" determination"

"anoush"

"two chickadees"

METHAPHOR - Brooklyn Bridge

"going home" final
Originally uploaded by cookievf

(Orig photo here.) Another assignment from this month's "Point & Shoot Journaling" class. We were instructed to go out and take as many photos as we can, shooting everything that appeals to our eye! Then, in hindsight, to locate a photograph that represented a METAPHOR for something else that was going on in our lives.

I had SUCH A STRONG PULL to use this photo taken in September, that I postponed the "go out and shoot" aspect for another day.

Backstory: The SECOND I began my trek across this engineering marvel, an overwhelming feeling swept over me that I had been here before & that I had come home. And it's not a NEW feeling for me in this great city. As for so many of us, a place can hold special meaning with no obvious explanation.

I don't question it for A SECOND.

It was a day that I'd been waiting for all my life!

- Some of things I used on my photo were tissue paper, oil pastels, white gesso, ZIG .5mm waterproof marker.

New ATCs

Some items used: vintage map, Platinum Stickles, old book text, making memories Mesh Brads (star), silver snowflake charm, vintage photo and printed computer image, Distress Ink, oil pastels and alcohol inks.

Update: LK Ludwig

Archive Assignment #1: Resonate

My first 2 pages from the October "Point & Shoot Journaling" e-class.

More info here.

treasures found!

Willis and Julia

Joseph E. Farquhar

The Samuel T. Murphy family

Julia Cook

Julia and Friends

Anna and Charles

Happy Haunting!

I hope you scare up a little fun tonight!!

"When you hear the owls hooting,

Get your jack o' lantern out,

Put on your shroud and hurry,

For ghosts should be about."

"Enchanted Spirit" ATC

How I created the background: First I started with a heavy cardstock blank, to which I added a layer of acrylic paint mixed with glaze. This was to create a glossy "base" for alcohol ink application (red, yellow & copper). Final glaze was with Glitter Modge Podge before adhering image (some free vintage images here) printed from computer, matted word (DooDads by Tim Holtz) and mini bottlecap (like this) with UTEE (by Ranger Ink) and gold embossing powder. Edged with black Sharpie.

awakening

59th - my valhalla
Originally uploaded by cookievf

Subtle light play,

an overcast day.

Mist adds to the mystery;

the imagery.

In the soft, low light ~

shimmering silver

on wisps of foam.

: : EVERYTHING : :

looks and feels so right.

Right here.

Right now.

I am alive & awake!

Stretching Myself

For October, I am signed up for the first month of LK Ludwig's (online) POINT AND SHOOT journaling class. In the past I'd visited her blog and became even more intrigued when I purchased her book "True Vision: Authentic Art Journaling." Then you can imagine my reaction when I learned that she would be teaching an e-course!

LK is offering 31 days of inspirational techniqes, instruction and prompts. There are over 80 members signed up for the 1st month who hail from all over the globe. Here's a small sampling:

- longmont, colorado, usa
- georgia, usa
- winchester, england
- seatlle, wash, usa
- esperance, western australia
- portland, oregon, usa
- somewhere in belgium
- southern california, usa
- montreal, canada
- frederick, maryland, usa
- Brussels, Belgium
- idaho falls, idaho, usa
- erie, pennsylvanis, usa
- altamont, new york, usa
- lethbridge, alberta, canada
- near wellington, new zealand
- london, england

As I begin to dig down into the THOUSANDS of images I have stored on my computer, my teacher says I will be revisitng "notes from my super-creative, subconscious self." We will be adding our own thoughts & experiences as well as quotations & poems plus painting, scratching, coloring and who-knows-what!

So far, I am extremely pleased with the content of this course and highly recommend it. And I promise - pics and W-I-P to follow!

Suzi Inspired!! MWAH!!

Anxious to try my hand at original art, I created this 4x4 with one of a few small pen sketches I did recently on a Post-it pad. I was inspired after watching Suzi Blu's workshop video for "The Goddess & The Poet" ~ (thanks, my friend!)

I JUST GOTTA TAKE THIS CLASS! For $55.00 you can sign up for it here.

adopt don't shop

"The greatness of a nation

and its moral progress can be judged

by the way its animals are treated."

- Gandhi

Today is Puppy Mill Awareness Day! If you live near any of the locations, listed below, please attend one of these important events. This organization's goal is to provide a voice for the thousands of dogs that remain in puppy mills around the country that are waiting for a hero. While public awareness has drastically increased over the past few years there's still a long way to go!!

Today we can all help by celebrating and supporting rescue, adopting a shelter or puppy mill dog and do our part to increase awareness to the cruelty within the mills.

ENGLAND
Leeds

IRELAND
Dublin

UNITED STATES

COLORADO

Littleton, CO
FLORIDA
Royal Palm Beach, FL
ILLINOIS
Champaign, IL
MASSACHUSETTS

Medfield, MA
Salem, MA
MICHIGAN

Westland, MI
PENNSYLVANIA
Lansdale, PA

Important Links:

• awareness day
• petfinder
• best friends animal society
• last chance for animals
• ban puppy mills
• rescue ink - "Rescue Ink Unleashed " - a new series. Friday, 09/25/09 - 10:00 p.m. - National Geographic Channel
  
  

Etsy Shop Update

My Shop "beauty of the garden"
Seller "vickstress"


I've just added a link to my Etsy shop. It is small and growing so be sure to click now and take a peek. You can either check here for updates or click on "follow this feed" at the bottom of my shop! Here are some items I will be listing ~

PAPER ART:
- ACEO originals,
- OOAK blank greeting cards,
- squared art,
- larger format mixed media collage,
- mixed media collage prints mounted on thick, creamy (blank) greeting cards

SUPPLIES:
Destashing cherished bits from my personal collection such as
-carte de visite
-cab cards
-maps
-mat board
-postcards
-old books & book pages
-vintage magazines
-vintage photo postcards
-square and shaped board books
as well as other treasures for altering/mixed media collage and bookmaking.

