wednesday means Wishcasting with Jamie---
today she asks "what treat do you wish for".

This is the beginning of my very favorite time of the year, a time of treats, one after another--
The delicious colors of the leaves outside are a treat for me. Halloween, of course, brings yummy treats to eat. Then begins the season of gratitude; it's always a treat for me to hear my family express their gratitude and to enjoy a feast with them. Christmas follows, also with its own series of treats of many types.

Since I foresee a whirlwind of treats in my near future, the treat I wish for most would be time for me, something I often overlook in all the busy-ness of this season.

Yes, I'm Still Here

2009-10-27T18:20:00.009-04:00

Tim, Hannah and Sparky
~the first of our Halloween portraits~

I survived (barely, and with the help of some really great friends!) the week of putting Penumbra together at the gallery and the show opening itself.
And yes, I've been asleep almost continually since the reception Saturday!

I've been editing photos from the reception today so that I can share some of the wonderful Halloween art hanging in the gallery right now. I'll share a little each day...don't want to give away too much!

a few of the decorations from the main gallery

Today I'd really just like to express my gratitude to the friends who helped me out last week.
I was stressed over things not going just right, and as you may know, stress causes lupus symptoms to worsen, which in turn causes me to be susceptible to whatever is floating around.

Of course, I got sick with some sort of flu-like bug. Then my great-aunt died. Almost time for the opening, and I'm falling apart.

a selection of works from Ruth Allen

Enter my friends Nancy and Linda (and Linda's son Nick). They helped us to get everything on the walls and heavy stuff moved. Exhaustion has completely engulfed me by Friday night. My friend Teresa comes along, takes one look at how pitiful the second gallery appears, and drops what she's doing for an upcoming show, creating all manner of wonderful decoration.
Thank you all! I couldn't have done any of this without you!

Artwork by Chris Grant

Off now for more rest---gearing up to man the gallery on Halloween night! There's a parade scheduled in downtown Athens called the Wild Rumpus (is that any indication of what I can expect??) that ends right by the studios. We'll be offering our Halloween portraits through that late hour.
And by the way, the studios/galleries are open afternoons and evenings through Halloween, or by appointment. Call us at 706-540-2712 or 706-540-2727.

Wishcasting Wednesday

2009-10-21T08:01:00.005-04:00

Jamie Ridler asks today "what do you wish to say yes to"?

I AM saying yes today!
For the first time in forever, I am saying YES to what life has to offer.
Today (I really don't even have a minute to sit here and type this) I am out the door to the studio to receive the artists who are participating in Penumbra.
I am nervous and excited, and very very hopeful....because I am learning to say YES.

This show is something I've always wanted to do, but I've let fear rule my life for far too long.
It's time for me to say yes....yes to ALL my dreams and wishes.

This is only the beginning......

There is so much more in my heart on this subject, but it will have to wait.
And dear friends, forgive me for not getting to all your posts today. Know that in all my busy-ness today, I am wishing for every one of you!

Penumbra

2009-10-18T17:41:00.005-04:00

Regret

Less than a week before the show!
Lots of excitement, and LOTS of work to finish!
Besides my own art, there are banners and signs and decorations to create, artists to contact, food to coordinate...wow.
And I hear that my sister is coming in from out of town to share her creepy photography.

This is the first cooperative effort between Moon Mama and the Fringe Collective (aka Jennifer and Tim). It has been fun and frustrating, and everything else in between!
If we manage to survive this, watch for many more joint events in the future.
Actually there have been other creative efforts (but not events) between us, such as the above photo. Often I snag Tim's photos for my own use. Regret is a photo of my paternal great-great grandmother floating over an old cemetery that Tim found.

New details---we'll be offering Halloween portraits at the reception on Saturday night, as well as throughout the week, and Halloween night.
The gallery (Fringe Collective Artistic Studios at 159 N Jackson St in Athens) will be open select hours all week through Halloween.
And we'd like for our reception guests to bring their carved pumpkins to share with all!

Artists---don't forget that the art drop off is this Wednesday, October 21st!
We'll be at the gallery all day, and most of Thursday and Friday. Call us if you need us--my number is 706-540-2712 and Tim's is 706-540-2727
It's not too late to enter! We're looking for creepy, scary, disturbing, Halloween art, any media.
There is a $15 entry fee (one fee, no limit to the number of pieces entered), and your work must be picked up Sunday November 1.
Feel free to contact us with any questions.