Laurie Miller Designs - Designed with Heart. . .Dazzled by Hand.

New Art Work

2011-11-28T16:45:00.000-08:00

recently i did something really fun.

i painted.

i painted some paintings.

large paintings that i put into frames.

it has been almost a year since i have worked on large paintings and it was FUN!

i have missed it.

i worked with large reclaimed frames.

the body of the painting was on mdf - i love to paint on it's smooth surface.

i incorporated layers of color and textures.

i used smooth rocks that i found while walking along the beach.

maybe - as the gray days of winter push in a little heavier on me in the winter -

maybe i can look at these paintings to remind me that summer will eventually return!

More reclaimed frames and Jamal

2011-11-18T11:16:00.000-08:00

Have I introduced you to Jamal?

A few years ago, my daughter was out with her friend.

They were driving through the parking lot of the local movie theater.

Lying in the dirt under a tree was a . . .thing.

A human form of sorts.

They stopped the car to investigate.

They found a mannequin - you know the kind -

no head, no arms, and partial legs.

She brought him home.

It was going to be an art project for her.

Instead - he ended up getting dressed up.

The black biking shorts, the rainbow suspenders, the paisley tie . .

the headdress and mask were part of his Halloween costume.

Jamal is a very busy guy -

He has gone on trips with my daughter,

he moves around the house,

he shows up in unexpected places . . .

Doesn't everyone need a Jamal?

Reclaimed Frames

2011-11-14T09:00:00.000-08:00

have i told you that i love to work with reclaimed frames?

these are all 8 x 10 frames with canvas boards, paper, three dimensional elements and whatever else feels right.

I feel so Lazy today!!

2011-11-09T14:40:00.000-08:00

I would love to woo you with clever words;

tell you funny stories or share with you the daring adventures I have been on.

If I could - I would.

But what you see is what you get.

Lazy Sues . . .

These are a few that you can find at the Made In Oregon stores.

Now it's back to the paints and brushes . . .after I change the very murky paint water!

Everybody's Working for the Weekend!

2011-11-04T16:35:00.000-07:00

New custom mirrors . . .

The weekend is upon us.

quite frankly, i feel like i have earned a weekend.

it was a very long week indeed.

last night we headed off to a certain store that i won't name here to buy lazy susans.

we received a large wholesale order this week and we are preparing for our winter shows.

so off to the large store that won't be named.

we loaded up our cart with all kinds of strange items.

mirror tiles, lazy susans and items that could be used for display items.

and did i say lazy susans?

over 30 of them. . .

if you ever want to spur on a conversation with total strangers,

just load up your cart in a store with 30 lazy susans!

i guarantee - total strangers will stop to chat.

so what are the weekend plans?

for my friday night plans - my daughter and i will attend the play "anne frank" at her high school.

there will be lots of painting - (did i say 30 lazy susans?)

there will be lots of eating - a breakfast out with a friend in the morning on saturday and then dinner family in the evening.

and then for a little variety - i think i will paint some more!

who says i don't know how to live it up on the weekend?

WOW! How Long Has It Been?

2011-11-03T15:52:00.000-07:00

Some new pieces created with reclaimed picture frames, paper, ink and acrylic paints. Measure at 11 X 17 each.

So you have your favorite blogs that you frequently visit.

You pop in every couple of days - and in some cases, every day.

And then - you notice there is not a new post.

You check in again - still no new post.

Days go by . . .weeks. . . a month . . .

Are you kidding me?

Do they not understand that this is important to you?

Sheesh!!!

Ahem - yeah - it's been over a month for me.

I feels so guilty.

I figured no one would be visiting me since I haven't posted in so long - but it appears that people keep dropping by.

Which of course makes me feel even more guilty.

I knew that it had been a while since I had posted - but over a month???

Good grief.

I promise - I will be more understanding of other bloggers in the future.

And if you look back over my "blogging history" - I think the same thing happened right about this time last year.

Obviously, this is a crazy time for me.

I found myself in a situation where I have not been able to keep all of the balls in the air.

Something had to give.

This and my Facebook and a few other "time sucks" like that were among the things that were neglected.

And what has been keeping so busy?

Well . . .

my day job has ramped up to a whole new level and has been ridiculously busy - early mornings and late evenings;

we have picked up another wholesale customer and the wholesale accounts that we already have are ramping up for the holidays placing bigger than usual orders;

we had a great sale over in Sisters, Oregon the beginning of October;

it was a great sale - almost too great - it really wiped out our inventory;

we are frantically working to rebuild our inventory;

we are juggling family, business, work, and life in general;

it's a crazy ride - but well worth it.

and now we are preparing for the holidays! how did that happen?

but there is no denying it -

the seasons have changed, the rain is starting to move in, the chill is in the air

time has marched forward

oh - and one more thing that has been wonderful and taking up some of our time . . .

Meet Redford.

An amazing labradoodle that we found through a doggie foster family. He is about 5 years old and quite possibly the perfect dog.

Aside from the fact that we can't leave butter anywhere on the counter or leave the door to the cupboard where we store the garbage open or he thinks it is his personal buffet, he is extremely well behaved.

And then there are those EYES!

They look deep into your soul.

It feels so good to have a dog back in the house. We feel complete again.

Upcoming Events:

November 19th and 20th

Trinity Artisans in NW Portland

December 3rd and 4th

Art Over Macleay Park in NW Portland

December 12th and 13th

Salem Holiday Market

Oregon State Fairgrounds

More details on the above to come . . .

Now it is time to get back to work!

Rockin' the ROCKs!!!!

2011-09-27T12:52:00.000-07:00

I have a thing for rocks.

Not shiny, sparkly rocks.

Not rocks that you wear on your fingers.

Just . . .rocks.

The plain, grey rocks you find near a river or by the ocean.

Rocks that fit in your hand.

Rocks that are smooth and rounded from years of rolling around in the water.

I love the way they look.

I love the weight of them.

I love the way they feel in your hand.

I love to stack them and lie them around on tables and fill jars with them.

As a young girl, I remember spending hours every day while I was on our beach vacations "rock hunting".

In fact I would spend so many hours, that I would see miles and miles of rocks when i closed my eyes to go to sleep.

On our recent trip to the beach I found myself walking at the water's edge looking for my idea of the perfect rock.

And I found some wonderful ones.

Flat surfaces, the perfect size and SMOOTH.

I later sat at my table, paint brushes in hand and I felt compelled to paint.

But rather than reaching for the canvases, I found the rocks in my hand.

Oh - just one, I thought.

A few timeless hours later . . .

Words on one side, painted images on the other.

These are the perfect size to attach to a painting . . .stay tuned for a preview of those.

Or to add a magnet and adorn the refrigerator.

There truly was something magical about painting these.

It reminded me of being a child and we would create murals with our beach treasures and paint the rocks we found.

I felt a strong connection to the earth while I held them and painted them.

I'm sure there will be many more of these in my future.

Apples and peaches

2011-09-22T15:08:00.000-07:00

A Riddle . . .

What do you get when you cross a sink full of apples . . .

A counter full of peaches. . .

A family of busy bees in the kitchen . . .

A few sassy attitudes . . .

And a day of working together. . .

A hot stove and a few large pans???

You get a whole lot of winter satisfaction in the form of bright oranges globes floating in sweet, amber liquid.

And creamy sauce with just the right amount of sugar and spice.

And a great feeling of "look how we spent our weekend?"

Homemade applesauce and home canned peaches - it doesn't get much better than that!

Ready or Not, Here It Comes

2011-09-15T13:09:00.000-07:00

As I am meandering back to my office after an enjoyable lunch break

I look over to my left.

What is that?

Why are those leaves red?

What kind of plant is that?

Hmmmm.

Wait . . .

The leaves should be green like the other ones around it.

And then it hits me . . .

it's September.

Fall is coming.

Ready or not . . .it's on its way.

It's time for shorter days, cooler nights, crisper mornings.

Sweaters.

Bowls of warm soup with crusty bread.

Changing leaves.

Doesn't that sound wonderful?

OK - I tried.

I tried to make it sound wonderful and romantic and as if I am exicted for the change.

But Nope.

It's not working.

I'm sure I will get my brain wrapped around it soon enough - but the point is -

I'm not quite done with summer yet.

I still haven't eaten the perfect peach that drips down your arm when you bite into it.

I haven't gotten my fill of watermelon.

I haven't had enough naps out in my hammock listening to the windchime.

I still haven't gone to the river and jumped into the cold water - grateful for that initial burst of cold against my hot and sweaty skin.

I haven't sat in a park listening to the music at a free outdoor concert.

I haven't even had a chance to get tired of the hot temperatures or the stale air conditioned air.

I still haven't gotten a chance to drive to the mountain to visit a lake and float around on our inflatable raft.

I haven't smelled enough warm blackberries growing wild on the side of the road.

I haven't walked around the farmers market on a warm Saturday morning gathering a basketfull of fresh produce.

I haven't heard the ice cream truck drive through my neighborhood, with it's tinny speakers blasting out the sounds of childhood.

I haven't stepped into the shower, cursing myself as the water stings my sunburned shoulders because I forgot to reapply the sunscreen - but grateful at the same time because my day was spent playing outside.

So - for the time being, I am going to ignore the changing colors on the trees.

And I am going to do my best to hold on to summer just a bit longer.

How bout you?

Are you ready for the change of season?

Only in Netarts!

2011-09-13T09:49:00.000-07:00

If you are ever on the Oregon Coast and happen to travel through Netarts, Oregon -

you will pass by a little place that will make you turn your head.

You will slow down your car and wonder . . .

Should I stop?

And the answer is YES!

This is Lexi's Cool Stuff.

I mean - how can you not stop at a place that is full of Cool Stuff???

A tiny little cottage full of . . .everything.

Clothes, jewelry, paintings, dishes, chachkis of all kind.

Now, just in case you are still wondering what kind of place Lexi's is - I looked up the definition of chachki and it reads "a nicknack or 'all sorts of crap'".

Enough said.

And besides - saying it is a shop full of chachkis sounds so much better than saying there is all sorts of crap.

Wouldn't you agree?

But best of all - there is Lexi.

A woman who loves what she does.

She is living her dream.

From the second you walk in her shop, you realize that you are someplace special.

This is not your average thrift shop or antique shop.

Everything has a story -

and she will oblige you with where she found the item, how she got it back to her shop, and what the place or person from which she found it was like.

Lexi will show you around and get to know you.

She'll show you some of the cowboy boots and clothes.

She'll show you her office - a table outside in the front with a low-tech cash box that she trustingly leaves just sitting there.

She'll event show you the bathroom/dressing room with old recycled wallpaper and fringed light fixtures which a local lovingly deemed "the brothel".

There is even a handwritten sign in the bathroom that reads

"Please don't poop - there isn't a fan in here".

I mean really . . .are you going to find that kind of customer intimacy at Target?

And when you are done shopping - she will send you on her way with a fresh baked brownie.

REALLY?

When was the last time you shopped and were given a fresh baked brownie???

And if you don't want to eat it now - she wraps it up and sends it with you.

Only in Netarts. Only at Lexis.

Her sign is made out of shells! See the table with the cashbox???

A large concrete hand - ready to sit in. And can you resist when the fingernails are painted bubble gum pink?

Rows and rows and rows of old creates filled with . . .(ahem) . . .chachkis!

And who doesn't need one of these??? And he MOVES! He waves at you!!!

Thanks Lexi! We thoroughly enjoyed our visit!

Oceanside Labor Day Sale

2011-09-12T15:19:00.000-07:00

We had our annual Labor Day sale in Oceanside.

This was a bit different for us this year.

Mama Bear was tired.

Very tired.

I really didn't want to go to the sale this year -

Beach . . .Yes!

Sale . . .No!

Papa Bear made a compromise.