Vintage flea market finds from rural New England, such as
-gorgeous rusty & brass bits
-escutcheons
-keys
-art deco goddesses

AND SO MUCH MORE!

feed the soul ~ plan it!

dream come true!
Originally uploaded by cookievf

It felt wonderful to be able take one off my "bucket list" yesterday!

I have wanted to take this trip for what seems like a lifetime and it came about SPONTANEOUSLY!

Walking across this 120 year old engineering marvel was truly My American Dream Come True!

At 54, I realize more than EVER how important it is to honor:
- my past
- all that I AM
- and all that I NEED TO BE

count down to ART

TECH SUPPORT & END USER

April 2009 "Beerworks" BOSTON

Being without a computer has been trying, to say the least! I have been so busy making art that I hope you will remember to check back in with me over the next 1-2 weeks! I'm closer to being able to scan all of my new projects (for sharing here) but we're just not there yet.

The tale begins with absolute elation over a recent decision to back up our computers. Thankfully I was able to salvage 99% of my photography and all of my art before my PC d-i-e-d about 5-6 weeks ago!!! We bought an external mass storage device or external hard drive for around $180 at our local office supply store. Something I highly recommend. There are 2 versions, USB or Network and Network, though costing almost 50% more, is much faster.

Resuscitating my July photo shoot in Portland Maine continues to be a challenge, but I haven't given up. Everything else is coming along slowly but surely, as we purchased a "bare bones" package for around $400. My new Intel Pentium 2.8 GHz Dual Core is screaming fast, compared to what I had before and has enough storage space (300 GB) for my massive photo collection and scanned artwork.

This turned out to be a great deal but has required extreme patience on my part. For example, my camera has been maxed out for about 2-3 weeks and I can't offload (or TAKE ANY MORE PICTURES) until the software's been installed. This is because my husband asked me to prioritize the workload so I carefully weighed the importance of each application & feature and he's spreading out the various installations over several weekends. When your husband works in IT, or really any type of high-stress job, downtime is precious. Just as it is to me! He spends his in the recording studio downstairs in "the cave" and I spend mine in my "cave" or Art Room. (That is when we're not watching past episodes of "24" or Red Sox Games!) So, he's been able to dedicate a couple hours a week to the project and it's not over yet.

• Norton antivirus: (8/22/09) ~ completed but with major issues, delays
• Web access, email, etc: (8/22/09)
• Printer: (8/23/09) ~ completed but SOME issues, delays
• MAXTOR access to my archived photos and art
• Speakers: (8/27/09) ~ completed but SOME issues, purchase required
• Replacing the CORRECT version of Microsoft Office: check (8/28/09) ~ completed but yes, more major issues, patch had to be researched online & worked! WHEW!
• UPDATE: Fuji FinePix Digital Camera: (9/4/09) ~ offloaded 300+ pics, took 290 more on 9/5/09 trip to brooklyn bridge.

INSTALLATIONS STILL TO COME:

• Camera (done)
• Scanner
• Photshop Elements 6.0
• "Old" C: drive with vacation photos

~ In the meantime, I am getting my hands dirty and staying busy! ~

sad but true!

... Shhhhh! Don't tell the boss! I am posting from work because MY PC HAS BEEN DOWN FOR 3 WEEKS!

Ever-anxious to share my art, tips and techniques, photos from my adventuresand to remain in touch with so many lovely friends in this online community..

I will be posting again soon, estimating just after this weekend, or around August 18! Please be sure to check back ~ we've got alot of catching up to do!!!

July trip to Portland, Maine

come on in!

day one in my side garden

"Thou art thy mother's glass, and she in thee
Calls back the lovely April of her prime."

~William Shakespeare

For my sweet, precious mother. You are a TREASURE and we love you so much. Happy 86th Birthday!
soft gel txr image, heat embossed handmade frame.

HEALTH UPDATE: mom was diagnosed with rectal cancer in may. Her CT Scan, Laproscopic Ultrasound, a physical exam, and soooo many prayers, indicated she is one of the lucky few that did NOT require either a colostomy, chemo or radiation! On June 11 she was scheduled to have "SAME DAY SURGERY" in her home state of Vermont with approximately 4 weeks needed to heal while she stayed with me in CT until she could sit and/or drive comfortably.

She was kept overnight for observation, most likely due to her age and physical condition as well as the face down positioning for surgery. Mom was discharged the very next day...... back at our house it was a different story.

Unbeknownst to us, she began to develop "aspirational pneumonia" that first night and around 9Am the next day, we called her surgeon followed by 911 and got her right back into a different hospital in a different state! She had fantastic care, throughout the 13 days she spent in the hospital and while regaining her strength at the Rehab Center. She is back in her home in Vermont and has just been cleared by her doctor to drive... only one month after surgery.

I have all of the faith in the world that she will be completely back to her former self in the next few weeks and, no doubt, begin contemplating the 3 annual trips we take (when we can) to the south jersey shore in September, to her next Boston red sox game and this time we're planning on seeing The Cloisters in our annual mother-daughter trip to NYC!

Thank you again to all of our family and friends for your steadfast love & support and for all of your prayers, flowers and good wishes. We truly appreciate you and know how important a support system is to health, healing and general well-being! Added to that I had a friend that was travelling to her family home in Brazil for her brother's wedding right before mom's surgery. She was able to include a special blessing for our mother in Basilica of Bom Jesus Lord Iguapea. She brought back 2 prayer ribbons from this amazing church that has been recognized, for several hundred years, as a location for religious pilgrimage. "Eunice, you touched our hearts! - xox"

So, please schedule a colonoscopy today if you are 50 or older and consult your doctor to schedule one sooner if polyps run in your family because ~ PREVENTATIVE medicine ~ saves ~ lives! ~

Parades, Picnics & Pyrotechnics

Early morning on the 4th of July, my brother and I would race through breakfast to decorate our bicycles on the back patio with red-white-and-blue crepe paper. We'd tape little flags to our handlebars and, for sound effects, attach a pair of playing cards to the spokes of our front and back wheels with WOODEN CLOTHESPINS!

1962 - ages 10 & 7

We couldn't wait to ride at the back of our tiny (pop. 5,000) hometown parade down "main street!" Our parents and all of the neighbors would bring folding chairs, sit at the top of our street and wave excitedly as we rode by. What a festive sight ~ I can still hear the fire engines!

