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