We do the sale in Oceanside as planned.

But in stead of me sitting all day for SAturday and Sunday managing things -

he would do it.

How could I turn down that offer?

So - he drove down ahead of me and set up our space.

He managed the sale and talked to the customers.

He worked all day Saturday and Sunday.

Now don't get me wrong -

I worked too!

I had important things to do . . .

Books to read.. . .

Sculptures to design . . .

(OK - truth be told - I had nothing to do with the turtle sand sculpture. This was all my daughter and friend. -

And really - everyone makes castles.

A turtle is so much more original . . .)

There were sunsets to watch . . .

And more sunsets . . .

And I painted . . .a lot!

I mean - I worked HARD all weekend.

Do you believe me???

Everything Old is New Again

2011-09-09T14:55:00.000-07:00

You know the story -

You buy a new shirt - a new WHITE shirt.

I am an artist - almost everything I own has paint on it.

What doesn't have paint on it usually ends up with some other type of stain.

I am a bit of a "slob" - what can I say.

So why do I insist on trying to buy and wear white?

Oh well . . .I digress -

On with the story . . .

you wear the white shirt once.

You are very, very careful.

When it is dirty, you put it in the wash -

you look it over carefully and there are no food stains and no paint.

Whew! You did good.

The shirt is washed.

You even hang it to dry.

You go to wear it again and . . .WHAT????

It has a purple stain on it. Don't know what it is or where it came from.

It wasn't there when it went in the wash.

The shirt is now a paint shirt . . .or is it?

While on my weekend away, I decided to try an experiment.

I took the stained, but otherwise clean white shirt (that had only been worn once) and got it wet.

I gave it a good wringing out to remove the excess water.

And then . . .

fluid acrylic paints were put on a paper plate and I added water to them.

I watered them waaaaay down.

and using my paint brush I started dabbing blobs of paint on my shirt.

I tried not to "paint" anything - just blobs.

I let the wet paint and the wet t-shirt do it's thing.

I added more colors - keeping in mind how the various color would react if they came in contact with each other.

All those years of painting with watercolors came in handy here!

I pulled some of the color in long lines to add variety.

Then I waited.

And waited.

For the shirt to dry a bit and let the colors set.

If I had been at home, I probably wouldn't have had to wait as long because it was was warm.

But I was on the coast and it was a bit cooler and damp out.

After it was "mostly" dry - I got out my bottle of scribbles three-dimensional paint.

Black was my color of choice.

And I began to add shape and texture.

The trick was to move my hand quick and not let the paint get too "thick".

I didn't want the end result to be stiff.

And I wanted it to have a very free, unformal style.

In the end - I think I turned that stained $7.00 tshirt into a custom designed shirt that I can wear with pride.

Hmmm . . .what other clothes do I have that could use a makeover?

Garden Delights

2011-08-31T09:14:00.000-07:00

I have always been fascinated by the fact that artists tend to have amazing gardens.

There is something about creating a landscape of texture and color -

so rich, so vital, so alive.

Now I am not saying that I am an "amazing" gardener - I do ok. But the reality is, I plant it and water it and Mother Nature does the rest.

A few years ago, I pulled out many of the flowers that were in my backyard and replaced them with all edibles.

The season is moving fast.

And we are peaking on many of the items.

In a way-it is bittersweet.

I love to fill my dinner table with items that we have grown.

But it makes me sad - because each meal means we are one day closer to the end for this year.

Every year, when I plant I have a hard time imagining how it will grown and look by the end of summer.

How it will become a tangled mess of greens and reds and oranges and purples.

In fact - a confession - I often overplant because of my lackof foresight.

And sometimes, that works against me.

But all in all . . .

it is a delight for my senses.

Mother Nature truly is one of the best artists I know. . .

Before and After

2011-08-30T09:46:00.000-07:00

Before . . .

After . . .

And for all of you in those parts of the country that have had record high temperatures this summer. . .

I realize that you are ready for a break.

I understand that you want fall.

You are looking for changing leaves and cooler temperatures.

I understand.

My heart and thoughts have gone out to you over the last few months as you have suffered.

But allow me a moment of selfishness.

In my part of the world - the Pacific Northwest. . .

we got a late start to summer.

A very late start.

It feels like summer has really only just began.

And I, for one, am not ready for the changing of the seasons quite yet.

I'm having a hard time wrapping my brain around the fact that as of Thursday - it will be September.

It is time for schools supplies and shorter days and the return of crazy schedules.

I'm not ready.

I still want to think about beach trips and lazy afternoons in my hammock (not that I have got to do that as much as I would like . . .but you know what I mean.)

I promise - I will get on board before too long.

But allow me to enjoy the long days of summer just a bit longer please.

Thank you for indulging me . . .

Weekend Confessions

2011-08-29T16:56:00.000-07:00

Confession time -

My weekend didn't turn out quite like I had intended.

As you know from my last post, I was expecting to spend a good part of my weekend working on building inventory for upcoming shows.

Well . . .that didn't really happen.

Instead, I spent Friday night with my daughter shopping for wedding dresses.

I would post a picture - but her fiance may look and that would be bad luck.

And I, for one, am not going to be responsible for that.

I spent Saturday catching up on lots of chores that have been nagging at me.

My closet for one . . .

If you could see the donation pile setting in my entryway right now you would understand.

I painted . . .a little.

I think I spent 2 hours - I intended to spend about 6!

I went to my bunko group and ate and laughed and ate and laughed some more.

And we played the game - but let's face it.

The game is really just an excuse for a group of 12 of us - men and women - to get together and eat and laugh.

Mission accomplished!

I did get a nap on Sunday.

So I checked that goal off my list.

But it wasn't in my hammock. Too hot for that.

And I spent some valuable time with my family around the dinner table for Sunday dinner.

As you probably know from past posts - this is a pretty regular occurence for us.

And it seems to be even more important now that 2 of my 4 little birds have flown from the nest and are living on their own.

We had a great meal - my son's girlfriend is vegetarian - so I spread my wings and tried an all vegetarian meal.

OK - it wasn't ALL vegetarian. Since my parents were joining us I was kind and grilled up some chicken for those who weren't feeling adventurous.

But I didn't eat the chicken.

Since it is summer - it was actually really easy.

We had lentil burgers on sourdough rolls smothered in hummus. They were yummy!

And so simple.

We will be making those again.

And then we enjoyed some of summer's bounty . . .

Cantaloupe, peaches, blueberries and fresh basil.

Oh my - what a combination!

As pretty as the summer sun.

Fresh picked green beans straight out of the garden.

Drizzled with a bit of olive oil, some salt and fresh pepper.

Placed on a hot grill and . . .

Perfection.

3 packs worth.

We fought over the leftovers.

Ironic confession -

I do NOT like to eat tomatoes. At least not raw tomatoes.

I do love tomatoe sauce, salsa, and most dishes with cooked tomatoes.

But no raw tomatoes - NO!!!

And I have tried them - every single summer I try a few just "in case".

Nope! Still not buying it.

But I do love to grow them and can them and share them.

So I made a simple raw tomatoe salad for those that love them at the table.

Sliced cherry tomatoes (the variety is "super sweet"), drizzled with olive oil, salt and pepper, and fresh basil.

It was beautiful in the dish - and I really did want to like them because they were so pretty.

Those that ate them said they were delicious.

I'll take their word for it!

My husband missed the dinner this weekend. He was away looking at this . . .

But we will be back here at Oceanside over Labor Day weekend for the annual Labor Day art sale.

And while we are there, I'm sure I will get to see a sunset like this.

And walk in the sand. And feel the breeze. And smell the salt air. And listen to the waves crash. And feel my stress melt away.

And oh yeah . . .sell some art!

If you are on the Oregon Coast for the weekend - take a drive and come see me!

In the meantime - go eat some of the summer offerings while they are still here . . .

A Busy Weekend Planned

2011-08-25T10:38:00.000-07:00

So it is almost the weekend . . .what do you have planned?

For me - I will be very busy with . . .

Cleaning the house

Doing some art . . .

Laughing and spending time with family . . .

Maybe taking a nap . . .

Whew! I'm exhausted just thinking about it!

Seriously though . . .there will definitely be art happening this weekend.

These are just a few samples of the prep work that my handy mr. man is getting ready for me. Lots of priming going on at our house.

The summer shows are all but over and it is time to prepare for the fall and holiday events.

I try to get as much inventory prepped ahead of time as possible.

Every year - my intentions are really good, and then something gets in the way and I am painting like a mad woman right up to the last minute.

I am hoping to handle that a bit differently this year.

I'll keep my fingers crossed!

Bacs of picture frames getting the "once over" . . .

Chunky mini-canvases getting primed and ready for some color magic.

A few weeks ago when my friend was here, we made a trek to a cool store in the Portland area called "Scrap".

It's located on MLK Blvd., for those of you who are familiar with the area.

Scrap is a totally unique store - a thrift store of all things that can be reused for art projects.

I have heard about this place for years, but never went until recently.

And oh what fun it was!

When you first walk in, it just looks like lots of junk.

But as you peruse and let the creative mind wander, all sorts of possibilities start coming up.

The place is brimming with a enough paraphenalia to make a collager drool, a textile artist's head spin . . .well you get the idea.

We had a great time coming up with projects.

We bought a few things and then two days later went back and bought more.

This is a table "runner" that I created with some of the fabric I grabbed. Shelves and shelves of upholstery sample books were there for the taking. I snatched up three or four of them. All the samples are perfectly cut and shapped. And they are color-coordinated too!

I cut up and stitched and sewed and created something a little out of the ordinary for my table.

I got a sewing machine for Christmas and have never been a fan of sewing - but as I have surfed around different blogs, I am drawn to some of the textile art that is being created out there.

I know I still have a long way to go . . .but this was a start.

And more importantly - it was so much fun to spend some time creating something out of my normal comfort zone.

And the best part . . .this little table piece cost about 75 cents to make!

Vicki started with this . . .

Piles of thick 100% wool felt.

Leftovers from some type of idustrial project, these are from . . .who knows what???

But it was thick and soft and pliable.

We could tell that circles had been cut out of these, but that was as far as we could solve the mystery.

Vicki cut and manipulated and created these. . .

Are these adorable or what???

I can just see these as lapel or hat pins, clumped together on the corner of throw pillow, on the flap of a great messenger bag.

Endless possibilites.

Total cost?

About 5 cents per flower.

Scrap may have become one of my new best friends!

Summer Love

2011-08-09T12:08:00.000-07:00

My little man sharing a kiss with his mommy.

Is that the sprinkler???

I just got sprinkled!!!

Now that he is armed . . .this could get dangerous!

I tried to get him to water the plants, but the plants don't run and scream like nanna does. Shooting everyone else with water was so much more fun!

And later . . .a little garden tour. Here we are, trekking through the wild tomatoes.

More picutres from my wonderful friend Vicki . . .

She has such a way of capturing the beauty and simplicity in each moment.

I love the summer.

I love the growth of the garden.

I love the warm sun.

I love looking at things through my grandsons eyes.

I mean - really. How many of us, as adults, would laugh and smile if we were sprayed with water from the hose?

Thank you, Cameron - for reminding me of the joy that exists in the little things right in my own back yard.

Don't forget . . .Saturday and Sunday, August 13 and 14, we will be a the West Linn Arts in the Forest in Mary S. Young park.

Come support local artists!

Looking with Fresh Eyes

2011-08-05T12:59:00.000-07:00

I have returned from my wonderful vacation with my friend Vicki -

I didn't go anywhere special.

I slept in my own bed every night and ate in my own kitchen/dining room - well at least some of the time.

But I did have a total break from my normal routine.

We It was great to have her visit from Canada. I look forward to her visits every year.

When she visits, it just feels so natural and comfortable.