Anytown, USA

Afterwards, the entire town would follow the parade to the park for hot dogs, soda and all the fixins. A band would be playing, lots of laughter and good times as we eagerly anticipated family gatherings followed by FIREWORKS!

Back at home, mom & dad would begin to pack the car as we grabbed our suits to meet up with friends at the pool and yes, you guessed it, later we'd have a picnic spread out in the grass.

And the BEST PART: driving to Philadelphia with a box of sparklers, taking the long walk to the schoolgrounds with thousands of others to eat ice cream and watch the pyrotechnics!

Happy Birthday, America!

Altered Book Swap Part 2... step-by-step

I have always been considered someone who loves detail! It has helped me in my work, my relationships AND in my art as well. Add to that an inquisitive mind and you will understand exactly why I love TECHNIQUES and the ever-popular WORK-IN-PROGRESS, or WIP, from either point of view. I enjoy documenting them myself ... even in the garden... and reading about them too!

The best part was finding a book to alter with a die-cut cover!


"Belly Button Book"
- by Sandra Boynton

The very first step (not shown), as with all board books, is to sand each page lightly to remove the finish. This will give it "tooth" so they can accept paint.

Naturally, as this was my very f.i.r.s.t. altered board book, I tried to stop whenever possible - grab my camera - and set up for a photo. Here are most of the steps I used to create the front cover:

I grabbed a few magazines and cut several images and collaged the cover so there would be some added dimension once I attached the next layer.

Next I crumpled several torn pieces of pink, orange and red tissue paper adhering them with decoupage medium. This is an easy technique that's alot of fun because you simply smoosh the tissue in random peaks and valleys. Once it dries completely, the effect is very pretty!

A sturdy punch was used to make a hole in the cover. Next, I added a copper eyelet so I could attach a "dangle-y" at some point! Use your imagination to add ribbons, cording, leather, beads, a section of chain, charms, a tiny photo, a stamped tag, fibers or even fabric. No limits!



My favorite technique is any type of image transfer and I knew instantly that it should be a strong visual to entice you to open the book. Not only did I find one that appealed to me, but oddly it was framed inside of a perfect circle. The decision had been made for me!



Using soft gel medium, I applied several layers in opposite directions, drying between each layer. At this point, it doesn't matter if you cut it out before or after the process. Some people may prefer a "margin" to hold on to while rubbing.

This time I worked on top of my non-stick craft sheet but mostly I spread open a catalog and just flip the pages as they get dirty. R-E-C-Y-C-L-E, R-E-U-S-E!!



Every mixed media artist needs a squirt bottle that has a fine spray. It's wonderful to use with alcohol inks, but that's a future post.

Some transfer mediums instruct you to immerse the item in a bowl of water for 10 minutes, which I tried, but didn't make much difference here. This method is trial and error and you will find a way that works best for you. I simply spray and rub the paper from the back, slowly and repeatedly many, many, MANY times... the result is more than worth the effort, as you will see when you do it. This view is the reverse side, partially completed. TIP: I always print at least 2 images just in case I tear one in the process!! I lost some of the color here and had to begin again.



Perfect!



To make the "dangle-y" I wove some unwaxed linen cording, used for bookmaking, through the eyelet, strung a few beads and attached a metal rimmed paper tag. Next I covered the back with strips of copper foil used for soldering and flattened with a bone folder.



For the front of the tag, I layered 2 white paper flowers, cut a green flower for the leaves, added a swarovski crystal for the center and finished with a few embellishments using my gel pen.



I highlighted the inside rim of the circle and also surrounded it with dots using a gold paint pen. The dots are outlined with a black permanent marker and, as much as I wanted to add a title, I stopped here deciding "less is more!"



Click for a link to see all 17 books in the art-e-zine Altered Board Book Swap!

More WIP pages to follow...

A Special Place

Last weekend we travelled to Boston for the 3rd time since April. For 2 people who don't like to repeat vacations, it always makes me :-) inside when I realize how much we enjoy going there!! And we were amazingly 3/3 with the w.e.a.t.h.e.r.!!

Even though we didn't have tickets to a RED SOX game (a first), Boston seemed like the perfect place for some much-needed R&R.

Every trip we've ever taken here has lasted only one night and we pack so much into a 24-hour period we usually collapse into our hotel bed. Lots of walking, sightseeing, drinking and eating.... and ALWAYS enjoying the weather and all of the history here. First a few cityscapes:







Twice last year we spent the afternoon and had dinner in Cambridge at two fabulous restaurants, oleana and tamarind bay. We would BOTH highly recommend either one, but that was the exception rather than the rule. Our habit (20 times or more) is typically to go to the north end, Little Italy. Our all-time favorite place to eat is ARTU on Prince Street where, after being away for around 2 years, we went saturday night. They never disappoint! I can also recommend three more: Prezza, CARMEN, and Pomodoro. And.. the best part of the night is after dinner when everyone is outside roaming the streets of this quaint, old neighborhood!

More pics to come! Plan your trip now!! (I might even tell you where to get red sox tickets. shhhhhhhhhhhh!)

Altered Book Swap!

I participated along with 16 other artists in this fab/fun swap hosted by Christine Shebroe. Take a peek at all the lovely pages that have been scanned and recently posted over at ART-E-ZINE!

It was my first attempt at altering a children's "board book" and I found it to be an easy project due to the small number of pages required for this swap.

Lucky me, I received my TRAVEL-THEMED book from Carol Barnes, all the way from Down Under! Be sure to take a closer look at the second spread featuring her a-m-a-z-i-n-g fabric art representation of Ayers Rock/Uluru, one of Australia's most recognizable natural icons!!

Next post: some of my work-in-progress pages.



cover detail "flower girlz"

Be Open To Collaborations

- because they can be pure magic!

PART I

Last fall I was spending alot more time on Ning than I have been lately. I joined Suzi Blu and though I hadn't signed up for a class, I created a profile, met lots of great people and discovered several spin-off NING groups as well, to name a few. The BEST thing to come out of that experience was linking up with 3 other local MM artists within an hours drive from my home!