We talk, we laugh, we do art, we solve the world's problems, we solve each other's parenting problems, we inspire and gain ideas for new things. . .

We went to the movies - like in a real theater with a big screen. In fact we went to movies . . .TWICE!

We ate food at a Parisienne cafe, a Mexican restaurant, a Thai restaurant and even a local fast food place.

We went on field trips and to concerts.

We spent time pampering ourselves with massages and pedicures.

I coudn't have enjoyed myself any better if I had traveled somewhere.

Vicki is a fabulous photographer and I love when she visits-

she takes random pictures of things in my home and my yard.

I look at my house and my yard and I see all of the flaws -

the weeds in the garden, the dirty socks on the floor, the peeling paint on the deck, the places where something bumped against the wall and the paint in the living isn't perfect, the cobwebs . . .

And then she takes photos and shares them with me and I see it with fresh eyes.

I see the charm in the old bike I found at a garage sale years ago for $15 dollars.

I wanted a bike with a basket filled with flowers for a yard piece.

When I saw this bike, it wasn't as "vintage" as I had hoped, but the price was right and I figured it would work. I paid the man and he asked how I was going to restore it.

I told him my plan and he was not impressed . . .he fact, he was a bit disgusted.

It sat on the side of my house for several years, and we finally pulled it out (thanks Cierra), washed off the dirt and planted some flowers.

I love the way it looks.

My moon face man - I acquired him at a sale that we attended in Seattle a few years ago.

The artist makes these beautiful dolls and figures.

Usually when I think of "dolls", I think of . . .well - let's just say most dolls I would not feel a need to purchase and display in my home.

But these dolls . . .Yummy!

They all have enchanting faces and posable arms and legs.

This little guy has a head made out of a poppy-seed pod. His face is molded out of polymer clay.

I love him.

He is sitting on top of the world and looking out planning his next adventure.

OK - maybe not the world, but he is sitting on top of a hand-blown glass ball that looks as if a large tree is growing inside of it.

I saw the glass ball at a local shop and commented on how unique and beautiful it was about 5 years ago.

A little elf must have been listening - or maybe it was my daughter -

because it found it's way under our Christmas tree that year.

Both the ball and moon man are hanging from our light fixture above our dining room table.

Moon man likes to be in the center of the commotion. . .

The last time Vicki visited, we took a trip to the Anthropologie store.

Yes - they have beautiful clothes . . .but more than that - I love the way the store is decorated.

Their window displays and decor are total eye candy.

I snap pictures all over the store.

When we were there in November, they had the coolest garlands and mobiles hanging all over the store. They were made out of recycled colored paper cut in large circles and hanging on a thin string.

I came home and before the night was out I had made my own version. I used pages from vintage magazines and vintage postcards.

I tied the strings to a metal circle - the kind used to make dream catchers.

The mobile hangs in our living room and when the windows are open or the fan is on, it spins and dances.

I find myself staring at it sometimes, mesmerized with how it moves.

There are more adventures that I will post later -

but I have to say "Thank You Vicki" for helping me to look again with fresh eyes.

And now for a moment of personal marketing . . .

We will have a booth next weekend at the West Linn Arts in the Forest at Mary S. Young park in West Linn, Oregon.

It runs August 13th and 14th from 10:00 to 5:00 pm.

Great artists, entertainment, food - this is a good one!

How To Know When You Are Tired . . .

2011-07-19T12:31:00.000-07:00

This has been a crazy couple of weeks and we are still moving forward.

We have completed the Sandy Mountain Festival - which was a great success

and the Gresham Art Walk - also a huge success.

Now we will be participating in the Estacada Art Days on this Saturday,

and then the West Linn Arts In the Forest in mid-August.

Whew!

I know that I am tired - but I thought I was covering it up pretty well.

Until my husband pointed a few things out.

So how do you know when you really need a nap???

Well . . .

1. Your husband walks to the other end of you great room and you are totally unaware that he is still in the room. Let me explain - On Sunday, I was in my kitchen prepping food for a birthday dinner for my mother. My husband had been in the kitchen with me and left.

I thought he had gone outside (in reality he had opened the door to let in some air.)

He instead moved to our couch. Our floor plan is that of a great room and very open. I can see the couch quite easily when I am in the kitchen. I asked my daughter where dad went. Both my daughters played along that they couldn't find dad for over 20 minutes! It took me that long to see him even though I looked in his direction several times.

Maybe I was just focused on what I was doing . . .or maybe I am more tired than I realized. Hmmmm.

2. Fast forward to a game of dominos. We all know that we play dominos alot at our house. It is a bit of a weekly tradition - in this game, there are several rounds and you begin the round with seven dominos. I drew my seven dominos and organized them. I waited for everyone else and then I drew my seven dominos again. I organized these.

Then I "woke" up and realized I now had 14! Not a good way to start a game where the ovject is the to be the first to get rid of your dominos.

Over achiever or tired????

3. Yesterday I had the day off. It was spent running errands, working on filling orders, helping my daughter get ready for a camping trip - you know.

We drove around in my sweet little Mustang - and although it wasn't very warm - it was warm enough to take the top down on my car. We came home, went in the house and continued on the various projects.

This morning I woke up to realize I never put the top back up on the car.

And it rained.

Fortunately the car was mostly undercover and only got a few wet spots.

But I was even more relieved to realize that the neighborhood bully cat had not "marked" his territory in the interior of my car.

Whew - dodged that one.

And nothing was missing -

Am I very trusting of my neighbors . . .or tired???

There are many other things that have occured this last week - but I think you get the idea. I am greatly looking forward to next week when I have a vacation -

a week that will be spent with a dear friend of mine.

We will vacation right in my home town - but we will spend our time going to hear live music, thrifting, being creative, laughing and there will definitely be some quality time lying around and watching the clouds drift by.

I can't wait.

In the meantime - have a great week everyone.

Summer Season . . .Here We Come!

2011-07-07T11:20:00.000-07:00

New product . . .yard stakes!

In their "natural" habitat.

We are actively gearing up for summer sale season - which begins this weekend! I have been painting plaques, lazy susans and mirrors and prepping prints, finishing paintings and adding a few new items to the mix.

This year we are adding yard stakes!

Every year I am asked if my art is suitable for outdoor use - so I decided to make some specifically for that purpose.

A little garden zen . . .

I have to admit, that when my husband and I began talking about this, he asked me . . .

"Are you sure these won't be too "country?"

I tried to make it a point to keep the bright, whimsical style with positive affirmations.

Now we wait and see how they are received!

Other than that - life has been moving along just fine.

We have finally started to get some weather that actually resembles summer.

My garden is growing every day.

The slugs have backed off and aren't making a feast of my veggies.

We had a wonderful 4th of July -

we spent it with friends and watched fireworks from their backyard.

Harry Potter comes out in a week -

yes! I am a junkie.

Don't judge me - :)

I just completed an exteded long weekend and was able to spend some time doing daily meditations while watering my garden.

This simple habit is one of my favorite summer time rituals.

A rebalancing of my day and life.

I must say, that since returning to a "full-time" day job, one of the things that I miss the most is my

morning watering routine.

Yes - I can put on a sprinkler and water my garden. But I have always preferred to hand water.

To stand outside, barefooted, hose-in-hand and water each plant and flower pot.

I feel the sun, listen to my windchimes and the local birds.

I pull a weed or two and share the fresh greens with the chickens.

I grab a few berries off of the vines.

In fact - I often find myself spending longer than necessary because it so relaxing and meditative.

Ahhhh - summer.

I am glad that you are here!

What Is Your Heart Trying To Tell You?...

2011-06-22T11:41:00.000-07:00

A new painting completed! Yeah -

I have been so busy with other things that it has been a long time since I have worked on a "painting".

It felt oh-so-good to complete this yesterday.

I am going to go out on a limb here and be really honest . . .and I hope I don't offend anyone. If I do - that is not my intention, I am just venting my personal frustration -

Recently, I have been engaging in a discussion with a variety of artists on Facebook about how difficult it is to find time to create when you have a full-time job as well.It really helped to follow this particular discussion, but it is an issue I struggle with every single day. As I have said before, many, many times - I would like nothing more than to do art full time. However - things like health insurance make it a necessity to work at my day job.

And I am ok with that.

Most days I am finding ways to negotiate through the balance.

But on days when things are particularly stressful or I am exceptionally tired,

I find myself resentful.

And when I escape to places like fellow-artist blogs or Facebook,

I read about how many hours other people are spending on their craft and their business accomplishments and I begin to feel a whole rush of emotions.

Envy, resentment, frustration, anger, sadness . . .

And then the proverbial question "why?" starts to haunt me.

But here is the thing -

I know that every artist struggles with finding that balance.

Every person! - no matter what their passionate direction is - struggles with that.

I know that for me - I am very grateful for my studio space.

I waited for years to have a whole room to myself.

With four children, spare rooms were not available.

I remember the first time I carved out an official space of my own that was not on the dining room table.

My husband installed a small work table in my laundry room. It was 2ft x 4ft.

Now if you could see my laundry room, you would understand just how ridiculous that was. My laundry room can hardly be called a room - I know people with larger walk-in closets! But - it worked.

That space gives me permission and the gentle probe needed to keep at it.

It truly is my space of refuge.

As a creative of any type, I have learned a few very important lessons that I try to live by every day.

1. Do NOT compare yourself to others - especially when it comes to timelines or age or abilities. We are all on our own journey and there will always be someone who is younger, or better or further along than we are. To compare is very damaging to our journey.

2. Remember that the little steps matter - even it is just a simple phone call or email. If it is in relation to the creative progress, it was not a step wasted and it takes you closer to your goal.

3. Recognize what it is you do well and leave the rest to someone else.

I paint.

Others do mosaic or glass or pottery. I love those crafts and would love to learn them - but I can't afford to diversify that much. So I will perfect what I do and love appreciate the work of others who do other forms of art.

4. Create a space that you can call your own - no matter how small it is - where your supplies can be gathered together and at your disposal.

When I step into my studio space, my creative side is ready to come out and play.

Before I created a space for myself, I needed large blocks of time to paint because I needed to get everything out, prep the table and then set up my supplies before I could start. And then I had to clean up and put it away . . .

now I walk in the room and I am painting within minutes.

5. Touch your art EVERY SINGLE DAY! Even if it is only for a few minutes. This keeps the creative brain awake and engaged.

6. Enjoy the inspiration of others - look at blogs, attend art festivals, read books, take part in a retreat, etc.

7. When someone asks for something, invites you somewhere or wants you to participate in something, ask yourself - "Will this take me closer or farther away from my goal?" If not - "is it worth the diversion?"

If the answer to both of those questions is "no" - then I feel no guilt in declining.

8. When you think you have no time for your creative endeavors - then it is time to take a hard look at how you spend your time.

Children and family will not wait.

My day job is non-negotiable.

But television and playing on the computer and games on my phone are not a productive use of my very precious time.

9. No project is ever wasted - even if it didn't turn out the way I had hoped.

10. Give yourself permission to take a break.

I am always working on this one! Sometimes I do need to watch a mindless television show or read a great novel or do something that has nothing to do with the creative business.

And in the end - to quote Mr. Abe Lincoln -

"it's not about the years in your life, but the life in your years."

A timetable for DREAMS

2011-06-17T10:31:00.000-07:00

Some days I feel like I am living in a state of panic -

Time is slipping away.

If I haven't made it to my "goal" by a certain day, a certain date, a certain age - then it will be too late.

Am I the only one that feels that way?

This statement really hit home for me for just that reason.

I have to remind myself that there are soooooo many things that I want to accomplish in this life.

So many things I want to try.

So many adventures I want to go on.

So many different ways I see my life playing out.

For example - some days I see myself living on a large piece of property with an enormous garden, chickens, maybe a cow and some goats and within the same week I prefer the idea of a high-ceiling artists loft in the middle of the city with everything in walking distance.

Could you get any more opposite?

I want to get some of my art work licensed; I want to increase the availability of it in stores and catalogs.

I want to see my Etsy site take flight!

I want to sky dive; hang glide, paraglide - anything that involves flight.

I want to scuba dive - I've done it once and I can't wait for more opportunities.

I can't even begin to list all of the places I want to see in the world - but a few of the top sites are Belize, Italy and Bali.

I want to learn a foreign language - preferably Spanish.

I want to take classes in cooking, art, calligraphy, life drawing. . .

I want to own a cottage somewhere that I can escape to on the weekends and paint. It could be in the mountains, on the coast -I'm not picky. Just somewhere "away".

I want to sing in a choir.

I want to sing with a band.

I want to perform on stage in a musical -something I haven't done for over 20 years.

I want to live in a foreign country for a year.

I want to learn how to make artisan breads.

I want to go on a silent retreat and spend my days in prayer and meditation.

I want to live fully every second of my life.

It makes me overwhelmed thinking about it- partly with anticipation and partly with sadness - because I know that I will not be able to accomplish everything on the list.

But the reality is this -

they don't all have to be done at the same time or right away.

Life is a journey.

The process itself is part of the adventure.

And as long as I am always moving forward, then I am on the right track.

As long as I am dreaming and longing for new adventures, I know that I am alive.

JOY!

2011-06-15T14:31:00.000-07:00

When was the last time you felt pure, unadultered, real joy . . .

Is "NA" word?

2011-06-13T14:12:00.000-07:00

A new mirror celebrating the seasons . . .

So another week has passed and we are beginning to have a few more glimpses that there is hope that the gray and dreary days of winter are leaving.

After a long week of work, I was grateful to face the weekend head on!

I spent my weekend painting in the studio and catching up on household chores.

Really - how can things get so out of control in just 5 days???

But it sure feels good when the cobwebs have been evicted from the tops of the ceilings.

I worked on several items in the studio as I continue to build the inventory.

And then came the errand running and things went downhill from there.

After our son moved out and opened up a room in the house, my husband laid claim and has been preparing to take it over. A fresh coat of paint, some general repairs and he is ready to take over.

A desk is needed - because not only will he be using this as an office/music studio/mancave - but he will be using the space to make prints and other general production work for the business that need to be done in a clean environment.

We scanned some desks on Craigslist - but they were too deep. He wanted a longer and narrower work surface.

So we talked and measured and thought and decided to create a custom work space with 2-drawer file cabinets and an old door.

Where to find a unique, inexpensive old door?

At our local rebuilding center.

So it was time for a field trip - after all, we could go to the rebuilding center, stop by some thrift shops to look for file cabinets and then wrap things up with a trip to the nursery to buy a few plants for a totally seperate project.

What could be better?

So off we went . . .

We drove across town to the rebuilding center only to find out that there was a biking event that had closed off the streets and there was no parking anywhere. We are in Portland, afterall. Strike 1.

We stopped at three thrift stores - nothing! Strike 2.

We drove to GoodWill - it was on the way.

They were closed (long story). Strike 3.

OK - last attempt to redeem this trip - the nursery.

We drove to the nursery, pulled in the driveway and watched them lock the gates.

A total bust of a trip.

We went home - maybe dinner and an outdoor fire around the fire pit would make up for the waste of the afternoon . . .but alas, Mother Nature mocked me and it started to rain!

Seriously????

OK - not to be discouraged - I made dinner and after, my son and husband and I played a game of Scrabble.

Not on the computer or on my phone -

but at the table with a real board and real wooden tiles!

I made a wonderful play that utilitized touching tiles and created a secondary word . . .and it was on a double word score. The word???. . .

"na".

My son challenged me.

Although Merriam didn't agree - the other online dictionaries said it was legitimate.

I even wasted a move on my "Words With Friends" game on my phone to make the point that I could use it.

And so . . .due to the little 2-letter word "na" my evening was properly redeemed. Because quick frankly . . .

I kicked both of their butts!!!

And if you don't think "na" is a legal Scrabble word - just remember, everyone is entitled to their opinion. And the utter demise of my entire weekend was dependent on that word.

So - "na" IS a word!

How bout you? Good weekend? What was the high point for you?

Aaaah . . .Vacation!

2011-06-07T11:14:00.000-07:00

I took a week off of my day job.

How wonderful that was.

It really is true - we need to take time to decompress, refocus, and reboot.

I mean - even our computers need to be shut off once in a while to clear out the hiccups (yes - that is a technical term :)

I found myself thinking about things like Facebook and this blog - and I didn't feel the need to get on the computer. I pretty much "checked out and unplugged."

Although I still worked hard all last week, it was a change of routine.

We had our sale at the Coast and I drank in the sun, the salt air and the sound of the ocean.

I worked in my yard and planted flowers and cleaned up our outdoor living area.

We ran errands and bought raw materials to rebuild our inventory.

I grocery shopped.

I visited with friends and family.

I went shopping . . .for me.

I went out to lunch . . .and dinner.

I went to the art store and drooled over all things creative.

My husband and I went for drives in our little Mustang and felt the wind blow through our hair.

I sat in the backyard hammock and listened to the birds and the windchimes.

I finally got the shelves in studio hung.

And I painted.

Oh how good that felt.

I finished up projects that were "almost" done.

Like this chair . . .it's been waiting to be finished for . . .I forget how long.

And this painting that has been waiting for a frame since October . . .

And a few new projects were created - like this large mirror. . .

Yeah - it was a good week.

It makes facing a Monday that much easier. . .

So now that I have caught my breath, it's time to roll up my sleeves and get busy. The summer show season starts in less than a month!

Stay posted for dates and locations.

And keep an eye out for new prints with new themes.

What are you up to?

Art is all around us

2011-05-27T10:01:00.000-07:00

As I said in my last post - we recently attended a choir concert. This was a special concert because our high school choir joined to together with Oregon State University's choir. They joined forces and it was an amazing night of music.

But in addition to the music - there was some beautiful art.

The concert was held at the "Grotto" in SE Portland. The Grotto is a catholic sanctuary that is a Portland icon. As a child - it was a place of fascination for me. It sets nestled in a wooded hillside. For years, there has been a large lit cross that sits high on the hillside and can be seen from various locations throughout the city. I actually never went there until I was an adult. It is the location of a wonderful Festival of LIghts during the Holidays. We go there every year to hear our high school choir perform their Holiday music.

The chapel area is made of high ceilings with marble walls and floors. The acoustics are bright and "alive". It is a great location for vocal music. The grounds are a wonderful mix of old and new. I am particularly drawn to the old -Check out their website for a little bit of history. It really is fascinating http://www.thegrotto.org/about-us/history/

As you emerge out of the wooded walkway, it opens into a courtyard - and carved into the cliff is a "cave" which shrines a life-size statue. Regardless of religious beliefs, you can't help but feel a sense of reverence at the sight. What you can't see is the hundreds of flickering candles that surround the cave on either size.

As you approach the cathedral, Mary greets you on the wall -

Once inside, this is the scene that you see as you look up at the ceiling. This immense mural covers a large domed ceiling. It is showing its age in areas, but I would have loved to been around to see the work being created almost a hundred years ago.

Thanks for joining me on my little tour . . .Remember to keep your eyes open to see the beautiful art that is all around you.

And if you vacation on the Oregon Coast this weekend, swing by Oceanside, Oregon and visit with me and the other artists.

A Few New Pieces

2011-05-26T10:21:00.000-07:00

You know how we always talk about how crazy the Holiday season is?

Well - as a mom of four, I beg to argue that late May/June are just as crazy, if not more so!

This week alone we have had 2 major family events, choir concerts, piano recitals and more.

But I wouldn't trade it for anything -

My beautiful "baby girl" singing with her choir

I love the music events.

I love seeing the progress my kids have made in their endeavors.

I love being together as a family.

It is near perfection.

I mean - isn't family what it is all about?

Sharing pancakes and laughs after the choir concert.

And in between, when I have a little time - I have worked in the studio.

The drawback to all of this is - I have a lot of work to complete - and not much time to do it.

So there has been some multi-tasking happening.

And sometimes that is ok . . .

And sometimes, it is not . . .

I am really happy with the way this 12 x 12 canvas turned out. I love the colors and the textures.

I love the bird - different from my normal simple birds.

She seems to have a bit more of an attitude -

but after my husband shot the photo of the piece, I realized that Yes . . .it is true -

I left out an entire word.

REALLY???

Hmmmm . . .

You would think I would have learned my lesson by now.

Do not . . .repeat DO NOT attempt to talk, watch movies or otherwise engage in attention splitting activities while writing words or phrases.

Oh well - I can repair the silliness.

Maybe someday I will learn my lesson.

Then again . . .maybe not.

Dream Envy. . .

2011-05-19T14:49:00.000-07:00

We finally have a bit of Spring hit our area. We have had so much rain and cold and misery it is a welcome sight to have the sun inthe sky finally.

It's sunny. The birds are busy. The air is alive.

So why am I not feeling better?

I'm having a hard time lately -

I want to throw all responsibility out the window and go hang in the hammock.

Read a totally mind-less novel.

Dig in the dirt a little.

Plant some flowers.

Take a walk.

Take a nap.

Get a pedicure. . .

I love having my own art business.

I enjoy my day job . . .most days. (But lets face it - if given the choice I would do my art business full time.)

But I also have been self-employed and am not at all dillusional in believing that being self employed means having all kinds of free time.

It means long, long hours. Hours spent not thinking about anything but the "business".

And I do that. I do it gladly.

I spend long hours in my studio painting, producing, researching. . . doing business.

It's hard for me to stop.

Stop and do nothing.

Last night, I was tired and opted not to work in the studio.

I curled up in bed to watch American Idol. I picked up me drawing pad and pencils and was going to work on a doodle -

and nothing came. I drew nothing. A total blank!

I am hoping this is just an indication that I need a little break and it will come back. I have been pursuing alot of different things and quite frankly - I am tired.

I am vowing right here and now to find a way to balance work and the joys of the warmer months.

I will find more time for things like this . . .

This my daughter and her best friend taking a moment for themselves.

I remember when I was younger and I didn't have trouble filling my days with absolutely nothing!

It was divine.

On this day - all my daughter wanted to do was take advantage and live in the moment.

Focus on what was directly in front of her - a beautiful afternoon (although still a little cool), with the sun sliding into the late afternoon.

We could all learn a lesson from that - focus fully on what is directly in front of us and take advantage of the here and now!

******

In other news - I will be at my annual Memorial Day Sale at Oceanside, Oregon. If you are headed to the Oregon Coast for the holiday weekend - try to stop by and say hi!

And when I am not at the sale, I will be sitting and taking in the view. . .

A Taste of Spring

2011-05-11T08:38:00.002-07:00

MOTHER'S DAY . . .

When I first became a mother, I had this twisted version of what Mother's Day should feel like.

It looked something like a Hallmark card commercial.

And imagine my surprise when reality set in and that was not what it was really like.

The kids still needed their diapers changed, they still threw temper tantrums, dinner still needed to be made, the dishes still needed to be done . . .

Life still went on.

My expectations have changed alot.

And as a result - my idea of the perfect Mother's Day has changed alot as well.

For the better!

It has nothing to do with gifts or cards or breakfast in bed.

Not that I don't love those things. I do!

But instead - it's about cherishing these people that I gave birth to.

It's about cherishing the time I have with them.

It's about cherishing my mother and the precious time that I get to spend with her.

I had the perfect day this year.

I didn't escape for a nap or run away to a spa.

I spent it in the kitchen

Preparing a wonderful meal for my parents and my family.

I spent it in a very peaceful zen state sharing the experience of cooking with my daughter.