At our first PLAY DATE Susan did all the prep work, supplied the mat board and three 20-page signatures as well as an instruction sheet with resources as a take-away! We had so much fun and this is the result.






Part II






ART JOURNALS
with Charlotte Hedlund
Saturday, June 13, 10:00am-4:00pm

"You don’t have to be an artist to keep an art journal! You don’t have to be an artist to keep an art journal! Words and images combine in ways that express our creativity unselfconsciously. Investigate things that inspire, work out ideas, and play with colors, shapes and textures. Art journals allow us to organize memorabilia, record dreams, feelings, travels, nature’s wonders, simple pleasures and major life events. It is the place to explore our creative selves, gaining new insights and making unexpected connections. Supportively we will explore ideas for getting started, discuss the pursuit of images and how to overcome creative block, and the need for creative solitude. We will use collage, paints, markers, stamping, printing, doodling, stitching, and more to decorate and embellish the pages of our journals. Art journal examples will be on hand to provide inspiration, and ways to make your own simple journals will be demonstrated.
Member $165 • Non-Members $190Plus a Materials Fee of $5"

Part III

My best friend has a lovely Hair Salon in town and has created a beautiful nursey in the back of the salon each summer. She had her second annual Plant Sale this year and I was happy to help her create the invitations and all of the identifying plant signs. As a thank you, she gifted me with 12 hours of class instruction at the Brookfield Craft Center! A-M-A-Z-I-N-G and lucky me!

... can't wait to get started!

Begin Again

"Don’t ask what the world needs.

Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it.

Because what the world needs

is people

who have come alive."

-Howard Thurman

So I'm back, bottle of glue in hand.. ready and willing to share my gifts with the world! In other words, although I haven't posted in nearly 2 months, I assure you I've been:

TAKING A LOCAL BOOK ALTERING CLASS, Going to Redsox games, MAKING MORE ART, Tending my roses, EXPERIMENTING WITH NEW TECHNIQUES, Making new friends, SIGNING UP FOR A LOCAL ART JOURNAL WORKSHOP, Lots of photograpy, STRETCHING MY ARTISTIC WINGS. Basically I have been loving my life and counting each and every blessing.

Pics to follow... stay tuned, dear friends!

Happy (Hoppy) Easter

From my little corner of the world,

I wish you all the joys of spring, of hope and of renewal!

"The story of Easter is the story of God's

wonderful window of divine surprise."

~Carl Knudsen

"Our Lord has written the promise of the resurrection,

not in books alone,

but in every leaf in spring-time."

~Martin Luther

Wonderful Book Art

Still a work-in-progress, the cover is always so much fun to make! We made a mini book by covering cardboard with torn (vintage) book pages that were inked, distressed & glazed. Created a cover design on the computer, printed and then cut it out. A large, decorative brad was used for the "doorknob" and a leather strip to secure it. A "hinge" was created on the inside by linking the two covers with a piece of card stock. The inside describes what it means to have a raven as your totem. "Healing" was the part we liked the best and "moving from the dark into the light."

- upper left corner is made with mesh from a vegetable bag.

- lower right corner was made from black foil from a wine bottle.

Making a mess is a pre-requisite, it seems. Cleaning up.. not so much!!!

l-o-v-e taking pictures of children's hands!

- Distressing a piece of striped, green paper we added for the "end papers."

- stamping foam letter stamps on our tag book and then embossing in Diamond Black.

"Let's make more!"

favorite pastime

I have such a love affair with photography,

there's no end to what you can do!

Original

Convert to B&W

Increase contrast

Play with colored tints ~ crop

... and so much more!

pseudo-oil painting

more tricks

borders - zoom & crop

the choices are as varied

as your IMAGINATION (and your software)!

Authenticity

Truthfully, no two of us are alike!



Whether you've attended Art School, are self-taught or consider yourself an "outsider artist," each one of us has come from a very VERY different place. And because we come from totally different places it is natural to produce totally different art.



Creating art, in any form, is also an act of trust. It takes a "leap of faith" since making art is the act of BARING YOUR SOUL!

There truly are - NO RULES - that define where art can or should come from. The important part is that we express our own authentic individual experience.

Release the bird from your caged mind. Let your art (and your heart) S.O.A.R.

You have a story to tell!

You Are Special

"best friends forever"

3 weeks ago I made this ATC for a very special friend and, when I see her on Friday, I will finally be able to give it to her.

The backstory is that she came into my life under extremely trying circumstances. Raised by her single father and grandfather and at barely 9 years of age, her dad was tragically killed in a one-car accident. Yes, heartbreaking, but there is much more to this that I can't share. As a result, we have opened our hearts to each other and the healing process continues. Outside of immediate family, she has trusted only ME with her story and I am honored to be her friend. UPDATE 03/28/09: today will be our second "go" at altering her Poetry Journal together. We plan to add lots of secrets in magical little hiding places, so stay tuned!

The way we were brought together, and she agrees with me, proves that there is no such thing as coincidence. Especially when you realize that the root word is "coincide!" (For all you linguists, more here.)

Over many years we have developed a special bond that can NEVER be broken ~


...not in this world...


...or in the next...

art journey, refreshed

It wasn't until I heard myself saying.. out loud.. how much I missed making art, that I realized I needed an emergency ART INTERVENTION! So often we turn without for inspiration, but this time it felt different. It came from within.

My heart spoke ~ and I listened.

About 2.5 weeks ago, I was describing to a friend that not expressing myself through my art was making me feel all bottled up! Shocked to hear myself uttering those words, and I promise you it was TANGIBLE.. there was a connection taking place inside.. leaving no doubt, whatsover, that the time to "purge" was n.o.w.