I made bread.

I got into the "kneading zone".

Yes I have a mixer that would do the job for me - but the reality is, I love feeling the change that the dough goes through.

From lumpy and sticky and stiff to smooth and soft and elastic.

It's really very magical.

My daughter worked with me on dessert - a little creation we made on the fly.

Strawberry cream parfaits.

Oh my they were good!

My original intent was a strawberry cream pie.

One of the problems with my cooking is sometimes I just make things up - and sometimes they work.

And sometimes they don't.

And then we adjust - that is what happened here.

We started with pudding.

I found a recipe for homemade vanilla pudding - very simple -

milk, sugar, corn starch, vanilla and a touch of butter.

This is Chrissy stirring the pudding - but in reality, this picture is really about the pants!

Bringing the pudding to a soft boil.

Once the pudding was cooked and cooled, we whipped up some fresh cream and folded it in. We also mashed about 1/3 of the fresh strawberries that we had and let them drain through a strainer so they weren't too "soupy". Those were folded into the pudding/cream mixture.

This was the point when I realized that this was not going to get firm enough for a pie, so we adjusted.

I got out my crystal goblets and we drizzled a little chocolate sauce in each one.

A scoop of fresh strawberries went into the bottom of each glass. We took the prebaked pie shells that we had for the "pie that was not to be" and sprinkled the warm crusts with cinnamon and sugar. Just a bit.

We took the crusts out of the pie pans and crumbled them into small pieces and dropped some on the top of the strawberries.

Next came the pudding mixture, more pie crust, more pudding . . .

and finally fresh strawberries and a little pie crust on the top.

Not only did they look beautiful, they tasted fabulous.

Light, creamy, not too sweet . . .

Notice, I didn't say low-cal . . .

But afterall - dessert is a splurge.

And nothing says spring like strawberries.

Popcorn Popping . . .

2011-04-19T16:19:00.000-07:00

My kids and I pay a game every once in a while.

They give me a word or a topic and I have to find a song to go with it.

I have about a 98% success rate.

Granted some of the "songs" are actually radio/television jingles - but I do a pretty good job.

I never have been able to come up with a song for the word "waterbottle" -

but if you give me the word "popcorn" I will sing a song from my childhood.

"I looked out the window and what did I see?

Popcorn popping on the apricot tree.

Spring has brought me such a nice surpirse -

Popcorn popping right before my eyes."

It goes on from there - but you get the idea.

And what I saw the other day, as I walked to my car from my office where my day job is,

was a whole lot of "popcorn" -

On days like this, I am really grateful for my iPhone -

it has such a great camera on it!

And look at the sky in the photos - it's BLUE - with big, fluffy clouds.

After all of the gray and heavy rain that we have had,

I felt like my heart was going to "pop" just like the blossoms.

In fact - I fought an urge to skip to my car!

Ahhhhhhh . . .

And in the meantime - if you happen to know a song with the word "waterbottle" -

do share.

I would love to get to 100% on my challenge!

Life is a great Big canvas.. .

2011-04-18T14:43:00.000-07:00

At Christmas, one of my closest friends gave me a shadowbox frame with a wonderful quote on the outside glass . . .

"Life is a great Big canvas - Throw all of the paint you can at it" by Danny Kaye.

This last week (yes I know that it is April and Christmas was 4 1/2 months ago) I finally put a piece of art in the frame. (How the piece of art came to be is a whole other story. :)

And here is how the finished piece looks . . .

This a great quote and I love the way the finished piece looks hanging on the wall.

It hangs right by the light switch so I see it each time that I enter and leave my studio.

But I'm not sure which I love more - the quote itself or the fact that Danny Kaye said it!

I love Danny Kaye - always have.

I remember the first movie I saw him in as a child - it was "Hans Christian Anderson" - a musical about how Hans Christian Anderson became a story teller and how he came to write the story of "The Red Shoes" (another favorite of mine!).

In this movie he is humble and sweet, patient and kind.

There is a genuine gentleness about him.

Later I saw him in other movies and who could forget him in "White Christmas".

As a teenager I was invited to a concert downtown of the symphony.

Danny Kaye was the guest conductor.

I have attended many, many, many concerts throughout my life.

As a teenager - I attended close to a hundred. Of course - when I was a teenager, the "expensive" concerts were $17.50 - alot different than the price of today's concert tickets.

I remember that concert with Danny Kaye as one of my favorites. Still is one of my favorites to this day.

He was talented, funny, quick and he just seemed so approachable.

I remember feeling like it was just me and a few friends sitting in somebody's living room with him.

Good memory.

I think Danny and I were friends in another life!

See my artwork at Made In Oregon at Washington Square and...!!

2011-04-15T09:15:00.000-07:00

What? You want to escape the rain and go to the mall this weekend?

OK - where shall we go. . .

I know - how about Washington Square!

Oh look - it's the Made in Oregon store.

Let's go in and see what they have. . .

Oh look - right at the front of the store. . .

What is all that bright, fun stuff?

Ooooh new products . . .let's take a look!

Are those Laurie Miller Designs?

Why yes! they are . . .

Thank you for letting me brag and wallow in happiness for just a moment!

Green . . .and all things magical

2011-04-14T12:32:00.000-07:00

I remember being totally enchanted with the little daisys that would grow in the grass in the spring.

They used to grow in the baseball field of my elementary school.

I took personal offense when the maintenance crew would cut the grass because it would chop the tops off of my little flowers.

I mean. . .really - what were they thinking?

You don't chop down the flowers!!!

I always loved daisies as a child and I still find them to be some of the happiest flowers ever.

I remember weaving them into chains and crowns.

I would imagine that they were the skirts of fairies.

I would pick them and pluck of the petals, one by one.

I still think they are pretty magical.

And as much as I love a bouquet of beautiful roses . . .I'd choose a bouquet of bright daisys anytime!

These sweet beauties were discovered on a recent walk around a local golf course.

As tired as I am of the rain we are having in Oregon, you can't beat it for making the grass green.

And look at those droplets of water clinging on the blades of grass.

Magic!

The other thing that totally enchanted me as a child was weeping willow trees.

I don't remember any weeping trees in my yards or my neighborhood when I was growing up,

but every time I saw one they invoked fantasies of hidden forts, princesses, fairies. . .

all things magical.I

And again . . .check out those shakes of green.

New colorful Fan Fins!

2011-04-13T15:08:00.000-07:00

New and improved ceiling fan blades.

I have been spending the last few days working on my new studio space. And I am a true believer in reusing everything that I can and doing redecorating projects with as little money as possible. I am not above rummaging through a dumpster if needed to find the perfect embellishments.

In this case - I didn't do any dumpster diving - but I did do a lot of re-using!

This is just a sneak peek of one the new elements - my ceiling fan.

I love having a ceiling fan - but they are rather . . .boring.

But not now - color and excitement all the way.

It will be perfect for sitting in my chair, gazing up and contemplating all of life's important questions.

Stay tuned . . .more studio pics to come as I get it finished up!

Made In Oregon . . .

2011-04-11T12:40:00.000-07:00

It's official - we are in 4 Made In Oregon stores. This is a nice feather in our humble little cap! I remember going into these stores years ago and thinking only "real" artists have their things chosen to be in here. . .and now Laurie Miller Designs will be represented. We can be found in the Portland Airport, Washington Square, Pioneer Place and Newport stores as of this week. This is a trial order - if the items sell, we will work on a larger order. Keep you fingers crossed for us . . .better yet - drop into one of the stores!

This is a project I just worked on. I was contacted by a woman who conducts leadership and management trainings to design name tags. Because her workshops focus on creative approaches to problem solving and taking a leap on goals, she wanted to have name tags that inspire the same types of things. Check out her website. She is truly inspirational. She is an ultralight pilot and has accomplished some amazing goals. It gives me hope.

Other than that - my studio time is being dominated by a studio move and redecorating project. With my oldest daughter moving out of the house, a room opened up. My sweet husband has been painting and putting up shelves and such to get it ready for me. I will post pictures when the project is complete!

Now onto other projects. . . .

Have a great week!

A Mirror for Madison

2011-03-29T14:54:00.000-07:00

A client requested a large mirror for her daughter's bedroom -

One of those really large mirrors that you lean up against a wall.

She found one on clearance and scored a great deal on it - but the look was not really teenage-girl appropriate.

It was black with gold trim.

Fine for an adult home - but not what she was looking for.

She brought the mirror and asked for a make-over -

the instructions were bright and "girlie" - include fashion, shoes, etc.

I think I accomplished the task.

Dresses, shoes, make-up, handbags, perfume, hairspray . . .

all things girl.

Of course - as usual - photos don't do it justice.

But it should brighten up a bedroom quite nice!

In other news -

we are experiencing rain . . .

rain . . .

and more rain.

I'm a born and raised Oregonian.

I know what rain is -

but I can't take this anymore.

How do you deal with overwhelming gray?

Because right now - all I want to do is crawl back in bed and pull the covers over my head.

I want to scream.

I have no patience. I used to tell my kids - my patience was the size of a watermelon and now it is the size of a grain of rice.

Yup - I'm kind of "DONE".

On Sunday - my husband grabbed me and pulled me out of the studio.

The sun had broke through the clouds.

He sat me down in a chair on our deck and we soaked up the warmth.

It only lasted for about 10 minutes - but for that 10 minutes, I felt so much better.

Please, please, please - mother nature - please give us a break with the rain so that we can be reintroduced to the sun.

I have always had a wonderful relationship with Mr. Sun and I would like to reignite it.

I promise not to complain about the heat.

And may I say, Mother Nature . . .Thank you - in advance.

Spring is Springing

2011-03-26T18:33:00.000-07:00

After spending some time in the studio painting today, my husband insisted we take a break and go for a walk.

I was not thrilled.

In fact, I was feeling a grumpy and sorry for myself today.

But I let him drag me along.

Mother Nature must have known I was feeling a little down because she really put on a good show for us . . .

Thanks honey, for making me get out side. I would have hated to miss this show.

A Little Bit of Everything . . .

2011-03-25T11:15:00.000-07:00

Here is a before and after picture of the new spice cabinet door in its home . . .

Before . . .

And after . . .

Looking good - and I really love the punched tin backsplash!

A cute picture of my little grandson man.

With that hat, he looks like he is prepping for his upcoming artsy/music career.
A budding Jason Mraz!

Last night I checked something off my 2011 to-do list.

I was a student at a cooking class.

It was oh-so fun.

I have been threatening to take a cooking class for years.

But I spend all of my time fretting about "what?"
What kind of class? What kind of food? What about the price?
Yikes!
That questions can become downright paralying!

I finally decided to just jump in with both feet and sign up for one that interested me.

Part of the frustration is - I know how to cook.

I think of myself as a fairly decent cook.

So I didn't want to waste my money one something that I didn't like or something that I already know how to make.

I looked around at a few websites for my area and finally decided on a pizza making class at Bobs Red Mill.

I have shopped at this place for years. I love their products, I love that they are local, I love their philosophy and approach to food and eating.

I know how to make pizza. I have done it for years.

But I thought - this is something that, although I already do it fairly well - maybe I can learn a few secrets that will make homemade pizza a little better.

Afterall - I don't know about you, but I don't have a pizza oven in my home kitchen! No matter how hard I try, I will never get my oven to reach the temperatures of a pizza oven.

I had so much fun in this class.

We watched - we asked questions - we sampled and sampled and sampled.

And I learned that I already do most everything right.

I learned a few new secrets as well.

But most of all -

in a world where I am always giving to my co-workers, or my children, or my students, or . . .

someone else -

It was really great to be the student. To be able to have someone else "fill my cup" up.

I am already looking for new classes to take.

We are almost into the 4th month of 2011. Have you tried something new or different? If so - what is it?