The easy part was locating a few half-started projects to pick back up again - LOL - and (no surprise) I came up with some new ones, as well. I'll be busy posting and sharing them with you, but first, here's what I've been working on since March 3rd:

• blank card for someone to GIVE (below)
• 3 ATC's - 1 very special one for a special friend
• an altered book Poetry Journal with a teenage friend
• finished my first handbound journal (a la Kelly Kilmer) with 3, 20-page signatures
• started the cover design
• learned to use a Color Negative attachment to my scanner and retouched 2 of my all-time best photographs from two 26 year old negatives
• Book of Me journal
• Sentimental Journey journal

... happy arting!

every day is a new beginning

upland farm - sherman, CT 02.25.08

Let there be respect for the earth,

Peace for its people,

Love in our lives,

Delight in the good,

Forgiveness for past wrongs

And from now on, a new start.

millennium resolution - rev. peter trow - 1999

Web Surfing (for a change)

Undine - 1872 Ophelia - 1910

Juliet - 1898 Boreas - 1903

A small sampling of the amazing artistry of John Williams Waterhouse (English painter, 1849-1917)! Have I been under a rock?? Although I've seen (and adored) the painting, "Boreas" I never knew who painted this masterpiece, until tonight. Which brings me to admit.... not only do I enjoying researching images, I seem to suck up the accompanying details LIKE A SPONGE! LOL! (You can view hundreds of his paintings in the online gallery here.

And if you can't tell already (based on the wide range of topics I enjoy)... I'm an information junkie! Geez, I'm always poking fun at myself by saying, "I'm on a need-to-know basis!" I would've made a top-notch detective, research scientist, or game show contestant. Ha!

Please share YOUR image resource faves & here's a few of mine:

• Time Tales
• Wikimedia Commons
• Library of Congress on Flickr
• Google Image Search

To use any of these in your artwork, it's important to become familiar with the complex subject of Copyright Law and know how to locate "copyright free" images, which are in the public domain.

More Pencil Practice

Thursday evening was the second session where I sat down with my pencils, sketchpad and a magazine! I enjoy this exercise so much and seeing it here, in writing, I must admit I am frustrated that I wait-so-long-in-between!! ARGGHH!

I believe it's important to add "copy work" to my skillbuilding toolbox along with freehand sketching. As a true beginner with no recent drawing experience (does 20 & 30 years ago count?), it's a challenge when there's nothing IN MY HEAD to pull from. At times, I believe we all struggle to come up with ideas and I do envy those with unlimited imagination!!

All artist's use inspiration to feed their creativity. My grandfather (no relation) was a professional painter and airbrush artist. He also did alot of portrait commission work and I recall the steady stream of people that came through his home studio in the late 50's and early 1960's. Models, clients, fellow artists, etc. When possible, he set up his easel and painted landscapes & seascapes from his island home in Boothbay Harbor, Maine. I have a box of Kodachrome slides that he labeled "for painting" so naturally photographs are a great source of inspiration, as well.

The choices are as varied as the individual! We can paint from a photo of a flower or a sunset, or tune in to an emotion; something that's pulling at our heart such as sadness or loss. Many choose to focus solely on the uplifting aspect of affirmations and draw from the feelings they get from words such as hope, dreams fulfilled, joy and love! Yet another form of inspiration is to look at something someone ELSE has created and make it your own, as in a tutorial or in a classroom.

The simple skill of observation comes in handy, too! As mentioned in an earlier post, where I described the "foundations" of my creativity, 25 years of photography have helped me to develop a clear vision. By taking 10's of thousands of pictures and experiencing what appeals and what doesn't - I understand MY views of contrast, color, perspective, proportion - and the BEST PART? It constantly changes because we are constantly changing.

Long winded post today, but I simply enjoy sharing my world with others. What I do, what I think about, what helps me to become a better person; a better artist. That is why I'm drawn to blogs that allow a peek inside someone's thought process. I learn MUCH from seeing their surroundings, hearing about their challenges as well as what inspires them. In that sense, I hope that you will be inspired by some of the posts here. In sharing so much of myself, which is the true nature of my personality, my goal has always been to make CONNECTIONS!

I'd like to sum this up with the idea that we are all a Work In Progress. Never stop learning and you will never run out of ideas!

The Family Historian: Me!

Meet my great-great grandparents:
Alice St.Clair & Winfield Scott Sterner -
born in 1840's. Pic taken approx. late 1860's



Some recent "Digi - Play!"

I have always been fas-ci-nated with my ancestors ever since I was a child.

what were they like?
where did they live?
how did their lives differ from mine?
what were their struggles?
whose NOSE do I have?
what was it like to live without electricity?
and why is great-grandmother's rocking chair SO SMALL?

I was a piece of work! (my poor mom)

At 3 years old I begged my grandmother to tuck me into bed with stories of what it was like when SHE was a little girl! Lucky me! So, whenever my brother and I came for a visit, she would lull me off to sleep while fondly recalling her childhood days! (The picture, above, is of her mother's mother) Born in 1893 in Lynchburg, VA, my grandmother Alice had 7 siblings, sadly 2 of them died when they were young, a few chickens and a nanny who cooked for the family and helped with all those children! "Nanny" as she was affectionatly called, remained with them for decades, until she retired. Grandmother's father was in the furniture trade, which is why he moved to Lynchberg with his young, but growing family. When Alice was still very young, his ambitions required them to move again and they travelled to Philadelphia where he became a very successful businessman. (see "freehand freedom" post for a link. His business still exists TODAY!) She told me wonderful stories of this large, happy family and two parents who were very much in love. Weekly dinners with extended family were their custom and because of that, my mother (now 85) can recall in vivid detail, many of Nanny's special dishes. Among them fried chicken, peas with fresh cream and bread pudding.

Random web pics: 1929 Packard all-weather Town Car. A house in my grandmother's childhood neighborhood - Lincoln Drive, Philadelphia, PA

Those memories along with stories of a lifestyle entirely foreign to me, such as, "How The Butler Was Caught Stealing Daddy's Liquor" (and how mother was horrified when she found out he fired him on the spot). "The Christmas That Daddy Surprised Mother with a Packard." And the ever popular "Why People Thought Mother Was A Catholic" (because her driver parked the car in front of St.Mary's while she was at the library.) I had the kind of bedtime stories that little girls dream about. I'm sure this laid the groundwork for my childhood dreams of fairy tales and princesses!

Standing in front of my grandparent's house - 1958.

Close-up of the inquisitive one! Middle name: Alice.