Cold Mornings . . .Warm Evenings

2011-03-21T14:59:00.000-07:00

I know the calendar says it is officially Spring.

But when we woke up this weekend, we were greeted by some rather chilly temperatures.

The sky was clear (for a while) and we actually saw the sun (oh how I have missed the sun).

We walked out to our front driveway and I was greeted by some beautiful art work.

The frost on one of our cars was formed in a beautiful pattern -

this would be worthy of being framed and hung on a wall.

It didn't appear on any of the other cars around - just the one.

A little bit of Mother Nature magic. . .

BEAUTIFUL!!!

The feathery pattern was so intricate and depending on the angle that I looked at it, the sunlight reflected and it all glistened.

Good work Mother Nature - good work!

Later - I decided that it was a good day for some warm weekend comfort food.

And something simple -

A pot of soup was the perfect answer to warm the evening.

Sauteing a rainbow of vegetables

Add some white and kidney beans. . .

You gotta have potatoes. . .

Herbs, spice, and everything nice . . .

A perfect meal in a bowl.

A perfect end to the weekend.

Now - Mother Nature. . .

As much as I enjoyed your beautiful display on the car this weekend. . .

as much as I enjoy a hearty bowl of comforting homemade soup . . .

as much as I enjoy curling up with a warm blanket -

I really am done with this winter thing.

Could we move spring along a little faster please? Thank you.

Sugar and Spice and Colors So Nice . . .

2011-03-17T09:03:00.000-07:00

The finished spice cabinet door. Won't this brighten up the spot above a stove?

A new mirror. . .

Just a quick check in with a few pictures of two recent projects. I have finished the spice cabinet door for a client and will be excited to see pictures once she has reinstalled this in her kitchen above her stove.

And it's been awhile since I have worked on a custom mirror - I forgot how much I love doing them!

Next up - two chairs and a 7 foot tall mirror!

My weekend will be filled with painting and cleaning and hosting friends for game night!

Life's Firsts

2011-03-16T09:56:00.000-07:00

Need to call my friends and family and let 'em know I turned "1".

Yummy cupcakes!

Did you read this text????

Have I had cake before?

Oooh - this is pretty yummy

You should taste this. Wanna share?

Yeah - I know. Today is all about me. . .

And I get presents??? . . .Notice - I have changed my clothes because I was covered in pizza, cake and frosting.

Birthdays are cool . . .

Here Uncle Collin - you need some cake too!

A year ago, we witnessed the birth of our grandson. A miraculous experience. One I will never forget.

For the last year, this little man and his mom have lived in our home with us.

I have once again had the opportunity to witness the first year of life with all of it's changes.

Only this time - through the eyes of a grandma.

Through eyes that have a greater understanding of just how quickly this time flies by.

Through eyes that have more patience.

In the last year, this little man has learned to

hold his head up, roll over, sit up, crawl, stand, cruise around the furniture, laugh, smile, wave, feed himself, sprout a tooth . . all of the traditional milestones.

He has also learned . . .

He loves smoothies in the mornings for breakfast and ice cream really is "the bomb".

Peanut butter - though sticky - is pretty amazing too.

He has learned that balls roll.

Music brings joy - whether it is played on Nana's Piano, Papa's guitars or the toy drum. It even makes going to sleep a little easier.

Crayons make marks on paper.

Screaming gets someone attention - but it also gets a brief timeout.

A rocking chair is for snuggling.

New teeth hurt!

Nana and mom's cell phone are fascinating.

As a male - there is an uncontrollable attraction to the tv remote - even though tv is not that fascinating.

Books are great friends.

Peek-a-boo and wheels on the bus never loose their appeal.

Blowing kisses makes everyone smile.

Dinner time with the family is full of talking and laughter.

He has learned. . . what love is.

Thank you Cameron . . .for joining our family and bringing your sweet spirit into our lives.

What's Fear Got To Do With It?

2011-03-15T10:26:00.000-07:00

A work in progress . . .

A preview of a new work in progress . . .

This will be the front door of a spice cabinet that sits above a client's stove.

Based on a scripture, which will be noted on the piece, it is full of deep, warm color.

Still some more work to go - but I just thought I would tickle your interest a little . . .

Earlier, I was scanning my FaceBook and came across this wonderful note about fear. The author of this post is in Japan and was in her high rise apartment during the recent earthquake that has rocked the entire world. Her words are profound and got me to thinking about fear and the debillitating effect it can have on us.

Yes -

I know that the quake hit it Japan and they are the ones cleaning up the mess.

I know that they are the ones who are racing to make sure they are ready in case they are quarantined to their homes for several days because of toxins in the air.

They are in the middle of it.

But I also understand that this quake shook the entire world.

I am in Oregon and we were put on alert due to the after effects of the tsunami.

For an entire day, the main topic of conversation was "what if?" "when?"

My dreams have been interrupted, my muscles are tight and I have an unidentified feeling of anxiousness.

Hmmmm . . .fear?

I think so -

The article about fear by Anna was so appropriate to where I am at in my life right now.

I go through a daily dialogue with myself that goes something like . . .

"You can do what ever you want. You are worth it!"

"No I am not - I am not good enough . . .what if someone realizes that I am just faking it and the truth comes out?"

"You are good enough. Why can't you see that in yourself?"

"But what if I am rejected?"

"What if you are?"

"What if I loose everything while trying to pursue this dream?"

"Why do you assume that you will loose?"

"Am I letting my family down while I pursue this dream?"

"No- you are teaching your family that our dreams are meant to be our roadmap and we need to follow them". . .

You get the idea -

So how do you silence the voice of fear?

Anna is right - it doesn't matter if we are fearing failure, feeling fear because of lack of money, or if we are caught in a catastrophic natural disaster.

Fear is fear.

And it can be dibillatating.

It can make us stop progressing, panic and say "why bother?".

It makes us a victim.

So - for today -

I am going to take Anna's advice. . .

"chin up, deep breath, flowers on the table. . ."

I am going to turn off the tv and the computer and stop comparing myself to everyone else - especially those who are farther along in the journey than myself.

Sometimes I say - "oh, I need to see that artist, that magazine, that . . .whatever it is, for inspiration."

Reality check - sometimes it just makes me feel more like a failure.

So instead - I am going to compare myself to myself.

I'm doing better and doing more today than I was yesterday, last week and last year.

I have a husband that has loved me unconditionally for over 24 years.

I have a family that loves me and we are all doing our best.

I have amazing friends who lift and listen and encourage.

I have a job that helps to meet our financial obligations.

I get to spend time on my dream and my passion.

I have a home - a home filled with imperfections like a roof that needs to be replaced, and an unfinished yard and a dryer that isn't working - but I have a home that is warm and filled with the things and people that I love.

I have food to eat and plenty of it.

Let's get real -

let's share our fears with each other and help one another to feel the empowerment of overcoming them.

Let's lift and encourage.

Let's all lift our chins, breath deep and put some flowers on our table . . ."

What are your fears? How do you resolve them and keep moving forward? What or who helps you move forward?

Words to live by part 2

2011-03-11T14:44:00.000-08:00

All finished - all 3 1/2 x 4 1/2 feet of it . . .

A close up of the left side . . .

Life lesson words to live by . . .

The right side featuring some of the special girls interests.

Yesterday, I got up and got myself ready for work like a normal Thursday.

Half way to work, I received a phone call -

my place of business was suffering a power outage and the electric company didn't know what the cause was or how long it would take to restore power.

Don't come into work.

Really???

A day off?

Yeah - what a gift!

I went home and changed my focus and finished up the commissioned painting that I showed you in my last post.

I was so humbled by the wonderful words that were shared by all of you amazing women. Some were shared here and some were shared on FaceBook.

I'm sure many of them will end up in future pieces!

Now it is on to new projects and new adventures. . .

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Words to Live By - Part 1

2011-03-09T15:33:00.000-08:00

A blank canvas - 3 1/2 ft x 4 1/2 ft approx.

The smearing of paint . . .right now it just looks like a mess!

Layering in some vines

A variety of small boards and canvases will be built up for a three-dimensional feel. The large canvas in the middle will be filled with empowering statements and words. A visual meditation . . .

Here is some progress on a large commission piece I am working on. . .

this is a meant to be reflective and inspirational for an incredible young lady.

A visual meditation of sorts.

Something to look at, absorb uplifting messages and empowering words.

A gift for this young lady from her parents.

What a great way to help a daughter to feel strong and able in a society that

strives to make our girls feel just the opposite.

I have been watching my own daughters go through their individual struggles with self-worth -

feeling fearful that they are not perfect enough, pretty enough, rich enough, skinny enough. . .

Really - what are we doing to these girls?

I have been spending time pondering what messages are the most important to put on this painting.

It has been on my mind alot.

And I was driving to work today - I heard a quote by Chrissie Hynde of the Pretenders.

She said that the media has destroyed the music industry and turned the female performers into prostitutes.

WOW!

Strong words . . .

She went on to say it is no more about the music or talent of the musicians -

but about their physical appearance and their makeup and their stylists.

Considering this project that I am working on - this really hit home.

Because in reality - our world is launching a full-fledged attack on our daughters.

Every image they see tells them they are not enough.

How do we help these young women?

How do we help them find peace, comfort and empowerment in their own skin?

In many ways - I feel like I am still working on answering this question for myself. I would love to say that I am immune to the pressure of "measuring up".

But that would be a lie.

And I really am trying to be truthful with myself and the other women in my life.

Afterall - if we don't share our insecurities with each other- aren't we just perpetuating the myth of perfection to each other?

I mean - how many times have you met a wonderful woman and thought -

"oh - she has it all. Her life is perfect. I wish I had it that easy. . ."

And then later - you learn the truth.

She has her own demons that she if fighting every day.

We all do!

Hopefully - I will be able to find the words that will speak to the heart, mind and soul of the young lady this painting is for.

And maybe - I'll find words that will help me as well.

For all you women out there -

what words or phrases or quotes have offered you strength throughout your life?

Share with me . . .share with each other!

PS - Keep checking back - I will post the finished project soon. Who knows - maybe your words or quote will be included!

What Gets You Up In The Morning?

2011-03-03T11:06:00.000-08:00

Do you ever feel like your day is nothing more than

wash, rinse, repeat?

I do.

A typical day involves an alarm going off at 6:00.

Do I listen and obey and get up or can I push it for another 15. . .20 . . . 30 minutes.

Pushing has it's consequences.

Shower, fix hair, put on make up.

Choose the "outfit of the day" while eating my portable breakfast.

Don't forget to create a lunch for the day.

Head to the day job.

Work my day job.

Go home.

Change clothes, eat dinner and then -

the living can begin.

Not enough hours - use them wisely.

How is it that we spend the majority of our waking hours often doing something that

is not our passion.

I work in a day job and I am forever grateful for it.

Health benefits cannot be underestimated at this time in my life.

But the day job is not what gets me up in the morning.

It is not my passion.

What is your passion? Do you know?

Someone once described it to me this way -

What is the first thing you think about when you wake up in the morning?

What do you find yourself adjusting your day to get to?

I think it's pretty obvious that for me - it is my art.

Specifically - it is painting.

I have experimented with a lot of styles of art and different art mediums.

But the paints are what I always come back to.

When I was younger - my passion was performing.

I lived to get to my rehearsals for musical theater, dance, etc.

I still love to perform and even miss it sometimes.

But I have come to peace with that part.

There was a period when I was not acknowledging my passion.

I wasn't performing and I hadn't discovered my art yet.

I was a young stay at home mom with busy children.

I lived their passions with them.

Which was fine - but I also sunk into a very dark place.

When I explored my pull to art, my light started shining again.

I have come to know myself well enough to understand that I - we, as women - must learn what our passion is.

It is imperative that we find that thing that gets us up in the morning.