Namesake of the storyteller, my grandmother Alice

and of my gr-great grandmother, Alice - above.

The only reason I am in posession of such a TREASURE TROVE of information... is because I have always asked!

Hollywood comes to my hometown again and AGAIN - Pop. 28,000

Today I went searching for information on my town's website and decided to catch up on the latest news from our local Film Commission. Looking through the list of past projects I was really surprised (& proud) to see this YouTube video of an American Express commercial that spotlights our perfectly picturesque town center. It runs for the final 21 seconds from :40 to 1:01!

Filmed in CT on May 6, 2006

"Mr. Deeds" was also partially filmed here starring Adam Sandler, Winona Ryder, Peter Gallagher and John Turturro. The first picture is Adam and Peter on the set and the second shot is from the end of the movie when Deeds inherits a billion dollars and buys his friends a few dozen Corvettes!

Filmed May 25, 2001

"The Secret Life of Pippa Lee" was filmed here and stars Blake Lively, Julianne Moore, Winona Ryder, Robin Wright-Penn and Keanu Reeves, among others! It was written and directed by Rebecca Miller, a local resident and daughter of the late playwright, Arthur Miller.

April 2008

Also appearing on Main Street was an indie comedy, called "The Six Wives of Henry Lefay." It's scheduled for release sometime this year and was shot in 2 other CT locations, as well. The movie stars Tim Allen, Elisha Cuthbert, Paz Vega, Jenna Elfman, Andie MacDowell, etc and was both written and directed by Howard Gould. A resident shot this cute pic of Jenna, former star of "Dharma & Greg", talking to a group of inquisitive pre-schoolers who were lined up on the sidewalk to watch the filming across from their school!

September 2007

(P.S. We knew this area was a perfect slice of "small town America" long before Hollywood figured it out! LOL)

(Flickr) Love Is In The Air!

love is in the air!
Originally uploaded by cookievf

A heARTfelt thank you to the artists of flickr for the images combined here in my newest mosaic! Valentine's Day has always been a favorite of mine since it represents so many of my favorite things ~ hearts, the color RED, romance and L.O.V.E. - !

On the rare chance that I can really sit back and browse this A.M.A.Z.I.N.G site, it is always a "vacation for the eyes." And, now that I think about it, just when WAS the last time you took a look around? Please take a MOMENT to click and

BE AMAZED....

Search on a favorite flower (I tried: "black rose"), favorite bird (check out "hummingbird") or how about the word "macro" (almost 3,000,000 images are tagged with "macro)!

Here are a few interesting places to land - what are yours?

-The Commons. Your opportunity to contribute to describing the world's public photo collections.

-Rural Decay

-Craft Rooms

-Vintage Photo Sharing

-Arts and Crafts Tutorials

-Rusty and Crusty

-Corners of My Home

H.A.V.E. F.U.N. ~ be inspired ~ a great way to unwind!

A Little Experiment

"Gratitude" 12 x 12 - 1st Digital Scrapbook page

About a year ago, my DH surprised me with a long-awaited copy of Photoshop Elements. 8-10 hours later I knew just enough to make a few collages, nothing very advanced. And then I moved on... still frustrated by the steep learning curve.

A few weeks ago I asked an online friend if she had any links or tutorials to recommend (Kimmie from The Challenge, on NING - website link is over there ->) and this layout was the result!

I've always been fascinated with documenting my ancestry, scanning treasured photos for future generations, preserving their stories and learing MUCH along the way! In my growing collection I have pictures of 7 (out of 8) great-grandparents and now.... 3 of my great-grandparents. Anna Zurn Cook is one of those 7 and Barbara Grupp Zurn, her mother, is one of those 3. They are from my father's branch of the family tree and I have documentation tracing Barbara's immigration to the U.S. in 1837 from Aalen, Germany. Over the next 2 centuries, many of her descendants remained on the East Coast in both PA and NJ, not far from Philadelphia, including myself and my mother's side of the tree.

They lived in an era of extremely difficult times, especially for a woman, and I wanted to honor their sacrifices in my first Digital Scrapbook Page. I am eternally grateful to both my great grandmother and my great-great grandmother and many others that I will be scrapbooking.

This is only the beginning!

2009 Outlook: Delve Deep!

Art Journal Page - "the time is now"

November 2008

(made for an Artist's-Way-style challenge on NING)

As we turn the page on 2008 and prepare to begin anew,
~ allow me to share an uplifting thought ~

The economic downturn has effected each and every one of us, if not personally then it has most assuredly impacted someone that we love. Housing foreclosures, unemployment, sacrifice and loss. Life lessons have been learned and we will be forever changed. And that is not always a bad thing.

We are reminded that it is our relationships, not things, that are important.

Now is the PERFECT TIME for:

~ reflection
~ learning
~ delving deep

~ self love

~ patience
~ finding creativity
~ adaptability

~ resourcefulness
~ discovering strengths

and most of all,

~ reaching out to uplift a friend because
a trouble shared is a trouble halved

I have earned an MBA and a PHD in the "school of hard knocks" over the course of my lifetime. Looking back, I wouldn't change a thing since it has shaped me into the person I am today.

If you have major obstacles in your life right now, I want you to know that I care. You are in my thoughts and I believe in you!

“Every moment of your life is infinitely creative and the universe is endlessly bountiful. Just put forth a clear enough request, and everything your heart desires must come to you." - Mahatma Gandhi

Mom Wisdom

I came across this little piece the other day, especially good advice for this time of year:

"Be quiet.

Quiet, not only for the ears, but for the eyes.

Quiet for the mind and heart and soul.

There are shelves of books all about de-cluttering our lives. It is simply this; we can have the thing or we can have the time it takes to do it. We cannot have both. Quiet makes possible the higher human activities:

Prayer

Learning

Music

Art

Writing

Thought

Genuine conversation

Sleep

Walking

Water

Dining

Quiet.

Why do we prefer the complex and expensive solutions to our ailments over the simpler Mom Wisdom that is free and readily available? Why not start today with a nap and a good meal? And then take a walk."