When I do not make my art a priority, my world gets very dark very quickly.

This last week I have been helping out some family members. This has been a good thing, but it has changed my routine.

I have not been in my studio all week.

Last night the pressure of work, house work, family, responsibilities, etc. seem to come crashing in and it was more than I could deal with.

My husband and I had planned a mini-date to have dinner out with a gift card that I had been carrying around for several months.

We went to dinner. I was not happy. I was not chatty. I could have cared less!

The table was covered in white paper and there were 3 crayons.

New crayons.

Purple, Red and Yellow.

I started doodling.

The food came.

I kept doodling.

Nothing special - just a general theme of the restaurant where we were at.

It felt good.

My mood shifted, the light started to come back, the hope returned . . .

A little table art . . .
BTW - If anyone knows how to rotate a picture on the blog, let me know!

So - how about you . . .

What is your passion???

Have you found it?

Are you still looking for it?

Please - discuss!

PS - You leave comments and it makes me smile :)

A very long bench

2011-03-01T10:11:00.000-08:00

Problem. . .We need a coffee table.

Dilemma #1. . .The area that the coffee table needs to go is not very large and a traditional coffee table makes me feel very, very cramped.

Dilemma #2 . . .When it comes to furniture, I am:

a. cheap

b. unconventional

c. uneasy - because I know that whatever goes there will have feet put on it and drinks without coasters even though coasters are there and food set on it . . .you get the idea. I have a family afterall.

d. all of the above

What is a girl to do?

Hmmmm - how about a bench? That would be the right height, narrow and sturdy.

So I start to look -

all the benches I find are tufted and upholstered or outdoor benches with backs.

No. No. and No.

I see a bench at Ikea - it is in the clearance section.

A retired showroom piece.

That would work - but $60 for a bench that I will need to clean up and paint because it's covered with scratches? I don't think so (see point "a" above).

I spend a moment envisioning exactly what I want.

I check CraigsList.

There's a bench - but it's upholstered. The seller says that the upholstery is torn and will need to be recovered.

I read further - it was custom made for someone.

I email the seller - is it all wood underneath? No pressboard?

Yes it is - all wood. It is very heavy.

How much . . .$20?????

Now that works for me.

I bring the bench home - pull off the tattered fabric, the foam pad.

Thank goodness they didn't glue anything - it was all stapled.

There is a little bit of repair that needs to be done - some of the wood has seperated.

Nothing a little wood glue and puddy won't fix.

A primer base coat of paint.

A lot of color, and

Voila!

A new coffee table/bench -

the perfect height and the length of my couch (6 1/2 ft.).

And no one else has one like it.

I think I found something that fit all my needs - narrow, unconventional, cheap, and sturdy.

The only thing this bench wasnt? Easy to photograph - how do you photograph a 6 1/2 ft tall bench?

Oh well - you get the idea.

The bench leaned up against a doorway for the photo - Yes, you are correct - the bench is taller than the door.

Close up views of "sections" of the bench . . .

Snow Day

2011-02-28T09:51:00.000-08:00

Last week, Portland was hit with a late winter snow storm.

Not alot of snow - but we are usually blessed with a layer of ice on all the roads with the snow.

Since my day job is at a school, I was lucky enough to get a snow day.

The morning was a bit mucky and I was grateful that I didn't have to drive - but as the day progressed, my hubby and I headed out on an adventure.

I am getting ready to convert one of the rooms in our home into a new art studio. Due to the type of work that we do, we are seperating the messy and the messier.

My husband does alot of work with sawing, drilling, sanding, etc.

I do the painting part.

So we are seperating the work space so that the power tools don't get mixed up with the paint brushes.

This is good for both of us
and especially good for our marriage - if you know what I mean!.

We need to change the flooring in the room that I will be taking over.

In an effort to do this as cost effectively as possible - we headed to a Portland treasure . . .

The Rebuilding Center.

The Rebuilding Center is a thrift store for building supplies -

and it is a treasure trove for an artist!

When builders tear down and do remodels or . . .whatever -

they can donate the resuseable supplies to the Center for resale and repurposing.

This place is brimming with old cupboards, toilets, bathtubs, lumber, light fixtures, door knobs, shelving. . .

the list is endless.

Everything has been used - much is rather "dated" - and it is all cheap!

And I mean - cheap as in - "what a great deal".

And the RBC practices what it preaches in the construction of the builidng itself. Let's go on a little tour . . .

The main entrance - it's cob construction and sculpted to look like old growth trees. So unique. I love it.

Look at the texture and detail on those trees. And all of the windows are reclaimed.

I love this look - Old paned windows "collaged" together to create a wall.

Doors, doors and more doors. There are rows and rows and rows of old doors. Just think of the murals that could be created!

Lumber, siding and flooring . . .oh my!

These would be just perfect for some weather garden stakes.

Need a window? Single paned? Multi-paned - more windows than you could possible imagine.

I love tis flooring - made with old doors - randomly cut and put together like a quilt. Old siding boards create a gorgeous walkway.

Unfortunately, we didn't find what we were looking for while we were there. And since we went on one of the coldest days of the year - and a good portion of the building is open and not heated, we didn't spend quite as much time as I would have liked - but it was a great field trip. And my creative brain was a hoppin' when we left.

Thanks for coming along on my little field trip with me!

The Birth of the Wine Barrel

2011-02-25T16:23:00.000-08:00

If you are my "friend" on FaceBook, then you have some photos of this project . . .

but here is the full progression.

The barrel is completed!

So first - a little history on this project.

A friend of ours traveled to the Napa Valley this last fall for a wedding.

Good friends of his were getting married and he was the best man.

I saw photos of the wedding at the vineyard - WOW - so beautiful!

After our friend got back he sent me a message and said that he had purchased a barrel

from the vineyard and wanted me to turn it into a work of art for a wedding gift.

Talk about a humbling request . . .

his instructions were simple -

1.try to reflect the essence of the vineyard

2. Include their names and wedding date

3. Include the quote that was on their wedding invitations

4. Put my "mark" on it . . .

I think I accomplished all of the requests.

The before . . .in its all it natural glory.

The first layers of paint. The "house" and basic landscape were taken from the vineyard itself.

The back of the barrel - continuing with the hills and creating the rolling vineyards.

The vineyards are laid in . . .but now it needed some vines and grapes.

Finished up - on side. the straps were painted black, the detail has been laid in, and it is all sealed for protection. I love how the sealer makes it glisten and look like satin.

Another view . . .from a different angle

The "front"

Another view . . .

And yet another . . .

The top - including the quote and the couples name, date of the wedding and name of the vineyard.

That's it -

now when people aske what types of things

I paint on, I can truly answer . . .

"Anything!"

Fortune Reading

2011-02-23T13:55:00.000-08:00

A dinner out with my honey.

Where shall we go?

Someplace simple

Not too fancy

How 'bout Chinese?

We eat. We talk. We catch up.

The server brings the bill and the obligatory fortune cookies.

I have this thing for fortune cookies.

I love their crispy texture and the almondy flavor.

Not too sweet.

And that oh so fun surpise inside!

I like to ponder on things going on in my life when I open them.

And then read the printed words.

I crack open the cookie and eat it.

Grandma told me years ago - the fortune won't come true if you read it before you eat the cookie.

I'm not willing to take that risk!

Finally. . .I get to read it . . .

"Your life will be prosperous if you use your creativity"

I'm so glad I didn't peek before eating the cookie.

I want this one to come true.

And in many ways - it already has.

And now for a commercial announcement:

We have just set up a display in a new shop!

Plaques, mirrors, lazy susans, prints, long boards and short boards, oh my!

Pasha Boutique

http://www.shoppasha.com/

101 s.state s.#140G Lake Oswego, Or 97034

503-636-0120 info@shippasha.com

If you are in the Lake Oswego area and need a bit of cheerful color for a gift or just because,

be sure and stop by and say "Hi" to Heidi.

If not - check out her items at heron-line store.

Thanks Heidi - for letting us be a part of your great store!

Hmmm . . .maybe the fortune is working it's magic already.

The Power of the Song

2011-02-18T09:38:00.000-08:00

Do you ever have one of "those" days?

you know the kind - you wonder why you got up in the morning

you feel like you just can't find your groove

you feel like you have lost your way

you wonder if you are making a difference

were the efforts you have made over the last 20 years of your worth it?

did anyone notice? did anyone care?

you wonder if you are moving forward or just treading water

you wonder why? how? what for?

Yea . . .

you know the kind.

I had one of these recently

or maybe I had 2 or 3, but whos counting.

I came home from the day job feeling no joy or inspiration or desire to do. . .

anything.

And I'm not just talking about artistic inspiration.

I'm talking about all I really wanted to do was crawl in bed

pull the covers over my head

and let the tears flow.

So rather than choose the bed and covers -

I did go out in the studio.

And I got out some color

And I put on my ipod.

I generally have my ipod set on randon play.

I have what I have dubbed "musical ADD" or MADD for short.

I get really bored listening to a whole cd of the same artist.

I wasn't really paying attention to what was playing.

I found myself singing along a little while I painted - but I wasn't really engaged in the music.

Until one song came on . . .

"Bellavia" by Chuck Mangione.

Now if you are much younger than I am, you probably haven't even heard of Chuck Mangione - especially in the jazz/insturmental scene.

But he was big when I was in high school and since I dated a guy who played the trumpet and flugal horn, we listened to alot of him.

I even saw him in concert in the 80's.

Anyway - moving on . . .

The song Bellavia never played on the radio.

It never won a grammy or received any commercial validation.

But the first time I heard it, it burrowed it's way into my soul and has held on ever since

When I hear this piece of music it causes me to

stop and pause

to listen. . .

every single time.

It came on the ipod.

I slowed down. I listened.

I pushed the repeat button.

I turned the volume up . . .way up.

And I let the music wash over me.

And my mood began to shift.

I felt joy.

I felt hope.

I felt warmth and color.

There are so many pieces of music that speak to my soul.

I hear them and I remember emotions, smells, the weather, where I was, what was going on in my life,

where I first heard it . . .

Can you think of anything else that can have that effect on us?

I really can't.

Not to that degree.

Never underestimate the power of a song.

And just in case you have never heard Bellavia . . . click on over and let it wash over you.

And don't forget to crank the volume up!

Share your favorite song - something that is a "go to" song for you..

Maybe we can all find a new favorite.

Lessons

2011-02-17T13:28:00.000-08:00

One of my dearest friend's daughter is turning 13 this week.

I have known this young lady all of her of 13 years.

I met her when she was just about an hour old.

I have known her mother for 17 years.

To honor her daughters birthday, she has asked friends and family who have played a significant role in her life to write or draw or create something for her that can go in a book.

Then when life gets hard

or she is questioning something

or she needs "advice". . .

she can turn to the book.

So I wrote a list of lessons that I have learned.

And when I finished - I wasn't sure if the lessons were for her or for me?

This was a great opportunity to think about the things that really matter to me.

Things that I want to continuing embracing in my life.

Things that I need to embrace a little harder.

Here are my lessons for now . . .

1. You are a unique individual. It is good to be unique! Your friends may want you to be just like them, but embrace all the things that make you . . .you! That includes the clothes you wear, the way you wear your hair, the things you choose to spend your time doing.

2. Middle and high school only last for a short time. It may seem like forever while you are there – but it really won’t last for very long. Have as much fun as you can, but don’t let the drama take over. (I'm not in middle or high school anymore - but I am in the "workforce" - and this rule hasn't changed at all!)

3. Your mom and your dad have been there before. Listen to their stories. Listen to their advice. They love you and only want what’s best for you. You may reach a point where they seem “dumb and embarrassing” – but they are some of the coolest people you will ever know. (I'm so glad I am past the "embarassing" point).