First Snow, Finally!

a virgin blanket of snow

The two of us happily enjoyed our first day of vacation, snuggled down in our cozy little house in the woods, while the snowstorm raged outside! So far we've gotten about 8-10" of white stuff and it's still coming down ~ with another storm to come saturday/sunday!

So we're relaxing and enjoying this last weekend before Christmas and taking time out to remember the true meaning of this

very special holiday!

Both of us are most excited to be able to go snowshoeing tomorrow morning... in our CHURCH OF THE FOREST...where we are closest to God. And the best part? We are blessed to have a property that connects to a 250 acre Nature Preserve. We can hike MANY good-sized hills, cross a beautiful rushing stream, spot red-tail hawks, white-tailed deer (below), native songbirds in the marsh and in the thick underbrush and disappear for 3 hours without seeing another person. Truly, food for the SOUL!

snowshoe tracks & a visitor!

Art-e-zine & The Goth Postcard Swap

I have always been a huge fan of Gillian Allen's website ART-E-ZINE. If you haven't discovered this amazing artist's resource yet, prepare to be hooked! Just LOOK at the image resources she has provided for you to use in your art!

Also for your viewing pleasure are pages and pages of inspiring artist's eye candy such as fat books, mail art, journals, altered books, digital art, and more here, here, here and HERE! They even have swaps, a list of online tutorials and more links here! Be sure to look for the spot to make an annual donation which will not only help cover rising costs for website "upkeep" but you get a lovely series of vintage images to download as her way of saying thank you! ($12/year)

I was invited to participate along with a group of approximately 26 artists, many on facebook, in a 4 x 6 postcard swap with a GOTH theme! (EDIT 11/26/08) The goth's are here... come on over to the "dark side!" You can join in the fun over at the art-e-zine cafe yahoo group, as well!

"the gatekeeper"

Forget Them Not

Today is Veteran's Day in the US and, unlike Memorial Day which honors those that PERISHED in service to their country, it is an opportunity to honor ALL U.S. military veterans!

This is a special post because I am an extremely proud daughter of a WWII veteran who passed away 3.5 years ago at the age of 85, wrapped in his family's arms. (we miss you, dad!)

Following my father's college graduation, with a nation at war, he enlisted in the pilot training program for the United States Navy. Travelling up and down the East Coast studying long and hard at several of the top universities, he called it "a million dollar education" and he was grateful for the opportunity! Receiving his wings in early 1945, dad was in line to become one of the elite fighter pilots for the US Navy. Shortly before marrying my mother (and LUCKY FOR US) his graduating class was RANDOMLY selected to remain state-side and he became a Flight Instructor stationed at Barin Filed in Pensacola, Florida, USA. Their lives were forever changed by the collective pain and sacrifice of so many.

One month before their wedding day, Germany surrendered.

Every year, on this day, our nation pays tribute to its war dead by symbolically laying a presidential wreath & the playing of "Taps" at the Tomb of the Unknowns, Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA


In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields… - John_McCrae

My husband and I wish to give our heartfelt thanks to all who serve!

~ You are our h.e.r.o.e.s. ~

Join me, Suzi and 1,250 OTHERS

First 3 Dolly's - by VICKI

(sketched then colored, digitally

... collage is NEXT!)

Les Petite Dolls and Art Healing Love - by SUZI BLU

.. over at NING! And y.e.s. - ALL skill levels are welcome!
You can sign up for Les Petite Dolls, a flex-time Workshop (8 weeks of video lessons + homework and 8 PDFs of art/love support through 12/31/08), take part in her new challenge series (we're making Oracle cards this week) or just hang out and feel the love! So many wonderful, supportive, creative women ~ I promise that you will be forever changed by the experience!

Angel of Art - by SUZI BLU

Bewitching Hour!

HAPPY HALLOWE'EN
~ FROM OUR "SPOOKY" HOUSE TO YOURS! ~


Enchanted Merchantile image

"When witches go riding,
and black cats are seen
the moon laughs and whispers,
‘tis near Halloween!" - 19th century Halloween postcard

approx 1993

SALTWATER REFLECTIONS

pic taken from the Music Pier

I recently posted in a forum that I want to start working on a "personal reflection" journal, though I've never made anything like this before. If I could share, for other first-timers, the one thing that has helped me to get started - it would be to do some real soulsearching and come up with a particular subject that brings up E-M-O-T-I-O-N-S! ... and you will see how quickly the excitement and the IDEAS begin to flow.

scott & me - 1958

Yes, there was a lightbulb moment for me because I am currently in the process of assembling a collection of photos on flickr, in a set titled "Ocean City Memories." When complete, it will span FIVE DECADES of happy times with family and friends at this popular south jersey beach resort!

Another great idea, to help get you started, would be to create a "techniques journal" or altered book like my friend Eileen Grobeck (cookala) has been working on over at flickr. Link to her project here.

I will post the progress here along with any special techniques I've used. I also plan to post the books, blogs, posts and people (starting with Eileen) who have inspired this "maiden voyage WITHIN." (could be a title lurking in there somewhere!)

THE BACKSTORY: "Beginning in the late 19th century, my great-grandparents and other relatives, had summer homes in nearby, Margate.

Google "Lucy the Elephant" to see a grand example of their Victorian era memories of that town!

lucy

a vintage beach scene

Two tidbits. (1) Twenty years after the fact, my parents learned that they played in the sand as children on the same beach at 2nd street. And (2) not only did my uncle meet my aunt on the boardwalk as a teenager, my brother met my sister-in-law when they stayed with friends at the same rooming house... 32 years ago (and counting)!

The tradition continues to this day with my (5th generation) nephews who STILL spend a few days each summer with my brother in August!

Something tells me, god willing, they'll be bringing THEIR children here!"

Mount Snow, VT

summer '08

Located less than a mile from one of the TOP ski resorts in New England, it makes perfect sense that we've had a steady increase in showings regardless of the current real estate market. Our "condo alternative" shares the same zip code as this popular year-round resort town which includes a world-renowned Golf School, Tennis School as well as a major Mountain Biking destination. Also nearby: snowmobile trails a few steps from the backdoor, trout fishing and boating on several large, scenic resevoirs, whitewater rafting, the list goes on! This home has had only ONE OWNER, has NEVER BEEN RENTED and is PRICED TO MOVE! It will not be available for long. A perfect weekend retreat or investment property, a short 4 hour drive from Manhattan / 3 hours from Boston!