4. Find that “thing” that you are passionate about. Whatever it is. And make time for it every day.

5. Laugh . . . a lot! Everyday. Big, make-your-belly hurt laughs!

6. Play – no matter how old you are.

7. Family first! There may come a time when you want to put friends first – but friends will come and go. Family will be there forever. (True when I was younger - still true now).

8. Don’t worry too much about boys and dating. There will plenty of time for that. And being a teenager is complicated enough. But whatever you do – don’t sacrifice your very special girl friends for a boyfriend. When you break up with the boy, it’s those girl friends that will help you get through it. And if he doesn’t like you spending time with your girlfriends, then he doesn’t deserve you. (I've been married almost 25 years - but my girlfriends are still a key element to making the journey worthwhile.)

9. No. You may never need algebra. But you still need to do it. And later in life, you may not like some of the things you have to do in your everyday life (I still don’t like to clean toilets!) – but you will still need to do them. The sooner we accept that lesson, the better we can learn to balance our time to do the things that we like!

10. Try new things – new foods, new adventures, new activities. Who knows – you just might like it.

11. Dream big!!! If you want something bad enough – you can make it happen.

12. Once you know what your dreams are . . .ask yourself everyday –“is what I am doing taking me closer or further away from that dream?”

13. Treat yourself well – and expect others to do the same. Everyone deserves to be treated with respect.

14. Know when to be selfish and when to be generous. Sometimes we have to take care of ourselves first so that we can help others. Helping others feels great and makes us better people – but you have to feel good about yourself first.

15. Learn to cook – and never underestimate the power of sharing a meal with people you care about.

16. Learn to do laundry – trust me. This will count the first time you turn your favorite white shirt pink!

17. Work! And work hard. The world doesn’t owe you anything. If you want or need something, you have to work for it. And if you do – you will appreciate and cherish it so much more.

18. Learn the difference between “wants” and “needs”. This simple concept can save you time, money and heartache. (I'll admit it . . .I'm still working on this one.)

19. Be kind . . .to everyone. Remember, everyone is fighting a battle.

20. Be brave! Brave enough to go places you have never been, to talk to new people, to try new things . . .to be yourself!!!

21. Never stop learning. We spend a lot of time on this planet. The journey will be a lot more enjoyable if you are always learning and growing.

22. And last but not least . . . when it feels like you can’t take anymore, remember that “this too, shall pass.”

Let's face it -

I'm still learning lessons and there are many more I could list.

But this is a good place to start and keep me grounded.

Time to Plant

2011-02-16T15:28:00.000-08:00

We are getting ready for Spring.

Mr. Husband Man once again took my cryptic messages and scribbles on

napkins and built me some supports for planting peas and beans.

We've been ammending our beds and giving them a little compost.

I was allready to go out and start planting the peas this weekend -

and what do I wake up to this morning???

SNOW!!!

No! No! No!

Now I understand that it is still officially winter.

I understand that a garden is about patience.

But SNOW?

This is ok -

I am a creative, artistic person.

I majored in theater, for crying out loud . . .

I can imagine!

I can close my eyes and imagine that all of that brown and sad parts of my yard

are full of lush green growth, with little pods of

sweet beans hanging off of them.

I can imagine the vines of squash and cucumbers climbing out of the

confines of the beds.

I can do this.

I can make it.

I can hold on until the days start getting a little longer.

Until the brown is replaced with bright colors.

I can make it . . .and it will be worth it.

New Shoes!

2011-02-15T11:24:00.000-08:00

You know that song by Paul Nutini . . .New Shoes?

He talks about starting his day and opening his closet; he puts on a pair of a jeans and a shirt

and a pair of shoes that are ripped and falling apart.

And he says - "these shoes just doen't suit me. . ."

So he gets some New Shoes and suddenly 'everything is all right!"

Now I am a strange girl.

I'm not into shoes like many girls are.

Maybe it's because I have a hard time finding shoes that fit - and I have a bad knee, so heels are not a good option.

But enough whining - I digress . . .

I have my favorite basics.

I live in them.

But eventually - you need to get new shoes.

Which I did recently.

But the old ones weren't completely ruined - so I couldn't just throw them out . . .right?

That would be wrong!!!

So they got a makeover . . .

Now I tried a pair of these about a year and a half ago -

I repainted my old clogs.

I used my acrylic paints and they looked great . . .for a while.

Eventually the paint cracked and peeled off.

They were a novelty and I still wear them around with my jeans.

But I got on a bit of an obsessive quest -

Is there something out there that will work on shoes and not come off ?

I consulted my expert friend Google.

I found that there is a line of leather paints specifically engineered for things like shoes and jackets.

I bought some basic colors. Followed the directions and they turned out great.

Now we will see how they wear.

These were fun to do and now I am on a quest to find some more to paint.

I mean - if I don't have a lot of shoes - and least I can have unique shoes - right?

What about you - have an old pair of leather shoes that you want painted?

Soup Anyone?

2011-02-14T08:50:00.000-08:00

Bacon, carmelized onions, carrots, celery and potatoes all sauteing in the pot!

Saturday was a crazy weather day. It started sunny and quite pleasant. In the afternoon, the wind started whipping and the rains came a tumbling down!

By Sunday morning, I just felt the need for comfort.

Comfort in a bowl to be exact.

I don't know about you, but I could eat hearty yummy homemade soup just about every day in the winter.

And my favorite?

Navy bean.

Thick, creamy, full of vegetables, navy bean!

Add the dried beans . . .saute some more! Ooh - don't you wish you could smell this?

After the addition of broth, some key seasonings and a few hours of slow cooking - we are ready!

Paired with some toasted pita bread . . .our patience is rewarded.

The perfect end to a winters day.

Well . . .almost the perfect end.

We did finish if off with a game of dominos -

that made it perfect!

Now I am ready for the week!

What is your perfect comfort food? Do share . . .

How Did You Spend Your Saturday Morning???

2011-02-12T12:36:00.000-08:00

I woke up this morning and read a few blogs and was then overcome with a need to experience a little nature.

I wanted a walk - but not the typical around the neighborhood walk.

I needed to be a little closer to the real thing.

Fortunately - I have some of that almost in my backyard.

And Mt. Hood and Mt. St. Helen's were looking particularly fine this morning.

Enjoy this little postcard from Portland . . .

Now that I had experienced some of God's art work, I am going to work on some of my own . . .

A Little Bit of This, A Little Bit of That. . .

2011-02-11T14:38:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday I attended the Seattle Gift show. We were doing a little research and investigating if this was something we want to get involved in in the future. It was fun, it was overwhelming, it was inspiring . . .

We tried to talk about it on the way home and I finally just had to say -

Enough! I need to process first.

So I am processing still.

It was an exciting environment, but when you see the rows and rows of hundreds of vendors all vying for the same business, it really is amazing. Talk about a humbling experience.

Anyway . . .

while there we met Amy. Amy has a wonderful business making soy candles and yummy smelling things.

I have a really hard time with "artificial" smells -

they make me sneeze and give me a headache

and feel nauseaus.

I avoid the laundry soap aisle at the store at all costs!

Real scents from real essential oils . . .I have no problem with.

Amy makes these great candles, and linen sprays and things with natural essential oils

and they are Yummy!

And the massage candles!!!

Have you seen these before?

This was a first for me. I feel like I have missed out on this great thing. But now my life can go on. . .

I L.O.V.E. them.

Light the candle, and as the wax melts you have the perfect temperature massage lotion made with soy, shea butter and essential oils.

It is the perfect temperature. No too hot like I expected.

And it makes your skin sooooo soft.

Did I say I LOVE them???

Check out her website and think of her for gifts for you, your friends, your spouse. . .everyone!

In other news -

I am working on the wine barrel. I am working on some other projects. I am trying to rebuild inventory.

These are a few examples of some 4 x 4 inch wood blocks that I have finsihed up this week.

I love working on these.

They just feel good when they are done.

A little piece with a big impact!

I'm also working through an online class with my hero.
I have never met Alisa - but I stalk her blog every single day.
I want to be just like her when I grow UP!
She is conducting an online class on sketching.
I doodle alot - but I don't really sketch.
Yes - there is a difference.
And I set a goal for myself to take more classes so that I can be inspired by new styles, new ideas, new approaches.
It's tough sometimes to attend a regular class, so I am sold on these on-line classes.
I'll keep you informed of my progress.

A completed project -

2011-02-04T09:43:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago, I wrote about returning from a mini-retreat and the fact that I had been overcome with the need to KNIT - a typical thing that happens to me every winter.

After all - who wants a big, warm knitting project draped over your lap when it is 80 degrees outside!

But when it is cold and the winds are whipping around . . .that's a different story.

Well . . .last night I finished the

knitting project . . .A prayer shawl made out of a thick, soft yarn - purple and black because . . .well just because purple makes me giggle with happiness!

After finishing it up, it looked a little too plain - so I added a little extra excitement with the fun colored funky yarn. I sewed it in.

I didn't know if I liked the effect when I started and then I reminded myself - when I am painting and I don't like what it looks like, I just keep painting. When I don't like something - it usually means it's not finished yet.

So - I took my own advice and kept adding on until it looked "finished".

And here it is . . .

I am excited to have a little something unique to wear over my shoulders when I'm a little chilly.

And since winter isn't over yet - I'm starting another project.

This time - a blanket for my daughter.

I wonder if I can finish it before the weather warms up. Hmmmmm. . . .I'l keep you posted.

Painting My Way

2011-02-03T12:44:00.000-08:00

The Sun, The Moon, The Stars
3 ft. x 4 ft acrylic on wood with three dimensional elements

Full version of Ladybug chair, complete with mirrors in the center of the flowers on the back. PS - Notice the sad, empty garden beds in the background? (Insert heavy sigh here)

Ladybug, Ladybug . . .Fly Away Home

We've all heard the good news.

Puxatony Phil saw his shadow this week and Spring is only 6 weeks away.

That is hard to believe as I watch the news.

Record low temperatures; white out conditions; blizzards . . .

In my little corner of the country we are having an easier time, as stated in earlier posts.

We have been having beautiful blue skies.

However, they have been accompanied by frigid winds coming in from the Columbia Gorge.

I tried to walk a bit yesterday and could barely feel my cheeks by the time I was finished.

But I digress . . .

Phil says that spring is coming!

I am planning my garden of vegetables and flowers. Yipee!

In the meantime -

I am spending some great hours in my studio.

And I used that time this last week to finish a large order for a wonderful woman.

A large painting and 2 chairs.

The large chair I posted last week.

This is the childrens chair with a ladybug theme.

The painting - well I have something similar in my home.

It hangs from the ceiling disguising a rather ugly chimney from an old wood stove.

She wanted the same thing for her home - but for the wall.

So I created a version for her.

Shhh - don't tell - but I like this version better.

The version hanging in my home was painted several years ago.

Now don't get me wrong - I like it just fine.

I have just kicked up my colors palette, my style and my "boldness" quite a bit since then. Not to mention, I have changed the brand of paints I use so the colors are so much stronger.

Do you think she would mind if I gave her the old one and I kept this one?

now onto to the next commission piece. A large wine barrel. This is going to be fun - different - interesting.

It has a few unique problems to overcome - the first being that the surface is not exactly smooth.

I'll be sure and post pictures of the progress.

In the meantime - bundle up, stay warm - and let's start plotting out our gardens together!

Fly!

2011-02-01T12:19:00.000-08:00

She could fly . . .a new print available in the Etsy shop.

Have you every felt like the things that you want are really close . . .

the "big things" . . .

the things you have been working you way toward for years . . .even the majority of your life

if you could just reach a little farther . . .

but if you stretch any further you might fall off the edge of the cliff

but if you do stretch . . .

just a little bit more . . .

and if you do fall . . .

you just might figure out what those wings were for after all.