Take a look at all 5 downloadable .pdf trail maps, details on the $8.5 million snowmaking expansion, or go to the resort website for daily photos, 3 live cams, snow report, trail & lift report + more!

If you or anyone you KNOW may be interested - please email me. See sidebar for my address just to the right of the photos, below.

♦ SOUTHERN VERMONT ♦ WELL MAINTAINED, NEVER RENTED, YEAR-ROUND HOME ♦ 4 BR/3.5 BA, COMMUNITY TENNIS COURT, & MORE ♦ ONLY 1 MILE FROM MT. SNOW & ½ BLOCK TO SNOWMOBILE TRAILS ♦ LOW ASSOC. FEE: ONLY $1500/YEAR! ♦ ONLY ONE OWNER!

Immaculate, much-loved family home on quiet cul-de-sac. Room to spread out in the sun-filled open living space which includes A/C, large eat-in-kitchen, beautiful raised-hearth fieldstone fireplace, screened-in porch and wrap-around deck with mountain views! Price includes several brand new appliances plus new roof and furnace.

ENJOY ALL THIS REGION HAS TO OFFER!

freehand freedom - my journey

It was Feb '08 that I went out and purchased a sketchbook and this is one of my first attempts! I just created a new Flickr set of the same name tonight because I started to sketch again, slowly but surely, and I'm very excited about it and anxious to continue!

I come from an artistic family ~

- my father snapped and developed several BOXES of photos as a youth, beginning in 1936 at 16 years old and continued throughout his entire life! Well into his eighties he submitted a brand new series of photos called "From the Forest Floor" for juried review at Mount Snow, VT's "Art On The Mountain." Even though he was turned down, dad never stopped believing in his abilities and continued adding to this collection!
- he also took oil painting classes from my mom's step father. One of my favorite winter landscapes hangs in my living room!
- my father's father drew several, professionally framed, pen & ink drawings at the turn of the LAST century. Four of them grace my walls.
- my father's sister, now 92, is an accomplished (hobby) painter & pastel artist.
- my mother's mother's father was a "decorative painter" of furniture. Just this year I located a copy of the 1880 census which lists that as his profession at 17! Many years later, he started a successful furniture finishing business (stains, lacquers, varnishes, etc) that is still in business today, 133 years later. QUITE an accomplishment! After a quick search, I found the company website tonight! ...where you can read about the history (Est 1875).

I have always had an artistic soul yet, of all the many things my parents exposed me to, photography is the only form of art that I pursued into adulthood. In my tweens & teens I had a solid feeling for lettering and perspective and I am grateful for my father's influence. It came to me quite naturally and, although I dabbled briefly in ballet, poetry, acting and drawing, nothing ever really took hold of my attention and HELD IT. I've had the opportunity to develop an eye for composition, detail, negative space, line, texture, color and observation as a result of my 25 year love affair with photography. The next brick in the foundation was when I learned about rubberstamping and cardmaking 10 years ago. I've been enamored with Paper Art ever since!You can only imagine the THRILL I felt when I discovered mixed media collage in April 2006. Thanks to the internet, my eyes were opened to a whole new world of artistic expression, and since then I have grown both artistically and personally in SO MANY WAYS. After 2.5 years, I feel as if I am still at the beginning of a very precious journey!

Thank you for sharing it with me! - xo

Giving Back - Our Future Depends On It!

I have been a part of this amazing organization for more than 10 years and am anxious to tell you a little bit about it. I am THRILLED to see the many ways in which Animal Therapy plays such an important role on this NY campus, for young students and residents alike. It includes such wonderful programs as: "ECAD" (link below & photo above) where some of the students get the opportunity to train Assistance Dogs, "Farm on the Moo-ve" where there's an opportunity to bring animals and their student care-givers to local schools, both wildlife & farm animal rescue where children can learn "if they can heal, so can I!," as well as participating and winning awards for 4H and Equine Therapy for the handicapped. The list GOES ON!

(Please note--> Because there is such a WIDE scope of campus & community outreach programs, portions of this post are excerpted from their official website. Please follow any of the links I've included to learn more - I promise that you will be amazed!)

"Green Chimneys is a nationally renowned, non-profit organization with a mission of restoring possibilities and creating futures for children with emotional, behavioral and learning challenges through educational, therapeutic and outreach services, while providing care for animals and nature, thereby promoting a philosophy of dignity and worth for all living things.

Each year, Green Chimneys' restoration system gives children and their families the tools that enable them to positively experience their youth, regain a sense of self-worth and create hope for the future as independent, positive and productive adults.

Founded in 1947 and headquartered in Patterson, NY it is recognized as the worldwide leader in animal-assisted therapy and activities. Green Chimneys operates

• a residential treatment center for children,
• a farm and wildlife rehabilitation center,
• a certified organic farm and horticulture therapy,
• a therapeutic riding program,
• community based services in NY and CT including
• a runaway shelter and community outreach center,
• Clearpool Education Center,
• Nature’s Nursery and Hillside Summer Camp,
• the Good Friend youth mentoring program (learn more), <--- where it all started
• group homes,
• LGBTQ programs in New York City (learn more),
• ECAD or East Coast Assistance Dogs (learn more),
• programs and special events for the public and
• adult services programs in Connecticut.
  
  

  Green Chimneys Farm now encompasses 160 acres, almost 400 animals, and over 40 varieties of rare birds. The school has both residential programs and day treatment programs attended mostly by boys, half of them from New York City. The others come from the surrounding area including Connecticut as well as from other states. Doctors, veterinarians, and social workers from around the globe have visited Green Chimneys to learn about its amazing work!
  
  

  View a list of over 15 Upcoming Events.
  
  

  Each year, Green Chimneys serves more than 3,500 children and their families. There's a permanent link if you scroll down on my sidebar under "Please Visit," or click HERE!
  

  
  

  

  I'll be posting (soon) about my personal involvement!